Monday This and That!

I had a slow weekend, no shopping since I was too miserable to go out and I don't like making others sick with what I have. The good thing is, better to get it now, then at Christmas;)

I decided to make a rag wreath and used material that I didn't mine ripping up. I put my two wool cardinals and a twig of berries, onto it and instant prim wreath. They are fun to make and a nice thing to do while resting and watching tv.

The cardinals were made with a pattern by Apine Industriose with a few changes by me.

I also wanted to try some paper snowflakes. I do make paper cuttings and intricate snowflakes and cuttings, but I wanted a simple way with just cutting and having fun. I found a nice tutorial  from First Palette on how to fold the paper for cutting and they also have a section with templates that you can use. The sad thing is, I am no good at cutting this way, my brain takes a turn and I end up cutting the wrong way and messing up, but fun to try. The one on the upper right is supposed to be christmas trees and angels. A good rule to remember is, if you are cutting shapes, cut or draw only half the shape on your paper, then it will come out like a round head, instead of a double bird head. The smaller star is one I bought, it has crystals so the sun hits them and throws rainbows around the room.

Bean still keeps me busy, I have come to realize that I just have to put him in the cage when I need a real rest break so I don't have to worry about what he is doing. Today he was good and took naps while I rested, tonight he was back in high gear. I tend to eat a lot of snacks and Bean loves anything I eat, so far. Tonight we had yogurt and he got a frozen chicken piece as a treat. Nice snack for him to much on and gives him something to teeth on.

As you can see by his face, he ate his yogurt out of the container, good to the last lick.

Noah's Ark Banner!

After I got all of the chaos out of the way, I have been resting. I am so sore from the paddle, didn't realize I had paddled that far and when you start out tired, it is not smart to over do it, lol.

I think I got everything covered and taken care of, still need a new window for my car and I have to get another license and of course a purse to put it in. I want to thank all of you for your comments and encouragement, friends are a blessing when we have a bad day.

Yesterday I finished my ark piece, and hung it on the wall. I made it to fit above the back double doors, so it is long and narrow. I tried getting a good shot, but with it on the wall, I had the fan light in the way, and reducing it, made it hard to see the details. I used a lot of fun fabrics, some homespuns and patterns that worked well with the animals, I used them on. The design was made from patterns by Jan patek and some from Janet Bolten and a bit of my own. I also added some 3D elements to some areas, just had fun and made it up, as I went along.

Of course, you know who had to jump up on his tree to get in on the action. The quilt measures 68" x 10".

Here is a closer look at the center designs. I used jute for hay and some tools in noah's box. I had to lighten and sharpen the photos, so they look bright and cutesy, I wish I could have taken a photo outside before I hung it up. I used double backed rug tape to put it on the wall.

Comic and Curious Cat and Cardinals!

Last week I finally got myself a new computer. Mine was getting old and I couldn't upgrade anything and everything was slowing down or crashing, so it was time. I use a Mac Book pro and got one with enough to run my programs, since I do love photoshop and I was able to upgrade that too. So, I tried some photos with my new camera and the new photoshop. I have a lot to learn. Like why the photos I did, did not save in the file I wanted them in, lol. So, here are a couple for tonight.

I love to thrift, you never know what  you will find and a few weeks ago I found some Comic and Curious cats sitting on the shelf. The kitties on the bench is a piece I loved and had to have it. That one seems to have disappeared in the computer, somewhere. I couldn't just leave this one sitting on their shelf, maybe it will make a nice gift for a cat lover. They are just so fun and pieces that make you smile.

And here is a cardinal who visits every day. I had to get it with a regular lens, so what zoom it had, made it a bit blurry. Today he sat in the other tree, while his mate had a meal, it is so sweet that they watch out for each other. I have been working on my rug, so I will take a photo of that tomorrow.

Snow lady finished

Today I finished my Snow Lady. I got the original pattern from Twigs and Sprigs and it grew from there. She has wonderful patterns for all types of mediums and you can get instant patterns as well as freebies. I want to do her angel and lambs for the spring. I think it will be fun to do seasonal hangings that I can change out.

I made tabs by hand sewing on strips of the border color, to the backing. Since the quilt is washed and stiffer, I just used 3 tabs. I like the primitive looks of tabs and they are quick and easy. Plus, I can always take them off if I want to redo it another way. I plan on hanging it from stick I have been saving, now if I can just remember where I put it:) So, for now I just threw it up on a dowel without tying properly, to get a shot. I really need to get a tripod, I shake too much.

I also used a new product for me, June tailor's fusible batting. It really was so much easier than pinning and it is nice and stiff and took well to a washing. For some reason the other package is different, even though it is the same product, need to check into that. I like the stiff one, great for machine sewing, but tough for the hand quilting.



I still need to clean my wools in the cellar, a lot is in boxes, and the ones on shelves are all over the floor. We know what the furry creatures are doing at night;) Dora has one spot she sleeps on, so I keep old wool there. But, I am finding hair all over now and I found the culprit today. Izzy seems to want to leave her mark and fur on every spot in my house. I was thinking if I got her to gain some weight, maybe she would be too lazy to go in the high spots;)