Summer Beading

Although it was the end of summer when I was in Spain, the colours were still vibrant in the bright sunshine. Perfect inspiration for a beaded spring necklace!

Mundane Metal

What could be more ordinary than a drain cover, but still beautifully decorated!
The symbol of the shell, hidden beneath the sand or on a pathway, always noticed because it shows you the way of the Camino.

Metal Magic

I love the attention to detail in everything. Functional objects become works of art.

Open the door....

Doors to new and exciting places. It is wonderful to imagine how many people have passed through these doors over the centuries. Living in South Africa, which is a relatively 'young' country in terms of architechture, I find it amazing to see buildings that have stood,unchanged, for hundreds of years.There is such beautiful attention to detail, in the knockers,handles and hinges.The workmanship on the cathedrals (the one in the photo is at Astorga) is unbelievable and timeless in its design.This in great contrast to the simple rustic doorway in the photo above it.

Camino de Santiago continued

The essence of the Camino walk is to rid yourself of all unnecessary earthly posessions. I carried a backpack weighing only 7kg (including the pack and a sleeping bag) and by the end of the journey I felt as though I could have managed with even less 'stuff'. All along the way pilgrims leave things they feel they no longer need and place them on the 'scarecrows' alongside the path.

Camino De Santiago

I have just returned from Spain, having completed part of the Camino De Santiago or "Way of St. James" walk. This is a pilgrimage and can be started from almost anywhere in the world, as someone said "you can step out of your backdoor and start walking!" We, however were not so adventurous, due to work and family commitments, so we began our journey in Leon. The walk took us along dusty roads,through wheat and sunflower fields, up mountains and down valleys, in forests and finally down to the Santiago cathedral. I have hundreds of photos and many memories and thoughts which I will be sharing over the next few weeks. For the moment though I would like to leave you with this quote from Mother Teresa...."Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."

Vintage Yarn

 A friend of mine recently gave me a basket of vintage yarn from her Mothers collection. I decided to make into a blanket and give it back to her so that she would still be able to enjoy it. These are some of the lables, old and smelling of moth balls. What memories that envokes!

 My favourite is the mohair. I love the look of it but unfortunately can't bear the thought of it against my skin.

 This is the official definition of mohair Mohair /ˈmoʊhɛər/ usually refers to a silk-like fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.[1] The word "mohair" was adopted into English before 1570 from the Arabic: مخير mukhayyar,[1] a type of haircloth, literally 'choice', from khayyara, 'he chose'.[2] Mohair fiber is approximately 25–45 microns in diameter.[3] It is one of the oldest textile fibers in use.[citation needed] It is both durable and resilient. It is notable for its high luster and sheen,[2] which has helped give it the nickname the "Diamond Fiber",[4] and is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair takes dye exceptionally well. Mohair is warm in winter as it has great insulating properties, while remaining cool in summer due to its moisture wicking properties. It is durable, naturally elastic, flame resistant, crease resistant, and does not felt. It is considered to be a luxury fiber, like cashmere, angora and silk, and is usually more expensive than most wool that comes from sheep.

I can't agree that it is 'silk like' but have to admit that the texture and color is rather stunning.