Using a mottled rayon background, I embellished this purple postcard using Angelina fibers, various threads and beads. Purple is my favorite color, but I don't often use it in my work.

Happy Birthday, Dear Matthew

My heart is full on this very special day, for it is the birthday of our only child. Matthew was a gift from God, a miracle born eight years into our marriage. He is a smart, generous, funny, loving, handsome, wonderfully gifted artist and photographer who plays a mean set of drums and can cook like Mario Batali.

Our son has taught us much - about courage, strength, endurance and faith. We are better people because of him.

Matthew celebrates his 28th birthday today, the 15th since his life-saving heart transplant at age 13. We have been truly, truly blessed.

Matthew and his bride Suzie at the gorgeous Bog Garden in Greensboro NC.

Click on image for a closer view.

Angel's Trumpet

The huge, fragrant, salmon-colored Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia) is one of the most beautiful sights in our garden. Grown from a cutting by my husband Bill, the almost tree-like plant towers over my head. I stepped underneath it to photograph some of the amazing blossoms. Be sure to click on the images for a closer view.

Water Bug

Beginning with a piece of my hand-painted fabric, I created a beach scene using hand-dyed cheesecloth, thread trimmings, Shiva iridescent paintstik, micropearl powder, colored pencils and Caran D'ache watercolor crayons. I thought the giant bug from my stash was the perfect whimsical touch for my latest fiber postcard. Click on image for a closer view.

Back Yard Sanctuary

As more of their natural habitat is destroyed, birds and animals are having to find sanctuary where they can. We have always fed our birds, and enjoy planting beneficial shrubs and flowers. Our small efforts have been rewarded with more bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and visits from creatures one would not expect to see in the inner city.

Pictured are just a few of our backyard guests and flowers.

Fabric Postcards

Nearly every day brings a new fabric postcard from my Art2Mail exchange group. Each one is so different; all are great. With each arrival, I'm inspired to go to the studio to work on my own designs. This is proving to be a great adventure.

Below are pix of the last two postcards I've created.

Beginning with my painted fabric, I sketched a little mountain range with Caran D'Ache Neocolor II watercolor crayons, watercolor pencils, Fabrico markers, Sakura jelly roll pens and crayons. For snow I used a Shiva Artist's Paintstik in iridescent white. Kokopeli and friends are rubber stamped. Although the card is finished, I may add more intensity to the grass in the foreground, either with the Caran D'Ache or chalk pastels.

Having spent a lot of time in Tokyo, my husband thinks this card looks very Japanese.

Click on image for a closer view.

Discharging: A faux fern was placed on black cotton fabric and then spritzed with a mixture of 50/50 Clorox and water. The fabric was rinsed in clear water, neutralized and then washed. Note: Anti-chlor, available from Pro Chem (prochemical.com) should be used for neutralizing. My thanks to all who made this recommendation.

A Memorial Tribute to My Father On His Birthday

I still miss my father every day, even though he has been gone for nearly 25 years. Today I plan to spend time with him through precious memories, remembering the man and his humor, generosity, gentle spirit and his fragile, easily broken heart.

The man I called Daddy would have been 94 today.

My father, Kermit vonOhlen, as a young man.

My father as a boy - about 1919.