Focussed & Fun

Left stormy St. Louis which stayed with us on the first leg of our road trip.  Arrived on Thursday around 5:30pm in cloudy, but dry Minneapolis, MN

Our room’s view from the luxurious Hilton. Gaining perspective.

Having only one day at Quilt Market called for concentrated focus.

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On the road trip home, the focus was on a little unexpected fun.

Due to a missed exit, Ann and I stumbled upon historic Hampton Iowa along US Route 65 and Iowa Highway 3. We couldn’t resist making a short stop to breathe in the picturesque town square.

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After taking a couple shots of the historic building and park, complete with an outdoor amphitheater, we turned to see behind us two inviting shops that we could not resist. “The Wood Cellar” and “Orange Possum” were well worth the unintended detour.

The spoils from stolen moments that afforded for just the right amount of fun!

Details on the giveaway will be posted Friday.

Quilt Market

May 21st through 23rd – We are heading for Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis where Quilting Treasures will be introducing my latest fabric collection,

“An Appointed Time”

On Friday afternoon, you can find me in the Quilting Treasures booth, # 1900 – 1907. Please come by to say hello and receive our gift to you.

Also:

Gearing up for a giveaway!

I will be posting the details for our first ever “Joy Studio” blog giveaway offering upon my return so, please stay tuned.

Stewardship

Treasured Tuesday’s – Last week I attempted to straighten up some of the messy piles around the studio. One major issue, the many books and vintage “Art News” magazines retrieved from my dad’s work space last summer. Finally, the many volumes spanning from 1952 – 1962, are unpacked, organized and safely stored in my large, school salvaged, book case.

Cover – Donna Canonici da Ferrara, 1477 of the portrait-pair by Frcesco Cossa. The inscriptions read: UT SIT NOSTRA FORMA SUPERSTSES (In order that our image may survive.)

These issues are most likely rich in art history and imagery, however, I’m not sure whats to be done with them. For now, they will remain a part of my studio stuff as they were in my dad’s.

Carrot Cake Care

My oldest daughter is the baker and the one responsible for two of the cakes served at the shower. By popular demand her carrot cake, from scratch, was chosen as one of the entry’s.

She takes great care with her layers as she preps them for the perfect and pretty cake. And of course they are always delicious!

Home made cream cheese icing, naturally. Yum! Let me know if you’d like this incredible recipe.

Spring Showers

Back to back Bridal showers this month! Two good friend’s, both have “best bud” sons, that are getting married in our church this summer, making for an even busier, baking two months! Everyone arrived last evening before the sky opened up for a very heavy, literal shower. A lot of help was received, thank you girls!

The flowers…

the gifts…

the punch…

The goodies…

and, the bride with her gift’s ribbon bouquet. Congratulations David & Kitty!