May I Suggest ... Monday?

Every Monday I want to promote blog reading. The names of blogs I like have been written on pieces of paper, and today I picked two slips at random from my box.

Salley Mavor Wee Folk Studio

Here you will enter the enchanted world of felt creations. Salley Mavor is an American textil artist, dollmaker and book illustrator.

Her charming characters will spellbind you with their unique personality and it is easy to let the mind wander into their world.

Salley Mavor has written some tutorial books, and here on her blog she generously shows the techniques she uses. Her husband's professional photography and carpentry add to the enjoyment.

On the blog you will also find an online shop where you can buy posters and greeting card, signed books and sometimes dolls and supplies.

There is also much information about the events and galleries where, in the USA, you can see displays of her Wee Folk creations.

Wabi-Sabi Quilts

This is my friend Cynthia's blog, full of wabi-sabi charm. This Japanese term is difficult to explain, but these words are taken from her blog: In quilting terms, think hand made... faded with age and use... vintage... soft, simple, humble, authentic, unique, showing the maker's hand. 

Quilts befitting this description are just what you will find here, but also paired with confident colour choices and mix of fabrics. For example, Cynthia has the talent for adding just the right amount of stray red pieces to a blue quilt.

Here you will also see beautiful sashiko (Japanese running stitch embroidery/quilting with traditional designs) stitched with even, neat stitches, as shown in the header of the blog. 

There are fantastic American quilts, too, and MANY.  Just look at the tab Finished Quilts.

Apart from items of textile you will find photographs of nature, blue skies, white snow, green leaves, colourful flowers...

It is work that has brought Cynthia's family, from the States to Japan, several times. I have the impression that she sees Japan as much as a home as New England, but I am convinced that she can make 'a home' wherever she goes.

Cynthia's family mean the world to her and you can see how she celebrates each member with kind words, beautiful photographs and cosy quilts. You leave Cynthia's blog with a warm heart.