Light bulbs

Farmers Wife - Week 4

2011-11-06T18:56:00.003-05:00

I really like these ones...but I have to admit triangles are a bit challenging for me.

Farmer's Wife: Week 3

2011-10-27T10:40:00.003-04:00

I swear I need to put my SIL on speed dial. On the flip side...I really enjoy chatting with her so much even if it is so she can hold my hand while I quilt.

Farmer's Wife: Week 2

2011-10-26T10:05:00.003-04:00

Yup. Did all of Week 1 and 2 yesterday. Today I hopefully can get to Week 3 then I should be caught up. I like the color combos on these blocks.

Farmer's Wife: Week 1

2011-10-26T10:01:00.003-04:00

I am finally getting around to starting the blocks for the Farmer's Wife Sample Quilt along...I think I am just going to call it Farmer's Wife because that name is WAY to long. Here are my first two blocks. Good thing I have a amazing SIL a phone call away to walk me through my silly mistakes. #73 is my favorite so far.

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt

2011-10-04T16:47:00.003-04:00

My SIL recently talked me into doing a sampler quilt. The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt to be more specific. I didn't really don't know what I am getting myself into and I feel more then just a little intimidated but I am ready to plow forward. I was thinking about what fabric I would like to use when I remembered the fabric line by Denyse Schmidt's line for JoAnn's that I have been saving for something special. I only had five or six prints so I thought I would try my luck at the JoAnn's here in San Antonio (Pittsburgh was always sold out). I totally hit the jack pot today! With the help of some super awesome coupons I totally scored some sweet prints. The cutting lady may or may not have thought I was a bit crazy I was so excited. Thanks Britt for sending that package to get me so excited!

Dresser Make-Over

2011-08-09T17:25:00.003-04:00

I just finished this project...to see the before head on over to the blog my sisters and I are now doing together. Check it out here.

Hooded Baby Towel

2011-03-26T18:53:00.004-04:00

This project has been in the works for quite a while now. I bought the towels quite a while ago but never assembled the entire thing until the other day. I love how it turned out. So soft and cuddly for after the bath. I think Jackson liked it too. I used the tutorial found over at Prudent Baby. It was really easy to follow and took me maybe a hour. The only thing I didn't like is that the hood part will only fit up to a toddler. Neither of my older kids head would fit. Anyone out there have a tutorial for a bigger hood?

pocketful of sunshine

2011-03-03T20:57:00.005-05:00

Here's my latest quilt...pocketful of sunshine! It just the perfect size for one person to cuddle under. I love it. It has been my constant companion these past few weeks as I have been the ultimate sick girl on the couch. Nice way to brake in a quilt eh? Anyway there you go. Hope all the yellowness cheers your day!

christmas quilt

2010-12-22T10:22:00.006-05:00

I finished this quilt back in the summer but got it back right before Halloween from the quilters. I finished the binding soon there after but forgot to post about it. I love this quilt. I love the size - it's just perfect for one person (maybe two depending on the size) to cuddle up and stay warm. I am in love with the Christmas prints too. Just my colors. Plus I love that I made it out of a charm pack. It was so nice not to have to cut the squares.

Love the simplicity of the back.

Simple quilting too.

I was experimenting with the disappearing 9 patch square and made it into a table runner. I really love how it turned out.

I had a few extra squares so I had to make a matching pillow for the couch. This one I quilted myself with a strait stitch. My first pillow cover. I used my old white sheets for the back. Waste not want not.

teacher gifts

2010-12-22T10:16:00.003-05:00

This year I have been so grateful to have such wonderful teachers for my kids so I wanted to show them my appreciation. I bought a few glass jars at Michaels, the vinyl from etsy and the pencils I bought back in September when all the school supplies were on sale. I think the gifts cost me about 6 or 7 dollars total. I hope they enjoy.

kids table - thanksgiving

2010-11-04T09:24:00.005-04:00

I am so doing this for the kid's table this Thanksgiving. My kids are always hungry leading up to dinner...like the 5-6 hours leading up to dinner. This would be the perfect way to hold them off till the REAL turkey comes out of the oven. I am thinking some of the super YUMMY kettle corn I found at Costco recently would be a perfect stuffing for this particular turkey. Check out the tutorial over at one Charming party.

