Weekend Recap

I am still recovering from the weekend!  Saturday was my birthday and I spent it with my darlins off-roading.  It was very hot- like about 103F, but the AC in the Jeep works great.  We meandered through the woods for the majority of the day.  There were even a few mudholes to plow through!  Jocelin plucked up her courage and got behind the wheel and drove off-road for the first time.  I am SO proud of her.  She did very well.

Here she is after we splashed through a little mudhole giving the famous two-finger "Jeep wave".  Shortly after this she hopped in the driver seat and took off like a natural!

Jim & Jocie later treated me to dinner at my favorite restaurant and showered me with hugs.

This was the best birthday I've had in years!  Many thanks to all of my tatting friends who kindly sent b-day wishes.  You all helped make my day beyond fantastic.

Sunday was supposed to be a day to kick back & relax, but after a walk in the Piney Woods, my fingers were absolutely itching to tat a couple of ideas that had been bouncing around in my head.  I did this in the morning:

It is a foundation of ICRs with floating rings.  Think I'll expand this into a pendant/brooch.

After a nice lunch, I settled into my chair and tackled the other idea.

Interlocking chain rings with interlocking floating rings!  The above is a prototype ONLY.  It is NOT up to my usual standards concerning execution.  It was a pain to do, but I have a few other ideas on how I can improve and expand this idea.

Whew!  Just thinking about the weekend makes me feel like I need to rest & recover.  But I can't- there is so much I have on my to-do list.  That cameo is still waiting to be dressed.  And there are a number of other projects percolating in the back of my mind.  I need to do some sketching and annotations.  Hope you have a wonderful day doing whatever brings you joy!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Rosalie Winner

Good morning, dear readers!

The lucky winner of my Rosalie pendant is:

Dawna Penrod

who wrote:

"Your tatting has encouraged me to get more creative in the items I tat. It is wonderful to read a blog from someone who enjoys tatting as much as me."

Congratulations, Dawna!!!

Please be so kind as to click on the "contact me" link and include your particulars.  I'll have Rosalie packed & on her way promptly.

Many thanks to all who entered & offered suggestions.  As I am constantly working to improve the blog and website, ALL suggestions are appreciated!

Be sure to keep an eye on the blog this week- there may be another FREE pattern or two!!!  Well, there is a lot of work to do today- a project to finish for a client, a pattern to tweak for sharing, and a new cameo to clean and dress.  My fingers had better get busy!  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Creative Process

A comment on the Rosalie Giveaway post got me to thinking.  Olga asked about my creative process.  What inspires me to create?  How do I get ideas for my work?  Shortly thereafter, another reader emailed asking for tips on how to develop her creativity.  How could she better her creative process?

These questions are very difficult to answer.  So much inspires me and ignites the creative spark.  I'm easily stimulated by many things with all of my senses coming into the inner conversation. 

I try to convey on the blog a bit of my day-to-day creative endeavors.  The in-house Atelier is where I create a good portion of work.  It is filled with LOTS of threads, beads, buttons, pearls, vintage jewelry, antique jewelry, vintage treasures and Maxfield Parrish prints.  I LOVE the colors found in Parrish landscapes!  The Atelier is also an olfactory experience.  I burn candles that are pleasing to my mood, wear perfumes that make me happy, use handcremes that moisturize and please the senses.  My iPhone is usually plugged into speakers playing a wide variety of different music genres.  (Let's just say my tastes are eclectic!)

The tatting environment is very important.  Whether it is the Atelier or within the Piney Woods.  We are fortunate to own a few acres of gorgeous Piney Woods in the gently rolling hill country of North Louisiana.  Jim has provided me with a number of outdoor "spots" where I can retreat for peace, quiet and artistic stimulation.  The scent of the woods, the sounds of the wildlife, the changes of the seasons- all of this fills me with wonder and makes my fingers itch to tat/bead/crochet/embroider.  Trips to the mountains, off-road outings in my Jeep, walks in nearby Lincoln Parish Park inspire me in various ways.

Going antiquing/junquing can almost be sensory overload!  There are several stores and shops that send my creative side into overdrive.  The Chartreuse Pear in downtown Ruston, LA, is a wonderful experience.  Lovely antiques, jewelry and fabulous Lollia and Tokyo Milk handcremes along with some of the most wonderful scented candles I've ever smelled make for days of artistic creativity.

