tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23276698981018464862024-03-13T08:33:20.421-04:00Escape and CreateWhen I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me". - Erma BombeckYvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-67558788536493646342012-01-23T12:42:00.003-05:002012-01-23T12:46:49.368-05:00BBD Question??I have a question that I hope someone can answer.....I am getting ready to start the Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers "Summer", "Autumn" and "Winter" (all on one piece of linen) and was wondering if one skein of Manor Red (used to stitch the alphabet) was enough. I will be stitching this on 32 ct. linen. I don't want to risk not having enough and then having a dye lot issue but I don't want to buy more if it really isn't needed. <br /><br />Thanks in Advance!!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-56344861364099460362012-01-20T09:03:00.020-05:002012-01-20T22:44:16.313-05:00Project Life 2012Happy New Year Everyone! It's been a while since I posted. I have enjoyed the holidays and now I'm ready to tackle 2012 with "delight". Delight is my one little word for the new year. I want to use "delight" as a sense. I want to delight in every little detail whether it be tasting food, seeing the seasons change, hearing my teenage son giggle....I want to not only savor the moments but I want to experience them with delight. <br /><br />As the new year approached, I knew that making resolutions (as I have in the past) was just a waste of time if they were unachieveable. I'm not going to diet (maybe watch more closely what I eat) and I'm not going to exercise (who knows - I may WANT to get out and walk some so I can take photographs). But I did set a few goals for myself this year......<br />1) participate in Project Life 2012 - details below!<br />2) get my photos organized on my computer (which means - sort, delete, print, etc.)<br />3) doing #2 means I need to scrapbook more<br />4) get some sewing projects completed<br />5) visit the lake a lot more this spring/summer<br />6) sew/quilt a scrappy picnic tablecloth<br /><br />I want to talk about Project Life 2012, for those that are not familiar with it. I know most of my blog readers are cross stitchers and believe it or not, I still stitch every now and then (maybe I need to add that to the list above - to stitch more LOL). This may be a project you will want to start (BTW - you can start ANY time). I know you "think" there is no way you could ever add another hobby to your day but this is so simple!!!! Almost everyone has a camera phone so take some photos and get started! Document your life!!!<br /><br />Project Life 2012 is a concept that <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/">Becky Higgins</a> began 4 years ago. Becky is WELL KNOWN in the scrapbooking world for her contributions to the Creating Keepsakes magazine as well as authoring some wonderful sketch books. This concept allows scrapbookers to get pictures in their books before the memories fade and to capture the day-to-day details, besides the holidays and other big yearly moments, in a flash. The products she designed are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a> and consist of picture pocket page protectors, journaling cards, albums, etc. Everything a scrapbooker needs. So, why have I just now decided to do this?.........<br /><br />Well......<br />1) The concept originally was to take a photo each day. A photo that represented that day or a moment that happened that would probably be forgotten in a weeks time but years from now would be a cherished memory. I knew that I would never be able to take a photo each day for 365 days! <br />2) I really don't like picture pocket page protectors. It was too confining for me. I'm a "lumpy" scrapper and I just couldn't buy into the print the photo and slip it in the pocket and be done.<br />3) As a "lumpy" scrapper, I love to embellish. I need to add more to my page.<br /><br />At the end of 2011, as scrappers began to talk about their plans for the upcoming Project Life year, I realized that there were other scrappers like me! They wanted to embellish, they could not take a photo every week, they needed to scrap the way that was their style. I also realized this was MY album. I'm in charge so let's tweak the concept and do it!!! The main purpose is to capture the little details and moments - I can do that!! <br /><br />My Project Life 2012 album...<br />1) does not contain picture pocket page protectors. I am scrappin' my photos onto 12x12 cardstock and doing a 2 page spread for each week.<br />2) probably will not consist of a photo for each day. I am focusing on the week, itself. I may take 5 photos in one day or something similar. But, I will focus on capturing little momemts, nature, things........I want to be able to look back in 5 or 10 years and see the furniture, see how the trees have grown or are gone, what was on TV, how electronics have changed, etc. <br />3) lets me embellish! I'm adding my die cuts, buttons, my snippets of life, etc. <br /><br />This in NO WAY says that the way Becky, or other scrappers, do their albums is wrong. What Becky has designed has been a life saver for so many scrappers. People are documenting their lifes. The small stuff becomes much larger and more important years down the road. It is a great product and if you are a beginner (or advanced for that matter) and you want to get in on this, Becky makes it easy and gives you the tools to take all the guess work out of the equation! It's memory capturing made simple! <br /><br />So, here it is.....The start of my Project Life 2012 adventure. My week is going to run Sunday through Saturday. My "plan" is to upload and print the previous week's photos on Thursday and scrap my pages over the weekend. I will "try" to post my page updates, here on the blog, on Thursday/Friday. <br /><br />Title Page:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDfRvVklezo/Txl8Qsikf3I/AAAAAAAABWE/iq9aisDkOcg/s1600/IMG_7270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDfRvVklezo/Txl8Qsikf3I/AAAAAAAABWE/iq9aisDkOcg/s400/IMG_7270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699723429689982834" /></a><br /><br />The 2 page layout (week one/1-1-12 to 1-7-12):<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vev73egdwPc/Txl8iAMiYQI/AAAAAAAABWQ/WxuTjHyI-ec/s1600/IMG_7273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vev73egdwPc/Txl8iAMiYQI/AAAAAAAABWQ/WxuTjHyI-ec/s400/IMG_7273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699723727024054530" /></a><br /><br />The left page:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BT6UsWc4HO4/Txl8vdeoydI/AAAAAAAABWc/DpG_bw7gyIo/s1600/IMG_7274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 379px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BT6UsWc4HO4/Txl8vdeoydI/AAAAAAAABWc/DpG_bw7gyIo/s400/IMG_7274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699723958222899666" /></a><br /><br />And the right page:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCL1ZjtJJ2c/Txl86AuSRLI/AAAAAAAABWo/XkAOIGf-XHY/s1600/IMG_7277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCL1ZjtJJ2c/Txl86AuSRLI/AAAAAAAABWo/XkAOIGf-XHY/s400/IMG_7277.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699724139482465458" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for taking a peek inside my new adventure! If you are interested in getting more information on Project Life, click <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/">here</a>. While you are there, check out Becky's design team. They will inspire you! I also have to give a shout-out to <a href="http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/">Michelle Wooderson </a>for sharing her Project Life 2011 and now 2012. She has a style that I really admire. And if you have a little extra time, visit <a href="http://gluestickgirl.typepad.com/">Glue Stick Girl </a>too!<br /><br />If you have any questions, just ask!!<br /><br /><em>edited to add #6 to my 2012 goals</em>Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-58513205000628189312011-12-20T15:45:00.003-05:002011-12-20T15:51:39.472-05:00Santa's Coming to Town<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ6kWKvUZRM/TvD1Tls8AsI/AAAAAAAABVs/NOfpuKPeCg4/s1600/IMG_6923.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ6kWKvUZRM/TvD1Tls8AsI/AAAAAAAABVs/NOfpuKPeCg4/s400/IMG_6923.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688316046255850178" /></a><br />It's been such a long time since I posted but I just had to share my latest creation......my Santa Claus Treat Boxes! I put these together using my Silhouette and they are just too cute! They will be filled with Hershey Kisses and will be at each person's place setting on Christmas Day. <br /><br />With Christmas being only a mere 5 days away, I hope each of you have a wonderful day spent with love and laughter with family and friends.<br /><br />Merry Christmas!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-53289145725840026892011-10-30T21:28:00.004-04:002011-10-30T21:36:51.624-04:00Spooktacular Goody Bags<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R85N5r6uqPQ/Tq37rQBhPHI/AAAAAAAABVg/DYISZPE2NzY/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R85N5r6uqPQ/Tq37rQBhPHI/AAAAAAAABVg/DYISZPE2NzY/s400/IMG_6465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669464226383608946" /></a><br />I spent the weekend getting the house and treats ready for the big night tomorrow! I couldn't wait to make these treat bags with my new Papertrey Ink die - Front and Center #1. It was cut out of black cardstock and adhered to a plain and simple brown lunch sack. The tag was made using the new tag die #5 and some older Halloween PTI stamps. The bags, after the candy was added, were finished off with a torn strip of fabric tied into a bow, Halloween colored baker's twine and an orange spider ring (ring snipped off). My niece and nephews got their bags this evening and were happy.....and that's all that matters! Happy Halloween!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-78667424056009817762011-10-10T14:53:00.009-04:002011-10-10T15:10:12.302-04:00Fall Harvest CropIt's been a while since I updated so let's get right to it!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDVEm6McZuI/TpM_V_whomI/AAAAAAAABSg/SMXuXcCxFMk/s1600/319175_10150311161118333_102384118332_8268134_1577979650_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDVEm6McZuI/TpM_V_whomI/AAAAAAAABSg/SMXuXcCxFMk/s400/319175_10150311161118333_102384118332_8268134_1577979650_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661938803659612770" /></a><br />The weekend before last, I spent 3 days scrapbooking and celebrating FALL by attending The Stamping Place's crop in Columbia, SC. It was also World Card Making Day (Oct 1st) so I just had to work on my Halloween cards too. <br /><br />It was a great weekend and of course the rolling "Coffin Cart" made its rounds. Complete with orange punch, eerie vegetables with mini cauldrons of dip and of course spooky iced sugared cookies. Lisa was dressed for the occasion and would have made any witch proud!