I love the crayons and paper on the table too...I might actually get to eat my turkey in peace this year!

happy halloween

2010-10-31T17:24:00.003-04:00

Hope you all have had a wonderful HALLOWEEN! I finished my Christmas quilt a few weeks ago and can't wait to show you all soon....is it too soon for Christmas?

day 30 - halloween rosette pillow

2010-10-30T07:38:00.000-04:00

If you can't tell by now I am in love with all the rosette ruffle pillows out there. Here is one from At Second Street that it not only cute but for Halloween. She used corduroy on the rosette too, isn't that just a perfect fall pillow? The only thing I would change for my house would be to use black with white polka dots. I love me some polka dots.

day 29 - autumn bloom belt

2010-10-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

I found I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar a few months ago. She is so awesome. Very well rounded too. She has something for everyone. I loved this belt she made out of felt. Isn't it cute? I am thinking that I need to make myself one. Go check out her tutorial here. While you are over there go through her other stuff. It will be worth your time. Have FUN!

day 28 - girly ghosts

2010-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

My friend Shelley is SO talented. If I remember correctly Halloween is one of her favorite holidays. She came up with this cute girly ghost. As always her tutorials are very good. Go check her out at her blog 7 Layer Studio for the tutorial. She has a bunch of other really cute Halloween stuff too...remember last time I posted about her? Loved her Halloween Party and her creative Halloween costumes.

day 27 - mummy cookie pops

2010-10-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Yummy and cute. How Does She? strikes again. I am just trying to figure out how to do some pumpkins...what could I use for a orange stem? Any ideas?

day 26 - boo wreath

2010-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a simple wreath - and not too scary either. Check out Linda's blog here.

day 25 - witchy dishtowels

2010-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

I found this one today. Isn't this a cute way to spice up a plain dishtowel? I am thinking I want one with a orange trim and orange witch shoes for my kitchen. Go over and check out Becca's tutorial at Blue Cricket Design. If you aren't in the mood to make your own you can always buy one in Becca's etsy shop Flamingo Toes.

day 24 - yellow rosette wreath

2010-10-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Those few of you who read my blog will know why I LOVE this wreath. One word...YELLOW. I also love the simplicity of the twig wreath and the rosettes. Can I get one of these for my front door. Nice work delia creates.

day 23 - pumpkin cinnamon rolls

2010-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

I haven't made homemade cinnamon rolls in quite a while, but I will be trying these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls sometime soon. They sound amazing. If you are drooling like me go check out the recipe over at GOODLIFE Eats.

day 22 - halloween tags

2010-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Need a cute tag for some neighbor gifts? Go check out the tags that eighteen25 made. You can even download them for FREE! Thanks eighteen25!

day 21 continued...

2010-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...two post in one day. You guys are so lucky today. While we are the subject of fall tables I thought I would share this idea from Make It and Love It. I mostly love all the ideas she comes up with and want to make them all myself...maybe someday. Here she brings the beautiful fall leaves inside to your dinning room table. I love it. As always she has a really easy tutorial to go with her project. Go on over check it out then make your own.

day 21 - fall table runner

2010-10-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Love this fall table runner from Diary of a Quilter. I love the added turquoise. Adds a brightness to the fall colors.

day 20 - fall pillow

2010-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to make this pillow for a while now. I love two things about this pillow:

1. Pillows are a good way to change up one's living room...I get bored of my stuff someting and need a cheep change.

2. I love that this fall pillow is made using scraps. Can you tell that I love projects that use scraps?

Check out Cluck Cluck Sew's tutorial here.

more day 19 - halloween lunch notes

2010-10-19T09:25:00.004-04:00

When I was a kid I loved getting notes in my lunch from my mom. I have tried to carry on the same tradition with my kids. This week I am putting these funny Halloween jokes in my kids lunches. They will get a good laugh sharing them with their friends. Go over and check out Allison's other cute stuff. The links for the notes are below...and they are FREE! Thanks Allison!

Download the above notes here.
Download the above notes here.

day 19 - red vines halloween style

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

When your guests come over for that Halloween bash or spooky movie night have them grab one of these to keep their tummies full. What a great way to spook up some vines. Thanks Room to Inspire!

day 18 - candy corn cone

2010-10-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

Candy Corn Cone, Candy Corn Cone....say that 3 times really fast. I am thinking that I need to do a little make-over on my plain orange cones. Aunt Spicy sent me this idea. She had the great idea to put these along the walk way on Halloween. Wouldn't that be cute? Go check out zakka life for the full tutorial.

day 17 - boo hoop

2010-10-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have been seeing these fabric hoops all over the blog world. They make a cute wall. Why not throw this pumpkin one in the mix this month? Cute eh? Head on over to Betz White to check out her stuff. (Thanks Aunt Spicy for the tip)

day 16 - fall/halloween games

2010-10-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Today I thought I would focus on some fun games one can play on or around Halloween or even around Thanksgiving. Here are a few courtesy of Martha.

Pin the FACE on the Pumpkin...pretty self explanatory.

Bobbing for APPLES. This is the perfect time of year to do anything with Apples. I love this one. Always good for a laugh. Plus kids love getting wet.

Doughnut on a string - I LOVE this one...but then again I think I would love any game that involved eating doughnuts.

Martha has a bunch of other fun Halloween type games. Go check her out here.

day 15 - fall table runner

2010-10-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

Here is a great idea for the perfect table runner to spruce up a fall table. I love the look of the faux leather that At Second Street used. Go over and check out her tutorial.

day 14 - halloween fun - star wars style

2010-10-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

I don't know about you guys but right about now I start thinking about Halloween costumes for the kids. Star Wars has always been really popular around here so when I saw these beauties I had to share (mostly for a certain brother who I know reads my blog just to make me happy). Isn't the princess lea hat so adorable? Plus it would keep her little ears warm on chilly nights.

