karens crafty world

Welcome Kara Joy!!!

2012-01-29T07:08:00.004-06:00

My very good friend, Kristen, has delivered her 6th baby! As usual, she did it in less then 2 hours. She gets started and there's no stopping that locomotive! Over the last several months I've had the honor of renewing my friendship with Kristen during prenatal visits. It has been wonderful! I would usually visit her around 11a and would end up staying for lunch and a crochet lesson (my newest crafty passion...thanks, Kristen!)...oh and eventually we'd get around to the prenatal visit;)

11 years ago, I was blessed to attend Kristen with her first baby, Hope. Since then, Heather was born, Grace was adopted, Courtney arrived, Caleb (the prince;) made his appearance, and then sweet Kelsey. Here are all of the them in a photo from Christmas.

Kristen wasn't officially due until February 7th, so when she called me at 915p, the evening of the 26th, I (of course) was fast asleep. At first I was a bit confused about why she might be calling (she usually delivers late), but then I snapped awake, threw on my scrubs and was out the door in less then 6 minutes!! No stopping for coffee or gas for that matter, I raced down to her house which is about 60 minutes from me (I got there in 45;) Knowing I didn't have a lot of time, I got Christina on the way as well. We walked into the house and less then 10 minutes later at exactly 1015p, baby Kara Joy was born! Kristen did a wonderful job! I'm so proud of her. Most people will say how lucky she is to have her babes so fast, but when they come so fast like that, it is quite overwhelming...its very hard to get a grip. Kristen handled the labor beautifully.

Here she is!!!

Shortly after Kara Joy was born, she started sucking her thumb. Adorable!!!!

Here she is being weighed. She's just a peanut! She weighed in at 5lbs 14 oz.

What a wonderful birth my friend had. I'm so happy for her and her husband,Jim (who is still trying to wrap his brain around being the father of 7 children!!!)

One more thing I want to add. Kristen came back into my life at the perfect time. I had been struggling mightly with some personal issues and altho I was taking these issues to the Lord, He knew I needed someone else to help me with my walk. That person was Kristen. Over the last few months we have emailed back and forth several times a week. She would point out some things I needed to look at in the bible and she also gave me huge encouragement to take everthing to God.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kristen! You amaze me in so many ways.

Here are some words that Kristen honored me with:

I love little Kara Joy so much! She will always remind me that the Lord brought joy into my life through a special friend Karen. Thank you for jumping into a friendship with me and for your endless kindness (like all the home prenatal visits), patience (reading all my e-mails and listening to all my thoughts and feelings), understanding (even sharing your own struggles), encouragement (through your own comforting words and the Bible), and hope (life is better with a friend like you to talk to) you've given me over these months. You know what I just realized...this is one reason the Lord gave me another girl. Everyone around me is having a boy...but I needed this baby girl...and to name her this name from the Lord (Pure Joy from the Lord) to remember all HE has done for me. Thank you for letting HIM use you in my life...and I pray for a continued friendship.

Oh Kristen!!! I too pray for our continued friendship!! You have made me one blessed, honored and happy midwife. Thank you!!

Babies on Bellies.

2012-01-28T09:39:00.001-06:00

I had some fun with some pregnant mama bellies this past week. Big thanks to the 2 ladies that let me practice on them:)
I used non-toxic markers for these 2 mamas but have since picked up some henna.

The 3 year old wanted a baby on her belly too, so daddy drew that one on:)

This was my second attempt....not to bad!

I'd like to give away the next 3 belly drawings to whoever asks for them:)

Grace's Quilt

2012-01-26T06:31:00.000-06:00

Grace got her quilt back from the quilter's (thanks aunt Kath!) It looks awesome. Kathleen did a wonderful job quilting AND binding it. Grace loves it!

Breastfeeding Mother and Child

2012-01-19T08:42:00.003-06:00

'Ready' Series #6

2012-01-17T18:12:00.001-06:00

Here's my latest pregnant mama art quilt. This one (as well as the one below) was commissioned by my friend, Debbie. It measures 20 X 25 inches.

She's going to hang it in her office next to this one:

The above art quilts can be recreated to your specifications. Hair color, dress and blanket color can be your choice as well as the background. These quilts (this size of 20 x 25 inches) are priced at $85.00 each. All proceeds are going toward a midwifery/missions trip to the Dominican Republic I am planning to attend this June. I will be posting more art quilts the will be for sale over the next few months. Stay Tuned!

