Norththreads

New Blog!

2010-09-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

Follow me at my Brand new Bloggy here:

http://whippedclean.blogspot.com/

Miss ya'll

Ang

Destash

2009-04-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well since I have surfaced from the underworld, momentarily, I thought I would do a major de-stash to motive me into stitching mode. I added a few things to the shop:) Hopefully it works!

~cheers~

wow time flies.....

2009-04-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Boy has time ever slipped away on me! I have Christmas music still on here! I have long lost all my blogger pals , blogs when a few months ago my computer crashed & I lost everything, most importanty, my faves. So, I slowly and surely am lurking the net for you all!
I cant even remeber how to turn my pictures, how ridiculous is that?

A peek at the NBC Womens trade show , with us at our "Organic Maid Housecleaning" Booth, and the reason Ive been so crazy busy!

And our girl & her little friend helping out at the neighboring "juice Plus" Booth. What a blast, it was so fun. Joshua Morrow came from the Y&R soap,yes he was pretty hot. We are all awaiting summer, and watching the snow melt these days. This Momma was in my yard last month, with her babe alongside. They actually jumped into my dog kennel area. It was quite a sight to see!

Cheers for now:)

Ang

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! You are very special to me !

happy 2008!

Im Alive

2008-11-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

I know its a miracle, im updating my blog!! Yippppeeee......I am really alive ...I think. I have been working the housekeeping business I started 6 days a week full time since summer & have been so tired , hiding out:) Its been crazy and i miss you all very much. I hope to have some time to squeeze in some Christms crafts before new years. I actually feel so out of the whole blog world, i have lost all my friends & links when my computer crashed this summer. I hope to visit everyone again soon, & miss you all! heres a peek at the cute logo a friend made up for my biz cards. Chow:)

Hello Again!

2008-07-26T09:22:00.001-07:00

Wow...oh my goodness, its been awhile! So much has happened this summer its been kinda crazy! I sure have missed all you guys! Between work & fun, summercamp & our weird weather, we are finally getting things acomplished. I quit working at Michaels too and started my own business and its going great! It was fun and I will miss most of the people there but man who can live on 4 hours a week? Anyways I figured I can get just as good of a discount by using my coupon!
So i did have a chance awhile back to make a couple pinkeeps. I listed them in the shop.

Im dying to get back at my stitching, but it might be awhile.

We have had a few random visitors here as well, look who were wandering down the road! They have now been brought back to their home. The kids had a blast with them so it was worth them demolishing all my strawberry plants and vines.
Then we had a crazy week long lightning storm in the evenings, my son snapped this picture out our front window right at the end of one of the storms.
Oh yeah, & cant forget about the Mexican fiesta party we had for our son whos 14. They had virgin margaritas, chicken wings, tacos, and other goodies. Then they all went out & slept in the tent , which wa kinda nice. So many things to do....so little time, be back soon! Miss you all.....

~cheers~

DeStash Day

2008-06-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Its clean out day!
vintage trims & buttons, some new , some old....
new & old trims & ribbon,
and new & old lace, For sale in the Shop!

Little Dutch Girl Tea towels!

2008-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

New in the shop! These little redwork dutch girl hand embroidered tea towels turned out so sweet! Grama....again, thank you, your an amazing lady! They are from monday through Saturady, as the vintage pattern had no sunday design.
Thanks so much to Marika at http://www.marikabel.splinder.com/ for being so excited about these & wanting to turn them all into cross stitch patterns! Keep your eyes out for the other ones to come!
I also wanted to offer everyone a free sample of the healthy chocolate, and some info in the mail if you like!(see previous post). See previous post for link & information-Im totally addicted!
These are just a sweet little set of vinatage cream & sugar dishes I found at a thrift store, they were in such wonderful condition, I couldnt pass them up! **** Also for those of you who asked questions about the yeast in the previous cinnamon bun recipe(sorry there was no return email address/blog) 1 Tablespoon=1 square package & you can use regular or quick rising yeast, you may just have to give a few extra hours for rising time:) Hope that helps & let me know if you try them!

~cheers~

for now....

Chocolate thats Gluten free & Vegan Too!

2008-06-13T17:58:00.001-07:00

I jsut had to post a link for you guys if anyones interested! As you know, I never post any advertisements on my blog but this is too amazing not too-heres the story, I tried this chocolate the other day & its so good, gluten free, vegan, organic, and so high in antioxidents its crazy! i square is = to 3 cups of blueberrys, 1 giant bowl of broccolli, or 1 giant bowl of spinach! I loved it so much i decided to become a independant distributor to get mine wholesale. And for anyone on weight watchers, its only 2 points! Here is more info- the business is also fantastic, if your looking to bring in any extra $$$. Ive never seen anything like this & am so excited!

http://mxi.myvoffice.com/veganandglutenfreechocolate/

Please go here & take the "tour" and let me know if you have any questions! Want a free sample, no prob!

~cheers~

The Best Cinnamon Buns with Cream Cheese Icing

2008-06-12T12:48:00.001-07:00

Or so my husband & kids says! I struggled for years to find the best recipe that wasnt yeasty tasting , and that had my favorite cream cheese icing! Try it & report back to me,its so easy!

Recipe:

1/2 c. really warm water

2 tea sugar

1 T. Quick rising yeast

(Mix & leave for 10 Min)

1 Egg

1/2 C. Sugar

1 T. Salt

1 C. Warm milk

1 Cup boiling water

2 Cups white flour(brown does not work well)

(Combine well in mixer with dough attachment, then pour in yeast mixture)

Gradually Add slowly 3 1/2 Cups of flour to dough mixture. Take out & put onto a very well floured surface. Knead a couple times, put into large mixing bowl that has been greased well, & let rise until its really big, at least double in size. Make sure its a warm area & set aside.

When doubled, flour area again very well, punch down and knead a couple times. Roll out into the biggest rectangle you can get*(thin but not ripped). Spread on 1/2 cup ,melted butter, and sprinkle heavily with cinnamon. Crumble on 2 1/2 cups of brown sugar evenly.

Roll up and stretch lengthwise. You should be able to cut at least 12-16 slices .

Place in greased glass baking dish (i like to use glass). I find the metal ones burn everything. You can also use 2 smaller ones.

Let rise again until buns are big & totally filling pans.

bake at 375 degrees or 25-27 minutes.

let cool.

Cream cheese Icing:

1/2 block cream cheese

1/4 cup butter

1 cup icing sugar

1 tea vannilla

Beat for a couple minutes and spread on thick..... Enjoy! Dont hesitate to ask me if you have any questions, they are really easy! The hardest part is waiting for them to cool to put the icing on, so you can eat one!

~cheers~

Favorites

2008-06-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be kinda fun to share some favorite places i have been enjoying lately.

Favorite ribbon storage idea....

My all time favorite recipe blog:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Favorite homeade granola bar recipe:
http://www.joyfulabode.com/blog/category/recipes/... she also has the most fabulous to die for breacky egg wrap recipe!

Favorite new freebie blog cross-stitch addiction:

http://aurelle.over-blog.com/article-4275648.html

Feel free to join a New flickr group I just created:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/778019@N21/

and last but not least, a favorite new blog(of which i have found many fav's lately):

http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/browncheck/, and the cutest kids printables here-http://wondertime.go.com/create-and-play/archive.html

~cheers~

Stitching & Sunshine

2008-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

I actually had a wonderful day off , and it was so hot & sunny! I purchased a couple of those "zero gravity" loungers, and man are they awsome! They are so comfortable! Ive needed something for so long that we could all lounge on outside while reading or stitching.

See my new Amy Butler scrapbooking caddy? I bought it at Michaels the other day at 40% off. Its actually for scrapbooking but im using it for stitchery stuff, and eventually it may even make its way to my bathroom to hold all my products ...and all that other clutter that seems to come out of nowhere.

I hung laundry & layed around with not to much purpose. I saw all the yardwork around calling me & knew i should be working on that instead but tried to tune it out. I've so got the cross stitch bug right now!
So heres my little cross stitch cube I ended up with!
I used a couple different peices of random patterns & made it into one small peice. Im going to do that again. I need practice to ignore the vacumming, dishes, and housework & just "be" with the kids , watching them play. It was a great day......now back to the real world for a few more!

I did it!

2008-05-04T22:05:00.001-07:00

Ackkkkkkkkkk!!!!! I did it, I finished something!
Amazing.... I know.....LOL

Its been awhile since my fingers touched fabric. Im happy. Find them here if you like:)

Be back soon.

Lost In Space

2008-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

yep, thats where Ive been alright! Im back and Im still alive! I have missed all you ladies so much, hopefully I have survived the worst of it all & am on my way to a calmer life order. So apparently Im now a framer. And I dont mean construction. Framer as in "art framing" . Who would have thought I would have ended up in the frameshop? Its really fun, mega pressure but fun! I wanted to show you a few of my favorite things I have purchased at Michaels since I started. Wow what a roller coaster! So this is a couple things I got with my 40% discount. This collage frame above, so loving it!
Arent these cute, the herb pots? Im so not a plastic plant kinda girl.....but these....how adorable?? And they look so real.
The other exciting thing I bought was a "crop-a-dile". If you do any sorta papercrafts , you probably know what i mean! Its a 8 way punch & setter in one hand tool & I love it. You can punch holes easy through huge thicknesses of paper, cardstock, you can even punch through plastic and thin metal tins! Here I punched through a sticky note pad to get a ring through.
these are little "breast cancer" awareness sticky note pads giftys. Attach them to a purse or keychain...whatever. They are 2.95 in my shop. they have a breast cancer logo on back all in pink & aqua. I would love to find some white note pads but for now all I can find is yellow.
I also managed to list a bunch of great aprons and some vintage sheet music, since its been sooooooo long since an update. Must really clean this neglected house today so gotta run. I do have some redwork in process to show you soon ... cant wait for the finished result.

~cheers~

Hot Water bottle Cozies

2008-03-24T10:21:00.001-07:00

Hi guys.....Wow this will be quick, Im so pooped! Just stopped in for a quick sec to say hi, this working life is a blast but alot of organizing & mental strain with 3 kids. Anyways , its sure different being a working mom, other than my regular stay at home self I have been for years. I do miss the freedom at home. Man , I used to get alot done, now I dont even have the energy to enter the craft room doors, & if I do I stare around blank -like-What do I do in here? Haha. But thats Ok, its going to be so much fun when all the trucks arrive this week with all the Micheals products, then I will be drooling! Right now we are just setting up all the shelving, and plan-o-graming the isles ect...you know the boring part.

Oh yeah & these are some cozies I made a while back to cover my hot water bottles. They are coming in super handy when you have a tummy ache or cramps. Very super soft. Anyways I cant wait for this snow to melt so I can enjoy some nature walks with the kids. Have a great week everyone~

Better

2008-03-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

things are looking up...

Im so excited! We are getting a huge Micheals finally in our town & Im going to be working there!! I just had to share my new with all you guys! Im so pumped! Especially for 25% off!!

Yippee. I have no idea how Im going to go from A SAHM to a full time job, so please bear with me. Crafting might be slim for the next while. This is going to be a huge change to put my son in childcare, especially because he is partially deaf.

Im curious to know if you guys are mostly at home or if you go out of the home to work?

Ive been making some cute tea bag mini giftys for anyone purchasing from the shop until they run out. I had fun making these with the orgami paper my Japanese student brought back from Japan for me:)

What to see a sweet tutorial?

Im going to try to make a couple of these paper easter baskets for my kids, if your looking for a fun easter/spring crafty project! She has made a great tutorial, thank you Laura!

Have a great week girlies~

The White Stuff & A Felt Picnic.....

2008-03-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

O.K., so Im dreaming. I noticed there were a few fellow bloggers, complaining about the snow. So you guys must either be feeling sympathy or envy for me (Grama, the ultimate snow loving queen) right now..... this...... Is MADDNESS I say! This is the view from my patio door.
Oh yes, Thats my poor husband TRYING to shovel 3 feet of snow that came in 24 hours! You cant even make a path...its time for a plow truck i think!! LOL. Cozy days these are.

Somebody would like to show off his "big boy" underwear. Even though he's not ready to pody train, I let him put his bigboy undies over his diaper to make his feel special, he thought it was wonderful. It didnt help with the pody training unfourtunatly. We can dream big cant we?

Like spring....and green grass......and picnics. Oh yes, bring it on!

This isnt a "new" creation but a felt picnic set I made last year, so I thought I would share. Maybe to brighten my own spirit. The snow is extremely beautiful though isn't it? So to all you ladies with bulbs popping out of the ground.....may I come over for tea?

Glitter & Grunge Update

2008-02-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Im Sad. No Im Ok really and actually its great because this month Ive been really procrastinating and had nothing ready for the glitter update....Here's the quilt I made for a possible design project for a book call out. But...It didnt get picked. Thats O.K., cause I love it & I can offer up for sale as of March 1st in my glitter & grunge shop! Its made with vintage red gingham & an old beautiful tablecloth i cut up and hand appliqued on in a running stick. All the top embroidery is done by hand, and the back is a soft grey pure virgin brushed wool. Definetly for the Modern Baby.

