Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!

So if you read my posting about my 2013 projects...you noticed this beauty....

and these were the only two fabrics I had from this Moda Fruitcake collection! Yes, I could have found other fabric to go with it, but I really LOVE Basic Grey who created this collection...and....I really love Moda fabrics....so I thought I would start looking on E-Bay   for a Fat Eighth collection or a Fat Quarter collection from it.  I've been looking for about three months...I will admit I did panic when I didn't find anything of the such...but then last night....just by chance....and look what I found!  I bought it! very quickly!  I'm very excited...and can't wait to get them!

And even better....there will be some left over for some things else!

A Farmer's Wife....

I did manage to sew a little today...I finished the 4th block of the Farmer's Wife quilt.  And as I've heard from other quilters, I need to pay closer attention to the printing of the templates for the blocks...cuz this block is 1/8 inch smaller than the other blocks...I've ironed the crap out it...and I think I gained 1/24 inch...that's it.  I may have to remake, but for now I'm going to leave it...and mark it as completed.  

Block #4: Basket Weave

Today was a card making day...

Today was definitely card making day....as well as movie day.  I participated in the Paper Players sketch challenge...it's been way too long since I was able to partake in the fun on their blog!

This blog, Paper Players, is great! I love their challenges; they rotate them...they are a one stop shop for keeping your mind creatively functioning!  Check the schedule out:

Week One: Theme Challenge with Pinterest Inspiration

Week Two: Colour Challenge

Week Three: Clean and Simple Challenge

Week Four: Sketch Challenge

Week Five: Tic Tac Toe

What I really love is...they accept all stamping products for participation...even though the blog is heavy on Stampin Up! stuff, which I LOVE!, but I have a lot of other products!  Hats off to them! Thank you for including all of our creativity! I appreciate it!  Here's the guidelines for participation:

1. Create a new paper project, using any stamping products.


2. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us.


3. Please fill in the linky with a direct link to your post.


4. Please leave a comment so we know you have played.


5. Feel free to combine our challenges with up to 3 challenges, total!

6. Have fun!! 

Anyho, here's my card for the challenge:

One down...a zillion left to go...

Well, since I'm on a stay-cation (stay at home vacation) until Wednesday...I thought I would work on my 2013 projects which I posted the other day...and Tim, my darling hubby, had been wondering if I had time to sew on the quilt he got me a couple of years ago...which I hadn't until this weekend.  It's done...I'm not going to sew the 1 3/4 inch border which was the final step...so I'll call it done!

Here's a couple of pics of the quilt: (please keep in mind...Tim picked it out...he went up to my mom and dad's summer retreat for the fishing opener, and I stayed home because of work...I told him he needed to pick out something at the local quilt store before he came home...so he picked out something for him...which makes sense.)

Pattern: free pattern with release of fabric
Fabric: Friendly Visitors by SouthSea Imports, Inc.

Looking for flowers in the snow....

It seems the last time I worked on the embroidery flower baskets...it was snowy outside, too...perhaps I'm longing for the spring weather which comes with the new flower growth...regardless if it's snowy or not I'll enjoy the time spent working on projects on my days off of work!

Here's another flower baskets finish...believe it or not I haven't worked on this project for a little under 2 years...it's time to get it finished...don't you think!

It's not ironed yet...but it's pretty nevertheless! If you would like to view the other baskets which I've completed prior to this posting, here's a link: http://barbarahudak.blogspot.com/2011/07/little-progress.html

Have a great day!

Block 1

Look what I found...

OMG, look what I found....in my stash...of things to do!  I only have 3 more blocks to finish...will be getting done by the end of the month...fo sure!

Um....it's really cold outside...

Um...it's really cold outside....honestly...there isn't anything that could get me outside today!  Here's a cute winter weather joke:  Enjoy your day! Check out the blog later...I'll be posting some thing more!


60 above zero: Floridians turn on the heat. Minnesotans plant gardens.

50 above zero: Californians shiver uncontrollably. People are sunbathing in Duluth.

40 above zero: Import cars won’t start. Minnesotans drive with the sunroof open.

32 above zero: Distilled water freezes. The water in Bemidji gets thicker.

20 above zero: New Mexicans don long johns, parkas and wool hats & mittens. Minnesotans throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero: New York landlords finally turn on the heat. People in Minnesota have one last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero: People in Miami all die. Minnesotans close the windows.

10 below zero: Californians fly away to Mexico Minnesotans dig their winter coats out of storage.

25 below zero: Hollywood disintegrates. Girl Scouts in Minnesota still selling cookies door to door.

40 below zero: Washington, D.C.  finally runs out of hot air. People in Minnesota let their dogs sleep indoors.

100 below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Minnesotans get upset because the Mini-Van won’t start.

