". Arranged Words: Different Projects

14 Jan 2025

Different Projects

 

 On the river. Love the purple in the sky and in the shadows.

 Hi Everyone,

                           

                  So saddened by the wildfires in L.A.  It must be beyond devastating for the people who live there. The scale of destruction boggles the mind.  Not sure how they can recover anytime soon. And where do people go? My heart goes out to the people there.

Our government along with many other governments, have sent firefighters and fire bombers. I hope and pray that the wind dies down soon so those brave firefighters can get the fires under control.                                                                                                    

                                                                 ***


                                                         Victorian Puzzle Purses

                                        And a  Matcha Latte for T Stands for Tuesday 

 The tradition of sending a Victorian puzzle purse for Valentine's Day began in the 18th century. Because they do take time to make, maybe they are not to everyone's liking. They fit the bill for me as a relaxing project that I can leave on my desk to work on whenever I feel inclined.

I used 65 lb paper. Heavier paper would be better. 90 lb paper seems too heavy to me.  Two pieces of cartridge paper glued together would probably work, although I haven't tried it.

If you want to make one, there are free finished templates to print out, and there are several finished templates for sale on Etsy too.

All you really need is a square piece of paper, a bone folder, and the instructions. If you are interest in making your own, you can find a free template and instructions here.

                                             First inside layer. Painted with watercolours.

    

                              Second inside layer where you can write inspirational quotes, poetry, notes,                                          etc.  In the middle square you could place a small token/gift. If you wish, you can also paint the squares on the back of the paper too.                            

              Markers (none in my stash) would definitely speed up the process. 
 

Another fun one to fold: the Renaissace Diamond letter. See Leslie Stroz's you tube for instructions. I folded one on scrap paper. It was fun and easy to do. 
 
Paper was precious back then, so every bit of paper was written on and folded into a sweet little package.
 
 
 
                                   Socks on the needles. The bottom dropped out of my last knitted pair. I tried to darn them, but, alas, they were beyond repair.
The yarn I chose for the socks consists of 15% nylon for durability and Merino wool for the cozy factor.

                               
                                                               A painted lamp.
 
Bought a new small lamp, and, unfortunately, this lamp and all other small lamps in the store had a stark white shades.  The ribbon and material I bought to cover it didn't really work, so I decided to paint the shade using watercolours. Would it even work?   As they say nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Watercolour usually dries lighter--this lamp dried darker. It worked out well, I think.

                                      Linking to other Link Parties via my link party page.

                                                   Thanks to all for hosting       
                                                    Cultivate Your Dreams                                                                                                        

7 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

Like you, I am also totally boggled by those fires. So many people are homeless. It's going to be a big problem with long term issues. And I didn't know those were called Victorian puzzle purses. I remember making them as a kid in art class. Yours are lovely. It looks like you're having a lot of fun. And have fun knitting too. I've picked mine back up; it's that time of year, isn't it? Happy T day. hugs-Erika

Carola Bartz said...

The wildfires in LA are truly horrific and unfortunately the wind is said to pick up again which will make it more difficult to contain. Recovery and rebuilding will be very difficult. It's heartbreaking and reminds me of our own 2017 firestorm and aftermath.

Your Victorian puzzle purse looks neat. If I remember correctly we did something like that back in school. Nice socks - I have them on my needles right now as well. And I like what your lampshade looks like, well done! Happy T day.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

My friend Joseph recently moved from CA to Wichita. He hates ice and snow, but is thankful he no longer is in LA. He was telling me his oldest son's school was one that burned down. At the time, he was six when he attended the school. So sad. Joseph knows many of the people who lost their homes. This was an upscale community.

I LOVE your Victorian puzzle purse. It is beautiful. That lamp shade turned out great, too.

I've never had a Matcha Latte, but now I must find out how to make one. Thanks for sharing it and your amazing art with us for T this Tuesday, dear Dixie.

Lisca said...

I too am filled with horror every time I see the news. Terrible.
I love the folded letters. Will have a look at the link. Thanks.
Hurray for knitting socks. I am knitting socks too, but I like to use circular needles and work from the toe up.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca

CJ Kennedy said...

The puzzle purse looks like a fun project. Thanks for the link for the directions. Clever to paint the lampshade. It looks great. Happy T Day

Let's Art Journal said...

My heart goes out to those in LA too. Loving your artwork pieces, your paintings are beautiful 😊. Wishing you a very Happy T Day! Hugs, Jo x

Veronica Lee said...

Love the Victorian puzzle purses, and your painted lamp turned out beautifully! I’m also thinking of those affected by the wildfires – hope things get better soon. Thanks for sharing!