more Joy

You know those creative rabbit holes I posted about yesterday? Well, this is the result of one of those “squirrels” from several years ago. My premise: looking at a melody, correlate the degree of scale to a design element. Here’s what the theme from Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony last movement looks like using the bead count:

I must get this under control as I wish to participate in Sue’s Design class. She has inspired and taught me so much! Thank you Sue!!!!!

Reorganization .... or not!

I have a terrible time motivating myself to organize. I can sort incoming mail, do the tasks associated, including filing or shredding, but I find all kinds of creative pursuits when it’s time to organize my studio space. Each piece of manuscript or book leads me to a keyboard. Each box of thread or yarn leads me to a shuttle. I do fairly well at keeping the areas I touch each day tidy. Really!...... So, my goal of posting about my organization of the studio is well, lacking subject material.

On a brighter note, I’ve had good progress with the edging in mint thread. I think I can say I’ve mastered adding thread to a simple ring pattern when needle tatting.

Nametag lanyard

It’s ready to wear! Remember this nametag? I used a favorite pattern. Gina's Tatted False Plait. I added wood beads just a bit larger than those in the nametag edge. 

It’s amazing what you can accomplish sitting in an airport and in flights. I’m glad it’s finished. The beads came from a “collar” I found in a bargain bin for pennies. There are several different sizes and shapes and colors. I like the way these worked for the pattern. I can’t wait to wear it!

Another bookmark and round

I have more Joy.

Joy designed by Melanie Cervi

Another bookmark is finished. It will go out next week and then on to the next one. I’m pleased with how these are turning out. The scan does not do it justice. I’m undecided if I like the dark border or the tan border.

Also finished another round of this wonderful doily. I’m also undecided….

Round 6 of Wiosna 2017 designed by Renulek

What color to use next? Add any beads? The doily is beginning to cup, so I’m really trying to think through what I need to do next.

Another critter

Well, so much for organization. I did make some progress. Unfortunately, the mess is too big to see my progress. But,…..

The hummingbirds are migrating along with the Monarchs. Several sightings of each throughout most days. I enjoyed a visit from another feathered friend:

Quail always seem so sedate and cute. They hung around in the shade feasting on something. Maybe termites? I’ve seen some wings stuck in the ever-present spider webs in the garden.

But, enough daydreaming….

Back to the shuttles and keyboard!

Another wonderful organ day!

I spent a wonderful afternoon at the Lee Conklin ReedOrgan Museum. Last Sunday, we drove to the middle of your palm area of Michigan. It was in the Heartland of America. A pleasant drive to rural life. There, we visited a room full of reed organs!

                                                                          I still have to retrieve my photos I snapped, but in the meantime, enjoy the pictures on their website. Yes, I did play several. The one with the faux pipes against the wall was fun! I wish I had the time to play them all! I did not spot any Woods organs. My husband was able to play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” on a barrel organ. So much fun!!!

In an attempt to burn off the pounds I gained eating with the Italian side of our family, I went walking at the beach. I did catch a poor picture of the dolphins that were out that day:

As for tatting, I finished another Joy bookmark and worked almost all of Round 7 of Wiosna 2017. The lanyard for the nametag is coming along nicely. I didn’t get asked once in the airport or on the plane what I was doing. I take that as an indication that more people have discovered tatting. Either that or everyone was too tired. I’d rather believe the first reason!

Now to unpack and reorganize……