Project 365 - Week 51

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 352 - Elyse and I picked up a few things on the way home the other day. As we were unpacking we realized that our choices were so unhealthy!

Day 353 - Remember my sewing table? With Elyse in town, it has become her jewelry making table! 

Day 354 - My son talked me into playing this game with him. Perhaps it's because he has been beating my butt, and he knew it would happen?

Day 355 - Cheating this year. All my gifts are in bags.

Day 356 - My favorite dinner of all!

Day 357 - Christmas shopping with the peanut! She's all about playing peek-a-boo now.

Day 358 - Baking up some Christmas yummies!

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Project 365 - Week 50

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 345 - There's nothing like a Lifetime Christmas movie while kicking back with a glass of wine and a few holiday scented candles burning. The simple joys in life.

Day 346 - To you this looks like a clean desk with a laptop. Yes, exactly! Just a couple hours before it was cluttered with papers, receipts, recipes, and a bunch of other stuff. All items filed, trashed, or put away. 

Day 347 - Baby Paige was all smiles and hugs for Nana today. Those bright blue eyes melt my heart!

Day 348 - Elyse arrived in town to spend time with her Papa who is now under hospice care at home. I love it when she comes home, but I wish it were under better circumstances. Her, the hubster, and I kicked back after our busy day with a bottle of our favorite wine, Vouvrey.

Day 349 - Grandma's Christmas tree. Most of the ornaments were white. You will see a couple odd ones that belong to the grandchildren.

Day 350 - Baby Paige and grandpa looking for some building plans on the Internet. Can you imagine the technology she is going to see?

Day 351 - Did a little Christmas shopping. Who do you think Elmo is for? Yep, Baby Paige!

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Challenge: What is it?

Took this picture yesterday. Does anyone know what it is?

Hint: I was out and about...

Scroll down for the answer
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Inside the car wash!

Tutorial - Decorative Jar Candles

Do you need a last minute hostess gift or just feel you need a few more decorations? Decorative jar candles are wonderful! Not only are they super decorative, but you probably already have things at home to fill them. You can make them to fit any decor, and if you don't have any mason jars sitting around, save your spaghetti sauce jars. I actually like them better because the glass is smooth. They aren't just for Christmas either. You can fill them with fun things for any occasion. I have a few that I keep for everyday that I fill with small beach rocks and others filled with shells. If you don't have anything laying around, run to the dollar store and grab a bag of potpourri or colorful candies. Seriously, anything can be a candle!

The only thing you might have to buy are clear candle cups that slip over the mouth of the jar. They should be tapered so that the top of the cup sits on the top of the jar while the candle part drops below the opening. I found them really cheap too. Some I bought from Hobby Lobby for 50 cents, the others I bought at WalMart for 75 cents. As long as you have some of those laying around along with some jars (not wide mouth), and tea light candles, you can create some fun candles that will suit any decorative style or occasion. If you can't find the tapered candle cups, you have two other options. You can use the little candle cups that are shaped like flower pots, or you can use any plain, clear candle cup that will fit inside the jar. But for these you need to make sure that the candle cup is securely seated and doesn't slide down or tip, because you will have a lit candle.

As you can see, I found all kinds of things for my jars. Search your house and your Christmas boxes and I'm sure you'll find all kinds of fun things to slip inside the jars.

My jars are filled with the following (from left to right):

Potpourri
Sparkly garland
Ribbon candy
Snowman ornament on cotton balls
Small decorative balls 
Soft peppermint candies, unwrapped
Floral pics

Use your imagination, these jars can be filled with all kinds of things for any occasion!

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Project 365 - Week 49

This week has been a very trying time for my family. We had to put my step-dad into hospice care. My sister and I have always thought of him as a second dad rather than a step-dad. He's been in our lives since we were tiny tots. A lot of my photos for this week are of special moments with family, so I want to keep them to myself for now.

I chose the above photo to share with you because I feel that it's the best photo to represent this week. When he arrived at the hospice center they were so thrilled to have a WWII veteran. They treat their veterans like VIP's. They came into the room, sang to him, and presented him with a certificate thanking him for his service, along with this beautiful afghan that was handmade by one of the local ladies. They even tied red, white, and blue ribbons around the outside posts in the entry way, and United States flags in all the flowerpots so that everyone knew there was a veteran in the building. He felt so special and enjoyed the whole experience! It really lifted his spirits. At the present time he's resting comfortably at home under his new afghan.

