Folk-n-Fancy

Hermit Weekend....

2012-01-26T12:27:00.003-05:00

Well, this is my first International Hermit Weekend post. (see sidebar if you want to participate too) I was supposed to post by Tuesday, but well....I'm a procastinator as you can see. I promise to do better next month.
Unfortunately and as always.....Sir Echo got in the way. He insists on being right in front and on top and in the way of every stitching project I do. And he always seems to know exactly what part of the pattern I'm working on so he can sit on it....which by the way is the 2011 Littlehouse Needleworks Ornament collection.

Then he has the nerve to look at me like, "yeah...well...whadda you lookin' at??"

So, that was my third weekend of the month Hermit post.....I'm sure there will be alot more of these as I "hermit" alot with my stitching.
So, till next time, yunz crazy guys!

For a Special Friend...

2012-01-20T10:01:00.003-05:00

Hubby always says I should keep the things I make instead of giving them away as they are so nice. But I have great joy in giving things to people who I know will appreciate the gift.
I have a dear stitching friend who is going through some health treatments right now and I thought I would cheer and surprise her with a little something to let her know I'm thinking about her and praying for her.
So, I made her this altoid tin scissor box with a magnetic insert.

I also added this super easy needle keep. I actually bought one when I was on vacation once and just figured out the pattern on my own. So so easy and great stitcher gifts.

My friend had actually given me a bunch of left over material that she used in backings on some of her ornaments that she had stitched. I liked this combination so I used the cupcake theme to make these items for her as a thank you and something to let her know I'm missing her stitching with us. I'm sure we'll be seeing her soon.

Also for all you stitchers, check out my new button for the International Hermit and Stitch Weekend.....sounds like fun and you do it in your own home once a month. Check it out.

So, till next time, yinz crazy guys!

It's a NEW YEAR!!!

2012-01-11T10:29:00.003-05:00

The Holidays have wiped me our craft-wise but that doesn't mean I'm stopping...just slowing down a bit and doing some crafting for me!
I've been anxious to show this Junk Journal I made for my niece so grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage, sit sound, turn up the volume and enjoy 5 minutes of relaxation while you take a peek at my first junk journal made with my new Cinch binding tool that Santa brought..ENJOY!

MY FIRST JUNK JOURNAL

Till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Well, well, well....

2011-11-29T14:02:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again....time to start the gift crafts that you promised yourself you would start last July. So needless to say I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger as hubby would say.
This is my cross stitch for a HOE Christmas Box exchange. It's a By the Bay pattern and it's really cute.

In addition to lots of goodies, I also included this needle keeper that I made using Christmas fabric for mine. Sorta looks like an ornament when you open it up.

Next is a watercolor I did from a picture I took on my phone while eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel (my fav). I did it in sepia tones which I really really liked. The place was just so cozy for a cold morning I couldn't resist taking the picture and then painting it at home.

Then I also got into this journaling stuff....bought a couple of SMASH journals from KC Company. Love them! This is the first page I did but I just want to "smash" every piece of junk paper I have...so addicting.

The above pics could be the reason I've procrastinated on the things I need to do....but I guess that's the problem with being a crafty person....you can't stop wanting to create.
So with that said, I'll leave you with an adorable picture of my bad kitty being a "good kitty" for once. Till next time, yinz crazy guys!

The "S" word....

2011-11-02T08:14:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe we are saying and seeing the "S" word in October! YUCK!!

The one good thing is that I stitched just about all day. My spot in front of the TV on a cold Saturday....

This was a Drawn Thread pattern that I got to make as a gift for someone who really loves Halloween. It ended up being a door hangar as you can see below. Very quick to work up. I did it on 28 ct evenweave I tea-dyed myself.

I also made this pillow from a pattern I got online at Creative Poppy. You can just download them right to your computer ....no shipping charges or waiting for them in the mail. I love it.

And I was recently in a swap that was put together pretty quickly on the HOE Exchange site for scissor FOBs. I sent this with some goodies (not pictured) to a lady in Germany. (I know it's upside down...but I can't seem to change it...sorry) It's my fob with a small needle case.

My partner sent me this awesome package. I love everything...especially those spider scissors which I really wanted.

And last, but not least...still doing my journaling and watercolors. Hubby was making dinner one evening, so I sat at the Kitchen table and painted this. Love them watercolors....quick and easy.

That's it for now. Short and sweet......so till next time, yinz crazy guys!

So inspiring....

2011-10-03T12:43:00.002-04:00

Saw this on a Facebook post and just had to share. I think this lady got inside my brain and knew what I've been thinking about my creativity for the past 50 years...

Till next time....yinz crazy guys!

Some Quickies...

2011-10-01T21:26:00.004-04:00

Thought it would be fun to try and just sketch a quickie pic without giving myself my time to plan it out which is a bad habit of mine and keeps me from just pulling out my sketchbook anytime and anywhere and just drawing.

The first is pic I did in about 15 minutes at my lunch while sitting on my front porch.This second one took a little more time but still done without any pre-pencil sketching. It's from a picture we took while on vacation in Michigan.

For most artists I think this would be nothing at all to do this. For me it was a big accomplishment. I'm way too much a planner. Even in my cross stitching or crocheting, I read the pattern, think about it, plan it out and finally start it. I actually was pleased with the results and hopefully will be doing more of these quickies!

So, till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Ever have one of those months????

2011-09-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

I love to change the wallpaper on my phone and I actually have a great app for that....this happens to be the current image on my phone.

A couple of times I was tempted to use it but resisted the urge as I can't afford a new phone right now. Think I would be safer cutting it out and taping it to a pillow tho.

Okay...onto bigger and better things. Saw this tutorial on making a zipper bracelet and decided to make one. I just love it. Turns out there are alot of things you can make with zippers. So if you are interested....just google "zipper crafts or zipper bracelets" and you can do it too with the zippers off those old pair of jeans that don't fit you any longer. I gave this one to my niece but plan on making one for myself.

Next off, we went to a Night at the Races recently for a benefit. It wasn't real races just dvd's of races. Anyway, our horse, "Lucy's Hotflash" came in last...figures. But we did manage to win the largest basket in the Chinese Auction. It was a romance basket.

It was full of antiques and chocoloate and smoked oysters (we know what those do to you now, don't we??) and candles and tea and a tea pot and all sorts of goodies.

We plan on taking it all with us when we have our little cabin get-a-way in a month.....those candles will do wonderful around the hot tub, don't ya think???

Short post, but I will finish off with our little squirrel buddy who comes up on the porch twice a day for his daily nuts. This time I managed to get him to take it off of my shoe. He was so cute.

This may have been the same squirrel that was climbing the bird post.....up until I coated it with vaseline (my own idea)....which hubby laughed at...but worked.

Oh, well, that's it for now.....enjoy the fall weather, till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Look what we got!!!

2011-09-14T09:58:00.003-04:00

We got a Hobby Lobby...we got a BIG Hobby Lobby! I've been waiting for one of these stores to open near us for a very long time and finally my wish came true. I even emailed their headquarters once and asked why there wasn't one in PA. At that time they were only building so far out from their headquarters. So now we have one and I love it! We have Michaels, JoAnns and Pat Catans...but Hobby Lobby is my fav.

As a matter of fact, I was so excited, I even did a watercolor of it...crazy, I know.

Also, was in a Fall Pynkeep with the HOE bloggers. Received this beautiful pynkeep from my partner. It's Bent Creek's Pumpkin Farm. The trim on this is so so pretty.

This is the one I sent out to my partner. It's the Heart in Hand Seasonal Birds for Fall using overdyes.

And lastly, forgot to show this in the post I did on Barbie outfits. While I was crocheting on vacation, I whipped up this lighter cover/carrier for the lady of the house. She was complaining that she always loses her lighter so hubby suggested I make her something to hook onto her purse or whatever. I just sorta tweeked the pattern I have for my chapstick cover that I love and is lasting forever, by the way.

Well that's it for now. Got some other projects on the burner that I'm really excited about in both crochet and cross stitch. Still doin' a bit of watercolor and journaling too. Just keepin' these hands busy! So, till next time, yinz crazy guys....

I'm back...

2011-09-09T14:12:00.003-04:00

I know, I know....what happened to the even days postings? Well, after I came back from vacation, I had a bit of an upper respiratory infection and then a little relapse of it. Finally feeling back to almost 100%. So, I'll get back to my blogging. Thanks for hangin' in there.....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

See.....

2011-08-24T12:41:00.000-04:00

....I told you I was back!!! (this is what happens when you give little kids access to the phone on your camera)

When we were on vacation, we had the pleasure of babysitting these two little munchkins for a couple afternoons. We call them our "surrogate" grandchildren as they are not directly related to us but we love them just as much as if they were.

It's much easier for me to make things for little girls than little boys, so I was able to spoil our blonde cutie pie with some Barbie fashions. (not to worry, our little guy was spoiled too) A couple of outfits I made before leaving on vacation, one while in the car driving to vacation (so I wouldn't be a NAG-a-vator) and the remainder while on vacation.
This first one was supposed to be a top, but ended up being a wrap around dress.

This picture was supposed to show off the mini-sweater and matching hat.

This is the dress that was underneath it...

Here is Barbie getting ready for a little sunbathing by the pool (aka bird bath).

And here she is showing off her awarding winning squash which was almost as tall as her...blue ribbon material for sure!

All these patterns were found online by just googling crochet Barbie clothes. They were fun and quick to do.

So, on that note......I'll be on my way....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

I'm baaaaaaack.....

2011-08-22T17:15:00.000-04:00

Yep, I'm back from an awesome vacation in the the lovely state of Michigan with relatives....most awesomest time ever with bonfires and blueberries and babysitting the grandkids....just the best! Unfortunately, one of the little ones came down with Strep but they caught it early and he was put on meds ASAP and is doing fine....I however, came back with an upper respiratory infection which I had last week and I too (with the help of meds) am doing much better. So, I'm back on track with my "even" days post. I'm hoping to post, in the next few days, a little of what I've been up to while away.
So, with that said......stay tuned....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Umbrella of Grace.....

2011-08-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

I know I said I would be blogging on every even day....but now I'll have to, as my Pastor says, ask for an "Umbrella of Grace" as for the next week or so I will be enjoying the company of this awesome crew.....
...and I will probably be sitting on a back porch swing watching these many evenings while I stitch or draw or read with my wonderful hubby by my side....
...and I know for sure I'll be eating lots of this....

......and keeping warm by the fire with a little of that....

....and for sure enjoying loads of fresh those....

So, with that said....where in the world is Lucy?????......I'm out of here, yinz crazy guys!!! Have a great week....I know I will!

Sandcastle in water....

2011-08-04T16:43:00.003-04:00

I'm making an attempt at watercoloring....can you tell. Actually, watercolor and ink. This is Sandcastle Waterpark in Pittsburgh PA. We got a great deal on passes this year and have been going when we can and when it's hot. It's just like being at the beach except the park is on the river...but the place has a real beach feel to it.
I've tried to do some watercolor pics of it but I think I just need to keep practicing. I get so impatient tho....but everyone I read about who is a watercolor artist/journaler stresses practice and doing something with it everyday.
So, with that said, it's back to practicing....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

and more journaling....

2011-08-02T08:34:00.000-04:00

As you know I do jump around in my crafting and I also do so in my journaling. Lately I've been doing some watercolor and ink drawings but these are ones I've done about a month or so inspired by the lovely Teesha Moore.

