notions & threads

tales, treasures and tidbits!!

2011-05-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Every other Monday, (starting next Monday) notions & threads will feature a story, with a related craft and recipe. It incorporates many of my favorite parts of homeschooling; reading, cooking and crafting. This is something I have been thinking about for a while. Since Kelly's death, a year ago, I have struggled with what to do with this space. This blog was very important to her. For this reason it didn't feel right to close up shop. But at the same time, it didn't feel right to go on business as usual. And when I look back at this years posts, it seems like a whole lot of sadness. I feel it was necessary, but now I hear Kelly's voice saying, "enough already!" This is what she has helped me come up with. Kelly was always so encouraging and supportive in everything I did. But what seemed to bring her the most joy, were the projects I did with the kids.

What to expect
Each week I will start with a quote from the featured story. I will do my best to provide a link to the featured story in some form. Then, I'll write a bit about the story and why I chose it. Following that will be a tutorial for a related craft and then a recipe.

Join us

Following a model I learned years ago from The Junior Great Books program, this is how we are implementing Tales, Treasures and Tidbits into our life. On Monday we read/listen to the story. That is it. Unless they have a question, we are done. On Tuesday, we reread the story. This day, I ask if there are any lessons they have learned from it. This usually leads into a discussion. I love to hear their little minds at work. On Wednesday, we read the story again. This time we start to work on our project. On Friday, we read again but first we make a snack to enjoy after story time. We make our snack, read our story then enjoy our tidbit. So thats it. It's pretty simple. Mortimer Adler wrote a whole book on how to read a book and the benefits of rereading so I won't try to impart all the benefits of it here. In a nut shell, I believe the repetition helps them to take in all the story has to offer. I've definitely seen good fruits in working this way with my crew (at least in the 1 year old!!), but of course, join in however best fits your life.

So that's it! I'm pretty excited. So are the kids. I hope you join us. I promise great fun :)

365 days...

2011-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

since you left us.

Love you always.

p.s. come back on Monday for a Kelly inspired project :)

March

2011-03-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Last March we were here. When I think of the anniversaries of next few months, I feel a tightness in my chest. There is part of me that wishes I had known just how minute an amount time was left and another part that knows that there is very little, if anything, I could have done differently. I miss her so, so much. But the memories are precious and I have, an all-too-short lifetime of them. What a gift.

Zelie is three months now. Such a beautiful distraction. I have much to be thankful for.

been busy...

2010-12-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

lovin' this baby.

Zelie Mae

11-23-10

7 lbs 15 oz (ouch!)

I'll be back soon :)

Stones

2010-11-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Most of you know about this blog's connection to Gardenmama and the Wellness Tree. Well, true to form, in honor of Kelly's Birthday, the beautiful Nicole did a perfectly wonderful thing and set up a swap. An Artful Stone Swap. I chose to paint on my stones.

Each one different, I wrapped them in pieces of an old vintage pattern and bound them with raffia that had belonged to Kelly. As I said a little prayer for each recipient, I closed my eyes (to remain impartial), put each tiny parcel in their envelope and sent them off. I don't know who will receive which stone, but I trust that it's message is particularly for the one who receives it :)

Lots of love

Ch,ch,ch,changes

2010-10-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

So, as you can see, I've made some changes here on the blog. I've been hesitant, for obvious reasons, but when I looked at the page there was so much that wasn't true anymore. Inspired by the fall, a transformation seemed in order. I hope it pleases :)

And for those of you waiting to hear about the family experiment, it was a bust. But that's okay. It was my own fault. I wasn't prepared enough. I promise to give a full report when it actually happens. In the meantime, I will give you a hint. It involves the question, how many "necessities" can we live with out for a week? Scary? I know.

We have been busy making things, which you all know is a favorite pastime.

pumpkin butter

bundt cakes

Wee Folk Felt Dolls inspired by this post

our first ever corn husk dolls

leaf piles

more bundt cakes

and pumpkin puree

See, loads of fun! It really has been quite wonderful. I love doing things like this as a family. Speaking of family, I wanted to share my sister-in-law's, sister-in-law (who is also my dear friend) Liz's etsy shop, While PJ sleeps! She is a new mama and an incredible artist. She has been making these unbelievable pictures using paint sample swatches from the hardware store! Her work is amazing so please check out her shop and spread the word.

Lots of Love :)

2010-10-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been a bit crazy here. We are in the middle of a family experiment :) Not much time to talk. But please enjoy these pictures (taken by K.T.) of the beautiful Autumn we are having and the first pie I have ever made from scratch (inspired by Ari)!!

Lots of Love

For You...

2010-10-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

The picture above was taken 9 years ago, maybe to the day. A nine month old Maxie and I flew into Colorado so you and I could celebrate our birthdays together. So very much has happened in such a short time. It seems so unreal. So wrong. Today (like everyday) I missed you and can't get this song out of my head. After sending you a depressing message on Facebook and subsequent mini breakdown at 4:30 this morning, I have done my best to be happy (except when I almost gave in to the overwhelming urge to kick over the Breast Cancer sign at the door of the grocery store with the two smiling ladies and the caption, "We beat it", while ripping all the pink ribbons to shreds).* Not overly successful. But I did manage to do a few other things that I know would make you smile...

Peanut butter and bacon sandwiches (a staple in your junior high lunch box),

Apple picking... ok so I didn't actually go apple picking, but I looked longingly at my neighbors tree and wished I could pick them,**

and your mama's "apple of my eye" bundt cake with caramel sauce. I have never had a bundt cake turn out so perfectly. Thanks for that :)

Happy Birthday Buff!!

I love you.

*I am thrilled for Cancer survivors!! Truly. You know my grandma is a survivor. It just stung a little today. You understand.

** The cake was not made from stolen apples :)

apologies, reunions, creating and dreaming

2010-09-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

First I want to apologize for my unacceptable over use of quotation marks in the last post. I have no excuse. But, it does remind me of point #1 of this. If you don't follow the blog Cake Wrecks and like to laugh hysterically, I highly recommend it!

I am off to my 20 year reunion. I can't believe it has been 20 years since I graduated high school! Aren't I still 17? And who the heck had all these kids and left them at my house?! Although I jest, it really does feel that way sometimes. Especially when I see or talk to friends from high school. It feels so normal to be with them, like not a day has passed. I can't wait.

In further preparing for Lulu's birthday, I borrowed these books from the Library. Which have in turn inspired these...

Aren't they magical?

I want to live in one. Just a little larger, like this.
Actually, we really, really do want to live in a house like the one in the link. Maybe one day.

See you next week :)

Getting back to normal?

2010-09-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure what normal means or if anything about my life could ever be described that way, but we started back to "school" this week or home educating as some of my friends call it, and it felt good.

On a purely personal note, since the little toadstool, I have been getting back to "normal" by making a few other things. Inspired by this and this, I made this fairy crown for Lulu's Birthday Party.

I really love the way it turned out, even if it isn't a soft looking as the original felted version. It's supposed to go to a guest. But I might have to keep this one. I have three more to make.

After Susan, Kelly's precious mama and my adopted mama :), sent K.T. and me these lovely aprons,

someone became a little jealous. So I made her this...

Apparently, a photo-shoot wasn't how Miss Lulu wanted to spend her time. So sorry Miss thing!

I guess all this "making" is contagious. Kathryn made these the other day...

And Gabe, who is reading Robin Hood for school, made Solo these...

along with a belt and a cape.

{Unfortunately the cape has been the victim of some misfortune (I'm sure the result of some battle to protect the poor), and the photos I took pre-incident are on my camera and the little dodad that allows me to put the photos on the computer has gone caput! All the lovely (note the sarcasm!) pics from today's post are courtesy of iPhone. Anyhoo, photos of the two foot Robin Hood will have to wait.}

To celebrate a successful first week of "school", we had a delicious breakfast

peaches, pears, and cherries

topped with oats, flour, and butter

Baked to bubbly perfection!

So good!!!

So there you have it. I could show you much more. There's been drawing, book making, sewing, baking, and other fun stuff going on. It has been a good week. I think maybe "normal" means creating here in this happy, madhouse. I wouldn't have it any other way :)

Thank you to all the supportive comments. They mean so very much to me. Wish I could give you all a big hug :) It is my hope to post at least once a week, so you'll be seeing more of me.

Take care and have a great holiday weekend!!

I made something...

2010-08-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

It may seem silly, but since Kelly passed, I haven't been able to do anything crafty. I've had a million ideas. But inevitably, I get to the part where I would have called her, told her, brainstormed with her, planned with her, laughed with her. Then I'd get off the phone, energized, feeling so confident and embark on making something wonderful! Slightly dramatized, but you get the picture. And since I don't have my sounding board/cheerleader anymore, the idea just fizzles and I miss her.

Well, this weekend I had a break through. Nothing significant happened. Maybe it's just that enough time has passed. Or maybe its that this idea can't fizzle. I have a birthday I must plan for a very special 4 year old fairy and a craft-blocked mama won't do.

This was the first step. I made this:

I have 8 more to make. They are going into goody bags along with other woodland-y things. It's not great, but 4 year olds aren't big critics. I'm just glad I made something. I forgot how it feels to see an idea materialize. It felt good. It felt right. And when it was all finished, I sat it on the table and then I missed her.

memories...

2010-07-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have been going through photos.

I wanted to share a few.

The Famous Salt and Pepper Costumes sophomore year of high school

(The one in the yearbook at least has my eyes open!)

1993 in my college dorm room

Oct 2001 9mth old Maxie and I visit Kelly in Fort Collins

Kelly's Wedding May 2006 (KT was the junior bridesmaid. Me, pregnant, of course)

Dancing her wedding night away...

Why does Kelly always look so good and I look like such a goof? The header is from '94. Kelly's boyfriend at the time was taking a photography class and made us model for him. He sent me a stack of pics a few weeks ago. A precious treasure. I had forgotten about our "photo shoot". I wish there were more to show you. There are so many holes in this timeline. But, I offer it, holes and all, because as sad as it makes me, it makes me happy, too.

Happy to see us so happy. Happy to see her so healthy.

Happy to know that it was all real.

I miss you...

2010-06-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Goodbye and Goodbye

2010-05-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Kelly

10-8-1972 5-14-2010

I have written this post a million times in my head, wanting to so clearly capture Kelly. Wanting to give those of you who didn't know her the best window into what a gift it was to be a part of her life. And I can't do it. I don't know if it is too soon. I don't know if its just me. I don't know. So instead, I'm just gonna write. Please forgive my stream of consciousness, perhaps it will provide some clarity.

Kelly and I were born five days apart on separate ends of the country. But when we met the summer before our 7th grade year, I knew that she would be somehow be a special part of my life. It wouldn't be for another year that we would become close, but close we were. "Kandy and Kelly" were always together. When Kelly's family moved away at the end of 10th grade, one of our teachers asked me, "what are you going to do with out her?" I didn't know then. I don't know now.

As I sit here at my desk and look up at my inspiration wall, staring back at me, among other things, are two pictures of Kelly, an angel from a card she sent me years ago, and a note she had recently attached to two articles she sent me about women who had started their own businesses in her forties. The note says, "Kandie, Aren't these stories great? Maybe you'll start your pottery business when we turn 40!" Unfortunately, "we" won't turn forty. I'll have to do that alone.

The prospect of life without Kelly is difficult to grasp. A huge part of me can't wrap itself around this. No more calls? Really? No more hearing her beautiful voice? No? No more laughing about our nutty children? You're kidding! It all seems too much and yet it's real and true and hurts more than I have words to express.

