Studio 3 Twelve

You should be getting here from Karin's. If you are just now joining this hop, make sure you start at the beginning so you get to enjoy all of the talents of these lovely ladies. You won't regret it.

The ever charming ~amy~ and some of the past Guest Designers want YOU to join in on FLASHBACK FRIDAY 20.0. FLASHBACK FRIDAYS are a great way to revisit our "firsts" in a way that makes us smile, appreciate our past efforts, and thank the stars we have progressed in our talents.

This is the 20th episode of FLASHBACK FRIDAY, and is worthy of more notice than is the norm. Amy is offering up some tasty little morsels for those who are brave enough to enter.

Guest Designer Jen wants to have us Flashback to our first BLACK AND WHITE card post. Go find your first posted BLACK AND WHITE card and create a new post about IT and FLASHBACK FRIDAY. Oh, yeah, and make sure you link back to your original post.

Well, I searched HIGH and LOW, but there isn't a BLACK AND WHITE card in my past. BUT I did find this WHITE card. And if you count the sentiment I wrote inside in BLACK ink, then I HAVE made a BLACK AND WHITE card.

It was made for friends who celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. I still like the white on white. And the frill it has. Here's the original post.

*****

Here are the goodies you can win:

Is this not totally RIDICULOUS?!?!?!

I mean, SERIOUSLY?!?!?!

HOW.

CAN.

YOU.

PASS.

THIS.

UP.

ALL you have to do to get a chance to win this wonderful prize package is leave a comment on ALL the BLOG HOP posts AND enter the FLASHBACK FRIDAY challenge. EASY PEASY.

GO ON. Get searching. Find that BLACK AND WHITE card.

Right after you finish the blog-hop, of course.

AND NOW you are off to the LOVERLY EMILY's...

Let's Make a Deal

2012-01-31T19:30:00.000-05:00

Last night I found this letter on the kitchen table.

It was addressed to me. And me only. SO, I opened it and read:

And then I laughed so hard that I was crying.

Tell me it isn't just me. Please.

2012 Goals Meeting #1

2012-01-30T07:40:00.001-05:00

Well, I have had my first meeting, and have decided that I need to be a lot more proactive. I need to get a lot more detailed with my plans. It's all about learning what works for me, so I am okay with this and not going to beat myself up.

I lost about a week being sick. I just had NO motivation to do anything at all. So, I didn't. Sometimes you have to listen to what your body is telling you. It's usually pretty smart. I needed rest, and I got it. Anyhow, I am back on track now.

I have decided to make a Goals Tracker Book to help with my meetings.

I grabbed my supplies and tools:

Composition notebook, stapler, paper cutter, scrap piece of paper and pen.

I cut the paper into 1inch by 4 inch-ish pieces. Folded them in half, wrapped one around a page and stapled it onto one sheet about every 4 or 5 sheets of paper in the composition book. Pretty simple, but very effective.

I picked a composition notebook because they are pretty strong, and I can replace it pretty cheaply. AND it has the added benefit of being just the perfect size for me.

Now I have a dedicated book for my goals. I have already started detailing plans, with deadlines, to accomplish what I want this year. Sounds a bit overkill, but I have a lot I want to get done. Hopefully this will help prevent anything from falling through the cracks. Lists are a must have in my arsenal.

I'm going to sew a cover for the notebook. I'll let you know when I've done it.

Tweet Wall Hanging

2012-01-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

Gini over at the illustious ORDER of the OPUS GLUEI, is challenging us to make something, anything, regarding BIRDS, and/or all things BIRDIE. I made this:

It will be a wall hanging. I envision it to be somewhat similar to a dream catcher, but this is a LOVE catcher. I'm thinking I'll hang it in my room. And not one of the girls' rooms.

The pattern is mine. Not really much of a pattern at all. Just sort of winged it. No pun intended on this challenge. But I suppose it does fit.

I used a 6 inch embroidery hoop that I saved from a yard sale, some leftover fabric from a purse Megan made a few months back, my embroidery threads, some leftover felt from a project Melissa made a few years back, ribbon from my stash and a piece of scrap batting.

This wall hanging was inspired by the works of lova revolutionary on Flickr.

Saturday Sum Up

2012-01-28T17:00:00.000-05:00

This week there really isn't too much to report:

Danny was sick last Sunday and Monday.
I started sniffling on Tuesday.
Stayed home on Wednesday and Thursday. Sick.
Megan started sniffling Friday.
I went to the eye doctor Friday because my eye was REALLY RED. I have a virus. In my eye. ???
Morgan started sniffing this morning.
I am still reading "Clash of Kings". Didn't really read when I was sick.
The Doctor made me feel better.

I did manage to make a project for OPUS GLUEI this morning. For the new challenge tomorrow. You'll have to come back to see what it is. BUT, here's a sneak peak.

Dinner tonight is Sunshine Chicken. Danny is grilling. Outside. It's in the 60's today.
Morgan and Melissa are volunteering at the Special Olympics right now.
I feel SO much better today. I am going to tackle more of my Studio tomorrow.

Friday Fill Ins

2012-01-27T07:47:00.001-05:00

1. It's time to get back to work. Enough of this cold already.

2. Please stop at the store on your way home ... and don't forget the tissues.

3. I'm trying to get a move on things, but "LIFE" keeps happening.

4. "Can you take me to the mall?" ... that was the last funny comment I received.

5. Please send the cure for colds. And more chocolate.

6. We WILL go on a date cause I'm in it for the long haul.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating dinner without a box of tissues at my place setting, tomorrow my plans include more purging and a little bit of creating and Sunday, I want to package up some things I need to mail.

You can find more Friday Fill Ins HERE.

What's in your Bag?

2012-01-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

Still not feeling well. So you get a peek at the contents of my purse.
You can get some details on Flickr.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

Riding the couch today.
Surfin' & sneezin'.

Better late than never...

2012-01-24T00:30:00.000-05:00

...isn't that the saying?

One of my goals this year is to get Birthday cards out to loved ones. Just a note to let them KNOW that I AM thinking about them on their special day.

I am cheating. I know, hard to believe that I would take a shortcut on this one. Especially since I have enough supplies to make a gazillion cards. BUT the whole purpose here is to actually get the cards OUT to people, so I am using postcards.

They are 5x7. And they are gorgeous. I got them free from VISTAPRINT.COM. They run a constant special. Go check them out. I was going to say that I wasn't compensated for this little plug, but I did get the cards free, so I guess that wouldn't really be true now would it. Anyway, go, check it out. They also offer business cards and invitations, etc...

Oh, yeah, I also had all of our names printed on the back of the card too. Cool, huh???

The first two went out in the mail today. They are late. BUT they are getting there. AND that makes me doing GREAT toward my goal of getting cards out this year.

Extinction isn't possible

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

This little one, who really isn't so little anymore, is both embracing her teen years and fighting letting go of her childhood. I don't think she'll ever really let go. How could she!?! She is my daughter afterall. We had a pretty mellow weekend. Danny got home Friday feeling under the weather, and the rest of us just kind of followed along with his energy level. We watched way too much TV and didn't do much of anything else. (Well, I did. I am in the midst of a major purge in the Studio.)

Although she looks rather melancoly here, she really wasn't. She was just enjoying TV with her Unisaur (her term for the Unicorn Dinosaur we picked up in the $1 bin on Saturday.) She wanted it, and I let her get it. I want her to hold on to her imagination for as long as possible. I want for her to be carefree and have fun. I am in no hurry for her to grow up. It's highly overrated.

I love that she has her own agenda in life. She has her own, different ideas about things. And I love that she is confident enough to listen to her heart.

Sweet Sunday

2012-01-22T08:54:00.003-05:00

Brownie cookies. Made and eaten yesterday. ALL of them. By ALL of us.

Saturday Sum Up

2012-01-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

Megan made another purse. Some girls like shoes. She LOVES purses.
I helped Melissa make one.
More of The Doctor and Rose.

Chinese food.
Shredded beef tacos.
Morgan went to the mall with Abby and saw New Years Eve.

Danny went to San Diego. That's why we got to have Chinese food. It's a pretty big deal for us girls. LOL
Reading "The Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin.
Temperature stayed in the high 40's this week.
The purge is coming along nicely.
Megan took my hair appt. Morgan is getting hers cut today. Mine is pushed out to Feb 3rd. Typical. Mom's always change their schedules for the sake of the rest.
It's raining right now.

Show and Purge

2012-01-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

I am one of those people who get interested in WAY too many things. Sewing, painting, embroidery, inking, stamping, card making, scrapbooking, etc... I am also one of those people who think I can DO anything. I guess it's a good thing. Mostly.

BUT, just take a look at what happens when you combine the aforementioned traits with a pack-rat:

The sorting has already begun. That's the stuff in the foreground.

Most of the stuff on the floor is old school papers and the like. How do you deal with those things? I have been insulating the floor in my Studio. Why, YES, those are Easter eggs. In Easter baskets. Why, NO, those aren't the Easter baskets we use. Things have GOT to GO!

YUP. Total messy chaos. I THINK I have come to a decision to get rid of most of this stuff. It wasn't an easy thing to wrap my hoarding brain around. And will get more difficult as I really get to it. It also isn't easy putting these pictures up. BUT, that is why I did it. I need to wake up to the reality of my craft pit. I need to purge to allow my creative energy to flow more freely.

If I continue to think of the space as a whole, I'll never get to it. I know I won't. Because that's how I have been thinking about it so far. And NOTHING has gotten accomplished. SO, I am going to focus on one area right now. The desk top.

I have already done a little bit towards clearing the desk top. Hopefully I can get to the rest this week. I have way too many supplies. Supplies I don't use. I am purging. Yup, that's a pumpkin. And a Christmas tree too.

I have 3 categories right now. KEEP, GET RID OF and TRASH. I'll figure out what to do with the GET RID OF pile later. (As in after that box is full.) Some I will give away and I am thinking that some of the stuff I will try to sell on eBay. I have enjoyed everything that I have brought into my Studio, but now it is time for some of it to move on.

Wish me luck. Wish me will-power. AND wish me motivation. And come back next week for an update. I hope that I will at the very least be shamed into action.

12 on the 12th - January Report

2012-01-19T00:30:00.000-05:00

I didn't do so well. It turned out to be 4 on the 12th. I had great intentions. I started out okay. I forgot to get the youngest in the morning shots. Oops.