I guess, the key is to figure out what you really love.  What is your passion?  What makes you really feel?  How exactly are you stimulated?  Are you more influenced by visual, auditory, olfactory, taste or tactile stimulation?  To help you figure out what you really love and enjoy, I suggest you use a neat online service: Pinterest!  Create boards of things that stimulate and inspire you.  This is a tool I personally use on a very regular basis.  Follow others who pin things that pique your interest- there is no telling what you may discover!

Always keep your mind and hands busy- looking for the next "a-ha" moment.  Think outside of the box.  If you are tatting a pattern and think of something different to try, just do it.  It is okay to color outside of the lines!  Do you enjoy running your fingers through a jar of buttons?  How about the feel of silk thread sliding off the needle?  The taste of a gourmet chocolate bonbon?  Relish each sensation and use it to help "spark" your inner creative fire.

 I hope I've not freaked you out with my rather quirky artsy side.  Afterall, some of you did ask for it!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE ROSALIE GIVEAWAY POST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!!

Well, I am off to the Atelier to clean and get ready for a weekend of carpet steam cleaning.  I do not know if there will be much in the way of tatting to share, but the winner of the giveaway will be announced first thing Monday morning.  May you have a wonderfully creative weekend doing whatever it is that makes your soul sing!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Input Please

I do not have much in the way of tatting to show you today.  We had a bit of a plumbing problem yesterday.  The problem has been fixed; however, the Atelier and second bathroom sustained some water damage.  I'm going to have to steam clean the carpet this weekend- ugh.

There is something I would VERY much appreciate your input on, dear readers.  My one year blogversary is coming up in late August.  There will be a special giveaway event to celebrate.  I have decided to offer 3 prizes for this one.  My question is: what would you prefer?  I have set up a poll which can be found in the sidebar to the right of the blogposts.  Please vote and make your selections known.

If you can think of something else or have any suggestions, please let me know.  I am putting a lot of thought and time into this one and want it to be nothing short of spectacular!

Speaking of giveaways, don't forget to leave a comment on the Rosalie Giveaway blogpost for your chance to win her! 

Well, I have a lot of cleaning to do today.  It is my hope to sneak in some tatting time later this afternoon.  Hope your day is wonderful & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Correction to Rosalie Pattern

Dear readers,

Please note that I found an error in the Rosalie pendant pattern and have since corrected it.  I had originally instructed to run the needle through the very small picot to left of the bead set, when it should have been the right.  Sorry for the mistake!  The pattern now reads as it should.  Many thanks for your patience!

Happy Tatting~

Rachel Colvin Jackson

The Piney Woods Tatter



Rosalie Giveaway

Good morning, dear readers!

 I have a special treat for you- a new giveaway featuring Rosalie.

As I mentioned yesterday, I went back to Rosalie and added a little bit extra to her- not much, just a bit.  Here she is:

A touch of ruffled tatting under the pearl gave her a bit more stability. The finishing touch was another chain round around the pendant.  I hope you like her.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this blogpost.  If there is something I can do to improve the blog or Atelier website, leave a comment.  If you really like something specific- let me know.  Simply leave a comment that will help me to better serve our tatting community.  The winner will be selected by a random number generator on Monday, July 30th, and announced on the blog that morning.  Good luck!

Here is another view of Rosalie.  A jumpring will be added before she is shipped to her new home.

Well, I am off to the Atelier to work on more tatting.  May you have a fantastic day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Rosalie FREE Pattern

Good morning, dear readers!  It has been a while since I posted a FREE pattern.  So... here is the Rosalie pendant from my Romance of the Piney Woods collection:

Rosalie is tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks in S204 & S78.  She is accented with six 4mm light rose Swarovski bicones, numerous matte burgundy Czech seed beads and a 6.5mm freshwater pearl.

This is a very easy pendant to tat.  It begins with a foundation of 6 interlocking chain rings:

Beginning with a size 8 tatting needle, Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk S204, 6 Swarovskis and 12 seed beads (which are strung in the following order: seed bead, Swarovski, seed bead) tat 6 interlocking chain rings all with the same count of:

11 very small - 3 - (with seed bead, Swarovski, seed bead) 3 very small - 11 CL

When you have tatted all 6 ICRs they should resemble the image above.  Tie a knot and leave a moderate length of both threads as you will be using these thread ends to anchor the pearl later.

