Something New ... Crocheted Apples

Oh my, it's been a long time since I have posted.  But I am happy to report that all is well here!

Rebekah over at the fabulous Midnite Lullabies Studio blog commented on my crocheted apple card and asked if I could create some apples for her too.  Of course I was thrilled to be crocheting for Rebekah.  She has participated on some of my favorite Design Teams.

She requested both large and small sizes and I can't wait to see what wonderful project(s) she posts with her apples!  Be sure to stop by her site and leave a little love ... her work is inspirational!

 

Tea time

Hi everyone!   We're off the trail after hiking through the woods with the Young Birders of the local Audubon Society.  It was hot but the company was fantastic.  The warblers are beginning to migrate through our area as they are returning to their winter homes in the south.  My son got a "Life Bird" today - Northern Waterthrush.  He's has over 200 birds on his life list and at 12 years old I look forward to seeing how large a list he'll have as an adult!  I love that he has such passion.

Although we spend hours in the woods and fields, thankfully I still find a bit of time to create.  I am not a lover of tea but I do so love everything about it.  The cups, tins, decorative tea bags ... it feels victorian, vintage and wonderful.  I put together some stamped images that I "fussy cut", added some glitter to a chipboard frame, and layered it on pattern papers with a kitchen theme.  A shabby bow, decorative pins,  a couple sweet flowers, and some pom-pom trim was the finishing touch.  I hope you like it too.

I'll be back soon with more to share ... for now Good Night!

Back to School

I didn't realize that it has been so long between posts ... how time flies!  Days have been filled with last minute outings that we've been wanting to do all summer.  As we are nearing the first day of school we find ourselves trying to fit in all that is left undone.  

I've decided to try my hand at some new photography techniques.  It's been over a year since I purchased my "not so new anymore" camera and I still have so much to learn.  My first experiment was using natural lighting.  So I put away my photo tent and headed for a southern facing window.  I must admit I like the results!  Maybe a bit too bright but not a bad start.

I crocheted this apple from a pattern found in a magazine.  I thought it was super cute and it goes so well with the bright colors and the adorable vintage stamped image.  I used to love it when school started and I feel the same excitement even now.  Layered in details and perfect for the season!

Thanks for stopping by!

Birdhouses ...

This past week I've been playing with my crochet hooks and threads.  I love the softness of pinks and greens.  My first birdhouse turned out so cute that I had to make another.

Then, of course, I had to use them ... and what better place than on a "happy bird day" card?

I guess another perfect place would be on a little note card ... with pink pom-poms.

I do believe you'll be seeing more of crocheted birdhouses in the future.  I have one in blue and brown just waiting for a delightful combination of printed papers and sweet embellishments.  I am so happy that I can combine a favorite pastime with my other love of papers and shabby details.  For me it's a match made in Heaven.  Thanks for stopping by ... 

Jingle Bells and Reindeer

Hello again!  I had a wonderful time hosting friends yesterday for an afternoon of fun. We talked, laughed, ate strawberry topped cake (yum!), and of course made a card or two.  It's been chilly here (yep, late July and in the 60s!) so we created a sweet Christmas greeting.  I crocheted roses for everyone from a silver thread ... I love "hooking" this flower pattern and in silver it's especially gorgeous.  Browns and blues added warmth while some shiny silver paper and a dash of glitter on the reindeer made everything sparkle.  A perfect card for the Holidays.

Good night!
 

Blue Love

Today felt like a "blue" day.  Not that I was feeling "blue" but rather I felt like mixing blues and soft shades of brown ... a wonderful duo, don't you agree?  The LOVE LOVE tickets layered on a beautifully printed paper was all it took to pull this card together.  I added a die cut crown (still playing with my new Big Shot toy so I hope you don't get tired of seeing die cuts) then a felt flower stacked with buttons.  A heart cut from a brocade pattern, a happy banner and a shabby bow embellish the crown.  The decorative pins are such fun to make - you can create any combination of colors and shapes only limited by the beads and baubles you can find.  Scraps of lace are always a treasure to add here and there ... I love every piece no matter how small.  Thanks for letting me share some LOVE with you today!

