I Like To Make Things!

It's Almost February and That Means....

2012-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

Valentines! This is the first I've made for a sweet Pre Teen. Fun, easy and colorful. More to come.

Hootie the Owlet Tooth Fairy Pillows

2012-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today is a rainy day Monday in Austin. A perfect time for crafting. I scoured my scrap bin to find coordinating and lively fabric to make these owlet Tooth Fairy pillows. Each pillow has a tiny pocket just the right size to hold a tooth for the Tooth Fairy. Fun crafting when skies are gray outdoors!

Lavendar Sachets

2012-01-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of love and Valentine's Day coming up next month, I have been making these little sachets filled with fiberfill and lavender flowers. I stiched around each flower with colorful embriodery thread. I will add a ribbon and a button to the top. The fabric is upcycled from a lovely multicolored vintage skirt I found at the Blue Hanger Goodwill Outlet. Small talismans to show love and affection.

A New Year

2012-01-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

I have been negligent in posting my random acts of creativity partly because my only camera now is on my phone and partly due to a lackadaisical attitude. But, here I am again with a photo from my little corner of the world right now and a promise to add some new creations I have made soon.

Welcome 2012!

Autumn in Austin

2011-10-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

is a lovely time...our reward for enduring the brutality of summer heat. And with the cool weather come projects...so many I cannot keep up. This quilt, in progress, is inspired from a modern baby quilt I saw online...soft colors, easy squares....all from my fabric scraps.

Hot and Hotter

2011-08-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

This has been an extremely hot and dry summer in Austin, so my time has been spent swimming or lazing around inside with a good book. But, today, I got off the couch to transform an old, second hand coffee table into a seating bench for my college girl's apartment. I think it looks terrific. I mixed the paint color from leftover paint and the fabric was on sale.

Summer Bliss!

2011-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is what is on my mind today as I have a day off my paying job. In a few minutes I will be right here, swimming and relaxing in the 100 degree heat of an Austin, Texas summer. Water therapy is free and lifts my spirits as well as benefits my health.

My Magnum Opus in process

2011-06-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

When we fled New Orleans 6 years ago ahead of Hurricane Katrina, precious mementos were left behind. One was an alphabet quilt that I had made for my college girl when she was about 2 years old. A few weeks ago, I had the sudden inspiration to recreate this quilt. I designed and hand appliqued each square and stenciled on the letters. It's now almost ready for backing and quilting. I am so happy to see this quilt come to life again. It was such a fond childhood memory.

Matchbook Notebooks

2011-05-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Starting on my Christmas stocking gifts and these are super easy and fun to make. I'll package them with an adorned pen.

Toddler Butterfly Quilt

2011-05-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

These pieces of blue and green fabric were just waiting to be sewn into a quilt for a sweet toddler. Because there wasn't quite enough fabric for all the squares, I made 2 white squares....one has her initial appliqued and the other has a butterfly. The backing is a soft bright green flannel that will feel so comforting against her little cheek.

Anniversary Pop Up Card

2011-05-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

My son and his wife celebrate their anniversary this month so I made a springtime pop up card for them. I'll drop it off with some date bars made from my mother's favorite recipe from the 50's.

Cuddle Quilts for Alabama

2011-05-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a day for making cuddle quilts for Craft Hope's newest project...security blankets for survivors of the tornadoes in Alabama. It felt good to be sewing pieces of fabric into a small comfort for someone in need. I remember all too clearly the early days after Hurricane Katrina when we didn't know how or what would happen to our lives. When friends and family opened their hearts to us, our spirits rose. I am grateful to be giving back in a very small way after another national disaster.

Dishcloth Swap

2011-04-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Rhonda at down-to-home is hosting a handmade dishcloth swap for her readers. Her co host, Sharon will pair us up internationally. I just finished knitting an organic cotton dishcloth and as a little lagniappe, made a pot holder to go in the package also. The potholder, inspired from a tea towel I received for Christmas, is made from a vintage tablecloth and the binding is leftover from a linen shirt I am refashioning.

Bunnies and Bracelets

2011-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Such fun to create soft cuddly bunnies for Operation Bunny Drop in Japan and colorful, whimsical bracelets for Craft Hope. Crafting with a purpose is the best! All made with supplies from the craft closet, nothing purchased.

From trash to treasure

2011-04-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Recycle, reuse, remake, rework, rethink, revamp, refashion, salvage, save, modify, convert, alter, transform, reclaim, invent, imagine....create.

