Inktober 2024 - Preparation

I am posting this retroactively after all my pieces are done.

This is what my desk looked like for the whole month of October.  Watercolors on the left with my small ceramic palette. A small light table and a grid sheet I created myself. Sheets and sheets of Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper which worked wonderfully. My dip pen with the red handle and the bottle of Daler Rowney FW Acrylic black ink. Black markers from several brands and in several sizes. The Staedtler Technical pen which I refurbished some time this month. I used a Staedtler 4H pencil for my initial sketching which was easy to erase with my Staedtler eraser. Three different sized watercolor brushes - a wide, #8 round, and a tiny one. Two dishes for water. A ruler or two. Scrap paper for checking color, etc. Rags for drying the brushes and general clean up.

The month has not be all fun and games. I awoke on September 29 with water squishing out from the vinyl planks in the front hall. I had dehumidifiers and fans running 24/7 for 2 weeks. I worked with ear plugs so I could even stand to be in this space. Watched TV with the captions on. Now four weeks in things are moving slowly. Adjusters have been in just about every week. The tear out crew was in October 3rd to pull up the vinyl and 2 feet of drywall. Plans are being made for me to move out while abatement takes place. 

Sewing Project - Adjustable Bookmark

I have been thinking of making some bookmarks for the Christmas sale since we share the space with the library.

With a bit of research, I found a few features I would like to incorporate. Adjustable and a pocket for a writing instrument.

After some measuring, I decided to make the it wrap around the book with an elastic and a couple of buttons for adjustment.  A pocket could be placed on the front and maybe some stitching could be included.

I cut 2 pieces of fabric measuring 3"W x 21" T - one patterned one solid.  I decided to use elastic from old face masks. I cut a piece of mustard fabric for the pocket. The buttons and embroidery need to be added before sewing.  The pocket needs to be sewn on the front of the bookmark. 

The elastic was pinned in place at the opposite end from the pocket. Then, I sewed all the way around the long strip leaving a slit to turn it inside out. I trimmed the corners, turned it inside out, pushed out the corners with a chopstick and pressed it flat.  I then top stitched all the way around. It was very difficult to do the buttons and embroidery after the pocket was sewn on.

Notes: 

• The pencil pocket is too tall and could be narrower. 
• Stitching and button(s) need to be done before assembly.
• This is a hard cover book so the overall length of the bookmark could be shorter to accommodate smaller books.
• I will use this one and implement improvements to future versions
• The mask elastic may too soft.

Sylvia"s Simple Shot

We have so few red leaf trees in our province.

This one was at a small park near my sisters house.  I was on a walk in the morning before heading to the ReUse Center. The sun was highlighting the red beautifully.

I was blessed to have supper with the same sister later in the day after she had been to see her husband in hospital and I did some errands.

I headed to West Edmonton Mall Monday morning to have a visit with one of my sister's who had just returned from PEI the night before.  

We ate at the food court where each of us could have our choice.  I had Vietnamese noodle bowl. Delicious.

She had the grandsons while their Mom and Dad were at an appointment near by.

I took advantage of being at WEM to visit the David's Tea store - only one in Edmonton.

I had some great ginger tea at my aunts earlier this year so I selected a ginger tea.  

It gives me a non caffeinated option which I can chose to drink more often.

I decided to visit the Old Strathcona Antique Mall and called a friend who generally meets me there. She was free!  

I have not seen her physically for about 2 years so it was nice to chat and we headed to Swiss Chalet for supper after traipsing through the antiques.

There is so much wonderful items there.

Check out the frilly lampshade on a Fenton glass base from I think the 1940s.

Amber handle on a mirrored tray.

Always a good time.

I put together a set of cards for her since she is a card giver.  

I have been supporting my friend who do give cards with some from my stash.

It is a win - win.  Cards leave my house and they get free cards which helps all the way around.

An Irish Country Practice - Patrick Taylor is a book I finished this week.  

There are new faces at the practice Not only has O’Reilly taken a new trainee under his wing, Doctor Connor Nelson, he’s also added a spirited Labrador puppy to his ever-expanding household at Number One Main Street. 

Meanwhile, his trusted partner, young Doctor Barry Laverty, finds himself wondering if he’s truly ready to settle down and start a family with his lovely fiancée, Sue.

This was a very deja vu read. Many things sound familiar but I have no record of reading it before.

Always, a joy to spend time with the doctors at Number One Main Street in Ballybucklebo.

