The clutch craze continues...

Awhile back, I posted a picture of my very first clutch that I learned to make at quilt group. Learning to sew on a zipper has totally transformed my craft making abilities! I think I watched several youtube videos on zippers and clutches in the week following that quilt group meeting. Anyway, I decided to make a bunch of clutches for birthday presents for friends out of the darling DS Quilts Collection from Joann Fabrics. My cousin Mary from Material Mary, mentioned it so I found the designer line at my local store and knew the prints would look great. I have a link to her cute blog on my sidebar.

Look familiar?

So, a friend of mine saw the clutch at one of our birthday dinners and asked if I could make a cute little one for her phone. So I checked out etsy to see what kind of ideas were out there and started working on my little prototype. :) I'm a little embarrassed to post my first phone clutch because I have used it so much that it's starting to look a little dingey. But here's one that I finally got around to making for my friend. My phone clutch is for a blackberry so it's a bit smaller, this one is for an iphone so it's a little taller.  I searched for a large lobster clasp and was totally surprised to find some at Joann's. It's by Darice Jewelry Designer and comes in a 2pk. I've seen these cute little clasps on clutches, wallets, and purses of all shapes and sizes.

And here we are! I'd love to make a contribution to the world of tutorials with this little one especially since I have benefitted so much from what others have put online. I'm sure there might be some tutorials already out there but I'm proud to say that this is one that I figured out on my own.

And lastly, here are the latest clutches I've made. These turned out much smaller that I was imagining. You'd think I would have realized that when cutting them out but still, they will be a fun little size for makeup, or whatever you might need in your purse. Here's the link to the tutorial. http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/04/27/pleated-pouch-tutorial/
I did make a few changes as my experience with clutch making has evolved. I prefer a wristlet with my clutches and I like to use fusible interfacing to give the clutch some structure. You could also use a warm and natural type batting but I opted not to. Also, adding small tabs to the ends of the zipper improves the overall appearance of the opening.

What a find...

So where do you keep your earphones or bluetooth for your phone or ipod? Mine earphones are tangled up near my dashboard. One of the blogs I followed posted this darling tutorial that solves all your earbud dilemmas! Check it out! A few of my buddies are getting these little cuties for Christmas...sssshhhh...don't tell! http://erinerickson.com/2011/11/circle-zip-earbud-pouch-tutorial/

Easy Christmas tablerunner

Remember my tablerunner with fall colors a few posts back? Well, I decided to make one for my sister for Christmas with some of my Christmas stash from last year. I love seeing blue in Christmas fabrics. How about you? I went out to Riverside on Veteran's day to have a craft day with my cousins. I helped them make some darling little waitress aprons for their girls while I worked on Hollie's tablerunner. Kathy happened to pick up some of the same fabrics I did so I gave her some of my extra strips to give her a jump start on her runner. She's thrilled with how it turned out. I think she's made like four already! Way to go Kath!  I sent off Hollie's last week and she called me yesterday and loves it. Mom got a table topper which unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of. Maybe I can get her to send me one and I'll post it later. After I sent of Hollie's, I was dying to make one for myself so I got busy and here's the result. It fits nicely on my little cedar chest table.

Again, here's the link to the wonderful tutorial: http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/08/table-runner-tutorial.html

Wah-lah! Here's mom's table topper:

My clutch craze

It's so amazing the things you can find online! I googled "clutch tutorial" and came across this fantastic site that showcases 14 free tutorials. http://tipnut.com/clutch-purses/
Here's the one I tried out. http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html
I just added the wristlet. For the longer lengths, I tied a little knot. I thought they turned out super cute. And they've been a hit for birthday gifts. So now, I just have to work on building up my stash because it seems like I'm giving them away as fast as I'm making them!

