Surprises From Mum...

 ...and Dad Burt, too!

They sent me a box of souvenirs from their trip to England and France!

 Mum always knows just what I love.

Of course, there was a Diamond Jubilee commemorative publication...

and a Queen Elizabeth II dvd (narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier!).

I had mentioned to Mum that I'd seen an article about this 

line of British face cream that I thought she might like,

and I was tickled that there was a jar for me in the package!

I hope it helps me achieve that British "peaches and cream" complexion.

 Handsome collects (and wears) baseball caps, so there was this

really great (and soft!) cap from their trip to Paris.

 I specifically requested a Jubilee tin to go with another old one

that I have had for years. (I'll show you that another time.)

Mum found this one that came with English breakfast tea.

 The top and sides are also decorated with additional images and words.

It's perfect - just what I wanted - and I love it!

 But, the biggest surprise was a corgi pillow!!!!!

Squeeeee!!!!

I did a happy dance when I saw this beautiful pillow, and now

Taggart will have proof of his royal roots!

Thank you, Mum and Dad Burt.

What generous gifts - and wonderful surprises.

I know (Shell)...S.P.O.I.L.E.D...again

My Newest Completed iPad Case...

A padded, safe spot for my iPad to sleep.

 Yes. I finished my iPad case yesterday!

The front with the flap open, showing the velcro closure.

 To honor my British birthplace and Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee...

The back, featuring Lillalotta's "Keep Calm" wide twill ribbon.

 I chose a Union Jack and "streets of London" theme.

Nice, soft and coordinated inside.

I lined my case with soft blue flannel.

Of course, I had to add a strip of fabrics mirroring the exterior of the case...

and my Brynwood label.

One folded "Keep Calm" label will hold my stylus. I'm using my Union Jack pencil for the photo.

 It's the perfect size for my first generation iPad.

I'm also finishing a second one better sized to the second generation iPad.

That one will be available for sale soon.

(If you're interested in one, please email me for more information.)

Now that I have this project finished, I'm on to one of my UFOs.

More on that tomorrow.

Almost There...

I had appointments in Sarasota yesterday afternoon, but I was in the studio by afternoon. I chose these fabrics from my stash and made some real progress on my iPad case.

The fabric(s) on the left are a blue flannel I chose to line the case, trimmed with some of the fabric I used on the front of the exterior.

On the left is the outside front of my case. The piecing and quilting are complete and already sewn to the back (which was done in a different fabric altogether). I'm really pleased with the way it's looking, and I should have it finished today. I'll take photos of the front, back and inside to show you tomorrow.

Protecting The iPad...

I love this image!

While Mum and Dad Burt were in England, they sent us this adorable postcard.

The reason I'm sharing this card today is because 

it's the inspiration for a project I'm making this week...

Do you remember this cool, quilted iPad case I made before Christmas in 2010?

Handsome decided that he wants it for his iPad, so I need a new one for mine.

I'm going to make my case with a British theme in honor of the Queen's Jubilee.

I'm going to be using this great twill tape.

I ordered the tape from my favorite source, Lillalotta on Etsy.

Anna created this new tape recently and I knew I needed to get some of it.

I'll be back with photos when I finish my new case.

I hope you have something creative planned for this week.

It's too hot to play outside...might as well play inside!

Tuesdays With Tag - Traveling Corgi...

 It's me again. Tag!

This week I'm writing to you from sunny Meadville, Pennsylvania.

We're here so Dad can make some beautiful music at Allegheny College.

I'm having a blast at the campground where I get to meet lots of new dogs and people.

You'd be surprised at just how many people say, "He's so cute!" to me every day.
It could really go to a guy's head, I'm tellin' ya!

I'm posing next to the welcome sign for our campground camper area,

and yup -

That's the Flying Cloud behind me.

Usually, our awning is out and the American flag proudly hangs outside our door. 

We also have a patriotic bunting that hangs off the bumper, too.

Mom and Dad are proud to wave the flag when we travel.

Because of Queen Elizabeth II's recent 60th Jubilee Celebration,

there have been a lot of corgi things for sale.

Of course, Mom has been doing searches on the Internet,

so today we thought we'd share just a few of the cool things she found.

by Eastwitching on Etsy

This is available as a watercolor print from Eastwitching on Etsy. Mom really likes this and thinks this corgi must be a girl because of her big brown eyes and sweet face. What do I think? RAARRRR! (I'm just sayin'!)

by Cake Doggy

Mom saw this cake when she read an article at The Daily Mail online. (Here's the story link.) She said she'd have a hard time cutting into it, and eating it would be "out of the question!". Heck. I'd eat it! (But I don't think she'd let me.)

by Clare Brownlow

This is another of Mom's favorite watercolor corgis. It was painted by British artist, Clare Brownlow. Don't you think every corgi should be able to wear a crown? I sure do!

Jubilee Marmite Label

Even a British company that makes Marmite (Mom doesn't like it) got into the act. This was their Jubilee label. Mom says the label says it all..."One either loves it or one hates it". Mom said, "Yuk!"

at TheLobsterPot on Etsy

This is my personal favorite. It's from TheLobsterPot on etsy. I think it's perfect, but it's just a little backward. If you love corgis, we'll help you keep calm...and make you laugh...and 

snuggle on your shoes when we're tired. Mom said this picture is an "awwwwww" moment. I think I was just tired from all this travel and Jubilee excitement. I'm gonna rest up now. I'll see you again next week, ok? 'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Rule Britannia...

It's never difficult to find British-themed fabric or memorabilia, but because it's Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee this summer, vendors are pulling out all the stops! Mum is in England all this month with Dad Burt and she's promised to find a few more goodies to bring home for her British daughter, too! I'm so excited to see what she might find.

Something corgi related would probably be easy to find, as the corgi is the Queen's favorite breed. Or perhaps she'll find sweets in Jubilee-themed tins? I've asked her not to spend too much time looking, and not to spend too much money on me either. After all, it is their vacation and they should savor every minute doing things they enjoy. Even so, I'm looking forward to some little surprise.

I found this Benartex fabric on Etsy from spiceberrycottage and didn't hesitate to purchase a little of four different fabrics. I have three yards total and these will be the foundation of an upcoming project.

I've had my eye on Michelle's "Victory Garden" pattern at Busy Bee Quilt Designs for some time, so I purchased it the same day I bought the Benartex fabrics. I know this will be on my list after I finish my current WIPs.  I'll probably choose more traditional red, white and navy fabrics rather than the fabrics on the cover of Michelle's pattern, but I do love her finished quilts, too.

Created by Troy at Junk Exchange

This is another British item I've been coveting for a long, long time. My blog friend, Troy at Junk Exchange blog makes these. Troy always amazes me with his ability to create beautiful and useful things. If you haven't visited his and Rod's blog, here's the link.

So, there you have it. More ideas. More projects in my future. British inspiration. I hope you have something wonderful planned for your week, whether it's in your creative space or spent with loved ones. It's all good!