Sunday 28 February 2010

Thank you!

I really do not know how to thank everyone who, so kindly left a message or e mailed directly their kind words of support with regard to us losing our dearly loved dog Rosie. I can't say that the last two weeks have been easy, but reading so many words of kindness has been such a help...thank you so very much. Each comment has been read and so very much appreciated.

'How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world' .~William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice.

Below is a picture of our ten year old Bichon ~ Daisy ~ she has been totally lost without Rosie. We have given her lots of time and attention though and because she has 'poodle' fur, Daisy has to go to the 'poodle parlour' every now and again. This is a before...
DAISY

This is the after....I much prefer the 'before' Daisy, but her tight curls have to have attention otherwise they get felted. She is so soft at the moment and must be cuddled constantly. (The groomer always ties a bow on the doggies' collars when they have been groomed). Daisy you are one big powder puff girl!
I~O~
Holly has been to Paris for a few days with a College trip, which has thankfully cheered her a little. The sweet child thought of her old Mum, whilst in Paris and found 'Laduree' and purchased these stunning macaroons for me. The box is good enough to eat too. A blissfully beautiful and kind gift, I'm sure you will agree.

~O~
Onto all things handmade...I have been very busy over the last few days and have made...
an embellished envelope. The stamps applied to this vintage envelope are so softly coloured, just beautiful. The inside of the envelope is a faded, blue zig zag pattern, so I took the back of the envelope off and used little pieces as the base of the collage.

Lots of texture...

Then onto a needlecase, with a silk screen printed bird. Front...

Back..
Opened out...
Oh, this has just sold. x
I have also made three little mixed media collages held within small vintage tins.
Forgive me for stating the obvious here but...
Inside...
Front...

This little darling tin has sold but it is so cute I thought I would show you. It held corn caps...nice!
Tin open...

Tin closed...
This is another Panatella slim cigar tin.
Opened out...
Closed...
When I visited France last year, I purchased a few very old tea towels or should I say Torchon. They have that washed worn feel of the softest cotton. The one towel has the most stunning, delicate darning, so I turned it into a Dorothy Bag, as one does!
Here we go,
Front...
Back...
Opened out...
Darned area....
Close up...
~O~
I wanted to draw your attention to some of the fabulous Fairs, where I will be having a stand.
A week on Saturday, Rag Fair stroudinternationaltextiles at Stroud. If you like bargains of the vintage haberdashery and sewing kind, this is your Fair.
I look forward so much to all the Fairs I have booked, particularly the Fair that seems to have started the trend of vintage/handmade fairs, the creme de la creme vintageandhandmade
1st May at Chipping Sodbury. But before then, I will be attending the lovely homespun fair at Portscatho, Cornwall, April 5th. Please see my sidebar for more details.
Once again, how can I thank you? I don't know what I would do without my bloggy friends.
Thanks for stopping by. x

45 comments:

Corinne Phillips said...

Wow Viv you have been busy. The bird song track threw me there for a minute!! Thought I was hearing things!! Daisy is gorgeous - I agree I like the 'before' photo better!! Would love to go to Stroud but have promised Ruby we will go to Cheltenham for a birthday shopping spree on Saturday - that will probably mean Primark - Oh Joy! And I could be looking at vintage haberdashery!

Carol Q said...

ooh - how nice to hear the birdies sing. love your creations. I now have a date in my diary for 13th March too!!

Lyn said...

I love the book cover. I am trying to make one for my God daughters 11th birthday in March but finding it frustrating! I have limited sewing skills, your work always inspires me, thank you.
Love
Lyn
xxx

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Oh goodness Viv, I'm so sorry to read this most sad, sad news. I'd really like to add my love and best wishes to the pile you have already received from so many lovely people

Daisy is so adorable in her pink bow. I love all your latest things especially the drawstring bag and the tins. You are amazing! I'm looking forward to homespun and I'm saving my pennies ;o)

Lots of love n hugs
C

lilylovekin said...

I have a Bichon also named Penny so I know all about the before and after. They are such pack animals it must be breaking her heart about Rosie. But oh the love is worth the pain. Your work is .inspirational.

Gina said...

