Else's Bellas Artes

What's in this package?

2013-05-10T08:15:00.001-05:00

What, you say? It's a BanditApple Carnet notebook from Korea, and its on its way to me! You can now try this notebook for FREE (but you have to pay $3 in shipping). Learn more about this offer at Gourmet Pens (thanks, Azizah!).

I expect to get one of these:

Photo courtesy of GourmetPens.

Just a simple little notebook, but I love to try new stationery of any kind!

Don't want to wait to try one straight from Korea? Get your notebook at GouletPens, one of my favorite pen and paper vendors! Yay, Goulet!

Quilt block of the month #1

2013-05-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Block #1 of Stonehenge

My friend Vicki convinced me to do a quilt-block-of-the-month club sponsored by Thimbles, a local quilt shop. The quilt is called "Stonehenge" and features a collection of mottled and variegated fabrics in stone and forest colors. We're getting together one Saturday a month to assemble our block for that month--mutually motivating and helping each other!

Here is the first block, complete! It is 9 inches square. The colors remind me of the Irish countryside I saw last year, so I will be completing each block by embroidering a Celtic motif in the center of it. I'll post of a pic of the embroidered block when I complete it.

At the end of 12 months, I'll have twelve blocks to assemble into a wall hanging. I think its calm and forest-y tones will be soothing and calming to look at!

Bloomin'

2013-04-30T11:46:00.000-05:00

Friends, things are blooming all over!

My crocheted Blooming Cushion using an Attic 24 pattern!

The white tulips in my yard!

Daffys!

First asparagus -- early! -- a bounteous crop is promised!

Museum Treasures

2013-04-26T17:20:00.000-05:00

One of the Thorne Miniature Rooms. In this photo, you can't tell that this room is acutally dollhouse-sized!

When my friend Michelle was visiting, we spent a wonderful Friday exploring some of the treasures at the Art Institute of Chicago. Going to the art museum is balm to my soul--all the colors, creativity and beauty just made my heart feel happy. Here are just a few of the things we saw.

Detail of one of the famous Chagall windows. What blue!

This ancient Roman mosaic looks just like my dog, Sam.

This photo of a snow painting by Monet doesn't do it justice.
Monet was able to capture all the nuances of the color white--
blues, purples and even pinks. Luscious.

This Wedgewood paintbox is luxurious!

A beautiful door into the past.

Example of early European decorative art.

Feel free to view my Flickr set of this excursion for more glimpses into the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Janes

2013-04-20T17:02:00.000-05:00

For my friend Michelle's visit last week, I made these Jane Austen dolls (blue for Michelle, mustard for me). See, they are having tea! I got the pattern from Bit of Whimsy dolls. While sewing the dolls was quite challenging, I am very pleased with the results. Now I can converse with Jane whenever I want to! :)

Grandcat

2013-02-28T15:56:00.000-06:00

Just had to show off my grand-kitty, Kaylee. Her person is my son, Zachary.

Kaylee is sweet and very well-behaved. She and my dog Sammy get along well and I am proud to be a cat gramma. I think I like cats.

(Photo credits: my wonderful future daughter-in-law, Afton.)

Fairyland

2013-02-26T17:17:00.000-06:00

It's snowing in the Chicago area today, and all the trees look like this, dusted with sugar icing! It reminds me of fairyland and it was a wonder to see everything coated like this on the drive home from work.

Painting Etegami

2013-02-23T12:04:00.000-06:00

I spent some time painting yesterday. It had been awhile since I could slow down enough to paint etegami, or Japanese picture-letters. These will go off to special friends on Monday. :)

My geranium, sheltering indoors during winter, is not blooming but its leaves are lovely and fragrant. In the language of flowers, a geranium stands for "true friendship."

Sorry for the blurry image! This etegami is of the star flower, or wood star, a wild flower commonly found in the Lake Superior region. I love its simple shapes and would like to see it in the wild one day.

To see the completed cards and other etegami I've painted, visit my etegami flickr set. To learn more about etegami, visit my teacher's website, DosankoDebbie!

my first tillandsia

2013-02-17T08:53:00.002-06:00

Prickles was suspicious of his twin.

Gifts!

2013-02-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

My pen-friend Anita in the Netherlands spoiled me for Valentine's Day! She sent me three lovely gifts she made herself, starting with the quilt square above. I love the brilliant blues!

Next, a beautiful cross-stitch sampler in pale indigo blue and stitched by hand.

Finally, a new green outfit for Alice Clover. Anita designed the patterns herself!

Doesn't Alice look splendid and ready for Spring?

Thank you, Anita, for giving me a very special Valentine's Day and for being a special penpal across the seas!

Happy Heart Day!

