Solar prints done...

Well, the solar prints are 99% finished.  I just need to add binding/facing and they can be put in the 'finished pile'!  HA

It's hard to tell but I did free motion quilting in the borders are each panel.  I didn't want the quilting in the border to stand out (guess I did a good job!  HA) so I used black on the purple piece and the one above.  The first piece I used a maroon rayon thread.








Saturday I made a new 3D snowflake for the front door.  Two reasons...first, the snowflake I made last fall 'kinda' fell apart...who knew the glue would melt?  Our house sitters had the snowflake on the counter when we got back from Florida.  Seems the sun beating on the glass door just melted some of the glue.  I did repair it but thought....why not just make a new one for the summer/fall season!  So that's what I did!

The orange is really more orange than in this picture, as is the green...more green...but you get the idea.  Looks good...let's see how well it holds up in the Michigan summer!!!

A kids post or a post about kids!

We have always been so proud of our children and our grand children...this year it's a lot of pride for the grand kids!

Kayla & Nate's wedding is only 8 days away and everyone is excited about this milestone in all of our lives!  Kayla is the 1st of the grand kids to be married and with the wedding planning taking over a year, we're all really excited for this event!  I can only imagine how excited Kayla and Nate are!

Earlier this week, Amber received her Varsity letter for Lacrosse!  Hard to believe she's going to be a junior next year!!!

And I  finally got to see Amber play a varsity game last weekend!!  They were in the playoffs ....they didn't win but the girls never gave up!











And two nights ago, Nick was awarded Silver Honors!  He'll be going into the 9th grade next year and attending the high school!  OMG~~~

I feel really old now!!!!

What I've been doing.....

Days are going by so fast and I don't have much to show for it!  Earlier this week Bob and I cleaned windows on the north side of the house...I used to hang out the window(s) to clean but it freaked Bob out so now we take off the screens and hose them off.  Then Bob uses a squeegee on a pole to clean the windows.  I can do the upper deck ones easily and the door walls (we have 3).   At least our windows are clean on one side of the house!

And then we rewarded ourselves with a pitcher of  Margarita's and Mexican dinner!!  I'll wash windows each week for margaritas'!  HA

I also did some free motion stitching on my solar prints, as all the hand embroidery is finished. I still have to do some free motion in the borders but I'm making headway!   The colors aren't that great on these pics. I took them with my phone but didn't change any of the settings.

I not finished with the free motion on this piece yet....

  I also found some Handeze Flex-fit wrist/finger wraps in my sewing room!!  I vaguely remember buying these several, several years ago.  Think my Q Bud, Susan, recommended them to me....so I've been wearing them to do everything. I even wore a rubber glove on my left hand the other day over the wrap when I bathed Kalee!  Gotta do what works, right!

Winner, winner..chicken dinner?

OK, not really a "winner" or am I having a chicken dinner!  But I did receive this bundle in the mail yesterday!  Several months ago Benartex launched their new emagazine called Modern By the Yard.  They had a promotion that I entered and received these 8 fat quarters.  Nice, right!

It's actually a pretty neat magazine and because you can download it, there isn't any space taken up by yet another magazine!

There are lots of modern quilt patterns and some great inspiration...like I need more inspiration!  I can't complete or even start on some of the 'inspired' ideas that are in my head!









I have been attempting some hand stitching.  As long as I wear the wrist wrap and position my left hand just right, I'm stitching!  I may attempt some machine quilting later this week or weekend.

So other than EXTREME fatigue...ugh...hate that word and it's results....my wrists are at a 5!  Woohoo!  I stopped the Aleve as something is making me feel so fatigued...yes, RA will do that as well but this 'fatigue' is different. I looked up side effects of Aleve and, although, it's unusual it is a side effect!  Who knew!  I've taken aspirin, Excedrin and Advil and never felt this before...so, because the pain is there whether I take Aleve or not, I'm stopping it...so take that RA!!!

In between stitching...

So instead of stitching on Thursday I decided to do some spring cleaning in the sewing studio!  I started with the fabric closet...should have taken a before pic....

I normally just keep all my fabrics in bins, by color, regardless of their size...well, smaller scraps are put in bins at the bottom of the closet.  Yea, I know there are 3 bins there!  That's a lot of scraps!!  HA

 I decided to 'fish' out all the different yardage or 1/2 yard pieces and keep separate or out of the bins.

Seems to work so much better.  At least now if I'm looking for larger pieces or yardage I can see them quickly!  The bottom shelf shows folded yardage and there's some in the middle on the shelf above as well.  Bins now only contain scraps or less than 1/2 yard pieces.  So much better!!

I also cleaned out the 3 drawers of  one dresser too.  

