Tea Party Preparations

I've been asked to teach a class on Manners to 140 young ladies at my church in a week. We will be having a Tea Party...well actually 8 Tea Parties since the girls (aged 8 - 11) will be divided into 8 groups.

I have been having TOO much fun preparing for this! I wanted to share some of the fun things I have been collecting. As you can see my color scheme is pink, hot pink and Tourquoise. I learned how to make these cute mints from my daughter-in-law. They are so simple: 1 cup of powdered sugar to 1 ounce of cream cheese-blend well, and add a few drops of color and a drop or so of flavor (lemon, vanilla, almond, etc.).  Then, roll them into little balls, dip ball in granulated sugar and dip rubber mold in sugar. Press dough in mold and immediately pop it out to dry. So easy!

A few trips to Goodwill netted me this old brass candle stick which I promptly spray painted pink.

I found two identical 3-tiered plate stands which I also painted. I couldn't resist making these fabulous large tissue flowers that I have been seeing all over Pinterest. I made some in hot pink as well, and will glue together for a hanging pom pom at the party.

This is the poster I made for one wall. I wish photos picked up glitter better because I loaded it on! My philosophy has always been "you can never have too much glitter"!

I cut pennants from my fabric stash to hang from the ceiling. I found these tiny clothespins and spray painted them pink, of course. I will take pictures at the event so we can both see how it all turns out. Check back in a week or so! I hope you're all enjoying your summer!

Summer Beachy Mantel

I thought I would try for a summer beachy look for my mantel for "The Lettered Cottage.net's" party. My mantel is very shallow, so I can't put anything very tall on it, but I still had fun doing this.

This is the far left side and the picture above is the far right

While we are in a beachy mood, I thought I would share the "Under the Sea" quilt I made. Here is is displayed in our "Olive Kat" shop. It was a combination of a block pattern and some elements I made up. It is basically all applique.

Here is the mantel in it's (awkward) entirety. So, now I am in the mood to go to the beach! Fortunately, we have a family reunion at Seaside in three weeks!

Happy Birthday America

This is my little bit of Red, White and Blue to share today.They are the prominent colors in my house all year 'round. I wish everyone a happy and safe celebration!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

I apologize for the inactivity on my blog for the last few weeks. I was in Utah, babysitting grandchildren so my daughter and son-in-law could go to Italy. I did, however keep my hands busy with the appliques on this apron.

I tried to mimic the little rose pattern on the fabric I used on the body of the apron.  This one was going to etsy, but my daughter claimed it before she left.

I was able to sneak over to my favorite Quilt Shop in Salt Lake, "Material Girls", for a quick visit.

These were a few of the quilts they had displayed.

I thought this one was really sweet. Well, on to my 14 new projects I have waiting, including getting my sewing room cleaned up and camera ready for the "Where-Bloggers-Create" party next month.

Handy Handwork

The quilt I am currently working on doesn't have any applique on it, so I need handwork to do in front of the TV at night.

A dear friend sent me a couple of these darling pot holders for a gift and I loved them.  I had her get me a pattern and started sewing a few up, making some changes to the pattern just for fun.

They work up really quickly and they are so charming, happy and retro!

Of course, I also have to have a few dish towels to work on.

I lined a few up on my side gate in the lovely sunshine. The bowl pattern was one I sort of made up. Sometimes my ideas work and sometimes then just don't.

I know this looks like a Mary Englebreit pattern, but I actually copied it from a tablecloth and napkin set my Mom embroidered and appliqued when she was a young girl - before M.E. (or I) was even born!

I wanted to close with a quote from the Doctrine and Covenants that I read in an Ensign article this week:

 "Where fore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great: D& C 64:33

Memorial Day Greetings

This a a great day for remembering those who fought to protect our freedom.  Gary and I made a trip to the cemetery to put flowers on his parent' graves. It was beautiful there with hundreds of colorful flowers bouquets covering the grounds. Many of the markers had flags flying. It really had an impact.

On Saturday, we watched Porter and Payden.  Porter suggested we make something for Memorial Day so I found an old piece of wood and Gary cut it into three pieces. With some sand paper, paint, masking tape and a star stencil, we produced these wooden star plaques. I hung one outside and Gary asked "Is that the Puerto Rican flag? I then had to explain to him about "representational" art! (He wasn't impressed.)

I made a couple of these stars and stripes pillows to get ready for the season.

This was from a previous post I think, but it goes along with the theme. I found this old sheet music cover and matted it with ticking and framed it with an old frame I found at Goodwill. I sold it at the "Olive Kat".  Thanks for visiting my blog. Today marks the beginning of summer to me. I like having new seasons and new beginnings to look forward to. I would love to hear your ideas, input and comments. Thank you!

Calico Flags Are Flying

Today begins the Spring 2012 Bloggers Quilt Festival and I am attempting to join in. The link is amyscreativeside.com/bloggersquiltfestival  This quilt pattern appealed to me for a number of reasons. First of all, I love Americana. I also love vintage looking calicos and I always prefer white backgrounds on my quilts for some reason.

The color combinations were also perfect for my living room where I hang seasonal quilts all year round. This quilt will cover Memorial Day, 4th of July and probably August as well!

The pattern also makes a cute pillow!

In The Mood For Cherries

I can't resist a cherry motif on just about anything. They are so persistently cheerful! I do find myself with quite a stash of cherry fabric!

I added a border after appliqueing these dish towels. It's so quick and easy and gives me handwork to do in front of the TV.

I just finished this apron. I'm actually making two: one lined with a small cherry fabric and one lined with red and white dots. These I will probably sell at the "Olive Kat" or on Etsy.

I had fun with this applique, trying to match it to the design on the fabric.