There are so many funny and beautiful stories about Kelly. Since her death last Friday, her family, friends and I have shared many. And as much as I need the stories, they aren't enough. I want more. I want her. Because, though the stories are important and what we now have, they are a pale shadow to who she really was. And during quiet times, I find myself reflecting not so much on the stories, but what it was to just "be" with her. So much of our time together was just being. Even on the phone. Our understanding of each other ran deep.

When Kelly got sick, she told me that I would be her light to get her through this. I remember thinking, "Dear God, help me to be this for her!" I hope and pray I was. I wanted so much to be. I am so grateful to have been given the extreme honor of being with her during her final days, a gift I will forever be thankful to her parents, Chuck and Susan, her sister, Erin and her husband, Matt, for allowing me. The moments with her over the last few weeks are by far some of the most precious of my life. Her last words to me were, "I love you so much." I said, "I love you, too, Kelly." I left the room. She slipped into a coma in the early morning. Good bye, my sweet, sweet friend.

The Blog

I wish you could read the emails we sent back and forth just trying to come up with a name. It makes me laugh to see how serious and nervous we were at beginning. I have been asked to continue the blog. I have thought so much about it. I don't know how to do this. It just feels so wrong. This blog was completely a collaborative effort, right down to the font colors. We never made decisions with out consulting each other. Never. Notions and Threads was ours. I can't make it mine. I don't want to. It hurts too much. Maybe after a break. I'll feel differently. But for now...

I have come to believe that one of the main reasons the blog existed, unbeknownst to us when we started it, was so that all of you could have a hand in this journey. Your role was no small part. Each comment made fed her soul. She was always so excited when we had a new follower. The Wellness Tree project blew her and Matt away. Nicole, my dear friend, a special thank you to you for the gift of The Wellness Tree and for everything else you have been to Kelly, Matt, Susan and me. One day, you'll get that hug.

So this is goodbye, for now. Maybe I'll start a new blog one day. One about... I don't know (see, I'm no good right now). Or maybe I will surprise you with a post about something crafty that a memory of Kelly inspired. You never know. Right now I just need some time.

Love and undying gratitude,

Kandyce

And so it goes...

2010-05-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my dear friends,
I am heading back to Kentucky. The day after I posted last, Kelly's levels all moved in the wrong direction. They have continued on that course and now her kidney's are shutting down as well. Kelly's Dr.'s have said there is truly nothing else that can be done and she is being moved home. I really don't know what to say other than my heart is breaking. Please continue your prayers for her, her family, for me.

Kentucky

2010-05-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have been in Kentucky. I wasn't there for the Derby. I wasn't there for the storm. And despite what my children thought, I wasn't there for fun. I rushed there to possibly say goodbye to my precious Kelly. After a terrifying call full of tears and fear, I was on a plane. I have never been on such an emotional roller coaster. From the initial call that Kelly was in complete liver failure to seeing Kelly and her feeling a bit better to Kelly being told that there was nothing the Dr's could would do to help her to her other Dr. in Louisville saying he wanted her transfered immediately and then finally to her making strides in the right direction. And through it all Kelly's beautiful family; Mother, Father, Sister and her husband Michael and little one Maddie, Mother and Father in Law, Matt and Ari being so strong, so supportive. See... roller coaster. I'm getting sea sick just reading it. I thank God it has all taken the turn that it has taken. And what started as the most horrible trip of my life ended with my leaving full of hope. Hope. As you may have noticed the theme for this month is the same as last. Kelly requested that. I fully concur. We continue to hope that all will continue in the direction it is going now. Kelly is still in the hospital, but each day things get a bit better. Sodium levels are up. Bilirubin seems to be peaking, soon to be dropping. They hope to release her soon. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Kelly derives such strength from knowing you all are out there pulling for her. Me, too.

Blue

2010-04-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Blue. Blue reminds me of quiet afternoons on the beach in Hawaii where the sea and the sky seem to be one. I used to sit and look over the massive ocean. Ben and the kids would be swimming or surfing or snorkeling. And if the beach wasn't crowded, I would feel like the only person in the world. Like the ocean and sky existed just for me. Those moments filled me with peace. I don't think I have ever been so relaxed. I miss the ocean.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. It has been a pretty crazy week. Kelly has been in and out and back into the hospital. The good news is that the Cancer has not spread!! But her poor liver has been way overtaxed. She is home resting now. I wish I had pictures of the ocean to send to Kelly, but alas I can't find a single one!!! Anyway, I send to her and you these pictures featuring blue and hope they fill all with a sense of peace and relaxation.

p.s. KT took all of these, too!

Yellow

2010-04-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

All these pictures have been taken by my 13 year old daughter, KT over the last few months (she also took our lovely new header, as well). Some were from our trip to California, the others are from home. Yellow feels like a hopeful color to me, right now. It feels like spring, like life, like things possible. This is a short post. Kelly has been wanting to post about this month's giveaway and a special project she has been working on, but unfortunately she is not feeling well these days and there is a fear that the Cancer may have spread. So, because I know what a huge support you have all been to her in the past, I am asking for her and for me, that you join us in hoping and praying that the Cancer hasn't spread, that this down time is short and that she'll be soon feeling well enough to share with you the things she has planned.
Thank you.

Free-for all Friday: An Unsolicited Plug

2010-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

As I think you all know, Kelly's Mama has a blog of her own. A cooking blog called, My Mother's Apron Strings (MMAS). Next to crafting, cooking runs a close second as my favorite pastime and I frequent this and other cooking blogs frequently (redundant?). I admit, that most of the cooking blogs just help me add to my, already ridiculously large recipe collection (it is way out of control or "double O C" as my SIL would say). But, not so with MMAS. This blog is different. These recipes have actually made it to my table several times. Unfortunately, I haven't taken pictures of everything but here are the latest two:

Irish Soda Bread

Christmas Krinklair

Why, you might ask do I choose to make these recipe's as opposed to one's from Orangette (which is a fabulous blog, btw)? The most obvious answer is that I actually know and completely trust the cook on the other end. I have been able to sample her many culinary creations for the past 20+ years and since the only other master chef I know, my Great Aunt, passed away when I was in high school, she has been my cooking Encyclopedia for any and all cooking needs. I mean, what if one of those other cooking blogs with recipes that look fabulous, really aren't that fabulous after all?! No, it's better to stick with what I know, and let those other recipes live in my culinary imagination... I'm just kidding of course. I have tried a few. Like this one from Orangette that makes me want to eat nothing else ever again (...I get over that). But the truth is that with "My Mother's Apron Strings" there is no doubt, no wondering... only total confidence :) Anyhoo, I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have this blog, by this particular cook and that I hope you'll check it out, too :)

Project Monday: Bird Houses

2010-04-05T10:34:00.001-07:00

We're off to a slow start this month. It's just been so sunny outside, it's hard to make myself sit at the computer. We're happy to announce that the winner of our March Giveaway is Tiffany over at Teaworthy. Congratulations, Tiffany! Please check out her site when you get the chance, it's really beautiful!

All of this sunshine just makes us feel, well, hopeful. We're enjoying watching flowers pop up overnight, buds opening on trees, and birds singing in the trees. Our theme this month is simply HOPE, and we'll be working on projects that celebrate Spring and new life.

This morning, after returning from a doctors appointment, I couldn't bring myself to go back inside. I suddenly remembered a wooden birdhouse dear friends in Colorado gave us during the winter months that I stored away in the back of my son's closet. You can find birdhouses like this at any craft store. I grabbed one of my husband's old tee-shirts and a rubber band to make it fit and Ari and I headed for a sunny patch of grass:

I set up non-toxic paint and thought enough to take Ari's socks and shoes off at the last minute:

We had so much fun! It's important to me to sit back and let Ari do his own artwork. It's so tempting to want to add some extra paint here and there or to take away the project before he can glob on more red--right over that gorgeous green he just created. If I sit back, I've noticed that Ari concentrates longer and his project is truly his own.

I have shied away from doing a project like this with Ari because my cancer treatments make me feel less than confident that I'll have enough energy to see it through. The Spring air is energizing me,making me excited about a month of projects and, yes, filling me with hope.

Project Monday: Laundry and Chocolate?

2010-03-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here is an easy project, followed by an even easier Passover recipe for your busy week:

Remember our giveaway for this month? It includes lavender-filler dryer sachets that are so easy to make. Step 1: cut your fabric into into 41/2 by 41/2 inch squares. I used two different, coordinating fat quarters that I couldn't resist for about $2.50 each, but the beauty of this project is that it's a great way to use scraps.

Step 2: Put right sides together and sew three sides, allowing for a 1/4 inch seam.

Step 3: Turn the little pocket you made right-side out and use a chop stick or other implement to poke out the corners (to make them nice and square).

Step 4: Fold in each side of the opening and iron flat. You can add a pin on each side if it helps keep the fold.

Step 5: Fill the pocket about 3/4 full with lavender.

Step 6: Machine sew the opening closed (see below). You're done!

If you want to give the sachets as a gift, you can make two or three and tie them together. Make sure to add a little tag explaining that you add one sachet to the dryer for the last 15 minutes of the cycle. I think these are especially nice added to towels, sheets, and baby clothes. You could even use gently used baby blankets to make sets as gifts.

My mom left today and I already miss her--she is always doing something! If she isn't helping me with a sewing, gardening, or home-improvement project, she's in the kitchen (You can find her baking blog here). I love this picture of her making deviled eggs with Ari (Yes, that's me next to her looking like her teenage son! My crew cut and flat chest make an interesting look right now:)

Before she left, she gave me the idea for an easy Passover dessert. My husband is Jewish and we're excited to have friends over for a special dinner. Even if you don't celebrate Passover (so you wouldn't normally buy Matzoh) go out and get yourself a box--this recipe is worth it! I think Marcy Goldman gets credit for this simple treat, but I found a version on Smitten Kitchen as well. Here are the basics. You'll need:

About 6 sheets of unsalted matzohs

1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats

1 cup brown sugar*

generous pinch of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

*I used a kind of brown sugar called "Whey Low" because it has a low glycemic index and I'm watching my sugar because of my cancer. It worked great, but costs $14/ a bag! Yes, I used regular chocolate chips--I'm not that disciplined!

Step 1: Heat your oven to 375 and line a rimmed baking dish with foil covered with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Step 2: Line the baking sheet with matzohs.

Step 3: Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until it bubbles slightly. Turn off heat and add salt and vanilla. Pour it over the matzohs. Try not to pour it right into your mouth:

Step 4: Put the pan in oven and then turn it down to 350 degrees. Watch it for the next 15 minutes. If you see it burning, take it out and turn your oven down to 325. Can you see that delicious brown sugar butter bubbling into an amazing, toffee-like substance?!
Step 5: After 15 minutes, take the pan out and sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the top. The recipe calls for 8 oz., but I admit that I just threw the whole 12 oz. bag on. Let the chips sit there and get hot for about 5 minutes before spreading them with an off-set spatula. Lick the spatula before you put it in the sink. Afterall, you just worked hard for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Sprinkle an additional topping on if you want. I added slivered almonds to half. Let the pan cool completely and then break the "matzoh candy" into pieces. I let the pan cool on the counter. It's now in the fridge, waiting for me to come and get it. Yum! Happy Passover!

