With Gratitude for a New Heart

Look what came in the mail just before Christmas!!! The heart and cuff were created by Jackie of Dog Daisy Chains. I am such a huge fan of Jackie's work. Everything she creates has such a vibrant appeal to it.

Almost two years ago I purchased a lovely barrette from Jackie. I wear it when I am working at the art gallery and at quilt shows. I have even dyed clothing to match. This cuff goes beautifully with the barrette.

The heart was given as a gift to my mother who recently had heart trouble for about 6 months. The problem was corrected by 2 minor surgeries. The first surgery failed and there was a 3 month wait before they could do another. I am happy to report I have a brand new mom. She recovered quickly and has more energy than I have seen in years.

Jackie, thank you for the beautiful pieces! We will treasure your work.

Visit Jackie' blog Dog Daisy Chains and her Etsy shop Dog Daisy.

Out My Studio Window and Around the House

Last week another storm added a new layer of snow to the valley.

Deer tracks in the snow. Food is getting harder to find.

The deer have taken all the apples they can reach from the trees. They are trimming the bushes near the house and visiting the bird feeders.

The temperature is rising this week. A hoarfrost on Wednesday melts as the sun hits it, raining down ice crystals.

The air is damp in the evenings creating pastel sunsets.

Mandala Quilt

Happy New Year! I'm just back home from a few days with family to celebrate a belated Christmas. There was a new baby to snuggle and my son and his fiance flew in to join in the fun.

While I was traveling I put the finishing touches on my Mandala quilt.

The theme of the recent Art Quilts Around the World challenge was Mandala.

I used some of my favorite hand dyed colors, fuchsia with a touch of orange, an olive/chartreuse blend, golden yellow and two purples. I love quilts that have a "touch me" appeal to them. I used a purple hand dyed velvet to add texture to the quilt.

Click here to see more Mandala Quilts