Tutorial - Snowman & Gingerbread Christmas Candles

Hand painted glassware is all the rage right now. I've come up with this super simple, quick, easy and cute craft. I'm so blessed to have a grand baby in my life so I use baby food jars. If you don't know anyone with a baby, any small jars will do. You can even purchase small, plain, votive candle cups very inexpensively at your local craft, sewing, or superstores. They make great gifts for family, friends, teachers, hostesses, or yourself as well!

Supplies:
Baby food jars, plain candle cups, or any small jar
ENAMEL paints, usually sold by the acrylic paints
~white, tan, black, red, green, orange
Ribbon, twine, or raffia for the rim
Paint brushes
Palette, plastic lid, or paper plate
Alcohol
A couple (soft) paper napkins
Cookie sheet to hold jars while baking
Oven
Tea light candles or flameless candles
Glue (optional for gluing ribbon at upper edge)

NOTE: If you need to buy paint for this project, don't buy pink for the cheeks, you can easily add a tiny amount of red to the white.

IMPORTANT - READ FIRST:
Always start with a squeaky clean glass and keep it that way. Before you begin painting an area, be sure to wipe it down with alcohol and if you accidentally touch that area during painting, wipe that spot again with the alcohol. The oils from your hands can actually prevent your paint from permanently sticking to the glass. Sometimes it's easiest to hold the glass with your hands or fingers on the inside. At some places you may find that you want to add a second coat. It’s also very important to allow paint to completely dry between coats and color changes. Be sure to wash and dry your brushes thoroughly after each color or between coats.

Note: If you are recycling a glass food jar, if you soak the jar in hot soapy water, the label should peel right off. If you find that glue is left behind, the best thing to use is GooGone which can be purchased about anywhere. If you don't have any, or don't want to buy any, you can use a paste made up of cooking oil, baking soda, and salt. The GooGone is just so much easier and quicker.


INSTRUCTIONS:
1.  Now that your jar is squeaky clean and free from fingerprints, you can paint your first coat using the enamel paint. I find that it's best to place and hold the jar from the inside with my non painting hand. This way fingers stay off the glass. Paint first coat as follows:

Snowman: white
Gingerbread people: tan

Hint #1 - For painting the entire jar for the base color, I liked the look of dabbing rather than painting with a brush. The paintbrush leaves a streaky look and this leaves a more textured look. Plus, I like the way it looks when the lit candle is inside.

Hint #2 - If you aren't happy with your painting at any point in the painting process, just wash the jar and the paint will come right off, then start all over again. This will only work when the paint is fresh, once the jars are cured or baked, this will not work.

2.  After the first coat is dry you can paint the details, which are very simple if using the faces that I chose. If you want to add a second coat to the first coat you can do that, but I chose not to because I like to see more of the candle glow.

If you don't like my faces, search the Internet and find some you like. The ones I chose are so simple and I'm not the best painter, so I like simple details. It's just very important to let the coats completely dry before painting too close or on other colors.

3.  Once the glasses are completely dry, you will have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for on the bottle of the paint brand you are using for finishing. For example, for the brand of paint I used, I was to allow my paint to dry for 48 hours. After that, I set them in a cool oven, I set the temperature to 325 degrees, bake 30 minutes, turn oven off, let them cool down in the oven before removing.

4.  After they have cooled off, you can add your ribbon, raffia, or twine to the rim. As you can see, I liked the look of just putting the ribbon at the upper edge without a bow. I feel it's safer this way because of the candle flame. Be sure to use a glue that can withstand the heat from the candle. A glue gun type of glue will probably melt and your ribbon will keep falling off. I do worry about a bow that could catch fire, so you can use thinner ribbon or twine, and keep the bow below the upper edge.

Pop in a candle and enjoy!

After they are baked, they can be washed. The bottle of paint I used said they are top shelf dishwasher safe, but I would still wash by hand.

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Project 365 - Week 48

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 323 - While preparing the pie in this photo for Thanksgiving dinner, I got a phone call that they were taking my dad (step-dad, I have two dads) to the hospital due to a fall. Ingredients went back into the fridge so I could drive out there, and I ended up baking it at 3:00 in the morning.

