sew.vandervort

Inspiration!

2010-08-21T00:28:00.003-05:00

Forgive my recent absence! Stephen and I have been working hard to prepare for our BIG move! We will be moving to Washington state in the next week and a half. It's a huge task to pack everything up, find new homes for our furniture and the countless other items we aren't taking with us. While we are sad to leave our family and friends in the south, we are greatly looking forward to the journey ahead in Washington! If you would like our mailing address, please let me know.

Today's crafty inspiration:

I found this awesome tutorial on how to make your own sandals! I wish I had a pair of inexpensive flip flops to experiment with. Hopefully I can make it to a local thrift store this weekend and try out this project.

Photos by annekata

How to make your own awesome sandals

Happy crafting and end of August!

Life is to be celebrated!

2010-06-15T17:41:00.014-05:00

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future,

and accepts you just the way you are."

I have been tremendously blessed with a circle of loving, faithful, encouraging friends

who have contributed to the woman I am.

We take every opportunity to celebrate life together, and weddings are a given celebration!

One of my best friends is getting married this weekend.

We had a day of celebration in honor of her a couple of weekends ago.

Here's a glimpse of the day:

"Quilty as Charged"

2010-05-09T21:54:00.003-05:00

I found the following blurb about quilters/ sewing fanatics laughable!

...By the way I'm guilty of a LARGE majority of these actions. :)

You know you are a quilter if...
There's more fabric in the house than food.
"Fat Quarters" are not the heaviest part of your body.
Your ironing board is always set up, but you never iron clothes.
You think of your job as an interruption on your quilting time.
You pet fabric.
People are always picking threads off of you.
You can measure a scant 1/4 by eye.
"Featherweight" doesn't mean boxer.
Your "UFOs" are not from outer space.
You clean up your sewing room and they think you are leaving.

Happy Mother's Day to you and yours! I am thankful for such a loving Mom, Mother-in-law and Grandmothers who have taught me valuable lessons in life, including how to sew. I love you all deeply!

-Cher

Ruffled Headbands are in!

2010-04-14T15:57:00.008-05:00

I've been away from the blog for a little while... mostly because I've been making lots and lots of headbands!

Adding a headband to any outfit seems to spice it up a bit. To purchase a headband visit my Etsy Shop. :)

Here are some of my most recent designs:

They are just so cute and fun to make! I'm always happy to make custom items.

Just leave me a comment or send me an email if you're interested in a custom order.

Enjoy your day!

Tea time!

2010-03-04T10:51:00.004-06:00

So I started drinking green tea in the fall of last year, to improve my mind, body and daily living. Ever since then, I've become a bigger fan of hot tea, rather than the iced tea I grew up drinking in Texas. I came across this lovely necklace today and think it's AWESOME!

(Photo)

Isn't it just so cute!?!

What have you done today to improve your mind, body and daily living?

Art and flowers

2010-02-18T15:04:00.019-06:00

In December I went to the Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar and picked up some lovely prints from Christine Sharp-Crowe. It wasn't until this week that I was able to get them into some fun frames and displayed in the housey. I am liking them quite a bit.

Here they are, as well as our table adorned with cheery spring color! We need something lively to carry us through the remaining cold weather days in Oklahoma! The weather has been a roller coaster ride this Winter. Today is lovely and in the high 50's, but this weekend there is a chance of SNOW!

Looking forward to more warm days ahead... :)

Happy February!

2010-02-02T15:24:00.010-06:00

This week Oklahoma welcomed February with a cold blanket of snow and ice! Since we had an abundance of time indoors this past weekend, I began a new sewing project. Imagine that! Haha. I'm working on a new set of fabric napkins for our dining pleasure. It will be made of grey and white cotton along with these lovely quilted blocks made from scrap fabric I already had! (I'm trying to be resourceful and eco-friendly) :)

Here's a sneak peak:

Our little housey covered in it's BIG white blanket:

My sister and I enjoyed a walk in the snow:

Happy February to you and yours!

