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JULY BLOG 2015
July does have an interesting and strange history. If you remember last month I wrote June was named for a god, but July for a man, Julius Caesar, after he was murdered. His birth month, Quintilis, was renamed July. The strange part is Quintilis means the fifth month of the year but as you know our July is the seventh. If you are not confused enough the early Roman calendar had a month called intercalans, that was 27 or 28 days in length and was added once every two years after February 23rd. When this month was included the last five days of February were omitted. Julius Caesar was responsible for a year being 365 days long and for us having a leap year. Thank goodness, our calendar is a little simpler than it used to be.
The gemstone of July is the ruby, fiery red like the heat of the month. In past legends this stone symbolized the sun and because of its glow it was thought that the ruby would shine through any amount of clothing. These legends also said if thrown into water the fiery ruby would bring the water to a boil. Even today the ruby is thought to have amazing properties like stirring the blood and increasing energy of the wearer. (Boy, there are some days I could use that!)Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones that also include the emerald, the sapphire and the diamond. Natural rubies all have imperfections known as "silk". To tell a synthetic ruby from a natural one hold the stone up to the light. If it is real, the light will shine off the "silk" in different ways.
PUT SOME COLOR IN YOUR LIFE
"Color speaks all languages."
John Ruskin
Have you ever tried to picture the world in black and white like the old movie? After a while you get used to looking at the colorless movie and you forget it's not in color until the lights go up. Once outside and in the daylight your eyes hurt from the light and color they have been deprived of. In a minute or two the entire world comes back to you; the blue of the sky, the white of the clouds, the green of the grass, and in the colorful signs that surround you. In fact it is almost overwhelming. How this makes you feel emotionally depends on your culture and personality.
All colors have symbolic meaning and painters, decorators, needleworkers and designers are all very aware of that. Dealing with color, selecting it and using it is not only confusing but scary as well. What if I get finished with the large needlework project I've spent many hours on and am disappointed in the colors I chosen? What if other people criticize what I've chosen?
At these moments what we lack is color confidence - we don't trust our own judgment. (I know, I've been there. Color theory sounds so complicated taking years of study and then the amount of colors to choose from is staggering. What to do? When that point is reached it's time to get in touch with our color confidence. Time to begin at the beginning and ask ourselves first what colors do we fell strongly about? And why. What do these colors mean to us? There is definitely more to color than complementary sections on a color wheel or basic color schemes.
Michele Hufford, owner of Come to the Point in San Rafael, Ca., wrote an interesting blog in her 12.19/12 blog I kept in my reference material because I found it so interesting. She writes:
"A few week ago I stumbled onto a fascinating documentary on the Discovery Science Channel entitled, Do You See What I See?
The subject was color; how do we perceive it, and what influence does it really have on our daily lives? As someone whose mission is to put as many beautiful colors of thread into as many hands as possible, the premise hooked me.
The primary color discussed was red. The question posed by several scientists on the program was are we hardwired to see the color red, or is it a skill we've acquired over the course of
The experiment that intrigued me the most was conducted by Dr Beau Lotto of the University College, London. He was interested in determining human perception of color vision. He gave 150 individuals of all ages and genders 49 tiles to arrange as they chose. He discovered that participants arranged the squares in predictable patterns based on clues received from nature. The study concluded that an individual's age, gender and social status influence color perception.
I was fascinated by this "piecing" experiment. As fiber artists, we ask ourselves every day what color goes where, and does it work with the surrounding colors. When I asked customers why a canvas would up in the UFO stash, the primary reason was, "I don't really like the colors." Red often proved the sticking point. The result of many experiments discussed in the program was that the concept of "red" is a learned one. Love it or loathe it, it's part of our culture."
I have a long-time friend who is color-blind. Not just red- green color blind but she mostly sees in blacks, whites, greys and shades of. I can't imagine being unable to see all the beautiful colors we see in the world. I'll take not liking certain colors as being a minor problem compared to that. To help us enjoy the colors around us more I've included a number of books to peruse. Hopefully you will find a book or two that will open new doors on your color journey.
