Speaking of Color and Christmas....

I passed this neighbor's house on my walk..glorious color!

Heavenly Bamboo bush, lovely reds, greens, yellows, purples..

On my morning walk I found examples of reds and greens working together nicely. They are opposite on the color wheel; complimentary. Both of these pictures show good value; balance of light and dark, the recipe for good eye movement, allowing your eye to 'see' detail.
More on color to come...

Why is Color so Important and Yet so Misunderstood......

I'm busy making yo yos, using silks, eyelet, tulle, batik etc.......

My color wheel, a very important tool........

 I was thinking today that color is so important to a project's eye appeal ( that 'pop' thing). Why is it that so many don't have a clue as to what makes the colors in their projects lack pizzazz? It's very simple, they don't understand color. To some people the ability to use color well comes natural. For everyone else there are tools that really help. Using a color wheel and understanding what value is; dark/light, is a start. Then add practice, experimenting; this is training your 'eye' by using it. A well made color wheel will have good directions that are easy to work with. The Sew Red Glasses are handy, but squinting to see placement of lights/darks works too. Is your work all light or all dark? If there is a mix of both your eye moves and takes in the details. Color is the thing that makes it sing.
This is my work in progress, check out Sharon B's Pintangle WIP to see other artist's projects.

Sew Red Glasses, 'color value made simple'.

Clover 'Quick' Yo-Yo Maker is a fast way to make lots of Yo-Yos....

Yo-Yo maker ready, silks ready, 'interviewing colors....

           I have to get my stash of Yo-Yos built back up, that's what I will be doing today. I like to have a pile of them ready to use here and there. I'm choosing colors and embellishments for my 'Strawberries n' Chocolate' sewing kits #1 and #2. Embroidery floss was on sale so I had to buy a handful of colors.
Did I mention that I really like using the Clover Yo-Yo makers? So fast and efficient, great product.
Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving, we did.

Documenting the Creative Journey.....

I'm fascinated by the colors here..

Hinkle Creek, fall time...

This Saturday we hiked around Hinkle Creek Nature Park.The creek flows into the American River. It was after a rain so the colors were a little more intense. Nothing like a walk out in nature to get the circulation and inspiration going.
I pieced some muslin scraps together a while ago to have a practice, experiment 'scrap book', to try out stitches and colors. I have added batting and a muslin backing and will get it quilted together. I got this idea from Karen Ruane who keeps such beautiful ledgers full of her ideas with stitch and color and texture. Documenting your creative journey is a good thing.

My muslin "scrap book" of experiments with color and stitch.

Elegant Stitches,great reference book, hand embroidery progress....

Strawberries n' Chocolate, crazy quilt style, sewing kit progress being made! I have add hand embroidery; stem, feather, cross, straight and french knot, etc.
 You can see my trusty copy of Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano, never far from my reach when I am embroidering.
For inspiration in embroidery and finishing projects visit Sharon B's Pintangle WIP .

Antique Sewing Machines, Saturday fun....

Historical pictures from the fruit packing plant archives.

 Fun Saturday!! We went to Loomis, Ca to visit the High Hand nursery and restaurant. They are located in and around an old historical fruit packing plant. There are also other fun shops in the warehouse selling antiques, pottery, art, vintage sewing supplies, wine, and more.
We had brunch and enjoyed the color, and relaxed atmosphere.
Very inspiring. I think I will start collecting old sewing machines.
Visit me and we'll do lunch there!

High Hand nursery, very picturesque.

Koi pond outside High Hand Restaurant.

The Rug Co., one of the many shops inside.

Pottery shop downstairs...

Interesting iron fencing.

The Tin Thimble, selling vintage fabric and sewing supplies.

Antique sewing machine outside the Tin Thimble.

Antique sewing machine in one of the antique shops.

Silks and taffetas,hand embroidery, Strawberry n' Chocolate sewing kit progress...

I had extra time with the long weekend to get a few things done.

Crushed velvet ties sewn on.

 Strawberries n' Chocolate sewing kits 1 & 2 both have felted wool needle keeps sewn down and crushed velvet ties sewn on. Next I will sew the pocket sides closed.
Then embroidery and embellishments will continue.

Visit Sharon B's Work in Progress Wednesday , for inspiration and encouragement finishing your projects.

Felted wool needle keeps sewn in.