Mug Rug...

Oh Good Grief!!!!!

No, No, No,

Not the little rug from my kitchen and

my newest, favorite coffee mug...

that's not what I mean!!!!

I'm talking about the Mug Rugs I made today:)

I thought I would start making a mug rug or two each

month, just to see what all the mug rug hoopla is about.

So I went stash diving and found these fabrics.

I thought, "Self these will work for January, yes they will."

Okay, so now I have the fabric...

Next make a design plan.....

Let's see, snowflake fabric, swirly fabric, ummm

it is snowing outside...Yep, you guessed it...

A Snowflake!!!!

So now I applique, and sandwich, and machine quilt.

And this is what I get...



A cute little January Mug Rug :)

Six inches by 9 inches, just the right size for

a mug of my favorite hot drink and a cookie or two!

And about the "Mug Rug Hoopla"... Well, I

understand it now...

They are just way too much Fun to make!!!!

That's why I made two  LOL

And I WILL be making a set for each month;

 and any other reason I can think of. 

There's also a bonus to making Mug Rugs,

it helps to clear out the scrap box:)

Now let's see, 

This little project gives me 

a start & a finish for 2012.

Love & Hugs,

Terry

  

January Card Swaps...Ahhh, All Finished

These are my ATCs for this month...

We are doing the ABC's this year.

"A" is for Asian

"Z" is for Zebra

January Recipe Swap-

Appetizers :)

The Embellishment Swap for this month is

SNOWFLAKES!!!

I made the Journal Boxes for the Scrapbook Element swap.

The theme is "Winter Wonderland"

The other Scrapbook Element swap is

"Winter Fun"

I chose the paper piecing option

and made these 2 snow people:)

I love my Cricut:)

Well that's it for this month...

the rest of January I will turn to my sewing area:)

Hopefully, I will have something to share

 from that room very soon:)

Hugs & Blessings,

Terry



January Card Swaps...Just the Beginning...

This week I have been working on the January swaps for the SSSD group.

The above card is for the Sketch challenge.

Next is the Masculine Valentine Challenge.

This little Bee Hive card is for the Mystery Item Challenge.

The mystery item was the blue felt border:)

The snowman is a telescoping card for the Different Kind of Card Challenge.

This one was really fun, I can see some other cards coming from this idea:)

This card was embossed with dry emboss powder & heat gun, then

run through the Cuttlebug for the raised emboss, and finally used a sanding

block to remove some the gold embossing:)  I had never done this before either...

another New Technique I will be using.

This is my Paper Piecing for Winter.

This puts me about halfway done with this month's swaps,

so check back in a few days and hopefully

I will have them all completed.

I am learning so many new things at SSSD.

I am very thankful to all the ladies there.

They are truly causing me to think out of the box

and expand my paper crafting abilities.

A special "Thank You" to all the Swap Hostesses:)

Hugs,

Terry

A Quilter's Brain...Oh My!!!!!!

Borrowed this from Pat's Patter Blog.  This is just too funny and

so true.  Someone has truly been peeking inside our brains!!!!

Now that's a scary thought....and even a scarier place to be....

inside a quilter's brain, Oh My!!!!

The only thing I see missing from this graph is:

"I don't know exactly how much fabric I need...ummmm...

Guess I'll just take the whole bolt!"

Warm Quilty Hugs to All

Terry

What's Going On In My Sewing Corner...

Current Works:

My dear sister-in-law gave me these blocks for Christmas:)
I have them sewn together, ready to sandwich and quilt.
I think they will make a wonderful little wall hanging or a beautiful table topper.  Love the Amish look they have.
Funny thing, I use to very much dislike the color black...until I started quilting, now I love the way black makes things POP!!!

Well, grandchild #9 on the way...actually due February 17th.  So this is the front side of the quilt I am working on for "his" arrival.  This is a kit I found at the Stitchin' Post Quilt shop,  Everything was already pieced...so all I need to do is sandwich and quilt it.

And the flip side looks like this!
I LOVE the Minky fabric, it is soooooo soft....I may have to make myself a blankie out of Minky! (not sure that is the correct spelling, lol)

Upcoming Projects:

                                  These fabrics are for an upcoming swap at Friendship Block Swap Group.  We will be making the Disappearing 4-Patch block.  They will be Blue & White - 8" finished blocks.  These little jewels need to finished

and in the mail by mid-February.

Next Up.....

These adorable snowpeople are from the swap at the DJalternatelist group.  These little sweeties are going to make a too cute winter quilt:)  I will need to make 3 more to even it out.  And yes, I have already picked the patterns, just need to get to work!!!!  Thanks to Rosa for this swap:)

                  I also have some embroidery work going on...

These will become alternate blocks in my Dear Jane "Christmas Cookie" block swap

from a few years back.  Looking forward to getting this one finished for

Christmas 2012. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also coming in March is a Red & White Block swap at Friendship Block Swap group.

