It's here!

Finally, after months of anticipation the Somerset Life magazine that features the bag I designed is out.  It was a thrill to see it on the news stand.  Of course everyone I know gets treated to a look.  This is not a magazine on regular news stands but can be found at big book stores, Michaels or Joanns.  I couldn't help but show the beautiful photos they took.

happy birthday

People comment to me all the time at how close our family is.  I love it that way.  This last weekend we traveled to the big city to help Ronnie and grand daughter KT celebrate their birthdays.  From the end of June thru September everyone's birthdays occur except my daughter-in-laws and mine.  We can't always be together but do try to celebrate when we can.  It's just a little thing but it keeps us connected.  We talk or email almost daily, help each other out when it's needed and try to see each other often.  It gets harder as the kids get older and lives get busier but you have to put some effort into it.  We are not the typical nuclear family but a mix of step kids, grand kids and adopted but it wouldn't be the same if even one were missing.  We definitly put the fun in disfunctional.  I wouldn't want it any other way.

the birthday boy and girl he has lots more hot air

the whole gang.  These guys have been friends since college.



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Keep the love alive in your family.  The little stuff that bugs you really isn't important, togetherness is.

VCB

If you're in the central Illinois area tune into WCIA channel 3 at 4:00Pm Monday July 9.  The show is CI Living and Kathy and I will be featured on their work from home Monday segment.  We are so excited at the opportunity to show our products and talk about our business to a much wider area.
If you see the magazine Somerset Life, July issue on the news stands take a peek inside.  the article I did on the flour sack towel bag is there.  It's so exciting to see something I've created shown to such a large audience.
Have a great weekend. 

chair bench

I have had several people ask me how I made this little bench.  It's really easy, so I thought I would share.  You will need 2 or 3 wooden chairs.  They do not have to match but they do have to be the same seat height.  Painting the chairs before you put them together is a good idea.  Screw the seats together, using drywall screws, side to side.  Measure the length and depth of the seat of the chairs and buy enough 1X wood to cover.  You will need at least 2 pieces but if you have more and want a slatted look that's OK too.  You will want the sides of the wood to be a little wider than the seats for overhang, so buy your boards about 6" longer than your chairs.  Most lumber stores will cut these to length for a small charge or even free.  Paint these boards and screw them to the chairs from the underside.  touch up your paint and accessorize.



this bench was orriginally black but got the aqau treatment this spring



wino bags

The shirt aprons I shared yesterday had a bonus project that came along with it.  The first step is to cut off the sleeves of the shirt.  Now you know I'm not going to waste such prime crafting materail.  After we were done on the apron we cut down the sleeves( measuring a wine bottle for length would be a good idea, we didn't and had to sew twice) and sewed across the cut end.  That's it, pop in your bottle and tie at the cuff with ribbon, cord or raffia.  These would make cute gift bags for any guy gift, ladies would like them too.  HMM we're planning a guys product line for VCB, these would be perfect.

Shirt apron

My sister saw something like this on Pinterest and wanted one.  While I was visiting my folks we found a few shirts at a thrift store and decided to experiment.  We looked at  a couple of tutorials and got to work.  They were easy and quick.  We put together 4 in about 3 hours.  That time included a couple of long breaks and plenty of chatter.  It's lots more fun to craft with someone else the ideas for how to do it next time kept flowing.  We all thought they turned out great.  I think I'll find some smaller shirts and do this with my grand daughters when they come in a couple of weeks.



Mens long sleeve shirt, size large or extra large




cut off the sleeves and back close to the seams leaving the collar attached




You should have a piece that looks like this.  Keep it buttoned up it's easier to work with.




Cut a diagonal line from the armpit to the collar.  Fold this over press and stich.




Cut bias strips 4" wide from the back of the shirt, piece together.  We used 2 pieces for each tie.  Sew into a tube, turn right sides out and press  Attach and reinforce where you ended your stiching on each side.



We met my sis at the flea market and had to get a picture of us modeling our creations.




Family visit

A friend and I spent the last week in Ft Wayne visiting my parents and sister. Yes it's a long trip but I feel so blessed to still have both of my folks, helathy and mostly in their right minds.  Kathy, who went with me, has lost both of her parents.  she enjoyed being spoiled by my Mom and teased by my Dad.  We had a great time doing a whole lot of nothing.  With temps hovering in the 100's we would make our forays into town during the morning, come back to the house, lunch, maybe nap, crafted and visited.  We hit several thrift shops, craft stores and other favorite haunts.  It was a lazy way to spend a few days.  At home I always have a to-do list that is never ending and I'm always on the go.  It's nice to just chill out and forget that list for a while.  We are all so busy we forget to take the time to really enjoy oursewlves.



Mom and Dad




Diva had a doggie spa day, shapoo,cut and pedicure.  You could see her smile when she got back.




Paula and Bernie




the line-up