Day 324 - The kids sure were the great distraction that we all needed this Thanksgiving. After dinner, we packed up a couple plates, stuffed ourselves into two cars, and all of us went to the hospital to take mom and dad a real dinner. We really packed that hospital room! 

Day 325 - With so much going on this year I actually didn't want to squeeze in decorating the house. Grandpa however insisted that Paige will want Nana and grandpa's house to be pretty.

Day 326 - Will be relocating my parents so we were looking at places.

Day 327 - Baby Paige loves to play with her dog but sometimes her dog gets a little excited because she's still a puppy.

Day 328 - The tree has been completed. With a little time here, and a little time there, the house took a few days to actually become decorated.

Day 329 - Baby Paige was all smiles and giggles today!

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Project 365 - Week 47

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 316 -This was obviously a day that I couldn't think of anything at all to photograph.

Day 317 - Baby Paige with Bubba. He wasn't very nice to her. 

Day 318 - Tried to get the sign of the restaurant we had dinner at but it didn't turn out very well. Dinner was excellent though at our favorite spot Galveston Steak House.

Day 319 - Another painting party! This time it was hosted by my sister. So much fun!

Day 320 - With a dog and cat, this is a great little machine to have on hand.

Day 321 - I saw these on Pinterest and had to make them. I got started on them during our painting party but had to finish them at home because I had to wait for paint to dry between coats.

Day 322 - Another exciting photo. Bubba and Punkie's favorite treats!

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Bon Voyage Little Monsters!

These little guys are all packed up and on their way to Colorado where they will be joined by lots of other little monsters. From there they will all go to their new homes where there is a child who will be so excited to love and snuggle them.

I'm so excited to be contributing to this wonderful cause where we make up these cute monsters then send them off so they can go to a special child. As of the writing of this post (11-26-14) there is still plenty of time left if you want to make a monster or two, then you can feel good to know that you are bringing joy this holiday season to a child who needs it.

For more information and the download to your free monster pattern, stop by Craftsy for more information:

http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/11/monsters-to-love

Black Friday - The Way I Remember It

When I look at Black Friday today, it is so different than back in the day when I participated. I did my first Black Friday outing when I was in my late teens. After my kids were born, we made it a rule that no kids under sixteen were allowed to go because it was Mom's day out! 

All the women that were able to go would meet at my mom's house. We would all pile into a car (or two) and head to the Chicago area malls. We would be there when they opened, which back then was around eight. We'd have our lists in hand, and our plan of attack. Sometimes we'd split up into groups of two, sometimes not. We'd always choose a lunch spot and have a fabulous lunch. We would shop all day long. By the time we were finished, the trunk would be so full that sometimes we'd have to bring bags in the car and hold them on our laps. I would actually get about 90% of my shopping done on that day.

Back then, there was no midnight shopping and there were very few big box stores because it was all about the malls. Oh how things have changed! 

It's been a very long time since we practiced that annual ritual. Mainly because of jobs, plus my parents age, etc. Unfortunately some of the lady family members have also passed. Now I spend Black Friday shopping at my computer, and decorating my house. But I look back on those days and I sure do miss them.

Project 365 - Week 46

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 309 - Our first really cold day. It was 28 degrees, and it's been even colder than that! I just noticed that the thermostats reads, "STATUS - heat on."

Day 310 - Yes, it was baby Paige day! She loves her dog so much.

Day 311 - Does it look like someone is trying to tell me something? Like...Let's get sewing!

Day 312 - A cute little creek and walking trail close to our house. It's much prettier in the summer, but still a nice place to walk.

Day 313 -Does anyone else watch The Walking Dead? We are hooked on that show and now we have to watch The Talking Dead that follows.

Day 314 - Monday night candle ceremony for our pets who have passed away. I also like to light the candle when a pet I know is missing. Hoping it will "light the way" for it's safe return. In the past week I know of two pets that were missing, and they both were found! If you want to know more about the pet loss ceremony, click HERE. If you want to make your own candle, click HERE.

Day 315 - I had a tooth pulled this day so I thought it was fitting to have a Frosty for dinner. Agree?