If we were going for a Star Wars theme this year I would so go for these two cuties. The only problem would be getting Jackson to keep the hat on his head. Aren't the booties below way cute? Do they sell them in my size? All these beauties can be found at The Green Hedgehog. Go over and check out her other cute hats and stuff.

day 13 - sweaters

2010-10-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

For me fall is also about getting out my sweaters again. I LOVE sweaters. I will probably never have enough. Here are a few of my favorites this fall...hopefully if I hint enough I will get one for Christmas.

Slub Ruffle Cardigan - Eddie Bauer (I am sure if I put my mind to it I could mimic this one. I love the ruffles and flowers. Spices up a plain cardi eh?)

Handknit Vest - Eddie Bauer (this one would be great to layer over all my long sleeve shirts paired with a scarf)

day 12 - cake pops

2010-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am not a big cake fan. Usually I can eat one bite then I don't feel like eating any more. When I saw these cake pops I knew they would be perfect for my just one bite habit. Now you can make them in any old shape but since we are doing halloween here I found bakerella's halloween pops. Check out her how to video here at Amazon, guess bakerella has a new book out. I am tempted to buy it just to look at the yummy pictures. I gotta make me some of these. Wouldn't they be perfect for a birthday party? No mess, no fuss.

day 11 - halloween playdough

2010-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

OK, secretly I love Halloween because my kids bring all those yummy treats home...but as a mom I can't be too excited because I know most that candy will go in their mouth and come out in the form of crazy energy. Over at eighteen25 she had a guest post by Ashley from Under the Sycamore came up with the perfect idea for class gifts. Go over and check out her tutorial...and I am assuming you could do any color...so great for any day!

day 10 - glowing jugs

2010-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Start saving those milk jugs ladies (and guys) I found a cute way to recycle those babies. Wouldn't these look cute lining the walkway? Thanks eighteen25!

PS Did you know today is 10/10/10? Cool huh?

day 9 - spooky pumpkin pancakes

2010-10-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a fun way so spice up your halloween breakfast. TidyMom has a great recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes and Black Cinnamon Syrup. I will be trying both come Halloween.

day 8 - cauliflower soup

2010-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about fall is all the yummy soups I can make. Is there anything yummier than warm soup on a cool day? This recipe comes from probably my most favorite bloger out there. The Pioneer Woman. She is amazing. She makes cooking/baking really fun. Plus she has step by step pictures to help out those of us who are recipe reading challenged. Plus she is really funny at the same time. I got her cook book for Christmas and I can honestly tell you that I have read every single recipe. Go get her book and see for yourself. Anyway while you are at it go to her blog and print out this recipe for cauliflower soup then make it. Trust me. You. Will. Thank. Me. So. GOOD! That's all for now. Bye!

day 7 - talking pumpkin

2010-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

So hear is a great idea...want to put a little spook into your Halloween? Carve a pumpkin...a biggish one. Then get that baby monitor and stick it in the pumpkin and stick that pumpkin outside the front door. When your guests come over...say something spooky....it just might give them a fright.

day 6 - candy display

2010-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

If I could have all this candy displayed with out eating any of it I would. Isn't it pretty?

day 5 - fun party idea

2010-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

So I love Halloween. Not the scary stuff but I love the pumpkins, the treats, and I love dressing my kids up. I always said that if I had a child born in October I would always do a Halloween themed party. Well last year my dream came true and I had Jackson in October. So I am thinking I want to do a cute 1st year party with some of the ideas above. I guess you can't go wrong with Martha Stewart.

day 4 - boo bags

2010-10-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Wouldn't you love to fill these cute bags with candy come Halloween? Go on over to eighteen25 to check out HowDoesShe's guest post. She has a step by step tutorial so you can make your own bag.

day 3 - halloween banner

2010-10-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

So this banner had me out there on the web searching for a Haunted Mansion charm pack. Isn't this so cute? I give credit for this cutness to Anyone Can Quilt. She used a charm pack which means...NO CUTTING! This is my kind of project. What! (Does anyone out there watch Psych? Love that show!) Isn't her house so cute?

day 2 - pumpkin home numbers

2010-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

I would love to have a ton of pumpkins sitting on my porch for the month of October. I usually end up with 3 or 4 that we carve the week before Halloween. I love the idea that the idea door had to paint your house numbers on some pumpkins then put them on the front steps. Then when the time comes carve those babies up.

day 1 - white pumpkin tutorial

2010-10-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

I thought I would start off my FALL countdown with something I came up with to spice up the back of my piano. I love wicker pumpkins. I have collected a few over the years. I walked into Target the other day and of course had to check out the dollar section. I found a small straw/wicker pumpkin and thought it would be cute somewhere in my house. After all just a dollar!