Free-for-all-Friday: Quilting

2010-03-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Before I show you what I'm working on, I just wanted to thank everyone who has posted to this blog or sent me an email regarding an essay I have in the current issue of Brain, Child. Your thoughts mean so much to me.

If you have never read this magazine, you can read some essays full text online. You'll find the print magazine 4 times a year at places like Whole Foods, co-ops, and bookstores. Or, you can stay tuned for our giveaway in May--we'll be including a copy with some other goodies!

I can hardly believe that March is almost over. One of my biggest problems around here is the number of unfinished projects I have. We don't have a lot of space, so my projects sometimes get piled up on any open surface. In keeping with our "Spring Cleaning" theme, I bought some inexpensive baskets (see below) to contain the bits and pieces of similar projects. This was my first step...now I need to actually tackle these projects.

With my mom visiting, it was the perfect week to work on the quilt I was inspired to make for my son, Ari thanks to the gorgeous blog, i have to say. There are some wonderful tutorials on this site, but my favorite so far has been the "Quilt Along the Road to Spring" project. Has anyone participated in this weekly quilt-a-long? I am a very beginner sewer/quilter, so the way the project is broken down into weekly steps with very clear directions and pictures appeals to me.

Step One, choosing the fabrics, was so much fun:

I have to admit, I'm not really "quilting along" since I bought the fabrics during week one with good intentions, but then set them aside for over a month. But that's OK! You can start and finish this quilt at your own pace. Since my mom, master of all crafts, is here to back me up, I pulled out the ironing board and got to work. I have now cut out all of my squares and rectangles and I feel so proud of this accomplishment. I am not great with measuring, but there are only two sizes that need to be cut out, so I really got into the rhythm.

Next week, on my own, I will start sewing these pieces into strips. I promise to post the

finished quilt, I just hope Ari isn't a teenager by the time I'm done!

Project Monday: Sneak Peaks

2010-03-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sneak peak #1.

We have been knee deep around here taking the Spring Cleaning theme seriously.

Cabinets have come down, shelving has gone up and organization is becoming contagious.

I love it!! It has only taken me three years to figure out how to make this kitchen space work for us, but I think I finally got it right. Soon that, um... lovely microwave will be coming down as well as the cabinet it is connected to and a hood will be going up. Things in the kitchen are running so smoothly. It's amazes me how things that seem so minor can be life altering. Spring cleaning rocks!

Sneak peak #2.

The kids and I have also been working hard on a gift just for you, lucky give away winner! I won't show the finished products, but here are just a few pics to entice those of you who have yet to comment :)

So that is it! Just those two little peeps into what's been going on over here. What's happening with you? Any spring cleaning?

Free-for all Friday: Successes and Failures

2010-03-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

So, I'll begin with the failures. I didn't get the 5 generations picture :( I know, I know, no one is more upset than me. My Grandmother (uncooperative generation #2) was sick the entire visit. Nothing horrible, but she looked like heck and barely came out of her room. I will be going back in Sept. and hope to get one then. I'm on a mission!
I also, did not get the birthday crown made. I forgot half the felt at home in the road trip melee. Oh well, I can't do everything!
This is getting depressing, on to successes! I did get some pictures...

fun in the California sun!

arm wrestling the Auntie (and almost winning!) humbling...

dancing Princesses,

their court jester :)

obnoxious teenage nieces!

note to self: no matter how many times you scream,"wait! let me focus!", the 100 year old won't listen :)

reflective walk alone

California Sunshine

Oh, California!

The long drive to Cali was the best one yet. The baby handled it like a trooper. Seeing family and friends was lovely and a good time was had by all. My sister taught me to crochet (I think it's the 3rd or 4th time, hopefully this time it will stick)!

I gave my GG everyone's birthday wishes. Thank you all, so much :) On the morning of her birthday I walked into her room. The first thing she said when she saw me was, "I made it!"

Now that's success!

Project Monday: Garden Journal

2010-03-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am a beginner gardener with two raised beds in the backyard. I am learning a lot from all of the amazing mamas out there who are growing food with their families.

Last summer, my husband (who noted recently that I never put pictures of him on the blog), added two more beds for me. I wish you could hear the soundtrack he's dancing to in this picture!

I have basically used the "throw the seeds and see what happens" method the last two summers. We've had a lot of great tomatoes, lettuce, Swiss chard and a variety of herbs. This summer, it's time to plan a little more thoughtfully and take note throughout the growing season. So, I need a journal.

I am not the kind of person who will journal every day, I'm more of a collector, note taker. So, I am using a discarded binder I found in our home office filled with page protectors and photo pages. I am also adding pages I've downloaded from a variety of sites. One of the most useful sites I found is Homestead Garden. You can download a variety of pages for keeping track of plant information, garden chores, and a "future reference" page for noting what worked and didn't. Of course, you can make these pages easily yourself, but if these work, time saved! I've also tucked a map to local garden centers in the front pocket of the journal.

This project will help me clean up and organize this year's garden, but it has also helped me clean up my house. I went through stacks of magazines that I haven't wanted to let go of, tore out any vegetable or flower garden that inspired me and put the pictures in page protectors. I also gathered up all of my seed packets and put them in photo pages so I can still reference the growing information.

At the end of the season, I plan on going to our local printer to have them bind this year's journal for me. The, I can use the binder again next year. As beginners, Kandyce and I would love to hear and advice you have. please point us to your blog if you have a gardening post we should read.

Free-for-all-Friday: A Story of Seasons...

2010-03-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, my mom came to visit us in the late Spring to help me prepare

for our first baby and to put in our front garden:

In the middle of summer, my husband picked this flower for me to focus on

while I labored for 4 days, mostly in a pool in our kitchen...

We ended up with a C-section, but look how peaceful all that time at home made us:

Eight months later, in the Spring again, I had weaned Ari and learned to carry him on my back so that I could have a bilateral mastectomy. I chose to start the breast reconstruction

process at the same time:

Later, in the summer, my mom was back for a mother/daughter road trip and Ari was ready to get out into the garden himself at my aunt and uncle's house in beautiful Virginia:

It's been two years since that first Spring working in the garden with my mom.

Because my cancer spread to my liver, I have never finished the breast reconstruction

and I've been walking around with really strange foreign objects in my body.

I don't feel like I'm healing as well as I could.

So, next week, exactly the same week as the original mastectomy, I'm having the surgery to take the chest expanders out and not put in implants. Hooray! This decision wouldn't be right for everyone, but we are so excited that doctors have finally declared me healthy enough for surgery.

My mom is coming to take care of all of us again and, of course, we'll be planning this year's garden because every year, life comes back all around us (Come back on Monday to see how to make an easy garden journal):

March Giveaway!

2010-03-08T12:14:00.001-08:00

It's time for another giveaway! To go along with our "Spring Cleaning" theme, Kandyce and I will be putting together a fun little bag of goodies to freshen your home and lift your spirits. The picture above shows just two of the items the winner will find in her handmade bag: Lavender-baking soda carpet freshener and three Lavender pillows to add to the dryer. Kandyce and her talented crew of artists will also be making hand-painted clothespins to brighten up any clothes line and, since we had so much fun putting together a playlist last month, we'll be including a CD to sing at the top of our lungs to while we clean.

In the meantime, it's easy to make your own carpet freshener. I used a recycled container and filled it with baking soda and dried lavender, then gave it a little shake. That's it! Sprinkle it on carpets or furniture and you'll love how the room smells. If your vacuum has a bag, the lavender will freshen it up too. I've been wondering if grated, dried citrus peel would work too? Anyone have other ideas?

As you can see, it's all hands on deck at my house. My son loves to vacuum! I finally got him this carpet sweeper from the lovely Montessori catalogue, Small Hands. He loves that he can be independent and I love that the carpet sweeper actually works!

Free-for all Friday: Bake-athon!!

2010-03-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

mixing

kneading

waiting

braiding

waiting (again)

baking

all of this x3. And I wish (oh, how I wish) the next word was eating,

but these 6 loaves in homemade freezer paper bags are coming with us on a road trip to

California.

My Great Grandmother*

(isn't she cute!) is turning 100 on Sunday (!!!) and the 10 of us are packing up and heading out to be there for the special day. Eating will have to wait. This is the first time I have done major baking of the kind and I LOVE IT!!! I'm so glad I got over my bread making phobia. It has been wonderfully gratifying and a lovely thing for KT and I to share together. I think we're going to have to do this a lot more often.

I plan to take some wool felt with me and to make my GG (that's what we all call her) a birthday crown on the long drive. I get car sick reading in the car, so I'm hoping that sewing in the car won't have the same effect. We'll see. I think it may be best to wait till we're out of the Rockies to try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kelly will be posting next week about our Spring Cleaning giveaway plans. They are big! Let me just say that they are equal to if not better than the last one and also involve music! So be sure to comment to any of this month's posts to be entered :)

Have a great weekend!

*We have 5 generations of women, alive and well, in my family! I'll try to get a picture of all of us on the trip :

March's Theme - Spring Cleaning!

2010-03-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

The winner of our February Giveaway is: Beth Miller! Beth, send Kelly an email at kjfeinberg@gmail.com so she can mail you your relaxing bath salts and CD. Congratulations.

Though the spring has yet to appear, she is just around the corner. This month will not end without her official arrival and I, for one, can't wait. There are little signs everywhere...

So, rather naturally, as we come out of our winter hibernation and our energies return, we begin to clean. Open the windows, let in the fresh air. We are ready for the sun!

You may or may not relate to this, but the end of this month completely caught me by surprise. I've been so focused on celebrating the birth of this beautiful 9 year old boy...

that I thought I had three more days to hibernate! So this post will be short and sweet and there will be more on Spring Cleaning later and the winner of last months giveaway later on today. Mean while, I'm going to have some tea :)

p.s. check out Nicole's awesome-as-always giveaway at Garden Mama!

Free-for all Friday: Why I love Goodwill!

2010-02-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

I love Goodwill. It has been appropriately named because it has been very good to me :) Here are just a few of my awesome finds:

Dansko clogs for 4.99(!!!),

Noah's ark wooden toy chest,

a nearly complete set of The Family Creative Workshop,

this solid wood, ginormous, handmade (I like to believe) cradle,

this gorgeous, handmade plate,

and all these mugs in the front row (this is just a sample, I have a thing for handmade mugs). But I digress. It's like they know me! So, when I needed something to alter for a friend for her birthday, guess where I headed. And look what they had...

Eight nesting boxes! I was thrilled. Not only a box for this project, but for seven more, too! So nice :)

This is what the first box has become...

It is so gratifying to make something out of nothing. I felt this the most when throwing pottery. Taking a handful of mud and making something beautiful and useful is incredible. But it is the same with altering. That box was, um.... not the prettiest and with just mod podge and paper it becomes a treasure. Kind of like Goodwill, too. Taking someone else's throwaway, bringing it home and it feeling like Christmas. Creative energy, in all it's forms, is so life giving.

Project Monday? Reading time...

2010-02-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

This week is all about reading...and a little bit of writing. Before I had to quit my job, I taught freshman writing at the University of Kentucky. I used an overall theme of food to give our class something to read, discuss, and write about that we all could relate to. Since I had to quit teaching, I am keeping myself busy doing some writing of my own and reading a lot. Not surprisingly, I am drawn to essays by women. Lately, I've been excited to see so many moms writing about food such as Emily Franklin in Too Many Cooks.