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUOW20ylchU/TpNAjMCvFkI/AAAAAAAABSo/Oiuzh3OqZ54/s1600/IMG_6266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUOW20ylchU/TpNAjMCvFkI/AAAAAAAABSo/Oiuzh3OqZ54/s400/IMG_6266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661940129807144514" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvU4MLlgO-M/TpNAriNQzKI/AAAAAAAABSw/hYnK1rNc9kE/s1600/IMG_6269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvU4MLlgO-M/TpNAriNQzKI/AAAAAAAABSw/hYnK1rNc9kE/s400/IMG_6269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661940273195830434" /></a><br /><br />The shop was decorated for fall and Halloween with little cauldrons of scrappin' goodies everywhere.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7col1Ba8Pi4/TpNA_P9ivxI/AAAAAAAABS4/yD1AmI7YIRE/s1600/IMG_6271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7col1Ba8Pi4/TpNA_P9ivxI/AAAAAAAABS4/yD1AmI7YIRE/s400/IMG_6271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661940611895443218" /></a><br /><br />Some os us even got a little crazy as the witching hour approached Friday night!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RV7_LseyQKw/TpNBUW7AosI/AAAAAAAABTA/nk5Qf-Wbeqw/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RV7_LseyQKw/TpNBUW7AosI/AAAAAAAABTA/nk5Qf-Wbeqw/s400/IMG_6288.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661940974541120194" /></a><br /><br />Everyone had a great time, especially me, because I got to sit with these two - Peggy and Renee!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClGotvVej-g/TpNBuFpIZSI/AAAAAAAABTI/-BiF09bsLvo/s1600/IMG_6286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClGotvVej-g/TpNBuFpIZSI/AAAAAAAABTI/-BiF09bsLvo/s400/IMG_6286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661941416579327266" /></a><br /><br />Mine and Renee's new traditional pose!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmVH-O2J1As/TpNB_iawgUI/AAAAAAAABTQ/gnd-i4D13A0/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmVH-O2J1As/TpNB_iawgUI/AAAAAAAABTQ/gnd-i4D13A0/s400/IMG_6292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661941716361445698" /></a><br /><br />Happy Fall Y'all!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-90564225480467084652011-09-26T08:59:00.012-04:002011-09-26T10:16:13.840-04:00A "Wicked" Good TimeGuess where Chris and I were Saturday..........<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yQEOiQwTv8/ToB3504RVdI/AAAAAAAABRw/Zq24OKO5msU/s1600/100_0%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yQEOiQwTv8/ToB3504RVdI/AAAAAAAABRw/Zq24OKO5msU/s400/100_0%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656652967308252626" /></a><br /><br />That's right! We traveled to Atlanta to the fabulous Fox Theatre to see the Broadway musical, Wicked. We have tried for 3 years to get decent seats for this event and boy, did we - Left Orchestra, Row G!! What can I say? This show was wonderful! The costumes, stage settings, makeup, music - superb! I love the whole story line and left appreciating why the Wicked Witch of the West was "wicked". It had lots of comical parts as well. <br /><br />Now, seeing Wicked was great but visiting the Fox Theatre is a treat in itself. It has been a few years since I have visited and I'm always in awe when I come back. This historical Islamic/Egyptian style theater is beautiful. The tapestries, the ornate wall sculptures and decor sets the mood for any featured venue. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHpZDs-qmGQ/ToCHOyuyVKI/AAAAAAAABSY/P7FLW6YubyI/s1600/Fox_interior%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHpZDs-qmGQ/ToCHOyuyVKI/AAAAAAAABSY/P7FLW6YubyI/s400/Fox_interior%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656669820183270562" /></a><br /><br />And once you are seated, you have to look up and see the "sky....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vm2kkn2DIZI/ToB9MRCOL0I/AAAAAAAABSI/YOYuDKL6_0E/s1600/medium%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vm2kkn2DIZI/ToB9MRCOL0I/AAAAAAAABSI/YOYuDKL6_0E/s400/medium%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656658781661966146" /></a> There are 96 crystal "stars" and 1/3 of them flicker. There is also a projection of rolling clouds. (FYI - one of the stars is actually a piece of a Coca Cola bottle!)<br /> <br />It was a wonderful day and a day to celebrate because...........it was mine and Chris' 22nd wedding anniversary!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kCz-xhidgc/ToB5xJgCygI/AAAAAAAABR4/5Itic7ijiJU/s1600/IMG_6247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kCz-xhidgc/ToB5xJgCygI/AAAAAAAABR4/5Itic7ijiJU/s400/IMG_6247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656655017248213506" /></a><br /><br />We did celebrate a little late since our actual anniversary is on September 9th. But, it was well worth the wait! After leaving the theater, we headed to the Cheesecake Factory for a yummy dinner and of course, cheesecake. They have at least 20 different cheesecake flavors to decide from and it is always a hard choice. I go in with an idea of what I want but usually have to let the large window case speak to me - LOL! I went with the White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut and Chris had the Dulce de Leche Caramel. Yummy-O!!<br /><br />So, now it's Monday and back to reality. Have a great week!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-69450689347816795222011-09-23T11:05:00.006-04:002011-09-26T08:50:41.360-04:00Fun FridayHere's a little fun Friday Q&A. Things you may or may not have known about me:<br /><br />A. Age: 43<br />B. Bed size: Queen<br />C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning the bathrooms<br />D. Dogs: None but use to have toy poodles<br />E. Essential start to your day: Diet Coke<br />F. Favorite color: Right now it's blue.<br />G. Gold or Silver: I like both.<br />H. Height: 5’5"<br />I. Instruments you play: I played the flute in middle school but couldn't hit a note now if I tried! <br />J. Job title: Office Manager, Mom, Wife, Crafter, etc....<br />K. Kids: One teenage son<br />L. Live: Augusta, Georgia<br />M. Mother’s name: Katie<br />N. Nicknames: MiMi<br />O. Overnight hospital stays: Yes, in fact had one in January for a bad case of stomach flu. <br />P. Pet peeves: Liars, Bad Customer Service and people who do not put their shopping carts up in the parking lots.<br />Q. Quote from a movie: "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" - Rhett Butler<br />R. Right or left handed: Right handed.<br />S. Siblings: One younger brother<br />U. Underwear: Everyday!<br />V. Vegetable you hate: Artichokes and a couple more - not really a veggie eater. <br />W. What makes you run late: Signing school papers that I didn't know about the night before.......<br />X. X-Rays you’ve had: Many<br />Y. Yummy food that you make: I only have a couple that I think are the best - red velvet cake, coconut cake, cube steak and gravy, squash casserole....<br />Z. Zoo animal: I love them all but I do enjoy the Meerkats and Giraffes.<br /><br />Have a great weekend folks.<br /><br /><em>p.s. Berit - I would love to share my squash casserole recipe. I will edit this post with it in the next day or two. You will love it!</em>Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-7054891241457866942011-09-02T09:23:00.008-04:002011-09-02T10:10:59.426-04:00RIP Barbie (Elizabeth)<em>Warning: This post contains information that may be sensitive to some. It describes the details of a murder investigation. It contains information regarding the crime scene but has been toned-down and is written as it would appear in a newspaper or other article. If you are overly sensitive to this type of information, please stop here......</em>
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<br />As a young girl, I would spend some of my play time with my Barbie. I would dress her up, take her on bike rides and she would visit my BFF, Kim, who had a lovely pink townhome and swimming pool for all of our dolls to enjoy. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_no0Fv2CQwA/TmDaUk4jl9I/AAAAAAAABRI/vLQORlVwlJQ/s1600/IMG_6202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_no0Fv2CQwA/TmDaUk4jl9I/AAAAAAAABRI/vLQORlVwlJQ/s400/IMG_6202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647753979755730898" /></a>
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<br />This past weekend, while out shopping, Corbin and I picked up a new Barbie to bring home. Only this time, Barbie is not Barbie. She is Elizabeth Short and even though she is dressed for a fun day at the beach, her beautiful life will soon change. She will come victim to a horrendous crime. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpWkEMRpWS4/TmDdix6Az9I/AAAAAAAABRQ/YsAyHLqnmCQ/s1600/IMG_6204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpWkEMRpWS4/TmDdix6Az9I/AAAAAAAABRQ/YsAyHLqnmCQ/s400/IMG_6204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647757522304552914" /></a>
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<br />Corbin is taking a course in Forensic Science at high school this year. This is the first year the school is offering this course and it is the perfect starting point for his college career in Forensic Chemistry. The first assignment was to reconstruct a famous crime scene and include elements of evidence. He chose the murder of Elizabeth Short or The Black Dahlia, as she is worldwide known. Elizabeth was murdered in California in 1947. Her body was cut in half, completely drained of blood and organs, she was washed and dumped in a vacant lot behind a subdivision only a few feet from a street and sidewalk. The most bizarre fact from her murder was that the killer cut her cheeks in such a way that she appeared to be smiling. Over 200 people were interviewed for the crime and 50 actually confessed to doing it! Because of the lack of evidence, no one was ever charged for this crime. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeTmzPtozl8/TmDeGjWrwTI/AAAAAAAABRY/A8WPGAkfQuI/s1600/IMG_6210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeTmzPtozl8/TmDeGjWrwTI/AAAAAAAABRY/A8WPGAkfQuI/s400/IMG_6210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647758136873566514" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fh_SEXY9Pog/TmDghwbJopI/AAAAAAAABRg/sMeaH3W3wIs/s1600/IMG_6212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fh_SEXY9Pog/TmDghwbJopI/AAAAAAAABRg/sMeaH3W3wIs/s400/IMG_6212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647760803261686418" /></a>
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<br />There are a lot of details, crime scene photos and interviews that can be found on the internet. Elizabeth was a beautiful young lady who, by all accounts, was a "good-girl" and wanted a career as an actress. There are so many unanswered questions that maybe could have been answered if our modern day technology was available back then. This is what my son wants to do with his life. He wants to gather evidence, analyze it and be a voice for the victim. I am very proud of his decision to pursue this passion he has as a career.
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<br />Elizabeth, may you forever Rest In Peace!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCrtGFnxO5Y/TmDhzIjdmhI/AAAAAAAABRo/vi-eYhjvIto/s1600/beth_full%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCrtGFnxO5Y/TmDhzIjdmhI/AAAAAAAABRo/vi-eYhjvIto/s400/beth_full%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647762201308404242" /></a>
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<br /> Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-12625280040145176432011-08-31T09:34:00.008-04:002011-08-31T09:51:47.636-04:00Happy Dance!Have you ever had one of "those weeks" where you wanted to crawl into a cave and disappear? Well, I've had two of them and enough is enough!! I am so ready for the Labor Day holiday on Monday. I don't plan on doing any laboring, what so ever!
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<br />Since these weeks have caused me a bit of suffering, the only way to keep from wrapping my hands around necks was to take a needle and stab some fabric - LOL. As a result, I finished my M Design's "S". This really did finish quick and now I just have to be on the look out for a Joann's coupon so I can get it framed. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-b0W791vwA/Tl45iLfYL5I/AAAAAAAABQw/gT_loDRGqag/s1600/IMG_6185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-b0W791vwA/Tl45iLfYL5I/AAAAAAAABQw/gT_loDRGqag/s400/IMG_6185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647014242131914642" /></a>
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<br />I also had the chance to finish an ornament I started earlier this year. It is a portion from the Country Cottage Needleworks pattern Snowflake Serenade. I thought it would make a really cute ornament and I liked stitching it on the sparkly linen.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_65JP5AY7Ok/Tl46i62tUiI/AAAAAAAABQ4/J1B0MkSF_9I/s1600/IMG_6199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_65JP5AY7Ok/Tl46i62tUiI/AAAAAAAABQ4/J1B0MkSF_9I/s400/IMG_6199.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647015354357862946" /></a>
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<br />Of course, when you finish a project (or two!!) you have to start something new. Normally, this time of year, I would grab a Halloween or fall project but I went straight to Christmas. That is VERY odd for me! But, I got the Lizzie Kate Santa Claus Is Coming To Town pattern in the mail last week and I've been itching to get it started. I plan to only stitch the Santa part and again, finish him into an ornament. I found a piece of "mystery" linen in my stash that is a lovely gold color and I think it's perfect! Hoping to get him started this afternoon.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N19w9_RlEY/Tl47pWcX-nI/AAAAAAAABRA/qVszRfwQheM/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N19w9_RlEY/Tl47pWcX-nI/AAAAAAAABRA/qVszRfwQheM/s400/IMG_6192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647016564354447986" /></a>
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<br />Well, that's about it.....Until we chat again - Be Safe and Have Fun!
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<br /> Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-19895077260146464092011-08-17T15:40:00.006-04:002011-08-17T15:56:09.201-04:00Prayers and Best Wishes for Linda<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sis5ztYq_Nk/TkwaS9e8N-I/AAAAAAAABQo/eFYLk4B85Pg/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sis5ztYq_Nk/TkwaS9e8N-I/AAAAAAAABQo/eFYLk4B85Pg/s400/IMG_4474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641913346232694754" /></a>
<br />Just a little post to ask for prayers and best wishes for my friend, Linda. She is one of the cross stitch pals and just a sweet (and VERY funny) lady. She fell and broke her hip, had surgery and is currently doing physical therapy. I haven't seen her in quite a while and she's been on my mind lately. I wanted to share a picture that we took last October while attending the Pals Convention in Myrtle Beach (there's <a href="http://karenshandiwork.blogspot.com/">Karen</a> and <a href="http://carolinastitcher.blogspot.com/">Faye</a> in the background!!).
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<br />So Linda, if you are reading this, keep up the good work and get well soon! I'm ready to play that "pass the box" game again real soon - whoo hoo!! Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-68924639492833164382011-08-15T08:56:00.003-04:002011-08-15T09:07:06.244-04:00The Help<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS7H8yeYn9c/TkkYVkEZETI/AAAAAAAABQg/rPOq_WoAmVI/s1600/thehelp-final%255B4%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS7H8yeYn9c/TkkYVkEZETI/AAAAAAAABQg/rPOq_WoAmVI/s400/thehelp-final%255B4%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641066766996672818" /></a>
<br />Saturday, Chris and I treated ourselves to the movies and saw "The Help". I had heard rave reviews on the book, even though I never read it. I don't know about the book but the movie was great! I laughed (and cried) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Chris enjoyed the movie too but did comment that there was not nearly enough testosterone in the room! LOL! If you get a chance, go see it! I promise, you will never look at chocolate pie the same way again - LOL!
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<br />To my cross stitch friends, I have some sad news.....I won't be attending the Pals Convention this year. Our son is a senior in high school this year and has announced his desire to attend the University of Alabama/Birmingham instead of our home town university. After reviewing the course study (Forensic Chemistry), it is the right choice. So, that means I'll be writing a lot more checks than originally anticipated. It was a hard decision to make but one that I had to do. I know you, that are attending, will have a great time! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back so make sure you update your blogs quickly!
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<br />Until next time......Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-5905675690770191732011-08-08T09:19:00.006-04:002011-08-08T09:59:39.469-04:00Life's a Beach........and I'm playing in the sand!
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<br />I am back from 3 fun-filled days in Myrtle Beach playing in the sand, catching waves in the ocean and relaxing in the pool. Ahhhh....such joy and bliss! The weather was absolutely perfect. Warm but not hot. Overcast at times. Water cool but not freezing. I wouldn't change a thing!
