Rosebud Quilting

Texture Tuesdays-orchids & cactus

2012-01-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/.html
Linking up with Kim today, stop over and take a peek at all the inspiration. Today's theme was to use any of Kim's textures and the word "simplicity".

Orchids and cactus...two contrasts of beauty, one colorful soft curves, the other bold hard lines, each with its own beauty.

Hard, soft, colorful, geometric, bold, delicate, curvy, lack of hue, bright, dark....the list goes on.

Do you have a preference of one or the other, or do you appreicate it all? Have a teriffic tuesday.

Hugs, Michelle

Pink Saturday-Winter "Pinks"

2012-01-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

Winter Blues...no not this girl...we are celebrating Winter Pinks of course.
Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog

"Sound of Music"...some of my faviorite things...here's three: tea in pretty cup, books gardening, and rose pink with baby breath. Painted this chair white this summer.

Scene that greets visitors into my home...the pink roses have dried beauifully now, for a nice craft project

Did I mention that it's still only January and I have spring fever...this is a photo of my lupins and rhodendrum from last summer.

I made this adorable little rainbow zigzag quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics, nice for a wall hanging or baby...its for sale in my etsy shop.

Last winter I went to the local botanical gardens to photograph the orchid display and that was very enjoyable...

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Michelle

1000 Gifts-Birthday Wrappings

2012-01-23T21:20:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Ann over at http://www.aholyexperience.com/. Stop over and feel encouraged.

Birthdays, last Thursday was my birthday and Friday was my youngest sister's {by 15 years, I might add}. I add a lot of fun this year spending time on making her packages look extra special, I purchased some dollar store books to use for craft art. Then I used a variety of punches, dies, glitter glue lace, ribbon, bling and even some dried baby's breath to add to the effect.

She loved it, said she was going to save each piece and then put them in her scrapbook when she does the photos.

We went to a lovely little bakery/bistro for lunch, and the third sister.

We split this lovely desert, a tiramsu, which yes was delicious.

It was a very hard choice to make, there were so many that looked fabulous.

Yesterday, the three of us went cross country skiing, a perfect winter day and condition, warm like 37, no wind or precip, sunny and packed down just enough....not too many days like that. First time I've been out in years...note to self stretch first and lose a few pounds and then it would be more enjoyable without so much huffing and puffing...but it was lovely to be outside doing something different for a change. I really had a great weekend. Another post, I'll share my couple of presents from my two sister's and daughter, so stay tuned. Hugs, Michelle

1000 Gifts and Counting.....
Birthdays
Lunch with Sisters
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Psalms 139:13
Birthday desert, tirimasu
Birthday Presents
"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it." Psalms 139:14
Birthday cards, texts, facebook comments, emails, and phone calls
Birthday hugs
"You were there while I was being formed in utter seculsion!. You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!". Psalms 139:15-16
Birthday cake with co-workers
Birthday childhood memories
"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

Blessings, peace, hope and joy to all of your!

Hope-Garden Seeds

2012-01-22T00:14:00.001-05:00

The Lord's...compassions never fail. They are new every morning...The Lord is good to those whose HOPE is in Him.--Lamentations 3:22,23,25 NIV

Hope....I collected these flower seeds this summer from last year's garden with Hope for this summer's garden. Hope of re-birth/re-growth/re-newal, revival, these are not just hope's for my flower garden this year, but also hope's for my personal life. Hope for new, fresh, colorful, beauty, tranquility...I'd like all of these in my life this year, how about you? What kinds of hopes do you have for this year?

I'm trying to get organized and so I thought I'd start with this pile of seeds in platistic baggies.

Here's some lupine seeds, I think these were just pinks.

I punched these circles, then a small hole and used some twine to label these oh so neatly, sweet, I'm really getting there, oh what saturday night fun on a winter nite.

I was in "Michael's" craft store when I spotted these adorable little mini mason jars...I believe they are supposed to be for wedding favors for putting mints in them, but I thought they would do just fine for my seeds and so I'm even keeping them in this nifty holder they came in and have put them in my dark closet until I'm ready to use.

Blessings, Michelle

Mug Rugs-Pink Saturday

2012-01-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog

Mug rugs, yes I found out they are addicting to make, here's two more.

This is the zig zag pattern...now if someone would just make me a scone with some devonshire cream and jam, I'd be all set, I can put a pot on.

This was with Joel Dewberry's fabric. I had a bunch of half square triangles left over from a quilt I'd made.

The next one is a photograph I took in my garden of a monarch landed on my coneflower and I printed it on fabric, isn't that cool.

Amy Butler binding, don't you just love those dots.

I happen to put this tiny quilt on the long arm, just for fun and quilted one of Anne Bright's fill patterns.

I thought the colors and detail were really amazing for a digital photograph and then printed to fabric. My daugther mentioned see loves butterflys when I showed her, so this may end up being a birthday gift for February's girl....shhh don't tell her.

These mug rugs remind me of a potholder or journal art quilt or a miniture doll quilt...another fun way to use of scraps and try new techniques and fantastic for those who want a little "instant" gratification!!
Hugs, Michelle

Stamped Tag Art

2012-01-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Tag art, soo much fun to create in so many different mediums, just having an amazing January creating so far.

I was surfing the web and was inspired by Heather over at Post Road Vintage, here's a link to her post she used the dried roses on. http://postroadvintage.com/2012/01/a-lil-pre-valentines-romance.html If you've never been over to her blog, go visit, you won't be disspointed, I am so inspired looking at her creativity.

I have some of these tags with the wallet photos in my etsy shop for anyone interesteded.

Not sure if you can tell but these smaller floral tags have a sprayed shimmer effect to them, which is really pretty. Hugs, Michelle

Texture Tuesday-Hope

2012-01-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/farewell-12-days-of-textures.html

Linking up with Kim today, stop over and take a peek at all the inspiration. Today's theme was to use any of Kim's textures and the word "open".

OPEN, open your heart up to and receive God's gift...love and eternal life

"For God so Loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, whosoever shall believith in Him shall have everlasting lift." --John 3:16

Hugs, Michelle

The Meaning of the Snowman-1000 Gifts

2012-01-16T01:09:00.002-05:00

Linking up with Ann over at http://www.aholyexperience.com/. Stop over and feel encouraged. Her post is absolutely wonderful today...answer to Anxiety! Read and be lifted from stresses today my friends.

Since we have snow here outside, I thought I'd share some snowman I made indoors, hand stamped cards, along with a cute little poem.

The Meaning of the Snowman

The white snow stands for the purity of souls filled with God's grace. The circular snowballs represent God's everlasting love.
The pieces of coal used to make the eyes, mouth and buttons symbolize God's Almighty power.
The carrot nose reminds us that God gives us everything we need to live and grow.
The scarf suggests the warmth of God's tender care.
The top hat reminds us always to keep faith our top priority.
The arms are outstretched to us, as God's always are.
The broom made of starw and wood signifies that Jesus was born and died to cleanse us of sin.
May your heart be ever warmed by the good news of God's great love for you!
Author Unknown

1000 Gifts and Counting
Healthy and able to clean my house
Privilege of being in Christ's family and being called by his wonderful name-1st Peter 4:16
son who snowblows driveway
Special abilities God has given me-1st Peter 4:10
daughter who is compassionate
Partner with Christ in his suffering...wonderful joy of sharing his glory...1st Peter 4:13
sister who is kind and thoughtful
...God will never fail me-1st Peter 4:19
girlfriend who takes me to lunch for my birthday
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.-1st Peter 5:7
flower seeds collected from my garden
...give me his eternal glory...He personally will come and pick me up...and make me strong than ever...-1st Peter 5:10

This music video is Vicki Beeching sing "Cativated"-hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I have one of Vicki's albums and I just love listening to her sing.
Blessings, hope, joy and peace to you, Michelle

Pink Saturday

2012-01-13T21:12:00.000-05:00

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

January and we have had a nice little snow storm with some lake effect. So, I am refusing to look at it, instead I'm browsing spring flower catalogs, and have just ordered myself a little pre-birthday gift, flower seeds. To be exact, I have on the way sunflowers, snapdragaons, zinnias, morning glorys and sweetpeas. I am ordering for the first time from http://www.rareseeds.com/ . I'm dreaming of blooming blooms upon blooms of color. What do you do this time of year to get rid of any wintery blues? Look at lots of pretty "Pinks", I presume. Happy Pink Saturday, Hugs, Michelle

Snowflake Quilt

2012-01-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

Snowflake Quilt finished, very quickly. I needed a quick little gift so this is just a cute little snowflake panto, that I really like how well it quilted, I think I will use it again. Maybe white thread on red kona next. Size is a small lap about one and half yards. For this one I used blue thread on white Kona cotton and back it with a blue solid fabric. I machine stitched the binding on...I never have time to hand sew them I want projects that are actually completed.

