Sylvia's Simple Shots

It's that time of year.  The crops are being harvested and stored away for winter.  It was very interesting to see the different colors of netting on these large straw bales - green, red, blue at minimum. Red was my favorite bit it was not convenient to stop and take pics. 

The combines were in the fields kicking up a dust storm, the trucks were waiting for the loading to be done so they could head back to the yard, and there were very wide tractors on the highway so one had to be careful.

I did end up behind a large industrial load and the pilot car did not allow us to use the passing lane when it showed up.  Several of us were just waiting for the opportunity to pass and our hopes were dashed.  It turned off after 40 minutes.

I finally took a trip to the country to see my sister which I had not seen since May at my Mom's funeral.

It was time to clear all the large flower bed at the driveway.  I picked what blooms were still good enough to harvest and put those in a large jar.

Then we were careful to collect seeds from the cosmos, poppies, and pink lavatera.  All in their seperate baggies well marked.

Then the cutters and garden forks came out to remove the huge cosmos plants. I have never seen such large plants with very thick stems.  It was a couple of hours work but it allowed the rocks to be seen again.  There were some smaller plants which had suffered due to lack of sun and water.  A different variety will be planted there next year.

There are a few perennials as well.

This is the lavatera on the buffet at my sister's house with Mom in the back ground tending her flowers at the lodge. That was a year ago already.

These pink lavatera were one of Mom's favorite flowers along with cosmos.  Each place at the house had it's flower, pansy in the old wash tub, nasturtium in the cement planter at the front of the house, a row of cosmos in the garden, a row of gladiolas in the garden next to the house. 

She took care of her flowers, her vegetable garden and fruit trees with much love and care.  They produced very well for her.

I finished this book this week. Book 4 in the Angelic Letters Series. The Angelic Occurence by Henry K. Ripplinger.  It's been a while since I read number 4.

It was good to continue the story with Jenny, Henry, Father David and the rest of the gang.

Jenny has finally divorced her self centered husband James and found her own place but she loses her Mom about this time. Tough.

Henry is painting, running a gallery, put in a cafe at the gallery, and enjoying his acreage outside of Regina.

Father is shepherding the flock at St. Mary's church.

The end of this book was hard so I am so glad that I had book five to start right away.  More about that book later.

My sister loaded me up with fresh veggies from the garden.  They were getting ready to till the garden so the last few things were being harvested.

I came home with tomatoes, green onions, potatoes, a zuchinni, and this is a squash but it will do for a Halloween pumpkin.

It was really nice to get out of town for a couple of days.

Exchange Cards - September - Yellow Flowers

My Exchange Cards for September feature autumn colored flowers.

This first one is a sunflower.  The 4x4 inch photograph is from one of my annual photo calendars.  Trimmed the numbers off and it was ready to go.

I chose a Stampin Up Summer Sun card base.  I cut a 2" strip of black card stock which I punched with the SU Banner Triple Punch.  

It is very versatile as it easily centers the V on several widths of banners. Allow allows you to make any length.

Once that was adhered I installed 3 golden yellow caplets by making holes with the Crop-a-dile and then inserting the caps and choosing the right settings to press these into place.

A full half sheet white insert make this a card which can be used for any fall occasion.

This card features the same Summer Sun card base. This time I chose a Chocolate Chip piece of card stock which I aligned closer to the top of the landscape oriented card.

I adhered the 4x4 inch photo of a dahlia aligned on the left.  

Then, I chose a metal postage stamp brad in a golden yellow color.  I marked the spot for the prongs on the back and used a push pin to create a hole for them.  Press the prongs apart on the inside.

A full half sheet insert and this card is ready to be mailed on Monday.

Oil Diffusers - One of a Kind - Set 4

 Daisy on Blue

This diffuser features a yellow felt daisy flower set into a cobalt blue glass holder.  

The yellow felt and the royal blue pompoms in the center are the diffuser.  Place 1-2 drops of pure essential oil in the center of the flower and sit back and enjoy some relaxing time.

This diffuser would fit into a sun room, next to a favorite chair, or a bedside table.

Glass Ink Well

This vintage glass ink well wit a silver plated lid has a navy blue felt diffuser inside the bottle.

The bottle will contain any stray drops and protect your furniture. 

Open the lid, place 1-2 drops of pure essential oil on the felt on the inside.  The lid can be closed when not being use.

