JODY ...in the studio

Valentine Needlepoint...........Stitch a Heart........

 

Hearts are flying at the Valentine's this week..........You ask how does a Valentine celebrate Valentine's Day?  With lots of hearts!

When my daughter Holly was little, maybe about 3 or 4 yrs old I wanted to surprise her when she opened her eyes first thing on Valentine's Day. So after she fell a sleep I went very quietly into her room and put red and pink construction paper hearts up all over her room. I put them everywhere, all sizes....floor to ceiling!

The next year I did her room and the upstairs hallway...........the following year, her bedroom, the hallway and then down the stairs....you guessed it........with each year there were more hearts and more hearts. Hearts were everywhere....all over the house! Even in the bathrooms! We always had a cocktail party on Valentine's Day and when our friends came through the door they were "stickered" with a red heart from a Valentine....(me)

The magic of the hearts is, that they only appear on Valentine's Day.......AND they disappear the next day! Hearts are only seen on Valentine's Day.............

Holly has carried on the magic hearts. Each year Holly decorates her classroom with hearts from floor to ceiling and all over the desks, for her 4th Grade students. The hearts magically appear on Valentine's Day and  ~ "POOF" ~ are gone the next morning!

If you happen to see Holly or me on Valentine's Day you will be "stickered" with a red heart!

"A Valentine from a Valentine"................

Enjoy this Valentine week.......

I'll be in the studio.....

~Jody Valentine

 

 

 

 

December 8, 2011 ~ Jody's Birthday

~ A Fabulous Birthday ~ Thank you so much for all the lovely and thoughtful messages yesterday, each one so special and appreciated.....touching my heart....XXX

The picture above is one of my Birthday signs.......My Dad was an Artist and Designer and always on our Birthdays or absolutely every special day would make very large signs for us, some were very elaborate and others were very simple........like the one above.

Sometimes the signs would even cover the garage! We always waited with excitement to see what our "Birthday sign" was going to be each year. 

I have a large collection of them (....... and all the ones he made for my Mom when he was courting her). One day I hope to individually photograph them to make sure we have the memories.

 

As I start a new "Birthday" year...........I am looking forward to many new adventures, anticipating an exciting year.........and spending more time here with you sharing thoughts and ideas. The BLOG will be back regularly in the very near future, probably after the holidays. Time always seems to escape me, especially in December.......

Many rush orders to fill and packages to ship so for now ...........

I'll be ....in the studio

~ Jody

Antique Blue & White Willow Ware Porcelain......

Everything I see inspires me, sometimes I drive myself crazy. I am thrilled to see colors come alive .........today  I found this absolutely fabulous new issue of Victoria Magazine. It immediately reminded me of my Blue & White Willow Ware collection.

     This is the very first plate that started my  collection.   The back markings show it was made in France. I was thrilled when I found this at an antique show. I enjoyed hunting for them and especially liked the European pieces. I did not collect the pieces made in China.

   
  When we moved from the Barn I down-sized many of my collections  and let my Blue & White Porcelain go....... except for this one plate. Its very hard to let go of collections........and I must admit  I am sorry that I made some quick decisions.

 I wish I had boxed up somethings to decide on after the move. My advice to all of you that may be thinking of downsizing......if you are on the fence about something........hold on to it if you can until after you have moved. Hindsight always comes back to haunt you. I was so tired and overwhelmed leaving our big Barn that I now realize I acted too quickly and listened to too many opinions about what I should do........instead of listening to my own inner voice.

 

 

 

If I had it to do over again, the items I was unsure about letting go I would have held onto, I may still have let them go but could have done it with more thought.

I had half of the collection on the wall. I hung them with plate hangers. If you ever hang a rimmed plate or rounded soup bowl or dish use a larger size hanger and bend the back to position on the hook.

Another trick I learned, place a towel on your lap and be sitting down (on a carpet) when you stretch the wires. Plates can easily slip right out of your hand and go flying across the room and smash. The tension is tight when pulling to fit.  Lets just say I have many shards for when I do mosaic pieces.......LOL

 

 

This is a wonderful issue..........I have so many ideas spinning in my head. One idea sparks another. I call it magazine brainstorming...........LOL.

 

After photographing the plates with the small iris...........I thought of "Note cards"........its endless in my head and it never seems to turn off, that's why I made the comment above that I can drive myself crazy.........LOL. I promise your head will be thinking of all kind of ideas when you glance at this issue.........now run to the store! 

Are you a Blue & White Collector?      How do you display them?

I'll be ....in the studio.

~ Jody

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Pink & Green Flowers and Fabric........

 

After photographing the tulips yesterday several needed shorter stems to last a few more days. This particular variety changes each day. Placing them in a small vase pleased me so much, they seemed to just fluff over the top. I enjoy playing with light and adding other elements like this Lilly patchwork fabric and then photographing at different angles.....playing with light and color inspires me.

