Kris'sKreations

Boating Off-Shore by Mt. Vernon, Va. - August 21, 2011

2011-08-21T19:08:00.000-04:00

Boating Off-Shore by Mt. Vernon, Va. - August 21, 2011

I spent the day boating with wonderful friends on the Potomac River. We anchored off- shore by Mt. Vernon, Va. and ate lunch . I took this photo from the boat

Seven Grand - Whiskey Bar in Downtown Los Angeles, Ca. - August 20, 2011

2011-08-21T18:52:00.000-04:00

Seven Grand - Whiskey Bar in Downtown Los Angeles, Ca. - August 20, 2011

I went to the Seven Grand - Whiskey Bar in downtown Los Angeles, Ca. to play pool and have drinks last week.
http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2011/06/03/seven-grand-los-angeles/

California Angels Baseball Game - August 18, 2011

2011-08-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

California Angels Baseball Game - August 18, 2011

I took this photo at the California Angels baseball game in Anaheim, Ca. It was a perfect night: the Angels won the game with a walk-off home run, the weather was perfect, hot dogs , peanuts and beer. You can't get any better than that.

Mercedes Grille & Martini Bar in Marina Del Rey / Venice Beach, Ca. - August 17, 2011

2011-08-21T18:23:00.001-04:00

Mercedes Grille & Martini Bar in Marina Del Rey / Venice Beach, Ca. - August 17, 2011

Went to the Mercedes Grille & Martini Bar in Marina Del Rey / Venice Beach , Ca. for martinis and shrimp. Wonderful atmosphere, food and drinks . They specialize in Cuban food.

http://mercedesgrille.com/mgindex.htm

The Disney Building in Los Angeles, Ca. - August 16, 2011

2011-08-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

The Disney Building in Los Angeles, Ca. - August 16, 2011

I took this photo of the Disney Building in downtown Los Angeles, Ca , while walking to the Farmer's Market. I love this walk, because I pass many wonderful landmarks.

Foxtail Ferns at Brookside Garden in Wheaton, Md. - August 13, 2011

2011-08-13T18:44:00.000-04:00

Foxtail Ferns at Brookside Garden in Wheaton, Md. - August 13, 2011

When I was at Brookside Garden last month, I took this photo of the Foxtail Ferns in the butterfly house. I love all the different colors of green.

Queen Anne's Lace - August 12, 2011

2011-08-13T18:41:00.000-04:00

Queen Anne's Lace - August 12, 2011

I have Queen Anne's lace growing in my back yard, but I took this photo at Homestead Farm in Poolsville, Md.. when I was picking blackberries there a few weeks ago.

Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, Va. - August 11, 2011

2011-08-13T18:38:00.000-04:00

Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, Va. - August 11, 2011

I took this photo of the Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, Va. yesterday afternoon.
http://www.potomacpointwinery.com/ .... We had lunch there and then had the deluxe wine tasting. It was a wonderful afternoo

At the Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, Va. - August 10, 2011

2011-08-13T18:36:00.000-04:00

At the Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, Va. - August 10, 2011

I had a wonderful day at the Potomac Point Winery in Stafford , Va......
http://www.potomacpointwinery.com/
My friend and I ate a delicious lunch on the patio before going inside for a "deluxe wine tasting". We had a wonderful afternoon.

The Queen Mary in Long Beach, Ca. - August 7, 2011

2011-08-13T18:34:00.000-04:00

The Queen Mary in Long Beach, Ca. - August 7, 2011

Here is another photo that I took of the Queen Mary when I stayed there last month in Long Beach, Ca., It was beautiful.

The Electric Palm Restaurant in Woodbridge, Va. - August 4, 2011

2011-08-13T18:30:00.002-04:00

The Electric Palm Restaurant in Woodbridge, Va. - August 4, 2011

I took this photo of the red plastic palm tree that graced the front of the Electric Palm Restaurant in Woodbridge, Va. - theelectricpalm.com - There are many colorful plastic palm trees around the restaurant. I had the Cuban sandwich, sweet potato fries and a beer. Yum.....

Zoo Friends at the National Zoo in Washington DC - August 3, 2011

2011-08-13T18:29:00.000-04:00

Zoo Friends at the National Zoo in Washington DC - August 3, 2011

I love this photo that I took at the National Zoo in Washington DC this summer. I've taken so many great photo of the animals there.

