supercutestuff

2011-10-13T21:39:00.005-05:00

I have been having so much fun pinning things to my boards on Pinterest! Here are a few favs:

I love this idea. So easy. And.... I have some cute Christmas papers in my craft stash. Perfect!

Love this. Last year I bought a couple of wrap sweatshirts (hard to describe) that I planned to add some personality as they are a little bit boring. I think I will embellish one of them based on this sweater.

I think these shells would be the perfect addition to one of my bathrooms. Some shells and a little silver spray paint... Might be able to do this one over the weekend.

Yum! Crescent roll wrapped Jalapeno poppers! What more can I say!

I have been trying to figure out how to add a link to my Pinterest but can not get it work. Anybody have any suggestions? For now I am just going to put it in this post!

*None of these pictures or ideas are mine. If you would like to find the original source you can go to my pinterest and click on the pictures it will take you to its origin on the web:)

Wheat/oat bread

2011-06-15T10:57:00.005-05:00

Betsy recently gave me a recipe and some advice for homemade bread. I have made it a few times now. Usually the first loaf is gone within a few hours. My family really likes it with a little bit of raw honey.

Betsy told me to start it in my bread machine and then bake it in the oven. It is really easy and turns out really well each time. Next time I am going to try to start it at night and use the timer on the bread machine so it is ready to put in the pans when I wake up. Then the kids will can have some for breakfast.

Bread Recipe:

1 1/2 c. hot water

3 T. raw honey

2 T. olive oil

2 T. Milk

I stir these four ingredients together and pour them into my bread machine.

Then I put the rest of the ingredients in on top of those in this order:

3 c. white flour

1/2 c. wheat flour

1 1/2 c. rolled oats

2 T. Flaxseed

2 t. salt

2 t. (heaping) dry yeast

Yippee!

2011-05-10T14:47:00.002-05:00

I am so excited that Betsy agreed to let me share her blog! I have been hoping to do this for awhile and kept forgetting to ask. I have already started on a few projects to share but need to get them all lined up! The first one may be something that I made for both of our houses.
Betsy is amazingly talented and inspires me constantly. My projects will not be much like hers (except the ideas that I copy).

Spring Storm

2011-05-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

It has been almost a year since my last post. Very soon, my sister will start posting her creative, supercutestuff, too! I just have to figure out how to add her as a contributor!

sooc

2010-06-07T23:22:00.002-05:00

this photo is straight out of the camera. tonight after baseball, i stopped in the neighborhood to take some pictures of the wildflowers that were planted last year. oh my goodness, they are beautiful. i don't know what kind of flower this is, but there are thousands more ready to bloom! the background is so pretty....

hat pattern....

2010-05-20T10:40:00.002-05:00

Here is my third attempt at making a hat pattern. It will take some more practice, but I love the flower and button!

something new

2010-04-20T09:07:00.002-05:00

I love the earwire on these earrings.....they don't fall out! Hammered sterling silver and lentil shaped fresh water pearls....such a simple combination.

my husband took this picture

2010-04-06T17:13:00.001-05:00

i stumbled on this when i uploaded the pictures from the annual easter egg hunt at mom's house. it is one of the best ones....and i didn't take it! not sure what that space was used for, but the kids really hate it when we hide their eggs in there!

overhaul needed

2010-04-01T10:49:00.002-05:00

i found this pic of my oldest the other day and realized i could download it from shutterfly. it was so exciting! one of the parents took this shot last year with THE most amazing lens. her pics are amazing!

it's also time to re-do the blog. i need to spend some time overhauling.....upload some new photos. hopefully over the weekend.

learning curve

2010-03-26T08:56:00.002-05:00

a couple months ago, i got a new lens for my dslr. it is a wide angle portrait lens.....
when the light is just right, this lens is amazing. (and there isn't any user error!) i love how it only focuses on the subject and blurs the background.
i have said for a long time i need to take a photography class, it's time! love.these.boys.

new stuff!

2010-03-23T08:46:00.002-05:00

A couple new pairs of earrings. I love pearls with sterling silver, simple and pretty.
These garnets are so unusual. They are from my favorite bead shop in Valley Junction. So many beads to choose from!

i just took a short hiatus!

2010-02-25T17:20:00.002-06:00

"Medusa" aka Jelly Fish shot in Mexico....they were really yummy, thanks Jose!!!

"Strike!" Bowling at a friend's bowling alley with great friends. f.u.n.
"Mom Prom," well, it has been over 20 years since I attended a prom....this time with my oldest! We got home WAY before dawn and had alot of fun!

I will be back with lots of new stuff, and will start posting more often!

Mr Golden Sun, where are you?

