Tools, French country

Another in my series of rustic French tool bags.
This can hang on a nail in the workshop to hold small measuring implements.
I put some of my collection inside. They were found years ago in a wooden box in NZ.
Even included the little blue marking pencil that I have tied on the handle.

Victorian project

To get started with Xmas gifts or tree ornaments.
My easy cornucopia Victorian style.

Cut a square of lace or fabric and one of linen.
Sew around edge few times.
Fold on diagonal where pin is and sew.
Add ribbon hanger to back.
Decorate how you like, I used beads, more ribbon and chenille.
Tucked a handmade bloom into the opening.
In Victorian times they would be filled with treats like small candy or pennies and little booklets.

Rasta duck

Just for fun. I had some old quilt tops so made some items.
This Rasta duck is one, he is happy to sit near me when I work.
Quacks if he needs attention.
Has a beaded fiber tail and head gear, Rasta style.
about 12" long.
Funky I know, but that is another side of me!

All steamed up!

Another video on my other site..

Here are some finished views.

Le Cave, tool bag

to take into the wine cellar, Le cave! Another in my series of rustic country French tool bags.
Plenty of pockets, my own photo collage and lace and trims. Old buttons too.

Funky script

I embroidered the words on the angel dress by hand.
Hanger is angel wings, looks like sleeves but is not.
The heart dress was embroidered free style by machine for another look.
Hanger created with wire.

Dancing lace

One of the lectures I will be giving at Quilt festival will be the use of lace, how to collage and layer it.
This pillow top will be one item, have to make some more examples and will show them later.
The dancer is surrounded by ribbon embroidery.
Some made with french knots, and a rose I designed with several different stitches. Shown on the sprig, upper right.

Quilt festival classes

Couple versions of the quilted book class I will teach.
This class has been filled.
I had better get busy finishing all the kits.
Come visit me in Houston, TX.

You can still sign up for my shabby bag class and my Crazy quilted postcards.

La Tarantella page

Another book page. I wrote a story to enhance the pages. Not shown tho.

Yes I have danced all my life, all kinds, like jazz, tap, ethnic dance like this, and ballet.
Like to sing and have been in some groups, in the back , way back, hmmm!
So I hope the dance and music in my background show in my art.
Not at all conscious thoughts, but I like to set up a rhythm in my work.

One of my cloth books

La Tarantella, the gypsy dance of southern Italy and Sicily.
I have seen live performances there. Wonderful!

My doll sitting on a box in my studio.

Couple pages from a book I made a while ago.
Have a bit of the fire in me, the dance and the gypsy music, love them.

Giverny book

Monet's garden is my inspiration for this fabric book.
Lots of embroidery, fabric art and lace.
Cover is a wrapped style with velvet ribbon to tie.
I added some of Monet's quotes and ideas.

Book in box part 2 is up.

I walk you through the embellishments and covering the parts of the set.
Very simple, the results are usually worth the fiddling about.
Let me know if you create some, love to hear from you.

Pillow from Marseille

Made with textiles and trims from France.

Art paper bags and blooms

There is a new video on my classes site.

Be a while until I make another, getting ready for Quilt Festival now.
Some of my arty paper bags and flower.