Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Take It Further Challenge January

Here is my completed contribution for the Take It Further Challenge for January.

I knew that I would have to do something quick and easy this month since I have a couple af big projects in my lap right now...

This will be the most in depth look into the creative process I will do unless I get good feedback to continue...
I have decided to try to do as many of the monthly challenges using nothing but my stash of supplies, and make things for me once in a while since almost everything I make I give away.

The challenge theme was admiration and the color scheme is below.



I couldn't really think off-hand about how to translate admiration into a workable piece, so I decided to make myself a towel . Joey helped me pick this one out of the stash.


I set out my standard supplies: my favorite bowl, mechanical pencil, paper and a washable marker.


This bowl is the perfect size for a great "one-hoop wonder" monogram that I have used several times. I first trace the bowl and then decide how to decorate it.


This is how I usually do this decoration.


I have done this pattern several times, here it is on a gift bag I made for my niece.


I decided that doing a pattern I have done before wasn't really in the spirit of the challenge so I tried sketching out something else that would be just a s quick and still use the color scheme.

I really liked the swirly loose nature of this one and may use it in the future. You can see that I don't erase my lines, I mark them out and keep going.
The calico cat still voted for the classic pattern.


As I stewed about it further, I called to mind a quilt that I would like to do before I die that was in a great book Camas gave me for Christmas.


I could make a pattern based on the quilt and still keep some of the swirly bits from the second sketch. I traced out the hexagon of the right size and cut it out.


Joey approves and supervised.


The hexagon was then traced and cut out of heavier paper.
It was completely coincidental, but cutting it out of the flap with the sticky part proved beneficial as it stayed put on the fabric on its own while I traced it.


I traced the pattern onto the fabric- sorry, it's hard to see.


I used the washable markers to freehand the swirly bits.


I got this all stitched up in two short sittings. Here it is all finished and ironed.
The Grandmother's Flower Garden style tea towel.


Here it is with the only other piece I have made for myself.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

A Challenging year ahead!

I will be taking part in a few challenges this coming year and using this blog to post progress...

Challenge #1 : Race to 100 pounds lost w/Tracy




Challenge #2 : I am participating in the "Take It Further" challenge on In a Minute Ago

Challenge #3 : start and maintain a podcast- coming soon!

Challenge #4 : potty train Jimmy!

Wish me luck and I hope I can count on all of you for some support as I post my progress!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Christmas run down

Here is a quick run down of all the activities around here...
Videos tomorrow!

Grandpa and Grandma drove up for a visit.
Grandma and Joey had a quiet conversation over lunch.


Then it was Grandpa's turn.



There were many gifts to unwrap! Whoo hoo!


"I like my new horsey toy! Thank you!"

"It's yummy!"



Jimmy helped make the breakfast casserole. Mostly through quality control and supervision.



Why yes, I am your present!


Joey mesmerised by the tree christmas morning.


Lots more presents to unwrap.


Joey helped with quality control.


His first submarine!


Put me in coach! I'm ready to play!



The tree is getting a little more colorful each year.


Jimmy's ornament this year. Jimmy painted the blue parts by himself!


Thank you everyone for such a great Christmas!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Lesson learned

Today I learned something new...


A chocolate rainbow cake does not have a very long lifespan in this house. - not a huge surprise-


A "heavy glass dome" will not protect it.


Some one will help themselves.













And really enjoy it!


Caught cake handed!


Joey was just an innocent bystander! by-bouncer?

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Pre-Christmas post

Jimmy knows it's important to capture special moments on film.

*Click*



Joey's first visit to Santa, after we untangled his (Santa's) beard out of his (Joey's) grubby little fingers...


Jimmy wasn't excited to see Santa this year, but still asked him for a "Train, please!"


Then he supervised Jeff putting up the tree...


And posed for a cute picture!



Here's the reaction to the tree lights!

* Again I have to apologize for the vader-breathing...dang sensitive microphone!*

Further discussion of the tree

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Tis the season for sharing

Joey has no problem sharing with the cat.

Here Kitty- have some mum mum!


The cat has no problem taking what isn't stuck to his shirt.


Joey doesn't mind...
"I'm minty fresh!"


Not any more... I had blueberries for breakfast!


They were yummy!


All clean again, and just as cute!


Nakie on a blankie!


I have piggy piggy toes!


Christmas teething ring...

Saturday, December 15, 2007

You spent a few minutes here...

Now spend less than a minute and do some good, for free!
Click on the link below and click away, everyday.
Also, be sure to tab through the different sites at the top of their page and click to support the causes you choose... I click them all everyday!

I won't be posting this link again so be sure to bookmark the site!

The Literacy Site