...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

More eggs, some you can make!

I don't remember where I saw yarn wrapped eggs. 'Twasn't my idea, however, they are a lot of fun and really add a bit of cleverness to your decorating scheme.
Supplies: styrofoam eggs, yarn, ribbon, tiny flowers & leaves, pins, white glue, paintbrush.
Technique: Each egg must be wrapped from the narrow end to the middle. So you'll start twice and end up in the middle with each wrapping. If you decide you want to try to wrap the egg with one continuous strand, you'll find out that the wrapping becomes increasingly more difficult as the egg narrows. It's much easier to wrap while the diameter increases. Paint a bit of glue around the egg circumference, about 1/2" at a time. Begin the yarn/thread at the point and wrap in a circular motion till the middle, adding more glue as you go.
Decorate the eggs with ribbon that you pin into the eggs, bridal flowers and any other treasures you have lying around.
Place a bit of Easter grass in a crystal candy dish, add the eggs and voila! instant charm.
Loved that bit of folded green ribbon. It came just as you see it, I simply snipped off what i needed.
A very simple green with white leaves and flowers.
Even variegated yarns/threads work just fine and add some fun to the pieces!
If you only get one finished, find a small candy dish...
Add a bit of grass, drop in the egg. You're done!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Pre Easter week - It's time to bring out the eggs.

It's the week before Easter and I cannot think of a better thing to do than to take you through some very quick decorating! This set of Easter blocks was made last year from old stamp blocks, die cut and embossed metal, paint, and ink. Click here for more details.
Gail Pittman eggs. These are amazing creations. I was blessed enough to have visited her outlet in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Almost didn't make the flight home, but that is a story for another day. But had I not, it would have been okay for sure! So I took the monogrammed domino's out of the bowl my sister in law 'threw' for me. Well that is what you do when you make something out of pottery. Her pieces are really very nice.
Found this wonderful porcelain bunny at Hobby Lobby last year. He just looks like something old with bits of lace attached.. doesn't he?
With just a few items, the coffee table is transformed rather quickly. Sometimes it's best to go with what works.

Friday, March 26, 2010

April Calendar

Where is this year going? It's already ready for April. Last thing I remember is January! Oh well, onward. Once again I used the QuicKutz Calendar Kit 2 and 2008 Calendar Months. Please check out the January Calendar page for specifics. Five pieces of designer paper (or less if you use double sided paper). One piece of brown cardstock. Ribbon. Adhesives of choice. Cat's eye Chestnut Roan ink for edging.

QuicKutz Bunny die, Easter basket die and the 2" crosses die.
Going to see Elton John. Stamped the Quickutz ticket die with lettering from JustRite Stampers using the horizontal long block.
Used the Quickutz nesting flowers die for the background and a punch to punch out the birthday girl's picture. Also outlined the date with Liquid Pearls in baby blue.
Attached a preassembled mini pearl motif. Then glued on the month and once in place, used the Liquid Pearls to 'write' in the month name.
Attached a ribbon across the empty spot above the calendar weeks. Tied a small piece of ribbon into a knot and used a glue dot to adhere to the ribbon.

Have fun and above all...

Monday, March 22, 2010

A stitch or two, satin or step, a bit of embroidery inspiration

This table setting came from a catalog. Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn or ?? don't remember, but would this not be stunning?
How about something like this peeking out of a sweater?

This was part of a jacket. enlarge to see the trim along the edge.. exquisite.
Embroidered panels
With Bernina's new eyelet embroidery attachment, an heirloom quality table cloth is possible.
I am thinking shadow embroidery for these pillows. the quilting on them is done with silk ribbons. Amazing.

I think that the cutwork attachment makes hardanger embroidery machine a possibility! I think I'm talking myself into this pricey little toy.


If I made this would I be brave enough to use it? Yes, I can't take it with me. Just prewash all the fabrics first. And don't serve anything with mustard, ketchup or oil!!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Part Two: Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition - Contemporary African American Quilts

Love the Jazz cafe in the bottom of the picture.
Lots of beautiful stitching too.



This quilt has lots of fabric transfers. The images of the people were printed on a chemically treated fabric that bonds the ink jet ink with fabric.

Lots of images in this art piece.


This artist used the stitches on her sewing machine to create wonderful texture and depth to her art piece. Looking at the stitches, these are signature Bernina stitches!!



This beautiful abstract is embellished with hand stitching and beaded elements.


An exquisitely painted face. Be sure to enlarge the picture to see the detail.


Another quality piece. Beautiful choice of fabrics, stitches and colors. The Riverman is a perfect union of all.

Ms Campbell showed us a southern funeral procession. A jubilant journey to the forever after.



Handpainted fabrics, beautiful piecing and adventuresome stitching. Stunning.


The elements of this quilt are machine embroidered. A very innovative piece.

Another prize winner in my humble opinion. Each piece is beautifully carried out. The stitching does not interfere with the art piece. It enhances it.
A beautiful rendition of a face done with fabrics.
Congratulations Ms Crump. I almost heard the notes coming out of the instruments.

Be sure to run by the Museum at Texas Tech by March 21st to see these beautiful pieces for yourself. It will be time well spent.


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