Paper Fabric Round Two!

This is my newest paper fabric.  I wanted to try one in just browns and beige.   The thread is a metallic copper. I have never used metallic thread before.  It is my first love/hate relationship with a spool of thread for both my machine and me!

My Little Craft Pod

Slowly but surely I have been claiming the empty spaces left behind by my children.   My craft area moved from the craft cave in the basement to the new craft pod in small bedroom upstairs.  Good thing it is in the back of house because it is usually in a messy state.

My son and his wife put up some word decor they personally chose for my little room.  I love it.  What a perfect touch!!!   I just had to show-off my walls.

Paper Hoop - Project 3

Whew.  The wrapping paper I added was my favorite... and also tore easily.   The circle in the center was added to cover a few small holes.  I like the little extra pop of color it added to my hoop.   I am behind in my SEWN projects so I think I will work on the lantern next.  It looks like a fun one!

Fabric Paper - Project 2

While making my watercolor and painted pattern pages I had some doubts that the end product would be something I really liked.  I winced at a number of pattern pages I created.  But when I started to cut the pages up and sew the pieces together the paper seemed to transform right before my eyes into something fun and colorful.  

Paper + paper =

Cut + cut + sew + sew = whala!!!

Pattern Book Cover - Project 1

It was fun sewing this little paper book together.  I even found a bookbinding needle buried in my stash of random sewing needles. 

Although I am not the best sewer around, sitting behind my sewing machine is in my comfort zone.

Sewn Patterns

Playing with paint....  The paint did not flow how I expected.  With no rules to follow I found this curiously more difficult than I anticipated.  I have always been better at duplicating than creating.  I tried to choose colors that are vibrant for my pattern pages. 

The Watcher

These pictures were taken at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.  Founded in 1849, it is like walking through an outdoor museum.

A Bottle of Karma!

Karma.  What a great name for a bottle of Chardonnay.  I bought this at an import market that has been in my neighborhood for years.  It is my favorite go-to place for olives, sausage, pepperoni, cheese, & spices.  This bottle of Karma Chardonnay was bought for a house warming.   Perfect!

Crafter's Block

For the first time since long before Christmas I am not in the middle of making a project or two or three.  I do not even have an idea in mind.  I have crafter's block.  So I decided to just make something..... anything!

I stumbled on a video by Melissa Samuels on how to make these cute little ornaments. They are fun to make and there are many things you can do with them.   Maybe if I make enough of these I can shake off my slump.

The Wedding!

The new Mr. & Mrs. Rob Diederichsen.  Welcome to the family Rob!

The Apple

My mother taught me to sew when I was young. This year for Christmas my daughter, Kathy, asked for a sewing machine. Over the years Kathy has seen me sitting behind my machine making everything from clothes to blankets. To see her sitting behind her own machine this Christmas morning made my year.

Christmas Blessings!

May your heart be filled with hope and joy.

Thanksgiving!

 
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Guess Whooooo is Having a Big Birthday!

My little sister.  Happy Birthday Linda!  I made her this little birthday book for the special occasion and whipped up this cute little little owl.   The back is from an old polka dot chenille bedspread.  The front fabric is some retro fabric I had in my stash... just her style!

Sew Happy!

This little table runner is for, Laura, the newest member of my family.  I fused the ribbon on to keep them from shifting.   Whew, I was not sure this would come together okay.   On to the next project.

Treasure Hunt

Years ago a relative was giving away some china left to them by another relative.  I took them home and they got tucked in the most obscure corner of an old addition on the back of my house.    This morning, I crawled under there on hand an knee (yuck) and drug out the boxes to peek inside.  It had been a long time and I did not vaguely remember what they looked like.

Each piece is wrapped in brown and brittle old newspaper, but the dishes inside look like new.  I have not uncovered all the pieces, but there is a little bit of about everything!  The back of the dishes are stamped Royal Joci, and hand decorated with 23k gold.   They wouldn't get big money on Pawn Stars, but they sure are fun.

Back to My Craft Roots

Sew!  As usual, there are just too many fabulous things on my list to make lately.  My first project was a long overdue pillow in a quilt for my daughter.

Today I finished my first rag quilt ever.  It is for someone at work.  I will definitely be making more rag quilts in the future.  Cut, cut, cut...snip, snip, snip!!!

Hope Lights the Way

"Hope" is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all -Emily Dickinson

  

BCS 4 years and counting! 

ATC Time

The past few months I have given my paper crafts a bit break and have been sewing.  My mom taught me to sew when I was a young girl.   Over the years no matter what new craft or hobby I obsess with  engage in, I always kept my sewing machine in a ready state.

My favorite local store has a July ATC swap.  It gave me the perfect opportunity to use one of my new favorite pictures found somewhere on the web.  My roller skates were my second love, but very close behind my brother's wonder horse!

An Offer I Couldn't Refuse

A sweet cyber friend who was my first craft swap partner ever invited me to participate in a fun swap. Of course I said yes!  I headed to my craft cave,  dusted off my supplies, and was paired up with a very nice gal... Nan from Bubbles of Joy. 

Above is a picture of the fabulous canvas Nan made for me.  The colors are just perfect.  My new favorite color lately is any shade of aqua blue.  The canvas is a dreamy cream with a touch of pink.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Vintage bluebirds, butterflies and a sweet little girl.... what's not to love?  Thank you Nan!

For Nan, I tried to use colors to match her craft room...teal and red.   I painted my little canvas red and loaded it with things I hoped Nan would enjoy along with some of her favorite memories.  The queen in the middle is an old childhood friend... Midge.  The cute little butterfly is her mother.  Nan is on there too wearing a party hat.  I sure had fun making this for her.

A big hug and thank you to Joyce for putting this swap together.