Inktober 2026 - Day 05

I saw my first loon this summer which was super exciting.  There are such big birds.

As a photographer I did not get a great shot of it.  I did see them about 3 times.  Late August they were gone!

I took quite a few layers to get the black dark.  I used black gouache.

Painting around the dots on the back is a bit tricky and probably should have used white gouache.

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper is a great choice.

I messed up the first one I did in ink by not being patient enough to erase my pencil lines. So I traced this one with Sharpie marker.

Inktober 2026 - Day 04

I decided a wood door would be a great image.

Building a door on paper is hard enough with making sure my hinges are the same length, the boards are similar widths, the arch is symmetrical, and so on.

I mixed a lot of variations of colors for the wood and stone and that was fun.

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper is a treat. Love it.

Dip pen with Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink Black which dries fast.

I need to catch up.

Flower in Vase - 07 - 08

I found this scrap of soft jewel toned fabric at the ReUse Center.

It reminded me of a special dress Mom had made for herself.

I thought that would make a special flower.

I made the classic 5 petal flower with 4.5" squares.  I cut a flower from mustard felt and added a yellow button for the center. 

I placed a wooden spacer in the center to accommodate the amount of fabric and provide support for the wire.

I stitched a royal blue felt circle on the back to hide the stitches, etc.

I placed it in a green vase which matches the green in the fabric. I chose a navy wire.  I placed some clear vase filler to hide the bottom of the wire.  I gave it a Thinking of You tag.

I made a 5 petal pink flower from thin cotton fabric in bright pink.  The five petals are a bit smaller about 3.75".  I cut a purple flower for the center and chose a facetted clear glass bead to coordinate with the vase.  I used a button to stabilize the wire then stitched on a purple circle backer to cover the ugly bits.

I wound the purple wire down a bit to fit the pressed glass ball vase.  I used a clear plastic straw to keep the stem in place.  I added some silver and pink crushed glass vase filler with a funnel.

The glass container used to be a bottle so it had screw threads at the top which I wanted to cover.

I cut a piece of the same fabric as the flower and placed it over the opening and tied it in place with purple thread. I pinked the edges to help with fraying. This will be helpful to keep the filler in as well. 

Inktober 2026 - Day 03

Just a simple abstract of geometric shapes.

I started with the circle then added the vertical and horizontal lines in relation to it.

I added color to the shapes - Yellow for the circle and green and blue for the lines.

A spatter of black ink is always a great way to break up large white spaces.

I ended up with some big spots as well but that is how it goes. 

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper with permanent black ink and watercolor.

Size: 4x6

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

Another birthday candle slow stitch note card in purples this time.

I chose a hand dyed piece of cotton I got from Pat, Man and Bobbin quilting.  

Candle strips of lavender colored fabric were added and stitched on with running stitch and coordinating thread.

I added yellow and orange flames and wicks in black.

The stitched art layer was added to a Lavender Lace A2 card base with a half sheet insert to hide the stitches inside.

A white envelope is included.

Beautiful autumnal colors in this note card.

An olive green felt background with a warm red flower layered with a yellow floral center and brown circle stitched with French Knots.

I added a leaf in the right hand bottom corner.  Blanket stitched all the way around.

This stitched art layer was added to the front of a More Mustard A2 card base with stitches.

A half sheet blank insert was included to cover the stitches on the inside.  An ivory card completes the set.

A bit of sparkle on this note card.

I some of my collage fabrics.  I stitched a tree trunk in brown and then stitched on sequins in white and a couple shades of green with French Knots.

I added green grass and running stitches to create a bit of ground for the tree.

The stitched art layer was added to a Bashful Blue A2 card base with stitches.  A half sheet blank insert was added to hide the stitches on the inside.

A white envelope finishes off the set.

A bit more of my collage fabrics. 

Here the green was a prominent color so I added a coordinating button is a bright green.

I then added running stitches in the same color placed in a half circle on the right hand side of the button.

Makes for an arty card good for any occasion.