Behold the Oregon Ducks Footie Pajamas

2010-01-24T23:35:00.004-06:00

About 4 months ago, Stephen asked me if it would be possible to make footie pajamas for him. I did a little research and was only able to find one pattern that would fit a grown man.

Wow this seemed like an exciting but daunting task to make pajamas for a 6'2" guy! However, I was extremely excited to make something for him, since I haven't for quite some time. I ordered the pattern and 8 yards of the beautiful Oregon Ducks fleece. (8 yards could make 2-3 blankets, easily!!)

Sadly, it sat beside my sewing table while the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays past (and the blizzard of 2009). Anxious to finish before the cold weather passed us by, I began the project a couple of weekends ago. I just added the edging and snaps tonight. It's officially finished!!! Woo hoo!

He's bouncing off the walls, he's so excited... and I'm just smiling. We are a happy family because of the Oregon Ducks and a little sewing.

Love is in the air!

2010-01-24T16:49:00.007-06:00

This afternoon after lunch, I decided it was time to add a few "lovely details" to the house for Valentines Day. Typically this is one of the least decorated holidays in our home. I thought it would be nice to add a couple of touches of love. So here they are:

Crayon Hearts catch the light and brighten up my kitchen!

This heart door decor was created from a different heart wreath DIY gone bad. I am very happy with the way the re-do turned out!

What do you do to celebrate love in your home? Both your decorations and traditions, I'd love to hear!

We're moving!

2010-01-22T18:27:00.009-06:00

After seeing Avatar last weekend, we decided to leave our life behind on earth and move to Pandora. It seemed so warm and welcoming after that 3D experience. We've made our Avatars and are ready to go! Who's going with us?

Me and my wonderful husband, Stephen. :)

You can make your own Avatar and join us in Pandora by going here.

New ff Business Cards!

2009-12-10T14:30:00.002-06:00

Woo Hoo! My new business cards arrived in the mail today! I am very pleased with the way they turned out. If you haven't checked out my shop recently, it has an updated look. :) Check it out: FineFlowers handmade goods!

Baby Car-seat Tent for a girl!

2009-11-24T16:24:00.005-06:00

A co-worker of mine, just a had a baby girl this summer and needed a little more style for her car seat. So here is another car seat tent, but in girly colors this time! Enjoy!

Fall in the Northwest

2009-11-10T21:09:00.004-06:00

Fall is one of the prettiest seasons, I do believe. This last weekend I was in the Northwest, here's a photo that captures a small bit of the beauty in Portland, Oregon.

Apron Love

2009-11-10T20:55:00.006-06:00

An apron is one of the most simple sewing projects, but so fun to make. It is also essential for this time of the year when ladies are making tasty treats in the kitchen. I think I mostly enjoy making aprons because my anxious side can be satisfied with a project that can be finished in less than an hour. haha!

Here is an apron I recently made for a friend's birthday. Her favorite colors are green and brown; practically every room in her home has a hint of this color scheme. :) I'm pleased with the way the apron turned out. Here it is:

Sewing Project: Baby Car Seat Tent!

2009-09-13T23:06:00.015-05:00

This week I finished creating my first baby item... not for me though! :)

When the "Mommy-To-Be" opened this gift at the shower yesterday, everyone Ooo'd and Aww'd over it. It seems like a fashionable, functional way to keep baby sheltered from weather and germs. I am pleased with the way it turned out, enjoy the photos!

You can make your own Baby Car Seat Tent by following this tutorial.

Here's an example of what it should look like "in action".

This image is from from Stitches & Scissors Blog.

Simplifyng Life

2009-08-25T15:38:00.001-05:00

As I daily strive to live in a more simple way, than the day before, I find this quote to be inspirational.

“If it’s not useful, beautiful, or loved…get rid of it!”

Nothing Much Has Happened Lately.... WAIT a minute!

2009-08-16T17:13:00.005-05:00

That's not true in the least bit. Check out the following photos that document a few of my most recent projects....