460 below zero: ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale). People in Minnesota can be heard to say,  “Cold ’nuff fer ya?”

500 below zero: Hell freezes over. Minnesota public schools open 2 hours lat

Some things for 2013....

I usually don't like making lists of things to get done when it comes to my crafts...I get overwhelmed by the many projects which I've started and haven't finished...it's like cement on my feet...I get nothing done....but I dug into the many tubs of projects I have in my craft room.  I thought I would simply lay out some projects which seemed interesting to me....plus I have a long weekend coming up...I thought I would have a mini quilting retreat...and yes, I'm ordering pizza for lunch!

Anyho, here's the pics of my "unofficial" list of 2013 projects:

I'm already overwhelmed....because there are several other projects from books which I haven't pictured...I need to remind myself to just breeth...one thing at a time...and enjoy the time spent sewing....can't wait from my long weekend!

Little Bits by Lynn Dash; Pattern: Itty Bitty Bear's Paw
Seriously, what was I thinking....the bear paw block measure 2 INCHES! 

American Patchwork & Quilting magazine (December 2010); Pattern: Small Steps

Indygo Junction, Inc.; Book: Handle with Style Pattern: The Basic Tote (large)

Lizzie Kate; Pattern: Christmas Rules

Farmer's Wife Quilt; fabric selection from Moda's Bonnie & Camille

Miss Rosie's Spice of Life; Pattern: Elizabeth

Wood 'n Peg Designs; Pattern: Stow and Go Green Bag
One for me...and one for Abigail!

No pattern...just random 3 inch blocks with fabric scraps  

Pattern: Enjoy the Little Things

Moutainpeek Creations; Pattern: Sidelights
I need to find some Moda's Fruitcake fabric to get with it...the search begins! E-bay here...I..come! 

Jackie's Animas Quilts; Pattern: Yule Logs

Perkins Dry Goods; Pattern: Village Crossing
The snowman are fussy cut to create the finished blocks...need to know if I have enough of the snowman!
Oh...I hope so! Otherwise, Ebay here I come!

Starry Pines Pattern Co; Pattern: Wooly Basket Sampler
Most of the blocks are completed; I just need to embroider and add some final touches

An unscheduled creative day....

Today, was kinda an unscheduled creative day...with my Oregonian peep.  I say, "kinda" because we've tried to have a creative day for the past several weeks, but always missed one another.  Today....was not one of those days...we were able to hook up for a creative day of card making.  Using the Mojo Monday #275 contest sketch, we were able to participate in the challenge and spend time together via Skype!  I loved it!  

Thank you, Steph....I loved spending time with you....even if it was compliments of Skype!  Can't wait for the next time....(heart) you!

Here's the card which I created:

Here's Stephanie's gorgeous creation: (we weren't able to fully complete the cards before we needed to sign off, so she emailed the finished card...I love it!)

Some things to match....

The other day...I purchased a couple of Holiday Mod paper packs from K&Company at Target...they were on clearance!  Well, after playing with the paper...I decided I needed some embellishments to accompany the paper...so I ordered some things from Two Peas in a Bucket; it was the first time ordering from their online store...and I liked it...I thought the online store was extremely user friendly...so needless to say, I will be back in the near future.  

Anyho, I decided....since I was ordering the embellishments...that I would get some reasonable priced designer paper...check it out:

I planned on using the Holiday Mod paper to create an envelope/card stock album, but I didn't like how it turned out...so I'm back to the drawing board.  I was using the tutorials from Kathy Orta's YouTube videos...however, instead of creating the hidden hinge, I'm going to use my Bind-It-All tool for assembly....I'll get back to you...and I'll include the links to Kathy Orta's YouTube videos, also.

Until then...enjoy your day...or evening...

Happy Birthday to you....

Happy Birthday, Nathan! I hope you have a great day! I love you and miss you more! You are an amazing young man! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you!

Nathan and Stephanie

Here's the card I created for his birthday; I think I used a Retro Sketches #41....I checked, I did use that sketch...enjoy your day!

Baby...It's Cold Outside...

Baby...it's cold outside...and I don't need another other reason to head upstairs to my craft room!  Happy New Year!

Day 6 & 5....

I'm on Day 5....day 6 was yesterday...I didn't have internet service....so I'm combining the two days. Wanted to make sure my Oregonian peep saw that I haven't opened the gifts, yet!  

And to be honest with you....I have to play this "little" game with Steph, my Oregonian....otherwise....I will open the gifts!  You see...when I was a kid...I used to "pre" open the gifts before Christmas Eve...I would take a razor blade...and cut the tape, so I could see what the gifts were....I know, I know, I know...but I'm older and wiser ...well, I'm older...maybe a little wiser...just a little...

Anyho, here's a pic to prove I haven't opened them, yet.

