Book Review # 3

Another excellent addition to my library is Exploring Dimensional Quilt Art by C. June Barnes (British Artist). I can't begin to describe the art she creates from quilted fabric so please check out these illustrations from her book. The 3-D art I have created over the years has been more on the functional side but June Barnes has definitely gone beyond this to design and create innovative surfaces to be transformed into 'elaborate twisted and embellished structures, vessels and hanging installations'.

The book is well presented with excellent colour photos, easy to follow line drawings and directions, on making 3-D art work. Definitely a book to explore!



Enjoy!

Book Review # 2

Art in Felt & Stitch - Creating Beautiful Works of Art using Fleece, Fibres and Threads by Moy Mackay, is another one of my Christmas gifts. This book is visually stunning! Moy Mackay (Scottish artist) illustrates how to create beautiful pictures using felt and stitches. She takes you on a journey from start to finish, including the materials and tools you need, in making felted pictorial art. You, too, will end up been inspired to make art!  One of my favorite pieces in the book shows how she makes her sheep - they are delightful!

Enjoy!

Book Review

I did a Skype session with my friend on Christmas evening and during the course of the conversation, I mentioned several new books that were added to my library. I highly recommended one to her. She grinned when I showed her the cover - it was just added to her own collection! It's remarkable, how many times this has happened to us over the years. Anyway, the book is Free-Form Embroidery by Judith Baker Montano.

I have several of Judith Baker Montano's books and this one, in my opinion, is her best! She shows  how to create beautiful landscapes and seascapes using traditional stitches along with other embellishments, to create unique works of art. The illustrations and photographs are quite colourful and well done. Even if you are into mostly free-motion machine stitching, the free-form stitches along with her water colour illustrations are very inspirational.

Definitely a book to consider.



Enjoy!
I know I will . . .

Merry Christmas - A Bit Late

This Merry Christmas is a few days late. For one thing, I'm getting over a bad head cold and just didn't have the energy to do any computing other than check e-mail. On another note, my computer was out of commission for a bit as a new one was installed. I received a Windows 8, all in one computer, for Christmas! No computer box sitting on the floor as the computer and the monitor are one. I can use the mouse or just move things around on the screen with my finger - very nice piece of technology! Of course, some things on the keyboard are in different places and I have to keep searching for them. Now I really have to keep the screen clean as every finger print (there will be lots) will show up in daylight.

However, to keep with the season, here are a few Christmassy things from my home.

Enjoy!

Last year's Grandma's 1st. Christmas

Stain Glass fish was made by my brother a few years ago. The trees are
about 30 years old.

Larry's moose is hanging on my tree!



Make It Tonight!

I just drove by the Avalon Mall, St. John's. Believe me, every space where a vehicle could be parked, was filled and there was a line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot! That was not my destination today. I walked into Chapters to get gift cards, took one look at the line for the cash and walked right back out the door. I guess you can say, my patience this afternoon, was limited. I am so glad I took the time earlier this fall to make some of my Christmas presents. I don't know about you, but I enjoy making and receiving home made gifts.

At this late date, gifts of food, are wonderful choices. Have you checked out these sites with all the fantastic recipes?

Rock Recipes (NL)
Seven Spoons
Pastry Affair 
Martha Cooks (NL)
Spoonful
Midwest Living
Martha Steward
Lick My Spoon
Better Homes and Gardens
Food and Wine
Kraft Recipes

I hope you find something to make for those last minute gifts. Stay away from the shops and make something home made! It will be much appreciated by the recipient.

Enjoy!

Making Memories

Earlier this month I posted about my father's car accident. He passed away on the 13 and was buried yesterday. We celebrated his long life instead of mourning his passing. On that note, it's important to create memories with loved ones to cherish over time. As I was reading a few recent posts, I came across Miamoonlove's Salt Dough Christmas Decorations.  I'm sure, some of you have made similar ones as children.

One of the pleasures of putting up my Christmas tree each year is recalling how I received the various ornaments. Many came from my travels and family members. However, one particular salt dough ornament (an elf, the last survivor), was made when my daughter was in primary school. I was geared up to do the Christmas themed ones but not my girl! For example, she proceeded to make a pack of Smarties (candy) and a pair of hugh red lips. For years at Christmas, whenever I saw something with red lips, I would get it for her. I still get a chuckle over it.

It's important to make those precious memories. Why not dig out some craft supplies and spend some time creating your own. They will stay with you for ever.

Enjoy!

Christmas Show & Tell

We have a great bunch of quilters in this neck of the woods! Everyone is so eager to share their work. Of course, at this time of year, the focus is on Christmas. Take a look!

Add caption

Now check these out:

Door Stop This can be made for any season with a change of fabrics and embroidery design.
Candy Table Runner
Tree Skirt
Christmas Block Tutorial
Santa Ornament - cute one
Christmas Ornaments Seasonal Sampler

Enjoy!

