Works in progress

According to my Zodiac sign, I good at starting projects. From where I am currently sitting I can count at least a half dozen. If I were writing this in my studio, the number would be much higher. I am getting better at putting wips (works in progress) away when my inspiration stalls. I love it when the creativity flows unimpeded and a project gets finished in a day or two. I am rocking along on two such projects now, and this one may be completed tonight!

This is a vintage style glass button that has had the shank removed. It is secured to a piece of leather and has a beaded  bezel that I am embellishing. What I need to do now is attach a bail and determine how the necklace will be made.

                                    

This is an unidentified stone, secured to a piece of leather with a peyote stitch bezel. This one needs a bail and necklace too. This is my first time attaching a stone or button to a base with beads, and I love the results. It works up pretty fast once the initial row of leather work is done.  

As I have spent most of the day sitting and beading, I've not been in the garden yet. So, I'm off to see if there are any ripe strawberries, and pick the zucchini that will become a monster if left another day.

Launching!

Welcome!

I have a small garden for the first time in several years, and have been keeping track of how much produce I am getting for my endeavors. To date, the zucchini is the champion producer. Isn't it always?! So far 15 pounds have made their way into either our meals or dehydrator for future meals, and off to friends kitchens for their consumption. I have sliced, grated and cubed this abundant veggie to dehydrate for long term storage, and I am looking forward to being able to toss a handful into a soup in the dead of winter. Yes, I know that in these days of global food availability, I can get zucchini year round. I feel so much better though knowing that it came from my back yard, and was grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

I grew red potatoes for the first time and was amazed at how easy it was! I cooked up 3 1/2 pounds and we ate them with butter and garlic. Bliss! The remaining 1 1/2 pounds were dehydrated.

The Brussles Sprouts are chugging along. Interesting plant to look at. I love that the little sprouts form at the base of the leaves, looking like miniature cabbages.

The tomatoes are a challenge. I have 6 different varieties, 4 organic heirloom, and 2 generic (purchased by Michael from the garden department of a hardware store.) They are only doing OK. My neighbor has a plethora of the fruit, and I admit it, I am jealous. So far, my favorite is the Black Zebra. When green, they look like mini watermelons. I picked two this morning and will add them to a salad tonight. Even with all the attention they require, they are so worth it. Nothing beats the taste of a home grown tomato!

So, that's it for my first post. I have more pictures to be put up later. Thanks for stopping in!