Christmas crafting and decorating

 I love to embroider and sew. I had rescued some old quilts and decided to do a few fun projects. 

I adore the scenery in Pennsylvania Dutch county. When I saw the laundry hanging on wash day, I was inspired to make “Quilts On A Line”. 

I took the quilts that were falling apart and made mini versions. 

I loved them and have sold several sets. They look so cute hanging from a shelf or in the laundry room. 

As I was cutting one of the quilts, I notice there were layers of different fabrics. These ranged from feed sacks to wool to items of clothing. I carefully pealed back each layer to preserve the history of the sewn layers.  I decided to incorporate the pieces of fabrics into my other creations as well. I made pockets and pocket hearts to hold treasures. 

I also have some of my embroidery art banners using my vintage fabric finds!

I am offering these on my Etsy CottageWishes  as well!  I will share more pictures how I incorporated into my Christmas decorations in my next post. 

Have a wonderful day. 

Di

Treasure Keepers

 Treas-ure a quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects. 

 

A treasure of valuable objects in my world are items that evoke a memory of loved ones. I seem to collect small items of metal, frames, pictures and broken jewelry. I know it comes from spending time in my Pops  watch repair shop and looking at my Grandmothers suitcase of pictures. 

 

I created Treasure Keepers this year for myself and family. I also made some for my shop. I gathered my favorite items, pictures, papers and fabrics and started creating.  Luckily, I took a class by Roxanne Evans Stout, The Bookmaker which you can find on highlighted link  

I created my own twist with item I had on had. It was so fun to imagine what each person would put in there boxes!  

  

 

I made boxes and tins. Created mini portraits on canvas, fabric journals, prayer (art) flags, pins and found objects for each treasure keeper. Of course, I left room for each to add their own.             

             

My daughter’s tin has a small Victorian purse I found and love it as it was falling apart. Inside I put one of my mother in laws rosary. In the tin I put photos and pictures I watercolored from a trip we took

 

                               For my other daughter, a sweet change purse                                                                              

 

For me

 

For a sweet friend, who says this will be her wallet!

 

As you can see I am having fun. Please visit my Etsy Shop Cottage-wishesfor Treasure Boxes and Treasure!

Stitches of time

 Embroidery, slow stitching and drawing are simple but rewarding actions!  I started stitching when I was 19 , my sister-in-law introduced me.  I started out with crewel and moved to cross stitch  My Aunt Gennie lived in Pawleys Island and was great friends with Jeannie Thompson.

 I Took classes with Susan Edmondson, making prayer flags.  That opened my eyes to the possibility of creating on different fabrics and mediums.  I then started random stitching on fabrics 10 years and  loved adding flowers and stitches to clothing 

I started embroidery stitches, words and combinations of words on vintage clothing.  I love old linens!

I

I started embroidery stitches, words and combinations of words on vintage clothing.  I love old linens!

I started putting my embroidered dresses in frames, like Marian.  She has a great tutorial

https://missmustardseed.com/framing-a-baby-dress

 

This is mine I hung in my craft room

Ruth Rae inspired me to embroider words on my Art Dresses, Slips and Jackets

I hope I inspire you to make your thoughts appear on fabric!

Di
 

Creative Friends

 Several people outside my family helped get me through the lockdown. My friends were divided, some of them no longer are in my life. But what played a big part was Instagram friends and special bloggers. They stepped up to provide classes, support and distraction. I think for sanity to focus on art, antiques and actions helped me to funnel my energy. 

   

I During this period, I grew spiritually, artistically and healthier. Listed are my favorite sites and people  

Jeanne Oliver https://jeanneoliver.com/.  She gave free classes, words of inspiration, wisdom and prayers. She and her family prayed for my healing and truly are the sweetest people. I worked on my Vision board and art

Cathy Lombardo, Lady Beatrice Vintage Store in Brevard, NC. @ladybeatrice56 on Instagram. She hosted Junk in the Trunk shows. This gave me an outlet to share my vintage finds and embroidery creations in a socially distance environment and still have interactions. I owe her so much for my joy! #ladybeatrice56 on Instagram.

Marian Parsons, https://missmustardseed.com/blog/.  Wow, decorating and an artist. Oh my, I learned oil painting. Thank you for the beautiful way you treat people!

Gigi Lapido-McHone, https://bellaantiquesdesign.com/, The best designer, chair maker, encourager and pray warrior I know!  I have one of her chairs. Ya’ll, she prays over these chairs as she does them. 

Emily, http://www.pennyandivy.com/  She gave me decorating advice over Instagram, I learned about Happy Mail from her and bought some wonderful pillows!  I sent some of her grain sack little lavender filled packets and goodies to my sister when I couldn’t see her!  She loved them and shared with her daughters  

Linda at My Fresh Palette, @my_fresh_palette, http://www.myfreshpalette.com/  She carries Anne Slone paint and supplies, an artist and carries vintage  she has supported my business growth!  She is a sweet generous soul   My blues and whites with Paris Grey And White

Gina, Gazebo Farms Vintage Market on Facebook , @gazebofarmsvintage on Instagram. such fun to shop her sales.  A very special, talented lady.  I love her live sales!

I bought my lockers from her at the beginning of the lockdown to organize my Etsy shop.  Her sweet hubby delivered them!

Rhonda, https://alittlebitfrench.blogspot.com/, she is so talented and supplied me with wonderful packets filled with inspiration!  

Dore, Burlap Luxe, @burlapluxe on Instagram.  Not only is she a talented lady but so kind.  I have followed her forever and love her theatres  My goal is to have one or a piece of her art!  For a real treat check out her blog. http://burlapluxe.blogspot.com/

Susan Edmondson, https://www.susanedmonsondesigns.com/.  I have taken many classes from her and concentrated on the fabric color necklaces.  I love doing these.  A true artist in fabric and best teacher  my goal is to take her class at John C Campbell Folk School

    I hope you find some inspiration 

I have appreciated the support on my Etsy shop

https://etsy.me/36DuTCp  

So much fun on Instagram and following some talented ladies and gents.  I have laughed with them and cried with their stories.  I could mention so many more.  I am so thankful for their posts and sharing spirit 

Stay safe my friends, Di