These photographs would make lovely small fine art paintings, the tulips almost look like roses. Look closely there are so many shades of pink, the shadows of light play with the depth of the flowers.

   I have always loved Lilly fabric. Many years ago you were able to buy fabric. I use to call ALL the stores  around the country and buy their  scrap bags. You never knew which prints would be in each bag.

I found by cutting small 4" squares I was able to create patchwork fabric.

 

Notice that the squares are staggered, much easier than trying to match all corners.

This picture shows the back side. This is the last full piece I have. I would color coordinate all the different colors. At the time I made small little 12" pillows with 4" lace around them.

I made so many, then I made large puff bed quilts and large headboard pillows. Yes, I was Lilly crazy.......LOL.

Enjoy their Colorful Blog.

Then I made matching purses and skirts.......everything was Lilly. They no longer sell the fabric and I'm sad to say at one time I just let all the fabric scraps go in a garage sale...........now I could kick myself..........LOL. I have been saving this piece for years, not knowing how to use it to save my memories............any ideas?

 

Enjoy your day....think PINK & GREEN..............LOL.

 

I'll be.....in the studio.

 

~ Jody

 

 

Colorful Bunnies & Gold Leaf Rabbits..........

Hop...Hop...Hop.....the last of this years Bunnies and Golden Rabbits are now available.........actually many friends have told me they leave them out year round.

     

 

 

In my earlier blog post  you may read about how I started making the Golden Rabbits, they do multiply each year. This years batch are all wrapped and ready for gift giving this weekend. There are a few in my Etsy shop.

I think we all enjoy Spring, it is the time of new beginnings. Colors seem so fresh and lively. It is the introduction of bright.........and  soft pastels..........after a long winter, these colors boost our spirits.

 

  

Tiny Spring ornaments dangle on our miniature Easter tree. I use to make miniatures, so some are mine. It's not always  easy to find the tiny ornaments.......floss is perfect to use for hanging them on the tree.

Look at the delicate pink tulips in this picture. Did you know by placing a penny in the water they will stand straight up? I took the penny out so they would squiggle a little for this photo........LOL. Try the penny trick, it really works.

This picture is with the glass dome removed. It's a simple white wired tree and I bend the branches to fit under the dome.

I started this tree when Holly was young. There are so many  wonderful Easter trees available, next I would like to have a white feather tree............Do you have an Easter tree?

Back to projects on the drawing board.............

I'll be ......in the studio.

~ Jody

The Lion Roars........

  
Amazing! ........The Lion King touring Broadway show (watch the first two montage videos, each adds a different view).

Holly and I went to see it last night......it is thrilling! We are so fortunate to have so many extraordinary touring shows travel through Rochester. The opening gives me chills each time I see and hear it. Garth Fagan, the choreographer, is from Rochester. The Garth Fagan Dance company is based here. The Lion King  is one of my favorite musicals, the imagination created by all involved is breathtaking, puppets and actors become one. If it tours near you make sure you see it.

 

Thinking of cats today.......this is my Whimsical Tan Cat........ 12"high x 10 1/2" wide on 14pt canvas.

Whimsical Black Cat is 13" wide x 11 1/4" wide on 14pt canvas.

Whimsical Gray Cat is 12" high x 9" wide on 14pt canvas. Each design uses bold bright colors, simplistic in design allows areas for stitching fancies that will add to the lightness of the canvas design. Stitched only in basketweave the strength of the color speaks for itself. Although if stitched with many different stitches it will take on a different character. The challenge is up to you. These are so much fun for me to paint, I enjoy it each time I do........I love the bright colors.

Are there any wild cat stitchers out there? What fabulous stitching ideas do you see?

Let your Lion roar............

Enjoy your day.......

I'll be ...in the studio.

~ Jody

 

HURRY-UP Spring.........

I am so ready for Spring !  Enjoyed a long walk again this morning and these were the only touches of spring I could find. Maybe where you are it has "sprung"...LOL.  I do think they are very slowly allowing water into the canal. There was a full narrow stream of water moving towards the lock and the water level appeared to be higher than last week. I'll know more in a few days as I have a spot where I am watching the water level.

When you are out and about in the next few days, pick up these two  issues, Victoria Magazine and Southern Lady. Fabulous! .....and loaded with ideas.

I adore magazines and catalogs. I subscribe to tons of catalogs and I would subscribe to all magazines if I could.

 

 

 

Ideas are everywhere. I use to save the whole issues but now just tear out as I see something. I have drawers and drawers and files and files full...........all my someday projects.....well you know how that goes....LOL.

 

The Victoria magazine has been out for awhile, so run quickly to get it before the next issue is out.

Hope you are having a nice Monday..........I better get to the drawing board.......

I'll be...in the studio.