I just started two collections of award winning food writing looking for more varied perspectives on food and I'm doing some writing myself about my relationship to food and having cancer. (Stay tuned for more on tapping into our creative writing selves in the coming months). Right now, I'm writing about donuts--for me, writing about food can be anything from humorous to critical, but always, always nostalgic. My own mama has a blog showcasing all of her wonderful baked goods, but of course, her posts often turn from recipes to memories like this one.

Oh, I am nostalgic this week. All of this reading and writing has made me wish I was back in high school sharing a cinnamon bun with my sister and mom. I had to take out my old recipe boxes and spend some time going through the worn, handwritten cards and torn out magazine recipes. I really don't know how I got a hold of these collections--that's my childhood crayon box below, but why is it holding recipes torn out by my mom and handwritten by my grandmother Helen--or maybe they're written by her mother?

If my computer was cooperating, you'd see that I couldn't just put these recipes away (Jellied Tomato Soup anyone?)! I took a handful of my favorite and color copied them onto cardstock. I then cut them out and simply glued them onto contrasting scrap cardstock, adding some simple embellishments like ribbon and buttons. Now, I have bookmarks that inspire me as I read and write and remind me of meals from the past and the women in my family that I love so much.

Free-for-All Friday: Lent

2010-02-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

As you may know, Wednesday began the season of Lent. Peace and Solitude have now taken a deeper meaning, as I embark on a spiritual journey, breaking the unhealthy attachments, habits I have picked up during the year to prepare myself for Easter. I love this time and it begins so appropriately during these last days of Winter.

As a family, we use this time to remember what we mean to one another. To focus especially on treating each other with respect, to love one another as we have been loved. It entails doing small sacrifices and acts of kindness and mercy, spiritually "giving" them to God for another (by a random draw, each child picked a sibling to specially pray for during lent). Purple, the color of waiting, adorns the house again, as during Advent but, this time, without the joyful expectation. Our Lenten days are a bit more solemn as we focus on the ways we need to grow.

As we all need tangible things to help us understand the spiritual, this bowl of beans represent our deeds. The children place them in a jar as they carry out good deeds of their own or witness those of another. On Easter morning the beans are "miraculously" changed to jellybeans. This mirrors what God does with our kindnesses, turning them into grace.

It is easy to start with focusing on how to love each other better, but this naturally extends to our greater family - the others (not in a scary Lost way) outside our home. We use this box to collect money that will be given to a chosen charity at the end of these 40 days. Purging the things we do not need and giving it to those less fortune is a large part of our journey. We have also committed to making lunches for a local homeless shelter.

I so look forward to this time, especially after the holidays. For though these are things we should do all year long, inevitably life steps in and distracts us. During these 40 days we reorient ourselves to what is truly important and carry the good habits we have formed into and beyond Easter season.

Free-for all Friday: Pillowcases

2010-02-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Forgive me, this is a very quick post. By the time you're reading this, I'll be having another little outpatient surgery (it's not really even surgery) to implant more beads soaked in chemo drugs directly into my liver. While the procedure ends up being pretty painful for about a week, I can't tell you how great I'm feeling and how much I love having a break from systemic chemo. I'll have one more of these procedures in 2 weeks, then I'll have a scan in another month to see what effect it had.

Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure giving up my favorite ice cream for Lent is having a huge impact:)

I am excited about a crafty way to give to your community that I just found out about on this quilting site called the One Million Pillowcase Challenge. The pillowcases go to members of our communities like children in foster care, men and women in nursing homes and in shelters. There are four patterns for pillowcases on the site and one is very simple. I regret that I didn't have time to make one this week, but I promise to post my efforts as soon as possible. If you make a pillowcase, or have a fun pattern, please share!

Music Monday... well almost

2010-02-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post this Monday, but I didn't quite make it (there's a very high maintenance, newly crawling, 7 month old teething in my house). So here it is on Thursday, but "Music Thursday" didn't sound as nice.

As Kelly has mentioned, part of our giveaway this month is a compilation of songs. This is a CD of some of our favorite women artists we have purchased for you from itunes.

Who's my Pretty Baby by Elizabeth Mitchell

Winter Song by Sarah Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

An Ocean and a Rock by Lisa Hannigan

Heavenly Day by Patty Griffin

Chasing Pavement by ADELE

Simple as it Should Be by Tristen Prettyman

Coming Home by Lizz Wright

Black Winged Bird by Nina Persson

A Living Prayer by Alison Krause

These songs, all beautifully sung, are uplifting in sound and sentiment.

They are the perfect accompaniment to a mama's bath :)

Free-for-all Friday: a little at a time

2010-02-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

It all started with this sweater...

I bought it at my favorite consignment shop with the intention of felting it and using it to make very special Valentine's cards. The sweater, it turns out, is indestructible. So I made paper envelopes filled with surprises instead...

Got a whole lot of this all over myself and my dining room table...

Made this to snack on:

2 cups peanuts

2 T. Butter

2 T. Agave Nectar

Sea Salt

Pour melted butted and agave over peanuts and mix.

Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 350 for 5-10 minutes.

Sprinkle with sea salt & store in covered container so you

don't eat them all at once.

And it all started with this sweater:

Happy Friday!

February's Giveaway!

2010-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

When Kandyce and I were talking over this month's theme, we laughed that one of the only ways a mom can truly have peace and solitude is by taking a bath. The bathroom is the only room in the house with a lock after all. My son can push open the doors in our old house in a second, but there's still a sense of "this time is all mine" when I soak in the tub.

So, this month's giveaway includes two different kinds of bath salts made with 100% pure essential oils. You can find a variety of bath salt recipes here. The winner of our giveaway will receive the "Peaceful Bath" made with Ylang Ylang, Rose Otto, and Jasmine oils as well as the "Relaxing and Warming" soak made with Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Lavender, and Tangerine oils (I haven't been able to find Ginger locally). The bath soaks will be wrapped in the reusable fabric gift bag above. (The photo is a little bit of a cheat--I will make the soaks fresh right before I mail them). Kandyce and I will also be putting together a CD to include with our favorite songs for relaxation. We'll post our play list sometime during the month and we hope you'll make song suggestions too--we're always looking for new music to sing along to.

One quick note about the gift bag. I bought this fun printed fabric at my favorite vintage consignment shop. There was only one little scrap and it looks like someone used it for beginner sewing practice. I decided to leave the original sewer's seam across the top. I like the soft fraying it allowed and I also love wondering who touched this fabric first and what did they make out of the rest of it? The ribbon, believe it or not, is from a wedding gift my husband and I received 3 1/2 years ago. We saved yards and yards of ribbon and are still using it to tie up special gifts today.

We also saved all of the tissue paper from our wedding gifts. If you look at the wall in the background of the picture above, you can see a plaster-like texture. Our house, as I mentioned, is old and most of the original walls were covered in wallpaper. When we took the paper down, we found that the walls in our dining room and up the staircase were damaged and would have needed replastering. Instead, we painted on a flat base color, crinkled up sheets of our wedding paper and stuck it to the wall, and then painted over it again. When that layer dried, we applied a slightly darker glaze. Cheap and easy treatment that really does look like Venetian plaster, reused a lot of paper we really couldn't wrap new gifts with, and made our wedding day part of our first home together.

As this month unfolds, we hope you find a little space and some time alone: maybe to soak in a warm bath, maybe to sit quietly and meditate on peace. I'm using my alone time this month to focus on breathing deeply and making peace with my body with cancer. I had a minor surgery this week (to implant chemo beads directly into my liver). My nurse suggested that I say the mantra "I have a healthy liver" over and over because the body will try to match what the mind envisions. I believe this. Recently, the sentence, "I have the healthiest liver in the world!"came into my head out of nowhere and made me laugh. Now, I say it everyday. My nurse, by the way, gave me a wink when the surgeon came in. I don't think we would be able to convince him that our plan could work as well as his.

If you're willing to share what peace and solitude mean to you, you know we'd love to listen.

Free-for-All Friday: Curtains!

2010-02-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

So, I have this window in my kitchen that looks out at my yard. That was one of the prerequisites when we were looking for a home; a house with a window over the kitchen sink, looking out at the yard (I like the outdoors). But what I didn't think about was what or who would be beyond my fence.

When we lived in Hawaii, the houses were so close that when my neighbors phone would ring, I thought it was mine. When we moved here, the houses seemed so far away from each other, comparatively, I didn't even notice the house glaring down on us. It didn't take long. I have lived here for nearly three years now, either peering out of the window through a set of mini blinds or when I couldn't stand the blinds any longer, feeling like I lived in a fishbowl. So, yesterday I made these...

These curtains are made from two pillowcases. I cut off the seams, tore strips at the top and tied them to a stick that my son found when we went to chop down our Christmas Tree last year.

I love it! I want to make some for the front of the house. I want to make shower curtains, I want to make room dividers! Just kidding about the room dividers, but I do want more.

Before I go, I wanted to share one more thing. Yesterday was my hubbies 40th Birthday!

We celebrated by transforming our home into a Japanese restaurant. We hung paper lanterns, ate on the floor

and (my favorite), we made Japanese noren curtains.

I have to say that the bleach pen is one of my favorite fabric altering tools. I love the effect it created on this fabric.

Fun, fun, fun!

I think we will keep them up for a while :)

February's Theme - Peace and Solitude

2010-02-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

As you might be able to imagine, I , with 8 children don't have a whole lot of solitude. I don't have a whole lot of peace, in the most traditional sense, either. And being an introvert (someone who is drained by crowds) this can pose a bit of a challenge. I have learned that to be the mother, wife, daughter, friend, (human) everyone, including myself, deserves, I must make time to get some peace and solitude to recharge. I have found that, for me, the best way is to get up before the sun (and the children) and pray. Since the baby was born, I have heavily resisted this. I would stay up late, recharging and then sleep in. It has made for days too chaotic for this introvert to handle. I was inspired by this post at Earth Mama.

She helped me to remember.

The next morning it was I who first greeted brother sun.

It is amazing how quickly the night turns to day. This month of the year, February, is especially precious. It is the calm before the storm. The storm of the spring, which brings baseball, field trips, park days... the storm that brings rain, wet, mud... the storm that brings life! I love the storm, but I need this calm. In the larger sense, it rejuvenates this introvert for the rest of the year. This last of the Winter, without the holly, jolly pulls of the holiday season and the call for change of the new year is a time peace and solitude.

I hope it fills you.

The winner of our first giveaway is Francheska of bella's grace!

Free-for-all Friday: Sweaters to Blankets

2010-01-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's been a week of illness in our house and I don't even mean the cancer-related variety. We've had food poisoning (my husband and I, thankfully not the baby), fevers, lots of runny noses, and now pink-eye. My husband and I cried over taking our little boy to daycare, but he's barely been there. Needless to say, I haven't done much of anything except wipe noses and eyes and snuggle all day.

It occurred to me this week that I often say to Kandyce when she calls, "I can't talk, the baby..." (fill in the ending with anything from "is sick" to "is playing with playdough"). I have never, in all of these years, heard Kandyce pick up the phone with "I can't talk." And she has eight children! My husband and I can't believe how consumed we are with our one child sometimes. Until this morning when my husband generously stayed home to let me go to a coffee shop for a writing break, I started to even forget there is a world outside of my little house of illness. That's not a good thing.

So, my project today combined a little bit of charity with a little bit of Spring cleaning. I have wanted to do something to contribute to the Knit-a-Square project ( we'll keep that button up on the left under "We Wanna Help"), but I neither knit nor crochet. This charity asks for squares that will be made into blankets and donated worldwide--what a great cause! When I checked in with them recently, I found they have added a felted square option. I just happen to have a stack of sweaters that are not in good enough shape for Goodwill that I didn't know what to do with. So, I felted them by running through the hot cycle several times and then cut them into 8x8 squares. I'll be sending them off next week. You'll find the mailing address here.

