Spare Change Quilt

I want to call this the Spare Change quilt because it's a variation on a Coin Quilt, and it was all scraps that went into it... Even the white is an old tablecloth from my MOPS group.
I also want to keep it, but that would be ridiculous, considering how many quilts we have around here now. Two of them were in my recent art show and I have yet to get them back, but more on that another day....
This one is getting gifted to a friend who would never in a million years expect a quilt from me. I've known her a few years, but we aren't so close that she would ever expect this. I think that's what makes me excited to give it. It's a truly extravagant gift- with no occasion. :) Those are the best kind.

Nest necklaces

I've been itching to make these nest pendants for a long time. Years, maybe? I made a nest necklace a few years ago that was commissioned for an auction and was so wishing I'd made an extra for myself. Last night, Mimi and I both made them (I'll post hers later, it's awesome)

I also have been itching to make this tourmaline tree for a while too. It was inspired by something Mimi and I saw in a catalog a while ago... It took a few hours to make, but it sure is rewarding...

Considering making a few extra nests for the holiday seasons boutiques and upcoming shows. I think they will make nice gifts this season.

Friday night sewing lessons

I spent my evening with the most adorable 6th grader - (Mimi's classmate's big sister)... Teaching her how to sew... In 1.5 hours she had made this adorable lined tote bag all sewn herself. (just in time for Red Ribbon Week at school... She's excited to show it off)
Her mom took one look and said, "you're gonna have a bunch of sixth grade girls begging to come over now"
I can think of worse problems, especially if they're half as cute as Tati.

Spinach Salad

J and I resolved a few years ago that we would not eat regular lettuce salads anymore when spinach is so much better for us. So here is the salad that has become a standard around here. I bring it to every family event and pot luck and if I make a salad at home, this is it - I'm not sick of it yet, so I am pretty sure everyone else isn't either. (then again, who knows?) Either way, my sis in law, Jen, got a pretty picture of it, so I figured I'd post it here.

Ingredients:
(these are the givens)
spinach
cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
craisins (we like the orange flavored type)
almond slivers or pine nuts
dressing - I use the Italian salad dressing that you mix yourself - only I use balsamic vinegar

these are the optional additions that we also love in it, I wouldn't add them ALL at once, but they are great additions:
cooked orzo
goat  cheese crumbles
canneloni beans (rinsed)
strawberries or blueberries

A true bee quilt from the Bee Happy gals

I feel like I am so lucky to be a part of such a great group of creative women in my quilting bee. This month at the Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild 1st anniversary meeting, a number of us were able to present Melissa a "ticker tape" baby quilt for her new baby. We each worked on a square, mailed it to Natalie and she graciously pieced it and quilted it together. The end result is a study in love and shabby chic. Ticker tape quilts are SUPER easy and fun to do, and what a treasured gift this was to be a part of giving. My square was actually so much fun to make that I kept going and made an entire baby quilt in the same manner and fabrics for Tori's new baby... (I posted about it a month ago... Link later)
In different seasons of my life, there have been different small groups of women that have inspired me creatively and pushed me further and further. Bee Happy is that current group... And I have the Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild (much larger and insanely inspiring as well!) to thank for that.
Who do you have that keeps you inspired and trying new things?

The design director turns 6

Last weekend was Mimi's birthday celebration. It's hard to believe she is now 6 years old. She's fabulous. Creative. Non-stop cheerful. Non-stop ideas. Non-stop chatter. And very sweet.
And we love her just the way she is.
Daddy took these adorable pics of her before her fairy party last weekend...

She's wearing a shirt she "designed" the morning of the party. "it needs this cupcake and, momma, the number 6 has to be handsewn" (well, okay then!)

Key chain Wristlet - a mommy must-have

I recently made a huge bulk purchase of these gorgeous wristlet keychains. We gave them to every mom that came to our MOPS group as a welcome gift. These are the best! I've heard at least about 10 different women thank me for getting them - mommies tend to lose their keys about 10 times between the house and the car and this not only eliminates the loss, but it gives you a few more fingers free to lug whatever you might be lugging.

They've been my gift of choice for a few years, and not just to mommies of little kids... doggie mommas love them too. I'm planning on giving them as teacher gifts this year, too.
I've been using the keychain wristlets for about 2 years and when I wear one until it's hideous and filthy - I get out a new, different, pretty one. (happy)
I have a few favorite vendors for them on etsy... check out lovey duds and also gingersnappz (both of whom also list a bunch of other great mommy must-have items, the ones pictured here are from Gingersnappz)

Make your own ugly dolls - by my sister, Victory

Here’s a cute Halloween craft idea that my sister emailed to me – they are to make their own “ugly dolls” – (http://www.uglydolls.com/)
These mittens are on sale at Target – they are normally 4 for $1.50 – this last week they were $1 (not sure how long the sale lasts)
Either way, pretty darn cheap.  Just need ribbon and some buttons and voila!
 
Just thought I’d pass on a cute idea!!

Art books for kids

I was thinking the other day, along the lines of my kids' art drawer ... And I was thinking about some of our favorite project books. Thought I'd share them with you. These are all really great books. And the "Best Craft Book Ever" is so great, I agree with it's title, for sure.

The Kathy Ross books are old school, and I think out of print, but they are so great. (find them on eBay or amazon)

I won the Rosie O'Donnell one as part of a giveaway on Mod Podge Rocks, and it's also really got some fun projects in it.

The toddler art books I found really resourceful when I used to do children's ministry - toddlers are so unpredictable, their art projects are different than bigger kids and these had some projects in them that were very resourceful and clever.

The dress that wanted to be a casserole carrier

Have you ever wondered if your dear old friend Libby is insane? Wonder no longer... Proof?
...My sister asked me about a month ago if I would make a casserole carrier for her to give a foodie friend on her birthday. (of course!) But in the craziness of school starting and G arriving, well... I forgot and the birthday came and went. Oops. Victory asked if I would make it soon, so I knew I had to do it asap. I asked her to remind me of the birthday girl's favorite colors: Burgundy, wine, plum, orange and lime green. Wow. Orange and green I have, but plum and wine are not big members of my stash.
Last night I was panicking a little, knowing I had to do this soon. I stumbled onto an all but finished dress for myself that's been awaiting a ruffle hem for about a month... Um yeah, perfect color scheme... Hmmm... Would I? You bet. So long dress, hello adorable casserole carrier.
I believe I may qualify as nuts. At least that's what my sister told me when I sent her this pic.