My Cottage Life

Spoon Ornaments

2011-12-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

For the past several years, I have participated in an ornament exchange with a group of ladies that I have grown to love. The only stipulation is that the ornament has to be hand-made. I found this little ornament on Pinterest and knew this is what I wanted to make for this year's exchange. They are made out of spoons! If you would like a tutorial, click here. These were so fun to make and they took on a life of their own. I have already started thinking what I could make this coming year!

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend.

Merry Christmas!

Hand-made Ornaments & Garland

2011-12-18T18:41:00.003-05:00

I have been busy making ornaments this season. My latest ones are made from Scrabble tiles. I drill tiny holes in the top and bottom to do the beading and added a dough ornament at the bottom of the beading. I made the boys' teachers all one with their last name on them.

I made a photo ornament of each boy using their school picture. The frames came from the Dollar Tree. They are not very fancy but I like to see them on the tree. Do you see my garland? It's crocheted with gold jingle bells. I took the yarn to school one day and had my students help me space all the bells in the yarn. Good thing I asked the 9th graders to help me; I don't think my upperclassmen would have been as willing.

You can see another scrabble tile ornament on the right side of this picture.

When Christmas is over (or when I have a chance - which ever is first), I plan to write the year on the picture frame.

I'm linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend since I had all the supplies on hand to make these ornaments. Of course, I had to have bought them at one point. So, maybe I should say that I just used my stash!

PS - I have had several questions about my Scrabble tiles. I ordered a 100 tiles from Amazon. No Scrabble game was hurt in this process. I will be looking at thrift stores for some more tiles. Secondly, I use a vice to hold the scrabble tile while I drill a hole in the end. I did not want my fingers in the way!

Advent Wreath - Revisited

2011-11-30T15:23:00.000-05:00

I worked on my Advent wreath again today. I appreciate all of your kind words but I just felt it needed more. For starters, every time the boys tried to move it, the candles would fall and get dinged - can't have that. This is much more secure for them to move on and off the table.

I had this idea when I was taking a shower yesterday. The shower is the only place I have where no one bothers me! LOL!! I think this will work fine.

I wonder if this is now an Advent Basket?!

Advent Wreath? I need help!

2011-11-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

Advent has started and I am so unprepared. I do not have the traditional wreath of evergreens and berries. I did well just to have the candles. I had bought them back in the summer at Big Lots. They are not exactly what I wanted but much cheaper than ordering them online. I tried ~~hundreds~~ different candle holders, plates, bowls, etc... I'm frustrated. But, since I needed the candles for our meal tonight, I used what I had. I like the simplicity but feel that the candles need dressing - maybe with some twine or a band of brown paper? I don't know, maybe you could suggest something?

The vintage cloth that it is sitting on is the only thing I really love. Isn't it pretty? I can just imagine some housewife laboring over this. I thought it was perfect for Advent. It reminds me of poinsettias.

I am linking to Heidi's"Make Do and Mend."

Thankful Tree - New Beginnings

2011-11-12T13:06:00.002-05:00

I decided that even though I liked my first tree, that it did not have enough branches for all of us to hang our thanksgiving leaves and it was asymmetric (which kinda bugged me as well). So, Deniska and I went into the woods and he found this branch, which I love so much better. It even still has a few green leaves left on it at top. I left those on to remind us that even when we feel bare and deserted, we can always find some joy and life.

Thankful Tree

2011-11-11T17:48:00.002-05:00

This year, our family started a thankful tree. Every day we write down what we are thankful for. Each of us has a different color. Dennis is brown, Nikolai is red, Deniska is orange, and I am yellow. By the time Thanksgiving get here, we will have listed 92 things we are thankful for - and this will just be a drop in the bucket of how richly God has blessed us.

Deniska helped hang the leaves tonight. He is such a good helper!

Of course, he had me take a silly picture showing how hard it was to hang all the leaves! Silly boy!

This is a very frugal project. The tree came out of the woods, the acorns (around the top of the bucket) also came from the woods. I cut the leaves out of construction paper. I used a leaf die cut. And, the scissors and thread are necessary as well. We had all these things on hand and did not have to buy anything. That's my type of craft!

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend page.

And, to Sew Many Ways

Maxie's new dress

2011-11-07T05:53:00.000-05:00

Maxie is our 6 month old Sheltie. She came to live us this past Thursday and taken over the house. We all love her except for the cats. They just tolerate her. Deniska begged me to make her a dress to wear. So, Saturday night, he picked out the material and I made a pattern. It didn't cost anything except a little of time. She looks cute, don't you think? I don't see her wearing this very often but it made Deniska happy and that is all that matters.

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Monday.

Happy "Home-made" Halloween

2011-10-30T17:21:00.001-04:00

When I was growing up (back in the dark ages), we never bought Halloween outfits. We always made our own. This year, that's the path we traveled. Matter of fact, Nikolai did not decide to be a zombie until last night in church!

Here's my boys for Halloween - a zombie and a hippie!

Nikolai cut his outfit himself. He made the zigzag cuts for his pants and shirt. The shirt was too little for him and the jeans were in the worn out, play pants pile. His cost? 0$!! We had everything on hand for his outfit. He even used my make-up for his face. This suits him, don't you think? He was careful NOT to smile because, "Mom, zombies do NOT smile!"

Deniska wanted to be a hippie, a love child. Now, I do admit that we paid a little for his wig and glasses but not much - under $5. He had tie-died his t shirt at a birthday party back in August. He is very proud of his outfit.This suits him as well. He was born about 40 years too late!

And, finally, their sweet daddy has taken them for Trunk-or-Treating at one of the local churches tonight. Tomorrow, they go to their daddy's office for trick-or-treating. They do not want to go out tomorrow night because they say they will have too much homework to do!

