Gelli Prints What Are They Good For!

 In my last post I showed the Christmas cards I'm making using Strathmore Photo Cards.  I wanted to show some other ways you can make your own cards.  

In 2023 I made some cyano printed watercolor sheets, which I cut up and inserted in these cards.  I still will send these out just as a 'hello' card to friends.

Gelli prints or painted poster board are also great for cutting up and inserting into the photo frame to make a card. 

You can purchase the photo frame cards online...guess where!  HA  Yep, on Amazon!  Where else.  

I showed in the last week or so, some gelli prints I made.  These (the 3 at top of the page) are perfect to cut out and also insert in the photo frame.  Just a nice way to send a special card to a friend or even to just an acquaintance. 

Also, Lisbeth Degn has some video's on using your printed/gelli prints.  She has a cool way of folding the papers to make a book!  So that's what I'm doing.  I have lots of printed/gelli papers I made in Hilary's online class.  I'm excited to have them all in one spot vs in a bin!

You can see the papers are all together!  It's a cool way to keep these beauties together!  

And that's what you can do with your Gelli or printed papers!

Christmas Cards 2025!

What can I say!  This time of year I'm not walking 2-3 miles a day outside, not pulling weeds (ugh), spring/summer cleaning, outside work around the house, etc.  So much to do during the good weather.  So, I need to take advantage of the time now to make my Christmas cards.  I'm trying to make them every other year.  So that's what I started doing a few weeks ago!

I had some Christmas fabrics and actually bought some more at our new/local quilt shop!

I did strip piecing with different widths of the fabrics (using batting on the bottom).  

I then zig zag stitching in black thread to stitch over all the lines and adding a few more stitching lines.

I cut the sandwiched pieces 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" and then fused to Pellon 808 fusible.  This is a good fusible to give some stability to the little fabric pieces.

I then stamped on the back of each card my logo for my RobbiesPawPrints.  I love these wooden stamps.  I had made years ago on Etsy.  Wish I remembered the gentleman's name.  I'll have to look and see if I can find him.

I then insert the piece into one of the Strathmore Photo Frame cards.  I use these when I have some decent gelli or painted prints.  They just make nice cards.  

I made 8 of these so far.

I had some Charlie Harper Christmas fabrics that I haven't used in years.  So what better way to use them!  

I made 18 cards with this fabric.  I have some cool greens, blues, etc. of Charlie Harper fabric.  I think they'll look pretty good in the windows!

So I have 26 cards so far!  I think I may need 60 or so.  I'll have to check out my 2023 Christmas address list.  

In 2023, I made cyano prints on watercolor paper for my Christmas cards that year.  You can see the full sheets of cyano print here.  They make nice cards.  I still have some left and will send out if I want a card to send to a friend.

So that's what I've been working on in-between other projects!  HA

Slow Stitching with Lizbeth Degn

Just because I don't have enough projects to work on...thought I'd do a weekly challenge!  HA  I mentioned Lizbeth's YouTube channel and what great mixed media projects she has.  WOW...lots of info and she can get your creative juices flowing.  Yep, I started her weekly circle challenge for 2025.  

Easy enough...draw on circle on linen/soft fabric.  I'm using 6 inch pieces.  You'll see later where these are going.

Each week, Lisbeth has 3 or 4 criteria you need to follow. 

1. White or cream fabric. 2. Draw , paint, print 1 black circle. 3. Only use running stitches in straight lines. Thread color free.

 

easy..just using a running stitch,  fill in the circle.  So this was my week 1

Week 2 was 

 1. Coffee sprayed/dyed watercolor paper/cardstock. 2. Trace a circle on the watercolor paper. 3. Stitch only double running stitches wherever you want inside the traced circle. 4. Use 2 different color of threads, of your choice.

Hard to see...i think i used brown and gold Maderia thread

Week 3 Dogma Rules: 1. Light felt or a heavier fabric. 2. Cover the surface with used teabags. If you don’t have teabags use fx napkin, tissue paper or other stretchy paper. 3. Only use blanket stitches, do them in any size/length/wide you want. Stitch only 1 circle. 4. Thread color free.

