Else's Bellas Artes

New Beginnings

2015-05-20T10:22:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to concentrate on my writing more, ever since joining Story Circle last year. With that in mind, this will be my "last" post for awhile on Bellas Artes. I've started a new blog, Flores y Cantos, that will feature less crafts, and more original art and writing.

Freebies on Bellas Artes will still be available for download, so don't worry!

I hope that you will follow me as I venture on a new road--Flores y Cantos.

Thanks for visiting me here on Bellas Artes. My friends are a blessing.

Busy Bees Across the Seas!

2015-02-07T08:40:00.001-06:00

One of my projects this year is Randje per Week.

Anita and I are continuing are monthly virtual sewing Bees this year, trading photos of our projects each Friday or so. This year we'll be concentrating on Advent tree ornaments and English paper-pieced stars. But we'll be working on our own projects, too! Here are some results for January!

Beautiful applique work by Anita!

Sheep-themed pinkeep in progress by Else.

Anita's pieced stars.

Else's one lonely star--more to come!

One of Anita's Advent ornaments!

Year of the Sheep!

2015-01-01T08:27:00.000-06:00

Happy new year, everyone! It is the year of the sheep, so here is my new year's etegami starring some cheerful specimens! Have a good 2015!

Happy Christmas - Christ is born! Glorify Him!

2014-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Birth of Christ

Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,
And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One!
Angels with shepherds glorify Him!
The wise men journey with a star!
Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!

Merry Christmas! Christ is Born!

After all the gifts are unwrapped and the Christmas breakfast eaten, take some time to worship God, who sent His Son into the world so we could have a relationship with Him.

Did you know....

Jesus was born in a cave? Caves were used as stables. There was no wooden structure.
Midwive(s) attended his birth?
The wise men arrived several days or weeks after Christ's birth?
Joseph was a widower, possibly 80 years old, with grown children from a previous marriage?
Mary might have been as young as 14 years old and was brought up and educated in the temple to serve God?

Learn all this and more in the Orthodox Church, the ancient faith of the Apostles. Visit orthodoxwiki.org to learn more!

Bee Across the Sea: December Santa

2014-12-24T09:58:00.003-06:00

Anita and I finished our Bee stitching for December! I still need to add borders to my hanging, but the embroidery and applique are done. It will be fun to use these banners in the coming years.

Anita's border of different colored square of fabric, plus the realistic beard, make her Santa wall hanging a work of art. I love it!

Anita's Santa

Else's Santa

December Daily 2014: Week 1

2014-12-10T10:19:00.000-06:00

So much happened this week that I didn't have to follow my prompts. Smile.

Left side of Week 1 Spread

Right side of Week 1 Spread

Bee Across the Sea - November Report

2014-12-06T11:06:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone. The November Bee report is late this time because, ahem, a certain someone (me) did not finish her ornament on time. But at last, in time for tree-trimming, here it is!

Our ornament was from a Country Cottage Needleworks pattern.

Anita's Angels

Else's Angels

Don't they both look beautiful?! I modified my ornament to fit my red and white Christmas theme this year.

Our December Bee project is a small wallhanging from the Folk Art Christmas book by Diane Arthurs. I better start stitching!

Christmas kindness

2014-12-03T14:12:00.000-06:00

Presents from Anita

Each year, I exchange gifts with my crafting friend Anita in the Netherlands. We make gifts for each other and also send special surprises representing our countries.

My box from Anita arrived on Monday, and several packages were marked "open now." What fun! It's nice to start Christmas early, I think.

When I opened the packages, I found the goodies pictured above: a tiny Santa cushion, a sweet owl ornament (both are cross-stitched) and a ceramic Delft tree ornament.

I have to find homes for these lovelies, but the cushion is already a reclining place for Klaus, a Santa doll that Anita made for me when we first started trading crafts:

Cushion and Klaus, both made by Anita

The rest of the gifts will have to wait until Christmas. I'm excited about what other beautiful things Anita may have crafted for me!

December Daily: Cover and Gear

2014-12-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome back to my (almost) weekly posts about how I am doing December Daily within my 12 by 12 Project Life album. Here's my cover:

DD cover for my 12 x 12 album

(I removed the page from my album to photograph it.) Anyway, here's how I made this very easy and simple cover. Remember, I am using red, white, kraft and aqua as my color scheme this year.

