pantry violets

Left overs

2012-01-31T02:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Pantry Violets. It has been ages since I blogged, but I have been enjoying all your work. I have just finished a quilt from left over pieces from the bunting I made and was quite delighted to find a use for those Suffolk puffs. I took the quilt to a nearby church yard (1000 year old norman church) to photograph it and fell in love with the burial stones. I particularly liked Martha Palmer of 1768.

Joanna

2012-01-30T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hello violets!
You may be interested to know that I have finally started a blog

Les petites marguerites
- Voyages à travers les textiles - Travelling through textiles

http://lespetitesmarguerites.blogspot.com/
which will mostly be about the textiles I admire or create myself, a bit about my travels or other discoveries I would like to share. Since I live in a multilingual environment, the texts will be written in French, followed by an English version.
I hope you will enjoy your visits to my blog

WHERE DID LAST YEAR GO??

2012-01-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Violets!

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas.

I'm getting very excited about my first workshop of the year! In about 10 days I'm off to West Dean to do Julie Arkell's paper mache workshop! Yes again!

Last year you will recall, I made these figures:

I had a great deal of trouble dressing them as they all had limbs all over the shop and it was not nearly as easy as I had imagined! I got little Iris, finished before Christmas (the little figure with her arms in the air) and have made some progress with 'Bless', the figure above in a shawl:

She still needs a bit of work but is pretty much there.

Given my experience last year, this year I have decided to try more sculptural projects - which need no dressing! I have a few ideas to conjure with and will post when I get back.

Very exciting too, I will be meeting Taylor! I'm so looking forward to having a Pantry Violet to work with. I'm also looking forward to being in a workshop with Julie again, And seeing more of her lovely work - which I now truly appreciate!

Here is her collection from last year ...............

Love to all

"Inchies" Make A Noise!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Dear, Dear Clare-

I am not sure how to reach you......! Hopefully you have settled into your new home and are enjoying it immensely! The last time we were in contact was before Christmas, at which point you had 5 inchies left to do and were going to try to get them off to Katie. Please let me know if that plan worked and if they are indeed in France. If not......and you still have them....let's go to "Plan B"! Let's return to the original mailing list that Jone drew up, giving the next Violet a heads up before they are sent on in case of a request to have them mailed to a work address or a change in plans due to extensive travel, etc. People are asking me what is up with this project and by communicating here on the blog we can let everyone know easily. Please respond here on the blog when you get a minute.

Di is next on the list (I think!) and may want them sent to her office. Can you two get in touch please?

If they are at Briancon, Carol can you let us know the status? That would be so helpful!

Thank you everyone involved. Jone and I are so looking forward to putting the finishing touches on them and getting a finished Inchie sent to all of you! LOVE- Oolie

the "Girls"

2011-12-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

Here they are:

The Collection of Fridas

what fun....

Happy New Year!

Stitched Classes

2011-12-29T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to let you know about these online classes. I think there are 20 in all and some look very interesting.

Hopefully the link will work.

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!

xopaula

Click here to view more details

Russian Nesting Dolls

2011-12-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

I was in San Francisco last weekend visiting my niece and her family. She is an interior designer and has the most wonderful little gift shop next to her design office on Hayes St. I fell in love with this set of cloth dolls in Jeannie's shop and am enjoying them on the window panes as I lug bags of groceries thru that door every day! When you have a free moment, check out her web site.....it is very fun: Lotus Bleu Design. I am presently surrounded by sick family members and am keeping my fingers crossed that I do not succumb! I am making chicken noodle soup to ward off the germs and help them all feel better! What I really want to do is hide in a corner and papier mache a box with children's book illustrations, inspired by a lovely gift under my tree!!!!!!!!! Hope all you Violets out there are well! LOVE- Oolie

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

to ALL

May the Holidays be Merry and Bright!

I love and miss all of you Violets...

You are always close inside...

Happy Holidays Violets!!!!!

2011-12-24T20:46:00.001-08:00

Dear Violets-

It is Christmas Eve here in Colorado and my thoughts go out to all of my lovely "stitching friends" scattered around the world! I am home after 2 trips up to the Boulder area which just got 14.5 inches of snow which is now melting in 50 degree temperatures and sunny skies!!!!!! We barely got the lights and a few ornaments on our tree! We will be sleeping in tomorrow, and then out for a hike followed by a meal cooked by Hartley, Laurel and myself......very low key! Mark thankfully does all of the dishes!

When I came upon this fun vintage needle card lately, it made me think of one of our "Julie Arkell stitching workshops" in l'espace at Briancon!!!!!! So many fun creative times spent together in that lovely corner of our world! May your stockings be stuffed, and your hearts full of peace and love during this holiday season! LOVE to all- Oolie

Merry Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

Dearest Pantry Violets!

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Love You All

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka

Merry Christmas

2011-12-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Pantry Violets,

I imagine you're all very, very busy getting ready for the Festive Season and making lots of beautiful things to delight your friends and family.

Wishing you the happiest of days and looking forward to seeing some wonderful posts in the New Year.

This is a photograph from one of my artistic endeavours this year - we made a huge piece of knitting as a group, then all exhibited our individual (artistic) responses to the experience. The exhibition explored the connections, joy and comfort of making things together! (Guess you can all figure what inspired that thought!).

Much love to you all.

Jodie

XXXXX

2011-12-13T07:08:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the unfinished post! well, it takes some time to get the hang of the technical side of things! I wanted to add Lea's site

http://www.leastansal.com/

a very unprofessional photo to give you a feeling of the place, and a sample of the project of the day ("bracken"), though this one is not mine - but I promise to show it to you once it's done...

2011-12-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Becky et al,

Oh, how I wish I were in Sweden today! usually we have glögg (mulled wine) on Lucia morning at work, and sometimes a visit from Swedish school children singing, but this year there were no such nice things. Still, yesterday my buns were popular at Lea Stansal's embroidery workshop

Buns of Light

2011-12-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid I have not been very productive since my return from Dordogne.. except making more of those flowers I got so hooked on!

But the other day I baked heaps of Lussekatter - Becky and Sam will know! These are saffron buns that are eaten in Sweden for the Santa Lucia day - 13th December. Santa Lucia comes with her crown of candles and brings the light into the winter darkness. So with these bright buns, I wish you all a cheerful holiday season!

