Friday, December 24, 2010

The day before Christmas and....

 Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, the stockings(all 30 of them) were done, the food is bought and  we are ready for the Christmas feast. The weather has been appropriate lots of snow - and more snow than more.
 As you see the land around Cedar Ridge Studio gives me lots of inspiration for the winter paintings.
I love trees and am blessed to be surrounded by acres of them.
The birds are busy at the feeders. We saw a Carolina  Wren yesterday on the suet feeder. That is a new bird for the neighborhood. We have 4 pairs of Cardinals. A whole flock of noisy Blue Jays. Downy wood peckers, Chickadees , Mourning Doves  and Tufted Titmice.They are so bright against the pines.
Have a Bright and cheerful Christmas and a Happy New Year

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas 2010 Christmas Card

 Merry Christmas &
A Blessed New Year
                                      From
                    Bill & Mary Van Soest
This is how it looks outside today.
Another peaceful day in the country
It's been a good year at Cedar Ridge.
Bill got to go fishing lots of times
The garden produced an abundance of veggies.
We filled 2 freezers and 4 dozen jars.
Brought a lot to the neighbors too.
Mary spent a lot of time in the studio.
Sewing, painting, drawing & reading.
My studio is full of fun stuff to do.
Have a  great Holiday season.

Recyle Art

One of my artist friends sent me some photos of  scrap art. I though this was a clever use of spark plugs.

Tuesday the 21st and the days will get longer from this point.
 Another 4 inches of snow and more to come on the weekend.
Finishing off the stockings today all 28 of them. And the Dirty Gerty  gifts- a good way to regift.
We do Christmas different at our house. Instead of gifts I do stocking for everyone.
Our family and guests have to bring a $10 wrapped gift that we put in a pile and play Dirty Gerty. Everyone gets a number and you hope for the last number. When your number comes up you pick a gift but you don't always get to keep it because someone can take yours instead of grabbing from the pile. That's why you want to be last.
Of course we salt the pile with things like the belly dancing kit ( a older single man got that one)
The henna rub on tattoos ( 89 year old Reka picked that one year)
The year of the marshmallow guns was fun I found dry-ed miniature marshmallows for  several months after Christmas.
There are always some beautiful items the ladies take from each other like last year the beautiful throw.
Looking forward to Saturday to see  what  will be in the pile this year.

Monday, December 20, 2010

5 days to Christmas

The 6th  tote and my favorite. The batik fabrics make it special.


               That  zippered pocket again to hold your glasses or wallet.

 The roomy pocket for a magazine or book and a bottle of water.

I love the guinea hen  fabric.
 
 Notice the thread pull on the zipper. Laura Wasilowski of http://www.artfabrik.com/  makes the best hand dyes threads that I use in my art. This color is Burnt Marshmallow perfect for a pull. Check her out.
The finished works of art. The  pattern is the Winslow market tote featured in the magazine from International Quilt Festival " Quilt Scene " issue winter 2009-2010. I am sure Interweave  Press could find you a copy if you don't already have one. Have a very Merry Cristmas and a Joyous New Year.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Day 5 of Totes

 Day 5 and only one more to go. This is Betty's tote At Easter she picked out the fabric.
The guinea hen fabric for the pocket gave this tote some personality.

I am looking forward to getting back to painting after so much sewing.
See you on Monday for the finish