tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13908407257209524892024-03-13T16:28:04.632-07:00All things Maggie OKnitting, Cross Stitch, Interior Decorating and everyday trials and tribulations of a multi tasker.Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-29200967835189161312018-09-22T08:28:00.001-07:002018-09-22T08:33:10.758-07:00The Arts & Crafts Movement - MacIntosh's Influence<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">Charles Rennie MacIntosh...House for an Art Lover</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">I found this in my "drafts" folder from 2013. This year, 2018, the Glasgow School of Art suffered yet another devastating fire so I felt it important to publish this piece. The Glasgow School of Art where a lot of creative and unique work was carried out by Charles Rennie MacIntosh. I remember the 2013 trip well and how this house built in the '89 - 90's just blew me away...the plans were drawn up for a competition by Charles Rennie MacIntosh and he worked on this with decorative artist Margaret MacDonald ( his wife)."House for an Art Lover" was not built in their time, however I believe the romance that MacIntosh and MacDonald put into their work was captured. I was fortunate enough to visit Scotland twice this year and each trip was most enjoyable. In August our daughter and two grandchildren accompanied us and I have to say the results were amazing. The Willow tearoom with its tall MacIntosh designed chairs and the Glasgow Rose depicted on may souvenirs of the day was "Glasgow" for all intent and purpose. This was the flavour I wanted to share.</span></div>
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Now on with the story...<br />
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... born in Glasgow in 1868 he became an architectural apprentice around the age of 16 years with a Vincent Street company in Glasgow. In addition to his work schedule he attended evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art. He was a skilled draftsman and talented watercolourist. He won a scholarship ( The esteemed Alexander Thomson Traveling Scholarship) which meant he could study abroad. However, whilst at the Glasgow School of Art Charles met Herbert McNair who became great friends and the two were introduced to the MacDonald sisters, Margaret and Francis in 1899. The four of them were known as "The Glasgow Four". Margaret was an accomplished decorative artist and she married MacIntosh in 1900.</div>
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There were many opportunities for the couple to gain recognition. One piece they worked on together was an entry for a European competition "House for an Art Lover" organised by a German art publisher <a href="http://allthingsmaggieo.blogspot.ca/2013/04/arts-crafts-design.html">Blogged April 1st</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Model of House for an Art Lover</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>House for an Art Lover </strong><br />
<strong>Construction 1989- 1996</strong></td></tr>
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Although the house was not built in MacIntosh's time construction commenced in 1989 and was completed by the City of Glasgow in 1996 ( Architect Graham Roxborough). You will note it's similarities in colour and design/ style to MacIntoshes <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1390840725720952489#editor/target=post;postID=7311586134201591539">Hill House, Helensburgh</a>. Quite unique.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Elevation Drawing of the Dining room</strong><br />
<strong>The portfolio of work is on display including drawings/ floor plans etc.</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>The familiar design of MacIntosh's</strong><br />
<strong> high back chairs in the Dining room</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Interpetations of MacIntosh's Glasgow Rose are </strong><br />
<strong>evident throughout on walls, fireplaces and furniture</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Used for weddings/ parties/ conferences the Music Room in dazzling white </strong><br />
<strong>with bowed windows is quite spectacular</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>View of the bowed windows</strong><br />
<strong> in the Music Room</strong><br />
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<strong>Bellahouston Walled Gardens on the site are worth a visit too.</strong><br />
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<strong>Life is Beautiful in a "House for an Art Lover". </strong><br />
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Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-36308971044814816202017-05-14T12:10:00.001-07:002017-05-14T12:10:08.381-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It appears "Spring has Sprung" at long last and we are through another cold and harsh winter ( it is May after all). Our azalea (see pic) blooms early and improves each year which is usually our personal goal. In many ways I appreciate this time for renewal and growth, what better way to celebrate spring than to return to "the" blog<br />
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I have missed blogging and sharing. Facebook took over from some of that but just seems so cold, automated and impersonal.So here I am revisiting and enjoying reading through past blogs. I have just realized that I have been on a journey and achieved a lot of my goals. I am now an accomplished Real Estate Agent, Interior Decorator and I teach Interior Decorating ( Floor Plans, Space Planning and Presentations) at the local college - all of that since 2013. My love for cross stitch, knitting, water colours, etc., etc., remains and I am now putting all my "eggs" in one basket to create the "whole" package. My real estate work intertwined with my interior decorating is a no brainier. It allows me to include staging and interior decorating (colour and furniture placement ) for my Sellers and Buyers. I have also designed a cross stitch to gift for my clients with their house, address and move in date included ( I will post pic of the next one). I would like to knit up some amazing blankets in intricate patterns so this is a W.I.P. and I am looking to perfect something that is gift worthy and special to the specific client. These take much longer and more thought - so it is not a quick sale/buy. I was thinking several addresses that the client has occupied over the years - more like a genealogy of abodes in a lifetime, childhood home, first home and whatever else - cottage maybe. As I said a W.I.P.<br />
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I have also completed some amazing sections of my family tree during this time and connected with a 2nd cousin - flesh and blood. How great is that!<br />
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Today I am off to show two houses to some very special young clients. Yes, it is Mothers Day, but as you know the world doesn't stop and I love my job! A great start with breakfast and some amazing offspring (there is that word again) was special with some home made Scottish square sausage and beautiful roses ( not for eating lol) and dinner with out with my special family - I do feel celebrated and special.<br />
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My posts will include Interior Decorating and Real Estate information, tips, how to's and what is trending as well as spontaneous information that makes the world go around. Life is beautiful!Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0Cambridge, ON, Canada43.3616211 -80.31442759999998843.1770356 -80.637151099999983 43.5462066 -79.991704099999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-13313590979436561202013-04-30T01:12:00.002-07:002013-04-30T01:15:01.696-07:00COTSWOLDS CALLING!!What an amazing place the Cotswolds is...just full of history. The antiques, museums, manor houses and gardens are fabulous and the food is amazing. Unfortunately the gardens are about 2-3 weeks behind due to the unusual cold spell they are experiencing at this time of year. Chipping Campden is one of my favourites and the Craft Barn Museum is well worth a visit. It is all about the Arts & Crafts movement that relocated out of London to this small village and of what remains to this day.I will elaborate further and post pictures when I get back home.<br />
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Visited Hidcote Gardens yesterday and although it was very cold we did enjoy seeing this garden again with it's stilt hedge and beautiful topiary. Daffodils and primroses are in full bloom and the tulips are about to burst open - not doubt with the help of a little warmer temperature ( I understand how the felt yesterday).<br />
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Last week we were so delighted to see two young horsewomen riding their horses through the village of Broadway...talking and laughing and oblivious to the traffic behind them...such a nice little village and to see the huge horses come up the main drag was a sight for sore eyes. There is also something very soothing and calming about the clippity clop sound that they make...before you see them and after they have dissapeared out of sight.<br />
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On the weekend we did absolutely nothing. We enjoyed the cottage life on Saturday just chilling and my DH is a super cook. Asparagus with quails eggs and hollandaise sauce followed by local lamb slow cooked Basque style with a tomato base sauce and potatoes cooked in the same pot. Follow that up with an amazing sponge cake filled with jam and cream. On Sunday after visiting the Craft Barn museum we stopped by the Bells for refreshements and sampled their fresh sardines.They were very good. Last night we had Hake and it was delicious in a parsley, tomato, onion paste cooked to perfection. Dessert was a Mille Feuille (sp?) and some lovely jammie, nuttie pastries.<br />
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Off to the sterling and silk museums in the village today...coffee at Huxelys and pick up tonights fair which will be anything that takes our fancy...fresh produce...the village has it's own little butchers, greengrocers, french bakery ( includes pates and cheeses) and several fancy bakers...I am picking up a huge merangue today. I have just been staring at them in the bakers window, salivating and walking away...not today my friend, not today!!<br />
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It's a beautiful day when you open your eyes and enjoy what is right in front of you at absolutley no cost!Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-37693843924853588632013-04-28T01:38:00.000-07:002013-04-30T00:21:14.313-07:00DOING NOTHING AND SOME IDEAS FOR BLACKBOARDSDoing nothing in the Cotswolds today and it is brilliant. I will post pics when I return.The food has been amazing...pigeon and quail eggs...and the weather has not been bad at all...49 worst and 66 best...the pubs are everywhere. Gardens and houses have been visited and small high standard cosy Cotswold village cottage is extremely functional and central. Creativity has been awakened and art galleries and antiques are being studied...can't wait to share the pics.<br />
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Here is a few more ideas for your blackboard....<br />
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One look at Medusa and you could be turned to stone however with Benjamin Moore’s Chalkboard Paint you can turn just about any item into a chalk board. Just think on the possibilities for your children alone. One wall of their room, section of wall, table that they can draw on directly….endless possibilities and the chalk wipes clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.busydoor.com/room-decorating-ideas-with-chalkboard-paint/large-chalkboard-for-kids-playroom-design-ideas/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Large Chalkboard for Kids Playroom Design Ideas"><img alt="Large Chalkboard for Kids Playroom Design Ideas" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="320" src="http://www.busydoor.com/images/2012/04/Large-Chalkboard-for-Kids-Playroom-Design-Ideas-150x150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM<br />
Picture from: <a href="http://www.busydoor.com/">http://www.busydoor.com</a></td></tr>
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Also you can use it in your office ( appointments, reminders), the garage (task list) in fact any space for notes to self, notes to family- the rest of the household, phone messages, appointments, calendar for school or work events etc., very helpful. However the ones that are catching my eye have a designer look to them with a quote of the day, month, year- permanent quote and coloured chalk with pretty designs around the edge or just a flower applied in the right space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.busydoor.com/room-decorating-ideas-with-chalkboard-paint/home-office-design-with-chalkboard-wall/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Home Office Design with Chalkboard Wall"><img alt="Home Office Design with Chalkboard Wall" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="320" src="http://www.busydoor.com/images/2012/04/Home-Office-Design-with-Chalkboard-Wall-150x150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OFFICE<br />
Picture from: <a href="http://www.busydoor.com/">http://www.busydoor.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.busydoor.com/room-decorating-ideas-with-chalkboard-paint/kitchen-design-with-chalkboard-backsplash-decotaion/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kitchen Design with Chalkboard Backsplash Decoration"><img alt="Kitchen Design with Chalkboard Backsplash Decoration" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="320" src="http://www.busydoor.com/images/2012/04/Kitchen-Design-with-Chalkboard-Backsplash-Decotaion-150x150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KITCHEN BACKSPLASH<br />
Picture from: <a href="http://www.busydoor.com/">http://www.busydoor.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a beautiful life doing absolutely nothing in the Cotswolds...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE2uiXHN-W3GP5gRluZ1CU9uzfpkpdIgidU7DrrZnx03ZUNTA-5O9_SjgeODNuHh0qupk0KOBpn9PfrKwuFMUJKSrdzehXcO_nY9QZqnCRy54D13FxXz_kmmPwMBebhWmhIOG-EP14RYF/s1600/Ready+for+next+coat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<br />Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-30591100090565654192013-04-10T13:24:00.001-07:002013-04-10T13:24:18.730-07:00Blackboard...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A follow up to my announcement of April 6th...<br />
<br />
The chalkboard paint has cured for the three days as per the requirements and we now need to apply the chalk to the whole board before "chalk writing/ drawing " on it. I applied the chalk and wiped off with a cloth. Benjamin Moore recommends using a cloth to wipe off and using only blackboard light coloured chalk for design/quote application as other chalks can leave a residue...well we don't want that<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ImgH62sOVR8VYJsWv1VU39WZ12AElvaR_gzs3AvbLg4vo-TmvoXZFVKKj0phK8squYJ4rRhFatSoqsGtv4NDvRe0tipoV_uBaDqkgyasVYOvrYMMhC8U-oIjZmlWQlxqxhV-9nCXeN1N/s1600/DSC04699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ImgH62sOVR8VYJsWv1VU39WZ12AElvaR_gzs3AvbLg4vo-TmvoXZFVKKj0phK8squYJ4rRhFatSoqsGtv4NDvRe0tipoV_uBaDqkgyasVYOvrYMMhC8U-oIjZmlWQlxqxhV-9nCXeN1N/s320/DSC04699.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Prior to initial use rub the entire surface </strong><br />
<strong>with a piece of chalk </strong><strong> and then wipe clean</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMytFDwIU1RnXmZ29FvZyD_0wV5ZVh8f-mHlPb_R5pBoRC5KbV0gIbGF2SWF_J1PaOmxeBKIwffxB1Mf16sIkHCcGI4tegcXkUSOhph4UpQwa-dmSJVkGuiqk1ds_6TcpLEEepG5nZolv/s1600/DSC04703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMytFDwIU1RnXmZ29FvZyD_0wV5ZVh8f-mHlPb_R5pBoRC5KbV0gIbGF2SWF_J1PaOmxeBKIwffxB1Mf16sIkHCcGI4tegcXkUSOhph4UpQwa-dmSJVkGuiqk1ds_6TcpLEEepG5nZolv/s320/DSC04703.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Using a decorative molding cut the trim pieces to </strong><br />
<strong>fit surrounding area to make a frame</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkIMhTVxgKGROpOLDwJT6GnMo-MDIbXyk2ADtdOnDVelkmTRX0o_aAKGFfOQMs1Ft52CiW5SltghAxHUfD04GFspW0wdkbFEI1Aji1rvSAR7wCQPa_Q78QARZCNNffkELUWxwzRPhSi6s/s1600/DSC04707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkIMhTVxgKGROpOLDwJT6GnMo-MDIbXyk2ADtdOnDVelkmTRX0o_aAKGFfOQMs1Ft52CiW5SltghAxHUfD04GFspW0wdkbFEI1Aji1rvSAR7wCQPa_Q78QARZCNNffkELUWxwzRPhSi6s/s320/DSC04707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Tip: Paint trim pieces before applying</u></strong> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjsG8OMk027xCCqN5t4_h_9dkiR8gtonpWRKF6ICINqaeuxa4o01Z7piQfqXhDBM865hhNwB5hrNxOAaJMHPcAGTgepKJNxhwekm0QKqCoLOg9maxqd5ZRO5W7-0dZ0roLGOmn1sOPfRs/s1600/DSC04701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjsG8OMk027xCCqN5t4_h_9dkiR8gtonpWRKF6ICINqaeuxa4o01Z7piQfqXhDBM865hhNwB5hrNxOAaJMHPcAGTgepKJNxhwekm0QKqCoLOg9maxqd5ZRO5W7-0dZ0roLGOmn1sOPfRs/s320/DSC04701.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Go to Michael's with 50% off coupon and pick up </strong><br />
<strong>stencils and chalk ( white and coloured)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong></strong> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kc6GO1UsCDxqmqxAp6V4RqzYhX8-e1fFVbTrXNa0xbYyWjxjs4UrW2HJe5_yUg4RAAJLaud-GlwUcoBQ3N2KLaNFwWnZ3uG5rPtNmXJYiHHutpVjREhxubjAhn_gRl1Pi4fSKseNXDpb/s1600/DSC04692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kc6GO1UsCDxqmqxAp6V4RqzYhX8-e1fFVbTrXNa0xbYyWjxjs4UrW2HJe5_yUg4RAAJLaud-GlwUcoBQ3N2KLaNFwWnZ3uG5rPtNmXJYiHHutpVjREhxubjAhn_gRl1Pi4fSKseNXDpb/s320/DSC04692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you thought I was impatient ???</strong><strong>These two little helpers</strong><br />
<strong> were all over it </strong><strong>the minute the supplies arrived</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtvKZV_132_51ybWDm4w2I8q2uAhYgL9wInj9WhE56PGNroGZykcU3nwMJgRasQ08RWKBCEOeqIGdbjiz9vTnIpJbiw8SsFhj3V4-onQL0Ld_sgjOrXE3lTDp7P4nz_0ARtHJZ_bLBb9s/s1600/DSC04695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtvKZV_132_51ybWDm4w2I8q2uAhYgL9wInj9WhE56PGNroGZykcU3nwMJgRasQ08RWKBCEOeqIGdbjiz9vTnIpJbiw8SsFhj3V4-onQL0Ld_sgjOrXE3lTDp7P4nz_0ARtHJZ_bLBb9s/s320/DSC04695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Using chalk and stencil apply to board. These stencils worked well as </strong><br />
