Now THESE are storm clouds!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
So, I was excited by this storm - now THESE are storm clouds!! Before the rain, I took the kids out and showed them what real "pre-tornado" clouds look like - really fluffy and tornado like. We usually don't get them that look like this in Denver.So, about 20 mins and a downpour later we see this:
There was a tornado warning for north-east jefferson county, but not us (we're nw Denver). Then the warnings started coming. Makes me wonder if it had been a faster moving tornado if that warning would have been a bit late? Anyway, sirens went off and we headed to the basement.Very exciting.
Labels: family life
WoW! A voidwalker - cute even if you don't know what that is!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Isn't this cute? Even if you don't play "World of Warcraft" (we all know we're geeks!) this voidwalker is just TOO cute! Hmm, thinking about picking up the crochet needle again!Labels: family life, inspiration
Summer begins!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
And so we have been thrown head first into summer - and it's raining! :P Ha ha!Oh well, that's ok, we're going to spend the day signing up for the summer reading programs at two libraries - and then after a work out (thank heavens the kids love 24 hour fitness) we'll come back and start organizing rooms and trying to get rid of some stuff!
On the crafty front - I'm working on my pig (pictures to come) and I've signed up to take Susan Sorrel's "Fertile Earth" - I guess which is good timing with all this rain AND I got my garden planted.
No idea what image I'm going to work with, but it should be fun! It's funny that after knowing her for this long and posting lessons for her (I do her website) that I would finally take a class.
But my class with Robin Atkins kind of broke my "no new projects" rule - I think I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm just NOT going to finish things and I need to move forward. Who knows, maybe by making that resolution, I will finish stuff! (less pressure?).
Anyway, back to work...which is interesting with the kids home this summer...they're going to be in a rec center camp 5 hours a day and I feel a bit guilty, but money is money, eh?
Labels: bead embroidery, family life
Stitching and back to "normal" life!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
This is the stitching I worked on throughout the trip to New Mexico. I have NO idea why I'm finding this fun, but I am. I love the crewel (it's really forgiving) and I'm liking this plant a lot! The worst part is the whole area that's finished had had the pattern worn off, so I had to work out where everything was supposed to go.
Anyway, kind of fun to finish a 20 year old UFO - and just follow directions for a change.
I've made some progress on my CQ pig, but not enough to show - so maybe next post?
We returned from New Mexico and ran straight into "end of year" activities including field day. Here's Missy C who refuses to wear her ribbons because they are ALL SECOND PLACE! (like that's the end of the world?) But she was PO'd and so wouldn't wear them. NO idea where she gets this competitive streak. It's kind of funny.
Then there was Matey Moo (who just celebrated his 7th Bday - YAY!) and as usual, he's just happy to be there! What a happy guy!
My inlaws leave on Monday - so life will sort of be returning to normal (NO Idea what that is) and then on to summer - which - cross your fingers - I think I have figured out! :D
Anyway, kind of fun to finish a 20 year old UFO - and just follow directions for a change.
I've made some progress on my CQ pig, but not enough to show - so maybe next post?
We returned from New Mexico and ran straight into "end of year" activities including field day. Here's Missy C who refuses to wear her ribbons because they are ALL SECOND PLACE! (like that's the end of the world?) But she was PO'd and so wouldn't wear them. NO idea where she gets this competitive streak. It's kind of funny. Then there was Matey Moo (who just celebrated his 7th Bday - YAY!) and as usual, he's just happy to be there! What a happy guy!My inlaws leave on Monday - so life will sort of be returning to normal (NO Idea what that is) and then on to summer - which - cross your fingers - I think I have figured out! :D
Labels: crewel, embroidery, family life
Picture heavy - because it was "alien" and "diner" day! :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Yesterday was "alien day" - we started out the day at Roswell! Yay! What a fun place and where we dropped most of our money! ha ha!
For your reference, here is an "Alien Identification chart"
Here's a shot of the inside of the museum. It really is fun. But the best part was the "stuff"! :)
On our way to Albuquerque (that is the LAST time I'm spelling that!) we went through Vaughn and ate at Penny's Diner - apparently it's a chain in small odd towns. Good food and cute decor! Fun!
Here's the fam!
Oddly, we ate at the "Owl Cafe" for dinner - also a Diner! It was in the parking lot of our hotel - and the story is that some "prospectors" who ate there, helped the owner to invent the green Chili Cheesburger - these "prospectors" turned out to be some of the scientists at the Trinity site and who worked at the White Sands Missile Range.
So, that's the end of "Alien Diner" day! :) It was fun and today we're heading home - after letting the kids swim one more time in the hotel pool! By the way, THIS was a decent motel - the Sandia Conference center. Older place, but well run and clean and NOTHING broken.
For your reference, here is an "Alien Identification chart"
Here's a shot of the inside of the museum. It really is fun. But the best part was the "stuff"! :) On our way to Albuquerque (that is the LAST time I'm spelling that!) we went through Vaughn and ate at Penny's Diner - apparently it's a chain in small odd towns. Good food and cute decor! Fun! Here's the fam! Oddly, we ate at the "Owl Cafe" for dinner - also a Diner! It was in the parking lot of our hotel - and the story is that some "prospectors" who ate there, helped the owner to invent the green Chili Cheesburger - these "prospectors" turned out to be some of the scientists at the Trinity site and who worked at the White Sands Missile Range.So, that's the end of "Alien Diner" day! :) It was fun and today we're heading home - after letting the kids swim one more time in the hotel pool! By the way, THIS was a decent motel - the Sandia Conference center. Older place, but well run and clean and NOTHING broken.
So, tomorrow, "back to reality" - and I ran across this adorable idea on Craft. I guess it's time to think about summer, eh?
Labels: family life
Just a quick post - Day 3 New Mexico
Monday, May 18, 2009
This day passed in geeky style - we went to the White Sands Missile range and went through a bit of a MAJOR check point (military base) but the results were worth it - it was a really interesting museum! 
Then on to White Sands - GORGEOUS! Amazing this is in the middle of the US, eh? The sand is made of gypsum - which is water soluable - which gives you an idea of how dry it is here. But it didn't stop anyone from enjoying the sand "beach style"! :D
Spent the night in Ruidoso Downs - and yuck! The hotel was NOT nice! But today, off to Roswell - may the aliens be with you! :)
Then on to White Sands - GORGEOUS! Amazing this is in the middle of the US, eh? The sand is made of gypsum - which is water soluable - which gives you an idea of how dry it is here. But it didn't stop anyone from enjoying the sand "beach style"! :D Spent the night in Ruidoso Downs - and yuck! The hotel was NOT nice! But today, off to Roswell - may the aliens be with you! :)Labels: family life
On the road....in New Mexico
Sunday, May 17, 2009
So, Day one passed and really we just got down to Santa Fe - via an interesting Volcano in North New Mexico, but that was about it.
Day Two - we spent the night in Santa Fe at "The Sage Inn" and as web designers - ha ha - it was one case where the website FAR outranked the hotel. All in all a fairly crappy experience - all just little complaints (including the NON cheery hotel staff) but the breakfast was pretty decent.
We packed up, found a spot in a public garage downtown and spent the morning and lunch in Santa Fe. It was great! They had their normal Saturday Festival - completely with really cute Latino dancing girls - adorable and the music was fun!
If you want a sample of the dancing, I've posted a video here.
Here are the kids and I with a "living statue" behind us! Great fun and a great day!
We also popped into the Loretto Chapel. I had seen this staircase as a young kid (6th grade I think) but it's much more impressive when you understand the construction.
Then we headed south of town. Sadly, El Ranchos De Las Golondrinas (which has a tie in to one of the American girl dolls) was closed and so we decided to take a side trip to Cerrillos and Madrid (pronounced MADrid). If you happen to remember, Madrid was featured in the movie "Wild Hogs" - totally cute movie and a really cute town .
We drove into Truth or Consequences (yep, that's a town name) on fumes and checked into a really cute motel - which will be featured in a post on my Mid Century blog! Great spot and despite the simple nature WAY better than the one in Santa fe. Ok, we're off!
Labels: family life
Happy Mother's Day - to all you Mom's out there
Sunday, May 10, 2009
I hope you get to sleep in!
I still have my cold and just got up to take more meds - what do you think my chances are of breakfast in bed? :)
Have a great day all!
I still have my cold and just got up to take more meds - what do you think my chances are of breakfast in bed? :)
Have a great day all!
Labels: family life
My class was fantastic...and back to Colorado Reality
Monday, April 27, 2009
Ok, really what is THIS!:
What I woke up to this morning. Now look. I LOVE snow - enjoy the seasons etc, however this is beginning to screw up my spring! I have yardwork to do and I'm completely OVER snow. We had NO snow this winter at all - and now this!
Ok, vent done. Thank you all for listening.
What was cool was that I really really enjoyed my class yesterday and the shopping that followed! Yay! Here's the sampler I started in Robin Atkins class and honestly (this isn't just sucking up to a great teacher) - I think it's the very FIRST class project I will ever finish! I love it! The techniques are SO fun and I can't tell you what it's like to see all of her work in person!
I've also committed to doing the Bead Journal Project next year - so wish me luck on that one! I need the motivation tho and I LOVE beads.
I love beads so much that I didnt' even get to take a photo of my piles of purchases. However, I did spend the evening organizing them into this arrangement:
My husband thinks this is a lot of beads, and I have to tell you I really need more. The good (or bad if your my husband) thing about this storage is that I can see what I have and what I need. MORE BEADS! ha ha!
Ok, well off to work on other peoples blogs and websites today and to pretend it didn't snow. It's actually supposed to be 55 degrees this afternoon - work that one out! :P Dumb weather!
Labels: bead embroidery, beading, Denver, family life, ponderances
Vacation - help us vote!
Monday, April 20, 2009
So, here's the scoop! My in-laws are coming next month from Australia and we're going to take the family on a LONG weekend - close by, but on a vacation. That old fashioned family sort in the minivan with NO DVD players and lots of auto bingo.
So, here's the crazy part. We vote.
So, this means, our 6 and 8 year old, have the same vote as my in-laws.
The good news is that they're all palatable trips.
So, here are the choices and I'd LOVE feedback on each of the places and suggestions:
- The 4 Corners (which have now been deemed to be in the wrong location), Mesa Verde, Durango
(we'd probably stay in Durango. Suggestions have been made (via Facebook) for
Hovenweep - which sounds fascinating. - A tour of New Mexico. Driving down
to Albuquerque/Santa Fe - then through the White Sands over to Roswell and back
up North. Much more driving but lots of interesting sites along the way. - (and currently the Facebook favorite) is Yellowstone. Drive up. Stay around the
Cody area and generally be touristy. Yellowstone, maybe a day over to Jackson,
etc.
So, input? Come on, I know you all have some!
UPDATE: The votes were tallied and we're off on #2! Yay! should be fun! Thanks for all of the suggestions (here and on Facebook) and we plan to stop to see all of them!
Labels: family life
All sorts of activities.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
"It was a dark and story night..."
but luckily, tonight I went to a book signing with Jennifer Chiaverini - who writes the "Elm Creek Quilt" novel series. Great books and I must say she was really nice, knowledgable and everything you expect a favorite writer to be! With the rain pouring down, a small group listened to her talk. I think it's fun to see the person behind the books and she seems like a nice, creative person. She also mentioned that Simon and Schuster are giving her the cold shoulder and not talking about resigning her contract - so any great publishers out there want to pick up a sure thing? I guess her new book is #10 on the New York Times Best Seller list - a first for Jennifer! Go get em girl!
Anyway, I have been stitching. I made a trip down to "Diversions" which is a lovely needlework store and will be featured soon in my "Arts and Crafts Shopping Examiner" column (go check it out if you need something to do this weekend!) But they carried the right 100% wool crewel thread so I can finish my project! Yay!
