Playing with scraps--bookmarks

Last summer, I developed the habit of doing small sketches with my tea at breakfast or lunch, of flora, fauna and flotsam that I'd picked up while on my walks on the trail or at the beach. I'm trying to get back into the habit. Today, I did a small one of a lobster claw picked up at the beach last weekend. My husband sighed when he saw me pick it up because he knew that the table would be gathering all these odd bits again. He complains, don't they all, but thankfully, he ignores it.

 After breakfast, I went out this morning to get the flat tire fixed and oh boy it is hot! I truly am happy to be able to retreat to my sunny, but cool, (thanks to A/C )studio with it's window onto the garden. I glanced outside occasionally while  I played with my painted canvas background and scraps. I noted but did not stop for photos when the robin siblings came to play in the fountain.

Instead of working on the runner and curtains that I should be doing, I've been playing with the fusible scraps that I cut out yesterday for the painted canvas background .

I arranged a small section and ironed the pieces down.



Taking this piece to the sewing machine, I proceeded to do some sketchy outlining of the flowers and leaves with black thread.

It really brings it alive doesn't it?

Next, I cut it into two sections about the right size for bookmarks. Then I decided it needed a little sparkle so I cut out some Angelina fiber bubbles that I'd backed with fusible.

The last step will be to attach a fabric backing (the blue) and zigzag the edges. Is it any wonder why I generally save these for gifts and don't sell them? They would be expensive book marks although they are fun to do--akin to cutting and pasting in kindergarten. very relaxing.

I just went out to answer the phone and checked the thermometer in the shade on the deck. 33.4C. I was my husband confirming our date for a quick supper at a family type local restaurant. Yay, I had more time to play today with no dinner to start. It's too hot to barbecue and he plans to head to the golf course afterwards.

I'm linking to The Needle and Thread Network.

Seashells and a Big Old Pine Postcard

It didn't start out to be a great day--I went to bed with hip pain last night and awoke with it at 4AM. I took pain medication but couldn't get back to sleep until it was time to get up to drive my husband to work. My day for the car. I am thankful that I no longer have to go work; I was able to come home after a doctor's appointment and have a bit of a rest.
It is very hot and muggy here today. Thunder storms are forecast for later today. I haven't' ventured out except for my appointment and to water my plants. After the rain the other day, I took this photo of my lily which just came into bloom this week.

In summer, I always have a bouquet in the house although it's a little harder this year since I used some of my flower space for vegetables. I'll add wildflowers to the mix occasionally as well as fern or hosta leaves.
At lunch time, I still felt a little low, but the habit of sketching has become ingrained. It focuses me and takes my mind off the pain. I read somewhere just last night that the act of reating art can increase production of serotonin, so I guess it was just what I needed.

Something else that I saw  recently on Facebook (Martha Stewart, I think) was the idea of using a coffee press to steep loose tea for iced tea. What a great idea! Add some honey and lemon and put it in the frig when cooled.

While I was out this morning, I picked up a roasted chicken breast from the grocer and I made a corn and black bean salad to go with it. Easy. Gave me time to do a bit of stitching.

This is postcard sized 4" by 6". It is based on the picture you see on the I Pad screen taken by my niece.The background was done using the Neocolor II crayons and heat set.

It's going to be a little gift for someone.

Cosmos binding, seashell sketch, birds

Now that the worst of the black fly/mosquito season has passed, we are able to once again sit out on our deck in the evenings. I love to do this just before bath/jammy time. Last night was lovely, finally cooling a bit later in the evening. Sometimes I just sit, listening to the leaves rustling in the breeze and the birds twittering, sometimes being captivated by all the colors and movements and sounds.
This is the view from my recliner.

My little fountain provides another gentle melody. It's all enough to lull one into a quite state of bliss!
Some nights I take my camera out and sit patiently with the long lens ready to capture any passing birds. Last night, I was lucky to get the hummingbird although the light was fading.

Their wing speed and strength amaze me. They were flying to this feeder on the day of  Hurricane Arthur when no other birds were around. The way they squeak and chase each other around the yard is amusing.
The goldfinches also have a funny squeak and chase each other. Who needs TV?

The night before, a chickadee came to the top bowl of the fountain and sipped leisurely. I was hoping for its return but no luck. I have even gotten pictures of them splashing in it.

My clematis continues to open. I love this little vignette that can be viewed from my kitchen window.

The more the clematis grows, the more the mask seems to be a part of the tree.
After a little outing this morning, I came into my sewing studio, cut the binding and sewed it on my cosmos piece. It is simply pressed back right now. I will save the hand sewing to be done during my stint at the shop  on Thursday.

At lunch time, I finished up another small seashell study. It was challenging. I will be doing more of this one.

I'm linking to The Needle and Thread Network.

Seashells, Seaweed, and Queen Anne's Lace

I'm vowing to have more stay at home days like I did today. I've been running around too much, some appointments and such, but some because I temporarily had my own car. That has come to an end and I will be driving my husband again two days a week, squeezing all my outings into those days. It takes some planning but it also keeps me home on the other days with more time for my art.
If you read my blog, you'll know about my walks and my collections that I inevitably carry home no matter where I walk. Last night I walked in the subdivision and I almost stepped on a little nest that had been blown out of a tree and onto the sidewalk during the storm . Even though I was walking with my poles, I managed to carry it home.

It seems to be made with pine needles and strips of birch bark, with the odd bit of fluff here and there. Is it not beautiful?

After my noon meal today, I gathered my drawing and painting supplies and did a study of a couple of small bits of the seaweed that I picked up yesterday at the beach.

I keep a few supplies tucked nearby in a drawer of my china cabinet. The perfect size for art supplies!

While drawing, I keep the sliding door open, the radio off, hearing only the birds twittering, the sound of the water in my deck top fountain, and the occasional tinkle from my chimes. It is a meditative process requiring my focused attention to the tiny details. Seaweed is not easy to paint (for me), the various shades and translucency being somewhat illusive. It is interesting and fascinating though.
Shortly afterwards I came into my sewing studio where I did a little more stitching on the seashell and also added some applique shells and stones in the forefront.

I've also added the first curvy border.

The seahorse has been thread sketched. I used silk threads for sheen and Hollowshimmer thread for some sparkle in the mane.
At an appointment the other day, i noticed Queen Anne's Lace growing nearby. Of course I had to bring home a handful of it!

I've already added some of it to the pages of an old phone book (I keep several for pressing flowers). It will be used when I'm next looking for plant material in my printing.
I've got to get into my kitchen and make something for dinner. The plan is for a veggie crust with homemade crust. Hubby is golfing again which I don't mind at all. we have our golf dates. When he's out I can cook or not, according to how I feel and when I want to.