2009-12-03T19:18:00.002-06:00

I really could have used some sunlight for these pictures!

adventures in copper and silver

2009-10-25T13:34:00.002-05:00

There is something about the hammered copper and silver, they just complement one another.
There are a few new shapes, squares, little rectangles and little silver circles, I don't have any photos, but they are supercute!
The words are endless, however....they can't be too long!
My personal favorite...."happy!"

patience

2009-09-29T17:20:00.001-05:00

i found this little chair at a local church garage sale for $10. as soon as life slows down, i can't wait to pick out some fantastic fabric and get it recovered! i think the legs and arms need to be painted.....fabric first!

2009-09-08T08:21:00.002-05:00

just 6 short years ago he looked like this....
over the weekend, we celebrated his 7th birthday...

What a great weekend, when i asked if it was okay that the raspberry frosting was pink, he said, "it tastes good, so it's okay." Love you little man.

new bracelet....

2009-08-29T09:22:00.001-05:00

i didn't realize how long it had been since i posted! i took a ton of pictures of some new bracelets....they all are fuzzy, i must have been a little shaky.

mr. ribbit

2009-08-08T08:31:00.003-05:00

a few weeks ago, i ran across a pattern by spud & chloe for a little frog.
i love a quick little knitting project in the summer....he turned out better than i expected!

he and his friend ms. ribbit will be auctioned off at "art in the bag" in October at the Hot Shops. (I will put a link to the "art in the bag" blog)

mr. ribbit and ms. ribbit are meeting for the first time today.....his nerves are all-a-flutter!

here is a link to the pattern: http://www.spudandchloe.com/blog/2009/07/ribbit-free-pattern/ ....his body is a tennis ball!

countdown!

2009-08-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

the countdown has begun!

only 2 weeks left until school starts!!! yikes

yesterday, we picked out new sneakers.

today we need to get school supplies.

all the uniforms are clean and hanging in the closet.

time to start early bedtime!.

the summer went by so fast.

back in the saddle!

2009-07-16T20:00:00.002-05:00

I'm back in the blogging saddle....we have been busy. I've been busy getting ready for the opening of Janke Gallery, a new shop at 156th & Pacific that is carrying my bags and some jewelry. The grand opening is scheduled for the end of July....check it out if you are in the neighborhood!
This guy has been busy wake boarding....and clearing the wake....woo hoo!!! All those boys were supposed to give me a serious look....hmmmm.

Hot Shops Open House!!!!

2009-04-21T13:42:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Hot Shops Spring Open House is next weekend! May 2nd & 3rd starting at noon each day. http://www.hotshopsartcenter.com/info/OpenHouseSpring.html

Also, if you are familiar with Frank's Pizzaria at 132nd & dodge, they just opened an new restaurant in the new Holiday Inn by the Qwest Center. The Union has a larger menu and very nice bar, if you know what I mean!?!?! Same great New York style pizza fun atmosphere! Go on a date or take the kids....you will have fun! Don't miss it, it is worth the drive there!

a little love

2009-03-10T13:13:00.002-05:00

this necklace is so sweet. the 18"chain is a tiny ball chain and the "love" is stamped on a 3/4" hammered sterling silver disk. i am going to put some in my etsy shop. right after i make one for myself!

three new babies

2009-02-16T10:06:00.002-06:00

Some new enamel pieces!!! It is hard to see, but this one is a translucent green.
The black spot on this piece were a happy surprise! I love the way they come through.
The squares are my favorite....love the translucent brown. Yum. Now I need to list them in my etsy shop!!

new lease on life~possibility

2009-01-19T09:14:00.005-06:00

Maybe it is turning 40, but when I came across a post on Ali Edward's blog, it struck me. It didn't take long this morning to find my word for 2009...

Possibility

pos-si-bil-i-ty

noun

1. the condition or fact of being possible

2. one's utmost power, capacity, or ability

3. something that is possible

4. potential or prospective value

Every situation has possibility to be good. My goal is to enter every thing this year with possibility!

copper mother load!

2009-01-09T17:36:00.002-06:00

It's a great day when the UPS man rings my doorbell, even though, I'm his LAST stop, oh well, he must be saving the best for last! Some new heavy gauge wire for wrapping, oh the possibilities!
These pretty little things were made by a great group of girls. My friend brought her staff to my house for a little fun. We made copper enameled necklaces. They did the entire project themselves!!!
Here is the group photo!!! Each one has a different personality!!!

hit & miss

2009-01-02T15:56:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I worked on these two pieces, I love how the red/brown enamel and copper look together. I used a paper snow flake to do a little resist with the brown enamel.
I started filing these so a little copper shows, then I used too much strength and chipped a little bit off, so bummed.

new toy....

2008-12-30T08:40:00.001-06:00

I've been playing with my new cameral lens....too much fun.

mischief

2008-12-26T10:02:00.002-06:00

Everyone at our house was full of mischief yesterday! We are die-hard Husker fans....
As you can see by the red, white & black....
Lots of fun playing games with cousins....
And lots of "candy-sneaking-mischief" by this little "sweet tooth!"

