NEW BLOG WILL POST 4/18/2018 EVENING - SEE YOU THEN!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
Do You Know About The San Francisco School of Needlework and Design?
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| FROM SNAD NEWSLETTER |
If not, let me introduce you. This wonderful embroidery organization located at 360 Post Street, Ste. 604, San Francisco, CA 94108 known as SNAD. They are open Monday thru Saturday 9:30-4:30. If you are in the neighborhood stop by and see their great library, exhibits and talk to one of the staff. SNAD's mission: to teach, promote and preserve hand embroidery and from what I've read on their site and in their newsletters and from the classes and lectures and other programs they are doing just that. Their organization continues to grow each year. But why am I writing about them when you can pop on-line and visit their website: sfneedleworkanddesign.org
I've included a book one of their needleworkers has written that came out in the fall of last year:
Mornu, Nathalie - Embroider Your Life: Simple Techniques and 150 Stylish Motifs to Embroider Your World - These motifs have been designed by 20 of today's most popular embroidery artists. Learn the simplest embroidery stitches and techniques, and see how these can be used to personalize your wearables, accessories, and items for your home. Explore color, stitch variations, fabric grounds, thread types, scale, fills, and more. These stitch motifs are contemporary and modern, with a graphic aesthetic - not retro, kitschy, sentimental, or old-fashioned. The book is good not only for beginners but for the more advanced stitchers. $16.95QUILLING BY ITS OTHER NAMES IS
I'm in love! I was at a friend's house and she showed me a greeting card she received. The cover was a beautiful 3-D peacock I discovered was quilled. I vaguely knew what quilling was - the art of thin strips of rolled paper made into 3-D designs but I didn't know how gorgeous it truly was. I had to know more about this wonderful art that is known by many names: paper-rolling, paper-scrolling, filigree, and mosaic as well as quilling. Quilling stuck more than the other names since this name came from the use of the quill - one of the large stiff feathers of birds - to coil paper upon. Well, that answered my curiosity about why it was called quilling but I didn't really care what they called it. Whatever this art was called it had burrowed into my brain and I needed to know more.
I was surprised to learn quilling has been has been thought by some historians to be around since ancient Egypt since they had a filigree type art that might have been the inspiration of more modern quilling. This paper art was extremely popular in the 16th and 17th centuries where work of high quality was reached by genteel ladies and nuns in Europe who had time for such art. No working class woman during that time period had time for artwork. Eventually, quilling reached the North American shores and caught on here. Today this paper art is resurfacing again as a very accessible, affordable way to create beautiful designs.
I began my search for more information quilling by visiting the card company that created the beautiful peacock card I saw at my friend's house. Their motto is "don't just send a card, send art!' I've included here some examples of their beautiful cards, paper jewelry, and kits found on their site: www.quillingcard.com. Enjoy!
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| quilled earrings |
Next I discovered a great website: AllThingsPaper.net, on paper crafts such as quilling created by Ann Martin, who has been quilling since 2002 when she was instantly captivated by a magazine article about the beautiful art of paper rolling. her work and tutorials have appeared on television, in books, including her own: All Things Paper, Creative Paper Quilling, as well as in craft, card making, and handmade jewelry magazines. Her blog features her designs and the work of other remarkable paper artists from around the world. In the list of quilling books below I've included two of hers.
