Laughing Cat

Kaleidoscope Quilt by Julie

2013-08-23T10:05:00.002-05:00

Julie is a co-worker of mine who happens to make beautiful quilts. She just started quilting about 3 years ago. I am very pleased to feature one of her magnificent creations! I think her work is fantastic.
You can find Julie at 627handworks.com
ENJOY!

Kaleidoscope Quilt

BY JULIE HIRT

Sweet, sweet, victory. That’s how I feel about this quilt.

This was the first time I’ve made quilt blocks with linen. I starched the crap out of it. Not sure if it was necessary, but I did anyway.

It’s also the first time I’ve done rows of straight line quilting. These are spaced at 1″ and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Breepickles suggested quilting concentric circles, which would have been awesome, but I’m not comfortable doing that yet. Feel I should play with that style before attempting an entire quilt.

Quilting:
Aurifil’s Medium Turquoise (#5006) cotton in 50 wt matched the backing perfectly. Then I used my absolute favorite color, Platinum (#2912) for the front. The Platinum blends into the Kaufman yarn-dyed linen and doesn’t take away from the bright quilting cottons.

I figured as long as I used the same weight of thread for the top and bobbin, it was okay to use 2 different colors.

Crinkles make me happy.

It does annoy me when when the fabric in some straight line quilting twists and turns between the rows. Luckily I got away without that happening and I didn’t switch directions between rows. Nope! I’m a rebel.

My machine (Janome Memory Craft 6600p) has a really nice built in walking foot so all the layers stayed put. To be honest, I think not switching directions between rows helped prevent that twisty-turny that bothers me so.

Rows of straight line quilting doesn’t freak me out now that I’ve done it. Next time I’d like to try skinnier rows or random spacing.

Pattern:
I was super late to the Kaleidoscope party at Don’t Call Me Betsy’s. I didn’t use the templates but I did use her fabric requirements as well as strip sizes.

I cut 6.5″ strips of fabric and used the 30 degree mark on my ruler to cut the triangles. Elizabeth has a template if you are not comfortable doing that. I also used my ruler for the corner triangles, but she provides a template for that too!

Layout:
Alternate blocks of 8 prints and blocks with 4 prints & 4 solids. All corners are solid.

If you make one, definitely play and look at pictures first. Some people make all their blocks using alternating solid/print with some of the corners a print. Then lay them out all the same, while others rotate every other block. There really are tons of options!

I used more of the Kaufman linen for the hand stitched binding. Linen has such a nice texture and it just makes me feel all fancy.

The backing is Free Spirit’s voile in Mist from Cucire. I heart, heart, heart it. Soooo soft. After loving it on the back of a baby quilt, I decided to spoil myself.

And, of course, I added a label. I used to embroider them, but this works well too. You can order labels and save 5% using code 627handworks at Ikaprint! *wink wink*

It measures 72″ x 60″ which is great for the sofa and I’m keeping it for myself (shocker). Let’s see if any of my family members can pry it from my hands. Doubt it.

Oh… I spray basted it. I’ve never pinned. Is my quilty membership revoked now?

Knit Beaded Bracelets Part Two and New Yarn

2013-08-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have finished the first round of round of knit beaded bracelets and thought I'd share photos of those I have left. Once I attached the toggles I used clear nail polish to coat the thread ends above and below the bead spacer to prevent fraying and breakage.

I like how they look and feel; so light weight - hardly know you're wearing one.

I'll be working on more and here is a preview of the next color I've chosen. Picking out the beads is one of the most interesting parts of the creating these bracelets; never quite knowing how the bead combinations are going to look is rather fun.

Some very interesting new yarn is showing up in the stores...I'll admit this doesn't look like much all jumbled up like this....but I'm thinking it's going to "grow" up to be a beautiful scarf.

