Friday 16 July 2010

I've talked before about the joys of blogging and how it enables us to find others that ordinarily are too far away to reach. Like all of you, I have met through blogging, Twitter, Flickr so many wonderful, talented people all over the world and closer still in Britain, who I consider to be my friends.

One such friend, is my very talented artist friend, Tara. Tara and I met a while ago now and whilst we have only met in person a small handful of times, I consider her one of my close friends. A day hardly goes by that we aren't in touch (normally on the scrabs board on Facebook it has to be said ;-))

We 'met' when we were both running our own online gift shops (Tara has subsequently closed Boutiko and is concentrating on her life as an artist). We instantly had a lot in common and became each others sounding board, helpline and general buddy.

Tara, generally doesn't sew. She paints. I think this gave us respect for each others talents. Her work is amazing. It is generally mixed media and she uses a lot of wording in her work. She was doing a series of little dolls on canvasses that I just had to buy for Ruby's birthday. I'm still itching to give them to her.

Tara came back from a recent trip overseas to new Zealand and was inspired to start her "Portrait of My Friends" series. They are so clever and beautiful and I loved them. It was around this time that I had begun my love affair with Log Cabins, which it seemed Tara had quite a thing for.

So our swap idea was born. I was going to do a log cabin for Tara and she was going to do a picture for me. Perfect!

Tara picked the colours and I decided on the rest...a little like she is going to do for me. I finally had time to make Tara's cushion this week, although I am slightly perturbed by one thing...it looks too at home on my bed!

But this one is for my buddy Tara in celebration of why I blog.

11 comments:

Vintage to Victorian said...

Another gorgeous cushion. I can see why you're finding it hard to part with!!!

Sue x

myBearpaw said...

Those little doll canvases are amazing! I would love one. Great idea to swap a cushion for one - would she like me to make her something!!

Kylie said...

Why a beautiful gift! I love your cushion and can totally understand why you'd like to keep it ;) It does indeed look very fetching on your bed, Karen. Lucky Tara... and I'm sure lucky you soon too. Kx

Me and Ma said...

Taras artwork is fantastic as is your log cabin cushion Karen :)

Rachel Chieppa said...

What a great idea to swap! The canvases are beautiful and so is that lovely pillow!!!!! I want one too!!! I always enjoy seeing what you come up with next.

Struinkunst by Lisette said...

That's such a beautiful gift! I love both your work very much!

twoforjoy design said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
craftyjemima said...

I loved reading this post. I think there's nothing better than creating something for someone special that you know they will enjoy. It's so personal and suck a lovely thing to do.

Nerys x

twoforjoy design said...

What a beautiful cushion. I love absolutely love that strip of yellow striped cotton with the bird on it in your log cabin

Tara @ Aquamarine Art said...

Hooray! It arrived this morning! I absolutely LOVE IT! Thank you so so much Karen for your genius swap idea; I really must get on with your painting! And thanks to all of you who've made such lovely comments about my work. :) Happy Weekend!x

Unknown said...

what a beautiful pillow that you made for your friend. the colors are gorgeous. i can't wait to see what Tara paints for you.