Even though my project this week was small and didn't take any creativity, it just felt good to think of someone other than myself-my husband and I have spent a lot of time this week talking about our daily grind. I have decided that I will dedicate Fridays to projects for charitable giving and I'll share these ideas with you. So many of you are doing/planning great projects for Haiti and we'll be sure to post links and participate as much as we can.

Speaking of giving, don't forget that this is the last week to comment on any post this month to be entered into our January Giveaway. Good luck!

one small change: wipes no more!

2010-01-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, over at Hip Mountain Mama there is a challenge. A challenge to make one small change. A change that will bring you closer to being the green mama you've always

wanted to be :)

My one small change came unexpectanctly. I had wanted to participate, but didn't want to bite off more than I can chew. One day, last week, as I sat down to change a diaper (the story of my life for the past 13 years! not bitter, I'm just saying....) and called for someone, anyone to bring me baby wipes. A sad call echoed back, "We're all out, out, out..." Now, this is not the first time I have been in this place; a squirming, naked adorably fat baby in one hand with a, ahemm, less than clean rump and nothing in the other.

this rump is clean :)

Normally, I would feel a sense of panic, carry said baby to the bath tub, wash and dry as needed, then proceed to the store where I would purchase the industrial size of much "needed" wipes and vow to never let this happen again. Well, not this time! This time, I called for a wet wash cloth and did my job. No panic, no bath, no trip to the store. It was lovely. And then a revelation, I don't need those wipes! I was just fine with out them! This is my one small change! "It's over between us wipes! My dependence on you is through!"

So, what to do? In my newly liberated state ideas came quickly. I took a thrifted pillowcase, cut it in half, long ways,

sewed up the cut side, added some elastic to one end and a handle at the other.

And what to fill it with? Well, after 8 little ones,

I have more receiving blankets than I knew (catch the tense change :) what to do with.

I tore them into wipe-size rectangles and voila! lovely soft reusable wipes.

Now when I call out for wipes, there is a small stampede because everyone wants to use the new contraption. I know their enthusiasm wont last long, but I'll enjoy it while I can.

I really love this new system. It is so much easier than I could have imagined. The transition has been painless. I believe I owe the handmade challege a load of thanks for transforming my way of thinking.

What to get rid of next?!

Project Monday: Picture frame and quilt

2010-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Monday's project is done:

This project has taken me a few weeks to finish. Before I tell you what I did, let me explain what this odd little framed quilt with buttons is for. Over the holidays, Garden Mama created the beautiful blog, the Wellness Tree Project that inspired many of you to make handmade ornaments to send to me and my family. These ornaments (over 50!) lifted our spirits and really made me feel how many women are out there praying and hoping the best for me and my family. I was so touched by these little creations, that I just couldn't put them away after the holidays. My husband and I agreed that we would find ways to display all of them--they really are works of art.

The first idea I had was to use simple vine wreaths that could really be for any season. Ornaments now hang permanently on the glass doors that open between our family room and dining room. Here is the bird wreath:

And the outdoors, little critters wreath:

Our son loves for us to hold him up to see each ornament. He especially loves the owls (he was an owl for Halloween if you remember) and ringing the bell dangling from that wonderful blue bird at the top of the first wreath. I am planning on making some kind of children's wreath or some other display for the ornaments made by children or that are especially child-like (a sweet, tiny little sweater, for example). There are so many more ornaments!

The idea for today's project came to me when I was thinking about how I could rotate different ornaments and other wonderful things above my desk. On a framed quilt with buttons, of course:

The project was simple: find an inexpensive frame and paint it until you like it. I like to prop up anything I'm painting on cans. I started with a grayish color, then decided to try a product that promised a crackle finish. It was a strange texture--kind of like plaster. I put on vinyl gloves and just smeared it on. It did crackle, while also looking a little like stucco. I really wanted to try liquid silver leaf, so I painted that on next with the sea sponge (the silver leaf was the original main idea that came from our theme). When that dried, it was a little too shiny, so on went the gloves and more plaster paint. The second coat didn't crackle as much, but I liked the old, peeling-paint look.

I made the quilt top using Moda Turnovers (which reminds me, check out fresh squeezed fabrics on Etsy for really wonderful fabrics!). I am a beginner, so I just "stitch in the ditch" and sometimes it's more like stitching up onto the curb. When I was done, I rummaged through my jar of vintage buttons and added eight across the quilt. Now I have the perfect place to hang my new handmade treasures from.

Free-for-all Friday: The Offspring

2010-01-22T09:34:00.001-08:00

I have nothing to show for Free-for-all Friday.

It's been a crazy week:

a birthday

a sick, grumpy baby

and meals, always meals

But some of my children have been quite productive. And, you may have noticed, I love sharing the awesome creativity of my children. Did you know I have the most creative children in the world? I think it could be scientifically proven :)

Lulu, the 3 year old, did this project inspired by this...

and by her big brother, Gabe (11) who was working on

He must have been in a cheetah phase because then came...

and

Then taking a break from the 2 dimensional, he moved on to...

It's the beginnings of a squirrel. It is, clearly, a W.I.P. so I'll post more when it is done.

But, because carving takes time and needing some instant gratification,

he took a broken one of these

and made...

and so you can better see the hanger piece in there

That is a piece of a hanger, cardboard, wire, paper and

some little metal piece he found at the park.

Amazing!

He blows me away with what he sees in things.

I love it!

Yesterday, I found...

I think we are moving into a Rhino phase :)

Josh (10) made this paper collage.

One is a Northern Cardinal the other a Red headed Cardinal
(we had those in Hawaii).
I especially love the detail of the feet of the flying Cardinal.

Miss 13, armed with her new camera, has been taking photos.

Isn't she beautiful?

She's got an amazing eye, especially for shadows. I think this camera may have been the best gift ever. And thank God for digital, for these are just a few of the 685 pictures in her folder!

So, though I have been a crafting slacker, my children have picked up my slack and run.

Just the way it should be :)

Project Monday: New Leaf Installment 2

2010-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

A New Leaf.

The possibilities were endless. So many things came to mind. But none felt right. Then I met a woman who called herself an artist. When I answered back, "me too", I suddenly felt like a liar. Am I an artist? I was one. What kind of "art" do I do? I'm not working with clay. I'm not painting. I haven't altered anything in forever. Nearly everything I have made this past year has had a purpose.

I have changed.

I took up sewing, felt work, toy making. I took the handmade pledge and have tried to live it. I have learned how to be creative and to have lovely, usable, functioning items in the end, which, honestly, is much more realistic for the season of life I am living. I have enjoyed every minute of this new way of thinking and being and, really, nothing is changing. But, it wasn't until I remembered the artist within, that I finally figured out how "A New Leaf" was going to materialize. So, at least, for this months project, you have the artist's take.

This is a leaf.

(I took the literal road.)

First, the how. I made the leaf out of sticks, craft paper, tissue paper and paint. It hangs from a string of twine in a cardboard Nectarine box. One side is meant to look old. The other new. In front of the old side dangles a tag that reads, "turn me over". The box was first painted black and then ModPodged with paper bags torn into random, irregular shapes.

The stick on top of the box anchors the leaf.

Now, the why. I simply liked the challenge of making a leaf. I am very pleased with the outcome. I especially like the old side. The new side, as you can see from the pics above, (please ignore the hideous linoleum floor, it's days are numbered) went through a couple different looks. When it was green, it didn't seem "new" enough (though amazingly real). It looked too natural. I like the gold.

Going deeper. I want to be this leaf. I want this year to be a turn around year. There are so many personal changes I want to make. I'm hoping this leaf will serve as a reminder.

In writing this post, I have realized that though I have changed, it is not in the, "Oh my gosh I've lost myself" way I initially thought. The artist isn't gone. She's just... broader, more versatile, more mature. I am so pleased and so happy, so amazed. This gives me hope for the ways I'd like to grow in the year to come :)

Here's to 2010!

Turn me over.

I'm ready!

Free-for-all Friday: Fabric Bowl

2010-01-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

While we'll post finished projects that fit with our monthly theme each Monday, Free-for-all Fridays are reserved for any side projects, finished or unfinished, that we're working on. We might also show you what other creative mamas are up to for a little inspiration heading into the weekend. Feel free to post links to your own creative projects in your comments!

Since my sewing machine and I took a break from crafting this week to rest, I thought I'd show you what my own crafty mama was up to. In addition to baking for her own blog, she made this bowl from scrap fabric and clothesline. You can find directions in the book, It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets and Bowls. The bowl cost under $10 to make and that was mostly for thread--what a great gift!

I'm finishing up my week of relaxation by going to afternoon tea with a good friend. We have an elegant tea house here in Lexington, Ky with a delicious menu. This week I did manage to print out this menu and laminated it to add to my son's tea set accessories. He's having a lot of fun hosting afternoon tea parties:

Project? Tea Time

2010-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's project Monday...and I don't have a project to share. Here's where this blog of ours crosses over between our crafting lives and the messier stuff. If you've been following along, you know that I have breast cancer that metastasized to my liver. My liver is doing great--happily regenerating every day according to the scans. The problem is, I feel like the chemo is killing the rest of me. After my dose this past Tuesday, I quickly developed neuropathy, basically nerve damage. I've been experiencing numbness in my fingers and toes, but it's now more like burning pain. I'm also having eye problems. You can imagine how frustrating it was trying to thread my sewing machine to make a little tea cozy for my son's new tea set. It just didn't happen.

I was disappointed and cried, I admit. But then I thought, why not learn something from this month's theme? I need to turn over a new leaf, so to speak, a new way of thinking. Did I mention we're putting out 18 month old boy in day care for the first time this week? There's just a lot happening that I never would have imagined for my life. I can cry and agonize over it all (and I still will occasionally), or I can take a deep breath and take it easy.

While my little angel was taking his afternoon nap, I made some tea and just sat down.

Cinnamon Ginger Tea:

4 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

1 piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

Bring water and spices to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. I added a little Agave Nectar and a splash of soy milk.

Ginger Green Tea:

4 cups water

2 mint green tea bag (I used decaf)

1 piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

lemon juice

honey or agave nectar

Bring water and ginger to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add tea bags and steep, covered for another 5 minutes or so. Add lemon juice and honey or agave nectar to taste.

What is tea time without a little treat? My mom was served these cookies, called Biscoff on the plane home from my house and loved them. So, she ordered enough to last through this century and sent me several bags worth. I should really say that she sent them for her sweet grandson who loves a little afternoon cookie snack. Who doesn't? Ari actually discovered dunking this week. I gave him a Biscoff and glass of milk and, without any prompting, he dunked the cookie...a huge grin spread across his face followed by the sound of pure joy. I experienced the same joy today. After fighting with my sewing machine, struggling with my numb fingers and ever-sore throat, I decided I deserved a spoonful of vanilla bean ice cream on a Biscoff. My throat and soul were soothed.

A New Leaf...

2010-01-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

When Kelly and I first had the idea for this blog, it was with the intent to have a monthly theme that would challenge our creative sensibilities. We wanted to see what each of us could come up with given a loose idea and carte blanche. We were temporarily side tracked by cancer, but we are grateful to be back on task and ready to go. So, our theme for this first month of the new year is A New Leaf. This can be interpreted as literal or as figurative as one chooses. We aren't big on rules :) For instance, my first post on theme is this...