So, many more stitches later, it's coming along. LOTS of stitching, but I find it all oddly relaxing. It's kind of a funny retro project, but it will be fun to have it done.
And just to show how behind I am in my posts, I HAVE to share with you that when the kids had a bit of extra Easter dye - did I throw it out? NO! I ran down and got my lace! whooopeee! A little impromptu lace dying. My kids think I'm nuts, but there are some great colors there, eh?
And just as a finishing touch...can a cat love a little girl any more? Wow, what a cute pair. I have to say that Frasier is so photogenic....oh, and yes, the little girl takes a great photo too! :)
but luckily, tonight I went to a book signing with Jennifer Chiaverini - who writes the "Elm Creek Quilt" novel series. Great books and I must say she was really nice, knowledgable and everything you expect a favorite writer to be! With the rain pouring down, a small group listened to her talk. I think it's fun to see the person behind the books and she seems like a nice, creative person. She also mentioned that Simon and Schuster are giving her the cold shoulder and not talking about resigning her contract - so any great publishers out there want to pick up a sure thing? I guess her new book is #10 on the New York Times Best Seller list - a first for Jennifer! Go get em girl!
Anyway, I have been stitching. I made a trip down to "Diversions" which is a lovely needlework store and will be featured soon in my "Arts and Crafts Shopping Examiner" column (go check it out if you need something to do this weekend!) But they carried the right 100% wool crewel thread so I can finish my project! Yay!
So, many more stitches later, it's coming along. LOTS of stitching, but I find it all oddly relaxing. It's kind of a funny retro project, but it will be fun to have it done. And just to show how behind I am in my posts, I HAVE to share with you that when the kids had a bit of extra Easter dye - did I throw it out? NO! I ran down and got my lace! whooopeee! A little impromptu lace dying. My kids think I'm nuts, but there are some great colors there, eh? And just as a finishing touch...can a cat love a little girl any more? Wow, what a cute pair. I have to say that Frasier is so photogenic....oh, and yes, the little girl takes a great photo too! :)Labels: Denver, embroidery, family life, quilting
Video of Rex's Bday
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ok, so put up with me - this wouldn't load on You Tube - it's really just fit for Grandparents - so Hi Nanna, Grandpa, Grannie and Gramps!
Labels: family life
Morning Mushieness - for all the Moms or folks with Mothering instincts!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dad's also qualify, but this is one big AWWWWW......
Ok, I promise more crafty posts soon - but I just couldn't resist this one.
Labels: family life, inspiration
Hoppy Easter
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Why you should never say never
Sunday, March 29, 2009
It's funny, I was typing the title of this post when I realized it actually applies to both pictures (totally unrelated subjects). The photo below I found on the camera when I went to take the bottom photo. It's my son in his "show" at the end of a couple of months of improvisational acting classes. Think he enjoys it? (ha ha)
Ironically, I still sort of like the pattern (what's not to like about plants in a window) and it's sort of fun that it's the first thing I ever really tackled - honestly some of the stitches aren't even that bad! So, anyone have some extra crewel yarn out there? Or know of a great source?
Oooo, and speaking of sources, check out my latest post on the Examiner if you're a knitter in Denver (or might come through here). I've come up with an editorial schedule that - again if you're in the Denver area - you're going to want to bookmark me!
What relates to the title is I (at one point in my younger stupid days) made a comment that I would NEVER have a child be an actor or model - that it was horrible on the ego and impossible to believe that it would be something the CHILD would choose and not the parent. And then I had Matey Moo. My God, that child LOVES the stage. Not likes, but really really loves. He adores movies and memorizes (usually in one sitting) all the lines to a scene with ease. He adores an audience and doesn't appear to have one slight tendency toward stage fright (see reference picture above). Well, we'll probably lean toward local theatre or something innocent, but unless his entire direction changes (he carried around DVD covers as a 2 year old) we'll probably have to deal with this at some point. Never say never, eh?
The bottom is what I've been working on. Hysterically this is a UFO from my Jr. High days (I will NOT admit to how long ago that was!). It is VERY 1970's and done with crewel embroidery thread - which turns out to be 100% wool yarn that no one carries anymore. Why is this an issue? Well, despite carefully keeping the colors seperated in baggies with the numbers for the pattern in it - I must have used all of one of the green colors at some point. Sigh. So, I have to find one slightly different green color to finish this. I'm a long way from finished - but it may take me a while to find the missing thread. Who knew? Maybe I thought I'd never finish it...or I figured I'd never miss it and be able to finish it anyway? Geez.
Ironically, I still sort of like the pattern (what's not to like about plants in a window) and it's sort of fun that it's the first thing I ever really tackled - honestly some of the stitches aren't even that bad! So, anyone have some extra crewel yarn out there? Or know of a great source?Oooo, and speaking of sources, check out my latest post on the Examiner if you're a knitter in Denver (or might come through here). I've come up with an editorial schedule that - again if you're in the Denver area - you're going to want to bookmark me!
Labels: Arts-n-Crafts Shopping Examiner, crewel, embroidery, family life
Out my window right now - amazing what a day will bring.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Last weekend, we were driving in the mountains with the windows down, the kids were playing in the back yard yesterday and today:
Good old Colorado. Amazing what a couple days will bring, eh? Yes, that's the forsythia covered in snow - and it's still coming down - 16 inches predicted. The good news? We have no where to go - the kids are home on Spring break. The bad news? I haven't been out in 3 days because of a bad cold - so I'm a bit stir crazy.
I want to be Robin when I grow up! Now that I'm going to take one of her classes I might have a chance! ;) Next year I'm going to do the Bead Journal project - it looks like a ton of fun!
Catching up on blogs this morning, I found this great post on colonial knots on Robin Atkins blog: Beadlust: Short Subjects. The real reason I have to gush tho is - she's coming to Denver and I'm taking her class! Yay! (thanks to Mom-in-law for the early Birthday gift!). I can't wait. I'm sure you all know I'm a bit of a stalker when it comes to her beadwork:
Labels: Denver, family life, inspiration
You know you're a geek when....
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Both kids are home sick from school - bad colds, fever etc. So, we set them up on the futon in the living room. Laptops and watching "Jimmy Neutron".Wow, I wish I had been sick with all these luxuries!
Labels: family life
"Top O' the Morning to Ya!"
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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Being roughly 1/8 Irish (but the only one in my family to look anything Irish) this is a totally fun holiday! And here's a nifty recipe I found while surfing for Irish St. Patty's day art. And check out the link to the fabulous Shepherd's Pie Recipe! yay! No calorie counting this holiday!In my own weird approach to this holiday, I woke up humming the "House of Pain" song in the title. But please, don't start the song below if you're sensitive or faint of heart, this is Irish Rap at it's finest (and in true rap form, it's a bit profane, etc)! :)
However, the sentiment is still there and "top of the morning to ya!"!!
TOP O THE MORNING TO YA - House Of Pain
Labels: family life
The weekend that was....
Sunday, February 08, 2009
As my facebook friends know, Missy C and I enjoyed my 2nd day at what used to be called the creative festival. We bought so much stuff that I'm feeling guilty and NOT posting photos of it. Needless to say we had a wonderful time.
I did this weekend finish this tho for the CHAC gallery Milagros del Corazon - theme flowers and bugs - not sure on a clever title, but I was definately going for funky, retro and fun:
It goes up for auction to benefit the gallery - lets hope it sells! :) We even have a sitter to see if it goes or not! (oh, and to buy stuff). This is NOT a fiber art friendly gallery tho, so it's possible it will get overlooked (although my friend who works at the gallery usually buys it then! :)) . So wish it luck - maybe someone will appreciate it!
And then the little impromptu cute picture of one of the cats:
I have to say, I was happy I grabbed the camera in time for this one.
I did this weekend finish this tho for the CHAC gallery Milagros del Corazon - theme flowers and bugs - not sure on a clever title, but I was definately going for funky, retro and fun:
It goes up for auction to benefit the gallery - lets hope it sells! :) We even have a sitter to see if it goes or not! (oh, and to buy stuff). This is NOT a fiber art friendly gallery tho, so it's possible it will get overlooked (although my friend who works at the gallery usually buys it then! :)) . So wish it luck - maybe someone will appreciate it!
And then the little impromptu cute picture of one of the cats:
I have to say, I was happy I grabbed the camera in time for this one.Labels: beading, Crazy quilt, family life, pets
Playmobile Security Checkpoint - seriously
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
If this isn't funny enough on it's own, you have to go read the comments.
Here's a sample:
"I was a little disappointed when I first bought this item, because the functionality is limited. My 5 year old son pointed out that the passenger's shoes cannot be removed. Then, we placed a deadly fingernail file underneath the passenger's scarf, and neither the detector doorway nor the security wand picked it up. My son said "that's the worst security ever!"
Go read the rest for a good Tuesday giggle!
Labels: family life, internet
Happy New Year Everyone
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year all! This was supposed to go out on New Year's Day, but Blogger has been having fits and I haven't been able to post until today. So Happy New Year and I'm looking forward to catching up!Labels: family life, inspiration
Happy Almost New Year everone!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
I apologize for the little break in action on my blog, but we were WAY behind on Christmas this year and ended up wrapping gifts at 11pm on Chirstmas eve - in grave danger of running into Santa himself! :)
I spent yesterday taking down all the decorations - much to the chagrin of a lot of people around me, however, I really do believe I enjoy decorations much more when I have them up, enjoy them and then take them all down quickly! I love getting them out the next year that way! :)
I thought I'd pop on this morning to give you a few links of love...one I ran across recently is Grandmother's Pattern Book (I ran across it via Entrecard - I'm telling you, this is a great resource!). Anyway, there are some CUTE CUTE knitting and crochet patterns there! Almost makes me want to "hook into" (get it, ha, ha) the crochet again.
I'm spending the day cleaning out my project list on the side and putting up some new ones! I did pretty well cleaning out my projects from last year, but this year I'm going to clean that list and start some new projects. Mainly a CQ pig I am dying to do!
I spent yesterday taking down all the decorations - much to the chagrin of a lot of people around me, however, I really do believe I enjoy decorations much more when I have them up, enjoy them and then take them all down quickly! I love getting them out the next year that way! :)
I thought I'd pop on this morning to give you a few links of love...one I ran across recently is Grandmother's Pattern Book (I ran across it via Entrecard - I'm telling you, this is a great resource!). Anyway, there are some CUTE CUTE knitting and crochet patterns there! Almost makes me want to "hook into" (get it, ha, ha) the crochet again.
I'm spending the day cleaning out my project list on the side and putting up some new ones! I did pretty well cleaning out my projects from last year, but this year I'm going to clean that list and start some new projects. Mainly a CQ pig I am dying to do!
Labels: Blogging, family life, UFO's
Happy Geeky Holidays!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
We are WAY WAY behind on shopping. Today we're doing it all (yes, you heard me 2 days before the big day). Sigh.
So, to fill in for my absence, here is a fantastic little number from a marketing company. Very creative. Very geeky! Happy Holidays everyone!
So, to fill in for my absence, here is a fantastic little number from a marketing company. Very creative. Very geeky! Happy Holidays everyone!
Labels: Christmas, family life, inspiration
For the men (or partners) in your life!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Labels: family life
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
I have so much to be thankful for this year (see my last post) and I'm just happy to all of you for being my wonderful virtual community. I have no idea what my life would be like without all of you!
Enjoy your turkey today and give all of your family members a hug! Oh, and take a look at this article. I honestly think this woman "gets" the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Labels: family life, inspiration
I'm Kreativ! How wonderful!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanks a bunch to "Sweet Mummy" one of my PoshMama pals for this wonderful award! Makes me just want to get going and "Kreat" today! ha, ha! So apparently I'm supposed to name 6 things I'm thankful for and pass this along to 6 bloggers (oh dear the choices) - so here goes!Kind of an appropriate activity for 2 days before Thanksgiving! Don't you think?
