JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 BLOG
A TRIP TO KOREA AND JAPAN
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| Korean Girl |
Korea -
Charlene and her friend Sally arrived in South Korea during a festival and captured these photos of these huge pair of dragons made out of chrysanthemums. What marvels!
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| This is the full length of each dragon |
Charlene and Sally visited an island off South Korea that still has wild Mongolian horses and while they were there visited a museum for teddy bears. They went in, not knowing what to expect, and discovered a real treat. South Koreans, it turns out are crazy about teddy bears. Take a look at these:
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| THE BEATLES |
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| TEDDY BEAR ELVIS |
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| Ghandi Teddy Bear |
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| Queen Elizabeth II Teddy Bear |
I hope you enjoyed the bears and the elaborate costumes made for them - those do belong in a museum.
I was told that South Korea has two Teddy Bear Museums and China has one. Who knew??
When I saw these pictures of a Korean Wedding Dress I had to include these. The embroidery is magnificent. I love the contrasting parts of sleeves in a white background.
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| Back of Wedding Dress |
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| Front of Wedding Dress |
ON TO JAPAN
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| Japanese Girl |
While visiting Kyoto, Japan Charlene discovered that young women can rent kimonos on the weekend and stroll through the parks and city in costume. What a fun idea! You can see these young women are truly having a good time. Note: They are taking selfies! If you look closer to the woman on the left - it looks as if she has the face makeup on like a Geisha. WHERE ARE ALL THE JAPANESE EMBROIDERY BOOKS??
Lots of embroiderers study Japanese embroidery and I wish new books would be published on this subject. As far as I know there is only one book on the subject available from Search Press: Gray, Julia D. - Traditional Japanese Embroidery -According to tradition, students of Japanese embroidery must watch a master at work and "steal the knowledge". Here, Julia shares her passion for this exquisite craft, revealing her in-depth knowledge of the skills and symbolism involved. Detailed instructions reveal the intricacies of working with silk thread and silk fabric, and clear step-by-step photos show how to create beautiful embroideries. $21.95Silk is a highly sought after fabric but who knew you could do this with the cocoons?
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| Cocoon People |
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| More Cocoon People |
How cute is this?
Charlene discovered this kimono for a bottle of wine here in Phoenix at the Japanese Gardens.
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| I want one so I will head out for the Japanese Gardens soon. |
Before we leave the Orient I'd like to revisit the subject of dragons. Nobody does the dragon better than Dorothy Lesher. She teaches the art of dragon needlepoint at the ANG. I've seen her work in person and she knows how to create a fantasy creature.
If you are inspired to create your own dragon I've included the following books:
Davies, Paul Bryn - How to Draw Dragons: In Simple Steps - Derived from the idea that all drawing is based upon a simple construction of lines and shapes, this exciting guide teaches aspiring artists how to draw popular subjects - this one dragons. You only need to follow the easy step-by-step instructions to draw highly detailed pictures of fearsome dragons and flying, fire-breathing beasts in action-packed scenes. $9.95Murphy, Pat - Paper Flying Dragons - This book includes 12 fearsome, stunning paper dragons to fold and fly and illustrated, step-by-step instructions. Send the Mountain
Reinhart, Matthew and Robert Sabuda - Dragons and Monsters - These two master paper engineers unfold the legends and lore of cultures around the world to reveal in wonderful pop-ups such creatures as dragons, a Kraken, a gorgon, and more. $29.95If you are crazy for kimonos I've included a few books you might want to peruse:
Milhaupt, Terry Satsuki - Kimono: A Modern history - The gorgeous, vividly colored, and visually witty designs of the traditional Japanese garment referred to in modern times as kimono, things to wear, are the subject of this groundbreaking study. Through her insightful analysis of textile design, fabrics, dyes, designers workshops and distribution systems, the late Terry Satsuki Milhaupt offers insights into the complex cultural and social history of modern Japan. $29.00
Sun, Ming-Ju - Creative Haven: Japanese Kimono Designs - If you have joined in with the coloring craze and love kimonos here's one for you. More than 30 illustrations to color depict women in traditional garb enhanced by intricate prints of cherry blossoms, bamboo, birds, and other figures. Perforated pages are printed on one side only for easy removal and display. $5.99
Sun, Ming-Ju - Traditional Japanese Fashion Paper Dolls - This book allows you to dress two female figures in a formal court dress of the Ashikaga period (1338-1573). It also includes kimonos with floral designs, a traditional Japanese bridal dress, modern formal robes. 16 full-color plates of costumes. Who says paper dolls are only for children? $6.95
Waddell, John - Kimono Revisited - This is a class that John has taught many times to many eager needlepointers. You can use his colors or be adventurous and choose your own and pick your canvas and have some fun learning 90 stitches and creating your own kimono to display. $30.00 ( Discount code: Heart17)
SPEAKING OF KIMONOS ... WHAT ABOUT GEISHAS?
