Creative Chaos

Hello Autumn...I {heart} you!

2010-09-12T13:55:00.001-04:00

So happy FALL is here. More walks with Little Miss this weekend. Our jaunts to the creek include searching for the same landmarks over and over. "That boy's red hat" (a plastic construction hat) "the big leaf" (no idea where its mates are!) "the old bike" (which has nearly rusted away since last year) and "the doggie's tree" (a hollowed out tree that Little Miss used to be able to stand in and she and her daddy decided was where a doggie lived). At this time of year some of these things are harder to spot - everything is still so overgrown and green....but little by little, Fall is arriving and soon the view along the path will change again. For now, these are some of my favorite sights.

September is the perfect time for heading back to Stitch School!

2010-09-07T20:25:00.008-04:00

A Sunday walk with Little Miss and her babies.

(Blurry, I know...but she moves too fast for me these days.

She's not a fan of the camera anymore. Had to sneak this in with the cell phone!)

How cool is this blog? And this? And this one? I am sure there are many others out there...but these are the ones I found when I searched for "embroidery stitches" when I wanted to add a few more stitches to my repertoire.

Stitches I can now execute on a fairly consistent basis:

Straight Stitch

Satin Stitch (but never as perfectly as my sister Kristin)

Stem stitch (but never as well as my Mom or sister)

Cross stitch (and half- and quarter-cross)

Chain stitch

Lazy Daisy (always my fav)

French Knot

Split stitch

Bullion stitch (sort of)

Spider's Web (I think I have it right?)

Seed stitch

Fern stitch

Couching stitch

Algerian Eye

That's not many, is it? There are a drillion out there! who knew?

I can't really remember when I first learned how to do embroidery....I think my Mom must have taught me the basics (or maybe Gram?) My mother's work always amazed me. Her "back" was as perfect as her "front" (mine never was/is)...and even when I learned counted cross stitch and then got my mom and sisters hooked....I still never had "pretty backs" like Mom.

I had thought my great-grandmother taught my mom. But she tells me it was her own mom who taught her - (Gram's Raggedy Ann doll faces were examples of her precision work. Absolute perfection.) And for all these years I only knew the most basic stitches - French Knots, chain stitch, split stitch, lazy daisy, satin stitch. But I so admire the more elaborate stitches like I have seen in crazy quilts and other needlework projects (like everything Rebecca Sower and Pam Garrison do!)

And so I am determined to learn a few new tricks this month. I think I will start a little sampler to track my progress.....seriously in love with this and this and this...

Off to it I go...will share pics as I make progress!

**PS The photo has nothing to do with my stitching, obviously....but I couldn't post with a PHOTO. It's one of the THREE walks we took this weekend "to the creek." How stinkin cute is she with her baby in the backpack (there is another in the stroller, along with a pack of gum and some rocks.) Love her to the moon, I do, I do, I do.

A bit of stitchin'...

2010-09-05T14:26:00.004-04:00

As always...inspired by Rebecca Sower's needlework.....there is nothing about this little tutorial that I didn't instantly fall in love with. (But I restrained myself from heading to the needlepoint shop for some fancy wool threads....instead...allowed myself 2 new skeins of teal DMC floss and a strand of pearls at AC Moore using my 40% off coupon, bien sur que oui!....the rest came from my stash.)

Needing some lovely words or a saying to complete this piece...then I want to frame it for the wall in our family room. Want to find a nice fabric "3" to add as well. We shall see how it evolves....

So this is what I did late into the evening on Friday while catching up on some DVRd tv shows. A pretty perfect pairing, I'd say!

Because "3" Is No Longer a BABY!

2010-08-15T08:49:00.005-04:00

I need to come up with a name for this one....

In the mood to revamp every room of the house.

Started small last week, with a new quilt for Little Miss's toddler bed....since the IKEA duvet cover on her wee comforter looks so babyish to me. (And um, yeah. For those of you playing along at home, YES, the ORB quilt-along quilt top is STILL unfinished. Your point?)

Based loosely on the Amy Butler Ginger Bliss pattern, using fabrics from my stash (mostly Kaffe Fassett and Anna Maria Horner's "Garden Party")...planning a RED backing...need to get more Kaffe fabric (I used up quite a bit of fabric! Aren't you proud of me for CUTTING INTO IT, STELLA?)

Mac was not budging from his spot....

What I learned:

I should have had a better PLAN! All those polka dots really JUMP OUT at you - I should have spaced it all out better.

Next time - chose MORE fabrics. It got harder and harder to piece the rows as my stash dwindled. I ended up adding some rogue pieces that weren't originally intended...and I think it shows. (Don't let the Quilt Police Ladies see this!)
I really like "just winging it" as opposed to following a pattern or (horrors!) using a cutting template. I think that makes me a "modern quilter" according to the June/July issue of Quilter's Home. I'll take it!

The best part was the extra set of helping hands laying out the blocks as I finished them....on Thursday night she gathered them all up in her fists and took them TO BED with her. I couldn't figure out where she put them...and sure enough, she had them clutched in her hand while her Daddy read to her. (And fell asleep that way. Luckily for me, I LIKE ironing so I didn't mind starting over with that step on Friday night. hee. Love her to the moon!)

The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap

2010-07-18T10:46:00.004-04:00

Thanks to a recommendation by Stella, I participated in The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap, hosted by Beth Nichols.

Here is the postcard I received from Lana in Australia:

(Bonus: Yummy Vera Bradley fabric on the back.)

Lana wrote: "The theme being 'time,' I have shown seed to seedling to tree." The photo doesn't do it justice - I love it! Thanks, Lana!

I was most delinquent in sending mine off to Carol in the UK (apologies, Carol!) so I will wait until she receives it to post the photos of the postcard I made. In the meantime, check out the Flickr group for more: http://www.flickr.com/groups/greatbigstitchedpostcardswap/

I Caved...

2010-06-09T20:28:00.004-04:00

...I said I wasn't going to do it.

I don't NEED another notebook/journal.

I am sure a regular dollar store composition notebook would have worked JUST FINE.

But...

I really, really, really wanted to try the Moleskine notebook like all the cool girls have for their art journals! (Surely that is the secret to fabulous spreads, no?)

Precisely!

And so far, I am in love.

Behold my new journal for my Lovely Notions class.

Kraft cover, decoupaged with papers from the Lovely Notions class, plus a paper doily and some K&Company bling and paper ribbon tape in Wild Saffron. The fabric insert on the lovely lady's dress is fabric from my wedding dress (swatches I have been saving for TEN YEARS. Oy.)

First exercise was to use a favorite quote.

Turned out quite lovely indeed, if I do say so!

Rainbow Around the Block Project

2010-06-05T09:08:00.003-04:00

I am participating in this project to support victims of the floods in Tennessee, as sponsored by Anna Maria Horner. Read more about it here and see entries on the flickr pool here. I can't seem to get another quilt FINISHED (I tend to stall at the "sandwiching" stage) but I can certainly zip through a few 12" squares! Who is in with me?

More Artful Amblings pages...

2010-05-23T18:36:00.003-04:00

...caught up with my Artful Amblings - Year in the Life of an Art Journal pages. Not really thrilled with most of these....the prompts didn't flow easily for me. But I decided to soldier on and post nonetheless....

UN: this one was really tough for me...wanted a positive word (but you can see my mind wasn't cooperating...lot of negative "un's" in there!) I knew I wanted to try a tape transfer - and tho' it didn't turn out exactly right, I liked it for this photo...so I went with it.

SOAR: I had recently read this quote and thought it perfect for this prompt....an inspirational reminder to me to be my authentic self....

MOVE: Stole a line from Len on Dancing with the Stars when he scolded the "Stars" to listen to their dance pros when he told them to "show up, shut up and keep up!" Struggling with ENERGY for quite a while now...need to keep reminding myself to just KEEP MOVING.

TEARS: Was in the mood to collage and these colors are my favorites right now....the little yellow sub-page is for some private words on the topic....I think this needs more work but not sure what I want to do to it. I may doodle a bit more....love the layers.

TANGLED: This didn't come out at ALL like I envisioned....loved my idea of the entangled circles - first thing I thought of was the TANGLED MESS inside my jewelry box (no matter how many times I re-re-re-organize!) - and I liked the bold black word across the page...but then I tried to use my Portfolio oil pastels to highlight the lettering and ugh, I just don't like it now.

....and now I off to watch the LOST FINALE (so sad!)

My next art journal...

2010-05-22T15:16:00.004-04:00

..will have this fabric cover ala the technique Teesha Moore taught in her latest video shares.

Seriously loving this technique....and that it is a portable project. Love to have something to take along on long car rides...and these little "quilt pillows" are addictive!

Niki & Kaylin - we must plan a stitching weekend! xoxoxo

Nostalgic Musings e-Course

2010-04-11T10:46:00.005-04:00

Handmade journal - using Teesha Moore's tutorial

Oh my...lovin' me some art journaling these days!

Taking Hope Wallace Karney's Nostalgic Musings art journaling e-course...and love love love every bit of it so far. Cannot wait 'til tomorrow...first prompt arrives!! These photos are of the first two exercises. I can see doing many more spreads using these techniques/layouts. Loving how the watercolor looks - (as opposed to my usual acrylics and markers.)

Pages below are the first two exercises....cannot wait for the first prompt tomorrow!

Artful Amblings...Prompts 2, 3, 4

2010-03-28T13:50:00.003-04:00

I am so behind in my posts! I've been spending lots of time with my art journals...(neglecting my stitching/quilting!)...and have been so inspired by the group participating in A Year in the Life of an Art Journal.

Over the last week or so I caught up with scanning my pages for the prompts.

The Jan 30th prompt, "Hope":

This started as a blue painted page (big surprise there! blue?!?) and didn't like where it was going....so I painted over it with some pink acrylic paint and sprayed some Glimmer Mist over the masked word "Hope" then outlined the letters before removing the mask; decoupaged torn pieces of napkin on the left (covered some messy stamping!), added some stamped butterflies and dots, the word "hope" repeated down the right edge, and my favorite part - some book text words to write out my thought. Love using gel medium as glue and sealant all in one...for these teeny words I used a small paintbrush to apply the gel --first to adhere the text to the page and then to paint over the words with the gel to give them a bit a sheen.

And the Feb 15th prompt, "The Unknown"

This started as a blank white page....I spilled some ink while playing with my calligraphy nibs, and decided to just leave it and doodle around it (not happy with how that came out....but there you have it)...the photo is from an ad in a magazine....the journaling is done with an UltraFine Point Sharpie marker....love how they write over the watercolor paper and the glossy magazine page. Very tempted to paint over those dang doodles/ink splotches....would have liked to see this as all black/gray/white....hmmm....

And the Feb 28th prompt, "Silence"

Right, right....we all know how LOUD I am and that I don't like total QUIET....so true to form, this page did not come out in soothing, pale hues. Loving the white pens of late....trying to find the ones that write smoothly without BLOTCHING....no luck with the paint pen versions -- is my technique the problem? How do you keep the paint/ink flowing without pressing out GOBS of it? I do like the Galaxy Marker in Milky Way White by American Crafts....broad point (used it to color in the doodles and outline the word "Silence" - but it isn't as opaque as I'd like. And it feels like it is "running out" already after only a few uses.)

Still working on my page for the March 15th prompt...will post it soon as it is finished and scanned.

Happy Sunday...and whoever took Spring away....we'd like it back, please.

Remains of the Day Journal...

2010-01-30T18:09:00.005-05:00

Finally uploaded the photos of my ROTD journal...and some of the pages in progress.
Silk ribbons for the tie....
Some applique on the front cover (hidden under the flap when closed).
The inside lining...

I added a patchwork strip to hold pens..

Loving this online class from Mary Ann Moss. I keep watching the videos to learn how she puts her pages together - love this idea of using up the bits and pieces that you have (er, hoard!) and making background pages for journaling on.

I ended up with four FAT signatures -- but only two fit in the journal...(so guess who will be making ANOTHER cover!?)

I used a bunch of thin, kraft-brown pages from a sketch journal as a base for stitching other bits to. This is a security envelope sewed onto the page as a pocket...with a bit of fabric tacked on (yep. Anna Maria Horner. From her first line - "Bohemian")

Scrapbook papers in my favorite greens...the picture is from a PaPaYa catalog (oh artful loveliness...how much do I want ONE OF EACH! And GUESS WHAT?!?! They are making WRAPPING PAPER out of PAM GARRISON's ART JOURNAL PAGES! oh my. CANNOT WAIT.)

The newsprint paper bag is from a scrapbooking store (can't recall which? I just always save these types of bags because I love them...can't trash 'em!) I trimmed it down and stitched the bottom closed - left the top open so I can slip things inside. Beneath it is a page from an old atlas. The bird and butterfly were cut out of an ad from a Somerset Studios magazine, the Making Memories packaging is from their Vintage Findings line (love it) and the quote is from the packaging of some Amy Butler stickers.
The page on the left is a gorgeous painting of an almond plant from a hotel/spa room service breakfast menu...the green/white checked page is a bag from The Queen's Ink stamp shoppe that Aimee and I stopped in on the way to and from Inspired last year...(we need another ROAD TRIP, AIM!)...

I cannot believe how many HOURS I spent stitching up these PAGES! (It is ADDICTING, I warn you!) Seriously. I could do it all day (and I did last Sunday!)

Next step: sewing the signatures into the spine. Can't wait!

Prompt 1 - Artful Amblings Art Journal

2010-01-22T05:37:00.004-05:00

The first prompt of 2010's A Year in the Life of an Art Journal was posted on the 15th. (Prompts are twice monthly, on the 15th and 30th.)