Burr, Trish - Colour in Embroidery - How does color effect embroidery? How can it bring needlework to life? You will uncover the possibilities in this unique, in-depth exploration of color in embroidery. From color selection and blending to choosing complementary colors and creative contrasting and shading, it highlights a variety of techniques for surface and counted thread embroidery projects. More than 200 stitched samples with DMC thread keys, plus color schemes and projects such as roses, fruits, and birds will inspire stitchers.
Dow, Arthur - Composition: Understanding Line, Notan, and Color - This book focuses on harmonic relations between lines, color, and dark and light pattern. This manual has influenced generations of artists. Practical and well-illustrated, it conveys its insights in a convenient workbook format. $16.95 This book has been a classic since the turn of the 20th century. $16.95
Edwards, Betty - Color: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors - This classic by the author of New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain provides of harmonizing combinations of colors through the use of techniques tested in her intensive five-day color workshops. This book is illustrated with more than 125 step-by-step images including how to see what is really there rather than what you think you know about colored objects as well as the psychological meaning of colors. $18.95. Fassett, Kaffe - Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color: An Autobiography - Nobody handles color better than Kaffe Fassett and his life has been a rich colorful one, in fact it has been called extraordinary and to make a great life better he is a great storyteller. In this book this knitting and textile artist shares detailed stories about his lifelong creative journey as well as hundreds of glorious photos taken along the way. $40.00
Greenwood, Kathie - 100 Years of Color - This beautiful book features 100 carefully chosen images from the graphic arts, each representing a color palette for every year of the 20th century. Palettes are displayed in a number of ratios demonstrating the different effects achieved when altering the dominant color. Ten palettes per decade gives an authentic overview of the hues of an era. and as a fascinating compendium of 20th century imagery, this book aims to please at more than one level. RGB and CMYK numbers are used with each palette to make them easy to replicate. $29.99
Opara, Eddie and John Cantwell - Color Works: Best Practices for Graphic Designers: An Essential Guide to Understanding and Applying Color Design Principles - This is the go-to guide for designers as it outlines and details they essential color design skills needed to create skills needed to crate successful, meaningful, and aesthetically compelling designs, Along with hands-on-projects. it offers unique insights into strategy and business when working in the real world with real clients. This book starts with basic information on color practices and fundaments, and then delves more deeply into theory and application on a project-by-project basis. Illustrated with real-world projects and case studies, this book offers a behind-the-scenes take on the design process and the necessary step to go from a concept to final outcome, including the challenges encountered along the way. $40.00
Tebbe, Friederike - Understanding Color: Hear Green, Think Yellow - This writer and designer invites you to explore various ideas on color and your own personal color spectrum, aiming to promote design competence through a more conscious approach to color. Practical exercises and pictorial analyses help the reader to gain an understanding of chromatic nuance. Due in November but can be ordered now. $34.95
Triedman, Karen - Color - The Professional's Guide: Understanding, Appreciating and Mastering Color in Art and Design - This writer, designer and educator in the field of color design and visual merchandising. This is a comprehensive color manual beautifully illustrated with over 300 color images, also offers informative techniques, examples, inspiration, and exemplary solutions to fit the designer's every need, whatever their discipline. The author goes beyond color theory and into the every changing way color has influenced our choices. Learn how to harness the power of color. $45.00 Due in November but can be ordered now. 
Vejar, Kristine - The Modern Natural Dyer - Thousands of natural materials can produce glorious color - the cochineal insect produces pink, maroon, and purple, and more than 500 species of plants produce indigo blue. Now in this book, our expert shares the most user-friendly techniques for dyeing at home with foraged and garden-raised dyestuffs as well as with natural dye extracts. Demystifying the "magic" our author explains in straightforward, easy-to-follow detail how to produce consistent, long-lasting color. With stunning photos of the dyes themselves, the dyeing process, and 20 projects for home and wardrobe, this book is a complete resource for aspiring and experienced dye artisans. $29.95 Due in October but you can pre-order now. OUR AMAZING, WONDERFUL HANDS
"When you do something with your hands, it
a different thing than simply conceiving it.
