Quill Cottage

Exploring the Art of Paper Shoe Making...

2009-11-10T10:13:00.016-06:00

"Now for good luck, cast an old shoe after me."

~Proverb~

For the past few days I have been about the business of a cordwainer exploring the art of shoe making. Some refer to this art form as cobbling, although historically, cobblers were those who repaired shoes, irregardless of the technical term you use, I have been making paper shoes.

In exploring the technical terms of shoe making I stumbled across some interesting tid bits of information. Did you know that there are patron saints of shoemakers? St. Crispin and Saint Crispinian, are the Christian patron saints of cobblers, tanners, and leather workers.

(Vintage Shoe Images from Karen's Whimsy)

Born to a noble Roman family, in the 3rd century AD, Saints Crispin and Crispinian, twin brothers, fled persecution for their faith, winding up in Soissions, where they preached Christianity to the Gauls and made shoes by night. Their success attracted the ire of Rictus Varus, the governor of Belqui Gaul, who had them tortured and beheaded c. 286. In the 6th century, a church was built in their honor in Soissions.

The history of footwear and shoe making is quite interesting. Centuries ago experimentation with various types of materials such as bark, leaves, and rawhide resulted in early forms of foot coverings such as sandals and moccasins. From there new materials and styles were introduced and continue to evolve, only to be limited by the imagination.
My imagination was sparked by a pair of little boy's shoes that I purchased in a flea market several months ago. The itch to experiment with various techniques, materials, and styles pushed itself to the forefront of my mind and so began my hands on journey in the art of art shoe making.

My chosen medium was paper. I sat studying the little leather shoe resting in the palm of my hand and was overcome with the urge to recreate it to the best of my artist ability. I have never made a paper shoe before, had no pattern, and yet I knew this shoe would come into being. First I had to sketch a pattern and then develop a technique that would make paper look like leather. One shoe and a few hours later I was hooked.

From heel to toe this shoe measures 5 in. long and is 3 in. high. A real little toddler foot could slip right in it.What I would change about this shoe is the stitching, I should have done it by hand with waxed twine and went one step further with the paper technique to get a more aged look.Next I search online for paper shoe patterns, after all, wouldn't it be better to at least have a pattern and instructions to follow? I came across this design by Ellen Huston, shoe template and lining template, a cute peep toe party favor shoe. I modified the pattern to suit my tastes, had an experience in major frustration as the vintage wallpaper I used did not want to glue, and after much effort gave birth to my version, the Lady Bird paper shoe...The Lady Bird shoe is 6 1/2 in. from heel to toe and stands 4 in. high at its tallest point.Then I found these adorable patterns for tiny doll size shoes. I made a few changes to the construction of these as well. The results were this adorable little doll shoe where I experimented with paper printing techniques...This wee little dolly shoe is a mere 3 in. long and 1 3/4 in. to the arch of its buckle.And this tiny baby boy oxford, where I wish I had used real stitching before assembling the shoe...This sweet little boy's shoe is 3 in. long and a fraction over 1 in. high. If you try this one, lace the shoe before you construct it. Trust me on this one.While I found following these patterns quite pleasurable, it did not compare to the process of designing and executing the shoe myself. So, I returned to the sketch pad and came up with a baby bootie pattern that is made from handmade duplex and vintage wrapping paper. I goofed on the toe of this one, turning the wrong side of the duplex out but, it was a happy accident. I ended up liking the two tone effect of the shoe.This over sized bootie is 5 in. long and 2 in. high.I then moved on to making a fanciful Autumn Fairy shoe, once again experimenting with paper printing techniques and adding natural materials as design features and embellishments.This sweet confection of nature is 3 in. long and 1 in. high.Dried naturals from the woods around the Quill adorn this shoe both inside and out. It came out better than I expected.Three more shoes are sketched, patterns are cut, materials chosen, and they await the hands on touch of the cordwainer.

Also on the work tables are four Fou~Fou Art Shoe Kits ready to be embellished and filled...Stay tuned, the shoppe really is coming soon!

My shoes do not have the charm, grace, or elegance of Nancy's nor the magical quality of Dawn's but they were created with the same kindred artist spirit that makes one want to apply the hands on touch of an idea bringing it into being by the fingers. Cobbling is indeed noble profession and I am honored to work alongside other shoe makers and be inspired by this century old art form.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

An Altered Tobacco Tin Tale...

2009-11-06T19:00:00.000-06:00

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love , the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

~From the television show The Wonder Years~

Atop her desk among her most precious of things sat a little tobacco tin decorated with memories of the past. The tin itself was a teasing gift from her papa. One day he tossed it to her in jest in place of the usual piece of peppermint he kept hidden in his vest pocket. Not wanting him to get the last laugh, she made over the tin as if it were the best present she had ever received. Her papa ruffled her hair and said she may not only keep the tin but being such a good sport had earned her not one but two sweet treats. She smiled as she fingered the tin and remembered.She did not set out with intention to decorate the tin only to scuff off the rust so that anything she placed inside would not be soiled. In the removing of the rust, the surface was marred so she set out to pretty it up a bit with a pot of paint left over from the refurbishing of the old front gate.The tin then served as a keeper of girlhood fun. It once housed a set of silver jacks, a red bouncy ball, and a half stick of chalk for keeping score. Its contents changed from time to time as the girl grew. As girlhood faded quietly away and young womanhood approached a battered tobacco tin no longer seemed as attractive a companion as it had in the past.

Not wanting to part with the tin that so reminded her of her papa, she decided to embellish it a bit to make it a more fit companion. Snitched bits of the paper mama was hanging in the dinning room and swipes of paste, as well as grandma's discarded broken broach covered up the nicked paint. A hair ribbon or two replaced the previous contents as the tin took its place on her dresser.One day she sat twiddling and twirling the tin and a host of fancy trims mama had placed in front of her to decide which would be stitched upon her traveling frock. She liked the brown velvet ribbon with the sheer ruffling the best. Seeing that mama was not looking, she snipped a slip of trim for her tobacco tin, stowing it out of sight.One year later she came swirling into the room with dainty ribbons fluttering from the stem of a tiny button of a rose. She held the rose up to catch its barely there fragrance, smiling, and remembering the one who slipped it into her palm as they danced. She and her friends giggled over the romantic gesture, one of them removed a pin from her headdress to tack the tiny token to the waistband of the young woman's costume.From her silk bag she removed her dance cards of the evening. There were four of them in total, all given to her by the same flirtatious young man who gave her the rose. With each one he signed and handed her, a teasing banter took place. He wanted the dance of grace for what was surely her unmerited favor in partnering with him.The dance of beauty would give unparalleled pleasure to his senses as he gazed upon her.The dance of charm would further cast its magical spell over the evening as her feet moved like poetry and her smile a song.The dance of elegance would round out the evening in a refined manner as her gracefulness and gentility would unfold itself in the last waltz. This was the dance in which the tiny rose materialized in the palm of her hand.Wanting to savor the treasures of the evening but keeping them from prying eyes, her gaze lit upon the old tobacco tin. What better way to honor the sweet memories of the two men who had so completely captured her heart than to combine them as adornment for her tiny treasure box.Emptying the tin of its tangle of forgotten trim and no longer worn hair ribbons, she lovingly tucked each dance card inside, closing the lid tightly against inquisitive glances but opening her heart to new possibilities. Tacking the trim and rose bud tied ribbon in place with her friends borrowed pin was a perfect adornment for her memory tin.Many years later she unearthed the tin from a box of old trinkets. Its once bright paper had faded with age, the ribbon crinkled and sagged, the rose bud was dried and no longer fragrant. The lid was stubborn and unyielding to give up its secret contents as her aged fingers worked at loosening it. A metallic pop issued forth as it gave way, a smile spread across her lips as a single button tumbled out into the palm of her hand.She ran her thumb around the edges as she sat remembering. This was a button from her papa's vest, the one he always wore. The one that held peppermint candy, a big shiny gold pocket watch, and an old tobacco tin. She remembered the day she got it, another gift given in jest and meaningfulness.It was the day her mysterious young man from the dance made his intentions known. It was the day he nervously stood before her papa to ask for her hand in marriage as she waited anxiously in the garden, pacing past mama tending her pansy's and hoping her face would shine as happily as their little flower faces did in the next few moments. It did.Papa and her young man both walked towards her with sober expressions and her heart sank until she noted the twinkle in her papa's eye and the twitching corners of her intendeds mouth. Her papa scooped her up in a big bear~like hug while mama fluttered nearby in excitement. As he released her the middle button on his vest popped right off.

With a hearty laugh he scooped it from the ground and placed it in her palm telling her it was her grown up treat from him to her. A treat not unlike the peppermints of the past, sweet remembrances, this button was to be a reminder of the pride and joy he took in having her as his daughter. He was so proud that he did indeed burst his buttons over that fact, not due to his spreading middle he joked. She offered to sew it back on for him but he refused. He held her hands in his and gently closed her fingers over the button telling her to keep it to remember her old papa by. As if she could ever forget.Someone someday would find these tiny treasures among her possessions and fail to see their significance. Her fingers played across each embellishment as she sat lost in thought. They would not know the sweet treats and tobacco tin that were hidden in a vest pocket, so freely shared.

