'Tis DesignWorks Originals...

2012-01-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello...
It is cold here...we have been in a deep freeze for almost a week now, and honestly, if it weren't for the sun, it would be depressing. But there is moderation coming. Over the weekend it is supposed to climb to a "balmy" +1C! I'll take it!!
I have decided I am in love with milk glass. I have had vases over the years...but have never kept them. So, over the past few weeks, I have noticed several pieces on Etsy. And so I am going to collect a few...only about 6...but I want a compote style and each one a little different. I have acquired my first piece from "Sweet Magnolias Farm"
I just love it! I also purchased a most unique piece of jewelry from Sara. They have a wonderful Etsy shop full of treasures.

Do you collect milk glass?
Enjoy your day!

2012-01-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

Hello...
A new year, new goals and plans. As we begin 2012, I have decided to change a few things in my life...
My mother's death a year ago has reminded me that our time here on earth is short...and that living each day in a positive, meaningful way is so important. And so, I am going forward with several projects that will keep me busy throughout the coming year.
The first project that I am in the process of tackling is my website...I have made several changes. It will be more user friendly, and I have decided to join an ever-growing group of us who just LOVE Pinterest!
I have just started my journey there...you can find the link on the right sidebar. I can't wait to get into it in a much bigger way. I could spend many hours drooling over the gorgeous pictures!

You will also notice the "Pages" button and the "Culinary Canvas" button on the left sidebar. The Culinary Canvas button goes to the previously named...Foodie-Nature Place. I have changed the look a bit..and will be starting in on a series of new recipes for 2012 soon.
The "Pages" button leads to the newest way of having less on my main website! The button will take you to an index page. Each button there leads to another page...I love the simplicity. I hope you will visit and enjoy.
The second project I am sharing today is a quilt I want to finish this week. It was supposed to be completed before Christmas, but it got a little busy around here and so I had to delay putting the binding on until now. This was the first quilt I made using my new sewing machine.

My new Bernina 830LE

Creating a sample to see how the machine embroiders


Christmas Quilt 2011


Sewing away to finish the embroidery


Just need to add the binding!

It isn't perfect...this is the first time I have machine embroidered, although the machine did all the work! And it is the first time I have machine quilted...don't judge me! I have always hand-quilted and love doing it...but when you can get a quilt done in half the time...who knew?! I am still a traditional quilter, but I do enjoy the quicker method...a definite learning curve for me. There is a bit of a crease in the center because I have had the quilt folded for a few weeks...but over the next couple of days, I hope I can get the binding completed and move on to another quilt!

Have a happy weekend!
Nancy

2011-12-05T22:29:00.001-08:00

Hello...
I can't stay long...just long enough to say that I have missed posting, but hope to be back at it in a few days! Hope you are all enjoying your week...

I created this little assemblage of china...My favorite mug, the blue Victorian on the bottom, got a chip in it and I couldn't use it and so I re-purposed it along with a few other little finds. I added a very old button and ribbon and voila!

See you all soon!
Nancy

2011-10-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Wow! I think it's about time I posted again!
These last few months have just been a whirlwind of activity...all good and productive.
We took a trip to Chicago in August...and we were in love! Chicago is such an interesting place...full of beautiful architecture, friendly people and of course, my favorite, the water. I like to have vacations that include a vista of water. The day we visited said body of water...Lake Michigan, the weather wasn't so great...but we enjoyed our time on the beach.
Our reason for visiting Chicago was "Bernina". If you sew, you know that "Bernina" makes sewing machines. This year, I replaced my 24 year old Bernina with a new one...the Bernina 830 Limited Edition. When I first got it home, I didn't know what to do! My old machine did not have a computer screen...and I was almost afraid to touch this new one. And so, I was invited to a retreat to learn all about the machine, what it could do and the new embroidery module that came with it. I can't tell you how much fun it was! There were 60+ of us taking the classes. We were up early and sewing for two days. We made 3 different projects...all for my eyes only. Okay, I know you want to see...but really, they aren't too pretty...they were test projects. I'll show you a project I am working on in another post.
In addition to updating the machine, I had to update the furniture in my little studio. And that meant getting rid of MORE stuff. I wasn't sure I would like this new arrangement, but it has grown on me. I like the room now...less stuff everywhere and clean spaces to work. Here are a few pics of our trip and the new machine and desk/craft tables.

I'm off to teach in Toronto...

Enjoy your week!
Nancy

The Garage/Basement Reveal...

2011-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I can at long last say that I now have the garage of my dreams. Who dreams about a garage?! It is free of clutter...a definite upgrade. I would highly recommend Ultimate Garage...they are pricey, but efficient...ours came together in two days...and they sell a high quality product that will last a very long time. The result is a workable room, which can be a garage. I haven't pulled my vehicle in yet. I don't want to mess up the floor! I might change my mind in the dead of winter!

The Reveal...

New Doors...

Starting to Install...

Oooo...Look at all that new space!

A New Workspace...

Lots of room for storage...

Tuff Shield Floor...Snaps together like Lego!

Slat Walls and Hooks...so handy!

Great wire baskets (4) on another slat wall

My new Work Station

The Work Station with light!

The Costco cupboard! And extra hooks...

The New Cupboards! And my "Porsche"!

The Right Side (The Costco Cupboard)

And one last picture for today...I started this project because of a light bulb.

The new Light Bulb!

I wish I could show you inside each cupboard...but I think you get the idea that there is lots of space..and we got rid of everything we absolutely would not use. We didn't take the time to go through every little thing before the install...we (I) did it after, which is why I am just posting now! The money and time spent on this was definitely worth it. There will be another picture or two standing at the garage door looking in...but I still have two doors to paint....soon!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

Summer Renos Are Finally Done!

2011-09-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...

I didn't expect to be away so long...but it has been a very busy summer. I hope the weather is nice for the fall season. It will allow us to work on the fall renos...yes, I said more renos! New floors and stairs...Before all of that I want to post a few pics of the summer renos. The garage/basement was the first project...and so here are a few pics of the before, during and after. I cannot tell you nice it is to go down there now and not see stuff! There is even space between things in the cupboards! What a concept!!

The dream started with this light bulb...the only light in the garage for 19 years!

Remember this? We painted the floor, everything was tidy and on shelves. There is shelving on the left side full of tools, paint etc. too! The green unit shown had to be dismantled and tossed. It couldn't really be salvaged.

Shelves had to emptied. Fortunately, we had friends who wanted them. One of our friends had never had proper shelving and they were on cloud 9 when we delivered them!

After everything was removed, the next step was to paint. The walls were going to be a lighter gray and the ceiling a creamy white. When the garage was finished, baseboards were added all around.

We are now ready for the during...

The Driveway!


The weather co-operated...

The truck has arrived!

Such a tease! I will show you the reveal tomorrow!
Have a great day!
Nancy

In Chicago

2011-08-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...
It has been a crazy, busy summer so far...
I am currently visiting the city of Chicago. Enjoying a retreat with the wonderful folks from Bernina (sewing machines) USA. Intense workshops start tomorrow.

Be back to post about "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" soon.
Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

My Newest Shoppe...

2011-07-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:
THE ONLINE SHOW IS NOW CLOSED!
I am going to rearrange things in the shoppe and get ready to add new bears.
The shoppe will remain open...and so if you are interested in a bear...please email me.

Hello Everyone...
I have just opened my newest shoppe. I am taking part in the Teddies Worldwide Online Show this weekend. It is going to be a great show with lots of bears to see. I hope you can stop by and visit. You can see the show here: Teddies Worldwide
You can also see my new shoppe here: http://tisdesignworksbearshoppe.blogspot.com

Wishing you all a happy weekend!
Nancy

Up To My Mohair...!!

2011-07-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
This week is shaping up to be a basement and bear week! The basement is really the garage that we are going to start painting in a couple of days...
The "bear" part is getting ready for the online bear show this coming weekend. I am cutting out, antiquing, and putting together the sweetest group of bears. I haven't made bears for quite a while and so this has been a fun process. Go to Nancy's Shoppe for further details.


Sneak Peak!

We spent Sunday down at the Calgary Stampede. I was asked to be a Judge again this year...we do all of the judging before the start of the Stampede. It was a lot of fun...and we were excited to see a higher quality of work. I will just give you a taste of the Stampede for 2011.


This is "Sir" Llama! He was definitely the boss!

Little Zoe...so cute!

Beautiful Quilts

The Back of an amazing Cake!


The winner of the Drawings/Painting section...Just amazing work!

A gorgeous Lace Shawl...


This Singer is over 100 years old!

And finally, today was my grandson's 8th birthday. He loves inline skating and so we decided to get him his very own, along with the wrist, elbow and knee pads. He does have a helmet, but it was at home. This pic was taken yesterday at our house.

Matthew...Trying out the new Inline Skates

Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Nancy

July Already...??

2011-07-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I have to confess...I have missed sharing with you these past few weeks. I have so much to tell you, and as of right now, I can't get to the room to post pics...I will have access again in a couple of days.
The renos are coming along...the garage is first. The reveal will be on July 26th. I know, almost a month away, but we have been getting rid of, sorting, giving away...and next week, painting. June just flew by...and now, we are beginning to see some progress. After the garage, the upstairs begins, new floors, new kitchen cupboards/counter top and maybe a bathroom before Christmas...we will see.
The weather has been lovely and warm and so we have been able to accomplish a lot.

On another note, I will be participating in the Teddies Worldwide Live Show beginning July 15th. I will post more info in a day or so. Am I crazy??? I'm making bears in the middle of all this??!!

Better run for now.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Nancy

Welcoming June...

2011-06-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I am so happy to be posting in June. I love this month...everything here is blooming. The trees are so pretty with new leaves and the flowers are fresh and pretty. At the end of April, my grandson Matt, brought a small, delicate little white spruce tree here from school. He wanted to make sure it was well looked after...and so he helped me put it into a pot, watered it and placed it in the kitchen. He even adjusted the shutters to make sure it got lots of light...it was really quite cute. Matthew named his little tree "Albert". Since then, "Nana" aka: me, has had it out in the sun, watered it and have been making sure it stays healthy. It will have to stay in the pot for a year or so before we plant it. Judging by the way it has responded, I would say "Albert" is going to be a wonderful little tree!

I also went around the garden and took a few pics...I haven't gone down to the rock garden yet...I will in a few days. We have had a nice amount of rain and so everything looks lovely right now.


Hopefully a few Raspberries

A Vintage Flower

My Mother's Favorite Color and Flower ~ A Ruffled Pansy

A New Shrub ~ Cranberry Cotton Easter

I have many new adventures to look forward to this spring and summer...We (or rather,) I will be embarking on a few home renovation projects...the first one is coming up soon. I will post as I go. It is going to be fun and crazy for awhile.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Nancy

A Little Sweater...

