Nature Journal: Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

A while back, I posted a photo of what I thought was poison ivy, here.  A kind and helpful reader corrected me and suggested I look up Virginia creeper.  So I did – and I’m relieved to say that my beautiful vine is, indeed, Virginia creeper – and now I don’t have to worry about eradicating it.

When I researched Virginia creeper, I learned that poison ivy is almost always found growing nearby, and sure enough, it is!  Here is a page from my nature journal depicting poison ivy.

 

Leucism

I had been trying to get a photo of this leucistic Junco (snowbird) all winter.  Every time I’d get the camera, he’d take off.  This is the best I could do a few weeks ago, shooting quickly through double glass.  I had never seen one like him before and, at first, I thought he was a different species of bird.  Then I did a little research on the web and learned about leucism, a genetic condition that affects proper pigmentation, causing varying degrees of white feathers to occur.

I haven’t seen him in a while so I presume he has headed north to breed.  I keep thinking he’ll soon be in someone else’s backyard perplexing them as to his identification…

Caroline's Dress

Here’s the promised photo of the dress I made for Caroline.  I used a commercial pattern as a general guide for size, but adapted it by shortening the bodice and making it more close-fitting,  redesigning the sleeves and lowering the neckline.   The skirt is also much fuller.  The trim is made from vintage ribbon stitched to the lower edge of the skirt with invisible thread.  The hem is sewn by hand.  I made her a pair of lace-trimmed pantaloons to wear underneath.  I’m currently working on a matching bonnet.

A Drawstring Bag for Caroline

I made a Regency era dress for my AG doll Caroline (photo later) and wanted to make her a dainty little bag to match.  This one is lined and embroidered by machine.  Although it was simple to sew, stitching the casing was a bit tricky due to the small size.  Having never made a drawstring pouch before, I searched the web and found quite a few wonderful tutorials and YouTube videos showing how to make several variations.  

Bird Nursery

I was delighted to come upon this old nest nestled in the catbrier on my walk the other day.  It would have been well hidden in the thick foliage in the summer.  It's beautifully engineered with a plastic outer layer and sweetly decorated with lots of pink Easter grass.  Mom and Dad must have been expecting girls!

Nature Journal: Pinecones

I was inspired by Jane LaFazio’s tutorial on painting pinecones so I thought I’d give it a try.  I don’t know why I never did it before.  I had a great time mixing greys and browns!  Our yard is littered with pinecones from many big old pitch pine trees - so willing models are plentiful…

Another New Doll

This is one of several My Twinn dolls I got for Christmas.    I never intended to collect them, but they are just so darned cute and difficult to resist, especially when they are on sale at half price!  She is known to collectors as the “Cookie” sculpt.  The piano is also from My Twinn and makes a nice prop I think.