They would not see grandmothers fresh lace collar always pinned with her cameo broach and the sweet smile that ever hung just above it. They would not remember the taste nor smell of the delights of food or conversation that were held in the papered walls of mama's dinning room. They would not remember the traveling frock that kept her warm on the way to an autumn dance where she met a special young man who became her life companion.They would not know the history of the ribbon and the rose. They would not remember the charm, beauty, elegance, or grace that each dance card and memory held. They would not know that each of these memories were buttoned up with love that lasted a lifetime. But she knew by heart the tale of the old tobacco tin...

I hope you enjoyed my version of Beth's Artist Class Tutorial of an altered tin. Beth is one of the contributing artists who provided not only step~by~step illustrated instructions and beautiful vintage wallpaper downloads, but also gorgeous images in a few themes to make the tins in a variety of ways and uses. Thanks Beth, for a sweet project that fired the imagination for my tobacco tin tale.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

A Crushed Red Chili Pepper Kind of Day...

2009-11-04T07:14:00.009-06:00

"The soul should stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience."

~Emily Dickinson~

The last couple of days have been crazy busy here at the Quill with not a spare moment to post. I have been painting up a storm. We had an unseasonable warm snap in the weather and Handy Hubby insisted that we get the exterior doors painted before cooler weather returned. I had procrastinated about getting this done because I could not decide on a specific shade of the color I chose.

We headed off to the paint store and miracle of miracles, we both liked the same shade! Our shopping excursions together are never this easy. Feeling quite confident, we headed home to prime the new front and back doors as well as those of the writing cottage and storage shed.We decided to experiment on the storage shed door before actually applying the paint to the doors on the house, just in case. While I happily slapped paint on the door resting on saw horses, Handy Hubby painted the shed the same color as the new siding on the house, trimming it out in white. I kept ooohing and ahhhing over the color saying how much I really liked it.

After the door was dry, it was ready to hang. New hinges and hardware stood at the ready. The door was hoisted into place. Anxious to see the results, we skipped putting the handle on to close it and stand back to admire the new bold color.

By the time we were finished, it was late afternoon and the sun was beginning to set and shining on the newly painted shed. We both gasp in horror at the garish color, it did not look like Crushed Red Chili Pepper but more like Burnt Orange! Orange doors! The doors looked orange! Orange!I nervously dialed Darling Daughter and asked her could she come over and take a look. The Young Man Who Comes To Call On Her came too. They pronounced the doors orange too. I am not sure if it was the afternoon sun beaming directly on them or the shock of seeing such a bright color after having had dark green doors for so many years but I was ready to have a stroke.Bright and early the next morning I rushed to the paint store and snatched up another paint chip nervously sliding it across the counter to the clerk. This one was red, Oriental Red, at least I hoped it was red. As soon as I got home I painted a spot on the door and let it dry. I painted over the spot and let it dry. Yes, it was red, but sitting next to the bright, cheerful, and vibrant rusty orange it was totally drab and not fab.

I spent the day anxiously peering out the window at the contrast between the two colors. Both looked equally great with the siding and trim colors but one was a more jolly color while the other felt bold and aggressive. One exuded happiness and joy, it was inviting, stimulating, and spoke of a spark of creativity. Mmm, I think the tide was turning in favor of one over the other.After Handy Hubby came home and we stood side by side studying the colors. It was definitely decided that we were indeed Crushed Red Chili Pepper people after all. The initial shock of the vibrant color had worn off and it had grown on us, plus, the indirect light of day makes it look like a totally different color. Never mind what anyone else thinks, we wanted happy welcoming doors. After all, its just paint! Our souls stood ajar for a moment, ready, and welcoming the ecstatic experience of spicy color to flavor our lives. It was and is a delicious experience, testing something new and embracing it so freely.

I will finish the touch ups today and this evening new hardware will be fitted into place. I am free to pursue other things, like altering this tiny vintage tobacco tin. I am popping over to the Artist Class to do Beth's tutorial today. New projects and downloads are being added daily, Lesley Venable's Christmas Altered Book Cover is just adorable! You can visit Lesley's blog Flatwoods Folk Art HERE.Did you know that it is not too late to sign up even though classes have begun? The classes will be open through February so there is plenty of time to work on the projects at your own pace. If you are interested, you can use my discount code, quillcottage, to save $10.00 off the class tuition price.

Mmm, this is deifintely feeling like a Crushed Red Chili Pepper kind of day, vibrant and inspiring! I hope you have a little spice and a spark of color in your day as well.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

P.S. I am sorry that I have had to turn on the comment verification on my blog. Up to this point I have had no problems until the past few days. I have received some vile links as well as some comments made to look like other bloggers leaving them but they are business links that I do not wish to have my blog linked to. I know this makes commenting a pain. I have reported the offenders and hopefully this issue will be resolved. Thanks for understanding.

Autumnal Banner Winner and Free Autumnal Tag Tutorial...

2009-10-31T02:00:00.005-05:00

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

fluttering from the autumn tree."

~Emily Bronte~

Thank you to all who entered the banner give away. It was awesome to see so many familiar names as well as so many new ones. Thanks for giving me some great places to visit. I really and truly do appreciate the snippets of time you spend here and cherish each friendship. Thank you so much for your love and support. I wish I had a thousand banners to give away, one for each of you. To show my appreciation, I have posted a fun free Autumnal Tag Tutorial. I have included some fun techniques that I think you will enjoy.

Now, without further delay, the winner of the Autumnal Banner is...
Nita Jo of Little Grey Gardens! Congratulations Nita Jo, you will find my email link on my upper side bar, please email me your mailing address and I will get your banner in the post on Monday!

AUTUMNAL TAG TUTORIAL:

MATERIALS:

Corn husk ~ can purchase in the international foods section of grocery store, for making tamales
Acrylic paints ~ autumn colors of your choice in primary or metallic. I used Delta Ceramcoat brand in Pumpkin, Tomato Spice, Burn Umber, Straw, Hunter Green and Apple Barrel brand Cinnamon Apple
Paint brush ~ I used a 3/4 inch flat wash brush
Old toothbrush
Small leaf punch ~ I used a small maple leaf punch by Family Treasures
Standard size manila shipping tag
Resting Child Image ~ wallet size
White card stock
Piece of wax paper
Brown Ink pad
Twig
Pinch of moss
Scrap of textured paper of your choice
Scrap of paper for back of tag
Hole Punch
Scrap of lace
8 inches of ribbon
Scrap of trim
12 inches of crepe paper streamer
Sewing needle
Scissor
Thread
Button or other embellishment of your choice
Glues ~ hot glue, matte gel medium or craft glue of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS:

*Print out the wallet size image below on white card stock and cut out.NOTE: To save the image to your computer, right click on image below to enlarge. Left click on the enlarged image and select "save image as", name your file and click save. Move image to printing program of your choice to print.*Place your shipping tag and one corn husk on a piece of wax paper to protect your work surface.*Using your flat wash brush dipped in water then in paint to water it down a bit, randomly brush bits of color onto the corn husk, brushing with the grain of the husk. (I used four colors, Pumpkin, Straw, Tomato Spice, and Burnt Umber)

*Rinse brush, dip in clean water, pick up a second color in the same manner and repeat process.*Repeat this step with as many colors as you wish to use. Your husk will look very random and streaky.Your corn husk should look like this:*Dip the tip of the bristles of an old toothbrush into clean water and blot out excess.*Dip toothbrush into burnt umber paint and swirl around to coat tips of bristles.*Flick your thumb across the brush to spatter brown flecks of paint across the entire corn husk.*Set aside husk to dry.*Dip dry paint brush into edge of puddle of Cinnamon Apple paint, barely getting paint on the tip, and blend in a little. Carefully pull the dry brush loaded with paint down the tag using a very light touch. Paint will look streaky.*Rinse brush, dry well, and repeat step using Straw paint.*Rinse brush, dry well, and repeat step using Hunter Green paint. Shade a little heavier around the edges of the tag with the Hunter Green paint. Set tag aside to dry.*Trim off printed image just below the little girls feet.*Cut a scrap of textured paper to the width of your tag and slightly larger than the height of the trimmed image to mat image.*Using brown ink pad, ink the edges of the image cutout, the textured paper, and the tag by rubbing the ink pad lightly over them.*Using your choice of craft glue, adhere textured paper to tag, leaving about 1/4 inch of the tag bottom showing. Adhere the image to the textured paper.* Cut scrap of your choice of paper the same size as the tag.*Using your choice of craft glue, adhere scrap paper to back of tag and punch out hole with hole punch.*Using needle and thread, gather one long side of 12 inch crepe paper streamer making a ruffle. Adjust ruffle to bottom of tag and glue in place, smoothing down ruffle and trimming if needed.*Glue scrap of trim around the top of the crepe paper ruffle going all the way around the tag. I left a little frayed edge on mine.*Embellish trim with a button or adornment of your choice.*Glue snippets of lace to tag as shown in photo below.*Embellish space between lace with a paper of your choice by gluing in place. I used the word "autumn" and its meaning from an old child's dictionary.*Glue twig to side of tag as shown and cover twig end with a pinch of moss glued in place.*Cut off jagged bottom edge of your painted corn husk.*Insert straight edge of corn husk into punch and punch out several leaves.*Arrange and glue clusters or single leaves to twig.

