Stelladanza's Confections

New Year, New Blogging Digs for Stelladanza

2011-01-20T02:44:00.001-08:00

Ragamuffin™ Year-Round Wreaths (2), originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

Hello, lovely folks in the blogosphere! This has been my blogging platform for the last four years, and I have enjoyed the experience. I have, however, migrated the content of this blog to my new website, stelladanza.com, where I will be posting from now on. Please join me there. Thanks!

My Mother as a Toddler, with Doll

2010-12-29T03:49:00.001-08:00

My Mother as a Toddler, with Doll, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

Happy Holidays! I hope you are still enjoying the Twelve Days of Christmas, a tradition I hold dear.

I'm sharing these snapshots of my mother from 1927. This is my first Christmas without her. As I went through the ritual of pared-down decorating this year, I did feel her presence. Bittersweet memories.

Sunbonnet Girl & Toys

2010-12-02T01:57:00.001-08:00

Sunbonnet Girl & Toys, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

I found this early 20th century vernacular photo a few weeks ago at a local antique shop. I love the subject matter of the little girl in her sunbonnet surrounded by her picture book, dollhouse, dollies, and teddy bears.

As December arrives and the focus is on wrapping up loose ends and preparing for a new slate in 2011, I'm reflecting on this year and manifesting what's next and participating in the #reverb10 project.

My words of the year for 2010 (which I selected last December based on Christine Kane's blog) were "comfort & joy" and "transformation".

Six weeks into the year, I lost my beloved mother, and comfort & joy and transformation were engulfed by grief.

I found comfort & joy through transformation (and a healing path through my grief) by participating in Christine Kane's Uplevel Your Life and Uplevel Your Business programs. Thank you, Christine, for providing that path.

I have selected my word for the New Year: flourishing!

National Novel Writing Month, November 2010

2010-11-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

I've been participating in National Novel Writing Month since November 1st. I'm polishing up some stories that I gathered from my Mother over the years and fashioning them into a memoir. There are eleven days left in the month of November and I have many more words to go to hit the magic number of 50,000.

Do you have a favorite family story that you'd like to share? Please comment below and join me in participating in Nanowrimo.

Ragamuffin Skeins All in a Row

2010-11-06T05:35:00.001-07:00

Ragamuffin Handspun Cotton Rag Yarn (2), originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

I took advantage of the recent hot Santa Ana weather in San Diego and set the twist of several dozen skeins of handspun Ragamuffin yarn. I'm using some of it to make wreaths for a local craft show in a few weeks.

"Setting the twist" of a handspun yarn can be accomplished by steaming, but more commonly it is done by washing and drying the newly spun yarn once it has been secured with ties into a loose skein form.

I wash the Ragamuffin yarn by hand in a small wash tub like the ones my grandmothers and great-grandmothers used. Next I feed each skein through a hand-wringer to remove the rinse water.

One of my dearest friends (who loves hand-laundering) encouraged me to buy the hand-wringer from the Lehman's catalog a few years ago. It has been an indispensable tool in the making of my Ragamuffin yarn.

I had experimented with washing and drying the skeins in a conventional washer and dryer. The result: too many tangles. The old way, in this case, is the better way.

The whole process of handwashing, wringing, and hanging the yarn out on the clothesline to dry is meditative. I find myself slowing down and reflecting on my foremothers and their graceful dance of daily tasks.

My Handmade Wedding Dress

2010-10-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

Christmas 1981, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

Christmas 1981

I was a newlywed that December. In this photo taken by my sister-in-law, I am wearing my wedding gown which I upcycled from a vintage fine lawn eyelet bedspread I had bought from a sweet woman at a garage sale in Houston.

The pearls were a gift from my parents, the brooch an heirloom from my Dad's Mom. The narcissus in my hair was plucked from the neighbor's yard (shhhh!).

John Lennon Animated Tribute

2010-10-27T02:06:00.001-07:00

Family Gathering, Christmas 1955

2010-10-14T05:20:00.001-07:00

Family Gathering, Christmas 1955, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

A family gathering during the Christmas holiday season (1955, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania) is captured here. My mother was the photographer. My Dad, two uncles, two aunts, two cousins, and three of my brothers are pictured. I'm in the lower left of the photo. For an additional photo from this season, see this earlier blog post.

This snapshot requires some restoration, but I wanted to scan and post it in all its imperfect glory first.

Mommy at the Civic Arena, June 1964

2010-10-11T06:21:00.001-07:00

Collage of My Mom at the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, June 1964, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

My Mom would have been eighty-five on October 2nd. She passed away on Valentine's Day this year. My sister and I spent her birthday together visiting some of her favorite places in San Diego and doing things that she would have enjoyed.

This snapshot of my Mom was taken by me in June of 1964 in front of the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The occasion was my eldest brother's high school graduation. My cousin and I accompanied my Mom to the festivities, and you can see the picture that she took of us here.