I'm thankful for:
- My family. They are wonderful. I adore every day I wake up and know I get to spend time with my husband and kids. Thanks guys! You're always the bright spot in my day!
- My friends. Wow, what would I do without all of the wonderful support and friendship I have. From College friends, old work friends, to neighborhood friends, and stitching friends, I have riches beyond belief in this department! All of you make me who I am today and I wouldn't be as succesful without all of your support.
- Our house and our neighborhood. This may seem silly, but when we moved to Denver we sat down in the perfect neighborhood. We have such a fabulous support system here, wonderful schools and our 50's ranch house which we love so much it's the subject of my other blog. I can't think of one downside to where we live. It's been one of the inspirations that has taken me where I am.
- My personal gifts. This includes my love of fiber, my creativity, my needlework skills. Apparently I have skill in writing (who knew? I had no idea I did). And for the inspiration that allows me to find things to write about. I am glad I have the skills to do my job as a web designer well and that I still enjoy it after 8 years of learning and expanding my business.
- The renewed spirit I see in the world today. With an ongoing war, financial crisis and so many negative things in the last several years, it's wonderful to see a glimmer of hope and a bright light in the future for tomorrow. This is my kid's future and it's important to me that it takes a turn for the better. I know it won't be easy, but I'm excited to see where the world is headed and I look forward to waking up every day to see what will happen next.
Ok, whew. That was kinda heavy! :)
So, here are my blog picks. No idea why, these are just who comes to mind as who inspires me and seems to continue to be inspired themselves:
- Jude at Spirit Cloth: I am constantly inspired and amazed at the images of her work. She's gifted and has skills that I only wish I had! I'm always amazed that she takes time to write me back when I comment and I'm just happy I found her lovely blogs.
- Sharon at Pin Tangle (formerly "In a Minute Ago"). I count Sharon as a personal friend even though I've never met her. Her work is fabulous, inspirational and she maintains a professional and informational blog that I could only hope to achieve. I can't imagine a day without checking in with her.
- Pat Winter at Gatherings: Her lovely blog seems such an extension of her life, her art and her spirit. She's a lovely person and I hope some day to meet her and drool in person all over her work! (wow, doesn't seem as appealing that way, does it?)
- Racaire's Historic Needlework: It's rare I'm totally awe inspired by someone's work, but Racaire seems to have an ability lost in our day and age. It's wonderful to see someone bring historic work to life and she does amazing things with a needle.
- Pam at Pamdora: her abilites as an illustrator and quilter leave me amazed and inspired that everyone has their "voice" in stitching. Her work is amazing and her life seems equally wonderful. Someday I want to grow up and have a fabulous studio with my husband (ok, not likely, but it's a dream!).
- And Susan. I can't help but think she and I were sisters seperated at birth! Her artwork is fabulous (and I actually can say I own and can touch a couple of pieces). She's inspirational and a "sister" in the world of Internet geekdom. I consider her almost like a coworker in my creative and work life and I'm thankful I met her via the Internet.
Well I'm sure I could come up with 20 more, but that will have to do because I'm only allowed 6. I hope you visit all of these blogs and that they pass the Kreativ spirit around the net!
Labels: Blogging, family life, inspiration
Messy! Messy! Messy!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
According to some experts, crafts go along with healthy foods, sleep routines, potty training and reading as some of the most important elements in your child's development. These same experts maintain that crafts help to foster creativity and imagination. I have to agree! They also give kids a sense of accomplishment and can lead to lifelong hobbies. In a perfect world, they can even provide the parents with a few minutes of peace and quiet.However, what about messy crafts such as paint, glitter, sand, and other activities? Are you strong enough to deal with the lasting effects (and believe me, they can be LONG lasting) or are you a "stay clean and avoid the mess" parent?
Several years ago I hosted a Christmas cookie decorating party in my home. I invited 12 little kids - ranging in age from 2 to 4. Ahead of time I knew it would just trash the house, so I was mentally prepared. We set up kid sized tables in the dining room and just let them go at it. Ironically, it wasn't too much of a mess until my son decided to carry a paper plate full of nonpariels into the kitchen. Of course the plate buckled and they went all over.
Nostalgically, 3 years later, I still run across the odd one caught between the floorboards.
Interested in whether the fear of "messy crafts" was consistent among parents I recently spoke to a few other parents who had had their run-ins with messy crafts about whether they were worth it and would they do it again?
One parent did an art project for her son's class (3-5 year olds). It was called "race car art." They took hot wheels cars, dip them in washable paint and race them along the paper to make art. Apparently the kids loved it, especially the boys. The cleanup was exhausting because it was SO MESSY! The art came out great. She determined it was worth it, but I wonder if she would volunteer such an activity in her home?
One parent exclaimed how she used glitter for the first volunteer project and NEVER AGAIN! It was worth it for the kids but in hindsight, she would have made more rules for the kids. The boys went a bit too nuts.
I also had a bad experience with glitter with our kid's cooperative preschool. It was my day to clean and it took 2 hours to even get up enough of the glitter to make it look like I had done my job. At an average age of 3, I doubt the craft results were even really worth it, but I'm cynical.
One parent had this great story: "I went to a birthday party once for an extremely well behaved two year old. The hostess included a craft project for all the kids involving billions of small, choking hazards. I still can't remember what it entailed, because I spent the entire time trying to keep my almost feral two year old from choking on everything when she wasn't dumping all the plates of bitty things we were supposed to be crafting. Again, I can't remember what the project or the parts were. I remember the floor of the house and trying to track down all the bitty parts while my daughter dumped another plate of them. I was happy and accomplished by not being required to call 911 before we left. I'm pretty sure we left with thousands of those bitty parts still on the floor."
I'm guessing that experience wasn't worth it. But it definitely makes for the memories!
One wonderful thing about kids is that they make you look at art products in a totally different way. Who would have thought about what stickers stick to and how horrendous they can be to remove on certain surfaces. Oh well, the joys of parenthood and crafting...it's never boring!
Labels: family life, kid art
Gasp! A week without a post!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I sort of have an excuse, I've been swamped with work, Matey Moo has been home (this is day 3) with pink eye and we've finished the great sleepover! :) (that was last weekend). OH! And our dryer broke, so I spent Monday shopping for a new/used one.
Here are the kids downtown - we went to see Madagascar 2 and then the girls stayed for a sleepover. Very fun!
I have done NO stitching the last few days, but today am really inspired and excited to get going. I finished my two breast cancer blocks - but the photos are on another camera...I"ll get to those soon. So, I need to finish the kitty cat quilt and I'm going to finish Alec's quilt too - not sure if it's possible, but I'm going to try.
My sewing studio is a disaster, so I'm tidying up in there today too. Hopefully this will be a multi-post day. I'm also writing for Divine Caroline - too much to do! :)
Here are the kids downtown - we went to see Madagascar 2 and then the girls stayed for a sleepover. Very fun!
I have done NO stitching the last few days, but today am really inspired and excited to get going. I finished my two breast cancer blocks - but the photos are on another camera...I"ll get to those soon. So, I need to finish the kitty cat quilt and I'm going to finish Alec's quilt too - not sure if it's possible, but I'm going to try.
My sewing studio is a disaster, so I'm tidying up in there today too. Hopefully this will be a multi-post day. I'm also writing for Divine Caroline - too much to do! :)
Labels: family life, organization
Happy 8th Missy C!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wow, 8 years ago today. It all seems to have gone too fast.8 years ago yesterday, I went to the Dr. and with a slight elevation in blood pressure, they decided to induce. The Dr's comment? "You're not going home without a baby". I spent the night of the 10th looking out the window at a snowstorm. The next day you were born. Wow. How amazing. You were the most beautiful baby.
Just the other day I was telling you how you napped on top of me - you would wiggle and wiggle trying not to fall asleep, so I would hold you tight until you fell asleep. You always hated naps.
"Daddy's little girl" you always will be. You have a wonderful sense of humor - a very quick wit. You're smart and pretty and light up our life.
That black hair soon fell out and you were a little cue ball for forever. But soon you became a blondie. Blonde hair and blue eyes and quite the sweet charmer. Adorable to the end.
You've always had your own style. I hope you keep that sense of "you" - that something that makes you special and fun! Love that hat!
Happy birthday Missy C. I love you with all my heart pretty girl!Labels: family life
This is the coolest little utility
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Cute little utility. This is the picture of me my son took while learning to potty train.
Labels: Blogging, family life, inspiration
Saturday, November 08, 2008
With a little remodeling in place, here's the kids with the new member of our household:Larry the Lounge Lizard.
There's a really long boring story about how we got this, but needless to say it has something to do with the chaos of having 40 French students last summer.
The kids love him and he's totally cheap, so maybe he won't last too long?
Maybe?
Labels: family life
Go VOTE! You know you want to! :)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
I hate it when I get busy and don't blog!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
I haven't not forgotten my blog, only I have SO much going on that I'm behind on my posts. Today my friend Dianna is coming over and we're going to stitch, so hopefully I'll have some finished projects or at least a LOT of progress to show off!Last weekend was Rex and my 10th anniversary! Neat, eh? We went up the street to our favorite restaurant "Bang!". It's a great spot. Missy C's best friend's Dad is the chef there, but we loved it before we knew him! :) Anyhoo we had a fabulous evening with wonderful food, champagne, appetizers, then went across the street to the Hai Bar (part of Sushi Hai) and had a few drinks there!
I've also been trying to move the "Bloggers who Embellish" ring. After years of hating (but dealing with) Ringsurf.com we've decided to move to Webring.com to host the ring. However, they have a whole new group of rules and a ringcode that's awkwardly sized. I'm desperately trying to fix the ring code, but sheesh, all these sites have their own codes and all sorts of funny "ins and outs". So, hang in there ring members....I'll have it all fixed soon! I promise!
I also want to assure everyone that I will leave the old ring up until we have everyone moved. So stick with me....we'll get it all taken care of! :)
Labels: bloggers who embellish, family life
10 Fabulous Fall Craft Projects for Kids
Sunday, September 28, 2008
I adore fall, the colors, the textures and the change of season is so fun and educational for kids. I think it's a wonderful opportunity to craft with your kids, so here are 10 wonderful ideas:
1. I ran across this fantastic tutorial for fleece scarves for kids. This sewing project is reasonable, fun and practical: http://crafts.kaboose.com/cozy-scarf.html
2. Cute Mason Jar lantern to put orange Halloween candy in: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/pumpkincraft1/l/blhalptrjar.htm
3. Need a project and some holiday decorations, then here are a few options for construction paper strings:
Leaves: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/string/
Strings of Jack o Lanterns and Ghosts:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/halloween/string/
4. This craft is one my kids are really looking forward to; it's a leaf collection album. Our plan is to collect leaves while walking to and from school and paste them in our album. It includes great printable templates with some leaves all ready to identify, plus some mystery leaves.
http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/collection.htm
With some fun facts about why leaves change colors and photos (to help with identification): http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/index.htm
5. Preserving Autumn Leaves from is from a horticulturist for the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Office: http://archive.tri-cityherald.com/HOME/GARDEN/garden10272.html
6. For your "green bag", book bag or to go pick from your local orchard, here's a tutorial on a really cute apple print bag. It's easy for the kids to do and I like the finished bag enough to do it myself: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10422 .
7. Equally as stylish and yet something the kids can help out with are Corn print place mats: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/famf117tabletop/famf117tabletop3.html
8. And wow, again these t-shirts are cool enough to wear as a grown up. Simply buy brightly colored t-shirts, get out a bottle of bleach, collect leaves and go: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10018
9. If your kids like to collect items and love bugs, this is the craft for you! You can take found objects and make wonderful bugs to display around the house: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=12005
10. Then if you all like to look at and identify birds as the days grow colder, attract them with this bird cake: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/bird_cake.htm . It's easy to make and should make for some well fed birds!