I LOVE YOU, Steph! You are my best friend....and I still want to open the gifts...(smile)!

Check out what my OWN brother said on Facebook about the gift opening...

Day 7....

Good Morning, Everyone! So I'm making good on a promise I made with my Oregonian peep to not open the Christmas gift from her....and I will admit it's something I don't want to do...what I really want to do it to open it RIGHT NOW!  But I promised...and although I've promised in the past years...I will make good on it this year!

Here's a picture to prove it! Look Steph...it's untouched!  And YES, I want to open the gift NOW! But I will wait until Christmas Eve...I promise! Cross my heart!

The Rainbow Bridge....

‎'There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

I will miss you painfully...I love you, Kane!

My timing is all mixed up...

My timing is all mixed up....because a couple of weeks ago, I posted my brothers birthday card.  I haven't posted my BFF's card...and her birthday was in September! Well, here's the card I created for her!  I wanted to make the Splitcoaststampers.com..here's the directions from YouTube:

Here's the card I created for Stephanie:

From this view, you can see the embossing that I over heated....opps!

My life has been crazy...

My life has been crazy...in the last month...I've been moved into 2 different departments...which for my employer is crazy!  My last move has me starting early morning hours...which has been an adjustment.  I've been doing early morning for the last 3 weeks...my life has not been my own...except for today.  Hubby went fishing...and I went to my craft room!

After creating this birthday card for my twin brother....seen below...I went to my local craft store...to do some browsing.  I got a couple of Tim Holtz's items...but nothing super exciting!

Anyho...back to the card...I loosely followed the layout from Retro Sketches # 38...you might be thinking...what's up with the beet?  I agree...but I liked the Stampin' Up! stamp set when I purchased it over a 1 1/2 years ago...and was so excited with the stamp set that it's the first time I used any of the stamps from the whole set.  Yeah, me!

Enjoy your day!

In the beginning...

In the beginning...I wasn't sure about color combinations for the Farmer's Wife quilt blocks.  The 1st block I made didn't have any white tone-on-tone fabric...and it turned out okay, but it didn't have an enduring quality about it.  The 2nd block I made with white tone-on-tone...then it popped out...I really liked it.  So I ripped the 1st block apart and added some white...ahh...I really like it now...

block 1

block 2

block 3

I've made a decision...

As of a couple of weeks ago...I still hadn't made a decision on which fabric collection (Civil War or Bonnie & Camille) to make my Farmer's Wife quilt...then it dawned on me...I will need a little variety since I'm currently working on the Small Steps Quilt out of Civil War scraps.

As a result, I'm changing the fabric collection to Bonnie & Camille's selection.  Yes, I will admit that seeing Camille's blocks did persuade me...I loved the light and cheery fabrics from their selection...I really like the change...it's going to be fun!

I haven't sewn the first block, yet...so check back!  Also, I'm hoping to lock myself in the craft room later today!  Yippeee!

Hope you have an amazing day...

Something from the archives...

Hello, so I've been working on something from the archives...Small Steps from the American Patchwork & Quilting magazine (December 2010) (see previous posting).  It's worth mentioning that I've put the Maple Harvest on the back burner...cuz I didn't want to cut and sew any more 1/2 triangle squares!  I know...it's a lame excuse but I'm stickin' to it!

Any ho, it's been fun to work on something different; here's a pic of the latest progress report.  The blocks are small...they are only 3 1/2 blocks, but it's a nice change up.

For some time...

For some time now...I've been saying to myself that I wanted to start filling up my ATC Vintage Holder (see image).  Stephanie, my Oregonian Peep, got it for my birthday a gazillion years ago...and I haven't done anything with it.  Actually, I have done ONE place marker (see this posting)...and that's it...nothing else...

Soooo, what I've decided is that I would take the card sketches to create the ATC card for the holder.  I should let you know that I'm not really using it for ATC, instead I'm going to put pictures in it...with some artsy fartsy cards...which I guess are ATC cards...haha.

Well, I've had this idea in my head for some time....and have done NOTHING about it...well, my friends...today is the day that I'm going to do more than just think about it! Here's my place holder using the SplitcoastStampers.com sketch challenge. 

I think of all the people I "love beyond measure"...so next is to put some pictures in...I'm excited to start filling it up!

It looks a little too something...pink...red...hmmmm!

I'm a happy girl...

I'm a happy girl because I actually made time and followed through with making a card in my craft room!  I have several events this month to make cards for, and I didn't want to purchase any cards...unlike yesterday...I spent $6.39 for a baby shower card.  Grant it the card was a Papyrus card, but really...holy cow!

Any ho, here's a card for Brad/Kristina's wedding for the end of this month...I used the Retro Sketches # 28.  Their sketches are amazing...sometimes they are challenging, but they follow up with a clean and simple sketch! Lov'n it!