Those were the days....in Paris!

2011-12-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

Oolie and Sam!

Found these pics from Paris, we were visiting some really nice places,

that a good friend had recommended.

I found some kind of tea cozy that also worked well as a

"Little Red Riding Hood hat"!

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka

my new birds

2011-12-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

I guess you could call it a "Bird Totem"

I like the colors and that it has a little

thread of whimsy running through it.

I promise to show the finished product

when it really is done.

We did many birds in the Fireside Embroidery class.

Xmas Vintage Treasures

2011-12-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed an afternoon of poking and digging thru lots of Xmas stuff at a bi-monthly antique show here in Colorado Springs! I found these little treasures which all started out in Europe and eventually made their way to Oolie's house, where they will feel very welcome and quite at home! This middle pinecone gentleman is holding a mushroom: YEAH!!!!!! LOVE- Oolie

JENNIFER COLLIER WORKSHOP

2011-12-02T06:16:00.001-08:00

What a fabulous day it was at Jennifer Collier's Studio 12 workshop in November making paper clothes!

Above is a shot of Jennifer's kid glove collection. Her work is so amazing. Jennifer is deeply committed to recycling - and most of her work is made up of materials that have been cast aside - she upcycles old elements into new and varied forms which always delight the eye.

Here is a pair of gauntlet type gloves which believe it or not are made from teabags - the empty teabags provide little pockets which when stuck together from the fabric of the glove and stitched together exactly as you would a fabric glove - this provides depth and a real 3D effect:

My favourites are the long evening gloves are just glorious, most of which are a collage old documents and images - again stitched together, incorporating button holes and vintage buttons adds to the realistic effect - I love them!

As well as the gloves we put together the collaged elements for a dress and a bib which we could complete at home with the addition of haberdashery elements. Below are two of Jennifer's map dresses.

We came away with several pieces of clothing, a worksheet of methods including using plastics bags and were all fired with enthusiasm to carry on at home. All in all, it was a great day out, not too far from home and a really useful grounding in methods I will employ in all manner of ways in future. I have one pair of gloves nearly complete and my other clothes on the 'to do' pile - currently post-christmas!

Many more pictures of Jennifer's paper objects - cameras, typewriters, shoes and teasets etc will be on tinkeringbythesea.blogspot.com next week!

I was back at Studio 12 the week before last for a pocket making workshop with Ellie Evans

- more on that soon!

Love to all

xxDI

just a peek...

2011-11-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

at what I have been working on this weekend. I will show more later, but thought you might like to see this photo to peak your curiosity...

xoxo

Di's gift to Oolie

2011-11-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

When Oolie came to visit last week, she brought the book that Di made for her for her birthday

What a masterpiece! It is filled with wonderful papers and pockets and pictures..

Really delightful! I took a few photos and promised Oolie I would post them - here they are:

Isn't it cool? Nice job, Di - really nice!

Love to you and everyone..

...and Happy Birthday to Joanna and Sue, too.

Di's Beautiful Handmade Book!

2011-11-18T16:16:00.001-08:00

Dear Violets-

This is my first attempt at posting more than one photo on this blog! I won't really know if it worked until I publish it, but I think I have figured it out!!!!!!

Anyway........here is a lovely handmade book from Di that I just love! Many things used to create it were gathered at Ali Baba, which makes it all the more special!!!!!

I was all inspired to take Rachel Hazel's bookbinding workshop after seeing Di's photos of the workshop, and then this very fun book inspired from that workshop at Briancon! But that will have to wait for another day. In the meantime, I will look at this one often and dream about books I would love to make! Thank you dear Di! Keep binding books!! LOVE- Oolie

INCHIES!

2011-11-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Just a heads up Clare! Please check your "eclare" email as Katie is in need of the project before she starts her big travels, etc. Jone and I are not sure we have your most current email address.

Please let us know which one to use. As Joanna has said in the past......."make a noise" dear Clare so we can keep in touch! LOVE- Oolie and the Pantry Violets

Happy Birthdays!

2011-11-17T13:12:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday today, all day....to Joanna AND tomorrow, all day to Sue!!!!!!! I have completely lost track of the month of November, but just know that I carry you both deep in my heart pocket! LOVE- Oolie

polka dot heart charm pin

2011-11-16T17:15:00.001-08:00

I am on a bit of a roll with the charms I made in Santa Fe last week. Now I am having great fun decorating them and deciding whether to make pins, bracelets or necklaces! It is like putting the frosting and sprinkles on a cupcake....one of my other passions! So....these 2 little pins are heading to Malmoe, Sweden for my 2 little girlfriends who happen to be sisters! There is a surprise picture on the back of the hearts which I hope will evoke a smile from Charlie!!!!!!

With love to the sisters- Oolie

Sammy's Vintage Fabric Bag

2011-11-14T15:55:00.001-08:00

I am the luckiest Bday girl on the planet! The packages arriving on my doorstep this past month have been so full of love, friendship and creativity.....it is truly heartwarming to count all of you wonderful Pantry Violets as my friends! Merci Beaucoup!!!!!! This darling little bag was waiting for me when I returned from my busy and fun week in Santa Fe at Jone's. Sammy used the "daisy" technique that we learned from Julie Arkell this summer and made these darling flowers out of 3 layers of different vintage fabrics......so beautiful! And the quilt fabrics adorning the bottom of the bag are to die for!!!!!!!! And lastly, the little hand embroidered "Oolie" name tag is just the piece de resistance!!!!!!!! I am receiving loads of compliments, and everyone wants to hold it and give it a very close inspection!!!!!! Sammy- many heartfelt thanks for this lovely, treasured gift! I feel a workshop coming on with this inspired gift!

