Thursday, March 08, 2007

Pillows...

Once upon a time, I made this pillow. I chose strips and scraps of favorite fabrics and sewed some pretty ribbons on top and then added some buttons that cames as extras in those tiny plastic bags attatched to new articles of clothing. I love this pillow because every once in awhile something turns out how you want it to and this was the case here. Sadly, it is coming to pieces and needs to be replaced. My family loves pillows, but they do not have the word "decorative" in their vocabulary; they only understand the words "user friendly". So... when I do make a pillow, I make it envelope style so that the cover can be slipped off and washed in the machine. This works well because all of the pillows I make turn into bean bags and all sorts of other things on the floor. Also, when the pillow form becomes flat and useless, a new one can be slipped into its place. Some of the pillows I have made with sturdier fabrics have gone through 3 sets of pillow forms before the covers have worn out.
I need some new pillow covers, but I will save that for another day as I am painting Easter today and listening to hopefully the end of Robinson Crusoe who has now been ship wrecked for 18 years and has discovered that a band of cannibals have been coming over and eating people on his peaceful little Island. On the positive side, he has learned to be a decent potter, farmer and goat hearder. But... I truly feel that this book is more a list than a novel. It is a list of disasters, bad decisions and kind of a 'what to do today' book... ie 'today I will make an umbrella out of goat skins'. Didn't Vogue try that once? Anyway... when will end? I am ready for the cannibals to eat this guy and have it over... Hopefully, no one here is in danger of being eaten today and just looking forward to a patch of sunshine instead... Have a great day!

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Easter Eggs...



Yesterday, I painted these Easter Eggs while listening to the book Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Dafoe. I have always thought I should read this book and never have had the chance. So here I am painting eggs, as safe as can be, but feeling like I've been through an earthquake, chased by beasts, captured and enslaved by pirates, wind blown by tornados and finally shipwrecked for years. At least I have these pretty colors to look at... Have a bright happy day! :)

Camellia Box...


I haven't quite finished this box yet, it has no finish or words yet... but it's coming...

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Lovely Aunt Jackie... and the famous Coconut Cake!!!

My lovely Aunt Jackie, who happens to be a realtor in Idaho if any of you happen to be looking for property up that way, has also posted the famous coconut cake recipe on her blog. I guess we can't get one of the ingredients here out west, but all of you out east can. See check it out. It is DELISH!!! Recipe here.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Amazing Grace...


This movie tells a bit of the story of John Newton (1725–1807), who wrote the lyrics to Amazing Grace. But it is mostly about the movement inspired by the song and by the tireless work of William Wilberforce and others who worked to end slavery.
See this movie. It is brilliantly beautiful.
Also, I think this movie is appropriate for children as young as 8.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And Grace will lead me home. (Lead me home!)
The Lord hast promised good to me,
His word my hope secures!
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this heart and flesh shall fail
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be for ever mine

Alexandra...

Alexandra's March Newsletter is Up!!!

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The Indian in the Cupboard...


I believe there are four books in this series. The Indian in the Cupboard, The Return of the Indian, Secret of the Indian and The Mystery of the Cupboard. They are wonderful. In fact, one thing that I love about these books is that the series gets better as it goes along. If you haven't read them, or you haven't read them in a long while... look into them. I think if you have a child who is 5 or older, they are perfect read aloud books too.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

April Cornell...




Fabulous News! April really is up and running again. See these dresses here...

More Prams...


With the exception of the words and the finish... these are done. Hopefully, I will be able to show them totally complete tomorrow.




The Art of Civilized Conversation...


I have to admit that I am still as an adult quite uncomfortable in social situations, even sometimes with good friends. I just get uncomfortable, awkward or something. One thing that I have learned about feeling uncomfortable is that is the time when things often will go wrong. Poor C has seen me dig a hole all the way to China and bury myself in it. I don't mean too, but...
So.. I am trying to do something about this. I love to find books with really good concrete advice. I like this book because it says, "Don't say..." Now that, is helpful. I first saw this book at Anthropologie and I started reading it in the store and then couldn't wait to buy it cheaper elsewhere... I never do that. But, it was worth it. I love this book! And, while it has some basic elementary stuff like, "if you think you need to shower....then you do." Hopefully, I'm past that stage. I liked the section about how to apologize, side step gossip and how to ask for help although I disagree with the book a bit there because I hate people to say to me, "Will you do me a favor?" I would prefer that people say, "Would you please wash my car?" or something else concrete. My new answer to that is going to be, "I like to be helpful, let me know the favor and I'll see if I can help." I mean ideally I'm going to say that, but then you know why I bought this book...