*Angle cut ends of 8 inch ribbon, pull both ends up through the hole in the tag from the back of the tag, slipping ends of ribbon through loop on back, and gently pulling tight.YOUR AUTUMNAL TAG IS COMPLETE!

TIP: You could scatter the small husk leaves on your holiday table like confetti. If you are going to make confetti, paint one side of the husk, allow to dry, then paint other side and dry before punching (OR) You can trace a life size leaves on the back, cutting them out, inking the edges with a brown ink pad, (optional)paint on vein lines with brown paint, and use them in your holiday decor. If the larger husk leaves want to curl, use spray glue and adhere them to card stock then cut out and place on table. I think I have a few more leaves up my sleeves so stay tuned! Enjoy!

Many Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Give Away Reminder...

2009-10-29T07:39:00.004-05:00

"October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
and the leaves of every name.
The sunshine spread the carpet,
and everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band."

~George Cooper - "October's Party"~

Just a little reminder that there are still a couple of days left to sign up for the Autumnal Banner Give Away. To sign up visit this post link and leave a comment. You do not have to have a blog to enter and there are no shipping restrictions. A winner will be announced on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

This was my project for the Artist Class and today my tutorial is up! This project was inspired by our recent trip to the Great Smoky Mountains...A land of utter enchantment...Where you can view nature at its finest...Where woodland creatures abound...And breath taking scenery surrounds... Where a magical mist hangs over the mountains and an air of enchantment casts its spell of bewitching beauty. I'll be putting up another travel post in the next few days for those of you who have been following along. The Great Smoky Mountains in autumn will remain one of my favorite fall memories.

What is your favorite fall memory?

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Delicious, Delectable Books...

2009-10-28T08:24:00.013-05:00

"Let books be your dining table,

and you shall be full of delights,
Let them be your mattress,
and you shall sleep restful night."

~Author Unknown~

(Aren't these yummy? I ordered them on Etsy, can't wait til they arrive!)

Hi Sweet friends,

This morning I got up before the chickens, well, at least I was up before the neighbors rooster crowed. In general I am not a morning person but I was excited to get up and get things done so I could share some fun finds with you and get busy resettling the studio so I have two full days of play in there! This is a very good thing since the Artist Class is in full swing and I can't wait to try out some of the tutorials over there.

While I was was rearranging my art supplies on the new closet shelving I came across a painting my daughter did several years ago, it was tucked in between some of my canvas'. Don't tell, but I am going to keep it! Hard to believe that was six years ago, we were homeschooling, and I was giving her and a neighbor girl painting lessons. Big sigh, how time flies!Today when I run errands I want to find some velvet ribbon to glue around the outside of the canvas and to use for hanging. I think the colors are perfect for decorating for autumn. I will hang it in the dinning nook. Possession is 9/10 of the law, she cannot steal it back can she? I'd better practice my puppy dog look and play the "But it reminds me of you and I miss you so much since you moved out." card, then she might let me keep it. I am going to remind her that She didn't like the way it turned out but I do!Last evening when Handy Hubby came home from work, he made me an offer I could not refuse. He suggested driving into the city for dinner and maybe I would want to go to the books store. Are you kidding, I would never ever in a million years pass up an offer to go to the bookstore. Forget dinner when there are books to satisfy my appetite!

I was quite the greedy girl and chose the two course meal. Would you like to see what I feasted on? Well, at least my eyes did. We made a stop in Tuesday Morning looking for a box to match some that I had previously bought, I found a small one but I wanted a larger one too, no luck. I did find this book by Rachel Ashwell, Sumptuous Settings & Other Lovely Things. It is dreamy and I did not have this one. Love those Tuesday Morning bargains, a $34.99 hardcover book for $9.99. How sweet is this shower gift idea? Sorry the scans have a shadow on them, I didn't want to bend my new book. A pretty party idea...How is this for framed art?I also got a set of K&Co. rubber stamps, a $12.99 value for $1.99! That was a great appetizer.We stopped and ate dinner, sneaky me, I chose a restaurant right next door to the book store ;c) I was getting kind of impatient that they were so busy because I knew what awaited just on the other side of the wall. In spite of my anticipation, we had a leisurely dinner. Now for the real main course, delectable books, a whole store full of them.

I feasted my eyes on some magazines, but they were not very palatable so I moved on the the bargain section but found that unsatisfying as well. I tasted tid bits of fine art books but no, that didn't hit the spot either. Perhaps my taste buds would be tempted by something in the crafts and hobbies section. Not so much. I sampled gardening, cooking, photography, nature, writing resources, and then made one last swing by home decor.

There before me lay the most tasty treat, Merry & Bright, a Country Living publication. Ah, my appetite was sated with all the festive ideas AND the special bonus. If you buy the book, you get a one year subscription to the magazine for free! Cool huh? Too good of a buffet to pass up!I don't usually buy holiday books because looks and styles change so much that they can look dated. Our local library has tons of holiday books and I usually check out some of those for inspiration. This one was my exception to the rule. The ideas in here are so simple, so timeless, and so easy to create that I just fell in love with it. The book includes a few recipes and crafting idea as well as page after page chock full of gorgeous color photos. Yes indeed, I was filled with these delicious delights.I'm off the shove, er, organize my supplies in the closet, the faster it is done, the faster I get to play. Kind of makes me feel like a kid with chores again. Man, I thought I'd out grown that!

So, what are you going to do today?

Blessings
Miss Sandy

Autumnal Glory.....

2009-10-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

"I love to wander through the woodlands hoary

In the soft light of an autumnal day"

~Sarah Helen Whitman - Still Days in Autumn~

I seem to be all caught up in the glory of autumn. I am trying to cloak myself in the warmth and richness of all that this season has to offer before the bare threads of winter are woven my way. Sunny days with crisp blue skies have been scant. We are experiencing a soggy autumn. However, yesterday was bright and cheery, with a hint of warmth in the winds. I took advantage of the opportunity late in the afternoon to crunch about the new carpeting of leaves here at the Quill.

Everything beyond my door stoop is cloaked in autumnal glory. The trees were in a talkative mood and offered up their sacred story. They invited me to sit awhile... to observe, listen, and learn from their sage advice. Clearing their throats with a rattling clatter they whispered on the wind, excitedly gesturing as they swayed, quivering with emphasis, showering me with leaflets speaking of their seasoned lives.

A few brave trees were trying to hang onto their vestiges of summer greenery like some try and hang on to their youth, clinging, yet painfully aware of the passing time and seasons with the inability to stop the inevitable... Others were giving up the bounty of their beauty most freely, accepting their fading and imperfections as badges of honor, sharing the wisdom of their ages, offering up the fruit of their experience, emptying themselves effortlessly to embrace the seasons yet to come...Some embraced their scars earned through the ages by flinging their arms wide open to cradle and nurture others, housing them in the shelter of their bosom... These delight in handing out little nuggets of truth to the fledglings that fly their way, assuring them that all is not what it seems... They were young once too with hopes and dreams and wishes...The path to maturity did indeed get murky at times...There were days when they felt a mere shadow of their former selves... Where their usefulness felt spent, crisp, brown, dried up, barren and exposed for all to trample upon... They stood stoically around me, deeply rooted in thought, as I listened to them breathe... Remembering when unwanted things crept up on them... Joints that began to creak and bend in unwelcome ways... Oh, how some of them longed for those golden halcyon days... Those with a brighter countenance lifted up their arms in praise for each and every one of those golden weeks...crimson months...apricot years...saffron seasons...and dappled days... They dropped at my feet a little nugget of truth... True beauty is not found in youth, where skin is flawless and bodies show no effects of aging. True beauty is found in the taking of joy in living. It is mirrored in the eyes, a reflection of what is in the heart. True beauty is a beauty of the soul and it far outshines the exterior of the package it comes in. Every season has its pleasures, spring may boast of its flowery prime, yet the ruby treasures that brighten autumn, what fruitfulness is on the vine of time. The dear season of autumn with its blessings take not away but add to depth and hue of beauty, "it fills the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lays as if new, created in all freshness of childhood"(Longfellow ~ Evangeline), that beautiful still useful season of life.

These are things the trees whispered to me, that, "Sweet and smiling are thy ways, Beauteous, golden Autumn days." (Will Carleton ~ Autumn Days)

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

P.S. Don't forget the sign up for the Autumnal Banner give away, just visit this post link to leave a comment for a chance to win.

A Few Goodies and A Give Away......

2009-10-24T11:41:00.010-05:00

(FREE IMAGE)

So sorry to have gone MIA again but I have been one busy beaver getting everything perfect for my Artist Class tutorial. Let me tell you it has been a huge undertaking, not putting together the class instructions, BUT the technical side has been a challenge to say the least. I think I need an Everything Dummies Need to Know About Technical Stuff guide! I am every bit as tuckered out as the sweet little gal in the image above. Feel free to save her and use her in your art.

I won't bore you with the details, let's just say I have about snatched myself bald. Luckily I have a computer guru son who bailed me out and this afternoon Mary will have my contribution in her hot little hands and I will swoon with relief.

