Finding my sunny place

It helps a soul to heal through pain if you can talk about it.  So much so lately as I reflect upon a personal ache in my heart for my grandma as I see the changes evident from a desire to give up.  We spent the earlier part of spring break with a visit to see her, and now that she's about 4 hours closer, I hope it won't be the last.  You may have seen me blog about her before...Grandma with the Red Lips, as she's known now.  My daughter distinguishes her that way, since she has a wonderful multitude of grandmas to keep straight.

At just shy of her 89th birthday, she is now dealing more with a failing heart, and unfortunately, a feeling of the hourglass emptying.  It saddens me so to see her have no desire to get out of bed; she's definitely capable, just won't.  And so, she peers out the window of her room to any activity that captures her keen eyes.  Her mind is still pretty sharp, but her soul is slowly resting away.  There will be no more letters, written in her beautiful longhand to me about the steady family she grew so plentifully; no words of the flowers that bloom by her hand; no more conversations over hand stitching an heirloom embroidery piece together.

Thankfully, what is still there are lots of the wonderful stories she enjoys sharing about specific incidents with each of us from the past.  Some will stay with me forever.  Like the very first visit that my husband made over dinner at her house, nearly 30 years ago.  Fried chicken overflowed the platter, and my burly sweety placed a mere wing on his plate.  Grandma, the ever gracious host, turned the platter around and offered a more meaty selection to which Matt reached again for another wing.  She had thought he was afraid to take too much, when in fact, the wing is his absolute favorite piece.  And, of course, after devouring the wings, he did enjoy visiting that platter again and again.  We laughed again this week about that and many other simple stories that brought us together.  Her incredible meals are always a fun topic.

This visit also brought together my Dad and I in a way that we haven't been.  As he has taken the full responsibility of caring for Grandma, he visits her daily at her new assisted living home and tends to her every need.  All this along with that of his wife who is continually battling bone cancer and his own heart problems.  It's a daunting job, but one that he does with as much love and compassion as I've ever witnessed.  It is a side that, I guess I knew was there, but have never really been 'grown up' enough to understand.

And so I ask you to think today about those that you love and remember a memory of something that will make you smile.  The memories are there for all of that if you dig deep, and there is always one to reflect on that can lighten your load, at least for a moment.

Lost in Remodel Land, and A Great New Giveaway!

I know, it's been pretty quiet here at Happy Valley.  I've been working on so many projects here at home and sadly neglecting my blog.  We are now into the third month of a bathroom makeover, and it should be done this next week.  I hope!  From decisions on how much to remodel, what tile to pick out, who will do the work, and finally, YIKES,  how will we pay for all of this, it's been an interesting time.

This all began in December, when I noticed our flooring near the shower area starting to buckle from water damage.  We have learned an expensive lesson in that you should not caulk those 'weep' holes where the tiles hang over the shower pan area.  Doing so allows the water that does penetrate through the tiles to not have any way to drain out.

After tearing out the damage, we decided to put in a completely tiled shower floor rather than replacing the fiberglass pan and to tile the floor of the entire room too.  This room already had extensive tile in the shower, soaking tub, half way up the walls and the counter area, so I wasn't real keen on redoing the whole thing.  That would have ran the cost and time in this project way out of control, and none of these areas were damaged.  And so now, we're waiting on the new shower glass doors to arrive and be installed next week.  Whew, it will be sooo nice to take a shower here again!

On another note, my friend Kim, of Old Road Primitives, is having a spectacular cash giveaway on her blog!  Stop on over and enter for your chance to win $50!  http://oldroadprimitives.blogspot.com/

Spring on over for this Giveaway!

It's time for a great giveaway, and my friends at PAFA have a bounty of treasures to win!  There are 33 wonderful handmade creations, and 33 winners...so your odds are GREAT!  Head on over to their blog at:  http://primitiveandfolkartists.blogspot.com/2012/02/spring-forward-giveaway-loads-of-prizes.html, become a follower and leave a comment for your chance to win!

Light As A Feather...Klunk!

It's been a crazy week, but I think we're just about back to normal...only about 6 inches left after a whirlwind of snow.  We had a few visitors that I've not seen before this time, so I thought I'd share with you.