Now you are probably wondering what do these lowly, albeit, lovely pine cones have to do with A New Leaf. Well, just look here...

(pic above taken by KT)

This was made this weekend by KT. She saw a picture of one online and has been formulating a plan for weeks. She finally got up the courage to deconstruct a pine cone and start at it. I especially love the progression. This flower was her first attempt. I thought it was beautiful. I thought it was amazing. I thought it couldn't be topped, until...

And they kept getting better...

She has only made three so far, but there are plans.

So you see, to me these qualify as A New Leaf.

A loose interpretation, perhaps, but a valid interpretation no less. So please join us and share with us if you do. We'd love to hear about it.

Here's to new beginnings!

P.S. If you comment on this post you will be entered in a drawing for our first giveaway!

The winner will receive one of KT's beautiful pine cone rose hair clips.

Pass it on!

P.P.S. If you came directly to this post via a link, be sure to click on the "notions & threads" in the header and check out our latest projects!

The stockings were hung...

2009-12-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

The night before Christmas Eve, I realized Ari didn't have a stocking! Mine is the Leopard print boot above (made by my mom) next to Matt's blue felt stocking. I quickly ran to a craft store to find a similar, simple felt stocking, but I felt sad as soon as I looked at the selection. My mom always handmade special holiday decorations like our stockings and I want to do the same for Ari. Living with cancer makes me even more driven to make holidays memorable for my family.

So, I headed to one of my favorite vintage/consignment stores in town and picked up some very inexpensive scraps of red fabric and the some green material that makes me think of the '50s and the Jetsons all at the same time. Ari loved his new stocking and I loved making it for him.

On a health note, the chemo has made me lose quite a bit of weight but, I'm happy to report, chemo is no match for Christmas cookies! I have gained a pound just in the last week alone. I can't give all of the credit to butter, my scan last week showed that my tumors have been reduced significantly. My husbands sums up the visuals like this: in September, we saw about 80% tumors and 20% healthy liver. This week, we saw about 70% healthy and 20% tumors. All of that healthy liver is giving me more and more energy and we're really enjoying life around here. I hope you all are too.

under someone's tree will be...

2009-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

story time games

gingerbread dolls

memory games

doll slings

wooden spool snakes

bleach pen art pillows

wooden cars

tea cup pincushions

fishing games

Horse and fences

fairy crowns

freezer paper stenciled t-shirts

chocolate covered candied orange peels

Wow! Seeing all of that in one place even impresses me and that isn't even everything! I am so happy and proud of my crew. They have worked so hard and feel so much better about giving these gifts than any previous year. Hand made is definately the way to go.

Now I just need a nap!

Have a very, very blessed Christmas!

another beautiful giveaway at Garden Mama...

2009-12-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here :)

Baby blocks

2009-12-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

Life has been so busy lately, I forgot to mention that Ari has a new baby cousin. We welcomed our nephew, Tesher (which we learned means "Gift" in Hebrew) about 2 weeks ago now. My husband, Matt, and I are really giving small, simple gifts this year since I am out of work, so I decided to sew Tesher some fabric blocks. I found a fun twist on the basic pattern in a wonderful little book, Sweetly Stitched for Kids. The patterns are simple and easy to follow, but also creative. I like the "turtle tee," a really simple pattern for adding an applique and the sleeping mat that's more complicated, but very dreamy.

The general twist on these blocks is that you back your fabric squares with batting and then use pinking shears to finish the edges. Here's maybe a better view:

I love these retro-ish fabrics I splurged on from my new favorite local quilt store. To wrap the blocks, I just safety pinned them together and tied a little a little "Handmade by Kelly/Spot wash only" note to them. I hope he enjoys them!

Fun sites!

2009-12-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

As you can see, we're busy around here painting wrapping paper for last minute presents. I have to admit that we have more wrapping paper than presents to give this year. Thankfully, Ari's artwork is an appreciated gift.

Even though Christmas is just around the corner, we're still looking for projects and inspiration. Love, love, love this site my sister, Erin just found called Design Sponge. Take a second to check it out and make sure you scroll down so you don't miss the really cool suitcase artwork. I also love all of the wreaths. I feel like it's never too late to decorate so, since I'm feeling much better right now, I will be decorating wreaths next week and will be sure to share.

Erin also found a blog aptly named lovelydesign. This blog is also written by a creative mama with a design business. You'll love the tutorials and patterns.

OK, two more--my sister's been busy on the web.

Townmouse and Fancy Elastic (don't you just love that name?!) both currently feature fun advent calendar projects right now. Other sites/projects you just love right now? Please share!

My first quilt!

2009-12-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I finally finished this little quilt! It took me an entire week, but I feel proud of the accomplishment. This quilt came in a kit with all of the pre-measured fabric and directions. I still needed to do all of the cutting, which was good practice. My mom waited until the very last minute to break the news to me that the back of the binding is hand sewn. ARGH! I am such a terrible hand-sewer. It was good practice, though and I'm committing to practicing the blind stitch on anything laying around to get better.

My mom really helped me understand the directions and various steps so that I feel confident to take on another quilting project on my own. My mom went home today to the Seattle area. It was very sad after having her here for two months, but It's also a good thing because it means I'm feeling much better. Next time she's back, it's to do more projects together and, of course, to enjoy her grandson as she always does with such enthusiasm.

Also this week...

I finally learned how to burn a CD (sad, I know) so I had to make CD covers for some gifts I wanted to give. Kandyce--thanks for this idea of sliding a piece of cardboard into an envelope. I then cut the side to fit the Cd and used Modge Podge to reseal the side. Then, I just found scraps of paper around to decorate with. I really need to take a picture of the one Kandyce made for me--it's decorated with handmade paper and a pressed leaf and is beautiful!

A week of Gifts....

I have to tell you about the very special gifts I received this week. Actually, the bees wax ornaments you see above were given to me a few weeks ago by Garden Mama. Aren't they so sweet! I need to add some color to this tree--really a Rosemary Bush--but first I need to save it from dying. My husband and I traumatized it by moving it into this giant pot. Please make it to the Spring so I can move you outside! for some reason., I'm good with my outdoor garden, but I kill every plat that comes into this house.

In the same package, Nicole at Garden Mama also included the lovely postcards that are now available here on her blog. You will look at these postcards everyday, I promise, and will have to force yourself to think about giving away. I just want to frame them and put them all around the house.

The biggest gift of all this week was a new site that Garden Mama (and sneaky Kandyce) set up called The Wellness Tree. It's a site that is bringing mamas together to send me love and support while I face my current treatment and future with cancer. I can't describe how much this site means to me and my family---it's just a simple, yet meaningful outpouring of support. Please take a second to go see the handmade ornaments that crafty mamas are making--they're beautiful and inspiring. I don't think I would have had such a fun, healthy, crafty week without all of this inspiration.

Garden Mama's Giveaway!!

2009-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

She's done it again. Nicole at Garden Mama is having yet another awesome give away. Be sure to check it out!

advent no.1

2009-12-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

In the darkness of the early, early, early (like 3AM early!) morning, I am waken to, "Mom, is it morning yet?" Well technically, Yes, but... "No, son. Go to bed." I know it is a futile request. I hope Christmas doesn't go this way, as well, but odds are not in my favor :)

In spite of starting way to early, St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6th is a lovely celebration during the Advent season for my family. So lovely, I didn't even think about taking pictures :( Shoes were placed in front of the fireplace with the anticipation of being filled with good things. This year St. Nicholas brought gingerbread cookies, chocolate coins, warm fuzzy pajamas and snow.

Advent thus far...

purple and pink paper maiche ornaments to hang on our tree

(made before the snow arrived)

garlands adorned with purple ribbon

Mary and Joseph moving closer to Christmas

(sorry about the quality, it is right over a window :)

Advent lanterns hanging on our branch

(please ignore the compressor in the corner, house construction underway)

We have had so much fun this Advent, more than any other year I can remember. This handmade Christmas thing is great. I love it. Though I must confess, a few purchased presents did sneak their way onto the list. In my defense, I didn't have the time or know-how to make a Waldorf doll. That's an acceptable purchase, isn't it?

I thought so, too :)

Simple Gifts

2009-12-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

First, I have to tell you about a book my sister read over Thanksgiving and left with me. It called 29 Gifts and it's by a woman named Cami Walker. She wrote the book because she has MS and had a very difficult time with the diagnosis and symptoms (I'm sure she still does to an extent). At a particularly bad time, a friend told her she was focusing too much on herself and recommend she give 29 gifts for 29 days. The gifts do not have to be materialistic or big, but her friend did suggest she journal about her experience giving.

I really like this book and the challenge the author describes herself experiencing. She also set up a website you can check out by going here. I have started try to give gifts everyday mindfully, but I haven't found the mental space to journal yet, so I'm not officially starting the challenge. I thought I'd sprinkle some posts into this blog to share a few simple gifts with you that I have received lately. Oh, there are so many wonderful gifts to share! Here's my first :

My mom gave me this purple warm fleece when I started chemo because I was always cold. She just brought it home knowing I needed it:

Shortly after I received the jacket, my good friend, Beth, sent me a warm card with this silky patch enclosed. It's from a feminist group that supported a local Mountain Keepers event. (Beth, if you're reading this, leave a comment with more details. I can't find your card that I put in a special place with this info. The special place, I guess, is a little too special). I love the patch so much, my mom suggested I sew it onto the jacket I wear every day.

Great I idea! I used fabric stabilizer and the zig zag stitch on my machine for the first time and it turned out great. A little crooked on one side, but you can't tell:

It meant so much to me that Beth thought about me at an event I would have loved to attend and that she took the time to send me this simple gift. It makes me smile and feel strong.

I also love that it got me to my sewing machine--even if it was just for a few minutes. I need to warm up because I've cut my fabric for my little quilt and the sewing begins tomorrow!

Painting Pottery

2009-11-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

You would think that I have all the time in the world to get crafty since I'm not working, doing any housework, or cooking. But, I really haven't done much of anything expect sleep, lounge on the sofa, and play with my son. Thankfully, after a month and a half of chemotherapy, a round of antibiotics, and a blood transfusion, I'm starting to have some energy and I'm getting the urge to make some gifts! My mom is a gifted paper artist and she has also been going a little crazy (though she won't admit it) without her craft and sewing studio. She takes care of my son, Ari, all day and then sleeps on a little twin bed in his playroom. Sure, she paints and colors with him and we've both been enjoying playing with homemade playdough, but she has no space or time to herself.

So, I set up a date day just for me and my mom to go to a local paint-your-own-pottery shop to give some time together and to use materials and make a mess without having to worry about clean up. We had so much fun! I made a pencil holder for Kandyce's kids art table (sshh! Don't tell) and my mom made a platter. I'll post a picture of the pencil holder once I finish the other part of the gift--I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I think the best lesson from this day is that I don't have to come up with the most original, totally homemade gift to enjoy myself and feel rejuvenated. My mom and I had a lot of time to talk, help each other, and admire each other's work. I was reminded of my old preschool teacher motto: process, not product. I'm looking forward to trying to make a little quilt next week with my mom's help, but I have to say that I would go back to this pottery ship. I think I would even go alone. It was very meditative and satisfying in an unexpected way.

Kandyce--I am aware that the pencil holder may not make it long on your art table. I made it knowing it will be enjoyed, but may also break and that's fine too:)

yesterday...