Supplies I used

1 - 12x12 kraft Christmas paper from Jim Holtz Ideology line
Words I printed on my computer
3 - glittered chipboard snowflakes
Red Christmas-themed washi tape

How I did it

I applied the washi tape all around the edge of the 12x12 sheet.
On the back of the sheet, I used a ruler to draw lines so it would look like a PL page: two 4x6 pockets on top, four 3x4 pockets in the center, and two 4x6 pockets on the bottom. I then numbered each section so that when I cut it up, I could put it in the pockets in order. (Of course, you could also just use a single 12x12 page protector and not cut anything up, but I didn't have one.)
I cut up the sheet and inserted all the pieces into the pockets of my "cover."
I decorated selected pockets with the words and snowflakes. Done!

I've also collected my "gear" -- all the stuff I'm going to use to decorate my daily pockets. I bought only a few things this year: some more kraft cardstock, kraft doilies, red and white candy dots, and a few more scrapbooking things from the sale aisle at Michaels. I had LOTS of things left over from Studio Calico's December Daily box for 2013, so I'll re-use some of that, as well as other bits and bobs I bought last year.

So gathered all together, here's my stash for this year's December Daily. Yum!

Goodies for December Daily 2014

I've started my pockets for this first week of December. Come back next week to see my progress and individual pockets and journaling for December Daily 2014!

December Daily 2014: Content

2014-11-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

Now that I've got a layout, I've been thinking about what I'm going to do in each of my December Daily "pockets." I'm a woman whose children have grown and flown (and I don't have grandkids yet), so it's often hard to meet the goals of online prompt lists that call for toy shopping, children baking cookies, and so on. In fact, I've found that in general, there are very few Project Life resources for those of us who are older adults.

My ongoing Project Life album is focused on the everyday adventures of myself, my husband and our pets. But our Christmas preparations are fewer and more low key without children at home, so I do need ideas for doing December every day.

I searched online for "December Daily prompt lists" and finally found a good one that anyone (with or without kids can use). It's here, created by Agnes.

Image courtesy of Agnes
at marysza.blogspot.gr

Of course, I've given myself permission to do something else if the mood or event occurs! My goal in keeping December Daily is to keep Christmas in my heart each day. It's so easy to get lost in the shopping, baking and general craziness of these days without remembering Who Christmas is all about.

I'll stick to my usual inclusions to "answer" these prompts, such as

Photos--probably instagram-sized on my 4x6 cards
Quotations
Clips from magazines and online
Ephemera decorations
Keepsakes such as event tickets, etc.

If you need other ideas for prompt lists, here are some others that I considered before deciding:

Come back next week and I'll talk about how I'm going to do front and back "covers" for December Daily, right in my 12x12 album!

Bee and quiche

2014-11-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

Hey, it's another month and Anita and I are starting another Bee project. This time, we are stitching Country Cottage Needlework's ornament, Angels. I'll be doing mine on red fabric with white lettering.

Else's materials for "Angels"

Anita's materials for "Angels"

On another note, I made my first quiche of the cold season. We love quiche here at home: it's hot, filling, and perfect comfort food. Our favorite kind incorporates some kind of seafood; last night I made it with "faux lobster" (lobster mixed with white fish) that you can get in your supermarket. Of course, you can make it with other things, too: diced ham and mushrooms, mixed cheeses (adding cheddar is yummy), crumbled and cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, spinach, and more.

Faux Lobster Quiche

I use a very quick and easy quiche recipe I adapted from the Fannie Farmer cookbook. I've used this recipe for over 25 years and it comes out perfect each time! And the kitchen smells delicious while it is baking.

Very Easy Seafood Quiche

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Ingredients

3 eggs
2% or whole milk, or heavy cream (amount will be described below)
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
dash nutmeg
2 cups shredded swiss cheese
9-inch frozen deep dish pie shell
Package "faux" crab or lobster meat (or use the real thing. Cook it first and let it cool, though).

Steps

In a small bowl, beat the 3 eggs, then add enough milk to make 1 1/2 cups. (I usually do this step in a large measuring cup.) Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cut up the crab or lobster into small pieces. Combine in a large bowl with the shredded cheese and the liquid mix.
Pour everything into the frozen pie shell.
Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes on the counter before cutting and serving.

Enjoy!

December Daily 2014: First Thoughts

2014-11-05T09:22:00.000-06:00

It's that time again--blogs and online scrapbook shops are starting to talk December Daily. So here are my first thoughts about how I'm going to do DD this year.