Peace, Hope & Love

2008-12-24T09:40:00.002-06:00

A few pictures of new enamel babies.
I need to put these together as bracelets and pendants, however....
it is Christmas Eve, and there is so much to do!!! Peace, hope & love to you!

happy birthday, Carl!

2008-12-15T11:50:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we had two milestones....I set up the new bead collar on my kiln and got busy making some new enameled copper disks.
AND.....it was Carl's 1st birthday! I wish he would calm down just a little bit. He gave himself a birthday present...christmas lights,....he came up the steps of the deck carrying a string of lights he had acquired.....we're not sure how he did it. We should have named him "Digging Chewing Houdini."

final project

2008-12-04T08:13:00.004-06:00

My final project from the enameling class with Jess Starkel at the Lux Center. Three weeks before finishing my project, I was overwhelmed with the thought of making a "final project!"
This piece is hammered copper disks with random holes punched then enameled with transparent green. The copper links are repurposed copper from my dumpster 4 years ago. I am beyond excited with how it turned out.

Hopefully, the first of many! By the way, thanks Kelli, for the invitation and new addiction!

little trip to the zoo

2008-12-01T09:09:00.002-06:00

My good friend and I took our boys to the zoo on Friday. Which was much better than shopping! There is a new butterfly pavilion, it was amazing! I need to go back with my camera and take more pictures.

this thing called "love"

2008-11-17T14:02:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, my good friend and fellow "addict got" together and played with enamels and metal...
Talk about instant gratification!!! I feel so much better since pounding a little piece of metal! As soon as I can make more they will be on my etsy site.

special request!!!

2008-10-01T11:12:00.002-05:00

I had a comment from my sweet sister to give her a link to my little website....sometimes I actually post something. Here you go, you may have to copy and paste.

http://web.me.com/betsyramm/Site/Welcome.html

bags & beads

2008-09-03T20:34:00.002-05:00

I've been busy making bags and beads for the upcoming Art in the Bag...check it out at http://artinthebag.blogspot.com Lots of really cool bags and of course, lampwork beads!

I am transitionin over you can also find me at www.web.me.com/betsyramm it's a little easier to upload photos!

today is the day

2008-08-20T09:08:00.002-05:00

I get to do the happy dance!!! For one year, every one of these boys will be in the same school!! It makes me so happy. I will drop them off at the same time, pick them up at the same time and they will all wear uniforms!!!!

My youngest is in Kindergarten. He is really excited, some of his buddies are in his class, oh boy, those kindergarten teachers better be prepared!?!?!

Middle is in 2nd grade and so excited for his first sacrament.

Oldest is in 8th grade, where did the time go? I am so proud of him. Playing football for the first time, I am not ready for this!!!

waiting...

2008-08-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

No pictures, not many words, still waiting for my iMac. They told me mine was first on the list today. Oh, please let it be true! I have so many pictures from Minnesota and "THE" reunion to post.....waiting, but not very patiently!!!

tuba-ruba!

2008-07-15T23:46:00.002-05:00

We're in Minnesota! Splash Camps is so much fun! The kids LOVE Wild games. Today they played Tuba Ruba...Sumo wrestling with inner-tubes!! Oh my!!!

2 xcting not 2 share

2008-06-30T19:46:00.003-05:00

bread love

2008-06-30T10:47:00.003-05:00

I've been experimenting with different grain combinations for bread...this is sprouted red wheat in the dehydrator. I neglected to take pictures of it before I dried it.
Once this is dried, it can be used in a bread recipe like white flour. My friend Anna told me about www.suegregg.com . I was amazed the first time I tried the two-stage process whole grain bread. My bread came out moist and delicious. The suegregg recipe for blender waffles is awesome, no sugar in the recipe! It's worth the time the night before!

almost completed....

2008-06-18T11:29:00.002-05:00

I started this last week, it's almost finished! A few beads and some embroidery and it will be done.
I really like the detail on the top, I ironed small parts of the fabric to fusable webbing then cut out the flowers. The ric rac is vintage, I didn't want to machine sew it on, so it's handsewn on. It is difficult to bead in the evening! I'm going to save this for sitting and watching the kids swim!
Last month I found the handles on a bag at the second hand store....for .99 cents! The bag had seen better days. A few years ago, I found this fabric in Mendocino, CA. I love it!

who knew macrame was cool again?

2008-06-16T10:37:00.002-05:00

One of the lampwork guild members, Jeri Wiskus taught us how to make a macrame bracelet with a large lampwork piece. Definately fun and great to use up little orphan beads, or big ones!

Oh my goodness

2008-06-13T08:35:00.002-05:00

Right after I snapped this picture, hubby and I said, oh my goodness, we better go to the basement! It started to rotate, ever so slowly! We were in the basement for about 3 hours. My sister came out just before the storm and brought a chicken...we put the chicken in at 6pm, went to the basement at 6:15, ran upstairs about 7pm grabbed the chicken and had a little picnic in the "bat cave." I call that divine intervention!!!! We continue to pray for the entire Boy Scout community. We had a very personal connection to the camp, those boys and their families need to be lifted in prayer.