Talk about coming in under the wire, the Artist Class starts tomorrow! I wanted to share a few more goodies from the class with you. What can get better than books and cake? How about a cake made out of books? Look at this yummy project by Martha! Martha once made a Christmas tree from book pages that is to die for, you must visit her fantastic blog, Vintage Trifles.

Also, Joy is going to show us some tips and tricks with digital art to make ATC's. She will be using elements and backgrounds from Mary's French Dictionary collection and is including a mini digital kit you can use. Obviously I need all the digi help I can get and I will be so happy to learn some simple skills in this area. I can't wait! It is not too late to sign up. If you use my discount code, quillcottage, you will save $10.00 off the tuition price.

Now, I'd like to offer a little goodie of my own to one of my blog readers. It's time for a give away! My project for the class is an Autumnal Banner. I will be giving away the sample banner I made for the class! To sign up just leave a comment on this post. You do not have to have a blog to enter. There are no shipping restrictions. I'll leave the sign up open all week, posting a winner on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Now, I am off to continue to sort through all my own goodies and get them organized on the new closet shelving, making room for more fun stuff in the room! I'll see you on the flip side of the weekend. I hope you all have a happy Saturday!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Closet Dreams.....

2009-10-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau..."

~Dan Rather~

(Beth ~ Altered Tin)

Today feels like a closet cleaning kind of day. The kind of day where your hands are busy doing the necessary work set before you while the heart and the mind are free to dream. Darling Daughter came and got the last snippets of her life here and packed them in a box, toting them out to her car. With a slam of the trunk, she was gone...almost. The hall closet still houses her special quilts made my her great aunt and her great grandmother. Her warm flannel sheets are tucked in there too as are an assortment of curtains from bedroom decors of the past and I am not sure what else.(Lori ~ Beautiful Box)

Yesterday I spent the afternoon teaching her how to reupholster chair cushions for her antique dining set. They came out great and she has given me permission to photograph her post stamp place and share it with you once she is finished unpacking boxes.(Dawn ~ Fairy Baby Jar)

I also have to tackle the closet in the studio because there will be some major changing going on in there. All my nice clean tall white cupboards that house supplies will be moving out. Handy Hubby is going to install shelving all the way across the current closet and all my supplies from the cupboards will then fit in there. YES!!! That will give me more room for pretty yet practical around the room.(Dawn ~ Paper Clay Snowman Ornament)

Since Darling Daughters Closet is now empty, all the extra storage that was not studio related can can now move into her previously occupied space. I don't have any current plans for the room itself right now, just the closet. I want to plan the space very carefully. You see, I have a dream. A dream that has been kept in the secret closet of my heart for some time now.(Karla ~ Paper Doll)

In that dream I want to host and teach small open studio art classes here at the Quill but, living in a cottage in not very conducive for crowds of any sort. If I had an actual dining room then there would be no problem.(Nerissa ~ Vintage Bling Rings)

I have considered the writing cottage but with no easy access to bathrooms, water, etc. necessary for such a thing makes that not a viable option. So, this new spare room seems to be my solution, but I need to have everyday function as well. It needs to be a room that can easily be converted from grand kid space to studio event space.(Nerissa ~ Vintage Stamped Keys)

I could just reserve a room at the library to hold classes in, which is what a lot of artist in our area do, but it is so impersonal and uninspiring. The first issue I need a solution for is a bed for grands or guests. I am thinking of a Murphy bed. I have done some research and found a kit that lets you make your own and since I am married to a very handy man, I am going to pitch the idea to him. I think this would make a great winter project and that man does so love to build things.(Robin ~ A Pocket Full of Treasures Scrapbook)

This would solve floor space and leave room for a table and chairs to be set up in the center of the room for classes when needed. A couple of cute flea market finds could serve as cupboards for class supplies and flank each side of the window on the short wall with a nice window bench built in between for snuggling up with grand kids to read and a lift top for toy storage underneath. Sounds good so far, now to just get Handy Hubby to sign off on the plan.(Tammy ~ Homage to a Loved One Assemblage)

My biggest obstacle is to convince him to let me get rid of the carpeting and put in a floor better suited for a studio space in both rooms. So, as my hands are busy culling and sorting closet contents, my brain will be brewing up plans to make my closet dream come true.(Tia ~ VooDoo Heart)

Did you notice all the pretty photos in this post? These are a few of the projects for the Artist Class. Aren't they fantastic? There is still time to sign up. Class details can be found HERE. Be sure and use my discount code, quillcottage, if you sign up and you will receive a $10.00 discount off the class tuition price.

(Autumnal Banner taught by me as well as few small bonus projects with an autumnal theme)

Mary is doing such a great job of coordinating this event and she has been seeking out a variety of media and projects to suit all types of interest for the students. Although I don't have photos, Lisa will be demonstrating a Project Sampler Book and Karen will be supplying a bonus Marie Antoinette Collage Sheet for your artful pleasure.

Each of these projects began with a dream, an idea that tugged at the heart and pushed itself to the surface, leading to its creation, and the artist to a new plateau. Dreams are like that. A part of mine is being fulfilled as I join the teaching team of the Artist Class. Now to get down to the nitty gritty of pushing the new idea that tugs at my heart forward and see if it will reach the next plateau.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Road Trip: Day 3 - Exploring History, Experiencing True Worship.....

2009-10-19T16:00:00.001-05:00

"The time has come for a revival of public worship as the finest of the fine arts...While there is a call for strong preaching there is even a greater need for uplifting worship."

~Andrew W. Blackwood~

After a luscious moonlit soak in the garden tub under a lavish display of diamonds spilling across the black velvet sky, breathing in fresh mountain air, and a wonderful nights sleep we were ready to explore a little local history. We decided to adventure into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and visit historic Cades Cove.
Being Sunday morning, we wanted to attend a worship service in a tiny country church that is located in the park on the 11 mile one way Cades Cove loop. What we did not count on was the traffic. We were told that October was peak tourist season and to expect heavy traffic, but we were unprepared for bumper to bumper slow crawling stopping to gander at mountain streams and wild turkeys or deer alongside the road traffic. Needless to say the one lane loop does not allow for passing so we missed the service, arriving just as they were letting out. No worries though, an amazing experience of true worship was to present itself.The Cades Cove tour is an auto tour with pull offs at ten historic sites with original buildings used to house and farm the settlement. "Before the first white settles arrived on the scene, Cades Cove had been a part of the Cherokee Indians' domain. Abrams Creek and Abrams Falls are features named for a prominent Cherokee chief named "Old Abram" who at the time lived in a village at Chilhowee on the Little Tennessee River. According to tradition, Old Abrams wife's name was Kate, and Cades (Kate's) Cove was named after her." (source ) Apparently no Cherokees lived in the Cove when the Joshua Jobe family became one of the first to settle there in 1821.

When you enter the Cove you encounter the John Oliver Place, a cabin built in the early 1820's, the oldest log home in Cades Cove. Walking up to the cabin felt like taking steps crossing the barrier of time and history. It gives you a great sense of appreciation for not only the natural beauty of the Cove but of the strength of the people who carved out a life in these rugged mountains. Not much except mules, muscle, simple tools, and neighborly help were used to fell the trees to build homes and clear fields for crops and livestock.The second historic place on the tour is the Primitive Baptist Church that was established by early settlers in 1827. Somehow we missed the sign for this one so we didn't get to experience seeing it.

The next site is the Methodist church. J. C. McCampbell, a blacksmith and carpenter, built this church in 115 days for $115.00. He later served for many years as its minister. The church was originally established in the 1820's in a log building until it was replaced by the current building in 1902. This quaint church sits in a simple setting without any fancy adornment and it was here that I experienced one of the purest forms of worship I have ever encountered.I wondered at the design of the building, having two sets of front doors, later to learn that this usually indicates the church follows the custom of men sitting on one side of the house and women on the other. But this church didn't follow that custom. The two doors are there because the church borrowed the building plans of another church that did divided its congregation by gender.

Wondering which side was proper to enter, I chose the one on the right, later discovering that my guess had been correct. In the early history of the primitive churches, separation of the sexes in the church was required. The men occupied the left of the alter, on the south side of the church, while the women occupied the right, on the north side of the church.

The sun began to shine brilliantly through the tall wavy paned windows as I stepped over the threshold, creating a counterpane across the long unused dusty wooden pews. The shuffle of feet across the aged floor could be heard amid soft murmurs of those who entered the sanctuary.Pews lined both sides of the center aisle leading up to a simple platform with a podium, upon which rested an old Bible. To the left of the platform stood and old upright piano, its finish cracked with age and its ivory keys worn with use. Atop the piano rested a stack of old hymn books, musty with age, dogeared and ragged from much use. The whitewashed walls seemed to hold the hushed sound of holiness.

