Hand Embroidery

Good morning, dear readers!

 

A friend called and asked if I had some spare embroidery floss, pearl cotton and other hand embroidery supplies I could let her have for a project (she is teaching her after-school group of tween girls how to do simple hand embroidery).  I went into my stashes and pulled lots of thread goodies for her, along with a few hoops, transfers and extra needles.

 

Going through stuff made me itch to do hand embroidery again.  I used to design and embroider my own original pieces, but have put my primary focus on tatting.  While tatting is an all-consuming obsession, I truly love to do other fiber arts as well.  I think I'll sketch out a little something and embroider today.  If it turns out to my satisfaction I'll share an image later.

 

Well, I'm off to sketch on a scrap of linen & gather my threads.  Don't worry- I'll have new tatting goodies to share with you next week!  Have a marvelous weekend full of creativity & until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Tatting Cushion

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I thought I'd share something with you I use in the Atelier.  It is something that is useful, inexpensive and easy to make- a tatting cushion.

 

 

Go to your local discount/dollar store and purchase a package of dining chair pads.  The cheap, flat surface ones. They can be used as is, or you can do what I do- add a contrasting fabric remnant with fusible web.  I have a couple of solid colored cushions that I've added a gingham checked fabric remnant to.  The gingham is useful for pinning and shaping tatting.  It makes a nice blocking grid.  The ties on the cushions can be used to keep up with your scissors, hooks, or other tatting accessories.  I slide my spools of Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk & Pearl Cotton on the ties and knot them to keep the thread handy.

 

 

If you wanted to get really fancy, you could add claw hook findings to secure scissors and such.  Maybe even add a pin cushion with emery in it for cleaning tatting needles.

 

Hope you have enjoyed my "tatting cushion" idea!  I'll be posting more dollar store finds and tatting/needle art related ideas soon.

 

Lily Fey is giving me one of her looks and has huffed twice.  Guess that is the cue to pull on my boots and take her for an outing.  Have a great day and until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Final Counts for Bracelet

Good morning, dear readers!

Here are the final counts for the bracelet:

 

 

Begin by running needle through 8 seed beads and + to -.

ALL of the chains on this side of the bracelet begin with picking up 1 seed bead with the needle.

CH 11 - (with 3 seed beads) 11 CL + to next - and pull a long length of silk through.  Note that it is easier to use a second needle on the working thread end to help with weaving the chains through.

Repeat these counts 2 more times, weaving as you go,  then

CH 13 - (with 3 seed beads) 13 CL + to next -, weaving as you go.

Continue along length of bracelet until you reach the last 3 Rs.

Repeat the CH 11 counts and finish by running the needle through 8 seed beads.  Tie & add a dot of jeweler's adhesive before cutting.

Add a clasp with jumprings.

 

I did not realize that the clasp I planned to use on this bracelet was damaged.  It does not close and hold securely.  After digging through my findings, I could not find another clasp of similar size- bummer.  All of the other clasps I have are either way too small or too large.  I'll pick up a package of clasps the next time I'm at the craft store and take an image so you can see the final bracelet.

 

Well, I have a fun day planned.  It is time to clean out and defrost the deep freezer.  Oh, joy.  Still, it is a very necessary chore.  Let's hope it goes quickly and I can get back to my tatting.  There are a couple of projects I'm working on, so perhaps I'll have something nice to share soon.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Next Step for Bracelet

Good morning!

Yesterday was rather busy, but at least I am somewhat caught up on laundry.  When Jim & Jocie are home, it seems as though the dirty clothes piles heap up.  Oh, well...

 

This is the next step for the bracelet:

 

Just a simple accent round of chains with beads that flow around the previously tatted rings.

 

 

The number of beads you will need to string on the silk depends upon the number of rings and chains you've used for your bracelet foundation.

Run tatting needle through picot of first R.

Add 1 seed bead to needle, then tat as follows:

CH 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 CL + to next -, repeat 3 times.

CH 9 - (with 3 seed beads) 9 CL + to next -, continue until coming to last 3 Rs, then

CH 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 CL + to last -.

DO NOT TIE & CUT!!!

The continuation of this pattern will be posted tomorrow!

 

 

Hope you are enjoying the bracelet pattern.  I've had a good time playing.