Lighthouse in South Haven - Project Quilting - Season 3

2012-01-15T08:08:00.003-06:00

Well, I jumped into Project Quilting again. I wasn't planning on it, but I was struck by inspiration for the first challenge. Here are the rules for this first project:

Architectual Elements

*Your inspiration will come from architecture.

*Be sure to include a photo or description of the architectural element(s) that inspired you.

*Your project can be any size or shape.

*Please remember that these projects need to be created during the week of the challenge.

My inspiration was the lighthouse and the black steel bars that run the course of the pier.

Here's what I came up with:

I wanted this to be a bit more 3D, with more shading and such but needed to get the project in in time. My favorite part is the shading I did on the pier. I used a brown color pencil to do this bit. I also used a white color pencil to add a bit of shading to the bars and the lighthouse. This piece measures 10 X 16 inches.

Mother and Child #9 in series.

2012-01-13T13:43:00.000-06:00

Like the last mother and child art quilt, this is from a small rubber stamp that I copied and blew up on my printer. I then used my light box to transfer the design to fabric with disappearing ink. I then thread-painted over the design. I did change a few things from the original stamp to make it my own:)

This piece measures approximately 10 X 15 inches.

I think this is my favorite of all the ones I've made. I love how it turned out:)

Fluffy Khloe

2012-01-12T16:36:00.000-06:00

How is it even possible......

2012-01-12T07:12:00.001-06:00

....that I have no grey fabric?????

Summer 2011

2012-01-04T07:18:00.000-06:00

Summer always brings South H(e)aven.

.....more quilting....

Bart and Krystal's baby shower....

.......my car flooded...ugh.

Becky and I took the CPM exam....

......and Passed!!!!!

Lot's of gardening.....

....and always babies:)

2011 (con't) - April and May

2012-01-02T08:09:00.001-06:00

April brought a trip to Florida.....

....Dad bought a condo...

...gramma Sheeto*

(Cheryl) had a birthday.

*Jack couldn't say Cheryl when he was little...it came out sounding like Sheeto...and it stuck!

Jess turned 9...

....more quilting. I learned how to turn photos into art quilts. Cool!

...and always with the babies. 5 of them in April.

May....more photos into quilts....

....the start of square foot gardening....

My Sweet Dan turned 27 .......

...and 6 babies this month.

2011....The first 3 months

2012-01-01T07:11:00.001-06:00

Well, 2011 was quite a year. I started going thru my blog and saw that so much has happened this past year. I'll try not to bore you too much with the babies and crafting and the babies and the crafting:)

The past year has had its highs and it had it lows*...like every year does. Here are some of my highs for 2011:) I actually just got thru the first 3 months....hopefully I'll be able to blog more later.

*If you want to know about the lows, we will need to meet for lunch....and dinner:)

January: Craftapalooza! My Friend Jennifer learns to quilt!

Babies!!!

I assisted this family for the 5th time!
Here they all are below:)

...and of course,sewing and crafting!

February brought lots of snow.....

...and babies!!!

I applied for my CPM....

...and Jack turned 8!

....and sewing and quilting and crafting!

March, of course, brought more babies......

....and CMQG's first quilting retreat.

Plus.......more crafting!!!!

Wow.....so far it was a packed year...more later!

Mother and Child Series #8. Thread painting.

2011-12-31T06:27:00.001-06:00

This piece measures 9x11 inches. I haven't bound it...I might frame it. I like it :)

Sewing with Grace

2011-12-30T09:28:00.001-06:00

Gracie came over on Tuesday to have a sewing day with me. We had a blast! Love that girl:) We ended up sewing from 9 in the morning til 5 in the afternoon....we just kept going and going and going. We did stop to go out to lunch which was nice too. Grace picked all the fabrics from my stash, we cut them into 5 inch squares and started banging out the quilt. Chain-stitching helped sew all those squares together.

Hard at work.

Top of quilt.

Back of quilt.

Well, you can certainly tell we were at it all day by the looks of these last pics...our hair is a mess! But we're happy! Stella* and I decided that we MUST do this more often and that we will definitely do it annually around her birthday. YAY!

