PlaidPepper

Not so Scary Halloween

2010-10-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

I received a lovely package from my friend Sheri Seibold last week. She sent me some Halloween fabric that she designed and I have started putting it to good use. I have been cutting, sewing, turning right side in, and sewing some more and this is what I came up with. I have wanted to make a Halloween bunting for awhile with her whimsical fabric and I was so excited to get some from her collection from last year as well as her new fabric from this years collection. I know some college kids that need some decorations for the season.

Here is my helper for the day Crusty. She is protecting the fabric from the squirrels outside by giving them the stink eye. Oh and I better not forget she is adding some of her fur to the project. I will post a photo of the finished banner as soon as I get them sent off to the girls.

Poppies in full bloom

2009-09-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

I think I am done for the night. The baby tears plant that I had set this on to take the photo from yesterday inspired me to add a scalopped background and make tiny little holes in the edge. I think it finished the piece nicely.

I love Poppies!

2009-09-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of the latest projects i have been working on this summer. I got a wonderful card full of poppy seeds and I thought this will be a good thank-you to send for such a thoughtful gesture. I am not sure how to finish it thought of putting another colour around the base, thought it might add a Little dimension to the background. We will see. I plan on finishing it tonight and will keep you posted on my progress

I apologise for the lack of posting this summer. We have been enjoying the summer savoring the end of the summer with our daughter,Paige. She is growing up too fast. Paige has started her last year of high school and next summer she will be off to college. I am starting to miss her already so I drop everything to pack as much into the little time we have left. She is such a joy to have around.

Night sky ~ WIP

2009-06-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is another little felt sky I am working on. I need to make more faces that will work better with the small scale of these, not so thick and round.

Here is what it looks like without the face. When I finished the circle I embellished some fabric into the felt then added beads...you can never add too many beads. I thought your would like to see the work in progress.

Sunny night

2009-06-01T18:19:00.001-07:00

This is starting to remind me of a print given to me by my aunt years ago, Starry Night by Van Gogh. I found it odd that I made a piece that was day and night at the same time. Seems a little fitting for me I do wake up at night when the stars come out. It seems so easy to get things done when everyone is asleep or maybe I am in the wrong time zone. I am not sure if she is done but I thought I would share my progress.

It Felt like a Sunny Day

2009-05-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

It Felt like a Sunny Day... but then it started to rain again here in Florida so felting will have to brighten up the day. This is the latest thing that I am working on. I embellished her a little last night, beads in a swoosh across the blue part and a little green sparkly thread is holding the front and back together. I am thinking about adding more embellishments to her but thought I liked her simple and not too over the top to show the felting and color blending but I do get addicted to beading and such. As always I would love your input, what do you think?

Little bird to cross the pond soon

2009-05-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am having fun with my addiction to little birds and this one is on it's way across the pond. I am excited for it to have a wonderful time in the "Mother Land". I wish I was going with it.

We have a winner!

2009-05-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

Camilla La Mer-Art Dolls your bird will be flying in soon! Give me your address and e-Mail and I can get your package off this week.

For some other good news, I decided to have runners-up.
• Leisa
• Linda
• Jacky
• MJR even you as well even with out a blog....

Send me your information and I will be felting up a storm for you as well. It will take me a little longer to send it out to you as I will making them when you respond. Runners-up, the catch is you have until Wednesday May 13th to send me your info.

Have a great Monday and a great week!

Spring Bird Giveaway!

2009-05-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Spring Bird Giveaway! This is that latest little bird that flew in. He is a little on the plump side and has an abundant plume of tail feathers.

I love mixing brown with blues and greens. They blend so well together.

This little guys tail feathers are ready for show, he must be wanting to find a girlfriend. I am enjoying learning a new craft and hope you enjoy bird watching in the spring.

I will be giving him away he needs a home that loves birds and will make him a nice place to nest.
If you would like to take part in this give away here is how it will work.

1. You need to have a blog.
2. Leave a comment with your Blog address included.
3. Enter before May 11th, 2009

I will draw a winner on Monday May 11th, 2009. This will give you a few days to enter.

The only thing required is that you have a blog and follow the steps listed above. I will post a link to your blog when the winner is announced on May 11th, 2009.

Mojo Found!

2009-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hi every one I am back. I lost my Mojo, and it took me longer to find it than I had hoped. Hope not too many blog friends have been lost, but I am here and this is what I am up to now. I finally after lusting over the Baby Lock embellisher, broke down and made the big purchase. I have been in a haze of fiber dust ever since and today this little bird came about. I am not sure if I will add beads or leave it as is. We will see what the fairies decide over night.

Here is another bird that just flew in. This afternoon is a flutter with felt. I wonder if I will have a flock in my house by tomorrow. I put this little guy up on Etsy. He wants to fly away.

Check back some time tomorrow, a little birdie told me a giveaway is in order for those of you who have stopped in

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

I hope that this year brings you good health, happiness, love and everything you need. Happy New year!

Caroling

2008-12-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Yep, it is another post about Pearl. Crafting has taken the back seat to holiday craziness and I still want to post once in awhile. Here is Pearl singing Holiday songs for you all. Our pets seem to love hanging out around the tree. It is very cute.

