Sun Catchers

We held our December meeting at Cindy's. Was a fun day, lots of food, laughter and love... During show-n-tell, Kathy shared these sun catcher..They are very special with a story behind them from years of her Mothers life...Kathy is going to share the story behind these in her own words.

"One of my favorite stories my Mom used to tell was from her youth. On outings with her family, they would past a particular home in the evenings, and she could view a chandelier hanging in the dining room. She thought this was the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen, the crystals dancing in the light mesmerized her. Her hope was to one day own such a chandelier. Many years later, when my parents were building their new home, she got her chandelier. We ate many family meals under it's light. When they decided to relocate to Florida, my Mother took her chandelier, and enjoyed it still. Two years ago, she moved again, this time to live with my sister, and the chandelier came along, There was no place to hang it, so it was stored for 2 years. Recently it was unboxed, and much to my Mom's heartbreak, 2 of the arms had fallen off and could not be repaired. She was almost in tears as she told me the tale...I tried to comfort her as best I could, and asked what she was going to do with the parts. She reluctantly said she would probably toss them. I told her to send the crystals to me, and I would make something out of them. This lifted her spirits. So the result is everyone gets a sun catcher this year for Christmas with the enclosed note: (The Ol'Blogger Note..each of Kathy's siblings got one with this note attached.)"

We all know how much Mom (Grandma) loved her chandelier, well its taken on a new life, been transformed into sun catchers-to bring colorful rays of joy to us each day, just as she has for all these years....ENJOY!!!

Basket Day with Phil Beaver

Early last month, Cindy, Sherry, Kathy and I travelled south to French Lick to spend the day with Phil, learning how to weave a Fanny Basket.  Also joining us were a couple of other friends of Phil's,  Jim from French Lick and Peggy from Sullivan.. We arrived about 7:30, and toured Phil's new studio, The Cloister.  I can't find the pictures of the Cloister right now, so I'll post them when I find them.

After the tour we got down to business with the baskets. There are some pics of baskets in varying stages. Basket weaving is harder than it looks, but it was exciting watching the baskets take shape.

Here are Cindy's and my completed baskets.  After a busy and very productiveday, we headed home about 6pm.

A Woman and Her Purse....

Cindy handcrafted this purse...complete with zipper and many, many pockets on the inside...Which I am sure please her husband that is was close-able as she had been carrying one that didn't have a closure..Now she can't lose their life savings....giggle

Also with this pattern the outside covering can be changed...Instant different purse..

I found a web site that told of the history of purses...I liked this paragraph so am going to share with you all. "Have you ever wondered about the origin of handbags and purses? Handbags have been essential to fashion history ever since people have had something precious to carry around with them and only the items have changed over time. The very first mention in written literature comes from the 14th century, even though Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches carried around the waist. Bags were attached to what were called "girdles" which were fastened to the waist. Embroidery and jewels adorned these articles and were used to show status - the richer the person, the more elaborate the bag."

We are back to creating our own handbags....Nice....

I am Married and He is Retired....

I remember well looking forward to age 16 and getting driver license, then getting married, having children and then grandchildren...with each adventure came joy and some problems..But all in all turned out good....Never do I remember thinking about, or looking forward to my husband's retirement...It looks like its going to be one of those experiences I am going to have to learn to like...So with that in mind I got the beads out and decided to make me

"I'm married and he is retired"

pieces of jewelry..

 Instead of him getting a gold watch for his retirement..I made me the one pictured above...With a large face since I can't see as well as when we were younger...also to remind me of the fact he now is on "The World's Longest Coffee Break"...

The ring is black and with a heart to remind me that I do love him...Even though when he entered the door the last night of work, grinning with these words....."Honey, I am home forever" he meant it.....I am sure just as with the other adventures there will be joy and problems...For now I have my jewelry...giggle

The Ol'Blogger

Aunt Edna's Hankies....

What do you do with old handkerchiefs that your mother/grandmother, or elderly aunt blew their noses in. And with which ,perhaps, they dabbed at their tears or love ones over the years..  Wipe a smudge from a child's face.... Patted sweat from their brow as they toiled in the garden....Or just collected from their friends..

Well our Cindy knows exactly what to do...make wall hanging...

 The two tea wall hangings" were made from her 97 year old Aunt Edna's hankies. She passed in May so Cindy made two hangings for her two daughters...

The girls (Brenda and Sharon) were thrilled with their gift which Cindy presented to them earlier this year...

A treasure they will enjoy as will  family members down the years to come..The Ol'Blogger

 

Part of Fall

Part of modern America's Fall Celebrations: come October-November pumpkins can be found everywhere in the country from doorsteps to dinner tables..Cindy created the picture of the pumpkins by needle punch....then framed it...a perfect addition for her fall decorations...The Ol'Blogger

Ruby Hauser

Ruby Hauser is still alive, living in the southern part of Indiana. She has been in an assisted living home for around 10 years. She was a school Librarian and avid quilter. A charter member of the Quarry Quilters in Bedford. She was always dressed impeccably. Shoes and clothes always matched, never a hair out of place. In my opinion, she was a perfectionist. Ruby was always kind and friendly and even opened her home to a group for weekly quilting. I attended a few times, but wasn't able to add it to my already jam packed schedule. Recently her home and items went on the auction block. I attended the auction because I wanted a memento to add to my already bulging studio. When I saw the pin cushion it was a must have if at all possible. The other items were just icing on the cake

 :-) I know that someday all this "stuff" I hold dear and have accumulated will too be sold to the highest bidder or even given away - but that's okay with me - I will have used and enjoyed these items while they where in my possession and I hope that whom ever acquires them after me may they get as much fun and joy as I have had!

I let Cindy tell about the picture of items she had acquired in her own words...The Ol'Blogger

Purse and Basket....

Rhona made this purse by knitting then felting...she hasn't decided as yet how she is going to decorate...I love it as is....

First I knitted the bag and then felted and the out come is my knitting basket...giggle...It works perfect for my knitting projects home until completed...Kathy keeps telling us when we run into a problem "just keep on knitting"...it will work out and it does...felting covers a multitude of errors....:0)

Boo-tiful

 Everything about Halloween is fun, especially if you are creative as Cindy...Yes, she make this wreath for the holiday...if you click on it you will be able to see all sorts of creepy items...As you can see Halloween decorations don't have to cost a fortune and you don't need a degree in arts and crafts...Check out the toy's your children or grandchildren have collected over the years from their school fairs..McDonald Kids fun meal they have eaten  and can't throw away those precious little surprises..

Cindy first sprayed a little black paint on the wreath to give it the burnt look...after place all the golbins, witches, fake eye balls, witches brew calderon, etc..she added a little sparkle...Darling, Cindy.. 

Flower Garden Make Over...

One of Cindy's UFO's was to make over her flower bed..She took pictures to share with us....

I think the make over included some painting and rock laying...giggle Creating a beautiful flower garden is similar to painting a picture with living plants, bird houses, bottles etc...as she has done here... We can all look forward to the full beauty of this painting when spring arrives in 2011...I am thinking this is the last of her UFO list...Now she can work on a new list for next year...Great Job, Cindy... The Ol'Blogger