Painting

I haven't painted in a while, and it's too hot these days to do much outside, so I thought I'd paint in the sunroom. I was inspired by the colours on a new piece of material I  DH bought me for my birthday. So, out came the paper, watercolours and brushes,....

Since I didn't have a subject matter in mind, I decided I would just play with colour. I quite often create abstract backgrounds this way, and later define the painting with more detail. I added a damp piece of cheesecloth, and spritzed the watercolour paper.

First, I dribbled, dabbed, and daubed with Antwerp Blue ( I LOVE this colour!) letting drips splash where they might, and water bead and run as it liked. My board was on a slight incline to help with this movement. I used a very wet brush loaded with paint and made fast, bold strokes

.

 Next, I added Green Gold to the blue, allowing the colours to touch and mix, rolling the brush along and on the cheesecloth, smoothing edges with a damp brush and having fun! 

 Third came purples: Mineral Violet and Quinacridone Magenta, used blended as well  as individually, touching the green and blue, blobbing here and there, dispersing with contact of the water spots and wet paint already on the paper.   I added some coarse sea salt here and there for texture.

Then came the difficult part; walking away to let it all dry.

When I returned, and removed the cheesecloth, this is what remained. There was some texture on the paper where the cheesecloth had lain, but I was disappointed that there was so little of it, and that it was less defined than I'd hoped.

This close-up shows why I was disappointed.

This close-up shows the sea salt and the effect it can have pulling up the colour to create little pale 'ice' bursts.
Now, what shall I do with the 'painting'? I'm not sure. I could cut it up for gift tags or cards. I could go back in and paint some more. I could play with wax and more paint or watercolour crayons. What would you do?    Hmmmm......I'll have to think on it.
At least I do have a fabulous bit of coloured cheesecloth to use in another project.

Isn't the colour just gorgeous?

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs from Suz

Something a Little Different

I've made a couple gifts to send away. The first one is something a little different than my usual creations as I tried to make a tone-on-tone somewhat shabby sachet holder. First, I tea-dyed some muslin, and sewed it onto felt, adding a double row lace piece, some paisley material, two lace hearts, ribbon, tulle, and embellishments. It looks like this:

I added a covered button surrounded by mother-of-pearl chips, and then tatted cascades of flowers down the centre of the lace. In order to give it a somewhat shabby, vintage look, I deliberately tried to make the embellishments uneven and not centrally placed. For me, that's a little difficult to do!  Does that add some charm, or take away from the look?

Rather pleased with the result, it's my hope the recipient will also like this sachet, which I filled with lavender.

Another ATC is on its way. I used a base of hand-knit fabric, added some fibers and covered it with bronze organza, then quilted it onto felt. Pink tatting was sewn onto the surface and beads added. It's also a surprise for the recipient, so I sure hope she likes it.

Here's hoping there's a nice surprise in your day.

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs from Suz

On My Daily Walk

Every day I take Cody-dog for a walk. Quite often, we follow along the driveway, taking in the sights of Mother Nature, perhaps seeing signs of the creatures who passed that way during the night, or early hours of the morning. Of course, Cody 'sees' with his nose, raised first into the air to catch a scent or two, then galumffing along the ground following a particularly interesting aroma, alternately snorting and snuffling.
I mark the passage of our walk with rocks. They guard the length of the driveway, standing silent witness to all around them: sentinels. I love rocks, their solidity, immoveable presence, their colours, and shapes. I like the smooth ones that roll in my hand, the crystals, the veins of colour in granite.
Living where I do, there are rocks everywhere, some thrusting up through the layers of soil, some peeking out of the lake water, and some being the bedrock underfoot, what some refer to as bone. That seems apt as I consider that rock shapes the earth, gives it strength and structure, the soil being the flesh over bone. Hmmm.
So, following are some of the rocks I see along my walk. Some are small and gathered in piles to fill the road holes each spring, but most are quite large, too huge to be moved by hand. All are my friends.

 Once back home, we have huge boulders in the circular driveway.

Rocks we have gathered from along the drive sit beneath the roses and clematis and anchor the small hill.

