Spring Green

I think spring may be in the air.  A lot of my creations lately have been in shades of spring green. Such a pretty and fresh color. I have a class I am teaching tomorrow for this tote bag.  I fell in love with this fabric. I am really enjoying teaching classes.  I have a couple new venues I am working up ideas for.  I took a temporary job in an accounting and tax office doing admin work for a few weeks. Its a great place and I am enjoying that, but after working my early morning shift at Target I am sooooo tired. Add teaching classes, I have to wonder if I am sane!  But there is a method to my madness. Its all in the grand plan. Trying to tie up some loose ends and getting ready for my own teaching studio.  By the way,,,,, I am looking for studio space in something like an art co op in the Tempe/Phoenix area.  I have found some amazing spots all across the country, but nothing at all in this area.  If any of you know of anything, I would love to hear about it.

I found this awesome tutorial at Pinterest for making paper shoes.  This was so fun. Its my friends Birthday tomorrow and thought this would be cute for a gift card holder.  http://www.artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/

I have been working on some new Teddy Bear Designs too.  Its been quite a few years since I made bears, but it is a huge passion.  I am looking forward to work on my bears and some art dolls as well.  Well, I sure hope you all are having a great week.  Spring seems to be arriving a little early this year!  

  

Warning ~ Lots of pretty things :)

Hi, Today was the formal opening of The Green Table Gift shop since moving to its new location. Its such a fantastic new location.  There were alot of  people visiting and many of the artists were on hand. There were some pretty door prizes and lots of great food. (Mexican food and cupcakes, doesnt get better than that!)  I wanted to share some of the pictures I took so you can get an idea of all of the amazing handmade and vintage items in the shop.  If you happen to be a fan of Annie Sloan Chalk paint, Green Table Gifts is only one of two shops in Arizona able to carry this very popular paint. Stay tuned for lots of new classes being offered as well.  Here is the link to their website, have a virtual look around:) Hope to see you at shop soon!  In the mean time, enjoy a tour of what you can find.
http://www.gtgifts.com/

      

Shabby Chic Cupcake

Hi, I just wanted to show a few new things I have been working on this week. I am working on some new designs. Lots of new pillow ideas.  I like free motion quilting with three dimensional embellishments.  I am just working out the process to get it from my brain to my hands :)  I plan on doing a couple tutorials soon for handmade ruffled roses and the "icing" satin ribbon trim on the cupcake pillow.
I am working on some pin cushions that may be a nice gift for Mothers Day.  I really love pin cushions. I must have 6 or 7 that I have collected.
It looks like a pretty spring like week ahead. I hope you all have a very pretty week too!   Googars and George are relaxing and enjoying a nap with the fresh air blowing in the window. They leave a lot to be desired as co-workers.  

Its time for Make Mine PInk Friday

After a break for the holidays, I am very excited to get down to business.  I love working hard on making my new plans happen.  Its time for the Make Mine Pink Friday events to begin again. So please join us this friday for our weekly shopping event with the participating shops.

www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday

 Winter is a time when the earth comes to a rest - becomes dormant - hibernates and gathers strength to burst forth with new growth come Spring. So it is with us. As the snow falls, we look towards our homes to provide warmth and comfort. There is no coincidence that Valentine's Day comes in the middle of Winter, just when our hearts look for joy. Immediately we are warmed by the magnificence of Winter's romance. Winter whites brighten up our rooms. White ironstone pitchers in various sizes hold pink roses and babies breath. Crisp white bedding and lace covered pillows beckon us to pick up a good book and snuggle up for a bit. Have a cup of tea. What is the rush?


We need all the visual eye candy we can muster up in our decor this time of year.. Rose covered lampshade casts a feminine hue over the room; distressed chippy furniture holds the collection of cottage birdhouses and vintage teapots. The dresser is strewn with a disarray of hankies, butterfly hairpins and broken china necklaces . As you look at it you realize it is a sweet vignette of a romantic evening out and you smile. It looks like a photo shoot. Now inspired, your thoughts go to Valentine's Day and you open the closet to take out all the heart decorations you can find. Simple joys. Winter romance is always in season!

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt
The Polka Dot Rose