I paired the stitched art layer with bright green A2 card base.  A half sheet white blank insert covers the stitches on the inside.

A white envelope to finish off the set.

These cards will be headed to the Gallery Gift Shop shortly.

Inktober 2026 - Day 02

Inktober 2026 - Day 02

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper with Staedtler super fine black marker and watercolor.

Flowers is one of my categories so I drew an Echinacea flower aka cone flower.

Generally, pink in color with a large center and petals facing downward.

I am happy with my background wash. 

 

Inktober 2026 - Day 1

I am doing Inktober this year.  

I am working from my own prompts so that I have art I can turn into something else later.  The paper I am working on is Fluid Mixed Media Paper by Canson. I pulled out my tools from 2024 but my technical pen is missing. Working with markers and dip pens and adding watercolor.

Tools is one of my categories and I want to draw wood working hand tools.

I started with the Carpenter Square which is a metal tool with markings on the inside and outside edge.

I will concede that I am a little rusty with my drawing but it will get better as I go along.

Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Fall Pumpkin

I worked on my door decor for fall while at the Barrhead Art Gallery yesterday where my photography and fiber art work is on display as a feature artist.

I was under pressure last year when I did my Fall Leaves piece as I was still unpacking and sorting things out.  I chose a soft taupe striped cotton fabric for the background. I did have to use 2 strips to make it wide enough. I invisible basted this layer to a piece of cotton flannel and a foundation layer.

I gathered a few bits of autumn colored fabric and cut the middle solid piece and then 2 patterned side pieces and stitched those to a foundation layer with running stitch in various autumnal colors. I forgot to bring a piece of fabric in green for the stem so I stitched in green colors. I added some curly cues as well in green.

I placed some running stitch background shapes above the pumpkin just to provide a bit of interest to the background. Somewhat heart shaped.

I had a yellow felt leaf I wanted to use so I placed it falling from the top of the composition. 

I added 2 buttons on the left hand side to balance the compositon.

I trimmed the art piece to 6x8 inches.

I managed to find a warm rosy red for the backer layer which was cut to 8x10 inches and folded to the front double to make the frame. I then machine stitched that in place.

I added a clear ring to the back to hang it on the door.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I am so happy how this little lion turned out.

I was needing more cards for the AAC Gift Shop and remembered these backgrounds I had made during my experiments with free motion stitching.

Pink and blue by chance only but what about kid cards.

That is why I chose a lion with a bright mane on this medium blue background.

I cut the body from a bit of cotton and stitched it on with running stitch.  

I chose various colors in the mane and made it very full. 

I added a tail in same colors. I mounted on a Pacific Point A2 card base with a half sheet insert to hide the stitches on the inside.

I found this scrap of fabric with a red poppy on it - might work well for Remembrance Day.

I layered it with a foundation layer and added stitching to highlight areas in the print.

I added a strip of olive green flannel to the bottom of the poppy layer and topped it with a red satin ribbon which is held in place with tiny stitches.

I stitched the art piece to a Real Red A2 card base.  The insert is half sheet to cover the knots on the inside.

A white envelope is included.

 

On the pink background I decided to add an owl.

I had to color the light colored fabric using my Inktense colors.  I was wanting it to be a bit more chocolatey but it is what it is.

I cut my owl shape and added brown felt wings to the sides, eyes with felt and yellow buttons, a beak and feet in yellow felt. 

I bit of feathery shapes on it's front along with a brown branch to stand on.

The art piece was stitched to a pink A2 card base. Half sheet insert and a white envelope.

These were dropped off the to gallery today.

Fabric Patches - Some More

The idea sprang into my head this morning after sorting all those tiny squares yesterday.

This beige patterned fabric made me think wood.  I cut the spool from one 2" square.

I created a sandwich of teal cotton and a white foundation layer.

I used some cotton yarn split in two strands to add the "thread" to the spool. I stitched the swirly bit and left a length dangling for the needle.

I added a needle with grey thread. 

I used to have measuring tape ribbon but a search of many boxes yielded nothing.

I cut a length of yellow grosgrain ribbon and marked the inches with a Sharpie marker. I stitched it on with black thread on the inch and half inch marks.

Machine stitched to a black patch.

I have already used some of the 2" square I found at ReUse last week.

I chose some blue patterned pieces to make a 4 patch.  I stitched those to a white cotton foundation layer along the outside edge and all the internal connections as well.

I chose another 2" square in medium blue and blanket stitched it to center of the art layer. 

I added a star in the middle with a few French knots in the center.

I machine stitched it to the denim blue patch.

This little bunny rabbit came from the 2" square stash as well.

I paired the focal element with 4 peach squares which were stitched to a foundation layer of white cotton.  Around the outside edge as well as the inside joins.

I stitched the rabbit square with peach running stitch and the filled the gaps with purple thread by going around again.

Machine stitched to a purple patch.

I invisible basted a piece of blue sky fabric to a white cotton foundation piece.

I cut a balloon from a coordinating printed fabric.  I added 3 rounds of running stitch in blue, pink and white.

I created a string for the balloon with a piece of aqua satin ribbon with the same 3 colors of running stitches.  I put a couple of curves in the string.

I machine stitched my art layer to the purple patch.

I wanted to make a patch with lace so I dug in the stash and found this scallop piece.

I created a sandwich of purple batik and white cotton foundation layer.

I stitched the lace with sewing thread to match the lavender background.  I folded the edges to the back so they will be finished.

I added some textured by following the lines in the background.

I created 3 flowers with stitching with white and green and yellow centers.

Machine stitched art to the purple patch.

I decided to make more masculine patches but I am not sure my choice of fabric meets that goal.

I paired a orange, pink, yellow fabric with a yellow for shadow layer.  I paired a bright orange fabric with a white cotton foundation layer.

I stitched the yellow star first then the bright one on top.  I did running stitched around the shape ending in the middle with about 5 gos around.

I machine stitched the patch to a Carhartt ginger brown patch which matches one of the colors in the star fabric.

I did some Sashiko stars on a piece of navy cotton layered with a light blue cotton layer.

Again, I just stitched the stars one at a time because my brain can't work out the geometry to have the lines align properly diagonally.

I chose light blue thread for the stars.  I marked my centers with a white erasable pencil.

The art layer was machine stitched to a medium blue denim patch.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 38 - S2 - Sashiko Stars

This is my piece for K3N Cloth Tales' 2026 Slow Stitching project - A to Z.

This week was community choice for S and K chose Sashiko Stars. Brilliant.

I took a piece of thin denim which was quite light and I dyed it darker. I added a dark foundation layer which was invisible basted. 

I tried to follow K's instructions but something went wrong.  I used a white fabric pencil to mark my center dots every inch. Offset the second row.

I chose a thin white crochet cotton and my long Sashiko needle.  Worked really well.

I managed the horizontal and vertical but got lost on the diagonals.  I just finished the stars individually rather than stringing across the fabric.

Looks the sameish.  Loved this project.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 37 - S1 - Sand, Sea, Sky, Sun, Sailboat, Seagulls

My piece for S1 of the K3N Cloth Tales Slow Stitch Project 2026.

K chose shisha stitch which did not work for me.

I chose Sand, Sea, Sky, Sun, Sailboat and Seagulls.

I started with a cotton foundation layer and I appliqued the Sky fabric then the Sea fabric then the Sand fabric.

The seed stitch in the sand took a long time. I mixed colors of embroidery thread in cream, ginger, and Sable.

I stitched waves in the Sea. 

I added a yellow Sun in the right hand corner with corresponding Sunrays.   I then cut out a red Sailboat with white Sails. A mast from dark brown, and a small red flag at the top.   I added three white Seagulls in the Sky.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 36 - R2 - Rays, Radiate, Rolling Hills & Rose

This is my piece for R2 in the K3N Cloth Tale's Slow Stitching Project.

I chose Rays, Radiate, Rolling hills and Rose colored flowers for this piece.

I have a white foundation cotton layer. I added the blue sky, and a sun with Radiating Rays of yellow light in running stitch. 

I added three Rolling Hills in green fabrics to which I added texturing with running stitch. 

I added 5 Rose colored flowers in the foreground.

I will add 3 birds in the the sky.

Sewing - Free Motion Backgrounds

I wanted to make more free motion stitching backgrounds for slow stitching cards before I moved onto bottle bags again.

Dipped into the scraps bin and created a pink and blue one.

I created a bottom layer of cotton fabric, layered on a piece of 100% cotton batting, then applied scraps of fabric collage style until I was happy with it.

Brought it to the machine with the darning foot and matching thread and stitched them up.  I think I did a better job of my swirls this time.

I think I will find some silicone tipped gloves.

Needle Minders - Set 4

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.
I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this needle minder I used a pewter colored metal circle brad.  I cut the prongs on the back just enough to leave a space for the 1/4' rare earth magnet. I glued the magnet in place.

I glued a dark button in the cup of the second brad once I removed the prongs. These were left to dry overnight.

I stitched a frame on the Aida cloth with green thread.

I added a green head pin.

For this needle minder I chose a house magnet from my collection.  It already had a magnet on the back.

I chose a silver disk for the back piece to which I added a string of pink E-beads to help the user remove it from the magnet if necessary.

I chose a bright pink fabric which I folded in half and stitched a frame around with pink thread which barely shows. 

I added a pink head pin.

Needle Minders - Set 3

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.
I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this needle minder I glued a rare earth magnet to the back of the front heart.  

I added a string of purple beads to let the user know which one had the magnet.  I let the glue dry over night.

I chose ivory Aida cloth measuring 2.75" W x 5" T.  I added a frame stitched in purple thread to the bottom half of the cloth.

I added a purple head pin

For this needle minder I chose a bronzed colored circle brad and cut the prongs on the back to leave just enough space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glue the magnet in place.

I chose a warm grey button that fit in the cup of the back brad once the prongs had been removed.  I glued the button in place. I let these dry overnight.

I chose ivory Aida cloth and stitched a turquoise frame onto the cloth.

I added a turquoise head pin.

For this minder I chose a bronzed colored metal circle brad, trimmed the back prongs just enough to leave a space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

I removed the prongs from the back of the second brad and glued in the cup a creamy white button.  These were left to dry over night.

I chose a navy blue fabric and stitched a frame with navy thread which does not show so I added a pink one too.

I added a pin head pin.

For this minder I chose a bronzed colored metal circle brad, trimmed the back prongs just enough to leave a space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

I removed the prongs from the back of the second brad and glued in the cup a creamy yellow button.  These were left to dry over night.

I chose a bright warm colored fabric with yellow highlights.  I stitched a frame around the edge in yellow thread. 

I added a yellow head pin.

Needle Minders - set 2

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.

I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this minder I chose 2 red circle brads.  I cut the prongs on the back leaving just enough space to glue the 1/4" rare earth magnet.

I glued a dark grey button to the back of the other brad after I had removed the prongs completely to give good adhesion of the button.  These dried over night.

I stitched a black frame on the ivory Aida cloth.

I added a black head pin to match the button and the frame.

This minder features another pair of circle brads in a bronze color metal.

I glued the 1/4" rare earth magnet to the center where I had cut the prongs to leave just enough space for it.

For the back piece I removed the prongs completely and chose a light grey button which was glued nicely sitting in the cup of the brad. These dried over night.

I added a stitched frame to the warm grey linen fabric which hardly shows.  

I paired it with a pearl head pin.

This needle minder features a silver metal butterfly for the front piece.

I glued the magnet to the back of the butterfly and let it dry over night.

The back piece is a smallish metal embossed disk. It had a hole at the top and since it was small I added a string of beads to help separate the pieces.