This diffuser would sit incognito on a desk.  A small bottle of essential oil could be stored on the inside to be handy when one wants to use it and would be out of sight with the lid closed.

Tear Drop

A beautiful white ceramic holder with a tear drop shape.  The holder has a nice satin finish very smooth to the touch.

The diffuser are 2 wooden rods tied with a black thread.  There is a black felt in the bottom of the holder to catch any liquid which makes its way down the rods.

Place 1 or 2 drops of pure essential oil on the wood or the felt at the bottom to enjoy your favorite scent.

This elegant diffuser would look great on a bedside table, an end table next to a favorite sitting spot, or on a window sill near a cozy sitting spot.

I am super happy with how this year's collection of unique diffusers is coming along.

Oil Diffusers - One of a Kind - Set 3

Another set of One of a Kind Oil Diffusers

Marble Cube

This diffuser features a cinnamon colored marble cube with an matching insert with a hole.  I have placed wooden rods in the hole which will be the diffuser. I have placed a piece of felt under the insert to catch any drops.  The sticks are held together with a bit of jute.

This diffuser would fit nicely on a desk, in a man cave, or near a favorite chair.  The outside cube will protect your furniture.

Place a drop or two of pure essential oil on the wooden rods and enjoy your favorite scent. 

Amber and Gold 

Glass beads in gold and amber have been strung on this crystal glass square.  

I have placed a chocolate brown felt under the beads which is the diffuser.  Place a drop or 2 of pure essential oil on the beads which will makes their way to the felt.

Sit back and enjoy a time of rest in your favorite personal space.

Greek Tea Cup

I have used an old tea cup made by Pratt Potteries with the Greek design featuring beautiful horse and lady image on the front with key stone pattern around the inside edge of the cup.

I have added a black felt stuffie in the cup with a vintage button and bronze thread embroidery which coordinates well with the metallic accents on the tea cup.

Place 1 or 2 drops of pure essential oil on the black felt and relax in your favorite spot.  The cup will protect your furniture from any stray drops.

Will fit into any favorite spot as you enjoy a cuppa.

Oil Diffusers - One of a Kind - Set 2

 

Wings at Rest 

An elegant butterfly gently resting on a circle of leaves.  It is ceramic with a satin finish and features beautiful colors on the butterfly.  A reminder to breathe deep and rest for a bit. The circle rests on a crystal glass base with ivory felt in between to catch the drops which may escape from the butterfly.

Place 1-2 drops of pure essential oil on the butterfly to enjoy the scent in your personal space.

Tropical Fish 

Here, I have paired painted wood tropical fish with a turquoise felt and a yellow pompom.  It would work well in a sun room or a bathroom. It features beautiful bright colors.

Placed 1-2 drops of pure essential oil on the yellow pompom.  The turquoise felt will ensure that no drops escape onto furniture.

It is a bright and cheerful diffuser to lift our mood and brighten our day.

Caffe Latte is brought back from last year.  

It features a felt coffee layer then an ivory cream layer and topped with a cinnamon heart with a glass  bead with copper highlights.

One to two drops of essential oil on the bead will ensure the ivory layer is not stained by the oil. 

The blown glass vessel will protect your furniture.  Perfect for all coffee lovers and will fit into an office, a man cave, or maybe even a kitchen.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

It rained over night so all was wet and dewy this morning on my walk.  I headed to the park and community garden.

I found wet chrysanthemums in this gorgeous shade of purple.

I needed a jacket this morning which I have not worn since May.  The times they are a changing.

I found ducks on the pond at the park.  Mostly Mallards but there was this one that was different.

It is a Greater Scaup female.   I did not see the flashier male version this morning.

A large duck comparable in size to the Mallard.

The smooth head is a characteristic that identifies this one as a Greater than a Lesser Scaup.

Nice find this morning.

The leaves are turning color! This is a Virginia Creeper vine on one of the apartment building on my walk.

It is a perennial vine that stages stunning fall color. Blue fruit adorns the vine in fall.

Some leaves have not decided to change yet so it was nice to see both colors in this vine.

Come Thirsty by Max Lucado.  

Physical thirst is familiar to all of us.  A tall glass of water works wonders to help with the need.

Spiritual thirst is also a life threatening condition. It comes with a quick temper, worry, guilt and fear, hopelessness, resentment, loneliness, insecurity and isolation.

God provides refreshment for dehydrated hearts. Come to the WELL and take a deep drink.

