Where do the days go...

Gosh! Where do the days go?

Could I really be back an entire week already?

We were able to enjoy some time outdoors hiking on our trip

Spring hadn't quite sprung yet, but you could tell that it is definitely coming.

It was definitely warmer than in Chicago

So we were quite happy.

And I did see a few glimpses of spring

It is fun to see how different the plants and trees are in different locales

This reminded me of Bleeding Hearts, but I don't think that it is

Seeing blooming trees made me happy

And this bush was so pretty.

Any guesses where I might have been?

It was a quick trip, but thoroughly enjoyed!

I'll share where I was in my next post.

Any guesses?

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

~Ephesians 6:10-11

Blessings, Patti

Our "new" old treasures

You know that Mom and I couldn't go to those wonderful primitive antique shows and not come home with some treasures! :)

Mom bought this darling strawberry emery atop an antique spool from our friend,

folk artist Ginny Henson.

Mom also found a gorgeous braid / spool cabinet in wonderful condition.

The gold stenciling on the back is in great condition and she found the perfect place for it to live! 

I found this sweet little berry basket with a lining of wonderful antique berry print fabric stitched inside. I'm thinking it might be sweet filled with antique strawberry emeries... 

This sweet little leather shoe pincushion in fabulous condition - I love how the velvet has worn away. The beadwork is stunning. And the leather sole and wood heel - oh my!

This folk art frame and old marbled paper will be a great background for some cross stitch or wee wool applique. I have ideas on how I might finish this single quilt top star...

I've had this wall of calligraphy birds for some time, but had a bird water color in the upper right corner that was bothering me. Now it has been replaced by my latest calligraphy bird.

Love the old frame and old glass to set off the artwork.

I also couldn't pass up these two works of art from the same dealer.

A beautifully done Amish stumpwork (plushwork) embroidery on a velvet pincushion.

It is so well done - I really appreciate the hours of work and artistry that went into its creation.

And this caught my eye immediately.

I love it on so many levels ~

The tiny perforated paper cross stitch - they don't make paper in this small of a count any more 

The declaration of "Sweet Home" stitched under the house

The white washed folk art frame with so many details 

It all makes my heart sing!

And finally:

My "new" old sewing box that opens on both sides with a wire hinge.

I can't wait to set it up for my stitching and put it to continued good use...

Before dawn breaks in the morning, I'll be heading on a long weekend trip.

I'm going to a city and state that I haven't visited for about 30 years.

I am anxious to return and visit again...

Any ideas where I am headed? I hope to let you know when I return early next week. :)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ^[a] has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child.  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.

~1 John 5:1-2

Blessings, Patti 

Central Illinois Antiques Week ~ March 2018

Last weekend were the Primitive Shows in Central Illinois.

Mom and I stopped at a few of our favorites.

We had a busy weekend, but definitely had fun.

There were some truly stunning works of needle art there.

All of these were beyond my budget, but I just had to share their beauty.

 So many incredible needle artists years ago. 

You would love to know more about the artists and their lives.

Too bad I didn't win the lottery,

They would have all come home with me!

The graphics on some look like modern art

And the combination of colors - oh my!

Such beauty!

Will someone look at any of my work 100 years from now and sigh or exclaim?

I could only hope...

Don't you just love those early blues?!

To have a stack to enjoy... Ahhh

And here is some work from one of my favorite current needle artists, Ginny Henson

A stunning combination of needlework and antique frame.

And some sweet kitties that could easily be mistaken for antiques.

Lovely work with early materials.

I know that this photo doesn't really "belong", but who can resist the sweet piggies?!

Where does the time go?! Has it really been a week already?

I do need to take more time for my blog as I always feel that I have so much to share...

We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

~1 John 4:19-21

 Blessings, Patti