Love you and miss you, Mutti ♥

Vintage Miniature Girl Figure

2010-09-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

Vintage Miniature Girl Figure, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

One of the little treasures in my collection of miniatures is this vintage girl who stands about 3.75 inches tall. She has suffered damage and been repaired, giving her even more appeal in my book. I featured her in a little stop-motion video in a post two days ago. As I document my miniatures, they will grace these pages. Enjoy!

New Yarn for the Stash

2010-09-29T02:34:00.001-07:00

New Yarn for the Stash, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

A visit to The Black Sheep in Encinitas, California, yielded this group of new yarns for my stash. Clockwise from upper left: two skeins of worsted cotton/nylon yarn (Cotton Twirl in "Lake Trail" colorway from Crystal Palace Yarns), bulky weight blue-green cotton skein hand-dyed in Chile (Patagonia Nature Cotton by Araucania Yarns), and a skein of sport weight aqua linen (Euroflax by Louet). Now to plan a few fall knitting projects....

Toy Figures from My Collection of Miniatures

2010-09-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Included here are three figures: a Holztiger mushroom, an Ostheimer girl, and a vintage composition girl that I found at a local antique mall.

Ragamuffin Unspun & Freshly Handspun Rag Yarn

2010-09-24T18:29:00.001-07:00

Ragamuffin Unspun & Freshly Handspun Rag Yarn, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

I had a mini-retreat/working vacation for a few days in Los Angeles recently. Luckily, my handspinning is extremely portable and meditative.

Here is a bit of my handspun harvest from earlier this week. The skeins were handspun in a local cafe in the San Pedro area, Sacred Grounds on 6th, in the arts, culture, and entertainment center of the city.

Khadi Being Handspun on Charkas and Woven in India

2010-09-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Marvel at the beauty of people handspinning cotton to weave into khadi (handwoven cotton cloth) in India....

Antiques Shed at the Country Loft

2010-09-12T06:12:00.001-07:00

Antiques Shed at the Country Loft, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

Every August, one of my favorite quilt shops has an outdoor quilt show and open house. My sister and I dropped by two weeks ago and had a great time viewing the quilts and the interior of the Country Loft, a treat in itself. We always come away with some little treasures--fat quarters, patterns, threads....

I happened upon this quote from Iris Murdoch last night:

"One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats."

There's no better place to seek out lovely small treats than The Country Loft.

Sweet Niece in Smocked Pink Linen Dress

2010-09-07T05:45:00.001-07:00

Sweet Niece in Smocked Pink Linen Dress, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

This is a recent scan of a picture I took in August of 1990. My sisters and I and my 13-month-old niece went to afternoon tea at the Horton Grand Hotel in San Diego.

My sister made the hand-smocked pale pink linen dress that my niece is wearing. Her floral pilot cap is by Hanna Andersson. It's hard to believe that my niece just turned 21 in July....

Etsy Treasury Love....

2010-09-03T03:28:00.001-07:00

'for sweet girls' by ArtLace

pink and white

Please click each individual picture for larger size and more information.

lace necklace, wedding ... Koroneczka $116	Paris mon amour - 8x12 ... magnesina $25	Ethnics hippie boho syl... aptvwt $47
White Pearls and Pink R... inspirowaneJew... $18	Delicate pink - Flower ... KATTAstudio $15	Fuchsia Felt Necklace ottupura $42
Marshmallow - Handbag,... KATTAstudio $39	RUBY'S FLOWER earri... AnnaMroczek $79	Cobweb felted scarf P... galafilc $49
Peppermint Queen Spring... priscilladawn $85	Hello Dolly Pink ACEO -... flandersfield $4	gradient pink stripeles... YongS $79
CASSIS, FRENCH VINTAGE ... dandeliondaydr... $98	Autumn Nuno Silk Blosso... glamourjunkie $130	Pink Romance hand knit... DagnyKnit $160

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Nostepinne & Handpainted Wool Carded Sliver

2010-08-31T02:24:00.001-07:00

Nostepinne & Handpainted Wool Carded Sliver, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

Handpainted fiber and the resulting spindle-spun yarn wound onto a walnut nostepinne by Craftiness of Austin, Texas.

Spindle Spun Wool

2010-08-24T05:15:00.001-07:00

Spindle Spun Wool, originally uploaded by confections.

This thirty-yard skein was handspun on my supported spindle, a Rose (French/Russian hybrid) that was hand-turned by Lisa Chan of Gripping Yarn (plied with a thin metallic Sulky thread).

The Delightful Pink World of Kitty Kat Dance

2010-08-21T13:31:00.001-07:00

***** I love my Toys*****, originally uploaded by KittyKatDance.

My good friend Kitty Kat Dance is a doll dressmaker extraordinaire. This whimsical photo of hers offers a glimpse of the magical worlds she creates for her dollies and friends. You are in for a treat when you visit her Etsy shop or her flickr photostream. Enjoy!

Rose Spindle with Handspun Wool Yarn

2010-08-18T10:32:00.001-07:00

originally uploaded by confections.

As promised, here is some of the first yarn that I handspun on my new Rose spindle. It is a French-Russian hybrid supported spindle that was made by Lisa Chan of Gripping Yarns. The fiber is carded wool sliver that I hand-dyed with Kool-Aid.