We live right across the street from the bus stop. So they wait inside.

And then I went to work and got caught up in the normal schedule.

It happened to be trash day. Yuck.

And lost the thought. So I got nothing after the morning stuff. And even then, I only got a few shots.

I know this looks staged. But it really isn't. My counter looks like this EVERY morning.

Prince Zeke on his royal cushion.

I love the shots I did get. I am getting excited to see what I can get if I remember all day.

I'll try again in February.

WIP Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:30:00.001-05:00

Melissa and I made a purse Sunday.

She picked the fabrics. Santa brought her a fat quarter bundle of these really cool robots. I guided her through the pattern. She did most of the sewing. On her new sewing machine. Courtesy of Santa as well.

I love the choices she made. I might just have to borrow this from her.

*****

I was able to get blocks made for Grace's group in do.Good Stitches. Color scheme and pattern were picked by the quilter this month. It's a really lovely combo, and I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

I also made this block as a request for someone in the 3x6 Sampler group on Flickr. Her color choices are Grey, Yellow and Purple. I hope she likes the block.

Summary:

Finishes:
Melissa's Purse
do.Good Stitches blocks

Quilts with No progress:
Melissa's Block's
Birdie Stitches
My Leaves
Pastel Cabins
Sunflower
Picnic
Farmer's Wife
Citrus
Rainbow

Non-Quilt projects with No Progress:
Christmas Disappearing 9 Patch
Christmas Placemats
Cup Sleeves
Embroidered Ornaments
White Crocheted Afghan
Composition Notebook Covers
Pillow Covers

I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday.

Shredded Beef Tacos

2012-01-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

I am a working mom. I have to come home and make meals. Sometimes (almost everyday) I really don't feel like cooking. It doesn't help that I really don't like our stove. But that's a whole different story, so back to this one.

I have come to terms with the fact that I have to improvise. My family LOVES, LOVES, LOVES homemade shredded beef tacos. They take time to make. They require a big pan of grease. I am trying to not eat so much grease.

My compromise is SOFT TACOS. Not exactly the same, but not too shabby either. And based on the amount of leftovers (none) I think that my family liked it well enough too.

I made the shredded beef in the crock pot. I used a 2.5 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt, pepper and minced garlic, then threw 2 cut up onions in. Some underneath, on the sides and on the top. And added about 1/2 cup of water. I cooked it on low for 8 hours. Didn't lift the lid once.

The meat was so very tender. And tasted great. Did I mention NO leftovers.

Now I just have to figure out what other recipes I can improvise...

Idea of the century!

2012-01-16T11:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you get an idea and smack your forehead wondering why you hadn't had that thought before. I had one of those today.

I received an order of stamps that I had ordered back in October. Not bad service, just really busy scheduling. This order happened to be the cling mount type. I am almost, but not quite, ashamed to admit that I have sets of wood mount stamps that I have not yet mounted. SO, I decided to mount them all today and possibly make something.

WELL, while I was mounting the cling mounts, it occurred to me that I could probably just skip the wood block on the wood mount sets, and just put the sticker on the back of the stamp. SO, I did. AND boy am I happy I did.

They fit so much nicer in those DVD size cases.

They take up WAY less room. AND they DO stick. I tried. It works. I am genius. LOL

AND then, as oft happens, my plans to create were set asunder as my youngest, who is now addicted to Doctor Who, suckered me into a little marathon session with The Doctor and Rose. Not complaining. I happen to love the series. We are now up to the 8th episode.

I want one of those screwdrivers. Can you just imagine the trouble I could find???

Take a picture....

2012-01-15T00:03:00.000-05:00

The challenge at OPUS GLUEI right now is:

Take a picture, it'll last longer.

Here's my take on this challenge:

This year one of my goals is to take a family picture once a month. Not a portrait. That would be impossible. No, I am not exaggerating. It would be like teaching worms to play football. Yeah, it would be just like that. Anyway, we had one taken last week, so I made a layout. ('Cuz another goal is to get some scrapbooking done.) This page is completely digital. I might have a book printed at the end of the year. Or not. Don't know yet. BUT, I have a picture of our family. Right now. AND I have a layout. SCORE!

I used layout #189 from Creative Scrappers.

Background is Mamarazzti, flowers are from Kitschy Digitals by Danielle Thompson, other "papers" are from Digital Freebies from last January. Put together using PSE 7. That's it.

OH, and I finally learned how to add drop shadows in PSE. I am beside myself with thrilled-ness. I love learning new tricks. I haven't taken a class. I should. I will. Someday. Until then, every little trick I learn tickles me PINK.

Now it's your turn. Head over to OPUS GLUEI, and show us your picture challenge.

Saturday Sum Up

2012-01-14T13:20:00.003-05:00

SATURDAY SUM UP

I am thinking about possibly trying to put together a SUM UP of each week. Just an informal recount of the events of the week.

This past week:

I got a tablet.
I traveled to DC for a meeting.
I ate breakfast at IKEA for $1.05. (after taxes)

The girls got to eat Hamburger Helper. (I don't eat it, so they are thrilled when I travel because they get Danny to make it for them.)
I got Melissa hooked on Doctor Who. Yup. We started with Season 1.

Zeke found a racoon in the backyard. He only barked at it. Whew.
Morgan read the latest Morganville Vampires book, Destined and started Brisinger.
Megan met with her Polar Plunge group. Yup, she's crazy.
And of course there is another Hockey game to add to the list.

I worked on some of my WIP's.
Danny packed his lunches. In a fancy lunch bag. You just can't fake style.

There was also the normal stuff, you know, school and work, too.

Friday Fill Ins

2012-01-13T07:30:00.004-05:00

And here we go...

1. When I looked out the window this morning it was still dark outside.

2. Why we have to get up before the birds doesn't make sense to me.

3. Remind me to set my alarm. Or I'll sleep in for sure.

4. Creating is something I love to do.

5. TP is valuable in a house with 4 females. Don't run out.

6. I cleaned the refrigerator recently and found that I still don't like it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to quitting time, tomorrow my plans include sewing, showering and yet another hockey game, and Sunday I want to sleep in, enjoy a leisurely day of sewing and relax.

You can find more Friday Fill Ins here.

Swoon - I have been bitten by the bug...

2012-01-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a design will just capture your attention. Make you look twice. Or thrice. Or more. This design has done just that. I think the name of the block should be changed to SWOON & DROOL. Much more appropriate I think.

Katy over at Monkey Do, is hosting this quilt along. There really aren't any deadlines. I can most certainly do that. There is also a flickr group. Go on, check it out. Even if you don't want to Swoon with us, you can drool over all the gorgeous blocks these talented ladies are making into dreamy quilts.

One of my goals for 2012 is to make 12 quilts. Well, I have 9 of them already in various stages of progress. BUT that leaves me room for 3 more. SO, I am going to make a SWOON quilt. Cool your jets, I am going to finish 3 of the quilts in progress before I start another one. (maybe) BUT, how, oh how, can I pass up this quilt-a-long!!!

not the best picture, but it's the best I have at almost midnight

The block here will be put into the Citrus quilt I am in the midst of making. This isn't the color scheme for MY Swoon quilt. I still haven't decided on that. Yet. I LOVE this block. SO much so, that I made a 12 inch version for my Citrus quilt this past summer. I didn't have the pattern, I just sorta made it up as I went along. I'll get the pattern for the quilt.

Here are a few of the quilts that made me Swoon & Drool:

twinfibers

mrsmcporkchop

run amok

Go ahead and Swoon. You know you want to.

WOYWW - Priorities

2012-01-11T00:30:00.000-05:00

I had to travel to DC for a meeting. First things packed:

Just a little fun grab bag for the hotel room. I have got to finish those birdie blocks. I want to make a few tweaks to make them my own. And that poor bird with the deer needs some legs. Also need to add a few more inspiration pics to my Art Notebook. And if i have time, get started on those coffee cup sleeves. I just may have brought too much to do. Ya think!!!

Family Picture - January Edition

2012-01-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

First one taken at a hockey game. Our team lost. But we had fun. Together.

I can see the pride in Danny's face. The cooperation in Morgan's. Melissa is, well, her goofy self. Megan's face is BEAUTIFULLY back to normal. And in mine I see many chocolate bars, chips and lots of ice cream. sigh.

Off to a good start. Now only 11 more to go...

Postcard from Austria

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

Frank left quite abruptly. Lorreina had no idea what she had said, or done, that made him go. She was devestated at first, and then slowly began pulling out of her shell. Again. Until she received the postcard.

It was true that they had only just met three weeks prior to his sudden departure, but she felt closer to him than anyone she had ever known. She felt as though he filled a void in her life that she didn't know existed. Until he left. His note left her with more questions than she had before. Now what was she to do. What was she to think. Or do.

*****

I am linking this to the Postcard Challenge 2012.

Just because I can!!!

2012-01-08T22:39:00.000-05:00

I was compelled to post. Just for the sake of posting "something".
Maybe I can make a post everyday this month.

Oh, yeah, here's a picture. You KNOW how I LOVE pictures in a post...

Because, can you REALLY have too many toys. And just so you don't think I am spoiled (I so totally am, but I don't want you thinking that I am) This little beauty was a Christmas present of sorts. I got money from different family members for Christmas. I pooled the money and am now playing with this. (Dear Hubby just rolls his eyes with each new gadget I get. He just doesn't GET it.)

When I was first married, I was appalled that my husbands family gave either money, gift cards or EXACTLY what you asked for for Birthdays and Christmas. I thought that, with a little thought, you could find a gift for someone. Especially a loved one. Fast forward 18 plus years, and I am thrilled to be able to combine "gifts".

This isn't a picture of my personal Transformer. I got this off the Amazon website. I mean, come on, I don't have a need to know the weather in Taipei. AND the date is NOT March.

But this is the model I got. After much research and some discussions with the nice sales ~~boy~~ man at Best Buy. I was doing all the talking but he was looking at my oldest. I can't say that I blame him. She is a cutie pie.

Embrace the imperfect

2012-01-07T00:03:00.001-05:00

Yesterday's plans got thrown out the window. Completely. (see yesterday's post for more details) What DID end up happening was:

Made coffee
Blurfed
Took youngest to school
Blurfed a bit
Posted about change in scheduled events for the day
Made this wonderful little book - Inspired by the Big Picture Class "Embrace Imperfection" by Karen Grunberg. Her little book is adorable.