Thanks so much for visiting and joining me on my rock walk. Do you love rocks too?

Hugs from Suz

Presents

My Birthday falls in August, and last week DH took me to the closest big city, and I went shopping for my Birthday present!!
Here's what I   DH bought me:

5 different materials, each 1 metre, 3 'Wildflowers' threads by Caron, 2 metallic threads on cards, 4 metallic threads on small spools,  1 varigated floss,  1 specialty varigated pink thread.  Oh, how I love being spoiled! Thank you, DH!                                I see some CQing in the near future, maybe a few ATC's, but definitely some experimenting with all these fabulous prezzies.

Then, today in the mailbox, I found this little present to myself:

Beautiful HDT! This gorgeous thread is by Yarnplayer, and I can't wait to start playing with it and tat up some special items!From left to right:  'Rhubarb Pie', size 50,  'Bluegreen Pastel', size 30,  and size 20,  'Aqua Bay', size 40,  'Lavender', 6-cord cotton size 50.

Well, being a Virgo, okay, I also bought some practical items, too:

Yup, socks and underwear, but I'm not showing pics of those!

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs from Suz

5zies Finished!

Stan the Snowman reached into his deep pocket and pulled out a wrapped package, and placed it on the table .
" For you." He smiled.
Snowlady hesitantly reached out to the package, wrapped in silver and tied with a burgundy bow. She removed  the bow, then gently unwrapped the pretty paper, revealing a silver box. She looked up to see Stan watching her intently, smiling encouragement.
Removing the lid, she gasped.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
She nodded, her smile trembling a little. " oh, yes!"
"Will you wear it now?"
Not trusting her voice, she nodded again, and stood. They moved together.
" It's so beautiful!"
"And it looks perfect."

"A Poinsettia Promise Pin, because I promise always to love you."

(Did you see that one coming?)

Carefully, Stan pinned the poinsettia promise pin onto Snowlady's blouse, then clasped each of her hands in his, and pulled her closer to him.

"Sealed with a kiss," he murmurred as his lips claimed hers.

"My Dear!" he exclaimed as she gasped, and they stared intently into each other's face. He raised one hand to gently stroke her cheek. "Incredible!"

Then, hands still clasped, they walked together into the falling snow.

The poinsettia pin 5zie is made on a surface of poinsettia fabric that has been quilted onto felt. A gathered layer of pink irridescent ribbon, lace, a fabric poinsettia, and burgundy ribbon were all sewn onto the base. A tatted motif (Star #2, page 49, "Tatting Patterns and Designs" by Gun Blomqvist and Elwy Persson, in Yarnplayer's 'Tourmaline', size 50) sits beneath a beautifully facetted crystal 'diamond'. (sorry it doesn't show up very well)

The second 5zie was created from a recycled card sewn onto felt and covered with a layer of burgundy tulle. Some glitter was added to the snowflakes for a little more sparkle.Two beaded tatted snowflakes were attached and one snowman charm added, with a 'frame' of silver, snowflake ribbon . Three glass heart beads in the left top corner repeat the red sparkle of the card.
For those who have been counting, yes, there are 6 5zies! I had to conclude my wee story and needed the extra 5zie for the final picture. Now, I'll have to decide if I should keep 1 of the 5zies. Which one would you keep?
Here's hoping your day has some delightful surprises and, of course, sparkles!
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

5zie # 4!!

I have finished the next 5zie!
As you may remember, Snowlady had invited Stan the Snowman to tea. He arrived amidst a flurry of snowflakes, and was invited into her cheery yellow kitchen. They stood watching the snowstorm through the large picture window, as the howling wind tossed clouds and snow along its currents. As the kettle began to whistle, the wind calmed, and the stars shone in the darkness. Snowlady placed two cups of tea on the table beneath the window.
"Ahh, " said Stan, and then began to sing," Tea for two.."
"And two for Tea," Snowlady sang.
"Me, for you," he boomed.
"And you for me!"  Snowlady blushed as she looked at Stan, who was beaming, his smile wide, and his eyes dancing.
" Good," he nodded, "That's settled then."

