Make an Autumn Bucket Bag! Crochet a Log Cabin Afghan! Make My Jack-o-Lantern Candy Hoarder Holder! Create a Felt Applique Squirrel Block! Sew a Half-Hexie Quilted Table Runner! Upcycle Spools into Hooks for Hanging! PLUS. . . Recipes, Jokes, Art, Design & Memories!

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DON’T MISS A THING, MISS THANG!

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YOKE DU YOUR (naughty)

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A couple had been married for 50 years.
They were sitting at the breakfast table one morning when the wife says, ‘Just think, fifty years ago we were sitting here at this breakfast table together.’
‘I know,’ the old man said.
‘We were probably sitting here naked as a jaybird fifty years ago.’
‘Well,’ Granny snickered. ‘Let’s relive some old times.’
Where upon, the two stripped to the buff and sat down at the table.
‘You know, honey,’ the little old lady breathlessly replied,
‘My nipples are as hot for you today as they were fifty years ago.’
‘I wouldn’t be surprised,’ replied Gramps.
‘One’s in your coffee and the other is in your oatmeal’

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ARTspiration

Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my muse! Like it or dislike it, what about this art inspires your own art or creativity?   This is by artist, Melanie Daniel, called “Echo Shield” and is  oil on canvas.

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DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft?  By photographer/artist, Hassan Hajjaj.  Portrait of a Moroccan Hipster. 

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IDEA I LOVE

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This bucket bag is perfect in fall colors for an autumnal flair for your wardrobe d’October!  Looks like a fun project.  Take a look (by the way, I did a lot of cleaning and mopping yesterday.  I’ll pass on bucket anything! LOL):

 http://weallsew.com/2014/09/04/how-to-make-a-bucket-bag/

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IDEA I LOVE

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This log cabin afghan is purrrrrrfect for keeping your toe toasty on a rainy autumn night.  I love the color selection and the size, too. You can crochet this in a few evenings, I’ll bet!  Sometimes making a ‘quilt’ without actually quilting can be fun!  Why the heck not?  Go for it.  Here’s the pattern:

http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Log-Cabin-Afghan-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart-Yarn

GARDENspiration

How can you incorporate the beauty and design of this garden into your own art and craft?

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IDEA I LOVE

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I designed this YEARS ago for a company I met at quilt market.  Imagine my surprise to find that the pattern is still being distributed by Joann’s (they do give me designer credit).  The photo doesn’t do it justice.  It’s a perfect candy stash holder for Halloween.  It’s easy to make and fast to make, too.   Here’s the pattern and templates:

http://www.joann.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-JoAnn-Site/Sites-joann-project-catalog/-/images/hi-res/project/pdf/PA00431.pdf 

 If that doesn’t work, try this:  http://www.joann.com/innerfuse-jack-o-lantern/PA00431.html

YUMMY DISH!

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE

“Combine two cheesy Southern favorites in one satisfying dish for a meal both kids and adults will love.”

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HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

    •  pasta
    • butter
    • onion
    • green bell pepper
    • diced tomatoes and green chiles
    • pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed
    • chopped cooked chicken
    • cream of chicken soup
    • sour cream
    • chili powder
    • ground cumin
    • shredded Cheddar cheese

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/king-ranch-chicken-mac-cheese-50400000118342/

BREATHLESS INSPIRATION

A series of cat houses designed by Los Angeles-based architects were created for Architects for Animals “Giving Shelter” fundraiser this month.  LEARN YOUR CREATIVE LESSON!  Turn normal things and ideas into ART, cupcake!

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SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG 

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

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INGREDIENTS

canned pumpkin
pumpkin pie spice, plus more to garnish
Freshly ground black pepper
sugar
pure vanilla extract
whole milk
espresso, about 1/4 cup
heavy cream

FOR THE FULL RECIPE VISIT:   

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-pumpkin-spice-latte-even-better-than-starbucks-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-96277

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WORDS TO LIVE BY

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IDEA I LOVE

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I love this little squirrel that is appliquéd on and from felted wool.  Add a little embroidery and you’ve got yourself a little frameable bauble for your mantel or wall.  Wouldn’t this idea from Wee Folk Art be schweet as the centerpiece of your felted penny rug table runner?  Way cool.   Here’s the pattern:

http://weefolkart.com/sites/default/files/fall2011/autumn-squirrel-block2.pdf

MEMBA?

