Okay, I've jumped in and accepted this 'pay it forward' type challenge from Rissa's blog.
How it works:
1. The first 5 people who respond and accept this challenge in the 'comments' section to this post will get an email from me asking for your snail mail address. I will then create and send you some artsy craftsy goody. It could be anything from a crazy quilt heart, or some type of embroidery piece, or a pin cushion, or fabric art, etc. Please note that I will do my best to get your challenge gift out to you quickly but with the on-coming Holiday Season, I cannot promise that you will receive your goody before Christmas. However, I will promise to create something just for you.
2. After accepting the challenge, you would then post the "Arty MeMe Challenge" information to your site (blog, 360, etc.), and 'pay it forward' by doing the same thing as mentioned in item #1.
PLEASE NOTE: That you are not expected to and PLEASE DO NOT send me anything in return. This is not a swap or exchange. This is an act of kindness. Something that comes from the heart, without strings or obligations. The reward is in the giving!
As soon as I receive all 5 takers, I will post your first name and a link to your site on my blog. If your 'comment' does not link back to your site, please either post it with your challenge acceptance comment or email me with that information.
This is going to be GREAT FUN....Let the games begin. :-)
30 October 2006
28 October 2006
2006 VBCS - progress
Here is my 'progress' on my CQForNewbies Crazy Quilted Christmas Stocking, aka Victorian Boot Christmas Stocking (VBCS) Swap. It's supposed to be in the mail by November 17th. Looking at it right now, I'm concerned. I guess I just need to get that needle in my hand and get going.
I ended up designing this boot stocking from a miss-match of patterns that I had. You know, a part of this and a part of that. Kind of like the way I cook. But that's another story for another time. When finished this boot stocking will be approximately 11" long by 5 1/2" wide at the top and 6 1/2" wide at the bottom.
This swap is graciously being hosted by Mary. The intention is to not only make something unique and fun for our swap partner, it will also be, in Mary's words, "a stash building swap."
Shortly, each of us will receive the name of our swap partner and we will mail the stocking directly to them. But NOT JUST the stocking. There will be lots of goodies stuffed inside. Each stocking is to contain a minimum of 4 squishies. And the squishies can be in any combination of goodies we like.
Okay, I see question marks dancing above some heads out there. What is a squishie? Well, it's a baggie of goodies that when put together feels 'squishie.' That was the description given to me when I asked, and you know what? It's true. So what does a squishie contain?
A squishie contains an assortment of fabric pieces, usually around 6"-8" square, and ranging from cottons to velvets. It also contains pieces of ribbon, buttons, lace, embroidery threads, etc. Anything that can be used to 'fancy' up a CQ block.
Also because I'm a visual person, I'll treat you to a few pictures as well. BTW, I swiped these pictures from Elizabet's blog. She is the most recent recipient of the "Birthday Group #2" squishies, so finding them was easy.
This is the squishie I sent to her.
This one is from Wilma.
This one is from Brenda.
I know you're thinking... WOW, that's a lot of stuff. Well, I'm pretty sure that no one is going to have to 'mortgage the farm' to fill them. The stockings do have a minimum size of 8" in length but most CQ projects tend to stay on the 'smaller' side just because they involve so much time and effort to complete.
I ended up designing this boot stocking from a miss-match of patterns that I had. You know, a part of this and a part of that. Kind of like the way I cook. But that's another story for another time. When finished this boot stocking will be approximately 11" long by 5 1/2" wide at the top and 6 1/2" wide at the bottom.
This swap is graciously being hosted by Mary. The intention is to not only make something unique and fun for our swap partner, it will also be, in Mary's words, "a stash building swap."
Shortly, each of us will receive the name of our swap partner and we will mail the stocking directly to them. But NOT JUST the stocking. There will be lots of goodies stuffed inside. Each stocking is to contain a minimum of 4 squishies. And the squishies can be in any combination of goodies we like.
Okay, I see question marks dancing above some heads out there. What is a squishie? Well, it's a baggie of goodies that when put together feels 'squishie.' That was the description given to me when I asked, and you know what? It's true. So what does a squishie contain?
A squishie contains an assortment of fabric pieces, usually around 6"-8" square, and ranging from cottons to velvets. It also contains pieces of ribbon, buttons, lace, embroidery threads, etc. Anything that can be used to 'fancy' up a CQ block.
Also because I'm a visual person, I'll treat you to a few pictures as well. BTW, I swiped these pictures from Elizabet's blog. She is the most recent recipient of the "Birthday Group #2" squishies, so finding them was easy.
This is the squishie I sent to her.
This one is from Wilma.
This one is from Brenda.
I know you're thinking... WOW, that's a lot of stuff. Well, I'm pretty sure that no one is going to have to 'mortgage the farm' to fill them. The stockings do have a minimum size of 8" in length but most CQ projects tend to stay on the 'smaller' side just because they involve so much time and effort to complete.
As for the embellishments, they can be on one or both sides, and they also need to have a loop sewn on so that they can be hung up, if necessary. Mary also reminds us that, "As you won't know who is to receive your stocking, you will be making something from the heart. In other words, make it the way YOU want it."
Well, I guess that's it for today. I really need to try and get some other things done. 'Til next time. Tootles!
Paisley Bauble Bag - Finished
It just occurred to me that I hadn't posted my 'finished' project. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. So happy in fact, that I would like to have it back. I'll have to see what I can do about that. LOL.
Newest Hearts
I decided to post my newest CQ hearts. It seems that lately I go days without picking up a needle. Then for some unknown reason I do and can't put it back down again. There's probably some official clinical name for this behavior but I really don't want to know. I would just as soon be ignorant to it. I just don't need another behavior to keep track of. LOL.