2013-02-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Shown above is a crocheted Valentine heart I sent to my friend Anita. I got the patterns and idea from Attic24. The crocheted rose, invented by Lucy, is a snap to make! I'll certainly be making more of these.

And here's the layered carrot cake I made for my son Nicholas. His birthday is today! I made the little flags using wood skewers and washi tape. And no, they didn't burn when the candles were lit (just in case you worried). I love the festive look they gave.

My husband gave me these lovely roses earlier this week. They are the most wonderful pink-coral color and the purple stattice sets them off!.

5 Websites I Visit Every Day

2013-02-12T10:30:00.001-06:00

A lovely crafted rabbit by Alicia Paulson
on Posie Gets Cozy.
I would love to make this!

In addition to checking Google Reader every day for "in general" updates, here are 5 websites I like to visit every day or so, checking for all kinds of crafty and other goodness.

Attic24. This charming British blogger, Lucy, writes several times a week about her love of crochet and all her inventions using crochet. She is always cheerful and fun and has lots of tutorials, crochet ideas and homekeeping thoughts. She is a young stay-at-home mom and she gets lots done with her kids and her crochet. It's a charming read and always brings a smile. Also, reading her blog has made me want to get a caravan!

Posie Gets Cozy. Alicia Paulson is the writer/crafter of this charming blog out of the state of Oregon, USA. She has a brand new baby girl (who is the most beautiful young lady I've ever seen), a corgi dog named Clover (love that name) and a charming, cottage-y house to die for. She does lots of crafts including cross stitch, knitting and sewing and has marketed many of her patterns and designs. I love her use of color, the corners of her home and her two books (which I have and love). She always inspires me.

The 52 Letters Project. Joanna's blog is all about writing letters, who she's written to, stationery and postal relationships. Last year she blogged about her journey writing one letter a week, often to folks she had lost touch with or with new friends, and it was enchanting to read her honest and thoughtful words about the lost art of correspondence and what letters mean to her. I can so relate! I've written to her and she wrote me back. :) She continues her blog this year with posts about letter-writing in general.

Flickr. Each day I visit the "contacts" section of my Flickr account to see what my friends have posted, especially in the way of new Blythe fashions and portraits and crafty projects. Flickr is so inspiring and I've met lots of nice folks through this social network. Also, the images are a nice mental vacation when I need a break at work!

Amazon. I love books. So each day I go to Amazon to look at the "my Amazon" section (available after you log in) to see recommendations and to search for new and upcoming books in the genres I like: history, crafts, Jane Austen, Tolkien and etc. I often use Amazon for just browsing or discovering new things--not necessarily buying--or when I hear of a new book or product on a blog I read. I admit I do most of my shopping from Amazon. I remember when I first heard of Amazon, in the early 90s through my brother. I've been a customer every since. As my brother said, "This site has every book in the whole world!" It's still true.

February Table

2013-02-02T13:42:00.000-06:00

My nature table is all about hearts this month!

The happy couple says their vows. :)

My treasures include a romantic gnome scene under a new glass cloche, crafted hearts in a wooden dish, a bunny doll from Germany, and a favorite book, "Little Grey Rabbit's Valentine," by Alison Uttley. This is a re-bought version; I got a copy of this story many years ago from my Oma. As a little girl, I read the story many times, marveling at the beautiful little pictures of forest friends celebrating Valentine's day. The table cover is actually a tea-towel and the ceramic cottage was a special Christmas gift last year from my BFF, Michelle. So precious. See closeups of all these trinkets on my Flickr site.

For me, Valentine's Day is extra-special because my no. 2 son was born that day in 1987. Hope everyone has a wonderful "heart day"!

Quaker Pocket

2013-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Here is how I finished the Quaker cross-stitched motif of a few posts ago...I made a wee pocket for posies or other goodies. I backed the pocket with some tea-stained muslin I dyed myself. The pocket can be hung on a doorknob or peg, or anywhere a little joy is needed. The motif is from an Ackworth School collection of sampler motifs available at Needleprint.com. This is a wonderful site if you are a vintage cross-stitch enthusiast like myself!

This pocket is now in the home of my BFF, Michelle, whose birthday is today. Happy Birthday and enjoy your day, my friend!

A Year Ago in Scotland - Stirling Castle and more

2013-01-31T12:50:00.000-06:00

A year ago today I was visiting Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Dunfermline, Scotland! I went on a coach tour with my Aunt Josefa and two other families. We departed from our abode, Kilconquhar Castle, in the early morning. It was a gray, damp day but that did not interfere with our anticipation of lovely sights! First stop: The National Wallace Monument.

Monument to William Wallace. Think "Braveheart."