I happen to have some tea bags my friend, Susan, sent me years and years ago!!! I did add a few others. Thanks, Susan!

The old buttonhole stitch!  I could have done more but I stopped...had to work on my puzzle!  HA  that's another post!

Week 4 Dogma Rules: 1. Light coloured fabric. 2. Trace 1 circle. Close your eyes and draw/doodle in 1 long movement inside the circle. 3. Only use wiped double running stitches. Stitch on the traced line you have done with your eyes closed. 4. 2 different color threads, 1 light and 1 dark. 1 for the double running stitches and 1 for the wiping. Free color choice.

I started off with dark blue and light blue but didn't like i so I ripped out!

Week 4.  I used dark purple and light purple.  i also switched to Pearle cotton.  I was using Maderia Lana thread for the first 3 weeks...but other than on the tea bags, I think the Pearle cotton is better. 

So I'm actually caught up.  Each Thursday, Lisbeth posts a new video for this challenge.  They are simple enough to finish so I should be able to keep up.  Time will tell!

Gelli Print Time

 Yep, it's Gelli Print time again in the house!  I've been watching some video's by Lisbeth Degan on YouTube.  She is a Mixed Media and Textile artist from Denmark!  WOW...check out some of her work on Instagram here  and on her youtube channel.  

I've been so inspired this new year with all of the wonderful artists out there.  Hard to decide what to do next!  So, I have about 4 or 5 projects that I am working on or starting!!!  First up is playing with my gelli printing again.  I only made six 8"x10" and eight 3"x5" prints.  

Hard to see but I used a heavy piece of brown paper squished up and tapped on the painted gelli print.  You have to enlarge the picture to see the pattern.  Lisbeth was using some used foil pretzel or coffee bags that she cleaned out then heat with heat gun.  She got some cool prints.  I just used some paper scrunched up.

The one on the left doesn't seem like much but the center will be good for collage work.  

And the smaller ones will work good for cards.

The print on the right was my paper to wipe off my roller with.  This print had too much white on it so what else to do but use leftover paint and roll on top.

The left one was using two colors and the scrunched up papers.

I already made a card to mail from one of the smaller prints.  Hence, there are only 3 small prints left.  

I like the larger print too.  Again, enlarge to see the detail.  I think it reminds me of pictures of icicles!  

"So what are you doing with these, Robbie" you're asking yourself.  Stay tuned.  They're going into a journal I'm making.  

And I'm also working on Lisbeth's Stitched Circle Weekly Challenge.  More on that later this week!

A Week of Birthday Bliss

This past week has been an unforgettable celebration filled with love, laughter, and thoughtful surprises. Here’s a recap of the wonderful moments that made my birthday so special:

Monday

My sweet friend Carol kicked off the celebration week, treating me with a lovely lunch and delicious cake. A perfect start to the week!  Carol & I have been friends since 2000 and she will always have a special place in my life.

Tuesday

I was delighted to receive a thoughtful gift from my Florida friend, Susan—a puzzle to keep me entertained and challenged.  And I do mean challenged!  Yikes 500 pieces!!!  Susan gifted me a puzzle back in 2017.  You can see that puzzle post here.  

Now that I'm trying to work on the puzzle, I'm wondering if this was a gift to drive me nuts or to see if I am able to put together a puzzle!  HA  I think I have 10 pieces for the border together! 

I set the puzzle up on a card table next to my mixed media table.  The table sits right by the patio door where the dogs go in and out.  So while they 'sniff' I can grab a puzzle piece!  That's about all I'm doing now is grabbing pieces!  HA

Wednesday

Midweek brought double the joy! My dear friends Jan & Larry, also from Florida, surprised me with a box of decadent chocolate-covered strawberries. OMG...they were and are so good!!!!  The berries are huge!!  But so sweet and the chocolate is delicious!  Jan said it's strawberry picking time in Florida.

