quick

Ever since Teresa announced that the theme for the vendor fair of Silver Bella is to be aprons, I've been thinking about aprons. I don't sew so I needed to think of a way to make an apron without really sewing.

When I saw this (Forever 21)

+

this (also at Forever21)

=

The gears started turning. I did some simple mathematics and came up with this...



All done during today's naptime...with time enough left over to photograph and blog it for you to see.

Happy weekend everybody!

tiny worlds...

I just added a bunch to the etsy shop.

happy

We went on two picnics this weekend...two proper pack-a-basket picnics!

Burke Lake Park is a great little park not too far from us. They have a miniature train that you can ride around the park...
and a carousel...

It was really just the most perfect day. The weather was wonderful and we were all in the best mood. "Sunshine on my shoulder" came on the radio on the way home and the words "If I had a day that I could give you I'd give to you a day just like today" nearly made me break down and cry. I know I'm risking super-duper corniness with this admission. I'm just feeling so joyful and so filled with gratitude and love and awe.

On another note, our refrigerator broke. On the outside I'm pretending this is the biggest bummer of all. But on the inside I'm so completely excited about getting a new refrigerator. And just look at my new beautiful refrigerator. I can't wait to fill it up with beautiful produce and frozen stuff and coca-colas all in a row.

A few weeks ago, something fell onto the coil of the dishwasher and burned so badly that I couldn't pull the bottom tray forward. I was just as inwardly giddy at the prospect of getting a new dishwasher. (the one we have is just so loud) But Rich just ran the dishwasher again to get the coils hot enough to re-melt the plastic and the darn thing works like a dream (a loud dream) again.

Oh, guess what. I made more little worlds. Here's a sneak peek...

eagle, almost finished

My father just sent me pictures of his eagle. Can you believe he's done all this work in less than a week? Unbelievable! Isn't my cousin lucky to be getting such a work of art?

grace

I had been searching forever for a vintage Miraculous Medal so when I found this one at Gilding The Lily, I was beside myself with joy. I showed it to Kristen and told her how important it was to me. I told her how I needed find someone to make it into a necklace for me to wear everyday.

Do you know the story of The Miraculous Medal? Mary appeared in a vision to a young nun in Paris in the early 19th century and described the image on the medal. She then told the young nun "Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.” Great miracles started happening all over France for people who wore the medal. See here for more information.

"There is no superstition, nothing of magic, connected with the Miraculous Medal. The Miraculous Medal is not a “good-luck charm”. Rather, it is a great testimony to faith and the power of trusting prayer. Its greatest miracles are those of patience, forgiveness, repentance, and faith. God uses a Medal, not as a sacrament, but as an agent, an instrument, in bringing to pass certain marvelous results."

Kristen graciously and generously offered to make the necklace for me...she even bought the vintage medal.

Last week it arrived and it is just so beautiful.




Thank you so much, Kristen, for making such a personal, beautiful piece for me. I wear it as a constant whispering prayer.

home sweet home

(Look away Colleen, Kristen and Kim...there's a spoiler below!)

It's been a little while since I made any Sugarville houses. I think making 60+ for Silver Bella '07 burned me out a bit.

As a doorprize for Artistic Affaire Printemps, I donated a Sugarville house. Colleen won and asked for it to be personalized with her son, daughter-in-law, and new baby. When I found this little buggy, I knew it would look sweet with a little Mama and little Papa. I like how it looks like Papa is playing with the baby.


I decided to try a new way of making a lawn for the houses. It was a bit tricky and messy...and I'm not sure if I'll repeat it for future properties. But I must admit I like how it looks in the photos.

This next house is a gift for Kristen Robinson. She made me something so wonderful (I'll show you this week!) and this is in exchange. Actually, she offered to make this very special thing for me and the only way I could accept is if she allowed me to make something for her.

I love so much this little family of three. I hope it reminds Kristen of her own little family.

This last gift is for Kim Caldwell for inviting me to teach at her event. I was so impressed with Kim's sweet family and the love that's evident in her home and I wanted to create a piece that celebrated her family.





p.s. I've been meaning to tell you that the rug in my living room is, believe it or not, from the Mary Kate and Ashley line at Target. Find it here.

my daddy

My parents just left...it was such a nice visit.

My father spent his mornings and afternoons out on the deck carving this eagle for my cousin. Can you believe how lovely the feathers are looking? Isn't it wonderful?

And I just love this photo of my father that Alfredo shot...isn't it fun? I love the angle of it and the banner in the background...too cute.

stitching party

I invited some friends over yesterday for a little stitching fun.

Claudine, Lorraine, Pam, Hope, Sue and Lia all came over for the afternoon and we talked and stitched and ate and laughed. It was a lot of fun. We're hoping to make it a regular crafting thing. I didn't take pictures but I'm hoping they will post their samplers on their blogs. Pam posted hers already.

Here's how mine is coming along...







I think I'll make a little wallhanging out of it.

My parents helped so much for yesterday's party. My father made his famous chicken salad and my mother patiently showed how to make perfect stitches (which nicely countered the imperfection of mine!)

The folks are here just for one more day so we'll try to make the most of it. We're having a great time and it's so much fun to have them around.

Hope you have a lovely day too.

toy ring

I saw these cute wooden shapes at JoAnn's the other day and I bought a whole bunch.

I used my crop-a-dile to punch a hole through the wood...
And I put them on a ring.
And it makes a really good quiet time toy for contemplation. (But I wouldn't make this for a baby who's still putting things in her mouth)

My parents are visiting this week (and are due to arrive in a half hour!) whoopie!

who knew?

Just look at my cute new shoes. When I saw these on Sherry at Artistic Affaire in California, I asked where she got them. I did not expect the answer to be Walmart for less than $15! They are so cute and so comfortable.

While there, I also picked up one of these...

after reading Scrappy Jessi's idea for using it as a wrap out of the shower.

Walmart? Who knew? I still hate my Walmart but I did step in just for these two things.