I am not sure exactly when she entered for I never heard her footfall nor the thump of her cane. I was standing stock still in the back corner by the door envisioning not the people of the present who were milling around, but those of the past. I well imagined the simple costume of homespun or calico, maybe some study denim and a starched white shirt or two. Men and boys with hair slicked into place. Women with hair twisted into buns resting at the nape of their necks, little girls in braids. Sturdy work boots and shoes shined and serviceable for the Lords day.
I thought I could hear the music begin to play on the aged piano, accompanied by hums and snatches of verses being sung. I was drawn back into the present by the cease of activity and the realization that the music was indeed very real. The old church walls began to reverberate with strains of Amazing Grace. It mattered not that the old piano was out of tune if one were to gaze upon the face of the one who played.

Stepping forward to get a closer look I noted her cane resting against the piano side. The once sturdy bench creaked as she gently swayed to the strains floating upward. Her gnarled work worn fingers barely able to uncurl enough to tap out the tune. But it was her face that was most arresting. A halo of soft gray curls, illumined from the wavy windows, framed her upturned face. Her eyes were closed, her mouth drawn into a slight bow of a smile. I knew with one glance that she was not present in the room. She was conducting a concert for an audience of one, her Lord.To her right stood an older gentleman softly humming and near the back left door a young man began to sing in a deep baritone voice, yet another began to whistle. A lady soprano standing near the alter joined in. Not a movement could be detected in the room save that of her gentle sway, of fingers tapping out the tune, and lips lifting up praise.

Tears gathered in my eyes and I thought my soul would rise and fly as the last notes died away. Here stood a room half full of perfect strangers, all out sightseeing, stopping at an impromptu gathering to worship together. I cannot fully express the beauty of the moment, the connection of the people in the room, nor the praise or adoration that filled my heart.
I thought of the camera around my neck but could not bring myself to lift it. I so wanted to capture the rapture on her face, the counterpane across her hands as they rested on the keys, the faces of the voices swirling around me, but the moment was too sacred and too holy. It was a moment to be experienced and savored in heart and nothing more.

The soprano approached the pianist and asked her of her training to which she replied, "Lawd child, I've not got no trainin' to speak of. You see, when I's a girl we only went to school a little ways. I don't read sa' well and I never did learn to read music. I just hear it with my heart and play it out on my fingers." The soprano then gushed about the pianist abilities and said she had been classically trained and wanted to give the old piano a try.She dusted off a hymn book and sat down to give it a go. While the music that issued forth was indeed technically correct, it lacked the heart and soul of the previous player. At her touch upon the keys, the spell was broken. We were no longer in the holiest of holies but in an ordinary old church that no longer held services.

I watched her gather her cane as a gentleman helped to steady her. The distinct thump and scuffle could be heard as she exited the building, taking with her the sweet presence that had filled the room just moments before. I watched her through the window as she toured the old cemetery out back, pointing with her cane at three little babies graves.It was at this moment that my husband came in search of me, having lost me in the crowd. We strolled along the gravel path of the cemetery until we were facing the pianist, just about to pass one another. I reached for her hand and leaned in to gently whisper in her ear, "Your music blessed me. Thank you." She bestowed upon me the most angelic of smiles and I felt doubly blessed.There may have been no formal prayers or official preaching but a joyful spirit of true worship did arise within the walls of that little church. I guess I didn't miss the service after all.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

P.S. I hope you don't mind that I am breaking up the travel posts with other posts in between. I don't want to be like the neighbors I grew up near who would invite us over after their vacation and show us hundreds of slides of their trip which was wonderful to them but not so much for those of us who were not actually there. In other words, I don't want to bore you!

Fun Stuff.....

2009-10-17T20:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday while I was out running errands I dropped into the local bookstore and found and special issue of Cloth Paper Scissors...This issue features over 20 inspirational artist studios and you know I love to peek into the lives of other artists. I am always motivated by the creative spaces of others and garner great ideas for storage and display.Wouldn't it be fun to create in a castle~like space with salvaged pieces creating the entry?Here are a few more peeks at some the pages...
I also dropped into one of favorite flea markets, Through The Years, looking for a chest of drawers for Darling Daughter. No such luck BUT, I did find Cinderella's shoes. Well, at least one of her shoes, the other one is going to be a 1800's vintage brides shoe when I get them done.I want to use them as containers for art kits for the new shoppe which I hope to have up an running very soon. Now that things have settled here I am working in earnest to get a bit of an inventory worked up before I list anything.

More projects are coming in for the Artist Class. If you would like a sneak peek at the blog you can do so by visiting HERE, but it will only be open to the public until October 24th. The blog will only be public until the class starts then it can only be accessed by codes issued upon registration. Check out the sidebar to meet some of the artists and view a few of the project submissions.

Class starts on October 25th and I am getting so excited. Remember that if you sign up using my discount code, quillcottage, you will receive a $10.00 discount, bringing the cost from $59.00 to $49.00. Did you know that if you break down the cost of the class you will pay just $4.00 per class when using the discount code? Pretty great deal for getting a dozen project instructions from some wonderful artists, with a bonus free downloads, supply lists, etc. I will be adding some mini bonus projects to my tutorial there as well as some bonus images for your autumn crafting.

And on the super fun front I got to spend the day with my two grandchildren. Thank heavens my mother was here too, otherwise no one would believe how this day really went. She is my witness and partner in grime. It was like an episodes of I Love Lucy meets The Three Stooges, I kid you not.

I am evidently very rusty at caring for a 6 week old, three year old, and one jealous dog. Throw in dog poo tracked in on a shoe and smashed into the rug, projectile spit up that would have surely won points in the Olympics, a child dripping from head to toe in a spilled Sprite with no change of clothes, potty training, baby bottles, diapers, burping, and a whole host of other mishaps and yes it was fun stuff. Talk about adventures in babysitting!

Thank you for all your sweet comments and insights on my last post. After today I am feeling pretty good about my parenting, now I think my grand parenting skills are in question after today's session. My son just rolled when I told him all that went on a few hours time. My daughter-in-law just smiled a knowing smile. I asked them would they ever want me to keep them both at the same time and they both asked if I would ever want to. You bet I would, will, that is after I quit reeking of regurgitated formula, shampoo up the poo or burn the rug, mop the sticky Sprite up off the kitchen floor, and recuperate enough to laugh about the whole day.

I think I have had enough fun stuff for one day so I am off to crash.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

An Empty Nest.....

2009-10-16T08:30:00.003-05:00

"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. Any why shouldn't it be? It is the same the angels breathe."

~Mark Twain, "Roughing It"~

Today I woke up wondering if I might possibly be THE worst mother in the world. There are a lot of conflicting emotions when ones nest is suddenly empty. Over the years I have read all sorts of things about empty nest syndrome from falling into deep pits of depression to failed marriages. One never knows how one will react until it actually happens.I once read an article by Emilie Barnes where she told of her last child, a daughter, leaving home. She said she stood at the end of her driveway waving until her daughters car was a tiny speck then she turned, let out whoop, jumped into the air, and clicked her heels together. Now would be her time.If you know anything about Emilie and her ministry or her writing you will know that she is an amazing woman who was a totally devoted wife and mother who took her duties very seriously. I am shocked that my initial reaction of "OH NO!" has so quickly turned to "OH BOY!" Now is my time.
I keep asking my two best friends, who have traveled this path before me, if this is a normal reaction. Should I not be missing her desperately? Should I not be worrying more and not less? Shouldn't I be depressed and wanting to stay in bed instead of bounding out each morning with a new found sense of freedom? Is it wrong to love that I now get a hot shower in the mornings instead of a tepid one? Is it selfish that I love not being relegated to her work schedule for meal times? Is it wrong that now that the weight of the daily task of parenting has been lifted off my shoulders that I feel lighter, more free, and ready to embrace this new season of life? OR do these things make me THE worst mother in the world?I am finding empty nest syndrome to be very confusing. I am not depressed and my marriage is not stressed. I thought it would be devastating. I thought I would be roughing it, but it feels like a very natural order of things. By releasing my daughter to spread her wings for her solo flight in life, I am suddenly finding the joy in a little solo flying of my own. We are in a sense sharing this new experience together yet in separate ways. It is a bonding without previous boundaries. The fresh air we are now flying in is indeed very fine, very pure, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? I feel God's blessing. Now is our time.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Road Trip: Day 2 - Stay in the Pink Chalet, NO WAY!