Our spiritual lives need tending just as our physical bodies.  We need to spend time being quiet, hearing the small voice, processing our days, reflecting on our experiences and doing self awareness work.

Great book!

I have been truly blessed this summer and fall to be gifted good food.

This is apples I received from my aunt who picked them at her grandson's acreage.

Beautiful red apples with a red tinged flesh on the inside.  

Here, my snack is a wedge of Brie cheese with a beautiful red apple.

Oil Diffusers - One of a Kind - Set 1

I have started my creation of One of a Kind essential oil passive diffusers for this years market.  I have been on the hunt for unique vessels that I turned into special gifts for others or yourself. These will fit  nicely into a personal space such as an office, a sun room, a bedroom or bathroom.  Any place you want to chill out, breathe deep and relax.

Teal Posy 

This is a hand painted Germany bud vase with a felt flower.

Placing a couple of drops of your favorite pure essential oil on the yellow petals will provide scent in your personal space.

Essential oil scent will dissipate over time and the scent can be changed once the first one has completely gone.

With the Lady Bug diffuser I paired a beautiful olive green glass leaf dish with a lady bug diffuser.

I created the lady bug from red felt and black for the head.  These pieces were hand cut then the spots and wing markings were hand embroidered with black thread.

The drops of essential oil would be placed on the felt lady bug.

The glass container will protect your furniture from any stray drops of oil.

Last year I realized that I did not have diffusers geared to the masculine aesthetic.  After the few years we have been through everyone can benefit from a little bit of self care. 

Here I paired a glass cowboy boot shot glass with a felt denim diffuser.

I created a denim jean leg to place over the glass boot.  I hand stitched the denim with blue thread then embellished it with yellow star embroidery and yellow jean stitch lines.  

I added the star on the top to indicate where the couple of oil drops can be placed.  The glass will protect the surface.

The glass boot is a souvenir from the Big Valley Jamboree which is a country western music festival held in my province every year.

I will post more diffusers here as I complete them.

Fabric Coasters - Display

I am very happy with the display I created for my Fabric Coasters.  I used some vintage Tinker Toys to create a stable rack which allows me to display all 22 sets at once. I used some tree ornament hooks which supports up to 4 sets at a time.  I am able to show all the different options all facing the front.  The coasters have all been labeled, inventoried and are ready to go!

2023 Sewing Machine Cover

I decided to update my sewing machine cover because the other one was just too tight.  It fit for sure but was not comfortable to put on. 

I had 2 pieces of cotton fabric I had picked up at the ReUse Center. I needed a bit more so I found 2 pieces of beige cotton which matched well enough.

With a window just behind the machine which is left open most of the summer for ventilation the machine needs a cover when I am working on a multi day project like the linen coasters I did recently. 

I started making French seams on my microfiber bags but now I just make them as a matter of course. I like the finish it provides a project.

The beige pieces where placed on both ends of the cover.

The fabric is 100% cotton - both patterned and the beige.  The beige was a small leftover. 

I sewed down the triangles of the box corners down to stiffen the ends.  I sewed tiny pleats on the corners as well to help with it standing up. It ended up a bit taller than was needed to at the end with very little thread left I added an additional hem of about 1.5 inches.  So glad I had enough thread.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

My morning walks have garnered some good flower photos.

This summer I have been heading out later than usual for walks.  Sleep has been difficult therefore getting up at 7am like I used to has not been happening much.

Again, the neighbours have wonderful front gardens.  The pink geraniums, yellow straw flowers at the park, calendulas in the flower bed at the end of the street.

The purple trumpet flower was a new one for my walk.

I will have plenty of flower photos for my annual photo calendar which I have started working and will be here shortly.

I borrowed this book from my sister.  More than a Wise Woman - Elaine Gugin Maddox.

A book set in Ladyslipper Saskatchewan.  Tessy McGuigan is an Irish lass living her best life in Canada.  She has a large garden and grows ingredients for natural remedies. She freely shares her knowledge, time, and enthusiasm.

Some in the town do not understand her way of life, her way of dressing and her down to earth habits.  She is judged quite harshly by some.

She welcomes her new neighbors - The Tuckers. Jim, Penny with their 2 girls - Sarah and Emma and son Matthew.  Jim has come to take over the drug store in town which is a blessing.  The girls take to Tessy in a heart beat.

Their grandfather Marshall comes to visit from Winnipeg before the kids head back to school.  He is widowed and takes a shine to Tessy.  