LOVE- Oolie

Charm Pin with Photo!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

I started working on these charms at Jone's recently and she suggested that I try making a broach type pin with them dangling off. Easier said then done, especially when I seem to have 10 thumbs whenever I try a new craft!!!!!! The hardest part was sewing the polka dot bow onto the pin with the charms bouncing all around and getting caught in the thread! And then I discovered I sewed the pin backwards as far as pinning it on easily! Lots of first mistakes, but I think I am on a roll with this idea! I hope to have photos of a precious sewn bag from Sammy soon, but they are stuck in my camera....really, I am hopeless with this blog business if I don't do it often....please bear with me! LOVE to all- Oolie

Charm Pin

2011-11-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

so inspired

2011-11-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

When Oolie left last Wednesday, I couldn't wait to start

making more of the little "jar gardens"

I cut up LOTS of flowers and leaves in lots of colors

and popped 'em into little empty jars

forget-me-nots

I just love them all together! So fresh and colorful.

I can hardly wait to finish these up so I can make MORE!!

Thanks for the inspiration, Miss Oolie!

PROCESS

2011-11-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of the process I have been going through the last few days....

Here are a couple of the nests almost finished.......

They are about 6 1/2 inches across and I am pretty happy with the result.

I'll share more tomorrow....

First Place

2011-11-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

"There's a Rabbit in the Flowerbed"

by Samantha Nixon

Could not have been prouder, showing off Sam's masterpiece

Which Won First Place (!!!!!)

Isn't it magnificent?!

My friends were blown away...

The flowers are just over one inch in diameter

which completely baffles me

(how DID she DO it?)

CONGRATULATIONS, Sam!

Thought you might like to see some of the others in the competition:

This one is pretty nice, I must say..

Runner Up in the Traditional Category

And a Fairy Bed (!)

very traditional

This one is beautiful. The bed was also painted.

The work in this quilt is exquisite...

2nd Place in the Traditional Category

...but not like our Sam....

These two are cute - above (2nd Place Handmade)

and below (Runner Up Handmade)

The entire Quilt Show was overwhelming. I will post some photos of the larger quilts as time goes on. It astounds me the work that goes into these pieces of art... and the thought and attention to detail that goes into each one.

Sam, You Are Awesome! Congratulations again, for your beautiful WIN!!!!

Necklace, Inspired by Oolie!

2011-10-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

After seeing Oolie´s wonderful charm bracelet, I decided to make myself a necklace in that great design.

Oolie gave me a little mini workshop and even provided me with material!

This is the result,

love this idea and will make more!

Thank´s Oolie for being so generous.

We´ve had some really beautiful autumn days here in Malmö,

This weekend I´ve been working in the garden, planting spring bulbs!

See you soon again

Love

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka

the NEW Oolie!

2011-10-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

For Oolie's birthday, I made a new, and improved Flat Oolie!

Here she is amidst some of the stamp samples I brought to the class

OOlie is coming down on Monday with

her sister and sis-in-law.....

to stay at Los Poblanos a couple of nights

(birthday celebration)

Fun, Fun, Fun!!

THAT RARE AND UNUSUAL THING - A SATURDAY WORKSHOP!

2011-10-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot believe my good fortune - I got circular round from Jennifer Collier late last week
saying there were a couple of places left on her workshop this Saturday in Stafford.

This amazed me for a number of reasons:

1. It wasnt already full
2. Its a Saturday
3. Its 35.00
4. It a mere an hour and a half away from home!

this is what we will be making:

I can hardly wait - only one technical hitch - the weather report forecasts snow for the weekend and my Smart Car doesnt do snow - it might as well be on skis! Fingers crossed for a weekend which does not include the white stuff! Photos will follow next week!

Love to All

xx DI

Birthday Zinnias for Becky!

2011-10-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

Dear Miss October-

We were expecting our first overnight freeze so I dashed out with my flower scissors and gave all the flower beds a final haircut! These zinnia bouquets would have been left on your doorstep, Becky, if I lived around the corner in Malmoe........but a blog posting will have to do! I hope you are having a wonderful birthday. As always, you are tucked deep into my heart pocket! Your charmed necklace is gorgeous!!!!!!! I just love it! Have fun making them! You have inspired me right back! LOVE- Oolie

Happy Birthday!!

2011-10-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER LADIES:

Becky on October 9th

Oolie on October 12th

Danielle on October 28th

Happy Happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Fleurs Sauvages at West Dean

2011-10-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies

I thought you might like to see the wild flower brooches we made this weekend with Julie at West Dean. It was all a bit of rush in the time, (especially since the est Dean Apple Festival was on at the same time to distract us), but ten of us made flower brooches, and one lady made bracelets and a rabbit.

And all of this on the hottest October weekend since records began

We had a wonderful time!

Nancy and Stephen

2011-09-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 17th, my friends Nancy and Stephen got married.

Back in August, Nancy showed me a photo of a Mexican Fiesta-style cake with papel-picado out of icing. There was also a photo of the cake topper that was pretty cool. She wasn't sure how to find one like it.........

I offered to make her one as a gift.

I sat at Oolie's dining room table and made the above couple - Nancy and Stephen!

They are both made of pipe cleaners and dressed in silk (!)

The arbor was the part I really spent the most time on. Wrapping the wire and adding the beads and flowers - fun! I am so happy with how it turned out.... and so was Nancy. (note the beaded "N" and "S")

Here it is - the final piece. (click on it to enlarge)

It makes me smile and Nancy said that it was the most photographed thing at the wedding (ha!) I bet it was the Bride, don't you?

A long and happy life to Nancy and Stephen! xoxo

All Dressed Up!!!!!!!!

2011-09-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am really on a "posting roll" here!!!!!! This little flat 12 inch papier mache creature was given by Julie Arkell to all the participants at her recent stitching workshop at Briancon. They arrived in a clear cellophane bag labeled "Le Lapin de Briancon", along with scraps of fabric & felt that we could use to dress them up and personalize them......in our spare time....HA! Everyone else's got fully clothed, many with hand-knitted "itchy trousers" and bunny ears. Mine sadly entered the workshop-ending fashion show naked as I was barely able to get my "wild flower" bouquet finished in time!!!! She is now "fashion ready" in a vintage doll dress and hat and seems to be quite content with this "look"! Hopefully the other "Lapins" will make their blog debut soon.....keep checking! LOVE- Oolie

Oolie's "wild flower" bouquet stitched at Briancon

2011-09-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Please bear with me (this is probably out of focus!!!) as I have not posted a photo on our blog in forever......but I am so anxious to show everyone the stitching project that Julie Arkell designed for us to make at Briancon! I was still finishing the "embroidered tag" as Julie A. began the Show & Tell the last day!!! It was like I had 10 thumbs all week long! We had a fantastic time as you can tell from Becky's travel-log of the "Flats"! More stories and photos will continue to dribble in so please be patient and stay tuned. LOVE to all- Oolie

I Will Tell You A Little Story About Flat Sue And Flat Jone

2011-09-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time,

Flat Sue And Flat Jone went together with their Pantry Violet sisters to Paris.

