Just a Quick Blurb

Well, I guess the only way there is going to be a new post on my blog is if I put one there! Funny how it works that way...

So far, Dawnae's and my art that is hanging in the Redlands Gallery has not sold, and there are only 4 days left of the show. Do we keep them in for the next show, or not; that is the question.

On the other hand, I do have some exciting art news to share. I have just landed my first paid mural/faux finishing job at my friends house. She has 4 boys, 2 per bedroom. She has asked me to paint an apple tree and airplanes (old 40's era style) in the little boys room, and in the older boys room she would like me to add a dry brush finish, an image of one of the older boys doing a flip in the air painted above his bed and an image of the oldest boy doing a trick on his skateboard painted above his bed. So fun!

I start these two projects a week from Monday and plan to have them finished in two weeks time. I am so excited!!! I struggle with canvas work so this will be all fun for me. One great thing about doing this for my friend is that I will help her get these two rooms finished; which will give her peace and rest, and allow her to concentrate more on enjoying her family.

(LaRae, this will not prevent me from helping you with your quilts should you need me to; I will be able to help when this job is completed.)

Wish me luck, and pray for me to have nimble fingers and un-spillable paint cans!

Crafty Hands

My sister Judy and I love to sew, especially quilts. We inherited that love from our mom (and her mom). She is an excellent seamstress, baker, crocheter, etc. In fact, anything she makes with her hands is either: beautiful - if it's to be looked at, comfortable - if it's to be worn, or delicious - if it is to be eaten! We grew up watching her create. It is only natural that we would have picked up the needles and hooks, too. One of my favorite family traditions with my own kids (the girls) has been to crochet during General Conference. However, for this next GC, we have decided to include our boys in our creative efforts by setting up a still life for everyone to draw while we watch and listen. (Yes, Bart, that includes you! Trust me, there is no excuse, even running the St. George Marathon the day before, that will let you escape! Good Luck on your run - Boston or Bust!)

Judy has created some very beautiful crocheted items over the years; my favorite being an afghan for our dad and a scarf for me. A few years ago, she made and sold the most charming hand-sewn fleece baby blankets that were marketed under the name of her company, rightfully named, "Charming Charming Blankets". After that adventure, she moved on to sewing skirts for herself. It was after her skirt days that she got into quilting. She made a Christmas quilt that is just adorable. With Fall here, and the holidays just around the corner, she is sending me pictures of more cute Christmas quilts that are so tempting to begin! (I keep reminding myself I am up to my elbows in paint)

Quilting, crocheting, painting and drawing are not just enjoyable past-times for me, but they serve a great purpose as well. When I am considering a new topic I've been reading about, or am very perplexed about a situation that requires action, my hands go to work. I worked on this little black, red and white project when I took Cameron out of public school and homeschooled him for the year. He would sit on one side of the sewing table, and I would sit on the other, as he talked to me about whatever it was that caused him to dislike school so much. By keeping my hands busy, my mind could put the information he was giving me into perspective without making me too much of a crazy woman. (I have very strong opinions about how children are best educated; and what he was telling me of his experiences conflicted with my ideas!)
















At the end of the school year, I had only completed these two separate squares, just as they are shown here. But, that's okay. The quilt served its purpose for me; and my son is now able to go to school day after day and enjoy success. Thank Heavens for the inherited lessons of craftiness from my mothers hands; I don't know how that 2nd grade year would have been accomplished if it hadn't been for a project to keep my hands busy!