Hello Friends! Whew. It has been a bit of a madhouse over here. PatternBee Headquarters, that little room at the back of my house, got a partial make-over last month, and it has taken ages to get myself re-organized. It was quite involved. But the best part is, the outdated wallpaper (from the 1990's) is long-gone and has been replaced by nature-inspired neutral colors (Wood Smoke & Spider Web) and I'm loving it. Especially now that it's November and in the 40's and I'm spending more time inside. This year just flew by.
All summer, I was making these collage magnets. I made dozens of them! This was just one of my happy little craft projects that I neglected to share, because it was so time consuming. At some point I do plan to sell them, but I am not sure when or where that might be. I think a new website may be required for all I have planned.
It has been so dark and rainy here these past weeks and months. Occasionally the sun appears, reminding us that it is actually daytime. My daughters have already started the holiday decorating--mostly to banish the gloom from all the nooks and crannies around the house, cast from dark skies. They are both creative and have been busy making things all year as well. Above, is one of their colorful corners celebrating the fall. Grace made paper pumpkins from folded circles of various scrapbook papers. The felt fox is Ginger's handwork; pattern from Issue #70 of Mollie Makes magazine (out of the UK). The crewel sampler is one I did from an Erica Wilson kit decades ago. (Her legendary needlework lives on still. She passed away in 2011.)
Most of the fall color is dwindling due to the wind and rain. Boo-Hoo. It ended too soon. But then it always ends too soon for me no matter how long it lingers. So, on Sunday, without missing a beat, and taking advantage of a break in the storm, the Mister climbed his trusty ladder and hung the sparkly Christmas lights. Then he put lit candy canes around the kid's playhouse, which will surely please our young granddaughters who are coming to stay with us this Thanksgiving. He knows exactly what we need.
And I know what he needs...and the pie-baking starts tomorrow! He brought home an array of apples from a neighbor's home-produce stand. I should be able to get a few tasty pies from these.
Well, time to get cracking. Because if Thanksgiving isn't motivation enough to get this long neglected quilt basted and off the dining-room table, I don't know what is. I'd better hurry up about it too.
Best wishes to all for a happy and gracious Thanksgiving!
We are having a small break in the rain up here, after a wild and windy night, with more expected, and snow is expected in the mountain passes just in time for the Apple Cup football game this weekend. I love autumn, but I've grown to love the quiet unclutteredness of the winter months after Christmas.
I have been cleaning and organizing too, and looking forward to some Christmas sparkle. Your girls are as talented as their mom. Everything is always so lovely here in your part of the blog world. I've missed you all.
I have a new tool for making journals, so I've been collaging too, and enjoying it very much. I'm hoping to make at least a couple of books to give as gifts this coming holiday season.
Well, I'm in charge of pies for tomorrow, so I'don't best get busy.
All good wishes to you and your family Vicki, for the happiest of Thanksgivings.
Posted by: Lena | November 23, 2016 at 10:30 AM
After spending most of today getting ready for tomorrow, it was such fun to sit down read your blog post. Your holiday corner is very pretty and the love in your family always comes through in all the creativity in your home and in your writing. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Susan | November 23, 2016 at 01:26 PM
Well thank you Susan!
Posted by: vicki haninger | December 02, 2016 at 11:55 AM
Always wonderful to hear from you Lena and what you've been up to. I am curious about your new tool for making journals. Do tell!
Posted by: vicki haninger | December 02, 2016 at 11:57 AM
It'seems a Cinch book binding tool. I love the look of hand sewn books, but spiral bound books are so much easier to work in, so I'may trying to combine pretty, with practicality.
We have snow today! It is a rare thing for us to have so close to Christmas. I love snow.
I hope your day is a special one too.
Lena
Posted by: Lena | December 09, 2016 at 08:17 AM