Yes, We're Open

Fueled by encouragement from my sister, I've finally opened my shop on Etsy. I'm excited, but nervous to put myself out there in this way. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. I've only added a few items for now, but hope to add a couple more soon. So if you're wanting to get your shop on this holiday weekend, check out my new shop at http://www.psmullican.etsy.com/ .

Puttin' It Together

One of my favorite albums (cd's for you younger readers) is Barbara Streisand's Broadway Album. I listened to it continuously in college. Love Babs! Anyway, one of the songs included was Puttin' It Together from the musical, Sunday in the Park with George. Not sure why that came to mind today, but it did as I was assembling another journal.




I'm quickly becoming addicted to these. Inspired by one I'd purchased from Rebecca Sower's etsy shop, I first made one for my mother-in-law, Linda as a gift for her birthday this past Spring. I love the idea of using a cabinet card as the front cover and the idea of utilizing lots of recyclable materials and using up my stash of supplies. As inspiration often begets inspiration, I've mixed it up here and there and have been further inspired by one of my fav artists, Pam Garrison as she was also inspired by Rebecca.





Looking forward to making more of these for Christmas gifts. Can't wait to tailor pages and embellishments for the recipients. I've been rescuing items from the trash at work, ripping pages from magazines and scouring clearance bins at Michaels for items to use. Although that kind of defeats the purpose of using up my stash! And even tho' I use lots of new items, my favorite items to use are vintage postcards, wallpaper and other bits of vintage ephemera. In my most recent journal, I used vintage buttons sewn to a button card designed by Theresa McFayden.

Another fun thing I did was to add a wing charm and Heidi Swapp chandolier crystals to the book ring of this journal.





The ideas are truly limitless and if you're organized you can knock two or three out in an evening assembly line style. Especially if you are listening to a little Streisand while putting it together!

A First

Brady and I survived our first local Yugi-OH tournament yesterday. He was in heaven! It was actually very interesting. Like you've walked into another world-they have their own language and terminology. Brady met a nice friend who's mom drove him from nearly 30 miles away just to play. WOW! And although winning isn't everything, he actually came in fourth place which the store owner said was really good for a first time tournament player. When the tournament was over I asked if he had a good time. He said, "One of the best times of my life!" You can guess where I'll be spending alot of my Saturday mornings from now on.

After our Yugi-OH adventure we took a stroll through one of my favorite antique malls. I really should stop wasting my time at junk and thrift stores since this particular mall always has such a nice selection and things are in such good condition and clean. I hadn't been in awhile so it seemed as though they had a better than usual selection. I was on the lookout for several things-holiday paper ephemera, millinery (so scarce in our area), photo cards and candy molds.

Several booths had a great selection of old photos. I picked up a few more to use for journal covers. I particularly like the ones that have decorative advertising on the backside. Inspired by Rebecca Sower, I've made several for gifts and have become addicted to making these. I need to share a photo of the next one I make.

I also picked up a beautiful embossed Christmas postcard. The backside is as beautiful as the front! Can't wait to use this for something. The colors are so rich and the background is gold IRL and has the texture of moire ribbon.

Here are a couple more items I picked up. Like I said, there was so much to choose from. Not sure if there were new vendors or if they'd just redone their booths, but I had to get out before I carted too much home. I'm particularly pleased with my dolly head. It's the first one I've purchased in person-the others were all found online. And the divided compote full of buttons was a steal at $10.99-they are truly my addiction. I'd passed this particular container up on several others visits and couldn't do it this time.

And although I wasn't looking hard, I managed to find a small squirrel metal candy mold. There was a turkey one in the same booth, but I passed it up. I'll bet I regret that. I was looking for them because I'm hoping to graduate from Delight airdry clay to actual paper maiche inspired by Teena Flanders and her book.

This is what kept me company during the Yugi-O tournament this morning. The book itself is gorgeous, but I love the creative philosophy of this renowned artist. In the chapter on Getting Started she writes about setting up your workspace, "Everything I use should inspire me so I search for bright pinks, creamy whites, and spunky nostalgic prints." And I love how she describes the joy of creating during the winter:

"I love winter because of the long evenings. There seems to be more time for all sorts of beautiful and meaningful projects and quiet family moments. The house smells of gingerbread and the fireplace smolders all day long, creating a calming atmosphere."

