How Summer Flies When You're Having Fun

It seemed to take forever to get here - after that horrible spring (or lack thereof). And now it is going much too quickly. Seems like once you put things on your calendar, September feels right around the corner. 

We do have a run of things that will finish the month. A trip to Toronto to look after the "grands" for the weekend, while their folks have a winery weekend in Niagara. Followed by a visit to friends in Meaford - a long overdue visit. And then Jackson (grandson) coming for a few days here in Peterborough on his own - a tradition each summer. 

Had a pedi yesterday and decided to do something the "grands" will love - jellybean toes. The gal who did my toes was so into it, it was even more fun. Will pack some polish colours with me and paint their toes to match. Jackson loves a good polish. And Everleigh may or may not follow his lead. Have you ever tried putting polish on an under two's toes. Maybe not the best idea.....

And then there's my much anticipated trip to Newfoundland in August to teach at Rug Camp!! Doing my Simple Portraits there as well - and have connected with all my students. Will be fun! Did I say FUN!!! Theme this year is "Diamonds and Denim". Perhaps a theme for the next pedi.....

What have I been doing in July so far? I have been busy on the frame since Trent Rug School. The students in my class this year are very keen to hook a tea cozy, after seeing the very fun ones in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3_VkISTyL4  If you have never watched it, you will love it. Whenever I am feeling uninspired, I watch it. And it is something that I share with EVERY class I teach. The reaction is always the same. People feel their creative juices flowing - and feel themselves opening up to new possibilities.

As I said, this was the starting point for next year's class, which as a concept, I am calling "Cozy Characters". This idea of having a tea cozy with a head on top opens a gazillion possibilities, and I started sketching several as soon as I was home from Trent.

The first one I am working on is based on a picture of Everleigh - an adorable picture of her taken at her day care. Everyone had kerchiefs put on their heads that day. Here is that picture:

And here is my progress so far on Cozy Evvie.

Can't wait to add those little "water sprout" ponytails. And a little tulle overlay over her skirt. Plus the very wonderful words on her t-shirt which will become a printed fabric patch, since the letters were too small to hook. 

So much fun to have something like this on your counter top - hugging your teapot! And the possibilities are endless - people, pets, celebrities (from royalty-free images, of course). 

I will try to share progress as I go along. Not sure how much will get done with all the things on the calendar. But it is on the frame and ready for loop pulling at any time.