.

November Collage Challenge from Green Paper

2011-11-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

Mary Green of Green Paper, hosts a collage challenge each month, and I have started doing them. because they are fun. Check her blog out for free vintage images and some great classes you can take from her. Right now I am participating in her Christmas Glue Book class, complete with vintage images you can download. They will make cute Christmas cards for the special people in you life.

This is what I did for the November challenge. There were three images: The Eiffel tower, a lady. and a calling card. I just couldn't seem to find a way to use the lady image so I cut up her dress and used some of those pieces in my work. I made a 5 x 7 inch card to put in my book from the Gluebook Swap.

October Challlenge from Green Paper

2011-10-07T16:51:00.000-04:00

Mary at Green Paper made a difficult challenge this month. The 3 images were varied in scale and design. To see the 3 images go to Mary's blog to check them out. This is what I did:

I made it 5x7 so that I can add it to my glue book when I receive it.

I signed up for a glue book page swap from Green Paper, and I am looking

forward to receiving my book.

RR ATC Swap Kit Part 2

2011-09-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

This is my assistant, Toby, who oversaw the use of the ATCs

that I received. I received nine ATCs, but actually needed 12,

so I made three for myself.

I found three vintage ads with cats and used them

to match with the images that I send out in my kits.

I have a Seven Gypsies tray that I had been saving for

just the right project, and this swap was just perfect.

I am going to hang it in my craft room in the basement, and when

I get it clean, I'll take another picture. Of course that make take

years (LOL). My dear Fred just told me yesterday that the

basement looks like a hoarder's. Oh well, it doesn't bother me.

Round Robin ATC Kit swap

2011-09-26T17:07:00.001-04:00

I signed up for the RR ATC Kit hosted by Ali from the group The Sum of All ATCs, and it was a fun swap. There were five of us and we each made up two swap kits for each person in our group. We included whatever we wanted in the kits, such as background, focal images and embellishments that the receiver of the kit would use however she wanted to decorate an ATC. She was also free to add things that she had in her supplies. I, being a lover of cats, chose all cat images for my focal images, however I didn't scan the original images-sorry. I am so pleased with the ATCs that I received.

MEOW JUNGLE CAT

All eight of my kits went to Australia to Sarah, and she was free to

choose the two kits that she liked. Aren't they cute?

SHE LOVED CATS AND DOGS DREAMING OF PARIS

Sarah sent the kits on to Ali in Great Britain, who did the next set of cards.

I just love them and can imagine a cat dreaming of eating all the

crumbs outside of the French cafes. (My cat, Toby, loves to eat

cake. Perhaps he was Marie Antoinete's cat in one of

his nine lives. LOL)

CATNIP BLACK CAT

Next the kits came back to the USA to Claudine. Two more great cards!

THE BLACK CAT MEE-00W

HERE KITTY KITTY

Julie got the last two kits, but decided to do three cards

Aren't they sweet? I especially like the cat sitting on his "throne",

the proper place for all cats.

Thank to all the girls for the great job that they did using the kits.

Come back tomorrow and I 'll show you what I did with them.

I just love it.

Vintage Gluebook Swap at Green Paper

2011-09-22T10:27:00.000-04:00

I signed up for the swap at Green Paper hosted by Mary Green.

You had to make six 5x7 pages to be swapped out by Mary. She will be

making a book for each of the swappers , using old book covers for

our glue books. We were to use old papers and images with no 3D decorations.

Since I belong to Mary's Green Paper Collage club I had lots of vintage

images to use. I used actual old papers for most of my backgrounds

and copied images for my focal points. I used 140 lb watercolor paper

as my base paper, as suggested by Mary. I made seven pages (an extra one for Mary),

and also decorated the backs.

This is the first one that I made as part of Mary's September challenge.

I followed the glue book rules so I could use it for the challenge and

the book.

Isn't she just the sweetest little girl?

I love to outline my cards, etc with a brown ink.

In fact, I just had to throw out my favorite coffee

bean brown stamp pad. It was all ragged and had no

ink left in it. I have never been able to find another

one that compares in color, even those called coffee bean

are not the same shade as my favorite was.

I thought she looked like an angel. Perhaps

I should have given her wings.

I put the dairy coupon on this, because I

thought of her as the farmer's daughter.

I added the " little cable" to look like an

arbor in the garden.

I used the actual Western (that really is a r and an n)

Union telegram to show that this was an

important event for her.

This is an example of one of the backs.

Check out Mary's blog Green Paper she has examples of

glue book pages that she has done.

September Collage Challenge

2011-09-02T20:02:00.000-04:00

Over at Green Paper Mary Green has a monthly collage challenge. She supplies the images and you design

your art using at least part on every images. This month, since I am in her Glue Book Collage Swap, I decided to try to do a page using her September challenge images. This is what I did.

Fanny

I can see now that I have her too far left so that her eyes

direct your eyes off the page. Next time I'll will think

things through a little bit more. That's is how you

learn to do better.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Scraps-Part 2

2011-08-11T10:57:00.000-04:00

This is the package that I sent to my partner Lori O. for the

Sisterhood of the Traveling Scraps Swap.

I had a lot of fun making the items and looking through

all my ~~junk~~ art supplies for things to send her.

The inspiration for the little bag is from Beth at

Gathering Dust.

The bee image is from Karen at

The Graphics Fairy.

I printed off a copy of the image and cut a piece of freezer

paper 8 x 11 to fit in my copier. I ironed on the shiny side of the freezer paper a piece of muslin.

Then I put the paper with fabric through my printer.

Next I ironed the image to heat set it, although I

don't know if it can be washed.

The next step was to add lace to the fabric and then

make the bag.

I added laces and ribbons to the bag for Lori.

I made a paper pouch to hold the paper scraps. I used a file folder that

I cut apart for a front and back. Then I collaged on the two pieces and

sewed them together with my sewing machine, leaving the top open.

The back side.

I was surprised at how much stuff could be put in the pouch.

You could use this idea for a gift package by sewing up all

four sides.

I had made this button/sewing box for myself, but decided

to give it to Lori. That way I have an excuse to make another!

I saw this wonderful idea on The Graphic Fairy Craft blog. It was

made by Kerryanne at Shabby Art Boutique.

Lori likes vintage so this was perfect for her.

Lori also likes Christmas so I filled the box up with

Christmas scraps.

I also included these. I found the little notebook at Joann's and

then put an L sticker on it. The calender pad I bought at

Michaels, because I thought it was so cute. I also bought myself

an N with a nest on it, and I went back and bought some

more because I like the graphics.

Lori, I hope you like you Traveling Scraps!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Scraps Swap

2011-08-10T09:52:00.000-04:00

I belong to the Yahoo Group The Sum of All ATC's and recently took

part in a swap called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scraps.

Claudine hosted the swap based on an article she read in

a magazine which I think was Somerset Studio.

Each of us was to make something to hold scraps that we chose for

our assigned partner. Linda R. sent me this beautiful bag that she made.

Doesn't it look just like an evening bag? So pretty.

These are all the goodies that were stuffed into the bag. Paper and these

interesting little envelopes. It was fun to open each one, wondering

what was inside. Lots of things to use to embellish my "art" work.

Look at all the wonderful things. From a key to flowers to even a

decorated domino which is so cute with a little girl on it.

THANK YOU LINDA.

Y and Z

2011-08-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

I had been putting off making the y an z card, because I couldn't

think of an idea that I wanted to use.

However, one day I bought a pack of ephemera of vintage

things, and there in the pack was a page from a

children's old dictionary. It was the last page of the book

and low and behold there were my images for the y and z!

It was as if it was fated to be.

Yikes, I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. I get lazy sometimes and just tune things out, due to fact that I was trying to catch up on a block of the month quilt class that I am in. So now that I am almost caught up with all the commitments for my quilting and paper crafts, I can get to blogging a bit.

Alphabet Swap

2011-04-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

I am really behind on the Alphabet Swap that our Yahoo group The Sum Of All ATCs held. It is over but I am just today getting my W and X in the mail. Now I have to get busy on Y and Z.

I chose to do this for the letter X after having been on two trips

in March. I went through the full body scan twice,

and was patted down once. It wasn't my favorite thing

but I would rather feel safe on the plane.

I have used this image before but I really like it so I used

it again for my W.

Have a great day.

Thank you Jan and Lynn

2011-03-18T13:34:00.000-04:00

I took part in the OWOH Journey checking out all the wonderful

blogs, and entering the drawings.

I won this great book from Jan at The History Keeper and the

best thing is that I am a quilter, so this book is

very interesting to me. Thanks, Jan.

I also visited Lynn at Trash to Treasure Art and she was having

a pay it forward for five people as long as they agreed to

also pay if forward to five people. I was one of her five, and

she made me this cute necklace/charm.

Isn't this just the cutest? She is a delightful frozen Charlotte

carrying a heart and wearing a crown.

Her glass box is surrounded on the bottoms by

her "diamonds."

She is standing on some sheet music. Thank you, Lynn,

No one agreed on my blog to pay it forward, so therefore

I will be making five things to send to five blog friends.

I'll post about that when I do it.

I thing Spring is on its way. The Robins have been back in Michigan

for over a week now, and that is a sure sign. Enjoy the weather.

Giveaway at Brynwood Needleworks

2011-03-15T10:48:00.002-04:00

Head on over to Brynwood Needleworks and enter Donna's second

birthday giveaway. If you have never been to her blog, you will enjoy it so

much. She is a very talented lady and always shows her work which is

wonderful to see and enjoy.

. She has a terrific giveaway going on now. Check it out.

