My 15 minutes of fame.....

a quiet little celebration....

In February 2010...Scrapbook Trends published a couple of my little old layouts.

I was very excited to be published for the first time, and I was very proud. It was one of my goals to accomplish!

It was really cool to see me in a store, and both of the layouts are very special to me. Page 26, "Love who you Love" and page 65 "Sweet Pea".

The first one is music based and the second one shows how I love to include lots of elements for texture, this used fabric...

In my wildest dreams I'd never thought to be chosen, but it is real and we are plenty thrilled.

So there you have it my 15 minutes of fame....

I realize to some people it is an everyday occurrence, but for me, I rarely like to put myself out there. Look at this crazy blog thing for example. It is not easy to jot something on it or to share for example. Don't get me wrong, I love having this blog, it is fun and it is very good for me. But really is anyone out there?

The publication came at a great time for me personally,with my recovery from the surgery still underway, it helped to pry me out of bed and start getting back to living. With that we celebrate.

On the day the magazine came out I was grateful, to have a little something to celebrate!!

Today I just thought I'd share my news that still makes me smile......

-L.

do what you can...

do what you can, with what you have.....where you are.....

and that is just what I did this winter...the winter that appears to have lasted a year or more.

As many of you know I spent much of the winter on bed rest..and I am still recovering slowly, but certainly getting so much more healthy. I am grateful.

But I had alot of "time" on my hands so my hands went to work. I took up knitting and crocheting. A girl can only read so much before all the stories start to run together and before you know it the vampires are having a little faith and finding 29 gifts to give.

I thought I'd share a fun little bag I made. Yes, I MADE...I am very excited about this little number. Mainly because I can't believe I MADE IT..

To start with when finished it measured about 13" wide and 11" tall before I felted it. It is felted to the size 10"x6". Dense, tiny and adorable. The yarn was one skein and The stripes became visible only once it was felted. I only wish you could hold it and "feel" how adorable it is .

We love it. Belle is planning to use the clutch for travel and special occasions.

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of wonderful.

-L.

you did what? knit bowls?

As many of you know I am bowl crazy...I have far to many beautiful yummie bowls I could write a very fascinating bowl book. Well, then it would only be fitting that I would knit me a bowl.

I can already see the auction bill, "crazy lady had millions of bowls, look here she even crocheted a few" she must have been nuts. Why yes, nuts for bowls.

This winter has been spent learning to knit and crochet all over again. When I have had to be on bed rest what better way to spend my time but creating something totally useless.

Beauty doesn't always have to have purpose. My family thinks that I have totally lost it.
Maybe, I have. But aren't they just adorable? I found out about felting of wool and I just can't stop. I want to felt everything!

For a small few who don't know (like me.) Felting is a process of treating the project when you are done creating.

You need the fibers to be all natural, when the project is complete you HOT wash it. Fill the machine with the lowest amount of water on the hottest cycle. Add 1-2 tablespoons of dish or laundry soap. Place the knitted piece in the machine, along with something for friction. I like to use that pair of jeans my hubby loves and will never fit into back can't part with. Trust me he will never wear them again and even if he can I won't let him because they are so out of style. Others love to use tennis balls or tennis shoes. The items that you use may discolor due to fading of the knit item, so don't use something that you can't ruin.

Set the machine to agitate- felting time will vary, depending on the temp, type of soap, and intensity of agitation. When the knitted stitches are no longer visible and fabric is smooth you remove the piece. I washed my pieces twice. I wanted more density.

I shape the piece and placed one over a bowl and the other over a crock. This give it the shape of the piece, then allowed it to air dry for a couple of days.

When all dry I took my hubby's disposable razor (don't use his good razor --I can't be responsible for that outcome)and shaved it carefully to rid of the fuzzies on one. I love them. They all rock!!

I can't wait to show you tomorrows adorable bag!

Today I am grateful for knitting needles...-L

so I think I can knit??

this winter has been spent with my feet up!!!

The idea of running to the studio wasn't in the cards for me. The idea of running period or sitting in a chair or standing at the draft table, out of the question. The studio has become storage. It waits, patiently.

With that there is a must to create something. I have not picked up needles in 25 years.

I have knit or crocheted, everyone a little something to wear I am certain they are thrilled. hahaha...

I decided this was what would keep my hands busy and it has worked. I have taught my crazy self to stitch. Mind you I stitch all that is easy!!!!I only do easy...period....

Can you guess what it is ? Check back tomorrow and I'll share the finished product. I am so excited and just can't believe this is me!!!!

Have faith and you'll always create a "little" happiness

-L.

kinda out there......

this has been my winter.......I am this tree.......alone in a fog.....on a hill and can't seem to make my way down...I am this tree....alone and strong....unwilling to give up, yet in a fog...

Each time we travel east there stands this tree and for many many years I always want to stop and take a photo. I never have either the weather doesn't agree, there's to much traffic, or the camera isn't along for the trip that day. I know imagine that, no camera.

Finally this winter we made our way east just for a ride and I snapped the photo in passing. It was the first time ever, and I think in looking at it. I was meant to see the tree that day.

To accept the things one can not change and to stand strong and work hard to be healthy again.

Everything has changed around this lonely tree, but it doesn't give up and each year it grows. It branches out and flourishes among everything.

This tree is to be me, I am to move forward let spring shine down on me and flourish.

What has not broke me will make me strong. I will see my way and be better for it. I am sure of this.

Having to spend alot of time off my feet this winter, I have done alot of reading. I have loved a book borrowed to me by a dear friend.

It is titled "Have a little faith" by Mitch Albom, it is a must read for everyone.

My favorite statement from the book is:

"faith is about doing. You are how you act, not just how you believe"

So today I will act strong and filled with purpose

I will try.........-L