Below are my kick spindle and Spindolyn, each sporting yarn that I handspun in July for the Tour de Fleece.

William Henry Goyne Family, 1918, Tillamook, Oregon

2010-08-09T07:05:00.001-07:00

William Henry Goyne Family, 1918, Tillamook, Oregon, originally uploaded by confections.

The elderly couple in this photo, William Henry Goyne and Nancy Eade Stevens Goyne, are the great-grandparents of a good friend of mine. I had been working on a family tree for her on ancestry.com.

I was contacted by a member who recently found this photograph tucked into a Charlie Brown/Peanuts book she had bought for her children at a thrift store. She contacted me and shared a digital file; she is sending the original to me as well, and I will pass it on to my friend.

New Fiber Arts Tool: Birdseye Maple Hand-Turned Spindle

2010-08-08T06:53:00.001-07:00

Collage of Birdseye Maple Hand-Turned Spindle, originally uploaded by confections.

I recently spied some beautiful spindles hand-turned by Lisa Chan of Gripping Yarn and immediately knew I had to start a collection. Here is the first one I chose, a beauty in birdseye maple.

It is a hybrid French/Russian style hand spindle that Lisa calls a "Rose". I'm getting the knack of spinning with her and will post some photos of my efforts in a few days. "Practice, practice, practice!" is my current hand-spindling mantra.

There are at least two general categories of hand spindles: drop spindles and supported spindles. The Rose fits into the latter category and that realm is relatively new to me. I've been a lurking member of the Yahoo group "Spindlitis" for a couple of years now. I guess I am smitten with all things related to hand-spindling at the moment ♥

Flickr Signs

2010-08-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

I was playing Whirly Words with a friend last night and continued the fun with My Cool Signs dot Net....

Made with My Cool Signs.Net

Petite Blythe Suzie Sugar

2010-07-31T01:11:00.001-07:00

Petite Blythe Suzie Sugar, originally uploaded by confections.

My new Petite Blythe Suzie Sugar arrived today. I was inspired to get her by my friend, Kitty Kat Dance. She is a lovely addition to my Petite Blythe collection and a demanding muse. She already wants some new custom dresses. I think that can be arranged.

Licca Dolls on Vacation

2010-07-28T05:11:00.001-07:00

Licca Dolls on Vacation, originally uploaded by confections.

My sweet Licca dolls came along on a mini-vacation last week. Here they are hanging out on the windowsill at the hotel, all artsy in black-and-white. Please click the photo to zoom for full-size format.

Miniature Japanese Toy Eraser Desserts

2010-07-26T16:20:00.001-07:00

Miniature Japanese Toy Eraser Desserts (3), originally uploaded by confections.

I found these miniature Japanese toy eraser desserts at a local mall in Westminster, California, during our recent jaunt to San Pedro. I had brought my two new Licca dolls along for the trip, and of course they were clamoring for a toy or two. This little tray of confections fit the bill beautifully for their tea party.

Stomping around Los Angeles

2010-07-24T04:43:00.001-07:00

Stomping around Los Angeles, originally uploaded by confections.

San Pedro, to be exact, outside Williams' Book Store....

Plenty of Leg Room for Licca in Her New Convertible

2010-07-21T01:34:00.001-07:00

Plenty of Leg Room for Licca in Her New Convertible, originally uploaded by confections.

I just bought a new Licca doll (she came all the way from Hawaii). She is used to tropical breezes and is very happy in her new convertible.

Collage of Blue-Face Leicester Wool on Spindolyn Spindle

2010-07-19T15:11:00.001-07:00

Collage of Blue-Face Leicester Wool on Spindolyn Spindle, originally uploaded by confections.

Here are my recent endeavors towards my participation in the Tour de Fleece 2010. Blue-face Leicester wool, hand-dyed, and handspun on my newly acquired Spindolyn supported spindle.

Spinning at Starbucks for the Tour de Fleece

2010-07-14T02:09:00.001-07:00

Spinning at Starbucks for the Tour de Fleece, originally uploaded by confections.

As part of my participation in the 2010 Tour de Fleece (contemporaneous with the Tour de France), I have been spinning every day, and most days in public at one of my local cafes. On Monday I visited a local Starbucks and took my kick spindle with me. On the spindle: hand-dyed merino wool singles....

Grosgrain: The Naiad Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

2010-07-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Grosgrain: The Naiad Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

I love this diaphanous gown! Please click the link above to see it and have a chance to win it....

Spread the Love

2010-07-11T16:02:00.001-07:00

Lamp Post at Horton Plaza

2010-07-02T05:10:00.001-07:00

Lamp Post at Horton Plaza, originally uploaded by confections.

I hadn't been to Horton Plaza shopping center in downtown San Diego, California, in quite some time. On an early morning visit last week, I snapped these photos. Horton Plaza had its grand opening in the summer of 1985, twenty-five years ago. It stirred controversy when it was built, because a number of historic buildings were torn down to make way for its construction.