These are fun to do as they are rarely done in one sitting. It's like you start a bunch of pages then just go back and forth depending on what is inspiring you at the moment.
So with that said, another post is under my Even Days Only belt.....Happy August and till next time yinz crazy guys.....

Psykopaint...

2011-07-28T08:43:00.001-04:00

This is my granddog, Reese, done in an app called Psykopaint! My son took a pic of his dog, I uploaded it into Psykopaint....picked the Monet setting and "Reese in Monet". Psykopaint is so much fun. He's not as "Monet" as I wish he was but still it was fun playing. I could even print this out and frame it...all for free! My son also hooked me up with Google Chrome....I'm the Google Queen so this was a real treat for me. So many free apps with the same great search engine Google is known for. So if you want to have some fun playing and drawing on the computer, along with some awesome free game apps, just search for Google Chrome and start downloading. (weatherbug app is the best by the way!!)
Okay....another "even" day post under my belt...till next time, yinz crazy Psykos!!!

My journal...

2011-07-26T08:58:00.002-04:00

Even day #2....this time I'm going to post some journal pages I've been doing. Oh, first off, for those who asked (Meari)...Moleskine is really just a very nice journal. Sorta like buying expensive yarn to knit with or a nice linen fabric to stitch on with really beautiful overdyed threads. There's a nice website where you can learn more about them....just google "moleskine". Stupid me thought the cover was made out of moles in which case it would have taken quite a few to make one journal...duh!
Anyway, here are some of the pages I've been working on. This first one was a co-effort from hubby as that was what he called the lesion that was in my nose. Notice the patriotic flag flown from the nostril... (click on any pic for a larger view)

This is just a nice background I did with watercolors, collage and gesso stenciled butterflies. Haven't added any writing yet.

Did this while at Sandcastle, our Pittsburgh waterpark. The park is on the borders of the river and it just looked so pretty that day....all done in watercolors.

I just like watermelon...and the colors of it. Not much writing on this one yet.

And I love Sunflowers but I noticed I didn't add enough petals....but who cares....it's my journal!

So, that's it! I've been reading alot about art journaling and such and the one thing everyone says is to practice, practice, practice....so that is what I'm trying to do. Draw everything! This is so difficult for me to do as I'm such a planner as you know. To just sit down and draw or paint without any ideas and let things flow is one of the hardest things for me to do in art. But I'm trying....and I'm liking it! Even if it's not always to my liking.....I've got to keep pluggin' away.

So, hope you enjoyed a few pages from my moleskine...till next time, yinz crazy Moles!!!

Challenge....

2011-07-24T13:00:00.003-04:00

I think I'm going to challenge my self to blog on EVEN number days...(I know I could never do every day...at least not yet)......let's see if I can do it!

So on this EVEN number day, let me give you a little update on what I've been doing. I have been cross-stitching of course and trying to do the Prairie Schooler American Strawberries.

Haven't put one together yet, but as soon as I get the second one stitched, I will.

Secondly, been journaling....mixed media art journaling. This is really hard for me as I'm so used to following patterns and such. This really makes me try to let go and let flow.

Got a few journals going but my fav or course if the Moleskine journal. Plan on taking that one on vacation.

Thirdly, doing some crocheting. I know a little girl who loves loves loves her Barbies so I'm doing some clothes for her as I will be seeing her in August.

Sorry about the pic...cat did not want to move!

Just started a purple dress too. So many patterns on the internet and I also got a used book from Amazon for like $3.00 plus shipping....gotta love Amazon.

Also doing some crochet jewelry that my lovely niece if going to try and put together. It's done with floss....but I think I may have an easier time with #10 thread. Still playing with that.

Okay...first EVEN day blog finished....till the next EVEN day, yinz crazy guys....stay cool!

What a busy summer...

2011-07-20T12:12:00.007-04:00

Oh, how I wish I could be like so many of you bloggers and keep up on this. I've been doing so much stuff but never seem to find the time to sit down and post it all. Not to mention my son and DIL were living with us inbetween apartments and just moved out, so my main computer is once again free and doesn't have a bed in front of it. YEAH!
We've been also spending alot of weekend time here.... (click on the pic to see the website)

Love this place. Got a season pass at the great price of 2 passes for $99 for the summer. There is a giant wave pool, a huge swimming pool, tons of water slides, a lazy river ride, a hot tub and a few kiddie pools. A long boardwalk with food shops, a bar and all built on the banks of the Allegheny River...(think that's the River's name...we have three of them here) Either way what a great deal. It's only about 1/2 hour from us so it's well worth the drive.
This week, however, after work I've been helping out at this...

It's exhausting, hot and loads of fun for one whole week. I'm in charge of the craft team and our numbers doubled since last year...116 kids so far and going up. We got a little short on crafts but we're working it out. I'm so drained by the end of the day, it's all I can do to pour a nice chilled glass of wine and stitch a bit in front of the tv before falling into bed.
So with that said, let's hope I can get some pics up like I keep promising to do. But I am having such a fun summer and I hope you are too...so till next time, yinz crazy guys!

What your mother taught you....

2011-06-28T09:19:00.000-04:00

I Owe My Mother!
1.My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when your father gets home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

...till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Holy Smoke...

2011-06-15T09:35:00.003-04:00

Wow...has it been since April that I posted last! That's not right! Just checking in to let everyone know I'm fine...busy having fun in the sun like everyone else I'm sure. I'm cross stithing,reading, crocheting and journaling....and going to the pool. Hopefully this weekend I'll post some pictures of my stuff and adventures.
So with that said...stay cool...have fun....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Spring finally...

2011-04-06T08:14:00.000-04:00

Well, it's finally Spring...and with that brings the energy to clean and file and so forth and so on. When the weather is dreary and cold, I can't figure out where the energy in me is going to come from to clean up and change decorations in the house....but then that first warm sunny day comes along and BAM, there it is and I literally can't stop! So that's what I've been doing. Been doing a little crafting in between too. I've been doing a little crocheting. This little cross from bedspread cotton is for a little girl far far away.

It's supposed to have a tassel and be a bookmark, but for her I think it will serve her better has something to hang which is why I put the little hook at the top. Did a couple of crochet shamrocks too. Never did get enough done to hand on my dowel tree....maybe by next March 17, I'll manage to get a few more in.

Then I was in the mood for a little journaling. Did a couple of pages while hubby was out of town just to keep myself busy. I also just like to draw whether it's good or not and play around with colors. Guess it goes back to my crayon and coloring book obsession as a kid. Having trouble getting some pics uploaded but I will.

Also did a Saturday afternoon cross stitching with some of my gal pals at a local Panera. Even tho there was nothing there to purchase other than food, I managed to fall in love with one of the ladies new battery operated LCD Ott lights and came home and purchased one on amazon myself. It is so lightweight and portable. Just hope the batteries last awhile. Well, that's what I've been up to. Tho I don't always comment on everyone's blog, I still love to read them and get inspired. Thanks for reading mine and hope I can do the same. Till next time yinz crazy guys.......

Is it March already??

2011-02-28T14:20:00.003-05:00

Well, Valentine's day is come and gone and finally Spring is a speck on the horizon...a little more sunny days and warmer weather. Backtracking a little bit, I did manage to have a wonderful Valentine's Day with Sweetie Man even if it was a week later. Made him his very very favorite chocolate pie (His mom's secret recipe). He loved it. Had to take a pic as this one turned out great...perfect meringue.

Then I secretly stitched this little saying for him, padded it and put a little backing on it for him to hang in his office cubicle...along with all the other stuff I stitched for him. They do tease him at work...I love it!!

Also, finished up a HOE swap and received this BEAUTIFUL needlecase from my partner. It actually is my first needlecase I ever owned. She added some petite needles (my favorite) and other goodies....how did she know I'm a lip gloss junkie???

This is what I stitched for my partner. She hasn't a clue who she is getting something from so I'm safe in showing this. Found the pattern on the Creative Poppy website. I love sites where I can just download and start stitching.

So, that's what's been keeping me busy. Finally getting to do some things for me without any deadlines to meet...it's great! Until the weather warms up, I'll be stitching inside in front of the tv with some occasionally treadmill breaks. So, till next time yinz crazy guys.........

Happy Valentines Day Blogland!!

2011-02-14T10:19:00.004-05:00

Ever since I made this dowel tree I keep finding things in multiples that I want to put on it. This time it's crochet hearts in pink and red. So many patterns of these on the web when I googled it...just picked an easy one and made a dozen.

Now I gotta find something to make for St. Patrick's day for my little tree. Easter stuff is already in the works.
So with that said.....
hope yinz guys all have a Sweet Day.....till next time, yinz crazy guys...

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???

2011-02-05T19:39:00.005-05:00

It's been a little crazy here in the burgh these past two weeks. As you saw in my last post, I decided to make Spirit Gloves. Well when we added my hubby making Steeler buttons, business BOOMED!!! EVERYONE went crazy. We literally could hardly keep up with all the orders. Here's a pic of just some of the buttons he designed on our Badge-A-Minit.
This is one box of the pom-poms I was up till midnight a few days making for the Spirit Gloves.
Today (Super Bowl Ever) even hubby got into making pom-poms with our nifty pom-pom maker. It's not easy finding the black and gold yarn either. It's fun but extremely exhausting. One day I was actually delivering gloves to someone at their job, and someone in a van could 't roll their window down fast enough to ask me where I got them. Unfortunately, I was for the most part making them to order as I couldn't get ahead of the game to make them to sell outright without orders. It's crazy!!!

So with that said, hubby and I are off to finish more Spirit Gloves for tomorrow at our church so....till next time, yinz crazy guys......GO STEELERS!!!!!

Steelers are goin' to the Super Bowl!!!!

2011-01-25T08:24:00.001-05:00

And in honor of this, I made some SPIRIT GLOVES! They are so much fun to wear! I know I'll have my pair on during the Super Bowl and you can have your pair on if you just visit my Etsy Shop at www.gfigure.etsy.com

There are a limited number available so don't delay...especially if you want them in time for February 6!!! So till next time, yinz crazy guys....GO STEELERS!!!

Long awaited post....

2011-01-23T14:33:00.003-05:00

I couldn't wait to show all this stuff but I had to wait till my niece's family received it all as I know she reads my blog. Her and I are the family crafter's and love to create stuff for each other as well as share crafts. I love it. The problem is is that I find something to make her or her family and then I keep finding things. (already working on the next holiday) This is the reason they didn't get any of their Christmas gifts till last week....I called them New Year's gifts. Please excuse my pictures....taken with the phone on my camera.

So without further adieu, let's get started.

First off, I stitched and framed two cross stitches for her adorable children....matching birth announcements. One for a boy and one for a girl. Stitched them on 28 ct. antique white monaco. The patterns are from The Cross Stitcher magazine, the February 2010 and the April 2010 issues. I learned how to frame using the pin and tap method, so that was part of the fun.