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Tutorial - Kitchen Gift Bags

The finished bags measure 7 1/2 by 14 inches, and the ribbon is 9" from the bottom seam. You can certainly make them any size you need. They go together so quickly, you can make up a bunch and even use them in place of wrapping paper.

Supplies to make 1 bag:
1 box of mix, muffin, cookies, brownie, quick bread, etc.
1/2 yard of fabric (will make 2) or a fat quarter
(2) 16" pieces of 7/8" wide ribbon
Sewing thread
String or thin ribbon for hanging tag
Tag (save image(s) included with this tutorial)
Scissors and/or rotary cutter
Flexible tape measure
Cardstock (for card)
Paper if printing out pattern
Hole punch, optional

Note: I purchased 19 to 21 ounce mixes. The box measured 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches. If your box(es) is bigger or smaller, just add or deduct the difference.

Instructions:
1.  Cut your (ironed) fabric into a piece that measures 14 1/2 x 16 inches. Please note that the 14 1/2 inches will be the height or length of your bag. If you are using directional fabric, keep this in mind so your design will not be sideways.

2.  Fold your fabric in half with right sides together, keeping in mind that the fold will be along the shorter edge (14 1/2 inch) edge of the fabric. Measure 10 inches from what will be the bottom of the fabric and make a mark at the edge, where you'll be stitching your seam.

3.  Take your two 7/8 inch wide ribbon pieces and place the two pieces right sides together (if there is a right and wrong side to your ribbon). I rolled and clipped it together so it wouldn't get caught in the stitching where you don't want it to. Place this inside the folded fabric so that the ends of the ribbon are on the mark you just made where the two edges meet. Pin to secure in place.

4.  Take this to your machine and stitch along that edge using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. You will be catching the ribbon in your seam where you pinned it in place. Press seam open, but be careful not to squinch or wrinkle your ribbon when ironing.

5.  Now arrange your "tube" with the ribbon still on the inside so that your seam is centered. This will be the back side of your bag. Stitch across the bottom using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Turn right side out, pushing corners out. If you used a clip to secure your ribbon during stitching, you can remove that now.

6.  Create a hem at the top by turning that edge under 1/2 inch to the inside, then another 1/2 inch. Press, and stitch close to the fold.

  
Note: For an even quicker assembly, you can disregard the hem at the upper edge and cut about an inch away using pinking shears.

7.  Open the box of mix, remove the inner bag(s) and place them inside the bag you just made. Set aside for the moment.

8.  Choose one of the tags that I designed for you, or you can make your own. If you are using mine, click on the image (below) to open, then save to your computer. Once you saved it, you can import the image(s) into your word program, or photo program, and print out. You can either type the name of the mix on the card before printing, or you can hand write after you print. What ever is easiest for you. 

You are also going to want to type, or hand write the instructions that are on the box. Double check to make sure you don't leave anything out. Slip this paper inside the bag along with your mix(es). If you are using this as a hostess gift, or a teacher gift, you might want to neatly cut out the list of ingredients and/or the nutrition information from the box and slip it inside the bag as well. This way they will know what they are getting in case they have a food sensitivity or allergy.

9.  Once everything is inside the bag, you can bring the ribbon around the bag, and to the front. Tie ribbon into a bow while attaching the tag to the bow. Snip the tails of the bow at an angle. 

I like to make mine up no more than a month before giving. I also store them in one large plastic container with a secure lid to keep them safe from critters (like my Yorkie and cat).

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

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Project 365 - Week 45

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 302 - Couldn't think of anything to represent this day so I took a picture of these mug rugs.

Day 303 - Fabric and supplies for a blog tutorial that will be posted within the next week.

Day 304 - High winds ripped the trim off our house. Brian fixed it right away so it looks good again.

Day 305 - There she is with those sparkly blue eyes. I spent some time with my princess on Saturday!

Day 306 - I know, you think you are looking at a coke can with tape on top. But it's actually my "Coyote Can." I dropped in about a dozen pennies and take it outside with me when I'm taking Bubba out. I shake the can as I'm walking out the door and while I'm out there. Good thing Bubba is used to it!

Day 307 - Monsters in the making! Of course one will go to Baby Paige, but two are going to a charity. You can read about it HERE.

Day 308 - It's that time of year again. Time to insulate the windows!

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Monsters to Love - Lets Make Monsters!