Last year was my first time doing December Daily (you can see my 2013 album here). I used the Studio Calico kit ($$$). I enjoyed the process and finished the album, but it was a LOT of work and I knew that I needed to do something simpler and less expensive this year.

This year, I am going to do December Daily within my 12x12 Project Life album. I've come up with a layout that will use four full spreads. Each day will be in a 4x6 pocket, reserving the center 3x4 pockets for additional photos, journaling cards, "bling", and etc. Here's a taste of how the layout will look, and you can download a pdf of the complete month's layout here.

I will also be using a printable journal kit as my base and inspiration. I've chosen Ephemera's Vintage Garden "Merry Melody." Designed by Debbie-Anne Parent in Canada, it features the palette I had already been thinking of using--red, white, and kraft. The kit also features touches of aqua. Perfect! Here's a video by Debbie about her new kit:

While the kit is supposed to be a stand-alone journal, I plan to print the pages, then make my 4x6 and 3x4 journal cards from her spreads. I will also make additional journaling cards using base cardstock of my chosen colors, and embellishing them on the way. I've been using Debbie's kits for all sorts of crafting for over a year. Her images, prints and design are the vintage style I love, and everything can be used in versatile ways.

I plan to blog each Wednesday through the week before Christmas about my December Daily efforts. Check back next week for a report on my progress towards DD 2014!

Santas from the Bee

2014-10-27T15:13:00.003-05:00

My friend Anita and I finished our virtual October Bee projects: stitched folkart Santa dolls. We had the same pattern which we each interpreted differently. I love how our Santas turned out! Now to save them for Christmas decor...


Anita's Santa	Else's Santa

Bee and Autumn Stitching

2014-10-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

Another week, and Anita and I are making good progress on the Santa dolls for our virtual Bee. Stitching is done or almost done--assembly is next. Here's what we've accomplished.

Anita's Santa doll

Else's Santa doll

I've also done some Fall cross-stitching. Finally complete is my Lizzie and Kate "Autumn" sampler. I love the bright colors in this piece and of course, the wee owl!

Autumn sampler

October Bee bee-gins!

2014-10-09T09:09:00.000-05:00

I'm always behind lately. It's frustrating. However, last night I was able to pull together the materials for my October Bee Across the Sea with Anita. This month we are making stitched Santa dolls from a book I bought in the early 1990s, "Folk Art Christmas," by Diane Arthurs. I don't even know if it is still in print. Inside are dozens of traceable stitcheries and projects from which you can make dolls, ornaments, wall hangings, and much more. We are going to make the doll illustrated in the middle of the front cover (see my photo, below).

Else's materials for the October Bee

Mine will be a redwork Santa with a cap made from the material shown. Anita has chosen to make her Santa in felt, which should look warm and lovely!

Anita's materials for the October Bee

It will be fun to see our Santas emerge from thread and fabric! Stay tuned!

October begins

2014-10-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love autumn. I love the changing colors, the crispy leaves, the cooler air, the feeling that everything (at least nature-wise, because work is as rat-racey as ever) is winding down for a good sleep. Still, green remains and the geese are thinking of flying away as they congregate everywhere I look.

Geese at Argonne National Lab

I've begun bringing out a few pumpkins.

Punkins

And I've made progress on a small autumn cross stitch sampler. It gives me a chance to bring out all my lovely variegated orange flosses.

Autumn sampler

And mums from the greenhouse are now being carried by faithful Sancho, my ceramic donkey.

Sancho

Welcome, Autumn!

Bee Across the Sea: September done

2014-09-30T09:26:00.000-05:00

September comes to a close, and so do our September bee projects. The candlemats are done and they look magnificent. I can't wait to use mine this holiday season! And Anita chose just the right colors so hers can be used during the autumn season, as well. This was a fun project and challenged me to do applique. I loved it!

Anita's finished candlmat


Else's finished candlemat

For October, we will be making stitched Santa dolls. More on this soon!

September Bee continues!

2014-09-23T14:29:00.001-05:00

Anita and I are hard at work on our candlemats. Here is our progress for this week. I am hurrying to get done, appliqueing the felt leaves with red variegated #8 cotton floss:

Progress on my candlemat...

And here is Anita's mat, looking splendid in all its Christmas colors!

Anita's candlemat progress

It's very enjoyable to do a project with a friend and seeing each person's interpretation.

Back to the Bee!

2014-09-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back, friends and readers! I took a hiatus for awhile as summer, work and illness kept me too busy. But now Autumn is here and I look forward to crafting for the holidays.

