Spring is in the air!

Today my hubby and I walked to the store to stock up on the weekly groceries and what did I spy on the way there? The pussywillow is in bloom! I haven't been by this way for awhile as we frequent two different markets and I have been going to the other. So on the way home I snatched a branch to add to the one I snatched last year. After all, it was lonely...and pussy willow looks so much nicer in a grouping of two...or three...or four *hehe*
Just to clarify, the branches hang over a tall fence out onto the sidewalk. In France it is legal to pick anything that hangs out onto the sidewalk. Even so, I still feel weird when I pick something. Must come from my mother scolding me when I picked the neighbors flowers when I was little. Interesting how those childhood memories can still dictate how you feel long after the time has passed.


I havent really been doing anything interesting. I have finished a little more work on the flower paisley piece and it's coming along nicely. I have decided to make a series of these. Each one pertaining to a different subject. Then I will stitch them all up as little purses for my shop. They are not quite as labor intensive as the first paisley since they are a bit smaller. Anyone have any good suggestions as to subject matter? I have the flower one. I was playing with the ideas of celestial, hearts, music, insects (butterfly, dragonfly, ladybug) I think this would lend well with several subjects. I need to do some sketching!
Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Recyclart

Recycle Art

I found this site today while stumbling. Something I do in the morning while drinking my coffee. Some of the ideas are just great!

I love these wine bottle shelves.

And these bottle chandeliers are an interesting idea. I have also seen people make bottle trees that make the most wonderful sounds. Although I always wondered how many broke during wind storms!


And this is just fantastic! A whole wall made of water bottles. Who'd a thought ^_^

I have always had a bit of a passion for recycling things. I never throw anything away without asking myself first. "Could I make something with this?" My husband is even used to this behavior now and often asks me if I want something before he tosses it. I believe if everyone tried to do this the world would be a lot cleaner place. Oh, and those things I save? I really do try to use them. I don't want to end up like some crazy cat lady with newspapers piled to the ceilings and every plastic bottle that has ever entered her house tucked away in some black hole of a cabinet. *grin*

Sunlight, so bright!

Today is a beautiful day here. It seems like spring already. There are flowers blooming and the sun is shining. It feels so good! I have been good and done my exercise AND an hour of French. I find that much more than an hour of French on tape and my brain starts to shut down. I think that hearing it every day and slowly progressing with the lessons is going to help me though. I still haven't returned to French class but hope to by next week. Maybe if I am diligent with my listening and reviewing prior lessons I wont feel so lost when I return.


I did a little more on my flower paisley piece last night. This piece seems bright and cheery. A hint of the days to come I hope.

Needles and needles and needles

So today I took another trip to the doctor. Now that they have pinpointed one of my problems they have to discover what is causing it...so then off to the lab to be stuck and then stuck again! I'm telling you I won't mind if they NEVER do another arterial blood gas on me. ICK! At least they are working hard at trying to cure me and I don't mind that.

I came home and made a big batch of Indian chicken curry, I can smell it simmering away in the kitchen and soon I will have a nice plate of it!


Last night I finished inserting the windows into my little cottage. I think they look quite nice. I embroidered some wool yarn around the edges to simulate a wood trim, I will also do this around the door. I have been working on some shutters and a door, they are light blue ad Im not sure if I'm in love with this color yet. It remains to be seen.


I also started my flower paisley last night. I know I'm not finished with my first paisley project but I have an idea for one of the paisleys left on that one that I dont have the materials for...so I have been delayed.

Now that all the not so fun stuff is done for the day, I am going to kick back and listen to my french lessons and stitch. You all have a wonderful day!

Peace of Mind with Stained Glass Windows

Sunset out my livingroom window night before last.

So yesterday was my appointment for xrays and other such tests. They have found something and it has given me peace. I know that sounds funny but it feels good to know that THEY know there is something wrong with me. Now they can fix it and I can feel better. No more worry about whether this is in my head. I still plan on continuing to get into shape. I do need to be in better shape. Now I am doing it because I want to though and not because my doctor is convinced thats my problem.

So last night I had a lighter heart and I set about my wanted tasks happily. I had decided to make my little cottage some stained glass windows. First I sketched out a general idea in the size of my windows.


Then I cut my plastic to the correct size. I used a piece of plastic out of the window of a gift box. It's just the right weight and a great way to recycle these items. I try to use as much of my waste that comes into this house as possible.

Then I outlined the lines with my leading leaving the edge blank as this will go inside the wall. I set this aside for awhile to dry.

After the leading had set up well I filled in my little diamonds with iridescent glass paint. This is the same paint that I used on my lamp shade and is perfect for this application.I didnt worry too much about texture with this. I mainly just tried to put a nice amount in each diamond, alternating the four colors. Again, I set it aside to dry.

Once this was good and dry I punched holes around the edge with a big tapestry needle. See how nice the iridescent paint shines? I really love this paint.

Now that the window is finished and ready to set into the cottage. I took scissors and sliced open the edge of the felt at the window opening...all the way around, about 1/4 inch. this felt is nice and thick so it was quite easy.

Now my windows sit in their openings nice and flush.

Doesn't it look neat looking out from the inside?

Next I will fasten the windows into the cottage and make the trim around the outside. I will be working on that today I think and will post pics of it tomorrow.


Last night I had another bout of insomnia so I sketched up this new design. Another paisley I know! I have planned on making several smaller size purses with paisley flaps for my shop. They are so much fun to do and people seem to love them so.

So I also listened to my pimsleur french audio lessons while I worked this time. I was able to listen to about an hour and a half before I felt fed up with french. I think this is helpful but french audio lessons can be quite boring. If anyone has a more interesting suggestion I am ALL ears *^_^*
You all have a wonderful Sunday!