My Dad in His Youth

2010-06-20T08:12:00.001-07:00

My Dad in His Youth, originally uploaded by confections.

One of my mother's favorite photos of my Dad, circa 1950, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

My Dad and his four brothers, taken about 1930. Left to right: Ralph Alphonse, Vincent Nicholas, Alfred Michael, John Clement (my Dad), and Frank Cletus.

My grandmother and grandfather called three of their five sons by their middle names, so my uncles were: Uncle Ralph, Uncle Vince, my Dad (Uncle Clem to my cousins), Uncle Clete, and Uncle Mike. My Uncle Clete is the only one still alive.

My Dad (on the right) with one of his World War II buddies, Ray Wilken. Ray and his wife had come into town for a visit and they sat around the dining room table and caught up on their lives. Circa spring of 1969.

Happy Father's Day!

Mid-May Fiber Day with Friends

2010-06-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

Mid-May Fiber Day with Friends, originally uploaded by confections.

Yarn, books, spinning, tea, coffee, friends...

Moda Jelly Roll: Rural Jardin by French General

2010-06-05T07:53:00.001-07:00

Moda Jelly Roll: Rural Jardin by French General, originally uploaded by confections.

An inspiring Jelly Roll by Moda: Rural Jardin by French General's Kaari Meng. It consists of 2.5" wide strips of this new line of fabric. I'm not sure yet what I will do with this new addition to my stash: a log cabin doll quilt, some Ragamuffin yarn? For the time being, I'm just enjoying its potential in my on-deck circle.

Petite Blythe Muchacha Zukin....

2010-06-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

Petite Blythe Muchacha Zukin...., originally uploaded by confections.

My latest Petite Blythe, Muchacha Zukin; here she is surrounded by new fabrics from my stash. I especially love her bonnet, embellished with little felt flowers ♥

Fresh Fabrics for Spring

2010-05-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

I went on an artist's date (a concept espoused by Julia Cameron) the other day to one of my favorite fabric shops and came back with this armload of fresh inspiration. Some of it will be handspun into my signature Ragamuffin yarn, and the rest will likely end up in a quilt or apron.

Jacaranda Blossoms

2010-05-27T04:16:00.001-07:00

Jacaranda Blossoms, originally uploaded by confections.

The jacaranda are in bloom in San Diego, California. Lovely sight!

Handspun Art Yarn

2010-05-20T09:15:00.001-07:00

Handspun Art Yarn, originally uploaded by confections.

This handspun art yarn skein incorporates mohair and Cotswold locks; it is a combination of tailspun and corespun techniques. I used a commercial merino core yarn and plied the singles yarn back onto itself for a super bulky skein.

Rapunzel at Peet's

2010-05-17T07:27:00.001-07:00

Rapunzel at Peet's, originally uploaded by confections.

Rapunzel is my portable maple spinning wheel made by Gord Lendrum in Canada. She has been my faithful companion for close to fifteen years. I acquired her in a trade with a fellow fiber artist.

Since she folds and is easily portable (not that I fold her most times--she just rides in the back seat buckled up for safety), she likes to go to cafes for spinning sessions.

This Saturday, a friend of mine and my sister and I had a retreat-style day: high tea, yarn & book store romp, artisan bread sandwiches, and lattes and spinning at Peet's in my neighborhood.

Rapunzel was joined by her cousin, my friend's Lendrum named Penelope. I also had my Mother Marion kick spindle in tow--her name is Hepzibah.

We always create a stir when we spin in public. Men are fascinated by the mechanics and physics of the wheel, and women of the fibery persuasion recognize the magical madness of wool fluff turning into yarn. Kids are always curious about the spinning wheel.

If you haven't already tried it, take your fiber arts to the cafe next time you go.

New Regency Dolls

2010-05-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

New Regency Doll, originally uploaded by confections.

I recently bought two new Regency dollies from upallnightstudio. I had gotten ones for my two sisters for their recent birthdays and had to have one for myself. I bought an additional one in memory of my Mother, who passed away on Valentine's Day. She would have loved these dolls.

My Mom, My Baby Brother & Me, 1956

2010-05-09T05:24:00.001-07:00

My Mom, My Baby Brother & Me, 1956, originally uploaded by confections.

When I was five, my Mom and my Godmother (Great-Aunt Onie) took a roadtrip with my baby brother. We drove from Pennsylvania to Indiana to visit my Mother's only sister, Margaret, who was newly married and expecting her first child. This portrait was taken in my aunt's living room during that jaunt.

My Mom passed away this year on Valentine's Day. Aunt Margaret turned 87 years old yesterday, May 8th. Belated Happy Birthday and Happy Mother's Day, Tante Margaret and Mutti!

Courtesy of Old World Shoppes on Etsy.

Kool-Aid Dyeing

2010-05-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

In my spring cleaning adventures, I discovered some old packets of Kool-Aid that I had bought to use to dye fiber. A good friend and I had done a bit of this in a weaving and spinning class a while back and had since moved on to other dyestuffs.