You would be correct if you guessed that this is the PERFECT project for me right now.

I tend to get caught up in getting things just right. So much so that sometimes things get started and not completed.

I am pretty sure this is why I have SO many unfinished works in my Studio.

It is my hope that this little book will inspire me to just get things done. Not to worry about how PERFECT the project turns out.

I pulled the first things I found in my Studio to make this. Great start toward Embracing the Imperfect I think.

Some of the pages are not as complete as I would normally like. BUT I am declaring this book DONE. I am leaving it as is.

I gave myself a limited time to get the whole book done. I had an appointment that I couldn't miss. I think it really helped to put a time limit on myself.

I think this quote by Rosalynn Carter is one of my favorites. I would add that you need to also realize that no one else is perfect either.

This little book was a HUGE bit of therapy for me. It now makes me happy that there are little signs of homemade love in there.

I had to rush to get this done in time for my self imposed deadline. So the back page is simple. In hind sight, I think it's perfect. I clicked the rings shut and proceeded with my irregularly scheduled day...

Showered
Took oldest to follow up appointment for Bells Palsy (She is completely healed now!)
Spent Barnes and Noble gift cards (and a little more)
Heated Dinner (leftovers)
Cleaned up
Started reading Clash of Thrones
Went to bed WAY too late/early

But I went to bed smiling. It was a PERFECT day.

the best laid plans of mice and men...

2012-01-06T10:08:00.001-05:00

I work an alternate schedule. In a two week period, I will work 8 nine hour days and 1 eight hour day. This leaves me with a day off. I picked to have off on Fridays (everyother one).

Today is my day off. I had planned out the day to what I thought I would do:

Shower
Drop youngest off at school
Decrapulate my Studio for 15 minutes
Sew some quilt blocks for do. Good
Sew a quilt block for someone who got screwed over in a swap
Sew the back for Melissa's quilt

So far I have not done anything but drop my youngest off at school. I am typing this in my jammies and bed head. Yup. I look adorable.

I AM a go-with-the-flow type of gal, so no biggie there. EXCEPT, that I got this email. An email that I signed up to get. It's from Nathalie at Nathalie's Studio. It's about the CREATIVE JUMPSTART SUMMIT 2012. Everyday in January I have gotten/will receive an email with a link and a password to learn how a different creative person gets her creativity going. I have gotten the emails, but today was the first day I watched one. You can sign up for the emails too. Just go here.

It's a video from Karen Grunberg. She talks about JUST STARTING. It was inspirational and I enjoyed it. BUT I jumped to her blog, and saw a link to a free class (I love me some freebies) that she offers over at Big Picture Classes. So I went over there and clicked on it.

The class is EMBRACE IMPERFECTION. SO, now instead of going with my first plan for the day, I am making a little book. I'll show you later.

I think I need a little reminder/reinforcement in this area right now. Great timing.

I know I am not a man, so I must be a mouse.

Art Notebook

2012-01-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

Do you have an art notebook? Somewhere to jot down ideas, inspiration and notes about what you like, want to do, or information about "things"? Surely, I can't be the only one who does. Mine is small enough to fit into my purse (I carry a medium sized purse), but large enough to accomodate my thoughts and plans.

There is no method or plan to the book itself. I just jot down ideas that I have. I may or may not ever use them, but they are there. The ideas are not necessarily original. If I see someone else's work that interests me, I'll jot down something about it.

I'll also tape pictures that make me smile. Or give me ideas. Or things I want to do. Sometimes the picture is easier than trying to explain. I can't draw, so the pictures work better for that too.

Despite all the rumors running around the internet, I am not terribly creative, so I jot down notes that others might consider standard knowledge. But it's my notebook, so I jot them. I write down websites that I want to go back to. And tape in bits of paper with information that I want to keep from notes I took when I didn't have my lovely notebook around. GASP. I know. But sometimes it happens. You just never know when a thought will strike. (Business meetings are great thinking sessions, and I would get stern looks from the boss if I showed up with my Art Notebook.)

Mine has room for more ideas, thoughts and inspiration. I am looking forward to filling it up. These blank pages are very exciting to me.

So, do YOU have an Art Notebook? What's in it? Care to share?

Finish Along - 1st Quarter Goals

2012-01-04T00:04:00.036-05:00

One of my goals for 2012 is to finish 12 works-in-progress. I am a wonderful Starter. Not such a great finisher. I think I have developed CADD. (Craft Attention Deficit Disorder)

When I initially wrote this down I was thinking of ALL my projects in ALL of my Studio. But, I quickly realized that I could easily make this same goal for each different area of my Studio. Yikes. So, I will attack it in an orderly fashion. Grab the first things in reach.

To accomplish this goal for 2012 I am going to leave it as a general 12 works-in-progress goal and consider anything more than 12 as "gravy".

The lovely Rhonda over at Quilter in The Gap is hosting a FINISH ALONG. You post which projects you think you'll be able to finish at the beginning of the quarter, and then follow up with the finished projects at the end of the quarter. Sounds reasonable. And doable.

I'm in. I have several WIP's that need to get finished. Here's what I hope to get done this quarter:

Melissa's Quilt - I need to make the backing, layer, pin, quilt and bind. OR send out to be quilted. I am really leaning towards sending it out. The actual quilting is really not my favorite part. I LOVE piecing tops together.

****

Christmas Placemats - I need to cut the backings, layer, pin, quilt and bind. (These started out with the intention of being a quilt, but my oldest convinced me that they would make really cool placemats, so they will become placemats.) They are 15 inches across (flat to flat). I have 12 of them.

****

Embroidered Christmas Ornaments - These little cuties are going on the tree next year! Well, they will be little cuties when I get done with them. That poor little bird needs some legs. And some holly in his mouth.

****

Coffee Cup Sleeves - I started these to be stocking stuffers. My girls have taken to hot chocolate in the mornings. Maybe they can be Valentines gifts. Need to embroider. And layer. And sew. And get a move on.

****

Crochet Afghan - Yes, I realize that it isn't sewing. BUT, I have to finish the wonderfully LARGE crochet blanket that I made last year. All of the blocks have been stitched together. It's already been put into service. It's a warm, heavy blanket that makes you want to stay in bed. Sigh. I need to thread in the loose ends and add a border.

***

I am pretty confindent that I can get these things done. I just have to remember that I have them to do. GAK.

I am going to cheat. AND use this as my WIP Wednesday post too. It is, afterall, a WIP post.

Challenges in 2012

2012-01-03T00:08:00.012-05:00

As if I didn't have anything else planned for 2012, I am going to do my best to participate in these year-long challenges. I won't promise a perfect attendance, but I will promise to have fun with them.

*****

OPUS GLUEI - This one is a fun and laid back one. A theme is thown out every two weeks, and then it's a free-for-all. Pretty much anything goes. Not many rules here. How can I NOT participate in this one. (Plus I am on the design team.)

52 Photos in 52 Weeks - I just got a new mac daddy camera. DUH. I have to at least try. Project 365 seems really overwhelming to me. But I figure I can take one photo a week.

Jingle Bells - Get ahead on the Christmas Rush. Cards, that is. AND these are FUN ladies too. This one is also going to be a 2 week challenge this year.

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas - This is another Christmas card challenge. I am thinking that maybe I should make some extra's for the American Hero's on the front lines overseas.

Art Journal - This one is to do it everyday. I won't be doing that. But I will try for a couple times a week. Along these same lines, I have signed up for the Strathmore Art Workshops. They are free. Can't hurt to check them out. Nothing to lose, lots to gain.

Postcard Challenge - Write a story using postcards between two people. How cool is this idea. I am going to write 2 postcards a month. One from each person. The official challenge is to write one postcard a week. I think I have picked my characters. And locations.

Finish Along - This one is going to help me with my Goal to finish 12 works in progress. I'll list the projects (quilty ones) that I intend on finishing per quarter. Sounds reasonable AND fits in with my planning plans too.

There are a couple of other things I plan on doing in 2012 too. I just haven't found a group to join for inspiration and continued motivation.

12 Photos on the 12th - Just like it sounds. I want to take 12 photos of 12 things that are relevant to the month. AND scrapbook them. GASP. I know, it's almost too much to take in. I AM GOING TO SCRAPBOOK again. Or at least try.

Family photo once a month - the trickiest part will be remembering to do this. I am pretty sure I can ~~bully~~ talk my family into cooperating. Tara Whitney did it. And Lisa from Life is Sweet did it. Just check out the mosaic of all of her family photos. I LOVE the end result.

*****

You can keep up with these on the TAB up there. See it? Yup. I have them all listed there too. If I add or drop something, it's going to be shown there.

2012 Goals

2012-01-02T00:02:00.000-05:00

Despite my near failing grade on last years goals, I am setting goals for 2012. I will approach the accomplishment of these goals very differently. I am going to hold monthly meeting with my list. I am making sub-lists and breaking each goal into components and putting realistic deadlines in place. I am going to check in on myself (monthly meetings) and be less critical of my set backs. I'll pick myself up and move forward if I miss a deadline. I won't stop dead in my tracks and just, well, stop. I'll pickup where I left off and work toward attaining these goals.

I am starting out with a grading system. This one will be a little more complex. I have a spreadsheet made out. (Yup. Geeky.) I won't bore you with the details. (You're welcome.)

And now for my

GOAL'S OF 2012

<>

Finish 12 UFO's - trying for 1 a month

Monthly Date with Danny - gonna try it again

Sunrise/Sunset on the Beach - Gotta do it.

VA Aquarium - I live right here!

Read 26 Books - this is a good, realistic number

Camping Trip - maybe June or September

Family Portrait - any time this year

do. Good Stitches - 12 months of a good deed

Neptune Festival - missed it last year

Disney Vacation - Watch out Mickey...

Homemade Meals weekly - only eat out once a week

Nutcracker Ballet - Melissa wants this one

Beach weekly - Summer

Read an autobiography - it'll be part of the 26

Purge the Studio - BIG task

Send Birthday Cards - why is this one so very hard?

Send Christmas Cards - again, why not?

