Saturday, May 13, 2017

Happiness is a flower.......or two!

This last little while I have been having a rather relaxed time. I have been playing ladies enjoying tea parties and have been playing with pretty ribbons; with other such genteel pursuits thrown into the mix of everyday.

The husband of a dear friend of mine has been feeling poorly of late and has gone through some anxious moments. As she lives in Sydney and I live way down here at the bottom of the world, I thought I would send her a basket of flowers. Not the kind that putrify into a pongy bunch of organic matter, but the kind that never fade away, the kind that will put a smile in my friend's heart forevermore. Yes indeedy, I thought another flower cushion, Kim style,  would be the perfect gift to sprinkle a little sunshine and love in my friend's very worrying days.



Yet again, I gathered an assortment of pretty ribbons and fashioned pansies, roses, fuchsias, chrysanthemums and leaves. I thought this pretty fabric with butterflies fluttering allover would be perfect for the cushion. After all butterflies and flowers are the best of friends. My friend loves the hue blue, so pretty, blue flowers feature in the basket.

Sitting in my sewing room, with the morning sunshine radiating warmth and contentment I happily coaxed pretty ribbons into flowers stitching as I went, cinching each flower here and there. For the basket I weaved raffia-type ribbon in and out. This ribbon really adds the texture and feel of a bone fide basket.



After auditioning the arrangement, popping a  pansy here and a rose or two there, some leaves sprinkled throughout tucked away peeping from behind pretty blossoms, I began to stitch. I know you have seen my cushions of baskets filled with dancing flowers before, but every arrangement is a little different, is it not??

With the fashioning of my basket of overspilling flowers complete with a few little changes here and there, I stitched the cushion. I changed the ribbon for the bow as I decided the darker pink looked a li'l spiffier. Actually, the finished arrangement is a little different to that above, but that is what happens when you play with pretty, ribbon flowers; one always changes a flower or two.




On the back of the cushion, a lovely sentiment stitched on a doily to my lovely friend.


I have gifted many of these cushions to friends. Though a bouquet of fresh flowers is one of the most delightful things to receive, I always think a forever bouquet of flowers sitting ever so prettily in a ribbon basket is the perfect gift.


Hopefully this little basket of ever-flowering blossoms will put a smile in my friend's heart in these most anxious of days.


Just because 'we' are waxing lyrical about a flower or two, let's talk about Hydrangeas and their glorious autumnal, petal dresses. The bushes that grow under the canopy of trees have mellowed into the prettiest of autumnal shades. Being protected from the frost under the cover of trees, they have been allowed to change slowly without being burnt to a crisp by Jack Frost. Indeed they seem to have escaped his icy clutches.



With the garden being now bare of any pretty colour, I picked a few last remnants of Hydrangeas. They too will soon disappear, and won't return till November. I cannot believe I have been continually picking bunches for seven months. Hydrangeas truly are the most wonderful flowers.


I love the pretty autumnal-hued Hydrangeas against the soft shades of a vintage Italian coverlet.





Then again, I love the soft autumnal Hydrangeas as the star attraction against sumptuous folds of Fuchsia pink velvet. No matter the backdrop, Hydrangeas or indeed any blossom, shine.

Indeed a pretty flower fashioned by the twirling and ruching of ribbons, or a freshly picked flower from the garden always touches my heart with a smile. Either the fresh new beauty of Spring or indeed those that bloom beautifully even though their flowering season is drawing to a close, fading with their autumnal beauty; no matter which, a flower or two always puts a smile in my day.

As it is Mother's Day this Sunday, I would love to wish all you lovely mums the most blessed of days. For me, as it is with some of you, Mother's Day is bittersweet. For those of us whose darling mums are no longer here to celebrate the day with us, it is a day of sweet remembrances. Oh, how I would love to give my lovely mum one more hug, to be embraced with her sweet smile that always warmed my heart one more time......to cry with, to laugh with, to chat with, to enjoy that cup of tea with. So, so many happy and beautiful memories to be cherished in my heart. So, so many love-filled times that will always be held close to my heart.


This Mother's Day may all you lovelies enjoy a little sunshine, much love and many happy memories spent with your loved ones.....oh, and enjoy a li'l flower or two.

Until the next time.......











44 comments:

  1. What an amazing pillow of love for your friend! Wish you were here to teach me to make those beautiful ribbon flowers. Wonderful heartfelt words about mothers too - happy Mother's day to you my friend.

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  2. That glorious flower basket cushion will certainly put a smile in your friends heart. I hope her husband is ok. I wish you and all the mothers in Australia a Happy Mother's Day :)

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  3. Your basket of everlasting blooms will surely cheer the heart of your dear friend. My hydrangeas have retired for the season but the camellias are making a show and scattering their petals about the place. Best wishes for a happy Mother's Day.

