Easter 2020

Flow Blue Mosaic Cross (on vintage wallpaper)

Easter 2020.  It crept up on me quickly this year, and it will be unlike any Easter before us, for a huge part of the world that celebrates Easter.

Egg1: Pink Polymer Clay Floral Easter Egg in vintage Egg Cup

For my family, it will be an Easter without the extended family gathering, without church services (in an actual church), and without the student's hurried return to college campuses.

Polymer Clay Easter Egg - Butterflies on back of Egg1

A fast (same or next day) post-Easter return to colleges and schools has been a part of the pattern of my life for well over two decades now, with my children spaced as they are. 

Egg2: Purple Polymer Clay Easter Egg - Floral Side View A

This year the college kids have already been home for weeks, and will be staying home much longer.  I initially delayed planning and decorating for Easter, distracted, but now I am determined to make this Easter special at home, partly because it won't be as rushed as in previous years - "come home late Friday, leave Sunday."  
(One of my children always had college classes on Good Friday.)

Egg2: Purple Polymer Clay Easter Egg - Floral Side View B

The patterns of other's lives has changed as well, I'm sure.  So many different lives, so many radically different changes.

Egg2: Purple Polymer Clay Easter Egg - View C: Back (Butterfly) side

I hope you find a way to make Easter special in spite of, or because of, your changed circumstances. 

Eggs signed in polymer clay with ACH

Reach out to elderly people, college students, or others who may be in total isolation, encourage those who deserve or need acknowledgement, encouragement, a smile, a wave, groceries, or something else.  Remember, alone (or not), we are in this together... 

Flow Blue Mosaic Cross

About the Easter photos in this post: 

I made the mosaic cross last year, using some chipped flow blue tea saucers and other blue china. 

I got 6 vintage chick egg-cups recently for about $2 each. They are quirky and not "beautiful", but ownership has made them grow on me and I love using them for soft-boiled eggs from the insta-pot.  

The two polymer clay eggs were estate sale finds. I marvel at the expertise of the artist who made, since I have tried some FIMO clay projects myself. The "canes" she created are inspiring. Though they are beginning to crack, I am happy to own them, I enjoy looking at them every Easter, and now this post documents them if they eventually fall apart. The artist, "ACH" signed the eggs in clay, so if anyone knows who "ACH" is, let me know... (unlikely, I know, but someone this skilled may have been a teacher...) 

*** SURPRISE NOTE ***!  I think I found out who ACH is - The creator of the Easter Eggs is possibly Angela Hickey of Polymer Clay Creations
who has this Etsy site.  

My Wish List Egg Set (2011) (Hint for my family?)!
2009 Egg A,  2009 Egg B,  2011 Egg C,  2011 Egg D,  2011 Egg E,  2009 Egg F,  2009 Egg G
2013 egg H,  2013 Egg J,  2013 Egg K,  2013 Egg L,  2014 Egg M,  2014 Egg N*
2014 Egg P purple*,  2014 Egg R pink*,  2014 Multi colored Egg
2009 Round Ornament,  2011 Star Ornament,  2012 Bell Ornament

Flow Blue Mosaic Cross (on vintage wallpaper)

Once again, try to stay healthy and sane!

Happy Easter!

Click on the images to see them enlarged.
(Yes, you can see these images even larger!) The best way to see the images in their largest format is to (on a windows system) right click on the image and select "open in new tab" from the option box that opens. This bypasses software that limits the size of the image opened. On the newly opened image, click on the image again to see it zoomed maximum.

I blog for fun and my blog is ad free.  Comments encourage me, and I sometimes need encouragement. Please leave a comment if you have time!  Anonymous comments and  comments months/years later are welcome!

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Click here for an Incredible Mosaic Collection!

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Glass Flowers

Japan Blossoms

Flower Mirror

Lilies of Valley

Mixed Media

Bonsai in Bloom

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I am linking up to these parties:

Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon (m Entry 107 of 177.)
Keeping it real: Crafty Party 213 (Entry 10 of 29.)
My Random: Anything Goes 233 (Entry 32 of 53.)
Good Random Fun: Good Fun Mon 4a (m Entry 28 of 52.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry 21x of 65x.)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (m Entry 1 of 52.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me 543 Mon 3p (l Entry 5 of 117.)
Maria Elena: Tue at Home 355 Mon 12p? (m Entry 9 of 77.)
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 315 Mon 7p (l Entry 12 of 93.)
*Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon 4p (s Entry 24 of 34.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 27 of 86.) 
Across the Blvd: Beautifully Made Tue 8a (Entry 8 of 62.)
n Mostly blogging: Inspire Me Mon 271 (s Entry 52 of 271.) 
Stonecottageadventures: Tuesday with a twist (l Entry 84)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 379 Wed (l Entry x of 110x.)
Chas crazy creations: grandmas 187 Wed 4p (m Entry 75 of 97.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style Wed 6p (Entry 17 of 48.)               I was featured!
Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 97 (L Entry 28x of 34x.)
Lecultivateur: Wonderful Wed (L Entry 151r of 209r.)
Imparting grace: Grace at home 374 Th (Entry 20 of 134.)
Artsy mama: Artsy party 287 Th noon (Entry 57 of 92.)
*Slices of Life: Hearts+Home Th 6a (m Entry 52x of 107x.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thur Fav Things Th 7a (Entry 47 of 208.)
Also An Artful Mom: Th 7am (Entry 47 of 208.)                                  I was featured!
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (Entry 47 of 208.)
FromGardners: Handmade Hangout Th 5p (Ended)
Life beyond Kitchen: Creative 218 Th 2p (Entry 77 of 121.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 216 Th 8p (L Entry 7 of 93.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic 275 Th 8p (i Entry 5 of 137.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse 149 Fri 10a (L Entry 1 of 36.)
Petals pies+: Handmade 44 Fri 11a (s Entry 30 of 101.)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station (m Entry 2 of 40.)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party (s Entry skip)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 52 of 87.)
Shabby art boutique: Create-grow 414 F 8a (L Entry 24x of 90x.)
Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 75 1p (m Entry 67 of 82.)
Our mini family: Our mini party 273 (s Entry x of 82x.)
Funkyjunkinteriors: DIY Salvaged 522 Fri (Entry 5 of 24.) 
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Sat Sparks 370 Th 8a (L Entry 30 of 114.)
Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle 330 Sat 5pm (m Entry 46 of 140.)
Pams Party: Dare to share 412 Sun (m Entry 41 of 59.)
Weekend Reflection: reflections (Entry skip)
Tryit likeit: Creatively Crafty 218 (Entry 77 of 121.)
Finding Silver pennies: Silver 354 Sun 6a (m Entry 50 of 109.)
Life&Linda: Dishing it Digging it Sun 3p (l Entry 11 of 126.)
3 little buttons: Dream Team Linky Sun 6am (Entry vaca)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 156 of 167.)
Kippi at home: You're the Star monthly (m Entry 84)
Calypsointhecountry: Best of month F 7a (Entry 122 of 234.)
Thistlekeylane: How-to-polish-sterling-silver

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Kaleidoscopes from Orchids

Kaleidoscopes have fascinated me since I was a child using one of those cardboard tubes with a panel of broken stained glass bits.  Now I create them in my computer.

Orchid Kaleidoscope OR01

Orchid 01

I created the Kaleidoscope images in this post from photos of orchids, some of which I shared in this post on the 2020 Orchid show at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

 
For example, Orchid 01 was used to create the Kaleidoscope Image OR01 above.

Kaleidoscope Image OR02

Orchid Image 11

March 22, 2020 would have been the last day of the CBG's Orchid show, which closed early in March due to Covid19. 


 
(Orchid Image 11 was used for Kaleidoscope OR02 below)







I wanted to go back to the Orchid show on March 14, 2020, when the Illinois Orchid Society planned on hosting a show in addition to the CBG's Orchid display. Covid19 canceled that event as well.

Kaleidoscope Image OR03

I have been to the IOS show in the past and it's a beautiful addition to CBG's orchid show... I missed your flowers, IOS!

Kaleidoscope Image OR04

After creating Kaleidoscopes from my orchid photos, I had ideas for additional photos to take so I could create better kaleidoscopes.

Kaleidoscope Image OR05

Those ideas have to wait now. (I wanted more close-up photos, and to have photos with more details, more contrast, and stronger lines at the edge of petals.)

Kaleidoscope Image OR06

I'm sure we will never know how many great activities and events were canceled and closed due to the coronavirus, how many trips have been canceled or postponed.

Kaleidoscope Image OR07

It's crazy how much my world has changed in just my last week, and how long ago last weekend seems.

Kaleidoscope Image OR08

Last weekend, (March 14-15) two of my children were studying at their colleges...

Kaleidoscope Image OR09

and now both of them are back home with me after  quick unplanned whirlwind moves home on Monday March 16.

Kaleidoscope Image OR10

I still need to tackle the laundry they brought home and where everything will be stored and arranged back in the house. 

Kaleidoscope Image OR11

I can't see very far into the future either, whether planned jobs and summer weddings will proceed as scheduled or not. 

Kaleidoscope Image OR12

I'm using extra time I have to create artwork.

Kaleidoscope Image OR13

I hope many people (my young adults included) will use their extra time to execute ideas and projects they have talked about doing. 