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<br />One of the highlights of the trip was the ocean, itself. The water was perfect. Very clear and not a lot of shells which makes walking in the water much easier. We had a blast playing in the water and riding the waves on our boogie boards. The currents were a little strong so of course, I got wiped-out a couple of times. One time in particular, had me laughing so hard, I couldn't get up which means I got slammed a couple more times by the crashing waves. All I could hear was Corbin saying, "Oh My God! Mommy get up!" as he was laughing but trying to "save" me too. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLQgsd7pdkw/Tj_pxt7UfuI/AAAAAAAABQA/qXLUHKAilzY/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLQgsd7pdkw/Tj_pxt7UfuI/AAAAAAAABQA/qXLUHKAilzY/s400/IMG_6124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638482298842414818" /></a>
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<br />We enjoyed fried shrimp baskets from the Tiki Hut on the beach. We tossed around a football. Corbin chilled with his Ipod. Like I said, just a perfect getaway. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqaK_0ak7qg/Tj_qWhkdGGI/AAAAAAAABQI/JIxOym2HGFM/s1600/IMG_6133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqaK_0ak7qg/Tj_qWhkdGGI/AAAAAAAABQI/JIxOym2HGFM/s400/IMG_6133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638482931180443746" /></a>
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<br />This was a vacation that was centered around the beach. So, no plans to be anywhere at any time. We did get interrupted one day with a little pop up storm. But, it came late in the day so we didn't get to miss any "action". Storms at the beach are so fascinating to me. I love to watch the clouds roll in and see how the surf becomes more forceful. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8bxEVyrOqYc/Tj_rCgQIhjI/AAAAAAAABQQ/3zDgsZ9zdnM/s1600/IMG_6117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8bxEVyrOqYc/Tj_rCgQIhjI/AAAAAAAABQQ/3zDgsZ9zdnM/s400/IMG_6117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638483686741018162" /></a>
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<br />Of course, like any vacation, it ends all too quickly. I'm ready to go back! This was a great way to wrap-up summer......<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIj1vEEVQ-E/Tj_rkR9Q0pI/AAAAAAAABQY/BaculfXziDw/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIj1vEEVQ-E/Tj_rkR9Q0pI/AAAAAAAABQY/BaculfXziDw/s400/IMG_6143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638484267019326098" /></a>
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<br />Good Bye Beach - See You Soon!!!
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<br />Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-37563828596574856902011-07-25T14:05:00.019-04:002011-07-25T16:20:39.793-04:00Aloha!Aloha from the Crazy Croppers at The Stamping Place Scramp-a-Thon!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpkwFZdFtfI/Ti27wrI9x6I/AAAAAAAABPo/LspszJxZLys/s1600/281668_10150243656798333_102384118332_7702944_1461244_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpkwFZdFtfI/Ti27wrI9x6I/AAAAAAAABPo/LspszJxZLys/s400/281668_10150243656798333_102384118332_7702944_1461244_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633365153798801314" /></a><br /><br />I am back from a whirl-wind weekend away scrapbooking with some of my great friends. This was titled our "Aloha" crop and the ladies at The Stamping Place went all out! From the decorations to the delicious food and even a coconut bra - everything was perfect!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbe1jb5uQrY/Ti20sjF7kzI/AAAAAAAABOI/vHIueUGh4ms/s1600/IMG_6086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbe1jb5uQrY/Ti20sjF7kzI/AAAAAAAABOI/vHIueUGh4ms/s400/IMG_6086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633357386337719090" /></a> <br /><br />I arrived and got set up at around 2:00 Friday afternoon. It was BLAZING HOT so it was so nice to finally have the car unloaded and to sit down and get started on my projects but not before refreshments from the Traveling Tiki Bar came by!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFnhgkps8eY/Ti2xpuvuh2I/AAAAAAAABOA/0Ydpn11oRA8/s1600/IMG_6077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFnhgkps8eY/Ti2xpuvuh2I/AAAAAAAABOA/0Ydpn11oRA8/s400/IMG_6077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633354039391324002" /></a> We had a fruity punch with fruit/cheese skewers and strawberry dip served up by Lisa. Yummy!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3Iu1vOKPsw/Ti21YFB9meI/AAAAAAAABOQ/T17KUP-gtSs/s1600/IMG_6079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3Iu1vOKPsw/Ti21YFB9meI/AAAAAAAABOQ/T17KUP-gtSs/s400/IMG_6079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633358134182255074" /></a><br /><br />We scrapbooked up until midnight and was up, bright and early, the next morning ready for another fun day. Of course, we had the Traveling Tiki Bar again. This time with homemade tortilla chips with cinnamon and sugar served with mango salsa and pina coladas. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3gxiMoE_vY/Ti22REzYJ7I/AAAAAAAABOY/Hy1LQQfdCmU/s1600/IMG_6087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3gxiMoE_vY/Ti22REzYJ7I/AAAAAAAABOY/Hy1LQQfdCmU/s400/IMG_6087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633359113373624242" /></a><br />Here are just a few photos from the day:<br /><br />Lisa and Nancy:<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1rSvGjzZV8/Ti220K93dCI/AAAAAAAABOg/-Ht1Msh3YmU/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1rSvGjzZV8/Ti220K93dCI/AAAAAAAABOg/-Ht1Msh3YmU/s400/IMG_6102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633359716323652642" /></a><br /><br />Barbara:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-lCrRCupgI/Ti22_O5Y7AI/AAAAAAAABOo/Xl5OhVVErMU/s1600/IMG_6099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-lCrRCupgI/Ti22_O5Y7AI/AAAAAAAABOo/Xl5OhVVErMU/s400/IMG_6099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633359906357177346" /></a><br /><br />Cindi:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ryXCy5g1wE/Ti23mM7-yvI/AAAAAAAABOw/uqmgHkWPE8I/s1600/IMG_6090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ryXCy5g1wE/Ti23mM7-yvI/AAAAAAAABOw/uqmgHkWPE8I/s400/IMG_6090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633360575846075122" /></a><br /><br />Peggy and Renee are "PRODUCING":<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVu6JQe0cjw/Ti24AGRnWHI/AAAAAAAABO4/XE9g9Mu_Xdw/s1600/IMG_6110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVu6JQe0cjw/Ti24AGRnWHI/AAAAAAAABO4/XE9g9Mu_Xdw/s400/IMG_6110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633361020734363762" /></a><br /><br />Judy and our scrapbooking dog, Beau Joe (I hope I haven't spelled his name wrong!):<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOJqQR_XRqg/Ti24eBkG2EI/AAAAAAAABPA/6oRPplns91E/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOJqQR_XRqg/Ti24eBkG2EI/AAAAAAAABPA/6oRPplns91E/s400/IMG_6098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633361534865823810" /></a><br /><br />Now, you probably think you have seen it all but we still had another day. So, after a couple hours of sleep Saturday night we came back ready to PRODUCE and........<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XqjYZ8v0y0/Ti241euLt_I/AAAAAAAABPI/x6lAAE6DRak/s1600/IMG_6112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XqjYZ8v0y0/Ti241euLt_I/AAAAAAAABPI/x6lAAE6DRak/s400/IMG_6112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633361937829705714" /></a>.....celebrate Judy's Birthday!!<br /><br />It was such a fun weekend and I can't wait for the next one. We have such a great time. Lots of laughs and lots of stories to hear and tell. Now, I'm sure you would love to see what I worked on however, I can't reveal it at this time. Soon, I promise. <br /><br />Me and My Happy Self:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xW4eADWKyhM/Ti25o-oKtfI/AAAAAAAABPY/63ZDhTdzctU/s1600/284180_262708067079528_100000210114068_1257226_8207371_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xW4eADWKyhM/Ti25o-oKtfI/AAAAAAAABPY/63ZDhTdzctU/s400/284180_262708067079528_100000210114068_1257226_8207371_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633362822567736818" /></a><br /><br />Happy Scrappin', Stitching or whatever makes you happy! Find happiness in making something!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KlTASC25ho/Ti2893FG6aI/AAAAAAAABPw/UDPhw0aZrxA/s1600/IMG_6111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KlTASC25ho/Ti2893FG6aI/AAAAAAAABPw/UDPhw0aZrxA/s400/IMG_6111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633366479853775266" /></a><br /><br /><em>Edited to add: All of the drinks mentioned and pictured in this post were non-alcoholic. A bunch of ladies with glue, tape and scissors do NOT need to be a little "tipsy"</em>Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-50173384905162856682011-07-22T11:37:00.002-04:002011-07-22T11:40:25.691-04:00Ready to Get My Crop On!Scissors, paper, glue, buttons and so many embellishments await my arrival for a girl's scrapbook weekend away. Ready to have fun and belly-laugh all weekend long. Of course that means, if I'm away with the girls, the boys are having their own "retreat" at home without me! Tee Hee! <br /><br />Have a great weekend and STAY COOL!!