You do it with your whole body"
Painter - Gerhard Richter
I've been thinking about hands a lot lately. I'm working on my laptop, writing this in bed. It is very late and I'm watching my fingers jump from key to key taking orders from my brain to hit the right keys time after time. (Well, nearly all the time. Once I think about typing -oops! The fingers begin making mistakes.) It got me thinking about all the things hands can do and how I take mine for granted.
Hand do all the work: plant a garden, drive a car, hold a baby, paint a picture, cook a meal, do needlework and wash the dishes (that's one I could do without). The brain thinks of new ideas, remembers and sends messages but the hands create what the brain dreams about: architects draw plans, writers write, artists draw, musicians play, surgeons operate, and needleworkers stitch.
I've always liked to look at other peoples hands. Some are work-worn, some are well-manicured, some are slim, others plump, some crippled, but all beautiful. I dream of all the hands down through the centuries.
When I was studying anthropology and archaeology I was fascinated by ancient man's habit of making handprints on the walls of caves. I could visualize them standing back from their print and saying that's me! After all, they had no pictures of themselves to look at. Maybe they could see their reflection in the water but to see part of themselves on the wall must have been incredible to them. A kind of magic.
I read an article in an old National Geographic about decoding hands on the walls of 30 caves in East Kalimantan, Borneo, that have some kind of coding on them. Some hands are linked together or separate and have some kind of dashes and dots and lines signifying the researchers have no answer for as yet. Some hands are connected by long curving lines to stitch figure people or animals. One researcher thinks it might be family lines or some type of connection to each other. They do know the pictures date back over 10,000 years ago and are found in the highest, most dangerous caves to reach. Perhaps the hands are symbolic of bravery and initiation rites. We can only imagine. If you want to read the article: Hands Across Time: Exploring the Rock Art of Borneo it is in the August 2005 issue of National Geographic Magazine.To learn more about our amazing hands I've included two fascinating books on the hand, how it works and its care and repair. We shouldn't take such a gift for granted.
Wilgis, E.F. Shaw - The Wonder of the Human Hands: Care and Repair of the Body's Most Marvelous Instrument - This book put out by John Hopkins University Press with sixteen experts from the renowned Curtis National Hand Center combines interesting anecdotes with scientific explanations as it examines the unique role that the hand has in relationship to the very nature of being human. This is a great layman read that is of interest of needleworkers, musicians, artists, and anyone that wants to prevent problems of the hand or find treatments for hands. $24.95
Wilson, Frank S. - The Hand: How Its Use Shaped the Brain, Language, and Human Culture - The author was an early contributor to the development of performing arts medicine in the United States and Europe in the 1980's. Dr. Wilson, a neurologist, makes the striking claim that the unique structure of the hand its cooperation with the brain are the reasons why "Homo Sapiens" became the most intelligent animal on the earth. Since the publication of this book Dr. Wilson has presented his work and his ideas at national meetings of many professional organizations, and to a wide community of artists and educators who share the opinion that the human hand and brain are an anatomically and behaviorally integrated system - biology's not-so-secret formula for individual human intelligence, creativity, and autonomy. $17.00 (Discount code: Paul17)
AND WHEN IT COMES TO HANDS NO ONE USED OR DREW HANDS BETTER THAN M.C. ESCHERMaurtis Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) born in the Netherlands was a genius in graphic design and famous for what have been referred to as "impossible constructions. While he lived he drew over 440 lithographs, woodcuts and engravings, as well as 2000 plus sketches and drawings all with his left hand as did the famous artists Michelangelo and Leonardo de Vinci.
But Escher didn't stop there. He also illustrated books, murals, postage stamps and even designed tapestries. He was a high school failure but when on to the School for architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem, Netherlands. After he finished his schooling, where he was recognized for his graphic works, he traveled throughout Italy and ended up living in Rome until 1935. After a visit to the Alhambra in Spain in 1922 he became obsessed by the regular division of plane and "played"
His work is magical and marvelous and shows us a different way of looking at our world. I'll let his drawing speak for themselves. By the way, a number of his designs are available on line for needlework.