Pearl is really getting into the holiday mode here sporting her red and green eyes just for the season. No that is not photoshop her eyes really reflect red and green.

On another note I think I will change the title of my blog in the new year and take out Ray since I don't talk much about him on the blog and change it to Pearl.

Squirrel watching

2008-12-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

I thought I had posted this here a long time ago but I didn't. I have a blog to keep our friends and family who live faraway in touch and posted it over there but forgot to put it here as well. I post some things on both blogs and and some how forgot to add this post here.

Here is Pearl and Crusty watching a pair of squirrels chase each other around our back yard. I really can't tell who likes/dislikes squirrels the most. Usually Pearl and Crusty do not come near one another but on this day they teamed up for a round of squirrel watching.

Welcome to the World of Pink & Hank

2008-12-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

If your looking for the cutest cards ever, you can stop looking now, because they can be found at Pink & Hank, a wee little shop on Etsy.

Merry Cards
Retro with a fresh twist! This is a set of four 4.25" x 5.5" cards, each with a different design and white A2 envelope.

The set is tied with ribbon and pinned with a button that matches one of the card designs. The cards can be sent to others, but the button, you should keep. It's one of those "favorite things" we all like to have.

Global Warming My Heart Cards
Warm some one's heart with these little snow globes during this chilly season.

Calm with a breezy twist!
This is a set of three 1.25" button pins, each with a different design.

The set comes on a Pink&Hank card with a white A6 envelope. Keep them as a set or share one or two with your swell pals. The card comes in a padded mailer.

Jolly Button Pins
From Christmas past to Christmas present! This is a set of three 1.25" button pins, each with a different design to make your Jolly-Holly-Days!

Here is Sheri's Bio From her shop.
Pink & Hank is a place to find art created by Sheri Berry Designs. Most of my time is spent designing art for licensed products, but this is a place to get to play and cut and fold and create just as I want. It is one of the most enjoyable aspects of creating and now I get to do it here.

"Sheri Berry" is a nickname that has followed me since I was a wee tyke. "Pink & Hank" were nicknames given to my grandparents when they were a young and hip couple. Well, I thought if it worked for them all those years ago, let's give it a shot now and see what happens.

On another note about Sheri, there is a Giveaway for a complete set of this product to go to one lucky winner. It includes the entire line including the Village Paper Pad and a storage folder! Enter by Thursday, December 11. You might want to stop in and check it out at Moxiefabworld.blogspot.com.

A Tiny Thanks

2008-12-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

I sent off my Embellished felted balls today. They sold on Etsy and I was sad to see them go. I really hoped no one wanted them so I could keep them, I know I can make another set but I really get attached to the things I make and it is hard to see them leave. I made a little felt pouch to put them in and added a tiny felt pouch with a tiny little bitty acorn and a note that said "A Tiny Thanks". I really do appreciate it when some one likes what I do, but when some one will pay for it really makes it special. I am thankful for that.

Giveaway alert!

2008-12-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

One of my felted ornaments was featured on The Estate of Things Holiday Tree Trimming post blog a week ago. This week you can enter The Handmade Ornament Giveaway on the same Blog The Estate of Things to win one of my holiday ornaments. The red and green acorn holiday ornament to be exact. Stop in and check it out at The Estate of Things.

Now off to the Post Office...

2008-12-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am almost all done with the Christmas ornament swap that I joined. I will get them off in the post today... I wish I had better lighting for the photos but I think part of the issue is the new filters I just put on my lenses. They are a different brand than I normally get. I needed to replace them since I keep braking them. I am not very easy on my camera. I tend to be rather rough on it.

Hyacinth (aka Crusty) is getting ready for her yearly tree hunt. She loves to attack the tree and make it sway to see how many ornaments she can get off and play with at night while we are asleep. I think she was a little disappointed when all the acorns came off the feather tree. Such a good kitty.

Embellish! Embellish! Embellish!

2008-11-24T10:52:00.000-08:00

In making the second set of felted balls I want to make them into garland for the tree this year. But then my daughter said she thought they would look nice just strung up individually with a simple ribbon and bow on each. We will see. I tend to leave them in a dish or bowl as I am making them and tend to love them just sitting around, but then again so does my cat...

Swell Noel

2008-11-21T12:53:00.001-08:00

I have been waiting for this to come out in stores and not had any luck finding it locally. It is however on the web at a number of independent scrapbook stores. I don't know why Michael's does not have it in there stores yet or if they will. I already have my order in. Many of the items are sold out already and are on back order. You can find it at Scrapbookneeds.com I do not get a kick back or anything but they have the best selection of this wonderfully designed line. Yes this is another shameless plug for my friend and designer Sheri McCulley Seibold but I do really love every thing that she creates.
Swell Noel Advent Tree- Kit includes die-cut papers to create a 3D, cone-shaped, double-sided (one side Green the other Blue) tree, with fringed ends, and one sheet of 25 clearly yours ornaments to count down the days! Approximately 20" tall.

Atwitter with effervescent snowflakes and brilliant ornamentation, award-winning designer Sheri McCulley Seibold spins retro into metro with her stylish eye for darling details and snappy patterns - perfect for creating a cool yule this holiday season!