2009-10-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."
~Lao Tzu~

<strong><em><span>Day 2: Stay in the Pink Chalet, NO WAY!</span></em></strong><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ju-5cpu90tU/StcXZ-9S8RI/AAAAAAAAMBo/K2UsaPeivrc/s1600-h/chalet.jpg"></a> <strong><em><span>We meandered at a leisurely pace from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Murfreesboro</span>, Tennessee where we lodged for the night, towards the Great Smokey Mountains. </span></em></strong> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>We made a little detour to stroll along a 1.5 mile trail along a beautiful mountain stream that cascaded into a small waterfall. The bridge was out so we took the foot path strewn with sweet spotty leaves where we spied unusual vegetation, and mountain springs. </span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>The trail told a lovers tale as names, dates, hearts, and sweet sentiments lettered the trees, carved by sweethearts past and present. As we climbed higher we passed a small cascade of falls. As the top of the trail we stood on an overlook watching a curtain of crystal spilling over the gorge edge creating tiny rainbows as it plunged into the pool below. </span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>We arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gatlinburg</span>, Tennessee late in the afternoon and started the winding climb up the mountain to our chalet. Just as we rounded a hairpin turn we came face to face with a black bear standing in the road. Handy Hubby grabbed the camera, which happened to be around my neck, nearly choking me to death as he snapped a couple of pictures. The bear quickly scampered up the hillside. I was beyond excited to see the bear. One of my fondest wishes was to see a black bear in its natural habitat.</span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>Our chalet was at the very top of the mountain at the end of the road. Going up the narrow mountain lane is a little hair raising. On one side you literally hug the mountain and on the other you hug air with sheer drops into deep gorges. Cute little chipmunks play dodge as they run across the road with their little tails straight up in the air. I have yet to get a photo of one.</span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>Our anticipation and anxiety mounted as we unlocked the door of our cute pink cottage. Remember when I said cute counts? Well, even more than cute, so does clean!!!!! Stay in that pink chalet, NO WAY! I won't go into detail but needless to say we immediately locked the door headed back down the mountain where we could get a cell signal to call the owner and to check into a hotel. Oh, but I saw a real live black bear!</span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>Our journey back down the twisted turning back on itself mountain roads got even more hair raising when we got turned around and got lost with darkness fast approaching. We hear a dreaded ding from the dash and realize with horror that the sheer climb up had used far more fuel that we realized it would. What was a half a tank of fuel was now near vapors. Holding our breaths and praying like crazy we coasted right off the mountain into a service station. Whew, that was close! </span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span></span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><em><span>Long story short, another chalet was available, it was satisfactory so we switched units and are happy mountain dwellers. The views are magnificent. At night we can see the distant lights of the city below. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">All's</span> well that end's well. Did I mention that I saw a real honest to goodness live bear? More to come, stay tuned..... </span></em></strong></div> <div><strong><e

Stay in this Pink Chalet, NO WAY!We meandered at a leisurely pace, having no fixed plans for arrival, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee where we lodged for the night, towards the Great Smokey Mountains. We made a little detour to stroll along a 1.5 mile trail beside a beautiful mountain stream that cascaded into a small waterfall. The bridge was out, so we took the foot path, strewn with sweet spotty leaves, where we spied unusual vegetation, teeny tiny pine cones,

and dripping mountain springs.The trees on the trail told a lovers tale as names, dates, hearts, and sweet sentiments lettered the them, carved by sweethearts past and present.

As we climbed higher, we passed a small cascade of falls.At the top of the trail we stood on an overlook watching a curtain of crystal spilling over the gorge edge creating tiny rainbows as it plunged into the pool below.

After our short reprieve we drove on with the Great Smoky Mountains rising up in the distance.

We arrived in Gatlinburg, Tennessee late in the afternoon and started the winding climb up the mountain to our chalet. Just as we rounded a hairpin turn we came face~to~face with a black bear standing in the road directly in front of our car. Handy Hubby grabbed the camera, which happened to be around my neck, nearly choking me to death as he snapped a few pictures, the first two face~to~face of which were blurry due to me trying to get the strap off my head. The bear quickly scampered up the hillside. I was beyond excited to see the bear. One of my fondest wishes was to see a black bear in its natural habitat.

Our chalet was at the very top of the mountain at the end of the road. Going up the narrow mountain lane was a little hair raising. On one side you literally hug the mountain and on the other you hug air with sheer drops into deep gorges. Cute little chipmunks play dodge as they run across the road with their little tails straight up in the air.

Our anticipation and anxiety mounted as we unlocked the door of our cute pink cottage. Remember when I said cute counts? Well, even more than cute, so does clean!!!!! Stay in that pink chalet, NO WAY! I won't go into detail but needless to say we immediately locked the door and headed back down the mountain where we could get a cell signal to call the owner and to check into a hotel. Oh, but I saw a real live black bear!

Our journey back down the twisted turning back on itself mountain roads got even more hair raising when we got turned around and got lost with darkness fast approaching. We hear the dreaded ding from the dash and realize with horror that the sheer climb up had used far more fuel that we realized it would. What was a half a tank of fuel was now near vapors. Holding our breaths and praying like crazy we coasted right off the mountain into a service station. Whew, that was close!

Long story short, another chalet was available, it was satisfactory so we switched units the next day and were happy mountain dwellers in a cute little yellow and blue chalet. The views were magnificent. At night we could see the distant lights of two neighboring cities below. As they say, all's well that end's well.

Did I mention that I saw a real honest to goodness live in his natural habitat black bear?More adventures to come, stay tuned.....

Blessings,

Miss Sandy

Artistic Autumn Beauty.....

2009-10-12T22:10:00.008-05:00

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is webbed to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

~George Eilot~

We have returned to our humble abode and have been meeting ourselves coming and going since we walked in the door. We got Darling Daughter mostly moved amid loads of laundry and trying to complete my project for the Artist Class . I am so excited to show you a sneak peek of my project, an autumnal banner:Having just spent a week in the Great Smoky Mountains, there was inspiration abounding in all that natural beauty. I wanted to capture the essence of autumn in a paper arts project. It felt so good to spend the day in the studio creating something. The down side of that is that tomorrow I have to spend time cleaning up after the tornado of a mess I made in there today.Registration for the class is now open. You can visit HERE for registration information. The class fee is $59.00 BUT if you use my promotional code: quillcottage, you will receive a $10.00 discount bringing the price to $49.00. The class is a four week online class featuring 12 step-by-step projects in a variety of media. Each project is specifically designed and taught by various artists such as Dawn Edmonson of The Feathered Nest, Karla Nathan of Karla's Cottage, Beth Leintz of Gathering Dust, to name just a few. I feel extremely honored to be in the midst of these ladies plus others that I so admire. For more class content information, you can visit this post.We had a wonderful anniversary week full of fun and adventure. I'll be sharing some of the highlights in the next few posts and hope you too will enjoy the autumn beauty as I savor the sweet memories. I am beyond thrilled to be back in civilization where cell signals and Internet service abound. I never thought I would say that! I'll be around to visit and to catch up on comments and emails in the next couple of days. I really missed you all!!!I hope you all are enjoying the artistic autumnal beauty being painted outside your windows!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

A Post-ponement and an Online Artist Class Announcement.....

2009-10-07T06:21:00.011-05:00

I wanted to let you know that I will postponing my travel posts until I get home. I will still post them by days of the trip just not in real time as I had hoped to do. Cell and Internet service are spotty at best here on the mountain. In order to connect to the Internet I have to tether to a cell phone and the connection is slower even than dial up.

I can only use the service if I huddle in the corner next to the door that leads out onto the upper deck, which is really not so bad as the view is quite stunning but a little uncomfortable. Loading photos is another matter altogether, Blogger stalls out because of the slow connection. So, in the meantime, I am writing the posts each evening and will add the photos and schedule the posts to run when I return home. I will also answer your emails and respond to comments at that time.

As for the announcement, I have been asked by Mary Green of Green Paper to participate in an online art class as one of the project instructors. I consider this an honor and have accepted. This artist class is an online project classroom with a variety of projects by a variety of artists. It will take place over a 4 week period , on a members only blog. Daily posts will include instructions for one dozen individual projects plus a variety of bonus downloads, tips, and techniques.

Students will receive quantity and quality: Beautiful projects and great information designed to get the creative juices going as well as introduction to new skills.

Class categories include:

*Paper Arts
*Fabric & Fiber Arts
*Jewelry Making
*Digital Art
*10 Minute Projects
*Holiday Themes
*Gift Ideas
*Student Ideas
*Free Images
*Supplies
*Techniques

The Artist Class will take place on a members~only blog from October 25 thru November 21st. The blog itself will have continued access thru January.

Registration begins on October 15th. The price of the Artist Class is $59.00. If you sign up for the class through me, you will receive a $10.00 discount off of the class fee, making the cost $49.00. I will be posting the discount code as well as the registration information on October 15th. If you have any specific questions may I direct you to Mary who is hosting this workshop.

I am very excited about this class and have been designing a special project with illustrated step-by-step instructions plus tips, techniques, and free images to enhance the project.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Road Trip, Day 1.....

2009-10-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it."

~Greg Anderson~

The first leg of our journey was pretty uneventful and the route very familiar. After we passed Somerville the scenery began to change from flat to the gentle rise and fall of undulating hills, a precursor to the mountains to come. The weather could not have been more perfect in the low 70's with clear blue cloudless skies.

We sailed past fields of dried corn stalks browned and rustling in the breeze. The last boles of cotton rested like little white powder puffs gently held in the tiny golden fingers of the stems. Farm land and fields peppered the roadsides. Cattle and horses grazed in pastures where fat rolls of hay lay waiting to serve as their winter food supply.

Barns began to rise up on the landscape, some skeletal with age, time having worn away their paint and stripped them of their usefulness. The scenery beyond was visible through their ribs. They were my favorite.

The air was pungent with the distinct smell of the area. I noted that it no longer smelled like home. It felt unfamiliar yet tantalizing.

We stopped at a park to walk a bit and stretch our legs. Wild turkeys and deer were everywhere. We witnessed a wedding by a bubbling stream at sunset. I hope that union, kissed by the setting rays of the sun, will be long and blessed with a life filled with happiness in spite of what hardships might come. It brought back sweet memories.