Since this was all made with supplies on hand, I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Monday!

Happy "Home-made" Halloween everyone!!

Fall Cinnamon Stick Candles

2011-10-02T19:24:00.004-04:00

What's a girl to do when she wants new fall decoration but does not want to spend the money on new items? She makes something new out of the things on hand. I have seen these candles on the internet and honestly they are not hard to do. You gather your supplies -

For this project, you will need candles, cinnamon sticks, raffia or ribbon or twine, a glue gun, and a little furry cat to help you!

You simply hot glue the sticks to the candles and tie a string of some sort around them. Hard - huh?!

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend today.

and to ...

Happy October everyone!

Blogging Friends are the best!

2011-10-01T12:41:00.000-04:00

I have made the best friend in the blogging world. Jane, Cottage at the Crossroad, gifted me this sweet award, The Versatile Blogger. Is she not sweet to do that?! Thank you Jane.

There are some rules associated with accepting this award:

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Pass this award along to 10 recently discovered blogs.

I'm not sure there are seven things about myself to share, but I will try:
1. I have been teaching Special Education for 28 years.
2. I am planning on retiring at the end of this year.
3. I married a big city boy and converted him to country living.
4. I am the proud mama of 2 ten year old boys.
5. I am a homebody - there is just no place like home!
6. I love to craft using different medias. There is always a new craft that I want to try.
7. I have been sewing since I was old enough to thread a needle. I could sew and play a piano before I could read.

Now, I need to pass this along to 10 recently discovered blogs:
This will take some time to ponder on since there are so many good blogs out there. Perhaps, if you are reading this and you would like this award, just feel free to take it and let me know!

Make Do & Mend Monday - Crocheted Coasters

2011-08-08T18:39:00.000-04:00

I started crocheting Sunday on these cute little coasters. They take no time at all and perfect for TV watching. I am making them for gifts. Each Peaches & Creme ball will make 6 coasters.

They are addictive....

The boys like this one the best since it has so many colors in it and will match anything.

Glad you could stop by. I am linking to Heidi's Make Do & Mend Monday.

With fond stitches,

Make Do & Mend Monday - Spray Painted Candlesticks

2011-08-01T09:06:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another fun project! I have seen these painted candlesticks all over the web and thought they were so pretty. So, I rounded up all of those old, brass candlesticks and my spray paint for a fun project. While I was at it, I also spray painted a lazy susan that need a face lift.

Let's start at the beginning. Here's a before picture of what I spray painted.

I took it all outside and spray painted my heart out. It was only 102!! Needless to say, I was hot!

The good thing was, since it was so hot, it did not take long for everything to dry!

Hmm, I am not sure that I like the "family" painted yellow. I might need to change that to another color. Maybe red? First I need to decide where I am going to place it inside. See the pool? Deniska and I got in and played while these were drying! Smart - huh?

Here they are on my table. I just need to add candles, or maybe not. I kinda like them just as they are. See my chair covers? I did those on Saturday. You can read about them here.

I am linking to:
Heidi's Make Do and Mend Monday

Thanks for dropping by! I would love to hear what you think about this project.

Make Do and Mend Mondays - Battery Storage

2011-07-25T14:16:00.003-04:00

Batteries everywhere! Not any more! For my project this week, I would like to show you how to store your batteries.

Yesterday, I reached into my refrigerator to get an onion and ended up organizing and cleaning out the refrigerator. What prompted this task was when a battery fell out of the onions. I decided then it needed some attention.

I keep my batteries in the refrigerator because I had always thought it would extend their life. According to the research I did yesterday, it does for 5%. While not a huge amount, I suppose every little bit helps! I can't take credit for this idea - it comes from Better Homes and Garden. I saw it on Pinterest and thought it was so clever. Dennis had some old pill boxes in his closet that was not being used and they became the new keepers of the batteries. It would be nice if the batteries would stand up like the original post, but this works just fine. We use a lot of batteries in this home!

I hope you can use this tip for your home. I am linking to Heidi's Make Do & Mend. I think this is definitely a Make DO! I am also linking to My Junk Drawer.

and, to:

Thanks for dropping by!

Make Do & Mend Monday - Re-Furbished Mouse Pad

2011-07-19T09:06:00.007-04:00

Don't you just love this sweet mouse pad? This is my Make Do & Mend project for the week. When I was cleaning out my closet yesterday, I found this mouse pad. Look at the picture below. As you can tell, the boys really liked this mouse pad as well. *grins*

As you can see, it has seen better days but I couldn't bear to throw it away because it is one of those really thick, nice mouse pads. So, I decided I would just give it a new life by a make over! I found a scrap of material that I loved (with cats on it of course!). I traced around the mouse pad on to the back of the material and cut it out leaving about an inch margin all the way around.

After I cut it out, I ironed the material on to wonder under (any type of fusible web will work). I then ironed it on to the mouse pad and trimmed around the mouse pad to get my new top! Easy as can be! This took me about 10 minutes to do. How simple is that?

Just be careful not to cut the mouse pad as you are trimming the material. I just love it! Best of all, since I had all the materials on hand, it didn't cost me a thing! That's a good thing!

I am linking this to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Monday. (I know, I am one day late - as usual!)

Thank you for dropping by!

Make Do & Mend Monday - New Pincushion

2011-07-12T11:45:00.000-04:00

Well, here it is Tuesday and I am already a day behind! The story of my life these days....LOL! For Make Do and Mend Monday, I decided to make a pincushion. For some unknown reason to me, I have the hardest time keeping up with pincushions of anyone that I know. I put it down, I go get something to drink, I come back, and it's gone! I suspect little hands or paws take it off. So, I decided to make a heavy pincushion and one that I would not lose.

