February 6, 2025

Mailed...

All my February "Love" artist trading cards went into the mail and are on their way to new homes. I made two changes to the one I shared yesterday. I kept the darker thread on three I'd completed before deciding to go with a lighter thread. I also moved the heart-shaped button to the top corner, rather than the bottom to balance out the design.

Now, I'll be able to concentrate on other things. Like moving some things out of my fabric studio. It was pretty exciting a couple nights ago. I was sitting in the recliner in the living room and would occasionally hear Crystal bouncing around upstairs. The first time I went to see what the ruckus was about, I turned on the hall light to find her reclining at the top of the stairs, looking innocent.

The second time, I didn't turn on the light until I'd quietly climbed the staircase. I found her in Handsome's room and she was staring, first under the bed and then at the bench at the end of the bed. I'd been doing laundry through the day and had a basket on the bench. I moved it to see a mouse scampering down the length of the bench. I calmly moved the basket into my studio and called Claudette.

Understand that I love all living creatures, however I do not like them pooping in my home. I knew there was a mouse because I'd occasionally find "signs" on my machine table. If I can catch said critter myself, I happily relocate them to the Compass Barn. However, Crystal was on the hunt, and I called Claudette to help. At first, she thought I was just bothering her, but when I moved our cedar chest Crystal was scoping out, the mouse ran right across Claudette's feet and into my studio. Game on! Both girls spent the night guarding those two doorways. Nothing was going to get past them again.

So far, the critter has eluded them, but I'd picked up all my baskets and containers and put them on my cutting table, so now is the perfect time to go through the containers and make some purging decisions. After I take care of the big girls this morning, I'll be returning to that room and I'll definitely be filling some bags to take to St. Vinny's. I'll let you know if the girls have any success, or if the mouse is fortunate enough for me to capture it first. Right now, I've got other things to do, so I'll leave that task to the little girls.

February 5, 2025

Almost Ready To Mail Out...

I came home from work yesterday, fed the girls, ate my dinner and then started stitching. This is what my February 2025 artist trading card looks like for the Love theme. I haven't finished all of them, but will do that today, in between other tasks. They'll all mail out tomorrow.

In retrospect (especially after photographing), I would have made my cherub image more saturated and perhaps a tad larger, but I've already put together twelve, and am not going to start over. I do love the image, and chose "hugs and kisses" rather than "Love" for the bottom.

Once these are completed and ready to mail, I can turn my attention to other things. I'm not sure what's next, but rest assured, you'll be the first to know once I make my choice.

Happy Hump Day!

February 4, 2025

Almost...

We got our theme for the February artist trading cards in the Treasures swap group my sister, Jan organizes. Of course, being Valentine's month, the theme is Love. I immediately seized on my project! 

I'm already nearly finished, but didn't want to show more than this until they're completely done. I purposely didn't choose the typical red/pink/white colorway this time. I went off in this lavender/purple direction instead.

I'm working today but will likely complete this after I get home. Once completed, I'll be able to share them with you before they fly away to new homes. I'm hoping I can do that tomorrow. Gotta run now, though...