Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Pleasant Home


Yesterday was a special day. It's the day that I got to meet Jodi (from Pleasant Home). Hey, that sounds like a song, no really, it does. Can anyone name that tune? Here's a hint: it's an LDS Primary song.

I got up a couple hours early to finish the little gifties I was making the girls but it took much longer than I anticipated, I'm sorry I was so late. We were meeting at Material Girls at 10am and since I was late I decided to stop there first to see if they were still shopping. I was just in time to catch Nanette before she left and was able to give her my gift. We hugged and then she ran off to her business meetings. I walked in and there they were enjoying their surroundings. Shortly after we headed over to Gardner Village for lunch.

It was really fun meeting Jodi and seeing her in person. She's so darling. I just wish we had more time with her. I would've loved to have a few hours with her to talk and quilt. When you're traveling it's so hard to take time away from family to visit with friends. Thanks to Jodi's husband for giving her a few hours to spend with us and to Lori's husband for taking Jodi's husband fishing. What a perfect day for everyone. I loved it!!!

L to R: Rae Ann, Me, Jodi, Lori, and Judi.
Nanette had to leave early. She had a busy day at work.
This picture was taken at Pine Needles in Gardner Village.

I didn't take very many pictures but when I saw these Moda Chocolate Candy Bars I had to pull out my camera. I love, love, love the darling and clever packaging. I sooo wanted to buy one but as I started thinking about it I realized that I'd never use it because it's just TOO CUTE to OPEN, if you know what I mean. So, I took a picture of it instead. . . although. . . I still may have to eventually buy one. . . we will see. . . must resist temptation. . . must. lol.

Jodi took some great pictures of our quilt shopping so you'll want to check out her blog post.

Here's a picture of the sweet gifts from my friends.
  • Rae Ann gave us a crocheted dishcloth with chocolates and a Pom Pom Pen
  • Jodi gave us some beautiful quilt pictures she took along with some charm squares.
  • Nanette gave us an appliqued dishtowel with vintage buttons.
  • Lori gave us a darling vintage metal chair with a pin cushion she made.
Thank You Dear Friends.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this pincushion chair that Lori made. She makes the sweetest, cutest, darlingest, things ever. If you haven't visited her blog you need to go right now and check it out. Prepare yourself to be inspired. . . I know I am. Thanks Lori for sharing all of your talents and wonderful ideas with all of us.

BTW I'm sorry I forgot to take pictures of what I made for the girls but I'm hoping someone will take pictures of it so I can ask to have a copy. Maybe, I'll have to make one for myself then I can take a picture of it. Have any of you ever visited Spool Sewing? She has a free pattern for the bird I made.

Here's the blog link for Spool Sewing. You will see the free pdf pattern for the bird on her side bar under the list; FREE PATTERNS. This picture was borrowed from the Spool Sewing Blog. They also have a flickr group so you can see more of the birds others have made. The bird mobile is just adorable. Love it!!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Tool Bracelet Tutorial


I know I've been missing in action for several weeks now but, I'm back with a great tutorial to start off your week. Let me introduce you to what I'm calling my Tool Bracelet.

I know it's a small project but a ton of work went into making this tutorial so I'd be happy if you linked to it and shared it with your friends. Infact, I'm going to be giving away a few Tool Bracelets in a giveaway. Keep an eye out for that giveaway in the next few days.

It's basically a really small and cute bracelet for your scissors or rotary cutter. The Tool Bracelet helps you identify your tool when quilting with a group of ladies at a quilt retreat or during a quilt class or at your quilt group gatherings. The initial of your name is stamped on the plastic disc and is then attached to the bracelet with a jump ring. You'll also notice the bit of bling attached to the flower dangle and scalloped letter disc.


Part One:
Making the Plastic Dangle



Supply List:

Please note:
I've taken the time to link nearly every supply you will need to make this project. You can purchase some of your items at most craft stores or you can use the online links I've provided for you. I buy the majority of my beading items online through Artbeads.com and I've used them for years with 100% satisfaction. They are a great source for a HUGE variety of beads with quick and reliable service, competitive pricing, and free shipping when you spend at least $10.00. Now my secrets out! lol. Also, Let me know if you have any trouble with the links and I will try to help or fix it. Thanks.

