Play Day...

Brynwood Acorn Ornament

  I met my short term deadlines for Monday.
I needed to send off the red cork set to my dear friend, and also made the
acorn ornament for the exchange at a Christmas party I attended yesterday.

The party was at the home of Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. I received a beautiful ornament in the exchange and promise to share a photo with you in the next day or so. It was a lovely afternoon with my friend, Kathy and new friends I'm getting to know better.

Note: I found that the link for this pattern (on my Free Patterns and Tutorials page) is broken. I'm going to find out the best way to upload a pdf file (or list it for FREE on Craftsy) today, in the event anyone else wants to make one.

 

Grab & Go Clutch, Half Pint Case and Needle Case in Red Cork

This is the red cork set. The color is actually more burgundy than in these photos, and I love the way the set turned out.

Reverse of Grab & Go Clutch

In addition to the Grab & Go Clutch, my friend also asked me to make a matching Half Pint Case and Needle Case.

Lining In Custom Grab & Go Clutch

 

The two smaller cases are unlined, but this is the fabric I chose for the clutch. I think she (and the friend to whom she's gifting the set) will be happy.

 

Now that I have my short term projects finished, I'm turning my attention to Grammie's Jammies and other projects on my Christmas list! It's supposed to snow (a lot) today, so I'll definitely be staying inside - in the studio. Updates tomorrow.

Ready To Ship...

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi On Tote and Wallet Set

  I had a productive weekend.  I'll be shipping off this "Corgi On Tote and Wallet Set" to my client today.

This tote is my own design. It has a long, open pocket and a zippered pocket on the outside. Inside, I've created the same pocket configuration, and added a D-ring and a long tab with a clasp at the end to hold keys. The complete set includes the tote and a wallet; wallet shoulder and wrist straps; and a key fob. 

This is the last set I'll create in 2017. I have one more commission to do, and then I'll be making Christmas gifts. I do have a listing for a set like this in my online shop, but I won't make it until after December 30th. Remember, I'm putting my shop on vacation on December 18th, so if you'd like to order a set for yourself (and be first on my list in the new year), you'll want to order before that date.

Today, I'm working with red cork. I'll be making a Grab & Go Clutch, with a matching Half Pint Case and Needle Case. When I'm finished with that set, I have a Wool Acorn Ornament to make for a party I'm attending tomorrow. We're having an ornament exchange, so I decided to make one of my own design (you can find the pattern in my "Free Patterns and Tutorials" link at the top of my blog in the menu bar).

It's going to be a busy day, so I'd better get started!

A Primitive Day...

Primitive Gatherings' Owner and Designer, Lisa Bongean

I drove up to Menasha, WI yesterday morning to meet up with Kathy D. She invited me to join the Sit & Sew group she attends once a month at Lisa Bongean's warehouse and offices for Primitive Gatherings.

I'm sure that if you quilt, you're familiar with Lisa's name and work. She's an extraordinary designer, and her woolwork quilts and projects are beloved by many. She's also extremely entertaining and personable! As her shop is one of my favorites, I was happy to join Kathy and the ladies for a day in Menasha.

My girlfriend, Kathy D.

The gathering always begins with Lisa sharing her new fabrics, designs and or ideas with the ladies. It's also a chance for each of the ladies to share what they're currently doing, projects they've recently finished, or to get input into how to complete a block or quilt top. Lisa's opinions, as well as those of the other ladies, are helpful for everyone.

Kathy is a prolific wool worker, and I always enjoy seeing what she's been working on. She opened up her case to show us her latest completed blocks, along with her ideas for assembling a quilt top with them.

Kathy's Blocks

I'm sure you can see a number of reasons why I fell in love with these blocks! I can't wait to see it finished, and how she does her own quilting on the assembled top. It's going to be a stunning piece when it's done, for sure.

English Paper Pieced Quilt Top

I don't know everyone's names (yet), but I'm looking forward to getting to know these talented ladies better. Isn't this a gorgeous quilt top? It's all paper pieced, and she chose the colors completely randomly. I think that makes it even more charming.

Some of the attendees have never worked on an English Paper Pieced project before, so this lady brought kits of tiny hexies (and even precut fabrics) so that we could make our own tree ornaments.

English Paper Pieced Make & Take

This was one of her models for the class. I completed my hexie assembly yesterday, and just have to mount it to a wool backing. I'll finish it soon, and show you what it looks like after I do that. (It was a fun project working with tiny hexies, by the way, and very generous of her to share her teaching knowledge and materials.)

Show & Tell Wool Wall Hanging

I thought you might like to see a couple more of the pieces that were shared with the group. I love this alphabet sampler. It's a great size for a wall hanging, and I love the color choices. It's completely done in wools.