A photo frame turns into an earring holder for 99 cents! I used wire I had on hand. I'd had this idea in my head for while and today the frame presented itself to me at Savers Family Thrift Store.

Round Top Easter Inspiration

2011-04-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a little adventure at Round Top Market Days...so many vendors...so much fun. I saw a little vintage standup Easter rabbit card and toyed with buying it. Instead, I woke up early today, found a vintage rabbit image online, some cardboard in my recycling basket and made my own. So simple and so sweet.

Again, my camera phone is not the best at taking such small images.

Inspiration South Austin Style

2011-04-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me where I find inspiration. Last weekend at a mosaic bridge that is over a creek near my neighborhood. Next I'm going to find the Cathedral of Junk.

New Project

2011-03-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

OK...OK....I am veering off once again, starting a new project with others still left undone, BUT this find was too good to pass up. My college girl, who lives at home, has taken over our small dining table for her study area and I wanted my table back. Amazingly, last week, at our local thrift store a wooden desk sat in the Blessings Area, so now it is hers! It's kind of an ugly duckling right now...but she has big plans to transform it into a swan. In about a week the results will be posted here.

And my camera phone doesn't do it justice.

Easter Chick and wagon

2011-03-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist making this little treasure after I saw it on http://bitterbettyindustries.blogspot.com/. I made a few variations and used only materials I had on hand. Now this sweet chick is off to say Happy Easter to a dear friend.

Luminoso Deux finished!

2011-03-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

My improvisational style of quilting....all fabric from the scrap basket. Time spent on the porch quilting...true meditation.

Inspiration

2011-03-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Oro Valley just north of Tucson AZ....beautiful desert landscape.

Folk Art inspired Bird Ornaments

2011-03-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

During the winter I made these from a play doh like substance. Then there they sat on my craft table until this morning when I decided to give them a paint job and some decorative design with a felt tip pen. Now I have little lovelies to attach to my gifts next holiday season.

Maybe, I actually will be finished with all these undone projects by summer.

Time Out for Unfinished Projects

2011-03-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

Although there are many ideas swirling about in my head, I have committed to finishing these projects before starting anything new....2 baby quilts, some bird ornaments, and another pink bunny sweater. We'll see how good my intentions are...I really want to get these done before summer.

One day later and Luminoso Deux is almost a baby quilt top...keeping true to my word of finishing undone projects. I just need one more border and then it's ready for batting, backing and quilting....progress!

The Owls of February

2011-02-17T10:21:00.001-08:00

Scrounging in my scrap basket once again, I came up with enough fabric to make 2 owl stuffies. So easy to put together for a Little Miss and a Big Miss. I like the happy, wise faces on these owls.

Winter Wonderland in Austin, Texas

2011-02-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

Quilt of many colors

2011-01-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

Trying to chase away the January gloom, I began a new baby quilt using pieces in my scrap basket. I love the cheeriness of the colors and I feel a whole lot better when I look out back and see the stark winter landscape.

Pretty in Pink #2 In Progress

2010-12-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

A new spring baby will be cozy and cuddly in this sweet quilt made with a soft pink and white color scheme. I incorporated the pink floral fabric, given to me by a dear friend, with some coordinating colors I had in my stash to design this new quilt.

Inspiration

2010-12-25T06:33:00.000-08:00

I just came back from a road trip to New Orleans where I found inspiration everywhere. Here are a few pictures that will remain in my mind as I think about projects for the new year.

Daybreak from the Porch...This is on my mind

2010-12-01T05:59:00.001-08:00

I am working steadily for the next 2 weeks, so no time for making things right now, but I did see this lovely sight as I opened my curtains at daybreak last weekend. Nature is such an inspiration to me. And this sight is on my mind as I work in a windowless workroom.

Pretty in Pink- My latest project

2010-11-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

This sweet bunny sweater and hat were a long time in the making...I knit most of both of them during the summer and then got bogged down on putting them together. A dear friend helped me out and now hat and sweater are finished and ready to send off to a sweet 1 year old for Christmas. Weaving in all those ends of yarn almost did me in, but I think the result is just adorable.

Merry Christmas Morgan Alexandria!

Christmas is coming!

2010-11-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

And I am getting ready, making treasures for friends and family. The cheery oven mitt will be filled with a cellophane bag of marshmallows coated with dark chocolate and dipped in crushed peppermint candy along with a hot chocolate mix. The little embroidered bird will be a tree ornament.

Inspiration is Everywhere!

