Art Therapy

My hubby and I attended a benefit concert last night.

A very brave boy named Micah, (from our church circles),

has recently survived a bout with cancer.

He is 8.

And sweet as ever.

And he credits God for his recovery.

(as do we all.)

The concert was a band made up of a mish mash

of talent and style.

It was really well done.

All proceeds were for the Children's Hospital near us.

One thing that really hit home

was the discussion surrounding Art Therapy.

have you heard of it?

I hadn't it.

It is best described in this way:

Art therapy provides an important outlet for our patients to

channel their emotions and feelings through art,

which I feel plays an important part in their healing process.

~ Dr. Shayna Zelcer,

Paediatric Hematologist/Oncologist,

Children's Hospital

The concept fascinated me.

Probably because I recognized it.

I have been utilizing Art Therapy

since my dad has passed away.

I just didn't know that that was what I should call it.

But I've been on a crafting craze.

And it has truly helped me deal with things around me.

And express myself in a way no words could.

so....

my theory?

All of us crafters,

sewers, quilters and knitters

have known that this works

long before they called it Art Therapy.

See?

Crafts are good for the soul.

*grin*

What is your favourite kind of Art Therapy?

Bookmark Bliss

Yesterday was Pumpkin's graduation from Preschool.

She seems so BIG.

And capable.

I'll be sad to send her to school next year.

My only solace is that one of my bestest friends will be her teacher.

Whew.

Otherwise, I think I'd have to enroll myself into kindergarten.

I wanted to give Pumpkin's teacher something special.

I mean, handmade.

I'm sure she gets mugs and chocolate.

But who needs more mugs?

unless of course they're vintage or totally cute...

okay so I could have gotten her a set of mugs with red polka dots

and it would have totally rocked....

and look you can get a matching cake or pastry pedestal...

So yummy!

but...I didn't.

Miss H is young and has no children.

She is looking to buy a house

but I didn't want to give her something she would just have to move.

Or maybe not even like.

So I settled on ordering her a PED EGG

(which I know she wants)

and making her a bookmark.

Any excuse to use Amy Butler is a good one!

I was inspired by a couple of different tutorials...

but really wanted to try piecing fabrics together for a scrappy look

and then saw one on Etsy made by

Park City Girl

And a lightbulb went off.

I loved my Amy fabric sooo much that I did

a scrappy patchwork on the front and

then backed it with my fave print.

I really enjoyed making it!

Now I think I need to make more.

Even Hubby wants one.

(not in Amy Butler though)

I think I might make them as gifts for our favourite librarians.

Oh the joy of living small town life!

I had Pumpkin do a tracing paper card

with the words "thank you" on it.

Thank you Miss H.

We had a great year!

Why, THANK YOU!

I have been awarded the

Kreativ Blogger Award

by Kris from The Scrappy Quilter blog.

Wow!

I'm so excited!

This is my 1st blog award ever!

Thanks Kris for thinking so highly of me.

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So apparently I'm supposed to share 7 things

about myself with you....

hmmmmm....

Well, I've had a LOT of jobs....

like LOTS!

By the time I was 21 I had

worked at 27 different places!

(I should note that this was by choice--

and often more than one at a time--

not because I'm not a good worker)

I've only been fired once

and TRUST ME when I say it was mutual!

So here's 7 of my favourite places I have worked:

7. Curves -- After getting married we had moved to a new town

and I was left with no job

Hello Curves!! --

The only body part I ever worked out while there was my mouth!

Some days I was run off my feet doing the "GAB JAB"!

6. La Senza Lingerie -- yep, went by the title of Bra Specialist :)

Bought practically all my honeymoon lingerie with my discount

No I wasn't engaged--

or even dating,

but it was a deal and I knew I'd need it someday

5. Sherwin-Williams Paints -- I think this is when my love affair with colour began.

4. Blockbuster Video --seriously.

What University student wouldn't want to work here?

Free movies?

yep--that's what I thought.

You can apply online here.

3. Bridal Consultant/ Wedding Planner -- you know the movie?

Wedding Planner?

Yep. Me.

I have been around weddings a long time.

Started out as a singer.

Then planner.

Then got into the dresses and details.

Bridezilla's and all, I still love weddings.

2. Dental Assistant/Receptionist -- I really didn't assist well.

I prefer to run the show and talk on the phone.

