Its Monday and a new week :)

Hi, I hope everyone is enjoying some little bit of spring this week. In the southwest it has been gorgeous. I had such a busy week. I sure hope this week is a little more balanced. I did manage to get a few things made, but I so wanted to do more. I suppose its like that for us all. These 4 cupcake pillows are going out to a bakery shop in Seattle. I hope they do well. It could be the beginning of something good! Next up this week is my bargain of the year. LOL I was at Joanns buying glue and fiber fill and I saw these spools of wired ribbon. They were on clearance for .50cents each. I bought 16!!! I got 5 rolls of pink too. OK, next is awesome pink glass jars and bottles I received from my friend. She is clearing out and downsizing and had these pink things and thought of me. Imagine that. LOL I love them. AND last but not least, I received my advance copy of STUDIOS magazine that I am featured in. It hits the stands March 31st. Its a beautiful issue with some very inspiring studios. This handsome guy in the photo with me is one of my cats. He is a rather large 25 pound Maine Coone cat and his name is Googars. (Dont ask, I have no idea where that name came from, my DD April named him. lol) So, this is whats new in my life.... I cant wait to visit your blogs and see whats new in yours.... Until next time,,,,,have a pretty week.. gail

Easter for Pink Friday

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday - March 27, 2009 as we present Easter Memories.On Easter mornings, when we were children, we would awaken to discover Spring had magically arrived overnight... and delivered some delightful surprises. The world was new again and filled with treasures just waiting for us to discover them. Tall chocolate bunnies hidden in springtime flower beds. Eggs delicately painted like rainbows, waiting in the grass. Plush rabbits in ruffled dresses and straw hats, sitting in white baskets, eager to become our very special friends. We'd hunt together with our friends and family, oohing and aahing over each person's discovery... but secretly knowing that the treasures we found were made just for us. Now that we're older, the newness of Spring and the thrill of the annual Easter hunt can be rediscovered every time we seek out a treasure in a vintage shop or exclusive boutique. Perhaps we're not searching for chocolate wrapped in sparkly foil or rainbow colored treats. We might not even be sure what we're seeking, but we recognize these treasures the instant we see them. A vintage hanky embroidered so delicately you can't help but wonder about the woman behind its design. A crystal bracelet reflecting a color that's "just so" when the sunlight shines on it in "just that way". The ideal display for a certain corner that's been looking slightly forlorn - not missing just anything, but the perfect thing. The moment we discover them, our hearts feel a little thrill and, just for that moment, the world is new again and we feel reborn. As if someone hid this treasure in a secret corner just for us to find, and our hearts recognize them before we even know what we've discovered. At Make Mine Pink, you may not find the foil wrapped bunnies or the colorful eggs, but you will always discover a thrilling hunt for the perfect treasure that stirs up feelings of Spring.

Did I ever tell you....

I am a non-stop doodler! If I have a pencil in my hand, something is going to get drawn on! This is my desk calander from my job. As you can see, its been a little slow around the office. In fact we joke that we keep coming in every day, but I feel like someone forgot to tell us to not show up anymore. LOL

This is a quilt my friend Judy made. She actually does some very detailed and intricate ones, but I had my camera handy. I love the kittys on this quilt. Judy and I have been BFF's since we were about 11 years old. So, thats about 40 years now. This is three of her dogs. Kahlua is the Carin Terrier and Glory is the Westie and Rowdy is the Australian Shepard, with her new hair cut. The are my God Dogs, ( I am in the will!) These three dogs are therapy dogs who volunteer at hospitals and visit patients,,,,so they are awesome.

And since yesterday was the first day of spring I planted some flowers. Its almost to late in AZ for flowers. Its getting so hot here, its been around 90. They burn up here in the summer. I put them on my porch and they will be in the complete shade all day, so they should do well. So, everyone have a fantastic first week of spring and until next time......

Spring Shop Hop and Show and Tell Monday

Be sure to visit the post below this one to get all of the details for the big event going on at Make Mine Pink. Make sure to register for the Spring Shop Hop for your opportunity to win some beautiful prizes!

This weekend I was very busy creating new designs. I have lots cut out and ready to sew. I did redesign my Chocolate Easter Bunny pillow. I like it much better now. Sometimes I get lucky on my first try, sometimes its back to the drawing board. I love this process. Its totally relaxing to me. I also wanted to add some new jewelry. This bracelet is made with faux pearls and some hand made polymer clay roses. Marie Segal is a wonderful artist and I love using her roses.

After a lot of thinking, stressing and just plain freaking out, I have made a decision. A really important one! I am leaping and hoping the net will aprear. A door has been closing for awhile. I have been looking frantically for open windows. My job will soon be ending. It has lasted longer than I thought, but the writing is on the wall. I will stay there as long as I can, but when it does close I am going through that window. LOL I will be devoting 100 percent of my time to Gail Friend Designs. I have searched out some selling options that look great. I have a few national ads coming out and will be featured in the upcoming STUDIOS magazine. (March 31 if ya all want to see me:) ) I have been fighting up hill battles for a long time now. The only thing that has been falling into place has been my website and my wonderful membership with Make Mine Pink. I learned a long time ago, if your fighting something, let it go. Its not meant to be and if it is , it will fall into place nice and easy. I am really looking forward to the future and all it holds. I know its going to be a great thing!

Spring Shop Hop at Make Mine PInk

Starting March 16th!
The joyful march into spring begins, a cacophony of bird calls fills the blue skies, the trees show their fresh green buds, and the tulips start to poke their heads from the earth to face the sunshine. Colors are about to burst forth, and the earth will be new again. With fresh eyes, we are stocking our shelves with pretty greens, bright yellows, vibrant pinks, and beautiful blues. For the Boutiques at Make Mine Pink, spring cleaning is over, and we would love to show off our fresh new colors and exciting spring merchandise.

Please join us for our "March Into Spring" Shop Hop from March 16 through March 21, 2009. The shop hop is open to anyone that would like to participate (limit one registration per physical address). Please register if you would like to participate.
How to Play
Each of the participating boutiques at the bottom of this page has hidden a Make Mine Pink shopping bag somewhere on its website. Find the shopping bag, and click on it to return to MMP and mark it off your list. At the end of the shop hop, depending on the number of bags you found, you will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

There is no cost to play. All we ask is that you enjoy yourself and take your time looking for the shopping bags—you wouldn't want to miss out on any of the fine products our boutiques are offering during this promotion.

This Friday~~~ A touch of Whimsy

Once in a while, it's fun to take a detour from the normal "a place for everything and everything in its place" ritual and include some whimsical touches in our daily routines. Add a few teasing twists to the poised beauty around us with unexpected delights that give us a little flutter.Tucked away in the corner of a beautifully painted, chic shelf filled with plates covered in hand painted roses, a gossamer-winged fairy, sprinkled with German glass glitter speaks of a side of us that we all let peek out now and again. From a romantic Victorian display made of white vintage wire, a gold garnished teacup and saucer edged with pink and blue buds, spill out another whimsical treat: a tiny bird with a bejewelled beak in a doily nest. The formal tea set with a splash of frivolity reveals a secret sense of silliness we hope to never outgrow. A fairy's magic wand, trussed with a garden pink ribbon and planted in a basket of practicalities, adds an unspoken wish for excitement. Small dashes of dreams make ordinary items extraordinary and diffuse a fine mist of fantasy and fun into everything you do.Paper cupcakes on a tray, teapots tied with bows, a porcelain doll collection in the corner of your room, fairies dancing on pink cupcakes, lacy vintage doilies and gossamer bows. Whatever causes your whimsical self to feel a little flutter - whether be it owls, the newest (or the oldest) collectible, a small hand blown glass kitten - celebrate your whimsical side and surround yourself with things that make you smile

Its time again for Pink Friday at Make Mine Pink. Visit all of us at www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday for a fun and whimsical shopping adventure. One day only, tomorrow Friday , March 13th

Hi :) Its spring in AZ

Hi, I hope everyone is well this week. Its been hard to stay in and work this week. I have had spring fever really bad. The weather has been just beautiful. The orange trees are in blossom and it is the most beautiful scent. The air in the evenings is the perfect temprature and smells like heaven and the birds are singing their little hearts out. :) These are some blossoms I photographed near my home. I am also beginning to work on Easter projects. This is a Chocolate Easter Bunny pillow. I am not 100 percent happy with it, so I am going back and making a couple adjustments on the pattern. But this is a sneak preview of one of the new things I have coming out in the next couple weeks. I hope you are begining to see signs of spring in your neighborhood too! Until next time......

STUDIOS ~ a place to create

I am really excited! I am being featured in the upcoming magazine by Cloth, Paper and Scissors called STUDIOS ,, its release date is March 31. It features the studios and workrooms of artist and creators in all types of fields. Its loaded with inspiration and ideas for your own studio! Be sure to check it out when it arrives on the newstands.

Show and Tell Monday

Whew I made it, I am running late ! I have been pretty much out of commission the last 3 weeks on an overnight petsitting assignment at my bosses house. It was supposed to be a few days. I didnt get much done, just lots of running around. But I was finally home this weekend and I managed to get two things finished today. Yay!!! I hope to have a very productive week. The first thing I got finished is a chocolate dipped strawberry pillow for my Sweet Dreams Bakery line. Then I made one of my rose bracelets. My friend Cindy from Angel Heart Designs makes these handbuilt ceramic roses for me and they are beautiful. She is sending me lots of new colors. She has also made me some starfish and hearts. And we are working on some cupcake charms as well. I cant wait to see the finished product. I will make this short but I will be back later with lots more:) Until next time,,Gail

The French Farm House for Pink Friday

Hi:) This friday for Make Mine Pinks themed shopping day, its the French Farm House. This is a lovely style of decorating. Its a style that is so comfortable and peaceful. So inspired by nature. Fresh flowers fill every room. The smell of french lavender and beautiful colors and rich wood furniture. Make sure to visit the participating shops of Make Mine Pink for one day of French inspired shopping to fill your French Farmhouse style home. One day only, tomorrow, February 20th. Just go to www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday to visit each boutique.

Lollishops ~ All Dolled up Grandopening Blog Party

I hope by now you have all heard of the new online shopping site called Lollishops. We are having a blog party, here on Valentines Day. Its a Grand Opening celebration. Guests: You're invited to our Progressive Blog Party! Visit Chelsea Ann's Blog http://www.ittybittybirdy.blogspot.com/ on February 14th and visit all the participating blogs for your chance to win some fabulous Door Prizes!Each Blog Party will have an item from their LolliShop hidden in their Party Photos. You will find each vendor's item and comment "I found it" to win! If your comment is chosen, you will be asked to name the item you found to win your Door Prize.Don't forget to visit the Official http://www.lollishops.blogspot.com/ for your chance to win a ginormous Gift basket filled with all sorts of fabulous creations! Feel free to stop by my shop at www.lollishops.com/gail-friend-designs and see if you can find my hidden piece. ((())) gail

My Teddy Bears were very excited to get "all dolled up" for such a fun party. They are wearing there finest. What would a party be without fun and pretty treats! I hope you enjoyed your visit. Make sure to visit all of the other parties and join the fun. ((()))gail

Shades of Roses ~ for Pink Friday

As many of you know every friday at www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday we have a wonderful one day only themed shopping event. Each week will change. The participating shop owners always come up with new and beautiful products for these special fridays. This weeks theme is Shades of Roses. Rose themes are our favorites. You wont want to miss this one. Please make sure to visit all of us at Make Mine Pink tomorrow.

Show and Tell Monday~Rescue Me Pets

Today I thought I would feature a new blog that I think is a wonderful service. Its at http://www.rescuemepets.blogspot.com/ . A friend of mine started this new blog in hopes that it will get the message out about shelters and rescues that are in need of publicity. One would have to be an ant under a rock not to know of all the unpleasant economic news. It starts at the top and just keeps trickling down. All the way to loving little dogs and cats. These are some of the economic victims you probably dont think of right away. But with so many people loosing their jobs and homes the animal shelters are filling up at an alarming rate. I know for myself I am facing unemployment very soon. Alot of my friends have stepped up to say not to worry if I need a place, I am always welcome, BUT you cant bring your cats. I love my well meaning friends. But I say this just to illustrate the problem. People are being made to make huge life changing choices, and sometimes they just arent able to take care of their pets too. So if you know of any such organization I am sure Suzanne would love to hear from you. She is doing a wonderful thing! I wish her much success.

I like to keep my blog a positive and creative place. But I also believe it has come a time in America for us to serve. Anyway we can. Its going to take all of us to put it back together again. Thanks for listening..... hugs, gail

I would like you to meet Kathi :)

You meet the nicest people out here in blog land. I was blog hopping a found a great jewelry artist named Kathi. She was having a blog contest for one of her beautiful rings so I left a comment. Much to my happy suprise I WON!!! She sent my pretty pink flower ring and I love it! The presentation was beautiful as well. It came in the most adorable little purse bag and a sample of a wonderful smelling soap. The packaging itself was a gift. You can visit kathi at http://www.caretobead.blogspot.com/ . You can also check out her new Lollishop at www.lollishops.com/vintage-inspired-jewelry .

Winter Whites for a Pink Friday

Its time for Pink Friday againg :) As most of you who are soooo nice to visit here know I belong to Make Mine Pink. Every friday we have a special themed shopping day. Its just the one day only. The members go out of their way to come up with brand new and really special items for these events. This week is Winter Whites. I love how clean and crisp white is. There will be some beautiful things for this weeks theme I am sure. Jewelry, linens, china, pillows, or handbags. So, tomorrow be sure to hop over to this link and check out this weeks participating vendors. Thanks :) www.makeminepink.com/pink-fridays .

Show and Tell Monday ~~~ and the Winner IS....

Hi everyone,, hope ya'll had a great weekend! I have been busy working on my new line of dessert pillows called "sweet dreams bakery". But I needed to take care of some very important business :) The winner of my 100th post blog contest. I had 31 entries... (thank you all!) and my dear friend Pat was over and drew the lucky winner from the hat for me. And as you can see,, it was Helene from Southern California. YAY!!! I sent you my email Helene, send me your address and I will get this pink cupcake pillow out to you right away.

I have been shopping for ingredients for my new creations. Lots of sweet icings and trims. Brown satins for chocolate, red velvet for strawberrys and lots of yummy trims. I have several cut out and will be done very soon. I did get an ice cream cone pillow complete to show you today. So stay sweet and until next time...... hugs, gail

Romantic Rose for Pink Friday

I’ve never seen a rose that I didn’t love. From the first tender blossom of early spring, gently swaying in the breeze, to a beautifully and painstakingly stitched needlepoint, rich in history, I adore them all!
Roses represent so many different things to each of us and are often used to celebrate special occasions such as weddings, births and anniversaries. Roses have also been used throughout the centuries in grand estate as well as small cottage gardens, many styles of home décor and of course fashion. Milliners used silk roses to embellish the finest hats, while seamstresses stitches the richest brocade drapes adorned with roses.
Throughout the years, famous artists have studied and painted every aspect of the rose. Antique lithographs and modern impressionistic paintings inspired by the great rose artists from the 1800s, grace our homes today with their everlasting beauty. Roses continue to gracefully fit every lifestyle and décor.
If you have a soft spot for roses as I do, won’t you please join us for PINK FRIDAY at Make Mine Pink on Friday January 23rd as The boutiques at Make Mine Pink present “Romantic Roses.” www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday

Its a new DAY ~~~ also my 100th post

Today is a historic day in this country. I love the feeling of hope in the air. President Obama has said we will all have to do our part. There is a huge grass roots movement towards service. This is so incredibly awesome. Can you imagine what can be done in this country if we the people jumped in and helped. I am seeing my friends already jumping in. Some were cleaning up trash on a neighborhood street. I have a friend who volunteers at hospitals and nursing homes with her therapy dogs every single week. If there could just be a shift in thought, and we can think about how we can help? Thats what I intend on doing. :) Dont underestimate the power of "paying it forward". Its a universal law, and I have seen what amazing things happen when you adopt this philosophy in life.

AND today is my 100th blog post. This is so much fun, so to celebrate I wanted to have a contest. Just leave me a message here by 5pm pacific time Sunday, January 25th and I will anounce the winner on Show and Tell Monday. The prize will be my brand new design,,, this pink cupcake throw pillow. I will be adding another catagory to my website called "Sweet Dreams Bakery" I have a line of sweet treat throw pillows with lots of trims and fun colors. It literally was an idea that popped in my head while walking through Joanns and its just taken hold. I am really excited about it. I will of course still be doing my jewelry and other designs. Its just a little extra:) Have a wonderful day and celebrate!!!! hugs, gail

Sew and Tell Monday ~~~~Go CARDINALS :)

OK, first things first! I cannot believe the Cardnials are going to the Super Bowl. I am over the top excited!!! I am a native, born and raised in Phoenix. There arent alot of us around. Especially my age. Everyone is from somewhere else here. I have felt so bad for the Cardinals for so long because even at home games people were there to support the other team. If they were playing Dallas, everyone in the stadium was wearing blue, Green Bay and all the cheese heads were there. It seemed nobody wanted to support the home team. Granted they have not been very good,,, but ya still support the HOME TEAM! So maybe, just maybe now they will get the home town support they deserve. OK, off my soapbox, it just had to be said. lol

This week I have been sewing and trying to come up with some new things. I have sewn this artist apron. Its perfect if you work craft fairs. I have several more colors and styles coming. I often see a fabric walking through the fabric store and something just calls out to me. I walked by this adorable pink taffeta with ribbon sewn on it. I thought, that looks like cupcake frosting. Well, why not, so the idea just popped into my head that fast. Cupcake throwpillows. I love the way it turned out. I will also be doing them in a pretty shade of blue and lavender. I have another project about done, but got distracted by the game, so I will show you that later. Have a great week, and happy creating...........until next time...gail PS: I have no idea why my apron is upside down! lol And stay tuned, the next blog post is number 100 and a give away. :)

Make Room for the New ~ Pink Friday

It s my favorite time of the week again. Tomorrow is Pink Friday at Make Mine Pink. This weeks theme is "In with the New". All of us at Make Mine Pink have been really excited and ready to go for the new year and all of its possibilities. We have all been working on new projects and designs. So for this week its all about the NEW! So dont miss out on the newest products and even some never seen before ideas. This is the link: www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday . Its for one day only,, see you there....... gail PS: I know, the photo is unrelated, but so darn cute, and hey, it got your attention :)

Show and Tell Monday ~ Pink Friday Preview

I have been quite busy and had a very productive and creative weekend. I love when that happens! I have loaded quite a few new things on my website today, so if you get the chance be sure to stop by and have a look. http://www.gailfrienddesigns.com/ I have been working alot with Cindy of Angel Heart Designs ceramic roses. We are working on some other projects and they are going to be soooo cute as well. She also has these new cupcake clocks that you really need to check out! http://www.angelheartdesigns.com/ I am working on some sewing projects as well. I have some really cute art aprons that I will show you later this week. Lots and lots of new stuff coming, so stay tuned! This is some of my new jewelry and also I re-created this Guerlain perfume decanter. I just love shabby and pink.

I am almost at my 100th post and I will be having a blog contest to celebrate. I will keep you posted on that later this week as well! Until nex time, happy creating....... gail