Filoli...Fight. Love. Live.

My husband and I took a trip to the beautiful Filoli Estate.  The name comes from this credo:

“Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.” 

Agreed, and what a beautiful sentiment.  You aren't allowed to picnic or galavant on the grounds despite some little ones' best efforts.  Since I happen to be a Secret Garden fan, I think that gardens should be for everyone, especially children; so it seems a shame.  Still, it's worth the trip.  Irises, lilacs, peonies, cherry blossoms...the list goes on and on.

It's located off Highway 280, exit Edgewood Road.  We were there just in time for the wisteria to be in full bloom all over the property.  You can stroll through magical gardens of every size and shape.  You might even catch a glimpse of a peacock like we did.

More projects!

I got wrapped up in projects again!   Couldn't help it!  I have been doing some more fabric painting, only this time I used a 14 in sewing hoop instead of a 6 inch one.  The tote and pillow came from two of those experiments.  I think I will try a skirt next...maybe more pillows.  The last pic came from some experimenting with candle dyes.  I had just a few different blues and fuchsia to work with and purples as the goal.  I got some very interesting shades.  Fun times.  I used soy wax from General Wax in LA.  If you are in the area, you should check out their candle making classes.  

A few projects

So sorry it's been so long.  I was going to do a post about a pie I made last week, but it didn't inspire me.  I thought, if it doesn't inspire me, I doubt it will inspire my readers.  So, I went into making mode.  I have been doing some fabric painting, some sewing and some woodworking.  Here are a few of my projects:

Martha Stewart fabric paints are wonderful!  I started with these six colors and then went out and bough 10 more!  I did my own version of silk painting minus, well, everything but paint and fabric.  I used a silk-like fabric for the first two and a cotton blend for the last.  I really love that there is kind of a water color effect happening...as it turns out, that's what happens when you thin out your paint with water.  ;)  

I didn't stop there.  I decided to try my hand at making a zippered pouch.  I watched this video on craftsy.com...an incredible resource for us crafties and then did my own version.  Considering it's my first one, I think I did pretty well.  Up next...a pillow and maybe a tote.  

Woodworking class has been a process.  I decided to start small and get to know the machines.  Below are my first two cutting boards.  I am pretty happy about them.  I haven't decided what my next project will be.  What do you suggest? 

A sewing project and a little bit of color

I decided that I could not live any longer without a maxi skirt, and since I am definitely on a budget, I decided to make my own.  If you are of the same ilk, go to this lovely little lady's you tube videos.  She does an excellent job making the whole thing sound ridiculously easy.  It was, though I am no master seamstress...yet!  I wore it today, and I felt more like myself than I had in a long time.  Funny how a little color can do that to you.  Speaking of color...there are few flower pics below as well.  I am completely obsessed with flower photos and with my little iPhone camera, well, let's just say, I'm still learning.  It would seem that I am novice in everything I do these days, but I know I am exactly where I should be.  I would love to hear about other sewing blogs and flower blogs if you would like to share!  Oh, and before I go, if you are a flower person, check out Amy Merrick's blog.  She takes it to another level.  I suppose being a florist will do that to you!    

Block Printing

I have always wanted to try block printing but always decided that I couldn't draw well enough to create my own design for the stamp.  So after hemming and hawing about it, I decided to throw caution to the wind and give it a try.  I watched a tutorial on Geninne's Art Blog as well as this tutorial on MarthaStewart.com to prepare. I ventured to University Art in Palo Alto (If you haven't been, you must go...every art supply known to man!) and bought a Speed Ball Block Printing Kit (Michael's didn't have any carving blocks) as well as a very soft carving block called the Speedy Cut Block.  This is my first go so soft and easy cutting/carving sounded like a good idea.  ;)  The design I settled on was a feather/leaflike pattern inspired by Geninne's feather in her tutorial.  I started by just drawing directly onto my block and found a light touch is definitely required.  I tried the stamp with the edges and without...just for fun.  I think it turned out pretty well.  I think I should create a textile of sorts and then a pillow.  Will keep you posted.  Would love to hear any tips and tricks you have!

The Father of Los Altos

My husband and I went for a stroll over the weekend in the little town of Los Altos.  I had expressed an interest in knowing where the public library in the vicinity was located, and so my husband led me to the place he once did all of his research for high school papers and such.  (This is before the internet was a reliable source. Perish the thought!) 

We wondered across San Antonio Road and toward the front entrance of the library.  Then, we couldn't resist following the apricot tree-lined path past the entrance to see what else we might find.  A delightful surprise awaited us--the house where Los Altos began!  Around the turn of the 20th century, Mr. J Gilbert Smith started building his home as well as planting an apricot orchard.  Apparently, the whole valley was once orchards of every size and shape imaginable.  He built the beautiful craftsman all by his lonesome...one load of wood at a time.  It's now the home to the Los Altos History Museum.  You can picnic in the garden, read under one of the magnificent trees, or get married in the courtyard behind the house.  Your choice!  We took the tour inside as well.  The museum has refurbished it with articles (furniture, clothing, dishes, etc.) that you would find in and around the 1930s.  

After the tour, we found ourselves under a tree, just being quiet.  It's one of the quietest places I have found here thus far.  Peaceful. Serene.  So much beauty.