A Little Color

I've been kicking around a certain project now for the last several months, and now I finally feel like I am coming into the home stretch. Working with color, as it should be very obvious, is a passion of mine. But I have to admit that when it comes to really fine details, it is not the easiest thing.

One could not imagine how many million shades of blue there are, or green, and, and, and. One slide too many towards yellow and one could end up with a really ugly pea soup green. Slide a little too far to the blue side and one ends up with a boring mint color that reminds one of funny tasting candy in a retirement home. But it looks like things are getting narrowed down and the end is now in sight. Now that the hard part is over, it still looks like a little more waiting until the final product lands on my desk. But as I guess they say... good things come to those who wait, right?

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Just Popping In

We've not even come into March yet, and already I am thinking about what projects I have in mind for our show in June. Wanna little sneak peek? I had actually started this around the same time that I was working on the fun, but practical shopping totes. It's a slight variation with a little less basic form and a little more feminine shape... I'm sure you recognize the Anna Maria Horner fabrics.

I guess I have so much that I would like to accomplish before then, and the ideas for projects are darting around in my head like ping pong balls in a final duel, so it should be interesting to see which ones win out. I know I'm not the only one... so, how do you decide which sewing projects you want to work on first, and which ones have to take the back seat?

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It Only Took Five

My husband and I had only been dating for one month the first time that he sent me flowers. When the doorbell rang and a big bouquet was presented to me, I said to myself... "I'm going to marry that guy!" Well, it took a little more than flowers to get me to agree, but let's just say that they helped.

Throughout the years I've gotten lots of flowers from my husband, but they have always been missing one thing... my favorite flower. It has kind of been a running joke with us, and I have told my husband multiple times that when he brings the bouquet which includes my favorite flower, that I would let him know.

Yesterday, my guy finally hit it... a bouquet for Valentine's Day which included my favorite flower... the simple, sweet, and yet cheerful DAISY.

... and it only took five years for him to find it. Smile.

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Weekend Project

I had originally started working on this project to enter a contest featuring tutorials for gifts to send to that "special someone" or for "love-themed" events such as weddings and engagement parties.

BUT... sometimes projects flop and just don't work out as you had them planned... you too? So my "Valentine's card" is a result of combining what didn't work out with a little bit of paper. I love mixed media projects and especially combining fabric and paper.

Valentine's Day is a really big day in the States, and while it seems to be working its way over to Germany, it is not as popular here. I have to admit that I never really was the biggest fan of Valentine's Day... especially during my single days. It was always a big slap in the face that I didn't have anyone on the biggest day of love. But now that I am married, my guy is relatively unfamiliar with the holiday and if I want flowers I have to tell him so. Sigh... what's a girl to do?

But I still wanted to share what could be a super easy project for the weekend... cut out a couple fabric shaped hearts, glue them on, outline them with a black marker, add a sweet charm, and write a special message to your love... for any time of the year. Happy weekend creating!

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Aufgepeppt!

Do you have a room in your house that every time you're in it, you only leave with a sigh and a headshake thinking "wow, is that ever a dull and boring room!"... but find that the even more frustrating part of it is that you have no idea what to do to fix it?

I guess this is how I have felt about our bathroom since the day we moved in (which is now going on four years!). As with all house renovations, it is about deciding what is most important on the remodeling list and what can I live with until I have the money to do something about it. Bathroom redo's are not cheap and since our "inherited" bathroom was clean and in good condition, we decided to just live with it. But I have always hated how dull and boring it was, and having angled walls and tiles from floor to ceiling did not leave very much room for adding any "pretties".

But now that my hubby has a little bit slower season with work, you can only imagine how many things he has on his "honey-do" list... and all it took was a simple shelf...

...and a framed print from an artist that I adore. A sweet present from a dear friend of mine. ( I told you a long time ago that I would show you what else Juliette sent me for our "Craft It Forward" action... here it is, an air-dry white clay ornament that she made. For me, "faith" is not just a word that I only think about at Christmas time)

... and we've needed a new clock ever since the little guy wanted to see if our old one could actually float. A simple touch of green with a favorite pretty flowered mirror.