I decided on this teacup since it is rather small and it is blue. (I really like blue!) And, it reminds me of Holland, where my friend Heidi lives who hosts this wonderful day of the week for us. This is an extremely easy thing to do. I took a luncheon plate, traced the circle on my fabric, cut it out, and put a running stitch around the perimeter. Then, I drew the thread and stuffed the circle. After I had stuffed it, I finished drawing the circle and sewing it shut. All, that is left was to put it in the cup. You could put a tiny but if glue around the inside of the cup but I did not do that since I stuffed it tight. You could also decorate the cup with rick rack, and I might do that later. But, for right now, it is just right! The best part? It was free since I had all materials on hand!

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Monday!

Sew thankful you dropped by,

Candle Band

2011-07-08T08:51:00.001-04:00

Remember this candle that I used on July 4th? I decided to change its look. The 4th is over and I am ready to move on to a new look.

I took a band of scrapbook paper and made a new band. I love how it completely changed. Now, I need to make a new runner for it to sit on. I just might do that today!

Have a great day everyone!

Tablerunner, Candle, and a Happy July 4th!

2011-07-04T09:43:00.002-04:00

I wanted to make a table runner for the 4th of July and ran across these bandanas. So, I thought I would use them. After all, one needs to use the resources on hand. Plus, I did not want to drive to town in the sweltering heat to the only cloth store within 50 miles and spend money! And, the boys no longer wanted to use them to play cowboy. A win-win situation for all!

I sewed them together and put some rick-rack on the seams because rick rack makes everything look happy! The white bandana was a different size so I cut it to use on the ends.

Then, I decided I need a candle or something to go on top. So, I took a white candle and wrapped a holiday napkin around the base, glue the edges together, and put it in a hurricane. This way, I can take the napkin off after the 4th and put a different cover on the candle. I thought my candle was quite pretty, even if I do say so myself!

Now, the best part! Cost? Nothing! I had all materials on hand!

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Mondays

"Sew" thankful you all dropped by!

Make Do and Mend Mondays

2011-06-27T18:20:00.000-04:00

Today, I wanted to share a Make Do and Mend from generations ago. I was at my mother's house yesterday and saw this quilt. Quilts were used for warmth and comfort. It was often made from flour sacks, or scraps, or what the quilter had on hand. I had wanted something colorful and summery on my bed so this fit that requirement.

This was a quilt that was on my bed when I was a little girl. Since I was feeling down and out, I decided to bring the quilt home and wrap up in it just to have a connection to my mother. For those of you who don't know, my mother died 3 years ago and her birthday is coming up July 6th. Needless to say, she has been on my mind lately. Anyway, back to the quilt. I have a queen size bed and this quilt just covers the top of the bed. It looks as though Mama made these blocks and pieced them with equal size blocks. What I love about this quilt is that it is not all matchy-matchy. She used what she had and even piece the "solid" blocks using what she had on hand.

Maybe my friend, Heidi, can tell us the name of this quilt block. It escapes me right now. I do know this quilt was most likely made in the late 1930s or the early 1940s.

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Mondays.

Warmly,

Making Cloth Napkins

2011-06-20T16:27:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of summer and what better way to celebrate it than to make new cloth napkins?! I have been on a cloth napkin kick lately since we seem to go through paper napkins like water in a bucket with a hole! Now, I know some folks can make an argument over paper versus cloth but since I am washing towels anyway, I figure those cloth napkins are not going to take up much space. And, besides, who doesn't love a nice cloth napkin?

On our 10th anniversary we went to Hawaii and I bought this fabric around that time. I had originally thought I would make D a pillowcase but never got around to making one. I thought this was perfect for summer napkins! Who wouldn't want to be in Hawaii?!! And, it did use some of my stash that "he who does not understand why I have so much fabric" keeps pointing out to me. *grins*

If you want to make your own cloth napkins, there are many excellent tutorials on the web. Here are a few that I like:

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/04/20/make-your-own-cloth-napkins/

http://blog.maggiemakes.com/sing_forever/tutorial-cloth-napkins.html/

http://www.filminthefridge.com/2008/11/19/make-your-table-pretty-a-reversible-rick-rack-napkin-tutorial/

I have plans to make lots more napkins this summer. For today, I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend Challenge. Hope to see you there!

Heidi's

Sew Thankful you dropped by,

Make Do and Mend- Curling Iron Cover

2011-06-10T16:58:00.001-04:00

This is a Vera Bradley curling iron cover which costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $18 not counting taxes and shipping. It's very lovely but you are not going to take it out for an evening. It is a utilitarian accessory. No need to spend that much money unless you just really LOVE Vera!

This is my version of the same thing. It serves the same purpose. Mine was free! I took a new potholder which I had gotten several years ago, and sewed it on the edges with a zig-zag stitch. It works perfectly! I think I paid a dollar for this at the local dollar store. On Wednesday morning, as we were leaving for a few days, I used the curling iron, unplugged it, slipped it into it's cover, and packed it without a worry! Very cool!! So, look through those potholders before spending a lot on a name brand curling iron holder!

I am linking to Heidi's Make Do and Mend

Have a great day!

Susan

Bookmarks for Teacher Gifts

2011-05-30T10:24:00.004-04:00

It's time for those year end gifts for the boys' teachers. In the past, we have given gift cards to each teacher. This year, because there are so many of them and we are on a tight budget, I decided to make them something. Being a teacher myself, I can tell you that I like the handmade simple gifts the best. So, the boys and I made bookmarks for their teacher. The top bookmark has each teacher's name on a map. The boys glued the letters on for me. On the back, they will write a note of appreciation to each teacher and sign their names. They will write something about the teachers helping them to find their way - that's why I used a map background.

This is a picture of the corner bookmarks that we are going to include as well. We are not quite finished with them but I think they will be cute and I love the way the corner bookmarks hold your place in a book. These take all of 5 minutes to make several of these. So easy.