I finished highschool and took a special college program at the same time

and graduated near the top of my class.

I worked on and off in the industry from the age of 18 until Pumpkin.

I prefer working for Orthodontists.

and my NUMBER 1 FAVOURITE JOB:

McDonalds!

-- I loved working at McDonalds!!

I worked drive thru mostly,

"Hello, may I take your order?"

and was a Crew Trainer.

My favourite part was doing the kids birthday parties.

I was so good I had mom's lining up for me!

My boss was also pretty rockin'! (Hi Jay)

I worked there for 4.5 years
and I'd go back in a New York minute!

OH Heck!

I'd go back in a Canadian minute, too!

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Now that you know a litte about me

How's about checking out some of these awesome blogs

that I deem worthy of the KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD

ginabean handmade

Make it and Love it

Miller Racing Family

The Creative Juices of Ariel

The Lawsons did Dallas

The Object Project

Sewtakeahike

Enjoy!

a little something...

I've started something and now

I can't seem to stop...

Actually
Vanessa from

V and Co.

started something when she sent me this

I had been nervous to attempt it
based on the fact that I've never

cross stitched.

embroidered.

needle worked.

before.

never.

ever.

To be honest,

the only floss I've ever worked with

is for teeth....

yes--I do floss my teeth

you should too!

It promotes healthy gums and

fights bad breath.

(I'm a certified Dental Assistant and a little passionate about teeth. Um. yeah.)

hmmmm

it doesn't look like this stuff though.

YUMMY!

Well now I'm hooked!

Here's a sneak peak of the applique

Just waiting for my mom

to arrive in Canada with my

$5.99 a yard

batting!!!

Yes.
It truly pays to have a mom living in the United States

The exact same batting in Canada is $16 a metre!!!!

and it NEVER goes on sale!

and NEVER for $5.99!

so yes,

I bought 10 yards.

hey--I've got plans

*giggle*

and yes,

my mother is already bringing lots of fabric goodies with her

and yes,

she is already wondering where the dog is going to sit

but that's what we do for our children,
isn't it?

sacrifice.

going out of our way for them.

make the dog sit in the back seat.

you know,

stuff like that.

that and
allowing your daughter to use your American address

so that she can save $$$ on shipping.

and then drive it all down to her.

oh
and of course,

have a visit too!

Thanks MOM!

and thank you Vanessa for your kindness!

You've created a monster!

And NOW...Back to our regularly scheduled Program!

I know, I know.

Where have I been?!

Well I'd love to tell you I just got back from a weekend in Fiji...

(yeah right)

but no,

I've just been lazy.

To be honest...

Father's Day just kicked me flat on my butt.

It was a rough week.....

but on a pleasant note

dun da da DUN!

Hubby LOVED his photo cubes!!

And I'd show them to you

but alas,

they are indeed PHOTO cubes

ie: photos of kiddos no internet-o in our house-o

comprendo?

sorry.

Just trust me I was VERY happy with the results.

AND...

he loved his "dad" beer mug

and his "dad" tea mug

and his beer glasses

and his cards

and his wheelbarrow.

Spoiled.

I know.

But he deserves it.

So....

much to say.

I've been spoiled myself by the Sew Mama Sew Giveaways.

My second prize arrived today.
A great bag from

The Green Bag Lady

Pumpkin was so excited!

She ripped it open in the middle of the Post Office

and put all our mail into it!

That's my girl!

My first prize to arrive came from the super talented

Mandy at

MaKC Creations

I'll tell you honestly

when I found out that I won

I started yelling and jumping up and down!

It was soooo exciting!

There was something for everyone!

Bubby got a super cool

Grey Monster

(he's the one on the left)

(I borrowed this pic from Mandy
as I haven't been able to get a good photo of this guy as he's always on the move)

Bubby has named him "baby"

And I got this beautiful carseat cover

(also borrowed this pic as I don't have my carseat hanging it out right now....but...someday...maybe)

I LOVE IT!
The colours are amazing!

and lastly for Pumpkin and Hubby

to take in their lunches...

snack bags!

Mandy sent 6.

3 flowery girly bags

and 3 manly snack sized bags

in very manly funky colours

Thank you Mandy!

as you can see from the pic they're already in use
*big smile*

If you've never visited MaKC Creations

you really should.