They had to pay a visit at Le Bon Marche´....

Sam and Oolie went a bit crazy and bought a lot of fabrics, buttons and you name it.

Becky was overwhelmed and didn´t even buy the tiniest button.

(Or maybe she had spent all her money buying too many things at Rue St Paul, the day before?)

PAUL was one of our favorite cafés and we did actually meet the crabby waitress

that Sue became such a "good friend" with, from the year before:)

Becky wanted her to hold flat Sue and Jone but she didn´t have the guts to ask her.

"Au Gare Montparnasse,"

we met the always so lovely Clare.

Clare was very trendy with a suit case from Orla Kiely.

Way too early we had to leave Paris

BUT thank heavens, the Julie Arkell workshop was waiting for us in Briancon!

Oolie was very concentrated and worked so hard with a flower bouquet

(all week long).

She was probably a bit disturbed by two flat women who were talking

tous le temps.

The inch project had a major breakthrough.

Clare had brought the inches, and Julie A and Jodie made their inches in less than a second.

Clare said:

-Sorry darling but I can´t inch tonight....

Well, she had an excuse because she played the drums in Dave´s band.

Jone was particularly happy when she had a sweet reunion with the inch project.

Julie enjoyed seeing her old friends again!

Jone made a new friend among the participants in the course.

....and so did Sue.

In Riberac Jone and Sue met some handsome guys on the food market.

Oh la la!

(He wouldn´t let her go)

Sue and Jone were hungry at the yearly picnic,

they brought some nice chèvre they bought from "the guys".

When Dave and his brilliant boys entered the scene,

the boys from Riberac were forgotten easily.

Fin de l´histoire

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka

OMG

2011-09-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

Oolie, isn't this the most delightful toadstool?

Dear, wonderful Julie Whitmore sent this magical little "fungus" to me just before I left for all of my travels in September. I did not have a chance to take a picture of it before, so I am sharing it now. Isn't it sweet?

And, here is the "honey spoon" that I purchased from her. We have used it every day since it arrived. Isn't it charming? I think it makes the tea taste better.....

Please click on her blog and see her amazing creative projects.

I love making new friends.

HUT UPDATE ......

2011-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a guided tour of my Beach Hut - most of the pictures are from when it was just finished!

the door is to the left .......

round the corner to the sink ...

here is the kitchen bit ....

and round to the window .....

my desk now looking less tidy by the minute .....

And the view to the right of the desk!

Thats the full tour! Bijou (9' by 11') my little peace of heaven!

Love to all ... xxDi

2011-09-10T16:55:00.001-07:00

hello Violets. Just a short note to say have fun those of you going to Julie's workshop in France - wish I was there. Take a look at what I'm doing lately, have started my own blog to log some stuff.

My blog: www.jogrant.wordpress.com

Give my love to Julie and all at Les Souers and have a lovely time!

September

2011-09-08T22:26:00.001-07:00

Since there are no Violet Birthdays in September (unless someone is keeping a very big secret) I thought I would share photos of the amazing Charm Bracelet that Oolie finished when I was with her last weekend......FaBuLoUsLy deee-licious!

The charms are absolutely gorgeous...and perfectly PERFECT! Her choices of fabrics to cover each charm are so lovely and the bracelet is a delight!

Oolie, I thought about you today, as you left for Paris this morning. It is now 11:30 pm here, which would make it around 7:30 am for you in Paris - have you landed?

Have a wonderful time at Briancon, all you returning Violets!!

true love

2011-09-07T21:03:00.001-07:00

Next weekend, on the 17th, my friends Nancy and Stephen are getting married - at Los Poblanos!

It is going to be an extraordinary wedding - filled with incredible handmade things that Nancy has created with her friends. She told me today that a wonderful surprise out of this was spending that quality time with so many of her close buddies - making special things for everyone attending and she is soooooo excited about ALL of it!

Here is my contribution to their day - the topper for the cake:

Bride & Groom

the Mexican-themed arch

Bride & Groom under the arch

- front view -

....and back!

I had such fun creating this little doo-dah at Oolie's house on Sunday. We were laughing and enjoying the whole process. Seeing Nancy's (and Stephen's!) reaction today was worth each minute of working on it. I am so glad they like it!!

Happy Wedding to Nancy and Stephen! All the best to you in your future together.....

I love you dearly!

Dear Clare.....

2011-08-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

I do not know that I have your correct email, so I am writing to you on the blog.....

Could you please bring the inchies to Briancon so that Miss Arkell can do her inches? Do not worry if you have not finished your inchies yet - you can do so there. Julie thought it would be really nice to get hers done while in France and then pass them to Jodie, perhaps.

Would that work for you?

And, by the way....is the "eclare" email the right one?

xoxoxo

2011-08-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Just wondering whether I have fallen off your list Jone- What are the Inchies?

I dont post because althoug I managed it once, I cant now work out how to attach pictures

Sorry to have been silent

AWOL inchies!

2011-08-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Violets! I must apologize as it is 'summer silly season' and I haven't had much chance to be blogging or on the internet, as life is at it's busiest for me!

Another violet alerted me to your post Jone, so I thought I better put your mind at ease that the inches are still with me (in my safe, but not so competent hands!) I was going to post a picture just before posting, but I will do so now.

The inchies arrived last month from the lovely Sam in Sweden and I am slowly working my way through them.

Albeit not a complicated inchie, I am just a little pressed for time at the moment but will send them on their way very shortly.
I asked the lovely Laura Walker (whom I noticed got a mention in Mollie Makes Magazine this month) to make me some rather lovely red flower buttons and hopefully they will enhance the inches where my talent is lacking!