2011-05-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Our weather is finally cooperating, I have my garden in and out of pots planted and am now ready to enjoy the fruits of my labor! I hope literally. I bought another Tomato plant and hopefully I will have tomatoes all summer. We had such a puny little crop last year...we'll see.
I have a wonderful sister-in-law who lives a province away from us...and who generally gets all things crocheted. But when I called her one day a couple of weeks ago, she was pretty frustrated with this pattern for a little sweater.

I used to crochet a lot many years ago and so I told her to send me the pattern and I would see what I could do. I didn't seem to struggle with it...but it was a strange pattern and this was her first sweater.

In the end, I added and changed and it worked...I sent it to her this past week and she was thrilled not to have to continue to struggle with the pattern. I admired her bravery! I'm not sure I would have had the patience to keep trying...

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!
Nancy

A New Doll...

2011-05-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Just a quick update...My newest doll is now in the shoppe. I love how she turned out...so vintage(y) and prim. She didn't start out being an angel...but I was thinking of my mother and how this would be the first Mother's Day without her...and so I had to give my doll, Sadie, wings!
You can see all of the details here: http://nancysblogshoppe.blogspot.com

I also want to remind you about the Giveaway over at the Shoppe...The draw date is Sunday, May 15th. And make sure to see Daryle Cook's latest piece there too!

Wishing you all a lovely Mother's Day weekend!
Nancy

The Shoppe Is Open...

2011-05-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Just a short post to let you know that my Shoppe is now Open! We will be open with new guest artists each month from now until December 1st. You won't want to miss one month!

My first guest is the very talented folk artist, DARYLE COOK
I am thrilled he could join me for the Grand Re-Opening 2011!
Click Here to see Daryle's Angel...

A giveaway will be in the shoppe on Tuesday, May 3rd. Please join me then, won't you?

Enjoy your week!
Nancy

A New Adventure...

2011-04-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I haven't been very diligent over at my food blog...but today, I uploaded two recipes that are simple and yummy. You can find them here
I also wanted to let you know that my main blog...'Tis DesignWorks Originals...is now a .com! The new address is: www.tisdesignworksoriginals.com
For those of you who are following, please change it to the correct address. MyFood blog and blog Shoppe are not affected...yet. It will be several months before the plans I have are implemented, but when they are...it will be easier and much less complicated to navigate your way through my little world here on the "net". I will keep you posted!
It is almost here...the grand re-opening of my Blog Shoppe. On Sunday, a new season at the shoppe will begin and promises to be filled with amazing artists' work, my work and giveaways. I hope you will join me on Sunday. Here is the link: http://nancysblogshoppe.blogspot.com

I will leave you with a daffodil...I took several shots of the lovely spring bouquet my husband surprised me with this weekend. The arrangement included tulips (a picture of one of them is on my food blog), daffodils, daisies, lilies and more...I love flowers, don't you?

Enjoy your day!
Nancy

Enjoying My Work...

2011-04-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
It is shaping up to be a busy week around here. Matt, our grandson was here yesterday; my husband was out early this morning getting another round of allergy shots for the trees, mold, flowers, weeds etc...I can't imagine when we are even going to see weeds under the snow we have...!%&#??
I seem to be working on several projects...not the least of which is gearing up for the grand re-opening of my Blog Shoppe. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have such a special talent joining me on May 1st!! I'll give you a sneak peek in a few days...you won't want to miss it!

In the meantime, I thought I would share a photo of the Proddy Pillow I am making...the flowers were inspired by Gene Shepherd's book on Proddy...which is a 3-Dimensional form of rug hooking. I have a few other types of flowers I want to cultivate on my own over the next couple of months...but this project is allowing me to play with the technique and work on my own methods.

The next picture is a doll that is going to be available in my shoppe very soon...she is a little different and very sweet.

I hope you are enjoying your day...

Nancy

Spring Really Is Here Isn't It??...

2011-04-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I wanted to post pictures of cute little buds forming on my bushes and maybe a patch of green grass... I cannot bring myself to letting everyone see one more snow picture...yes, it is snowing!! We have had at least 12 cm and are expecting another 10cm...for a grand total of approx. 10 inches!!
Instead I will post pics of things that have kept me busy over the past couple of weeks.

The Woodpecker would NOT turn his head for the longest time...it took over 10 minutes. I guess he wanted to show off his pretty red band!

I decided I needed to do a little fabric shopping. It's always nice to add a few new pieces to the stash! Got a little wool too...love it!

Then, I got a little carried away with my desire to build something. I made 2 "Proddy" sticks. Wind a strip of wool around the wood and then cut in the middle for short, manageable pieces.

This picture shows off my ability with a drill...generally, I'm not bad...but this was a little crazy. I was doing this free hand...and well, it wasn't working until I took the whole thing downstairs and secured the wood. The following picture is the finished frame...This is a Proddy Frame.

A close-up of the handmade markers for size of opening. They are a little long..I may take a bit off the bottom. I am going to use the knob ends as legs while working on a table.

The picture below is my idea of a little roll of Jute Webbing! It is actually 72 feet...I nail a small amount to each horizontal piece of wood. My rug material is then attached to the webbing. This allows you to roll the rug into a manageable size to hook or do proddy work. I'm going to have to make a lot of rugs!!

And lastly...I wasn't going to do snow pics...but this is spring in Alberta! The first pic is hubby's foot prints...look at how deep!! I can't repeat what he said going out to his car...The last picture was taken this morning looking out of my studio window...

Have a happy day!
Nancy

March Madness...

2011-03-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
And no, I am really not a big basketball fan. A lot of other sports though...
I have been a busy bee lately. The weather is finally getting nicer...although in Alberta, we can get snow into May. I hope we are spared this year.
The wreath is finished and at the editors house...she hasn't seen it yet. She is in Montreal for a few days.
I want to show you the whole piece...but I really can't. And so, I will show you a large chunk...how's that?

The background color looks a little gray in the photo...it is actually a med-light green. The editor likes to use a color palette in each issue...the colors for this year's Festive Issue are from the '50's. The second picture is actually to show depth...it is hard to see when you look straight on in a photograph.
I am currently working on samples for classes I am teaching in the fall at the CreativFestival in Toronto. I will share those next week. I am also working on a couple of dolls...one for Doll Town and one for another magazine. I'll share those too, soon.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!
Nancy

Keeping Warm...

2011-02-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone...
I guess I can say the same thing again this month...Where did February go??
It has been like grand central station around here this month! And it has been a very cold month. The night time temps are in the -20'sC range. It doesn't look like we are going to begin to feel warmth until the middle of March. I don't usually say this...but I am pretty sick of winter right about now!!
Back to the "busy" part...we have had our grandson a lot this month...sleepovers, days off school and our trip to Lake Louise. We had a lot of fun..and in the mountains, the sun was shining and temps were warmer than here in the city,
I have also been busy with a couple of projects...the first one is for the Festive Issue 2011 of "A Needle Pulling Thread" magazine. The owner/publisher wanted a hooked wreath. And she has been doing a color theme for each issue...this issue is a 1950's theme. It is hard to get the colors to looks as nice on the screen as they do in person...but you get the idea..

I colored a bit to give me an idea...but the finished piece is looking a lot nicer than my color ideas above. When you design...it is a good idea to put a little color to it if you can...even if the colors don't always end up as they show. It helps with flow, depth perception, etc...
This piece is taking a while because the cuts of wool are small...I am using a #3 cut and a #4 cut. I'll share a corner when it is finished this week.

I am also embarking on a new adventure with dolls. I have made the decision to join Doll Town. It is an exciting new marketplace for doll lovers. The site is full of eye candy! The Grand Opening is Sunday evening, February 27th at 7pm EST.
I hope you will visit the site and view some of the over 100 doll artists.

You will find the link on the right side bar just below my teaching schedule. See you there!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Nancy

Where Did January Go??...

2011-02-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone...
I know for some of you, spring can't come soon enough. I could say the same thing, but here in Calgary, we do get a reprieve with Chinooks in the winter. Chinooks are warm westerly winds that blow in every few weeks and warm our temps significantly. This past week, we have enjoyed a few days well above freezing...and it feels so good!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all so much for your kindness and support during this difficult time in our family. Your words were truly heart-warming and appreciated. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends.
I can hardly believe it has already been 3 weeks since my mother's passing. I have spent my days thinking of her fondly and remembering. I brought back a beautiful original photo of her when she was a model and a photograph taken by my father that was a favorite of his. I will cherish them always. My mother didn't sew or collect things in vast quantities. She loved dishes though...and I am happy to have a few of her most treasured ones. Dad still has a few more...but they can wait for awhile.

I am just starting to get back at it a bit...I have been cleaning and getting rid of more "STUFF". I am wanting to have a home that is comfortable and cozy, but not cluttered.

The picture below is of my Dad and his little 2 year old Scottish Terrier, Duffy. We grew up with Scotties and at the age of 88, Dad decided it was time for another. This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago while I was there. Dad is now 90, but he can out walk me...and probably the dog! Dad looks a little grumpy, but Duffy was not wanting to sit up...and so a little frustration was setting in!!

I love taking photographs of the sky in an airplane. This shot was taken on my way home from Ontario 2 weeks ago. I wasn't sitting on the right side of the plane take the actual sunset...but I still find it to be a peaceful photograph. You can click the picks to enlarge...

Hope you are enjoying your day!

Nancy

I Will Miss You...

2011-01-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone...
As many of you know...this blog is generally not about my very personal life. I try to keep things fun and light.
Today is different. Today is a day of reflection...and memories. Wonderful, happy memories...
My mother passed away on Wednesday night....
I haven't asked the official time...it could have been just after midnight Thursday morning. Mom and Dad live in the East and so there is a 2 hour time difference. My sister was in her room, I was on the phone...we were so fortunate to be able to say our goodbyes. We were sad, but happy for her...Mom had alzheimer's for 14 years. My dear father looked after her at home for 12 of those years. The last 2 were spent in a nursing home. She lived to be 91 years old. Our family was blessed to have her that long, although the last few years were difficult ones. The pain for her is gone. She is now in God's hands...
The first picture of her is one that I have always loved...Mom was a J R Powers model years ago...and she kept her petite figure her whole life. The last time I saw her, this past October, she had a purple (her favorite color) afghan over her. She looked at me and then looked at the blanket and said: "Do you think it's too wide??" I laugh when I think of that moment...because she was always so particular.

The second picture was taken at my sister's wedding. It is one of the nicest pictures of the two of them. It was taken 25 years ago...and even though she lived as long as she did, her face was hardly wrinkled. And Dad, at age 90 now, doesn't look like he has aged much either. They had good DNA!!

They were married for 61 years. They were born on the same day a year apart...Mom and Dad truly loved each other. Dad is very sad...but is at peace knowing that he did everything he could for her.
I will miss you Mom.
All my love,
Your daughter, Nancy

A Fresh New Start...