My niece loves penguins so I found these adorable penguin coasters on Ravelry made from crochet cotton. I varied the eye colors just for fun. These were super easy and fast to crochet.
I'm addicted to fingerless gloves and there are so many free patterns to google. I just picked one out and did it. So many styles too. I want to try all of them.
Made this hat for my niece's hubby. It's made from a supper soft alpaca blend I found at Michael's. I'm still a beginner knitter so this pattern is one I got from the internet awhile back from someone's blog....it's call one flat had on #10 straight needles. I knitted a few of these already. Basically start off with 68 stitches, 1 and 1/2 rib stitching then stockinette stitch till about 5 and 1/2 inches long. Then start decreasing every other row at each end till about 4 stitches left. Gather and sew seam. That's the pretty quick version from what I remember of the pattern....you may have to adjust here and there to fit. This hat is really nice looking and fast for even a beginning knitter like me.
The headwraps are another pattern that there are a million online free patterns and it's just a matter of what one you like. Ravelry has alot....and for those of you who haven't joined Ravelry (free to sign up)...you are definately missing out on alot of great free and pay for patterns by many talented people who contribute to it. I've found so much there. The gray one is for mommy and the white one is for baby. (I just basically used a smaller needle and cut down the stitches for the smaller one)
This is my head wrap. This is yet another pattern I found and I'm in the middle of making another one I found online. As I said there are a ton out there. Just "google" it. I like these cause they don't mess my hair up as in a whole hat but are very warm.
So that's about it for now. I'm trying to keep up on my promise to post my updates, finishes or not finishes once a week. So far so good....so till next time, yinz crazy guys...

Stayin warm and cozy...

2011-01-16T19:01:00.001-05:00

Yep, that's what I'm doin'...stayin' warm and cozy,craftin' and watching tv. (Okay, I do hit the treadmill every so often.....one day I may actually get on it instead of just hitting it.) Anyway, besides what I CAN'T show you cause it was shipped out on Saturday to the lucky recipients (and you know who you are....then again, maybe you don't) this is what I am working on.

At my last cross stitch get together (January was cancelled due to bad weather...bummer), it was the day before my birthday, the ladies coerced me to purchase one of the hearts done on 10 ct and stitch it. I spent the money of course and did it. I really like working on 28-32 ct anything, so this was a change for me. But I actually LIKE it. Learning lots of new types of stitches too.

These patterns are from Sekas & Co. All of the hearts are so adorable.

My second thing I'm working on is a mobius scarf. But instead of knitting or crocheting it, I decided to try the knifty knitter. Had to watch a few youtubes to remember how to use it, but it's coming back to me. Knifty knitter's are so easy and with using only one strand of woolease, it's coming out nice and lacy-like

I made myself a dowel tree a few years back and now that Christmas is over, I took off the cross stitch ornies and decided to replace them with crochet hearts in red, pink and white. Here are a couple of the pink ones. There are alot of patterns for crochet hearts online so I just picked one that was easy and quick.

That's about it for now. Have a couple of cross stitch patterns I'm going to start also, will show you the progress on those shortly. Just keeping my fingers busy and my mind occupied in hopes that the winter months will fly by...I'm not real fond of cold weather.

So with that said, hope everyone who is in the cold months, stay warm, and those who aren't...know that I'm jealous! Till next time yinz crazy guys.....

It's fun to learn different stitches and the thread is soooooo nice. I'm thinking of doing this into a pillow and maybe doing more of these hearts. They are quick to work up for sure.

More stuff...

2011-01-11T19:53:00.002-05:00

A few other things I forgot to show in my last post is this wooden tree I bought at Michaels for $5 right before Christmas. It was plain wood with holes already drilled in it. I painted it, added a little textured snow and a beaded garland and of course the lights in the holes. Nice for a cheap fun decoration. It stands about 2 feet tall.

I took off the beaded garland after Christmas and added white lights and decided to keep it up for another month or so.

We also started a prayer shawl ministry at our church. The lady in charge needed a blanket for a 9 year old boy in the hospital so I happened to have this fleece at home and crocheted around it in a deep blue. Perfect to cheer I little boy, don't ya think?
A friend of mine from my bible study group made about 13 sets of these for all of us for Christmas presents. How cool was that! She crocheted all the scarves and did the hats on the Knifty Knitter Loom. She did a great job and they are very warm.
With it snowing like crazy outside this evening, I'm really in the mood to get my fingers crafting. So till I'll show you some of the "secret" things I've been up to, it's off to craftland for me. Till next time, yinz crazy guys.... (GO STEELERS!)

2010-12-31T22:40:00.005-05:00

My Wish for

You in 2011

May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!

May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy

May the problems you had, forget your home address!

In simple words ..............

May 2011

be the best year

of your life!!!

Happy

New Year,

Yinz

Crazy Guys!

Lots of pics....

2010-12-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

First off...Merry Christmas to everyone in Blog-land!!! I have been crazy busy crafting and still am and finally am able to post some pics of what I've been making....now that some people of got some of them! (and the family whose hasn't knows who they are) Thought I'd start off with a pic of our Christmas tree. Alot of homemade ornies but not too good of a pic...just trust me, it's beautiful!

We had (are having) a great Christmas Holiday! I was actually still finishing up some gifts a couple hours before they were to be opened Christmas morning....I think I do some of my best work then. A couple of gifts were going to my stepdaughter and hubby in Germany. I made a glass block light present and a rag wreath with a matching small tree (tree not pictured) as well as some small stockings and a pillow (also not pictured) They luckily received them before Christmas which was a miracle and they loved everything...they wanted Christmas decorations for their new house.

This was the ornie that I swapped with over at the HOE exchange. It was the Lizzy Kate Snowman for this year. I stitched it on 32 count and made it into an ornament. My partner really liked it and actually said she was just about to stitch this piece.

My son and daughter-in-law got their share of homemade also. My son plays alot of World of Warcraft and he's always saying he has a "raid" he has to do (he's a Raid Leader in W.O.W.). So I made this simple painted t-shirt to match some pj bottoms I bought him. He really liked it.

Front....

and Back.....

Also crocheted this LOOOOOONG scarf for him and put the Alliance emblem from W.O.W. on it. (he liked this also but was intent on watching something on tv while I was taking the pic)

Bent Creek had this wonderful cross stitch wedding sampler that I couldn't resist. They both received that as a present for their apartment as they said they need things on their walls. I even framed it myself!

Check out this Harry Potter scarf I made my DIL. She loves Harry Potter and I found this on the Lion Brand site...there is a crochet one and a knit one. I made this much longer than it called for though so she could wrap it around....another gift well-enjoyed.

I cross stitched this Lizzie Kate for Hubby's office space. I love this saying....and I think I'm loving Lizzie Kate more and more. I just did a simple finish....sorta like a "pin and tap" without the frame.
And once again I was recruited into making 15 of my shelf ladies. I found a new technique on the Martha Stewart site that I applied to these and it worked out great. They are made from simple roof flashing that you can get at any hardward store. They are fun to make!

I made about four of these mustache/beard hats this year. My son saw them for sale online and asked me if I could make it. The patterns were no where to be found so I just studied the picture alot and came up with something very similar. They work up pretty quick. He wore it to the movies once and a stranger asked him where he got it. My son suggested I sell them in my Etsy store....I'm thinkin' about it...IF I can find the time!

So that's about it.....I turned 54 a few weeks ago and just love this picture I took of myself the morning of my birthday in the bathroom mirror when I woke up. It always makes me smile and reminds me that age is ONLY a number!

So, with that....I'm thinkin about making one of my resolutions to post more often.....so keep tabs on me with that one, ok?

Till next "year"....yinz crazy guys!!!

Could the season get any busier???

2010-12-17T22:17:00.003-05:00

I keep promising to post pictures of things I'm making but I been making so many gifts that with working full time and crafting there seems to be little time for blogging. I'm thinking of making one of my resolutions to blog AT LEAST once a week with all my projects. Some things I have to admit are gifts and cannot be pictured just yet....so that would be excuse #1. After the first of the year I'll be pretty much working on things for me so that will be good for you cause then you will get pics.
I've got a better laptop too but being that it's an Apple I'm still sorta learning about it. I did receive a really beautiful ornie in the HOE Exchange recently. It was "Christmas Eve" by The Sampler Girl. It was stitched over 1 on 28 ct linen with beading. It really is pretty, don't ya think?

So I'm off to finish a few more Christmas presents now. I've been taking pics of everything so sooner or later (hopefully sooner) I'll have a big slideshow....so stay tuned...
Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

I'm still here...

2010-10-27T12:38:00.003-04:00

Something about fall puts me in this intense crafting mood. I finally got some things I made and shipped out so I'll be able to post those shortly. In the mean time, check out this awesome Halloween Exchange I received from Ellen in Singapore!!!

The pinchusion is lovely and that particular design is one I had my eye on. I actually had to re-package some of the items as I already started using them. And she even sent me a thimble from Singapore to add to my already growing collection of them...I love it!!! Thanks again, Ellen.

I know this is a short post, but I'll leave you with this beautiful tho strange pic I took out of my bathroom window today. It was the sun rising and hitting the beautiful hills that surround us. The picture does not do it justice, sadly to say.
So, till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Love these Jib-Jabs...

2010-10-06T14:52:00.001-04:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I'm Craft Crazed!!!

2010-10-05T09:58:00.001-04:00

OMG...I have so many projects going and some need to be sent out. Hopefully will have alot of crafty pics to post this coming weekend. Stay tuned, you crazy guys!!

Unique sentences....

2010-09-13T15:59:00.000-04:00

Just had to share these....

Ø I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Ø Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Ø I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
Ø Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Ø The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list.
Ø Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Ø If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
Ø We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
Ø War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Ø Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Ø Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
Ø How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Ø Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Ø Dolphins are so smart that within a week of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
Ø I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
Ø A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
Ø Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "In an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."
Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Ø Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Ø Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Ø You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
Ø Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Ø Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
Ø There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.
Ø I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
Ø I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Ø To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
Ø Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Ø Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
Ø If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Till next time, yinz crazy guys!

If you ever wanted to know...

2010-09-09T09:36:00.003-04:00

If you were ever curious why I smile so much....here is a sample of Sweetie Man's sense of humor...(keep in mind he did not make these up but it is SO him)....

1. The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

9. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

10. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

11. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a
head.'

12. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

13. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

14. A backward poet writes inverse.

15. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

16. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris , you'd be in Seine .

17. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm
sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'

18. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says 'Dam!'

19. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving
once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

20. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies,
'Yes, I'm positive.'

21. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental
medication.

22. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make
them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Till next time, yinz crazy puns!!!

What was I thinking....

2010-08-26T08:29:00.000-04:00

Just bought this pattern in cross stitch....for $2.99....this may have to be part of my "bucket list" if you know what I mean.

It is absolutely awesome and is like 9 pages long and really looks authentic but WOW, what a project. My rule is tho, cross stitching is actually 2 separate hobbies....the actually act of cross stitching and collecting the patterns for the cross stitching. Now I don't feel so guilty buying something I may never do.

Next is a little finish. I loved this pattern and it really was quick to work up. Now the question is how to finish it. May just tack it onto some foam board with a nice backing and ribbon and decorative pin trim. Sweetie Man wants it for his little cubicle at work....hook, line, sinker....DONE!

So with those little tidbits for you, I'm off to my daily duties...till next time, yinz crazy guys!

A finish and surprises...

2010-08-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

Trying to do a little better job of posting plus I was super excited to get this finished. It was a gift for our Youth Pastor at our church....belated birthday present. Did my own pin and tap framing too.

The pattern is from http://www.joyfulexpressions.us/ and is a freebie. There is a Spanish version also for $4.00 that I'm going to attempt in shades of blue. (Sweetie Man is fluent in Spanish) I did this one with Crescent Colors..specifically Ruby Slippers. The pattern on the site shows various DMC reds. I don't usually work on aida but this is 16ct and fit nicely in the 10 X 14 frame.
Below is a picture of Pastor Donna getting it. Her FAVORITE color is RED. I think she liked it, don't you?