Best thing about these gifts is that they are useful and I had most of the material on hand. I did buy the bookmark sleeves in the top picture.

I am linking to:
Heidi at The Cranberry Chronicle

Fabric Box Tutorial - Sorta

2011-05-23T05:00:00.008-04:00

Some time last year, I got an idea that I wanted a box for the boys to put their Wii games in instead of just stacked on the floor by the TV. I had a basket but that quickly filled up with videos instead. I found the perfect heavy duty box that I wanted to use. For the past few months, this box and fabric was sitting in my bedroom floor waiting for me. It was moved from corner to corner. The box was filled up with miscellaneous objects and it had reached the place that either I do something with it or throw it out. So, since I am totally stressed at work, instead of cleaning house, I just decided to cover this box - finally. No need to clean my bedroom since I had this box that needed to be covered!

This is by no means a tutorial since there are wonderful tutorials out there on the web. This is how a stressed out crafty person does something while tending to boys, cats, a dog, and a husband (not necessarily in that order!)

Step 1: Gather your materials - cloth, scissors, spray glue. I laid the material out on my kitchen table. Notice that I did not even iron the material. This is a really durable, heavy material. I drew the outline of the box bottom and then laid the box on it's side and drew those lines. I then cut the material out leaving an inch or so on each side.

Step 2: Go outside where it's 90 degrees in the hot sun! Cover your table with newspapers - you don't want glue on your tabletop. I sprayed the glue on the bottom on the box and spread the fabric out making sure to get out all the wrinkles. You continue doing this all the way around your box. Wrap it like a present and don't be afraid of getting a ~~LOT~~ little glue on your hands. BTW, hand sanitizer works really well in getting the glue off your finger tips. I assume it's the alcohol content in the sanitizer.

Step 3: There you have it! All ready to be used. I did put a piece in the very bottom of the box because I thought it would look nice.

Step 4: Fill with Wii games, listen to praise from your family at how clever and talented you are, and enjoy your box. If your family does not praise you, pat yourself on the back and say all those nice things! That's what I did!!

I don't expect the box to last forever. But, since I have a whole $3 invested in it, it had better last at least a little while! I suppose I could glitz it up with trim and wooden feet and I might still yet. I haven't decided. For right now, it's fine.

I am linking to my friend, Heidi's, Make Do and Mend.

and,

and

Newest Old Project

2011-05-14T20:13:00.002-04:00

I went to a Habitat for Humanity Resale store this morning and found this treasured buried in the craft bin. I paid a grand total of $3 for him. (I saw on this web site that it rare and selling for $19.99) He's designed by Anna Krajewski. I haven't been cross stitching lately but this just spoke to me. Why would someone abandon him? Did his previous owner die and it was donated with her things? (This particular Habitat store gets LOTS of estate items.) Did someone realize they would never finish him and just wanted to get rid of him? It made me sad for him.

I was pleasantly surprised when I peeked inside the package and it was already started. This does not bother me at all since I always dread making that first stitch. I rather like finishing him up for someone. I think he must have come from the 1990's? Seems like Teddy Bears were big then. I will finish him and then gift them to someone who loves teddy bears. Or, maybe I will make him into wall hanging. We will just have to wait and see.

Happy stitching everyone!

My Son's Woodwork

2011-05-09T18:30:00.000-04:00

When you are the mother of boys, you have to take crafts anyway you can get them. This includes making slingshots. I don't know why the sudden interest in slingshots. He ventured down into the woods and found this perfect branch, Then he skinned the bark - do you skin a tree? Oh well, he found some skinny elastic in my craft basket and now he has a super duper sling shot. He is thinking of selling them online.....

Please do not look at the closet behind him. I didn't realize the closet door was open until I uploaded the picture. By then, he was outside again. It's hard to keep him inside during the warmer weather.

A Basket Full of Eggs

2011-04-22T17:55:00.006-04:00

I "mod-podged" these eggs several years ago. Today, I got them out just in time for Easter. I love my eggs! And, they are so simple to do. Take a plastic egg, put a thin layer of mod podge and then layer a single ply napkin or tissue paper on top. Cover this with a layer of mod podge and allow to dry! Very easy. Best of all, you can use these year to year.

I'm linking to these parties:

Easter Pillow

2011-03-26T13:51:00.000-04:00

Remember this placemat from Big Lots that I bought a few weeks ago?

It has now become this...

A sweet little pillow just in time for Easter!

Lost my crafting mojo

2011-03-24T18:29:00.000-04:00

souce

I have lost my crafting mojo! Seems like I always lose it this time of year. I enter a melancholy state of mind and just can't seem to get going with crafting (or much else). I don't know if it is because I am just physically tired or if the time change messes up my whole system. I wish they would leave the time alone and quit changing it back and forth. Just pick one way and leave it!

If you see my mojo out there, will you please send it home to me? I miss it!

Jilly's Happy Quilts Giveaway

2011-03-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

source

Just look at his beautiful bundle of cloth. It just makes my heart smile - I love fabric! Jilly @ Jilly's Happy Quilts is hosting a very generous giveaway! It ends March 17th so hop on over there and check it out!

Placemat to pillow?

2011-02-27T19:23:00.000-05:00

I found this cute placemat at Big Lots this morning and it was just calling to me to make it into a spring pillow. What do you think? A little stuffing, some rick rack, etc....

Sunday Morning Nap

2011-02-20T10:16:00.003-05:00

Everyone is gone to church and I just want to take a nap! These people really wear me out.

Ah, this is the life! I wonder if mama will get mad since I messed up her quilt on the couch...I don't think so since she loves me so much!

I wish this couch was a little wider on the back...