Well, that should keep you all busy for the fall with some fun, inexpensive (or free) ideas to entertain your kids and decorate in the beauty of fall.
1. I ran across this fantastic tutorial for fleece scarves for kids. This sewing project is reasonable, fun and practical: http://crafts.kaboose.com/cozy-scarf.html
2. Cute Mason Jar lantern to put orange Halloween candy in: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/pumpkincraft1/l/blhalptrjar.htm
3. Need a project and some holiday decorations, then here are a few options for construction paper strings:
Leaves: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/string/
Strings of Jack o Lanterns and Ghosts:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/halloween/string/
4. This craft is one my kids are really looking forward to; it's a leaf collection album. Our plan is to collect leaves while walking to and from school and paste them in our album. It includes great printable templates with some leaves all ready to identify, plus some mystery leaves.
http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/collection.htm
With some fun facts about why leaves change colors and photos (to help with identification): http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/index.htm
5. Preserving Autumn Leaves from is from a horticulturist for the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Office: http://archive.tri-cityherald.com/HOME/GARDEN/garden10272.html
6. For your "green bag", book bag or to go pick from your local orchard, here's a tutorial on a really cute apple print bag. It's easy for the kids to do and I like the finished bag enough to do it myself: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10422 .
7. Equally as stylish and yet something the kids can help out with are Corn print place mats: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/famf117tabletop/famf117tabletop3.html
8. And wow, again these t-shirts are cool enough to wear as a grown up. Simply buy brightly colored t-shirts, get out a bottle of bleach, collect leaves and go: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10018
9. If your kids like to collect items and love bugs, this is the craft for you! You can take found objects and make wonderful bugs to display around the house: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=12005
10. Then if you all like to look at and identify birds as the days grow colder, attract them with this bird cake: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/bird_cake.htm . It's easy to make and should make for some well fed birds!
Well, that should keep you all busy for the fall with some fun, inexpensive (or free) ideas to entertain your kids and decorate in the beauty of fall.
Labels: crafts, family life
Aye ye mateys! It's International "talk like a pirate day"!
Friday, September 19, 2008
So, in honor of International talk like a pirate day, I found these while looking around the web:
The kids are home today - teacher "work day" (don't even get me started on my rant on that) and so we've been talking a lot about "walking the plank" and other pirate-y things!
So, if you're not home with kids - then go stitch something pirate-like! :)
Labels: family life, inspiration
Productive weekend, but still waiting on a big update
Monday, September 15, 2008
I spent the day yesterday away from the computer - hooray! So I have a lot to show for it. I made HUGE progress on my journal cover. I think today (or tomorrow at the latest) I'll be done and I'm finally happy with it (I know, shocking). My friend Rhonda pointed out the spider web in the center...which is actually part of Judith Baker Montano's fabric design, but I put gold metallic thread over the top, added a spider and WAY down in the corner is a tiny black fly. Missy C felt it was important that the spider have something to eat! So we did a few black french knots and used clear beads for the wings (all her idea). I thought it was pretty clever. I can't wait to show you what this looks like ON the journal!
Then I got busy and converted a whole heap of quickly ripening peaches into this:
Yay! Jelly is expensive and I'm happy to have some to fill in with the kids AND they make great gifts. According to the website I used they needed to stay like this 12 hours, then I'll flip them over, put labels on them (after a quick wipe down) and they're done. Not perfect, but close enough. Our only complaint was there wasn't enough! Ha, ha!
However, the last week/weekend was action packed and so I'm still in process of loading over 100 pictures of crazy quilts that I took the Crazy Quilt International gals for a "behind the scenes" at the Denver Art Museum. They pulled 5 wonderful crazy quilts and a tea cozy out of storage for us to drool (I mean look) at and they were amazing! If you love fabrics or stitch combinations OR just lovely textiles it's fun! I promise to post the pictures publicly in the next couple of days!
Then on Saturday we had a textile preservationist come and speak to our Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilt group (along with the CQI gals) and she gave us lots of info about preserving crazy quilts. Good stuff. I'll be putting links up on our club website.
We really enjoyed hosting the CQI ladies! What a wonderful group and I hope they come back soon!
Then I got busy and converted a whole heap of quickly ripening peaches into this:Yay! Jelly is expensive and I'm happy to have some to fill in with the kids AND they make great gifts. According to the website I used they needed to stay like this 12 hours, then I'll flip them over, put labels on them (after a quick wipe down) and they're done. Not perfect, but close enough. Our only complaint was there wasn't enough! Ha, ha!
However, the last week/weekend was action packed and so I'm still in process of loading over 100 pictures of crazy quilts that I took the Crazy Quilt International gals for a "behind the scenes" at the Denver Art Museum. They pulled 5 wonderful crazy quilts and a tea cozy out of storage for us to drool (I mean look) at and they were amazing! If you love fabrics or stitch combinations OR just lovely textiles it's fun! I promise to post the pictures publicly in the next couple of days!
Then on Saturday we had a textile preservationist come and speak to our Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilt group (along with the CQI gals) and she gave us lots of info about preserving crazy quilts. Good stuff. I'll be putting links up on our club website.We really enjoyed hosting the CQI ladies! What a wonderful group and I hope they come back soon!
Labels: art, cooking, Crazy quilt, family life
Sniff, sniff. I can't believe I'm this sad about a comic.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
For Better or For Worse ended today (click on the headline to read it on the official site). What's funny is how sad I am about it. I grew up with For Better or for Worse. I don't remember the years when the kids were little, but I remember when Farley died, trying to save April from drowning and I bawled my eyes out. I remember their acceptance of Lawrence who "came out" to his friends and family not too far off the timing my brother did.I always related to Michael's teasing of Elizabeth way into their adult years (gosh, you have no idea how much my brother's are like that).
The last few years as the kids have been growing and the parents were looking to downsize, I related to their struggles since I've watched my parents and friends parents go through that transition. I watched as Elizabeth picked bad guy after mediocre guy and wondered who she'd end up with.
I think this comic is a tribute to life. The storytelling and the drawing is amazing and I really hope that I get as sucked in to Lynn Johnson's follow up (prequel if you will) as much as I did this one.
Good luck Lynn! I feel like this is an "end of an era" but hopefully a new one will begin for you and for us as readers!
Labels: art, drawing, family life
Crazy Quilt fest! And Missy C is a winner!
Monday, August 25, 2008
So we wandered up to the Quilt show in Loveland on Sunday and had a great time! I managed to spend some money on subscriptions to some of my favorite Interweave press magazines. My only complaint with them is "too much knitting" but I guess "weave" is in their name! ha, ha!
And little Missy C was the big winner of the day with this little beauty:
What's ironic is I have a commercial grade steamer and an iron and now I have a combo! Yikes! You'd think I ironed a lot! However, this will probably be fantastic for steaming silks and velvets and such. I just need to fire it up and use it!
What's ironic is I have a commercial grade steamer and an iron and now I have a combo! Yikes! You'd think I ironed a lot! However, this will probably be fantastic for steaming silks and velvets and such. I just need to fire it up and use it!Oooo, and the inspiration I'm going to post a ton of photos over on flickr, but here are some samples. This is a detail from Betty Pillsbury's Hoffman challenge honorable mention (can you believe that's all she got?):
And this is my favorite from Christine Dabbs (but please go look at the other pictures). This is the Roosevelt Bears. Honestly it looks like it's done by machine, but it's all hand done. It's awesome! I bought the poster and it now hangs in my studio!
Labels: art show, family life, inspiration
My crazy summer and other hypocritical statements
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
This really cool program was a find from eluckypacket and so I'm going to be adding these to my regular repertoire! However, this quote I pulled out this morning...thinking "wow, what a neat quote"
Then, I volunteered 2 full days (7am to 11pm) to drive VIP's around at the Denver National Convention...neato, eh? I'm a sucker for a big event. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll know my deep and un questioning love for the writings and life approach of Andy Warhol. Conventions are very "Warhol-esque". So, again, I commit to crazy things. Part of life. As is increasing life's speed...but I promise I'll work on that.
Sometimes (like this week) I get so caught up in that and reading blogs, etc that I don't post here. The good news about "Tacky Craft Tuesday" is that it gives me once a week to check in. Believe it or not, I actually belong to all the groups in my sidebar and visit most of them at least once a week. I'm realizing that takes a bunch of time!
I can't believe we only have 1 and a half more weeks of official summer here! Wow!
However, I have been stitching. I've actually had a stitch night with the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilting girls for two weeks in a row and I'm getting a lot done! Last night I was wrestling with my cast on stitch for Brazilian...having to do one with 30 cast ons is quite the challenge! I was going to post a picture, but I ripped it out. Maybe next week! :)
Here's my progress on the Australian landscape I've been working on for years...MANY, MANY gum leaves:
It's coming along, but I realized I'm totally missing a branch, so I'll have to go back in and add that. I'm going to be excited to have that one done and frankly I don't think it's really far.
Here's the progress on my Judith Baker Montano fabric inspired journal cover. Frankly I don't really love it yet...but I need to fix some design elements. This is the side I like, but tomorrow (or over the weekend) I'm going to try coffee dying over a lace bit I hate.
Then, I volunteered 2 full days (7am to 11pm) to drive VIP's around at the Denver National Convention...neato, eh? I'm a sucker for a big event. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll know my deep and un questioning love for the writings and life approach of Andy Warhol. Conventions are very "Warhol-esque". So, again, I commit to crazy things. Part of life. As is increasing life's speed...but I promise I'll work on that.Sometimes (like this week) I get so caught up in that and reading blogs, etc that I don't post here. The good news about "Tacky Craft Tuesday" is that it gives me once a week to check in. Believe it or not, I actually belong to all the groups in my sidebar and visit most of them at least once a week. I'm realizing that takes a bunch of time!
I can't believe we only have 1 and a half more weeks of official summer here! Wow!
However, I have been stitching. I've actually had a stitch night with the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilting girls for two weeks in a row and I'm getting a lot done! Last night I was wrestling with my cast on stitch for Brazilian...having to do one with 30 cast ons is quite the challenge! I was going to post a picture, but I ripped it out. Maybe next week! :)
Here's my progress on the Australian landscape I've been working on for years...MANY, MANY gum leaves:
It's coming along, but I realized I'm totally missing a branch, so I'll have to go back in and add that. I'm going to be excited to have that one done and frankly I don't think it's really far.Here's the progress on my Judith Baker Montano fabric inspired journal cover. Frankly I don't really love it yet...but I need to fix some design elements. This is the side I like, but tomorrow (or over the weekend) I'm going to try coffee dying over a lace bit I hate.
I think it's a cool way to use up this Brazilian piece (which I just realized is upside down in the pic). I love the seam embellishment I did on the left. More to come...I promise!
Well I should hop off to bed. Just wanted to assure everyone that I'm here and stitching!
Labels: Crazy quilt, embroidery, family life, fiber art, Pop Art
The kids are getting bored!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
If you have school age kids, chances are your summer is winding down like ours is and the weather is heating up. So, the more we're stuck inside, the more I'm hear complaints of "I'm bored". So, I went hunting throughout the Internet for some great ideas for crafts to keep your kids busy these last days of summer.
Kool Aid Play Dough
Try this cool colored dough you can make at home. Smells great, too!
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
1 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid - any flavor/color
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
Mix all the dry items, then mix all the liquid items. Blend together. Put in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir contstantly until the mix pulls away from the sides of the pan. Take the ball of dough and put on counter to cool and then knead until ready.
Shrinky Dinks (thanks to http://www.curbly.com)
Ingredients:
Clean #6 Plastic
Permanent Markers
Scissors
Aluminum Foil
Oven and Tongs or Oven Mitt
*Obtain a piece of #6 plastic (polystyrene). Most clear containers at salad bars, delis, and grocery stores will work. Just flip it over and look for a "6" inside the recycling arrows. If you ask nicely, they'll usually give you a fresh one.