Show & Tell Wool Quilt Top

 

This is a finished quilt top, and its owner brought it to ask about the best ideas for quilting it. She also chose her quilt backing next door from Lisa's warehouse stock. How cool is that?

 

All in all, it was a really fun day. Everyone brought a dish to pass, too, so we had a delicious lunch (and a wide choice of tasty desserts).

 

The next gathering will be held at Lisa's home, and it will be a Christmas party of sorts. I'll definitely have a project to share, and we're having an ornament gift exchange, so I'm going to make one of my own acorn ornaments. (It's pictured in the third picture of my blog header above.) You can find my pattern on my "Free Patterns and Tutorials" page (link in my top menu bar). I can't wait to do this again!

 

A Corgi Ornament...

I received a Christmas package from my blog bestie, Shell at The Raspberry Rabbits. It came as a surprise, and when I opened the package I actually started to cry!

Staring up at me was this gorgeous, glass corgi to hang on my tree, and then reside year-round in the studio.

I mean...Look at this face!!

Shell included one of her annual handcrafted cards (I smile when I get those bunnies each year!), and to keep my corgi ornament safe, she also sent along a soft, felted wool acorn ornament.

How good was I this past year to have received these special gifts from my beautiful friend? I know my corgi friends are all going to want one, but this one is mine and I'll treasure it forever.

Thank you, dear Shell. You really hit the mark on the head when you chose my gifts this year. Sending long distance hugs filled with gratitude for you!

More Gifties Arrived...

Can you even believe that today is December 1st already? 2011 is quickly coming to an end and I still have so much left to do! Yesterday was another day filled with surprises. There were two packages in the mail for me!

I opened a package from my generous friend, Sherry E. of Createology to find this clever origami bag. (I took the liberty of staging it with my acorn fairy in an acorn-adorned frame.) The fabric Sherry chose fits right in with my acorn decor, doesn't it?

The fabric is folded and sewn to create a pocket on each side of the bag, and Sherry chose tiny tree charms for the flaps. They're perfect choices, Sherry!

I haven't figured out how everything folds together to make up this little tote, but I'm going to keep examining it until I do! I can't wait to use it, too!

Sherry, you are so generous with your time and your talents and I can't tell you how I appreciate the treasures you send my way. Thank you, my friend. I will cherish you and your creation(s) always!

Although I knew a second package was on its way, I had no idea what to expect inside. Wendy W. of The Frog Palace and The Life of Me contacted me to ask for my address, telling me she had something she wanted to send to me. I admit I was intrigued and couldn't wait to open her package when it arrived!

Her handcrafted card had this tiny acorn glued on one corner. (I bet she made that, too!)

Inside I found ornaments made of glass and other natural elements. A glitter-sprinkled pine cone ready to hang in the studio as well as a little "nature boy" ornament created from wood.

Wendy added this artful collage of craftsy items and the verse about creativity. I see something new every time I look at it. (Wouldn't it be fun to play "Eye Spy" with my granddaughters using this?) I have placed it in my wall organizer hanging across from my sewing machine. It looks right at home there!

Look at this teeny, tiny glass squirrel. I'm so glad it made the trip safely to me - as well as the slightly larger glass acorn. They're both so beautiful, and I've never seen a little squirrel ornie before!

I have the perfect spot to hang them so they can be viewed and admired every day. This is the arch in the window in my studio, and the all three new ornaments will join the rest of my collection where they'll be visible from inside the studio - or outside when I'm in the pool area. (Don't miss the new, little "Green Man" ornament hanging on the right end of the rod!)

Thank you, Wendy for thinking of me when you saw the ornaments...and for all the wonderful gifts you sent to me. I love your thoughtfulness and generosity. Sending great big hugs to you across the miles.

My actual Birthday is December 3rd (Saturday), but without even knowing it, my friends are helping me stretch my celebration. Mum told me a package is on its way and Handsome ran a secret mission yesterday. At this rate, he's going to declare me a bona fide "Spoiled Brat" by Saturday...and he'll be right! One of our running jokes around here is that he's not Mr. Right. He's Mr. Always Right** (again).

I find that I'm constantly inspired by my blog friends. I hope that even in the process of writing about the gifts I receive, you'll find inspiration or ideas for gifts to share with your loved ones. As I work my way through my handcrafted Christmas list over the next two weeks, I'll write about them for a little inspiration of my own.

(**I'm required to add a little right-hand wrist flair for effect when I say that. lol)

Sweetness From A friend...

You may remember that I have a few baby dresses hanging in the studio. I added sweet acorn embellishments to these otherwise precious-but-plain pieces.

