Where the Road Ends

Every week day morning I drop my daughter off at the end our road. This is where we wait for the school bus. Our road is a private mile-long stretch of gravel off the main road. Where the road ends is where I wait.

This spot has become a kind of reflecting place. The time I spend here in repose may be the calmest moments of my day. I see this particular spot in all kinds of weather, in breaking dawn and near dusk depending on the time of year. I see where the road ends swathed in fog, laden with snow and illuminated by the sun in an amazing Western blue sky. I see the same road continue on ahead of me, laid out in perfect perspective. I watch the field grasses sway to the wind's tune.

A single pine tree stands like a sentinel where the road ends. It's top has died out and a bony finger points skyward. Hawks, crows, owls and smaller birds vie for the finger, a commanding view to be sure.

So it is here that my day begins. On that last stretch of gravel where the road ends.

Bejeweled

One of my favorite things to collect is vintage jewelry. As with most collections the jewelry began with a couple of cameos and grew to rings, brooches, bracelets.... It need not be valuable, costume jewelry does just fine. I'm always on the lookout for cameos, sparkly rhinestone pieces and rings of all sizes. New jewelry just does not speak to me in quite the same way as my vintage collection. While many women may feel diamonds really are a girl's best friend, I'll take these eclectic old pieces any day!

Fall Pallet

With fall creeping in I am eager to peruse my stash of richly-colored textiles. From table runners to pillow covers I enjoy mixing and matching textures and colors to reflect the changing season. Burgundy, gold even a little leopard print thrown in will replace the neutrals I used through the summer. Even though fall is bitter-sweet for me (with thoughts of the long winter looming) I do enjoy the saturated hues of the season.

"Lonely Sea"

Can only four elements be considered a collage? Can so few elements convey any meaning or emotion? With a surface of only 2"x3" space is precious. "Lonely Sea" was fashioned from a re-purposed game piece as I like to recycle materials whenever possible. The elements are laid out in a fairly straightforward manner. The story? You tell me!

Vintage Tarot

These inch and a half square magnets feature vintage tarot card images and are just right for the Halloween season. I particularly love the skeleton card. They are decoupaged onto wood and wax-sealed for a nice sheen. They are such fun to make and add a nice vintage touch to refrigerator art. Better than candy? Maybe not but I might pass a few out to friends anyway!

"House Bird"

"House Bird" is the latest in my 4"x6" series. This sweet crowned bird nests among vintage architectural renderings and even holds it's own house key.

Planetary Magnets

I'm happy to be back from my summer travels and back to doing the things that bring me joy. Creative time is essential even if you have limited time. These tiny magnets were made from a set of dominoes I had stashed away. Decoupaged, lightly sanded, sealed and magnet applied all in under one hour! I plan on doing more of these very soon.