A girl after my own heart! I could go on about this book for several more paragraphs, but I'll save that for when I actually attempt working with her beloved medium. Let the baking and glittering begin!

Not sure where the time goes. It's already Sunday evening and the start of another work/school week is just around the corner. There was so much more I wanted to accomplish in these two days. Still need to tell you about my Paducah adventures last weekend. Haven't forgotten just busy, busy. I'll try to post about it before the week is over. Have you noticed all the butterflies out and about? There was even one inside Walmart this evening-it nearly landed on me (that's good luck, I think). Lots of monarchs in our area making their way to Mexico. Love catching a glimpse of one as it flutters by. Be on the look out for them and say, "¡que tengas suerte en tus viajes!" (safe travels and good luck!)

Okay, I'm going to crash for the evening and begin doing some of the handwork on "the quilt". Mom and I worked to prepare the appliques today and I've begun stitching the stem of the oversize flower onto the quilt top. The next decision I have to make is whether I do the blanket stitch around the rest of the appliques by hand or machine. We had the quilt laid out today with the appliques in place. It's going to be SO cute, but right now it has become my nemesis. Not sure I'll ever get finished! Actually, I'm getting very close to having it completed and ready to go to the quilter. Can't wait to show photos when I get to that point. I'm off to work on tying a quilter's knot. :)

TTFN!

This & That

As I seem to have ADD today I thought I'd blog out my random thoughts. Review and ponder. Or not. :)


We're nearing the 30 day mark towards our trip to Disney. Trying to get my lists and thoughts together. Want to plan some family activities to build up the excitement. Although it's probably not necessary-I think we're pretty excited as it is! Top on the to do list is to purchase a pair of really comfy walking shoes. This has never been a favorite activity so I'll have to make myself get out and get it done. Can you believe I've never seen Beauty & the Beast? Yeah, me either. Planning to rent some Disney movies for the weekend including Nim's Island. Has anyone seen it?


Ran into a little snafu with the quilting. Suddenly it is not the idyllic, relaxing activity I imagined it to be. I'm confident with Mom's help it will all work out, but I was not thinking happy thoughts last night as we discovered my jelly rolls were warped! This adventure is to be continued.



Heard that one of my artsy pals was in this magazine so I had to track it down and buy it. I hesitated at the $5.99 price tag, but it has proven to be a great value. It is chockful of great ideas including several items made from celluclay, a type of paper maiche. (Includes full instructions and patterns for all projects where needed.)


Last year I made these for my Sunday School kids from a similiar material.
This year I'm going to try these.
They are adorable! Can't wait to give it a try plus a couple other things in this mag.


Yep, still in the Christmas mode. Have a special event I'm participating in the first weekend in December. The wheels are turning as I plan my display and come up with a demo or make 'n take. Eventually I will finish setting up my etsy shop and plan to sell some items there rather than locally. I found out pretty quick just why etsy is such a big deal. Stay tuned-it will happen enventually.


Have you seen Martha at Wal-mart? She has a whole line of craft stuff that is a separate line from what she carries at Michaels. Some interesting things. I purchased a dove paper punch and some labels the other night, but her patterned paper packs were very tempting-and a good value. May have to go back and pick one up


We've had some cool days here so I am already getting anxious for fall. Seems like once school starts it's easier to let go of summer. A farmer near us has bountiful sunflowers I've been passing every morning and I've been seeing lots of recipes for pumpkin everything. If it rains this weekend as they're calling for I'm going to make white chicken chili. I'm in the mood for fall suddenly.


I think I'm coming down with a cold. Hope not, but it feels that way. I stocked up on lots of fruit at the grocery tonight. Thinking positive "I am not getting sick" thoughts as I head to bed.

Good night!

Back to School with a Quilting Hangover

The summer seemed to end abruptly this morning for the Mullican family. Brady headed back to school this morning. You can see he was none too keen on it. That's okay, bubba. Mom and Dad weren't quite ready for it either. But off he went and one day down. It takes us awhile to get into the swing of the school year, but we'll get there. We were all a little groggy this morning after our extended weekend.

