My Weblog

Stitchy business...

 
For as long as I can remember I've always had a stash of embroidery threads. Back in my high school days, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth (!) I even remember embroidering on a pair of my jeans. Pretty sure I was the only girl with embroidered jeans...but I also wore cowboy boots and no one did that either. I still love embroidery and my love affair with boots hasn't waned either.

So when I read that Teresa McFayden was offering an online, work at your own pace, freestyle embroidery class I hopped aboard. What a fun ride!

 
Three times a weeks she adds another little piece/or assignment, if you will, to add to your work-in-progress. I am totally loving this class!

It's made me remember why I loved stitching in the first place...

  
...so much so that I even started a second one that isn't related to the class...

 
 
I should probably just stick to the class project as I'm not quite caught up. But you know how it is...an idea forms that's not quite right for the project at hand, but it would be for another...and before you know it you're off chasing that creative muse.

You do that too, right?

Or is it just me? After all, I was the girl who wore cowboy boots and embroidered jeans way before it was the cool thing to do...

It could just be me. Nevertheless, I am so glad I took this class. It's rekindled my creative juices. Juices that were running dry...so for that alone, thank you, Teresa!  

Sweet gifts...

 

Darling little nest with real quail eggs that was tucked in my package!

Oh the sweetness when special stuff arrives at your nest.... 

Today, I want to share some wonderful things I received in the mail from someone I always enjoy peeking in on. As a matter of fact, I'm a much better peeker-inner-on than I am a poster when it comes to blogging...oh well. To quote Will Rogers:

 "We can't all be heros because somebody has

 to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."

Yesterday, early evening the UPS man delivered this wonderful box of goodies from Shelley...Moi won her giveaway! Oh, lucky me!!!

 
The scrumptious smells oozing from these soaps are to die for...

 
Each little gift was wrapped in packaging paper and tied with raffia...

Not a speck of tape to be found! Oh no, each little bundle had perfectly clipped ends and all the laser-sharp seams were glued down without a trace of residue! Hey, Shelley, what happened to Living with Imperfection?! You were my hope...smile. 

And these. Look at the texture in these dishcloths... they are incredibly soft. Can't wait to use them as I am dreaming they will make the drudgery of kitchen duty a thing of the past! Hey. A girl can dream can't she?

 
While all the soaps are delicious in the aromas they give off...this one is my fav. I'm sticking it in my purse for jury duty next week. UGGGH says the good citizen who is thrilled to be called upon again and again and again to do her civic duty. Seriously, there is a waiting period of "x" time once you've served before they can draw your name again and I kid you not, my name gets drawn the day that grace period ends. I digress, but I seriously am sticking this in my purse. Everytime the monotony of sitting and waiting and waiting and waiting some more [typical occurance during jury duty] gets the best of my hyper self, I'm going to grab this bar of soap and breathe in its aroma. It instantly makes me happy.

Who knows, if the proper court authorities happen to witness my behavior, I have a feeling I could be sent home early. Wink. Wink.

But if that doesn't happen, I'll have this deeee-lightful book to read! It was also tucked in the giveaway package from Shelley! I started it last night and the humor contained within is quite entertaining. 

And speaking of humor and good reading, that is exactly what I enjoy about Shelley's blog, Living with Imperfection.  

Thank you Shelley! Your timely gifts and sweet note warmed my heart immensely. A heaven sent bundle, indeed, from an earthly angel! 
  

Pink Saturday!

 

First, I'd like to wish Beverly a speedy recovery on her recent surgery! 

A listing of all this week's participants can be found on her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND. I haven't heard that there isn't a list, and knowing Beverly, if humanly possible, it is there waiting. If not, it wasn't humanly possible!

One thing I enjoy doing is making my own cards. If only the other demands of life didn't get in the way, I could have made many more than what I ended up making. But I'll share some photos I snapped along the way.

  Mother's always like to receive a little love note at Valentine's, don't they? 