Swell Noel Holiday Sleigh & Reindeer- Kit includes all the die-cut papers needed to create a small sleigh and 3 tiny reindeer. Sleigh is approximately 7 1/2" tall. Great for centerpiece or mantel decor. Colors include shades of Teal, Lime, Red , Green.

Die Cut Swell Noel- Pad contains 18 total sheets. 3 each of 6 different die-cut edge designs, all double-sided with linen texture. Patterns include contemporary/retro Christmas icons, stripes, florals and more. Colors include shades of Aqua, Pink, Lime, Red, Chocolate and White.

What a world, what a night, Im in love...

2008-11-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

So the song goes. It was a wonderful night. I have heard that some of his tickets go for thousands of dollars and I knew he was good and now I know why people would part with cold hard earned cash in large quantities to see Michael Buble sing in person. There is something so wonderful about music that is timeless. Wish you all could have been there it was such a special treat I hope to see him again, until then I will pull out the old Cd's and enjoy.

He even said you could come up and take photos... The hard part about the night was it was a "work" thing for my husband and he works for a very conservative company. My husband told me I had to be on my best behavior. That is not easy for me. I wanted to get up and dance so bad. Our grandparents were so lucky living in the era where this was the type of music they got to dance to. Love the big band and the Swell music.

Yep that close. How nice was he? Boy he's easy on the eyes too.

Art doll

2008-11-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed making this art doll. She has indicated to me that she is finished and now would like her journey to begin to her new home. I have enjoyed working on her and am excited that she will be my first doll to list on Etsy.

Her shape is organic, I did not use a pattern just followed the detail in the beautiful fabric and she took shape on her own and of course I had to put some element from nature, I love working with things I find that seem to be gifts from mother nature, she can curl vines so nicely. I embellished a silk pod and nestled into the grape vine as if she was caressing it.

I wish you could see the bead colors and how the light hits them it is hard to capture the warmth and depth with a camera. I will list her sometime tomorrow.

W.I.P. ~ Art Doll

2008-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is the latest doll that is starting to take shape. I think it will be finished tonight but than again it is up to her when she is finished. It seem that they have a mind of their own and what my vision is of the completed doll is never what it ends up being. I love that. I do think that creating art sometimes is beyond our control and that it is a journey all of it's self. There are many mornings when I wake up and think "How did I come up with that?" It seems to happen that way more that not. I tend to work mostly at night. When my people are all home and tucked in...I awake.

Yesterday when I was felting a few more acorns I started to think of Dot and this is what happened. Made me smile.

Pearl, sweet Pearl

2008-10-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today the sun the tempature was down, Pearl just had a bath and the camera came out. I snapped this photo of Pearl so I could send off a Holloween photo to Pearls God Mother Janet. We like to give her Holiday photos and spoile her as much as she spoils our sweet dog. I had to laugh out loud when I uploaded the photos and saw our little cat over her sholder peeking out the window. I have several photos where she just appears in the photo with out us knowing. Some times it is a little creepy. I will have to dig them out and show you some time.

Have a great weekend and a Happy Holloween! Mmm... Candy... Candy... Candy...

Bit the bullet

2008-10-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

So today was the day. I have been putting it off for ever and today I listed my first item in my Etsy shop. I hope I did the listing correct. I only put up one item today and will put up more items as I gain confidence in the whole process. I listed a set of the orange felted acorns with ribbons on them. Wish me luck and Confidence.

Felt like fall...but only at 6 AM

2008-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

It has been feeling like fall here in Florida but like the title says only at 6 in morning when I take Pearl outside. Then the Florida sun comes and the temp goes up up up. I have taken advantage of the cooler weather it revives me and I start to feel like crafting again. I started to make felted acorns, they are so fun to make and I have a good selection of caps this year. The one in the photo had all 4 caps still connected. I thought that was pretty interesting.

I have several that are double and a few that are triple caps as well. The dark green one in the top right corner is my favorite. I love the little green baby acorn that is attached.

I also made some single acorns and added a little ribbon.

I was not sure about making brown ones but I love them a lot. This is one of the triple acorns, it was fun to find the caps connected like this. Wish I could find more of them but then they would not be as special.

Hope everyone in the mid-west and up north are enjoying the fall, I hear it is a beautiful one this year.

I am a Winner!

2008-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

I love it when something comes along that is a complete surprise, a good surprise! I had forgotten that I entered a drawing over at the Chartreuse Panda and got a wonderful e-mail letting me know I was a winner! These gorgeous hand crafted sterling silver hoops Made by Laurel Peters are now mine... well, I thought they were until my daughter saw them. She has not taken them off since. They are wonderful little hoops that have a personality all their own. Laurel's Etsy shop is "La Valley Girly". Stop in and see what other great things she has. They are all wonderful. You can also check out her blog "My attempt to be Coherent".

Here is Paige with the hoops on this weekend, even though you can't see them very well I thought you would like to know she now thinks they are her lucky earrings.

Thanks Laurel for the wonderful earrings and also thanks Valerie over at the Chartreuse Panda for hosting the giveaway.

Other projects...