I spent the day yesterday at Mom's sewing and made considerable progrss, but I had a major quilting hangover this morning. I definitely underestimated how time consuming the process of quilting can be. It is an amazing process though and certainly many analogies can be drawn from it. I spent right at 8 hours yesterday sewing jelly roll strips for the back and then working on the border for the front and adding rickrack. I'm just amazed how differently the whole looks after each step or addition. I'm very pleased how this first quilt is turning out and will soon be ready to do the applique. This will be another new adventure and I'm looking forward to learning how it works. I hope to have it all ready to go to the quilter by the end of this weekend and will be sure to snap a couple photos.

For tonight I must catch up on some housekeeping and paperwork that have been neglected as of late. Hope to share photos and stuff from our mini vacation later this week. Stay tuned!

Nothin' But Blue Skies

Yep, nothin' but blue skies and cornfields for miles as we drove home today. The slower pace was so nice for a few days. You could sense it speeding up the closer we got to home as the cars flew by me at breakneck speed crossing the river into St Louis. We made it home safe and sound from our mini vacation and had a wonderful time.

I'll share more about our trip later, but wanted to show you who came home with me. Isn't he a doll?!? Found him in a local shop and Mee-Moo snatched him up for me. Puts me in the mood for Christmas what with all the crafty holiday stuff I've been working on. Maybe he'll be my muse!?!

First things first. We have one more day of summer vacation left to savor. The weather here has been SO beautiful so you just don't want to see these long, lazy days end. I'm off to watch a movie or the Olympics with my sweetie and then sewing with Mom tomorrow and getting sweet boy ready for the first day of school. I can hardly believe he's going to be a 5th grader-eek!

Back again soon. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

I really should call it a day

I just had to share how I spent my Sunday afternoon and evening. Started working on one of the quilts for my nieces for Christmas. I managed to get all the pieces cut (with mom's help) and got the front sewn together and started on the back side. Really had alot of fun working on this today. Very relaxing with the Olympics on in the background and chit chatting with mom. Hope to get back to it next week after mine and Brady's quick little trip to Jeff's parents. Here's a peek at my progress so far. I just love this Anna Griffin fabric from her Carolina line.

<-----Proof that I really am making this quilt! Mom set up a foolproof way for me to keep that 1/4 inch seam allowance going. Yeah, Mom!

<-----Thought I'd include the picture from the pattern. I think I was drawn to this one because of the monogram. I'm going to use a bit more of a script font since this is such girly fabric.

<-----This is the start of the backside. Takes a long time to sew 31 jelly rolls together-whew!

<----- We really did have fun. Doesn't look like it from this photo though! ;)

This weekend was just so nice all the way around. My sister in law and I took the boys bowling on Friday afternoon. Brady's looking forward to having cousin Matt spend the night and all day on Tuesday. He is SO excited!

<-----Patiently waiting his turn to bat (he's last on the roster this year).

On Saturday we went to watch Brady's baseball game. Had a good time, but got sunburned. Way crazy tan lines from only an hour and half in the sun. I'm a wee bit sensitive! We followed that up with an early dinner with Jeff's folks. An early birthday celebration for Jeff's dad whose birthday is tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Jerry!

Can't wait for our little trip at the end of the week. I understand there is a spa visit in the works-what a treat! We're also planning to Shop in Paducah including a trip to Hancock's for Amy Butler and Heather Bailey fabric. Other than that no real agenda other than to just relax and enjoy.

Have you been watching the Olympics? The opening ceremony was great and I've been trying to keep up with all of the US's star atheletes. Be sure to catch some of it if you can. I think the Olympic spirit is infectious. I love the ideal of the Games. With what's going on particularly between Russia and Georgia (not to mention Iraq and the rest of the Middle East) we could use a little of that peace and goodwill year round.

Okay, I'm going to try to call it a day. Have a great week. Hopefully, I'll check back in before we head out of town.

Take care!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is Momma Bird's birthday. Over the years she has been many things to me-playmate, teacher, protector, friend and confidant. I have fond memories of clothes she has made for me and places we have gone together year after year. I'll have to post about those alone one day-she still has my silk taffeta recital dress put away for safe keeping. We have crafted together making everything from tole painted items that she or dad cut from pine to wreaths of every shape and size. I'm confident there isn't anything she can't do and the answer to most everything is just a phone call away. One of my most cherished possessions is a book of favorite family recipes she gave to all of us girls one Christmas complete with a story about the ritual of food and fellowship in our family. Mom always seems to know the perfect gift to give and I love that she often gifts family heirlooms at Christmas time. When we were younger she always made our birthdays extra special by making our favorite cake. One year she even made me a CB radio cake. And I'll never forget the Valentine's Day box made like a flamenco dancer's hat she helped me make in grade school. I have learned so much from her over the years and am grateful for her love and support and have learned to take her advice more often than not over the years. After all, mom is always right!