I love those little tins... so pretty! Daisy is a gorgeous girl! (I prefer her "before" look too)

Andi's English Attic said...

Sadie, our Old English Sheepdog needed a trip to the parlour every now and then. My brothers used to laugh at her when she came back and boy, did she bark back at them. We think she was embarrassed.
Gorgeous work as always. It's a pleasure to see them. xx

Tankar från Trädgårdsmästarn; Hillevi said...

I'm a recent follower to your blog(very recent). And I just realized that you lost a loved one... I'm so sorry to hear that!!!

I've enjoyed your handicraft a couple of times and admired you in a distance. You are quite an ionspiration, and I wanted to thank you for being that.

Greetings from SWEDEN, H.

Twiggy said...

Your work is gorgeous and so is your doggy :)
Twiggy x

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Viv, this newest work is especially beautiful. That garden tin with the wheelbarrow is, well, very wonderful!
xx
julie

GardenOfDaisies said...

Daisy is a sweetie! Your work is amazing. So many tiny little details.

Becca said...

I just love your artwork, especially the vintage envelopes! I hope you are feeling better.
Becca

A time to dance said...

oh you are back....missed you missed you missed you!!!! Of course, being your biggest fan I love everything...especially the corn plaster tin which you have made beautiful....what a wonderful wonderful idea....we were going to go to the vintage fair this year and suprise you but guess what...we are in the isle of skye...boo sending tons of love and oh how I wish I could cuddle that pooch...we arent allowed a dog....hmph so we have fat cat who often has a dirty bottom...no substitute....

Annie said...

I'm so sorry to read your sad news. Our pets really do become part of our life and should always be very missed...this just means you loved them a lot. Daisy looks so lovely after her trim. Really love all your beautiful projects.
A x

Annie said...

I'm so sorry to read your sad news. Our pets really do become part of our life and should always be very missed...this just means you loved them a lot. Daisy looks so lovely after her trim. Really love all your beautiful projects.
A x

salty pebble said...

poor little doggy hard to explain when there's a loss- they always look alittle confuzzled! ;0)
looks gorgeous now had a puddle puff groom bless!!x
love your beautiful creations! no wonder they sell like hot cakes! ;0)xx

salty pebble said...

ooop's meant poodle! not puddle!!...think its that time of day heehee

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

So glad to hear that you have Daisy to bring you comfort in this time. She looks like a sweetie! Your handiwork is just absolutely beautiful. I love every little piece, every detail! Wishing you many blessings, Tammy

JuicyFig said...

I spot some liberty prints amongst all that gorgeousness!

Love the before and after shots, especially the happy tail on the 'after' shot!

Kath
x

Katie said...

So sorry to hear about Rosie. I'm sending you a big hug and best wishes. It's always so heartbreaking when a much-loved member of the family leaves. Your creations are (as always) absolutely beautiful. You are so, so talented. Katie x

Whitney-Anne Baker said...

A box of Laduree - you have brought that girl up very well indeed! Your work, as always, an inspiration first thing before I begin my own creative day.

Pom Pom said...

I'm so sorry about Rosie. Daisy is lovely with her new hair do. I have been thinking about poodles, wanting one. It may take a year or so to talk my lawn loving husband into it, but poodle love is definitely brewing. Your work is stunning. I'm going to follow! Have a calm and "feeling loved" kind of week.

Greedy Nan said...

What some lovely things you've been making. Lots of inspiration which I really envy you for.

Margaret said...

Viv, I've thought of you often over the past couple of weeks and I'm so pleased to see your post. In amidst all your turmoil you've been so busy and once again crafted the most beautiful things. The little tins are my fav,what a wonderful surprise inside.
I wish you all the best. Mx

annasoc said...

I am sorry to hear about your beloved dog. I lost a very beloved cat about two years ago, and it still hurts a little, even though I've given my home to a new and playful cat. Pets are members of the family and we can't help but become attached to them.

Autumn Mist said...

I've missed you, too. Your Daisy is a darling, I would just want to pick her up and give her a cuddle. Your tins are amazing, I love them. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Love and hugs.

Vintage Laura xx said...