2008-10-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is the latest project. Not a craft project but a home/activity project. Crafting is a part of my daily life whether it be felting a cup cozy, making curtains, reupholstering chairs or the latest project, this old bike. It is the fall regatta season and I have been working to finish this bike before our daughters first race. With a bike I can be at the start of the race and ride it to see the finish as well. This is the after photo. I did not want to open the post with an ugly photo so I am doing this a a little backwards and putting the finished one first.

Here is the before photo, not taken by me. I thought it would be fun to get an old bike that no one else wanted and put my spin on it. I could have gone out and bought a new Cruiser but that would not have been as fun. I still want to make streamers for the grips but the bike needs to be loaded up tonight so we can get our early start in the morning for our 4am departure. Can't be late for a regatta.

This is what Paige, my daughter thinks the bike is for. This is her cat Hyacinth along for a spin. Yes, that cat really likes to go for bike rides. She also likes to go for walks on a leash like a dog. Oh and I should tell you she also likes car rides and can open doors.

Have a great weekend!

Not A Paper Cup!

2008-09-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

I felt like felting today. The inspiration was my coffee cup. I use it all the time and thought it could use a little flair. It is Not a Paper Cup - It is a Ceramic Coffee Cup with a Silicone Lid, given to me by my friend Leisa. I need to make a few more to perfect the outcome a little better but it was fun. I might embellish it a little tonight. We will see.

While I like to wet felt it seems to take longer than needle felting. I really enjoy needle felting it is great as a take along project and easy to start and stop. Wet felting is messy, wet and not as easy to conrtoll where the felt goes. It did work well for this project so I should not complain to much.

It has been a long time since I have posted. Back to school time of the year seems to be consuming a lot of my time. The hot weather does not help either. It was a little cooler today did not make it to 90°F so that is good. It might make it down to the 60's tonight, that would make me really Happy! I love cooler weather.

The Perfect Sun

2008-08-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to take a good photo of Pearl now for awhile. It seems that there is always something off in the photo or the lighting is not the most flattering for her. Well this morning Pearl was sunning herself looking so...well... Pearl like. The camera was in the right spot to grab quick before she moved which happens all the time. She looks so lovely.

Coy Pearl. How do you spell coy? Is that right?

No photoshop, no special lens, just pure sunlight and Pearl.

Busy Little Elves

2008-08-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank the busy little overnight elves who finished the face. I think they could improve their stitching skills but I am happy that I do not have to worry about finishing the face.

I made a little Dotee Doll to put into her reversible pouch so she has a companion to accompany her on her journey to her new home. I loved making this little Dotee, it was very fun to make her tiny!

I'm Stuck

2008-08-25T18:55:00.001-07:00

I am making this for a friend and I am stuck.

I don't make faces really well. I make clay faces and can stitch a face on a Dotee doll but when it comes to something else I get stuck. I want to get this out in the mail and the last thing is the face. I guess I will "just have to try harder." We will see what happens in the morning. Maybe some little elves with finish it for me. That would be nice.

The wonderful pattern is from Emily's blog Inside a Black Apple. take time to check out her wonderful blog and stop by her Etsy shop too.

Dotee Doll ~ Bloom where your planted!

2008-08-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love making Dotee Dolls, not because they are quick, easy, or cute (even thought they are) but because I make them with some one in mind. It gives me joy to know that she is stuffed with love, kind thoughts and well wishes with every stitch, and hopefully she will share all the kind thoughts and love that has gone into her in her new home.

Why do you make Dotee dolls?

Mac almost home...

2008-08-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

My mac is next in line to see the Mac Doctor. I am so excited she might be home today or on Sunday. I miss my Mac.

Creative Orginzation

2008-08-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get more and more organized over the summer. Today I thought of a way to store my thread so I could see it. I have been using this napkin holder for mail, stamps and my address book.

Today I came up with this using knitting needles to hold thread spools and to store the spools that come on a plastic card as well.

Here you can see the back side of the spool caddy. I made a box to fit into the top so I can put the extra thread there. I did not realise how much thread I had and this is a good way to see it and know what is there.

Also, I still do not have my Mac back but I really needed to post, I was going through blogging withdrawals. I am getting used to the PC but still do not like it!

My Mac is still in the ER!

2008-08-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have photos to show but my Mac is still in the ER. I could try to use Paige's pc to upload the photos but it just seems like it would take too long to learn how to do it on the pc or maybe I am just too stuborn to do it on a pc. Ya, that is it. I really don't want to do it on a pc. Being a Mac lover is complicated or maybe really simple, it has to do more with passion than tecnology. Oh well. Just a few more days and I will be back and have a lot of updating to do. The parts are in for my mac and now it is in the waiting room. I love my Mac.

Faith restored

2008-08-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

I took in my computer today to the Apple store to see what was wrong with it. The unknown is the worst part of having a problem with your computer. I was very unhappy when I took in my computer and I have to give Apple credit for great customer service. I will still be without my computer for two weeks or so but it seems that they will be able to fix the problem. Faith restored.

My Mac seems to be dead...

2008-08-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

My mac seems to be dead and I do not know when it will be up and running again. It seems like it is a fatal issue. I will be taking it in on Monday and we will see what the people at the GENIUS bar in the Mac Store say. I am not happy right now out computer is not even 3 years old. I would hope this is just a glitch and not a costly or fatal issue.