The top drawer contains projects I'm working on at the current time.

Currently, that's my leaf pieces and hexies!





The 2nd drawer contains some UFO's, which aren't many...just some practise pieces or projects that I'd like to do sometime in the future.  The last drawer contains quilted pieces or quilts that I've cut apart.  I use these for scrap bags or fiber cards.

Next up is another dresser on the other wall that I keep my beading and other texture supplies.  They're pretty well organized so I won't have much to clean up there.  Books in the middle area are ones I use often...but there is an area next to my machine that I want to reorganize.  That will keep me busy for a day I'm sure.

Weather has been beautiful the past few days.  High 60's and expected to be in the mid to high 70's through next week.  Love this weather...windows open...fresh air!!!  Just makes you want to work!

I'm Back! Well, sorta!

OK, so Prednisone is my best friend right now!  So while 'she' is helping me out with the pain and swelling in my wrists, I might as well take advantage of 'her'!

Today I did some sewing, via machine, and it felt so good to be productive again!  I have four or five of these Solar Prints that I want to hand stitch but I needed to add some borders on, which is what I did today!

I added a batik border to this piece, which the leaf hand work is finished.

this one was finished while in Florida

And Wednesday I added this border fabric.  Now to start stitching the leaves!

I've finished hand sewing two of the leaf prints and now need to decide how to finish off the background area.  Machine or hand stitching!?  I do have a due date of August to finish these so I'll have to put my thinking cap on once I've done all the leaf hand work!

It feels SO good to be back...

One more milestone to go!

This past weekend was delightful!  It was Kayla's bridal shower, which ended up being held at the French Lick Winery!    Kayla's future MIL, Dinah on the left and Kayla's mom, Mary Jo on the right.

It was a girls weekend and we did make the most of it!    Bob's daughter came to the house around 9 on Friday morning,  then we headed out to pick up MaryJane (Bob's ex).  We arrived in Bedford, IN. Friday afternoon, checked into a hotel, then headed to Bob's son's house. Friday was time to visit with family, have some food and wine!  Then we headed back to the hotel for a good nights sleep!
Saturday we woke up to windy, cold, cloudy weather!  Brrrrrrrr  The shower wasn't until 2 in the afternoon, but I did take myself for a walk!  I didn't have dogs or Bob with me so I walked myself!  I'm not used to sitting around and didn't bring any needle work with me!  DUH!

The winery was a perfect venue for the shower.  Food was great; we each participated in the wine tasting; conversation and of course the shower!   One of the gifts I gave Kayla was her wedding announcement encased in a glass ornament!   I cant take credit for the idea, as adorable as it is!  My BFF, Tommy, has shown this on her blog several times.

 It's easy to make and you can head to Tommy's blog to see the process here.  The other 'gift' was the Easy Button...again, Tommy's gift idea...not sure where she found this one...think Pinterest for both...

I ended up finding a really cute Bandi Belt for Kayla to use on her honeymoon or at home!  I also put in a gift card to Victoria Secret!  Isn't this cute!

Kayla received some really nice gifts...her other grandma and aunt got her two sharp dinner plate sets!  I'm pretty sure this is the pattern...I only got a pic of the box!


And a unique set of silverware!

We just had a fun time...it really was a girls weekend!

The two grandma's with our girl!

Four weeks we'll be headed out for the wedding!  Whew!  Seems like it was just yesterday we were headed over to see Kayla when she was born!  And that was 25 years ago!  Time is flying by too quickly!!!

Preparing for another departure!

This coming weekend is Kayla's (our grand daughter's) bridal shower taking place in Indiana!   Bob is staying home with the girls while Diane (Bob's daughter), Mary Jane (Bob's ex)  and I head off for a girl's weekend!!  We're leaving Friday a.m. and will have about 7 hours of travel to a hotel then we'll head to Bob's son's house for dinner and the shower is on Saturday, at a winery!  Woohoo!  Then we return home on Sunday!

I'm thinking my weekend will go smoother than Bob's!  HA  Good for him to bond with the girls!

The wedding is 4 weeks away!  Yikes!  Seems like they were just engaged and now the wedding date is almost here!!!

Kayla and Nate are a great couple and I'm sure the shower will be loads of fun for us girls!  It will be nice to see everyone and relax!  Guess I'll have to go on a dog walk without a dog!  Although, Diane, will also be dog less!  She has 2 dogs...perhaps we'll end up walking each other!

Another Special Mother's Day!

Once again my daughter and her niece put on a wonderful brunch for all of us! There was so much food and it was all delicious!!    Amber loves helping her auntie prepare this meal.  And they do make a lot of food!  We're hoping she'll still assist when she's all grown up and out of the house!  I'm feeling she will!  She wouldn't miss this!

