FINALLY, back to it!

The past year has presented events that distracted my quilting efforts, some quite enjoyable and others very disconcerting. If you know me, you know the disconcerting events are health related. Long story for another post.
I have finished the quilt that I made using the 'found objects', the textile Japanese coasters with birds. I shared the images in another post, but here they are again.

Eli's Summer Camping Adventure

Click here to view this photo book larger

The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

QUILTS IN THE GARDEN ~ AUGUST 27, 2011 ~ CORVALLIS, OREGON

I enjoyed so much the opportunity yesterday to view seven garden venues that included quilts made by many people from our local area.  Enjoy the slide show.  My personal favorites are always the non-traditional quilts.  If you click on the slide show below, you'll be able to see larger images.  It was a beautiful sunny day, so I apologize for shadows on some of the quilts.

KRISTINA'S RECEPTION

Yesterday was the inauguration of Kristina's photography show at Crush Wine Bar in Monmouth, Oregon.  These are some photos of the event, which was well attended and enjoyed by everyone!  Thanks to all of you who came and enjoyed the photos taken by another of our talented daughters!

RECEPTION ~ SIMPLY SNAPPED PHOTOGRAPHY

RECEPTION ~ Kristina's Photos
@ CRUSH WINE BAR

May 7, 2011 1-5

105 East Main, Monmouth, Oregon

http://www.simplysnappedphotography.com/

I am convinced that the proclivity for right or left brained dominant pursuits runs in families.  At least I am convinced that is true in our family.  Our eldest daughter, Thing One, has recently turned the corner from amateur photographer to professional photographer.  Her family has encouraged her for ages to think about doing this, as we all could see that she had quite an intuitive 'eye' for creating artful photographs, no matter the subject.  We know her efforts will bring her satisfaction and contentment, and that others OUTSIDE of her family will let her know thay they too are impressed with the beautiful photographs that she is able to create.
The photos will be there for May and June, so if you miss the reception and still would like to see them, here are the hours for Crush Wine Bar;
Mon - Thurs: 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Fri - Sat: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Crush has excellent regional wines and the best bar menu featuring local products like cheeses and breads.

THRIFT SHOP FINDS

I found these five little 5 inch (14 cm) Japanese made coasters at a second hand shop on the Oregon coast last August.  I finally have decided to move ahead and incorporate them into a project.  I will soon add the finished project to this post, as I think it will be done by the end of the week.  I have heard that cottons and silks will increase in cost this year, so I am going to be looking more and more into the thrift and second hand shops for vintage textiles to work with.  I also recently ordered a bolt of raw silk to dye with natural dyes.  Come on spring!  That activity needs warmer outside weather!

STAFF ART SHOW

Today I learned that two of my pieces have been accepted for the Oregon State University Invitational Staff Art Exhibit, March 7-30, at LaSells Stewart Center. To me, a nonprofessional artist, this is pretty exciting.
The top one is called PASSION WITHIN and the lower one is NAMAZU.