HodgePodge by Amanda

Busy doesn't even cover how I feel...

I just wanted to let you all know that YES, I am still here.  I am busy getting ready for Silverbella, Plum Pickens 10th Anniversary Show, and maintaining the life I have been accustomed to by working as a substitute.

I have some fun pics to share with you... SOON.  So many projects, so not enough time.

CRACK!!!

Yep that is the whip cracking, time to get back to glitter and glue!

35 and counting...

me and my friend Mandy circa 1977(?)

The big 35 today!  I told my mom this weekend that I really stopped keeping track when I turned 21!  Of course it helps to have my DH remind me that he is almost 2 years younger...

It was a great weekend!  I hung out with my mom and 3 fav aunties.  We met up in Des Moines for the American Quilt Society show.  Tons of fabric and quilts.  I even got started on a new hobby...  no not quilting (been there, still do it).  No, I got hooked on needle punching.  So mindless and addictive.  I am noticing that my hoop is not quite big enough, oh well. 

My aunties bought me a book on vintage Japanese children's Fabric.  I love the illustrations.  I will be using that for inspiration for sure!  Good food, great shopping, and even better company... What more could a girl ask for? 

Before heading out to Iowa, we met up at my auntie's house in Omaha.  A few blocks from her house we spotted a garage sale.  Some nice stuff, but I practiced restraint.  As we rounded the block to head back to my aunt's, I spied a pile of stuff with a sign on it.  "Does that say FREE?"  The wind let up and the sign relaxed back into view.  "FREE"  YES!  I scored a Little Tikes outdoor play set. 

I certainly hope no one was video taping my mom and I.  What a sight!  I kind of knew how it came apart, but it was not easy.  A mother and 4 small girls rounded the corner as I started to kick the pieces apart.  Oh the look of horror and disappointment on those little faces.  The mom, "I had hoped it would have been gone before we got back..."  Yep, the previous owners returned.  Mom was more than happy to be rid of the piece, the little ones, not so much. 

One outdoor playset - 2 trips, a little blood, sweat, tears, a lot of elbow grease.
The look on my boys faces as I unloaded it from the car - PRICELESS! 
Oh how much fun they had climbing up and down, and the mud... YIKES!  

A nice way to cap a birthday weekend.

Pumpkin Paparazzi

I do not have enough words to express how lucky I am to know this person...

Her talent know no bounds.  She is a truly amazing person both inside and out.  Check out her work here.  We had so much fun at Vala's Pumpkin Patch that night.   Who knew that rotten pumpkin smelled so bad?  Oh well the clothes and shoes will wash, all that matters is having fun in the sun!

A few more days and the Country Living article about the most fabulous paper art event in the Midwest comes to a news stand near year.  If you can't wait like the rest of us, there is a link to an online slide show... here.  My face my not be there, nor my name, but one of trees from Charolette's class is.  There is a cropped photo of 3 trees... mine is the dark green with red polka dots, bottom left corner.  All of the photos are fabulous.  Princess Lasertron's photo is one of my favorites.  Her booth was so funky, and her work is wonderful.

Grey's Anatomy is calling my name... 

keep those ideas flowin

Here's a sneak at one of newest creations...
a sweet little "vintage" inspired ornie. 
Well, I've got a few orders to ship.  Thank you!  I hope my pieces bring you as much joy as I had while creating it.

Get'em while they're hot!

Fresh of the presses... a limited edition Halloween witch kit!  While the witch is away, the cats and mice will play!  She was so much fun to make, and there are others in the works for Silverbella!  

I was hoping to post a picture, but it appears that I am having issues with my PC and some unwanted cookies.  I received my first spam comment this weekend.  Nice.  I have been looking for how to authenticate comments in efforts to avoid this in the future.    Edit- Things are looking much better!  YEAH!

My star of the week goes to the specialist teachers at Belmont Elementary.  This group of fine teachers along with a few subs (myself included) took all of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade classes on a field trip Thursday!  By the way that was day 2 of the field trips, they took K, 2nd, and 4th the day before.  I don't even have the words to express how wonderful these people are at what they do. 

 I had a GREAT day with the students looking at farm equipment, livestock, and pajogis.  The kids were taken by bus to UNL East campus, the park for lunch, and the new quilt museum.  I cannot wait to go back to the museum.  The exhibit on loan from Korea is stunning.  It focuses on pajogis, in all different forms - wrapping for gifts, ceremonial clothing, and quilts.  

I hope you have had a fantastic weekend!  Time to get busy working on swaps for Silverbella!