I dyed two small bumps of wool fiber and a small skein of merino yarn and had lots of fun. I used a Ball jar dyeing technique which is a lot less messy than my usual handpainting approach. I'm looking forward to spinning these up.

Mother's Day Tribute by Etsy Old World Shoppes

2010-05-02T02:15:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of Old World Shoppes on Etsy.

Ragamuffin Yarn

2010-04-30T02:35:00.001-07:00

Ragamuffin Yarn, originally uploaded by confections.

I've been busy lately dyeing and spinning fiber, as well as my signature premium cotton rag yarn, Ragamuffin. Spring always seems to open up new possibilities, and to my mind, is the real beginning of the new year. Cheers to the joys of spring!

Spring Bouquet

2010-04-25T04:57:00.001-07:00

Spring Bouquet, originally uploaded by confections.

These flowers were photographed at Vignettes in Ocean Beach, California, and were part of the decorations for a recent visit by Rachel Ashwell.

Thank Goddess for Sisters!

2010-04-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

This week I have the luxury of spending time with both of my sisters. My youngest sister surprised us this week by flying into town and showing up on my other sister's doorstep. She has done this at least three times in recent years, and we have returned the favor once. Gotta love it when one of your best friends shows up to play.

We lost our Mother two months ago today, on Valentine's Day. Our grieving process is ongoing, but is eased by our being together and sharing stories and photos of our Mom and family. Call or visit your sister and mother (and brother and father!) today and express your appreciation and love. It's all there is.

My Kind of Easter Basket

2010-04-06T06:12:00.001-07:00

My Kind of Easter Basket, originally uploaded by confections.

My kind of Easter basket, filled with fresh skeins to play with. Don't worry. I have chocolate, too.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a Happy Easter and a wonderful spring season (or autumn for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere)!

A favorite source of mine for vintage graphics is the Graphics Fairy, who supplied these nostalgic images today.

Portrait of Caryl Nelson, Common Threads

2010-04-02T06:43:00.001-07:00

Portrait of Caryl Nelson, Common Threads, originally uploaded by confections.

A banner with a portrait of Caryl Nelson of Common Threads in Encinitas, California.

This portrait banner was painted by Caryl's daughter, Nancy Nelson, and is hanging on a lamp post outside their yarn shop on Highway 101, Encinitas, California; it is part of the "Arts Alive Banner Project" featured this spring in their community.

Nancy's words about her painting, entitled "Mom at Common Threads":

"Knitting is our business and this portrait of my mother is a typical pose she takes in our front room. One of my mother's deepest wishes is to shout from the mountain tops and tell all those who don’t know that knitting is a wonderful stress release and can be a personal sanctuary in the midst of the crazy world we live in. Plus you get a sweater as a bonus! "

Nancy and Caryl are treasured members of the fiber arts community in San Diego County, California. Over the years I have enjoyed visiting their shop and have always gotten good advice on projects and lots of inspiration. Ten years ago, they taught my sister, a friend, and me how to knit socks, a feat at which I still marvel; I so admire Caryl for her patience with us newbies to the sock-knitting club.

Victorian Autograph Album

2010-03-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

One of my cousins is the custodian of this family heirloom, a late-Victorian autograph album that belonged to a great-great-aunt of ours. Many of her friends and relatives signed the book and entered little poems typical of the day. I believe that my paternal grandmother is one of the contributors.

When I was in grade school, I had a much smaller autograph book and my grandmother and grandfather both signed it. I hope it will resurface during spring cleaning.

(Photos copyright and courtesy of my cousin, dsg.)

Sisters, Mommy and Aunt Margaret, 1935

2010-03-27T03:47:00.000-07:00

Here is another photo of my Mother (left) and my Aunt Margaret, about 1935, on their farm in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania--this time with their family pet, an Airedale named Jack.

Owlets on Camera

2010-03-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

I have been watching Mama Owl Molly, her mate McGee, and two of their newly hatched owlets, Max and Pattison, on this site off and on over the last day. Another owlet is expected to hatch later on this evening.

For more information, check out this blog.

Dick Foran Singing "My Little Buckaroo" (1937)

2010-03-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

During my first NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2007, I gathered many stories from my mother by phone that I incorporated into a first draft of a novel. During those daily telephone sessions, songs and music would often come up and spark her memory. On one occasion when she was talking about her early days as a new mother after World War II, she mentioned that my Dad would often sing this song to my eldest brother when he was a baby.

My Mom thought that Dick Foran was handsome and reminded her of my Dad, both in looks and in his singing voice. My Dad could croon a tune. So, a lullaby for all of the little buckaroos out there, a memory from my Mom....

Sisters, circa 1936

2010-03-22T06:06:00.001-07:00

Sisters, circa 1936, originally uploaded by confections.

My Aunt Margaret (left) and my mother (right) on their farm in rural Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, circa 1936.

Before she died, my mother described the farm and its buildings to me and I made a few small drawings. We looked up the site on Google Earth; a lot had changed, but we were able to pinpoint the property.

I lost my mother on Valentine's Day, but my Aunt Margaret is alive and well. I want to gather more stories from her while I have the privilege to do so.