Here is the stuff I used:

The pumpkin - $1 Target dollar section

Tape - used it tape the stem up but then ended up taking the tape off and spraying the stem too.

Spray paint - had it in my garage...but then ended up wanting a more creamy color so stopped by Home Depot and picked up a can for $3.44.

Project Total: $4.44!

I like the white so much better then the plain brown.

it starts tomorrow...

2010-09-30T13:07:00.002-04:00

The countdown starts tomorrow...make sure you check back each day for all the great Fall/Halloween ideas I've been finding. I am starting off tomorrow with a tutorial. Hope you all enjoy.

Fall LOVE

2010-09-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

A few years ago I did a Fall/Halloween count down. Mostly I did it because I love fall and I love finding fun fall/halloween stuff to share with you. So I decided to do it again. I will have crafts/food/decoration ideas (not necessarily from me) to share each day. So come back and check in and see what I find!

I just thought of something else...if YOU have any great Fall/Halloween ideas floating around and you would like me to share them here for you. Send me a email at:

joyturner24@hotmail.com and we will set it up. Just think...you could be the 1st person to guest post on my blog...I know you all are so excited. Anyway if you are interested let me know.

Jo Totes Giveaway

2010-09-08T13:23:00.002-04:00

Someone was brilliant when they thought of these bags. I have been drooling over Jo Totes for awhile...trying to get up the courage to spend that amount on a bag. Before you judge...let me explain. This bag is made to carry a DSL camera and whatever else you carry in your purse/diaper bag. Isn't that amazing. I always want to take my camera with me and I don't because I already have a diaper bag and don't want to carry another one. This is my answer and Blue Cricket is giving one away! Here's hoping I win...

Cupcake Liner Pom Poms

2010-09-02T21:38:00.002-04:00

The first thing that came to my head when I saw these was "for cute!" I know...I know...totally 10 years ago and only if you lived in a particular western state. You know the one. Anyway aren't these pom poms so cute? They are made out of cupcake liners! How is that for using what is around the house. These would be a great and easy decoration for a baby shower, a girl's birthday party (or boys in the right color), or even some easy room decor. Check out Made by Heidi for her easy tutorial.

ruffle pillow

2010-09-01T11:57:00.002-04:00

Isn't this pillow gorgeous? I have a bit of fabric left from Anne's quilt. I think this pillow might be just the thing to add some spice to her bed. Go over to Cluck Cluck Sew and check out her other cute pillow tutorials. Very nice.

other scrappy quilts

2010-08-31T19:50:00.005-04:00

I thought I would show you my inspiration for the current scrappy quilt I have been working on. The above picture is the original idea and I am using her tutorial. Isn't it pretty and kind of hypnotizing.

This one is similar but instead of using white like I am they used green. Still very pretty.

scrappy squares

2010-08-29T18:52:00.003-04:00

So this is what I have been doing lately. I realized the other day as I was cleaning up my craft room that my scrap fabric bucket was starting to overflow. I have been seeing different scrappy quilts out there so I thought I would try my hand at it. Turns out they are quite addicting. I have been sewing the strips right onto the paper (the paper is actually still attached) and I like this technique. My SIL Britt tried to explain something similar to me and at the time I didn't get it. Wish you lived closer so I try some different techniques. Anyway I am not really sure where this quilt is going. Right now I think it will be a fun quilt to look at and see all the different fabrics I have used. I guess I will just keep adding squares when my bucket gets too full. The bummer thing in all this is that somehow during this process my sewing machine broke. So sad. I am not really sure what to do with myself now. I MUST get it fixed soon.

covered notebook

2010-08-11T17:23:00.006-04:00

If you remember I made some crayon rolls for Andrew and a few of my nephews. Andrew has this thing for small notebooks and books. He loves them. He carries them around with him everywhere. I love them because it really encourages him to write and while writing he gets better and better at spelling. Anyway, I thought that he could use a little notebook to go with his crayon roll and since I can't make something for Andrew without making something for Anne I made one for her too. I used a tutorial from here. Mine wasn't nearly as fancy as hers but it works.

I used these notebooks from Target. I think I like small notebooks too...isn't it cute?

This is what the cover looks like without the notebook. The kids are excited that they can use it over and over.

Andrew made sure to show me his favorite picture that he drew during church.

half tees

2010-08-04T12:52:00.003-04:00

Ok, maybe I am totally late discovering these Half Tees but I just think they are so cool. I think I own like maybe 4 or 5 shirts total that don't require layering. I feel like I am always tugging this or that down. This just might be the solution to my problem...not to mention that I won't be quite so hot wearing so many layers around my middle section. Has anyone out there ever tried these...looks like they really only sell them in the Utah area...anyone from Utah try them. I would love to know what you think.

PS No...those aren't my abs in the picture...I wish.

one more..

2010-08-02T21:53:00.003-04:00

Britt reminded me how much I loved this one by Sandi Henderson. I think this one is the winner.

some quilt back ideas

2010-07-29T16:37:00.005-04:00

Here are a few of the ideas I am thinking of for my Sunshine quilt back. I would love to know what you all think.