The prompt is: "WHAT? What is holding you back? What is stopping you? What are you afraid of? What is keeping you from your potential? WHAT?!?"

I answered in relation to my art journaling process. Even though I love to sit down with any of my journals - even if it is just to doodle a bit while watching TV or relaxing...sometimes that WHITE PAGE just causes me to freeze. And especially when the plan is to share it on a group site. Rachel's idea to write out all the reasons holding you back and then PAINT OVER THEM to take away their power was a great exercise for me. Originally, I started with a watercolored page, wrote all along the border of the page and filled in with some circle stamped images. But I really didn't like the end result...so I gessoed over it all and added two shades of acrylic paint as a base to start again. I used a Sharpie fine point pen for the journaling, and markers to fill in the letters. The stamps are a sheet of stamps I bought eons ago and cut up and foam-mounted myself (not very well!) The circle stamp is 7gypsies. The collaged bits are cut from a paint chip flyer. I love that I can still see a bit of the journaling peeking through the layers around the edges.

Art Journaling...2010

2010-01-17T12:55:00.002-05:00

Ever since I participated in Emily Falconbridge's "Deck of Me" art journal group in 2007 - I have loved having an art journal (or two, or three...) going, and especially having regular prompts to keep me company along the way.

This year, I am participating in "A Year in the Life of an Art Journal" - with Rachel Wetzel.

This is the book I will be using (watercolor paper signatures, the cover is a patchwork of Anna Maria Horner fabrics - inspired by the journal Pam Garrison created from Mary Ann Moss's online class The Remains of the Day (which I have signed up for but haven't received yet....I CANNOT WAIT!)

And so...the first PROMPT was posted on Friday...my morning has been spent layering some paints and textures on the page - I think I am going to go with some stamping and collage....all subject to change as the mood strikes! Will share when it is finished!

It's all about pretending, right?

2010-01-10T10:27:00.005-05:00

...as in fairy tales and make believe.

So pretend you can't see the gobs of hot glue which were needed to shore-up my attempts to hand tie the frame of twigs. (I had better luck with the canopy when I stripped down some twistie ties for the thin wire. Just right.)

And pretend that the left, front twig is not completely unsuited to serving as a bed post due to its curves. (It was dark out when I busted the twigs off the tree in the front yard, because, yes, I HAD to start this project the moment I got home from work on Thursday after seeing it on Emily Falconbridge's blog that day.)

Other than those minor issues - (hee!) - I am smitten with my version of The Princess and the Pea bed for Little Miss (ok, for ME and Little Miss!) You'll note the Princess in our version is sporting a gown of Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party Polka Dots fabric for the bodice, and Liberty of London Tana Lawn in Navy/Red for her skirt. With that garb alone she is clearly a princess, right? (Note to self--metallic DMC floss is a b*tch to tie and KEEP tied. May have to replace her sash with some narrow ribbon...that is, if the gown lasts. Sirryha is in the habit of disrobing all of her dolls and tossing aside their clothes never to be worn again. Oh dear. Doesn't bode well for us enjoying Barbies much, eh? Maybe she will grow out of it? Moms? Yeah or nay? Is there any hope for me on this one?)

Sigh. Oh well. At least she didn't smash up the bed! (I am guessing it is NOT as sturdy at the one Miss Emily and her hubs created!) I think Sirryha sensed how fragile this whole game was for me! She right away wanted that GOWN OFF of the wee doll, and once we counted the mattresses and restacked them a few times, she went back to her other babies.

And, uh, yeah. For those who will ask---that stack is 20 mini mattresses. (I do have some standards! I Wiki'd the original story for the official count!)

Alas, Saturday was spent with her other dollies....and the Princess was undisturbed in her slumber atop the leaning tower of bedding! This is Sirryha putting all her babies down for a nap. Note the "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" instructions aimed at me!

Not sure why the dolls end up under the highchair all the time....seems a tent or playhouse is what I should be constructing, no?

hmmmm....

One Little Word...2010

2010-01-03T14:28:00.003-05:00

Love this tradition that I first read about on Ali Edwards' blog a few years back....

This year my word is "GO."

I needed a VERB. Something to remind me to MOVE....to DO...to GET IT DONE...to VISIT....to ACT.

....and now off I GO to finish cleaning up my DESK!

Alert the presses!

2009-12-27T19:06:00.004-05:00

...I think I may have figured out this BLASTED DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH!

edited: ...or maybe not?

Seriously. This isn't supposed to be HARD, right?

What I'd rather do....

2009-12-27T09:50:00.006-05:00

...when I should be doing something like cleaning up my crafting messes, or any other basic household chore!

The result of the snowed in Saturday of December 19: a new runner for this side table (the last one had a few burn marks from some candle mishaps. For a while now, the table was bare, but it isn't in very good shape, and I haven't committed to painting it...so I thought a nice little bit of red and white would help!)

These were all scraps/pieces from my stash (as I couldn't have gotten out to the shops if I wanted to what with the 15 inches of snow and all....) and I managed a few pillow tops to match, too!

Hmmm.....I can keep these out through Valentine's Day, right?

P.S. The photo is one of my all-time favorites of my mom. Circa 1959, newly married, black tights and a gold silk tunic, platinum blonde hair, holding a set of bongo drums she bought for my dad for Christmas (...because he "always wanted to be a drummer.") The lampshade is festooned with simple ball ornaments suspended by silk ribbons - tres chic. (I need to update that frame! I think I know just the thing.....will require a trip to Home Goods!)

The prize package arrived!

2009-12-12T10:30:00.006-05:00

OK ...for those who made me promise to share what I received from the Tim Holtz 12 Tags Giveaway! The package arrived on Thursday....

Contents:

1 5x7 tabbed grungebook

2 red Heidi Swapp bling frames, 1 clear accents; 1 upper case RHYME ghost letters - (all on major clearance on HeidiSwapp.com right now if you need it!).

The bling has already been incorporated into my Journal Your Christmas/December Daily book....keepin it very simple this year....but the extra sparkle was a perfect addition to a few of the pages I already "finished."

Thanks Tim for the great 12 Tags (& Mario for the prize send-out!) I can 't wait to see what the GRANDE FINALE PRIZE PACKAGE is going to be! Details to be revealed by Tim on the 25th! HO HO HO!

Lucky Me!

2009-12-07T19:32:00.005-05:00

Please don't hate me for my wondrous luck, ladies! I have been following the 12 Tags of Christmas on Tim Holtz's blog for the last 3 years.....and am a huge fan of his products tho' I don't own NEARLY enough of it to master all his techniques....

And I ALMOST MISSED OUT on this year's tags! I remembered last night and right away commented (and ran out to Michael's to buy the CAR STAMP because I had to make this my Christmas Card this year!)

....and then...this morning when I checked in to see Tag #7....guess what? I WON! Check it out here!

As if I didn't have enough on my list to do...now I want to make ALL OF THESE TAGS to enter for Tim's GRAND PRIZE. (Heaven help me.)

Back to my embossed cars and grungeboard! oohhh how I love this CAR!

Grateful....

2009-11-27T10:41:00.008-05:00

...for another really good Cohen/Gilman Thanksgiving : )

Lynne and Rob - during our Wednesday prepping!

Basting is the key!

Lar always brings Lynne beautiful flowers for the holiday table.

Note for next year....MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE!

2009 Project Grateful {#9}

2009-11-20T22:22:00.000-05:00

Friday, November 20, 2009

20 more things for which I am grateful:

A recipe for homemade spray starch! (recipe here)
BIG trashbags that don't RIP when you fill them.
Tap water (in our township at least!) doesn't skeeve me.
Sirryha's random hugs and squeezes at dinner tonight. (Always best when they are unexpected and unsolicited! awww....so stinkin SWEET!)
Restaurants with paper tablecloths and a generous supply of crayons.
That I always use the crayons at restaurants - even if there are no children with me.
Sirryha's newly discovered love for STICKERS - and that Rob doesn't mind when she'd rather put them all over HIM than in the storybooks they come with!
Honeycrisp apples. SO yum.
Rob is eating the bag of cucumbers that I mistakenly bought at Produce Junction thinking it was a bag of zucchini. (oops)
ZIP LOCK BAGGIES. Sandwich size and the quart size. How did I live without thee?
Rob is not an "I don't DO leftovers guy."
Emeril's Spicy Garlic Bread recipe from "back in the day" (recipe can be found here.)
My "Thanksgiving Dinner" binder that I've kept since 2001...which has chronicled everything from the cost of the turkey, to each recipe and guest list.
Jackie's Christmas book that she has kept for over 15 years that has all the special gifts received, breakfast and dinner menus, their annual Christmas card, and Mikayla's and David's letters to and from Santa. Seriously priceless!
Being ALMOST caught up with my correspondence....
Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannels are now available by the bundle in her shop!
My navy blue leather clogs that are almost a decade old, were never attractive, but are the most comfy shoes I own.
That the "business casual" dress code at work means I don't have to wear pantyhose every day ('nuff said, eh?)
That Rob came across a Miley Cyrus concert on TV, and he played the same three songs over and over again for Sirryha (via DVR) just because she loved it. "Again, Daddy!"
Getting to watch Sirryha eat ice cream. (She dips the spoon into the bowl of ice cream, and then delicately licks the ice cream off the spoon...one wee lap at a time...as if it is on a cone? I am not sure. But it is adorable to me, at the same time shocking that any child would not devour a scoop of chocolate ice cream! She maybe gets a spoonful down via this method!)

2009 Project Grateful {#8}

2009-11-19T21:43:00.007-05:00

Lynne and Lar, Thanksgiving Day, 2007 ...love this photo!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thankful ...

That we are a mere week away from another Thanksgiving dinner with the Cohens/Gilmans!
For a happy phone call from my friend who was STRESSED TO THE MAX a day ago. Glad it is "all better again."
For Panera Bread's chicken and wild rice soup on a cold rainy night.
For Johnson's (No More Tears) No More Tangles spray.
For Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus because I love the way Sirryha says her name and is mesmerized by her singing and dancing. (O.M.G. you have to see the new dance moves!)
For my Rowenta Professional Iron. I {heart} steam!
For Rob honestly not caring that the ironing board has become a permanent installation in the living/dining room. (Yes, I know I should install one of those hanger things in the stairwell to the basement....but.....)
For "off brand" rotary cutter blades that WORK JUST AS WELL AS THE OLFA BRAND at a fraction of the price!
For blog recommendations from friends, like this one. I know I would enjoy it if only I had more time!
For how happy it makes me when I find Sirryha's little pencil scribbles on my lists. : )
For the set of hexagon paper piecing templates from Bryne sewingthe quilt shops....I've wanted to try these ever since I saw this: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2009/08/hexagon-piecing.html
For free online tutorials like this: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/8335/how-to-english-paper-piecing-project (in case I never get around to a full quilt of Hexagons!)
For podcast interviews.
For multilayers. (In hairstyles, fashion, art, and best of all - PEOPLE.)
For surprises.
For restaurants that serve "tiny bites" desserts. (A ramekin of cherry cobbler with a mini scoop icecream. YUM with less guilt!)
For Kleenex (I love to iron...but hankies for blowing your nose? Ewwwww.)
For twinkle lights. Indoors or out....they are strings of happiness.
For Origins Ginger Essence perfume (still my favorite scent!)
For stick gum that still comes with printed wrappers so I can gum wrapper chains when I stuck somewhere with nothing else in my purse to occupy me!

2009 Project Grateful {#7}

2009-11-18T12:55:00.007-05:00

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Thankful.....

for a much overdue visit with Jill! (always a wonderful soft landing....)
...and getting to take part in her bedtime routine with her fabulous kids Scott and Raya...so stinkin' cute.
...and sipping hot chocolate in a beautiful mug while sitting at her kitchen table with nothing to do but chat for a few hours...
...and knowing that we will see each other again next week on Thanksgiving! xo
for learning my cousin is expecting a healthy baby girl!
that Rob picked up my Rx for me at Target. xo
that I had more than enough cash on me for the tolls tonight (I usually FORGET. I never carry cash.)
for Rob's mindfulness example.
for not sweating the small stuff (and the wisdom that comes with age on what "the small stuff" includes.)
for my sister Lisa, for sharing her stash of vintage fabric from Gram. xoxo
for a project/assignment at work I am enjoying.
for the Wegmans by L&L that is still accepting orders for fresh turkeys this year (my Wegmans is not! What is up with THAT?)
for news of "negative" test results for a family member.
that postage stamps are self-adhesive (can you believe we ever LICKED them?)
for self-serve, 24-hr access to postage machines and scales at the post office.
for a winning $12 instant lotto ticket in my purse that I had forgotten about!
for knowing I have more than enough and everything I need.
for lots of sticks on my cell phone when I wasn't sure when I last charged it!
shops that don't charge extra for gift wrapping!
for "getting over it" that this blog post will NOT have a photo. (refer to #9.) : )

2009 Project Grateful {#6}

2009-11-17T22:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Thankful Times Twenty:

Receiving my first PaPaYa! Catalog in the mail! Holy moly I want one of each!

LEFTOVERS

Frozen Edamame.

That so far, "Upsidedown Baby!" is still working to get Sirryha dressed after bathtime.

Peaceful transitions with Sirryha when it is time to go.

Plans to visit Jill tomorrow (finally!)

MAPQUEST (I hate writing down directions and playing along that I know which routes run north and south vs east and west....whatEVER....just tell me left or right, 'k?)

Working hands.

That Rob never lets us run out of paper towels.

NORTHERN TOILET TISSUE (speaking of paper)

Discovering another clever artistic blog - like this one.

Fine point pens. Better still, EXTRA-FINE point pens.

