if i had my own line of fabric...

I've been taking a pattern design class at nicolesclasses.com.  The class has been so much fun, and Alma the instructor is uber-wonderful, I can't say enough good things about nicole's classes.

Here are a few of the patterns I've designed.  Someday I'd really love to see these in a quilt.  In the meantime, I will daydream about my imaginary fabric line...it's called 'dime•stone' (named after a misconception I had as a child that mixed diamonds and rhinestones together) I hope you enjoy it.

I may even come up with some printable stationary based upon it...

itty bitty s'mores

These are the perfect treat for urban campers like myself.

1. Mini Graham Crackers   2. Small Marshmallows   3. Chocolate Chips

+ Round up some hungry campers

+ Squish the marshmallow onto the graham cracker and the chocolate chip into the top of the marshmallow

 + Nuke them for about 15 seconds....

...it lacks the ambiance of a camp fire, but it's much faster!

Yum!

seed bead billy balls

I love billy ball flowers, so perfect and round.   This version is made with styrofoam balls and seed beads.

Here's what you'll need:

+ styrofoam balls (I used 15/16 in. balls)

+ seed beads in the color of your choice

+ coordinating tissue paper

+ glue (I ended up using both a white craft glue and a clear "ultra tacky" craft glue)

+ floral stems

1. Cut a small square of tissue paper that will cover your ball, paint lightly with white glue.

2. Wrap ball with tissue paper

3. Twist the extra tissue into a small point that can be used as a temporary handle, allow tissue to dry completely.

4. ...take a deep breath and get something good to listen too...

 Working in sections, apply clear tacky glue on tissue covered ball and place seed beads (I used a toothpick to help arrange them).  When the ball is about 75% covered in beads, cut off the tissue paper point and insert a floral stem.  Continue to glue and place beads, until the ball in completely covered.

   

5. Enjoy your tedious, but beautiful creations!

treasures in the woods

We've returned from a quiet weekend away with our loved ones in the north woods.  

mother's day card

Here's a little card for Mother's day.  Download it here.

The file includes two color ways, gray as shown and pink, two cards per sheet.

*background image from dioma

a bit of breakfast fun