Monday 27 February 2017

Mind Wanderings Over Stone Pathways


Looking at this picture for some reason my mind
thought of Hopscotch.  
My goodness... the hours we played that as kids in the fifties.
Then I wondered if in fact I have any control at all
over my mind
for
it seems to wander wherever it wishes
without any control on my part.


I Love the minimalist nature of a few marks
on dark grey linen.


I think it is fair to say that most pebbles in these parts
are grey with some kind of white streak


A fringed divide between colours
makes me think of a grass skirt
perhaps dancing over it's own tiny stone pathway.


As you can see the pebble itself
is asking for a white streak
but
that little scrap of dyed silk is just too beautiful
for me to wreck with clumsy stitching
so it remains as it's own little gem.


Ah, this one I love
it makes me think of one of those old topographical maps
full of little symbols.
Symbols for marshlands, trees, mountains, towns
and many more I can't recall at the moment.
Or perhaps even more ancient rock markings.


This one is tiny
My scrap of silk was not quite the right colour
so it asked to be stitched all over to bring the colour closer.


Such a handsome stone
and silk velvet is way too beautiful to stitch over!

Apologies for my rambling thoughts

Our dear friend, Velma, died suddenly this week
We are filled with so much sadness
for her family and many friends.


Wednesday 22 February 2017

Progress.....Perhaps.....Perhaps Not!


Earlier this year I wrote a post 'Searching New Beginnings'
I thought you would like to see how some of those
pieces have changed.
This one changed 
from this
then this
Quite a journey so far.
It might change again
but I am trying to keep it simple.



This one hasn't been through quite so many transitions.
It started off like this....


If you recall, I have to make five pieces.


Haven't decided on this one yet.
It is quite different from the first two.
What I like is the lighter streaks
showing up against the lace.
But not much else yet!


Also not sure about this one.
Being surrounded by snow
I had been thinking of bringing in some colour
but
perhaps not!


Think I should perhaps take another look at this collection of greys.
Taking time to reconsider.
Tiny steps in one direction then another.
Moving slowly from one piece to another will hopefully make them
a cohesive grouping...
Which they are not yet!

Have a nice day!


Monday 20 February 2017

Tiptoeing Through Stone Pathways


 All pebbles in these parts are now
under four feet of snow.
I am going to have to start digging
to gather seven pebbles for next week!


 Another pebble around a hole!
Actually, just realized it is kind of heart shaped.


 Speckled


Striped


 Ummm?


More speckles.
Makes me think
I never see speckled eggs anymore
Where did those speckles go?


A stone in my pathway
is covered in pathways!


 I think that someone in olden times
has worked the edges of this arrowhead pebble
to shape it or sharpen it.
It certainly would have existed then
but I'm probably wrong.

Having been marooned in the house
for five of the last six days
I've had enough of snow
Cabin fever is setting in!




Tuesday 14 February 2017

What to do on a Stormy Winter's Day



Watch and listen to the wind through icy windows.
And the wind was vicious.


Try and play with your new camera
to get it to focus on icy windows
and not the swirling snow outside.


Then get it to ignore ice covered windows
and find the cardinals
searching for food amidst the storm.





This morning the Rusty Pups and us
just have to wait patiently to be ploughed out.
The driveway is beneath a lot of snow!


The best part of a snowy day
is stitching in front of a cosy fire.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday 13 February 2017

Tripping Over One Mighty Rock Amidst the Pebbles


Stone circle
Now that I see this photographed
 it needs a few more stitches. 


Can you tell this is not just a pebble
It's a mighty rock
The biggest so far


 Practically round


Playing around with silk chiffon.


Another pebble with a hole
Also known as a Hag Stone
 Holey Stone
or Witch Stone
and many more names from ancient Britain.
It is said that if you look through the hole
with one eye closed
you will see the world of Faeries.


Frequently my rendition
just doesn't do nature justice.


Sometimes a short length of rusted string
comes in handy.


This should give you a better idea of the size
of my mighty rock! 

Hope you are ready for Valentine's Day
One thing I don't seem to have 
is a heart shaped pebble.
I know they are out there.


Monday 6 February 2017

Stone Pathways Move into February


A pathway transitioning into February.
I have decided to add a strip indicating the start of a new month.
The next decision will be whether to stitch 'February' onto that strip.
If I do so, it should be subtle.
Only read when close up.


This was the day I turned seventy
woosh....it came so quickly...scary!
I tell you because there is another decision I have to make.
Do I indicate anything on those eventful days.


This is the smoothest, purest stone I have.
So beautiful in it's simplicity.


Some markings just cling to the sides of rocks.


Now, this would be a perfect pebble to skip across water.
Last year my son Mark and I tried showing two year old Ashley how to throw those flat stones across the water.
Maybe we will have more luck this summer!
Love those frayed edges.


I feel this pebble must have been born on a cloudy day.


Nature stained this stone with iron
I stained mine with leaves.


Just cute!


Stones and pebbles are taking over my life!
I've made many more pebbles
and played around on the design wall.
They just seem to fit with the natural dyes.