<strong>they had a large space to apply the chalk. Smaller stencils were just blurry.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong> </strong><strong><u>Tip: when you remove the stencil use a small wet brush to clean up the edges</u></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tWES7pYVSBm1jl7DQ4EuoNn6la0aATQxO1LDFe3Fv_r4dpswV8VDMprwFHvVq5DopnJ38Myc_-GgFJtUz3KpiXKXrzlJzy7JUgYX0_O-PgsNfDIpIcX3IxN8ZWnzJTFdwM1XMvSAteqL/s1600/DSC04705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tWES7pYVSBm1jl7DQ4EuoNn6la0aATQxO1LDFe3Fv_r4dpswV8VDMprwFHvVq5DopnJ38Myc_-GgFJtUz3KpiXKXrzlJzy7JUgYX0_O-PgsNfDIpIcX3IxN8ZWnzJTFdwM1XMvSAteqL/s320/DSC04705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Or, using a combination of stencils and free </strong><br />
<strong>hand design/ quote...come up with your own images</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf54jmqZT1GKesHSel1eM9dJHslh_Hcxwb1X4A7x-agjOXeV904cR3vE8G1PkXGQyp0xeaJmYxJ1PPjD1DGkWOwyvA6ovp99Hm2lrkhtjvecigUqTY0rN-gvZraEUTFypEkGSaTajDlwP9/s1600/DSC04706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf54jmqZT1GKesHSel1eM9dJHslh_Hcxwb1X4A7x-agjOXeV904cR3vE8G1PkXGQyp0xeaJmYxJ1PPjD1DGkWOwyvA6ovp99Hm2lrkhtjvecigUqTY0rN-gvZraEUTFypEkGSaTajDlwP9/s320/DSC04706.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Stencils did not do too well they were too small </strong><br />
<strong>so we used our own free hand style. </strong><br />
<strong><u>Note to self: buy larger stencils</u></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ-wweBi_nFMr6DzmW9s9kqE6_XWb6EdhYzj9Xrix5wLpY-mlpgTb-aUkqxYWw5WTfTbg51MyAdmUgs1DxWxEmfG6iyhoa-sYOVCwo5GsTtBdw0DZoV68ptZP6iABYp5HnB8H3awirOxa/s1600/DSC04705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ-wweBi_nFMr6DzmW9s9kqE6_XWb6EdhYzj9Xrix5wLpY-mlpgTb-aUkqxYWw5WTfTbg51MyAdmUgs1DxWxEmfG6iyhoa-sYOVCwo5GsTtBdw0DZoV68ptZP6iABYp5HnB8H3awirOxa/s320/DSC04705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>All of this had to be wiped clean of course to apply the trim</strong><br />
<strong>but it was fun and we are getting the hang of writing on the board</strong><br />
<strong>which is cork board with chalkboard paint so maybe not as smooth.</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL7jJVkfkS5hdjS8ehWykqZTZdUwBzdp-rF58wcFKiyPIBnv2BDzx_-TDLe6O5x6Hrog9jw7P2SlkOubw1FIljbcabREcj5TnB7cX4RfNtowA_N0dK5w_n7uiPQMUBy6Au5qfCxmITeuQ/s1600/DSC04733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL7jJVkfkS5hdjS8ehWykqZTZdUwBzdp-rF58wcFKiyPIBnv2BDzx_-TDLe6O5x6Hrog9jw7P2SlkOubw1FIljbcabREcj5TnB7cX4RfNtowA_N0dK5w_n7uiPQMUBy6Au5qfCxmITeuQ/s320/DSC04733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stuck the painted wood frame on with "No More Nails" <br />
Worked very nicely</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPnzNydC-dCS4UIq9Guut9ebB1xDYW8X8dC9gqTqfUwf5VoPoyp-1HaHHaCGJ7Ege7dYiMSV1ukw9aoM2TLkeAqEmckkqZuXPoM4cEwq2Ugg7bdTDHNg0tgZzcMhBDn-Z5To3hqT0OoFv/s1600/DSC04734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPnzNydC-dCS4UIq9Guut9ebB1xDYW8X8dC9gqTqfUwf5VoPoyp-1HaHHaCGJ7Ege7dYiMSV1ukw9aoM2TLkeAqEmckkqZuXPoM4cEwq2Ugg7bdTDHNg0tgZzcMhBDn-Z5To3hqT0OoFv/s320/DSC04734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framed and flowered - Thistles freehand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q8953pPX3IKQqdP2oR-731-2jtmLJUA2ibq3kJp_rVJGNRI4PSnQFNFDNZtkh_ihc_5R9XXy45EzLEp67USSwtiputPYAlQRBP_7VaZfhdUS8dxC9ipcFi312AYNeKNg_BQG40iXDVXI/s1600/DSC04733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q8953pPX3IKQqdP2oR-731-2jtmLJUA2ibq3kJp_rVJGNRI4PSnQFNFDNZtkh_ihc_5R9XXy45EzLEp67USSwtiputPYAlQRBP_7VaZfhdUS8dxC9ipcFi312AYNeKNg_BQG40iXDVXI/s320/DSC04733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dearest GD added some poignant words of her own choice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4o2NZZkv1Aq1G-JcoFUydk7biZRlAgf0Q8pC7srr7FXKMjgR-9IfHTAOeUdX3qF8RooDY3-S9N9yzoVUtyTXzEuZ9jfF_L71TGuVOT4nkc0aOVsDIY4ik8pEsfYTl36C46P_jjpPTa2M/s1600/DSC04742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4o2NZZkv1Aq1G-JcoFUydk7biZRlAgf0Q8pC7srr7FXKMjgR-9IfHTAOeUdX3qF8RooDY3-S9N9yzoVUtyTXzEuZ9jfF_L71TGuVOT4nkc0aOVsDIY4ik8pEsfYTl36C46P_jjpPTa2M/s320/DSC04742.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... we have a ...blackboard!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<em><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>It's a beautiful life when you "leave a message".</strong></span></em><br />
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Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-18310384731641285862013-04-07T08:53:00.000-07:002013-04-07T09:00:21.366-07:00The Cottage Life Show or... <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOiGfIIj6ifMI6lgozPZNL4eoIjaIDT_jGD268ujg11jwO7yYzteiKyC8oWdlXA7rJ4y0wi7YeVaQMu0zxYmE09DACpDfVtmxyilYUXtFeAb15qfaAapHmekC8D3ZU5ZEawdW6vIyNs3E/s1600/DSC04690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOiGfIIj6ifMI6lgozPZNL4eoIjaIDT_jGD268ujg11jwO7yYzteiKyC8oWdlXA7rJ4y0wi7YeVaQMu0zxYmE09DACpDfVtmxyilYUXtFeAb15qfaAapHmekC8D3ZU5ZEawdW6vIyNs3E/s400/DSC04690.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
...<strike>an afternoon...</strike>an hour and half...with Colin & Justin...how lucky am I and it was April 6th, 2013 -Tartan Day. How appropriate that I spend it with them after wining two tickets on their Facebook page...I think they planned it that way lol!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdk_qXdn2JKmvhWbSDocGRIdO79RL8O_EGJLQENTdx9P-DtTyoEK9atz2KZmNL-y0DnLV0BaZxdxySyrFbI6ithhoDZwMztDd5JnVeaYtMTnvf21c7ngsgj2BFaXIR5A95tdO3E9mZi4z/s1600/DSC04683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdk_qXdn2JKmvhWbSDocGRIdO79RL8O_EGJLQENTdx9P-DtTyoEK9atz2KZmNL-y0DnLV0BaZxdxySyrFbI6ithhoDZwMztDd5JnVeaYtMTnvf21c7ngsgj2BFaXIR5A95tdO3E9mZi4z/s640/DSC04683.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Is that real tartan? Can't be McAllister</strong><br />
<strong>Are you sure you are entitled to that...uh clan tartan?</strong></td></tr>
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... DH and I headed down to the show yesterday with our complimentary tickets to be picked up at the "Will Call" booth. The staff were organized and knowledgeable and picking up the tickets was a breeze. I have done this many times before and it has not been as smooth a process...good start!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidItZU87wORdNuc3y8bkOSxkhG2IPLnQaYeWi4q19WbZuNZ_GJO2V8mUAmKhlu93_iiF6iNUSmrc8Qt3RBv-9BUmu6RRQ3ASCMqhaLat0f1dBe5tJg8aui6S4yaljWur2IspBoUpgaH0jv/s1600/DSC04681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidItZU87wORdNuc3y8bkOSxkhG2IPLnQaYeWi4q19WbZuNZ_GJO2V8mUAmKhlu93_iiF6iNUSmrc8Qt3RBv-9BUmu6RRQ3ASCMqhaLat0f1dBe5tJg8aui6S4yaljWur2IspBoUpgaH0jv/s400/DSC04681.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Freebies are good- although I would have paid big money for these</strong></td></tr>
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I usually go to Design/ Home Shows on Trade Day and it is can be quite busy but not overcrowded...lots of room, very pleasant experience. At the The Cottage Life show on Saturday it was like Sauciehall Street on a Saturday afternoon...couldn't swing a cat...let alone get your camera out of your pocket. However Colin & Justin did not disappoint. They were on stage at the exact minute published and they were absolutely hilarious. Now DH does escort me on some of these trips and he is gracious enough to sit quietly and look like he may be interested (he must be somewhat as he comes back with explanations, what was said sometimes word for word etc) however each time I turned to look at him he was smiling ear to ear...his kinda show eh? Did I say they didn't disappoint. And he could not have been more complimentary on the boys performance and how quick witted they were...their entertaining skills were hailed to sheer excellence...well maybe not so much, he is conservative in his compliments like the true Scot he is. But he did rave a wee bit and said how he enjoyed the show...rare thing...makes it easy for me to show my excitement about the whole thing sillily ( not sure that is a word) and review the highlights over a nice dinner out later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2QrH2AMbJkIxDgtEzG3roj8WQLiUEfPKOODhS-5URljyoLlyWHLFatGU6jrLQi77-ym4mY7k8ifLh43K4nTj9B76lwG7veVr_YEDmRXwSzAogpP8k3oVhJ9g8vHrUC0Q_JaXmluPX_f1/s1600/DSC04686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2QrH2AMbJkIxDgtEzG3roj8WQLiUEfPKOODhS-5URljyoLlyWHLFatGU6jrLQi77-ym4mY7k8ifLh43K4nTj9B76lwG7veVr_YEDmRXwSzAogpP8k3oVhJ9g8vHrUC0Q_JaXmluPX_f1/s400/DSC04686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>And here they are in the land of...cottages</strong></td></tr>
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The audience were treated to a presentation, power point style, of the cottage Colin & Justin bought in December 2012. A log cabin design with beautiful views over the <strike>loch </strike> lake and amazing indoor spaces. Large area with wrap around screened in sunroom/ Muskoka room with lots of space for a nice seating and eating area and although it was functional (not sure what as) right now their ideas for the future are more in keeping with a luxurious multi functional space with lots of light and making the best of the outdoor views with mature trees. Future changes for the bedroom included tartan drapery and blankets, who knew. In the main seating area that looked out onto the deck the first thing I thought of was to replace the two windows in the sitting area with "panoramic doors" for an unobstruced view of the <strike>loch</strike> lake and to bring the outdoors in...maybe a bug screen inbetween...in any event that is what they talked about / planned too...how good am I lol!! My services are cheap boys and can also be bartered for cottage time!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV2kK-MMPHl2P5hNpMg_eEsVxILt2zyETQfGI0btBzPoterYz_qybqUalp6X6NAcrsp2w5xSRDA7sbFpMlDE2U1Sh3yeg48ur9wBO3lxwJzjWZ1hvroo6gWfPV98vRuRAYbBk3ug4IIgI/s1600/DSC04688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV2kK-MMPHl2P5hNpMg_eEsVxILt2zyETQfGI0btBzPoterYz_qybqUalp6X6NAcrsp2w5xSRDA7sbFpMlDE2U1Sh3yeg48ur9wBO3lxwJzjWZ1hvroo6gWfPV98vRuRAYbBk3ug4IIgI/s640/DSC04688.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Design discussion in the most humourful way...</strong></td></tr>
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Now I have heard many a designer give a talk, interview, design demonstration and I have really enjoyed the exchange of information or/and the demonstration ...but to have been entertained like this at the same time was like taking in a show ( well it was a show but you know what I mean). That could be because I get it...the jokes, little innuendos, and just understanding everything they say ( being Scottish myself) but these two have personalities bigger than ...well bigger than ...you know big personalities, really big personalities and if they were not designers they would probably still be on stage as comedians.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0g6Lh3jJdWz3nDbLtUDsFcksin0lCfvwkhSl0vWGN40yXB3Q9SDlGyPeqhgaIx8wvvT7tQQzLJdEIvhu5_r8Yk4KqF8-YpA2RhhNXWlgsPdLyZOjspwivDdIDWbPKl1ZE3nKM4nW2Bso/s1600/DSC04687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0g6Lh3jJdWz3nDbLtUDsFcksin0lCfvwkhSl0vWGN40yXB3Q9SDlGyPeqhgaIx8wvvT7tQQzLJdEIvhu5_r8Yk4KqF8-YpA2RhhNXWlgsPdLyZOjspwivDdIDWbPKl1ZE3nKM4nW2Bso/s640/DSC04687.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>I think Justin is trying to figure out who I really am - someone less famous lol!!</strong></td></tr>
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Just outside the main stage area the Model Cottage had been set up and we toured through it. Not terribly big but I could see our little family out there on the edge of a lake in this cozy space and of course enjoying the outdoors in the warmer weather. We really enjoyed the show and most of all Colin & Justin's performance, that is what it was, a performance and hard work but they pulled it off effortlessly probably because they know their stuff. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hVi0DrBaMR_ZW4NY71U6TaYmllYb72FQRc1XqvXS3s7V0rRyHHWBsfCvL4oDW-HLePYvNdWlSjykqTWXW0r3NqLUdY5Xd5a-47SnnfIggvxMDdWyThSlltrryONwnN2owBU_r_mYPPgd/s1600/DSC04691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hVi0DrBaMR_ZW4NY71U6TaYmllYb72FQRc1XqvXS3s7V0rRyHHWBsfCvL4oDW-HLePYvNdWlSjykqTWXW0r3NqLUdY5Xd5a-47SnnfIggvxMDdWyThSlltrryONwnN2owBU_r_mYPPgd/s320/DSC04691.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Maybe next year I will win a cottage ...any cottage, a bunkie...time at a cottage...maybe rent a cottage...Colin & Justin bought this cottage with another couple. Friends that could be trusted to take on their share of the responsibilities and I thought that was an excellent way of "owning" in cottage land. It would have to be someone you trusted implicitly but it could be done at half the cost of buying the cottage and half the expenses. People are not at their cottage 24/7 so scheduling time for all and then separate quiet time for each couple should be relatively easy. I thought this was an excellent idea...now who could I share a bunkie with...oh well!<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: black;">It is a beautiful <u>life</u> in <u>cottage</u> country if you can afford it!</span></strong></em>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-91383808487253074442013-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:002013-04-06T07:14:09.303-07:00HAPPY TARTAN DAY APRIL 6TH, 2013
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC91ZUR18Q4AlwnPSTFuDdADeBghUXrqACWnrmbuAJko10q9MjHTZ3clvY-YKt5yAqD2FM2981LamsnoBu_xB-hD7t4sUVdsPjUuKcCc_VGhvBwxuWKvYRvPRYANYHU4it4exx6IC2cEz/s1600/Lentil+soup+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC91ZUR18Q4AlwnPSTFuDdADeBghUXrqACWnrmbuAJko10q9MjHTZ3clvY-YKt5yAqD2FM2981LamsnoBu_xB-hD7t4sUVdsPjUuKcCc_VGhvBwxuWKvYRvPRYANYHU4it4exx6IC2cEz/s320/Lentil+soup+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and lentil soup</td></tr>
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Happy tartan day to all ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W5F31aVnAEe7Ux5-Y7F1XWK_DMJIVDlfZ5nnwRUI2LHXyoVf7mf_Y9RzN2jHzkNbPwxVoLE5Ew9Kb3vwDrmvGkFTwA32RBqdZO2by_slP-eRv5rD3s-9LryFTxFILJKo0wyuS70YgZ1-/s1600/Mantle+from+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W5F31aVnAEe7Ux5-Y7F1XWK_DMJIVDlfZ5nnwRUI2LHXyoVf7mf_Y9RzN2jHzkNbPwxVoLE5Ew9Kb3vwDrmvGkFTwA32RBqdZO2by_slP-eRv5rD3s-9LryFTxFILJKo0wyuS70YgZ1-/s320/Mantle+from+right.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...at Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVFjpyT4yYkJlFiUbhmjIrFYZSLiLT6LC1xflKzp-Dvu5knNkFmsDstix8Mf7IABMeiMpzdsoTjMJ3HhpgSCiUqiX-tEknRPgL7wti0H_ZM4YXz4i5OCjT72z2pZl-hzFQRaiYwy34KAX/s1600/Design+show+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVFjpyT4yYkJlFiUbhmjIrFYZSLiLT6LC1xflKzp-Dvu5knNkFmsDstix8Mf7IABMeiMpzdsoTjMJ3HhpgSCiUqiX-tEknRPgL7wti0H_ZM4YXz4i5OCjT72z2pZl-hzFQRaiYwy34KAX/s320/Design+show+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...at the Interior Design Show</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KP5Hfag6Reppy-3jqI7K_24MAkV8RhpwSU6nAnF16b_x8TZFu8YbtkNkQzMZoCf3t0pazfnGx9VBa36LGXkJnsU68VOro3LQy0HzyckCetZe1bNEghbYHfig3S3-9Gt5s88NDqQ-642b/s1600/Tartan+Day+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KP5Hfag6Reppy-3jqI7K_24MAkV8RhpwSU6nAnF16b_x8TZFu8YbtkNkQzMZoCf3t0pazfnGx9VBa36LGXkJnsU68VOro3LQy0HzyckCetZe1bNEghbYHfig3S3-9Gt5s88NDqQ-642b/s320/Tartan+Day+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...in our family room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIb1oNkOW0RZlLZoNGBz6oE8KUJDcMXWEMqc4wh4Mq0xXqmUHT4QChRrN53Db_18lVIbLO3QEoSDAqqygbOfqY1K00iPSDrP2vpGTkqUnGAFHeJeZIhU1RmHjhIjpBnLu93RKhpNIlyNUQ/s1600/Tartan+Day+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIb1oNkOW0RZlLZoNGBz6oE8KUJDcMXWEMqc4wh4Mq0xXqmUHT4QChRrN53Db_18lVIbLO3QEoSDAqqygbOfqY1K00iPSDrP2vpGTkqUnGAFHeJeZIhU1RmHjhIjpBnLu93RKhpNIlyNUQ/s320/Tartan+Day+001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...over the chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbG6VtLa4FUVjfiRfYRb2C5hoJXK8xet6fXYRzH6hrmGr28hFfoDpRb9Xkh8wI2KEZjmRT99lgY7p7HpDUKehnRywvvVtgl1Zm3lprhDkpQ0KOBTInz8ngl7A5dpVRXZAZwKow1d8ISt07/s1600/Tartan+Day+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbG6VtLa4FUVjfiRfYRb2C5hoJXK8xet6fXYRzH6hrmGr28hFfoDpRb9Xkh8wI2KEZjmRT99lgY7p7HpDUKehnRywvvVtgl1Zm3lprhDkpQ0KOBTInz8ngl7A5dpVRXZAZwKow1d8ISt07/s320/Tartan+Day+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...my Campbell shawl - luv it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uPD3xmkYCUdoiQZt7dUMoZirgtOiXySVqJ8x4kue574BbVaVg1-CIusfcXM_AyHL9YS1tAkNBcefhamV4wyy8jpLmENTZj8c6a0lZmWlYnkiMLfKBwR0IhLtulacTPi_E6cMV9iEALqb/s1600/Tartan+Day+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uPD3xmkYCUdoiQZt7dUMoZirgtOiXySVqJ8x4kue574BbVaVg1-CIusfcXM_AyHL9YS1tAkNBcefhamV4wyy8jpLmENTZj8c6a0lZmWlYnkiMLfKBwR0IhLtulacTPi_E6cMV9iEALqb/s320/Tartan+Day+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...whether your a Scot in Canada, rest of the world, <br />
just wanna be...wear your tartan today!!<br />
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<em>It's a beautful and colourful life in tartan!!</em>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-69767721818162956832013-04-06T07:02:00.000-07:002013-04-06T07:02:57.782-07:00CHALKBOARD AND A WIN!I WON TWO TICKETS TO TORONTO'S COTTAGE LIFE SHOW THIS WEEKEND...NOW IF I CAN WIN A COTTAGE WHEN I AM THERE ...WHOOT, WHOOT!<br />
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Tickets were courtesy of Colin & Justin ( Scottish Designers Extraordinaire) and I just happened to randomly win one of 20 pairs...how great is that! So, it is off to the Cottage Life Show we go. I am quite excited to see what all that entails and hoping it is as relaxing, well somewhat, as going to the cottage.<br />
<br />
FROM CORKBOARD TO BLACKBOARD<br />