#1 - Heather Bailey - I like the different sized polka dots.

#2 Heather Bailey - This is just pretty and I am really thinking about using this one.

#3 - Heather Bailey - Love love love this whole line.

#4 - Sandi Henderson - This one reminds me of the fall with it's warm colors.

#5 - Amy Butler - I like the flowers on this one.

#6 - Amy Butler - I like this one because it has yellow and some grey that can match some of the front prints.

P.S. Britt - you are so sweet to even THINK that I could hand stitch a quilt. You must have never seen something I hand stitched...very scary. Maybe someday when I have a bit more patience.

sunshine quilt top

2010-07-26T16:04:00.003-04:00

I feel like I just ran a marathon. A quilting marathon. I didn't have a deadline but once I started I couldn't seem to stop. I told Zac many times that my back was hurting and he told me to take a brake but I just couldn't. I was like a crazy woman. I even moved my entire sewing table down to the basement so I wouldn't roast alive in the attic. So here it is...my Sunshine quilt top. I really like it. I got about seven rows into it when I decided to add a few more different prints. Both were old pillow cases that I have had and used for years. I love that I will still be able to use them for years to come. Isn't she bright and pretty.

Now I just need to decide what to back this baby with. Any suggestions? Should I go with more yellow or with a different color? Please please please give me ideas...I really don't know what to do.

triple twist pony

2010-07-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Another from Mindy. I really like this one and will be using this one a lot when school starts again. Super super fast and easy and looks really complicated. Plus Anne can dress it up with ribbons or a head band.

it's a start

2010-07-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have officially started my Sunshine quilt. I know, I know. I already did a yellowish quilt. I can't help it. Yellow calls to me. This one is ALL yellow...with some white to add some contrast. I hope to start sewing on this one this week. Maybe. I just need Jackson to have 1 or 2 good naps. Here's hoping.

princess leah hair do

2010-07-21T13:35:00.007-04:00

Here is the wrap around braid. Around here we call it the Princess Leah Hair Do. I am loving this one because now Anne's hair can wrap all the way around and make a braided crown on the top of her hair. I tried to take pictures all the way around...sorry I am not good enough to do a tutorial yet. I will work on it though. Basically though you just want to start a braid at the front but only bring in hair on the bottom. Then do that all the way around. When you get to the end just braid to the end and wrap around the head or you can do a bun then put a ribbon or flower at the bun. This looks pretty cute too.

triple twistback side pony

2010-07-14T14:10:00.005-04:00

Found another winner over at Mindy's hair blog. Really easy and fast. Perfect for a quick do after swim lessons. Tutorial here.

twin onesies

2010-07-07T07:29:00.003-04:00

I just found these onesies out here in the blog world. Wouldn't they be so cute for twins? I happen to know a few girls that either have twins or are going to have them. I will have to keep this idea in mind.

funny but so true

2010-07-01T19:15:00.003-04:00

My brother posted this on his law blog. I laughed my head off then realized it was so true. I am not a huge fan of the Twilight books/movies. Yes, they were good brain candy but not even close to being my favorite books. I find it hilarious that grown women like myself (yes, as of today I am a grown women, I turned 31 today) go crazy for such a silly, fluffy story. Oh well it does make for some good spoofs on You Tube.

the 3 bundle braid

2010-06-27T18:50:00.006-04:00

I did this one for church today. Anne named it for me. While doing this braid I discovered that Anne has a mole on her head. I have never parted her hair in that place so I never knew. The things one finds out when braiding ones hair. For this one I braided 3 french braids then braided them together. Here is a great french braiding tutorial. The only thing I do different is to use a comb when bringing in hair. It makes the sections brought in a little more exact. But I guess that is my personality coming out. I like things exact and tight...poor Anne.

I then took the braid and wrapped it up through the whole and held it with this flower hair clip. I would have left it down but we had church today and I thought this flower made it a bit more fancy.

and the WINNER is.....

2010-06-25T16:53:00.005-04:00

Anne took her job very seriously...she even shut her eyes so she wouldn't pick her aunt's on accident.

The WINNER of the apple pincushion is Liz Taylor. Liz, send me a email with your address and I will get that off to you! Thanks everyone for playing along. I learned 2 things while doing this giveaway.

#1 Lesson: It feels good to give things away. I want to do this again soon.

#2 Lesson: I guess I knew only a few people read my blog but now I have proof. Oh well it was still fun.

criss-cross apple sause hair do

2010-06-24T15:25:00.004-04:00

Thought this one up during dinner last night. I need to keep Anne's hair out of her face this summer...SO HOT and HUMID here. This one works like a charm.

apple giveaway

2010-06-14T17:16:00.006-04:00

So I have been making these apple pincushions lately. I made some for my kid's teachers but I also made some others. I have ONE extra. Because I love getting stuff for FREE and I know you all do too, I want to giveaway one apple to one of you! I know I am awesome! Here is what you need to do:

1. For one entry leave a comment telling me your favorite summer memory.

2. For one more entry you can follow my blog or tell me if you already follow it.

3. For even one more entry you can tell your friends about my giveaway - just let me know how you did it.

4. For one last and final entry you can tell me a funny joke. I always need a good laugh.

There you have it...4 chances to win a really cute apple pincushion. Giveaway will close....how about Friday (6/25) when I have a chance to get on the computer.

