Shame on me. It's been a month since my last post, and since then I've been spending most of my time working on the Nappanee Library's annual Spring Into Art exhibit and sale--setting up workshops, creating posters, sending invitations, issuing press releases--you name it! Today I took a jaunt down to my favorite frame shop, Robin's Nest, in Bourbon, to have some paintings prepped for my own booth. Make sure you put the show on your calendar for April 24 & 25 and let me know if you'd like a personal invitation to the private reception on the Friday evening before!
In between my trips to the office in the past month, I made another diaper bag with some great upgrades (reinforced magnetic closures, embellished flap, more quilting, and "scrunchie" elastic bottle band inside.) I'm hoping to get another on my Etsy site before the end of summer. They are such an undertaking--about 8 hours of work in each one!
I also spent some time on some very special birthday gifts for my mom and sister. Mom got a little clothes pin apron made from a lovely bit of vintage fabric I've been saving for just the right project. (Sorry, I didn't take a picture--the lighting was too dim during our birthday soiree.) The pattern came from an issue of Mary Jane's Farm magazine last year. If you are not yet acquainted with the person of Mary Jane Butters, I advise that you to go to her site at once and get your organic farmgirl on!
Regan got a new organizer made from the most beautiful piece of bird-patterned fabric, some vintage scraps, and my favorite natural-colored linen.
(Ughhh! Darn that camera! Why can't my pictures turn out like all my cool friends. I feel like such a blog reject.) I wish I knew who designed this amazing turquoise filigree bird fabric. Luckily I have a snippet left for myself. Maybe soon it will turn into yet another birdie accessory in my own house.
Have I mentioned how much I love birds? My house is full of them
well, bird-themed accessories, that is. I once had a real bird, but that story doesn't end well . . .
The little glass mosaic above was made by Amy Kirbow, who will be at Spring Into Art again this year. She makes beautiful art for a wonderful cause!
I even like using eggs (brown ones are beautiful dyed at Easter time. Try it next year) . . .
and nests.
Some of my favorite paintings are of these pretty little creatures, and Nora and I watch them every morning as soon as we get out of bed.
Growing up, I learned to identify every one that flew into our yard, and Nora is quickly learning to do the same. Several weeks ago I awoke to the song of a bluebird and decided it was time to put up a nesting box for him and his wife. We bought a post for an old box that Granny had given me, and Dan had it in the ground in no time. Earlier this week, we discovered that the blue beauties had indeed taken up residence!
Do you see the dapper little guy atop my arbor there?
The daffodils are in full bloom, and life is good! Tomorrow it's back to work after my long weekend. I think I'll bring a couple of vases of sunshine inside with me!
Oh! I almost forgot, if you're in the South Bend area, please be sure to check out my new display of sewn accessories at Urban Lily. They're located on Washington between BW3's and Ugly Mugs--you'll find all kinds of lovely bohemian fashions and finds inside! I'll share a website as soon as they have one up and running! Cheers!