A Little Change of Pace

2013-08-19T20:29:00.001-05:00

Nail polish... I love it. No matter how many bottles I have I can always find a new one to try. I don't believe I have ever actually used up a bottle...most of the time I throw out old as I buy new. I've made a promise to myself that I would have no more bottles than what I can fit in a shoe-box-sized plastic container and I have been pretty good at sticking to that promise.

Pink is my go to color when I don't have a new favorite.

But, I do love some of the more "exotic" colors as well.

A girl has a right to change her mind every once in awhile.

While I will buy pretty much any brand (although I do have a price limit of $8)

I tend to choose Essie more often than the others.

Two of my current favorites are...

Essie smokin' hot (my current nail color) and Essie go overboard.

While having a professional mani/pedi is something I would like to do all the time, I usually apply my own polish, granted I very often end up painting most of my toe when doing a pedicure, the overflow does come off easily with hand lotion and a nail brush.

I have found rejuvacote nail growth system a great nail strengthener, base and top coat.

What polish do you use to feel pretty?

A Little Crochet Humor

2013-08-18T13:21:00.001-05:00

Crocheting is a huge part of my life.

I do realize that I tend to accumulate projects, yarn, and pattern books to the point of distraction.

Thought I'd share a little of the humor that has been posted on different media

about folks who are a wee bit obsessed with crochet and yarn....

Hey we have to be able to laugh at ourselves, right?

This one is really not funny....it's TRUE!

Art Journaling

2013-08-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to art journal for some time now. I was first introduced to the craft in the magazine "Art Journaling" published by Somerset Studio.

I found it a bit intimidating, I'm not an artist, can't draw or paint, but that doesn't really matter, and that's not really the point. You can use stencils, photos, clip art and doodles. And the painting part? Well, it's kind of like the water color painting we used to do in elementary school with a few additions to make it last, not rip the page and coating it so you can apply adhesive and ink. That may be a little simplistic, but I don't believe I have to be Monet. I purchased a great how to book "The Art Journal Workshop" by Traci Bunkers. She has a super list of supply suggestions and very detailed page assembly/creation directions. The prompts and exercises are tremendously helpful.

So I've begun gathering supplies and plan to start some pages over the weekend.

When I was in high school, many, many years ago, my best friend and I used to buy scrap books and illustrate songs and poetry with pictures from magazines, cut up wrapping paper and doodles.

There are several songs I would like to illustrate in an art journal, as well as some poetry.

I'm sure I will eventually get into putting my own thoughts on the painted pages but until I feel more comfortable with the medium, illustrating poems and songs is just fine.

Can't wait to share my progress.

Wish me luck.

Crochet Inspiration

2013-08-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

so darn cute

Never have enough dishcloths! No tutorial for this, but I really like the pattern

I'll have to figure out what it is someday!

Love the colors!

Crochet Symbols

2013-08-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Can you follow crochet symbols?

I have not mastered that yet. I printed out a chart from www.craftyarncouncil.com and I'm bound and determined to learn how to follow these patterns. My biggest reason for learning is all the great patterns on pinterest that only have a symbol chart to follow. I have found that very frustrating and decided it's not their fault..I need to learn how to read the symbols! Teaching an 'ole dog new tricks may not be to easy....but I believe we need to learn something new every day to keep our brains exercised and healthy just like our bodies. So here I go.

Click on the link above it you would like to print out the chart as well.

Arts and Crafts

2013-08-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

It feels like I've read a million words or more on blogging; what and what not to do...one article that has bothered me since reading it, basically said that if you blog about arts and crafts you shouldn't say you blog about arts and crafts, instead you should use the phrase Artisan Entrepreneur, not that I have anything against fancy names, but, la-de-da shut the door and give me a crown! Forgive me if I shun the vernacular of the day, I AM a DIY arts and crafts person, always have been and always will be and I'm proud of it.

So, now that I have that off my chest and have finally decided I'm going to stop trying to be what someone else says I should be, it's time to get on with things.

