This Will Make You Smile

Go Buckeyes!

Collage...Garland

1. Fanned Bauble Paper by SimplyInvitingCards
2. Fabric Bunting by knottednest
3. Party Pom by PartyPoms
4. Vintage Scalloped Fabric by sweetjessie
5. Day of the Dead by RawBoneStudio

Collage...New Zipper Pouch

One Moment Week #4

"OM [one moment] meet up is a weekly gathering of shared moments that make each of us pause and connect with life. Learn more here and join us!"

My one moment this week occurred as I was sewing in my craft room. I have this magnetic bulletin board on my wall where I put all kinds of things like business cards, photos, pattern pieces, post cards, fabric swatches, you name it...it's up there. Today, as I was glancing over at it, enjoying the random array of what nots, I was inspired. All of a sudden the bag front I was working on took an entirely new turn. Instead of a simple crazy quilt square, I ended up with a collage of sorts. Just goes to show, you can find inspiration anywhere.

I'm Ready to Plant

Aren't these beautiful? I am so ready to plant flowers. Won't be long now. Here in Indiana, they say we're safe from frost after Mother's Day. Yay!

Quilted Scrap Bag

Just posted in my shop. Thanks so much for all the kind comments about my recent scrappy creations.

Hooray for Frito Lay!

Okay, so i bought a bag of these Sun Chips. I've never tried them before and I really like the idea of a compostable bag. Turns out they are really tasty, but...
Don't try sneaking them from the cupboard or taking them into the movie theater because everyone within a 5 mile radius will hear you. Ha! The bag is really loud, I mean, REALLY LOUD!

Anyway, way to go Frito Lay! I salute you for your efforts to make this a healthier planet.

Jade Tiger Lenten Rose

I just found a perennial I must add to my shade garden. We already have some lenten roses and they do so well in the shade. Isn't it beautiful. I love the color and the delicate magenta edges.



I found this one on the Better Homes and Gardens website. "Part of the Winter Jewels series, 'Jade Tiger' offers amazing double green flowers in late winter and early spring. Because it's poisonous, this perennial is left alone by deer, rabbits, and other animal pests.
Name: Helleborus Winter Jewels 'Jade Tiger'
Growing conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide
Zones: 4-8
Grow it with: Create early-season contrast in the garden by planting this with a rich purple Lenten rose.
Available from seed: No"
Source: greatgardenplants.com
Photo courtesy greatgardenplants.com

Collage...Here Comes the Sun

1. Laptop Sleeve by ambette
2. Harris Tweed Yellow Brooch by breagha
3. Mini Sticky Cover-up by shamsandcoverups
4. Felted Pincushion by feltmates
5. Layered Paper Ring by TheSpacesInBetween

Yellow Scrap Bag

Okay, are you tired of them yet? I just can't stop sewing with my scraps. I love this one.

Another Scrap Zipper Pouch

I'm really getting a kick out of these scrap bags. Though, it doesn't seem to be making much of a dent in the scrap bag. Oh well, hope you enjoy them too!

New Bag in the Shop

Isn't it great when you can make something useful out of scraps?

One Moment Week #3

My one moment this week happened just a few minutes ago. I was all depressed about the weather report for the weekend. It's supposed to rain both Saturday and Sunday. I was standing at my back door looking out at the woods and realized how beautiful everything looks wet. Don't you agree?

Some Flowers and a New Barrel

Just some spring flowers to share with everyone. And, our new rain barrel. How cool is this. I can water my plants without having to unwind my hose and drag it around the yard. Yay!

Not Just Another Hallmark Holiday

I must admit that I am one of those people who doesn't observe those silly little Hallmark holidays like Sweetest Day, Grandparent's Day, Bosses Day and Administrative Professionals Day (even though I am one). I really think those days were created to milk us all out of $2.50 for the obligatory greeting card. But, when it comes to days like today...Earth Day, I say YES! I can get behind this one completely.

I resolve to live a more earth friendly lifestyle by recycling, re-using, re-purposing, walking instead of driving, composting, collecting rain water for watering plants, using fabric grocery bags, etc. Here are some great websites to get you started on your way to a "greener" existence.

http://green.wikia.com/wiki/How_to_reduce_your_carbon_footprint
http://www.greenstudentu.com/encyclopedia/carbon_footprint/reduce_footprint
http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/action/footprint.php

The Best Give-Away Yet

I stumbled upon this great Earth Day give-away while reading my favorite blogs today. Check it out!

Beautiful Batik Treasury

Thanks to FabricFascination for including my bag in this treasury.

My good friend and talented artist Linda, over at a la mode, has come up with the greatest idea. She is organizing a group of bloggers and encouraging us to stop and smell the roses. And, when we do, share what we "smelled". Ha! I think it's fabulous! We all live such hectic, chaotic, quick lives and we often forget to take note of the simplest, most lovely things.