More than likely, the dresses my aunt and mother are wearing were made by my grandmother, who was an excellent seamstress and needleworker. My sister has an ecru tablecloth crocheted by her, and I have a needlework bag she made that is designed to hang over the wrist to hold yarn or crochet thread.

A decade ago, Aunt Margaret gave my sister and me some handmade lace that our great-aunts had created during their lifetimes. My sister used it to edge some gauzy curtains in her home. Those curtains have worn out, but the lace has survived and remains a treasured heirloom in our family and a testament to women's textile art.

Restoring an Old Photo

2010-03-19T07:14:00.001-07:00

First Communion, 1958, Restored, originally uploaded by confections.

Last night I restored this old photo of my First Communion (in 1958) with Picasa. I also created copies in sepia and black and white. There are a lot more vintage family photos that need to be scanned and restored; that's one of the projects I have taken on this year.

Fair Niece, 1989

2010-03-17T05:06:00.001-07:00

Fair Niece, 1989, originally uploaded by confections.

"Moonchild"

a poem in a variation of the Malayan Pantoum Form

She crowned as a redhead, we thought,
this wise newborn girl,
fair niece Laken Julia, a moonchild.
Surprise! Her hair is a halo of flax.

This wise newborn girl,
papa and mama's firstborn.
Surprise! Her hair is a halo of flax.
With delicate fingers, she signs in slow-motion.

Papa and mama's firstborn,
her eyes wide open in her first night of life.
With delicate fingers, she signs in slow-motion,
ancient waves of remembering wash through her.

Her eyes wide open in her first night of life.
She crowned as a redhead, we thought,
ancient waves of remembering wash through her,
fair niece Laken Julia, a moonchild.

Hope

2010-03-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

I love vintage images and a great source is The Graphics Fairy. In my grieving process, this image has uplifted me....

Fair Helena

2010-03-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Fair Helena, who more engilds the night
Than all yon fiery oes and eyes of light..."

This illustration is by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) from A Midsummer Night's Dream (1908) by William Shakespeare. This is a reproduction on a notecard from the Green Tiger Press (circa 1980).

1950's Nostalgia

2010-03-01T05:46:00.001-08:00

1950's Nostalgia, originally uploaded by confections.

Another photo of my Mom, my brother and me, circa spring 1955. In a similar photo I had posted yesterday, my brother's stuffed toy chimpanzee, "Zippy", was not very clearly visible. So, herewith, Zippy in all his glory.

Circa 1955

2010-02-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

My Mother, my brother, and I, circa spring 1955. My Mother was pregnant here, probably with my brother who was born in August 1955. I always seemed to have a doll at hand in childhood photos; my brother is proudly holding his stuffed toy chimpanzee, "Zippy".

Tea!

2010-02-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

The pleasures of tea at Tea-upon-Chatsworth.... This photo was taken in January when my sister and I went to tea with our 20-year-old niece. I hope to go again soon with a friend.

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown

My Mother, 1925 - 2010

2010-02-20T07:32:00.001-08:00

My Mother, 1925 - 2010, originally uploaded by confections.

On my birthday, December 10th, 2009, my sisters, my Mom, and I celebrated at our favorite tea shop, Tea-upon-Chatsworth in San Diego. We all sported tiaras for the occasion.

I lost my Mother on Valentine's Day. Rest in peace, Mutti.

"Song"

by Edward Coote Pinkney, 1825

Those starry eyes, those starry eyes,
Those eyes that used to be
Unto my heart as beacon-lights
To pilgrims on the sea!

I see them yet, I see them yet,
Though long since quenched and gone--
I could not live illumined by
The common sun alone.

Could they seem thus, could they seem thus,
If but a memory?
Ah, yes! Upon this wintry earth
They burn no more for me.
♥

My HearthSong Dollhouse, Christmas 1990

2010-02-18T05:45:00.001-08:00

My HearthSong Dollhouse, Christmas 1990, originally uploaded by confections.

Last night I scanned an old photo of my wooden dollhouse purchased from HearthSong in the late 1980's. Here it is decked out for Christmas 1990. Atop the house is a vintage 1960's Santa in sleigh that my Mother gave me from her collection many years ago.

I began spinning yarn in the late 1980's-early 1990's, and my interest is reflected in the miniature spinning wheel seen on the first floor on the right.

I have lots of miniatures that are not on display here. One of my spring goals is to redecorate the dollhouse (and the real house!). My Mother cross-stitched a miniature rug for the nursery in the dollhouse, and it is one of the many treasures from her that is giving me solace as I mourn her loss.

In My Parents' Garden

2010-02-17T04:06:00.001-08:00

In My Parents' Garden (11), originally uploaded by confections.

I am grieving the loss of my Mother this past Valentine's Day and finding solace in images of the cottage garden she and my father created. These photos were taken circa 1987, four years before my father died.

Collage of My Parents' Dollhouse, 1985

2010-02-16T06:09:00.001-08:00

Collage of My Parents' Dollhouse, 1985 (2), originally uploaded by confections.

