July Artist Trading Cards Complete...

I completed the artist trading cards for Jan's Handmade Treasures swap group this month. I wanted to get them out before my surgery a week from now. The prompt for July is "Summertime", and I've been cogitating on this one since it was announced. As I usually do with anything that stumps me, I decided to sleep on it. For some reason, I always get my solutions in my sleep. This was no exception.

About two months ago, Jan came home to find that her and her husband's sweet old dog had passed away while they were at work. She came home to find she had just gone away on her bed and looked like she was sleeping. They were understandably upset, not only that their dog had passed, but there was some guilt that it happened while they were at work and she was alone. I tried to explain that perhaps that's what her pup wanted...to spare them. I also understood how they felt, as I would have felt the same. Their dog's name was Summer. 

So rather than come up with something that wouldn't resemble too closely last month's prompt: Beach, I came up with the idea to appropriately honor their dog. I found a photograph of her basking in the sun atop their picnic table in their backyard, and added touches of happy yellow to the rest of the card. Summer in happier times.

This month there were fourteen participants, so I printed out Summer's image and name on fabric, cut out sunny yellow batik, and added a daisy button. Gluing on the button was the last step after sewing all the other elements to my ground fabric. I added my signature sheet to the back, and finished by adding a label explaining the card to everyone as I slipped it into its envelope. I put them in the mailbox this morning and sent them on their way. I'm confident I'll hear from Jan when she opens hers in a couple days.

I have two pre-op appointments today, but then I'm getting back to my bluebirds. I'd really like to complete the embroidery this week. Then, I can choose fabric for the hanging. I probably won't assemble it until I'm well into my recuperation. I'm planning a little goldwork or woolwork as I heal. I've got most of the projects already chosen from the last time I thought I was going into surgery, so I'll just double check and make final decisions. I may just pull out a book to read, too. 

I'd better get ready to leave soon, so I'm going to enjoy a quiet cuppa and then get to my appointments. Thankfully, these are close to home and routine, so Handsome doesn't have to go along. I'll be taking up plenty of his free time with shuttling me to physical therapy after my surgery, so I'm glad to be able to give him a break ahead of all that. So, I'll sign off now and see you tomorrow!

June Artist Trading Card - Beach...

My June Artist Trading Cards - Beach

 

I completed this month's artist trading cards so I can mail them out. The theme for June is BEACH, and this is my interpretation.

I began this set of cards using vintage jute webbing as my base. The image is one I've had in my computer for ages, and I'm sorry I don't know the name of the artist that created it. I've always loved it, and thought it was perfect for this theme. I added my own words, and finished it with a tiny, sterling silver starfish charm.

As always, I affixed my label to the back with all my information for the recipients. There were twelve this month, plus the one I keep for myself. Each is carefully tucked into a cello slip envelope, protected with card stock in the mailing envelope, stamped and ready to post.

My June Artist Trading Card Design Detail

Here's a closeup for you, so you can see all the details. I really had fun creating this one, and it will mail out to the recipients today. I can check this item off my To Do list, making my "Must Do" list shorter than before. That's a win for me, plus is was a creative item, so...Win/Win!

I'm working today, so I'll see what I feel like doing after I get home. Will she nap? Will she work on the bluebirds? Will she busy herself with something else? You'll have to check in tomorrow to find out. lol

Today is Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious? I'm not, but I'm not taking any chances. I'll be binding up my knee for work, being ever vigilant in my Explorer, and saying a prayer before I leave the house. That should cover me. Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

My May Artist Trading Cards...

Brynwood Needleworks - May Artist Trading Cards To Mail

I completed my artist trading cards during the day yesterday for the Handmade Treasures swap group. The theme for this month is Flowers.  I chose the Lilac Fairy image from Cicely Barker as my main image, adding "The earth laughs in flowers" beneath it. I used a complimentary floral background behind the image, and added the flower button as the final touch.

Brynwood Needleworks - May ATC Closeup

All the envelopes are addressed and stamped, so they'll all go in the mail today and be on their way. 

Speaking of "on their way", this is my multiple last six hour day. Next week I'm back to my regular six hour Tuesday and three hour Friday evening. I can't wait. I really like the new gal I helped train on Wednesday, and next Tuesday, I have yet another woman to train. yippee!

We also have a former cook coming back to work for us. The job he left us to go to hasn't panned out, so he's back and wants more hours. double yippee! I think those of us who have been bustin' our butts to keep the operation going are finally getting relief...especially my boss.  Prayers answered.

