Torture.

My guy is good to me.  He often spoils me, surprises me and treats me like a princess.  However, sometimes he also likes to torture me. 

For instance, he brought me this.

I found it the other day while cleaning up the workspace and I was reminded of how much money I could spend on art stuff if I had an unlimited budget.  (Not like that would be hard though.)  It has everything and I mean everything.  From student grade all the way up to professional grade.  From pencils to kilns.... literally everything.  It's intended for teachers so a lot of things come in bulk and larger sizes.   So for most things it's not very practical for me but a girl can dream.  Doesn't a whole box of rubber blocks for carving stamps sound just divine?

Well, I figured I would pass it along.  The torture, that is.  I know, I'm terrible.  But come on, how could I not?  I have to stay entertained somehow.

A little teaser for my upcoming giveaway!

 Hmmm, I bet you want to know all the details, don't you?  Tune in this Friday to find out everything you need to know for your chance to win a fabulous prize!

Movie Madness

As a swapping fool, I knew that I would have to sign up for the Phat Quarter Swap.  When I found out the theme was movies, well, that just sealed the deal.  As if a movie swap alone wasn't exciting enough, it kept getting better.  The stitcher sending to me would be Giddygirlie and I would sending to Maureen of Sew Lovely Embroidery.  Awesome!!

Giddygirlie sent me my very own H.I. McDunnough from the 1987 classic Raising Arizona.  Perfect!

One of her favorite lines, "Son, you've got a pantie on your head."

One of mine, "There's what's right and there's what's right.  And never the twain shall meet."

He now lives in the sewing corner.  Doesn't he fit just right?

I found out that Maureen and I share a love of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, so I went with that.  I made a little wallet style pouch that looked like a Wonka Bar.  Yum yum in my tum tum.

I stole this screen shot (Thanks, Katy!!)  since my scan looked liked crap.  Of course, the camera came that very day, minutes after I had mailed it out. Figures.

I made it from eco-friendly craft felt, vintage fabric from my stash and embroidery floss.  Ol' Bessie was feeling a little bit left out so I let her attach the inside flower fabric to the gray felt.  I tried to get some fun candy fabric for the inside but was severely disappointed by the paltry selection available around town.  I mean, really, does every chocolate themed fabric have red in it?  Or do all of the candy fabrics also have donuts, isn't that more of a bakery thing?  In the end, I'm glad I didn't find any.  I think the vintage fabric works better, being an older movie and all.  Besides, perhaps those flowers look like the kind that grow on Snozzberry vines.

 Despite sketching it out and doing what I thought was planning, it was a learn as you go sort of thing.  I'm really happy with the way it came out and can't wait to have one of my own.  I'm overjoyed to hear that Maureen likes it too.  

Oh hey, speaking of movies!   Schinders of Schindermania fame has three stitched pieces, that I freaking love, in a show at Gallery 1988 in San Francisco.  To see these pieces and for more info on the show, go here!  With all of the pieces being based on cult movies, I would love to check out this show.  It opens this weekend!  So come on Bay Area folks, show some love.

Thanks for looking, I'll be back with some torture, ahem, I mean, a teaser.

Snapshot Friday!

I'm in the mood for something a little cute, maybe even a little sweet.  I'm in a happy-go-lucky sort of mood, so I wanted today's snapshot to be something that makes me smile.  

Here it is-

My man as a little tyke, what a cutie!

Poor guy, I'm always embarrassing him.  I can't take all the credit for making him blush though, I did have a partner in crime.  This photo comes courtesy of his Mom, thanks so much Mama C!!

What's making you smile today?

Thriftacular Thursday!

There was going to be no way that I could pass up this little gem, it's exactly like one I had at my Grandparent's house when I was but a wee lass.  And at .50, it was a steal.

I've drank out of it everyday since I got it.  I can't wait until it gets old and stained looking from coffee and tea.

Check out this awesome present my guy surprised me with last week.

Isn't she a beauty?  I'm so in love with the green, it's one of my favorite shades!  I have since filled it with my stash of bias tape and zippers, but it also came with a few goodies too.  I'll post pics of some of those things soon.

