random delights

A few things on my wish list these days, leading off with this serving platter, pure simplicity by Heath Ceramics.

Short story #2, stitched artistry by Brooklyn based quilt maker Erin Wilson.

Sea green wainscotting frame, made from salvaged New Orleans wood siding by second line frames.

Chair, one of Holly Farrell's hauntingly beautiful still lifes (thank you please sir for the discovery).

the garden blog

I started a second blog. Most of you will probably laugh, knowing that I barely can keep up with this one... The garden blog is a chronicle of my efforts in our enchanted garden. The purpose is to keep tabs on the work, plants, and ideas that go into this place we lovingly inhabit. To create a live, digital, garden archive. I am also hoping it will keep me on task, since I no longer can let things slide when the whole world is watching (ok, that is meant to be ironic). For some of you gardening is not that exciting, but if you find it intriguing I invite you to join me on the journey.

touched creatively

Jodi Ulschmid, a talented artist and graphic designer is launching touched creatively, a beautiful magazine, website, and blog. The purpose is to promote artists and their handmade work to a larger audience while forming connections and networks among the artists themselves. The publication is beautifully designed, and I am delighted to be included in the inaugural issue, which will be available this Friday, May 29, on the website. A copy of the printed issue is $6.29, and a download version is available for $1.89. I encourage you to support Jodi's endeavor by visiting the website and spreading the word. If you are an artist and interested in being featured in an upcoming issue you can contact Jodi to submit.

fiber transformed

I am honored to be a member of fiber transformed, a group of remarkable Virginia textile and quilt artists. Each woman in this group has her own renowned style with a contemporary feel and amazing technical skills. Several of them are award winning quilt artists and have shown their work nationally as well as abroad. The current group consists of Mary Beth Bellah, Cynthia Harrison, Jill Jensen, Judy Loope, Peggy Printz, Diane Siebels, Susan Skalak, and me. We meet once a month to plan, chat, and share each others work. Currently we are working on a theme called starting point where each piece includes a black dot, period, or circle. Two of my pieces are shown here; spotted (above) and odd ball (below). I feel so privileged to be part of all this talent. I am learning and flourishing in their midst. 

french inspiration

I recently introduced a new collection of sachets, thanks to Isabelle of Lou & Tom. She encouraged me to make a sachet with ribbons that can be hung wherever its soothing scent is needed. Isabelle's inspiration led to these sweet smelling, queen ann's lace printed mini pillows. They are available in several color combinations both in the webshop and the etsy store. Merci, Isabelle. 

I also want to send thanks to a few other friends for featuring my work lately. Suzannah, from my favorite Charlottesville store O'Suzannah picked me for this month's love feature on her blog , Monika included my sachets in her mothers day special on the delightful splendid willow, and Tracey of Life in Sugar Hollow wrote so kindly about my wall art. All is much appreciated!

mothers day love

Here is to all beautiful, amazing, and inspiring mothers, including my mamma Mona, who's love, support, and encouragement has enriched my life in so many ways. Thank you!

I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with this video from Mom Faves, with wonderful contributers such as Suzanne of S*HOPtalk, Cindy of quaint handmade, and Traci of bliss. Happy mother's day!

the boss

Yesterday evening we spent three rocking and hopping hours with this distinguished gentleman (and a few other people...) Last time I had the honor was during his "born in the U.S.A." tour in Göteborg, Sweden in 1985. It feels like a long time ago, and still there is so much energy, heart, spunk, and beautiful music to be shared. It was a privilege to be part of the enthusiastic Charlottesville crowd last night. Thank you Mr. Springsteen, Mr. Clemons, and the rest of the E street band!

random delights

Here are some things that make my heart sing, starting with mary ann burk's whimsical blue tea pot...,

avalanche looms woven wall hanging/window panel dogwood...,

John Grant's botanical photography...,

and Su Blackwell's paper sculptures.

Happy Monday!