Art is where you find it: December 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Wonderful Christmas Present

I love unexpected Christmas presents!

This year my daughter and her family really did it.

She noticed this little table at the curb in her neighborhood. It was upside down and covered with junk. Later she passed by that house again and the table was standing up. Clearly someone had checked it out and found it wanting.

My daughter had her son hop out and put it into the car. They took it home and cleaned it up. My son-in-law sanded it down and painted it a wonderful blue color.

I love the table as it. And especially love the story behind it.

Mud People Nativity Set

I bought my first Mud People nativity set in Spain in 1967. It included a washer woman. (The dealer said "someone had to do the diapers!) Later, the niece of one of my friends was stationed at that same Navy Base and I was able to get a second set. But alas, no washer woman.

The wise men have really wonderful mounts - no boring horses for them!

And the shepherds have great gifts - rabbits and oil and water and chickens. I'm looking on Ebay for more shepherds.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

No Christmas Tree

Instead of putting up the tree this year, I hung a red and green quilt that I rescued from an antique store many years ago. I repaired it and love the vibrant colors and unusual pattern.

So that I could pile up presents, I pulled in the white bench that I helped my Daddy make when I was a little girl. I added the apple wreath after finding it for sale at the Assistance League thrift store.

Presents on the bench include the vintage cookie jar (bought at an estate auction) shaped like a Christmas tree that will go to my daughter. Also a table runner that I scored in a White Elephant gift exchange with some of my quilting friends. The other presents will have to wait until next week, when my grandchildren are in town.

Merry Christmas, ya'll.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Crewelwork unearthed

When did I do this? The early seventies maybe?

My daughter saw it this weekend at her aunt's house and has been promised it at some point in the future.

I must have made it for my mother-in-law. So long ago.
But the sentiment still holds.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Sweet Potato Vine

The colors on these leaves are really nice. They're in a planter box on my front porch. I also have some of the lime green ones, but they don't do as well.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Christmas is coming

Yes, Christmas is coming. The lights are strung (well, it's only one strand, but at least it's one strand!).

Presents are wrapped.

An evergreen based centerpiece is on the table. (Thank you Flower Child in Pflugerville!)

Cards were not sent. Just can't get interested in that this year.

The weather is mild.
This is sunset at the edge of suburbia.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Pick-up Sticks

Today I finished putting together a top for the Baby Bundle project that the Austin guild sponsors. I had seen the pattern in a magazine and just had to try it.
Then I got bored.
So I made a total of 20 blocks, put them together, and have donated them to be made into a baby quilt for one of the local health department programs.
Our guild does almost 400 quilts a year and I'm one of the coordinators. Come July, I'll get my guest room back and can spend more time on making quilts and less time on organizing.