... and of course I couldn't leave out a little touch of fabric with a couple bright and cheerful pinwheels.

... done. A simple, yet attractive accent wall and we said bye-bye to boring. I even got a confirmation from the little one when he noticed the new shelf the following day and let me know that he liked it with an "ohhhhh."

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Garden of Delights

Despite the fact that fact that the first tulips have arrived in the flower shops, it is hard to think that spring or summer could be on the way with the kind of cold that we are having. But it is the hope that winter will not last forever that gives spring part of its magic.

The new fabric collection "Garden of Delights" by Jules Davis for Blend fabrics is just the kind of collection that can instantly carry one to a warm summer day in the garden. With garden friends like squirrels, hummingbirds, and dragonflies, Jules fabrics hold a certain element of whimsy, but with elegant lines.

I'm really excited to whip up a few things with this garden friends filled collection. I have a few projects in mind...

... like this practical garden apron.

...or maybe adding a pretty little touch of color to my boring rubber garden boots.

So, are you ready for spring too?

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Burlap Love

You know that when things get quiet around here it is because I am doing things. Of course the hope is that the quiet precedes the giant flood of here's this thing I made, or just a little something I whipped up there, or oh, ah, look what one can do with.... But the not so romantic side of the real world is that sometimes things like inventory and major web system overhauls hold precedence over creating. Hmpfh! So since I have more unfinished projects on my desk than one could imagine, how about if I share what I would like to be doing if I weren't doing boring computer work.

I've always had a certain fascination with burlap. Somehow even though it can be a little rough and scratchy to the touch, it has always held a certain charm to me with a rustic simplicity that I find really appealing. Come on now... this stuff isn't just for feed sacks anymore.

1. What a great idea to print on burlap... oh, wow! What can one do with that?!? 2. This "Love" banner would be just perfect gift with Valentine's day just around the corner. 3. Sweet handmade gift tags just to say thank you are a great edition to any gift. 4. Burlap bird ornaments can be used in so many places.

1. Let's not forget about the home with this awesome DIY headboard. 2. Burlap corkboard is simple and classic. 3. For that special party or wedding event, burlap can also add a romantic touch. 4. A simple band, simple flowers, and a simple candle is a super table decoration, perfect for all year round.

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Blend Fabrics

When I heard that Anna Griffin was launching a new company at the last Quilt Market, I just had to sit up. Anna Griffin has been known in the fabric industry for quite some time, but even longer in the wedding industry. This lady has her hands in quite a few pots, and it makes sense that she would also have her hand in a company that embraces well known artists and designers from around the world. Her co-founder, Joe Spiegelberg, brings just as much experience to the company having also founded Maude Asbury, a luxury gift company that carries everything from photo albums, picture frames, and magnet boards.

So I guess it would go without saying that I am really excited to add three new collections from this newly launched company called Blend... yes, that's right three! When I say excited, I really mean it.

Photo Source

The first collection is from Sarah Watts, illustrator/pattern designer, who describes her work as "quirky-southern-gothic-victorian". As interesting of a description as it might sound, Sarah's fabric collection "Feather n Stitch" will not disappoint.

Keep your eyes open for other new collections from Blend, found here.

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In the Bag

You may remember the sweet little mini bag/pencil cases I made using fabrics from Aneela Hoey's "Little Apples" collection. I ended up stuffing them with colored pencils, beads, "Hello Kitty" lip gloss, and other small trinkets for my other two nieces for Christmas. All girls just seem to love bags to keep their treasured keepsakes in.

As a coordinating present, I decided to put a little twist on the "shopper totes" that I had been turning out just a few weeks before. Simple sewing, simple lines, silver grommets accents, with sweet fabric made these matching drawstring book bags ultra cute.

Just in case you're looking... here's a really easy how-to video on how to make a drawstring backpack. Happy sewing!