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Here is a little taste of what is to come this week. I started a little project and it needs three days ( yes 3 days) to cure...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF7U5amPtmRbx-Vk3Ig9hnJcEOWR6f7y1GossTqFpimm1LN3cEu_t5CaCWS7YTX7VDeLNFRnxUUyXFHvXX_chMM7lYaboV30PKrEnvkBrBuCAVXZlWefsl-gCAZibZhK8wFT3cQ0jtduV/s1600/Corkboard+to+Blackboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF7U5amPtmRbx-Vk3Ig9hnJcEOWR6f7y1GossTqFpimm1LN3cEu_t5CaCWS7YTX7VDeLNFRnxUUyXFHvXX_chMM7lYaboV30PKrEnvkBrBuCAVXZlWefsl-gCAZibZhK8wFT3cQ0jtduV/s320/Corkboard+to+Blackboard.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corkboard to Blackboard</td></tr>
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I will provide step by step instructions and pictures so check back. I have picked up some trim for framing which I will cut and paint this weekend and then "stick" it on to frame the blackboard. I am also going to look for an artistic piece/feature to make the board more designer looking...not blank...maybe a stencil, child's drawing etc.<br />
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<em>It's a beatiful life when you are on your way to the The Cottage Life Show!!</em>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-16103880381581387812013-04-01T07:31:00.001-07:002013-04-01T07:51:35.395-07:00Arts & Crafts Design <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><strong>MacIntosh, Morris & Lloyd Wright</strong></u></div>
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...sounds like a law firm but couldn't be more different. As the founders of the Arts & Crafts movement these three men were right brain thinkers from a very deep creative side. I also believe some of them had lot of gray matter on the left side and were good businessmen although it appears they also missed deadlines, imbibed, partied hard etc., which seems to apply to a lot of creative people. After all Leaonardo da Vinci rarely finished a painting.</div>
<br />
When Scottish designer Charles Rennie MacIntosh entered a European competition 'Haus eines Kunstfreundes' asking architects to develop fresh and innovative ideas for "A Grand House in a thoroughly Modern style" his entry was incomplete and he missed the deadline. However his work could not be ignored and a "Special Prize” was awarded with no first prize being considered whatsoever ( future post). So I am really interested when I read about the difficulties these highly creative folks had in life and wonder if it is just life and happens to us all or are they so far right-brained that the left is just not computing businesswise and it is their downfall, at times. Like all artists once recognized these designers did make a huge difference and took us in another direction. I chose Arts & Crafts Design for my final project in the Advanced Interior Decorating course further studying in much more detail an area of design I was seriously interested in . My design boards are illustrated below:<br />
<br />
THE SPACE:<br />
A 1920's Arts & Crafts bungalow designing two rooms (Bedroom and Living Room were chosen) and a bathroom ( my apologies for the reflection). I changed the layout to accomodate an ensuite with window and a laundry room off the common space. The bathroom was designed to accomodate <u>disabled </u>requirements<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor Plan & Electrical Plan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">THE MASTER BEDROOM - GLASGOW STYLE</span> <br />
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Highlights the Glasgow Style of Charles Rennie MacIntosh portraying the lattice profile in furniture, curvature in pattern with japionese style end tables and mission style lamps</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6MXaBQrV6pHX8ueyw6moBO6sYBv7POjjFdqCd4jMByCCmzoPFR6bepStNEy3L7DEflp5l6q7PwYbT_ct8tyGpM1Muk7EAmBxG7l7SYDq_8gNY-TWOs9S6BMX9moByuJLjB9s1FBaECI5/s1600/DSC04414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6MXaBQrV6pHX8ueyw6moBO6sYBv7POjjFdqCd4jMByCCmzoPFR6bepStNEy3L7DEflp5l6q7PwYbT_ct8tyGpM1Muk7EAmBxG7l7SYDq_8gNY-TWOs9S6BMX9moByuJLjB9s1FBaECI5/s320/DSC04414.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sample Board - based on Charles Rennie MacIntosh Design </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">with William Morris Fabric (Acanthus Leaf)</span></td></tr>
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THE FURNITURE<br />
The Edinburgh Collection from Stickley furniture which was inspired by the Glasgow Style of Charles Rennie MacIntosh includes the Willow bed and the Glasgow bench which demonstrate the lattice motif /pattern that MacIntosh was famous for and is reminiscent of a chair MacIntosh designed for the Willow Tea rooms in Glasgow. Two oriental style night stands flanking the bed are striking in black wood with gold details as they support two streamlined mission style bedside lamps in a metal finish. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXDH7TRLMAviCmU1HI7UBCYdx-JUiYNybXTBhpf4jAdjfH3kGLML2egSIkE4NvnGeB6CdXllyXWZMd_1hoXxOtNFwbkkXAKX5QhcWqspZUl622lb67LQgrDDdWNhSSbwkJuEq3MSweRuB/s1600/Vogel+chair.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; height: 129px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 250px;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXDH7TRLMAviCmU1HI7UBCYdx-JUiYNybXTBhpf4jAdjfH3kGLML2egSIkE4NvnGeB6CdXllyXWZMd_1hoXxOtNFwbkkXAKX5QhcWqspZUl622lb67LQgrDDdWNhSSbwkJuEq3MSweRuB/s320/Vogel+chair.bmp" usa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogel Slipper Chair in William Morris <br />
Heather Acanthus Leaf Fabric</td></tr>
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THE FABRICS</div>
Drapery- Woeller Textiles, Kitchener ( through Isle Mill Fabrics, Scotland) Grovedale Lavender 100% wool with definite curvature and pattern of oval shapes connected end to end characteristic of the Glasgow style.<br />
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Slipper Chair - Grape/ Heather upholstery for Slipper chair in William Morris Acanthus Leaf pattern from Sanderson, UK and available at Telio, Toronto, ON, Canada.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sample board based on Frank Lloyd Wright Design </span></td></tr>
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THE LIVING ROOM- OPEN CONCEPT<br />
I believe the Frank Lloyd Wright style with open concept living is more favourable today than it was in his time. Lots of wood in furniture and panelling with Morris' Arts & Crafts style upholstery and wallpaper patterns in botanical and nature designs. Lloyd Wright was also know for his multi-functional furniture and spaces. <br />
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FURNITURE <br />
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Coonley occasional tables were selected for the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The slim end table is comprised of two tables, one within the other. The Boynton Hall Table (console table) matches nicely and sits at the window housing a Japonisme style lamp and space for refreshments. The Robie Tabouret (small table, footstool or seat) can be used as a tea table or an extra seat The Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin chair can be used as a stand alone piece or utilized in the dining room. </div>
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THE FABRICS</div>
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The Robie Tabouret - Upholstered in rich Aubergine colour in Faux Leathertex, 100% Polyurethane, Polyester & Cotton Blend, 100,000 rubs for multi purpose use from Woeller Textiles, Kitchener.</div>
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Taliesin Barrel Chair - Sun coloured upholstery fabric in Velvet finish. 100% polyester.Stain repellent finish w/ acrylic backing from Woeller Textiles.</div>
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The yellow sun colour on the chairs is reminiscent of the sofa Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Martin House. However today’s fabrics with stain repellent applications bring it up to today’s standards.<br />
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The next three future posts (3) will be on the individiual works of MacIntosh, Morris and Wright.<br />
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<em><strong>It' a beautiful life when you learn something new...</strong></em><br />
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<br />Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-76653181611657900702013-03-23T11:40:00.000-07:002013-03-23T11:41:54.252-07:00FINISHED PIECES...<br />
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As I promised the minute I was able to download the pics I would post the photos of the finished cross stitch pieces. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9e7YT-IQedAWZI4GQgHuZSOOsWX1rdttwYmzAYK9C5s7p5Rz4L0wKjxnwHQJeDGR8Jqcf_rqBbNw9au5XhV4Gz51pThDjwYlZNLTmwT2f98sAtbEQ-BEXBozOR-lvaiYWMM4dkZtdsVr/s1600/DSC04610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9e7YT-IQedAWZI4GQgHuZSOOsWX1rdttwYmzAYK9C5s7p5Rz4L0wKjxnwHQJeDGR8Jqcf_rqBbNw9au5XhV4Gz51pThDjwYlZNLTmwT2f98sAtbEQ-BEXBozOR-lvaiYWMM4dkZtdsVr/s320/DSC04610.JPG" ssa="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>WIP - Clara Ellen</strong></td></tr>
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Blackbird Designs Clara Ellen ( #1 onto #2 now) in it's finishing stages in the photo left was completed and will be gifted to my Interior Decorator teacher at the college. She has just lost her Mother ( February 2013) and in prior postings I explained how hard she worked at the college, what a great teacher she was to me and is to others and how she was dedicated to the care of her elderly mother (and father). It seemed it was no coincidence that I was working on this piece when we got the news that her Mother had passed away. So four of us ( her students) got together and agreed this cross stitch was appropriate and I mounted and framed it rather quickly and it will be presented to her on the last night of her Advanced class on Monday, March 25th, 2013. The finished piece in the picture below turned out very nicely with a store bought frame and custom mat.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYXzNxU_J1CkBA5K1HFjFFYlT9YGFt-QCgl-JcJzIkBPMkBQmqMCzZitgKZ3gUJRO6eProy0hzrYxjQGebmKvKlVzT6JEg25VcqMXk9cbVkpl1VkY6-fJm3qln9JUcQR3BioJASexxkzB/s1600/DSC04636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYXzNxU_J1CkBA5K1HFjFFYlT9YGFt-QCgl-JcJzIkBPMkBQmqMCzZitgKZ3gUJRO6eProy0hzrYxjQGebmKvKlVzT6JEg25VcqMXk9cbVkpl1VkY6-fJm3qln9JUcQR3BioJASexxkzB/s320/DSC04636.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Clara Ellen</strong><br />
<strong>Anniversaries of the Heart</strong><br />
<strong>Blackbird Designs</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah Lovina Joslin</strong><br />
<strong>Anniversaries of the Heart</strong><br />
<strong>Blackbird Designs</strong></td></tr>
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Custom framed in black with a dark red mat I stitched this piece in memory of my Mum who passed away November, 2009. I love the pattern and the thread colour. I added her name and year of birth. I can't seem to bring myself to add the D.O.D to any of these memorial pieces. This design could also have been used to remind one of a previous address. My childhood memories of growing up in Tontine Park did make me think about adding that address to the piece... but I had started it for Mum so I will seek out another one that I can do this with. there are many more all depicting a house(s) that I can pick from. You could have a whole series of previous addresses...Granma's house, cotttage, first house, where you brought the kids up, where you retired to etc., and add colour that resembles the actual house ( white, cladding colours etc.).</div>
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This was my Christmas ornament for 2012. With my passion for fabrics I can see why I choose the beautiful natural greenish coloured linen and the hand dyed threads. I have a tartan backing for it and still deciding the finishing. It was designed as a little framed piece but I am not sure I would hang it with the glass and all...I am thinking a little stuffing and trim...cushion like finish to hang on the handle of a door. With the tartan backing I would certainly use it. Maybe it should have a name or an intial added to it. That would mean another one next year with another name/inital...starting yet another annual Christmas tradition in our household. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvVe-OrR2uCiDCrmv3tb_s5Gds4ONBJihackPUlXGd8SPJisVRhhTU_RvFLCiKYG7lCRkQ7iyZkpgtArZ3DFE9dul2iIcZAjSRdm4wONB4lQPMPLmrpLd1LEzijc35ve-BdCpqjZW2KHP/s1600/Peace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvVe-OrR2uCiDCrmv3tb_s5Gds4ONBJihackPUlXGd8SPJisVRhhTU_RvFLCiKYG7lCRkQ7iyZkpgtArZ3DFE9dul2iIcZAjSRdm4wONB4lQPMPLmrpLd1LEzijc35ve-BdCpqjZW2KHP/s400/Peace.JPG" ssa="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>PEACE</strong> <br />
<strong>Blackbird Designs</strong><br />
<strong>Just Cross Stitch Magazine Christmas Ornaments 2012</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqoKPOjXpprqBsJcej7JhYhoVltCnTzFU_xe511I2r-L1thln2puFPHp6tO9XGAgoW792iSotmCMGhYlRNXjpBQ0INI3yiR-tL6xThj4Plmfay5Av61YFOJ4a50dC7PbxOq6_RxyWPFQT/s1600/Design+show+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqoKPOjXpprqBsJcej7JhYhoVltCnTzFU_xe511I2r-L1thln2puFPHp6tO9XGAgoW792iSotmCMGhYlRNXjpBQ0INI3yiR-tL6xThj4Plmfay5Av61YFOJ4a50dC7PbxOq6_RxyWPFQT/s400/Design+show+004.jpg" ssa="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>FLORAL GIFT</strong><br />
<strong> Blackbird Designs</strong><br />
<strong>Just Cross Stitch Magazine Christmas Ornaments 2010</strong><br />
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I think this may have been my first Blackbird Design cross stitch from the Just Cross Stitch Magazine Christmas 2010 and from there I found the beautiful Anniversaries of the Heart series by the same designers that had just come on the market shortly after and now I am addicted.</div>
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It is a <u>beautiful life</u> when you finish a project and still love it or love it even more!</div>
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Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-5758409474282192542013-03-20T13:53:00.003-07:002013-03-20T13:53:41.902-07:00HOOKED ON CROSS STITCH <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Recognizing your favourite artist's work hanging amongst many others draws you to a specific style that you may love, or warm to it because it reminds you of something in your childhood or you just like it...no questions asked. I can usually identify (because I love them) William Morris fabric and wallpaper patterns and Charles Rennie MacIntosh design furniture (quite unique so not too hard). Now it seems I am drawn to Blackbird Designs Cross Stitch patterns...I can spot them a mile away and I so enjoy the content and the colours as well as the stories they tell. One of my first was Floral Gift from the Christmas Ornaments Just Cross Stitch magazine 2010 special issue ( thank you Irene for that suggestion). So I have gathered up a little stash...Anniversaries of the Heart...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=10-1713" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Anniversaries of the Heart 4 - Pink Hill Manor" src="http://www.123stitch.com/pictures/medium120/m-10-1713.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></td></tr>
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Pattern #4 - Pink Hill Manor <br />
Can't wait to stitch this one. <br />
I have all the threads ready to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="nextRelatedThumb" href="http://store.stoneycreek.com/blackbird-designs---happy-birthday-p8626c96.aspx?Thread=True" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMain_cphMain_pdtProduct_prRelatedProducts_rptProductRelated_ctl00_lvTileProducts_ctrl1_ctl01_hlThumbnailLink" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blackbird Designs - Happy Birthday" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMain_cphMain_pdtProduct_prRelatedProducts_rptProductRelated_ctl00_lvTileProducts_ctrl1_ctl01_imgThumbnail" src="http://maxcdn.nexternal.com/scc/images/blackbird_designs_happy_birthday_10-1968-th.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="nextProdThumb" href="http://store.stoneycreek.com/blackbird-designs---evergreen-lane-p10038.aspx" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMain_cphMain_lvTileProducts_ctrl6_ctl02_tpTileProduct_hlThumbnail" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Blackbird Designs - Evergreen Lane"><img alt="Blackbird Designs - Evergreen Lane" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMain_cphMain_lvTileProducts_ctrl6_ctl02_tpTileProduct_imgThumbnail" itemprop="image" src="http://maxcdn.nexternal.com/scc/images/blackbird_designs_evergreen_lane_11-1227-th.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern # 11- Evergreen Lane<br />
WIP as I post this and coming along very nicely</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$cphMain$cphMain$cphMain$pdtProduct$piMainImageLeft$lbLargeImageImage','')" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMain_cphMain_pdtProduct_piMainImageLeft_lbLargeImageImage" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="View Enlarged Image"><img alt="Blackbird Designs - Elizabeth Jane - Anniversaries of the Heart #12" class="nextProdImage" id="imgLargeImageImage" itemprop="image" src="http://maxcdn.nexternal.com/scc/images/blackbird_designs_an.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern # 12 - Elizabeth Jane<br />
Just can't get this one started - soon maybe</td></tr>
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I also finished Pattern #8 - Clara Ellen. I had to email Alma Allen on this one as I really haven't done any "odd/ advanced " type stitches and you will see I stuck to the tried and true cross stitch but I will try the eyelet stitch required and with some practice see if I can accomplish the different border for the 2nd one I am working on. It does look lovely. If you are reading the pattern the "diamond" is the colour code of the thread and the stitch itself is eyelet stitches over 4 linen threads using two strands of floss. I know...99% of you got it...I am not sure how hard this will be for me but please don't hesitate to comment if you can help me out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CLARA ELLEN - Pattern #8<br />
