20 February 2008

Ramblings and Such

I would like to start today by letting you know that Susan has got an Etsy shop up an running. She has some very lovely laces and threads to offer. These are the items that I received in my first order. Aren't they scrumptious?



I've also managed to get my Food Fight block done for Janet is hostessing over at CQN. In this swap we are supposed to make a block representing a recipe and include that recipe with it. I chose to theme my block for Chicken Tortilla Soup. If you click on the photos, they will enlarge.







My recipe card was made using a Print Master program. I just love the graphics and projects that it contains. Of course, mine is version 11 and verion 22 is out now, so I'm just a little behind the times. But I still have fun putting this together and seeing how "Chicken" he really is about being made into soup? LOL. Must be my sadist side coming out.



My little chicken was another Press n' Seal project. I'm starting to really like that stuff. LOL. Well, with this project done, they will be in the mail and on their way to Janet tomorrow.



The next project I'm working on is for the STS-Spring block swap. This is my partner Mary's spring block. She's done such nice job with coordinating the fabrics and stitching the center portion of the block. I'm excited about getting to work 'filling in the blanks' for her.



This photo I threw in because somebody asked me about my studio. Make no mistake, this is not what it normally looks like. This is the version you get when you've got your house up for sale.



These next two items are just for fun. This is a little pin cushion that I made for Charlene earlier this month. I picked up the beaded shoe at Hobby Lobby one day while shopping with Sharon. It was originally meant to be used for a wedding decoration or something. Anyway, it had a stake attached to it, so it was meant to be poked into something. I took off the stake, rolled some felt around some pillow filling, dabbed a little fabric glue in the shoe and stuffed it in there. Too easy, huh??? Okay, so much for Crafting 101.



This next little item was sent to me by Carole. I've found it to be a very good prescription to have around. Although, it really didn't last very long. I guess I'm ready for a refill. LOL.



Well, I guess that's it for now. I need to go get some STS-Spring blocks logged in and photos taken. Thanks for stopping by!

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!



14 February 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

Just a quick post to wish you all a lovely day!



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!



10 February 2008

Sunday Run Down

First of all, thank you to Mindy for this darling, handmade Valentine's Day card. Look, it has my name on it :-)



Yesterday, I got a surprise visit from my dear friend, Sharon. She and her DH were running errands and stopped by to say HELLO. It was wonderful to see her again. My DH and hers hit it off nicely. They hung out on the patio, playing ball with Fritz and visiting while Sharon and I sat in the house and gabbed.

We spent some time looking through some of the blocks that I've received for the STS-Spring block share and other goodies that I've been collecting from swaps for projects to someday finish.

This is Sharon's block and also a cute little felt needle case that she brought as a gift. Wasn't that sweet? I keep saying that I need to put a 'travel kit' together. One that I don't dismantle everytime I come home. I think this little needle case will fit in perfectly. Thank you again, Sharon.





These fun little guys are new to my collection of studio stuff. LOL. They are right at home and settled in nicely. I wish I could remember whose blog I saw them on. As soon as I saw them, I just had to have them. They are a lot bigger than I thought they would be, about 4 1/2" tall and 3" or so wide.






While I was shopping for my shelf sitters, I noticed a clearance on these adorable little funky chairs. So, I bought them too. You can never have enough seating! LOL.





Friday I got a totally new experience. I participated in a Webinar with Blurb, the make your own book place. This is the same place that Pat published her book.

Anyway, it was incredibly helpful in understanding what is involved in putting a book together, tips on using their tools, and even marketing your book. If you're thinking about putting a book of your own together, I highly recommend that you take the Webinar from them. It's free, takes about an hour, and is soooo worth it.

I'm giving some serious thought to putting my own coffee table book together from our vacation to Denmark in June, 2006. And after that who knows. LOL.

Finally, I keep forgetting to post this photo from our trip to Longmont. This huge stone buffalo sits just outside the complex where DH will be working. It's really quite cool to see in person. And the mountains behind it are awesome.



Well, I better scoot. I've got a pot of chicken tortilla soup on the stove, a block to piece, photos to post, and whatever else comes up.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!