Next is an BEAUTIFUL cross stitched box I recieved from Aubree in a "For The Birds" Exchange with the HOE group. The picture does not do it justice. I was so excited to recieve this. Those ladies in that group are fabulous stitchers to say the least.

The inside was just as beautiful inside with a lovely set of pins which I use all the time for counting stitches and squares. Thank you so much for this lovely exchange, Aubree.

A couple of swap bot exchanges I received. This is the CUTE Strawberry Dotee I received on Swap-Bot. I've got to get my butt in gear and finish mine to send next week...I'm so last minute.

This was the Denim and Lace Dotte Cutie I received on Swap-Bot. I'm in such a dotee mood lately. Just love this little dolls!

Well, that's about it. Playing nurse this weekend as Sweetie Man has a bit of a viral infection, but he's under doctor's care and I think he'll be just fine. I'm confining him to bed for most of the weekend so that means more stitching time for me as I tend to the sick......so till next time, yinz crazy guys!

Summer fun and crafts...

2010-08-08T16:46:00.005-04:00

I love LOVE summer....there is always something to do and somewhere to go and I think this summer we took advantage of it all including crafting when the days are just way too hot to be outside. I have alot to catch up on, so let's get started....
First off is this cross stitch I did for my son's birthday of their dog Reese. You always look at a cross stitch thinking it won't take long, right? Wrong...I did manage to get it done as a little something extra for his birthday. I even framed it myself...of that I was proud.

Feelin' a little dotee fever so I got into a few swaps....this one is the denim and lace dotee. I love denim so she was definitely fun.

This was a "For the Birds Exchange"...I got the pictures backwards..sorry 'bout that. This is actually the inside of my first Altoid tin. I so wanted to keep this for myself. I love the way it turned it. You would never know that is what it was. I added a beaded scissor fob and a needle holder magnet made from a ceramic button.

This is the top of the piece....I just had to have a bird somewhere on it. I even tea-dyed this fabric myself with some Salada tea bags. Looked awesome.

Of course, there were the vacations away. Arkansas was our big one. That was my first time there. Other than the fact that is was sooooo hot, it was a GREAT trip visiting relatives. (gotta find those pics for my next post)
Second one, was our annual trip to Michigan for the 4th of July. This was a cool pic I took with my phone of the campfire through my wine glass.

The little cutie in the highchair is Sweetie Man's newest grandson and my step grandson. He grew so much since the last time we saw him. The little blonde cutie was a visitor that was being babysat for a few days. We had so much fun with them.

Sweetie Man with his grandson!

I also got in a scrapbook sorta mood and made a couple of pages. I'm currently working on more but here is what I have so far. First was a visit to a church turned restuarant/bewery.

Second, was just some fun we had a few weekends ago in the park...just Sweetie Man and I.

Also had some fun with our friends at a pool party they had in July. It was a HOT day so this was sooooo perfect. Sweetie Man had fun relaxing with his noodles!

I'm not a fan of deep water, so I made sure I was sufficiently tubed and noodled!!

So, that's about it for now. The Summer isn't over yet....still have more fun to have and more crafts and stitches to do. I'll do my best not to wait so long next time, so don't go too far away. Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Holy Smoke...

2010-07-27T08:34:00.000-04:00

...the summer is flying and I've been crafting but I haven't posted anything. Between vacations and fun on the weekends with Sweetie Man who has time to blog.....I really need to sit down and give you some updates. Been doing mostly cross stitch but I've also thrown in a little scrapbooking and recently some dotee dolls. So don't give up on me...I'm here, I'm alive and just having a fun summer!
Hope yinz guys are too...stay tuned...till next time!

A tribute to Hobby Lobby...

2010-06-27T19:07:00.002-04:00

Like everyone else I too have joined the forces keeping me from blogging as much as usual....lazily sitting on the porch, reading and sipping wine on a cool summer night has beat out sitting in front of the computer. I really had nothing to blog about (since cross stitches I'm working on cannot be shown at this point due to "spying eyes") until a friend of mine sent me this from a blog she read. She said she thought of me, and rightly so, as I will be visiting for the second time this year the legendary HOBBY LOBBY of which I can only do so on vacations. So with that said....(and for the record, this brought a tear to my eye....) enjoy this little tribute to my favorite store....(aka, the Disney World of crafters...thank you, Nancy, for sending me this....now I know I'm no alone in the world when it comes to H.L.)

Hobby Lobby

Posted: 25 Jun 2010 04:58 AM PDT

Dear Hobby Lobby,
I really don’t even know where to start.
You are the bedazzled apple of my eye.
You are like a giant crock pot full of crafty goodness.
You are the Chick-fil-A of department stores.
To put it bluntly, if you were a person, you would be Beth Moore.
Every time I read Exodus and see verses about the building of the ark, I think of you. I like to add the phrase “from Hobby Lobby” to verses in the same way people add words to the end of fortune cookies at Chinese restaurants. For example, “All the skilled men among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn … from Hobby Lobby.”
Your coupons are legendary. I won’t call Michael’s a punk or Jo-Ann from the fabric store a hussy, and even shop both those stores often, but ultimately my heart beats true for you and your coupons. Do you rock 10% off or 20% or maybe even 30%? No, you know that’s not enough. You know we need more and you generously share 40% coupons every other week. You always give and never take away.
Your selection is so complete too. You have it all. From stamps shaped like wintery Christmas scenes to yarns as soft as Falcor’s fur in the Neverending Story, there is no shortage of awesome in your aisles. If my husband Jon hadn’t overused the Scrooge McDuck analogy I would tell you that I want to swim around in the rolls of fabrics like Scrooge McDuck.
And you’re not shy about your faith. You’re closed on Sunday and your stated, shared publically mission is to honor “the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.”
And you do, you do! Imagine how much less glittery Vacation Bible School would be without you. Imagine how few popsicle stick designed Noah’s arks this world would have without you. Imagine how few homes would have cross stitch “As for me and my house” verses in their foyers without you.
Sometimes I dream that you and etsy.com become the official sponsors of Stuff Christians Like. And Jon says to me, “Hobby Lobby paid us in fabric and knitting needles this month. The garage is full, do you want it?”
The answer is yes Hobby Lobby, yes I do.
Forever crafting. Forever yours.
Jenny Acuff

Car Show Fun

2010-05-24T08:06:00.003-04:00

Every year my church has a car show combined with an outdoor service. Five years in a row everyone's prayed for nice weather and five years it's been beautiful. We have a blast and yesterday's car show was no exception. It's all free and we manage to feed anywhere from 500 to 1000 people all free with food donated and made by the church members. It's truly a miracle just like the loaves and fishes.
Sweetie Man and I have a tent of our own called Ed's Hot Zone. He makes HOT HOT HOT guacamole and salsa and I make hot jalepeno brownies. (yep, I said Hot as in SPICY....email me if you want the recipe) Anyway it's a blast and here are some pics to prove it.
First is the man himself...HOT ZONE ED!!! (what a cutie-pie!!)

Mr. and Mrs. Hot Zone Ed!!!

I made this sign which sits in front of our tent. Everyone says they hope we show up as they love the stuff we make.
This picture is really great. It's "LUCY" the scooter. The story behind this is that it was lime green and sitting in out back yard for sometime...make that years. Its was bought with good intentions....let's just leave it at that. We know how much our Pastor loves to use props for his sermons so we donated it to the church as it was useless to us after all these years. He in turn asked if anyone would like to fix it up. My good friend, Keri, and her husband, Frank, jumped at the chance and low and behold....Keri drove "LUCY" to the car show. She's a sleek black with butterflies on her...and better yet....she won a prize and was even part of the car show sermon our Pastor gave. Thanks, Frank and Keri,....she's a beauty!!

This is our church band getting ready for the service. They call themselves "misfits from The River"....but they really are AWESOME and a blast to listen too. They play very modern Christian music from today's top artists and sometimes even write their own.
I was about to take a pic of the cars but my zany lady friends insisted that they be included...gotta love 'em crazy church ladies. The purple shirts by the way say, "I Don't Go To Church" on the front....and the back says "....I AM the Church". We usually wear these on our Church Without Walls Weekends when we go out into the community and work.
Today I'm a bit tired from helping Sweetie Man with all the preparations...as I'm sure all the church members who helped prepare for this awesome day in the life of our church. I'm so proud to call them my church family.....the most loving, caring, God fearing people I could every know....Thanks for a great day everyone.....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

A Stitchy Weekend....

2010-05-18T16:53:00.006-04:00

Spent the past weekend stitching with a group of wonderful ladies at the Turtle Bay Lodge in Tionesta PA. Thought I would share with you some pics of this beautiful get-a-way....

I'm a porch-a-holic....this one was awesome!!!

Some views of the rooms we stayed in...one with a jacuzzi.

The living room and kitchen were crazy huge!!!

The outside was gorgeous....and there were turtles across the river....tons of them sunning themselves.

And I can't forget the great ladies I spent the weekend with. Sorry about the blurry pics...we were all laughing so hard and got really giddy when it got late, the camera probably didn't stay as still as it should have. (that's me on the left end...laughing, of course)

Needless to say it was a great weekend and a well needed rest. The food was great as we all brought stuff in and the company was tremendous. It is so great to be around like-minded people. Friends who enjoy your passion as you do....sometimes the silence was so beautiful when all you would hear were the needles going in and out of the fabric...that sound was as sweet as birds singing. Other times we would laugh so hard that the tears would start flowing.

That was my weekend and that's about it for now....my stitching is calling.....so till next time, yinz guys....

A NEW BABY!!!

2010-05-11T12:36:00.001-04:00

On Mother's Day, my niece, her hubby and their little son welcomed baby Maddi to their family. This little bundle of joy came into this world at 10 lbs. 5 oz. (and my niece is small) Needless to say, we are so happy for them and I'm so excited to meet my great niece...

Her big brother, Owen, was so gentle with her it brought tears to my eyes watching the videos they posted.
On the crafting end, this was an altered doll swap I did. My partner was into vampire books so I had to make my blue-eye, blonde hair Barbie into this Sookie Stackhouse wanna-be. At least that is what my partner said it reminded her of. She was really fun to make

Used lots of gesso and paints and just kept adding to her as I went along with no plans in mind. I was really pleased with my results. For a person who doesn't think she is too creative, I don't think I did half bad.
Well, that's it for now....been in a cross stitch mood lately. Laying low on swaps for now. So, till next time, yinz guys.......

My Art Journal...

2010-04-30T12:38:00.000-04:00

...this is my first art journal. It was a 30 day theme journal that I finally finished for a swap and sent out. It's full of experiments and mistakes but I did learn alot from it. Alot of my inspiration came from Artist Teesha Moore. I have to keep practicing tho as I really would like to doodle more as she does. Just the same, enjoy the pics...and till next time, yinz crazy guys...

Etsy...

2010-04-27T12:36:00.003-04:00

In case you haven't noticed, I've added some new items to my Etsy shop. A good friend of mine is into handcrafted jewelry from guitar strings and pieces along with some really cool beads. Check it out. I'm sure he'll be adding more to this as well as take special orders and sizes. Thanks for looking...
Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Universal Truths....

