Tuesdays With Tag - Happy Halloween...

 

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

Greetings from the Hickory Hill Ghosts this Halloween.

 

I know. You're scared, right? Not so much? I get it. This was the best picture Mom could get of the three of us for this year. She was exhausted when the photo shoot was done, and Dad even tried to help. 

First, I'm thinkin' it shows each of us perfectly. I mean, Boo has her tongue stickin' out. She's the one on the left. I'm sittin' like the bestest boy I am, but I accidentally stepped on my sheet and the part where my eye holes were separate from my mouth hole tore, so I think I look more like a nun than a ghost! Then there's The Kid. She stepped on her costume and tore it all to heck. Once that happened, she got all antsy and didn't want to sit still. That's where Dad came in. He made sure she didn't completely wreck the picture.

When Mom looked at the pictures after we were all back inside, she saw that the orange pumpkin basket was tipped over. Perfect. She tossed her hands in the air and declared this our official 2023 Halloween picture. It depicts all our personalities, and shows that our photo session was a little chaotic. She said she could live with that. 

 

As for the three of us? We were glad to be out of our costumes so we could resume runnin' around in the yard. We wanted to get a couple laps in while it was still nice outside. The weather got rainy and colder after that, so we were stuck inside to plan more Halloween tricks to pull on Mom and Dad.

 

We're gonna stay tucked inside and stay out of trouble. (I think we might have been on Mom's list for a while, so we're gonna make it up to her by behavin' today.) Mom said she's gonna dress up like a homemaker in comfy sweats, and Dad said he's gonna wear his farmer jeans and a flannel shirt. Sounds like a usual night around here to us! 

If you're goin' Trick or Treatin' tonight, be safe out there. If you're stayin' home and handin' out treats, we hope your house doesn't get TP'd. Just be sure to have fun with the neighborhood ghosts and goblins. 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog." 

Gettin' Froggy With It...

Now that I have the Pumpkin Patch pouches out of my head (there are only two left in my shop), I can get back to stitching my wee frogs. The green frogs are padded felt, and the blue frogs are padded dyed wool. That's why the "eyebrows" look like they're two different sizes - optical illusion because one eye has more dark blue on the wool than the other.

Today, I'll add the pearl purl outlines and then fill in the bodies. I'll do the outlines all at once, and then progress to the next step for each one. (Kind of like putting on both socks and then shoes, instead of one sock and one shoe, and then the other.)

I love doing these little guys, and will have them finished when I announce the Gratitude Giveaway winner on Wednesday. The winner can choose how they want me to finish theirs...a scissor fob, brooch, or free standing.

 

 

Remember, the giveaway ends tomorrow, and the only entries that count will be your comments on the original post HERE . You get multiple daily entries by also following me on Facebook and Instagram - but all the comments have to be on the giveaway post. You still have today and tomorrow until midnight left to add more entries, so either click on the link above, or click on the giveaway button near the top of my (right) sidebar over there ---------->

I'm going to have my morning coffee and then I'm back to my needlework. Tag and the girls will be here tomorrow to wish you a Happy Halloween! I'll see you again Wednesday.

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 91:4

 

Four New Finishes...

 

I'm calling these my "Pumpkin Patch Series". I began with selections from my vast Michelle Palmer original art collection (ink on fabric), and then added my own embroidery to each of them. Once that was complete, I created individual zippered pouches for each. 

 

 

Each "pouch" features my Brynwood-branded pull on the main compartment zipper, and a sweet pumpkin zipper pull on the front, exterior pocket.

 

All of them are fully lined, and range from 8"-11" tall, and up to four inches deep at the bottom.

 

When I shared photos with my sister, Jan, her reaction was, "They're so stinkin' cute!" I admit, I laughed out loud.

These are already listed in my Etsy shop, and available to purchase. If you're on Instagram or Facebook, you can see a small video I put together to introduce them. I'll soon be doing more with other of Michelle's pieces, but I have a wee frog (or four) to complete first. I guess I'd better hop to it. heehee

MIA Needles...