 

I'm  working on cleaning some of my recent acquisitions- getting them ready for embellishment.  The cameos look so much better now that I've cleaned the mountings and the cameos themselves.  Additionally, I've been cleaning up a few vintage brooches and MOP buttons.  After I post all of the parts of the bracelet project, I'll share some new eyecandy with you!

 

My hot cocoa is waiting and I need to clean the Atelier before doing more work.  Have a great day & until Wednesday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Bracelet Foundation FREE Pattern

Good morning, dear readers!

After an enjoyable holiday, I am back at work in the Atelier.  Several folks have requested a simple bracelet pattern with the interwoven chains and I decided to give it a go.  The following is a basic foundation for a bracelet that can be adjusted for various wrist sizes and incorporates (in subsequent posts) interwoven chains.  I tatted this using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in color S39 "Forest Greens" with "rainbow grey" size 11/0 Ornella seed beads with a size 8 tatting needle.

 

 

String 99 seed beads onto silk and tat as follows:

R 5 - 5 - (with 3 seed beds) 5 - 5 CL RW

CH 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 CL RW

R 5 + 5 - (with 3 seed beads) 5 - 5 CL RW

CH 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 CL RW

R 5 + 5 - (with 3 seed beads) 5 - 5 CL RW

CH 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 CL RW

R 7 + 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 - 7 CL RW

CH 9 - (with 3 seed beads) 9 CL RW

 

NOTE:  I tatted a total of 11 Rs with the 7 count to get the size that I needed to go around my wrist.  This is where you can adjust the length that you will need.  Be advised, more steps are going to be posted this week.  When lengthening or shortening, keep in mind that another round will be added along with a metal clasp finding.  These are important to keep in mind when adapting this pattern to your specific needs.

 

After tatting the number of 7 count Rs,

CH 7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7 CL RW

and finish with 3 Rs with 5 counts as listed at beginning of pattern.  Tie & cut, hide ends.  Be sure to place a dot of jeweler's adhesive to silk before cutting.

 

 

 

Here is a closer view of the foundation. 

 

Well, I am going to be busy catching up on some household chores today since Jim will be back at work and Jocie, at school.  I'll get the next step on the bracelet ready for posting tomorrow morning.  Have a great day and until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

  

All's Quiet in the Piney Woods

Good morning, dear readers!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and are enjoying a quiet, tranquil Friday in the Piney Woods.  Some people love the sales that can be found the day after Thanksgiving, but I prefer to relax and avoid the frenzied craziness.

 

I had intended to post earlier, but we awoke to a light rain.  Jim turned off the alarm and we went back to sleep.  After a hearty breakfast, we went for a stroll in the wet Piney Woods.  Jim checked his game cameras and I took the opportunity to snap a couple of shots of my current tatting projects against the steps of the old home place.

 

 

This is going to be either a pendant or brooch.  I took a small metal component and tatted around it with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S9 (Herb Garden) along with silver lined green Ornella seed beads and cranberry transparent Delica seed beads.  I plan to add a Lotus pearl to the very center and surround it with tatting in more silk- probably a deep red.  Additional tatting will be added to the outer edge to expand the motif.

 

 

This is the very beginning of a bracelet foundation.  It is tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S39 (Forest Greens) with rainbow grey Ornella seed beads.  More rounds and tiny pewter pinecone accents are planned for this piece.  I'm considering posting the pattern for this one next week.  What do you think?

 

Well, I am ready to settle back into my comfy tatting chair.  Have a wonderful weekend and until next week~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

We will be having a quiet family dinner followed by a movie.  Don't know what we plan to see yet, but so long as we're together, I really don't care.  To those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving- what are you doing today?  I have a couple of pies in the oven this morning and will be cooking turkey, collard greens, homemade rolls, my special mac & cheese, and green bean casserole.

 

After I get the cooking done, I will be putting on my new peridot green sweater with the orange Juliana brooch.  Here is the brooch with tatted accents:

 

 

I had intended to add some rice pearl accents, but did not have enough to go all the way around the brooch.  Still, I think it looks okay.

 

Well, I have LOTS of cooking to do.  May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving & until Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



FREE Pendant Foundation Pattern

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I played around yesterday with some Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk and thought I'd share the basic foundation of the pendant I'm tatting:

 

For this foundation you will need: a size 8 tatting needle, Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S592, and 30 size 11/0 Ornela seed beads in "rainbow grey".