This went to my Aunt last Saturday, she is at an assisted living facility right now and this will add a little personal touch for her space and hopefully cheer her up a bit. I stitched down a little patch of a kitty in the corner and then wrote in some permanent marker, thought it would be good to have her name on it to personalize it a bit, she always had a cute kitty cat at her house. I know it's not any kind of an award winning quilt with fancy piecing, but sometimes there are awards of another kind that need to be.

Have a great week in creating whatever you do, hugs Michelle

Texture Tuesdays-Embrace

2012-01-10T16:15:00.002-05:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/farewell-12-days-of-textures.html
Linking up with Kim today, stop over and take a peek at all the inspiration. Today's theme was to use the texture "Embrace".

One of my favorite violet teacups and some great reading.

Just did some redecorating in my bedroom, this had about 20 books and 15 magazines piled on top, so I moved them and replaced with my 5 generation grandmother's flower garden quilt and a pair of wings that I used to use as a photo prop and a beautiful crocheted trim hanki with a cross in it. Cheap decorating...just move things around that you already have for a fresh new look.

I love roses and pink are my favorite, just painted this chair white this summer and picked up this little reproduction bottle.

Happy tuesday, Hugs Michelle

Praise God-Making Fougasse Bread

2012-01-08T02:12:00.002-05:00

Linking up with Ann over at http://www.aholyexperience.com/ today, 1000 Gifts.

Breadmaking-this was my first attempt at making Fougasse, and it was very successful. I can't believe how good this bread tasted, and how easy it was. I did the par baking for some of the batch to freeze and even when I took them out of the freezer and finished the baking they were delicious. I will definitely be making these again, they are such fun to shape.

I highly recommend Richard Bertinet's book "Dough-Simple Contemporary Bread". His book also includes a DVD and he has such great simple instructions with photos for step-by-step procedure. There are lots of recipes and variations, I've tried about three different breads so far. You will never want to buy that store bought bread again.

I'm even a butter person for bread and you don't even need to put any on this, that's how good it is.

1000 Gifts and counting-joy and contentment come from thanksgiving/gratitude.

oven for easy baking
availability of good grain flour
clean water
Dough book for instruction
homemade quilted potholders
sense of taste

"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked...He took the seven loaves...gave thanks....and they were all satisfied. Matthew 15: 34-38

Blessings, Michelle

Granny Square Scarf Finish-Pink Saturday

2012-01-06T14:56:00.000-05:00

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Crocheted granny square scarf finish still in time for winter...used wool. Multi-colored fun and EASY and fast...now I need a hat to go with this.

How do you like my model, she was very cooperative. I saw this scarf made and wore with a jean denium jacket and it inspired me.
Hugs, Michelle

Mug Rug Finsih

2012-01-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

Mug Rug-this is my first mug rug I've made, and oh yes I will be making more of these cute little mini's. What a great way to use up scraps, so easy to just do some free form piecing...and who doesn't have a zillion pieces of scraps. I did some simple straight line quilting and even had some leftover binding to use so I didn't have to make any just for this, woo hoo.

These marshmellows are really petite, about 1/3 size of a mini marshmellow at the store, found them at a local country general store. I always add extra, you can never have too many right!

My youngest sister has a birthday coming up this month and she adores snowman, so this one is for her, no worries she has no time to read blogs, so it will be a surprise.
Hugs, Michelle

1000 Gifts-Praising God

2012-01-03T23:55:00.002-05:00

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/what-the-new-year-needs-most/

Linking up with 1000 Gifts Today.

Geese walk on water raindrops falling.

He is enough.

Lavender's calming sweet scent.

All is grace.

Chocolate chip cookies.

Koinonia-Communion with God, Commnity with God's people.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.-Job 19:25

Keep counting, blessings, Michelle

2011 Year in Review -Pink Saturday

2011-12-31T00:25:00.001-05:00

Year in Review, 2011...part of my life creating: photography, gardening, baking, crochet, knitting, quilting and rubberstamping. My love for color, deisgn, and a variety of mediums to enjoy. Thank you for joining me this year as I blogged a little, finding time to blog and even get to these hobbies is harder and harder...but I HAVE to do it, or I won't, know what I mean. My house work has suffered greatly this year, and my exercise life....so I must make a few changes to fit these in for the 2012. I have enjoyed visiting your blogs for inspiration, I am so amazed at all the creative talent out there, thank you for sharing.

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

I have also enjoyed reading several books this year, my list inclues the following and I would recommend any of them wholeheartedly. Most of the books I have are reference type books on my hobbies, also I am addicted to great magazines {artful blogger, where women creat/cook, Victoria, Romantic Homes, Hobby Farm, Country Living UK edition, Herb, and so many more}.

1. We Shall See God-Alcorn

2. Expecting to See Jesus-Lotz

3. One Thousant Gifts-Voskamp

4. Kisses From Katie-Davis

5. Journey with the Messiah-Belk

These 5 books may be some of the best I have ever read and I may read them again.

I try to stay positive on my blog, so I have one place where I can escape to just for me. I've actually had a very trying year with many, many very difficult challeges {in my mind anyway, although I may need to consider that I am a wimp and re-evaluate...I certainly have enough food to eat, clothes to wear and nice place to lay my head}. I am thankful to my heavenly Father that I can have these wonderful creative outlets. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, may He bless each one of you abundantly and may we WAKE up and live for Him. Hugs, Michelle

In Everything Give Thanks-1 Thess. 5:18

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, see God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

God is Good and he is coming back!

Tag Art-Stamped and Crocheted

2011-12-30T12:15:00.000-05:00

Tag Art is so much fun to create. I've made up these Birthday tags combining stamping, embossing and crochet flowers accented with lace and edged with some scallop cuts and a little "bling bling". The backs are left blank for a personalized message. All the girls in my family will be getting one with their b-day present this year. I have some for sale in my esty shop for anyone interested.

I did some flowers with cotton and then switched to wool, it was so much easier to work with. If you would be interested in seeing a tutorial in how I made these, let me know, if enough people are interested I'll see what I can come up with. Hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Serving one anohter

2011-12-29T09:52:00.001-05:00

surfing...one blog to another, I found this lovely write up from: http://knittybitties.blogspot.com/
A list of all the ways you can serve 'one another' from the bible::
· Fellowship w/one another
· Love one another
· Members of one another
· Devoted to one another
· Outdo one another in showing honor
· Rejoice with one another
· Weep with one another
· Same mind toward one another
· Don’t judge one another
· Accept one another
· Counsel one another
· Greet one another
· Wait for one another
· Care of one another
· Serve one another
· Bear one another’s burdens
· Be kind to one another
· Forgive one another
· Submit to one another
· Bearing with one another
· Encourage one another
· Build up one another
· Stir up one another
· Be hospitable to one another
· Minister gifts to one another
· Minister with humility to one another
· Speak no evil against one another
· Not grumble against one another

Isn't that good? Isn't it convicting? It's clear that Jesus thought it was very important for us to serve one another! And the great things is you don't even have to go looking for service opportunities. Every day, if you cross the path of another person, you have an opportunity to serve.

Warms the year to read these, doesn't it. Hugs, Michelle
These cards are listed in my etsy shop for anyone interested.

Mary Did You Know?

2011-12-24T00:01:00.004-05:00

From Advent book-Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church
Mary Did You Know?
Mary, did you know, that your baby boy will one day walk on water? Did you know, that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Luke 1:30-35 "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be calld the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, His kingdom will never end.' How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."
Wow! How does one's feeble mind comprehend that? yet if you read on to verse 38, Mary's response was "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Mary did not hesitate, she knew her God and she trusted Him to carry out His plan. She was willing to risk her reputation and even her life. Did Mary know that her act of obedience would change the world forever?
God has not called us all to be "Mary's," but He has called us all to be obedient and to trust His leading in our own lives.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving us so much that you gave up our only Son for us. I pray for strength and courage to listen and obey your calling on my life. may Your name be glorified in heaven and on earth. Amen.

