Saturday, September 24, 2011

A Blast from the Past

This week I want to say as sincere "Thank you" to Mrs. Barney, my fifth grade teacher.
She came by the studio to say hello last week.  Apparently she stumbled upon my blog and just had to come by and say hi in person.  It was so much fun to see her.  She hasn't aged a day since  I last saw her. While visiting with her I was immediately transported back to the drawings, plaster dioramas, and sugar easter eggs she patiently encouraged us to create.  Martha Stewart, move over.  Her visit really made me think a lot about the people who nurtured my creative side growing up.  I am so grateful that I had teachers and caregivers who appreciated the arts and recognized how much my life was driven by them. I guess what I'm trying to say is, "Yes, Mrs. Barney, It is all your fault.  Thank you."


The puppies (I can't bring myself to call them dogs) are doing well.  Gidget continues to learn how to play, but simply cannot wrap her head around how to play fetch.  I throw the ball and she runs and attacks Midge.  Midge gets the ball and then wrastles Gidget.  Good game.

Until next time,
Jill

I'm sorry that you all can't see "Sabrina" in person.  She's quite simply elegant.  I tried to get some closeups of the beadwork on the mats, but they just don't have the sparkle that they do in person.





This Noah's Ark was particularly fun for me.  It was a collaborative surprise for my stretcher who is having her first baby soon.  Mindy, the stitcher, let me get input from the mom-to-be on how to frame it.  (I let her think I was having a creative block.)  It was so much fun asking her opinion on the colors, design, etc. as the piece progressed and the whole time she didn't have any idea it was for her own nursery!  What fun!  Better yet, I made her stretch it herself!  I can't wait to see it in the nursery.
This one is a fresh take on an older Shepherd's Bush piece.  I'm thinking it was quite successful.













11 comments:

Mouse said...

ooooohhhhh .. just love them and you've given me an idea for my to be or not to bee one I've stitched and yet to do something with ....... well done to those wonderful teachers that have a great impact in your life :) love mouse xxxxx
ps we know a westie that if you throw from him (wellington) he looks at you and said you threw it you get it heheheh :)

Suburban Stitcher said...

Every time you post those gorgeous Mirabilias I'm inspired to get back to stitching mine! I have both Sabrina and the last flowery lady in purple...and you've framed them gorgeously!

Christina said...

Your work is always amazing. Everything is beautiful yet again. LOVE the Noah's ark and how you made her work on her own gift. What a wonderful surprise.

Anonymous said...

Jill - I love what you did with the Noah's Ark! Did you paint all the dolphins and birds and all?!!! WOW! Lucky strecher you have there.

Jannie

valerie said...

Wow...Jill, they all look amazing! The Mirabilia ones inspire me to get back to my own stitching. I always talk about it but I haven't done it yet! lol

Anonymous said...

They are all beautiful! Am glad you followed your creative heart. We all need people who will encourage us!

Littlebit said...

Oh, Jill..you turn exquisite work into masterpieces! That Shepherd's Bush piece is stunning...

Cari said...

Every single time I read your blog I am once again simply blown away. Your creativity is the frosting on the stitching cake. Hugs and love you tons!!

Wendy said...

All of the pieces this week are fabulous! Jill, it was great that you were able to reconnect with your teacher! Your stretcher will absolutely treasure the Noah's Ark piece!

Wal D'Champs said...

Your work is fantastic, congratulations ... it is sad not being able to have you here living in my city ....

MysteryKnitter said...

That lady that has white dress decorated with dark embroidery...I like her. She is beautiful!