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-41736345787770881562011-07-18T12:33:00.005-04:002011-07-18T12:55:14.696-04:00Monday Check InHello Friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I did! I got to spend the weekend with Chris and Corbin and it was laid back and great. Corbin and I ended the weekend by going to the lake to do a little swimming and grilling. The water temperature and weather was perfect - so much so, I got a little "pink" on the shoulders and back. I used the SPF 50 but I guess I didn't put it on thick enough or just needed to reapply a little more than I did. I just love visiting the lake and being outside under the pines. And why does a simple sandwich or a grilled burger taste better when you're wet?! LOL!<br /><br />Not much to share on the stitching front. I have been working on the letter "S" some. Not a lot to show but it's a couple of stitches closer to being finished and that's always a good thing. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXHrNQ09fEc/TiRi2jGWb3I/AAAAAAAABNw/Rwb6hetzXaU/s1600/IMG_6074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXHrNQ09fEc/TiRi2jGWb3I/AAAAAAAABNw/Rwb6hetzXaU/s400/IMG_6074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630734123394297714" /></a><br /><br />Have you seen the new Brenda Keyes/Sampler Company patterns? She is releasing two new ones and this one is calling my name........<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpWrjFkh0o0/TiRjiQgBswI/AAAAAAAABN4/BQTtqeACYV0/s1600/samplerco-sampstory500%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpWrjFkh0o0/TiRjiQgBswI/AAAAAAAABN4/BQTtqeACYV0/s400/samplerco-sampstory500%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630734874315961090" /></a> It's called Sampler Story and I love it! I've already put in a request for this one when it comes in to my online LNS. Can't wait to get this one kitted up and ready to stitch. <br /><br />This week I will be busy getting ready for a weekend crop at my not-so-local scrapbook store. I haven't been to a crop in forever, it seems. I've got so many pictures I need to get in an album. I'll never be caught up but I do try - LOL. This weekend, I'll be working on some vacation mini albums. It's so much easier to pack when you decide to work on just one theme. I'll be busy pulling paper and cardstock and printing photos. It's always a fun time and I can't wait!<br /><br />Until we chat again.....Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-25711628260975701082011-07-13T13:22:00.007-04:002011-07-13T14:01:39.171-04:00Mad Scientist at Work!That's would it would look like at my house...or a crazed cook!! I have been in the kitchen coffee dying fabric and coming up with all kinds of concoctions to add to the recipe. My good friends <a href="http://karenaz.blogspot.com/">Karen</a> and <a href="http://stitchingsquad.blogspot.com/">Joan</a> gave me their "recipes" and I've been at it. I decided, like any recipe I get, to tweak it. To put my own flavor to it and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the results.<br /><br />This all started when I purchased a large piece of linen that should have been a neutral, autumn feeling color and instead, I got something that looked like baby lotion. It was pink! I didn't like it when I opened the mail and I have no idea why I didn't send it back. I cut a chunk out of it for a project and tea-dyed it but it still had a strong pink tone to it. That's when I decided to put on the apron and start cooking up some strong coffee. <br /><br />I dipped the fabric, baked it and decided I really didn't like the way it turned out. Was a little too streaky with coffee lines and more primitive than I was use to. Back in the coffee cauldron it went and this time, I rolled it in a towel to get most of the water out and then ironed it dry. Perfect! I got a nice mottled look with the coffee and a very uniformed shading of brown. I dipped and ironed dry about 3 times to get the shade that I wanted. Time consuming but not too bad when you set the ironing board up in front of the television - tee hee!<br /><br />Here's a picture of the linen that has not been dyed yet (on the left in all it's pink glory) and the new improved coffee-dyed, yummy smelling linen (on the right). <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gR2d6iyJ9lU/Th3XimV0KAI/AAAAAAAABNo/zp41gOb3IPk/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gR2d6iyJ9lU/Th3XimV0KAI/AAAAAAAABNo/zp41gOb3IPk/s400/IMG_6070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628892098690557954" /></a> (<em>Colors are much lighter in person - not a good day for picture taking)</em><br />One thing to note about ironing your coffee dyed fabric dry - the backside of the linen will be much lighter than the front. I have no idea why! I am assuming the direct heat from the iron does something to the color on the threads that the backside doesn't get. Just an assumption here! There was no "bleeding" of the coffee onto my ironing board cover so it's a mystery. Just a fun fact to know and tell!<br /><br />Give it a try! I know you have a piece of linen in your stash that just won't do so brew up a pot of STRONG coffee and get to dippin'! What do you have to lose?!<br /><br />Until we chat again.......Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-30634903832175796962011-07-08T09:45:00.006-04:002011-07-08T16:17:30.127-04:00GiftiesI have to show off a couple of gifties that I got while on my trip to Indiana. I "found" these last night after a serious hunt. I had packed them securly for the trip home - so securly, I couldn't remember where they were - LOL! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATjNvuygYSA/ThcKhy4kzpI/AAAAAAAABNg/MKXEbA3tKKk/s1600/IMG_6063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATjNvuygYSA/ThcKhy4kzpI/AAAAAAAABNg/MKXEbA3tKKk/s400/IMG_6063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626977835133750930" /></a><br />Diane made the sweet black and polka dotted thread catcher with attached pin cushion. I have always wanted one of these and now I have one that is just perfect. It is weighted so that it hangs off the side on a table. The pocket holds all of your thread snippets and the pin cushion lets you park your needle in a jiffy. She also made various scissor fobs for all the retreat ladies to choose from. Each scissor fob was attached to the lovely silver scissors. I got the nice green fob with the butterfly charm attached. Sweet!!<br /><br />Karen out-did herself by stitching me a sweet scissor fob with my initial. On the back she stitched OOE 2011 (Only One Ewe) and she attached the fob to a pair of hot pink butterfly scissors! I don't consider myself a scissor collector but looks like I have the start to a great looking collection! May have to look for one of those glass scissor frogs that I see so many have. <br /><br />I'm still busy stitching on the letter "S" so hopefully I'll have a new picture to show you soon. <br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-33371875193353199942011-07-06T10:12:00.007-04:002011-07-13T13:47:10.305-04:00A Finish and a StartHello Everyone! I hope you had a great July 4th holiday. The family and I stayed home, ate some good food and I was busy scrapbooking and stitching away.<br /><br />I started a Prairie Schooler snowman ornament when I was flying out to Indiana a couple of weeks ago. I finished him up on Saturday and I LOVE HIM! This was such a fun and quick stitch and I can't wait to get him truly finished and on the tree this year. The pattern is one of several from the Snowy Nights leaflet.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r41yQV-EB6s/ThRt5qkQO9I/AAAAAAAABNA/YQdjsFsyDCo/s1600/IMG_6047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r41yQV-EB6s/ThRt5qkQO9I/AAAAAAAABNA/YQdjsFsyDCo/s400/IMG_6047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626242671938911186" /></a><br /><br />Next up is a start. It is the letter "S" from the M Designs Alphabet Series. This alphabet series is "loosely based on an incomplete set of illuminated letters from the early 1500's." I am stitching this on a piece of Dirty Belfast - which looks very brown - with DMC 310. It is stitching up really quick. Just have to make sure you know where you are on the pattern when you pick up that needle!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDPcuOykN6Q/ThRuxyUl27I/AAAAAAAABNI/0CNExWiSllM/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDPcuOykN6Q/ThRuxyUl27I/AAAAAAAABNI/0CNExWiSllM/s400/IMG_6053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626243636093377458" /></a><br /><br />That's about it. This time of the year gets me thinking about Christmas (sounds a little weird when the temperatures outside say otherwise) and gift giving. Need to start my list and get started on the gifts that need to be made. I ALWAYS underestimate the amount of time that it takes for finishing so I would really like to get started earlier this year!<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by......Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-17581580658122182892011-06-30T09:52:00.017-04:002011-06-30T10:30:05.689-04:00Only One Ewe - Retreat Wrap Up!Thanks to everyone for the sweet comments. I hope you have enjoyed sharing this wonderful get away with me. Today I want to "wrap up" the retreat post with just a few little tidbits and such. In no particular order:<br /><br />I have never visited a White Castle until my weekend trip to Indiana. It reminds me of Krystals that we have here in the south. A little hamburger joint with small, roll type hamburgers. The best part - they are open 24 hours and you never know when a late night or early morning munchie attack will hit ya!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hETAUpXGruU/TgyAtukoHOI/AAAAAAAABJI/QsBat8ZBLO0/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hETAUpXGruU/TgyAtukoHOI/AAAAAAAABJI/QsBat8ZBLO0/s400/IMG_5966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624011557763030242" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XiK-PwTX9A/TgyA2v_OIrI/AAAAAAAABJQ/72hVXEWMoA0/s1600/IMG_5975.