Winter's Beauty and Two Artsy Ladies

Winter is not my favorite time of year. All of the other seasons are more to my taste. Winter, however, does have its moments. The sunrises and sunsets rival any other season. The colors are so much more vibrant, and the silhouette of the bare trees makes a beautiful contrast.
And then of course, there is the beautiful starkness of the snow. We have gotten to enjoy that view this winter way more than any year that I can recall. We may usually see one snowfall if we are lucky, but this year we have had at least three separate occasions of measurable snow. The schools have used up all of their snow days legitimately. That is a rarity here.

This has given me a good excuse to stay cozy in the house and stitch away at my little projects. I have created a couple of cuffs and necklaces to honor two famous artsy ladies. The first one needs no introduction.

The second set is in honor of Frida Kahlo which inspired the bright colors. All of these are made from vintage and recycled fabrics and buttons.

On The Softer Side

I was recently inspired by the creations of Les Bijoux Dodette and decided that I would try my had at making appliqued and embellished fabric jewelry. Winter just seems like a time when it is comforting to sit in the evenings and stitch on something. I have really enjoyed working in this medium and have several more pieces that I haven't gotten to photograph yet.
They are all sewn on a base of recycled sweater felt, with strips of fabric from vintage flour sacks, other vintage clothing, and old jewelry that I've taken apart and re purposed. It's fun to take a handful of bits and pieces and turn them into something interesting. They are kind of primitive and the stitching is uneven, but I kind of like it that way. I like art that shows the hand of the maker.

More to come.

Fabric Squares

These are fabric, one inch squares that I just completed for a swap with my Altered Art Obscession group. I will be sending these to a lady in Canada, who will then redistribute them to other members. They were rather tedious to make but I have had plenty of sitting around time to work on them because I have had to sit at the hospital with my aunt (see previous post about her birthday.) She has been in the hospital twice in the past two weeks and in and out of the nursing home. Last Thursday, she fell and broke her hip at the nursing home. Two months ago, I visited her at her home and she made me peach pie and we visited and looked at old family photos all afternoon. Now she is almost totally helpless and very confused from all the medication. I have had lots of time watching her in the hospital, to think about death, helplessness, family, and loss of dignity. It makes you wonder how you would want to spend your last few weeks or months alive; aware but in pain, or drugged and confortable but totally confused. Most people say that to break your hip and be in a nursing home is almost a death sentence. She knows this too, and when she is aware it has to be going through her mind. All we can do is be there for her and try to comfort her. It makes you feel a bit helpless.
Cherish those around you and let them know that you care.