Pay It Forward 2011

2011-03-10T18:13:00.000-05:00

Pay It Forward

The first five visitors who leave a comment on this post will receive a gift handmade by

me especially for you.

Here's the catch (but the best part):

FIRST you must create a post on your blog explaining Pay It Forward 2011.

Create and send a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors to comment on your post and

who agree to do the same.

No pressure, you do not have to make and send your gifties today, or even tomorrow.

Remember it is a gift from the heart, which takes a little time.

I read about this on Lynn's trash to treasure art blog. She makes fantastic art.

Mug Mat Received from Debbie

2011-02-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

This is the mug mat that I received from Debbie is the swap held by Donna.

Check out her blog to see the wonderful things that she makes.

Be sure to check out Debbie's blog Mosaic Magpie. She does

the most gorgeous crazy quilting.

Aren't the blues just the prettiest? Blue is my favorite color,

especially when it comes to clothes.

I love the toile fabric that she used, and the decorative stitching.

The ric rac is an added touch.

This is the back side which is just as lovely as the front.

A close up of the applique.

Isn't this a cute tag that she made.

This heart is an example of her fancy stitching which is just

lovely. I'll have to use it on something sweet for myself.

This was such a great swap. Thanks Donna for hosting.

Thanks to Debbie for this great gift.

V is Vintage Valentine

2011-02-23T11:53:00.000-05:00

I am way behind on my 4X4 Alphabet swap for my Yahoo Group.

No excuse, I just kept putting it off.

So today I started the last five cards- v, w, x,y, and z.

I finished the V so I am going to mail it off to my swap

partner today. Hooray, one down and four to go.

Mug Mat Swap

2011-02-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

I participated in the mug mat swap that Donna hosted this month.

My partner was Debbie from Mosaic Magpie who is a very good crazy quilter. Not that

she is crazy, but that is a type of quilting for those of you who don't quilt.

The above is the mug mat that I made for her. She had said that

she liked robin's egg blue, but that the room she would use it

in, is red, green, and beige. So that's why I used the

colors I did. I also used a print with a bird on it

because she likes birds. Since she is a crazy quilter I did

some fancy stitches with my machine. She also likes vintage

so I added a round vintage crocheted circle, and added

some buttons.

The mug mats are very easy and satisfying to make, and thanks to Donna you can find a

tutorial on her blog Brynwood Needleworks . You won't be able to make

just one.

More Ditty bags

2011-02-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun making the "ditty bag" from Beth Leintz's Gathering Dust (Check the right side of her blog under recent posts-Feb. 2011.) that I decided to make a few more. Here are two that I made for two blog friends. I hope that each will be surprised when they receive their gift.

I made another turquoise one like I made for my daughter.
I made the bag out of muslin and used vintage trim, except for the button. Unlike most crafters I
don't have many vintage buttons that are attractive, so I chose this one from Jenny Bowlin.

I also gave this a short tea bath.

In honor of Valentine's Day

I made the next one red.

I also used some vintage trim on this one.

I also gave it a very short tea bath, beacause I didn't want

the reds to run.

Denim Jumper

2011-02-09T10:29:00.002-05:00

I love to go to the Salvation Army Thrift Store looking for things.

What things? you may ask.

Nothing in particular, just anything that strikes my fancy.

A few weeks ago I purchased this child's denim jumper for my granddaughter

Sarah.

I decided that I would fancy it up a bit.

To be truthful, I went to a craft fair at Christmas and someone

was selling children's denim clothes that had been

decorated. She was sure selling a lot of them, and of course

I thought, as I usually do, I can do that.

This is what I did.

I bought the applique at either Michael's or Joann's. I just can't remember where, but both

stores sell them. I thought the owl was cute, and MI daughter just

decorated Sarah's bedroom wall with a vinyl tree

with owls on it. It is so cute.

So I thought Sarah would like the owl also.

I made a friend through a swap, who has an etsy shop called Bird nests and Paper.

I like to visit the shop because she has vintage and "garage sale" type goods

that are reasonably priced.

I bought the red eyelet trim for her and I knew that I wanted to put

it on the bottom of the jumper.

I love the way it turned out and I think Sarah will too.

Winter's Mushroom

2011-01-24T11:13:00.000-05:00

Winter's Mushroom

In the summer this birdbath is a dish garden with hen and chicks plus a

collection of stones.

How different it looks in the winter after a few snowfalls.

It makes a very nice decoration for our deck, and gives

us something to look at.

Ditty Bag from Gathering Dust

2011-01-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

This is a Ditty Bag that I made from a tutorial by Beth of Gathering Dust. She does these wonderful bags using a lot of vintage lace and fabric. She was kind enough to show all her blog readers

how to make them. When you go to her blog, go the right side bar and look under

recent posts for the how to instructions.

This is the first one that I made and it is for my MI daughter who likes

shabby chic decor. ( A note to OR daughter who is more interested in modern decor. I will make you one if you are interested.)

I am not happy with the drawstring, because it

is so short, but that is all I had. However, I will keep

my eye out for something else to replace it with.

The crocheted lace is from an old doily that I cut up and the lovely

aquamarine velvet ribbon, under the fine lace is from an

Etsy purchase, as is the lace.

I sewed buttons from Jenni Bowlin that I bought online on the bottom

lace. Beth used some bags that she bought at Michaels, but I

couldn't find any, so I made by own bag out of some muslin

that I had. I sewed the lace from the bottom up before the

sides were sewn together.

I did not include the bottom layers of lace in the side seams

as I wanted them to be loose for some movement.

When I was finished, I soaked the bag in a hot tea bath.

I used three bags of tea, to a large bowl of hot water,

and soaked it for a minute or so.

I am very pleased the way it turned out, except for the drawstring, and

plan on making more, a lot more.

Thank you Beth for you wonderful idea and instructions

Mug Mat Swap at Brynwood Needleworks

2011-01-20T14:46:00.000-05:00

Donna is having a mug mat swap and will have a tutorial on her blog

Brynwood Needleworks

Donna is very creative and has designed this cute mug mat. If you can

sew, I am sure that you would like to join. Please check it out.

Gift for a friend

2011-01-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

Last Fall my husband and I took a trip to Wisconsin to visit my friend , who I met when I was in third grade, and her husband. She is a very special friend and a lot of my childhood memories include her and her family. We lived on the same street and spent a lot of time playing together and just having fun.

When we went to Wisconsin I took a LOT of crafting material with me. We make some journals and a decorative heart to hang. I enjoyed myself so much on that short trip, and I felt like a kid again playing with a friend. I had hoped to take a gift that I saw on Brynwood Needleworks, but I just kept putting off making it and the towels never got done. Well today I finally make them. Now I want to make a pad to put hot dishes on. I wonder how long that will take me. LOL Perhaps it will get done so that I get mail it to her soon. But I am such a procrastinator that time will tell.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A BRIGHT AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND THE GREATEST NEW YEAR.

Great Idea from Attempting Aloha

2010-12-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

Isn't this clock just GREAT. Want to make one for $5.00? Yes, you can. Head over to

http://attempingaloha.blogspot.com/ to find out how you can do this. Plus check out the rest of her blog for great ideas.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

A Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from mine.

Header name centered

2010-11-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

My nephew, Jerry, came over this morning and fixed my header for me. I wanted the name centered and didn't know how to do it. It didn't take him long, and now everything looks better. Thanks, Jerry.

New Blog Header

2010-11-21T16:24:00.000-05:00

I got tired of my old header so I found this very cute one on "Cute "n" cool" blogspot.com. Unfortunately I don't know how to center the blog title. Perhaps someone can tell me how? If I don't blog before then I hope that everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving.

Sarah

2010-10-04T18:04:00.002-04:00

Sarah right after she got up from bed.

I just couldn't resist posting this picture of Sarah. She looks just like her mother did at this age; Sarah will be two years old next month. It seems just like yesterday that she was born.

Coffin Swap

2010-09-23T10:56:00.001-04:00

This is the coffin I received from Valerie who is the leader of our swap group, The sum of all ATCs.

She is just the best in everything she does. The coffins were from http://www.retrocafeart.com/

This is the inside of the coffin covered by a spider web. The spider is hanging from his web, and at the bottom of the coffin is the dust from "the body." I am afraid that my picture don't do justice to this art piece.

To make this even more special is the box that is was mailed it. The mailing label came off perfectly and so now I have this beautiful Halloween box also.

This is the front of the box and following are the back and the four sides. What a great idea!

Thank you so much Valerie, I just love the coffin and the box.

Q is for Quilt

2010-09-21T19:49:00.000-04:00

Above is the latest alphabet card that I made. I made the little quilt, folded it over a clothes line, and then attached it with miniature clothes pins. Sorry for the bad cropping, but I tried and thought I was successful, but alas I wasn't.

Alphabet letters O and P

2010-09-12T14:46:00.000-04:00

Isn't this the cutest little face. Although I didn't do a lot of collage on this card, I think the otter just is great all by itself. The starfish was in the otter's paws but I enhanced the color a bit.

This is the papoose card for the letter P. I got the image off the Internet somewhere. I just love the background paper and I think it fits the image so well. I made the "charm" that hangs from it.

Our next letter is of course Q. I have an idea, so all I have to do is make it. Plus work on the quilt blocks for my block of the month quilt. It has a total of 111 blocks and is to take 18 months. Soon I will show you the blocks that I have made. Plus I am working on my mystery quilt from this month, and a coffin for a swap I am in. Yes, it is a coffin swap. LOL Plus I have a fairy 4x4 card that is past due. Oh the life of someone who likes to do things, but unfortunately is a procrastinator.