After all these years I am finally going to take a class in running an Arts and Crafts business. I've been doing this for decades and have never consulted an expert on how to manage the business end of what I do. I believe the biggest challenge we all face in this line of work is how to price the items we create. Crochet, knit, quilts, hand-made jewelry, whatever you create, takes time, energy, thought and there are expenses involved (sometimes, a lot of expenses) and that elusive component...creative talent. If we are to sell our creations at a fair price to everyone, we have to include every facet. At least that's what I think. This is a struggle with each item I create and I don't think I've ever gotten it right. I believe I price too low because the majority of the people I have sold to are friends and I don't want them to spend too much. But, is that fair to me and all the time I have put into an item?

I am looking forward to this class; it starts August 21st, on-line through
Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, and runs 6 weeks

Week One

*finding your own niche
*choosing a business name

Week Two

*work space options
*setting up the workspace

Week Three

*creating a marketing strategy
*pricing

Week Four

*how to be a salesperson
*getting your crafts to the marketplace

Week Five

*selling retail
*craft shows

Week Six

*setting up for a successful craft show
*teaching your craft

I'm very excited to take these classes and so happy they are on-line. I suppose it seems a bit backwards to be taking classes now for what I've been doing for decades; but I think it's cool and will re-ignite my passion for my crafts and hopefully help me sell a few more. Can't believe I'll be taking quizzes, doing projects and taking a final! It's been a long time since I've done that...I'll let you know how it goes.

Stop the Noise and Let Me Create!

2013-08-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Been turning inward a bit lately and have found these thoughts helpful...

Netflix, Granddaughters and Getting off My Butt

2013-08-10T15:40:00.000-05:00

Netflix

Ok, my husband and I have pretty much turned into home bodies as we have "matured". I can remember the times when we were on the go non-stop, family, friends, neighbors, business, school activities and just plain fun took us away from home a majority of the time.

Of course we lived in Southern California at the time with a wealth of entertainment at our fingertips, the weather alone kept us outside a great deal of the time.

Now we live in the Kansas City area and are empty nesters, with the notable exception of our 4-pawed children, and spend many evenings in front of the TV. I always have a craft going (or am being totally frustrated by Candy Crush!) and Bob is usually reading as well, but the TV is on. We have become great fans of Netflix, in fact I don't know how we would live without it. On Wednesday we finished the entire "West Wing" series; 7 seasons of fantastic characters, dialogue and story lines.

So Thursday we looked at each other and said, what now? Sad but true, we were feeling a tremendous let down! Well, we muddled through that evening with "America's Got Talent" and some

baseball for Bob (I was reading) and now we have discovered "Orange is the new Black" produced by Netflix- we find it witty, engaging, and totally entertaining.

So if we "have" to watch TV, at least it's worth watching!

Granddaughters

We have 2 and a half granddaughters. I say half because our son and his lady fair will not be married until next year so I guess technically I can't claim Lexi as my granddaughter.....yet. The two oldest are teenagers and what fun to watch them becoming charming, talented, intelligent and of course beautiful young women. They actually let me friend them on Facebook and one on them has a fascinating Pinterest account. Unfortunately both of these girls live far away , one in Canada and the other in Michigan, and we only get to see them a couple times of year if we are lucky.

We have missed so much but with social media we feel as if we can "see" them more often and be apart of what's going on day-to-day.

Now the little one (actually 10 years old) lives close by and hopefully as we get to know each other better there will some fantastic Grandma/Granddaughter adventures in store for us.

I know we already share a love of Monster High Dolls and she loved the headband I crocheted for her (wore it to school the next day!) so I think we are off to a good start.

While I would love to have all 3 of them just around the corner, I will be happy with the precious moments that we do have together and build a lifetime of memories with those bits and pieces of gold.

Getting off my Butt

The few regular followers that I have, have obviously noticed that I lack consistency in actually publishing posts. Start, stop, start, stop....what is my problem?

Well I am bound and determined to make this work, I enjoy it too much for it to be a failure. I have several projects in the works and a series of corresponding posts.