Isnt the tablecloth part great? Its all done in turquoise & red & grey. Oh well, moving on....
Here's the little note card set I made for the update too. In its own little box. There are 6 coordinating cards that stand up in the little box. I left the cards blank inside to make them more flexible. Thank you all for the lovely comments lately, Im enjoying so many more blogs now, and you all are a fantastic group of ladies out there! Time to get real-laundry to fold, dishes to do, toys to pick up, snow to shovel, homework & studying to be done, playdough to pick off the floor......

Have a great weekend you all- and Bean your package is on it's way!

Doing:

2008-02-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

Making:

A little Delight & Love- cute bookmark sets have been added to the shop.

Browsing:

The club.......

Attention Business Owners and creative peoples:

Become a chartered member of the Snooty Womans Club! Make friends, advertise, and have fun A Virtual meeting hall, gift bazzar, awards & other exciting stuff for women.

Reading:

*Yummy recipes, I made this & it was to die for!

*amazing redwork designs to make, they just ask you ddo not sell their designs-fun stuff

*I ve talked about this site before-its fab. Double check all your skincare & make up products are safe and non-carcinogenic.

*a favorite embroidery blog for inspiration

* this is what my hubby does for a living if your interested...LOL.

Have a great week!

We Have a Winner!

2008-02-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day Ya All!

Drumroll please.............. we have a winner & thanks to the random # generator( #1-#58) that fabulous person is Bean #10 From Coyote Craft Yippee! Please send me privatly your home addy & I will pop your towels and a random japanese craft book out to you soon & tell me if you like working more with fabric or felt. I cant believe the sweet comments you all have wrote. I have found so many amazing blogs to read now so thank you again!

I also want to tell you what I did yesterday-thanks to this great post I thought, why didnt i do that before?- its so simple & basic. Now I have 3 more useable sweaters that were just sitting there wasting away. I always have to buy sweaters in large or extra large to get the sleeve length & then the sides are gapping. I also hate waste so this made me so happy to do, because as you know when you shop at Costco there are no change rooms. (Not that i would use them anyways , I cant handle trying on clothes, too many looney children always running wild with me + I dont shop much for clothes)

I Actually had a buch of pics to show you but I

accidently erased them off the camera! OOps. You can imagine though. Now I have a useable warm olive sweater with hood, and brown, and a white one!

Did you check out those embroidered redwork Tea Towels?

My fabuloso super duper amazing Grama wipped those up for my etsy shop! They should be in the shop today! I love my grama, oh yes I do.........

and thank you all for participating, this was a really fun draw!

"Our Little Cupcake" Baby Quilt

2008-02-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, You guys are amazing! Thank you so much for entering the draw & such great comments, and letting me come by to visit your blogs! What a great pick me up! My bloglines are now officially exploding with all these new blogs to read! Im almost at 300, I think its a little ridiculous actually. I could never keep up with everyone but, I surely could never be bored. Its so fun & inspiring, so I will keep it open till Valentines & then I will draw the winner. This is a little special secret project I have been working on , what do you think? And...No Im not pregnant. Its probably going to end up in the shop, we'll see.
I made the cupcake out of wool felt & appliqued it on with a blanket stitch, onto really soft polka dot & striped flannel.
So thats what has kept me a little busy over the last few days. Thanks for all the positive support. And for all you ladies who tagged me for things.....well, I have to admit Im a really bad girl. I cant even remeber what was who, or who tagged for what so I will get ya next time! -Luv ya though. Gotta go for now, be back soon with a winner!

I heading over here-my favorite food blog for some dinner inspiration....

You probably already know how much I love her meals. This might even be dessert

if I can get off the computer & get organized.

Have a great refreshing week!

To Thank You - A Random Giveaway

2008-02-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I promised a draw was coming ....and here it is. In honour of my new blog design , and tto thank you readers & thank you Zee! from pixie blossoms!!.......What do you guys think???? Isnt her design work amazing? I thought it was so delightful!!! Im so pleased. Now I have to challenge my brain mentally, and figure out all this Html.... He, Hem........ stuff. I think It will be worth it !
So for you fabulous ladies, I have made A set of 4 hand Towels with a pretty vintage pillowcase trim along bottom. There are 2 of each design. I was having so much fun creating my project for The pillowcase challenge & I had all this leftover peices, so I enjoyed no waste& found a use for every scrap!
Im also going to throw in a random one of my Japanese craft books for the lucky winner.
So Im saying A virtual farewell to winter(i my mind anyway) and a grateful welcome to springs arrival. Simply leave a comment , with the name of your blog if you have one with a way to reach you if your not with Blogger* and I will draw a name with the good old random # generator sometime soon! That way I can check out your wonderful blogs too!!!

Thank you so much for reading my blog, I truly enjoy reading every comment, so cheers to all of you amazing ladies!

~blessings~

Today

2008-02-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

Today:

~Im totally with her! Pondering these thoughts....

~ Excited that my redwork coasters are listed today.....

~Checkin out all these fabulous free blog draws, hurry before its too late..

~Planning a special giveaway treat of my own I will keep you posted!

~ Still tidying the sewing room

~Trying to find a new pair of glasses that suit me, another major challenge

~Cant get enough of Joyce lately....

~Listning to this music...

~ If I can actually get some computer time in, the daughter is completely addicted to these virtual barbie life

~A link I found awhile ago I forgot to post on consumerism "The Story Of Stuff" its really an awakening.

~Im going to figure out how to put tunes on my blog today too I hope....I did it I got my tunes!!!

~ I thought I would share my favorite link for a site that I really love. You can check all of the ingredients from your makeup & skincare products BEFORE you buy them to chack the levels of carcinogens, and toxic chemicals.

~Making this fun recipe with the kids....

~Going now to Make some of my favorite organic coffee..

Have a wonderful weekend!

Creating Spring & Puppy Softies

2008-01-30T13:05:00.001-08:00

Spring is no where in sight -so Im forcing it.
Sweet Spring ornaments /Tags made of 3 layers of wool felt, all hand embroidered,
a set of pups. Sisters that is.
All up in the shop now. Now Im off to catch up on all my favorite blog reading! Have a great day! Im still cleaning my sewing room,so I thought I would leave you with a little more inspiration for your creative space!

Crafty Clean-Up

2008-01-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

I feel like im bursting at the seams. We are exploding out of our tiny house! Im in the mood for some embroidery, so i open the drawer, & all my vintage transfers explode out on the floor.
Ok Im over it, but now I need some floss........well, its so tangled I'ts all one giant ball!
BONUS!!! I found enough red to start some linen & redwork coasters for Febuarys new glitter items!
And Im so pleased to finally find some decent pillowcases for the pillowcase challenge! Apparently I have an inner need to tidy up my workspace before I can start a new project or work so thats my mission of the day! Its -36 today!!!!!!! FREEZING! What a great day to stay in & keep warm & get organized! Im sharing my daughters bedroom/craft room right now so to be fair I cant take up toooooooo much space or the poor thing & her toys would be all shoved into the corner! If only my room could be tidy with this much room to cut....could you imagine!!!! like this............ a girl can dream cant she? At least it doesnt look like this... I would love that much space to work with though. Have a great day & take advantage of every moment!

Tagged & A Valentine Tree

2008-01-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

Its so cold......can you see all the snow?? Im trying to stay warm over here with hot chocolate and the such, trying to make time for some fun new springy goodies for the shop. In the meantime I Have been tagged by the fabulous Kathi -thanks LOL, who has a great blog BTW-for 5 weird random facts about me, so without further adu- I wont bore you any further:WARNING some may freak you out,so skip if you get offended easily. LOL.

1. I should just copy & paste hers because they are so similar to what I would say. (MAYbe until she reads # 3 and freaks out) Im a total homebody, your lucky if you can drag me out anywhere for too long-unless its a thrift store of course .

2. Dont bother phoning me, just email me, now that we finally got high-speed out here in the boonies Im always online & BUSY OK! LOL., just kidding you can try tto call . hehe.

3. Cover your eyes, if you dont want to be shocked please LOL. I hate underwear and bras & I never wear them if i dont have too! Well unless i wear a dress or something, Im not doing the Britney thing or anything. Haha, my husband freaks out & thinks Im nuts, but no one knows. Well they didnt before but who cares!!!! Is that was to weird to publicly post? Just a tight fabric/skin thing. I only wear really comfy clothes too if I can get away with it.

4. My feet are always freezing & I love to stick them on everone I can to warm them up. Even in the hot summer, they are cold! Everyone knows Im coming & runs in the other direction.

5. I seretly imagine re-arranging my house everyday. If I could move all the furniture myself , I probably would. My husband only lets me do it once in awhile ....and well....hes basically forced too because I have it almost all done except the major peices of furniture before he gets home so he has no choice. I always make sure it would be more work to put it back like it was than to just help me finish! Im so mean! Haha, I love it!

So girlies consider yourself tagged if youd like to play along & be sure to let me know if you do so I can read all about it!

Oh, and these are what the tag/ornaments I made in the previous post are for. Add them onto a feather or other pink or white tree & its instant LOVE......... or just a fun valentines decoration. And thanks for all the great comments lately, Ive found some wonderful new blogs to read because of them!!! And for all you fabulous ladies who offered to host our little flat Stanley, they are out & on the way and could possibly be arriving anytime! Would you let me know if "she" shows up at your door? And because the teacher did all the mailings, We would love to know where she is arriving at!! Yippee!

Toodles ~

Crafting Valentine Goods

2008-01-18T20:36:00.001-08:00

Akkkkkkkkk!!!!
I have officially got my mojo back after that hardcore dress-slash-wedding-slash-chopping-baby-detailed sewing mode.
Just some care free fun pretties for the shop.
I love Valentines.....maybe my hubby & I will actually get to go out together..alone. That could be frightening! We are pretty much always smothered in children. Its a few weeks away so maybe I will plan for it!

Is it really January?

2008-01-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well , the partys over, Ive finally had time to mop the floor & clean up all the mess. It was such a fun day-short, but fun! Thank you so much for all the well wishes! I havent had time lately to get with the whole Valentines crafting. But i thought these were kind of Valentinesy these pot holders. They are made of wool felt-penny style. YOu can find them here if your interested. This is what has been keeping me so distracted:
A friend from Church asked me to make her a "dedication" gown out of her original vintage wedding dress!
It was kinds of a challenge...to put it mildly.
With the matching bonnet.
I kind of took off up into space with this one. She wanted blue removable bows. She gave me a pattern to go by, but it was so difficult to figure out, I thought I would just wing my own version. She wanted me to use all her vintage materials, so off came all the lace off her gown, and overlay. I didnt think it would be so difficult to do with out proper yardage, there were so many dress seams. All in all Im really happy with the way it turned out. Most of all- I hope shes happy to see it!!!! Theres no going back now, her wedding dress is chopped up into smithereens!!!!!

Party Success!!

2008-01-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

Just a short post to let you know the party was great fun!. Just look at those cute faces! Hosting a bunch of 2-year olds, can be a challenge-but one Im willing to except!
Life is good
So was the food
Yeah for pressies!
And 5 minutes after my guests left, I was out cold.

Yes, I do believe the party was a success! Thanks for "virtually" attending my party!

Cheers!

Small Request

2008-01-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies! I have a little request. My daughter who is in grade 1 has made a flat paper person of herself with a photo of herself as the face. The teacher is calling this "The flat Stanley world tour" The idea is to have 5 people to send her"paper-self" too, that live in other parts of the world/country than we do, so its like she gets to "virtually"travel around the world! I think its the cutest idea. Her teacher has asked that we have 5 addresses by friday of friends/family that would be willing to recieve "her" in the mail & take it along with you a couple times while your out & take a few pictures,paste it in her book(even if the pictures printed out on the computer) or whatever, and mailed to the next address on the list. Would any of you guys be willing to recieve my baby in the mail & pass it along?

****UPDATE- Thanks you guys are so amazing!!!!! I have more than enough names, you are all SO greatly generous & appreciated. Thank you all for reading & your offers from the bottom of my heart!!!

Realistic Resolutions

2008-01-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you guys so much for all your birthday wishes!! I cant wait to have his party this satuday. We are going to be invaded by "Thomas the Train"! So on that note that a party is coming, which requires a clean house(what for?- a party full of 2 year old running wild with food?)What am I thinking? Its time for some realistic New Years Resolutions. Or maybe I just have a mega itch to get things organized & under control, the house feels like its ready to explode! Or maybe I should just call it a simple "To Do List (the sooner the better)"
So for the to do's this year:

1. Make a quilt-like a REAL one. With tiny cut peices. Maybe need a class.

2. Get all of us passports .

3. Clean Fridge out completely-soon

4. Get taxes and books done & ready to go for April.

5. Open scary tupperware cupboard, and yes, organize it.

6. Get car & couches steam cleaned, doing it myself?

7. Learn how to properly use my Photoshop elements. I hear it does all this fun stuff, & Im dying to know how. It came with no book, can you believe it?