When the inchies arrived, they did so in a rather beautiful bag which I thought I would include a
picture of...I think Jone must have stitched this? It's gorgeous! I was so impressed with everyone's inchies! its going to look great when it's finished.
I hope you are all having a lovely summer and I am looking forward to catching up with some of you in France...not long now!
Happy stitching x

inchie alert!!

2011-08-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

CALLING ALL VIOLETS

We are wondering WHERE on EARTH the inchies are?

"Inchies, inchies, who's got the inchies?"

Once upon a time, Oolie sent 17 inchies to Sweden.

We saw a photo of what was sent.

Becky received them and added her "two cents" as well as

a photo of her contribution.

Sam, too, showed us her magnificent addition ...

...and sent them on.....

Clare? Are you there?

Please make a noise and let us know

How You Are....

(and where the inchies are)

Oolie and I are together in Santa Fe.

We have spent the last two days creating stuff.

We are tired.

We have people asking us daily

"What is an Inchie?"

"What is this project you are talking about?"

"Can you show me a picture?"

We don't have one....

The inchies are our connection to all of you

and we miss you ALL!

Where are they?

(we just wanna know )

really, we do....

AS PER INSTRUCTIONS:

"...please POST a photo of your cReAtiTiViTy

once you're done so that those down the line

can plan ahead and try to avoid repetition.

It is a simple process and can be done

ON THE BLOG

in an email"

It will be so helpful for those down the line so they can plan

for when they might receive the package.

Thanks a lot.....and please do not

feel pressure to move any faster.

It is more about keeping the contact so

we all know what and where.

xoxo

russian dolls from Spain!

2011-08-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

Hellooo dear Pantry Violets!
So long since I posted here that I thought I would show you what I spent my very hot summer holidays doing.....mad collaged russian dolls! some of which look very confused about thier head gear! We were knee deep in newspaper and mountains of ephemera and while everyone was topping up their tans I was tearing, cutting and gluing these dollies.
Hope that you are all having a wonderful summer, wherever you all are....miss you all and am feeling sooo sad about not going to France this September!
xxxxx

A PERSONAL A - Z

2011-08-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

HEY THERE VIOLETS!

Have just returned from the fabulous LSA Rachel Hazell workshop where we made a personal A-Z. What a fabulous five days it was! Rachel is a great communicator and a hell of a woman - her enthusiasm and humour is contagious - she is truly ebullient as well as being hugely talented. I will post pics of some of the changes they have made at LSA which is yet more fabulous - but not too many - I dont want to spoil the surprise for Becky and Sam!

It was a special joy to meet Jo - who was with you all 2 years ago - it made me feel right at home to have another Pantry Violet and such a lovely one for company. Jo sends her love to you all! We had 13 women plus Rachel and the spirit of support and encouragement started immediately, in the entire time I didnt hear a negative comment from anyone - how remarkable is that!

Here are some pictures of my book ......

The front cover - made from last year's calendar page - showing the kettle stitch binding:

The back cover showing my dobber bookmark!

And one of A is for Art, which features one of my all time favourite quotes - from Picasso as well as showing of my index. When Rachel showed us a lovely book with tabs and gilding I remembered how much I like an index so that was my first job - it took me half a day but I love the result:
Then a couple of my favourite pages - I was determined to incorporate watercolours (which I love but do badly) they are done on vintage papers which really add something I think. I love a painted shutter too - so V is for view features a shutter and L is for Landscape has a little pull out which I am mightily pleased with - the L swivels away to allow the painting to extend - howszat!!

And finally, just so you know I didn't forget you all! Guess what P is for ????????????

~ the petals are articulated - get me!!

I didn't completely finish my book, but Im looking forward to adding things as I think of them and I'm really happy with the results so far - Taylor I'm loving this idea for a journal - lots of pictures and stamping - what do you think??

Love to All

A Fairy Doll

2011-08-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Can you see her wings?

I was given the assignment to come up with different things to make from the "Believe" collection of fabric..... and so I sat down to make this little Fairy.

back view

sitting on a spool of thread

I think that one of my favorite parts is that she has recycled wings! I cut them from a strawberry container and I think that they are just perfect for her. It is a bit difficult to see them in these photos, but trust me - they are definitely there!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. Sorry I have been remiss in keeping up with birthdays. This month of August is:

Margo Tantau TODAY! (the 8th)

Josephine Harrison on the 11th

and Francesca, Danielle's daughter was on the 1st.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

waking up the blog

2011-07-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Violets,

Youl must all be busy with summer since the blog is so quiet. Thanks Jone for chugging the blog along. Thought it might be time to add something. Got back from Portugal at the end of June. (OOH I guess I could have shown some photos of it.) That was an interesting trip to say the least. The artists were Teesha and Tracy Moore who were wonderful.

In January I am taking the plunge and traveling to England for Julie A. paper mache at West Dean. Di is going too and I am excited about meeting her. It will be great to see Julie again. I have never been to London before (well except when I was 5) so I have a huge list of places I want to go to while I am there. Jone can I borrow your list of where you went?
School will be here before I know it. Summer has been good. Hope everyone is well. xxoo T

Stephanie's BOX

2011-07-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Where IS everyone?

This morning, I was at my friend Stephanie's house and spotted this lovely little box on one of her shelves of treasures.....just HAD to take a photo!

It is only about 6 or 7 inches long.....maybe 4 inches tall

Above and Below

a few details

Such beautiful inspiration. I am hoping to be painting some benches for the shop and I think that these designs offer me a great place to start - colors and patterns.

Happy Birthday, Miss Arkell

2011-07-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to You...

Happy Birthday Dear Julie....

HaPpY BiRtHdAy to YOU!

2011-07-14T09:06:00.001-07:00

One of my classmates has recently become the Mayor of Cromer and has an aversion to wearing the traditional 'bling' chains of office. He is off to open the Cromer Gay Pride Festival and also the Flower Show... so I made him this new Chain of Office to wear (not sure he will!). It converts for each occasion as the velvet flowers are removable... A fun thing to do on this rainy Thursday.

See him at http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/offbeat/council-row-as-mayor-snubs-chains-16011267.html

Lavender Class at Los Poblanos

2011-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

What a day we had at Los Poblanos!

We made nests from fresh-cut sprigs of lavender and then stitched tiny felt birds and filled 'em up with dried lavender from the farm.