07 February 2008

What Others Are Doing

I thought I would take some time today to post some of the links that I have 'book marked' to my Blogroll. These are projects, tips, etc., from other blogs that I read regularly. I bookmark them hoping to go back at some point and try them out or use them for reference. Sadly, my bookmarks have gotten out of control and I fear I might never in my lifetime be able to get to them.

(ALSO, BECAUSE CHECKING ALL OF THESE LINKS WOULD BE A NIGHTMARE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND ONE THAT'S NOT WORKING - THANKS)

Anyway, maybe some of you will enjoy seeing them as much as I have, and might even find time in your schedule to try them out.

May has made the most darling Etui. She claims that it's a fast and easy project.

Allie always has something fun and interesting going on. For those of you who haven't seen it, she has a wonderful tutorial on finishing a crazy quilt. Adding a border, sashing, and assembly.

Annie shares with us a tutorial on a cute little thumb pincushion. She also shares a tutorial for constructing a heart.

Judi always has an answer and/or suggestion for crafters. I find this site very helpful.

Ati has added photos of a couple of hussifs, here and here. Ati also has the most amazing collection of ATC's. The best place to see them all is at her flickr site.

Annie's Blog U site is a great resource for finding widget, cheats, etc., to spruce up and/or alter the look of your blog. She does a wonderful job of explaining the process and showing you examples.

Catherine has shared with us some lovely little travel cases, which she made and gave for Christmas presents.

Julia has dome a series of posts on making some beautiful book covers and also a fun and elegant lamp shade tutorial.

Linda offers a "Faces" tutorial. She used her faces when making dolls for the Comfort Doll Project organized by Pat.

And speaking of Pat, she has recently created and published her own book which she has named My Crazy Quilting Journey.

Susan at Crazy Quilting For Fun and Desertsky Quilting has opened an Etsy shop. I placed my first order the other day.

I might have mentioned this post before but even so, it's worth a second mention. Debra has a wonderful tutorial on piecing blocks. It's a very helpful, step-by-step process for both beginners and experienced quilters.

Kate provides a wide variety of information on her blog. I like to pop in and see the eye candy she offers. Her stitches are so fun and creative. And you just never know what she'll be working on next.

Monica has posted some plushies that are just adorable. They remind me of Gremlins. You know, the movie (my goodness, now I date myself. LOL) Anyway, they are too cute! She's also organizing the Pink Artist art squares project to benefit Breast Cancer research.

Jody has links to a tutorial for making napkins. She also posts about life in the country, recipes, etc. Plan on spending some time there, it will be well worth your time.

It's difficult to imagine that anyone wouldn't know who Sharon B is, but it could happen. LOL. Sharon B's blog is a "must read" for anyone wanting to stay informed. I don't know how she manages to gather so much information, helpful hints, tips, etc. She truly is an asset to the 'Internet Community'. This one you will have to see for yourselves. There are just too many interesting areas to begin to list here.

Jean is an amazingly talented artist. I always look forward to seeing a post from her. This post for gift boxes caught my attention some time back. But to truly appreciate her work and the extent of her talents, you must visit her site.

I have a number of posts and photos from Judith relating to SRE (Silk Ribbon Embroidery). Elegant and beautiful doesn't begin to describe it. It definitely has 'drool factor'! And of course, her crazy quilting projects are a must see.

In her January 3, 2008 post, Karen shares some of her UFO's that she intends to finish this year. These projects are exactly what we hope to see when we are directed to eye candy!

DD doesn't post as often as I would like to read her, but she does simply lovely work. These are the quality of stitches that I hope for in my own work.

Mary posted about these adorable eye glass pins. I'm seriously considering one (or more) of these. My glasses are almost always missing. Actually being able to have them handy....what a concept. LOL.

Courtney has got to be one of the most motivated people I know. She makes jewelry (which is gorgeous), crazy quilts, sews, quilts, contributes time to family, charities, and friends. I don't know how she does it all but she does it WELL!

Anita's blog is also a favorite of mine. It just has a very soothing, calming look and feel to it. Everything she makes is so pretty, and elegant. She shares some little bags here and little birds here.

Jo's blog is another favorite of mine. She was a great inspiration when I first started crazy quilting. I wanted so much to be able to stitch like her 'when I grew up'. LOL. Here is a collection of postcards that she's made. And if you love to work with black, her work on these black blocks is not to be missed!

