Inspired By Childhood Memories

As a young child I found myself drawn to the beauty of a full moon shining through the branches of a tree outside my bedroom window. This Moonlit Night canvas was inspired by those wonderful childhood memories.

A Moonlit Sky by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

What Nightmares Are Made Of

A while ago my mother bought some material to have custom curtains made for her guest bedroom.  Funny thing is that while she sees a bold floral pattern, all I can see is screaming faces.

Can you see it?

I laugh each time I go home because naturally I get the room with these curtains.  Maybe subconsciously she's trying to tell me something.

The Art Of Paper & Mixed Media

I recently finished reading the May/June copy of the 'The Art of Paper & Mixed Media' by Somerset Studio.  I can't get enough of these magazines.  Each edition bursts forth with the work of so many talented artists, I feel priviledged just taking a peek inside.  I found myself particularly drawn to the work of Pam Carriker, I can see why Yellow Iron Oxide and Cobalt Teal are favorite colors of hers. Leslie Wade's and Linda Schneider's lettering is an art form in and of itself and I also loved reading how some of the artists were inspired by the impressionist movement.

If I had to pick a favorite feature though it would have to be the one written about Kelly Moore.  Reading about his journey left me speechless and his artwork is simply amazing.  So inspiring.  Have you read this issue . . . which were your favorite artists and why?

If you're new to my blog don't forget to stop by my giveaway post for your chance to win this yummy chamomile soap.

Living A Fairytale - Princess & The Pea

Ever feel like you're living a fairytale but haven't quite reached the 'Happy Ending' part yet?

For as long as I can remember I have had trouble sleeping, one of the reasons being that I just can't seem to find a bed that works for me.  You would not believe how many mattresses my husband and I have purchased over the years in my quest for a good nights sleep - what can I say mattress sales guys love me.

Over time I've become affectionately known as the 'Princess and the Pea', for her story is my story.  It seems no matter how many mattresses or eiderdown covers I try that mischievous pea continues to torment me, leaving me black and blue and with barely a winks sleep.  Uuurgh if only I could find the pesky thing.

Personally I think I'm in the wrong fairytale . . .  oh what I'd give to be Goldilocks and have her ability to find a bed that is 'just right'!

On that note I'll leave you with some fun Princess & The Pea Esty finds, oh and don't forget to stop by and enter my giveaway for your chance to win a chamomile soap.

  

  

  

1.  Princess & The Pea by serpentmandalas

2.  The Pesky Pea by thecustomcaterpillar

3.  The Princess & The Pea by ElleJW

4.  Princess & The Pea by artinchaos

5.  Princess & The Pea by beckykazana

6.  Princess & The Pea by bubblesunderthemoon

7.  Princess & The Pea by Kristina14

8.  Princess & The Pea by stasiab

9.  Princess & The Pea by thelittlefox

Great Falls - One Of My Favorite Places In North Virginia

If you'd read my Sunday post you'll have realized that I was feeling pretty sad this past weekend.  In an attempt to lift my spirits, or at the very least distract me, my husband suggested a trip to Great Falls.  Turns out it was just what I needed.

I'd only been there once before but this time around it felt like I was returning to see an old friend.

 

 

I love everything about this place, the jagged rocks, the waterfalls, the wildlife . . . . .

Being there made me pause, breathe a little deeper and for a while the loss of my father weighed a little lighter.

Don't forget to stop by and enter my giveaway for your chance to win a chamomile heart soap.

Textured Heart

Textured Heart Mixed Media Art Canvas

by Dyche Designs

Absent Loved Ones

There have been times when I have made it through Fathers Day, a little quieter perhaps and somewhat subdued but relatively unscathed.  This year, unfortunately, was not one of them.

It's been several years since my father passed away but last night I was overwhelmed with such a sense of loss that it was like experiencing it all anew.  As the tears flowed freely I found myself reminded of all that could have been but never was.

Cherish your loved ones for they are gone all too soon.

Happy Fathers Day Dad xoxoxox

Privacy Please - UK vs US Toilets

When I left the UK and moved to the US I knew I would face a culture shift and often found myself laughing at the differences in terminology.  What I didn't expect was such a difference in public restrooms (or toilets as they're refered to in the UK).

It's not something I consciously thought about growing up but I guess I was accustomed to solid stall doors that reached the floor and a cubicle that completely enclosed you.

Imagine my surprise when I found that in the US there is a foot gap at the bottom of the stall and at least an inch gap on either side of the door. 

I wouldn't say I'm a self conscious person but I really don't like the fact that anyone who is stood waiting can see right inside.

It begs the question . . . . . who came up with this design anyway?  Am I the only one who thinks this is the weirdest thing?

Interview On 'Shop Virginia Etsy Stores'

I recently did an interview for a blog that is run by the VA Etsy Team. Here's a little intro to wet your appetite.

Our featured artist for this week is Kathryn from Dyche Designs based in Northern Virginia. A new “Virginian,” Kathryn talks about how a major life change brought about a new creative adventure for her. She shares not only her love for her craft, but how to have a great online store.

