Collection: Merry & Messy

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year.

Before I share some snaps of my holiday I want to do (my first) giveaway. This set (of three!) macrame ornaments, handmade by me is going to one of my snail mail subscribers. They work on a Christmas tree all done up but I’ve also used these in my windows and outdoor trees in the summer.

If you are one of my snail mail subscribers you don’t have to do a thing, you are already entered to win. Let’s be honest, The Living Canvas is new and I think have about 12 snail mail subscribers …so the chance of getting one of these dreamy ornaments is pretty good!!! If you are not a subscriber, sign up on the “blog home” by the end of the week and you will be entered!

Now I’d like to share some pictures from our holiday at home staycation. It can be summed up with three words - quiet, snuggly and creative! Here’s the two of us squished into an oversized chair (that is not oversized enough.) And Maisey really needs a haircut.

There wasn’t any shopping under sparkly lights, restaurants or holiday parties…. but we are learning there’s no place like home.

Get it???

I sewed a BUNCH of dolls too, exploring some painted shoes. I also sewed some shoes but it turned out RIDICULOUS... I’ll keep trying. These dolls below are for a really special project that deserves it’s own post to share the story behind making these girl.

Anyways, lots of music being made and played. My WIP manuscript resting comfortably under Evan’s table there (crafted by Evan, clutter by me.)

Over holidays, I explored cutting some vintage quilts. I learned so much carefully clipping stitches and pulling the layers of the quilt apart. I found potato sacks and shirts used as batting… A beautiful reminder that there are no rules in art… tools and supplies are all around us. My, was it painful to make the first snip but after that, it quickly became recycled ART. I’ll be coming back to this in the evenings this winter! I imagine it could be a lovely pin cushion or a sweet dainty thing to hang from a door knob.

Lastly, I wanted to share a blurry (the energy is strong with this one) but adored picture of my niece at Grandma’s wearing one of my prototypes on NYE, I’m calling this wrap THE LIZZY (more on that another day!)

I’ve been a bit insecure, hiding away from the camera after a hard year of a lot of physical changes and limitations. But my hair has been growing back! It’s so trivial in the grand scheme but… Ah! It really helps me feel…. More like myself. Here we are with our darling nieces, sending you all smiles. — Kirbi