We're hoping Auntie Kath will quilt it for us...hint, hint,auntie;)

*Stella....aka Grace

Baby Khloe Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T07:59:00.000-06:00

Another casserole Carrier

2011-12-07T17:21:00.000-06:00

Sew Sweet.

2011-12-05T18:03:00.001-06:00

Tutorial: Quilted Casserole Carrier in 6 easy steps.

2011-11-27T16:52:00.002-06:00

.....and its reversible! The one I made above can fit a pie pan or a small,shallow casserole pan. These can easily be made for bigger pans by increasing your fabric and batting dize.They are so quick and easy to make and will make great gifts. I've made 4 already and am working on #5 and 6.

I Am Thankful!

2011-11-25T07:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I got 1 picture before I dropped my camera and broke it. Never-the-less, I am still so very grateful for so many things. My list is endless.

Cheryl made the cheese and veggie platter above. I wanted to get a pic before the vultures (my family) attacked it. As you can see, it didn't happen.

Robby rolled into town for the festivities...its good to see him.

Khloe came and brought her parents. She's getting so big!! I did take some pics with Jessica's camera, so there may be more to come.

I plan to stay out of all stores today...the so-called Black Friday....ugh. Let the madness begin. Chuck has ordered me to get into the Christmas spirit starting TODAY! I would prefer to wait until mid-December but he won't hear of it.

Oh, and BTW, if you are getting an xmas present from me this year, it will be hand made and you will like it and cherish it forever.....even if its just a potholder;) I better get started.....

Odds and ends.

2011-11-21T17:49:00.000-06:00

Here is what I worked on at the retreat: I started a queen-sized strip quilt from vintage fabrics....

....helped with the donation quilt. I brought it home to sandwich and quilt it. I'll bring it to our meeting on the 4th for someone else to bind it....I don't like doing that part:)

Also did a little quilting on this commission quilt.

My friend, Becky, came over today and we made the top for a dontion quilt. We plan to donate it to ICCPM (Illinois Coalition of Certified Proffessional Midwives) to auction at their gathering on the 4th of Dec.

Lucy, my sister Amy's dog, is staying with us this week. She tried to ....and it looks like she managed ...to cram herself into Sophie's bed at the bottom of the stairs. I was cracking up. Sophie does not think it is funny.

Holloween pics....better late then never.

The booty. The kids got a ton of candy. We had pizza after trick or treating. Fun times!

Beautiful Jess.

These are some bags I made a few weeks ago. I plan to make more to give away.....hopefully before Christmas.

CMQG Quilting Retreat

2011-11-15T18:44:00.000-06:00

Jennifer fooling around and Ebony very seriously sewing.

Yolanda and Erika working on their projects.

Jennifer made an apron....all by herself!!! (Emily helped a little.)

We invited Robbie Eklow to do the dishes:) Thanks Robbie!

Andrea with one of her projects.

Jennifer finished a whole quilt top!!! I'm so proud of her. She worked feverishly to get this done before we left Sunday afternoon. Nice work!A wonderful time was had by all and we are looking forward to going back in March. I'll post pics of what I worked on tomorrow....I just realized I didn't take any pics of my stuff.

Lady in Green. 'Ready' Series #5

2011-11-09T05:27:00.001-06:00

This piece was commissioned by my Aunt Nedra. She asked for a flowy green dress and shoulder length brown hair on a cream background. She wanted the hair to be in an up do, but after spending several hours trying to get it to look just right, I gave up.....I actually think I might have had a mini tantrum:) Every time I tried to get the hair right, she just kept looking like Princess Leia with a honey bun on her head. Not a good look. So her hair is down and looks just fine. I hope you like it, Aunt! Sorry, the pics don't look so great...the lights in the craft room were reflecting off the glass. The first shot is before I framed it. This piece measures 20 X 22 unframed.

A new era (and shop) for Decorative Industries

2011-11-08T17:55:00.003-06:00

Eric got a new toy.

This shop is so much brighter and cleaner and the floors aren't falling in and it smells nicer then the old one.

Boys....errr...men working hard.
On second thought, they don't look like they are working very hard, they actually look like they stayed up too late watching the Bears game last night:)

Chicago Botanical Gardens and Fiber Art Show

2011-11-07T05:36:00.003-06:00

Pretty lily pads and purple flower....do I see an art quilt? Why

yes, yes I do:)

The pics don't do justice to how beautiful it was that day. I'd never been to these gardens before. I'm looking forward to going back next summer.