 

Two evenings ago I decided to work on a little needlework while sitting in the living room with Handsome. You know how I hate to sit with idle hands or at least something to do. I haven't done an autumn color-themed strawberry yet, so I thought, "Why not?". I set up my hoop and sat down to stitch for a bit.

After dinner, I put my hoop into my basket, placing my two large embellishing needles on my pinkeep. I put my needlework basket on our coffee table, and went into the kitchen so Handsome and I could do our usual post-meal cleanup. 

We didn't take long. Tag sat in the kitchen with us the entire time, hoping for a bit of "dropped" leftovers; Bella went upstairs and hopped on the bed, hoping to sleep upstairs overnight; and Carly was in and out of the kitchen. It was nearly midnight by the time we finished up and turned off the kitchen lights.

I went back into the living room to take my needlework basket upstairs, and these two needles were nowhere to be found. I panicked. What if Carly ate them? How could they just disappear? Handsome was sure that if anything, Carly might have knocked them on the floor with her tail as she passed the table. I wasn't convinced. 

Out came the flashlights to try to spot the sharp, metallic needles. On our hands and knees, looking under furniture. (I know. Not smart for me.) Finally we pulled out the vacuum and hoovered the entire room (actually the entire downstairs!). Still no needles, and this is definitely not my idea of needle dancing!

 

After searching for an hour and checking Carly's mouth to make sure she hadn't punctured herself (no blood found), we went to bed, sure she was okay but still uneasy that they were lost.

It wasn't until yesterday afternoon that Handsome came up to me and told me to close my eyes so he could place something in my hand. That's always an iffy proposition around here, but I did as asked and he placed one of the needles in my hand. I asked where he found it and was told it was on the middle of one side of our sectional in the living room. When he showed me where, we picked up the back cushion for that section, and there it was...the second needle!

Understand that I knew full-well that I'd most deliberately placed those needles safely in my basket. How they came to rest on the sofa is beyond me. All I do know is that they're safely tucked in my needle book now, and I'll be even more careful in the future. I'm so relieved that they're not just floating around. I pride myself on never dropping a needle that I didn't find, but it's never taken more than a few minutes. I'll be even more vigilant going forward. 

I'm nearly finished with the Michelle Palmer projects I'm working on. I'll be back to share them with you tomorrow.

 

Punkins!...

These guys have been in my head for a little while, so I decided to do something about it. I've had these drawings from my friend, Michelle Palmer for quite a while. I have a number of others in different themes, too, but right now, it's punkin (pumpkin) season, and I just had to play!

I've been adding embroidery to her drawings and I love how they're turning out. As you can see I also have the perfect fabrics and zipper pulls for them, too. I'm guessing you might be seeing where this is going.

 

So, pretty soon, you'll see all these as completed pieces. I'm planning to have them listed in my shop by the weekend, but of course, I'll share them with you first. What do you think? You like?

Monday Breadmaking Class...

 

Another result of going for lunch on Saturday was that Mary and Pat wanted to come and watch me next time I baked bread. I told them I was planning to bake Monday, and they were welcome to come on over. We had an informal baking class, and we sure had a great day together.

 

Once the dough was ready, I formed it into four loaves. One goes up the hill to Andy and Shelly, and three go into the freezer or breadbox here. I had reserved enough dough so that the ladies could bake their own once they got back home.

 

 

Mary sent a message to me first with a photograph of her loaf. She formed hers and placed it on a sheet in the oven, rather than using a bread pan. She said she thought her oven might have been too hot, because the bottom of her loaf got darker. I actually wouldn't have noticed had she not told me. We discussed it and I suggested she place her oven shelf up one notch for next time. I think it looks great.

 

Pat's picture came next. I love how she photographed it with one of her autumnal tea towels. She baked her loaf in a foil pan that I sent home with her. I had suggested that I was going to bake my loaves with an egg wash on the top this time, and she did the same. Another beautiful loaf.

 

 

This is how my egg washed loaves looked when they came out of the oven. Mary kept saying she thinks I should do a cooking/canning/baking show. YouTube and Facebook would likely be better venues for me. I told her I'd think about it.