2009-11-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

today...

Now is the time when all our preparations take on a deeper meaning. As the light time shortens and the dark time lengthens, we illuminate our nights with twinkling lights. Our house is getting dressed in purple(the color of waiting) and pink(the color of joy). Stars, snowflakes and lanterns will dress our branch and our tree. Advent. It is the season of waiting. It is a season of joy. A season of hope. A season of feast days. Nicholas', when we put out our shoes. Lucia's, when we greet the day to a candlelit breakfast made by KT. Ambrose's when we will make beeswax candles in honor of the patron of bee keepers. And two Marian feast days where we honor the woman who said yes. All of these things, so appropriately preceded by a day of gratitude help to direct our focus outward and upward, as we prepare our hearts and our homes for our baby King. Over the next few weeks, I will share with you our family's celebration of the season.

p.s. Please check out Garden Mama before noon on Wed. for a precious two part give away!!

giving

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. I love how the cold and the snow keep us inside and focused on being together. I love how our family is maturing and developing. I love the family we are becoming.

As a child, I had the kind of Christmases Walmart's dreams are made of. The amount of stuff my sister and I received was totally and completely out of control -especially since most of it was never again touched after ripping off the paper. Ugh!!

Partly because of finances, partly because of having a large family and mostly because the desire to be less materialistic, DH and I, long ago, decided that was not the road our family was going down. We began by limiting the amount of gifts each child got to three in honor of the three gifts of the Magi (I know that event didn't technically happen on Christmas, but it works). This didn't include "stocking stuffers". Friends, you'd be surprise what you can fit into a stocking 3' x 1'(he,he, he... I was trying). Each year we have gotten better and better, arriving now at this year where we are making all our gifts. This has really helped us to focus on the giving, instead of the receiving.

This weekend, we decided, as a family, to purchase a goat and two chickens for a family in third world country through World Vision International. When I explained that this gift, for someone else, would be in place of our usual large family gift, not one complaint was uttered. I was and am so proud! They immediately set about trying to decide what our gift would be. It was a close call between the goat- chicken combo and the stocked pond-fishing kit combo. We decided that next year will be the fishing gift, as it was over twice the price of the goat one, and we will make a poster of some kind to help us to focus and save for our next years gift.

There are two charities, that I know of, that have these kinds of gifts for people to give. There is Heifer Project International and World Vision International. I am so grateful for these two organizations who provide us with ways to love others from afar.

P.S. For loving those less fortunate, near by, we are working on a plan. More on that later.

It has begun

2009-11-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

... the mad dash to get all the Christmas gifts finished. Six weeks. Six weeks! You've got to be kidding! I have 8 children! Katie at matsutake says it best here. I know this is normal for many, but this is my first ALL handmade Christmas. The past two years, the children have made handmade gifts for each other while Ben and I have always purchased our gifts.

Not this year.

Not ever!

We are consumers no more (not totally, but you understand).

No, I have taken the handmade pledge and gosh darn it, I mean it!

I have found many resources to help with ideas for handmade gifts.

See, the list is almost endless.

And yet distraction still manages to weasle in...

this is the first Christmas thing I have made.

It turned out better than I expected. It makes me so happy when that happens!

What's that you say?

"But it's not a gift!!! What about your list, Kandyce? What about your 8 children and 10 nieces and nephews, Kandyce? What about your Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother (yes, she's still around), in-laws, and friends, Kandyce?!!!!"

SHUT UP!!!!

I have a plan!

1. Some friends and I are having children-less meetings once a week from now till Christmas to get any covert crafting done.

2. The kids and I are schooling the first half of the day and crafting the second.

And...

3. I have back up, quick and easy gifts just in case.

See, it's all under control, right? Right!?

anyone...

p.s. check out GardenMama's wonderful, new giveaway. Now, that is something worth buying (if you don't win!)

Healing Art

2009-11-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

This beautiful piece of artwork was drawn by Kandyce's second oldest, Gabe. It arrived rolled up and tied with a ribbon with all of my other handmade, healing gifts from this talented and thoughtful family. If you haven't figured it out yet, this is actually a cancer-eating dragon. I just think it's amazing. My mom framed it for me and we hung it right across from my bed so I can see it when I am recovering from chemo days.

There's more to this story: see the index card in the right hand, bottom corner? That's from Kandyce's dad's desk. He wrote inspirational sayings on scraps of paper and the family found them when he sadly passed away a few months ago. Kandyce was so generous to share one of his notes. It reads, "Courage is doing what you've got to do in the presence of fear." It just seemed right to frame these words with the dragon who is eating my cancer.

On the day my mom hung this picture, I had a Reiki session on the bed in that same room, right across from the picture. My Reiki Master came in and told me she had to leave her pager on because she is in Seminary and is working at the VA. I had no idea. Halfway into my session, she told me she felt like I was not going to have cancer one day and that I have an angel here with me helping. Mr. Bell (Kandyce's dad--I always called him Mr. Bell), was a very religious man who helped anyone he met. I knew right away he was there with me in the room and letting my Reiki Master sense him too. I wish I had a picture to post of my angel--you'd see that, like the fiery dragon, Mr. Bell did not look like someone you'd want to mess with (picture: ex-football player)!

I wanted to write this post to pay tribute to a great father we all loved who is still watching over us today. I also wanted to show how important art is. Children's art is so honest and bold and can really make the best healing gifts. If you have an ailing friend, artwork made in your home may prove to be very special and powerful to that person.

First of many...

2009-11-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

I hope. I completed my first project from the Alabama Stitch Book (forever more affectionately referred to as ASB). I picked a head band.

The headband project in the book used stenciling and beading. I really wanted to use the reverse applique technique they use in other projects.

So I did.

First there was the deconstruction of the t-shirts.

Then the cutting of the band pieces and the stenciling.

Then came the sewing.

I love the rawness of this technique; the exposed knots and seams.

I can't wait to make something else. Really, I can apply this technique to anything. I'm thinking of making a shawl next. There is a beautiful one in the book. I'm feeling a little neglectful though. I haven't crossed off as much as I'd hoped on my Handmade Christmas list. Actually, make that nothing. Oh well, maybe I'll just change my list and make everyone headbands!

I'm sure Grandpa would like that.

Garden Mama's Three Part Giveaway!!

2009-11-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

Please check out Garden Mama sometime before Friday evening. She is hosting a great giveaway! Perfect Christmas gifts for some lucky little one.

A New Favorite

2009-11-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

For my birthday this year, I indulged myself and bought a hefty box load of craft books.

I love books and love creating so what better gift?

One of the books I purchased is The Alabama Stitch Book.

To be honest, I thought it was different type of book when I ordered it and upon opening it, I was (it hurts to admit this now) disappointed. Well, the other night, for some reason, I picked it up and hopped into the tub to escape the lovely, albeit stir crazy children I had been trapped in the house with for two days (massive snow dumping). To my awesome surprise, it is phenomenal!!! Come and look...

All the projects are hand sewn, with great, basic hand sewing directions, and drum roll please, made from deconstructed t-shirts!!!! Yes t-shirts! I wish I could go page by page with you and show you the lovely detailing: applique, beading, reverse applique! Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff. I can't wait to finish hedgehog #2 so I can start on a project from this book.

UPDATE: Hedgehog #2 finished and also on matsutake!

Owl Costume Sneak Peek

2009-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

I finally finished Ari's Halloween costume last night and thought I'd share it with you this morning since it will be awhile until I can actually put it on him. Here's the back story: I asked Ari what he wanted to be for Halloween about a month ago. A cow? A dog? Moo Moo? Woof? I asked my then 15 month old. "WHoo WHoo," he said. I asked him a few more times this month and each time he made an owl sound.

So my crafty mama, who is living with us while I go through chemo, bought a really inexpensive brown hoodie sweatshirt and sheets of felt in white, brown, yellow, orange, black, and a light tan. She made the eyes and beak, which she sewed onto the hood along with some cute feathered tufts to give the owl a little expression (she also added a dot in each eye for a twinkle--love her attention to detail). My mom than cut out a ton of feathers and put me on sewing duty. All I had to do is make an X with doubled up embroidery thread and tie it off in the back. Very easy for this beginner sewer and a perfect job for someone who has to sit around and get a lot of rest. If we want to, we can cut the Xs and take the feathers off to use the sweatshirt, but really, why would we want to do that! Here's the front view:

And here's the back view:

So, I'm off to a morning of chemo before Halloween festivities. Thankfully, I feel great on chemo days so I'll be able to enjoy the day. I also have this wonderful little pumpkin hat to keep me warm. My friend Meg's mom-in-law made it for me and I just love it (Meg sent a ton of goodies that got the whole family in the Halloween spirit--did I mention she had a baby 2 weeks before the care package arrived?!)

GreenCraft Magazine

2009-10-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

So, there is a new mag on the rack called GreenCraft. I love it! It is chocked full of super ideas on how to upcycle and recycle all kinds of things. My favorite idea is using plastic grocery bags for plastic fusing. I had never heard of such a thing until this article, but basically, you use your iron to fuse together several sheets of plastic bag and then use it like fabric to make all sorts of neat things. Here is an article explaining it in detail and here another. So very green!

Though I have yet to be brave enough to try plastic fusing, the kids and I did try another idea from the magazine

This is an article by Charlotte Lyon all about recycling toilet paper rolls. This I can do. There were many incredible suggestions along with beautiful pictures on what to do with the left overs from tp, but the one that I have imminent need for is the napkin ring. I have never had napkin rings and these were right up my alley.

Aren't they pretty? Sort of vintage-y, sort of altered-y (like my made up words?)

The kids and I have been collecting said rolls for a few weeks now. It doesn't take long in a home of 10 for them to start to pile up. Here are a few pics of what we made.

First the kids...

Now mine...

So much fun! I even got to use some of my vintage fabric from Stephinie. I have two more to make, but I've been sidetracked by hedgehogs. There is no hurry though. I am happy with the way they turned out. I think they will look lovely on our Thanksgiving tables.

p.s. Rosetta is featured on matsutake today!!!

Rosetta

2009-10-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

I love the blog matsutake! Katie is one of the most unbelievably creative people I have ever known. Not that I really know her, but you know what I mean. Anyway, she is always up to something interesting and is never stingy with her how-to!

Tuesday, she gifted her readers with this adorable little pattern for a hedgehog. And yesterday Rosetta was born...

She has a sibling in the works but I'll post her when she's done.

Okay, here's a sneak peak...

This is a very fun project. I can't decide if the little ones in my life are getting one of these or a bird this Christmas.

Kel, which one do you think Ari would want?

Shoulder Cozy

2009-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad Kandyce shared the wonderful gifts she and her family made for me. It was such an amazing, uplifting, and touching care package to get. And yes, I cried at each and every handmade gift in the box because Kandyce pinned little sweet notes notes to everything. One gift she didn't have a chance to take a picture of is this warm and adorable shoulder cozy:

Here's the angle from the back:

I'm going to let Kandie explain how she made this cozy herself. I love it. It keeps me warm without making me feel overheated or trapped under too many layers--it's pretty much become part of my chemotherapy day uniform. I get lots of compliments on the cozy and I think it's helping my healing. I like to feel Kandyce close by while I envision my tumors in my liver shrinking and the healthy liver regenerating.