Mississippi Vacation - road trip

Quilt a month - I'll piece the tops and send out for quilting

Homemade Christmas - I want to make the gifts I give

Swap a month - try to limit myself to one a month

Ride a bus somewhere - maybe a day trip to somewhere

Strawberry picking - mmmmmaybe make jam

Eat Less, Move More - and twist and twist and twist

Museum - Morgan wants to go to Richmond for an Impressionist display

Art Journal monthly - I NEED my creative outlet

Monthly Date with Girls - I may have to rotate girls every month

Monthly Goal Meeting - I will fail without this. I may fail anyway, but it won't be for lack of meetings. LOL

Develop Plan for Goals - This is the first step to success.

Write Goals Down - Okay, THIS is the first step to success.

I have a TAB for my GOALS. I will update/add and keep track of them there. I'll also post to let you know how it's going. You are welcome to join me if you want. Just let me know and I'll be a cheerleader for you.

What goals are you working on for 2012?

And what are your plans for getting there?
My inquiring mind wants to know.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

What better way to bring in the New Year than with a challenge!!!

Opus Gluei is having their #121 challenge: Out with the old and in with the new.

My project of choice is a January 2012 calendar page made with old materials.

I made the backgrounds on the papers. I used two sheets out of my Canson Mixed Media 9x12 art journal. On the background itself, I applied some pink and blue acrylic paint. Then used a sponge to dot with some lighter pink paint mixed with a shimmery agent. I then used some glimmer mists in pink and grey. And a bit of another brand (whose name escapes me at the moment) of blue misty paint and just spritzed a little on top of that.

The paper I used for the days is some of the same grey, blue and pink just spritzed on the plain white sheet. I used another sheet that I ripped out for a bit of a stencil.

I waited for it all to dry. And waited. And waited. I am not the most patient of people. I know, I know, I could have pulled out my heat gun, but I didn't.

"JANUARY" are some stickers that I have had for I don't know how long. They are MY LITTLE SHOE BOX in Ocean color. I used a matte gel medium to adhere the 1.25 inch square-ish blocks to the background. Then used paint pens to highlight the boxes and draw the snowflakes. I decided to hand number the days and the year.

I will probably not cut the top off. I kinda like it.

This was inspired by the wonderful Calendars you can see HERE. Mine is not nearly as decorated as some of them. I LOVE the ones that have all the pictures. BUT, I had to face the fact that this is what I have time for right now. I have WAY too many other projects that I want to spend time on. SO, this is my JANUARY. There may or may not be a FEBRUARY. We'll just have to wait and see....

2011 Goals Report Card

2011-12-30T00:36:00.000-05:00

I decided to review my progress of the goals I set for myself in 2011. My intentions were there to start with. I developed a 100 point grading system. (Geeky, I know.) By the skin of my teeth, I am not failing. I could get a 63.5 if I really push it. As of this writing, I am getting a 60. See, told ya. SKIN. OF. MY. TEETH. But, hey, passing is passing. Right!?!?!

What happened? Where did I go wrong? I'll tell you. It was all in the planning. Or rather, the lack of the planning. You see, I had these great ideas on how to make my year (my life) more interesting, BUT I didn't develop a plan. I think I only REALLY looked at my goals twice over the course of the whole year. But just so I you don't think I was a total failure, here are some of the things I DID do.

And here are the blocks I made for charity. I am part of an online quilting bee that makes a quilt a month for a child in need. It makes me happy to know that I am doing something good every month.

The bottom two quilts are two of the quilts made using all of the blocks from 10 contributors. It's pretty cool how 10 people, from all-over the US and Canada, can use totally different fabrics and have the quilts turn out so beautiful.

Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled b!tch session:

2012 will be different. (I know, I know, you've heard that before.) I am going to take this little lesson learned, AND apply it to the goals I have set for this coming year. GASP. Before I get into the details of HOW, I must warn you to clean your glasses and put on your pocket protectors. It's going to get a little geeky.

I plan on holding monthly planning meetings with myself. I am going to schedule it onto my calendar, so I WILL remember it. I will reveiw what I have done, what I need to do and when the best time to do it will be. Furthermore, and hitherwither, I will have sub-committee meetings to determine what steps are necessary for each of my goals. Sounds really geeky. Doesn't it?!?! That's okay. I know it is. AND I am okay with it.

How 'bout you? Got any GOALS for 2012? If so, how are you going to attain them?

12 Joys of Christmas - 9th Joy

2011-12-29T13:02:00.012-05:00

Outside Christmas lights. I love the sparkle and twinkle. They add a lot of color to my ride home from work. I am probably one of the only people who really appreciates those who leave their lights up way after Christmas has passed.

Although this is #9 of my Christmas Joys, it is the last to be posted. I just didn't get around to getting a picture of the outside lights until now. AND, although it is the last to be listed it certainly doesn't complete the list of my Joys. There are plenty more. I just picked 12 because it seemed like a good number at the time I came up with the idea.

12 Joys of Christmas - 11th Joy

2011-12-29T00:03:00.001-05:00

WOYWW - Final Edition of 2011

2011-12-28T11:26:00.001-05:00

Collateral damages from this last week of celebrations.
A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

There are a few projects in mind, but not in the works just yet. I need to do a bit of tidying up first. And maybe finish that little deer Christmas ornament. Yikes. Uh, wait, since it isn't going to be for this year, I am already ahead for next Christmas. HA.

You can see what others are up to at Julia's Stamping Ground.

Go ahead and snoop. You know you want to.

12 Joys of Christmas - 10th Joy

2011-12-27T00:02:00.001-05:00

Starbucks Christmas blend has been a tradition since I don't know when exactly. But every year as soon as it comes out, I'll get some. And then I KNOW that I'll get more from Santa.

Maybe it's all in my head, but it tastes great. And those cute packages don't hurt either.

12 Joys of Christmas - 12th Joy

2011-12-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

The decorations. I love the decorations. I usually have too many ideas, so nothing looks complete. I also tend to run out of time. It's like Christmas sneaks up on me every year. Does that happen to you too?

This year Melissa decorated the mantle. We really scaled back. There are some things that HAVE to get put out.

Like Mickey's Clock Shop. It's been a tradition forever.

And the Nutcrackers. Melissa has quite the collection. She plays with them too. So there really isn't a display. Well, not one that stays the same. It's constantly changing.

A spot is found for these little guys too. Made many years ago. Tradition.

When the girls were little, I got this little Nativity set. I loved that they could play with it. I didn't want to put a fragile Nativity set out and tell them NO you can't touch. It just seemed so wrong. So this one was perfect. I LOVE that they now demand that it still gets put under the tree when we decorate.

(I still have a few Joys left to share with you. Look out for them before the end of the year.)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T01:56:00.000-05:00

12 Joys of Christmas - 8th Joy

2011-12-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

Like I said in the beginning of the 12 Joys, they aren't in order. Of any kind.

They are just being posted as I get them down.

That being said, here is the 8th JOY:

Our ADVENT CALENDAR.

I love that the girls have not gotten too big to fight over whose turn it is to put an ornament on the ADVENT CALENDAR tree.

Danny and I made this together when I was pregnant with Megan (18 years ago). It has been hung up and used every year since then. I made the quilted tree and he painstakingly painted each detail on the little ornaments. I made him initial each one on the bottom. He drilled holes in the top of each ornament and made the hooks out of earring wires. I sewed little beads onto the tree and the ornaments get hooked into the hole in the bead. The ornaments are timeless.

If I were to make an advent calendar today, the fabrics would be more modern. More ME. But I won't. I LOVE this one. It's US. A team effort that lives on every year.

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

2011-12-21T00:13:00.000-05:00

12 Joys of Christmas - 7th Joy

2011-12-19T01:57:00.000-05:00

Giving. It's so much fun and so very satisfying to see the JOY on someone's face when they open their gift. Making people happy. Not so much with the object that they have received, but with the warmth that they are loved enough to be the recipient of ANY gifts. It sure does make it that much sweeter when they LOVE their gifts.

I am the one who is usually too excited to wait for you to open what I give you. It takes a lot of will power to wait. I DON'T, on the other hand, have any problems waiting to open any gifts given to me. Weird. Huh?

12 Joys of Christmas - 6th Joy

2011-12-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Oh, the cookies!

Photo Credit

For 11 months out of the year I am a savory person. I prefer salty to sweet. BUT come December, I have a HUGE Sweet Tooth. Bring on the cookies. I love Christmas cookies. Chocolate chip cookies. Peanut Butter. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. Raspberry Thumbprints. ALL of them are targets this month. BUT, I am not a very good baker. I just am not patient/diligent enough to make it work. I am VERY easily distracted. I burn more cookies than you can possibly imagine.

Photo Credit

BUT there is a saviour in the house. Megan has become one of the best bakers in my family. She usually makes the baked goods in the house. This year it's no different. She actually showed Melissa how to bake sugar cookies. A terrific gift in my opinion.

Photo Credit

One of these years I'll host a cookie swap. But that's a whole other post...

12 Joys of Christmas - 4th Joy

2011-12-13T11:43:00.000-05:00

Gingerbread houses. Making them. Okay, maybe not MAKING them, but, assembling and decorating them. How can it be Christmas without a Gingerbread house.

Photo Credit

It's hard to get things done during the holiday season. Along with the regular holiday activities, our family has birthdays. So, sometimes the gingerbread house gets put off until Easter. But not this year. (At least we have good intentions that it will be a Christmas gingerbread house and not an Easter gingerbread house. This years house has been assembled and is just waiting for the decorations. It'll probably have to wait until Saturday. Tonight there is some last minute shopping that needs to get done. A package to get together for the post office tomorrow. Tomorrow night we have Megan's tutor coming and I have to pick up a ham and some other goodies for the office Christmas party. Thursday is Megan's Christmas concert. I love going to those concerts. They sound so amazing. AND Friday is Megan's 17th Birthday. She wants to go to the Admirals hockey game. SO, we won't have any time to decorate the gingerbread house until Saturday.

Last year we cheated and used glue guns to assemble the house. No worries. No one in this house eats that little gingerbread house. We just pick off the candies. And those are set into frosting, so we are okay. Otherwise it's assemble the house and wait until the next day to decorate. We used the glue gun again this year. Now just have to make the frosting...

12 Joys of Christmas - 5th Joy

2011-12-12T01:33:00.001-05:00

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....