You can tell by the photograph that Handsome is awfully happy to have fresh bread again.That smile makes it all worth it...and visiting with two girlfriends for most of the day wasn't too bad either.

Tuesdays With Tag - All The Good Smells...

 Hi, Everybody!

This one's gonna be quick. Mom is workin' on our costumes for Halloween, so we'll be sharin' all about that next week. 

It's been pretty great around here this past week. On Sunday Son #1 and his family came to visit. Before they left, everybody (includin' the fur bearers) went outside. Boo, The Kid and I were enjoyin' the snufflin' around in the grass, but I may have gotten carried away.

The people were gatherin' to take a selfie. Of course, I saw that as my opportunity and I skeedaddled as soon as they weren't lookin'. If it hadn't been for the dustmop that lives down the road, I might have had a true adventure.

As it was, after about 10 minutes, the bipeds heard Miss Connie's dog barkin' - and it was prolonged. It was just enough to get everybody down to the corner, and I was busted. I was the reason the other dog was barkin'. I launched a few choice words over my shoulder as I was bein' led away. 

Mom didn't even holler. She said she was just really glad I didn't get run over by traffic on the crossroad. Me, too!

So, the next time you see me, I'll be in costume with those other two. This oughta be a great, good time. At least there should be treats! We shall see.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog." 

Just Do It...

l-r: Patti P., Kathy W., Pat B., me (back), Mary S. (front), Karen C., Mary B. and Nan S.

 

Today I'm sharing a little food for thought. I'm going to tell you about my Saturday and how I had an epiphany. Perhaps it will change a few attitudes out there that could use a little adjusting like mine did. 

Early Saturday morning I got a group text from some of my girlfriends from high school. Some of these ladies were involved in planning our class reunion, and some weren't. It really doesn't matter to my story as we've all reconnected and become friends. Anyway, the text was asking if we wanted to get together for lunch at 11:30 at a local restaurant.

I'd planned to stay in and stitch all day, so I replied that I "had other plans" and couldn't make it. When I went downstairs I told Handsome and he said, "That's great!". I told him I'd declined. When he asked me why, I said that I just thought I'd hang around at home and stitch. My dear husband said that really didn't sound like me, as I grabbed a cup of coffee and thought about what he'd said. He asked me whether I liked these ladies, and I said I surely did. He suggested I text back and tell them I'd changed my mind.

I collected water and food for the barn girls and headed outside to feed them, and I started thinking about what he'd said. He's right. It didn't sound like me. Why would I rather sit and stitch at home as opposed to having a fun get together with girlfriends? This is a rut I fall into when he's in Florida, too. There are weeks when I don't leave the house...and I'm content. This time I started thinking that I was just being lazy.

I went back into the house, told Handsome that he was right, and I decided I wanted to go to town and meet up with the ladies. I sent a text and said that I'd changed my plans and would be there at 11:30. I finished my morning coffee and ran (well, maybe I not ran) upstairs and got all gussied up to drive out for lunch.

I'm so glad I did!!! My whole attitude changed as I drove to town, and seeing these girlfriends was so worth the trip. We all chattered about what's been going on in our lives; what we're planning for the near future; and ate a tasty meal together. 

 

Some of the gals were planning to go out to our city park (located on Lake Winnebago - the big lake you see if you look at a map of Wisconsin) to meet up with another classmate who competes for largest pumpkin/squash/tomato with her husband, and they were showing off their ribbon winning pumpkin there. When I left home, the sun was shining and it had begun to warm up a bit, so I'd just grabbed a vest to go to lunch. While we ate, the weather turned, and it got windy. (A few other gals hadn't grabbed jackets either.) We knew it would be "cooler by the lake", so we declined. 

Before we parted ways, we asked the hostess at the restaurant to take this picture of us. I shared it with the group on Facebook, and classmates and other friends commented on how great we look. My reply was that it doesn't seem like we're all creeping up on seventy (years old). My knees would say otherwise, but even if we do look 69-70 years old, we're all still young at heart and have great fun together. We're already planning a weekend away in February!

