Heart Whispers

I just needed to say this more than ever today. "I appreciate you." Without you, I would have less reason to create. Your encouraging words always give me reason to continue making art to share.

Here are some photos taken of the most amazing gift from my dear friend, Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings. Since I have been recovering from some arthroscopy surgery on my right knee, she sent this to me. She definitely lifted my weary spirit with this chunkie book she calls "Heart Whispers."

It truly contains my favorite colors, vintage soft sepia colored ladies, with a hint of The Renaissance Age, coats of arms, birds, tiaras, horse drawn coaches, and nests. I love the way it subtly sparkles, and shines with crisp images of beautiful women of the past. Thank you so much my sweet friend.

Then on Saturday, another "Angel of Kindness," arrived bearing gifts of food, dessert, and an assortment of DVD's. Deb Abel is another special lady in my life. I don't know how she does all that she does. She is remarkable, artistic, and always there to listen. Thank you, Deb, for the homemade lasagna and cherry pie. Hopefully, I will be back to my normal self within the next couple of weeks.

And, not to be forgotten, I was pleasantly surprised to receive this lovely bouquet to wish for a speedy recovery. Thank you for your well-wishes, gals. I am so humbled by everyone's concern.

"Get Well Soon" Bouquet

from my artistic friends,

Deb Abel, Terri Gauthier, Kim Baslock, and Vikki Light.

I just never realized how much of an impact blogging would have in my life. Thank you all for your wonderful comments, the new friends I have met, and for all the inspiration that I see every day.

Coffee Cup Sleeves

Inspiration comes from everywhere! For instance, I received a Tassimo coffee maker from my family this year for Christmas. I have always wanted to brew up my own lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. Experiencing that final burst of steam when the creme ends it's frothing cycle right in my own kitchen is divine! The aroma sends me to new heights!

Knitting these coffee cup cozies occupied my New Year's Eve and New Year's Day holiday. There are so many free patterns on the internet, that I couldn't decide what to make. First of all, here are some very simple slip-on designs by Diana Madill shown on a web-site entitled canadianliving.com. I altered a few of them by adding on a row or two of black on the tops and bottoms, embellishing with a vintage button. I tried knitting them on double pointed needles, tried working them flat and sewed up the side seam. Honestly, knitting them flat is quicker and you really can't tell the difference once placed on your cup.

And even best of all, maybe I can actually lessen my impact on the environment by saving a small tree by knitting these cute personalized coffee cup sleeves out of scraps of worsted weight yarn instead of the paper sleeves at our local coffee shop. Keep a couple in your car for that cup on the road!

Divine Hearts

These easy-to-make hearts were finally photographed and ready to be displayed! One day this summer we decided to create these beautiful shapes as one of our monthly assignments with the stipulation that we had to include a flower image. It was such a great hit that every month at least one of us says, "Can we make some more hearts again?"

Artwork by Nancy Van Hoose

Artwork by Nancy Van Hoose

Artwork by Nancy Van Hoose

Artwork by Debra Abel

Artwork by Terri Gauthier

Artwork by Kim Baslock

Artwork by Vikki Light