St. Paddy's Day

I've been working on this one for a year!

I started sewing a couple years ago and I am not very good at it. I get these ideas in my head and instead of following patterns or the experts...I have just been winging it. And, my machine is uber finicky, so I get stuck along the way sometimes.

Anyway, I have been trying to make wall hangings for different holidays. This one is St. Paddy's Day...four leaf clovers!

I just cut out hearts, appliquéd them on, sewed all the pieces up and quilted it along the seams!

What took me so long?

Wall of Serving Trays!

Per my new collection post before...here's an update on my progress.

I'm hoping they don't fall since our whole house shakes during the spin cycle on the washer! :)

Calendar

Thank you Pinterest! Saw this idea and one of my resolutions this year is to try to stay more organized which in turn will ring peace! I like visuals as well. So, I created a family calendar for the hallway. We have to walk past it so there will be no excuses in forgetting deadlines or birthdays!

Here's what you need:
-picture frame. 11x14 or larger.
-paint sample cards (free from your local paint store)
-double sided tape
-dry erase markers

Here's what you do:
1. Cut paint cards into chunks. Mine were 1 1/2"x1 7/8". You will need at least 6 chucks of each color variation. Some people may choose to do each row in the same color and make the columns varied. I have a lot of color around so I wanted to make it especially colorful!
2. Flip the picture frame liner over and begin carefully adhering each chunk in vertical and horizontal lines making sure to leave a bit of space between each chunk. (I put a background behind mine with scrapbook paper, but you wouldn't have to!)
3. Once you have all the chunks lined up and tape down, flip it over and put the frame together.
4. Lastly, write in the dates for the month and, vuaalah you have a calendar!!!!

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...