If this has whetted your appetite more on quilling take a look at the selection of books on this craft I've included below. (discount code: luv18)
Neals, Cindy - Quilling for Beginners: How to Get Started with Stylish Paper Quilling Techniques, Tips and Projects - No experience with quilling? No worries! This book is suited to the absolute beginner that's looking to get started with quilling. It includes an intro to quilling, quilling history, the importance of Quilling paper selection, techniques, simple quilling projects and much, much more. $9.95
Liquin, Zhu and Paper Arts Museum - Paper Quilling Chinese Style - Sure to delight the myriad of diverse group of crafters who have fallen in love with quilling, this lovely book uses traditional Chinese arts to crate an array of paper quilling projects with a distinctly Chinese design. A flexible and limitless art form, paper quilling allows so much individual expression that it has attracted fans around the world. By showcasing the bold and inventive use of color, composition and traditional symbols, this book is sure to bring a new level of depth and beauty to your work. With simple tools and materials easily found at most craft stores, you will be able to explore the boundaries of Western handicraft and traditional Chinese cultures and your own creativity! $25.95
Liquin, Zhu and Paper Arts Museum - Paper Quilling Four Season Chinese Style - Quilling, the art of coiling and shaping narrow paper strips into 3-D designs, has been popular with crafters for a long time. Paper has a flexibility and elasticity that gives it endless possibilities. All you need to get started is strips of paper, glue and a tool to roll the paper. You can use what you already have: recycled paper and a bamboo skewer or toothpick work well or get a quilling kit at a craft shop. This guide offers examples of various forms of Chinese art for inspiration, different modes of composition with each season is depicted in all its distinct color and beauty through the unique art of paper quilling. $24.95
Louie, Cevelia - Pretty Quilled Cards - From a thank-you note to a cheery holiday message, here's a quilled card for every occasion. It's easy! Just lay your paper strips on top of the full-size illustrations accompanying each project, and mark the length and folds as indicated. Plus, this collection contains printed backgrounds to photocopy and use. Make cards, gift tags, cupcake toppers, and more. $17.95
Louie, Cecelia - Quilling Creations: Flora and Fauna: Craft Ten Charming Paper Art Vignettes - This book includes all you need to know to get started. This inspirational kit gives you ten elegant projects and the ability to fold, roll, and create bright flowers, spectacular birds, and other woodland creatures. Plenty of the basic techniques for rolled paper art, step-by-step photographic instructions and also ideas for designing and creating your own unique pieces. This kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a rolling tool, ready-to-go paper strips in multiple colors, and a thorough guidebook. $18.99
Martin, Ann - The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry: Techniques and Projects for Metallic Earrings and Pendants - Ann Martin shows how to create exquisite paper jewelry with the look of copper, silver, and gold by using metallic-edged papers that are very sturdy. Pairing step-by-step illustrations with detailed tutorials on rolling coils, scrolls, and other unique shapes, this book shows you how to create twenty eye-catching designs with Ann's expert guidance and a few minimal tools and supplies. $22.99
Martin, Ann - Creative Paper Quilling: Wall Art, Jewelry, Cards and More - This accomplished quilling artist with other quillers takes you on a true creative adventure as they share expert technique information, helpful tips and eye-catching designs. With projects for beginners as well as experienced artists enjoy creating unique wall art, handmade greeting cards, stylish pendants and earrings and festive holiday ornaments. $14.95 
Runa, Sena - Quilling Art - Turkish paper artist Sena Runa gives this time-honored craft, a stylish and contemporary update sure to appeal to the 21st- century artist. The twenty great projects include a guitar, apple, owl, butterfly, cloud, heart, and other popular designs and motifs. Pairing elaborate design with a clever use of color crates exciting effects in the projects, which vary in complexity to appeal to quillers of all skill levels. Each project features easy-to-follow instructions with step-by-step photos and templates that take guess work out of the quilling process. It also includes tips that will help you develop skills and techniques that will allow you to create your own show-stopping designs. $19.95This is a small selection of beautiful quilling art:
POTPOURRI OF NEW BOOKS
Amor, Shelagh - Crewel Embroidery: A Practical Guide - I am so happy to see this book back in print. Master an expert instructor's special techniques, starting with the simplest stitches, including stem, chain, split, long and short, French knot, and trellis filling. Our author lives in Australia, has coordinated classes for the Embroiderer's Guild, has taught embroidery techniques for over 20 years and has a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and finish. In this book she covers the entire stitching process from selecting and transferring patterns to framing and finishing. Put it all together with ten original floral projects you can use for clothing, soft furnishings, and framed wall hangings. $19.95