Warning: Beading and Jewelry making can easily become another craft addiction if you're not careful. lol. It's something I've enjoyed for many years!!
Enjoy visiting Artbeads!
  • Colored Shrink Plastic by Grafix
  • 2" Scalloped Circle Punch by Marvy Uchida
  • Retro Flower by EK Success
  • Everyday Alphabet Clear Stamps by Heidi Grace
  • Clear Acrylic Stamping Block from Joann's (on sale now $4.19)
  • Staz-On Jet Black Ink by Tsukineko or Joann's (on sale now $6.29)
  • 1/4" Hole Punch
  • 1/4" Square Hole Punch (optional)
  • Craft Oven (On sale now $35.99) from Joann's Fabric & Craft Store (I used the oven I had on hand)
  • Parchment Paper from the grocery store
  • Bamboo or wooden skewers from the grocery store
  • (19) 4mm Swarovski Round white pearls from Artbeads
  • (4) Silver Bali Beads (more expensive option @ $1.92 a bead) from Artbeads
  • or (4) 6mm Swarovski Bi-cone Crystals (less expensive option @ .16 cents a bead) in any color from Artbeads
  • (1) 4mm Silver Daisy Spacer from Artbeads
  • (1) 2mm Silver Bead from Artbeads
  • (1) 10x4mm lobster claw from Artbeads
  • (2) 2 x 2mm crimp beads from Artbeads
  • (1) 5.3mm open jump ring from Artbeads
  • (1) 2" Head pin from Artbeads
  • 8" length of Beadalon 49 strand bead stringing wire from Artbeads
  • Wire Cutter (on sale now $5.59) from Joann's
  • Wire Looping Pliers (on sale now $6.99) from Joann's
  • Crimping Tool from Artbeads or Joann's (on sale now $6.99)

Here's a picture of the Shrink Plastic and Big Punches

Here's a picture of the Alphabet Stamps, Black Staz On Stamp Pad, Clear Acrylic Stamp block (not pictured), 1/4" punches and a before shrinking and after shrinking look at the shrink plastic.

Instructions:

1. Decide on the two plastic colors you want to use.
2. Punch out the circle with the scalloped circle punch.
3. Punch out the flower using the retro flower punch.



4. Decide on the letter you want to use from the Everyday Alphabet set.
5. Attach letter to the clear acrylic stamp block.
6. Center and carefully stamp letter on plastic circle (it will slide if you're not careful). Let dry.


7. Make sure to read over the manufacturer's instructions for using the shrink plastic.
8. Preheat craft oven/toaster oven to 300-350 degrees. I found the 300 degrees worked best.
9. Cut two pieces of parchment paper to fit your oven tray. One for the bottom of tray and one to cover your shrink plastic.
10. Place one piece of shrink plastic in the oven at a time. You can do more it's just easier with one piece at a time.
11. Cover with parchment paper and lightly hold down with skewer. Note: This will help to prevent the plastic from sticking when it curls. I found the circles curled really easily and the opposing edges would stick to each other and then not uncurl like the instructions indicate. You will want to do a few testers for your oven and to get a feel for how the plastic works and shrinks and again please make sure to read over the manufacturer's instructions if you have any questions about the product.

12. Before taking plastic out of the oven, take off the top parchment paper and use the skewer to flatten the edges by rolling the flat edge over the plastic like a rolling pin. It does harden quickly.

Part Two:
Making the Crystal Flower Dangle
These are the components you will need to make the Crystal Flower Dangle.


Supplies Pictured from left to right:
  • (1) 5.3 mm open Jump Ring
  • Plastic Scalloped Circle Disc (shrunk)
  • Plastic Retro Flower (shrunk)
  • (1) 2" head pin
  • (1) 4mm Swarovski Crystal
  • (1) 4mm Silver Daisy Spacer
  • (1) 2mm Round Silver Bead
Instructions:

1. Place Crystal, spacer, and bead on the head pin as seen in picture below.
2. Place wire in Wire Looping Tool making sure to leave approximately a 16th of an inch space between pearl and tool. Close handles. This will curve the wire.
3. Bend crystal side of head pin away from tool and curve the opposite side of wire around the needle part or the tool until it crosses over the head pin.
4. Twist the excess wire around the head pin.
5. Using wire cutters trim the excess wire.