For step two, still using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S204, string 18 seed beads onto silk.  Tat as follows:

Run needle through very small picot to the RIGHT of bead cluster of ICR round.

CH 3 - (with 3 seed beads) 3 CL + to next very small picot and CH 5 very small - 3 small - medium - small - 3 very small - 5 CL + to next very small picot.

Continue around motif, tie & cut.

SPECIAL NOTE: before cutting the silk, you need to put a small dot of jeweler's glue or clear finger nail polish on the knot to prevent the silk from unraveling. Allow to dry, then snip.

After I cut the thread, I took the time to block & shape the motif.  This is a step that really helps keep your work neat and tidy.

Using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S78, string 18 seed beads onto silk.  Tat the following to complete the pendant:

Run needle through very small picot to the RIGHT of the previously tatted picot set, pick up one seed bead with needle then

CH 5 - with 3 seed beads 5 CL (this will snug the seed bead to the base of the CH.  You may need to use your fingers to position it to your liking) + to next very small picot

pick up one seed bead with needle CH 25 CL

Continue around motif, tie & cut (remembering to secure knot with glue BEFORE cutting).

Now- to secure the center: using needle, thread one end and pull it to back of center ICR founation.  Unthread needle, then rethread it with the other thread end.  String on pearl and one seed bead.  Run needle back through pearl and center of ICR foundation.  Snug up pearl and seed bead to center of ICR foundation.  Flip pendant over, tie ends, secure with dab of glue, cut.  Add jump ring or pendant bail & voila~ Rosalie!

Well, dear readers, I have another goody for you.  A new giveaway event will be announced tomorrow and it will feature Rosalie- sort of.  I am going to expand her a bit and put my special Piney Woods touch on her.  So how do you like this idea?  I'm still contemplating the particulars- be sure to check out tomorrow's post for all the details! 

 Until then, enjoy the pattern &

Happy Tatting!

Weekend Off Roading

Good morning, dear readers!  I hope you all had as fantastic a weekend as I had!

Early Saturday morning, I packed a picnic lunch and the ice chest with plenty of A&W rootbeer, ice & Gatorade.  After throwing a quilt, paper towels and handwipes in the back of the Jeep, we headed out to the Jackson-Bienville Wildlife Management Area for a bit of off roading.  The new all-terrain tires are wonderful!  I had no problems going anywhere and they performed beautifully.  Yes, I am one happy Jeep freak!

This will give you an idea of some of the trails I played on.  It was fairly thick in a few areas, but "Rubeline" (my little red Jeep Wrangler) wasn't phased at all.  She is ready for more agressive trails!  Or at least some muddy ones.

Jim worked on our home computer network this weekend.  My upload problem is probably not related to the photo apps/editing software, as I had thought, but rather the security settings/encryption programs Jim had put on our system.  He is working on a solution so I can upload more images to the website and still maintain a high security level on our home network.  MANY thanks for your patience, everyone!!!

I have managed to get a couple more Romance of the Piney Woods pieces up on the Atelier.  In case there is some unforeseen snafu, here are the images:

This is the finished eternity pendant I've been trying to upload. 

And here is a better image of the cultured pearl brooch.

Oh! I almost forgot to include the big tease!!!  Stay tuned later this week for a FREE pattern from my Romance of the Piney Woods collection AND a new giveaway event with a piece from said collection!

Well, I've got to get busy on a special tatting project.  I'll be sharing it with you next week.  May you have a beautiful day full of creativity.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Two More Treasures

The light was better early this morning to take images of the other two Juliana brooches we found on our last junquing trip.  Here is Juliana brooch #2:

The colors on this piece will look great with the Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Copper Leaves".

And this is Juliana brooch #3:

I think that this one needs lots of tatted accents in "Subtle Elegance" Valdani LPS.  It is a neat two-layered brooch that should lend itself well to embellishment.

I have been working hard to find a solution to my photo editing/website quandry and have decided to call in the big guns.  Yep, that's right, I'm actually asking my husband for assistance.  It helps that Jim is a licensed professional engineer with specializations in electrical & electronics.  I hope to have new additions up on the Atelier website this weekend, so please, bear with me.  Your patience is greatly appreciated!

