Indian Sock Monkeys for Thanksgiving

A FUN Sock Monkey Adventure! INDIANS...for two little boys!!

I did not plan for the mouth to have a "smirk" but it so happens that the twins dad...cannot look at you without a "smirk"... he has always been somewhat self conscience when looking at people. Soooo instead of the SMURFS...we have the "SMIRK" tribe twins.

Had to have fun posing him for his run to hunt....

I used felt for the clothing. I traced on paper first and cut for a perfect fit. Then copied onto felt. Using pinking sheers made perfect "feathers". This was such a FUN project for my twin grandsons.

I loved this stitch...looking like animal tracks....

I hope you enjoyed the adventure...and come up with some of your own to share...

Blessings to you and THANKFULNESS your friendship!!!
HOPE

Gifts and Goodies

I love giving gifts...and it does not have to be a special time of year..just a gift of LOVE..created from the HEART.

I made this HOME MADE sugar scrub..and it is marvelous!!!

I had so much fun making up this jar for a gift to a dear friend. Actually an Evangelist wife, who is always on the road and could use a little pampering time!

The SPOON...came from one of those teeny tiny...CUTE..little ice cream cups! I had saved one and VOILA...perfect for this little jar to scoop up a gallop and pamper oneself!! I also experimented with a PAPER COASTER DOILIE for under the lid and it worked perfectly..as if made for it! A little ribbon and there you have it...A Creative Heart...homemade gift.





A gift sent to a blogging friend... "Good Morning Mary Sunshine"...her's is of course the one with the swirly colors and SUNSHINE smile button to match her personality!

This is a favorite GINGER BREAD cake that makes everyone ask for more!

I decorated it with a simple CAN..yes, I did!! of creamy Butter Creme Frosting! Sprinkled with Cinnamon. I could not believe how good it tasted. I was impressed this time with Betty Crocker! You go GIRL!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FRIENDS HERE!!

HOPE

New Quick Gift Idea

This little sign...was a FUN quick and easy project. The wooden sign covered in scrap booking paper was left over from our Ladies Luncheon last year. Remember?.. "Bloom Where You Are Planted"

I wanted to make something for my sweet neighbor...about to deliver a new baby GIRL. I bought these "stickers" on sale quite a while ago and pulled them out for idea inspiration...

Awww..LOVE PAPER DOILIES...yes!!

Going to purchase some cute ribbon for the holes that will be drilled in the upper left and right corners for hanging.

Maybe...polka dot! Love Polka Dots too!

I made three...

... planning to make some BOY signs as well. These could be used with any kind of 3 D stickers...I'm on the look out now. My CREATIVE HEART linking to my brain...is dreaming of all different THEMES that could be used.


ENJOY.. And Have a CREATIV HEART kind of day!!
HOPE

The JOY of Giving!

My mother received her Quilted Bed Runner today! The JOY of receiving!
She was beside herself...I was so HAPPY.

I had accomplished...my desire!

To hear her HAPPY voice...to know she thought it was perfect..for her Red and White room ...and also surprised at the other little gifts included.

My mother lives...on the West Coast and I'm on the East.

In our family...when we send packages...we have to CALL...and NOT OPEN the pkg..until we can OPEN it while on the phone! WE must HEAR the exclamations of JOY!

She did indeed remark about the DOILY and FLOWER on opening the box! See what a tiny "touch" of a pretty can do!

A sweet friend of mine said...the presentation of a small gift I sent her once...made the entire receiving part so spectacular!!!

It's so FUN.

My sister is the true talented one on this..she has sent me GORGEOUS wrapped packages...and she doesn't just wrap one..ALL of the little goodies with pretty stickers and ribbons...nice little velvet bags...you know!

I just look around in my craft supplies...buttons, stickers..ribbons...little bags...little notes...just look and you'll be surprised at the things you can put on a package...think of a scrabbooking page..only it's the top of your package at opening!!

So next time...Do your package with some added touches of the HEART and HEAR what happens!!

Thanks so all who encouraged me on this project...I'm ready for another!

Yes...it'll be my Sister!

Blessings from the Heart..
HOPE

Bed Runner Progress!!

This is another attempt at my own FREE MOTION quilting!! Humble.

I wish I had seen Pumpkin Patch Quilters feathers before I began...I was actually quite close to the design...SEE what I mean about no pattern and no one telling me how to do this or that!


I spaced my FREE MOTION 2 inches a part

I just finished cutting off the excess batting...and now onto the binding and special label and little touches.

ALWAYS a crafting adventure with me! But, I must say..I learn a lot this way and find my own CREATIVE HEART in the midst!

I've been looking over a kazillon free motion sites and now full of ideas for a fun practise session!

HAPPY QUILTING...HAPPY CREATIVE HEART

HOPE

Coffe Cozy!!

In the mean time...while I'm working on my quilted bed runner. I thought you might like to see a FINISHED project I did a while back.
Great gifts for your Coffee Lovin friends and family!

My first attempt was using a famous drive in "M" Coffee cup! Matched the fabric color! I love their Mocha Frappe' with lots of whip cream!


For my Brother in law Dave...on his birthday.

I saw something similar to these on a blog an decided to try my own!! I saved a STARBUCKS cardboard coffee cozy for a pattern and began my "creative" journey!!

and these for my mom and sister...who meet often at the coffee shoppe. Now they can pull out their very own COFFEE COZY!!! oooh la la...


I traced a pattern onto colored card stock. Wrote "my" directions on the top. The LOOP you see, is for placement of....a STRETCH PONYTAIL holder!! Yep...frugal me! Buy them at the $ store and your all set. I recently bought a batch of various colors to go with the fabrics. Instead of just black.

I also purchased at the grocer...disposable coffee cups with lids for the gift presentation. The cozies actually go on "upside down"...so you need this to show how they actually fit on the cup. They do not slide either!!!
My cardboard cozy from the coffee shoppe would always slip.


I sandwiched the top piece with batting. On this cozy, I did a row of two quilted lines on (front) each side. You can use an overall quilting pattern as well..whatever YOU like! Nice option!!

I then placed the stretchy pony tail holder facing INSIDE as a loop (cut the size you want) for stretch over a button. The stretch can be long as I found it then fits various size cups. USE ONE LOOP. The other side will have a button on the front. As seem above in the "gift" photo.

Sew the back and front (right sides together) and leave an opening (one the side)..NOT near the edge)..for turning. When you turn...the loop should be on one side.

SUPPLIES..a Fat Quarter of fabric will make several...or scraps that fit the pattern piece. Cotton batting, pony tail holder...thread...and disposable coffee cup w/lid and your all set to begin your own COFFEE COZY JOURNEY!!


This is actually my practise cozy...love the leather button on this one!

They are also great for those very COLD slushes and stainless coffee holders that can be too hot or cold to handle.

Then stitch opening...and add your choice of button with shank...so loop can go over button.

VOILA... c'est fini!!

HOPE

Work in Progress...Quilt bedrunner

Instead of a table runner....A BED RUNNER!

A Bed Runner goes at the end of the bed and gives the appearance of a full folded Quilt! A great idea! It can still be folded nicely to lay on a chair or shelf. They are easy to interchange with your decor and seasonal changes!!

I recall a Hotel we stayed in last year had a bedrunner, though not quilted. The nice "touch" of color (Sage Green) complimented the white bedding and colorful paintings.

This is a take on the Chinese Coins pattern.

I decided to space the scrappy strip groupings. Usually, a Chinese Coin is in columns of strips. This is for my Mother; she wanted a simple red checked bed runner for her "red and white" room. I had to explain that a Quilter cannot possibly just Quilt a piece of red checked fabric!!! ...well for practise maybe!!


The backing and binding is Red Check.... I have a surprise I'm doing with buttons as well. Buttons are so much fun...with any craft!

I convinced her, I would make it simple in presentation...but it would be creative!! and from my HEART!!

My biggest problem..is making QUILTS without patterns!! aaargh..WHY? Oh WHY? do I do this????? Patterns are PLANNED and have the measurements all figured out for you!!! and How many of EACH piece!!!

NOT ME...nooo. I have to decide as I go...then remeasure... cut and square up..

Measure twice ...CUT ONCE!!! A Quilt motto!!

I have to lay out my tools. A friend made me the beautiful..rotary cutter holder! Could also be used for eye glasses...she being a QUILTER...

it's for ROTARY CUTTERS!!

