Christmas in July and Home Office 2013 Craft Swap

Here's our latest swap swag.  We sent away the first two pictures and received the four pictures below.  So fun... love them all!

Picking Daisies

It’s hard to believe that it has been a week since we were in SLO visiting Picking Daisies.  They have the best selection of modern quilt fabric and are known for their cotton napkins, which can be shipped if you’re interested.  We’ve been to the store before, but last weekend we visited to actually take a napkin making class and learn how to sew mitered corners!  What a fun day!  Included in this full day of sewing and instruction were all the extra tools needed to complete a set of 4 dinner napkins, 2 cocktail napkins, and 2 practice squares. The class materials included the coolest fabric marking pen EVER that disappears when ironed, fabric that can be preselected from the store and is prepped and ready to sew, coordinating thread, a point turner, a napkin ironing template, instructions, and a 20% off fabric coupon.  All you need is a sewing machine.  
 
As my mom sewed away, I unfortunately had to go write a paper at a local coffee shop.   When I returned I got to see her awesome napkin results.  I think she’s on a napkin making roll because we left with a pile of neatly folded fabric and a handmade wooden napkin crate.  Can't wait until the next time we get to visit this fun shop.        

 

Christmas in July

Merry Christmas… in July!  We just love Raiza Costa, so when she opened an online store we were super excited to try her baking kits.  She freely shares her recipes and tips on YouTube and we have already made some of her delicious treats, but we definitely wanted to support her and love her first kit that was sent out… the Heart Patterned Cake Roll.  She packed her Dulce Delight box full of goodies that were all individually separated and labeled.  The white chocolate endured some trauma during the shipping process due to the heat, but it tasted just as delicious as would be expected.  We watched her tutorial to get some visual tips and then went for it.  We were a little nervous to just flip the cake over from the pan to powered sugar dusted parchment paper, but it was really no big deal.  We did "ooh" and "ahh" when we finally got a glimpse of the bunny design… very impressive and such a cool technique to learn.  We recently saw Spamalot at the PCPA Solvang outdoor theatre, so we figured a red bunny was a good choice. ;) 

Patriotic 2013 Craft Swap

Just finished up a fun red, white, and blue themed craft swap.  There was a little delay with the Post Office, but everybody got their packages in time for all the July 4th festivities.  We sent out two U.S.A. themed magazine bags and included a vintage pin with both.  We received this super cute wreath and I  think it's  actually made from a pool noodle... how creative!  It's just so fun and festive.  Also, we got this awesome U.S.A. bunting pillow!  I don't know if we have a set style, but this would definitely be considered "our style" if we did.  We're really into buntings at the moment, so this is the perfect fit.  The string at the top is crocheted  and the letters are felt.  Love, love, love!  It's so cool to fill our house with things people have made. 

Summer Fun Fair

Instead of the usual Fireworks Booth, The Empty Space will be having a Summer Fun Fair and we want you to join us in all the fun!!!  Here is an article about the event that was in our local paper and Saint Olive is featured... so exciting!  We have been busy little crafters lately, but all the hard work is paying off because we have some really great crafts coming your way this weekend.  We teamed up with Carla's Studios last weekend and made a TON of beaded jewelry.  Check out Gyspsea Journeys to read the whole story and be sure to visit us this weekend!

Color Me Mine

Just painted this ceramic cheese plate this evenings with some friends from run camp.  Excited to see how all our projects turn out.  Hopefully, the kiln gods are good to us.

Beer for the Boss

My first year of working as a Speech Pathologist came to a close about three weeks ago.  This year went by so quickly, but in that short amount of time I met some really wonderful people.  This new environment ended up to be the perfect fit.  I had two wonderful mentors (one is family now), supportive coworkers and supervisors, a beyond caring secretary, and a fantastic boss.  It was a long journey to get to this point and I still have a ways to go with regards to schooling to complete a Masters, but I am so thankful to finally be where I am.  And to celebrate, I gave beer.  But... not just any beer.  One of my sites was an hour commute, which is pretty far.  One weekend, I stopped at a bakery to enjoy lunch with my mom.  This restaurant's location happened to be about half way to the site I was working at.  While we waited for the order, I noticed a beer that came from the same area where I worked.  I had to grab it... my mom had to add a few hand sewn kitchen (or shall we call them "bar") towels... and this had to be the perfect gift to end the year.  I still have two in the fridge waiting to toast in the new year when August rolls around.  Cheers to rewarding careers!