Oh the joy of Wisconsin winters....

First thing I did this morning was to call all the people that were signed up to take tonight's rag bag class, as it is snowing here, and we have a winter weather advisory out till tomorrow morning.  Driving conditions are suppose to be hazardous so I didn't want my gals driving home late tonight on bad roads.

I spent the afternoon, ironing fabric, cutting strips, and sewing barrettes.  I just made a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich with my Rocket Grill and that was sure yummy.  I sure love that thing.  Quick, easy, and no clean up to boot!  What more could a gal ask for!?!?!

Bind it all note books

Here are some little notebooks that I made with my bind it all.  Cute and fun to give as a gift. They would make great password books.  This morning was busy with people in and out.  Mom was over and I helped her with some computer stuff, then Susie was over for a visit.  After that I started doing the prep work for my rag bag class that I am teaching tomorrow night.  I have step by step samples made up of the different steps it takes to complete the bag, and later after the class is done, I will finish them up and will have 2 rag bags completed.  I just need to work on the straps, and flowers for them, and I think I will do that tomorrow. Tonight, I spent visiting with Jenna for a couple of hours on the phone, and I was crocheting away while we were talking.  I should be able to finish this scarf tonight if I keep at it.  But my eyes are itchy and scratchy, and I am not sure what that is from so we will see how it goes.  I hope you all had a good weekend!  Elaine

Sew glad we're friends card

I have been working away today on more bind-it-all books.  I got 14 of them put together that are now ready to decorate.  That will probably be tomorrow's project we will see, or I may sew, I don't know for sure.  I love the saying on the inside of the card.  One of my favorites.

Coffee and Friends Post A Note

I love this color combination.  I think the little red check pattern takes you to a fun place, drinking coffee in a cafe with a friend.  A post a note pad is inside and a little pen is stuck in the outside holder.

Yesterday, I went to Marshfield with Carol for a doctor's appointment.  We went to two quilt shops, Target, and Vinnies.  I love the upstairs of the Marshfield Vinnies, I usually find a bag full of crafting treasures, and as usual, I did again yesterday.  I sure wish that one was closer to home.  Oh well, it is a treat when I do get there.  We had lunch at Hudson's for the first time, and it was a very interesting place.  It is in a 50's theme, and they have all kinds of old tin signs on the wall, old gas pumps, and street lights, and they are all original ones, not reproductions.  We really enjoyed it and the food was very good!

I need to wave my magic wand around here this morning .....also know as housework :-(  and then I am going to be crafting.  I have some more idea's of things that I wish to make.  Have a great weekend!  Elaine

Tan and Brown skinny scarf

I sure do like crocheting these skinny scarfs.  Here is a tan and dark brown one.  I think this one is my favorite color combination so far, although the one I am currently working is turning out pretty too!

I got 12 sewing cards done today.  I finished them around 3 this afternoon.  I was tired of stamping and tired in general so decided to quit for the day.  I did get quite a bit of crocheting done though.  If  I stayed up, I probably could get the skinny scarf that I am working on finished but I am tired so I am going to go to bed early for a change!

Rooster Towel

This is a towel that I embroidered for Colleen last fall.  I have had a box sitting here that I have kept adding to with her birthday and Christmas presents.  I finally got it mailed out on Saturday, and she received it on Tuesday.  She said that she almost cried when she opened her gifts that she was so touched as they all were so perfect for her.  WOW!  That made me feel good.  She loves this towel so much that she is thinking of framing it.  Silly girl.  I told her to just use it, it is only a towel.  But she would not listen to me, so we finally ended the conversation with me saying "Whatever.....you do what you want."  I am glad she liked her the towel and her package.

Otherwise, there is not much new around here except that I talked with both of the girls each a couple of hours yesterday while crafting away.  I got 24 cards done yesterday which I am very happy about.  The plan is to make more today.  I ordered a new tire for the van yesterday and they will be putting that on the van on Friday, so it will be nice not to have to worry about that tire going flat any more.  Make it a great day!  Elaine

Bind it all note books #1

I made these little note books with my bind it all.  I found these cute index cards at Target in the dollar spot.  Immediately I knew just what I wanted to do with them.  The flowers that decorate the cover were cut out with the Big Shot and the Blossom Party die.  I really love that die, it makes the cutest flowers.