The room smelled fanTAStic!

Here's the group at the table

We had a great time together!

starting the nest - weaving over and under

And, once the nests were done, we started on the birds

Everyone had such wonderful imagination.

The birds that evolved were delightful!

.....and sitting in their nests.....

cute!

Oolie with Flat Sue

Oolie's bird

Helen's birds

Oolie and me as the day was ending

We had a really nice time.

Thanks to all of the people who attended.

It was a pleasure to meet you all!

Knitbombing at Norwich Lanes Festival

2011-07-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

Guess what my Creative Knitting Group did on Sunday - we covered a bus stop with knitting! The large piece of black knitting was made from VHS tapes and we knitted it using ourselves like a giant knitting machine. Such fun. And it got lots of admiring looks during the day. We are hoping to keep meeting up as we all had such a good time on the course.

Some of the group. (Me NOT in black... I forgot about the Ninja Knitters aspect!!! We did toss up about balaclavas... but ran out of time to knit them.

This is us being a machine knitting up the VHS tape - intially there was a bit of concern about being chained together with no way out! But 20 minutes later we'd finished.

The flowers were crocheted from recycled plastic bags and strips of fabric.

Lavender Nests

2011-07-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I am teaching a class at Los Poblanos on weaving a nest from lavender and stitching a tiny felt bird to fill with lavender to put in the nest..... and ....

Oolie is coming!!! She and I are going to spend Monday and Tuesday nights in one of our favorite places on earth (besides Briancon, of course)

Sure do wish that ALL of YOU could be here to join us.......

Maybe we will have to make that happen one of these days.

Here's the little bird in the nest. We'll most likely do one that is a bit lighter and colorful, but the stitching on this one is simple and nice.
And, here is the nest without the bird. I use wrapped wire for the base (a wire star with an uneven amount of points - 5 or 7, usually) into which we will weave stem after stem of fresh lavender from the farm. I hope we'll get to go pick our own. It is Lavender Week at the farm, so should smell absolutely fabulous.

Hey, Clare, I hear the inchies are in your capable hands (!!!) I am soooooooOOOOOOOO

excited about that! Have a wonderful time playing and creating....you GO girl!

Inspired Ideas - next issue

2011-07-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday finishing up this little project for the next issue of Inspired Ideas.

Amy (Powers) thought it wouod be a fun project to do a "little someone" to fit inside a matchbox.....so I did.

I think she probably had an animal in mind, but this tiny girl is what manifested.... and I think she is very sweet. She is 3 1/2 to 4 inches tall.

Might try a little bunny, or kitty, too...... just to say I did....

I stitched her bedclothes (including a tiny quilt) and a couple of pillows for her to rest her head.

I made her bed from an old tissue box (fantastic pattern on the Kleenex box lately!)

I didn't have a large matchbox at the time.

Doesn't she look quite cozy?

inchies

2011-06-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hello......

Thought I'd share these lovely blossoms with you this morning....

Aren't the colors fab?

And, here is my personal inchie project so far.

I worked on it a bit last week at the camp, while facilitating

others doing their wonderful embroideries.

The toadstools are for you ALL!

Still don't know what to do for the group inchies.

I guess I will just have to be patient

and see what it needs once I get it.

LOVE to ALL!

xoxo

Collecting

2011-06-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

Plucked these beautiful garlic bulbs from the soil. They looked so lovely that I couldn't resist lying them out and it made me think of the plates on the blog and all our collecting. I recently too, went on a 2 day course run by Rachel Hazell (at last) and she recommended looking at the website collectionday2010.blogspot.com which shows a new collection of things everyday, it is worth a look. Joanna

Tangled up in blue

2011-06-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Mainly I repair trousers, boys trousers, using blue thread.

Joanna

BEACH HUT NEWS!

2011-06-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

HI EVERYONE!

Just a quick post with a few pics of my sister's beach hut interior which we have just recently finished!

The first picture is her former hut (which my niece now rents out):

And here is her new hut, which due to her colour choice, has a golden glow all day and into the evening!

Its taken us a good few weekends of real hard graft to get to this point but it is a little piece of heaven for her now.

This is her new light shade, made by recycling the shell blind in her first hut! It puts me in mind of Jo's crocheting friend's jellyfish.

Sorry for the lack of communication of late, work very manic, weekends working on beach huts and problems with logging on to blogger and internet access have combined to keep me out of touch but work on my hut is underway and thats all the huts done (bar painting the outside again before winter) then im on tinkering by the sea for a day a week - hurrah!

This one was taken one evening last year .................. but the very best bit is the sunsets on long summer evenings ...... get a load of this girls!

Love to all !

BAUBLES

2011-06-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Oh dear Di - you were on my mind yesterday

when I found this booth at the Art Fair on the plaza!

This woman designs these treats and partners with her cousin

to make the charms to sell all over the place!

front

back

keyring

I was in heaven - wishing for you to be there, too!

BIG baskets filled with little treasures!

Below is the site to see what they have.

I like what they do - and they do it really well!!!

www.pickupsticks.net

new embroidery!

2011-06-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hey! Check out a couple of the new embroidery designs I designed for "Embroidables"

www.embroidables.com

I just got the images this morning and couldn't wait to share them with you.

For more of the designs, check out: polkadotponie.blogspot.com

2011-06-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, thought I would share pictures from our second artist market I am running with a friend in my small community. These are pictures of my stall, the market venue and some of my work close up (little landscapes made from vintage material).

TIN snips

2011-06-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Creative Girls got together today for our June meeting....

........and we cut TIN!

We cut off the tops and bottoms of soda cans and beer cans and found that the metal is so thin and easy to cut that we could make all kinds of things!

Here is a look at some of the stuff we made:

birds cut from Arizona Iced Tea cans

an unfinished piece

a Tecate butterfly

Beth's cut-outs

butterfly, flaming sacred heart, bird and

Virgin of Guadalupe

4 Guadalupes

all different, pretty cool

inchies

2011-06-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

I know that I am the last person who will be receiving the inchies.....

And, I know that everyone else is doing the most amazing little inch that we will have ever seen.......

And, I am panicking!

