Bling Your Thing Entries Post II

 Entry #5  by Lisa -  http://ljdodson.typepad.com/lisasblog/

Pretty in Pink

"This little quilt measures 9 x 12 inches and it is my very first, whole cloth, painted quilt. The border fabric is a batik but the rest started out as a rectangle of white fabric. The fabric was painted with Shiva Paintstiks and then quilted. I frequently hand sew a few beads to my art quilts to give them a little bling.  It will eventually find it's way to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative and sold to raise funds for Alzheimer's research."

Lisa your quilt is beautiful!  I hope this isn't your last whole cloth painted quilt....you do amazing work.

 

Entry #6  Beth -   www.snipehunter1.blogspot.com

"I have a submission.... It's a postcard... from my International swap Group, pulled together for my South African quilters... so they could mail postcard and receive a few!!! They are having so much fun. Every Wednesday it so much fun, because they are either sharing what they've made or what has come in the mail!!! This what I am sending out this time.

 

Its and aloe plant, the flower is enhanced with beads! They are shine a bit... but they aren't supposed to be too flashy."

 

I'd be so darn excited to get a post card this beautiful in the mail.....I love it!!!  Lovely work Beth, thanks so much for sharing it with the rest of us.

 

Beth is currently living in South Africa and if you have not seen the beautiful photos she has posted to her blog, you really must see them.

Entry #7 Jackie - http://jabotquilt.blogspot.com/

 Frolic In The Flowers

"I bling lots… in fact all my art quilts have 3D embellishing on them… that’s what I do… so I think that counts for bling?   Here is my latest one.  It has a kitchen scrubber on it, vintage buttons, all the flowers are 3D,  and ric rac and even little toothpicks coming out of a flower=)"

Jackie, I guess you do" bling a lot" and now I know where to go when I need some bling inspiration.  The flowers really pop right out and they are beautiful.  What lovely work!!  Anyone else who needs some inspiration to add some "bling" head over to Jackie's blog....she's got the bling thing goin' on!!!

Entry #8 Jean - http://jeancreates.blogspot.com/

 

 "Jean's Tiara"

"Well, I finished some of the hand-beading for the tiara. I think it looks quite nice. The hand-beading is tedious, but it was worth it. I used two rows of small bugle beads in between sequins set with matching seed beads. It's pretty secure on there. I'm really loving how the color is assorted and random. I think it provides a happy accent.

My only wish is that you could really see how fun and shiny it is in real life.  It really sparkles. I think I'm going to do a flower medallion of some sort and attach this to another main piece and make this tiara three-dimensional. After all, I'm three dimensional too! "

Jean's Tiara is amazing and to appreciate the entire process, I would strongly suggest your visit her blog and read THIS post.

Below is Jean's Art Scarf.  She has written a tutorial.  Part I is HERE and Part II is HERE.

 Jean is very creative and talented.  I am very fortunate to call her  friend, we met through blogging and have become "real world" friends.  Jean's work is always fun and she jumps into a project with both feet.

I have to make an art scarf!  Oh yeah, and a Mondo Bag, a Claire Bag, a Hugs & Kisses Quilt, and finish my.....oh I'll stop before you think my list is longer than yours!  LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

Bling Your Thing - Entries Post I

Entry #1 by Diane

 Coil Bowl Blinged with Beads

 This is Diane's first coil bowl and I think it is just beautiful.

Diane's second submission- "a red handbag; pattern comes with a label to sew in!  I'm sewing beads on the little dogwood flowers and have really just started that part.  I sewed 2 buttons on, the large black Asian one and the white dragonfly."

 Entry #2 by Allie -  http://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/

"This is my own pattern, I used the hot fix crystals...and it's not supposed to be square, but it didn't turn out as wonky as I'd hoped, lol.  I've had this pattern in my head for two years so I must thank you for giving me the incentive to get it out!"

 You know I loved the crystal bling added to the vase Allie!  Love your pattern too....it really is beautiful.

 Entry #3 by Sandra - http://suddenlysandra.blogspot.com/

"I wasn't able to get a good clear photograph that shows the bling, but I added seed beads and some tube beads to this little zipper bag, thanks to your challenge :)  That was fun,and far easier than I imagined!"