God commands us to care for the orphans....to whom much has been given, much will be demanded {see Luke 12:48). If you have been given much, might you consider donating to Compassion International, click on icon button on right sidebar. I have aother sweet little girl from Ugandy this time, her name is Florence, and I can't wait to start writing her and praying for her, I know it sounds silly how you decide to pick one of these precious children , but her name has been a family name in my family for five generations.

Blessings, peace, joy and love to you, Michelle

Twelve days of Textures

2011-12-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/farewell-12-days-of-textures.html
Thank you to Kim for all the lovely 12 days of Textures with gratitude.

Here's a couple of my Santa's that I've texturized, striving for some vintage looking postcard style.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each one of you, my special blogging firends. I've enjoyed posting and reading all your special comments to me this year. Blessings for a healthy and prosperous New Year, Hugs, Michelle

Pink Saturday-Christmas Finishes

2011-12-22T22:57:00.000-05:00

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Three Wise Women

A few more hand made cards that I made up.

A couple pillow cases for my daughter for Christmas, matches the quilt I gave her birthday, a little "Love" from Amy Butler's fabric line.

Only two days to go and I still want to make a couple more batches of different cookies up, so far I've done about 7 different kinds. Above are some delicious nutmeg logs.

Merry Kissmisses!

I've unwrapped about four bags of kisses between the kisssmisses and the peanut butter kisses.

I really enjoy baking nad am thankful and honored to bless my family and friend this way at Christmas time.

One pan "Magic" bars.

This is on my wish list, just in case anyone is wondering what to get me at the last minute. This is just one of several ideas, :)

Two days to to and I still have bindings to put on two quilts and two more pillow cases to make and 2 more batches of cookies, guess I'm down the two's.

Hugs, Michelle

Mary and Joseph on Facebook

2011-12-16T00:02:00.001-05:00

A friend had this on FACEBOOK and I just had to share it with you too, hope you enjoy this, very creative.

Quilted Nativity-Stoicking Gardland Paper Art

2011-12-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

Quilted Nativity Quilt-36x44", white stitching on red fabric, first time I quilted with wool batting and what a difference it makes when you want to see detail and dimension. The scene is hard to see from a distance but up close looks very good.

Backing is white on white.

Stocking garland with the new stampin up die from the holiday mini, you can still order up until Jan 3rd out of the holiday catalog, see sidebar icon.

I did various embossing folder textures on all the white pieces and scallop punched the circles, raised them with a pop dot and embossed the letters in gold.

This was fun to make my own decoration, not to just store it right when I put it away. Hope all your decorating and preparations are going smoothly...Hugs, Michelle

Praise God- What Child Is This?

2011-12-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

From the Advent Book of Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church
What Child Is This?
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10
In Matthew 18:10 we see that our heavenly Father has made special provisions for children by having "their angels in heaven always see..." His face in heaven. My child, your child your neighbor's child has an angel that is in constant communication with God. What an incredible thought!
Now, let us begin to make special provisions for our children and I'm not just tlaking about Christmas gifts. It is not too late. Let the Lord show you how to teach your child in a way that is meaningful to them. Make it a purpose in your life. If you don't have children, there are a bazzillion different ways you could impact a child in a real way. This could be just to dutifully pray for one child every day. We don't have to be "child oriented" to make a difference.
So during this time of focus on the infant Christ Child-Emmanuel-dedicate yourself to do for another child; whose angel sees the face of God. May He bless you in your effort.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise You because You are the Creator of life. Thank You for the children You have placed in my life. I ask that You teach me how to love them the way they need to be loved and cared for: Please show me how to begin making a real difference in the lives of the children You put in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen

I am very excited to start praying,sending cards and small gifts to the two little girls I have just sponsored in November, in Equador, Sarah and Ruth. They are so sweet. I can't wait to tell them about "their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven".
Please consider sponsoring a child from Compassion International {icon on the right sidebar to click}, there are many countries to choose from, children of various ages and both boys and girls...what a difference you could make this Christmas for them and for You! :)
Blessings to you, hugs Michelle

Christmas Cards-Hand Stamped

2011-12-10T18:07:00.000-05:00

Christmas cards, hand stamped....so much fun creating, I just get lost, time flies.

Just a short post today, off to start some Christmas cookie baking next. Hugs, Michelle

Walk with Him Wednesday-Season of Giving

2011-12-07T19:27:00.000-05:00

"Do you hear what I hear"....I hear people asking what's on your Christmas list....I hear people's long list of wants...nothing wrong with some of that when it is out of love for Christ...I want to know what's on your list because I love Jesus, I want to love on you and show His love to you through me...what's on my list...here's one...to do something for the children of Uganda{...and I am thinking on what I can do right here where I am...

I am linking up with Ann over here today...amazing, I worte this last night and then read her post today and just thinking along the same lines somewhat http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/12/when-christmas-gets-radical-whose-birthday-is-it-really/

I have picked up this book {one of those presents from me to me}, and I am half way through it, can't put it down, truly amazing!

I encourage you to get this for someone on your list, and for yourself....it will help us to WAKE up a little more, draw you closer to Him, he is amazing,.

Blessings to you all, hugs Michelle

Texture Tuesday-celebrate

2011-12-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

Texture tuesday theme today - celebrate....well there is no greater celebration than at Christmas time, I've altered a pillow case I made and cropped it and also the tag art I made.

I used the "lookup" texture from our lovely hostess Kim, stop on over and look at all the other great links today. We are so blessed, hugs...Michelle

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Praise God-Angel Tag Art-M&M Story

2011-12-04T11:11:00.002-05:00

A little paper art for today, thinking of the season.

An M&M Christmas Story

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, you will see... The M becomes a W, and E, and then a 3. They tell the Christmas story. It's one I'm sure you know. It took place in a stable a long , long time ago. The E is for the East, where the star shone so bright. The M is for the manager, where baby Jesus slept that night. The 3 is for the wise men, who came bearing gifts. W is for Worship. Hallelujah, praise His name! So as you eat these candies or share them with your friends, remember the meaning of Christmas. It's a love sory that never ends.

"Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. Don't be afraid! he said. I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethelem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger! Suddenly, the angel was joned by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God: Glory to God in the highest heaven, they sang, and peace on earth for all those pleasing him" LUKE 2: 9-14

Peace, joy and love to you all this week, Michelle

Knitted Finishes

2011-12-02T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have three knitted finishes to show you today. A dishcloth, a decorative scarf and a very warm cowl.

I started with a ball of cotton and just cast on about 30 stitches and made a pattern of garter stitch rows, alternated some knit 2/purl 2 pattern stitches and garter rows at other end...then crocheted a border. {7 needles/F hook)

This decorative scraf was composed of various fun fibers, all in the green's families. Used about 12 stitches on size 19 needles.

This cowl was knit on size 50 {yes fifty} needles with two strands of Super Bulky Blue Sky Alpaca/Wool blend. It ended up to be a pretty tight fit, but will be extremely warm for outdoor wear, of course it knit up in no time at all and I just love the buttons I found at Joann's. Thank you to my sweet daughter for modeling.

Now I only have 16 more projects on my needles to finish, yikes I just get so inspired. Have a great day, hugs Michelle

Texture Tuesday-theme grateful

2011-11-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

Today Kim had us use the theme Grateful/Thankful and the texture poetic. I am so grateful for flowers, I just love them, they make me smile! I'm thankful for the numerous varieties and colors.

Stop on over and visit all the other links for some wonderful inspiration, http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Have a terriffic tuesday, hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Candy Cane Legend and snowman soup

2011-11-27T00:23:00.001-05:00

The Candy Cane Legend, I made up about 8 of these little pocket envelopes and embossed the legend and added a couple mini cc's. Here are two renditions I have found, if you don't have a stamp you can always use computer art to print and glue on card stock.
The Candy Cane Legend
Look at the Candy Cane--what do you see? Stipes that are red, like the blood shed for me. White is for my Savior, who's sinless and pure! "J" is for Jesus, my Lord, that's for sure! Turn it around and a staff you will see--Jesus, my shepherd, was born for me!--
The Legend of the Candy Cane
A candy maker decided to fashion some candy to honor Jesus. He made hard candy because Christ is our rock. White symbolizes Christ's purity. The red stripes are for His blood, shed on the cross to save us. The shape is a sheperd's staff, for Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Also, made ten of these"snowman soup" packets up cc's and a pack of hot cocco mix.
Snowman Soup
So, you've been real good this year, Always glad to hear it, With freezing weather drawing near, You'll need to warm the spirit...So here's a little Snowman Soup complete with stirring stick, Add hot wter, sip it slow, It's sure to do the trick!

