I immediately thought of Francis Scott Key writing the Star Spangled Banner, and decided to make him the focus of my cards in honor of our Nation's 250th Anniversary. These will mail out today, and I'll get back to my Monarch.
I had a physical therapy appointment late morning, and Handsome took me out for lunch afterward. When we got home, I went into the studio with the best intentions, but I guess my appointment was more helpful than I thought. I lay down for just a bit, and woke up a couple hours later.
I did manage to prepare the components for my artist trading cards, but still need to assemble them. I don't have to be anywhere until late afternoon to work, so I'm going to finish them today. They'll definitely mail out tomorrow.
I knew from the start what I wanted to do for my "Compass" prompt for the April artist trading card swap. In fact, I was so settled in it that I set my subject...and promptly forgot to do it in April!
I have an appointment this morning, but as soon as I get home, I'm going into the studio and I'm not coming out until the ATCs are finished and ready to mail. I'll share photos tomorrow.
I hadn't intended to participate in the Treasures ATC Swap For a while, but when I saw the theme for April, I couldn't resist. You probably have a pretty good idea what I have in mind.
I'll be working on them this week, as I get a chance. Another classmate passed Easter weekend, so I have another funeral to attend tomorrow.
Today is a catch up day for me. I have a number of things on my To Do list...ship orders; laundry; and tidy up my studio (again). If you're looking for me, I'll be at home. See you tomorrow.
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| January 2026 Artist Trading Cards |
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| Detail - January 2026 Artist Trading Card |
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| October ATCs - Theme: Indigenous |
I completed this month's ATCs over the weekend, and they're in the mail today. The theme was "indigenous". Handsome actually came up with this idea and found the image. I really liked it, so I went with it.
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| "Indigenous" Theme |
I have an unpublished counted thread chart that's still on my To Do List to make available in my Etsy shop. It features a buffalo/bison charm, and I have a lot of them. I set aside enough for this project, so in addition to showing a map of Wisconsin and which tribes lived (or still live) where, I also included this charm.
My doctor's appointment went really well, with a new appointment scheduled for a year from the surgery date. I won't see him before spring unless "BoB" needs to be replaced sooner. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in that regard.
I was only at work for about two hours yesterday morning, so that was an easy shift for me. Especially since it was a quiet night at home after all the running was accomplished.
I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do today, but I know a few loads of laundry are on the list. Once I get that going, I'll figure out what's next. Hope you have a great day!
I (started and ) finished my September artist trading cards for the Treasures ATC group yesterday. Keeping with my style, I used heavier cotton home dec fabric, an image printed on cotton fabric, and this time a cross charm. I added a little more color with seam binding.
The theme for this month is "Labor". I'm sure Jan chose it because this is the Labor Day month, but have been pleasantly surprised at the number of interpretations the participants chose to create theirs. Once I have all of them, I'll share photos of the entire set, but for today, you only get to see mine.
I've been teasing Jan (my sister) for a month that mine was going to feature a scene from the movie Patch Adams where he's hosting a gynecology seminar. The scene opens with a pair of legs flanking the entrance to the building with a sign that said, "Welcome Gynos". I actually found an image of it and sent it to Jan saying, "This is what I'm going for this month." She was appropriately prim about it, but I really did continue saying that's what I was working on.
Truthfully, I'd chosen a much more appropriate subject. I took an image I've shared with you before. It's my favorite Tom Clark sculpture of an elderly needlewoman working on a framed piece. She's seated in her favorite chair. He named the sculpture "Rebecca". I photographed her with one of my corgi sculptures and a button heart I made years ago. I shot the image in my Florida studio. She's always where I can see her.
She's especially dear to me because she reminds me of the day I saw her at my first needlework market in Charlotte, NC. Lacis (one of my favorite suppliers in those days) had her sitting on a shelf in her booth, and I bought her without hesitation to sit in my shop back in Wisconsin. She's been with me ever since.