A Pink Hello

Isn't this pink dress form the sweetest?  Cut from coaster board with a die on my new Big Shot (which I absolutely love by the way) I painted it pink and dressed it up.  First a row of fabric flowers, then some ribbon and decorative pins, a couple buttons and a string of pearls ... I think it's so sweet.  I added hand-dyed seam binding in a soft shade of pink along with a crepe paper fringe.  I hope you like it as much as I do!  Thanks for stopping by....

Happy Thoughts

These colors make me happy.  They make me think of summers years ago picking strawberries with my mother at a farm near my home town.  The days were sooo hot ... crouched in the dirt between the rows of berries but I loved it.  We'd take our quarts up the counter to be counted and paid for.  Then we'd head home where we'd make the best strawberry shortcake ever!

Starting with a strawberry and apple print of the same color family, I added a paper doily and some stitching.  A couple scalloped shapes in coordinating colors, a painted chipboard heart, and fussy cut apple with button were all layered on top.  A banner with a happy greeting and two self-adhesive gems were added in addition to a fancy folded green ribbon along the bottom and a bow with decorative pins.  Too sweet!

Thanks for letting me share today!

Sent With Love

Hello friends.  I spent some time yesterday with my new goodies - it's such fun to sneak away and play.  I'm loving the Washi Tape and completely understand what the excitement is all about!  In different colors, patterns, and what could be easier to apply?!  A tin of crystal buttons have sat on my shelf for ages ... I was very happy to discover them "again".  I also added a doily, paint and glitter for the chipboard shapes, a sweet little flocked flower and pearl plus my usual dyed seam binding bow, decorative pins, and message tag.  I don't think I'll ever tire of that "shabby" feel.

Lots of new embellishments in our latest catalog.  There's a link on the left if you want to take a peek!

Thanks for letting me share today!

Bluebird

I had a fabulous day catching up with friends who had come over for an afternoon of card making.  We had such fun learning what was new in each other's lives and sharing our love of all things shabby!  A couple ladies brought a friend which made the time together even more special ... to share our day of "crafting" with someone new.

As you know, birds are a favorite pastime in this household so I couldn't pass up using this beautiful feathered friend.  The blues and browns look wonderful together pulled from the printed papers and coloring of the bird image.  I think that the fabric rose ribbon goes perfectly with her pearls and gives the whole project a very vintage feel.  I hope she makes you smile today ....

Heartfelt

The boys are home from camping ... this time returning from southern Ohio!  Our Scouts spent the last four days "roughing it" in Hawking Hills State Park.  Exploring the caves, flying through the trees on a zip-line, fishing and hiking and so much more.  A fabulous Father's Day adventure if you ask me!

So, my girl and I spent time doing "girly things".  A bit of shopping, some baking, and of course a bit of creativity too.  I haven't crocheted in ages and it was so nice to just sit, relax, and create a heart for this Heartfelt greeting.  A row of buttons, some glittery chipboard, and of course a soft bow ... so sweet.

Thanks for letting me share!

It's been too long ...

It feels good to be back!  I've missed you all so much.  Our sharing of ideas, loving and kind words, and inspiration for living life.  Not just talk about our common love of paper crafts ... no, our friendship reaches beyond the talk of ribbon, buttons, and stamps.  I am touched by your emails of concern and am happy to say that all is well here.  Everyone is happy and healthy and I wish the same for you!

What better way to return to my studio than to "celebrate" with glitter, pins, buttons, and more?  I have a sweet July Holiday arrangement to share with you today.  Red, White, and Blue is so cheery ... layered with a paper doily, dyed seam binding, decorative pins and a star (or two) make for a festive greeting!  Do you have plans for the 4th of July?

Thanks for stopping by ... so happy to hear from you!

Enjoying every day ...

The days have been busy with volleyball season starting and every other free hour spent birding with my son.  I have enjoyed these past couple months spending time with family, going here and there with the kids, and playing in the craft room as time permits.  We have a day of hiking and birding planned for tomorrow but I had a moment today to photograph and post these for you .... I hope you like them.

Thanks for stopping by ... I'll be sure to return soon with something in red and pink!