Oh- I do have another image of the "Pearl Circle" brooch to share:

As you can see, the text is blurred and not showing up right.  Let's hope I can get things working together properly very soon!!!

Well, it is already sweltering down here and I've not picked tomatoes or beans yet.  Think I'll fix a tall glass of ice water, harvest in the garden and then get busy with the website & tatting.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of whatever delights you!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!

 

Junquing Treasure & New Tires

I have been monkeying around with various text on photo apps and trying to get things ready to add to the Atelier site all week, but did take some time yesterday to go junquing with Jocelin.  Before we headed out, my husband came home with a surprise.  He had new all-terrain tires put on my Jeep!  I had been needing better tires for our off-road jaunts.  Many thanks to my super-wonderful hubby for the early b-day gift!!!!!

Jocelin and I had a good junquing trip.  Pictured below is the neat brooch I found:

It is a Juliana grey AB circle brooch that I think will look fabulous with lots of frothy tatting.  We also found a great stash of old buttons.  Most are plastic or glass, but they were a fantastic buy.  I may be putting them in a future giveaway event!

I did manage to retweak the cultured pearl pin.  Here it is:

I'll get some better images of it before it is posted to the Atelier site, but wanted you to see that I have actually been tatting some this week!

Well, there is a new brooch for me to bling out and several pieces that need better images taken.  Guess I'd better get busy.  May you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Invasion of the Mushrooms

The Piney Woods, our driveway & garden have been invaded by mushrooms!  They are everywhere- and always in clusters of 3 or more.  Here are a couple of images of the driveway invaders:

This is the same cluster featured in yesterday's post.  It has more than doubled in size!

Here is a top view of the cluster closest to where I park my Jeep.  These started out as the cutest little buttons- then they expanded like crazy. 

The chickens have been trying to figure out what these white things are but are giving them a wide berth.  Perhaps they are poison mushrooms- I have no idea.  They're just everywhere!

I did a little bit of tatting yesterday afternoon, but not much new to show.  The majority of my time was spent checking out various photo text apps and reviewing my webhost's specs.  I tried to do as instructed, but have not had any success uploading the desired images to the Atelier site.  Not to worry, I WILL figure it out- eventually!!!

Well, I am off to tat a bit, then Jocelin and I are going junquing in the afternoon.  Maybe I'll have a vintage goody or two to share with you tomorrow!  And I also plan to work on tweaking an upcoming FREE pattern.  Have a fabulous day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Driveway Inspiration

I found out that the app I use to add text to my images does not always geehaw with my website host.  As soon as I can, I'll do more editing and get a few more pieces up on the Atelier site (hopefully by this Friday).  It has been very frustrating trying to get this figured out!

I did have a flash of inspiration this morning.  Look at these mushrooms:

My driveway is peppered with these!  I thought this cluster looked neat.  After a bit of contemplation, I tatted this motif:

It began as 8 interlocking chain rings with bead accents.  Another round was added inspired by the shape of my driveway mushrooms.  I think I will expand this motif and make it into a pendant.

Well, I am off to see about tweaking my website settings to make uploading images with text easier.  May you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Still Plugging Away

Well, I managed to get some of the Romance of the Piney Woods collection up on the Atelier website, but not nearly all of it.  My photo software had an update that somehow does not work well with the webserver I use.  I've contacted tech support but haven't heard back yet.  I may move the image files to another editing software to see if that works, but really don't want to waste valuable design time.  Sooner or later I'll get it figured out and all of the pieces up.  Many thanks for your patience!!!

I do have a little peek for you of a current work-in-progress:

This is going to be a OOAK original piece in the upcoming Camo Couture collection.  I actually lucked up on two of these vintage pins!!!  Each will be given a different renovation.

There are a couple of Eternity pendants waiting for final touches and the pin pictured above is still teasing me with it's possibilities.  Guess I'd better get busy tatting, then check my email later- let's hope TS has a solution for me!  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Cameo Cotillion

Good evening, dear readers.  Welcome to the Cameo Cotillion!

I only have five ladies to present to you as four have "eloped".  One is already "spoken for" but has been given permission to attend the Cotillion.