She just recently put up a super cool tutorial

for a doodle purse/satchel!

I'm SO going to try it!

As well her Etsy shop is crammed FULL of goodness

and take it from me

her work is beautiful!

And so creative!

I feel so blessed to have won both these prizes!

Happy days are here again!

*singing off key*

No Time

It's busy around here

and I feel constantly that I have no time.

I mean,

yeah,

I have the same 24 hours in the day that you do...

...unless you are Australian and then I have the opposite 24 hours

but you get what I'm saying,

right?

(yes, this is my sewing studio--at least I don't have to worry about stray threads)

My quilt along sits waiting for me to spend time with it.

So sad.

I have grand plans for making Pumpkin's teacher's end of the year gift.

Since the end of the year is next Wednesday

I'd say I might need to prioritize.

The apples aren't going to make themselves!

So that brings me to Father's Day.

How did it get here so fast?!

And how is it that I didn't find this really GREAT idea

until yesterday?!

And now I have to somehow make it happen!

Ooooh the pressure I place upon myself!

so please excuse me but I must get on with my day.

As you can see I have some work ahead of me.

For the first time in a while I'm glad the hubby won't be home for dinner.

He's sad that he has a business meeting

and I'm just thrilled that the extra 2 hours will give me time to clean

it all up before he comes home!

Wish me luck!

I'm a WINNER!!!

Do you remember when people used to say "Winner"?

As in,

"She's such a 'winner'..."

yeah...

okay...

moving on...

Well I am a WINNER!!

Actually it's been a whole week of winning

but I'll post about others another time.

This time I won at a game!

yes.

A blog game!

So fun!

Meet Spanky

cute, eh?

He could be the key to your success

this week!

Meet Kris at her blog

The Scrappy Quilter

She is the proud owner of Spanky.

She's got great ideas

and is very talented!

okay.

Beautiful table runner...

but wait...

OOOOOOH!

LOooky Here!!!

It's Reversible!

And check out that quilting!!

She made this table runner for her Etsy shop

Bon Bons and More

And not only is she talented but

affordable!

And so is her FABRIC

That's right

check out her other shop

Fabric ala Carte

Kris has a different take on her fabric shop than some others.

"Fabrics are so expensive now, even wholesale prices.

I decided to not try to compete with all of the other sellers with the new fabrics.

I'm working towards having most (if not all) of my fabrics

listed @ $5-$6 per yd., high quality, top manufacturers & designers.

The difference will be they will be from a season or two ago."

I love her shop

and I love her prices

I played her Treasure Hunt game

and won her giveaway of a

10% discount

in both her shops!

So what are you waiting for?!

Browse both her shops and try to find Spanky

(she gives a clue on her blog)

and

GOOD LUCK!

And tell her I sent ya'!

A little fabric can go a long way...

Our poor bathroom needed something.

ANYTHING!

The right something,

the wrong something...

it just was...lacking...

so I had a frame.

This frame.

Albeit lovely...

it was on the empty side of life

"But LOOK!

it's not empty" you say.

And you are so right.

But I didn't fill it with pictures.

That would have been boring.

No.

I filled it with lovely fabrics from

one of my favourite Etsy fabric shops

Fabric Closet

She has this great listing called

a Designer Fabric Sample Pack

It basically allows you to pick 6 fabrics

and she sends you a 9 x 11" cut of each.

Just the perfect size for me to fill my frame

and try out some other really cool fabrics!

Ahhhhhh.....

much better :)

Dear John

Dear DAD,

It's been awhile since you've left us and I miss you terribly.

I know you wouldn't want me to spend time missing you

but I can't help it.

Especially when you are there in my face everyday;

in one way or another.

Remember the blanket I made for you

when you were cold 3 Christmas's ago?

The one made out of felted wool sweaters?

That's right,

the grey one.

Your favourite "colour"

(because you were colour blind LOL!)

Well I was going to wash it.

The kids love sitting under it to watch their favourite movies.

(Mostly the ones you bought for Pumpkin.)

And well this week they had popcorn as a snack;

(they love their popcorn--almost as much as you did!)

And it made quite a mess on the blanket.

And then the dog laid on it when we watched a movie

the other night.

And she's shedding.

So...

