Jan 4, 2014

Beards

Greetings.  How's 2014 treating you so far? 


 While putting the Christmas decorations away, I got a laugh from these.  I painted them over 20 years ago and found a likeness to today's reality stars.  In fact, I think one looks like Phil!  I rarely painted cute Santas.


Then I moved on to wrap this Mosey 'n Me design for another year.  My SIL stitched this (she loved purple) and I don't remember if I showed you how she displayed many of her seasonal stitches.  Hemmed bottom and sides, top hem stitched to hold a thin dowel rod, hemp cord tied to the edges.  For any size piece, this is a really nice method for seasonal wall display without the expense of framing.  Some she lined with muslin, others buckram backed or interfaced, and some with no backing as is this piece. 
 I wanted to show you his beard.  I like this look!  It's fuzzy like Kit Kin, Whisper, or something similar.  Love the eyebrows and little bead eyes.

We are freezing here - much of this area of the country is also.  The cats are snuggled down in their thick pads and sherpa but came in to have a bite.  Missy is so quiet and quick.  I had to remove her from my craft closet and I don't know if the wild will ever leave her and her son. 
 
 
 
 

 
 
I can pet her to some degree and pick her up when need be, but not without a fight.  I don't know what she hit but one of the three scratches turned half my wrist black and blue.  I rinsed and applied Neosporin so I'm not concerned.  My wrists and ankles are fat enough without swelling but it never fails - that's where I always get bruises.  
So how am I doing on Two Horses?  Not good.  I'm stuck.  Should I continue or change to a lower count with 2 threads, or consider doing the design over one?  WHAT?  Did I say that?  Yes I did.  For some reason I want this piece small so I just may attempt an entirely over one project, even though I avoid any designs with even small areas of it.  At least I will have two different counts started so if over one hits the firepit, I can always pick up where I left off with over two.  It's possible I can handle it because lately, mood swings haven't been dramatic.  Until today.  As I was putting my sweet little trees away, covering them before moving to the attic, the menowitch appeared.  These trees are not easy to find so I am careful when handling.  That is, until their little branches are in the way, sticking out and catching on the cover, poking me in the face, frustrating me until I want to rip their little arms off.  The ornaments are not individually wrapped or carefully packed.  They were shifting around in a large box as it was being thrown into the attic, smacking into the trees, causing them to fall like dominoes, and there they were.  Little green arms sticking out.  How quickly I can go from a fairly nice person to a vindictive witch.  But I've only had one snarky day this year which is pretty good.
 
Hope you're enjoying the weekend. 
Thanks for visiting.


26 comments:

Rugs and Pugs said...

LOVE the Santas you painted. Such talent!!!
By tomorrow eve it will be frigid in Ohio, too. I abhor winter! I don't belong here but am stuck :(
Warm hugs :)
Lauren

Margaret said...

I'm always amazed at your painting talents whenever you show things you've painted. The Santas are wonderful! Ouch on the cat scratches -- they look nasty! Don't know what to suggest on 2 Horses. I'm sure whatever you do, it will look great in the end.

Cindy's Stitching said...

The santas are gorgeous. Wow. Kitty did some job. I hope you heal soon. I like the piece you sister did. Have a happy new year.

Jacqueline said...

Ouch! You are very considerate to keep helping your wild little friends.

Love your Santa's. Stay warm

Barb said...

A very cute Santa but definitely NOT a cute wrist!!!!! I sure hope it heals quickly!

Plumruncreek ♥ said...

Your wrist looks painful!! Hope it heals fast! I love your santas!

Primitive Stars said...

Oh Marly, ouch!!! Hope it heals good......your Santa's are wonderful, Francine.

rosek1870 said...

Love your Santas! Hope you wrist is better soon.
Hugs

Robin in Virginia said...

Hope your wrist heals quickly, Marly! Enjoyed seeing your painted Santas and the Santa wall hanging your SIL made.

Robin in Virginia

Brenda said...

What an adorable Mosey N Me Santa!!!! Love the finishing on it!!! I hope your wrist heals also!!!

Happy Stitching!

Carole said...

Your talents amaze me, Marley.....your Santas are wonderful, the painted and stitched!

C M Designs said...

There seems to be no end to your talents Marly. Your Santas are great. Your sister-in-law's Santa is so cute with the fuzzy beard and eyes.
Please watch your scratches. A dog that we had, bit my hand and it "blew up like a balloon". I had to get a tetanus shot. It's so kind of you to care for the kitties the way you do.. I've been thinking about you and them.
I love the decorating part of Christmas but don't like the taking down and putting away. I know how you feel.
Enjoy your stitching.
Charlotte in Virginia

Evelyne said...

Wow, great Santa's, I love them!!!!!
Hope you wrist is better soon.
The horses turn out beautiful what ever you decide, I know that for sure.

Nice Sunday, Evelyne

Three Sheep Studio said...

Wow, what painting talent you have Marly ! The Santas are lovely ;)
9 degrees here in Pennsylvania this morning.
Rose

CJ said...

Lovely Santas!! I love winter and wish we has a bit more of it in North Texas.

CJ

Shirlee said...

You certainly do have a talent for painting! Your wrist looks terrible. Praying for a quick healing.

Penny said...

Good morning Marly! Wow... those little kitty friends of your's did some job on your wrist! We once owned a regular old house cat that bloodied our vet on a regular basis... and she was declawed on her front two paws! Guess she still had a bit of the 'wild' in her...
Love your painted Santas...they are fabulous! I also like your SIL's stitched Santa. So cute! Looking forward to seeing what you end up doing with 2 Horses!

P.J. said...

That looks like it stings. Your Santas are adorable! Thanks for keeping the furkins warm and fed.

Vickie said...

Oh Missy!
I too love his beard and eyebrows.

Barb said...

Oh ouch that looks sore, I am sore too with a cracked rib just had to go and see out of hours doctor .Love the beard on the purple santa. Hope your week is a good one Marly.

Melissa said...

I love your painted Santas - just gorgeous. Did you use to see these?

The stitched Santa is cute too with his brushy beard!

Ouch to the scratches. I hope they have calmed down by now!

Stitch Wizard said...

You have such a beautiful blog and your Santa's that you painted, as well as your stitching are just beautiful!!! I hope your scratches are healing nicely. Your work on your stitching, and painting is just stunning! :)

carolm said...

But we are only in the 5th day of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

village folk art said...

The Santas are wonderful. I hope you are able to display them along with your stitched treasures. You are a real special care giver to those furry kids. How lucky they are. Hope Squeaky has made it through all this horrible weather. In the 60's here, windy with sun. Moving has gotten me down...just work on a few things in the mornings and then say the h--- with it. I go to my blog for comfort and inspiration so I need to THANK YOU for being there.
Peace and Blessings to ALL,
Barb

Pam in IL said...

Now that you mention it, those santas do resemble certain reality tv personalities. I also like the beard, eyes and eyebrows on the santa the Mosey N Me.

I don't like seeing how much the kitty hurt you though!

One bit of advise I learned the hard way when stitching over one, stitch one whole stitch at a time instead of /// then \\\. I think it makes it look nicer over one, the thread doesn't get lost between the fabric threads and it's easier (in my opinion) to remove a stitch if I make an error.
I also find it easier to start and end a thread.

Penny said...

A very talented woman. Love the Santas! And that's a cute Santa your SIL stitched too! You are so kindhearted to take care of all the animals that you do. Those scratches do look painful! Hope you get Two Horses sorted - I love the design. :)

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