Maybe if I just ignore the camera, it will go away. That paparazzi is really beginning to annoy me....

I'll just ignore the whole thing and sleep.

Home is....

2011-02-16T17:57:00.000-05:00

My friend, Gail, recently cleaned out her craft basket. She gave me this cross stitch that she had bought in 1983. It was a complete kit with cloth, pattern, and floss. She had stitched part of the H in home. I took that out, centered it, and started all over again. It did not take long to stitch and I love what it says. I think I will finish it as a wall hanging. This is a large piece measuring 12x18 (cloth) and 7x14 (design).

Tonight I want to start on a Christmas ornament. My goal is to make one ornament per month. I had better get busy if I want to make one for February.

Friday Finishes

2011-02-11T21:25:00.002-05:00

I had finished this little cross stitch way back in January but never got around to doing anything with it. This afternoon, I decided to make it into a tiny pillow - just in time for Valentine's Day.

And, Wednesday, I finished stitching my little Quaker Acorn.

Now, I need to finish it into a pillow or wall hanging.

Sunday Stitching

2011-02-06T11:43:00.003-05:00

I like to spend Sundays relaxing. You more than likely will find me stitching or with a cat in my lap (which makes it hard to stitch!) Sam of course is always handy to take a picture of since he is always by my side. Have I mentioned that Sam weighs 20 pounds?! He is huge!

This stitchery is the Quaker inspired acorn that I won a few weeks ago over at Linda's blog. I am stitching slow on this pattern. I did change to a bigger hoop (that I bought for $1 at a thrift store). I am not sure that I like the bigger hoop but it does make it easier to stitch on the whole section at one time. I will show you my progress next week. Happy Sunday everyone!

2011-02-02T17:53:00.000-05:00

Valentine Bird has landed! I finished this sweet bird a few days ago and framed him myself. I discovered (although I already knew) that professional framing was very expensive! I picked this frame up at Goodwill for $1.50! I think I like it just as well considering the cost! After Valentine's Day, I will spray paint it black, but for right now it's fine. You will notice that I got my tail feathers right this time! Also, the pattern called to sew the button on upside down but I just couldn't do that.

I love these little birds. I have the Spring Bird ready to stitch. I still have a few weeks to get him ready.

Thank you for looking. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!!

Winter Bird

2011-01-29T14:26:00.001-05:00

I picked up my framed bird this morning from my local framing shop. I hung him in my kitchen above my sink. I also noticed, as soon as I was about to pay for it, that I had messed up on the tail feathers. Looks like I forgot to skip a line. *sigh* It was only after I started doing cross stitching that I realized I could not count! I must have missed that day at school!! Oh well, I love my quirky little bird. He will be fine for the winter months and he still makes me smile when I look at him.

Lady Bug Kitchen Timer

2011-01-22T14:26:00.002-05:00

When I got home today, my swap had arrived from Linda. You know, good things comes in small boxes and this was a beautiful box!! I wonder how she knew I have a weakness for pretty boxes?!!

This is what I saw when I opened the box. Cute wrapping paper - right? I need to find a way to reuse it!

When I opened it, I saw the cutest little kitchen timer ever! I love ladybugs. I believe they are considered good luck in China.

Thank you Linda! I love her!!

Ornament #7 - Silent Night

2011-01-19T20:24:00.001-05:00

Design: Silent Night

Designer: Heidi at All My Scattering Moments

Another ornament finished! This one is Silent Night by Heidi. I hope it is OK with Heidi that I changed the colors of Silent Night and added a cross to the little church. This little church reminds me of some many of the little country churches around here. I just love this ornament. My goal is to make at least 12 ornaments this year, this is number seven so I am well on my way. Let me know what you think of the ornaments! I always enjoy reading your comments. Thanks for looking!!

Ornament #6 - Goodwill to Men

2011-01-17T11:23:00.001-05:00

Design: Goodwill to Men

Designer: Heidi at All My Scattering Moments

I finished another great freebie from Heidi at her old site Needle Necessities, Click here for this pattern. Heidi's pattern called for a red bead but I used french knots instead. I have really enjoyed stitching these ornaments. When I start back to work tomorrow, I won't have as much time which makes me sad. But, I am thankful for the time I did have this past week. It was great!!

Ornament #5 - Warm Hands & Heart

2011-01-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

Another design from Heidi. You can find this sweet chart here. I may just leave this one out until winter is over. I found this material in my mother's stash which makes it very dear to me. Thank you Heidi for this sweet design.

I have more of Heidi's design to finish. I have them stitched and just need to decide how to finish. I hope you come back soon!

Ornament #4 - Peace on Earth

2011-01-14T12:32:00.001-05:00

I stitched and finished another ornament from Heidi's free ornament designs. This one is part of two offered in April 2009. You can click here for the pattern. Thanks Heidi for the pattern!!

Ornament #3 - Candy Canes

2011-01-12T18:50:00.000-05:00

Design - Candy Canes

Designer - Heidi

I decided to stitch this sweet little ornament this afternoon and I had one problem after another. Ever had a day like that? First, the candy canes should be red and white but the white did not show up on my cloth. So, I had to improvise. I like Heidi's original design much better but this will work. Now I just noticed that I did not put the year on there. *sigh* My sewing machine didn't want to stitch and kept clogging up in the bobbin. It was just one of those days! So, please don't judge Heidi's creative endeavors by my poor stitching! She is very talented and I can't wait to stitch all of her Christmas designs!

What I am working on...

2011-01-11T17:27:00.001-05:00

I thought I would take a picture of what I am working on today. I took this picture this morning and have finished the stitching. I need to decide how I want to finish it.

