Of Stuff and Things

When I begin a project I like to have everything at hand.  In fact I like to have more than I'll probably need -- just to be on the safe side.  

So you could say that my 'mouse journeys' started with a trip to Etsy.  There I found two wonderful sources for felted wool - TaDaa Studio and Felt On The Fly.  Each has beautiful colors and were so helpful in my search for 'mouse' shades.

Next came thread.  I dove into my stash of "Wildflowers" thread by Caron.  These were left overs from my punchneedle days and with their variegated tones turned out to be perfect.

Ahh, a few smooth rocks for weight.

Last, but certainly not least, were the buttons.  Now who could ever have TOO many buttons?  Not I certainly.  No matter what I'm working on, I always tend to add new buttons to my collection just in case...

So my days of procrastination are over and it is time to get stitching...

"There's nothing wrong with procrastination.  Or is there?  I'll leave it to you to decide, but only if you have the time." - Craig Brown

The Challenge of Spools

Tah-Dah -- here are my spools sitting in their bowl, fulfilling my InspiredArts Challenge for the year.  Not without a few glitches I might add.  Even at the last minute I was taking loops out and putting loops in.  I believe my 'measurement godmother' deserted me during this process.  But it is finished - ready for show today and ready to see what everyone else brings.

"I have the wherewithal to challenge myself for my entire life.  That's a great gift." - Twyla Tharp

Foraging

I've gone through my fabric stash and pulled out 'possibilities' -- pieces that may or may not qualify for doll clothing.  There are homespuns and flannels, fine cotton and old lace, you can even see the old sock that I've used just recently.

The other day I found a bunch of old buttons at a local thrift store.   I was in heaven -- not only for the possibilities they represented but also for the fact that I got the whole bunch for less than $3.00 and I was contributing to a worthwhile cause *smile*.

Recently I found some rusty leaves at a shop in Dillsboro, NC and made my monthly trip to Honeysuckle Hollow here in Hendersonville.  There I found more vintage lace, some tags and a couple of felt hearts.
 
For now I'm set for materials - let the ideas and inspiration begin...

"I dwell in possibility." - Emily Dickinson



A Button Quest

Lately I've been on a button quest.  Not just any buttons will do -- they must be at least 1-1/4" diameter -- they must look contemporary -- they must look like they came from the earth, carved or sculpted from wood or stone or any manner of natural material.

Luckily for me - I found some of these treasures locally.  One source was a surprise to me and that was Hancock Fabrics.  I knew they had a lot of buttons there, but they are now carrying some lines that feature larger, natural looking buttons - just what I've been looking for.  Another local source is Waechter's Silk Shop - a wonderful fabric store in Asheville where they have a whole wall of buttons. 

Now that I have this lovely pile in front of me, my fingers are itching to create more abstract punchneedle pieces where I can attach a little 'piece of the earth'.

"If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is nature's way". - Aristotle