These are soooo much fun to make and to give...He Loves, He Gives, we copy the Father...we love, we give all in His name...Blessings, Michelle

"For God so loved the world he gave His only begotten son, whosoever believes in him shall have not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Pink Saturday, Quilts/ Stamped Cards

2011-11-26T19:29:00.000-05:00

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

A couple of easy, fast strip quilts for the lap for Christmas, a Christmas table runner and some quilted stocking ornaments.

Here's a few hand stamped cards that my cousin Lisa made for some inspiration!

Here's a few paper crafted stockings, stampin in up die, still time to purchase and and make these up for Christmas. Here's my link or click on the right.

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/shellymarie/

Hope you've had a wonderful "pink saturday", hugs, Michelle

Praise God

2011-11-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

I hope you have had a blessed weekend, Grace and Peace to you, Michelle

Stamped Christmas Cards

2011-11-17T22:58:00.000-05:00

Hand Stamped Christmas cards...that's been the lastest creative endeavor. I can get lost for hours doing this, and of course I never start usually until ten or eleven o'clock on a friday or saturday night and before you know it, it's 2 or 3am...yikes.

Did you make it all the way down to this last card...which was your favorite? If you need any stampin up products, click on my button on the right. Hugs, Michelle

Texture Tuesday-Phoebe

2011-11-14T20:17:00.001-05:00

Texture Tuesdays, be sure to stop over to Kim's blog and check out all the fantastic links.

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Today's theme, Kim asked us to try her new texture called Phoebe, so here's my "go" at it.

November roses...from the garden.

Thanks so much Kim, for all the textures and postings, and video's you give freely...I would have liked these cropped a little differently but I was trying to only capture certain words on the book.
Blessings, Michelle

Praise God-New Book

2011-11-12T23:14:00.002-05:00

Another book I'm reading..."Expecting to see Jesus" by Anne Graham Lotz, , A WAKE-UP call for God's People

Oh my goodness, another one I couldn't put down, 20 pages left to go in this one and it is amazing, really! End times, personal revival. A must read. I have to share this one scripture I underlined, although I won't go through what Anne writes about it, but of course it was one of those times I read something and at the same time the Lord put in front of me something that related....no less at work, below this link came for a you-tube video and it is really something to think about....all I can say is I think we better WAKE UP!

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14)

Praise God, blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday- Roses and Stamped Cards

2011-11-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Please stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

A November 9th rose in Western New York, a slight fragrance to it.

These aren't pink, but who could leave them out.

Here's one of about 35 {all different} Xmas cards I've made up. The deer stamp, ribbon, mica flakes and card stock are all stampin up products......my SU site is on the right if you are interested in purchasing any of the items to make your own card up.

Again, I know it's not pink, but isn't she lovely...just love this doily stamp, embossed with white detail powder. Have a wonderful weekend, blessings, Michelle

Crochet-Giant Granny Square Afghan finished!

2011-11-10T18:50:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have finished it! Started July 4th weekend and it was here and there, whenver I had some time.

I used wool and an H hook size.

Now it is resting in the family room on the wing chair ready for snuggling up this winter.

I wasn't sure what border I wanted to trim it with, so that took me a while to decide on. I'm crocheting away and not sure if the border was exactly growing on me, it was curling up...but once I was done and blocked it, I am very happy with the way it turned out.
I took some photos outside on the porch so I could get the natural light, and after all this work, yes I took every possible angle I could think of to photograph it.

Please disregard the pinecones that were not swept up, I've been crocheting, not cleaning.

And you thought I was kidding when I said I photographed every possible way I could think of...but when you have had something on your lap for that many months...you want some mileage out of it.

I just love the scrappy colors each row is a different color and yes I have lots of yarn left over for more probjects to follow.

This is the book I found my border out of, it's #127. This is an awesome book, great diagrams and instructions and a fantastic reference book

ok, I'm done, hope that wasn't too painful for you, thanks for letting me obsess a little over this.

Blessings, Michelle

Texture Tuesdays-the number 2

2011-11-08T07:34:00.000-05:00

Texture Tuesdays, be sure to stop over to Kim's blog and check out all the fantastic links.

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe
today the these from Kim was the #2 and use one of her textures, I used shades of november.
I have two photos with two barns in each, both red too, how cool is that.

Loving the fall weather this year in western new york, I don't take it for granted. Have a terriffic Tuesday.
Hugs, Michelle

Mosaic Monday-Fall Bounty

2011-11-07T07:34:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

This apple farm is about 20 minutes from my house and I missed going apple picking this year, but did buy the ones already picked along with some squash and flavored apple butter's. I am so in love with the country lately, wishing I could make a huge transition in my life, but probably not in the cards right now.

Hugs, Michelle

Praise God-His Beauty Reflected All Around Us

2011-11-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

1000 Gifts continues....

#229 lunch with girlfriend, sister in Christ

#230 reflections in pond backyard

#231 alpaca farm

#232 red barns, white barns, beauty in the countryside

#233 "Everyone who conquers will be clothed in whlite, and I will not erase his name from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that he is mine" Revelation 3:5

#234 apple pie

#235 finished giant granny square afgan

#236 "...I have opened a door to you that no one can shut" Revelation 3:8

#237 "...I will protection you from the time of Great Tribulation and temptation

#238 "...pillar in the temple...secure...God's Name on him...citizen in the city...new name inscribed upon him" Revelation 3:12

#239 "...fellowship with him and he with me. sit beside me on my throne" Revelation 3:20-21

#240 bike ride

#241 warmth of sunshine on face

Blessings, have an awesome LORD'S day!, Michelle

Alpaca Farm and Red Barns

2011-11-05T19:29:00.002-04:00

Beautiful, sunny day in November, they are numbered for sure. Country drive stumbled upon a another red barn and a few cows.

A new Alpac Farm and Country Store has opened up near where we live, they have a beautiful herd. They are starting up a fiber mill and also carry my very faviorite soy candles from swan creek. You can visit them here http://www.kindredkreekalpacas.com/index.cfm virtually if you are not in the western new york area.

Home now, candles lit and reflecting on my day...a pure joy to have caught a glimpse of the alpacas playing in the field running around in a circle. Hope you are having a great day, what are you doing to enjoy the weekend? Hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Worship Wednesday

2011-11-02T17:43:00.000-04:00

Blessings, Michelle

Texture Tuesdays

2011-10-31T21:06:00.000-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

I have a Japense Maple in my backyard that unfortunately looks like it's slowly dying with some kind of fungus on the bark and part of it is split in half now, but I did manage to get a few photos of some of the leaves left. I've used Kim's texture "and then some" on all of the images.

The 2nd, 4th and 5th pics have artistic filter on them also, the last two you reallycan't make out the texture layers with the filter effects on them, but I was just palying around, and enjoying God's leaf beauty. Have a terrific tuesday. Hugs, Michelle

Monday Mosaics

2011-10-30T19:24:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Every year my sister and her husband have a huge party with everyone dressing up in costumes, they rent a jump house have a haunted barn and lots of fun food, crafts for the kids. Every year I struggle with if I should attend or not, I HATE Halloween and as a Christian I wonder if I should be going to the party or not, I do a lot of praying and I go, I talk with family, eat and leave. Next year, I will not be attending, I feel as though I am offending my heavely Father, if he was to return at that moment what would I want him to see my doing, saying, not that I think. So next year there will be no photos like this, as fun as they may be, I just can't no longer participant at any level.

