I generally have a couple of books on my Christmas list.I find it stretches me technically and leads to new challenge plus it’s fun.

This years addition are Kristen Robinson’s and Ruth Rae Explore mixed media collage:Innovative Layering technique. Ruth Rae is a go to artist for me.I love her techniques.

Cas Holmes Stitch Stories is just breathtaking.From the tactile cover to the sharing of such an amazing group of artists work.I’m actually heading off to walking my local long walk to lay down the foundation of a stitched book while foundation fabrics dry.

Maybe this will be a year  of creating and sharing more.

Recently I completed a Day of the Dead swap with Trish.I learnt a lot about these traditions.Firstly I made the pumpkin critters.Then Flo and her beau.Finally a sugar skull hanging.Sadly that is the last of those vintage sequins but is the way of it with my creations-generally one of a kind.

Last weekend hubby and I took some R&R over on at Kalaloch lodge.This is me after a hike in the Hoh Rainforest. It was wet and fun.We had storms the precious night and the waves were huge.The colors were stunning.This is for all the Postcrossing folks that visit the site.This is the Pacific ocean and the next stop is Japan.A place I one day hope to visit.

Technology is being challenge currently so I’m going to share the progress of my crazy quilt square here.

I’ve secured the cigarette silk image and have given it a beaded border.I transferred the piece to a Evertite system.So far I prefer the hoop but I’ll keep going and see how things develop when I start hand stitching.

I’ve done some couching with gold thread using marked tape.A technique I would highly recommend for random people like me.I have know idea just how detailed stitching was done in a uniform manner in poor lighting conditions.Crazy quilting is a real learning experience.

Though the embroidery guild I was invited to join Spaceneedlers a group who are about to celebrate 25th anniversary as stitchers creating together in the Pacific North West

The first stitch we engaged last night was a review of the french knot-my Nemesis.So today I’m just going to head into the studio and do some good old fashion practice. I did better at the more complex stitches so once I’ve contained all fabric and ribbon to the studio the hand work will begin.

Well it didn’t go too well -my poor technique resulted in one perfect rose and a bunch of unique creations. I’ve painted up some waste canvas so I can try out techniques in alpine flowers which will probably end up as bookmarks-they’ll hopefully be too dimensional for postcards.

I have never belonged to a guild.My mum belongs to one in the UK and after visiting them on my last trip to the UK. I thought I might try out my local chapter.I had fun on Wednesday and this morning I’m heading off to BAM for a morning of public stitching.

I’d started to make cross stitch in my early twenties.I was trying to find something to take along I reached into the top of a cupboard in the studio and opened a cloth bag.

I love making blank books.I generally have no idea of how they will be used.I think one day I may be lucky enough to meet a fellow artist who uses one of my book and on that day with their permission there will be many images to share.

Easter in our neighborhood is a time of  visitors so I made a set of book to capture memories for one family,international visitors,a golden wedding anniversary and book for each of the children to explore.The only request is that unused books come back to me.

I’m off to a lecture on how to make a business from art at Daniel Smith and pick up some special paper for my next journal making project.