I'm in painting mode this week...

...and currently on the painting table...

21 tree ornaments.
8 napkin rings.
6 mini signs.
2 nativities.

The only thing missing?

A partridge in a pear tree. Of course.

I baked... faux real!

Thank you, Sue, for creating such an amazing pattern!

getting things all straightened out...

I've had a beautiful nativity themed panel that I've wanted to quilt up for a long time. I finally sat down to do it yesterday... and it was a lot of fun since I had my girlfriend Karina to keep me company. And she was more than company - she worked! She folded this huge pile of bags for me to finish my Brown Bag Bibs with. (I hate folding bags - I've done it for too many years I guess!) Thanks Karina! That was so much appreciated! And the visit wasn't bad either...

So here's the quilted and bound panel... as you can see, I had a little tangle along the way, but since it was in the shape of a star it was only fitting with the nativity theme. A loose end got wrapped around my foot... no harm done. Karina chose a green varigated Japanese thread for the project and I love how it turned out. It's all bound and ready for the wonderful washing/drying process.

And this is the other thing I got all straightened out today... Julianna's amazing head of hair. Each and every "ow" was worth it in the end... and I just love the "during" picture.

snow day... and by the way...

Yes, it's true... I'm having a snow day. Well, not really, but a snowflake day for sure. I've had the red toille fabrics for years and am pretty stingy when it comes to actually creating with them... I love them that much! (I even have them in a neutral tan and cream combo - yum!) But today I found the sweetest snowflakes while out and about and, well, see for yourself... I think they're going to be beautiful table mats. They're based on the design in this post.

And by the way, here's my monthly stitcherie... I know, I know, it's the 5th already... but better late than never, right? I thought I should get it posted before December hits and the snow really DOES fly!

I miss you all!

Wow, I'm really missing regular blogging these days! I'm just so busy that there isn't enough time in a day for everything I want to do. But I am still around, just not contributing much to the 'community' lately!

And I was shocked to see that my followers list has grown to 105! Um, thanks all! That was sure a boost to the old self esteem! Does this mean that there are a few of you who like to read my ramblings now and then? Hmmm... I guess I'll have to keep the exciting updates of my unnaturally fascinating life coming as best as I can!

So... until next time, Bye!

another Halloween...

...come and gone. Time does fly, doesn't it!

Origionally we hadn't planned on 'doing' Halloween this year... the girls are getting older and we just went through a round of flu bugs in the house. Our church rents the skating arena on Halloween night, but getting chilled on the ice just didn't appeal. We planned to stay in (even renting 'The Nightmare Before Halloween' for the occasion) but when we were invited to go trick or treating with Andrea's family, we thought that sounded just right.

So... a quick phone call to Poppa to borrow some fishing gear, and the sacrifice of one pink bedsheet to make a poodle skirt and we were ready to roll. We first stopped in to say hello to Deeda at the nursing home...

And then it was all about tricks, treats, and smelling feets! And after Julianna climbed out of those borrowed gum boots, that about covers it!

candy corn bark...

[Now I must admit that this recipe is not my own, but one of yours, my fellow bloggers. I found it about a week or so ago during my blog surfing, but unfortunately I have no idea who to give the credit to. So... if it was you or you may have seen it elsewhere, please let me know! Thanks!]

Candy Corn Bark

milk chocolate melting wafers

white chocolate melting wafers

candy corn

candy sprinkles

Ok, are you ready? This is pretty involved, so pay attention.

1. Melt the milk chocolate and spread on a wax lined pan. Allow to cool in the freezer for about two minutes.

2. Melt the white chocolate and spread on top of the milk chocolate.

3. Sprinkle with candy corn and cool in fridge.

4. Break apart and enjoy.

Got it? Good!

Thanks to Colleen for hosting this recipe pool... stop by her blog to say hello...