Good quality paper to create with. YUM.

John Frieda Root Awakening shampoo and conditioner.

That Rob will run upstairs to get me socks when my feet are cold.
...and then get me my book, too.
"Just checking in" calls and texts from family.
My Smiley Mug from Eat n Park that Jackie got the annoyed-with-us drive-thru girl to get for me to replace the yucky one she originally gave us! (Thanks, sister!)
For another year NOT having a car payment.
A LOVE BOMB text from Cameron tonight! Wee!! Count me in for February!! xoxoxo

2009 Project Grateful {#5}

2009-11-16T23:52:00.004-05:00

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today's grateful list....

Birthday Celebrations with family {Happy 12th Birthday, David! xoxoxo}
Good books on hand for sleepless nights.
The hope that this necklace could very well be on sale some day....Anthropologie's Stormy Sea Necklace. Sigh.
That Rob always takes the trash out.
Dave Matthews Band.
My Barnes & Noble Member Card and coupons.
Journals.
Spooning with Rob on chilly nights.
24 hr grocery stores
MIDNIGHT MADNESS sales.
That Mikayla still wants to go shopping with her old aunt and mom!
That UGGS are still in style.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
All UPS drivers. I have never met one I don't like.
Curb Your Enthusiasm and all the SEINFELD references. I love to watch with Rob and hear his laughter.
The guy friends at work who've been there with me for over 10 years and have wickedly brilliant minds and terrific senses of humor (rare combo).
Our mailroom ladies at work - especially Joan who always delivers my WSJ to my desk.
Knowing I acted bravely in certain situations lately.
Clean Water AND good water pressure. Seriously.
How I feel peaceful and reminded of my gram and sister Kristin when I am sewing.

2009 Project Grateful {#4}

2009-11-15T22:50:00.001-05:00

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Grateful for:

Serendipity. (The restaurant, yes, but moreso the actual occurances. May as well toss in the movie, too. I {heart} John Cusack.)

CUPCAKES (I know it is trendy, but I love them. In food or art form!)

TWITTER, cause speaking of cupcakes, how cool is it that you can track/find food mobiles like THESE?

THE INTERNET. An encyclopedia at your fingertips. Seriously. How did we survive without it?

VELVETA CHEESE, and that it has not yet been outlawed. I know it isn't REAL FOOD but it is truly yummy in mac 'n cheese. If you don't believe me, go try this recipe.

Lazy mornings with no need to look at the clock.

Super smart women who write authentic BLOGS.

That Rob and I "get each other."

Sunny beautiful weather today.

TWEEZERS (seriously--the witchy chin hairs? ew.)

GOOD hair clips that HOLD YOUR HAIR without wimping out and breaking or peeling (I think these were from JCrew, right Lyndee?)

Kelly's text messages that CRACK ME UP ..."and whatnot!" (hee. see? it's funny!)

Only 5 more sleeps 'til NEW MOON! (swoon!)

Text messages from Emily about her comings and goings and fun shops she visits that she promises to show me when I visit her at college. xo

Men who still hold doors for women...

....and women who still teach their sons to do so (like the nice lady at WaWa the other day.)

Remembering to take KLEENEX to the dance recital ('cause I always bawl when the wee ones take the stage for the first time!! Fer cute!)

Finding a new restaurant, by accident, and loving it. (Firecreek in the Old Paper Mill in Downingtown for those nearby!)

Finding the Tiffany earring I lost EONS ago because they are still my favorite (thanks, lovey xoxo)
Kindness shown when it is least expected.

2009's Project Grateful {#3}

2009-11-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Saturday's Grateful List:

"Morning pages" with Sirryha!
Produce Junction and raspberries and strawberries for 2 dollars!
That Sirryha is so well-behaved and helpful and FUN in the grocery store.
Sirryha's love for clementine's and strawberries - "more, please."
Hearing Sirryha speak in longer and longer sentences each week.
A fun visit with Jan, Emma and Tessa (it went too fast, Jannie! Next time we start earlier!)
The sound of kids laughing, running and playing. (Thank you, Emma, for being so kind to Sirryha today! She loved visiting and playing with you and Buddy!)
Wild Harvest Organic brand Black Bean Tortilla chips, with no trans fats!
Messages from Lyndee and Lar about Thanksgiving plans....we love the preparation and anticipation as much as the actual holiday! xo
My sister Lisa, for sharing her vintage fabric stash with me. xoxox
Cousins.
Homemade soup weather.
Trying new recipes that my family likes.
My set of AllClad pots.
Having so many wise women in my life.
That Sirryha still wants to be held (they do grow up too fast!)
Jurges family Christmas plans include more presence than presents again this year! We love having company over the holidays!
Tomorrow's forecast includes SUNSHINE!
Family owned quilt shops - love when the husbands pitch in even tho' sewing/quilting is clearly "not their thing!"
Artists who upcycle and craftcycle like THIS brilliant idea! Every kitchen should have at least one of these!

2009's Project Grateful {#2}

2009-11-13T23:14:00.004-05:00

(Sorry for the repeat image from last year...but seriously....I do so love FRIDAYS.)

Continuing with my lists....today's 20 things for which I am GRATEFUL:

My sister Jackie...

...and that she lives 5 minutes away...

...and takes such good care of me (and everybody!)...like bringing me my favorite Starbucks drink, almonds, fresh fruit, and a yummy Kasi bar....

...and for manning my table at our company craft fair (thanks, Sister!)

For my craft fair earnings which will help me restock my quilting thread supply!

For a REALLY FUN (and REALLY DELICIOUS) lunch today with the West without Borders team.
For old family photos.

For fabric scraps from friends....that are my most favorite items to create with of late.

For an extra hour alone to finally finish the binding on my scrappy CONFETTI QUILT (using Anna Maria Horner Good Folks, scraps, Jilliene!)
That Sirryha still rushes over for HUGS when she walks in. xoxo
That Sirryha loves to read with her daddy.
That Teesha Moore posted YouTube videos of her lettering techniques (along with her other art journal videos.)
For Target's prescription auto-refill service.
For a planned date with AIMEE for a CROP DAY! xoxoxo
News that a friend had a great first date (to counter a recent breakup).
Finding cool jewel-tone sprinkles to use for holiday baking/chocolate making.
WASHABLE paints for our little artist!
For online free quilting and sewing project tutorials like this one and this one and this one.
For movie and book recommendations from my cousin JoJo!
For reconnecting with old friends. : )

2009's Project Grateful.

2009-11-12T21:11:00.002-05:00

Last year I played along with my WASSIMA peeps and posted 20 things I am grateful for, daily, for the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Jilliene nudged me again tonight to play along...and so here we go.

In no particular order....20 things I am grateful for this moment:

My ART TRIBE, and nudges and encouragement from them, like Jilliene's invite tonight : )

Planning Thanksgiving dinner with the Gilmans/Cohens - our very favorite holiday. Cannot wait for that spiced turkey!

That my nieces all love college.

For Facebook, email, and texting, which helps us all stay in touch when we can't be together.

That my sisters, in addition to being great sisters, are such good moms and aunts.

Mikayla, who is the best PLANNER and found the PERFECT Christmas PJs for us this year at Old Navy!
Plans with friends (like painting ornaments and making chocolate covered preztels at Jan's! Thanks, Jan, we can't wait for Saturday!)

BFFs at work who always listen, provide a boost when I need it, and always, always make me LAUGH.

The company I work for promotes and supports so many programs for giving back to our communities, and that I get to participate on some of the planning teams.

People in power who DON'T "kiss up and kick down."

That Rob never, ever, complains about my crafting/creative/sewing piles.
RAKs and cards in the mail - I love snail mail!

My weighted pin cushion and scrap bag combo next to my sewing machine! Best $4.99 I ever spent.

Endless 40% off coupons at Michael's, AC Moore and JoAnn Fabrics!

The drive-thru at Starbucks when it is raining. : )

Whoever invented the little green-plastic-coffee-cup-hole-plug-sticks at Starbucks, so I don't have to curse out whoever invented the MOUNTAIN HIGH speed bumps in our parking lot at work! (seriously)

TV's GLEE.

iTunes

GOOGLE LOGOS that make me smile, especially the Sesame Street ones this week. (Love that they catalogue the logos....why does that make me so happy?)

Jeans passes at work!

Shop Hop - Final Stop!

2009-11-10T19:41:00.003-05:00

Whew! Thanks, Jan, for riding with me to the last shop yesterday!

My last stop was Generations Quilt Shop in Pottstown....no time to shop (we were on our lunch hour....the shop is a 25 minute ride from the office so there you have it...Next time we will SHOP, Jan!)

Here is their take on the quilt...I loved the use of greens and pinks.
Now we wait to hear who all the WINNERS ARE!

144 miles, 7 1/2 hours later....

2009-11-08T18:27:00.011-05:00

...I made it to 5 more shops today! So close! I have one more shop tomorrow. This SHOP HOPPIN' business is HARD WORK!

OK....first stop this morning was in Byrne Sewing Connection. This shop is HUGE and is all about the machines and the classes. If I ever decide to REALLY LEARN how to sew/quilt....this would be a good place to get to know! (hee) Oh...and they had SILK fabrics and patterns for fabulous things...(spendy spendy, tho'!) Bonus points to them for thinking to have mini bottles of water for their guests! (Like JCrew stores. I think everyone should offer these....but not exactly GREEN, I guess). OK...I digress....here is their take on the SHOP HOP quilt:

Next stop was Country Quiltworks....this is one I could have spent HOURS IN. Lots of great fabrics (bonus points for also offering FAT 1/8ths!) and tons of patterns and samples everywhere. They had some Amy Butler that I hadn't seen elsewhere, and Heather Bailey patterns (no fabric tho! Am I destined to NEVER SEE THAT STUFF IN A DANG SHOP?) I scored the LAST strawberry pincushion kit! (lovely felts/wool bits)....but did not splurge for the $12 patterns. Ugh. Remember the good ole days when patterns were 50 or 75 cents? This shop gets bonus points for offering up an extra pattern with their quilt block for the Shop Hoppers. It's for a Christmas Tree made of fabric yo-yo's. Cute. Their quilt was done in black, white, and tans (sorry for the lousy photo...it was much lovlier in person!)

My haul!

They had a FULL ROOM devoted to patterns and books...and in the center was a twin bed with this gorgeous quilt: "I SPY" - all novelty fabrics....and some really lovely pillows. YUMMY fabrics, don't you think? The I SPY quilt is 6" blocks with squares appliqued in the corners somehow....clever clever....I need to look into that pattern!
Yum Yum....scrappy pillows.

Third shop was Granny's Sewing Den. They get bonus points for giving away a piece of fabric to each Shop Hopper! AND...instead of doing a full quilt? They made each block into a PURSE. How clever is THAT? (AND...they are raffling off one of the totes....a dollar a chance. WOOT!) Favorite find there was the retro Santa fabric (like MOM's SANTA MUGS, sisters!)

These purses were really well made. I'd be happy to win ANY of them...I forget which one is being raffled off. Not a fan of the fabric selection...but they looked great all grouped together. Very clever, eh?

My haul from Granny's! The black fabric with the Christmas balls on it was the "free gift." Very nice!

Number 4 stop today was Quilter's Corner....this is a shop I frequent fairly often....and since I was short on time...I dashed in and got my book stamped and zipped out. I wish I had time to linger...looked like they have lots of new bolts since I was there last. They are raffling off their Shop Hop quilt - you get one chance for every 10 dollars you spend! Nice! I saw some really cool retro or comic book strip looking fabrics that have you written ALL OVER THEM, Stella!! Gotta get back there soon to check that out.... here is their quilt:

And my fifth and final stop for the day was in Neward DE at Quilter's Hive. This shop is new to me also...TONS of space - lots of beautiful samples and nice selection of fabrics...I scored another piece of Amy Butler's Belle collection as my final purchase of the day! yippie!

I {heart} you, Amy Butler's Belle Collection, I do!

OK...off to go PLAY with my new toys now!

2009 Fall Fabric Frenzy --Quilt Shops SHOP HOP!

2009-11-08T07:21:00.011-05:00

The results of my first four stops on the SHOP HOP! The start of the Lizzie B quilt..."making fabric" for the hills. I think this is my favorite part of the process!

OK quilting peeps...as promised...here are some peeks at my loot from the first four shops of the 2009 Shop Hop. There are 10 shops....I did two on Friday night after work, two yesterday afternoon. Plan to leave the house at 10:30 to do FIVE MORE TODAY....the sixth one if I can make it (otherwise it will have to be a mad dash tomorrow!)

SO....first stop was The Quilt Block, which is within walking distance of my work - (in the old Hawley House for those of you who know the area.) They had a BUNCH of the Lizzie B samples displayed (two rugs, the bean bag chair, a few large quilts and some of the smaller applique quilt pieces.) Love the PEACE themes lately....so these were capturing my attention. I bought the Peace Throughout the Land pattern and a few fat quarters and scraps to get me started. (Also scored a piece of black wool felt to add to my STASH. YUM. They carry lots of beautiful wools - but no brights for the type of things I want to make.) Their version of the Shop Hop Quilt was done in deep blue, maroon red and shades of green. It was beautifully done as is all of their work(sorry no pics!) I always love their displays in this shop.

No CLUE why these next photos are rotating! grrrr...

Next stop was Chester County Quilting....they have my FAVORITE scrap basket because it is completely RANDOM (sizes, cuts, fabrics). I scored some big pieces of coordinating fabrics, as well as some novelty prints (Eagles, Penn State) which will work for some items I am making for the Craft Fair this week....go me! Also bought two half yard cuts of a pink/cream and black on black damask prints - yum---(very Heidi Swapp, no?) No clue what they will become...but had!to!have!them! Their version of the shop hop quilt is pictured here - also beautifully done-very traditional. Wish I had more time to spend in this shop ... they are jam-packed with goodies. TONS of charm packs.