Anyway, I made these hearts to swap with the ladies on the Chains of Hearts group. In this group we have a wonderful collection of talented women from around the world. Members create their hearts from a specific pattern so as to maintain consistency. When hearts are available for swapping, photos are posted by members in the group album as 'available' and announced through the group email. Members wanting to swap will then ask for or offer a specific heart, and the swap proceeds. Similarly when hearts have been 'swapped', that information is posted in the albums, and to the group. Thus you are on your way to collecting 'chains of hearts'.
My first two hearts have been asked for. Quite a compliment, I think. So, where are they going?????
Heart #1
was swapped with Susan.
And Heart #2 was swapped with Renea.
Monday morning I will get them put into little padded envelopes and wisk them off to the post office. Monday morning will also find me checking my mailbox daily for my little padded envelopes in return. I'll be sure to post photos when they're received.
Anyway, I made these hearts to swap with the ladies on the Chains of Hearts group. In this group we have a wonderful collection of talented women from around the world. Members create their hearts from a specific pattern so as to maintain consistency. When hearts are available for swapping, photos are posted by members in the group album as 'available' and announced through the group email. Members wanting to swap will then ask for or offer a specific heart, and the swap proceeds. Similarly when hearts have been 'swapped', that information is posted in the albums, and to the group. Thus you are on your way to collecting 'chains of hearts'.
My first two hearts have been asked for. Quite a compliment, I think. So, where are they going?????
Heart #1
was swapped with Susan.And Heart #2 was swapped with Renea.
Monday morning I will get them put into little padded envelopes and wisk them off to the post office. Monday morning will also find me checking my mailbox daily for my little padded envelopes in return. I'll be sure to post photos when they're received.
25 October 2006
Another Year Gone Bye-Bye
Wow, here I sit with my second glass of white wine. Thinking about the past year. Cringing just a little, smiling a lot, and finding myself in sort of a fog. And no, it's not the wine! I'm thinking about my birthday tomorrow. Number 46. And wondering where the time has gone.
I've never been one to worry about growing older. At least not in the sense of counting wrinkles or begrudging gravity for doing its job. But in terms of how much more I want to do, want to accomplish, want to see, want to be a part of. Sometimes I feel time slipping away more quickly than I would like. Knowing it's perfectly natural but wanting more. But then again, that is the human condition isn't it?
My DS turned 16 this month. Pretty cool actually, having our birthdays in the same month. His is on the 13th. Just 13 days before mine. Did I ever mention that my lucky number is 13? Well, it is. The number of events and instances of 13 in my life have been phenomenal. Amazing to some, and down right freaky to others. I'm not a superstitious person. I believe in karma. I'm also a numerology geek.
I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow. I'm going to have a 'me' day. I fully intend to do things for myself that I normally don't do. Not like bungy jumping or anything like that. Heavens, no.
I plan to sleep in later than 6:30 AM. Which is my normal out of bed time. I plan to have a totally unhealthy breakfast combo at Jack-in-the-box, and maybe even a donut! I plan to catch up on my magazine reading while in my Jacuzzi tub. The one that I usually only wipe the dust out of. I plan to put my PJ's back on and lounge in my favorite chair and read. I have a bay window sitting area with a wonderful Queen Ann style reclining chair in my bedroom. Although I don't know how much reading I'll get done with my fur babies wrestling over 'lap rights.' And who knows, I might even take a nap. I never nap. I feel lazy if I even consider it, so I don't.
Since Thursday is still a work and school day, we'll wait until Friday night to go out to dinner. I'm pretty sure it will be sushi. It's my favorite next to Mexican food. Oh, but I love Chinese too. And of course, Greek. Tomorrow I'll probably be ordering a pizza though. I can't be expected to cook on my birthday! LOL.
Well, as it nears time for bed, and my glass is nearly empty, I will leave you with this "Food For Thought" on aging. I found it entertaining. But then again, I might have an odd sense of humor. LOL. I'm glad that you were able to stop by.
I chose to start out my little “Aging Party” with some thoughts from Maxine. I just love her humor. I got these cartoons from a web site named Jizoint. It’s set up for Web TV and won’t allow PC users to navigate it for the most part. But just click here for the Maxine cartoons. There are two full pages of them!
I got the following three jokes from My Little Sister’s Jokes web site. It’s a joke and story ‘bank.’ If you’re looking for a joke, story, etc., for any reason or occasion, you will probably find it there.
A Quick Test to Determine Your True Age!
Count how many of the following you remember
1. Blackjack chewing gum
2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed bottles
5. Coffee shops with table side jukeboxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Party lines
8. Newsreels before the movie
9. P.F. Flyers
10. Butch wax
11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive -6933)
12. Pea shooters
13. Howdy Doody
14. 45 RPM records
15. S&H Green Stamps
16. Hi-fi's
17. Metal ice trays with lever
18. Mimeograph paper
19. Blue flashbulbs
20. Beanie and Cecil
21. Roller skate keys
22. Cork popguns
23. Drive-ins
24. Studebakers
25. Wash tub wringers
If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age
If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!
Games for When We Are Older
1. Sag, You're it!
2. Pin the Toupee on the bald guy.
3. 20 questions shouted into your good ear.
4. Kick the bucket
5. Red Rover, Red Rover, the nurse says Bend Over.
6. Doc Goose
7. Simon says something incoherent.
8. Hide and go pee.
9. Spin the Bottle of Mylanta
10. Musical recliners
You Know You Are Getting Older When . . .
* You and your teeth don't sleep together.
* Your try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any.
* At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.
* Your back goes out, but you stay home.
* When you wake up looking like your driver's license picture.
* It takes two tries to get up from the couch.
* When your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.
* When happy hour is a nap.
* When you're on vacation, and your ENERGY runs out before your money does.
* When you say something to your kids that your mother said to you, and you always hated it.
* When all you want for your birthday is to not be reminded of your age.
* When you step off a curb and look down one more time to make sure the street is still there.
* Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.
* It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.
* Your memory is shorter and your complaining lasts longer.