Come up on any great stuff lately?

T-T-T-Tea Towel!

I stitched this for my partner in the "Sublime Stitching Embroidery" Swap.  The pattern is from Artist Series # 9 by Carson Ellis.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love her work?!

The banner says, "Love" in Russian.

If you aren't familiar with Carson Ellis, check out her website by linking on her name above.  Oh, and read this short interview!

Thanks for looking.  I'll be back later with some thriftacular finds because after all, it is Thursday.  See you soon.

Tuesday Teasers!

Today I have tiny teasers for the movie pieces I've been working on.

First up, a piece of purple for the Giggly Mama.  Remember she wanted a kid safe version of Jesus Quintana from The Big Lebowski!?  Try not to notice the cat hair, I'm not actually sending that to Shannon.

Followed by a little piece of happy for Maureen of Sew Lovely Embroidery.  She was my partner in the Phat Quarter Movie Swap.  Hmmmm, whatever could this be?

I can't wait to reveal these top secret projects.  I'm loving them both!  I have a hard time maintaining the element of surprise, I get too excited.

Besides these things, I've been stitching a bunch of stuff, sketching like crazy, and plotting some new paintings.  I'm also trying to get used to a new daily routine.  I'm devoting a lot more of my time to getting back in shape- and it feels great.  

Oh, and more good news!  The boybot ordered a new fancy-schmancy camera.  And guess what?!  He says I can play with it!!  So that means I can post about more stuff than just what I can scan.  Yay- many fun things to come.

What are some of the good things happening in your life this week?

Snail Mail.

My, my!  A whole week since I last said hi to you lovelies?! That's just bananas.  Well, I've certainly been a busy bee but that's really no excuse not to come by and at least say hi.  How rude of me.  Tsk, tsk.  Well, I can assure you that wont be quiet 'round these parts for long.  I've been working on lots of stuff to share with you.  I even have another giveaway coming up- stay tuned.

In the meantime, Kimmie received my package for Round 1 of the Switchin' Stitches group, so I'm free to show you what I made for her.  She wanted a crafty theme with the colors red, white and black.  Did I mention before that she's a super pro quilter?  She's swapping with tons of people and plans to make a wall hanging for her craft room with those type of squares.  I can't wait to see the whole thing assembled.  I love collaborative efforts.

I made her square using one of my favorite vintage patterns. 
(If you wanna, click on it for a bigger view!)

Like I told her, it's just so silly!  A snail...sewing?  Bhah ha ha, it's hilarious.  Is he going to wear that giant sock, too?  Ack, I just love ridiculous patterns like this.

More swap stitches coming soon!  I've been crazy busy with those lately.  I can't wait until this last batch of stuff is finished.  After that I'm going to take it easy on the swaps for a while.  I've got big plans to focus on- details coming soon.

Have a craftastic day!

Pin-Up Party!! Part 2

When I said this swap was a huge success, I meant it.  I saw lots of lovely ladies being exchanged.  Want to see some more of them?  Yeah, that's what I thought.

First up, we have this beauty from Lisa of A Cuppa Tea with Me.

Then, there is this sassy lady from Carrie of The Croaking Crown.

Followed up by this sweet thang from another Carrie.  You can find more of her work here.

And last but not least, we have this sunny gal from Katy of Sew Lovely Embroidery.

Didn't all of the ladies do a fabulous job?!  One of the things I love most about swapping and sharing on-line, in general, is getting to see everyone's unique style.  The same theme but they all look do different.  Amazes me every time.

I love Pin-Ups!  So just for fun, I made a treasury on etsy. 

 Go here to check out all of the goodies!

Thanks for looking, I'm headed back to my little corner to play with needles and thread.

A Pin-Up Party!

The Pin-Up Embroidery swap organized by Snifferooski was a huge success.  Those of you who joined me in it, wouldn't you agree?

I made this one for my partner, while I was in Michigan.  I used the Pin-Up Pattern from the gals at Sew Lovely Embroidery.

