ROUND IS ROUND IS ROUND

I love orbs, round things. I have collected them obsessively for years.  I guess I just like the feel of them.  Round edges are soothing, and earthy.  Here is a variety of my favorites, in a big wire bowl on my coffee table.  I love natural stone orbs, and have several in marble, granite, and agate.  The red one on top is an ancient rubber ball found by one of my children when we were living in historic housing on a fort in Wyoming.  It dates back to about the 30's.  The pale grey orb is especially precious to me, as my son fashioned it out of masonry grout, rolling it for hours and hours to get it shiny and smooth. I have blown glass orbs, done by local artists as well.  I am especially fond of diacroic glass, with hints of the metalic in the color.  I have hand carved balls from the early '20's as well, and even a funny brass ball that came out of an old septic system. You can collect pretty much anything, I guess.  When you put them all together, they become a beautiful grouping of art. Just collect things you love, because people will continue to give you their own version for years!  I had an aunt who collected a few tiny elephants, and it became an unmanagable collection of hundreds by the time she passed away at age 80...I am sure her final words were "I hate elephants!"

REFURBISHING AN OLD CONCRETE OWL

A friend of mine had this wonderful owl sitting in her garden for many years.  It is concrete, and as time will do, it eroded, it corroded, and it started to crumble.  Rather than throwing it away, I begged her for the opportunity to see what I could do with it.  I am very happy with the results!  I used a lot of gesso initially, to build the concrete back up a bit, then used several layers of acrylic hard body paint to fill in, build up and color the owl.  Then I used several layers of acrylic sealant on the owl, with the intentions of resealing it on a yearly basis, as it is still an outdoor decoration.  I am very fond of him, and have named him Othello!

BUTLER WITH A CHIPPED NOSE

I have had this little butler for many years now.  It is a chalkware piece, about 4 inches high, and has helped me to serve tea for 20 years.  I love his sweet smile and happy demeanor.  It wouldn't be high tea around here without his help!

PINE NEEDLE WOVEN EDGED GOURD

And now for something completely different...I had started a few gourd creations last year, and did some wood burning on this particular one, with a bit of paint and leather dye. I knew that it needed something special to finish of the top edge, and when I found a long needle pine tree, felt that was the route to go. Keep in mind, I have not done a lot of pine needle weaving (or any), so my edges aren't the most perfect! I used waxed twine and a beading needle to work the edging. I think it came out beautiful, especially with my constant sneezing throughout the process! Well worth it. I plan on doubling up my allergy meds and doing some more of this!

FIGURINES TO MAKE CORNERS HAPPY

I recently inherited several figurines from both my mother and my mother in law. Some are 'occupied Japan', and some are a bit later, but all are sweet and whimsical, and playful.  I love the draped lady in the back row, a tiny vase that I put my wildflower bouquets into.  The flower in front is only an inch high!  The tiny Dutch boy and girl are salt and pepper shakers, and the accordian players are happy little figures that I shuffle around the house in surprise placements.  My favorite? The sleepy little duckling!

TEAPOT DICKORY DOCK

 

I am a collector of teapots.  I am especially fond of this one, a whimsical and happy little pot that my hubby picked up for me while he was in England. He knows my penchant for pots, and of mice! It makes a great cuppa, by the way...

ART IN THE KITCHEN

I am an artist by trade, and after running out of room to hang my work in all the traditional places in the house, I started hanging my still lifes in the kitchen.  I enjoy the paintings so much more in the right room!  Why didn't I think of this before? Most homes these days don't have a formal dining room any more.  Tradition is what you make of it, I guess.