Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Nesting...

it begins at an early age.
I remember loving to set up play houses as a little girl.
Mine weren't fancy. Sometimes they were just between the logs at the beach, other times under the bushes in our backyard, and when my brothers weren't looking, I would even set up residence in their tree house!
This past weekend my hubby and his dad built a playhouse for Sydney and Daphne.
It has been so fun watching the girls nesting in their new home.
Even I can hardly stay out!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A Fun Accessory

Thought I'd share how I make fabric flowers. They're super easy to make, and are a fun accessory to add to handbags, jackets, and they even look cute in hair!
First, I drew up a pattern for the petals.
Next, I cut out 5 different fabrics with the pattern piece placed on the fold so I'd end up with 4 petals total for each piece. I ironed a fusible interfacing to the back of the fabrics for stability.
Pinching and sewing the centers together, I then randomly stacked each fabric piece together to form a flower - and sewed them all together.
Adding a cute button stack to the center and a pin to the back completes the flower.
A great way to use up fabric scraps, I made this flower pin with leftover pieces of vintage tablecloths from my bigger projects.
I love how, depending on what fabrics you put together, so many different looks can be achieved.
Give 'em a try, I guarantee you'll have fun creating your own bouquet of fabric flowers.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Robin's Egg Blue

While I was weeding my flower beds this morning, I came across this...
and had to take a closer peek. Aren't they beautiful?!
I'm excited to watch the progression since the nest sits in the rhododendron right outside our bedroom window.
What a sweet blessing that comes with spring.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Signs Of Spring In The Northwest

Yay! Finally, trees and flowers are beginning to bloom here in our neck of the woods... It's been a long drawn out winter, and this girl is ready for everything spring!
I've been enjoying the little bits of color starting to peek out in our yard - always the first to bloom is my flowering plum tree.
I need more color, like now! Yesterday I went out and bought a few annuals, which helped. First thing I had to fill with flowers were the cute boots I found in the Goodwill bins, back in January. They make me happy...

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Easter Sunday Felted Tote

I came across a great tutorial by this fabulous designer and knew the minute I saw it that I wanted to make two - one for Sydney and Daphne. I try to pick up wool sweaters when thrifting - only when they're cheap and I just happened to have a pink one waiting to be felted. Perfect! It's a darling bag that'll hold their gloves and lip gloss at church and later, when they are hunting for eggs won't it make the cutest basket!? I went through my vintage button stash and found some pretty rhinestone ones to add some sparkle too. I wish you all a very blessed Easter celebrating the resurrection of our Savior!!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I bought 8 pounds of strawberries the other day.
No, I did not cover all 8 pounds in chocolate... hehe
I bought the berries because I needed to replenish my freezer jam stash.
After making 2 batches of jam and slicing a large bowl for snacking, I decided to cover the really big ones with chocolate. Mmmm
Here's what I do:
Take 3 cups of semi sweet chips, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, and 1-2 TBSP of shortening. Microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes and stir until completly melted. Wash the strawberries and pat dry. Dip in chocolate and set onto a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle some with melted white chocolate if desired. Refrigerate until firm.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Project Completed...

Whew! Finally, my labor intensive project is completed.
I used 6 yards of fabric that I cut into 1 1/2" strips and then braided it all together. Once I finished braiding, I coiled the braid in an oval shape and hand stitched it all together. I never dreamed this project would take so long.... to much hand sewing! Next time I make a rag rug, I think I'll try crocheting the fabric together. I just need to learn how to crochet a chain stitch (I've never crocheted). Help, MmmmOM!!!!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Labor Intensive

I started another project the other day, involving this fabric. Boy, I didn't realize how much time I'd be putting into it.... it's turning out really cool, I can't wait to show you when it's completed!

Monday, April 6, 2009

It's So Nice When...

...friends surprise you with something they know you like.
A couple weeks ago a friend, who also happens to be my hubby's auntie, gave me these two sweet old Easter postcards. She picked them up while vacationing in Northern California. I absolutely love them! Thanks Barb - and Audrey too for saying, "you just gotta get those for Karoline." hehe

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Paris In April

I have Paris on my mind - so I created this pillow yesterday...
I absolutely love covered front porches on houses! I know exactly how I'd decorate mine too, if I were ever fortunate enough to have one - maybe someday.... ahhh... I'll keep dreaming...
Can't you just picture this long pillow on a swing, or maybe even a wicker settee?
I've started sewing again, and I've finally listed a few things in my etsy shop (this pillow cover included). After taking such an extended break, it feels so wonderful to get going again!