Crafty Folks, Amanda Blake.

I love Amanda Blake's oil paintings.

Her Portraits bring me to another world.

I love that the folks are usually a bit somber or maybe just relaxed,

like we have caught them in a moment where they didn't think we were around.

Check out her blog with great examples of her work.

Buy originals and prints here and here.

Crafty Folks: Scott Weaver, Toothpick Artist.

Scott Weaver is an amazing toothpick artist.

Check out this amazing video displaying

his sculptural talent, as well as his feat of engineering.

Truly amazing.

Can you imagine the time, patience, and dexterity?

Crafty Folks: Famille Summerbelle

This not only reminds me of so many trips to "The City" as a child,

what amazing skill and patience.

LOVE it.

Crafty Folks: Rochelle Ford

During my recent trip to California I walked by a house 

I strolled by my whole childhood.

It is the inspirational home of Metal Artist, Rochelle Ford.

Her work is bold, colorful, and vivacious,

as is her home and yard.

In my youth we would detour a few blocks out of the way

just to gander at the grandeur of her artistic home.

And I would dream that someday I would be an artist too.

Better Homes and Gardens did a nice article about her,

find it here.  They took this great areal shot.

I hope everyone has someone to be inspired by,

and someone to inspire.

A Stitching Together of History.

Last weekend I was at Fabric Depot looking for some 

fabric to recover our overworn sofa,

and I met this woman who was shopping for a backing

to her Great Aunt's President quilt.

I believe the Great Aunt's name was Mildred 

and she had hand embroidered every single Presidents face

on this fantastic quilt.  I myself am not a big 

"President girl" but I LOVED this stitching.

Here is Woodrow Wilson,

LOVE the glasses.

Mildred was 98 years old when she stitched this,

and is now over 100.

I hope I get to live as long as Mildred,

and create up until my last breath.

Felt Garland.

At Crafty Wonderland this year Jeanie Lai from Moufelt

was there peddling her amazing felt ware.

She had this fantastic felt confetti that immdiately caught my eye.

It's so colorwonderful and I thought, 

I bet I can run those guys through my sewing machine.

I made this fun little garland.  It's so festive and full of joy.

A great color splash for a snowy winter day.

Visit Jeanie's website here and her shop here.

Someday I hope I am lucky enough to buy one of her rugs.

Crafty Folks I Love: Bonnie Jones

Last weekend I set up at the Craft-In sale at the

Newberg 99W Drive In Movie Theatre.

It was a very slow day...but I met Bonnie,

and that definitely made the day FANTASTIC.

Here is some of her work:

She finds old Journals and notebooks to

put in luscious settings,

full of color and beauty.

Aren't these hankies filled with

spooky wonderful delight?

I am an handkerchief collector,

and would love these above my dresser.

And all seems right in the world when you

look at something on a clothesline.

Can you believe that when I was in the

7th grade, a girl in my class

had no idea what a clothesline was!?

I was flabbergasted to say the least.

Find more of Bonnie's work on her website:

www.bonniejonesphoto.com

and on her blog,

which is full of inspiration:

www.exploredaily.typepad.com

Crafty Folks I love: Rachel Austin

Rachel Austin's map paintings are lovely, whimsical, and filled with birds!

Love 'em!

Find her work on her website:

www.rachelannaustin.com

And discover her blog:

www.paperandplanes.wordpress.com

On her blog you will also find me. Thanks Rachel!