Doldrums

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I have been in the doldrums for awhile now. It has rained off and on for two weeks. DH has missed more work than he will get paid for--he has to leave the nursery when there is lightning because of the metal greenhouse frames. I can't get much done in the way of art or crafts when he is home, although I did get this grocery tote finished. I used the bottom-weight suiting that I got on clearance a few weeks ago, and some webbing for the handles. This one is a sample, and that's a good thing because it is larger than I need. DH says I can only put light groceries in it because anything more would be to heavy to carry! Now I know to reduce the rest in size, and I may go back and cut this one down on the sides somewhat. I put squared-off gussets in the bottom and I'll have to undo those to cut it down.

DS #1 called last week to say he was home in Virginia after his training for deployment. He is now gone for his final instruction, and will be going to Kuwait soon. Then when everyone in his squad arrives, he will be moved into Iraq.

My MIL is eating a little better now, although I don't believe she has gained much weight. I took her Chihuahua to the vet on Monday--she's 14 and showing it. She has a heart murmur and a greatly enlarged heart. The vet is not optimistic about her longevity, but we have decided NOT to tell my MIL about it--why upset her when she won't remember it in a day or two anyway? But at least we are aware that the dog may die suddenly, and we will have to deal with the aftermath. DH and I both agree that this will be MIL's last pet, as she will probably have to go into a facility in the next few months. Should the dog still be here, we will care for her as long as she remains comfortable. She's a really sweet little dog, and knows us well enough to be comfortable living with us; I don't know how she and Copper will get along but it will all work out.

We have spent much of our time watching the Olympics, with it's ups and downs for the USA. I'm glad that it is coming to a close this weekend--I'm just not getting anything done!

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Crafting space

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I thought I'd post a few pictures of my crafting area. I haven't shown it since last year. My ironing board gets used more for storage than anything else! The cabinets to the left behind it are full of quilts and fabrics; the other cabinets belong to DH and hold remnants of his Navy career.

The entertainment center also holds bins of fabrics and craft supplies. I love these bine because they stack, they fasten shut, and they have sturdy handles for carrying.



My work table is always piled high with stuff. The violets still love the window!


Did I mention that my worktable is in the dining room? Luckily we eat most meals in the living room in front of the TV.

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I recently received a wonderful ATC from Wanda H. at PID. I love their images and especially their transparencies. They also included some punchinella (sequin waste), an embossing folder, an ATC background, and an envelope full of blackbird punch-outs. You can't beat an envelope of surprises!

FiberArtTraders yahoo group has a swap of felt leaves, to be put together into a sort of art book after the swap is done. Above is my attempt at one, this is about 4" x 4" overall. I did a total of 8 of them, although I only needed 6 to trade and one for myself. Something might happen to one in the mail, stranger things have happened! I was pleased with how they turned out. They might look a little plain, but the camera doesn't show the spray dye on the orange leaves, or the melted crayon covering the word charms. They took quite a bit of work.


I'm hoping to do some ATCs this week just for fun. I also have those grocery bags to start.

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Good news!

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Good news! The A/C problem turned out to be "seized points." Much less expensive than we thought, and my MIL offered to pay for the repair, which was a big help. What a relief!

MIL is doing much better after getting her B-12 shot. She has been eating everything we bring her, and asking for more. She hasn't eaten this well in several years. At this rate she will regain all her lost weight in no time.

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Below are the Goddess ATCs that I have received this week. The first is called "Mystery Woman of the Flowers" and is by Linda W. It is hand-drawn and printed onto fabric.

This one is by Gabriela G. and she also sent the piece of fabric behind it. I like the amorphous shape, and the shells that she sewed on. Definitely a sea goddess!

This one is by Deb M. and is called Le Coiffures. Isn't she gorgeous? Deb also included some fibers as well. I love the lace, the beads, the ribbon, and look at that hand-drawn face!



This one is "Luna-Goddess of the Moon" by Diane Y. It has glitter and stones on it. The background appears to be ink on watercolor paper. Very pretty!

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