Photography, Cards and Renovation

I really love the look and feel of working with paper. What's even better is when the paper is fabric backed and hand painted. There is something about it that I can't explain. Each piece is different and the options are all up to you. I have discovered that I love to experiment with paint and different media to achieve a look that will never come out the same again. I have taken some on line classes and have many workbooks to work my way thru (part of my New Year resolution) and I find myself really looking forward to it. I plan to set up a table in the garage for painting, etc. as I am very sloppy when it comes to paints and glue. Everything about using this method is trial and error, and I find that kind of exciting. Of course creating with fabric will always be my number one love but this way I can combine the two things I love to do the most. One of things I have realized is that your supplies and tools need to be out and organized so that when the mood hits you can go for it. I don't know how many times I have had the creative bug and didn't act on it because I had to drag stuff out of closets and cupboards. All that being said ...hear is my second attempt at fabric backed paper, and torn paper image. I intentionally left the card itself open with just a light brushing of gold dye-n-flow because the teapot itself is so busy. The teapot is torn washi paper, then white-washed and dabbed with gold paint. I still have some work to do on the inside but am waiting for it to speak to me..LOL.

I just made a appliqued pillow that perfectly matches a quilt I made years ago and took a most wonderful picture of my cat Sky in the rocking chair with the quilt and pillow. Cat Smoky is sitting very erect next to the rocking chair. Only problem is ..their eyes look like demons! I tried everything I could to correct it but couldn't ....Help!

Hope everyone has a creative and peaceful weekend.

Where have all the birds gone????

This is starting to freak me out folks! Today we took a drive to the coast to go hiking at Pescadero Marsh. This is a salt water marsh were the migrating birds stop over....we went with binoculars and bird book in hand. Where are the birds??!!! This area use to be teaming with birds...we saw: 3 hawks...2 snowy egrets...2 mallards and maybe a dozen terns...and a family of 4 humans who stood in the middle of the trail blocking it and could barely move their rude behinds when we said excuse us. We stood quietly (despite the ruckus from one child who clearly was not enjoying his walk in nature) hoping for the best. Was our timing off...do they fly away when they know we are coming? I left a little worried because:

1)Over Thanksgiving we decided on Pacific Grove as our not cooking get-away specifically because this time of year the Monarch Butterfly cover the trees...we went at the peak of the season...guess what? We saw exactly 3 butterflies...we stood with others just waiting for them to come back to the trees.....they just weren't there! The news said they were at 20 percent of what there normally is.

2) I have both a rosemary hedge and a bunch of oregano patches, I also plant my garden with plants that attract bees and butterflies.... normally the bubble bees cover the plants when they flower...for the last 2 years I have seen 2 bees and maybe 3 butterflies.

Just wondering what is going on...is it evolution...global warming ...bad karma...cell phones...evasion of aliens?? the times they are a changing...just in case...am gonna plant lots of fox glove this year...hoping against hope that the nature that makes our world beautiful and balanced comes back.

Sorry folks...just had to get that off my chest....whew!

Zach's 1st birthday quilt

Birthday gift for my grandson

I was going to wait until this quilt was done to post but I am trying to get back in to posting on a more regular bases (and leaving comments). I had originally decided not to quilt but tie this quilt but the butterfly and caterpillar as other features were crying out to be quilted so I spent new years eve day basting and oh did my back pay for it (the picture was taking before basting). It's all worth it tho when you are making it for someone you really care about. I hope to make a little y0-yo caterpillar to go with it. I have to have this done by March 8th then it is on to finishing the wedding quilt for my son and soon to be daughter-in-law. Then I will be free to do some me sewing. Are there ever enough hours in the day?

Found Recipe Binder progress

Because of the holidays we have had so much leftover food there has been no need to cook. But I plan to get back to it by next week.

Exercise..

What can I say..I have been somewhat of a slug. But now that the holidays (can I just blame everything on the holidays?) are over...and after my throat procedure next week am gonna go full force. We are off to hike at the coast today so that counts for something. I will post any interesting coastal shots I get in the next blog.

wishing everyone a creative and peaceful day