8. Get a gym membership ,with hubby.

9. Try making some baking powder, and other homeade ingredients like this ,to help with the budget.

Not to bad, as long as I stop thinking of more things to add on the list every 5 minutes.

I made some new bags for the shop. All are made with repurposed /vintage materials or linens.

Oh, and i found this fun old clock, while out thrifting! Its so cute its all white plastic with a turquiose center & a red star, by GE.

So thats my week , I will let you know how the Thomas party turns out!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T20:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight my littlest one turns 2.

At 10:02pm.

Thet grow too fast. Happy Birthday little one.

XOX

Happy New Years My little Man.

Happy New years to all and may 2008 be your best year yet!

A Fresh Start

2007-12-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

Im loving the snow, now. OK. Yes, I really can say I am. I hope you guys all had a wonderful Christmas and were filled with joy, family & yummy food. It came quickly as usual, but I was filled with contentment, and was grasping every opportunity for relaxing I could-hence not much action around here! I started doing yoga at home(i dont know what possesed me), and its giving me so much more peace and energy. Im just using a DVD , because we live so far from the gym + plus its free. Im doing at home and Ive put us on a super tight budget until my husband is back to work full-time again. I find if my body is relaxed & under control, then so is my mouth and my mind. So another fresh new year is ahead, with that said Im in the middle of stocking the shop with some fresh ,new,old,vintage, and handmade goodies that ive been collecting/making over the holidays.

New Years special:Everyone who makes a purchase recieves 5.00$ off for any purchase over 25.00$ Arent these salt & pepper people adorable?
A big stack of vintage aprons,full aprons,half aprons and a childs smock,
this ones my favorite, its very nordic looking, with hand embroidery,
a nice large linen & olive green vintage tablecloth,
and of course something homeade. More pups have been born out of socks and stuffed with my favorite "eco" green earth friendly stuffing.

Wishing you all the best with the New Year coming. I know I cant go out & leave my baby at home on New Years eve, he turns 2 at 10:58. I guess it will be another year of TV Marathons on that evening. Tonight we are off to the backyard for some ice skating and hot cocoa...and if I can get a decent picture of the rink I will!

Beanbags, Stuffies, & Lists

2007-12-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

Im really working on my list ...I am....with a few fun interuptions. Meet Bently. Some doggies all decked out in their Christmas gear & winter sweaters have made there way into the shop.
These were so fun to make! I found the instructions for the basic bodys in an old Martha Stewart magazine from last winter. And some fun colorful beanbag game sets with a matching wool felt bag carryall tote with loop for hanging.

Oh my, my whole post disappeared? Do I have to type it all over? Wouldnt that look cute hanging in a kids room on a wall hook? I finally feel the need for some relaxing now that the chldrens christmas production is finally finished, and the majority of Christmas goodies and crafts have been made. I might make some last minute gifts for family but thats about it for a bit. Me. break? We'll see. Im just never bored, I always have to have my hands busy so for now:

My list is now down to:

~Wrap gifts

~Plan Christmas dinner menu & shop..still

~Get our outdoor Ice rink finished

~Bake a few more Christmas goodies....and eat them.

Have a great week! Cheers for now...

xox

My Other Love

2007-12-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

I know were always talking crafts over here, but I do have another love. Baking, and making. I guess they are a pair. I love to create in the kitchen too...which I seem to always neglect to take any pictures of. Call it a hungry family...or... pure lazyiness. LOL. Tonight im enjoying a fabulous glass of eggnog & I thought I would share a nice easy & most of all fun recipe:

Yummy Holiday Eggnog(Large Batch)

1 dozen eggs

1 cup sugar

3 cups whipping cream

2 Tbs sugar(second addition)

1 Tbs Real Vanilla

7 cups milk

2 cups Kalua or spiced Rum(optional)

1/2 tea nutmeg

To Make: Beat egg whites(save yolks) in large bowl until thick. Add first amount of sugar. Beat until thick. In second bowl, beat yolks until thick. Add egg whites & beat until mixed and thick. In 3rd bowl(sorry dishes) beat cream until it starts to get thick, add sugar remaining and vanilla.Slowly add egg mixture. Add milk, and kalua(if using) and keep beating. Chill & Enjoy.

* I Modifed an old companys Coming favorite!

Ok, I did find a few minutes to update the G & G site for today too(see side bar)! These are some cute holiday fabric gift bags made from an old vintage tablecloth, and other bits & bobs. Only 25 days till Christmas!

*Happy Holidays*

Almost there...

2007-11-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

Im still here! I know ive been so random lately, but the holidays are approching quickly, so I will keep it short & sweet......hehe, get it? I have a weird humor, I know, but, Thank you all you fab bloggers who left such nice comments:) Christmas is right around the corner so im getting the shop stocked!
stocking stuffer cupcakes, chocolate of course with strawberry icing for the kiddos,
Stocking ornaments in pink,
and red.... and hopefully something else soon! I will be back sooner this time promise***. Im taking some time today to make fudge, and biscotti with my baby girl...have a great week guys!

Playing catch Up....

2007-11-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

I have finished some custom orders for various people & thought I wold share with you guys a sneak peek:
Some paper bag baby photo embellished albums,
A mini Christmas house ornament to celebrate a first Christmas in a new home!
Another basket maker set. These sets are for a bunch of fabulous ladies who live on Cape Cod and make authentic Nantucket Baskets. They wanted patchwork bags with a ton of room for molds and other big stuff, and a fold up case to keep special pointy tools in & what not.
They were really fun to make! I have one more special order to complete & then I can really dive into some Christmas crafts for the shop that have been hovering in my mind. I can't wait to have some free time to pay a visit to some favorite blogs soon too! The season is coming up fast, Im anxious to grab a steaming hot tea and really sit back a moment & take it all in. Im working on my to do list:

1. Finish up all custom orders

2. Create a meal plan for Christmas Dinner(I have 14 people coming:)

3. Buy my turkey early this year...before they run out!LOL.

4.Finish crocheting the dog blanket

5. Make new ornaments for tree

6.Get the whole family to the dentist for cleanings.

7. Enjoy the season this year instead of watching it go by, then wondering where it went...

8. Stock up on Egg Nog, maybe learn to make my own.

So thats some of my to do list. I'll be back!

~cheers~

Short & Sweet

2007-11-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have been busy! These are my new exclusive Glitter & Grunge Items for November out today. Hand embroidered redwork Holiday gift totes. So much more fun than a paper gift bag!
Pop in some starbucks, and a handmade scarf & youve got a great Christmas gift!
They are avavilable here:http://www.glitterandgrunge.com/angelabat.html

Ps- Also found this great score of a retro tablecloth!!! I think is so fun. I put that over here in this shop. Im busy right now with some basket maker gift set orders, but I will be back with some holiday cratfing soon.....TTFN.
~hugs~

Special

2007-10-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Guess what these are? Well, I have the best grama in the world thats what! I picked out the images I wanted & printed the images on crisp linen cotton large tea towels, & passed them off to her for a favor! I asked her to do them completely in redwork. Did she do a fab job or what??? Sorry, Karen I cant take the credit for these babies! She finished these for me because i havent had time to do much with all the indoor flooding, and leaking, if you know what I mean.
She has the most impecable stitching and they turned out gorgeous. There is one beautiful towel for each day of the week. The pattern is by "Yesterdays Charm"
and called "Sunnbonnet Delight", iron on embroidery transfers.
I love my grammie & she must love me! LOL. Each one took hours, and were made with love. They are for sale here.

Cause All You Can Do Is Laugh!

2007-10-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

After all you MUST LAUGH when your staring at buckets all over your house catching water! On the roofing front-Just waiting for the rain to stop long enought tostart ripping the old roof off! This sweet little book inspired me to create pappermint patty ornaments for my "red & White" decorating theme this year. I made a few extra for my shop too! They are completely handstitched,huge & lots of fun!
Im really hoping for a little white one this year, my one splurge on our mission to simplify. Isnt this the cutest little pink tree? Loving it. I am hoping to make a bunch of other co-ordinating peppermint stuff to go along with the ornies, so I will keep you posted. Im so excited to have some time to create - it is definiatly my way of keeping sane. Thats Ok, Im staying positive & trying not to use this home time wastefully. Although a great cup of coffee , and the internet is always calling.........LOL. There is just way too much great stuff out there !

~
~Happy Monday!~

Thank you!

2007-10-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, Thank you for all the roof & flooding love, I hope to be back to the regular schedueled programming soon! Im staying positive!

Hanging In-I think

2007-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

This has been a really hairy & crazy week. Here I went & posted my super-duper great schedule & in no way shape or form could i stick to it ! Im so sad that I did not get to participate in the any of the massive declutter & clean week, so Im going to have to create my own next month when all this chaos is over. First- we smelled something in our sons room so we pulled up his rug to find the whole floor & side of the house rotting away. Then we needed to figure out where all the water was coming in & it turns out the whole roof is done for. So off came walls, and roofing, and insulation,and,and,and,.......... So needless to say, I couldn't do much cleaning when my house is all hanging open and falling apart. So Im having to practice some extreme faith right now that things will be OK, even though its freezing out and winter is almost here.It 's a real shock to do renos in the winter unexpectedly, but we will survive. I was hoping to post next about how thrillingly clean my house was , but now all I can do is laugh! Because thats what you have to do at this point thats for sure!

I will show you the 2 coupon,card,wallets that i had finished, and loaded in the shop, just in the nick of time before all this crazy stuff happened, and before my sewing machine was burried onder 100`s of pounds of childrens clothes, and games, and lego, when we took everything out of the boys rooms. I am missing all of your wonderful blogs, and hope to be normal again soon!

Lets Get Organized!

2007-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

The glorious days of summer have come to an end here, and I need to get super organized, and out of my lazy summer non-existing schedule. We talked about schedules before, and with fall here its the perfect time to get organized! Recently I found a fabulous message board

with tons of great people & very insightful homekeeping ideas. I thought I might play along(OK Work) with their "October Deep Cleaning & Decluttering" week! Also: to make your own fabulous homeade cleaning products and great recipes check out Sylvias blog! I will keep you updated with my personal home progress, and I cant wait to get down & dirty and really deal with this tiny house before Christmas arrives and more "Stuff" comes into the house. This year our Christmas will be super downsized, which I want anyway, and more meaningful, and relaxed. I will be on a mission to stick to that. With my husbands new job, and all his training we will have no choice, so its the perfect time to get "ReaL". Each year I pare down a little more & little more with the gifts, and decorations. A few years ago I decided I would only give handmade gifts, for Christmas but that flopped when i had no time to make any goodies for the shop! So if you want to share you favorite suggestions for having "A True & Simple Christmas" It would be most interested!

Oh yes, and I will be wearing one of these vintage aprons while I clean, just for fun! I also couldn't handle my procrastination any further and wrote out a daily schedule to try to follow. Now, I live a bit out of town so days that I have stuff to do, groceries to get or appointments, the schedule is no longer, or i will be trying to jump back into whatever time it is when I get home according to the time. This is super open & loose & I like it that way. Help for me to get stuff done-but no pressure if I fall away for a few hours or days. My plan is to jump back on & keep at it. This should help me be a more productive wife, mother, and crafter I hope!

Daily TimeChart (for days Im home only):

7:00- Wake up, Coffee on, Make kids Breakfast & Pack lunches.

7:15-Have bath, get dressed, get children ready for school.

8:00-Kids off to school,eat breakfast,Pack up any sold items,devotions,.

9:00-Watch my favorite Joyce Meyer Show

9:30-Make daily to do list & start cleaning, sewing, baking, or whatever the plan is for the day and figure out whats for dinner(I love my crock pot-throw everything in and leave for the rest of the day!).

12:00-Force myself to take lunch break, and baby naptime.

12:30 Back to daily do list(Savoring naptime)

2:00- Free time to put the house back together before all kids come home,etsy uploads &computer time.

3:00- Meet daughter at bus stop/ kids home school

3:30- Homework

4:00- Get dinner organized

5:00-Dinner time as family(Yes, They will be forced to eat together all at one table!Yeah!)

6:00- clean up dinner, bath kids, stories

7:00 Bedtime!- All my free time after that to do whatever I want!Yippee!

