September 21, 2014

Around The World Blog Hop...

 Hello, Blog Hoppers!
I'm a little late posting this for today, but Taggart (aka "Tag")
would like to welcome you if you're new to Brynwood Needleworks.
 I'd like to thank our good blog friend, 
Sharon Chapman of Wildflowerhouse
for inviting me to join in the Around The World Blog Hop.
 Thanks also to
Barbara Lilian in France 
who organized the Around The World Blog Hop.
 
I have been a huge fan of Sharon's blog and her incredible artwork
since I first began following blogs in early 2009, and I continue to
look to her for daily creative inspiration. Thank you, my friend, for
inviting me to join this fun event. Now, on to the rest of my assignment...
 
 In case you're new to Brynwood Needleworks, I'll tell you just a little
about me and what I like to do in my south Florida, USA studio.
I'm a wife to an incredibly talented, retired photographer, who has been
a musician all his life. (We've been married thirty years!) Now, he gets 
to play (percussion) to his heart's content, and I am always his #1 fan. 
 
We travel all over the country for his musical pursuits and performances 
in our 27' Airstream Flying Cloud. We live a happy, blessed life, indeed.
 I used to own a needlework shop in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in the late
1980s until the mid-1990s, called "Stitches". At that time, I also designed
counted thread samplers and sold my designs as Brynwood Needleworks.
 Although I no longer sell those designs, I have and will always be a
needleworker first and foremost. You might be able to find some of my
charts available online, and you can check out my sidebar link to see them.
Many babies have worn my custom Christening gowns.
My creative process begins with creating heirloom-quality items. 
I made all the gowns for my niece's wedding.
 I began sewing when I was eleven, and have made garments for years. I then
 moved to handwork, and have enjoyed embroidery (needlepoint, crewel
 embroidery and counted thread work), knitting and crocheting over the years. 
 
I learned early on that I'd rather spend my time creating things that 
will outlast me and be cherished by those who come after me.
One of my recent quilt projects
These days, you'll most likely find me in the studio creating quilts, handbags, 
and home decor items. As we move toward Christmas, I share my gift list 
and my creative process as I work toward my holiday giving deadlines. So 
far, I haven't missed getting them out on time! I'm already starting to put it 
together and I usually start November 1st. I'm getting anxious to begin!
 
I try to spend some time in my studio every single day. I have what I
refer to as a "creative imperative"...I need to have my mind and hands
busy working on something all the time. When I'm not able to work,
I'm thinking about what will be my next project. I can't help myself.
 Oh, and I adore everything 'acorn and oak leaves". From my 25 year old
 logo to dishes and silverware and fabrics. You can see some of my acorn
collection by clicking on this link, or you'll find acorns all throughout my blog
 if you look for them. Funny how one small thing can make me so happy!
 
One of my favorite quotes is attributed to William Rutherford:
"The way to use life is to do something that outlasts it."
It's something I've internalized and have tried to live every day.
Thanks, Sharon, for inviting me to join the blog hop.
 
I hope all of you enjoy exploring my blog. I'd love to hear from you!
 
Now...
I'd like to introduce you to two of my blog friends. I know these ladies 
personally, so I know you'll love them as much as I do! They will be
joining the hop with their blog posts next Monday (September 29th).
Susan Slaton of Wazoo Quilting
is an award winning quilter and longarm quilter extraordinaire. 
She belongs to our quilt guild, and I'm fortunate to call her my friend.
Check out her blog HERE to see what she's been up to.
I'd also love for you to meet my (camera-shy) talented and funny friend,
Loreen of Miss Loreen's Schoolhouse
Loreen designs quilts and other projects, and she loves teaching others
her craft. Her blog is loaded with projects, patterns and fabric goodness.
Loreen and I have been good friends for about ten years. 
She moved back north and I still miss her every day!
Check out her blog HERE to see what's on her design board.
 
Remember, these ladies will post for the Hop on their blogs next Monday!
Tag writes his own blog posts on Tuesdays, so I hope you'll stop in to see him.
 
Next time you visit, make a cup of tea and stay a while. 
There's something new going on at Brynwood Needleworks every day. 
DonnaAcornSignature

3 comments:

  1. Oh Tag looks so marvelous as do you. Thanks so much for joining in. I love that blue ribbon quilt.

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  2. What a lovely post, Donna. :) I had no idea that you had a shop...and designed patterns too. Of course now I'm thinking "is there anything Donna can't do?"...but I've already known the answer to that one and it's a great big NOPE!!!...Oh gosh, I love that quilt...and your hair too, in both photos! I'll pop by to visit your sweet friends in a little bit. xoxo

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  3. Reading more about you and all you do is so refreshing. Sharing your beautiful life and talents is such a gift to us. Thank you and I am proud to share your friendship here in blogland. I am off to visit your friends. Creative Bliss Dear...

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna