Mastering

I am a complete sucker for any book with the words Mastering or Mastering the Art of..... in their title. It doesn't matter the subject matter, that title promises something that I am sure it will deliver on. Of course, the title does not take into account my failings in the arts and craft world. I am quite possibly the least artistic human alive. I envy those who can paint or draw. I cannot. I try but it always looks like something I could not even blame on my children! I have all kinds of artistic mediums in my closet. Masses of watercolor paints, acrylics, oils. All purchased with the promise that this one item will help me overcome my complete lack of talent! I am sure I could open my own small branch of Michaels with all the supplies I have lurking in that closet of broken dreams! I have looked at blogs with titles such as 'Art Projects for Kids' and been born anew with hope. Then came Pinterest and all the promises held within the glossy photos that fill the page. Nope, just add a few more craptacular projects to the pile. 

I moved on to needle arts and these had more success. If you can count a slightly wonky scarf with a few dropped stitches a success - and I do! I slowly and painstakingly learned to cast on and then moved swiftly to knit stitch and purl stitch. I am awesome! Sadly I still cannot understand a pattern and the art of casting off appears lost. I take my victories where I can though and this is one! 

Which brings me to the title of this post. I was sent a gift 'Mastering the Art of Embroidery'. A book so beautiful that I thought it was a cruel joke. Also included in the gift was a selection of embroidery threads and some vintage handkerchiefs. Obviously I have a friend who is either completely sick and twisted (which makes up most of my friends list) and finds my frustration at crafts amusing, or she is to be believed when she says that "you have to eventually find a craft you are good at". So I intend to crack open this book and see what happens. I am sure it will be a fun journey whether it results in beautifully embroidered handkerchiefs, or fingertips that look like Swiss Cheese. 

With a title like Mastering the Art of... how can I go wrong?!