The first thing I learned about geishas from Charlene was about the book, Geisha: A Life by Mineko Iwasaki. She highly recommended this book about these highly trained artistic women that have nothing to do with sex but with perfection. The word geisha means "women of art". Their talents playing musical instruments. dancing, the tea ceremony take many years. If you want to learn about this art and the life of a past top geisha this book is fascinating. Mineko tells all, the first Geisha to do so. Trained to become a geisha from the age of five, she would live among the other "women of art" in Kyoto's Gion Kobu district and practiced the ancient customs of Japanese entertainment. She was loved by kings, princes, military heroes, and wealthy statesmen alike. But even though she became one of the most prized geishas in Japan, Mineko wanted more: her own life. She retired at age of 29 years old. Today she is about 70 years of age and her book reveals a little-known world, and an intimate glimpse into Japanese culture. A classic! I read it and loved it. $17.00
POTPOURRI OF NEW BOOKS
Burr, Trish - Whitework with Colour - Adding color to traditions whitework embroidery opens the door to a whole new world of creative possibilities. Exploring unusual combinations of hues, celebrated needle artist Trish Burr has created seventeen projects that will entice stitchers. Ranging from complete beginner to more advanced, her designs include a gorgeous zen poppy; a stunning sunrise over the ocean; and a pretty French country vase. $24.95Trish Burr taught herself embroidery and has become a world known needle artist and the author numerous highly successful books I have listed below. The book above is her latest creation. I'm already getting requests for it.
Redoute's Finest Flowers in Embroidery - Trish has painstakingly recreated blooms from the paintings of 19th-Century botanical artist Pierre Joseph Redoute in exquisite embroidery. Using only the simpliest stitches, she provides instructions, illustrations and photos to take you step-by-step through stitching 17 beautiful blossoms roses, lilies, birds of paradise, dahlias, magnolias and more. $19.95
Long and Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers - Here Trish introduces her unique long and short-stitch needlepainting style of portraying flowers like a botanical painter. Fiver starter projects show how to create the illusion of brushwork in thread and use basic techniques, from preparing fabric and transferring designs to blocking and mounting. Sixteen easily achieved but challenging larger projects enable beginners and experts to bring to life meticulously detailed sunflowers, magnolias, bearded irises, and Icelandic poppy, roses, and more. With diagrams, full-sized templates, and stitch directions included. $19.95
Crewel and Surface Embroidery: Inspirational Floral Designs - The 16 achievable projects are challenging but not overwhelming, decorative but also practical, with pleasing color schemes and clear step-by-step instructions. the skillful blending of wool, silk, and cotton guides the beginner and inspires the experienced stitcher to create this unique stile of embroidery. The numerous photos, illustrations, and row by-row color keys make following the projects an effortless task and a joy to stitch. $24.95
Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners - In 15 projects organized in three levels, from novice to intermediate, Trish provides, easy-to-follow guidance on techniques for surface stitching that provide subtle shadings and a soft, paintlike blending of colors. Sections on materials, the long and short stitch, and helpful practice motifs lead to gorgeous projects like Burgundy Rosebuds, a Wild Pansy, and a Racquet-tailed Roller. $21.95
Colour Confidence in Embroidery - How does color affect embroidery? How can it bring needlework to life? Discover the possibilities in this unique, in-depth exploration of color in embroidery. From color selection and blending to choosing techniques for surface and counted thread embroidery projects. More than 200 stitched examples with DMC thread keys, plus color schemes and projects such as roses, fruits, and birds will inspire stitchers. $34.95
Miniature Needle Painting Embroidery: Vintage Portraits, Florals and Birds - Small, embroidered "paintings" can have all the detail, form, and beauty of a larger piece except they're much quicker to stitch. These fresh and appealing designs capture the pretty, romantic images typical of the Victorian and post-Victorian eras. All the projects which include traditional portraits, birds, and flowers have detailed thread diagrams, and easy-to-follow instructions teach the basic stitches. $24.95