If you're interesting in learning more about me you can read the full interview here.

A big thank you to Yvette the owner of FineHeart for running and managing this blog and providing such wonderful exposure for members of the Virginia Etsy Team.

Deer Mixed Media Art Canvas - Off To It's New Home

The weirdest thing happened to me today.  When I saw that I'd sold my first mixed media art canvas I found myself flooded with emotion.

I'm not sure whether it was because it's my first piece of art going off into the world, that it was purchased as a present for someone's dad (my father passed away seven years ago), or that this piece was inspired by my husband.

Whatever the reason it's a good kind of emotional and it was with pride and joy that I packaged this piece up and sent it to it's new home in LA.

Dyche Photography - A Proud Sister Moment

With just a little encouragement my brother recently took the plunge and set up a photography shop on Folksy and ArtFire.

I couldn't be more proud of what he has achieved so far and my wish for him is that this new venture turns out to be a huge success.

 

 

1.  You Looking At Me 8x10 Print

2.  Corn 8x10 Print

3.  Faringdon Folly Stones 8x10 Print

4.  Spinning Grass 8x10 Print

Above are just a few of the prints he has on offer.  His other work can be viewed by going to DychePhotography on Folksy or visitng his shop on ArtFire.

He has also just set up a twitter account and can be found at http://twitter.com/DychePhotograph if you'd like to show him a little love.

http://dychephotography.co.uk/

Have a great week everyone.

Beer Bottle Tree Sculpture

There is a small footpath on our property that my husband spent time clearing out.  As I was walking along it I experienced one of those light bulb moments and emerged from the woods feeling truly inspired.  My vision - to create a sculpture trail.

For years now I have wanted to create a bottle tree sculpture so my husband and I spent weeks collecting used beer bottles.

Next we ventured along our trail on the hunt for a dead tree that we felt would be just perfect.

I love that this was something my husband and I were able to create together (being just 5ft I had to enlist his help to get to those hard to reach places) and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

I can't wait to add some more sculptures to the trail and to ultimately share them with friends and family who visit us.

If you have any ideas that you think would look good in a woodland setting, I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Aston Pottery

While I was home my mum and I decided to take a drive to Aston Pottery and stop for some lunch in their country cafe.  One of the things I miss, now that I live in America, is the little cafe's and tea shops that are so abundant in the UK.

What I loved about it was how they've successfully combined their pottery, a gift shop and a cafe into the mix.

Such a great place to spend a leisurely few hours, eating great food in such beautiful surroundings.

Are You Wearing The Right Size Bra?

During my trip home to the UK I decided that it was time to have a proper bra fitting.  I heard lots of great things about a shop called Bravissimo so I headed into Oxford and made an appointment with one of their staff members.

The woman who did my fitting was extremely experienced and I soon learned that I'd been wearing a bra that was too big around and a cup size too small.

In my mind I had envisaged setting off on a shopping spree (a slight spring in my step), coming home ladened with bags full of new lingerie.  Instead the reality was that I found myself in a state of shock, it was as though I'd gone through some kind of pyschological trauma.  What is it about going up a size that freaks us out so much?  Why do we get so hung up on numbers and letters?

I found myself walking around department stores after my fitting in a complete daze, not quite ready to process the fact that I'd got bigger and went home empty handed.

Thankfully, once I'd moved past the initial shock I was able to embrace my new measurements and purchased several new bras to come home with.

 

Gorgeous White T-Shirt Bra

What I've realized since returning to the US is that it is extremely difficult to get my size bra over here (I'm only 32 around and most of the larger cup sizes start at 34 or 36 band widths, I wonder why that is)?  Looks like I'm going to have to put in some orders with my family when they come out to visit this Christmas.

Victoria And Albert Museum - London

During my recent trip to the UK I had the opportunity to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  My mother and her friends are avid quilters so the main purpose of the trip was to see the British Quilt Exhibition the V&A was hosting.

It was extremely busy and crowded but you couldn't help but be amazed at the collection on show, some of which dated from as early as the 1700's.  The level of detail was truly astounding and to think that the majority of them had been done by hand was just incredible.

After viewing the quilts I sat outside in the courtyard and had some lunch before heading off in search of one of my favorite areas.  The V&A truly has something for everyone but my visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to the cast courts.

  

Walking into this room makes me stop and take a breath, everything is on such a scale that you feel small and humble in comparison.  I don't know why I find this room so spellbinding but I could literally spend hours in there and always leave feeling fulfilled somehow.

If you haven't visited the V&A Museum and live in the area, it really is a special place and well worth the trip.

Battling Jet Lag

I had a wonderful three weeks in the UK visiting family and friends but I really missed my husband and it was so good to return home.

 

Right now I'm suffering with the symptoms of jet lag but I hope to be back into the full swing of things by early next week.

Just wanted to stop by and say "hi" to everyone and if anyone has any great tips for battling jet lag I'd love to hear them.