Here is my "one moment" from today.



Wouldn't you love to live the life of a cat? Here is our lovely Grizabella basking in the sunlight that comes through our front windows. Ah, the life!

Collage...Water

What an absolutely beautiful weekend we had. We went for a long walk on Saturday and on Sunday we worked in the yard. I power washed my deck too. Maybe even started a little tan. Yay! Enjoy my collage. I'm constantly amazed at the talent I find on Etsy.



1. Transcend Print by RetrospectPhoto
2. Blue Skies Candy Glass Pendant by JoliMarbleSwirls
3. Splash Bowl by englerglass
4. Waimanalo Waters Necklace by leslee6
5. Something Blue Necklace by hamptonjewels
6. Resting 2 Print by Lori411

Grizabella

Our sweet Griz has recovered from her surgery. She likes to eat sewing needles...um, yeah. Well, I guess it's the thread on the needle that really attracts her. Now we have to figure out how to keep her out of the sewing room. Anyway, she's back to her old self. Yay!

Some New Springtime Fobs

Hope you had a nice holiday weekend. I just posted some new fobs in my shop. Hope you like them.

Just a Little Pre-Easter Humor

Collage...Pincushions

1. Linen pincushion by namolio
2. New Vintage Floral Pincushion by SillyGoat
3. Mini Dogwood in Lilac by TheDailyPincushion
4. Patched Doily Pincushion by mooseandbird
5. Miniature Cathedral Window Pincushion by warmfuzzies
6. Wool Pincushion with Crocheted Flowers by RescuedOfferings

My Terrarium

Okay, so I had to make myself a moss terrarium. I just think they are sooooo pretty. I may even have to make one for my office. The little house inside was my creation too. It's made from polymer clay that I painted with acrylics.

Early Spring Blooms

I always know spring is right around the corner when my lenten roses start to bloom. We have two large patches of them just on the edge of our woods. They like the rich soil there and delight us every spring and fall. The flower begins purple, but then fades to a more subdued light mauve. Beautiful!

Collage...Terrarium Treasures

1. Miniature Garden Urn Set by GardenBarn
2. Miniature Raccoon by RockArtiste
3. Good Fortune Turquoise Sparrow by AdoroMe
4. Three Handmade Birds by SkyeArt
5. Woodland Mushroom Cottage by WoodenTreasures
6. House of Tiny Fairies by Vishnya
7. Miniature Garden Bridge by GardenBarn
8. Little Pink Houses by ALDDesigns

Moss Terrarium Tutorial

I've been busy this weekend making some moss terrariums for Easter gifts. I'm starting to get into gardening mode due to the great weather we had. These terrariums couldn't be easier to make and care for and they couldn't be prettier sitting on your desk, coffee table or kitchen window sill.


To start, you need to find a glass container with a lid. You can also use containers without lids, but you have to make sure they stay moist.



You will also need some small rocks for the bottom layer, some sphagnum moss for the second layer, some cactus potting mix for the third layer and some bonsai soil for the fourth layer. You don't have to have the bonsai soil, but I find that the different colors of the layers add interest to the terrarium. You could substitute sand for the third layer and use the cactus potting mix or bonsai soil for the fourth layer. It is not recommended that you use regular potting mix as it tends to hold too much water.



Be sure to wash your rocks. Place a small layer of rock in the bottom of a clean dry glass container.



Next, put your sphagnum moss into a bowl and dampen it with water. Squeeze out the excess water and place a layer over the rocks. I use about a 1/2" thick layer. This will help to keep the soil from sifting down onto your rocks.




The third layer is your cactus potting mix. You will want to use about a 1/2" to 1" layer.



The fourth layer is the bonsai soil. This is a pretty terra cotta and sand colored mix.



The search for the moss is the most fun part of this project. Especially if you like to walk through the woods as I do. I found my moss in my back yard on the edge of our woods. You will want to have a container and a spatula or large flat spoon with you. Most moss will lift very easily from it's location. You don't want much soil to come up with it, so just put the spoon at the edge and slide it under the moss. It will be the final layer to your terrarium.



Lay your moss out on a newspaper and take the lid of your container to determine the size you will need. Trim the moss to fit the container and place it on top of the bonsai soil.



Now you will want to water it lightly. Don't allow too much water to sit on the bottom. If condensation collects on the inside of your terrarium, you can just remove the lid for 15 minutes or so. You know it's time to water your terrarium when you no longer see condensation on the inside.

You can add a little rock or ornament to the moss for decoration. There are several Etsy shops that sell terrarium treasures, or you can make your own out of polymer clay. Just use the word terrarium in your search. Most popular items are mushrooms, gnomes and little houses.

Aren't these lovely?