Boggon, Sharon - The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design - Embrace crazy quilting with 35 must-know stitches and endless variations, shown in clear step-by-step photos for both right and left-handed stitchers. This talented quilt artist reveals design fundamentals to guide you in your process. Learn the theory and process behind this fascinating art, how to choose fabrics, piece stitch and flip blocks and embellish seams with embroidery, beads, buttons and charms. $29.95
Draper, Jean - Stitch and Pattern: Design and Technique for Pattern Textile Art - As she did with her best-selling Stitch and Structure, Jean guides textile artists through some of the most creative ways of working up patterns, and harnessing our love for rhythm and repeat in fabric. She discusses the nature of pattern and its language, and explains grids, symmetry, and the positive and negative in design. Detailed studies explore patterns from other cultures, including Banjara; in plants and flowers; and on the human body. Throughout, Draper carefully teaches a variety of techniques, from putting stitches together, to exaggerating and overlapping stitches, to using just one type of stitch. $29.95
Envoldsen-Harris, Carina - Mandalas to Embroider - This exceptional Danish embroiderer who lives in the UK brings us vibrant and contemporary patterns, varying from the traditional to the unusual - from floral designs and calligraphy, through to intricate portraits of Frieda Kahlo and the colorful Day of the Dead skulls. She has given the traditional madala an update and twist by incorporating her almost-trademarked sytle of boldness mixed with femininity. Calming and meditation doesn't mean boring, and stitched mandalas aren't just for working and popping into frames - show them off in a necklace, brooch or on your shoes! 24 beautiful, meditative mandalas for you to embroider. Only 10 stitches used to make all the motifs, explained and accompanied by clear, step-by-step diagrams. $13.95
Kaprow, Erica - Everything's Blooming - This author has always enjoyed sewing. She now combines her love for wool dyeing, quiltmaking , and embroidery to make rich wool applique quilts. 12 page booklet plus pattern sheets. $19.95
Lubin, Clementine - A Beginner's Guide to Dyeing and Sewing - This author lives in Paris, France and is in love with sewing. This is not her first book on the subject. In this book learn how to refresh, transform or personalize clothing, soft furnishings or fabric accessories, or to dye fabric to create brand-new items. She shows us how to create 12 dazzling dye effect - from tie-dyeing and dip-dyeing to creating checks, lines, droplets and bubbles - then shows us how to put this into practice to create 21 gorgeous sewn projects, ranging from bags and pillows to towels, scarves and clothing. She offers advice on dyeing printed fabrics and working with a base colour, as wells as guidance on washing and maintaining dyed fabric. The dyeing techniques are created either in the washing machine, by hand or in the microwave, and clear instructions are included for each method. This book focuses on readily-available chemical dyes, but the dye effects could transfer to natural types as well. All the sewing steps are explained clearly, with handy illustrations to provide clarity where necessary. $19.95
Legenhausen, Courtney - Fashion Jewelry: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making - Bead stringing. Wire wrapping. Pearl knotting. This great guide teaches all the basics of fashioning fun and attractive bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. Detailed instructions and easy-to-follow, step-by-step photos lay out the techniques including jewelry stamping and applying hammered textures and 17 projects. Even novices can make chandelier earrings, a pearl bracelet, a stone pendant, and more. This is a thoughtful, effective and detailed instructional guide. $21.95
Lubin, Clementine - A Beginner's Guide to Overlockers, Sergers and Coverlockers: 50 Lessons and 15 projects to get you started - Learn how to get the most out of your machine with this comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide. Full of practical advice to help you master all the features and applications of your overlocker (serger) and coverlocker, you will learn how to handle your machine using its more complex features and will soon be finishing hems like a professional sewer. There are 50 great photographed step-by-step lessons to guide you through all the skills you need to get started, and 15 neat projects to make, to apply your knowledge and help you realize your sewing goals. This book includes full-size, fold-out patterns and is the essential guide for all aspiring sewers. It is a fantastic resource for those new to machine sewing and a great source of inspiration and ideas for the most experienced sewers. $19.95
Martingale - Stitches from the Harvest hand Embroidery - This hand embroidery is inspired by autumn and brings you 15 all-new embroidery projects. Stitch jaunty squirrels, whimsical birds, and a bevy of fall fruit and leaves to bedeck elegant little projects, including pillow, tote bag, table runner, needle book, pincushions and more. Clear instructions, helpful tips and beautiful original artwork makes this book a source of inspiration. $24.99
