Life Book 2013

After hearing so many good things about Lifebook 2012, I had to sign up for the 2013 year-long series of workshops. Of course, with my busy schedule I'm sure I'll run a bit behind on assignments. Of course, I had to buy a few more art supplies. I think I've got plenty to get started now! I'm sure I'll be adding to my stash as we go, too.

One of my goals for the year was to try some art journaling, and that's what this course is all about.
I decided to condense each month's lessons under one post, so I'll be adding as I go.

  More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year to the World.

 

For myself I am hoping for a happy, healthy, successful, musical productive, artistic, and family-oriented year.

 

I'd like to begin journaling - Lord knows I've got lots of art supplies.

 

 I'd like to finish some quilts, especially little Fiona's birthday quilt.

 

I'd like to make more dolls.

 

I'd like to make Christmas stockings for the family (or at least start with the youngest members and work my way up!)

 

I'd like to teach a doll class or two.

 

I'd like to play more music.

 

I'd like to blog more.

 

I'd like to produce some video tutorials (just got a new computer!)

By the way ~ I'd love some suggestions as to any desired tutorials!

Belated Christmas

Today we're celebrating our Christmas since we worked the holiday. Sometimes it's nice to have an extra couple days to get things done.

While my goal this year was to make hand-crafted gifts for most of the family, I only accomplished two projects. The first was a set of six quilted Christmas placemats for my mom. I started these earlier in the year when I signed up for a Craftsy class (Quilting Quickly by Jenny Doan). It was also my first attempt at free-motion quilting, too. Boy, that takes some practice!

 

The second project was a Santa doll for my brother and sister-in-law. I used Gail Wilson's "Linsey-Woolsey Santa pattern. He's about 13 1/2 inches tall. For his robe, cape and hood, I found some fabric scraps (from curtains, I believe.) It frayed quite a bit, but I like the texture and pattern. I made the cord for his belt, using a gadget called the Diva Cord Maker.

 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone. I'm working today, and hope everyone has the sense to stay home and enjoy family. Still, there's never been a holiday without illness or injury, so we'll be there should the need arise!

Christmas Auction Santa

As this blog entry posts, my annual Santa is probably being auctioned off at our Emergency Department Christmas Party / Charity Auction (no sneak peaks were allowed, so I post-dated my post). This guy was made from my own "Sleepytime Santa" pattern (available as a traditional paper pattern or e-pattern on my website).

Our party is always a favorite. We've held an auction for many years now, and the proceeds go to needy patients and families we identify through our daily work in the ER.

This year, my husband and I along with another friend are playing music - acoustic instruments this year instead of the whole rock band (it's just too hard to get everyone together to rehearse). Of course, I've been battling some sort of respiratory crud, so I hope I can lose the frog in my throat!

Snow People

Looking for a fast and easy project for the season? How about some Snow People made from Warm & Natural cotton batting? This free pattern has been on my blog for a couple years. Click HERE for the pattern and instructions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. 

We have so much for which to be thankful.

I'm back...

...at least until the big storm hits later today, and we potentially lose power. I'm taking the opportunity to get some sewing done in the next couple hours. I have to get a start on my annual Christmas Party / charity auction Santa while I can use my sewing machine. I can't disclose which Santa pattern I'll be using (it's always a surprise), but I will post a photo after the December 7th party.

I really hope we don't lose power. I've got so much to do, and so little time.

Update, 11/20/12
Well, we did lose power ~ for about 12 hours. I'm finally back online this morning, but have to head off to work. At least the today should go more smoothly as we won't be on generator power only. Really, why would a hospital who uses so much technology put the server in the building without the generator? Silly. Hope some changes can come about as a result of yesterday's challenges.

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you all a festive Halloween ~ be safe!

AFICC - Registration is in the Mail

Well, I did it. Took the plunge and registered for Artistic Figures in Cloth & Clay. The conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio, April 2013. It was difficult choosing which classes to take. It helped that I eliminated classes requiring a sewing machine, since I will be traveling such a long way and don't want to haul one with me.

http://www.cyndysdolls.com/AFIC%202013CntrlInfo.htm

http://artisticfiguresincloth.blogspot.com/