Although our relationship changes with each stage of life she will always be my mom and I love her for all the things that make her truly unique. Love you, Mom. I can't wait to get back to quilting with you.

Happy Birthday!

I Know Why Everything is Made in China

Let me tell you, I will NOT be opening a factory anytime soon. I've been working to make some of my handmade items en masse and I don't like it! I get stressed out enough as it is to make one of something. Then when you add the element of a deadline well, forget about it (said in your best Mickey Blue Eyes voice)! I definitely enjoy making things for gifts the best. And I love the challenge of doing something new all the time-new techniques, materials. Oh, well. I'll get it done.



I took a little break this afternoon and updated my sidebar with the blogs of a couple my blog buddies. I'd been remiss in introducing them to you. How rude, huh?!? Yapping Cat Studio is the blog of Cindy from the great state of Texas. She was my partner from the Queen's Tea swap (my one and only swap) and is currently organizing a paper arts gathering in her area called Paper Cowgirl . She also has a retail space in a beautiful shop and restaurant called The Dove's Nest. Cindy is always up to something creative and has a great sense of humor. Check out her blog and say hello!





The other blogger I'd like to introduce to you is another Cindy. Cindy Lammon is quickly becoming a local celebrity with her recently released book of quilt patterns, Gathered From the Garden.



I think folks are particularly drawn to her easy going style and ability to pass on her love of quilting. Cindy makes quilting seem approachable even for a beginner. I recently won a drawing on her blog and was honored to receive blocks from the quilt featured on the cover of her book.



She had to submit this group of blocks to the technical editor during the publishing process so they are perfect to say the least! They are just stunning and the colors couldn't be more ideal for my house. I can't wait to try and complete the wall hanging for my stairwell. I love them Cindy-thank you SO much! You can visit Cindy at her blog or if you're local at Raspberry Patch Quilt Shop.





My mom and Cindy have opened my eyes to a whole new world with quilting. I just can't resist the beautiful fabrics (many of them by the same manufacturers of the papers I love). On Friday, Cindy helped me choose gorgeous Anna Griffin fabrics for a fun, modern quilt for one of my nieces for Christmas. And now I have three quilts to finish. The plan is to make the same quilt for another niece for Christmas so that's actually four! Geesh! I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I know I can get the tops completed, but I had forgotten about the actually quilting!





Guess I'd better get back to work on my current projects. Sounds like I'm going to be busy, busy through the end of the year! Anyhow, holla at my girls-isn't that what Tim Gunn says!?! I know, I like 'make it work' better.

Rain Rain Go Away

It seems Dolly has moved inland and is dumping bucket loads of rain on us today. I didn't let it dampen my spirits tho' as I embarked on a little adventure "off the midway" this afternoon. While Brady was at his class I ran into the little consignment shop where I have some items. Kind of curious if anything had sold since I left them earlier in the month. But mostly, I went to check out the victorian photo album I keep coveting. Although it is priced well, I just couldn't bring myself to purchase it again. I think I've gone in there about 5 different times this month! It's in great condition and LOADED with photos. Yeah, not sure what I'm waiting on. But I did come away with a couple of really good finds I am just giddy about. I could hardly contain myself as I paid for them.

I got these two beautifully illustrated children's books from the early 194o's for $20. They have gorgeous illustrations that I can't wait to scan and use in my artwork. I'd like to use this one for one of my Christmas projects.

<-----I am particularly fond of this one, too. Makes me think of Mary Engelbreit. Throughout the book there is a beautiful patina on the metallic gold ink-just stunning. Really can't capture that with a photo and too large for my scanner-the books are easily 9"x12". For now, they've quickly found a home on my piano.

I also picked up a school dictionary which was super cheap at only $3 considering the amount of use I'll get from it. It has TONS of great illustrations and several full page color illustrations including this one. Yep, want to do something really special for my dad with this one. Sorry-the scan is really wonky-it is a thick book!

