September 19, 2016

Chocolate is always a good idea...


Hey strangers!  I know, I know...
I have been away from my blog for most of the summer.
I needed some me time to replenish my soul.
My creative soul and my regular, everyday soul was feeling kind of raggedy.
Doing this kind of work- and it is work- requires quiet thinking time.
Did I sit quietly meditating? NO.
My soul work is done with a paintbrush in my hand,
or watching a sewing needle pop up and down,
stirring a simmering pot on the stove, or floating in the pool.
That is where I find my quiet.
There is never quiet in this house in basic terms, not with all our pups
running amok and underfoot and on top of me and in bed with me, etc.
So you understand, right?
I knew you would.
You are my people, after all.


Ah, but what about the chocolates and bonbons?
I won't lie- there have been moments. Many moments.
After all, I'm still me.
And chocolate cannot escape me. wink wink

So, I have been embroidering quotes to frame for years and it's one
of my favorite ways to personalize a space or 
create a little moment somewhere in my home.

I paired this one up with my very old and very stinky wooden pyrography box.
I had tried unsuccesfully to remove the smell ten different ways and finally
just painted it in this pale pinkish color by Vintage Market & Design.
It's called Conch and it has just the perfect hint of pink.
I waxed it with MMS regular wax and then used dark to highlight the burnout.
Blush and Bashful, ladies. There's my Steel Magnolias quote of the day. ;)

      
I framed it without the glass and secured it to cardboard with antique copper tacks from England that I removed from another project.


The fabric I used was a sample from Bella Notte linens in Hendrix Powder.
I've made quite a few this summer and will have them available 
for sale in the next few weeks.
I'll have another post up soon with the ones I've completed.
They'll all be one of a kind.
So many possibilities for use.

I think you'll love them as much as I do.


Yes, I see that tack needs to be adjusted, my detail fixated friends.
Admit it, it bugged you.
It's bugging the crap out of me! hahahahaha
And the light changed from the upper photos to the last two 
that I took just now. Sigh.
I'm way too busy eating that dark chocolate pumpkin seed stuff to care
about going back and reshooting them.
Nothing will happen, right? 


I've got a few giveaways planned for the the next few months
and I'm excited to show you some things I've been working on.
I've posted on Instagram this summer if you'd like to check that out.
FYI, those of you who don't use IG on your phones can still see my posts.
Just google tlc4wwk and it will take you there to view on your computer.
I'm still getting the hang of things over there, but it's fun!

Have a great week, y'all.






20 comments :

  1. At your command! I'm here! I love your chocolate embroidery, but I love you more. I'm very happy to see you post again, but I totally get taking a break. Looking forward to the giveaways. I fully intend to win. Again. :D

    xo
    andi

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  2. We've both been a little MIA, and now it's time to get back to the blogworld! LOVE both of these!!

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  3. Love your embroidery and I agree with that sentiment! As a matter of fact, I indulged in a toasted marshmallow mocha coffee this afternoon:@)

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  4. Love the chocolate embroidery! It is most definitely always a good idea. Now I have to go find me some. There might still be a brownie or two around here if John didn't eat them today while I was at work. I might have forgotten to hide them. lol. Nice to see you back!

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  5. Inquiring minds would desperately like to know where to find dark chocolate pumpkin seeds. It is nice to take a break, but glad to see you back with lovely embroidery to show.

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  6. Hello, my sweet friend. You may have been gone, but never a stranger. Strange? Maybe! but not a stranger. Just jokin'. Just thought you might not recognize me without a joke or two! Beautiful job. Do you do that by hand or machine? It is so pretty. Glad you told what the fabric is as I thought it was velvet. Looking forward to the give aways and what you have been up to. Ha,ha, reading back I guess you really are a sweet friend with all that chocolate. Just sayin..Have a wonderful week..xxoJudy

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    1. Bella Notte Hendrix fabric is a distressed crushed velvet, Judy. You were right. It's machine embroidery. And I'm a little strange I hope. ;)

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  7. OK, so the project is cool, the saying is spot on, but tell me about the darn chocolate you're eating? Did that come from Costco? I'm still waiting for those cookies to come to our Costco.

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    1. I see how it is...y'all just love me for my sweets! It's BarkThins snacking chocolate- with pumpkin seeds and sea salt. Health food. You can get it just abpot anywhere, but you know I get mine in the big bag at Costco. No cookies yet? My SIL can't get them at hers, either. I have two bags for her in my pantry. She may or may not get them.

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  8. First, tell me what I'm going to win! :) It's good to take a break and care for yourself. I'm not a candy person at all but I'd go for chocolate pie or cake or brownies. Do you mind telling me what kind of machine you have? I'd so love to have one that at least does monograms. Not sure I would be able to do your professional style! I can't wait to see what you've been working on

    Have a blessed week!
    xo
    Pat

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  9. Tina I love your embroidery and your creative artistic heart as whatever you make shows your heart. I do not like the taste of pumpkin but I do consume lots of pumpkin seeds, love them. That bark looks yummy and I was just at Costco and had no idea there is such a yummy combination! I agree IG is fun and I enjoy your posts.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  10. So happy to see you back posting Tina. I am set up on IG but have not taken the plunge yet to figure out how to post pics on there!!! I have so much other stuff going on that it seems like that is on a long list of things to get done. Glad you enjoy IG. I hear there is lots of fun inspiration there. Love your new pieces you got done. You go girl.
    Kris

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  11. Im glad you enjoyed some time off. I love the embroidery there's never been a truer saying :) im really loving the frame with it tacks i clearly am not ocd i never noticed it was off. Enjoy the pumpkin seeds they sound amazing.

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  12. Hey friend! Don't you love IG... It's so quick and easy to share and "like" without taking 10 hundred hours.... And yes chocolate is a good thing! Always! Hope you have a great weekend and see you on my phone :)

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  13. Hello Dearest Tina,
    I am in the same boat as you right now, and that is enjoying so many more things other than blogging. I have some commitments to honor, but truthfully I just want Fall to arrive and be outside!
    On another note-your embroidery is fabulous and your creative and thoughtful soul shines through the pieces that you create. Yummm...dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds-I thought dark chocolate covered cherries were good, I can only imagine this Fall and festive treat.
    xo
    Jemma

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  14. IG is wonderful. I just wish we could post pics not from a mobile device.

    The pink color is just about the prettiest I've ever seen...almost as luscious as that chocolate :).

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  15. Hello Tina - I LOVE your framed embroidery and can't wait to see what you will have available. I too agree that sometimes you need to disconnect to reconnect and good for your for taking that time. I will admit I was very happy to see another post and am excited for you and what the next few months will look like! You Go Girl with the chocolate and bon bons!

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  16. hi. glad you're still doing the things you love. and i love your header...

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  17. It sounds like you had a relaxing and creative summer, Tina. Good for you! Love your chocolate themed embroidery and that fabulous old box, too! Glad you're back!

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  18. you and I have both been MIA this past summer. :) my days sound very similar to yours, except I'm on my ebay instead of a sewing machine. lol I do take those chocolate breaks to watch my OC Housewives...yes I'm hooked on the drama. lol
    Can't wait to see more of your creations!
    hugs,
    Marie

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