Blackberry Picking at Homestead Farm - July 31, 2011

2011-08-11T21:45:00.000-04:00

Blackberry Picking at Homestead Farm - July 31, 2011

This morning I went blackberry picking at Homestead Farm in Poolesville, Maryland. I came home with blackberries, yellow peaches and tomatoes. Yummy !!!!!
Their web site is : www.Homestead-Farm.net

"Balance" - Fiber Art and Haiku - July 30, 2011

2011-08-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

"Balance" - Fiber Art and Haiku - July 30, 2011

Look at how you stand...
Life is full of challenges...
Maintain your balance...

I designed and made this fiber art piece to go with a haiku about balance. I used cotton fabric, fancy yarn and shells on this piece.

Large Elephant Ear Plant in Small Side Garden - July 29, 2011

2011-08-11T21:40:00.000-04:00

Large Elephant Ear Plant in Small Side Garden - July 29, 2011

I took this photo of the large elephant ear plant in my other small side garden. A friend gave me bulbs for this plant. Now I have many bulbs to replant every spring.

At the Zoo in Washington DC - July 28,. 2011

2011-08-11T18:00:00.000-04:00

At the Zoo in Washington DC - July 28,. 2011

I was at the zoo in Washington DC today. I enjoyed the elephants and the cheetahs. .

Riding the Aqua Bus Across Long Beach Harbor - July 27, 2011

2011-08-11T17:56:00.000-04:00

Riding the Aqua Bus Across Long Beach Harbor - July 27, 2011

I took this photo a few weeks ago when I was in Long Beach , California. I took the boat back across the harbor to the Queen Mary.

Moving Sidewalk Under the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC - July 26, 2011

2011-07-27T04:39:00.000-04:00

Moving Sidewalk Under the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC - July 26, 2011

I took this photo today of the moving sidewalk under the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. The sidewalk connects the National Gallery of Art to the Museum of Modern Art and goes under a city street. The lights twinkle and move to put on a "light show" as you are moved along on the sidewalk.

Sunset at the Washington Monument in Washington DC - June 21, 2011

2011-07-10T11:36:00.000-04:00

Sunset at the Washington Monument in Washington DC - June 21, 2011

I took this photo at the Washington Monument at sunset in Washington DC. We had just gone up into the monument to look out over the city.

Dallas Texas Sunrise - June 22, 2011

2011-07-10T11:24:00.002-04:00

Dallas Texas Sunrise - June 22, 2011

I took this photo of the Dallas, Texas sunrise. You can see the reflection of the sun on the tall buildings.

"Stream" haiku and Fiber Art - June 30, 2011

2011-07-10T11:20:00.000-04:00

"Stream" haiku and Fiber Art - June 30, 2011

It runs through the land...
Gurgling in the sunlight...
Cool and refreshing...

Butterfly Garden at Brookside Garden in Wheaton, Md. - June 20, 2011

2011-07-10T11:14:00.000-04:00

Butterfly Garden at Brookside Garden in Wheaton, Md. - June 20, 2011

This photo was taken in the butterfly garden in Brookside Garden in Wheaton, Maryland. There are hundreds of butterflies fluttering all around.

Dwarf Powder Puff Tree at Brookside Gardens - May 10, 2011

2011-05-10T16:54:00.000-04:00

Dwarf Powder Puff Tree at Brookside Gardens - May 10, 2011

I took this photo of a "dwarf powder puff tree" at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland on Sunday afternoon. The red powder puff flowers are about the size of a baseball. The tree was beautiful.

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/

Butterfly Garden at Brookside Gardens - May 9, 2011

2011-05-09T08:44:00.001-04:00

Butterfly Garden at Brookside Gardens - May 9, 2011

I went to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland yesterday afternoon for Mother's Day. Besides their wonderful gardens and plants, they have an enclosed butterfly garden that is fascinating. There were hundreds of different butterflies all around us. The colors in their wings were so vivid.
Here is their web site;
http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/

Grass Mowing "Procrastination" Haiku - April 2011

2011-05-01T09:22:00.002-04:00

Grass Mowing "Procrastination" Haiku - April 2011

Mower sitting idle...
The grass grows taller each day...
Day dreams fill my thoughts...

Union Station Metro Escalator in Washington D.C. - March 31, 2011

2011-03-31T15:30:00.000-04:00

Union Station Metro Escalator in Washington D. C. - March 31, 2011

I took this photo after getting off of the Metro under Union Station in Washington D.C. and looking up the escalator.

