A summer alarm clock….when did they learn to knock on metal pipe ?

By on 5-04-2011 in Original photos

yellow bellied sap sucker

Our resident Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker is back for the summer. He will knock on any metal around the yard including the aluminum step ladder. He sure makes a noise ! And does it carry ! I’m sure you can hear him for miles

yellow bellied sap sucker

I have three questions. The first…. how and when did they learn to knock on metal instead of trees to announce their presence? The second…..How do they manage to keep their bills in good shape….that’s gotta hurt !! The third….Do they ever get a headache?

Irish Patchwork Society….30th Birthday National Exhibition

By on 4-27-2011 in Embroidery, Fabric Postcards, Original photos

Irish Patchwork Society Anniversary Postcards

These are the postcards I have sent to Ireland for the Irish Patchwork Society 30th Birthday National EXhibition. I used three of my own photos along with machine and hand embroidery and beads. There is still time to send cards. They should arrive by the end of May. You can find the rules and regulations on my blog here: International Fabric Postcard Exhibition…..Ireland International Fabric POstcard Exhibition, Ireland These cards will be exhibited at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin. They will also be exhibited at the Knitting and Stitching Show in November. They will then be sold and the proceeds will go to the Marie Keating Foundation…….Which is a Breast Cancer Charity in Ireland.

Two more collages, these two honour Spring

By on 4-19-2011 in Digital Images + Collage, Fabric Postcards, Original photos

While I have been waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine I put together two collaged cards. For the first collage I used the yellow crocus. I painted the background, added moss from one of our trees then created a crocus brush. A very interesting piece of work, my first attempt at using the Photoshop layers in this way.

yellow crocus spring card

I chose the purple crocus for the second collage. I painted the background in this piece as well, and created another crocus brush which I used in two different sizes and colours to add depth to the piece.

spring card
I like the way the crocus flowers seem to float on air in both these collages and the moss takes on a character all of it’s own. Both of the collages would make great fabric postcards, especially with added embroidered embellishments.

Crocus Flowers….a beautiful start to spring

By on 4-10-2011 in Original photos

crocus flowers

This spring’s crocus are breathtaking. Such a delicate purple with darker lines of deep colour.

crocus

I couldn’t choose which photo to post so I am posting all three. They look like they were painted onto fine china.

crocus

These yellow crocus glow with colour, reaching out for the sun’s rays. Stunning….I wish they could stay blooming for longer.

yellow crocus flowers

Again, I could not make a decision of which photo to post so I am posting both.

yellow crocus

April….Spring at last !!!!

By on 4-09-2011 in Original photos

Spring in the Ottawa Valley…..the crocus are ready to bloom. The purple crocus are so pretty this year. The variegated tones of purple stand out against the grey and brown of last autumn’s leaves.

purple buds

These yellow buds are a delicate shade, much like the new spring sun.

yellow buds

Our resident bunny has made an appearance as well. Here he is munching on his favourite salad. I wonder is he related to Peter, the storybook rabbit of our childhoods?

bunny