2010-10-19T07:38:00.001-07:00

I've been outdoors all this month enjoying the cooler autumn air...finding inspiration to start some new projects. Seeing what is around me in a new light is always a very good thing.

From There to Here

2010-09-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

I've been asked how I came to this place in my life....living simply, making crafts, and working occasionally. It has been a long and winding road from yesterday to today. Sometimes, life just sends you on a path and you follow, make adjustments and find joy and contentment in the life you have. Once I was a single Mom to 2 children, working as a teacher in New Orleans...suddenly Mom turned into GrandMom with a little girl of another generation to call my own. During my years as a teacher, I was so fortunate to use my creativity in teaching children, integrating art into the curriculum. 5 years ago, my life turned upside down when Hurricane Katrina washed away all semblance of home, possessions and my job. Starting anew with nothing, I decided to turn straw into gold and remake my life, living large on little, searching for joy in the every day. In the past 5 years, I have had the good fortune to live in 2 cities, Tucson and Austin, that inspire and charm me. So one day becomes another...life goes on and I keep finding ways to cherish the life I live.

Photos from top to bottom...New Orleans, Tucson, Austin

Baby's Flip Book

2010-09-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Since I live on a limited budget, my crafting projects must come from whatever I have now on the shelves of my studio/closet. I saw an idea for a fabric flip doll on Prudent Baby blog and decided to make my own interpretation, using animal faces and sounds. What fun to turn scraps of fabric and embroidery floss into a sweet book for G-Ma's favorite baby girl! The photos show the 3 pages of the book. The bear flips to become a duck which flips to become the frog.

Stitched Elephant

2010-08-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have 4 weeks off work...it's over 100 outside, so I am working on small projects inside. The pattern for this little elephant caught my eye and 4 hours later, he is complete.

Baby Bunnies

2010-05-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today as I sat quilting on my porch, I realized the colors of this sweet baby bunny quilt exactly matched the sky overhead. I have one more row to quilt and then sew on the binding...then on to another project waiting in the wings.

Randomness Complete!

2010-04-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today on my porch I finished this quilt top that I call Randomness....little pieces taken from my fabric scraps turn into a thing of beauty. The border is part of a vintage sheet. Sewing by hand calms my mind and spirit.

My tablecloth quilt is finished. I think it lends a sweet lightness to our dining table.

My Inspiration...blue skies and bluebonnets!

2010-04-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

I feel as if I live in a Wildflower Wonderland right now....inspiration everywhere I look!

Easy Batik

2010-04-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Following another blogger's tutorial, I completed this small batik sampler....easy peasy...using Elmer's blue Gel glue as the "wax" and watered down acrylics for the ink. Next will be a wall hanging on a grander scale. I'm all into different shades of blue now inspired by the bluebonnets and blue skies that surround me!

Outdoor Living Room Almost Complete

2010-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

I need pieces of art for the laundry room doors and it will be finished. I even covered a floor pillow for the dog! Stay tuned for the final product.

A Quilt for Me

2010-03-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

This springtime quilt is one I have worked and reworked, but now it is almost done and will be just for me...hanging on my bedroom wall...serene and sweet, a gentle reminder of the peace I feel when sewing by hand.

The quilt is on the wall. Now my room feels so much more cozy. My little corner of bliss!

From Bland to Beautiful

2010-03-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

I live on my porch as much as I can, However, right now it is looking very blah out there against all the brilliant greenery appearing in the woods and meadow. So, I have embarked upon a renovation project using what I have at home to rejuvenate my outdoor living space. This is how it appears today. Tomorrow will be another story...stay tuned!

It's Springtime again!

2010-03-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

And Easter soon to come. I made a small nest from some ball moss that hangs from our oak trees and experimented with a new technique for egg designs. First I colored a blown egg. Then after letting it dry completely, I painted a design on it using bleach with a very small brush. Naturally, this is not a technique for the young ones.

Craft Studio/Closet

2010-03-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

My small apartment doesn't allow for a crafting space, so I repurposed my walk in closet. I like the way it turned out with a place for everything and everything in its place!

Vintage Valentines

2010-01-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

Fascinated by all things vintage, I searched for ideas on how to make old fashioned valentines and came upon a site that gave a template and instructions. I added my own embellishments and Voila.....a sweet valentine for my 7 year old pen pal! Using only paper from my recycling stack and little items I had on hand.

Times Like This....

