Crafting in Texas

While dining out with my nieces in San Angelo, Mary Beth asked me what crafts I was working on.

I told her I hadn't been too creative lately, but that I was working on a "chickens and quilts" cross stitching.

She told me she had a project she was trying to get started, but wasn't sure how to go about it.  She had bought fabric to make a wall hanging for her children's room and she had questions about how to do applique.  I was excited to help out, so after supper, we headed to her house and pulled out the fabrics she had bought.

I was thrilled with the challenge and we began.  First, I looked at a picture of what she wanted and then I free handed the patterns for the two elephants.

After creating the pattern, I cut out the fabric and ironed some fusing to the back of the pieces.  Then I placed the pieces onto the background, ironed them in place and then stitched the edges with contrasting thread.

Next, I stretched the hanging over the frame Ben made. It was a little tricky getting it just right, but finally, it all came together.

I was really pleased with the outcome and I think Mary was, too!

Happy 5th Birthday Abigail Elizabeth Hebert!

For Abbie's birthday I decided to get creative and crafty, along with thrifty. I had fabric that I had bought to make a clown costume for her last birthday, but ended up just renting one so I had $45.00 worth of cute fabric laying around.  I had no idea what to give her, but I knew I wanted something different, something to make her think of me when she saw it. 

After staring at the fabric for awhile, it reminded me of a cake mix that I love, "Confetti". Whenever I have the girls over, we usually bake cupcakes.......there was my inspiration!

I decided to make her an apron and toque! I added the cake mix, icing, cupcake cups and some fun icing gels. I also picked up a pair of orange flipflops at Hobby Lobby and added a pink flower for shoes to go with her new cooking apparel.

I really think she liked it!

Apron Giveaway

Check out the great apron giveaway at French Garden House Blog! Click on the button and enter to win!

Celebrating Home with Elaine

Years ago, my sister, Elaine, moved to San Angelo, TX. Although she returned to Louisiana numerous times for visits, I had never gone to San Angelo. Finally, my adventures took me there.

Upon arriving, she whisked me away for manicures and pedicures at her favorite new salon. The atmosphere was so relaxing and it gave us time to chat and catch up on our dreams and goals. I shared with her my desire to start a blog and create an online source to sell my art and crafts. Having two blogs herself, she gave me great advice and encouragement.

After the rejuvenating attention at the salon, we headed to Elaine's home. She is a designer with "Celebrating Home" and I couldn't wait to see her talents exhibited throughout her refuge.

Entering through her red front door, I was welcomed by the most scrumptious scent emitting from her new "Scentsy". It is a unique pineapple shaped potpourri pot. I haven't seen these in Louisiana, yet!

The living room was filled with examples of Elaine's creativity.  Over the fireplace was the cleverest use of an old gate and a lovely glass jar filled with sand, a tiny bird and shells from the beach. Tucked among her creations were lanterns, candles and greenery from her Celebrating Home collection.

In the corner, there was a tribute to one of Elaine's favorite things to do....read. She refinished an old trunk, which you can see details of on her blog, http://hospitaliteacottage.blogspot.com/  . She filled it with some of her favorite books and her "Jewel's" favorites, too.

Moving into the dining room, I was reminded of Elaine's love of tea and making her home a welcoming sanctuary. The shelves were filled with teacups, teapots and sweet gift books filled with thoughts of hospitality.

Next was her kitchen, shrouded in her favorite color, red. I felt so much warmth and love in there. Witty sayings embellished each of the walls, alongside favorite chalkboards made from castaway items, such as an old tray and an old dresser, now a kitchen island. (See her blog for details to make each.)

There in the kitchen, we enjoyed a cup of hot tea together and celebrated home!

French Garden House

Well, it took entering a contest for me to finally post to my blog that I began creating over a year ago!

There is an awesome giveaway going on at French Garden House Blog. Please, check it out.

http://littlefrenchgardenhouse.blogspot.com/2010/07/special-guest-connie-eyberg-fabulous.html