Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Years Resolution

It's that time of year again...
 
The most accurate thing I’ve seen on Pinterest.
That's like my chances of winning a lottery!!
 
52 Mondays....every week is a new chance!
 
My resolution for 2014 is going to be more like....
 
I am going to live a simpler, more creative and inspired life.
 
What's your pledge going to be?
 
Happy New Year to all!!
 
Cheers...
 
Christa
 
 
 
 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Passport to a New Year....

I love the colors of winter but not the frigid cold!!
 
 
So it's no surprise when I pulled out a few sheets of paper... 
 
 
 
 
to make a needed a last minute gift card holder....

 
That I chose the color of the winter skies!!

 
There are some AMAZING instructions on the internet for origami
 
What did we ever do without such a resource??
 
With  Christmas all unwrapped....

 
I have to confess I was beyond spoiled by my family!!
 
These bali crackers were supposed to be for mom but she gave them to me!!
 
Last time we shop for fabric together.....MOOOOM!!
 

 
Justin stumbled on this book on a Quilting Business
 
Funny how you find things when you aren't looking for them
 
I wonder if this book will help me figure out how to produce a pattern for sale??

 
These chocolates look too beautiful to crack into(thank goodness)...
 
Staying strong so far!!!
 
Arnold and the kids gave me a new Pfaff Passport to take to retreats and guild
 
Apparently,
 
I was raving way too much about Maryann's recent purchase of the same machine!!
 
Guess I liked it...

 
I soooo don't deserve this little treasure!!
 
Thank you so much Arnold, Jeremy, Chantel and Justin!!
 
You spoil me!!

 
I have been testing it out on a mess of flannel flying geese!

I look forward to the world of possibilities my Passport 2.0 will provide in the coming years!!
 
Stay warm,
 
Christa
 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

In the Nick of Time...

You can't hide from it.....
 
 
Christmas is here already!!!
 
And with Winny overseeing all the gift making.....
 



I have managed to complete all the things I wanted to make without too much fretting!!
 
A couple of sets of Christmas tree napkins...
 
 
A Stitcher's wallet for Colleen...


 
This summer,
 
 Colleen came to my rescue
 
when I had a flat tire on a +35C day..... half way home...
 
300$ worth of groceries
and
 ice cream melting on top of the jack and tools....


 
My dad didn't have his phone and my husband and kids were all working...

 
So it was a matter of 'who yah going to call?'
 
Colleen!!!
 
Colleen came quickly and rescued Mom and I and we were sooo grateful!!
 
When it cooled off, I went back and changed the tire with Justin's help!!

 
Then a couple of weeks ago,
 
Colleen's husband found one of my dogs hit on the road.
 
Lorin was kind enough to deal with the situation,
 
saving me from more heartache than necessary.....

 
Colleen has been wanting to start a Bunny Hills project with embroidery
 
so
 
I thought this stitcher's wallet by Crabapple Hills Studio would be a fitting gift!

 
It was alot of fun to try to add things Colleen loved to it....
 
 like this little spoon and teapot...

 
She is ready to stitch away!!
 
Thank you to Lorin and Colleen for your help this year!!
 
I also wanted to make a few tea towels for gifts ....

 
When I cut out the Snowman Snowflake,
 
I realized I could get the reverse out of the leftovers....
 
Bonus!!
 
 
With the clock ticking on my Scrap Squad #6 quilt...
 
 
It is back from my Longarmer, Terry Whitman....


 

Quilted up beautifully as always....
 
Terry does such stunning quilting.
 
She always asks what I want on it and I give her free rein...
 
I know what ever she does will be beautiful!!

 
Bound with...of course....Susie's Magic Binding Technique

 
So easy and I love the flanged detail!!

So with the stockings are hung with care and lots of  treats made....
 
I think I am ready!!

 
Now if I can just get Dawson to vacuum and put her toys away!!
 
Hope you hear a CLICK,CLICK,CLICK on your rooftop tonight!!
 
Merry Christmas to all,
 
Christa
 
 
 
 


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Maryann's Miraculous Creations...Day 2

Maryann's house always feels so warm and welcoming....
 
 
With an eye for unique and beautiful things....


 
There is inspiration around every corner...

 
Colour is everywhere.........


but red is her favorite...as well as one of mine(thus the red tinned roof)!!

 
I think I am coming over to wrap my presents, Maryann!!
 
 

 
Aren't these Christmas tree napkins adorable??
 
I made them for her last year
 
 and
 
Maryann has made a forest of trees for her family this year


 
Every room in the house is ready for Christmas.....

 
Even the bathroom!!!
 
 
 
These little bears were a painting class we took from Kerrie Ermel way back when!!
 
Great memories....

 
Maryann is an incredible painter, quilter, crafter.....
 

 

She adds love to everything she does!!

 
With that new sewing machine and beautiful stash.....
 
 
 
I can't wait to see what she creates this year!!
 


Thanks for sharing,Maryann!!

You really should give Christmas Tours....

I really enjoy my tour every year!


Christa





Friday, December 20, 2013

Maryann's Christmas Spirit

A couple of weeks ago, my girlfriend Maryann
 
 asked me to print off some sheets of vintage music....
 
 
Well, I should have known she was going to make some fabulous things as always!!
 
 
 
Maryann recently discovered Pinterest and has far surpassed the possibilities of creativity...
 
 
She takes simple ideas and made ornaments that are just stunning!!
 
 
 
I am not surprised...
 
as she is super talented and creative....
 
There is nothing she can't tackle and do better than the original!!
 
 
 
She gathered some of her favorite things and started to decorate her house for the season....
 
 
 
She has such an eye for design....
 
 
Taking everyday items and making them into festive displays that are awe-inspiring!!

 
Burlap stockings that are feminine and adorable....
 
(yup, she made everything you see...I mean everything!)


Her newly acquired fabric and wool stash looking way to pretty to use...

 
Isn't this cardinal quilt beautiful?
 
and a garland of 'Merry Christmas'....


 

An old day bed painted up...
 
a tomato cage stuffed with burlap and pine boughs to make a tree...
 
Sealer lids in a circle to make a vintage wreath.....

 

 
A couple of trees cut out of an old pallet......



What a beautiful backdrop with her Crabapple Hills Snowmen quilt...

 
 
Thanks for sharing, Maryann!! You are such an inspiration!!
 
 
Lucky to be your friend...
 
Christa
 
 











 
 









 


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