Then, just for fun I picked up these.

<-----He reminds me of my brother as a little boy.

<-----And I just loved her serene contenance. My collection of adopted ancestors is growing!

Well, just had to share my newest finds. I think my feet are finally dry and warmed up. We've had so much rain this afternoon that the parking lots are like creeks. At one point I was soaked up to my shins! Anyway, have to get the elves back to work around here tonight. They got the night off last night to watch Jeff Lewis and the gang. I wanted them to see it could always be worse! ;)

Stop the Ride! I wanna get off!

Sometimes I feel like I just stepped off a tilt-o-whirl. My head is spinning and I'm stumbing trying to get my balance. Do you ever feel like that? I know I mention here frequently how fast time seems to go by. My mom warned me after I had my first child that as I got older it would just seem to go faster and faster. She was right. There are moments however, when time seems to pass a bit more slowly. Kind of like after you've been off the tilt-o-whirl awhile. You've managed to regain your balance and make your way out of the midway into the fairgrounds where it's more quiet and you can take in the surroundings with a bit more leisure. From this vantage point you are able to really soak in the sights and sounds. Well, the past few days have been a mix of both around here. Part tilt-o-whirl and part leisurely stroll.



I enjoyed a productive weekend creatively and was able to make some good progress on the projects I'm working to complete before the end of the month. Yes, I know. Perhaps I should have begun sooner. You're right, but creativity and what appears to be procrastination kind of go hand in hand. Just seemed kind of blocked, but the dreary weather for several days, lots of Christmas music and the advice of one of my blog buddies managed to snap me out of it. I now have multiple projects in the works at various stages and should be able to deliver at least a few items by month end. So I was pleased with that. Thanks, by the way, to those of you who left a comment and shared some of your favorite things about Christmastime.


I also enjoyed spending time with Jeff and Brady just hanging out. Me working on my projects while they watched ballgames and stuff. We did manage to catch a couple movies each night on DVD and enjoyed lunch on Sunday at one of my favorite places-First Watch. Just seemed all in all like a more leisurely weekend. It was nice.



Now it's Monday and back to the work week and things seem a little more hectic. My house is a mess naturally because I've been distracted by other things. Yep, I can't do it all. Fortunately, I have a husband who understands and we'll work at it together all week to catch back up. Love him for that. And for listening to me ramble for hours on end as I obsess over my projects. And after two days of Christmas music playing Brady says, "Mom, why are we listening to Christmas music? It's still summer." Well, I'm not the only one who's been doing Christmas in July. In addition to numerous boutiques around town, a local radio station played Christmas music on Friday to help raise money for an area food bank. See? I'm not so crazy. I actually woke up to Mannheim Steamroller on Friday morning and thought it was a commercial. Jeff said, "I think they're trying to help you get in the mood to do your Christmas stuff." That's what I call serendipity!





Well, if you're still with me at the end of this long-winded post I'll share a peek at one of the projects I've been working on. This pic is when I was still playing around with the banner. I ended up printing the phrase on cardstock and glued it to the ledger paper which I'm hoping is not too fragile. See-I obsess about stuff like that. No wonder I don't get anything accomplished, right? I made another one out of completely vintage supplies in another colorway. Each evokes a different mood so I'm not sure which I like most. This was inspired by another project from Postmark LA by Pam Garrison. I've really gotten my money's worth of inspiration from that book!


Have you heard the Trace Adkins song, You're Gonna Miss This? Love the message of that song. I don't want to be guilty of wishing days away. I want so much to live in the moment, but sometimes we get going on this ride called LIFE and we have to be reminded to slow down. So, here's a friendly reminder. If you find yourself on the tilt-o-whirl this week, jump off the ride for just a few moments. Meander down the midway to the fairground with a frozen lemonade or an icecream cone and just ENJOY. Better yet, make a phone call to an old friend, send a card to someone who needs a friend, take a walk with your children or listen to their bedtime prayers. Just stop and enjoy the moment.





Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great week!

