Jason Turned 40!

Happy Birthday my son! You look fabulous for 40!! XOXO 

Quick Charm Square Tote Bag

Last night I made a quick charm square tote bag to go with a charm square baby quilt (I only have the top made for that one). I had quilted the sides of the tote bag and just needed to put it together. My bright idea was that I could put the quilt in the bag and it would be a nifty baby gift. Now I just need to quilt the little baby quilt (which is just charm squares sewn together). I made an extra long handle to make it easier to carry.

I did this while I was up until 2 AM because my dog, Charlie, is afraid of thunder. I've tried everything and have no idea what to do for him. He is happy laying between my feet while I sew. Well, at least I actually finished something....while the storm was raging. sigh...

Trip Around the World with Rectangles

I made this quick Trip Around the World with Rectangles quilt top a while ago. Yesterday when cleaning my quilt room closet, I found the fabric I saved from this line to use for the backing and binding. Now I have no excuse for not finishing. I love the colors. It's brighter and richer colors than the pictures show. My camera just isn't very good (yes, I will blame the camera). I think I'll scallop the edges.

Friday Fun - Dog and Kid Look Alikes!

I mean, really....

 Is it just me?

Black and White Beauty

I'm such a color freak that I never thought I would like a black and white room. This one works though. So sophisticated. Charlie and Lola would make sure it had touches of brown from their paws and a few dog toys would be scattered around so I can only admire it from afar. It makes me remember when every mother's mantra was "don't go in the living room" and kids couldn't even walk through the room....the "olden days".

My New Birdhouse

I really was going to put my adorable new birdhouse outside but so far, I just cant. I think this little birdhouse might stay inside.

Union Jack fail....(not epic fail though)....

This is my version of a Union Jack. I made this little quilt block last night. I don't like it but I do want a Union Jack block that would make a great quilt. This block is square and the Union Jack would be better as a rectangle.Other than the shape, I can see that the red rose fabric I used has roses that are just too big. I should have used a small scale print in the red areas. Oh well, I'll work on it.

Charlie and Lola Got New Dog Tags!

True!

A Reminder....

I wanted to share this photo that I ran across.This is a photo of teenage girls in 1909. They worked in a cotton mill. They look exhausted. They look like there is no joy in their life. I don't have much money and it's often a struggle for me to make sure everything is paid. I tend to feel sorry for myself. Then I get reminded about how lucky I am. Shame on me...

Enjoying Spring and Charlie

I'm enjoying the beautiful Spring weather we've had this year. Plenty of rain to make the flowers bloom.

Little trees weighed down with new blooms. Butterflies gracefully floating around the flowers.

And Charlie. For as long as he is here with me, I will enjoy him.

No Words Necessary

For anyone who loves dogs...

Porch Inspiration...

I love to look at beautiful pictures to get inspiration for my porch decor.

On this porch, I love the gingerbread trim. I can't really do that in the front but am thinking of doing it in the back.

This porch uses bunting. I love that just a small amount of bunting makes such an impact.

I love the all red and white cushions on white furniture shown on this porch. Adding to the look, are all red geraniums. I love this!

Again, this porch uses white furniture with red cushions. The color blue is added in this photo. I would remove the purplish plant at the bottom. But I love this color scheme for summer.
Retro looking, bright pillows on the white swing are colorful and fun. I guess I'm seeing some white furniture in my future.
Here we have pink and yellow with a touch of aqua. I'm really liking the porches that have flowers that are the same colors as the cushions on the furniture. That's a great decorating idea.

So, guess I'll get started on my planning, cushion making and furniture painting....or maybe I'll just keep looking at photos.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!

You don't LOOK 40!

You'll always be my baby.....and I guess that makes me really, really old.....

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY JASON! LOVE YOU! XOXOXO

Amazingly Beautiful Design Seeds!

If you love color, love inspiration, love beautiful photography, you are sure to go wild over Design Seeds! As a quilter, I am blown away by the color pallets that Design Seeds create every day! I just wanted to share this delightful website. So much fun!







Ahhhhh, my daily color fix.....

PLEASE PRAY FOR CHARLIE

Here he is...the love of my life. Charlie the Adorable. The most loving little guy ever. Charlie has tumors that the vet says "don't look good". He will have surgery soon. I am terrified...

Charlie is unimpressed with his diagnosis...I freak out...he sleeps...

Please pray for Charlie. He's the ultra-cute guy who's always at my feet. Please pray for me too. I'm the one with the breaking heart...

Cath Kidston Buttons!

Got my Cath Kidston buttons in the mail and I had to share! Her button cards look old and are a very sweet addition to any collection! Here's where you can find them: Cath Kidston
Be sure to click on the American Flag so that you see prices in dollars and not euros.

Falling for Pink....

I've honestly never seen a pink room that I really liked. But browsing through Pinterest the other day I saw this room and sort of fell in love. As I looked closely, I noticed that this is a sun porch or garden room built onto the house. I'm thinking that because of the shingles on the wall. I love the way they opened the window into what I assume is the kitchen. The upholstery on the couch and all the pillows just make this to die for. I also love the giant curved window to the outside. I would love to have this gorgeous room in my home and just thought I would share.

The Problem with Pinterest....

I love Pinterest. I have a ton of boards and pins (see my Pinterest here). The problem with Pinterest is that some of the beautiful images like this one have no information about the source. I have no idea who originally created this image. From the waterfall spilling from the eye to the birds flying away from the eyelash forest, it is a haunting creation. So to the unknown artist, thank you...I love your work!

Lamp Shade Tutorial from Gina M Studio

This gorgeous lampshade was re-made by my daughter, Gina. She has put a wonderful tutorial on her Flickr. Here is Step One: Lamp Shade Tutorial Just follow her photostream for the rest of the steps. The hardest part is finding a lampshade with a lining. But I promise, when you are finished, you have a fabulous lampshade that you would pay $200 or more for in a designer boutique.