Speaking of picnic...has anyone checked out picnik.com? Miss Jill showed me this website on Weds. Oh so easy!

have you seen my puppy?

2008-06-09T23:12:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness, can you believe Carl is almost 6 months old? This little guy wants 15 kittens and 15 puppies...we told him he will have to live on a farm. Any ideas on how to get Carl to stop digging?

thirteen

2008-06-03T08:31:00.002-05:00

This little man turned 13 last week, we had a great time celebrating his birthday! I love this picture of him...he was one. Oh my.

toothless hillbilly

2008-05-30T10:37:00.005-05:00

This fine young man lost his front tooth this morning. We have had some pretty good laughs lately when he would stick that loose tooth through his lips....looking like a hillbilly. Hopefully, the tooth fairy is one top of her game and doesn't forget, it has happened before. What are we supposed to do with these teeth? I'm pretty sure his future wife doesn't want an old tooth.

thrown & blown

2008-05-18T19:27:00.002-05:00

This afternoon my little boys and I went to Thrown & Blown at the Louisville Art Gallery. This wonderful potter gave my middle his first experience at the wheel! From cutting the clay to sponging out the water.

As soon as his little hands touched the clay and the wheel started to turn his face was lit by an enormous smile. It took a little while for him to get used to having clay on his hands. When I asked what his favorite part of the day was, he said, "getting to make a pot on the wheel!" I have to say, his little pot turned out very nicely!!

before & after

2008-05-13T12:22:00.002-05:00

As I look at these pictures, I hope that once I put a little distress & glaze on this buffet it will look better. In the before picture you can't see the leg that is gnarly or the top that had a weird gunk on it...
Once I get some little touches done and the glass jars back it will look just right.

wrist love

2008-04-30T14:28:00.002-05:00

A few bracelets I put together from the last batch of lampwork.
Most of the colors are true...it was nice and sunny when I took the pictures!
Can't wait to get back to the torch and work on the May MLG challenge!

uploading issues

2008-04-28T21:40:00.003-05:00

I had some success with photoshop...however, I can't get the photoshop file to upload.

This weekend was very fun! I went on a retreat and did alot of quilting and visited a camp in SE Minnesota.....I loved the sign on the dumpster.

I used the Pioneer Womans tutorial for Photoshop....Ooohh it is so addictive! Someday, I will get the picture up here, try, try, again.

good intentions

2008-04-21T13:32:00.002-05:00

I had good intentions of taking pictures this weekend at our neighborhood party, but I didn't take one picture! I take that back, I took pictures with Jen's camera...now I have to hound her for copies!!!

Today, I took my first Photoshop class at Apple!!! It was so exciting. I have go back, cause now I can't remember how to get a picture from iphoto to photoshop...oh the dilemmas!! I learned to layer, desaturate, lasso and use the eraser....so exciting!

I love this pic of my hubby & youngest. Youngest has just started to look like dad's clone...love.it.

big paws!

2008-04-15T11:02:00.002-05:00

This dog has mighty big paws! It's amazing, he is only 4 months old. Last week we started training him on the hidden fence. He gets it. It is strange how different dogs respond to the correction. He doesn't cry/yelp when he gets corrected, but slowly moves back.
The tiles in this picture are 12x12....he is going to be huge. He's a good puppy.

easy peasy

2008-04-14T14:54:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I looked at the pile of felted sweaters and decided it was time to do something with them. Betz Whites book, Warm Fuzzies helped with some inspiration and techniques. It turned out much better than I hoped!
Here it is laying on the living room floor. After getting the squares cut, it was really simple. While I was cutting the squares, I watched all the internet episodes of "Eli Stone" on abc.com. Just what I needed, another televisionshow to watch!

gone!

2008-04-06T21:13:00.002-05:00

I am so excited! All of these beads and a few others sold this weekend! The Bead Bazaar was a lot of fun.

It was great to see all the guild members and people who stopped by.
Time to make more beads!

I am very excited, I had a little tutorial from Tanya (up there on the right) about how to do free motion quilting!!! Can't wait to try it!!

39 & decisions

2008-04-02T16:08:00.002-05:00

My love had a birthday...he is an April fool. Did my in-laws need humor at that time? My husband is the youngest of five...I think he provided much humor in everyones life! Including mine. Love you, honey!
I am trying to figure out how I want to tag my beads for the weekend. I can't decide if I want to use colored paper or grey. After looking at this picture, I think I might change the tags...

a "little" fish story

2008-03-31T09:48:00.005-05:00

My little guy was the first to hook one yesterday. He brought him up from the lake on the pole. Eeewww! Big mouth bass, or "little mouth!" As you can see, he was thrilled with his catch!
Not too much later, brother comes up the deck stairs with another. Since I do not touch fish, I was yelling for daddy!!! He came in from the garage and removed the hook. Meanwhile, Carl thought this was a treat/toy. Both of the boys requested for the fish to stay in the sink and swim around for a little bit. Luckily, daddy thought we should put them back in the lake so they could grow some more. Then we can catch them again!?!?!