I am still working on Sewing Themed cards.  I finished 19 yesterday so I now have 29 of them all together.  I also started crocheting another scarf in the evening.  I need to get dressed and head down to the garage so that Earl can order a tire for my van.  Have a great day!

Stitched together with Love

I made 10 of these sewing themed cards last night.  I love playing with my sewing stamps!

Inside of the card.

Garden Whimsy post a note holders

I used the stamp set Garden Whimsy on this batch of post a note holders.  I love the bakers twine wrapped around them.  It adds a cute touch to them.

Today I went to the library board's potluck and meeting.  I took the scrapbook and they are very happy with the work I have done on it, so that is good.  I left it with them and they are going to write down names and information for me so that I can start on the captions, titling, and finishing touches to the pages.  They asked me if I would sit at the table with the library board at the Chocolate Affair with the scrapbook to show people, and to gather information from the locals.  So I am going to do that.  It is on Feb 5th from 10 till 2, at the middle school I think (?).  I am not sure about that, but stop by and see me and the scrapbook if you are around.  I also went and got a much need haircut this afternoon.  It feels great.  It was really getting long.  I am headed to craft right now.  I think I am going to make sewing themed cards.  Have a good one!  Elaine

Cleaning up cat hair...grrr...

I love my kitties, but sure do not like all the cat hair around here.  I just cleaned up a table in the stamping room that is by the windows and it had cat hair all over it.  As usual!

I didn't get my bind-it-all project finished last night.  I have 8 of them all finished and ready to decorate, but lost the mojo last night so I decided that I would wait till today to finish them.  So I got under a blanket on the bed, and watched TV with the kitties curled up by me and crocheted.  They were happy about that.  If they had their way, I would be there all the time.  Stamping and sewing bores them.  But they get all excited when I go to the bathroom as they know it is petting time.  Taffy will run just as fast as she can to beat Molly there...lol  It is  pretty funny.  Especially that  I have TWO hands and can pet both of them at the same time.  It took them along time for them to agree to do that.  They are territorial and usually respect each other on that.  Now and then Molly gets mad and hisses at Taffy about it if Taffy is laying on my legs on the bed and Molly thinks she should be there instead.  Speaking of the devil....here she comes up on the computer desk wanting some petting!!  

Here are some more tags.  People love the flower ones I make with punches.  They always seem to go out first so I try and make a lot of those.

One of a Kind Post a note holders

I used another oldie but goody for this set of post a note holders, the stamp set One of a kind.

I had to get up early this morning.  I went first thing  to pick up SHARE, dropped off library books, a stop at the church and bank, picked up kitty litter for the cats at Pamida, mailed out packages at the post office, and had to run around town looking for an air pump to refill the air in my tire.  The one at Kwik Trip wasn't working and I couldn't find one at Pump 24 so went to Jiffy Lube to see if they would fill it for me and they did.  I have been having trouble on and off with this tire for months and I am thinking I am going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new tire. 

This afternoon, I worked on a Bind-it -all project, and I have 8 in the works.  Beth was over to pick her order up and needed adhesive so we made a run over to the church to get some.  I just had a break for supper.  I made a big salad and used some of the batch of Honey Mustard Salad Dressing I made this afternoon.  I just love it.  Yummy!  I wish that I hadn't had to go  out today, as I can't get warm.  My legs have been cold all day since I was out this morning.  Guess I will be staying in...which is good for all of you that read the blog as I will have lots to post!  Keep warm!  Elaine

Snug as a bug in a rug!

I am holed up in the house here in freezin' Friendship, WI.  Baby it is cold out.  But once again, I only know this from opening up the door a couple of times today when people came to pick up stamping orders!  Hee hee!  I have been busy working on Post a note holders again today.  I got 12 of them finished.  I have 8 pens left, but I think I am out of post a notes, at least down stairs I am.  I need to check up stairs and see if I have any stashed up there on my supply shelf at the top of the stairs.