To top it off, my son and his family sent a stunning bouquet of yellow roses mixed with other gorgeous flowers. Yellow roses have always held a special place in my heart, so this gift was extra meaningful.  These don't photograph well enough to show the beauty of them.  I love roses and the yellow are beautiful.

The funny part of this gift...I was volunteering at the library and my phone rang.  They were trying to deliver the flowers.  The florist driver actually drove to the library so I didn't have to leave to pick up the flowers at his shop!  That was a kind gesture!

Thursday
First confession!!!  This is a picture of the three of us at my BD dinner last year at Escamilla's!!!!  Yes, I forgot to take a picture this year!!!!  

We had dinner at Lucky’s Steakhouse, Davison and each had the Chicken Tenders, which are fabulous. And enough food for two more leftover meals.

The food was fantastic, and the company was even better!  Donna gave me my Solar Return for 2025.   She is so thoughtful creating this document to help direct me in my life for the upcoming year.  I know it takes a lot of work and I so appreciate it.  She also gifted me some moisturizer and body cream.  So sweet of her!!  

Sue & Chris (front) & Dawn and I in the back.  

 Friday
  The week ended on a high note with a wonderful reunion. I met up with a dear friend, Sue, who I haven’t seen in years—someone I worked with back in the '80s at EDS.  Sue and her friend, Chris, stopped by the house first to see some of my art work. We then headed to Q Quilting in Ortonville.  

My daughter met us at Escamilla's for a delicious lunch & margarita!  Together, we reminisced about our quilting adventures, including classes, a round robin project, and creating items to donate to Outreach East in Davison.  

 My daughter  made the day even more special baking a homemade chocolate cake (so moist and rich—leftovers are the best!).  We each enjoyed a piece of cake!  Yes, we made room for cake!!

 

AND Dawn gave me this gorgeous bouquet of yellow roses.  They are just so beautiful.  I love looking at these when I walk through the house!!  

I am so fortunate to have such special, thoughtful children.

Throughout the Week

I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. From the many heartfelt cards in the mail to the kind messages on Facebook, each one brought a smile or tear to my face.

A Special Note
Of all the birthday wishes, the one from my sister was the most special and funny.  For those who follow my blog and facebook, you'll know the struggles my sister and I have had working on our knitting projects.  This is what my sister posted on Facebook.  What a hoot:

"Happy Birthday to my favorite baby sister. You are the best sister anyone could have. I love you so much. You make me laugh, you make me cry, and you make me knit hard things."

Her words truly warmed my heart and made me laugh, which is what my sister and I do when we're together.  We laugh so much.  

This birthday was a beautiful reminder of the love and connections I cherish. Thank you to everyone who made it so memorable—you’re all part of the reason this week was so special.

---

Christmas Cards 2025

 

OK, I am getting really silly about finishing these projects, aren't I!!!  I made cyano Christmas cards in 2023 and in 2024 I did not send out any cards.  I did feel bad this year but I'm old so I can do what I want to, right!  HA

 I have some older Christmas Fabics and picked up a few fat quarters at our new Quilt Shop in Ortonville.  So I started to cut the fabrics into strips.  

Then I did some strip piecing diagonally; then I used decorative stitching long ways and crosswise.

I fused the cut rectangle onto some Pellon 808 fusible.  It's pretty sturdy and worked out great.  I use Strathmore Photo Frame cards to insert the fused fabric.  

Before I insert, I stamp with my Robbies Paw Print stamp I had made several years ago.  It's wooden and I love the bugger.

I have eight cards made!  A long way to go as I usually send out between 60-80....changes each year.  I plan to make at least 60 if possible.  Can you see why I want to start now!  I can do a little at a time and make a production line of it. 

So that's my little project for the week.  I'm excited to get into some of the other Christmas fabrics I have.  I think they'll also work up to make a nice card. 

