moving boxes

It's happening we are really moving!  I thought it appropriate that this box is for kleenex.  We are sad to move away from friends, but are excited about the new beginnings!

While my husband said I should have been packing, I finished this reading pillow instead.  It was for Kristi's birthday and had to happen before the move!  The first side reminds me of a chocolate cake!

Spring is here!  There are budding trees and some in full bloom here.  The kids are mentioning how they love to go barefoot, to better feel the carpet of grass.  These blooms were made after discovering the art of quilling in my first Martha Stewart Living magazine.    

Last night a friend picked me up and took me to In-n-out and then a scrapbook night!  It was amazingly fun being with that group of girls again!  I made these while there.  This proves that one card idea can look cute in many ways.

Valentines

These valentines were sent off today.  So simple and even cuter with pictures attached!  

all the pretty flowers

Here are some hair clips I made this weekend with Kristi.  We used Hyicinths, Daisies and Delphinium flowers.  When I found out that the large white and pink flowers are Delphiniums, it brought to my mind a quote from one of my favorite children’s books.  

“My name is Delphinium. Delphinium Twinkle. And if my baby is a girl I’m considering Chrysanthemum as a name.  I think it’s absolutely perfect.”

Ten points if you know the title!  {Although, I think I gave it away}.  

If you decided to make clips I recommend doing it with a friend to increase buying power and fun!

tinkering with bridges

       In order to tinker with bridges, you must first;

          Come up with a plan 

               and then...

           Get to work!

The idea for the bridge came from one of our Sesame Street dictionary books. 

Valentine Envelope Tutorial

It's here the Valentine Envelope Tutorial.  For this pattern it is helpful to have these tools;

clear thread   

sewing machine

self healing mat

clear angled ruler

rotary cutter

embroidery needle

small sharp scissors

The supplies needed are;

1/2 yard white wool felt

small piece of red wool felt

1/2 yard cotton fabric

red embroidery floss

white embroidery floss

2 buttons

(you will have fabric left over)

Cut out all pieces as shown.  

13.5 inches x 9.5 inches for the back, and cut just shy of 9inches and just shy of 13 inches, (meaning just under the measurement.) Also, cut two hearts out of the red felt that are slightly larger than the edge of your envelope closure.  Place the two hearts together and blanket stitch around heart with white embroidery floss.

After cutting the out the white pieces, use them to cut the red, especially for angles.  The red should be cut just under the measurement of the other.  

Using all six threads of embroidery floss, straight stitch around front of envelope using 1/4 in. stitches, 3/8 of an inch from edge.

Cut two straps for back out of the cotton print 15 x 3 in. The cut straps are not pictured.  Turn straps right sides together and sew 1/4 in. from edge.  Turn and press.    

It is helpful to press off center, to make room for the button hole.  Sew edge of straps closed.

Step 1: turn and press the squared and acute corners. Make two small cuts in the inside front of the envelope as shown.  Be sure that the raw edge is folded down and pin in place.

Next bring up both sides.  Press and pin.

Carefully pin the cotton fabric to the wool felt.  Now you’re ready to sew your cotton fabric to your felt pieces.

To cut the scalloped edge, measure and cut 1/4 of an inch in every 3/4 of an inch.

Curve your cuts to form the scallop.  It helps to use small sharp scissors.

Sew heart on to bottom of closure.

Pin flap of envelope to the back.  Be sure to line it up so your hand sewing will show when folded down.  Sew together.

Make a button hole on each strap slightly larger than the button.  Sew straps on about an inch from the top.  Then to secure it sew across the strap again, at the top of the envelope, where the sew line is already under the scallop.

Lay your straps flat and sew each button at the bottom of the envelope.  Sew the front of the envelope to the back and you're done!

Valentine Envelope

It's finally here!  The envelope craft for Valentine's Day is finished and now I am working on the tutorial for it.  The children are so excited to use this for their family love notes.

P.S.  I voted today!

Psst...

Psst...Hey you!  Yes, you staring at the computer screen.  There is one blog that I go to often for ideas and I want to tell you about it.  It is a design blog, where I get ideas about style, trends, and most important color combinations.    I can't believe I am letting this secret out, but oh well.  I know you'll be interested.