Ornament #2 - NOEL

2011-01-09T09:47:00.001-05:00

Design: NOEL

This is a freebie offered by Sandy on her site, Stitchin' and Life in a Small Town. I just love her designs. She has another one, Merry Christmas, that I would like to stitch as well. I changed the colors she had listed because I used what I had on hand. This just goes to show that a great design will hold up to a variety of color schemes. Thank you Sandy for offering this to us!

Felt Monogrammed Ornaments

2011-01-01T11:58:00.007-05:00

My goal this year to make more ornaments. These are the first ornaments that I have made for 2011. They are monogrammed felt ornaments. I think they are cute. I used black and red for Nikolai since those are the colors for Univ of Ga (his favorite college.) Deniska's is in orange and white (for Clemson Univ.) and mine and Dennis' are just in Christmas colors.

Click here for the tutorial. The only change I made from the tutorial is that I printed out my letters and traced them onto freezer paper. Then I cut them out of freezer paper and ironed them on to the felt so I could cut them from the felt. I did not have a marking pen. This method worked well for me.

I also made a "C" for our last name. These are very easy and quick. I might even make these for my annual ornament exchange for next year!

New Pillow Cover

2010-12-28T18:44:00.006-05:00

I looked at this bed today as I walked through the bedroom and thought that the yellow pillow didn't really match the bedspread. I had not noticed that before. Maybe that is because this pillow seems to travel in the house on its own accord. Sometimes it is in the living room, sometimes the boys' room, and sometimes in the master bedroom. Regardless, it doesn't match anything in any of the rooms.

So, I decided to make it a new cover since that is in my repertoire of skills. Less than an hour later, a new more colorful pillow has appeared. I think this is much better. Don't you?

Wine Bottle Night Light

2010-12-24T09:40:00.005-05:00

Not to brag, but I look at my night light wine bottle. For a mere $4, I made this and it is just lovely. (The cost does not include the cost of the wine bottle which my husband bought and willingly drank the wine for me just to do this! LOL!) I used the new LED mini lights so the bottle will not get too hot. I bought the leaf at Wal-Mart this morning. I removed the label from the wine bottle, inserted lights, put the ornament on, tied on ribbon and there you have it! Simple!! It is beautiful all lit up.

(This picture was made before I put the doily under the bottle.)

It's beginning to look like Christmas

2010-12-17T13:40:00.006-05:00

I admit, it's hard for me to let go of my creations. I decided to keep the reindeer ornament and instead made this freebie by Lizzie Kate instead. My friend, Gail, and I exchanged and I am so glad she has this ornament. I can go visit it when I get lonely for it!

Design: Peace, Joy, Love

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: Aidia 16

Fiber: DMC

This is one of my cushions that I have in my chairs in the living room. Technically, they go with the sofa but I like to spread things out. You will notice that this cushion is a nice floral, summer print. What to do? Make a pillow cover in a more holiday season appropriate fabric! And, since I have TONS of fabric (just ask my husband), I selected a nice poinsettia fabric. It took me about 20 minutes to make 2 pillow covers. And, when the season is over, if I don't want to keep them for next year, I will make something else from them. This is the before:

And, this is the after. Notice my purse that lives in this chair. (It's a Fossil purse and is the best size purse I have ever had!) I really like my "new pillows"! I see lots of new pillow covers in my future!

Mistletoe Reindeer ornament

2010-12-13T18:18:00.007-05:00

Design - Mistletoe Reindeer

Designer - Sharon at Daffycat

Fabric - 16 Aida

Fiber - DMC

I stitched this ornament up yesterday. I was going to use it in an ornament exchange at work but the more I think about it, the more I want to keep it! I may forego the ornament exchange and just keep this for myself! Oh, I know I could make another one, but I already have this one! This is a free design called Mistletoe Reindeer by Sharon at Daffycat blog. You must check out her blog! I love everything she designs.

Thank you Sharon!

I have lots of other things to share with all of you, but since many of them are Christmas gifts, it will have to wait until after Christmas.

Halloween Stitching

2010-11-01T16:42:00.004-04:00

I finished this Halloween picture a few weeks before Halloween and literally just placed it in this frame for the time. I haven't decided if I like it or not. I think it would have been prettier if the fabric was lighter or if the colors were more in contrast. I guess once I decide if I like it or not, I will consider having it professionally framed or maybe I will make it into a pillow. I have a whole year to decide!

Almost 2 months!! Oh my!!

2010-09-19T12:05:00.002-04:00

I am beyond speechless that it’s been almost two months since I posted anything here. My goodness, where did the time go???

I went to a quilt show yesterday and was amazed at all the beautiful quilts. I think there were 200 quilts there as well as vendors. I did not buy anything – good for me!!

Here are some pictures of the quilts that I especially liked. I was amazed at the talent and the number of wall hanging. What I didn’t see was a lot of traditional quilts. That disappointed me. It seemed most of them were more fiber art than actual quilts that you could use. Still, it was an enjoyable afternoon.

This quilt was made by my friend, Gil. He was our Industrial Arts teacher until he retired. He and his wife discovered quilting. He pieces the quilts and she quilts them. How cool is that?!

Another quilt mde by Gil. This one is a wall hanging. Love this made with selvages from the material!!

That's not the short of it!

2010-07-28T14:07:00.005-04:00

I had cut out the boys four pair of shorts to make, including the ones shown above. When I was sewing these up, I thought they looked a little short in the crotch. Sure enough, they are really short in the crotch. Deniska assured me they were fine but I know better. I think he can probably wear them for a little while but not for long. I like this material. It's a nice seersucker and I expect it to be really comfortable to wear.

Fortunately, I had not sewn the others up so I was able to cut them out a little more. I was using a new pattern and found that it not true to size. Sometime, well most of the time, it's good to make one of something before doing all the others, if you are using a new pattern. I really didn't need a pattern for the shorts but every now and then, I like to use one. I hope to get the others made today. That will not happen if I don't get off the computer!

