Farewell 2019

First let me apologize for not posting for a couple months. I am still around just taking a break from punching. I’m teaching myself how to weave tapestries. Plus doing a little rug hooking in the interim. What fun! So much fun that time got away from me. 

Forgive me?

That being said, I would like to say goodbye to 2019!

What a year, many changes this year.....enough that my mental is suffering a bit. I am starting to settle in, hoping with the new year I can find my peace of mind again!

This year I am hoping, not a resolution mind you, no pressures....there is enough of that in our lives now a days, right? 

 I’d like to design & post one or two punch needle patterns a month. Take time to work on my rug hooking, post WIP pics & post the pattern (Let me know if you would like that)? Plus, find time for weaving, spinning and dying wool & yarn.  If you would like me to post pictures of my ventures, let me know your favorites....I’ll be glad to do so, Write a comments, here, on Facebook or Instagram. Sounds like I’ll be busy....lol.

Fiber, Fiber, Fiber...whooopppppie!

Bring it on 2020, looking forward to a new year,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kate

Winding Down

Winding down.. I wanted to pop in and show you a little bit more of the progress on the wall hanging. It's getting there...Almost done!

I would say a little bit of green is needed and the hanger at the top. And I'll call it finished.

It has been a pleasure to work on. The freedom it has allowed me after strick line punching was a blast!

On the Punch frame today is another folk art piece...Inspiration from a Fraktur.

I would like to do the same as the wall hanging to finish this piece. but on a smaller scale. I had it in mind as I designed it. Below is a watercolor of the piece I quickly sketched & painted over Memorial day weekend.

So glad you're following along..Have a wonderful evening,

Kate

Inspiration

I came across a women called Jude Hill. She does things with fabric that is just amazing! 

I thought, well I have been trying, to figure out another way to finish the Punch needle models.

I like things framed, boxed, etc. but my favorite is the mat itself. I feel, no.... I think, fabric kind of needs fabric to ground it...I think?  So because of Jude it gave me the idea, it would be wonderful as a wall hanging...fabric within fabric...form within form.. I am playing with two of the punch models and adding it to a wall hanging...I have begun to embroider, quilt and just have a blast with it, freedom! It let's me break out of the box, create a free form,  relax and not be so boxed in. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am enjoying doing it. Thank you Jude for your wonderful inspiration. If you get a chance head on over to her blog.  http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/

 Let me know what you think. I would love your feedback good or bad!

Have a wonderful creative day,

Kate

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

GIVING   THANKS

For Friends and Family,

For Health and Happiness,

&

For Daughters who can Cook!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Kate

Rabbit chair

Previous work

Wishing you all a wonderful day! 

This is a chair I painted a few years ago. I have painted many a stripe and check. In previous years I have to confess I had now clue what a prim was, now I don't seem to be able to get away from them.

and loving every minute.

We all walk paths in life and you never know when the path may turn!

Kate

To all:

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Specs

I was working on a cross stitch,  I decided to do it in all gray
, well I think I need new specs. This is very close work and my glasses are set up for arms length furniture or Winkle work, looks like I need another pair for close work.

It's giving me double vision..... Wow, try doing cross stitch with double vision.  

http://thegraphicsfairy.com/

http://thriftyartist.blogspot.com/

Well this is my first cross stitch pattern in many years! Transferred the pattern ironed it on and wha....la! It's backwards, fitting for a pattern named friends, I think I'll name the backwards one (nobody's perfect) . The thing is with mistakes a solution follows, often a good one, what do you think?

IN THE COTTAGE STUDIO...A bit of sewing, door pockets need finished. A bit of painting on the spindle man, I'm getting close to finishing him.          Ugh..... I truly need to clean the office what a mess! 

 Happy mistakes,

Kate

Looking Forward to Spring

We did get the snow....and the ice

I was able to clear a little snow yesterday, and the sun is shining which is unusual in Pittsburgh.

My car doors are iced shut.... and my poor car, needs dug out. The temperature is not suppose to get warmer, so it looks like I'll be staying home for awhile. What a shame, another day Needle Punching. Ohhhhhh.... my!  I think I will work on Home sweet Home pattern.

Yesterday I was able to finish a punch needle, Jacobean Floral I will post it soon. I heard from a good friend of mine called yesterday, she would like another large Spindle person, she had purchased one in the past and would like a pair. So I will prime the spindle this morning and let it settle for painting, keep you posted!

Stay warm,

Kate

Okeedokee!

I took the time last night to pull out just a few of my old sketch books, I would like to take a look at them today, maybe get some ideas for stitchery patterns. 

Pip found the new window seat, rug hooking, and a new view to the world beyond the backyard.

The Cottage is looking a little bare. We had some sun yesterday and the snow is almost gone. But don't fret they are calling for more this afternoon, 4 to 6 inches. Oh my! I do miss my little shop, and the pleasure of seeing my friends pop in.

I found a new blog yesterday morning, very early in the morning, I must add. Such an inspiration!

(Not forgotten farm).

 I must try and open up to you all a little bit more. I am not one to share my feelings, but I will try, promise!

Happy creating,

Kate

Thank you

To everyone that came out this weekend and made the open house a huge success,

 Thank you!

I appreciate your patronage so much, but most of all it's wonderful to see everyone again. 

Wishing everyone a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

&

A HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR! 

Happy Mothers Day

My heart goes out to all the mothers out there!

Today is a day to celebrate, a day to spend with your family, for me to celebrate and think of my mother who has passed, but not forgotten. A day that I spend thinking of my children. My children have gone there separate ways. But I remember the days when we were a family. The happy days, when little things counted so much. Don't overlook the little things, when they fly the coop you will remember. 

TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Decision Made

After much thought, my heart says to leave it wood! I know boring right, not really it is beautiful as is. I try not to paint pieces that are not in need. I stick to pieces that the veneer is not good or they have good bones but in my opinion need updated. So I 'll have to come up with something different. If you have any suggestions or would like to learn who to do, let me know, I will try and help to the best of my knowledge. 

Spring has Sprung

Every spring, Fall and winter, I change things around the cottage. Not for the Holidays but for the seasons. A lighter airy feel in the spring and summer. So I took yesterday off and switched things out, In the process you always find items that need cleaned, areas that need some TLC, etc. So of course it takes more than one day. I also got a little side tracked. I was recently at the local Thrift store and came across a dresser  I think from the late 1800's. My kids will say, Mom don't you have enough furniture or I thought you were cleaning out. But non the less here it is, now the same old dilemma, do I leave it wood or paint it? We'll as an artist my first thought goes to paint it! A couple years ago, everything in my home was painted , so I am trying to bring some wood back. I will live with it for a week or so till the answer comes! The other question arrives do you keep it or sell it? Hum mm!

Welcome to Spring

Welcome to Spring 

Finally it looks like spring in Pittsburgh. The grass is getting green. The birds are singing, life is good.

The daffodils and primrose are out! It's here!

I would also like to let you know. I have a new website, Check it out. It's a work in progress, but it's looking good.

briarcottagestudio.com

Thank you

Thank you for all your support in 2012. To everyone that showed up at the Christmas gathering Thank you, it was wonderful to see you again.

 I am so looking forward to a new year.

I would like to become a better blogger and will try harder.



" Oft digging removing and weeding yee see makes herbs the more whole--some and greater to be.". T. Turner

In my world, I am digging, removing and weeding, so stop back soon to see the harvest.