These are puffed up varied thrush so I'm told.  Very striking birds, especially with the white backdrop.  They feasted for days on my purple beauty berry bush.  More birds followed their lead soon after.  My feeders were plenty active too with the usual chickadees, marlots and other varieties of beautiful songbirds.  The birds were the only sound as the snow muffled out all distant noise.



Seeing his next meal at this bush was my unexpected visitor.  He greatly misjudged the flight path and slammed into my dining room window so hard that I thought it broke.  As we watched him in the snow, his head was actively moving, but he appeared to either not be able to move or was stuck in the deep snow.

So, I ventured out with really heavy gloves on, in case he needed some help.  Well, once I got within 2 feet of him, he lunged out of the snow and landed against the house.  I managed to get a few shots of him looking me over.  After a little research, I believe that this is a Coopers Hawk.

After just a few minutes to shake off the cobwebs, he flew towards me and then off high into a fir tree.  Whoosh!  I fell back into the snow and just marveled at how he began his wobbly flight and then soared away.  So magnificent to see one of these birds and also to know that he's okay after having his world turned upside down.  Wonder if he'll think twice before attempting to secure his next meal near our house?

Well, back to creating, now that school is open for Nic, and the house is once again lacking the turnstyle of kids through the front door.  I'm working on a few more patterns and projects and will share those soon!  Have a wonderful day!

Celebrate in a Heartfelt Way

Without sounding too gushy, I just love Valentine's Day!  It's that expression of love that my sweet hubby has down pat...for 25 straight years now!  Nothing like that special feeling from someone you care about so much.


So I had some fun creating a few hearts for this celebration with the OFG Team.  Hope you'll check out this beautiful collection (www.etsy.com type: stlc in your search bar), as there are a lot of new artists participating and nearly 90 heartfelt items.

'Cuz, after all, Love Dwells Here...especially at this time of year!

All "Fire'd" Up in Wool...My Textured Kindle Keeper

Welcome to my stop for the Nancy Zieman Tablet Keeper blog tour!  I'm so honored to be a part of this exciting opportunity to show different techniques and styles for the Clover Trace 'n Create Templates.  

My creation was constructed entirely from wool fabrics with a hand needle felting design on the cover, and I couldn't resist some bead bling sprinkled in.  Using wool does give the overall piece a bit more bulk; however it also provides a little added protection for my Kindle Fire. 

I began by creating a paper pattern of a randomly flowing floral and vine design.  The template helped me to determine placement of those areas that I wanted to really show off without being obscured by the strap.  After cutting out the pattern, the design was chalked onto the black wool base.  

I needle felted the design, blending the tones to achieve gradual shading.  Then it was time to sew on lots of colorful seed beads to the larger flower centers and finally finish the cover with some beautiful square black beads scattered about.  Even though this step took some time, the result was just what I was looking to achieve.  

The interior was created with scraps of hand dyed wool fabrics fused to the interfacing in a crazy patch style, and then I feather stitched the edges with heavy black thread (perle #3) for more impact. Once the fusible interfacing is applied to the cover and lining, the wool fabric won't stretch out of shape, making it just as easy to work with as cotton for this project.  Using wool fabric inside also helps to wick away dust from the e-reader...another plus!

The wool strap was embellished with purple eyelash yarn and matching beads.  I used the perforation markings from the Clover Create a Strap to keep my yarn's spacing even without even having to get out my tape measure!

The binding was also done with wool, although I did cut it at only 2" wide and sewed it as a single fold binding to further keep the bulk down.


And one last tip...To make the Kindle Fire fit a little better, I moved the elastic in further, just past the template's markings.  This proved to be an easier work around, rather than altering the keeper's overall size.  I'm very pleased with the end result!

There are limitless ways to personalize these...think about the timeless beauty of hand embroidery and applique on wool as other ideas if you're not a needle felter.  As you can see, quilter's cotton doesn't have to be your only fabric choice...be creative and it will turn out beautiful!