Since I had to scan it, the pattern on the fabric is much more evident than it is in person.  Of course, I had to get some Metallic floss on there, oh shiny!  And I also used Rayon floss for her stockings, so they have a nice silky, gleam to them, too.

For that swap, Raegun83 made me this gal.  I think it is a Sublime Stitching pattern.  She also used Metallic and Rayon floss.  Great minds, huh?

When I arrived home, I found my package from Cleof for the "Embroidery in Red" Swap.  And guess what she stitched me?  A Pin-Up!  Funny how that all worked out.  Here's her lady, another Sublime Stitching one.

Don't you just love those gemstones?  I sure do.

Today I'm stitching like crazy, all swap stuff.  I'm going to have quite a bit of mail to send out pretty soon.  What are you up to today?  Anything fun?

Thanks for looking.  Have a craftastic day!

p.s. Thanks for tolerating my lack of nice pics lately, we should be taking care of that soon.

Snapshot Friday!

This week we'll visit the '64 Tartan.  It's been a while, huh?

These guys look like a lot of fun.  Like they just can't help but be goofy all of the time.  Notice the sign behind them, it say's "Unattended dates are fair game" at the bottom.  Hilarious.

Hope everyone is enjoying a fabulous Friday.  Have a craftastic weekend.

Mama Mia!!

Switchin Stitches sent to Mafiasgirl
Originally uploaded by quiltinkimmie

So, I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not but I'm a part of a group on flickr called, "Switchin' Stitches." I was surprised to get an invite to this group but I'm oh so glad that I did.

I was paired up with the group's founder, Quiltikimmie, a nice lady with all sorts of stitching talent. And like me, she's a huge fan of swapping! Check out her photostream, it's chock full of goodies she's made. (You can link to it by clicking on the picture, I borrowed one from her for this post.)

Right now we're in Round 1 of swaps, and this is what I received from Kimmie. I picked movies as my theme and she ran with it. Awesome, right?! Not only is it my favorite movie but she also managed to incorporate my love of quotes. I love it! I can't wait to get it framed and up onto the wall. (I'm planning on making space for the Wall of 'Broideries this weekend.)

She said that now she'll probably never stitch on black fabric again. I feel terrible about contributing to that, but happy that she had the patience to stick it out for this amazing piece.

Accckkk, I'm so excited about all of these goodies that have been coming my way. I'm wondering what I did to be so lucky!

Very soon, I'll show you my piece to her. She picked a crafty theme with an emphasis on black, red and white.

A HUGE thank you to Kimmie for making me this wonderful embroidery.

Thanks for looking, have a craftastic day.

p.s. With the Phat Quarter Movie Swap coming up, there are movie stitches galore 'round these parts.

I love Mermaids!

It occurred to me that I never showed you the loot I received from the "Non-Cutesy Mermaid ATC" Swap I participated in on Swap-bot.  You can see the card I made HERE in an older post.

Look what bluehairedmary made for me!

Isn't it perfect for me?!  I do love it so.  Now I just need to find a tiny frame so it can go on the wall with all of the other stitched goodies.

Free Form Fun!!

Free form
Originally uploaded by Giggly Mama & Fam

Check out what I got in the mail right before I went to Michigan. An awesome, one of a kind, free form embroidery piece!! Sent to me from the lovely and talented, Shannon aka Giggly Mama. Not only was I super thankful to receive this piece, I was humbled by the Mama's stitching skills. Just check out that Satin Stitch, holy cow. This lady is AMAZING!!!

When asked about the straight lines running across the design, she explained that it illustrates, "Feeling a little trapped in my mind. *showing my crazy*" I thought it was so fitting that this piece went to me, as that is how I feel a majority of the time. Stitching really does help to keep me sane.

Since she already knows what she's getting from me, I guess it wouldn't be spoiling the surprise if I let you guys in on it. Shannon requested a piece featuring Jesus Quintana. That's right, The Jesus, from The Big Lebowski. (I have a feeling I'm going to be stitching that movie for a long time.) That's fine by me though since it's pretty darned great. I'll have a sneak peek of the progress later in the week.

Thanks for looking, I hope you have a creative day!