I'm telling you all this because my day would have been vastly different from what it became - and it would have been predictably usual if I'd stayed home. Don't get me wrong. Being home is not boring, drudgery, or bad. That's why it's so easy for me to choose that option. 

 

The truth is that we need our friends. We need a personal interaction that we can only get from friends, and most of all, we're social beings who need to be around those people from time to time. Handsome gets his weekly dose from musician friends at rehearsal. I get mine from girlfriends - and my sisters - and I'm so glad I went.

Not only that, but two of the gals see my regular baking posts on Facebook and asked if they could come and learn from me next time I bake bread. It just so happens that I'm baking today, so they'll be here soon and we'll bake together. I'm really looking forward to it!

If you're a home body, consider getting out a little more often. Spend time with friends and family who help "refill your tank" - people who replenish your soul. Know that you're doing the same for them, and you're twice blessed. At the end of the day, we all need each other. Oh, and don't forget to hug. We all need hugs, too!

 

PS. For some reason, I can only get a few replies written to your comments before I get a message saying that my reply failed to post  and I should "try again later". So, if you don't see a reply from me right away, that's likely why. I promise I'll get back in to answer your notes. Thanks!

Sunday Scripture...

James 4:7

 

Something On My Mind...

 

As I work on my wee frogs, I've been contemplating another project. I have these (along with many more) gorgeous Michelle Palmer drawings on fabric. To say I love her work would be a huge understatement.

I have a few ideas in mind for what I want to do with them, so while I'm stitching felt to fabric, and then beginning my goldwork, I'll continue to think on this. I can only do the goldwork during the day, however what I have in mind for these I could actually work on in the evening. 

Once I do something, you know I'll certainly share it with you. I can't ever keep secrets from you. I'm awful at that. So, keep your eyes open. You may see what I'm thinking about sooner, rather than later.

Don't forget to keep entering my Gratitude Giveaway! The link is in my sidebar - over there ----------->

No Progress Today...

 

 

As you can see, I haven't made any progress on my frogs at all. I mounted the fabric into my hoop, and then placed it on my second favorite stitching frame...this one is a table mount (with two different size clamps) that I ordered custom from a lovely young woman from Russia in 2022. I wrote about it HERE. In retrospect, I was quite fortunate to receive it, as I placed my order and it was shipped just before relations between our country and theirs tanked. Sadly, she no longer posts her beautiful needlework or stands online anymore.

Yesterday turned out to be another day of rest. I spent a little time in the studio, tossing paper (I thought computers were supposed to eliminate that?), and generally doing a light tidying up. We even had "if-it's" for dinner, because I just didn't feel like cooking a full meal. Mind you, no one suffered as we had some pretty tasty leftovers in the refrigerator. "If-it's" is a term my mum always used. "If it's left over in the fridge, we can have it for dinner." The term has stuck with me all these years, so my family is familiar with it, too.

Therefore, today is going to involve setting up and padding my froggies. I'll likely move into my Lowrey stand for the needlework, and then put it back into my signature hoop to photograph. I'm hoping to get all four set up so I can begin the goldwork over the weekend. We'll have to see how much I can accomplish toward that end. Gosh, is it already Friday again?!!

 

A Patriotic Evening...

 

 

Dear Diary...

 

Last night was truly an evening to remember. Handsome and I traveled to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI to hear the United States Marine Band (The President's Own) play a stirring selection of music. 

 

First, let me say that this concert was free to attend, and there were busloads of band kids that came with their music directors to see and hear these talented musicians. As a musician friend of Handsome's said, "They're fun, fast and accurate." That was an understatement! When they performed Festive Overture, Opus 96 by Shostakovich, they took it at breakneck speed. It was breathtaking to witness.

 

 

Here's the program with all the pieces they played, and there were a few encores that weren't listed. The soloist (who was also the MC) performed the Marriage of Figaro, and for an encore, he sang "If I Loved You" from Carousel. As the concert closer, the final encore was "God Bless America" also sung by the soloist, and the entire audience rose to sing it again with him. I was in tears when it was all over.

 

It was just the sort of patriotic evening we needed. In fact, I wish their performance could have been broadcast nationwide. It brought that entire audience together in music and song, and was wonderful to witness and be a part of. I think we could all use a little of that right now. 

