It has been far too long since I've posted a "real" post. After dealing with a nasty stomach virus, I was blessed with a minor, but still very painful, back strain. I think it's quite possible God was telling me to SLOW DOWN!! Well, priorities have been rearranged and I'm thankfully feeling much, much better. Thank you for your kind comments, good thoughts and prayers during my absence.
My handmade favorites for this week features Texan artists and a Texas staple. I chose to pick items that featured our state flower, the Texas Bluebonnet or Lupinis texensis. If you're from Texas, you know the joy that comes from driving down a highway that has been blessed with fields of these flowers. I remember many years as a child, heading to the nearest Bluebonnet field in our Easter best to snap pictures for that year's Easter cards. What a wonderful thing to be a part of this great state and to have so many talented artists who create beautiful representations of our state flower.
The first item I chose to show you is this gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous Wildflower Needle Felted Bag with Bees by Clower Cottage. The artist is from my hometown and has created this lovely clutch purse that is covered with several wildflowers. She hand-knit, felted and needle felted this work of art and I'm sure you are aware of just how much work that entails. I love the neutral caramel color of the background. It really makes the needle felted details pop! Her representation of our state's varied flora is really beautiful.
Image used with permission from Kim at Clower Cottage.Good Scents Bath & Body makes the most awesome thing for a Texas gal to get excited about; Bluebonnet Soap! This is a luxury soap that she hand cuts! I love the beautiful blue swirls and the milky background. I don't know why, but it has an old-fashioned quality that I really love; like something a Victorian gentlewoman would have next to her wash basin.
Image used with permission from Karen at Good Scents Bath & Body.I love bright, spring colors and this Spring Texas Style Wristlet certainly delivers! You can find this wristlet at Quilting Frenzy. First off, the fabric used is super cute! I also really like the coordinating blue piping that was used to trim out the wristlet. Her craftsmanship is really wonderful and the details are flawless. I can imagine SO many uses for this little wristlet; a coupon holder, a wallet, a passport holder, and the list goes on and on! This shop hails from South Texas, where my college days were spent and thoroughly enjoyed.
Image used with permission from Ann at Quilting Frenzy.Texas Hill Country vistas are some of my fabric subject matter when it comes to art. Hailing from Abilene, dgpaul has a huge selection of wonderful prints to choose from. I had a hard time, but I finally chose this Rain For The Bluebonnets print of one of his original oil paintings. The one featured here is a miniature art print measuring 2.5" x 3.5", but it is also available in 8" x 10". The picturesque setting of this print reminds me of the slow roads and beautiful views of the ranches in Live Oak County. Images like this one should hold a special place in every Texan's heart. He portrays our state beautifully in his art. The colors he has used scream Texas countryside to me. Be sure to check out some of his other prints like Backroad Bluebonnets and Shadows In The Farmyard.
Image used with permission from David at dgpaul.Hailing from West Texas won Joyful Heart Design some points from this transplanted West Texan, but they didn't need it once I saw this Bluebonnets and Horseshoes Notecard Set! My only regret is that I didn't find these 5 years ago when we were married. They would have been the perfect thank you cards to send to our wedding guests. The design is simple, elegant and oh-so-country! How wonderful. According to the shop, "Horseshoe and bluebonnet artwork is a copy of an original watercolor painting by my extermely talented friend and partner, Nathalie Kelley." Now I'm off to google the artist so I can find more of her beautiful work!
Image used with permission from JoDitt at Joyful Heart Design.My final offering this week is this gorgeous Texas Bluebonnet Limited Edition Art Print from Nora's Art Jewels n' Gems. The first thing I noticed about this 8" x 10" print is how wonderfully detailed it is. I'm not 100% sure, but I'd bet that the artist was careful to make sure her portrayal of our state flower is anatomically correct. The original watercolor is so beautiful with its soft, subtle colors. It is a classic piece that would be well-suited to any home, whether cottage or contemporary, modest or modern. Lonora really is a talented artist.
Image used with permission from Lonora Jessamine at Nora's Art Jewels n' Gems. All work from Nora's Art Jewels n' Gems is copyrighted and is not for copying or resale without written permission by artist Lonora Jessamine.Well, that's all I've got this week. I was unable to find bluebonnet-related baked goods, so if you find some, send me a link! I want to thank all the artists for allowing me to feature their items and also for their patience while I was recovering.
Thank you for reading and many blessings to you and yours!