* Your address book has mostly names that start with Dr.
* You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.
* The pharmacist has become your new best friend.
* Getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot.
* The twinkle in your eye is merely a reflection from the sun on your bifocals.
* It takes twice as long - to look half as good.
* Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt - doesn't work.
* You look for your glasses for half an hour, and they were on your head the whole time.
* You sink your teeth into a steak - and they stay there.
* You give up all your bad habits and still don't feel good.
* You have more patience, but it is actually that you just don't care anymore.
* You finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
* You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't even remember being on top of it.
And finally, this little ditty here. I received in an email awhile back. Who know where it came from but it’s obvious as to where it originated.
George Carlin's Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16!
And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. . . YEAS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED, we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40.
Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime.
And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I was JUST 92." Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a
half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
Enjoy the simple things.
Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
Be ALIVE while you are alive. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, friends, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
I've never been one to worry about growing older. At least not in the sense of counting wrinkles or begrudging gravity for doing its job. But in terms of how much more I want to do, want to accomplish, want to see, want to be a part of. Sometimes I feel time slipping away more quickly than I would like. Knowing it's perfectly natural but wanting more. But then again, that is the human condition isn't it?
My DS turned 16 this month. Pretty cool actually, having our birthdays in the same month. His is on the 13th. Just 13 days before mine. Did I ever mention that my lucky number is 13? Well, it is. The number of events and instances of 13 in my life have been phenomenal. Amazing to some, and down right freaky to others. I'm not a superstitious person. I believe in karma. I'm also a numerology geek.
I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow. I'm going to have a 'me' day. I fully intend to do things for myself that I normally don't do. Not like bungy jumping or anything like that. Heavens, no.
I plan to sleep in later than 6:30 AM. Which is my normal out of bed time. I plan to have a totally unhealthy breakfast combo at Jack-in-the-box, and maybe even a donut! I plan to catch up on my magazine reading while in my Jacuzzi tub. The one that I usually only wipe the dust out of. I plan to put my PJ's back on and lounge in my favorite chair and read. I have a bay window sitting area with a wonderful Queen Ann style reclining chair in my bedroom. Although I don't know how much reading I'll get done with my fur babies wrestling over 'lap rights.' And who knows, I might even take a nap. I never nap. I feel lazy if I even consider it, so I don't.
Since Thursday is still a work and school day, we'll wait until Friday night to go out to dinner. I'm pretty sure it will be sushi. It's my favorite next to Mexican food. Oh, but I love Chinese too. And of course, Greek. Tomorrow I'll probably be ordering a pizza though. I can't be expected to cook on my birthday! LOL.
Well, as it nears time for bed, and my glass is nearly empty, I will leave you with this "Food For Thought" on aging. I found it entertaining. But then again, I might have an odd sense of humor. LOL. I'm glad that you were able to stop by.
I chose to start out my little “Aging Party” with some thoughts from Maxine. I just love her humor. I got these cartoons from a web site named Jizoint. It’s set up for Web TV and won’t allow PC users to navigate it for the most part. But just click here for the Maxine cartoons. There are two full pages of them!
I got the following three jokes from My Little Sister’s Jokes web site. It’s a joke and story ‘bank.’ If you’re looking for a joke, story, etc., for any reason or occasion, you will probably find it there.
A Quick Test to Determine Your True Age!
Count how many of the following you remember
1. Blackjack chewing gum
2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed bottles
5. Coffee shops with table side jukeboxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Party lines
8. Newsreels before the movie
9. P.F. Flyers
10. Butch wax
11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive -6933)
12. Pea shooters
13. Howdy Doody
14. 45 RPM records
15. S&H Green Stamps
16. Hi-fi's
17. Metal ice trays with lever
18. Mimeograph paper
19. Blue flashbulbs
20. Beanie and Cecil
21. Roller skate keys
22. Cork popguns
23. Drive-ins
24. Studebakers
25. Wash tub wringers
If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age
If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!
Games for When We Are Older
1. Sag, You're it!
2. Pin the Toupee on the bald guy.
3. 20 questions shouted into your good ear.
4. Kick the bucket
5. Red Rover, Red Rover, the nurse says Bend Over.
6. Doc Goose
7. Simon says something incoherent.
8. Hide and go pee.
9. Spin the Bottle of Mylanta
10. Musical recliners
You Know You Are Getting Older When . . .
* You and your teeth don't sleep together.
* Your try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any.
* At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.
* Your back goes out, but you stay home.
* When you wake up looking like your driver's license picture.
* It takes two tries to get up from the couch.
* When your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.
* When happy hour is a nap.
* When you're on vacation, and your ENERGY runs out before your money does.
* When you say something to your kids that your mother said to you, and you always hated it.
* When all you want for your birthday is to not be reminded of your age.
* When you step off a curb and look down one more time to make sure the street is still there.
* Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.
* It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.
* Your memory is shorter and your complaining lasts longer.
* Your address book has mostly names that start with Dr.
* You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.
* The pharmacist has become your new best friend.
* Getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot.
* The twinkle in your eye is merely a reflection from the sun on your bifocals.
* It takes twice as long - to look half as good.
* Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt - doesn't work.
* You look for your glasses for half an hour, and they were on your head the whole time.
* You sink your teeth into a steak - and they stay there.
* You give up all your bad habits and still don't feel good.
* You have more patience, but it is actually that you just don't care anymore.
* You finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
* You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't even remember being on top of it.
And finally, this little ditty here. I received in an email awhile back. Who know where it came from but it’s obvious as to where it originated.
George Carlin's Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16!
And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. . . YEAS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED, we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40.
Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime.
And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I was JUST 92." Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a
half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
Enjoy the simple things.
Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
Be ALIVE while you are alive. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, friends, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
23 October 2006
I GOT IT! I GOT IT!