Quilter's Fall Festival

2011-10-27T20:22:00.002-04:00

Amy's Fall Quilt Festival, be sure to visit all the marvelous quilter's for this fun on-line show, need a little inspiration, you'll find it, want to be awed, you will be, want to find new techniques, you will, have FUN creative artist! http://amyscreativeside.com/

I did a very simpe piecing of a one patch, but I used some of my favorite rose prints from Kaffe Fasset, Amy Butler, Heather Baily and Robin Pandolph. Then I quilted on the white solid squares in a pink thread several designs of roses form "One Song Needle" on my statler. This is for my bed, it's a queen size and I just love the way it came out, it was exactly what I wanted to showcase my favorite flower, the Rose. I'm disappointed with the photos, the stitching looks funky in the pics, but we have had mostly rain for two weeks and I was lucky to get a sunshine day at all so that is what I was stuck with and of course the lighting was wrong time of the day, but sometimes you can only do what you can do.

I just pieced some three large pieces of fabric I had on hand for the backing.

I wanted fluffy white clouds in the sky and not bright sun, didn't get that, but I did get a couple of fall trees reflecting in the pond.

Thank you for visiting, enjoy the quilt show, hugs, Michelle

Mosaic Monday-Fall Scenes

2011-10-24T09:02:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Enjoy your Monday, hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Fall Quilted Pillow Cover

2011-10-23T20:17:00.000-04:00

Pumkin Patch

A woman asked by a co-worker "What is it like to be a Christian?' The woman replied "It is like being a pumpkin, God picks you from the patch, brings you in and washes all the dirt off you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. and then he carves you a new smiling face. He puts His Light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Blessings, Michelle

One Thousand Gifts-& the Winner of the Giveaway from Sunday

2011-10-20T22:28:00.004-04:00

I am linked over to Ann's blog: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/10/when-its-hard/ This is really a great posting , I encourage you to read through this one.

#163 getting "fun" mail
#164 Pumkins with curly stems
#165 cornstalks
#166 Fluffy white clouds
#167 His unfailing love, cited over and over again in the Psalms
#168 blue spruce pine needles
#169 Another Day
#170 The Lord's Prayer
#171 time browsing faviorte book store B&N
#172 orthopetic drs., x-ray technicians
#173 fall scented hand santizer
#174 ice cold bottled spring water
#175 live Jesus painting video

Blessings, keep counting, keep thanking, keep looking up! ....Michelle

The winner from Sunday's post is.......all five of YOU who posted comments, I could not bring myself to choose just one, email me your addresses and you will each receive a packet of handstamped cards from me, I hope you use them to bless someone else, so they can count a gift and most importantly thank the real GIVER!

Mosaic Monday

2011-10-16T22:15:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Delicious "Acorns", weekend in the kitchen, from http://sixinthesuburbsblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/chocolate-peanutbutter-acorns.html I just had to try this, too cute for some fall yum!

From our camping trip last weekend, the kids were having fun with rubbing the crayons over the leafs and drawing hand turkey outlines.

I made some of these little candy treat tubes using the stampin up bags and the leaf set die and spice decorator paper. A pretzel dipped in chocolate will fit in these bags too, as long as it's not too thick. Did I ever tell you I'm also a stampin up demonstrator, see left button to click on my web site. I've been stamping for about 25 years and it is another on of my loves.

Have a marvelous Monday, hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Fall Blessings and a Give Away

2011-10-15T20:07:00.006-04:00

Today's Praise God post is on "counting my blessings"...check out Ann's blog: http://www.aholyexperience.com/, "One thousand gifts" is her incredible book I am reading. I can't put it down, started it on 8th of October. I was playing with photoshop textures so the book does not look so grungy in reality. Ann writes from the heart, she puts herself out there for all to see, her writing is poetic, a marvelous read!

So today I have about a dozen moments I'm counting as gifts.

#94. Jesus Lover of my soul
#95 There is no fear in love, but perfect love cast out fear. 1 John 4:18
#96 Son frugelness-buys hair clippers
#97 Chai Tea Latte's
#98 Daughter's gift to Mom-ceramic mug
#99 My name in the Book of Life
#100 Rejoice in the Lord always, I say again Rejoice. Philipians 4:4
#101 Color tinged tree tops dancing in the wind
#102 Mums-yellow, purple, white and maroon
#103 Cousin who chats with me and listens
#104 Delicious Apple cake
#105 Photos of Fall to treasure

One of my faviorite songs! Keep looking up...Michelle

*Just noticed that this is my 100th post this year, leave a comment and I will pick a winner, A "gift" to count. A pack of handmade cards and tags all in a Fall theme. :)

Walk with Him Wednesdays-One Thousand Gifts

2011-10-12T23:13:00.002-04:00

"A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are"

One Thousand Gifts....

# 71    Autumn Pumkin Muffin with crumbled topping
# 72    October Frosted Cream Cheese Pumkin Bread
# 73    Fall Flying Honking Geese
# 74    Christian Radio Station

Praise God, Michelle

Texture Tuesday-Red

2011-10-11T00:10:00.001-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe
Thanks to Kim for the lovely fall textures.

Went camping this past holiday weekend and spent a couple of days soaking in all the beautiful fall foilage and taking lots of phtotographs. The weather was spectacular! Praise God, glorious fall days.
I thought today I would show the before and afters.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Have a terrificTuesday. Blessings, Michelle

Texture Tuesday

2011-10-03T23:38:00.001-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Thanks to Kim for the lovely fall textures.

I love barns in the country, this one is only about 10 minutes from my house, even though I live in the suburbs.

The last of summer flowers, the dahlias are still holding on and blend with the mums.

Brought the hibiscus inside now for the winter, we just had a spell of cold weather and rain for 8 days.

Have a tremendous Tuesday. Hugs, Michelle

Mosiac Monday-Fall Fronch Porch

2011-10-02T22:43:00.001-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

I showed you one side of my porch in a previous post, so here's the other side, the porch is very small, but I am still decorating before I show the whole porch.

The pinecones and yarrow are from my yard.

I still have some dahlia's blooming, this yellow one was spectacular this year, I probably have to dig them up in a couple of weeks.

I found this rack at a local antique/farmers market...I knew it would be perfect for the porch.

Have a marvelous Monday! Hugs, Michelle

Praise God

2011-10-02T18:20:00.000-04:00

Revelation 19:11

Then I saw heaven opened and a white horse standing there; and the one sitting on the horse was named "Faithful and True"--the one who justly punishes and makes war.

Praises today, my brother in law was able to fix my computer crash...I was able to get my photos back, not sure about my documents. But now I'm having to reset and reprogram everything. My what a lot of work. Next step buy an external hard drive to back up regularly....hard lesson learned.

Blessings, I hope you all have a wonderful week! Michelle

Praise God

2011-09-24T23:54:00.000-04:00

September 21st was my Mom's birthday, and she, I'm sure had a fantastic celebration in heaven with my Dad and others. She loved birthday parties. This year my sisters and I did something different, we went out for dinner in celebration of her birthday and gave gifts. We celebrated her and remembered her, November will be 5 years she's been gone, and I Praise God that we are all Christians and have His promises of hope for being reunited with our loved ones. It makes it much more bearable to know we will spend eternity with each other.

Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday

2011-09-24T00:29:00.001-04:00

Pink Saturday-Stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Another, post from pinterest. If you want to follow me I have a button on the side to click or you can click here, and check it out, I have to warn you it is addicting, but soooooo inspiring, http://pinterest.com/rosebudquilter/

One reason I am doing a post on pinterest again, is my computer has crashed with a virus I believe and I am not sure it is repairable and of course I was going to get around to learning how to back up my c drive with all my documents and photos and did NOT and now I may have lost everything, I am very sad and angry as you can all imagine....so if you don't do so {which you all probably do} take my advice and regularly back things up...the evil ones are all around us.

Happy Pink Saturday, hugs Michelle

Mosaic Monday-Sunset

2011-09-19T18:14:00.002-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

If you already seen these for pink sautrday as a single photo I'm sorry, but I just had to share again with Mosiac Monday in ths format. It was truly a magnificent, breathtaking view of the sky last week, after my bike ride and walking the dog, I just happened to look up and there it was! So glad I didn't miss this these few moments because they were changing very rapidly every few. Have a lovely week. Michelle

Praise God

2011-09-18T11:15:00.000-04:00

Cute decorating idea.

Well worn, well used.

All imaged from pinterest! Have a blessed Lord's day!, Amen and Amen, Michelle

Pink Saturday

2011-09-17T09:58:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-Stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Sometimes I get so busy I don't even see what's going on outside around me, I'm rushing around doing errands, driving here and there, busy inside the house and I just have not been slowing down to enjoy the simle things. So, I went for a bike ride the other night after dinner, then I took the dog for a walk, well as I was walking down the street, I could not help but notice the sky in front of me.