Inktense Fabric Painting - Sunrise

I decided to invest in Derwent Inktense ink colors for coloring fabric. My sister and nieces have had them for a while.

The come in different formats - pan, pencil and blocks.

I chose the pans since I do  some watercolor and they were the least investment should it not work out.  I also went to Delta Art and bought the Inktense 2400 Outliner which is a black drawing pencil not is non soluble so it will not run when you paint over it

My sister and niece have experienced the color seeping into other areas of their embroidery when painting with water.  Several videos I watched suggested using aloe vera gel instead of water to activate the ink. 

I drew my composition on a piece of cotton with the Outliner then painted. I had some pure aloe vera gel in my fridge so I decided to give it a try.  It works very well. 

I just a small brush for my edges and concentrated ink.  I used my regular watercolor ceramic palette and blended colors as I wanted with the gel. You do have to rinse your brush in water when changing colors.  The seeping you see on the roof of the house was a result of my not drying my brush after using water to rinse so it was too fluid and so it ran.  

I set the painting with my hot steam iron.  I ran it in water after the setting and the color did not run at all. 

Yes, this is a winner.

Oil Diffusers - Travel Case - Set 1

Blue Bird of Happiness - This diffuser features a bluebird sitting on a branch applique with stitched flower in the upper left corner. The back is a light blue denim with a blue felt drop, a loop and hanger. 

Blanket stitched all the way around to kept both layers together.  All fits in a clear plastic travel case.

Embrace Life - This diffuser features layered felt flowers with a dark center which would work well for a spot to place the essential oil.  The flowers were appliqued to green felt using running stitch and long stitches. The leaf was stitched in place first with the flowers overlapping it.  The back on this one is light mustard linen fabric with a brown drop, green loop and a hanger.

Again, blanket stitch all the way around. All fits in a clear plastic travel case.

Be Happy - A happy face is always fun and uplifting. I used a white felt background for good contrast. I cut the yellow circle then used a hole lunch to create the eyes then filled them with black felt circles. These were stitched in place. The smile was stitched in stem stitch then a satin stitch on the outer edge.  That took a long time.  I used a piece of quilting cotton in coordination colors for the back.  The edge of the cotton is folded over before stitching to provide a finished edge. The back has a yellow loop and felt drop and a hanger.

Blanket stitched all the way around the perimeter with yellow embroidery cotton. All fits in a clear plastic travel case.

Wine O'Clock - I  hope that I have conveyed the message clearly enough with the clock in a wine glass. I chose a bright red felt for the background then cut a white circle for the clock. Black French Knots do for the numbers and then I stitched the hands.  I then stitched the wine glass in grey thread to represent glass but maybe black would have been better.   The back is a grey fabric to coordinate with the grey on the front.  A black loop,a red felt drop and a hanger on the back. 

Again, blanket stitched all the way around with red thread. All fits in a clear plastic travel case.

For overall information you can check  Oil Diffusers - Hand Stitched Original Designs with Travel Case.

Oil Diffusers - Hand Stitched Original Designs

I have been working on these diffusers all week.  These are all hand stitched with my original designs. They measure approximately 3.75" square. The fronts are felt with fabric as the backer.

I came up with this design to provide diffusers in a travel case. These cases are nice because they are transparent. 

The diffuser can rest in the slot and stand in your personal space to provide a relaxing scent based on the essential oil you have chosen.  The oil can be placed any where on the felt but depending on the ingredients of the oil it may discolor so I have provided a drop on the back for that situation.

I have added a loop above the drop with a small hanger so it can be hung in your personal space of horizontal space is at a premium.

They are very cute and appealing.

Card - HB - Watercolor Oak Leaves

A watercolor for a guy who celebrates his birthday this week.

I created a warm watercolor background then let it dry.

I cut one piece for the background of the card, then cut the leaves and acorns from the rest.  

I then added definition to the leaves and acorns with watercolor. Painted the white edges with dark brown watercolor.I added gold accents as well from my new watercolor set.

The card base in dark brown measures 6x12 inches.

A white insert and a length of double sided tape with carrier on the flap.  Ready to go.

Slow Stitching - No. 039 - Monochrome

Another piece for K3N Cloth Tales Slow Stitching Challenge 2024.

Week 39 - Monochrome - Pick a Color any Color - Green - House Top.

I decided to do my layout based on K3N's Wonky Wednesday last week of House Top.

I chose my bright piece in the center and then hand stitched my strips around till I had covered my foundation piece.  I trimmed all sides when I was done. 

I then top stitched in green thread along the inside edge of each strip. Going around the perimeter of the center green square. 

