What Does it Take?

I was reading some lovely blogs this morning and was wondering.  What sets these blogs apart that they have tons of followers?  Is it because they are witty or talented or the pictures they post are gorgeous?  Are they short and sweet?  What does it for you the reader or subscriber?  Your feedback would be invaluable to me.....
I know the blogs that interest me have color and they are short and sweet.  With quirky little anecdotes.  Maybe a free pattern or a tutorial.  Have a great day!

Glitz and Glam.

I love applique!  There are so many possibilities.  This flower template was taken from the magazine Inspirations.  However, the rest of the design is all mine.  Base fabric is muslin and the white petals are embossed with white flowers.  I'm not sure what I'll do with this perhaps a pillow..

Here is a lovely Lavender biscornu free chart.  I can't recall where it came from.  If anyone knows please let me know and I will give credit to the designer.
Have a lovely week!

Beginning Of The Bead Lusting.

Yes, This is the one that started it all.  I love her and every week or so I take her out and fondle and fawn and pet.  Sick I know but I can't help it!  I think she is beautiful.  She is hand embroidered and beaded.

Her tail feathers remind me of a peacock.  I used gold thread and royal blue pearl cotton for the french knots.

She measures roughly 5x5", is backed by felt and her hanger is beaded and knotted.  I was thinking maybe a 3x3" would make nice christmas tree ornaments.

Just a quick recap of bird number 2.  She was a gift for Becky.
Have a lovely weekend!

Dragonflys, Birds and What-not.

This week I wanted to show you my WIP (work in progress).  This little sparrow I have been working on for a few weeks up to this point.  I haven't put the amount of time that I wanted to but never-the-less it is progressing nicely

It measures about 5x7" and is mixed media, beading, felt and embroidery.  I'm not sure why I chose another bird to do but it reminded me of the little sparrows I saw nesting outside my fathers house this summer.  They were swooping the kids whenever they would come within 100 yards of their nest.  It is totally drawn by free hand.  As you can tell I am not much of scetcher.  I only needed a rough idea of where I want things placed.

 A bunch of fat quarters from Joann Fabrics (with beading in mind)

Love all those swirlys!

This should be lovely to bead.  Love all of the new cottons.

While stumbling around an area called Abu Hail (in english means father of Cardomon) I was looking for something to wear for my Nieces wedding at the end of September.  I came across this little closet of a shop that sold handmade tapes of embroidered designs, handmade buttons ect.  I thought I had found the pot of gold!  What wonderful things I found in this shop!  When I return later next week I will take a pictures of this place and all of the treasures it holds.  I bought these little flowers with mirrors in the middle.  The can be cut apart and incorporated into my artwork....thats what I call it.  Typically these are use by the yard to embellish hems and cuffs of dresses or what have you.  I have big plans for these beauties!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Some Wonderful Bloggers.

I could spend hours reading blogs!  Literally.  I have stumbled onto some amazing blogs and people.  I apsire to be just like them someday soon! or when I grow up, which ever one comes first!

One of my all time favorites is Dot's blog.  http://dotslifeandart.blogspot.com/  I encourage you to take a look.  She is so wonderfully creative and has inspired so many people to make her lovely Dotee Dolls.  She is creatively inspiring and seems like a lovely person to boot.  I have literally spent hours on her site drooling an dreaming to one day be as creative as her.

Another of my most recent favorites is Robin Atkin's Beadlust.  http://beadlust.blogspot.com/
She is not only inspiring artistically but she is inspiring mentally!  Yes, thats right.  in every piece of art she creates she adds words to uplift the soul.  Every piece she creates weather it is in wool felting or embroidery has little words that mean something to her.  I encourage you to go and see her site but only if you are prepared to stay a while!

I will periodically point you towards those blogs that inspire me.  Please don't blame me if you end up spending more time than you intended.
Lovely day to you ALL!!!

A Little Bit of Everything.

Finally back where I belong.  I have a few goodies I brought back with me from my travels and would like to share them with you.  I found a lovely book called Paradise Stitched, Sashiko & Applique Quilts.

It has some beautiful designs for wall quilts and table runners using both techniques combined.  such lovely designs by Sylvia Pippen.
The next book I bought was a little frivolous but so inspiring with lovely little projects for all skill levels.  Its called Pretty Little Pincushions by Lark Books.

I Absolutely love this book. It has everything from needle books to retro, felted, embroidered, miniature and travel sewing kits.  I would make everything in this book, when I find the time! lol

Of course I did make many trips to one of my favorite places on earth!  Ship wreck beads in Olympia and spent a tidy little sum.  I now sit with it all in front of me as I fondle and appreciate everything all over again!

I found a lovely free cross stitch design that I am almost finished with that I have decided to turn into a needle book.  Here is the pattern: http://aurelle.overblog.com   She some wonderful designs, go check out her blog.
Until next time have a great day!

Off On Holiday,

Good Morning,
Have been working diligently on a new Biscornu pattern.  I will post the free pattern after I return from holidays.  I wish everyone a great summer!  To view some lovely patterns and finished work please check out the blog in my "blogs worth watching"  Basket of Biscornu site.  enjoy!