You know the rest. I don't. But I can hum along. I love putting the tree up. Pulling out the decorations from years past and adding a new decoration. Playing Christmas carols and reminiscing with each bauble pulled from the box.

In the most recent years we have had an artificial tree. It just seemed the thing to do. This year, since our plans changed at the last minute, Danny promised the girls a real tree. So we went to the lot and picked the best one for us. Once we got it home and positioned it seemed a heck of a lot bigger than it seemed in the lot. Good thing too. We have many, many ornaments.

The girls all have a little collection that is theirs. Ones that have been given to them from their grandparents and other loved ones. I have my favorites. Ones that were made for me by the girls. I particularly love the ones with their pretty little faces glued onto them.

The handmade. This was made by 2 year old Melissa.

Another handmade. This was a joint project between me and Morgan.

A cute couple. It's a tradition that we get a "couple" ornament every year.

And the new. This is Megan's new ornament this year.

New and old together. A thing of beauty.

What I really love, is a tree crowded with ornaments, old and new. The ornaments speak as to who we are, and what makes us tick. The tree tells the story of US.

And it's really pretty when you turn all the lights out and just sit with a hot cuppa and "watch" the tree. Sigh. So very relaxing. Don't you think?

Friday Fill-Ins - On Sunday evening, why, I'm almost on time...

2011-12-11T20:15:00.001-05:00

Anyone in the holiday spirit? I'm getting there. So...here we go!

1. As I neared the cashier, I realized I had forgotten to check the list and didn't get half of what I needed.

2. The Red Pyramid is what I'm reading right now. It's a book for youths, but I like them.

3. I didn't start out this way, it's taken years to cultivate this style.

4. I really like who I have become to tell the truth.

5. The best way to win my heart is to do something nice for someone I love.

6. This is the reason I am ME!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out for dinner, tomorrow my plans include getting a tree and decorating it and Sunday, I want to get groceries and finish my Christmas shopping, then make Christmas cookies with the girls!

12 Joys of Christmas - 3rd Joy

2011-12-10T01:25:00.003-05:00

Here we go, back to Thanksgiving. It's when the Season REALLY starts for me. Thanksgiving dinner is ALWAYS served on the Christmas china. ALWAYS. I don't have Thanksgiving china. I don't think I would actually breakdown and buy it. It would be used for 1 day. Nope, not getting that. BUT CHRISTMAS china, now that's something that gets used. In this house anyway. I was pregnant with my first child when my mother sent me my first set of Christmas china. It was a starter set. It was for my birthday (which is in early November). Then another box came. It was a mistake that the company sent 2 boxes. I didn't find that out until a few years later. Anyway, I LOVED (and still do LOVE) the china.

Between Thanksgiving and New Years, it's our everyday china. Used for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks and whatever else you use plates and bowls for. Everything tastes SO MUCH better in these dishes.

My collection has grown. There are now place settings for 12 and serving pieces.

AND I have ornaments for the tree too.

Silly little tradition. BUT it's part of the season.

Is there a special plate or mug you use during this wonderful season?

12 Joys of Christmas - 2nd Joy

2011-12-09T11:24:00.000-05:00

My joys are not in order. I really don't think I could decide which I like the best. I am simply presenting them to you as I feel like it. Yup, it's all about JOY.

Christmas music plays on my car radio from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day. (Okay, not really Christmas Day because we don't normally drive anywhere on Christmas Day.) I set the radio to the local station that plays Christmas music for ME during this time period and there the dial stays. (Okay, it really isn't a dial any more either, it's digital. But you get the idea.)

Some of my favorites are:

Drummer Boy - Everyone has something to offer

Mary Did You Know - It moves me

Christmas Shoes - This one ALWAYS gets me teary eyed

(I am pretty sure these are the shoes too.)

Joy To The World - Mostly because I know most of the words

Santa Baby - We all sing along to this one

And there are SO MANY more. I'm listening to Christmas music right now.

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

WIP Wednesday on our own version

2011-12-07T01:31:00.000-05:00

This week I have a couple of finished projects to report, BUT, I can only show you a sneak peak. Sorry. Melissa and I swapped stockings with Whitney and Aidan.

Here's a sneak of Melissa's first ever sewing machine project. The stocking she made for Aidan. I am ever so proud.

And here's a little sneaky at the stocking I made for Whitney.

I can show the whole stockings once they get them. I don't want to spoil the surprise completely for them.

***

I am also putting the binding on the Granny lap quilt I made for my mommy for Christmas. Don't worry, it'll get done in time. I am 3/4 of the way done. Should have it done tomorrow night.

***

Then I'll just have to make another secret project. That I can't share because the recipient reads this blog. (wink, wink)

***

And for the professional side of things, here is my workdesk. The one where I do the work for which I get paid.

Even here I can't help but be a bit artsy fartsy. See all those different colors markers. Yup. I really do use them. All.

(disclaimer: This picture was not taken today. Or even yesterday. BUT if you were to see my desk right now, you would not be able to tell. So I am using it anyway.)

Quilt Block Swap - NuBees

2011-12-06T07:28:00.000-05:00

I joined a Flickr group called NuBee's.

We swap quilt blocks.

So far I have loved making these blocks and sending them off to their new owners.

We are challenged to make the same block design in the different color choices of each member in the Bee. Each swapper picks a color combination that she wants for the quilt blocks she will receive.

It's great fun to design a block. It's also great to use color combo's that I would have never thought to use. It's challenging. BUT the best part is the friends I have made. And am still making. These ladies are talented and fun.

It's a wonderful feeling to send my creations off to join those made by all of my friends' creations. My humble little blocks will be in other peoples' quilts.

Okay, I lie. I have a hard time parting with them.

12 Joys of Christmas - 1st Joy

2011-12-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

Everyone has traditions. Things you absolutely MUST do every year. We do. We have traditions that take place every year, and some that happen every year or two. Candy Canes are the first Christmas Joy every year for me.

Usually the season starts when the CANDY CANES are bought. I get a little tingle in my throat. They are the beginning of something wonderful. And I can't resist. I started carrying the little ones in my purse to hand to clerks, cashiers and toll takers. (And of course to snack on myself.)

Photo Credit

The little ones are just the right size to offer a little treat without having to wrap the rest.

I just can't imagine a Christmas season without them. Can you?

Fair Winds, Gary

2011-11-21T00:13:00.000-05:00

Fair Winds and Following Seas, my dear friend.

You are already missed.

Works in Progress this fine Wednesday...

2011-11-09T01:54:00.055-05:00

I have been out of the loop recently. Blogging when I could, not much though, through "other" computers. I finally have another computer of my own, and got this post together. I put together a list of Works in Progress. Numbering the unfinished projects is really rather eye-opening. I knew I had a lot, but didn't realize I had so many. Sometimes I really hate realizations. SIGH. NOW I have to finish some of these. (Sadly, I didn't list ALL of the WIP's I really have. These are just the ones I could think of last night without going into my Studio.)

NuBee blocks in Progress for November. More HST's.

Finished Projects:

Pencil pouch for Megan. Also made her a purse. Not a turtle purse.

I don't have good pictures because she keeps using it. (That's a good thing.)

Big "A" Granny Square blanket. This is an awesome blanket. Despite the fights that it has caused. All three girls want to use it. At the same time. Often. Secretly I smile. Evil of me, isn't it?!?!

I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday.

It's the One Year Anniversary for WIP Wednesday.
Congratulation Lee for a whole year of fun ~~snooping~~ sharing.

Opus Gluei Challenge #117 - What's on your head?

2011-11-08T23:37:00.000-05:00

Inspired by the dread of Thanksgiving this year.

I love my family, honestly, I do.

I just don't want to DO the whole turkey dinner thing.

Maybe a cocktail will help.

Other interpretations of WHAT'S ON YOUR HEAD?

can be found HERE.

Go on. Check them out.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T07:05:00.001-04:00

2011-10-28T10:51:00.000-04:00

Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. Beware of girl with new computer. She will go crazy and waste the morning. She will sit and blurf in her jammies and crazy bed head.

2. I really like PICTURES of snow.

3. And since we are friends, let's have a drink or two.

4. I ain't 'fraid of no spirits?

5. Where in the heck is my motivation?

6. Beef stew is one of my favorite meals when it's cold out.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting my hair all purtied up, tomorrow my plans include a hot date with a handsome man and Sunday, I want to sleep in, tidy up a bit (blech - but necessary) and then make STUFF!

Something Wicked This Way Comes - Opus Gluei Challenge #116

2011-10-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

The uber talented Kristen over at The Order of The OPUS GLUEI has put forth the challenge this fort night.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Just make, and post, something that fits into this title. AND oh, yeah, she is offering 3 digi stamps. How cool is she? You may, or may not, use them in this challenge.

My little project is actually a cheat. I made this little beauty about 10 years ago. I was away from home on a business trip and found this adorable kit and bat hanger. It was love at first sight. (Yup, I went wild on my business trip. Stitched up a storm. Cuz, I'm crazy like that.)

Oh, and by the way. My computer died. It was acting funny and then it wasn't acting at all. It was declared dead yesterday at 12:27pm. All efforts had been made in the previous 10 days to revive it, but they were to no avail. Services will be held at a future date.

Now to replace that little sucker so I can blurf again. SIGH.

OPUS GLUEI Challenge #115 - BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

2011-10-09T08:38:00.000-04:00

Meet my card models, Mr Bones and Fluffy. They were thrilled with the chance for their 15 minutes of fame. They are modeling one of 10 cards made in my BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS card making marathon. (2 others are on display at OPUS GLUEI.) As you are sure to have noticed, I have been playing with fabric and yarn rather than paper. Well, the mood struck the other day and I churned out 10 Halloween cards. It was a glorious time. Paper, glue, ribbon, stamps and inks. Ahhhh.

OPUS GLUEI is challenging YOU to get BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS. You can be literal with this and go with a swing from a tree, or a monkey swinging on a vine, or a baseball bat swinging to hit a ball or something else. Or like me, you can get BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS you haven't done in a while.

We'd love to see your interpretation this fortnight.........

Halloween Shadow Box - (warning to Electra - Spider Alert)

2011-10-05T17:05:00.000-04:00

Remember this shadow box from this post?

It's one of several being featured in an article about shadow boxes at About.com.

Go check out the others too. They are pretty clever.

