New book I want to read

As I am an avid journal keeper myself....I just heard about this book and have ordered it from my library.  Cant wait to read it!  

I ran out of wool and had to stop!!!  UGHHHH!  My wool dyer, Susan, says my wool will be sent out around Thursday.  I suppose I will get it on Monday or Tuesday...  I can hardly wait to start hooking again!  It has been miserable not to be able to hook!  I just cant stand it!!!! So, once I get hooking again I will put some pics of my progress here.  I sure have the hooking bug!  I wish I had all the wool I needed and wanted at my disposal!  But I dont....so this is how I have to work it for now.  Susan is very understanding and cooperative.  Once she gets her samples of all her colors done...I will buy the whole set...and then it will be much easier to figure out what colors I need and how much etc....She is almost done with these samples.  It has been a lengthy and expensive project for her.  If you are interested in purchasing samples (and hand dyed wool) from The Ram in the Thicket ---google her website...and let her know! Tell her I sent you!  She does all the primitive colors and the vibrant and modern colors as well.  Most other internet sites I have found do not even come close the color choices she has!  I am very impressed.  And the wool is luxurious!  So I am trying to be patient...so I can hook again and be happy!

Progress on my 1st in series - Antique Valentines Card Rugs

The Welcome Mat and My Front Porch

I decided to be a member of both so I can be friends and communicate with all my new rug hooking friends those that have decided to stay with The Welcome Mat and those who switched to My Front Porch only.  I hope I am able to be a member of both...I imagine I can if I pay for The Welcome Mat when my invoice comes.

Yummmmy!

Artichoke Bread--Ok this doesnt bode well with your New Year's Resolution to lose weight...but what the hell...It is scrumptious!

(makes 1 loaf)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
2 green onions (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese (room temperature)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mozzarella (grated)
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (grated)
1 loaf Italian bread (sliced in half lengthwise)

Directions:
1. Mix the artichoke hearts, green onions, garlic, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano reserving some of the cheese.
2. Hollow 1/2 an inch out of the center of both halves of the bread.
3. Spread the mixture into the hole in the bread slices and top with the reserved cheese.
4. Bake in a preheated 350F oven covered in foil for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Got my new wool in the mail today!

Susan from Ram in the Thicket sent me the wool for the birds, ribbon and hearts for my new Valentine's Card rug! Isnt it scrumptious??!!! Yummy! It is lovely and thick!! I just opened the package...now to find my new cutter and read the instructions again!

For real now....I now I have been waivering!

My first rug design...I am doing a series of Antique Valentine Card Rugs. I have ordered my wool from Susan from Ram in the thicket for the birds,ribbon and hearts to start. Waiting for the wool in the mail! Cant wait!

I think I may have changed my mind for my first rug

I know I said I was going to do my original koi artwork for my first rug...but I THINK...I have decided to do something a bit less hard in terms of color changes for my first rug.
I really love Van Gogh's almond blossom painting...and since he is dead and it no longer under copyright laws for me to copy as a rug design...(even though as an artist I cringe at the thought of doing any one else's design!!) I am going to try this! I have always loved this painting...and it is a way for me to have it my home in some way...and as a hooked rug...it really will take on a life of its own anyway...
I just really was intimidated when looking at getting all the hand dyed wool colors I would need for my koi rug. This being my first rug...I dont want to totally intimidate myself with color changes as I am hooking either...and this may also cost me a bit less...with less 'wastage" of wool with less colors needed. I'll try to put my own spin on it a bit...but its hard to improve on this beauty! So, now I am awaiting my new wool...which I am asking for for Chirstmas. I know that sounds funny ...but after just spending almost 1,000 on supplies to make rugs...I had to stretch the cost out a bit! So, I get my wool for Christmas! I am happy with that! Patience is a good virtue.
I am going to be selling hand dyed wool here at my art gallery (The Bradley Art Gallery-www.thebradleyartgallery.com) from Susan from The Ram In The Thicket. I just couldnt find anyone local to purchase hand dyed wool from. I dont like to buy online..cant tell the colors good enough...like to feel it and smell it..etc!!! We will also start selling frames my husband will be making ( he is a home builder) and tools, hooks...and possibly linen and other backings...might as well have it all! Below is Susan's logo...a picture of her beautifully dyed wool...and another logo for the Ram in the Thicket. You can find her online....or if you happen to live in Southern Wisconsin...come to my gallery to buy the wool! It is gorgeous and well priced. She uses Door Wool...very very nice colors..and she has just added Modern and Vibrant colors to the usual primitive colors as well. She is working on creating a nice color swatch set that one can buy to use for color selection and ordering....very nice tool to have!