BLACKBIRD DESIGNS <br />
ANNIVERSARIES OF THE HEART<br />
I have completed and gifted one Clara Ellen <br />
framed in black with a greenish mat<br />
and have another one to stitch. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also finished Hannah Lovina Joslin from the <br />
Honeysuckle Manor book which may be my favourite of all time. <br />
I stitched my mothers name and year of birth on it. <br />
Framed it in black with a warm deep red mat</td></tr>
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Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers SUMMER is all set up to go as well...but I got hung up on the Anniversaries series and you know how that works...it is like chocolate and wine together who could resist.<br />
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<a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=11-2101" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Schoolgirl's Work, A - Cross Stitch Pattern" src="http://www.123stitch.com/pictures/medium120/m-11-2101.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />
A Schoolgirls Work by Barb Adams & Alma Allen contains samplers from the Spencer Museum of Art. The first half of the book contains the original samplers with specific information on each one. The second half of the book contains cross stitch patterns inspired by each sampler...how wonderful. I haven't thought of starting any one of these...I just pick up the book and ooh and ahh at each one and the stories they depict. Of course there are some other pieces that have fell by the wayside that need attention as soon as I clear this lot lol!!<br />
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I picked up a new designer last week JBW "French Country - Love". <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a gift for a specific couple young and modern...and I hope it works.<br />
I have kept the threads very light and hope to find a French <br />
country style frame for this piece.<br />
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Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-81033206444296035712013-03-19T07:21:00.000-07:002013-03-19T07:21:12.138-07:00GOOD TO BE BACK...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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I have been very fortunate to attend quite a few seminars in the design world recently all very well done and informative and a few weeks ago attended the Privada Party put on by Fusion Homes in Guelph. Although it was not a formal seminar it was an Open House of the Model Home and two residents also opened their homes. The set up at each house with refreshments and food (two with chefs) was amazing to say the least. However the draw you might say was their, Fusion Homes, Interior Designer Glenn Dixon from TV’s <u>Take this House and Sell it</u>. Glenn was most gracious giving advice on colour, space planning etc., and with his expertise, down to earth attitude and a wicked sense of humour a good time was had by all. Thanks Fusion Homes for your hospitality...the homes were well laid out and beautifully decorated...if you can take a look for yourself it will be well worth it. This site ( Privada) is definitely adult lifestyle with a gated style community of condos in town house fashion. I followed this up with a visit to their location in Kitchener called River Ridge and if you want a family home in a great neighbourhood this is the place. The colours in the Model Home are very trendy and may give you some ideas of how colourful you may want to go…or not. However visiting this model home now will give you a definite lift...so colourful in this drab end to winter. Go visit Ann Williams in the sales office, she can tell you all you would want to know about these upscale homes. I have another site to visit probably next week and I will be quite excited to see what they have done there and how it differs from the other two sites. I will include on the blog. I am having trouble uploading pictures to the blog so that is what I will be working on immediately as I have lots to show you. </div>
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Is it Spring yet - maybe tomorrow?</div>
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My goal is to blog weekly and let you know what is new in the decorating world of Plum Interiors and what I have been up to in the real world, so to speak.</div>
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It is a beautiful life when you get back to what you love!</div>
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<br />Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-22216457767193496272011-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:002011-11-30T10:30:13.779-08:00MO RESULTS and WAGJag Draw for Apple Ipad and Iphone 4S <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="temp" height="149" src="http://static.movember.com/uploads/2011/profiles/5a9/d18/5a9d18fbcad4d0264c52f514857cca3b-4ecfe60cc553d-hero.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SHEEPDOGS AND MOSISTA GAYLE</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little MOscot</td></tr>
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Mo son raised $1000.00 for Movember cause for Men's prostrate cancer. His Mo sista raised $180. The Blingstaches and Sipstaches were a big hit and really helped getting people talking and promoting the cause.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALUN'S COLLAGE OF MOFRIENDS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOCHILD</td></tr>
</tbody></table> DRAW FROM WAGJAG<br />
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If you win I win!!<br />
WAGJAG Draw for apple Ipad and Iphone 4S - go to WagJag...select answer "Holiday Shoppe".<br />
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http://promo.wagjag.com/r/en/4927Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-18602496046125607742011-11-13T15:15:00.000-08:002013-04-13T14:20:02.043-07:00Hand Made Mo'sI have made over 50 Mo's today and need to deliver these to Toronto soon as. I think they look quite good. I have some on a stick, masquerade style, and others on a straw so that when you sip through it your mustache is positioned above your lip. This week I will move onto more masculine versions which will be bigger and maybe a bit of a challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTddLDqj5exkXQr2bbne21uRDcf3GUco4inZRJFqNHYphbr-bCitQydusaEaXDH48TJ9Jrm8RyLs3nw70tZ3p1XqT25mn4i6yqngZnl5yEmQJhhxJhXRgMBJmo8r86iAzWdfXIort289_/s1600/DSC03218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTddLDqj5exkXQr2bbne21uRDcf3GUco4inZRJFqNHYphbr-bCitQydusaEaXDH48TJ9Jrm8RyLs3nw70tZ3p1XqT25mn4i6yqngZnl5yEmQJhhxJhXRgMBJmo8r86iAzWdfXIort289_/s320/DSC03218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't forget to donate in your area Movember is world wide.<br />
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It's a beautiful life when you are supporting a good cause and helping others.Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-60578688747181349352011-11-12T11:37:00.000-08:002011-11-12T11:47:27.995-08:00Movember...raise awareness, raise funds, wear a mo!!It is that time of year again where all attention turns to raising funds for Movember...supporting the number one male cancer, prostrate cancer, in Canada for men. The campaign is run world wide ...donate, donate donate!<br />
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We have been working hard here to keep our end up, so to speak. Our son Alun is a Mo Bro <a href="http://ca.movember.com/mospace/index/search/q/alun+o%27brien">http://ca.movember.com/mospace/index/search/q/alun+o%27brien</a> and growing his mustache updating the site weekly on his progress and our daughter Gayle is a Mo Sista <a href="http://ca.movember.com/mospace/721572">http://ca.movember.com/mospace/721572</a> both raising funds for prostrate cancer. Go to either site to donate or view the pics.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I had thought about how I could help last year, other than a donation, to help raise funds and came up with a knitted version of a mustache...it wasn't great but better than nothing to gather donations and get something in return. I asked the Movember folks if they had any patterns for such things and they were able to find two different ones on the web. I tried this out but found it very time consuming and cutting into fundraising time. So I tried felting and came up with some serious hemp samples. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bling, hemp and felt staches</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy black felt mustaches in the works</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also cut some out of heavy black felt that worked okay and meant I could produce these much faster. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmPNkYAyjvdxe3seyiotY9X2q08PjuILjxSAypZtddeIAk32zi2AZYf8Jkv-rH3bw8DbH84-tY9YO1vAsgPq_ctjZP0nRJFWEuBrfoPDrjyT6y2z-qyOpIzfA0xntjWDTYIbrOux47YBj/s1600/DSC03188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmPNkYAyjvdxe3seyiotY9X2q08PjuILjxSAypZtddeIAk32zi2AZYf8Jkv-rH3bw8DbH84-tY9YO1vAsgPq_ctjZP0nRJFWEuBrfoPDrjyT6y2z-qyOpIzfA0xntjWDTYIbrOux47YBj/s320/DSC03188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Gayle came up with some designer wear staches and it took off from there and we have been making these ever since calling them "bling" staches. The demand is growing ( pardon the pun).<br />
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Take a "mo" and donate to this good cause. <br />
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Life is beautiful with bling or the real thing and supporting a great cause is much appreciated by so many!Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-73115861342015915392011-11-12T10:22:00.000-08:002011-11-12T10:22:19.219-08:00Please excuse Maggieo for being absent...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ...do I have an excuse for not blogging for so long...not really? Just the busyness of life itself and I must say it has been wonderful. But I have missed blogging and all it entails.<br />
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First of all my fall ID class was cancelled which left me quite annoyed to say the least. No teacher available. My life has been organized around the schedule which means holidays were in the peak season which not only costs more but there are so much more tourists ( just like us) that are around at that time. Even our winter holiday was planned and paid for as the thought was that I would be in class until December but wanted to ensure our spot. So what to do? At first I looked for other classes to no avail...I only have antiques to complete and the final... once I had warmed up to it the plan is to enjoy this time to the hilt, get a few things done around the house and accept all invitations no matter what. So far it has worked out nicely. We have also celebrated a special anniversary and taken a few trips.</div><br />
I delivered the Lanarte Cherries cross stitch which was well received by the recipient and now hangs on her wall...how nice! This meant a trip across the pond to Scotland where...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5WxdUW8ctyt19nWB5GM00ioaogZL3VOFRs0f4jGizHLjGQoPstuFtn-NRLLQwiLxJD7bZi8q8wfmdfQBCp3eJ8UsdZQ6xYVQcap9TkGvCTt5hqQV2IcjWxiX6_L8vLUuZhsUcKoe4kMB/s1600/DSC02952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5WxdUW8ctyt19nWB5GM00ioaogZL3VOFRs0f4jGizHLjGQoPstuFtn-NRLLQwiLxJD7bZi8q8wfmdfQBCp3eJ8UsdZQ6xYVQcap9TkGvCTt5hqQV2IcjWxiX6_L8vLUuZhsUcKoe4kMB/s200/DSC02952.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a special person on a milestone birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We visited many places of interest including the Blackie residence in Helensburgh, designed by Charles Rennie MacIntosh. Had we been a few days earlier we may have met the Pitts (Brad etc) as they were staying in Ayrshire and filming in Glasgow. I found out that Brad is a big fan of Charles Rennie MacIntosh...who knew...and they visited Hill House a few days previous. The house is magnificent and his wife, Mary MacDonald's gesso pieces above the fireplace are a must to see in person. The interiors and furniture were designed by Rennie MacIntosh and his wife Margaret McDonald. I want to see much more of his work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzo26MGKt6p68NzA2Ikh9PomiLQY6tbaJx8Pn-9gTikTPUh1sKP78FIP81_r_122vMKURm7yUzGDaj4cQadqwEuoGUvEUavHK6g1sv_L6NchkuRy1mfQ9S4YlliCGd789NbGWeeEouLSk/s1600/DSC02999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzo26MGKt6p68NzA2Ikh9PomiLQY6tbaJx8Pn-9gTikTPUh1sKP78FIP81_r_122vMKURm7yUzGDaj4cQadqwEuoGUvEUavHK6g1sv_L6NchkuRy1mfQ9S4YlliCGd789NbGWeeEouLSk/s320/DSC02999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hill House" Helensburgh,Scotland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl5NyrGrPZrez20LdvPBKwtCJhoLS-KOFwA1iGJ-02pfoH1dDmHVD8SpNzEE1KuVHuajfg_3CqXgBbjBdkSJHLYFLI1CzYTTiJxTqbqPRr5zt8n-2w3WUYVH8zElyuIdGK7oSZK0pfYvM/s1600/DSC03042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl5NyrGrPZrez20LdvPBKwtCJhoLS-KOFwA1iGJ-02pfoH1dDmHVD8SpNzEE1KuVHuajfg_3CqXgBbjBdkSJHLYFLI1CzYTTiJxTqbqPRr5zt8n-2w3WUYVH8zElyuIdGK7oSZK0pfYvM/s320/DSC03042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross Priory 1693</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love this Gothic building and the grounds of Ross Priory which houses a great little golf course and magnificent views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond A great place for a wedding or tea and scones on Sundays. Lunches and dinners are served and accommodation is available. The trees on this property are very old and amazing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK523Pw-_EI7C4r4Ao_eptWwetlD-UAD0NS9AyTpBbFjJbY88JSIGDvwKr2diFiNvmfyxULZ5F04hhFNvJV31HxOslBWY7wkIsIOFcItwmJs8immj-TDtVSSI6vEyw0av9-3R_904TuAP/s1600/DSC03049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK523Pw-_EI7C4r4Ao_eptWwetlD-UAD0NS9AyTpBbFjJbY88JSIGDvwKr2diFiNvmfyxULZ5F04hhFNvJV31HxOslBWY7wkIsIOFcItwmJs8immj-TDtVSSI6vEyw0av9-3R_904TuAP/s200/DSC03049.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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We came across this hedge driving over the hill homeward. It was on a narrow farm road and I couldn't resist stopping and taking a picture...out in the middle of nowhere you might say. I would love to know who is responsible for this work of art. It sure brought a smile to my face.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47jkOARRoMST4Q9uQSqXmKyuCZsR3iQN5jrfdWDpaQWvfKmXjfAJokhIU9ZgbuciEI8UJ6iOC1EXIanliOB8oQLJ8coJXf4VNxpYZTptlcRUDxWlkpk4c3gAu76X1OOT0zi14tMdE0vOx/s1600/DSC03066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47jkOARRoMST4Q9uQSqXmKyuCZsR3iQN5jrfdWDpaQWvfKmXjfAJokhIU9ZgbuciEI8UJ6iOC1EXIanliOB8oQLJ8coJXf4VNxpYZTptlcRUDxWlkpk4c3gAu76X1OOT0zi14tMdE0vOx/s200/DSC03066.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Polllokshaws house situated in Pollokshaws country park is the ancestral home of the Maxwell family. This 18th century house is full of history and art. Pollokshaws house and gardens were fabulous and as a bonus the Burrell collection is also located in the park in a different more modern building which houses the magnificent collection of art and artifacts ( approx 8000 pieces) collected in the travels of shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and donated to the City. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We actually started our trip in Argyle. One of our favourite places in all of the world. When you visit the same place again and again the surroundings are familiar and you settle in quickly<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottage at Walled Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RMjVmqGFghYF54NGICHQEeN2tvuNaG-XUoyxo8_ECiTQhESiGZsXZwsuazh1LiOesfAcqoN3PlZP1yv6Gp4xHtIz651f-ejpeg4akKcDrZvqziJVnchkMbqSbYmxRgt2dohyIG95z1Vz/s1600/Views+of+Loch+Melfort+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RMjVmqGFghYF54NGICHQEeN2tvuNaG-XUoyxo8_ECiTQhESiGZsXZwsuazh1LiOesfAcqoN3PlZP1yv6Gp4xHtIz651f-ejpeg4akKcDrZvqziJVnchkMbqSbYmxRgt2dohyIG95z1Vz/s320/Views+of+Loch+Melfort+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the cottage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-D46U0sTf8XngBZMgA6hQvalQ95-2Fg5BgJkEwKNp4D-iNTaR678QmzpEPIQfGx0r9oo6iVfytyuX4DmTcEHWqUX8S56J28-3vZlx-yx15qIjq0OF2KlN1N0YzMZN4ViSB8ulKT5vsyq/s1600/DSC02865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-D46U0sTf8XngBZMgA6hQvalQ95-2Fg5BgJkEwKNp4D-iNTaR678QmzpEPIQfGx0r9oo6iVfytyuX4DmTcEHWqUX8S56J28-3vZlx-yx15qIjq0OF2KlN1N0YzMZN4ViSB8ulKT5vsyq/s320/DSC02865.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody view of Loch Melfort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9SHsBd5bqG_PriWJO59q8PF2NE5VkH2jdl-4AIR3qC7rempb8YhTZsF6Y_XOG2R3-SYQ0QWOnIMmefIelGU9LKcshUcOfRPUNVmAjTjmhRYAc5UlOHi3ThLoFK9f1T5fIwibaR6WofT-/s1600/DSC02841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9SHsBd5bqG_PriWJO59q8PF2NE5VkH2jdl-4AIR3qC7rempb8YhTZsF6Y_XOG2R3-SYQ0QWOnIMmefIelGU9LKcshUcOfRPUNVmAjTjmhRYAc5UlOHi3ThLoFK9f1T5fIwibaR6WofT-/s320/DSC02841.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course the drive in and out of Melfort Village is filled with amazing views across<br />
the loch and the one lane road means you drive slower and take it all in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxFyiIyhMeNsFB6xJV7O3vLeV9XT6v4KysVR9IKHcy5X1RUbT8jS9VeIy_0PQvBRcSOdyy6CfJVKLmHVYSPn1MHp5p4TuFOmPZh8f0IL-NbhR4GHVWPwukg8J7pv5nmdClEXttuVugpdM/s1600/DSC02854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxFyiIyhMeNsFB6xJV7O3vLeV9XT6v4KysVR9IKHcy5X1RUbT8jS9VeIy_0PQvBRcSOdyy6CfJVKLmHVYSPn1MHp5p4TuFOmPZh8f0IL-NbhR4GHVWPwukg8J7pv5nmdClEXttuVugpdM/s320/DSC02854.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily trips to Oban to pick up fresh fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqUgmfAt7zLH9Vea3nN2V4FFU4vy8VYws46EK5pSf2JWvuAgdEZoUmX7nngwWDMd4aVz4YE2zS3xizIr-XYsFgXjti75D_NpnCv57hpKi859XCAC7PuLTvK9WdvbzndhSYeP3ql1JrJbJ/s1600/DSC02828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqUgmfAt7zLH9Vea3nN2V4FFU4vy8VYws46EK5pSf2JWvuAgdEZoUmX7nngwWDMd4aVz4YE2zS3xizIr-XYsFgXjti75D_NpnCv57hpKi859XCAC7PuLTvK9WdvbzndhSYeP3ql1JrJbJ/s320/DSC02828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch from the Shellfish shack eaten right on the pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWeCWPPJGnYE0pdndhOTiLcR2hWlnjtJAZ2wmhxX2ryUNsacsX_g32am9s31qg5jFXHqU41vYQiQuZ-QZaFZPlPdyOBk649-m2GlS9QBNz51Gjho6XX0Q_Czvx4DZL2axhT1thWg03lup/s1600/Ardlui+View+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWeCWPPJGnYE0pdndhOTiLcR2hWlnjtJAZ2wmhxX2ryUNsacsX_g32am9s31qg5jFXHqU41vYQiQuZ-QZaFZPlPdyOBk649-m2GlS9QBNz51Gjho6XX0Q_Czvx4DZL2axhT1thWg03lup/s320/Ardlui+View+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our trip back we took advantage of the scenery stopping <br />