Then, there goes Michelle Palmer creating something gorgeous again! She found a number of baby items on one of her antiquing forays, and then took them home to put her creative touch to them. Can you blame me for simply having to own one to go with my other Palmer creations? I didn't think so.
On Saturday, I received a package in the mail. My friend, Sherry from Createology blog sent me a fabulous acorn ornament. It was packed in peanuts and then had this pretty lace pouch to protect it. Opening it revealed my surprise. I don't have this particular acorn, and it will take its place among my other acorn ornaments in the window of the studio where I can see it every day.

Thank you, Sherry! I love my new acorn ornament. I'm so grateful for your sweet gift. Proper gratitude will go in the mail soon. I can't tell you how much I appreciated your thoughtfulness, my friend.

Acorn Ornaments...

This is what I've been doing lately. I've been making Acorn Ornaments! Believe me, they're like peanuts...no one can have just one!

I spent the day making a tutorial for you, so now you can make your own acorns. You're really gonna love me, because I also spent some time figuring out how to make it possible for you to download pdf files directly from my blog. No more emailing to request pattern pieces or instructions! I know...I'm the bomb, right?

I'm also going to augment my Flickr album tutorials with pdf instruction sheets, but adding lots of photos (as I did to the Acorn Ornament) makes for large pdf files. I'll keep the Flickr albums up and available because they'll show more detail. (I'm talking about the Rabbit Pincushion and Scissors Bunnies.)

Those instructions sheets will show up in my sidebar, right along with my newest ones, when they're completed. (Expect to see them after the holidays, unless I get all my other projects completed early. A girl can dream, right?)

To find the patterns, just scroll down my left sidebar until you find the BoxNet widget with my patterns listed. Then, just select the one you want - or go ahead and download all of them! - right to your computer. Easy peasy and just for you!

You don't have to sign in or anything to download my patterns, but I'd love it if you'd leave a comment here to let me know that you liked my idea enough to want the instructions...and you'll get your name in the giveaway drawing at the same time!

I'm a little behind in my responses to the newest visitors to my blog. I'm so grateful that you're all so happy with the items I've chosen for the giveaway(s). I promise to get over to visit you just as soon as I can. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Thanks again for all your kind words, thoughts and insights. Your visits mean the world to me!

Oh, I don't want to forget to remind you to scroll down my left sidebar for another reason...I have posted linky buttons to a number of other giveaways now in progress. You're going to want to check out all the wonderful things other bloggers are listing in their drawings, too!

We Now Return You To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming...

Things got back to normal yesterday. No worries. No more snakes. Sorry if I freaked anyone out. I've got a few things to take your minds off the mild trauma of it all today. First, I've got a photograph of the two finished ornaments for my swap partner at Ravelry. Think she'll like them? (I hope so!)And then, I wanted to show you the sweet bookmarks I made from the beautiful handmade egg beads from my dear friend, Marion. I'm going to send her one of the finished ones (along with some other surprises) as a thank you for her generosity. Each bookmark has a 14" length of birds' egg blue velvet ribbon, one of Marion's beautiful blue beads on one end (along with Swarovski crystals), and a bird charm with crystals on the other. I got the idea from a recent cover of Somerset Life. I knew I'd just have to try it!And finally...and I've been thinking about this for a few days...I've noticed that my following has climbed to over 150 members. I'm going to add another giveaway gift if we get to 200 by the time the 200th Post Giveaway ends. Here's what I'll offer if we can celebrate a 200th Follower Giveaway:I'm offering another color-themed gift package...First a vintage washboard. It's about 18 1/2" tall and I'd love to see what the winner does with it. Also included is a hardcover book called Heirlooms From Loving Hands, by Sandy Lynam Clough. It's chock-full of her wonderful, painted images and inspirational words and ideas. You'll also receive a cool wine bottle gift box. I have one in my studio that I use to store knitting needles. I'd love to know how you decide to use it. And, finally, a velvet "Joy" ornament (I didn't make this one, but I loved it).

So, if you haven't already told your pals about the 200th Post Giveaway, or you haven't posted up a button on your blog yet, here's another incentive. I'm thankful for each and every one of you this year, and if we get to 200 followers here by Thanksgiving, this is how I'll show my gratitude.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing the Brynwood Needleworks Acorn Ornament pincushion tutorial with you!


Here's a button you can add to your blog to crow about the 200th Follower Giveaway. If we get to 200, one lucky follower will win all of the items in this photo! I'm crossing my fingers for y'all!

In the event we don't make it to 200, I promise I'll keep this gift set together until we do! Someone is going to win this - either next week, or very soon.