Squeezing Summer Sunshine Cards...

 I recently went into the studio with nothing in mind and this is what was created.  I took some fabric given to me by Sherry of http://sherrysimpleblog.blogspot.com/ and some card and envelope stock and began cutting, gluing, stamping and adding buttons and lace.
Our weather this summer has been so perfect that I just wanted to "squeeze every drop of summer sunshine" possible. 

I made seven sets and then mailed them out to some of my followers as a surprise.  I put the card and envelope into a larger envelope so they were receiving an unused card that they can either send along to someone else or put in their handmade stash of goodies.
I had fun and love spending time in my studio.  It is always extra nice when I have no preset notion and then the end result makes me very happy.  I smile each time I see these photos.  Of course I didn't keep one for myself.  You know how it is...make for everyone else and send them along.   At least I thought to take a photo. 
Very simple, very quick and very Summer!
Hope everyone is enjoying the remaining days of sunshine...For those of you with extreme heat I wish you cooler weather to enjoy.
In true Summer style I made potato salad for dinner tonight along with cold roasted chicken in pure picnic mode.  And of course watermelon for dessert!  What's for dinner at your house?

Charmed I'm Sure...

My little studio has been a very busy place of late and for that I am grateful. It is where I like to spend time and it makes me happy to create things.
I decided several weeks ago to participate in a charm swap that Roni is hosting. I am certain you all follow her escapades with ink and such. If not please visit her. http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/
I actually made three sets of charms and sent them in for swapping. I am not showing them here as the swap is in the process stage and soon to be sent out to all participants and I certainly don't want to spoil any surprises.
This photo is of a single charm I did for Roni herself. Super simple using a chipboard letter (lower case r with glitter), jump rings with beads attached and a lobster clasp for attaching to anything desired.
I must say I am getting excited to see which charms I receive. Roni has been giving hints of the charms she is receiving and they all sound amazing.
What swaps have you participated in? Any favorites you have enjoyed?
I am thinking of some I might join in the future. I know time must be set aside just for each swap so that the items are the best possible. I think this would be a great way to expand my art and sharing is something I love to do. Hmmm...
Summer is marching along. Our local county fair is happening this week. I think I shall avoid all the traffic and crowds this year. If only I could attend just to see all the handmade items that people show. No, I will spend my precious time in my studio and sewing room making my very own handmade items.
Enjoy your days doing something that makes you happy...

Butterfly Bag Sewn...

Do you sew? Are you passionate about fabrics? Do you adore bags to put things in?
Oh Yeah! I do love to sew and I am passionate about fabrics and yes, I love bags to put things in. This is a fabric called Fairy Frost and has a silvery shimmer to it.

This is one of my favorite butterfly fabrics. I have owned this fabric for a long time.

Being part of this amazing blogging community is one of my greatest joys. So many talented and generous people all sharing like-minded hobbies.

While reading one of my daily blogs I check http://lacelovinlibrarian.blogspot.com I found this little bag Diane had sewn. Instantly I knew I just had to make one. Luckily Diane gave the link to a tutorial. http://quiltsalott.blogspot.com/2009/01/origami-pouch-tutorial.html

Thank you so much to these kind and generous people who love to create wonderful things.

Here is my sewn pouch with a beaded charm detail. I love butterflies and use them whenever I am able to. Butterflies represent 10,000 happinesses.

This little bag is also referred to as origami pouch as it has a wonderful way of sewing and folding to create it. This photo shows the inside lining fabric and the outside pocket. Both sides of the bag are this way.

Here is the completed bag with the flaps down over the outside pockets. Drawstring cords pull the top tight and close in the contents.

I am so thrilled to have sewn this little bag. Now I am planning on sewing many more as I can think of lots of gifts I can give.

Fabric choices are endless. Embellishing is endless. Diane used buttons on her flaps and that is very cute. I already have a lot of fabrics which will be excellent choices for these wonderful little bags.

Thank you once again to the generous sharing of knowledge and information and talents that blogging affords all of us.

May you have a wonderful week of creativity and enjoy these waning days of summer...

Ahhh...August...

This is typical of me.