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XiK-PwTX9A/TgyA2v_OIrI/AAAAAAAABJQ/72hVXEWMoA0/s400/IMG_5975.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624011712761832114" /></a><br /><br />I mentioned that our retreat project came kitted in a fabric portfolio. These portfolios were really nice. Perfect size, weight, etc. Loved the fabric choice I got.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0V2DV_kUew/TgyBe1l0nHI/AAAAAAAABJY/OyyNF2_LhIw/s1600/IMG_6001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0V2DV_kUew/TgyBe1l0nHI/AAAAAAAABJY/OyyNF2_LhIw/s400/IMG_6001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624012401460681842" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddvh5vqd6Fo/TgyCF4UIQII/AAAAAAAABJ4/p2pHJqmLdAE/s1600/IMG_6004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddvh5vqd6Fo/TgyCF4UIQII/AAAAAAAABJ4/p2pHJqmLdAE/s400/IMG_6004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624013072206676098" /></a><br /><br />Lots of projects were shared during show and tell. Here is just a sampling of what we saw - all beautiful.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3v65urSOHc/TgyDJ13s0ZI/AAAAAAAABKA/QjA09i3UO00/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3v65urSOHc/TgyDJ13s0ZI/AAAAAAAABKA/QjA09i3UO00/s400/IMG_5866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014239781671314" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rEVF-Ve7AY/TgyDSD_BBZI/AAAAAAAABKI/i-tJeBMhA-k/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rEVF-Ve7AY/TgyDSD_BBZI/AAAAAAAABKI/i-tJeBMhA-k/s400/IMG_5890.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014381009405330" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO5I8duaFn8/TgyDa_e_J9I/AAAAAAAABKQ/xcTXEYZ6WcM/s1600/IMG_5894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO5I8duaFn8/TgyDa_e_J9I/AAAAAAAABKQ/xcTXEYZ6WcM/s400/IMG_5894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014534420146130" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4OtEaPHwfU/TgyDjTi9_II/AAAAAAAABKY/OKH3NSd7JpQ/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4OtEaPHwfU/TgyDjTi9_II/AAAAAAAABKY/OKH3NSd7JpQ/s400/IMG_5900.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014677244509314" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNjiw4RO-mA/TgyDr_OtyYI/AAAAAAAABKg/mLRf7QT5FSQ/s1600/IMG_5928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNjiw4RO-mA/TgyDr_OtyYI/AAAAAAAABKg/mLRf7QT5FSQ/s400/IMG_5928.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014826409675138" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tHvBCn7zvk/TgyDy17gywI/AAAAAAAABKo/8oACb5pwxs4/s1600/IMG_5870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tHvBCn7zvk/TgyDy17gywI/AAAAAAAABKo/8oACb5pwxs4/s400/IMG_5870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014944172296962" /></a><br /><br />And, it doesn't take long before me and my buddies start getting silly with the camera!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9T24iOk4wyk/TgyEfT_99hI/AAAAAAAABKw/H_YotcNgEb0/s1600/IMG_5924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9T24iOk4wyk/TgyEfT_99hI/AAAAAAAABKw/H_YotcNgEb0/s400/IMG_5924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624015708158293522" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGhYvmQSPoc/TgyEoGY6ghI/AAAAAAAABK4/96IhTv8nSiE/s1600/IMG_5925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGhYvmQSPoc/TgyEoGY6ghI/AAAAAAAABK4/96IhTv8nSiE/s400/IMG_5925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624015859123651090" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoPerrvyC60/TgyEvOpYKNI/AAAAAAAABLA/7F40JDPtB2M/s1600/IMG_5929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoPerrvyC60/TgyEvOpYKNI/AAAAAAAABLA/7F40JDPtB2M/s400/IMG_5929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624015981599271122" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlMwiLE7MYA/TgyE6jTgpgI/AAAAAAAABLI/AWZFMeuciuw/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlMwiLE7MYA/TgyE6jTgpgI/AAAAAAAABLI/AWZFMeuciuw/s400/IMG_5934.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624016176123258370" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82WvjZVVfFs/TgyFEIb4AzI/AAAAAAAABLQ/z3_zXe2xpyY/s1600/IMG_5957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82WvjZVVfFs/TgyFEIb4AzI/AAAAAAAABLQ/z3_zXe2xpyY/s400/IMG_5957.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624016340709278514" /></a><br /><br />We had several games going on during the day. Guessing how many buttons and fibers were in jars. By the end of the day though, those numbers started running together and we had to speak slowly so Jan could crown the correct winner! <br /><br />It was a fun weekend but of course, all good things must come to an end. Sunday morning came very early and the 3 of us (Karen, Diane and myself) were up and out of the hotel by 8:00 a.m. so I could catch my flight home, Unfortunately, bad weather caused the airplane to be late which causes a rippling effect the rest of the day. After missing my connecting flight by 5 minutes - I happily got the LAST standby seat for the next flight home. I do like to stitch but sitting in an airport for 5 1/2 hours for the next available flight would not have been fun for me!<br /><br />Thanks again for everyone who has left comments and I do hope you have enjoyed my story. I leave you with one tidbit of advice......."What you got ain't no knick knack!!!!" <br /><br />Hugs and if I don't check in before Monday, Happy July 4th to all my US friends. Even if you're not from the US, celebrate. Enjoy what you have!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-76517046298641533782011-06-29T08:52:00.016-04:002011-06-29T10:06:16.084-04:00Only One Ewe Retreat - Day 3 (Saturday)Hey gang! If you are still around, I am continuing my recap of the retreat I attended in Indiana. We are on Day 3 (insert TA DAAAAA)! I woke up Saturday morning excited! Because, this was the day my new bestest friend, Vonna - The Twisted Stitcher, was teaching us a finishing class. I couldn't stand it! LOL!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMVMEBFgE2I/TgshtGNJLqI/AAAAAAAABHI/-7DpWAIgaIM/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMVMEBFgE2I/TgshtGNJLqI/AAAAAAAABHI/-7DpWAIgaIM/s400/IMG_5948.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623625618345766562" /></a><br /><br />A couple of months before the retreat, Jan sent us an exclusive pattern she designed, a piece of her hand dyed linen and a skein of thread that was picked based on a color family we wanted to use. It was so neat to see all of the finished pieces ready to be made into a treasure. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEkf0u3wyLY/TgsiM4H1ZUI/AAAAAAAABHQ/-ItRaRveAPA/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEkf0u3wyLY/TgsiM4H1ZUI/AAAAAAAABHQ/-ItRaRveAPA/s400/IMG_5954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623626164321215810" /></a><br /><br />Vonna got right to it. Giving us clear, precise directions. Hints and tips that have worked for her. The class was so eager to get started and make our treasure box.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsIs3utHx9o/TgsjX-A4zCI/AAAAAAAABHo/Boq4e7RbGYY/s1600/IMG_5942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsIs3utHx9o/TgsjX-A4zCI/AAAAAAAABHo/Boq4e7RbGYY/s400/IMG_5942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623627454392880162" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCnvQG4l-0A/TgsjqquwMBI/AAAAAAAABHw/_829eoihBxc/s1600/IMG_5938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCnvQG4l-0A/TgsjqquwMBI/AAAAAAAABHw/_829eoihBxc/s400/IMG_5938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623627775634059282" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFc7TGWCL2c/Tgsj5_p0vhI/AAAAAAAABIE/EL6xi4dwXzA/s1600/IMG_5945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFc7TGWCL2c/Tgsj5_p0vhI/AAAAAAAABIE/EL6xi4dwXzA/s400/IMG_5945.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623628038948568594" /></a><br /><br />We ironed, cut, glued and got right to work. Vonna's directions and "assembly line" style made the class project steps flow without a hitch. You would think Vonna had taught classes all her life!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD5og9bSE2Y/TgslFYEWCpI/AAAAAAAABIM/z9zqZIcip3s/s1600/IMG_5946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD5og9bSE2Y/TgslFYEWCpI/AAAAAAAABIM/z9zqZIcip3s/s400/IMG_5946.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623629333992442514" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wN2R7U6D2v0/TgslQG2X7sI/AAAAAAAABIU/Twx0rO_ycEA/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wN2R7U6D2v0/TgslQG2X7sI/AAAAAAAABIU/Twx0rO_ycEA/s400/IMG_5950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623629518349004482" /></a><br /><br />And before you knew it, you had a great finished box! Everyone LOVED their finished creation and was so excited to have learned all of the tricks of the trade, first hand, from Vonna. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv6TPXz2u9I/TgsnAtdIGvI/AAAAAAAABIc/g_sg5egrZWA/s1600/IMG_5995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv6TPXz2u9I/TgsnAtdIGvI/AAAAAAAABIc/g_sg5egrZWA/s400/IMG_5995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623631452857441010" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHTK5ZtWSiY/Tgswe33eksI/AAAAAAAABJA/x07Esw2D1_8/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHTK5ZtWSiY/Tgswe33eksI/AAAAAAAABJA/x07Esw2D1_8/s400/IMG_5997.