Handpainted Bobbins and Spools with Silk Ribbons (2)

Handpainted Bobbins and Spools with Silk Ribbons (2), originally uploaded by confections.

The colors of these handpainted bobbins and spools remind me of Paris. They were inspired by ones made by Heather Bailey. I love all sorts of tools associated with the fiberarts and collect them with relish. In my studio I have a stash of old wooden spools I've gathered over the years. Sadly, they are a disappearing commodity in the marketplace.

This week the Etsybloggers' blog carnival topic is the latest item purchased from an Etsy shop. Mine is a lovely collage of images of the City of Light--Paris--compiled by the incomparable Lunagirl. What fun I will have with these!

Collectibles Collage

Collectibles Collage, originally uploaded by confections.

I am a collector of many things. I have Gemini at my midheaven, so I am known for my collections. I can't help it. I was born with this lovely affliction. Among the things I collect are books, tea pots, tea cups, sugars and creamers (really, all manner of tea accoutrement are fair game), Belleek, yarn, fabric, fiber, beads, baskets, buttons, sewing patterns, snails (they are my husband's and my totem animal), percussion instruments, jewelry, rubber stamps, stationery, scrapbooking items, photographs--whew! Many of the tools I collect pertain to my fiberarts--looms, spinning wheel, yarn skeiner, spindles, niddy-noddies, umbrella swifts. I'm sure there are a few more, but I'll stop the litany there. Collecting--it's what life's about!

The basket pictured below is one that I made at a workshop nearly four years ago. That was an addictive class. I may enroll in a basket-making class this fall to add to my ever-growing collection of Peterboro and other baskets. The class runs for six weeks at a time and you make a new basket each week. Sounds like a Gemini midheaven's dream-come-true!