WIP Wednesday #45

2011-09-28T08:05:00.000-04:00

Hello there.

It's me.

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

I have just been doing things other than blogging.

I pulled fabrics for the October do.Good Stitches block. I am not too thrilled with the purples I have, so I may or may not add a couple. I am using the grays that I have. A couple of Kona's should be just fine. (But I reserve the right to change my mind.)

I made this medallion years ago. It was just leftover fabrics from some baby quilts I had made. I didn't know what I was going to do with it. So it sat around without a purpose. Until now. I am finally putting this together for the 100 Quilts Challenge. Hopefully it will get done in time for the October 15th deadline.

My oldest daughter talked me into making Christmas quilts. She is helping. I am doing the sewing, but she is helping with the design and picking the fabrics for each round on the hexagons. That drives me crazy, but she is doing great.

Each block is about 15 inches from flat side to flat side.

So far, I really like how they are turning out.

And just so you don't think I am not making anything for myself, I have have been working on a little Halloween project. It isn't finished yet, and I don't want to reveal until it is, so here's a sneak peek.

Other projects:

Farmers Wife QAL: No progress. Still at 27 blocks.
Giant Granny Square Afghan: Finished and loved. I'll get pictures if I can pry it away from the girls long enough.
Other Granny Square Afghan: Making a little progress. I have 13 squares that need the final round added and then I can start joining the squares into the afghan. Yay.

That's all I can think of right now. Oh, there are others. About a million. But that's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

To check out other peoples WIP's visit Lee at Freshly Pieced.

OPUS GLUEI - Challenge #114 - Owl Always Love You

2011-09-25T01:34:00.001-04:00

Poobah Electra has challenged us with OWL ALWAYS LOVE YOU this fortnight over at the Order of the OPUS GLUEI.

I took a few of my owl stamps (Yes! I have more.) And made a set of ATC's to commemorate my oldest daughters quest for her future vocation. She has decided that she wants to become an Athletic Trainer. I have decided that she will probably change her mind. A few times. SO, I made a few ATC's that represent me. I wanted to show her the diverse choices available to her. And I told her how I changed my mind ~~several~~ a few times. Too deep for you? Nah.

I used some yellow cardboard with a very thin white detail almost like chicken wire. You can see it barely if you tilt your head to the right and squint. (It's what worked for me.) Then I stamped. And stamped. And then I added a few details. And then popped those owls right on top.

Oh what a tangled web....

2011-09-20T08:06:00.000-04:00

Just a little something I am brewing up for Halloween...

I just need to make 8, 15 or 24 more. Hmmm. Choices, choices???

Order of the OPUS GLUEI - Challenge #112 - Everything's Coming Up Roses or Rosettes

2011-09-07T00:40:00.003-04:00

I am a bit late. It isn't the best picture. BUT, it's done. And I enjoyed making it. Even if it wasn't on time. Life got in the way. It happens. Anyway, this is just a humble paper mache' box from a craft store. I painted it green because there is green in the fabric I used to make the Rosette, and I like green.

After the paint dried, I glued the wonky striped fabric on the bottom. I waited until that was dry to add the paint pen embellishments.

I took a long-ish strip of fabric, folded it in half, ran a quick thread down the raw edges and then gathered for the rosette. Then I made a quick and easy loop flower out of the lace and sewed it to the button and then to the rosette. Then I sewed it all down to the lid. I used a couple of buttons on either side of the lid to make sure the thread wouldn't slip out.

It's a cute little box. (Even if I do say so myself.) I'll probably use it to hold some earrings on my night stand. I find that I frequently forget to remove them before going to bed.

Thanks to the OPUS GLUEI Poobahs for being so understanding and tolerant of stuff happening.

WIP Wednesday #42

2011-08-31T01:27:00.001-04:00

This past week was exciting and quick paced.

I can't believe it's been another week.

Sheesh.

I blinked twice and I missed it.

I am officially caught up with the Birdie Stitches Stitch Along. At least until tomorrow when the new block design is revealed. LOL

I also managed another 6 blocks in my Farmer's Wife QAL. (Pics aren't the greatest, but I did my best with the light I had when I remembered to take the pics. You know how that is.) I now have a total of 23 made. My little lap quilt is coming along nicely. See...

I'm only showing 20 of the blocks here. I have to figure out which ones I am missing pics of and get them on here. I like the green triangles and off white sashing. We'll see. I may even change my mind and go for the BIG quilt...

Well, that's it for this week. Between work and evacuating for Irene, I think I did okay.

How did YOU do?

WIP Wednesday #41

2011-08-24T00:40:00.002-04:00

It seems as though lately I have been saving my posts for WIP Wednesdays. I am falling into a pattern of sorts. I suppose. I am okay with it. It leaves me more time for actually getting the WIP's worked on.

This past week was another good one. I am almost caught up with the Birdie Stitches QAL. I have 7 of 8 blocks embroidered AND ALL of the blocks pieced together. I have designed a block for June. Just need to embroider it. It WILL be done by next WIP report.

August

March

April

Blank Canvases just waiting for MORE color.

Here's the layout I have in mind. Basically the months in order. (No brainer there!) I am thinking about a grey background. To sort of mellow out all of the bright colors a bit. I might also add cornerstones. Wadda ya think?

I also made the second postage stamp block for do. Good Stitches. Popping that in the mail at lunchtime today.

I also worked on: (but don't have pictures of:)

- the Big A Granny Blanket. It's as big as it's going to get. I am now contemplating the border.

- my 3x6 Sampler Quilt Mini Bee blocks.

- my Farmer's Wife Quilt blocks.

WIP Wednesday #40

2011-08-17T05:46:00.058-04:00

Ah, I love WIP Wednesday. I love thinking about all I have accomplished in the previous week, and I love planning what I would like to get done in the week ahead of me.

This past week has been a pretty productive one for me. After coming out of a very busy-away-from-home week, I was able to get much done.

I made one of the two blocks for do. Good Stitches. I'm in the Grace group. Soon, I'll post a bit more about them. But until then you can head over and check it out. This month the quilter wanted postage stamp blocks. I love this as it uses smaller pieces (scraps) and looks great no matter what the fabrics are. Somehow they all come together in harmony. I can't wait to see the finished top and quilt.

***

I finished my swap blocks for Hive 4 in the NuBee's {A Block Swap} group in flickr. I finished them Sunday and have been admiring them for a couple of days. Now it's time to package them up and pop them in the mail. Probably tomorrow. Or Friday.

***

I embroidered the March block in the Birdie Stitches Stitch Along. I also finished sewing up the rest of the blocks for it. This makes 5 out of 8 blocks embroidered so far. You can check out lots of other Birdie blocks on the flickr group. I have two weeks to get caught up. It's a self imposed deadline. Don't worry, the embroidery police won't come after me. (I can run pretty fast if they do.)

***

My greatest accomplishment this week can't be claimed by me directly. My two oldest daughters (teenagers no less) approached me (YES, they came to me) and asked me to show them how to do needlepoint. Gee, I'm sorry. I should have made sure you were sitting down for that. I know, it's wild. Two teenage girls asking their mom for directions!!! I know I'm glad I was sitting down when they asked. I am loving that they are finally taking an interest in threads. They are both making a little coin/card purse kit. This is a teaser from the middle daughters work so far.

***

I also added a few rounds to my Big A' Granny Square Blanket. I'll post pictures of the whole blanket when it's done. I'm thinking it'll be done for next Wednesday's report.

Well, that's it for me this week.

What have you been up to?

You can see what others have been up to at

Lee's WIP Wednesday Party #40.

OPUS GLUEI CHALLENGE # 111 - Oh I Do Love To Be Beside The Sea and All Things Fishy

2011-08-14T01:00:00.003-04:00

Gini is our wonderful hostess this week on the Order of the OPUS GLUEI. She wants us to pay tribute to the SEA and all things Fishy.

All of the Poobahs have whipped up fantastic creations. You really should head over there and investigate them all.

I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do, so I sea-sawed for a while. Finally I decided that I would make a little piece of Art for my youngest daughter's bedroom. She is my biggest fan and supporter in my artistic endeavors, AND we share a common birthmark in the shape of turtles. Which was my inspiration for this piece.

I haven't made anything Zentangle in a while, and then I spotted a black and white drawing of a turtle in the newspaper. This piece was MEANT to be.

The initial version wasn't cut out. I made an error in the size of the turtle. He was supposed to be head straight up, but when I put him in the frame, his head got cut off, SO I trimmed around him and slanted him between the two plastic pieces AND got perfection. This is one of those cases wherein a mistake turns into a masterpiece. I LOVE that you can see around him.

Melissa requested that I paint the frame green. Megan wanted to paint it, so I said yes. I am hesitant to say NO when Megan wants to do ANYTHING. She is a teenager and rarely wants to do much that doesn't involve keeping watch on the couch.

And there you have it. My ODE to the SEA.

WIP Wednesday #39

2011-08-10T08:58:00.000-04:00

This past week has been very full and active. I did manage to get a teeny, tiny bit of stitching done. A couple of nights in the hotel. Since it was so hot, I felt it was only fair that I finally completed the January Birdie Stitches block.

Please excuse the bad photo and cropping.

My girls and I went up to Washington D.C. and toured around a bit. We spent last Saturday with Rosemary and David. And we shopped. Rosemary is an enabler. I felt the need to warn you. She took us to 2 money sucking shops. Right next to each other too. I plopped down a few pennies at the Seminole Sampler on some fabric for me and a bunch for my girls. I am loving that they want to buy fabric and make things. :-D Then we went next door to the stitching store, whose name escapes me at the moment, and plopped down the rest of my pennies.

Photo source: Stitched In Color's Flickr photo stream

I found drawers FULL of these little beauties. 24 of them are now MINE, MINE, ALL MINE. Plus the girls got little kits to make different projects. Again, I am lovin' that they are getting into this obsession of mine.

Anyway, back to the progress, or lack thereof from this past week. The Birdie block was IT. Nothing else got worked on. (Unless you count adding to my stash as progress.)

I am linking up to Lee's weekly accountablity report:

I am really enjoying linking up here each week. I love seeing what everyone else is working on AND seeing what I am working on.

So, what are you working on this week???

WIP Wednesday #38

2011-08-03T07:15:00.039-04:00

It's Wednesday. Again. Already. How in the heck did it get here so quickly?!?!

