Gifts

This lovely pincushion was

from Cathy B, blogging at:

With Needle + Thread.

She uses her 

Mom's tatting.

I don't know, may be too pretty for pins ; )

And, makes the pincushions 

with a Mason Jar Lid.

Colorful!  Delightful!

And, I received an e-mail from

Beth, blogging at:

Love Laugh Quilt

That I was a  W I N N E R

of her book giveaway --- isn't that kewl???

Also .... Gracie, blogging at:

Needles, Pins + Dragonflies

sent me this awesome

Spring Button Up --- kit,

by Lizzie Kate.

Many many thx to CathyB, Beth + Gracie.

Aren't I the lucky one???

IMA

Exhibit info line - HERE

thru June 12, 2012

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Initially, not so sure about the art work - then, read the artists statements,

 the philosophy continues to tumble thru my mind today --

"Above the clouds, the weather is always fine"

Beck Chapel

Bloomington, IN

DH + I were married here, 

many years ago.

Always special to revisit the chapel.

music

music

Hello Kitty ... Dress-Me, II

The Hello Kitty brown plush
was at the Sanrio store.

To justify, they don't always have the brown plush. And the white plush sells out so quickly. There is only one baby plush --- ok, I'll skip the baby.

And, a Spring Dress ... cannot wear a bikini all the time.

And the nice lady at the counter told me they just put out FIVE
new outfits.

FIVE? FIVE?

Guess we need TWO plush HK's to show off the new outfits. It is far easier to pick up outfits for toys. Sure beats trying things on - ICK, those telling mirrors do not flatter this fossil.

I'm so doomed.

---------- btw, the President's Day Sales are going well. Shoppers everyplace!! Are you sure there is a problem with the economy?

And, I think I need to go back today to pick up something for DH.

Flowers from DH

He is such a keeper

Our Pets are not allowed on the furniture.

Mr. Katt doesn't comprehend "not allowed"

Dream

I cut this image out -

it was on the envelope of a greeting card.

I have the fusing done,

and am searching thru my 'stash' 

for charms, beads, ribbon,

things to embellish the cover of this needlebook.

Keeping my fingers crossed 

Tuesday's NANI class

goes over well with the members.

Or this 'dream' will become a 

nightmare.

Grateful for friends to lend a hand and keep me sane.

F Word

Fusing ...

(What were you thinking????)

These are starts of needlebook projects.

Friends and I are going to enjoy sharing

a creative evening with NANI members.

I wanted to get out some stash and make a few models (so I'd do ok trying to explain to somebody else!!! --- why is it easier to just sit down and "do it" vs. instructing other people?)

I find by taking pictures --- I can easily spot things needing to be 'changed' or embellished before I call it quits on fusing.

I like using Misty Fuse.    I have a needlebook cover sewn (by machine) and like to use a layer of Misty Fuse, then layer with texture .... followed by paper, stamps, tatting practice pieces, and fiber orts.    So far, these have a couple layers of Misty Fuse.  

Next, I pause and take a photo.....  (take a pause before I continue)

Before I trim the edges I look at the overall flow of the images + see if it all relates to my theme.

---These pictures are just a start .... I have more embellishing to do:

I look at my pile of scattered images (from greeting cards or craft freebie images, etc.) to see what I might want to add.   (or peel off!).    I like to have a theme.

Once I'm ok with the overall flow, I take misty fuse + top with tulle.  Fusing done --- needle threaded for more embellishing.    Embellishing is so much fun - use  beads, charms, floss, perle cotton next.    Last, sew in the pages, button, and some kind of easy tie closure.

Maybe have some finished needlebooks in the next day or two.  

Free Pattern - link here