6. Now you're ready to assemble the dangle on the jump ring.
7. Take the jump ring and open it by twisting one side up and one side down. Do not open it by pulling it apart, this will make it easier to close and keep a narrow space where the ends meet
8. Take the plastic disc and place it on the ring with the back/wrong side facing you.
9. Take the plastic flower and place it in front of the back side of disc.
10. Take the Crystal Dangle you just made and place it on the jump ring.



11. Close the ring in the reverse manner I explained in instruction #7.
12. You are now ready to move on to Step #3 Making the Bracelet.




Part Three: Making the Bracelet
and Putting it all Together


Supplies Pictured Above:

  • (4) Bali Beads or Crystals
  • (19) Pearls
  • (2) Crimp beads
  • (1) Lobster Claw
  • (1) 8" length of Beading Wire
  • (1) Crystal Flower Dangle (made in Step Two)
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Wire Cutter
Instructions:

1. Take the Crystal Flower Dangle and thread wire through the hole.
2. Slip the crimp bead with both ends of wire going through the hole of crimp bead.
3. Leave at least a 1" wire tail.
4. Using the back opening of the crimp tool crimp the bead.
5. Move crimped bead to front opening of crimp tool to fold the crimped bead into each other.

6. Thread on two pearl beads making sure the 1" tail end is also fed through the pearls. It will be a tight fit but it will work.
7. Thread on one bali bead making sure the 1" tail end is also fed through the bali bead. Trim excess wire.


8. Thread on 3 more pearl beads.
9. Thread on 1 bali bead.
10. Thread on 9 pearl beads.
11. Thread on 1 bali bead.
12. Thread on 3 pearl beads.
13. Thread on 1 bali bead.
14. Thread on 2 pearl beads.
15. Thread on 1 crimp bead.
16. Thread on the lobster claw.
16. Feed the remaining wire through crimp bead.
17. Move the crimp bead up the wire toward the lobster claw.


18. Feed the remaining wire through the two pearl beads and the one bali bead.
19. Pull the excess wire the opposite direction of the lobster claw to secure and create a tight fit.
2o. Cut EXCESS wire close to the bali bead making sure NOT to cut the wire for the bracelet.


Congratulations! You are now done!

Attach your "Tool Bracelet" to your favorite scissors or rotary cutter.


Just a note: I've made my best effort to link you to a SMALLER Bali Bead but if your (4) Silver Bali Beads are TOO big they may not fit through the hole of your rotary cutter but you won't have any problem with your scissors. When you're looking for Bali Beads they don't always give the size. Hint: The more the bead costs $$$ the bigger the bead will be.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and if you have any questions or see any mistakes please let me know. Thanks!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Best Dad Ever

Happy Father's Day to Everyone!

I saw this photo idea last year around blog land and then totally forgot about it. Recently (like Wednesday) I saw it pop up again and it reminded me that I should make a poster for my husband and my son-in-law because they are the BEST Dad's EVER!!! I called my kids and rallied the troops, everyone was in.

My older kids were a little reluctant when they saw the big letters they had to hold but hung in there and were pretty good sports about it. I guess they like to make me happy and could tell this was important to me. Thanks guys for humoring me. I'm sure you're DAD will love hanging it on his office wall.

The grand kids were another story. Once they saw the letters they were more than willing to have their picture taken. It was a lot of fun taking their pictures and I captured a few precious photos. You will enjoy the silly pictures at the bottom of the post.

I should tell you that I printed the above photos in a 16x20 poster at Costco Photo Center and it was done in just a few short hours. I printed my grandkids poster in an 11x14 size. What a great gift idea for a loved one, a coach, a teacher, a wedding, a birthday, etc. There are so many occasions you can print a poster for. Costco has two paper options to print on (poster paper or poster board) and 3 size options, 11x14, 16x20, and 20x30. They can also make the poster with one photo or several photos which they call a photo collage. I almost forgot to tell you that I got the wooden letters at the local craft store and painted them with white acrylic paint.

Happy Father's Day to Mark and Nick and all the other Father's in my life.


Here are a few darling out takes from the photo shoot.




Enjoy this special day dedicated to Father's and all they do for us. Thanks!!!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Quilt Shop Hop Part 2

Are you ready for the second half of the Wasatch Front Shop Hop? Wonderful! We will pick up at shop #7 and finish with shop #10. Thanks for coming along on my quilt shop hopping.