AFA

2008-03-28T08:18:00.002-05:00

When we were in CO we visited my husbands very special Aunt in Colorado Springs. When you pass the AFA on I-25, in the distance you can see the chapel and the football field a few airplanes but that's about it. We decided to go to the Visitors Center on base. The drive is about six miles from the gate. The road meanders around, passing small buildings where deer graze unaffected by cars. It was amazing to see base housing tucked behind the mountain. There was a little snow on the trees making the drive even more beautiful. Once in the Visitors Center, I am overwhelmed. I have a step-brother who went to USMA. At Westpoint, all the buildings are grey stone each of them over 100 years old. The AFA was built around 1959, all the buildings are glass and steel, very modern architecture. There is something about the military academies that makes me very emotional.

I love the honor code. Duty, Honor, Country. What if we all lived by those words?
The architectural pinnacle is the chapel. Inside the stained glass goes from bottom to top. When the sun is shining, the stained glass makes the entire church glow. In the loft, there is an amazing organ with contemporary pipes. The event coordinator told us that he schedules 150 weddings a year in this church. Can you imagine 3 or more weddings a weekend! That's alot of brides and mother of the brides!!!

we're back from vacation

2008-03-25T09:59:00.003-05:00

Oh Brothers! These two had a fun time at Beaver Creek, CO. We went with neighbors and had more fun than we could have imagined! Our little guy did one day of lessons then skied with us. (He has had lessons before.) He has improved so much. There are some great greenish/blue runs so it was fun to watch him ski!!!
We skied for two days. This was our first time at Beaver Creek, like all the ski resorts, the views from the top are amazing. The last run of day two was our last for the trip....see below!
G-man has been snowboarding for at least three or four years. This year he decided to try a grind rail...he made it to the end without falling off....then threw his arm back and nailed his left wrist. As you can see in background, we watched the basketball games while we waited. Dr. says four weeks and he will be playing baseball!!!

wow!!

2008-03-18T10:31:00.002-05:00

This weekend, the boys needed a picture taken with Carl....
This one was taken January 28th, whoa, this dog might just be gigantic at the rate he's growing!

new beads

2008-03-17T17:12:00.002-05:00

I had a really productive weekend. I love these light pink with frit and bubbles. On Saturday I visited my favorite little bead shop... www.mainstbeadstudio.com ....Cheryl has a 'supercute' shop!! I am inspired to make beads again!!!
Black base with frit and bubbles. These beads go so well with black and denim..i.love.them.
An old signature..black and white dots with a new twist. Click on the picture to see up close. I want to do a series of these for the Bead Bazaar on April 5th. I think the Bazaar will be really great, lots of great people participating. For those of you are interested I have a few discount coupons for admission.

carl & the wood floor

2008-03-12T16:29:00.002-05:00

It's hard to tell where Carl ends and the wood floor begins! He looks so sad, but I think it's just a Golden trait.
He is almost 20+ pounds, seems like it gets heavier each day! He is definately fitting in at our house, the barking is so loud it reminds me of the other boys in the house. This dog can DIG, Carl has exposed our underground soaker hoses! My husband says he is still in pre-school training.....think we could have some classes on barking & digging????

in search of letters

2008-02-29T19:42:00.002-06:00

While we were on vacation, I annoyed my teen by taking "too many" pictures. I know this isn't a new thing but I thought it would be fun to find our name. I really like this "M." It has almost become obsessive...the rest of the family is in on the act. The weather is getting nicer so it will be fun to be outside and keep our eyes and minds busy!

more classroom projects

2008-02-27T19:45:00.002-06:00

these are three of my favorites this year from our Parish Auction.
Sometimes you don't know if something is going to turn out when you work with ceramic glazes...before it was fired the "boo" looked really bad, but I love it now.

This project is one I want to make for my basement. I sprayed the canvas with paint and then glued on the distressed copper pieces the kids embossed. i.love.this.

Carl.....

2008-02-24T14:20:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure, but it looks like Carl isn't enjoying this as much as the little man! He says, "that's a cute picture, huh mom!" I htink it's the first time he posed for a picture, and smiled!!!
Carl is growing so fast. He is a sweet guy and fairly mellow. He can climb in and out of a laundry basket full of towels. It is a sight to behold! He's picking up on potty training like a pro. Halleluia!!! My prayers have been answered.

i need photoshop lessons

2008-02-21T16:44:00.002-06:00

I love this picture!!! It really needs some editing. I really need to learn how to use Photoshop! The software is on my computer and I can't figure out how to use it. Looking at textbooks is not the way I learn. I need to sign up for a class where someone shows me how to use it!!!
This picture is for my sisters. Mickey Mouse had this shopping list on his fridge...click on the picture to see what he needs!!! It says the same thing mine does!?!?!

magical time

2008-02-19T09:42:00.002-06:00

Last week we took the family to WDW. It was magical. This was the first time our youngest got to go. He was really funny, he didn't want to hug the characters or look at them. It was most fun to watch him check things out.