I am feeling great these days and don't have any liver pain at all. My labs show that elevated liver function numbers have gone down after only two doses of chemo and my liver has shrunk--it was very enlarged from extensive tumor growth. We feel the love, support, and prayers of all of our friends and family--and even strangers I should add--are helping tremendously and we feel happy and lucky every day to live this wonderful life we have.

I am on a break from chemo right now to get my blood counts up (they look good and I should be back on track with my full doses by Halloween morning). During normal chemo weeks, I have very little energy and I take advantage of any moment I feel good to play or even just sit with my growing little boy while he has a snack, so I may not post as regularly as I would like to. Kandyce is becoming an amazing crafter/sewer and she's holding down the fort for both of us. I plan on sharing updates and other handmade gifts I have received that have really touched my heart as often as I can.

Here's to old friends and healing handmade gifts from the heart!

Snow is on the ground...

2009-10-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

and Autumn seems to have fled, but I had to post this picture of the

branch all decked out for the season

I love the fall!

Lulu's Birthday

2009-10-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, little Lulu turned 3 this month. Where has the time gone? I have been wanting to get her one of those wooden play kitchens, but having taken the Handmade pledge and all, I opted not to spend an arm and a leg on a handmade one and had DH hand make one himself. Really, we did it together which makes it all the more special.

It was a real learning experience. I especially like the way we used wood scraps and items from the recycling bin for the finishing touches. I need better photos, so i'll post about those details later. If we ever make another we will do a few things differently, but over all it is beautiful. Lulu couldn't be happier which is what really matters. I also whipped up the apron she is wearing right before my machine went on the fritz. Nice that we can't find it now... life in a house of 10.

I really wish Ben and I could do things like this together full time. We have such fun planning and creating with one another. I told him we should make a few kitchens to sell for Christmas. A friend of a friend has an Artisan Consignment store near by. Hmmm, could be the start of something...

More things Vintage...

2009-10-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

My Vintage partner received her package, so it is safe to post on what I sent.

Two of these things I inherited and two I purchased. I bought the tin and the pattern at a thrift store. Isn't that the best feeling? So serendipitous, to find the perfect thing in a store like that. Really. When you think about all the things that had to happen to get you and the item at the store at the same time...it's pretty wonderful.

My Great Uncle was an upholsterer in WWII. Those spools are from a large collection of thread he had accumulated. Though to him it wasn't a collection, but his sewing kit. He just passed away last year. He was very cute.

The handkerchief was given to me, along with about 30 others, by my husbands Grandmother. Many she embroidered herself. KT and I often pull them out and just admire them. One day I may get up the courage to make something with them. Perhaps when my sewing skills are up to par. Maybe not.

Both the spoons and the hankies are treasures that I am so glad to share with Stephinie. This Swap was a great experience. I think I'm addicted because I just signed up for a button swap that Stephinie directed me to. More goodies to come.

Vintage Swap

2009-10-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

So I participated in my first Swap. It was any and all things Vintage. I don't want to post what I sent yet but here are the lovelies I received.

Fun stuff!

Cancer

2009-10-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

I hope you all know what it is to have a friend who you have known over half your life. I hope you know what it is to have friend who knows you better than anyone else, even your husband. I hope you know what it is to have a friend whom you are so close to she has dreams about your fourth child before he's born and accurately "see" that this little one will be blond and blue eyed, despite the first three being dark with dark eyes and you both laugh at her dream because it's just soooo funny.

I really hope that everyone in this world has what Kelly has been to me these 23 (can that be right!!) years. And I hope you never have to know what it is to have this precious friend to be so sick that you have to face the wisp of a possibility of your life without this friend. That is where we are. Facing and fighting Cancer. So very far away, I feel so helpless. I imagine this is a little like what Kelly must have felt when my Dad died earlier this year. Wanting so much to be there and be supportive. Feeling like your place is right next to her on the couch providing the shoulder to lean on. But, I have come to accept that is not where I belong and rather, this is my role in this journey. I am ready to go at the drop of a hat, but until I am needed this is where I stay and I offer up all I can and pray like there is no tomorrow.

The kids and I put together a gift box to send to Kel in Kentucky. I asked the boys, if they were sick what would make them feel better. Three agreed that they would like a pillow. So their collaborative effort resulted in this...

pretty cute.

Jo and Li Li designed their pictures on paper and then I cut out each little, itty bitty, teeny weeny, small, tiny (you get the picture) piece, pinned it to felt, cut out little, itty bitty,

teeny weeny, small, tiny (okay, okay) pieces in felt and appliqued them to the pillow. Li Li (6) designed the turtle and Jo (9) the butterfly and the rose. Pooh bear (8) stuffed and sewed the pillow.

KT made Kelly a necklace.

Gabe (11) drew her a "Cancer Eating" Dragon (that I forgot to take a pic of, oops) and I made Kel a shoulder cozy. There were also some books and other goodies. We loved making things for our dear friend though they were just small symbols of the love we are truly sending her.

So, in this month of Breast Cancer Awareness with pink ribbons everywhere you turn, please use them to remember to say some prayers for Kelly and her family and everyone else fighting this disease. If you are blessed enough to be near your dearest friend, give them a big hug. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

And live.

P.S. Here is a link to an incredible dance choreographed for the Choreographer's friend fighting breast cancer.

Garden Mama

2009-10-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Garden Mama has the cutest fall giveaway that ends today on her site. Get over there asap!

It's cold here.

2009-09-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

With Autumn descending like a lead brick this week, we found the need to have our heads covered. Earlier this month, I collected a few easy patterns for fleece hats that the kids could make as Christmas gifts. There was one that I fell in love with. I made a few changes, pulled out the purple fleece a friend gave me (that I didn't know what to do with) and came up with this:

I made matching mittens, too.

I'm so happy with how they came out.

I think Miss Lulu is happy too.

Purple hat and mittens with green blanket stitch edging and felt applique

More t-shirt pillows!

2009-09-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week around here. If you're new to the blog, you may not know that I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a bilateral mastectomy this past March. I decided to go ahead with reconstructive surgery, but had no idea how painful the process is and how long it would be until it was over due to insurance problems. The bad news: I'm in a lot of pain and we just try to get through the week around here, so I'm not doing anything crafty of fun lately. The good news: my surgery date was just set for October 1st, a week before my 37th birthday!

There were some other reasons why my spirits were lifted this week. My best friend from college had her first baby, a boy born at home and everyone is happy and cozy. Another best friend sent me a surprise care package with my favorite fudge. A day that ends with a sampling plate of different kinds of gourmet fudge just can't be bad.

This same friend also sent me the following picture. Remember that sad little pillow I made from my son's old PJ top? Why didn't I think to leave the arms on and just stitch it up?! Look at this great pillow her son, one of my favorite 10 year olds, made with his Mimi. So cute, right?

So, it was a good week. Thanks everyone for cheering me up with your gifts, crafts,
and best of all, friendship.

The Milkweed Project

2009-09-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just had to drop in and share the great project the kids and I will be taking part in. Through the Lovely List, I found out about The Milkweed Project. Here is the write up from the website:

The Milkweed Project is a collaborative artwork currently in progress. Hundreds of fiber artists and crafters are knitting, crocheting, felting and spinning white and off-white creations that will be assembled into a giant milkweed pod. The final, assembled piece is intended to capture the essence of a milkweed pod; its soft, ethereal beauty and its importance to the natural world.

The Milkweed Project is about our connection to each other, to nature, to the past, present and future.

Shan Bryan-Hanson, the project architect, is an artist and teacher.

How exciting is that! I just had to be a part of it. On the Milkweed website you can view the entries that have already arrived. They are all so amazing and beautiful. We especially love the jellyfish. Incredible!

KT used the last bit of off white yarn to make this:

There has been talk of additions; buttons, ribbon, textured fibers...

Until more white yarn shows up, the boys have been busy making these:

I found the free pattern here. And there are pics of them here and here. They are very cute, quite simple and look fabulous perch upon our branch. The most difficult part is the pinning, which I did for them. KT wants to make them as Christmas gifts for a few precious toddlers we know (shhhh, don't tell Ari!)

I love this time of year!

Bikes!

2009-09-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

Since Ari finally agreed to put his helmet on (after weeks of letting him play with it in his room), he got to go on his first bike ride with daddy!

This is great news for me because time spent with Daddy on the bike means crafting time alone for me. For now, the rides are just around the block, so all I had time to do is check out these great bike-themed finds on Etsy (just click on the picture to follow the link):

Turn a shirt into a Pillow

2009-09-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

My little boy loves this sleeping shirt--"Pirate Puppy" we call him.When he wears it to bed, he constantly looks down to see the puppy and bird and is just delighted with the whole thing every time. The problem is, the stitching on the arms is fraying and he loves to pull any tiny thread he can find and unravel it even more. It's time to let Pirate Puppy PJs go. I decided to turn the shirt into a pillow for him to play with with his two dolls, Captain Jack and Raj.

Unlike my mom, I don't let not having enough time, the proper materials, or a good plan stop me from diving into a project. I threw the shirt down on my cutting mat the second Ari fell asleep for his nap and ran the rotary cutter right across the top. Never mind that the bottom of the arm holes (which I had to cut above to avoid cutting the puppy's head)left a challenging shape. Then, I turned the shirt inside out and stitched across the bottom seam, cutting off any excess left. I then sewed across the top, leaving a space to stuff the pillow:

When you're a mediocre seamstress like I am, you can make up for lack of skills by using only the best materials. The end result might not be any better, but you'll feel like a professional while you're doing it--and isn't that what's important? That's why I use Bamboo Stuffing rather than Poly-Fill. It's more expensive, but I buy it when it's on sale. The key is to stuff your pillow way more than you think you should. If you think it's time to stop, keep stuffing! When my pillow looked ready to explode, I faced the dreaded final task...

Hand stitching it closed! I can't believe I'm showing you this picture, but here is how bad I am at hand sewing. OK, OK, I could have used red thread to help hide my bad work (as my helpful husband pointed out), but really, would it make that big of a difference? Can you see how bad this is?! I have a great idea for hiding it, but Grammy's going to have to do it when she's here. I'm thinking of a felt flag or row of ribbons right there across the top. How fun would that be?

Like all of my projects, this one didn't turn our picture-perfect, but look at how much fun Ari and Captain Jack are having with their new pillow!

KT

2009-08-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

So here she is, my #1 child, my first born, my girl; KT. KT is a beautiful, 13 year old, young lady who has more talents than any one person should. She is so creative and is always working on a project. I must say she has been a little jealous since I did the post on her brothers. But, in my defense, I did ask her to submit something for me to write about and she found nothing worthy. That was until I woke up* the other morning to this...

Isn't it beautiful? I want one! But more than loving the necklace, I love that she has an idea and just whips it out. Here it is with the matching earrings...

KT has been designing and making jewelry since she was 8. I have always been impressed by her creations.

This is the first necklace she made 5 years ago.

See what I mean. Pretty sophisticated for an 8 year old. Not the usual gaudy, color combinations. Do I sound like a proud Mama? I am. My girl and I are great friends and I love who she is. I especially love her fast emerging sense of style and taste. Though I can't say we always agree (she told me last night, to my horror, she doesn't like Joni Mitchell!!!!), I have great respect of her opinion, (except that last one... she'll grow out of it).

Sometimes I look at her and wonder where these gifts will take her. Her talents are endless and she has such strength. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Until then I'm just enjoying the ride. Such an adventure, this parenting gig.

*When I say I "woke up to it", I mean it in the most literal sense, i.e. it dangling two inches from my closed, sleeping eyes.