EDIT: I guess I knew that only 2 people read my blog but I guess it is now official. I am changing the date for the giveaway...maybe a few more people will enter :)

****Giveaway closed****

the 3 rivers hair-do

2010-06-13T21:25:00.005-04:00

In honor of living in the 3 River City I give you the Three River Hair-Do. This one was pretty easy too. I love the look of the three braids braided into one. Very posh...and easy. (Sorry it is a bit messy...forgot to take a picture until after church.)

twisty buns

2010-06-11T12:19:00.005-04:00

Here's a anther new one I tried out today. I think it turned out pretty cute and it was really easy to do too.

an apple for the teacher

2010-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was trying to think of something to show my kid's teacher's how grateful I am for all they have done for my kids this year. Last year I found these awesome containers filled with cookies at Costco. This year I haven't see anything. Then I remembered the Heather Bailey pattern I had purchased a while ago and had not yet used. The pattern included pears, strawberries, tomatoes and APPLES! Perfect. So I made to apples for the kids to give to their teachers. I thought these would look pretty sitting on their desk. The best part...they will last forever.

heart-do

2010-06-10T08:17:00.004-04:00

Just found this great hair blog Adopt a 'Do. As Mindy has four girls, she has tons of great ideas for girls hair dos. The best part is that she has them down into categories for how long they will take you to do. I also love that most the hair styles I looked at weren't so complicated that I couldn't do it myself. She is a realist when it comes to girl's hair. Last night I perused her 5 minute time range as that is how long I usually have to do Anne's hair in the morning. I decided on the heart do pictured above. I didn't have the little device that she used in her tutorial but I think it turned out really good despite not having it. Anne said I should take a picture for my blog so here you are. Super easy, super cute.

crayon rolls

2010-06-07T22:12:00.006-04:00

Two of my nephew's had birthdays last month. Being the amazing aunt that I am...I forgot. Yup, I've been busy. I don't want them to think that they had been forgotten so I sewed them up a crayon roll. (Don't worry Abby Boo I haven't forgotten you too...I am just slow this year) I so hope that they enjoy having a place for each crayon. I also made one for Andrew for church and he loves it. He can't wait for church. Now I just need to get them off in the mail...so Anjuli, if you are reading this...they are coming eventually. Don't worry, the pink one is staying here in Pittsburgh...hope Tally is enjoying hers Jess. A HUGE thanks to Lindsey over at The Pleated Poppy for the great tutorial. I have been wanting to make a crayon roll for a while now. Actually I think it might be one of the first things I bookmarked when I started "blogging" a few years back. Lindsey's tutorial was so easy to understand that I just whipped right through the process. I love that. Thanks Lindsey. You guys should head over to her blog and check out all her other cute stuff. Plus she is pretty funny too.

the white dress

2010-05-20T12:07:00.004-04:00

My little girl was baptised last Saturday. When I was baptised my mom made a dress for me so I was determined to make a dress for Anne. I DID IT! With a lot of help from my good friend Lisa and her serger. (Can't thank you enough Lisa) I think it turned out beautifully despite my need to NOT follow directions. I love the ribbon Anne picked for the waist. I love the contrast with the white dress. Now that I have made a dress I think I can safely say that their were reasons I don't make dresses. I still hate doing the sleaves and the zipper. Lisa saved me there again. She is AMAZING! My sweet girl looked so beautiful on her special day.

My New Life

2010-05-05T10:01:00.000-04:00

I have been reading Stephanie's blog for a while now. Her story has helped me in so many ways. Her faith and strength amidst so much trial has really lifted my days. Enjoy her story and faith.

hava's headband

2010-04-07T17:38:00.003-04:00

My sister Hava is so talented and creative. I just have to brang on her for a minute. She has been making these cute flower headbands for a while now. The above it her latest creation. She actually made the headband out of some old pants which she was turning into shorts. Now she has a cute headband to match her shorts. Isn't she amazing? If you would like to see her flower tutorial you can check it out here and here.

butterfly quilt

2010-03-23T11:51:00.003-04:00

Isn't this quilt just amazing?! I really want to try something like this. Beautiful work over at Little Birdie Secrets.

marshmallow popcorn

2010-02-19T22:32:00.005-05:00

I can't take credit for this one...my sister in law gave us this recipe along with all the ingredients for Christmas. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to put marshmallows with popcorn but so glad we tried it. We fell in LOVE. Anyway I am not one to keep a yummy recipe to myself so here is the recipe. Go try it...it is so yummy!