2010-04-22T09:53:00.001-04:00

1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

2. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

3. There is great need for a sarcasm font

4. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

5. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

6. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

7. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

8. Bad decisions make good stories.

9. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work
when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

10. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I
don't want to have to restart my collection..again.

11. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to
voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

12. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or
Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay

13. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and
suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it

14. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

15. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

16. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

17. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod
and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up
to prevent an ass from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters

19. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

20. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are
going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

21. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car
keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the
Donkey - but I'd bet my behind everyone can find and push the snooze
button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time,
every time! YEP that's me! I love my snooze button

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T21:59:00.001-04:00

Didn't want to forget my Blogger Buddies and wishing you all a very Blessed Easter! As my gift to you, please take a minute and watch a little video from one my favorite internationally-known Pastors (next to my own of course), Authors and Teachers, Rob Bell, on the Resurrection....it's fast and powerful!!! Enjoy!
P.S. This is the same Rob Bell we met last year for Easter in Michigan!

https://www.robbell.com/resurrection/

Art Journals...

2010-03-26T21:35:00.001-04:00

I know I haven't posted for about a month....but doggone it....Spring has SPRUNG!!! It's really difficult not to want to do things outside and enjoy the beautiful warm air. I also have an important swap to finish...that I may have to mail my partner and tell her it may be a little late cause I got so caught up in it....sorta one of my temporary passions. I'm a sorta flip-flop crafter and jump from one subject to another. (tho I do have some standard do all the time crafts) I really enjoy researching the current craft I'm working on also and this one is just awesome. Though all crafts are stress busters to me, this one in particular really takes the "cake". Art Journals are just about the best stress reliever I've done so far. It combines journaling and art...the kind of art you did as a kid...the kind that made you smile and glad it was time for art class. I started off doing my journal not really feeling it until I discovered the art and tutorials on journaling of mix/media artist, TEESHA MOORE. OMG...I'm hooked. This particular art really brings out creativity (which I always said that I'm not creative, I can just follow a pattern really good). It also is a inexpensive no-brainer...you can use just about anything to journal with...old magazines, crayons, paint, stickers, water colors, pencils, pens...and most important, a notebook. You can talk about your day or do a theme. Great to do with the kids or grandkids. The best part is is that anything goes...nothing is wrong or messed up. My swap is a 31 day theme...unfortunately I got in the swing of things about 12 days into the 31 so I have some catching up to do to finish it. Sweetie Man doesn't want me to part with this journal but sadly I must...I do plan on finding a way to make a copy for my own use. We've recently been through a little difficult period here in the 'burgh and art journaling has really REALLY helped.

Below are a few pages I've done with the help of the Teesha Moore Tutorials. Hope you enjoy them and I'll definately post more. (remember if you click on the pic, you can get a nice close up)

Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

A must see for Dog Lovers....

2010-02-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Altered Art....

2010-02-23T20:30:00.003-05:00

For some reason I getting into this altered art kick so you may start seeing some glimpses of things in between the regular crochet and cross stitch stuff. This first one is an altered paper doll I had to actually make then dress with velcro clothes. I really liked her.

These aren't altered but they are some dotees I received. The first is a St. Pat's Dotee, the second is the I love (blank) Dotee and in this case my swap partner loved pink. And the last one is another Mermaid Dotee.

I just love seeing everyone's ideas of things from different places and countries.

Next, been in a crocheting mood so I made Sweetie Man a Ear Flap Hat and some Fingerless Gloves. So many free patterns on the internet for both of these items.

This was the hat I made for myself.

I started an altered art journal with things and pages that I was feeling at any given moment. Here are a couple of pages I started.

And I'll end my post today with the mother of all icicles that I've seen so far. Needless to say I did not venture anywhere near this one.....
So till next time, yinz crazy guys........

Happy Valentine's Day, yinz guys!!

2010-02-14T17:39:00.002-05:00

...sorry, I couldn't resist showing this pic...don't worry, it's not me!!! (and nor will it ever be me!) Happy Valentine's Day!!

In case you're wondering...

2010-02-07T17:05:00.005-05:00

...where I've been....I've been right here crafting my little fingers off. Alot of pics to show you, so sit back relax and enjoy...
First off, I've been trying my hand at a prayer shawl. Ran out of yarn so I need to get more but the pattern is the half moon shawl pattern on the Lion Brand site. I thing it's turning out really pretty. Done with a N hook so it works up fast using worsted weight yarn.
Second pic, is a cross stitch I've been working on. I started it awhile back and put it away then just recently pulled it. It's a Mastif and I think it is turning out wonderful.

This little fella is a snowman my neice found for me....he/she is knitting. Isn't it adorable???

I'm in a paper doll swap on swapbot and this is the one I received. Can't show you the one I sent quite yet but on this one, all her clothes were attached with ribbons and the hair is so cute and feathery.

Still doing my dotees and this one is one I received for a mermaid dotee swap. I just love her. You can tell alot of work was put into her!

My niece made these adorable butterfly towels for me but I really think that in the Spring I'm going to lay them out as table runners. I love them. The picture doesn't show how colorful the butterflies really are.

My niece, the crafter, did this awesome bracelet for me in a little swap we did between the two of us. I love bracelets with lots of beads and she does jewelry so well that I couldn't wait to see what she had made me.

Sweetie man was the lucky receiver of these SO cool painted peppers my niece made for our Christmas tree. She said the idea was from the Martha Stewart site. I fell in love with them! What a great idea!

I also did a I (heart) ______dotee swap. Of course, since I love crafts, that was my theme. Does she scream crafts or what. I even put a little ball of yarn and needles on her head for a hat (Sweetie Man's idea).

These were the mermaid dotees I made for the swap. I made one and then saw I was supposed to make two for two partners. Didn't turn out too bad, eh??? Check out the shell bikini tops!

I made this for my niece's family. It's a needlepunch penquin. This is almost as much fun as cross stitching.

Pulled out the old quilt that I never finished quilting. With all the dogs gone but two, I thought it would be safe...

This was the swap item that I gave my niece in exchange for the bracelet. Two tea bag cozies so she can carry her tea in her purse. Learned how to do this in a swap recently.

Had to make something for my great nephew and since he is so into dinosaurs I crocheted this Triceratops for him. Not too many patterns out there. I'm surprised he could make it out...at first he did think it was a Christmas tree tho.

While digging through my craft stash, I actually found this T-rex pattern I bought and cut out a long long time ago but never sewed together. Had to make it for my dino-crazy great nephew. It turned out great!

Last but not least, I made this one up myself. Sweetie man wanted me to make a wine bottle cover that had a rooster theme. I put some different patterns together and came up with this. It was a Christmas gift for friends of ours...they loved it!

And this, my friends, is the reason I've been crafting so much. 25 inches of snow in PA this past weekend.....well, I didn't do all my crafting this weekend, but it certainly helps to be stuck in the house.

And that's about it....I'll end with a picture of Sweetie Man with his buddy Eros. Took this a few weekends ago before he went out to travel and got stuck in another state due to all the snow....can't wait till he gets home!

Till next time, yinz crazy guys...................

Some New Year updates...

2010-01-06T21:14:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a great New Year and is off to a crafty start like me. These Winter days really put me in a crafting mood so I'll show you a little bit of what I accomplished so far.
First I have to show you this hilarious pic of turtles. We gave our turtle to a friend of mine who already had a turtle and she was kind enough to send me this pic of the two together. Ours is the big one on the bottom.

Is it just me or should there be a cartoon bubble coming out of the bottom one's mouth with something like, "Whadda you lookin at?" or something like that. She just looks so annoyed that this younger turtle insists on climbing onto her shell. I just love it.
Okay...to the good stuff. Made this wine bottle cover from a pattern I happened to find online. I stupidly did not check my gauge and it was a little big but still cute for a fun wrapper for the wine.

I also knitted two hats for Christmas gifts with a basic #10 needles and bulky yarn. It ended up being flat of course with a nice ribbed brim and you just sewed it up the side. For a beginner knitter like me, it was perfect and still looked like I knew what I was doing. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pics of them. I think I'm going to make another, so I'll be sure and photo it.
Next I finally did a finish for this cross stitch I did awhile ago. I thought the flat fold turned out great and my sister loved it. She's a bit of a Wizard of Oz fan.

Finally had to show Sweetie Man with his new Christmas present...a Cuisinart Vertical Rotesserie. That's a deer roast in there which turned out superb!!

That's about it for now. Working on a few things I'll have to show you once certain people get their presents, so till then, stay warm and keep crafting. Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

HAPPY NEW YEAR, YINZ GUYS!!

2010-01-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T08:53:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends! May you have a wonderful time with family and friends, may you get all the stitching gifts you asked for.....and most important, may you never ever forget the REASON for the SEASON!
God Bless....yinz guys!

Finally a working camera...

2009-12-15T18:07:00.006-05:00

I'm here....just couldn't get the darn pics uploaded from the camera. I finally did so now sit back and enjoy cause I got lots to show you.
First off is our precious new grandson (my step-grandson) with his bib that I cross stitched for him. Isn't he absolutely adorable?

Next it was my great nephew's 2nd birthday and being as he loves trucks soooooooo much I had to make one of this blankets...this material was just calling his name!

I also cross stitched this card cute card for him also. Not that he knows it's hand stitched....but his mom liked it!

I was so bummed as I mis-placed our 50+ year old manger scene. It's somewhere in this house but with the kids moving in then out, it got put elsewhere. So I came up with this quickie one made of glass blocks and manger scene silhouettes from sticky paper. Saw this on the web somewhere and thought it was very clever. I did it in an evening.

My LNS owner had a Christmas Party at her house for a few of the gals who go to her Wednesday night stitching group. I decided to whip this up from the 2009 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Magazine for her tree. So easy!

I was in an ornament exchange and this is the ornament I sent. It's the second time I made it and it's from a very old magazine from the 80's. I just love it even tho it takes forever to make.

Did I tell you it was my birthday last Wednesday (9th)? I had a dear friend of mine bake me a cake which I took to my stitching group that night. Check out the needle and thread. It was sooooooo delicious!!

And this is the awesome ornament (3 sided) that I received in the ornament exchange. The pictures don't do it justice....incredible stitching!!!

Well, that's it for now. Back to more cross stitching and crocheting for Christmas. I love this time of year for crafting. I wish I would start earlier (like January) doing this for the holidays so everyone I know could have something homemade from me....but yinz guys know how that goes. Till next time....

I'm here....

2009-12-07T12:37:00.003-05:00

Been busy stitching and stitching and stitching! Plus my son and DIL moved into their own place so that left me with getting our house back in order for the holidays. I'm finally caught up for the most part and plan on posting some stitching pics, but till then, enjoy this little reminder for the busy holiday traffic out there on the open road.....

Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2009-11-26T00:34:00.000-05:00

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, YINZ GUYS!!!

A Recipe for Turkey....

2009-11-25T09:52:00.002-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING..........Here is a recipe I thought you would like for the holidays

Ingredients: 1 whole turkey

1 large lemon, cut into halve

salt and pepper to taste

butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Rub butter or oil over the skin of the turkey until it is completely coated.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you prefer.

Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat;
Slide lemon halves under the skin with the peel side up, one on
each side. This way the juice from the lemon will release into the breasts.
Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes.

Remove cover and continue to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes.
If you've followed these steps correctly, your turkey should
look like the one in the picture.Bon Appetit!

As you prepare your pies.....

