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!"

  

I'M BACK!

Sorry I've been away from the blog for so long! Between commissions and traveling and coming up with new ideas, I've been mighty busy.

Before I get too crazy, I'd like to extend heartfelt and gracious thanks to all my buddies who came to visit us at AN ARTFUL AFFAIR!!! You know who you are...

Unfortunately, I was unable to photograph all of you; but here are some of you... 

Thanks so much for coming...hope you had as much fun as I did!

With the holiday season fast approaching, I find myself steeped in baking, Christmas cards, shopping, wrapping, shipping, freaking (a little)...you, too? Somewhere in there, I created a few "treasures". Let me know what you think...

Holiday Swirls Ornament

Peppermint Swirls Candle Lids

Holiday Wreaths Candle Lids

Mug-Rug  

Mug Rug

Mug Rugs

Oops! Dinner's about to burn...promise to return soon!

Thanks for "listening"...

The artists of the Greater Westmoreland Creative Collective (GWCC) are pleased to announce the grand opening of their online gallery, Spoonwood. Spoonwood is a juried marketplace (named after Mountain Laurel, Pennsylvania's state flower) that provides a new venue for GWCC members and guest artists to showcase their work. It also serves as an adjunct to their annual Fall trunk show, An Artful Affair.

The GWCC is a Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, group of artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, and growers working cooperatively to promote quality and excellence in products crafted for the public. Our members, and their areas of specialty, include: Merriann Grant, fine jewelry; Nan Loncharich, fabric arts; Cia Williford, mixed media arts; Katie Resch, painted woodwork; Helen Stetina, needlecrafts; and Lisa Hertzog, country decor.

The Gallery is located at www.spoonwoodgallery.com. Interested visitors are encouraged to register (no financial information is required) in order to receive the GWCC newsletter, sales notices, etc.

Keep us in mind for your holiday shopping!

WELCOME AUTUMN!

In honor of the first day of autumn, my most favoritest season of all, I present my 'KINS. These small pumpkins are knitted, stuffed, felted, and adorned with punch-needle-embroidered leaves. I wish I could keep them all myself, but it's good to share. May they put a smile on your face, as they do on mine.

HAPPY FALL!

And,

thanks for "listening...

HAVE A SEAT...

 ...at least let your pins and needles have a seat, on one of my HAVE A SEAT PINCUSHIONS. A few months ago, I stumbled upon these great little chairs (like my colleague Cia of BRIARWOOD STUDIO, I am entranced by and a collector of, miniatures). Originally, I only wanted one for a stuffed bear to enjoy. But the more I looked at the chair I bought, the more I realized it was missing something. And then the brainstorm hit. Have a seat, needles and pins!

 The floral design on the white chair mirrors the rounded posy adornment seen on the chairback. The blue chair, with its more angular features, wanted spiky blooms. I enjoyed experimenting with knitting wool in my punch needle for the cream-colored background on both chairs. This "Alpaca Lace" punched so well that I purchased more of it in several colors...you'll be seeing it in future "treasures"...  

Of course, if you have no tired pins or needles, these little seats are just plain cute sittin' around as decoration.

 In my travels, I was only able to acquire five of these chairs (3 white, 2 blue). I'll be on the lookout for something similar (?), something new (?), something completely different (?) in the future.

As always, thanks for "listening"...

WHAT'S COOKIN'?

Well, cookies are cookin'! Sorry, these are not "eatin'" cookies...they are some of my SWEET TREATS magnets that I'll be offering at AN ARTFUL AFFAIR. But I've always loved baking "real" cookies. In fact, some folks call me "the cookie lady" and ASK me to bake. Baking for two family reunions, a wedding reception, and several care packages to family members recently inspired me to display my magnets on a cookie sheet. Come sample some!

My little gingerbread boy magnets will also be available...


Many thanks to my dear German Mutti (Mom), baker extraordinaire, who inspired the whole cookie theme. She's probably baking for the angels now...


As always, thanks for "listening"!

WHERE DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?

Many folks have asked me if I have a studio. I smile. Well, yes and no. Yes, my entire house is my studio and my dear, sweet husband (so far) doesn't mind. The dining room has been taken over. The family room couch is "unsittable". The sewing room (hah!) is packed. No, I don't have "a" studio...I actually have...many!

My latest, most favorite place to work is our new gazebo. I'd been earnestly desiring one for years and now, voila! It became possible at last. If you desire a beautiful studio/haven/getaway like this one, check out Joe Barcus of Barcus Construction, Inc. on Face Book. Joe is a master! 

Best of all, little Star loves the gazebo, too...

Well, it's back to work! AN ARTFUL AFFAIR is just around the corner...

Thanks for "listening"...