Mermaid CQ Block - All set to go!

I spent all day today working on my mermaid block and finally, after a couple mishaps and a few "dang I got to rip that out" moments, I'm finally happy with the end result. This actually has to be the largest block I have ever put together - it measures 22x24! I still have a few pieces of dyed lace and various embellishments to put in place and then this baby is ready to be mailed to Thearica for her to play with. I can't wait for this RR to get started as I know the 6 of us involved are going to have a blast... Ready or not... here she comes!

Since I had tons of blue fabrics out and and extra mermaid already printed out on fabric, I decided to make my first page for the Art Journal Challenge I just signed up for with the HGTV girls. I'm really looking forward to this Challenge as it is not a swap but a personal challenge to create a 8.5 x 11 block each month for the next year. Each block can be made in any medium, using any technique(s). Since I love the ocean, the color blue, mermaids and CQ I figured what better way to start off my journal. I have lots of ideas for embellishing this block - going to try a couple new technique and maybe add some verbiage to it. I have been wanting to do this for a few years now and thanks to Geniebird for hosting this Challenge, I am finally getting of my tush and getting this project started.

Naked CQ Mermaid Goodies

For the next 5-6 months I am going to be swimming with the mermaids. Yep... I love the ocean, I love the color blue and most of all I love CQ. Myself, along with 5 other very talented ladies have decided on a mermaid themed CQ RR. I have gathered all my goodies and still have to find a few more hidden treasures I know I've stashed somewhere to get started. I've got my images and fabrics all laid out and hope to start putting my block together tonight. I think I will make my block about 20 x22 as I have the prefect frame for it already in mind. Mailing date is February 28th so I still have some time to design the layout. I know these ladies are going to be creating some fabulous magic on it and I can't wait!

Crazy Quilt Needle Book/Sewing Cases

Have you ever made something that you just didn't want to give up? Maybe be a little selfish and keep for yourself? Come on... I know you have LOL! I just completed 3 needle books/sewing cases that were commissioned and had to say goodbye to them. As I was wrapping them up for the mail, I kept thinking... why can't I just keep one for me? I am very pleased with the way all three of these came out an hope that the recipients like them too. Not quite sure which one is my favorite as I really love all of them. I loved stepping out of my color zones once again by using pink and purple fabrics. Who knows.... maybe the next time around I'll actually try making something in just yellows or oranges.

Naked CQ Blocks

I'm on a roll! Yesterday while lugging up about 6 boxes of fabric from my basement (due to a hot water tank letting go and a flood!) I decided that since I already had my sewing machine set up on the dining room table I might as well make use of having all that fabric and machine together in one place. Even after having my studio built for all my sewing , I still like to sit in the dining room and sew.... go figure.

So.... What's a crazy girl to do? With boxes of colors and fabric choices - silks, satins, brocades, velvets. damask.... the fabric started to fly. Turned up my Higher Octave CD and let my mind wander back to the day I had heard that music for the first time. I was in Costa Rica a few years ago where the world was full of beautiful colors and scenery. The different shades of blues I pulled together represent the beautiful ocean and sky ; the vibrant reds, pinks and purples were the gorgeous flowers that are found all over the island. You can tell where my mind is - out of this snowy and cold winter here in Massachusetts!

Hmmmm...I'm wondering... is there a market out there for Naked CQ Blocks? LOL! I love putting them together and find it extremely relaxing. I actually finished 13 blocks in one day so now I need to find the time to start the fun part of embellishing them. Most of these blocks will be used for needle books, sewing cases, possibly a purse and maybe a pillow or two. I started working on a purple needle book last night for a friend and have to admit, I really enjoyed working with another color pallet other than blue. I hope to take before and after pictures as I complete each project ....LOL! We'll see how long this takes!

CQ Mini Baby Quilties

For the next few months I think I am going to have babies on the brain! I recently signed up for a Baby Quilties swap with the ART4Mail Group on Yahoo. We were to make 6" Quilties depicting a baby theme. These quilties will be used for baby journals or might even be framed. Since I've finally completed my three, I am off to make some for my grand babies.

Surprise Gifts

While cleaning my office and sewing room today I looked around and noticed how many beautiful surprises I have received over the past couple months. Again, I want to say thank you to all those creative ladies who thought enough of me to share some of their beautiful work. I know I'm not the first to say or think this... but I wonder.... for years I have always made my friends handmade gifts secretly wishing that someone would make me something. A few years ago when I mentioned this thought to one of my best friends she answered "Why would we make you something when you know how to make everything yourself?" I was a bit stunned at her reply and told her that I love the thought, the talent and the creativeness that goes into something someone makes and would so appreciate the feeling behind anything that was ever made just for me. That summer she showed up at my house with one of her first ever quilts as a gift to me for my Birthday...and it's reversible!! She called it "A Study in Women". Missy, I hope you know I love it more than anything and cuddle in it every night when I am sitting here at my computer.

On that note I thought I would take some time to show ya'll some of the wonderful gifts that have come my way recently.

Well my friend Karen thinks she knows me... I think so. She sent me this pretty CQ block that she made depicting things she knows I like. Let's see.... butterflies, the color blue, hearts and lace. If you look closely you can see a heart with a keyboard embroidered in the middle of it (and even a mouse!).... and also a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream. Funny girl... she even embroidered a bottle of Kahula as she knows when we sit and chat late at night on the internet that I always have my flavo snacko to keep me warm.

Jessica, my blogger mentor/teacher, made this really cool credit card holder for me. I love the fabrics she chose... only thing is she forgot to put the credit card with the unlimited spending $ amount in it! LOL!

Check these chicks out! Thearica knows my love for the color blue and the ocean. She sent me this pretty mermaid pincushion - Awesome! My new friend Rita (I call her my bead lady) made me this beautiful Goddess of Love doll. You would never believe in a million years that the fabric she used was Halloween fabric!

A while ago a got the prettiest surprise in the mail from Kathy. She made me this gorgeous pin cushion using one of the dyed laces that I had sent her. It is so pretty that I am having a hard time even thinking of putting a pin into it!

This beautiful Christmas Tree wall hanging was made by Elaine. When I saw the one she had made for herself I fell in love with it. She knew I would never get around to making mine in time for Christmas so surprised me by making one for me.

Aren't these adorable! My new friend Barbara sent me the sweet angel doll and the pretty heart Valentine.... so sweet - just like her! The Christmas Tree fabric postcard just arrived from Russia! My far-away friend Roolen mailed it two months ago - Santa must have wanted to keep it for himself as it is so beautiful!

What can possibly be said about these pretty babies?!! Knowing how excited I am about becoming Nana Nicki in a matter of months, my multi-talented friend Carolyn painted these adorable little babies for me to use on a project for Deangelo & Evita. Don't they make you want to just squeeze them!

Thank you ladies for sharing your talents with me and making me feel so special. Every stitch is truly appreciated. I'm so happy that you all now have my address LOL!