Mixing it up ~

when I don't have a needle & thread {punch, hook, etc...}

in my hand ~

I will usually hold a pen or pencil or paintbrush.

the first thing I do when I design is doodle.

"doodle."

that's a funny word if you say it numerous times :)

I usually doodle in sketchbooks ~

and I keep sketchbooks everywhere...in my purse & car.

one (or three) hides in every room of this old farmhouse I swear.

but

I got to thinking ~ {uh oh.}

I said to myself:

"self, why don't you doodle on those luggage tags 

that you have hiding in that old tin way up there on that shelf,

instead of those sketchbooks that are tucked away?"

and myself answered:

"good question."

so I climbed up and got them out ~

love my old red PA German tins ~
these are on a shelf above my worktable in my sewing room

 I keep all kinds of 'stuff' in them,

...this one holds luggage tags, especially.

T A G S 

and I did this ~

nothing special, just a random drawing in ink....

 lots of fun ~ but just what will become of them?

not sure, but at least my creativity is never idle ;)

maybe I'll make them into custom business cards 

 ~ and include a little original drawing in each order I receive ~

Hmmm....wheels are turning {constantly}

but for now, I'm just enjoying making them!

I finished one of the punch needle projects I've been working on ~

this one is called 

"Tulip Peddler"

and is punched using both Valdani variegated threads & my DMC floss colors:

you can see the darker brown/black threads are Valdani, 

....while the ecru threads are DMC

I like how this looks ~

the Valdani I am using is #8 pearl cotton, 

and I use it in my Cameo Ultra Punch Needle w/ the MEDIUM tip needle ~

when I use the Valdani with this size needle, on the #1 setting of my punch needle

my loops come out looking little tiny french knots...

and I LOVE this effect!

...not sure if it's because the thread is worsted {twisted} 

as opposed to the 6 strand DMC which is not, and lays "flatter" ~

but regardless, using both kinds of threads in my work is awesome...

~ best of both worlds!

look for this design and more new designs 

~ coming soon to my Etsy shop ~

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

tis a snowy-blowy day here at the farm today...

a dusting of the white stuff graced our barnyard this morning,

making it even more cozy inside.

Hoping your day is filled with creativity & warmth!!

~ Blessings from the Farm ~ 

 Lori