Sitting With Einstein - March 29, 2011

2011-03-30T07:17:00.002-04:00

Sitting With Einstein - March 29, 2011

I went to Washington D.C. again to see the cherry blossoms and tour all the monuments and sights. I'm sitting on the Einstein sculpture in this photo.

Jefferson Memorial Cherry Blossoms - March 26, 2011

2011-03-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

Jefferson Memorial Cherry Blossoms - March 26, 2011

I took this photo yesterday in Washington D.C. - from the across the Tidal Basin. Only a few more days until the blossoms are in full bloom.

Cherry Blossoms - March 25, 2011

2011-03-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

Cherry Blossoms - March 25, 2011

I went into the city ( Washington D.C. ) yesterday to see the cherry blossoms. I try to go to see them each year.

Castor Bean 2 - March 23, 2011

2011-03-26T20:34:00.000-04:00

Castor Bean 2 - March 23, 2011

I designed and made this fiber art quilt in February of 2002. I discharged a piece of purple fabric with a large castor bean leaf from my neighbor's yard. I quilted it in copper metallic and invisible threads. I also used fancy yarns and threads, some of which were quilted under purple tulle. It is 19" x 18" in size.

South Sea Mirage - March 22, 2011

2011-03-26T19:21:00.002-04:00

South Sea Mirage - March 22, 2011

I designed and made this 13" x 14" quilt in 2001. This quilt won a 1st place ribbon for "Viewer's Choice" in the small contemporary category at the Cabin Branch Quilter's show in October of 2001 in Woodbridge, Va.

South Sea Cruise - A View From My Window Challenge - March 18, 2011

2011-03-23T19:35:00.000-04:00

South Sea Cruise - A View From My Window Challenge - March 18, 2011

I designed and made this quilt for a challenge on the QuiltArt chat list in May of 2003. It is 23" x 24" in size.

http://www.quiltart.com/challenges/window/ - ( if you scroll down the page, you'll see the other quilts in this challenge).

Hearts of Hope - March 10, 2011

2011-03-15T14:09:00.001-04:00

Hearts of Hope - March 10, 2011

I designed and made this 24" sq. quilted fiber piece for a "Make Peace - Not War" challenge on the Quilt Art internet chat list.

http://www.quiltart.com/

I made this piece in January 2003.

Blue Blown Glass Fish - March 6, 2011

2011-03-11T09:52:00.000-05:00

Blue Blown Glass Fish - March 6, 2011

I have this blue, blown glass fish hanging from a maple tree branch in my front yard. He brings a spark of color on the cold winter days.

Route 66 - Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Calif. - March 4, 2011

2011-03-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

Route 66 - Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Calif. - March 4, 2011

I didn't know that route 66 ended at the Santa Monica pier in Santa Monica, Calif. until I saw this sign there last week. I've driven on Route 66 many times, but didn't know where it ended.

Bird of Paradise - Los Angeles, Calif. - March 3, 2011

2011-03-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

Bird of paradise - Los Angeles, Calif. - March 3, 2011

I took this photo last week outside of the downtown Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. It was so beautiful. I love taking pictures of nature.

Zoltar on the Santa Monica Pier - March 2, 2011

2011-03-06T14:21:00.000-05:00

Zoltar on the Santa Monica Pier - March 2, 2011

I was so excited to see the Zoltar booth out on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif. I took this photo of Zoltar last week.

The Hotel California - Santa Monica, Calif. - Feb. 28, 2011

2011-03-06T14:05:00.000-05:00

The Hotel California - Santa Monica, Calif. - Feb. 28, 2011

One of my favorite songs is Hotel California by The Eagles.
< http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ygI3BZxdCY >
. When we were driving in Santa Monica last week, I saw this sign and we pulled over and I took this photo. A wonderful surprise.

Blue Moon Over Paris - Feb. 24, 2011

2011-02-24T19:48:00.000-05:00

Blue Moon Over Paris - Feb 24, 2011

I printed a photo of the Eiffel Tower on pre-treated white fabric and used angelina fiber, beads and a Blue Moon bottle cap for this fiber piece. The following haiku was written for this quilt. ......

My love is calling...
Rendezvous under the moon...

Paris in the spring...

"The Awakening" at National Harbor- Feb. 21, 2011

2011-02-21T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Awakening at National Harbor - Feb. 21, 2011

I was back at the National Harbor, in Washington D,C., today with a friend. I took this close-up photo of "The Awakening" sculpture..

Beach Martini - Feb. 15, 2011

2011-02-15T09:10:00.001-05:00

Beach martini - Feb. 15, 2011

These are four of my favorite things - Paris, the beach/shells, pearls and a martini. These all bring fond memories.