After my father retired, he and my mother collaborated on a dollhouse. It is a magical creation that displays their most excellent skills.

I just lost my mother on Valentine's Day and my Dad has been gone for 18 years. This dollhouse now belongs to one of my nieces, who has three young daughters to share it with.

My Mother & Brother, 1947

2010-02-15T02:52:00.001-08:00

My Mother & Brother, 1947, originally uploaded by confections.

My beautiful Mother passed away peacefully in her sleep early on Valentine's Day.

How fitting for her irrepressible Libran sensibility that she would choose to depart on that special day honoring love....

I am so grateful that she had spent a month here in California at the end of 2009 and we got to do all of our girly fun things together.

Love you and miss you, Mutti!

"Diana" by Arthur Rackham

2010-02-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Work of Byron Katie: Turn It Around

2010-02-12T02:42:00.000-08:00

Edmund Dulac's "Queen of the Ebony Isles"

2010-02-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

A haunting image of "The Queen of the Ebony Isles" by Edmund Dulac (1882-1953), created for Stories from the Arabian Nights....

Arthur Rackham "Woman with Lions"

2010-02-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

This image was drawn by Arthur Rackham for a 1909 edition of the Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm. It is entitled "She went away accompanied by the Lions". Wouldn't you love to prance around in that lovely gown?

Valentine's Day Gifts from Etsy's Old World Shoppes

2010-02-06T22:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a selection of handmade goodies for your sweet Valentine from Etsy's Old World Shoppes.

Green Tiger Press Image of the Day

2010-02-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

"Au Claire de la Lune"

from the French folk song... illustrated by Anne Anderson (active in the 1920's) for the book Old French Nursery Songs.

Ragamuffin of the Day

2010-02-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

I've been preparing and spinning lots of Ragamuffin yarn this week, some of it from my new "Chiffon" line of true rag yarn with knots and tails and all. More on that later this week.

I love the soft hand of this "Allspice Tapestry" print by Joanna Figueroa; it knits up beautifully on size 11 to 13 needles (or larger if you want a looser look). One skein would make a great coffee cozy or protective iPod case.

"Zenobia" by Warwick Goble

2010-02-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

Another ethereal image that was reproduced by the Green Tiger Press during its heyday: "Zenobia" by Warwick Goble (1862-1943), an illustration for the Modern Readers Chaucer.

Queen Zenobia of Palmyra's story is recounted in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (The Monk's Tale). The regal young queen, flanked by leopards, carries a bow and quiver of arrows, wears a gem-laden crown, and strolls under the waxing crescent moon.

"The Fairies are Exquisite Dancers" by Arthur Rackham

2010-02-02T01:20:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite images: "The Fairies are Exquisite Dancers", a vintage Green Tiger Press notecard with envelope, by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), from Peter Pan Portfolio.

Julia Cameron on "The Artist's Way"

2010-01-30T04:59:00.000-08:00

Julia Cameron is one of my favorite creativity mentors. Here she is interviewed by Joel Fotinos of Jeremy Tarcher/Penguin Books about some of the concepts in her bestselling book The Artist's Way.

Pleasure Bright

2010-01-29T01:27:00.000-08:00

This illustration is from the book The Brownies around the World (1894) by Palmer Cox (Canadian, 1840 - 1924). An impish Brownie holds a half moon and reminds us that "Every month brings pleasure bright, If the heart is only right...." This vintage Green Tiger Press Notecard would make a charming Valentine.

Teddy Bear Valentine, Black & White Version

2010-01-28T05:18:00.000-08:00

The Green Tiger Press reproduced several versions of this charming Valentine in its heyday. Today the black and white version is being featured. Illustrator, costume designer, and cartoonist Albertine Randall Wheelan (American, 1867-1954) created this Teddy Bear Valentine image for St. Nicholas Magazine.

The Blue Bird

2010-01-27T05:53:00.000-08:00

This illustration, "The Bird about to Fly Off" by F. Cayley Robinson (active 1910's), is from the book The Blue Bird by Maurice Maeterlinck. It was reproduced as part of the Fairy Tale Notecard series by the Green Tiger Press in the early 1980's.

Teddy Bear Vintage Valentine

2010-01-26T02:33:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Green Tiger Press Valentines; this one is by Albertine Randall Wheelan, American artist, costume designer, and cartoonist (1863 - 1954).

Ragamuffin Handspun, Amy Butler Print

2010-01-24T19:41:00.001-08:00

Ragamuffin Handspun, Amy Butler Print, originally uploaded by confections.

Handspun rag yarn made from an Amy Butler fabric: Garden Maze from her Midwest Modern line.

Squirrel Cage Swift for Yarn Winding

2010-01-22T15:02:00.001-08:00

Squirrel Cage Swift, originally uploaded by confections.

My Mom bought this squirrel cage swift for me for my recent birthday. We found it at a local antique mall and I bowed to its beauty. It is used to hold loose yarn skeins for winding into center-pull balls (yarn cakes). It can also be used to form those skeins directly from handspun on the spinning wheel.