2011-01-08T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone...
First of all, I wish to thank-you for your lovely comments from the previous post. I appreciate each of you stopping by. I also want to welcome new followers and old to my blogs. I hope you enjoy your visits.

I am looking forward to a fresh start this year...and so far, it looks promising. I am already ripping a hallway apart. Haven't taken photos yet...but will start once I pick the paint color and wall paper. Oh, and the wainscoting for the lower third of the walls. It isn't a very big space...but I want it to be fresh and pretty. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, here are a few photos for you to enjoy...Click the images to enlarge.
The first one below is our fireplace on Christmas Eve...It was so nice to have our fireplace working again. Matthew, our grandson, kind of forgot about his stocking for a time...it stayed on the chair for hours untouched. He was too busy with the new Lego!

The roses above were a treat to me. I saw them when I was grocery shopping prior to Christmas and I just couldn't resist. A close-up of one of the roses is in the new header above.

The carnations were among the roses bouquet and are all that is left now. I have the roses drying so that I can use them in future projects.

This last photo is a little hazy...but that is because I took it from the inside of a gondola last February. Can you guess where it is?? Okay, I will tell you that it is Lake Louise in the winter. The Chateau Lake Louise looks like it is sitting on the lake...Off to the far right, you can see people walking on a path. The horse-drawn carriages go out on the path too. And each winter, they take away some of the snow in front of the Chateau so that families can skate. We were on one of the carriages a few years ago...It was right out of a post-card. I'll try and dig up the photos to show you. We are headed to Lake Louise to ski again this February...Matthew is determined to get down the big hill this year!
If you have never been to the mountains...and are visiting Canada, you must go to Lake Louise. It is beautiful in the summer and the winter.

Have a happy day!
Nancy

Christmas Throughout The House...

2010-12-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone...
December has been a chaotic month around here...as it is in many households at this time of the year. We have had family happenings, a garage furnace that is gone now...and is being replaced. (This is a story of its' own)!!
Matthew, our grandson was a tall drummer in the African Drumming Concert at the school. He was so excited...he was waving a lot! Although, when I looked at the pictures, he was either concentrating very hard or he was having a bad day. I want to believe he was concentrating!
I had a wonderful friend, who is an author of children's books here for lunch.We also had a lovely little dinner party...and despite the work, it was a much needed stress reliever. So, it has been a little crazy here lately.

The tree has been up since mid-November...and the rest of the decorating was done over the next few weeks. I decided to keep things a little simpler this year. I only unpacked about 1/2 of the Christmas decorations I usually do...I am actually liking the simplicity. I thought I would share a few photos of the living room...where we will be celebrating with our family on Christmas Eve. The pics go around the room to the left beginning at the mantle. Click the images to enlarge...

The grouping of trees below, are some of the 60+ trees I have in varying sizes and shapes. I decided not to put them all out this year...it is a lot of work. Some need lights...this chicky didn't feel like it!

The trees above are glass trees made of recycled glass from shattered bus shelters.

My dear friend Norma makes them...I just love them!

I want to thank-you all for visiting my blog...I so enjoy reading your comments.
I wish you much peace and happiness during this Christmas and holiday season.
Nancy

It Is Soooo.... Cold!

2010-11-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone...
The past two weeks have been bitterly cold and snowy here in Calgary. In fact, this morning, Springbank...which is about 5 minutes away from us out in the country registered a windchill of -49C which is -56F. It is bone-chilling! This was the 2nd coldest spot on earth...the 1st being the South Pole!! We are supposed to warm up to +1C...33.5F in a couple of days...that will feel like summer!
The first two pics are of the back and front trees...these were taken from inside last week...we got a lot more snow after these pics were taken...

This pic was taken randomly out of my bedroom window...doesn't it kind
of look like a baby polar bear sleeping on a branch...not likely...but it was fun
to capture the shot.

Have a great day!
Nancy

Early November...

2010-11-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
We are back from a much needed holiday...And we haven't stopped since!
I won't bore you with a lot of holiday pictures...but I did want to share a few. We were in Toronto, Ontario for a couple of days. I was there for the magazine "A Needle Pulling Thread". It was so nice to meet some of the other designers, as well as the customers who buy the issues. I am truly honored to be a part of such a wonderful publication.

The big city...The view on a slant from our hotel room...

Night views from our hotel room...In the photo above, the restaurant where we enjoyed our meals is pictured at the bottom left corner...the food was soooo good. The breakfasts were amazing!

The four photos above are where we spent the remainder of our time. We stayed in a little cottage on the lake in Southern Ontario...called Pigeon Bay Cottages
The Loft Cottage that we had was filled with antiques and quirky little do-da's. It was very windy for a day or so..but the pumpkin on the picnic table never moved...which was a good thing. The area just south of the cottage was ravaged by a tornado earlier in the year. Beautiful trees that had stood for over 100 years...gone!
We had a lovely stay..so quiet and relaxing. Just what we both needed!

Well, I had better be off for today...Lots of Christmas work to do! I will share a few more pics early next week. Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

Getting Ready...

2010-10-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
We are less than two weeks away from Halloween! I have finished the last of the Fall Buttons and am now working on Christmas buttons, a new little Santa and more...

I am heading to Toronto in a couple of days to do some demo work as the guest of a magazine...I am thrilled to have the opportunity and to spend a few days with family. I will be giving my computer a rest for a few days but will be back later next week.
Be sure to stop by my Blog Shoppe and get in on the Giveaways. There will be two winners! The draw will be on October 31st...Halloween Sunday.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

October Happenings...

2010-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone..
We are well into fall now...and October is a busy month around here this year. We celebrated our Canadian Thanksgiving here this weekend. The weather, unlike last year, was beautiful and warm. We had our family dinner on Sunday which included BBQ'd chicken breasts. My sons did the grilling, I did the sides and my loving hubby played with (since 9:30 am) our grandson. I tell ya..that little Matthew, who isn't so little anymore, keeps us going. He is just a bundle of energy and goes until WE drop!! It was a wonderful day! Hope all of my Canadian friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving...
So now, I have to get busy and sew, sculpt and sew some more! I am finishing a doll for the spring edition of a magazine, and getting ready for the Open House for Handmade Art Fair....see the sidebar for the Open House.
I thought you might like to see a little of what I have been up to lately. The Christmas cones were a kit that I made up for the show. I also had a stocking. Even though the show in September wasn't great...these did very well for me. They aren't very big and everything was provided...I didn't include my own personal "bling" which is shown on these...
I have a few new ones I will be sharing with you soon...

The little Witch and Halloween Cone are on their way to a sweet
and very patient swap partner in Tennessee.

The buttons are a few of a set of twelve I did for the August giveaway in my blog shoppe. I am so happy Sue loved them...I had such fun making them. Christmas and Spring Buttons will be coming soon...

And lastly, I having been working on a prototype...and now the doll for a magazine. I will show you the finished doll later in the week...
I have a few finishing touches left to do.

I hope you have a wonderful week.
A Giveaway announcement is coming this Saturday ~ late afternoon...so check back then!
Nancy

What I Have Been Up To...

2010-09-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Another month is almost gone..and I seem to have been gone a lot from blogging lately too! I think I can finally say that I feel like I am getting back to normal. August and most of September were creative write-offs...but my usually happy spirit is back and I am having fun working at my desk once again!
Let's see...this past week, I was busy getting ready for a two day show. The show was this past weekend...and it wasn't very good for any of the exhibitors. The weather was beautiful and so the show was lacking people, the economy is still affecting spending and the show generally needs a face lift. I have done it for 6 years...and not much has changed. Cheaper booth prices and new blood would help in rejuvenating the atmosphere. We'll see how it goes for next year...

Okay, so that wasn't so positive...but seeing familiar faces, selling a little, and having a booth behind me that I absolutely adore and a booth in front of me that was filled with the most wonderful quilting fabrics made the weekend enjoyable. The girls behind me have just written a beautiful Christmas book for "The Patchwork Place". How could I not buy the book and have it autographed, especially with that title!! They had a lot of the finished pieces at the show and they were so lovely...

I also picked up the greatest whimsical tree pattern. It is actually from an Australian quilter and I just love it! I can hardly wait to do this tree...The girls behind me at the show had it done up with a red background...caught my eye immediately! Here is a pic...

I usually always teach classes when I do shows...and this year I decided to do two projects. The first one is my version of a Prize Ribbon Wreath. It didn't take too long to complete and the result is a very dainty wreath to hang inside for the holidays. The inside paper was created in photoshop using 3 different pics..it was fun to see it come together.

And the last pics for this post are of a Shabby Chic Mannequin Sampler...I have always loved the dress form and I wanted the second class to be fun...and so I used wire, old paper patterns and more to create this piece. When I started doing the wire...I thought this was going to be a bit tricky for a class...but the girls in the class were great! Each one was different and sweet. Here are a couple of pics of how it came together...
I am going to do a second one, but will leave the wire exposed...

This last pic isn't quite as clear...but you get the idea. I also painted the sides all around with alternate black squares. I hope you enjoyed this little show and tell...I have lots more to show you...but I will wait until Monday. I have to finish a couple of things over the weekend.

Have a happy weekend!
Nancy

A Crazy Month...

2010-09-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
My sincerest apologies for not being here. There have been several reasons...and not all good. We had to deal with very upsetting family matters for the first couple of weeks and now I am finishing up final details for a two-day show this weekend. I will post again in a couple of days and show you what I have been up to creatively.
And coming to the Shoppe in October...a very special surprise guest artist!

See you in a couple of days..
Hugs, Nancy

Fall Issue...

2010-08-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I can hardly believe that September is almost here! Summer seemed to just fly by this year..
You know that when fall arrives, so do all of the wonderful Fall and Halloween Magazines that everyone waits to see. This fall, I am honored to be in "A Needle Pulling Thread" magazine. I wrote an article on my little studio makeover...Lots of pics in this one. I tried to keep a sense of humor while writing...if you have a non-artistic hubby, you will understand!

I also wanted to mention that I have a new item in my shoppe for sale...as well as Giveaway info.
I will be away from my computer for a couple of days..a dear friend has invited me to her little hideaway to craft and gab...I'll be back soon...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Phase 2...

2010-08-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
August is already half over...we are having a lovely week of sunny weather here...hope it lasts a while. Our summer has seemed so cool and wet. Nice to finally know that my little tiny tomatoes might actually amount to something before the frost!

Today, I was fitted with a new brace...this one will give me more range of motion. It will be adjusted by degrees every couple of weeks...it is big...but today, hubby and I were able to go for a very short walk. It was nice to just be outdoors. Here is a pic of the new contraption!

On a more fun note...
Have you seen this magazine?