Without further ado, I present to you:

"Katherine" is our lady who is "spoken for".  She is enhanced with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Forgotten Lavender" and has Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearl accents.  It took almost 3 spools of the Valdani silk to dress her, but I am pleased with the results.

"Eustacia" is our next lady.  She is surrounded by a bezel of olivine Swarovski crystals, a few freshwater pearls and is festooned with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Golden Moss".  She was rather fussy and demanded a frilly look.  Two full spools of silk later and she gave me an approving nod.

And making her grand entrance is "Adalaide".  This is the lovely lady who has graced several blogposts.  She is surrounded by a freshwater pearl bezel and is accented with crystal AB Swarovskis and a few additional freshwater pearls.  Her "gown" is tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Subtle Elegance".

"Eunice" is enhanced with artisan hand dyed freshwater pearls, olivine Swarovskis and an airy wrap of Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Golden Moss".

Our final debutante is "Delphine".  She is graced with a bezel of lavender freshwater pearls and surrounded by frothy tatting in "Mauve Orchid" Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk. 

So, what do you think of my ladies?  Each one is painstakingly searched for, evaluated, cleaned and dressed with the utmost care.  All are hand carved shell cameos mounted in 12K gold filled frames.  I have worn cameos like this for many years and at the encouragement of several clients, have made some available for purchase.  Each lady is original and takes MANY hours to complete.  I use Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk exclusively on my ladies- only the best will do.  They are priced accordingly and are now available on the Atelier site.

Which lady is your favorite?  There will be more ladies and other Romance of the Piney Woods pieces added to the website each Friday.

Well, I am off to carefully put each lady in her box. Thank you for attending the Cameo Cotillion.  May you have a wonderful weekend full of whatever makes your soul sing!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Pearl Brooch

While the ladies are waiting to make their debut tomorrow evening, I have been busy working on a new brooch.

The brooch base is 12K rolled gold filled and features 14 genuine cultured pearls.  I have used Valdani Luxury Pearl SIlk in "Icy Leaves" to add tatted accents along with antique beige Czech seed beads and 4mm olivine Swarovski bicones.  This piece goes very well with the Eternity pendant I finished yesterday.  Hmmm... I may have to present them as a demi-parure.  What do you think?

Please note that the Cameo Cotillion will be posted tomorrow evening, as will the Romance of the Piney Woods on my Atelier site. 

 I do not have as many pieces as I'd planned due to early sales, but I hope you will be pleased with what is available.  Friday is only the first installment of the collection.  Additions will follow on subsequent Fridays, so please be sure to check out the website often.  And remember, these are one-of-a-kind ORIGINAL pieces and are priced accordingly.  Patterns inspired by the collection will be available in August.

Guess I had better get back to the brooch so I can list it tomorrow, too.  May you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow evening~

Happy Tatting!



Still At It

Yep, I'm still working on the ladies.  They need lots of attention and I have the habit of going back and tweaking my work.  I do want the ladies to look "just so" at their cotillion.

Other than dessing the cameos, I've been working on the Eternity pendants.  This one (done in "Icy Leaves" Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk) is turning out nicely.

It still has a couple more rows of tatting to go, but I love the color of the silk.  Olivine Swarovskis go extremely well with this thread!  Hmmm... I may keep this one for myself.  Or at least keep it until I debut the Romance of the Piney Woods collection.  It seems like I can hardly keep enough pieces in stock.  Guess I shouldn't complain about that, though.  Thanks for liking my work to those who could not wait for the big debut! 

Well, I have tons of work to do before Friday.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Cameo Cotillion Invitation

Dear Readers,

You are cordially invited to the Cameo Cotillion hosted by the Piney Woods Tatter blog on Friday, July 13h, 2012.

I am putting the finishing touches on the ladies and hope they will present themselves with grace and style.

Please be so kind as to attend and offer your comments and suggestions on the ladies.

Pray excuse me, the ladies are in need of more attention and are being most demanding. 

May you have a delightful day!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Preparing for the Launch

I have been busy preparing for the launch of my Romance of the Piney Woods couture tatting collection. 

 The official launch is Friday, July 13th- this Friday! 

Please bear with me this week as my blogposts may be short and erratic.  There is so much I have to get done.