for a light lunch in Ardliu Here is a beautiful view of Loch Lomond<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgJrIgOwXsgvyhRmcBcJH5t-NQc2DltvlD7b73lqULx6p8LhlD0Bo_nk61_v-YD0eVoEy_w_rVBbndVup2GL-UKIvRahqHe0WTF2vswSF89SZ_n0GKJx-zaJxKr2_g5SDxgpl36D4g2p5/s1600/Ardlui+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgJrIgOwXsgvyhRmcBcJH5t-NQc2DltvlD7b73lqULx6p8LhlD0Bo_nk61_v-YD0eVoEy_w_rVBbndVup2GL-UKIvRahqHe0WTF2vswSF89SZ_n0GKJx-zaJxKr2_g5SDxgpl36D4g2p5/s320/Ardlui+view.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The hotel will serve lunch loch side...on a nice day it can't be beaten<br />
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From this point we took in Glasgow and the surrounding area. I must say Glasgow needs much more time as the city is just full of art and architecture that just cannot be beaten. From the hum of the city to it's people whether shoppers or soccer fans or families out for the day...it was truly spectacular as were it's entertainers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4iiWJQpUAzgwwrUPDm9M9OwaAydexn8zNF3epOt3ZkgIFxOs_HgTGPAgirLbhDYsGmdIWncFsj04_1ayiZE657wWcupx12YgYSfcN6Rb2zRROXbVeduSVnm3SJ0vaqOwfqouxPVi6FaV/s1600/Willow+Tea+Rooms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4iiWJQpUAzgwwrUPDm9M9OwaAydexn8zNF3epOt3ZkgIFxOs_HgTGPAgirLbhDYsGmdIWncFsj04_1ayiZE657wWcupx12YgYSfcN6Rb2zRROXbVeduSVnm3SJ0vaqOwfqouxPVi6FaV/s320/Willow+Tea+Rooms.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Rennie MacIntosh's Willow Tearooms on Buchanan Street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6He0UVl0r7KzSHYku2iwOe_BXcbG61faa2DWpaTeElBQCGwUvYh85IWjSOZ5jdWGdmwy9MYRB5Xp1OrwUMvBzc1oeXjpe7UhHgp7_m2_iYmq29klKk2rVoGrbW-8oOpaJ9AvMhuq-4Sb/s1600/The+Pipes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6He0UVl0r7KzSHYku2iwOe_BXcbG61faa2DWpaTeElBQCGwUvYh85IWjSOZ5jdWGdmwy9MYRB5Xp1OrwUMvBzc1oeXjpe7UhHgp7_m2_iYmq29klKk2rVoGrbW-8oOpaJ9AvMhuq-4Sb/s320/The+Pipes.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piper buskers on Buchanan Street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfu0W4eSiScZtxegpdZgbrThJXE2hN3QvzM6h9hfDC4L-cCbTx4nWy3aNhY2B5VvXOe2E9yxwx2LZa_t9URLyEETDChKWxlmxHoqXvWV9jFd7qN1DWYiCOBazQ8m2Bys_UKkFlDBeU-On/s1600/DSC03103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfu0W4eSiScZtxegpdZgbrThJXE2hN3QvzM6h9hfDC4L-cCbTx4nWy3aNhY2B5VvXOe2E9yxwx2LZa_t9URLyEETDChKWxlmxHoqXvWV9jFd7qN1DWYiCOBazQ8m2Bys_UKkFlDBeU-On/s320/DSC03103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Merchant City 18th century architecture is amazing as are the restaurants <br />
and bars in this area...shopping is great too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkUZ6NedefJCUZad0xYP1tnlBqDkEGamYTzaW0uqXT1QhYnzuwVsof_OYrdYm7tNV9yXxePVk9A_Ac1kyV41P9SJlGUVD9hGQXBJkV72cbfAf2BZGhZdsMYCk1NcJM6OzGDIqnYeV-7j_/s1600/Hydrangeas+in+Melfort+Village.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Next time I want to see Charles Rennie MacIntosh's Scotland Street School and House for an Art Lover. As I said I couldn't get enough of Glasgow on this trip...until next time Scotland.<br />
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It's a beautiful life when your heart is home!!Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-91706353083819371752011-08-02T11:25:00.000-07:002011-08-02T11:25:14.338-07:00It's AugustCan you believe it? The weather has been so hot that the grass is dry and brown and the plants are showing signs of wilting between watering. Due to watering restrictions in the region that means every other day for the beds and only once a week for lawn watering. We have had little rain and the temperatures have been in the 30's. We had a few nice walks on the trail which is shaded and cooler but being outside is brutal. Nights are cooler and a nice time to spend on the deck or courtyard, eating dinner outside is nice too. You can actually take your cross stitch outside and make some progress as there is little else you can do in this heat.<br />
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Talking about cross stitch... I finished the 2 Lizzie Kate's in HHI whilst on vacation ( "Ask me about my Grandkids") and framed and gifted them. They looked amazing even if I do say so myself. I forgot to take photos as I was so excited. They were well received and both recipients said the they loved them and the fact I had made them with my own hands made them special. The weird thing was that both recipients, who do not know each other or live near each other, were redecorating their main floor powder rooms at the time of the delivery. Maybe these pieces have found a special home. Although the colours were not a consideration they should look good with any decor as the frames were black and the mats off white.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanarte Cherries</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also started the Lanarte Cherries piece and as you can see it is well on it's way. This is also a gift for a special person who has a birthday at the end of August and I can't wait to give it to her. She admired the first one I did and now she gets her own. I love doing this piece as I feel like I have painted every cherry. The shading in it is marvellous. I will post a finished and framed picture soonest.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Jane</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I finally picked up the Blackbird Designs Elizabeth Jane ( Anniversaries of the Heart Pattern #12) as well as the Honeysuckle Manor book. The Honeysuckle Manor book contains "A Tisket - a Tasket" which I so want to do as it reminds me of a project I completed at high school. Who's counting...well over 40 years ago now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tisket - A Tasket</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The idea was to create a design that can be viewed from all four sides. This design was then taken and painted onto an object. There were several things to pick from and I chose the jewellery box which was round in shape and I started to create the design on the lid. I can remember it to this day as it was displayed in the halls of the school. I don't remember taking it home so I am not sure what happened to it ( probably in the archives lol). A Tisket - A Tasket reminds me of that design and how much I loved finishing it. Usually the right ingredient to being successful so I am so looking forward to doing this one. I am waiting on a few threads that are on order and I will be off and running with my needle in hand.<br />
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In the Honeysuckle Manor book there are other designs I want do but I had to narrow it down some and I settled on Hannah Lovina Joslin - 1856. The original piece "Louisa Bell's Honeysuckle Manor" which was the inspiration for the book was purchased on eBay and looks very old and worn in the picture. I love cross stitch pieces that look old and worn and find that very attractive in stitching pieces. So to ensure I was in keeping with that theme I picked up some "straw" 30 ct linen and all the threads (some I had on hand- I must be moving into stitchers circles to have threads on hand). The colours are awesome and look old and muted as does the linen. I am a little worried the fabric will be too yellow but we will see once the threads are added.<br />
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I must say that now I am back to stitching on 18ct Aida for the Cherries piece...I only want to stitch on linen. I thought this would be a nice break for my concentration level and my poor eyesight, less challenging...but it doesn't look the same or even feel the same. So I will need to find a piece of linen for the Lanarte Cherries.<br />
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On the knitting side of things I have not been idle either. We have chosen a blanket and sweater for the new grand baby my friend is expecting in October, how exciting. I will probably add bootees and a hat if time allows. My fingers are crossed on this one as I am not sure of colours etc. though I like the soft colours for baby items it does have some contrast. I have narrowed some things down so just need to pull this one together. Once I get going I will post my progress<br />
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That cannot possibly be all! It is not all...we are planning another trip hence the sorting of the threads etc.and I am really looking forward to this as we will explore the area (I have a list), visit some special folks in our lives and once again eat, eat and eat some more. I am also enjoying learning about antiques. I purchased a few books and although all three are good there is one that stands out and fits my learning curve perfectly. I keep browsing through them and picking things up, but can I retain the information? Well, right now I just want to enjoy it all and I am.<br />
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It's a beautiful life... whether planned or spontaneous...remember it takes all kinds to make a world so participate in it and open your heart to those that are different from you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-67943812331886152692011-07-17T11:45:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:48:15.404-07:00Back with a VengeanceBack with a vengeance or at least to settle the score!!<br />
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School is out and believe it or not two weeks vacation has come and gone. All of it most welcome to get back to normal, whatever that may be.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMAZING TIMES</td></tr>
</tbody></table>School was awesome. The two courses were a lot of work and the results very successful. It feels good to get them behind me but they were so enjoyable I am sorry they are over. In the fall I will be taking Antiques and Furniture and have already secured a couple of books on the subject. They look like heavy reading but I am ready to get into it.<br />
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I am posting my achievements in the Fabrics class but the pictures of boards look a bit wobbly to say the least. The fabric is hanging out towards the camera so looks a bit squint. I had cut a piece into the top of the very patterned fabric and finished it off so it could be pulled out for display purposes. The style was country French adn although there is a rooster piece in there the rest is very colourful but classy too. It doesn;'t need to be all cotton and heavily patterned with animals or farm scenes. In fact the opposite is true and just a hint of the french countryside is enough to achieve the style. The pictures of the windows were drawn and finished in watercolour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcdqyq_Guf57bCmBvUYWP7yVk1CqIsuhtXU2t9wuFWUFjnGOlfUunwg4crk1UNOtDHfrxQOvF3Lg21TsTLUE8PEeTybah2XbcVxxPc5SJhq-ZlT_m-CgfNgkR1q5QuHj_TSE_hvA7g97a/s1600/Fabrics+LR%252CKitchen%2526+DR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcdqyq_Guf57bCmBvUYWP7yVk1CqIsuhtXU2t9wuFWUFjnGOlfUunwg4crk1UNOtDHfrxQOvF3Lg21TsTLUE8PEeTybah2XbcVxxPc5SJhq-ZlT_m-CgfNgkR1q5QuHj_TSE_hvA7g97a/s320/Fabrics+LR%252CKitchen%2526+DR.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FABRICS & WINDOW TREATMENTS CLASS<br />
KITCHEN, DINING AND LIVING ROOMS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FABRICS & WINDOW TREATMENTS CLASS<br />
BEDROOMS & ENSUITE BATHROOM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A little word about teachers. We have a great teacher in Linda Guthro at the college. As I look around me and recognize that everyone has their own load that they are carrying my admiration goes out to Linda who runs her own successful Interior Decorating business, heads up the ID program at the college and took on another class (now 3-4) in all due to a colleague getting overly busy. Well it is not because Linda has nothing else to do, far from it. She also looks after her Mum who has been going through some health issues and has been in hospital for some time. When Linda is not working or teaching (including field trips and marking assignments, exams and sample boards) she is with her Mum to ensure she is being looked after. She also lives in close proximity to her son and granddaughter and still has much time and enjoyment with her family. Linda is also prone to the odd migraine and with the recent weather has suffered greatly. I have not heard her complain, whine etc., just a let’s get on with it attitude. I am very fortunate to have her as my teacher and have learned a lot from her.<br />
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The Lighting and Accessories boards display an Art Deco style in the Foyer, over the Fireplace and the Bookcase piece. It also includes a Lighting plan. The pictures were drawn and finished in pencil crayon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ART DECO - FOYER TABLE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H5wSqLsfGmhk-MpcioVF0X92EWJ0gsfiq9lZOhZ34ihPYCJG45n49TGn7NBwuGzQHnOFiXZe-lU3YZDZaMohDD_a5pE7m6m6B_IbGt0llEKviJLfUc0fsgsii2ySasjFjMmrNpT-_ovt/s1600/Fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H5wSqLsfGmhk-MpcioVF0X92EWJ0gsfiq9lZOhZ34ihPYCJG45n49TGn7NBwuGzQHnOFiXZe-lU3YZDZaMohDD_a5pE7m6m6B_IbGt0llEKviJLfUc0fsgsii2ySasjFjMmrNpT-_ovt/s320/Fireplace.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ART DECO - FIREPLACE</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ART DECO - BOOKCASE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKKwPG55LlZtvRKPsq8PHiGryrfU6CVPwmFApFCTVMf9JJzLNKbfS1_7tCBnuizI0JNxvQhyphenhyphentzl3vmQ_tBu4q0zmFrXVz5nkD8PEDUP8xRcnwwErAh2Qvesj5CD_ny2y_pcYVTGcQ3OtQ/s1600/Lighting+Plan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKKwPG55LlZtvRKPsq8PHiGryrfU6CVPwmFApFCTVMf9JJzLNKbfS1_7tCBnuizI0JNxvQhyphenhyphentzl3vmQ_tBu4q0zmFrXVz5nkD8PEDUP8xRcnwwErAh2Qvesj5CD_ny2y_pcYVTGcQ3OtQ/s320/Lighting+Plan.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ART DECO - LIGHTING PLAN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I left for vacation before my final class which meant I had to present my final project just before sitting the exam…it was okay and although not advisable it was all over before I knew what hit me. Marks were exceptionally good, so all’s well that ends well.<br />
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We returned late last night from vacation on HHI and I am pleased to say that I enjoyed quite a bit of cross stitching while I was there. I started another Cherries by Lanarte and pulled out a WELCOME piece that has been in hibernation. I picked up a Lizzie Kate and have almost completed two of them for gifts. My first purchase of the break was a cross stitch magazine at Barnes & Noble and I thought I was getting the patterns for Blackbird Designs which I have come to love. But alas it was the story of the two women who started this business Alma Allen and Barb Adams. So I am now on the hunt for their new book and some of the older items that were featured including the Farm House and Wild Rose that look amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LIZZIE KATE - ASK ME ABOUT MY GRANDKIDS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So yes I am back to knitting and cross stitch with a vengeance. I will pull out my knitting patterns today and sort through to find a new baby pattern. My friend is going to be Grandmother again in the fall and isn’t that what knitting is all about. So I am excited about that little venture. <br />
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So much has transpired in the past 6 months it is hard to remember all that was important in the moment but achievement and happiness have been big. My vacation was awesome as it was shared with my family that supported me while I was locked away in study mode or helping me whilst I was chasing around town for supplies. I enjoyed dolphin cruises, miniature golf, eating, eating and eating yet again whether from the BBQ or at the best restaurants in town and most of all the quiet times by the pool or just sitting around watching the family have fun. Both grandchildren were in camp during the second week and were able to enjoy what makes them tick. One little equestrian and the other in golf camp. Whatever it takes to support one’s passions and relish in their achievements greatly surpasses ones own desires and successes. Ribbons and sleeves of balls were greatly celebrated like a million dollar sponsorship were included.<br />
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<u><strong>It is a beautiful life…</strong></u>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-80742203700001421902011-06-02T12:38:00.000-07:002011-06-02T12:38:00.121-07:00Class has started and almost finished!Wonder where I have been? Well I am into week 7 of my two ID courses. It seems like a long time ago since I signed up and wondered if I could actually pull this off. How time flies. It is exciting and scary at the same time but an amazing amount of work and hard work at that. I am trying not to mix the two courses up, almost like three course as one is kinda split in two, but it is hard when I am thinking about a design and how it will all come together. Mondays class is Fabrics and Window Treatments. I love fabrics so I am into it. <br />
<br />
