Allow me to introduce you...
This picture has a story....Tracy was at a rodeo where some Western clothing company was snagging "authentic cowgirls" and asking them to model their clothes for some photos. Tracy said yes...but first they had to iron the shirt and jeans or she wasn't putting them on. Then they asked her to smile, and she said she doesn't do smiles in photos. So then they asked her to look mean, and she said, "Oh I can do that!"
The thing about Tracy is that she the funniest, most giving, warm hearted, and talented gal I know. I just would never mess with her!
She is the one who got me started quilting in the early 1970's. She's good at everything she does, especially artistically, and was a professional illustrator for many years.
Now she concentrates on creating pine needle baskets using traditional Native American techniques.
Please note the rattlesnake rattles sewn around the rim of the large basket in the center!
This one has an arrowhead, applique, and beading...They are sold in galleries in Jackson Hole and other fancy places. She told me she's just glad they "go away"...her zeal is in the making of them. I own one and it is a prize possession.
So I made Mz. Tracy a fan for Christmas.
I really enjoyed this one the most of the three, I must admit.
The Christmas tree just "happened". First I chainstitched over the black "branches", then the sequins came out. And you know how sequins are...they like to travel in large groups!The little bead on top is from RibbonSmyth many years ago. I'd been saving it for just the right place, and the top of Tracy's tree is definitely it!
I'm going to visit her in March and just can't wait.
And now it really is back to the Cottage CQ....
Boy, does she look like a ranching woman or what! That's such beautiful country through there, I do envy her so. Her fan is beautiful, Allie.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness Allie, the fan is gorgeous. I can't say I knew that sequins liked to travel in groups, but I am forewarned! lol
ReplyDeleteThose baskets are amazing, too funny that tough looking cowgirl does such beautiful work. I can see what that's a prized possession of yours.
Pat
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com
Seems I can't get away from your blog without saying something!
ReplyDeleteHow enjoyable your work must be to you! It shows in the completed items. Your friends/cousins will appreciate them I'm sure.
Too funny that bit about your cowgirl cousin! Good for her... not letting them walk all over her! She sounds like a women that knows what she wants and gets it! Her work is.... well.... WOW! Some day it will be shown on Antique roadshow and they will be talking about what a wonderful artist she is... and it won't even have to be an antique!
Allie, I'm still getting the hang of the silly identity stuff...
ReplyDeleteI should have just put it under my usual... oh well... such is life!
That's a classy cowgirl, and talented. I can't even see how those baskets are done. She will love her fan--who wouldn't. These are really beautiful, all of them.
ReplyDeleteYep, this one is my favorite! Your cousin just looks serious to me, not mean, Allie. And I'll bet she treasures your beautiful work as much as you love her basket. Her baskets are amazing. THanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have an interesting family! and apparently, talented too. . .
ReplyDeleteThese are fan-tastic...now what does the gift tag read "Merry Christmas from a big fan!" "Be a fan, give a fan, you're the best friend in the land" "I think you're fan-tastic"...just a thought... all free of charge.
ReplyDeletewonderful story! I've been looking for pine needle baskets for several months - had no idea you have a connection. I lost my collection when I moved here from Florida. Beautiful ones made down there - but different style.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm becoming a parrot who's learned only one word--lovely. Lovely fans.
ReplyDeleteThis one is definitely my favorite: I love the tree you embellished at the base. Your cousin sounds like a real gem.
ReplyDeleteHi Allie
ReplyDeleteALL of the fans are gorgeous. I don't think I can pick a favorite as each in its own way is beautiful.
How large are they? They look large in the picture but that may just be the photograph. The mail went out thurs. so should arrive next week.
Hugs
FredaB
ooooo...what a lot of goodies in this post. Thanks. All of your fans are wonderful, but the one for Tracy is exceptional!
ReplyDeleteLove the rich colors in this fan! And what a great glimpse you have given us of your cousin! Her baskets are gorgeous as is she!
ReplyDeleteI am loving that tree on the fan. No, sequins never come singly - they're always in a group!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I tuned in today... The picture of Tracy is fabulous!!! And I loved the story to go with it. Your fan's pretty darn neat too. Angel dust, sprinkles of sequins and lots of hugs to you! Robin A.
ReplyDeleteOh... I forgot... her baskets are also gorgeous... I actually spotted the rattles before reading your words. Some power bowl there! Robin A.
ReplyDeleteI love the fan you made and Tracy's photograph. The things that just happen are sometimes the very best!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic family you have! So much talent. I love all of your Christmas fans. Red and green always turns me on, whatever version of red and green.
ReplyDeleteGranny Fran. GRRRRRR! to Blogspot for this frustrating comment problem.
Yehah! for both of you!
ReplyDelete