School themed headband for Amy, check out the others in my shop.

Up-cycled redesigned handbag for my mom! I wish I would have taken a before-photo, so you could see the difference.

This awesome platter was a gift from my good friends and neighbors, Brandon and Ashley! I especially love when friends know you so well that they can give such personal little things like this. :) Brandon recently recorded his first EP! Check it out here.

And finally... the project I began 2 years ago, is finally complete!

This T-shirt quilt is medley of the t-shirts I collected on my journey through college. Immediately after graduating from college I began this project, but then became busy with work and wedding planning. So here are we are 2 years later with the finished product. I couldn't be more happy that I finished this quilt and with the way it turned out.

Tasty Muffins

2009-08-10T00:43:00.003-05:00

In my quest to eat healthier food with little to no processed additives, I came across this yummy recipe. It seems high in the sugar and flour category, but I still believe it's better than the packaged muffin mixes. If you're looking for pre-packaged organic muffin or cupcake mixes check out Naturally Nora.

This recipe originally came from All-recipes.com. Blueberries are increasing in price and quickly going out of season here in Oklahoma, so I substituted strawberries. Happy muffin making! :)

PREP TIME: 15 Min
COOK TIME: 25 Min
READY IN 40 Min
Original recipe yield 8 large muffins

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Add to Recipe Box
• Add to Shopping List
• Customize Recipe
• Add a Personal Note

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
3. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

Awesome Chicken Salad Recipe!

2009-07-21T20:28:00.003-05:00

Tonight I threw a little GIRLS only get-together in honor of Marilyn's recent engagement. We had a wonderful time together and everyone loved the chicken salad sandwiches.... so much so, that I figured you should try them also! Here's the recipe for the awesome Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries.

Enjoy!

The walnuts or pecans add some crunch, but you can leave them out if you'd like. Serve this delicious chicken salad in ciabatta bread as a sandwich, or serve in lettuce leaves for a lighter luncheon. Light mayonnaise may be used in this salad.

Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries

3 cups diced cooked chicken
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup diced celery
2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup diced apple
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
4 to 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon curry powder, or to taste, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
lettuce leaves

Preparation:
Combine the chicken, cranberries, celery, onion, apple, and walnuts, if using.

In a cup or small bowl combine 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise. the lemon juice, curry powder, if using, and salt and pepper. Stir into the chicken, adding more mayonnaise as needed and for taste. Line bread or rolls with lettuce and spread chicken salad on the bread or serve the chicken salad on lettuce-lined plates.
Serves 4.

Living Green, so that others may LIVE

2009-07-19T20:55:00.005-05:00

As Stephen and I navigate through life, we are figuring out what is important and what is REALLY important to us. A lot of things are important, one particular thing we feel strongly about is the amount of pollution/waste we contribute to the earth.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average household dryer consumes 1,079 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which amounts to 2,224 pounds of carbon dioxide. If every US household let one load of laundry air-dry, 250,000 tons of CO2 could be saved. This is equivalent to shutting down 15 nuclear power plants or cutting back coal use by 30 million tons each year.

Can you imagine what could be done if you let every load air dry?

The air would be cleaner! Plus your clothes would last longer- the dryer actually breaks down the fibers in clothing (that's where the lint comes from).

So that your family, my family, and every other family you know may live a better life, I encourage you to think about using one of these...

A retractable clothes line!

If you don't have room for a clothes line like this, be creative! Try hanging clothes from your shower rod, door frames or light fixtures.

We can change the world!

Upcycled skirt to apron

2009-07-12T23:37:00.007-05:00

Upcycling is a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products. It is generally a reinvestment in the environment. "Upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable or downcycled and transforming it into something of greater use and value." - William McDonough and Michael Braungart

I was feeling inspired and creative this weekend, so I took a skirt that was laying in my fabric pile and turned it into a fashionable apron!

With the help of some additional scraps, I spruced up this skirt and gave it cheery character.