****Several hours later....another pair of shorts completed!!****

A cover for my iPod

2010-07-22T22:11:00.003-04:00

Dennis gave me a new touch iPod for my birthday back in March. I love this little contraption and use it daily. It occurred to me that I needed a cover/cosey/pouch for it when it travelled in my purse. So, yesterday, I decided to make one. I had this material by Susan Branch (which I love) and I had this pretty pink and brown that seemed to be just perfect. I sewed a ribbon to hold the flap. This works fine but I think on the next one, I will use a button or velcro. Still, it makes me happy.

Linked to:

Just Another Day in Paradise

PURR-fect Journal Cover

2010-07-19T20:44:00.006-04:00

Every year I buy a new Agenda for school. This is a necessity for me to keep up with all the meetings, conferences, etc… that are part of my job. I found this Agenda at Wal-Mart and just love it. It’s an academic calendar with lots of spaces to write for the month. It becomes my life-line as I juggle my family obligations and my job obligations. It is already quickly filling up for the months of July and August. I love the agenda but was not as happy with the plastic cover (although I liked the color.) I just felt that it needed a little more color. So, I decided to make a cover for it. I had some beautiful material that I wanted to use.

I believe my friend Rhonda sent me this material that she found at a thrift store or a yard sale. It’s a Henry Alexander design and I just love it. I have been saving it for several years just waiting for the “purr-fect” project. Today, I finally decided that it would become my journal cover. I have a hard time using my favorite material. I used this tutorial to make the cover. It was not hard at all. It you can sew a straight line, you can make this cover. I did modify it a bit. Of course I added rick-rack because I love rick-rack.

I inserted a pocket on the inside of my cover. I am forever having papers that I need to keep up with, so I added a pocket on the inside.

I am sure this will bring me many years of service, as long as I replace the agenda with the exact same kind each year!

Lnked to:
Sew Can Do
Just Something I Whipped Up

Favorite Things Friday

Lizards, and trains, and dinosaurs – oh my!

2010-07-16T18:22:00.003-04:00

These are all the shorts that I found that needed to be sewn. Now, I can start on this year’s material. I honesty didn’t think the boys would like the train print, but apparently it’s “way cool!” My favorite pair is the lizard pair! I love the colors. I like the stripped pair too. I like the colors in it as well.

Linked to:

Monkey business!

2010-07-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

While I was cleaning my “sewing room” this past week, I found five pair of shorts that I had cut out but never sewed up for the boys. This is one pair. I love the monkey print! Maybe it’s a Michael Miller print? I am not sure.

I love these too – paddle ball pattern. I still have lizards, dinosaurs, and stripes to sew. Maybe I will get to those tonight or tomorrow! The boys are still at the age where they love for me to sew fun shorts for them. Nikolai asked for pockets but that will have to wait for new shorts that I cut out. I don’t know where the scraps are from these shorts.

Pocket Tissue Holder

2010-07-06T09:30:00.004-04:00

I love using scraps to make little things like this pocket tissue holder. This is super easy to make and makes for a nice little gift to someone. And, of course, I had to use rick rack on it! I plan on making several of these for Christmas presents for the boys teachers along with a few other things.

Linked to:

A Clean Car is a Happy Car

2010-07-04T19:22:00.001-04:00

Today, in between watching Deadly Women ( a series about women killers) I stitched up a trash bag for the back seat of the car. I have the other one (for the other seat) ~~ready to be sewn~~ made and hanging on the other seat. I didn’t have a pattern but I think this will work nicely. When it gets dirty, it will be thrown into the wash. This should keep my husband happy. He gets greatly distressed over the amount of trash in my back seat generated by two 9-year-old boys!!

Dress Kitchen Towel

2010-06-29T19:26:00.005-04:00

I thought I would share with you my newest dress kitchen towel. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl and I always loved them. So, one day when surfing in blog land, I happened across a tutorial on Calamity Kim’s site and I thought I would make one. it is very easy and quick. I think it turned out very cute. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a little girl to sew for that I like sewing dresses for my kitchen?!!!

I might just have to make one for every season! Don’t you think that one of these and a crocheted dishcloth would make a cute present for someone who loved to bake? Any ideas??

Ribbon Bookmarks

2010-06-25T16:48:00.002-04:00

A few posts ago, I showed you some earrings that I no longer wore. I stumbled across ribbon bookmarks on Bev’s site, Flamingo Toes. Don't you just love that name? Anyway, she is super talented and you need to check out her site. But, I digress. Here are my ribbon bookmarks.

I am so excited to have two new ones for my Bible. We always have at least 3 scripture readings every Sunday and I am always one bookmark short. Now, I no longer have that problem. Isn’t my Bible just beautiful?!!

Now, find some old earrings or charms, some ribbon, thread and make yourself some new bookmarks. You can always use bookmarks!

New Dishcloths

2010-06-24T08:48:00.004-04:00

Amid all the other projects I have going on, I decided I needed some new dishcloths for the summer. While watching TV last night, I crocheted two new dishcloths.

Neither one of these is fancy – just single crochet stitches. I can’t wait to start using them. Once you wash dishes with a crocheted, or knitted, dishcloth you just are not happy with any other kind.

Linked to:

Lend Me Your Ear…

2010-06-15T18:31:00.001-04:00

or, at least your earrings!! I have ~~some~~ lots of old earrings and jewelry that I never wear. It always distresses me to see it not being used but I can’t bear to throw it out. For example, these earrings.

Not my style anymore but I love the colors and style. Come back in a few days and see what I recycled these into. By then, I hope to have it figured out!

