A Lovely Artist And Etsy Shop...

It snowed all day and into the wee hours of the night yesterday, so I spent time browsing Etsy and catching up on emails. I've also been busy in the studio, but I'm not ready to share about that quite yet. I'm working in small bites, so it's taking longer than usual. I'm also still resting my knee(s) and improving daily.

At any rate, this is a shop I've been following for a while, and I'm sure that if you know me at all, you won't be surprised that I'm smitten with her art. She's simply wonderful. Her name is Jeanette and her shop is The Hawk and The Oak on Etsy. 

 

 

I absolutely adore everything she creates.

I just placed an order with her after drooling over her work for months. I'm looking forward to receiving her pieces. If you love what you see and would like to see what else she has done, you can find her shop HERE. 

No, I'm not compensated for sharing her shop. No, except for my order, she doesn't even know I exist. Yes, I do love her work, so I wanted you to see it, too. Enjoy!

Wintertime Cozy...

"Cozy Christmas" Art by Jenn Weissenbacher

The perfect place to be on a cold winter night...tucked in your warm home with a pantry filled with tasty treats. All your neighbors are safe and warm, too. "A gentle fire, a little food, and an immense quiet".  (These are the words I chose for my "Hearth and Home" sampler design - BW-7 HERE. Perhaps I'll make my sampler designs available again in 2025. You can see all my designs by clicking the link in my sidebar.)

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

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?

Kindred Spirits...

Brynwood Needleworks via Anna Speshilova Art - Swallows

I recently came across the artwork of talented artist Anna Speshilova. I immediately fell in love with her watercolor images of humans interacting with wildlife. If you've come to know me through my posts, you'll understand how I instantly felt that she, her subjects, and I are kindred spirits.

Anna Speshilova - Instagram image

This is her Instagram image, and (to me, at least) it's plain to see in her kind eyes, where her creative muse originates. This lovely, young woman, immediately captures your heart with her images of animals and human interactions.

Brynwood Needleworks - Anna Speshilova A Walk In The Woods

I haven't found her titles for these pieces, so I've named them myself. The kindness and compassion; the sense of sharing space with nature are evident in every piece I've seen. I'm not even addressing her skill as an artist, which is clearly exhibited. She's quite gifted.

Brynwood Needleworks - Anna Speshilova Bedtime Story

 

 I'm sharing the link, in case you'd like to see more of her artwork. Just click HERE to view additional pieces, or head right to her Instagram account HERE to see even more!

It's been bitterly cold here (before windchill temps at -11º), so I've worried about our resident opossums with their naked ears, paws and tails. I pray they've been huddled together in a sheltered place to keep warm. The raccoons have their big, furry coats to keep them warm, so I don't fret for them as much.

Yesterday, I took cat and dog food, grapes and blueberries, along with the fruit and nut birdseed mix to keep all my wild friends nourished (and to share a little Valentine with them). Today, the temperatures will rise out of the deep freeze, into the 30s. I'll go out and check on the trail cam to make sure everyone is okay. See? I'm telling you. We're kindred spirits.

 

Finishing Up Today...

Image by Graham Francois "The Giver"

  I'm finishing up the table runner today. Come back tomorrow for pictures of the completed piece. Wishing everyone a great day. xo  

Art Is Pointless...

Artist: Jasmine Kay Uy

It's all a matter of perspective.

If you read only one side of the monument, 

it's completely different than if you take in both sides of it.

(I prefer reading it entirely. My life would be empty without art.)

This art installation can be see in Austin, Texas on the University of Texas campus.

I'll be "creating" today.

(Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandma. I hope 103 is wonderful for you.)

A Gift From Michelle...

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle's Sunflower

Having creative friends is really a wonderful gift. I especially love when a mutual admiration for each other's talents opens hearts and doors to sharing those abilities.

My friend, Michelle Palmer recently created this scrumptious needle punch sunflower. Her needle punch skills, when combined with her drawings, results in the most glorious creations. This one was something I couldn't resist and I told her so.

Brynwood Needleworks - Donna's Strawberry Blossom Sachet

Michelle told me that she loved my strawberry sachets, so I made one especially for her...and then we traded. A gift for a gift.

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle's Sunflower

When The Sunflower arrived, I couldn't believe how much more gorgeous it was up close. All the tiny loops created in the needle punch process, all perfectly sized from one to the next. Michelle's artwork turned into a needlework piece that took my breath away.

I'm certain that I fared better in this arrangement. I'm keeping this piece on my table where I can look at it often. as I contemplate what it should be...a cushion; a framed piece; part of something larger. I just don't know yet.

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle's Sunflower and Card

Even the card she tucked in made me smile. I'm reminded of the farms of Wisconsin, and all the holstein cows that dot the countryside. I have a deep affection for them, and the card immediately brought back memories of our last home before we came to Florida. 

Everything about Michelle's gift warmed my heart. I'll treasure her needlework, and her card, for a long, long time to come. 

Thank you, my friend.