The monument was closed but we had an awesome view of the tower and of a gigantic statue of William Wallace. Manly! Next on the tour was Stirling Castle, former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. We saw wonderful things here, as the castle is almost completely restored. I got my fill of unicorns and tapestries. Bliss!

Stirling Castle

Tapestries at Stirling: Woven in the old way, on the site.

Well-informed, costumed docents added to the charm at Stirling.

Next, we were off to Loch Lomond at the foot of the Scottish Highlands. We could see snow-covered peaks in the far-off distance, beckoning us to visit. However, the Highlands were not on our Scottish tour this trip. :( Next time!

That's me (left) and my aunt, Josefa in front of Loch Lomond with the Highlands in the back!

During our drive through this country -- very green, even in January! -- we saw plenty of sheep, Scottish Highland cows, ravens and beautiful fields awaiting the planting season. Our last stop was Dunfermline, to see the Abbey. The building acts as a magnificent tombstone to King Robert the Bruce. The cemetery here was full of high crosses and wonderful old stones.

Dunfermline Abbey

High Cross in the Abbey cemetery.

It was a long and eventful day. I took way too many pictures...and you can see more of the day by visiting my Flickr Scotland and Ireland set! Enjoy!

A Year Ago in Scotland

2013-01-30T12:57:00.002-06:00

In January and February 2012, my aunt and I traveled to Scotland and Ireland for two whole weeks. It was a great trip. I've been reminiscing a lot and for the next few days will post pictures of the trip here, on the year-to-the-day they occurred. Come journey with me...

We started our journey on 27 January, flying from Chicago, Illinois to Edinburgh, Scotland. At the airport we picked up a rented car and drove to Elie, Fife, where we stayed at nearby Kilconquhar Castle Estate (more on this in a later post). Once recovered from jet-lag, we began to sightsee. A year ago today we saw....


Ruins of St Andrew's Castle, St Andrews, Scotland

It was amazing to touch those ancient stones and walk on ancient steps in hollows ground by hundreds of feet over hundreds of years. The view of the sea was spectacular; a wintery sea of grays and darks and foam. Gulls hid in ruined niches and kept watch.

Old and new: ruins of St Andrews Cathedral sited over modern rooftops

St Andrews is a college town, and has been so since the 1400s. Anywhere you walk you can catch glimpses of history right next to modern structures.

Where Will would meet Kate...we took tea here - delightful!

Of course we would not miss the chance to maybe see some royals at Will and Kate's university trysting place. No royals were sighted, but we had a wonderful, warming tea as the day was cold and gray!

Quiet and interesting sidestreet homes in St Andrews, Scotland

School was in session so the streets were quiet. Front windows right next to sidewalks afforded us a view of plants, lace curtains and knick-knacks on windowsills. Walls were built with a variety of stone and front doors were painted in a myriad of hues. Delightful!

A view of the high altar ruins at ancient St Andrews cathedral

The ruined cathedral was amazing, gigantic and inspired a sense of awe and quiet. Still a holy place.

I invite you to view more of that day in my Flickr Scotland and Ireland 2012 set! More details tomorrow...

Meet Alice and Emma!

2013-01-19T20:45:00.000-06:00

Alice and Emma, the Clover sisters, arrived at Christmas and now live at Owl View Cottage! These wee sisters with their lovely green hair are very happy to join the family of Blythe galz here. Alice is a Simply Peppermint Blythe and little Emma is a Melomelomew Middie Blythe.

Once unpacked, they were anxious to try on some new green clothes made just for them!

The sweater and skirt are made from a pattern by Polly Makes. The girls look simply splendid, don't you think? You can see more photos of these pretty sisters on Flickr.

Stitching in Progress

2013-01-18T12:07:00.003-06:00

Quaker Medallion


February Cottage in progress

Stitching in winter is calming and cozy, especially when the wind is raging outside!

Handwriting, Cooking and Mom

2013-01-17T08:05:00.000-06:00

Today would have been my mom's 81st birthday. I'm thinking about her a lot today. :)

My Mama was good at a lot of things, but she excelled in baking and her handwriting was PERFECT. See for yourself:

This is side 1 of a recipe card she wrote out for me before I got married in 1983. I had asked her to write out some of my favorite recipes so I could make them in my new home. There's a story behind this one: my parents were at a restaurant and liked the red dessert cake they had. So they asked the chef for the recipe, which he shared with them. Imagine their surprise when several weeks later, they received a bill for $300 from the restaurant--for the recipe! Ever since then, we've called it the "$300 Cake" and it's the birthday favorite of my brother and my eldest son. Here's side 2, in case you want to make it yourself:

This cake is one of her legacies, as well as numerous cards, letters and postcards I've saved over the years that she wrote to me. When I see her handwriting, she is right there with me again. As a child I wanted to write just like her, and took special pains to be careful with my writing. My mom introduced me to letter-writing and penpals, and I still enjoy those things to this day. As a parent, I recognize that we don't always know what will influence our children, but seeing my Mama write letters to her family and friends was a great inspiration to me. She wrote faithfully, knowing that her family was important and that they wanted to hear from her--she was here in the U.S. and they were far away in the Netherlands. She always chose beautiful cards (I looked forward to them on my birthday) and she always used pretty stationery and cards to write her correspondence in.