Bolton, Janet - Fabric Pictures - To call what Janet Bolton makes with fabric 'patchwork' doesn't do justice to her creations - hers are images, pictures that capture fragments of an imagination that can strike anywhere, at any time. She shows you how to create beautiful pictures on fabric. Taking you through her special method, she will guide you to find the inspiration around you and teach you how to turn your creativity into a textile project and develop your personal 'voice'. The book is divided into two main sections - the first on how to find inspiration, the second on how to put your ideas into practice, complete with a step by step example that shows you every stage of construction from beginning to end. Just like in her workshops, Janet's guidance in the book is friendly, reassuring and inspiring. $29.99
Bolton, Janet - Janet Bolton's Textile Pictures - Janet pictures the English countryside and small life scenes as if she was taking instantaneous photos with tenderness and sensibility in her simple style. Janet's original designs illustrate the whole book. Hard Cover. 142 pages. $64.00
Harampolis, Alethea - Branches and Blooms: A Step-by-step Guide to Creating Magical Centerpieces, Wreaths, Garlands, and Other Unexpected Arrangements - The book provides more than 100 step-by-step project to make with flowering and leafy branches. In the spring, readers can create a cherry blossom boughs or a centerpiece of lilacs and olive branches. In the summer, a garland features sage with pomegranates and citrus-colored strawflowers. In autumn wreaths are made out of magnolias and rosemary. Winter highlights cedar, pine, and juniper, yielding unexpected table settings and new wreath shapes. Also included are hundreds of step-by-step photos, as well as tutorials covering basic techniques, sourcing, and care information. $19.95
Healey, Elizabeth - Stitch, Fabric and Thread - This creative book encourages people to experiment with stitch, fabric and thread to create their own unique textiles. It is a treasure trove of over 40 inspiring practical exercises, a rich and creative exploration of fabric and stitch. The exercises draw inspiration from around the world; crate corded works of art inspired by Milton Glaser's iconic Bob Dylan album cover; create bold embroidered African masks; layer up and cut away to create Mola applique; use bleach and fabric paint to create Aboriginal dreamtime lizards; create knotted works of art inspired by ancient Mayan counting systems; embroider varsity cross-stitch letters or try out decorative Japanese book binding. Alternatively, try a host of other techniques such as quilting, printing, dyeing, couching tumbled crockery, creating pleats and puckers and needlelace. Packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains behind the stitches' features: illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee's Bend quilting and Dorset buttons. 424.95
McWhinney, Jenny - Thread Painting: Bunnies in My Garden - Thread painting is the term for using colored thread embroider to create artistic, dimensional images. Using Jenny McWhinney's directions, even novice embroiderers can recreate 12 delightful rabbit-themed designs including bunnies watering and potting plants, raking leaves, harvesting carrots, gathering honey, and picking apples. Tracing patterns and stitch diagrams are included for each, and 100 color photos document the projects in various stages. $19.95
Naumann, Sara - How to Make Resin Jewellery - Well-known crafter Sara Naumann shows you just how easy and quick resin jewellery is to make, using minimal equipment and readily available products, and provides over 50 fabulous projects for you to try. You can add numerous items to the resin to achieve different effects. In addition, you can also immerse various items in the resin before it cures, such as dried flowers and leaves, fathers, shells, beads and charms, or try glitter, colored inks, nail polish. $19.95
Kato, Reiko - Garden Party - After the resounding success of "Les Petites Histories de Sue and Billy (Small Stories of Sue and Billy), "Heartful Quilts", and "My Dream Quilts" Reiko has written a second sweet and enchanting book. It is full of her friendly characters and of little pictures going through the seasons. $48.00
Quiltmania - Mosaique d'etoffes - 44 color pictures of an outstanding collection of ancient French quilts from the end of the 19th to beginning of 20th century. $22.00