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    1. The camellias here are beginning to form buds but it will be months before they begin to flower. In saying that though, the weather has been unusually mild during the day for this time of the year, tricking some flowers to appear for a second show. I hope my everlasting blooms will cheer the heart of my dear friend. Thank you for visiting, Ann. May you have a lovely Mother's Day tomorrow, lovely lady.

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  4. Your life is surrounded by flowers, in your wonderful world you've flowers everywhere, darling Kim !
    You've truly touched my heart when you talked about your dear Mom and the sweet memories about her you'll cherish for ever ... Moms are our Angels on earth, aren't they, and to lose them I think is to feel so lonely in this world of ours, even if we're women and not children or little girls anymore, we always need a Mom's love, at every age !

    Sending blessings across the many miles,
    my sweet Lady,
    thank you for being so precious to me !

    XOXO Dany

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  5. Your mum raised a lovely person - you!
    The silk ribbon basket is so pretty. I know you stitched prayers into the gift for your friend.

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  6. I'm sure your friend will adore her new cushion, it's so beautiful I had to show my husband, he also thought it quite breathtaking. What a kind, thoughtful and very talented lady you are xx

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  7. Oh how lovely, Kim...your friend will enjoy it. A very Happy Mothers Day to you as well...you always bring such joy to your blog. Thank you my friend.

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  8. That flower pillow is amazing. Such nice work!

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  9. Your lovely cushion will surely put a smile in your friend's heart! What a thoughtful gift! Your hydrangeas are gorgeous. I've planted a few along our border and plan on adding more but I don't think I'll ever have as many lovely blossoms as you. Happy Mother's Day to you, sweet Kim!

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  10. What beautiful ribbon work, and I have not seen your work before. I guess I just missed it. What a lovely thought and gift for your friend. I lifted a prayer for her and her husband. God knows who they are. Have I ever told you what an accomplished photographer you are, if not shame on me. You are a lady of many talents and a kind heart. It seems that most of the people that I relate to best live on the other side of the world.
    Have a blessed day,
    Hugs sent your way.

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  11. I could have just stayed reading your post all day! What a beautiful cushion and flowers and how lucky your friend is to have you! Lovely. This Mother's Day is bittersweet too for me. Thankfully I have lots of memories as you do as well. Happy Mother's Day, my friend!

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  12. I was enthralled by reading this post. The flowers you created are stupendous! You are right, the flowering cushion is so much better that flowers that are stored away as a memory.

    Happy Mother's Day.
    xx, CArol

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    1. Though I love nothing more than a vase of beautiful fresh flowers, Carol, I most certainly agree with you re flowering cushions that bloom forevermore. Hope you are enjoying a lovely day. Kim Xx

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  13. Who wouldn't love to receive one of your permanent flower creations on a gorgeous pillow, Kim? Your friend will certainly wil overjoyed when she receives your beautiful creation!
    I loved seeing your pretty hydrangeas...what a delight they are, both inside and out.
    Seeing your dear mom being honored on your post was so thoughtful. Happy Mother's Day to you, sweet Kim. xx

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  14. Such a lovely post!
    Thank you so much , my dear, for the sweet reading moments.
    Hugs
    Nina

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    1. It is always a pleasure, lovely Nina. Kim Xx

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  15. What a sweet and heartfelt message will your cushion bring to your friend! You have created a true masterpiece - those flowers are gorgeous! I love fabric flowers as much as I love my crochet ones! Truly delightful!
    Happy Mother's Day! I am sure your mum is smiling down on you from heaven!

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  16. Kim, I am so blessed by your beautiful handiwork each and every time I visit this blog. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

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  17. That is absolutely beautiful dear Kim. What a thoughtful & loving gift to create for your friend, which I am sure she will treasure & enjoy. I especially loved the way you wove the ribbon to make the basket. Your hydrangeas are looking wonderful still. Happy Mothers Day to you dear Kim xxxx

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  18. Oh my just gorgeous, I know your friend will be very touched by your thoughtfulness in this wonderful cushion with the lovely made flowers. The ribbon basket is just fantastic and a wonderful touch to it all!
    I understand your missing of your mother, mine has been gone for 15 years now and it stil feels like just yesterday, she died on Mother's day too, so it makes it a bit more rough even though the date changes every year. Big hugs to you!

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  19. I am so taken with this post and what you have created for your friend. It is just stunning! Your pictures are always intoxicating and draw you in to the loveliness that surrounds you daily. Happy Mother's Day sweet lady!

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  20. What a super nice pillow with all those beautiful flowers, that you have created with your beautiful hands. I'm sure your friend love it.
    Too bad you can't cuddle and spoil your dear mother.

