This and That: more monsters, reading, gardening

More Nightmare Catcher experiments--yes, I'm feeling a little like Dr. Victor Frankenstein.  The experiments have to do with the size and shape of scraps, attempts to incorporate different items or techniques, efforts to create different personalities, etc. 

 

I've coffee and tea dyed fabric and lace, experimented with time in the dye bath, added some walnut ink to some batches, and left some fabric as is.  I've made a few more paper clay hearts to add as embellishments.  I walk upstairs with an idea, then decide on something else entirely, but they all have their backpacks stuffed with lavender buds and they do smell good!

As I mentioned when I first started making the little monsters in May, the idea came from a K drama in which a character gave a Nightmare Catcher to someone experiencing night terrors.  The little doll reminded me of Junker Jane's monster dolls, and I went upstairs and started pulling out my scrap bags and leftover items from other projects and got to work.  I had no idea just how much I would enjoy using scraps and making friendly monsters.  Some have already been gifted, and my husband suggested I could donate some to a local residence for homeless women and children.   

Give Away.  If you'd like one of the following Nightmare Catchers, mention it in a comment indicating your preference, and I'll put your name in a hat.   On Monday, June 19, I'll draw a winner.  Due to price of postage, U.S. only.  

Myrtle

Fred

Of Interest to Me:

Interesting article:  Handwriting Beats Typing and Watching Videos in Learning to Read.  I know I frequently mention the importance of cursive writing in learning, but this article connects handwriting to reading ability as well.

Link on the pleasure of receiving mail:

"There among the bills and dull life admin were things worth opening."

 

 Incoming Mail:

Postcard from Hannah

postcard from Hester

Outgoing Mail:

Reading: 

These were the best of my recent books: 

Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewel

Garden:  weeding and thinking about what I'll do different next year. :)  

I was trying to clean the filter on the fountain, when the heavy rock slipped and left me dripping wet.  

Love the diplodenias, although they can't take the sun and heat as well as expected.  Six hours would probably be fine, but all day wasn't working.  I had to move four of them from hanging on the fence to areas where they can get some relief from the sun.   This one is doing much better now.