September's theme!

Each spring and fall, I'm reminded of how enchanting and wondrous seeds and plants are. That being said, they are something we all take for granted....but without them life. simply. stops.

Amazing really!

Many are featured in fairy tales (Jack and the Beanstalk, Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina and Rumpelstiltskin to name a few) but even if they weren't, they would still be enchanting.

September's ornament: seeds or seedpods of any kind ...feel free to include a wee inhabitant if you'd like.
Don't forget that some flowers are actually seed pods (ex: dandelion and thistle) and that trees have wonderfully ornamental seedpods.

September's challenge: create a nature table, wreath or swag with things you collect during the activity.

September's activity: take a walk in the woods or on a nature trail with a friend or loved one and enjoy the change of seasons.


Click here for some natural inspiration!

Click here for ideas....

"From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow..."
-Aeschylus

SWEET!

Courtney sent me an AWESOME Frog Prince package! The ornament is sooo cute. It is made from an old CD! There is a very beautiful handmade bead attached to it! She also sent some Pin-Up Girl iron on embroidery patterns from Sublime Stitching and some beautiful hand dyed embroidery floss...you so rock! Your package is on the way and I hope you like it as much as I liked your sweet package.

Gin, Jill, me and mermaids....

First of all, I got this lovely mermaid package from the amazing and talented Gin a while back! Things have been so hectic that I didnt get a picture until tonight. I have been lucky enough to swap with her during the last two years three times! She made me a beautiful mermaid handtowel that is hanging in my mermaid bathroom and she didnt even know I had a mermaid bathroom! Daniel, my grandson, has been staying with me the last three weeks and everytime he goes in the bathroom he says, "I know, dont dry my hands on the mermaid!" Hey, I know how much work this applique stuff is! She also glass etched a mermaid silhoette on an ornament. It looks so pretty on my little tree...She also knows I love ribbon and lace so I got some of that too! Thank you so much Gin, you are a sweetheart!
I am going to go ahead and post pictures of what I sent her. I am so late, I am ashamed of myself and to make up for it, I added something else. It went in the mail today and I am sorry Gin that is so late! Please forgive me.










Daniel made you a journal while I was sewing...Then we made some mermaid cards and a fish ornament and a sea star....












I also sewed you a mermaid ornament....She caused me all kinds of grief but in the end, I kinda like her.













And the extra? I made you a little quilted mug rug with a free motioned mermaid on it so you can have tea by the sea.... Thanks again for your patience!


A few weeks ago I also got a package from Jill...She sent me some lucky ladybugs to send me cheer!













I think they are wonderful! I also love this idea....She laminated a ladybug drawing and she said if you use double stick tape you can stick it to a can to make a pencil cup...I havent done one yet, but when I do, I am going to take it to work for my desk.......Thank you Jill for thinking of me!!!!

Happy Summer everyone......

into the sea......

Missy sent me a surprise in the mail!



Look at this sweet mermaid!


a close up of the necklace and embroidered tea towel...


Thank you Missy!

Gnome in a fishtank

I found this fun project on National Geographic Kids so it's a safe site to visit.
While surfing for something (I can't remember lol) I came across this cute project.
I thought this would be a good project for people who can't or don't wish to have a Gnome area outside.
It would also be a good project for anyone who would like to bring a little Gnomie-ness inside.
I think I might try this one later.
It would also work with real plants or some little fake guys. Or you could just skip the plants and make a little fairy garden.

hear ye, hear ye! UPDATED 8/9/11

Frog prince partner emails have been sent!

Please check your in boxes! I've listed them below too...

Kerry and Val
Doris and Sherry
Courtney and Missy
Gin and Jill

Mermaid Magic ...

And that's exactly what Jill's package to me was ..... magical!!!
We arrived home late last night from a weeks vacation in Missouri, and I found her package waiting for me .... lucky me:-D

Cast your eyes upon all that goodness!!!

Look at this beautiful treasure. She is made from a piece of driftwood that Jill found a number of years ago - isn't it just the perfect shape for this queen of the sea.

This mini quilt she made me is just precious. I'm going to add loops to the top of it and hang it with my other swap treasures, that I've recieved .... all from women I consider friends, although I've never met them in person.

No, we're not finished yet ..... this pretty bracelet was also included. It is so me!!! I wore it to Church today, and got a number of compliments on it
.
Is she not just sooo cute? Way to cute to stick pins in!!! This mermaid pincushion has joined my little group of "to cute to be pricked" pincushions:-D Every time I look at that little tail, I just have to smile!!!
She also included some crafty bits and pieces, as well as lots of ribbon ..... oh, can you see my big smiley face:-D
Jill, THANK YOU so much for spoiling me .... you made my day:-D
Frogs ..... oohhh ..... time to put my thinking cap on. Have fun with the theme girls, it's oh so cute!!!