Cookie Cutters Continued

by | Dec 8, 2010 | Home Arts, Quilting & Fabric

You can never get enough cookies, right? This is the quilt that I’m using on the table. It further carries the holiday cookie theme in the kitchen. It was skillfully stitched by quilter Beth Cecchettinni. I’m sure you’ve spotted the cutter shapes in the quilt border. This is how my cookie paintings translated and were inspired from the actual cutters, mentioned yesterday. The “Cookie Cutter Christmas” fabric released a couple of years ago so, I’m not sure if it is still available.

As always, a little sentiment is incorporated into the art, such as the recipes printed behind the cookie row. The complete recipes were included on the patch panel coordinate too and most were taken from my grandma’s recipe files. I like adding a personal touch whenever possible.

I might have to post about cookies all week long! There’s lot’s more cookie cutter crafting to share.

Rest & Reflect

by | Dec 6, 2010 | Home Arts, Quilting & Fabric, Spiritual

Following an unexpected, extremely busy week, my plan is to rest in the Lord today as I continue the studio clean up. Ahhhhh, Monday morning. Seems life refuses to slow down so, unless God has another plan for me, mine is to spend the majority of the week this way, shut in as I shuffle stuff. A very cold week too so, good weather to be inside. If you’re wondering why the job (studio clean up) is taking several months to complete, I invite you to take a look at the photos posted on March 12th, “Good, Bad and the Ugly.” I hope to have some studio “after” shots posted before the year’s end!

I’ve been reflecting over the past year through the blog this morning. Joy Studio blog began on January 24th and as I mentioned last night (winner announce), about to complete one year, my first, of blogging. The blog offers sort of, a visual reminder to me, of the ups and downs, the struggles, the joys and a nice way to reflect on the past year. It’s been a good year and a difficult one too, but a good one, just the same. It’s also the closest venue to journaling or a diary that I have ever experienced and has certainly challenged my writing and spelling skills.

My photos this morning, were taken a couple of weeks ago when I was getting a bit stressed and suddenly feeling unseasonably warm! Laying on the cool concrete sidewalk seemed like quick and perfect relief. Looking up to the heavens of course, always provides another kind of restful, de-stressing solution in itself. As I rested there and cooled down, I was impressed with the artful design that the dark trees made against the light gray sky. I must remember to take up this childhood activity again, it’s great!

Rest in the Lord and wait. Psalm 37:7

And you shall find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

Ahhhhh, a restful Monday, yes? Oops, except for that quilt design that is due!

Let’s Talk Turkey

by | Nov 4, 2010 | Collectables, Home Arts

Time to trade in tricks and treats for the turkeys!

And start thinking about those pumpkin pies, eh?

Does anyone remember the construction paper turkeys we made in school by tracing our hand? I think I may still have one around here, somewhere.

Hatter Hallowe’en

by | Oct 31, 2010 | Home Arts

Happy Hallowe’en!

Chapter VII, A Mad Tea Party


Costumes and candy…..oh boy!

Creating a home made costume has always been my favorite part of all the fun festivities. This time was no exception.

I had the pleasure of helping to dress up this little lady as the “Mad Hatter” from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

We all roared with laughter seeing her transformation.

Trick or Treat!

"Hair-Raising Halloween" fabric collection

Feel Good Stuff

by | Oct 21, 2010 | Field Trip, Home Arts

What feels better than baking on a cold fall morning to take the chill off the house? And then popping in an old movie like Shirley Temple’s Heidi for cozy background sound. Banana nut bread, by the way, another fall favorite.

Maybe sampling the goods afterward with a late cup of coffee? Oh yeah.

Meanwhile, I check in on the hubs whose cleaning up a tree we lost in a spring storm. I had the easy job.

While I was outside, I couldn’t help but to have a seat under the spectacular oak again! I suppose this is a common sight to most of us throughout the country right about now, but I never tire of this site. I had to share it again. A golden day!