Just another Monday

I started to type manic Monday but it just isn’t. Not manic. Depressed to be back at work even, although the day is improving…

Things went really well this weekend. I was on point the entire time, orchestrating everything for the path of least resistance. I’m bushed. The stress level of the combination of my dad’s episode and my brother’s visit to the states was worrisome but everything went very smoothly. It’s taken over 12 of years of sobriety for the family drama queen drunk (me in case you didn’t know) to get to the point where she is the one in the family who keeps things running smoothly. Who knew! My brother enjoyed his time with us and is again talking about moving back to the Seattle area. He returns from his errands in Utah for Father’s Day and then home to France. Continue reading

Pincushions ~ I’m smitten

I don’t know what it is about these little cuties that appeal to me so much but I think it’s just that they are so dang cute.  I found an etsy store that makes them and I was off and running.

I just received the book, Pretty Little Pincushions, and I can’t wait to get the time to drool over these.

Jen of Schmaltzy Craftsy makes the best pincushions ever.  I’m hooked.  Now, that last thing I need is a zillion pincushions around the house.  Most of my friends don’t sew so they aren’t that great for gifts.  And I would never dream of trying to compete.  But I must have some of these.  As soon as payday arrives, this little beauty is mine…

Another fabulous pincushion designer, yes designer, is Elizabeth Hooper of Loosestring.  Also with the best pincushions evar…

I need some beauty in my life right now

I noticed the other day that the golden chain tree (Laburnum) is in bloom. I don’t know exactly what it is about this tree but it makes me so happy to see it in its full glory.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh

Tis muggy here today. Stifflingly muggy. Tonight it promises to rain and after the very high heat of this weekend that will be fine with me. Less on the water bill…

Friday I got some awesome support from folks at my 12 step meeting. Including a really nice hug from a guy who doesn’t usually say much. He said “you’re a good person and you’re handling this very well.” I really, really needed what I got Friday evening.

Saturday as I was walking across the parking lot on my way to silver smithing class a crow buzzed me. Continue reading

My “Studio”

I felt much better last night and got quite a bit done. Read the Alignments for The Well Worn Path tarot and the Teachings for The Hidden Path tarot. I love these two decks and generally combine them when I do a reading. But decided to go through in sequence and understand the story. Folks interested in tarot and Wicca and Wiccan tarot might enjoy them too.

I took some pictures of some commission designs I’m working on (yay!) and then took some photos of my working environment. I live in a very small one bedroom apartment. It is long on charm and short on space. Sometimes I find myself very frustrated when I have to pull out the ironing board one more time or set up the sewing machine AGAIN. But for now it’s just the way it is.

I sit on my couch surrounded by the stuff currently in process and “watch” movies and snuggle with Miss Mitty. Sometimes she reminds me that I’m being negligent and to get busy paying attention to her, sometimes she dreams the evening away. You can just see her eye opening preparing to give me The Evil Eye because I, that crazy woman, am once again taking pictures of She Who is a Mystery.

This my work table. My coffee table. My foot stool. My dining table.

Details: tarot art inspiration, design notebook, works in progress, tools

Work in progress. This shot actually does the fabrics justice for once. Maybe I’ve been trying too hard…

New Inspirations

I’ve been mulling over what I want to do next project wise. Besides working on a couple private projects for a couple of friends. I’ve always got a lot of irons in the fire and there just aren’t enough at the moment I guess.

Yesterday I felt compelled to browse a local fabric shop (great stuff, high prices) and found the cutest little felt bag. They had three styles. A small shoulder bag (black) and two different sized totes (2 shades of blue). I just had to have the black felt bag. Part of me feels bad about the carbon footprint on it, it is made in Nepal. And part of me feels good about supporting some felt workers in Nepal. *sigh*

It’s so cute, screaming for embellishment. I might have to get a couple of these to embellish and sell but this one’s mine…

I also have been working on sketching up some designs for more bags. I pulled out my favorite tarot decks the other day and selected cards that have motifs and designs that speak to me right now. And started making them my own…

Continue reading