A very heart warming story and all the herbal recipes are included in the book.  I will return that one to my sister as requested.

I attended the reception for this artist show - Betty Hirst with 2 of my aunts.  The artist aunt had received information and we followed the instructions to find the gallery.  The gallery has moved to smaller space and have had to change their business model to stay in business.  Parking was a bit challenging but we managed.

It was very nice with several large pieces on display. The artist lives in Calgary and was in attendance.

Given the limited space when others arrived we took our leave.  I had researched several places to have a snack.  I visited the Acquired Taste Tea Company down the block earlier and now we headed to find the coffee place.

The Good Earth Coffeehouse was about a block away so we got a bit of exercise.

The drinks and snacks were delicious but a bit on the pricey side.  I had an Earl Grey Decaf latte with a chocolate twist pastry.  Super good.

We had a good visit with a table to ourselves and with just a few tables inside and another few outside it was a very comfortable atmosphere.

We talked art, crafts, upcoming shows, gardens, taking in harvest of veggies and fruit.

It's that time of year! 

Concorde blue grapes are in the store.  My sister shared some with me when we met recently.

I also then headed out to get a bag for myself.

I remember always getting these as a kid.

Love them.

Fabric Coasters - Set 2

Another set of coasters done today.

The turquoise set in the corner is fabric I dyed in the microwave with Rit dye.  It worked pretty well.  I had cut the pieces to a bit larger than what I needed so if it shrank or the edges got messy I would still have enough to cut my 5" squares.  

It is interesting the different weights and tightness of weave in linen.  The loosest weave was the blue denim and the rust colored ones. The olive linen was tightly woven. 

Mostly I put in the scraps of flannel I had.  The yellow ones needed white flannel as they were quite thin and the pattern showed through.

This is 22 sets of two coasters.

I am really happy this effort.

The changing of thread for each color took some time but was absolutely necessary.

These measure 4.25 inches square.

I was very fortunate to have a 5 inch and a 4 inch quilting ruler so that made cutter a lot easier.  

The rotary cutter and large cutting mat was the foundational. 

The chop stick for pushing out the corners was the perfect tool for the job. Not too sharp to ensure that the corners were not pushed through.  

The large fabric scissors went well to trim the excess fabric off the corners in one stroke in each direction.

I did have to purchase thread for the wheat colored and the olive colored ones.  That was expensive but worthwhile.

I have started using golf tees to keep my bobbins with their parent spool of thread.  The connectors I spent a lot of money on just broke after a couple uses.

The flannel squares were easy to cut and quickly make as stack so I could just pull them off as needed.

Fabric Coasters - Set 1

I've decided to make fabric coasters for sale.

I've chosen to use linen/cotton fabric.  Generally, the outer layers are linen and I have put cotton flannel in the center.

The outer layer is cut to 5 inches square and the flannel layer is cut at 4 inches square.

I sew the flannel to the front piece with a wide seam then sew the 2 outer layers together with a narrower seam leaving a space to turn them out.  

I trim the corners to remove fabric bulk in the corners. I turn them right side out.  Press them flat making sure that the opening slot is well pressed.

I sew a seam really close to the edge all the way around closing the slot at the same time.

This is 11 sets of 2.  I am halfway to where I wanted to be. I have several other colors to make up yet.

Really happy with this day's work.

I am also working on packaging and how I will display them for sale.

Sewing Project - Tea Towels

I made a set of tea towels for my niece for her birthday.  A while ago I found a piece of fabric at the thrift store which was a linen/cotton blend and it was mustard color.  Perfect! I said.

I did have to find thread to match so I headed to Walmart on the Monday before school started.  What was I thinking.  The parking lot was jammed and so was the store. I did find what I needed.

I cut the fabric 21 x 30 inches to maximize the fabric I had.  

I had a few problems of my own doing with my sewing machine but with perseverance I solved the issue.  It always purrs like a kitten and I was disturbed when it wasn't but I wanted the job done too. 

I checked my supply of twill tape and found nothing that was not synthetic in a warm color.  I decided to make my own from the fabric itself. I hope it is sturdy enough to stand the wear and tear.

I cut a strip of fabric 2 inches wide and about 18 inches long.  That should be enough. I ironed it in half then opened it and folded it in from both sides. I ironed that flat and sewed it along the open edge.

I cut the strip 4.5 inches long to make this hanging loop.  I decided to place it in the center of the tea towel this time rather than the corner.