Photo Source: Monsters to Love

Craftsy is taking part in a program called "Monsters to Love." These are handmade monsters, made from fleece or flannel, and everyone follows the same basic pattern. Of course you can add special touches to make your monster even more special. 

You can download the pattern for free from the Craftsy website, make your monster, then ship it to Colorado by December 12th. I'll be making mine in the next couple weeks. At first I thought there would be no way I could squeeze in another project, but when I think that my monster will be snuggled and loved by a child who needs it, I decided to do this and put something else on hold. 

For all my sewing friends, if you want to put a smile on a child's face, you can pick up your FREE pattern at the Craftsy website. All the information you need is on the pattern. And if you are a beginner at sewing, I just looked at the pattern, and it is so easy!

Click HERE for more information, or click the link below the picture.

Project 365 - Week 44

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 295 - While getting out my fall decorations I came across the first wine glass I ever painted. It will be the glass I drink from until I bring out my Christmas stuff.

Day 296 - I bought these two pumpkins for 75% off at JoAnn's. Couldn't pass them up.

Day 297 - Does Baby Paige make the cutest black cat you've ever seen or what?

Day 298 - Hello November! For those following along on the quilt block of the month, November pattern can be found HERE and HERE.

Day 299 - A tooth started bothering me on Halloween.

Day 300 - After a trip to the dentist for my tooth, I left with some antibiotics and a referral for an oral surgeon to pull it. Oh the joys!

Day 301 - I had a little painting party at my house. My sister, my niece, and my three year old great niece came. We had so much fun painting glassware. And this is my favorite picture of the night!

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Tutorial - Wine Glass Candle Lamps

These are so easy that even the non-crafty person can make them. And you can make them for any occasion. Even harder to believe, they are dirt cheap! I bought the wine glasses at WalMart for dollar each, the scrapbook paper was on sale five sheets for a dollar, and the flameless candles are only a couple bucks for about half dozen. You probably have glue or a glue stick laying around the house, and if you don't have any enamel paint, that too is only a couple bucks. Not factoring in the paint (because you could make lots of candle lamps with one bottle, or leave them unpainted), each lamp would cost you around a $1.50 to $1.75! How perfect would these be to decorate tables at a shower or party? And since they are flameless, they are much safer than real candles.

Also, painting the stems is optional. If you are in a hurry and just want to throw them together quickly, they look cute unpainted as well. They can also be back to your wine glasses when your occasion is over!

To begin, you will need the following items for each lamp:
Wine glass, appx 7" high
Sheet of scrapbooking paper, 8 1/2 x 11 or 12 inch square
       Non directional designs on the paper works best
Enamel paint, usually sold in the same racks as the acrylic paint
Flameless tea light, do NOT use a real candle for this project
Glue stick (I recommend Elmer's, it sticks immediately)
Cardstock or paper for printing out pattern piece
Alcohol and cotton ball or paper towel
Scissors, paint brush, paper plate, glass of water (to clean brushes)

Instructions:
1. Print out the pattern piece above. Click to open the image, then right click and save to your computer. When you print it out, make sure that the little box on the pattern piece measures one inch square or your shade will not fit properly on your glass. Since this is a JPEG image, you might have best luck printing it from a photo program to get the actual size. Set aside for now.

2. Remove any labels and label reside from the glasses. I like to use GooGone for this, but a paste of baking soda, oil, and salt will also do the trick. Wash the glasses in hot, soapy water and dry. 

3. Wipe down the area you will be painting with alcohol. Once you have done this you need to make sure that you don't touch this area with your hands. The oils from your skin can keep the paint from sticking. You will only be painting the stem and the bottom so just hold the top while painting.

4. Paint the stem and bottom of the glass(es). Mine took two coats. Be sure to let them dry completely between coats. Also, if you notice air bubbles, don't worry, they will disappear as the paint dries.

5. The enamel paint you used requires baking to set the paint so that the glass can be washed. Follow the instructions on the bottle of the paint you were using. For example, for the brand of paint I used, I was to allow my paint to dry for 48 hours. After that, I set them in a cool oven, I set the temperature to 325 degrees, baked for 30 minutes, turned the oven off, let them cool down in the oven before removing. Your instructions may be different depending on the brand of paint you used.

