SWEET VI-O-LETS

It's been so overcast and dreary here, I had to pick it up a little with these Sweet Violets.  They measure about 4.75"x 3".  The perfect size for the top of a little fiber board box.  There is a tour in the Museum today at 1:00p.m. I'm be giving a punchneedle demo, and then I'll be in my studio starting to pack for the It's a Stitch Quilt Guild Show this weekend in Jackson, Wi.  I'll finish packing tomorrow, and then we set up on Friday.   Hope to have photos for you all on Monday.  Keep on punchin.
nancee

CRAYOLA BOX COLORS

I enjoyed being home last week and doing a little  experimenting with colors for the SPRING SONGBIRD.  It's back to the studio and the Museum this week starting with a board meeting this morning.  There is a new exhibit up called "From the Heart" with wonderful quilts people make for newborns, young children, cancer patients, and aids patients.  The focal point of the exhibit is a TEXAS STAR quilt made up of tiny photos of those who lost their life on 911.  Believe me it's worth the trip.  The quilts will  be on display for ten weeks.  Keep on punchin.
nancee  

A STUDY IN GOLD AND RUSTS

I'm staying home again today and getting my COOP ready for Easter.  I panicked a little when I realized it was Sunday and this is Thursday and I've got designs in various stages and threads all over the place.  Chris and Dasha are coming up from Chicago and I'm cooking.  Love to do it, just need to do a little cleaning up first.  I started the day early by getting out dishes, polishing silverware, ironing linens, then I took a brake and picked up the SPRING SONGBIRD.  I punched his eye and head, then I thought okay I'll just do his body, maybe the little heart behind him.  One thing led to another and I  punched the tulips.   It's time to vacuum, but before I do,  I think I'll do just a little more of the background.  I think we all know how this day of cleaning is going to turn out.  Keep on punchin.
nancee

SPRING SONGBIRD

Hope SPRINGS eternal...even when the mornings are in the 20's and two days ago there was a dusting of snow on the ground!   This little SONGBIRD is making an appearance on my drawing board.  I plan to make him up in several different colors: some more realistic, others pure fantasy.  Keep on punchin.
nancee 

THE BIRD IS THE WORD

I have files of things I've clipped from newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, etc.  Things that caught my fancy at the time.  Who knew I loved apple pie so much,  I must have two dozen recipes!  It's fun to take a day sort through a stack of old clipping.  I look at some and wonder why I saved them, but then I come across something unrelated like the Birds on a wire and this Fraktur (spelling) and I get an idea!  I've done bird in the past, but they were a little too realistic for me, so I'm going to work on some fantasy birds.  Ones that have that old Pennsylvania Dutch feeling.  Stay tuned.  Keep on punchin.
nancee

GETTING IT TOGETHER

I'm back in action, but trying to take it slow, the cough is hanging on...but I got the studio back together just in time for a great group of quilters from the Madison area who visited yesterday.  The tours are picking up at the Museum.  Everyone seems ready to get out and experience something new!  I loaded up my car with all my patterns (with the help of Jeananne) and brought them home.  Let the inventory begin... My next outing will be May 1st and 2nd in Glen Ellyn, Ill at the Hinsdale Embroiderer's show, but for now I'm happy to be in my studio welcoming all those happy travelers.  Keep on punchin.
nancee