Giveaway at Brynwood Needleworks

2010-09-09T08:53:00.001-04:00

Head on over to Brynwood Needleworks (http://brynwoodneedleworks.blogspot.com/ ) and visit Donna. She has a GREAT giveaway going on now on her blog. It is a beautiful lap quilt that is made from the above fabrics. What a generous gift.

I always enjoy reading Donna's blog as she is such a creative woman. Check out her boutique to see the items that she has for sale. You will be amazed.

Sweet Goodness Swap

2010-09-05T15:37:00.002-04:00

At the beginning of August I participated in a swap through Sweet Goodness Swaps, and my partner was Elise of http://www.birdnestsandpaper.blogspot.com/. She has a great blog and an etsy shop, from which I have purchased some wonderful vintage things. For the swap you had to include at least a vintage item, a homemade item and something sweet. Below are some pictures of the wonderful things that I received from Elise.

Isn't that just the cutest tin. I think that I am going to display it on my dresser in my bedroom to hold

things that I accumulate on top that make it so messy. This will be perfect to hold coins, jewelry and

other things that seem to end up there. Sometimes I collect stones that look like hearts that I intend to

do something with someday.

Inside the tin were extras that I can use when making ATCs and various art projects. Those are shortbread

cookies which went so well with the peach ginger tea. Yes, they went well together, and they went fast. LOL

There were also these beautiful fruit coasters which were tied up with a red ribbon and a vintage green flowered clip. I can't wait to use that on something.

This is one of two plaques that Elise made me. Isn't it just the nicest? It also has the second green clip earring on the ribbon.

This the the second plaque with a quote from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream which was the theme for the swap.

This is a close up of the quote.

I just love this picture of Swedish children dancing around the Midsummer's Eve pole. Next to Christmas this is the most important national holiday in Sweden.

Look at the wonderful bird images and the little nest with bird and eggs. I am a lover of birds in the wild, but do not like them near me. When I was already married and out of the house, my mother was raising a Baltimore Oriole in her house. I called to it and the next thing I knew I was under the dining room table. (When it was full grown she released it back to the wild.) Elise must love birds also since her blog is call Bird Nests and Paper. Check out her blog and her etsy shop, I am sure that you will like them.

Again, thank you dear Elise I couldn't be happier with my gifts.

4 x 4 Cards for Ancient Mysteries Swap

2010-07-29T13:47:00.000-04:00

I have been behind on my swaps this summer. Can't imagine why. LOL The Bast card is for the Egytian

god card. Naturally I had to do a cat.

The next one is the animal totem card. Now I have one more to make and I will be done with this swap, except for a few loose ends. I have to make a cover, and then hope that I receive my cards from my swap partners. Right now I am missing two, plus the one that is due this month. But since I have been late on a lot of mine-haven't even started this months- I think everyone will come through with cards.

I've gotten back to my sewing machine

2010-07-28T17:09:00.000-04:00

I saw this cute dress on Esty and decided to order two kits to make dresses for Juliet and Sarah. The site is http://littlefishbigpond.etsy.com . Check out the cute kits she has for sale. They are reasonably priced, all cut out for you, and all materials included. You just do the sewing, ( the directions are easy and well written) and the dress is sewn in no time. I just love the way they turned out and hope that Juliet and Sarah like them. The red one is for Juliet and the turquoise print for Sarah.

This is a skirt that I made for Sarah. MI daughter had bought some fabric for me to make The Girly Stripwork skirt from http://www.pinkfig.typepad.com a while back and of course I misplaced it in my sewing room. So I finally found the material and made up the strip part of the skirt, only to find out that the material was not what she had bought. I should have know when I saw the yellow. So to remedy the situation MI daughter and I headed to the fabric store to find some kind of "funky fabric" to save the skirt. We picked the diamond pattern for the drop waistband and the hem band and were pleased with the results.

Miss Sarah

2010-06-08T16:32:00.000-04:00

My granddaughter Sarah turned 18 months last month and as a Mother's day gift my MI daughter had a set of wonderful note cards made for me. The pictures are of the front and back of the card. The inside has my initials, some blue stripes and a cutout design. The pictures were taken by Emily at Tutus and Tinkertoys, and she and MI daughter designed the card. The card has a silvery sheen to it which just seems to highlight Sarah's face.

OR daughter and family gave me the new Tim Holtz book A Compendium of Curiosities, which I had been asking for. It is a great book, filled with lots of techniques, and I am sure I will learn a lot of new things as I continue to use it. (I would love to post a pic of Miss Juliet, but her Mom would prefer that I didn't.

Slide Houses swap

2010-06-03T14:31:00.000-04:00

These are the slide mount houses that I made for a swap. They were a lot of fun to do, and the green one is my favorite. Can't wait to see what I get back.

I Won!

2010-06-02T11:59:00.001-04:00

Yes, I won the fabulous giveaway from My Vintage Studio! What a beautiful assortment of gifts. You can see them all above. First is the great plate that was wrapped in the blue paper with the big flower on it. Also is the small cup with roses on it. there are four pieces of lace wrapped around old clothespins that have been stamped. Too cute, and such a nice idea. There are two wonderful tags that Sharon made, and believe me that are truly wonderful. The antique great well cards and souvenir postcards just add to the gift. Plus there are two vintage hankies and a pair of rose chrystal earrings. WOW Sharon has a vintage blog that you should check out as well as her etsy shop. Thank you Sharon!

Giveaway at MY Vintage Studio

2010-05-10T16:59:00.000-04:00

Head on over to Sharon's blog at My Vintage Studio and check out the wonderful giveaway she is having on her blog. Sign up ends on May 15, 2010. Isn't her blog cute? Also check out her Etsy shop.

Lucky Dip Angel Swap

2010-05-06T08:39:00.000-04:00

The ATC group I belong to had an angel swap, and you chose four angels to depict. You could use any picture of an angel, but the art work was to reflect what the angel represents. Allison, in the UK, was our host and she always comes up with the greatest ideas. Here are my angels:

Anachel is the angel of fertility

Shushienae is the angel of purity

Zagzagel is the angel of wisdom

Forfax is the angel of astronomy

Teapots and Coffee

2010-04-26T15:47:00.004-04:00

I finally finished my teapots for the "In the style of Mary Englebreit teapot" swap. I had a lot of difficulty keeping the edges as "clean" as I could. I am not the greatest when it comes to using an exact knife. The girls in the Sum of All ATCs group suggested sanding the edges and then inking which is what I did. I used an emery board instead of sand paper, which seemed to work better for me.
The blue one below and the red and yellow teapots were done using ME note cards that I cut up. I especially like the blue one.

The pink one below is very similar to the black one that I did first and posted on an earlier entry. Now I have to make the cover that will be mine to use to put together a book when I receive the teapots from others in the group.

I won the cute pink coffee cup sleeve in a giveaway from Her Art Nest. Nancy is a fabulous artist who also likes to knit. Check out her blog to see her art work and knitting. She has a beautiful sweater on there that she made for her granddaughter.

Teapot in the style of Mary Englebriet Swap

2010-04-19T16:52:00.002-04:00

This is what I am working on today. I have to make four teapot to swap and one for myself as the cover of the chipboard book. I am behind in my swaps as usual, so I hope to find time to get at least two made today. This swap is for The Sum of All ATCs yahoo group which is hosted by Valerie Brinchek.

Haiku 6x6 cards

2010-04-18T18:09:00.005-04:00

I was in a Haiku swap, that had to have an oriental background. Above and below are the two cards that I made. I used a Haiku generator to help me "write" my two poems. This swap was a lot of fun, and the two that I got back were just terrific. So much so that I wish that I had made more than two.

On a different note if you live in the Detroit area you might like to visit http://www.tutusandtinkertoys.com/, and click on her blog. Emily the owner of the business is a great photographer and just recently took pictures of Sarah, who is now 17 months old. Of course, she is my granddaughter so I am prejudiced, but the pictures are beautiful

Art Work for Swaps

2010-03-21T18:02:00.003-04:00

This a card that I did for the Ancient Wisdom and Magic Swap hosted by Ali on the Yahoo group The sum of all ATCs. The subject for this page was flowers, and I chose the Rose. The back of the card told the meanings for the Rose.

The following card is for an alphabet swap that I am in. It is an L for the word Lady. I tried to tell a story on my card.

I haven't been able to access my blog, as my main computer will not let me get on blogger.com, saying it is a security risk. I called my provider who couldn't help and referred me to the security downloaded by the provider. The security company took control of my computer, but after THREE hours they were not able to find out what is wrong. I am just so upset by this. I am on my laptop, but it does not have all pictures, nor do I want to load them on laptop.

Giveaway at Brynwood Needleworks

2010-03-16T18:58:00.004-04:00

Donna at Brynwood Needleworks is having a giveaway on her blog celebrating her blog anniversary. The delightful teacup with mouse is just one of the great prizes that she will be giving away. Head over to her blog and check it out. She is a fabulous knitter and writes an interesting blog about her hobby and family

Waffle House

2010-03-03T18:35:00.003-05:00

Today Fred and I went to the Waffle House for our favorite breakfast--Waffles. The Waffle House that was near our rented condo is no longer open, so to get our waffle fix we have to travel 32 miles! How many people would drive that far for a waffle? But their waffles are just so good.

On the way back Fred went golfing, although it was cold, cloudy, and windy. I had to go grocery shopping and then stopped at Hobby Lobby to check out the craft supplies. Usually I finish shopping at least an hour before he is finished so I sit in the car and read, do suduko, or knit waiting for him. I don't mind the wait because it is warm in the car, and I can entertain myself.