Perhaps we will see an outpouring of creative effort from many people. Art, programs, writings, crafts, music... 

Kaleidoscope Image OR14

Alternately, I'll be happy if everyone can just stay healthy and sane.

Good Luck to all 

in these confusing times!

Click on the images to see them enlarged. (Yes, you can see these images even larger!) The best way to see the images in their largest format is to (on a windows system) right click on the image and select "open in new tab" from the option box that opens. This bypasses software that limits the size of the image opened. On the newly opened image, click on the image again to see it zoomed maximum.


 

If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy...

Orchids

Kaleidoscope 6

Kaleidoscope 5

Kaleidoscope 4

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Mosaic Window

Glass Flowers 2

Glass Flowers 1

I am linking up to these parties:
Farmhouse40: Inspire Me 271 Mon (Entry 53 of 127.)
Keeping it real: Crafty Party 213 (Entry 11 of 29.)
Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon 427 (m Entry 71 of 186.)
My Random: Anything Goes 230 (Entry 5 of 50.)
Good Random Fun: Good Random Mon 4a (m Entry 23 of 46.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry x of 51x.)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (m Entry 53 of 93.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Mon 3p (l Entry 40 of 93.)
Maria Elena: Tue at Home 352 Mon 12p? (l Entry 37 of 84.)
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 312 Mon 7p (Entry 49 of 110.) 
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 12 of 29.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 36r of 64r.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 32 of 65.)
Dedicated house: Make-it-pretty Mon 332 (Entry 62 of 67.)
Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 9r of 11.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday (Entry 7 of 12.)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 12 of 53r.)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 3 of 14.)
A Pinch of Joy: Busy Mon 409 (Entry x of 115x.)
Love my little cottage: Little cottage 44 (Entry x of 83x.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 27of 32.) 
Faeries and Fauna: Waste not Wed 198 (l Entry x of 113x.) 
Thistlekeylane: Tue Turn About 41 tu 5p (s Entry 4 of 113.)  
Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 4 of 113.)
n Kippi at home.com: Youre the star (s Entry 225 of 341.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue (m Entry 22 of 48.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed Tu 6p (m Entry 5r of 169r.)             I was featured here!
Stonecottageadvent: Tues with twist 361 (m Entry 47 of 64.)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch Tue 5p (m Entry 7 of 44.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me 447 Tue 7p (Entry x of 101x.)
Girlish Whims: Whims 452 Tue 8:50p (Entry 6 of 97.)
Applestreetcottage: Party in your PJ's 301 (Entry 22 of 98.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 249 Wed 6p (Entry 9 of 44.)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul (Entry 150 of 160.)
n Chas crazy creations: To grandmas house 185 (Entry 74 of 111.)
n Artsy mama: Artsy party 285 (Entry 86 of 95.)
n My Slices of Life: Hearts&Home Handmade (Entry 85 of 109.)
n Life beyond Kitchen: Creatively Crafty 216 (Entry 92 of 117.)
n Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 377 (l Entry x of 103x.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Sat Sparks 368 Th 8a (L Entry 24 of 129.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Th Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 107 of 236.)
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (Entry 107 of 236.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Th 7a (Entry 107 of 236.)
FromGardners: Handmade Hangout 276 Th 5p (m Entry 49 of 63.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 214 Th 8p (L Entry 88 of 126.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Thur 8p 273 (i Entry 60 of 101.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Friday 146 (L Entry 40 of 41.)
Petals pies+: Handmade Weekly 42 Fri (s Entry 31 of 98.)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 159 (m Entry 32 of 63.)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party 209 (s Entry 94 of 142.)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 51 of 80.)
Shabby art boutique: Create-bake-gather (L Entry x of 104x.)
Our mini family: Our mini party 271 (s Entry x of 71x.)
Funkyjunkinteriors: DIY Salvaged Fri (Entry na)
** Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle 328 Sat 5pm (m Entry 29 of 124.)
Pams Party: Dare to share (m Entry 55 of 90.)
n Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 73 (m Entry 74 of 86.)
n Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon (s Entry 39 of 39.)
n Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 95 Tue (l Entry x of 31x.)
Finding Silver pennies: Silver Pennies 352 Sun 6a (m Entry 69 of 115.)
Life and Linda: Dishing it Digging it Sun 3p (l Entry 31 of 129.)
n 3 little buttons: Dream Team 198 Sun 6am (h Entry 9 of 22.)
n Busy being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 73 (Entry 74 of 86.)
Grammys Grid: Themed linkup 46 (Entry 23)
Little bit of everything: Fri Favorites (Entry 90 of 91.)
Kippi at home: You're the Star monthly (m Entry 85)
Calypsointhecountry: Best of month 1st Fri 7a (Entry 123 of 234.)

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