Fiber Heart Postcard - Feb. 14, 2011

2011-02-14T14:58:00.000-05:00

Fiber Heart Postcard - Feb. 14, 2011

I designed and made this fabric/fiber heart postcard to send in the mail. I titled it "Hearts Afire". It is 4" x 6" and it is made with cotton fabric, angelina fiber, beads and is machine quilted.

Angels Flight - Feb. 12, 2011

2011-02-13T07:52:00.000-05:00

Angels Flight - Feb. 12, 2011

When I was in Los Angeles, Ca. in December of 2010, I took this photo after riding the Angels Flight train. It is the shortest train in the world at 298 feet long. It connects Hill and Olive Streets in the Bunker Hill section of downtown Los Angeles. It only cost a quarter to ride it. At the bottom of the train, I visited the large farmer's market.

Frog in Pool - Feb. 11, 2011

2011-02-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

Frog in Pool - Feb. 11, 2011

I took this photo last August ( 2010 ) at a friend's backyard pool. There was a frog swimming around in the pool that day. I got him out and sat him in the nearby grass. I thought of this photo today because it is so very cold this morning in northern Virginia and I am going to a regional swim meet this afternoon in our area for the local high schools. I want to think warm thoughts.

Orchids at the Botanical Garden in Washington D.C.- Feb. 5, 2011

2011-02-05T18:56:00.000-05:00

Orchids at the Botanical Garden in Washington D.C. - Feb. 5, 2011

I took this photo last month at the Botanical Garden in Washington D.C. They have a wonderful permanent collection of orchids.

Dining Room Mantle - Feb. 4, 2011

2011-02-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Dining Room Mantle - Feb. 4, 2011

This is a photo of my dining room mantle. The picture of the young girl was removed from behind a wall when my father was re-modeling a house we lived in when I was very young in the 1950s. She has a sad look on her face, but I've always loved this picture and carried it around with me for years. My father made the walnut frame for it.

Sunset at the National Harbor in Washington D.C.- Feb. 2, 2011

2011-02-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

Sunset at the National Harbor in Washington D.C.- Feb. 2, 2011

A beautiful sunset at the National Harbor in Washington D.C.on a cold February day. Topped off at McLoone's Pier House drinking "Rusty Nails".

Cottonmill Rd. Sunset - Jan. 31, 2011

2011-02-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

Cottonmill Rd. Sunset - Jan. 31, 2011

I took this photo while driving up Cottonmill Rd. in my neighborhood at sunset.

Jamjari - Dragonfly - Jan. 24, 2011

2011-01-25T08:07:00.000-05:00

Jamjari - Dragonfly - Jan. 24, 2011

I designed this 17" x 22" fiber/quilt for the 2007 Journal Page challenge for the International Quilt Shown in Houston, Tx. It also traveled to their other shows. It had many 3-D techniques - - - in red, black, gold and silver. I included large red and gold chunky beads, screening, gold mesh, angelina fiber, twisted wire, fancy yarns and black plastic bag netting.

Peter Rabbit Quilt - Jan. 21, 2011

2011-01-21T09:31:00.001-05:00

Peter Rabbit Quilt - Jan. 21, 2011

I designed and made this fiber quilt as a challenge for my local quilt guild, Cabin Branch Quilters. It had to be a piece that was a fairy tale/book. I used ultra suede, hand painted cheese cloth, cotton fabric, fancy yarns and many beads to complete this piece. It is out traveling around to different quilt shows around the country. It was just shown at the "Road to California" quilt show in California. recently.

My Kitchen Window - Jan. 17, 2011

2011-01-17T07:24:00.001-05:00

My Kitchen Window - Jan. 17, 2011

This is the window right above my kitchen sink. I have collected and displayed a lot of things that make me happy and give me a smile. It's like bringing nature right inside my home.

Flying the Flag - Jan. 15, 2011

2011-01-15T07:43:00.000-05:00

Flying the Flag - Jan. 15, 2011

I took this photo of the flag that flies outside of my garage door. I love the shadow of the flag on the brick wall.

Aurora Adventure - Jan. 14, 2011

2011-01-14T08:21:00.000-05:00

Aurora Adventure - Jan. 14, 2011

I designed and made this little 14 1/2" x 15 1/2" quilt in Jan. 2005. It is so very cold outside today in northern Virginia that I thought it would be a great photo for today. I designed it as if I was looking out at the view from inside of an igloo.