2010-01-16T06:31:00.000-08:00

"Times like this, when our hearts feel like they can't take another glimpse of pain, when we may be about to turn away because we want to do something but, are overwhelmed by what that something is....Times like this seem a good starting point to begin right inside our own 4 walls... "

This newborn quilt is entirely hand sewn and hand quilted from cotton fabric with polyester batting. It measures 29" x 33"...a perfect gift for a new baby car seat, bassinet or stroller.

All proceeds from the Craft Hope site will go to Doctors without Borders to aid in Haitian Relief.

Craft Hope for Haiti

2010-01-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

An esty shop where 100% of proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders to assist with the devastation in Haiti.

Valentines 20 10

2010-01-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

A gray day today perfect for crafting...this is my valentine for my son and his wife from their dog children and me! The template is from Martha's clip art crafts. Pull the tab and the doggie heads move from side to side! All materials from my paper scrap supply with the help of my photo printer.

WIP

2010-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

I saw this on another blog...Works In Progress and that is about all I have to report right now. Somehow, my mind is not focused enough to craft...instead I am reading novels and staying outdoors as much as I can. But, soon, hopefully, this project will get underway....little pinecone elves a la Martha to be put together than stored away until the next holiday season.

Time to Organize!

2010-01-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

Some of my craft supplies, neatly in order..will this last? I hope so.

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

2009-12-22T09:29:00.001-08:00

A little polar fleece hat and baby bear for a new little someone....fun and easy to make and sweet to give.

A Quilt for Molly May

2009-12-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

My 21 year old and I collaborated on this tied crib quilt for the baby of a friend. It's a lovely blend of pastels and prints, backed with soft flannel perfect for snuggling on a cold winter night!

My Symphony

2009-12-15T05:29:00.000-08:00

MY SYMPHONY - by William Henry Channing
To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich;
to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart;
to study hard;
to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never;
in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony.

Coffee Buzz Frenzy

2009-11-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

I made a hot eggnog latte this morning and forgot to use decaf....so that means I am wired to the hilt and will not sit down until evening. I used some of that excess energy to make sustainable wrappings for my Christmas gifts. Cost, nothing...I used fabric given to me, twine from a package, and huge Texas Burr Oak acorns for decor...yes, everything is bigger in Texas!

My Inspiration

2009-11-16T06:34:00.001-08:00

More From Birdland....

2009-11-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a focus on birds right now.This is a lovely pattern I found online. My 21 year old suggested I add pot pourri, so I filled the tummies with lavender flowers. These birds will fly away as gifts in December!

A Little Birdie....

2009-10-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

I had some heavy foil and beads leftover from another project and decided to make some little birdie ornaments for Christmas gifts...easy to do and will look cheery on a Christmas tree.

It's October!

2009-10-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

My hand/wrist is markedly better and I'm back to crafting...just finished 2 vintage style Halloween masks. I find it hard to concentrate when the world outside my back door is so beautiful right now. Early evenings are especially lovely!

Placemats and Napkins

2009-09-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I would get back to quilting again by starting on anew baby quilt, but then decided that something smaller might be better. Yesterday, I got out my fabric and pieced together the beginning of a place mat. I'll make a set with napkins for family members for Christmas. My hand is resisting, but I will persevere! I have finished my first set and my hand is doing much better. I love the cheery colors. These will look pretty on a summer picnic table.

Waiting

2009-09-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

Waiting

"There is a difference between the waiting of the prophet and the standing still of the fool."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

This is an issue we all struggle with at one time or another. It can be difficult to wait, it can be difficult to be patient. And yet, it is so often necessary! Everything has it's own time, it's own season, and more often than not we are the ones who have to adjust to fit in with the grand plan. But waiting doesn't have to mean standing still, or wasting time. We can use our time wisely, even when we are waiting.
-Lissa Coffey

I can knit!

2009-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

After almost 2 full months of being temporarily disabled, I can now knit. This is a cotton dish cloth I am working on now. My OT is a miracle worker and I will be behind the wheel again by this weekend.

making things on hold

2009-07-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

a broken wrist...right hand...bah humbug. am able to bake and cook left handed, so may be posting some of my edible creations!

Knitting a Quilt!

2009-05-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is a long term project that I hope to complete by next winter...Rhonda of Down to Earth suggested a Knit A Long and I need a warm throw for my couch in the cold season. I'll also have some squares in moss green and will stitch them all together in a random pattern. I love knitting on my back porch watching the clouds race across the sky.

