Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

Meet Mrs. T

Jane Terjung is one of my favorite funny tea writers.  She introduced herself to me as, "A friend of a friend," and I'm so glad she did.  Now that I've gotten to know her I would love to introduce her to you. 

Her bio describes her as struggling with the "joy" of retirement while hiding out with her husband in the artist-strewn organic hills of Topanga, California.  I have my own memories of the windy roads of the Topanga Canyon as a High Schooler on the way to the beach, but telling stories of daring brothers passing cars through narrow tunnels is just too foolish a tale to tell.  I'd rather talk about Jane right now.

Jane is an artist of words with the creative way she vividly illustrates her stories.  She's open and funny, revealing snipits of real life events.  Her articles are wittingly titled, "Dirtea Roots", "TeaVo and Sympathy", "Trim Your Turkey with Tea", and my favorite, "La Tea Da - Steeping at the Ritz-Carlton."   All of Janes articles are found on the T Ching website along with amost everything there is to know about TEA: product reviews, history, news, recipes, earthenware, tea in literature, tea industry, travel, basics & tips. It's a fantastic site and Jane is a wonderful contributor, like a breath of fresh air. You'll also find the T Ching link in the left hand margin of my blog for a quick hop-over for tea info, facts, and articles. Now that you've met Jane, feel free to give her a hearty, "Hidy ho, neighbor."

Photos courtesy of Jane Terjung on the T Ching website, thank you.

Fabrics in Full Bloom by Bari J

I know I don't even need to ask, but aren't these new fabrics by designer Bari J gorgeous!?  Her new line "Full Bloom" arrived at my house this week.  I was so excited I wanted to hug the UPS man, but he wasn't amused.

Bari graciously offered these as a Give Away on her blog and I was blessed to be a winner.  Her Teacup & Teapot design is the best I have ever seen, and it comes in 3 color ways.  The little bird, strawberry, and pretty blossoms are perfect details to inspire endless creativity.

The ideas are endless and I'll need to order more for all the projects that quickly came to mind: update my studio, design a quilt, make an apron, and sew a summer skirt.

Each fabric is a work of art, suitable for framing.
Thanks Bari, each one is more beautiful in person and very inspiring!  I first discovered Bari's talent when I stumbled over her phenomenal one of a kind handbags.  Since then she has designed this full line of fabrics, is now working on a book deal, and rumor has it she'll be working on a second line of fabrics.

Dear Friends

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

PS: I especially appreciate Beverly who created Pink Saturday and graciously invited others to join in the fun.  Visit her at How Sweet The Sound for the complete list of fabulously creative Pink Saturday participants. You'll be amazed what else you'll discover, too.

I heard it's hard for some, who have received one of my Teacup greeting cards, to remove the teabag for fear of ruining the card.  Here's a solution: Gently tear the bottom edge of the teabag wrapper and slip the teabag out, leaving the wrapper still in the card, and prepare to enjoy a yummy cup of tea.

Japanese Sencha is a light earthy tea that I enjoy with a little honey.

Last night I found this vintage cross stitch at The Grab Bag Antique Store while at Escondido's Friday Night Criusin' Grand.  I'll leave you with this photo of what was parked out front.  Isn't she sweet?

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

 

MOM Upside-Down Spells WOW!

I am blessed by my MOM's handiwork.  As a girl she made all my adorable dresses. For my home she made me this Quilt.

Then from all the remnants of the dresses she made me in the 60's and 70's she made this colorful quilt which I recieved on my 40th birthday.  She knows I love squares.

Yes, I really wore dresses made from these wild prints.

She also knows I love 'tone-on-tone' and made me a beautiful tablecloth with Autumn leaves. WOW, like I'm really going to eat on it!

Recently, with my failed attempt to even understand the instructions of this cross stitch, she took it home, worked on it for over a year and gave it back to me as a gift. 

My mom is truly known for her labors of love, and I am WOWed by her talent.

Wool Girl Knocks My Socks Off!

I’d like to introduce you to an incredible gal, Wool Girl, whose goal is to promote exceptional, hand-painted yarns, supporting Indie fiber artists, handmade accessories, and one-of-a-kind yarns.  She has a Sock Club which sends out an amazing kit each month.

 Logo artwork ©Wool Girl, designed by Jean Kreiter, Woolgirl's mother-in-law (how wonderful is that?)

This kit was inspired by the beautiful town of Kinsale, Ireland, filled with luscious yarn and delightful tea themed treats.  Check out what’s all included in this fabulous Sock Club kit:

• 1 skein of ever so fantastic Wasonga 100% superwash merino sock yarn from Curious Creek Fibers in the stunning colorway Old Head of Kinsale, which Kristine from Curious Creek lovingly created. It is incredibly soft!
• The Crooked Brook sock pattern by Anne Hanson at Knitspot.   Georgia wants to try making these.

• StormySeas cowl pattern designed by Lisa Dykstra at A Little Bit of Knit. I want to try to make one of these with its very cute picot edge.