I also firmly believe if you do something enough times it becomes an automatic part of your daily routine. So I guess I'm asking you to stick with me, even if you have only enjoyed one little thing you have seen here at Laughing Cat Creates. I am making a promise to you and myself that I will be more involved and much more active on this blog. Stay tuned!

Knitting Beaded Bracelets

2013-07-07T14:14:00.000-05:00

Two of my most favorite creative endeavors are anything to do with yarn and designing jewelry.

When I can combine them I'm a really happy camper.

I've recently started a collection of knit beaded bracelets.

The supplies are pretty simple, a variety of small decorative and seed beads;

Cotton thread or polyester embroidery thread and knitting needles

The cotton thread comes in a nice selection of colors as well as some metallic and is quite easy to work with. One ball will make several bracelets

The polyester embroidery thread has a shimmery look and is 6 ply. It can be a little more difficult to work with and I have learned the hard way that some of the beads may actually tear the thread. Bracelets usually require 1, 2 or 3 skeins. This also comes in a nice variety of colors.

String the beads on the thread first. The bracelets pictured below use about 200 beads; for me, this is the longest part of the process....getting all those little beads onto the thread. Most of the patterns I have used call for about 9 stitches for a size 2 knitting needle. Begin by knitting 3-4 rows without any beads. You will want to leave an edge on each side for sewing up your tube when you have reached the length desired. Two stitches on each edge is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the size of your bead, you knit in 1, 2 or 3 beads with each stitch between the edge stitches. Knit to the desired length making sure to knit 3-4 rows at the end without any beads to match the beginning, sew the long sides together, attach a clasp and you're done!

The picture below shows the 4 bracelets I am currently working on. I have finished all the knitting and now need to sew the edges and attach the clasps. As you can see the design possibilities are endless.

I'll share the finished product in another post.

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder...A Journey...

2013-06-09T13:49:00.001-05:00

I recently reconnected with a high school buddy through Facebook. In our conversations I said that I didn't post too many personal things on FB as I questioned whether anyone would really want to read what I had to say...was I smart enough, witty enough, informed enough...etc. Her response was, "Helen, at our age we should be able to say whatever we want and not worry what others think." That one little sentence has been replaying and replaying in my mind ever since...

As I wrote in an earlier blog, I have struggled with exactly what I want this blog to be. I know if I am not true to myself, readers will see through the BS and pretense and not care to follow. I also know I run the risk of alienating folks if I keep changing but....if the shoe doesn't fit.....

Sometime in my mid-30's my mother's DNA kicked in and I started gaining weight. And after being diagnosed and treated for Graves Disease, I gained even more weight and have struggled ever since to get it under control. My family watched my mother deteriorate as she aged, as she gained more and more weight...the diabetes, heart trouble, back surgery and eventual Dementia. It was painful to watch and left an indelible scar in my brain and on my soul and I do not want to be that person.

So here I am, overweight, high blood pressure, pre-diabetic, filled with arthritis, high cholesterol and in my opinion spinning out of control. I KNOW what I need to do, no question, I am smart enough to realize the consequences of not making my health my number one priority.

I've done Weight Watchers, South Beach, Atkins and even went to a weight clinic. They all work, but you have to keep following the plan and that is where I run into trouble. It's someone's birthday at the office, or somebody brought in left over goodies from the weekend, samples at the grocery store, not having the healthy stuff on hand, being bored, being sad, being happy....being out of control.

So it's time to begin a journey and I think the best way for me to succeed is to share it with others. I cannot be a successful business owner/blogger if I am not a successfully healthy human being. The two do not mesh....it may work for awhile, but one or the other will break.

I am not a particularly athletic person, but I do enjoy being outside walking and working on my container garden; I have practiced a bit of yoga and Tai Chi. I think these are excellent places to start my journey: with small steps, adding/expanding a bit each week or so until I feel comfortable again in my own skin, and not ashamed at what I have let myself become.

Sun Salutation is a great way to start the day. I did 4 sequences this morning.