It was breathtaking to say the least. His artistry was magnificent. The sky was luminous and radiant with beauty, I tried to capture it best I could with my camera, just hoping I could run in grab the camera and get some shots off before it disappeared, each couple of minutes the sky was changing with the clouds and color. Note to self.....slow down, missing moments!

Have a wonderfuly weekend, enjoy something simple, HUGS, Michelle

Texture Tuesdays- verb "do"

2011-09-12T21:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Stop on over to Kim's today and check out all the other blogs linking up!

The theme today was the verb "do", so many possibilities with that one....so I decided my interpretation for "do" this week is to "just do" one of the decor designs I seen on-line. So many times I see something in a magazine or blog or wherever and never get around to actually "doing" it, trying what I've seen and admired, so my fall foyer is looking like this, more photos below in Monday mosaic.

Are you in the mood for some hot cider and some pumkin bread? Have a terrific tuesday, Michelle

Monday Mosaic-Fall foyer decor

2011-09-12T19:34:00.002-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday.

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

I saw this idea on pinterest and just had to try it, I thought it was such a pretty fall display, and hey I had wine glasses and pinecones...just had to run out for the tealights and gourds.

It really is pretty with the lights all off, such a nice mood and the aroma, wonderful warm and spicy. Have a marvelous monday, hugs, Michelle

Praise God

2011-09-11T09:22:00.000-04:00

Jonathan Edwards (delivered in a sermon in 1733)

"God is the highest good of the reasonable creature, and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accomodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows. But the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean."

As it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"--these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thougths except the spirit of that person which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12

Blessings,, Michelle

Pink Saturday-pinterest

2011-09-10T10:12:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-Stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Today, I have some photos to show that I've been collecting from pinterest. If you want to follow me I have a button on the side to click or you can click here, and check it out, I have to warn you it is addicting, but soooooo inspiring, http://pinterest.com/rosebudquilter/

Thank you to Pat from Artful Diva, http://patkumicich.blogspot.com/, to be the first person to have put up a pin from my blog , I was so honored. I have to figure out how to do that next, I'm still new to this site and all the ins and outs.

Have a wonderful pink saturday, hugs, Michelle

Fall Porch

2011-09-08T00:47:00.000-04:00

Front porch, start of fall decorating!

My favorite season.

Texture Tuesdays-Cracker Jack & Autumn Burst

2011-09-05T21:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Stop on over to Kim's today and check out all the other blogs linking up!

Here's the texture using Cracker Jack, zinnia's from my garden.

The next photo I tried the autumn burst with a shot from a visit to the sunflower field.

Thank you to Kim for two more amazing textures to have fun with, I know I will be using these both over and over again. Have a Teriffic Tuesday! Hugs, Michelle

Mosaic Monday-Sunflowers

2011-09-04T23:23:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday.

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Today's mosaic is from a visit to a sunflower patch at a local market.

Sunny yellow beauty...I could have kept going making these are so much fun...but I don't want to bore anyone with a zillion of them. Have a marvelous Monday! Hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Sunflowers

2011-09-03T23:10:00.000-04:00

I had sooooo much fun in a patch of sunflowers Wednesday night, here are a couple of photos I took and then altered in photoshop with some scripture.

I do hope you enjoyed viewing and mediating on these scriptures, have a wonderful Lord's day.

Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday-pinterest finds

2011-09-02T22:07:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-Stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Ladies-Have you been on http://pinterest.com/--I love it and thought I would post a few "Pinks" I found over there today. I'm very new to using it, and now sure about all the ins and outs, but it is addicting. I have an loving all visual beauty.

I adore this skirt, look at that bow, how sweet is that.

Are these adorable or what.

I have a table like this that wood stained top and white legs, in my basement, I think I might paint it pink, how cool is this.

Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs Michelle

Texture Tuesdays--Theme- Orange

2011-08-29T22:32:00.000-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe
Stop on over to Kim's today and check out all the other blogs linking up!

I guess these can all be varying shades of orange, I couldn't decide which one to post today, so I posted all three. Do you have a favorite? I took all the original photos to start with. Have a terriffic Tuesday! Michelle

Mosaic Monday

2011-08-29T12:49:00.001-04:00

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2011/08/mosaic-monday-gardens-of-alcatraz.html
Be sure to check out Mary's blog and view the other links for Mosaic Monday.

Check out two post below for more photos with these delicious treats. Happy Marvelous Monday, Michelle

Homes & Nesting

2011-08-28T11:16:00.002-04:00

"In my Father's house are many rooms...I go to prepare a place for you" -John 14:2

Reading the book from last Sunday's post "We Shall See God" (Charles Spurgeon's/Randy Acorn) and devotion #35 is on A Prepared Place For a Prepared People.

I'm going to mix some of my thoughts in with what I've read. So here goes, hopefully I can get across visually and with a little written word what I am feeling and take away. As a woman, nesting is our "thing" to do, we love it, I'm thinking it's an inherited trait from our "Father". We want our homes to look and feel and be comforting, loving and happy. The photos are not ones I've take but found on the web.

The King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world". Matthew 25:34

"Heaven is a pepared place for a prepared people" -Charles Spurgeon

Theologian Donald Bloesch suggests, "Our greatest affliction is not anxiety, or guilt, but rather homesickness-a nostalgia or continual yearning to be at home with God".

Bible scholar W. Graham Scroggie puts it this way: "Future existence is not a purely spiritual existence; it demands a life in a body, and in a material universe".

As Spurgeon says, "Brothers and sisters, he will do it well, for he knows all about us. He knows what will give us the most happiness...I know he will prepare us nothing second rate, nothing that could possibly be excelled. We shall have the best of the best, and much of it; we shall have all that even his great heart can give us."

PAISE GOD, praise God, Can you even imagine....Thank you Jesus!

Blessings, Michelle

Kisses & the color RED=Heart it!

2011-08-26T12:27:00.000-04:00

Visiting Pinterest and saw a photo with this idea of raspberries and chocolate, so I just happened to be at the grocery store again...feel like I live there. I do beleive the fruit cancels out the chocolate so they it is a healthy desert! I have to tell you they are delicious...the berries are in season now where I live and they just burst with sweet juice when you bite into them!!! Enjoy the photos, I had lots of fun, simple, simple, simple.

A Little "Eye Candy" to start your weekend off! I think you could add a glass of champagne and it would be make a spectacular night! Hugs, Michelle

Irish Chain Quilt

2011-08-24T17:39:00.000-04:00

This is a client's quilt that I quilted this summer, it was beautifully pieced, and I really looked for a design that went well with her use of color with the cream and it flowed very nicely. The last pic is of the backing border. She had this top laying around for a few years and just hadn't done anything with it. I love to quilt these and bring them to "life" to be loved.
Hugs, Michelle

Praise God-Heaven is on my mind!

2011-08-20T23:36:00.000-04:00

I shall rise from the dead...I shall see the Son of God, the Sun of Glory, and shine myself as that sun shines. I shall be united to the Ancient of Days, to God himself, who had no morning, never began...No man ever saw God and lived. And yet, I shall not live til I see God; and when I have seen him, I shall never die --John Donne

I have one of her CD's and I can tell you it is beautiful to listen to.

Saturday night at one of my faviorte places, Barnes & Noble, tonight I came home with this book: A 50 sermon compilation of Devotions.

Author Randy Alcorn has compiled the most profound spiritual insights on the topic of eternity from Charles Spurgeon's sermons and arranged them into an easily-accessible, highly inspirational format.

Prepare to experience paradise!

No author in history has more material in print than Charles Spurgeon. Today, more than a century after his death, countless people continue to have a passion for this London preacher, and more and more continue to discover him every day.

Some of Spurgeon's most powerful sermons were those that he preached on the topic of Heaven. Up until now, however, very few of these sermons have been accessible to a mass audience.

In what is sure to become an instant classic, best-selling author Randy Alcorn has compiled the most profound spiritual insights on the topic of eternity from these sermons and arranged them into an easily-accessible, highly inspirational format complete with his own comments and devotional thoughts.