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623641866653045442" /></a><br /><br />One of the biggest "lessons" repeated over the weekend was personalizing your stitching. Creating memories and documenting events. This was something I really related to since I am very big into scrapbooking. I had never thought about changing patterns to add information, dates, events, etc., to create a sampler that was unique to me or my family. Vonna suggested that we all sign each other's boxes and maybe put the retreat name and date. I decided to do mine a little different. I am going to take a favorite photo from the retreat and have my framer mat it to the size of the inside lid. I will then add the retreat information to the mat and mount it inside the box. I guess it's my way of merging my two crafting loves together! <br /><br />All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the class and was so honored to have met a new friend!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-aOML2DWqU/TgsrSk94paI/AAAAAAAABI4/QJGJalBNDqo/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-aOML2DWqU/TgsrSk94paI/AAAAAAAABI4/QJGJalBNDqo/s400/IMG_5958.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623636157863077282" /></a><br /><br />Even though this was the last day of the retreat, I have one more retreat update that I will share with you tomorrow. Just a little fun wrap-up of the weekend. Hope you'll stay tuned.......Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-90661780272444852092011-06-28T08:51:00.018-04:002011-06-28T12:58:26.489-04:00Only One Ewe Retreat - Day 2 (Friday)Friday morning I woke totally refreshed. After getting up very early on Thursday and traveling along, it was nice to have a comfortable bed to curl up in. Which brings me to the hotel....the hotel (Springhill Marriott) was really nice. All of the rooms are suites and include a seperate seating area and a "bar" area with sink, microwave and refrigerator. The rooms were spacious and well lit. All of the comforts of home. And, each morning the hotel serves a hot complimentary breakfast buffet, complete with a waffle iron! So, of course, I had to have a nice hot fluffy waffle with apple juice and milk. The perfect way to start MY morning. After breakfast, I headed down to the conference room to join the group and to start the day.....<br /><br />Friday's agenda, besides stitching, included an ornament and smalls stitching exchange. I stitched the "Merry" ornament from an older JCS Ornament Magazine. I am pretty sure the designer is Glory Bee. I did change the colors from what was charted and I loved the way it turned out. Hope to stitch another for myself. Diane received it and I hope she enjoys displaying it on her tree. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXUxTFnioj8/TgnQ-kB3bSI/AAAAAAAABGA/C96lIad95Fk/s1600/IMG_5829.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXUxTFnioj8/TgnQ-kB3bSI/AAAAAAAABGA/C96lIad95Fk/s400/IMG_5829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623255382990744866" /></a><br />This is Karen and she got this cutie stitched by Diane. Karen is such a great friend. We text each other almost every day. Karen not only stitches but does lovely finishing work. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb_UuQ3Rmik/TgnRsZPlraI/AAAAAAAABGI/iObPlYwXMaU/s1600/IMG_5915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb_UuQ3Rmik/TgnRsZPlraI/AAAAAAAABGI/iObPlYwXMaU/s400/IMG_5915.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623256170369494434" /></a><br />This is a perfect opportunity to introduce you to some of my new stitching buddies showing off the ornaments/stitching smalls they received in the exchange. First up is Brenda from Utah. Brenda is such a sweet lady who has a sweet smile and can laugh up a storm BUT you would never know it! She makes no sound. Her husband is a master chocolate maker and we were able to try out his creations. Very yummy to say the least!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xocZnNMS6U/TgnS0KGHYNI/AAAAAAAABGQ/mvm2quR9pXQ/s1600/IMG_5917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xocZnNMS6U/TgnS0KGHYNI/AAAAAAAABGQ/mvm2quR9pXQ/s400/IMG_5917.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623257403253809362" /></a><br />This is Carole from Nebraska. Carole is a hoot and is known as the Ort Snatcher - LOL! (she collects orts and gives them to a friend who uses them to stuff into homemade dolls). <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMntrsxsczg/TgnTmSAj0mI/AAAAAAAABGY/v7EqdZo67Qc/s1600/IMG_5918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMntrsxsczg/TgnTmSAj0mI/AAAAAAAABGY/v7EqdZo67Qc/s400/IMG_5918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623258264371450466" /></a><br />Next is Mary from Illinois. Mary is so fun and loves to stitch. She is also a cat lover so what's not to like about Mary. Pictured on the right is Mary's Mom, Sally. Sally is multi-talented and not only does she stitch but knits, sews, crochets, you name it!. And pictured on the left is Kathy from Ohio. Kathy is very quiet but stitches strong!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6w4lZXBmVU/TgnVRlsG1_I/AAAAAAAABGg/Kf8p9QFKGTQ/s1600/IMG_5927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6w4lZXBmVU/TgnVRlsG1_I/AAAAAAAABGg/Kf8p9QFKGTQ/s400/IMG_5927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623260107900377074" /></a><br /><br />We also had a show and tell. LOVELY stitching pieces framed, unframed and even finished into a quilt were shown off. Which brings me to introducing you to Judith. Judith is from Louisiana and is a southern belle. I am so happy to have met this gentle lady. And her true love is the color of Brick Red. If you have stock in this color, she will surely help you out! Here she is showing off one of her many pieces.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uypz5FYkscM/TgnWhEOSewI/AAAAAAAABGo/f0_Isqdb4WA/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uypz5FYkscM/TgnWhEOSewI/AAAAAAAABGo/f0_Isqdb4WA/s400/IMG_5865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623261473306475266" /></a><br />And of course, I have to introduce you to this girl. You all know her as the Twisted Stitcher and she is my new bestest friend! This is Vonna Pfeiffer and what can I say - I love her!!! Even though she is from Indiana, she understands me! LOL! We just "clicked". I was so excited that she brought in her Prairie Schooler Halloween piece that I had seen on her blog. It was even better in person! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhhMFNbMj8/TgnYLUmJvNI/AAAAAAAABGw/vBPqkBAUAJo/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhhMFNbMj8/TgnYLUmJvNI/AAAAAAAABGw/vBPqkBAUAJo/s400/IMG_5911.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623263298767666386" /></a><br />And I can't forget about my other buddy Diane. I met Diane last October in Myrtle Beach and she never meets a stranger! Here she is showing off her newest project, Rose Quaker on 40 COUNT LINEN!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEoMhPxnqFU/TgnaNYkCOEI/AAAAAAAABG4/193RoPsqydQ/s1600/IMG_5887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEoMhPxnqFU/TgnaNYkCOEI/AAAAAAAABG4/193RoPsqydQ/s400/IMG_5887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623265533215520834" /></a><br /><br />After "drooling" over all of the lovely stitched work, this gave us the little "push" that we needed to get our needles flying. We stitched, had a lovely lunch brought in from Bob Evans (roast beef and gravy with salad, rolls, strawberry and chocolate pies) and a nice dinner out at Cracker Barrel. Some of the ladies took a little trip to Jan's house to see all of her stitching items for sale. The day was busy but casual. Before you knew it, it was bed time and Day 2 was over with.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CY6riBrC0wM/Tgne1JUNk2I/AAAAAAAABHA/ROVrMs8qEIw/s1600/IMG_5933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CY6riBrC0wM/Tgne1JUNk2I/AAAAAAAABHA/ROVrMs8qEIw/s400/IMG_5933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623270614363902818" /></a><br /><br />I hope you are enjoying these little updates. Stay tuned for details on Day 3 - our finishing class with Vonna!!!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-8933737733929045192011-06-27T09:54:00.021-04:002011-06-27T11:24:25.889-04:00Only One Ewe Retreat - Day 1 (Thursday)I just got back yesterday from a wonderful weekend trip in Indiana with two of my bestest friends, <a href="http://nansneedleworknotions.blogspot.com/">Diane</a> and <a href="http://karenaz.blogspot.com/">Karen</a>, and attending the Only One Ewe retreat. It was 3 busy days (4 if you count a traveling day and YES, it must be counted - details coming soon) where there was plenty of stitching, laughing and more laughing!<br /><br />Since it was really busy and there is so much I want to share (I took LOTS of photos), I thought I had best break down the update by each day. So, lets start with Thursday - Day 1:<br /><br />Day 1 started with the alarm clock going off at 3:30 a.m. That is quite early for me and as anyone that knows me will tell you "I'm not a morning person" but if you don't actually fall asleep the night before, it really isn't that bad. I mean, I was excited to be traveling to Indiana, seeing Diane and Karen, meeting new friends, and stitching non-stop. I got up, hit the shower and did my "before I leave" routine so I could be ready to hit the road for the airport at 5:00 a.m. sharp. I checked the computer about 4:30 a.m. and discovered that my flight had been delayed a little over an hour - NOTE TO SELF: Check the flight schedule BEFORE you shower the next time so you can get a little extra sleep, if needed! Got to the airport and took off for my connection in Atlanta. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQja5PY7W74/TgiPWxYMkCI/AAAAAAAABEg/agW1QONhMf4/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQja5PY7W74/TgiPWxYMkCI/AAAAAAAABEg/agW1QONhMf4/s400/IMG_5835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622901756146782242" /></a><br />Arrived in Atlanta and raced to my gate (which involved taking a train, running to the end of the terminal, etc) and then discovered all that hustling wasn't necessary because my flight to Indianapolis was also delayed because of bad weather and my gate had changed to the OTHER end of the terminal.