Ray, Aimee - Embroidered Woodland Creatures - This bestselling author offers a new selection of delightful woodland-themed transfers - over fifty designs that range from complex mandalas to simple critters, like frogs, turtles, deer, and owls. These designs are printed on reusable transfer paper - just tear out the pages, iron the pattern onto your fabric and start stitching. There is a handy pocket in back of book to store your cutout transfers. Aimee Ray provides a complete introduction to embroidery as well as a fully illustrated stitch library. $14.95
Schluz, Carolyn - Jewelry School Bead Stringing - Create beautiful jewelry on single or multiple threads, following Carolyn's, concise instructions complete with diagrams and full-colour photos. This book features twelve projects and variations that use an array of stunning beads and pearls for necklaces and bracelets that can be worn daily or on a special night out. $12.95
Spargo, Sue - Creative Stitching: Second Edition - This book is based on years of experience teaching thousands of students of all skill levels. It is designed to help you quickly and easily learn dozens of stitches that can be immediately applied to any project. This new revised edition includes over 20 new stitches. Highly detailed illustrations and photos updated. $32.00
Van Baarle, Els and Cherilyn - Interpreting Themes in Textile Art - Two textile artists. Two personal interpretations of the same creative theme. Even though they both have individual approaches to shape, form, color, and technique, their shared interest in the same topics has united them for 25 years. And, often, they inspire each other. These two talented creators start from the same point, but then draw on their own experiences. They have chosen six themes to explore: memory; graven (cemetery) images and idols; books as objects; Pompeii and archeological excavations; walls; and everyday items. $29.95
MYSTERY CORNER
PLEASE MEET KELLY LANE - A FASCINATING WOMAN
Ah! I love reading about a woman who puts her interests before housework. In fact, Kelly calls herself an anti-housekeeper. This makes me feel less guilty about my giving my house, "a lick and a promise" much of the time. She lives and writes in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. She's had many careers and has now added mystery writer to her past work as a journalist, copywriter, editor, PR consultant for Fortune 500 companies. Before moving to Virginia she had participated in competitive sailing and had one of New England's best equestrian facilities. She calls herself a garden junkie, recipe lover, animal hoarder, farm gal, a family person and is an award-winning photographer. Holey Moley! She says she has a soft spot for toll-house cookies and milk, coffee yogurt (hmm, I need to look for this!), wooded boats and old-fashioned roses.
Somehow I picture her jumping out of bed before dawn and getting her day moving. I bet she does her writing first. She reads "oodles" of books, is a member of Sisters in Crime, has attended writing workshops and has a major goal in her mystery writing, "If you take the time to read one of my stories, my goal is to entertain and always leaves a smile on your face."
I hope you take time to read one of her books in her Olive Grove Mystery series I've introduced below.
Lane, Kelly - One Foot in the Grove (Olive Grove Mystery #1) - In the sweet Southern town of Abundance, Georgia, home of the Knox family's olive farm, gossip isn't the only thing that can kill you. After leaving a man at the altar for the second time in her life, Eva Knox, decides to head home to her family's plantation to regroup and soak in some Southern charm. But hiding from her woes is a slipperier proposition than Eva imagined. For one thing, most people in town sill haven't forgiven her for leaving local boy Buck Tanner at the altar and hightailing it up north eighteen years ago. For another, a death on her family's farm soon makes her the leading suspect in a murder case.. and the sheriff investigating is none other than Eva's old flame Buck. $7.99
Cold Pressed Murder - (Olive Grove Mystery #2) - Eva and the residents of Knox Plantation are oozing with excitement over the activities planned for the Farm Family Fare. The weekend event consists of two days of tours, exhibitions, music, tasting, and. more importantly, cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs from the Chow Network. The enthusiasm, however, begins to dribble away after one of the star chefs goes missing.. and is later found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck. $7.99
Dipped to Death (Olive Grove Mystery #3) - On a sizzling-hot September day, Eva Knox's ex-boyfriend, Dudley Dexter Codman the Third, along with a bunch of his corporate cronies from Boston, arrive a Eva's family's guest in and olive farm, Knox Plantation. Maps and binoculars in had, the New Englanders claim they're on a bird-watching holiday. Only Eva knows that her ex doesn't know a thing about birds. Eva can't fathom why he'd show up after all these years in her off-the-beaten-path hometown - nearly 1,200 miles from Boston. But when Dudley is found drowned in the pond. Eva starts fishing for answers. But she doesn't have much time after authorities determine that her ex was poisoned by one of Eva's family's olive oils. She'll have to find the real killer before her family is caught for murder. $7.99
