Thursday, May 31, 2012

Recon for future project

I went out with artists, Royden Card and Deb Durban to an area called the Honeycomb Rocks. We had a really fun day exploring an area previously unknown to us.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Knowing Knitting

My amazing and talented friend, Becca taught me how to knit, at least a scarf or pot holder. She also made dinner. Thank you!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Lavender Sachets

It was time to deadhead the lavender plants and I made these practical little Sachets for my winter clothes. I hear it repels moths and I certainly appear to have them. In any case, my clothes will smell nice. It beats mothballs!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Prickly Pear Cactus

I never tire of cactus blooms, such a luscious bloom on such a desert adapted plant.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Sugar & Spice Cake

Suddenly I'm making cakes. This one is mascarpone and jam layered between spice cake.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Lush Landscape

Not for long...but my yard looks beautiful. The moisture has all but dissipated from the winter and no rain in sight.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Another Cutwork Skirt

I'm getting better, learning new stitches on the machine, nowhere close to commercial yet.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Blue Chandelier


I've been working through this project for a few weeks. I purchased the ugly, old brass thing in Tucson in March. I spray painted it and started working on the crystal design aspect. I went through several iterations, and finally had the idea to eliminate the strands and just hang cut crystal from the rings. I like the old stuff better than the new things available on the market. I have to say hanging it by myself was the most difficult part. Randy's voice was sitting on my shoulder reminding me, for instance, to shut off the electricity at the fuse box before I wired it. He also suggested from that same place on my shoulder to test the light before I screwed it all together. And he thinks I don't listen!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Monday, May 14, 2012

Flamenco Flower

Flamenco, red hot poker, kniphofia are my favorite plant in the yard. They are such a strong presence and so vibrant and architectural. In fact, maybe I need more...

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Slow Period

It's kind of a slow day...I made another cake for Randy who came home for a day and leaves again tomorrow. I'm just thankful to have him home so projects take the back seat.

I covered this box with wrapping paper and then the extra paper from my pattern cut outs, applying glue liberally to the layers. Even gardening is on hold except early mornings to avoid the cedar gnats, which are really vicious this year.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Eco + Craft Book

Great new books on various crafting projects. My favorite is EcoCraft by Susan Wasinger.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Silver Woven Bag

I found this idea in the new Martha Stewart magazine. I did have this woven bag from a trip to Africa and the print had faded from the sun. It was the perfect solution to give it a new life. I sewed up the ends with twine and wrapped the handles also to make everything sturdy and new.

All you need is a can of spray paint.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Frederick

I found this fellow on the ground. He'd fallen to the ground from the roof where his mother made a nest. I was unable to end his tiny life and so spent every 2 hours feeding him through the night.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Gray Linen Ensemble

The first successful pants I've made! I did make several adjustments to the pattern, too. This idea started with the satin ruffle running down the front of the shirt. I bought it at Bri-tex in San Francisco and was looking for a project to use it in. I do love linen.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Cutwork Finale

I love this skirt and the pattern is so simple. It's an added bonus that it's re-used t-shirts, too! I think I'll wear this one out.

My next idea would be to try a different pattern, but as far as first tries go, I'm really happy with the outcome.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Dessert Stands

I must admit that I saw these in a couple of places like magazines and a blog in the last couple months and thought it was a great idea if you just had this stuff hanging around. I don't but when I went to the thrift store for t-shirts there were several of these pretty aperitif glasses and china plates just asking to be taken home and loved.