Recently I was invited to a baby shower and tucked in with the invitation was a note stating that it would be wonderful and well appreciated if the attendees would like to contribute (in story book form) to the new baby's library. What a fabulous theme/idea for a baby shower!
And hurray! I finally got my stamps, ink and cardstock out to make a baby shower card!
For the card I used Stampabilities, "Tall Tales" which is one of the Happy Hopper line of House Mouse stamps. Since we don't know the gender of the baby yet I wanted to keep the card non-gender specific and simple. The "Tall Tales" stamp fit perfectly with the baby shower's theme.
For the baby's gift of a book for the library I knew immediately that I wanted to make a cloth book (fabric book). I recently found a number of different cloth book panels and ordered some to make some books. Since I've always had a fondness for Beatrix Potter, her artwork and delightful stories, I chose this adaptation of Beatrix Potter's "Tale of Benjamin Bunny."
Of course I had to play with the book and read it over and over before I wrapped it and sent it off. I sure wish I could be cuddling the little one and reading to him/her but for now, this video is my only means to read it to the baby.
If you have never seen book panels before, this is what they look like when you buy them. I have three other stories to make into books:
The books go together quickly and basically you cut out panels, back them with either flat batting (which I used) or medium weight pellon woven interfacing to give the pages stability and heft, and then sew them together.
I think I'll get a bit more creative with my next cloth book and perhaps put piping on the book edges and/or do some quilting on them.
So that is my take on Books and Bunnies and Baby Showers and, of course, Beatric Potter.
After a long time of hemming and hawing about it, I finally opened my own shop on Etsy! I'm really excited about it too. I have some fun plans for my shop in the future, though that does (of course!) depend upon how well the shop is received. My shop name is INKINUPSTAMPS. If you click on the present icon above it should take you directly to my shop. I've also added an Etsy badge on my sidebar that will take you there as well.
My blog, here at Thimbles, Bobbins, Paper and Ink, will remain my blog where I'll continue to post about stamping and card creations, fiber arts that I'm working on, my critters and garden and what I'm reading.......none of that will change. So I hope you'll continue to visit here. I've really grown to care about my blog followers. You are such a wonderful group of online friends that without the magic of cyberspace, I may never have gotten to know you.
For the past week I've been posting here on my blog my ALICE Totes and EMMA FAYE Totes. Each tote is now available in my Etsy shop.
In the future I'll be adding some children and infant toys/gifts, kitchen apparel (yes, aprons and hotpads/potholders) as well as some fun designs for your four legged furry friends.
So that is my exciting news this morning.
I hope you have a wonderful week. I have not inked up a stamp in ages and my stamps, cardstock and inkpads are calling me, so cardmaking will be the highlight of today, for me (oh yes, and some Monday morning laundry to wash too!)
Would you like to see one more ALICE TOTE BAG? This tote is made from Hoffman Fabric's Holiday Cheer in Black - Small Holiday Cardinals fabric. The subtle gold metalic thread make the cardinals stand out on the branches pine on a black background. The ruffled flounce at the opening of the bag is trimmed in metal gold and back trim giving it a very festive flare. The inside of the bag is made with Hoffman Fabric Holiday Cheer - Red Pointsettia Scrolls. I've included a zippered pocket adorned with gold metalic trim and a black satin ribbon centered with a gold seed bead. And of course, the bag has a handy key clip attached to satin ribbon to keep your keys easy to find. This bag is deep and roomy and will easily hold your holiday shopping purchases.
Thanks for stopping by and seeing yet another of my Alice Tote bag.
Mustard yellow and bright teal! This Floral Elements Alice Tote is bright and bold and eyecatching. The outer bag is made from Bari J. Ackerman fabric from the Journal collection. The lining print is a gorgeous fabric from Floral Element Solutions in Teal. I just love the combination of these two prints creating a bag that's as pretty inside as it is on the outside.
A zipper pocket keeps small items easy to find, while the side key clip helps you keep track of your keys. The rest of the bag is big and roomy to hold everything you'll need on your outing.