Frog Stepping Stone - Jan. 13, 2011

2011-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Frog Stepping Stone - Jan. 13, 2011

I made this frog stepping stone for my side garden and inlaid the glass stones for his eyes and his back. I have also made about 14 other stepping stones, of other designs, to place throughout my back garden. My neighbor and I set up a little cement mixing area in my garage during warm weather and we each make about three stepping stones at a time for our yards. I love trying different creative ideas.

Beaded Icicles - Jan. 12, 2011

2011-01-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

Beaded Icicles - Jan. 12, 2011

I have made over 3000 beaded icicles for myself, family and friends over the past few years. I kept over 500 of them for myself and to put on my Christmas tree. When I take them off of the tree each year, I drape them over clear vases to enjoy throughout the house. Each of the icicles is different, so I never get tired of making them.

Waiting for Summer

2011-01-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

Waiting for Summer

This is a small fiber piece that I made for the Houston Journal Page quilts for 2006. It was one of my favorites. I love gardening and quilting and this is a combination of both of my "favorites". It was also published on page 161, in the book, " Personal Pages and Inspiration - 1000 Artist Journal Pages " by Dawn DeVries Sokol....

Mermaid in Side Winter Garden- Jan. 11, 2011

2011-01-11T10:08:00.000-05:00

Mermaid in Side Winter Garden - Jan. 11, 2011

My mermaid is usually surrounded by beautiful flowers, but stands alone in the winter cold. I love seeing her in full bloom in the spring and summer.

Botanical Garden in Washington , D.C. - Jan. 4, 2011

2011-01-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

Seed Replica of the Capitol at the Botanical Garden in Washington, D.C.- Jan. 4, 2011

All of the monuments and the Capitol were made from seeds and natural elements at the Botanical Garden for the holiday season in Washington , D.C. They were wonderful...

Skyline Drive - Jan. 5, 2011

2011-01-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

Skyline Drive by Front Royal, Va. - Jan. 5, 2011

A nice drive to Front Royal, Va. and had lunch at the Soul Mountain Cafe before taking a drive on the "Skyline Drive". I hope to drive on it in the fall sometime to see all the colors. The view was wonderful.

The Capitol in Washington D.C.- Jan. 4, 2011

2011-01-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

The Capitol in Washington D.C. - Jan. 4, 2011

When walking from Union Station to the Botanical Garden in Washington D.C., I took these photos of the Capitol building. It was a beautiful & sunny day.

Ceiling at Union Station - Jan. 4, 2011

2011-01-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

The Ceiling at Union Station in Washington D.C. - Jan. 4, 2011

This is a photo that I took of the ceiling inside of Union Station in Washington D.C. I was there on Jan. 4, 2001 to see the big Christmas tree. The drinks and the company couldn't have been better.

Crocheted Covered Christmas Balls

2011-01-07T18:40:00.000-05:00

Crocheted Covered Christmas Balls - Jan. 7, 2011

Over the years, I have made many different kinds of Christmas ornaments. One of my favorites that I made are the crocheted covered Christmas balls. I used white crochet cord & crocheted different designs to cover the balls. I have them all in this glass bowl in my living room. It's time to put them away for another year.

The Hollywood Sign

2010-12-23T17:14:00.000-05:00

The Hollywood Sign

As you can see , I got to climb up to get my photo taken with the Hollywood sign. This photo was taken on Dec. 16, 2010. We drove up as far as we could and hiked up a little further. It was great seeing all the sights and visiting all the different areas around Los Angeles.

Pacific Sunset at Santa Monica, California

2010-12-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

Pacific Sunset

I had a wonderful time in Los Angeles, Ca. One of the first things that I wanted to do was see a Pacific sunset and put my feet in the Pacific Ocean. I got to do both. This photo was taken on Dec. 13, 2010. It was absolutely beautiful.

The Disney Building

2010-12-23T17:05:00.000-05:00

Disney Building

I took this photo on Dec. 13th, 2010, in downtown Los Angeles, of the Disney Building. It was beautiful when the sun was shining on it.

The White House at Night

2010-12-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

The White House at Night

Here is a photo that I took of the White House last evening, Dec. 11, 2010, as I was leaving the Christmas tour. The house was decorated beautifully inside , but the outside left a wonderful impression too. This is the front entrance of the White House.