Getting geared up for much creative work! I sold bunches of beads to a sweet friend! So it's time to get torchin'.

couple of cool plates

2008-02-05T09:51:00.000-06:00

For our parish auction this year, we had the students draw a picture with the theme "Show Your Love." These are two of the six fused glass plates we made out of their artwork.
Once the artwork was chosen I made large print copies and put them under the clear glass. We used frit & blue glue and poured it right over the artwork. Hopefully, it will be a project we can do next year.

awwwww

2008-01-30T11:31:00.000-06:00

meet carl...

2008-01-29T09:37:00.000-06:00

Carl is the latest addition to our family. We got Carl on Sunday afternoon. He is a funny guy. A pretty good little puppy...poor little guy sure misses his family. Not much else going on due to potty training, making sure there isn't anything on the floor, all the doors to bedrooms are closed and getting some sleep.

gifts & beads

2008-01-22T18:42:00.000-06:00

If you look really close...you can see all the girls he can "sleep" with! I was worried he wouldn't like the present I made for him. Turns out, he loved it! The fabric is called "Cheesecake!" It's January and I still need to put the binding on. Until I get this project finished, I can't finish my quilt-a-long blocks!?!?!
I'm trying to decide whether to sell beads on esty. Is the amount of time it takes to list and take pictures worth it? Do the beads need to be made into bracelets or left loose? So many questions to ponder!!
I love the clear glass "flowers" on top of the beads. They lay nicely on the wrist...so smooth.

poodle skirt.....

2008-01-14T21:53:00.000-06:00

I kind of always imagined myself having girls. I love to sew and thought, of course I will have girls and I will sew clothes and doll clothes and costumes. After a failed attempt at a "Bat" costume about 5 years ago, I realized boys just don't appreciate home sewn costumes and boys costumes are just as easily purchased!
When the chance came up to make a poodle skirt, I had to do it! This particular little girl is tiny! Hopefully, the ribbon drawstring will do the trick for "adjustablility." I have gotten my fix.

frozen fog

2007-12-30T19:34:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks we have had the most unusual fog. On the 29th, the combination of the fog, cold temperatures and wind created some really beautiful images. The wind made the snow/ice look like it is moving. Beautiful enough to take lots of pictures.

happy birthday, mom

2007-12-22T14:27:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Mom!!! I hope you like the present. I love how the pearls and the lampwork go together. I don't know what the little rings are called but I love how they make the bracelet even MORE cool! Can't wait to give it to you.

busy "bead"

2007-12-20T22:01:00.000-06:00

Among other things going on around here...I have made some beads for the holidays....
I whish I could lock myself in my torch room....but unfortunately that won't happen until next week.
My goal for next year is to make enough beads to pay for a cleaning company to come clean my house. I hate to clean.
I have too many other things I would rather do than clean.
So many projects....so little time. Hopefully, next week I will catch up on all my quilt square for the quilt-a-long!!!

2007-11-30T09:18:00.000-06:00

Oh my, triangles! I really like how this latest block turned out! I'm not sure how much I like the background fabric. It has been fun checking out everyone's blocks....my goodness they can look so different with fabric choice!

quilt-a-long

2007-11-21T10:17:00.000-06:00

Here are the first and second week's quilt blocks for Crazy Mom Quilts~quilt-a-long. I have had some Bohemian~by Anna Maria Horner in my cabinet for about a year....it was just waiting for the perfect project! I am ready for week three!!! (I added a link to her blog over there on the right.)

You might have noticed....that is snow on my deck! The flakes are fat and still coming. It was 70 degrees here on Monday.....can't tell you how much I dislike cold weather.

so much to do!

2007-11-12T19:53:00.000-06:00

Been busy making beads and sewing, lots of pictures to take! Some really cute caterpillar pendants for some special "Nutcracking" caterpillars. Time to overhaul the sidebar and add some new links and favorites.

I believe this speaks for itself...

2007-10-26T08:28:00.000-05:00

As I was driving yesterday, I saw this truck. Scary thing is, my husband knows the guy who owns, "GoodFellas!"

prayer

2007-10-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

This little guys pre-school teacher is mourning the loss of her only son. She is one amazing lady. Always cheerful & ready to teach little friends about amazing things. My heart aches for her and for her family. May God take her in His amazing arms and give her a place to rest and find comfort. May He hold her there until she is ready to spread her wings again and join the friends. May He help her know she raised an amazing young man who gave back more than he took. Amen.

the moment you've all been waiting for!