Quiltmania - My Little Japan - We have gathered together almost 100 photos from the 2015 International Great Quilt Festival of Tokyo. Included in these photos are meetings with artists and collectors, and a lot of snapshots of our wanderings in Tokyo and Kyoto, Everything we love about Japan! $29.99
Ray, Aimee - Patchwork Embroidery -Patchwork isn't just for quilts! It's also perfect for making clothing, toys, housewares, and more. Add embroidery to the mix, and the possibilities are endless. Bestselling author Aimee Ray has whipped up 21 great gift ideas that showcase both techniques. They all feature her popular signature motifs, and include place mats, napkins, table covers, pillows, banners and even baby items. $17.95
Russo, Neysa - Needle Felted Tapestries: Make Your Own Woolen Masterpieces - From simple mug rugs to Renaissance-style tapestry wall hangings, 16 charming projects lead fiber lovers on a journey to discover the art of needle felting. Felt artist Neysa Russo shares her years of experience with felt and felt design so that you can make your own felted masterpiece. Create a colorful coaster, a handy needle and pin case, charming table runner, wall hanging and more. She covers the tools needed, materials and techniques and finishing for both wet felting and needle felting, how to add color and dimension and more. $21.95
Sloan, Pat - The Splendid Sampler: 100 Spectacular Blocks from a Community of Quilters - Join the Splendid Sampler community with a comprehensive collection of 6 inch blocks created and shared by more than 80 of today's most innovative quilt designers. A number of the six-inch blocks are shown in two colorways for twice the creativity. $27.99Mystery Corner
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Archer, Winnie - Kneaded to Death (Bread Shop Mystery) - Struggling photographer Ivy Culpepper has lots of soul-searching to do since returning to seaside Santa Sofia, California. This is, until the thirty-six year old enters a bread making class at Yeast of Eden. Whether it's the aroma of fresh conchas in the oven, or her instant connection with owner Olaya Solis, Ivy just knows the missing ingredients in her life are hidden among the secrets of Olaya's bakery. But Ivy's spirits crumble when a missing classmate is suddenly discovered dead in her car. Even more devastating, the prime suspect is Olaya Solis herself. Doubting the woman could commit such a crime, Ivy embarks on a murder investigation of her own to prove her innocence and seize the real killer. As she follows a deadly trail of crumbs around town, Ivy must trust her gut like never before or someone else could be toast! $7.99
Blackmore, Stephanie - Murder Wears White - Mallory Shepard's wedding planning business is off to a shaky start when a member of the bridal family drops dead at a food tasting. But what Mallory didn't plan on is the bride's aunt being poisoned at the wedding tasting and her perfect venue becomes engaged in her own investigation she learns the man convicted of the crime may not be guilt. Now she has two crimes to solve before the bride walks down the aisle - but a killer has other plans to ensure that Mallory forever holds her peace. $7.99
Blake, Bethany - Death by Chocolate Lab - Pet sitter Daphne Templeton has a soft spot for every stray and misfit who wanders into the quaint, lakeside, village of Sylvan Creek. But even Daphne doesn't like arrogant, womanizing Steve Beamus, the controversial owner of Blue ribbon K-9 Academy. When Steven turns up dead during a dog agility trial, Daphne can think of a long list of people with motives for homicide and so can the police. Unfortunately, at the top of the list is Daphne's sister, Steve's latest wronged girlfriend. Daphne sets out to clear her sister's name and find Axis, Steve's prize-winning chocolate Labrador, who went missing the night of Steve's death. Aided by Socrates, her taciturn basset hound, and a hyperactive one-eared Chihuahua named Artie Daphne runs afoul of Detective Jonathan Black, an enigmatic newcomer to town, who has no appreciation for Daphne's unorthodox sleuthing. $7.99
Bradford, Laura - The Silence of the Flans - Baker Winnie Johnston does her best work when the heat is on. As owner of the Emergency Dessert Squad, she has a deft touch in the kitchen and a soft spot for lost causes. So when her business professor beau, Jay Morgan , expresses misgivings over having to fail one of his fourth grade students, Winnie cooks up a sweet solution. She'll offer an extra credit opportunity in exchange for a little help with her growing business. But when her protégé's first dessert delivery poisons a student journalist, the publicity threatens to burn Winnie's business to a crisp. Now the entrepreneur-turned-detective must uncover the ingredients behind a recipe for murder before she crumbles under pressure. $7.99