I did work on a couple more Eternity pendants this weekend:

This Eternity base consists of White Lotus 6.5mm pearls, wine 4mm Swarovskis and pink opal 4mm Swarovskis.  The tatting is done with the fabulous Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in color S78.  The image above is of the very beginning of the pendant.  Be sure to check out the Romance premiere Friday on the Atelier to see the finished piece!

Well, I am off to get more tatting work done.  May you have a marvelous day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Playing Around

Yesterday I played around with the Swarovski pearl & crystal pin I'd beaded.  This is how it looks now:

The tatting is done in size 12 Valdani pearl cotton (color "Primitive White").  I will be adding more rounds to it today and playing with the little do-ma-hickey I beaded pictured below:

This will probably be a pendant foundation but I may do a bracelet out of several motifs if it turns out like what I picture in my head.

I had intended to post images of a fig pound cake, but haven't had time to bake one.  I'll be posting the recipe next week along with more tatting goodies.  Keep your eyes open for something really cool next Friday!

It's early, but I've got a full day ahead- tatting and lots of errands.  May you have a wonderful weekend doing whatever it is that makes your soul sing.  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Back to the Drawing Board

I am quite disgusted at the moment- the vintage faux pearl brooch I was working on has shown why I rarely work with "costume" pearls.  One of the pearls has slightly chipped it's shell and it is now in a box to the side of my chair awaiting for my decision as to what I will do with it.  I had almost finished the brooch- over 15 hours of tatting had gone into it- when the notorious chip occured.  Since I will not sell the piece, I believe I may finish it, keep it for myself and perhaps hunt out some golden hued cultured pearls to replace the faux ones.  The trick will be to remove the faux ones without damaging the tatting, then replacing them with the cultured pearls.  That is a project I will tackle after I get the Romance of the Piney Woods collection launched.

I did take some time to play with the Swarovski pearls and crystals yesterday.  Here is what I did:

Today's tatting will include accenting the above pin and working on an Eternity pendant.

It is already getting hot & humid, so I think I'll pour myself some mint iced tea & mosey on into the Atelier.  Have a fabulous day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day, dear readers!

Sorry, I do not have any tatting to share with you today.  I plan to spend some quality time with my loved ones and read an ebook on the Kindle. Tomorrow, I will return to the usual tatting schedule and have many things to share.

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

Happy Tatting!



Garden Goodies

There was very little tatting done in the Piney Woods yesterday but, I managed to get a lot of garden work done.  One thing though, I did get too hot and am paying for that mistake today.  I'm drained, so I think I'll sit in my comfy chair and tat the day away.

Here are some images from our garden:

One of the many bowls I filled with tomatoes, purple hull peas, squash, Christmas beans, speckled butterbeans & figs.

This is a Christmas beanpod.

And these are Christmas beans- they are a type of very large speckled butterbean.  My bunch loves them!

While the beefsteak tomatoes are ripe & plentiful, my roma tomatoes are taking their time ripening.  I'm ready to make some homemade salsa- they need to hurry up!

And our huge fig tree is just LOADED with figs!  I'll be making fig preserves this weekend and will probably bake a fig poundcake.  Big Daddy is awfully fond of my fig poundcakes!

Well, I am going to make a fresh pitcher of mint iced tea and then settle in my favorite tatting spot.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Revamping Another Brooch

It is still sweltering down here in the Piney Woods!  At least I did get some tatting done this weekend.  Here is one of the pieces I worked on:

This brooch is a rare vintage Hamilton & Hamilton piece.  The mounting is sterling silver and is fantastic for adding tatting!  I normally turn my snobby nose up at faux pearls, but this piece was really exceptional.  I hope my additions improve and enhance it further.

The above image is of 3 layers of tatting, forming the base around the pearls.  More rounds of outer tatting will be added to finish fleshing out the piece.  It will be available on the Atelier website for purchase on July 13th!

Well, I do not know how much tatting I will get done today.  There is so much that I have got to do in the yard & garden.  The last of the blueberries need to be picked, along with figs, corn, turnips, purple hull peas, butterbeans, squash & okra. Then I'll need to put all of it up.  As hot as it is going to be, I do NOT look forward to doing all this, but it has to be done.  May you have a wonderful day- I'm off to the garden.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!