Missing Real Size Needlework...

I've been starving for real size needlework recently, so I dived into a new project offered by Tricia Wilson Nguyen - "Tudor Rose" workshop - this course is a project to explore the use of composite gold and silk detached stitches. The design is small and comfortable to work with, I am familiar with some of gold stitches from Tricia's previous class Tudor and Stuart Gold Master class, so this adorable Tudor Rose is a nice and pleasant change. I've finished the stems using silk and Gold Metal thread and started working on the leaves.

I am not sure how I am going to use it when I finish my Tudor Rose but for now I am really enjoining the process.

Last Saturday we had our annual CdA Dollhouse miniatures club's Christmas party at Beverly's in beautiful CdA, Idaho. I was very happy to see all ladies who attended the party since I don't have a chance to attend club's meetings very often due to the long distance. We had a wonderful lunch, shared the news, ups and downs, and exchanged the Christmas gifts with our Secret Santas. Cheryl, gave me these beautiful chairs in blue that I love a lot.

I gave Cheryl (it appeared she was my Secret Santa as well) a framed petit point Bunny, weaved rug and a little book for her new room box for a little girl she is working on.

It was such a fun to meet with the friends, especially in Christmas time! Thank you Cheryl and the rest of the group for your Christmas gifts!

Have a great week!

Natalia


See more at: http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/blog/index.php/2013/08/tudor-rose-online-course-open-for-registration/#sthash.p8eZkAHp.dpuf

Wonderful Day of Surprises!

Today is only the 5th of December and I've already started getting the Christmas presents from the friends all over the world and from my family. It truly brings me in Christmas spirit.

First the mail man brought me a Christmas present from an artist Annilee Taylor, Soft Sculpture Dolls, Miniature Dolls and Baskets. I got these wonderfully, very detailed and Merry Merry Christmas apron, 2 potholders, tiny adorable kitchen towel, and Poinsettia in the pot!

Aren't they just amazing?

They will be a perfect addition to my Christmas roombox!

Thank you, Annilee, very much! I will treasure your Christmas gifts forever!

Next Christmas present came from Carmen, from Christmas swap, organized by Caterina. Unfortunately, I don't want to be a naughty girl this year (as it happened to me a year ago) and according to the rules of the Caterina's Christmas swap, I can't show the pictures of Carmen's Christmas gifts. Sorry! I've been naughty enough already opening them before Christmas, but you know... it is seducing...

Thank you, Carmen, a lot for your gifts. I will show them later.

My DH, Honey Bunny decided to add more excitement today and gave me as a gift 2 huge cactuses. I am an avid cactus collector and have some samples at home. He ordered 2 cactuses from Arizona, they came today as well, and since they have to be taken care of, and my DH has no idea how to snuggle with the cactus without hurting them, :)))), so, we opened the box.

The first cactus is Notocactus Leninghausii. The pictures don't show the exact size, but this cactus stands about 16".

Second cactus, my favorite, is Trihocereus Candicans, stands about 18" ad also has babies on the sides. Actually, it won't be correct to say "stands" because this cactus doesn't grow straight.

My third big cactus was given me by my son last year, but I decided to show you as well, diameter is about 12"

The rest of my cactus I have are smaller sizes but I love them too. They warm up my heart especially when they are in blossom. It is such a miracle to see them in colors! One day I will make a special post about them, but today...

...one more gift that I made to myself and also got today. I stopped working on my other project "Conversation with God" that is devoted to my grandma, because I stumbled upon the electricity and lamps. A couple of days ago I finally found one that is closer and similar to the lamp I've been looking for and resembles me a little bit the lamp that my grandma had in her room. This is an electrified ceiling lamp by Bodo Henning with lovely red flowers around

Oh, it fits grandma's room sooo perfect and makes me unbelievably happy! Now I can continue working on the roombox!

What you think I will leave you now? Nope!

I got another box from he UK with the 50 spools of superfine Pearsalls silk with different shadows

WOW! The excitement of trying them gives me chill!

And just to finish this day, I got a piece of 112 count silk gauze that I exchange with Elga (I sent her a piece of 72 count silk gauze). Now I have a piece to try my new superfine Pearsalls silk. I made a picture of this piece, tried to be as close as possible to give you the impression of 112 count. Don't forget to click on the image to share my excitement of the size of those holes with me! He-he-he!

Good news: yes! I can see the holes! The question is: can I stitch on it? Time for the experiment. Wish me good luck!

Busy in Spokane,

Natalia

Gifts from Finland!

Today I got an unexpected mail. It came from Finland.

My dear friend, Irina,

http://narinanapertaa.blogspot.com/

sent me these adorable gifts! What a sweet and kind jest that touched my heart!

She sent me:

these mini kitchen appliances and a cherry pie and more food in the basket:

some haberdashery for the sewing room:

a sewing machine:

and this little very dear to Irina's heart miracle, the color of her hear is my favorite, I used to have it too, or at least close to it, :))):

Isn't she beautiful?

Irina,
Thank you very much for your support and friendship. These unexpected gifts mean a lot to me.

Sincerely,

Natalia

Summer International Swap 2012

Caterina (http://leminisdicockerina.blogspot.com.es/) organised another International swap last summer.

Here is a picture of the lovely goodies I've got from Ingrid (http://mijndroomwereldje.blogspot.it/). Thank you, Ingrid, they are adorable. The picture was taken by Ingrid.

Here is another picture of what I sent to my partner Rosamaria (http://contrastes-rosamaria.blogspot.com/)

Looking forward to participate in the Christmas International Swap 2012.

Thank you, Caterina!

Natalia