My swap heart came in the mail today!!!!! I thought it would never get here. LOL. This heart is from a swap called, 'HAVE A HEART' from my Hand-Embroidery (CQ/Embellishing) group. And it's not that I've been waiting soooooo long for it to arrive, it's just that I was very excited to receive it.
I send a special THANK YOU to our list mama, Lillian for managing to keep so many loose ends together for us, for keeping this swap so organized, and for getting everyone's hearts out to them in such a timely manner. Especially, given the fact that she lives in Korea, took a vacation to the states, and moved into a new house upon her return to Korea, all during the swap. Quite a feat, I would say.
My second THANK YOU goes to DeAnn in Kansas for this simply lovely heart that she made. As you can see, the SRE (silk ribbon embroidery) is just exquisite!
I personally don't yet know how to SRE but seeing this beautiful heart sure gives me the incentive to try. As soon as I can figure how she did it, that is. LOL.
Here's a closer look. Isn't it just to die for? WOW! Notice the tiny yellow beads mixed in with the flowers. Oh, and look at the leaves. Lots and lots of leaves. That's a lot of work!
BTW, it's in all of my favorite colors. What luck, huh? It's finished in a very delicate light purple lace trim. Oh, it's just so feminine and dainty. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I started to CQ (crazy quilt) a few months ago, when I joined my first group. And believe it or not, before that time I really didn't know what it was all about. I didn't embroider growing up, and my 'crafty' role models were sane quitlers, knitters, and crocheters. Hmmmm, is that really a word? Anyway... Later on, I just assumed that machines did all of the embroidery and embellishing now a days. Boy, was I wrong!
I certainly had no idea how much time and effort was involved. And because of that, I had not way of truly appreciating the love, care, and thought that was put into making a crazy quilt. Be it a small wall-hanging, a bed cover, a heart to swap, or just random blocks for a 'someday' project. Oh, and did I mention TIME? Yeah, well, it's worth noting again.
So, the next time you stumble across a crazy quilt, some hand embroidery, some SRE, or other such type of item embellished and pieced, treat yourself to a closer look at it.
Now, to finish up.... This picture is the heart that I made for this swap. I know this sounds hard to believe, and is even a little weird but out of all of the ladies who participated, DeAnn actually ended up receiving the heart that I made for this swap. Even-Steven, I guess. And given the fact that she has already thanked me and posted to the group her pleasure with it, I guess everybody's happy :-)
Just a quick note to acknowledge all of the ladies who worked so hard on this swap. For all of your lovely work, and for the friendship and conversations that came with it...
THANK YOU, it means a lot to me.
I send a special THANK YOU to our list mama, Lillian for managing to keep so many loose ends together for us, for keeping this swap so organized, and for getting everyone's hearts out to them in such a timely manner. Especially, given the fact that she lives in Korea, took a vacation to the states, and moved into a new house upon her return to Korea, all during the swap. Quite a feat, I would say.
My second THANK YOU goes to DeAnn in Kansas for this simply lovely heart that she made. As you can see, the SRE (silk ribbon embroidery) is just exquisite!I personally don't yet know how to SRE but seeing this beautiful heart sure gives me the incentive to try. As soon as I can figure how she did it, that is. LOL.
Here's a closer look. Isn't it just to die for? WOW! Notice the tiny yellow beads mixed in with the flowers. Oh, and look at the leaves. Lots and lots of leaves. That's a lot of work!
BTW, it's in all of my favorite colors. What luck, huh? It's finished in a very delicate light purple lace trim. Oh, it's just so feminine and dainty. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I started to CQ (crazy quilt) a few months ago, when I joined my first group. And believe it or not, before that time I really didn't know what it was all about. I didn't embroider growing up, and my 'crafty' role models were sane quitlers, knitters, and crocheters. Hmmmm, is that really a word? Anyway... Later on, I just assumed that machines did all of the embroidery and embellishing now a days. Boy, was I wrong!
I certainly had no idea how much time and effort was involved. And because of that, I had not way of truly appreciating the love, care, and thought that was put into making a crazy quilt. Be it a small wall-hanging, a bed cover, a heart to swap, or just random blocks for a 'someday' project. Oh, and did I mention TIME? Yeah, well, it's worth noting again.
So, the next time you stumble across a crazy quilt, some hand embroidery, some SRE, or other such type of item embellished and pieced, treat yourself to a closer look at it.
Now, to finish up.... This picture is the heart that I made for this swap. I know this sounds hard to believe, and is even a little weird but out of all of the ladies who participated, DeAnn actually ended up receiving the heart that I made for this swap. Even-Steven, I guess. And given the fact that she has already thanked me and posted to the group her pleasure with it, I guess everybody's happy :-)
Just a quick note to acknowledge all of the ladies who worked so hard on this swap. For all of your lovely work, and for the friendship and conversations that came with it...
18 October 2006
Rainy Day
For those of you who think that TEXAS is a dry state, guess again. The greater Houston area is not a dry part of the state by any stretch of the imagination. We typically get around 50 inches of rain a year. That is one heck of a lot of rain!It's not uncommon for us to get up to 4 inches in an hour or so. But on the 16th, we got nearly double that amount of rain in a few hours. Add the fact that we had been getting quite a bit of rain for a few days prior, it made this rain fall even more of a problem. The ground was already fairly saturated, and the waterways dangerously full.
I've posted a few pictures of my front and back yards just for the 'visual effect' but we didn't experience any flooding in our home or garage. I can almost hear you gasping. When you see this for the first time it goes beyond frightening. At least it was for me, having moved from a mountainous state, but classified as a dessert climate by definition. Now, the most frustrating part of it is waiting for it to dry out enough that the dogs don't have to be hosed down every time they've been outside.
Are You Paralyzed By The Stash?
I found this wonderful write up entitled Paralyzed By The Stash? at Quiltville Custom Quilting.