2009-11-23T09:40:00.004-05:00

Been sorta hectic in the Folk-n-Fancy household with two down with the flu last week in my family and one turning into pneumonia. Unfortunately the two with the illness were my son and DIL who were supposed to be moving into their new apartment this past weekend. Needless to say, with help they got moved in about 2/3 and I'm itching to clean up after the moving mess. So while patiently waiting I have been stitching (no pics yet I'm afraid). So while YOU patiently wait and prepare those delicious pies, I thought I would just give you a little reminder of exactly how those pumpkin pies are REALLY made.....ENJOY, YINZ GUYS!

Monday Night Football....

2009-11-09T08:07:00.000-05:00

Being it's a Steeler Monday Night Football night for us Steeler Fans, thought I would give yinz guys a little treat with the Steeler Dotee I put together for a swap.
Dotees really push me to be creative as I don't think much on them just start with some material and keep adding. I'm great at following patterns but not at making things up if you know what I mean.
Okay...that's it for now....back to regular scheduled programming yinz guys...till next time! GO STEELERS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OWEN!!!

2009-11-04T15:30:00.003-05:00

Just gotta say a great big shout out Happy Birthday to my great nephew, Owen, who turns two today!!! Tho the family lives in Chicago and we are in the 'burgh, my wonderful niece manages to keep us updated regularly on her blog with videos and pics.....it is so awesome!!!
So, here's to you little guy.....when life gets me down and I take things for granted, just thinking about you enjoying and laughing at all the little things in life like funny songs and running through leaves and watching big trucks go by, brings me back to earth! You are truly a gift to us all!!! We love ya, buddy!!! Have an awesome day!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T08:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween yinz guys! Had to post this pic of my son in his halloween costume...do you believe this???

It's a little Rocker...my son is actually 6 ft tall.
He and DIL went on a Halloween Cruise on the River last night. She dressed as a student from Harry Potter. Last year they were Adam and Eve....that was funny!
Anyway...like everyone I'm battling the tazmanian poopies...AKA bad head cold. I think I'm on the last leg of it cause at least my nose is not tickling and maybe I can at least get back to stitching. Had to stop for a day due to constant sneezing...UGH!
Anyway, wanted to show you a couple of pics of the Stitch Fest I attended a few weeks ago.

This is like the highlight of our stitching group when our LNS holds this at a local country club. All day stitching and buying goodies with a great lunch and loads of freebies. I even was able to sell some of my ort catchers....tho the money went back into buying stuff.
Oh, well, gonna relax a bit more today and hopefully I'll be back to almost normal tomorrow. Sweetie Man is spoiling me cause I'm sick (I secretly love it!)....so till next time, yinz crazy guys!!!

I love Maxine!!!

2009-10-14T11:18:00.001-04:00

HAPPY FALL, YINZ GUYS!!!

Some updates...

2009-10-04T19:48:00.003-04:00

Fall is here and so is my favorite time of year to sit in the house, watch some football or a favorite TV show and craft. Could be the reason I haven't been blogging as much....cause I've been crafting. Anyway, I finally finished one of the "Just Another Button Teapots". I've done the teacup for February which I posted awhile back. The whole year of Teapots and Cups in this series is definately on my "to do" list. I just love the colors.

Still need to add the buttons to this one. Not sure how I'm going to finish it, but I'll worry about that later.
Next off I was in a swap in the HOE group and received this beautiful needleroll from Holland, along with the little pumpkin candles and leaves and a special treat of the fall cross stitch pattern minis.
The needleroll is fabulous, isn't it?

Next swap was on Swap Bot with Frankenstein Dotees. This cutie is the one I received. Love the stitched face!

This one is the one I sent. The screws on the side of the head are my favorite.
The "boo" buttons of course were not backwards...it's a camera thing!

And last but not least....I crocheted this little blanket for a special little fellow who we will be meeting for the first time this coming weekend...shhhhh...it's a surprise!
I love the hood on these baby blankets.

Well, I got another football game to watch in about a 1/2 hour so I'm off to more stitching! So, till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Welcome Carson Edward....

2009-09-22T08:41:00.002-04:00

An adorable little man came into our world yesterday....my new step-grandson....CARSON EDWARD! Sweetie Man is poetic so enjoy the little poem below that he wrote to his new grandson!

Till next time, yinz crazy guys!!! (PS...unfortunately for you crafters, I didn't make the hat...but I wish I had...it's really cute!)

Preview of things to come....

2009-09-13T16:40:00.006-04:00

What are these, you ask? They are mini ort catchers. Someone in my cross stitch group had one and I couldn't find it online so I measured hers and made one of my own. One turned into two, into three.....and next thing you know, my LNS wanted to sell them. I started off with only nine but I am anxious to try different combos with all the fabric scraps I have. They measure about 3 X 5 on the base and have a pincushion and a little detachable bag. I'm hoping to sell them on my etsy shop soon.....I'll let you know so keep an eye out if you are interested.

And did anyone get these yet???? OMG...this is the highlight of my cross stitch year....I love these mags when they come out. I liked last year's Halloween one better as it had more things my style, but the Christmas one is fantabulous!!!

I did start a large cross stitch project I pictured in a past post but I'm putting that one aside for some upcoming things I have to get done. First off is this one I'm sure you've all seen. It's going to be for my sister who likes the Wizard of Oz (actually the dog Toto) but I thought this would be fun for her to put in her office. I think I'm going to make it into a flat fold.

I've never done a needleroll but am starting this autumn one. The pattern didn't call for it to be a needleroll but that's what I'm going to make it into. The stitching is one over one on 32 count...OUCH!!! That's tiny for me! I'll keep you updated on this progress.

I was in a swap for polymer clay that could only be around one inch. I decided to make some charms and this is what I came up with. It's was fun....I love playing with that stuff.

And lastly...I think I've been possessed by Julie Childs. I've been wanting to bake and cook. Tho hubby loves to cook, he is so enjoying this new me. Thought I would show you one of my desserts. Very simple yet delicious. Angel Food cake with Cool Whip and strawberries in the middle and all around. It was so good! I also discovered the Kraft Food website. Wow....it is so for people like me who don't really enjoy cooking but would like to, if that makes any sense. The best one is the 1 in 5 meals....one bag of groceries gives you five meals. I'm trying that this week. Very simple if you want good meals but don't have the time to make them...(cause you're crafting).

So, I think I fed you enough for today. Hope you enjoy your day and rest of the week. Fall is not necessarily my favorite season, but boy to I get energetic this time of year! So, off I go, yinz guys...till next time!

Never forget....

2009-09-11T10:50:00.002-04:00

Good Maxine!

2009-09-02T11:41:00.004-04:00

I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS ONE, RIGHT OVER MY BED!!!!

Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Where has the time gone...

2009-08-22T19:13:00.005-04:00

I actually don't think it's just me, but I personally haven't seen alot of blogging going around with the summer months and all. I've been crafting away but not blogging away. I've really been in a cross stitch mood and have been working on something special for someone

I'll just keep showing you the progress and hope this person(s) don't peek. Next are some swaps I've received recently in Swap-bot. First off is the Tin-Man Dotee I received for the Wizard of Oz swap. The picture doesn't do it justice as the material was really nice and silvery.

Here is the one I received for Alice in the Alice in Wonderland Dotee Swap. Love the hair!
Can't forget the Queen of Hearts Dotee in the Alice and Wonderland Swap. I think this face is awesome.
I just love to see everyone's take on the dotee swaps. It is so much fun to get a package. This next cross stitch is in the HoE Exchange and the theme was Summer House Exchange. I love american flags on things so this was a perfect pinkeep for me.
Well that's about it on my update. Just came back from a short vacation to Michigan to visit my step-daughter who is due to have her baby boy in about a month. Here are a couple pics to show off my two step daughters, step son and step son-in-law (in the cute cowboy hat) along with Sweetie man and me.
And we can't forget the little guy who will be joining us in just about a month.....

So, till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Happy Birthday, DIL!!

2009-08-12T13:30:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY TO MY AWESOME DIL, JENN!!!

She is the best DIL any MIL could ever have (especially to put up with my wacky son...just kidding!) She is beautiful, talented, smart and she definately keeps my son in line...something I never could do! I love ya, Jenn...hope you have a GREAT FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY and don't let your husband do to you what his friends did to him on his 21st....and you know what I'm talking about!
Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

TA-DA!!!!! ETSY IS HERE!

2009-08-02T22:01:00.006-04:00

Haven't been blogging the last week cause I've been working in my SHOP.....that's right....it's finally open....THE FOLK-N-FANCY ETSY SHOP! It's just getting started and I'll be adding as I create. (don't worry I'll let you know when I add!) I have loads of things going on in my head and up my sleeve, so stay tuned and enjoy.

Also, just so you don't think I haven't been crafting, here are some pics of some swap items that have been floating around in the U.S. postal system....
This first one is a tea caddy I made for a swap in swap-bot. I liked this way more than I thought and may have to make up a few for the Etsy Shop.

This is the outside. It would work also for a little credit card holder or even business cards.
Next is a Summer House Exchange over at the HoE group. I love making flat folds so this was bound to be one of those. It's from an old Cross Country Stitcher Magazine (Spring 2004) and is stitched on 28 count evenweaver over two.

And yes, I'm still in love with Dotees!!! This one is the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. The face is a polymer clay mold then painted. I thought it was perfect for her. I made her crown out of aluminum foil.

This one is the tin man from the Wizard of Oz. The material is a silver lame and the face is metal flashing I just cut out and punched holes in to sew to the body. I don't think I took a really good picture of him cause he was adorable.

With that said, I'm off to bed. Had a nice long weekend with an extra day off which gave me time to work on my Etsy Shop. Now it's off to a new work week.....so, till next time yinz crazy guys....

JAMBO!!!

2009-07-23T08:44:00.003-04:00

...THAT'S 'HELLO' IN SWAHILI! Something I learned at the Vacation Bible School at our church this week! Which is why I've been MIA!

It's the first one we've ever had and it's going wonderfully! 60+ kids! Oh, and guess who is in charge of crafts??? Yep...me! It's fun and I have alot of helpers....I'm not an incharge person so it's safe to say we work as a team and have a blast every night with the kids. Everything is animal themed of course, even the snacks. Most of it was from Oriental Trading and is foam (NOT THE SNACKS, SILLY)...animal necklaces, animal bookmarkers, animal magnets. Tonight will be visors with names and maybe stickers and tomorrow will be animal frames with their pictures in them. I discovered the value of glue dots also. I told one little girl that when people sneeze, they can save the contents (boogies) and put them in an envelope to send to the glue factory to make the glue dots....come on....you know that's funny!!! (don't worry, she knew it wasn't true!)
Needless to say, my Etsy Shop won't have it's Grand Opening now till next week and my crafts have been laid aside for the week. Luckily I'm doing some at church so I'm not in craft/stitching withdrawal yet.
So, yinz guys, hope ya don't miss me too much and I'll be back next week! So, till next time.....JAMBO!!!

Sitting pretty....

2009-07-07T22:59:00.003-04:00

....how cute is this!!! This is my great nephew Owen as a Sitting Pretty Figure. He's holding a button truck by the way...trucks are his favorite thing in the world. You can even make your pet with this technique....I may have to make his pet cats next. My niece sent me the MARTHA STEWART CRAFT OF THE DAY and I told her I was going to make one tonight. She just didn't know it would be her son...SURPRISE!!! They are super easy and fun....definately going to make more of these! Enjoy! Till next time, yinz crazy guys...SIT PRETTY!!