August is my very favorite month of the year and always has been since I was a little girl. I understand it isn't polite to chose favorites however I cannot help myself. You see I am an August born child/woman. When I was growing up my birthday was never special because there was no school in August so no classroom party for me with cupcakes like the other kids. I did get to celebrate my birthday in the mountains at our family cabin. That was my very favorite place to be. We sisters got to go for walks and play all day in the meadow and the stream. We climbed a "giant" boulder and slid down until our shorts had no fabric covering our bottoms. We walked to the little store and bought nickel candy and ate it whenever we wanted. We spent hours in the local library reading and loving books. I used to practice the fancy "symbols" in the Japanese alphabet...of which I know nothing about. I merely loved copying those beautiful strokes. We played Scrabble in the evenings with our mom. She always won so at night I would sneak the dictionary from the bookshelves and read it in my feather bed with a flashlight so I could play better. We went for nature hikes and walked everywhere. Back in those days there was very little fear of letting kids be kids and free to play outdoors with no supervision. Life was simpler back then.
Another reason August is my favorite month is that my one and only daughter was born just 20 days before my birthday. So we celebrate our month together. She is a Leo and I am a Virgo but that doesn't keep us apart. :o)
August is also my favorite because it is Summer and I love Summer! The heat doesn't bother me and it helps that I live in the foothills where it is at least 10 degrees cooler than other places. Of course don't ask me about winter and snow which I detest. When I was younger August also meant going to the fair which I used to love doing. Our family was big on fairs and traveled to many up and down the state. My mother would make all of us matching gingham dresses and a shirt for dad. She said that way if one of us girls got lost people would at least know to match us up with the rest of the family wearing gingham. Too funny!
August was also the last freedom before going back to school for another year. Not my favorite thing growing up. I did always like getting new crayons and to this day I treat myself to a new box of Crayola crayons each year. Something about the smell and feel of a brand new crayon. I also just bought new yellow pencils and some new glue sticks. Some habits are hard to break and why should I when I use these supplies every day.
If you have a favorite month which one is it and why?
I think it is time for me to go and eat some ice cream for you see it is still my favorite food even at this point in my life.
Awesome August Summer Smiles to all...

Farewell July...

Farewell July as we end another wonderful Summer month of perfect weather and lots of outdoor activities. Time spent with family and friends enjoying good conversation, fun and food.

This is probably the last thing I made in July. My friend Cindy lost her cell phone and had to get a new one. She was sad because along with her phone she lost her charm I had made for her. So without hesitation I have made her a new one for her new phone. I know it isn't exactly like the previous one but I do think she will like this one even better.

This time I incorporated her favorite...a dragonfly bead. I still had to add a heart charm as that speaks to how dear she is. I shall give it to her this week when we see one another.

As for July...I didn't experience Christmas in July like others celebrated with handmade gifts. I have been thinking ahead to gift making and am always preparing. Maybe I shall celebrate Christmas in August...we shall see.

Mr. C and I have been working in the yard...still cleaning up and repairing from last winter's devastation and of course preparing for this upcoming winter. I shall take some photos and share with you our progress.

May each of you have a fantastic amazing August. I know I will...

Reversible Tote Bag...

I have not been taking time to be creative what with summer weeds to pull, housecleaning before, during and after company and whatever laziness I am enjoying with the warm summer days I love so very much. So several weeks ago I pulled out some fabrics. This red toile is one of my favorites.

With the weight of the toile I chose this sort of bandana fabric to coordinate. Next I cut out the pieces to make a reversible tote bag. I personally can never have too many tote bags.

Here is the bandana side complete with a pocket that I stuck some white envelopes inside of just to show it is there. This side of the tote is not my favorite however I think it works quite well for those times you might be feeling "down home".

Here is the finished tote with the toile side out. I love this scene of the boys playing and just living life. That is what toile fabric is...scenes of life. I made one of my lace flower pins and added it to the red handle. Of course it is removable if you want to wear it on your lapel or your hair or whatever.

I always enjoy making tote bags and am thinking I shall get out some more fabrics to match up and sew some more bags. My sewing machine is lonely and I am feeling creative.

What goodies are you making or planning for future projects?

Sunshine Summer Smiles to all...

Lace Envelopes...

Here are more of my little kraft envelopes. They are merely 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" so much too small for ATCs. I managed to sew some of my favorite lace around them. Then I took my heart punch and made some tags. They are colored on one side and plain on the other so I could write a thank you note.

Then I created some charms and attached them to the heart tags. This tassel is made of beads strung on beading thread. I sent this to a special follower as a surprise.

This charm is made from an old costume earring. I love the pearls effect and how it dangles.

This charm is a special mix of beads I bought in Rome Italy on holiday.

Each of these charms is attached to a lobster clasp and can be used for zippers, charm pins, decoration on curtains or pillows or anything else you can think of.

I just love the look of lace on the tiny little envelopes. The photos do not show that the lace continues on the flap to complete the look. Therefore instead of sealing the flap I chose to tie ribbon around the envelope to close it.

A little beaded surprise wrapped in tissue enclosed in a tiny lace covered envelope. Yum!

I still have a lot of these tiny envelopes so I shall be putting on my creative thinking cap.

Please share any ideas you might have for using them. I think I have a balance of at least 400.