 

String all seed beads onto silk and tat as follows:

R 7-7 - (with 3 seed beads) 7-7 CL RW

CH 7 followed by 5 graduated -s 7 CL RW

R 7+7- (with 3 seed beads) 7-7 CL RW

CH 7 followed by 5 graduated -s 7 CL RW

R7+7- (with 3 seed beads) 7-7 CL RW

CH 11 followed by 7 graduated -s 11 CL RW

R 11+11- (with 3 seed beads) 11-11 CL RW

CH 11 followed by 7 graduated -s 11 CL RW

R11+11- (with 3 seed beads) 11-11 CL RW

CH 11 followed by 7 graduated -s 11 CL RW

R 7+7- (with 3 seed beads) 7-7 CL RW
CH 7 followed by 5 graduated -s 7 CL RW

R 7+7- (with 3 seed beads) 7-7 CL RW

CH 7 followed by 5 graduated -s 7 CL RW

R7+7- (with 3 seed beads_ 7-7 CL RW

CH 11 followed by 7 graduated -s 11 CL RW

R 11+11- (with 3 seed beads) 11-11 CL RW

CH 11 followed by 7 graduated -s 11 CL RW

R 11+11- (with 3 seed beads) 11 + (to first - of first R) 11 CL RW

CH 11 followed by 7 graduated -s 11 CL RW, + to base of first R & CH.  Tie & cut, hide ends.

 

NOTE: before you cut the silk, place a small dot of jeweler's adhesive to secure knot.

 

This is a good basic foundation that can be built upon in numerous ways.  I'll show you the enhancements I make to it as I go.  Use your imagination and add beading, more rounds of tatting, etc.

 

This color of the Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk (S592) reminds me of the Mexican petunias that are blooming like crazy in my front yard.  Here is the image I took of them a few days ago:

 

When the petunias first open, they are darker and become lighter as the day progresses.  S592 is the closest color I have to them.

 

Well, I'm ready for my hot cocoa.  Have a fantastic day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Vintage & Antique Goodies

Good morning, dear readers!

 

It feels so strange to be writing my daily blogpost so late in the morning.  Jim and I awoke, ate breakfast and went for a long stroll in the Piney Woods.  It was cool and lovely in our woods, with a bit of misty fog.

 

I have some recent acquisitions to share with you.  My dear friend Tommee is getting out of the vintage jewelry business and will be focusing her creative endeavors on jewelry design.  She graciously let me sift through her remaining inventory and this is my modest haul:

 

A lovely antique, handcarved shell cameo in a gold-filled setting.  She will be a stunning addition to my Romance of the Piney Woods collection!

 

Another antique, handcarved shell cameo in a gold-filled mounting.  I really like her hairstyle and think she will be gorgeous with lots of frilly tatting surrounding her.

 

I had a diffucult time getting a good image of this vintage Juliana brooch.  The stones are a neat variegation of white, ecru and light tan mixed with smokey topaz navettes.  I have just the Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk to accent this beauty!

 

And I dug these MOP buttons out of Tommee's huge button jar.  They are large and will make wonderful centers for doilies, brooches, pendants, or whatever they later tell me they should be.  What do you think?  Any suggestions?

 

Well, Jim has just finished his 3rd cup of coffee.  Guess that means he's ready to go into town for our grocery store run.  I plan to work on some tatting this afternoon and hope to have something new to show you tomorrow.  Have a great day & until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Busy Week Ahead

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I am a busy girl this morning.  I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Jim's office staff.  They all work hard and take excellent care of the boss.

 

There are a few new things I plan to share with you this week, so please excuse this quick post.  New vintage and antique acquisitions will be featured in future posts along with a new FREE pattern (IF I can get the stitch counts figured out). 

 

Well, I'd better get back in the kitchen.  The cornbread smells about right and I need to check on the collards.  Have a fantastic day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Vintage Brooch Enhancement, Part Two

Good morning, dear readers!

 

My hands are feeling better this morning- thank goodness!!!  I started the second round on my vintage brooch:

 

 

This image was taken shortly after I started.  The complete round was finished after dark last night and I could not get a decent image of the brooch inside- it is too sparkly.  I'll add the pearl and Swarovski accents this weekend and have the finished piece for you to see on Monday.

