Custom Tote

I got an order a while back for a large tote. My customer wanted something black for the exterior, and hot pink for the inside. After sending her a few samples; this is what was chosen.

I think she did good........

This is the color she'll see when she UNZIPS her large pocket.....

With the lining and exterior done, I just slip the two together, add straps.....

.....and wa la, it all comes together nicely.

Here's a view of the interior showing the large slip pocket with a pen compartment. Of course this large tote should have feet to finish it off.

She'll get this new baby today. I alway hold my breath when they see it for the first time, and wonder; "will she love it as much as I do?"

Sunshine!! Oh Happy Day!!

Remember when I was complaining about all the rain??? Well, thank God, we got a (small) break the other day, and Frosty and I took advantage of it! We headed down to Frosty's most fave place in the whole, wide world.........THE PARK.

This is a small creek we pass over entering one side of the park. Notice the sun streaming through the trees......I take a moment and thank God for the site in front of me............right now I feel blessed!

Here is the same creek we pass over when leaving the Park. "Not bad", I think to myself....all the photos are taken with my iPhone.

We get back to the house, and realize this is why I have Spring Fever! Just look what I found in front of my house!! Hurray!

Weekend List Of Projects

Rain, rain go away.....

It's now Monday morning, and I'm having my 2nd latte' wondering how many items I can check off on my list of weekend projects.

Let's see:

Clean out the dead leaves from last fall that are still surrounding my roses...nope. It's raining.

Clean up Frosty's doggie doo in back yard.....nope. It's still raining.

OK, no outside work got done this weekend. None. However I did finally clean out my scrap booking closet(s). There were scrap booking supplies tucked in closets, cupboards, and every cubbyhole in the house. Too much of it had crept into my sewing room, taking over precious space. If you know me well, you know I'm a fabric addict. I need all the space I can get to house my fabric stash. So I've come to the decision that my sewing room is going to be just that....a sewing room.

Nothing allowed but sewing supplies. No boxes with old photos. No boxes with scrap booking paper/supplies. No office supply boxes. Only my sewing paraphernalia is allowed. Gosh, it feels soooo good to be able to even come to that decision.

Well, here's a picture of my scrap booking supplies new home. It's housed in half of the guest room's closet.

So now that I have my scrapbooking stash under control, I get to start revamping my sewing room; & this is what I'm thinking: new color on the walls, new drapes on the window. Maybe even re-cover my sewing room chair with a fun, bright fabric.

Hummmmm, if it wasn't still January, you'd think I have a huge case of spring fever....

Jill's Mask Party

Fun way to celebrate one's birthday......throw a Mardi Gras mask making party!
This last weekend, I was invited to a mask making party. The party room was filled with wonderfully talented artists who work in all mediums....so fun!

Soooooo fun!

Jill, me, Debbie...just clowning around.

Here I am with my new friend, Nichole.

Meet Duke. Keeping watch for the late coming guest........good boy!

A sketch of me and Jan by one of our fellow artist.............

Some of the gang.

Marilyn & Margaret

Margaret's Mask. How pretty...love the pearls!!

Here's my final creation......notice the rhinestone "earrings"...........

A Day In Vancouver BC

When my friend Robin had to do a little biz in Vancouver this last Tuesday, she wanted to know if I wanted to tag along and spend the day as tourists.....of course, I said "why not?"

After about a 3 hour drive, we

arrived........
The city is getting ready for the Winter Olympics;
VERY exciting!
http://www.vancouver2010.com/

Here's Robin waiting outside of Joey Burrard Grill....it's our fave for lunch in Vancouver. Check it out: www.joeysmedgrill.com/joeyexperience/location/joey@20burrard

It has a great menu! I highly recommend a visit!
I love the menu with lots of yummy items, but I settled for the grilled salmon with small potatoes and greens. OMG it's beautiful, just look at it!!

Hawaiian Sling

Here is the start of a custom order. This one gets to go to Hawaii with it's new owner.

She wanted something colorful and fun. Of course I had to make the interior as fun as the exterior! This material is an upholstery fabric by the Robert Allen Group. Looooove it!

I'll add a big divided pocket on one side of the lining........

& of course there will be a nice large zipper pocket on the other side.

I love adding detail.....even small ones; like this coordinating piping.

All finished and ready to go to Hawaii....lucky bag!

Happy New Year!

For years my husband and I would get together with friends and bring in the New Year with a early morning waterski on Lake Sammamish. However, THIS year was a bust. Redmond was hit with rain, wind, and more rain....bummer!

No way am I getting in this lake! Even the seagulls stayed on the railing....burrrrrr!

Since 2010 Waterski was a Big Bust,

I thought I'd share a few pictures from a few other New Year's Waterski Days

Laura & Anthony

The launching crew.....

Where did I put the boat key?...

Captain Doug

Co-Captain Steve

Picture perfect water!!!!

Here I am showing off......no, just kiddding, once in the water the handle goes to my hands....

cold? what cold?

back to the dock for a few more brave souls.....

Sarah showing how it's done.......

Kaylyne & Brock go for a ride.

Back to the house for refreshments....

Cheers...we did it!

Out back for a little port and cigars....

Ever wonder what Santa does on New Year's Day????

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!