Toby visits his "sister" and "brother"

2010-02-25T16:37:00.002-05:00

While we are in Florida our MI daughter is watching Toby for us at her house. Her cat, Murphy, and Toby don't get along very well, but I think it is all an act on their part. Neither cat is aggressive, but someone has to be the "top cat", so they have to hiss and chase each other around. Toby always comes out the winner, because Murphy is such a sweetheart of a cat. When Toby comes over to my daughter's house he spends an hour or two walking around moaning for us. Then he usually discovers Murphy's current favorite spot and promptly sits himself down for a nap. If Murphy is in the spot, then Toby will sit near him, making Murphy nervous, or so Toby thinks. Poor Murphy he has always been at the bottom of the pecking order. Even now that he is the only cat that MI daughter has, he is still at the bottom, at least in his eyes. (But MI daughter loves her Murphy, and puts up with a lots of things that no one but a cat lover would.)

Toby spends time in the basement when Sarah is around. Like any 15 month child she rushes at him squealing with delight which is just too much for him. As soon as she goes to bed at night he runs up from the basement for his dinner.

Florida

2010-02-23T10:41:00.003-05:00

The sun is shining brightly this morning on the St. Augustine area in Florida where we are on a vacation from the cold of Michigan. Fred, my husband, is an advid golfer, and loves to be out on the course. So in order to give him his golf time, we are renting a condo in Florida. He is out playing today, and I just finished reading a book, and am getting ready to work on some paper crafts. However, I may just go outside and soak up some sunshine for a bit. After all, we northerners need to get our vitamin D.

Great Giveaway from a great blog

2010-02-18T17:40:00.004-05:00

Head on over to Brynwood Needleworkshttp://brynwoodneedleworks.blogspot.com to see the great giveway she is having. I love reading about all the wonderful things she makes. Check it out!

We are now in sunny, warm Florida, but it is not warm. There is some sun, and hopefully it will warm up soon. Fred has been able to golf, thank goodness, as that is the main reason we come here! I have done some shopping, read a book, and read a lot of blogs. Now I have to settle in and do a few swaps that I have committed to doing. However, I only brought limited supplies, so naturally I had to go shopping to buy some more. LOL.

Creative Hands Swap

2010-02-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

This is the hand that I made for the Sum of all ATCs yahoo group. We were to trace our hand and then turn it into a creative hand. I chose to do what I call the "Bee Keeper's Hand". I used small bits of antique lace for the bee's wings, and some vintage pictures of flowers. Then I added a bee kelp. I used a lace paper doily that I cut up for the ruffle on the bottom of the hand, as well as some yellow trim that I had. I made 6 to trade, so I am waiting to see what other "creative hands" I will receive. I am sure they will be terrific because the people in this group are very creative, and it is fun to see what they do. I think that I will punch a hole in top finger and make a tag book out of them.

Vintage Wallpaper

2010-02-01T18:20:00.002-05:00

One of the blogs that I enjoy reading is Karla's Cottage(karlacottage.typepad.com). She loves vintage just as much as I do, and has wonderful assortments of vintage wallpaper that she sells in her boutique. Last week I ordered two small packets of small and scrap pieces, and they arrived today, nicely packaged with a pink ribbon, white millinery flower and a tag made from the wallpaper.

I have ordered quite a few things from Karla and have never been disappointed. If you like vintage you will like reading her blog.

2010-01-30T13:47:00.003-05:00

The above are collaged bird ATCs that I made for a swap on the yahoo group I belong to. I really enjoyed making these cards. I love birds, that is to look at, but not flying around me. When I first married we used to play cards with my parents every Friday night. My mom had found a baby cardinal that had been injured and she was raising it in their house. It was free to fly around. One night playing cards I clucked at the bird, and it came flying at me. The next thing I knew I was screaming and under the table. LOL That's when I realized I only like to look at birds. My OR daughter still reminds me of the time her nursery school went to a farm. When we got to the chicken coop I let her walk in by herself, hoping she wouldn't be afraid of the chickens. All I can say is she didn't like it one bit.

WTA ATC

2010-01-19T15:23:00.002-05:00

This is the ATC that I made for the winner of the January Winner Take All from the yahoo group The Sum of All ATC's. I was fortunate to win in November which was great. I never knew what to expect at the mail box. Most people know that I LOVE mail, be it junk, letters or even bills. When I was a little girl I used to send away for free things all the time. My girlhood friend Carol introduced me to the "pocketbook" that listed things that you could get free. (Companies were more generous in the fifties.) I remember that she called me on the phone about this great pocketbook, and for the life of me I couldn't understand what it was. Low and behold it was a paperback book. I guess we called them pocketbooks "in those days."

Inuit Divination Card

2009-12-31T18:58:00.005-05:00

The above is the picture of the Inuit Divination Card that I made for the Ancient Wisdom and Magic Swap that I am in from the Yahoo Group The Sum of All ATCs, owned by the talented Valerie. This swap is hosted by another talented lady, Ali, from the United Kingdom. It took a long time to come up with the idea that I used due to the amount of information we were to include. There are 16 fortune telling objects that we were to use, including what each stood for. This is the front of my card which shows a drum that I used. I made two drums and cut one down and then glued to the first one to make a pocket, which holds a set of 16 cards that I made. One for each object. The fortune teller deals the cards out face down and then the person wanting his fortune told, picks a card and reads his fortune from the card. Below is the back of the card, which gives some information about the Inuit people .

Below are the 16 cards that I made, well actually 17, as one card has the instructions on it. The back of each card is the picture of the Inuit village. I was pleased with the way the project turned out.

A very Happy New Year to everyone who reads my blog. I thank you for that and know that I like reading your blogs also.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T18:59:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! We had a very quiet Christmas, as we are going to wait until OR daughter and Juliet arrive to celebrate. They will be arriving on the 27th, so the morning of the 28th we will open gifts from Santa. Christmas Eve we had a family dinner at MI daughter's home. We have a small family so there were only six of us plus Sarah. I remember the days when we had my parents, Fred's parents, a "black sheep" uncle and my only sibling Steve. Now all six of them are dead, so we remember them especially at this time. Have a very Merry Christmas and Holiday season.

I'm back to blogging

2009-12-08T18:03:00.006-05:00

This is an ATC Christmas Ornament that I made for a swap on The Sum of ATCs yahoo group.

My computer was giving me so much trouble that I had stopped blogging and reading my favorite blogs. One day two weeks ago I finally had had enough and I called Comcast to see if there was a problem with my modem. The technician then referred me to McAfee, who in turn said that I was out of memory, and told me to contact Dell. Dell check my computer out and told me that I had only one memory card with 256 MHz and that my computer would speed up dramatically if I bought and inserted 2 cards of 512 MB memory. So I ordered them and they came this week. Then I called Dell again and they told me how to insert the cards. Thank goodness the man that helped had a lot of patience! I couldn't figure out how to open the tower even with his instructions. Luckily my husband was home (too cold here in MI to golf) and he was able to help me. My problem was that the technician's top and bottom were not what I thought was top and bottom. But the great news is that my computer is running like new again

Fred and I went to visit OR daughter in October for a long weekend. Juliet was so excited to see her "Papa" since he didn't go in September when MI daughter, Sarah and I went. The top picture is of her making crepes on Sunday morning with her Daddy. It was so sweet watching him letting her make the batter. (I know the picture is out of order, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to move it. Can anyone Help?

Sarah is 11 months tomorrow

2009-10-11T18:34:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that Sarah is going to be eleven months old tomorrow. She has grown so much and is a happy little girl. She is walking now, about 15 steps at a time. Her favorite toys are books, cat in the hat stuffed toy, stuffed dog, and paper. She especially likes to play with newspaper, and Grandpa is to blame for that. She doesn't seem to enjoy baby food anymore except for her bottle. Her bottom two incisors popped through just yesterday. Last night she had her first sleep over at our house as her momma had her 20th class reunion-gosh that makes me feel old. She was good as gold and we had lots of fun with her.

A few weeks back MI daughter, Sarah, and I went to Portland to visit the OR family. I will write about that soon, but now I must get to work on my Cheshire cat tag for a swap. The tags were due to be sent out last Monday, so I am behind.

4x4 Alphabet Swap

2009-09-08T16:58:00.007-04:00

The yahoo group I belong to is having a 4x4 card swap which I have joined. It is never to late to join if you are interested. The group in The Sum of all ATC's.

I just love this one, but it is because I like cats so much. Can you guess what Sarah's first word is? Nine months old and no mama, grandma, but kitty cat. Yes those are her first words. She just loves her stuffed Cat in the Hat that her Mama got her. Her second word is dog; she has a new stuffed dog. MI daughter just loves cats as much as I do, and now Sarah does too. However Murphy their real life cat is rather wary of Sarah. She does gentle touches, but Murphy is just not too sure how gentle they will be, so he runs away. I think that Juliet's first words were probably expensive jeans.

We are on the letter G for this month, so I have others to show later. I have also made some extras for people who joined late.

Below is my finger that I broke. This was taken after the split came off and before the physical therapy. I now have been released from the Doctor, so I will have to take a new picture of my finger. Believe it doesn't look much better, but it is functional.

Vintage Wallet Swap

2009-09-06T10:05:00.002-04:00

I belong to a swap group on Yahoo that is called The Sum of All ATCs that has great swaps. Not all of them are ATCs which adds a lot of variety to the swapping. I have only been a member a short while, but it has been enjoyable and everyone is so nice. I am in a Vintage Wallet swap hosted by a Alison who thinks of the greatest ideas. This one involved making a Vintage Wallet, (which she gave directions for), two ATCs, two luggage tags, a calling card, and a letter written in a vintage style. I really wanted to be in the swap, but worried that perhaps I wouldn't be able to write a vintage letter. Then I thought I would just do it the best that I could and I signed up. Above is the front and back of the wallet. I found a Christmas ornament in my "stuff" that I thought would look nice on the wallet, so that's the beaded tassel.