Whether you are familiar with the works of Charles Spurgeon or not, you are in for a treat as Alcorn invites you to sit at the feet of the Prince of Preachers and discover timeless pearls of wisdom about Heaven from one of the greatest theologians of all time.

Charles Spurgeon (June 19, 1834 – January 31, 1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. He served for thirty years at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, and it is estimated that during his lifetime, he preached to more than 10 million people. His collected sermons fill sixty-three volumes and remain one of the best-selling writing series in history.

Interesting isn't it, to think about Charles Spurgeon and the 1800's and his preaching. I'm intrigued.

Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday

2011-08-20T14:51:00.001-04:00

Stop over to our hostess sweet Beverly and check out all the other linked blogs.
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Random pinks today, as I'm sitting outside enjoying the warm weather, movement of the pond water and sun glistening upon it, and listening to the sounds of summer. The wind is blowing a sweet breeze, the birds are chirping a song, and it is peaceful in the neightborhood {there are lots of kids not a peep, not even any lawn mowing}.

Love these late blooming annual zinnias, and they last long once cut!

Come clematis decided to creep down and join in some conversing with the black eye susans.

A little sneak peak at a quilt I've been working on for myself, with all my favorite rose prints and quilting roses!

Another pretty new daylilly I planted this year, I was so thrilled they even bloomed this year.

My coleus took off like crazy this year, they are about at least 2 feet high, and I kept pinching them back so, they are pretty bushy too.

Happy Pink Saturday, have a great week! Hugs, Michelle

Granny Square Blanket Update #3

2011-08-18T14:22:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd toss the blanket in the garden for a photo or two, just for some added fun.

Since there seemed to be lots of flowers around with multiple colors just like my blanket!

The larger it gets the slower the color changes go, I think I'm in row thirty something, here, I have since surpassed the photos.

Starting this project, I was thinking it would be nice to have a blanket that was a different texture than all the quilts, but I do have to say I am really loving this project, very addictig, I used wool-washable. You can scroll down to see previous posts on this.

Texture Tuesdays-Movie-"The Holiday"

2011-08-15T23:12:00.003-04:00

http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe
Stop over to Kim's to check out all the other links.

This week's theme was is A MOVIE.. pick any movie, your favorite movie, the photo just has to go along with the the title or scene from the movie.

I picked the Movie "The Holiday" because it reminded me of my photo I wanted to use, of course I could have picked the movies Home Alone, but the photo really went straight the the other movie for me. The movie had one location featuring a cottage in England and hence my slection for today.

The Holiday - In London, Iris Simpkins writes a wedding column in a newspaper and nurtures an unrequited love for her colleague Jasper Bloom. Near Christmas, she is informed that Jasper is engaged to marry another colleague, and her life turns upside down. In Los Angeles, the movie-trailers maker Amanda Woods has just broken with her unfaithful boyfriend Ethan and wants to forget him. Through a house exchange website, Amanda impulsively swaps her mansion for Iris' cottage in Surrey for the holidays. While in Surrey, Amanda meets Iris' brother and book editor Graham and they fall in love with each other. Meanwhile, Iris meets her new next door neighbor, the ninety year old screenplay writer Arthur, who helps her retrieve her self-esteem, and the film composer Miles, with whom she falls in love with.

I photographed a friends gardens and she has the most adorable 1940's cottage style home. I applied a couple of textures and I'm very pleased with the result. Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday-miricle makeover

2011-08-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/pink-saturday-and-a-miracle-makeover-august-13-2011.html

Well, intranet kept me for posting for 3 days, now I lost my post, so I'm trying again.

Please stop over at the above link and view the videos and leave comments on the other blogs that have linked up.

help to raise money for another Miracle Makeover.
Welcome to Pink Saturday. Please link and join in the fun. Please join us by linking your Pink Saturday post permalink using the linking tool provided at the bottom of this post.
Linking begins at 3 p.m. EST every Friday and continues through midnight Sunday night.
So, be sure to link and show us your Pink and share your blessings. Be certain to link using your pink post permalink. And please remember to include a link back to my blog within your post so that your visitors will be able to visit here.

And,
the big news is that your blessing post will earn another $5 donation toward the next Miracle Makeover. You just need to e-mail info@miraclemakeover.org so they can count your post toward the total.

I want to thank those of you that take the time to leave me a comment.

Each comment you leave here and at each of the other Miracle Makeover host blogs earns a $1 donation for the next Miracle Makeover.

The goal this weekend is 5,000 comments.
Please, Please, Please leave your comments here on this post.
One Comment From You Left Here & at the 4 Blogs linked below =
$ 5 Donation on your behalf from Design Gives
Design Gives Back @Design Gives Back/Kelee
Spiritual Sunday @Spiritual Sunday/Charlotte & Ginger
Country Wings in Phoenix @Country Wings in Phoenix/Sherry
Metamorphosis Monday @Between Naps On The Porch/Susan -
comments on Monday Only
Art Therapy/Expressive Arts @Art Therapy
*********************************
Following is more information you need
to put your comments and posts
to work for another Miracle Makeover.
Here is a special message from Kelee:

Here are some details for you:
There will be many places for folks to help earn donations by JOINING - Commenting - Like ' ing - Or Posting. Here is how it works in 4 WAYS:

1) Comments: Comments at any of the host blogs earn $1 each.
2) Joining Google Friend Connect: We have createding our volunteer blogger roster of the future thru Google Friend Connect.
We will Donate $1 for each person that joins Design Gives Back Google Friend Connect. PLEASE come by now to connect! :):)
3) Facebook: "Liking" Design Gives Back/or Guideposts Facebook earns .50 each donation from us and comments earn $1.
4) Anyone that does a post with something positive, uplifting, spiritual or miraculous and a link to the video or embedded video and link to us will earn a $5 donation from us to the charities!!!
They must email us the link to their post.--- So it gets counted. E-mail: info@miraclemakeover.org
Bless your 1,000 Times.....

HUGS with Gratitude and Anticipation!
Kelee

Texture Tuesdays

2011-08-09T22:29:00.004-04:00

My first Texture Tuesday, I'm joining in. After stumbling upon Kim Klasson's blog from another fellow blogger Arful Diva {Pat}, I tried for the first time using layers....need I say anything more, I'm addicted, so much fun and with Kim's tutorial, so easy. Not sure about the rights and wrongs, but I am just playing around with textures and opacities until I see what I like. Please stop over and
check out the blog and other posts. http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe

Here's the before, hopefully someone will tell me how to post so you just run the mouse over it to see the before, until then I can only offer two photos to see individually. :)

With a couple of alterations, here's the after. .

This week's theme was "the little things". To me just just one flower, any little flower can inspire to boost me up, even wildflowers. The color, shape, fragrance, texture, all make me happy. So a little Queen Ann's Lace with some of Kim's texture layers and what a difference.

Have a terrific tuesday! Hugs, Michelle

Praise God-You tell on Yourself

2011-08-07T13:44:00.000-04:00

"the older women [are to] be reverent in behavior"
Titus 2:3
? am I, over 5 decades now, I guess I now started considering myself an "older woman"....

You Tell on Yourself

You tell on yourse;f by the friend syou seek,
By the very manner in which you speak,
By the way you employ your leisure time,
By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,
By the spirit in which you burdens bear,
By the kind of things at which you laugh,
By the records you play on the phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,
By the things of which you delight to talk,
By the manner in which you bear defeat,
By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from well-filled shelf:
In these ways and more, you tell on yourself.

Taken from "A Woman's High Callling" by Elizabeth George

Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday-Photoshop Filters and Textures

2011-08-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-stop on over to Beverly our lovely hostess and check out all of the links. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com//

Before and Afters...just for FUN--
As I was visiting Pat, Artful Diva, http://patkumicich.blogspot.com/, from Last Pink Saturday, her post lead me to a new blog, http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe, which lead me to another new blog, http://pixeldustphotoart.blogspot.com/ and so on. Before you knew it I was hooked on using layers/textures in Photoshop, I had used filters before but not experiemented with layers. Kim Klassen has a wonderful tutorial video, two on using layers in photoshop, watched them for 5 minutes and I was off. So watch for me joining in Texture Tuesdays that Kim coordinates, so much fun to come.

From my garden, Before. {very sweet fragance}

And a filter and layer texture and a little adjustment with opacity and the After.

Again the Before with so many possibilities awaiting....