Cahoon, Lynn - Fatality by Firelight - To kick off a winter writing retreat, Cat and her handyman boyfriend, Seth, escort the aspiring authors to a nearby ski resort, hoping some fresh cold air will wake up their creative muses. But instead of hitting the slopes, they hit the bar and before long, a tipsy romance novelist named Christina is keeping herself warm with a local ski bum who might have neglected to tell her about his upcoming wedding. Next thing Cat knows, her uncle, the town sheriff, informs her that the young man's been found dead in a hot tub and Christina shows up crying and covered in blood. Now between a murder mystery, the theft of a rare Hemingway edition, and the arrival of a black-clad stranger in snowy Aspen Hills, Cat's afraid everything's going downhill. $7.99
Childs, Laura - Devonshire Scream - Catering a trunk show at heart's Desire Jewelry is a shining achievement for Theodosia and the Indigo Tea Shop. After all, slew of jewelers, museum curators, and private collectors will be there to sip some of Theo's best blends. Unfortunately, the party is crashed by a gang of masked muggers who steal the precious gems on display, and then disappear almost as quickly as they arrived leaving a dead body in their wake. Theo gets involved in the case after her friend Brooke, aunt of the victim and owner of Heart's Desire, begs for help in figuring out who committed the brutal burglary. though the FBI believes this smash and grab is the work of an international gang of jewel thieves, Theo is convinced that the felon is someone much closer to home. $7.99
Davis, Krista - Mission Impawsible - Davis has created a town that any pet would love as much as their owners do. And they won't let a little thing like murder spoil their enjoyment. Murder, mystery, a bit of romance and seriously pets! Welcome to Wagtail, Virginia. $7.99
Fluke, Joanne - Wedding Cake Murder - Hannah is thrilled to be marrying Ross Barton, her college crush. And her excitement only grows when she learns he'll be able to join her on her trip to New York City for the Food Channel's dessert chef contest. they get a taste of the Big Apple before Hannah wins the Hometown Challenge and the producers bring all the contestants to Lake Eden to tape the remainder of the show. It's nerve-wracking enough being judged by Alain Duqesne, a celebrity chef with a nasty reputation. But it's even more chilling to find him stabbed to death in the Lake Eden Inn's walk-in cooler before he's even had a chance to taste Hannah's Butterscotch Sugar Cookies! Now Hannah has not only lost her advantage, she'll have to solve a mystery with more layers than a five-tiered wedding cake. $7.99
Furlong, Susan - War and Peach - Nola Mae Harper is too busy restocking the jars of preserves and chutney flying off the shelves of her shop, Peachy Keen, to keep up with the demand. Lots of gossip about the upcoming race for mayor and local farmer Clem Rogers claims he has a bombshell that could take small business owner Margie Price out of the running. But before Clem can reveal his juicy secret at the debate, his actual barn goes up in flames with him inside of it. The town casts it vote against Margie, but Nola isn't convinced the hardworking woman is capable of murder. $7.99
James, Miranda - No Cats Allowed - Mississippi librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat Diesel are on their guard. Oscar Reilly, the new director at the Athena College library, is on a mission to cut costs and has set his sights on the archive and rare book collection. Reilly's also out to replace Charlie's fiery friend Melba with someone younger, but his biggest offense is declaring all four-legged creatures banned from the stacks. With enemies aplenty, the suspect list is long when Reilly's body is discovered in the library, but incriminating evidence throws suspicion on Melba. Charlie is convinced that his friend is no murderer, especially when he catches sight of a menacing stranger lurking around the library. Now he and Diesel will have to read between the lines, before Melba's shelved under G for guilt. $7.99
Lane, Kelly - Cold Pressed Murder - Its the pits for the attendees of the annual Farm Family Fare in Abundance, Georgia, when olive oiler Eva Knox finds herself in the middle of a murder case. This weekend event consists of two days of tours, exhibition, music, tastings, and, most important, cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs from the Chow Network. The enthusiasm begins to dribble away after one of the star chefs goes missing and is later found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck. The scandal gets messier after the police discover that Eva's sister Daphne spent the night with the victim right before he died, making her the prime suspect for his murder. $7.99