Well, I don't know if I'm at this point yet; BUT, a I had very similar advice before my double knee replacement surgery and it was so appropriate and made a HUGE impact on my recovery. I need to adopt this attitude right now and apply it to my whole life.

Now, for the eating part of this equation. I felt most comfortable and had the most lasting success with South Beach. Getting through the first 3-4 days of no simple carbs and no sugar is quite difficult, but I did it and felt increasing better each day I followed the plan. The biggest element to being successful is having the right food on hand at all times and never letting myself get so hungry that I would eat the table if I could fit it in my mouth-believe me I have felt this way at times!

Adopting a healthy eating plan and sticking to it may seem simple to many people. Trust me, it is not. Like any other addiction, food/eating incorrectly does not have an easy "fix" (pardon the pun). It takes planning, small steps and a positive attitude....and it can't be done cold turkey. We do need food to survive, damn, it would be much easier if we didn't.

So, how does all of this tie together, you may ask...when I started this blog I had every intention of making it all about "physical creativity"...crochet, knitting, sewing, gardening, journaling with snippets of items that I sell sprinkled in along the way. But ALL of life involves creativity and I feel I must also share how I create a healthier life, and in turn continue to grow my "hands-on" creative life. And my high school friend? I'm going to tell it like I see it, the good, the bad, the ugly and most importantly, the successful, the positive, the healthy...creating on the wings on serendipity, one day, one step at a time.

Two-Word Tuesday: Off-Line

2013-05-21T10:27:00.001-05:00

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to let you know I will not be posting for a couple of weeks. Getting ready for our trip to Canada. Looking forward to sharing fun things from Canada with you when I return. Take care.

From My Favorite Blogs - Container Gardening

2013-05-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

Dawn at Joyful Scribblings has another post I would like to share. I think this is marvelous, and since the majority of my gardening is container gardening it's perfect for me. Thanks, Dawn!

Container Gardening Part 1

2013 MAY 15

5 COMMENTS

by dawn

One of Miki’s pots by her beautiful pool

Now that we are hopefully out of the woods in terms of snow and freezing temperatures it’s time to start thinking about planting flowers. Container gardening is a lot like decorating your home. There are several things you need to consider:

What are your needs? Are you trying to screen out an undesirable view?
What type of pot do you want to use?
What colors do you like?
What color and style is your house?
Consider mixing in different types of textures.
Plant in odd numbers. Use three, five or seven types of plants per pot.
Mix heights of plants.
Just as you would have a focal point in your home, use the same approach in your yard. Have one large pot or group pots in arrangements to add more interest. You could even add other accessories to your grouping such as a stone sculpture.

I consulted my friend and Master Gardener, Miki who has spent many hours learning about horticulture through the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension program. They only accept 30 people per year and require students to perform 40 hours of community service every year . Miki volunteers at theArboretum which has container gardens on display from various groups until this Sunday, May 19. The tips in this post come from information she learned through the extension program.

Arboretum Container Garden

According to Miki, a common mistake people make is using too small of a pot. The soil drys up quickly from the sun and wind and requires more watering. All pots need drainage holes. You can use a coffee filter or newspaper to prevent potting mix from falling out. Use a professional potting mix which can be found at places like Lowe’s, Home Depot or a gardening center. Also be sure to fertilize your soil 1 to 3 times per summer with Miracle Grow or some other type of fertilizer. This is a step I normally skip, but I mainly plant succulents because they require less watering. You can read about my love for succulentshere. When selecting a pot there are pros and cons for different styles of pots.

Terra-cotta pros- classic, attractive, affordable, beautiful patina with age
cons- heavy, fragile, porous (needs extra watering), cracks in winter
Plastic pros- lightweight, durable, affordable
cons- less attractive, blows over in wind
Ceramic pros- attractive, many colors
cons- fragile, costly, often no drainage
Wood pros- affordable, can build yourself
cons- decays, not as attractive
Fiberglass pros- lightweight, mimics natural materials
cons- costly
Hypertufa pros- popular look, can make yourself
cons- heavy, cracks in winter

When you are choosing colors of flowers take into consideration the colors in your home. If you can see the flowers from inside your home, you may want to choose similar tones so that it flows. Generally, choose two main colors and one accent for your pot.