This 5zie was created with navy cotton, onto which different fibers were added, covered with a layer of periwinkle organza, and quilted onto felt with a metallic varigated thread.  A second layer of fibers was added to indicate snow, and sparkles were added for stars, and then covered with white tulle to give the impression of window screening. A window frame of yellow fabric was sewn onto the 'window', with recycled tea bags used below it as the table surface. A 't' tag was inserted into one of the tea bags and stitched in place.      I cut felt into two cups and saucers and embroidered them onto the 5zie, adding white and brown 'steam' rising from each cup. The window treatment is tatted lace. I then added a little snowman charm.

It's been a rainy day today, following a rainy Saturday, and I have kept the damp and chill at bay with several hot cups of tea. I hope you are cozy and comfortable, wherever you may be.

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs from Suz

Sunlight and Shadow in the Garden

I just wanted to share some garden pics with you. I love the dappled sunlight under the trees, and shadows formed by plants onto one another and rocks.

                                                                        

And the lake, too. Table and chairs in shadow down at th lake's edge. 

 

                                          My white clematis is blooming again.

 Purple-Flowering Raspberry grows underneath an oak tree. It's a shrub with maple-like leaves, and  rose-like flowers. It grows wild in the woods in clearings and at the wood edges.

 The driveway is shaded in the early afternoon.

 I found a toadstool hiding in the weeds.

 Look just how big it is! (hmmmm, guess that says how big the weeds are, too. shhh)

 What's this? A Garden Fairy hiding behind the heuchera!

 plant shadows

 Sunlight and shade on the path into the woods.

 Another pic of the driveway. ( it's 1km long!)

at the driveway 'Y'

Shaded ferns and sunlit weeds.













Here's hoping your day has lots of sunlight in it.
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

First Touches of Autumn

I was wandering in the garden this morning. Autumn's fingers had grasped many of my plants, and left the mark of its touch! It's too early!!  According to the calendar, there's supposed to be 5 more weeks of summer!

 This scrub tree is already changing colour!













Even wild brush is feeling the finger of autumn.











The leaves on my spirea are beginning to blaze with burgundy.

 Sumac leaves are turning yellow, orange and red.

 Even this maple leaf has begun to change.

 Green shrub leaves are turning from green to yellow.

This clematis petal seems to be changing colour, too! Isn't that strange?











Here's hoping your day is filled with colour.
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

Bargain Hunting

A-Hunting I did go!
And bargains I did find!
I went searching for tatting thread in one of the local second-hand shops. I didn't find any thread, but I did find this:  an embroidery book for 25 cents! I can use it for stitch reference for CQing. Printed in the early 1970's, it's a piece of nostalgia for styles of that time, but the stitch guide is great for my library.

Then I found this baggie for a buck. It was sealed, so I couldn't see everything inside, but for just a dollar, it seemed reasonable for what I could see.

When I got home and opened it up, this is what I found: ...............oodles of rick-rack, seam binding, and some lace

and more seam biding and lace. woohoo! How long ago was it when seam binding sold for 29 cents a package?

And then I found this kit to make a change purse for another dollar. All the supplies and instructions were included.

Here's a kit for cross-stitching a beautiful peacock. 50 cents. Really? Really!! The floss alone is worth much more than 10 times that much!

And then I found this:

another kit for 1 dollar. It's to make a 'draft dodger' for a door, or a shelf reindeer, called 'Rudy'. I don't expect I'll be making 'Rudy', but I do plan on using the supplies in the kit elsewhere. Here's what I found in the package:

Several pieces of fabric, two colours of felt , instructions,........

a large chunk of white fake fur, yarn, more fabric, grid material, and, in the shiny bag, jingle bells and pipe cleaners, plus a red pom-pom. Wow!

All these items were found at the same shop, but on three separate trips.

I think the stars must be aligned for good luck. Hmmm, maybe I should get a lottery ticket. lol

Here's hoping your day is filled with good luck and wonderful surprises.

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs from Suz