Craft Camp

Our crafting camp had a minor adjust on Thursday and Friday. Rather than going to Marilyn's lake house, we needed to stay at home to do it. So we set up everything and worked at my house. We had a full day yesterday working like little bees. All four of us had a productive day. We had muffins for breakfast, and I had made tortilla soup for lunch.

I got so busy during the day I forgot to take any additional pictures. These I had taken early in the morning while getting things out.  

More later.......

Ready for Wreaths?

We recently attended a craft show. Not really sure why I didn't take a boat load of pics. Probably because the vendors highly discourage it, and I totally get that. But this guy gave people permission to do it. So naturally, I whipped out the phone.

Does anyone besides me think this Santa looks frightened from that angle?!

Pulling Out the Singer and Scraps

Because I need a project, I decided to start another quilt. I still have plenty of "magic fabric" from a garage sale find, so I am not purchasing any material. It's more fun knowing it's not costing me anything. It will truly be a scrap quilt. But that's ok.  Don't let the sneak peek of some of the fabric scare you. I THINK it will be ok........

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Several of you asked about the pie. Well, so easy....

Graham cracker crust

1 can Eagle Brand milk

1 sm. can frozen lemonade (partially thawed)

1 sm. carton Cool Whip

Mix all ingredients. Pour into crust. Chill. Can top with more Cool Whip or whipping cream.

Vintage Finds

I mentioned that this past weekend I went to the "Affair of the Heart" craft show. Although it was somewhat of an adventure getting to Oklahoma City from North Texas through a snow storm, the next day turned out to be beautiful there. The sun came out, and it was very pleasant walking from building to building.

Here are a couple of my favorite purchases. Both of these were from "vintage" booths.

A large basket loaded with "magic" quilting fabric for a whopping $9.00

Hot Iron Transfers just like Mother used -- $1.00 each

This was the one craft that she enjoyed doing. I can't tell you how many sets of kitchen towels she did for us. I'll show you some of them some day.

(By the way Chad, we missed you! It was weird being in OKC without seeing you there.)

"P-E-A-C-E" ....... DIY

Although it's not a Valentine's one, I did make a shirt this week! I used a sweatshirt I got on sale, some fabric, and a crystal peace sign. I had ordered the crystal peace thingee online and really wanted to use it before I lost it (HA).

I like the way it turned out.

“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make."

Isn't this the cutest little outfit?

That crafty friend of mine got a custom order for it.

I just knew some of you would be chompin' at the bits to make one. So here's a tip! She used elastic to secure all the strips on rather than ribbon. I personally think that was clever because that way it's adjustable for the little one's waist. The strips are approximately 24 inches before you put them on. Ok....now go make one for that cute little girl of yours!

Here are a few more CRAFT ideas for you 

to try when you get in the mood!

1. Tin Star:  cover with different scrapbook papers; put a coat of Modge Podge on it 

2. Frame:  make a pretty bow and bedazzle it up

3. Photo Block:  piece of wood (your choice of size), cover with paper; "spruce" it up with feathers, trim, etc.; add a clip to show off a favorite photo

Harley Davidson Quilt

When my husband sold his Harley bike, he had a whole wardrobe full of HD t-shirts literally from all over the world. I wanted to do something to save just a few of the shirts for him in some "Harley Hog" special meaningful way (whatever that means) and give it to him for Christmas. So I asked him to pick out twelve of his favorite t-shirts that he wanted to keep to remember perhaps certain rides or memories .

I cut the squares off either the front or back of the t-shirt depending on which side I thought would make the best finished 12 X 12 square.

I purchased for little or nothing one black sheet for the backing and some of this cool Harley-colored orange fabric for the borders, sashes, etc. I already had some batting on hand. Then I began to piece it square by square. It was finished off with a machine for durability. 

And here's the finished quilt. We both love it! It goes wherever we travel in the RV.

Always save t-shirts! They have such memories tied to them. And they really do make great quilts. Perhaps I can share some other t-shirt quilts I've done in the future.

I have hooked up to both Keelie and Kimba, so hop on over to both of these!

Learning from Older Adults

My grandmother made doll clothes with me and showed me how she made soap. A friend of my mom’s taught me to crochet. This same lady helped me with my sewing skills and some basic flower arranging. Ladies in a local nursing home shared their crafts proudly every time we visited there.

Although I didn’t realize it probably at the time, these experiences were just as valuable to them as to me. Giving older adults opportunities to share their experience, wisdom, and skills with young people only makes sense. It’s a win-win situation.

Of course, we have the obvious; the young people learn the skills. They enjoy the older adults who show them warmth, friendliness, care, and concern. Through these relationships, young people can be taught character traits that will influence them and impact future relationships.

But it also addresses the needs of older adults with feelings of achievement, belonging, and even power. The older adults enjoy sharing skills they perform well. It is a constructive use of their time that sometimes passes so slowly during the long days. They still enjoy helping people, working at something they enjoy, and being around young people.

Fellowship, friendship, and feelings of worth are invaluable regardless of the age. I was blessed to be around older adults as a child, and I still love being around them!

Please leave a comment and tell me what you learned from an older adult!

Loved this Craft Show!

On Friday, I got to go to this show again along with my sister and a couple of friends. I love it for several reasons. One of the main ones, other than the most obvious of getting to see all the great crafts and products, is that it is a family-oriented show. It actually began years ago through the goal of eight Christian women. It is dedicated to bringing the market place to the public without any questionable or offensive merchandise included. You will find no pro-drug or sexual content of any kind being sold. Isn't that a great testimony!