It's Froggy Time...

 

It's time to make more wee frogs, so I pulled out all my supplies last night. I'll begin setting up the designs today, and I'm planning to have three or four in the hoop at the same time. I'm planning to hold one of each color aside until after the Gratitude Giveaway drawing the end of the month, so the winner will have a choice from the different colors.

 

(A note to MA: See the purple handles? Those are my 3" needlework pliers. They're from BeadSmith, in case you're interested. Let me know if you need a link.)

Of course, I'll have a green one, and then I'm planning a blue one (see the colors closest to the tweezers? Those.) Do you think I should do a couple other colors? Purple? Yellow? Pink? Do you think I should do  fantasy frogs or just stick to more realistic colors - even though the frogs are sparkly and beady? Let me know in the comments, please, as I'm planning to pull more fibers after the patterns are drawn on the fabric, and I get my fabric hooped.

We got an awful lot done yesterday. The weather was perfect to clean out the last garden bed, and then each of us sat on a yard tractor and mowed the acres of grass. It goes faster that way. Then I slept for two hours! Handsome has decided that while I'm still healing - from now on - I'm going to have quiet time for at least two hours every afternoon. A forced rest, if you will. I'm all for it. 

 

It will be perfect that I start today, as we have a concert to attend tonight. We're going to see the Marine Band (The President's Own) perform in Appleton, WI. Handsome and I know two former conductors, one is Ret. Capt. Michelle Rakers (who I wrote about HERE when she was still assistant conductor. She became principal conductor prior to her retirement from the military a few years ago.) Handsome and I are really looking forward to seeing the band perform in our home state.

 

I'm ready for my morning coffee, and then I'm off to play with needles, thread and beautiful, sparkly fibers. Happy Wednesday, dear friends.

Tuesdays With Tag - In The Barn Again...

Hi, Everybody!

Well, I guess Mom let the cat out of the bag for today. She told you yesterday what I'd be talkin' about, and because I don't want to make her out to be a liar, here goes.

 

It really chaps my hide to see her do all this work for those stoopid cats, but it's obvious she loves 'em and wants 'em to be safe and warm all winter. I mean, she made that insulated cat house this summer for them, didn't she?

 

This is what you see when you first walk into the part of the barn that used to have pigs in it when Miss Shelly was a kid. Ha! I guess it's got pigs in it again now. hee hee 

On the left are Mom's two heavy wicker chairs. She took the cushions off them, but put them back together kind of like how they were last winter. She put a kitty bed, a kitty igloo, and a heat reflective pad on the seats in case they had a hankerin' to sleep there. She also put the board across the top so the canvas wouldn't fall in, but Crystal likes lyin' up there once in a while.

Crystal is sittin' on the chaise that's right in front of the basinette they've been sleepin' in most of the summer. That's were she was when Mom went out to take these pictures for my post.

 

Under the the end window Mom has a big bale of hay and on top of that are a couple cat beds and a blanket so the girls will be comfy on sunny winter days, just hangin' out and gettin' a little vitamin D. The styrofoam coolers were there last year in case the girls wanted to sleep in them. Claudette checked them out, but so far, no takers.

 

 

Another view of the wicker chairs and the basinette. Mom put the chaise there so that she'd have a comfy place to sit to cuddle the girls when she goes out to check on them at night.

 

 

You can see the cat house (dresser) is under the window where it will get the benefit of light (and maybe solar warmth) durin' the winter. She fed them on top of the dresser all summer, but when they came back into the barn, they hopped right onto the workbench where they were fed all last winter. Mom gave in and has their food and water dishes up there again. It will be easier to plug the water dish in so the water doesn't freeze. That's probably a better place for it anyway. 

The blue tarp on the right side of the picture hangs over the little door that opens into this area. Mom and Dad also hung up a big doubled canvas tarp to keep this room warmer when the wind starts to blow. Mom did a lot of insulatin' last winter, so she only had to add a couple more sheets of insulation to close up a few gaps this year. There are two areas she still wants to address, so she'll likely do that this week. It's already gettin' colder, so we're all glad this got done so Mom doesn't have to worry about her girls. 

