January 7th, 2010
I love finding God in unexpected places. Today I was looking at adorable crafts on several blogs I’d not visited before. I started out at One Pretty Thing which led me to Creative Breathing. The author has a Gnome penny rug pattern for free (and lots of other great patterns, take some time and look around). I love Gnomes even more than zombies…so I was intrigued about the book that inspired her penny rug. I went to Paula’s Palace of AltAred Art to find out about the book “The Gnome Book of Christmas Crafts”. Paula’s blog has all kinds of lovely gnomeishness, and best of all the book is fabulous. I ordered a copy from Amazon. So after that bit of excitement I began checking out a few of the blogs that were recommended on both the aforementioned blogs. It only stands to reason that if I loved their blogs I would probably find some pretty nifty stuff as I explored.
One of the blogs I found that I simply love is Lallee’s Cottage, you have to check out her etsy shop. I love her cupcakes and I really hope she is going to be adding even more of her creations to her shop…I’ll have to keep taking a peek, so I made her shop a favorite.
Okay, back to the God part; Lallee’s Cottage has a wonderful post about New Year’s resolutions and what she is doing instead of making a list of resolutions. I love the whole concept of WIJIT (pronounced widget), and rather than explain it myself you should read her blog and the blog she references. Trust me, it is worth the trip!
December 17th, 2009
I am still in love with Texture Magicâ„¢. I think it adds a special touch to any project. I’ve textured paper, all kinds of fabrics and even some copper foil. The cats are getting nervous…I haven’t textured them, yet.
I just finished this cute bag from Abbey Lane Quilts. It was the November project in my Bag of the Month Club.   The club is taught by Barbara Brooks at Byrd’s Nest Quilt Shop. I used Texture Magicâ„¢ for the top band. The handles aren’t textured, that is just bunched fabric on my ingenious handles. I stiffened plastic tubing with 12 gauge copper wire then covered it with a long tube of fabric. I’m pleased with the results!
December 4th, 2009
As I continue to texture everything in my house, I found a way to incorporate it in the centerpiece for the Memory Maker’s Christmas Luncheon.
The wrap is made with red flannel (recycled from old jammies). I used a simple meander to attach Texture Magicâ„¢ to the wrong side and then I steamed it. When the steam hits the Texture Magicâ„¢ it immediately shrinks. The whole process really does seem magical. And because you steam from the back it is a wonderful surprise to flip the fabric over and see how it looks.
The elves in the centerpiece were made by Geri Minter. She hand stitched those tiny felt clothes, hats and mittens. They are just adorable. Diane Mettler sewed all the yo-yos and contributed the mirrors and the buttons. Mary Ferelli wrapped Styrofoam, cardboard and wood to make the bases.
Notice that the little girl elf has a needle and thread, she is helping to sew the yo-yos to the candle wrap!
November 24th, 2009
Okay, I’m not talking turkey here. I stopped cooking in 1993, so I don’t worry for a moment about leftovers. Well, sometimes I do worry that we don’t run out of cranberry sauce and dressing before turkey…but that has to do with eating.
So, back to the point. I created a fabulous bag in the Bag of the Month class at Byrd’s Nest Quilt Shop in Palm Coast. Of course I used Texture Magicâ„¢ to jazz it up. I had a small piece of textured fabric leftover and faster than you can say “pass a plump piece of pecan pie” I had whipped up this little gift. The beads, bit of chain and the snaps that close the bracelet in the back were all leftovers from past projects.
Even better than a quick and easy gift is a quick, easy and free gift!