Thank you for the massive gift of your talent and time.

My heart is full.

Tuesdays With Tag - Feelin' A Little Artsy Fartsy...

Hi, Everybody!

This picture was taken last summer while we were travelin'. 

(Don't worry. No alligators in those northern waters!)

I had a busy weekend, but Mom didn't take pictures, if you can even believe that! Soooo, today, I'm gonna punt for my blog post. I gotta get me some more reliable help around here. I can't be expected to just post "selfies" every week, can I?

I was goin' through Mom's "Corgi Art and Posters" files and saw this cool picture again (by Norma Rowley). I got inspired. I came up with a little idea to try my paw at creatin' my own art.

What do you think? 

I used a watercolor effect in Mom's Photoshop Elements program and this is what I made. Mom liked it so much she put it up on the 'fridgerator. She said she might even have cards made! I guess she's partial to "artsy fartsy". hee hee

I think we have better pictures that we can play with though. I'm thinking somethin' more like this would make a better card. (Autographs available) See? This is what I play around with when I'm foolin' around on the computer.

Mom saves lots of Corgi posters and cartoons. This is one of my personal favorites.

...and this one, because it's a perfect guide to how Corgis are "set up".

'cept, I noticed that where it says "rub here"...yeah. I actually prefer if you move up right between my front legs. THAT'S the spot! Oherwise, I'd say this poster is pretty much right on.

It rained yesterday. I was in the car with Mom all day. We had big plans, but I reeeaaalllly don't like hangin' around outside in the rain. It makes my fur fuzzy. Not my best look. So, I guess I'll just have to wait until the rain stops and we can go out and do somethin' fun. Probably not today. Mom's makin' more wallets. 

By the way...Who can I call about those wallets? Mom just can't stop makin' 'em. It's like me and bacon. One little taste and I'm hooked. Gotta have more. Mom's obsessed with those wallets. grrrrr. I gotta figure out how to get her out of the studio so she can take me on an adventure or ten.

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

"Keep Your Nose To The Wind 

and The Sunshine On Your Tail."

Busy Hands...

  Sharing a vintage image by Linda Edgerton today. I so love vintage art and the innocence portrayed through soft colors and sweet faces.    I've been really busy, but not doing what you might think.  I'll reveal all on Monday, and looking forward to a little rest. Soon.

Tuesdays With Tag - A Corgi Art Show...

Hi, Everybody!

Today, I want to share some corgi art with you.

Mom helped me find some really cool stuff, and to tell the truth

she wants it all! Can you blame her? Corgis are one cool breed.

Art by Norma Rowley

They say, "Eyes are the windows to the soul."

Mom says it's always that way with dogs.

Poortvliet Corgi Art

This corgi piece was created by the same artist who illustrated

the Gnome book that I told you about not too long ago.

Look how he's captured our handsome countenance!

Artist unknown

This is a really great image. Mom can't find the artist's name.

We'll keep looking and she'll add it if/when we get it.

It really says it all...Loyal, active, SMART, brave.

Yup...I don't think anything was overlooked.

Tumblr Image

This looks like me when I was a puppy!

Couldn't find the artists name for this either. Darn!

Pincushion for Karen Howell

Mom really likes pincushions. Isn't this one cool. 

I know it would be her favorite if she had one.

Artist: Pawsintime on DeviantArtist

Check this out! The Scrabble tiles spell out "corgi" on the inside,

and it has corgi images all around the outside. Genius!

Designed by CorgiButts on Cafe Press

This is a decal for your car or a sticker for a project.

You could put this on anything!

1936 Princess Elizabeth with her corgi

We couldn't close out my corgi art post without an

image of our biggest fan...Queen Elizabeth II.

She has loved our breed since she was a young girl.

I think that's one happy corgi. Don't you agree?

I know that if you have a dog (or even a cat!) you love your pet.

Even if it isn't a corgi, you're blessed to be loved and trusted by

the animals who share your life. I know how much Mom and Dad

love me, and I'm pretty crazy about them, too. I mean, they feed

me and let me sleep on the bed with them - and when it's time to

travel, they take me along so I'm not lonely without them.

I hope you enjoyed my little art show today.

I'll be back again next week to visit with you again. 'til then,

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

A Vintage Chic...

Art Journal Page from A Vintage Chic blog

 Thanks to Pinterest, I found Julie and her beautiful artwork.

Her blog is A Vintage Chic...

She creates art journal pages, with each page prettier than the last.

I also likes the messages she chooses for each of her illustrations.

They really speak to me.

Another Page from A Vintage Chic blog

 I'm especially taken with her lettering skills and art choices.

These are two of my favorite pages.

If you're interested in visiting Julie's blog or learning about

her "Nostalgic Musings" journaling e-course, here's her link.

It's always fun to visit someone new.

One more thing before I go today...
I think it's about time for another giveaway.
As always, it will be open to all my blog followers (friends) because
you are always my biggest supporters. Gratitude time later this week!