I am using a PC to give you this update and will not be back until the problem is solved.

Happy creating. I will have a lot to show you when I get everything sorted out.

See you in the blog world...

Surprise in the mail

2008-07-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to receive this unexpected package. Holly, from the wonderful blog Holly loves Art, sent me this wonderful piece of art as a thank you. I was touched by her generosity and thoughtfulness. Thanks Holly, not only will I enjoy this but so will Pearl.

Five Months later...

2008-07-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Done! I finally got the curtains done. I bought this fabric back in February at the Webster flea market and wanted to make curtains for Pearls room and finally got around to it. Lets see... Feb, March, April, May, June, July...Hmmm right on time.

Is it smiling at me?

2008-07-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my other blog for friends and family Plaidpoppy's News and Updates and thought I would re-post it here as well.

Paige cam running into the house "Mom come see!" I know when words like that come out of her mouth that I need to grab my camera. This little guy was hanging out on out truck. They are not the easiest thing to take photos of, I am not ever sure where to try to focus. They are so delicate that I am never sure if I am in focus, so I take a million photos and hope that one is crisp.

The face on this guy is very cute. Looks like he is smiling and belongs in a Pixar film. Click the photos to enlarge them.

Icicle doll Swap ~ Lana

2008-07-11T08:21:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to show what a wonderful Icicle doll I received from the very talented Lana. It was funny that we both sent Dolls that were created with the Sea/Ocean in mind, I love that.

The way she did her face is wonderful I love stitch work, and the shells she added to her tail is wonderful, how clever. I will treasure her. Thanks Lana I love her!

Ocean Icicle doll

2008-07-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try to make this Icicle doll a little different. She had a hat made out of coral I found on the beach and I also added hair to her this time. I love using found objects when I make dolls and I thought this might be a nice thing to add. She is off to her new home and I hope she will be loved.

And now a little good news! Winner!

2008-07-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winner!

Winner: Elizabeth~ from Stafford, Virgina : United States

I loved doing this give-away. Elizabeth send me your address and I will mail your package on Monday.

Art Doll Give Away

2008-06-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you would like to take part in this give away here is how it will work.

1. You need to have a blog.
2. Leave a comment with your email address included.
3. Enter before July 5th, 2008

I will draw a winner out on Saturday July 5th, 2008. This givings you over a week to enter.

The only thing required is that you have a blog and follow the steps listed above. I will post a link to your blog when the winner is announced on July 5th, 2008.

Where to begin...

2008-06-24T18:54:00.001-07:00

First, a little history...
When we lived in Michigan over 7 years ago, we lived down town over a small flower shop named Blossom Land, it was a great loft apartment. Our neighbors were some of the owners of the shops downtown. One of the shops Green Wellies was our favorite to visit because of the wonderful pond and beautiful plants in the courtyard of the shop during the summer growing season. Over the years of living there we started having "after Hours" in the summer with the shop owner Leisa, Heidi and Ruthie from the travel agency two doors down and it was great weekly tradition. We would take turns bringing wonderful food and drinks after the shop closed and we would sit by the pond and talk about life, what happened that week, share old stories and laugh, laugh, laugh. It was a little break from work, life, the kids and men.

Leisa had mentioned that she would like to have an "after hours" for Heidi on her 40th birthday and the rest is now history. I found a great price on airline tickets and that was all it took.

Leisa and I started cooking for the event on Thursday. We both love to cook and thought an event like Heidi turning 40 required good food.

Here is Heidi enjoying her fresh, homemade food.

The menu included:
Black eye pea salad

Couscous with homemade citrus-ginger dressing goat cheese and garden fresh peas

Cucumbers in sushi vinegar

Fresh greenhouse tomatoes

Salt-top Rye from Bit of swiss

Boursin

Baked Artichoke dip* (*Photo missing, substituted photo of spinach dip from another night)

Olive Focaccia

Cream Cheese Pound Cake with fresh Michigan Strawberries

Assorted drinks in the appropreiate colors

Cake was served, Happy Birthday was poorly sung

GIfts were given

Friends gathered

Fish calmed...

...and Heidi turned 40. Happy birthday Heidi, Just wait until your 50!

I am back!

2008-06-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

I am going to take a long nap and blog later tonight or tomorrow. Do I hear a give away is comming? Come back and see...

I am away

2008-06-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am away and have been for over a week. One of my friends was turning 40 and I had a chance to take a last minute trip to see her. I have lots of photos and stories to tell when I get back. I have not had access to a computer until now and I will not be able to get back to a computer until the 23 of June. When I get back I will be doing a give away. I am so excited. Miss you all in blog world!

Babies, babies, beautiful babies!

2008-06-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

This is my friend.

These are my new friends!

I thought I would share some of the wonderful photos taken by Jennifer Soltren of Soltren Photography. Jennifer does both outdoor natural light portrait sessions along with full in home mobile studio sessions. If you live in central Florida your in luck, because she works in the entire central Florida area. You can find out more about her at soltrenphotography.com and also at her blog .

Sand Forest

2008-05-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day we had at the beach, just thought I would share one of the photos from the day. I love long weekends!