Yes...these were in the scrap basket! (you pay by the pound). Can you believe my LUCK? I KNOW!

Camera still a problem...trust me these are much more fabulous in real life!

Yesterday was Steve's Sewing, Vacuum & Quilting....they didn't have anything new since I had been there last, so I settled for a few "tan" cuts that I need for the Lizzie B quilt. They did their Shop Hop Quilt in blues, white, and sunshine yellows. (I think Rob said is was his favorite so far. Hee. So fun when he notices and makes a pick!) Sirryha liked the dog bank that was at the counter for collecting funds for the SPCA, and the quilted cat piece on display (baby Dr. Doolittle!)

Must be the beautiful fall weather this weekend...but I am in love with these two! YUM

Then we made our way to the Fabrics on the Hill . Their Shop Hop Quilt was done with (wait for it! insert sigh and swoon!) Amy Butler fabrics (Daisy Chain) - gorgeous pinks, greens and teal blues. (Sorry...no photo here again. How did I FORGET MY CAMERA AND PHONE? I will get back there for a pic, Cath! Promise!) They are carrying ALL OF THE NEW AMY BUTLER PATTERNS - but The Liverpool was SOLD OUT, Cath. I think she said she will be carrying the LOVE line....will definitely make it back for that!

They also carry a huge selection of really cool buttons. Could have spent hours playing among them...settled on one fab GREEN ONE (of course)....and some PEACE fabric (Robert Kaufmann, Flower Child) in the Earth colorway. Also bought a few fat quarters (Amy Butler, Midwest Modern2, hello, gorgeous!)

Stay tuned for the update on the next five shops! Heading out soon...(weee!)

I want ...

2009-11-04T19:14:00.003-05:00

...to be able to make cool art journal pages like Teesha Moore. CHECK OUT HER YOUTUBE VIDEOS!

Trying not to covet the PAN PASTELS and COPIC MARKERS but ohhh...Santa, if you are reading along? They'd fit nicely in a stocking, no?

ho ho ho

Thanks, Charissa!

2009-11-01T19:47:00.001-05:00

...look how beautifully it bloomed : ) xo

Why I need to learn to KNIT....

2009-10-31T20:29:00.003-04:00

...I need some throw rugs and I really want a scrappy one....

and I TOTALLY WANT THIS!! STELLLAAA!! HELP!! how hard is this?? http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/01/scrap-rug.html

Come on....GOOGLE FRIEND ME ALREADY!

2009-10-31T14:44:00.003-04:00

I can't have ZERO FRIENDS over there on the ole sidebar!

Pretty Please? anyone?

Just carved the CINDERELLA PUMPKIN my sister grew (thanks, Lisey!) and now I am surfing for good pumpkin seed toasting recipes...I must have 4 CUPS of plump juicy seeds!

Happy Halloween : )

CraftCycle

2009-10-29T00:11:00.006-04:00

I think that is the right word? Creating something new and useful from something that would otherwise be tossed? (or is it "UpCycle?" I like both.)

So you may recall the ORB quiltalong from a few months ago. And a bunch of my gals agreed to swap our scraps afterwards....and I have to tell you...I think I like the SCRAP BAGS better than my STASH lately (still so hard to CUT INTO THESE FABRICS sometimes! But give me a ziplock baggie of "scraps" and I can play and create for hours on end.)

And one of my favorite bags from the quiltalong swap was from Jilliene - who made her quilt using Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks fabrics (yum yum and yum). Her scraps were SKINNY...but lookie how SKINNY FABULOUS they look as bookmarks?

(thanks for being so patient, Jilliene! I owe you a scrap stash baggie!)

HOW-TO: Start with a substrate (these are Shout Color Catcher sheets folded in half lengthwise.) Lay your scraps of fabric down along one side, right side up. Stitch in place. Add another scrap of fabric next to it. Stitch. Continue til you have the look you like. Turn over and do the same with the other side. If you don't like the raw edges - fold a few scraps over the edges and stitch in place. You get the idea....

(I just noticed these look like psychedelic bacon strips the way they are laying on that highchair tray! Sorry...too tired to reshoot! hee)

Oh, Fer Cute!

2009-10-25T22:14:00.004-04:00

Saw a tutorial on doll bedding yesterday and HAD.TO.MAKE.THESE.FOR.SIRRYHA! Lisey--recognize the fabrics? How perfect are these PILLOWS? weee! I have been wanting to get a proper doll bed for Sirryha .... but she hasn't really shown much interest in her baby dolls (would rather tend to her doggies.) : ) Lately, though, she is all about "naptime" so these are just right.

(and who says doggies can't sleep in a bed with pillows and a cover?)

Now off to bed for me....Monday morning will be arriving all too soon...

Philly2Phoenix 9Patch Girls!

2009-10-24T17:05:00.005-04:00

Oooh.....still a few patches to go (no pressure, Danielle, honest!), but I couldn't resist starting to lay these out to see what it will look like all together! I am thinking of white sashing ala this example: http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/10/9-patch-round-2.html (oh how I love everything this lady makes!)....and definitely the border with the extra rows of the strips from the patches.

Hmmm....I started to lay mine out as 8 blocks wide by 9 blocks long....but I am going to switch to 7 x 10 like Amanda Jean's. I don't like SQUAREish quilts...not sure why?

It's raining again...it's been gray all day...perfect day to stay inside and play and then have a nap! Sirryha Hope, age 2. Recharging! xo

Seriously--is that the prettiest little princess ever?

Can't sleep....

2009-10-22T01:15:00.005-04:00

...but can sew.

Loving my scrap bags from Cathy and Stella! Thanks, Peeps! I can't get enough of pillows and piecework. This one is from the Cathy stash. Kaffe Fassett strips cut into pieces, then sewn together side by side...white muslin border and backing, 14x14" pillow form and VOILA!

I think he looks rather chummy alongside the Anna Maria Horner lovelies, don't you? xo

Easing back...

2009-10-11T14:18:00.005-04:00

...into some comforting routines after these sad weeks and days following my sister's unexpected hospitalization and funeral.

Thanks to you all, my Art Tribe Peeps, for holding me in your caring hands and hearts; your support and words and kindnesses have meant more than I can express.

Last night, my sister Jackie and I returned home to Philly (from the Burgh) after 10pm sometime...and since I FORGOT TO ORDER DECAF at our 7pm-ish pittstop at Starbucks, I was still WIRED and unable to go right to sleep (even tho' I was sure that was what would happen the minute I hit the door!)

And so, as always when I cannot sleep, I turned to my ART TRIBE and my favorite bloggists (not a word, is it? don't care...I like it better than BLOGGER) for some soothing distraction....and the first click brought me to Rebecca Sowers' latest entry (could a softing landing exist? I want to be her when I grow up.) How perfect is this idea? (and oh yes, Cynthia, it was not lost on me that there are two sets of FIVES in her piece!)

And so, I scribbled down a copy of the idea, headed to my sewing machine, pulled out some pre-cut canvas, threaded the machine with some brown cotton, and just WENT FOR IT. I got as far as the above photo shows by 2:30 am before I was ready to call it a night...and this morning when I asked Rob "what does this look like?" he said "um.....a flower?"

I can see the bird, can't you?

Lavendar is healing, right?

2009-09-20T09:49:00.003-04:00

Our lavendar plants have reflowered in the front yard (smell is heavenly) and Sirryha and I picked a lovely handful to take to Aunt Lyndee yesterday when we arrived for Rosh Hashanah dinner. (Best brisket evah!) Still using my cell phone for photos....oh I need to get better with that Kodak Zi6 video camera 'cause nothing is better than hearing Sirryha's giggles and little voice!

Happy Sunday, peeps....sending out prayers for healing for my sisters and our families.

Sweep It Clean, Inside & Out

2009-09-14T22:54:00.004-04:00

A pretty "puzzle" sky picture for Niki! xo

Read this today on the Heal Your Life site....felt compelled to share it here.

Inspiration
Sweep It Clean, Inside & Out
12 ways to simplify your life and set your spirit free!
Published: April 28, 2009

By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Clean out the clutter; in your mind, your appointment book, your garage... and let your true spirit come out and play!

FOR A MOMENT, let’s imagine what it would be like to be fully alive without a physical shell or any of the stuff we need and desire for maintaining life on Earth. We’d have a mental energy that allowed us to move forward or backward, up or down, instantly creating whatever we desired. We’d be free to wallow in an exquisite existence without time or space as we know it. We’d be in a state of pure bliss, in love with everything and everyone. We’d have no duties or bills to tend to, no fear of losing anything, no one judging us, no possessions to insure, no demands on our time, and no goals to achieve.

What we’re envisioning is actually the world of Spirit, which we experienced before we came here and will return to when we shed our body (or as William Butler Yeats poetically called it, our “tattered coat upon a stick”).

Inspiration is a state of being here now in this material world, while at the same time reconnecting to our spiritual origins. In order to be receptive to inspiration, we need to eliminate the ego clutter that accumulates all too easily for most of us—after all, if we’re preoccupied with events and activities that have nothing to do with inspiration, we’re unlikely to notice its summons. So in order to achieve a reunion with our ultimate calling, we need to emulate the clear, uncomplicated world of Spirit.

This doesn’t mean that we should sit around doing nothing, awaiting Spirit’s arrival; instead, it means having faith that our spiritual connection flourishes in a life dedicated to joy, love, and peace. If our daily activities are so overwhelming that we don’t make these things our priority, then we’re disregarding the value of living a simple life.

MY 12-STEP PROGRAM TO SIMPLICITY
Here are 12 very specific tools for simplifying your life. Begin using them today if you’re serious about hearing that ultimate call to inspiration.

Unclutter your life. You’ll feel a real rush of inspiration when you clear out stuff that’s no longer useful in your life:
If you haven’t worn it in the past year or two, recycle it for others to use. Get rid of old files that take up space and are seldom, if ever, needed. Donate unused toys, tools, books, bicycles, and dishes to a charitable organization.
Get rid of anything that keeps you mired in acquisitions that contribute to a cluttered life. In the words of Socrates, “He is nearest to God who needs the fewest things.” So the less you need to insure, protect, dust, reorganize, and move, the closer you’ll be to hearing inspiration’s call.
Clear your calendar of unwanted and unnecessary activities and obligations. If you’re unavailable for Spirit, you’re unlikely to know the glow of inspiration. God will indeed work with you and send you the guidance—and the people—you need, but if you’re grossly overscheduled, you’re going to miss these life-altering gifts. So practice saying no to excessive demands and don’t feel guilty about injecting a dose of leisure time into your daily routine.
Be sure to keep your free time free. Be on the lookout for invitations to functions that may keep you on top of society’s pyramid, but which inhibit your access to joyful inspiration. If cocktail parties, social get-togethers, fund-raising events, or even drinking-and-gossiping gatherings with friends aren’t really how you want to spend your free time, then don’t. Begin declining invitations that don’t activate feelings of inspiration.
I find that an evening spent reading or writing letters, watching a movie with a loved one, having dinner with my children, or even exercising alone is far more inspiring than getting dressed to attend a function often filled with small talk. I’ve learned to be unavailable for such events without apologizing, and consequently have more inspired moments freed up.
Take time for meditation and yoga. Give yourself at least 20 minutes a day to sit quietly and make conscious contact with God. I’ve written an entire book on this subject called Getting in the Gap, so I won’t belabor it here. I will say that I’ve received thousands of messages from people all over the world, who have expressed their appreciation for learning how to simplify their life by taking the time to meditate.
I also encourage you to find a yoga center near you and begin a regular practice. The rewards are so powerful: You’ll feel healthier, less stressed, and inspired by what you’ll be able to do with and for your body in a very short time.
Return to the simplicity of nature. There’s nothing more awe inspiring than nature itself. The fantasy to return to a less tumultuous life almost always involves living in the splendor of the mountains, the forests, or the tundra; on an island; near the ocean; or beside a lake. These are universal urges, since nature is created by the same Source as we are, and we’re made up of the same chemicals as all of nature (we’re stardust, remember?).
Your urge to simplify and feel inspired is fueled by the desire to be your natural self—that is, your nature self. So give yourself permission to get away to trek or camp in the woods; swim in a river, lake, or ocean; sit by an open fire; ride horseback through trails; or ski down a mountain slope. This doesn’t have to mean long, planned vacations that are months away—no matter where you live, you’re only a few hours or even moments away from a park, campground, or trail that will allow you to enjoy a feeling of being connected to the entire Universe.
Put distance between you and your critics. Choose to align yourself with people who are like-minded in their search for simplified inspiration. Give those who find fault or who are confrontational a silent blessing and remove yourself from their energy as quickly as possible. Your life is simplified enormously when you don’t have to defend yourself to anyone, and when you receive support rather than criticism. You don’t have to endure the criticism with anything other than a polite thank-you and a promise to consider what’s been said—anything else is a state of conflict that erases the possibility of your feeling inspired. You never need to defend yourself or your desires to anyone, as those inner feelings are Spirit speaking to you. Those thoughts are sacred, so don’t ever let anyone trample on them.
Take some time for your health. Consider that the number one health problem in America seems to be obesity. How can you feel inspired and live in simplicity if you’re gorging on excessive amounts of food and eliminating the exercise that the body craves? Recall that your body is a sacred temple where you reside for this lifetime, so make some time every single day for exercising it. Even if you can only manage a walk around the block, just do it. Similarly, keep the words portion control uppermost in your consciousness—your stomach is the size of your fist, not a wheelbarrow! Respect your sacred temple and simplify your life by being an exerciser and a sensible eater. I promise that you’ll feel inspired if you act on this today!
Play, play, play! You’ll simplify your life and feel inspired if you learn to play rather than work your way through life. I love to be around kids because they inspire me with their laughter and frivolity. In fact, if I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times: “Wayne, you’ve never grown up—you’re always playing.” I take great pride in this! I play onstage when I speak, and I’m playing now as I write.
Many years ago I was given a tremendous opportunity to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The man who took a chance on me, booking me even though I was an unknown at the time, was a talent coordinator named Howard Papush. It was my first big break, and I went on to appear on The Tonight Show 36 additional times. Now it’s my turn to say thank you to Howard. He’s written a wonderful book titled When’s Recess? Playing Your Way Through the Stresses of Life, which I encourage you to read. (Howard also conducts workshops that teach people how to play and have fun in life.) In the book, Howard shares this great quote from Richard Bach: “You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.” I couldn’t agree more—by all means, get back in touch with your real, playful self, and take every opportunity to play! Notice how it makes everything so sweet, and so simple.
Slow down. One of Gandhi’s most illuminating observations reminds us that “there is more to life than increasing its speed.” This is great advice for simplifying your life—in fact, slow everything way down for a few moments right here and now. Slowly read these words. Slow your breathing down so that you’re aware of each inhalation and exhalation...
When you’re in your car, downshift and relax. Slow down your speech, your inner thoughts, and the frantic pace of everything you do. Take more time to hear others. Notice your inclination to interrupt and get the conversation over with, and then choose to listen instead. Stop to enjoy the stars on a clear night and the cloud formations on a crisp day. Sit down in a mall and just observe how everyone seems in a hurry to get nowhere.
By slowing down, you’ll simplify and rejoin the perfect pace at which creation works. Imagine trying to hurry nature up by tugging at an emerging tomato plant—you’re as natural as that plant, so let yourself be at peace with the perfection of nature’s plan.
Do everything you can to eschew debt. Remember that you’re attempting to simplify your life here, so you don’t need to purchase more of what will complicate and clutter your life. If you can’t afford it, let it go until you can. By going into debt, you’ll just add layers of anxiety onto your life. That anxiety will then take you away from your peace, which is where you are when you’re in-Spirit. When you have to work extra hard to pay off debts, the present moments of your life are less enjoyable; consequently, you’re further away from the joy and peace that are the trademarks of inspiration. You’re far better off to have less and enjoy the days of your life than to take on debt and invite stress and anxiety where peace and tranquility could have reigned. And remember that the money you have in your possession is nothing but energy—so refuse to plug in to an energy system that’s not even there.
Forget about the cash value. I try not to think about money too frequently because it’s been my observation that people who do so tend to think about almost nothing else. So do what your heart tells you will bring you joy, rather than determining whether it will be cost-effective. If you’d really enjoy that whale-watching trip, for instance, make the decision to do so—don’t deny yourself the pleasures of life because of some monetary detail. Don’t base your purchases on getting a discount, and don’t rob yourself of a simple joy because you didn’t get a break on the price. You can afford a happy, fulfilling life, and if you’re busy right now thinking that I have some nerve telling you this because of your bleak financial picture, then you have your own barrier of resistance.
Make an attempt to free yourself from placing a price tag on everything you have and do—after all, in the world of Spirit, there are no price tags. Don’t make money the guiding principle for what you have or do; rather, simplify your life and return to Spirit by finding the inherent value in everything. A dollar does not determine worth, even though you live in a world that attempts to convince you otherwise.
Remember your spirit. When life tends to get overly complex, too fast, too cluttered, too deadline oriented, or too type A for you, stop and remember your own spirit. You’re headed for inspiration, a simple, peaceful place where you’re in harmony with the perfect timing of all creation. Go there in your mind, and stop frequently to remember what you really want.

