Something New - Gilded Birds

My mother used to say I never finished anything. That may have been true as a child, but it was how I prepared myself for the craft world. Ever changing interests keep me from becoming completely dull and boring. While my interests still jump from one thing to another, I do complete MOST of what I start these days.

My daughter, Rebecca, made several of these for her sister for Christmas. My heart skipped a beat when Holley opened the box and unwrapped the first bird. With each bird she opened I grew more in love with them. Becky was kind enough to share how she made them and off we went (in a snowstorm) to buy the supplies. I've been up to my eyeballs in glitter every since. It's even been seen floating in my tea.

If you would like more information on these birds just hop on over to my Etsy shop. More are in the works.

Mockingbird

Goldfinch

Grandma Hausmann's Fine Stitching

This is my Grandmother, Catherine Hausmann. The Great-Great part was for an album for my Grandson. Below is some of her handiwork.





Yesterday I mentioned my Grandma's stitching so I thought I would share some of her work with you today. What she did wasn't Hardanger, although the process is similar. I believe I am correct in saying this type of embroidery is called "Cut work". I found some patterns that must be similar to what she used. The pattern was transfered to the material, stitched and then cut. Unlike Hardanger, there is no counting involved and once the pieces are cut out there is no more stitching involved.

Grandma's work was on a much finer material than I use. Both pieces are done on a fine linen in ecru with ecru thread. The thread is finer than what I use also. I wish I could find more of her work, but I'm afraid it has been lost over time. My mother used Grandma's doilies for 50 years. These two weren't used much and survived my mother's incessant cleaning. She did like to wash things!

Grandma was German, although in the back of my mind she was born in the US. I may be wrong. I know for certain Grandpa was born in Germany and came through Ellis Island on his was to Wisconsin where they lived in Milwaukee for a good portion of their lives. My mother and her 3 sisters were born and raised there. That is where Grandma tried, and failed to get my mother interested in sewing. I guess it skipped a generation. Grandma Hausmann would be proud to see me sitting here creating more pieces of beautiful linen to pass on to the generations. Provided that is, no one washes them to death like Mom did!

Hardanger Doilies Are Here

The history of Hardanger is quite vague. Some say it began during the Renaissance period. Just where is another question up for debate. I've seen everything from Norway to Persia. Today it is mostly associated with the Nordic countries. In my mind, I think Scandinavian. Whatever it's origin, it is a beautiful art that was almost lost. Thankfully, it has been revived for the modern era.

Hardanger is also sometimes called White Work as many of the original designs were done with white thread on white material. My German Grandmother did beautiful pieces in ecru. The design is painstakingly counted out, stitched and then cut. In most designs, after threads are removed, more stitching is required before the design is finished.

I don't know what attracts me to making things that are so tedious! If it's not tiny little beads, it's counting out every single stitch to create these. It's the challenge I guess. Both doilies shown probably took 30 hours to create. Obviously, I'm not going to get rich making them. I just love doing it.

Here's the links if you would like to see more pictures and get individual details.

Green Doily

Pink Doily

A Bit Better Today

As you can see by looking at yesterday's post and today's, it is a bit better weather wise in Western New York. The unofficial snow fall total in our back yard for just yesterday was 30 inches. My daughter is missing a day of work today because she couldn't travel back home yesterday. I have to admit, I was glad to keep her one more day. The snow is beautiful to look at, but horrid to drive in.

Today I am planning on ironing, blocking and photographing two of my new projects to put on Etsy. I've done the Scandinavian embroidery called Hardanger for years. It was put aside when I started getting serious about making jewelry. Since I have a stockpile of earrings,necklaces and bracelets just sitting here it was a good time to bring out the sewing again. As with all avid crafters, I had several unfinished projects in various stages of completion. I've finished two and there's one more in the works. I can't wait to show them to you! On our heroic trip to the craft stores last Saturday I found colored thread that is going to turn into a Dutch blue on white and a Swedish red on white mat. Oh my, so many projects... so little time!

The View From My Window

I just had to add a PS to todays's post. This is the view from my window. There is a semi in the picture. Can you see it? Really - it's there!

Sandy

More Joseph Jars

Oh my, but the weather is frightful here! We ventured out in a little snow yesterday to get crafting supplies in the "Big City". Erie is normally 1 1/2 hours away. We got there without trouble. Coming home was a completely different story. A hard lake effect snow hit us just as we got there. We could actually see the lake "sucking" up the water from the escarpment. What a lovely drive home we had! Traveling at 40 MPH on the Interstate and following the path of the cars ahead was not fun! Even worse, I had to drive. Talk about nerve wracking. Once off the main road it was even slower going. Luckily it's only about 8 miles from 86 to our house.
Saddest part of the whole trip was the craft stores were wiped out. I didn't get half the stuff on my list. I should have stayed home and ordered online!

In a moment of clearer thinking, I listed a few more of my candle jars. There is a whole shelf of naked jars waiting my attention. It's on my "to do" list.

Hope you are safe and warm where you are. I'm freezing my patootie off!

Red Jar

Peach Jar

Happy New Year From My Home to Yours

When I went to bed it was still 2009. Now it's not. Funny how a few hours can change things. Really, the only change is I have to remember to use the new date on my checks. I never have understood all the hub-bub over the date changing. It does that every day after all. We're just another day older no matter what.

Never the less, I do hope 2010 is a wonderful year for all of you. It's not looking so terrific here from the start, but who knows what tomorrow may bring. Go with the flow, roll with the punches, pull yourself up when you're knocked down.... let me see, can I come up with any more cliches? How about, just do it? Get out there and have a great year!

Sandy