Cards - SC - All Occasion Flowers

 I was brainstorming ideas of what Celebration paper would look like for art in the December show.

I created some decorative paper by blowing liquid acrylic ink on paper with a straw. I used yellow, purple, red, and orange ink.

It did not work out quite the way I thought so I decided to use the paper for card making instead.

The card base is yellow linen card stock in linen finish. 

I chose a piece of dark green white core card stock, ripped in half and adhered the piece to the right hand side trimming it to the card edge with scissors.

I cut the flowers with the QuicKutz Large Flower die from the decorative paper, red, yellow and purple card stock then just swapped out the pieces. The flowers are held together with scotch tape.

I used the red flower with the decorative paper ring and a purple center.  The stem and leaves were cut from the decorative paper. The leaves are from the Sizzix Flower Layers and Leaves die. Stem is just cut with the paper cutter and adhered with QuickDry Adhesive.

A white insert and ds tape with carrier on the flap.

Here I started with a dark purple linen card base measuring 6x12 inches and scored at 5.5" and just short of 1" for the flap.

This time I chose a light green white core card stock on the left.  This flower is mostly decorative paper and is very punchy in color.

Here we have a solid yellow flower with decorative bits in the center ring and the stem and leaves.

The other half of the light green card stock on the right.

Another mostly decorative paper flower with dark green panel.

Super happy with how these turned out.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

 I took this at the St. Albert Botanic Park.  I just adjusted the contrast on this shot but I think it looks painterly.

The dahlias were in fine form with many, many blooms to photograph.

I took a visit to the Little Blue Fiber Studio that I learned about from my niece who heard about it from my sister.

I understand my sister took a needle felting class at the studio some time back.

It has yarn, roving, classes, knitting needles, felting needles, Sashiko thread, and books as well.

I did restrain myself and walked away with no purchase but I will return for roving when I solidify my idea for a future project.

My neice brought the matching chair for the yellow one I've had for quite a while.

I am happy to have a conversation corner in my living room with comfortable chairs.

A bit of light to read by if I choose and a table to hold my cup tea.

Thanks for bring the chair!

I have enjoyed African Violets all summer long.

Being in the east window has agreed with this plant.  I should get another one - just thought of that.

It also gets a grow light for a few hours in the morning.

This is the fountain pen I found at the ReUse Center last week.  It is by Creeks n Creeks and has "Les feminnins de Creeks" written on it's side. 

My research on line seems to indicate it is a  a small French school fountain pen from the late 1980s and early 1990s.

It averages about $50 on line so I am very happy with this find. It is a cartridge pen so I will have to check out where to find those.

I checked on line and found out it takes an international standard fountain pen ink cartridge.

Staples only sells these on line so I could order through the store have some brought in.  I checked with Delta Arts - they had no stock and have been working to get some in from Shaeffer but not been successful yet.  I will check back. 38mm or about 1.5 inches long.

I discovered that I could refill the empty cartridge so that is what I did.  I cleaned the cartridge and the nib thoroughly.  I had a bottle of ink I bought last year for my dip pens so I used that.  The syringe is leftover from dental surgery.  It all worked very well.

Love it!

I needed to put my metallic watercolors into a water proof container.  I found this chocolate box in my stash so I repurposed it.  I discovered that they live in full watercolor pans which is great.

They fit nicely in this box.  The domed lid makes it a bit bulky but for the time being it will do.

I used some large glue dots in the bottom of the box to keep the pans in place.

I have documented the colors here since I will recycle the cardboard box.

I don't think I will ever concern myself with the actual color names.

Seven Blessings by Ruchama King

Story of romantic relationships in the Jewish culture.  Follows several couples and their matchmakers.

Beth is the central character who is 39 years old and really wants to marry but is not finding a mate.

She is recommended several men and dating taking place but there are problems.

I confess that I don't know much about the Jewish culture.  I found the culture was very complicated and there are many rules.

Not a great read.  In the end there is still no marriage. Disappointing.

Cards - Christmas SC Botanical

I thought I would use my SU Window Frame thinlits.  I was able to use the largest one!

A piece of Soft Sky as background with a strip of Chocolate Chip just off center.

The WeR Wildflower - Botanical DSP was cut and adhered with points instead of square. I added a Chocolate Chip smaller one with a gold square on that.  

The central element is from the SU Keepsake Ornaments digital set which I colored with Chocolate Chip and Soft Sky. It was color printed onto ivory card stock then punched out with the 2" circle punch. Adhered with 3D foam tape.

