Because it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind, I've returned to my roots! You can find me at Tender Arts Studio!

I captured a fairy today!

Well, actually, she flew in through an open window. I tried to keep her as long as I could, but I could see she was longing to return to her meadow, so I set her free. She sure was cute, huh?

Truthfully, I made her for a fun doll challenge. The pattern was a free download from Judi Ward. I couldn't resist! My little Maggie-moo, my roommate's 13 year old daughter, made the wings for me. I'm so happy with how she turned out.

I'll be interested in hearing how little Fairy Wendy did. Wish her luck!

It's Valentine's Day- Have A Heart!

How sweet are these little darlings? Even more special because they were made from my mother's childhood coverlet. It's not a real pieced quilt, the design is printed, but it is still very vintage and very dear. I estimate that the coverlet dates to 1945. Amazing that my grandmother kept it for so long and then my mom. By the time I got it, it was disintegrating, but I'm so happy to give it a new life!

As I was stitching up these little hearts, I was reminded of a favorite little poem that I first spotted at my friend Sandra's house. It's by Beth Yarbrough and it's called "A Mother's Heart". Here it is:

Pieces of laughter

Patches of tears

Threaded with tenderness

Tattered with fears

Bits of forgiveness and

mounds of grace

Quilted together with

Love, Hope and Faith.

Doesn't that just sum it up? I've made lots of these, so after gifting my brother, my kids and myself...the rest will be up for sale at my shop.

Happy Valentine's Day, Friends. We're enjoying the weekend here and declaring today a "No Weight Watchers Day"! Speaking of which, Kelly has lost 25 pounds and I've lost 15 since we started in October. Wowie!

Sick Day

I suppose that if one must be home sick in bed, they could do worse than these cozy surroundings, eh? Even better than the cozy bed set up, is the view from the bed:

Yes! Tender Arts Studio is back in business! I bought this great desk at the Salvation Army last weekend. Hauled it home in a rented Home Depot truck all by myself too! I did get help with getting it in the house though- thank you, teenagers! I covered the bulletin board myself too.

I even have a doll to show for my efforts too! This is Meg March. I started her in 2008 and she languished about in her unders for over a year- poor dear! Sunday afternoon I sat at my new work station and finished her. Pure Nirvana!

On Monday, I woke up and felt like a ton of bricks had been dropped off in my head. I came home from work early and I've been in bed ever since. All in all, NOT the worst sick experience I've ever had!

Hugs to all!