Above: My friend, Becky. I just love her!!

Below: A 9 patch!

The above quilt is made from 'found' items such as candy wrappers, buttons, paper clips, etc. There's a close-up several pics below. Interesting. I've actually wanted to make something from candy wrappers...they're so bright and colorful.

Above: 1 inch squares appliqued down with ribbon sewn over to hide the seams. I thought I might try a smaller version of this project as I have so many scraps leftover from my applique projects.

Below: I like the frame over the picture giving it a window effect.

A farm for you, Aunt Kathleen:) You are welcome;)

Art Quilt Show 2011

2011-11-03T06:14:00.003-05:00

Below: Winnie the Pooh. Made for my brothers' baby, Khloe.

Above: This was inspired by a vintage VOGUE patern.

Below: Lady in Orange.

Above: This piece was commissioned by a homebirth client.

Below: Bountiful. Whole cloth art quilt. Painted onto fabric using acrylic paints and then quilted.

Above: This quilt was created by using a photo of my niece, Grace, running on the beach in South Haven.

Below: This quilt was commissioned. The buyer asked for a turquoise dress, purple blanket, and dark brown hair on a black background.

Above: When scrapbooking and art quilting collide.

Below: Ode to a Red Dress. The inspiration for this piece was the work of artist Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan, Jr.

Above: Funky Flowers.

Below: Whole cloth art quilt. Painted flowers onto died fabric then quilted.

Below: This quilt was created from a photo of my friend Michelle and her baby.

Note: All the art above is either for sale or can be re-created and/or customized.

Family

2011-10-30T06:44:00.003-05:00

Vintage Pattern Ladies #2 in series.

2011-10-26T06:25:00.000-05:00

Here is #2 of the Vintage pattern ladies. I love this one. Love her little belt.This pic was taken at my Chicago Modern Quilting Group last Sunday.

Baby Torture

2011-10-26T06:15:00.002-05:00

"REALLY, MOM???REALLY????? You're going to put this outfit on me and expect me to be happy about it???"

My friend, Kristyn's sweet babe, Harper. I'm thinking she wasn't up for a photo shoot that day...or for wearing a tutu:)

Sweet Khloe

2011-10-23T06:32:00.000-05:00

Happy 50th!!!!!

2011-10-22T06:36:00.000-05:00

I love you!!!!

ERIC!!!! Happy Birthday!

2011-10-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

Vintage Pattern Ladies #1 in series.

2011-10-19T15:09:00.001-05:00

The inspiration:

The art Quilt:

This was really fun to make. I have another 2 in the works. There are a lot of errors on this one but it was a great learning piece. It measures 14 in X 21 in. I added the black tulle over the dress because I didn't like how the skirt turned out. I had tried a few differnt techniques while trying to make the creases and the shadows on the skirt. The tulle was a perfect way to hide the flaws :)

Holding Khloe.

2011-10-13T18:15:00.003-05:00

How to diaper a Khloe Baby

2011-10-13T10:16:00.001-05:00

Purple Baby Scale

2011-10-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

For Sale: gender-neutral baby weighing scale.

$12.00 + 3.00 shipping =$15.00

Soup and my friend Stephanie and bread.

2011-10-06T11:38:00.003-05:00

This is my new friend and co-worker, Stephanie. She has joined Christina's practice, Genesis Family Midwifery, as a midwife and we'll be catching babies and teaching child birth classes together. Here she is at a birth we were at yesterday weighing the baby using the new scale I made for her.

Stephanie and her husband recently moved to Elgin. They're about a mile from me, so Steph and I have been driving to births together when we can. We've also been getting together to craft, plan our classes and lunch together. On Tuesday, she had made some butternut squash soup which was so yummy! I was quite inspired, so today I made some acorn/butternut squash soup myself.