This is the inside of the wallet.

My two ATCs. I use a lot of Coffee Bean brown ink on my work. I just love the way it finishes off a project.

The calling card

The front of the luggage tags.

The backs.

The letter.

When I receive my swap wallet I will post pictures of it. Enjoy the Fall weather and do some creating.

Alice in Wonderland Swap

2009-08-29T10:28:00.002-04:00

Le Vintage is having a wonderful tag swap honoring Alice in Wonderland and the new movie that is coming out next year. Don't we all just love this book and its many characters. My favorite of course in the Cheshire Cat. He is soooo cute! Murphy, MI daughter's cat reminds me of him. The funny thing is that Mr. Murphy pictures himself with a top hat, cigar, a newspaper, and his body reclining with his legs crossed. How do I know this? Well, MI daughter took a regular picture of Murph to a cat psychic and that is how he pictured himself. Frankly I think it is just wishful thinking on his part. LOL. See, cats always get me off the track. If you are interested in this tag swap or just want to check out a great blog go to http://www.vintage-le.blogspot.com to get all the information. It promises to be fun.

Catching Up on my Projects

2009-07-26T12:32:00.003-04:00

This is a trivet/hot pad that I made using the tutorials on the Homespun Living blog. I loved the way the finished pad turned out. The back is a knitted seed stitch square, well almost square. LOL I used the Sugar n' Cream cotton ecru yarn from Lily . The front is various pieces of cloth from projects MI daughter and I have done for her house, plus a few ribbons and trim. (OR daughter-if you want one, what color?)

This is a close-up so that you can see the trims.

Not to long ago I posted about a vintage flower holder that I bought to give to MI daughter, but decided to keep for myself. I have been on a hunt to find something similar for her. Well, I found this cute one in white, although I don't think it is vintage, it still is sweet.

A few weeks ago my sister-in-law came over for another craft day. We have a lot of fun making things together. Our biggest project was a quilt that I helped Lee Ann make as a memory of her husband and my brother Steven, who died of brain cancer in 2006. I don't have a picture, but she cut up his shirts to make blocks for the quilt. She also used some angel blocks that she made from a kit. This was her first quilt and it turned out very nice. It is a very special quilt.

This day, we made small bags from a pattern called Snap Happy. You need only two fat quarters to make all three. The pattern is from Stitchin' Sisters, email at stitichinsis@aol.com. I made the Scottie dog bags for my best friend Chris, and Lee made the blue ones. This week we got together and made book covers, but I forgot to take a picture.

Keep crafting folks, it keeps us sane and happy. Find something you like and as NIKE would say "JUST DO IT."

Red Lead Ancestors Swap

2009-07-07T08:26:00.003-04:00

Red Lead a scrapbook store in MO sponsored an ancestor ATC swap in which I participated in last month. You had to use two of their collage sheets. Below are the ATCs that I made. I tried to made them all similar yet different. I find this is easier for me if I am short of time, which I was as I was getting ready for OR daughter and Juliet to visit. I am looking forward to receiving my five ATCs in the mail.

I am busy right now working on a knitted purse for summer. I am making it out of a blue, tan and ecru variegated cotton yarn, and a strand of ecru yarn. I saw the purses that Nancy of Her ArtNest made and wanted to make one for myself. Since my finger is still in a splint it is slow going, but I am making progress.

Princess Juliet

2009-07-03T14:23:00.004-04:00

Princess Juliet and her mother have now gone back to her kingdom, and our house no longer rings with her laughter and presence. We miss them both already and they have only been gone a few hours. What a joyous week we have had with them and MI daughter and our other princess, Sarah. It was so fun watching the two girls interact with each other. Juliet was so gentle with Sarah and Sarah could not keep her eyes off of Juliet. It was more important to Sarah to watch Juliet and her actions than eat. Sarah would crawl after Juliet wherever she went, especially when she had Sarah's toys. Juliet, of course, felt the toys were hers, since a lot of them were indeed hers when she was a baby. That didn't bother Sarah as she would go on to a different toy.

We had a birthday party for Juliet's third birthday and her great aunt Lee gave her the beautiful princess dress, which Juliet LOVED and had to wear everyday. It felt like Christmas, since Juliet had so many gifts to unwrap. Now we just have to get them in the mail and send out to her kingdom.

Now I have time to get back to my quilting, crafts and etc. Of course, I wish that I could see the OR family more often, but I feel blessed that I have seen them twice this year, and we are now looking forward to Fall and perhaps seeing them again.

OR daughter and Juliet are coming

2009-06-23T09:55:00.003-04:00

This Saturday evening OR daughter and Miss Juliet are coming for a visit. So yesterday while I was cleaning up the upstairs and getting everything ready for them, I gathered up some of my blue things to make me a new header. I used a couple of family pictures, a quilt I made, some dishes my mom gave me, a sampler, a book of Toby, a clock that I bought and redecorated, and other blue items. I didn't put the grand daughter's pictures on because OR mom would prefer no to have her face on the web, which I understand. But trust me they are the light of my life! Family matters the most for me.

I would say that blue is my favorite color, because I wear that color the most. However, I only have one room, a bedroom, in our condo that is decorated with blues. My kitchen is pink and green with a touch of blue, and I have a pink and green bedroom, but everything else is fairly neutral. I have a lot of quilts hanging on the walls so they add a lot of color to our home.

And the winner is

2009-06-12T10:40:00.003-04:00

(with an English accent) " Noooo you can't make me wear it!

Terri of Blooming Ideas is the winner of my caption contest. I'll be sending her out a surprise gift next week, which I will picture after she receives it.

Tomorrow is the last day for contest

2009-06-09T20:51:00.002-04:00

Leave me a caption to this picture of Toby and the hat I took to quilt retreat to win a surprise gift. The contest ends on June 10, 2009. I will let my husband pick the best one. Good Luck!

Guess what I won/Sarah's hat

2009-06-09T14:06:00.003-04:00

This is the hat that I knitted for Sarah. It turned out okay, but I don't have a picture of her in it. The little baby carriage planter is one that I found at the Salvation Army when MI daughter was pregnant. I was going to plant baby tears in it and give it to her with a note that said, "Let this be the first of many baby tears." But I never got around to finding baby tears, and the longer I had it the more I liked it for myself. So I put some dried baby breath in it and put it on my kitchen counter. Someday Sarah can have it.
Beedeebabee, http://beedeebabee.blogspot.com/, was having a fantastic giveaway to celebrate the start of her new blog, and I WON.
Can you imagine the excitement when I found out I had won two of the beautiful pins that Paulette makes out of felt and beads? They are so beautiful and the handiwork is incredible! Being a person who likes to make things, although Paulette is surely an artist, I know how much time and love go into handmade items. I just love them. Thank you Paulette! Check out her blog and her Etsy shop. Okay I have teased you enough. Here is a picture from Paulette's blog.

I can't wait to get the package.

Sarah and my broken finger

2009-06-01T09:25:00.004-04:00

This is our newest pic of Miss Sarah Jennifer at six months. Emily at Tutus and Tinkertoys, (She is located in the greater Detroit, MI area), took this and many, many other pictures of her. It was sooo hard to choose which ones to buy, as Emily does such a wonderful job! Check out her website at http://www.tutusandtinkertoys.com/ to see her work.

Last Thursday night I broke my middle finger on my right hand in two places. What a nightmare! It is so difficult to do anything, although I am learning to get along. Here are the details of what I did. I was looking for something, per usual, and I was looking in my great-grandmother's trunk. Of course the album wasn't there, so I closed the lid on my finger, and to make matters worse I lost my balance and sat on the trunk with my finger inside. OUCH!!! I managed to stand up and get my finger out and yelled ICE as I ran upstairs to the kitchen. MI daughter who was visiting quickly got out the ice and Fred got the zip lock bag. I think the fact that I got the finger in ice so fast really helped a lot. I didn't get much blood under my finger nail or too much swelling. We were off to the ER in a few minutes. Tomorrow I go to the DR to see how everything is doing.

I am signed up to make some ATCs for a swap. I am thankful that I only have to make eight and they are due at the end of June. I did start one last night and I was abe to manage, but it was slow work. Red Lead is sponsoring the swap.

My caption contest is still open until June 10th. Scroll down to the picture of Toby and the hat in the quilt retreat posting. Have a great day.

Vintage Swimsuit Tag Swap

2009-05-28T17:18:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I mailed off my vintage swimsuit tags to A Swap For All Seasons. They are due on Saturday, so I think they will get there on time. I had to make 16 tags for the swap. I started out making them all different, but due to the time crunch because I am a procrastinator, I ended up making quite a few like the one below. That image was really my favorite of all the ones that I used. I did use some images from my collection of trading cards from grade school, and an old photo of my father's cousin. I don't have examples to show because they are on their way to mid-America.

I did make all the backs the same, since they were "just the backs." Here is the photo of the back.
I am really looking forward to getting my tag book in mid June. I just love the swaps where you get art work from other people. It is so interesting to see how they interpreted the theme. There really are a lot of true artists out there. Of course, everyone is an artist in their own way, some are just better than others on different levels. That's one reason I like the swaps-everyone is different and unique and they are all enjoyable to look at again and again. I found out about this swap on swapdex if you are interested in swaps. See my sidebar for the link badge.

comment section fixed (I hope)

2009-05-23T11:13:00.001-04:00

I think that I have my comment section fixed so that I can receive comments on my blog. I have a little contest going and no one could enter! See posting from May 20, 2009 to enter. Thanks

Quilt Retreat

2009-05-20T17:18:00.004-04:00

I've been trying to upload my quilt retreat pictures, but it was taking sooo long. I don't know if there is something wrong with my computer or if it just too old. OR and MI daughters gave me the computer for my birthday in 2002. I have tried cleaning out all the programs that I don't use and checking my available space. I found out I only am using 1/3 of the space. I also did a disc cleanup, but it is still slow and I have comcast fast speed. It takes my computer forever to just upload the Internet. If you have suggestions feel free to comment.