Well, I went to bring it upstairs and Pumpkin wouldn't let me wash it.

She refused to.

I asked her why?

"Because it smells like Papa! Don't wash him away, Mom."

Even though the blanket has been washed numerous

times since Mom gave it back to me...

I didn't wash it.

I guess we all miss you.

Love,

your favourite (only) daughter

Ariane's Giveaway

I've recently stumbled across Ariane's Crafts blog.

She has so much to offer blogland--

You've GOT to see her hexagon star blocks!!

So darn CUTE!

I wish I had the patience!

The best part about Ariane is that she's CANADIAN!!!

Well Ariane has come to her 100th post

and what a trooper!

She's not feeling well but still wants to do a GIVEAWAY!

Go here

to enter to win this!

YEP!

I want it too!

Go.

Now!

And show Ariane some bloggy love~

Quilt Along & OOPS #1

FABRIC!

Unfortunately I am a little

(okay--alot)

behind on the Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along.

This is week 4

which means I should be assembling my quilt.

and I am...

kind of...

Well I will be...

soon...

But I have to say that I am a quilting goddess!

I mean I was BORN to quilt!!

Well it seems I'm at least born to cut fabric anyway.

It was going sooo great.
Really.
I'm quick.

Like lightning.

I've got that Rotary Cutter trained.
I am the MASTER.

and then...


OOPS { uh oh }
*blush*


hmmmmm...

well my fabric is cute,
no?

*grin*

** note to self:
buy new measuring tape

This little light of mine

Don't know if you're feeling crafty

but I'm really into the

Re-use

Re-purpose

Re-do

thing these days.

In our last home Pumpkin's room was bright pink on 2 walls and
a petal soft purple on the other 2 walls and ceiling.

The wood trim in our new home wasn't going to be painted

and the designer felt this bright pink wasn't the best choice with the wood.

So it was time to tone it down a bit and give her some glitz instead.

We realized she wanted

girly.

Sweet.

Romantic.

"Hey, Shabby Chic!"
I love white and sparkle and mismatched so this is perfect.

I will show you bits and pieces of her room as time goes on,

but today--her lamp.

It is from the IKEA As-Is dept.

And my mom had found a purple shade at one point for it.

When I saw the STEVEN AND CHRIS design show,

I knew what I wanted to do.

Daisies!!

Like I said, the shade was purple so now when the light is on

it gives such a nice warm glow of pink to the room.

It was really easy and only cost $8!

(I got the daisies at the Dollar store)

Pumpkin loves it!

And so do I!

click HERE to see how I did it

and get more ideas and a video on re-purposing lamp shades

Happy Crafting :)

Full Coverage

I LOVE a good thrifted sheet

The skads of fabric you get from one sheet alone

is pure pleasure at a

$1.99

So I've been collecting them.

Ever since I missed out on my chance to be part of

Sheridan's vintage sheet swap.

I'll NEVER be caught short again!

I not only like vintage though.

I look for great colours,

(fitted sheet and pillow cases reminded me of Meg from WHATEVER--I couldn't leave them there!)

PaTTeRns,

(actually a duvet cover--like 2 sheets in one!)

and sheets that just scream

I WANNA' BE YOUR NEXT QUILT BACK!!

no. really.

some of them have begged to come home with me.

(isn't this the most perfect quilt basket?!

ONLY $2!!)

Hubby said the other day,

that he's noticed a fair bit of shopping at the Sally Ann recently

(Salvation Army thrift store)

"Well, what of it?"

I said....

"I'm saving $$$$"

So when I found this treasure

I hemmed and hawed....

But I couldn't leave her there,

alone to suffer at the hands of
someone who wouldn't truly appreciate her beauty.

I mean--just look at her colour!

the sheen off the sateen texture alone!

plus my dining room table is naked.
It's practically indecent!

And square tablecloths are IMPOSSIBLE to find
and they are NOT cheap

I needed this sheet.

so I bought it.

yep.

And it wasn't $1.99

It was more like $5.99!

But I have plans for her.

For me.

For some quality time.

And with a little encouragement I'm hoping

for a tablecloth

and cloth napkins

and maybe even a skirt

for Pumpkin.

yeah!

'cause every kids dream is to match the dining room tablecloth!

(p.s. Hubby was thrilled at the purchase! He loved it as much as I did! Whew!)