Pretty Placemat Pillow

2010-06-11T10:58:00.001-04:00

Before (a placemat from Big Lots):

After:

I just love my new pillow – a few buttons, rick-rack, filler, and thread. For less than $5.00 I have a cute, one-of-a-kind summer pillow!

I'm linking to these fun parties this week, so click on the link here, here, and here to see what everyone else has been working on. See you next Friday!!

Placemat pillow in progress

2010-06-10T18:03:00.001-04:00

The pillow is coming along nicely. I have most of the embellishment completed. The pillow is stuffed and I only have to finish it up. It is really cute. I think you will agree with me when it is completed.

Placemat opportunities

2010-06-09T08:11:00.003-04:00

Don’t you just love this little placemat? I found it at Big Lots and it was the only one they had. I bought it knowing that I could do something with it. Originally, I thought about making a plastic bag holder but now I am leaning toward making a pillow out of it. It is lined so that is no problem. I think with a few additional embellishments, it would very cute as a pillow for the summer time. Check back with me to see what happens today as I decide what to do!

Sunshine Award

2010-06-05T20:47:00.002-04:00

A BIG Thank You to Adrienne for this Sunshine Award!

Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog and/or within your post.
2. Pass the award on to twelve bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and the link to the person from whom you received this award.

Since only my friends read my blog, I give all of you this Sunshine Award! Please feel free to post it on your blog.

Martha has nothing on me!

2010-04-01T18:04:00.005-04:00

This is a basket of eggs that I have decoupaged over the past few days. I really enjoyed doing this craft. I started with plastic eggs, napkins, and mod podge. They are really pretty, even if I do say so myself. And, I finished them just in time for the Easter season!

Happy Easter!

Easter via Martha

2010-03-30T18:46:00.005-04:00

I love Martha Stewart. I just think she has it all together. Never mind the arsenal of people working around the clock to make sure she looks good and to make all her crafts. I just think she is amazing. Anyway, the following pictures are from Martha's site and they all are about Easter.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Martha. It's a good thing!

I want a "Letty's Bag"

2010-03-27T16:47:00.004-04:00

I was surfing the web and happened upon this purse pattern called Letty's Bag using grommets. Now, I have to make one. All I need is the pattern ($10), grommets ($13), a free motion quilting foot ($25), and time! I already have tons of material so that is no problem. Let's see, if I order all of the above, the purse will cost me $23 not including the free motion quilting foot. That's not too bad. Maybe, I will order it as a birthday present to myself! Don't you think this purse is adorable?! This is a picture from Robin's Quilt.

This is another "Letty's Bag" from Sue Salinger. It was also on Robin's site. So pretty!!!

PIF from Marcee

2010-03-13T08:52:00.002-05:00

This cute cute framed stitchery and dishcloth arrived from Marcee at Farmyard Crafts one day this past week. The stitchery is phenomenal and is perfect for my home. Check out her blog, she is a very talented person! Thank you Marcee!!

Lenten Chain Days 5- 11

2010-03-07T12:16:00.006-05:00

Feb 22 -Day 5: Memorize Joshua 24:15 "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Feb 23 - Day 6: Ask Jesus to help you always tell the truth.

Feb 24 -Day 7: Write a special mealtime prayer and pray it tonight with your family at dinner.

Feb 25 -Day 8: Unscramle: SUJES SI ROU NOLY VASIOR.

Feb 26 -Day 9: Unscramble: SEJUS VIESL NI EM!

Feb 27 -Day 10: Do something nice today for a classmate.

March 1 - Day 11: Read Mark 8:34

The Lenten Chain - Days 1-4

2010-02-21T08:49:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of our Lenten chain. Each chain has something for us to do during each day of Lent to help us focus on this wonderful season leading up to Easter.

Feb 17 -Day 1: List five ways to help the poor during Lent.
The boys came up with the following list:
1. Give them some of our toys. (They will be going through their toy box and donating toys.)
2. Give them some food. (We sent a check to our local food ministry that will feed a Senior citizen for a year.)
3. Give them clothes. (We will be donating clothes.)
4. Give them money. (We will send money to a Catholic charity for this. The boys will contribute their allowance.)
5. Give them shelter. (We will contact Our Daily Rest, which is our local homeless shelter, to see what they need in ways of donations.)

In each of the above, the boys will be actively involved. Dennis and I want them to grow up helping others. We want them to be generous in heart and spirit.

Day 2: Take a snack for everyone in your class at school. (Since we live in a predominately non-Catholic area, this will give the boys a chance to explain to their teacher and classmates about Lent.)

Day 3: Write a letter from Jesus to you. Keep it in a safe place.

Day 4: Read a Bible story to your family.

I would encourage you to think about these tasks and perhaps join us in our Lenten journey. If you would like to make your own Lenten Chain, please feel free to email me and I will send you what we used for ours.

Have a blessed day!

Love,

Lent is here

2010-02-20T13:56:00.003-05:00

Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday (forty days). Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, roughly corresponding to the Northern Hemisphere's early spring. Ash Wednesday, which can fall anywhere between February 4 and March 10, occurs forty-six days before Easter, but Lent is nevertheless considered forty days long, because Sundays in this period are not counted among the days of Lent. The traditional reason for this is that fasting was considered inappropriate on Sunday, the day commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus. ~Wikipedia

I am a few days late in starting the countdown of Lent. The boys and I made our Lenten chain this morning and I will be following that each day.

Prepare the Way

2010-01-10T10:58:00.004-05:00

A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 40: 3-5

No matter how hard we try to make straight the way for God in our lives, we all end up going sideways, up and down, and many times off path. I love this passage from Isaiah (which is one of my favorite books in the Bible) because it give us the promise of things to come. Life is rarely a straight path. All we can do is keep the course and work our way through faith to the final destination. Prayer is needed for all of us. We need to ask for prayer, pray every day, and pray for others, especially those in need.