This week, the Artsy Bloggers group has a selection of fun links, as always. It  has been the week of the baby for me, so it kind of makes sense that my link for the Artsy Bloggers this week is child oriented… copyright Noreen Crone-Findlay Hankering for yarn Last weekend, I met the most amazing child who dazzled me with her insight and wisdom… remember-beauty-of-small-things-she-said Beading Arts Cyndi is giving away a copy of Seed Bead Fusion by Rachel Nelson-Smith! Come leave a comment and you’ll be entered for the drawing. giveaway-seed-bead-fusion Creative Dreamer June is issuing a dare to help spread random acts of holiday cheer…come see what it is…she dares ya… dare-ya Gadabout Media DIY Make... [Read more]

I have a new man in my life. He is 8 lbs 13 oz of gorgeous perfection, and I am totally, completely and blissfully besotted with him. photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright Everyone who knows us, knows that our primary passion is our family….. and…. our family has just expanded in the most wonderful way- alright… it’s the ~usual~ way…. photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright But, for us, this is the first grandchild, so we are riding a tsunami wave of joy and awe, and tears and laughter and exhaustion and pride at the magnificent way that our beautiful daughter gave birth to her son, and at the way that her wonderful husband lead the birthing team (yep, I was one of the birth team) photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay... [Read more]

Upcycling (taking something that might be thrown away and re-purposing or creating a new use for it) is a great way to express creativity. photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright People have been very clever about spotting the potential of small common objects- for instance: The Poptop rings or tabs from drink cans. Pop tabs have double openings that are easily crocheted over. And, since they are so easily found, and quite uniform, they are great  building blocks for making all kinds of neat things. Crocheters, being a very creative lot of folks, have taken the pop tabs and have been finding ingenious ways of combining them with yarn. Here’s a link for a tutorial on crocheting over pop tabs to make flowers. It’s a great starting... [Read more]

For years, I have looked longingly at the Ashley Book of Knots in the Lee Valley catalogue and store. Ashley book of knots copyright Sadly, it’s extremely hefty price has put it out of our budget. BUT, recently, my husband felt a sudden urge to drop into our favorite second hand store. He practically swallowed his teeth when he saw this book in the shop for $5! Needless to say, he bought it on the spot! When he brought it home, I squealed with glee and threw my arms around him in delight. As I have been browsing through it, looking at the line drawings of the knots, I’ve been impressed with how much the knots look like Celtic interlaces, and also like cable knitting. I love the chatty nature of Clifford Ashley’s narrative and... [Read more]

Have you ever had a conversation that knocked you back on your heels? An unexpected, sudden little jewel of a moment that shimmers in your mind? photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright Well, the other day,  I had one of those amazing experiences. My husband’s jazz trio was playing at our favorite bistro (beautiful music, fabulous food, lovely company- ahhhh, bliss!) Things had drawn to a close and we were all getting ready to head out. I started chatting with the beautiful little daughter of one of the chefs. She looked like she was about 4 or 5 and reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, with a solemn, winsome presence that transcended whatever age she is. She asked me if I had seen the fish in the tank. I had never really paid attention... [Read more]