Saturday Sampler Amish Quilt

I have been a very, very amateur quilter for a few years now. This year I decided I needed to step up my game. However, I don't think I could do it without support or accountability. So, I signed up for a monthly class where I have to finish the tasks for each month in order to get the instructions for the next month. I'm fairly certain that I am getting in WAY above my ability level but the ladies at the store seemed really open and available to help whenever I need it. I am excited to finally join the tanks of the amazing quilters in my family. I'll keep you apprised of my progress. Wish me luck.

The CUTEST PUPPY ever!

We are a little biased, but seriously...look at that face.

We love her so much. She creates laughter, encourages us to exercise and gives us so much love. Although, she is a bit borderline as she can tell when we are getting ready to leave and won't give us the time of day!

But she is more excited than children on Christmas morning as soon as we are home.

Love!

MAP it...

This is a project my mom bought the supplies for and I went ahead and did it for her while she crocheted my some slippers when they were here visiting in July!  Ben Franklin Crafts had it on display, so we recreated it.

Here's what you need:

Canvas

Map

Paints

Stickers

Wire

Needle

Glue

Wire picture thingy in any shape desired

Here's what I did:

-First, I traced the wire map shape onto a regular paper map (another reason why beign a AAA member is worth it...free maps for...your travels or crafts!)

-Then I painted the background to kind of look like water.

-Then I glued the map down.

-Then I placed the stickers all around the map where appropriate...for example, one said Grandma's something or other, so I put that one about Montana, the peach one I put by Georgia, Iced tea by the South, etc...
-Then I mod podged the entire top and let it dry.
-Then I wrapped wire tightly around the edges and center of the wire map to hold it down, just in like 6 places.

-This is the finished product.  Mom's gonna hang it in her motor home and put pics & postcards from places they visit.

  Fun, huh?

The 4th of July/ Fireworks Stand

Well, this 4th of July was different than any other I have experienced as an adult.  First, I am working a job where I don't have vacation days let alone the whole summer off, so it was weird to not be on vacation.  

But, we also were deeply entrenched in our church fundraiser fireworks stand.  We unloaded all of these from 4 semi-trucks, organized, unpacked, priced and sold all of this stuff.  It was insane, but pretty fun and a great fund raiser!  We spent most of the weekend before the Holiday here working away for the Lord.

On the actual holiday, we went to Bothell's parade and then had a BBQ with our good friends, the Dockters.  Here is a pic of us gals at the parade.

And, Matt and I here at the parade.

This was Matt's favorite firework.  It was a 500 gram cake that had lots of fun shots and color.  I don't feel like the "redneck ruckus" name was justified.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we did...

jewelry this spring/ summer

I've been on a pink/ coral kick lately...and I have been loving COPPER, so here are some of my latest creations.  The far right are wire-wrapped peacock feathers and they are a hit!  So many compliments.

GO TEAM!

I've been looking for a way to celebrate our favorite teams here in the Konrad household...and I think I found it!  As many people know, my husband is obsessed with Alabama Crimson Tide Football.  We named out dog after their head coach!  But, I am an huge Seattle Seahawks fan, so I decided to make a half and half wreath!

I used the idea of the fabric strips, but I only used ribbon.  Here are the ribbons I used, plus some organza shiny stuff that I found in the cheap bins at Joanne's.  I cut each ribbon into 7 inch strips and tied them around a metal ring.

Then, I painted the appropriate letters to say which teams we love (BAMA and HAWKS).

Then I carefully adhered the letters to the matching side of the wreath.

And, this is my finished product.  I didn't have a wreath for my wall for the rest of the summer, so this is what we will be using to get us excited about the upcoming football season and who knows...maybe it will go somewhere permanently.

I am pretty proud of how this one turned out.  I was a little leery with the two color schemes and the fact they they kind of don't go, but my Christmas decor at those colors too!

More B-Day Reminders

So I made myself a birthday reminder earlier in the year and I thought it would be a nice gift idea.  I made our moms each one for Mother's Day.  My mom has roosters and chickens in her kitchen, Matt's mom likes sunflowers and yellow!  On theirs I put a lot more dates than mine.