Donna Downey is Coming

For those of you who read my blog regularly, you know I am a BIG fan of Donna Downey. She is an artist of mixed media, painting, and scrapbooking. Scrolling through her website, and her blog, Simply Me, are like stepping into a bustling artist's studio, with projects going on all about you! The first book I purchased of hers, Fabric Scrapbooking, was so creatively inspiring that I posted several finished projects I made such as the photo apron , wall hangings, tote bag, and my favorite pillow!

Imagine my excitement when I discovered she is teaching four classes this month right up the street at Stamping Details! I immediately signed up for my top two and here is what I get to make with her:
This album is an over the top mixed-media experience blending traditional scrapbooking products in uncoventional ways that results in a collected scrapbook of memories that is artistic, personal and rich with vibrant color! I am really crazed by journals and book making right now and this book combines my two favorite materials- fabric and paper.....what more can you ask for!
Thanks to my early birthday present from my parents, I also will be taking her Paint. Watercolor. Doodle Class. This album mixes and matches sizes, shapes, textures, colors, and mediums to create a bold and beautiful hand-painted and collaged mixed media scrapbook. Each page is like a mini-masterpiece and since I haven't used watercolors since I taught preschool, I figure this is a great way to advance to the next level!

Stay tuned for pics, the classes are on the 22nd and 23rd, I can not wait!!!

CLEARANCE SALE-40-50% OFF

I have had a wonderful time running my online boutique for the last year and a half! However, our life has drastically changed and my interests and passions have also changed and grown. Sooooo, what does that mean? It means more changes are a comin' complete with a makeover and a new direction therefore out with the old!

I have just gotten done updating inventory and EVERYTHING in our store is now marked at 40-50% off (mostly 50%) which means HUGE savings for you and more room in my studio for me! Please pass the word, I appreciate all of your support and HAPPY SHOPPING!

A little Bit of Sunday Sewing

I recently received this fabulous fabric from Jen (swap-bot id "whiteway") for the Amy Butler Fabric Swap on Swap-Bot. I have never used the Peony or Lotus Lace in this colorway so I was really excited about making something with it.

So as a simple and quick Sunday project, I made this runner -which is actually long enough for my dining room table but for now I am enjoying it on my sideboard!

Paper Crafting 101

I thought I'd share a few pictures from my Paper Crafting Class that I taught last month. First, let me say that there was an L in the word FAMILY.... it had fallen off and I did not notice until after the pictures were taken!

I had a blast with this mid-week activity! There were 24 attendees and we made paper banners, clothespins, glass magnets, paper poppies, gift tags and checkbook covers. Nothing fancy or complicated just a great way to learn a few techinques and get the creative juices flowing!

As a little side note, in response to some of your emails, I will be posting a tutorial on the Poppy Picture Frames some time this month so stay posted!

Sassy/Flirty Apron Swap

Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice!

Head on over to Lucy and Shawnee's joint swap event! The hosts of the Sassy and Flirty Apron Swaps have teamed up for this fun event

The Last Day to Sign Up: January 9, 2009 or when 200 participants reached

Last Day to Mail Packages: February 2, 2009

A Pop Garden Quilt

A while back I had made a yo-yo pillow using fabrics from Heather Bailey's Pop Garden collection which inspired me to make a coordinating quilt. I embarrassed to say that the top has bee constructed and sitting in my studio for a month or so now just waiting for backing and to be tied but I finally finished it up this weekend and here it is:

I just love this collection so much that I even purchased some of the coordinating papers from her scrapbooking line to make journals and checkbook covers (I will share those later)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Well, once again we have gone MIA, so let me explain! We recently had a wonderful foster son named Christopher who we loved very much and was unexpectedly returned to his mother last month. We decided to stay inactive for fostering in case he came back until we got a pleading call from Angels about an adorable little 2 month old needing a home who was in a Spica cast which means he has one whole leg, his entire torso and half of the other leg in a cast with a cut out for the diaper area (which isn't much of a cut out, I am sure you can imagine how gross it can get).

This unexpected bundle of joy came with lots of fun BUT he also came with sleepless nights and multiple doctor appointments! And just when things were starting to calm down and it was time to focus on Christmas coming in just a few days we got a call from Christopher's mom asking us to come pick him up and take care of him from now on. So now we had a baby, two toddlers, a five and twelve year-old, company coming to town, Christmas baking to do, a formal dinner to plan, wrapping galore and needless to say my blogging life was pushed aside.

Now none of this is meant as a complaint. We are blessed to have the opportunity to help these little fellas and having them all here for Christmas was a wonderful gift. I do apologize for the belated Christmas wishes but I do want to wish you a Merry Christmas from our family to yours!