The first week we learned all about the natural and synthetic nature of fabrics and that exercise continued into the second week. We also got an assignment due week five where we had to pick up enough fabric samples (each person received two types to gather) and then provide the information on same and a 3x3 sample to be distributed to the whole class. There are about 16-17 people in the class so we should have a nice book of 32-34 fabric types when we are all finished. My assignment was Brocade and Tweed. Now I am quite confident with these two fabrics as they have been in my life for a very, very long time. But what do I really know specifically about what they are made of, the weight of them, the weave of them, characteristics and the pros and cons? I know brocade is used for upholstery and drapery and tweed is a wool based cloth used for clothing and upholstery. Mainly men's jackets, suits an hats. I had a lovely tweed suit with a rust velvet collar and the skirt had three pleats in the back that kind of kicked up when I walked and I loved it...in my Mod days. Upholstery, well I have heard Glasgow's Blytheswood Square Hotel used a lot of finger weight tweed in their renovations and new look. About 9000 metres. I will go look this up and be better informed. This is off the top of my head so let's see what I learn from this assignment. <br />
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For my first assignment I contacted the Harris Tweed Shop on the Isle of Harris. How could I have a tweed assignment and not produce a piece of Harris Tweed from my homeland in that lovely lovat herringbone weave. I must say they were the most friendly and helpful folks and in the end although late for the assignment they sent approximately 20 pieces about 4x4. I delivered them in any event and I am so happy that I have this piece in my sample book. I also bought the book on Marion Campbell's Life on Harris and it is very interesting as it is all about how she raised her own sheep to get the best fibres/ yarn and in the end produce a very special Harris tweed fabric. She also dyed the fabric using the local lichen etc., for colour. She won all sorts of awards from the age of 16 years old throughout her weaving life. Thanks to the folks at The Harris Tweed Shop for their kindness and generosity. The fabric is exquisite - now my old school pals would be laughing their heads off at that comment. Who would have thought it!<br />
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I have added a part at the end on tweed so far.<br />
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<br />
For the fabrics class the final project is on taking a floor plan that was given to us and coming up with a style for the windows in same. Then cover the windows throughout the house in either drapery (soft) or blinds & shutters ( hard). <br />
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<br />
I have since picked up my fabrics and they are gorgeous...but do they fit with the style and overall plan. I have chosen a French Country style and in so doing I believe my fabrics will be very upscale. I have a self coloured cotton brocade for the living room area that is topped with an Indienne type fabric. It looks like brocade or embroidered cloth, heavy and highly patterned in floral type design. This will make for a yellow mustard coloured side drapery and a very colourful valance that has coordinating colours as well as the French blues on an off white background. I will post the sample boards when finished. <br />
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The Lighting and Accessories class is on Thursdays. When I think on fabrics I think on accessories and can be off on a tangent in a second or even less. I need to keep those two separate. To make it more complicated the lighting class has been broken into two sections and the fist one is Accessories. The final project for the accessories class was on week 6 and I was not too pleased with my effort. I did work hard but I had some problems. The project included three pieces of furniture (well you need something to put the stuff on) all in a style you pick and have not done before. So Art Deco it was. Then you need to draw all three pieces and accessorize them. Drawing them on velum was okay but lots of graphite when I was done and trying to blend the colours. I get the results tonight and will post the sample boards- all three. Crossing my fingers and toes.<br />
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So here is what I learned about Tweed.<br />
<br />
The most famous ( that I know of ) is Harris Tweed made of Scottish wool. It is Scottish in origin and handwoven on the Scottish islands (Isle of Harris). Well that is a good start and not foreign to me at all.<br />
What is foreign is that it started as a "twill/ tweels" which defines the pattern. A London merchant misinterpreted the writing and assumed it was Tweed which was familiar in the textile industry as the the river Tweed flowed through the textile areas of Scotland ( a wee story there for a the cold night by the fire). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/File:N2_Lichen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="173" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/N2_Lichen.jpg/230px-N2_Lichen.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crustose Lichen- Wikipedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Harris tweed has some flecks of colour that were achieved through the use of "lichen" dyes. Lichen being the plant that grows wild in some of the most rugged parts of the world. It does contain a pigment that was extracted in purple and red colour for dyeing fabrics. Now it makes sense that they would use this for dyeing in the islands as the place has some beautiful lichen specimens on the mountains or as ground cover. <br />
The "tweed" has been protected by an act of parliament limiting the use of the Orb's trade mark to the Outer Hebrides (Isle of Lewis etc)<br />
<br />
<strong>From wikipedia I found that "Twill"</strong> is a type of weave that has a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs by passing the weft thread over one or more warp threads and then under two or more warp threads and so on, with a "step" or offset between rows to create the characteristic diagonal pattern. Because of this structure, twills generally drape well.<br />
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So you can see the twill runs in a diagonal pattern and when reversed creates a herringbone pattern...which is fabulous in the Harris lovat green.<br />
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Life is beautiful when working with fabrics and their colours and textures and anything that brings me back to my beloved Scotland if only for a moment or two.Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-46591064593971606572011-04-06T07:31:00.000-07:002011-04-06T07:34:36.191-07:00Happy Tartan Day!!Well here is something I can get my teeth into...or can I? It seems like things that are second nature to you are much more difficult to explain. I will apologize for the photos...not great, but my own. Here goes...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn7hpdvukfhRddlhbHfuHXMCgdMEAZLubNIDnPtDKavONZqA2FJKnziTL4NfDUfE-1yXWiqRLZOgkMtQEnFgKmPBA7uh0hYGwG4nLoxAPr5j-OFiywDM0CVwWUsB-lWowsd3JFJuSQg7R/s1600/Tartan+Day+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn7hpdvukfhRddlhbHfuHXMCgdMEAZLubNIDnPtDKavONZqA2FJKnziTL4NfDUfE-1yXWiqRLZOgkMtQEnFgKmPBA7uh0hYGwG4nLoxAPr5j-OFiywDM0CVwWUsB-lWowsd3JFJuSQg7R/s400/Tartan+Day+015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campbell Tartan Shawl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Let's start with the tartan...my tartan is from the Campbell clan. The most beautiful green shade with blue and a yellow and black stripe. I love the Hunting tartans that are more muted or the Ancient tartans but then a bright Dress tartan on a moody Scottish rainy day is something that will lift your spirits. Now a tartan is something that you are entitled too...meaning you must have an honest claim to it. The clan tartan comes from the male side of the family. If the male is not Scottish and has no claim to a tartan then you can go to the Mother's side and look back there. The tartan you wear will be that of your clan whether it is your name /clan now or your ancestors traced back through the years. I found out recently that "plaid" is not a pattern but in fact means a garment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.scottishtartans.org/tartan.html">http://www.scottishtartans.org/tartan.html</a><br />
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Check out the Scottish Tartans link above for all sorts of information on tartan and on the kilt. The one thing I do not agree with on that site is that you can wear any tartan you like...well , I know you <u>can</u> , but being a Scot I believe you take your entitlement seriously and wear your own or your ancestors clan tartan. As you will read on the Scottish Tartans site a kilt back then was not a nicely pleated "skirt" with an expensive sporran sitting on your lap...it was known as a belted plaid ( plaid meaning garment) which is simply a large piece of material that had been gathered into folds and belted around the body. The "plaid" was used as a blanket also when sleeping out in the weather whether to mind the sheep/ cattle or watch for intruders. <br />
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Are we proud of our Scottish Heritage? Well let me tell me you how it is at our house... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsZ9KzlN7PbQ4qJ3UKLLOr42UU6k3B_0ec10I6S-of0uvZzf6gcKOOwd03jkaIW7J0ZwdHMtrsQZwJkkTl3e11KlRYZ9yDdKY9KcEEk22LOgzH_ER07_ylTt6ZEiBE2yUAjESgS__jFCw/s1600/Tartan+Day+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsZ9KzlN7PbQ4qJ3UKLLOr42UU6k3B_0ec10I6S-of0uvZzf6gcKOOwd03jkaIW7J0ZwdHMtrsQZwJkkTl3e11KlRYZ9yDdKY9KcEEk22LOgzH_ER07_ylTt6ZEiBE2yUAjESgS__jFCw/s200/Tartan+Day+006.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture above the mantle is of Loch Lomond and the stones in the glass vase are from the same bonnie banks<br />
A heilan coo, long haired mountain goat and a sgian dudh ( knife worn in the sock)<br />
make up the scene on the mantle</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRci5nAgFQuSb0PZ55fd0UxT4x0nXwt2oTTFOa4tHheyduOK7rEonpZO3E3cCQ-Jt5_BK1uWk423H-r79rxGxQ82FJ3ENaT2BXV0PzmkGbHxBNs8A_nM1_DmGL12fkIoEHA8IVLguY5U8J/s1600/Tartan+Day+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRci5nAgFQuSb0PZ55fd0UxT4x0nXwt2oTTFOa4tHheyduOK7rEonpZO3E3cCQ-Jt5_BK1uWk423H-r79rxGxQ82FJ3ENaT2BXV0PzmkGbHxBNs8A_nM1_DmGL12fkIoEHA8IVLguY5U8J/s200/Tartan+Day+002.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tartan/plaid carpet adorns the family room floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwrjjoIF93064Omuej1VsY_rP3VXYmnwIl1s2OyAwtpmTFW73eanOxJC1mWYiY1CzVkHz8TDt2WKNINEAytoYI14OevPVKM7wgZIaUheZSYjQC7fWLUTwCok5-T46PnnfSZZNz9V8QzB4/s1600/Tartan+Day+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwrjjoIF93064Omuej1VsY_rP3VXYmnwIl1s2OyAwtpmTFW73eanOxJC1mWYiY1CzVkHz8TDt2WKNINEAytoYI14OevPVKM7wgZIaUheZSYjQC7fWLUTwCok5-T46PnnfSZZNz9V8QzB4/s200/Tartan+Day+012.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collectors Plate of the Royal and Ancient<br />
( St. Andrews golf club)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5GyA4539F8-qKcTbU6JzRADxQIiqq5vRACQFCZPg6M52O-zMShnQPdin0iER31V7RjmopNN7nMmj4bxlsi7HW4hYo54RChvzkUhqwc5UGNAgVORrqKDPNy8l2EFBxsA322GX5qfY-rvY/s1600/Tartan+Day+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5GyA4539F8-qKcTbU6JzRADxQIiqq5vRACQFCZPg6M52O-zMShnQPdin0iER31V7RjmopNN7nMmj4bxlsi7HW4hYo54RChvzkUhqwc5UGNAgVORrqKDPNy8l2EFBxsA322GX5qfY-rvY/s320/Tartan+Day+008.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish purple thistles (some dried) in a vase</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbUhK_YMpdISFg2n9CHXghOu96rlk8rLwO1-_PyZtO-A4THEmBJ0IOPUdtXnAZeef_SykzxQCosg4b1kPsJ1p0dot2SCEQNfD_TwlwOPfnfIQi_p15-DM7KoMg3BUcz_Y0J7CvIJDrj4M/s1600/Tartan+Day+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbUhK_YMpdISFg2n9CHXghOu96rlk8rLwO1-_PyZtO-A4THEmBJ0IOPUdtXnAZeef_SykzxQCosg4b1kPsJ1p0dot2SCEQNfD_TwlwOPfnfIQi_p15-DM7KoMg3BUcz_Y0J7CvIJDrj4M/s200/Tartan+Day+010.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books, books and more books on Scotland and it's people<br />
We also have cook books and <br />
coffee table books on Scotland- day in the life etc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Heading into the new session of ID classes next week I must include my "castle" interior from the Colour and Theory class which will be a part of my ID portfolio. On days like today I am so excited that I included tartan in my ID designs...but that goes to show it is on mind and there for the taking. I will be posting my lessons from Lighting and from Fabrics & Materials in April and May.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmHea4ht8RUFqMfl7KXY-EP2Mny6XHchKuF93nxzGybySv3g50hBf6V70pbD5vNgit5Ul8f7or0YTluRBz9lyc2TLQjEa8oHRIp30HNwn92HgJTWCni4FeBWQjWxqeGF38C8eCkYaUaqa/s1600/Sample+Boar+CT+Nov+2010+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmHea4ht8RUFqMfl7KXY-EP2Mny6XHchKuF93nxzGybySv3g50hBf6V70pbD5vNgit5Ul8f7or0YTluRBz9lyc2TLQjEa8oHRIp30HNwn92HgJTWCni4FeBWQjWxqeGF38C8eCkYaUaqa/s320/Sample+Boar+CT+Nov+2010+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I love the tartan items produced by Ralph Lauren and his talented team like the bedding and glasses. Check out the blog of The Adventures of the Tartan Scot. Here is the link... <a href="http://tartanscot.blogspot.com/">http://tartanscot.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Life is beautiful especially when adorned by tartan! Wear yours today!!<br />
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</div>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-11016551987985957942011-03-26T12:50:00.000-07:002011-03-26T12:50:10.554-07:00Transition......to move, shift, change, changeover,switch. Well, if spring ever arrives we are ready to do all of those things. I think our body's and minds are attuned to the transition period and when it is to occur as I can feel myself wanting to make the changes even though nature has not cooperated one bit to make it at all possible. I have bought some spring like shoes. Not opened toed or high heeled but sensible Merrells without the back...that was as much as I could muster given the cold freezing temperatures I bought them under. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpZLDISp0Fx7f-KPVaT9HA6t6mmthTZI1D2myrldPXU-K6nund-Hh00nYr2lIefgr3JxiIXZELb1UTpRcA_bVoWL4ZgYQM0chL4Wvp_GPb123HhoVppZGfnQHXhwej4lBPwtmYrFJj8Lr/s1600/French+Manor+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpZLDISp0Fx7f-KPVaT9HA6t6mmthTZI1D2myrldPXU-K6nund-Hh00nYr2lIefgr3JxiIXZELb1UTpRcA_bVoWL4ZgYQM0chL4Wvp_GPb123HhoVppZGfnQHXhwej4lBPwtmYrFJj8Lr/s400/French+Manor+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French Manor, South Sterling, PA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To break the monotony we headed to the Poconos for a wonderful weekend. It was a very long and hard drive (my back didn't like it one bit) with lots of stops. But when we arrived it was worth it as it was much milder weather wise than what we had left behind. A perfect transition into spring I thought. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ854IhbAO_KTXWX6CGqoXlpNtLO8ekEmZapMx6zXFNgmOMU6MiO-8t2gjXPngq_avVSW096dQYlBW-pFr8Lywl9qoftkVACEb27vLvMXfp7UpptjMlSTOQQ5ciCGjzcF5WaJxqYeX6gYu/s1600/French+Manor+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ854IhbAO_KTXWX6CGqoXlpNtLO8ekEmZapMx6zXFNgmOMU6MiO-8t2gjXPngq_avVSW096dQYlBW-pFr8Lywl9qoftkVACEb27vLvMXfp7UpptjMlSTOQQ5ciCGjzcF5WaJxqYeX6gYu/s320/French+Manor+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feature table/mirror</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I seem to think/ notice design elements every where I go these days...I must be missing my ID classes (roll on April). In the room I loved the feature table and mirror arrangement on the wall facing the bed...it was very well put together and even my DH commented on how complete it was. Our room was very comfortable with fireplace and a great view...it might even be good enough weather to get out there on the balcony with a jacket and glass of wine if this weather keeps getting warmer, which seemed to be what was expected. I was so glad that we had made the effort to travel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wen-pjy0i-9-fUS-spO41nvH8QTqpW74nRQAFTKlf3EfsvyjLMfc1fJiwTpFhNfZDjVLReJfAsRbYN4BTCOSHjucVTUWxUmzTuF4XixgnAH2cgAV_sO394rOwOs6D5HmqEiyjArlIroM/s1600/French+Manor+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wen-pjy0i-9-fUS-spO41nvH8QTqpW74nRQAFTKlf3EfsvyjLMfc1fJiwTpFhNfZDjVLReJfAsRbYN4BTCOSHjucVTUWxUmzTuF4XixgnAH2cgAV_sO394rOwOs6D5HmqEiyjArlIroM/s320/French+Manor+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We woke up to lovely views across the mountainous countryside. The weather certainly made the day and it was terrific being able to get out and about. Do a little shopping and more eating and back to relax before a full formal dinner in the evening. Men wearing jackets and women dressed up...I like this now and again that people make an effort. It feels special. The dining room had two large fireplaces in different designs (didn't get a pic) that rose two-three stories to the vaulted ceiling. The menu was great and the food even better. <br />
Sunday was even more spring like and jackets were not required on a short shopping trip. How great was that not only relaxing but shedding the winter garb to boot. Back to the "manor" and relaxing ...it was all kicking in...lovely meal in front of the fireplace on Sunday night and great desserts... then Monday morning we awoke to this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMIcgA248YGrKFLaZfnc_9UzvRPCAI3kdd91bEbHeD8yHanhNpkfI7Qdx_lDN-tIgfkx3tN7dQkl9vJxl5d-0h4SCREuhFfPkxN8eaMs0dtssObPx1AFUUsFSRgvLJLsweMzDuHOyMsa5/s1600/French+Manor+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMIcgA248YGrKFLaZfnc_9UzvRPCAI3kdd91bEbHeD8yHanhNpkfI7Qdx_lDN-tIgfkx3tN7dQkl9vJxl5d-0h4SCREuhFfPkxN8eaMs0dtssObPx1AFUUsFSRgvLJLsweMzDuHOyMsa5/s320/French+Manor+010.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
