More bloomers

I always find it so exciting when after a lengthy dormancy thin little sturdy necks pop up from inside the leaflets carrying those tiny heads of fleeting promise. One thinks the buds are prettier than actual flowers, much like babies seem so much cuter than the adults they grow up to be... but then the flowers open and the transformation is awesome. I look at these photos and realize - it's all about African violets, but they are a trusted companion almost all year around. Nothing like deep lavender blooms on your windowsill with feet on snow in the background.

Magnets

Magnets were a Valentine project that goes on - we all had such a good time.

That is them displayed on a Moroccan screen for the fair. They are a lot of fun to make, a lot of fun to have and sold very well. I use then as cards sometimes for a birthday, or another occasion - it is nice one can put them on a fridge or a metal cabinet. There are all kinds of shapes: monkeys, birthday cakes, bunnies, stars, flowers, trees, cows, hearts...

First the shape gets painted on both sides, when all is dry whatever design will go on the front can be painted on. Then the glue gun and glitter come out. The magnet goes on last. It's really simple, but takes a few evenings to finish up with all the drying.

Handbags

These crochet handbags started out as a New Year's present for Sonia and holiday gifts for Fedia's teachers. It was such a soothing pleasant project, I just kept going. Some are made with Peruvian wool, others with Icelandic tweed - in both cases rather thick durable yarn and crochet gives it a tight weave so the bags hold the form very well. Handles are round metal and there are ceramic buttons and knitted accents in most bags. They are functional and durable. Very festive, but perfect for everyday use as well.

I made about twenty five of these, all different colors and sizes.

Maybe eight of them sold at the fair and after. The rest are now in

New York at the Gramercy Park flower shop. Somehow blue was

the most popular color. There were some little girl over the shoulder purses on little chains that were very cute. I am working

on some more - I've been going through a bit of a separation anxiety since they have been in New York. As much as I hope that they do well, I cannot wait to get them back. There is something about wrapping them in tissue paper and putting them in a bag, giving it over to someone real that has a comfort of a goodbye. My retail past holds on to me too - I liked having control over who was going to walk away with what. But no matter, I visit them every time I am in the city.

Streptocarpella

Rootless baby, but enough energy for this tender vibrant bloom.

Craft Fair

Finally, I get around to it - that was Sunday March 2nd. A glorious day. Springy, sunny, coolish but undeniably drawn toward the next nature's stage. We set up shop in the sunroom. Dennis and Jimmy came in from Preston Hollow via Brooklyn the night before and helped make it all look good. And it did. There were old world Russian Linens from Lady Bantry's closet, antique pillowcase play dresses by Gretchen, Heatherlyn's every occasion bags, Janis' easter bunnys and felt hats (i long for this pattern) and other hand crafted goodies, Lisa's Little Troll's delicious garden bugs and playdough, vibrant and pliable - sooo good... Natasha Broude from Boston sent gorgeous pressed flower paintings, Pat Sherwin contributed Merino wool scarves and a hat which ended up on Dennis' head. I used the magical forest trees from Sonia and Fedia's room to display crochet hand bags - that worked out really well.

Spring is here

Despite the neverending winter coats, I know it is spring because my sunroom is on the move. Almost everything has come into bloom. Last year's begonias have exploded in red and pale greenish-brown blooms. They have been teetering all winter and now as if they received a secret communication, they have lost all caution and went va-bank. Same with clivia - an orange-red flame just gets more intense every day. Streptocarpella is poking out with its understated purple bells. Even a little shoot in a pitcher of water sent out a bloom.