This site is about my life in the art studio. It includes drawings, paintings, knitting and cross stitch and fun art techniques. I will also include recipes and yoga and book reviews. This is a lifestyle blog with intentional and simple living ideas.
Today I had a few clients to talk to. Then I went to Joann stores for threads for my next large cross stitch. That will be revealed in a month or two. I need to finish the winter gathering. And want to finish the shawl I am knitting before I take on another cross stitch.
Progress photos of winter gathering
I had dinner but it did not settle well on my stomach. I had some red meat and that was a mistake. I’ll be relaxing tonight and hope this water pill helps get rid of the fluid I’m retaining. I did a 30 minute yoga. I feel much improvement with my back.
I probably won’t be posting much until the weekend. My schedule is full with clients the next few days.
So Merry Christmas if I don’t return to write before then.
I have been stitching today. It’s been a rainy cold day. Sometimes the rain looked like snow.
Cross Stitch
This is winter gathering by Dimensions.
(I made a few mistakes, but it’s still looking ok).
Etsy Shop is closed
I closed my Etsy shop. For several reasons, but mostly it was stressing me and I just couldn’t make art that anyone wanted to buy. Plus I don’t have time to paint daily because of my job, and my chronic fatigue and edema. I got likes on my knitting and some on my paintings. I am ok with this decision. It will allow me to not feel pressured when I want to be in my studio. And it will allow me time to get back to some of my training for my profession.
As much as I wanted to make art more and earn a profit, I don’t think it works for me.
New Years List
I made a list of things I want to work on and complete for the new year.
Finished winter gathering
Start new cross stitch of a scene in Paris
Finish my shawl-knitting
Start knit blanket-I have a pattern to follow
Finish the book I started- by Joyce Meyer, Healing the Soul of a Woman
Organize the books I want to read. Start reading them
Do Bible study daily
Do yoga more often
Spend time painting
Finish my continuing education credits
Begin and finish training as trauma specialist- untouched for 4 years!
Finish yoga training classes
Stop drinking Coke/Pepsi
Make more gluten free dinners and learn to make gluten free bread from scratch
Don’t buy on Amazon
Improve saving money
Reorganize my closets
Donate items, toss out
Listen to music
RELAX!!!!! And SLEEP!!!!!
Ok. So my list looks super long and maybe it’s impossible, but I’m going to try to get most done.
What’s on your list? It’s crazy how this year is nearly finished. It wasn’t a good year. Very stressful. My body is tired.
Today I sorted through my threads for cross stitching. Cleaned my shelves where I put the threads and cross stitch books and magazines.
I decided to put the DMC threads in a container. I’m uncertain if I’ll keep them in it or buy another organizer. Time will decide.
DMC Threads.
I decided that I am officially obsessed with this hobby. I love it so much, I rather stitch than paint.
That’s not a surprise to me, since it’s something I can do with my legs raised up. (I have edema in my legs from Rheumatoid Arthritis).
Winter Gatherings Cross Stitch
Here’s the start of my next cross stitch called Winter Gatherings.
I have not posted anything new on my Etsy shop.. I’m quite disappointed in it. I might close it and rethink if I want to sell my art. I will post my decision once I feel it’s concrete.
At 8:00pm Friday Dec 3, 2021, Derby was completed.
After tons of visits to Joann stores for DMC threads, countless times of loosing then finding my favorite needle, and endless Netflix and Hulu shows. And mostly patience, this cross stitch finally got it’s last stitch.
I’ll miss it. It has been my dear friend for 3 years and 6 months. I felt a sense of sadness but eagerness to cross the final thread.
But I am ready to work on another pattern.
I think I’ll work on winter birds. This one is extremely smaller, easier pattern to read and less amounts of DMC colors. It will be gifted to my sister when complete.
It’s been awhile since I shared on this blog. I have been focusing on my job and my health.
The decision to sell my house was decided awhile ago. I decided it was better to stay where I am currently living. I love my townhouse.
Today a stop at the store to pick out a new bathroom cabinet and fixtures and to make decisions about my cabinets in the kitchen and a countertop was decided.
The reno begins tomorrow…
Yikes, I’ll be on a financial budget starting this morning!
That’s ok. It’s been long overdue to update my bathroom and kitchen. I have been there for 11 years.. it’s time to put a little me in those rooms. After it’s completed I am done. Except I might paint the garage this summer.
This is the update on Derby the cross stitch. It’s almost done. 6 columns left to stitch.
I would love to say it will be done by Thanksgiving. I think it will definitely be done by Christmas.
Happy Day
Caroline
Etsy shop is open: Https://4pawsartstudio.etsy.com
It’s been a few weeks! Things have settled down. I’m still considering moving. But I might hold off on it for awhile. I’m thinking of moving closer to the lake. I might have to wait until home prices reduce.
In the meantime, I’m trying to get back to my normal. Stitching on Derby cross stitch has been the focus.
Here’s the latest. I’m now 2 pages away from completing this. It’s exciting as I began this June 2018!
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