Make a Valentine’s Door Wreath! Knit Yourself an Elfin Cap! Piece a Heart Table Runner! Force Spring Hyacinths! Cross Stitch Primitive Sachets! “Draw” with Your Sewing Machine! Make a Needle Felted Zipper Heart! Up-cycle a Thrift Store Pocketbook! Stitch a Cross Stitch Canvas Quote! “Heart” Eggs for Valentine’s Day! Sew Seat Cushions! Whip Up Your Own Butter! DIY Tote from a Vintage Calendar Tea Towel!

 

YOKE DU YOUR

A husband and wife came for counseling after 15 years of marriage. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a passionate, painful tirade listing every problem they had ever had in the 15 years they had been married.
She went on and on and on: neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable, an entire laundry list of un-met needs she had endured over the course of their marriage.

Finally, after allowing this to go on for a sufficient length of time, the therapist got up, walked around the desk and, after asking the wife to stand, embraced and kissed her passionately.

The woman shut up and quietly sat down as though in a daze.

The therapist turned to the husband and said, “This is what your wife needs at least three times a week Can you do this?”

The husband thought for a moment and replied,.. “Well, I can drop her off here on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Friday’s, I fish!

 

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?  Decadence by Cody Furgeson

 

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? Polish embroidery.

 

IDEA I LOVE

This painted pine wreath is a cool idea for recycling your old Christmas junk.  I’m sure I have a bedraggled wreath in the garage somewhere.  Why not take a little time this week to create your own Valentine’s Day wreath.  Start here:

http://diycandy.com/2015/02/vintage-valentine-wreath-15-minutes/

 

IDEA I LOVE

I think that these knitted elfin hats for adults are the coolest.  Of course, I already have a point on my head so they will be like cold weather fashion couture for me.  If you a point on your head, or with that you did (or maybe just like the look of these hats as I do), then why not pick up your knitting needles and try making one or two?  Here’s the pattern:  http://www.purlbee.com/2015/01/30/elfin-hats-for-adults/

 

YUMMY DISH!

PARSNIPS & THYME VEGETARIAN GALETTE

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

• all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour
• sea salt
• unsalted butter
• cream cheese
• maple syrup
• cold water

Filling

• parsnip
• unsalted butter
• dried thyme
• ricotta
• honey
• black pepper
•  sea salt

Egg wash

• heavy cream
• egg

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://naturallyella.com/2015/01/25/parsnip-and-thyme-galette-the-easy-vegetarian-kitchen-cookbook/

 

IDEA I LOVE

I can’t decide if I love it or loathe this little heart.  OK, let’s start with the love.  I love that it’s felted.  I love that it incorporates a zipper into the design.  I love the inset zipper.  I even kind of like felted design.  I’m not so crazy about the overall color combo.  Anywho, here’s how you can make one yourself for you, or your Valentine:

http://www.sewmccool.com/make-a-needle-felted-zipper-heart/  

QUILTING, STITCHING & TRADITIONAL ARTS IN POLAND

 

 

SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG 

THE DIRTY SHIRLEY COCKTAIL

(its a Shirley Temple gone bad)

Ingredients:

•  ice
• vodka
• Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Cherry liquor
• grenadine
• Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Cherries, to garnish
• soda water

For the Full Recipe Click Here:  http://www.stirandscribble.com/2013/06/thirsty-thursday-dirty-shirley.html

 

IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED TO THIS BLOG YET:

For well over 2 years, I have been posting up to 20 links per day or every other day, on the Mark Lipinski’s Fan Pageon Facebook. Of course, in Facebook’s never ending quest to make lots of money, Facebook seems to have abandoned their mission of a real social networking site and it has become more about Facebook revenue.

Several months ago, Facebook, without warning, had implemented a new business model. As a result, the vast majority of “LIKErs” who have been faithful readers of this Fan Page have been blocked from receiving my posts, time and time again, from getting all or a few of the postings onto their timeline feed.

The reason is, Facebook would like pages like, Mark Lipinski’s Fan Page, to pay money every day, and on every post, in order to advertise and lure readers like you, onto the Fan Page.