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All Grown Up

Now that Christmas is over I can actually show a couple of presents that went out to some loved ones this year... I just couldn't spoil any surprises ahead of time with showing things off here.

When my oldest niece saw the collection from Lizzy House, she immediately fell in love with the cute foxes and adorable hedgehogs. For my younger niece I knew that pink would be the color of choice, but I wanted to do something a little more grown-up for my oldest niece... those pre-teen years can very much be a revolt of all things pink, purple, and ultra feminine.

I thought that a bold contrast of rich purple and vibrant orange was grown up enough without over doing it. I really want to delve into this collection a little deeper, but I've got several things in the works that might keep those project ideas on the backburner for now.

So, how many of your Christmas presents were handmade? Did you make them or did someone make something handmade for you?

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Das "Ja" Wort

It was a clear, crisp, and bright day in January... which is extremely unusual for weather in Northern Germany that time of year. But it was the perfect day to say "I do".

It seems a little hard for me to believe that it was just five years ago, and then on the other hand, it hardly feels like five years at all. Not that it has been difficult for me to stay with the man that I said "yes" to those few short years ago.... somehow he makes that easy for me. Perhaps it feels like an accomplishment, a milestone for having stood beside the one I promised the rest of my life to. As with every couple we have had our fair share of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many in between points... but I cannot think of another person in the world that I would want to share my "forever" with.

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Transition

It would seem as if I have been having a hard time transitioning into the New Year. It is as if I almost skipped the Christmas season and all of its creative possibilities and now am searching for a springboard into 2012. Things had been moving especially slow since being repeatedly under the weather put me so behind on all my holiday preparations, and now I have been trying to recover from the whirlwind of ending the year.

My family and friends have been the center point of the last weeks, which leaves me somewhat at a loss for words. Not that the moments have not been wonderful enough to share, but perhaps I wanted to savor them, save them for myself, and enjoy them without the pressure of writing about how wonderful those small, but meaningful moments have been.

I've been way to busy to think about lists, goals, or contemplative and reflective moments about the previous year... but there is, thank goodness, no time limit on when these things must be done. So for now, just a simple hello coming your way.

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

friends
hugs and merry wishes
yumminess shared
naps
spicy apple cake savored in the dim candlelight
candles glowing, crackling, and dancing
the story where it all began
songs of rejoicing
smiles and laughter from loved ones millions of miles away brought to us through the wonders of modern technology
the joyful anticipation of discovering new things packed in bright paper
dinner by candlelight with my two favorite "boys"
nice wine in a nice glass
melodic tunes bringing back those special childhood memories
snuggly pajamas
snuggle time with the little guy
snuggle time with the big guy
surprises
deep sleep

taking it slow
five star breakfast
lazy day
family

ahhhh... Christmas!

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Something Missing

So have you noticed that something has been missing here these days? Perhaps a little red and green?

I've been following what's going on in "Blogville" these days, pretty Advent calendars, sparkling Christmas decorations, tasty baked treats, and fun and creative projects for the "most wonderful time of the year"... and then I stop and think about my last five posts. Tja, and thinking about it, one would probably never even notice a color or season change.

Putting aside the fact that I have been a rollercoaster ride of being "under the weather" for the last months, there is a part of me inwardly that has said enough is enough. The past several years for me have been a gradual, but significant scaling down. Mind you, I come from the land of explode your credit card until the mountain of debt surpasses the mountain of toys that are given to happy little boys and girls. A place where, despite the fact that working moms are stretched on every side, there is still the pressure to provide the magic... the whole atmosphere, the candles, the presents, the cookies, the perfectly decorated home, the things life-time memories are made of. Each year I evaluate what I am doing that pertains to Christmas and if it actually makes sense. Don't get me wrong... I love to decorate, I love to make things pretty, I love to add that extra added touch, I love it when I find that present that makes that someone special squeal with delight... who doesn't? But I've been asking myself at what "cost" am I doing these things? Am I getting so caught up in the doing, the buying, the running, the wrapping, the decorating, the stress, the self-inflicted expectations that I have of myself that I totally miss it... miss Christmas? Am I overlooking the needy, the hungry, the hurting, just to run in the mad rat race?

