...just checking in....

I've been neglecting my blog for awhile- and won't be posting for several weeks. Summer, gardening, vacations, art shows, etc. have kept me away from my computer. As I scramble to get new work ready for shows & galleries, I'm also working on a new body of work.

I've been sketching all my new ideas- a little collection of new leather pieces, that combine my love for this color palette, birds, the sea, leather, and textiles. I'm anxious to share the few pieces I have done, but I really want to develop this new body of work as a "collection" before I show anything.

I don't usually work this way with my own work- then I realized this is what I'm trained to do. In my old career as a design director, I directed collections of work. It was organized & cohesive- something my work has been lacking. Rather than jumping from one idea to the next, I looked for a common thread- subject matter, style, etc. I wrote down those things I'm passionate about and started sketching. I'm excited again and feel recharged.

These 3 images are what's inspiring me today- always the element of nature. What is it about robin's eggs that I'm so drawn to? I love mixing textures and materials. Hopefully next post I'll be sharing more. That's all for now!

My Hearts...

I first shared this heart one year ago.....it was inspired by a Rebecca Sower blog post when I joined her in spreading hearts all over our cyber world. Do check out her old post- it's well worth spending time pouring through the submissions. It was fun!

I stitched my heart on linen with an old Japanese glass heart and tattered lace. I set in in an old pocket watch frame and backed it with red leather. Since making this I frame a lot of old photos in these pocket watch frames and hang them in a collage on the wall.

These heart stones are among my most prized possessions. My young son gave me these treasures he found with the words "I love you with all my heart". Just holding these stones lift my spirits when I'm down.

I hope you all take the time to share your heart today with your loved ones.

XOXOXO

Signs of Spring...

Signs of Spring?..... I'm searching! More snow? Ugh!

I can't get enough of robin's egg blue. A few of my favorites to inspire my day! Off to work!

Heart Sessions

I should have been working on a commission today (sorry Emma!) but kept getting distracted by yesterday's post on Rebecca Sowers' blog. I'm joining her in scattering hearts all over our cyber-world. I stitched my heart on linen, with an old Japanese glass heart and antique lace, set in an old pocket watch frame.

These 2 rocks are among my most prized possessions. Given to me by my young son, he found them in a nearby stream. He came home that day, so excited by his treasures, and told me to close my eyes and open my hands. He placed them in my hands and simply said-

"I love you with all my heart"

So it is those simple words spoken by an 8 year old, and 2 found treasures that inspire me and lift my spirits when I'm down.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pocket Watch Parts & Porcelain Doll Heads

My monthly studio cleaning- you know-when I have to get rid of a few things in order to acquire a few more...I just listed some pocket watch parts and antique German doll parts in Mike's Etsy shop...

This old relic, with the crude inscription "Founded 1929 by Mahlon Lowell" has such a "To Kill a Mockingbird" vibe.

I love the old pocket watch frames- use to frame a photo or small stitched sampler.....

I love this little Shamrock lady- I've never seen one like her......

I'll be listing more doll parts all week so check back!

Leather Wrap Bracelets

Ahhh... the shows are behind me- thankfully all very successful. My bags continue to sell, but my most successful collection this year has been my leather wrap bracelets. I couldn't make enough of these!

All one-of-a-kind, they're designed to wrap 3 times around your wrist. (look out for longer wraps next year- wrap 5-6 times around!) Each one is a mix of vintage glass beads, semi-precious stones, vintage religious medals & train tokens. Next year I'm going to do more of these, along with different multi-strand leather pieces.

Now that the hectic craft show season is behind me, I'm off to the studio to make my Christmas presents. My sisters might be reading, so no details, but I'll post about them after Christmas.

Thanks to all my Cleveland friends who helped make this season a profitable one! See you all in a week or so....Merry Christmas!

and Peace to you & your loved ones.

A Little Macabre?

I know- a little creepy. But the little antique porcelain doll arms fit perfectly in these spent bullet casings. I think Halloween is getting to me....

Lightly brushed to give the brass a warm glow, they hang with antique pocket watch gears and antique lace. I just listed these in my shop if you want more info.

Have a great weekend!

Just finished....

2 of my new favorite materials- leather and antique lace. I previewed this in my last post and it's finally done!

Sterling hearts, fresh water pearls, bits of antique lace, and a vintage venetian glass blue bird set in an old watch case. The text came from an antique bible. More to come- I'm on a roll!

What I've been working on.....

Some of these old venetian glass birds are so fragile to work with that the embedded wires break off. These birds are getting pretty rare so I had to find a way to use the broken ones- so I started these little ephemera pieces.....

The words "beauty" and "bird" came from an antique bible (it was already falling apart- I swear!) mixed with fresh water pearls, and other vintage bits.

These will eventually become pendants..... I'm starting to sew like mad getting ready for holiday shows so I won't be able to indulge myself in these projects as much. (Santa's broke) I'll update on the holiday events as I get details.

Have a great friday!

Pin Cushion Rings??

Do you use them? I make them- but never used then until today. It was like- "wow- these really do come in handy when doing small needle work".

I have a few listed in my Etsy shop- (but ran low after a large order last month). I just whipped up a few more. Made from hand felted wool balls, tiny recycled vintage watch parts tins, and vintage enamel stickpins.

Great gift- too cute! I have an assortment of colors not yet listed. Tomorrow I'll be listing some acorn necklaces with wool-felted balls.

Stay tuned and have a peaceful evening!