It struck a particular chord with me because I am a confessed FABRIC-AHOLIC. I buy fabric, (or at least I used to) on impulse. Sometimes there is just such a good sale that I can't pass it up, or maybe it's so unique that I believe I just have to have it. What ever the EXCUSE (and that's generally what it is), I find myself hauling yards upon yards of the stuff home with me. And to make it even easier to satisfy my 'need a fabric fix' cravings, there is always E-bay.
Well, I'm proud to say that for the past, oh, about 6 months now I haven't purchased much fabric at all. That decision is partly because I had to promise myself that I would enroll in a 12 Step Program if I couldn't get a grip. And since I don't have the time for it, I had to rein myself in (a little). Another factor was that when looking around my studio, closets, and assorted other areas, I see a stash just too large to deal with. And it seems that I just cannot bring myself to sort through it.
I know that I should at the very least get it into some reasonable order. Because as it is, I don't even know what I've got. Or I can't find what I'm looking for when I need it. I just don't know exactly how to do that. I can't seem to find a starting point. And yes, I have even tried to convince myself that if I could 'eat the elephant one bite at a time' it would make the task more do-able. Well, I'm afraid that after I take the first bite I will have bitten off more than I can chew! LOL. Besides, I've gotten to where I kind of avoid opening the containers because I instantly become over-whelmed by 'those chemicals'. If you don't know what I'm talking about - read this:
Chemical warning!
A recent study indicated that fabric gives off certain Pheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts. When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones (in the fabric) causes memory loss and induces the nesting syndrome (similar to the one squirrels have before the onset of winter i.e. storing food). Therefore perpetuating their species and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others. Sound tests have also revealed that these fabrics emit a very high pitched sound, heard only by a select few. When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants; "buy me..... cut me.....sew me".
In order to overcome the so called "feeding frenzy effect" that these fabrics cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility and use ear plugs to avoid being
pulled into their grip. One must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a fabric store, with WWII army gas masks and headphones!
Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects that these fabrics have on the human population. They are called, 'FABRIC STORE CLERKS'. It's also been experienced that these same Pheromones cause a pathological need to hide these fabric purchases when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash), and when asked by a significant other if the fabric is new, the reply is "oh, I've had that for awhile."
(Author and government agency responsible for this notice unknown)
Oh, what a dilemma. I guess I'll just have to think on this a little more. Maybe I'll hit a few garage sales just to see if I can pick up a cheap Hazmat suit. And if not, maybe I can find some good buys on fabric. LOL.
It struck a particular chord with me because I am a confessed FABRIC-AHOLIC. I buy fabric, (or at least I used to) on impulse. Sometimes there is just such a good sale that I can't pass it up, or maybe it's so unique that I believe I just have to have it. What ever the EXCUSE (and that's generally what it is), I find myself hauling yards upon yards of the stuff home with me. And to make it even easier to satisfy my 'need a fabric fix' cravings, there is always E-bay.
Well, I'm proud to say that for the past, oh, about 6 months now I haven't purchased much fabric at all. That decision is partly because I had to promise myself that I would enroll in a 12 Step Program if I couldn't get a grip. And since I don't have the time for it, I had to rein myself in (a little). Another factor was that when looking around my studio, closets, and assorted other areas, I see a stash just too large to deal with. And it seems that I just cannot bring myself to sort through it.
I know that I should at the very least get it into some reasonable order. Because as it is, I don't even know what I've got. Or I can't find what I'm looking for when I need it. I just don't know exactly how to do that. I can't seem to find a starting point. And yes, I have even tried to convince myself that if I could 'eat the elephant one bite at a time' it would make the task more do-able. Well, I'm afraid that after I take the first bite I will have bitten off more than I can chew! LOL. Besides, I've gotten to where I kind of avoid opening the containers because I instantly become over-whelmed by 'those chemicals'. If you don't know what I'm talking about - read this:
Chemical warning!
A recent study indicated that fabric gives off certain Pheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts. When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones (in the fabric) causes memory loss and induces the nesting syndrome (similar to the one squirrels have before the onset of winter i.e. storing food). Therefore perpetuating their species and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others. Sound tests have also revealed that these fabrics emit a very high pitched sound, heard only by a select few. When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants; "buy me..... cut me.....sew me".
In order to overcome the so called "feeding frenzy effect" that these fabrics cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility and use ear plugs to avoid being
pulled into their grip. One must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a fabric store, with WWII army gas masks and headphones!
Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects that these fabrics have on the human population. They are called, 'FABRIC STORE CLERKS'. It's also been experienced that these same Pheromones cause a pathological need to hide these fabric purchases when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash), and when asked by a significant other if the fabric is new, the reply is "oh, I've had that for awhile."
(Author and government agency responsible for this notice unknown)
Oh, what a dilemma. I guess I'll just have to think on this a little more. Maybe I'll hit a few garage sales just to see if I can pick up a cheap Hazmat suit. And if not, maybe I can find some good buys on fabric. LOL.
08 October 2006
Paisley Bauble Bag - progress
I managed to take it right down to the wire, but I got my bag panels embellished. They, I should say it, will be in the mail tomorrow. So, if by some quirk of fate it gets to Indiana in one day - I'm not late. (I hate to be late, when I've made a commitment.)Luckily, the wonderfully patient and understanding hostess that we have, Christy, has allowed us a little extra time if we need it. Thank you, Christy.
As you can see, I didn't embroider any paisley motifs onto these blocks. Why? Because I just couldn't get it to look right. That too will be something that I'll add to my 'learn to do' list. A list I'm purposely keeping pretty short. I'm taking on about 3-4 stitches at a time, learning them well enough to be comfortable, and then bringing another one on board. So far it's working for me. And with beads, lace, charms, ribbon; a few types of stitches can go a long way.