Have some good suggestions? Please let me know if you have a schedule for yourself, and home, I'm totally open to new ideas. I must go-my husbands coming home tonight from 2 weeks away and i want to make those favorite cookies!(Recipe below)

Open Invitation

2007-09-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so I was supposed to update my link list last week & it still didnt happen. Dont get me wrong, I have been thinking alot about.Thinking about how I want to add so many, but I would need a million pages, thinking to scrap the whole list because i want everyone included, and its just too many to list and to many gazillion to read. Thinking how if I do keep it, that I would like my links to reflect special places to me, and special people to me, ecspecially all my regular sweet commenters because they are a huge part of my inspiration to keep going in this very ,what seems to be a competative blog world. On the other hand there is sooooo much genuine goodness,kindness, and more generosity than I see in my daily real life. All this is why I keep going on posting, even if no-one cares what Im saying? Right??

So many things to be grateful here, yet so much time wasted online too. I really need to set my priorities on paper. Basically I feel so blessed that anyone actually cares what I have to say! I really want to thank each & ever commenter because as I said before, Im not able to get back to everyone, with blogger, so if you ever think, boy shes a snob, I really do try! PLease make sure your settings are set to bloggers can reply to you! So I really want to encourage everyone who reads this to do me a huge favor, if you do read hear & care what i have to say, or just like creating & pictures-thats Ok! Just tell me who you are, I would love to see whos really reading here and send out an open invitation to stop lurking & come meet me! I might get really brave and post a big picture of myself or something crazy! LOL. So Im not sure what will end up on the link list so that is why you need to help me. I got through the whole pressure to blog thing & that was easy- If I have time I do, and if I dont ,I dont. That was easy-peasy. If i get pressure for stuff I just end up backing off of whatever it is,and just start to procrastinate. This is why I've decided to come up with a daily schedule. I must try to stick to it somewhat to get anything accomplished. Does anyone else follow a daily scheduele?this really interests me so please share!

So no post is complete without a few crafty pics

so heres a bag I made out of 2 seperate vintage tablecloths. One pre-printed & one hand embroidered daisy seafoam one, complete with drawstring top.

~blessings~

Repurposed Pink & Orange

2007-09-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Im so in love with making stuff with these vintage sheets + add that to making those reuseable shopping bags= happy girl.
Heres a little set I put in the shop, that has a fold up shopping bag that can slip easily into your purse or tote. I thought it was such a cute idea to roll it up with a ribbon & vintage button when I saw it in a japanese sewing book. Thats for me alright, super forgetful. This way you never have to use a plastic bag again!
That bag pattern didnt work for me, so I went back to my old original standard one that i made by taking apart a real grocery bag, I just cant get some of those directions. It opens up like a real grocery bag, and fits quite a bit of stuff!
I thought it would be cute to make a matching coupon/card/wallet for holding all those important stuff. My sister loves them to hold her passport, airline flying cards and the large pocket for her printed flight tickets. Dont you love pink & orange together? Years ago I would never have imagined myself in love with those colors until I started papercrafting with them.
Im working hard on my blog, so bear with me during my process-and it seems complicated to me because im not HTML savy in any way thats for sure, but I hope to get my new link list up & posted tonight! Thanks to Karen for all your great help!

~cheers~

Im Back with Cookies!

2007-09-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

My its been awhile! Thanks for hanging in there! Do I get an excuse??? Please? Well schools in now & Im trying to create a little bit of a routine and I need to get it together! I have something for you though. An absolute school lunch staple- homade chocolate chip cookies! Im not bragging here, its not my recipe, but it took a million floppy batches, and alot of years to find this baby!!!! They are a family favorite, super chewy(cause Im not a crunchy girl), low fat (that's what it says), and NO fail! Heres the recipe:

Super Chewy Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Schoolhouse Cookies

1 Cup Butter/Marg

2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar

2 eggs

4 Tbsp. Corn Syrup

2 Tsp. vanilla

3 cups flour

2 tsp. Baking SODA

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Cups Chocolate chips (I prefer semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Beat marg, sugar, add eggs, corn syrup & vanilla, beating until very smooth. In a different bowl combine flour, BS, and salt. Add to the sugar mixture and mix,adding chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls, onto sprayed cookie sheet, baking for 11 minutes. They will look under baked when they come out, just let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes & remove to sheet of freezer paper(paper side up) or parchment. Makes 40 cookies! Enjoy!

Oh, and see, i did do something this week! A new redwork embroidery needle book has been added to the shop! Have a great week!

::Winner::

2007-08-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, cute people, the time is up. If your in , your in ! According to the random # generator the lucky winner of a crafty surprize package goes to:

" FEATHERS"

Gheeezzzz with all your gorgeous treasures Feather , I hope you will like my tidbits girl!!! Check out her blog if you want to see amazing estate finds and other good stuff!!! Email me your addy too!!! Thanks to everyone who entered, I sincerely appreciate your lovely comments! I wish I have enough junk-ooooooppppppssss, I mean fabulous treasures, LOL, to give to everyone. I can just see my husband rolling his eyes as we speak....wondering who would want my stuff...simply mindboggling. Too funny. Hey lightbulb moment. I do have alot of junk, so maybe another draw in a bit would be in order.

Amazingly enough I did get some of my list tackled, but as the day dwindled away, and demanding children screamed, some things where left in the dust. LOL, get it, in the dust...oh boy i seriously need to get off this computer and get a life!

A few hand embroidered passport/memo holders were made, and are now in the shop.

The floor was mopped yesterday but today the bottom of my socks have soggy cherrios.

But hey- this is just another day in paradise! School doesnt start until september 4th, and believe me the countdown is on. Gone are the camping days, and the bordom is setting in for the older 2. Then it will just be me & the babe at home, and I cant wait! I cant wait for some one on one time with him, I have so many activities planned (in my head of course) that we can do together.

Oh my. Heres a peek at what Im listning to today from my 13 year old:

1. Him: I'll be right back, im just going to cut my hair. Me: Huh?

2. Him: I want to turn Japanese. Me: Why? Him: Cause I want to speak Japanese ,cause our language sucks. Me: Huh?

3. Him: Mom your mascara is all clumped together let me fix it. Me: Huh?

4. Him: Mom, we need a bigger house this house is small, & boring. Me: Huh?? (Im really thinking now....hummmmmm.....well i can give you a million chores if you really want)

And behold, the potholder. This little baby was made from a vintage sheet & hankie in an envelope style design. So YaHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really did get stuff done & a winner picked, Im definiatly on a roll.

My List:

2007-08-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

1. Create special surprize package for my "Goodbye to Summer" Draw. (I havent draw yet-last chance to get in on it!)
2. Cut up bussiness cards

3.Make Coffee

4. Get off facebook for awhile(whoa , who would have thought how addicting that is!)PS- Any of u wonderful ladies on it, please come find me under "Angela Bate" with a black & white photo. See I told you its nuts! I have connected with so many friends from my past, its scary but a blast!

5. Post vintage wrap in my shop. I thought this would be perfect for collage artists, or altered art projects.

6. Drink more coffee

7. Did , I mention getting off this computer so I can actually get stuff worked on?

8. Make more of these fall ornies. I thought they would be cute as luggage tags too. I was inspired by a Japanese embroidery/needle work book isbn#4277370039.

Icant wait to make Christmas ones like this for the tree! These are wool felt & natural linen inside with machine & handstitching.

9. Mop floors & unload dishwasher

10.Go to the garbage dump-Ya you really wanted to know that-but this is real life right!

11. Hang washing on the clothesline(soon it will be too chilly for that!) I will miss it sooooo much + its cheaper than a dryer!

11. Thank all you wonderful ladies for actually caring, and taking the time to read what I have annything to say, in this huge blog world that Im totally addicted too!

~cheers~

Ang

Surprize!

2007-08-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Im back.......dont ask- heres the briefing. We almost had the awning on the trailer ripped off in the hurricane & hail. Need I say more????? Lots of card playing and relaxing though, so it was worth the family time & quality time with my husband anyway!

So in honour of all you fabulous ladies- I think a giveaway package is in order! Lets celebrate the end of summer- it must be coming soon here or something!LOL! Leave me a comment if you would like to get in on it! Im thinking a SURPRIZE

package of an apron, some trims, whatever i can get together to say goodby to summer and welcome to fall, will be on the way to one lucky winner.

More repurposed grocery bags and vintage aprons are in the shop too!

What an honour, I just found out that the awsome Mrs Kwitty, & sweet as ever MadreKarin have nominated me for a nice matters award! Ok- So they must not have read my last post, ripping out my hair with these crazed, hyper children......ok so enough about them,,yikes I dont need to remind myself:) So --here are my 5 nominations, & of many sweet & inspirational bloggers that I visit:

1. thepioneerwomancooks.com- oh my goodness talk about making me hungry-you'll never run out of ideas here!

2. A little imagination & a pile of junk- Amazing ideas, super kind and she always replys to comments (unlike me ...im so slow)!

3. Silly lil' Doe of course! Brimming with talent and always inspireing!!!!

4. Tales from Pixiewood- a super down to earth, honest girl, wonderful reading!

5. Purple Kappa- An amazing , and generously kind woman who's inspiered me to start to teach myself Japanese!

So there you go, thanks again ladies!!! Please leave me your email addy to!

Back to School is coming!

2007-08-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Were off!

Taking a well needed brea k (I desperate)& going camping! Its been 3 weeks since my husband has been home & hes coming home today! My mind is being overrun with teenage anger & hormones so I cant wait to run away to the bush with no TV, gaming junk(sorry for you playstation lovers, but im done!) I need fresh air!!!!!!! I want to throw the TV into the pond so bad its killing me except I know that I need to watch my Big Brother, & a couple other of my goofy shows.

I cant run away from the teen so at least there he can run away from me!!!LOL!

Maybe Im having a mid-life crisis, or maybe hes going into grade 8, knows everything, is always right, and needs boot-camp. HUmmmmmmm- venting maybe, well somedays you guys are the only ones i can say these things to and still keep a peaceful home! So thank-you & sorry at the same time! Ahhhhhhhh, feeeling better already!

Ok, so i made a few goodies for the shop before I leave. Back to School Pencil Cases, and gift card sets. Anyone who purchases them in the next few days, please note, they will be shipped out on Tuesday morning. I cant believe almost all my packages of vintage velvet flower picks are gone! Are those hard to come by? I will keep my eyes out for more of those forsure!

Oh yes- And for the stapler thing from last post, for some reason some of my Japanese craft books say to use a STAPLER instead of pins! Whats up with that? I dont know but I wasnt willing to try it on my precious vintage fabric, so I opted for pins. Is this maybe a special stapler? I wish my exchange student knew but he didnt have a clue. It actually bewildered him too. Anyone know what this could be?

PS- I wanrned my husband when he gets home tonight that the kids (I love them to death) but they're all yours ;Im done for a whole week until he's back again! Whooo hooo!!!!!

:: New ::

2007-08-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember this olive green tablecloth I posted awhile back? Well it didnt turn into the skirt I envisined, but it did turn into some lined grocery bags! If you want to shop in style , I have a set of 3 bags that you can find for sale here. Yeah-for not using plastic bags anymore!!!!! And a big thanks to Shu for helping me understand why ,y apanese craft books like to use a stapler on fabric-I was lost in lala land for awhile with that one!
And some unlined lightweight ones made of vintage fruit material, and binding here!

Also some new little vintage items have been added to the shop as well, like these vintage velvet flower picks, a tartan thermos, and those sweet little dress crochet hotpads.
Hopefully I can keep up the mojo going, because as you know me I seem to fade in & out very easily! Now I must go pack for camping!!! I want to thank everyone who has been leaving comments lately, blogger does not always tell me your blog or email address darn it. I want to reply to everyone but for some reason more & more comments are showing u without links, but I want to say I DO read everything & apreciate EVERY ONE! You Bloggy friends are actually a huge motivation & help keep me moving forward! Hugs to you all.

~later~

I Heart Japan

2007-08-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! I had such A blast having our exchange student! Words cant even describe the relationships we built, Im so happy, and so sad to see him go! That was one of the best experiences in my life & I am very grateful. One day I hope to go to Japan & tutor English and experience the amazing culture in real life. The kids had so much fun too, just a great 3 weeks, better than I could have ever imagined. We were such a bunch of wet rags by the time the students had to leave!

So whats the cure for such a sad/happy goodbye??? Thrifting of course!

Found a bunch of vintage zippers, notions, and trim. A cute pair of crocheted dress trivets.
3 great pieces of fabric,
and this really fun aqua/turquiose(is that how you spell it??) letter holder, & a bunch of transfers.
For some reason I absolutly cannot sew or make stuff if my house is a pig sty, so i had to somewhat organize it a bit after all the company. After a major housecleaning,thats not nearly complete, I had a chance to make some new shop goodies. This altered clipboard & the little wool felt cell phone cozy. Now to make my way through the cluttered maze to find an ironing board is priority! I Must organize something this weekend so I can start dreaming up of all my Christmas creations to come...scary I know!

