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Friday, November 28, 2008

Pink Saturday


Many thanks to our wonderful hostess for Pink Saturday. She is a lovely lady that takes the time to visit each of us and always leaves a sweet comment. So thank you again Beverly...now lets all.....
scamper on over to Beverly to see the many beauties dressed in their prettiest pinks..Let's all go visiting..:)

Pink Saturday: In Shades of Pink at the River





In various shades of pink are the sunsets and the twilight time on the Red River in Texas.. Just at the place, dividing Texas and Oklahoma..flowing part way into Lake Texoma is one of my favorite places of all time. This is my place of quietness, peace and rest..a place to just be...a place to dream dreams and to mull over problems, knowing that in the end, things will somehow work out. There is such a rich history here..of settlers, Texas Rangers, bandits..Indians....of log cabins and wilderness.., of old and new..and looking back into the past..I truly love this place of beautiful sunsets and twilights.

Ornament / Present Ornament Exchange

This is an idea for a present or ornament exchange...
and an ornament exchange is a wonderful idea...
whether a get together at home or office party.
Before party...wrap a large empty box to serve as the anchor for the display you're gonna set up......this also acts as a really pretty centerpiece....
Cut a long ribbon for each guest you're expecting...then attach a number to each of the ribbons. Put the same amount of numbers on a seperate piece of paper in a container and set aside..
As guests arrive, tie a numbered ribbon to each of the packages. Have guests select a number from the container, (be sure its not the same number you just assigned to their gift). Set the boxes and bags around the large wrapped empty anchor box. Position the ribbons so their numbers are visible...
When you're ready to begin the ornament or gift exchange, have each guest look for their number in the centerpiece and follow the ribbon to the gift. Then have each person in turn to unwrap their new ornament...

Pretty Holiday Centerpiece

For this really pretty centerpiece..get a tall glass vase...or even tall glass container that spagetti or noodles would be kept in... use leftover boughs..or try to select boughs from garlands..etc...
stand up tall in container...add fresh cranberries to top....then add water to container. Fill in with baby breath..or any other tiny wispy flower... tie with gold cord..cranberry ribbon..whatever looks best to you...

Handy Ribbon Holder

While not a craft..this could be a real time saver wrapping Christmas presents...Use your trusty upright standing paper towel holder to stack your ribbon spools...
This just might work to hold a few of the craft ribbons and laces on craft projects... perhaps on upcoming Christmas ribbon..

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Friday Fill Ins


1. My stomach is way too full. .
2. Dressing and giblet gravy is what I ate the most of on Thursday.
3. The yard is so filled with leaves.
4. With people I love is where I'd rather be at any given time.
5. The smell of sage reminds me of wonderful holiday food.
6. Rest is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to rest, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to rest, rest, rest and relax!

I've Been Tagged



..Molly at Sewhappy10000 has tagged me...

The rules are few and very simple...

Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you. Molly's Place

Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog.

Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself.

Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.

Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Molly over at Molly's Place was so very nice to tag me. I love reading her blog, she has so many wonderful quilting things and is such a sweet, genuine person. I am truly made better by having just met her..she is a sweetie. Now, let's see if I can find 6 things to say about myself...

1. My mother and grandmother taught me all the needlecrafts. The only one I've forgotten is how to tat. It's so lovely, I wish I remembered how.

2."Back in the day" I was raised as a farmgirl.. a wonderful way to grow up

3.I worked for many years as a Respiratory Therapist

4. I love making Christmas ornaments. I've given away so many, to make room for more as I make them..:)

5.I love to craft..pincushions and needlecases being my favorites to sew and craft

6.Sunbonnet Sue is my all time favorite pattern for anything. Log Cabin or Railfence are next.

Now, for 6 people to tag.....

1. Alicesg at Alicesg

2. Lorilee at Cackleberrycottage

3. Patty at Pipstitch

4. Jenna at Corgipants

5. Domesticchicky at Apronista

6. Doreen at Suestreehouse

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving


Just a note to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving..and to wish each of you a most blessed and wonderous day...may all those you love gather around your table.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Leland & LuLu the Christmas Mouses (Meeces?) :)