Thank you for stopping by today to see my creation!  For more ideas and inspiration, I invite you to become a follower of my blog.  A big Thank You to Clover for providing the templates, shapers and hardware to construct this project!  And don't forget to enter HERE for Nancy's drawing to win these great products from Clover:

Creative Evolution

A creative soul can find all sorts of ways to express their artistic style, and every year I find that there are more and more techniques out there to learn.  I grew up in the era of construction paper, glue and sequins...then there was the phase of tri-chem paints, stamped cross stitching, and felt applique.  Today, there is an amazing array of mixed media outlets to learn incredible new ways with paper clay, creating your own fabric designs, and who would have thought that bottle caps and Scrabble tiles could be so beautiful.  And since the ideas keep coming, the wheels of creativity will never end!

Lately, I'll confess to being hooked to the how-to videos from Joggles.com.  I began to watch these weekly tutorials, each describing a technique or product I was unfamiliar with.  Lots of tedious detail, and I find that to be helpful in determining my interest.  This week, the focus was in creating bead edging and fringe.  Beautiful in design, the hand beading is so exquisite...just look at this purse by Barbara of Joggles.  Wow...  Now I'm inspired to add a beaded edge to one of my next table mats!


As far as creating my own fringe, well, I'm still set on buying that by the yard for my scarf embellishments as I've found some of the most gorgeous trims over the years for my scarves.  This one is my favorite right now, hanging nearly 4" long...it's really show-stopping.

However, I am intrigued by creating my own beaded fringe on an elaborate purse like this one someday...as soon as I can figure out a good staging method for those teeny tiny beads.  'Cuz, with kids and a dog, sigh...can you see the bead showers in my forecast?

A Patriotic Pattern Release!

What was once considered a distant dream is quickly becoming a very enjoyable reality!  I've been busy writing, editing and brainstorming creative patterns and have just released my latest...a needle felted star over a whimsical flag on this cute (and easy to sew) lined tote bag!

This idea began as a commissioned project, and swiftly became one of my daughter's favorite pieces, so I created one for her too.  These are so easy to make up; I could see creating a different embellished bag for just about any occasion!  And because the outer shell is made in wool felt, this project is very affordable and has a minimal supply list to complete.  It combines easy sewing construction with one of my favorite creative expressions...needle felting!

Never being one to stay only in one artistic venue, I have another epattern about ready to release (a very quick and simple sewing project), and several more in the works, so I hope you'll check back for more inspiration soon!

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year filled with good health and happy memories in the making!  My family and I are hosting some very special friends for an evening of laughter and laid back fun.  Hopefully we'll all make it to midnight...

The OFG Team's January White Sale is about to begin!  If you're looking for beautiful primitive items to grace your home, this is your chance to grab them at a discount.  I have several items marked down, and will be adding more for this once a year event!

Merry Christmas!!!

Memories of childhood dreams and anticipation of that big day...this is a picture of me with my brothers taken about 40 (gulp!) years ago.  Mom stitched up matching jammies, and I remember how excited we all were.  Brother Matt with his ear to ear smile and stylish crew cut, and little Jeff (the judge) as he embraced the world with those monster sized cheeks, and me with my long braids.  Hope you have a holiday season filled with great memories!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Last Minute Fabric Wrapping Fun

This year I've found myself with some pretty sizable boxes to wrap up for Christmas gifts.  The thought of using nearly a whole roll of wrapping paper for one gift has my thrifty side cringing.  I haven't had to restock my wrapping paper supply in a while, and don't relish the idea of heading back to the stores this late in the game.  So I find myself happily sorting through my largest stash of fabric to put it to good use!  Just a yard or two of beautiful inexpensive fabric will yield many opportunities to be used, and then there's the gift of that fabric for any of your sewing friends too!

If you're wrapping a gift with a piece of fabric, you can certainly wrap it just like any other paper wrapped gift, but you will incur some bulk around the folded ends and corners.  For me, that added to the charm of my daughter trying to guess what in the world it could be!  I used safety pins to secure the seams and ends and lots of beautiful wide ribbon for a bow (again, from my stash).  The fun part for me was waiting a few days before putting a name tag on the boxes...keeps 'em guessing.