*Cut any excess plastic away to make a flat sheet
*Draw or write your desired image or text on your plastic canvas using permanent markers. The total image will shrink to about a third of its original size, and five or six times its original thickness.
*Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees, and place a rack in the lowest position. Create a "tray" out of the aluminum foil by bending up the sides. Technically, you could cover a baking sheet with foil, but the thinner surface allows for more direct heat and quicker shrinking.
*Place your art in the tray, then use the tongs or an oven mitt to place the foil on the bottom rack.
*At first, for the first minute your art will curl up all crazy like. Then, it will flatten itself out. Once it is finished, take it out. If you have an oven door through which you can see, then just keep an eye on it. If your door is solid, open it just slightly (as you would do when broiling) after 90 seconds. Total time for a large piece (5-6" starting size) will be about 3 1/2 minutes.
*Using the tongs or oven mitt, remove the tray. At this point, it's still pliable, so if you want to flatten it more, or add waves or bend the corners, do so CAREFULLY within the first ten seconds.
*Now, you can do as you please. It's still cut-able, sand-able, drill-able, glue-able, and plenty more. Attach it to a bracelet, make a magnet or make a necklace.
Print out coloring sheets:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/
http://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html
http://pbskids.org/coloring/
http://abcteach.com/directory/fun_activities/coloring_pages/
Kool-Aid Painting
What you need:
* Several packets of Kool-Aid
* White construction paper
* Tape
* Ice cubes
What you do: Tape a large sheet of construction paper to the table or floor. Sprinkle the paper with Kool-Aid and hand each child a cube of ice. Instruct them to move the ice over the Kool-Aid powder, turning it to liquid. Keep "painting" until the ice is fully melted to make a sweet-smelling, watercolor masterpiece.
Summer Collage Placemat
Preschool kids love nothing more than cutting and pasting – which makes collages a perfect craft idea for them.
What you need:
* Summer-time editions of your favorite magazines
* Scissors
* Summery colored construction paper
* White craft glue or glue sticks
* Clear contact paper
Pet Rock Monster, paint a bumpy or odd-shaped rock green and let dry.
Cut ears out of felt to make a floppy eared puppy dog!
When projects are completely dry, spray with acrylic sealer spray.
Kool Aid Play Dough
Try this cool colored dough you can make at home. Smells great, too!
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
1 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid - any flavor/color
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
Mix all the dry items, then mix all the liquid items. Blend together. Put in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir contstantly until the mix pulls away from the sides of the pan. Take the ball of dough and put on counter to cool and then knead until ready.
Shrinky Dinks (thanks to http://www.curbly.com)
Ingredients:
Clean #6 Plastic
Permanent Markers
Scissors
Aluminum Foil
Oven and Tongs or Oven Mitt
*Obtain a piece of #6 plastic (polystyrene). Most clear containers at salad bars, delis, and grocery stores will work. Just flip it over and look for a "6" inside the recycling arrows. If you ask nicely, they'll usually give you a fresh one.
*Cut any excess plastic away to make a flat sheet
*Draw or write your desired image or text on your plastic canvas using permanent markers. The total image will shrink to about a third of its original size, and five or six times its original thickness.
*Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees, and place a rack in the lowest position. Create a "tray" out of the aluminum foil by bending up the sides. Technically, you could cover a baking sheet with foil, but the thinner surface allows for more direct heat and quicker shrinking.
*Place your art in the tray, then use the tongs or an oven mitt to place the foil on the bottom rack.
*At first, for the first minute your art will curl up all crazy like. Then, it will flatten itself out. Once it is finished, take it out. If you have an oven door through which you can see, then just keep an eye on it. If your door is solid, open it just slightly (as you would do when broiling) after 90 seconds. Total time for a large piece (5-6" starting size) will be about 3 1/2 minutes.
*Using the tongs or oven mitt, remove the tray. At this point, it's still pliable, so if you want to flatten it more, or add waves or bend the corners, do so CAREFULLY within the first ten seconds.
*Now, you can do as you please. It's still cut-able, sand-able, drill-able, glue-able, and plenty more. Attach it to a bracelet, make a magnet or make a necklace.
Print out coloring sheets:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/
http://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html
http://pbskids.org/coloring/
http://abcteach.com/directory/fun_activities/coloring_pages/
Kool-Aid Painting
What you need:
* Several packets of Kool-Aid
* White construction paper
* Tape
* Ice cubes
What you do: Tape a large sheet of construction paper to the table or floor. Sprinkle the paper with Kool-Aid and hand each child a cube of ice. Instruct them to move the ice over the Kool-Aid powder, turning it to liquid. Keep "painting" until the ice is fully melted to make a sweet-smelling, watercolor masterpiece.
Summer Collage Placemat
Preschool kids love nothing more than cutting and pasting – which makes collages a perfect craft idea for them.
What you need:
* Summer-time editions of your favorite magazines
* Scissors
* Summery colored construction paper
* White craft glue or glue sticks
* Clear contact paper
What you do: Instruct your children to cut out pictures of what they like about summer and then glue them onto the paper. Cover the collage with contact paper (Mom will need to do this part) to make a fun and functional summer place mat.
Pet rocks
*Rock, Acrylic craft paint
*Suggestion decorations: yarn, wiggle eyes, markers, glitter glue, sequins, beads, pom poms, etc
*White craft glue
Start by washing your rock with warm soapy water. If your rock is jagged or has nooks and crannies, use a scrub brush to get all the dirt out. And decorate your rocks however you like using just about anything. If it will stick, use it!
Pet Rock Monster, paint a bumpy or odd-shaped rock green and let dry.
Cut ears out of felt to make a floppy eared puppy dog!
When projects are completely dry, spray with acrylic sealer spray.
Labels: crafts, family life, kid art
Taking a 2nd job was a BIG mistake! Live and Learn!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
As you all may know, I recently took a side job.
I took a job in addition to my regular gig as a business owner. I took a job being in charge of 40 foreign exchange students for a 3 week period. Three weeks of work and a bit of money...it would be fun! How much work could it be? Our company had hit a bit of a slump and we needed the money - that was 5 months ago.
In taking this job, I found that - almost no matter how bad it gets at the regular company - I would have been better off just continuing to work and working through the slump with our regular company. However, every negative experience can be a learning one.
Here's what I learned about myself:
1. I don't switch gears well. I need to be doing what I do best, which is running my company. I'm old enough that I'm not really searching for the "right" position any more and frankly trying out new jobs really just isn't necessary. Even if it's scary, stick to what you do best and build one business and don't get sidetracked.
2. I hate kids. Ok, that sounds strong. The position was with a bunch of teenagers and even though I adore my own kids, I have little patience for other people's children. I considered running a daycare at one point (for about 10 seconds) and never looked back. So, why did I think I'd like teenagers...no idea.
3. Be careful of positions that seem "flexible" and yet they have lost the last several employees before you. Basically the warning signs were all there with this job. No one ever stays, they didn't really care what my background was, and they hired me almost right after I called. These are warning signs. Beware. Ask to speak to the person who was there before you or maybe the couple before that.
4. I hate schedules. I like to make my own and control my own life. I worked for people for years and this is a necessary evil to most. However, I hate it and I'm not good at it. Frankly I'm amazed I lasted as long as I did.
5. If you have to get baby sitters and buy fast food or eat out...do the MATH! In the end, the money wasn't worth what I had to put out to accomplish the goals of the position. No way. Not even close.
6. If you feel like you really really really want to quit. Quit. It's just not worth it. Waking up every morning to go to something you hate is not worth the little bit of money that comes out the other side.
So, I'm getting myself back to normal, but this might explain where I have been...resting and recuperating. Oh! That's another lesson, it's also taken me a week to recover...there is NO WAY this was worth it! :)
Labels: business, family life, motherhood
Having a Summer affair?
Friday, July 11, 2008
I haven't posted many book reviews on here, but amidst all the chaos with my exchange students visiting, I have been escaping by reading A Summer Affair: A Novel
. A very quick read with an engaging plot.
How many of you have had a summer affair? Or if you haven't, have you at least considered running away from your life to that secret side of yourself. Geez, who hasn't? I was just reading an article that 50-70% of all men cheat and most of them do it in the summer. Isn't that interesting?
However, in this story it's the woman. The heroine in the story is a glassblower, who believes she endangered the life of her baby (and still isn't sure the baby is ok) by working too long in the studio while he was in uterus. She and her husband "decided" that she wouldn't go back.
So, now she's a Mom. And not an unhappy Mom, just a Mom who goes to soccer matches, serves on the PTA has great friends in town. The usual.
But it all blows up when billionaire Lockhart Dixon, the billionaire, whom she has a guilt filled history with, asks her to serve on a committee for a Nantucket's Children's summer gala. In the end, she turns her life upside down by having an affair and returning to her work that she loves, but injects a little excitement and maybe decides it's not a good thing to completely bury your real self.
Ok, that's all I'm going to tell you, but all in all it's a really fun book that makes you think about summer as you're laying on the beach.
So, enjoy! I'll pick the best comment on my blog post to receive a hardback copy of the book. Tell me something about your summer affairs or your best summer story or even suggest your favorite book for sitting on the beach. I realize this is subjective (the contest) so knock yourself out!
. A very quick read with an engaging plot.How many of you have had a summer affair? Or if you haven't, have you at least considered running away from your life to that secret side of yourself. Geez, who hasn't? I was just reading an article that 50-70% of all men cheat and most of them do it in the summer. Isn't that interesting?
However, in this story it's the woman. The heroine in the story is a glassblower, who believes she endangered the life of her baby (and still isn't sure the baby is ok) by working too long in the studio while he was in uterus. She and her husband "decided" that she wouldn't go back.
So, now she's a Mom. And not an unhappy Mom, just a Mom who goes to soccer matches, serves on the PTA has great friends in town. The usual.
But it all blows up when billionaire Lockhart Dixon, the billionaire, whom she has a guilt filled history with, asks her to serve on a committee for a Nantucket's Children's summer gala. In the end, she turns her life upside down by having an affair and returning to her work that she loves, but injects a little excitement and maybe decides it's not a good thing to completely bury your real self.
Ok, that's all I'm going to tell you, but all in all it's a really fun book that makes you think about summer as you're laying on the beach.
So, enjoy! I'll pick the best comment on my blog post to receive a hardback copy of the book. Tell me something about your summer affairs or your best summer story or even suggest your favorite book for sitting on the beach. I realize this is subjective (the contest) so knock yourself out!
Labels: book review, family life
If I had packed my gun.....
Friday, July 04, 2008
I ran across this photo and thought it was too funny and a bit too close to home! Our French exchange students showed up on Thursday and ironically the kid staying with us was one of two kids who didn't get his bags. This is an improvement over last year where the entire group lost their luggage. I guess I should be thrilled.I just googled British Airways and luggage and I guess they have the worst record for loosing bags with an amazing 23 out of every 1000 bags lost. I guess the culprit is Heathrow airport which does an amazing job of loosing luggage. Wow! What a cool thing to be known for (ha, ha!).
On top of this, two years in a row, the same courier "Superior Delivery" (which is hysterical I might add) has been responsible for delivering the bags to us.
Last year our kid's luggage sat at the courier's office for 3 days. His message said "I have lots of bags to deliver. You can leave a message, but I won't return your phone call". This year, I asked last night if the bag arrived today whether it would be delivered because of 4th of July. I was assured that they worked 7 days a week. I took down the info and was assured I would hear today. Today we went out and enjoyed a day at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and when I got back, no luggage....I decided to call.