Creative push

2008-05-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Some times I fell like I do the same thing over and over again. I like my work to be symmetric and it is hard to change. This is a doll that I have been working, it is taking me longer than usual. Change creates a block for me and I have spent too many days just looking at it and wondering if I am spending too much time on something that will not work. I forced myself last night to make some progress...

17 years and counting...

2008-05-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Every year I say the same thing to Stacy...

I think we shoud be able to count the 3 years we dated, that would make this year 20 years together. If you count the 5 years I stalked you it would be 25.

Any way you look at it I am still lucky.

Dotee doll ~ An Original

2008-04-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

High pitch squeals only audible by dogs were coming out of my mouth when I opened this unexpected package from the wonderful Dot Christian. Dot I must say is too sweet for words, she sent me this beautiful Russian Nesting doll that I have admired one her site and was envious of her "friend in the U.S." I did not know it was me. Then on her site she also had this beautiful Dotee Doll with vines and beads all around it made with the most lovely fabric I have seen, it looks like a painting more than fabric, I loved it so much and was surprised beyound words that it was also for me.

Dot also included a wonderful stack of fabric for me to play with. I am so surprised that I do not have one of the patterns in my stash of fabric and she include a piece of the fabric that I love. I am so grateful for Dot and her giving spirit. She gives so much more than Dotee dolls, her creativity is a gift that we all can enjoy and be inspired by.

For those of you who are interested in a tutorial on how to make a Dotee Doll and spread the love your self check out Dots free Dotee Doll tutorial. Dot also has her beautiful Amelia doll and Dotee Doll kits at her Etsy Shop, drop in and check it out.

Thank you so much Dot, I will have this smile on my face for days, and the insperation will last much longer that that. I am so lucky. Thanks Dot!

W.I.P pt. 3

2008-04-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

I have been working on these for awhile now. Trying to work them until I was pleased with the project in whole. I thought I would share my progress so far. These started out as individual dolls that throughout the creative process became one. Nothing ever seems to be what I intend it to be from start to finish.

I want these dolls to be complete as an individual piece, but I am finding just as in life that when a creative soul is not connected to another they just are not complete, it is through creative friendships that we become inspired and complete in our creativity.

Icicle doll Swap ~ Jacky

2008-04-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

They are here! I was so excited to open the package from my blog friend Jacky, I have admired her work for awhile now and was excited when she was up for a swap. I was a little greedy and asked if we could do a two for two swap and was so delighted when she agreed. her faces are wonderful, I love how she does them.

Here they are in their new home with their new friends. I am so excited to add these beautiful new Icicle dolls to my collection. Thanks Jacky, I love them!

Icicle doll ~ Wings

2008-04-17T23:13:00.000-07:00

Just put the finishing touches on this Icicle doll tonight. I wanted to step away from the vine and flowers that I have been using on most of the Icicle dolls I have made. Even though I felt like they were all different I felt like I was getting lazy and doing what I knew worked for me. It is sometimes hard to move forward and try different things. I did a little beading and made wings out of the same fabric.

I will try to take a better photo in the morning when the light is good, this one was taken at night. The photo does not have the best color.

Pearl's Room ~ A Dogs Life

2008-04-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

I posted this the other day on my other blog and thought I would re-post it here as well. It is my craft room after all...
If you were a dog would you like this for your room? This is Pearls room. Yes, our Dog has her own room. I do get to use for a craft room from time to time. Today, I could not find her and when I looked in her room, she was napping in the sun, on her bed. It was so sweet. She is a lucky dog. I told her not every dog gets their own room and a mattress with springs in it to sleep on, with clean sheets that get changed on laundry day. She did not believe me. I really think she believes all dogs live like this.

Here she is when I was telling her that some dogs live outside and that some dogs don't have people.

Pearl what are you thinking? Yes, it is true Pearl, some dogs even live in the wild with out a dinner time and a night time snack. What?

Pearl is sad that all dogs are not as lucky as she is.

Basket

2008-04-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to show this off for awhile. This cute little basket was an Easter gift from Leisa, my avid knitter friend. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen. The colors were the perfect color choice for me and I love the fabric she chose to line it with. I think it will stay out all year long. So cute, so very, very cute!

W.I.P. pt.2

2008-04-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here is another sneak peak. I would have this done but something called life keeps getting in the way of creativity.

Work in Progress ~

2008-04-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

I started working on a piece that I am so excited about it. I will share a bit of it with you but only a small bit. I want to finish up the concept completely before I show you more...

Faces

2008-04-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have has several requests for the clay faces I make so in the next day or two I will put a few up for sale on Etsy. I will give more details when they are done and ready for you.

Dotee Doll ~ Kaffe Fassett Dotee

2008-04-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

This Dotee was stitched while we were on a Mini-Holiday. We took a few days and went to Siesta Key and spent some time getting sun and relaxing. I thought the Kafee Fassett dot fabric was appropriate being a Dotee Doll and all.

For those of you who are just discovering Dotee dolls, check out Dot Christian's blog she has the instructions for these great little dolls and if your going to learn how to make them why not check out the one who started all the fun with her little Dotee Doll. If your not a crafter or artist who has everything you need to make them check out her Etsy store as well, she has kits for sale and it makes it so easy for you to get started. It is worth the click!