Last week I mentioned that I HAD to finish something. Anything.

It. Didn't. Happen. Que Sera, Sera.

Here's what DID happen:

I finally got the templates right for a 12.5 inch (unfinished) block for the NuBees swap I am in. My first block came to only 11 inches unfinished. It's cute, but too small. Sometimes I overthink things and this time it only caused me grief. But I persevered, and got it right. Whew. Easy peasy from here on...

I tried my hand at hand quilting. My stitches are BIG and UnEvEn. At least I was smart enough to mark the lines, so they are pretty straight. I loved making every single stitch. I will most certainly do this again.

I added more rounds to my Giant Granny Square Blanket. I am now up to 39 rounds. I'll stop when it feels big enough. Or I run out of yarn.

I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday #38 over at Freshly Pieced. You should too.

It's a great way to see how much you have accomplished.

Or not.

Friday Fill-Ins on a Tuesday???

2011-08-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

1. Summer is my 2nd favorite season.

2. My weight is unchanged. Still.

3. Aargh! (See #2)

4. My hair is very entertaining in the morning.

5. Seven: best day of November.

6. 'Bout time I did one of these again, don't you think?

7. And as for the weekend, this Friday I'm looking forward to touring around Washington D.C. with my girls, Saturday our plans include meeting up with Rosemary and Mr. Rosemary and eating and shopping and laughing and having a grand old time, and Sunday, we are heading home after breakfast and shopping at IKEA. Yeah baby, it's going to be a knock-down, kick-tush kinda trip!!!

You can find more Friday Fill-ins HERE.

WIP Wednesday #37

2011-07-27T07:38:00.014-04:00

Birdie Stitches:

Farmer's Wife:

Summer Sampler Series:

I am running short on time, so I'll keep it simple this week.

I need to finish something. Anything. I am feeling too much in limbo. I KNOW that I am accomplishing a lot, but with no finished projects it just doesn't feel like I am. SO, I am going to finish SOMETHING this week. Wish me luck.

Hope your week is a productive one.

WOYWW #111 & WIP Wednesday #36

2011-07-20T01:48:00.004-04:00

Here's what's on my Workdesk this Wednesday. Well, my workdesk at home. Since I am not there during the days, and she is, she has been using my workdesk. I couldn't be more proud of her. She's piecing a doll quilt for her sister. I love that she is quilting.

This week has been very productive for me too. I have quilted, crocheted and embroidered. I have cooked, chauffeured and cleaned. I have been sad, hurt and happy. (Not all at the same time) But, mostly, I have enjoyed. I have rejoiced, celebrated and mourned. (again, not all at the same time)

I have been reminded that life is short. You never know when your last day will be lived. Enjoy your family, friends and pets. DO things that make you happy. Do things that make your loved ones happy. Be with loved ones that make you smile and feel glad to be alive.

I love to quilt, crochet and embroider. Feeling the fabric, yarn and thread is soothing to me. Makes me calm and very happy. There is also a great deal of self satisfaction knowing that these are legacies I am leaving for my girls. I am happy that they see me make these blankets and things. I want them to have these for their families.

I have 3 daughters, so I have to make a lot of quilts, afghans and what-nots.

Which brings me to the topic for today:

WIP WEDNESDAY #36

This week I made Farmer's Wife Quilt Blocks. I now have 10. If I get 2 made this week, I'll be caught up. I started late so I don't feel like I am doing that badly. Here are 3 of the blocks.

Lower right block: Bat Wings
Lower left block: Birds in the Air
Upper block: A spin off on one of the blocks in the book. I made a larger one for the SUMMER SAMPLER SERIES QUILT ALONG. I thought the design was great so I altered one of the Farmer's Wife blocks. These blocks are 6 inches and 10 inches.

I am using the same fabrics for both Quilt Alongs. It's interesting to see the difference in the block sizes. I didn't think I would like the smaller blocks for the Farmer's Wife, but I am finding that I almost like them better than the larger blocks. There are more challenging blocks coming up in the Summer Sampler Series, so we'll have to wait to see if I eat crow later on....

Stats for the week:

Quilts:

Completed:

Nothing to report

Ongoing and getting attention:

Birdie Stitches - 2 blocks completed, 1 being embroidered, 6 left to piece

Farmer's Wife QAL - 10 blocks complete, 40 to go

Picnic Quilt - Started piecing the back together

Ongoing and getting ignored:

Melissa's Blocks

Grandma's Bricks

Leaves

Sunflowers

Pastel Cabins

Zigzag Table runner

Melissa's Monster Pillow - Oops. Bad mom.

New:

Summer Sampler Series - Up to date: 4 blocks completed. This is an intense QAL. New blocks every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It's only 4 weeks though, so I think I can handle it. I am really excited about this one because I actually found it and was able to start on time. I started out thinking I was going to make the blocks all different sizes. But now I am thinking I might re-do the smaller blocks I've made. Well, not re-do them, but make 12 inch blocks too. Hmm. Jury is still out on this one.

Wanna:

Mod Bento Box

Butterfly

Warm/Cool

Pot Holders

Medallion

Hand Quilt Melissa's quilt - I've never hand quilted before. Yikes.

Crochet:

Completed:

Nothing to report

Ongoing and getting attention:

I started, and only worked on, the Giant Granny Square Blanket. I have 21 rounds completed. I don't know how many rounds I will do. I am just winging it on this one. I'll stop when it looks right.

Ongoing and getting ignored:

Granny Squares Afghan

Japanese Flower Afghan

New:

Nothing to report

Wanna:

Ripple Afghan

Ninja, Amazon and Knight

Stripes Afghan

Librarian Mitts (former called Wrist Warmers. I like the new name better.)

Pillowcases - with and without Crochet trim

***

That's all I have for show and tell this week. I wish you all a very productive and happy week.

I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday Party AND Julia's WOYWW Party.

Make sure you hug someone today.

Opus Gluei Beats the Heat

2011-07-17T06:44:00.026-04:00

Poobah Deena over at OPUS GLUEI is challenging us to BEAT THE HEAT this time around.

I love the Summer months. I love it when it's hot. It's a wonderful time to wear loose, flouncy clothes. It's also a great excuse to nap in the middle of the day. It's too hot to DO anything, so take a nap.

What's a nap without a great spot for your head? So, I made a cotton pillowcase. I picked a petite printed strawberry fabric with a crisp white background. And then I crocheted a nice bright red trim on it.

Can't you just picture yourself in a nice little slumber???

I got my inspiration from flickr. I just love flickr. I am a very visual person. And you can find pictures of whatever your little heart desires on flickr. Heck, you can even find pictures of things you didn't know you couldn't live without on flickr. Anyway, THIS is the picture that sent me into this pillowcase frenzie. Be warned, it's a gorgeous picture.

***

Tips to make things easier for you:

Don't try to wing it on your own like I did. Take tips from those who have done this before. Use a double thread to bake the base. I should have looked at a tutorial or two before I just made this one. BUT you know how delusional icanmakethatitis can make oneself.

Mark the fabric for your needle. I didn't at first. And then had to pull out some of the yarn, and mark the hole locations, then went on with the blanket stitch.

Go ahead and count your stitches. I didn't and just got lucky. I would have liked for the scalloped edge to lay flat, but I was in a hurry and didn't think about crossing a blanket stitch to get that result.

All in all, I WILL make another one. Or two. It was relatively quick and easy.

Make one for everyone in your family. Otherwise nasty fights will break out. Just trying to help out here.

WOYWDW & WIP Wednesday #35

2011-07-13T08:27:00.002-04:00

This week had some progress on a few projects. I recently started working an alternate work schedule wherein I have every other Friday off. Last Friday was the first Friday I had off. I LOVE this schedule. I slept in a bit. I sewed. I embroidered. I crocheted. Oh yeah, and I fed my children. I was on FIRE.

Anyhow, here's What On My Workdesk this Wednesday.
For more workdesk peeks, go HERE to Julia's Stamping Ground.

QUILTS:

Completed:

do. Good Stitches July Blocks for Grace group

Ongoing and getting attention:

Birdie Stitches - I have 6 blocks sewn, 1 embroidered, 1 I am embroidering and 4 marked and ready to embroider

Ongoing and getting ignored:

Melissa's Blocks

Grandma's Bricks

Leaves

Picnic

Sunflowers

Pastel Cabins

New:
Farmers Wife QAL - have the fabrics AND have some of the templates printed
Melissa's Monster Pillow - she designed and cut out fabric to make a monster. I just have to figure out how to put in the zipper mouth she wants. She has a GREAT imagination. I have limited skills. I love that she is challenging me.
Zigzag Table runner - I made some extra HST's when I made the June block for do. Good Stitches. I am putting together a table runner.

Wanna:
Summer Sampler Series QAL - I just need to start...
Mod Bento Box
Butterfly
Warm/Cool QAL
Pot Holders
Medallion - I "found" this square in my stash. (see picture below) I had forgotten about it. Not sure, but I am thinking I should finish it and make a lap quilt for the family room.

Crochet:
Completed:
Nothing to report

Ongoing and getting attention:
Granny squares afghan - finished ALL of fifth round and starting on sixth

Ongoing and getting ignored:
Japanese Flower afghan

New:
Nothing to report

Wanna:
Ripple Afghan
Ninja, Amazon and Knight
Giant Granny Square Afghan
Stripes Afghan
Matching Wrist Warmers
Pillowcases - with and without Crochet trim

Okay, now that I've showed you mine.

Time for you to show me yours.

At least head over HERE to Lee's and see that I am not alone in my project mania.

Birdie Stitches - July Block

2011-07-11T10:37:00.000-04:00

Birdie, birdie in the sky.... Just kidding. I recently joined in the fun with this Quilt Along:

Little Miss Shabby is hosting a Quilt Along this year. That's where you make a quilt month by month. I have never done one successfully before. I have joined Block of the Month clubs. Okay, only one, but I didn't make the blocks like I was supposed to. And technically, I won't be doing this one as intended because I am joining in late. BUT, I do plan on making this quilt. I will catch up with the sewing and the embroidery by the end of August. That's a promise. You can take it to the bank. It won't get you anything there, but you can take it.

Okay, so you can find the Supply List here. From there you can click on the links to the prep work and the monthly blocks from the left hand column. You can also see other wonderful Birdie blocks here in the flickr group.