I'm leaving in a little while to clock in for my shift, but am looking forward to a relaxing weekend with Handsome. I'll tell you all about it next week, so have a great holiday weekend, and I'll see you tomorrow or after the holiday. Hi Ho...Hi Ho...You know the rest!

Finally Sunshine...

After a week of dreary, cold, cloudy and rainy weather - including for the funeral yesterday - the sun is finally shining. Of course, the sky is streaked with the persistent airplane trails, so it's already beginning to cloud over again as I type this. Seems every time I see this crisscrossing in the sky, the clouds appear and the sun disappears. It's quite frustrating for those of us who are sun-worshippers.

 
Karen's funeral service was beautiful yesterday as all her family and friends paid their respects. It was a fitting goodbye for a woman who was so kind, generous and genuinely lovely. 

I''m going to enjoy this day off. I plan to make my monthly artist trading cards today so they can mail off tomorrow. There's also more than a little laundry calling to me, so there's that, too.

I hope you have sunshine skies and warmth where you live today. I'm sending all my love and gratitude to each of you for your friendship. Whether or not we've ever met in person, I look forward to your messages and hope you continue to enjoy the thoughts I put out into the world every day. It's important to me that I tell you that out loud. You're very special to me. Thank you.

March Artist Trading Card Exchanges...

Treasures March Artist Trading Card Exchanges

There may be one card missing from this lot, but these are the cards I received for last month. The theme was "Shamrock", and I think each and every one was a unique endeavor by all the artists. I love them all! 

As I'm sure each recipient has come to know my style, I'm becoming more familiar with each of theirs, too. I think they're all fun and creative, and are great additions to my collection.

My April Artist Trading Card

I was really late getting my cards out last month, so I decided to get busy early this month. I finished them yesterday, and they're in the mailbox now to go out to the trade recipients.

The first thing I did was search out an image that I thought would best exemplify our April theme: "Rain". I purchased this sweet bunny artwork from VintageArtRealm on Etsy. I knew I was going to add raindrops, so I first affixed the image (printed on cotton fabric) to the base fabric, using a shimmering Madeira thread. Then, I used a holographic thread from Kreinik to make stitches above the umbrella. Each stitch is anchored with a sparkling bead.

All my cards are in addressed envelopes and will be heading to the swap participants today. Now that this project is complete, I think I'm going to turn my focus to my bluebird embroidery. It's about time, don't you think?

I have my MRI and doctor's appointment today, so I may not be embroidering today. I know there won't be the stress that I had with the other one, but I may just choose to take it easy when I get home. We'll see. Either way, I have a feeling you'll see an image of my bluebird embroidery tomorrow...just to remind you what I'm going to be dancing with next.

My March Artist Trading Cards...

This was another project I completed recently. These are in the mail and on their way to the Handmade Treasures group swap partners. There were twelve (plus me) for thirteen total this month.  I'm quite happy with the way they turned out.

 

I decided to go with a non-traditional green over the usual Kelly green, and although there are shamrocks (which were the theme), they're not the main feature. I added French knots to the center of the shamrocks, and the final touch was a small sparkle between the two largest ones. 

I'm already looking forward to finding out what Jan's theme will be for April..."Showers" perhaps? We'll see soon.

I have more projects to share this week, but I'm baking cinnamon rolls today. Our classmate dinner is at 3 pm, and I have a lot to finish in the kitchen before then. Better grab my coffee and get busy!

 

February Artist Trading Cards...

The last of the February artist trading cards from the Handmade Treasures swap arrived yesterday. These are all of them. One is a "coin", which is also an option in this group. I've receive a couple others from other members, and this one is really nice, too.

There was quite a varied interpretation for the "Love" theme for the month. I noticed more dimensional cards, and more cards that incorporated machine or hand stitching. I'm not even able to choose a favorite this time.

The prompt for March is "Shamrock", so now I'm contemplating how I can meet the challenge without being Captain Obvious. lol I'll play around with a few ideas after Handsome gets home. I have a few things I need to concentrate on before then.

I baked my Florida friend, Cathy's Koulourakia cookie recipe, too. I love her recipe which features bergamot essential oil (food grade, of course) in the mixture. Once they're formed, they get an egg wash, are topped with sesame seeds, and then baked until they're done. Handsome really likes them, too, so I wanted to have something special for him when he gets home. I have a little more baking to do over the weekend, but I'll be stitching, too.