Animal Parade Baby Quilt

2009-05-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a rare rainy day in Austin, but we need the rain, so I just stayed in and finished piecing this quilt top. I love the bright colors and animal print. I can just envision a sweet baby sleeping under it! When I finish quilting, I'll post an updated picture.

Dolls for Craft Hope

2009-05-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

This week I made 2 little dolls for a project developed by the Craft Hope site. The dolls will be going children in Central America...a fun project for a good cause.

Wise Words

2009-05-13T07:11:00.001-07:00

"I never feel age. If you have creative work, you don't have age or time." Louise Nevelson (1980) When we lose our awareness of time, then we feel no age. We feel no burdens. We need to spend more time doing those things that make us so happy that we lose track of time. Creative work gives a lot of us that very feeling.

Cereal Box Notebooks

2009-05-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

I found this sweet upcycling idea online. The notebook cover is cut from a cereal box. I used a vintage style paper and bird cutout to decorate it. The pages are machine sewn down the crease through the cover before gluing on the decorative paper. I love the old fashioned feel of these notebooks.

A Pegicorn!

2009-05-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

I found patterns for some adorable paper toys this week and spent a few minutes today making this combination Unicorn/Pegasus. He reminds me of the love my children had for mythical creatures...ones from stories we read and ones they made up from their imaginations. A sweet reminder of childhood past.

Vintage Style Friendship Heart

2009-04-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today I made a friendship heart bauble. I had to experiment with several types of paper before I got the results I wanted. I like this bauble...it looks like it comes from days past and yet has a sweetness to it. I plan to make similar heart ornaments for next Christmas, but with vintage Christmas pictures. Cutting paper is one of my meditative past times. It amazes me that a little ordinary piece of paper can turn into something quite lovely.

Get Your Groove On

2009-04-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

with this mod purse! Today is another day filled with a curtain of rain, which we desperately need in our drought stricken corner of the world. The woods and meadow look lush and vividly green, as I sit inside and make things! This snazzy purse will be up for sale on my etsy site soon. I need to find a bigger button. I'm also working on a new baby quilt, a larger one in bright colors called Zoo Parade. I'll post a photo as soon as I piece the top.

My Inspiration- Nature in My Backyard

2009-04-26T16:28:00.001-07:00

My Inspiration- Street Art

2009-04-25T04:57:00.001-07:00

Pop Up Card

2009-04-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have a new Pen Pal who is about 7 years old, so I decided to make her a Pop Up Card. I found the instructions online. The card is an ode to summer, which is making its arrival right now in my corner of the world.

Modern Print Purse

2009-04-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as lightning flashed and thunder boomed, I made this quirky modern print purse for my 20 year old. It is lined with a soft pink and has a magnetic clasp.

Easter Eggs

2009-04-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today I dyed some eggs with natural dyes...beets, tea, spinach and food coloring. The results are unique and quite lovely.

Little Longhorn Quilt

2009-03-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am making a custom order for a newborn Little Longhorn baby boy! Can you tell he is a Texan? This is the beginning of the quilt. I head back to work tomorrow quite steadily for the month of April, so other projects will have to wait. I'll post a photo of this quilt when I finish.

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

2009-03-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hopping down the Bunny Trail....I am sending this little bunny basket filled with 2 robin's egg blue soap eggs to a dear friend. This morning another storm rolled through town, but I sat calmly cutting and creating! The bunny basket pattern is adapted from http://www.thetoymaker.com/2Toys.html

Earth Hour at My House

2009-03-28T19:39:00.001-07:00

Sunshine Quilt

2009-03-19T06:41:00.001-07:00

Our days this week have been filled with sunshine and I felt the need to spend some time quilting while relaxing on my porch. This is called Sunshine Quilt....all yellows and golds, perfect for spring. The photo shows the scene that I view while I am quilting on my porch!

A Little elephant

2009-03-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a little paper elephant I cut out today to send to a dear friend of mine. Over the weekend, I found a delightful book called Paper Cutting by Stewart and Sally Walton. Inside are many amazing ideas for cutting paper designs. The elephant is my first attempt. I like to cut paper. I find the process very meditative and inexpensive.

My New Tablescape!

2009-03-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is another way I am decorating my table, using a small quilt I made and the spring birds and branches. It shows off the wood surface of the table and adds coziness to the space.

Think Spring!