I LOVE my rulers!! The long one has a lip that fits over my cutting mat and keeps it from sliding as I cut and keeps it straight. Sooo important in Quilting.

I'm in the midst of this project as I write. I am hoping to finish this weekend and get it in the mail. I'll post the finished BED RUNNER on my next post.

Thank you for stopping by....

and remember... A FAT QUARTER IS NOT A BODY PART!!!

answer:(a 22 X 18 inch piece of fabric!!)

Have A Creative Heart kind of day!!!
HOPE

Don't Miss The Journey For The Destination!

I will be embarking on a new journey with a destination....to please the LORD....to fulfill a purpose he has laid upon my heart at this time...and to reach the end with his blessings...and to HIS Praise and Glory.

I will be on a blogging break for some time...and truthfully, do not know if I will be back to blogging. However...my heart always has the desire to share the blessings of GOD and to encourage others with HIS WORD. THUS...I may be compelled from time to time to write a post here. THUS...In the midst of this journey...I will still be doing various crafts as well.

If you would like to continue to be a follower... I will be honored.

If you are a first time visitor..WELCOME! I hope you will be able to glean some fun here from crafts and ideas for Ladies Luncheons and gift giving ideas.

My sincerest THANK YOU to all who have come by and left kind comments!


Blessings..
HOPE

TEA and Sock Monkey's

Two of my favorite pass times...

Tea with a dear friend and making these fun sock monkey's!






I had this pleasure recently when my dearest friend Sue joined me for TEA and a sock monkey challenge! I asked if she would like to help make some SOCK Monkey's for her grandchildren due in for a visit. Her daughter Missy was due home for a short visit while on deputation with her husband and children. Missionaries to Bulgaria. A very dear family to me, personally...I fill in as Nana to these children, when Sue is gone herself to the Mission Field of Papua New Guinea.

We scouted the stores for SOCKS! I wonder what people were thinking as we chatted how this pair or that pair was soo CUTE! Okay..some socks worn are cute...but not like OUR conversation!

Like this BABY one...the socks were sooo SOFT...so imagine me cuddling this pair to my face! and other customers saying..."OKAY..LADY"???


But, for sweet little Kaitlyn...going on three years old..this was perfect!


And the names commenced..."Peppermint Patty" for the baby.

"Buddy" for Joshua..."Polly" and "Penelope"(the II)...the older girls could choose.

Along with my Quilting Stash of Fabrics...I now own a Sock Monkey Stash...and plenty for future projects to come.

ENJOY!
Hope

Work in Progress

I ADORE this Quilt pattern and fabric!!!

It is what is known in Quilting lingo...as a QUILT TOP...and a WIP (work in progress) or UFO (unfinished object---don't like this phrase!!)

I'm in the process of "Quilting" ...I would have liked to have done this one by HAND, but my health issues at the moment don't allow me. Thus...OUTLINE stitching. I haven't decided on the border "Quilting" ..so if anyone has suggestions...say on!!!

In my admiration of this lovely top...my SWEET friend..making this for herself..decided to send it to ME! What a treasure! The friendship and the Quilt top.





I had even sent her some of the fabrics in the top!! Amazed at how she put them ALL in this...Says a lot for her EYE for COLOR! A MUST in Quilting..you have to have that one or two fabric "POP" to catch your eyes..and give them also a rest in the overall viewing of a Quilt.

(hey I really do know SOMETHING about the art of Quilting!!!)

I have other projects in the making as I am able...always a SOCK MONKEY!

(You can read of my health updates and prayer needs at my other blogs)

THANK YOU FRIENDS for following my blog and the encouragement it gives to keep CREATING FROM THE HEART!!

Blessings to you..
HOPE

Quick fun gifts!

Made myself a little bag for my "Pink" Breast Cancer Awareness bag
(lovingly given to me by my sister)



...and then a matching tissue holder. I LOVE IT!
I followed a tutorial somewhere in blog land!

I saw one just today also with a cute strap! (now why didn't I think of that!)
so nice to glean other people's wonderful ideas...

I hope you enjoy gleaning some homemaking inspiration here as well!
(if you would like directions I did save some pics for you to follow)




I made this black and white bag and tissue holder for my daughter along with one of my "HOPE" totes..a matching set. (note in the pic I was not quite finished with sewing on the button!)




Here is one I made for a friend..to thank her for helping us with our nursing home ministry.


What better gift to give than something you yourself find very useful

AND one from your Creative Heart!

Cute, quick, Pincushion

For one of our CRAFT times during our monthly ladies Bible study...we made these CUTE simple pincushions.

They are made with strips of felt...rolled one on top of the other into a ROLL the size you like. Then embellished to look like a little "cake".

Roll TIGHT and then wait til the very last strip to glue.

Embellish with ribbons, buttons, whatever you like.

I happen to have some little ribbon roses that made the perfect topping for my petite Birthday cake. CANDLES...colored pins!


Enjoy creating one for yourself or a great little gift..from the heart!

HOPE

NEW DAD Basket idea

If any of you follow my blog THIS IS THE DAY..you know we were just blessed with TWIN Grandsons...

New mom's get so much attention that the poor DAD most of the time is just there..of course in the case of TWINS that really isn't so..but I wanted to do something SPECIAL for my son on this very exciting event.

He and his wife are/were? Surfers..and when I found the little Hot Wheels with the Woody and surf boards... PERFECT!



I was on a search for a t-shirt or hat )happily Father's Day coming up made this very eas...I found a nice Vintage looking Tee that said WORLD's GREATEST DAD...in a "base ball" type font. I rolled the Tee and placed in the basket...with "DAD" sure to be noticed!

My son loves Malted Milk Balls...so added a box along with some other "muchies"...and another cute little Hot Wheel's car... I laughed afterwards not realizing it was named.."passer-gasser"...so appropriate for newborns!

The basket was a nice brown immitation raffia/wrap...one that will be well used by my daughter in law (she is very organized and loves baskets!) ..so really a gift for her too...and I also put in some chocolate covered pretzels as HER treat.

My son and his wife took the bow and two cute GIANT plastic DIAPER PINS from the basket and placed them on the front door of their home upon arrival with THE BOYS!

See THIS IS THE DAY (side bar link)...for more on the TWINS~




I hope this "IDEA" inspires you for a soon to be new DAD you know!

Blessings..
HOPE

Simple Pleasures

I put together this simple little gift to WELCOME a young couple into our neighborhood. Sweet newlyweds and military. We chatted for a while and I invited them to church. I also let them know we are prior military, so we understand the separation times and are nearby if they need us for anything.

I didn't want to give a food item since you never know if anyone has food allergies or on a DIET! like most of us are! So, as I pondered around in the store....I thought about potpourri smelling nice in a new house! I looked around and loved this little container.

I went back and forth on colors...then decided the smell of this potpourri was refreshing and so went with the brown and teal ribbon to match. Popular colors now..so maybe it'll fit



I had purchased the little sticker on my (humble) little homemade card a while back and how handy it was for this gift. The perfect touch.



They were very surprised when I came over with gift in hand!! and as I was leaving...Adam said....

"Thank you, thank you very much! this really means a lot!"

As I walked across the street back to my home, I thanked the LORD for the opportunity to not only show kindness and friendship, but also invite them to church...and have such a positive response! Praise the LORD!!

I thought about the many parents who have Prodigals out of church and pray daily for someone to encourage them or invite them to church!!

Maybe..just maybe...I was someone's answer to prayer! (a nice thought!!)

A Creative Heart...can also be a Loving Heart...and a Giving Heart!


HOPE~

Counting My Blessings

Some of you may recognize this little wooden basket...Pam at Good News From A Far Country (Estonia) posted about the lady that makes this craft.

I am privileged to own one! I received this wonderful surprise in the mail this week; along with a thimble to add to my collection.



I love how the blonde wood matches my hutch perfectly! Right now I am admiring the workmanship...but soon,it may hold bobbins or buttons~



Pam is my "Daughter in the LORD" We met several years ago and our fellowship grew closer as we spent quality time together sharing our walk with the LORD. When she moved we continued to keep in touch and even with the years and miles apart...she has been an ever present blessing in my life...and we have actually grown closer.

It is amazing how the fellowship in Christ gives us a bond that none can know but those truly born again. There is a peace, and like mindedness that brings to light the desires of ones heart that is shared on both sides. Fellowship in Christ is so very sweet.

Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. KJV 1611