Sebastian Squirrel did get an acorn, but not a real one. I found a sweet acorn button I've had for years. I'll share a photograph along with the rest of my Monday post so you can see how cute he looks now. I may make a new spoolie this weekend, but the critter will be a surprise (to both of us!). I'll choose which animal once I get to the "pulling materials" phase. I'm going to make a cuppa first, and then tackle a few cleaning tasks. As much as I'd love to, I can't ignore the homekeeping duties that are summoning me. Hi, ho....hi, ho... (Sing it with me, now!)

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.

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!

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...

Best Intentions...

Whole Cloth Quilts - Artist Unknown

I got home from work yesterday, made a cup of tea and made the huge mistake of sitting down in my comfy chair. Shortly after, I was sound asleep. When I woke up, I made dinner for Handsome and me, and proceeded to do absolutely nothing until bedtime.

I'm running errands with him this morning, and have already declared that the rest of my day will be dedicated to needlework. I got a big thumbs-up. So this afternoon I'll complete those ATCs and prepare them to go into tomorrow's mail. I'll share this month's trades with you as soon as I have all 12 of them. (I have five so far).

I chose this image because I loved it enough to save it off the internet. (I often save images for inspiration, but I also usually save creator's names. Sadly, I didn't save the name of the quilter. If anyone knows who created these gorgeous pieces, please let me know and I'll credit them. I'll keep looking, too. I'll add the credit if I can find it.

Four (And A Bit) To Go...

I've come this far, and I'm nearly there. Only the one (with the needle in it) to complete, and four more to go. There are two more participants this month, so I have a dozen total cards to make. Happily, no two snowflakes are identical, so I'm having fun coming up with a different shape for each one. 

I've been sidetracked by other tasks (like designing a little kitty purse), so I haven't added to these since the weekend, but I'll be getting back to them in the next day or so.

Once my needlework is complete, these will be mounted on playing cards, my label affixed to the back, and they'll be ready to mail. I wish I could capture the sparkle of the thread and beads. They really do twinkle in the light!

I'm working until four today, so stitching will have to wait until after dinner. I should be able to complete two or three before bed, and if I'm really on a roll, I could finish all the stitching tonight. We'll see.

Today is #2 Son's Birthday, so I don't want to forget to wish him the happy, happy, happiest of Birthdays. We'll plan to celebrate with him soon.

December Artist Trading Card Swaps...

All December Artist Trading Cards have been sent and received. The theme was "Pen & Ink", and there was quite the variety of interpretations...all artistic and wonderful.

The prompt for this month for the Treasures ATC Swap from Jan is "Snowflakes". I've completed seven of the needed twelve this month, so I'll work to complete them over the weekend. Then I'll share what mine looks like.

I'm working from 10-7 today, so I'm going to get my act together and leave soon. Hi Ho, Hi Ho...

January ATC WIP...

I took the day off yesterday. I'm not sick, but I'm not 100% either, so it was a complete day of rest. I have started my artist trading cards for Jan's January exchange. The theme is "snowflakes".  This is a super closeup!

I haven't had my morning coffee yet, so we'll see how I'm feeling once I'm actually rolling. Then I'll know whether it will be another day spent resting, or if I'll actually accomplish anything. sigh I hope your new year is off to a better start. I'll see you again tomorrow.

December Artist Trading Cards Complete...

I completed the December artist trading cards yesterday before I went to work. The most finicky part was attaching the feathers. I only placed one holding stitch halfway up each feather, and then secured it in position by stitching the "nib" (point of the quill pen) with gold threads.
 

 

 

Once everything was placed and secured, I used a gold metallic thread to stitch all the way around the outside edge of the piece. The finished design was then glued to a playing card, my label added, and the card was then placed into a protective cellophane card holder. 

 

They'll post today - including an extra card I made for the winner of the guessing game a couple days ago. That card will be mailing to Charlene in Phoenix for being the first to guess how I was going to interpret this month's prompt. Marrianne got more of the details, but Charlene was first with the concept. Thanks, Marrianne and everyone else for sharing your guesses. I had fun reading your comments.

I'll be prewashing fabrics for Grammie's Jammies today, and preparing them for cutting...my least favorite part of sewing garments. I have to do it myself, too, because none of the elves are allowed to use my electric scissors. Fun Times...

Can You Guess?...

