Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas snowflakes, cakes, and a peek into my studio



 These snowflakes with the embroidered centers are some that I made years ago, and are my personal favorites. All embroidery and tatting done completely by hand, beads strung onto the thread and worked in place while making. I buttonhole stitched the edges of the fabric centers (the fabric is double, with embroidery on both sides) and attached the tatting to the stitching. Shown hanging on a real tree.

Also, I couldn't resist showing off my Christmas cakes! Dear husband "volunteered" me to make a dessert for a party where he works, so I made Jello Poke Cake. The cake that's been cut, with the cards in back is the one I made for the family The one with the holly leaves (made from gumdrops) is the one that went to the party.

My cello and I will be part of the music at church on Christmas eve, so have been going to rehearsals and sorting out music for that. Our instrumental group will be accompanying the choir for the Mass parts, and also we will be playing by ourselves during the prelude: Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming, Away in a Manger, and Ding Dong Merrily On High. I got the music scores for free from free-scores.com.

So, all the hustle and bustle has kept me very busy, which explains why I haven't had time to add any new hand dyed thread to my Etsy shop lately. But, will get back to it after Christmas. The bottom photo shows a peek into my studio! See, I have some thread already skeined for the next dye batch. I do wind all my skeins by hand, which is a large part of the reason that hand dyeing thread is so time-consuming. Hanging on the wall are some of my original handwoven tapestries from the days when I was a handweaver (at the back is the original "yarnplayer" with cello, that was my first avatar).

I've been looking ahead to 2013, and one of my sons has advised me to make "expensive stuff with real emeralds and rubies". I'm not sure that's a cost-effective way to go, but I think the intention is to make art pieces with an air of prestige and "wow" factor that won't become patterns. I guess he sees how hard his mom works and wants people to admire, but doesn't want everything sold! 


My Studio

18 comments:

Margarets designer cards said...

Beautiful snowflakes, I love the idea of some with cross stitch in the middle you could say you have given me some ideas for next year.
Your cake looks yummy
Lovely to see your work room, I can now see you at work, I wish I had a proper work room, My cards making has taken over the dinning room, with the moans and groans from hubby, my tatting and wool have taken over the draws under the beds, and some which I got from mothers clear out of her bungalow earlier this year are just in carrier bags around the floor in the spare bedroom, I keep hinting but it's not taking any notice.
Have a lovely Christmas and thank you for all the hard work you have done this year and the lovely comment should have left me over the year.
Margaret

Batty Tatter said...

I love your snowflakes. Very very pretty.

Unknown said...

Wonderful snowflakes *_*Next year, when I become better at tatting, I would like to make some of these! ^^

And the cake... WOW WOW WOW!!

Merry Christmas to you and your family, dear Marilee, and thank you for your blog, I've learned so much with your videos and patterns! :D

Ladytats said...

Pretty Snowflakes. what fun to have such pretty things you have made.
Your cakes look delicious, and poke cake is yummy.
I like the look into your workshop. Weaving is something I have always had a yearning for. you have done very nice work.

I can see what your son is aiming at. You do art now, he is thinking on a larger scale.

Mónica said...

Qué hermosa combinación de bordado punto cruz y frivolité. Nunca dejo de sorprenderme con tus lindos trabajos. Feliz Navidad

God's Kid said...

Gorgeous ornaments!! :)

max said...

wonderful tatting
Merry Christmas

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

I love your snowflakes! I was visiting my friend Peggy the other day, and she had some crocheted snowflakes on her tree finished in a similar manner. I think it's a fantastic way to show off both embroidery and tatting!

Your cakes almost look too good to eat! Dave's busy making biscotti this morning. I have some last minute gifts to finish up, so I know it will be a busy day!

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I'm with your son! but that would be very expensive. Your tatting with just the beads is awesome by it's self and affordable. I think I would still do a few pieces with the reals stuff but keep them.hahah.a.aa.
Love your snowflakes and the cake has just made me hungry!

mariateresa e c. said...

Bellissime decorazioni, tanti AUGURI!!!!!

Debra said...

I love your snowflakes.... and your studio! You are lucky to have this wonderful space. Merry Christmas!

nuta said...

Everything beautiful!!!! Merry Christmas!

Anita - AnniesGranny said...

Such a beautiful and unique snowflake!

IsDihara said...

♫ ♫ I'm dreaming of a studio, like Marilee's... ♫ ♫

One day I hope to own a floor loom, even if only a baby wolf or something smaller.

Your snowflakes with cross stitch and embroidery are magnificent! Some of the prettiest I have seen. Brava!!

And two....TWO poke cakes? How do you retain your girlish figure? Hee, hee. Wishing you are prosperous and joyful 2013, with real emeralds and rubies!

χρυσάνθη said...

Very nice blog !!!!Glad to meet you. I wish you a happy new year!
I will be glad to visit my blog http://chrysanthisart.blogspot.gr/
Kisses from Greece !

Teresita said...

Muy bonitos!!!! Feliz Año 2013!!!!

Marilee Rockley said...

Thanks so much, and wishing a very Happy New Year to all!

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