This is such gorgeous fabric.  It drapes so beautifully.  The hanging loop in the center makes the tea towel hang shorter which may make a difference.

It is sown into the hem of the tea towel and I double stitched as that is where the most strain will take place.

I am getting better at making mitered corners.  These turned out really well and I added the bit across the corner that secures the folded piece under the miter.

I wanted to add a personal touch which would communicate how much I love her and think about her often.

My sister does a lot of embroidery so I thought I would give it a try.  Should be easy right? Let me say, not so much.  I used the chain stitch and some blue embroidery floss and placed it on the front where the hanging loop was on the back. Top center so she will see every time she uses it.

 Finished size: 19 in W x 28 in L

I am very happy with the end result!  I hope she likes them.

Card - Watercolor - Yellow Cosmos

I painted this yellow cosmos for my niece's birthday card.   

I found an image on line just to give me an idea about their foliage.  I did a bit of a pencil drawing to start.

I used my Stampin Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons. I did a light wash of blue with Tempting Turquoise and a light wash on the bottom half with Old Olive. Once I had my first light color on the flower and the stem then I erased about 50% to leave just a very light line.

I used Daffodil Delight for my first light layer on the flower and Pear Pizzaz on the stem. I then added definition on the cosmos with More Mustard and Always Artichoke on the stem.

I added some very light stems on the bottom just so the flower was more grounded. 

I mounted the watercolor with double sided tape to a 5x7 card of Hello Honey.  I was a little short on the bottom so I added a length of  Washi Tape in More Mustard.  It rips very easily so I need to use this up so that its gone!

Sylvia' Simple Shots

I visited the new show in the feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory - Orchids through Time.

A misty humid atmosphere to ensure the health of the beautiful orchids in the show.

Orchids come in many colors and shapes. 

The pond was looking really good with the mist covering the surface and water droplets being generated.

The Koi fish were very happy in their pond.

The central flower is Common Spiderwort which was in one of other pyramids.

Things were quiet, peaceful, and very enjoyable.

Another World War II novel - Beneath a Starless Sky by Tessa Harris.

Lilli Sternberg is involved with the local theatre in Munich in 1930.  She is a dancer which makes her very happy.  She meets a young man Captain Marco Zeiller who admires her and she develops feeling for him also. 

As the years approach the start of the war slowly Jewish citizens are feeling the pressure.  Their rights are slow taken away.  Lilli flees Germany to America when the opportunity presents itself.

Her family is determined to hold their ground in their homeland. Her attempts fail to have her family go to Switzerland.  She flees Germany again and is able to connect with Marco at the last minute and they head to America.

The story has a wonderful ending where father and daughter meet.

One sister was visiting another this week to pick low bush cranberries. 

On their way through I connected with them for a Wendy's lunch.

My farmer sister had sent a box of goodies.

These beautiful sunflowers were in the box.  Three wonderful flowers that I immediately added to the vase which still held flowers from my other sister's garden.

I have been blessed by the generosity of those who have gardens and flower beds.

The box also held fresh picked corn, purple and white potatoes, carrots and cucumbers.

There is nothing like garden produce.

I ate the cucumbers first as they will not last as long as the other stuff.

The corn was enjoyed with butter.

I have sliced the potatoes with my guillotine slicer, microwaved them for a bit then finalized the cooking in the cast iron fry pan with onions and mushrooms.

Garden fresh carrots are best eaten raw.

It's been a quiet and somewhat solitary summer due to several situations beyond my control.

I have enjoyed my sewing machine and worked on several projects.

Art Show - Open Art Competition

I submitted two pieces to the AAC Open Art Competition - photography.

Title: Red Poppy

Size: 14.00 x 17.00 inches

Medium: Photography

Print 8.5 x 11 inches

Mat: Double Archival white with black core

Frame: Black wood wide profile

This is a gorgeous Red Poppy facing the morning sun head on and looking so gorgeous. Managed some bokeh in the background from the water drops on foliage.

Title: Red Dot

Size: 12.00 x 14.00 inches

Medium: Photography/Digital

Print 8 x 10 inches

Mat: Archival off white with black

Frame: Silver Metal

This started out as a photograph which was altered a lot with filters then turned into a black and white image. I rotated it which gave it an oriental feel so I placed a red dot on it.

Reception is Saturday, September 8 at 7 pm.  - I placed Second in the Photography Category!!

From the judges: Good colour choice for composition. Interesting composition, love the simplicity and execution.