Saturday, December 31, 2011

Reflections




I am making a list of things I want to accomplish this coming year. A new beginning....
Really it is an illusory beginning. Each new day that we rise up and go is a "new beginning." I have pulled out a sketch book that I bought to sketch in and I want to begin a journal again of thoughts, words, ideas, dreams. I have put a poster board of goals in front of my desk.
I have found inspiration these last few days. Inspiration that I consider a gift. A phone call from a dear artist friend whom I treasure.
A phone call that has inspired me to get along in my creative endeavors. Something that can lead to some very exciting possibilities for me in the future. 

I have found an artist that has inspired me to rise above limitations
and do better with what I have.


I am thinking about although life has been more difficult then I ever dreamed what I treasure most are
the moments I share with my family.
Each time my children share some insight or we laugh together,
having good food and a roof over our head and being healthy...these are the things I am grateful for.
I am also grateful for the circle of women who visit here and always leave me with a sense of gratitude and a smile.

Finally, for those of you following along this (pictures above) is what I made with the woven red fabrics...a little shirt for this elfin fellow that is a gift.


I will raise my cup of tea to you and....

I am wishing you and your families a Happy New Year !


<3





I really like this blog: http://urban-patchwork.com/?cat=11

http://digsandbean.blogspot.com/

http://skunkboycreatures.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Merry making



Stitched up this.....I am a little slow this year...



This is a picture of the family dessert competition. My eggnog cake is missing in the picture. It was tasty and the judges liked it, but it did not win : (

This is one of the winners along with the cake in the jar! It was a lot of fun!


So after all the food and fun... time for a more nutritional way of eating. I found these at the library.


This book is beautifully illustrated and is family friendly. Enchiladas, breakfast potatoes, Sherried tomato soup, skillet cornbread just to name a few recipes....mmmm!
<3

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

a little bit "risky"


I have been restless for the last few nights as I have not felt 100% so while laying in bed awake I began
to think of my little Christmas project and I decided  to transform the quilt pieces into a woven piece...
a little bit risky, but I think once it all comes together into what it is meant to be it will be perfect.


yesterday morning before work daughter #2 and I took a quick picture together. I love these
little moments we share. We giggle and have fun and it makes my day before work brighter.
: )

Monday, December 12, 2011

it's all about red





I decided to go through my stash and find different shades/prints of red. I wanted more of a solid feel but with slight texture. So the various little patterns give that textured feel. This is the start of something I am creating for a gift. : )




I cut out the squares very random with no thought of perfection. I quickly stitched them on the machine and I will begin adding some hand stitching.





A new found book that I plan on reading. Frida has always fascinated me. She took her tragedy and  made it into art. She was complex and simple. She struggled with life, as we all do. I think that is why I am drawn to her....


note: the movie version with Selma Hayek was really well done.






This book looked intriguing...I'll let you know once I read it. 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

the answer...




My answer to all the craziness : )

Mexican hot chocolate!

This is my version:

1 cup of whole milk
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. of sugar
a pinch of chili powder to taste
a pinch of cinnamon to taste +
cinnamon sprinkled on top
 and lots of whip cream on top!
(sometimes I add cardamon, and omit vanilla)
: )

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

a gift of roses


(a felt snowflake)

Quietly and gently this beautiful gift came to me....

You see I was not expecting such a lovely gift to arrive.
With great surprise I opened the package...
and I found this lovely hand stitched quilt of roses.

I love the spiral of beading around the roses and seeing each lovingly stitched bit of thread...gorgeous!


There are bits of fabric from France, England, Holland and even India all stitched with love from Isabelle in Switzerland:

This is a treasure and my heart is full...
with deep gratitude "thank you from my heart."
<3



Sunday, December 4, 2011

making



Yep, this is what I am up to....crocheting 100% cotton washcloths or dishrags, which ever you prefer. 

I let daughter #2 pick the color of yarn, which I think is so much fun because it is variegated!

Obviously, this is not perfect and it is my first try, but I am loving the imperfections : )

I think I am getting better at this.....??? (to the right). I wanted to make something that would be useful and practical for gifts.
Have a great day!
<3

Friday, December 2, 2011

denim quilt



I had wanted to show these pictures sooner but my internet was out from Tuesday until today (Friday). Our last kitten is sooo curious about anything and everything. I laid out the quilt to photograph it and she jumped right in.


The quilts were made by my friend Becky @  http://snailcloth.blogspot.com/
Have a great weekend!
<3