~Toodles!~

Back On Track

2007-07-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

I feel so excited to be back on track, with this summer going by so quickly! I have enjoyed all the company so much, but I am also happy to get back to the normalness of being a homebody that I love. Let me say firstly- A huge thank you to everyone who commented, and encouraged our family with the dear little fawn. It was very sad but Life happens , so on we go. I found this fabulous tablecloth the other day thrifting that Im hoping to make some shoulder bags out of later this week. It has been such a blast, and a great learning experience having our exchange student here! He has helped me translate a bunch of my Japanese craft books that Ive been dying to figure out. The lightweight grocery bag above is made from a pattern from one of those books! I was dying to try some, because i love using fabric bags while shopping.
Im hoping to make a bunch for my sho this weekend. My crib quilt top is almost done, what a job! I dont know how you ladies are so amazing at lining all these blocks , but mine seem all over the place! Oh well not to bad for a first attempt at the disaearing 9 patch.
And I must show you this fantastic book cover my friend Karen made me in a trade.
Isnt it cute! Im making her a painted clipboard in return, hopefully done this weekend as well! Our time with our student is flying by! I wish he could stay longer, the kids just love him! Ive learned so many things about Japan, and its culture, its been a fabulous experience. Here he is cooking us an amazing cabbage,tempura lunch. I wish I knew what it was so i could make it again, but he brought all the ingredients excet the bacon, and cabbage from Japan. I love the packaging & wrappers from all his goodies-so fun!
I have been taking photos like crazy so I can make his family a surprize album of him & his time here in Canada. Those necklaces they are wearing are hemp macrame that my son taught him to make this week. He thought that was really fun to do because they made they're own beads. But for now the memory album is definiatly the top crafting priority at the moment.

Have a great weekend!

Fawn Rescue

2007-07-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

What an absolutely crazy summer, we've had so far! Bears in our garbage, hawks flying into our living room window, and now a black bear attacking a poor defenseless baby fawn; wow It feels like a wildlife reserve in our yard. The craziest thing happened here yesterday. All of a sudden we heard a terrible yelping noise from accross the road. So we went over to check it out, and there was a black bear attacking this poor little baby fawn, right before our eyes. When the bear saw my husband he stood up on 2 legs furious as if to say "thats my breakfast". My husband scooped up the fawn and ran back accross the road while I gathered gauze, and wrap for its poor head. We laid he in our dog kennel while we called the vet.

We wrapped him in a blanket & took him to the vet's, where they were waiting for him. He later died that afternoon of massive head injuries. I know its natures natural cycle of life, but it was so heartbreaking. Its not very often I get to cradle a wild animal in my arms.
So, sadly im going to try to think about other things today by working in the garden, and maybe getting in some quilting time. Im trying the disapearing 9 patch doll quilt inspiered by Cory at dutchblue.

I Wonder what surprizes next week will hold?

How do I love thee....

2007-06-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you how much I love a good quality vintage sheet??Oh yes, I 'm so smitten in love with this one sheet, so I made this simple ruffle shoulder bag out of it. Its a bit large, but i like the ruffle.
Here's a close up of the material I love so much,
And this is a vintage tablecloth I found at a local thrift store. I made these little crochet flowers to attach and are removable.
So im in a bit of a shoulder bag frenzy, so much so , that I forgot to put in pockets! Anyways lots to do, lists to make, beds to make, dishes to do & the garden to till . In an odd moment today I caught this beautiful glimpse of a shadow of our hummingbird feeder on the kitchen wall. It was really pretty. This next month will be crazy busy, as we are having a Japanese exchange student come to live with us for awhile. My older son is so pumped, because they are close in age, and have very similar interests!
Maybe one day Tyler could go to Japan in exchange, something I totally wanted to do as a teen, but my grades sucked too bad! Anyways, if I get through our VBS Jungle Jaunt, and my Mary Kay open house alive I will have lots to post about! Have a fabulous weekend ladies!

Camping

2007-06-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I feel so refreshed! We had a afabulous Fathers Day weekend of fishing & camping, & it was exactly what I needed to get back on track mentally! So me a my best pal with her husband & daughter headed up to the boonies about an hour & a bit into the bushes around my house.(Yes we live already out in the bush). Im officially a bush woman...and I love it! Here is the view of the lake from our site. No one was around for miles & miles. We were the civilization around & the only boat on the whole lake, it was great!
Layne with his hammer he never puts down( dont mind the propane tank- I know LOL)
Our little messy set up. Actually it never got to messy, because my girlfriend was sweeping , cleaning & burning everything in sight the entire time!
Yeah, and Avery caught her first trout ever!!!!! She looks halarious, and her 2 front teeth just fell out proir! So funny! Well rememer how I said we would be out with the bears? Well Everyone saw one but me, I was so ticked! So no more whining about missing all the bear sightings.
So this morning I wake up & open the door to go get my daily newspaper, and here is this ginormous black thing laying in front of me eating all my garbage! AHHHHHH, I freaked out ran back in the house, & locked the door. Grabbed my camera, in in my hazy moment of fright I snapped this picture! Be careful what you wish for!

Thrifting Treasures

2007-06-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well were back from a fabulous camping trip, full of sun, fishing , and alot of lounging! It was totally worth it & I feel so refreshed! Oh , yes, and there were bears everywhere! Im going to post some camping pics soon!
I got home & unloaded, and immediatly needed some thrifting. I was feeling some mega scavenger withdrawls. Check out these aprons!
This one is completely handstitched!
A bunch of vintage sewing notions,
and this fabulous crewel embroidery. (This from a proir trip) Its huge! Too bad it came with a metal hoop, because when I opened the package it left a ring of rust on the panel where the hoop was! Does anyone know how to get that off? I cant wait to get back to my blog reading & get busy on some new things for the shop. Now that girl guides is over, Im going to be super busy soon, as Im planning the "craft Cove" and decorations for the craft area, & projects for our church VBS program. Our theme is "Jungle Jaunt"so it should be pretty fun to work on! Only 15 kids craft projects to create...yikes! Hoping everyone had a fabulous weekend!

XOX

Summer To do List:

2007-06-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Go shopping for camping supplies, to make way for 5 crazy campers, *Bears-watch out we're coming*
Go thrifing in between of course! Who wants paper plates when you can eat off these??
Splashing & Cooling down in here in between.
Maybe have time to work on a few more of these flower purse accessories,
or make time to finish these. I finally have something new listed on the new website!

Hoping your enjoying the start of my favorite season!

~cheers~

Exploding Photo Box Pattern Papercraft Tutorial

2007-06-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Om my , you guys are soooo great! Thank you so much for stopping by the new shop & signing the guestbook!! Im so thankful, and even though I havent had time to thank everyone, Im so busy with yard work, I have browsed everyone's blogs, who left a comment & I promise I will be back! OK cute peoples, here ya go! Here are the instructions for the exploding photo box! These instructions are from a local class I took (Thanks Michelle!), but I have made some changes along the way to make it a bit easier & bigger for more than 24 cut/cropped photos. So here we go:

You need: 5 sheets double sided 12" x 12"cardstock, sharp paper scissors, glue stick, paper cutter with scoring blade, and a corner rounder (optional).

1. Take first piece cardstock(the one design you want to be on outside of box) and score lightly in 4" from each side, like a tictactoe board.

2. Next paper measure & cut 11 3/4 x 11 3/4" from edge. Score this paper 4" in on each side as well.

3.For the next 2 sheets cut one sheet 11 1/2" x 11 1/2" , and the other 11" x 11". Score both these sheets in 4" on all sides.

4. For last sheet cut out lid 6" x 6". Score this box aprox 1" on all sides. Cut lid sides as shown above in photo, just one slit on all sides.

5. Cut out other 4 corners on scored paper pieces as shown. Clear as mud? Layer in order of cuts.You will see how your color choices need to alternate if using different colors. Once you make one its a snap!

6. Corner punch or round edges if desired. Glue all bottoms together, as well as lid corners.

7. Ta da! Attach your lid and decorate! You may have to ajust your lid slightly, or cut edges of box to make fit. Maybe a good idea to make a rough copy on cheap paper first!

8. Decorate with left over peices however you like!(for photgraphing purposes here is a different one decorated, just waiting for photos)

Feel free to email me if my instructions aren't clear & please let me know if you try one so I can come take a peek!

~cheers~

Ang

Yippee!!!

2007-05-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies!!! Well, I said I had some fun news soon and here it is: Jen over at Pear street Studios web design has created me this fabulous website and Im so excited to show you! I want some feedback, as Im allowed small changes for awhile yet! To all my fantastic blog friends, and anyone whoe purchase my handmade items- I would LOVE it if you would Pleaseeeeeee stop by check it out & sign the guest book on the homepage! That will help me build confidence in new buyers! Im super happy with it so far, but i havent had time to put anything for sale on it yet, slowly over the next 2 weeks I will be addding goodies. I want to use this site as well as Etsy!! So go here : www.norththreads.com
and say hi and I would love feedback here! Thanks girls your the best! And this is the new pink & orange exploding photo box! Im going to post a pattern for this box soon here so check back later , for those of you who were asking for instructions!

XOX

Project 4 ~ Cupcakes Complete

2007-05-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sick of the Nanny McFee stuff yet? Just a quick update on a couple projects. Im done #4 & hopefully a few more things are new in my shop!
Some wool felt cupcake potholders, some more exploding photo boxes, yes these are fun!
I love that theres room for over 24 pictures on all sides! I have a pile made, some alone & some with co-ordinating magnetic notepads.
I have a big pile of boxes done, I just need to decorate them up! I have company for a week so I have to keep it short!
Have a fantastic weekend! I will.

~blessings~

Project # 3 Baby doll Complete

2007-05-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Just popping in between alot of yard work & painting to show you this little dress, made with vintage sheets. The shoulders are part of some trim off one sheet & the main dress fabric is another. I loved the sweet little feminine pattern.. Pardon my button thats not sewn on, with a pin sticking out....it is stitched on now! I used a vintage zipper & button too, with front pintucks, and eyelet bottom trim. It should fit a little girl size 3-4 ish.....unfourtunatly, my girls wayyyyyy to big so It's available here.
I really wanted to turn those little albums into something special, so i created these gift sets with magnetic 3D notepads, tags, and mini-accordian photo albums i showed you earlier. All for the crafty girl at heart. Some say "create" and some say "inspire". Im making more, but i think ones still left in the shop!
Thank you Pam for listing me as one of her inspirering blogs! To join the fun-if im not tooooo late here are a handful of my favorite blogs....there are so many more i love & one of these days i must update my sidebar with all the gazillion of new fav's I have!!!

So here goes a few:

~The Happy Zombie, a duhhhh hello, needs no explaination-simply fabulous!

~http://yvestown.com , simply beautiful photos and color combos, great inspiration!

~misadventures of Mama & Jack, what a sweet girl, and fantastic creative ideas, I dont think she ever stops!

~Casa Mia, Pretty photos, inspiring thoughts, just a nice visit, hey and we have the same name!!

~Every little thing, So creative, love her blog, shes real like me & she admits it!!! So funny, and superbo inspiration!!

Thanks all to each & everyone who visits here, and leaves me a comment, your the reasons I keep coming back!! There are sooooo many more blogs i visit, but sometimes its real far & few , but i really do LUV u! I just have DAIL_UP(not my choice but only option..YUCK!!!!!!!!!!).........nothing more needs said....does it??????

xox

The Procrastinating Life.....

2007-05-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Warning: All over the place post, or so it feels like it! Change is in the air, Im smelling it, Im feeling it, yes....change is good. I must say , I need some freshness right now! Im so ready for summer! Pina colada's, fun in the sun, gardening,mowing, all that yard work...yikes...maybe I wont keep going! And not necassarly in that order . I'm having a really hard time lately focusing. As soon , as I decide what to do im too tired to do it! Why did I get the gift of procrastination! What a mental battle! I did manage to squeeze out a few new shop goodies though, like these little accordian fold -out albums. All you need to do is add your favorite pics, carry around in your purse & brag!
I made some cute matching tags to shove inside for decorating with photos as well!
Oh what a sweet surprize !! Lookie what was in my mailbox!! A sweet prim raggedy doll from Nicole over at Raggedy Old Annies! How sweet of her to do this cute draw & the detail in person is so wonderful! Thank you so much, I will forever treasure her!!!
Like I said... I cant focus. Apparently i decided I would try my hand at soap making.... Actually i really love them and they have freshly dried lavender in them. I'm all over the place with my crafts, i like to do so much stuff! Thank goodness I cant knit-more pressure!
Oh, and because this is a random post- heres a picture of the new/old vintage wardrobe i bought for our bedroom! Isn't it fabulous!! I was going to paint it, but I love it so much like this, i dont think i will right now. The dark brown looks really nice on my newly painted powder blue with grey trim walls! I have some Exciting news coming soon, I must say!(No Im not pregnant TTL!!) Oh yes, and i was tagged with a few different meme's, because im not the sharpest knife in the drawer today, i will work on those, i definiatly have some amazing , inspiring blogs I love that i will share & why!