I am still weeding, trimming and cleaning house in preparation of company arriving. The hours and days are passing so quickly. I must adopt the attitude that whatever I do get done will be far more than nothing. Got to get back to my duties as "daylight's a burning" so Mr. C says.

Happy Summer Creating...

Happily creating...

I just can't help myself. I keep making these little lace chickies and they keep flying off to new homes. This little lady is still here as she hasn't decided where she is off to.

This little gal just left on a very long trip. She has chosen to fly clear across the ocean to a far away country. Far away from here in California. In fact she is surprising someone who is celebrating a birthday. Little Chickie knew before I even knew. Funny how a real personality comes forth as you are creating something. Bits of paper, lace, trims, a button and some twine and before you know it her little heart is beating and she is full of wonder and smiles. She has a long trip and then must endure customs so when she arrives I know she will need a tender loving hug. Fortunately her new home will give her lots of hugs and love. A dear sweet lady will take very good care of Little Chickie.

This little beaded heart leash is for a lovely lady who gave me these pretty floral needle nose pliers. I use them everyday it seems. They are so handy and also add a flair of floral femininity to my workroom studio. This photo really does not show how pretty they really are in green and pinks. Her beaded heart leash is in pretty yellows as that is the color she was wearing the day she gave me the pliers and she looked so pretty in yellow. Yellow is a difficult color for some to wear...like me. I love how sunny and happy yellow is but it looks awful on me with my skin tones. So I like to craft with yellow and that satisfies my love of the color yellow.

The studio and sewing rooms have been busy of late. Lots of creating and making of gifts for thank yous and birthdays.

Is it just me or are these longer sunshine days just evaporating all too quickly? I have so much more energy with the sun shining however I seem to be so far behind in every area of my day. Before I know it the sun has gone to bed and the daylight has changed to darkness and I am still not done with my list of daily items to accomplish. I do know I am spending lots more time outside enjoying the great weather. After seven months of super cold, wet and snowy winter I am loving the outdoors with all the green grass growing, flowers blooming, birds flying from tree to tree, and lizards lounging on warm rocks or pathways. I can literally spend hours hand watering plants and just enjoying the calmness of it all. Mr. C always reminds me that he installed complete drip systems and I do not need to hand water however I always tell him I don't mind doing it...I actually love it! Hmmm...maybe this is where I am losing time each day. Well if so, I am not going to complain as it is a wonderful way to wile away the hours enjoying nature and all it has to offer.

How are you spending your time in this glorious season of ours called Summer?

Or Winter where you are in the world?

May you enjoy every moment of every day and feel good about what you are doing...

Pause To Enjoy...

In this very busy time of year when the days are lighter longer and the temperatures are perfect for outdoor chores and fun events I make certain that I pause to enjoy the wonders of nature.
This photo includes a beautiful Japanese Maple (red colors) and some struggling Mock Oranges with double flowering blossoms.

The deer eat both of these to the point of devastation. This year I have blossoms only because these branches grew very tall and the deer don't seem to be able to reach them or the blossoms and greenery would be completely eaten to the bare branches and so not attractive.

So everyday I take a stroll around my property and enjoy each and every wondrous leaf, blossom and furl of a new fern.

May you have a week of enjoyment, creativity and time to pause to enjoy it all...

Fabric and Paper...

Here is a small project I made recently. I love to use watercolor paper because of it's texture and strength. This is a birthday card I sent to a dear friend of mine. Happy Birthday Barbara!

The watercolor paper is inside a cover of fabric. I stitch down the center to hold the two together. On the fabric cover I have added a vintage lace doily and pretty floral button. I like to keep all of this very simple and mailable.

The bookmark is made with a scrap of cardboard, some ivy themed wrapping paper, a magazine picture done with packing tape transfer method, a butterfly decal sticker and some sheer polka dot ribbon. Super simple and sturdy.

Have a wonderful end of summer weekend and enjoy life to the fullest. Mr. C and I will be very busy enjoying lots of local activities in our little slice of heaven we live in.

Smiles...

Cool and Calm...

This is where I like to sit and enjoy the wonderful pond Mr. C built several years ago. It is so relaxing and cool and calm sitting here...well at least now that I have finished trimming for now.

Our pond that Mr. C built after going to "pond college" is probably my favorite and most relaxing part of our home and landscape. We had a lot of frogs and polliwogs this year and now we are having the tiny little baby frogs as a result. I had to take this photo since I had never seen two froggies sitting on the same lily pad side by side. They are so adorable.

Another photo of them with their own beautiful white lily to enjoy. I have gotten hours of enjoyment from watching the dragonflies, frogs, and other assorted pond critters.

This is just one half of our wonderful pond. I have shared photos in the past so not too many this post.

I do hope you are enjoying your summer and the days of living outside with friends and family and fun and games. And of course bbq food, watermelon, ice cream and lemonade.