2007-09-29T08:51:00.000-05:00

The first attempt at taking a picture......the wind was blowing a little hard, the quilt was like a heavy sail. "Hurry up, and take the picture!"
Second try, laying on the floor, standing on the top of the couch...couldn't get my balance....can't quite see the whole thing, but here it is!!!
The quilting is amazing! She put a heart above their picture.
It was definately a labour of love, hopefully cherished for many years.

beautiful morning

2007-09-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

It wa a beautiful morning on the lake. I went with my sweetheart to take some pictures of him skiing. There is nothing like the water when it is calm and there is a little mist hovering over from the cool night temperatures. I love seeing my sweetheart so happy. He is in heaven out there!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." James 1:17

what will it take?

2007-09-19T08:46:00.001-05:00

What's it going to take to get a comment? Please tell me who you are!
The birthday boy offering cupcakes to the baseball team. He had to run the bases and slide into homeplate...on his stomach before he was done!!!

quote & end quote

2007-09-17T10:08:00.000-05:00

This weekend we had dinner with a fun bunch...there were many "air" quotes,
there was much libation....ending with a priestly Lemoncello....oh my!!

pretty long bead

2007-09-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to post about this bead for a while. I had seen these long beads at Main Street Beads and loved them. Not sure who the bead artist is, but the detail inside the bead reminds me of chemistry. The silk ribbon is so fun, too. really brings out the colors in the bead.
The dangle detail is nice. It adds a little movement. Might need another one!

three sisters

2007-08-17T07:59:00.000-05:00

When we were at the Botanical gardens, the orchid area was amazing. It is so interesting how many different varieties. The light that morning was perfect.

This stem of pink orchids, reminded me of my sisters. Sometimes, three girls can be very challenging. But having two sisters is just as amazing as all the different varieties of orchids.

D.C.

2007-08-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

Over a month ago, we were in Washington, D.C. for a little vacation. While we were waiting to go into the apitol...we had some time to waste. We decided to go to the Botanical Gardens. I was quite sure my husband was not going to like it, and went along just to be a sweet guy.
Much to our surprise, the Garden proved to be one of our favorite spots. The yellow finger-like plant above is used for mentally ill patients....where can I get some?
Two days later, I had to go back and take my big camera so I could take some pictures of the amazing orchids, and alot of other beautiful plants. All these were taken with my Cybershot....stay tuned for more "big" camera pictures.

peace & serenity

2007-08-13T10:51:00.000-05:00

I took this picture a month ago, it was so peaceful....I need to remind myself of that today...

I heart shutterfly

2007-08-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

I really love shutterfly studio. Besides manipulating my pictures before I upload them...they have two buttons I love! Oil painting & Graphic poster!!! Super cool. This one is the oil painting button.

special delivery

2007-06-11T12:45:00.000-05:00

Getting back in the swing of things...two special order lampwork bracelets for a new graduate. Doing lampwork can be very relaxing, controlling the glass is challenging, it can control you. It is hard to consciously stay calm. Lately, I've been so inspired to make beads....all sewing has taken a back seat.

glorious spring

2007-04-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

Lots of sewing...no pictures because it takes blogger forever to down load. I am so happy to be back at the machine.

So much spring time activity, it's so good to have some warm weather. Good mood medicine!

it came and went...

2007-04-11T21:10:00.000-05:00

I can't believe the 1 year anniversary of my blog was a week ago! Ooops.

Most of my creativity is being used at school these days, helping bring some art into the classrooms. I don't have much free time to blog, hoping to have more time to make stuff soon..I am in withdraw....

bye bye scarves...

2007-03-26T16:20:00.000-05:00

I am very sad to see scarf season end. It was the year of the scarf for me, sewn or knitted. This one has a pocket in it...just big enough for a cell phone, keys, some cash and an i.d. It is made out of a pair of corderoys and Amy Butler scraps. I love the sweet little ruffle on the bottom.

For now, maybe a scarf made with some light weight cotton for a cool spring day.

yummy...

2007-03-22T21:36:00.000-05:00

Aren't these cute? I made them a few weeks ago during a very long snow storm. They are so much fun, cute, easy and quick!!! That instant gratification just makes me giddy. I found the pattern on Martha's website, it is Betz White's pattern. I watched when they ran the episode and that long snowy day was the perfect time to start up a little felted bakery!!! They look good enough to eat and share!

Our little trip to Taliesin has given me new energy to organize and purge...yes, it's a little difficult to believe but I am throwing & giving things away. The feeling of peace, due to lack of stuff, at Taliesin was something I craved after we left. I still have a long way to go....there are many dark little corners in my house. But slowly, I am going to get to all of them, then ask myself if I reaaalllyy need that cute little cupcake!!!

So off I go to clean a little more...stay tuned, I'll be back with some supercutestuff.

Oh, Taliesin...