Miss Shelly said she read it's supposed to be a "warmer than usual" winter this year with less precipitation. If that's the case, Mom won't need to get a warmin' lamp. If it looks like it's gonna be more "below zero" weather, she'll go the the farm store and get a brooder lamp, or that warmin' bed that our friend, Miss Jody told us about. For now, all the insulation, pads and blankets are gonna suit these fur balls just fine.

So, now you've seen it all. Try not to be too impressed. I mean, they're just cats after all. Exercise for Labradors. Annoyin', little creatures that always try to rub up against me. I might be more receptive to it, if Claudette hadn't tried to smack me every time I walked past her when she first lived here. I still don't trust her, even though she tries to be nice to me. Maybe someday I'll let her lie down next to me, but for now she can just keep movin' on.

Speakin' of movin' on... I think I hear breakfast bein' offered, and Lord knows I don't want to miss that! I gotta run.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog." 

October Craft Day...

 

Saturday we gathered for another craft day with girlfriends, old and new (this time). My girlfriend, Linda couldn't attend due to a back issue, and her sister-in-law Linda P. had another commitment for the same date. Kim was also absent, attending a child's soccer game. So this time, it was a group of five. L-r: Sarah (one of Marie's friends from church), me, Nancy (Adrienne's mother-in-law), Marie and Adrienne (our hostess). The theme for this month was to create a one-of-a-kind piece using a wooden turkey base purchased from Dollar Tree.

 

Marie was ahead of the game as she decorates and sells these at craft fairs in their area. She had a couple others that were already finished - all different, but really cute. This was one she finished ahead of time. She was still working on hers from the get-together, but it wasn't complete enough to share.

Adrienne chose embellishments that coordinated with the colors in her recent wedding. The "B" initial embroidery I just completed was their wedding gift. They opened it together, and Adrienne said it needed to hang in their family room, as that's where they spend the most time. Her turkey had actual fluffy, maroon feathers on it!

 

Nancy and I used the same napkin as the center of our design. I love her green painted turkey body, and all the colors went together so well. I love it!

I'm sharing a photo of my turkey, too. I decided to add flowers on the head of mine, rather than an eye like some of the others. I loved the shades of tan and gold in the leaves I used for the tail, and placed berries from the leaf picks to embellish the edges of my decoupaged napkin. The only thing I haven't added yet is an acorn to hang from the cord around its neck.

It really was a fun day, and I called Linda on my way home to make sure she was okay. She'll be seeing her doctor today to figure out exactly what's going on with her back. I could tell by her voice that she was hurting, so I really promoted the idea of her making an appointment first thing today. I'll catch up with her in the next day or so to check on her. 

I stopped at the local farm stand close to Adrienne's before coming home. The nice gentleman loaded fifty pounds of potatoes (only $16 for the whole bag!!!) into the back of my Explorer, and my youngest sister, Jan is going to come down during the week to help me can most of them. More food for the pantry shelves!

We got the girls moved into the barn yesterday, so they've got even more posh accommodations this year than last. I fed them there last night, so now they know meals won't be on the porch for a while. They had fun checking out all their sleeping spots, and checked the place for mice. Thankfully for the mice, they were unsuccessful in their hunt. Tag told me he'd like to share photos tomorrow of this year's setup, so I promised to help him pull that off. If you come back tomorrow, I'm sure Mr. Smarty Pants will fill you in as only he can. For now, I'm going to join Handsome for our morning coffee. 

Don't forget to keep entering the Gratitude Giveaway each day. It ends on October 31st, leaving you lots of time between now and then to get multiple entries in!

Sunday Scripture...

Proverbs 4:13

 

Amazon Associate Favorites...

I worked in my Etsy shop yesterday, creating a new banner, and adding new listings. Soon, I'll be adding new digital files featuring my wooly acorn pincushion, corgi pincushion and strawberry pincushion patterns. It's nearly time to update my blog banner, too, so look for a new look here, as well.