A man who personified success at the highest intellectual and social levels would hardly seem one to quote on simplifying our life, yet here’s what Albert Einstein offers us on this subject: “Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury—to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”
Wow! I’d say this is pretty good advice, wouldn’t you?

I have to agree....good advice and I really need to take it myself!! (Starting with the decluttering!)

Peace out.

Patchwork & Pillowcases

2009-08-27T22:19:00.005-04:00

Taken with my cellphone camera....early this morning before leaving for work. sigh.

I didn't want to leave it!

I love this blog by Alicia Paulson and today my love grew even greater when she offered up a free embroidery pattern for pillowcases at Sew Mama Sew! Queen Anne's Lace....oh how lovely, eh? I want to stitch some of these for our bed....

....to go with the new patchwork coverlet I am working on!

A few weeks ago, I decided to stop HOARDING my favorite fabrics and just CUT INTO THEM. I picked out my favorites and every few nights I cut 2 to 4 8" squares of each, and just started stacking them in one of my "work in progress trays" (um...yeah, I do have a dozen or so of them going at any given time. Any other questions?) Moving along....

So...last night, I started piecing them together in rows of 8. OH...but first I divied up my piles into "greens/blues," "pinks/reds," and "oranges" (cause those were the main colors in my "favs" it seems).

I pieced the first row, then eyeballed the selections for the next row, being sure that the same fabrics did not touch. And sure enough....as I moved down the rows, I realized how SIMILAR my fabrics were. Not enough DARKS and not enough small scale prints. I guess I tend to just "like what I like" and pick up the same fabrics over and over again. I just marvel at the "queens of quilting" who can design a whole colorway of fabrics that JUST GO TOGETHER and those who can whip up a scrappy quilt with "oh, just some stuff from my stash" and have it look just so right.

Interesting thing? The fabrics I LOVE on the bolt are NOT my favs in the actual quilt top....and those I almost passed over, I ended up cutting more squares of to sprinkle among the rows. I think I finally get the "add sparkle" terminology I keep seeing when reading about fabric selections in quilting patterns.

And so to bed!

I really, really do....

2009-08-24T21:49:00.005-04:00

....and I really, really loved Purl Patchwork, too...

Busted camera means lame posts...

2009-08-15T13:44:00.003-04:00

...'cause you know I need a photo for every post! Our poor little Canon PowerShot SD45C just stopped working properly on the fourth of July (LCD screen is GONE). So I can't use the menu and that means no flash or macro controls....(the only two settings I really used!)

Sigh.

But that means Sirryha can play with it to her heart's content. Interesting to see things from the perspective of 2 1/2 feet from the floor, eh?

(kitchen plants - and my precious Moravian pottery pieces - the first thing I hung when we moved in 8 years ago! And the LAST time I MEASURED before pounding nails--shhh...don't tell ROB!)

Happy Saturday, peeps!

And Happy Happy Birthday, Niki LALA! Wish I was there to celebrate with you! xoxo

Stella's 2009 Summer Scavenger Hunt {#4}

2009-08-09T11:00:00.003-04:00

Fizzy fruity drink (Island Paradise) - item #10 on the list...taken with my cell phone at an after-work gathering last week at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Yummy.

Stella's Summer Scavenger Hunt {#3}

2009-08-03T21:44:00.006-04:00

File this one under "some sort of indoor crafting." I have been playing around with my fabric scraps...stitching them to pieces of canvas and muslin and yes, my Color Catcher laundry sheets. And lookie here! This? It's the first button hole I ever made. Complicated stuff this "real sewing!" (My camera is on the fritz...thus the horrid and few photos of late...the mini box is for my first SwapBot swap - Altered Matchbox. How much did I love making THAT little thing???)

Love the red and blues together....isn't it summer-y? xo

Stella's Summer Scavenger Hunt {#2}

2009-07-25T08:10:00.001-04:00

This one is Little Miss at our community pool {item18}- eating - er - applying sunscreen. xo

Stella's 2009 Summer Scavenger Hunt!

2009-07-18T20:36:00.006-04:00

Scavenger Hunt Photo - Item 11 - Fresh Flowers -

Hydrangeas from our yard, centerpieces for Dave's 50th Birthday Party!

Here are the rules for playing along with Stella's Summer Scavenger Hunt:

Below is a list of items. Photograph as many as you can between now and August 15th, post them on your blog tagged as "2009 Summer Scavenger Hunt" and I'll send whomever has the most pictures, from the list below, a prize of unspeakable value. :P

THE LIST:

ice cream truck

kids playing in a sprinkler

sparklers/fireworks

a tire swing or a regular playground swing

a seagull or sandpiper or other beach bird (pelican?)

lemonade stand

lake-swimming (ocean swimming is good, too!)

an afternoon spent reading in the a/c

a nap in a hammock

a fizzy, fruity cocktail/drink

fresh flowers

sandcastles

hot pink toenails

someone or something floating

outdoor movie

the smell of a charcoal grill in the night

the roar of lawnmower

a municipal pool

root beer floats

mosquitos

a slip ‘n’ slide

a farmer’s market haul, some of which you can freeze for the winter

croquet, badminton, or bocce

a cold movie theater on a hot afternoon

sleeping under the stars

staying up all night

a road trip

a picnic

fireflies

an outdoor concert

getting lost for an afternoon

a sunburn

s’mores

a temperature gauge with the temps at a boiling point

some sort of indoor crafting

any method of relaxation

Scraps are your FRIENDS!

2009-07-05T18:17:00.004-04:00

Remember the fabulous stash of Anna Maria Horner fabric I bought last year? Here is another pillow...my first attempt at the "wonky log cabin" square (inner logs not 'wonky' enough...I think I get it now, tho'!) Suddenly in love with WHITE sashing. (Tho' that means VERY clean backs of your square, because every.little.thread.shows.up.behind.white!) The back of this pillow is cut from fat quarter from AMH's Chocolate Lollipop line....and I used a WHOLE BAG of polyfil to stuff it.

How about a sneak peak at my "design wall" (more like a scrap of quilt batting taped to the basement door. Wonder what the pizza delivery guy thinks when he gets a peak at it from the doorway?) Hoping that masking tape doesn't take the PAINT OFF THE DOOR when I take it down? hmmm....good reason to leave it!

Pretty Maids all in a Row

2009-06-30T18:24:00.002-04:00

Love you girls! xoxo

My Anthropologie's Prettier Than Your Anthropologie...

2009-06-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

...seriously--do they have the best window designers or WHAT?

I realize these photos are CRAP - (it was so sunny I couldn't tell WHAT I was getting...) - but believe me when I tell you these windows were divine....swags of ripped, dyed cottons....strung with jute in a muted rainbow of color. Brilliant.

I want these curtains in my bedroom!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T11:04:00.005-04:00

My dear friend Cynthia posted a photo of her and her dad on her blog the other day...and it immediately reminded me of the photo above. (Note the same paneling and same harvest gold "dad chair" recliner.) I love Cynthia's style and her ability to work her most nostalgic memories and treasured photos into her writing, journaling, scrapbooking and memory keeping...and have it feel so fresh and new and interesting. And yes, Miss Cynthia, I am long overdue for some SCRAPPIES and you so inspired me to get crackin' on some layouts!

But first - the photo above (haven't done this scrapbook page yet....but the ideas are perking!) The photo is from the 70's, of course. It is my dad (the day he came home from the hospital, hence the heavy beard and moustache - he was usually clean shaven.) Perched on his knee is my baby sister, Niki. I took this photo as part of the one roll of film I shot to earn my photography badge in Girl Scouts. It is the only photo I ever took of my dad (he died in April of 1975 - not long after this photo was taken.) The only other photos I have from that roll are of our cherry tree in the front yard. I have no memory of the other photos....sisters...any ideas? Wonder what became of them....(see how important memory keeping is!)

The things that I see in this photo:

Our dad always had a pen in his pocket (appears his glasses are in there too!)...he always wore a watch and his wedding band...and Niki was his favorite! (hee)

That yellow and red book in the magazine rack on the right is from the circus...not sure what year was the last time our dad took us, but I remember looking at that book over and over again. My dad loved the circus.

The flowers in the bottles on the divider wall were my creations...I used empty vanilla extract bottles and any other little glass vessel I could salvage (upcycle!) to hold these flowers. It was a craft kit I got for Christmas - I think they were called "Dip It" --you formed a wire petal or leaf and dipped it into the goo...it then hardened into a transparent film. {This site is the closest thing I could find for it. Mine looked NOTHING like those! I only had red and green "goo" - but my kit came with red-tipped yellow stamens and green floral tape, too! I remember it was VERY smelly. Probably toxic! eek!}

I had forgotten the kitchen wallpaper design (harvest gold and orange and avocado green--oh yeah.) I still love cafe curtains (tho' I don't have them in my house).

And so...inspired to keep jotting down my memories and cobbling together minutes (hours!) to create scrapbook and journal pages. Cynthia and Sandy, I promise to upload my pages to SISTV!

In the meantime, here is one I just did early, early this morning....Little Miss's hands at play. Love that she is a LEFTIE! xo (sorry the scan is so crappy)

Sometimes, practice just makes "good practice."

2009-06-20T15:44:00.005-04:00

Oh if any of you REAL QUILTERS are peeking in....please TURN AWAY if you have a weak stomach when it comes to sloppy stitches!

It is a rainy Saturday, Little Miss is not with us this weekend, so I was up all night and at it again early this morning working on my "free motion quilting" technique. I finally made the trip to JoAnn Fabrics last night and bought the free motion presser foot. Came home, screwed that baby in place, and set about practicing on some scraps.

Weeee!! It was so easy! And fun! And FAST! I was swirlin' and looping all OVER the place. What is all the fuss about?