Shop Seven:
Material Girls
Located in South Jordan, Utah


I love the high ceilings in their store. It was lots of wonderful quilts and projects hanging on the walls. This is a fun quilt shop and a must stop and visit kind of shop too.


Shop Eight:
Quilt, Quilt, Quilt, Etc.
Located in Sandy, Utah

This is Quilt Etc. Book & Pattern Room.
It's such an inviting place to sit and look at quilt books.

Quilt Etc's. Celebration theme was the Superbowl. The quilt to the left is their Superbowl block and the quilt in the center of the picture is all of the blocks from each of the 15 shops.


Shop Nine:
Thimbles & Threads
Located in Draper, Utah

I love how this picture with the quilt, bench, flowers and flag turned out. It makes me want to sit on the bench and applique, quilt, or crochet. It would be a great spot to sit with a friend and enjoy people watching.
Thimble and Threads Celebration Theme is the Fourth of July.

This whole wall was dedicated to all things Red, White, and Blue.


Shop Ten:
Broadbent & Sons Quilt Shop

Located in Lehi, Utah

I love this old cash register and thought you'd enjoy seeing it.

Every store needs a few candy jars.

Broadbents has grown into one of the best shops around.

Laurel's daughter made these wonderful cupcakes for the birthday celebration which is Broadbent's theme for the shop hop. The cupcakes were delicious with a great big D!
Here's a link to Cakes & Cupcakes by L.E.

The Birthday Celebration Quilt.

I love this picture they had displayed.


Here is a list again of the 10 shops we visited along with any links:

1. Quilter's Haven located in Bountiful, Utah
2. Piper's Quilts & Comforts located in Historic Sugarhouse in SLC, Utah
3. Whimsy Cottage located in Holladay, Utah
4. Mormon Handicraft located in Deseret Book in Midvale, Utah
5. Elaine's Quilt Block located in Cottonwood Heights, Utah
6. Pine Needle's located at Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah
7. Material Girl's located in South Jordan, Utah
8. Quilt, Quilt, Quilt, Etc. located in Sandy Utah
9. Thimble & Threads located in Draper, Utah
10. Broadbent's Quilt Shop located in Lehi, Utah

Piece & Love

This is ME standing with Dawn from "Piece & Love" at Pine Needles.

One of my Highlights of the Day!

I was standing in line at the cash register waiting to make my purchase when I hear. . . Is that...? I turned and looked and the person behind me said something like . . . it is Kim! Hi, I'm Dawn from Piece & Love.

It took me a few seconds to make the connection because she doesn't have a picture on her blog but it didn't take me long. Dawn lives in Nevada right near Sherri of "A Quilting Life" and a short distance from Nedra of "Cactus Needle" blog. I've not been able to get to St. George at the same time when Dawn is visiting with Nedra so, it was fun to run into her at Pine Needles.

Once we got past the initial recognition we hug and visited for a bit then I had my friend take a picture of us so we could blog about it.

It was so fun meeting Dawn and it was one of those wonderful chance meetings. She and a friend had driven up to do some family history work at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and Dawn had talked her friend into making a quilting detour. I'm so happy her friend said yes and that Dawn recognized me. I was in the quilting zone and would have likely walked right past her especially since she wasn't wearing her Blog Name on her shirt. lol. I think more of you need to post your pictures so I can recognize you more easily, but, maybe that's the point. ha. ha. You'd rather go icognito. I totally understand.

Check back later today for Part 2 of the Shop Hop. Thanks.


Thursday, June 17, 2010

Quilt Shop Hop Part 1

The Theme for the Wasatch Front Quilt Shop Hop for 2010 is Celebrating 10 Years, it's hard to believe it's been 10 years. I don't think I've missed more than 1-2 years of the 10 years. This year each shop picked a celebration and made a block and then also made a quilt to showcase their celebration.

Shop Hop came upon me quickly this year and I wasn't quite prepared for it. What I mean is that with the wedding I didn't have as much money to spend as I wanted to have but, I had fun with my $100 budget and was able to collect some wonderful fabric for a new quilt I'm making this summer. I'll talk more about that in another post later where I'll share the pattern and show pictures of the fabric I bought.

(Picture taken at Quilts Etc.)