I stitched a frame with black thread on the warm grey linen fabric.  

I added a red head pin to coordinate with the red beads on the back piece.

Here I paired 2 gold colored metal circle brads.

I trimmed the prongs on the back of the front piece to leave just enough space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet and glued it in place.

On the back piece I removed the prongs completely and glued an ivory button in the cup of the brad.  These were left to dry overnight.

I chose Aida cloth and stitched a blue square frame where the minder would sit.

I paired it with a yellow head pin.

Another heart needle minder.  I used 2 identical metal heart shapes.

I glued a 1/4" rare earth magnet to the back of the front one.  To help the user now which has the magnet I added a string of beads strung through the top hole.  I let the glue dry over night.

The back one is just plain.

I chose a left over piece of cotton from a recent project and stitched a frame around the edge in purple thread.

I added a purple head pin.

Needle Minders

I decided to make some needle minders for Christmas Store.  

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing.  We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.

I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking.  I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there.  It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this minder I chose 2 identical metal flowers in a bronze color.

I glued the rare earth magnet to the front one and let that dry over night.

With the magnet just behind the front flower the head pin stays in place nicely.  I chose head pins as I have plenty in supply but needles were more precious.

Here I chose some Aida cloth and stitched a frame with yellow thread.

I added a head pin in the same color.

For this minder I chose a metal snowflake.

I glued the 1/4 in rare earth magnet to the back and let it dry over night.

I spent some time designing the backs for these unmatched pieces.  I settled on a large circular brad I had in my paper crafting supplies.

I searched through my button collection to find buttons that would fit tightly in the cup on the back of the brad.  I glued the button in place and let it dry over night.

I cut a piece of ivory Aida cloth and stitched a red square frame and paired it with a red head pin.  The backer has a red button.

I used another bronzed colored metal snowflake for this minder.

I glued the rare earth magnet in the center of the snowflake. The sparkly in the center is the glue coming through the holes in the center.

The backer was created with a gold brad and a creamy ivory button which was glued in place Both piece were left to dry over night.

I stitched a frame in ivory thread on my Aida cloth which does not show up very well. 

I paired it with a pearl head pin.

For this needle minder I chose gold colored metal hearts. I glued a magnet in the back of the front one.  I also added a short string of beads through the hole at the top which helps with separating the minder.

I glued the rare earth magnet to the front beaded heart.  Since both piece are the same the beads let you know which has the magnet. I let the glue dry over night.

I chose a piece of printed linen for this one.  I stitched a frame in warm peach colors to coordinate with the beads. I chose a warm orange head pin.

For this needle minder I paired a couple of bronze colored metal brads.  The front one I trimmed the long prongs leaving space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

The back one I glued a brown button in place and left both to dry over night.

I chose a piece of warm grey linen fabric and stitched a narrow frame in black thread. I  added a box in the lower half for the minder.

I added a black head pin.

Card - Slow Stitching - Flower

I created a yellow based free motion stitched background with brown thread.

I appliqued a yellow flower to the front of the background with brown thread and the running stitch.  I then added a dark brown center to the flower held in place with running stitch and French Knots.

I stitched the fabric art piece to the front of a dark brown A2 card base.

I used a bit of Inktense paint with a dry brush to add contrast to the edges of the petals and some color to the leaf.

I put a half sheet insert to cover the stitching on the inside.  An ivory envelope finished off the card.

It is off to a special person celebrating a big birthday.

Card - Painted Fabric

 I created this card on a piece of white cotton fabric which I invisible basted to a foundation layer of white cotton.  I drew the flower with the Pigma Micron Archival Pen in black nib size 08.

I heat set it with a hot dry iron before painting it.

I used my Inktense paint to color the background and the flower.  The color blending with the background adds charm and is unavoidable.

Once dry the Inktense painting was heat set with a hot dry iron.

I then stitched the painting to a Perfect Plum A2 card base with a half sheet insert and a white envelope.  

Sitting in my card box.