And like all Alice Totes, this bag has the flirty flounce of a ruffle under the round, sturdy handles. It is feminine and practical and measures approximately 18" wide and 14"tall.
Thanks for taking a peek. One more holiday bag in the Alice design to come.
Introducing one of my new Alice ruffle, barrel totes made in a lovely Laura Gunn Dogwood Stripe fabric and lined with a yummy milk chocolate brown lining fabric. As with all Alice Tote Bags, the inside wouldn't be complete without a zippered pocket and a key clip. The Alice tote is deep and roomy, measuring approximately 19" wide at its fullest point and 14" tall. The round handles are sturdy to support the bag's contents without collapsing. The bag is feminine with a flippy ruffle and yet playful with its blue denim background that will look perfect with your favorite jeans. Playful, feminine and practical...this bag has it all! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying as lovely a day as we are here in the Ottawa valley. It is sunshiney, cool and perfect autumn weather.
If you've been following along the past few days you've seen the Emma Faye Totes I've been making. Today I want to introduce you to the Alice Tote. The Alice tote is named in honor of my maternal grandmother. I've been carrying and using a summer print version of this tote all last summer. This barrel tote with a flirty, flippy ruffle top is very roomy. The round handles are sturdy and made from rubber tubing encased in the beautiful Victorian White Pine and Ornaments fabric from RJR fabrics.
Inside this deep bag is a zippered pocket to hold your cell phone or makeup and also attached for your convenience is a key clip on a beautiful gold satin ribbon.
I encourage you to double click the photo to enlarge it and see the beautiful fabric with metalic touches, the pinecones and beautiful blue ornaments.
Have you begun your holiday shopping? Are you in need of a festive tote or bag to carry your purchases, or perhaps to use as you handbag throughout the holiday season? My Christmas Cardinal Emma Faye Tote may be just what you are looking for. This tote is made from gorgeous metalic fabrics from Hoffman Fabric Holiday Cheer collection using the Small Holiday Cardinal fabric paired with Holiday Cheer Red Pointsettia Scrolls fabric.
Inside the tote are two pockets detailed with a gold seed bead handsewn inside a satin ribbon bow. And no tote is complete without a key clip to safely hold your keys in place.
On the outside of the bag each pieced square is adorned with a tiny gold seed bead for an addition of sparkle and the top edge of the bag is piped with gold piping trim.
This tote bag measures approximately 13" X 14" and is interfaced with medium weight woven pellon for stability and lined in black satin.
Not too much longer and my Etsy shop will be open for business and the Emma Faye Totes I've shown you the past several days along with the Alice Tote, which I'll introduce tomorrow will be in the shop.
I have a few more sneak peeks at totes I've been making. This cheery red, black and white tote is made using blocks from Poppy Lane by Alice Monroe fabrics. This deep tote will hold your laptop, your shopping purchases and double as a purse when you are at the market, mall or on your way to the office.
Between each block I've added more flower buds. The quilt block pattern is backed with batting and a simple zigzag stitch is added to quilt between the blocks.
Inside the bag, I've used a satin lining and added two pockets which are also adorned with ribbon and lace and more flowers. As well, so you don't lose your keys in the bottom of the bag, I've added a key clip for quick access to your keys.
The tote measures approximately 14" X 13". Nice and roomy.
I'm calling my patchwork quilts the Emma Faye Tote, named in honor of my paternal grandmother. Both of my grandmothers were influencial in my love and learning to sew. I have one more Emma Faye Tote to show you and then I'll present my Alice Tote, named for my maternal grandmother. The Alice tote is a different style.
All totes will soon be posted in my Etsy shop so I hope you'll continue to keep checking in to see what is new.
One year ago a life long dream of mine to own a horse came true. What I didn't ever begin to imagine in my dream of owning a horse was how much a part of you your horse becomes. Gypsy means the world to me and I can't imagine a day without her.
So here is my feeble first attempt at a little one year video from the day I first saw and met Gypsy, to when she was delivered to the barn where I keep her and just a few of many happy days we have shared together.
