Thursday 20 May 2010

Sunshine, Good Fortune and New Beginnings

Today, it feels like my birthday. The sun is shining, my garden is blooming and the postman loves me. Or at least it feels that way with all of the wonderful mail I have received the past couple of days, and not a red letter amongst it!


A month ago, I signed up to Nicola's Flickr group Spring inspired 'Clasheen Crafty Swap'. It is a really nice swap group and has been so much fun taking part. Not only do we make our swap partner a gift, but we send recipes, craft tips, tea, coffee, sweets and a small gift. It is so much fun making up the hampers to send, and waiting excitedly to receive my own mystery parcel. You can see some of the other swap parcels by visiting the link above. Thank you Nicola for organising this seasonal event. I have really enjoyed it.

A few weeks ago Lisa Achison of 'A Touch of Glass Designs' showed some interest in buying one of my scarves. I love Lisa's work so quickly seized the opportunity to suggest a trade instead of a sale.

The two pictures that you can see show the front and reverse of each bead. I was only expecting one bead so you can imagine how blessed I am feeling right now to have received two beautiful beads. Lisa's work is very inspired by nature, right down to the curves, colours and themes she uses. One bead, has a tree and full moon on it and a real leaf electrofoiled onto the back. I can't describe how exquisite her work is. Quite extraordinary. Thank you Lisa, your work is unique.

Yesterday, this beautiful card with Momo Luna's art print on it arrived. Momo is an amazing artist who works the patterns of the natural world into her art. She has some wonderful organic patterns. If you do not know Momo already, please pay her a visit. Thank you Momo.
I also wanted to show you some of the books I have been collecting. So much inspiration here! The Jenny Dean book of natural dye techniques that you can see on the bottom left hand side of the picture is a bargain at £3.60. If you have any interest in eco dye snap this book up while you can. What I really like about this book is that Jenny gives a colour chart of each dye she uses and the variations depending upon which mordant was used. It is laid out in such a user friendly fashion that I think it will be my constant companion this summer.

I won't have much time for blogging for a while. I am in the process of trying to find a new place to live which is that little bit harder as i am planning on leaving England to begin a new rural life in Wales. Exciting. I will also be meeting up with Susan 'Artsparker' while she is visiting relatives in England.

So, not much time for the computer or crafts for the immediate future, but know that I am happy, and thankful and will visit you all soon. Until then, enjoy the sunshine xx

25 comments:

Karin Bartimole said...

What a treasure trove post!! First - that red scarf displayed in your garden is simply luscious!!
Those beads are really amazing; small worlds captured within the glass, so much detail... really beautiful. And I love Momo Luna's wonderful faces and detailed designs. Lucky you!!!
I hope your move is as smooth a transition as moves can be! It's an exciting adventure - I look forward to seeing your new surroundings once all the dust settles :) Blessings on your way, Karin

Lickety Splitter said...

You have to love a day with sunshine, a garden blooming and a postman loving you ;) I know my postman loves me even though he doesn't bring me much but a month's worth of bills. I know this because he always stops to chat whenever he sees me, and he misses me when I am gone.

brandi said...

~fiery red such passion that scarf carries...beautiful! you gifts that arrived...gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous...wishing you well as you find your way to a new place to call home...may it call to you and speak to your soul...a rural life sounds quite delightful! best wishes and brightest blessings~

Fiona said...

Oh no don't go to Wales. Come over here to Norfolk!
Seriously though I hope it all goes ok, I can heartily recommend rural life. And what wonderful things you have had in the post.
Look after yourself.
Fiona.
xxx

Titus said...

I just love the opening photograph. Like a very rare, possibly carnivorous, plant. The vibrancy is palpable!

Forthvalley scribe said...

Love the red, also Lisa's beads which I covet on a regular basis since you introduced me to her blog. Good luck with the new start. may it bring you everything you could wish for!

Healing Woman said...

A rural life in Wales sounds so inviting. I will be traveling there in late June and cannot wait to see the land of my ancestors! Lucky you.

Caterina Giglio said...

I will miss you and send you lots of luck for easy home hunting! your beads are amazing and Momo's work is awesome! xx's to you sweet Jasmine!

Caio Fern said...

....if this isn't a perfect tipical Jasmine's post ...
can i sitt on the grass and give a look on your books ?
wow ! so many things to say .
al images : lovely .
this is a perfect day for a birthday :D

Sparklyjools said...

Wonderful, what beautiful gifts, the beads are stunning! I think that moving to wonderful Wales will be perfect for you and your art and creativity will blossom even more! Every good wish to you
Bendithion!
Julesx

Jo said...

I echo the previous comments that this post is such a treasure trove of loveliness.
All my love and best wishes as you make this truly exciting move into a more rural idyll in Wales. Don't stay away too long though, as we'll all miss you.
Ginormous hugs
xxx

florcita said...

Wow so many books!
jenny's books are the best!
THose beads are gloriouw and that first scarf/wrap on the pics...fantastic!!!!

ArtSparker said...

I love lampwork.

Tammie Lee said...

oh Jasmine, so many treasures, so much fun! I wish you grace as you pick up and move. Wishing a wonderful home will find you with ease. Have fun meeting Susan!
How do you like that book in the middle of your photo, the art of embroidery? I was thinking of getting it, but have never had it in my hands to peak at.
And that red scarf, brilliant!

Anne said...

the red felt is lovely:))

Manon said...

It must feel like your birthday!! I love everything!! So many beautiful things to look at!!

Yvette said...

happy times..till later
hug

Felted House said...

I can see why you love the beads so much, they are absolutely beautiful, as is that lovely vibrant red scarf.
Thank you for the info about the natural dye book, I've been scared to try any dye but this book sounds really helpful, and a bargain too!
I do hope you find just the right place to live before too long. xx

Suzi Smith said...

wonderful sunset scarf... and to get your hands on lisa's beads!!! I knew it wouldn't be long before you went to wales!

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Anonymous said...

that scarf is amazing, so vibrant! Best of luck with your househunting and move Jasmine, love sue xx

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Much good luck to you as you search for a new home...I know that it can be very stressful and I send peaceful wishes to you!!! These gifts you've shown are just amazing...there are so many talented artisans in the world! And your scarf is beyond beautiful - I am sure your trade partner will love it! :) Theresa

Gwen Buchanan said...

change is good...sounds exciting .. the very best in your search...

Momo Luna S!gnals said...

Thank you for your kind words. :-) And what a great day with all those lovely gifts.
The felt is just gorgeous with that bright red! I love it.I hope you have a great time in Wales and that all goes well.

Unknown said...

the beads are beautiful.....as always, so are your scarfs!