Cats and a Class

I'm tired.

I spent the day in a class with Bead Master Thom Atkins and 14 other students, trying to absorb everything he knows about beading. I can't say that I had much success. I can say that when I did fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants beading in 1991, I did it right. In more recent years, when I tried to "do it right," I did it wrong. Live and learn. It's the story of my quilting.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Thom's work, you might want to click here. He has a sister, Robin, who does bead embroidery. Thom combines beading with quilting. There's a difference.

You may remember the rain in the window quilt that I was fascinated by at PIQF? He's the artist. He had a rain quilt sample in class today. Doesn't it make you want to get an umbrella?


Dyanne wanted a picture of his fireworks sample. As always, you can click on the picture to see an enlargement.

Here he is, demonstrating a technique. Notice the spiffy spoon bead shovel at his elbow. It was made from a piece of Grandma's silver, cut with a jewelry saw, beveled and pounded flat. I want one.

Here is my class project, after 7 hours of class. I have to say I was discouraged, despite his encouragement that "You are only limited by your imagination." My imagination, art-wise, is severely limited. Now if I could bead words, I might be in business!!!

The cat who is NotMyCat is still hanging around.

In fact, last night he was caught sleeping in Charlie's bed!!!

Charlie was not sure he was happy about that, but he didn't complain. That is, he didn't do anything, until NotMyCat decided he was going to munch on Charlie's food. That was going too far. Charlie is the most laid back, patient cat I know, but steal his bed and then go after his food? NOT gonna happen!!!

Charlie went on the attack, and fur literally went flying. I've never seen anything quite like it. NotMyCat did not even pretend to be in the right. He deferred to Charlie.

Here is Charlie, all hissy and hunching and GLARING at that interloper. How DARE he?!!!

After Charlie had breakfast, I brought him back in the house. You can barely make him out on the rug, watching to make sure NotMyCat does not get breakfast. I had to post this picture because it's a good one of Hecate, and shows still more of the fur that was left on the patio.

And that's it for the pictures. I don't think anyone got hurt. It's winter, and their coats are about 5" long.

Quilted Time asked about the quilts. "Be Still Psalm 46:10" is going to Chicago, "Window of Tradition" is going to Virginia, and "Encompassing Tradition" is off to Indiana. They are all hand quilted, and the two with "Tradition" in the title were past entries in the Hoffman Challenge.

And now I'm off to work a bit more on the Show, before heading to bed. Enjoy your weekend!!