~say cheese~

Project #2 Complete

2007-04-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, now I sound like Nanny Mcfee!
Only 3 more to go.
My new Vintage Apron Totebag. Available May 1st-here.
Be back soon, Im off to Vancouver to take care of my mom, while shes having an operation.
Have a great week!

Project # 1. Complete

2007-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Project # 1- is Complete! Covered decorative wooden Hangers. For sale later today here:

http://norththreads.etsy.com

Horray! Project #2- coming soon

Enjoy your weekend!

Stitching, Painting, & of course Thrifting

2007-04-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Projects....Ahhhhhh.... Im getting a few things done when i can pull myself aways from the beautiful outdoors, or my favorite show.Surely I can hear "Grey's anatomy" over the sewing machine, so sewing will have to wait until after Survivor too! I promised to show some current wips (and thats about all they are at this point).Getting ready to put together a fab redwork quilt, with handstitched center blocks, just waiting on the fabrics to arrive!
This might be interesting, working with wool felt always makes me happy! New goodies coming soon,
O.K. heres one reason i have been busy. Im painting the entire house room by room. The kitchens done,my rooms done, and my ensuite bath finally!! Wood panelling everywhere!!! YUCK! Cant wait to show those pics! I wish i took pictures before of my bedroom which was Dark hunter bright green!!!ACKKKKKKkkkkkkk! (sorry to offend anyone with those walls , but every morning waking up to that dungeon on every wall gave me a migrane!LOL!

These are my new(scary I know) as you know me I rarely buy new! But I had searched high & low for a china cabinet so my breakables would be up high & out of babies reach, and wouldn't you know,15 months later, nothing to be found. So we drove 8 hours and went to Ikea & iIdecided to buy these 2 white bookcases & push them together! There is an option for doors on the bottom as well.

And of course a little thifting....look at this ruffled vintage crispy sheet...ahhhhhhhhh, I can feel some new stuff coming!
And last but not least. Isn't this baby wall quilt amazing? I cant wait to make one for Layne! Its got a spot for the name, birth & all that too. This book has the most precious redwork transfers. It smade by Leisure Arts & is called "Redwork for Baby". Cant wait to show you my transformations, and the ultimate antique score in the daylight!

Swell Swapping!

2007-04-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Om my..... feast your eyes on all these goodies!! My vintage swap partner Ginny from TwinklePink
sent me all these handmade pretties. Just look at this amazing handmade transfer image apron.! Its already found its home in a favorite corner of my kitchen. Isn't this swapping thig great? Who ever started this whole trend needs a hand,making friends all over the world is fabulous! And how fun are parcels that arrive from another country?
And just look at this beautiful fabric wreath, with ice cream cones, and bon bons. She even stitched on the words "I love my kitchen"! It's so beautiful, your an amazing craft woman.
Also 2 amazing candles and a vintage china tea cup & saucer. I lit the candle sented "summer pudding" already and my kitchen smells wonderful! Thank you so much Ginny for a great swap! I need to go & post them in our flickr vintage kitchen pool.
And what does this little guy think of all the tissue and pretties? We'll he thinks it's all pretty swell!

Vintage Goodies-Shop Update

2007-04-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

New- Vintage goodies now in the shop for super fun deals! Vintage aprons...
Vintage Cookbooks..
and sweet blossoms, birdie, and other fantastic transfers. Come visit me!

I have some special projects to show you soon!

Dosie-Doe

2007-04-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been a crazy Easter holiday!! Hopin you all had a fantastic holiday and enjoyed good food & fun! Im trying to relax now that were home. The suns shining & yard work is calling! These are a couple albums I made for my kids photos. This one is my daughters with an "A" for Avery. I made tabs for baby, toddler, and teen photos. This is really weird because I never make anything for "us" I seem to sell everything, and then when someone asks me "what kind of things do you like to make?" Im like "duh" theres nothing to show! Part of this whole crafting process to me is creating & selling, The other half is creating and enjoying. Im going to really work hard to keep a few things here & there from now on, so I have some memeories too!
This is the "Dosie Doe" Album because its double sided. So i made each page, had them binded in Red, and just put the 2 boys initials on each side. "L" is for Layne, and "T" is for Tyler. I really enjoyed making this & Im totally not a scrapbooker.
Heres The other front.
And I leave you with this new thrifted Tea Set I found, of which Im totally in love with! I dont know when this started but I slowly have found vintage teapots all over my house.....Hmmmmmm, ....have I started a collection not even knowing it???
O.K. Im addicted to thrifting!!!! The leaves, and rake are calling......

Vintage Bags & Babies

2007-04-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

I seem to be getting alot of use out of my new-old manequin!!!

I dont even know what I did before I had her!!!! This is a vintage bag refurbished that I made using a gorgeous old vintage curtain panel. As soon as I spotted the fabric I envishioned a bag made out of the top of the cutain panels where they are pinched. I just love it & Im keeping this one.

Actually, I like it so much I made a matching diaper & wipes tote,since the bags huge & will fit mega stuff!! I lined it & added a vintage button & loop of ribbon.
I thought that was kinda cute, & then realized I have a boy, so I will sell that one in my shop & make a boyishy one.
Here it is closed & open! These were fun, I will be hand embroidering the vintage patches on & then adding them to the shop eventually!
Well it turns out I have a stack of 6 sitting here now almost done.

Yep, it was a good productive day-not very many of those these days! I'm hoping for more of these days after we get back from Easter holidays away with our family. Done with the sewing-time to go blog reading!!

~cheers~

Party Time & TableCloth Winner!!!

2007-03-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I think the "Pet Shop Party" was a success!!! Heres a few pictures...
Table Decorations...

Cupcakes for 18 kids.... when does that ever happen when every single person you give an invite actually shows????? LOL, thats a first for us!
The other Table: seating for lots at each table,
Present time! This was sooooo overwhelming for my daughter, I had never had a friend party before, only family. But today was different we had sunday school,homeschool, and public school friends! Thats Avery in the Yellow Spring Dress-then guess what ,its snows!!! Out the door went all my outside games!
And finally some good swings at the piniata. I think all in all they had a smashing good time!
Drowning in a sea of pet shop & other goodies! Pure loveliness for any little girl Im sure!

In other news, We have a vintage tablecloth winner!

Thanks so much to each & everyone who left a comment, I appreciate, and am grateful,as well as shocked & amazed so many paople care what i have to say!

So to all-thank You!!!

And the winner is-

Raesha

!!! Congratulations! Email me your addy & I'll pop it in the mail pronto!!!

~thanks to all who played along & have a fabulous weekend!~

Thank you!

2007-03-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Wow!!!! Thanks for all the fabulous blog love & generous comments! Wow, everyone is so kind and Im so happy to be giving away the tablecloth to a great new home! The big birthday party is tommorrow for my special "6" year old! So I will draw the name tonight & announce it , hopefully tommorrow after the BIG (i can imagine) clean up!! Oh- and I leave you with a picture of the birthday girl, and her new baby cousin, and new bag I made out of a vintage apron, from all the fab ideas floating around blogland. I just love the red & white gingham , and its all hand cross stitched! I lined it with a crisp white waffle weave material- Available here on April 1st.
~cheers~

Giveaway & Party Time

2007-03-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Im so happy some days to have this blog as an outlet for keeping myself (somewhat) accountable, journal what Iv'e been getting accomplished, and mostly to share things & ideas, as I roam blogland for inspiration too! Im so thankful for each and everyone of your comments whether I have time to visit your blog or have time to comment back. With 3 kids, a dog , 2 cats, 7 fish.....and whatever else lurks around this yard I always seem to have my hands full. So in honor of that, I had so many lovely comments on that gorgeous turquiose tablecloth I thrifted back a post or 2, I thought I would give this one away! I found this gorgeous, one very similar the other day while out thrifting-its in mint condition!!!! So I thought I would do a random draw for it! Leave a comment if your in! Isn't it lovely? I just had to share-I guess i dont need 2!
Do any of your children seem to be addicted to those "My littlest Pet shop" pets? My daughter is totally infatuated with them,and her whole birthday party theme is "Littlest Pet Shop " Birthday Party. We plan to make crafty pet carriers, have an adoption center (above) with printed adoption papers(made on computer). These guys above are all up for adoption, the kids will chose who they want & fill in the adoption sheet, and write they're name on the collars. We made those together with some fun foam & hang tags. I made a bunch of leashes too for them to buy in the little "store" where they will buy pet accessories & play store with cash registers & fake money. Im going to make all "little " food too. It should be fun! I got alot of these ideas of a party website-cant remeber which but there isnt very many, & it had some fabulous party ideas! I hope to be taking lots of pictures, Some of the children are dressing up like pets too!
This is another beautiful tablecloth I found thrifting at the same time. Im not always into green but this linen was just so nice. Couldn't you just see it as a skirt?

Books & Bags

2007-03-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well, its been awhile! I had a burst of energy & now im sick again so I thought Id share a couple things Ive made over last 2 weeks, till i feel better! Im buggin my husband because he brought me home this rotten cold from work & its the second time Ive had it in the last month! Yuck! Hopefully the sun will rise and I will wake up tommorrow feeling refreshed & able to cope again! Heres 2 paperback baby albums with coordinating tags tucked inside,
Inside of the baby girl one,
a new vintage popcorn chenille bag for the shop,
it has a boxed bottom, and roomy double inside pockets
and V handles with vintage buttons. Im taking those Cold FX meds so I hope im perky & happy in the morning & I can get back into the sewing/craft room , soon because I have a gazillion ideas brewing! Be back soon!

~For Now~

Packing & Unpacking

2007-03-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Packing up Easter chickys for a dear friend, ready to feather their new nest.

Unpacking fabulous vintage tablecloth (well I think it is anyways!) And a score for 3.99 I may add!
Unpacking thrifter tea pot & cream & sugar! Yes score for $7.00 bucks for the set! More thrifted goodies not shown yet for my partner that i dont even have yet in the vintage kitchen swap. Soooo exciting. Come join it if you havent already here. And check out the fabulous button!!!!! Cant wait to figure out how to get that huge beautiful thing on yet though.
Unpacking my new Moo cArds from Flickr! They are such good quality Im totally impressed!
I punced a hole,and added a peice of pink twine to make them into wee little hang tags.

For now...

Clothesline Dreams

2007-03-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

Im believing Spring is just around the corner, and am visualizing warm laundry days spent outside, clothes on the line, gardening plans, spring renovations....
Maybe a new peg bag to hang outside for me , but because i have a while to go, for now this ones in the shop. Made with vintage chennille (is that how you spell it?), and some pretty fabric I got over here, a little white waffle weave fabric for liner, some ribbon, & some handstitched wool hearts. Ok. Im really dreaming of hot days ahead can you tell? Actually now thats beginning to sound like work, so while were working we may as well look at pretty things.

Actually all our snow is melted (in my yard anyways) and were planning some major renovations to our home this spring. Inspired by Joyce were "gonna take what we have and make it better" instead of buying something else where we would just go into extreme debt. We purchased this tiny place before I knew I was having a third child, and were really feeling mega cramped. So onward we go to make it liveable!

A few people asked for closeups of the paperbag photo memory albums so here's a vintage chicky one,
with some cute chicky and wagon co-ordinating tags. Its available here, and I think there are still 4 left to pick from.
I'll post a few of the others soon. I also found some great treasures while out thrifting that I want to share next time. Oh yes, and my new moo's!!!! I'm so pumped about all the granny square love going around blogland right now, because I can crochet (not a knitter, no matter how hard i try, im not co-ordinated enough-LOL ask my husband!), and iv'e always done these style blankets. This one Im making now will just be one on-going square building outwards. I don't like all the messy joining of sqaures,and hanging threads, there are enough with all this color changing already & im too lazy!

So I must go catch up some much needed blog inspiration so I don't fall back into my slumpy procrastination trap that i'm finally breaking out of. I think it had alot to due with that terrible lingering flu we all had that lasted for 3 weeks! BTW Did you see Pams fabulous Moo card holders in her Flickr? She also has an adorable free Starbabies pattern I would like to try on her blog!

Spring To Do List

2007-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

1. Floppy bunny twins are done. Get listed for sale in the "Glitter" shop !

2. Repeat #1 for Crib Set # 2 .
3. Get out and use Spring Pretties. Have Tea Party.
4. Insist on Easters quick arrival, due to never ending Mega-snow.
Light candles, dream of gardening, pick out seeds to start soon (I hope)for greenhouse, make a spring cleaning list, go grocery shopping, bake cinnamon buns, change diapers, do dishes, fold laundry, make dinner...hmmmmm did I forget anything?

To be continued.....

Its Amazing!

2007-02-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

Its amazing what a little blog love can do for a girl!!! Thank you guys for all your support & encouragement! With a little help from you 5 of my "paper Bag books" were completed,

Bookmarks and little matchbook thank yous were completed-all 200 of them. These are little star bookmarks , with vintage ricrac & ribbons which are favors for a thank you banquet . With a very low budget (like almost nothing) And a theme of "Shine like a star" this is what i came up with. Thank's to my best friend Jackie for sucking me into joining the decorating committee over the phone!!!!(Like I really need more things to do??) Of course I said yes, LOL. These banners below will hang on the tables & walls.
I even managed to package up some little eggies in sets of 3 all ready for the shop. Printed & cut out 500 business cards.

