Winnie the Pooh Mini Album

My New Favorite Thing ~ Mini Albums

This was my first attempt at making a mini album and I am so very happy with the way it turned out. The baby album was a commissioned work and made for a friend and co-worker of my DH. You wouldn't guess by looking at it now but this entire project began as a pile of chipboard, cardstock, scrapbooking papers, charms, ribbon and an assortment of scrapbooking adhesives.

This mini album is based on an number of free page tutorials found on YouTube, and Kathy Orta's Build A Page Tutorial with some of my own 'experimental' additions. I chose Winnie The Pooh as the theme because I really like it, which is probably why I had the burp cloth fabric and a number of Pooh embellishments.

First I made the pages and covered them with a secondary layer of paper. Then I made the photo mats and journaling tags, using a cardstock base and papers on top. And even though the closure was an afterthought of sorts, in the end it worked out just fine.

The book itself is 7" tall by 5" wide and is made from chipboard. The pages 1/4" smaller than the covers and are secured with a hidden hinge binding system, which is attached to 2 1/2" wide spine. The photo mats are 1/4" smaller than the pockets, and the tags are very random depending on where they're placed.

The book has six 'base pages', which have all of the many, many flip up and flip out pages, as well as the extensions and other additions. I wouldn't be surprised if this little album held 60-70 (or more) photos, with journaling spots/tags on top of that. I have prepared some album blanks to complete and sell on my Etsy shop. A replica of this ablum would sale for around $120.



I added the colored ribbons before I attached the pages. And held the ribbons together with a luggage zipper pull tab that I had laying around. Luckily, it had a "B" on it, which was perfect for the new baby boy's name. Using a piece of necklace chain from my stash and some jump rings, I attached an assortment of charms to the zipper pull.

Some of the charms I had in my stash, as well as the story book charms. The remaining charms I bought from Christine at The Charm Emporium on Etsy.



The decorative papers are an assortment of several different paper collections with similar colors and geometric designs. I also used a number of different paper punches for decorative edges. The Pooh Characters are from a chipboard package of scrapbooking embellishments that I bought at Michael's. The silver metal letters came from Hobby Lobby and are self adhesive. The remaining embellishments are from various scrapbooking embellishment sets that I had in my stash.

At this point I should say that with all of the options for these pages, it's nearly impossible to photograph them in a logical order. I also didn't include photos of all of the pages, so don't feel like you're missing something. And don't forget that you can click on the photo for a larger view.

Okay, let's begin with the description...Each page has a top pocket with a photo mat, a smaller front pocket and a side pocket with a photo mat booklet (see the "Baby Boy/Eeyore" page).



Pooh's balloons are made with cardstock and a round punch, with yarn as the strings. In the next photo we have a waterfall photo add on. Each one of the photo mats lifts up and provides a spot for photos on each side. The right hand page has a corner frame added to hold a pull out photo booklet, with a flip out page attached (below).



This first photo shows the waterfall pages, some of the top pocket photo mats, and two of the photo mat books removed. The next photo is the flip out page I mentioned. This page also has a top and side pocket in addition to the two pockets shown.



The split pocket with the baby bottle, bib and rattle is also a flip out page attachment and they each hold a smaller photo mat. I added a brad and some yard between them to act as a closure for the adjacent page (with the circle cut outs and oval tags/mats) because I didn't have any magnets for closures.



And without a closure, the little whales kept getting covered up. I think they're darling!



I used this closure technique a few other times throughout the book. The flip up page with Pooh and the prayer are another flip out page, as is the one with Rabbit balancing the tea party items. Isn't he just the cutest thing?



Here is that page opened up and the right hand page with the photo mat flap lifted up. The next photo shows what's on the back side of the Rabbit. I used paper punches to make waves and added a couple of sail boats. On the other page we have a photo mat book hidden away in the photo mat flip up.



Not only do I love these little albums because they are so interactive with all of the flip out and/or flip up pages and hidden compartments, they are just FUN! I'm working on one for myself so that I can finally get my photos off of my computer and into a place where I can actually enjoy them.


Well, thanks for stopping by. I'll be back later with a post and photos of an easel card and book box that I made and gave to another dear friend.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Our New Furbabies - FINALLY!

Yes, we have two new furbabies at our house. They are Chauncy and Tulo, and they are litter mates who just turned 4 years old on February 18th. We adopted them on January 30th through Vintage Dog Rescue and have been just tickled with them!



Not only do they look completely different, they have completely different personalities. Tulo is a bit of a barker and Chauncy is a little more of a free spirit. We've been working on leash training and basic training. That too is coming along nicely - they are very treat motivate.



I don't have a more current photo but they recently had their first grooming with us. They are just too cute and now they really do look like Schnauzers!

Other than that, we've just been enjoying time around the house. We're looking forward to being able to get outside a bit more, and if Spring ever truly arrives, maybe a mini vacation will be in order.