Harmonious- different shades of one color or hues next to each other on the color wheel
Contrasting- colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel
Warm- colors such as red, orange and yellow which add drama. (these are the colors I mainly use) Orange is a popular color this year.
Cool- colors such as blue and purple and pastels which are more relaxing
Silver- foliage harmonizes with all colors and tones down hot colors while enhancing cool ones
White – white flowers show up better at night

Miki had so much great information to share that I thought it would be best to do so in two separate posts. Tomorrow I will cover the process of selecting and planting your flowers and plants.

Something New-Tatting

2013-05-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

Tatting

Have you ever tried tatting?
I haven't....at least not yet.
Since I already enjoy so many needle arts it seems natural to me that I would want to try something new every now and then. This time it's tatting. I am most intrigued with tatted jewelry. With it's lace like look, tatted jewelry is feminine, maybe a bit Victorian looking, a bit bohemian and a
great way to wear art.

According to Wikipedia, tatting "...is formed by a pattern of rings and chains formed from a series of cow hitch or half-hitch knots, called double stitches (ds), over a core thread."
Well OK...let's see what that looks like...

I think it's really pretty and I can never have enough jewelry.

I have purchased a few supplies and a tatted jewelry instruction book. After looking through the book, I can see that I will be purchasing some additional supplies in order to complete my jewelry.

I'm planning on making this new needle art my project for our upcoming trip to Canada. Since I will have a lot of down time in the car, I might as well make the best use of that time by creating something new. And I usually have time in the evenings while we are there when I can work on my latest project.
Maybe I'll even get my step-daughter and granddaughter interested in learning!

I'll share pictures with you when I have some completed items.

Wordless Wednesday

2013-05-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

Two-Word Tuesday

2013-05-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

Crochet Instructions (part one)

My grandmother taught me to crochet, it's a memory I will cherish all my life. I can still remember sitting on the couch or on the floor watching her with her crochet thread and small sized metal crochet hook, mesmerized by how quickly she created beautiful row after row for a table cloth, bedspread or edging for pillows, tea towels, dresser scarves and handkerchiefs.

As most beginners do, I worked on single crochet over and over...until I crocheted a chain several feet long. And then the thrill of learning how to turn and do a second row. I have no idea how much left over yarn I used up practicing, making mile long rectangles!

I'm including some printed instructions for beginning crochet. The most important thing to remember is consistency in tension, getting the stitches to be as uniform as possible.

Practice, practice, practice. I will share more crochet tips in future posts.

Where Do I Begin?

2013-05-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have a birthday coming up this week...let's say I'm fairly certain I've already lived the first half of my life. And that's ok, it's what I do with the rest that intrigues me...

I have a lot of dreams, desires and hope for tomorrow and all the tomorrows I may enjoy. There are a few things I wish I had done differently, but at this point it doesn't really matter. I'm here and I'm ready to write several more chapters.

I figure it's never too late to be healthier and more fit so I have embarked on a wellness program. I've been stumbling a bit, but I will continue, taking little steps along the way that will eventually add up to a whole lot of improvement.

My family is my number one priority. Always has been and always will be. They are the reason I get up each day and more forward with plans to better myself. I owe them the best me I can be. Without their love and support I would lost.

I love to craft. I love to write. I love music. I love Mother Nature. I would not know how to get from morning to night without visiting with the "creative" me for a few hours. It is how I breathe. Some may find it odd that I would take on developing a home business at my age, I should be retiring in a few years. No, I don't think so. I feel that my best work is still to come and I long to dive into it head first. Work continues on my craft room/space and I am constantly finding new ways to use the talents my DNA has given me. My crochet, knitting, sewing, journaling, jewelry design & scrapbooking will travel with me until my last breathe. The music in me accompanies and soothes with every step I take. And words, oh my, words never cease to amaze, confound and delight me as they tumble across the page expressing my innermost thoughts, dreams, desires and hopes as well as the demons,

the fears and the failures.