Logan, Kylie - Gone with the Twins - The League of Literary Ladies is currently enjoying Margaret Mitchell's sage of the south, GONE WITH THE WIND. But there's one situation on South Bass Island that they wish would simply blow over. Kidnapped as teenagers, the children of a famous movie star are now media darlings after a miraculous escape. What's next for the celebrity twins? They're opening an over-the-top B and B called Tara on South Bass Island, and frankly, they don't given a dame about the competition including Bea Cartwright's own beloved inn. The other member of the League Chandra, Kate, and Luella are turning scarlet. But when local realtor Vivian Frisk is found murdered and the suspects include Chandra, who lost her beau to the frisky Vivian, the Ladies rally to her defense. They may have to skim a few chapters of the Civil War soap opera and focus on bringing justice to the island they call home. $7.99 
McConnon, Maggie - Bel of the Brawl: A Belfast McGrath Mystery - Beth McGrath loves her work as a wedding chef. But with her latest event set to take place at Shamrock Manor, she just can't seem to catch a break. The Casey wedding has left her with ten thousand greenbacks in the hole, a missing staff member, and a dead groom. Now in between Guinness beers and pub brawls, Bel must find a way to crack the case - even though what she should be cracking are eggs into the batter of the wedding cake. A good Irish girl's work is never done. What begins as local town fodder is turning into more. With the Casey family spiraling out of control, and billable McGrath hours being lost by the minute, Bel is definitely in too deep. She even barely has time to obsess over her new boyfriend and her own unsolved mystery from years ago! Time is running out on getting the next couple down the aisle before the so-called luck of the Irish takes a deadly turn. $7.99
Shelton, Paige - The Cracked Spine (Scottish Bookshop Mystery #1) - American bibliophile Delaney Nichols is about to take Scotland and legions of cozy mystery readers-by storm! She takes a job at the legendary bookshop filled with special editions and rare manuscripts, it's a house of biblio delights one as eclectic as those who work there; the spirited and ever-curious Rosie, along with her tiny dog, Hector; a nineteen year old thespian named Hamlet and Edwin, the big boss, who Delaney likes but but just can't get a read on. Then there's Tom, the bartender from across the street, whose gentle brogue pulls at Delany's heart strings and who can rock a kilt like none other. $7.99
Tatem Clover - Blown Away (Kite Shop Mystery #1) - Emmy is finally living her dream. She's moved to the coastal town of Rock Point, Oregon, and is starting a kite business, Strings Attached features her own unique designs, inspired by everything from Picasso to Matisse's colorful cutouts. Her spirits are soaring sky-high the morning of the grand opening until she stumbles upon a dead man washed up on the beach. The body belongs to local chef Miles Logan, and the gash across his chest indicates he's been murdered. The sheriff suspects Emmy's best friend, Avery, who used to date the chelf. Emmy is sure Avery would never hurt anyone, but her pal doesn't have an alibi for the night of the murder. With Avery's freedom and the fate of her kite shop up in the air, Emmy takes it upon herself to follow the string of clues and solve the murder before the real killer takes flight." $7.99Hope you enjoyed your visit to Ruth Kern Books
If this is your first time with us I'd like to introduce you to our company. We've been in business for 24 years and have set up needlework bookshops at both the ANG and EGA seminars and for other needlework groups as well as having sites on the web.
Can't find a certain book? Give us a call Monday thru Saturday at 602-943-0738 and if you need to leave a message I'm probably helping Mark, my husband, with M.S. or running books to the post office. I will return your call ASAP. Or you can e-mail me at rkern3@mindspring.com. To reach us by mail: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 850921. Love to hear from you.
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to find the discount code hidden in this blog that gives you a 20% discount on any new book you order.
Have a wonderful January/February and 2017.