I've discovered paper crafting and have been spending a lot of time in the studio creating. As for crazy quilting....well, I haven't picked up a needle or even considered working on a project for months now. Maybe it was just time for a break.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by and I'll be back again - sometime! LOL.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Saying Good-bye

For all the hopes that we had for the New Year, having to say goodbye to our dear, sweet Fritter-boo was not one of them. But alas, that's what we had to do early afternoon on Saturday, January 4th. Sadly, just 6 days before his 14th birthday.



If you've been following my blog, or have happened to read any of the many posts that Fritz was included in you know how much we loved him. And can easily imagine how heart-broken we are. I have had a mini schnauzer in my heart and by my side for over 30 years. Although, until Fritz, we didn't get to experience the full benefit or the consequences of the breed. Unfortunately, while miniature schnauzers are incredibly wonderful pets, great with kids, fierce defenders, and full of energy, they are also prone to an abundance of health related issues.



Fritz was just the sweetest, most lovable, most devoted companion we have ever had. And of course, like all schnauzers, he was very vocal! That's what made him so 'human' in his ability to communicate and express what he wanted. We were told many times that he a was people dog - not a doggy dog, meaning he truly preferred people to other dogs. He almost always traveled with us on vacations, local outings, etc. He loved to ride in the car, and he loved hotel rooms! He was fabulous with kids. He loved walks, the park and mostly, he loved to chase his tennis ball.




Fritz remained a real trooper, patient and cooperative through all of the trying times he was forced to experience. Through all of the surgeries, include the removal of an abdominal mass in May, 2013 and then his cataract surgery in July, 2013. And although he returned home a blind doggy, and required several eye drops, several times a day, he did regain most of his sight by late September, and was only mildly disgruntle about the eye drops.

When he was diagnosed with diabetes in February, 2013 DH and I were so frightened but again, true to form, he tolerated his twice a day insulin injections like a big boy. He quickly adjusted to the change in diet and feeding schedule. Over the past year, with each poking and prodding, ultrasound, seemingly endless blood panels, and treatments, he always bounced back and retained his sweet disposition.

He began having seizures in October, 2012 and while they were infrequent and mostly mild over the next year, they did take their toll on his nervous system. As the seizures became more frequent and more severe, Fritz was not as able to bounce back, and slowly we had to stand by and watch his health further decline.

Then about 3 weeks before Christmas, 2013 he had a major seizure that left him forever changed. His disposition began to change. He became more aggressive, although not mean, just not very tolerant at being touched. Which was difficult because he had already lost so much muscle mass that his hind legs were really weak and he had to be carried much of the time. And with each seizure it became even more difficult for him to get around. He was just beginning to get around a little better on his own again when the next seizure happened on New Year's day. Between New Year's day and the final seizure on the 4th, he could barely walk on his own and had to be carried up and down the stairs. He struggled to stand long enough to go pee or to poop. He didn't want to eat, and he began drinking so much water.

It was during the final seizure that afternoon that DH and I both looked at the clock, then at each other - was the vet's office still open? Was it finally time? Well, the vet was in later than normal and agreed to wait.

My poor sweet, little boy was nearly lifeless when I picked him up and we drove him to the vet's office. We held him, kissed him, told him how sorry we were that we couldn't make it better, and we put him down.

We wonder now if we should have had an MRI done to check for a brain tumor. Although, I'm not sure what we could have done about it. And I'm not sure what we would have done other than try to make him as comfortable as possible, love him completely, and wish things could have been different.

For now we just have to assume that based on the symptoms and the science that that is what finally happened, and had probably been happening since the seizures began. We painfully accept that we did everything we could to give him a good life, a good home, and that some things are just out of one's control.



We miss him so much and we feel so lost. The house seems so empty and quiet. We pick up his ashes next week and we learn to live without him.


Gerry

Little Crazy Quilt Elephant

This is the finished project from this photo before the retreat and Lauri ended up taking her home. She was also featured in the Autumn issue of Crazy Quilt Gatherings magazine, published by Pat Winter.







All of the fabrics are quilter's quality cottons. And each seam is double stitched to minimize popping seams during/after stuffing. I added most of the seam treatments and beads prior to sewing her together. Then added additional seam treatments and beads afterward to help cover those seams.

You will notice in the bottom photos that I have a string tied around her legs. That's because she kept trying to do the splits. In the end, I removed the strings and used a transparent thread on the inside of the front and hind legs to invisibly 'tether' them together so that she would remain standing upright.

Surprisingly, from start to finish this was about a 5 day project. She stands 8" tall (including her ears) and 12" long (excluding her tail).

******EDITED******
The pattern that I used to make this cute little elephant is from Yesterday's Charm, and is called Ellie and Elwood Elephants:



Well, I better get back to editing retreat photos so that I can get those posted. Hope to be back shortly!



