I'm actually making some things I'd like to share. I know it's been forever, but I'm still here. Just dividing my time among too many things. But the call of the needle + thread is pretty powerful. To get it off with a bang, I ordered new biz cards from Vistaprint. I mean, who doesn't love a makeover? I look forward to checking in here often. Thanks for hanging in there with me. See you soon.
-L
You may notice a little badge on my sidebar about trying new things. It's courtesy of Amy who is trying a LOT of new things these days. She's made some really courageous, inspiring decisions in order to push herself and embrace the fun (and fear!) that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. My firsts are kind of lame compared to some, but we're challenging ourselves--and that's all that matters, eh?
1. Started a new project over on my painting blog. Giving away art!
2. Limiting my shopping to mostly necessities. I am a huuuuge impulse buyer. I am requiring myself to go home, think about it for a night and if I still think I need it, go back for it. (Most times, I decide it's not worth the hassle) This is new for me. My old motto was more like: buy it now and if I feel really guilty, take it back later. Guess what? I never took much back.
3. Brussel sprouts. Tried them again for the first time in decades...and hello! They're yummy and grown right here in California. What was I waiting for? I tried this recipe from Real Simple and next will be this one (above) with pancetta and balsamic which my sister-in-law recommended. Delish.
It's only three things, but it's a start. It's addictive, too! I'm already looking forward to all kinds of firsts I can experience this year... Yippee!
Go visit Amy's site, grab the badge and start some firsts of your own. Whatcha waiting for?
Crafting and blogging has taken a back seat to my painting as of late. Sorry for the lack of posts! I dusted off the 'ol sewing machine this morning for a birthday party gift..I still love working with fabric. I'll be back to it. Actually I will HAVE to be back to it soon since I'll be vending at Renegade with my gals Jen, Jaymi and Amy. Yep, that's right. All four of us will be sharing a booth. Whew! It'll be a squeeze, so I've been trying to come up with creative ways to use my few feet! I found these stacking tables today at the thrift store. Kind of grody, but with a coat of paint, they'll be perfect to get some height for displaying. Big dilemma--paint them blue or white? The one area that has me stumped is displaying totes..any good ideas for sharing? I might have to resort to pinning them along the front of the table (where I would like to have my banner..). Hmm..things to think on.
Happy Summer!
I have been trying to avoid Ikea lately. Sorry, Ikea, it's not you, it's me. Before, during and after moving I spent way too much money there. Having one 20 minutes away proved too dangerous to our pocketbook! But, lookie what I just found online... Cute new fabrics!
Little houses!
and my favorite:
Perfect for lining totes, aprons, light and airy summer pillows! Since I can check the stock availability online (best. tool. ever) I never leave disappointed. Well, Ikea, looks like you're in for a reunion today. Miss me?
Happy Friday, everyone!
I know. I get back on the blog wagon and guess what? I roll right back off. Sittin' in a cloud of dust as the wagon train leaves me behind. We are in week #2 of trying to sell our house. Things are going pretty well. I still have a few hairs that aren't grey from the constant cleaning, nagging, scenting, wiping and hiding that comes with having to leave at a moment's notice and praying that whoever it is, please, please don't look in my closet. Something will fall on you. A lug-soled boot, most likely.
Tonight I pulled out my scrap basket to iron some pieces for patchwork and not five minutes later there was a call from a perky agent wanting to be here first thing in the morning. I jinxed it. I've unpacked my new sewing machine and anxiously await the time I can fire this puppy up. It's waiting.
I knew it would happen.
I've been away from blogging so long that Typepad up and changed everything. This is what transpires while I'm away thrifting, logging mommy time and baking cupcakes. (And eating cupcakes.) Okay, so I just give it a push, swing my leg over and start pedaling, right? Here goes.
A repeated thank-you to those who are coming by via other websites and magazines. I promise I'm not usually this lame.
A sneak peek at some dishes I bought the other day at Goodwill. After 12 years of marriage, I finally gave myself permission to replace the clunky ones I registered for. No offense, Pfaltzgraff "Ocean Breeze". It's not you. It's me. I've changed. And you wouldn't break. I tried...many times.
They seem happy and sunny, no?
Happy Fall! Let the candy corn gorging begin.
We spent the past week in secluded bliss in the Sierras. This is the view from where I sat on the beach at the lake most days. No phone, no computer. Just books, puzzles, beads, swimming and floating. Lots of floating. It was wonderful.
I was so happy to come home to my own copy of Megan Smith's Sewing 2010 Calendar in the mailbox! You can find my projects in February (Matyroska tooth pillow), March (bow-tie hair clips & robot pocket pillow), May (easy business card case), November (fat quarter purses), and December (patchwork eye pillow). You can find these projects on my sidebar, too, but this calendar is chock full of wonderful ideas from all over the web. Megan did such a great job compiling them. I'm already starting a mental list for gift giving this year. The most exciting part is that a pic of my bow tie clips made it on the cover of the box! Woo-hoo! (Bottom right..I know, you might have to squint a little...)
Summer is here and my blogging has been temporarily replaced with swimming, drippy popsicles, loungy days and giggling girls. And, oh yeah, napping. Lots of napping around here. Hot days are made for it. I'm hoping to have a new tutorial for something fun soon. But the hammock keeps calling me...
I have a few new things in the shop. I'm saving a lot of my creations for Renegade, which will be here before I know it. So many big crafty types are on the vendor list..I'm a little intimidated.
Hope you're keeping cool wherever you are.
xo
