Modigliani Inspired Self Portraits

I've been absent from blogging and missing it so. I have a few crafty projects in the works and will blog about them soon.

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We have been soooo busy lately. We are moving from our dream house in July (long story) and I have been busy sorting and purging. Amazing how much one accumulates in 4 years! I'm pretty pleased with the progress so far, albeit a rather daunting one.

**Thanks grandparents for all your help with kid sitting!!!**

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I've been the Art Docent for my son's kindergarten class this year and have been absolutely loving it. It has been such a joy to spend time in Liam's classroom getting to know all the wonderful kids. They are all truly amazing and talented!

There are tons of resources for art projects on the web, but my two favorite sites for kid's art projects are HERE and HERE. They are on my blog list as well.

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Today was our last art project. The painting we studied was Modigliani's Gypsy Woman with Baby. I followed THIS for the art project. We did a self portrait elongating our features as Modigliani did in his portraits.

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Here are some examples of the student's work:

I couldn't show the artists due to privacy issues, but I promise, the resemblance is pretty uncanny!!

My son Liam with his portrait.

Yeah, that is my portrait. If you have a bit of time, check out the link for the instructions and try it for yourself.

Everyone is an artist. I promise you won't be disappointed!!

My baby is Three

I can't believe my baby is Three. Luc, you are the most wonderful little boy. I am so incredibly blessed to by your mommy.

You are talented and passionate...

Sly......

A warrior.....

You are incredibly silly, crazy and fun....

You are my little angel. I love you.

Patina - to Leave or Remove?

I have always loved old houses and antiques because they are imbued with character and history. I love the patina that is the result of age and use.

I bought this lovely Murano glass mirror in Italy. The shopkeeper gave me a $400 discount because of the water damage - which I see as a beautiful Patina.

A doorplate in our house with a lovely 100 year old patina.

A chair passed down to us. Love the patina on the inside spindle and arm rests.
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I really hadn't planned on writing a post about patina. One of the things I love about blogging is the unexpected topics or subjects one shares.

As you've probably gathered from past posts, my husband and I bought a 100 year old house. In renovation we have tried to figure out how much of the natural patina to keep in tact. We have removed alot but have also tried to add it back by putting in used fixtures and salvaged materials, but ever so often a project will bring up the question - should we leave the patina or cover it up?

Case in point - this beautiful light fixture salvaged from a four square that was being torn down in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle to make way for condos. My hubby took off the years of paint and revealed this lovely finish. We were planning on painting them matte black but I Said NO!

I love the patina. The character. They look like they belong in the house and have been there since 1908.
If you love patina, you'll love this post from An Apple a Day.

A finished room

Jay has been working so hard these past few months. We almost have a finished bathroom.

We need some glass shelves for the built in cabinet.....

We have a bathroom door!!!

Jay put in the windows this morning.....

We used the same beautiful pressed glass that was used in the kitchen windows.

I love my bathroom!!

Happy Birthday Mom

This photo was taken in 1970, I was about 6 and my mom not yet 30.

She is the most lovely, kind woman I know and I aspire to be as compassionate and beautiful as she is. She has loved and supported me through all my ups and down.

Happy Birthday mom, I love you so....

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

How I love this photo. My parents were just 23 years old. The were married in a chapel on Hwy 99 only meeting 3 months before. They are still very much in love and despite the ups and downs of marriage are still married after 46 years.

I owe them so much. They have been wonderful parents showing unconditional love and support my entire life.

Happy Anniversary Ann and Miles.

Things to share

I've so missed blogging the past few weeks. Things have been crazy round here but I've been working on a few things.....

I've been ironing the vintage fabric squares and cutting out hexes for my flower garden quilt.

This was the inspiration quilt. I love the solid mixed with the prints. I'm going to do the same.

This lovely quilt inspired me to pull out my quilt and start working again!



I made my way back to Dana's last week and finished this piece.

I wanted to make a companion piece and thought a beaded necklace with one of my flowers as the clasp would look lovely. I actually like it as a center piece at the front.

I'm almost finished with these p.j.'s. Need to hurry as it is starting to warm up here in Seattle!

Lastly, I had to share this pic of the matching p.j's I made for all of my boys to wear on Xmas eve. The biggest boy was definitely surprised!

La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum

One of our holiday traditions is going to Deception Pass the day after Christmas. We usually go to La Conner for a bite to eat. It is a wonderful little town with antique stores and a great restaurant. We were driving around and I saw a sign for the La Conner quilt museum. Oh what a find. Their permanent collection features works from Josie Teeter Schlotterback (1882 - 1974). Josie was a professional seamstress who graduated from the June Tailor School in 1901! Her family left her collection of amazing quilts, quilt blocks and quilt pieces to the museum. The exhibit also included unfinished blocks, patterns and other memorabilia.
I've started making one of these. I'm sure it will be a life long project.
Josie hand stitched the entire quilt together and it is hand quilted. Amazing!

I love the use of tiny scraps on this quilt.

Things that are making me smile right now.....

Using my son's monkey sharpener and fish pencil. Shhh, don't tell him Please....

Sweet satsumas and a hot cup of tea.

Reading the post it "love notes" from my son Liam:

" I love you mom"

"I love your her" (my favorite)

"Chres I love you From Liam"

And best of all - listening to my six year old play with his childhood friend in his room next door.

Lavender Sachet + A Tutorial

Every Christmas my mom sends gifts to our relatives in Germany. We try to find local items from Seattle, at least the U.S. My mom asked me to make a sachet similar to one I gave her years ago. I was thrilled with the idea as I have lots of scraps to use. I'm really happy with the way they turned out. The gnome and ice cream truck fabric are Munki (so cute!) The Matryoshka doll fabric is from Heather Ross.

The lavender I use to fill them came from Purple Haze Lavender in Sequim, WA. It is heavenly.

To Make them you need:

• 1) 4 - 2 1/2" squares of fabric
• 2) Silk or Poly organza for back
• 3) New or vintage button for front
• 4) Stay button for Back
• 5) Ribbon (optional)
• 6) Lavender florets to fill sachet. I got mine here.
  
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Cut 4 - 2 1/2" squares of fabric. I used two of each print.

Arrange the squares as you like.

Stitch the two left and then two right squares together with a 1/4" seam.

Stitch the center seam using a 1/4" s.a.

Flip the front over to the Right Side. Cut a piece of organza to fit the square and pin each corner.

Stitch around the perimeter using a 1/4"
seam allowance. Leave an opening approximately 1" centered at the bottom.

Clip the corners and press the s.a. open.

Turn to right side.

Make a funnel out of paper and fill your sachet.

I ordered 1/2 pound organic lavender which is enough to make many, many sachets!!

(My table never looks this clean. I should take photographs on it more often!)

Slip stitch the bottom opening and add a button and optional ribbon to front.

Don't forget the stay bttn on the back!