I have a functional umbrella yarn swift (or two!), but I had read about the versatility and adjustability of the squirrel cage variety and had one on my wish list. Serendipity led us to find it at the local antique mall during my Mom's recent visit and her generosity brought it home to my little fiber arts studio for me to play with. Thank you, Mom!

It is shown here holding a cotton skein that I handpainted in a weaving class a while back. This will be the weft; I have a similarly handpainted warp. I'm going to dress one of my table looms and weave a shawl, just allowing the interlacing of the handpainted skeins to create a one-of-a-kind pattern in the cloth.

Local Morning News Coverage of My Favorite Tea Shop, Tea-upon-Chatsworth

2010-01-19T23:49:00.000-08:00

A Glimpse of My Fabric Stash

2010-01-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

A random stack of fabric from my stash.

Some of this is destined to be handspun into my signature Ragamuffin yarn, some for doll clothes, some for quilts. Oh, the joys of fiber!

Maid Maleen by Arthur Rackham

2010-01-17T04:26:00.000-08:00

Maid Maleen Vintage Green Tiger Press Postcard by Arthur Rackham from a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

"The waiting maid sprang down first and Maid Maleen followed."

This illustration from "Little Brother and Little Sister" (1917) by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) was reproduced by the Green Tiger Press as a postcard.

Green Tiger Press Valentine

2010-01-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

I've pulled a few Valentine images from my Green Tiger Press stash and will be featuring them on my blog and in my Etsy shop over the next week or so. Please enjoy!

My Sweet Nieces at Play

2010-01-13T02:56:00.001-08:00

My Sweet Nieces at Play, originally uploaded by confections.

This photo was taken by my youngest sister, Liesl, around Halloween 1994. She made the fairy costumes for my sweet nieces and took this lovely shot to document the occasion.

I have enjoyed following Rachel Devine/Sesame Ellis' photostream on flickr for some time, and am especially enthusiastic about her new blog called "beyond snapshots". She and Peta Mazey are providing guidance for those of us who aspire to greater heights in our photography. Head on over there and enjoy!

Nancy Ann Doll under the Tree

2010-01-11T17:29:00.001-08:00

Nancy Ann Doll under the Tree, originally uploaded by confections.

A little vignette at my friend's home for the New Year.

Twelfth Night

2010-01-05T22:23:00.001-08:00

Twelfth Night, originally uploaded by confections.

Happy Twelfth Night of Christmas!

Homemade Cardamom Bread Loaf

2010-01-04T00:49:00.001-08:00

Homemade Cardamom Bread Loaf, originally uploaded by confections.

A gift from a dear friend for Christmas & New Year 2010. Delicious toasted with sweet cream butter. And tea, of course!

Birthday Doll

2009-12-29T04:37:00.001-08:00

Birthday Doll, originally uploaded by confections.

A gift from my sister for my recent birthday, this vintage Nancy Ann doll has a place of honor under my little pink Christmas tree.

KittyKatDance created the entire dolly tableau and her lovely wool outfit.

Self-Portrait, Christmas Walk, 2009

2009-12-28T16:07:00.001-08:00

Self-Portrait, Christmas Walk, 2009, originally uploaded by confections.

Just before preparing dinner on Christmas Day, I went for a walk at one of my favorite paths in San Diego, which I call the "magical walk" on Point Loma. It's always uplifting and invigorating.

My Pink Faux Christmas Tree, Decorated

2009-12-26T04:48:00.001-08:00

My Pink Faux Christmas Tree, Decorated, originally uploaded by confections.

My little faux pink Christmas tree, all decorated, alongside my sister's traditional faux green tree on the left.

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!

Narcissus and Pink Christmas Tree

2009-12-20T03:53:00.001-08:00

Narcissus and Pink Christmas Tree, originally uploaded by confections.

A few of my favorite things today: paper whites (narcissus) blooming; a gift from my sister.

My new faux pink tree; at 36" tall, it's just the right size for the table top I have in mind. It will be decorated in time for the Winter Solstice....

Pink Nancy Ann Doll Set for Christmas

2009-12-19T02:31:00.000-08:00

KittyKatDance on Etsy has amazing Kawaii treasures, including doll sets like the one pictured above. My sister gave me a darling tableau handcrafted by KittyKatDance for my recent birthday and it will have a place of honor underneath my faux pink Christmas tree (that is, when I finish decorating it). I'll post the dolly and the Yule tree very soon....

"December" by Kate Greenaway

2009-12-18T12:11:00.001-08:00

"December" by Kate Greenaway, originally uploaded by confections.

Today I am enamored of a vintage Green Tiger Press Notecard (greeting card, blank inside) entitled "December" by Kate Greenaway. This illustration was part of the celebrated 1890 Almanac by Kate Greenaway. Two girls clad in warm winter garb, including bonnets and a muff, make their way through the snowy landscape.

Sweetgum Trees in Early November, California

2009-11-27T12:50:00.001-08:00

Sweetgum Trees in Early November, California, originally uploaded by confections.

A hint of fall is visible in San Diego, California, on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University--sweetgum trees display their splendor on an early November day.