Today I took my friends advice, I lived. I experienced the journey through my senses and stored the sights in my mind, even catching a few with my camera. Mostly, I just sat, listened, thought, occasionally talked, and enjoyed the activity outside my window.

Blessings,

Miss Sandy

Takin' A Road Trip.....

2009-10-02T07:05:00.005-05:00

My suitcase is zipped...(photo source)

It's time for a road trip!

Handy Hubby and I are off to celebrate our anniversary, which is tomorrow, with a little road trip. We will be leaving today. We will be spending a week in the mountains in an adorable little pink chalet...I really hope it is as nice as it looks online, one never knows about these things when making reservations in this manner. But it looks pretty cute and cute counts right?

This trip is an incredible blessing. Handy Hubby was rewarded for all his hard work by his employer with an extra week of vacation and a cash bonus which is making this trip possible. I am hoping to share this trip with you by keeping a bit of daily online journal, that is IF we have Internet connection. The amenities did not list Internet connection so we may be unplugged for the week. I'll post if I can, if not, then I'll be in touch week after next.

I hope you all have an incredibly wonderful week ahead of you too!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Online Art Journal Class.....

2009-09-30T07:04:00.004-05:00

"Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic."

~Rosalind Russell~

Have you ever wanted to create an art journal but don't quite know how to get started? Are you experienced in creating unique art journals but want to learn more? Well, Heather of Pretty Petals is hosting an online art journal class to suit the beginner or the experienced. Specific details of the workshop can be found HERE. The price of the workshop is very cost effective at only $13.50 for the two week class. Registration details can be found HERE.
The journal theme is finding the beauty in our lives. Heather will walk you through the steps for creating an art journal from an old book, creating four pages inside the mini book with page themes of:

*Beautiful Lady

*Blessed Family

*Oh How I Love (wait til you see this one!)

*Sweet Friendship

Heather will wind up the class by showing how to make a beautiful box to store your journal in.

The workshop will have easy to follow instructions with loads of images for you to print out for the projects as well as some bonus scans of vintage wallpaper and ledger paper images. You can add as much of your own stash to your journal as you wish.

Even though it is a two week class, with Heather posting instructions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week, the class link will be left up for one month after the class ends so that you can work at your own pace to complete your project.

Heather's fabulous work has been featured in the special Somerset publication, Marie, as well as in Artful Blogging. I am sure you will be inspired by her vintage style.

I can't participate in real time but signed up and plan to use the month after the instructions are posted to participate. I can't wait to learn Heather's tips and techniques! I hope some of you will join in on this journey of joy creating an artful celebration of the beauty in our lives.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

A Thoughtful Recollection.....

2009-09-28T14:45:00.013-05:00

Pansy means thoughts

"I send thee pansies while the year is young,
Yellow as sunshine, purple as the night;
Flowers of remembrance, ever fondly sung
By all the chiefest of the sons of light;
And if in recollection lives regret
For wasted days, and dreams that were not true,
I tell thee that the pansy "freaked with jet"
I still the heart's~ease that the poets knew.
Take all the sweetness of a gift unsought
And for the pansies send me back a thought."

~Sarah Doudney~

Pansy is just an English way of saying the French word "pens'ee" which means thought, and people used to send these flowers for their nearest and dearest to remember them by. The small velvet plants we grow in our borders were first bred in Victorian times from the Wild Pansy which Shakespeare described as Love-in-idleness.

Wild Pansy has always been a favorite with children and country folk who have given it many affectionate names ~ Two~faces~under~the~sun, Face~and~hood, and Tickle~my~fancy. It has also been called Herb Trinity, because there are often three colors in the one flower, reminding us of the Holy Trinity. Perhaps the best known of all the names is Heartsease, for it was believed that by carrying the flower about with you, you would ensure the love of your sweetheart.I recently received a most thoughtful gift from a special blog friend and I wanted to thank her for her thoughtful kindness. The sweet pansies on the gift tag she made are being extended out in friendship all the way from the Netherlands. Lili sent me a sweet little gift package full of French and Dutch ephemera! Lili, thank you for such sweet words and extension of friendship, I really love everything you sent and can't wait to use it in my artwork.

This pretty envelope included...Neat old ads...Dictionary and book pages...I just love the font used to print these pages...Bird images...Tags...Cards...Little envelopes spilling over with stamps, cigar bands, game pieces, buttons, bows, and other bits and bobs...Now if only my schedule was not so busy nor my studio so full of packing boxes so I could play with all this! Lili, thank you for your thoughtful recollection of me in your generous gift.I scanned and cropped a few of the pages to share with you, feel free to snag the images below for use in your artwork. Enjoy!
(Free Image)

(Free Image)

(Free Image)(Free Image)

I hope to slow down enough to have time to create something, anything really, to share with you in the near future. Right now I have an antique dining set calling to me from the driveway to come out and spruce her up and restore her to her former glory before she moves into her new home with Darling Daughter.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

A Few Finds.....

2009-09-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

~Bernard Meltzer~

Last week, my friend, Pam, and I went Flea Marketing. This is one of our favorite things to do together. We were both feeling a little cooped up with all the foul weather we have been having and decided to brave the elements and see what we could find.

More than anything our flea market forays are more about fellowship than they are about finds. We always laugh and talk so much we are both hoarse at the end of the day. Last Thursday was no exception as we hit some of our favorite haunts, she, with her list of items she was looking for and me, with no list, open to the possibilities of what might strike my fancy.

At our first stop, Jones Antiques, we stood and dug through an entire suitcase of old ephemera, looking at every piece of paper in there, but only selecting a few to take home. I still had in mind my project and a few of these will be great. I also dug through a big wooden box of silverware and found four old spoons with great patina. In another booth I found a great old pale blue chicken feed sack.I don't know if you can see how pale and faded the color on the back of the sack is but it is perfect for what I have in mind. I love how it is spotted with age and so soft to the touch.Our second stop was at The Mall, a huge antiques store. I found an old copy of Birds of America. This will be a great source for nature inspired art projects.

Just look at these bits of beauty.

Lastly, we stopped at Flea's and 'Tiques, where I picked up a small package of discarded keys.Not exactly a fabulous find day but it was a fine day to spend with a friend! We found a little gem of a place yesterday and got some unique and fun stuff that I'll share with you as soon as I can get time to photograph it.

Tomorrow I'll be spending all day with my sweet all grown up girl shopping for things she will need for her first place. I hope you have some wonderful plans in store for your day too!

Have you found anything fabulous lately?
What is it you find to do with your favorite friend?

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

"B"-utiful Things.....

2009-09-22T22:00:00.001-05:00

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "B"....

I found this "B"~utiful chippy vintage marquee letter, c~1900's, at Vintage Embellishment.
It is the initial of our last name and I think it is a perfect addition to my other chippy stuff.

"B"efore I get to the "B"~utiful things I wanted to thank all of you for your "B"eautiful words in response to my last post. I am trying to embrace this new season of life with a smile on my face and ache in my heart. So many of you have reassured me that I will survive this transition. Thank you.

Sometimes my taste is questioned as far as what I perceive as "B"eautiful. Often it is the cast off chippy, faded, aged patina that draws me to an object. Old tattered "B"ooks with raggedy spines with perfectly aged pages are guaranteed a home with me, their usefulness far from over in my opinion. A snip of old lace here, an odd "B"utton there, a cast off leather dolly shoe, any of these will do. It is very rare for me to desire an object for its perfect condition, preferring the imperfect. It was the imperfect I was in search of for a future project.

I ordered this "B"lue ribbon package from "B"eth's Etsy shop, Sugar Pink Moon. "B"eth always wraps her packages so pretty! Inside the pretty packaging was a "B"ook!

This darling little old primer is perfect for a project I am planning. The images and lettering are so sweet.

I also ordered this "B"undle of envelopes from "B"eth.

You can visit "B"eth's "B"log, Gathering Dust.

I found a "B"ountiful set of vintage cabinet cards with awesome graphics on the "B"ack and sweet photos of days gone "B"y on the fronts at Petals in the Past.

I fell in love with the graphics on these.

I think this may be a sweet "B"rides photo, notice she is holding her fancy wedding shoes rather than wearing them on her feet. This chubby cheeked cherub is one adorable "B"aby!

While "B"rowsing, I found this very old embossed album, minus the pages, at Vintage Supply Co. It is a perfect shell for creating an art journal with.You can visit this shops owner, Janette, who is a fantastic mixed-media artist at her Etsy shop where she sells awesome supplies, here, or visit her blog, Carolina Artist. I have utterly fallen in love with her mixed~media "B"irds on her Janette Janson Etsy where she sells them.

I stumbled across this 1886 music "B"ook at "B"lack Sheep Yarns. It arrived wrapped so sweetly in old ledger paper!

I got a kick out of this little corner of the wrapping that says, Roaring "B"ranch, PA.

I thought it aptly described the precious cover, a "B"ranch roaring with singing "B"irds.

The "B"ack of the "B"ook is every "B"it as "B"eautiful as the front.

Sweet little Swedish "B"ook pages accompanied the package.