Flower, Amanda - (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #1) - Assaulted Carmel - Assistant chocolatier Bailey King leaves New York City for Harvest, Ohio to help out in her grandparents' Amish candy shop when her grandfather's heart condition worsens. His health is better than she feared, but the police suspect him of murdering a local developer found dead in the candy shop kitchen. Bailey determines to clear her grandfather but finds herself in a batch of trouble. $7.99
Flower, Amanda - Lethal Licorice (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #2) - Now while caring for her widowed grandmother, she plans to honor her grandfather's memory by entering the annual Amish Confectionery Competition. But between lavender blueberry fudge and chocolate cherry ganache truffles, Bailey may have bitten off more than she can chew when the search for a missing pit-bellied pig turns up a body suffering from sugar overload ...the fatal kind from an allergy to an essential licorice ingredient. The suspects include: Josephine's niece, a young woman going through her rumspringa, or running around time, and Bailey herself. Now it falls to Bailey, who's sweet on the local sheriff's deputy, to clear their names and entice a killer with a cast-iron stomach for cold-blooded murder. $7.99 
Harris, Sherry - I Know What You Bid Last Summer ( A Garage Sale Mystery) - Sherry started bargain hunting in second grade at her best friend's yard sale. She honed her bartering skills as she moved around the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Sherry combined her love of garage sales, her life as an Air Force spouse, and her time living in Massachusetts as inspiration skills for this series. In this mystery her heroine, Sarah Winston believes in doing her homework. She also believes in giving back. But when she agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap, she doesn't bargain on an uncharitable killer. The day of the event, the school superintendent is found dead in the gymnasium. In between tagging and haggling, Sarah studies the clues to see who wanted to teach the superintendent a lesson. But as she closes in on the truth, the killer intends to give her a crash course on minding her own business. $7.99
Kashian, Tina - Hummus and Homicide (Kebab Kitchen Mystery #1) - When Lucy Berberian quits her Philadelphia law firm and heads home to Ocean Crest, she knows wheat she's getting - the scent of funnel cake, the sight of the wooden roller coaster and the tastes of her family's Mediterranean restaurant. But murder wasn't on the menu. Things are slow in the off-season in this Jersey Shore town, but Lucy doesn't mind. She doesn't even mind waitressing at the Kebab Kitchen. Her parents have put in a new hummus bar, with every flavor from lemon to roast red pepper. Lucy could do without Heather Banks, though, the ex-cheerleader is still as nasty as she was back in high school and unfortunately, she's just taken over as the local health inspector. Just minutes after eating at the Kebab Kitchen - where she's tallied up a list of bogus violations - she falls down dead in the street. Work on the grapevine is it's homicide, and Lucy's the number one suspect. $7.99
Wiken, Linda - Toasting Up Trouble - Event planner Jennifer "J.J." Tanner has a full plate, but that's the way she likes it. First, it's her turn to choose the recipe for the next meeting of the Culinary Capers Dinner Club, a gathering of foodie friends who experiment with the entrees for their creative and gastronomical pleasure. Second, she's organizing an Italian princess party for the twenty-one year old daughter of a high-tech millionaire. But one thing J.J. didn't plan on is that the caterer for the event - hotshot chef Antonio Marcotti - would end up murdered the night of the party. Or that she'd end up being a prime suspect after having had a heated argument with the unscrupulous chef. Now it's up to J.J. with help from her fellow Club members and a handsome if mysterious private eye - to turn the tables on the real killer. $7.99
Wiken, Linda - Roux the Day (Dinner Club Mystery) - Event planner J.J. Tanner is planning a cruise ship casino night - and she is really going overboard. She even arranged for radio DJ Connor Mac and TV personality Miranda Myers to help the good times roll. But the party comes to screeching halt when Miranda is found dead on the main deck. With a boatload of suspects, the police focus in on J.J., who, though recently linked with Connor, never knew he was once engaged - to Miranda. J.J. turns to her dinner club members to help fish for clues and keep herself out of hot water. $7.99
THANKS FOR VISITING RUTH KERN BOOKS
I hoped your visit was a pleasant one. If this is your first visit I'd like to introduce you to our business of over 25 years. We have set up book shops for the ANG, EGA, and a variety of other needlework organizations and have a presence on-line.
Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title you want is in or out-of-print.
Give us a call Monday through Saturday. If the phone is on message please don't be shy about leaving a message. I'll be back to you ASAP. OR you can leave me an e-mail at: rkern3@mindspring.com. By mail: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021.
MOST IMPORTANT! LOOK FOR THE DISCOUNT CODE HIDDEN SOMEWHERE IN THIS BLOG THAT GIVES YOU A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY NEW BOOKS YOU ORDER.