But my motto for this season has been... keep it simple. The little guy actually gets only a few things for his second Christmas. Most of the gifts that I am giving are handmade. There will be food dropped off this week at the food bank. And a simple manger will be just about the only decoration that will be put out for the holidays... but isn't that the simple and humble display of love that should take the spotlight of Christmas?

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Scrap Love Links

So, I thought I would wrap up my fabric scrap theme with a few "put your scraps to good use" links. If you don't have the patience to sew a million little quilting squares together, perhaps you could find a little inspiration here:

1. Gathered Clutches, are the perfect gift giving idea 2. Whimsical Key Chains from Living with Punks would be great as a gift tag to add an extra something special to simple gift wrapping.

3. Turn those fabric scraps into a decorative accent to perk up any corner in your home with trendy garland. 4. "A little birdie told me"... as found from the inspirational magazine Molly Makes.

5. Paper bags using fabric scraps as a cute closure, just right to fill with special treats for any occasion, from Scissor Variations.

6. From needle cases to zippered bags, notebook covers to scissors cases, covered tape measure to handmade cards, a cup and a catch up will leave you with a whole lotta scrap inspiration.

7. Sweet and fun from the birds and the bees to quirky little critters than one finds just below the knees from Pop-i-cok.

Do you have any fun fabric scrap links that you care to share? Or just leave a link from a recent blog posts showing one of your own "scrap love" projects... I would love to see what is inspiring you these days.

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Great Minds Think Alike

... or at least that's what I've heard.

So, this week we had a knock on the door from Mr. Postman, and guess what he had for me? A sweet little package from Juliette with a few handmade Craft It Forward gifts inside. And let me just say that it is super fitting, since I've been rambling on about it for days, that one of her gifts was made using fabric scraps. Aren't these "thank you" cards great?

I love it when there is that extra added detail to things. I'm really loving the hot pink flower stamp that she used on the back of the cards. I'll share what else she sent me later... good things come to those who wait, right?

Gee, I wonder how she knew that I'm a huge fan of Heather Bailey fabrics?.... hmmmm.

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Bookworm

I'm still sorting through and having lots of fun with fabric scraps these days, not to mention that I had to try to find some creative outlet while my sewing machine was being repaired. My husband was actually laughing at poor, little ol' me, who was almost pacing the floor not quite knowing what to do without it. I'm super glad that the repairs did not take too long and I was able to put the finishing touches on these sweet little bookmarks.

Several years ago my parents got me a Cuttlebug embossing and die cutting machine for Christmas (link für Deutschland), and I have to say that I have really put it to good use since then. There are all kinds of cutting and embossing patterns from simple to very ornate.

Originally inspired from this post, I thought I would try my own version, and since the weather has been so cold and grey these days, I just had to pull out a few fabrics that remind me of warmer weather.

Perfect for suggling up next to a warm fire with a nice book, don't you think?

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Craft It Forward Countdown

Just in case you have forgotten about this, let me just send out a quick little reminder, and hope that you will pass it along too. It seems as though I often tend to be quite revealing about myself, including many of my bad habits and shortcomings... so what's one more thing to admit? Here it is... I'm a procrastinator. Yep, and I am very aware of this tendency about myself. Somehow, it's like I need the pressure of a deadline to get me going. At university, I always waited until the last minute to finish most of my assignments, and I have to say that some of my best writing was always done right before a due date.


So I knew when I "signed my name on the dotted line" for Craft it Forward, that it would not happen until the very end of the year. But I have to say that I'm pretty proud that I have sent out all but one of my handmade items before Christmas. (come on, give me a break... I signed up for this on Facebook AND my blog... twice the work!) So, now there is only one month left until we bring in 2012... yeah, hard to believe, huh?

Have you sent out all your Craft it Forward gifts? Do you have a link to share about one of the items you sent or one of the items you received?... please share!

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