You may wonder what inspired me to upcycle instead of purchasing new? Well my love for handmade goods, the enjoyment of crafting and a book I recently read, Serve God, Save The Planet. In his book, Dr. J. Matthew Sleeth shares how he and his family changed their way of living in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more full life with less.

"Live simply, so others may simply live" -Mahatma Gandhi

Hello Headbands!

2009-05-30T00:01:00.004-05:00

Well hello again! I'm back with some BRAND NEW headbands! Feel free to roll over to my etsy shop and check these lovelies out!

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 30th, my shop will be listed in a Housewares Showcase. I'm hoping this will increase interest in my shop. We shall see!

From Many Bags into ONE bag!

2009-05-04T15:34:00.005-05:00

The art of plastic fusing is fun and costs next to nothing! It just takes a little practice and patience. I've made several shopping bags this year, which have turned out nicely.

Here is my most recent experiment with the bags, which turned into a birthday gift for a friend!:

If you'd like to learn more about plastic fusing, check out this tutorial.

Quilt Blocking...

2009-04-14T18:58:00.007-05:00

So, I joined this funky crafting community a couple months back. Swap-bot is basically a website for nerdy crafters who like to trade things with other crafters in other cities and countries. Once you've successfully traded in 5+ snail mail swaps you can move onto the bigger and better swaps. I have just completed my fifth swap, which was a quilt block trade. Super fun and interesting for me, as I've never made an official quilt block. Here's the creation I came up with (designed using swap partner's favorite colors):

It's nearly May!

2009-04-12T21:16:00.011-05:00

Wow, we are really almost half way through April! Where has 2009 gone?! My sweet sister comes back to AMERICA this week, and my husband graduates from college in less than a month!

I'm excited to create the invitations, attend/host the parties and see dear friends in the coming days and weeks. With all the preparation for these activities, I've had little craft time. Last week I was able to sit down for and afternoon and finish some neat projects!

Baby Bulletin Boards for local Dr.'s Office. They may look small here, but actual dimensions are 24"x 36".

New Market Tote made of up-cycled materials. Currently listed in the shop!

Lastly, a pretty little spring clutch/ belated birthday present for one of my best friends.

Enjoy the rest of your Easter day--

Fine Flowers' First Treasury on Etsy!

2009-03-30T01:02:00.002-05:00

Hooray! Les has helped me create my first treasury on Etsy!
To visit the Treasury I've complied, visit it here.

In other news, I've baked many goods for my dear husband's birthday! It's going to be a busy week, but I hope he takes a little time to enjoy himself on Tuesday.

Life is good.

cotton napkin debut!

2009-03-11T00:40:00.003-05:00

Hello cotton napkin, who is both environmentally friendly and fun to use! I'm so excited to share these new cotton napkins with you all! I've been working hard on these little gems. More will be added to the shop as I find time this week.

Sweet Stuff

2009-03-09T23:49:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I was able to finally spend time with Ashley and get some work done on her wedding invitations! We had a great time catching up. Can't wait to see the finished product!

While clicking through some of my favorite blogs this past weekend I stumbled upon this great website called Living Creatively. It's an Australian website that is extremely awesome! If you are in need of some craft/design inspiration this is the place to begin.

In other news, I've been baking a loaf of bread every Sunday for the upcoming week. I've tried 3 recipes and am having horrible luck with getting the dough to rise. Any suggestions? I need some serious help!!

This little fellow arrived in a package this last week. Kinda cool.

Saturday Craft Show!

2009-03-07T00:21:00.004-06:00

Saturday, March 7th, which is actually today, Leslie and I will be at the Unpluggits Playstudio for a craft show! Come and visit us if you can. We'd love to see your friendly face.

My new cotton eco-friendly dinner napkins will be available along with a load of new clutches for spring!

While at JoAnn today I found this treasure of a magazine... it has many great household projects and even three skirt patterns, I can't wait to begin some new projects.

goodbye to the month of LOVE...

