by Great Joy Studio | May 24, 2010 | Quilting & Fabric
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.
by Great Joy Studio | May 23, 2010 | Field Trip
Home from market, whew! A time to rest.

by Great Joy Studio | May 19, 2010 | Art News, Field Trip, Quilting & Fabric
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.


by Great Joy Studio | May 18, 2010 | Studio, Treasured Tuesday's
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.

by Great Joy Studio | May 17, 2010 | Quilting & Fabric
May 17th – Happy Birthday to my sweet Sydney girl! We’re heading out to her field day and later her choice for a special B-Day dinner.

by Great Joy Studio | May 17, 2010 | Home Arts
OK, here’s where the “Best Carrot Cake Ever” recipe came from! It really is right up there with the best that I’ve ever tasted. Yummy cake!

by Great Joy Studio | May 16, 2010 | Collectables
Does anyone remember when the postage to mail a letter was 29¢?
History of Postage

Also – last day to get in on this “giveaway in the garden” offered from Spun By Me

by Great Joy Studio | May 15, 2010 | Home Arts

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.


by Great Joy Studio | May 14, 2010 | Home Arts
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!
by Great Joy Studio | May 12, 2010 | Personal Touch
Woke up early to the sound of severe storms that couldn’t be ignored. We’ve begun a week of stormy Spring weather. This morning, I’m grateful to have power.