• A lovely tea inspired stitch marker designed by Sunne from Sunneshine Etsy shop.

• A perfect knitting tote with the Woolgirl Sock Club logo embroidered on the front, with a lot of wonderful storage compartments.
• The cutest ever teapot tape measure from Event Blossom.
• A delicious sheep shortbread cookie (yes, it WAS yummy) hand made by Cranberry Sweets.
• A very pretty hand made Kinsale, Ireland greeting card from local designer and artist Willa Landino.
• A mini suitcase which includes two adorable miniature sheep.
  
  
• And one of my “Thing To Do After I Have Tea” notepads for knitters to keep their “to knit” list.
• Also information about this months contest and the winners from last month.

That's a lot of wonderful goodies!! If you are a knitter I highly recommend you paying a visit to the very delightful Wool Girl.  She has knocked our socks off!!! 

Kathleen York's Artwork

I love Kathleen's expressive drawings. Not only is there an amazing amount of detail in each one, but she creates them while on a moving subway or train.  Every time I view her photostream on Flickr or read her delightful blog Life is Art, Art is Life I feel like she's taken me on a journey with her through her sketches.  She currently had 372 Subway drawings.  She also creates beautiful paintings and sketches, like these adorable sandals. 

Kathleen was very sweet to surprise me with a package of her amazing art.  I am working on a swap for her, though our origonal agreement was for my pink tea towel and a sweet little teacup.  However, the tea towel went missing and hopeful it would show up, I've been disadvantaged ever since.  So now I'm in high gear in the studio creating an origonal painting for her.  In the mean time, treat yourself with a view of Kathleen's numerous one-of-a-kind art. She now has some available in her new Etsy shop Kayork Art & Design.

Judy Beck's Watercolor

I was so blessed to receive this beautiful painting from Judy Beck who called it "One of her Crazy Sunflowers."  She even creatively painted the envelope and attached a sunflower postage stamp.  I first admired Judy's beautiful art in her photo stream on Flickr and now enjoy reading her delightful blog, "A DRAWING A DAY Keeps The Doctor Away."  You're in for a treat with her dramatic trees, lovely flowers, and adorable sumi-e frogs and birds to name just a few.

JensCloset Finds

I did a dangerous thing last Sunday.  I went shopping on Etsy, specifically JensCloset.  It didn't occur to me to look at her profile to see if she sold her cool vintage wares, I just assumed she was an avid collector and I was jealous each time I viewed her photos. 

I first saw this adorable pink vase in JensCloset Flickr photostream and pined over it.

These cute white flowers, pink bow and gold accents make this vase a timeless piece of art.

JensCloset.etsy.com with a link to her other shop, mymilkglassshop.etsy.com, has all my favorites: Milkglass Hobnail with ruffles.  I had a very hard time choosing with all the fabulous pieces she has to select from. So I also choose this one...

and this one...

Jen surprised me by tucking this sweet milkglass bud vase in my package as an extra gift!

Each piece came beautifully packaged, wrapped in pretty tissue and lovely ribbons.

Thanks, Jen. I LOVE THEM ALL!!!

Meet Edmund

 
I was so happy the mailman delivered a Pippa Long Stocking sock monkey I ordered from the United Kingdom.  The sight of him gave me so much joy, not only because I personally think he's adorable, but I have become very fond of Pippa who created him.  I first discovered Pippa's creative art in her Flick photostream called Pippa's Arty Life.  She creates delightful sock monkeys in polka dots and a variety of lively stripes, with new ones in the works. You can find them in her etsy shop at www.pippsalongstockings.etsy.com.  She also has an incredibly moving sketchbook and delightful blog.

I first saw this striped orange, blue and yellow Sock Monkey chilling with his buddies. For me it was love at first sight. As a child I played with my aunt's brown and red sock monkeys whenever we visited her.  Now I finally had my own to share with visiting children, although my grown-up friends have become quite fond of him.  At my office he sparked a "Bring your Monkey to Work Day."

I gave him the name of Edmund, which means"rich protector" from the Old English ead "rich, blesses" and mund "protector."

He came in this adorably wrapped box tied with string, topped with an artful tag, and a surprise inside.

Aqua Teapot Blessing, passed on to you...

It was a blessing receiving a flickr message from one2c900d which read, "This photo is especially for you..."  When I clicked on the link, this gorgeous teapot, in my favorite color, adorned in lovely gold leaves, filled my screen.  I was overwhelmed and deeply touched by her very sweet thought of me.  It's by Arthurwood pottery, England. She purchased it from a Goodwill store for only $8. While I can't believe someone let it go, I'm glad she found it, got a great deal, and then encouraged me with a picture of it.

one2c900d's photgraphy is lovely, covering a wide range of subjects from intricate details to grand architecural perspectives.  Her Chicago photos are spectacular. She also has a very creative set called "Squared Circles."

I couldn't conclude without pointing you to her Detroit Airport photos, especially 2 stunning videos: Changing colors in the tunnel and Detroit Airport pool.

Her picture massage was timely. It reminded me of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians which says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11