by Great Joy Studio | Apr 29, 2010 | Field Trip
Wow! My workshop weekend is underway. It began with a personalized tour of ME’s studio and offices. The Mary Engelbreit Home Companion Workshop event is local for me so, I drove to the very trending location on this gorgeous morning. Arrived early enough to enjoy a coffee in the breezy courtyard. Pretty neat.
I was greeted by Mary’s trade mark character, Anne Estelle. To my surprise I was the only one taking the studio tour in my scheduled time slot. What, all to myself? Yipeeeeeeee!
With my head pivoting in all directions and eyes moving at a frantic pace, I attempted to take absolutely everything in.
I only have a short time now to post some of the many photos I took. These are right inside the door at the front desk. As you can see, a lovely suite of offices. I’ll be heading back down for registration and festivities at the reception this evening.
My Gracious Guide was Jan-her apron pin collection
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 28, 2010 | Field Trip, Getting Started, Projects
Hi – This morning I’m multitasking, AS usual! Gathering some supplies for my first workshop, stocking up baked goods to help feed the church building group in June and a hair cut at nine. Crafting, baking and candlestick making!
I’m attending my first artsy, craftsy workshop which begins tomorrow. Several months ago I signed up for Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion Workshops, which is where I’ll be for the next few days. Since this is a first for me, I’m not sure what to bring so, perhaps a little bit of everything?
I’m looking forward to learning some new techniques and having some FUN! Really, I’m not sure exactly what I’ve signed on for but, I’m filled with nervous excitement. Wish me luck? Eeks, do I really have time for fun? I think I need to gather some more crafty stuff, maybe some paint or more glue, er, um……. ribbon?
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 27, 2010 | Home Arts, Treasured Tuesday's
Treasured Tuesday – The very first antique that I was fortunate enough to acquire, held much sentimental value for me. It was my grandmothers dresser, given to me when I was sixteen years old. Although I’m not sure why, the attraction to antiques at such an early age, just seemed like a natural. The strong interest has remained with me these many years. For the most part, I try to stay out of shops now and often describe myself as a recovering collector.
Enamel ware pots are among the first collections I began. The large pitcher, top left, is the first piece I purchased around age 19 or so. In the same shop, I also discovered a couple of nicely shaped pots with wire handles and a wooden hand grip. When my mom explained that these were old “potties,” kept under the commodes or “water closets,” they didn’t quite hold the same attraction for me. A short time later, she was able to convince me to part with those pieces.
The items shared here today are only a portion of my collection and still one of my favorite subjects to include in my artwork. Some of these will be featured in an upcoming fabric line. Stay tuned to see when they will make their debut.
Some Local History – I only discovered in a search I conducted this morning!
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 23, 2010 | Healthy Stuff
Is everyone enjoying the Spring weather, flowering trees, bushes and sprouting splendor? We have had a good stretch of incredible weather here in the Midwest making it very pleasant to continue with my healthy walking commitment. Dodging rain for the next few days, however.
I brought my camera yesterday to capture my neighbors snowball bushes. I’m guessing that they are the common variety and not yet full grown which, according to the site listed below is 8 to 12 feet. These bring to mind another memory, of visits to my grandma’s garden. She had a gigantic snowball bush, the largest I’ve ever seen, but of course, I was just a small girl so maybe it only seemed that way.
About the common snowball bush : The Common Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus, also called the European Cranberry bush produces white flowers in late spring. It is a deciduous thicket-forming Old World shrub. In the fall, the leaves turn a wonderful burgundy reddish-purple. About the same time, the bright red, attractive berries ripen, and persist on the plant throughout the winter. Birds, particularly Cedar Waxwings, are very fond of the berries, and can often be found snacking during the winter. Have a snowball fight in June! Kids and adults alike love this rounded plant with masses of flowers. Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Bushes & Shrubs
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 21, 2010 | Field Trip
“Get the Cranberry Sauce” was the subject line of the first E-mail I opened this morning. Poor turkey bird was the attachment. The pretty feathers shot, is from my fowl hunting son-in-law. Four and twenty blackbirds, I mean twenty four pounder! I know, Eeeeeewe!
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 19, 2010 | Field Trip
While I was out on Friday, I stopped in to see my friend Joy. She had something to show me that was worth sharing. We both took time out of our busy day to enjoy a walk through her garden. The highlight was her beautiful Wisteria arbor. Sharing a stroll such as this reminded me of similar visits to my grandma’s garden. Thank you Joy. I was greeted by this furry face.