Need A Little Christmas

Oh, yeah. That's right-Christmas. And boy do I need a little Christmas right this very minute. I was hoping to be elbow deep in Christmas at this point in the week, but I just can't seem to get motivated. Not sure how designers work seasons ahead. How do they forecast what consumers will be looking for? What colors will be popular? And how do you get in the mood for Christmas when it's 98 degrees and 60% humidity outside?!?

I'm determined tomorrow to come home and turn down the A/C, put on the Christmas cd's and get to work. I have an exciting opportunity to place some of my work in a local shop for the Christmas season, but the deadline is looming. Would love it if you could lend some inspiration and help create a little Christmas in July for me. Leave a comment and let me know what you look forward to the most each Christmas season. Do you have a favorite recipe? activity? What are your favorite scents of the season? Holiday movie or song? Come on, now. Help me haul out the holly!

P.S. Did you know there only 154 shopping days until Christmas?

Waitin' for the repair man

I put this together yesterday afternoon while waiting for the repair man. I ordered this vintage supply kit from Jenni Bowlin earlier in the week and was surprised it came so quickly. Thought I'd piddle with it while I was waiting and followed her lead and assembled this photo folder. I printed off some of the photos from 4th of July at my parent's lake house. This was a quick little project and could easily be duplicated. I've often purchased little folders to mail snapshots from Target or Hallmark, but this is easy enough to make and much more personal so I think I'll do this again sometime. Love the vintage map and the tiny foil stars. The tiny cardstock tags are from Making Memories and the large glittered star is from Jenni, but the rest of the supplies are all vintage. May mail this to my dad so I'm not sure I'll part with some of the vintage pieces, but instead save them for a future project. He won't be nearly excited by the old clock face and vintage playing cards as me!

As it turned out, the repair man finally arrived and said it would take at least 2 hours to rip my new couch apart and fix the tear the delivery people made in the back of it. The dispatch center hadn't allowed enough time so he'd have to come back. ARGH! Bummer. At least I was able to be productive while I waited and Brady had been on a field trip so the afternoon wasn't a total waste.

On the way home from picking up Brady, I ran into one of my fav junk palaces. Found several pairs of vintage "Grandma Swan" earrings. My grandma used to wear lots of these clip on earrings-I think of her everytime I find a pair. I use these on lots of my projects and this particular store is a great spot to pick them up on the cheap.

I also picked up these beads and will use them on some Christmas projects I hope to begin this week.

Just a little share. We have kind of a busy weekend and probably won't get to continue working on my studio much (made ALOT of progress last weekend). Brady has picture day for baseball today followed by a double header provided they aren't rained out. Tomorrow we'll take him to Illinois for a couple days with Jeff's folks to break up the summer a bit for him. He's looking forward to shopping with Mee Moo and bowling with Baw Baw. Then it'll be Monday again. SIGH.

Have a great weekend!

Mickey Mouse Boot Camp

Can you believe how quickly time passes? I sure cannot! This summer has been a whirlwind and before we know it will be back to school time. I had a bit of a panic attack yesterday when Jeff proclaimed, "Ten weeks from tomorrow we'll be headed for Disney!" WOW! and I had not done a thing to start preparing. Not one thing. Nothing. Nada. And worst of all, it occured to me that I might want to get in a little better shape before we go. Two years ago when we went I had been walking on a regular basis and have since totally slacked off. Since we walk non-stop 10-12 hours/day for five days, I think I'd better start walking. In fact, on one of the Disney message boards, someone reported they were curious just how far they walk at the parks so they strapped on a pedometer. They clocked an average of 8 miles/day. For their five day trip they walked more than 40 miles. YIKES! Mickey Mouse Boot Camp has begun! I'm back to walking a mile every morning and hope to increase that over the next several weeks.

Brady really gets into counting down so this is our countdown to Disney chart inspired by Heidi Swapp. And the list making has begun, too--stuff we missed last time, stuff we want to do again, stuff to pack, stuff to research, stuff to buy. Managed to already cross some items off already, too though. YAY, me!

Got a little bit of shopping in yesterday and picked up these. They screamed Disney as I walked by them at Target. And they were on clearance! One of the other projects we're going to do to build Brady's excitement about the trip is to put Disney trivia questions in his lunchbox the month before we leave. He'll be back in school then so it should be alot of fun.

Well, first things first. I'm off to bake a cake. Somebody at our house has a birthday tomorrow!

