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. 

Wildflower House...

 I have to crow about a friend of mine (not that she really needs it!).

Have you ever visited Wildflower House on Etsy?

This is Sharon Chapman's shop, full of her artistic creations.

 I recently received these bookmarks and notecards from her

and I can't tell you how much I love them. Sharon's watercolors

are beautiful, and her creations make me smile. She chooses high

quality stock for each item and then sprays them with a preservative

so that each little piece of art will last a long, long time.

You can also visit Sharon (and her sweet little dog, Teddy) at her blog

by the same name. Just click HERE to stop in and say "hello".

I'm sure you'll enjoy her blog and her creations as much as I do.

Sharon is a really great person, too!

October Blissfull Swap...

The theme for October's Blissfull ATC Swap was "Dark". From following my writings, you'll know that I'm a "glass-half-full" kinda gal, and I'm basically an optimistic person. I don't decorate for Halloween and really never have. No particular reason...just a fact. I love fall, and have decorated in fall themes in the past (when we lived up North), but tend to lean more toward clean and summery in Florida - no matter the season.

The reason I tell you this is because that theme "Dark" was a real challenge for both my partner and me this month! What to do? What to do?

My swap partner this month is Sharon Chapman of Wildflower House. She's been under the weather lately (got the flu from her flu shot!!!), and is being harassed by the local wildlife (bears and a cougar!), so if you have a chance, please visit her blog and tell her you hope she feels better soon. She's a wonderful needleworker and a real inspiration for anyone who enjoys working with threads and beads.She explained her interpretation to me in her letter, and I think it's genius! One year, she planted an entire garden in white flowers, and when the moonlight shone on it, the whole yard sparkled! This was how she translated her vision into an artist trading card. I think it's fabulous and am so happy and honored to own it! Needlework by Sharon's own, two, talented hands.
She even embellished the envelope she used to mail the card to me! Lord, I was happy just to receive the envelope! Really!!
This is what I did and why...
I found a great moonlight/Art Deco/ocean waves image and decided I'd work with it this month. I stippled all over my deep purple cotton fabric in a dark blue, metallic thread and then affixed my image - after I'd added color using fabric paints. Figuring that the stars sparkle even when it's dark outside, I decided that all the light in this card should come from the strength of the woman standing next to the glistening waves.
When I completed that "Dark" card, I really needed to lighten things up for my partner, so I then created a "Light and Airy" card as it's companion. I find great comfort in the thought that whenever there is darkness, there will always again be light.I took a lovely cotton fabric and stippled a silver metallic thread all over it. Then I added a cheerful image from one of my British cigarette cards, in the form of flowers. A crystal heart, a cluster of ribbon flowers, and a sterling silver fairy to tend to this Light garden and my ATC was complete! There you have it! "Dark" and "Light and Airy" for my friend, Sharon.
I also thought I'd show you one of my ATC storage boxes. I love this one because I can change out the front ATC to see a new one whenever I feel like it! I'm also able to store my available ATCs, pens and slip sheets there, too. It's lucite, and I've had it for years. I might have to go on a search for another soon, though. This one's getting full!

I've Been Remiss...

I received this beautiful award from Sharon Chapman at Wildflowerhouse a little while ago, and have been remiss in posting about it.

Sharon has a beautiful blog and was so generous in naming Brynwood to receive the award from her. She creates the most beautiful needlework and jewelry, so please be sure to stop in and explore her corner of Blogland.

The criteria for this award is that the blogger is one who "spreads a little sunshine" through their blog. That being a goal of mine, I'm honored that she chose me.

I'm to choose six other blogs to receive the award, so today, I share these bloggers with you. Please visit their sites, and I'm sure you'll agree, they are all worthy recipients. (If I tag a "No Award Zone" blogger, please know that I still think you deserve the award and hope my followers will stop in and visit you.) You can just click on their blog titles to go to their sites.

1. Just Between Me and You - Nothing like having an alter ego to help you write your blog, but that's what you'll find when you visit Maggie's place. You never know if you'll find her or Miss Pearl out on the Back 40. Maggie also generously introduces you to other bloggers through her weekly "blogazine". (I was even featured one week! Thanks again, Maggs!)
   
2. Of Lemons and Honey - I first met Renee' when I read one of her comments on another blog. What she wrote made me laugh out loud, so I had to go learn more about her. I like her style, and I think you will, too.
   
3. Starshine Chic - I love stopping in to visit Kim. Head over to Starshine Chic if you want to get your style on! Kim loves dishes (who doesn't??) and has a real knack for decorating.
   
4. My Vintage Studio - Sharon has a beautiful blog. She shares images, ideas and a love of everything well...vintage (surprised, aren't you?) Oh, and she has some pretty cute little dogs, too!
5. iCandy - Christina always has a project on her drawing board. You'll always enjoy seeing what she's working on next. (Be sure to explore until you see her Seat Belt. It's the cleverest thing I've seen lately!)
   
6. Beedeebabee - Paulette is one of those talented people you love to know. She and I have become friends, and I am always in awe of her creativity. Once you visit her, I know you'll go back again and again. Oh, and wait until you see her needlework! Gasp. Just. Gasp!

Thank you, Sharon, for my blog award. I really appreciate that you gave it to me, and that I got the excuse to pass it on to a few of my favorites!
My goal is to finish the wedding gown today (except for hemming, which will wait until the bride puts it on for the first time!). Thanks so much to everyone who left a comment about the silk roses. Just that part of the gown took about five hours to create, and I enjoyed every. single. second of it! I'll have more photos to share with you tomorrow.