I love having this time with all the kids together!  These pics were after eating so we are all stuffed and just chillin!  No pics of grandma!  HA...I stay behind the camera!

I love all the wall colors in Dawn's house!!  So 'her'!  Love my kids!  And when we arrive at the house to see the kids for the 1st time since returning from Florida, I especially love my Amber running out of the house to meet and hug me!  It brings tears to my eyes each year!







And to boot...look at all the clothes Dawn and Kris bought me for Mother's Day!  Do you think they are tired of my black and beige outfits!  And I even got earrings and two bracelets...one of which Nick picked out for me!   He does know his grandma well!  Love those kids!   And a water infuser and Key Lime bread mix added to the pack by Dawn!

And they all fit!  But the big surprise is they all look great with my beige pants!  HA  Yes, Bob and I are both known for wearing a lot of beige and black!
Bob and I are just chilling this afternoon!  I watched the Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Horse event on TV...loved that and now we're watching the Tiger's play...what more could a mom ask for!  Hope everyone had a great mother's day as well!

Back to normal?

I don't know about "back to normal" but we are back and working hard as usual!  So on the health front...had more x-rays today; lab workup and put on Prednisone until they get results back..may have to go back on the RA meds. UGH!  But prednisone will help relieve the pain so I should get lots done this week!  HA

I made this piece a few years ago for our Inspired by the Masters exhibit.  I've never hung it in the house before, as it's been traveling for a few years.  But I did hang in the living room, when we got back from Florida.  It's so bright and cheery!  Makes me feel good looking at it!  And brightens up the living room!  Measures 20" x 24"...I think!

You can read about the process I used to make this piece here.  Of course adding the beads was a no brainer...just time consuming!  That process is here!  So, I'm off to sit and relax...took  my first Prednisone...Dr. put me on this for a week until we get results back on x-rays and lab ork.  I don't want to go back on RA drugs so keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hello Home!

Well, we arrived safely around 12:30 Monday afternoon and, as always, hit the ground running! Car is totally unloaded; suitcases unpacked and ALL clothes put away.  All that is left are Bob's golf clubs/etc and my art/sewing supplies to be put in their place!  That won't happen for me until the weekend...not sure when Bob will get to it either.  At least, the house looks like we never left!
After all the clothes were hung, I started some laundry, well actually dog blankets!  I'll do our bedding and clothes tomorrow, after I bath the dogs!

I also ran to the grocery store for staples and stopped to pick up a pizza!  I will need a WalMart run mid week but for today that's it!

Even the dogs are back to their normal routine of having their toys all over the living room floor!

They haven't stopped playing, running from room to room or looking out the windows!  I think they are happy to be home too.  BUT they are going to miss their golf cart ride when Bob gets home from golfing!  So will I!  And of course, we'll miss our friends!!!!
I am looking forward to seeing the kids this weekend...but right now I am ready for a bath and bed!

Bye bye Florida!

Well, we are headed home today!  Our first stop in Tenn. for the night, then on to Ohio...that gets us home early afternoon on Monday.  This was a hard year saying goodbye to so many of our friends.  I'm usually ready to go home and I am...but my emotions are running high this year just saying good bye to folks.
I guess as we age time does go by quickly (seems like we were just packing up to come down to Florida!) so hopefully, we'll be back before you know it!
My bud, Sally, got me a Dot to Dot book!  Have you seen these!  OK, yes, as a kid I'm sure you have but for adults!    How cool is this!

I already have pencils in my purse so I can play with this on the way home!  Thanks again, Sally!   So until next week....hopefully, it will be an uneventful trip home and I'll be posting soon artwork again!

Winding down...

Yep..it's time to wind down or is that pack up!  We leave on Saturday to head back home.  But of course our last weeks in Florida are always SO busy!

 Wrist (left) is better but I still can't lift, bend, etc. and now my right wrist is starting to get bad.  I have to admit I'm a little concerned....but I have Dr. appointment when I get home...maybe I'll go back on RA meds...who knows...until then...here's what I've been doing! Not art work, that's for sure!

This was Monday at the Freezer!  Bob's favorite place to eat!

Yesterday, Sally and I took off to do some shopping and of course lunch!  Mainly, Sally was looking for Key Lime pie!  Seems every time she goes out to eat they run out!
Well, not yesterday!

Next up, on Saturday, Marcia and I took off to downtown Ocala to visit some shops, walk around the farmers market at the square, then lunch at Harry's!  Of course, we had to stop at Heart's Desire and get a treat from Betty's Cakes!  No pics...and yes, I ate all the cake...well, half of it the next day, and I did get a slice for Bob too!
Last Thursday we had dinner at Carrabba's with the 'gang'!  Great meal...this Thursday we'll have our last dinner for 2016 at Blanca's......