 

Jocelin is out of school for the Thanksgiving holiday break, so we are going to have a nice mother/daughter day.  First, we will head to visit our friend Tommee and sift through her vintage jewelry pieces.  Then we plan to hit the antique stores.  After lunch we will begin shopping for a formal dress.  Jocelin is on her high school's homecoming court!  Let's hope we can find something she likes that won't break the bank.  My girl has rather expensive tastes- can't imagine where she got that from.  Wish me luck!

 

Well, I am off to enjoy my hot cocoa before the insanity of the day begins.  Have a marvelous weekend!

Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!

 



Slow Day

Good morning!

 

Yesterday was a slow day on the tatting front.  After taking the kid to school, I dropped by the salon for a haircut.  My hands were bothering me a bit then, but by the time I arrived home, they were really hurting.  Guess it is the change in weather.  We've had several consecutive mornings with lows near freezing and my joints are vigorously protesting.  I gave myself a nice, hot oil manicure and massaged my hands with an essential oil sugar scrub.  It helped a bit, but I still did not get much tatting done.  Let's hope today is more productive!

 

 

Even though it's been cooler, the Mexican petunias in the front yard are exploding in blooms.  Here is a shot of a couple:

 

 

Wouldn't this be a lovely thread color?!?

 

Well, I am going to try to get in a bit of tatting before taking the kid to school and preparing for the upcoming holiday.  Hope you have a great day & I will try to have some tatting to show you tomorrow.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 



Vintage Brooch Enhancement, Part One

Good morning, dear readers!

I enjoyed hearing about all of the holiday projects you've got going.  At the moment, I am actually working on a little something for myself.  Remember the wonderful vintage Juliana brooch I found in hunter orange?  Well, I am keeping that beauty for myself and am in the process of enhancing it with tatting.  Here is the primary foundation round:

 

 

I used Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S49 "Subtle Elegance".  It took quite a while to get each perimeter navette enclosed with tatting.  Now to add additional rounds and accents of pearls and Swarovskis.  I plan to get this one finished fairly quickly as it will look great on the sweater I'm wearing for Thanksgiving! 

 

What are you doing for Thanksgiving, dear readers?  We are planning to have a nice, traditional Southern Thanksgiving dinner.  I'll be serving turkey, collard greens, homemade rolls and cornbread, sweet potato pie, candied carrots, corn-on-the-cob, and sweet tea with mint.  After we rest a bit from gorging ourselves, we plan to take in a movie. 

Are any of you planning to shop on Black Friday?  I avoid the "sales" and "specials" like the plague.  My refuge is the Atelier.  Whilst everyone is running around to get the best deals, I am ensconced in my tatting chair, sipping gourmet hot cocoa and tatting to my heart's delight.  Yes, I am one of those people who has already done ALL their Christmas shopping- it was finished in August.

 

Well, I am ready to get on with the tatting.  Hope you have a marvelous day full of creatitivy.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 



Holiday 2012 Palette

Good morning!  Hope you all had a wonderful Veteran's Day.  We certainly did- & I'm very thankful to all veterans.  I'm particularly thankful for the veterans in my family- my husband, dad & uncle. Thanks to ALL who have served!

 

After spending most of yesterday doing various chores, I retreated to the Atelier and went through my Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks.  The image below will be my Holiday 2012 Palette:

 

 

The colors are: S49 "Subtle Elegance", S775 "Proud Turkey", S9 "Herb Garden" and S39 "Forest Greens".  Click on the Valdani logo to the right of the blog to order your Luxury Pearl Silks.

 

Many readers suggested "white snowflakes" for holiday projects, but please be aware- RARELY will I tat in white.  I prefer to use threads such as "Subtle Elegance" as it is slightly variegated and suits my personal style very nicely.  This is merely a personal quirk.  Black and navy are also colors I prefer NOT to use.  Again, just my own preferances here.

 

Other items that will be featured in upcoming designs are: antique MOP buttons; red & green Swarovskis and Czech seed beads; gold & silver metal bells; assorted metal components and other vintage elements.

 

What are you planning to tat for the holidays?  I'd love to hear what my readers are up to!

 

I'm off to the Atelier- there are a number of pieces I'm working on.  Hopefully, I get a couple finished later today & will have some new eyecandy to share with you tomorrow.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~
Happy Tatting!

  

 



Pendant Prototype Winner!

Good morning, dear readers!