Absent the motifs, I did manage to get at least three paisley prints into each block. I also FINALLY remembered that I need just a little more room along the outer seams. I kept putting beads too close to the outside of my blocks. The I couldn't sew around them without removing the bead or some other thing. DUH! That, you would think is a no-brainer. Well, for me it wasn't at first. But I've got it now. All that's left now is to get it lined, add a draw string, and say good-bye. LOL.
I hope whoever receives this bag will be happy with it. In return, I'll be getting a bag of my own. I'm very excited to receive it because I've seen the work that the ladies participating in this swap have done. It's simply lovely. And as is usual, we've been posting pictures of progress and of finished bag(s) to blogs, group albums, and photo sites. I'm sure a lot of you have seen their bags and/or are familiar with their work.
The Paisley Craze, as I've heard it called, produced many beautiful hand stitched motifs. It also became quite a topic of conversation. The links below are but a few of the sites with eye candy, information, and instruction. You really should try to take a peek.
Janet: The Other Side of the Fence.
Linda: Chloe's Place.
Lillian: Crazy Seoul Sister.
Jo: Where Ever I Go....
Jo has been busy doing her own paisley motifs and paisley bauble bags for this swap. Her second bag is an origami pouch (as she call it) and she includes a tutorial on making a pouch. Her third bag equally as lovely and again with a hand-sewn motif. Can you believe she did three? WOW.
Jo also offers this "How To" , and provides this "History of Paisley" that she ran across at this flickr site: kenzilicious.
Ati: Ati on the Crazy Road is also in this swap and has worked her magic as well.
Sharon : In a Minute Ago has a number of paisley motif patterns that she has both drawn and stitched. She has also found and listed this site, 4to40.com which has many free motif patterns. You can find the paisleys between textiles X-XIV (10-14).
Wilma: Wilma Goes Crazy also shares pictures on her blog of her bauble bag.
A note in closing because I would like to mention that I know of many, many CQ'ers and embellishers who do just stunning work. They don't all have blogs, and some are without digital cameras or other means by which to post their work. Be that as it may, I want them to know that their talents, efforts, and accomplishments are appreciated too.
06 October 2006
I've Been Tagged...Twice!
Well, first of all I would like to say, "Thanks, a lot" to Lillian of Crazy Seoul Sister and Katie of Katie's New Place. Only joking.....I actually think this is going to be fun. So, let's get started.
For those of you who don't know how this works. And who knows who started this (I'm sure that person is still in hiding. LOL). Anyway, someone chooses to tag you. Then their job is done, and yours begins. Part 1 of your job is to tell the entire WORLD (or at least those who blog and/or read blogs, or who don't live in a cave), 5 weird things about yourself (or your pets - I saw that somewhere a while back). Part 2 of your job is to then tag 5 other of your unsuspecting friends, acquaintances, and bloggers (let's call them FAB's - I just love acronyms!).
What's the point, you ask? Well, I see it primarily as an opportunity to build friendships. Also, being introduced to, and being able to explore, so many other blogs, all of the eye candy, interesting stories, unique styles, and varied talents is just an awesome BONUS!!!
Since I have been tagged twice, I will bestow this honor on 10 of my unsuspecting FAB's (you really can never have enough people wanting to smack you at the same time. LOL). However, I will only list 5 weird things about myself. Mostly, because I just don't really believe that I have any. My DH, DS, and fur babies, however beg to differ. So here goes.......
WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME (according to those who just don't see things my way)
1. In my every day life, I am very organized and regimented. You know, Column "A" Column "B" with few gray areas. (Okay fine - Anal - are you happy now?) In my crafting life, I am very abstract and relaxed. The WEIRD thing (which it's not) is that I keep those lines very clearly drawn. (I like it that way, it's my thing, and I'm not changing it!)
2. I have two unusual (not weird) nervous habits (and I'm counting each one separately). I have pierced ears (3 holes, each ear), and I play with/toggle the backs of my post earrings. I've had to replace A LOT of backs and some of the posts over the years.
3. I have really long hair (I can nearly sit on it). I have a tendency to play with/braid/twirl my hair. I like to tie the whole thing in a knot instead of using a scrunchy. I like to take a small section and braid it, unbraid it, rebraid it (you get the picture). I also like to take a small section of it and just twirl it around and around on my finger. These 2 little habits are really so NOT Weird that I don't even realize I'm doing it.
4. It really bothers me when the light is left on after the dishwasher finishes running. I have to go over and open the door as soon as it's done. Okay, I'll give you that one (that is kind of weird). But my rational is that if the light burns out it's going to be a hassle to replace it.
5. I typically prefer maintaining contact with friends and family via cyberspace. I don't like to talk on the phone, and I rarely 'get together' in person with friends or family (my closest family member is nearly 1,800 miles away). I'm very happy spending my time with my DH, DS, and my fur babies. So it's not like I'm anti-social, well, not too much. I just don't mind being alone (I don't find it weird, just a personal preference).
Okay, wasn't that fun? I think I'm relatively unscathed, and ready to move on.....
I have chosen to tag:
1. Renea: Medema Hangout because I really do value her friendship, and because she makes me want to 'get together' in person.
2. May: Abyquilt because she does such lovely work, and because she also recently spent time in Copenhagen.
3. Rebecca: Rebecca's Quilts and Things because she makes such wonderful sane quilts.
4. Cat: Baumcat because she is a very talented altered art & mixed media artist. She's also a "Harley Ridin' Mama", and because I'm envious that she still lives near mountains.
5. Susan: Crazy Quilting For Fun because she knows how to enjoy life.
6. Julia: Camille's Place because not only does she have a beautiful blog, she also does beautiful work.
I also list Susan and Julia because Katie had to leave them 'untagged', and I felt this was the least I could do for Katie. LOL.
7. Lucy: Quilting With The Past because she does lovely hand quilting work.
8. Caitlin: Princess and the Pea because she has such a fun and interesting blog.
9. Wilma: Wilma Goes Crazy because she has such whimsy in her crazy quilting and embellishing.
And last but not least
10. Elizabet: Her Eyes Shown Like Emeralds... because she is so talented, in so many areas. And because she has a special zest for life that is lost to most of us.
