Friday Finishes!

I decided to get last year's issues of Punch Needle and Primitive Stitches to get a pattern that I liked. The nice thing is, you can order back issues at a reduced rate if you get the EMagazine, which is nice, since you can just print out the patterns, that you want. I wish I did more cross stitch, they do have some wonderful stitcheries, as well.

This pattern was in the summer issue, it is perfect for summer. I made mine with a round border, instead of stopping at the rope, which is uneven. I plan on mounting it onto a round wood box, so I will paint and prep the box next.

The design is about 8" round, but worked up quickly.

Another fun thing I did this week was to make a card. The design was a free painting pattern, from the Artist's Club, by Christy Hartman. I did it on watercolor card stock and used my water color pencils.

And I also did another image transfer. This is a photo of my son and husband, when we went for a hike one day. I wanted to make him something for his Birthday, since we always give him a gift certificate. I like to give him something to hide the card in, so I will tape it to the back.

Well, as you can see, it didn't work. I really don't like working on mounted canvas, not enough stiffness to press down the photo. I will have to try wood, next time. And maybe it is time to try some photo transfer medium, to see if it works better.

So, I fixed it. I had another copy, that I forgot to reverse. The photo was redone in a  watercolor filter, so I trimmed off the excess white and decoupaged it over the first photo. I had extra edge showing, that didn't look right, so I sanded and antiqued the edges. Not perfect, but something fun to hide his card in.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We are expecting snow to come in tonight, so tomorrow will be a stay home day, perfect day to work on more projects.

Parties and Paddling!

This weekend the kids had their belated party. It was fun to spend time with the family and friends and see the boys having lots of fun. Alex was more interested in smashing his cake than eating it and Nick was having fun watching him make a big mess.

Even though we got Nick a present, I wanted to get him something to open. The problem was, we got a cheap scooter and when Bill went to put it together, he realized it was a returned item and basically junk. So, we spent half the day running around, trying to find another scooter with double wheels. Nick loved the new scooter and much better since he can ride it on the grass or road and not have it fall apart. We took it easy on Alex, since he could care less, he got a talking bear and a new outfit.

Alex had his first pizza and Nick was having fun jumping in the bounce house and riding his new scooter.

On Sunday we went to my sister in law's to paddle. It was nice since we could park at her house and paddle from the beach at the end of the road. Much better than fighting for a space at the boat launches and no crowds. We hit the water when the wind shifted, so we were paddling against the incoming tide, winds and huge waves from all the larger boats, but it was fun. I love riding the waves and on the way back, we got to do some surfing.

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed paddling towards the Newport Bridge, though I couldn't make it all the way, we just enjoyed the fresh air and the scenery. The nice thing is, when we got back, we could go for a nice swim and relax our stiff muscles. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Weekend Wanderings!

This weekend was beautiful and I finally got out of the house more. Saturday was another party for Nick, the last one was just a few of us and this was his big party with family and friends. It was nice to be with people and spend time with my sweet grandson.

How can you not smile with that sweet face.

Sunday was church, which always helps me to get back on track and fills me with the inner calm to get me through the next week. They also had a fair and we got to enjoy watching the choir sing a few traditional songs. They had a raffle and I donated a basket filled with quilting goodies. I have won so many things over the years and have so many things that I thought It was a good way to share and help the church out.

I bought wrap and ribbon for the basket, but had no idea how to get it on right, so I gave it to the ladies and let them wrap it up. On the bottom is lots of fabrics from my winnings and collections that I didn't use, so all new yardage.

Then we went to the lighthouse. It was a humid day so that is the perfect place to go for a walk and enjoy the cooler breezes. There were breezes but it was still humid.

Bean and I enjoying the views.

Bill enjoying the views, Bean is people watching. 

Today was raining. I called the rental cottages and they do take credit, so I paid for the cottage and sent in the form by priority mail, so I guess we are heading up to Maine on Saturday. Today I started organizing lists for what to bring and getting some things out to clean and get ready. Bill bought Bean a new friend to play with, they are both tuckered out from all the rough housing;)

Weekend Wanderings!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and got to enjoy some nice weather and time with friends and family. Memorial day is a time that we remember our parents, who have all passed and except for my mom, were in the armed forces.

We also got out and enjoyed some nice weather between the rain storms. Saturday was a day for a drive to the ocean and walks at the lighthouse and then along the rocky cliffs.

The tide was low so the seagulls were coasting on the wind, looking for tidbits along the rocks.

Black Rock was the perfect place for a hike and walking around the rocks.

We weren't the only ones enjoying the beautiful day.

This week is Nicholas' first birthday, so Sunday was time with my sweet grandson and sharing his special day with him and the family.

Dad and son, who I think have that same sweet smile.

The fun was birthday cake, this was his smash cake, just for him to make a mess with. At first he started crying, then he finally realized that it was fun and tasted good too.

He got lots of presents, and Grandma and Grandpa could not resist getting him this special present just so we could see that wonderful happy smile, on his face;)

Today we went for another walk. It was raining in the morning and then I thought it had stopped but it kept showering on us. The good thing was, the woods were so thick and lush, we didn't feel it in the woods.

It started raining again when we hit the beach, but I decided to keep walking and was rewarded with being able to watch this guy, catching a crab in the shallow waters. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day today. We enjoyed the day with our kids and DIL, so it was nice without being too crazy.
This is not a great shot of course, but this is what my family looks like, minus dad who is sitting at the end of the table.
My daughter Danielle, DIL Ivy and son, Billy. Remind me to go out and buy some new silverware and dishes before Christmas;)



And this is what my son thought would be a good dessert, a birthday cake for me. I got to blow out the candles, they got to eat the cake, haha. I am cannot eat cake because of my allergies, so I got to imagine how good it taste;) The cake was from a local Dairy, and called Holy cow chocolate cake, very fitting.