The people who bring you "Victoria" have a beautiful new magazine called "Victoria Classics ~ Rooms of Bliss" It is just so dreamy and lovely...the pictures are gorgeous...here are just a couple of samples of what is inside...pure bliss to see!

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Eight To Ten Weeks...

2010-08-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Wow! The summer is going fast...we are having nice warm days after a pretty cool July. We were planning a little holiday in a couple of weeks...but that isn't going to happen now. Instead I am hobbling around from room to room on crutches! I slipped down a couple of stairs, my leg went straight out and then I bent it back....I could feel the heat and hear the "crunch". I knew it wasn't good. Fortunately, my hubby was just leaving for work and so off to the hospital we went...I didn't break any bones, but after an ultra sound, it was clear that I had torn my quad tendon that attaches to the knee cap! Oh Blah!!! It is a partial tear, but bad enough that if I flex the knee it could snap...so I am in a knee splint for 6 weeks...and then another 2-4 weeks working on flexing. Not sure if I will need surgery yet..going back next week for another look. I will have an MRI in a month or so to see how things are progressing...sooner if necessary.
So, no holiday for now...but I should be able to get some artwork done...I can't drive, so I am here...creating.

The Splint...

The Splint with Crutches...Blah!!

I will be updating the shoppe at the beginning of the week...
Have a wonderful day!
Nancy

Knitting For Fall...

2010-07-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
I know it is very hot and has been for weeks in some places...but it has been very comfortable here in Calgary. We have had our fair share of volatile weather..although not so much in Calgary, but in the surrounding areas. Hopefully, we will have a more stable August. July has just flown by...can't believe the long weekend is here and summer is half over!
I must have been thinking of all of the Fall creations that are out there now when I started my latest project. I wanted to do something different for my shoppe for August...something fun and definitely Fall/Halloween. I have been knitting this past week...I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed it....haven't picked up knitting needles for awhile. The wools I am using are so soft to the touch and the colors are gorgeous. They are hand dyed and pricey ($16.95/220yd hank)...but definitely worth the money.

Love the oranges and browns together...

Can you guess what this is?? You will have to wait until next week...

It will be the August piece in my shoppe.

A very special guest is joining me on August 1st...And there could be another

giveaway soon...Stay tuned!

See you on Sunday!

Nancy

Summer Exhibition...

2010-07-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Every year we host the Calgary Stampede here in Calgary, Alberta. If you like your food fried and on a stick...this is the place to be for 10 days in July! The Western Art Show and Auction is one of the largest in North America...the art and photography is stunning. Another side of the Art Show is the Western Showcase. This is where all forms of needlework, fiber art, beading etc. compete for ribbons and prize money. I took a few pics of the quilts and rug hooking while I was there this past week...the quilts were up high and so not so easy to photograph...and the rest behind glass with a bit of reflection.
The first three pics are rug hooking...the sample pic below looks like it will be really nice when finished.

This gorgeous quilt above was the winner for the quilting section. Isn't it pretty?!

This quilt is the Baltimore Halloween Quilt Sampler...it won 2nd in the quilting section. I personally like the original sampler found here: http://www.p3designs.com

And finally, the Stampede just wouldn't be the Stampede without the hundreds of horses on the grounds every day. This beauty was such a nice horse...loved having his nose rubbed...he looks a little sad here...but he was a sweetie.

Hope you have a wonderful week...Don't forget to visit my blog shoppe to see the newest arrivals for July. I am having a Giveaway announcement on Tuesday.
Nancy

I Can't Believe What I Am Making...

2010-07-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Be sure to visit my blog shoppe to see Clue #3! Can you guess who the Surprise Artist is?
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far...I know it has been really hot in some parts and that is probably an understatement!! It has been very pleasant here...although it would be nice to have it just a tiny (very tiny) bit warmer...I can't handle the 90 degree heat!
I wanted to share a little of what I have been up to...As the title of the post says...I can't believe I am making Halloween and Christmas items already! Okay, so I know a few of you jumped on the bandwagon a month ago! Just a tad slow here...
My latest piece can be seen in my blog shoppe here: http://nancysblogshoppe.blogspot.com
Her name is Abigail and has a lot of detail...I love how she turned out. My special guest artist will be arriving on July 15th...The artist has asked me to give clues as to who it might be...there are two clues in the shoppe already and another is coming this week! I am also having a Giveaway again this month! Here is a sneak peek of my new witch...

I know, I know...what a meany! Visit the shoppe to see more pics...
Hope you have a great day!
Nancy

Summer Wheels...

2010-06-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone
Summer is here! We have lovely weather and next week is gong to be just as nice...maybe even a little warmer. I have been spending a lot of time outside. Love having breakfast on the desk under the umbrella. I really enjoy watching the birds chatter away and squawk over who's getting the food first!
I decided this year that I should do more walking...we spend so much time indoors here. Getting out on foot makes me feel better mentally and physically. Another great way to spend a hour or two is driving around on wheels...and not just any wheels...but these!! Don't you just love it?!...The Classic Cruiser!

The basket comes off in case I decide I should take it to a store...not likely...at least not yet. First of all, I have to buy a lock for it, and secondly, do you know how long it has been since I have been on a bicycle?? There are lots of hills where I live and so I need to take it to flatter ground just to get used to the thing...I can hear my 7 year old grandson saying: "C'mon Nana!...as he speeds by me.

I also bought the helmet...not the prettiest looking hat! Hopefully, I won't fall...but at least some of my crazy head will be protected!

Hope you are enjoying the week!
Nancy

My First Giveaway Winner...

2010-06-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Just popping in to let you know that DOREEN has won my giveaway over at Nancy's Blog Shoppe!
I want to thank everyone who entered...
There will be more surprises and shoppe items for sale July 1st...so please stop by and join in the fun!

I am still tweaking things here...by Monday, I should be looking better!
See you then!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

A Little Less Messy...

2010-06-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am changing the look again..I know, I know! But I really want things to look a little less complicated. Don't get me wrong...I do like the lace I spent hours figuring out and the green, earthy look with 3 columns. But I am getting old girls (and any gentlemen that happen by). I need to make life a little simpler...and that means my blogs. I want to have more emphasis on the photos...making them a little larger; words a little bigger and easier to read. I will play around with the look I want and be back in a couple of days...see you then!

Have a great day!
Nancy

A Giveaway...

2010-06-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Want to win this sweet little canvas?? Head on over to my
Blog Shoppe for your chance to win!
She has lots of detail and was completely hand made by me...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

The Birds Are Busy...

2010-06-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...
Just a short post today...I have had a very nasty head cold this past week, lost my voice for a few days and have been just feeling kind of out of it...I am on the mend though...my voice is back and I don't feel like I have to be in bed 24/7. My blog shoppe will have a giveaway announcement sometime tomorrow...before sunset, I promise.
I got a little behind this week 'cause I just wasn't feeling up to creating much of anything but a cup of hot water, lemon and ginger.
In the meantime, I will leave you with a little chickadee I photographed late this afternoon.

Have a lovely evening,
Nancy

The Shoppe Is Now Open!

2010-06-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...
Nancy's Blog Shoppe is now open! Come and see who my surprise guest is!!
http://nancysblogshoppe.blogspot.com

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs, Nancy

Almost Ready...!

2010-05-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am almost ready to open my blog shoppe for the season. I am trying a new concept...on the 1st of each month, there will be a surprise guest artist joining me. Our work will be available for purchase during that month. I have several wonderful artists just waiting to show you their newest creations.
The shoppe will be open from June 1st, 2010 until December 31st, 2010. We will close for the winter and re-open in the spring. I hope you join me!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

A New Challenge...

2010-05-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
We are finally having some summer-like weather...we had our first meal outside yesterday! Can you believe it...the middle of May?? The nice sunshine is going to be short-lived though...it is going to get cool and possibly wet for the long weekend (we have our long weekend a week prior to the American holiday). We don't have any plans, but camping is a big deal around here...and I wouldn't want to be in the mountains when it is cold and rainy...been there, done that!!
It has been a busy May thus far...lots of cooking, baking and sewing.
On the sewing front, I decided that my fall project is going to be the "Dear Jane" quilt. I have been wanting to do this quilt for a long time...and after seeing all of the wonderful quilts at Quilt Canada last month, the bug to get back to quilting a little more has hit me. I have several miniature project books...but nothing like this! There are 225 blocks...yes, over 5000 pieces in this quilt. I decided I would get an overall background color for all of the blocks. This will be a scrappy quilt, but the background color will be consistent in every block.
I am going to hand-piece and hand quilt this project.
There are many Dear Jane quilts around the world finished or in the process...some can take years to finish their quilt. I hope this doesn't take more than a year...and it will truly be a labor of love. I plan on posting as I go along...and will give a little more history once I begin.

The mottled brownish fabric in the center is the background material (in place of muslin) for the Dear Jane blocks. I wanted the blocks to look a little more antique-like. Each block (169) will be 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches and then the triangle pieces will follow. Man, I'm tired just typing this!!

This is the book that started the craze! It is a beautiful book and will be my guide as I travel back in time to re-create this amazing quilt.

This last piece of fabric was one that I purchased when I bought the Dear Jane fabric...I thought this would make really neat background fabric for mixed media Halloween or fall projects.

I am very excited about the re-opening of my blog shoppe...a very talented surprise guest is going to join in the fun! Keep watching the "Latest News" on the top left corner of this blog for further updates!
Please visit my "Foodie" blog too! New recipes with pictures every week...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Is It Spring Yet??...

2010-05-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Here in Calgary it has been a slow grind into spring. We have had snow for the past two weeks...I can't even bring myself to post pictures of it..I want to see flowers blooming and trees of green!!
So, to help bring spring to my house, I created a new rabbit. It started back in March with this...

Then, it progressed to these..

And finally, we got to the rabbit...This is "Artfellow", a friendly rabbit all ready for spring. He is anxious to show you his latest crop of hand grown (made) cabbages and carrots.

He is available for sale over at Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Shoppe. Click the KSGP Shoppe tab at the top of the page or the KSGP banner on the side to get 'Tis The Season DesignWorks' shoppe.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

Getting Back To Creating...

2010-05-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
If you have stopped in the last two weeks, you may have noticed a slight change in the look...a little more spring/summer like around here...and I will be continuing to add, change and update.
Last week, our city hosted quilters from around the world...and what a wonderful world of quilters we have!!
The quilts on display from the National Juried Show (which unfortunately, I could not photograph), were stunning. The quality of the workmanship was amazing. I taught a workshop on Saturday...the women in my class were really wonderful. I hope they had fun...I know I thoroughly enjoyed their kindness and friendship. It had been a long week for most of them and I knew they were tired...their heads were spinning from everything they had seen and learned. Creative Conferences tend to do that to a person!! I do hope I will see them again sometime in the near future.
I was truly honoured to be teaching at such a wonderful event!
Here are a few of the small quilts from the Trend-Tex Challenge that I was able to photograph...