White insert and dstape with carrier on the flap.

I got carried away on this one.

The Botanical DSP as the background, then the largest Window Frame from Soft Sky card stock, then a gold square measuring 3 inches adhered with 3D foam tape.

Then I cut a green frame by placing 2 dies on my magnetic mat and adhered that to the gold.

Then another square this time in Soft Sky adhered with 3D foam tape then finally the 2" focal element adhered to the square with double sided tape.

A white insert and a ds tape with carrier on the flap.

The botanical DSP as a background again.

I cut the Chocolate Chip with the TH Vintage Cabinet die and adhered it to the DSP.

I cut the Soft Sky with the TH Mini Cabinet Card which I wrapped with Chocolate Chip ribbon onto which I had sewn a Soft Sky button.  It was adhered with 3D foam tape

I added an Old Olive paper clip with bow onto the right hand side.

White insert and ds tape with carrier on the flap.

Slow Stitching - Zokin

I needed to do some slow stitching so I dug some cloth from the stash and started.

This is 100% cotton dishtowel well used with holes.  I ripped it down and folded in half.  I added a few felt patches over the holes. This little heart is one.

I stitched with some thread from ORTS tin which give me a bunch of different colors.  I stitched in both directions.

A long sashiko needle came in handy with project.

It measures 2.5 inches and I could put a lot of stitches at one time and just pull that thread through.

Added this cleaning cloth in the bin in the laundry closet.  Ready to clean up messes and then washed and used again.

Another piece of cloth to be useful again.

 

Cards - SC Christmas - Nativity

Another set of Christmas cards for the box. Again, self closing cards measuring 6x5.5 inches.

I did take one to the post office Monday and it was mailed with regular postage.

A dark green linen textured card stock base.  With a gold metallic Stampin Up Sunburst diecut adhered over a paste paper background.  This layer was adhered to the card with d/s tape.

I punched a red 2" circle and cut the Penny Black Manger die from ivory pearl card stock.  These were layered with QuickDry adhesive.  It was then adhered to the sunburst with 3D foam tape.

A white insert and some d/s tape with carrier on the flap and it's done.

For this card I used a navy linen card stock cut to 6 x12 inches which was scored at 5.5 and just less than 1" for the flap.

I chose a piece of blue paste paper and cut the SU Sunburst die in silver metallic paper. These were adhered together with QuickDry glue then adhered to the card with d/s tape.

The manger scene was cut from ivory pearl cardstock and mounted onto a 2" circle punchie then mounted to the sunburst with 3D foam tape.

A white insert and a d/s tape with carrier on the flap.

A monochromatic theme for this one.  I olive green linen card base with a coordinating paste paper. 

A 2 inch circle punchie from the same card stock to back the ivory pearl manger die cut.  Once adhered to each other this layer was adhered to the card over the center of the sunburst with 3D foam tape.

A white insert and a strip of d/s tape with carrier on the flap.

I have about 55 cards ready which is close to what I need.

Cards - SC Christmas - Colored Pencil

I worked on more Christmas cards this morning.

I chose to use images I have drawn digitally.  This is my Bethlehem which I had to resize to accommodate this card size but that was easy. It was printed on ivory 65lb card stock.

I used colored pencils and colored the sky, the sand dunes and the windows. 

I cut the large star with the Sizzix Star & Starbursts die in silver card stock. I then punched the others with a CM Star Border punch. Large star adhered with 3D foam and the littles with QuickDry Adhesive.

The image was then adhered to the card with double sided tape, the white insert adhered with glue stick and a strip of d/s tape with carrier on the flap.  This is a self closing card made with 1/2 sheet of 12x12 navy card stock.

I really love how this one came out.

This is an angel a drew digitally based on a wicker angel I saw in a garden center at Christmas many years ago.

Subtle blue background, metallic halo, green metallic on the wings, a red dress with a green and gold border at the bottom.

A bit of flesh color on the face.

A self closing card from a 6x12 inch piece of card stock.  I adhered the drawing onto the card with a white insert opposite.  A length of double sided tape with carrier on the the flap.

A nativity I drew a few years ago. 

A subtle night sky, a yellow star with a wooden stable. 

The figures were colored with traditional blue for Mary and brown for Joseph. Just a wee head for Jesus.

Subtle blue sky, green and tan for the ground background.

Drawing adhered to the card, a blank white insert (not sure if I will regret this later when I have to handwrite the sentiment), carrier tape on the flap. 

Card is 6x12 navy blue linen card stock.