This is really cute..if you have a group of younger ones.,... school parties..church groups..etc
They take little materials..and if made smaller. they could be Christmas ornaments...
Materials:
Felt squares...grey for mouse..or whatever suits you..he's your mouse
felt square of different color for his ears...
small black pom poms for his nose
tiny "rolly" eyes
glue
ribbons, bows..etc..for his behind
candy canes...the size depends on size of mouse. The candy cane..(the curved part) will act as his tail..
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~
From pattern..cut body and his ears...and being very careful..cut the 2 marked places, the slit places...this will be where ears go..
Glue eyes and pompom nose..let the glue dry, then slide the ears into mouse. Kinda squish the ears in the middle a bit, and they will go right in.... Add the bow, ribbon..flowers..whatever you choose, to his/her heinie...and mousie is finished.
Take a candy cane..and from underneath, slide the candy cane under the ears..(between where the ears are and his little body come together).....the curved part of candy cane will act as mousies tail....and with that...mousie is completed....
These make cute take home treats for school or church parties... and made with smaller [pattern, and candy cane.....and a ribbon added for a hanger...mousie can become a Christmas ornament....

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Crispy Crunch Candy



Two bags..12 ounces each milk chocolate chips (I used Nestle)
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl,for 2 minutes. (Microwave needs to be set on medium power). Stir halfway through the heating..melt thoroughly, but be careful not to overheat.
Gently mix in the Rice Krispies into the chocolate and pour into a buttered 9 x 12" pan. Kimda drop/tap the pan on the countertop to level out the chocolate mixture.
Refrigerate until firm..Cut the candy into pieces as large or as small as you like..
* I score the candy before it sets up too firm..then it can be cut easier..
I haven't made this candy for a few years..I hafta remedy that this holiday season..

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Bestest Peanut / Pecan Clusters



You hafta go by the Christmas Fair and see whaaaat everyone has made. The tables are full and beautiful..let's visit each participant. And thank you to Karen for hosting us all. It's quite a job and she has managed beautifully.

Peanut / Pecan Clusters

One 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips = 2 cups
One 12 ounce bag butterscotch chips = 2 cups
Three cups spanish peanuts or pecans
* three cups of peanuts or pecans instead of two for "nuttier" ones

Melt both chips together in a double boiler over medium heat. When completely melted,take off heat and add either the peanuts or pecans. Stir the nuts in good..then drop by teaspoonfuls onto a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Let set.... (can put in refrigerator for just a minute or two, to let them set). When set, remove and enjoy.
* Note ..makes about 4 dozen
I keep mine in a covered container with wax paper in between the layers.. these are really the best clusters ever...and so simple. These have now become the special candy that grandaughters have taken over.

Pink Saturday





It's that time again..Pink Saturday. We're hosted by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.. It's wonderful for Beverly to take the time to host us, keep track of us..and to visit each and every participant. That takes a lot of time and I'm ever so grateful she does this for us. So...skedaddle on over to her site..and visit as many participants as possible. Just click on the Pink Saturday button to the right of the screen. And many thanks to our hostess...you're a lovely lady.



This week's pinkness for me..is all about patterns.. We begin with the gingham cross stitch..(in a pretty pink)


I love all the pinks on this little pattern book. On the back..it's red, white and blue. In any case, it's a wonderful little pattern book with all sorts of goodies. I might be able to make some of these..:)

I think this is one of the more beautiful trees. I just love the soft sweet look, and this year may go back to the sweet Victorian laces, fans..etc. This is my favorite time of year and it's always hard making the decision on decorating the tree..but still,..such a happy time.

This stocking is just beautiful..alas, it's not mine. Rather, it's a photo from a wonderful Christmas book, filled with different Christmas looks, recipes and so on. I have 4 of these books and just love them.

This pattern..with it's touches of pinkness is called "We Believe In Angels" and is a quilting pattern packet. It's made by Button Babies and I found this and the following Button Babies patterns, in a little shop I visit fairly often. I paid the huge sum of 25 cents for the little patterns and happily bought them all.

This stocking pattern is called Heaven Scent

This pattern is called Country Sam..

This is the pattern..Angel Collar..


And lastly..this little pattern is Olde St. Nick.

The thing I love about these little packets is..they include the pattern and some basic hints. But, moreover..they all use parts and pieces of well loved ( really, heavily well loved )quilts that otherwise would be permantly lost. I can't stand the thought of discarding any part of handmade linens, or quilts..or needlework than any part can be salvaged in some way. I have 2 such quilts..that are so worn,this is the only way to use the usable parts. The quilts are so beautifully sewn with tiny stitches..alas, it's had too much use/wear. I will post pictures when I get going on them

Another Thank You Note

This is just too unbelivable. Erin over at Fairie Moon has informed me that my name was drawn and I am the winner of the lovely candle holder on her give-away. This is just too much. I have happy danced about till my husband is almost ready to throw a net over me. :). Not to worry tho. I'm happy dancing so fast, he couldn't catch me. :)..(I hope)... This is just a wonderful day.. Thank you again Erin..