We couldn't believe our eyes...so much for a glass of wine on the balcony...soooo we headed over to the beautiful dining room with the lovely fireplaces all lit and cozy for a breakfast that started out with a delicious coffee cake. We gathered information that schools were closed in the area due to the weather and the hill up to the manor was treacherous...so we slowed right down and enjoyed our breakfast. Took our time packing up our things and gave it time to let the snowploughs and sanders do their job before we headed out. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t9KH_meuahiZh6HpE5QBkQF_e7c0CYG78EE_TSla1vtq6dSfxVLO26Zxy4WmgDXxhMo8PZY0xMKlqaGkGLMOnYsYnUE78qd5h3KijUSVl5lBuxwrUjiiBCFO-MRmNbTgbRr1T-yrdyNV/s1600/French+Manor+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t9KH_meuahiZh6HpE5QBkQF_e7c0CYG78EE_TSla1vtq6dSfxVLO26Zxy4WmgDXxhMo8PZY0xMKlqaGkGLMOnYsYnUE78qd5h3KijUSVl5lBuxwrUjiiBCFO-MRmNbTgbRr1T-yrdyNV/s320/French+Manor+018.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French Manor</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Even with the wintry weather we were still sorry to say goodbye to the French Manor and it's beautiful surroundings It was a beautiful weekend and although we enjoyed the taste of spring that we did get and were thankful for it, I believe we are all ready to shed the winter blahs with everyone else and transition into spring. Let's hope it is soon.Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-91078801399610328002011-03-09T16:19:00.000-08:002011-03-09T16:27:52.527-08:00Steven & Chris ShowMade it down to Toronto for the live to tape Steven & Chris show on CBC today. The audience participation was organized by CDECA (The Canadian Decorators Association). So 100 CDECA members, mostly women, and some guests spent the better part of the afternoon together for 7 cuts of the show. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GhlJsj1oQn-Unoj0Loa7YoeWmFPzb_prISgRwrZ-7O_dsEotJDAaTFcy9cjNt-nUmpAyjQss7vRTwgo5gP7TLD793GnxVkzjvvvyIsFFkKbtVFlBVRPPfJlYTQ6CevC7phG7_b01qLb/s1600/Steven+%2526+Chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GhlJsj1oQn-Unoj0Loa7YoeWmFPzb_prISgRwrZ-7O_dsEotJDAaTFcy9cjNt-nUmpAyjQss7vRTwgo5gP7TLD793GnxVkzjvvvyIsFFkKbtVFlBVRPPfJlYTQ6CevC7phG7_b01qLb/s320/Steven+%2526+Chris.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven & Chris exiting stage right</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Steven and Chris were so gracious and thoughtful. Each time they had a minute between sets they would approach the audience and allow for individual pictures. Unfortunately we missed this by about 6 people in the line up.<br />
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Deedee Taylor, Architect/ Designer demonstrated wall coverings and showed a video of the hallways (more like ballrooms) in her home discussing how to treat such a large hallway. Of course you know all of the answers...art and accessories making a big statement on the wall, furniture like chairs & hall tables etc.<br />
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Fashion was addressed with bright colours and pattern now that we are looking at some spring/summer weather in our not too distant future (please let it be). The health section was about foods that cure what ails you. Asparagus for menopause and sunflower sprouts for energy. What more do we need. <br />
<a href="http://neatitems.com/_borders/Soapy_Soles_in_use.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Soapy Soles in use" border="2" height="100" src="http://neatitems.com/_borders/Soapy_Soles_in_use_small.jpg" width="100" /></a><img alt="Soapy Soles Elite Foot Scrubber and Massager in Clear Blue" border="2" height="80" src="http://neatitems.com/images/elite-clear-blue_small.jpg" width="80" />They also had a section on tools...smart little tools or ones that are useless. Today the useless one was a kinda sandal you wore in the shower to scrub your feet...was like a brush inside (similar to the pics) and the smarter one was a choice between the one minute needle threader and a gadget that locks your purse to the buggy in the supermarket or a chair in a restaurant, which is a good idea. I couldn't find these on the net but they would make great hostess gifts or giveaways. I much more enjoyed the live to tape session much better than seeing the show on television...exciting, participating (all that clapping) and some nice giveaways.<br />
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This should get me in the mood for my upcoming ID classes...maybe!<br />
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Life is beautiful live to tape as well as in real time accompanied by my beautiful daughter..what a treat!Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-65773305071771700892011-03-01T12:13:00.000-08:002011-03-02T14:23:52.318-08:00Electrifying to say the leastNext!!<br />
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Intro to AutoCAD class has bit the dust. As of Friday I completed my course and as of today got the results and maintaining my A grades. I wasn't sure about this course as it was taught from a technical aspect that includes engineering or the mechanical viewpoint but lo and behold it all fell into place in the last two weeks of the course. The nice thing about AutoCAD is that it gives you a text read out of your commands just by pressing F2. So you can see what you did wrong or in fact transport this to your own word program and have instructions on how something was developed. I loved that part. I am more into the automated program but in the Introduction and in the Basic AutoCAD classes you are taught by entering the specific commands at the command prompt that teaches you the internal workings of a drawing. Good plan, I think. Thanks to our instructor Ian McCallum, for his patience with us ID folks (5 of us) and for cramming so much information into 21 hours of classroom time to get us through it. Much appreciated. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5QrRcD9bSDzx6gkk0mnj2lrIsB5gY8FhPmbB_DSZI5TKN27zrl7RVjMAQoPg_eaUoduqDPrG8IvBhYjVCc_-aw69WIJa-DNWSMkNN_Zi6ZUkvf__0ASzHFGrBTAXPyiuYjSm18aPEWG2/s1600/AUTOCAD+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5QrRcD9bSDzx6gkk0mnj2lrIsB5gY8FhPmbB_DSZI5TKN27zrl7RVjMAQoPg_eaUoduqDPrG8IvBhYjVCc_-aw69WIJa-DNWSMkNN_Zi6ZUkvf__0ASzHFGrBTAXPyiuYjSm18aPEWG2/s320/AUTOCAD+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my idea of studying- a little circle drawing that I did</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today I signed up for two more Interior Decorating classes doubling the usual heavy load. Are you mad? I am but for good reason. The final class, Advanced, is only held in the winter session (January) and I need 7 ID classes and 2 electives to take it. Right now I have 4 ID classes and 2 electives. Taking two in the spring session will give me 6 (all going well) and then one in the fall to complete the 7. I am a bit wary though as the options I have left are quite heavy. So taking two may send me over the edge. However I plan on a weekly blog demonstrating my progress and providing the highlights for those that are going to take these courses or others that can make some use out of the information and TIPS. I believe this will keep me on track and work out the kinks from time to time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://forizzer69.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/kings-speech.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2254" height="109" src="http://forizzer69.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/kings-speech.jpg?w=465&h=255" title="King's Speech" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King's Speech interior<br />
Forizzer site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The two courses I am signed up for are Fabrics and Materials and Lighting and Accessories and both start the 2nd week of April. This week I will take all my sample boards for the other 4 courses ( Intro to ID, Floor Plans, Space Planning and Presentations, Materials and Surfaces, Colour & Theory) and review the colours, styles etc so that I can compile a more comprehensice sampling to complete my portfolio. I think I am capable of that but it requires some creative thought. Now the Fabrics class I have wanted to take for a very long time but it was not always offered when I was ready for it. Lighting, although I am seriously interested in it may not be the easiest with my eyes and lack of memory. However when I was a kid in UK I was the "electrician" in our house. When a "plug" broke for a household appliance it was my job to replace it. If we didn't have a replacement for a given time it was my job to change it from the radio to the iron and then back again when we used either by sharing one working plug. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Electrical Socket Electric Plug How To" height="200" src="http://www.diybasics.co.uk/images/7423.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiring a plug from DIY Basics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also repaired electric fires in my teens out of necessity really. The little wires that create the bar, the "hot" part, would break therefore breaking the connection and the fire no longer worked. I would pull them out a little...or add another piece of wire (fuse wire) to connect them again and hey presto heat emerged once more. My mother used to comment that the fire in my room lasted the longest of all not knowing what I was up to. So you would think that I would be looking forward to showing off my prowess on this one. Not so when I came to Canada I wouldn't touch that stuff as it was different and the "plugs" were permanently attached...so I lost my practice dismantling or fixing the fuse. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="367" id="il_fi" src="http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/bionaire-flat-screen-wall-electric-fireplace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="455" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not as modern as this one<br />
My bedroom had a two bar wall mounted model<br />
Picture from Luxury Housing Trends</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think this started when I was about 8 years old and the neighbours bought a new garden shed with interior lighting. When dusk was falling the teenager of the neighbour family would sit at the shed door and you could only enter if you touched the electrical wire (a mild shock ran up your arm) or pay a monetary fee. We kids did not have any money but to get into the shed you would have given your right arm and some may have been willing to do that as they had bunnies in there. So in the beginning it was a wee treat until the bunnies got taken for the pot …then it was just plain silly. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><img height="680" id="il_fi" src="http://www.intute.ac.uk/images/feature29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="421" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Similar but table model<br />
Picture from Intute site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When my uncle repaired his own telly in the early days he needed someone to hold the wires together so that he could apply the solder...a small and steady hand was required and that happened to be mine. I loved helping in the garden, when he was repairing something like a door, so this was just one more task. However one that my mother did not approve of so it was short lived. He and I would sit with a cuppa afterwards watching some National Geographic show and comment on the great picture until he could think on something else to fix. I am sure this is where I learned to fix or change electrical plugs.<br />
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So instead of saying”bring it on” I will stay silent and hope I can remember the difference in voltage for Canada and not quote the UK requirements.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is a beautiful life when the lighting is just right in a room, on your face or my favourite time when dusk is falling.</div>Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-16318570468954363302011-02-11T11:15:00.000-08:002011-02-11T11:15:36.717-08:00OMG,OMG,OMG ( or Tribute to "our" friend Valerie)<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div>...well that was my response with the tears tripping down my face and finding it hard to breath. Not in grief per se but warmth and eventually true joy. Long story. <br />
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It started with my DH warming up the car for my trip out to meet a friend for dinner last night...he decided he would also take a walk along the street and check for mail (we have mail boxes at the corner of the street) whist he was out there. Our mail has been arriving after 4 p.m. these days so we either check in the morning or sometimes Esme checks in the evening as she is waiting for a pet shop Jaguar that she sent away some stickers for in early January. In any event he came into the house and handed me a brown envelope with a Royal Mail (UK) stamp for postage paid on it and I could tell it was from the Starry Eyed Stitcher as there was a label with her name and address on the upper left corner. How exciting, what could it be? A stitchy thing for me maybe...Ihad no idea what was to come. I cut the top off the envelope and took out the contents. There was a letter, a beautiful needle case that I was so taken with, turning it over and examining it...not really taking in "what" the stitching on it portrayed but acknowledging as you do how lovely it was and how well stitched by an experienced stitcher. Thinking at the time that is how it is supposed to look. Not really looking for anything else after this beautiful work...pulling out a gold bangle...thinking furrow on my forehead...opened the letter...started to gasp as I read what it all meant...OMG,OMG,OMG, it took my breath away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuMRrT41ONKZQmK7DKQtaxsrRUuhfgFQHNRaNmDWnI2iy68wHtDsqXxooZBxCGr3C_zGLliqs4wb0t5Pe9WKAfA8bAMV-BR9fwT9s7PtYOUcgJv-0C09YgE07XNFmEsjd6h42YtshiKO0/s1600/A+Gift+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuMRrT41ONKZQmK7DKQtaxsrRUuhfgFQHNRaNmDWnI2iy68wHtDsqXxooZBxCGr3C_zGLliqs4wb0t5Pe9WKAfA8bAMV-BR9fwT9s7PtYOUcgJv-0C09YgE07XNFmEsjd6h42YtshiKO0/s320/A+Gift+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contents of the package</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The connecting thread, as Starry Eyed Stitcher so poetically put it is "our" friend Valerie. <br />
The needle case has three initials on it...what a treasure...MOB (mine) VB (Valerie’s) and IH (The Starry Eyed Stitcher). Isn't she a very clever and thoughtful stitcher. All will be revealed.<br />
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Our mutual friend…the connecting thread.<br />
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My first recollection of Valerie was when she had just arrived in Canada from England and visited out place with her husband (who worked with my husband - that was the connection then). Our son born in June, '74 was only weeks old and she was expecting her first child in November of the same year so we had some things in common and the friendship grew. Valerie was the friend you could get legless with one night and go to the most exquisite art collections/ galleries etc., the next day and the fit was still perfect. She was a great cook (her younger son is a chef) and after her move to Charlotte N.C. she had studied under a woman (baker) that had studied under Julia Child. She had an autographed photo of Julia on the wall in her kitchen right next to the stove (no pressure) way before Julia's fame in the movie. It said "To Valerie". Every time I looked at it I understood her passion for good, no great, breads, trying new recipes and adjusting them to her own taste whicih was fabulous, it warmed my heart. Valerie would not have pointed out this treasure unless someone noticed it and never sought any type of recognition of her accomplishments which were many.<br />
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Our lives went in different directions as the kids grew up. I worked on my career and she stayed home to raise her two boys, but we were always in touch. At one point we were gong to open a resturant together and went to look at some local premises...gave it up after some more thought. She was intelligent, thoughtful, and beautiful. Her handwriting was exquisite and she used to hand write the pricing labels for the items in the local Jewelers store window. Pre Canada and mummy, she worked in drafting and was very artistic and creative (as is her elder son) and was part of the team that worked on the drawings for the Forth Road Bridge (her name is there somewhere). <br />
<img height="512" id="il_fi" src="http://www.freefoto.com/images/17/36/17_36_24---The-Forth-Road-Bridge_web.jpg?&k=The+Forth+Road+Bridge" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="656" /><br />
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Later the family moved to North Carolina, and a few years after that move my work took me to South Carolina. Without hesitation a visit was arranged. I can still remember my excitement. I drove up from Columbia to Charlotte on the weekend and when my car drove into the drive way out she came to welcome me...of course...that was Valerie...and for many, many years to come whether it was Charlotte or here in Cambridge we welcomed each other with open arms. We cried together, laughed together, sang together (we did try Andre Boccelli music but needed short of a full bottle of wine each to pull that off). We went to Italy together and she recommended pre reading of Under the Tuscan Sun & Bella Tuscany by Frances Mayes...the reading was usually accomplished on a plane as my life was work consumed at that time but she was so right. It set us up for what was to come. It was a wonderful time and it was when I worked on my first real cross stitch…the one that turned me on to cross stitch. She had the Lanarte Cherries in a Bowl chart enlarged on a printing machine and sent to me including the colour chart and extra threads she had from her project etc. It was one of those exciting times where I ran out and bought the supplies and started it almost immediately. I worked on it on the plane to London to meet her at Heathrow for the trip to Bologna, I worked on it on the patio after breakfast, before dinner etc., and she cheered me on. It was finished when I got back to Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAoBDXMNclyCO5jkFxryGQ-lzi1ewiJMtFPlllPG7PHNu1mcElIff0B0nQZbIgZvgm2VA0oXhT8TxJghApdtloGZ8IDPz2LWLZN-6CZBK-NZyQked6cmotlX2kQQkb-4He2Kh7lC30Ocz/s1600/Copy+of+blog+Pics+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAoBDXMNclyCO5jkFxryGQ-lzi1ewiJMtFPlllPG7PHNu1mcElIff0B0nQZbIgZvgm2VA0oXhT8TxJghApdtloGZ8IDPz2LWLZN-6CZBK-NZyQked6cmotlX2kQQkb-4He2Kh7lC30Ocz/s320/Copy+of+blog+Pics+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Original</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have completed and shared five of these as it has great memories and is one of my favourite finishes. <br />