The Quilt Retreat sponsored by Quilt'n Friends, which is in Sterling Heights, MI was the greatest fun. The 4 H camp in Tustin, MI is such a great locale. Good rooms, plenty of space, and the food is great. There were about 65 of us and it was so great to meet up with old friends and new. I also had a great roommate, as she and I got along like old friends. Above is the hat that I wore on meet and greet night. Since it was held the weekend of the Kentucky Derby we all wore hats that we had created. The hats were terrific. When I was taking the pictures for this post, Toby had to get into one and express his opinion. How should we caption this picture?I'll send a surprise gift to the best caption sent to me before June 1, 2009. Be sure to include your email address if you don't have a blog.
This is one of the projects I worked on during the retreat. This is a pillow case for Miss Juliet who is a July baby. Cheryl, who works at Quilt'n Friends, showed me how to make it, which was so much easier than following the pattern. The disappointing thing is that the print is going in the wrong direction. Now I bought this as a kit in Oregon last year at a quilt shop, and you would think that they would know enough to give you more fabric with a directional print. Oh well, I am sure that Juliet will like it.I also made two of these pillows for MI daughter's kitchen which has a hearth area. She has two reading chairs and I said I would redo the original pillows that I had made for her. She has changed the room color, and added some art work--framed pieces of the above fabric. So the old pink and green paisley had to go. Murphy, her cat, likes to rest his head on the pillows.

This is a quilt block from the quilt that I worked on. Unfortunately I forgot to take all the necessary fabric so I couldn't finish the top. It is from a mystery quilt class that I took in February. (I told you I am a procrastinator.) Isn't it striking? Gretchen the owner of Quilt'n Friends always picks such great quilts for the mystery classes.The above seven blocks are from a Moda kit that I bought oh, about three years or so ago. I am making it for MI daughter who loves shabby chic colors and has a shabby chic decoration scheme in her home. It is a good thing that she had Sarah and not a boy! I also have a quilt top finished for OR daughter that I will post when it is finished. I think I bought that last year, and hurray the top is pieced. I machine quilt all my quilts so I need to get busy on that and a few dozen other quilts. LOL See I really am bad about finishing things.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

It seems that my comment area was somehow not working. I think that I have fixed it, so therefore I am extending my little contest until June 10, 2009.

Sock monkey and knitted bear

2009-05-06T15:05:00.002-04:00

This is my knitted bear that I made for the young lady in Rochester, MI who was collecting bears for the Mother Bear Project. I seemed to have gotten a different pattern than the other people, as he came out bigger. I think that I should now make one for my granddaughters. I loved using the chunky yarn because then the stuffing doesn't show through the yarn. I am now trying to knit Sarah a hat for her six month pictures, and it is not going well. We picked a yarn that is fuzzy and thick and thin. Well, the pattern is way too hard with this yarn, as it has bobbles in it, which I have never done. So I decided to try and knit my own hat without a real pattern. I am using the original pattern for size and shape, but am actually leaving out the fancy stitches. If it doesn't turn out I'll just undo the yarn and make a pink bear. LOL

My sister-in-law Lee Ann came over one day about a month ago and we make sock monkeys together. I had intended to make Juliet one last year for her birthday, but never got around to making two. The one that I did make I gave to her daycare class, because the children were in love with a book about a monkey. Since I really wanted one for Juliet I started early so I would have it for her birthday this year. Juliet and OR daughter have plans to fly to MI a week before her birthday, so they can be home on her birthday to celebrate with her Mom and Dad and Oregon friends. I am just so happy that they will be coming here and we can have a party also.

I talked to Juliet the other night and she told me that they had been rolling skating with Diane and Monique who are friends with OR daughter, and like a Grandma and Aunt to Juliet. I guess they had a lot of fun. Of course Juliet didn't want any help, so OR daughter said, "Mommy needs help." So Juliet got behind her Mom and pushed her along. I don't think that is what OR daughter had in mind. And now a Sarah story: MI daughter took Sarah to Targets for about an hour and a half picking up diapers and etc. for her. Sarah "talked" the entire time they were there and not quietly. People were looking at her, but only one person decided to talk with her.
I guess only one person could understand an almost six month old baby girl.

I had a wonderful time at the quilt retreat. Next post I will show you what I worked on.

Header and Background 2

2009-04-27T09:35:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am back to my original background. After spending too many hours looking for something new and "better", I found that the toile reflects the way I feel. Therefore I am keeping it. Now about the header, it really doesn't fit the space although I do like it. So I will keep it until I can find or make one I like better. The weather here in Mi is grand, so I am going to the kitchen to make some potato salad, per Fred's request.

New Header and Background

2009-04-24T20:23:00.003-04:00

I finally decided to use one of the free headers and backgrounds that are on Cute and Cool Blog Stuff. Check out her blog as everything is really so cute. I was going to try and make my own header of a picture of things that matter to me, but I just never seemed to get around to doing it. I have SO many projects in various stages of completion that I just need to focus on getting some of those done. Next Thursday I leave for a quilt retreat in Northern MI. Every year I usually take a class, but this year I am going to take some UFO's (unfinished projects) and hopefully get a couple of quilt tops finished and ready to quilt. Wish me luck.

What a beautiful day here in MI. The temperature got above 80 degrees. I took Sarah for a walk today and just enjoyed the beautiful sun and warm air. MI daughter doesn't work on Fridays, so she used the day to get her hair done. Just had to cover up the grey hair. LOL. She and her older sister both come by the grey hair naturally, although they really don't have that much. I started getting grey hair when I was 16, so when I was their age I really had mostly grey hair. Now I am mostly white.

Sarah at 5 months/ Easter

2009-04-14T14:36:00.001-04:00

We had Easter dinner at MI daughter's house this year, and she and I cooked the dinner together. It sure is easier to cook holiday meals than when the girls were little. It always seemed that I was running like a chicken with its head cut off. Most was my own fault as I have never been a good housekeeper, so there I would be trying to clean house, cook dinner, and take care of the girls. Now I can go to MI daughter's house, cook with her and get everything made and ready to go so easily. It is a blessing to have my daughters to help. In June, if all goes as planned, OR daughter and Juliet will be here, and we will celebrate Juliet's third birthday a little early.

I bought the following "dust collector", as my husband would say, as a gift for MI daughter. OR daughter does not like "dust collectors", so I don't buy her things like this. MI daughter has a very shabby chic style home, so I thought this would fit in, and of course I bought myself one too. They were $7.99 at Michael's, plus on sale for 40% off. Although I like it , I took it apart and redid it.

The above is the after picture. I was please with the way that it turned out, so now I am going to redo one for myself in blue to go with the blue bedroom.

Here is Sarah in her Easter dress and bonnet sitting on her pink chair in her pink and brown bedroom. Her Mom has decorated it so cute, that I wish it was my room! Sarah has been rolling over for a while now, but Easter she figured how just how much fun it is. So Sarah was a rolling Stone. That night she didn't sleep well, because she kept rolling and waking herself up. Then her Mom would have to get up and re-swaddled her and put her back to sleep on her back. Her Mom said that went on all night. I hope it went better last night.

Yesterday was my birthday and I got this lovely card from Juliet.

When they called from Oregon to wish me a Happy Birthday Juliet did not want to talk to me. But she said to her Mom, "I want my cat back." OR daughter lets Juliet select the cards for people. My husband got a Winnie the Pooh card for a one year old for his birhday this year! Since Juliet is big into princesses and cats I'm sure that's why I got the cat with the tiara. When OR daughter put it into the envelope Juliet wanted to know what she was doing with her card. She told her she was sending it to Grandma. So now I am going to send the front of the card back to Juliet mounted on some paper for her. I want to save the inside of the card because I want Juliet's "signature."

More on Santa Barbara

2009-04-08T17:24:00.001-04:00

Oops forgot how to load pictures, so I had to start another posting. The flowers are very pretty in Santa Barbara and everything is so green. Just a beautiful part of our country.

I don't know what the name of this is, or even if it a tree or a shrub. but it sure is beautiful. When you walk under the branches you smell the heavenly scent of lilies.

Close up of the blossom.

Here is Miss Juliet doing her push-ups on the beach. They do a lot of exercising and stretching at her daycare.

Here she picked up a stick and did her twists. Who needs expensive gym equipment?

This is OR daughter and son-in-law and of course, Juliet. I was always trying to get her to smile for my camera. When we were at the Zoo, I was visiting with her, while OR daughter got our lunch. I kept asking her to smile so that I could get a cute picture for Aunt Beth and cousin Sarah. She shook her head no, and said, "My mouth is closed." I told her that was the funniest thing I ever heard and she starting giggling. I got my picture. (Her Mom would prefer that I not post pictures of Juliet, so that's why I posted the the ones where you really can't see her beautiful face and smile.

This is a picture of OR daughter and me. Now that I am starting to feel better it is time to get back to my quilting and crafts. I am working on a knitted bear to donate for the Mother Bear Project. A young lady is trying to collect as many as she can for a National Honor Society Project, so I thought I would make one and donate it. The knitting is done and I just have to sew it together. I'll post a picture when I finished her.