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CWiUlPfoew/TgiPxv9j8BI/AAAAAAAABEo/cT9Sl6t5yUY/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CWiUlPfoew/TgiPxv9j8BI/AAAAAAAABEo/cT9Sl6t5yUY/s400/IMG_5843.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622902219623100434" /></a><br />So, what does a girl do when she has to wait? She stitches!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH4PjfZdj7Q/TgiQOGrGHgI/AAAAAAAABEw/oZMeegreIiY/s1600/IMG_5841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH4PjfZdj7Q/TgiQOGrGHgI/AAAAAAAABEw/oZMeegreIiY/s400/IMG_5841.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622902706756001282" /></a><br />Now, I was a littled disappointed because my delay in Atlanta meant I wouldn't be able to join Diane and Karen for a LNS excursion when I arrived in Indianapolis. But, bad weather turned into gorgeous weather (temps in the 70's - Whoo Hoo) and I arrived in Indianapolis a little after 2:00 and was excited to see my two buddies waiting on me at baggage claim.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4WmLaLbBvA/TgiQ3d13eHI/AAAAAAAABE4/WRTbLOcOsSo/s1600/IMG_5849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4WmLaLbBvA/TgiQ3d13eHI/AAAAAAAABE4/WRTbLOcOsSo/s400/IMG_5849.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622903417349830770" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kExZ9amEBic/TgiRCBifJrI/AAAAAAAABFA/ZYy9j1XYbEw/s1600/IMG_5853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kExZ9amEBic/TgiRCBifJrI/AAAAAAAABFA/ZYy9j1XYbEw/s400/IMG_5853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622903598730913458" /></a><br />We got me loaded up in the car and headed to Terre Haute, about an hour away. Arrived at the Springhill Marriott and got settled into our rooms and then headed straight down to the conference room to see where the action would be for the weekend. We walked into the room and there was a table set up for three. Now, I don't know if that was the "special guest" table or had word travled all the way to Indiana that the three of us were INDEED SPECIAL!! LOL.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtNxg-WlvUw/TgiSXwXzb8I/AAAAAAAABFI/6vryLxWodYE/s1600/IMG_5936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtNxg-WlvUw/TgiSXwXzb8I/AAAAAAAABFI/6vryLxWodYE/s400/IMG_5936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622905071591452610" /></a><br />Thursday was mainly a day to get settled into your room and get your stitching area set up and to meet your new retreat friends. But, we did find a moment - almost immediately after arriving! - to visit Jan's room (our retreat host from Tree of Life Samplings) and to DRRROOOOOLLLL all over her wonderful collection of exclusive hand dyed linens (and her designs and other shop items that a cross stitcher NEEDS!). These linens are wonderful! They have such names as Caramel Frappe, Hazel Nut, Pistachio Nut, Sugared Almond.......and they smell so good too. I like these linens (available in 28, 32 and 40 count) because the color is "saturated". They have almost no "splotching" but they still carry that hand-dyed look. Jan also designed an exclusive retreat piece for us that was kitted up with her great linen, threads and was packaged in a beautiful hand sewn fabric portfolio pouch.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkuf4rPUEKs/TgiU0Y49mqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/r6Og4Dd-gCA/s1600/IMG_5862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkuf4rPUEKs/TgiU0Y49mqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/r6Og4Dd-gCA/s400/IMG_5862.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622907762527541922" /></a><br />Jan also brought in her design models for us to see up close. As always, seeing models vs. a pattern picture is always so much better! We even got to see a "soon to be released" and "gotta have" model which I believe is called "Penny Freedom"??? (pictured here on the left):<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnAN1dMnKt0/TgiWBSMtgJI/AAAAAAAABFY/4EyacYVuduQ/s1600/IMG_5854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnAN1dMnKt0/TgiWBSMtgJI/AAAAAAAABFY/4EyacYVuduQ/s400/IMG_5854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622909083581251730" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9JF3uGNkfs/TgiWaih884I/AAAAAAAABFg/QAf8mxDejn4/s1600/IMG_5855.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9JF3uGNkfs/TgiWaih884I/AAAAAAAABFg/QAf8mxDejn4/s400/IMG_5855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622909517462041474" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWxG1IWQHPI/TgiWj6KbdEI/AAAAAAAABFo/kv3ifrZqYGY/s1600/IMG_5856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWxG1IWQHPI/TgiWj6KbdEI/AAAAAAAABFo/kv3ifrZqYGY/s400/IMG_5856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622909678424650818" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsYUpor0dk8/TgiWsIl4S6I/AAAAAAAABFw/JV3CFK13yEo/s1600/IMG_5857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsYUpor0dk8/TgiWsIl4S6I/AAAAAAAABFw/JV3CFK13yEo/s400/IMG_5857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622909819736837026" /></a><br />It was a LONG day so we headed to bed a little after 10:00 p.m. so we would be well rested and ready for Day 2 but not before I gave Diane and Karen their two little gifties.....If you remember from reading my blog, I had posted that I was working on a "design" where I would take motifs from patterns and come up with a new design. Well, I took some motifs from Drawn Thread, Shepherds Bush and Rosewood Manor and made these Altoid pin keeps. I have made several of these in the past and I have to say, these are my favorite to date! I've got to get busy and get mine made!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dHv5eX2X7E/TgiYNc_VeFI/AAAAAAAABF4/VPZV7FHUTSM/s1600/IMG_5826.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dHv5eX2X7E/TgiYNc_VeFI/AAAAAAAABF4/VPZV7FHUTSM/s400/IMG_5826.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622911491659626578" /></a><br /><br />Stay tuned for details on Day 2!!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-84458738821972908272011-06-22T14:31:00.003-04:002011-06-22T14:47:36.368-04:00She lives.....Sorry I have been "missing in action" but unfortunately, I came home from vacation to a nasty sinus infection and the start to bronchitis. Luckily, I already had a routine doctor's appointment so I was able to get started on some good antibiotics. But.....that good was soon shattered when I had one too many coughing attacks and threw my back out! Fortunately, I didn't mess up any discs but I had some pretty bad muscle spasms. I am well on the road to recovery and just in time for a fun stitching retreat. I'll be back soon with an update on that. Have a great week gang and stay cool!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-36574134477015810842011-06-13T11:31:00.005-04:002011-06-13T14:35:24.929-04:00R&R'ing and StitchingMy son and I just returned home from 4 days of R&R'ing in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. It has been quite some time (maybe 7 years??) since I have visited this area and we had a great time. We visited the Titanic Museum, swam in the pool, relaxed in our hot tub, ate great food - including a trip to Bubba Gumps. Just a great time all around. I did get a little stitching done while I was away and was able to finish up this piece......<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVMVItKMAw/TfYuJF1wNoI/AAAAAAAABEY/MLJn4oMP4to/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVMVItKMAw/TfYuJF1wNoI/AAAAAAAABEY/MLJn4oMP4to/s400/IMG_5803.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617728318912607874" /></a><br />This is Bent Creek's Frank 'n Boo Photobooth. It was a fun stitch and my good friend <a href="http://karenaz.blogspot.com/">Karen</a> is going to teach me a finishing technique while we are in Indianapolis. Can't wait!!<br /><br />Well, it's back to work for me so this post is short and sweet. I will try to report back with some photos from our time in Tennessee. Until then......Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327669898101846486.post-852230444372725882011-06-03T09:01:00.005-04:002011-06-03T09:10:19.597-04:00Mail SurpriseI came home yesterday and saw that I had a small envelope in my mailbox. I couldn't remember ordering anything. Hmmmm?? What could it be? So, I tore it open and this lovely flower greeted me.....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNJ_xwySFvE/Tejbr2iT3DI/AAAAAAAABEI/7wntp36OgDA/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNJ_xwySFvE/Tejbr2iT3DI/AAAAAAAABEI/7wntp36OgDA/s400/IMG_5682.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613978481937603634" /></a><br />Of course, I had to open that little bag and see what was inside and was I ever so pleasantly surprised! Just look at this cutie!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxPGW3pARTI/Tejb9ib87YI/AAAAAAAABEQ/d-RHDJIS7rM/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxPGW3pARTI/Tejb9ib87YI/AAAAAAAABEQ/d-RHDJIS7rM/s400/IMG_5683.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613978785779871106" /></a> A beautiful pin cushion (and pins!!) hand made by my good friend <a href="http://karenshandiwork.blogspot.com/">Karen</a>. I was so surprised and yes, Karen, it made me smile!! This is my first RAK and my first stitched item from Karen. It was so sweet of her to think of me and I will treasure it! Thank you Karen for making my day!<br /><br />Hugs and Stitches!Yvonne.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/17861244979180167417noreply@blogger.com6