Escher, M.C. - M.C. Escher: The Graphic Work - The graphic genius of this Dutch artist showcases impossible staircases to tessellated birds. He crafted a unique graphic language of patterns, puzzles, and mathematics. His work is at the same time decorative and playful, toying constantly with optical illusions and the limitations of sensory perception. His early works were focused on landscapes and nature that were regularly exhibited. It was on a trip to the Alhambra Palace in Spain in the 1920's he discovered his niche while sketching the patterns of the palace's Moorish architecture and became captivated by the codependency of forms within and next to each other. This book taps into Escher's brilliant mind with key works from his restless investigation of image and perception. You'll find fish morphing into birds, lizards crawling off the page, infinite mazes, and some of the most-mind-bending images of 20th century art. $14.99
Schattschneider, Doris - M.C. Escher: Visions of Symmetry - This classic done originally in 1990 is the most penetrating study of Escher's work in existence, and the one most admired by mathematicians and scientists. It deals with one powerful obsession that preoccupied Escher: what he called the regular division of the plane. $42.50
Taschen, Angelika - Magic Mirror of M.C. Escher - Long before the first computer generated 3-D images, Escher was a master of the third dimension. His lithograph "Magic Mirror" dates as far back as 1946. Mathematician Bruno Ernst visited Escher every week for a year, systematically talking through his entire uvre with him and gave Ernst access to the life and conceptual world of Escher. Escher's work refuses to be pigeonholed whether scientifically, psychologically, or aesthetically alone cannot do it justice. The question remains. Why did he create the pictures? How did he construct them? What preliminary studies were necessary before he could arrive at the final version? And how are the various images Escher created interrelated? This book, complete with biographical data, 250 illustrations, and explications of mathematics of mathematical problems, offers answers to these and many other questions. $14.99
Watson, McCarthy, et al. - M.C. Escher Pop-Ups - Produced in association with the Escher estate, this book presents some of the artist's most intriguing works in original three-dimensional pop-ups. These marvelous paper constructions allow us to appreciate in new ways the artist a impossible geometry and his themes of infinity and paradox. The book also features quotes from Escher on the original pieces of art as well as reproductions of a number of his other works. EMBROIDERY CALENDAR FOR 2017
Yes, its only July but the next year is taking giant steps
towards us. I can hear the thunder of his boots coming nearer.
To get us embroiderers ready for the new year a new calendar is now available. Stunning originality elevates Australian artist Meredith Woolnough's embroidery to fine art as she recreates nature's patterns and inspires us to rejoice in the world's simple beauties. The calendar, Embroidered Nature 2017 wall calendar, features twelve dazzling embroidered specimens, including the alluring "Coast Pennywort" on the cover. Also included are: "Golden Ginkgo Square," "Amazonian Water Lily," "Scribbly Gum Leaf," and more. To create these extraordinary, intricate motifs, Meredith uses the simplest setting on her sewing machne to cover water-soluble fabric with layers of thread. As she stitches more layers, the work grows into remarkable 3D structures. Dissolving the soluble base then transforms the machine embroidery into delicate, awe-inspiring artwork. $14.99POTPORRI OF NEW BOOKS
Kemball, Deborah - Euphoria Tapestry Quilts: 40 Applique Motifs and 17 Flowering Projects - Create a quilted tapestry of sumptuous flowers with Deborah who teaches you to applique 40 realistic flowers and 17 sophisticated projects like pillows, table runners, wallhangings, and bed quilts. Hand stitch motifs from her award-winning Euphoria quilt, or mix and match flowers to create your own detailed masterpiece. With clear instructions and helpful photos, this collection includes full-size patterns and others that are ready to enlarge on a photocopier. $29.95