Happy 4th, Yinz Guys....

2009-07-04T09:32:00.000-04:00

Happy First Anniversay!

2009-07-03T10:29:00.005-04:00

As you go towards your future,.........

...........never forget this picture, my son, of scooping up your beautiful bride and carrying her out towards the waves. Set this image in your mind.....of you protecting her and holding her close to you, fighting the waves and keeping her high and most important in your life...letting yourself be washed by the water before you would ever let anything touch her. And my beautiful daughter-in-law...always keep your eyes focused on your groom....holding him tight and even tho he may stumble in the sand, forever believe that he will never let you go. Most important, remember that the light of God will always be there to shine on you....He will always be at your back when the waves are too high and the water is too cold.....protecting you and keeping you safe when you let Him light the way and warm the waters. Happy First Anniversary...I love you both so much!!!

Just in case you miss me...

2009-06-30T11:21:00.005-04:00

.....I'm vacationing HERE.....

...OH, SORRY....I mean HERE.....

Till next time, yinz crazy guys......

BRRRRRRR......

2009-06-25T07:54:00.003-04:00

.....GLOBAL WARMING????....HOGWASH!!!
Sweetie Man was out in his car the other day and saw this sign while down in the Baltimore area in Maryland!!! He said he actually swung his car around in rush hour traffic just to take a picture of it!!!! I don't know what was crazier....the sign or the fact that he went back to take a picture!!!!!
Till next time, yinz crazy guys......stay cool (but not that cool!)

Warning....

2009-06-22T00:34:00.001-04:00

IF YOU ARE REALLY REALLY AFRAID OF MONSTERS....YOU MAY WANT TO THINK TWICE BEFORE VIEWING THIS FIRST PICTURE........

.....you okay???? My great nephew cried when he saw it....we laughed. By the end of the weekend tho, they were buddies! This is ZORB FLIPWIT and if you want to make a Knit Wit of your own, just visit the Little Miss Match site and the instructions and a birth certificate for printing are there. I found my socks at the dollar store but you can certainly purchse them from this site along with alot of other cool things. Check it out!!

Next are some cool dotees I received on some recent swaps on Swap-bot. First off is the "dotee with a mousetache". My partner saw that I loved butterflies so this was perfect for me. It made me laugh with the floss mousetache.

Next is the "clown dotee" I love charms and this has a bunch in the hair and a clown charm on the very end below the buttons. So cute!!

Next is the first in the"Wizard of Oz" Dotee. This one has legs which is cool and they are hooked together with beads that read "scarecrow". I love the diploma in his hand!!!

I received my first "icicle dotee" also. OMG...this one made me laugh when I saw the Mona Lisa face. That was so funny!!! My partner also sent me some extra crochet flowers which I'm using in an altered book I'm making!

This is the "dotee with a moustache" that I made for my partner. Sweetie man said she reminded him of a side show worker!!! (was that a compliment???)

And this was the dotee I sent for the "Wizard of Oz" swap. The next one I need to make is the "Tin Man Swap".....I have some ideas on how I'm going to do that one.

Well, that's it for now! I have so many crafts swimming around in my head and I don't know what to do first. I usually end up jumping from one to another and eventually finish them all. With a new little grandson entering the picture in my Step-daughter's family in September, I've got a few things lined up there. So, till next time, yinz crazy guys.....keep crafting!!!

Happy Father's Day.....

2009-06-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!!!

2009-06-19T07:50:00.004-04:00

22 years ago today, I lay in a hospital bed with the biggest smile on my face that anyone has ever seen!!! 22 years ago today, my crazy, fun, loveable son made his grand entrance into the world and life would never be the same again!!! He's been my rock through times I wasnt' sure I could hang on. He's been a smile when I needed one and no one was around. He's been a strong hug when I felt un-hugeable! He's driven me crazy sometimes, worried me out of my mind and on occasion made me utter those famous words..."I brought you into this world and I can take you out!" But no matter what happened in my life in the past.....I would go through it all over again just to have THIS BOY!!!!! Thank you, God, for this wonderful blessing you gave me to grow and nuture into a man. I'm sure you know, Father, that he has taught me way more about this world of yours than I could ever have taught him. Please keep him safe, strong and happy for many many years to come. Happy Birthday, Glenn.....I love you!!!!

I WON!!!

2009-06-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

Look everybody...I won an award!!! This one is from Rachel over at Home Is Where The Heart Is. Thanks Rachel!!

Now I'm going to pick my 7 favs....7 is really hard cause I have over 100 listed on bloglines but I'll start picking anyway.

The rules with this award are to:
1) List 7 things you love.
2) Link back to the person who gave you the award.
3) Pass it along to 7 other bloggers

Seven Things I love:
1. God
2. Sweetie Man, kids and all my family
3. My animals (4 dogs, 1 turtle, 1 cat, 1 rabbit)
4. My Church family
5. My crafts and books
6. Sweetie Man's cooking
7. Nice cold glass of wine

Seven Bloggers who are deserving of this award...

Gaggle of Geisslers (you really need to check this one out as it's my niece and family and
she did an awesome job of posting our recent vacation there--may need to scroll down a day or two. Not to mention the videos of my nephew are hilarious....please visit her's tho)
The Twisted Stitcher (lots of good tutorials and ideas on stitching)
Black Belt Stitching Wizard (Dani inspires me)
Musings From A Three Bedroom House (family and stitching...fun!)
The World According to Ollie (love the animals she posts)
Crochet and Other Stuff (Mimi has always been a favorite of mine when it comes to crochet)
Meari's Musing (I just enjoy reading about her day to day life...very uplifting and funny)

And Rachel's blog could be added here as well as so many others that I enjoy connecting with....I give you all my Lucy Loves Ya Award (okay, I made that up). Anyway, enjoy visiting these all and maybe you'll find some new cyber friends in the process...don't be afraid to leave them a comment.
Till next time yinz crazy guys...

In case you are wondering....

2009-06-13T15:54:00.001-04:00

...I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth....just spending some quality time with this awesome little man....my great nephew, Owen!!!!

Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

2009 River Car Show

2009-05-31T19:05:00.007-04:00

For those of you who don't know, The River, is Sweetie Man and my church, and today was our 4th Annual Car Show (all for the community...all FREE). I recently discovered a book by Squire Rushnell called GOD WINKS and how God speaks to us through coincidences that happen in our lives. It's sorta like when someone winks at you and it means, "Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" or "You really understand what I want you to do!" Well, it seems to me, that when The River's Car Show has absolutely PERFECT weather the fourth year in a row, enough FREE FOOD made and donated by our members to feed 1000 people (almost exactly...talk about bread and fishes), an incredible huge stash of donated prizes and awards, an awesome outdoor church service and music.....and smiling exhausted workers (from young to old) every year (not to mention smiling vintage car owners)....I would venture to say God was definately speaking to our church through these incredible coincidences.....saying, "Now that's how to do church!" So with that said, enjoy the pictures and remember that God IS WATCHING.....AND TRUST ME....TODAY HE WAS WINKING!!!

There were so many beautiful cars there (100-150?) and bikes (and an airplane). I ran Ed's Hot Zone as you can see and had to have the pepper painted on my face. Sweetie Man was out of town but he made his incredible "Sodom Salsa" and "Gomorrah Guacamole" and I made 300 "Temptation Brownie" bites which of course has jalepeno juice and cayenne, cinnamon and diced jalepenos in them. Everything was a hit. It was just a fabulous day! Now I'm off to relax a bit and get ready for new week....so till next time, yinz crazy guys!

INCHIE NATION!

2009-05-27T20:13:00.002-04:00

I was in a swap at swap-bot where I had to do four inchies...you remember....one inch square pieces of artwork. I checked out the profile of who I was sending to and tried to match up her likes. This first one was with a cross charm since she collects crosses.

Ok...I threw this one in cause I liked the vintage ladies in swimsuits and I bought this cool vintage paper with submarines on it.

She liked pink and black together so I made this one.

And she loves penguins (like someone else I know, dear niece of mine), so I came up with this little inchie.

I haven't heard from her yet, but I am anxious to find out if she liked it. I haven't received mine yet, but I do tend to have the worst luck with receiving in swaps.

I also managed to squeeze in this cross stitched bookmark for my grandson. He likes the camo look and those are his initials. I also threw in a book...It's the journal companion for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. His mom said that he actually put down the Nintendo DS to write in this journal....it's a pretty funny journal, like the books.

That's about it for now. Just keeping busy crafting and stitching on the front porch. So till next time, yinz crazy guys...

THANK YOU....

2009-05-25T12:43:00.002-04:00

...TO ALL THOSE WHO SERVE OUR COUNTRY
AND HAVE SERVED IN THE PAST
TO KEEP US SAFE AND FREE!!
MEMORIAL DAY 2009

Swappin Frenzy!!!

2009-05-19T14:56:00.002-04:00

Well, as you know I'm in this swapping frenzy! My problem is is that I don't get the pics posted quick enough and I promise to try harder. So, with that said, this is a Dotee that I made for a swap. I couldn't wait to show her cause I thought she was so cute. Can you guess the theme of the Dotee Swap? (she's clickable to enlarge)

Not too difficult...it's Alice in Wonderland! I didn't receive mine yet but this was an international swap on Swap-Bot so it may be enroute.
I'm not one to cause a big stink if for some reason I don't receive something in return as I really do just enjoy making and sending things.....and I know things happen in people's lives that cause them not to be able to send. Well, in the case of the mailart swap in the HoE group, I didn't get a mailart, and then the second person who was to make me one didn't send, so the admin of the swap made one and sent it (which I pictured in a previous post!) Well, it turns out I recieved another just recently from France (I'm so sorry I can't read the name on the postcard enclosed) but it is a beautiful piece with my initials. My address was a couple numbers off which could be why it may have been delayed in the mail. Thank you so much, Lamence(?)

This was the bookmark exchange from in the HoE group. OMG...I love this awesome colorful bookmark from Jean.

Jean is from Singapore...I LOVE receiving international swaps!!!! My name is even on the bookmark and she also was so sweet to send some additional goodies. Fabrics are another fav of mine!!! Thank you so much Jean!!!

Don't think I posted this but it's the washcloths I received from the washcloth swap in Swap-Bot! I love cotton crocheted washcloths which is why I signed up for this one. But look, Shannon also sent me these great wooden hooks....I drooled on those!!! Thank you so much, Shannon!

So, now I'm off to work on more swaps I got into....an Inchie Swap and a couple more Dotee swaps! I love to check out people's profiles and blogs and see what they like then come up with something to match. So, enjoy the day and till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

"I'M HOW OLD???"

2009-05-18T12:01:00.001-04:00

No, it's not me......but it is someone near and dear to my heart!!!! It's my wonderful niece Alexis and it was her birthday on FRIDAY (I thought it was today...oops!!!)

And not only is she a wonderful niece, she is my "soul craft sista"!!! She is pretty much the only one in my family who is as craft crazed as I am!!!

But even more than that.....she is wise beyond her years! She is as adorable now as she was when she was a wee little one! She has always accepted me for who I am, been totally honest and straightforward with me and has not only been my niece but one of my best friends!! Her husband is awesome and so perfect for her and she has the most adorable son (aka my great nephew) ever!!!