Granny Glasses.

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DESSERT!

 APPLE SLAB PIE

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HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • ground cinnamon
  • table salt
  • butter, cubed
  • ice-cold water
  • butter
  • tart apples, peeled and sliced (about 6 large)
  • dried cranberries
  • dark brown sugar
  • amaretto liqueur (optional)
  • cornstarch
  • fresh lemon juice
  • table salt
  • ground ginger
  • ground cinnamon
  • ground allspice
  • heavy cream
  • egg

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/apple-slab-pie-50400000131250/print/

PATCHWORK, BABY!

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Make a half hexie star table runner with a little handwork and a little sewing machine work.  At this time of year, I might go for something a bit more mum-like, but a modern and bright version can keep your summertime threading through September, October and November, baby.  Here’s the tutorial:

http://craftypod.com/2014/08/31/free-pattern-half-hexie-star-table-runner-12-hexes-or-less-blog-hop

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SHOEspiration

Giuseppe Zanotti Embellished Suede Boots, $2,795

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IDEA I LOVE

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Cute, right?  And super simple, too.  Mr. Electric would literally KILL me if I now started nailing spools to the walls.  Whatever.  I can handle him.  Where’s the hammer?    Take a look:

http://nur-noch.blogspot.de/2014/09/alte-garnrollen-als-haken-old-spools-of.html

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MUST HAVE

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Customizable Cookie Stamper!  YOWZA!  $21.95

Add a personal touch to your cookies.

Each Cookie Stamper come with Interchangeable letters, numbers and symbols for endless possibilities.

Comes with a full alphabet of letters for full customization.

Special icons included such as stars and exclamation marks.

http://brightandbold.com/products/customizable-cookie-stamper

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WOW (my Etsy find)!

One of a kind hand burned skateboard deck!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157948502/insertion-one-of-a-kind-hand-burned?ref=favs_view_3&atr_uid=17267750

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ohio


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I’ll see you in SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 

Drive into Springfield from St. Louis!  Chicago!  Indianapolis! 

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MQX BANNER

Crowne Plaza, Springfield, Illinois

September 24-27, 2014

 Attend my Banquet Lecture on September 26

And an all day Lemon Cathedral workshop on September 27

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HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

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This is just one variation of the Lemon Cathedral quilt . . . 

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And here’s what the students who took the workshop are saying:

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“I had an absolutely amazing time this weekend at the quilting retreat!! Mark Lipinski was fabulous and so much fun! His lecture had us laughing so hard we were practically crying, and his quilts were outstanding. He’s a talented, entertaining and generous teacher. Even though I’ve been quilting for a long time, I learned some new exciting techniques and tips to help me advance my art! Can’t wait to hang out with him again.”  

Karen L.,  Quilter

We had such a great time in the Lemon Cathedral workshop. Thanks for a fabulous class and you are sooooo much fun.”

Carolyn S., Quilter

“My Lemon Cathedral class with Mark Lipinski at MQX was everything that I imagined. He had a way about teaching that put you at ease at learning a new technique. He was funny and engaging. I felt like everyone got his individual attention. I would definitely take another class with him.”

Michelle W., Quilter

“The lecture and lemon cathedral quilt class with Mark Lipinski was amazing and well worth the money! His lecture was filled with excitement, energy, laughter and spectacular quilts! The class was electric! Everyone loved the easy trick for making a quite complicated block! There were so many techniques used in this class, even the most advanced sewer will walk away with a “wow”!”  

Michelle Strassburg, Owner, Fabric Affair Quilt Shop

“The MQX Lemon Cathedral workshop was like five classes in one. Learned so many tips . Mark made us feel we could do anything. Best class ever.”

Donna  M., Quilter

“I highly recommend taking Mark Lipinski’s Lemon Cathedral quilt workshop. I took his workshop this past weekend and it was great. Mark is an excellent teacher. He is right there to answer any questions and give any help or advice you might need. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to be with and learn from Mark. It is more fun than you could ever imagine.”