I will post again Thursday with my latest creation.
Have a great day,
Nancy

Changing Everything...

2010-04-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I have been a pretty bad blogger this month...I have too many irons in the fire right now and next week looks even worse..in a good way. I'll explain later...
Here is what I am hoping...that by the end of the weekend, the new look I am working on will be up and on my screen!! Baked all day today...I tell ya, it is crazy around here! Better run...it is very late and I want to get an early start tomorrow! Hang in there...I'll be back in a couple of days.

Have a great weekend!
Nancy

New Spring Look...

2010-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Hope everyone enjoyed their Easter break. I am back at it this week...busy getting ready for Quilt Canada at the end of the month, working on a piece for the Silent Auction at the Western Showcase for this year's art show at the Calgary Stampede, and really wanting to finish a spring bunny. I just updated my "Foodie" blog. I will be adding more pics this week and refreshing this blog into something a little more spring-like.

Last summer, I noticed that the squirrels had figured out how to get into one of my bird feeders...and so I thought, okay, I'll fix you...I'll put elastics over the top so that you can't get in there. Problem solved! So, I left the elastics on over the winter. About a month ago, I decided to take off the elastics. I kept an eye on the feeder...no squirrel. Great! Until one day, I just happened to look outside and this is what I saw...

I grabbed my camera, and took these shots out of the bedroom window...I thought, you cheeky little squirrel...it's not like I don't feed you!! I love seeing the squirrels and if he would be so polite and put the top back on, I wouldn't have a problem. But that isn't going to happen and so, the elastics are back on...

Have a wonderful day!
Nancy

Happy Easter!

2010-04-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Just a short post today...I will be working on my new blog all weekend. It will be much prettier over there on Monday. In the meantime, I have posted a wonderful recipe for a delicious lentil soup. You can even print it out!
Here is the link: http://myfoodienatureplace.blogspot.com
I hope everyone has a happy Easter weekend! See you on Monday!
Nancy

Spring is Almost Here...

2010-03-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Wow, it is the middle of March already! It has been a busy month here so far...finishing little touch-ups in my new studio, spending time with our grandson Matthew, doing a little photography, spring cleaning and working on a couple of necessary projects.

I decided to do a little shopping as well...I wanted something different for the mantle this year. When I found the large metal sunflower, I just had to have it...it is actually meant to be an outdoor piece, but who says you can't bring the outdoors in!

and I really needed the bunnies and the pussy willows...well not really, but they do work together on the mantle for spring don't you think?

I have had the glass vase for a very long time...I have always loved the hint of pink...the photo doesn't show it, but there is a very subtle design in the glass...

Hope you are enjoying your week. I will catch you up on my projects soon...
Nancy

The Reveal...

2010-02-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
The new studio is finally complete...I have to get at the closet..but that is another post! This room has been a true labor of love...I learned how to do a few things I hadn't thought I would ever do. I used every muscle..and had pain where I didn't think pain could exist...but I am thrilled that it has turned out as I had envisioned 6 weeks ago...
The pics are going from left to right around the room...

As you can see, I have taken the big cupboards off the wall...I lose storage, but the room opens up.

I have mounted the TV...which saves space. I lose another piece of furniture/storage...

The window wall now has wainscoting, stone tile and wainscoting on the chimney. I have decided that grouting up a wall with sand grout is not my favourite thing to do!! (Before pic of chimney after setting tile...after grout is the inset) This eliminates any further maintenance other than paint. The drapes are longer and I have mounted a second rod to accommodate the lace curtains.

The shelf/lighting was put in when I originally redid the room 7 years ago...and now with the tiling, it is going nowhere.

When you design a room like this, where the desk is in the middle of the room, you must consider your lighting...the wires goes under my chair mat and around to a power plug behind me under the desk. The cords on the floor of the window wall will be covered over the weekend. The white ribbon shelving unit was purchased at Michael's with a 40% off coupon.

My easel isn't always there...it kind of goes where I feel like painting on any given day. The closet is behind the curtain. A few years ago, I took the door off because it got in the way...this is a great way to save space.

I used to have a little collection of Eeyores...I managed to keep one in the room. They have been replaced with the glass jars which used to be on my desk.

The filing cabinets have been separated and now one is under my desk behind the chair and the other in by the chimney on wheels.

These shelving units were specifically bought for this space. The doors were added so that I don't have to spend a lot of time dusting. As you can see, they hold a lot. The pieces are attached to the wall and are only
about 61/2 inches deep. The color is the same as the desk, and all were purchased at Ikea. A lot of the glass, and the drapes in the room were also purchased there.

Hope you are still with me..
The last pic is a collage of detail used in the room for function and effect. The maple leaves were from my childhood home property before my parents sold it several years ago. (We don't have maples out here in Alberta). The pin on the lamp is vintage. The moose, well, I'm Canadian...what can I say! The bookends are very sweet and were purchased at a lovely furniture store. I have several tin cases...they are great for little things & were purchased at Lee Valley. The detail under the window...The cap on the wainscoting came down below the sill and so I used a decorative piece of wood from Home Depot...I painted it the same color as the wainscoting, then painted the leaves the same color as the sill and antiqued it. Art work was done by my little grandson. I really wanted to include family in my creative space..and he is a great little budding artist. And lastly, I decided that when I was finished this room, I was going to put fresh flowers on my desk every week or two...but then decided that would be a royal pain and so went with silk. I will change them with the seasons.

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour..and that maybe I have inspired you to think about making your creative space a happy, pretty place to work.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Nancy

The True Before Pics...

2010-02-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
I am finally ready to show you my new studio...I am going to do this in two separate posts. Here are the before pics...I had a lot of furniture in here and A LOT of STUFF on my desk...it was getting to the point where I had a 1 x 2 ft space on my desk to work...When I originally planned this room 7 years ago, the desk, TV cabinet and bookcases were purchased to fit specifically in the space. Originally, the room was carpeted...5 years ago, it was replaced with oak flooring.

And now...the before shots...these are going from left to right as you go around the room.

I painted the chimney piece to look like brick, but after I did it, I realized that brick doesn't go around corners in a solid piece! It looked okay...

The next post is the reveal!
Have a great day!
Nancy

I'm Still Here...

2010-02-18T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone..

This is a word I am using daily now...I can finally see the end. The photo is a little blurry...which matches my eyes right about now..I'm really tired. Sorry I haven't been here lately...I have been a little busy (A LOT BUSY) with this room...and a few family things. The reveal is almost here...a few more days. The last bit of painting was done this evening. In the meantime, I will tease you with photos of progress...

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

This Is What I Have Been Up To...

2010-01-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
I am sorry to have been away from you for so long...it has been a little busy around here. It all started with my husband deciding it was time to give away and/or sell most of the unopened hockey sets he has been collecting for years. He was doing a little winter cleaning...and I had been thinking about a change in my little studio...but what and how was it going to change???
Well, I came up with the brainy idea that I could move my very large (out of proportion to the room if moved) desk. Okay, then what?? We take the cupboards off the wall with all of that extra storage I seem to need. Then, we can mount the TV on the wall and get rid of another piece of valuable storage.
Now the fun part...messing up every other room upstairs with all of my STUFF...so I can paint. My poor hubby...he just gets his room done and I mess it up again.

The first 3 pics are not true before pics...they are the mess before I start on the new space. When I am finished the project in a week or so, I will post the REAL before pics...So here goes...this is what I have been doing...
The first 3 pics are the mess created when I decided to start pulling everything apart! Trying to find anything in here right now is crazy!

The walls need to be prepared for the pretty new paint...
Next, the paint colors...the big can is the wall color...it is called
Venetian Sky and is a very different color...very soft and very pretty at night.
The small lower can is called Poached Pear...and is going to be the color around the windows. The third color may not get used...I decided to do something else. Paint would have been easier though..but my new plan will give the room some character and texture.

Now we have the texture.(above)
And the character..(below)

I shall return soon with the finished room pics!
Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

An Update...

2010-01-19T10:14:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone...
In a previous post, I was celebrating the opening of a new selling market. Unfortunately, the creator decided not to continue. We were disappointed, but were given a new opportunity by the administration over at Wsoapp...(Whispered Secrets of a Primitive Past). They are in the process of becoming a bigger site and so it may take a few weeks to get everything in order...I will keep you posted.
In the meantime, I am working on spring pieces for my blog shoppe and hope to have news about other places to find me soon.
I have one more bit of fun news to share...but that will happen later in the week.

I will leave you with a picture of our amaryllis now in full bloom...the third bloom opened today.
Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

An Interesting Start to the New Year...

2010-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
I have 3 posts that I want to share...they will appear in order of importance and over a day or so...

The 1st post is one that I hope will help...We all know that times are a little tough out there...people are penny-pinching, watching where and how they spend a dollar. In Canada, we pay our taxes at the end of April, and people here in Calgary are feeling the bite of the recession.
To lighten this conversation up a little... the Canadian Quilters Association is having their National Convention here at the end of April. This is the biggest show they have ever had...and it promises to be an amazing display of talent. You can now register for day classes and/or lectures. The prices are very reasonable...there really is something for everyone! I want to encourage all of you that are interested in Quilting arts or sewing with pretty fabric to join us!
To keep this post reasonably short, I will direct you to the website...there will be another update on the site this week with a few changes. There are many wonderful classes to choose from...There will be a Gala Dinner-western style of course! Mark Lipinski, the editor of Quilter's Home magazine will be the keynote speaker.
I will be teaching a fun mixed media class with wool and fabric...My class is on Saturday, May 1st.
So, if you live in Calgary, the surrounding area, or are planning to visit...consider joining us for a fun-filled week~April 26th-May 1st, 2010!!
Further information can be found here:
http://www.canadianquilter.com/events/index_events_quiltcanada2010.htm

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

A New Shop...

2010-01-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
Welcome to 2010!
One of my goals this year is to be a little faster at creating new work. I tend to really take my time ("slow" ~ in laymen's terms, LOL)...not good if you want to be a consistent seller!
As you may have noticed, I added a new shop. Brenda who also helps runs the WSOPP Market Street Shops site has decided to open a new group of shops. We are called the "Handmade Art Fair". The direct link to my shop is listed under "My Shops". To see the entire under site...look under my list of "Friendly Places to Shop" down the right side bar.
My first new piece for 2010 is now in my newest shop..."'Tis The Season DesignWorks". It is called
~ "My Heart Belongs To You"~ pictured below.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

New Look, New Year...

2009-12-30T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
I am finally ready to post again. December was a very crazy month around here...
The decorations have been carefully packed away for another year...and I am ready to ring in a new year and a new decade.
Lots of new and exciting things are on the horizon and I can't wait to get started! How about you?