Kemball, Deborah - Twilight Garden Quilts: 2 Wall Hangings, 22 Flowers to Applique - Tips for Silk and Cotton - Juxtaposed against dark backgrounds, the florals featured on these two patterns pop. Create a variety of lovely silk or cotton quilts with 2 full-size applique patterns featuring curving blooms, petals and vines. Plus, you can use the blocks individually from the 9-block quilt to make pillows, table runners, smaller quilts. Complete instructions and 2 full-size patterns for wallhanging quilts, 22 floral elements linked in flowing elegance. Use any applique method you choose: hand or machine, turned-edge, or raw edge, instructions are given for hand applique using freezer paper templates. $17.95
Kubiniec, John - A New Spin on Drunkard's Path - He includes 12 innovative projects and simple techniques where he goes even beyond the basics and discover how using pre-pieced units like rail fences, half-square triangles, and sixteen-patches can completely change the Drunkard's Path look. Take it a step further with creative sashing and add-ons to alter the finished layout. The end result looks complex but is actually easy to sew. $24.95
Robinson, Rosi - Creative Batik - Learn how to create beautiful batik designs and pictures by a world-wide expert. She teaches all the techniques required through 9 step-by-step projects. From making simple marks and drawing with wax to dipping and painting with dyes, etching cracking, discharging and more, this boo contains all you need to create beautiful batik. The history of batik set the scene and then there is detailed advice on all the materials and preparations required. There is artistic advice on using color and how to use hard wax, stamps and brushed through a series of neat projects. Skill are built with each project and all templates are provided. A gallery of beautiful batik artworks provides inspiration for beginners and experienced artists alike. $19.95
Vogelsang-Eastwood, Gillian - Encyclopedia of Embroidery from the Arab World - The author is the director of the Textile Research Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands has brought us the first reference work to chart the history of embroidery from Ancient Egypt to the present day and to offer an authoritative guide to all the major embroidery traditions of the region. It maps the diversity of embroidery from the Maghreb to the Gulf states, from Turkey to Sudan; traces the impact of trade, commerce, politics and religion on the materials, colors, styles and fashions; introduces the embroiderers, their materials, equipment and techniques; and highlights the artistic and design influences of embroidery, thorugh to its use by modern fashion designers. Richly illustrated with 850 images (750) in color of clothes, accessories, cushions, bed linen, curtains, floor covering and wall hangings, may of which have never been published before. $299.00 (10% discount only)
Mystery Corner 
MYSTERIES WITH A PAST BY BRYNN BONNER
Yes, Brynn is a woman, not a man and an interesting writer. This is only one of two pen names she has written under. Her other pen name is Ellen Harris but her "real" name is Brenda Witchger. She writes she grew up in Alabama and now resides in North Carolina. She's been a mother, high school teacher, and a university professor before she took up her pen and wrote. All her fiction reflects her southern heritage and if you like character driven stories Brynn is your writer. She emphasizes her characters and their relationships and place in this world.
Her series below features a female genealogist whose field of expertise teaching the proper methods in keeping family history scrapbooks. I will be checking this out as I have tons of family history I need to organize - all I need is time! Brynn put out a call on her website (where she gets posts) for old love letters from the war years. If you have any she'd love to hear from you. I've got tons. My parents wrote to each other since they were teenagers and all through the war after they were married. I find it strange to read about myself as a little girl and learning about when I learned to walk, talk, and lots of other things I did (not all angelic!). Her website is: brendawichger.wordpress.com.
If you are into family history I hope you enjoy her books.