Yep, we are going to miss our friends and it's hard to say goodbye!  But I will be glad to see my kids and grand kids.  Plus, I'll be heading to IN for Kayla's wedding shower on the  14th and then in June we'll be off to Ohio for the wedding!  WooHoo...aren't we the travelers!

Get with the program, Robbie!

I know this is the longest I have gone without a blog post!  And there's no excuse.  It's not like I've been sitting on my butt doing nothing!
I did some solar fast prints last week which I'm happy with. They are similar to some of the pieces I'm currently working on, but that's ok.  I need additional pieces for another project that needs to be done by fall.

This past week I also played with some oil pastels and Inktense blocks with some art buds.  I only did 3 pieces.

The pieces were originally solar prints  but I forgot to rinse the pieces and left them out in the sun.  Well, what you get is a solid color!

Next time I played,  I stamped them and I was happy with that but....the next layer was calling so I used oil pastels on the blocks and now I am quite happy with the pieces.  I'm trying to get enough leaf blocks printed/created so I can use them for hand work too.

I'm quite happy with these two pieces....I used a Ginko stencil I had and the other leaf was putting the oil pastel on the edge of the cardboard template and rubbing the oil pastel onto the fabric.  

This piece didn't turn out so great.  I was using the Inktense blocks and rubbing over some leaf plates.  Nothing exciting, but I'm sure it will have another layer of 'something' added!

 I have also been busy with everyday stuff, outings with my friends and dinner out!  A lot!!  Bob's only golfing four days a week (he used to golf 6 days a week!) so now he wants to toot around and have a late lunch or early dinner out!  Well, no I don't argue with him!  he he he
I met up with some art buds last week and we surprised Kay with a FaceTime visit with Mary Stori!  Mary has been trying to get to Florida to visit and play but with air flight issues trying to get somewhere "from here" has prevented her from heading south.  It's not easy traveling from her home to the airport let alone to get to where we are. But who knows...maybe someday...and until then..FaceTime works!




lkjljljlj

Project Management

I guess I should thank my former employer, EDS and/or my mum for giving me the project management skills I have. Thank goodness for that!   I try to be organized and meet my target dates 99% of the time (my followers know about the one target date that I missed!).
Anyway, I made a few fiber cards last month knowing that I'd be busy with tooting around with friends our last month in Florida. I didn't realize at the time I wouldn't be doing any sewing!  

I do have other BD's this month but they will have to settle for regular Hallmark greeting cards!  HA  I  foroet to take a picture of the card I made for Sally.  It was on silk duponi and free motion quilted.

This is the fiber card was made for our friend, Mac.  He's the 1st row/seat on the left.  Mac was an All Star at Michigan and I just happened to have found this picture on the Internet.

This is the back of his card.  I hope he enjoys it and his BD, which was on April 10th!

At least with not doing any hand work, I'm able to revisit my online dog classes, which Gigi, Kalee and I all need!  Hard to sit still but I'm taking advantage of this time to watch the video's and get back to dog lessons!  I am headed out today with Sally to have some lunch and visit a gift shop or two!   At least I can still shop with one hand!

I will be back!

Well, I hope I'll be back!  HA....My wrist/hand have been in a splint wrap for over a week. (And, no, that isn't my hairy arm in this pic!).
I had Bob go with me to Urgent Care 10 days ago..I honestly thought I had cracked a bone.   Anyway, after x-rays and $$'s spent, the diagnosis is just degenerative arthritis/RA!

The constant pain is now only about 50% of the time or if my hand/wrist turn a certain way (like I did last night in bed!!!) or if I try to lift or even wash my right side with my left hand, the pain is intense!  By the time I get out of the tub at night my wrist is killing me again.  So frustrating....I did try to do some hand stitching the other day and if I hold my hand just the right way on the hoop I can do it!

Today, I actually groomed both dogs!  I put a rubber glove over my splint and the pressure didn't feel so great but the dogs got a well needed bath!  It's amazing what all you can do with one hand!

Jan M. gave me some coconut oil pills and Turmeric tabs which I have been faithfully taking!  Then my sister sent me some essential oils, which I have been rubbing on all my joints!  Next up, Jan also recommended Blue-Emu cream, which I bought yesterday and put on a few times a day (like before bathing dogs! and at bedtime for sure).  I can't say what is or isn't working as the pain is still in the wrist and thumb but I am able to move my thumb a heck of a lot more than I could a week ago!  So that's progress!  Right! I think so!  I'll take any little sign of relief!