Around the House Saturdays: Home Studio Edition

I'm so excited to share my new creative space with everyone. It's actually the same place, I've just given it a bit of a face-lift and added a great piece of furniture made my by Hubby. I've been wanting a work station with lots of work space and storage, and Dustin has definitely made my wishes come true.
Now I must share that finding the perfect spot for this beast of a table was not the easiest feat. Apparently planning the layout of a room in your head doesn't seem to work so well when the room in your head is larger than the actual room you have to work with. (I don't even know if that phrase made sense).
Anywho, after five different ideas and an almost melt down, the Hubby and I finally figured out how everything could work in harmony in my little space. It works perfectly under my uber-organizer.


My Hubby also made this fantastic little shelf that sits wonderfully on top of the table. It was one of his "I-was-bored-and-wanted-to-play-in-my-shop" projects. It just so happened to be a perfect notion/accessory shelf for my studio. Funny how things work out that way.
Buttons anyone? No, you're eyes are not playing tricks on you. That is a one gallon jar of vintage buttons.
In order to make the shelves durable and of course cute for the station, I found this fabulous vintage-style strawberry printed oilcloth from this great oilcloth seller. I love the pop of color it adds to the bright white. I haven't covered the top yet, because I'm eventually going to cover the top with cutting mats.

On to the rest of the studio...
Here's what I like to call "The Machines." Dun-dun-DUUUN. Ok, it's not that dramatic. It just so happened that my computer and sewing machine ended up in the same corner and they're both machines.
Every studio must have adorable pin cushions. My most fabulous Mom made both of them for me. You can find the turtle here.
My ever-growing stash of fabric-happiness.

So there ya have it folks. Hope you have a fun and creative weekend!

Craft Hope for Haiti

The amazing Craft Hope is at it again. And this time, they're calling lovers of all things handmade to join their cause. You can do this in two ways:

1. Have something that you've handmade? Donate it to the Craft Hope Etsy Shop. When it's sold 100% of the proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders.
2. Love to buy things handmade? Visit the Craft Hope Etsy Shop and check out all of the beautiful items that are generously being donated. You'll be sure to find something you love.

Here are a two clutches that I've decided to donate. I'm extremely humbled to be able to participate in such an amazing cause that will give aid to the thousands in need in Haiti.

**UPDATE**
These clutches have been sold, but be sure to continue checking out the Craft Hope Etsy Shop for other great items on sale.

Baby Kaylee

Last weekend I was able to do a photo shoot of the most beautiful little princess named Kaylee. Last March I was blessed to photograph her Mommy and Daddy's wedding. And again this past Fall I was able to photograph her beautiful family just before she entered the world. It's been so fun to be the "personal photographer" for the Edgar family and I can't wait to continue photographing their journey together as a family.

So without further ado, I present to you Kaylee at 1 month old. (Be prepared to say "aww" at every photo...yes, she's that adorable).

Completed

I made many a trip to the lovely Clementine's. Each visit included a purchase of several fat quarters. "You are the Fat Quarter Queen," I was called by the owner Cami. Oh but if she had only known what my lovely stash of fat quarters was contributing to...
Many months passed as I discovered and collected the beautiful fat quarters. Each one folded neatly on its shelf. Each time I walked by them, I could hear them whisper, "Make us into something...please!" But I resisted, knowing that once they were all put together, something even more beautiful would be created.
And so, March 2009 arrived. Each fat quarter was meticulously cut into various sizes for the lovely people who would be receiving them. Each one carefully placed in a padded (and weather-resistant) envelope and sealed with love. Off they went to their various lands...some to Virginia...a few to Utah...one lucky one even made it all the way to the Aloha State of Hawaii where it basked in the sun light and palm trees. Little did these bundles of fabric-goodness know that after their adventure they would return to me in a completely different fashion.


As each beautiful block arrived in the mail, my heart would skip a beat. The absolute beauty...the gorgeous craftsmanship...it was all so overwhelming. Once all 12 blocks were completed and returned, the intense task of designing the layout of the quilt began. Each piece was drawn to particular measurements and each piece cut accordingly. With each piece that was sewn together, I was able to get a glimpse of what the final masterpiece would look like.

At last, it was all pieced together. However, it's journey wasn't quite complete. It had to make one last voyage to North Carolina and back to Indiana to be quilted together by such special hands.


After months of patience and getting excited each time a package arrived to our home, the ultimate package arrived (and so close to Christmas, too). I quickly opened it, admired it, "Oooo" and "Aaaah" over it, then like a mad woman, began working on the binding to complete this treasure.


And so now dear friends, with much anticipation and excitement, I unveil an original "A Notion of Two Virtual Quilting Bee" Quilt.

It sits so perfectly on our comfy bed where each night it keeps us warm and cozy. Each time I walk into the room, I can hear each block singing harmoniously together. And as you can see two lucky blocks were so magnificent and delicate that they were made into beautiful coordinating pillows.

Even the backing was designed so that each side of this quilt could be enjoyed and loved. No part will go unnoticed...not even the delicately binded corners (for which my thanks is due to the ever-encouraging and inspiring Dana, who taught me how to bind a quilt with such ease).


I must say thank you to everyone involved in this beautiful quilt. It will be treasured forever and loved by many. My first experience in a Quilting Bee was one that I will never forget and I'm so excited to continue with it into 2010.

A Notion or Two September, October, November, & December Blocks

So...it's January 2010 and I was just able to finish the remaining four blocks for A Notion or Two this past weekend. I know. I'm such a slacker, but you gotta understand that the last four months of 2009 zoomed by so fast I felt like I blinked and it was 2010. But enough of my excuses...

Without further ado...Here are the remaining blocks for the 2009 A Notion or Two Virtual Quilting Bee...

September's block for Lolly:

October's block for Amber:

November's block for Allyn:

December's block for Dana:

I had such a great time being a part of my first Quilting Bee ever and can't wait to get started with this year's!