Then, I added the text "Proverbs 31:13". That Bible verse is "She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands". I feel it's completely appropriate for the "Labor" theme, don't you? I mean, labor doesn't have to be drudgery, right? The final touch was a rose gold cross, hand sewn in the bottom corner.
They're all secured in envelopes now, labeled, stamped, and in the mailbox. They'll be on their way to the other swap members today.
Now that this project is finished, I'll be working on the next "Something Blue" bridal brooch that's due next week. I'm looking forward to smooth sailing on that piece, and hope to have it completed no later than Sunday. Saturday I'll be back in Portage for a Craft Day with my friends, which is something else I've been missing while I recuperate. Time to play with my pals again!
I think Handsome is calling, and I know it's long past time to mow the lawn. I see an hour or two of tractor time in my near future. I may have to take my coffee in a go cup this morning! See you tomorrow.
PS. If you're a needleworker who loves Rebecca, I can tell you that she's available from multiple EBAY sellers for about a quarter of the cost I paid for her. I guess collectibles aren't as valuable to current buyers as they were when I purchased her. Just do a search for "Tom Clark - Rebecca" and multiple listings will appear.
I baked a couple quick loaves of bread yesterday, but mostly I elevated my leg and pampered myself. Today I'm going to make my artist trading cards for the swap group.
The theme this month is "Labor" and the cards I've received so far are pretty amazing. They all took the theme in different directions - all very clever, and I can't wait to share them all with you. First, I have to complete my own, which I'll share as soon as they're ready to mail out.
I'll be busy, but I wouldn't want you to leave without wishing you a blessed day. Thanks for stopping by.
Jenna was so surprised when I handed her the package yesterday morning. She said, "What's this?" I told her it's what I've been working on. She set it on her laptop stand so I could start pedaling on the stationery bike, and I told her she had to open it in front of me. So, while I pedaled, she unwrapped her gift.
As she held it in her hand, I explained that it was a brooch, done in traditional goldwork methods, completely hand stitched by me, and could be her "something blue" for her wedding next year if she wanted to use it that way. She loved it.
I told her that some brides wear them on their dress, while others chose to put it on their garter or on their undergarment. She told me she went shopping for her wedding gown over the weekend, and pulled out her cell phone to show me what she chose. It was almost exactly what I'd told her I'd envisioned for her when we talked about it last week! It's perfectly her.
When I saw the style, I knew that all of those options for the pin were off the table, as it would show through the smooth lines of her gown. I had one more suggestion...She could place it in her bridal bouquet. She said she immediately thought of that when she saw it. Of course, she did.
I told her I chose to give it to her early because I wasn't sure how many more sessions we had together, and I didn't want to miss seeing her open it. By the end of our session, we had discussed my progress and that I'd only have two more visits (already scheduled) before she cuts me loose. I was so glad I worked to get her brooch finished early for just that reason.
While BoB (my bone-on-bone knee) is already more of a pain, I'm hoping to hold off on surgery until after the winter. I'm planning to pamper the heck out of it, and will continue to strengthen my new knee so it's up to the task of completely supporting me by then. Jenna assures me that I'm on track and will do fine, and that she's not planning to go anywhere between now and next spring so she can be my rehabilitation therapist again.
I know my last day will be bittersweet, but I'm not going to be sad because I know I'll have her helping me next year (or sooner, if need be).
I'm going to work on my September ATCs today so I can get them done and on their way this week. It will be nice to do something less strenuous for a change. I also have a small project for one of my coworkers, so I'll try to do that today or tomorrow so that's done. It's something I almost never do - garment repairs - but this is just a matter of sewing up a seam on two garments. I told her not to tell anyone, as Handsome has a hard time getting me to do that. She promised "mum's the word".
So that's what I'm up to for the next couple days. Nothing too strenuous, and definitely creative stuff on the agenda. I'll show you tomorrow.
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.
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!)
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.
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!
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...
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| January Treasures Artist Trading Cards - Theme: Snowflakes |
I'm going to make my February cards today. The theme is "Love". I've already gathered my materials and will have fun creating this one! I'll share on Monday.
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| 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.
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.
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...
