The girls are gone......

The week went soooooooooo fast! First pool pictures...Kara is the tall one, Samantha the short one. no narration...





















































Kara discovered she loves beading! This is her tee shirt. We made it into a decorative pillow for her room (she collects elephants) and she beaded it all by herself.



And then...the crowns/tiaras They had a ball making these! First Kara in hers...You can't really tell in the photo, but the edge is beaded and looks like ice crystals.

And Samantha's. Sam was born on Halloween...hence the orange theme.

Kara modeling the one they made for their step-sister Becky

And their Mom, Kelly with hers that I made.

The queen and crown princesses


Of course they immediately thought of others they needed to "crown"...here is the beginnings of one
And they decided daddy needed one too..as in his words...he is the "King of Nothing".... ROFLMAO. His house full of girls takes everything he has....Mom and the girls will bead his at home.

We had a great time. All at once it is too short a time, yet just the right amount of time ... to be under one roof....for all of us. The ideal? Would be if we all lived closer together so that we could enjoy time together all the time, and still all have our own place to go home to.

Maybe one day...

Now, to do the quick turn around in preparation for Kelly's brother and his family to arrive....exactly one week from today!

Guess I'd better get those sheets and towels done........

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A tiara and an announcment

I have started another crown. But this is the last time I will call them crowns. As I originally purcahsed a kit for the first one, there were many things I didn't like about it. So, I did some research and found TONS of royalty free "tiara" drawings. I have also drawn some of my own. And you can buy foam crown templates at Jo Ann's, and patterns from simplicity and vogue.

As for the original kit, I didn't like any of it other than the shape, which I have found that exact shape in 5 other royalty free places. So I figure I can use that shape. The directions and the foundation I pitched...I didn't like them. So I used my own stuff and developed my own directions. This is the first one. The others will have different shapes...my own drawn shapes. So, before I show you the steps to make this one.....

I'll make an announcement. I have started a new site where I will post basic instructions to make some of the things I create and some of my quilt designs. Keep in mind, I draft all of my patterns in EQ6 and they are very simple. I like to use basic, simple designs and embellish them with applique, the quilting, and other mixed media type stuff . So if you're looking for complex patterns, this will NOT be the place for you. It will also assume you have basic cutting, piecing and applique skills. So don't be emailing me with questions about basic skills. I will provide more in depth instruction with some of the art techniques. But keep in mind this will all be free...and you get what you pay for (;>)... that means, no hand holding. If you can figure it out from what I post...it's yours to use how you like. If not, it's not my problem.

That said, I'm hoping to have the site up and available by the end of the month. I'll post the opening here.

So, now to my latest tiara. I will have several patterns and instructions for some varieties of these on the new site.

OK, first cut out your shape from peltex (I use the NON-fusible, because it's easier to work with (IMHO)
Then I fuse wonder-under to 2 fat quarters (one for the front and one for the back) and fuse them to each side of the peltex



The leftover fused fabrics and an accent (also with fusible)



Next, you cut the shapes for the front of your tiara. I am using a shape on one of my "GO" cutter dies here. I have also cut some on the Sizzix Big Kick.

fabrics with fusible folded over the shape to be cut.

cutting mat in place


rolling it thru the cutter
Voila!

Next fabric folded over the shapes I want to cut

cutting mat in place and rolling it thru the "GO" cutter

and here are my circles..2 sizes (and a few bonus shapes from the fold that I'll save for use in another project)

fused to the tiara


next I stitch the edges to secure them
this is opal dust....glitter in an acrylic polymer base. Much better than glue..doesn't attract bugs. Drys clear too. i fix it after it's dry with a textile medium mixed with versatex fixer and let it dry.

nice sparkle! Really spectacular on dark fabrics.

And of course, my helper Harry!

All dry and fixed.

There's also gold dust....I think the girls will use this on their tiara's.


Bias binding for the lower edge.
And, then the fun stuff to be added


All finished the machine work. Now to add the bling!
oops, forgot to show you the velcro on the back...makes it adjustable.


And, I've started adding the bling. I bead the top edge first and then will go back and add crystals and other beads and special sequins to the appliques. I'll post a photo when I'm done.
So, keep watching for the launch of my new site!