I thought today I would give you a little break from looking at post its and let you see some tags I made.  Well...it is time to get back to work.  I just woke up from a nice little snooze...so I am recharged again!  See ya tomorrow.  Elaine

Free ebook: Craving God by Lysa TerKeurst

Free ebook: Craving God by Lysa TerKeurst

Click on the link to get this free ebook!

Bella Bloom Post a Note Holders

Brrr....it is cold outside!  Although I haven't been outside today, I have had to open the door a lot today, so I know it is freez'in out there!  I saw last night on the weather report that this is suppose to be the coldest week of the year (hopefully!)  Any hoooo....I am going to hole up in the house as much as I can.  I am stamping to keep warm, hee hee.  In between people stopping to pick up stamping orders today, I got 18 post a note holders finished.  Here are six of them.  This is another retired set, Bella Blooms.  I sure am enjoying inking up these sets.  It is like meeting up with an old friend again, ;-).  Susie was over for a visit today and brought yummy chocolate chip cookies with her, so we had coffee and cookies, and chatted.  She bought Di's bind it all from her and I showed her how to use it today.  Remember the grocery list pads that I just made!?!?  I use my bind it all to punch the holes in them and to cinch the spiral coils that hold it all together.  You will be seeing some more projects with it soon as I have another one up my sleeve!  Keep warm!  Elaine

Free ebook: Betty Crocker Soups, Stews and Chilies

Free ebook: Betty Crocker Soups, Stews and Chilies

Delight in Life...Post a note holder

I'm back!  This is the latest batch of Post a note holders that I just finished.  This one uses another retired stamp set, Delight in Life.  It is good to be inking up some stamps that haven't seen the light of day for awhile!

I have another batch cut, but I am hungry right now so I think I will take a supper break!  Elaine

A True Friend is You Friend...post a note holders.

Good Afternoon!  Another productive day in Mayberry, and it has stopped snowing to boot!  YEAH!

I just finished making 6 of these post a note holders that have a mini pen on the side, with a great little holder so that you don't lose the pen and it is always right where you put it.  It was fun to dig out the retired stamp set True Friend.  An oldie but goodie!  I am off to get some lunch and head back to work.  Elaine

I Dig You....Garden Gloves

Hello peeps!  Another busy day at the ranch.  My first project of the day was making the tags for these garden gloves.  This is a digital image that I purchased about a year ago.  If you have been reading the blog for a long time, you will know that making tags is one of my favorite things to do.  I love to work on little things projects like that.  I made 9 of these tags and after I pick up some more gloves, I will have 9 sets for sale.  A cute gift to give to a friend.  And while I was in the tag making mood...I kept going and going.  I made 20 different tags today besides these.  A very fun play day while watching TV!

A peek into my day...

 

I made 22 of these cards today for a swap that I am participating in.  I thought you might like to see how I work so I took some pictures along the way.  The first thing I did was to cut my So Saffron card stock for the base of the card.  Then I ran Pretty in Pink Card stock through the Big Shot with the Scallop Circle #2 die, one of my favorites.  I find myself grabbing for it all the time.  Next I used the Circle #2 die to cut my Sweet Stitches paper for the center of the scallop.  Then I stamped my ruler's, buttons, and the button card.  Here is a picture of all my little piles.

It is all in the details.  That is what makes a great card.  I love the little pom pom trim.  Too cute!

Mat pack and piercer all set out for piercing the scalloped circles, and for piercing the scalloped border that I will be punching.  Button cards and rulers all ready to be cut out.I dug through the scrap drawer next to my stamping desk, and stamped all my button's on the scrap paper.  Nothing goes to waste around here as you can see.  Seriously, you would think that I was born in the depression era, but I was a 60's baby.  I worked on cutting these babies up while talking to Jenna and Sarah on the phone this afternoon.  After I got all my elements ready, then I worked on assembling the cards.  I started around 11 this morning and worked pretty steady on them, except to cook lunch and supper, bathroom, and short computer breaks.  I finished them around 9:30 tonight.  YEAH!  They are done and ready to be mailed out!!!!  Woo HOO!