I called and spoke to the immensely rude man at the location and he said "yep, he had the bag", it got here last night. He also said he didn't work today. I offered to drive out and get it and he said "that won't help you, I'm not working today, I won't give you the bag". I told him I was assured by British Airways I would get it and that I would call them and he said "go ahead". He was nasty, rude and I can't imagine what British Airways pays him for this service.
Anyone need a business? I bet delivering luggage for British Airways with good customer service at DIA is a GOLDMINE!
British Airways has apologized, assured me they'll "look into it". I told them I want the bags by tomorrow...think there's any chance I'll get them?
Labels: Denver, family life
Catching up
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Finally posting today, it just seems like I haven't had time to breathe! :) This Wednesday our Exchange students get here and I can't wait. Partially because it will be really really fun to have them here and partially because this is when my stupidity pays off. I really now know my limits and taking a second job right now was STUPID! However, the next three weeks will be fun, it will be over and then I can move on! :)
What I'm working on now:
And last but not least...the cats. Aren't they cute. Brothers and they're so funny when they hang out together!
What I'm working on now:
I put together this book cover for my journal. I'm using it to collect thoughts and get organized and I thought having a nice CQ cover would be appropriate. If you've been reading my blog, you might remember the Brazillian piece. Because it is stitched on thermalamb(sp?) I had to beef up the rest of the piece with that (just what would be on the book cover.
Sigh, I only have one seam stitched, but hopefully more today!
Then, I took this picture of my desk a long time ago....I think it's fun to see where people work and this is my "workplace". When I do websites and all other variety of jobs, I sit here....it makes me crazy to have it messy (unless, you're really clean and you think this is messy) but this is what it really looks like when I work.
I promise family members and such that I will have photos of the kids soon! Today is gardening and having some fun, so maybe tonight! :)
Labels: Crazy quilt, family life, pets
Tacky Tuesday and other things that occupy my time right now
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
I've been a slack poster, but I've been trying to get myself organized for the summer. I have a ton of teacher friends who are SO relieved at the beginning of the summer, but when you work at home, the summer looms ahead with trying to balance work, kids and some fun! :) Luckily the kids are in a really nifty art camp for the next 3 weeks (just a few hours a day) so that's fun and makes me seem like a great Mom! :)
So, as a result, I kind of missed Tacky Tuesday, so with the Wed post of it, here is my newest selection:
Posted by Spurmarks on flickr, this little gem was added to my Flickr group on my request. I think the dawn of cel phones and Ipods have brought in a whole other venue for tacky crafts, but you have to admit this is particularly tasteless (ha, ha, pun intended)!
So, as a result, I kind of missed Tacky Tuesday, so with the Wed post of it, here is my newest selection:
Posted by Spurmarks on flickr, this little gem was added to my Flickr group on my request. I think the dawn of cel phones and Ipods have brought in a whole other venue for tacky crafts, but you have to admit this is particularly tasteless (ha, ha, pun intended)! In other news, I'm DONE with the all white pillow and it goes in the mail today. I'm really happy with the way the edges turned out, but not sorry to see it whisked off in the mail and done!
as for my slack blogging excuse, we moved our garden in our backyard this past weekend (no easy task) and I have a big new web design contract I'm signing this week.
Labels: family life, Tacky Craft Tuesday
The lace edit and a 6th Birthday
Saturday, May 24, 2008
I always forget how manic May is, with the end of school and all sorts of drama. However, I had a wonderfully quiet night with my stitch friends last week and figured out how to solve the lace addition on the side of the pillow:
I'm fairly proud of the solution, it was repaired by cutting with the pattern of the lace and then sewing the two pieces together with nylon invisible thread (oh, and click on the photo if you want a close up of the repair). I think you would have to look VERY closely to see the repair and it should hold better than the lace! :)
On the home front, I attended two back to back field days and today is Matey Moo's 6th birthday party. For pass out gifts we put together a collection of his favorite songs! (he insisted on the term "collection"! :) )
So, it's off to the bowling alley for the party! I'm hoping to finish up that pillow tomorrow and get caught up on other little projects around the house. I missed the Friday archives, but I'll catch up next week!
I'm hoping life will slow down, but with the last week of school upon us and my work not slowing up, I have a feeling it's not going to! One of my current projects is finding host families for 45 french students that will be in the Lakewood/North Denver area in July, so if you're in that area and are interested...let me know! :)
Labels: family life, lace, sewing
Crazy quilting group today - 2 posts in a day!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
OK, so, as mentioned in my last post, I had my Crazy quilting Groups class today and learned how to do these spectacular flowers! There are more to come, but this was the first one...fairly easy and pretty spiffy results, eh? It's done with peyote stitch.
Then, my round robin block finally came home. This was worked on by my crazy quilting group and I must say it took them out of their comfort zone into something wonderful. Didn't it turn out fantastic?
And last, but definitely not least, my mother in law whipped up this cute outfit for Matey Moo's teddy bear:
Doesn't Teddy look Dapper? Well, we're going to be laying flagstone tomorrow, so Happy Mother's Day to all the other Mommy's out there! I guess it's appropriate to be laboring on a day I received because I went through labor! (ha, ha!)
Then, my round robin block finally came home. This was worked on by my crazy quilting group and I must say it took them out of their comfort zone into something wonderful. Didn't it turn out fantastic? And last, but definitely not least, my mother in law whipped up this cute outfit for Matey Moo's teddy bear: Doesn't Teddy look Dapper? Well, we're going to be laying flagstone tomorrow, so Happy Mother's Day to all the other Mommy's out there! I guess it's appropriate to be laboring on a day I received because I went through labor! (ha, ha!)Labels: beading, Crazy quilt, family life, quilting
A bit of inspiration cool-ness
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Check this out:
Isn't that completely cool? Done by Jared Brown - these are just fantastic and for sale! You can get to the pieces from his flickr badge on the side of his blog. After perusing his blog, I'm not sure of his motivation, but his art and embroideries are definately interesting, original and fun.
I'm off to try to finish our patio...which means lugging a ton of flagstone and pulling weeds. We started our patio when my darling Matey Moo turned 2 (his 6th birthday is around the corner) and I'm flabbergasted it's not done. But this weekend we're on our way to finishing it....if it kills me...and it might.
Oh, and I still haven't gone to purchase my last bit of lace. I'll update with how I finish that. I promise! :)
Isn't that completely cool? Done by Jared Brown - these are just fantastic and for sale! You can get to the pieces from his flickr badge on the side of his blog. After perusing his blog, I'm not sure of his motivation, but his art and embroideries are definately interesting, original and fun.I'm off to try to finish our patio...which means lugging a ton of flagstone and pulling weeds. We started our patio when my darling Matey Moo turned 2 (his 6th birthday is around the corner) and I'm flabbergasted it's not done. But this weekend we're on our way to finishing it....if it kills me...and it might.
Oh, and I still haven't gone to purchase my last bit of lace. I'll update with how I finish that. I promise! :)
Labels: family life, inspiration
Busy playing!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
This is the latest in my real flower scans - the most notable being the one in my header that I use all the time. I'm a big gerbera daisy fan and so I did a scan of this one. I'm playing with a lot of macro cropping. Very fun and very orange!Other than that, I've been really busy playing the last two days. I have a new Widget Inc. podcasting project I'm working. It really only relates to Denver folks, but I'll let you know when that happens! I do love my professional life these days - it really is like playing more than hard work. Most of the time.
Then I'm still trying to finish the baptism pillow - that's today's project!
Yesterday I went to the Rocky Mountain Bead Society's bead show and it was fabulous!
Look at all my spiffy loot! The smallest, yet most notable is the purchase of delica beads! I've been wanting to get into them for a LONG time! So, we'll see, maybe I'll do something wonderful with them soon!
Last night we went over to a friend's house for a yummy dinner and the kids had a blast! What do you think of my pink power ranger? Fierce, isn't she? (and yes, that was a Project Runway reference!)
Labels: beading, Denver, digital scanner art, family life
More WHITE! :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
There's good "white" and there's bad white! :) I've made more progress on the baptism block
I'm really quite thrilled with how it's turning out and I plan on going through and anchoring it all a bit more for an 8 year old girl! :) I can't wait to finish it off in a pillow tho...I think it's going to look great.
However, speaking of not looking great, the day after our 80 degree weather, we had this. It's all gone now (was gone by noon) but I'm officially on strike. It HAS to quit snowing!
Happy Spring everyone!
Labels: beading, Crazy quilt, family life, silk ribbon embroidery
Spring has returned until tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Speechless
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Labels: family life, ponderances
Catching up from Easter
Friday, March 28, 2008
With the kids home this week, we've been busily trying to work and keep them happy (entertained?) so I haven't had a lot of time for blogging.
However, we had a fantastic trip out to a suburban mall:
However, we had a fantastic trip out to a suburban mall:
My daughter cracked me up by asking "Mommy, why do all the houses out here look the same and how do you tell where you live?" - I explained that houses had numbers so they could tell which one is which and she said "Yes, but how do you tell which one is YOURS!". Chalk one up for individuality!
I got a couple of Round Robin Blocks finished - the theme of this one is "flower garden" - the beads are kind of a mosaic wall and then there's flowers! Obviously! heee hee!
Not as thrilled with this one, but there's some pretty fiber under some neat stars. The stars came out of a package with the original "The Denver" sticker (department store - LONG gone in Denver) on it.
Then there were the Easter crafts, we made these last Saturday. My daughter made the very furry bunny and we christened it "psycho bunny"!
Well, quick post, but we're off to the Butterfly Pavilion to pet Rosie! Woo hoo!
Labels: beading, crafts, embroidery, family life, kid art
Slowed down and had a fun weekend! :)
Monday, March 17, 2008
We had a nice weekend. I did a bit of work on one of my websites, and did some serious "geeking out" - amazing HOW geeky we can be - be sure to check out our "Lil Geeks of the week" feature on Geek Parenting! (yep, that's MY little geeks)
Then one of the little geeks - Missy C - brought home this book. She said "You'll just scream when you see the book I picked out from RIF (Reading is Fundemental) Mommy!:
Well, I didn't exactly scream, but I was really proud! (I apologize for the cheesy link, but Amazon didn't have anything subtle! :) And it really is a cool book!) So, we picked out a project and Missy C picked out the fabric and she was SO proud to have created this:
I need to get a photo of the inside, it has really crazy funky flowers. She stitched the whole outside - I helped with some snaps and sewing on the button.
It was fun and she was really proud of it this morning. We put in brand new princess pencils and she was ready to go! :)
Then one of the little geeks - Missy C - brought home this book. She said "You'll just scream when you see the book I picked out from RIF (Reading is Fundemental) Mommy!:
Well, I didn't exactly scream, but I was really proud! (I apologize for the cheesy link, but Amazon didn't have anything subtle! :) And it really is a cool book!) So, we picked out a project and Missy C picked out the fabric and she was SO proud to have created this:
I need to get a photo of the inside, it has really crazy funky flowers. She stitched the whole outside - I helped with some snaps and sewing on the button.It was fun and she was really proud of it this morning. We put in brand new princess pencils and she was ready to go! :)
Labels: family life, motherhood, sewing
We have 3 cats.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
And because we have 3 cats, a dog and two lovely children - THAT is why I won't buy new furniture! This made me laugh out loud this morning tho!Labels: family life, internet
Happy Valentines Day!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
This is a piece I did a few years ago. It always gets a bit of action on the Creative Commons licensing on Flickr. Anyway, Happy Valentines Day to you and yours! :-)Labels: Crazy quilt, family life
A productive creative stitching weekend!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Woo hoo! (extra hoo). I was totally productive this weekend. In anticipation of the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilters meeting I did two round robins. This one is for a gal who's making a quilt for her daughter out of her Dad's flannel shirts. This one is a butterfly:
I tried to soften the bottom by adding the flowers and little feather stitch. We're actually running out of room on a lot of these blocks! The one below is gorgeous. I did the fleurette (sp?) at the bottom. It's hand dyed on one of our crazy quilt retreats. However, note the beaded flowers above my addition....aren't they great?