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    1. Thank you, Loes. Yes a cuddle or two from my sweet mum once again, would be the best thing. Enjoy a beautiful week, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  21. Kim, you play with ribbon flowers so beautifully! What a wonderful gift for a sweet friend. I wish you would come to America and teach us how to make those fabulous flowers! I know I've mentioned before that I need to own one of your creations. If you ever decide to ship I would joyfully pay for one of your darling pillows! Hope you had the loveliest of lovely Mothers Days! I miss my dear mom tremendously!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. How I would love to pop by your place in America, Jann. It would be the best treat to sit with you in your living room, or perhaps your 'she' shed and show you how to play with ribbons. Perhaps you could send me you address via an email, lovely Jann...who knows, a little flower cushion could happen upon your doorstop. =) I did have a lovely Mother's Day, Jann. Though, like you, I missed my dear mum too. Kim Xx

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  22. what beautiful flowers!
    the ribbon creations are lovely...what skill it is to be able to make those! i always laugh at my complete absence in the artistic realm, however, it is always a joy to see what others are able to create!

    blessings!
    ashley

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    1. Thank you so much, Ashley. It is a delight to have you visit my place. Kim Xx

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  23. As you always do - you have come up with the perfect cushion once again. The flowers are exceptional - the ribbons magnificent and I'm sure that it warms your friend's heart each time she sees it.

    My cushion that you made is my favorite gift of flowers of all times. Even though we live 30 zillion miles apart (actually only just over 8,000 miles), you matched my favorite chair in the living room with the butterfly fabric for the background when you made me a cushion. Everyone is so happy when they look at the pillow and it always gets fabulous commments - especially when I tell them it was made by the most wonderful lady in Tasmania - what a hoot to be able to say that I have a friend in Tasmania.

    Your hydrangeas are super fabulous - mine are just starting to sprout leaves - I have one little plant that was a gift from our daughter last year. It lives on the deck because the deer around here think it is dessert. Your photos of the flower are enchanting. Happy week ahead dear friend.

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  24. What a good friend you are. These flowers are lovely and must have cheered your friend no end.
    Amalia
    xo

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  25. your cushions are master pieces of beautiful art my friend!!!
    you got precious generous heart to make your friend a marvelous gift which she can keep for life time .
    i wish her husband a fast recover and healthy life.
    thank you for showing your art wonders along with gorgeous blooms of your area .
    such a treat to eyes and freshness to mind and soul

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  26. The gift for your dear friend is marvelous, Kim. Such beautiful colors. It seems we miss our loved ones especially on holidays. I wish you a blessed new week. xo

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  27. your creative talents are endless. the flowers for your dear friend will surely brighten her day. they are the prettiest i have ever seen and how wonderful that they will last forever!!!

    i think, hydrangeas, at any stage are just gorgeous...the purple ones are my favorite!!

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  28. Such a lovely flowering cushion. What a beauty, Kim!
    I love your bounty of hydrangeas dressed in their fall best. So pretty and they look so lovely next to the blue gate.

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    1. Thank you, Dixie, you are very sweet. Kim Xx

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  29. You simply are amazing with that needle and thread and ribbon in your hands! An incredible work of art you sent to your friend! Something indeed that she will be able to treasure forever and ever! So much love and talent you put into that pin cushion, just beautiful! And I can't even begin to tell you how glorious those hydrangeas are! I have one bush planted in my garden, and I am anxiously awaiting its blooms... oh to have the blooms you have, utterly amazing and glorious! Your photo shoots with them are so fun, and you have taken some beautiful pictures of these amazing flowers. Always such a delight to visit with you, much love to you today!

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  30. What a generous and charming gift - I'm sure it will bring a lovely lift to your dear friend's heart at this difficult time. It is just so sweet and special! Your hydrangeas are so pretty with their autumnal hues and I hope that you pick a basket full to keep until spring. Sending hugs xo Karen

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    1. Yes, there are a few vases of Hydrangeas in my home to get me through the Winter, which is just as well as the garden has bunkered down and won't reapper till about five months. Thank you for visiting, Karen. I hope you are enjoying a lovely week.

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  31. Oh Kim....that cushion is a masterpiece..honestly!!! What a beautiful touch to add the doilie on the back with those beautiful words. Your garden looks absolutely gorgeous, one to take a lovely stroll in. Best wishes to your friend and hope all turns out well. xx

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  32. You make some of the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen! WOW! I could look at those all day! Hugs!

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  33. Oh my...be still my heart. What a wonderful gift from the Father you have been given... to be able to create such beauty...and with a beautiful heart as well, to share this gift by giving it away to a friend in need. Oh my, how this must have blessed her heart.

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  34. Your ribbon flowers are just as lovely as the flowers in your garden. What a beautiful gift, it will surely make her smile and comfort her. Gorgeous hydrangeas, Kim!! Enjoy :)

    -Soma xx

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  35. Your ribbon embroidery is amazing! I am a ribbon embroidery novice, and I love seeing all your beautiful flowers. The ones in your garden are pretty nice too. :)

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  36. Love your gorgeous ribbon cushion Kim, so pretty and your wonderful garden, a delight to see. Beautiful colours of the hydrangeas, my lace topped ones are starting to bloom.

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