Sandra is right about the photo...the beads are a little bit hard to see....but when I made the photo larger...I think you can see them.  What a fun way to add some fun to your bag Sandra!  I know I would smile every time I pulled this out of my purse.

 Entry #4 by Karin - http://thecallanders.name/

"I'm not much on the BLING aspect of Bling-Bling, unlike most other Texans, but I think the embellishments I added really do make the outfits!"

I know if I were a little girl, I would jump for joy after opening that package.  Wonderful job Karin!

Editors Note:  I'll be posting more entries all this week.  If you have one, please send it to me with permission to use your photos, name and blog link if you have one.  There are no "rules" and no project is too small ....wait until you see mine...you'll really believe me then!!!  There is absolutely no judging what so ever....just the joy of sharing something that you have been inspired to "BLING."  Click HERE  for more information.

Smiles,

Kelly

Bling Your Thing-The Teeny Tiny Challenge

BLING YOUR THING - THE TEENY TINY CHALLENGE

PART I

How many of you recall this post?  Several folks volunteered to participate in the Bling Your Thing Challenge to have an extra chance to win "Creative Quilting with Beads."  Others decided it would be fun to join in so they committed to "bling something." 

Here is the challenge:

Everyone who agreed to participate...and anyone who wants to join us is welcome too....can embellish a quilted item with beads or crystals and send a photo of your project to me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com on or before April 15th.  There is no size requirement...so if you want to make an "Inchie".  You don't know what an "Inchie" is?  Click here.   Any size at all...and there is no judging...so do what ever makes you smile.  If it's OK to post a photo of your project on a follow up IHAN blog post let me know that in your e-mail.  I'm putting together a little fun gift package and everyone who participates will get their name in the hat.  Sound easy?  I thought so too.

I have received several e-mails from people saying they know today is the deadline but they aren't finished yet.  No Big Deal!!!  This is IHAN and I make the rules :)  The rules are.....ANYONE can participate and you can send your pictures in all this week until Thursday, April 19th. I will post photos all week and then who ever has participated will have their name put into the hat for a chance to win a fun "Bling Your Thing" Prize Package.

When you send me the photos please let me know if I have your permission to use your photos on the IHAN blog, use your first name, and if you have a blog can I link to your blog as well.  My e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com.

Stay tuned...the first entry is on it's way :)

Blinged Smiles,
Kelly

Waldo's Mondo Bag

Every since I saw a gal from my guild carrying a Mondo Bag I have wanted to make one.  In fact, I was so enthusiastic about making one that Waldo said she wanted to make one too.  Guess what?  Yep....she finished her's first :)

I really like the size of this bag, it is perfect for hauling almost anything...a small child might fit comfortably inside....not that I'm recommending you tote around a small child in a bag...LOL.

She used fabric by Marcia Derse and mixed in some fun fabrics from Paula Nadelstern.  I think it is absolutely beautiful, don't you?

The inside of the Mondo Bag.

Mondo Bag by Quiltsmart
 

I asked Waldo what she thought of the pattern.  Waldo said she had to read it line by line and study the diagrams.  I was told it might "frost my cookies" if I attempted to make it alone and that I could come over and she would help me.  I don't know how much of a review that is....but that was enough for me....I'll be cutting out my fabric and heading to Waldo's house :)

Smiles,

Kelly

All Done Fishin'

I have had a good laugh reading the comments on where folks thought I had gone fishin'.

My youngest co-worker and I headed to Victoria, Texas.  We went fishing for new experiences :)  Did you know there are Angels living in Victoria?  It's true.

We had not been at Mrs. Karin and Mr. Dick's house for more than 30 minutes, as I recall, when Zach wanted to sew something on her beautiful embroidery machine.  Can you believe it was Zach who asked to sew and not me?  After Karin got the luggage tag handle wrap hooped....she let Zach do the rest.

This fishing trip was an experience in being reminded about what is important in life and enjoying the angels along the way.  Several peak experiences for me....so restorative to my soul.