So sorry to hear!! When my dog Rockie passed away 2 1/2 years ago I thought I would never stop crying - it seems waterproof mascara isn't very effective when you cry so much!

Love the tins you've done, they're stunning!! And so is Poodle-esque Daisy!! lol xx

JP said...

glad you are coping ok - Daisy is cute- you have done some lovely things

Julia said...

Hello
Oh isnt your pooch just gorgeous? I could just scoop her up and snuggle her...!! Your new work, is as ever, inspiringly beautiful - the little tins an absolute delight!

Love Julia x x x

mano said...

Wonderful works! I especially love the little tins. If you like, have a look to my blog for to see my "treasure-boxes"...
Greetings from Germany, mano

theseagarden@btinternet.com said...

Love the tins thing Viv, such a good way of using those very shallow cigarette tins that won't hold much else. So sorry to hear about dear Rosie. Really looking forward to welcoming you back to Portscatho on Easter Monday. Sadly I shall have to man the shop all day, but I shall have a sneek preview of all your goodies as you're setting up. I've never tasted macaroons, they look too good to eat!
Keep smiling, love,
Christine x

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Dear Viv..
I am reading this at dawn and the beautiful birdsong on your blog is competing with my very own dawn chorus outside.
I would love to live inside your head for a day and see all the beauty that inspires your gorgeous creations.

Mrs Awe.. from Bath
XX

paperbird said...

All so pretty. I adore your work. Will you have any needle cases soon?

Cathy said...

So much gorgeous textile work. Your creations are quite stunning Viv. They always remind me of beautiful country gardens.

Thanks for the links to the craft shows. I shall enjoy following up the blogs listed on the Vintage and Handmade Fair's website. Good luck with them.

Daisy is so sweet especially after her wash and brush up. I hope she brings you comfort after your sad loss.

PepperPi Pals said...

Hi Viv,

I've featured your blog in my "Blogs to Follow" post...
http://pepperpi.blogspot.com/2010/03/blogs-to-follow-hens-teeth.html
...hope you like it :)

Clair

BadPenny said...

so sad about Rosie - we have an elderly retriever & a young one. I think the young one will miss the old boy terribly when he's gone.

I really admire your lovely work infact it inspires me to get making & creating

Amelia said...

so sorry to hear about your beloved passing away . . . it seems you've buried yourself in some fantastic creative endeavours though. I adore your pieces, particularly the tin collages - like artists books. very inspirational.

I hope the spring brings better tidings and happy new beginnings.

Big hug,

Amelia.x

HomeBirdJen said...

So sorry to hear that your dog passed away, she is a cutie :) I love the birdsong soundtrack on your blog :)

I nominated you for a blog award! :)

http://willsketchforcake.blogspot.com/2010/03/sunshine-blog-award.html

Jen x

Teena Vallerine said...

so much adorable work here. just breath-taking. sorry to hear about rosie. it must be very odd without her around. but the powderpuff looks like good cuddles to help comfort you! t.x

cathyb said...

Viv - I purchased exactly the same box of macarons (same color and shape) as the one u received when I was in Paris - isn't the box glorious. Love the new tins BTW

soisses-dasleben said...

i just hope, you feel better now. i really know, how horrible it is, when you loose a pet! daisy will live in your heart!!!

have a nice weekend...

Victoria said...

Daisy is a dear. It must be hard on her, too, missing Rosie. Good that you have each other and I am sure her new do has lifted her spirits a bit. Your work is wonderful, as always! xo

peggy aplSEEDS said...

you make such lovely pieces! i'm glad i found your blog! nice to meet you!

Mitzi Curi said...

First, I want to let you know how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your dear pet. It sounds like Rosie was a very smart dog, choosing such a loving family for herself. Bless her heart! I'm enjoying viewing your beautiful art, I haven't visited in far too long.

Jackie said...

I missed this because when I read blogs I save all my best buddies till last to enjoy at my leisure but it takes me so long to wade through all the others I rarely get to my buddies..of which, of course, you are one.I love your little sweetie pie both before and after grooming, but the reason for my comment one this post is that I am urgently in need of some of those macaron or whatever. I don't stand a cat in hells chance of getting any around here. Sigh so its nice to look at yours.