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I had always admired Valerie’s amazing samplers that hung on the walls of her home, beautifully framed. She was an amazing cross stitcher and also so encouraging. She would send me books on cross stitch and patterns of poppies (which we both loved). Now I had (on her direction) went out and bought a little cheap kit and completed "The Flower Shop" pre cherries. I had used a single thread when a double thread was called for. As you know if you read this blog I’m not one for reading instructions. I tend to jump in first and get started. On a visit here she was very nice about it and said it looked just as good in the single thread…also got her husband to give his approval (I am sure she kicked him under the table) of this first piece of work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaEcmXzxVwflMmkiEk-DFsf42P9DO5yHr-3m1kPGQP6dXmecjMkjPloOqocp8NtxQb61ZpuKycwsqrAvDS6_M-L33WSUQ3F68Ak322VO9wnhcT-jUJ3b5BH5cAI4mH_dUfHA6SG_cVPxy/s1600/blog+Pics+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaEcmXzxVwflMmkiEk-DFsf42P9DO5yHr-3m1kPGQP6dXmecjMkjPloOqocp8NtxQb61ZpuKycwsqrAvDS6_M-L33WSUQ3F68Ak322VO9wnhcT-jUJ3b5BH5cAI4mH_dUfHA6SG_cVPxy/s320/blog+Pics+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE FLOWER SHOP</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our family holiday destination is Hilton Head Island which is about 3-4 hours from Charlotte. First trip down there to scope it out we flew into Charlotte airport where Valerie met us with a packed lunch of delicious food and drinks, and some M&M’s to give us sugar energy for the trip. We picked up a rental car and they drove ahead of us. That was trip to remember with many talks over glasses of wine. Great dinners cooked at the condo and high end resturant food. Magical times. <br />
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style="margin: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 5px;" title="http://rceffects.com/py-birthday-banners-coloring-sheets.htm" width="140" /></a><br />
She threw a surprise birthday party for her DH’s 60th and Jim and I travelled down on the Friday night and surprised him at a local restaurant under the guise that was the ultimate surprise. The men went golfing the next day and she was all prepared with lists and routes and schedules for a surprise party of their friends and his work colleagues in the evening. We picked up dishes (dinner and hot serving) at the rental party place and some last minute herbs etc., although she was very well organized with the rest and then back to her well equipped kitchen to make a feast fit for a king. She gave me instruction on some small cooking tasks and had the utmost faith in me that I could pull it off. She made it all look easy. I tried my best but she did an amazing job. Just before the golfers returned we got into our party clothes and awaited their arrival and the arrival of about 35- 50 guests right behind them. She handled it like we had gone out and bought fish and chips for all rather than her making many complicated dishes from scratch never mind organizing a special birthday cake, drinks and coffee.<br />
<br />
It was a shock when the news of Valerie’s illness hit and although she was mostly positive about her life she succumbed to it in a short time frame. At that time I was going through some serious back problems pre surgery and could not get out of bed let alone travel. I did talk to her by phone but that is not the same. Tears flowed, anger kicked in, sadness remains. It is like she is hiding somewhere and it is up to me to find her. So when this parcel arrived it opened up the flood gates you may say. During this time when Valerie was very ill an email was sent to her friend in England (connecting the threads) and had my email address attached in error (or something like that). Her friend in England (the Starry Eyed Stitcher) eventually emailed me as we were both confused about what was happening and what to do at that dreadful time all unbeknownst to Valerie. It was really great to have someone to talk to that understood the situation and was able to talk through it. Irene was Valerie’s friend before she even thought of coming to Canada and she was the one that introduced Valerie to cross stitch. In turn Valerie introduced me to cross stitch. The Lanarte Cherries in a Bowl came from Irene to Valerie and then passed along to me, my most favourite cross stitch of all time. Irene has also been instrumental in introducing me to blogging…I would not have done this blogging thing but I followed hers in the early days and thought it was a great blog and still is. <a href="http://starry-eyed-stitcher.blogspot/">http://starry-eyed-stitcher.blogspot/</a>. My idea of blogging was to organize myself and focus better after surgery and serious painkillers interrupted my life and brain flow…and then it grew into something bigger. My cross stitch revival was championed on by Irene and my first linen piece was with her utmost encouragement…I just couldn’t disappoint her. The bangle that Irene passed along belonged to and was worn by Valerie. She liked jewelry and she liked old jewelry. She had some lovely pieces. In the past few years I have taken to wearing a bracelet/ bangle almost every day. I have fancy stuff and everyday wearable bracelets. When the parcel came in I was on my way to have dinner with a friend in “Preston” a place I rarely go but was Valerie’s old stomping ground. No coincidences.<br />
<br />
I dried my tears smiled a little to myself looking at the bangle remembering my friend that is always close to my heart and how I miss her so much. I popped the bangle on, hopped in the car and off I went with my “friend” on my arm. She is no longer hiding…I have found her and she will accompany me to many things. She lives on in my heart and now visible on my wrist.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIXUuChXRTG52k8N2afV9B9N84roE4f8vMbYpqqk8_xSg3tZ6MPBGM-kOVzfCKtRm8pHPFjywXmeoXhr1mHt7oV1l3BW_1BImo5iYMlVXvitWA6hT6kUIJ1zb90bnrHdZ1zZsbYUV6o2_/s1600/A+Gift+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIXUuChXRTG52k8N2afV9B9N84roE4f8vMbYpqqk8_xSg3tZ6MPBGM-kOVzfCKtRm8pHPFjywXmeoXhr1mHt7oV1l3BW_1BImo5iYMlVXvitWA6hT6kUIJ1zb90bnrHdZ1zZsbYUV6o2_/s320/A+Gift+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Life is beautiful when you experience true friendship and connecting these threads it is truly magical. Thank you Valerie for including Irene in my life however that was accomplished. Thank you Irene for sending me this special gift. How could you have known what this would mean to me? The cross stitch is priceless and will be treasured by me…from you …and the bangle, well I don’t have the words to express what that means to me. Life goes on as we know but wonderful memories of those we love live on in a special place in our hearts. Thank you special friend.Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390840725720952489.post-27124548843358535142011-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:002011-02-03T11:11:46.977-08:00Back to the Future!!<span style="color: red;">FEBRUARY 2011!</span><br />
So it is onwards and upwards and I do not recall another year where it seems January did not exist...it has been so busy and at times overwhelming (not a word I use), busy beyond insanity. The calender is full and then there are those daily things that crop up on all of us. The phone is ringing off the hook and February is starting to look like January. Hello 2011!<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">INTERIOR DECORATING!! ( 6th class of 11)</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiykUhx5SfV_dKHhyphenhyphenpeE80gySbmnRj1KDV4-OrWRfb2RGaBcZJtiudlpN9T_dOTpldn8FzsX5_CQ95N5ZhEqVZeGJ_FPNGYjnxHf8AYFwdZP2FSTU85KTUwPhc0sZalNHEIxt_-1fslFkr/s1600/Autocad+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiykUhx5SfV_dKHhyphenhyphenpeE80gySbmnRj1KDV4-OrWRfb2RGaBcZJtiudlpN9T_dOTpldn8FzsX5_CQ95N5ZhEqVZeGJ_FPNGYjnxHf8AYFwdZP2FSTU85KTUwPhc0sZalNHEIxt_-1fslFkr/s320/Autocad+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break Time - ID colleagues catching up</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
I started my 2nd elective ( I only need two) a few weeks back, Introduction to Autocad. I had difficulty downloading any of the software and as yet only have a trial copy for 30 days and as each day goes by it reminds that there are now 20,19, ETC., days left...no pressure there. I do not find their site, email or representatives, very user friendly and really had to fend for myself and sort it out hence the temporary situation. The class is very fast paced so if you miss something or the system does not work as quickly as you would like it to it is hard to catch up...like to be honest, you are truly lost. The good news is that it is over at the end of February and the pain will be short lived. I am trying my best and giving it all I have so although feeling a bit "out of it" I am hoping it comes together in this week;s class. We will see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fj9tV-0Rr8XOOd6xOxIs9sQBnp8zzTyfxqAC63RXLm_Rb67FH1LlE7z13NFta3ws1o4TM9Le0GxAlD7d2ZSfPonDs3EogrwXAcxTO9Iv5nBcAj3QdBqdfSvi_4DLMqgWV-hmUAsJS7Ye/s1600/Autocad+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fj9tV-0Rr8XOOd6xOxIs9sQBnp8zzTyfxqAC63RXLm_Rb67FH1LlE7z13NFta3ws1o4TM9Le0GxAlD7d2ZSfPonDs3EogrwXAcxTO9Iv5nBcAj3QdBqdfSvi_4DLMqgWV-hmUAsJS7Ye/s320/Autocad+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The board!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I am missing the "creative" side of this course and glad the electives will soon be over. The next ID class will be Fabrics and Window treatments and that will be a breath of fresh air after this "technical" hit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHL1KBU-5NpyQqcumlWtNQJBDXgFd6eBkcAkE5KZNmY6z7cPxM8YD_am94K2W02HSGVNtAUogIXVqsoQnlfFCwW-5bGyL8t-gD9-vJ2caxOUMUq9G9h8JAG4adsgbRKAjQBKkYt1WNFj2/s1600/Design+show+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHL1KBU-5NpyQqcumlWtNQJBDXgFd6eBkcAkE5KZNmY6z7cPxM8YD_am94K2W02HSGVNtAUogIXVqsoQnlfFCwW-5bGyL8t-gD9-vJ2caxOUMUq9G9h8JAG4adsgbRKAjQBKkYt1WNFj2/s200/Design+show+004.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral Gifts</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<span style="color: lime;">CROSS STITCH!!</span><br />
I have finished Blackbird Designs Floral Gifts on linen. This was my first linen cross stitch and I almost gave up. I kicked and screamed on the start up but slowly but surely I warmed up to it and I really think this is the way to go. I did get some much needed support/ instruction from Starry Eyed Stitcher and that spurred me on. I need to finish this as an ornament or something so that will be my next "little" challenge. Watch this space.<br />
<br />
I have been so taken on with cross stitch bloggers choices on their threads...not the DMC or run of the mill threads. When reading the blogs there is much more, so much more to learn and enjoy about threads. So I am planning a trip (10 minutes away) to the Cross Stitch store (only opened on Saturdays- that might be a good thing) to see what I can find. I just hope I don't actually drool over their stuff, that would be embarrassing. I may pick out another linen project and pick my very own threads...or maybe I will be thoroughly confused and not do anything. Like a deer caught in the headlights.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">KNITTING!!</span><br />
Okay, the scarf in linen stitch (it does seem that I am trying to conquer linen of one type or another) is causing me great grief. I have unravelled it a few times. <br />
<br />
<ul><li>There are 450 stitches on a circular needle. I hate, hate circular needles. </li>
<li>I followed the instructions/ patterns and I had a great idea. I would mark every 50th stitch to keep track of the number of stitches when casting on. Then when I had all the stitches on the needle and nicely marked I started to read the pattern and it said "use a stitch marker every 50 stitches to keep track of the number of stitches" ( I thought that was my bright idea) in addition "also note that each 50th stitch will be a slip stitch" helping you keep track of your pattern. </li>
<li> I hate, hate circular needles, but I went ahead and tried it...got ticked off with the process and then transferred the stitches to 14" straight needles...all squished up. I liked this better for knitting but could not keep the pattern straight as I could not see each individual stitch. Hence the reason the pattern calls for a circular needle. Out it came, unravelled the lot. </li>
<li>Back to casting onto the circular knitting needle, I hate circular knitting needles, and placing the stitch markers each 50th stitch. I managed the first row, not too, too bad. Kicked off the 2nd row for about 100 stitches (I know this because of the stitch markers every 50th stitch) and did not realize I should have "turned " my work and proceeded on a "WS" (wrong side row). I had continued on the "right side" of the work which is easy to do with those circular needles that I so hate.</li>
<li>I wrapped it up and put it away. Now I really don't like that circular needle...so I tried the pattern on straight needles over 50 stitches for a quick fix on how it should look. It is really nice and exactly what I wanted to knit. So, I took the project and ripped it back to the beginning of the 2nd row and turned the work around ready to start on the "WS". You must give me credit for trying and keeping going on this task regardless of my frustration level but I am determined to learn something new. </li>
<li>Here I come circular needle...hate is such a strong word, but a scarf in linen stitch will be produced whether or not you and I have to wrestle each stitch to the finish. Brace yourself o' round one!</li>
</ul><br />
DESIGN SHOW 2011 ( TORONTO , CANADA)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDR9wHq3W6lNfCbbTpv5MoCG4IdD2OYO2O3rUw0Z1uWwv-BzLZsO5j8P2GLfP7OaEDV1ND-P1TKF5zlWZtyk2OPh7dyk2aYFz7iqUDn869dZBPHP75HXgCR6JPl0Tf6zkpHNCCj4Uswq9/s1600/Maggie+O+%252C+Brian%252C+Margaret+T..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDR9wHq3W6lNfCbbTpv5MoCG4IdD2OYO2O3rUw0Z1uWwv-BzLZsO5j8P2GLfP7OaEDV1ND-P1TKF5zlWZtyk2OPh7dyk2aYFz7iqUDn869dZBPHP75HXgCR6JPl0Tf6zkpHNCCj4Uswq9/s320/Maggie+O+%252C+Brian%252C+Margaret+T..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie O, Brian Gluckstein & Margaret T <br />
@ Design show Toronto January 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu5aUD_V14VgVbrKxCZ8KflHsn21KHeRG7WiCCLCOU-OpMBBjuT0GHHPo8vkWwshI5kvlSICpJs9QfBA8s9OL91aFACNflk6IkNRR5UQ_HnXrvPzsG3lVxofbSdjm4ed9xFL-G8hQM9de/s1600/Design+show+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu5aUD_V14VgVbrKxCZ8KflHsn21KHeRG7WiCCLCOU-OpMBBjuT0GHHPo8vkWwshI5kvlSICpJs9QfBA8s9OL91aFACNflk6IkNRR5UQ_HnXrvPzsG3lVxofbSdjm4ed9xFL-G8hQM9de/s200/Design+show+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Patio furniture in a tartan <br />
pattern and it looks great.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I attended the Design Show last weekend and I really enjoyed it. I did not sign up for any seminars as I was disappointed on the seminars that were presented this year.<br />
<br />
Met Brian Gluckstein and saw Sarah Richardson with her brother an her sidekick Tommy. Tommy is so cute.<br />
<br />
Alfred Sung has some new and different patio furniture out in a dark green tartan pattern. Sorry picture of the chairs didn't turn out too well but they were chunky and although basket weave effect they were probably resin or plastic but outdoorsy and durable looking. In fact I saw a few tartan patterned items and lots of Union Jacks in designs this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NhnHS6eCQpIUo-R7m0DYX4ZK9SmrAhR_ok4Q3z2X5mBSp6fJiYNnzX5PJSV8qVw8CFVVDWRmeHn6P3xthgn2PZPY938MO116AvXtqfYp3qlH7v-oDjk16ssE9KcgIdsdxcLyo8uY3GTD/s1600/Sarah+Richardson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NhnHS6eCQpIUo-R7m0DYX4ZK9SmrAhR_ok4Q3z2X5mBSp6fJiYNnzX5PJSV8qVw8CFVVDWRmeHn6P3xthgn2PZPY938MO116AvXtqfYp3qlH7v-oDjk16ssE9KcgIdsdxcLyo8uY3GTD/s320/Sarah+Richardson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer Sarah Richardson & brother</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: lime;">LEISURE TIME!!</span><br />
<br />
There hasn’t been much leisure time this month, however I am enjoying the new BBC series on PBS on Sunday evenings called “Downton Abbey”. Maggie Smith is one of my favourites and she plays a crusty old soul who is sarcastic and funny at times. I came across this on Gareth Malone’s Facebook as one of his followers mentioned it….I thought it was about Gareth’s work with the choirs, however thanks Teresa for letting me know about this series I am really enjoying it.<br />
<br />
I do have a new venture (don’t I always). I am taking singing lessons. I asked for these for my Christmas and got them for my birthday in early January. I have taken one class already and I am “luvin” it. I don’t know that I have a voice and haven’t done any singing since the primary school choir so I wanted to find out. I have the best teacher and she believes the voice is an instrument regardless of age etc. We took it from there. Sooo, here I am practicing on an Italian language piece so that I will not put forth any preconceived ideas of how the piece should sound musically, be sung or pronounced, I guess. With the breathing and posturing required this will also be an asset to improving my back problems (hallelujah that there is such a thing)…it all helps and I am really excited about the challenge, yet again.<br />
<br />
I haven’t attended a yoga class this month either and I need to straighten that out. Getting into a new schedule is difficult…it is getting the first one out of the way and the rest will follow. I received 10 classes as a birthday gift so there is no excuse and it is sooooo good for my back. I am told that I am a different person when I practice yoga…walking and attitude. I have done it now for almost 3 years so there are some positives there. You tend to forget the benefits you are receiving until you stop.<br />
<br />
It is a beautiful life. Look around you and enjoy every moment with your family, your hobbies and whatever makes <u>you</u> happy.Maggie Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033510881002917416noreply@blogger.com3