  

This particular roll of vintage wallpaper was more fragile. In order to give it more stability, I first lined it with muslin. I've found the most economical [but very effective] method of adhering the fabric to the paper is using a glue stick. I buy them in bulk at Sam's Club as I go through a lot of them! 

 
I'm still having problems with Typepad freezing up on me and losing my work. Scream loud. So I'm going to stop while I'm ahead! I'll look forward to hopping around to see as many of you as I can. Due to a winter wonderland hitting the Atlanta area [a very rare event in these parts] a few things on our calendar were cancelled. More JAMMIE TIME...yeah! 

Wishing all you sweet pinkies a very special Valentine's day! 

Altered Dolls and Giveaways !

She was my first. My first altered doll made by someone whose work I am in awe of...If you follow her blog, you probably already know who I'm talking about just by seeing this photo.

If not, then you'll be in for a real treat to go and visit her blog.

In fact, she's having an INCREDIBLE giveaway...

Wait, more accurately stated, she's having five different giveaways. I love how she's doing this....check it out!

  

The first little doll came to my home over a year ago. Recently, I added her sister, if you will. Her name is called "Love Endures"....

I love, love, love these dolls. They never cease to warm my heart whenever my eyes take them in. Purposely, they've been placed in a spot where I see them all the time.

The details in JoAnnA's work is nothing short of spectacular. But I must warn you, when she adds something to her Etsy shop, and you really, really need it, you better grab it as stuff flies off the shelves before you can blink.

As long as we are talking about scrumptious giveaways, there is another one you won't want to miss either. Lisa at Tarnished and Tattered, another blogger whose work and heart I admire has rounded up a not-to-be-missed giveaway as well.

 

I mentioned in my last post that I had extracted this darling little cupid to share. Unfortunately, Typepad kept freezing on me. It's still happening. But only on my PC that is showing signs of aging.

We have a new MAC, but on a scale from 1 to 100, I know about "10" when it comes to using it. Plus, all my photos are on the PC. But today I jumped another hurdle in the learning curve and transferred these photos from my PC to the MAC via copying them to a CD. That's how I got the "10", otherwise I would have been at a 3.

Have lots more Valentine type graphics I will share in the coming days.

xoxo

Sue

 

Too full of love...

A few years back I spotted this old book published in 1896 in an antique store. Five dollars. Sold. To me.

 

It is filled with poetry, prose, and quotes scatttered here and there. Some are touching, others a bit too lovesick for my taste, if you know what I mean. But yesterday I

spotted this quote:

 

 

This spoke volumes.

That's what I need. That's what the world needs.

"too full of love..."
 

Having recently purchased some felted wool I grabbed

a needle and thread

and started stitching...

 

Not sure how I'll incorporate this into something bigger.

After I finish the stitching, of course...

But eventually it will find its place. 

 

And

speakin' of full of love...

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Here's a little Valentine I've scanned in and want to share his cuteness for anyone to use for their own personal use. I've also extracted just him, but for some reason Typepad or my computer are not cooperating right now.

 

Ways to Give Back...

If you've been around the creative side of life for any length of time you are probably familiar with Rebecca Sower. I can still remember the first time I stumbled upon her work....way back in my days of scrapbooking. Besides liking her vintage style, there was a deeper attraction that caused me to be a loyal fan through the years. Her depth of character inspires me to be a better person. 

Once again, she is up to her old tricks! Giving. Giving to the people of Haiti. Encouraging others to give to this nation in desperate need of our help. You can read about it here [or click on the Haiti by Hand photo on my sidebar] at her new blog created specifically for this endeavor.

Yesterday I spent a chunk of my day going through my vintage wallpaper stash. Cutting, ironing, and packaging up little bundles to be mailed away. I donated them to the new Etsy shop where 100% of all proceeds will be given to the people of Haiti.

 
I encourage everyone to take a peek at the Etsy shop--and if you feel led, to buy one of the items, or maybe donate a piece of your art, your supplies, etc.

 
And IF on the wild chance you happen to grab one of my wallpaper packs, shoot me a note and when I send your goodies , I'll sweeten your little package with some additional inclusions from my stash.