The White House Christmas Tour - 2010

2010-12-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

White House Christmas Tour - 2010

I was able to tour the White House yesterday afternoon, Dec. 11, 2010, and see how it is decorated for the holiday season. It was a late afternoon tour and was lit up beautifully. This photo is of one of the trees in the East Room. This is the third year that I've gotten to take the Christmas tour of the White House.

Veteran's day 2010

2010-11-16T10:59:00.000-05:00

Veteran's day -2010

Spent some of Veteran's day in Washington D.C. enjoying the scenes and the monuments. It was a wonderful day and the weather was beautiful.

The Initial Carver

2010-10-11T08:37:00.000-04:00

"The Initial Carver"

I used to do a lot of needlepoint in the 1970s and stitched this piece called "The Initial Carver" .
I finished the piece in 1977 and I stitched her skin and the dog in petti-point and the rest in a regular needlepoint stitch.

Our National Anthem played and sang by the Academy Choirs

2010-10-11T06:06:00.000-04:00

Our National Anthem played and sang by the Academy Choirs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE

Here is a version of our national Anthem that is not to be missed. It was played at the Philadelphia Eagles game a while back. It's excellent.

Afternoon Snack

2010-09-30T07:32:00.000-04:00

Afternoon Snack

Before starting to prepare my evening meal, I enjoyed an afternoon snack of fresh strawberries with whipped cream, chocolate chip cookies and fresh brewed coffee. There's nothing better than taking the time to enjoy a snack.

Tortellini Soup

2010-09-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

Tortellini Soup

I was hungry for tortellini soup this week and decided to make a pot of it.

In a large kettle, I browned minced garlic in butter and then added chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, minced parsley, chopped spinach, cheese tortellini, and salt and pepper to taste. I covered and simmered until it was ready to eat.

It was delicious, especially because it was a cooler day here in northern Virginia.

A Day st the Zoo

2010-09-28T09:40:00.000-04:00

A Day at the Zoo

This past Saturday , I got to go to the National Zoo in Washington D.C again. I live in the northern Virginia area and love to go to the zoo. I went to see the Andean baby black bears and I was also entertained by an orangutan crossing the ropes above.

The Last Day of Summer - 2010

2010-09-28T08:46:00.000-04:00

The Last Day of Summer - A Day at the Beach

This past week I had the most glorious stay at Virginia Beach, to enjoy the end of summer fade away. The company and weather were wonderful. Of course, I got to swim in the ocean and enjoy the sun and waves. The sunrise took my breath away and I couldn't have asked for a better end to summer.

ELVIS- "Tribute to the King"

2010-08-08T17:03:00.000-04:00

ELVIS - "Tribute to the King"

In honor of the king - Elvis, who died on August 16, 1977, I wanted to post this small Journal Quilt that I made for the 2002 Journal Quilt Project. This quilt hung at the International Quilt Show in Houston, Texas in 2002.

I tried to use all the fabrics that Elvis would have loved: red crushed velvet, blue suede, white satin and leopard print.

I'll have to listen to my Elvis music next week.

Great Falls , Virginia

2010-08-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

GREAT FALLS, VA.

This past week I got to go to Great Falls, Va. again and hike the trails. I have been there many times, but you can see how low the water level has dropped, because we haven't had much rain in northern Virginia this summer.

The photo with the high water, with me standing out on the rocks, was taken in March of 1971. At that time, you were still allowed to go by the edge of the rocks.

The current photo is from this past week and shows a much lower water level. I had a wonderful time this week, taking these photos and hiking the trails.

I hope to get back there again soon.

Lord Baltimore Hibiscus

2010-07-14T07:40:00.000-04:00

Lord Baltimore Hibiscus

The Lord Baltimore hibiscus is in full bloom and looks wonderful this year, even though we haven't had much rain. The blossoms are about 7" across and only last about one day.
Since there are so many buds on it, there are always flowers to enjoy.

Japanese Manhole Cover Quilts - looking back

2010-07-01T06:50:00.000-04:00

Japanese Manhole Cover Quilts- by Shirley MacGregor - Looking Back

Through mutual friends, I was ask by Shirley MacGregor to participate in her fiber - Japanese manhole cover project and books. I was given a small black and white sketch of a design from a particular Japanese city's manhole cover. Each city in Japan has different designs on their manhole covers, pertaining to that city. I was to translate it into fiber. I have a quilt published in each of Shirley's books, but I made a total of three manhole cover quilts. All three of my quilts went on tour around the world to be in exhibits. We received the quilt back after a 3-5 year tour. They are back home with me now. I made these quilts in 1998, 1999 and 2001.