Icicle Doll Addiction ~ Is there a 12 step program?

2008-04-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

Is there a 12 step program to help with the addiction? I need to branch out and start to do a different style of doll to make it more my own. It is hard to break away from something that is so fun and already has its own identity. I made the Icicle dolls more my style by adding things from nature and making faces that are sculpted instead of using a photo for the face. Just a little twist on an already great idea.

I love the vine on this one. It has so much interest and movement in it without adding too much to it. It really could have stood on its own.

internet back up and running

2008-04-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

No photos of this, but the cable guy needed to come and fix our internet connection. It was cut while we were gone on a mini holiday and I had no way to up date until now. I will have a few updates and photos soon...

Crusty the art thief

2008-03-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here is Crusty looking like a sweet little kitty, I think she knows I am on to her.

Icicle doll

2008-03-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

As I get packages ready to send on their journeys, Crusty our nice kitty has to see if she can play a game of hide and seek. This Icicle doll went on a journey of its own last night. I don't know where, but she ended up in the kitchen and her twig with its message on it was in the dining room. Such a nice kitty. I better get to the post office today before Crusty makes plans for tonight. Such a nice kitty.

FABULOUS "Em"

2008-03-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Leisa's Niece, "Em" all bundled up for the cold weather they are still having. How cute is she? I always love winter photos with cool colors and pink cheeks. I played around with the photo in Photoshop a little. I need to up date my photoshop it is really old 5.5, time to update.

Sneak Peak...Shhh!

2008-03-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Paige is asleep and I am finishing up her Easter basket. I am so glad that she is still not too big for a basket and looks forward to finding it on Easter morning.
I knit the bunny then felted and embellished it with some hand made beads, a bow and some lashes. My friend Leisa was so helpful talking me through this bunny pattern. I think I called her 9 times that night. If you get a chance take a look at her Wonderful Bunnies, she is a master making these cute little things.

Moo...

2008-03-20T16:19:00.001-07:00

My Moo cards are finally here. I am so excited, I thought I would show them off.

Pleasant Surprise...

2008-03-15T12:39:00.001-07:00

Today was the day to be outside enjoying the sun and warm weather. It is 85°F. The best place to be today would be the beach but since Paige is still sick and Mr. Hygeine is still gone I went to the 49th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival camera in hand.

Well there were too many people there to take photos that would be worth looking at but I did snap a photo of the pleasant surprise that was waiting there for me. I had bought a vase from John Herbon around seven years ago. It had been one of my favorite things ever since I got it. These three little vases will be a nice addition to our house, I was happy to see that his style has not changed one bit. Still the great color of green that I love and not too shiny. All in all a good day. Wish Paige could have been there with me, it is always so much fun to have her around at these things.

It is coming...March 14, 15 & 16, 2008

2008-03-12T14:50:00.001-07:00

The 49th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival I am so excited! It seems every year I find something I love. Last year it was this vase by Brian J. Taylor I did not see him on the list of artists for this year. That might be a good thing. I really don't need another vase or do I?

Icicle Doll Addiction

2008-03-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest Icicle doll. She will be leaving the house soon on a journey to her new home.

Icicle Doll

2008-02-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

Once again I am addicted to these things. They are very fun to make. I like that I can make them with out making a big mess. I also like that can incorporate some things that I have collected over the years...Beads, Vines, Branches and odd supplies.

Icicle Doll

2008-02-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

This is a different look than my first Icicle dolls. A little brighter and with more playful. It will be making a journey to France for a swap. I hope she will be well received.

She looks a little flat or dull in this photo she has a little more depth in person.

Wet Felting Flowers

2008-02-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to try to make these for years it seems but it is always good to have a friend with you when you try something new. Here is one of the flowers that Leisa made while she was here, I think she made 6 or 7 flowers while she was here. We have improved the directions and found a few shorter ways to get the desired results. I think Leisa has a new addiction to return home with today.

Mini Holiday

2008-02-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

My Holiday friend has been here for awhile now and we are having a great time. Lots of good food, laughing, adventures and creativity. I will post more when she goes home later this week. I do not want to take time away sitting at my computer while she is here. I will have a lot to post soon...

Home is where the Art is

2008-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I finished my triangle banner finally. Wow! that took longer than I thought it would. I enjoyed every minute of making it except for the 4 times I ripped out the border on the first one I made and the 3 times i re-beaded one of the circles. I wish you could see the colors in person the beads just don't translate well in photos and you can not get the true colors to come through on the computer screen. The colors are a little richer looking and the sheen on the silk is a lovely addition to the feel of the banner, you just cant see that in a photo.

I am waiting to see how all the banners from the Triangle Banner Swap hosted by The Amazing Sara turn out. I have been watching their progress and love all the different triangles being made. I will love to see them all finished and have gotten so much inspiration from seeing all the creativity being shared on the blog.

Triangle Banner ~ Home

2008-01-30T10:02:00.001-08:00

The triangles for my triangle banner are finished. Now I need to put all the parts together. I uploaded two different shots one with flash and one with out. It is hard to show the true colors in the photos. I will try again tomorrow morning when the light is better, but for now you still get to see the progress.