With out “BOOSTING” a post, only about 5% of people who clicked LIKE on the Fan Page are actually seeing anything I post — and it could be random – sometimes you get a post, and sometimes not. Basically, it sucks for all of us. I am finding that we are all better served if I posted my tips, ideas, links, and jokes, etc. to my blog. You can subscribe to my blog (only if you wan to) and get an email each time I post a grouping of ideas, links, etc.

I AM NOT shutting down Mark Lipinski’s Fan Page on Facebook and you are welcome to follow me there, too. What I am doing is putting everything that used to be on the Fan Page individually onto my blog, AND there will be a daily link to the idea blog on the Fan Page, just as there were multiple links to the various blogs that I’ve always linked to in the past. It’s not that different, really. It will save me a lot of time, and guarantee those who want to see the creative posts will actually get to see them. And Facebookers, will STILL have to click on “GET NOTIFICATIONS” in your Facebook Settings if they want to see what I post on Facebook (sometimes that works, but not all of the time).

Actually, my new model gives you at least TWO ways to get all of the ideas, etc. PLUS you can PIN them and they will be TAGGED so you can find them again in the search bar even years later. – through the FACEBOOK FAN PAGE and YOUR CHOICE (not mandatory) to subscribe to the blog and get email postings that way.

 

BREATHLESS INSPIRATION!

For artist, Jennifer Maestre, her pencil box becomes more than just implements for drawing. Jennifer has crafted a whole collection of colored pencils into dynamic sculptures.  I’m so inspired.  Look around, what would you use to create something creatively unexpected?

IDEA I LOVE

I love a thrift shop, although my bud, Bonnie, and I noticed that our go-to junk shop closed!  Sad day in Mudville.  Oh well, it wasn’t fabulous but it was close.   The next time you’re in a second hand store, keep your eyes open for some old pocketbooks.  Isn’t it cool what a little paint will do?  Here’s how you can paint your own designer upcycled bag:

 http://www.auntpeaches.com/2015/02/4299.html

WORDS TO LIVE BY

IN FIVE DAYS!

Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15!

2 Classes

1 Lecture

Saturday, January 17,  9:00 AM until 5:00 PM

    Workshop: Mark’s Stars and Stripes Quilt of Valor.

Workshop: Mark’s Impovisational Throw Me A Curve Mystery Quilt!  Make anybody’s pattern your own!

Lecture Saturday evening:  The Slow Stitching Movement!

Wondering Stitches Quilting Studio
5818 Hoffner Ave
Suite 905
Orlando, FL 32822
407-658-4044
http://www.wanderingstitches.com

 

IDEA I LOVE

Here’s a pretty neat adaptation for cross stitch, donjathink?  Paint a canvas and plot your X’s.   Maybe you’ll want to make a gazillion holes and create a really cool piece of fiber art, an image, or else, you might want to change the words.  The process is the same — the creative thought is yours!  Start here:

 http://h20435.www2.hp.com/t5/Inspiration-Crew-Projects/Quote-Cross-Stitch-Canvas/ba-p/89314#.VNVSbEL-rwP

 

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

APPLE PIE BREAD

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

butter

sugar

buttermilk or sour milk*

baking powder

eggs

vanilla

all-purpose flour

salt

apples

chopped walnuts or pecans

raisins

Streusel-Nut Topping

 FOR THE FULL RECIPES, CLICK THE LINKS: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/quickbreads/apple-pie-bread/

MEMBA?

Ice Castles (AKA Robby Benson)

 

And now a word from our sponsor . . .

 

COOKIES!

GOOEY BUTTER COOKIES

Ingredients: 

• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• cream cheese
• unsalted butter
• vanilla bean
• sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• Confectioner’s sugar for rolling and dusting

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.lottieanddoof.com/2011/12/day-5-mathew-rice-and-gooey-butter-cookies/

JUST BECAUSE, I SWOON 

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Pleated Silk Abstract Print Mini Dress c.1968,  $5,200

 

IDEA I LOVE!