So, with that said......(I won't reveal her age but she is catching up to me..tee-hee!) I love ya, Alexis.......You are my favorite niece (okay, my only niece)....but I still love ya...hope you have (had) the most awesome birthday ever (any many many more healthy happy years)....you deserve it, Girl!!!!!

Look Out American Idol!!!

2009-05-17T18:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Casey!! Our grandson, who's gonna be a big brother in September, turns a whole decade old today!!!

More creativity...

2009-05-12T22:06:00.007-04:00

I'm just feeling so craft crazy and exchanges and swap-bot are definately keeping me busy. Some things I've made I can't show you yet and some things I've just received I haven's taken pics yet...but I will show you what I do have...sound good?
This is from a dishcloth exchange...my partner liked pink and black together so I did a washcloth and one of those dishbottle dresses in those colors. I really liked them and so did my partner.

She also likes fantasy things and this is supposed to be a dragon which you cannot see but trust me it's in there. And then I threw in a little knitted scrubby.

Next, everyone asks about the "children" but I have such a difficult time getting them to stand still for pics. They are soooooooo energetic...unless I came downstairs in the middle of the night and took pics this is what you are going to get. I have a great video that I can't seem to get off the camera onto the computer (it's through a new program which is why) but it's a hilarious one of Eros getting bathed outside! Actually Eros and Sweetie Man and I getting bathed!!!
Anyway, here are the kids for what it's worth...First off is the big boy...Eros Caliente in all his 140 lb glory....what a big baby he is....you should listen to him cry in the morning when he wants me to come downstairs and let him out....definately a gentle GIANT! (that's Chloe off to the side)

Next is our older gal (and my personal fav) Katie Sue. She's our laser light chaser and resident floor licker! (don't ask!)

This is my "grand-dog" Reese E Cup. This picture does not do him justice....he's a beautiful chocolate lab and if I had as much energy in my little finger as this dog has...well.....let's just say I wouldn't be counting calories.

And this is Chloe Nicole....Sneaky Sweet....She's the brains of the group! She's out to get Katie out of the picture and become Alpha Dog! She's also the littlest. She's definately all female in front of you but behind your back.....watch out!!!! My DIL said she already is the ALPHA!

So, that's it for now.....next I'll post some pics of things I received....so stay tuned! Till next time, yinz crazy guys!

HAPPY MOM'S DAY!!!!

2009-05-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Mailart received!

2009-04-29T08:35:00.003-04:00

It's a doggone shame that my cyberfriends live so far away. I wish some of you out there lived right next door to me (oh heck...all of you!) Listen to what Jill did for me. I'm in a swap recently for mailart and the person who was supposed to send to me didn't. Then the replacement person didn't. Well, I just figured that I wasn't getting a mailart piece and I was okay with that cause things happen in people's lives and such and I really enjoy giving anyway more than receiving (tho I do like to see other's craft talents!)
So in comes the coordinator of this swap, Jill, and sends me this fabulous mailart piece! So bright and cheery....and it went right through the mail, easy as pie! I had the biggest smile on my face when I got this.

Jill, you did a fabulous job on the mailart and thank you again for being so thoughtful and doing it yourself just so I wouldn't be left out! (check out her blog for the details on how she did it) As I told Jill, it's on display in my diningroom right now but I'm currently thinking of a really special place to put it cause it it so cheery.
So, that's it for now...just wanted to share a bit of my good fortune with you all. Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

BRRRRRR.....

2009-04-23T13:15:00.004-04:00

....I'm not talkin' about the weather, yinz guys! I'm talking about my newest find in crafts..."ICICLE DOLLS"! (she kept wanting to roll over so the sharpie is there to hold her up!)

Isn't she cool??? (get it? COOL!) Anyway, found out about about them in Swap-Bot where I find all new crafts anymore! I think I've signed up for about 5 swaps which is my limit on being a Newbie, but once I get done with those I can do up to 20 at a time...WOW!
The Icicle Doll is just like a Dotee but shaped like an icicle. If you Google in "Images" Icicle Doll, you'll see alot more. If you click on my pic, you can get a closer view of her cute vintage face which I managed to copy onto muslin by ironing paperbacked wax paper (is that parchment paper maybe) to the muslin (8 1/2 x 11) and running it through my printer. I plan on making more of these cuties for sure.
The next is a purple and red dotee.....her hair is FABULOUS, don't ya think??? Just yarn!

Don't worry, I'm still cross stitching too! Working on the February TEAPOT...remember I finished the teacup. I'm sorta going backwards cause I'm going to do the ones for January after this. I did the January Teapot for a swap but I'm going to stitch it again along with the cup for myself.

I've been feeling so crafty lately....too bad I don't feel that way about cleaning the house and doing the laundry! Anyway, been wanting to mess around with my watercolors again so I pulled them out and played around a little trying to remember what I did that worked best and what paper worked best. I even pulled out one of the last pictures I painted which was a picture we took a few years ago while in Barbados that I painted.

Not too bad for a beginner. I'm much better and more comfortable with scenery than with still life. With still life I find myself using pen and ink with the watercolors for fine detail. When I was much much younger, I always found myself drawing scenery and sunsets, so maybe that's what I need to stick with. Anyway, I have another beach scene from Barbados drawn out that I never painted so stay tuned and I'll post that when it's done!
Hopefully I've inspired you a bit to craft...helps those brain cells stay alive too....so till next time, yinz crazy guys!

As promised....

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

.....the Crafty Post I promised you! And we'll start our post with the infamous Dotee Dolls! I just can't get enough of these. This first one is a Dotee I made for my niece and it's supposed to be her son....so it's name is "Owen Dotee". I tried to put on things that I associate with him....truck buttons, sock monkey buttons (which I made out of clay that you bake), his cats that he likes to chase with an empty wrapping paper tube which as you can see is in his back pocket with the words, "here kitty"! His name is in buttons as a tail with a heart that reads, "Made with Love". I had so much fun making this one and my niece loved it.
This next one is "Dice Dotee"! I was sorta inspired to make this one as a good friend of mine was heading to Vegas and when I found the dice beads, this little doll was created.

I'm in a Swap-bot that has to do with purple and red Dotees....not necessarily the Red Hat Society but just purple and red. This was the one I received from Pam and it really came at an appropriate time as I was sick with a head cold and felt miserable and the Sweetie Man handed me this package as I was laying in bed......it definately put a smile on my face! She also sent me a little bag of goodies which I ALWAYS love to get!! Thanks again, Pam

This was my prize from Anna as I guessed what her kitty was looking at on her blog post! This cute little bunny is hanging in my office right now. I was really excited because it was also sent from Poland which is 100% what I am...Polish! Thank you, Anna....I love it!

These are a couple of washcloths I knitted up on the way to Michigan last week. The guitar I did on the way back home for my son and the fire truck I did on the way to Michigan to give to my stepdaughter and son-in-law as he is a firefighter. The patterns are from Dig Knitty..she sells them on her blog and the assortment is unbelievable....anything you can think of! And for me a beginning knitter...so so easy!

That's about it for now. I have to work on my purple and red Dotee so I'll post pics of that soon.

Till next time, yinz crazy guys.......

Where do I begin....

2009-04-14T21:23:00.005-04:00

I have so much to show about our wonderful time away in Michigan for our First Wedding Anniversary! I decided to split it up between non-crafts and crafts. First NON!
I'm going a little backwards here but too bad cause this was ONE of the highlights of our weekend. We got to visit Mars Hill Church in Grandville MI. I was honestly like a ten year old at a Hannah Montana Concert. I wanted to go there because one of my favorite Pastors (next to mine own of course) is Pastor Rob Bell the founder of Mars Hill. Well, I really didn't think we would get to see him, but CHECK THIS OUT.....

Do I look excited or what?????
For those of you who know who he is....he is as awesome in person as he is a speaker!
He talked with Sweetie Man and I for a few minutes, took a picture with us and even wanted to write a note to my pastor (inside joke on that one!) He's the founder of this HUGE church and has written books, did short films under the NOOMA name and does speaking tours as far away as Africa and New Zealand. We went to one a couple of years ago in Pittsburgh...it was great! Check out the Mars Hill site and download a few of his Sunday sermons (MP3 and I-Tunes). We are still both reeling a little from meeting him! I even asked him for hug and he gladly gave me one! Sweetie Man told him that he, Rob Bell, was my first anniversary gift, which he got a good chuckle out of that!
Okay....back to the beginning. We stayed with my Step-daughter and family and had such an awesome time. They squeezed in so much for us that we can't even begin to thank them.
First was the Meijer Gardens and as you can see in the pics below, there was a butterfly house, beautiful flowers and incredible outside sculptures. We definately want to hit this again in the summer when all is in bloom.

Our wonderful family....the cute little guy is our grandson!!! Always entertaining us!!!

Sweetie Man taking one of a zillion pictures! I'm going to try and add them to our little Michigan picture square on my sidebar as there were quite a few great shots.

They also took us to the Monaco Bay Restaurant WHERE American Idol's very own Matt Girard plays dueling pianos. He wasn't there of course, but WOW any of those singers could have been a contestant. It was incredible! We even requested a song (At Last) that was played at our wedding and they played it and we danced....so romantic!!! This pic was taken with a cell phone but you can see the back of one of the piano players.

Sweetie Man and I, of course, brought our one year old wedding cake top to Michigan and fed each other a piece.....(go ahead and moan...I know, we're just two crazy kids!)

And finally a picture of my "Pregnant" Stepdaughter (just a little belly now) and her hubby cooking us an Easter breakfast before we were off to church. They treated us like Royalty!!!! We had the second best time next to our Honeymoon!!! So much fun and so much laughing!!!

So with all the Non-crafty stuff out of the way....I'll post what I did in the way of crafts in the next few days, so stay tuned!! Till next time, yinz crazy guys.

From our Family to Yours...

2009-04-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY EASTER

One Year Ago Today....

2009-04-11T00:01:00.003-04:00

Funny how I feel more myself with you

Than anybody else that I ever knew

I hear it in your voice, see it in your face

You've become the memory I can't erase

You could have been anyone at all

A stranger falling out of blue

I'm so glad it was you

Wasn't in the plan not that I could see

Suddenly a miracle came to me

Safe within your arms

I can say what's true

Nothing in the world I would keep from you

You could have been anyone at all

An old friend calling out of blue

I'm so glad it was you

Words can hurt you if you let them

People say them and forget them

Words can promise words can lie

But your words make me feel like I can fly

You could have been anyone at all

And net that catches me when I fall

I'M SO GLAD IT WAS YOU!

-CAROLE KING

One year ago today, I walked down the aisle

to this song to marry my soulmate.
These words were true then.....

and they are even truer today.
Thank you, Sweetie Man, for an incredible
first year of marriage!
May God Bless Our Marriage and
give us many many more to come!
I love you, Sir Royal Copenhagen!

-From Your Forever Lady Windsong

*Portrait was a 1st Anniversary gift to my hubby and was drawn by a young up and coming artist who is also the son of one of my very best friends. For more information on his work, please feel free to email me.

Zentangles???

2009-04-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Okay...so they are only my first attempt...but you really gotta try it. It's actually really relaxing and ANYONE can do this. You can do it with your kids or you can shut the door when your kids are driving you crazy and do it to calm yourself. I'm actually even carrying around a small notebook and pen to do Zentangles when I'm sitting doing nothing (it drives me crazy to sit and do nothing!) You may be doing it now and not even realizing you are. So check out ZENTANGLES and see what you can come up! Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....