Sneak Peaks and Updates

Well, Im back to work today! And I have to say that these last few weeks off have been some of the busiest times of my life! Here’s just a quick recap as to what’s been going on in my life. And also, just a little preview of something I’m working on.

I’m making a banner for the wedding. And I’ve already put about 12 hours into it, and I’m feeling like it’s going to need another 48!! I’m making the whole thing out of fabric and vintage lace that was my great-grandmothers. So it has a lot of sentimental value to me. It’s taken me so long because for the most part, I’ve sewn everything. I’m only using minimal adhesive, and I am not using any paper. That way it will last a lifetime. I plan on using lots of pearls too. So, we shall see how it turns out. Give me a couple more weeks for the official unveiling!

Also on this summer break I went to sea world for the first time in years! It is such a great place to have in San Diego, and I often take it for granted. I saw the baby Shamu while I was there. He was so adorable and I was so tempted to take him home with me. If only I had a whale sized pool in my backyard, I could re-enact Free Willie!!

I’ve gone to the beach a few times to escape the heat, but sadly, nothing will ever compare to the clear blue waters in the Bahamas.

Lastly, I just got home last night from a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs for my friend Amaya! I have never been to one of those before and let’s just say I experienced some things that I never want to experience again. Haha! It was a great weekend and we all got really tan lounging out by the pool.

I gotta get going, but I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Xoxo mandy

Stitching Through Hoops

Happy Tuesday!

Had an urge to do a craft that I haven't done in quite some time - embroidery!  I got the idea from someone I am following on Instagram a while ago and decided to tweak what they did and come up with my own version.

Embroidery was one of the first crafts my mom ever taught me.  I remember embroidering on pillowcases and having so much fun picking out the different color floss.  Of course, the first ones I did were not very good, but they helped me learn the basic skills and I could always tear out the stitches and start over.

For this project I found a great remnant at the fabric store that is a wide, uneven weave.  I purchased a wooden hoop and glued the fabric to both sides - one at a time - after pulling the fabric taut and letting it dry.  I then trimmed the excess fabric off close to the hoop.  I purchased some brightly colored buttons and after placing them how I wanted, I put a tiny piece of scrapbook double sided adhesive underneath them, to help hold them in place.  I attached them with natural jute twine and then made strings coming from them so that they would look like the balloons that I meant them to.

After that was done, I thought of a message I wanted to say.  I used a very fine sharpie and lightly wrote on the fabric.  Taking a complimenting DMC floss, in my case, pink, I separated it into three strands (it comes in six).  I stitched and followed my letters as best as I could and tried not to be too particular about it.  This project was supposed to be about having fun - not about perfection.

The finishing touch was to take a whole piece of pink floss and tie a bow around the balloon strings.

For a quick, easy project, I think it turned out pretty well.  My daughter is quite fond of it so I am giving it to her.  It makes me happy that she likes it so much - and I hope she takes the messages to heart.  I think they are words we could all use to remember.

Let your dreams take flight and let your heart soar!

Fondly,

Sharon