Presenting “Colors from Nature”
May 15, 2008 in Books, Crafts, Creativity, Quilting
With pride, I present to you some photos from our brand new book, “Colors from Nature.” The concept of the book is using color and design from nature to inspire quilts, crafts and even decorating projects. We selected some beautiful photos as our starting inspiration. With some analysis of each landscape photo we tried to interpret the overall feeling with fabrics and projects. It was very fun and challenging. Paring down and simplifying a design can often be more challenging than making it complex and representational. My goal with our quilt designs is to make them interesting and pleasing while still being easy to make.
Rocky Revelations may be one of my favorites. Courthouse steps is a classic traditional block and with the fabric we used I feel we captured a look that can as easily be considered modern as it is vintage. I love how the shapes resemble the stones with the snippets of orange represent the leaves scattered among the rocks.
The rows of warm colors in Desert Dimensions mimic layers of clay in the stone canyon walls of the Southwest desert. The green brush and blue skies bring in interesting color contrasts. I think the rows of simple triangles accomplish this representation well and would be stunning displayed on the wall or as a bed topper.
Red poppies along with yellow and white daisies frolic across the quilt top of Meadow Melodies. This cheery color story represents my favorite hues of high summer. When I look at this I can breathe in the fragrances of the meadow and even feel a little breeze across my face.
We also cover other wonders from Mother Nature in River Reflections, Seaside Serenity, Mountain Masterpiece, Forest Foliage and Floral Flamboyance. Colors from Nature also includes a couple of appliqué quilts and a unique and clever assortment of decorating and crafting accessories. Please enjoy this glimpse into the pages of the book and I hope you find lots of inspiration to create!
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Left Dangling
May 12, 2008 in Crafts, Creativity
I used to think that being left Dangling was not a good thing. Now I think, the more Danglers the better!
This can be your solution for all your Creative Gift Creations for the summer. They Sparkle on the Patio, they Sparkle in the bath room, they Sparkle in a tweener’s bedroom, they Sparkle in the kitchen window. And they certainly will bring a sparkle to the eyes of the recipient of this fun and easy project.
You can explore a variety of themes for Spring and Summer like birds, butterflies and flowers. But any favorite theme can be achieved by incorporating themed ornaments and trinkets along with assorted beads. You can try different styles, colors and materials for different looks. Some of our examples show a variety of materials such as stained glass, wire, colored glass, rusted metal, painted wooden cut-outs, glitter, decorative and word rub-ons, and even napkin rings! Us collectors of “stuff” always seem to have an assortment of little trinkets and baubles that we’ve been holding onto. You weren’t sure what you were going to do with those until now! Click here for some great basic directions to assemble your own Dangler. You’ll be hooked!
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Quote of the Month
May 7, 2008 in Creativity, Family, QuotesIt’s May! It’s May!
I just love May – maybe because it’s Spring, or Mother’s Day or maybe because it’s my Birthday month. I’ve always had such positive associations with May. I love the Quote of the Month that Kris brought us for this month. “Happiness is the art of making a bouquet of those flowers within reach.” Being grateful and happy for all that you have in your life and then making something beautiful with those gifts is really what makes your life a success and is such a joyful way to live with appreciation. I certainly appreciate being reminded of that simple, yet meaningful lesson. Kris also went to her Scrap Bin for all the materials to embellish and decorate her quote which brings a double meaning to these words. Use what you have! (especially your talents) 
That’s one of the many reasons why we love Crafting – we use our resources and create something tangible. Happy, Happy May!
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Ten Ways to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day (May 3,2008)
May 3, 2008 in Scrapbooking- Take some time to GET ORGANIZED! If you know where all your ‘stuff’ is it’s easy to jump into a project anytime.
- Make a page for a friend. A layout celebrating baby’s first birthday will be a cherished gift for the mom of a busy toddler. At least baby will have one page in her scrapbook! :-)
- Try something different. Use your scrapbooking supplies to make party decorations or to create a home décor item.
- Go Shopping! It’s always fun to find new products!
- Take some time to reflect on the importance of what you do. Not only do you have the chance to express your creativity through your artful scrapbooks, you’re also a family historian! Be proud of the work you do that many generations to come will enjoy.
- Make a page for yourself. Have someone take a photo of you scrapbooking and create a page celebrating YOU, the scrapbooker.
- Attend a group crop event. Surrounding yourself with others dedicated to your craft can be the perfect inspiration. Use my Crop Party invitation to organize one of your own.
- Spend a happy hour looking through scrapbook magazines. Mark or tear out inspirational pages and products that you’d like to try.
- Try a new technique. National Scrapbook Day is the perfect time to learn a new skill or technique.
- Organize a supply swap with scrapbooking friends. A swap is a great way to clear out duplicates, papers that don’t work thematically, or excess embellishments as well as to build your stash with excess items from your friends.
- Bonus idea. Send photos of some of your favorite scrapbooking projects to Debbie! I'd love to see what you are up to!
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Mother’s Day is Coming (soon!)
April 30, 2008 in FamilyMay is nearly upon us and it’s time to focus on Mother’s Day. While there’s still time, here are a few ideas to celebrate your Mom:
Is she a gardener or just loves Spring? I have a great new assortment of garden-theme products available at JoAnn’s to choose from. A garden organizer or watering can along with some gardening gloves and clogs will get her in the right spirit to enjoy a Sunday in her own backyard. Add a few seeds to plant and if you volunteer to help out for a couple hours you’re sure to make her smile.- There are a lot of Moms out there that are crazy about scrapbooking. Add some new papers and stickers to her collection.
Paint a flowerpot in her favorite color, trim the edge with beads and add an easy-to-care-for house plant.
