Last weekend

Last weekend was SOOOO much fun. My oldest daughter had 2 friends come over to spent the night on Friday. They wanted to learn to crochet, so that was nice! I really enjoyed teaching them (my girls already know a little bit, so they were 'helpers' for the other two.

One of the girls, in particular, really enjoyed it. She wants to come back over for more crochet lessons! I'm excited that she is so excited.

Their 'project' was to make friendship bracelets for each other. They all really enjoyed doing that. This meant that the really didn't do anything other than chain, but still - they had fun! And, have interest in learning more!! Here is Sar showing off a couple of her bracelets!

The next morning, we all went to Monkey Joe's to play til WELL after lunch. They got to run, jump and play! Had pizza for lunch, then did it all again til nearly 3! How fun is that? You can see that I made them all matching shirts - purely selfish reasons - having them all dressed alike made it a lot easier on me to keep my eyes on them!

While they were having their fun ... this is what I did! More on this to come in another post!

Needless to say, by Saturday night, I was dead on my feet - but, a great time was had by all! So, I'd say that was a successful weekend!!

Too long gone......

I haven't blogged in a very long time - bad Michelle - bad Michelle. You know how it goes.... life gets in the way. First, I was very busy with the summer activities and then before I knew it, I was busy with the new school activities.

In any event.... I finished a crocheted throw blanket and thought that I'd share it. It is basically a large granny square blanket that I finished with a scalloped edge. It is approximately 50" X 50" squared. Not too big... not too small.... just right! ;) I really LOVE the colors in this throw!! And, because it only took 4 skeins of yarn (that were on sale for $2.22/skein) it's a REALLY inexpensive gift. Or, is it an inexpensive throw for myself??? Hmmm, I have to decide!

And, now the pictures....

Still nothing to post about ......

What Michelle Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Because I've been away and have nothing better to post about ....

You Are a Bright Star Soul

Like a shining star, you have no trouble being the center of attention In fact, you often feel a bit hurt when all eyes aren't on you You need to be number one in everything, no matter how trivial And it's this ego that both hurts your confidence and helps you achieve You're dramatic and a powerhouse of pure energy You possess a divine quality or uniqueness that's hard to define A natural performer, it's likely you'll become famous in some circles. Just learn not to take everyone's reaction to you so personally! Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul and Prophet Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Mother's Day Gift for my Mother In Law

Luckily, my Mother in Law appreciates handmade gifts. This works well, since I like to give handmade gifts.

This year, I decided to make her a tote bag/purse and matching key chain. I'm pretty happy with how it came out. It was extremely simple, yet - I think - it turned out really nice.

Outside:

Inside:

Set:

For Mother's day, I get to REST! I'm really looking forward to that. Sheets need to be pulled from the beds and washed, but my 7 year old said that Daddy could do that - that it is 'Mommy's day and I shouldn't be bothered with that'. Thank God for that sweet baby! :) And, thank God for the other one too! My life would be so boring and a lot less full of love without those two! I'm blessed, indeed, just to know them!

Vinyl 'wallet' and key fob set and a recon!

I've recently started working with vinyl and I thought that I would share something that I've made.

It is a vinyl 'wallet' that can be used to carry paper money, receipts and/or coupons. It's a simple pouch style that is lined in the same fabric as the fabric on the key fob. I thought that I'd add a bit of 'detail' by including the pink and purple flower, with button. It has a simple velcro closure.

The set:

The flower detail:

I like how it turned out.

The last item is a leather makeup bag that I made. It started out as part of a leather skirt that I bought at Goodwill for a measly $2. I wasn't sure if it would stand up to a freezer paper stencil, but it did - and, nicely, I must say. I was very pleased with how it came out!

Well - it is back to the job tomorrow ... not happy about that, but what's a girl to do?

Quick and Easy Project

I recently bought a new key chain with a college logo. After looking at it, I got to thinking how easy (assuming you could find the hardware - which, I did - yay, me!).


In any event, in my search, I found the following link that gave some instructions on how to do it - though, I admit, I didn't follow the tutorial - as I didn't have the time to bother with the heat and bond... lol. Also, I didn't sew the ends together prior to inserting into the hardware (though, it likely is a good idea to do so) This is the link:

http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=KEYFOB


Also - in addition to making some with ribbon (which, admittedly, is easier), I also finally used my Clover Bias tape maker, to use some fabric that I really liked.




It really only extended the project time by about 5 minutes - so, this extra step certainly doesn't make it a time consuming ordeal.


Here are two of the key fobs that I made. The one on the right is using ribbon. The one on the left is using the fabric that I ran through my Bias Tape Maker. I think that they both turned out cute. I've made others, but they have already made their way into the possession of others..... So, these are the ones I have left for pictures!



I certainly think that the girls' teachers will probably get these for end of school gifts. I'm thinking that I'll use my embroidery machine to personalize them.

If only I hadn't just bought myself one - I guess I could make one just for me... perhaps I'll gift myself one for Mother's Day ;-)