Puft Heart #2 and #12 of 52 projects

Often a piece of fabric screams at me to buy it even though I have no idea what I might do with it. Dragons and flames aren't my thing, but the richness of the colors definitely screamed at me. I cut out a heart shape and behold, instant design! Components for Puft Heart #2: Dimensional paint outlines, novelty yarn and a blue gem.

I'm about 6 weeks behind with the 52 projects; good thing it's at the beginning of the project, I just might be able to catch up. #12 may not appear to have much going on, but it took an entire day to create. Components: Blue shear polyester was first needle-punched onto black felt providing great texture for blue painted hearts in 3 colors of acrylic paint. Then the piece was blasted with a heat gun in the hopes the felt and polyester would melt, it did. Red felt backing, lots of red machine stitching and a twisted copper wire heart with a bead finished this 4x6 inch piece. (click photos to enlarge)

Quote: When joy plays hide-and-seek, keep looking. Another fab from Sally Huss

Day Trip and Heart Theme

A virus struck! While I had a "light" version of the monster that is making the rounds it certainly wasn't the plan I had for starting 2009 .The plan also didn't include the window that exploded in the front bathroom or battling with Social Security. She, being me, is searching for signs of peace, the chosen word for 2009. Creating hearts, a soothing shape to work with, is providing a fun challenge with a bit of diversion. Who doesn't need diversion from problem-solving the endless tedious daily things that require patience and time? I know that when I get hysterical about making phone calls or collecting information for Social Security that the peace I seek has escaped me once again. Reminder to self: problems that seem monumental today will only be a minor irritation tomorrow. Breathe!

The puft heart (a made-up name) began its life as a piece of needle punched fabric that was used for one of the 52 projects. A little free-form stitching, paint dyed cheesecloth, a metal embellishment from a thrift store, polyester stuffing and voila! Puft Heart.

A day-trip to the Palm Springs Museum two days ago was well worth the drive across the desert. Horses! While I don't have the urge to own one they move me beyond words. I've seen photos of driftwood horses but to see one in person - WOW! Sadly, it was difficult to take a really good photo of this beauty. I've often complained about the placement of art when it comes to photographing a piece; too much background clutter doesn't make for a pleasing shot, but then the viewer isn't supposed to photograph artwork other than to make a personal record of it . . .

Quote: From Sally Huss, who else? The best year is the one we are creating.