Thank You Notes

What a wonderful day this has been.
First, the mailman delivered the book that I won on one of Smiling Sally's book give-aways. I am so thrilled to get this book and can't wait to begin reading it. The book is.."100 Ways to Simplify Your Life" by Joyce Meyer. Thanks so much Sally. You do so much for all of us..:).* really big smiles

Next, Laurie, over at Charming Designs just left a message telling me to come visit..there was a surprise there for me. Happy dance and yayyyyyy, I was selected as a winner of one of her lovely hand painted spoons. I can't tell you how beautiful her spoons are..you have to see for yourself. I am so happy and thrilled that I was selected..thanks so much Laurie. I will treasure this little spoon. :)* really big smiles

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins





Thursday, November 20, 2008
#99
And...here we go!

1. The last band I saw live was not a national group.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is dressing,giblet gravy and cranberry salad.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is just beginning.*sighs. Even tho I promised myself, This year I would start much earlier..*sighs again..
4. Thoughts of holidays fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear warm weather clothes all year round.
6. Bagpipes are wonderful. I love them.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to trying not to shiver too much, tomorrow my plans include straightening my craft area and Sunday, I want to rest!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Cross Stitch Ideas on Gingham







I've posted these gingham stitch patterns previously, however, I think I've managed to get them larger and more clear. I hope so, for these are such sweet patterns.
These designs are by the wonderful company, Coats and Clark, and are found on the hand out give-away free leaflet E-771. I'm not sure of the exact date as I can find none on the leaflet, but I'm guessing the 50's or 60's.

A Thank You Note

A big thank you to Denise over at http://needlework.craftgossip.com/, for her featuring Sunbonnet Sue and Hannah. I think she's quite wonderful for taking the time to do all this, and I really appreciate it. Thank you again, Denise, for all your efforts to feature different patterns and blogs. On there now, are free patterns for Knitters Rulers and Bags, Quilters Tape Measure in a Tin Give-Away,Bath Bombs..and so much else, so hurry on over and see what they're up to at http://craftgossip.com/. Leave a comment and say Sue and Hannah sent you..:)
P.S.
Sue and Hannah are doing a happy dance because they get to have a visit to her blog and to see even more people. They love to visit everywhere..

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Sunbonnet Sue and Hannah With Their Dolls




Here we have our girls..Sunbonnet Sue and her friend Hannah taking their baby dolls for a walk. They have on one of their best dresses as do their baby dolls.Earlier in the week, all the girls had gathered for a tea party. There was a large attendance with all the girls dressed in their finest hats, bonnets and little pinafores. There was much talk about Thanksgiving and Christmas...hmmmmm, there might be a surprize with new outfits..
Click on the picture to enlarge the pattern..

Monday, November 17, 2008

Blue Monday



It's that time again..Blue Monday.Many, many thanks to Sally for hosting us all again. Let's all skedaddle over to http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/, and see everyone that's playing this week. Join in..it's tons of fun to visit everyone and see their "blues". Drop in and leave a comment to say hi..

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Blue Monday



One of my favorite photos..this was on one of my wanderings about with my trusty little camera. I am a beginner "photo taker" and always have a wonderful time doing just that. I've always liked places that seem to invite quiet,peaceful moments, that let me take time to think, to breathe and to just be.. This little lake area is just such a favorite place.


I love this little walkway.. and then realized it must have been made for our little duck friends..the path goes straight off into the lake..:) Oh Well !! If it's good enough for the ducks, who am I to complain?? I'll be the one splashing around noisly, I'm not a good swimmer. :)




My beautiful friends..so graceful..

Friday, November 14, 2008

Pink Saturday Time..



It's that time again..Pink Saturday. Let's all scamper as quick as we can over to Beverly and How Sweet The Sound and see who all has posted.. And !!, last week, I made it to everyone but 2 and I couldn't get to their site. But I finally made it to everyone else and it was fun..:)

Angel .... Pink Saturday





This angel was made in honor and memory of my dear friend Jean. She's made of straw, ribbons, ribbon flowers,lace and wispy moss.Her halo is of gold wrapped gold wire and gold sparkly stars. She sits with me atop my computer and whenever I look at her, I am reminded of Jean. It's a sweet wonderful memory...