Else's fabrics

My penpal Anita and I have decided to spend the next four months crafting a monthly "something" for this Christmas. This month we are making a candlemat from Quilter's World, chosen by Anita. We are alternating the choice of project, and I will choose the October project.

We are each giving our projects the personal touch. I am inspired by a Scandinavian Christmas, so I am using red felts and fabrics. I am also not using the quilting directions as given because I don't have that much time to quilt and sew. So I created the base and will applique the felt piece on by hand.

Here's my progress so far:

Progress on my candle mat

However, my friend Anita is a fantastic quilter and has chosen some beautiful green and red fabrics to make her mat, with beautiful applique and quilting:

Anita's chosen fabrics

And here is her progress. Her mat is looking wonderful!

Anita makes progress on her candlemat

We hope to have these completely finished by the end of September so we can begin the October project!

April catch up: Earth Day and a poem

2014-05-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that April is over. And it still feels like Spring hasn't quite arrived; we've had rain and cold breezes and I'm still layering a sweater under my jacket.

Earth Day was in April and my garden celebrated: tulips and daffodils were open and we ate from our first crop of asparagus! My husband planted a few asparagus starters years ago--and we had to wait two years for the first crop--now we get so many that we can't eat them all! Fresh asparagus is very, very tasty!

I was able to put all sorts of "earth-y" photos in my Project Life album last week, and I also made some stitched and Earth Day cards to include on the pages:

Stitched title card

Altered Studio Calico journal card with stitched sequins

Journal card made with a WildOlive cartoon

April was also National Poetry month and I read some poems to celebrate. I find that I am enjoying poetry a lot more lately; it's almost as if something has "clicked" in my brain and I can take it in.

I also wrote one poem, inspired by things I love. I hope you enjoy it!

Gray.

To some,
Gray is a sad cloud.
But to me--
Gray is my pastel.
The mist that reveals morning
The softness of elven garb
And smooth covers of Persephone's tomes.

It is silver, a treasure,
The comfort of Herdwick wool
Yarn unbleached
In a shawl, that cloud
On my shoulders that comforts.

Bee and more...

2014-05-01T09:56:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed stitching this week's Bee design from WildOlive. Lots of tiny details in the flowers, and of course the smile on every object Mollie creates makes each design very sweet! Anita and I each had a different take on what colors to use. It's really enjoyable to share a craft experience with a friend and to see what each of us comes up with!

Anita's spring basket

Else's spring basket

Crochet mandalas seem to be everywhere I look lately (or maybe it's just me) and my fingers have been itching to make one. I found this free pattern on Made in K Town and worked it up with yarn left over from my crocheted pillow. It was easy and fun and now I'm prowling around the Web looking for more mandalas to stitch!

Crocheted mandala!

Bee Across the Sea

2014-04-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

April showers bring May flowers...and this is proving true here at Owl View Cottage, where April rain has caused my daffodils to finally open, and the tulips are close behind.

Daffys at Owl View Cottage

Aptly, Anita and I stitched umbrellas for the Wild Olive Stitching Club this past week. I made mine pink, and so did Anita--and I'm thinking I might need a pink umbrella in real life! Very cheerful.

Anita's umbrella

Else's umbrella

Blessed, Holy Easter!

2014-04-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

The tomb is empty!

Christ is risen from the dead,

Trampling death by death!

And upon those in the tombs

Bestowing Life!

Christ is Risen!

Indeed, He is Risen!

Rejoice!

Bee Across the Sea

2014-04-16T12:44:00.000-05:00

Easter is in the air, and so are spring chicks! That's what Anita and I stitched last week for Wild Olive's Spring Stitching Club. This was a delightful little motif and we had fun making our hexagon flowers with it.

Anita's chick

Else's chick

And flowers return...

2014-04-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

How I ache for the return of garden goodness!

Imagine my joy when I saw the return of my tulips, cautiously poking their new leaves out of the ground:

See them?

After all the snow we've had, along with months of winter, I am careful about hoping for too much, also!

And then my work friend Diana brought some tulips to share:

A touch of color makes the heart glad.

Using the Waterlogue iPhone app, I converted this picture to a watercolor. Delicious!

Waterlogue tulips

Flowers--bring them on! I am so ready.

And then, my African violet birthed another bloom!

Ooooh!

For more garden inspiration, check out Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life. I am in love with this book!

Hill Top Garden. Courtesy: National Trust