Death in Reel Time (Family History Mysteries) - When Sophreena McClure and Esme Sabatier are hired to trace the family tree of Olivia Clement, they think the job will be an easy on. But then Olivia's son-in-law is murdered. As the investigation begins, an ill wind of suspicion sweeps through the small town of Morningside, North Carolina. And as Sophreena and Esme delve into Olivia's family history to find out more about her father's disappearance back in the 1940's they discover that the events of the past are proving to shed light on the present. $7.99 
Picture them Dead - This family history mystery- When genealogists Sophrenna McClure and Esme Sabatier are called on by Detective Jenny Jeffers to help figure out who the corpse in the backyard of her father's house is, they reluctantly agree. Known for figuring out the unusual, these two and do their best to uncover the mystery behind the corpse, and the glass coffin he's buried in. This leads to people of Morningside to adopt the corpse and begin leaving mementos for him. But when the body of a young woman is found near the memorial, the duo has another task on their hands: to dig into the past of the house's previous owners. Could the clues to a recent murder finally help this soul rest in peace? $7.99
Dead in a Flash - Family History Mystery- It is not just politics as usual when genealogists Sophreena McClure and Esme Sabatier are hired to create scrapbook tributes for a former North Carolina senator's intricate family heritage and illustrious career. Sifting through the ashes of his past, they discover his baby brother perished in a suspicious fire that burned down his childhood home. Still saddened by his late parents steadfast conviction contrary to the evidence that the fire was to cover up a kidnapping, the senator wants this rumor put to rest once and for all. So with only snapshots of the evidence, the two are determined to smother all speculation about the decades-old tragedy. The party lines are drawn when a shocking present-day murder turns up new candidates for the crime including some suspects from the senator's inner circle. $7.99IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR FAMILY TREE YOU
MIGHT WANT TO PERUSE THESE
American Genealogical Research - How to Trace Your Family Tree - This hands-on guide for neophyte genealogists explains everything you need to know to trace your family - including how to begin, where to go for help, and how to organize your findings. $19.95
Chater, Kathy - How to trace Your Family Tree: Discover Your Personal Roots and Heritage: Everything From Accessing Archives and Public Record Offices to Using the I -This book offers accessible and clear advice on discovering your family's history in the UK, explaining the best research techniques, and the processes of tracing and finding ancestors. Unlock the secrets of your family heritage with this expert guide to geneology. 15.95
Poplar Books - Our Family Tree: A History of Our Family - This leatherbound hardcover book engraved with a beautiful copper-colored tree will become an invaluable keepsake for any family. A family record is more than names, dates, and places. It is about peoples what they did, the "why" and "how". This book is designed so you can record forever, in one volume, the history of your family and your ancestors. With sections for the origins of your family, family photos, and memorable events. Also a section on how to obtain records, and what institutions are available for further assistance., $9.99NOW ON TO MORE MYSTERIES
Adams, Ellery - Murder in the Secret Garden (Book Retreat Mystery) - There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward's book-themed resort - a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances hodges Burnett's classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane's current group of guests. The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means to murder. With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the p roper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she's wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton's secret library. $7.99
Cass, Laurie - Cat with a Clue - (Bookmobile Cat Mystery) - The national beselling author of "Pouching on Murder" returns as librarian Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat Eddie discover there's a true crime story unraveling in their own nonfiction section when she discovers upon a body. Authorities identify the woman as an out-of-towner visiting Chilson for her great aunt's funeral. What she was doing in the library after hours is anyone's guess. Luckily, Minnie and Eddie are traveling the county in their bookmobile, and they'll stop at nothing to find the spineless killer before the final page is turned on someone else. $7.99 This has been a best-selling series.
Cox, Bryan - Death Among the Doilies (Cora Crafts Mystery #1) - For thirty-something blogger Cora Chevalier, small-town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to reinvent her life. Cora is pouring her talents and most of her savings into a craft retreat business, with the help of her close pal and resident potter Jane Starr. Between transforming her Victorian estate into a crafter's paradise and babysitting Jane's daughter, the new entrepreneur has no time for distractions. Especially rumors about the murder of a local librarian. But when Jane's fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. She must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian's disturbing demise. The author is an award-winning writer and poet. $7.99