We're going to learn how to make those over the next two RMCQ meetings...I can't wait! :-)
Then! I got something off my UFO list (see my sidebar). Woo Hoo! It's nothing major. it's pre-quilting reversible fabric I bought a LONG time ago. Anyway, because it was reversible I had to do french seams down the middle and a rolled seam around the edge. It needs to soften with washing and I'm not thrilled with the shape, but keep in mind I HATE my sewing machine and have no real sewing sense at all, so I'm excited about the french seam!
I also started and finished another one of Sandra Dallas's books. It was fabulous: New Mercies . Has a crazy quilt on the cover so I had to read it first (I borrowed another one too) . Great story, talks about crazy quilting and Denver history. All in all a good read.
So, more stitching tonight and probably going to watch "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe". I love a fun and productive weekend! :-)
My poor inlaws (and various other rellies - have to be an Aussie to get that one) haven't seen any good family pics in a while so here's a particularly good one of "the boys":
I tried to soften the bottom by adding the flowers and little feather stitch. We're actually running out of room on a lot of these blocks! The one below is gorgeous. I did the fleurette (sp?) at the bottom. It's hand dyed on one of our crazy quilt retreats. However, note the beaded flowers above my addition....aren't they great? We're going to learn how to make those over the next two RMCQ meetings...I can't wait! :-)Then! I got something off my UFO list (see my sidebar). Woo Hoo! It's nothing major. it's pre-quilting reversible fabric I bought a LONG time ago. Anyway, because it was reversible I had to do french seams down the middle and a rolled seam around the edge. It needs to soften with washing and I'm not thrilled with the shape, but keep in mind I HATE my sewing machine and have no real sewing sense at all, so I'm excited about the french seam!
I also started and finished another one of Sandra Dallas's books. It was fabulous: New Mercies . Has a crazy quilt on the cover so I had to read it first (I borrowed another one too) . Great story, talks about crazy quilting and Denver history. All in all a good read.So, more stitching tonight and probably going to watch "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe". I love a fun and productive weekend! :-)
My poor inlaws (and various other rellies - have to be an Aussie to get that one) haven't seen any good family pics in a while so here's a particularly good one of "the boys":
Labels: beading, Crazy quilt, embroidery, family life, sewing
The history of a piano
Friday, February 08, 2008
A few days ago we had a repairman around - not to fix the plumbing or electrical (although heaven knows we could use that too) - but to tune and look over our piano. This is not just any piano, it's a turn of the century carved upright. An antique. However, it's really so much more than that.
I took piano lessons as a kid. Kind of going back and forth as to whether I liked it or loathed it. I never was (or am) very good at following directions. Obviously, reading music and listening to a teacher is all about following directions. However, somehow I learned to read music and enjoy playing the piano. I did an arrangement once for "Stars of Tomorrow" and won the first round, but only because I arranged the three pieces of music I liked and called it "I don't know what I want to be when I grown up".
I spent my "post-lesson" days playing some music I liked. In my late teens I inherited a baby grand piano, an antique Steinway. It was wonderful, but HUGE! I don't know how many of you have had to purchase a house around a huge piano, but it's really difficult. So, after a few years of paying crazy prices to move it and having the cats lie on it and throw up hairballs I sold it. I was sad to see it go, but I'd sort of fallen out of the habit of playing it.
Then 3 years ago we acquired my brother's piano. He was moving to England and my parents didn't want him to put it in storage. So, we found a corner of the living room and in it came. I must say I had mixed feelings at the time. Our house is mid century modern and our decorating sense lies much more toward "funky" than antique. However, the kids were little and it was fun to have the piano.
So, there it sat for 3 years, the kids pounded on it occasionally, the cats walked on the keys, but I didn't play it much. Finally a month or so ago I sat down to play and EEEP! It sounded awful. It was so far out of tune it was hard to tell if it was my fumbling playing or the piano!
So, this past week, as the repairman stood there with his machines and fabulous techniques for putting the piano back into shape, I started to tell him the story of the piano. My great grandmother purchased it for her two daughters to learn on somewhere around the turn of the century - probably the early 1900's. She was a single parent who had thrown her gold seeking husband out when he ran off to one too many gold rushes. They were Catholic, so never divorced, but she supported her two girls by making dresses for Molly Brown (among others). Then the piano went to my grandmother, where my mother learned to play on it.
I remember it in our house growing up and giggling when I found my grandfather's initials on the side of one of the keys "A.S.S." - yes, they were his initials and yes, he really enjoyed that they were! Inscribed inside the piano, above the pins are the carved name of a tuner who tuned the piano in 1910.
My family will tell you that I'm probably the least sentimental of the group, mainly because I hate when things are stored away because "we couldn't possibly give it away". I love to see things used. I think in this case, this piano will continue to be loved and with any luck for another 100 years.
Labels: art, family life, music
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone
Monday, December 24, 2007
This poem is from Missy C - translation - in case you don't read 7 year old! :-) "Christmas is happiness and joy for everyone and the loved graceful world".
She's started really enjoying writing poetry...and it's really fun to find these gems lying around the house.
Everyone enjoy!
Labels: Christmas, family life, kid art
Happy belated halloween
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Happy Belated Halloween! I meant to post yesterday, but yikes...with a school party and a short break - then out for neighborhood trick or treating, it was a busy day! Here are the kids watching "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown"...best shown with commercials! :-)
Then of course the parties at school. Alec was a race car driver. I love the variety of costumes...some of the homemade ones were the best! The ghost in the middle was a riot - just a white knit cap and a sheet!
Missy C chose to be "Kim Possible the way she dresses at school". About all we had to do was try to color her hair orange (food coloring) - she seemed to have fun and what a great ninja behind her, eh?
We all went down the street and went "Trunk or Treating" at the church down the street. The people from the church decorate up their car trunks and hand out candy...they serve hot cocoa and cider. It's great!
Halloween is over and except for the huge bowl of candy in our house, today it's "back to normal" and getting things done around the house.
I've been trying to get my "other blog" working on Wordpress and so have been distracted by that, but I have several draft posts I've been meaning to post here. So, we'll see. Hopefully this week!
Labels: family life
Many changes and off to Vail!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Well, I'm sure you all have noticed my heavy redesign? Thoughts? Concerns? I kind of like it..clean, yet obnoxious! :-) (sort of like me!).
Anyway, things perk along here. We've billed all of our customers, gotten the entire system into quickbooks and business is perking along. Tomorrow, I stitch! Hooray....you might say, but I still have pants to hem, two pillows to cover and a bedspread to make. Sigh.
On Sunday however, I'm headed to VAIL! Hooray! Sort of business, sort of pleasure. My friend is a Business Teacher at a High School in Vail and she has invited me to be a DECA judge! I think it's going to be a blast. Sunday we get to relax, so I'm taking stitching.
Anyway, more tomorrow....I hope to make some HUGE progress in my studio!
Anyway, things perk along here. We've billed all of our customers, gotten the entire system into quickbooks and business is perking along. Tomorrow, I stitch! Hooray....you might say, but I still have pants to hem, two pillows to cover and a bedspread to make. Sigh.
On Sunday however, I'm headed to VAIL! Hooray! Sort of business, sort of pleasure. My friend is a Business Teacher at a High School in Vail and she has invited me to be a DECA judge! I think it's going to be a blast. Sunday we get to relax, so I'm taking stitching.Anyway, more tomorrow....I hope to make some HUGE progress in my studio!
Labels: Blogging, family life
Photo day - My Hammy kids and a bit of "SPICY"!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Here are my two cherubs off to photo day:
This is Matey Moo's "Roddy St. James" outfit....I love it! He was a bit disappointed that he didn't have black shoes and a bow tie...we'll have to work on that! Missy C looks adorable in her fancy dress! I think these will be cute photos! My kids are hams. What can I say ( NO IDEA where they get that!)
And at the risk of not surprising my BOM swap partner, she said she liked black and white and red and wasn't opposed to crazy quilting. I HAVE to say I was ITCHING to embellish it! Can't you see a million possiblities! I may make another one for myself!
Things have not gotten quieter here at crazy house! I've also agreed to be the board moderator and ocassional blog poster at the Denver Post Mile High Moms (see sidebar). Sort of a fun group! We'll see where it all goes.
This is Matey Moo's "Roddy St. James" outfit....I love it! He was a bit disappointed that he didn't have black shoes and a bow tie...we'll have to work on that! Missy C looks adorable in her fancy dress! I think these will be cute photos! My kids are hams. What can I say ( NO IDEA where they get that!)
And at the risk of not surprising my BOM swap partner, she said she liked black and white and red and wasn't opposed to crazy quilting. I HAVE to say I was ITCHING to embellish it! Can't you see a million possiblities! I may make another one for myself!
Things have not gotten quieter here at crazy house! I've also agreed to be the board moderator and ocassional blog poster at the Denver Post Mile High Moms (see sidebar). Sort of a fun group! We'll see where it all goes.
Labels: Blogging, Crazy quilt, family life, photography
Up to our elbows in peaches
Thursday, September 06, 2007
I think there were a few offers out there for peach recipes....go ahead! Send em on over! :-) We've made ice cream and sorbet. And have a TON in bags that are in the freezer...ready for more ideas!
We've started by "hitting the ground running" with our business and so have been working long hours. Including working through the holiday weekend.
And meanwhile, sitting on the counter is tons and tons and tons of peaches. We're skinning them and putting them into baggies . (we also have tomatoes too...haven't even gotten to those yet!)
Then I also made some Chutney (which looks spectacular if I don't say so myself):
Fresh Peach Chutney
Epicurious November 1999 Makes 2 1/2 cups.
Michael Lomonaco
Windows on the World, New York, NY
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup loosely packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 large sweet red pepper, seeded, diced 1/4 inch, about 1/2 cup
1 small white onion, peeled and diced, about 1/2 cup
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced, 2 tablespoons
1/3 cup white raisins
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds firm, fresh peaches, blanched to remove the skin, pit removed, sliced into wedges
Put the vinegar and both sugars into a non-reactive pot, place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the red pepper, onion, jalapeño, raisins, garlic, ginger, salt and simmer 10 minutes. Add the peach segments and simmer an additional 5-10 minutes. If the peaches are still firm allow to cook several minutes more. If you would like the syrup thicker you may also allow to cook for a minute or two to reduce liquid.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes in the pot. Serve at room temperature. Transfer all excess to a clean container and refrigerate, covered, for up to one week.
Epicurious.com © CondéNet, Inc. All rights reserved.
Enjoy!
Labels: family life
Wow! What a summer!
Friday, August 03, 2007
I'm still in process of writing my blog entry about my friends being on Trading Spaces! Summary: they had a great time and would definately recommend it! (the rooms turned out great). Be sure to visit my Houseblog later today for the "after" pictures of one of the houses! :-)
But here was the rest of our summer...(warning, picture heavy):
Constant, our french exchange student was wonderful to have here and we truly missed him when he left:
But here was the rest of our summer...(warning, picture heavy):
Constant, our french exchange student was wonderful to have here and we truly missed him when he left:
The kids really loved having him around....Missy C sees Eifel towers everywhere and I think Matey Moo really enjoyed the concept of a big brother!
Then, after Constant left, we went down to the Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan's Lake. We've lived here for 6 years and never made it down! It was a lot of fun! Very multicultural and interesting. Matey Moo and I enjoyed an interesting food item which we never identified because all of the sellers and purchasers only spoke Chinese! It was kind of like a huge flat, meat filled dumpling. Good!
I loved hearing Wendy Woo - who is one of my favorites...the kids were sweaty (it was humid) but it was nice to sit on the soggy wet grass and listen!
