flowery

plants in a sunny window

It's wonderful to have my studio put back together and to be working in it again. The white walls make such a difference. It' so much brighter. I never thought of the room as being dark, but now I realize that it kind of was. I've shared a couple photos on Instagram and plan to do another studio tour soon.

And yet, it's been a little bit difficult for me to get back into the swing of things. The first watercolor painting I attempted this year ended up flopping. I am not usually one to give up on a painting, but I couldn't save this one. I damaged the paper when I erased a pencil line before the paper was totally dry. At least it was fairly early in the process. I take it as a reminder to slow down. Yes, I need that reminder again and again it seems.

Winter is wearing on me already. I feel bad saying so -- it's only the middle of January -- but it's true. My thoughts have been all flowers. The flowers in my studio are always a joy. The orchids, yes, but also the unexpected ones, like the flowers on my geranium cuttings (yes, they need to get into some soil).

geranium flowers

"I must have flowers, always, and always."
                              --Claude Monet

My need for flowers has been driving what I've been making lately, too.

I just finished writing the pattern for my crocheted daffodils.


They make me think of spring.

And as long as I'm talking about crochet patterns... I was so happy to have my crocheted rose pattern used by Wendy of The Hooked Haberdasher to adorn her Downton Abbey style cloche.

Downton Abbey Style Cloche with Rose

Sweet, don't you think? Her cloche pattern is available for free here.

Heeding my advice to S L O W down, I've been working on creating prints of my Rose Study painting,

roses in watercolor

and I did not rush through the process of testing colors. The prints aren't quite ready yet, but should be available in my shop soon.

If you need a rose fix (like I so often do), hop on over to Hedgerow Rose where Laurie dedicating January to celebrating roses.

How has January been treating you?


*photo of the Downton Style Cloche copyright The Hooked Haberdasher. Used with permission.

Comments

  1. You have a natural way with flowers Anne, whether they be real or painted or crocheted! There is a beauty and delicacy to all that you create. I am so glad that you are working in your studio again. It must be lovely to experience a sanctuary dedicated to creating. I hope the winter blues soon turn to warmer hues for you! :-)

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    1. Thanks so much, Simone. Love that thought... winter blues turning to warmer hues. Just beautiful.

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  2. So beautiful! Love your crochet and your watercolors are stunning! Happy 2015! I am just getting back into the swing of things. The holidays came and went so fast! Take care. :-)

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    1. Thank you, Becca. It takes a while to get back into the swing of things; or at least it seems that way to me. We just need to be easy on ourselves and let things take their own time. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I love your passion for flowers. It makes your blog a joyful & summery place to visit! Your crochet flowers are so beautiful & I'm in awe of your skills that enable you to not only make but write patterns too , seriously clever talented lady!!! 2015 has begun positively & I finally got to write a post about that. This year I'd like to write posts more often, oh and I've started work on my website at last. Wishing extra sunshine & flowers to come your way & brighten your winter. Hugs, Kat xx

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    1. Hi, Kat. Nice to hear from you. :)

      You are so sweet. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement!

      I'm so glad that you're off to a good start this year. I'm looking forward to seeing all that you create (Yay, Website!).

      Thanks, too, for the thoughts of extra sunshine and flowers. I've got lots of flowers right now, but I'm waiting on that sunshine. Ah well....

      Sending hugs back your way!

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  4. Hi Anne. We've had a great January here, so far. Although the weather has mostly been cold and yucky, we've made the most of being indoors. I've been quilting, reading, taking photographs, blogging and journaling, and Dennis has been working on painting commissions and teaching watercolor classes at the local art center. Oh, and we've been doing some very creative cooking. We're enjoying life! Your Rose Study is lovely, and the cloche with your crocheted rose is charming. xo ~ Nancy

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    1. So glad you're off to a good start this year, Nancy. Sounds divine!

      Wishing you continued blessings and joy!

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  5. So many pretty things here, Anne. We are loving our first winter as full time Vermonters. The days have been bitter cold, which can be a drag when it's cloudy. But when the days are sunny and the sky is blue, everything sparkles like magic. The wood stove keeps us cozy and I am having fun with many projects, long delayed. But, yes, FLOWERS! We have paperwhites blooming in the windows, a white, three stemmed amaryllis and some pokey Christmas cactus still flowering. They all bring such cheer to our little place. Hang in there, friend, we are halfway through the month!

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    1. Sounds like you're having a wonderful time of it, Karen. Thanks for your encouragement and for sharing the beauties of your Vermont winter.

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  6. Hello,
    So far our January has been very good. We survived the brutal cold days in Northern Wisconsin. And have been blessed with great ski weather this week. We have enjoyed getting out to Cross Country Ski this week. :-)
    Happy Weekend,
    Carla

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    1. Sounds like you're making the most of the winter weather! For some reason I'm just not embracing winter this year. Maybe I'll need to learn how to cross country ski. :)

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  7. Congrats on all the flowery goodness Anne. Not too much longer until spring right?? fingers crossed.

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    1. Thanks, Dana. Time always flies by, so I guess you're right. Spring will be here before we know it!

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  8. So much eye-candy in this post. You amaze me with your talents!
    I love the colors on that geranium. I left it too late to take cuttings from ours last fall and they were wiped out in a hard frost. Next time, right?

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    1. Awww... thanks so much, Laurie! Geraniums are one of those things I can never decide whether or not to bring in. I'm glad I decided at the last minute to cut some. Now to get them in some soil!

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  9. Dear Anne, your January is so creative and energetic. I am happy for you. It is the middle of winter but your creativity seems to be completely in bloom. Your watercolour flowers are beautiful!

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    1. Thank you, Aga! So kind of you to say. I think I'm finally back on track and it feels good. Wishing you lots of beauty and creativity!

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