6. Cut out the pattern piece and trace around it onto the backside of the scrapbooking paper. Remember to make sure that the little square on the pattern piece measures one inch square. Next cut out the lampshade from the scrapbooking paper. Meet the two straight ends together, overlapping by about a half inch. Secure that overlap with glue or a glue stick. Depending what kind of glue you used, you might need to hold your edges together with paper clips or clothes pins while you are waiting for your glue to dry. You might notice a little point extending at the bottom of your shade, just snip it away.

7. After your lampshades have dried, and your wine glasses have been baked, set a flameless candle inside the glass, then set the shade on top of the glass. The little tea lights will have a little off/on switch at the bottom. So easy! 

NOTE: Although flameless candles are so much safer than a real candle, remember that you are still combining paper with heat (and a battery) so I wouldn't recommend leaving them unattended when they are turned on. Play the video below and you can see how real they look.

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

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DST - Plus, When Things Bring Back Memories

As I was changing my clocks back this morning it brought back memories. The clock you see in the picture is my favorite clock, actually one of the favorite items in my house. It's not just because it's cute, or because I love black cats, but because there is a story behind it.

Several years ago all the ladies in the family would head out to Chicago, Woodfield Mall, or Orland Square Mall for some serious shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Let me tell you, we were serious shoppers! We had our lists in hand, our plan of action, and at the end, we'd load the trunk with so many packages. This day always included a really fun lunch as well. We did have one rule, no kids under sixteen because this was MOM'S DAY OUT. Eventually life changed and some of us started working that day, mom couldn't get out as easily, and we no longer do that. I tried it a few times locally at all the big box stores, but it just wasn't the same, so now I use that day to decorate the house.

Anyway, back to the clock. As I was changing the time on my black cat clock, it reminded me of one of those very special trips. I saw that clock in a gift shop window. I wanted it so bad! The cost was $49.95. Just my luck, they didn't have it in stock and the sales lady wouldn't let me buy the window display. Why would they turn down a sale? Oh well. About two or three months went by and I was in KMart looking for a picture frame, and there it was, that exact same black cat clock! But at KMart the price was $12.99. So I came home with the same clock that I could have paid $50 for!

Every time I change the time, or put in new batteries, or even look at it, I'm reminded of the many shopping trips we all took the day after Thanksgiving. It's not only the clock that I'm attached to, it's the memories that go along with it.

Do you have anything that brings back fond memories when you look it at?

VOTE FOR SHER!

First, I want to thank all my friends and followers for your nominations for the Craftsy Design Contest. Imagine how surprised and excited I am to discover that I am now one of the four finalists in the quilting section! To be the winner of this contest would be one of the biggest honors I could ever imagine as well as a dream come true. We are talking about Craftsy here! Craftsy is the number one pattern shop on the internet. I'm so excited I can't stand it!

So now the voting begins! If you could pop over to the contest page HERE and vote for me, I would be forever grateful. Scroll down to the quilting area, click on the big orange button, and it will take you to the quilting voting area. Look for my Happy Snowman Mug Rug Pattern and cast your vote. All you need to do is add your email address, no long form to fill out.

Thanks in advance!

Project 365 - Week 43

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 288 - My parents wanted a little getaway so they stayed at a hotel about seven miles from our house. It was a nice place on a lake so we stopped by for a visit. It's only little over an hour drive from their house, but they wanted to soak in the atmosphere and just relax. The reason I took the picture of this towel is because I love the way it's folded and I want to do that next time we have guests.

Day 289 - Picked up this wooden mask for my niece to paint while her mom, nana, and I have a little crafty get together.

Day 290 - As much as I tried to fight it, the miserable cold won. Feeling better now.

Day 291 - The hubster likes to use youtube videos to fix things he's never tried before.

Day 292 - Did some super fun shopping all by myself! I got some great decorating ideas and even came home with lots of cute new decorations for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Day 293 - Working on a new tutorial! Something quick, easy, and can be used for any occasion or holiday. Stay tuned...

Day 294 - One of the things I picked up on my shopping trip were these large apothecary jars. I can't wait to fill them up for Christmas. Going to go a different route this year when decorating my dining room.

For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

Inspiration Shopping on Weekends

Weekends are my flexile days. Some days I'll do projects or work around the house, some days I'll work in the studio, some days I'll go out and about, while other days, I might just slip on my comfies and be a giant slug, all day long!

