TREES AND STARS

While the trees outside began to pop with CRAYOLA "Spring Green", I began creating trees of a different sort. Faced with having to design a project for the Fall workshop sponsored by KATE AND BECCA'S QUILT PATCH, ETC., I came up with what I call "Patchwork Pine".

My students will get to play with a variety of fibers, two punch needle sizes, some embroidery stitches, and a few other fun things.

Smaller versions of the "Patchwork Pine" (cleverly named "Trees") will be available at our Creative Collective's AN ARTFUL AFFAIR this September.

   In honor of my new kitty "Star" (she's been pictured in earlier blogs), I've become obsessed with...you got it...stars. At first, I simply needle-punched a bunch of stars in different shades of gold, intending them to become wool-felt-backed ornaments (I still plan to do this). But then my friend and colleague Nan of FANCY WOOL FLOWERS (check out her blog and brand-new website!) sent me off on a tangent. She asked if I could experiment with her beautiful hand-dyed wool strips, to see if I could incorporate them into my punch needle creations. Voila, my "Starry Night" banner was born! 

Here's a close-up of one "Folk Star". When friend, colleague, and beach-enthusiast Merriann saw the little banner, she commented that the wee stars looked like starfish...cool! So now I have ordered aqua-dyed wool from Nan (-:

If my friend Susie is reading this, don't worry, I'm still working on your commission as well, and am enjoying every moment of creativity!

Well, time to take the "Pecan Diamonds" out of the oven...

...oh, and Star says HI...

...and Helen says, "Thanks for listening!"