Lastly, I gasp at the gorgeousness of these vintage album pages! I could not "B"elieve my luck at snagging them from Mary's Etsy, Green Paper Packages.

They are adorned with "B"ranches "B"earing "B"eautiful "B"lossoms and "B"irds!

You can visit Mary's "B"log, Green Paper, and enjoy all things ephemera. You really should check out Mary's free image page!

These are just a few of the "B"~utiful things I found for my project. I am getting more and more excited about this project than anything I have ever done. I'll be sharing more about this at a later date.

In the meantime, "B"elow I have scanned a few images from my new finds for you to use in your artwork. Enjoy!(Free Image)(Free Image)(Free Image)(Free Image)(Free Image)

Tomorrow my friend, Pam, and I plan on a little raod trip stopping at several flea markets and I am hoping to find a few more things for the "B"ig project. I am so ready to eascape the pounding on the outside of my house! The dishes have about rattled out of the cupboards, the dog has barked non-stop, and consturction has hit a major snag. I hope there is a "B"it of "B"eauty "B"uilt into your day too!

"B"lessings,
Miss Sandy

My Heart In Her Hands.....

2009-09-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

~Elizabeth Stone~

Last Tuesday my world tipped a little bit on its axis. We received a letter with a few short sentences that changed everything. As I lay down that night, sleep eluded me. I could hear it, that staccato beating of two hearts connected by the invisible strings of love. One beating in a rhythm of excitement, anticipation, full of plans for a fulfilled longing. The other, feeling the pull and tug of the inevitable snapping of those very heart strings that have bound them these 21 years.Exactly 35 paces apart lay these two hearts. Neither one allowing the owner a wink of sleep. One heart straining towards the future, while the other recalled the past. The more selfish of the two wanted to initially hide the information that the lines of that letter contained, but knew it would be very wrong to do so. The selfish heart thought it was ready and prepared for this news to arrive someday, just not THAT day, some other day in the distant future might have been fine, but perhaps not. The selfish heart knew that it might never be ready for this news.The selfish heart felt distinctly the stretch and small tear that is always required when turning loose and letting go is required. The selfish heart could not bear the pain alone so it sent pictures to its companion, the mind. The mind cold not process the flow of shifting feelings as quickly as the heart transmitted them, it only saw emptiness.An image of an empty room. An image of one listening for familiar sounds but hearing only silence. An image of a clock, ticking away minutes that are past and can never be recaptured. An image of a heart, breaking just a little. A final image of a world familiar and comfortable, tipping a bit on its axis.They say that to have children is to have your heart walking around outside your body. I say it is true. My heart, my Darling Daughter, is moving into her first place. While I am excited for her and this new chapter in her life, I think she will be walking away with my heart in her hands.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

The Contractor Contest.....

2009-09-19T08:42:00.005-05:00

I am so sorry to have gone MIA again. I have not had access to the Internet since my last post. The contractor finally showed up to begin the face lift to our little cottage and brought with him a few quirks, like using our Internet connection to surf and down load music and movies to his lap top rather than working on the house, so, we had to disconnect it temporarily.

I have found that hiring a contractor has much in common with a beauty pageant. Seriously! First you have the contestants, in this case the contractors. And, you have the judges, Handy Hubby and myself. Since Handy Hubby is much wiser in these things he got to be Judge #1 and I could chime in my opinion as Judge #2.

Just like in a beauty pageant you have the initial line up and introduction of the contestants. Contestant #1 came as highly recommended, showed up in a timely fashion with a wealth of knowledge of and experience. Contestant #2 showed up a little late with and attitude of being "Simply the best in the business!" (His words, not mine. He really wanted to win.) Contestant #3 was disqualified as he never showed up to the line up and introduction.The fashion portion of the contest was of little consequence as all the contestants wore the same costume; sturdy work boots, jeans, t-shitrs, and ball caps. But the talent and question portion of the contest was where it really counted. Both Contestant #1 and #2 could flip and zip a tape measure with lightning speed, scribble numbers on a sheet of paper with great accuracy, and with a flick of a wrist hand over staggering figures to the judges.

During the Q&A session, Contestant #1 scored high in his superior skills and vast knowledge of the subject at hand. Contestant #2 was brash and abrasive and lost serious points with Judge #2 as he kept flashing cell phone photos under her nose to look at all the magnificent tile work he had done in his bathroom. Judge #2 was thinking how she did not want her little cottage to be tiled to look like a glorified outhouse! OK, she did not want her little cottage tiled at all! Maybe he was just nervous and misunderstood the questions.

After thanking and dismissing the contestants Judge #1 and Judge #2 sat down to tally the scores. Hands down Contestant #1 was the winner. He showed great poise in placing his bid, his experience spoke for itself, he came highly recommended, and had a great personality. Judge #2 could just not get past the tile thing, so tossed out Contestant #2 right away. A winner was declared and a date set for the winner to begin to fulfill his duties.But, as seems to be the norm these days in pageants, there was a scandal! Contestant #1 failed to show up for his duties and was nowhere to be found. When he finally did show up he tried to extort more money from the judges by changing his bid to the tune of an additional $3,000.00! Needless to say he was stripped of his title and another pageant had to be held. A new winner was declared and hope was once again renewed.

The new eager beaver contestant showed up a week earlier than expected and a twitter of excitement at seeing the work began filled the hearts of the judges. However, after the first day they knew that something was wrong, very, very, wrong and they began to question their judging skills.

The crew of two with the possibility of a third man to help turned out to be a crew of...one. The crew of one brought his computer with him and you already know the rest of that story. Very little progress has been made but I have to say his craftsmanship is top notch. I expect it may take at least the rest of next week for him to complete the job upon which he will have earned the cash prize.So, if you do not hear from me it is because we have once again cut off the Internet. I am going to try and get a few posts done and scheduled so if I don't visit or respond to your comments you will know why. Choosing a contractor was almost as taxing as choosing the actual materials and colors for the house, but that is a story for another day!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Where In The World I Have Been.....

2009-09-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

"But what minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars, and each moment is a day."

~Benjamin Disraeli~(Beautiful gift tag from Laurie. Thank you, Laurie, I love it!)

I would love to tell you that I have been on some secret local of intrigue doing fascinating and fabulous things like perusing a Persian Brocante for French finds or learning the hula in Hawaii, but, that is sadly not the case. I been here, in my humble abode with my hands full of nursing a minor leg injury, recovering from a nasty virus, dealing with a reoccurring health issue, lavishing attention on two majorly gorgeous grandchildren, dealing with the drudgery of daily duties, working on a few items for the new shop, planning an upcoming trip, shopping online, and contemplating a writing project. That is where in the world I have been.

(Loving hands cradling small sacrifices: a stone from the river, a feather from a bird, a twig from a tree, a bundle of lace from an old pillow case, a photo of a forgotten girl.)

I am thrilled to say that I am now slightly gimping instead of limping, virus free, medicated and doing much better, still lavishing attention on two majorly gorgeous grandchildren, dealing with the drudgery of daily duties, actually making a few things for the new shop, trip plans completed, super neat supplies purchased online for some dreamy new projects, and further contemplating that writing project. I think I am now ready to make my return to blogging. Sometimes you just have to step away and take care of what needs taken care of before you can proceed. A small sacrifice on the path to healing.

(See the magic key in the healing hands of time? Presto~changeo! All things do get better with a little time!)

Now, where in the world would I like to be? Right here of course, in my crazy mixed up wonderful life where all the action happens, where dreams of browsing Brocante's in France and learning the hula dance keep me sane in moments of insanity. Indeed my hands have been full, but what minutes to savor! Life is precious even in our most broken and fragile moments, worth experiencing each sensation as we wait for the ticking of time to bring healing and the renewal of dreams. Now pardon me while I pursue the one dream that is obtainable at the moment, even more contemplation of writing that.....book!

Where in the world would you like to be? Who would you be with? What would you be doing?

Blessings,

Miss Sandy

A Quick Note.....

2009-09-11T08:33:00.005-05:00

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

So much has been happening here that it has been next to impossible to find the time or the energy to blog. I do apologize for my unannounced absence and my breach of blog etiquette. I hope to get back to regular posting but am making no promises that I cannot keep. Thank you for your kind comments and emails in my absence. I must adopt the pace of nature and be patient knowing that time and schedule will very soon allow me to swiftly return to the delightful land of blog.Our precious little granddaughter did indeed arrive and she is just beautiful! Gorgeous grandson is loving being a big brother and is so sweet with her. Mother and baby are both doing just great. You may wonder why there are no photos of either of them here on my blog. As much as I would love to show them off, I honor their parents requests that their photos not be posted.Actually, I post very few photos of people on my blog, myself included. While I might write about my family on occasion, I do not use their names or images without their permission. They did not sign on to be a part of this blog and I respect their wishes. My blog is not much about people anyway, mostly it is about art, nature, and the observations I make in the wonderful world around me.Today I am off to join Puck, my garden statue pictured above, in playing out of doors. I hear Autumn beginning to whisper and I want to see if I can capture signs of her impending arrival. My gathering basket has been quite lonely lately so we will take a stroll and see what we can find to incorporate is a new art piece my brain has been brewing up. I hope you have wonderful plans in store for this day too!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy