My Gift to YOU!

Such a happy week! A major holiday filled with Thanks for my family and friends! (and loads of great food!)....   A special birthday (my big "6 oh!")   And the 1000th's follower to my Shawkl blog!   So, let's celebrate!   From now until the end of my birthday...you can do some early Christmas shopping at my Etsy shoppe...with this 40% off coupon code: BIRTHDAYGIFT   Everything is eligible...so the more you buy, the more you save!   And, if for some reason Etsy does not apply the coupon, just send me an email and I'll reimburse you the 40% from your paypal payment before shipping.   And, we are also having a gift drawing...FREE to all viewers. Just leave a comment below and tell me what item you liked best from the Etsy Shoppe. The prize will be a copy of Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano...and I'll chose a comment at random to select the winner. Will do so on the 29th!   Wishing you and your family a wonderful week!  

Shabby Paperweights

Have finished up some paperweights...shabby chic style. These are weighted with wood bases covered in felt so that the do not scratch any type of desk or table. Each has ribbon work and beaded accents.  

Hoped to get more done, but managed only five this week. But, that's better than not getting anything stitched I suppose. Ha! Got to find the positive!  

Managed two thimble cases finished...and have three more with the embroidery work done. Hope to get these done by December.

Did you notice? We are at 999 followers! One more and we will be in 4 digit numbers! That's so cool! Hugs to all!

Shabby Chic Style Cabochons framed..

If you could see the number of cabochons in my studio (or really messy sewing room if you want the "southern version")...I would be seriously embarrassed. It dawned on me just this past week that there is no way that I can ever sit still long enough to actually bead all of these cabochons (and the Czech Glass Buttons). So, have sold a few on the Second Hand Crazy Quilt Supplies De-Stash site...and decided to frame these photo cabs and sale them too.

What does not go on the de-stash for cost will go for a slight mark-up retail cost on the Etsy Shoppe. Should have them listed there by December. Working on some other gift items for Etsy too...so if you are needing any gifts for sewing friends, keep me in mind.    These would work on any style of block. Just couch in place, and tack a little silk ribbon bow...or a flower to the top.
 

Do You Ebay?

Well, I now have an Ebay page...and have no clue what I'm doing. So, keeping my fingers crossed that I don't mess something up!

  I have several brooches in my jewelry box that I purchased some years ago (when I wore suits for work). Now, they are just collecting dust...and these were not "normal" brooches.   

I got them from Russia, and each is a painting done under magnification...the detailing is stunning!   

I don't know how even with a magnification lamp someone can get this kind of detail...but they did.   

Each is obviously hand made by an artist with wire work skill to create the brooch after painting the scene.  

  Three are done on Mother of Pearl and one is enamel. So, if you'd like to invest in a piece of art that you can wear...check these out. The skill of the painters is astonishing! And, wish me luck with my new "adventure"... :)

More Felt Thimble Holders and Clearing Lace

Yesterday was a dreary and rainy day. Great for doing a little stitching for the Etsy Shoppe. So, making more thimble holders.  

My muse loves diversity,  and wants to do other things...but look at the mess my table is in. No room to do more until these get finished. So, just took a short break for a couple of hours and sorted my dyed lace drawer.  

Put several pieces up for sale on the Facebook Second Hand Crazy Quilt Supplies group page.  

CQJP 2015 Registration Notification

Please share this on your blog...and then go to cqjp2015.blogspot.com and register for the challenge. Photo submissions begin in January.

Details are on the CQJP2015 Blog. 

Some CQ Photos and More

What a crazy month! The past two weeks especially have been super busy!  Finished two designs for StitchMAP Hex Challenge for my cyber friend Shari. Well, technically three...but you have already seen the Owl. So the Spider Mums above and the little pair of Mushrooms below were stitched up and written...ready for her to send out to her group.

The CQBC (Crazy Quilt Basic Class) is in full swing...but not without a few problems in getting everyone on to the class blog. Why is technology so aggravating at times? But, all is well now and folks are stitching right along...we started with 74 but 3 had to drop out for medical reasons. And, most likely another six or so will do so this week because of scheduling problems...they are just having too much on their collective plates right now. So, as usual...the final class will be around 60 ladies. A very manageable size for an on-line class (IMHO).  

Finished a Wool Round Robin block and got it into the mail this morning.
I have been also de-stashing and moving a LOT of my bead, charms, and silkie prints collection OUT THE DOOR! Down-sizing and re-organizing takes way too much work! So, it's been super nuts around here of late. I'm sure the ladies in the CQBC think that I'm just a basket case waiting for the little men in white coats by this time! Tonight, I'll be wrapping Birthday presents...because my darling little Aidan turns eleven tomorrow! Can you believe it...she was just in diapers. She is the best grand-daughter and it will be great to share her special day with her and my daughter tomorrow.
ALSO...if you are a member of the HGTV Message Board...they will be shutting down all message boards on 4 November. Our new message board for members (including CQ folks like me) will be at Our Circle of Friends so go register so we can find you again...hugs!