I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Saturday, March 23, 2013

I usually use these items...........

when I am creating the things I love the most.............
in hand embroidery.............

like this

and this.............

but for the longest time, I have wanted to learn to create...........
with cement.

I have longed to create pebble mosaic stepping stones, but the first thing I have made this week,  is a shallow bird bath stream out in my "woods garden" so that the birds can get some relief from the Texas heat.

I loved the way the cement felt and got brave and tried my hand at making cement plant containers..........

I was so thrilled when they came out...........
in one piece!!


Finally I got serious with my mosaic stone making. I created a stone path for the entrance of my greenhouse.
If you are experienced in the working of cement or concrete...........
you can tell that I am just learning and that I have much more to learn.
(click onto photos for better view)
 
But that was the way it was for me when I started to learn hand embroidery. I followed all of the instructions..........did all of the basic stitches..........
but wanted more of my own style..............

so I decided to work flower pebble mosaics into the stones.............
I love them! When I walk out to my greenhouse,
these cheery stones are the first thing I see!
I have not quit my embroidery...........I am stitching tonight...........
but sometimes, it's fun to take a walk down a different creative path......
don't you think?
How about you?
What do you usually create?
What new thing have you tried?
I would love to hear!


14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, so very lovely!! I've never worked with cement before so your creations are wonderful to me. I love the stone flowered steps!

Enjoy a wonderful weekend,
Marianne xo

KathyB. said...

Me too! I have dabbled a bit but intend to get more serious this year.

Now, about that embroidered feather, exquisite! Will you be selling anything with this feather embroidered on it? I am still embroidering, but my needle skills are nowhere near as refined and talented.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Lovely work.
Terry is our cement guy. We have 3/4 of an acre including two fish ponds and one with a waterfall. He was pretty serious about it when we were younger and even bought a cement mixer. Now we just use the wheelbarrel. You are so right, cement IS fun and there are just tons of things to make with it.

Cindy said...

I love the steeping stones. What a cool idea. I have never tried working with concrete yet. We have made some hypertufa planters, but that is a little different. I would love to make a stream bed. Looks very nice:)
Have a great Sunday!

Laurie said...

I am totally in love with your stones, and the pebble flowers are the crowning jewels! Did you have to do any prep work for the ground? I would love to try this.

lil red hen said...

Your talents never cease to amaze me! Is this just regular cement? I've thought about using cement with the rocks around some of my flowers but am not sure of my abilities.

I guess I'm a little tired of quilting; turned to aprons and doll clothes this year.

papel1 said...

Your garden is so lovely with the cement. I do use most if your sewing items...I do not use a thimble very much though.
Judy

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Sweet Friend,
I love your stone path with the mosaic flower design.
Yes, it is fun to change things up and work in other medium.
I have made stone coasters and garden stones casting from cement. It is fun and then I paint on them too.

Love your stitch work and the elements you use. That feather is awesome.

Wishing you a wonderful Easter Week.
Hugs, CM

janice15 said...

The stepping stones and pots are just perfect...Happy Spring/Easter with love Janice

Jocelyn said...

OH my gosh, I love them, too! The planters are lovely, and the stepping stones are gorgeous!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Well I think you did a fantastic job for your first time! The stepping stones are so pretty. I wish our landlord would learn to use cement so he could come fix the parking area. :) Have a great day. Tammy

Kathleen said...

Oh my! I love, love, love your stepping stones and of course the embroidery too. You are so talented. I've got to try cement!

Kathleen said...

Wow, I really love your stepping stones--and of course the embroidery. I'm going to have to try cement!

Joanne said...

Yes, I do like to experiment with other crafts at times.
Your adventures have produced some lovely items.