La Belle Avenue

Just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Happy Holiday. I hope your days are filled with warm family hugs, kind conversation and lots a enjoyable laughs around the table.

My venting box.

Yesterday was me against the craft supplies. Sewing machine needle broke and couldn’t find a replacement, emulsion cleaner bottle empty and I needed some to re-do an under exposed screen. Tried a little hand sewing but the mood just wasn’t there. How ever, I was so determined to make something, Anything. So, I dumped a couple boxes of accessories, vintage buttons and pins, paper and trim on the table. Grabbed a box and a couple bottles of paint. I let all my urge to make something and frustration of early projects out. I didn’t let myself think about what I was going to make. I just painted, pasted and dabbed. Being in the moment I guess you could say. The box was the results of my venting. I did find the little case of replacement needles at the bottom of my sewing box, after I calmed down. The screen will have to wait until I get to the store.

At the end of the day, all was well and it ended with a smile on my face when I seen this. A sweet little child in the house had taken it and it was a little surprise when I downloaded my pictures that evening. It’s funny how the little things can everything feel right.

One of my favorite parts about winter is the baking. If I’m really honest it’s the eating the things that are baked that’s my favorite part. Anyone second that? Who doesn’t like the buckeye candies, gooey chocolate bars, homemade peppermint white fudge, sugar cookies decorated in trees, do I need to go on? Plus, the warmth from the oven on those cold windy days. It just makes me feel all fuzzy inside. I know, I’m getting all mushy but it does!

These are some cupcakes I made a while back and couldn’t resist trying out my new vintage cupcake toppers. Vintage cupcake toppers are something I really wish I had more of. I just love them. It seems like one of those things I didn’t know I collected or even really liked till I noticed my stash keeps growing and I get all giddy just looking at them. Digging through them is like finding some hidden treasure. I’ve also been adding to my vintage fabric collection, well my grandma added to my fabric collection. She asked if I was planning on making any quilts and I told her, I’d really like to make another in the near future. So, the next visit with her I was greeted with 2 large bags of fabrics. She had cleaned out her closets. She said she didn’t plan on piecing anymore together, she’d made enough, and these fabrics had been sitting around for years and would never been used by her. So, I became their new owner. A great early unexpected Christmas present.

Want to see some pictures?

Hi Everyone. I’m still here. My lack of some serious computer knowledge makes for a slow ride.

 

 Well, I just need to customize it now.

Wondering about the blog look. I was really needing some change so I’m working on it. This is just temporary.

I should have it fixed up next week and then I’ll show you the little red capped girl ~ she is finished. My biggest fear is that I’m going to delete my blog or not be able to move it correctly. I have backed up and backed up. I hope the move goes Ok and smooth as possible.

Just a couple teaser pictures of something I’ve started.

 

Are you thinking, huh? water + 3 hours = quilt.

We have water! I’m all giddy with that and so very thankful for the simple things like turning on the water to brush your teeth or to dampen a rag to wipe up a mess. No more jugs in the bathrooms, cooler by the sink or bucket for that matter.  I felt excited and energized to do something. This was the old truck that saved us from having to dig a new well and saved us several thousands of dollars. I love that old rusty truck.

The same day, I read Erin’s post about making a quilt in 3 hours. I know that was an unrealistic goal for myself but all this “we have water” happy juice running through my veins, I thought why not give it a try.  It’s not a finished quilt but this is the quilt top I finished in 3 hours.

The fabrics I chose were actually fat quarters I’ve had with the means of making a quilt for my son. That was when he was into robots about 4-5 years ago. I think I’m a little late because now he likes red, white and stainless steel. Where has my baby gone? My first choice would have been the red and white quilt he wanted but his triangle design looks a bit intimidating so with the 3 hours in mind, I did the robots. One item on my very long to do list checked off. The only thing I don’t like about the quilt is I accidently sewed one of the side panels on backwards causing 2 types of fabric to touch. Oh Well, if it bothers me enough I’ll rip and switch.

 

I decided instead of going batty myself. Yes, tomorrow it will be 1 whole month with out water!!! How ever, there is light at the tunnel. Our third and slowest (that is an understatement) well repair man has knocked out the old broken pump. Tomorrow will be a day of truths. Will it work or do we have to dig a new well. So, instead of going batty like I said, I decided to cage all those Halloween bats flying around. I have seen this idea a few years ago. I’m not sure where. I’m thinking Martha Stewart?  It does feel good to get something that has been on your ‘to do’ list for that long, actually done. I still need to tighten the slipcover up in a couple spots. It look a little sloppy here and there. This shape was a bit tricky. It would have been easier to sew if it was a simple rectangle or square cage. 

That got me to thinking. I don’t have a square cage but I bet you could make one out of a card board box. Cut all four sides out, leave that corners attached as well as the bottom and top. That way you have the basic frame and once the slip cover is on, no one will see what it’s made out of. You could cut a hole in the top to run your cord.  You could string across yarn, rope, what ever you had on hand to make it look like cage wire. Sew the slipcover and add the bats. If I find the time, I might give this box cage a try. See how it turns out.

If any of you give it a try, let me know if it works.

Good Morning,

Today we woke up to almost freezing temperatures. Normally I would want to curl back up in the warm bed but I woke feeling excited and ready for another day. Why? Yesterday, I pulled out some of my crafting supplies that I had boxed up. I was so hoping to have the craft room done before now, it’s so close! The walls are insulated, windows in, it even has heat/air unit installed. It just needs the ceiling to be insulated and dry walled and then a coat a paint. The well and water issue has put finishing the room on hold. So, to comfort myself and get my mind off the the down side of owning your own house, I crafted and baked. 

I finally bought a matte for the painting of my 3 little girls that I made.

And I also bought a matte for this very cute owl print by Ellen

 

I don’t do a lot of mixed media but when I do , I’t’s very enjoyable, especially when the subject is near and dear to my heart.  This lead to making Halloween decorations and one project I’m working on, I’m so excited about just because I’ve been wanting to do this for years! I have a list of other crafts that have been stewing in my brain during these absent months. Today is Monday, so I better get going and create, create, create, because today is checking in day with my sister, no progress ~ no play.

 

Have a great day.

 

Our cat here, as if on cue posed for the upcoming holiday~Halloween. I just had to share this silly little critter picture. Some of you may remember this little boy’s story and how he came to be in our care.

 Have you guys pulled out your coats and mittens, yet?  It hard to believe it was in the 80’s just a couple days ago.  Seems fall has arrived. It has me in the mood to bake pumpkin pie and nibble on pumpkin rolls. Smell spices in the air. Pull out the apple cider and Halloween decorations. Curling up in the evening with a good book, wrapped in a warm blanket thats straight out of dryer. Simply fall joys.

What’s your favorite part of fall?