2009-03-11T09:17:00.001-07:00

Whenever I am on a work hiatus, I seem to have a surge of creativity. Today is a rainy colder day in Austin, after several weeks of humid, sultry days. We need rain, so I am happy to stay inside and create. I made an attempt at Pop Up Cards today. This one I will send to one of my sisters, still in snowy weather conditions. These cards are fun to make...a little tricky and I hope to perfect my card making with the next one. You can find instructions at: http://community.livejournal.com/ru_pop_up/30649.html

Another 50's Moment!

2009-03-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

I finished this apron for my sister from fabric pieces she sent me....a soft, lovely apron for a lovely person! All 3 of my sisters and various friends have sent me fabric pieces for my quilts in the past 3 years. Now each one will get an apron made from some of their fabric. I found a "new" sewing machine on craigslist that is just divine...sturdy, well constructed and sews like a dream, so I am all set to make things whenever I choose.

Collections

2009-02-21T04:55:00.000-08:00

This is a corner of my room where I keep my collection of natural items, heart shaped stones, a sea urchin, 2 stones from a favorite coastal town, and a soapstone whale. I found the little shelf in a thrift store and painted it. The mirror was also a thrift store find, originally gold. I like the antique blue much better. Small comforts of home for me.

Luminoso

2009-02-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

I had a sudden inspiration to create a new baby quilt since I had a few days off last week. I assembled my scrap fabric and came up with a quilt of many colors...bright and cheerful. I am in the final stages of piecing the top and will post a finished photo in the near future. It was so meditative to sit on the porch on a sunny afternoon and watch something beautiful come to life just from small pieces of fabric and thread.

Dusk in the wind!

2009-02-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

This was the scene from my porch tonight as dusk approached. The clouds were moving swiftly across the sky...a wide expanse of beauty.

Morning Mist

2009-02-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

Early morning misty scene taken from the porch.

Views from the porch

2009-02-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Since I have a full month of work , I will need to keep my creativity at bay. However, I will post a photo now and then taken from my back porch. This scene is what I woke up to one day a few weeks ago at about 7:00 AM.

Thoughts of Spring!

2009-01-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

On a dreary winter day, I made these little birds to give me some springtime cheer. I hung them on branches I found in the woods and put them in a brightly colored vase. The paper for the birds is the same paper I used for my Heart Holder.

Heart Holder

2009-01-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

This is a sweet way to give goodies on Valentine's Day. The template and idea can be found on www.thelongthread.com. I used a soup can and some paper I had on hand. I'll fill the cans with sweets for my family on the 14th.

1950's Apron from fabric scraps

2009-01-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

I made this apron from a bygone era for my 20 year old for Chirstmas from leftover pieces of fabric that my sister sent me. I found the lace trim in a little local fabric store that reminded me of the fabric shops of my youth. I improvised on the pattern, figuring it out as I went.

Vintage Valentines

2009-01-14T09:02:00.001-08:00

I saw this template online and thought it was so cute. Today I made my first valentine. These look like they come from another era. I'll be cutting paper as my meditative focus for the rest of the week!

My Anthropologie style tablecloth

2009-01-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I saw a tablecloth at Anthropologie that I loved, except for the price, so I fashioned one for myself from a piece of fabric I found on etsy.com and some leftover scraps I had. Voila! Just as pretty.

Mini Quilt Wall Hanging

2009-01-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

This is a house warming gift for one of my sisters. I used fabric scraps another sister sent me and the rod is a cedar branch I found in the woods.

Antiqued Paper Wreath

2009-01-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

I made this wreath several years ago from brown paper bags, using a process that makes the figures look like antiqued copper. It's pretty remarkable and very easy.

Swedish Paper Star

2009-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

I am practicing to make these beautiful paper stars, but realize I need paper colored on both sides to make them truly stand out.

Newspaper Snowflakes

2008-12-22T06:01:00.001-08:00

on my sliding glass door overlooking the nature park and woods. Easy, elegant and fun to create!

Paper Reindeer

2008-12-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

I'm going to use these little reindeer as my cards for Christmas 2009! I'll send the pieces cut out and ready to assemble in an envelope. They look sweet on the mantle....maybe adding a green wreath with red berries around their necks.

http://cheekymagpie.blogspot.com/2008/11/herd-of-reindeer.html

Newborn caps

2008-11-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

I am repurposing gently worn T shirts into newborn caps for a service project. They are so sweet, small and precious.

New Kitchen Curtains

2008-10-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

I saw a photo of embroidered curtains on a kitchen window, so I found a lightweight white curtain panel at the thrift store for $1. Out of it, I made 2 curtains and embroidered a leaf design in blue and yellow. Voila, just like the photo, but better!