Thank you for the many Christmas greetings everyone! I especially enjoyed seeing the art/design work on them as well, the salutations inside. Although I (confess that) have mixed sentiments about Santa (still like him though), I am glad that so many are still sending cards, a favorite at Christmas. 
Yikes, only two weeks until Christmas? What a relief this morning, to be able and take my list straight to the computer and begin clicking away. Now, on to a couple more projects. the wrapping, lots of wrapping, Christmas cards and oh yes, the cookies. Whew!
Oh what joy it is . . .
Shopping and decorating has begun. Last week I stole some time to venture out just a bit, with my daughter on a quest for a specific item. Of course, that usually means that I find everything but. One (unexpected) fun find that I couldn’t/didn’t resist were these felt flake placemats. Snow in any form typically puts me in the holiday mode so, my decorating began with my favorite dinnerware group, “Hilltop Snowmen.”
Now . . . let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
This week is dedicated to family and home arts. Lots of gathering, pie baking, table setting, crafting & stuffing!
Some of our typical Thanksgiving holiday traditions . . . 
S – O • T – H – A – N – K – F – U – L – L !
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!A sincere thank you to Christy Starr, the proprietor at Helen’s Hen House quilt shop in Florissant Missouri. Christy was kind enough to invite me to share my fabric designs with customers at the shop’s annual open house event.
This was my first visit to the historic Meyers House & Barn where I spent a delightful afternoon. Upon my arrival, my mouth agape with surprise, I quickly realized it was going to be a FULL (Hen) house! Although filled with nervous excitement, my eyes attempted to take in all of the charming details of the building, grounds and goodies inside as I prepared to set up. The creaking wide planked floor boards added that much more to the authenticity and ambiance of the 1860’s building.
Christy and her staff had several projects made from three of my new fabric lines that were featured throughout the shop.
“Bakers Dozen” snowmen apron and table topper.
“Creepers Peepers” and “Sewing Seeds” in a welcoming room (prepared especially for me)!
This is where I enjoyed visiting with a wonderful group of creative and kindred patrons. Among them, I was surprised to learn, an art teacher, card designer, ceramic artisan, thread artist and quilt/sewing enthusiasts of course. For an added treat I became re-acquainted with a couple who have been collectors (former customers) of my hand painted Christmas ornaments made long before I broke into art licensing.
Stories of projects using my Hungry Animal Alphabet (& other former children’s collections) for grands were shared. One gram brought in a particularly special project for me to sign. I was honored, And grateful.
It was a privilege to be a part of such a warm group and inviting shop.
Congrats Christy!
Additional Hen House Quilt Shop photos on Facebook.
A Welcome site – Just returned from Quilt Market Wednesday, Halloween, and in plenty of time for tricks and treats. Although the event was fun filled, inspiring and informative, our homecoming from this trip, was especially appreciated. Only two (of the thirteen) hours out of Houston, three deer dashed onto the (75 mph zone) interstate, right in front of us without warning. With no time to react, we struck one of the deer head on. The impact was traumatic. Fortunately however, we stayed upright, on the road and were able to pull off to the safety of the shoulder where we tried to settle nerves.
Looks like I caught a glimpse of our guardian angel’s wing in this photo:
I also think . . . we are finished with road trips for 2012.
The lighter side of our quilt market experience can be seen at
Tidings of Great Joy, LLC on Facebook.