Quilting in the Morning Calm

2010-07-01T06:30:00.001-04:00

Quilting in the Morning Calm-

In 2002, I was ask by Shirley MacGregor to participate in her new book "Quilting in the Morning Calm, written by Shirley and Sheila Steers. I had participated in Shirley's Japanese manhole cover project and books in the past. I was given a black and white sketch of a watercolor painting from Ancient Korea and I was ask to translate it into fiber. The collection of quilts tours the world and were published in this book.

Quilt Art @15

2010-06-18T15:21:00.000-04:00

Quilt Art @ 15

This QuiltArt chat list of art quilters from around the world have been talking & sharing ideas and thoughts about their art for 15 years. A challenge was put forth to make a piece that was 15" square, that shows something new that you learned since being on this chat list. I have been talking to the other art quilters sine 1997.
http://www.quiltart.com/15/

My 15th year challenge quilt is called "Waves" and reminded me of the ebb and flow of the ideas on the chat list. I also worked on quilts in a "series" since being on the QuiltArt list. Here are my three quilts from this series. The other two quilts are called "Vertigo" and "Ice Crystals". They all are a little different from each other, but still have a common bond.

Moonflowers

2010-06-13T12:56:00.000-04:00

Moonflowers....

I have these wonderful flowers growing in my yard. I think they are moonflowers. They twirl open slowly in the evening after the sun goes down and they are about 5-6 inches across. They smell wonderful and are beautiful to look at. If I'm wrong about their name, maybe someone can let me know.

Pandas at the National Zoo in Washington DC

2010-06-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

Pandas

The pandas at the National Zoo in Washington DC are entertaining to watch. I love visiting there, but sure miss Tai Shan.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/

Lilies

2010-06-05T17:32:00.000-04:00

Lilies in the Side Garden

Here are some lilies from the side garden. The little yellow lily is called a "Pixie Lily".

Strawberry Picking

2010-06-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

Strawberry Picking

Went strawberry picking this morning at Homestead Farms in Poolsville, Md ( by Potomac ,Md). The strawberries were big and juicy. I can't wait to eat a bowl of them. Here is a digital photo of two of them. You can see how big they are.

http://www.homestead-farm.net/

The "Rolling In" of Rolling Thunder

2010-05-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

The "Rolling In" of Rolling Thunder

Each year hundreds of people show up to stand , with their flags on the overpasses of Interstate 95, to wave to the hundreds of Rolling Thunder motorcycles heading to the Pentagon for the annual "Rolling Thunder" to the Lincoln Memorial. I joined in , at the Prince William Parkway overpass, in northern Virginia, with friends that I knew and some that I just met today. They travel up the HOV/express lanes with a police escort.
It was very moving, waving to all the participants. Of course I had to wear my "Gold Star Wives" pin today.

2010-05-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

Memorial day

Let's not forget what Memorial day really stands for this weekend. Honor those that have served for their country and for you.

Snapping Turtle

2010-05-25T17:12:00.000-04:00

SNAPPING TURTLE

This morning's excitement was finding a snapping turtle trying to cross the road in our neighborhood. We stopped the car and and he was urged to the side of the road by a small group of neighbors. Phone calls were made and some local police drove by and loaded him into a plastic bin and drove him to the Occoquan River area to hopefully survive, without biting or snapping at and pets or children in our neighborhood. Of course, I had my camera out taking photos of all the events. He was about 20 inches long from his head to the end of his tail.

2010-05-23T12:22:00.000-04:00

"Mid-Day Sun"- ( 21 1/2" x 29 1/2"- 2007)

I was inspired by the midday sun and my flower garden this year and I created this image in fiber. I used textured fabrics, beads, fancy fibers and painted cheesecloth for my design. This piece is currently being shown at Quiet Waters in Annapolis, Maryland in my local Q&A quilt art group exhibit.
I don't have a favorite color pallet, but I seem to love the rich tones of magenta and greens together.

Deer Visitor

2010-05-21T16:25:00.000-04:00

Deer Visitor

Well, the hostas and other plants are the favorite treat for the deer to munch on. They visit my yard and chew off all the leaves. Someone told me to suspend an old computer disk to keep them away. I'll try anything. I took this photo out my back door. Of course I didn't seem to scare him off. He just gave a glance and walked on by for another snack.