2009-02-27T13:01:00.008-06:00

Why is February of all months called the "Month of Love"? I think the lack of a holiday between Christmas and Easter has a lot to do with the invention of Valentines Day. No matter where it originated or the motivations of those who formed it, I still enjoy it in a simple form.

I made these little heart shaped "sun catchers" to hang in the bay window in our kitchen this February. They always seemed to brighten the room a little bit more. You can fill your windows with love too... If you'd like to learn how to make delightful hearts for your window, you can follow Martha's tutorial.

"Wishing it was Spring" Fat Quarter Swap

2009-02-24T16:32:00.004-06:00

I follow MANY blogs and have wanted to be a part of some sort of swap/trade for years now. Finally this month, I was able to find a swap to jump into! Thanks to Stitches and Scissors for hosting the "Wishing it was Spring" Fat Quarter Swap! I sent the blue and green pieces off in the mail today! I'm excited to see what fabrics will show up in my mail box. :)

Projects in the works

2009-02-11T23:07:00.005-06:00

I received a text from Karen this morning as I prepared for work, and it just made my day brighter! I've only received a few in the past month, but they bring a smile to my face. For those of you who don't know, my sister is currently studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. She has been there a month and a half and has adjusted quite well, from what I understand. I miss her greatly but am so proud of her courage and strength as she has emerged herself in a different culture and way of life.

In my quest to become more environmentally friendly and less wasteful, I've decided to make cloth napkins for the meals we eat at home. I am very excited about this new project and have been thinking of all kinds of shapes, patterns and designs that could be screen printed onto the colored cotton fabrics. Today I stopped at a local fabric shop and picked up these bright fabrics. :)

Another project I am currently working on is the production of 6 lovely clutches for a friend and her bridesmaids- these will be part of their bridesmaid gift, each made in colors and patterns reflecting their personal style. This is going to be a fun and unique project, very similar to the clutches in my etsy shop, but with a some additional special touches. Here's some of the fabric selection:

Change in THE WORLD.

2009-01-20T23:39:00.010-06:00

Today is a monumental day in the world. The US has sworn in the first African American President! It almost seems like a foggy dream. Is it actually reality? Wow, it is!

I can so clearly recall the day Stephen told me about this guy named Barack Obama. That year for Christmas, he requested what would soon become a best seller, "The Audacity of Hope".That was way back in October of 2007.

Barack and the willing parts of America have changed since then, and will continue to change for the good, I pray, in the next four years.

Yesterday, on MLK Jr. Day, I had the opportunity to walk with thousands of African Americans as we remembered the Dream of Martin Luther King Jr. What an experience that was! I felt so humbled and privileged to be able to join arms with those of a different skin color- marching for unity and a dream for change.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
— Gandhi

FF at Deluxe Show

2008-12-12T00:26:00.008-06:00

Here's what the table looked like minutes before the show opened.

The neck-warmers were a big hit, and I'm still making more! If you see one you like, or are interested in one of a different color combination, let me know! More will be posted in the shop this weekend.

The Deluxe Show Review

2008-12-07T06:56:00.011-06:00

The Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar was everything I thought it would be and more! The Historic Public Farmers Market in old Downtown Oklahoma City was packed full of hand crafted items spread throughout 50 vendor booths- ranging from hand poured candles, hand knit leg warmers, to paintings of Dr. House and the latest batman movie- The Dark Knight. I had a wonderful time meeting new artists from the Oklahoma City area and meeting customers who had seen my shop on etsy before.

Thank you to my friends and family who have encouraged me- always. This show was a huge success and I look forward to being a part of the next Deluxe show in the spring!

Since the Deluxe show is now finished, I will begin working on Christmas gifts, which I am thrilled to do! I thoroughly enjoy making gifts that fit each of my friends and family members style and needs. I wish I could share with you my ideas... but then the surprises would be spoiled. Maybe after the gifts have been given, I will share them on the blog.

