Summercrafter

Vacation Bible School just came to a close. The theme was Stand Strong: with God's Love, Prayer, Friends and Family, Trusting God and the Bible. The K students I had (13)  really got the message, you should hear them shout  "STAND STRONG!!" I also had an assistant who was a great help.  (Hi Brianna!) So as a thank you gift, I made her this.  (I love excuses to make something! )       Isn't it so pretty? AND IT'S INSIDE OUT!! LOL. I covered the inner seams with binding.       I whipped it up for her one afternoon. It was perfect for the left over squares I had from this project.       I found these blue magnetic clasps (2 for 50 cents) on clearance at Joann's , how perfect!     I used the leftover 2 1/2 inch squares and left over jelly roll strips for the top band, binding, and straps; much of which is from  Stars and Stripes  collection ...

Look what my sister got me for my birthday last month! Thanks sis! XO I am telling you, for gifts, hints are great but a direct link is the way to go! ; )     You can get Camille Roskelley's latest book at her shop or take a sneak peek over here . But you really won't need to. I can tell you that every thing in this book is fabulous and easy and total eye candy. Really!   With patterns running anywhere from $1.99 on Craftsy to $9.00, I figure if I like three patterns in a book, I've already got my money's worth. Well, I can honestly tell you that this book was a steal! While I won't be able to make every quilt the actual size,  and I am tempted,  I am going to make something using every pattern. They are that good! Did I mention they were easy? I usually do things my own way, but following patterns is a great way to learn new techniques and the tricks of the trade that are so helpful when creating your ow...

I just want to formally thank Julie from the crafty quilter for this great idea of Christmas Once a Month projects.  Just add the tag below if you want to join in! I have collected several Mary Engelbreit Christmas Craft books and while all my favorite projects have been marked for years, it's only now that I feel "obligated" (in the best sense of the word) to get them done! This month's project is from this book below.   A black and White checked Scottie, the best part is the back which is red corduroy.      I can't tell you how long it took me to finally find red corduroy in a fabric store in sunny South Florida. Finally, when Wal-mart had the fabric close out, I found what I was looking for. But that was years ago! That's how long I've been waiting to do this.   The book had a dog template on a grid. I just cut some tracing paper about 16 by 16 and drew it out free hand. It's easier than enlarging on a copy machi...

I don't know why apples are associated with teachers, I always heard "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" but oh well! Artistically speaking though, apples are great. They have a funky shape not quite round, almost heart-shaped and they come in a variety of colors. I especially enjoy illustrations of apples because they are rendered in so many ways and I almost always like them.  Check out what I made with this fabric collection Apple of my Eye by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake .      I ordered the fabric late meaning the whole collection was harder to find. But thank God for Etsy , you always find someone who has what you need there. I found several prints from the collection at The Little Fabric Shop online. (Thanks Angie)   I am finding, however, that I am creatively defiant when following patterns.      I always have to do things a little different, (no stripes inside)  ...

Isn't it true that sometimes you just want to make things prettier? Okay, maybe that's just me. Other times? Well, it's just not worth it. In my house, there is a mystery of walking tape. Mostly, it disappears out of my craft area (more times than I care to count) and I am just too tired to pour out my wrath on any of the two possible culprits. So here it is, a non-sensical craft, I mean does anyone do this besides me? But I just want to show you, that almost anything is "craftable!" This one is NOT considered to be part of the Christmas Once a Month Project so I'll share this now instead of the 15th!  First, take your regular scotch tape dispenser. Then, take it apart. Choose your favorite card stock or paper with a print or pattern. I chose a scrap piece of Christmas paper and traced the dispenser card (backwards) on the paper. Cut it out and there you go! If you used card stock that will be firm enough to p...