I plan on getting a Christmas Stamp saying 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'.  Whatever I can find left in craft stores.  With all the stamps I have, I can' believe I don't have one!  HA

I did get my swatch made for the sweater.  It's wet here so doesn't look very good.  But the yarn is working up nicely.  Now to see if I can remember how to do some of the stitches!  

Bookmarks Finished!

Yes, I have been a busy bee of late!  Setting an allotted time to do chores/art is working out so much better for me!  Will I keep it up!  I sure hope so.  

I posted last week on my working on bookmarks that we give away at our library book sales.  I volunteer at our library at book sales and I try to keep up with sorting and boxing donation books given to us by patrons and our library. 

 Folks seem to like the bookmarks and when something is "free" they like it even more!  HA  Fine with me, as I get to use up poster boards I've painted in the past.  

My worktable is beside the patio doors where I let out the dogs.  So if I have a minute while they 'sniff' around, I can use markers or paints and fill in.

You can see I stamped a lot as well as drawing.  HA

I had some old, old, old mixed up procion dyes!  Will they last?  Who knows, but after I painted both poster boards I did use a sealer that I purchased from Hilary a few years ago.  It should seal all the paints/dyes/etc.  Let's hope!

I then cut up both poster boards and then cut 3"x7" in pieces.  I then stitched wrong sides together and used a decorative stitch on my machine.

Some are brighter than others but it gives folks a choice.  Patrons will look through the box I have to pick out one they like!  Makes me feel good.

I only got a little over 30 made.  Not sure if I'll make more or not.  I do have some extra poster board from last year so if I have time, I'll cut those up and stitch. 

But....I did buy some yarn to remake the pink sweater I made last year.  It's the one I shrunk....ugh.....had to order another circular needle.  My one I used on it broke and even my hubby can't put it back together!  HA  More on that project later!

Cyano Print Finished! Woohoo!

 Back in February, 2024, (yes, it was a long time ago!), my friend, Bonnie, sent me a beautiful piece of cyano fabric she printed.  Wasn't that so very kind of her!  Well, I struggled with how to design, sew, quilt...you get the picture.  You can see one of the first blog posts here.

So here is the finished piece!  I actually finished sewing on the binding while watching our Detroit Lion's win the NFC championship!  Woohoo...they now have two weeks off before the final match to see who goes to the Super Bowl!  Sure hope it's us!

I do love hand stitching and being able to pick it up for 5 min. here and there at least makes you feel like you're doing something!

Hard to see but I did some stitching around the hex's in the border.  Didn't want to do anything to take away from the hand stitching in the print!

So on to the next project which for now is creating background for the book marks I give away at our book sale(s).  Our next sale is in April, so I need to get busy!  Also, I bought yarn to make another sweater that I shrunk this past summer...dumb on my part...

And look what Bonnie sent me now!  It's a Cyano print book mark!  How cool!! 

And check out the fabric on the back!  Remember the days of the library stamping when your book was due!  HA

A few finished projects!

Still trying to make sure I do some type of art work or sewing or whatever daily!  I may not reach my goal 7 days a week but I'll be happy to just have a few days of making some type of accomplishments!  

My friend was looking at buying a little bag for her great grand daughter's teen BD.  I couldn't see her buying a tiny little bag for over $10 so I said I could make one for her.  Heaven knows I have tons of quilts or vests to cut up!  Donna said she likes blues so I found one piece I had already quilted and leftover hand dyed fabric that I quickly quilted up.

Trying to find the right binding was harder than picking out the fabric.  HA  I bought this fabric years ago while in Florida with my Q Bud, Susan.  I've used most of it up but had some pieces leftover.  BUT...I couldn't decide if I wanted the binding to match or....

not match!   I decided I liked the 'not' matching better!  Just added more to the bag...my thought!

I had some pretty purple floral print for the inside of the bag.

So this was the finished little tote.  It's 8"x6".

And I found in my stash a little silver heart to add to the zipper pull.  It looks gold here but it's really silver. 

Now to hope the teen likes it!  Have to run...I'm taking time out of my 'hour' to do art work!