Soon enough I decide I had enough practice (all that wasted thread and batting and "scraps!") - so -- still not confident enough to tackle my ORB quilt-along quilt.... I decide to free motion/stipple (is there a difference?) the quilt for my hubby, (the one that I pieced together with Surf&Sand fabric --repurposed - I had made pillow covers out of them in 2007 - but ever since Anna Maria Horner came into my life - I only want vibrant, bright colors!) SO....back to the quilt. This one is a free-style design of my own - a lap quilt a bit longer than the last one I made so hubby can really tuck in for a nap.....(about 50x84 inches).

It was all sandwiched and pinned.

And so I get it positioned on my machine and off I go. (weeee!)

First thing I do wrong is SHIFT the top away from the backing (how does this happen?? I swear I PINNED!) and so one corner has a big slice of BARE BATTING showing where BACKING SHOULD BE (whatever...I will trim it down, right?)

.....and then....as I am rounding the bend on the second corner, I notice how much HARDER IT IS TO DO A BIG QUILT vs a little PRACTICE SQUARE....

...and then.....after I round that corner, I remember that one of the quilt-along pros said to START IN THE MIDDLE (so you don't end up with a "c cup" in the middle of the quilt when you work your way into the center.) OOPS. I did the border rows first!

...and then.....after two hours of this...I realize how EXHAUSTING IT IS! I don't know what the calorie burn ratio is....but at this rate, I should start seeing some serious EVENING-GOWN-BARING, RED-CARPET-WORTHY UPPER ARMS appearing SOON.

So now it is 3 a.m. In spite of my MANY false starts (what is with all that RAT's NESTING OF THE THREADS ON THE BOTTOM???) that had to be ripped out and redone....I finally had a nice rhythm going. By 3:30 I forced myelf to stop and get some sleep....but I was up again at 8 a.m. ready for more!

By 10 am I felt like my arms were going to fall off, so I set the little mess, er, lovely work in progress, aside. I went back to it a while ago...feels like it is taking FOREVER to get it all done. (Should have just done the border and TIED or done straight stitching for the center.....holy heck you should see all the PUCKERING! Next time I will NOT attempt closed loops...again, what was I thinking?)

(P.S. - Yes--that is my new Rowenta in the top pic! Can can I tell you I am in love with my new iron? I love it so much I bought it a nice new ironing board cover to work on. Thank you, again, Dana!)

Hip Hip Hooray for Fridays!

2009-06-19T06:49:00.006-04:00

Happy today that:

It is not raining this morning! (Photo is Mac at the kitchen slider....see the SUNSHINE?)
It is FRIDAY!
Weekend ahead has no "MUST DO's" on the schedule!
I scored two ANTHROPOLOGIE knobs on sale and decided to redo my desk with random hardware....(crappo pics but how do I love these GREENs?!?!) Wish me luck that the other store near me will have MORE!

Off to work I go....see ya after the 5 o'clock whistle!

Swirls, girls!

2 UFO's DONE!

2009-06-14T07:56:00.004-04:00

UFO=UNFINISHED OBJECT. And anyone who crafts/sews/quilts/paints/scrapbooks/creates knows how these things PILE UP.

Yesterday I finished my SILs quilt (started circa 11/2007-why won't that photo ROTATE?).....and my nephew's bar mitzvah book was returned to him....on his SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY (sinful, I know!)

A few weeks ago I unearthed a pillow I started for my sister Lisa's birthday about NINE YEARS AGO. I had just bought my sewing machine and was making PILLOWS .....this one required a ruffle with a second layer of braided trim. You can imagine why THAT got set aside (the ruffle had been made and gathered, the trim and ruffle were pinned to the edge--all that was left was to SEW IT TOGETHER and stuff! Of course I had to steam the HECK out of it to get the wrinkles out (the front was a linen piece I had cross-stitched). So that was delivered to her over Memorial Day Weekend. Better late than never!

Still in the UFO pile:

my nephew David's Christmas stocking (he is ELEVEN)

my nephew Max's Christmas stocking (he is turning 7 in August!)

my niece Mikayla's Bitty Baby Chair (she is 14....Bitty Baby is long since been turned in for more TWEEN pursuits!)....

my wedding and honeymoon photos are not properly "scrapbooked" - and

Sirryha is going to be two next month and her scrapbook for this past year is mighty thin.

But for today, I am happy to have another project or two checked off the master list!

6x6?

2009-06-08T23:22:00.003-04:00

Ohhhh it is coming together!

Took me A WHILE to arrange the placement of each block - had to keep the pink daisies and brown polka dot fabrics from touching....didn't like the look of them "T-ing" -- but I think I have it laid out now!

Next...the scary part-- SEWING THE ROWS TOGETHER! I know, I know...it's all in the pressing and pinning. I can do this!

But first....back to getting this

...all attached to this:

Quilt Along - Week 3 - Sewing & Cutting!

2009-06-07T19:08:00.004-04:00

Finally finished sewing up the strips for the QuiltAlong today....and then cut each strip into blocks (I did 11 x1.5 "squares--ended with 36 blocks and about 10 7x 11.5" blocks)...

WEEK 4 is already posted! Can't wait to get these blocks sewn together!!

Sewing Basket Make-Over

2009-06-07T15:55:00.003-04:00

Yes---I did the unthinkable. I took the LONGABERGER FABRIC off the lid of my LONGABERGER SEWING BASKET! (It was Garden Splendor, for those fellow or former cult members! But shhhhh!! Don't tell Tami or Rachel! hee!)

But how lovely is this? All Anna Maria Horner fabrics (from her Garden Party line). So loving piecework these days....

Yo, yo, yo...YO YO!

2009-06-03T07:32:00.004-04:00

Yo-yo-ing right along here.....this is a great portable project for me right now - plus one I can do on my lap at night while watching tv, chattin' with the hub, etc. (Plus Little Miss likes to sort the yo-yo's and dump them and then rebag them.....love when she repeated the colors with me...then started to announced the colors each time by herself - "blue blue blue" (until you prompt -- "oh that is a green one!" and then the next bunch "green green green" -- hee.)

And the documentress* in me had the idea to lable 24 baggies to keep these babies corralled and CAT-HAIR FREE (ish) - figured the lablels will tell the story of where we were and what was happening as each batch of yo-yo's (49 = one 12" square) is completed.

(*I know it's not a word...but it should be, don't you think?)

Fabric fabric everywhere...

2009-05-31T23:46:00.004-04:00

....but not in the trashcan!

That's right. I admit it. I cannot toss even the SMALLEST smidge of fabric. Is it just me or do you "real quilters" and seamstresses do this? I have a stash of cut pieces as large as 9" squares, and my "save this piece because it is AMY BUTLER FOR HEAVENS SAKE!" and the 2x2" pieces awaiting assembly into a postage stamp quilt...all the way down to piles of snips from the yo-yo's.

And yes...I actually sat today and stitched a fistful of the yo-yo scrappies onto a piece of canvas.

Don't ask how much time I spent arranging and rearranging the bits and pieces.

It's a sickness, isn't it?

Quilting Pays Off!

2009-05-28T19:40:00.005-04:00

visit http://www.oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ for details!

OMG OMG OMG!! I WON I WON I WON! Can you stand it? I won the PROFESSIONAL ROWENTA IRON GIVEAWAY on the OLD RED BARN CO. Quilt-Along this week!!

weeee! Cannot wait to get my hands on it!! Do you SEE THAT POWER STEAM BURST?

Thanks, Dana!

Quilt-Along Week Two! The CUTTING!

2009-05-26T19:09:00.003-04:00

Oh yeah! Thanking the OLFA goddesses for NEW ROTARY BLADES! Just finishing cutting my fabric into 2 1/2 inch strips (all 12 pieces!) -- love when the cutter zips through the fabric in crisp, clean cuts!

I gotta tell ya, it was hard to slice up some of these! But it will be pretty in the end, right?

Right, Cath?

I cannot wait for the PIECING!

Yo!

2009-05-25T10:06:00.005-04:00

YoYo's are my latest obsession....but I don't want to applique them on teeshirts or purses....I want a full coverlet! Of course.

....and,um, did you know it appears you need a mere 24 12" squares to make a twin-size quilt?

And guess how many of these midgies equal one 12" square? that's right...about FORTY-NINE.

FORTY-NINE. FORTY. NINE.

In the words of Miss Mikayla, reporting on an episode of "Whatever, Martha" in which she made a yo-yo quilt - that will take "a WHILE." .

No joke.

(I KNEW I should have bought the EXTRA LARGE yo-yo maker!)

Quilt Along!

2009-05-22T06:46:00.005-04:00

Um...right. I know I don't have time for another new project....but could not resist this one!

Stella!! clued me in to the Old Red Barn Co. Quilt-Along.

In six weeks we will have a completed quilt? NOWAYSHUTUP! Let's get started!

Week one is gathering supplies and selectin fabrics (no easy feat! 12 1/2 yd pieces required!) After much deliberation...I pulled together my fabrics from my stash... plus a quick trip to Joanne's (note the CHOCOLOATE LOLLIPOP (Anna Maria Horner) at last being used!)

A few pics from INSPIRED.

2009-05-12T22:46:00.002-04:00

....didn't take enough photos by far....but here are a few shots of some of the projects....

Place your orders!

2009-05-12T22:28:00.002-04:00

Specially for my WASSIMA girls!

Pink, Red, Orange, Blue, Black or White frames.

How much do I love this stamp?!

One down.....six or eight to go!

2009-05-11T21:35:00.005-04:00

Finished my Jennifer Stewart project from INSPIRED today. Loved this class...want to make one in GREEN with my new Heather Bailey fabrics!

...and a yellow one....and a pink one....and PURPLE ONES FOR Cynthia and Sandy! (hee! KIDDING!)

Jennifer Stewart wins the prize for most fabulous presentation in her classroom...her set-up was divine--Heather Bailey fabrics for table cloths...silver trays lined up holding bowls of glitter....a tiered stand holding spools of ribbons and lace....and a lovely tin tray filled with antique buttons....I so appreciate her attention to details! I didn't want to leave the class--the three hours felt like 3o minutes and I could not wait to unpack my stuff and finish this project today. Now THAT is inspiring!

Swirls, girls!

Inspired.

2009-05-11T07:57:00.005-04:00

Miss my TRIBE already....wish you were all here and we were elbow deep in our projects together! (instead of unloading the dishwasher and doing laundry!)

Nik--this pic is for you! First thing I bought when we arrived on Thursday at Inspired was the Heather Bailey Flutterby kit (so bummed I missed her class...but it was only offered early in the day...). I finished putting the book together on Thursday night - but no photos yet....her papers were as lusious in person as I had hoped...and I finally got my hands on some of her fabric in the vendor fair....wish our local shops carried her!

More soon! xoxo

P.S. Dietra-thanks for sittin' up late with me in the Crop Room - hope my girlie butterflies and flowers didn't give you HIVES....hee! Shannon---I owe you such a huge apology and RAK---how did I not mention how much I loved/love the ATC holders you sent to me?!?!

ONE MORE SLEEP!

2009-05-06T20:03:00.004-04:00

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!

One more sleep 'til Aim and I take to the highways en route to INSPIRED! Weee!!!

Let's see...how much is left to do in the NEXT TEN HOURS?

Still too much laundry
Still packing
Supplies are awaiting their final arrangement/packing into the TWO carryalls I am allowing myself (yeah, right. I believe me, don't you?)
One apron done. Number two? We shall see...
Haircut didn't happen (how rude that salons aren't open 24/7 so I can fit in a cut/color on MY TIME! hee)
Pedicure - self-administered. Not nearly the same as that sitting in the massage chair while your feet are soaking in that luxurious bathtub whirlpool thing....but CHECK!
Photos are PRINTING! semi CHECK!

Can't wait to see my peeps!

P is for PANIC!

2009-05-03T10:02:00.003-04:00

OMG! How can it be only FOUR MORE SLEEPS 'TIL INSPIRED?!?!?!

Can wait to see my WASSIMA peeps and hug you all and squeal over our projects. hee.

(Yes, Larry. It is indeed like GIRLSCOUT CAMP FOR GROWNUPS. We make no apologies!)

Left to do? Oh not much....you know...the usual....

A zillion loads of laundry

Pack

Finish acquiring/sorting/packing/organizing/reorganizing/rechecking supplies! (Determined NOT TO OVERPACK. Keep reminding myself!)

Figure out the route Aimee and I will take to get there on Thursday....(think "Lucy and Viv Take to the Road" ...oh yeah. Geographically Challenged meets Directionally Challenged. Thank heavens for navigation systems!)

Finish APRONS!

Figure out which photos to bring...

Print photos.

Remember to charge phone, camera and video camera for Thursday drive. (and pack chargers!)

PEDICURE!

Haircut?

C is for Coffee, Cookies and CRAFTING!

2009-05-02T15:41:00.006-04:00

Ohh...had a blast last night with my BFF AIMEE at the Creative Inkling class! (AIMEE--SERIOUSLY - why do we not take fabulous pictures of ourselves when we are together?!? sheesh. ) The crop was at the House of Coffee coffee Shop in Peddler's Village - the project was a minibook made of cardboard coffee cup sleeves....how clever is that? And the embossing powder was COFFEE SCENTED! oh for cute!

And oh my stinkin' HECK the new Bind-it-All is PINK and I finally have one after coveting it for oh-forEVER! (NIKI AND EMILY - GET YOURSELVES OUT HERE TO CRAFT WITH ME! It is fabulous!)

{Loved the color of that chalkboard in the coffee shop...forgot to ask Dave the Barista if he knew what brand that paint is....would love to do a wall in the kitchen....hmmmm....}

Happy Face.

