Valentine Garland

Yesterday I had a lovely bunch of ladies over for a workshop. It's hard to believe that I ever had doubts about converting our old family room into my studio. If I had known how much I would enjoy teaching in my own space I would have done it much sooner.

My friend Carole brought two friends, Maureen and Gayle, and they were every bit as sweet as Carole herself. Also in attendance was my friend Laura that can always be counted on for her cheerfulness. Rounding out the group was my friend Val that I haven't been able to see as much of lately as I would like.

One of our projects was the Valentine garland above. I love pink and red together but I couldn't help adding in a bunch of other colors as well.

I just heard it's going to rain all week. I think I'll take my lunch and a small project to work on over my lunch hours. If I close my blinds and lock my office door I'll probably still get a few knocks. Maybe I'll put a sign on my door that says "Crafting!".

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What a Day!

I don't think I've ever posted twice in one day but I wanted to share this photo that I took of my sister and new brother in law. We basically celebrated all day and just got home from a big family dinner for the two of them at a great italian restaurant we love. They got married at the court house in the heart of Oakland and we'll just say it's not the best area...however, I took some great shots of them in the streets and in front of old buildings, etc.. If you know my sister you know she's a hilarious nut so she's always up for something different.

Well it's back to work tomorrow!

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Court House Wedding

I'm off today to be a witness for my sister. She's getting married at the court house. I'm really excited for her! She and her husband to be are a perfect match.

I'm looking forward to a bit of creative time between the nuptials and the celebration dinner tonight.

Happy Monday!

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An Unexpected Opportunity

An unexpected opportunity presented itself this past week. I was asked to be a speaker at a ladies lectureship in April. I've taught children at my congregation for over 20 years but I've never shared a message with 100+ ladies of faith. Initially I laughed heartily and in my mind I thought, "Not me!". And then after I'd had a chance to think it through I realized, why not me? In 36 years I've learned a few things about being a woman, a wife, a mother and a friend. I'm excited for this opportunity and I'm humbled that I was even under consideration for such a task. The topic I was assigned is, "Christian Women Making a Difference Using God's Values". Wish me luck!

Well now that that lampshade is done I'm movin on! I've gathered up some sewing supplies that I'll be needing for a 16" sewing notion dress form class coming up in March. I must have jotted down a dozen ideas for this project today. I love dress forms and I want this one to be a pretty but functioning addition to my art space. I'll post some pics once I get started!

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Stitched Shade Side #4

Here is the final side to my lampshade. A mish mash of stuff for sure. My favorite is the floral resin piece at the bottom. It comes white but I scribbled some oil pastels on it and wet a paint brush to water the color down. I'd like to find an old italian tole lamp to put the shade on so I'll be scouting for that in the upcoming months.

Everyone's waiting on me to go grab some dinner so I'll leave this post short & sweet. Enjoy the weekend!

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Stitched Shade Side #3

A few flea markets ago I bought an old linen childrens book. The picture of the girl is from that book. I just love her violet colored dress. I used the smallest brad from the brad maker kit.



On a much different note, Mr. Sweet and I had such a good laugh when he got home from picking up The Littles from pre-school. It was a note from my 3 1/2 year old girls teacher. It was an "Oops" note. It went on to say that the school had loaned her a pair of panties for the day because she came to school without any on. Don't EVEN ask me how that happened because I have no idea! That's going into her shoebox of memories for sure!

I'll be back tomorrow with the last stitched lamp shade panel.

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Stitched Shade Side #2

This little dolly in a pocket might look vaguely familiar...I had this on a canvas and decided to move her, pocket and all, to one of the panels. I painted the canvas bird a light yellow, added some music paper and then created a nest out of ribbon and embroidery thread. This is my favorite of the four panels.



I'm sweet on the brad maker by Chatterbox. It comes with brads in three sizes along with punches to create the centers. You can use paper, a photo...whatever you want. It was really easy to make a snip in the fabric and fasten it on.

See you tomorrow with panel #3!

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