Side garden in Bloom - Spring 2010

2010-04-22T14:09:00.000-04:00

Side Garden in Bloom- April 2010

My side garden is blooming with azaleas, irises, lamb's ear, and other flowers this spring. The Lord Baltimore Hibiscus is starting to shoot up - they come back fuller every year. They have large red flowers ( I think I showed them in an earlier entry a few years ago on my blog). I collect a lot of flower seeds from it and my moonflowers every years to give to friends.

"Graft" metal tree sculpture

2010-04-17T08:56:00.000-04:00

This Past Wednesday I was at the outdoor sculpture garden in Washington DC. This photo of a metal tree , "Graft"

( 2008-2009) by American artist Roxy Paine, was wonderful. A bird was resting on one of the branches at the time I took this photo.

Signs of Spring

2010-04-11T17:53:00.001-04:00

Signs of Spring

It's finally springtime in northern Virginia. My bleeding hearts and lilacs are in full bloom.

I love to collect cobalt blue bottles and turn them upside down on metal rods throughout the garden. The sun shines on them and they have a wonderful "glow".

The Big Snow - Feb. 2010

2010-02-19T07:22:00.001-05:00

The Big Snow

At first it was beautiful here in northern Virginia, but the more I shoveled, the more tired I became and I liked the snow less. There are still large piles of snow everywhere and my roof still has large amounts of snow. I think they said that we got about 57" of snow at National Airport here in Washington DC. My back thinks that it was definitely that amount.

I have a great neighborhood and neighbors and we all got out there and removed snow together. One wonderful neighbor even has a snow blower and a riding lawnmower with a plow on the front. He was a life and back saver for everyone.

Now the local weatherman says to get ready for more snow this coming Monday. Since I quilt and also do art quilts ( sometimes with fabrics that I create myself ) I should get outside and "snow dye" some fabrics to use in a quilt. This way I wouldn't be so frustrated with all the shoveling.

Castor Bean -2

2010-02-16T07:39:00.000-05:00

I discharged a solid purple fabric by laying a large castor bean leaf on the fabric before spraying with a discharge solution. After stopping the discharging, I used monochromatic purple yarns and threads, copper metallic threads and purple tulle to finish the piece. I made this 19" x 19" quilt in Feb. 2005.

Purple Mountains Majesty

2010-01-15T07:29:00.000-05:00

I made this bargello quilt to hang in my living room in 2002. It is 23' x 31" and hangs above my sofa. I loved choosing the colors and then seeing how it turned out, after all the slicing and resewing. I named the quilt after seeing the finished design.

Snow! Snow! Snow! - December 2009

2009-12-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

Snow ! Snow! Snow! It started snowing Friday night and I think we got a total of about 24" . That is a lot for northern Virginia. I started shoveling Saturday morning and took off about 12" of snow before the big snow hit.

It snowed all day Saturday and I shoveled three more times that day. Sunday I went out and did another five hours of shoveling and finally have the car dug out. Today is Monday and now I have to attempt to dig a path to the trash can out back. Oh well, the food in it is frozen anyway. :?)

Aurora Adventure

2009-12-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

"Aurora Adventure"

I designed and made this small quilt four years ago and always place it out for the winter months. It was quilted with silver metallic thread and I painted some extra silver streaks into the outer igloo/gray fabric. It is 14 1/2" x 15 1/2" in size. I made it with the perspective of looking out of the igloo at the scenery.

It is very cold here today in northern Virginia and I thought this quilt suited the weather perfectly.

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

2009-11-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

"A Penny saved is a Penny Earned"

I designed and made this 18" square piece for a "famous quote" challenge in my local art quilt group.

http://www.playingoutsidetheblock.com/

We had to design a quilt using a motto as the theme.

I stitched stripes of fabric to a black background and added many beads and coin charms on the black background rows. .

Happy Halloween - 2009

2009-10-31T14:19:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween !!!!

I made a Halloween lap "quilt top" in the past few days and realized that I wouldn't get it quilted for this year. I couldn't bear to throw away the few scraps that were left over, so I made this little seasonal quilt with them. It is 7 1/2" x 13" and the black cat has a red crystal eye, there is an angelina fiber mist and moon & clear beads circling around the moon and scattered in the mist. I made it in an afternoon.
I promised myself that the Halloween lap quilt would be quilted for the 2010 season. :?)

Autumn Leaves - 2009

2009-10-22T16:52:00.000-04:00

Autumn Leaves

I have spent days enjoying the colors of my two maple trees in the front yard.
My trees are the first to change color on my street. All the neighbors enjoy the color show of the season too.
As you can see, I have a lot of leaves to rake up off of the grass.