Have a great night, be back soon.

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Details of the crown

I purchased the crown pattern here. The pattern designer has a very specific written statement regarding use of her pattern that prohibits me from sharing how to make the crown here.

However, the pattern contained a couple of supplies and some instructions that I found did NOT work well, so I substituted my own supplies which I detailed in this post.

As to the embellishments, I used hot fix crystals, pearls, specialty sequins that I gave the link for in this post; and beads from my stash to bead the edges of the crown.

Sorry, that's the best I can do given the constraints by the designer, but I'm sure you'll figure it out!

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More fabric and a crown!

I got another of Vicki's palettes today. This one she calls Caribbean Blue. My favorite colors! Just look at the incredible texture of this piece..fabulous! And the rest have just as much.Here's the whole set, the darkest piece is an extra piece.

Just beautiful. Thanks Vicki!

And the first crown is done...beading and all! Pretty swanky! I love the beaded edge; time consuming but so worth it.

I've got the blanks for the others done and ready for the girls to get here and pick out their fabrics. They'll be here in just a week! Yippee.

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More of Vicki's fabric....

decided it needed to come live with me.... this one is called "pebbles" Hey Adam, think I should QUILT pebbles on it? ROFLMAO! Seriously though, it's perfect and will find it's way into some of my landscape and pictorial quilts....eventually, after I've had ample time to drool over it and pet it.Well crap, I forgot what this set is called...oh well, it is beautiful sun-type colors. And the yellow/orange/ red piece is absolutely luminous!


And then as a gift, she sent this piece. Just Fabulous! and it is sooo metallic..it glows!
I still have one more palette coming...the Caribbean blue one. Should be here in the next day or two. I really need to quit looking at her store for a couple days to give my credit card a break!

And just because it's been a while, and he posed so pretty, here's a shot of my beautiful Harry.

Chloe is currently asleep in a very un-lady like pose. We'll post a picture of her when she's in a pretty pose!

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new hand dyed fabric

I got another set of hand dyed fabrics from Vicki's etsy shop today. And they are GORGEOUS! This palette is called " mineral pool" and was taken from this photograph.Here are the pieces individually...notice the incredible texture in each piece.

This piece shows a little darker than it really is...the truer color is at the bottom of the first photo.















A few people have e-mailed me and commented that they think these fabrics are too expensive. Well, let me tell you...if you don't dye, you have no idea of the cost of both raw materials in fabric, chemicals and labor that goes into making these fabrics. Add to that; Vicki has spent the countless hours and attention to detail that is required to create formulas that allow her to reproduce these exact colors time and time again...accurately. In addition to that, she researches the color palettes and puts these colors together so that you have a beautifully coordinated set that will be successful in whatever quilt pattern you choose to use them in.

I am not affiliated...yada yada...but I think these "palettes" while not appealing to everyone, yield a fabulous, time saving find to anyone who values a work of art. These fabrics, in and of themselves are a work of art. Imagine what incorporating them into your art pieces will do for your work!

Thank you Vicki! I love them and can't wait to see the new palettes you come up with. I'm sure they'll find a way into my art!

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A day with Mary

Mary and I had a wonderful day together. I know you're all dying for pictures, but it's not nice to post bathing suit pictures...unless you're 20 years old and 98 pounds...which neither of us are LOL! So here is a highly cropped photoshop version from one of the pictures I took of Mary yesterday.

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A visit with Mary

Mary arrived here in Southwest Florida this afternoon. Tomorrow we get to spend the day together!

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Look what the mailman brought!

First up is a cute postcard from my cousin Mary Ann's youngest daughter. It's wonderful Ashley! Thank you very much!And the other treat I got today was my " red sunset" palette of fat quarters from Vicki's Etsy shop.

They are beautiful in the photo, but it doesn't come close to how beautiful they are in person! Thanks Vicki for another gorgeous set of fabrics! I've got my eye on the "mineral pool palette now, yum. Do you think I can resist the urge?

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You already know....