How thrilled I was when I learned that Stampin' Up! is now offering fat quarters of fabric selections! Not only are coordinating fabrics available in the winter mini catalog, but also coordinating buttons and seam binding. I didn't hesitate a moment before placing my order.
I knew immediately that the "Deck the Halls" designer fabric would work perfectly for a patchwork quilt bag. I made up a pinwheel pattern and set out cutting and sewing and piecing the fabric pieces together. Using the "cherry cobbler" fabric on top as an added header piece to the bag I wove the seam binding through some ribbon and added the a "cherry cobbler" colored button in the center of the bag. I love making and using totes and I've come to discover that no tote bag is complete without added inside pockets and a key clip. My bags are deep enough to carry large items but I don't want to have to worry about digging in the bottom to find my keys or cell phone or pen. So I've attached a key clip as well as two inside pockets.
I never can throw away scraps of fabric and this was no exception. Recently, I was one of several very lucky winners of ABBEY LANE QUILTSbook titled, "Blooming Possibilities." This delightful book contains patterns for flowers, bags and hats. The flower I made is made by following the instructions in the book for the LIZZIE flower. Using my Nestibilities large circle dies I cut out layers of the fabric and netting, layered them together, slashed, wetted and shredded the "petal" and added the seam binding for leaves and stem and a button in the center. I attached a pin back.
I think this flower is fun attached to the tote bag and also can be used as a lapel pin on your winter coat or perhaps pinned to your winter hat. I have spent this past month since my last post busily sewing. I've created a number of different tote bags in beautiful fabrics and styles and perfect for the coming holidays to give as gifts as well as tote your packages in as you do your holiday shopping. Coming very soon, I'll post my new Etsy shop. In the meantime I'll preview some of the bags.
While I'm on the topic of Etsy, my eventual plan is to carry not only tote bags but also dog/pet items, as well as children's toys and clothing. Those are longterm goals, but to begin with I'll feature a variety of totes.
Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. My husband and I are spending a lovely day together enjoying the absolutely, positively, perfectly wonderful autumn weather while doing the things we enjoy most. That is being outdoors with our dogs, my horse and Paul even took a motorcycle ride.
Early this morning we set off for the forest to give Noah, Gabriel and Paige, our Newfoundland dogs, a fun romp off leash. Noah is my 7 month old Newfoundland puppy. He's black and stands behind Gabriel, my 3 1/2 year old Landseer Newfoundland. Noah still has a lot of growing to do and we feel certain he'll be a lot bigger than his brother and sister since he's still a puppy. Above is Paige, my sweet Landseer girl. Noah and Gabriel (above) set off to enjoy the scents of the fields and forest. Noah has the longest tongue of any Newf I've ever owned. Of course he'd been exercising and was tired when I took the photo but that tongue of his is always hanging out one side or the other of his mouth.
After we returned home from our walk with the dogs, I fixed us a nice breakfast and then began preparing the turkey to be stuffed and put in the oven. Once I had all of the cooking preparation finished and cleaned up the kitchen, I went out to the barn to visit my sweet Gypsy mare. As soon as Gypsy saw me walking through the field toward her she stopped grazing and came right to me. Gypsy is the sweetest, most wonderful mare I could ever dream of. She is such a sweetheart and I love her to bits.
This is just a photo of the milkweed pods bursting and blowing the 'fairies' through the air. They were so pretty.
Well, it is now almost dinner time for a Thanksgiving dinner. The aroma of the turkey roasting smells WONDERFUL! The potatoes are cooking and I am trying out The Pioneer Woman's, cornbread and apple and herb stuffing. It looks delicious and I think if it tastes as good as it looks and smells it will become our new traditional stuffing (dressing). I also made a Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert in lieu of the traditional pumpkin pie.
Ooohhhh I'm hungry so I'm going to post this and set the table and enjoy the rest of this good Thanksgiving day with my husband.
I'm crazy for pumpkins! I love to eat pumpkin and have been baking up quite a storm in preparation for Thanksgiving, which here in Canada, is Monday 11 October. I've made Pumpkin Cheesecake (YUMMMMMMY!!), Pumpkin Roll, Pumpkin Cookies and for dinner tonight I plan to make my famous Pumpkin Soup. Yes! I'm crazy for pumpkins.