I will leave you with a photo of a family of partridges...there are actually 11 that eat the seeds beneath my feeders. They are quite skiddish...and so it is hard to get close-ups.

Have a wonderful day!
Nancy

Busy, Busy...

2009-12-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
It is that time of year when there aren't enough hours in the day, the weather is cold, snowy and often gray and you are trying not to go crazy!!
So...in a calm, quiet voice...I want to share a little news. Today, December 10th is an exciting day for me. The story begins this way...While in Jasper this past November, a fellow presenter asked if I would take a few pictures for a story she was writing. She is a freelance writer now...having just retired after 31 years as a writer/editor. I sent her the pics and she completed the story.
"Season for the Senses" is the name of the article...and today it is on the front page of the "At Home" section of the Edmonton Journal newspaper! The page below was scanned and so the quality isn't great. It is a bit of a challenge to read here...my apologies to you. The snowflake, red finial, stocking and cardinal pic are my work and the others are Chris's. The newspaper pics aren't as "pretty" as the originals... but I am very grateful and happy to have them in print.
Hopefully, I will be able to do a little more "freelance" work like this in the future. Thank-you Chris!

I have also been busy making Christmas cards, wrapping, rearranging...I am almost ready.

I will be posting again in a few days to share a new book/recipes with you and more...
Hope you are enjoying the season!
Nancy

Time For A Change...

2009-11-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
December is almost here and I have changed the look to reflect the season...I have just arrived back from a wonderful trip to Jasper, Alberta. The beauty of Jasper is breathtaking. The Jasper Park Lodge was exquisite....the food, service and accommodation were superb! In January 2010, construction will begin on a 6.3 million dollar spa facility. There will also be several new shops. It will be an amazing addition to an already beautiful place to vacation in the Canadian Rockies.
I hope to be back next year with new ideas and projects...Enjoy the pics!

The pics above are of the sunset over the lake just down from my cabin. The walk to the lodge was beautiful...the lake is on the right...the stairs to the lodge are at the far end of the first pic.

The pics above are of one of the beautiful fireplaces in the lodge. The second pic is of Anna and Michael Olsen. Anna can be seen on the Food Network here in Canada. They are a lovely couple.

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that I will no longer have a "comment" section on my blog. I love reading all of your thoughts and I truly thank-you for leaving them. Right now, I just don't have the time to visit a lot of blogs...I do try to make it to as many as I can within a month...I so enjoy reading each and every one I visit.
I hope you will continue to stop by...and if you would like to chat...I would love to hear from you via my Email... tistheseasondesignworks@shaw.ca

In the coming days, I will be posting about a new venture...see you soon!
Have a wonderful week,
Nancy

The Beauty of Jasper...

2009-11-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
I have been here in Jasper, Alberta teaching for the past week and I am so looking forward to the second week. I have had so much fun with all of the guests and fellow presenters. It has truly been a wonderful experience. We have had beautiful weather especially for picture taking...light snow falling...the kind you want on Christmas Eve..but don't get until a week later!

These are just a sampling of pics...don't you just love the Muskoka chairs out in the snow?!
The tree is "floor to ceiling" in the Great Hall...which is where we have our meals. It is a very large and beautiful room overlooking the lake. My cabin is lakeside and the first picture is a few feet down the lane. So pretty!

Will post again when I return next week.
Nancy

I'm Off To Jasper...

2009-11-05T23:58:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone...
Just a short note to let you know that I am off to teach in Jasper for two weeks...It is going to be so much fun and very busy. I am taking my laptop...and so I will be able to keep up with what's going on out there.
You may notice that I have made the decision to eliminate the comment section...I will post about all of that when I return.
In the meantime...please Email me if you wish...I am always up for a little chat!
Email: tistheseasondesignworks@shaw.ca

Have a wonderful two weeks...
Nancy

In Less Than A Week...

2009-11-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...
It is almost here...my trip to Jasper is fast approaching! I have been a busy bee getting my door prizes ready. I still have a little more detail to finish...for now though, the pics below will give you an idea of what has been going on in my little studio.
I am hoping to change my blog to a more seasonal look before I go...if not, I will fix it when I get back. We are getting some nice weather right now...lots of sun. The warmth feel so good.

This was the original idea..
but it was a little on the tall side and so I opted for a little less height. The final pics of this piece will be later in the week.

This poor little thing is turning out to be so cute! I will post a finished pic later this week...he is part of a door prize.

The "Santa??" on the left (and stocking-rt) are of paper clay. The background for the Santa is part of a napkin. The next pics are the finished pieces. You can't see this...but I have written Christmas sayings on the sides of each of the canvases.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

So Many Pumpkins...

2009-10-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
A post of pictures today...I was busy collecting a few pumpkins over the weekend..and a couple of gourds. Such a large variety in every size and shape imaginable...from the very cute to the "what is that?". I have always loved the tiny little pumpkins and gourds...but this year I have fallen in love with a new variety...at least to me...it is called The "Fairytale" Pumpkin. It is large and looks a little like Cinderella's coach...hence the name.

The Fairy Tale Pumpkin

Then we have the white Pumpkin & Vine...
not real, but a nice substitute.

The little hand made pumpkins waiting for leaves and stems...

I grabbed the little orange gourd from the meat department...it was just sitting there on display...the little stem was a perfect little witch hat...I had to have it!

Next we have a few more traditional pumpkin shapes...
small, but cute.

Mousey is guarding her pumpkin on the wagon...
she doesn't look too threatening...

Which brings me to the final two pictures today...My latest little cottage..."The Pumpkin Barn" is ready. Details can be found in Nancy's Blog Shoppe.
I decided to take a pic of all three sitting on my new bedroom "fireplace".
The last three cottages in the series of 6 will have to wait until the new year...the bases are made and the cottages are almost ready for painting...But...I have to get ready for my trip to Jasper and move on to the 4 little Christmas cottages.

Have a wonderful week.
Nancy

UpDate...

2009-10-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I have just added another little cottage to Nancy's Blog Shoppe. Hatty's Cottage is #2 in the series.

Have a great weekend!
Nancy

My Understudy...

2009-10-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Hope all of my Canadian friends enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving. We had a great weekend...but it was cold and snowy. We had another 2 or 3 inches last night. They tell us that we should have a Chinook beginning tomorrow...up to 19 or 20C (68F). We have a few of these over the winter. They are warmer winds that blow in for a few days giving us much needed relief from the frosty winters here.
Matthew (my grandson) and I were having a little fun with a different kind of air dry clay...he liked it...I would only use it sparingly. He loves doing what "Nana" does and always wants to help whether I am cooking...[good idea if you want them to eat the end result!]...or creating. Gotta love the sheep slippers...

He was being silly in the tub... Matt is very musical... and I couldn't help but think he looks a little Beethoven-ish here...

Don't you just love this napkin?! It is part of a door prize I am creating for my teaching trip to Jasper...I will post pics when the project is done.

Have a great day!
Nancy

New Issue...

2009-10-06T13:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone...
The newest issue of
"A Needle Pulling Thread" magazine will be in stores in the next week or so. It is a wonderful Canadian mag. with lots of lovely projects for the festive season. International buyers can purchase online and in selected stores.

I was honored to be asked to contribute to this issue. You can find my "Classy Christmas Stocking" beginning on Page 46. It is also shown on the website...click on the image and scroll down.
I finished the stocking last February...and so it has been awhile since I have seen it.
The picture below was taken before I sent it off. The inspiration for this stocking came from a piece of fabric I had purchased in the fall of 2008-bottom pic. I really didn't know what I was going to do with it...but when I decided on the project...I knew this piece had to be incorporated somehow...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

It's All About Family...

2009-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
It seems that me and a web sale don't get along...To be truthful, it has been a very busy, emotional month around here. I won't go into the personal, family business other than to say that my little grandson needed a lot of "Nana" this past month. He has been having a bit of an emotional time with Grade 1 among other things. I don't remember much about my Grade 1 experience...other than the name of the teacher....and that she was grumpy. In Matthew's case, he seems to love his teacher, and absorbs what she says...but isn't applying that to the paper. And sitting for 6 hours minus recess...not fun either! He misses Kindergarten...but is so far past that academically...and trying to convince him of that...another story! So, in short, I have a moody, confused little 6 year old and a Nana trying to be all things to all of the men in my life. Matt is the only grandson we are going to have and so it is very hard to say no...Nana's busy. When he is 10, that might be a different story...but right now, he needs us.

In trying to keep this post light and optimistic, I will tell you that I am finishing the last of the six little cottages. They will be posted during the week...one or two at a time.

And to top of the "fun" week, we had snow today. I am not ready for this yet!! I love it...but in December. My lawn chair seems to be smiling...why?? I ask...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Presenting...

2009-09-27T11:44:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Let me introduce you to the little houses on "Cobblestone Lane". There are six in this series. The first of these is "Broomstick Manor". For a complete description and price...please go to
Nancy's Blog Shoppe .
I will be putting the second and third up during the day/evening as they are completed. The last three will be available later this week. I am having so much fun with these little cottages. Right now, there is only 1 Fall set available. I won't be doing a second set until the new year.
A Christmas series of little cottages is coming in late November.

Have a wonderful day!
Nancy

Still Working...

2009-09-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Patience is a virtue...isn't that what they say? It is going to be a few hours yet...I guess if I wasn't so darn picky and fussy...but I am and so sometime on Sunday...the unveiling will begin. I am showing you a little preview...there will be six in the series...the first three will be available in a few hours...the next three, in a couple of days! There is still antiquing and crackling and so...until the morning...

Have a great evening...
Nancy

Work is Progressing...

2009-09-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Just a quick note to update...the pieces are coming along nicely. I have a few more pieces to do...and so I have decided to divide the sale.
*The first half will be on Saturday, September 26th at 7:00pm MT.*
*The second half will be on Saturday, October 3rd at 6:30pmMT.*
The reason for the division is simple...I am focusing on "structure" this week and "dollies" next week! This way, I don't have 5 different things all fighting for my time and attention to detail! Hope to see you this Saturday!

Have a great week!
Hugs, Nancy

The Clock Is Ticking...

2009-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
The time is going quickly...and I am busy, busy preparing for my Fall Web Sale. I hope you will stop by next Saturday, September 26th at 7:00pm MT. Halloween treats and the fall season will be the theme...

Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy

A Fresh Look For Fall...

2009-09-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
After a few days of work, guidance and help from my son, a new blog is born! I have wanted a three column look for a long time, but wasn't quite sure how to go about getting it. Fortunately, I have one son who does this kind of work for a living. He helped me get the 3 column look...fussing with the margins was the trickiest part. The rest was up to me...I have kept notes on the things he has taught me about programming.
Now, onward! I have also changed a few things in my Blog Shoppe. I still have a little more to do, but it is almost ready for my Fall Web Sale.