2009-04-25T21:19:00.006-04:00

#1 Answer to "where have you been and what have you been up to?" is "Having adventures with Sirryha." Last weekend was the ZOO, today was a bit of shopping (new clothes and a stroller! Hello summer---we are ready for you now!) and in between was lots of walks (and lugging home HUGE ROCKS from the pit in front of the mailboxes...please don't report us to the homeowners' association! Rob and I return them when she isn't looking!)...and visits to the park for swinging, swinging, swinging, playing on the sliding boards, and watching the ducks.

Can't stop grinning over these photos from today! She was so funny! Totally posing and flirting and hammin' it up for the camera. (She is in LOVE with CHAPSTICK. Burt's Bees and Banana Boat Sunscreen for Kids versions. Yes...she eats it. And then tries to wipe her teeth and tongue off with her fingers.)

And then she gives me this face when I say "smile!" [CLICK!] priceless!

...and 75 or so snapshots later...I think she's officially "bored of this."

I, on the other hand, cannot get enough! SERIOUSLY. How do full-time moms get anything done besides staring at their lovebugs? And squishing and hugging and kissing their whole face? Seriously. And how on EARTH do you stand the wait until they can talk in full sentences?

I can't stop! Seriously!

2009-04-12T10:33:00.002-04:00

Artfest Envy

2009-04-10T17:06:00.007-04:00

Ever since discovering Teesha Moore's art journals back in 2006, I have wanted to go to ARTFEST. I have discovered so many creative artists through links from Teesha Moore's site and from reading about the teachers each year. And then came ARTFIBERFEST, which I also came to dream about....and now? In the works is JOURNALFEST. Oh how I want to go! (This is the part where I usually start talking about auctioning off a few body parts to finance the trip!)

ARTFEST was April 1-5 this year. And now some of the attendees and teachers are blogging about it....which I so appreciate and can't wait for each year. How much do I want to take THIS CLASS? How is it that I don't know any CARTOONISTS? I really want to hang with this Theo Ellsworth guy. How much would I love this class?!?! Check out Pam Garrison's class example. Seems the instructions were to "doodle blindly" with markers on a page. Then, find images in the doodles and outline and color them in. So I see Pam Garrison's and I immediately try my version (again--I don't know the full instructions, I just started with swirly shapes. Some drawn in deliberate fits and starts, others without looking.) And then I outlined some forms and used my colored pencils to fill in.

SERIOUSLY! How fun is THAT? A flamingo and a peacock and various swirly feathered friends. I cannot draw. I doodle and I color - but I can't draw. Apparently, my DOODLES can!

I can't stop...I am filling in all the blank pages of my art journals with these scribbles!

For my sister*....

2009-04-06T20:36:00.005-04:00

...because she loves SPRING and her garden and digging in the dirt and being outside in the sun.

Come on SPRING...GET HERE ALREADY! (It was 40 degrees this morning. Wha? We have the FIREPLACE GOING TONIGHT. Seriously.)

This was inspired by the oh-so-inspiring Donna Downey, she herself. I want to make one in every color.

(*Shhhhh! Don't tell! I don't think she reads my blog daily and this isn't in the mail to her yet!)

WASSIMA ART JOURNAL {Week 41}

2009-03-29T12:46:00.008-04:00

(Edited..oops! this is WEEK 41, not 42!)

Only eleven weeks (not ten!) left in our DECK! Wow.

OK...this week's card is inspired by my PLAYDATE (Wed) with AIMEE (Aim, how did we NOT take any pictures???). It went by TOO FAST and made me wish we were next-door neighbors so we could spend more time together laughing, shopping and creating. And then Miss Katie (Aimee's daughter) was home from school and we chatted about her American Girl Doll (Julie) and her upcoming trip to NY to the American Girl Store....and it reminded me of playing dolls with my BFF when I was a little girl (Angie Smith, I miss you!) - especially the hours of fun we had playing with PAPER DOLLS (and making our own clothes for them--Angie was a way better designer than I!)

So...this prompt is "WHAT FUN THING (or PERSON) DO YOU MISS FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? {Seriously -I really miss paper dolls!}

WASSIMA Art Deck catchin' up - {Week 36}

2009-03-18T06:42:00.003-04:00

Oh I loved Aimee's prompt for this one! "Use a spring ad" to create your card. EASY. Just pick any page from the ANTHROPOLOGIE catalog and I will take one of each, please and thank you!(sorry for the crummy scan!)

Bring on SPRING! and SUNSHINE! and FRESH FLOWERS! and BRIGHT NEW COLORS! and CRISP WHITE LINENS!

(and um, yeah, that Spring Cleaning thing, too. Right. I will get on that. Soon.....)

WASSIMA ART DECK PROMPT {Week 39}

2009-03-15T13:33:00.003-04:00

I keep coming back to comfort and nostalgia lately. This week's prompt is an Ode to MILK & COOKIES.

Lately, Rob and I have been baking mini-batches of cookies (what says "comfort" more than the smell of fresh-baked cookies? Not to mention that first bite, still warm from the oven? And nothing is better than seeing Little Miss Sirryha indulging in a bit of chocolate goodness! Surely no other toddler chews his/her food so cutely? Surely. hee.)

And last night, we had dinner out with my sis- and bro-in-law, and R's cousins Jill and David at Bridget's Steakhouse in Ambler. YUM-O food and good company---we don't get enough of these moments together lately! And the perfect ending to our dinner was the chef's interpretation of MILK & COOKIES for dessert. (A glass of vanilla mousse for dipping your stack of chocolate chip and sugar cookies in! SINFULLY DELISH!) Sorry I don't have a photo to share! (Really sorry that I didn't pack up the last two to bring home!)

And with those thoughts in my mind this morning....my card came together quicky. Collage bits are from my Art Journal 102 class with Dina Wakely & the Elmo pic cracks me up every time I see it (Sirryha tries to feed her "faux" cookies we made for her kitchen to every human, animal and dolly in the house!).

Here's wishing you a happy Sunday! (Off to the mall to meet up with Jackie and Mikayla....camera in hand, as requested by Miss M!)

SNOW DAY=ART DAY.

2009-03-02T09:09:00.006-05:00

Or so I WISH! Seriously...I wish I were snowed in for a WEEK so I could play with my inks and paints and papers! (Sadly, today is only a two-hour delay...but I am not BUDGING until our roads are cleared.)

After drooling over her work in Somerset's Artful Blogging, I couldn't resist, and I treated myself to the DINA WAKLY ART JOURNALING 102 class.

And every spare minute has been about this:

Loading up my art journal pages with layers of textured gesso, acrylic paint and spray-on ink.

...And altering photos: (this is simply a B&W print, scratched with sandpaper. I need to get some photocopies (not inkjets!) to try some gel transfers and painted portraits. Oh me. oh my.

WASSIMA Art Journal Prompt {Week 37}

2009-03-01T09:58:00.003-05:00

(yeah...I know I still owe for WEEK 35! stay tuned!)

This week's prompt is: WHICH MONOPOLY PIECE WERE YOU AS A KID and WHICH WOULD YOU ASPIRE TO BE TODAY? hee. silly I know...but it occurred to me when I saw this as a writing prompt ("Which monopoly token were you when you played the game as a child?") that I still want to be the IRON or the THIMBLE, and that I always did.

See there? Even as a kid my mind was on crafting and creating. Only now, I am calling it "my art." (Sort of. Not really out loud in front of the teacher or anything. hee)

Card to follow!

GAGA for CYNTHIA's A-gCA -zine!

2009-02-22T17:50:00.006-05:00

"To promote and celebrate authentic experimental creativity in scrapbooking and mixed media art."

Cynthia, you are living it, my dear friend! Thanks for including me on your journey! xo

Oh I am so not worthy!

If you haven't already, hop over to A-gCA and lookie at the latest issue....http://cynthiafriesehassanein.typepad.com/agcablogmagazine/.

I am so grateful Cynthia and I found each other at INSPIRED last year (even tho' it was the LAST day and we didn't have a real conversation until we were home and exchanging emails/blog comments and phone calls!) Loving the creative inspiration she brings to my crafting world. Love that through her, I discovered SISTV and Miss Sandy, and all the other Leading Ladies she discovered & recruited! And now I am loving being a part of the A-gCA 'zine! xo

Um-yeah. I think I jinxed myself....

2009-02-22T17:22:00.010-05:00

....with my cocky "2009? Bring it." banner!

I had such good intentions for JANUARY! Four projects to finish now that the holidays were over (three of which are LONG overdue!) and here it is the last week of February and only ONE of them is checked off the list!

Wha? where did the hours go? No need to answer that one.

Onward we go....today I am re-re-re-organizing my desk area and craft space(s). And yes...the PLURAL is because I slowly take over every available surface in the house when I am in the midst of my projects. Doesn't everyone? I really do want to have my pretty dining room table cleared off and a lovely centerpiece installed. But it's the best surface for my sewing machine and cutting mat at the moment...guess I could scootch the PILES to one half so hubs and I can eat dinner there tonight for a change?

In the meantime---my $10 new craft table (another LSS closed. sad.) is smack dab in the middle of the family room. Note that it is NEARLY BARE. Not for long. I have the rest of the evening to get it properly installed in the corner (replacing the cardtable)....and by the time I head to bed, I am sure it will be PILED HIGH like a proper ART TABLE should be!

Bad Blogger!

2009-02-19T22:38:00.003-05:00

Sorry my Peeps! I have been a bad, bad blogger.

I don't call, I don't write, I don't post, I don't comment....

I will do better!

In the meantime...here are some pretty pictures to tide you over. Happy Valentine's Day (a bit belated, but the roses are still gorgeous!)

WASSIMA Art Journal Prompt {Week 33}

2009-02-01T14:45:00.005-05:00

Today is WEEK 33 of our little deck of cards journal....

The prompt is "COMFORT" - this word has been in my mind for a few weeks now for a several reasons:

all the cold weather lately has had us staying in on the weekends, which has allowed us time to bake cookies, make pots of chili and last weekend we even made a roaster full of stuffed cabbages (oh the house smelled like GRAM's!) Yum. COMFORT food.

looking over my inspiration book for pages/ideas I want to 'scraplift' - one of my favorites for quite a while remains an Elsie Flannigan layout from her first book. The title was "Soothing," and the journaling read "the most soothing person I know" (about her friend Rachel)....love that...and lately I am especially grateful for my true "soft landing" peeps : )

and of course, creating ART in every form remains a big comfort to me....journals, scrapbooking, sewing, feathering the nest....all brings much peace to balance the "OVERWHELM bits" that crowd my mind, my time and my weeks!

So what equals "COMFORT" for you?

P.S. NOT a sports fan. But the Pittsburgh Girl in me is of course rooting for the Steelers. ["Go Stillers!"] But seriously, pre-game since 1 pm? Seriously?

WASSIMA Art Deck Journal Prompt {Week 31}

2009-01-31T13:07:00.003-05:00

Sorry I am still BEHIND on this! Week 31 was JANUARY 18! WHA? Where did the month GO? I am not done with my LIST OF STUFF TO DO yet!

OK..enough moanin' about. Gotta just DO IT. I know, I know.

So here is the prompt for Week 31: "What 3 words would you like people to use to describe you?"

This was a question I was given in a "personality quiz" at a job I had many moons ago... and it has always stuck with me. I think my answer at the time was "fun, smart, pretty" (don't judge! I was young!)

Fast forward 20-some years, and my answer today is not much different. I'm going with "fun, funny, artist." How about you?

(Pretty Please post links to your cards in comments here so we can see them!)

SNOW DAY!

2009-01-28T08:06:00.004-05:00

YIPPIEEE!! Best thing ever? SNOW DAYS off work. Second best thing ever? 2hr delay (which is what we have today!)

So what does that mean for me today? Time to catch up on the ole blog and look up the artists whose work I have BEEN DROOLING OVER in the (first!) issue of Art Journaling magazine (oh yeah, Somerset Studios can't stop themselves. How many publications can they crank out? Apparently the number is A GADRILLION. And I WANT THEM ALL.)

On Sunday night I was working on my FABRIC JOURNAL PAGES for the Inspired girls swap (thanks, Stella! lovin' this project!) and I really needed a new beading needle (I had MANGLED the one my BFF Tracy had given to me earlier this month! Those skinny buggers don't take too kindly to being shoved through two layers of fabric PLUS quilt batting. whatEVER.) So....I zoom out to Jo-Anne's with my 40% off coupon....grab the pack of needles (ok, and some sequin trims - 25 cents a pack! but that was IT. Don't NEED ANOTHER THING. [not in the budget either, remember?!]) But then....

...I saw it.

Just as I approached the checkout line. The MAGAZINE RACK....and the 10% off sign. OH MY. AND THERE IT WAS. THE FIRST ISSUE OF ART JOURNALING MAGAZINE.

With a BIRD ON THE COVER. (When did I start loving hand-drawn birds? Bluebirds, especially?)

AND PAM GARRISON's name in big letters on the cover!

So, yeah. I brought it home. And am IN LOVE AGAIN with art journaling....(and by association/blog-hopping from Pam Garrison's blog links....to all things shabby chic and pink and frilly and soft and romantic and hand-stitched and hand-sewn and hand lettered and why do I have to go to WORK?)

Which means I now HAVE TO HAVE COPIC markers (because that's what Pam uses sometimes and clearly THAT is why her lettering/drawing is so much more fabulous than mine. Right? I am just NOT USING THE RIGHT MARKERS!)

See how easy it is?

Stay tuned for more obsessions with art/sewing-projects-I-don't-have-time-to-do-but-will-start-anyway....next up is my "oh I am so doing that" stitching sampler idea from Rebecca Sower on that piece of linen I bought eons ago and accidentally turned "slightly pink" in the wash somehow (just bleached it this weekend and still pink. drat.) And oh yeah, my BFF Pam Garrison's version is not too shabby, either. And lookie at the free embroidery pattern she gave me! Is she the sweetest or WHAT?

that 2 hr delay went by FAST.

