Embroidery in Hoops...

I love the look of embroidery in hoops and have seen a lot of really neat examples of it lately on Pinterest and a few blogs I like to visit. I created a three different ones for Christmas gifts this year and have waited until now to share them to keep from spoiling the surprise. I painted the hoops to match each one and really love the way they turned out.

{hugs}
Laura


I saw a cute example of this one on Pinterest and created the pattern on the computer using the fonts I liked. I added a ribbon loop for hanging.

I embroidered the "&" in a split stitch and then did the names in back stitch over the top of it.

After doing the 1D in back stitch, I used a crayon to color it in - giving it a "grunge" look - and then heat set it with and iron.

This is one of my favorite sayings and I found the design here at Stars & Sunshine.

For all three of these, I finished the backs with a circle of felt attached with whip stitch.

Merry Christmas...

Wishing you and your family a blessed day full of happiness and joy.

{hugs}
Laura

Birds...

I love birds. These little guys have been hanging around my computer desk for a while now. Both of them came from very special people.

Is there really only 3 more days until Christmas?

{hugs}
Laura

Rice Bags...

I have been sewing lately. Sewing by hand. Mostly because my sewing machine is not working properly. But, sewing by hand is very relaxing and I really love the look of it - very vintage. I have been making rice bags. Pretty fabric, sew it up, fill it 2/3 full with whole grain rice and then stitch up the opening. Once done, pop it in the microwave for about 2 minutes and it will be your new best friend. Sore muscles are relaxed away. I even heat it up and take it to bed with me, it keeps me warm until I fall asleep.

Can you be in love with rice in a bag? Oh yes you can...

{hugs}
Laura

Saturday Baking...

I know, it's Wednesday. But Saturday I baked up some very delicious cookies and wanted to share them with you. Chocolate chocolate chip from the easiest recipe and oatmeal cookies from a cookbook that I have had for 15 years. The house smelled so good that day. And, the cookies have been thoroughly enjoyed.

{hugs}
Laura

Starting off with a cup of vanilla coffee...

The wonderful book I am currently reading...

Chocolate chocolate chip cookies - 1 box cake mix, 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 cup (or more) of chocolate chips. Mix, form balls and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes...

My oatmeal cookies...

My favorites...

Checking In...

The Thanksgiving weekend was fun. Time spent with family, time to relax, time to go see the new Twilight movie... Thanksgiving was fabulous.

Black Friday Shopping did not happen at my house. I thought about it, but it didn't happen. I have heard different stories from friends but most of them said while they were sad that others had to work on Thanksgiving, they were excited about the things they bought and their savings.

I have been busy creating things for Christmas, which happens to be my favorite holiday. And because my creations are for Christmas, I have no pictures to share yet.

I have also started back up on my giant granny square blanket which I put down too long ago to work on other things. I am happy to have it back in my hands.

I hope you are feeling blessed with life and the promises of the holidays.

{hugs}
Laura

This Is Really Cool...

When you have time, head on over to Sew, Mama, Sew! They are having their Sixth Annual Handmade Holidays. Every day for the month of November you will find different tutorials, printables, recipes, giveaways and more. 

I was really excited when they contacted me a few weeks ago. On November 10th, they featured my Outer Space embroidery pattern. You can check out the page here.  

{hugs}

Laura 

Sweet Dreams...

The latest project in my embroidery class was on card stock. I created the cloud shape and text on the computer and then printed it out on cream colored cardstock. I followed the video instructions from Sublime Stitching for embroidery on paper. Watch the video below...

The first thing you do is punch holes with your needle along your pattern lines, going all the way through the cardstock. Then just stitch away. I cut mine out about 1/4 inch away from my stitching and used embroidery floss as a hanger. I also embroidered a hand drawn star to hang from the bottom.

I love the way mine turned out. My students did a great job on theirs as well. I am really proud of all of them and how much they have improved in their technique so far.

Here is the pattern for you. The "thought bubble" cloud was a template on my computer and I left off the ovals for my class. And, even though I printed it out for my class, I think it would be better to trace the design onto your paper using a light box or window.

{hugs}
Laura

My Pumpkins and A Special Treat...

I can't tell you how happy I am that's it's November.

Sharing with you my pumpkins...

My special treat from yesterday...

Yum-yum...

{hugs}

Laura

Kitchen Sink Faucet...

I saw this post about cleaning hard water build up today on The Thrifty Home blog. Our kitchen faucet has always had this problem and no matter how hard you scrub, it doesn't come off. So I tore a few paper towels off the role, soaked them in vinegar and placed them on the areas needed. 30 minutes later the hard water scum came off really easy. I also put vinegar in the tray under the water dispenser in the fridge door and it's nice and clean too. I am very happy to have found this blog post.

{hugs}
Laura

Before...

After... 

Before...

After...

I was shocked to see how built up the hard water scum was on the faucet/sprayer...

And happy to see it gone. After soaking it in a cup of vinegar, I used an old tooth brush to clean it off.

 

Embroidery Class...

I have the best group of girls in my embroidery class. We have been working with basic stitches - like back stitch and split stitch - on really cute designs.

So, after learning the stitches and a little practice we have finished this cute pattern by Wild Olive...

...and we are currently working on this cute mermaid from Bad Bird.

Both are free designs and you can find them at the links below.

"Olive" You so much!

Mermaid

Enjoy your weekend.

{hugs}
Laura

Hello...

My blue ripple...

What I've been reading...

It's three books in one...

My peppers have been growing...

I let them turn red and they taste really good.

{hugs}
Laura

Blue Ripple...

Hello.

I love this ripple pattern - it's a lot of fun to do.

{hugs}
Laura

*Edited at add: Here is the pattern for the ripple blanket  It is found at the Attic24 blog.

Sunshine Award...

Check out this beautiful water color of the Sunshine Award. It was created by Jennifer Edwards when she received the award. Isn't beautiful? You should take a moment to pop over to her blog and website, she is so talented. 

The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers "who positively and creatively inspire others" and it was given to me by Kay over at Georgia Girl With An English Heart. Thank you Kay for thinking of me.

Okay, now it's time for a little information about me.

1. Favorite color: warm yellow, cool blue and red 

2. Favorite number: 4

3. Favorite drink: water, green tea and candy coffee (lol) 

4. Favorite animal: cats and horses

5. Facebook or Twitter: Facebook, although I do have a Twitter account

6. Getting or giving presents: Both

7. Favorite day: Sunday - church, relaxing, family time and BBQ 

8. Favorite flower: Gerber Daisy, Ranunculus and Hydrangeas. 

9. My passion: Creating 

I am happy to give this award to the following blogs that I love. 

- A Penny For Your Thoughts

- With A Brush and a Prayer

- pieceful

- Handmade by Hannah

- Gingham and Daisies

- Prettee Craftee

- The Worry Bird

- Zee Ramblings Of A Cat Lady

- Ellyn's Place

- Little Things Blogged

The rules for this award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and have a link back to them.
2. Place the Sunshine Award in a post or on your blog.
3. Answer some questions about yourself.
4. Nominate 10 other bloggers (or as many as you want!)
5. For the bloggers that you have chosen for the Sunshine Award, remember to comment on their
blogs and let them know about their Sunshine Award!

{hugs}
Laura