by Great Joy Studio | Apr 18, 2010 | Projects, Spiritual
Waiting upon the Lord – For many years the vision for a new church has remained our hope, until now! My church home is building this summer and we, small body of believers, are very excited. On Friday, an absolute gorgeous day, I was inspired to take a drive on the country roads to check out the progress.
Trees were uprooted…
A foundation was being prepped…
Plans are in place…
for an old fashioned, church raising!
It’s set for Fathers Day weekend!
Our beautiful back yard, Thank you God
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 16, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric, Spiritual
Launching at Spring Market, Minneapolis May 21 – from Quilting Treasures
It’s time to reveal a sneak peek at my new fabric line. I have not seen the finished product yet, only these first run strike offs. It seems like such a long time ago since I created this line but really, it’s only been a few months. This one was very dear to my heart. My research for the antique clocks came from the many clock books that belonged to my dad. For a brief time, he built reproduction, early American clocks. I spent some bitter sweet moments as I went through his books, finding notes and sketches as I worked out these images. Due to this line’s message, “An Appointed Time,” is a tribute to both our heavenly Father and my dad.
If you are planning to be at Quilt Market, please come by and say “Hello!” I’ll be in the Quilting Treasures booth at 1:00 on Friday. Receive your gift and details on my first blog give-away! Winner to be announced June fourth. Details will also be posted here as well.
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 14, 2010 | Studio
Outside my studio windows, what I look forward to seeing most in the Spring are the wild Dogwood trees. Our predominately shaded property is blessed with many.
The Dogwood Legend
In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
‘Twas strong and firm it’s branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony.”
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 13, 2010 | Treasured Tuesday's
Treasured Tuesday’s – Today is featuring a couple of vintage pieces that I picked up in a little shop on my day out gallivanting last week. I couldn’t resist this stunning work. I thought of my artist friend Sharyn Sowell as soon as I saw them and was hoping she could offer an opinion regarding their history.
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 10, 2010 | Field Trip
Main Entry: gal·li·vant
Variant(s): also gal·a·vant \ˈga-lə-ˌvant\
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: perhaps alteration of 3gallant
Date: 1823
1 : to go about usually ostentatiously or indiscreetly
2 : to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure
OK, I would have to say, the above explains where I’ve been the last couple of days. We’ve enjoyed a couple of phenomenal Spring weather days and it was just too difficult to stay indoors and work. I’ll share some details.
My friend and I had good intentions Thursday, when we ventured out on our mission to gather information and supplies for the Halloween project. However, we did begin to roam when we hit our destination,
historic, downtown St. Charles. by Great Joy Studio | Apr 6, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric
Quite the switches to be thinking of witches when everyone is focused on Spring, eh? However, that’s just what we will be doing for the next few days while conjuring up some fun projects for an upcoming feature. (More details to come)
I had my first look at the final product when my “Hairraising Halloween” fabric arrived last week. This group of art was the most fun to create since I remember drawing Jack-o-lanterns like we all did as kids.
The fabric line is reminiscent of vintage Halloween decorations and has a classic retro feel.
The colors came out great, the images crisp and an all around great job and offering from Quilting Treasures.
In stores this summer, 2010
Embroidery designs also available as “All Hallows Eve,” through Amazing Designs
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 5, 2010 | Personal Touch
…is never done. Our family had a wonderful day together yesterday and great weather, hope you did too.
Our Traditional Easter Up-side-down Cake
However, this morning, where doesn’t my body hurt? Started our day very early cooking and egg fill-ing, cleaned the day before, church, then more cooking, egg hunting, game playing and little tot watching, whew!
“Where did you say that egg was?” “It’s under her other foot,” direct the moms.
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But at the end of the day… it was fun and a good time was had by all.
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 4, 2010 | Spiritual
My last Sunday’s selection for the Painted Word Lenten series, from the book “The art of Prophecy,” is “Alleluia” – Thomas Cooper Gotch – Exhi, 1896 Tate Gallery, London
"Alleluia" - Thomas Cooper Gotch
Wishing you a blessed Easter!
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 3, 2010 | Home Arts
The purple Periwinkle ground cover and wild phlox offer the first color that I see here in the Spring. Soon to follow are the flowering Dogwood trees that also grow wild on our property. Two of my favorite Spring things!
Periwinkle – Vinca minor
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 2, 2010 | Spiritual
Paschein-to suffer, Pascha staurosimon-Good Friday, Pesach (transitus, passover)
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 – 1564)
“Pieta” 1499
Pieta, 1499 - St. Peter's Basilica