Triangle Banner #4

2008-01-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

I have been dragging my feet, this should have been done already. I sat down and decided it needed to be finished tonight. Now just the letters are left. I wish I could have taken a nicer photo that would have shown the colors of the beads better oh well. Maybe tomorrow I can snap a better photo.

Dotee Doll ~ Garden Dotee

2008-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

And then there were two...

Dotee Doll

2008-01-25T05:52:00.000-08:00

I made my first Dotee Doll last night. Dot from Australia is the creator of these lovely little dolls that are taking over the world. They are small, simple and fun to make. Paige even made one. Here is the Dotee Doll tutorial if you would like to make one. They are very whimsical little dolls that seem to make people smile.

Silk! Silk! Silk!

2008-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

I have had a few questions about the silk pods and tubes I have used lately. Here is a photo of the tubes I have used on the banners. I stretched out one of the tubes and used it for a border on one of the triangles and cut some circles and shapes using the tubes with out stretching it and you can see the difference in how it looks. I cant wait to explore the potential of these things.

Triangle Banner #3

2008-01-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

I am trying to make the triangles cohesive but not all the same. On the third one I used the ric-rac and silk tubes, I cut them into circles and did some beading. I am not near finished with this triangle but wanted to show you some progress.

Here it is after I did some more beading today. I think I will stop, I thought about adding beads scattered throughout like I did on the others but I like this one with less around the circles to make them stand out.

Triangle Banner #2

2008-01-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the second triangle. The trim on this one is made from a hand died silk worm tube. I tacked it on and then added the beads.

Triangle Banner #1 pt.2

2008-01-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

I liked the way the banner looked but did not like the way I had to put the trim on the edge. I wanted to stich it down but had issues. so I removed it and added the ric-rac to the top as well as the underside. I will add a backing to hide all the sitch work on the back and then I will just need to add the letter that goes on the front.

Triangle banner #1

2008-01-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

This is my first triangle. I will do the letters all at the end. I stiched the feather on by and and added beads. The ric-rac is hand died and added to the back of the silk. Does it need more? I think it is better to stop while I am ahead.

The list

2008-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

This list is just for Leisa and I. We are planning a great week and do not want to forget one thing.

1. Teach Jill to knit socks
2. Watch BBC America
3. Watch French Movies
4. Make a banner
5. Go to:
•IKEA
•Anthropologie
•Mt. Dora
•St. Augustine
•Dexters
•Dexters
•Dexters
•Winter Park
6. Cook
7. Eat
8. Laugh
9. Blog
10.Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
11.Add a week to her trip
12 Listen to Ray
01.21.08
Leisa added the following:
13. Make stitch markers
14. Bra shopping with Paige
15. Make knitting labels on silk
Pearl added:
16. Pet Dog

Jill added:
17. Watch Mike Rowe : )
Leisa added:
18. Speak only in British accents

Making some faces & some crown tags

2007-12-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

I could not get the faces to over cook this time like I did with the faces I did before. I will have to try to burn them in the toaster oven. How do you like the little crowns?

Icicle doll Pt. 6

2007-12-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

I added a note in the silk pod. I printed it on silk fabric to go in the silk pod

Icicle doll Pt. 5

2007-12-12T09:28:00.001-08:00

I added bronzer to the pale face to give it more depth. I think this is it. They are finished...untill I add or change something. I had better lighting today for taking photos so they show more depth.

Icicle doll Pt. 4

2007-12-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

I want to make a million of these.

Framed and up

2007-11-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

I love this little planet so much!. I am delighted every time I walk by it hanging on my wall. I got a great frame for it from our NEW IKEA. I am so happy IKEA is finally open.

My Little Planet

2007-11-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Photo by Sara Lechner
This is a felted little planet made by textile artist, Sara Lechner. It made a little trip by post from Mank, Austria to its new home here in Florida.

You can Dress her up...

2007-10-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

I made this mask for a party my daughter was going to. Her hair was looking too good that night to show off the mask. A girl must do what a girl has to do.

You can dress her up but you can't take her out.

Thank you Heidi!!!!

2007-10-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have collected knitting needles for some time. I love the colors, feel, shape, and I like just having them in a vase like flowers. Heidi sent me a package with a lovely handful to add to my other addiction..."having things that just look pretty."
Thank you Heidi!

I wish I had more tops...

2007-10-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

And then there was one

2007-10-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

I took this photo last night.

I took this photo this morning.

Crusty....?

Update on the beads....
One was under the stove, one under the dryer, one still on the table under bubble wrap and the last one was in the closet of the guest room on the floor.

Addiction never felt so good!

2007-10-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Stacy, my husband, thinks that I need an intervention. Felting has taken over and I don't think I can quit. Here is the latest drug of choice...felted acorns.

Felted Beads

2007-10-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

I began to felt some beads and it did not stop. The embellishing began to take over and hours later they were done.

Cat toy Pt.2

2007-10-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

I thought I would be nice to crusty and make her a felted ball to play with. I rolled the ball across the room she looked at it, smelled it and walked away. Such a nice kitty.

The great pumpkins' adventure (cat toy pt. 1)

2007-10-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

One would think that the 4th shelf of the bookcase would be a safe place for a little pumpkin