Saturday, August 31, 2013

Treasured

Remember awhile ago I shared pictures of the wood carving that my hubby made of the clasped arms? Well, today he finished another wood carving, and this was something special he made especially for me. A heart! It stands about 12" tall and is made of black walnut - the pedestal and heart are carved as one single piece. He stained the heart with a red stain and the stand with darker wood stain - then it was waxed and now it is as smooth as silk. It immediately became my most treasured possession! Love it!


Here are a few photos of it in progress - wish I'd been home when he started it so you could have seen it when he rough cut it with a chain saw!



I'm still working on my 'problem' hooked rug - I added another border to the name portion of the rug - this part measures 11 x 48. The finished rug will be 48 x 56 - it's a big one!


One of the things I didn't like about the rug was the house that I had hooked - I drew the whole rug freehand because I wanted it to be naive and funky, but this wobbly house was really bothering me.

So I pulled it all out - except the roof - and redrew it with straight lines by following a thread. It's still not perfect, but I think it's better than before. 


In two weeks Maggie Bonanomi will be here in Utah to teach a three day workshop for our Guild so we're getting very excited about it. I need to get a pattern on linen and pull some wool so I'll be ready for class! WooHoo! Unfortunately, that means this big rug of mine will get put on the back burner again - sigh!

Just finished up this book by an author I hadn't read before. I liked it a lot - great setting (Wales England) - great characters - and a great story.



24 comments:

Saundra said...

Gayle, while the naïve hooked house achieved what you were looking for, I LOVE the mustard color of the new rendition.

You are one lucky woman to have such a wonderful and sensitive man in your life. I'm envious and wish I'd made a better choice after my first husband died. Please give him a hug and tell him how much you love him and his affection to you.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend.


Saundra

MARCIE said...

Wow, your husband is an amazing artist! That carving is beautiful! Lucky you! I love the photo of the log with the heart on top! Your rugs are wonderful! And I will have to look for that book! Looks like one I will like.

Julia said...

You are one lucky gal Gayle to have a man who carves a hear especially for you. You must be his most precious possession.

I kind of like the wonky house but the new re-hooked house looks great too.

JB

Nedra said...

What a wonderful present from Barry. He's a keeper for sure! And how cool to have Maggie coming for your guild. I've always loved her work.

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

I like the house with the mustard color so much better. How wonderful to have a carved heart from your husband! So special!

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Hi Gayle,
What an amazing gift from your very talented hubby!! A treasure to be sure! I LOVE hearts and this one is no exception!!
Your rug looks wonderful with the mustard! Love the house!
How fun to be taking a class with Maggie B! Lucky you!!!
Have a great weekend!
Warm Hugs~
Julie

Janet O. said...

What a gorgeous carving, Gayle. I love the grain of the black walnut--so pretty! I just want to run my hand over that smooth surface! Such a treasure, and such a sweet gesture from Barry!

I think that mustard house looks great. I love that color and use it in quilts whenever I can.

Hadn't heard of this author. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the book.

Jennie in GA said...

Love the heart........what a talented and sentimental hubby :-))
I liked your first house, but love the second one. Think you hit the nail on the head with it.
Can't wait to hear about your class with Maggie B.

Yvonne said...

Wow! Love your heart! The ultimate gift of Love! You are richt about the house, the second one is much better!

Cheryl said...

Beautiful carving...a real treasure, both him and the heart.

Three Sheep Studio said...

A keepsake heart ! Was there a special reason for your gift ?
Love the changes you made with your hooked rug.
Will be eager to see what you will learn at your Guild with Maggie B.
Rose

Me and My Stitches said...

Love the heart that your hubby made you - he's so talented. And then there is your over-abundance of talent and creativity. I'm not sure how your house holds all of the awesomeness!

Rugs and Pugs said...

What a sweet hubby! Yeah for you. It is beautiful.
Lucky you taking a workshop with Maggie B. I LOVE her style and patterns.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Kyle said...

What a wonderful gift from one heart to another. Have a terrific time at class. You're going to have so much fun!

Kindred Quilts said...

The carved heart is just beautiful... a definite lifetime treasure for you! There appears to be a lot of creativity living at your house! You are a lucky lady!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

WOW Maggie is coming to teach a class--please take lots of photos and share

Laurel said...

I love your heart, your rug, and your book suggestion!

Kim said...

That carving is so beautiful. Hubby is very talented and this will be a family heirloom for years.
I struggle with wonky hooking too. Some people can make wonky look intentional but mine never does ;)

Lori said...

Your husband is as talented as you! What a treasure!!

deerhollow said...

Love that, Gayle! My hubby is a wood worker too! Their creations are treasures, aren't they? We are lucky girls ;)

Anna e Catia said...

Wonderful! How many beautiful works in your blog, we will return often to see you!
Anna e Catia

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

What a wonderful piece of art from your hubby Gayle! He is an amazing sculptor. Love the house. Can't imagine pulling it out and starting over.
hugs,
Jann

Raymond Homestead said...

That heart is so cool!

whitey said...

Love the heart!