Happenings

I'm busy, busy, busy. No, I haven't quit quilting. I'm finalizing my CraftEdu classes and then it's on to filming. Then, I'm working on something special for the Aurifil people and some fabric stuff for Henry Glass . Some other things rumbling in the background begging for attention too.

So what do I do? I buy some bead kits from my local bead shops and make some jewelry so that I can think/process while I'm crafting. I've told you before that all ideas are born in my brain and stay there until I execute it. I need something else to divert my attention and making these trinkets did the trick.

I also needed to prove to myself that I'm not an incompetent beader too. Oh, I'm not into beading so much. Kelly, another mom at our Chinese school, takes the beading class that is offered at our school. I bought a wreath kit from her and I just couldn't wrap my brain around the directions. In my defense, the directions weren't entirely clear. So, she ended up making the wreath for me. Now, I can say that I can bead! Oh, yes I can! These are some of the projects that they offer in the classes at the school. Amazing!

Earlier in the week, I visited this terrific guy at his new digs.  Mark Lipinski is on track to bringing you some awesome craftiness. Look for his new magazines this fall. Meanwhile, if you are on Facebook, you can become a fan of Mark Lipinski's Create and Mark Lipinski's Fabric Trends magazines.

Have a great weekend! xo, L

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, and ...

it did! Wow, we had a huge snowstorm this past weekend. Although I didn't need to shovel the snow because we have people who come by and clean out our driveways and walkways, I did. I loved it. The boys went sledding and made snowballs. When I went to put some groceries in the freezer today, I saw two snowballs in there. They pleaded for my husband to keep them in the freezer. So funny.

Afterwards, I got down to business. I had to design the craft project for the little one's class. What do you think? I do like my snow globe ornament a lot. I hope that you're enjoying the holidays. Only a few more days and Santa's coming to town!

Thank you for the comments, e-mails and FB notes to me regarding my little guy. I really appreciated all the love!
xo, L

Nourish The Soul

It has been a nutty week. Don't I always say that? Well, I finished a couple of projects and then was displaced for a couple of days. I had to leave early and I had to stay out of my house all day because there was paving and other stuff going on around here. Of course, my car and printer had to break down amidst all of this. Timing is everything! You just have to smile and move forward.

I'm not trying to bore you with the details.  All of it made me think about how lucky I am to be crafty [in the artful way, of course]. Sewing, knitting and all of the other things that I do make me who I am. What a great relief and distraction when my day is turned upside down. That's how I felt when I designed the projects from my "Inspiration" line for you. 

For now, I can say that I am thankful for a lot of things and that whenever life is just a bit out of sorts, sitting down to sew or knit is nourishing to the soul. Sometimes a little escape is all I need. Next month is breast cancer awareness month. I'm sure that many of you have been affected by someone who has had to deal with this horrible disease. I hope that you will make these little gifts for the loved one in your life who's dealing with and fighting this terrible disease. 

This little zippered pouch is the first pattern for you. I use mine all of the time and I put all of my itty bitty things in it. Otherwise, my purse would be a big, black hole and nothing would ever be found. [*Link will be posted tomorrow. Technical difficulty and technical guy is out of town until tonight. Sorry!]

Thanks for reading.

Enjoy!

xo, L

How To Alleviate Guilt

I've been holed up in my work area with these lovely rolls of fabric that are hanging around in the corner against my inspiration wall. I will have to put up some swatches up soon. I was supposed to be ahead of things but the kids and I got sick at the end of last week. Here I am catching up. In order for me not to feel guilty about putting in time for my projects, I always set up projects nearby for the kids.

I love the little canvasses that you can buy at the art store. The paintings seem "real" and with substance when you let the kids paint on a bit of canvas as opposed to just a sheet of white paper.

The kids love Modelling Magic that Crayola puts out too. They make replicas of their favorite Pokeman characters.

Big A loves to paint so I buy him these little wood kits that he can assemble and paint. See, more use of time!

They love being creative and I love the results. No guilt here. No sir. xo, L

So Dreamy

Just wanted to share what I was working on while I was supposed to getting some rest. I need a throw on my sofa and I love Dream In Color yarn. I made grannie squares when I was little and Purlbee has the cutest throw on their site. The colors are gorgeous, don't you think? Now I have to get cracking at some deadlines. xo, L

Lazy Blogger

As I said last time, it has been crazy around here. I just have to get over tomorrow [I'm volunteering for Field Day] and I can get back to regular posting. This weekend Big A and Reno had their tae kwon do testing. They were both testing at the same time in two different quadrants of the gym so there I was sitting in the middle of the gym with two video cameras and one regular camera and Little A in tow. Tried my best.  I think that their testing was easier than my trying to get them both on tape. Great job guys!

Then, the boys had final exams at Chinese School. My brain hurts. Thought I'd share some of the pretty crafts that the school offers our kids. I love the beading projects.

I'll be back soon with my Miss S cape and t-shirt.  xo, L

Merry Little Garland

Update: I have the templates posted on my sidebar. Have fun making them!

I made this fun little garland to spruce up my little corner of the universe. It sits on my bulletin board above my desk. I love the colors and it is a bit modern with a tradition

al flair in its shape. Wanna tutorial? Well, here goes! [I should have the templates up sometime today.]

First, you need to cut out 7 oval shapes from white felt and 7 ornament shapes from red felt. Trace and cut out the letter applique shapes from fusible web. Fuse the letters onto the white felt and zigzag around the letters with coordinating thread.

Next, using white thread, sew around the oval with a scant seam allowance as shown below.

You will end up with this. Before you go across the top of the oval, place a piece of folded ribbon at the top and continue sewing. Make sure that the sewing goes over the ribbon.

You should have a little hanging ribbon attached like this.

Thread the ribbon through the hanger to make the garland and hang up to enjoy! xo, L

On Display

I love to display artwork by the most creative peeps of all - my kids. It makes me proud and they get such a kick out of seeing their stuff on the wall. I have this art display right beside my dining room table. It is such a quick and easy thing to make. Plus you can dig through your stash and find something pretty to dress it up. As for the frame, you can buy one at a craft store but I have recycled other ones from garage sales.

Here's how you can make your own display board:

1. Buy a frame, a roll of cork and a strong board for the backing if there isn't one that comes with the frame. You'll need fabric of course. I used a piece from my Gardenia line.

2. Glue the cork to the board and let dry.

3. Cover the cork with your fabric and pull to the back. Make sure the corners are pulled nicely and evenly. Adhere the fabric to the back of the board.

4. Place the covered board into the frame. Cover the back with kraft or other paper to make it neat.

5. Nail the hanging hook to the back of the frame and you are ready to display your artwork!