Diana, Jackie and I started our Shop Hop Day at 8am and drove to one of the furthest Shops and worked our way down through the Salt Lake Valley.

Here is a list of the 10 shops we visited along with links if they have them:

1. Quilter's Haven located in Bountiful, Utah
2. Piper's Quilts & Comforts located in Historic Sugarhouse in SLC, Utah
3. Whimsy Cottage located in Holladay, Utah
4. Mormon Handicraft located in Deseret Book in Midvale, Utah
5. Elaine's Quilt Block located in Cottonwood Heights, Utah
6. Pine Needle's located at Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah
7. Material Girl's located in South Jordan, Utah
8. Quilt, Quilt, Quilt, Etc. located in Sandy Utah
9. Thimble & Threads located in Draper, Utah
10. Broadbent's Quilt Shop located in Lehi, Utah


Shop One:
Quilter's Haven
Located in Bountiful, Utah

This is a view of the front of their shop. I loved the Halloween quilt made using Riley Blake's Halloween collection called "Boo to You". I bought the majority of my fabric from this shop.

The theme for Quilter's Haven's quilt is Cinco de Mayo.

I loved the Tool Minder's as seen in the picture below.
I actually have a tutorial in the works that I have planned for next week sometime.


Shop Two:
Piper's Quilts & Comforts
located in Historic Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City, Utah

Jeannette is the shop owner and she has a wonderful flair for quilting, crocheting, knitting, and applique. I'm quite certain those are just a few of her many talents. Her shop also has the most beautiful garden and her hollyhocks are so gorgeous.

You must click on the picture below to get a closer look at all of these darling handmade baby shoes. I just want to make them and line them up on a shelf or hang them in the window. They are just that cute. The picture doesn't give a clear picture of just how precious they are.

These Hand Smocked Dresses have been a favorite for years and I have yet to take one on. I should've bought a kit to make and frame at least one of them. I just couldn't decide which dress I wanted to make. Each kit comes with a pre-gathered piece of fabric for smocking.

I love this yarn display and love the quilt on the door too.


Jeanette has many wonderful crochet and knitting books along with quilt books and patterns. I wished I had had more time to peruse her book shelves.


Shop Three:
Whimsy Cottage
Located in Holladay, Utah

This shop is small but full of great fabric. I'm not as keen on their present location but it's wonderful to have them in the list of Quilt Shops to visit. Last year they had one of my favorite quilts.
This is an inside look at Whimsy Cottage.
We ran into some of our American Quilting Retreat Buddies here and had fun visiting with them.


Whimsy's Quilt Theme: Mardi Gras


Shop Four:
Mormon Handicraft
Sorry NO Pictures taken here.

This Quilt Shop used to be one of the premier places to visit when in Utah and they have since moved from downtown Salt Lake City to "This is the Place Heritage Park" and Pioneer Village in SLC and now they are located in a corner of some of the bigger Deseret Books in Utah. I don't know about every quilter but, I think we all miss their previous locations, especially the Pioneer Village. That was a great place to visit.

Shop Five:
Elaine's Quilt Block
Located in Cottonwood Heights, Utah

This is one of my favorite shops that I'd love to visit more often than I get too. It's not terribly far away but just far enough with all of the summer road construction that it makes it difficult for me to get too as often. Their shop has a great variety of fabric with lots of fun things to look at.


Elaine's Quilt Shop Theme: Happy New Year


Shop Six:
Pine Needles
Located at Historic Gardner Village in Holladay, Utah

I'm so happy this shop is so close to home and it's in my top five favorite quilt shops to visit. The location of this quilt shop is also very fun with lots of other shops each in their own little house. Gardner Village is actually a little village of old and historial houses that have been brought to the site and given a new home. Gardner Village is a delightful place that you'll have to put on your must visit places when you come to Utah.

A view of Pine Needle's from the bridge you walk over when parking on the north side of the building.
Pine Needles theme: Baby Shower
Click on the picture to see the darling bibs and baby shirts.

I love this crib and the darling things displayed inside.


Look at this darling baby carseat/carrier cover. It's an actual quilt, not just two pieces of fabric sewn together and I loved the extra attention to detail on this carseat cover.


Well, that's it for today!

Tomorrow: Part Two
Quilt Shops 7, 8, 9, &10


I hope you enjoyed a peek at some of our local quilt shops.