I LOVE this bag made from a vintage cloth calendar!  Go to eBay and find the year you were born, or your wedding anniversary year, the year you graduated, or another milestone year.  Wound’t that be radical?  I’m on the hunt for 1932 – the last time I had a 34″ waist.   Here are the instructions:

 http://diycandy.com/2015/01/diy-tote-from-a-tea-towel/

 

BE DAZZLED!

 

Victorian Hardstone Gold Bulla Locket, $9,653.64

PATCHWORK, BABY!

Piece several simple heart blocks and create a Valentine’s Day table runner or quilt!  Just raid your scrap heap and save yourself some money.  While you’re sewing, take some time out to make some heart shaped eggs for lunch!  Here’s the pattern for the quilt block:

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/content_downloads/Nine-Patch_Heart_Block.pdf 

SHOEspiration

Sophia WebsterJourdan Jelly Lace-Up Sandal, Gray; $898

GARDENspiration

 I love forcing bulbs.  I have often forced paperweights in the winter and mini-daffodils, too.  Here’s how you can start to force some hyacinths.  They’ll be ready to bloom in about 8 weeks or so. Check it out:

http://www.creativebug.com/blog/forcing-hyacinths/ 

 “The Bucket residence, lady of the house speaking . . . “

 

IDEA I LOVE

 

Here’s a small quilted name tag pattern for you, your guild mates, and your family (just add “MOM” to the piece and remind your offspring that MOM doesn’t mean BANK).  Easy enough to make and you’ll never forget a name during a senior moment (damn, I can hardly remember my own name these days).  Here’s where you begin:

http://megsmonkeybeans.blogspot.it/2012/09/a-pattern-for-you.html 

MUST HAVE

 

Personalize Your Voice Sound Wave Print. “This bespoke sound wave print is the perfect unique gift for him or her. Perfect sentimental present for Mum or Dad on Mother’s or Father’s Day with your secret message. We take your voice, in all its intricate detail, and turn it into a striking piece of art for your wall.”  http://etsy.me/1IkMMXj

IDEA I LOVE

Oh, how I love prim cross stitch design.  Here’s a little sachet pattern to whip up before Valentine’s Day, to make you feel productive and proud of your work.  Here’s the pattern:

http://theprimitivehare.blogspot.com/2014/01/freebie-love-never-fails.html

 

DESSERT!

CHOCOLATE MAGIC CUSTARD CAKE

 

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 

• eggs
• vanilla powder or extract
• sugar
• butter
• flour
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• milk
•  powdered sugar for dusting

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.giverecipe.com/chocolate-magic-custard-cake.html

 

IDEA I LOVE

I might have to whip up several for my dining room chairs.  These seat cushions are so pretty and inviting that your butt will just love to sit on them.  Here’s how you make them:

http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2013/04/six-cushions-only-took-ten-years-now.html?showComment=1368226699850#c734484420861982310

SLOW STITCHING

On The Slow Stitching Movement blog

Guest Blogger and Veteran, David Martinez Finds Solace in Slow Stitching

Read it here: https://theslowstitchingmovement.wordpress.com

 

 

Slow Stitching Podcasts

 

Stephanie Hilker is a knitter and a personality in the blogosphere at Milk-Shed.com. I loved her opinions on the good and not so good of fiber blogging, her theory on stitching mistakes, and why slow stitching may be the wave of the future.

Listen here: http://www.slowstitching.com/podcasts.html

The Slow Stitching Movement Podcast’s are sponsored by

Aurifil and GloriousColor.com

 

 

IDEA I LOVE

 

Stop using your sewing machine for only straight, traditional, stitching.  Why not use it like you might use an Etch A  Sketch?  Draw with your needle and thread!  Imagine the work you can produce.  Here’s a tutorial for you, to get you started:

 http://clutterpunk.blogspot.com/2009/10/thread-sketching-on-fabric-techniques.html

 

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I’d really appreciate it!  xoxom

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I LOVE this blog and think you will, too! Check it out:  https://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com

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