I topped it with a bit of greek yogurt. WOW! It is so good! I have a loaf of bread baking right now and when its done, I shall have myself another bowl with some homemade bread.

hhhhmmm....I'm quite the homemaker today:)

Here's the recipe for the soup which I kinda made up as I went along:)

Cut one acorn squash and one butternut squash in half. Sprinkle with Pumpkin Pie spice(which is just a mixture of cinnamon,ginger and nutmeg). Bake face down on a tray for about 40 mins at 375. Bake til soft. When cool, scoop out squash and blend in blender or food processor with:

1/8 c brown sugar

1 c plain yogurt or sour cream (I used 1/2 c of both)

4c chicken broth

Heat and serve.

So good....and good for you! and pretty!

Thanks for the inspiration, Steph:) Looking forward to a long and wonderful friendship with you!

(1 hour later)

The bread is ready! The house smell magnificent!

Baby Weighing Scale

2011-10-01T15:40:00.003-05:00

For Sale:

Baby weighing scale for midwives.

$12.00 + $3.00 shipping= $15.00.

What a bargain!

Measures approximately 23in X 40in.
Can be made in any color or print. Just ask!

Check out my new friend Emily's blog. She just wrote a wonderful piece on these baby scales! Thanks, Emily!!

Perfect

2011-09-30T17:44:00.002-05:00

Khloe Smiles :)

2011-09-30T17:42:00.002-05:00

Can u see it?

2011-09-28T19:35:00.000-05:00

Bart is the baby in the top pic. Baby Khloe has the same cheeks!

Khloe

2011-09-28T16:26:00.000-05:00

Proud Papa

2011-09-27T07:35:00.000-05:00

Meeting Khloe

2011-09-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

OMG...she smelled so delicious.....I wanted to bite her but Bart said no.......maybe next time :)

How to swaddle a Khloe Baby.

2011-09-27T07:24:00.000-05:00

Ta Da!!! Nice work, brother!

Baby parts.

2011-09-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

Another happy ending.....:)

2011-09-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

She's Here!!!!!

2011-09-24T14:04:00.000-05:00

Introducing..........

Baby Khloe!!!!!!

Big congrats to the new parents, Bart and Krystal! You done good!

Happy Birthday,Mom!!!!

2011-09-19T07:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday,mom! Here are some random pics for your birthday!

Lady In Orange - 'Ready' Series #4

2011-09-17T15:24:00.001-05:00

Measures aprox 20 X 20 inches.

Gramma is 93 !!!!

2011-09-13T07:56:00.000-05:00

Mother and Child Series - #7

2011-09-12T17:28:00.002-05:00

This piece was commissioned by and for my friend and fellow midwife, Debbie. I hope she likes it :) it measure approximately 20 X 22.

This quilt has been sold but can be custom made with your specific dress, blanket and hair color. Just ask!

$65.00 + $5.00 shipping.

I couldn't have done it without you.

2011-09-03T07:43:00.005-05:00

Some of my helpers along the way:)

Because of all of you, I did it. Thank you.

Karen Bachman-Kells, RN, CPM

My Study Buddy,Becky

2011-08-23T18:26:00.000-05:00

This was us right before we sat down for our grueling 8 hour midwifery exam. We've been encouraging each other and studying together for the last year. I could not have done it without her.

Love you,girl!

Sneak Peak...

2011-08-23T18:21:00.000-05:00

...of latest project. I needed something mindless. I'm still coming down from all the studying the last several weeks, sew I started this wall hanging;)

Quilted Postcards

2011-08-23T18:15:00.001-05:00

We made quilted postcards at out CMQG meeting on Sunday. Mine is the one in the bottom ~~left~~ right corner. I was trying to go for a wintery scene. I'm so done with summer and hot and humidity.

A splendid time was had by all;)

Well, crap......

2011-08-21T07:50:00.002-05:00

.....at least the basement stayed dry.

Bart and Krystals shower

2011-08-10T07:25:00.000-05:00

Onesie clothesline.

Wow....look at the cake!

The cake was adorable.....Krystal's step mom got it from a local baker.(I can not take credit;)

How big is the belly?

Baby Bingo....these ladies thought they were at the VFW hall playing bingo.They had their cards all lined and and were asking for bingo dabbers.

I whipped up an art quilt of the Pooh Bear.