Today marks the second Sunday of Advent, I will leave you with this reading:
Candle of Peace Today we light the candle of peace. We must not settle for less than a peaceful world. We must confront the endless downward spiral of violence in its various forms. Violence allows us to dehumanize another person resulting in the wasting of masses of people by war, famine, or disease. This candle of peace, must also brave great darkness. As we light the candles of hope and peace, let us pray that is the fullness of blessing for all- that is the peace which we dare to hope.

Etsy Treasury and Deluxe Craft Show

2008-11-09T19:15:00.006-06:00

After not much news, BIG NEWS arrives!

I received confirmation yesterday that I have been selected to be a vendor in the Deluxe Craft Show in Oklahoma City, on December 6th! This will be my first time to attend a public craft show as a vendor. I am so very excited! Along with me, Leslie, will be selling her hand-made goods as well. We hope to see MANY friends and new faces! The Deluxe Craft show is open to the public and free of charge! Please visit the show and shop handmade for Christmas this year, by supporting local artists.

Second big news of the day, one of my pairs of earrings has been included in a Treasury on Etsy. This is a first for me as well, so it's a bit exciting. If you'd like to see what I'm talking about, check it out before Tuesday, November 11th at 8:57pm (It has an expiration date).

New crafted items are in the works... re-designed clutches, handbags, scarfs and neckwarmers!

Stay tuned.

It's good to be in Texas again...

2008-10-04T23:22:00.004-05:00

This evening one of my younger cousins got hitched! Hooray!! How exciting it was to be there and take place in the celebration. I enjoy weddings, especially when everyone around you is enjoying the moment... dancing, singing and celebrating!

Way to go Kirsten and Josh! We wish you the best!

Designs emerge from the woodwork!

2008-09-11T21:22:00.010-05:00

Hello friends!

It's been quite some time, since I last updated on life and my new creations... So, let me fill you in a bit! Laptop cases, earrings, and now clutches are all out and about! Please check my etsy page to see current items for sale!

This lovely little clutch was fun to make! I crafted it out of extra table cloth material and lined it with simple olive green cotton. To complete the clutch I added a magnetic closure.

Just last week, a good friend of mine celebrated another year of life... so I gave her this gift to commemorate her special day. Little known fact: the purse/bag was formerly a Coca-Cola sweatshirt from the 80's or 90's. Using old things to make new is always a fun challenge!

"Green" qualities coming out in me...

2008-08-08T15:58:00.004-05:00

Working in the church office near the grandiose all-church printer can be interesting at times. Typically, I am the first person to see what rolls out of that printer... Today an interesting brochure appeared on the tray, entitled the "Waste Free Lunch box". This brochure caught my eye, so I began reading it and was more impressed with the information than I thought I would be at first glance. Being a graphic designer, I tend to analyze and critique just about any document I lay my eyes on. So this was no exception, but I was captivated by the helpful information it contained. I may re-design is just for fun. You can visit www.WasteFreeLunches.org to learn more about how to pack environment friendly lunches for you and your kids!

Glass Fusing... what a treat!

2008-08-04T00:40:00.004-05:00

After a long break from consistent crafting due to moving and re-settling... I will pick up a new project this week. Laptop cases! Check back for more details and photos soon.

Last week while in Portland, I had the privileged of spending some time with a new acquaintance, Rae Campbell. She is an accomplished artist who has worked with a variety of crafts: professional sewing, scrap booking and glass fusing, are just a few. She now has her own glass fusing studio where she teaches a variety of folks from age 7 to 75. While spending a few hours with Rae, I learned the craft and technique of glass fusing... I enjoyed it so much I made a decorative plate and 4 coasters! They should be arriving the mail someday soon. I enjoy meeting new artists and learning about their methods of design!

Many earrings as promised

2008-07-14T13:35:00.007-05:00

Here's a glimpse of the custom designed earrings for Kirsten's upcoming wedding. I can't wait to see what they look like with her bridesmaids dresses.

