Christmas in their hearts

I am a needlework fan. This is the wall next to my bed, where I put my book at night, and my glasses too, before I put out the light.

Some of these craftswomen have sent me the most wonderful things, like this embroidered bird, from Jone at Pantry Violets. I keep it with my spice jars, right in my kitchen.

http://www.pantryviolets.blogspot.com/

This beautiful bunting was knit by Lori. I had a big blank space over my bed, and then Lori sent me this package and I nearly tripped running down the hall to hang it here! Isnt' it amazing how the colors match the quilt?

http://www.loritimesfive.blogspot.com/

Mary Stanley sent me this little house which was just what the neighborhood on my wall needed. Mary hooks rugs too, and is a wonderful needlewoman.

http://www.marystanley.blogspot.com/

this isn't exactly needlework, but its a gift from my talented friend Delila in Finland.

http://www.robinandthesage.blogspot.com/

Its resting against a sketchbook, with a needlework cover, by Viv at Hens Teeth.

Viv is a rock star in the stitching world~

http://www.hensteethart.blogspot.com/

A close up of my quilt, the lady who made this cut out and appliqued these flowers all over the top of this, its so lovely. Got it at a garage sale in Santa Barbara. yup.

close up of Lori's work

These ladies are all the best, and feel like 'old friends'.

Little needlecase from New Hampshire, a gift from my mom.

Thanks for stopping by, always such a pleasure to have you visit

xxx

juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com

Home is Best

Yes, its a potato. Right on top of a heap of russets, it's siren song called to me on the produce aisle. I brought it home, propped it against this pitcher, which brings me to my point: Home.

My first home (away from home) was a minor disaster. I moved four hundred miles north to San Francisco where one neighbor practiced jazz saxaphone very loud, the landlady had a love affair with gin and no one liked my dog. But I did take harpsichord lessons and developed an admiration for Victorian houses that has never lost an inch of ground. I'd walk the hilly streets, sketching, memorizing and admiring. And its where I made my discovery. Home is Best.

Not the fountain of youth exactly but I bet its something we can all agree about. I can see you nodding your head now.

This is a spread from Romantic Homes Magazine, September issue. It's Jen O'Connor's house.

Jen represents some all star folk artists including Julie Arkell, Laurie Messerol and Debbie Thibault.

If you squint you can see one of my rabbit domes in her corner cupboard. What's it say on the front? 'Home'. Jen has an online shop too. http://www.earthangeltoys.com/

Wonderful kitchen, Jen.

A deer whose made a home in the fern wood. A new and larger sconce for casting more reflective light as the days begin to grow shorter.

Now about that potato. I think I'll cut it in thin heart shaped slices and fry them up in olive oil with herbs, and serve with ahi steak and spinich salad. Do you think its a worthy enough homage?

xx

julie
p.s. I abandoned the harsichord lessons for pottery ones.

juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com