Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Life is like a yoyo...

It's true. Life is like a yo yo. Up and down, up and down. It's that way for most folks, I suppose. Hopefully, with more up's than down's of course. So, how do you recover from a down day? Whether from the ordinary daily things of life or something major like an illness or the death of a loved one. How do you keep going? Stay energized? Cope?


I know I've written here before about how making stuff keeps me sane. And it does. It's a way to work it out, think it through or just express my feelings. I've also been known to do a little retail therapy much to my husband's dismay. And then there's Häagen-Dazs!


A couple of weekends ago, I was decompressing on a Saturday morning and started making these little cuties.
I'd been wanting to try this technique and hope this summer to make a throw out of them. Of course, they'll have to be a little bigger than these! Doing this handwork was soothing and I love that accumulating them in this pretty jar is so gratifying. And it gave me lots of time to breathe in and out and do some thinking.


So tell me, when life gives you lemons how do you make lemonade? When the going gets tough where do you go? How do you recover from one of those days? I hope you'll take the time to share with me and all my blog visitors.


P.S. You may recognize the fabric I used for my yo yo's. I used scraps of the Heather Bailey material from one of the quilts I made at Christmas time. A great "green" project in honor of Earth Day tomorrow. :)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

picnik-ing


113_1838, originally uploaded by psmullican.

Having some fun tonight using picnik via flickr. I always feel like I'm the last one at the party, but I finally decided to give this a try. Just not brave enough to learn Photoshop. So I like that this allows you to try some fancy schmancy things without having to delve into all that.

Wish you could know what it took to get this photo. I got several good ones in just a short time in the overcast sunlight before the rain set in late this afternoon. My boy just doesn't like to have his photo taken. SIGH.

Love the polaroid look. Love this boy. SIGH

Friday, April 17, 2009

Drum roll, please...


Retro Groovy Bag No. 15 designed by Lila Tueller, fabric is Soiree designed by Lila Tueller for Moda. Pattern and fabric purchased HERE.


Well, here it is! Finally finished and ready to send to it's rightful owner. Truly, one of a kind. Since I don't have the fortitude to make another. What a shame 'cause I think it's REALLY cute. I'm a sucker for those round bamboo handles. Lots of fun as always with mom by my side translating the pattern and helping me with details. Yep, had to have her help me with a couple things. But that's okay, I'm learning.


Anywhoo. There you have it. Something creative. I'm going through withdrawal though from my paper and glue. May just have to make something this weekend. Trying to hold off until school is out to do some major things, but don't think I can make it. Need creative therapy-soon.
Stay tuned.




Monday, April 13, 2009

Belated Easter Greetings


I'm getting a little spoiled with our recent school breaks, but I'm not complaining. There always seems to be plenty that needs to be done. Of course, with the additional time comes the temptation to procrastinate. Trying to balance relaxation with productivity is quite a balancing act. Hopefully, by the end of summer I will have gotten better at it!


Anyway, plenty going on around here the past week or two. Cam had a birthday and turned 22. YIKES! How did he get to be that age so quickly? We were able to have a fun dinner at Chevy's with him and his girlfriend last week complete with birthday sombrero and fried ice cream. Followed up with DQ ice cream cake and LOST. He was a happy birthday boy! I forgot my camera at home, but managed to snap this one of the boys once we were back at the house.


Jeff's season is off to a quick start and he's been working on a balancing act of his own. It's that way alot since golf is so dependent upon the weather. And it's been crazy lately-warm and balmy one day then cold and rainy the next. We managed to sneak in a visit with Jeff's folks on Friday. Always so good to see Mee-Moo and Baw Baw.



BTW, Phil Keaggy will be in their area for a benefit concert on April 25th.The proceeds from the concert will benefit the family of Abby Adams, the young girl who recently passed away due to a heart condition. Her grandparents are friends of Jeff's parents. Her family continues to covet your prayers. But I also wanted to help get the word out about the benefit. Several Christian artists were asked to prepare videos to show at the benefit and when asked, Keaggy said he would just come. The event is now part of his current tour and will be held at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Marion IL. The event is free, but a love offering will be taken to help with remaining medical bills. You can get more information by visiting philkeaggy.com.

This year was pretty low key for us as Easter's go. But in some ways it made it much more reflective. The service at our church yesterday was outstanding. The music and drama were both uplifting and well done. Our preacher spoke about the hope that comes from a risen Savior and the power of the promises we have in Him. We followed the service up with a nice meal at a local restaurant, naps and a movie. A very good day.

So that's the relaxing part. Now I need to get on with the productive part. Not as much fun, but necessary. Hope you and your loved ones had an enjoyable holiday, too! Hope to be back soon to share some creative things.

Until then...

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

just a peek...

With ALOT of direction from my Mom, I finally finished the project I'd been working on for my mom-in-law's birthday. Turned out great, but lessons learned-not all patterns are created equal and know your limits. As sometimes occurs under creative stress, we had a brief moment of hysterics out in the garage one evening trying to cut through a gazillion layers of fabric to set grommets. Um, and dad may wonder just why there's a grommet through one of his old t-shirts!


Anyway, without further adieu, here's a little peek. I won't unveil the real thing until Friday when we meet Jeff's folks for a pre-Easter lunch and shopping bash. Ha! Linda, you probably thought you were going to get a preview. No way-after all, it's only been nearly a month since your birthday. Don't want to spoil the surprise now!


Oh, and just for fun. This is the one I made.



And this is the one Mom made.


You can tell who's been sewing the longest, can't you? Just a few tips and tricks results in a much more professional piece. I think if I hadn't been exhausted from working on the main project all day I might have done better. I'll be trying it again though. This is a great use for scraps and make great little gifts. Fabric designed by Lila Tueller for Moda. You can get the free pattern on the Moda website.