Art Is Art

I received a call this morning to come to the opening of a new jewelry shop. There was no way I'd miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime event. I was asked to stop by and not to forget my purse. The shop was located in my granddaughter's bedroom. On her desk, to be precise.

She has learned that by taking several strands of colored string and twisting and turning them, she can fashion a necklace or bracelet. I'm not sure where the term "jewelry" came into it, but that's what she's calling it. When you're 7, I guess you can call it anything you want!

I noticed that all the necklaces and bracelets were finished off with grey duct tape. When I asked her about it, she said she didn't know how to tie a knot very well, so she went downstairs and got the tape. Works for her, works for me.

My necklace is twisted purple string with a duct tape "clasp". Very fashionable. Cost me 50 cents. We're definitely going to learn how to make friendship bracelets this summer!

The Newest Creation

I'm almost finished with the newest Barbie gown. I tried my best to get it to look like the pattern, but I couldn't find the right type of 9" wide lace that would pleat correctly. I tried using dress lace, cutting it down to 9" but it was too soft and wouldn't pleat. I tried using a stiffer type of dress lace, also cutting it down, but it was too stiff and stuck out too far, making the dress look like one of those lacy bed dolls. Not what I'm aiming for.

I took it all apart (for the sixth or seventh time, I've lost count), unraveled the bottom four inches of the dress underskirt and started the same pattern as the dress overskirt. I've added white and very pale pink pearl beads all around the edge of the overskirt.

I especially enjoyed making the pantalettes. I might make another pair without the lace and put them on the last doll. It gives a more finished look, I think.

I still have to crochet the shoes and finish the hat. The glue is still drying on the gimp and I have about eight clothespins clamping it down. I also need to do something with her hair.

Sweet Sleep

This is the birth announcement I cross-stitched for Alexander. His room has a big moon on one wall with stars and the adjoining wall has a big smiling sun, all painted by his Dad. I thought this would be appropriate for a boy, too - since the mother is holding a baby boy.

The inscription says: A mother's arms are made of tenderness and sweet sleep blesses the child who lies therein. Victor Hugo

I stitched this a few years back for our oldest granddaughter simply because I liked the picture and the verse. Her birth announcement cross-stitch was a beautiful bassinet with ribbons and "girly" stuff - a little too frilly for a boy. I shopped several stores looking for a nice chart for a boy, but they were all lame looking. I kept coming back to this one in my pattern box. I think it goes well with his room.

I hope he and his parents think so, too!

Guys And Dolls

This is the bridal gown that won Best of Show in the county fair this past year. Since my newest grandchild IS A BOY(!!!), I don't think I'll be giving it to him. I wonder if I can sell it?

I guess I better learn how to make toy cars and trucks. We still have his Popie's cowboy guns and holster, so maybe that'll be a better gift.

I was looking at newborn pictures of Kara and Justin. He looks a lot like Kara - round face, lots of black hair. Justin had an oval, skinny face and light blond fuzzy hair. It doesn't matter because he's still the most beautiful baby in the world!

Yesterday, I told Maggie I was glad the new baby was a boy because I was tired of having nothing but little girls. She just smiled, walked away and said "That's not true, Nanny". Very sure of her place in my heart, don't ya think?

I hope they ALL know.