I have way too many beads. So, since it won't be much of a surprise, I thought I'd show you my latest find. Sequins! A couple years ago at MQS Mary and I found this vendor that had unique sequins. That particular vendor hasn't been back to MQS since. Well, I've been looking for more shapes and sizes of sequins and last week I found this place. Oh boy, oh boy... what a feast for the eyes! Well my order came today. And they are fantastic! They are holographic so they don't photograph real well, but you'll get the idea. First up large leaves.

Then small leaves

And stars

Snowflakes

Small shells

Larger shells

very large flowers(for sequins) they are larger than a quarter!



And Sunflowers (or you could use them for suns)

also larger than a quarter.

Some of these have already found their way onto the"crown" .
And lest you think I'm too bad...Look all packaged up to share!



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New fabric in the mail today!

Vicki opened an Etsy shop the other day. I just had to have the beautiful sunprints she had. Well they came today, and they are even more gorgeous in person! These are perfect sunprints!And this one too!

And because I was her first customer she sent me this prezzie! One of her handpainted metallic fabrics. Metallics are notoriously had to photograph, and this one is soooooo much more beautiful in person..it actually glows! Thank you Vicki, I love them all! If you haven't visited her shop you need to get over there!


I also spent some time today making bead mixes. I was really surprised at how many beads I had in the "brown" family. Mary will get a kick out of that since I'm always ragging on her about how much brown she uses! And yes, these are quart size zip lock bags...and yes, I know I have a sickness..lol! But I do share with Mother and my sisters when they need beads.
And, I also added some crystals and did some beading on the "crown" today. Beading the edge really takes a lot of beads...that's why I need so many.....(:>)

And I did get some client quilting done too. What did you do today?

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DVD's are shipping!

Today was the day! Suzanne got the "shop" open for business at MQR, and I got the inventory ready. We started taking orders this afternoon, and the first batch has shipped. It all went fairly smoothly..a little "fussing" with the international shipping, but that's all worked out now. All the copies I had ready, sold and were shipped today...so I'm "burning" more as we speak! If you want a copy be sure to visit MQR and click on the "shop" banner at the top to order. Anyone can buy them, don't even have to be a member, though Premier members get a 20% discount. Just in case anyone needs to know, this DVD contains the first quarter premier videos I have done on MQR and include;

Applique SID

What to do with Wide Borders Parts 1 & 2

Grid based background fills

Crosshatching (both straight, and curved)

Faux Trapunto

We will be releasing a new one each quarter with new videos.

If you live here in my area, you can e-mail me directly if you want a copy. That will save you the shipping costs...of course you'll still have to pay Florida tax, but you'll pay that either way.

And onto other things...my fur babies have been extra cute this week, and since it's been a while I thought I share yesterday's photos with you. Here's Chloe and Harry!




Aren't they just the cutest?!

Have a great night!

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Fit for a Queen...or a couple princesses

I'm always on the lookout for fun things to make with my granddaughters when they come for their summer visit. Well, that time is almost here! Not too long ago, I came across a cute pattern here that I thought the girls would have fun making. I always test our projects before they get here to work out the bugs, so I got this one out today to try.yes, it's a crown! And very quick and easy to make. It comes with the foundation...I did not like that at all. Very difficult to get the fusible to stick..and it distorts terribly with heat. So I threw it away and used peltex..the same stuff I use in my fiber postcards. It worked great! And without any fussing.

They also give you a tiny piece of velcro..again, I didn't use that either. I cut a strip the whole length of the back piece...that way the crown can "grow" with the girls. The other thing is the directions don't tell you to cut the binding on the bias...you should, it'll go around the curve much nicer..next time I will.

Such fun! Now to add some bling! Plenty of room for lots of beads and crystals.

Hmmm, I even know a Queen (of quite a lot)...wonder if she'd like this spiffy red crown?

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A new place to shop !

Vicki has opened a new Etsy shop with beautiful hand dyes! You've got to see her gorgeous fabrics and of course tie dyed shirts.

I just couldn't resist those sunprints LOL.

She's having a giveaway to celebrate her grand opening, so be sure to drop by her blog and sign up.

And of course you just have to shop at her new etsy!

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