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

I've Been Published!

I always wanted to say that. LOL. But it's not what you probably think. I haven't written a book, or created anything that someone has come to me asking for. I submitted an article to Pat Winter for the Autumn issue of Crazy Quilt Gatherings magazine, and Pat has graciously chosen to included it. Still for me, it's a pretty awesome event!

If you don't already have your copy, you can find it here. Since I order every copy as soon as it's available, I set up an automatic notification through Magcloud. Nothing easier than having someone else keep track of things for you!

Anyway, you will find my article on page 30. I have chosen to include a few of my favorite projects but for now those will remain a secret. No sense in telling you what's in the magazine, that will only spoil the surprise when you buy it. I will tell you that since I'm not a Shabby Chic kind of person, I wanted to put it out there that you don't have to be. That you can still create beautiful things with bright, bold colors, using cotton fabrics as well as silky, fancy fabrics.

I was also very delighted to find that Lauri and Freda also had an article published in this issue. They both do just lovely work. Freda attended one of our CQI Retreats in 2010, and it was a pleasure to meet her. Lauri has attended since the beginning in 2008. And although Lauri did miss the 2012 retreat in Utah, she'll be joining us again this year. And 5 out of 6 years is still a great attendance record. Gerry K also gets a kudos for 5 out of 6 years attending - sadly, she won't be joining us this year.

I also believe that this is 5 years in a row for Diane, and 4 for Colleen. (Somebody correct me if I'm wrong!) And to the 'die hard' retreat goers for 6 out of 6 years attending - a shout goes out to Cathy, Connie, and me (blushing). We've been very fortunate to have so many wonderful ladies join us in years past, and we hope to have them join us again at future retreats. You will be missed!

Okay, since I'm speaking of the retreat, let me just say, "HOLY COW!" We are less than a month away from 'opening day' and there is still so much to take care of. I guess I should be happy that my TO DO list has gone from about a dozen typewritten pages all the way down to four. When I get it down to one, I will be doing my happy dance and greeting retreaters!

I think the only part of retreat planning that I'm not really going to enjoy is the grocery shopping. My weekly shopping takes about an hour and for just two of us really doesn't amount to much. The thoughts of shopping and cooking for 23+ people has me just a little frightened. LOL. I only have one fridge with bottom freezer so I will be making a few quickly trips to the store during the retreat. NO WAY can I fit everything we're going to need in the space I have. I'm also just a bit concerned that my offer to cook for everyone might have been a bit ambitious. LOL.

If you would like to see who is coming and/or catch up on other retreat post, you can find information here and here. Well, it's time for me to jump off the computer, make some phone calls, and try to check a few more of those items off that LIST! Thanks so much for stopping by to visit. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend.


Oh, I almost forgot....Fritz is doing well. He is not going to regain his sight but he's still my little darling and we're all working through it. Thanks so much for your kind words, emails, comments, and well wishes. Each and everyone is very much appreciated.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

2013 Retreat Prep, Checking In and Catching Up

My goodness, things have been so busy and hectic around here for the last couple of months I scarcely know where to start!

Let's start with Fritz -



He recovered nicely from his abdominal surgery on May 7th, mostly because we got his diabetes under control very quickly. The mass was benign - YAY! Sadly, he did develop the diabetes caused cataracts that we hoped to avoid. And they came on so quickly. Virtually over night! We met with the opthamologist and scheduled his surgery immediately but even then, he was nearly blind by the day of surgery. The vet was able to remove both cataracts and replace the lens in the right eye but the lens in his left eye fractured and couldn't be replaced. Under normal circumstances, Fritz would have had really good vision in the left eye, even without the lens. Sadly, due to inflammation and excessive lipids, a week after his surgery he is still blind.

The plan is to get rid of the inflammation so the eye closes, restricting access to the lipids, and vision returns. Unfortunately, and despite all of the medications, eye drops and efforts to reduce the inflammation, it's just not happening! And the truly scary part of this is that if we don't get the tissue around the eye to keep out the lipids, not only will he be permanently blind, he will lose the eyes themselves. I guess you can imagine the mood around our house just now - we are hoping for the best - but preparing for the worst.



And while this certainly would not be the best scenario, blind dogs can have happy, nearly normal lives. It's just going to be a lot of work and a lot of hours "mapping" out the house, much like you would for a blind toddler. And even after he becomes more familiar with his surroundings, can find his food and water, and is at less risk of hurting himself, we will still be stepping over and around gates near the stairs and keeping a very close eye on him. In the end life for all of us should be much less stressful. So....


***AMENDED*** Fritz got his eye sight back shortly after the retreat. So very thankful and beyond happy!

Now, onto retreat business -

I've been working, nearly daily with Cathy to get the retreat organized. Planning has been really, really fun but I have seriously under estimated the number of balls I would have in the air at one time, and also just how many loose ends there would be.