Marshmallow Popcorn

Popcorn (two bags of microwave popcorn)
1 Cube Butter
1/4 Cup Karo Syrup
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
10 oz. Bag of Mini Marshmallows

Pop popcorn. Mix marshmallows and popcorn in large bowl. Melt butter in a medium sauce pan. Add sugar and Karo syrup. Bring to a rapid boil for one minute. Take off heat and quickly add vanilla. Pour over popcorn and marshmallows. Stir well until popcorn is coated and marshmallows are melting. Eat and enjoy!

*When using microwave popcorn, try to remove un-popped kernals from the bottom of the bowl before adding the marshmallows and syrup mixture.

headbands

2010-02-15T14:37:00.004-05:00

This post is for my sista who loves headbands...you know who you are! I thought she would enjoy these lovelies. Check out the tutorial here.

2010-02-14T23:05:00.002-05:00

The kids didn't have school all this last week because of the snow so they missed the chance to give Valentines to their friends. Instead we made these heart candy canes for their friends at church. They turned out pretty cute. I picked up the mini candy canes after Christmas for .60 - what a deal!

blocks

2010-02-10T16:31:00.004-05:00

I love Tiffany's blog. I have been reading it for a while now and love the ideas she comes up with. I love this latest sibling gift she put together. This is just the idea I needed for my extra blocks sitting around. I think I will make some for Jackson. Thanks Tiffany for another great idea

I need to brag...

2010-02-05T20:45:00.003-05:00

I hope my sister-in-law doesn't mind me bragging a bit (don't hate me Britt). I just have to show off the most beautiful stuff she has been working on the last while. Aren't they all just amazing? I have to thank Britt. She is the one who really encouraged me to quilt. Thanks Britt. Now I can't get enough of it. It is totally addicting.

I watched her hand sew this one when I was visiting a while back. Didn't it turn out beautiful?

picture blocks

2010-02-04T21:29:00.003-05:00

I have a few extra blocks left over from my Christmas ornaments...I have been trying to figure out what to do with them. I am thinking a few of these would be cute painted in black and maybe red...of course with some black and whites of the kids of course. I am thinking some scrapbook paper modge podged to the front instead of the hearts though. I will get back to you on this one.

heart warmers

2010-02-03T12:06:00.017-05:00

So back a while ago someone gave Zac a heart shapped hand warmer (he is in the heart business). Anyway I thought I could recreate one easy. So here goes my first tutorial. I thought it would be perfect for Valentines Day. Wouldn't one of these be a great gift for someone you love?

Here is what you need:

*Red Fleece (for heart front)

*You could also use flannel for both front and back.

*Red Canvas (for heart back)

*Heart Template

*Ribbon

*Rice (not brown rice...according to my sister it smells funny when you heat it up)

1. Cut out 1 heart from fleece and 1 heart from canvas.

2. Pin canvas heart to fleece heart. If you want a ribbon tag now is the time to pin it inbetween the two layers. I also like to pin the heart together at the V of the heart.

3. Sew heart together leaving a 2-3 inch whole for pouring the rice in.

4. Clip the tip off the bottom of the heart.

5. Cut a slit right between the V of the heart. Helps it turn better.

6. Turn the heart right side out.

7. Pour in rice.

8. Sew hole shut. Not as pretty as I like it but oh well.

Now go throw that baby into the microwave for 1-2 minutes and warm your hands, feet or whatever! Enjoy.

taggy blanket

2010-02-03T11:56:00.002-05:00

Sewed this one up last night for Jackson. He is starting to grab things and he is teething so I hope he will like this little blanket to grab and chew. Way easy to make too. Only took me about 45 minutes. I like that. I love the chenille (did I spell that right?) fabric I used on the front and back. Way soft. I want a whole blanket made out of it to snuggle in.

christmas ornaments

2010-01-26T21:29:00.004-05:00

I know Christmas is over but I just finished this ornament the other day. I did one for each of the kids. Actually this was a project we had done for my church's super Saturday way back in November. I had gotten the other two kid's done but wanted to wait until I had some good pics of Jackson for his ornament. Turned out pretty cute.

favorites...finally

2010-01-25T22:52:00.007-05:00

It is finally finished!!! I finished it last night LATE and threw it into the wash. This morning I took it out and threw it into the dryer. Isn't it just awesome? I am ever so happy how it turned out. I am even more happy that Zac is sitting across the room right now watching TV with my quilt keeping him warm. Just what it was intended for. I LOVE IT! Now that I have finished this one I can't wait to get started on the Christmas quilt I have in mind. I know Christmas is just past and now I start on something for Christmas. I figure this way I will hopefully finish it before next Christmas.

I love the back. I love that my favorite little girl is peeking out from the bottom. I only wish would have had enough black for the entire backing but the yellow is nice too.

I love the quilting I went with. I call it Pebbles.