So far I have 6 of the blocks made. And one of them embroidered. I'll post my progress as it happens....

WIP Wednesday #34

2011-07-06T23:38:00.001-04:00

I have very little to show this week. I have been crocheting mostly, so sewing has been put aside mostly. I haven't been taking pictures. I haven't been blogging. It took forever for my email to download the other day because I hadn't been on the computer in days.

I did manage to get this little beauty started and done, but can only show you a glimpse. It isn't a quilt, but it's done. It's for the July 17th OPUS GLUEI Challenge. You can see more of it then.

I also pulled these fabrics for the July Grace group's do. Good Stitches Wonky Crosses quilt blocks.

It's been a bit since I updated my project list, so I'll start from scratch again.

QUILTS
Completed:
Nothing

Ongoing and getting attention:
Birdie Stitches - finally worked up the nerve to use the temp marker to draw the pattern

Ongoing and getting ignored:
Melissa's Blocks - layer, quilt, bind
Grandma's Bricks - bind
Leaves
Picnic
Sunflowers
Pastel Cabins

New:
Nothing. I feel like I need to finish at least one quilt before diving into another one.

Wanna: (I have WAY MORE wanna's than this. These are just the REALLY Wanna's.)
Farmers Wife QAL
Mod Bento Box
Butterfly
Warm/Cool QAL
Pot Holders

Crochet
Completed:
4th of July Bunting
Wash Cloths

Ongoing and getting attention:
Granny squares afghan

Ongoing and getting ignored:
Japanese Flower afghan

New:
4th of July Bunting
Opus Gluei Project for 7/17 Challenge
Wash Cloths

Wanna: (I have more of these too. Just the REALLY Wanna's are listed for now.)
Ripple Afghan
Ninja, Amazon and Knight (Amurugimi)(Melissa requested them)
Giant Granny Square Afghan
Stripes Afghan
Matching fingerless wrist warmers
Pillowcases with Crochet Trim

Go ahead and be nosey like I am. Check out what lots of talented people are doing at WIP Wednesday hosted by Lee at Freshly Pieced.

Go here!

Photo Scavenger Hunt

2011-07-02T09:34:00.000-04:00

Kathy over at Post Cards from the P.P. hosts a Photo Scavenger Hunt every month. I stumbled upon her blog whilst blurfing and while I can't tell you the trail that got me there, I am happy to have found it. It seems like a nice, not-to-demanding challenge. From what I understand you take the pictures during the month and post them at the end on your blog and in the Flickr group.

Here's the list for July:

red, white and blue
flip flops
ice cream
strawberries
a flag
fields
celebration
sea shells
stars
stripes
a kite
something that makes you happy (but not a person or animal!)

Her list seems to be a mix of easy and not so easy subjects.

BUT, I am going to give it a go.

Wanna join me???

WOYWW # 107

2011-06-22T08:55:00.002-04:00

It's been a few weeks since I have posted to What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. Otherwise known as WOYWW.

Lots going on here, Christmas Cards for Jingle Belles, Mug Rug and Lanyard for a friend, Birthday card for a friend, Owlie Canvas, Birdie Stitches quilt, Father's Day card used for template.

Have a great week. Hopefully I'll have more to say next week.

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-06-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

And ... here we go!

1. One of my favorite birthday presents was a surprise party from my DH.

2. I put the car in drive and pushed on the gas, it was as simple as that.

3. The moon and I used to be on the same cycle.

4. A happy me includes creative time in my day.

5. I was tempted by the cheese cake and turtle brownies.

6. Sleep in, swim, hang with Mickey and lounge are some of the things I like to do on vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Busch Gardens, tomorrow my plans include a cook-out at a friends house and Sunday, I want to indulge Danny for Father's Day.

You can find more Friday Fill-Ins here.

WIP Wednesday #31

2011-06-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday to you. It's time to take a peek at what we've been up to this week. I know that Lee wants to see quilts in progress, but I can't help but throw in info about my crochet projects too. If you want to see what other quilters are up to this week head over to W.i.P. wednesday and check them out.....

Projects Completed:

do. Good Stitches - Grace June Zig Zag blocks

Mug Rug for Steph

Hot Pad

Projects Newly Started:

Birdie Quilt Along

Projects Worked:

Crochet Granny Square Afghan

250 Crochet Motif Blocks 5/250 plus 4

Projects on HOLD:

Crochet Flower Afghan - must finish Granny Square first

Sunflower

Picnic

My Leaves

Melissa's Bricks

Granny's Bricks - need to finish the binding

Have a great week creating!

do. Good Stitches

2011-06-14T07:22:00.001-04:00

I have recently started quilting again. I made my first quilt when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. Oddly enough, I made it for my then 5 year old nephew, not for the child in my tummy. Then I made quilted advent calendars. Then I had a baby and quilting was put off for a few months. Quilting with one child is not as difficult as quilting with two. Or three. And I have three. Now that they are old enough and I have that quilt spark back, I have pulled the machine out. And my fabric too. All of the fabric in these two blocks is from my stash. Nothing new. (Except for the white. That's new.)

I have also joined a group on Flickr that makes quilts for various organizations. I am in a group called GRACE. Now, if you know anything about me, you are laughing. A lot. GRACE is a new group this month. And the quilter has picked this design. It was a lot of fun picking the scraps and making the blocks. I didn't realize I had so many different scraps. Makes my mind swirl with ideas.

Hope you enjoy. And if you get the chance, head over to check out the fabulous blocks and quilts made at do. Good Stitches.

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-06-09T01:59:00.000-04:00

So it's Thursday. These are from last Friday. Oops!!

Picture source: Flickr - Leo Reynolds

And ... here we go!

1. Hey! I can do that!

2. In each statement is at least a tiny kernel of truth.

3. Eat less, move more. It was supposed to be my mantra this year. Not working so well. Yet.

4. I hate to sit in the middle.

5. First thing to note: temperature. Your outfit should be weather appropriate.

6. Seems like lately EVERYTHING is a distraction.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pizza and a movie, tomorrow my plans include reading and a friends birthday party and Sunday, I want to crochet and read some more!

You can see more Friday Fill-Ins HERE.

Wordless Wednesday (nearly)

2011-06-08T08:56:00.000-04:00

Why is it that "FREE" things end up costing a bundle????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ROSEMARY....

2011-06-06T05:51:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthdayyyyyyyy dear

ROSEMARY,

Happy Birthday to you.....

And many more.....

A Mid-Summer Night's Dream Blanket

2011-06-05T10:12:00.001-04:00

The Order of the OPUS GLUEI has set the theme this week as A MID-SUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. The sky is the limit. Summer, fairies, dreams, forests, even jack-asses. Let your imagination run with this one. Mine did...

My thoughts immediately went to fairies and FLOWERS. Flowers in their hair. Dunno why, just did.

I have seen so many beautiful things being made using these big flowers. Scarves mostly, but I really can't see myself wearing one of those made with these flowers. What I could see was me reading a book under a flower blanket. So I am making it happen.

I still have a ways to go on it. I am not sure how big it'll end up being. I'll decide later. When it gets bigger. I'll be sure to post the finished blanket.

Then I'll start another one. In bright colors. With a slightly different pattern. This one is my practice blanket. My first flower had too many petals. It has 16. You only want 12. Makes it perfect for joining them together. But I LOVE these colors, so I stuck with them.

So I looked at more of these gorgeous creations, and studied them a little. If you remember, I suffer from icandothatitis, so I won't allow myself to actually buy a pattern, so I am looking at pictures of them and coming up with my own pattern. It's been a trial and error. I keep seeing things that I want to change. But eventually, I'll get it.

Have you got a MID-SUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM? Head over to OPUS GLUEI and share yours with us all.

OPUS GLUEI #103 - Mail Art

2011-05-29T10:10:00.003-04:00

MAIL ART has been around for I don't know how long, and I really don't care. I DO care that I like it. It's so much more fun to receive a decorated package than a plain one. Don't you think so too.

This week OPUS GLUEI is challenging everyone brave enough to make MAIL ART. And we aren't even that strick with our requirements. It's really easy to decorate an envelope. Markers, stickers, decorative tape, sheesh the options are limitless. You can go simple or complicated.

These were all made using 9x12 white envelopes.

First up is this complicated looking one.

This one has a lot of layers. But it was pretty simple. I used templates and a very light hand to trace the shapes with a pencil. Used masking fluid on the pencil lines. Watercolored. Then filled in the address areas with the masking fluid. Stamped. Then rubbed off the masking and erased the pencil lines. The hardest part is waiting for everything to dry before going to the next step.

***

This colorblock envie was made using masking fluid too. I used a ruler and lightly drew straight lines randomly. Then I used acrylic paints to fill in the spaces. After it dried, I painted over the entire thing with an irridescent paint. Let that dry and then rubbed off the masking. The bottle says to use an eraser to rub off the masking. I should have listened. It was a lot of rubbing and now my finger tip is tender to the touch. Of ANYTHING. LOL

***

This simple looking envelope was the most time consuming of the three. I drew the inch squares and the address boxed and then started to tangle. For me the hardest part of tangling is coming up with the designs for each area. It isn't finished, but it could be at this point. I am going to fill in the big white area before I use it.

Hope you give MAIL ART a try this week.

Either way go over to OPUS GLUEI and see what everyone else has done.

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-05-27T06:55:00.001-04:00

And ... here we go!

1. This week I just barely made it through by the skin of my teeth.

2. Even after trying on the clothes, my daughter ALWAYS has returns.

3. It's all about ME! DUH!

4. You won't find me out in the sun.

5. I demand a lot. And am usually wanting for more. It's just who I am.

6. Try going off the beaten path, it's filled with all sorts of exciting, undiscovered delights.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the Fourth Pirate movie, tomorrow my plans include, well, not planning for anything and Sunday, I want to sleep in and perhaps quilt a bit on Melissa's quilt.

WOYWW #103

2011-05-26T17:06:00.002-04:00

Yikes. It's Thursday. (almost Friday) Not Wednesday. I DID get this picture on the proper morning though. So it still counts. RIGHT????

Seems that no matter the medium, I can only spare the bare minimum of space to actually work in. I am really, really enjoying the re-discovery of quilitng. And crocheting.

See more Workdesks from the Wednesday HERE.