What I've been up to

 What have I been up to? Well, I've been slowly working on my newest rug. I started the leaves first. I'm not sure that I like them, especially the bottom ones. A little too zig zaggy for me. I might try to round them more like the upper left one. Of course, the flash seems to really hi-light the colors, as they aren't this bright. I'll keep working on it, get to a few more sections, as see how I like it. At least it's easy to re-hook.

Last weekend I had the honor or attending a  harpsicord recital. He was nominated for a Grammy for his latest CD this year. I went to school from kindergarten through high school with him. It's fun to see where life leads others.

My life will be taking a different direction this week. Two weeks ago I received a job offer. I'll be working full time, as in 40 hours a week. (something I haven't done in 18 years) I, sadly, had to put my notice in at school. Friday was my last day. I start my new job as a customer service representative on Monday. I hope I like it and can quickly learn a new business. I'm also happy that I get to leave the kids at school with a new aide that I recommended, and was just hired.

I'm wondering if I'll be able to do any crafting during lunch time. I'll get an hour for lunch at the new job. It's right by the mall, which can be dangerous. But, I might be able to relax and stitch something. I'll have to look for a small, quiet project to put in my purse this week. I know punch needle could drive others crazy with the sound, and rug hooking is too big to bring along. Maybe some cross stitch or a penny rug? Hmmmm... I'll have to search through my piles of supplies to see what I have!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Green

 I'm back! I've been spending a lot of time doing other stuff, and have ignored blogging, crafting, and hooking. But, this is a 5 day weekend for me. Parent/teacher conferences give me 2 days off, and Monday is Presidents Day. So, it's a great time to delve into dyeing. I wanted to start with the greens, as I had the dyes on hand. The middle 2 colors are the middle value, and then I tried a lighter and dark value on the right. The left 2 are a different color. One was cotton eyed joe wool, and the other a khaki to start. It's amazing how different they turn out, but were done in the same pot.

Tonight I cut them, and am set to start! All this green gets me ready for spring. I heard a cardinal chirping this morning. Spring can't be too far away.

This week was a little busy. At Scouts, it was a Court of Honor, and James had a long speaking part. He did great! Now I need to get going planning an Eagle Scout ceremony for his older brother. Never a dull moment around here.

I"m off to try out my greens!

~*~ Laura ~*~

SNoW! ***

We got some snow Thursday. It looks so pretty sticking to the trees. I had to stop by a nature preserve to snap a few photos on the way home from picking up my new glasses.

I have some wool set, and ready to dye this weekend. I would like to start on my new rug. The backing has just been sitting there, waiting for me to start on it.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Valentine punch needle

I just finished the punch needle and listed it on Ebay as an auction. I ended up painting a hornbook, and adding a string of button and a tag aged with walnut ink. 

I'm in a crafting wasteland. Just can't seem to get excited about what I'm working on. Guess I need to switch gears and find something to get me going. 

Hope you had a good weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Valentine finish

 

I finished this punch needle designed by Robin at Bird in the Hand Primitives. She sent me the graphic, and I punched using her colors. Don't know how I'll finish it yet, whether to mount it on a hormbook, or maybe make it into a cupboard hanger. Now I can go back and continue working on a spring punch needle pattern that I'm designing. 

Over Christmas break, I found a gorgeous Pendelton wool skirt at a thrift store. It's even nicer in person with a gorgeous blue. It would be pretty to use as is, or overdye. It was too good to pass up!

Although I haven't been blogging, I've been on the computer job hunting. I've been actively looking since the spring. It's tough going out there. I've had a couple interviews, but no offers. I know there's something out there, unless I win the Lotto (oops - I would need to play to win) or the rapture takes place. But for now, I'll continue taking some online tutorials to continue improving my computer skills. 

~*~ Laura ~*~

Winter Night Punch Needle pattern for sale

I just finished creating the pattern for this Santa punch needle ~ called Winter Night. I'm offering it for sale here on my blog for $8.00 with free shipping to the US. The pattern includes a color photo, floss suggestions, and full size paper pattern . You supply the weavers cloth and floss. It's not too early to start on next year's projects!

Santa arrived!

St. Nicholas has arrived! Kind of. Last night I finished my punch needle Santa, so it' like he arrived ~ just in time for New Years. I re-punched the sky using a Valdani floss in black/grey. It could also be done with some DMC floss. I'm going to have to create the pattern/instructions, then the pattern will be for sale. I'll also need to get a better photo of the finished piece. Seems like the snow is getting a washed out look, but it does have sections of silver and white. I think I'll go out an take more photos, and avoid cleaning my house.  :)

Happy New Year!!

~*~ Laura ~*~