~ Jody

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erie Canal.....Lock 33

Images and the song we all know......... I was able to go for a long walk yesterday. Growing up in New York State we all learn  about the Erie Canal from the time we are very young.......and I think every school music department performs this song at one time or another. (click on the pictures and you can see them a little larger)

Those of us that live near it sometimes take it so for granted, the trail is so accessible for us to walk, take a bicycle ride or boat on it. There are festivals, restaurants, crew races, duck drops and so much more to enjoy once the season begins.......I'll share this with you this year as it begins.

The top picture is my approach to lock #33 the Henrietta lock, traveling towards Pittsford NY. The canal is drained each fall and usually opens the first week in May....its amazing to see how shallow it truly is, many will call it the Barge Canal.  Sometimes as I walk its fun to imagine how someone might be walking the trail with mules at their sides pulling a barge. We take it so matter of fact that every once in awhile its engaging to think back of another time and those that came before us.

Historical look at The Erie Canal....... The top two pictures I am standing right on the edge of the lock.....I really took this picture quickly.....LOL..the depth and direct drop off hit me in the pit of my stomach.......I went behind the warning sign to get this......... felt really eerie,  (no pun intended....LOL) it's VERY deep, so I  snapped this and ran back, had the thought "Lady found stuck in canal lock, news at eleven" ....LOL

The bottom two pictures are shots of the level where the boat would come down to, sorry I should have taken a picture of the stairs for you to see the drop. The big gate is below.

The Emitta II  travels the canal ......we see it all the time, most the schools in the area take the children on day trips on the canal. The Sam Patch also gives everyone the experience of traveling down the canal. The Sam Patch docks out of Pittsford, one of our very favorite summer canal spots. We have always walked the canal in Pittsford, stopping to feed the ducks and have ice cream.......

The Colonial Belle docks in Fairport and offers cruises all summer and fall. Its so much fun to be dining at local canal restaurants and watch them travel by.

We are so fortunate to have a large access to the canal where we live here in Rochester.....it is such a short drive to enjoy the canal from our towns of Brighton, Pittsford, or Fairport. Rochester life comes alive in the summer.......in fact they just started talking about the start of the season..........The Lilac Festival!

Hope you enjoyed my walk.........may try to squeak another walk in today before the rain starts.....until then.......

I'll be .....in the studio.

 ~ Jody

 

A Cinnamon Toast Day...........

Sometimes the best of plans just always go wacky..........

Today I just wanted a hug from Mom......

See the little glass bear on the shelf....remember the cinnamon sugar bear? I think we all enjoyed this as a child. I treasure this little bear, I've had it forever.........now I have moved on to big girl cinnamon shakers....LOL........ Love my MacKenzie-Childs shakers. Yes, I love MacKenzie-Childs, especially the early pieces.

So many wonderful memories of my Mom, Holly and I hitting those fabulous barn sales and my Dad would have dinner waiting for us every night when we came home and he was thrilled to see and hear our bargain stories......Now I'm talking the original barn sales, way back.......The three of us would be there all 3 days........laughing and hunting for our treasures.

I have had the best laid plans for painting this week and now Wednesday and everything is still sitting on the drawing board..........so I have just given into my week as it is unfolding   and made cinnamon toast this morning!

I make it very simply by just pouring sugar and cinnamon together, sometimes I use too much sugar and other times I use too much cinnamon........its all perfect. I use tons of butter and then sprinkle madly all over the toast right to the edges........there will be cinnamon sugar everywhere! I figure if I'm going to have it I am going to enjoy it..........LOL.

So I started the day off with my hug from Mom and remembering special moments........the day is now perfect........OK ....life bring it on..........I'm ready for your best shot!

Do something just for YOU today......give yourself that hug from Mom.........

I'll be ....in the studio.

~ Jody

The First Spring Forsythia...........

 

  My favorite time of year is the very first blush of Spring, that soft light lime green that appears just for what seems like only a moment in time. The first warm day pops everything open.

You must look quickly as it disappears in an instant.

We had this one wild forsythia bush on the side of the Barn.I was never able to tame or shape it. I would snip branches from it every spring and bring inside to force open. I sometimes would do this with the lilacs and cherry branches too. Although the forsythia always seemed to work the best and even the green leaves were beautiful after the yellow flowers were gone.

Remember to always smash the bottoms of the branches with a hammer before placing in water.

As I would walk up the trail there were always nests to be seen like this one.

 

My day went crazy on me yesterday (ever have one of those days, where it switches gears? ) with several stores calling for rush orders before spring breaks, so the banners went on the back burner for a day.........hope to get back to them today. Would love to go out for a walk today but way too windy and still too cold.......hurry up spring. Maybe where you are is a little warmer.

Off to package yesterdays orders and send them off.........then on to the banners. Enjoy your day......

I'll be .....in the studio.

~ Jody

P.S. My AOL e-mail account is gone now, so please remember you may reach me through the website or   jody.jodydesigns@gmail.com