Today I'm creating a new page for my blog to link to all my favorite needlework, sewing and quilting tools and accessories. I think I told you already that I'm now an Amazon Associate, so as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through my links. 

I'm only going to share items I've personally used and highly recommend, so you know you can trust your purchase. I'll be adding more as I sort through my links, and I'll have my "Amazon Associate Links" listed on my menu at the top of my blog to make it easier for you to locate.

One more thing - If you are looking for something specific but don't see it here, please contact me and I'll happily share my link for it, and then add it to this page.

 

This is the exact stand I use. It's stable, sturdy and never loosens up when I'm stitching. The best stand I've owned in 40 years! Here's my link: https://a.co/d/7fV8OYT

#ad #commissionearned

 

Yamato Sticking Paste, the standard of starch glue, is made from environment-friendly natural materials
Yamato paste is made from tapioca starch and is an indispensable traditional Japanese product when working with washi, chiyogami and katazome-shi.
These squeezable tubes of prepared adhesive are perfect for when you don't have the time to mix your own. Yamato green tube adhesive is acid free, non-toxic and dries clear. It is very consistent and has long drying time.

I use this to secure threads on the back of my stumpwork/goldwork pieces. It's used by many needleworkers, and was recommended to me by my friend and teacher, Clara of Clara Stitching. Here's my link: https://a.co/d/821Eco5

#ad #commissionearned

 

Hazel Everett's Goldwork: Techniques, Projects and Pure Inspiration It's a wonderful book and I'm so glad it's in my library! Recommended to me by my needlework teacher, Clara of Clara Stitching.
Here's my link: https://a.co/d/3guoGPU

#ad #commissionearned

 

A wonderful little book from the Royal School of Needlework. I love my copy! Here's my link: https://a.co/d/cX9tXp3

#ad #commissionearned

 

My favorite "everything needlework" book. I purchased my copy immediately after returning from my RSN week in Lexington, KY. Here's my link: https://amzn.to/3tpftBb

#ad #commissionearned

 

Kaverme 3PCS Precision Tweezers Set, Upgraded Anti-Static Stainless Steel of Tweezers, for Electronics, Soldering, Laboratory Work, Jewelry-Making, Model, Craft

I love this set! I use the ESD-11s all the time with my goldwork, and the other two for all my needlework and sewing. Reasonably priced, too! Here's my link: https://a.co/d/7qvN75G

#ad #commissionearned

 

Madeira Thread Chest. This is filled with all the colors of the rainbow. Rayon threads in a beautiful drawer cabinet. Great for machine or hand embroidery. Everything is at your fingertips. Here's my link: https://a.co/d/5ZvqXNc

#ad #commissionearned

 

Jinmaya Silk Mulberry Silk Thread for Handmade Embroidery 60 Colors Spools Cross Stitch Needle Point DIY Handicraft Supply Chinese Suzhou Embroidery Silk

Imagine thread painting with these beautiful threads. Yum!! I admit I don't own these yet, but the reviews are great, and I'm looking forward to adding them to my studio.
Here's my link: https://a.co/d/b1oetWv

#ad #commissionearned

 

Thread Wax Thread Conditioner Beeswax for Sewing Thread Beeswax Thread Conditioner for Quilting Sewing Strengthening Line Embroidery Wax for Thread (4 Pieces) 

These are perfect for conditioning your thread for strength when working on embroideries or goldwork. There are actually four of them in the set, and each one will look like these. You can keep one with each project, because we always have more than one in progress, right? Here's my link: https://amzn.to/45Bm093 #ad #commissionearned

 

Just imagine how wonderful it would be to have this assortment at your fingertips whenever you wanted to begin a new thread painting embroidery, or simply to work on a new project. I love having mine handy, and have frequently reach for this luscious metrosene silk finish thread from Mettler when I'm embroidering my seasonal birds. Here's my link: https://amzn.to/3QdLWDk

#ad #commissionearned

 

This is all for now, but I'll be adding more items as they come to mind - or when I order and fall in love with something new. Check back frequently so you don't miss anything, and as always, thank you for supporting my love of needlework and all things handcrafted.