Diane H., Quilter

“I have always been intimidated to try raw edged appliqué but this class was so fun and free spirited that all fear has vanished….now I’m looking for new applique projects. The cathedral windows block works like magic, thanks Mark.”

Lynn K., Quilter

“I totally enjoyed Mark’s Lemon Cathedral Quilt Retreat! This was my very first quilt retreat so I didn’t fully know what to expect. Well, it was two fun-filled days with Mark’s big magnetic personality. This man has incredible life stories! Also, I absolutely loved his quilts, so creative from a master quilter! Finally, during the Saturday class, Mark led us step by step in the creation of our quilt. I learned many new quilting techniques and now I’m looking forward to my next retreat!”

Rita J., Quilter

“This class with Mark has something for everyone from quilters who wish to be precise to those who enjoy artistic freedom to create. An added bonus are the laughs you get listening and mingling with Mark. “

Betty C., Quilter

“When I found out at the last minute that Mark would be in town I dropped everything to see him again. An evening of creative inspiration, warm camaraderie, fun stories and belly laughs was just what I needed to fill my cup. Spread the word: Mark Lipinski is back, and he’s better than ever!”

Lea P., Quilter

“Thank you Mark! We had sooo much fun and loved working with you on the Lemon Cathedral! Come back soon!”

Diane  L ., Quilter

“Mark’s lecture is worth whatever cost or trouble one goes through in order to hear it and see it. My husband and I saw Mark in Manchester, NH at the MQX show. The room was packed. We were at a table in the far back corner. In this position I could see the whole room. The problem with his lecture is that you are so sore from laughing and you can’t catch your breath. And he tells his stories as if you are the first audience to hear it. He has more to say than he does, skipping through quilts he brought to discuss at times. There were people at my table who also knew him, as I did. And others who hadn’t seen him before. He is very real…bearing it all. Therefore, we understand him and laugh because we have been there too. But, he is much more than that. He is at times frantic and crazy as he tells how he lives his life. If you haven’t seen his performance, make it a must on your bucket list before Mark gives it up. My husband and I think back on the things he said and did and laugh again. We have gotten great mileage out of his show. And if I ever have a chance to see him perform, I will do it. Because I had seen him previously, but knew I had to do so again. His show is always different and very worthwhile. And by the way, the people sitting at my table who had never seen him before were in shock…not knowing if his stories were real or not. But we who knew him assured them it was so, and they laughed harder than us. He’s great.”

Janet K., Quilter

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If you’re liking this blog Please tell your friends about it!

I’d really appreciate it!  xoxom


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6 Comments on “Make an Autumn Bucket Bag! Crochet a Log Cabin Afghan! Make My Jack-o-Lantern Candy Hoarder Holder! Create a Felt Applique Squirrel Block! Sew a Half-Hexie Quilted Table Runner! Upcycle Spools into Hooks for Hanging! PLUS. . . Recipes, Jokes, Art, Design & Memories!”

  1. Melanie
    September 17, 2014 at 10:07 AM #

    Sorry – meant the jack o lantern link! That doesn’t seem to be working

    Like

  2. Perky
    September 17, 2014 at 10:42 AM #

    First time visiting your blog.
    Joke not really funny – maybe try one about your sagging balls.

    Like

    • September 18, 2014 at 9:28 AM #

      Pretty cranky, Perky. Diet pills wearing off? As anyone who reads this blog regularly will tell you, I have only posted a gazillion-billion “dumb men” and “sagging balls” jokes (about 40 to 1 or more, as a matter of fact). I even change the genders of the originally written jokes. Just scroll through the older posts for a reality check. And, Perky, try to lighten up because you only live once, kiddo, and the drama and negative energy is not worth it. By the way, I often wear my “sagging balls” around my neck to keep me warm in the wintertime. You should try that with yours sometime. 😉 xoxom

      Like

  3. Bert in Rice, WA
    September 17, 2014 at 12:19 PM #

    Those boots? No. On every single level. I don’t think they are attractive. They sure as hell would not be comfortable, especially on my size 5 1/2 feet. And $2,795 could indulge a hell of a lot of my bad habits.

    Like

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