On Friday, I never got around to posting a few works in progress pictures. These summer days just seem to get slip by me before I can even notice. I finally got some of the pottery supplies I needed after a trip into Baltimore and Friday afternoon I started to make a new batch of buttons and pendants. At this point, I can make a lot of things from the convenience of my kitchen table, but when it gets time to glaze I'll have to work in the studio. I enjoy working at home as much as I can and Emma especially likes getting her hands in the clay, too.

owl buttons:

new pendants and buttons:

On Satuday I hit the brown package jackpot. First was a package from the lovely didine all the way from Belgium. And it survived the postal strike with no problems. If you haven't met didine yet, she is such a sweet blogging friend, always full of kinds words. She sent one of her fun floppy-eared bunnies and some extra goodies that I love--stationary, a beautiful journal, a matching tissue holder (with my name on it!), and some gorgeous bright green bracelets...I realized I was wearing them after I snapped the picture. She and I swapped for one of my pendants. I think I got the good end of the deal. Now we are swapping again for a craft book I'm anxious to get! can't wait didne...

And I also received my first pair of japanese craft books on Satuday. I wasn't expecting them until mid-July so it was such a fun surprise when they arrived so soon. I already knew they were wonderful after seeing them on other's blogs, but now I really understand the addiction and obsession. They are crafting eye-candy. I just want to make everything I see. These two were both books of patterns for girl's dresses. I just snapped a few shots with my camera for now, too lazy to hook up to the scanner this morning. And I snapped my fav shots from the books.

Book on the left ISBN: 4-579-11054-4

Book on the right ISBN: 4-579-11091-9

I love the stitching details that show on this dress.

I think my first project will be this smock. I love the little ruffled cap-sleeves. It ties in the back.

more of those wonderful ruffled sleeves. And I love the little ties on the pockets. It doesn't show in the picture, but the fabric has tiny, white polka-dots on it. So sweet.

We have been flooded out by rain this weekend. Last night we got five inches of rain and more of these storms are expected until Wednesday. Saturday night, between storms we all put our boots and rain hats on and marched around the farm looking at all the damage after a first storm dropped three inches of rain. The stream here swells quickly and we stood at the bridge watching the barn swallows trying to get to their nests hidden up in the eaves under the bridge. I love a good rain and enjoy snuggling inside with the chance for good art projects, sewing,cooking, music and dollhouse time with the girls.

These will brighten any rainy day.