Im even cutting stuff out tonight for tommorrow. Whooaaa...better not get to pumped about the progress, my babys getting 3 molars as we speak, could be al long night.

So girls, there's noth'in like a little encouragement on a rainy day! Thank you,thank you, thank you, Im so happy to have inspiring comments from all of you,and hope that maybe something I make once in awhile will inspire you!

~cheers~

Ang

Eggies & Swap Yummies

2007-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

I really seem to be in a winter slump. Sometimes I have so many projects to finish & start that I just procrastinate it all for days. Yes, days on end I pace around doing ...well nothing but tidying up & tinkering here & there. How do you get rid of those creativity blockers??? I did manage to finish they wool felt eggs, but Im really trying to get out of this uncreative slump Im in, and today this lovely parcel really helped!!!! Just look at this fabulous pink smock!!! (Dont look at the dirty mirror though OK)
Im soooo inlove with it. Thank you so much Raesha!!! You sent such an amazing pink & brown swap parcel, just look at all the loveliness!!!! How did you know how bad I needed a new notebook....and how many magnetic shopping list pads I go through??? There was ribbon, beads,a raspberry cookbook, stoneware mold(I collect pampered chef by the way!) Notecards,candy,brads, chocolate,
and just look at these cute polka-dot coasters, and matching handmade zipper bags. How uplifting!! Raesha, you have totally outdone yourself!! Thank you again for your kindness! What a fabulous swap!
XOX

Have a Fantabulous Valentines Day!!

Getting Through Winter

2007-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share a few pictures of the crib quilt I finished for my son Layne. I was so inspired by Jacky when I saw her fabrics for a quilt she was making for a teacher gift. I was hooked . I knew I must make my son one out of that fabric!!! I was already trying to come up with an idea for a crib quilt for him as he's been kind of left out of everything because he was born on New Years Eve. With all the Christmas hoop-la (even though I live for it) ,the little things were just forgotten. Both my other children were made a quilt even before they were born by myself or a grama, so Im a tad behind. But hey-Im told not to feel too guilty now that there are 3 to chase!
Hand stitching in process. Loving the measuring tape border.
I backed it with a white vintage popcorn chenille blanket.
All done! Time to iron!
Now some fresh air to chase away the winter blues.....

Totes,Bags & Weirdness

2007-02-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

I know Im sooooo bad for procrastinating-didn't I tell you that before? But I did manage to get a few things done & posted so for the quick shop update- there are finally some new bags and a craft tote, and a few other goodies here.These bags are lined with a hanging little patch, from the great fabric I found over at Nicoles! Im loving that stuff, I even came back for more but it was gone! Im really excited too-Im working on a quilt for my son with some American Jane fabrics and those cute measuring tape fabric,pics soon.
And this craft tote is made from some vintage fabric and a very vinatge old pink.....you will never guess.......an old chenille old lady style housecoat!! I think its halarious & so does my girlfriend. She came over to help clean out my craft room one day & she holds it up & says "this is garbage isn't it?" and I say" You have got to be kidding me! Im gonna see how many projects I can get out of that thing!!" She laughed her head off. But I think it's a hoot! Is that gross? It was in mint condition! So far I have 3 things out of it. That heart project pocket I showed earlier, and 2 of these craft totes.

Onto my weirdness. Thanks sweet Missy!

1. I HAVE TO sleep with the covers up over my mouth,summer or winter. No idea why, Im just strange.

2. I always read all magazines backwards...I try to change but I cant..

3.I make really weird faces when Im scrubbing & cleaning,

4. When Im really focused I actually forget to breathe,and then have to take giant breaths.

5. Im totally addicted to collecting things till I go crazy, milk glass,vintage fabrics,papers,yes even those goofy littlest pet shop things. I have even been known to go on Ebay for hours of browsing and drooling, maybe even buying things by getting overly click-happy.

6. I have to be organized, when things are messy I cant create, i have to clean up the mess before I can go on-maybe even sweep 3 times while im working. Why not clean up at the end? No idea-I have to do it the whole time. My mother is a super clean freak, yet she loves clutter & I hate it.

So there you go, hopefully Im not too overly behind in blogland!

~cheers Ya'll~

Crafting with Kids-Valentines & CD Cookie Pouches Tutorial

2007-01-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

Easy Childrens Valentines & Cookie CD Pouch goodies

Crafty Kids can make Cd Cookie Pouches & Matching Valentine gift with mums help!

Choose some colored papers,stamps or if you dont have valentine ones use old greeting cards to cut up, ink pad, pinking shears & your off!

Stamp & glue valentines image on cardstock. I used pink shown here, and the kids stamped a red kangaroo. Layer onto another color cardstock and glue down, repeat again so its thick with 3 layers & cut out with pinking shears. Stamp on paper &amp;amp; glue or write on back To & From & what ever words you would like(see white paper with matching red inked words below) Ours says

"Here's a treat cause your so sweet!" made by StampinUp

We used paper CD holders with the transparent fronts(to show cookie)through. We stamped a red inked heart along top & bottom edge of cookie pouch, then added a co-ordinating paper tag with some old ric rac. Pop in cookie of your choice- wouldn't a pink iced sugar cookie look fantastic peeking out! Together makes a great Valentine & cookie gift for fellow school pals or friends!

We found the paper cd holders in 50 packs for under $5.00 at the grocery store. Heres 20 we made for everyone in class,al assorted. Now we just need to make some heart-shaped cookies !But then again the chocolate chip are always an all time fav.

Featured here on Kiddley!! Happy Crafting!

Pocket Love

2007-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a red one, backed with white & red felt, but made mostly with papers. Its distressed with antique brown distressing inks. I used some vintage red velvet ribbon & matching vintage ric rac. I thought it would be fun to make a red & pink example with different styles. Instructions below:

Have Fun! 6 weird things coming!

Valentines Keeper Pocket Tutorial

2007-01-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

Valentines Heart Pocket Project Tutorial:

Instructions:1. Cut out 2 matching heart shapes out of fabric. I used an old vinatge housecoat cut up! Cut out 2 wing designs out of your favorite heavy cardstock in a wing shaped design-see photo. Place onto a peice of woolfelt & sew around edges of white wings. Cut out around with pinking shears so you wool shows a bit behind.

2. Sandwich your wings in between your 2 fabric hearts. If your fabric is thin you can interface them or just sew in a peice of cardstock inbetween the layers to stiffen it up. Sew around entire heart sewing wings inside. You will have raw edges all around! I love it-too easy! You can use pinking shears if you want!

3. Hand sew on ribbon to hang & buttons, and decorate to your hearts desire. I used glitter,papers,vinage buttons,trims,tule,and vintage ricrac.

4.Shove in some great vintage valentines to finish it off! Go here for some free images to get you started:

http://collectibles.about.com/library/clipart/blvalclipdex.htm

There you go! Enjoy your heart pocket .You could make them all of paper for the kids to keep all there school valentines in you like. Feel free to make gifts or fro yourself but please do not sell my design-or sell valentine images as they are copyright. Thanks & hope my instructions aren't too terrible & be sure to let me know if you try one!!!Have fun!

~cheers~

Tag & Card Keeper Altered Clipboard

2007-01-16T16:27:00.000-08:00

Iv'e been working on a couple new projects to update the shop with so I thought Id give you guys a peek. This is the "Play with me" altered clipboard card & tag holder. I painted it white and there sa hole in the top to hang on a wall. Its made with vintage inspired kids toys,polka-dots,and animals papers.
It comes with one handmade card & envelope, and 6 co-ordinating assorted fun tags. I had alot of fun making this. I used ,my sewing machine lots and stitched around some of the tags. A couple people asked me which sewing machine I have . I love,love,love, my husky! Its a Husqvarna Designer 1 for those who were wondering. It does all that embroidery i showed a couple posts ago! Its fabulous! It even sews everything for you & cuts, and threads the needle(my worst problem, even with my glasses on)

And here's a sneak peek of some of the stuff Im making for my swap partner in the Pink & Brown Swap! Although I don't even know who it is yet!LOL. Im really looking forward to the valentines crafty swap too!!
Have a great evening!

Random goodness

2007-01-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

All these yummys came from a couple sweet & fabulous ladies out there!!

Thanks sooooo much Deb for these beautiful wooden handmade letters! I decorated them, but its so snowy here, Im just not getting the super picture I wanted so I did one with my camera in"sepia". I think it makes such beautiful photos. I hope i will get a close up when the sun comes out. They are covered in some old vintage white raised wallpaper .So thanks so much again Deb , I really treasure these! Yeahhhh!!!!

And this special parcel came along way from Mary-Ann from 1 of 4 sisters! Thank you so much, its just the sweetest pick-me up I could have ever asked for! You guys are sooooo good. She knew exactly what Id like too-like a handmade recycled pincushion,vintage christmas ornaments, beautiful tags,pretty bags,postcard,ribbon,chocolate sauce and my very FAVORITE:
This fab "A" ornament that is just fantastic! You girls rock. How many times do I hear about the generosity of fellow bloggers? Its no wonder with all the give-aways, kindness, swaps, sheer giving and just pure new friendships far & wide that we keep coming back to each other for more!

XOX

Pink & Brown Goodness

2007-01-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

There's a pink & Brown swap going on over at thriftygoodness.blogspot.com ! Come join us and go to her site if you would like the outline of requirements! Thank you so much to Ellia from green bean Baby who donated this lovely button. Just copy & save it if you want it!

~cheers~

Valentines Penny Rug

2007-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Im starting early. I waited way to long at Christmas to start selling my Christmas crafts & goodies-so long in fact that somehow the holiday blew by & I was definiatly not ready! I had no idea people were starting to Christmas shop in September, so hopefully next year I will be ready. It was still a wonderful holiday season with lots of fun, family,and relaxing.(Maybe to much relaxing)
Yesterday I thought I would put my new embroidery machine to the test & machine embroidered these redwork napkins. There are so many adorable desing, I don't know how to choose!

Valentines is sneakly approaching. I made this heart penny rug with wool felt in varying shades of pinks & red. It was so fun to make so I thought I would brose some on Flikr- but there wasnt any!!! So I decided to start a little penny rug group. Join in if your interested, and we can share patterns and ideas! Its http://www.flickr.com/groups/pennyrugs/

This one I made came from a free pattern over at Fons & Porter. Look under online designs for pattern!

Hey Cute People!

2007-01-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to All! Cant wait to hear all the resolutions! Im not posting any here because I know Im bad for keeping them! Im alive and well uphere in the snow drifts ! Just kidding- there hardly any snow & its almost all melted now. Im trying to envision spring and enjoy some spring crafting, and have gotten a few things done. Yeahhhh to productiveness! Theres a fun swap I must head over & join too-not that I need more swaps but who can resist pink & brown?? Just in time for Valentines day! Here's a few goodies I've got updated in the shop.

A red & aqua greeting card set & a pink & aqua card set. Each has a co-ordinating sticky note holder & the pink set has a sheet of card candy with it. I used a Vintage sewing dress pattern design stamp. Each includes cards for friendship & thank-you's.
So finally the Christmas decorations are getting put away and I actually have started a wee bit towards spring crafting & am ready to start on my Valentines projects. My shop over at www.glitterandgrunge.com is updated with fresh stuff too. Here's my latest little wool felt childrens picnic set. It includes 2 sandwiches,pickles,lettuce,tomatoesapple slices, cookies, ice cream cones and a machine embroidered play washcloth & tea towel.
Im having so much fun dressing up my doll (from last post)in my favorite pink smocked vintage apron . Oh yes and Deb- Im finished my lovely letters I won!!!!! Cant wait to show you when the sun is shining so I can take some pics! ~cheers all~

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you had a fabulous Christmas and much fun , and good quality family time together. We had a wonderful time away and I have many treasures to show, but for now a quick picture of one of my favorite Christmas presents- This amazing vintage bodice form!!!! The whole stand rolls on wheels & is made of wrought iron! Can you believe it! WOW! Can't wait to dress her up!
And a precious Christmas memory- my son taken Christmas Eve with his favorite hammering toy. I took it on the Sepia setting on my new camera hubby got me! Yeah!!! He turns one on Christmas Eve so this will be a special day for us too. Anyways more to come soon. Hoping everyone enjoyed some good cider & a relaxing time!

~cheers~

For the Little Princess...

2006-12-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Little Mini-Cakes for our "little princess".

~Happy Holidays~

Got Milk?