"A" is for Apron

<-----pattern is by Busy Bee Quilt Designs and fabric is Free Spirit, Barefoot Roses by Tonya Whelan.

I did it! Finally finished my apron/smock. Well, with a little help from Mom. Probably would've taken mom only a couple hours to make this apron, but it took me three evenings-and that was with her help. Our sewing sessions always start out a little tense, but once we hit our stride it is really alot of fun. After years of sewing, Mom has lots of tips and is very good at reading patterns. She gets ALOT more out of them than I do and she says that is the secret-learning to read the pattern and think through each step before carrying it out. I need to start writing down all of her tips so I can remember them when I go home to work on my own. I had grand ideas of whipping up several of these to sell on Etsy, but I don't think that will happen anytime too soon! How cute would they be though in some SIS BOOM fabric or made out of vintage tablecloths?

My next goal is to get back to working on some small projects at home on the machine she gave me. I recently purchased the pattern for the Amy Butler Frenchie bags and I SO want to try to make some for Christmas gifts this year. I think I have a way to go before I'm ready to solo on them. And I'd like to finish my quilt top before fall so I can hand quilt it over the winter. WHEW! always lots I want to do! And that's just in the sewing arena. Mom's advised me not to take on any other projects until I get my quilt completed, but my Aunt Bonnie recently won this KIT which I LOVE. I made the mistake of peeking at their website-such. cute. stuff! It's very tempting and they are very small appliqued quilts. ;)

Anyway, just wanted to share my accomplishment. This was on my list to complete this week so I'm ready to move on to some other projects on my list. I don't consider the week over until the end of the day on Saturday so I still have a chance to get a couple other things completed before the end of the week.

Oh, and before I forget. I want to give a shout out to my hairstylist, Rachel. She did an awesome job on my hair today. That girl can cut a mean bob and she is Queen of the Blow Out. I just love how full she can make my baby fine hair. We decided to swing it up just a bit more and to grow out my bangs. Really happy with how it turned out. Thanks, Rachel!

It's been a busy week, but it's gone by quickly and I'm looking forward to the weekend. How about you? Have you had a productive week? Are you ready for the weekend? Say it with me now, TGIF!

Scenes from the Lake

Wanted to share a few of my favorite photos from the Lake this weekend. My apologies to my sis-in-law, Julie. I guess I didn't end up with her in any of my shots. Truth be told, I didn't take that many. My family is a little photo shy. Well, except Matthew. I think he thought I was shooting photos for Missouri Conservationist! He just kept posing and casting for me on Saturday!

We had a nice visit to my parents Lake house over the 4th of July weekend. I can understand why my Dad enjoys it there so much. It's so quiet and peaceful-well, except when we all descend on him! Took a boat ride with my dad, had wonderful bar-b-que and smores. Played cards and spent time with my niece, Emily-can't believe she will be taking her driver's permit test in October-yikes! Emily even inspired me to get a book read this weekend I'd been wanting to read all summer. Brady got to spend time with his fav cousin and Uncle Mike-he just adores my brother. If you knew each of them you would marvel because they are so different, but they seem to have a connection and I think it's great. Mike can get him to try outdoor things noone else can. Although, I don't think Brady ended up tubing this time. He did get to do fireworks with Mike and Matt though-thanks, Mike! We even stopped at Central Dairy on the way home. What a treat and a bargain! My sister commented that the cones we got would have been $4 or $5 at most places. They were HUGE and we paid $1.50. Their Moose Tracks ice cream is my favorite-yum!

As always, I love spending time with my sister. She is so much fun and is probably the most laid back in our family. And that's saying something 'cause we are all aware we're wound tight as a drum! It was good to go and get away if even for a little while and be with family. Now, it's back to the regular routine of the work week and back to the to do list.

Speaking of to do lists-have you been watching Flipping Out on BRAVO? Oh, my. Definitely one of my indulgences this summer is watching Jeff Lewis. His assistant, Jenni is my favorite. If you haven't checked it out and need a good laugh you should set your TIVO or DVR. What a riot!

Here are a few things on my list this week:

Looking forward to working on my studio and getting back to my wallpaper project;

Hoping to get rid of some more consignment stuff;

Want to get a bookshelf painted for the studio;

Have the junk in the garage hauled away.