If you are interested in a custom order like this, or know of someone who may be, please contact me!

Red White and Brown

2008-07-12T23:00:00.004-05:00

I am now taking custom jewelry orders for weddings and other special events. Recently I crafted these lovely ear decorations for the bridesmaids in my cousin's upcoming wedding. Check out fineflowers tomorrow for MANY MORE new designs!

The First Tote

2008-06-27T13:23:00.001-05:00

I hope this to be the first in a long line of totes. This tote has officially been listed for sale! I am treading on new grounds, as all the other purses/bags I've created were for fun. We shall see how this works out!

((Crossing Fingers))
FINEflowersdesign

Taxi Driver and Etsy sales

2008-06-24T23:16:00.000-05:00

I never know what I'll get myself into...

This week I've obtained an extra job, filling in for a friend who is out of town... Job Description: taxi driver and friend to an 80-ish year old bachelor for 3 hrs this week. What fun it was to drive his HUGE Cadillac yesterday! We had quite the adventure in an hour. We made our first stop at the post office in Edmond, then headed towards our second stop, the local Homeland Grocery Store (This is where he purchases his weekly lottery tickets).

Here comes the problem:

After successfully obtaining the lotto tickets and piling into the car. We were preparing for our next stop, the gas station. I suddenly realized I couldn't release the parking brake! (This should be no problem, I've always used a parking brake, but never in a car this nice!) So, I'm sitting in the car with this gentleman(who I only met 1 hour earlier), pushing with all my strength, in an attempt to release it. NO LUCK. So I gathered my thoughts and prepared to tell him what was wrong. Remember he is 80; hearing is not an easy task for him anymore. So I raised my voice and began to speak slowly. I had tried everything I could to release the brake. After a couple of minutes, I spotted a black lever that looked like it could possibly release the brake. I pulled it, and the hood popped. Sweet! It's 94 degrees outside, I'm sweating like a pig and I feel like I'm destroying any confidence he may have had in me. Finally I figured out I needed to shift the car into P or D to get the brake to release. I did that and immediately felt relieved! I jumped out of the car quickly closed the hood and proceeded to the gasoline station.

I guess the trip turned out alright, he later said, "Well we made it safely and in less time than usual! I'll see you on Thursday."

In other news... here are some of my latest creations:

Newest creation

2008-06-17T16:42:00.000-05:00

I know it's summer... but I just had to knit on my way to Dallas last weekend!

Newest creation:
Green and cream scarflette... larger than a neckwarmer, and smaller than a scarf. Much less bulky. You can easily keep it from flying away in the wind with the antique wooden button.

check out www.fineflowers.etsy.com for other neat accessories!

distance & design

2008-06-16T15:21:00.001-05:00

A cool breeze in Oklahoma doesn't come often during the summer months. When it does I enjoy being outdoors, especially riding my bike. It's a day like today that I wish Karen was closer. She is half way around the world, busily working and ministering to the children in Cramlington, England! So far the stories and photos seem to depict an enjoyable time.

Before she left for Cramlington we put together a fancy schmancy post card for folks to support her, both financially and in prayer. It has been a constant reminder to me, as I look at her face on the fridge every morning. A couple weeks ago, I began drinking hot tea each morning...Two simple reasons: to remember Karen and her teammates in prayer and in hopes of somehow adopting the daily culture she is currently experiencing. May sound strange, but it's my way of remembering to pray for her.

In other news... the SNU NSI design is now complete and ready for mail-outs! Hooray!

... and if you've been tracking Stephen's blog, we defeated the mouse this weekend!
Thanks to Lance and the ratzapper!

hello blogging world!

2008-06-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

well this is my first entrance into the blogging world in quite some time. my hopes and plans for this blog is to stay connected with friends and family in the states and around the world.

currently my sweet sister is residing in England, doing missions work. I think and pray for you and your team often, Karen. I love you and hope you're experiencing many challenges and yet enjoying your time there.