I will post again in a couple of days...stop by anytime for a visit. I always enjoy your company! I photographed this little squirrel chomping away on a pine cone at Emerald Lake this past August. He was so sweet and tame.
Nancy

I'm Creating A Mess...

2009-09-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am so sorry my blog is pretty messy right now...but I am re-decorating and in a couple of days...it will be easier on the eyes!
See you soon!
Nancy

Summer Memories...

2009-08-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I can't believe that summer is almost over! Where did the time go...It seems like we were just planning our getaway! Now it has come and gone...but not the memories or the pictures. Here are just a sampling of photos from our escape to our friends' place in beautiful British Columbia. We then spent time at Emerald Lake Lodge...where we were married almost 15 years ago.

The 3 pictures here are of our friends' B&B on Kamloops Lake in BC. It is so peaceful and beautiful there. It is a wonderful place...they had people from Israel visiting Canada while we were there...they have a lot of guests from the UK, Germany etc...

The pictures below are of Emerald Lake Lodge. The large cabin in the first picture is called the Pointe Cabin and is where we were married. The lake is so beautiful...we walked all the way around the lake...on the left side, the path is fairly wide and gravely...on the other side it is very thick with forest, the path is narrow and roots are abundant. The little gray jays were on the path and also on our balcony. They were pretty funny...they would line up to get the bread.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

It's Back to Work....

2009-08-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
We are back from a wonderful rest and holiday. We both needed to unwind for a couple of weeks...our trip was great! I will share a few pics in the next post on the weekend. In the meantime, hubby went back to work today...and I am working on a Christmas Doll(s) for a magazine.

Hope you have been enjoying your summer!
Have a wonderful week.
Nancy

Fruits of the Season...

2009-08-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I love making jams and jellies, canning of all kinds. There is just something about preserving all of the wonderful flavor of summer in a jar. I came home last year with an abundance of apricots from our friends' B&B. I cut them all up and froze them. It was time to make more room in the freezer and taste something home made! The end result was an abundance of jars!! Blueberry Jam, Blueberry Syrup, Apricot Syrup, Apricot Jam, Apricot Chutney, and my fav...Pear Honey...recipe to follow.

The pics above are of the Apricot Syrup...it is good...but a little more puree-like. Although the recipe didn't suggest it...I might strain it through cheesecloth next time.

Apricot Chutney...If you like Chutneys, this is a good one...lots of flavor!

This is the first printing of a wonderful book I purchased 23 years ago. I don't know if it is still in print...but if you are into the unusual...such as "Chestnuts in Cointreau Syrup", this is the book for you!

The following pics are of the Pear Honey. It is not "honey" like the little bear...but rather a lovely light preserve...not heavy like a jam. This recipe comes from the book "Fancy Pantry" by Helen Witty.

Pear Honey...The Recipe
4 lbs of pears...such as Bartlett, ripe, but not soft
Water, as needed
3 tablespoons strained fresh lemon juice
Grated zest (outer skin only...no white pith) of 1 lemon
6 cups of sugar
Peel, quarter and core the pears, dropping them in a bowl of cold water as they are finished.
Combine 6 cups** of fresh water with the lemon juice in your cooking pan. Shred or grate the pears and add them to the fresh water/lemon.
Add lemon zest to a quart of water in a saucepan...bring to boil...simmer 5 minutes. Drain zest and add to the pear mixture.
Bring the pear mixture to a boil over med-high heat. Gradually stir in sugar**...return mixture to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer, uncovered, until shreds of fruit are clear and the syrup has thickened. Stir from time to time. This takes about an hour. Toward the end of the hour, stir more frequently to prevent burning. The pear honey is thick enough when a small amount placed on a chilled saucer thickens to the consistency of a soft preserve...when it is refrigerated for a few minutes.
Ladle pear honey into hot clean jars leaving 1/4 inch head space. Seal. Process for 15 minutes.
Note...**I only had 6 cups of pears (not the 8 called for in the recipe). I used 3 cups of fresh water with the same amount of lemon juice and only 3 cups of sugar...with the same amount of zest.

Homemade Jam anyone? Pictured in the dish are from left...Pear Honey, Apricot Jam and Blueberry Jam. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!
Nancy

Creative HouseWork...

2009-08-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
August is here...and I know we don't want to think about it...but fall is in the air. Now, today, you wouldn't think so...we hit 32C! (90F)...that is pretty warm for here. Over the last 2 weeks, it was fall cleaning in July. I love my hubby, but organizing anything other than his own desk...let's just say I gave him the job a few years ago of organizing the garage...he piled every Rubbermaid container in a corner-floor to ceiling...none of them labeled...and called it organized! He was relieved of garage duty from that point on...maybe he did it on purpose..noooo...not Ed..my darling!
Okay...so the first week of the cleanup was the garage...emptied half the garage...some to Goodwill, some to the garbage and the rest to friends and family. You have to imagine that I had an 9 foot table in the middle piled high and stuff underneath and I think if I could have put stuff through it...well I am showing you the after...space on shelves and a floor!! Oh, and all of those bottles of pleasure...most were gifts and almost none of them have been opened in years...I think they are headed out the door soon too!

The next few pics are of the room beyond the garage. It is where I do all of my computer work. Another mess...There was a big exercise machine in here along with some garage items. It had kind of become a dumping ground from my studio upstairs. The Snoopy head that you can barely see...he is actually 4 feet and we won him from Hallmark a few years ago...he was lovely and plush...but he is now in a new home.
The Before....

The After...

These are new cabinets I purchased to house things that are NOT office(y). My apologies for the pics being a little grainy...I didn't want to use a flash.

And lastly, if you have made it this far...one of our beautiful begonias.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

More Summer Photos....

2009-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I've been a bit of a slacker with blogging these past couple of months...it has been really busy around our house. Things will be getting back to some normalcy this week...
Here are a few photos from this past week...

The first photo is of me next to my photograph...one of 75 chosen for this years' Western Photo Gallery.
The second pic is of a beautiful mural titled: "The Horse Gift" It stands over 22 ft high, 18 ft wide and contains 238 panels featuring the work of 174 artists. It is truly beautiful!

These two photos feature the Tipis of many different Indian families. During Stampede, Indian families live in the tipis on the grounds in "Indian Village". I couldn't photograph the inside of their homes...they consider them sacred. Ed and I are here with the Stampede Indian Princess 2009. Each tipi is hand painted and all have beautiful headdresses, beading and fur inside....they are wonderful. You could sample bannock and bison which they were cooking outside.

This photograph is of one of the Cake Entries in the Creative Arts and Crafts Area. It was truly amazing. It won a ribbon and was second in the Cake Section. It was depicting a sampling of some of the food here at the Stampede...Beef on a Bun, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs and of course, Mini Donuts!!

The last two photos are of my little grandson Matthew going on his first plane ride. He is holding his mints and wondering when we are going to get this plane in the air...at least that is what I would be thinking! Finally, the plane is being taxied to its' place in line...and he was off on his wonderful adventure to California! His Dad (my son) wanted to take him to Sea World, Disneyland and the ocean for his 6th birthday. We talked to his Dad a couple of days ago...and he was so excited he fell asleep 45 minutes into the flight! They are coming home on Tuesday with many funny stories to tell I am sure!

Hope you have a great week!
Nancy

Summer Fun....

2009-07-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am back from teaching....had a wonderful weekend at Olds College here in Alberta. Had fun with fabric and ink, collage and paper clay. I love teaching and seeing what imaginations the students have...I had a husband and wife in my clay class...he created a little golfer. The clay heads all in a row are ones that I had sculpted for them...they were not complete...I used those to show things that you could add and fix up when the head was dry, but not totally cured.

Then it was off to deliver my photographs to the Western Showcase...Last evening, we were invited to be at the official opening of the Art Show at the BMO Center at Stampede Park. It was an evening where artists, photographers and collectors could mingle and talk about their work. You could also purchase art pieces and photos...the artwork was selling...the photography was a harder sell. There are collectors that don't recognize photographs as original art....As an artist, I have a bit of an issue with that argument...many artists produce "original art" from photographs...we are not all sitting in the woods painting landscapes!! Artists can also produce prints just like photographers...ah well, someday recognition will come.
I am honoured to be in the show...there are many talented photographers and artists...I am humbled to be amoung them.
I didn't take pics...but I am hoping to this weekend. They don't like photos being taken of the photos...but I will try and get one or two in...
I also wanted to share some wonderful news...while I was wandering through the hall, I was able to get over to the Arts and Crafts Section...I was thrilled to see that I had won the Dolls & Toys Section....this includes a medal, a Rosette and a cash prize!
My painting didn't get a ribbon, but I am not upset by that...there are so many wonderful painters...the competition in this area is stiff...I am more interested in the critique. I'll post pics when I get them back next week.

Hope you all have a great weekend!
I'll leave you with one of the resident bunnies enjoying the shade...
Nancy

Almost Done...

2009-06-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am finishing up my painting for competition tonight...but I thought I would show the progress so far (see post below)...It has been a fun piece to do. I'll post the finished piece next week...In the first pic, the photo I took and am using as a reference is on the left. I have taken artistic license and lightened the background, changed a couple of the leaves etc...Once I am really engrossed in the painting process, I don't really look at the photo too much.

Hope you all have a great weekend!
Nancy

New Project...

2009-06-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
In 2 weeks, I can have a bit of a break...cleaning the garage, my computer, painting a bathroom. These are going to be finished projects in July...during my break!! Sigh!
In the meantime, I am preparing for 3 classes I am teaching at the end of the month and have started on a project below...which has to be painted and framed by next Wednesday! What was I thinking when I decided to do this?? This was a photograph I took last fall and decided it would make a lovely painting for competition...

I shall leave you this week with one of my begonias in full bloom.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

What I Have Been Up To...

2009-06-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone....
I am finally catching up a little on my postings...I have been very busy planting and creating. The mosaic is of a piece (yet to be completed) that I have been working on for Quilt Canada 2010. I will have a couple more works completed prior to next May...but this is the first.

I have also "created" a rock garden. I have a little more to do on the other side of our steps...

Hope everyone is enjoying spring...we woke up to SNOW...yes, SNOW this morning!! Enjoy the pics...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

A Photograph To Share...