2007-03-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

This incredible image is from Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin in Scottsdale, AZ. We just got back from spending a long weekend there. I have always watched "Great American Castle's" on A&E, when Frank Lloyd Wright has been featured, I am in awe. We went on a 90 minute tour of Taliesin and were able to take photographs. I loved being there. I am ready to de-clutter my life...live simply. I wonder if he was still alive if he could live as simply as he did 50 years ago. It's a good thing Spring is here...so I can start cleaning things out! The image above is by Heloise Christa, I'm not sure of the title of this piece. I am thoroughly enamored with all of her work.
"The reality of the building does not consist in roof and walls but in the space within to be lived in." -Laotse This was on the back wall of the Cabaret at Taliesin. FLW was a true visionary...he has inspired me, all these years later.

mom where are you...

2007-02-27T08:19:00.000-06:00

It's well know to my boys, when they yell, "mom where are you", I will answer, "in the computer room." Sometimes it takes me a few minutes to "finish" what I'm doing to help them with the t.v. channel, or whatever....the other day, my youngest came in with his airball gun and said, "I will not ask you again, get up now and come with me, now."

a couple from the ufo pile

2007-02-22T08:44:00.000-06:00

I have wanted to buy this Vogue pattern for a long time...so Hancock's had 75% off Vogue patterns...I can't decide if I like it or not. The zipper is a little flimsy for the size of the bag. The school secretary said it would make a great diaper bag if it were a little wider and deeper....I'm not getting pregnant to test out her theory!!!
I love the detail on this bag. I think I found this pattern on the Robert Kaufman website. I had lofty aspirations to make the quilt, too. I couldn't find the RK line at any of the LQS so I substituted a different b/w pattern. The size of this is perfect for carrying books and magazines. I can only carry this bag when cars are clean...otherwise the white stripes are grey. We are SOOO enjoying the warmer temps...all the snow is just about melted....ready for the next installment of winter.

tutorial, pt. 2

2007-02-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

Using a sewing machine stitch around each shape following the line. The double straight stitch or "stretch" stitch, is just a little more sturdy.
After you have sewn each shape, cut off your little threads. Remove the freezer paper. The stitch line creates a perforated edge, carefully fold it and gently tear. This is when the double/stretch stitch is crucial. Otherwise, the stitching could rip out.
Pinch and separate the t-shirt from the fabric and clip a little slit. Carefully cut around the stitched edge leaving an 1/8 inch of t-shirt next to the stitching.
easy peasy lemon squeezy! Supercutestuff!!!

freezer paper t-shirt reverse applique, pt. 1

2007-02-13T14:46:00.000-06:00

1. Gather your supplies, you will need freezer paper, scissors, fabric, t-shirt, and a pen or pencil
2. Choose your word or design for your shirt. (On this shirt I used the same heart, repeating it three times) Cut your fabric about 1/2" inch larger than the image or letter. Repeat for each letter or shape.
3. Cut a piece of freezer paper the entire width of your t-shirt, and long enough to extend past your fabric pieces.
4. Lay your pieces of fabric right side facing you on the shiny side of the freezer paper. Gently "tack" them down by using the tip of the iron. (Don't lay the iron directly on the shiny side of the freezer paper.) Make sure you have shiny surface at least 1-2 inches around the outside edges of your design to stablize the t-shirt.
5. Turn your freezer paper and fabric over and position it on the front inside of the t-shirt. Make sure it is centered. Iron the entire piece.
6. Trace around your shapes and letters this will be your stitching guide...remember you will need to reverse your letters if you are using a word. Hold the shirt up to the light or window to check the position of the fabric.

have you seen my table?

2007-02-12T09:09:00.000-06:00

We are still trying to find the kitchen table...in the meantime here are a few projects from the weekend. The pink quilt is already in use, even though it's not "finished." The safety pins don't seem to be a problem when you are laying on the couch. The consensus is it's "really warm, and perfect for laying on the couch." Hopefully, it will warm up soon so I can finish, hurry up Spring!
I am totally in 'love' with these t-shirts. I saw something similar and decided to try to make my own. (I just can't stomach paying $65 for a t-shirt) I used some of my "Bohemian" fabric and printed out the words, used some freezer paper and the stretch stitch...supercute!!! I can see many more of these in the future.

The grey scarf needs something else, I just haven't figured out what it is.

the countdown has begun

2007-02-02T10:24:00.000-06:00

A couple of the finished classroom projects. Most of them turned out better than expected. The Kindergarten quilt I made is not what I had envisioned....oh well...still pretty cute! (no picture)We have a very small 8th grade class, only 11 kids. The collage above is a great representation of them. Hopefully, one of their parents will want this REALLY bad!!!
We did this project last year, I modified it since we had to make three of them!!! The wooden frame was spray painted (my new favorite thing!) then we used decoupaged the pics on, the cool thing is that the chalkboard paint and decoupage glue made a really cool texture. The white description is temporary...it's a picture frame. The auction is a week from tomorrow, a few stray projects to complete...so hard to depend on other people when you're a control freak! I need to figure out what I'm wearing....decisions, decisions...