Helen Ahpornsiri's Fabulous Pressed Flower Art

 The talented Helen Ahpornsiri, of the UK, loves to gather leaves, ferns, & flowers.

She places them for up to 6 weeks in a flower press to flatten them.

Armed with a very sharp xacto knife, she creates a 

delicate image with the utmost artistry and precision.

The results are nothing short of gorgeous!

Her prints, stickers and greeting cards can be purchased on Etsy.

Watch this YouTube video, "Butterfly Made with Pressed Fern."

A close-up is a feast for the eyes...

She's even done tiny projects!

See much more of Helen's work here:

Website

Twitter

Etsy

Facebook

Instagram

Vanessa Lubach's Terrific Linocuts

Vanessa Lubach, of the UK, has a particular talent for linocut.

Take note of the overlapping tree branches and the fur of the squirrel. 

When the many steps in the process of creating a linocut print are 

realized and appreciated, one sees that her detailed artistry is truly outstanding!

Sketching, cutting the linoleum, printing each color.

The results make a lengthy process well worth it!

Well done, Vanessa!

Find more of Vanessa's work here:

Website

Etsy

Facebook

Instagram

Images used with direct permission from Vanessa Lubach.

The Art of … Knitting

lady desidia

Oh, the popularity of knitting!

It embraces the past and holds onto the integrity of handmade.

I grew up cozy and warm under beautiful afghans hand-knit by my mom, granny or aunts!

Many knitters learned from loved ones as the skill was handed down through the generations.

Enjoy these images of men, women and children (along with a few critters!) who love to knit!

"For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:13,14

Alberto Montt

Paul Albicocco

Ernest Bieler

Phoebe Wahl

Dee Nickerson

Dilka Bear

Ben Chen

Albert Anker

Micki Wilde

Jean Metzinger

Dabin Choi

Karl Albert Buehr

Reminiscing about my fun visit with Knitter-Extraordinaire, Susan Nadelson.
It was terrific spending time with her - she's one talented lady!
Take a look at the post:
Hand-dyed, Hand-spun Yarns by Susan Nadelson

Martin Wiscombe

Obstacle Course No Match for Hungry Squirrel!

TreeHollowDesigns

February is National Birdfeeding Month.
Now, I guess I could write about what kinds of seeds various birds prefer,
or feature really cool birdfeeders and where to buy them
or even do a DIY and make my own feeder.

However, I'm in an ornery mood, and I mean to stick up for the poor squirrels
who have gotten such bad reputations for stealing food intended only for the backyard birdies.
Hey, squirrels have to eat too!

Don't you admire the tenacity of squirrels? To applaud their determination,
I give you this YouTube video called "Mission Impossible Squirrel."
It shows a cleverly designed obstacle course and
the squirrel who didn't let it stand between him and his lunch!

Nan Hamilton Animal Pottery Art

Nan Hamilton kicks her pottery up a notch by adding gorgeous hand-painted birds, animals or reptiles on each one. Yes, even reptiles. Whether they are inside, outside or perched on the rim, these creatures manage to turn a plain pot into a work of art. I just know you'll share my delight with Nan's talent!

Visit Nan's website!

Images used with direct permission from Nan Hamilton.