So Happy Birthday, Mama. I bake and write because of you. I have not forgotten. I love you!

A touch of green

2013-01-10T12:13:00.000-06:00

On my desk today. :)

A Beautiful Wall

2013-01-05T13:04:00.003-06:00

Today I hung the beautiful wall quilt I received for Christmas, handmade with love by my friend Anita in the Netherlands. Isn't it splendid? I love it. Each motif in the center is on a separate square made of dozens of different white and off-white fabrics. Each basket and heart is made of a different fabric, too. Now it hangs in honor on the wall near my sewing table. It will make me happy to look at it every day!

To The Professor!

2013-01-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

Today would be JRR Tolkien's 121st birthday! Happy Birthday, dear Professor! Memory eternal!

Make sure to toast him at 9 pm tonight in whatever time zone you are in.

Wouldn't it be great to see The Hobbit (again) today? Mmmm, just gave myself an idea...

In any case, here is The Professor's description of the first edition of The Hobbit. I would have quickly bought the book when it was first published:

"If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise."

Thanks to the Tolkien Library website for this description! It's a great site, all about Tolkien, books and collecting Tolkien. It's "one library to rule them all"!

Happy New Year 2013!

2013-01-01T10:39:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all!

Time for a clean start--so I'm displaying my January cottage with snow--snow is so clean and fresh, newly fallen water, so it seems an apt image for today. And since there is no snow outside at present, I'll have to be satisfied with my cross-stitch picture. :)

Here's another thought:

Tomorrow I go back to work. A new blanket seems like the right thing to have: new year, rested mind, a new start.

Hope everyone's 2013 is blessed, happy, healthy and joyful!

Merry Christmas, Blessed Nativity to All!

2012-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

My Nativity arrangement this year.

This is the day that gladdened them, the Prophets, Kings, and Priests, for in it were their words fulfilled, and thus were the whole of them indeed performed! For the Virgin this day brought forth Immanuel in Bethlehem. The voice that of old Isaiah spoke, (Isaiah 10:19) today became reality. He was born there who in writing should tell the Gentiles' number! The Psalm that David once sang, by its fulfilment came today! The word that Micah once spoke, (Micah 5:2) today had come indeed to pass! For there came from Ephrata a Shepherd, and His staff swayed over souls. Lo! From Jacob shone the Star, (Numbers 24:17) and from Israel rose the Head. (Hosea 1:11) The prophecy that Balaam spoke had its interpreting today! Down also came the hidden Light, and from the Body rose His beauty! The light that spoke in Zachary, today shined in Bethlehem! -- St Ephraim the Syrian

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." -- Charles Dickens

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” -- Hamilton Wright Mabie

Christmas Baking

2012-12-20T17:08:00.000-06:00

Tasha Tudor's Dundee Cake

I took an extra vacation day from work and spent it baking! To begin, I pre-baked the layers for my son Zachary's birthday cake--his birthday is December 25! How well I remember that day. :) Every year I make him the Pampered Chef Black Forest Torte. The layers are now in the freezer and after Christmas breakfast I'll assemble the cake in readiness for his birthday celebration!

Next, I made Dundee Cakes (above) from the Tasha Tudor Cookbook. These are lovely shortbread-like fruitcakes full of raisins, currants, cherries, and citron. These are now also parked in the freezer and will be taken out for Christmas Eve dinner dessert and Christmas morning munching!

Cookie doughs came next. Two of these are chilling as we speak--Sinterklaas Speculaas Cookies and Aunt Jane's Sugar Cookies. I'll bake these later this evening with the assistance of my two youngest boys. We'll roll these into balls, dip them in sugar, squash them a bit and then bake! Yum.

Pictured below are oatmeal scotchies, a favorite of my number 2 son, Nicholas. I've tormented him a bit by text-messaging this photo to him at work so his mouth can water. :)

Oatmeal Scotchies

It's been a delightful day, even if my feet do hurt from standing the entire time--that and the hectic trip to the grocer's this morning for ingredients. And I got to wear my lovely blue and white Delft print apron that friend Anita sent me last year.

The house smells heavenly. Now to rescue some of the cookies and freeze them for later...