Wow, now that wasn't sooooo bad. Thank you so much for taking the time to join me on this adventure.
For those of you who don't know how this works. And who knows who started this (I'm sure that person is still in hiding. LOL). Anyway, someone chooses to tag you. Then their job is done, and yours begins. Part 1 of your job is to tell the entire WORLD (or at least those who blog and/or read blogs, or who don't live in a cave), 5 weird things about yourself (or your pets - I saw that somewhere a while back). Part 2 of your job is to then tag 5 other of your unsuspecting friends, acquaintances, and bloggers (let's call them FAB's - I just love acronyms!).
What's the point, you ask? Well, I see it primarily as an opportunity to build friendships. Also, being introduced to, and being able to explore, so many other blogs, all of the eye candy, interesting stories, unique styles, and varied talents is just an awesome BONUS!!!
Since I have been tagged twice, I will bestow this honor on 10 of my unsuspecting FAB's (you really can never have enough people wanting to smack you at the same time. LOL). However, I will only list 5 weird things about myself. Mostly, because I just don't really believe that I have any. My DH, DS, and fur babies, however beg to differ. So here goes.......
WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME (according to those who just don't see things my way)
1. In my every day life, I am very organized and regimented. You know, Column "A" Column "B" with few gray areas. (Okay fine - Anal - are you happy now?) In my crafting life, I am very abstract and relaxed. The WEIRD thing (which it's not) is that I keep those lines very clearly drawn. (I like it that way, it's my thing, and I'm not changing it!)
2. I have two unusual (not weird) nervous habits (and I'm counting each one separately). I have pierced ears (3 holes, each ear), and I play with/toggle the backs of my post earrings. I've had to replace A LOT of backs and some of the posts over the years.
3. I have really long hair (I can nearly sit on it). I have a tendency to play with/braid/twirl my hair. I like to tie the whole thing in a knot instead of using a scrunchy. I like to take a small section and braid it, unbraid it, rebraid it (you get the picture). I also like to take a small section of it and just twirl it around and around on my finger. These 2 little habits are really so NOT Weird that I don't even realize I'm doing it.
4. It really bothers me when the light is left on after the dishwasher finishes running. I have to go over and open the door as soon as it's done. Okay, I'll give you that one (that is kind of weird). But my rational is that if the light burns out it's going to be a hassle to replace it.
5. I typically prefer maintaining contact with friends and family via cyberspace. I don't like to talk on the phone, and I rarely 'get together' in person with friends or family (my closest family member is nearly 1,800 miles away). I'm very happy spending my time with my DH, DS, and my fur babies. So it's not like I'm anti-social, well, not too much. I just don't mind being alone (I don't find it weird, just a personal preference).
Okay, wasn't that fun? I think I'm relatively unscathed, and ready to move on.....
I have chosen to tag:
1. Renea: Medema Hangout because I really do value her friendship, and because she makes me want to 'get together' in person.
2. May: Abyquilt because she does such lovely work, and because she also recently spent time in Copenhagen.
3. Rebecca: Rebecca's Quilts and Things because she makes such wonderful sane quilts.
4. Cat: Baumcat because she is a very talented altered art & mixed media artist. She's also a "Harley Ridin' Mama", and because I'm envious that she still lives near mountains.
5. Susan: Crazy Quilting For Fun because she knows how to enjoy life.
6. Julia: Camille's Place because not only does she have a beautiful blog, she also does beautiful work.
I also list Susan and Julia because Katie had to leave them 'untagged', and I felt this was the least I could do for Katie. LOL.
7. Lucy: Quilting With The Past because she does lovely hand quilting work.
8. Caitlin: Princess and the Pea because she has such a fun and interesting blog.
9. Wilma: Wilma Goes Crazy because she has such whimsy in her crazy quilting and embellishing.
And last but not least
10. Elizabet: Her Eyes Shown Like Emeralds... because she is so talented, in so many areas. And because she has a special zest for life that is lost to most of us.
Wow, now that wasn't sooooo bad. Thank you so much for taking the time to join me on this adventure.
04 October 2006
2007 Art Bra Calendars
CQE-Market Yahoo group, a commercial site for CQEmbelishers has announced that the The Way to Women's Wellness (WTWW) 2007 Art Bra Calendars are available for purchase.
The information below is a direct quote from that email:
"The 2007 "A Way to Women's Wellness" ArtBra Calendars have arrived! They are simply gorgeous. And the stories with each ArtBra add an extra touch.
Several members of this list are "Calendar Girls"!
Calendars can be ordered via the WTWW website at wtww.org with paypal or check payments or call the office to use credit cards at 215.249.9096.
100% of the net proceeds will be donated to the Laura Dreier Breast Center in Page, Arizona for breast cancer screenings and services for Navajo and Hopi women.
WTWW is an all-volunteer grass-roots foundation.
The calendars will make great gifts!
Thank you!
Vickie Brown
wtww.org"
You can view this year's Art Bras at:
2007 Exhibition of Art Bras
And previous year's Art Bras at:
2006 Exhibition of Art Bras and 2005 Exhibition of Art Bras
(Sorry, I couldn't resist the PINK)
The information below is a direct quote from that email:
"The 2007 "A Way to Women's Wellness" ArtBra Calendars have arrived! They are simply gorgeous. And the stories with each ArtBra add an extra touch.
Several members of this list are "Calendar Girls"!
Calendars can be ordered via the WTWW website at wtww.org with paypal or check payments or call the office to use credit cards at 215.249.9096.
100% of the net proceeds will be donated to the Laura Dreier Breast Center in Page, Arizona for breast cancer screenings and services for Navajo and Hopi women.
WTWW is an all-volunteer grass-roots foundation.
The calendars will make great gifts!