Skinny Scarf #3

Here is another skinny scarf that I finished.  I was thinking that when Sarah is around, I should get her to model one for me. 
Yesterday, I went to Marshfield with Carol.  We went to Vinnies, Dollar Tree, and Target.  I found a bunch of door prize items, and also items to make and alter that you will be seeing on here in the future.  We had chinese buffet for lunch and it was excellent.  Another long yucky drive home though as it was snowing, but we found lots to talk about.  I caught up on the computer and talked with Di after I got home.  Then I started working on a new flower that I am making for next month's show and tell's participants.  I finished 7 last night, and then hit the hay.  They are turning out cute!!!
Today, I have been working on the library scrapbook project and am very happy with today's progress on it.  All the pictures that I had reprinted, I got cropped.  Plus I have finished a lot of pages today.  So I am a happy camper.  Jenna called this morning and we visited for about an hour and she was updating me on Mason's new little antics!  I was cutting up pattern pieces for something clothing that I want to sew for him while we were talking.  I got a good start on it but it takes forever to cut up tissue paper pattern pieces.  The first thing I want to make are little pants for him and at least that one is cut out so I can cut out some pants for him.
Have a great weekend!  Elaine

Dresser Card

This is one of the cards that I taught on Monday night.  It is a dresser card.  The knobs are brads, and the linen hanging out of the drawer is our new Victoria Lace Ribbon.  The old olive card stock was ran through the Big Shot with a the square lattice embossing folder, and the sunflower in the pot is from the stamp set A Flower for All Season.  When Sale-A-Bration starts on Jan. 25th, this will be one of the free stamp sets you can choose with a $50.00 order.  The scallop trim border punch was used on the right side of the card, and the curly label punch was stuck half way in on the left side, then punched.  The drawers are sponged with Soft Suede ink, and popped up on dimensionals.  Such a fun card to make and display.  The gals loved it!

In the morning was over for a visit, and we went upstairs and looked in my closet.  She found some old clothes of mine that she is going to make over.  One thing she took was my wedding dress and you will have to go over to her blog and see what she did to it.  She was all full of giggles tonight when she called me and she absolutely loves it.  Ha ha.  Who would have thought that would ever see the light of day again!  :-D

I worked on Karen's thank you gift for her party next month and I am very happy with how that turned out.  I also started on a couple of cards before I left for the library.

Di and I went to the Rapids this afternoon shopping as she needed some more fabric for the quilt she is going to work on at the quilt retreat that she will be going to soon.  We had supper at Applebee's and then we headed home.  The roads sure are yucky.

See ya later alligator!

Thank you gift for Diane

This is the thank you gift I made for Diane for hosting her party on Monday night.  I used the Sew Suite stamp set and matching paper.  The twill tape around the jar I stamped with the ruler stamp.  Too fun!  I filled the jar with a bunch of punch outs that I had punched my scraps up with.  The spool of thread on the button card I wrapped with Baker's Twine and stuck a pin in, and added real buttons to the card tied with crochet cotton.  The little pink tag hanging on the side is stamped with the saying, Sew glad we are friends.
I designed and cut out both my stamping projects for February's stamping events.  It is so nice to have that done, and they turned out so cute.  I am sure the group will love them!

Owl Grocery List Pad

I love the new Stampin UP!  owl punch.  It makes such cute owls and I love using up scraps to make his little clothes!  This is another grocery list pad.

My daughter Sarah just started a new blog and I thought that I would share the link with you so that you can check out.  She wrote to me and said that she made a shirt yesterday and that it will be the next thing that she will be sharing on her blog.  Can't wait to see it!  Elaine