So, just who will be joining us this year?

Barbara W, Beth P, Bev F, Carol K, Cathy K (Etsy), Colleen A, Connie K (Etsy), Diane M (Etsy), Donna D, Elizabeth R, Gayle S (flickr), Hideko I (flickr), Ingrid G, Josie T, Lauri B, Lorraine S (Etsy), Maggie H, Maureen G (Portfolio), Shari J, Sharyn N, Susan B, Wilma W, and of course Me (Etsy, flickr).

We're really trying to think outside the box and mix things up a bit now that we're in our 6th year. We will have a slightly more 'structured' schedule, which only means that we are being more realistic about what time we actually have available to us. That scheduling enabled us to add several popular classes and still maintain the free time for stitching and visiting that everyone looks forward to. And with 23 of us in attendance this year, time management is going to be an important factor in pulling this off. I know I haven't been the only person a bit disappointed at past retreats because some of my 'want to dos' just didn't happen.

Some of the other changes we've made this year is scheduling in a little more 'fun time' with a variety of games, prizes and giveaways! We've also had a wonderful response from attendees and outside vendors offering to donate a little something for our Swag Bags. I don't want to spoil the surprise by posting what those items are but I will say, everyone will be very pleased!

Another bonus, in my opinion, is the change in sleeping arrangements. This year most attendees will be staying at a nice, local hotel, where we were given very reasonable room rates for our retreat dates. Being able to start your day with a hot shower and a satisfying and unrushed breakfast will go a long way to getting everyone ready for the day's activities. And there is a lot to be said for having a place to drop your stuff at the end of the day, to have a little privacy, and a chance to unwind before climbing into your own bed at night.

I am also very happy to welcome three International attendees to stay at our home this year. Hideko from Japan, and Diane and Lorraine, both from Canada will be staying with us. We had the pleasure of Hideko's company when she came for the 2010 retreat. Diane regularly attends the retreats and I am very much looking forward to seeing her again, and having her stay with us. I will be meeting Lorraine for the first time, and I'm really looking forward to it. All three of them are arriving 2 days prior to the retreat which will not only give them a chance to settle in but will give the four of us a chance to spend some time together before the 'fun' begins!

So far our biggest 'obstacle' has been making sure we have enough extra chairs and seating areas for everyone (LOL). Luckily, we're covered! The Formals (dining and living rooms) will be our 'retreat area' where all of our retreat related activities will take place. By adding a couple of table leaves to the dining table and few extra chairs, we can seat 7 comfortably. The living room has 2 love seats that will comfortably seat 4 more. Then finally, with both of my folding, 6 foot banquet tables and another 12 chairs, we have the remaining 12 ladies comfortably settled in! DH is going to help me with side tables (as needed for Ott lights, etc.) and run all of the power cords around the area so that we have plenty of electrical connections without having tripping hazards. Wish us luck with that one (LOL)!

The kitchen, which is just off of the 'Formals' will of course, be for cooking and serving. Between the kitchen table, the patio furniture, and the retreat area there shouldn't be a problem finding a place to sit and eat. Just off of the kitchen is the family room, which has been dubbed a NO RETREAT ZONE where DH (and our house guests) can hang out with coffee and read the newspaper in the morning, and watch TV and relax in the evening. With the whirlwind of activities and busyness of the retreat during the day, having a place to take a break and relax a bit at the beginning and end of each day is a must!

We're going to have the Vendor Boutique set up downstairs. I know I need to fit 8 vendors in there but I haven't quite worked out the logistics on that one yet. I would like to maintain some usable entertainment space down there during the retreat, just in case. Maybe even for Saturday night after the hubbies join us for our farewell dinner. It might be nice to have access to the sitting area and TV, or to shoot a game of pool and/or have a drink, etc. So...still thinking on that one!

Because we don't know just what's going to be happening with Fritz's vision, for now DH is planning on taking Fritz to work with him. Not only am I worried about his stress level and the effects on his diabetes, I'm concerned about having him underfoot and getting stepped on. Plus there is the question of barking. Will it be better or worse than normal??? My guess is worse! So...working on that too.

And finally, let me address that burning question that has to be in the back of your mind: WHAT ABOUT POTTY BREAKS FOR 23 WOMEN? Well, we have that covered, too. And for the first time ever (I think) I am really glad to have 5 bathrooms. The three upstairs will be for private use and the other 2 (main floor and basement) will be for retreat use. Pretty sure we won't have to take numbers or endure long lines at Intermission (LOL).

Well, that's it for now on what I can post about retreat stuff. And I'm off to work on some of the many lists and posts that we need to provide to retreaters so that they can better plan for their trip and the upcoming activities.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to talk to you again soon.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry