Whimsical Possibilities

When seeking inspiration for a new creative project I often turn to pieces of the past to hearten my colour palette.

Hand-hooked rugs and mats whose threads were once vibrant bringing life into a room often dimly lit by candle or lantern... now well worn and faded with time offer lots of whimsical possibilities.


As captured in the bowls filled with yarn they help to entice a calming effect reflective of the hues painted by Nature.


The assorted threads and hand-dyed silk cocoons are almost a mirror image of the spectrum found in the rug.


I find this motivation most pleasurable...


* Hooked rugs from my personal collection.

Love

' May the flame shine brightly
for the ones you love... '

Cast of Shadows

Even on the bleakest Winter's day there shines a ray of sunshine just as it begins to set... reflecting its warm glow on a collection of utilitarian vessels gathered on the old farmtable.



Knitting projects awaiting completion are assessed in the receding daylight. Once the stitches and rows have been resolved they will be felted for an upcoming class I am to teach...


Vintage garments hang, requiring a gentle pressing before beginning their journey to a dollmaker who shall weave her magic with their threads...


And as twilight lingers the interior lights are to be taken into service and their gentle light will cause patterns to dance across the walls, drawing one inward to the quiet of the evening...

Sisterhood

Every little hamlet has a piece of paradise and in the historic village of Jordan there lies a needlework shoppe 'Stitch' which tantalizes the senses of each one that enters its doorway...


The architecture of the building itself is a delight to the connoisseur of history... wooden plank floors, high vaulted ceilings and huge original pane windows that allow the sunlight to filter in, seducing creativity and imagination.




The proprietress Jocelyn captivates you with her knowledge, appreciation of the past and ability to make one feel a part of the community.




A sisterhood lingers within this place evolving from a desire to create something beautiful...


I for one have fallen under its spell...

Wishful Thinking

Just shy of the halfway point through Winter here, we are always seeking ways to bring Spring into the home...

While potted tulips, hyacinths and daffodils tickle one's fancy they are short-lived.


The early Spring edition of 'Country Gardens' has just the solution. The article I found most intriguing was the use of antique and vintage vessels, orphans you might say to start new African violet plants in.


Nurturing several in my windowsill, one of which is from a cutting my Grandmother had given 20 years previous they'll make perfect specimens to take from and have established in time for gift giving at Easter, May Day or Mother's Day...


I can hardly wait...



* Painting by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Creamers, cups and cake plates from my collection of castoffs collected over time.

For Vanity's Sake

Dressing tables originated in 18th century France. Called toilette tables because a small linen cloth (the toilette) was wrapped around cosmetics before placing them in a chest.


The 'Chambers Cyclopedia' of 1727-41 referred to a dressing case ' where in are kept paints, pomatums, patches and the pincushion, powder box, brushes and esteemed parts of the equipage of a lady's toilet.'


In England the Victorians also adored these vanities... containers and trays evolved specifically for them...



Over the years many items from the vanities of the past have found their way into the hands of collectors who cherish them for their beauty.


* Sentimental trinkets collected over the years.

Winter Whites