http://imagine-create-share.blogspot.com

Material Girl Line

This is a card I made for Diane's birthday with paper I bought at Archivers last year.  It is Cosmo Cricket's material girl line.  I had seen a bunch of cards made with and fell in love with it.  I was really tickled to find it there.  I love the 50's and 60's ish look to it.  I so love things from that era, and find myself wanting to drag them home when I see them.  My girls will probably strangle me (if I am not already dead) when they have to clean out this house!  LOL  Oh well, alot of my "stuff" should be collectible and worth some money for them.  I bought this paper with some gift money that someone gave me (you know who you are!).  The little lace circle with rosette on top was a thrift store find.  Only 10 of them in that pack and I have already used up 3 of them.  Wish I had more.  They are too cute.  I think I will have to make up my own  version of them.  Hmmmm....maybe a future goody for those that participate in bringing something they have made for show and tell.  I stuck a few pins into it to add some cuteness and to go with the sewing theme.  The button was tied with some baker's twine.  Another thrift store find.  A HUGE roll.  I should shoot a picture so you can see how big it is.  The gals used some on their Valentine this month, and also received a bundle to take home with them.  I can hardly wait to see what they used it on for show and tell next month.  Inside the card I stamped the saying: Friendship is sewn with love and measured with kindness.
I just got back from a bank run (no...I am not robbing bank's these days...just depositing), a trip to the post office to mail off two Tags Your It, and a stop at my local haunt, Practical Cents.  I found a large bag of fusible interfacing, and a pack of half back pearls.  They are revamping the store, and it is half empty and they are moving all the displays around.  Mason raked in as they have children's clothing half price.  I found 4 button down shirts for him in various sizes that I am going to make matching ties for, so that he can wear them to church.  I found a pattern for children ties on line at etsy before Mason was born.  The first size I found was a 6 to 9 months so will have to hop on this project soon as he is in 3 to 6 months now.  That would make a nice Valentine's gift don't you think?  Also found him an adorable green and navy one piece out fit that has a dinosaur on the front and says Noise maker (lol).  I am sure his mother will agree on that one. As yesterday she told me he was "whining".  :-)  Not my angelic grandson!  He would never whine.
You will be proud of me as I did not drag home the red plastic handled silver wear I saw today.  It would look cute on my formica top 50's kitchen table, but I restrained myself and left it there.  Well time to get back to work.  Have a good one!  Elaine

Skinny Scarf #2

I've been crocheting away.  Here is another skinny scarf that I finished last week.

I was up town this afternoon and ran some errands.  I talked with Jen after I got home and knocked off some more items on the ole' "to do" list.  Not much left on it at the moment, but I am sure that won't last long.  Never does.  :-(  I need to work on the library scrapbook this week so I will probably spend time working on that when I am home.  The week is filling up fast, so I don't know how much that will be. 

Tonight is Diane's stamping party and I am looking forward to seeing the "gang" tonight, or should I say cult. as someone called it.  I saw some of them at a special event I held the beginning of December, but most of them I haven't seen since we met in November.  So it should be a good time!

Sarah's sewing project

Yoga pants that were too short on me.

Tank top from Maurices that was also a little short and I didn't like the fit of.

I cut apart the two items and sewed them together to make myself a new dress. Added some accessories and there you have it-- my new recycled dress!

(Please disregard how nasty I look in this photo-- I am sick and you sure can tell!)

 

Sarah posted this on face book.  She was so excited for me to see her sewing project.  I decided that I would post it on here as I know a lot of you don't have face book and would be interested in seeing it.  I am so very proud of her!  She did a fabulous job!

I have been stitching away.  I have my snowball towels finished, and the chicken towel.  Have a great day!  Elaine 

Grocery List Pads #2

More grocery list pads.  Well, yesterday ended up being quite productive as I ended up getting a total of 21 towels ready to be stitched.  Today has not been quite as productive, in that sense, although I have been busy working on things on my "to do" list.  I am working on stitching some towels for an order also.  I have an order for 3 snowball towels, another for a chicken towel, and another for a grocery list pad.  I have one snowball done and another started.  I am watching TV while stitching.  I caught most of the movie The Legend of the Fall, which I saw years ago, it is such a good movie.  Beautiful scenery.  Makes me long for Montana.  And sap that I am....I cried during most of it.  There must be free Encore this weekend as this was on Encore love channel.  Now I am watching the Uninteresting Life of Ernest.  I think that is what it is called.  I started watching it, needed to take a bathroom break, so I have it recording.  So far it is kind of a weird movie.  Hopefully it will get better!!!  Keep warm!  Me