WARNING: Photo heavy post below with a quilt related segment in the middle....you've been warned :)

Mrs. Karin and Mr. Dick are volunteers at the Texas Zoo so we were the first guests at the Zoo.

The next day the Angels transported us on their wings to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.

The Victoria Angels and the IHAN Rat Fink :)

What?  I don't look like Mr. Miyagi has trained me?

That's OK....because I was meditating on this thought:

 

Remember the amazing sand artist Andre Amador?  

 My feeble attempt at a sand quilt :)

This photo below represents my experience of Texas.....very BIG!  Between towns....when I say there is almost nothing...I'm not kidding.  Hope you don't need gas or food!

 

 

On of my favorite movies.Lonesome Dove..you know I could not miss this Ranch!  I have no idea weather this ranch has anything to do with the movie or not...by the way.

This was a small town I drove through on my way to San Antonio.  It looks like a movie set doesn't it?  Smiley Texas....hmmmm.

Found this nasty character along the route.  A real rootin tootin shootin sort of fella.

1/2 of the IHAN clan at the Alamo.

River Walk in San Antonio...if you ever have the opportunity to go....don't miss it!!!

Texas Ranger Museum, I didn't find even one photo of Augustus McCrae or Woodrow Call  : (

(please don't e-mail saying they were just characters in a movie....my brain knows that but my heart doesn't)

Was surprised to find Bonnie and Clyde's car at the Museum, wasn't surprised to find this little out law standing next to their car.

I took this photo at the San Antonio Museum of Art where I found the Dale Chihuly Persian Ceiling.   It is actually a reflection in a window you are looking at.....amazing isn't it?

These are the margaritas in Texas!!!  And for the record....this was not mine...lol.

After San Antonio, we headed to Bandara, Texas....the Cowboy Capital of the World.  Where was our first stop?

The Gone Quiltin' owner Debra Pavelka.  What a wonderful store....and the saying "when you are traveling and need help...don't dial 911....call a quilter" was completely accurate in my experience.  I needed to find a pharmacy....Debra knew just where to direct me.

 

You know I couldn't leave without some souvenirs :)

Bandara's diner is where I was directed to possibly find a real cowboy mid week.    No luck....but we did find three Texas Rangers having lunch.

Having a 7 year old on Spring Break and driving all the way to Bandara Texas....you know this Momma was not leaving until we found a real cowboy!!!  Midweek or not!  While in the diner, I explained my dilemma to the Rangerse and they suggested I might find a real cowboy at the 2E Twin Elm Ranch.     All I knew was that if I had to drive that rental car far into the fields...I was going to find a real cowboy for Zach!

I think I'm going to put a noose in my back yard too.  Zach was on his best behavior the entire time...LOL.

(another way you know you are in Texas?  Almost every residence/ranch/RV has two posts and a gate....only slightly kidding!!)

Meet Justin....the FIRST "Real Cowboy" we found at the Twin Elm Ranch.

Justin was real all the way down to his spurs!  We had not planned on staying at the Ranch but Justin was so welcoming and kind to Zach that this Momma had no problem saying yes to whatever price they were planning on charging us.

Oh yeah....and it didn't hurt one bit that another family with three little boys were there on Spring Break as well.  Zach made fast friends with Luke and Jack from Wisconsin. 

Justin's confidence was key to my agreeing to let Zachary go on a trail ride the next morning.  Typically Zach would be afraid of the horse....but Justin knew just what to do and so did "Spot" the horse Zach rode.

The rootin tootin shootin cowboy riding a horse across a stream....all by himself :)

It was tough tearing ourselves away from the Twin Elm Ranch, but Shamu was waiting. 

Back to Victoria to spend another day with the Victoria Angels....which includes Miss Bailey, Zach's dear friend.

You may be asking yourself, where is the other 1/2 of the IHAN clan?  This Momma had no interest in spending a week listening to a 7 and 9 year old boys bicker.  We decided to divide and conquer :)  The other 1/2 went to see Grandma and Grandpa in PA, then to Philly and on to Washington DC.  They had a wonderful time too!

If you are still with me....I'm shocked! 

Texas Size Smiles,
Kelly