Did you know that a four toed dinosaur is a  plant eater and 3 toed is a meat eater?
I didn’t either, until she told me. Amazing what they learn on their own.

We have a blue eyed Blondie who loves pink & purple. All the girly stuff for her..except one thing. She loves lizards, dragons, worms, turtles and dinosaurs. It’s really quite funny.
So, I decided to start her a bag. Theme bag. Filling it with books, puzzles, games and such. All easy to grab and go. All in one place. The bags has some fun silly flowers on it, of course a Brachiosaurus was needed to complete it. That being a long neck with a bump on it’s head. One of her favorites.
See thinks it’s placed on the bag just perfect, eating the flowers. They have four toes by the way. Wonder if those were the ones that Fred Flintstone used at work?

Shout out to all you that are knee deep in snow.

A bit of cabin fever has set in. We were thinking of things to do and decided to make labels and tags for some of our baskets. You know the ones that are meant for one thing but end up with an array of items, turning into a “junk drawer” sort of basket.  The kids set to work, coloring and designing tags.  Getting organized and they don’t even know it. A sneaky mom.

Making these tags gave me an idea. Something most of you might have already found out, they are really cute! And a very ideal and useful project. You’d thought I discovered the wheel how excited I was about placing these around the house. So I got to work and made a few of my own.

Little labels for my flour and sugar jars. Don’t look to close, these are used quite often. All this lead to a lot of work. (not, really) and we were so famished that cookie making was needed.

Now baking cookies is great, but with it being so cold outside we needed warmth. Hot cocoa to go with it.

And what better way to eat hot fresh chocolate chip cookies with warm cocoa?  Eating them in an apron that was made all by one’s wee little self.  She did need a little help with the peddle. She sat on my lap moving the fabric while I pushed the sewing machine peddle for her. It will be a few more years before she can reach, till then we are partners on the machine.

What are you guys doing to pass the beautiful snow days away?

My little supporter chimed in this morning, reminding me to take pictures and post.  I love that little girl.  She might not fully understand it, but she has given me strength when it was needed. She keeps me on my toes.

Recycling and reusing once again..a can of black beans. They went from part of our Mexican supper dish to a pencil holder.  A little embroidered horse, of course.  Just when you think a faze will wane, it sparks even brighter.  I see horses sticking around for quite some time.  This was a mother and daughter joint project. I was thrilled to see her sit that long. Working the needle. A couple years ago, she would have given up after a few stitches. 

Hope everyone had a most wonderful holiday. That you were surrounded by the ones you love. That laughter filled your ears, good food filled your bellies and family and friends filled your hearts.

Yesterday was a pajama day here. A relax, breath, and exhale type of day. While everyone was holed up on the couch with runny noses, curled up in front of a western movie, or huddled in the corner with a new play pretty. I went off by myself and pulled out this quilt, I’ve been working on. I have to admit this quilt has caused me a bit of stress…or at least it did. It started out with excitement, which turned into fretting over the design layout, the over all size, backing. If it could be added to the list of panics, I did. You see, its a gift for a little new addition to our family. No, not my household, but in-laws. This little guys is special and I wanted the gift to be special…but the gift it was late due to this emotion tidal wave. Late to my personal deadline…Christmas day. I was so deflated. But over the weekend, I pulled it out and just let go. Negativity really gets you no where. I thought what really is a handmade gift? One made for my heart to another. A piece of me, my creativity, my love, given to them. Made with thought and kindness, not fretting. So I sat down in front of my machine and stopped thinking. I just did what felt right, no questions asked. Gave myself over to the process. I choose brown thread and the quilting turned into squares design. I loved it. And it all felt good as the machine hummed away.  Now, it feels like I meant it to be. Handmade and quilted with my love. I still have the trim to finish, but I’m excited to see it come together. Complete. Whole.

I’m not trying to rush the autumn season..oh no not at all. But soon the gift giving time of the year will be here. If your thinking of making handmade gifts, a little before labor time is needed. It’s a bit stressful to try turn out several little handmade goodies the night before…I know, procrastination at it’s best.
These bags are simple totes, but can be turned into a “green” gift bag. I think it’s a great idea. Making the gift wrapping & container even usable.

This little guy I machine stitched on a canvas bag. I’m liking his silly little self.

You know how I love the machine stitching, quilting thing. I seem to always find ways to add it into a project. Hot pads no different. Machine stitched kitchen accessories on them. I’ve been getting ready for another attempt at a craft show, so not much cooking is going on but when I do…these will be ready.

The new school year is here and we are trying to settle into our new routine. Finding a little more structure than the free lazy day summers. So, here’s what we have been up to these past couple weeks..

Calming our minds and noticing the small details around us.

Crafting…..

Kids getting in on the crafting too..

Thinking of future ideas…

And the ever present cleaning…

I love it when things just seem to come together. Line up and fit like a puzzle working itself.  It all started with tee pee talk.  Then a totem idea was added into the future village idea. A handy husband with his chain saw. Of course, that all required a search for a few promising fallen logs.  While looking around we come upon a place where the last storm had flooded the creek, washing out part of the field, leaving rocks of every shade. In pink, green, blue, white and speckled multi-colors. What started out as an Indian theme trip, turned into a rock excavating site. We dug, we ohhh, and ahh. Every little bit the kids jumping up and showing the new treasure that they had uncovered. Every little bit, I jumped up sharing what I found. A new found hobby blossomed right in front of them. Hoping a rock tumbler will be in our near future. Indian day forgotten. Or so I thought until hidden among pretty stones was flint and arrow heads. I guess the Indian study was just beginning. We brought back our pockets full of earth. The rest of the evening was spent washing and admiring. Planning more trips. One being to a historical Indian Earthworks site. Another back for another dig in hopes of a few more arrow heads. Craft idea that included kids making head dresses, corn silk dolls, handmade tools and music. While the arrow head, or at least what was left of the arrowheads was the main thrill. I was excited to see the kids curious about the rocks, what they were, what was rare, what was special? Where did they come from was just a few of the questions. Earlier in the school year we had come across a mineral curriculum. The kids had no desire to study. “We already know this mom.” was said with a bit of eye rolling. So, a quick refresh of the subject and we moved on. Book and ideas put away, the time was not right and that was fine with me.  I’ve pulled out those undesired books and ideas once again, this time they were welcomed open armed from my little rock hounds and with eager minds. This is how it should be. This is what gives me joy. When the time is right, it all clicks and unfolds before us like sun rising to begin another day.