Today is bread baking day, but I'll also be working on the December ATCs I need to send out this month. I pulled the elements I'll be using to create my "Pen and Ink"-themed artist trading cards. I was just tickled to come up with this idea.

So - the first person to figure out what I plan to do with these elements to meet the theme Jan prompted will receive one of the cards. I'll make an extra one if someone figures it out. Leave your guess in the comments.

Oh. One thing. I may switch out the blue fabric for black. Does that help? hee hee Good luck! (Remember, the theme is "pen and ink".)

November Artist Trading Cards...

November Treasures ATC Exchange ATCs - Theme: Fabric

Dropping in for a quick visit today before I head to the studio to get busy. I wanted to share the cards traded in my sister, Jan's Handmade Treasures by Jan group for November. Our theme prompt was Fabric.

Our next prompt is for the December theme, which is Pen & Ink. I can't wait to share what I've come up with for this one! I already know exactly how I'm going to execute this theme. Understand that most of these artists work in paper, so every time I create my cards, I bear this in mind. But in keeping with my chosen medium, my cards will continue to interpret the prompts in fabric and thread. This one is going to be fun! 

Of course, I'm not going to work on these until after this weekend. Right now, I'm making oodles of napkins. I'll share what those look like tomorrow. At this point, I'm sewing, turning, topstitching and folding into sets. More to do before this weekend, so I'm going back to the studio again. I'll share more next time.

One more thing: Thank you so much for all the lovely Birthday messages. You're all so kind, and it's plain to see why I love each and every one of you. I wish I could hug each of you in person. Thanks again.

November ATCs...

Brynwood Needleworks - November Artist Trading Cards - Fabric Theme

I created my November Artist Trading Cards for the Handmade Treasures Exchange, hosted by my sister, Jan. This month's theme was Fabric. Last week I was stumped over what I wanted to do because, well, I'm a fabric hound, and there are just so many ways I could have gone with this challenge. 

In the end, I decided to keep it relatively simple, as I needed to create ten of them. If I were only swapping with one other partner, I would probably have gone in a more elaborate direction. As it was, I think my choices in fabric made them appear more elaborate.

You'll notice that I fussy cut the wings on each of the butterflies so they'd be mirror image. I also have two that are the same. One for my sister and one for me.

So, I assembled the butterflies using my sewing machine, but did add a hand stitched element in a single flower. As I completed the last one, I found myself hoping that next month's challenge isn't butterflies or insects! Of course, if it is, I'm sure I can come up with another insect I can use. (I'm guessing it might be a Christmas theme, but that's only speculation.)

I'll get these in the mail in the next day, and then they'll be winging their way to new homes. I'm anxious to see what the others create this month, too! I'll probably wait until I receive all of them to share, rather than parade them out as they arrive.

I'll be getting back to my bluebirds later this week. I have an order for hickory syrup to bottle and ship, and a few other things I'd like to work on in the studio. I haven't decided which days will be dedicated to what yet, so your guess is as good as mine. I'll keep you posted. 

Mulling Things Over...

This month's theme for Jan's ATC Swap is "Fabric". Have you ever had so many choices that it ended up paralyzing you? You couldn't make a decision? That's where I am right now. Should I quilt my next ATC? Should I do some stitching on it or save that for a later exchange?

This is what I pulled out an started thinking about. I could use this fabric as the ground for anything else I do. Or should I piece fabrics together into a small ATC-sized mini quilt? Should I add needlework to it? Right now I'm completely stymied.

I could make ten small garment cards. Do you remember the one I did for the Blissful ATC Swap so many years ago. Here. I'll refresh your memory...

This one was actually secured to the cardstock I used for the card. If you'd like to see more photos and the inspiration, click HERE. Maybe I should make a simpler garment for this month's theme? Maybe something in flannel to go with the season? See? Now I'm off in a different direction completely! In the imagined words of Scarlet O'hara, "Whatever shall I do?"

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions to help me trim down my criteria? I'm always happy for the input. Otherwise, you know I'll keep on thinking about this for a while until something hits me between the eyes. Just to be safe, don't plan to stand behind me for a while.

More ATCs...

October is over, but the Artist Trading Cards are still coming. Two more arrived over the past week, so I'm sharing these beauties with you.

I'm still expecting three more, so I'll wait until the rest of them arrive to share in one photograph with you.

I'll be participating again in November. This month's theme is "Fabric". hee hee Now to decide what I'm going to do with that! I'm thinking something unique and unexpected. I'm looking forward to sharing with you as soon as I get going on them.