If I can check all those things off my list it will be a very productive week indeed. Here's hoping!I'd like to get back to my quilt project and work on some other art stuff-I'm having withdrawal! In fact, I hope to get over to mom's to make an apron I picked up pattern and fabric for a week or so ago. It's TOO cute! Okay, well, maybe I won't get ALL of this done this week. A girl can dream, though right?

Happy Independence Day!

I'm a little late. Made a quick trip to the Lake on Thursday after work. Just in today and going to make the most of the rest of the weekend here at home, but wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday weekend. Hope you're spending it with those you love and will take a moment to remember just why we celebrate this day. Although there are lots of things we could find "wrong" with our country, many of us enjoy a life and choices millions all around the world can never imagine. Let's not forget our service men and women serving all over the world who strive to protect our freedoms.

God Bless America!

Just Popping In To Say...

We have finally been making progress around here. Man! does it feel good to finally be able to scratch some things off that never-ending to do list! Trying to keep up the momentum from the weekend during the work week while juggling Brady's activites. Jeff's sister will be in town on Thursday and is coming for a visit so I'd like to get a few more things completed before then. Fingers crossed.







Here's a peek at our new furniture that was delivered on Friday. I think I'm really happy with it. I wanted all white Pottery Barn, but just couldn't justify the cost. So this is as close as I could get. I took this right after the carpet cleaners left on Saturday. I've since rearranged the mantle and the side table vignette and added some throw pillows--they are from Pottery Barn! ;) Not sure if it was just adding the loveseat or the colors in the fabric with our wall color, but the look of our living room has totally changed. Definitely looks more cohesive. Love spending time in there now. I'll have to post better photos later.




It's been kind of a stressful summer so far. I didn't think summer was supposed to be that way. Turns out that most every day at summer camp Brady is the only boy in his group. So needless to say, he's not thrilled about going this year. Guess it's giving us a taste of what it will be like next year when he'll be too old to go there at all. He's growing up so fast. He's really enjoying baseball this year though and I think he's going to learn and improve alot. All too soon summer will be over and we'll be headed back to school. Or so I keep telling him. In the meantime, Monday trips to the skating rink, reading Treasure Island and baseball are helping him to get through.









I'd better get going. My goal is to be able to mark something off my list tonight. Does a load of laundry count? It wasn't on my original list. But first I'm going to go watch Jeff and Brady play catch for awhile. Brady can't seem to get enough of playing catch this week. Last night they played until they couldn't see the ball any longer. I love that he's trying so hard to get better at something. WAY TO GO BRADY!

Inspiration Begets Inspiration

Did you ever play the game Telephone as a kid? Someone starts by whispering something to the person next to them and they to the next person and so on and so on. When the phrase reaches the last person it's always interesting to see how the phrase has changed as it's traveled through the "telephone". Inspiration is alot like that game. You see or hear something that moves you and then create or do something in response resulting in something your very own yet a reflection of what has inspired you.

Artists and musicians often refer to their influences. Who has influenced their style? Who inspires them? Even athletes find inspiration from their heroes. Inventors are inspired by the need to find a solution to a common need. Every successful person has had someone who inspired them to reach their goals.

So, who or what inspires you? As a creative person I long for inspiration. And I find it all around me-nature, music, print ads, movies, blogs-- inspiration is all around. At times, I'm more receptive to it than at others. Sometimes it moves me to be creative or to change my behaviors. And what a feeling when inspiration hits. It's energizing. You truly feel alive, engaged. Inspired!

I've mentioned the little indie book, Postmark LA here before. Some of my favorite mixed media artists (Theresa McFayden, Pam Garrison, Carolyn Peeler, Rebecca Sower, Amy Hanna, Charlotte Lyons) recently self-published this book about a girl's weekend they spent together. Like-minded artistic souls spending time together doing what they love-shopping, talking, working, creating, finding inspiration. As a result, they created this book for the sole purpose of inspiring others.

I was recently inspired by a project from the book by Carolyn Peeler to create this project. Carolyn was inspired to create her piece by Corey Moortgat. No doubt, Corey drew inspiraton from someone or something else when she created her pieces which inspired both Carolyn and me. See? It goes on and on.

I know. A little Circle of Life, but who or what inspires you? Who are your heroes? I love the quote I chose for this piece. I find it...inspiring!