Nothing Personal . . . and Some Sites to Explore

A great big thank you to everyone who reads my post! When I started this blog in 2009, I made a mental note to keep my personal life private. However, on that note, I'm sure you are wondering what happened to my almost daily posts. On November 16, my 91 year old father had a car accident and has been in hospital ever since. Daily trips to the hospital, moving my mother from a senior's cottage to a level 1 - 2 care facility and getting her settled in as well as trying to have her visit my father as often as she is able, takes all my time. I'm wiped out at the end of the day. I miss posting and hope that will change soon.

In the meantime, here's a few sites to explore:

The Quilting Edge Tutorials
Chez Beeper Bebe
Christmas Tree Skirt
Christmas Table Runner
Christmas Present Quilt
Snowflake Ornament

Enjoy!

Ornament Exchange

Each year, members of the St. John's Embroidery Guild, exchange hand-made ornaments at the Christmas social. I managed to get photos of a few! Such lovely work . . .

Gift Wrapping for Christmas

Eric White, a well known interior decorator, provided some wonderful gift wrapping ideas at the St. John's Embroidery Guild social last week. He also entertained everyone with great anecdotes about some of the people he has met over the years. Needless to say, the evening was enjoyable. Here are some of the ideas he presented:

The design on this present is a window decal from the $ Shop!

This is a take-out box and bow (also from the $ Shop).

The right ribbon and craft items can change an inexpensive candy dish into a lovely gift.

There is a second vase / candle holder in the box,

An unbreakable bauble is attached to a Christmas card for an inexpensive gift.

A Touch of Glass

Here's another great find at the Christmas Craft Fair, A Touch of Glass, owned by Kylene Barrett. She uses Dichroic glass in her jewellery and Christmas ornaments. I have always been attracted to glittery 'stuff' and this type of glass certainly fits into that category! I've had several compliments on my purchase made at her booth.

More From The Christmas Craft Fair

It's taken me awhile to post more photos from the Christmas Craft Fair. Check these out.
Graham Blair Woodcuts are relatively new to the fair. I love the simplicity of his images. Last year, I added the Jay bird print to my collection. You can see it in the second row,

Donna Clouston works in water colour and makes limited editions of her work. Please check out her web site as you won't be disappointed!

Next, we have printing on linen from Renee Scott of Brindy Linens. She uses such nice, simple designs using such vivid colours. Enjoy!

Shopping Locally for Christmas

Today I visited another Christmas Craft Fair here in St. John's. At these events, I always look for unique, well made items. I wasn't disappointed! A young sewer, Susan Riley, had a small booth displaying her one-of-a-kind creations made from recycled leather, clothing, fabrics and hardware. As a sewer myself, I was impressed with her work. Her sewing and designs were quite nice and I purchased two pieces for Christmas gifts.

Happy Thanksgiving America

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American relatives, friends and visitors to my blog! Today we are having a glorious, sunny day in St. John's - not even a breeze is blowing. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this area of the country, the wind rarely rests. Newfoundland is a very large island in the middle of the North Atlantic so we are affected by the ocean currents.  I hope you are having a fabulous time with family and friends. It's never too late or too early to plan for next year, so here are a few free Thanksgiving projects to check out:

Sewing Org
Thanksgiving Turkey Wall Hanging
Placemats
Thanksgiving Ideas
Thanksgiving Projects

Enjoy!

Felted ornaments

Today's topic is felted ornaments - wet and needle felting. Last week I made needle felted ornaments for the Devon House Shop, Craft Council of NL. I put silver lame cord at the top for hanging. My art work has been selling there since I started making original art pieces in 1999. Check out my web site and photos (link at the top of my blog) for a quick view of my work. I own a needle felting machine so making flat, decorative pieces of felt is quick and easy. However, for more dimensional work, hand felting needles are used. Check out a previous post on needle felting HERE.

Making Felted Balls with Judy Coates Perez
20 Coolest & Weirdest Needle Felted Creations
Needle Felting Basicshttp://www.thesilverpenny.com/freeprojectneedlefelting.html
Videos for Needle Felting 
Slow and Steady
Felted Round Balls

Enjoy!

Blogathon Canada

Today is the start of Blogathon Canada where you will meet hundreds of bloggers from across Canada. It's an opportunity to find out about the Canadian community of quilters, see their projects and have a chance to win great prizes! Each day host bloggers will introduce themselves and their work on their blogs. Not only that, they will include links to lots more blogs from their province. So check back each day and click on the button to the right of your screen.



November 18 Kick-off  Quilting Gallery
November 19 BC          Felicity Quilts
November 19 BC          Blueberry Patch

Enjoy!