On these days that I refer to myself as a slug, there is always some Pinterest time involved. I love Pinterest, but don't we all? It's like a big, virtual magazine full recipes, craft projects, photography, decorating ideas, and just plain cool stuff to look at. Back before Pinterest, or even the Internet, I got most of my holiday inspiration from magazines and window shopping. I really miss those days. Yesterday I decided that I wasn't going to sit on my butt and get inspiration, but instead, I was going to hop in my car and drive out to all the fun shops and see it all in person. And that was cool because I also got to take in the scents, touch the items, and talk to real people! And I came home with four large shopping bags of things to decorate the house. 

Brian would have gone with me but watching the Bears won over shopping. I don't get it, but that's OK, I had a really good time, and found some really cute holiday decorating ideas. See those Santa wine glasses, yep, I'm going to make some! And they aren't going to cost me $12 each!

Need Assistance? Stop By Youtube!

What did we do before the Internet? Actually, how did we ever get along without Youtube? It doesn't matter if you are trying to replace a washer in your faucet or make a tote bag, pop over to Youtube and you can have a real human being showing you how to do it. Even I have a Youtube channel and right now I have instructional videos for embroidery stitches.

My husband fixed the lights behind the dashboard in his truck today by following along with a Youtube video.

Project 365 - Week 42

Project 365 - One photo a day for a year. Kind of like a photographic journal of my entire year!

Day 281 - I just couldn't get enough of the fall colors this year, they were so beautiful! With the windy and damp weather though, they didn't last long at all. Soon to follow...snow!

Day 282 - Punkie's new prescription food. Now both of my fur children are on special food. Like the little black cat clip I used to close the bag? Got it from Mod Cloth. They have the coolest stuff!

Day 283 - Making two different kinds of brownies for Paige's birthday party.

Day 284 - Baby Paige is eating her birthday cake at her first birthday party. Can you believe it's been a year?

Day 285 - Bought a new box of Lipton tea only to discover that the bags are no longer sealed in individual envelopes. I didn't like this at first, but I bought a really cute glass jar that has a tightly sealed lid.

Day 286 - Score! Yep, found these Hershey chocolate wax melts. I have one burning right now. My house smells like chocolate heaven!

Day 287 - Punkie would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. She's feeling much better now, and is eating as good as usual.


For more of my Project 365 - Click HERE. 

VOTE for SHER!!!

Craftsy is by far the best place to get your craft and sewing patterns. They offer thousands of patterns from designers around the world. They're also known for their very reasonably priced online classes and videos, many of which are even free!

Right now they are having a contest to find their most popular designers. The first part requires nominees. So please stop by there and nominate me. It's easy, and all you need to participate is an email address. First, go to Sher's Craftsy Pattern Shop HERE and choose up to three of my patterns. Then open a new window or tab HERE and follow the instructions.

Thanks in advance and at Sher's Creative Space, we look forward to continuing our quest to bring you lots more patterns and tutorials!

Smart, Fun, and Useful Sewing Tutorials

As much as I love to design patterns, I also love to follow those designed by others. I actually keep a list of links in a nicely organized file of my favorites along with projects I plan to make someday. I'm sharing a few of my favorites here. I didn't just throw a quick list together for a blog post, these are tutorials that are on my "To Do" list for myself or gifts. Oh where to begin......

Earphone Case - Would these make great gifts or what? 

First Aid Kit - Everyone could use one of these 

Pot Holder with Spatula - Perfect for a hostess gift!

Cute Baby Toys - Now that I am a Nana, I need to make some of these

Padded Camera Lens Cases - I don't need one of these yet, but I might someday!

Cord and Cable Keeper - This is one of the first things on my "To Do" list

Lip Balm or Flash Drive Cases - Yep, making some of these for sure!

See Through Cases - Now I know what to use all that plastic I have for.

Phone Charging Station - I already have the fabric picked out for this one.

Swiffer Wet Jet Pad - This fits mine. I'll save a fortune with these!

Swiffer Pad - This would be for a center nozzle or the dry version.

Cord Keeper - Another first on my list. How handy these will be!


25 Awesome DIY Gadget Projects - I have a few of these on my "To Do" list


Don't forget my tutorials that I have up on a Pinterest board so you can find them easily.