My next trip is a quilting retreat in Northern MI. This will be my fourth year and I always have so much fun.

Santa Barbara

2009-04-08T16:58:00.000-04:00

The Wharf in Santa Barbara, California

We spent last week in Santa Barbara, California with OR daughter and her family. We rented a condo two blocks from the beach and the main street for shopping, so the location was perfect for us. We took a lot of walks, ate out, went to the zoo and just had a great time visiting. The guys even got to spend a day golfing. Fred and I also took a day trip to Solvang, a little city filled with Scandinavian architecture and shopping. Fred and I got to babysit one night and we had sweet Juliet all to ourselves. Even though we just saw them in December there is always much to talk about. Juliet now knows so many words and it is fun to sit and talk with her. She kept us in laughter. What a joy she is! How we wish that MI daughter and Sarah could have gone with us, but she is just to little to travel yet. (Fred and I both came home sick with colds. I am sure that I got it on the plane going to CA, and then Fred caught it from me.)

2009-03-27T20:32:00.000-04:00

This is Miss Sarah Jennifer at four months old. She is such a sweet baby and is starting to "talk". MI daughter said that Sarah wakes up at 4:00 am and tries to carry on a conversation with her. Luckily after five minutes or so she falls back to sleep. Last Saturday she had her second round of baby shots and didn't feel well in the afternoon as she had a fever. By the next morning she was fine. She had an eye appointment with the opthamologist today because her pediatrician thought there was a possibility that she has a lazy eye. Everything was normal. She has a wide space between her eyes, as did her mom as a baby, so sometimes her eyes might not look quite right. I took her mom to the eye Dr. when she was a baby because I thought her eyes were crossed, but they were normal.

Rag Doll Challenge

2009-03-20T22:42:00.000-04:00

Miss Tulip Belle

Miss Tulip Belle was made for the Rag Doll Challenge hosted by Blithe and Blonde. The doll was to reflect the springtime, so I went with a tulip theme. I decided that instead of fabric I would use Kraft paper. Boy oh boy was that hard to stuff. Miss Tulip suffered a few tears here and there. I think that if I was ever to do this again I would try to stuff as I sewed, rather than doing it through the open head. She is rather primitive looking so perhaps we can say that it was a primitive rag doll. LOL. Below are close-ups of her dress and head.

Though she didn't turn out as nice as I had hoped, I had fun doing the doll. Next time I will definitely use fabric. Happy Spring!

Winning Hand Swap--from Cassie

2009-03-17T19:16:00.000-04:00

I finally got the pictures from the Winning Hand Swap posted. These are the gifts that I received from Cassie. The top picture is the lovely box that the gifts were wrapped in.

Of course, Toby had to see just what was in the box. I suppose he was expecting cat food. (The surprising thing about him he that he is not attracted to cat nip.) Yes, those are handmade chocolates, and it was hard to pace my eating of them, since I am on a diet program. Notice the beautiful green ribbon. The wall hanging is composed of hand dyed fabric and handmade paper from dryer sheets. The flower and leaves are embroidered on with floss and beads. Such nice work. The quote is from Henry David Thoreau: "Always maintain a kind of summer even in the middle of winter."

This is the ATC holder which is make from a fork with beads attached by wire. The ATC card was also make by Cassie, although I realize now that I have it upside down. The word serenity is on the card by the butterfly.

These are the valentines and the perfume card, which is a calendar, from 1890. Aren't they lovely? The perfume card is so pretty with the roses and lilies of the valley.

This is the sweet note that is on the back of one of the Valentines.

This swap was hosted by the Sweet Goodness Girls and they have another swap coming up soon, so if this sounds like fun to you check out their website.

Sarah and Juliet

2009-03-13T18:42:00.000-04:00

Don't tulips remind you of Spring? My MI daughter gave these to me for watching Sarah on Wednesday. She didn't want Sarah to go to daycare because she was suffering with a cold. The prior week was her first experience in daycare, and sure enough she caught a cold! Daycare sure is a breeding place for germs. Luckily she only had a mild cold that left her with a slight cough. Miss Juliet in OR had a cold the previous week; she goes to daycare also.

I would like to share a story with you. My OR daughter has to do some traveling for her job. A few days after the plane went down in the Hudson river she had to travel by air. When she got home, she picked up Juliet from daycare. Now Juliet is only 2 1/2 years old, yet when she saw her mom she said, "Your plane no fall from the sky, Momma?" The OR family does not watch much TV, but somehow she must have heard about the plane crash. It makes me sad to think that little ones think about such things.

Yesterday I received my Winning Hand Swap from Cassie. I can't wait to show you pictures of what I received. It will have to be a surprise as I have yet to take the pictures.

Winning Hand Swap

2009-03-11T18:36:00.000-04:00

I recently took part in The Winning Hand Swap hosted by the Sweet Goodness Girls. The requirements were to send a package to your swap partner that included at least one vintage/thrift/used item, one handmade item and a sweet treat. My swap partner was Cassie from Gifts for Nonnie, and the following is what I sent her in the above box, which really had nothing to do with the theme. I just liked it.

These are the thrift items: a heart candy mold, socks with diamond shapes, a drinking glass with face cards and the suit symbols. The C notes are for Cassie and the doily is a counted cross stitch fabric. I know she does a lot of beautiful cross stitch so I thought this might be a project for her.

The above picture and the one below are what I made her. (Sorry the first picture is so bad, but I don't know how to delete it without starting all over again).

I made a tall journal, a fabric wallet with fabric covered in playing cards, a covered box, actually the sweet treat, with playing cards on it, another covered box, and a small glass jar filled with scrapbook embellishments.

This the covered box made using a Laughing Cow cheese box. The sides are covered in red velvet with a button where the ribbon meets. The top is scrapbook paper with cards on it, with a glass crown on the kings head. I also inked the box and the paper.

This is the tall journal that I covered with red paper, and cut outs of four different queens, each from a different suit. Then I added the tag-"Q is for Queen with different ribbon and a tassel.

The above are also things that I made for Cassie that don't fit the theme, but as the tag I made says they are for "just because." The dishcloths are from the pattern offered on Homespun Living. (I first saw this on Her Art Nest). The pattern is a basket weave that is quick and fun to make, actually a little bit addictive. I made them in white and moss green since Cassie likes that shade of green. The tag is inked brown with some lace added, and then my writing. The other Journal is made from a composition book. I covered it with vintage green wallpaper, a picture of a quilt from a catalog, and a page from a nature book. (The wallpaper and page came from a package I bought from Karla's Cottage. The rest of the embellishments are rubber stamp images, a metal rose, buttons, postage stamp, old picture and a rabbit.

This is the inside front cover and the first page. The cover has two tags, an ATC and her initial. I also covered the first three pages with white paper since I didn't like the lined pages and they were rather thin also. I originally tore the paper to get just the rose in, but when I looked at it, it looked like a little chick. So that's what is became.

Page two is a cute little fairy baby sleeping. I got this image from Karla also.

Page three is a cat because I LOVE cats! I also tore out every other page so the journal would close.

This was my first swap with the Sweet Goodness Girls and I hope Carla likes what I sent her.

Sarah at three months

2009-03-03T18:28:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of MI daughter and her Sarah at three months. Yesterday was Sarah's first day at daycare. Beth was very sad to go to work, but she did it. When she picked Sarah up in the early evening Sarah gave her a great big smile. They sure do love each other. Sarah just glows when she is with her momma. I just love the way my daughters interact with their girls. They sing, they dance, they make goofy faces, and give lots of hugs and kisses. They are really great moms. I would post some pictures of Juliet, but her mom would prefer that I didn't, so I must respect her and her husband's decision. When we see them next time perhaps I can get a cute picture that doesn't really show her face.
If you live in the greater Detroit area and are looking for a photographer to take pictures of your baby and/or children check out Emily's work on Tutus and Tinkertoys. She took pictures of Beth when she was pregnant and pictures when Sarah was two weeks old and again at three months. Her pictures are creative and stunning.

Toby and my Salvation Army finds

2009-03-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

I finally found my camera so that I could take a picture of my finds at the Salvation Army Family Store. Here is a list of things that I bought:

a roll of pink and green wallpaper in an art deco design.
an old rubber stamp holder
three glasses with pink roses that match my dishes
a skein of creme colored yarn with gold thread twisted in-perfect for some Christmas dish cloths.
a pitcher with roses on it
an old tart plate-I was thinking of mounting something in the middle
an old pattern with cute girls on the front
an old metal paper file holder-this will hold all my quilting rulers

I love to go looking at the thrift stores, not that I really need anything, but it is the thrill of the hunt. About a month ago I found a wool Pendleton Malcolm plaid skirt for $2.50! Even my husband thought it looked new. I have yet to discover if it is vintage Pendleton or not.

When I sew, Toby sits in his basket on a table next to my sewing machine. He likes to be part of the action like all cats do. He is a very sweet cat, but boy does he have a voice on him. We usually go Florida in the winter and we take him along. The first two hours of the drive he is constantly meowing. We have him in the back of the car with mesh separating him from the front seat. He is very annoyed by it, because he wants to sit on my husband's lap to help him drive. When he finally realizes that he has to stay in the back he will settle down and do some sleeping for a while. Then it is more meowing and trying to figure out a way to get up front. There have been times when much to our amazement he actually does make it up front!

2009 Rag Doll Challenge

2009-02-27T18:39:00.000-05:00

I just signed up for the rag doll challenge hosted by Blithe and Blonde. I have some thoughts as to what I would like to do, especially since I have two granddaughters. Why don't you come and join us. All you have to do in make a doll and then post it on your blog/web site.

