Spring

 Fall gets most of the glory in this part of the country, but living in Maine these past 7 years I have found a new appreciation for Spring. It is time to put away all the sweaters, boots and gloves and move the snow blower and shovels to the back of the garage. In place of the winter tools we now have the BBQ grill, lawn chairs and garden equipment. My mother's favorite, the Daffodils begin to arrive letting me know that my cherished lilies are soon to follow. My design palette changes from deeper hues to those more bight and colorful. Pinks, reds sunny yellows and bright oranges replaces the deeper colors more popular in the fall and winter months. The temperature is much kinder but will give way soon to the hot and humid lazy days of summer. For now though, everything is perfect. I wake up early to the birds singing and the scent of the lilacs coming in my window that I left open the night before. Mmmmm, Spring has arrived in New England.

Felted Oven Mitts

Although one normally thinks of wool as being used in winter designs such as hats, scarves and mittens this wonderful fiber has summertime uses as well. Because wool is naturally heat resistant, it knits up into a great hot mitt for taking things out of the oven or holding onto a hat pan.


For this one I used Lamb’s Pride Bulky yarn. I love the way Lamb’s Pride felts up, perfect for this project!

A New Adventure

Please see the blog below for Hannah!
Here I go on the next adventure. You won’t see too many new designs coming up on here for a while as this starving artist has taken a full time job for a paycheck! While I will miss the time in my studio, it will certainly be a relief to pay the bills. There is a lot that goes into this business, more than most would think.


First, and one of the pieces I love the most is coming up with the designs. After that it is off to Cyberspace to research and purchase the materials. While I am waiting for those to come I usually have both sides of my table full with the designs I am currently making, that is the part I really love! Of course there is marketing, blogging, paperwork, taking photos, writing descriptions, listing, website upkeep on 3 sites, and inventory management. I need to keep up on packaging supplies, office supplies and tax paperwork. There is time and money spent on learning and developing new techniques. What this amounts to a lot of non-billable hours consuming my days and most nights.

Remember all this folks as you look at artisan created work wherever you find it! There is a lot that goes into each piece you buy. We are not manufacturing plants with assembly lines. We lovingly and at times painstakingly create one piece at a time hoping someone will love it as much as we do.

I am thinking that if I work a full time job and do this on the side my output will be less but I won’t be worried about eating and I can still dabble in what I truly love to do.

Wish me well and I will see you all soon!

Be sure and check out the next 2 issues of Bead and Button magazine where you will find my work!

A Hand for Hannah

A friend of mine has a 13 year old daughter with Crohn’s, a painful and at times debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.

There are a couple of ways you can help. You can  make a purchase at Divella Delights between now and Saturday May 21st and I will donate 20% of all sales to CCFA for Hannah. If you would like to donate directly you can go to Hannah’s Page and click on make a gift on the right hand side.

“Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis is CCFA's largest fundraising event. Participants raise funds and awareness throughout the year and come together to celebrate the steps that have been taken towards a cure.”

Here is what Hannah has to say:

“Hi

My name is Hannah and I have Crohns Disease. I am 13 years old and am in 7th grade. I was diagnosed in March of 2007. Since then I have had too many tests to keep track of. I suffer with severe stomach aches and constant runs to the bathroom. I never know when or where it might hit. At this time there is no cure for Crohns. I am walking on May 21st to earn money from either your sponsorship or donations to help find a cure for my disease.

Your donation will help support local patient programs, as well as important research projects. This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your help as we fight for a cure! In addition to donating, you can join me at the event. There will be food, music and kid's activities. The more money we raise, the closer we will be to making life more manageable for patients who live with these diseases every day.

No donation is too small or too big. I hope to see you on May 21st to walk with my team to make noise for a cure!

Thank you

Hannah

Please join me or donate to my efforts to support CCFA in finding a cure!”