I haven't chosen my fabric yet, so I don't have a picture to share, sorry:(

These will be 12 inch finished blocks of our choice. 

Nope I haven't chosen my blocks yet, either.

2012 New Year's Resolutions:



      1.  Learn to Crochet! 

      2.  Make a serious dent in all those UFOs hiding here and there.  (I can think of at least 14 just off the top of my head) 

      3.  Try not to start too many new projects ( right...like that one's going to  happen!!!)

      4.  Enjoy and Thank God for every day I'm given.  Take no one for granted.

                                     Be a Blessing to someone everyday.

Hope you check back one in awhile to check my progress:)

Love & Hugs,

Terry

God's peace...is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. 

                                                     Philippians 4:7  ( The Living Bible)

            

What's On My Reading Table

Here are my current reads...

One is for a Leadership Class at church,

The next one is for a weekly Book Club Group,

And the final one is just for my own entertainment:)

My favorite reads are Biblical, Christian Growth, True History,

Old-School Poetry, and Amish/ Historical fiction.

My family all know that I LOVE to read...

With that being said, here are some of

the Christmas gifts I received.

Does my family know me or what?????

Happy Reading,

And remember NEVER stop educating yourself.

Love & Hugs,

Terry

What's Going On In My Paper Crafting Room

These are a few of the Christmas craftings I did:)

Cards, ATCs, Scrapbook elements...sooooo

much FUN:)  Christmas is my favorite paper crafting time.

All of these were for swaps over at SSSD. 

Let me tell you, that group of women are SO VERY TALENTED!!!

I am so glad to be a part of their group:)

Now for a sad sad confession...

All the Christmas cards I sent this year were....

Oh this is so hard to say.......

store bought!!!!  Ahhhhhh.

I must do better this coming Christmas, I must, I must, I must.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now that Christmas is over, I am working on

Baby Shower goodies...

First is the Game Books shaped as Baby Food Jars:)   This idea came from my middle daughter - she is soooo creative:)      

Then there is the invitations.  Had a lot of fun with these.   The Baby Shower is for my youngest daughter, who will be delivering our 9th grandchild in mid February. 

And of course a new month brings new swaps at SSSD.

No, I did learn my lesson about signing up for too many swaps...

I am signed up for 11 swaps in January!!!

I just can't help myself, they offer way too many cool swaps.

I am addicted....BUT,  there are worse things to be addicted to, RIGHT???

Happy stamping to all those who share my love for the craft.

Hugs,

Terry

My Christmas Decorations

This Bethlehem Village is my personal favorite Christmas decoration.

I decorate very traditionally... green & red, I  love to use the branches from a real Christmas tree, and I keep it pretty simple, except for the Bethlehem Village.

It takes up the whole top of the fireplace mantle.  I found it about 8 years ago and I haven't seen another one since...so glad I bought it then.

Thought I would share a little more of my decorating, I hope you enjoy :)

This cabinet holds quilts and afghans made by my great-grandmothers, my mother-in-law, my daughter, and myself.

Lots of memories and history behind those glass doors.

Some of the ways I use the branches trimmed from our tree.



Another favorite...I made this Baby Jesus & Kneeling Santa

 way back in the late 70's,

when I was doing ceramics and plaster!

      

And last but not least....
Our Christmas Tree:)

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our

decorations for Christmas 2011. 

Wishing you all a Happy & Blessed New Year.

Remember to click on the pictures to enlarge them for a better view:)

Love & Hugs,

Terry

The Day After the Day After Christmas...

So thankful that the snow held off until today.

That allowed me to do some "after Christmas bargain shopping" yesterday.

I was able to take advantage of the super sales on

wrapping paper, bows, and cards.

Also spent most of my JoAnn's gift cards - great buys on

some scrapbooking goodies.  Thank you to my gift card givers:)

So today I am staying home and watching the beautiful snow fall...

While I organize/re-organize the house, and 

maybe start taking the Christmas decorations down...

or maybe I will just rest!

Hugs,

Terry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer, present your requests to God.

                                                                                                                    Philippians 4:6

Christmas

Picture from: The Bible Is Right Pictures

Merry Christmas

to all my blog family & friends.

I hope that each one of you is blessed 

by the wondrous gift of this season.

Love & Hugs,

Terry 

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring to you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

                                                                                                                        Luke 2: 10 & 11

Christmas Sharing

Goodness, here it is, almost Christmas and I haven't shared in over a month...  I think I will start by sharing pictures of the gifts I have received from two absolutely wonderful ladies.

First is the gifts I received from my Dear Jane Secret Pal.  She has been an awesome Secret Pal all year.  Here is the pictures of my Christmas gifts from her, and now that it is Christmas I have learned her identity:)  She practically lives next door, LOL.  Thank you so very much, you have really been a blessing to me throughout the year.