Yesterday I made a slip cover for my ugly free office chair. This slip cover was actually a trial one but it works quite well so will probably leave it on for a while.  However, the next one will definitely be made with brighter fabrics. Candy colors. Happy colors. Yellow? Maybe. I had so much of this fabric pattern and it is pretty so I used it. The only thing I will do different in making another one will be the elastic. It needs to be a little stronger.  I wheeled it up beside the other yellow shelf, which is on the kids side of my craft room. Right now it’s holding the kiddo’s craft supplies. And speaking of my kids. I miss them. Miss my older two. They have spent the week out of state with their cousins. It has been great for giving me a chance to get those little things that you never seem to get around to doing..done. I’ve also found out who messes the house up the most. The house has been visitor ready the whole week. Even my youngest hasn’t had any problems of picking up after herself. Still I miss those messy little monkeys. I talk to them every night. We have very length conversations, telling me every detail of their fun filled day. The catching tree frogs in the swimming pool, being scared by the barking neighbors dog, waking up before everyone else, crying at night when no one can hear because they miss home,(They’re OK during the day with fun and playing taking over. It’s the still of night that the miss their own beds), watching the fainting goats..faint, playing with kitten and puppies, spending the day with their cousins cousins. Tomorrow they come home. I think this was good for them, makes them feel more independent, a little sense of freedom. As much as it breaks my heart to hear of those tears falling from those beautiful eyes. I’m glad they do miss home. Glad they long for the peace and comfort they find with in these walls. Is that bad of me to feel that way?  Tomorrow when they arrive there will be lots of hugs, kisses and long storytelling that will probably last days. Hope every one’s weekend will be as happy as mine will.

Thank you Anna for letting me know about my blog being set on members only. I don’t want anyone to think I’ve gone into hiding with only a handful of friends.  How it happened I’m not sure but I’m so glad it’s fixed. Well, I think it’s fixed. I unchecked the members only option??? If your having any problems please email me and let me know.

Watching This. Seen it quite some time ago on Amanda’s blog but it’s worth revisiting.   Sparked my creative inner child. Making want to play and so I did…. The above picture is a self portrait. I’m a day dreamer. I’ll save what the kids are working on for another post.

Inspired by my kitchen chairs.

Inspired by watching a little bird pick seeds from the flowers weeds in my yard.

Hand sewing, well some hand sewing. My machine is still on a lame leg. I borrowed one from a sweet family member. It’s sews just fine but doesn’t handle quilting to well. Just when you think it’s doing great, the tension does this little crazy thing. So quilt tops sit undone. I was hoping I’d be able to take them to the craft show this weekend. So I’m trying not to get myself worked up about that and just have fun. And stick to small quilts. That’s where the hand sewing comes in. Along with the altered pouch. I’m finding myself liking it a lot more than I expected. There is something special in those little works of art.

Embracing Life…….

And Stay Silly…..

Does your kids ever do the knock, knock jokes? Ever since my youngest one heard them, she repeats them over and over.  Well, repeats one joke over and over. I try to act like it’s funny but seriously after so many times well..even a fake laugh is hard to muster up. I’m sure you’ve heard this one….

Em:Knock, knock

Me: who’s there?

Em: Orange

Me: Orange who?

Em: Orange you glad to see me!

The quilt I’m working on was inspired by of course orange. I’m really liking the colors. The freshness of the white, orange and a little touch of green. It speaks to me like sunny days. The large orange blocks are made out of a vintage fabric. I’m excited to use it finally and feel good about the outcome of it. It’s always such a bummer to use vintage fabric and not be pleased with the end result.  Feels like a sad lose. A betrayal to the fabric print itself. And you can’t run to the store and pick up a couple more yards. It’s gone. This is not one of those times. This quilt is made with the requested measurements of my husband. He’s pretty tall so when laying on the couch after a long day he sometimes likes to cover up with a blanket. Throws are way to small. Cold Feet. Large blankets usually get drug into the living room. Then left in large heaps at the foot of the couch. On really cold days, a large quilt is a comfort. To snuggle up under the heavy weigh of someone hand work but not every day. So this one is made to cover you while you lay on the couch without all the extra bulk. I’m feeling pretty orangy or peachy today. Lame but had to say it.  

Orange less intense red. Yes!  Orange curtains? I did that a while back but after seeing this print and this one. They look so blah! They were made out of the same print as the small orange blocks in the quilt picture above. I’m wanting a bold new textiles and huge pops of color in the house. What I got now sort has me feeling the grape in sun effect. Not good! I’d love to have this peacock illustration in fabric. Can’t really tell if it’s red or orange? But I can see it as curtains. That would definitely add a little conversation in a room. Helen does some of the cutest illustrations and I just love her blog. I think my favorite part is how she embellishes the pictures. They can be quite comical.

This print. Found it on Etsy. Orange and blue always a nice combo.

I so so so love the smell of me or anyone near me peeling an orange. I think that might be one of my favorite things.    Yes, today I agree.

OK…I’m sounding like my daughter. Repeating. Wonder how many times I said Orange.