Super Saturday . . . Indigo Ranch Ward here we go!

I've finally done it . . . I've finished all my Super Saturday projects. It has been rather challenging because I have no enrichment board, but luckily the creativity was just flowing. There will be six crafts stations and two classes. Hopefully there will be something for everyone. All I know is I had a blast creating them. You know me always up for a challenge.

My first One . . .Why I got hooked

So, last year I went to visit my sister in Ridgefield, Washington and I became addicted. Yes, I know the northeast has the highest rate of substance abuse problems in America, but I didn't go there. . . I went to the "Chicken Lady's" quilt shop. I don't know the real name of this exciting place, all I know is that in a metal outbuilding, behind the house and yard lays a great quilt store. You have to dodge the chickens, that seem pretty "free range" to me, to get in the door, but when you do look out.

You see I've never been a quilter. My mom DeAnn, sister Krista and sister Shelly have all created beautiful quilts and have great taste in fabric, but I stayed away because I am slightly obsessive compulsive when it comes to craft supplies. I was already heavily invested in paper crafts because I teach scrap booking and card classes. I was fearful for my wallet and studio space.

But this lovely store held too many treasures. Bolts upon bolts of beautiful fabric, silky to the touch and pleasing to my artistic eye. I picked up a jelly roll of "American Jane" fabrics. I bought Michael Miller's "Dick and Jane" collection for our soon to arrive son's nursery. Lastly, I bought a beautiful "Cherry" fat quarter bundle. Since that fateful trip just over a year ago I have created 4 quilts, pieced two others, have fabric for about 4 more and written a pattern for one.

Yes, I have an addiction problem and I have the "Chicken Lady" to thank. So, if you know the name of the "Chicken Lady's" store in Ridgefield, Washington let me know and I can thank her personally.

So, now I show you the quilts I made from that fateful day.

It's That Time of Year Again

Harrison is in school, there is a chill in the air and Enrichment Leaders come knocking on my door. I enjoy the planning and helping with "Super Saturday Projects". It certainly keeps me on my toes and constantly scoping the craft sites for new ideas and allows me put in my own touches. I constantly amass ideas in my head and the spit them out when needed.
So far I have four groups that need vinyl for projects. And it seems like all my projects require it. It continues to amaze me how many ways you can use this tool. I truly think of it in those terms . . . as a tool it has endless possiblities. Today I thought I'd post just a couple for you to see. ENJOY!

These boots were not made for walking

I was blessed with boys, but there is a little part of me that wishes I had a little girl to create for. So when I got an invitation to my friend Bre' baby shower I could hardly wait to make something for her little girl. I made these little baby boots that are just way too girly for any of my boys to appreciate. They are oh so tiny and feminine and she'll probably outgrow them in about a week, but I know she'll treasure them forever. I know I loved making them for her!

A New Quilt Pattern

So, I did it! I jumped in and started writing and designing a quilt project. Of course it has a liberal dose of red, as well as some of my favorite crayon colors. The problem is that I'm not sure where it's headed. Originally, I thought it would be table runner. Then I thought a baby quilt, but it seems to want to be a small throw for the back of my couch. I firmly believe that creative projects take on a life of their own. You'll just have to check back in to see how and what this fabric wants to be.

Creating For Classes

Well, I've been busy planning and creating for classes as well as for myself. One of my personal favorite classes that is coming up is glass etching at Simple Pleasures. I can remember etching glass years ago when I had to hand cut all the contact paper. Luckily now I have a vinyl cutter or I can also use my Cricut and Silhouette. It's really a simple process.
1. You cut the vinyl (You can get it from Provo, Quickutz or email me and I'll sell you some.
2. Take away the areas you'd like etched. Remember to reverse your type if you plan to etch the bottom of a casserole.
3. Adhere to the clean glass, making sure to smooth any bubbles that the acid can leak under. I clean my glass with rubbing alcohol, Windex can cause bubbles.
4. Apply acid cream (Available at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, art supply store or you local stained glass store). Make sure to do this with a thick layer and I always leave it on twice as long as the directions (I'm a rebel, I don't follow directions).
5. Rinse very generously under cool tap water, making sure you get off all traces of the acid cream.
5. Peel away the vinyl and enjoy your creation.

PLEASE NOTE: Wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with acid.

You get to see the fun things I've been working on in my pictures. Now I'm off to finish up my first quilt pattern. Anyone interested in testing it for me? Serious quilters only.

I Love RED!

What does that say about my personality? Maybe that I want to be noticed, in command or firery temper? All those could apply to me. All I know is I'm drawn to that color like a moth to a flame.
My latest red find are these darling little chairs. . .actually I have to give credit to my Mom. She found them on craiglist.com and I got the pair for only $125 dollars. They were from a model home and look brand new. I'm in love with them. Maybe that's what red means . . .passion for the things that make you the happiest.

Lastest Selection

I love the creative process. I love collecting fabrics for a project. I love looking through all sorts of patterns until I sit down and create my own pattern. I'm not picky about the colors or patterns, but when you start to group them together magic happens. That is what happened when I started to group these fabrics together. On the surface many people wouldn't put aqua and red together, but somehow they work. I only wish I had a little girl because I would love to do a whole room in this color scheme. I plan on starting this quilt next week. It will have some checker board, some pinwheels and some applique. You'll just have to come back to check out the progress.

The Start of Something New

Well, here I go with a new adventure. After years of creating all kinds of things I felt like I had something to share with others. I've made so many friends through the classes I've taught that I thought I could spend some time and keep up with a blog that celebrates all things creative.

I scrapbook, I cook, I sew, I quilt, I photograph, I bake, I nurture, I mother and I teach. I can't imagine a day where I don't have at least 5 minutes to create. Hopefully through this blog I can share with you my creative vision as well as meet some of my creative goals. I'd love to write quilt patterns, do more illustration work, design fabrics and most importantly integrate this all these goals with the things I do everyday. My husband and my two little boys are my crowning joy and constantly shower me with love and affection and what I do is for them, so they have a happy and healthy mommy.

I invite you to join me on this journey as I explore all things creative.