Slow Stitching - No. 038 - Nature's Textures

 K3N Cloth Tales Slow Stitching Challenge 2024

Week 38 - Nature's Textures - Free Form Embroidery - Textile Textures

I chose the polka dot fabric as my inspiration then chose colors from there. Pink bright and paler, grey light and dark and white.

There is cotton, yarn, felt, lace, cheesecloth, and gauzy material included in this piece.

Free form embroidery includes couching, French Knots, running stitch to fill in space in places, seed stitches for finer fabric, and top stitches on the felt heart.

The thread alternated from pink to grey depending on the fabric I was working on.

Slow Stitching - No. 037 - Home - Village

This is week 37 of K3N Cloth Tales Slow Stitching challenge.  This week was the prompt was HOME.  

I not thrilled about the location I live now - downtown in a large city. I love my apartment.

So, I decided to create my ideal home.  A small village. Starting on the north end there are railroad tracks because I love to hear the train but not too close. On the right is a paddock where horses live.  Next, south of the horses is a field of wheat. Across the road is the start of the row of houses which live along the lake. They have dark roofs. There has to be water so I can photograph birds. 

At the cross roads is a small park with a tree and flowers. East of the park is a bit of woodland. My place faces the park with a fence, flowers, a tree and a vegetable garden behind the building. East of there is a field of sunflowers. That will bring birds and pollinators.  South of my place is my neighbor with a fenced yard with a few fruit trees along the fence. 

To the west across the lane is the commercial district with a church, a library and a grocery store with a gas station. There is a large parking lot. Everything is within walking distance.  My car is parked in front of my house.  Writing about it now I realize that my house would face north west so maybe the house needs to be rotated a bit. We'll see when the plans are drawn up. 

This project was a lot of stitching but I loved creating it.  I used liquid acrylic ink to paint my roofs then stitched around them.  Trees with French Knots, parking lot with grey running stitches,bit of satin stitch for the cars in the parked there, seeds stitches in blue for the lake, green seed stitch for lawn, and on it goes. 

Sylvia's Simple Shots

A robin having a bath and a lot of fun in a rain puddle morning.

There were several birds taking advantage of the puddles to splish and splash.

I found some more of the votive holders I bought a while ago for my Advent Wreath/ all year round candle display.  I had a mixture of cobalt and white before.  Now I can make it all white if I want.

Super happy to find these additional holders which gives me flexibility in my decor.

Some veggies from my sister's garden that my niece picked on her way to my place.

Fresh carrots are the best.

Some of the cucumbers are a bit on the large size but I love them too.

A few tomatoes we had for breakfast.

My niece and I had a great time at the ReUse Center and the thrift store. We came home and pulled out all our goodies before we headed out for supper at my sister's house.

Magazines, crafting stuff, each found a fountain pen amongst our tea and snack dishes.

We picked up take out and headed to my sister's house for supper.  Korean was the request of the birthday girl.

My sister had a friend visiting and her husband has been ill and was in hospital.

We talked crafting, life and much more.

It was really nice to spend time with family and friends.

I picked up this wax container at the Thrift store while my niece is visiting.

I thought I could use it when I wanted to wax my thread for stitching.

It is a high quality blend of paraffin wax.  I chose a mild scented one.  From my online research paraffin is the the best so I may try to find a beeswax candle that I can melt and fill this little container.

I was looking for a bin/tote that I could place under the phone table in the living room that would look pretty and disguise the contents.

I found the fabric tote at a thrift store for a couple of bucks, it works with the wood I have in my space.

The baskets were more expensive and now I see this is a better option for sliding on the new floor.  The wicker type basket would have scratched.

Excellent.

 

Card - Birthday - Sunflower

A birthday card for someone special who is coming to visit.  It's been a while and I am looking forward to it.

A bright green linen card stock base in the self closing card style. It measures 6x12 scored at 5.5 and just under 1".

I cut the Spellbinder Sunflower from 2 shades of yellow and the leaf from a deep green. The center from dark brown to which I added gold accents with watercolor metallic gold.

I cut the SU DSP to 5.5 x 5.75" then cut again at 2.5" to create a DSP Split card. I taped the 2 piece together at the back then ran a length of deep green grosgrain ribbon across the join. Then I adhered it to the card front.

I then taped the leaf to the right upper corner, then the sunflower with well placed tape then added 3D foam tape to the center and placed onto the flower.

A white insert and carrier tape on the flap.  I am using a clip on this one so she can reuse the card with a new insert. 

Love it!