So many wonderful gifts.  Love the towels   And the puzzle is beautiful, can't wait to get it started:)

~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*

And next is the gift from my Secret Santa from the SSSD group (that would be the card making and scrapbooking group I belong to).  This lovely lady showered me with way too much, and every last thing is very appreciated.  I will use every bit of it.  Thank you so very much Dear Secret Santa:)

Love the snowman ornament...kind looks like the snowman that we would have this year...yep, that's right No White Christmas for us :(  But we will definitely have blessed Christmas.

Well that's all for tonight.  Keep checking in over the Christmas weekend, I'm hoping to do a lot of posting.  Lots of catching up to do:) 

Merry Christmas

Love & Hugs,

Terry

More Snow People Arrived

This wonderful Snowman was made by Rebecca H.  The embroidery work is great. Everything except his body is embroidered.  Too cool.  And that face just makes me smile every time I see it:)

This guy is from Martha L, she lives in Texas.  According to her, his name is "Mr. Puddles". 
He's a Texas snowman.  And this is what happens after a rare Texas snowstorm!
            "hehehe" 

You just gotta LOVE the sense of humor and creativity of quilters:)

There just nothing better!

Love & Hugs,

Terry

Christmas Star Block Swap :)

Sharing pictures of the 2 blocks I have made

for the Christmas Star Block Swap

over at the Friendship Block Swap Group:)

The first block is called The Spinning Star.

My second block is named Carolyn's Star.

I am hoping to get one more set done

 before the mailing deadline...

A set is 5 blocks to swap for 5 different blocks.

These are 12" blocks, so it won't

take many to make a wonderful

Christmas throw-size quilt:)

We can use any star block pattern we want,

but we do have to use Christmas fabrics and

the background has to be white-on-white.

Thanks for stopping by:)

Hope everyone has a productive and blessed week.

Hugs,

Terry

God's Blessings are everywhere...we just need to take the time to look for them.



Christmas in the Mail

Today's mail brought me this wonderfully cute little snow guy:)  He is from Pat H over on a Dear Jane group.  He is the first "Snowperson" to arrive from the swap...
I do believe this is going to be a really, really fun swap and these blocks are sure to make a snowonderful quilt:) 

Also in the mail came these wonderful Christmas ornaments...they were made by Mary W. over at the  The Friendship Block Swap group.   Over there we are having a Secret Santa Ornament Swap... toooo fun!!!  I have my ornaments about ready to mail to their new home, but I can't share a picture just yet.  Will have to wait until they are received, wouldn't want to spoil her surprise:)



Lots of Christmas gift activity going on here at my house, but alas I cannot share yet :(
I don't want to ruin any surprises....

Thanks for stopping by, I hope everyone is having a great month.

Love & Hugs,
Terry
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New Quilt Block Swap!!!!

My dear friend, Rosa is hosting a  "Snow person" block swap and this is the block I have chosen to make:)  I really love this block. I think this little Star Snowman is soooo cute, and he's really pretty easy to make!!! That's always a plus for swap blocks:)

I found the pattern over at Sindy Rodenmayer's site. 

Well 2 down, 12 to go!!!!! 

Hoping to get these done this week:) 

"Happy Stitching" to all those who sew.



Here's the link for the pattern
www.fatcatpatterns.com/images/holiday_designs/SnowStar.pdf   


Hugs,
Terry

Show me your ways O Lord; teach me your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.     Psalm 25:4&5

What Happened to October?????

WOW....I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post!

October was a busy and shocking month for me. 

I can't believe the month is almost over....

My Mom came to visit which was a true blessing.  It had been 2 years since

 we last had a visit...waaaay too long, that can not happen again.  She was able

to get most of her Christmas shopping done while she was here,
 so she saved a bundle on postage:)  It was nice to get out and see the Holiday decorations and the weather was perfect while she was here.  I would share pictures, but they are all on her camera
and she hasn't seen fit to share them yet (hint, hint).

I was able to get some Thanksgiving cards made for her.

She likes to send them to people in her Sunday School class.

Dear husband had an appointment with a cardiologists, (Family doctor saw a narrowing in an artery during a Cscan, so to be on the safe side
he sent us to the specialist).

Well that's where the shocking part came about.  The cardiologists says hubby has slightly high blood pressure and that at some point in the past he has had a heart attack... After a few dumbfounded looks passed between husband and I, we were like saying, "What????"  How can you have a heart attack and not know it or at least suspect something is wrong?  But they say it can happen.  
So next week he will have some more testing to see
what and how much damage has been done. 

Prayer is very very welcome, please and thank you.

Hoping to get started on some sewing and Christmas projects this weekend...

time is running short on the countdown till Christmas

and I have not one thing in mind, much less started!!!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hope you all have a blessed week.

Hugs,

Terry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer, present your requests to God.

                                                                                                                            Philippians 4:6