Now comes the long Winter

The last of the fruit has been harvested.

Only a little color left.

Still growing along a protected wall.

A few Anemones and a few frozen Interlaken grapes.

There will be cozy evenings by the warm fire.

Soon our Pond will be frozen over.

Our Fields will be covered with a thick blanket of snow.

And yes, there will be Picnics at the end of our cross-country ski trail.

Happy Snow Days.

Gina

The Silent Stalker

Can you see him?

Our Lucy can!

Can you see him now?

There he is, looking for his next meal.

We're having leftovers.

Have a great weekend my dear Blogging Friends.

Gina

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving my dear Blogging Friends

Partial re-post

My friends have accused me of celebrating my birthday months before and still, a month after my birthday.  I'm guilty.

A few people (not my friends) have asked if my birthday  ALWAYS  falls on Thanksgiving.  No, Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday.

Have a very special Thanksgiving with Family and Friends.

Gina

Irresistible, No?

Available for only a Song.

Little Cotton Draw String Bags to hold presents and treasures.

So perfect for the Holiday Season.

Available in my Etsy shop

Gina

European Fashions are sporting a new Color

A very lively red with a hint of orange.

The beautiful red Jacket in the window of the fancy Italian Shop had a fur collar.  No, can't do.

With a clear conscience I purchased this red belt.

The Nasturtiums in my Greenhouse are the same color as my new belt; My belt is the same lively red as the beautiful fashions featured in European shop windows right now. 

Would you wear this pretty red?

Gina

Today I'm joining   http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Today I'm also joining  http://frenchcupboard.blogspot.com/

Baggy

No, not my pants!



Just in time for holiday giving, little cotton drawstring bags to hold small treasures and gifts.



In lovely sepia tones.



And in grey and white.

And in many colors.

They're only $3 each.  So, hop on over to my Etsy shop before they're all gone.

Have a great weekend my Dear Blogging Friends

Gina

I'm in Hog Heaven

When I can be in Deruta

Where more than 200 ceramic shops line the Via Tiburina at the foot of  centro storico.

At the top, the historic center of Deruta, you will find the Museo Regionale dell Ceramica, the most important Museum of its kind in the region. You enter the historic center through the Porta di S. Michele Arcangelo, where  remains of early furnaces are evident.

 I love strolling through the historic center, early in the morning,  when shopkeepers are sweeping their sidewalks and shouting to each other.  Then I can admire their beautiful work.

Antique reproductions are my favorite ceramics. 

Hand painted ceramic tiles are found everywhere in Deruta.

Facades, window and door surrounds, sidewalks, fountains, garden walls...everywhere.

There is so much to admire.

Modern ceramics based on ancient designs.   

Artisans from Deruta have been painting their special ceramics for over 300 years.

Maestro Romano Ranieri

The highlight of my visit is always an  invitation to  paint with Professore Nicola Boccini and Maestro Romano Ranieri at the Scuola d' Arte, Deruta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQktRiOKka4


Gina
http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-day-of-class.html

One of a kind

Hand Painted Glass Balls 

Hand Painted with acrylic paints on clear glass balls.

Now is the time when you will find clear glass balls in the craft stores.  Of course, you can always find them on-line throughout the  rest of the year.

For gift giving, as a tree ornament, incorporated into a vignette or holiday arrangement, always welcome.

On a large plate, covered with a wet paper towel, add many colors of acrylic paints.  Use large brush and paint directly onto glass.  Use simple designs, circles and dots are fine.  As you gain more confidence, try a few leaf shapes, a candle or two, maybe an apple, and don't forget the white dots.

Let dry, on door knobs or whatever you can rig up.  They only take a few minutes to dry.

Why not give it a try.  It's super easy.

Gina