I went treasure hunting Wednesday, but they are still in the car. I didn't bring them in because I really didn't want to explain to my loving husband just why I bought the items. When I get them in the house I will post some pictures. Really my husband is very understanding of my purchases, but he sure does roll his eyes. After 45 years of marriage, I can easily say I would marry him again. He is a real treasure.

Murphy

2009-02-23T15:34:00.000-05:00

I just had to post this picture of my MI daughter's cat, Murphy. He is one big cat isn't he? He always acts as if he is starving, just so you will give him a treat. He has been on diet cat food almost ten years and he is only eleven! Mi daughter adopted him from the MI Humane Society when he was just a little kitten. The first week I babysat for Sarah, I heard noise in the kitchen and went to investigate. The above picture is what I saw. Murphy is a cat that anyone could love, except for his litter box habits. I am sure any other owner would not put up with his antics. When MI daughter had her other two boy cats poor Murphy was always low man on the totem pole. Since he is now the only cat, you would think he would behave, but alas that is not to be. Mi daughter has tried every trick in the book. She even went to a pet psychic, and lucky me got to tag along. The psychic was very right on about his personally and the reasons for his actions, but that didn't work either.

I have made more of the dishcloths from Homespun Living. They are fast and make a very nice cloth and a great gift to give to someone, plus being a good replacement for paper towels. Michaels has a sale of Lily's Sugar and Cream cotton yarn this week-four for five dollars. So today I headed over to Michaels to buy some more yarn. I got a skein of red to make some for next Christmas. When I was at the Salvation Army last week I found a white with gold thread skein for 50 cents. That will make a nice stripe on the red background.

Sarah at three months

2009-02-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Sarah that was taken yesterday. She and her Mom were out at Babies R Us buying the necessary diapers and formula. They also bought a toy of some sort for her to play in. It is round and has lots of baby toys. It is a stand in toy. Wish I could remember the name, but I think it is called a saucer. We went over to their house this morning as we are expecting a big snow storm today. MI daughter put Sarah into the saucer, and she entertained us with her laughs and giggles.

Next week is my last week to babysit her, and the following week she will begin daycare. I have enjoyed watching her, but I only did it two days a week. I commend the grandmothers and great aunts, and grandpas too, who babysit on a weekly basis. I would if I had to, but I like to be free to be me at this stage in my life.

I have been busying getting a swap together for my partner Cassie for The Winning Hand swap given by the The Goodness Girls. Check out their site. The swap must contain at least one hand made item, one vintage/thrifty or second hand item, and one sweet treat. It has been fun trying to find things with the four card suits. But I was able to find some things! I will post pictures after the swap.

2009-02-13T19:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I receive the above package in the mail from Karla at Karla's cottage. I had signed up for her Puppy Love tag book on her blog. Her dog Twinkle had recently had puppies and it was also close to Valentine's Day so she decided to celebrate with a tag swap. Above is the package I received from her all decked out in a pretty floral ribbon and a vintage flower. Oh so cute! I was eager to open the package and see the tags.

This is the cover that Karla (Karla's Cottage) did. Isn't it beautiful? I'm afraid the picture doesn't do it justice. It also had a puppy love tag with vintage flower, small dog toy and a glass heart.

Page 1: This page was done by bonoramamama.blogspot. Love the dog and the crocheted heart. Lots of glitter and a decorated back.

Page 2: This tag was designed by Cheryl (The Pines). Such a sweet little boy and perhaps his sister. Lots of love.

Page 3: This tag was made by Amy Wald. That is gathered crepe paper on the bottom and has a decorated back with a page from a book entitled "twas love's fault."

Page 4: This page with the vintage valentine(love that dog-he must be a beagle) and a decorated back is from EB.

Page 5: This cute little girl with her dog and doll is from Sharon Mansell. There is a little silver heart attached with the red ribbon. The back is a vintage post card back.

Page 6: Hope Ellington at vintage-whimsy did this striking tag. The ric -rac is pink velvet. There is metal heart tied with silky seam binding. The large center is a crystal dome surrounded with glitter.

Aren't these tags all beautiful! I just love swaps, although this is only my first swap since blogging and second internet swap. I just signed up for the Winning Hand swap at The Goodness Girls. Hope you enjoyed viewing these tags.

Toby

2009-02-11T18:17:00.000-05:00

My Toby was feeling bad because he was not on the header. (He likes to watch when I do things.) So here is a picture of him. I rescued him from the Michigan Anti Cruelty League., when he was about 2 years old. This is our second cat in our marriage of 45 years. Our first cat was also a Siamese named Tao, who was a wonderful cat.

This is the story of how Toby became ours: After Tao died,

we tried once to get another cat, but since I am allergic to them it didn't work out and we had to return him. Time went by and the girls went off to college (Go MSU), got jobs, and moved into their own places. MI daughter loves cats! So as soon as she had her first apartment she got a cat, and ended up with three. My asthma didn't seem so bad, so I kept telling myself that someday before I died I was going to get another cat, because I love them so much.

In 2000 I was sitting in my car eating a Big Mac, my last before starting a diet the next day, and decided that perhaps I should stop at the PetSmart and check out the cats for adoption. Then again why torture myself since I couldn't have one, and besides there wouldn't be a Siamese. Of course I stopped. Who can pass out a chance to be around cats! Lo and Behold there was a SIAMESE with a little bit of domestic cat mixed in. Right then I knew I had to have him, so I filled out the paper work, had a phone interview that afternoon, and he was ours. We are his forever home.

Homespun Living Dishcloths

2009-02-08T15:17:00.000-05:00

Finally I got the picture of my dishcloths upload. This has taken me about an hour and a half, but I am learning as I go. The dishcloth pattern is from Homespun Living, which has a lot of nice patterns that she shares. I originally saw this on Her art nest--Check Nancy's blog out also. They are both listed in my blog lists that I visit.

If you can knit, these go very fast and the results are satisfying. I made one for each of my daughters for Valentine's Day and purchased a kitchen towel in matching colors. Now I am making another and have also bought some more yarn in a pleasing green and a variegated green and purple that I think will look nice together.

I saw baby Sarah yesterday and I swear she gets more beautiful by the day. I guess all grandmothers feel the same about their grand babies. She is 3 months now and really wants to sit up (with a little help) all the time. Her Mom bought her a Cat in the Hat stuffed toy at Kohl's and she just loves it. It brings out the big smiles, especially when you touch her face with its paw.

We bought our airline tickets for LA. We are going to fly in there and then drive to Santa Barbara for a vacation with the OR family. My son-in-law lived there for awhile so he will be showing us all the good things to see. We rented a cottage near the beach so that should be fun Juliet. Last summer when we went to OR she went "swimming" in a children's pool and had the time of her life. I can't wait to see her.

My Header

2009-02-06T19:20:00.000-05:00

I finally figured out how to add a cute header to my blog. This is a picture of my daughter Beth's late cat. He turned up on her doorstep one night, and being the cat lover that she is, she took him in after a trip to the Vet's. She put posters all over town trying to find his owner. Six months later the owner turned up, but didn't want him anymore, so she turned him over to Beth. He later developed cancer and had to be put down. Mario was his name, and he was a very good cat.

Evidently I will try to construct a header that reflects my interest-quilting, mixed media, and crafts.

Babysitting

2009-02-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

I am having the joy of babysitting my new granddaughter Sarah for two days this week. I just fininhed the dishcloths that I am making for Valentine gifts for my daughters. I hope to get the picutures posted tomorrow.

The Borders ON

2009-01-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

My MI daughter came over with Sarah and she uploaded the border and the picture of Julie and Sarah.
We just got back from a trip to Michael's where we got some supplies for new projects and some princess stickers for Juliet. Juju is into princess, especially Sleeping Beauty right now , and stickers, so the princess stickers were perfect for her and the price was right-$ 1.40. So they will be off to Oregon soon with her other valentine gifts. I sure do miss that girl and her parents. We are trying to plan a trip in late March so we all can get together again.

Second Posting January 29, 2009

2009-01-29T18:53:00.000-05:00

As you can see I figured out how to add some color, but haven't been able to get a background paper. I saw a beautiful one on www.Backgroundfairy.com that I tried to put on my blog, but I haven't figured out to cut and paste. My MI daughter is coming over tomorrow so she should be able to figure out how to help me. She is the mom of my second granddaughter Sarah who is eleven weeks old. What a cutie. Perhaps her mom can help me upload a picture of her. My husband is totally enamored of her. Sarah has the most beautiful smile. Next week I get to watch her for two days a week, as her mom has to go back to work. That is just for the month of February and then she will go to daycare.
My other granddaughter lives in Or. Her name is Juliet and she is 2 1/2 years old. She is a real doll and just cracks me up with her talk. Of course I just love two year olds! They are so eager to help, learn, and talk. What a joy.
Check back tomorrow and perhaps I'll have some pictures up. Let's hope I catch on to operating a computer.

First Post January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

Well, here goes. As I said in my profile I do not know much about computers so this blog will look rather plain until I figure it out. I got into this blog world by reading Nancy's blog, Herartnest. Read it and see the wonderful things that she does. She is a very talented woman! From her blog I went to Karla's cottage. She was having a puppy love tag swap which I quickly joined. Can't wait to get my tag book. Check out Karla's blog too. She has a great boutique that I bought from, and was very pleased with my purchases.
My main interests in the creative world is quilting and mixed media art. I am not an artist in any way, but just love to make things. It just takes me some time to get started. I haven't figure out just what the start button looks like, so it is hard for me to find.
I am off to find out how to fancy this blog up a bit. I want my banner to reflect the things that matter to me the most.