So in the midst of all the non-bead related activity going on the last couple of weeks, Jen happened to finish quilting "The Hand" and passed it back to me.

I don't think at the time I really expressed my delight at the work she had done. I love this. From the zig-zags to the shape to the texture on the the front and back, her design allows for more surface embellishment, which I find very inspiring.

Here is a closer look at the texture around the bead work. I plan to add some beads around the bead work it's self and some around fuchsia fabric to give it a pop. I may also add some sort of dangle. The possibilities are endless.

Oh Dear!

It's been awhile hasn't it? Between the in-laws' two week visit, work, and the weather being fantastic, this blog has fallen to the wayside. It really doesn't matter, with all the things going I haven't had much time for beads.

here is a picture of the clematis blooming in the back garden. These blossoms are so strange and beautiful. I hope I get more than two flowers on it this year.

Today is my birthday. So far it has gone exactly how I wanted it to. Slept in late, long bike ride with J.P. and Jackson, felafel and strawberry shot cake for dinner.

I did get some lovely gifts from friends and family. A great summer dress and gift certificate from my mum, the Wii from J.P., and this gorgeous bag from Jennifer.

Lovely Things

So, I sent $20 with my good friend Jennifer to the The Sew Expo in Puyallup, WA. She asked before she left if there was anything I needed. I told her "pink and turtles". Boy did she deliver. And she also picked up some gorgeous Autumn fabric that I absolutely love.

Jennifer is a dear old friend who just so happens to quilt. We have collaborated on one piece (that I have yet to post here) so far. I still need to go to the fabric store for fabric for the hand. Then it's off to Jen's to get quilted up. It's nice to have some one to bounce ideas off of and as a quilter, Jen sees things in a different way that opens up a whole other way of doing things. And shes a good little shopper!