Shamrocks and Crowns

Thankfully I found some time to sneak away this past weekend and do some creating.  I've been crocheting Shamrocks (in various sizes) and was itching to use one.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out but I must admit I am pleased with the results.  I have some Irish background on my father's side of the family and since green is my favorite color ... well, the rest just came together.

As you can see, I spent some time playing with pink too.  Something "girly" to share ...

My Shamrock project includes gorgeous Striped Ribbon ... it comes in so many wonderful colors.  You can find assortments of buttons here.  I absolutely adore the Beau Chateau Designer Papers with the chicken wire, polka dots, and roosters ... what's not to love?!  I also included a mini clothespin in the bow - sweet as can be.  The links will take you to my Stampin' UP! website store - just in case you can't do without!

I am thankful for your visits ... enjoy the rest of your day!

A long weekend at home ...

Hello friends!  I've enjoyed a few days off from work to spend time at home.  The kids have a long weekend and we've been enjoying each others company.  It's been too cold for long walks in the woods but tomorrow promises to be better.  I spoiled myself and purchased a new camera....which I used for today's post.  I love the photos it takes and the quality of the zoom images.  However, there is soooo much to learn - my photos may suffer from quality issues for a while!

Since these both are for a special friend, I don't want to say too much and spoil some pending surprise.  So for today I'll simply share the photos and wish you all a wonderful evening.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... good night!

A heart to share

I admit I am crazy for hearts lately.  I'm crocheting them like mad and enjoying every minute!  I have friends coming over next weekend for our monthly get-together and I'll certainly have to plan a project that has a heart for everyone!  For now, I placed one on this Valentine to share with you today.

I love our striped ribbon as much today as when it first came out.  I love how it feels and it ties so beautifully.  Paired up with red satin makes for an incredible bow.  The white "doily" beneath is new - cut with the Paper Doily die...a touch of ink on the edges makes it shabby.  Layered on top is a calendar print from the Beau Chateau Side Notes collection.

I crocheted the heart with red twine and love how it turned out with a vintage country feel.  Another button and the perfect greeting with pearls makes it complete.

Thanks for your patience as I work through my Valentine craze.  How about something in pink?

Enjoy your weekend!

I love You ...

Since I don't speak French, I thought it best to find out before I place it front and center.  Jacqueline tells me it means "I Love You" ... thank you!  I adore the color red but mostly in more earthy shades ...  like those found in the autumn months.  However, when Valentines Day draws near - I can't get enough of red polka dots!

Digging through my scrap paper drawer I found plenty.  The paper used here is from the Love Letter set and is currently on clearance!  Beau Chateau Side Notes surrounded by a glittery frame provides the focal point.

Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon combined with a stripe of cranberry and white are tied tight with seam binding and string.  My numbers are stamped in Cherry Cobbler punched with the Jewelry Tag punch.  An old button and embellished stick pins complete the bow.

To finish I used Pinking Hearts Border Punch and a sweet red button tied with cotton twine.

It's always a joy to have you stop by - thank you!

Among the roses

It has been a wonderful week, my friends.  The trees have almost reached their peak of beauty - gorgeous in their shades of Autumn color.  The weather today is sunny and warm.  With the windows and doors thrown wide open, I can hear the squirrels and chipmunks outside in the garden gathering their stores for the winter months ... rustling thru the fallen leaves.  Soon the birds will come and clean the bright red berries from the viburnum bushes as they prepare for their journey south.  I'm so happy to help them along the way.

I've enjoyed some quiet time lately ...creating crocheted bits of this and that to share.  My friend Lisa directed me to a beautiful photo of crocheted roses posted on tinywhitedaises.  Much larger than I need ... I had to try them in a smaller size.  I'm so pleased with this sweet rose that it was the featured embellishment at a gathering of crafty friends yesterday.  The ladies were thrilled to each get a rose complete with a single pink bead center.  I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these in the future.

My papers are from the Beau Chateau collection.  Shades of pink and brown are so wonderfully romantic.  Two ribbons combine to create a beautiful mixed bow.  The satin is Pretty in Pink, the stripe is retired.  Decorative pins with pearls and matching pink beads add another layer of shabby goodness.

You can see why I fell in love ... 

Love this too ...

Thank you for stopping by to spend some time here.  I hope you've been inspired to create something beautiful too .  Before I go ... remember to hop along and vote over at Polkadot Door Designs!

Vanilla soft ...

Happy Labor Day my friends!  I plan to do NO laboring today.  A few errands, a bit of sewing, and time spent with family is on my "to do" list.  The crisp Autumn temps have arrived with a high of only 63 degrees today.  It's my favorite season ... looking forward to the beautiful colors.

Seeing so many wonderful blooms created with everything from silk to printed cottons, I've wanted to try a rolled flower for a long time.  Mine is an off-white muslin...a length of left over drapery lining.  Next time I'll rip it rather than cut it ... hoping for something shabbier.  The leaves are velvet and there is a bit of crocheted doily tucked in for good measure.  I dyed the seam binding a light shade of blue and created some decorative pins by adding turquoise beads and pearls.  My greeting is stamped in Soft Suede ink.  The striped paper is from the scrap drawer but the damask print is new in the Beau Chateau collection (every sheet in this package is gorgeous).  The lace and button is from Shirley who collects and sends me "this and that" ... thank you!

The inspiration for this post comes from Mona and the Design Team over at CR84FN.  The color collage is nothing short of fabulous ... love the quote.  Thanks ladies for providing such amazing samples and creative ideas!

I appreciate you taking the time to stop by ... you always make my day brighter!