 

The winner of the Pendant Prototype Giveaway is:

 

Mary Kay

who wrote:

This is a beautiful pendant -- the interlocking chains just amaze me. For Christmas, I'd love to see a multi-step Christmas ornament with a fancy doo-dad -- kind of a progressive pattern where folks tat along -- maybe offer differing skill level options. Thank you for your generosity with this give-away.

 

 

 

Mary Kay, if you would be so kind as to click the "contact me" button to the right of the blog and let me know your pertinent info, I'll get your goody in the post this week.

 

Many thanks, dear readers, for all of the wonderful holiday tatting ideas!  I will be designing a number of projects to share with you, along with FREE patterns and a giveaway or two.  What do you think?  Anyone have any other suggestions or comments?  I always enjoy hearing how I can improve the blog.

 

Jim is off today and we plan to do a number of household chores.  Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, then Christmas, then New Year's.  Much will be going on & I really want to get the house in order so I can tat and enjoy the season.  Well, Lily Fey wants her run; Jim wants his coffee & I need my cocoa.  Guess I'd better get it in gear- we've got a busy day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Pendant Prototype Giveaway

Okay, I'm finally back from running errands and have finished the pendant for the giveaway.  Here it is:

Hope y'all like it!  And many thanks for letting me know what you'd like to see for the holidays.  I'll plan some FREE patterns for your enjoyment so visit the blog often for future Christmas themed features.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST ABOUT WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE DURING THE HOLIDAYS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN THE PENDANT!!!
********************************************************************************************************
Good morning, dear readers!

 

Well, I worked on a new pendant design yesterday, but it did not go as planned.  The general idea will require more count adjusting and tweaking on my part, but I am going to do a special weekend giveaway event for the prototype!

 

 

The shape is not quite what I wanted, but I will be adding a couple of additional interlaced chains to the outer round.

This pendant is tatted with Valdani pearl cotton in M30 "Deep Waters" and Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Forest Greens".  It is accented with turquoise Czech seed beads, olivine Swarovski bicones and has a center enhancement of an antique abalone button with a dyed freshwater pearl.  I'll add an image to this post later in the day after I add the outer finishing chains.

 

Okay, to enter the giveaway:  simply leave a comment on this blogpost and let me know what you'd like to see for the holidays.

The winner will be selected by a random number generator and will be announced first thing Monday, November 12th, 2012.  Good luck!!!

 

Lily Fey is staring holes in me and I am ready for some hot cocoa to jump start my day.  Have a great weekend and check back later today as I will have a better image of the finished pendant up.  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Silk Samples

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Yesterday was filled with tatting samples of the new threads to see how they worked up and the beginning of the pendant for tomorrow's giveaway event.  Here are a couple of test tats of the Muddy Bark silk (on left) and Herb Garden silk (on right):

 

 

The image isn't the best as the light was almost gone when I snapped it before heading into the house yesterday evening.  Still, everything worked up beautifully and I believe you're goung to really like the pendant I'm working on.  Be sure to check out the blog Friday morning for the event announcement and details!

 

Well, Lily Fey is ready for her run and I am ready for a full day of tatting in the Atelier.  Hope your day is filled with tatting fun.  Until Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Valdani Order

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I got my latest Valdani order in yesterday!  All of the thread is just gorgeous.

 

 

The pearl cotton colors I received are:  Tea Dyed Stone, Dark Waters and Cottage Smoke.  The Luxury Pearl Silk colors are:  Proud Turkey, Love of Life, Forest Greens, Herb Garden and Muddy Bark.  The Muddy Bark is a lovely variegated brown- it's a very rich looking color.  I can't wait to tat a sample motif in it!

 

Well, I gather from the responses that you, dear readers, would prefer a pendant giveaway.  I'll work on getting a pendant designed and tatted-up within the next couple of days and post the giveaway event on Friday.  Keep your eyes open beacuse this will be a "quick" event- maybe only lasting over the weekend.

 

It is back to the normal schedule today as Jim returns to work and Jocie to school.  I've enjoyed our family time, but am really looking forward to time in the Atelier undisturbed!  You know what?  I haven't had my hot cocoa yet!  I'm off to heat some milk for said cocoa and get myself in gear.  Hope you have a wonderful day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Button Stash & New Acquisitions

Good morning, dear readers!

 

It's Election Day here in the USA- if you have not voted already, please do so.  We will be heading out to vote as soon as the polls open this morning.