2009-05-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Hope you are all enjoying the week! I have been wanting to share this news...wasn't sure I should right now...but I can't stand it any longer, so here goes...
We have an Exhibition here in Calgary every year called The Calgary Stampede. We have the top names from Canada and the USA in rodeo, entertainment and art. The Western Art Show is one of the premier art galleries showcasing Western Art from Canada and Internationally. About 5 years ago, they decided to showcase photography. Some of the photographs were stunning. This has become a very popular part of the Western Art Show.
I have always loved photography...and I decided this year, I would enter...I knew it would be tough going because most of the photographers are professional. You can enter up to 10 photographs and your photos are juried...this is also a competition. Last year they chose 64 photos representing 22 photographers. They go through hundreds of photos...
The 2009 Western Photo Gallery consists of 75 photos...[approx. 26 photographers...don't have the final number yet]. You can view the gallery at www.westernshowcase.com Click on "Western Photo Gallery"

One of my photos...#33, is in the gallery!! I am so excited and honored! The photographer must present two matted pics and two framed pics of each photograph chosen...so it is an investment. The photos are for sale during the exhibition with a private showing for collectors prior to the opening of the show. The photographers are invited to this special evening...I can hardly wait to meet the collectors and fellow photographers!
Here is my photograph...This little cabin and truck are owned by friends of ours.

The Original Photo

The Exhibition Photo ~ 2009

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Waiting to be Potted...

2009-05-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Hope your spring is warm...it sure hasn't been here. We had two warmer days and today it is cold and rainy. I love the rain...but we really need the sun and warmth...hopefully soon. I have a few plants that I really want to pot...but I don't want frost to kill them...our nights are still cold. Thought I would brighten up the post with a couple of my plants and new leaves just waiting to open...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Folk Art For May...

2009-05-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I decided to go on a little adventure...with painting. I usually work in watercolor, a most beautiful medium. Over the years, I have played with acrylic...but never worked it into a painting...until now. I have always admired folk art painting and in particular Grandma Moses, Warren Kimble etc...too many to mention.
"Home Sweet Home" is my first attempt with this medium...I am really thrilled with the result. It is available over at Pfatt Marketplace this month.

Wishing you a Merry May!
Nancy

May Is Here...

2009-05-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am so glad it is finally May! Time for warmer weather, trees and spring flowers blooming and that fresh air that is heavenly in the spring!
I am also happy on this day in May...because the July 2009 issue of Soft Dolls & Animals is here!

My little doll, LizBeth begins on Page 20. I show you step by step how to do a simple Cloth over Clay technique. The vintage flower in her hair is from a vintage hat I purchased from my friend Karen over at Ciderantiques.

Hope your have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Old and Vintage...

2009-04-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I thought I would share a few items that I have purchased very reasonably in the last couple of weeks. This past weekend, I went to the Calgary Doll Show. I wasn't really going with the intent of buying anything...but I spotted a few pieces that I thought I could incorporate into my work. I don't make dolls this size, but there are wonderful elements in each piece that can be utilized or recycled.

The next grouping is old books. We took a drive out of the city a week ago and discovered a used book store that had moved out from the city. Old books have such great patina...and the three I chose were for a couple of reasons. The first was the color...because I use a lot of vintage elements in my work, the color was important. The second was the pages. I was looking for rough edges, a tea-stained look of the pages and graphics. The old pictures and graphics are so wonderful...such detail that you don't see today.
The clerk was a little curious about my choices...I told her what I was going to do...I don't think she believed I would take a 100 year old book apart!

The pictures are from the little mustard-colored
German book. This book teaches you the German alphabet.

The red book is over 100 years old...it is in wonderful condition.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

New Work In My Blog Shoppe...

2009-04-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Happy Earth Day! Two things to share with you today...It is our wedding anniversary today. We were married in Emerald Lake 14 years ago. It is usually very snowy there until June...but it was a beautiful, sunny, warm day back then...and wonderful memory.

Secondly, I have a new piece in my Blog Shoppe...her name is "Maggie Music". She is a whimsical little prim doll who loves classical music! Click the doll photo on the right to get to the shoppe.

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

Preparing for Workshops....

2009-04-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Thought I had better update...don't want to get too far behind here! I am now working on about 3 different projects...I generally don't like doing that...but 3 workshops need prep work and so I must get busy. I also have to finish a piece for Quilt Canada 2010 before the end of the month! I was picking up sculpting tools today and decided to get a couple of different tools that I haven't worked with...I used to do ceramics years ago...I still use the sculpting tool I had back then...in the '70's. And believe it or not...the tools haven't changed! I now use them for my clay workshops. I did find a couple of different tools today that I am going to use to add texture on canvas. I thought I would work on a tall and narrow canvas for one of my pieces...a little more challenging.

The second photo is of the new piece for my blog shoppe...will be added soon. Those little limbs are really that small...love working in miniature!
Also in the pic is a shadow box frame...found it at Michael's...nice size (4 x 6) and deep. Already have an idea...

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

Sara Jane...Pfatt Marketplace for April

2009-04-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Let me introduce "Simply Vintage...Sara Jane". She is my newest piece for Pfatt Marketplace for April. She is a sculptured collage...and away from the "cute" pieces I do. She has been sculpted with paper clay that I have gently antiqued. She has beautiful blue eyes...her hat is raw silk which has also been aged. You can find more detail on Pfatt. The canvas size is 9 x 12 inches. This piece could be framed, or hang it as is...or use a picture easel.

I wish you all a wonderful Easter weekend!
Nancy

A Sneak Peek....

2009-04-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Well, it is almost time for the reveal on Pfatt Marketplace...Friday, April 10th. Wow, April is almost half over...I must be getting old...the days are passing by soooo quickly.

Hope you are having a great day! I will be updating my blog shoppe next week...
Nancy

New Piece Coming Along...

2009-04-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
It has been a different kind of week than I anticipated...My little grandson was under the weather and spent most of the week here with us. He was such a good little guy considering he felt so lousy. Today, he was a little more lively and eating more...so that's a good sign. We took a few pics of the birds through the window...We were able to get a great pic of the little Downy Woodpecker that visits.

Yesterday, I happened to look at one of my smaller cactus and it is blooming! And more buds are forming...this is supposed to be a Christmas Cactus!! I love flowers, so this was a lovely surprise.

The new Pfatt piece is coming along...here is a little tease!

Enjoy your weekend!
Nancy

What Can You Get With A Coupon?...

2009-04-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Ever wonder what to do when you get a 50% off coupon from Michael's? I know...stupid question. I just think it's a waste to go in there and get half off a $5.00 item...so the other day, I decided to knock an item off the "wish list"....purchased an artist easel. I have been looking in artist's supply stores, but a lot of them are really large and I just don't have the space in my tiny little studio. In Canada, the regular price was $270.00+ tax....so I thought half off was a pretty good deal!

New Pieces for April are coming soon to my blog shoppe and to Pfatt Marketplace...here is a sneak peek!

I have also joined Twitter...Tweet me! I am listed under Art, Folkart, Designer or Pfatt Marketplace.

Have a great week!
Nancy

My New Friends...

2009-03-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
I am so excited! This past Friday, hubby went to get the mail...and a box came in with him from New York. I could hardly wait to open it...I had ordered 3 "new friends" from Wendy Meagher. The little bear is Americana, the "ellyfont" is Halloween and the "rabut" is Christmas...Aren't they just the sweetest things...I love them! Wendy is so talented!

Have a great day!
Nancy

Tins and More...

2009-03-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
My hubby had an extra day off this week and so we decided to go downtown. I rarely go there anymore...too expensive to park ($21.00 for 2.5 hours). After we got over the shock of parking...we headed to a place called Art Central. It is an eclectic mix of artists housed in one building. The paintings were wonderful...some whimsical, some abstract and all beautiful in there own way. There was also a lot of mixed media...which I love. There were also a couple of "artsy" clothing stores, a lovely flower shop, a paper shop and places to eat. We decided to have lunch in one of the restaurants...the food was fabulous! We then stopped in to a couple of shops...one was called Collage. This was an interesting little place...everything from Sock Monkeys (a high end version of the original) to shawls. The gal who owns it represents approx. 50 artists. I am going to meet with her in a month or so to possibly add a few of my pieces. We then ventured in to the paper shop. She had some of the neatest papers, cards, books and old antique typewriters. I picked out a couple of tins that I thought were especially nice along with a few other paper items that I just couldn't live without! Hubby actually spotted the Bird Tin...I just love it and it is filled with really lovely stickers.

After a wonderful afternoon, we headed home. We were happy we had taken the time to get away for awhile....

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy

Spring??...

2009-03-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone....
Yes, it is March 22nd, 2009...and it is supposed to be spring! And well I guess it is by date...I looked out my window to see the trees full of robins and about 8-10inches of snow on the ground! Spring in the Rockies....sounds lovely, but really!

Have a great day!
Nancy

A Quiet Day...

2009-03-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Yesterday, I celebrated another milestone...can't bring myself to put it print!
I spent the afternoon with my little grandson. He decided he wanted to try some of "Nana's" cake. He oohed and aahed when I cut it...but decided that he didn't like the nuts or the cake...just the icing...not even close to being surprised by that!! Then we moved on to a fresh pineapple...loved watching me cut the thing with a big knife...but decided he didn't like pineapple much either! He is going to be just like his father...picky, picky. Matthew does like most fruits though...so I couldn't get too upset over the pineapple.

On another note...I am now on FaceBook. Sandy, from Pfatt Marketplace decided to "network" the marketplace. You can get to us through my badge on the right-hand side...scroll down a bit.

Hope you are having a great weekend!
Nancy

New Shoppe...

2009-03-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
You are cordially invited to my new blog shop..."Nancy's Blog Shoppe"~The link is under "My Shops"
I have been thinking about doing this for months....my website needs a complete makeover, which will take time and patience. Patience I have...time, I don't at the moment. I am continuing my offerings over at Pfatt Marketplace. I am not sure what I am going to do with my Etsy shop yet. And so, right now, this new blog makes sense...

Please stop by for a visit. My first offering is a sweet little rabbit named Lucy.

Have a great day!
Nancy

Easter is Coming...

2009-03-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
This past week, I decided to get into the "Spring" of things...Did a little cleaning, started to add a little Easter decor and I am almost finished the little project I started a couple of weeks ago...had to put it aside to do other projects...he or she (haven't decided yet) will be ready for its' debut soon! And I baked....actually two pies this week...Coconut Cream and Lemon Meringue. Hubby doesn't do coconut...but I was having a friend over and we both love coconut...and so I had an excuse to make something with coconut.
We are finally starting to have a few warmer days...although March can be pretty fickle.

The meringue didn't have the nice little peaks it should have... but turned out fine according to hubby, the taste tester.

Have a great week!
Nancy

Thank-You...

2009-03-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone....

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend Tina from Denmark for giving me this Friendship Award. She is so sweet...she makes the cutest little bears, knits and crochets and is now making jewelery. You can visit her blog at Tiny Bear. Thank-you Tina!
I generally don't pass them on...but I would like to give this award to two special friends.
The first one is Carolyn over at Draffin Bears. She is a very special person and a wonderful friend. She has a lovely blog and website.
The second is Ginger over at Bear Bits. Her little bears are just adorable and she is a wonderful story teller. Stop by for a visit.

Have a great weekend!
Nancy