Sadly, I don't get to play with dolls as much as I would like to. However, I do try to keep up on what's going on. Stephanie does some absolutely beautiful work. Here she shares some dolls from a recent class she took. She also crazy quilts and shares some wonderful examples with her readers.

Pam is always up to something. I swear the woman can't possibly ever sleep. LOL. And now she has just released an e-book. Her work is stunning to view, but more than that, she is very generous with free patterns, tips, and donating to charities of all sorts.

If you're looking for a blog to read that has a bit of just everything fun and unique, Pat has it. Check out what can be done with balloons, cupcakes, and pies. And my goodness, this woman gets around. It seems she's always on vacation somewhere.

Barbara has posted a tutorial for a darling little bag sewing bag. She also has varied interest and does beautiful work.

Frederique's geisha project is still my favorite. She made these panels while on her sailboat. It's amazing what she is able to do with so little space to work in. She provides space on her sidebar for numerous tutorials, forums, and other topics of interest. I also subscribe to her newsletter.

I have come to regard Sue as the journal queen. Her work is not only functional and practical, it is gorgeous. Although, journals are by no means her only talent. Judging from the categories on her sidebar, I'm not sure there is anything she doesn't do!

Marty shares a tutorial for her luna moth. She's making a Midsummer's Night quilt where she will feature the finished product. When you visit her, be sure to notice her lovely backgroud/wallpaper for her blog. It speaks to her talent in embroidery.

Terry shares with us a post on her Princess and the Pea project. This piece is just too cute. I love it! You'll also find some lovely journal covers that she has made as well as her current projects.

If you have a Blogroll and aren't subsribed to Whipup you are missing out. This site is the most fun and eclectic internet spot that I'm aware of. You'll most certainly find something that fascinates you there.

And wrapping up today's stoll is Wilma's blog. She has posted 3 little embroidered landscape pieces that are truly a delight. The detail in these French landscapes is amazing. Then when you notice the straight pin next to them, and truly grasp the size, you will be floored! Wonderful work, Wilma!!!!

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to check my Blogroll for anything else fun and interesting.

So, Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!



04 February 2008

ATC Swap

These are the ATC's that I made for the swap Mary is hostessing over at CQN. This was my first time making ATC's. I'm not convinced that I like working on something so small. However, I've been told that once I get used to them I will love them. That remains to be seen. LOL.



For those of you who might not be familiar with these, they are Artist Trading Cards, which are 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" finished. They are typically traded by and between artists. But you can also find them for sale on some sites. So, if you don't want to make them yourself but would like to collect them, you can.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!



03 February 2008

STS - Spring

The blocks are starting to arrive. And as with the Fall and Winter blocks, they are beautiful! This time around we have 34 participants. It's been a great experience hostessing a 'swap' that has generated so much interest over and over again. Some have seen it through since the beginning, some have passed on a season, and there have been new-comers.

Just to recap, this project is a block share. You make a block, embellish/stitch half of it, then you have a partner who works the other half. In the end you get your own block back.

Here is the list of participants as they are partnered. If you get a chance, I encourage you to pop in to their sites and look at the lovely work they are doing.

Ati partners with Kate
Carol B partners with Robin
Carol L partners with Sharon G
Carole partners with Lori
Christy partners with Rebecca
Connie partners with Faith
Courtney partners with Susie
Cynthia partners with JK
Debbie partners with Norma
Dianna partners with Laura
Gerry partners with Mary
Helina partners with Sharon R
Janet partners with Sue
Judyth partners with Malla
Katrien partners with Lesa
Lauri partners with Patricia
Judy partners with Sherry

(If you have a site that I have not linked to, please let me know and I will add it)

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!




02 February 2008

Fairy Tale RR - Siw

I think this is the last block I was supposed to work for the Round Robin. Siw's block theme is Peter Pan and there are some really fun stitch work and embellishments added to it.

This is the work that I did.



And this is the entire block so far.



This lovely block has been packaged up and mailed on to Lauri so that she can work her magic on it!

Hopefully, Siw will have her block back home, safe and sound.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!