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill-Ins


Thursday, November 13, 2008
#98

And...here we go!

1. Please feel free to visit anytime..have a coffee and stay awhile .

2. When I get new candles that I really love, I can't help sniffing it occasionally.

3. My favorite thing to cook is anything in a wok.

4. Chinese food or bar-b-q ribs,is something I can't get enough of.

5. That's the thing I love most about cooking.

6. People that complain all the time, always makes me think to myself, what the heck?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to playing on computer,
tomorrow my plans include a partial working day and Sunday, I want to just be!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

National Tie One On Day

On the right side, and at the bottom of this post..there is a National Tie One On Button.... it will take you to Ms. Geisel, the sweet lady that started the Tie One On campaign. There are also book give-aways for everyone to participate in.
The rules as such are simple....the following is how you participate:

Participation in National Tie One On Day is simple - on the day before Thanksgiving, pause in the preparation of your own bounty, wrap a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on...an apron, of course! and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone in need of spiritual or physical sustenance.
The link below will take you to Apron Memoroes, Ms. Geisel's site. Please, pay her a visit, leave a comment and register for the book give-aways..

 November 26 - National Tie One On Day

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A Thank You For Hosting





Many, many thanks to Angie at American Homemaker for hosting Holiday Show and Tell. Scamper on over and see her posting and all the other participants. It's a lot of fun and lots of great holiday ideas. Click on the image t top or the one to the right to go to The Holiday Show and Tell.
Thanks again to Angie for hosting..

The Best Candied Sweet Potatoes






Bake 4 or 5 sweet potatoes, and cut into large pieces..
or use 2 large cans sweet potatoes drained
Butter your pan..
Sauce:
5 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup water
Bring the sauce to a boil..Pour over potatoes. Bake about 1 hour at 350. Check to see how candied you would like them.
**
I always double the recips. These sweet potatoes are served at every holiday dinner.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

How Great Thou Are ... Blue Monday

Happy Blue Monday everyone..I hope it's a wonderful one. Now, let's all skedaddle over to Smiling Sally and see all the ones participating. Thank you Sally for hosting

Gentle Reflections...



How Great Thou Are


.................................................................

Veterans Day



A day to honor....
A day to reflect and remember....
To thank them..each of them....
For all they do...
For all they have done...
For all they have given....
For every sacrifice made....
From my heart..
I thank you

Friday, November 7, 2008

Pink Saturday

I hope you like my choices for pinks today. One, the fairie pillow is done by my friend Do, the two Sunbonnet Sue's are done by me. Have a wonderful Pink Saturday and I hope everyone scampers on over to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for the rest of the Pink Saturday'ers,,(is there even such a word??). I've made a pledge to myself that this week, I will get to everyone on the list and leave a comment.:) Have a great day today and a wonderful week..



This Sunbonnet Sue is a work just beginning. I've decided to do hot pads with a Sue,..and trying this look for now...It's also an attempt to use some of this striped fabric..I have a very large amount of it, it's really pretty, however, it just doesn't seem to work anywhere for anything.

This Sunbonnet Sue is the first of my Sue quilt blocks. When Do and I first started talking about applique and Sue quilt blocks, I showed her how I appliqued..(the way my mom and grandmother had taught me). It was then, she explained the freezer paper method of applique and thus began my change of technique. Do's way is much better with cleared and sharper points and curves. I love her manner of applique and her manner of teaching.. My quilt is a "someday" project, I seem to have many different projects going in many directions..but yes, I will finish mine little Sue quilt.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Thank You

A very big thank you to Denise of Craftgossip for her sweet mentions of my blog and patterns. Denise, as everyone knows..has a most wonderful site, filled with ideas and patterns, helpful hints and links to all sorts of sites for patterns. Thanks again Denise..for all you do.. CC
Some of the sweet patterns can be seen here..http://needlework.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-running-sue/2008/11/06/

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill-Ins
# 97

And...here we go!
1. My blueprint for success includes doing things I really love.
2. Halloween pumpkins and candy corn was the last candy I ate.
3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Oil of Olay.
4. Quiet time at my little lake can be good therapy.
5. I'd like to tell you about my latest finds in quilt pieces.
6. Inner strength is my strongest characteristic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to writing some, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to rest, relax and revive!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Blue Monday





Sunlight and shadows in Texas. I love it..
Statue of President Dwight D. Eisenhower..
Taken at his birthplace in Texas

Saturday, November 1, 2008