DiSilverio, Laura - The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala (Book Club Mystery) - One sleuthing book club finds themselves in the midst of a gothic-esque mystery as they read Du Maurier's "Rebecca" in the lasts from the author of "The Readaholics and Poirot Puzzle." Reading the gothic classic "Rebecca" already has the Readaholics spooked, and the chills only get worse when someone in town actually gives up the ghost. Amy Faye Johnson has her hands full coordinating the Celebration of Gothic Novels in Heaven, Colorado. The festivities start off smoothly, but the weekend is soon cursed with large egos, old resentments, and uninvited guests. Matters become truly grave when a dead body is found at the gothic-themed costume party. The out-of-town authors claim not to know the victim, but Amy-Faye has doubts. With skeletons turning up in all of the suspects closets, Amy-Faye and the Readaholics must tap their knowledge of gothic literature to find a killer who lurks in the shadows. $7.99
Hollis, Lee - Death of a Pumpkin Carver (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries) - For Hayley Powell, food and cocktails columnist for the "Island Times," Halloween is all about costume parties and holiday treats until a killer crashed the party. The haunted holiday is about to get a whole lot scarier after Danny's (her ex) moonshine making uncle is found lying dead next to a tombstone in a cemetery and Danny quickly becomes a prime suspect. To prove her ex is innocent, Hayley will have to dig deep into her own bag of tricks to unmask the real culprit before anyone else including her ends up in the graveyard. Includes seven delicious recipes. By the way, the author is actually two people - a brother and sister writing team. Both have won awards for their writings. $7.99
Holmes, Julianne - Clock and Dagger - (Clock Shop Mystery 2) - Expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan has another murder on her hands. Ruth has three days to pull off four events including the grand reopening of Cog and Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather so she doesn't have time for Beckett Green's nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses "out of business" by also carrying their specialty items. He's trying to steal Ruth's new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower. When she discovers mrk's body Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won't stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time. $7.99
Kelly, Diane - Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter: A Tara Holloway Novel) - Can IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway break up a clever ring of tax cheats who love money, dishonor the IRS, and disobey the laws of justice. When Tara agreed to be her best friend's maid of honor, she knew it would be a ton of work. But planning a bachelorette party is a piece of cake compared to her latest mission for the IRS. Her target is radio host Florence Flo Cash, star of the Flo Cash Flow Show. Not only has Flo been giving her listeners shady advice, she's set up an elaborate barter system that leaves Uncle Sam out of the equation and Tara tied in knots. The author is a former state assistant attorney general and tax advisor. $7.99 
Martin, Nancy - Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything - In this delightful series debut, Sunny McKillip lands in Texas-sized trouble caring for Miss Ruffles, the small dog who inherited a large fortune when her owner was murdered. Suddenly Miss Ruffles is in grave danger and it is up to Sunny to protect her at all cost. With a killer on the prowl and a handsome cowboy lawyer and an eye on her every move there's clearly more to Honeybell's death than Sunny could have imagined. Nancy Martin has been nominated for the Agatha Award.
Meier, Leslie - Candy Corn Murder (Lucy Stone Mystery) - When the remains of her husband's friend Evan are found in a truck opened by a catapulting pumpkin, Lucy Stone must investigate to prove her husband innocent and find the real murderer. $7.99
Vallere, Diane - Silk Stalkings (Material Witness #1) - Fabric shop owner Polyester Monroe can get tangled up in textiles, but it is murder that really throws her for a loop. The time has come for San Ladron, California's annual Miss Tangorli beauty pageant, and poly has agreed to use Material Girl's inventory of shimmery silks to create embellished gowns fit for a crown. But when millionaire Harvey Halliwell the man who revived the city's citrus trade with his imported tangorli tree is found dead days before the pageant contestants are announced, something sour takes over the town. To make matters worse, her friend, mechanic Charlie Brooks, is soon caught up in the crime, having been seen in the company of the cases's prime suspect. Now Poly's on a mission to squeeze out the truth. But as she searches for a pattern, the killer seems intent on cutting up the evidence. $7.99WELCOME TO RUTH KERN BOOKS
I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you haven't visited us before I'd like to introduce you to our business. We've been in business nearly 23 years and have set up needlework bookshops at both the ANG and EGA nationals and regionals and other needlework groups as well as being on the web.
Can't find a certain book? Give us a call Monday thru Saturday at 602-943-0738 between 8:30 am to 6pm Arizona time. Yes, we are the people who never change their clocks forward or backward. If I don't answer I'm probably in the middle of helping Mark, my husband with M.S. or at the Post Office mailing books, so please feel free to leave a message and I will return your call ASAP. Or you can e-mail us at: rkern3@mindspring.com or rkernbooks3@gmail.com. To reach us by mail: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021. LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
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