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.        

 

Spring 2013 Craft Swap

Here's our second swap update. We actually joined two groups this time, which means we gave and got four packages.  We sent out aprons and dish towels and received wreaths, a bracelet, and an apron.  The fuzzy bright green one is going in Gypsea.  We get to meet her next weekend... so excited!!!

YO!

Here are some yo-yo buttons, yo!  Also, here's a good video on how to make them.  Basically, take a circle of fabric, sew a running stitch, gather, and embellish.  Super easy... make a ton!  Right now!

It's a GIRL!!!

A friend of mine had a baby!  Super excited for their growing family.  They are such fun people.  

Obsessed

This morning I was watching The Today Show and they were talking about how people are obsessed with using the word obsessed.  As I stumbled out of bed to grab a breakfast of champions (Cadbury chocolate eggs... I'm obsessed with these every Easter) and plop myself on the couch, so I could crochet some dish towels that need to be mailed (I'm obsessed with crocheting and mailing packages to people), my mom came frolicking out of the craft room and plopped a down a sewn bag.  She spun around and exclaimed, "made another one" as she headed back to continue sewing.  If this pile keeps growing, it may be safe to say that she's obsessed with making these cute little totes.

Valentines 2013 Craft Swap

We love crafts swaps and my dear friend, Angela, introduced us to a fun group that loves swaps too.  We sent out two heart shaped embellished pillows and in return got a beautiful detailed quilled picture and fun hoop wall hanging.  We love them both.  We will be participating in their Spring swap, so we'll post pictures of that later on.

The Seventh Day!

Our super crafty blog friend, Kayla, expressed that she had a little fringe envy when we posted our pom pom fringe pillows.  Well, there will be no more of this envy because she will soon receive her very own fringe pillow complete with hot cocoa.  Some assembly (stuffing) required.

Keep CALM

A friend of mine once said, “Life is as tragic as you make it.”  Lately it has seemed pretty tragic to us, but we’re trying to keep a positive outlook and more forward.  We have been experiencing new things, going on adventures, crafting like crazy, and making new/remembering old memories.  Throughout all this, art has definitely remained one of our therapies.  My mom was given a challenge at one of her quilt meetings where she was given a card as inspiration.  She was then asked to create something quilted based on her card.  We decided to collaborate on this project.  The finished piece was displayed as part of the Beatitudes series at the Sacred Space.  Tomorrow we get to pick it up, so we can display it in our home as a reminder of what our ultimate future holds.  Pretty promising and not at all tragic if you ask us.  

Fun Fabric Fortune Cookies

Love Mollie Makes.  Love Whitney Sews.  Love Fabric Fortune Cookies!  Love how my coworker PUNCHES her fortune cookies and smashes them to pieces, so she can get to the fortune (I swear the first time I saw her do that, I laughed so hard I cried).  Love how my mom’s church birthday dinner group says “…between the sheets” after every fortune (don’t act shocked, it’s a tradition).  And last but not least… I love how you can use these premade circles as a short cut to making these super cute fabric fortune cookies.  This means you don’t have to trace the circles.  Also, if you do trace… just cut out a shape that is slightly larger than the circle and then put RST (right sides together) and then trace the circle.  Sew it and then use your pinking shears to cut.  This saves time tracing and matching up the circles because you can just do it all at once.  I hope that makes sense.  Anyway, these are so fun to make, but more fun to write cute little fortunes and give away.     

   

June Package Pals!

Remember this post awhile back???  Well, the time has finally come for the Package Pal reveal!  Like I mentioned before, Coley over at Coley’s Corner was the perfect match for us.  It has been so much fun getting to know her and her family.  We were introduced to her through Jamie’s Package Pals party over at C.R.A.F.T..  This was our first time participating and we will definitely be back again for more.  Below is the package we sent to her and the one she sent to us.  We sent her a hodgepodge of blue/teal things, 4^th of July Patriotic items, Donate Life goodies, and a couple of other crafty things.  She loves owls, so we also made a mini owl quilt.  We got an awesome box in return that was filled with so many green goodies!!!  She made the cutest owl tote, an initial water bottle, a cute notepad and bookmark set, motivating wall art, and a sweet owl frame.  We love it ALL!  The best part is that she handmade all these fun things.  Thank you so much, Coley!  We can’t wait to continue following your great blog to see all the wonderful things you are up to.  And thank you Jamie for such a fun way to meet other crafters. 

I'm in LOVE...

with the music and videos by Gotye and Kimbra! I’m calling it right now, I discovered them! So, when they get big this blog post is record that I that “I told you so.” I first heard “Somebody that I used to Know” on January 5, 2012 around 9:00 pm when I was taking my dad home from a UCLA appointment. From the moment the song came on all I could think of was who are these people?!? I had to google what lyrics I could remember and when I found the video for the song, I lost it. I love it! It’s artistic and simple and perfect. I then proceeded to listen to the rest of Gotye’s songs as well as Kimbra’s songs and I love them all. Some of my favorite classes in school were literature classes where we had to analyze different pieces to death and when I saw Kimbra’s video for “Settle Down” my mind started to race. Oh my goodness, you could pick that apart for days. Anyway, just wanted to share them with you all and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Here are the YouTube links:

Gotye Music

Kimbra Music

* The videos are great, but the live stuff is amazing as well!

Also love Lana Del Rey. Her sound may not be for everyone, but give it a try. First heard her at

Brandy Melville... of course!

Here are some BM inspired hangers we made. All you do is take fabric scraps, tie them together,

and twist them around a wire hanger.

Seven

Runners need sleep period. I don't sleep period. But maybe if I strap this eye mask on at 10 pm it will force me to get some rest. :)