Anne's finished quilt

2010-01-22T19:37:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I finally finished Anne's quilt. It only took me 10 months from start to finish. I feel like that is pretty good for someone who has never made a quilt, was pregnant, had a baby and now has to nurse a baby every 3 hours. I really like how the front turned out. I am not as happy with the back...it is more of a patchwork job. As you can see I ran out of the fabric I had planned for the backing and had to use a bit of pink leftover. Oh well it's not like anyone really looks at the back...well except the 2 people who read my blog :) The only thing that really matters it that Anne loves it. I took it to the quilter a few weeks before Christmas and she got it done just in time for me to give it to Anne Christmas morning. Unfortunately the binding didn't get done until a few nights ago. I surprised Anne by putting it on her bed while she slept. She loves it!

I really like the swirly pattern I chose for the quilting. My lady even put Anne's name on the edge of the quilt for her. Now I need to finish the binding for my Favorite's quilt...pictures coming soon!

jammies

2010-01-20T15:27:00.000-05:00

I made matching jammies for the kids this year. I learned two things; patterns don't go my normal sizes (these jammies will probably fit until next year) and pants are really easy to make. I need to make some for myself. Instead of making pants for Jackson I did a Christmas tree applique on a plain onesie.

black apple doll

2009-12-29T11:05:00.006-05:00

Now that Christmas is over I can post some handmade gifts I made. I made this black apple doll for my niece Abby. Thanks Lisa for the help and company. Of course she had to have a skirt to match her doll. Hope she loves it as much I I did. Both kids have requested their own doll. Anne's will be easy but Andrew's...I am thinking maybe a boy version. Maybe a missionary doll to get him excited to serve a mission when he gets older?

(When young men in our church turn 19 they choose to serve a 2 year mission)

yellow love

2009-12-17T16:16:00.005-05:00

Many of you know I love love love yellow. I happen to be browsing at Anthropologie today (something I do while nursing) and found this lovely. I don't think I could stomach the price for a purse but I do love looking at it. Maybe it will just go on sale...a REALLY BIG sale...

On another note...I got this quilt back from the quilters and dropped this one off. I hope to have Anne's done by Christmas but that just might be wishful thinking. I think this might be the first year I have ever made a new year's resolution and actually followed though. I set out to make one quilt and I made two!

apron love

2009-12-02T23:18:00.005-05:00

Oh my cuteness! What a great idea to make a apron out of a towel. I am in love with the yellow one...and the red one...and the orange one. You can check out the cute aprons here.

jackson's blanket

2009-12-02T22:55:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to post about this work of love. I made this blanket for Jackson. Finished it just a few days before he was born. I would still be working on it if it hadn't been for my wonderful hubby. He saw my pregnant fat fingers cutting through all the layers of fabric and he decided to help me. He actually got really into it. He had quite the system for cutting. What a lucky girl I am to have a hubby who helps out with the sewing. You should have seen how proud he was to show everyone the finished blanket. It was so cute.

countdown blocks

2009-11-27T22:45:00.005-05:00

If you haven't noticed we are excited about counting down to Christmas around here. I am way in to kits around here and this is another one I did this year. I am so lucky to have such a good baby who sleeps well and let's me keep up on my crafting and scrap booking. I really enjoyed painting and then modge podging the blocks. Can you believe this is one of my first modge podge projects. I will have to show you the Christmas ornaments I did with modge podge next.

You can get the kit for these count down blocks here at www.ScribbleItOnline.com

christmas countdown bags

2009-11-27T22:30:00.008-05:00

We just hung up the Christmas countdown bags I made from a kit I got here. I LOVE how they turned out. I will fill each bag with little goodies for the kids to have every day after dinner. They are so excited to get started...me too.

washer ornaments

2009-11-27T22:10:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine had mentioned these ornaments a few weeks ago at our Craft Day for our church. I couldn't really picture what she was talking about but I found this picture over at nannygoat - aren't they cute? Is this what you had in mind Hayley?

dino museum

2009-11-22T13:47:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot this one...

palmyra

2009-11-22T13:43:00.003-05:00

I had such a hard time choosing the pictures for this page so I decided to do a bunch of smaller ones so I didn't have to choose.

Memorial Day

2009-11-22T13:41:00.003-05:00

Good to look back and remember a good day.

fabric wreath

2009-11-10T20:16:00.004-05:00

I LOVE this wreath. Really you could do one in any color for any season, but I really love the fall colors in this one. Check out the tutorial here.

pumpkin onesie

2009-10-19T13:54:00.004-04:00

This was the last project I wanted to finish before Jackson was born. I was literaly upstairs working on this until about 10:30 the night before he was born (I was induced). I can't wait for him to wear it next week for Halloween. I used this great tutorial I found over at Our Cozy Nest.

fabric pumpkin

2009-10-19T13:44:00.005-04:00

Finished this one up while my new little Jackson was taking a nap. These pumpkins were way easier then I thought they would be. The hardest part for me was learning the blanket stitch for the stem. Luckily I had my amazing mom here to help me...thanks mom.