Now originally, I wanted to gather a huge piece of fabric to the middle of the box with a rubber band and create a center pouf, but even my largest chunk of red fabric couldn't match up with these two humongous boxes.  I don't think these are too bad though, and the great thing is that my garbage bin won't have much in there this year.  What wasn't wrapped in fabric was placed in fabric gift bags and reusable decorated boxes!

There are a lot of great websites for tips and techniques on wrapping gifts with fabric.  I found this beautiful collection of photos of packages with much more style than mine offer:  https://www.google.com/search?q=fabric+package+wrapping&hl=en&rlz=1C1TSNO_enUS461US461&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=CEfyTpiHC-bc2QXp4ISDAg&ved=0CJgBELAE&biw=1600&bih=775.  But heck,  these are for a 10 year old who really doesn't care about anything other than what's inside those bright red boxes!

Have a great day!  Ilene

Sew...you need some inspiration?

It's the beginning of the countdown to the 25 days of Christmas!  Are you ready?  Have you finished up all of those projects in your head for gift giving this season?  Whew, I'm not even close!  But I did find some new (to me anyway!) websites and blogs that have great quick sewing projects and tutorials for those extra special handmade gifts.  Come take a look at these cool sites:

http://erinerickson.com/ Has great tutorials for little bags and pouches as well as awesome advice on taking great pictures...check out her VERY cute dog in a bag! 

http://pinkeeps.blogspot.com/  I've admired this blog for a while, as she has great tips and tutorials.  Check out her latest...a thimble keeper!  Great idea, as those little guys get lost so fast in my sewing room!

http://www.craftpassion.com/  Another favorite...check out her tutorial in July, 2011 for a very unique coin purse.  I need to try this one and use up some scraps

Now, I hope that you won't stray to far from me, as I'll soon have another tutorial for you!  I've been invited to join the Nancy Zieman Tablet Blog Tour in January!  I'll have my own rendition of these new tablet keepers for you to see and make.  However, if you can't wait and want to make your own now...check out this great tutorial from Clover:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhYVERqxYpQ

Sew...are you inspired yet???

A Token of Thanks...for YOU!

The turkey is roasting, the gingerbread cookies are fast disappearing, and my sweet family sings in the spirit of the season...I have so much to be thankful for.

I am forever thankful to all of you, my dear customers and friends, for your support and encouragement to fulfill a creative dream! Together with 25 other members of the OFG Team on Etsy, we want to share just one more token of thanks to you…our customers! The participating shops below have joined together for a promotion from Thanksgiving day through Tuesday, November 29 with a special savings coupon of at least 10% towards your purchase. Use the coupon code “OFGthanksyou2011” as you shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes http://www.etsy.com/shop/basketsbyrose http://www.etsy.com/shop/catsdesigns http://www.etsy.com/shop/cavecreekprimitives http://www.etsy.com/shop/ewenmeprintables http://www.etsy.com/shop/farmersattic http://www.etsy.com/shop/FirecrackerKid
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyvalleyprimitive http://www.etsy.com/shop/MapleStreetShoppe
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlwaysPrimitive
http://www.etsy.com/shop/primpennystitches
http://www.etsy.com/shop/yorkiesprimitives
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetbearcreekwhims
Use this coupon code at Happy Valley Primitives and receive 10% off of your total purchase, and I will also include special holiday tags with your shipped order!   Thank you so much for your support and continued patronage. We wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Oh baby, it's cold outside!

Brrr...the thermometer reads 23 degrees on this chilly Sunday morning!  Frost has saturated the grass; the roads are a bit tricky, and so my Prius will stay warm nestled in the garage...at least for the day!  So, that must mean that it's time to pull out the winter wardrobe and grab that toasty scarf to snuggle in.  Did you know that Happy Valley Primitives also carries a line of luxuriously soft scarves with the most elegant beaded fringe out there?  I have a small sampling listed in my Etsy shop now with FREE US shipping for a limited time, so if you're in need of a new fresh look, with a little bling...come check me out!

Walking through a Winter Wonderland!

Songs of the season have been dancing through my head!  Walk through your winter wonderland with the incredibly talented primitive artists of PAFA!  The celebration is on...now through December 9th!  Type PAFAWW on Etsy.com to see all of the wonderful offerings!