Quilting 101

My first attempt at a new art form...Quilting! I'm currently taking a class taught by Bobbie Porter, who lives, breathes, and teaches quilting. I am hanging in there and determined to finish my first effort, the Medallion Quilt. I am learning a lot about sewing, something I thought I was already good at, but haven't done in a number of years. I have an original Bernina 707 I bought in 1971 and am giving it a re-birth. The class requires me to bring the little gem to learn the quilting techniques. Its like reconnecting with an old friend from high school.

I am enjoying this new art form that has been around for hundreds of years. I hope to finish this one and venture out making another for my new little grandaughter, Ella!!


This technique is called "paper piecing" and it is extremely time consuming. I have to do 36 of these before I can continue adding to the above quilt. Bon Chance!! I'm up for the challenge. Clearly, this 2nd quilt I am making is much more difficult than the tied one I made for Addison, but has less "love" inside. For the record, the Blues Clues quilt will always be special to me.

My first quilting project

My first attempt at quilting turned out successful, at least by my Addison's standards. It was my gift to him for his 3rd birthday. He fell asleep covered by it after his birthday party. My friend, Janice, helped me put it together. It took about 10 hrs, but was fun learning a new craft.

Coming up is a Couple's Baby Shower I am giving for Bridgett and Matt. Below are the invites I sent out. I got to use another toy, my Xyron 900 to back the paper with adhesive. Then, I used my Stamin' Up Coluzzle to cut the ovals to place on the cards. Hoping to have six couples attend, I think it will be fun for the "Dad's" to participate.

In my Mind's Eye

My creative juices have not been flowing, but I'm trying to squeeze them out. Having time on my hands doesn't mean the mood strikes me lately. I know all artists deal with this dilemma, I am not the first and won't be the last. I finally got some energy and began painting my little statues from the garden that represent my two daughters, Amber and Bridgett. I still have to find the perfect place for them, but glad to have them in good shape again. With all the rain we've had, all my flowers are blooming and need some company!

February is almost over, but the thrill of Valentines is still on my mind. I had so much fun creating cards for my boys, my girlfriends and my hubby. It gave me joy to see their faces when they opened them up. That's what card making is all about. I wanted to do more, but time ran out. There's always next year!

I have a new toy. It's called the Cuttlebug. I can emboss with it and make die cuts. Jayden and I have had fun trying different things. So far he has covered a mini notebook and I am making invitations for a baby shower for my Bridgett, who is due in May with our first Princess. Having a die cutter will help make my cards "pop" as well as the embossing. My next entry will be about quilting, I hope, as I am taking a quilting class in March. So many crafts, so little time!!

Christmas is closing in

My Floral Arranging class is drawing to a close. This centerpiece was an idea I got by going to Michaels to see what was on sale. I suspect an arrangement would cost around $50 or maybe more. Instead, because my class provided the greenery, oasis (that wet green thing that holds the flowers) and the flowers, it only cost me $2.40. Of course the class cost was $45, but I have made 5 arrangements so far and one to go. I had fun, met some nice ladies and got to smell fresh flowers in my house every week. I made this one for Bridgett to put on her table for Christmas. It is a surprise, so shhhhhh, don't tell! The other one I made for me is much smaller to fit on my table.


I bought the bucket and candy canes at the Dollar Tree and the flowers etc. were provided by the class. Voila' !! Next week I hope to make a wreath to hang on my door. Look out, Michaels,
here I come!

Floral Arrangements

I finally signed up for a Floral Arranging class through the Adult Ed. system and have my first creation finished. Next will be the Thanksgiving centerpiece and I will be making that tonight. The classes are held at AGHS, my girls alma mater. It is so wonderful that young students have such a variety of electives to choose from. In my day it was Home Ec. or Wood Shop!!

projects I've been working on

Above is a book I made for my husband, Tom, for Father's Day, 2008

Birthday card for one of my sisters.

A wedding plaque I made for a friend from her wedding invitation.

This is a window from our house of 13 yrs on Saratoga. I cleaned it up and painted some faux stained glass flowers etc. This was a work in progress as we moved twice since that house and I carted the windows along with me. The art part took about 5 hours and I loved every minute of it! This is my most recent project and it hangs proudly in my kitchen.

I hope to be posting more often now. I am trying to be honest to my Creative Self and really complete some things I have been working on or want to start on. Next, a new blog about my Writing Life--spurred on by my dear friend, Karen, who is my biggest fan.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

Albert Einstein

cards and books

For our 36th anniversary, Aug. 18th, I made my hubby this card. I used some of my handmade paper, calligraphy, and some stamps. I always enjoy making something special for someone I love!