Thank you!
Vickie Brown
wtww.org"
You can view this year's Art Bras at:
2007 Exhibition of Art Bras
And previous year's Art Bras at:
2006 Exhibition of Art Bras and 2005 Exhibition of Art Bras
(Sorry, I couldn't resist the PINK)
I Can Take Pictures Again!!!
Boy, we sure do get spoiled don't we? I had my first digital camera (Fuji FinePix) for 6+ years and never really appreciated. That is not until it went on the blink. Suddenly, I wanted to photograph everything. Purely, psychological I'm sure. Well, instead of getting it fixed (and I'm still not getting rid of it just yet) we opted to buy a new one.
The new camera is a Canon PowerShot A710 IS. It's actually a pretty cool little camera. It was a tough decision. I was just about sold on a Kodak EasyShare. Alas, the Canon won out.
I've gotten as far as putting in batteries, loading the software to my computer, took a few pictures, and downloaded them. SEE...... (my Paisley Bauble Bag in process)
I'm putting off reading the instructions just because it's a hassle. And to be perfectly honest, I never did read the instruction manual for the Fuji. And that's sad since I never really got to enjoy the full benefits from it. So, with this one I'm going to have to
bite the bullet and do it. SHUCKS!
I do like the way it takes close ups. I always had trouble with that before. I still have lighting issues to work out. Well, I guess, DUH...the manual will address those issues.
Well, I guess I better get off the computer. As you can see, I have a lot of work yet to do on my bag. It's due on the 10th.
The new camera is a Canon PowerShot A710 IS. It's actually a pretty cool little camera. It was a tough decision. I was just about sold on a Kodak EasyShare. Alas, the Canon won out.
I've gotten as far as putting in batteries, loading the software to my computer, took a few pictures, and downloaded them. SEE...... (my Paisley Bauble Bag in process)
I'm putting off reading the instructions just because it's a hassle. And to be perfectly honest, I never did read the instruction manual for the Fuji. And that's sad since I never really got to enjoy the full benefits from it. So, with this one I'm going to have to
bite the bullet and do it. SHUCKS!I do like the way it takes close ups. I always had trouble with that before. I still have lighting issues to work out. Well, I guess, DUH...the manual will address those issues.
Well, I guess I better get off the computer. As you can see, I have a lot of work yet to do on my bag. It's due on the 10th.
03 October 2006
Another Use for Perle/Pearl Cotton Thread
Easter BasketsI recently learned that the string (as I call it) that I use to make these baskets can also be used for embroidery. Those who use it know it as Anchor Perle or Pearl Cotton.
This little tidbit bit of information is pretty exciting considering that I have a huge box of this stuff and I just don't make that many baskets anymore.
It's also very cool to keep finding out that so much of the 'stuff' I really had little or no particular use for is so great for crazy quilting and embellishing.
Oh, it's the simple things that make the biggest impact. LOL.
To make this basket:
First, you will also need an area where you can tie a piece of twine onto the top of the balloon and hang it (just off of the floor). Choose somewhere without a lot of traffic. You will also need some plastic (bags, sheets, etc.) to place underneath it. And finally, if you are doing this in an area that the sugar will attract ants or bugs. You'll need some ant/bug spray.
Ok, let's begin... Start by blowing up a balloon. A regular/standard size is best. You can use smaller sizes as well as larger sizes, depending on what size you want and also how much wrapping you are up for.
With the 'string' begin wrapping the balloon. You will need to wrap it heavily enough that it will remain fairly firm after you pop the balloon later on. The balloon will need to be nearly solidly covered. Some gaps, spider-webby or stained-glass looking. It might be a little difficult to get it started but it gets easy after just a few strands are on.
Next step. In a double boiler (or similar pot) heat granulated sugar up to near boiling. I would guess-timate about 1 ½ to 2 cups of sugar per basket (I never measure anything). Let it cool enough not to pop the balloon but not so much that it solidifies again. When it's cool enough to work with (and this is the fun part), take your sugar, your wrapped balloon, a metal or glass pan (large enough to lay the balloon down into), and a wet cloth over to where you will hang the balloon.
Tie a knot with twine to the top/tied part of the balloon. Set the balloon in the pan and begin covering the balloon with the sugar mixture. BE VERY CAREFUL that you don't cause the 'string' to shift or bunch up. When the balloon is completely covered, and don't be afraid to use your hands as a scoop to get full coverage (just pretend you're finger painting), lift the balloon by the twine and tie it onto (or secure it otherwise) to where it will hang. I use a portable clothes hanger from my washroom or sometimes the poles from my quilting frame.
You will need to allow it to dry for 2-3 days depending on where you hang it, the temperature, and the humidity. Don't forget to place a drip catcher underneath it for the excess sugar. And especially don't forget to spray around the area with ant/bug spray if necessary. BUT DON'T spray the balloon.
When the basket is dry it is now a basket. Cut the twine and remove the basket. You will notice that the basket is oval and will not stand on its own. So, set it on a flat surface, preferably about waist high. And somewhere that you don't mind getting sugar flakes on. You can also place a paper towel underneath it to help catch the sugar.
Now, pop the balloon with a needle. Some of it will stick to the sides of the balloon. That's okay, you can peel it away later. With the balloon popped you can flatten the bottom of the basket. To do this press slowly down on the basket, keeping you hands around the basket (just above the middle). Be gentle because if you press too hard the basket will collapse. Remember, it's sugar soaked 'string'!
When you get the bottom to your desired flatness you can cut a hole/opening to the size you desire. Decorate the outside with lace, silk flowers, or whatever. It's okay to use a glue gun to attach items. Put some Easter grass in it, along with some candies and a small stuffed animal and you have a terrific gift that will become a treasured keepsake.
ALSO remember that these are relatively dainty items, meant for show or for gifts. THEY ARE NOT MEANT FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY WITH OR EAT!!!!!
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