 

I spent a good portion of yesterday digging through the closet in the Atelier.  This was a very good thing to do because I found several items I'd "hidden" from myself.  The long lost jar of MOP (mother-of-pearl) antique buttons was found behind a large box of fingering weight wool.  It had somehow slid behind and I was so pleased to find it!  I went through the jar, sorted and cleaned the buttons and placed them in an organizer on my jewler's bench.  Here are just a few of the buttons:

 

 

Can't you just see all of the lovely pendants and brooches that these will make?!?  What do you think- shall I do a special piece for a giveaway event?  Pendant or brooch?  Leave your comments on this post and I'll announce in tomorrow's post what event I'll do.

 

Oh- I forgot to post images of my new acquisitions!  A dear friend of mine (Tommee) is a big fan of vintage jewelry.  She is moving into creating her own OOAK jewelry and is thinning out her vintage costume jewelry stock.  I was lucky enough to acquire a Whiting & Davis intaglio brooch and pendant:

 

 

The thing that makes Whiting & Davis so special is the superior mountings they used and the fact that they used rock crystal, not glass, for the intaglios.

 

 

I also have a gold-toned brooch like this that I'm working on.

 

 

So many anchoring possibilities are on both the brooch and pendant!  What colors should I use on these?  I have some wonderful dyed pearls and Swarovskis that would be great accents.  Any suggestions???

 

Well, Lily is spinning and Jim is grumbling.  Time for a run after I give the old bear his coffee.  May you have a fantastic day full of creativity & don't forget to tell me what you'd like the next giveaway event to be in the comments!!!  Until Wednesday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Autumn in the Piney Woods

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend- ours was great.

This is my favorite time of year.  The temperatures are cooler and my Piney Woods are ablaze in glorious color.  Jim and I took a number of walks in the woods and enjoyed the scenery.

 

 

As you can see from the image above, there was much in the way of artistic inspiration.  Such lovely colors and textures to spark new tatting ideas!

 

After I composed the image collage, I went to the Valdani site and perused their wonderful pearl cottons.  So many are perfect for this time of year.  They perfectly reflect the colors in my Piney Woods that I love to use for my one of a kind tatted art.  Here is my suggestion for those of you who have asked for artistic advise:  Go out and look at the colors around you.  Take some images with your digital camera or phone, then go to the Valdani website and see what thread colors strike your fancy.  Let me know what colors particularly appeal to you!  I really want to know!!!

 

Jim is off today & tomorrow so we will be doing various family activities.  I do plan to get in a fair bit of tatting later, but right now Lily Fey is giving me one of her "looks" and Jim is sitting at the dining table very expectantly.  Guess I'd better get Mr. Grumpy Britches his coffee and take Lily Fey on her run.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Another Round

Good morning, dear readers!

My fingers are much more flexible this morning- thank goodness!!!  The aloe vera gel has really helped the burns.  I did manage to tat the next round on Motif 2 using my little finger to wrap the thread around:

 

 

I hope to get this one finished today and will add a center accent.  The other motif will be finished this weekend as the accent round I was tatting requires more dexterity.

 

What are you doing for the weekend?  We have a long 4-day weekend planned with oodles of family activities:  off-roading in the Jeep, driving lessons for Jocelin, campfires, hiking in the woods, tatting, and perhaps a movie night.  Of course, we will be voting on Tuesday.  To those of you who live in the USA, please exercise your right to vote!  I do not give a rat's patoot who you vote for, just vote.  We are so blessed to have that privilege- many still do not.  Never take it for granted!

 

Lily Fey is giving me that "look" again.  Guess it's time for our run in the woods.  Have a wonderful Friday & weekend!  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Halloween Motif Accent

Good morning, dear readers!

I hope you had a wonderful Halloween and are enjoying a pleasant All Saints Day.

 

I did not get much work done accenting the Halloween motifs- not after I burned the top of a couple of fingers while taking treats out of the oven yesterday morning.  Yes, I am a big klutz.  The burns are not too bad, just painful.  I hope to be back to tatting as usual within a day or so.  Anyway, here is a bit I did on Motif 2 prior to the oven incident:

 

 

I plan to add several more rounds and accents to it, as well as to Motif 1.

 

Well, I am going to take it easy today and clean out the Atelier since it still stings when thread slides over the top of my fingers.  May you have a wonderful day full of creativity!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!