Favors. Little honey pots. Sweet;)

A grand time was had by all. Bart and Krystal received lots of great baby stuff...including diapers. Cheryl said,"Somebody told me it was a pooh-themed party, so I brought 4 boxes of diapers." We all had a big laugh....you funny, Gramma Sheeto;)

Growing Garden

2011-08-10T07:04:00.000-05:00

Us

2011-07-13T16:10:00.000-05:00

"Mother and Child" Series #6

2011-07-02T16:44:00.001-05:00

This is a larger version of the nursing mom and baby. It measures 16x20. (I took a pic of it in the chair to give it some perspective size-wise)This piece has been sold to a special mommy who is almost ready to have her babe. I'm so looking forward to helping her bring her little one into the world!

How does our garden grow....

2011-07-02T11:42:00.000-05:00

We got some lettace this week...it grows super fast. Everything seems to be taking off except for the tomato plants for some reason.

Look out Project Runway....

2011-06-23T08:10:00.001-05:00

....there's a new designer in town and his name is JACK!!!!! With just a bit of help from his mom and the sewing machine Auntie Karen bought him for Christmas, Jack made a georgeous Sponge Bob quilt!

You GO, BOOOOOOOY!

...oh, Jess will be trying out for American Idol soon...:)

#3 in the "Ready" Series.....in a frame.

2011-06-21T19:14:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. President.....

2011-06-21T07:53:00.002-05:00

Sweetness.

Click on the top pic to read Grace's letter. You'll be glad you did;)

Oh I just love those kids to pieces!!!

'Mother and Child" Series #4 and 5

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

These are the same as the last one I showed but with different fabrics. I just love these of mommy nursing baby:)

Bellies to Babies

2011-06-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm heading over to Bellies to Babies Studio today. They're having a garage sale and arts and crafts sale, so I thought I'd show off some of my art. Come by and see me (if you are local, that is:). The address is 728 S. Main Street in Lombard.

'Mother and Child" Series #3

2011-06-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Grace

2011-06-17T10:47:00.000-05:00

Sisters

2011-06-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

South H(e)aven 2011

2011-06-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

It's that time again.....

2011-06-03T06:10:00.000-05:00

We're heading to South H(e)aven tomorrow...every year it seems to come up faster and faster. I'm looking forward to some beautiful sunsets and to hanging out with my family.

Genisis Family Midwifery.

2011-06-01T06:33:00.001-05:00

....another happy ending :)

Happy Birthday,Bartie-Boy!!!!

2011-05-27T05:49:00.000-05:00

#3 in the "Ready" Series.

2011-05-26T18:09:00.001-05:00

Square Foot Gardening

2011-05-25T07:59:00.003-05:00

This could also be titled, "My Husband has lost his Freaking mind." He does not know how to do anything small. It's always GO BIG or do nothing at all. There are 6 beds measuring 4 feet by 5 feet plus a row of beds along the fence and in between each big bed. They are marked off into 1 foot squares. Each square can hold up to 6 plants depending on what it is.....allegedly. Tomatoes get their own squares, but spinach gets 9 plants for one square. 2 cukes gets 1 square...I don't know how that is possible....they spread all over the place. I really think its going to LOOK LIKE A FREAKING JUNGLE by August. Any way, Chuck swears he has it all under control. We shall see.

Chuck is pretty awesome, so it just may work ;)

The Square Foot Gardening Bible.

Chuck's been toting it everywhere with him. Mel Bartholomew is his new BFF. I wonder if Mel knows this.....

I'll keep you posted on the progress thruout the summer.

#2 in the 'Ready' series

2011-05-23T08:37:00.000-05:00

This piece measures 19 inches by 15 inches. I love how it turned out:)

Baby Love. Michelle and Isabelle.

2011-05-18T06:04:00.001-05:00

This is my friend Michelle and her beautiful (and fourth!) daughter, Isabelle. Michelle posted this pic on Facebook and I immediately thought it would make an awesome abstracty art quilt. I think it turned out pretty good.

Oh, and BTW, its yours, Michelle, if you want it :)

I need a good fairy.....

2011-05-16T06:34:00.000-05:00

.....to come and clean up this mess....any out there?

Danny!!!! Happy Birthday!!!

2011-05-11T06:39:00.000-05:00

I love you.

Mother and Child

2011-05-07T13:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Mother's Day.

Ready (Updated with some bling)

2011-05-07T13:17:00.001-05:00

Get ur motor runnin....

2011-05-04T17:57:00.000-05:00

....sorry, Soph...blame your Auntie Kath :)

Words of Wisdom

2011-05-01T12:37:00.000-05:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you.

Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

— Mother Teresa

Happy Sunday : )

From Photo to Quilt

2011-04-30T17:32:00.002-05:00

This is my first real attempt to take a photo and translate into an art quilt. It was not easy and this piece needs work. There isn't a lot of depth in my translation.Also, I haven't bound it yet 'cause I'm tired of it and want to start on something else.

Here's the picture I started with...Grace running on the beach in South Haven.

Here's my version:

Problems:

Her head is too big and Chuck says her hair looks Rastafarian.

No depth in the sand or water. Was thinking maybe using chalk,colored pencils to add some shading?

Lighthouse walkway crooked.

Skin tone needs work. I used colored pencil for shading...I don't think that works well.

I wanted to add her shadow but I forgot...maybe later.

What I like:

Her pants...I like the highlighting I did with the lighter turquoise fabric.

The sky.

Her shirt tuned out pretty good....altho I tried to shade it with a while pencil and it didn't turn out that great.

As a whole, I think it turned out pretty good for a first time try. I'm anxious to start another one.

Constructive criticism appreciated.

Future Police of America....

2011-04-30T07:32:00.001-05:00

....who will always need their Gramma...she's the best!

Crossed over + a little kid art.

2011-04-28T08:56:00.000-05:00

100,000 miles on the 'ole Cavelier. She's been good to me over the last 5 years. I hope to keep 'er running for another 5 :) Also on my dash, a little doggy Grace drew and colored. He makes me smile.

Jessica's 9!!

2011-04-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

Jessica turned 9 yesterday ( bad auntie didn't post yesterday...I had a root canal so I was busy flying my freak flag) We celebated on Easter and then went out for dinner last night. Gramma and Grampa got her a new bike. I think she liked it. A lot. Happy Birthday preety girl!

$5.25

2011-04-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

One freaking amazing score from a garage sale. Nice!

Kenny's quilt.

2011-04-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

It was Jessica's birthday but Kenny got a quilt. His bday is in June. I wanted him to have it now while its still a bit chilly. Aunt kathleen did an amazing job quilting it...thanks aunt! I made it to match Amy's quilt which in turn matches their family room.

Easter egg hunt.

2011-04-27T08:42:00.003-05:00

Lap Dog

2011-04-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hoppy Easter

2011-04-27T08:41:00.000-05:00

I made carrots and filled them with jelly beans for the kids.

Hi :)

2011-04-22T07:12:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile...been down with a bum tooth. Today is the first day in a week that I work up without pain. YAY! I've been pretty hopped up (get it? Easter? hopped?) on tylonol3's, Motrin and a super strong antibioitic. I'm so looking forward to a root canal next Tuesday...can't. wait.

The flower pic was taken in Florida last month....thinking it would make a nice art quilt.

Have a great day.....its supposed to rain like crazy here today. yay.

Oh, on the up side of having a bad tooth? I've lost 3 pounds.....I'm sure it will find me. As for the rain, April showers bring May flowers...or so they say. Whoever they are.

Scrapbooking and quilting collide

2011-04-22T07:10:00.001-05:00

My man and his dog.

2011-04-22T07:04:00.000-05:00

Helper Boy

2011-04-22T06:59:00.000-05:00

Kyle brought his mom and Danny over to the house a few weeks ago. He was such a big help inside and outside. Inside, he wanted to bring everything out so he could decorate the back yard. Outside, he had very important work to do moving several rocks and mulch from place to place.

GROW!!!!

2011-04-22T06:50:00.002-05:00

Dad and Cheryl's new boat.

2011-04-22T06:47:00.000-05:00

Haircuts

2011-04-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

Florida 2011

2011-04-02T18:25:00.001-05:00

Bathing Beauty Gracie.

Mister.

Kenny and Cheryl making meatballs. Yum.

Cheryl's sauce was incredible.....BEST. SAUCE.EVER. I am not kidding. It was her dad,Vito's recipe.

Dad bought a condo down here. WooHoo!!! This is him with his long-suffering agent, Shane. Dad tortured the poor guy the last 3 years in a row looking for a place.

The kids got all tatted up.

We drank Mohito's....they're so pretty.

Gramma Sheeto had a birthday.

Having a nice time...Wish you were here....;)