After Constant left we decided to completely swap the kids rooms and paint both. I'm about 1/2 way through making new curtains and we're renting a pain sprayer today to paint the rooms...is that cheating? :-) Anyway, I'm sure I'll have photos on that soon.
I'm also working on my round robin block, the wedding quilt and the pieces I hope to show in the art show Sept 1st (YIKES!...less than a month away!)
Labels: family life, fiber art
Happy 2nd (ergh, uhg, 4th) of July Everyone
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
To understand my heading, you'll have to read The History Of The Fourth Of July - Forbes.com - great article and definately some bits I didn't know! Anyway, Happy Fourth of July to everyone out there!
Labels: family life
Photographs and statements
This new series looks at contemporary American culture through the austere lens of statistics
Summer 2007
Toothpicks, 2007 (60x99") Depicts 8 million toothpicks, equal to the number of trees harvested in the US every month to make the paper for mail order catalogs.
As for me, there is nothing more satisfying about a clean refridgerator. I love the colors and freshness when I open the door!
However, I also realize how much brand name junk is in there...hmmm...beauty and reality...like the photograph on top! We are enjoying our summer, with family around and lots of work to do! The kids and I have still found time for our wading pool outside and "Otter Pops"! And for the grandparents, aunts and uncles and close friends...here's our summer, so far!
Summer 2007
Labels: family life, photography
Happy 50th Anniversary to Mom and Dad!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I think you will all understand how crazy it's been when I wish my Mom and Dad Happy 50th Anniversary. Their anniversary was actually in March, but the celebration got moved to summer so my brother, sister in law, and two kids (who my kids have never met!) could come from Maine and my other brother from England!
It was crazy, fun, busy and I'm relieved it's over and went so well. For family (or people who won't be bored completely stiff) here are the photos! (mine anyway).
The cousins had a wonderful time together and I'm sure there will be a lot of emailing and care packages in the future!
Thanks Mom and Dad for being a wonderful inspiration!
In other family news, my mother in law has started a blog, so pop over and say hi! I think she's going to need some encouragement, so those of you who thought you were "blog challenged" but are actually enjoying it...go over and give her a welcome!
Labels: Blogging, family life
Happy (American) Father's Day!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day! You're my best friend, a great dad and a terrific husband. I love you. (note: Australian's celebrate Father's Day in September)Labels: family life
All about the kids
Friday, May 18, 2007
Well, with this crazy picture of my kids (Missy C looking WAY beyond her 6 years) and my adorable soon to be 5 year old (2 days!) who's dressed like Roddy St. James.I'm explaining my absence by saying we have been swamped! TONS of end of school activities!
Anyway, back soon...lots of stitching to do!
PS: I made her change that top before school by the way! :-)
Labels: family life
The power of Tornados
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Many thanks to "Kansas Explorer" for this photo (I hope it's ok I borrowed it- he has other fantastic photos of the area). One of my favorite spots on our trip to Kansas was Greensburg Kansas, home of the Big Well. I used to stop there on my trips back and forth to college. The night we were there, I drove around the cute little town, there was a ballgame at the park and folks were walking in the street on nice spring evening.
I found out this morning that 75% of the town was wiped out by a tornado. I'm shocked and sad.
Labels: family life
Gallery up and getting my art head organized.
Monday, April 30, 2007
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Starting with my picture I drew (in College) of a lady with fish. I know it SEEMS like I'm not around, but I am. This weekend, I reorganized my side bar and at the top you will see a link to my gallery...the gallery is in Flash, so if you don't have that installed, you'll have issues! :-) However, I did this mostly for me.
I think I have mentioned (not sure how recently tho) that I was a fine art major who strayed away from what I was doing for 10 years. I created absolutely nothing in that time. About 3 and a half years ago (really what prompted this blog) I dug out my Grandmother's crazy quilt and began my exploration into needlework. This exploration started on the web with many websites and great inspiration in the crazy quilt world. This year I have begun exploring other avenues of needle arts...none that has quite "fit". So, I decided a retrospective of everything I have around the house that I have created...including a couple from High School (not going to say how long ago that was!), would help me find my authentic creative self. This means digging out drawings, photographs and other interesting things (woodcuts, etc).
So, with it all up, I do have some insights...of what I liked to do, what I love to do now and interestingly an answer to why I dumped it for so long! Anyway, more later.....
I also had a comment on a post from Pam Rubert about the picture 2 posts ago and here's another of the same sculpture area:
Unfortunately, this wasn't IN Missouri (wave Hi to Pam!...should have figured out a way to drive past your studio!), but on our trip along Highway 50 in the south West part of Kansas...I believe just west of Greensburg (Home of The Big Well) and before you get to Dodge City. Just a total hole in the wall town except for all this great sculpture! I'll have to go back and get an exact town location or maybe someone will recognize it!Labels: art, family life, fiber art
Happy Birthday to meee, eeee...happy birthday to me!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
And with that, I'm off to a huge community garage sale to sell the crib! Isn't that poetic justice! Time for it (and a lot of other junk I might add) to go!Labels: family life
And We're Not Even in Kansas Yet!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Well we're on our way to my college reunion in Nevada Missouri! :-) Unfortunately on the way through to our first stop...Garden City, Kansas....we had to go through Holly Colorado, which was hit Wednesday night by a tornado that went straight through town. These were the beautiful but ominous clouds we saw on the way there! Amazing since we left SNOW (yep, not kidding here) this morning!
Here's the devastation in Holly....I have to say, I have never actually been in a tornado area and never want to be. It's truly amazing how it takes one house and not another!
Here's the devastation in Holly....I have to say, I have never actually been in a tornado area and never want to be. It's truly amazing how it takes one house and not another!
Labels: family life
A backlog of posts!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Not sure I'll get to them today, but I finally worked out how to bookmark sites again with my "send to blogger" on my browser (this is a really handy skippy tool!) and so have been surfing and reading blogs, just not actually blogging (sigh!)
I was struck down with stupid Strep this week, really struck down...in bed, to the dr, the whole bit (which I almost never do!). So, I'm a ton better. Yesterday felt really like myself and except for a bit of a tender throat, I'm back to normal...whatever normal is!
I realized in all the shuffle that I didn't put up pictures of our Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilters class last weekend. Here's some work of Claudinas.....her wool applique and underneat a silk ribbon embroidery she's going to teach next time:
Here are some of the gals working on the class (and thier own blocks). Rhonda Perry demonstrated a few stitches: the Palestrina, Feather Stitch Fan, Wheat Ear, and the Cretan. Even if you "know" a stitch, it's amazing how many ideas a group like that can come up with.
So far (cross your fingers for me) neither of the kids have strep (and are tired of me saying "is your throat sore?" a thousand times a day!). Here's Matey Moo trying on my sweatshirt...he's gotten big, but not big enough to fill out one of MY fat sweatshirts (ha, ha!).
I'm off to the store (afraid not a ton of stitching today!)....I'm having a Silpada party - I got a lot of compliments on the pieces Rex has surprised me with and I'm hoping people buy, buy, buy today and I get some free stuff...at least we'll have a great time...wine, cheese, sweets, makeup and jewelry....what could be better, eh?
PS: The hearts all sold at the Auction! Very exciting! We're definately doing that again next year! We always have a fun...it's quite the eclectic crowd!
I was struck down with stupid Strep this week, really struck down...in bed, to the dr, the whole bit (which I almost never do!). So, I'm a ton better. Yesterday felt really like myself and except for a bit of a tender throat, I'm back to normal...whatever normal is!
I realized in all the shuffle that I didn't put up pictures of our Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilters class last weekend. Here's some work of Claudinas.....her wool applique and underneat a silk ribbon embroidery she's going to teach next time:
Here are some of the gals working on the class (and thier own blocks). Rhonda Perry demonstrated a few stitches: the Palestrina, Feather Stitch Fan, Wheat Ear, and the Cretan. Even if you "know" a stitch, it's amazing how many ideas a group like that can come up with. So far (cross your fingers for me) neither of the kids have strep (and are tired of me saying "is your throat sore?" a thousand times a day!). Here's Matey Moo trying on my sweatshirt...he's gotten big, but not big enough to fill out one of MY fat sweatshirts (ha, ha!).I'm off to the store (afraid not a ton of stitching today!)....I'm having a Silpada party - I got a lot of compliments on the pieces Rex has surprised me with and I'm hoping people buy, buy, buy today and I get some free stuff...at least we'll have a great time...wine, cheese, sweets, makeup and jewelry....what could be better, eh?
PS: The hearts all sold at the Auction! Very exciting! We're definately doing that again next year! We always have a fun...it's quite the eclectic crowd!
Labels: Crazy quilt, family life
Spamantha, Creative Festival, and nail fun!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Yesterday was great! Missy C and I met Spamantha and her little girl at the Denver Creative festival! The girls had a BLAST! They got to color a block, got lipgloss at a Mary Kay booth and oooed and ahhhed over every last thing at the festival (including some sparkly things that Sam and I have vowed to put on a t-shirts!).
I picked up some fabulous lace! He doesn't have his large stuff (in my picture) on the website, but he said I can scan then and ask for more. He had fabulous collars, etc. The best part was the large lace (the stuff I bought) was only $4 a yard! Whee! I tried to hold back a little!
Then Missy C and I had a bit of time to burn (the boys went to the movies) and so we went and had our nails done! I love the flowers the girl did on Missy C's nails! All in all a great day!
Hopefully later today I'll have an update on my hearts! They need to be done today!
Oh, and my friend Creative Claudia is going to be teaching classes at Fancy Tiger (I believe making children's clothing!). So, I'll post updates when I know more!
NOTE: (for Arlee!) If you want the Red lace, send my picture to the guy at the website (he said they try to get back in 24 hours) and he can send it to you. They don't have any of the big laces on the website, but he has a ton of stuff he's happy to send! I told him I was going to scan mine so I could reorder!
I picked up some fabulous lace! He doesn't have his large stuff (in my picture) on the website, but he said I can scan then and ask for more. He had fabulous collars, etc. The best part was the large lace (the stuff I bought) was only $4 a yard! Whee! I tried to hold back a little!Then Missy C and I had a bit of time to burn (the boys went to the movies) and so we went and had our nails done! I love the flowers the girl did on Missy C's nails! All in all a great day!
Hopefully later today I'll have an update on my hearts! They need to be done today!
Oh, and my friend Creative Claudia is going to be teaching classes at Fancy Tiger (I believe making children's clothing!). So, I'll post updates when I know more!
NOTE: (for Arlee!) If you want the Red lace, send my picture to the guy at the website (he said they try to get back in 24 hours) and he can send it to you. They don't have any of the big laces on the website, but he has a ton of stuff he's happy to send! I told him I was going to scan mine so I could reorder!
Labels: Blogging, family life, lace
Happy Nothing Day!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
My daughter came up with this as a description for our New Year's Day...which we have for a few years designated as "tech-free". She says it's nothing because we aren't allowed to do anything! (can you see how computers/television are a big part of our lives?). We've now decided we may extend this to the first Sunday of the month...just for togetherness and to force us to put away the laptops! :-)
I hope you all had a fabulous New Year's! We had a great time with friends and I'm now spending Jan 2, organizing and cleaning. I think the kids and I are almost done with their toys and tomorrow I can't avoid my studio. However, my friend just dumped a ton of fabric on me (oh, how horrible) and so I need to find room for it.
In it, is some really cute zebra print stuff and fur, so I'm going to dig out my stuffed animal pattern and give it a try. We'll see.
I hope you all had a fabulous New Year's! We had a great time with friends and I'm now spending Jan 2, organizing and cleaning. I think the kids and I are almost done with their toys and tomorrow I can't avoid my studio. However, my friend just dumped a ton of fabric on me (oh, how horrible) and so I need to find room for it.
In it, is some really cute zebra print stuff and fur, so I'm going to dig out my stuffed animal pattern and give it a try. We'll see.
Labels: family life