So, last night I picked up a piece that I started in the spring....and added some new little inches of design. I consider it a "practice piece" because the bar is already so darn high - whew!

I have so many ideas and have absolutely NO IDEA what I will do for the final inch.

Maybe I should just play and not worry about it. It will probably (hopefully!) hit me the minute it arrives - how to "round out" the whole thing.......

I think about all of you every, single day of my life and am so grateful for each of you.

......always........

2011-06-08T23:53:00.001-07:00

My friend Suzi Stow has just started to take classes making gorgeous fascinators in London. She's absolutely fabulous and lots of fun and a wonderful teacher. Suzi's based in London, but travels if the numbers are right. If you or anyone you know might be interested please give her a call. Suzi is planning on introducing other crafts to her club, so you might like to go on her mailing list so she can keep you updated. Contact Suzi on 07834484516 or oohlalalovlies@yahoo.co.uk - her class prices are very modest !

British magazines come to USA

2011-06-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Good News USA Violets,

I found both of these magazines at my local Barnes and Noble. If they have them in Charleston, they have them anywhere in the US. Making is the one that Clare emailed us the Julie A. article and this is the issue it is in.

The other , Mollie Makes, I only glanced at but it looks even better than Making. I knew I had to grab it and can hardly wait to read it. There is an article about dottie angel with fantastic pictures. Clare is this the magazine you told us about? I love it. Sorry it is shown sideways, but hope you get the idea.

Hope everyone is well and busy.

xxoo Taylor

2011-06-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

PEONIES! Only $6.99 a bunch of 5 at Trader Joe's! They are so beautiful and it is so darn hot here right now that they open up in a couple of hours! I had to buy more today to "fill in"...

At Doodlet's we are doing a fun little thing .

This little bluebird (when I finish painting it) will be placed in a different spot in the shop each week. Hopefully, people will eventually get the hang of it to search for the bluebird. If they can successfully find it in the shop and tell us where it is, they will receive a little goodie as a gift from Doodlet's. Cool, hunh?
I like how it looks now - unfinished - but I think it needs to have its legs and beak painted and maybe even a few little feathers. Also, the border really does need a little bit of help (!)

I will show it to you again before I take it down to the shop.....

Happy BiRtHdAy in JUNE!

2011-06-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

On June 21st, Linda will have a birthday -

Hope it is a happy one, dear Linda!

But, TODAY is the birthday of Jamie Harper - Woman of Mystery.......

All the best to you, Miss Jamie!!!!!

xoxo

2011-05-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

you MUST check out this site (below)....the felted animals are extraordinary.

I know that all for you will appreciate them - they really make me smile.

www.chushka.com/gallery/toys/

A quick knit scarf.

2011-05-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've recently joined a creative knitting group and we've been learning about cables. This is my experimentation scarf with a double sided cable and dropped stitches. It's a bit hard to see but the cable is the same on both sides of the scarf - achieved with a 1x1 rib rather than rows of plain/purl knitting - for those of you who knit. It took hardly any time as the wool was thick and there were only 18 stitches. I'm going to do another one without the dropped stitches for a friend's husband as it looked quite a 'masculine' scarf design - but I do have quite a bit of time before winter - so guess there's no rush. Have also been inchie trialling....

finished inchie

2011-05-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here it is, one finished inchie. I'm about half-way through and loving every minute of this project!

A Self- Portrait Made Of Beads

2011-05-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Pablo

and his self-portrait made of beads!

I LOVE him!

Becky

Little works of art

2011-05-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing little poseable figure my friend Sarah made completely from 'scratch' (took her two years!!). I am thinking of her posing in Briancon amongst all Julie's wares - she does have a very blissful expression (the doll not Sarah!).

Sarah's also made these teeny little silver dancers (and is selling them on Etsy).

To Laugh Can Be Dangerous

2011-05-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Embroidery attempt

in The Vintage Fairy Tales.

Have a great week

Becky

wonderful!

2011-05-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

oh ladies - check out this blog!

lilsonnysky.blogspot.com/

It is delightful....Lisa Stubbs is a freelance illustrator with really good taste! I think you will all enjoy her work.

stitched letters again

2011-05-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

Some more stitching inspiration! Just love Jone's book from her last post, can't wait to get some stitching lessons from her!

Image of Daisychain ABCs crewelwork kit from Posie Rosy Little Things.

bunnies

2011-05-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

Have been sooo busy.....too busy to even blog! Busy making bunny rabbits for work....rather chuffed with the fact that I got some crochet in...still obsessed with the crochet hook....hope you are all well!

found!

2011-05-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

When going through my mom's books last week, I found this little lovely - perfect for what I love to do! I am so excited to really give it some time and go through each page...but thought I'd share it with you today:

this one looks like one I designed many years ago.

it was made into stickers and rubber stamps..

...love it....

Hope these pages have inspired you all.

Mollie Makes Magazine

2011-05-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

www.molliemakes.com
Just a quick post to mention a magazine that launched here today in the UK and which is available to buy at WHSmith and Sainsburys.

(It will be available in the USA, Australia and the rest of Europe from June 9th).

Being a self confessed craft magazine junkie, I have read most of them out there and there is rather a lot of repetition and twee projects in the majority of them!
I have to say I was really impressed with Mollie Makes. Lots of lovely things to look at and useful links I'd not come across before. It also came with a sweet little felt kit. If you get chance to read it ... Enjoy!

Airport Art

2011-05-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Walking through the Austin airport yesterday, I noticed how great the art in the cases is.

I missed taking a photo of my friend David Everett's OWL (beautifully hand-carved wooden sculpture) but thought I'd share some of the others that caught my eye.

Above and below are fabulous vessels made completely of BUTTONS!

Right up my alley, for sure!
And, here are some chairs with parts and pieces added to or carved into them. I think they are pretty cool.....

In El Paso, waiting for my next flight, I took a quick shot of the carpet. I have loved this carpet since they redid the airport many years ago. What you don't see is the repeat of the lizards on each square throughout the entire hall - magnificent!!

And, in the Southwest terminal, there were paper airplanes flying around in some of the gates. This is not a very good photo, but you get the idea!

Happy travels to anyone traveling.

Sure have enjoyed the most recent posts here, ladies. What amazing creativity is swirling around!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!

