Faye's block progress

I had this silkie of lilies in just the right color and stitch a purple bias strip around it...It's the tip of the day. On 99cent day at my thrift store I check all the better dresses for the "hanger strips" They're used to help keep a dress from falling off a hanger and are usually attached on thre inside at the shoulder seams. In better garments they are bias strip matching the fabric in the dress...

So it can be an odd size and ugly dress but have great "hanger strips". That is exactly what the purple bias is... It was rather plain by itself so added a bit of gold on the inside and purple beads around it... Rather than worry about where the ends meet on the frame I placed them where a butterfly would cover them....

Faye's block

Faye's block arrived yesterday and I'm eager to start immediately on it... Some things I knew right away on seeing it... I had the perfect piece of antique lace and didn't even look any further and it is even attached already.. There are lilies, hydrangas, peonies on the materials... so NO roses. ..(we do tend to overdo roses in CQ when there are sooooo many other beautiful flowers) I've never made a ribbon lily but I'll try... There is a lot of lavender and mauve in this block and I will focus on those colors... Since this is "insect month" in the challenge I will add a butterfly and an elegant beaded dragonfly using the organza ribbon. Last of all I think one of my handpainted cottage buttons belongs on this block.....I'm sure other elements will appear but this is where I'm starting......

Wording Update

Pansies will be the focus flower on this block and "heartsease" is the word for pansies in the "Language of Flowers". I had a "Duh! How stupid am I?" experience and found a much easier way to get my guide lines basted on block. Unfortunately I forgot to photograph the procedure but will do so on my next effort... I'm slowly working out the technique that works for me but haven't found the thread that I like. This is a rayon perle and better than anything I used so far....but doesn't make my heart sing...will keep trying... Any suggestions???
Now on to the pansies.....

Whimsical Gold Leaves

Since I am blockless for a few days I went back to work on my 20009 Challenge Block... I wanted to get my gold leaves on it while the April challenge for leaves and trees was going. Since the both the birds and gold beaded branches are whimsical, I wanted a similar effect for leaves. They are 3-D stumpwork style (semi-detached) and I did them with a tiny gold braid. It was really a bit too stiff and difficult to work with but I am happy with the end result. The gold thread I had was too lightweight and the gold cording I had was too heavy.... But they are very "gold" and that is what I was aiming for.....

Menu for Daffodil Tea for "Valley Girls"

Sometime back I joined the Spokane Valley Senior Center and started playing bridge with my "Valley Girls." They are not only friendly, positive, warm, and intelligent.....they are FUNNY!! It was a day of good bridge and lots and lots of laughter!!!

Daffodil Tea Menu

Coffee

Rose Mint Tea

Lemon Bread

Mango Tarts

Apricot, White Chocolate Scones with Pecans

Main Course

Chicken & Artichokes in Filo

Roasted Asparagus & Garlic

Fruit Kabob

Dessert

Coconut Pound Cake with

Strawberries dipped in Chocolate

Note: I added a photo of the Mango Tarts a few posts back....