November Card Swap

Check out the cute cards from my card swap! Mine is the "merry & bright" christmas tree card.

http://needles-n-notions.blogspot.com/2011/11/card-exchangethe-rest-of-story.html

I came home inspired to try out the folded circles flower. So cute! Here's what I came up with. I used Stampin' Up!'s Spice Cake Designer Series Paper. And I used the 3/4" circle punch for the flower pedals. These flowers are so fun and easy to make. Love that paper!

And then I decided to jazz up my swap card after finding some cute ribbon from Michaels.

Why Mondays never get me down...

because Aubrey doesn't have preschool. And I get a lot of "Mom, I have a surprise for you. Hold out both your hands and close your eyes."

Aubrey discovered that she can draw birds today. She's got draiwng rainbows down thanks to the Cat in the Hat. I loved her little commentary when she surprised me with her picture. She said, "I can draw birds real good. Look, beak, eyes, head, wings and body!"

My new little brood

We made the Little Red Hen pincushions at quilt group last week. Once I started, I couldn't stop and if it wasn't for To Kill a Mockingbird and my card swap tomorrow night, I'd be making MORE! I'm working on making my very first tutorial. After showing a few people, I'm thinking a tutorial would be a good idea. I'm hoping to post it on our quilt group blog http://quiltgroupbees.blogspot.com/ when it's finished.

Halloween FUN

I decided to take the kids to Disneyland for some spooktacular fun on Friday before Halloween. This was probably not one of my brighter ideas since Disneyland closed at 7 for Mickey's Halloween Party BUT, we ended up having a great time and we talked Aaron into going in the Haunted House. The decorations were awesome! That was my first time seeing it decorated asThe Nightmare Before Christmas and guess who ended up liking it? Aaron! He wants to take Mike on it now.

Here are our trick-or-treaters! We went trick-or-treating with our friends the Hernandez family. The kids had a great time and our neighborhood did not disappoint! I was happy to see Aaron get use out of his Jedi costume once again and Connor wore Aaron's skeleton costume from last year. Aubrey was our little pink princess thanks to Grandma's mad sewing skills!

 Nothing like waiting to the last minute to carve pumpkins. On Hallow's Eve we got busy scooping, cutting, poking, slicing, gutting, mwuh-ha-ha and finally lighting our jack-o-lanterns. Aaron had the idea to have a happy face on one side of his jack-o-lantern and a scary face on the other side. Mike suggested placing the happy face towards oncoming trick-or-treaters and then as they'd leave, they'd see the scary face. Aaron really got into the Halloween spirit and helped me with a lot of the front yard decorations! I wish we would have gotten a picture! bah. It got to be late so I decided to make mine in the morning.

I really wanted to make a pretty pumpkin this year. Had smoochy lips all prepared and everything but Connor thought it was way to nice and frankly not my style. He was absolutely right! What was I thinking? So I turned Vicky into a vampire much to Connor's delight.

It's a mad craft world!

Yes, I've been happily crafting a lot lately. Last month, I was asked to teach the women in my Relief Society how to make fabric flowers at our October mini craft night. Since I hadn't attempted any prior (seriously do not know what took me so long!!!), my first instinct was to google "fabric flowers" and boy, did I find a great many excellent tutorials on fabric flowers! My favorites were the rolled (fabric), carnation (fabric), and peony (ribbon type) flowers. Here's a few pictures of some that I made and taught.

Check out these amazing tutorials.

http://tipnut.com/fabric-flowers/

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/03/22/10-beautiful-fabric-flower-tutorials/

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/12/tutorial-rolled-fabric-flowers/

So after I got home, I realized I needed something to put all of Aubrey's flowers on. My friend made a cute board to display the flowers for our mini craft night and so I decided to do something similiar. Here's what I came up with.  I definitely should have added another row to utilize the space more but not too shabby if I say so myself.