But not only do I like to eat foods made with pumpkin I also like to make and collect pumpkin ornaments and decorations. That brings me to todays SUPER FAST 10 MINUTE NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKIN. This little cutie makes a super cute table decoration or a table place setting favor. You can make them in any size your heart desires so a variety of sizes and shapes are easily crafted in just minutes.
So simple and so cute. Here is a top view. The total time to make from start to finish is 10 minutes. The supplies are simple as well. You'll need wool batting for the pumpkin center. Then use a variety of colors of wool roving for your pumpkin, leaf and stem. I used a slightly different color of orange for the lines of the pumpkin but you could easily use embroidery floss, I think. You will need a super sharp felting needle and a foam mat to work on. The only caution when felting is BE CAREFUL! I find felting very relaxing and have to remember not to forget that I'm punching with a very sharp needle! YIKES! Form the wool batting into a ball or shape that you'd like your pumpkin to be. Take very thin pieces of the orange roving and begin felting with the needle. The punch, punch, punch process goes very quickly. If you see thin spots you can easily fill in with small pieces of roving. Next I added my lines to the pumpkin with a slightly different color of wool and twisted it first into very thin lines. Punch it into place spacing the lines in thirds and divide the thirds again. Now for the leaf, pinch off a small piece of green wool and shape it into a leaf shape. I felted it flat first and then attached it to my pumpkin. Finally you are ready for the stem and again, pinch off a very small piece of brown/rust colored wool and shape into a stem and felt it to the top of the pumpkin.
I'm considering making a cornucopia of various fruits and vegetables using this simple needle felted technique. Imagine apples, carrots, pears, beans (yes beans! why not?) and every imaginable fruit and vegetable.
I did not create the video (below) but it is a great example of the process to make these felted pumpkins:
Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians on Monday (tomorrow). Cheers!
Recently I purchased an e-Reader. Specifically, the Kobo. I am thoroughly enjoying it and decided that perhaps once a month I'd review books I've read recently. I love learning what others enjoy reading as well, so I hope that if you are an avid reader of any genre of literature you'll share your thoughts as well as books you've read and recommend.
The first book I want to share is ROOM, by Emma Donoghue.
Goodreads synopsis: To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.
Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.
Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.
My thoughts: ROOM is an 11' X 11' world to 5 year old Jack. The story is told through Jack's eyes and his vision of what the world is knowing no other world than this ROOM in which he and his Ma are confined. Jack takes the reader into the world within ROOM and then his discovery of the world outside the door.
I really had my doubts that this story would be as moving, insightful and troubling as it was. I'm so glad I decided to read it despite some previous doubts. How could a 5 year old's narrative hold the reader's interest? Well, most definitely held mine.
I highly recommend this book! Here is a video book-trailer of ROOM:
The second book I'm eager to share is A DOG'S PURPOSE by w. Bruce Cameron. Goodreads synopsis: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose? Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog’s Purpose is not only the story of a dog’s many lives, but also a dog’s-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man’s best friend. This beautifully crafted novel teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on Earth is born with a purpose.
My thoughts: If you love or have ever loved a dog, this book is a must read for you. I'm not a fast reader but I did read this in one day. I couldn't put it down. Why? Because it is unlike any other dog story you'll read. It touched my heart. Told from the dog's perspective and taking you through the "what if" a dog lives many lives the reader follows this dog's journey to discover what his/her purpose is. Heartwarming, funny and emotionally charged as well, I highly recommend this book to people who love dogs. I know I'll read this many times, I loved it that much!
A video Book-trailer of A Dog's Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron
For the card I used Stampabilities, "Tall Tales" which is one of the Happy Hopper line of House Mouse stamps. Since we don't know the gender of the baby yet I wanted to keep the card non-gender specific and simple. The "Tall Tales" stamp fit perfectly with the baby shower's theme.
Of course I had to play with the book and read it over and over before I wrapped it and sent it off. I sure wish I could be cuddling the little one and reading to him/her but for now, this video is my only means to read it to the baby.