Knitters can never get enough you know what – YARN! Along with a fresh set of needles and a subscription to a knitting magazine, your gift will inspire her next project. - If you make her a hand-beaded necklace or bracelet, she’ll be able to say with a proud grin, “Why thank you, my daughter made it for me,” every time she receives a compliment.
Impress her with your craftiness by making up one of our projects from the website. Just right for Mom and if you get started now, there’s just enough time to whip up the one you think will please Mom the most. Click on our link for instructions to make a Garden Dangler, a decorative Chalkboard or a simple quilt throw. - The classics always work and are appreciated – Sunday brunch and tickets for two to the theater or an upcoming stage show.
- If your Mom is anything like mine, a card that expresses your grateful and loving words that come from your heart is all the gift that she really wants.
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You’ve Been Goated!
April 25, 2008 in Friendship, Pets
We almost had a new member added to our staff today. One of Monica’s friends from “Team Gigi” (from Walk for a Cure) had a little prank up her sleeve that played out at the office today. A couple representatives from the Wishing Star Foundation showed up on our doorstep with the sweetest little goat in arm. With a cute little poem and a bucket they presented Tricia the goat to Monica.
The confused and nervous smirk on Monica’s face was priceless. (of course, we were all in on it- otherwise we would have been equally confused) 
The poem declared that the goat was hers to keep and that she needs to be bottle fed every two hours! You could almost read her mind….”WHAT? Where will I keep it? What will my husband say?” But there was an out. “If you don’t want this pet you can slip us a donation to get out of your situation!” We all ran to our wallets and made our donations to bail Monica out and lend our support to Wishing Star. Don’t worry Monica’s revenge is in play. She sent the Goat, the poem and donation bucket onto someone else from her team. The goat was surprisingly docile and very gentle and only tried to chew up an electrical cord once.
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Behind the Seams – New Book!
April 17, 2008 in Books, QuiltingI thought you might be curious to see what behind the scenes on our most recent book photo shoot looked like…….In the book you see our finished product and a perfectly positioned project and props. But all around the focus of the photo is usually a fair amount of chaos. There are lights, camera, cords and usually an unusual (sometimes bizarre) assortment of props and backdrops that we audition for the photo. More times than not, there is a lot of trial and error for props. OK, let’s try this; look in the camera; and then move it a quarter inch to the left, and this goes on for hours! Our photo team is Tom (awesome photographer!), Carolyn (amazing book editor!), and Monica (dazzling book designer!) and Myself (main responsibility is being picky).
Our photo shoot was actually done in October of last year. It takes us 9 months for us to give birth to a book, from conception to delivery. I can’t wait for you to see the real thing. It’s called “COLORS from NATURE” and is being released (born!) on May 15. I’ll keep you posted and give you a sneak peak before the release. I think you’ll love it.
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Online Fabric Sale!
April 14, 2008 in Crafts, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Quilting
Check it out – Order online and save 50% off of DM Baby & Everyday Quilting Fabrics through April 20. Take advantage for your fun spring projects. If you don’t have a project in mind – here’s one for ya!
Love Grows Lap Quilt
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Idol Gives Back
April 10, 2008 in Current Affairs
I hope you got to watch Idol Gives Back last night. There are so many positive benefits to witnessing a show like this. First of all a well orchestrated opportunity to corral the power of many to serve our world and battle the injustice of poverty. They made it clear to us that no matter how much you are able to give - that it would be meaningful because it will be pooled together to make a real impact. 
It's hard to watch this and not be hit with the marked contrast between our lives and the devastation that millions live with. It really does shift the focus from myself and my problems and issues and helps me realize that by contrast - I really am okay. I have clean water to drink and comfortable shelter and the money to buy good quality food, medical and dental services, the medicines I need, and my family and friends are safe and healthy too. And, I'm not living in fear that at any moment these priviledges and securities will be pulled out from under me.
Annie Lenox (who Bono aptly described as an angel) probably moved me the most. She introduced us to to five children living in Africa who have lost their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles (anyone who might have cared for them) all to HIV Positive. 
The oldest, a 15 year old boy took care of himself and the other children while having to bottle in his fears of being able to hold everything together for his younger siblings. The weight of that responsibility while barely surviving a life of poverty and rampant illness is unfathomable.
Even though there is so much to accomplish, the show and celebrities showcased many of the programs that are in place and how the dollars we gave last year are being utilized to improve and save people's lives. Alicia Keye's commented that you can "Change the lives of people FOREVER for the price of a pair of shoes." I think I could give up buying a pair of shoes to change a life.
Even Simon was inspiring - to see his tender and caring side is uplifting. Sometimes, it's just awareness that makes the difference. I remember watching the show last year. It was clear that he didn't realize how bad it was for so many people.
So many of us watch this show religiously as bystanders and become involved by discussing the drama and the performances purely for our own entertainment. This is a chance to watch and now discuss how we don't have to be just a bystander. You can so easily be involved by sharing just a little of what you have. I hope all my blog friends will take this opportunity to Give Back and make a difference. Keith Urban said it well, "Tonight you can save a Life, tomorrow you can change the World."
www.Americanidol.com
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Quote of the Month
April 8, 2008 in Creativity, Friendship, Quotes
First of all – Wow! - we’re already well into April and I’m getting in the mood to “play.” And, I certainly do feel out of practice. Not that I’m going to go out there and play ball or anything. I’ve long since given that up. 
(Although, I was the left-handed pitcher for a couple years on a B-League Ladies softball team – that was more than a few years ago now)
Kris brings us inspiration this month from Jerry Seinfeld who has always had a great sense of “play” – especially when it comes to verbal quips. I guess we each need to come up with our own version of “Spring Training” so we can “play well” all season long.