2006-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to relax this last few weeks & take in the festivities! Setting up the village, wrapping presents, my husband got to take the kids to the Nativity Story, but the highlight of the week was definiatly serving with my son at our churches Christmas banquet! We were a waiter & waitressing duo, & it was just a blast! There was great music by sweet presence, a southern gospel group, a great speaker Phil Callaway (halarious),and amazing food! It felt really good to work instead of just being a guest this year. The theme was a cruise ship & Im so impressed on the details, there was even a boat suspended from the ceiling and a cruise ship painted on the lobby wall, suit & tie, gowns, & even valet parking. It was very formal-something im totally not used to with these rugrats all day!!! So now that were right into that holiday spirit, I thought I would put one last goodie in the shop that would make it out before Christmas!
A little carton of milk & some double fudge & white chocolate ,
and original chocolate chip cookie set. Theres one left if anyone needs a last minute gift!

Have a fantasic week preparing for the special day! If you still need to get into that holiday spirit heres a fun advent calender to see, go watch a real Christmas movie, or go & make some cute last minute tree decorations,,

or get making some yummy holiday baking!

Now Im off to go in the hot tub to relax and stare at the 2 feet of glistening snow!

The village

2006-12-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

Im so excited about the new wee village!

So this is the extent of my Christmas tree this year. ....Yes I know its kinda sad but thats life. Just a 3 foot table top tinsel tree with SOFT decorations only- due to small babe, and to many crazy kittens! I dont want any death -by- broken ornaments or the like. The kittens destroy every display I make so no large tree this year! So this year its the scotties, handmade candy cane onrnies, soft vintage heart bowlies, and the village. I have no idea where the presents are supposed to go! Boy, has this past week has flown by! My hubby was home , so I disapeared for awhile! Got a bit of shopping done, Christmas baking accomplished, nothing much on the craft front. Found these adorable old Christmas houses at a thrift store, though! They are so beautiful, but were dreadful colors. One was purple, bright blue & a really awful burgundy so my daughter & I spent a bit of time & painted them white, added fake painty-snow and a whole lot of glitter & now were pleased with them!
This nativity scene is so beautiful! Its out of one of my Christmas cross-stitch books that I have for sale in the shop. I'm so sad to part with it, but my eyes are getting really bad, and I cant seem to do it anymore. I hope this book set will end up in loving cross stitch arms. Anyways, I really need to go browsing at all my favorite blogs, Ive' been so busy! I miss all the beautiful photos, so on that note gotta run.... but first I need to do a MAJOR BLOG LINK list update. I havent changed my list in 6 months!!! I need to add so very favorite bloggy friend links desperatly, and re look at what ive got on over there! I ve also done some super fun CHristmas swaps, & still waiting on one package, but cant wait to show you!

Crafting & Creating

2006-11-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Deb for inspiring me to make some of those great potholders she made! I got a few sets done for gifts but I totally cheated!! I came to the realization that there is NO way Im going to have time to crochet all the washclothes for them, so I picked up a 6 pack of good quality terry towel dishclothes and made them with those instead. I used the silver thermal liner inside to keep food warm, and used only 2 colors, quilted it & used co-ordinating ribbon loops. Not too bad for 20 minutes a pair!

I cant believe its almost December already! Time is just flying by lately. Quick Shop update:

anyone looking for a beautiful Vintage Christmas tablecloth & runner? I just updated the Etsy shop with this fantastic simple clean design one above. It fits a rectangular table & I just love it! Also the vintage crewelwork poinsettia wallhanging below (sorry for bad lighting buts its major winter here) will be up for sale over at www.glitterandgrunge.com on December 1st. Im featured under "Glitter" artists.

Working on a couple more projects, if I can get some energy, I seem to be fighting a real yucky cold. I should probably get some major Holiday baking done today...but im running out of room in my outdoor deepfreeze. I might have to get another one, mines all jam-packed with veggies from the garden that I cant get to anyways! Its -23 degrees today!!! I just run out there, lift the lid, squeal in pain, slam it down, run back in & curl up in front of the fireplace! Yikes its nippy-sunny & beautiful though!

And out this weekend- The Nativity Story!!! Yes! Im definiatly taking the kids at some point this weekend, talk about a good family movie & perfect for getting into that holiday spirit!

Vintage Inspired Holiday pocket Hearts

2006-11-22T09:58:00.000-08:00

It snowed a ton last night! It was like waking up to a soft blanket of down, until the kids ran out to the bus stop & ran all over it all!

I decided that if I wasn't going to hit the town and do all those really important errands I better get productive. These huge wool pocket hearts are finally listed in the shop in sets of 2.
I put some little bottlebrush trees & wreaths and handmade grungy candycanes that I twisted from pipe cleaners, & then sprayed with glitter & aged them with a "aged "colord ink pad. Added a little old button, and thats it.....and since they are all red & white.......if they don't sell I will use them to decorate my house this holiday season.

I found this great Eco friendly yarn made thats made entirely from recycled fibers. I thought it would make fantastic washclothes, and become a gorgeous potholder after, like Deb's over here!

More later- must get productive

Oh yes-Do go visit Danielle over at Princess Nimble Thimble & look at some darling farm animals!! With all these creative blog ladies, who needs to shop in a store this Christmas!! Im going to Etsy to shop! ***Except for the doll. I must find a "babyalive" if anyone's heard of her you know how hard she is to find. I found her on Ebay but the prices are outrageous! All this because she poops! LOL. Thanks to Jackie who invited me to participate in a recipe swap. I made that "Easy Cheezy chicken" last night & it was fantasic...even the picky ones ate dinner!!!

~cheers~

Holiday treasures

2006-11-20T20:29:00.000-08:00

Oh my, December is coming so fast around the corner! So I said I found a few treasures thrifting last week. This great box of vintage ornaments was only 2.00, and even in its original box!!! And this fabulous glass tree topper was only 1.00! I was so excited when I found these.

5 more fun vintage aprons, that I just listed for sale in the shop . There are actually 3 sets of 5 apron sets to choose from right now.

I really love the orange hand smocked apron with the ricrac,as well as my other fav-the avacodo green holiday apron which would be so fun to wear cooking Christmas dinner!!

And I finally finishes my circles decorative mat. I backed it with a co-ordinating fabric. So happy as I also finished 2 of those spiral scarves, in green & white. They are so easy and really addicting. I might have to make more for Christmas gifts. And I can crochet them while Im watching my favorite t.v shows while lying in bed. I realized that thats probably a major factor in that Im not getting my huge stack of books read. Oh well, theres always January for reading!

Reminding myself this week:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against all things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

~cheers~

Advent Calender

2006-11-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the positve feedback on my photo! Wow- you girls never cease to amaze me. You are truly so uplifting & encouraging, and trust me it took alot for me to through that photo on here! Im so appreciative to each & every one of you who left me a kind, encouraging comments . It gives me some greatly needed confidence! Im probably my worst critic anyways. So I'd love to share with you my advent calender I made last fall when I was pregnant & testing out my new sewing machine. This is a Moda panel from Art-to-Heart. Its free motion quilted in an irredesent thread by sulky.
All theseguys are the little ornaments that hang off of the button tree. They are backed in wool-felt together with heat-N-Bond, and a ribbon loop.

And here's a little close up of Santa's face and the free motion quilting. It took awhile to do the entire thing but it turned out quite nice , & I think it was worth the effort. Im not a big fan of panels but when I saw this one I just loved it! The holidays are here so Im pumped to dig in! I found some AMAZING treasures thrifting...lots of goodies to show you soon!!!

~cherish every moment~

Fun Stuff

2006-11-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

It's about time...posting a picture of myself that is! Very scary, its so funny because I always really want to see everyone's faces soooooooo bad, because I feel like our little blogging community is so great & sharing, and generous..shall I go on? Anyways, as hard & self- consious as I am I've went for it! Inspired actually by Selena who risked it & just went for it anyways! Thanks Selena. I just dont like looking at myself otherwise I'm always critical of my flaws, or worrying about being judged. So to everyone who reads - Thank you for your kindness & great ideas over the last year, this has truly been a real portal of inspiration .

Fun stuff:

Can't wait to finish this super easy spiraling scarf free pattern found here,

Papercrafters, and moms can use these amazing paper butterflies you can print out & be crafty with here at this cute blog,

Or you could go bake some fudgey brownies with a nice recipe I found over here

or try a chocolate cherry fruitcake that sounds fabulous found over at Clarice's adorable blog,

Or if you want to get really creative you can make an amazing handmade joural- instructions here that I read Dawn made some time ago!

I hope you have a relaxing and happy Sunday on this glorious Rememberance day weekend!

More holiday blunder..

2006-11-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

I found some fun little things at the thrift store, including this great vintage linen all hand embroidered! When I saw it I snatched it up so fast and looked around thinking someone was going to rip it out of my hands...a little to excited in my mind I suppose? I cant believe people give this stuff away! Thank goodness everyones tastes are different & we vintage lovers can still actually find great stuff out there!
Working on this oval wool circles tablemat, its almost finished & then I can decide to sell it or keep it? I just love the colors!
My favorite find is this old skating rink, with magnetic people! Loving the bottlebrush trees ,lamp posts ,and I cut them off in the picture but you can kind of see the cute little birch trees that are just made of striped paper & wire.

Must do:

***Make holiday craft "to do" list

*** Go through fridge & cupboards & make detail grocery list(hubbys coming home)

***Finish projects first that are already cut out

*** Clean out travel trailer & winterize

***Make Christmas shopping list & take inventory of already purchase stuff.

*** I would love to get in some reading time..

Im taking my son to the naturalopath today for his ADHD, and hoping to find some other way to control this without all these expensive meds. Wish me luck! Its going to be a huge challenge to convert him over & a really wild upturned household Im sure , yikes!

Tea Towel Swap

2006-11-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to everyone who left super tips on moving the photos around, I really,really appreciate it! Im hoping to figure this out today. Yeah! Today I recieved my tea Towel from my wonderful swap partner Kristin! She sent me tons more great stuff too , more pictures will be over at Flikr soon!

I just love this vintage kitchen towel with the flowers, fork & knife on it! I'm using it to line a basket of vintage cookbooks on my pantry. She even included this great old cookbook (below) that is an old southern cooking treasury, what a great color! I hope you have recieved your package, thanks again for being so generous!

I found this great vintage Christmas tablecloth the other day while out thrifting. It's just perfect for my red & white color scheme this Christmas. It's so fun to have a real change in my home this year. The last few years I have had such dark greens, and "rustic" colors & stuff because we lived in an old 1944 farmhouse, that just didn't suit and bright modern colors. So thats it . My new boring home will be bright & cheery this year ! I don't by much "new" things anyways because I like to recycle lod things, so its great fun decorating with "old" goods, making them new again. My Grama gave me these fenton ware milk glass candle holders for my birthday, Im in love with them! In the middle is my bowl of red & white ornaments I made for my tree using the scottie dog pattern from Allsorts.
The sun is beaming in the window, melting all the fresh snow. It's just fantastic, except when the sun shines so bright it shows you how much dust you actually have all over your house! Must go get some well needed dusting done!

***

Norththreads

New Blog!

Destash

wow time flies.....

Happy Holidays!

Im Alive

Hello Again!

DeStash Day

Little Dutch Girl Tea towels!

Chocolate thats Gluten free & Vegan Too!

The Best Cinnamon Buns with Cream Cheese Icing

Favorites

Stitching & Sunshine

I did it!

Lost In Space

Hot Water bottle Cozies

Better

The White Stuff & A Felt Picnic.....

Glitter & Grunge Update

Doing:

We Have a Winner!

"Our Little Cupcake" Baby Quilt

To Thank You - A Random Giveaway

Today

Creating Spring & Puppy Softies

Crafty Clean-Up

Tagged & A Valentine Tree

Crafting Valentine Goods

Is it really January?

Party Success!!

Small Request

Realistic Resolutions

Happy New Year!

A Fresh Start

Beanbags, Stuffies, & Lists

My Other Love

Almost there...

Playing catch Up....

Short & Sweet

Special

Cause All You Can Do Is Laugh!

Thank you!

Hanging In-I think

Lets Get Organized!

Open Invitation

Repurposed Pink & Orange

Im Back with Cookies!

::Winner::

My List:

Surprize!

Back to School is coming!

:: New ::

I *Heart* Japan

Back On Track

Fawn Rescue

How do I love thee....

Camping

Thrifting Treasures

Summer To do List:

Exploding Photo Box Pattern Papercraft Tutorial

Yippee!!!

Project 4 ~ Cupcakes Complete

Project # 3 Baby doll Complete

The Procrastinating Life.....

Project #2 Complete

Project # 1. Complete

Stitching, Painting, & of course Thrifting

Swell Swapping!

Vintage Goodies-Shop Update

Dosie-Doe

Vintage Bags & Babies

Party Time & TableCloth Winner!!!

Thank you!

Giveaway & Party Time

Books & Bags

Packing & Unpacking

Clothesline Dreams

Spring To Do List

Its Amazing!

Eggies & Swap Yummies

I Heart Japan