WASSIMA CARD PROMPTS Weeks 28 & 32 - Catch-ups!

2009-01-25T08:47:00.004-05:00

{PS. HEY, AIMEE...can you believe we are going to INSPIRED again?! weeee!!}

Aimee has weeks 28 and 32 posted on her blog....I will post week 31 asap!

People Are Nice.

2009-01-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

How sa-weet is this little story?

Some of you have been on the receiving end of my emails inquiring about "where can I get that skinny word stamp Donna Downey uses on her canvases?!" And Cameron told me the one I wanted was by 7Gypsies but it is DISCONTINUED WHA? No way. No fair.

So the QUEST began (oh yeah. obsessive. remind me to tell you the one about the Red Rose Tea.....right. Again I digress...)

ANYWAY...I start looking online (remember - NO BUDGET for spending on frivolities!) and I see it on eBay - IN THE UK! (not that I am patient enough to wait for it to SHIP TO ME or anything)...yada yada ya...

...and then on Friday, I went to The Cropping Station for cropnight with Aimee and her daughter Katie. (Ohhh we had fun! Can't wait to do it again!)

So, well into the night....I wander over to the "tools" shelf and start browsing through the stamps....(you see where this is going, right?)....and it isn't a huge selection....but sure enough! There! In the stamp basket! Was! The! 7Gypsies! Stamp! NOWAYSHUTUP!

I snag it and head back to my table. Aimee and Katie are shopping so I don't even have a chance to tell her about my find right away! I immediately grab some white cardstock and start stampin away. WISHING I HAD MY CANVAS WITH ME. And then I go back to workin' my page (oh yeah. A 6hr crop and I did ONE PAGE. ONE. Just ONE. And didn't even finish the JOURNALING that night! But again....we had FUN. We chatted and Katie let me play with her colored pencils Santa brought her (that's my scribbling in the photo of all the colors in her set!) and we shopped the 65% off racks (three times!) and ate Fritos and eavesdropped on the ladies at the table behind us and Katie's mad skills were impressing the heck out of me and the store owner...I love crafty/creative kids!

OK...so back to the story....all night that stamp is sitting next to me. And as midnight is approaching, and we are packing up and getting ready to go...I say to Aimee "I WANT THIS STAMP! Do you think they have more and I just didn't see it?" No. "Do you think she will sell me this one?" (Aimee knows the store...used to teach there....) And of course, my Snow White friend says "Want me to ask for you? I will!" (seriously. Birds circle around her and I have SEEN A HALO ABOVE HER HEAD.) You know I was afraid to ask because if the answer was "NO" I'd have to PUT.IT.BACK!

So I call over to the very nice shop lady (Sandi)....

ME: "Do you have any more of these stamps?"

NSL(S):"oh, no, sorry."

ME: "Will you sell this one to me?" (I am sure my voice cracked and the fear of rejection was all over my face! Picture the "Please, sir, may I have some more?" scene in OLIVER!)

NSL(S): "Sure."

ME: "Oh goodie!!! HOW MUCH!?!!?!?" (As if it mattered? Like I wouldn't have willed her my retinas for the thing at this point?)

...and she says "oh just take it."

NOWAYSHUTUP! THANK YOU NICE SHOP LADY SANDI!

How nice are people? She also gave another lady at the crop something and said "if you are going to use it and love it that is what matters." HOW NICE IS THAT?

So, thank you, Sandi at The Cropping Station. I owe you big time. And I will SO be back!

So behind! First things first!

2009-01-24T12:23:00.010-05:00

OK... I owe my lovely niece MIKAYLA a birthday SHOUT OUT (She turned 14 on the 16th!) So HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mikayla! This one's for you and your birthday party peeps!

{Hi girls! Leave a comment here and you will get a special treat from Aunt Susie!} xoxo

Birthday Princess!

Tribute Wall for Miss Mikayla...14 years in photos. (Great idea, Jackie! xo)

{How much do I love this photo? xo}

BFF & Lady-in-Waiting, Olivia

BFF& Lady-in-Waiting, Curran!

BFFS & Ladies-in-Waiting Lucy and Catherine B!

BFF & Lady-in-Waiting, Candace!

Oh I could go for a big slice of this cake right now! Was as yummy as it was pretty!

Flowers for the birthday girl from her Aunt Carol!

Prince David (Mikayla's brother) & his pal Davis served as Waiters for the evening!

Proud Parents & their Princess!

{Oh...and of course every Royal Family needs a Court Jester, right? You are fun, David!}

Back to Mom's Advice: FINISH ONE BEFORE STARTING ANOTHER!

2009-01-18T08:14:00.004-05:00

OK ladies...I am sure I have said this/promised this one before....I know my mom preached it to me often enough that it SHOULD HAVE sunk in by now (but not.)

Thanks to all who have commented and emailed about the WASSIMA ART DECK JOURNAL. I decided to go on and finish it out....(and yes, I am going to do Emily's, too!) Can't promise it will be on time each week (no change there!) but by JUNE we will have 52 prompts!

SO.....all who are playing (or following along, or saving the prompts to do later...) - this is another official request for GUEST PROMPTERS! Just comment here or email me and we will figure out a week for you. AMY did Week 30 for us.....with this timely prompt: "What Would You Like to Let Go of in 2009?" Thanks, Amy!

WINNER!

2009-01-15T21:08:00.003-05:00

WE HAVE A WINNER!
Hello ladies! Thanks for your patience...was having trouble with internet connectivity last night so I didn't get online to do the "drawing."

OK...we had five total replies to the call:

1 dodi said...
2 Ginny said...
3 Stella said...

4 amy said...
5 jen said...

ME (calling to DH in the other room): "Honey--pick a number from 1 to 5!"

HE: "Why?"

ME: "It's for my first blog giveaway!"

HE: "Huh?"

ME: "Come on! Just give me a number!"

HE: "How does that work?"

ME: "I have a list of five names! Whichever number you pick is the winner!"

HE: "THREE."

WEEE!! And that makes STELLA!!! our winner! I will let you know when the package is en route!

Thanks for playing along, ladies!

She's Back! 52Q Art Journal with Emily Falconbridge!

2009-01-11T16:14:00.006-05:00

Weee! That's right. Emily Falconbridge is back to the weekly art journal project this year, and I am ALL IN!

In 2007, it was the "Deck of Me" using a deck of playing cards as the base. This year Emily is using shipping tags -- which I LOVE.....but.....

.....in keeping with my USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, REDUCE/REUSE/RECYCLE/REPURPOSE plan...I decided to use this little batch of pages I had created last year (thinking I would make a mini art journal to tuck into my purse.)

But that didn't happen and they have just been sitting in one of my piles.

I had already coated some with a layer of GESSO. I had even tried to bind them into a little accordian book using self-stick index tabs and book binding thread, but it didn't work the way I envisioned, and yet I still couldn't part with them! (PACKRAT!)

So....I took them out last weekend and started playing around with them again. I counted out about 20 pages already prepped (Gesso'd) and I easily made up the difference (to get to 52 pages) with a quick paging-through of a few magazines on hand. (With such a HUGE amount of free SUBSTRATES (yep, still love that word, Inspired Peeps!) to chose from, you can afford to be selective and only use the ones with a pretty font (the new Creating Keepsakes ones) or wording (Somerset Studio, OPRAH) or border (MEs Home Companion) or photo (Vanity Fair, Martha Stewart Living) that you like. Or just GESSO over the whole thing. Or add patterned paper or fabric scraps. You get the idea!)

And I like it! I gave up on the crazy binding I had attempted and made a simple template for punching two holes in each card --two binder rings holds it all together.And I love, love, love the cardboard/kraft paper look of the Amy Butler scrapbooking supplies packaging - so I used that from one of her sets of fabric tags for the mini-spine (built-in jute loop for a hanger! wee!). And those typewriter key letter stickers on the cover? From my archives! Bet they are more than 10 years old. In love with all things TYPEWRITER again.

Inside front cover: (notice one coat of Gesso doesn't completely cover the text. But I am ok with that.)

QUESTION #1 was "What Do I Wish for This Year to Bring" (I am writing the question on the front, and my answer on the back.)

{Note: the MULTIPLE POSTS today are brought to you by Eagles and Steelers football games (occupying DH all day!) Here's hoping for an EAGLES/STEELERS SUPERBOWL!}

My New Year's ARTFUL Resolutions

2009-01-11T14:51:00.005-05:00

Yes, I realize it is January 11th already. And most people are all decided about their New Year's Resolutions by the 1st. But this year is starting out for me much like last year ended....too much cluttering my mind (and desk, and living and work spaces.)

So I am easing into it all.

Loving weekends with NO.WHERE.TO.GO. (Two in a row!) Loving getting things actually CHECKED OFF my lists (rather than the lists just continuing to grow and grow...)

This blog has mainly focused on my creative endeavors--and I like it that way. Nice to have some neat parameters to work within (as the rest of life is not nearly as tidy!) So I am happy to share a few resolutions for the ART side of my life (the list is longer than this...but here is where I am starting):

Chose ONE LITTLE WORD to focus on in 2009, inspired by Ali Edwards. (This is the third year I've done it, and by FAR it's been the hardest year for me to pick just one word. But more on that later.) Really incorporate my word into my daily art & life.

INVITE my friends in more - to play/create/or just hang. I didn't do this much AT ALL last year...but this year I am taking Erma Bombeck's advice and NOT waiting 'til the carpets are clean or my dining room is back in pretty, pretty princess order. Real friends don't care about that, right?

Keep everlastingly at it. Whatever it is. My art journals, scrapbooks, sewing projects, home decorating/organizing/reorganizing projects. Don't give up because it's too messy or cluttery. {And hug and kiss my hubby, again, for honestly accepting the mess/piles EVERYWHERE and not being bothered by it! xo}

So Hello, 2009. Welcome. So very glad you are here!

We need to hear from the WASSIMA ART DECK JOURNALERS!

2009-01-11T12:05:00.009-05:00

Hello all. We need some feedback, please! {No, seriously! We want to hear from you! Pretty Please? There is a GIVEAWAY* FOR THOSE WHO COMMENT HERE OR ON AIMEE's BLOG ABOUT THIS POSTING!}

Aimee and I started our "WASSIMA ART DECK JOURNAL" back in June - intending it to be a 52 week project. Today marks Week 30, and we are considering stopping for several reasons:

First: a few who have played along are willing to stop now and just go with Emily Falconbridge's weekly 52Q project she started again this year (she inspired our version when we did her "Deck of Me" in 2007.) I am doing Emily's this year either way. I am happy to stop our little version and go with the "real deal!" (hee)

Second: we don't really know how many of those of you who started/were interested originally are still playing along? If you are out there and playing and want to finish -- please speak now or forever hold your peace!

For those who commented and participated - our sincere thanks. I hope to see you in the Flickr Group for Emily's 52Q this year! (Mine is posted there already! Go me!)

*GIVEAWAY!

OK....those who post a comment about the WASSIMA ART DECK JOURNAL question here or on Aimee's blog between now and Wednesday, January 14th, will be entered in a drawing to win a little package of "Sooz's Surplus" scrappy/crafty/art journally goodies. {Except it will be a real package, mailed to your very own real home. Not just that digi-box pictured here. In case you were thinking this is some kind of cyber scam. hee}

Treats Two Days in a Row!! I'm Not Worthy!!!

2009-01-10T13:59:00.004-05:00

OH MY.

Lookie lookie lookie what just arrived!! (thanks to Anna Maria Horner's holiday sale - 15% off studio stacks---my prezzie to me and Sirryha for stitching goodies for her room. And no worries--there is plenty extra for other prezzies through the year....watch for RAKs, my peeps!)

Seriously. Anna Maria Horner's new line- Good Folks - is due out THIS MONTH (where is it where is it where is it????) And I am still in love with the latest two (Garden Party and Drawing Room.) Planning to do lots of room and wall decor in Sirryha's room (in progress! big reveal when done!)

I can't stand it!! Opened my STUDIO SCRAPS bag and out popped a half dozen or so TRIANGLES (some already pieced together)....which I remembered from this post. And how perfectly SERENDIPITOUS is THAT because the project I plan to work on next for Little Miss's room is a fabric banner.....(inspired here and here)...and oh my let me hurry with my other projects that are OVERDUE so I can get to these, too!! xo

Thanks Tracy! xo

2009-01-10T11:35:00.007-05:00

How cool is this? TROLLBEADS have come up with this fun marketing campaign....they distributed SMILEY BEADS around the world, and those who received them (collectors and retailers) are to place them where others will find them.

And lucky me! My BFF Tracy received a batch of them and hid one for me and one for our BFF Kelly to find yesterday at work! You can imagine the excitement that ensued!

Like Christmas all over again! Thanks, Trace! xoxoxo

Some more pics of my YELLOW SMILEY BEAD (oh yeah. already on my bracelet! First thing I did when I got home!) and the card it was attached to:

WASSIMA Art Deck Journal Prompt {Week 29} Our First Guest Prompter!

2009-01-04T18:44:00.006-05:00

Stella!

Hey ladies! I am happy to bring you this week's prompt from our first "guest contributer"-- Stella! No card examples yet...but I will post both of ours as soon as they are done & scanned!

Happy New Year, all! I am behind in my blogging/emails--will catch up soon!

Stella's Prompt: "I was thinking about holiday traditions, old & new. Now that the rush and bustle is over, what things do you always do, what did you start as a new tradition this year?"