Turning 63 may be daunting to some. To me, it's just the beginning of a long and wondrous journey. My hand is outstretched in friendship; I hope you will journey with me from time to time.

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder

2013-05-12T17:32:00.002-05:00

I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day, we all need good wishes and happiness..

"Succes in not final,

failure is not fatal;

it is the courage to continue that counts."

-Winston Churchill

Wordless Wednesday

2013-05-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

I love the colors.

Incredible Journey....

Two-Word Tuesday

2013-05-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Pinterest Obsession

Ok, I'm obsessed with Pinterest. I was intrigued from the moment I heard about it. And now, well I can't stop pinning! If I know I need to do something else, I dare not even open Pinterest, because I will spend hours, browsing, pinning, looking through old pins, finding new ones, looking for more people to follow, trying to find great new things to pin, cleaning up my boards, making new boards....well you can see how the minutes tick by into hours. I have so many things pinned that I want to try, if I never pinned anything new after today, I would have enough to carry me through another life time!

Here are a few of my favorite pins, in no particular order.

Perfectly Beautiful

Paul Lynde, so funny. Miss his quick wit!

All time favorite

Love This

Wish I had the nerve to do something like this

Awesome

Where Do I Begin

2013-05-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

...Part Two...

The Necklace

I have finished the necklace I started for my friend Debbie...wanted to share it with you. I have many left over beads and I think I will make her a pair of earrings to match.

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder

2013-05-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Turn Up the Volume

2013-05-04T16:11:00.002-05:00

I've been out of sync with my blog...don't exactly know what's happened. I've been experiencing some down time in my artistic endeavors as well, guess I've been going through a dry spell. That happens, but the creative juices are starting to "bubble" up again and I feel a surge of activity coming on!

We have a trip planned for the end of this month to Canada to visit with my husband's family. We will be staying with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. We are so excited. We will be driving, takes about 14-15 hours depending on how many stops we make. We usually pack sandwiches, fun snacks and drinks so the majority of the stops are for gasoline and the bathroom! We have made this drive at least a dozen times. Yes, we could fly, but we actually enjoy the time on the road and then having our own car when we get there is always a plus. Since we will be very close to a great outlet mall and a huge Ikea store, having the big car is actually a must!

My stepdaughter, Chris is one of the brightest lights in my life. Our time together is always full of laughter (so much to it's to the point of tears many times), hugs, long talks, many shopping trips and a lot of crafting time. Our spa day is already planned and we will be accompanied this year by my delightful granddaughter, Amanda. I have already purchased some summer hats that I am going to embellish for us to wear on our day of beauty. I have heard that Amanda has some other plans for us as well and has even created something for Grandma already...see what I mean, I can hardly wait!

Our grandson, Danny is graduating from high school this year and we are thrilled to be there as he gets ready to begin his university years. He and his grandpa have a wonderful time together talking spots and science fiction.

And Bruno, our son-in-law....what a fantastic man. While he tends to be somewhat quiet when first meeting him, we have learned over the years that he has a tremendous sense of humor, quick wit and is a wonderfully gracious host.

The whole family has been working on updating their basement, so we have a big treat in store when we get there. Last year when we visited we enjoyed the new paint and updated living room on the main level.

While in Windsor, we will also be seeing Bob's brothers and sisters and as many nieces and nephews as possible. I was born and raised in the Detroit area, so going to Windsor is very much like going home for me, since it's just across the border. Those of us with family in Canada are fortunate that our 2 countries enjoy such easy border crossing. While the lines can get long and the questions sometimes a bit tedious I am eternally grateful that the folks to the north are our friends.

Wordless Wednesday

2013-05-01T10:03:00.004-05:00

Laughing Cat

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Kaleidoscope Quilt

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