kidding around

Summer is certainly whizzing by, isn’t it?

Nathan and I took advantage of our smaller family and decided to treat Penelope to love and attention from her aunt/uncle and nana/papa and we headed to rural Wisconsin…Viroqua to be exact. We stayed in a lovely cottage which was on a farm and learned a lot about the hard work of a dairy farming family. We also had a ball paddling the Kickapoo River, Nathan fly fished, I am STILL working on the binding of my “quilt #1″, ate great local/organic food and just enjoyed the quiet of country life. The winding roads, Amish farms, friendly people and rest makes us want to go back with our children.

Soon after I returned from Wisconsin, I headed to Iowa for a family party and to be reunited with my sweet kids. Although they could have gone a few more weeks, they had a ball and were apathetic to coming home. NICE.

All this to say, I haven’t had a normal “creative time” in weeks and I finally sat down to make something for my mom. I actually was inspired by this post and found myself in Michaels while in Iowa and decided this bracelet would be great for my mom! This is such a fun project. Although the bracelet isn’t the highest of quality, I don’t care. I am buying more and intend to make one for Ellie and her upcoming 9th birthday.

While in Wisconsin, I took the advice of my sister and friend to visit Avalanche looms. I was so thrilled to visit this beautiful studio and chat with the most inspiring, lovely woman- Susan. Her studio has 3 looms and all sorts of projects in process, as well as handmade goods for sale. She also had a great collection of books and fun kids toys. I could have stayed there all afternoon!

I knew right away I had to buy a couple of her handfelted birds. One will go to my mom and of course to me too! She gave me the best idea to wrap up gifts- create “Surprise balls”. Fill them with whatever trinkety things you have around and have fun watching the receiver unwrap their gift.

So- I thought my mom’s bracelet and bird would be perfect to “wrap up” and enjoy the untangling of fabric and string…kind of makes it a fun, festive event!

Nice to post again…hopefully I will have a finished quilt to show by the end of the week!