After...so which do you like the before shots or the manipulated afterward photos?
Happy Pink Saturday, have a great week, hugs, Michelle

The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children

2011-07-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers. --1 Peter 3:12

Books...I love books. On my book shelf right now is this book by Stormie Omartian "The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children". I can't wait to start reading this book today and praying for my children. Below are the titles of the 14 Chapters in the book.

I took this still life a couple of weeks ago, this is not the book I am referring to in the post, but I just thought it fit the post today.

Pray That Your Adult Children Will:
1. See God Pour His Spirit upon Them
2. Develop a Heart for God, His Word, and His Ways
3. Grow in Wisdom, Discernment, and Revelation
4. Find Freedome, Restoration,and Wholeness
5. Understand god's Purpose for Their Lives
6. Work Successfully and Have Financial Stability
7. Have a Sound Mind and a Right Attitude
8. Resist Evil Influences and Destructive Behavior
9. Avoid All Sexual Pollution and Temptation
10. Experience Good health and God's Healing
11. Enjoy a Successful Marriage and Raise Godly Children
12. Maintain Strong and Fulfilling Reltionships
13. Be Protected and Survive Tough Times
14. Walk into the Future God Has for Them

Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday-Photographs...What they can tell you and what they may not tell you!

2011-07-29T23:27:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-stop on over to Beverly our lovely hostess and check out all of the links. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com//

Photographs...What they can tell you and what they may not tell you! I was sorting through some recent pics I took and I was staring at them trying to decide if I accomplished what I was looking for or not and the longer I looked at them the more I thought. Here are two different viewpoints to ponder.

1. What this photograph I took can tell you about ME the photographer. As I look at this photograph I see ME, I went to college for Fashion Merchandising {appreciation of the vintage photo}, I was a wedding/sports league/children's portrait photographer {I love B&W photography and P. in general}, I've sold fabric on-line/long arm quilting as a P/T job {doll quilt BG}.... so right there are a few avocations I've done over the years. I love COLOR, can you tell, I love pink {flowers in the vase, gardening, BG quiilt a little colorful}, pearls are one of my favorite pieces of jewelry {still life accent} and the bud vase was my mother's {my father would give her one each place they visited that was her gift, I never knew he was so romantic}. Did you know when you looked at this photograph all of these details about ME? Photographs can tell much about the photographer.

2. What they may not tell you! Looking at this antique vintage photo...leaves me with so many questions. Who was this lady, what was her name {Lily, Violet, Rose?}, did she have a happy marriage or end in divorce, did she have children and grandchildren {how many}-{who didn't keep her wedding photo in the family}, did she work outside the home {if so what was her career}, what hobbies did she enjoy {did she quilt, embroider, bake?},what was her favorite color/flower, where did she live {in the city or country}, did she have a long life, was she happy, sick, what stesses did she have in her life, was she a Christian, did she volunteer, etc. What dreams did she have, did she achieve many of them? What was HER STORY? What words of wisdom woud she offer me?

Some Pink for pink saturday!

Happy Pink Saturday, have an awesome weekend, Hugs, Michelle

Summer Sale-Kaffe Fassett Yards cuts $7.00

2011-07-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

All yard cuts $7.00, Kaffe Fassett fabric, check out my etsy site! No extra yardage available, closing out! Don't miss out!

We pray because...

2011-07-24T01:17:00.002-04:00

Lillies from my garden, praise God for all the beautiful flowers this year.

We pray because we want to thank someone or something for the beauties and glories for life, and also because we feel small and helpless and sometimes afraid. We pray for forgivenes, for strength, for contact with the One who is, for assurance that we are not alone. {from Yancey's book Prayer}

A few Prayers in the Bible {from Yancey's book Prayer}
Genesis 18: Abraham's plea for Sodom.
Exodus 15: Moses' song to the Lord.
Exodus 33: Moses meets with God.
2 Samuel 7: David's response to God's promises.
1 Kings 8: Solomon's dedication of the temple.
2 Chronicles 20: Jehoshaphat prays for victory.
Ezra 9: Ezra's prayer for the people's sins.
Psalm 22: A cry to God for help.
Psalm 104: A payer of praise.
Daniel 9: Daniel's prayer for the salvation for Jeursalem.
Habakkuk 3: A prophet's prayer of acceptance.
Matthew 6: The Lord's prayer.
John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples.
Colossians 1: Paul's prayer of thanksgiving.

Blessings, Michelle

Pink Saturday-perfect morning/one hour

2011-07-22T23:11:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-stop on over to Beverly our lovely hostess and check out all of the links. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com//

I had the most lovely Saturday morning two weeks ago, or should I say rather 1 hour, I grabbed for myself, and this is how I spend it::

I created a little outdoor "teatime" space, simple-simple... one green chair amd a small metal outdoor table, placed a pretty pink "butterfly" quilt as a "tablecloth" added a lovely vase with a daylilly, it was quiet except for some birds singing.

Steeped a cup of my favorite tea "Bigelow Raspberry" and poured it in the most beautiful teacup...the cup has a pretty gold print design , delicate handle, the top is wavy and has flowers printed on the inside so you see beauty with every lift to your lips. One of my faviorite magazines to browse and oogle the images and articles.

Toasted "beer bread" from tastefully simple made the most delicious toast, topped with homemade blueberry jam [canned last summer], mouthwatering on the tongue.

Relaxing, rhymic motion of crochet with the morning sun streaming its warmth. Praising God in prayer and being thankful and wishing I could have stayed in my quiet time longer before I started another overwhelmed too much to do day.

Progress on the giant granny square, row 28 and counting! Have a lovely weekend and thank you for visiting with me today. Michelle

I Heart Quilts and FLowers

2011-07-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Daylilly's only last for a "day", hence the name....so I decided at the end of one evening I might as well pick some blooms off and have a little fun!

Yellow, spider variety named "Slapstick".

Color, so many colors, tints and shades!

"Dark Star" is the name of this beauty.

This is one of my favorite quilts I made easy as pie, 9-patch cut twice {large 10" squares I used} and Robyn Pandolph "flirt" fabirc in greens and quilted with a very detailed floral.

Large blooms on this spider variety, larger than my hand..."wildest dreams"!

Lighting at this time of the night is so serene, love it!

Profuse blooms on this plant, which I don't recall the name of, but I've had for a couple of years so it is established , can't wait until the newer plants I have get like ths one hopefully, now it's just a 1-3 blooms at a time open and not too many on a plant. I sure am having fun photographing them all this summer. Have a great day!

Pink Saturday-Giant Granny Square Blanket

2011-07-08T17:08:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday-stop on over to Beverly our lovely hostess and check out all of the links. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com//

I am participating in a Giant Granny Challenge, more of a crochet along really. You can read all about it over here: http://lemondedesucrette.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/giant-granny-challenge/ . This is the first post and she has a few more since. There is also a space on flicker http://www.flickr.com/groups/sucrettes-giant-granny-challenge and even one on https://www.ravelry.com/ and a button has been made. It's been really nice to follow the posts and see how different people have help bring each piece of this together. So come on what are you waiting for join in the fun. Also, I remembered in my faviorite saves, I had saved a tutorial from Purl Soho that can be found here: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2009/3/24/joelles-giant-granny-square.html. I'm at about 19 rows here, of course these are the fun ones, now they start to get a little more time consuming with each color row. All is all, it is a simple no brainer project and just plain relaxing and fun, great way to use up those scraps, I happen to be using wool, but acrylic works just fine also.

Have a great day, enjoy the color...the color pink especially!!! Hugs, Michelle

Summer Sale-Nicey Jane-Heather Bailey

2011-07-07T20:47:00.000-04:00

Summer Sale-Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey, all yard cuts on sale for $6.50, Fat quarters $1.50. No yardages left, just what's listed.

Found this on someone's blog, sorry I am not sure now where to give credit to but isn't this a georgous use of this fabric, I love it.

Summer Sale-Hope Valley-Denyse Schmidt

2011-07-05T23:43:00.000-04:00

Huge summer sale of Hope Valley-Denyse Schmidt Fabric
All I have is listed in my Etsy shop, no more yardage available, just what's listed. Fat Quarters $1.50, yard cuts $6.50

Found this georgeous quilt on someone's blog and I'm sorry I can't give credit due, forgot which one I was at, but I just thought is was absolutely stunning work, both piecing and quilting. I love it.