Our little pumpkin patch

On Monday, the kids and I did this cute little craft as our FHE activity. It was so much fun and the kids did great! I even got the boys to pick up a needle and thread! Thank you craftbuds.com! They have tons of great tutorials! Beware, you'll want to make everything!
http://www.craftbuds.com/fabric-pumpkins-tutorial/

Connor made one for his teacher to give to her for her birthday. He was really proud of his pumpkin!

Halloween Mumbo Gumbo Table Topper

I'm very happy to finally post something on my blog! I have been busy having so much fun with lots of projects and I just haven't had time to blog about it. I've been going between quilting and card making. I just don't know how all these talented crafty bloggers find the time to blog, craft, and raise a family! It's crazy! Anyway, after my wonderful trip to Utah for the quilting retreat last June, I decided it was finally time to share what I learned. So I showed my quilt group how to make the Mumbo Gumbo pattern ( http://www.pieintheskyquilts.com/mumbogumbo.html) and we used it with Halloween prints to make this fun Halloween table topper. It's a little busy but that's kind of the idea and hey, it's all about October FUN!

Last week, a friend asked me to help her with making some table runners. I remembered a runner that a friend of mine in my quilt group made last spring and thought it would be perfect.  She sent me the link to the tutorial she followed. This blogger has fantastic tutorials btw! http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/08/table-runner-tutorial.html So after helping my friend out, I couldn't wait to get started on my own. Here's mine.

I liked the idea of throwing some turquoise in there. It doesn't exactly go with my dining/living room decor but it's definitely a fun and fresh fall mix of color. I might just surprise a friend who happens to love turquoise. I'm thinking I'll do another one with my leftover Halloween strips. And then it's on to Christmas prints! I'll try to get some pictures of my cards up! But in the meantime, here's a link to my friend Tina's blog who posts all our card swaps. Check out her cute blog here: http://needles-n-notions.blogspot.com/ You'll also see a post on our quilt group action. Oh, my card was the Wild About You!

Best Padres Souvenir

Mike took the boys to a Padres game with a bunch of friends a couple weeks ago and they had some great seats. Matt Latos tossed a game ball up to Connor. Thanks Matt!

Aubrey's Royal Disneyland Adventure with cousin Olivia



Connor's Camping Adventures with Dad and Uncle Randy

Almond Joy Cookies

Here's my version of an Almond Joy Cookie:

1/2 c. softened butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. pure vanilla OR pure almond flavoring

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/4 c. white whole wheat flour

1 c. old fashioned oats

1/3 c. almond meal

1/4 c. ground flaxseed (optional)

1/4 c. finely ground coconut

1-2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Cream butter, sugars, egg and vanilla. Scrap bowl and mix well. Add dry ingredients. You may have to play around with the dry ingredients. I sneak in all kinds of wholesome stuff in my cookies. Shhhh...don't tell my kids.

Bake on silpat or parchment paper on a cookie sheet at 375 for 10-11 minutes.

Aaron's Boy Scout Camp Adventures

Ever wish you had a pet Macaw?

After seeing Rio, Aaron has been talking about owning a pet Macaw and even traveling to Rio. A few weeks ago, we happened to come across a lady hanging out near the HB pier with some friends and her pet macaw was just sitting on her handlebars. I told Aaron to come over and I'd get a picture. She came over and was very nice. She told us about her bird Sebastian and showed us some of his tricks one of which was kissing me on the lips several times. Aubrey wanted to join in the action and bravely stood with Sebastian on her shoulder. And of course, Aaron loved every minute.

Bye, Bye Birdie

So, I bet you're wondering what happened to our little hummingbirds? Well, they indeed flew away. We saved the nest and we hope to make a little book all about the baby hummingbirds on our back patio. As soon as the babies began to outgrow the nest, they would try to stand on the edge of the nest and practice flapping their wings. They only did this a few times before they were gone. I'm so glad I was home to capture it. They stayed close by for the first 24 hours or so before flying away with mom. I captured a picture of one of the babies up in the tree along our fence and a little later perched on our bird of paradise. It was quite an amazing thing to behold.