Greetings From Aunt Becky

2011-05-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

My brother Jakob and his son, Elias!

Have a great week!

Becky

To french knot or not?

2011-05-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

Time to get cracking! The inchies arrived at my house last night, hand-delivered by Becky. The skating monkey looks fabulous and Oolie's heart is beautiful!

Almost finished my practice inchie, not going to let those pesky french knots get the better of me...

A big thanks to Oolie for the tips on using a knot to anchor the thread at the start and to take note of thread lengths used - I've never done embroidery before, so it was good to hear these before I started.

NEWSFLASH! Stitching Super-Heroine in Undercover operation!

2011-05-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

It was a grave and serious situation...

Word had got out that the inchies were soon due to leave Sweden, and were headed for Wales. An imminent sense of peril and dread began to sweep across the crafting community....

Would a crime against craft be committed?
Would the inchies project fail at such an early stage?

Would something...someone...be able to save the project?!?! But who?!?!

The crafting community called...and our Super Stiching-heroine answered!
Catching the first train she could, she headed into deepest, darkest North Wales....

Hours of hard tutoring began.....Would Clare ever learn to thread a needle?!!
Alcohol was consumed...Reference books were consulted...but try in vain it seemed....
Miss Arkell had met her match!!

2011-05-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is my End of Year Exhibition Piece completed today!!! I moved on from my original 'jigsaw' picture and made this 'textile'. It's at least 18,000+ pieces of jigsaw, each pushed into the holes in nylon action mesh. They just stay there and create this huge textile sculpture which I can move around into different shapes.

Needless to say my fingerprints are now different from the callouses, and I have a huge 'broken' pieces pile. In all it took about 100 hours, and due to RSI issues I restricted myself to 3 hours a day - guess I probably spend that much time watching TV though - so not too arduous.... Hope you like it. (It's about 3m x 45cm in size when flat).

A New Member Of The Inch Project...

2011-05-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

The lovely Oolie heart!

The Skating Monkey wanted to join!

Next person on "the inch list" is Sam.

I know she has something beautiful going on!

Love to all of you

Becky

Peacocks

2011-04-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

The finery of these birds reminds me of the Royal Wedding in London yesterday.....

Did everyone see it? What a Fairy Tale. Can you imagine being the commoner who becomes the Princess and maybe the Queen? It is overwhelming to me.....and I am not British and don't really understand the whole monarchy thing. I am fascinated, though, and love a good love story.

Ahhhhh, the hats and the clothes - beautiful!

Jodie, I hope your birthday fit right in with the celebration around the country. Happy Day!

You light up my life.... you bring me joy!!!!

2011-04-27T05:30:00.001-07:00

These are two lampshades I made recently from an old crochet tablecloth. I PVA'ed them onto forms with a lampshade fitting inset into the top. I had been keeping an eye open for some really round balloons - and whilst cruising Ebay found some at last. So that set me off making these. Think it's a great way to give a new lease of life to a beautiful handmade tablecloth. And it's now forever 'up in lights' !!!

Best wishes to you.

XXXXX

Jodie

my first stall in the local artist market

2011-04-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Violets. On Easter Saturday in my small community I participated in my first artist market, an initiative I have set up with a friend. It was a beautiful little market with 15 local artists setting up stalls. I took a week off to make things and had a great time. I live on the seaside so it was a big weekend crowd-wise. Sold lots. Thought I'd post to share this experience. A lot of my stuff was made with vintage material and paper.

Inchies In Malmoe, Sweden !

2011-04-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you´re wondering where the inchies are right now...

Oolie had made a great job with her inchies and now it´s

my turn to see how I can contribute to this lovely project!

Love

Becky

easter waffles and new easter trousers

2011-04-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

Hope everybody has had a wonderful Easter!

Today I met with a friend who has a little girl who is a few weeks younger than Nora and we made some sweet little trousers for the girls. So Nora has a lovely new pair of Easter trousers, which you can see below. The gorgeous fabric was designed by our very own Pantry Violet, Jone! She sent me a beautiful pile of her fabrics for my birthday - thank you dear Jone!

And then this afternoon we headed to Becky's cottage for Easter waffles (with jam and vanilla ice cream, yummmmm). I am still full !

check THIS out!

2011-04-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful salad on someone's blog as I surfed through a few last night.....

Wish I remembered whose blog it was....

I just can't see a toadstool and not think about the Violets!

and edible, no less

tee hee

Happy Easter!

2011-04-20T10:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Pantry Violets-

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter....Happy Spring! I carry you all in my heart! LOVE- Oolie

repeats

2011-04-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Violets,

Haven't posted in awhile so I am sending highlights from my other blog. That's my mom and I sitting on the chairs on the journal page. Looking forward to getting the stitching squares although I know it will be awhile.

I got this beautiful head in Seattle a few weeks ago and she is lucky enough to get to wear Danielle's bracelet as a crown. We are on Spring Break right now which is almost as nice as summer which I think officially starts for me in 5 weeks. Hope everyone is well.

xxoo

Taylor

nests

2011-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

The other day I was in Curiosa delivering eggs and I found the most delightful nest that Shawna (the owner) had made. I had to have it! complete with three little blue eggs that she had sprinkled with tiny brown dots....sigh.....

Isn't it lovely?

So, then we had our creative group last Sunday and I made a couple myself:
I used delicate colorful napkins to decorate the insides, since we were decorating eggs anyway... .....hmmmm, guess I didn't take pictures of the eggs - oh well. Aren't the nests cool?

In these shoes! I doubt I'd survive ......

2011-04-18T04:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a treat for the shoe fiends amongst you .... whilst in Lincoln last month we called in at The Hub, the National Centre for Craft & Design in Sleaford to see 'A Personal collection of Vivienne Westwood Shoes'

Here are pics of some of the exhibits - I loved the ones with toe shaped fronts:

together with some from the publicity available:

photographs below copyright John McIntire

Aren't they fabulous!! I love the pink books and the green platforms.

Oh that I had the legs to go with them - but my favourite shoes of the

whole exhibit will be on my tinkeringbythesea.blogspot tomorrow

- I simply fell in love with them and I could actually wear them too!

Love to All, xxDi