Create a Felt Bag! Sew a Quilted Lanyard! Piece a ‘Just a Small Slice’ Quilt! DIY Ecuador Necklaces! How to Arrange Tulips! Pinwheel Crochet Afghan Pattern! Whip up a Colorful Bursting Buds Table Runner! Make Primitive Fabric Balls! Starting Your Summer Garden! Make a Shamrock Brooch! Learn Eco Dyeing! How to Bead on a Loom! Knit then Knot a Stunning Necklace! Crochet a Bunny Basket! Arrange Mini Easter Bouquets! Sew a Chicken Pincushions! PLUS . . . Recipes, Inspiration, Creativity, Ideas, and More!

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, John Sonsini, who pays Latino day workers an hourly wage to sit for a portrait.

YOKE DU YOUR

Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a bar in Paris, Tennessee. After last call the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk.

The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity in which he tried his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his truck and trailer and fall into it. He sat there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.

Finally, he got into the car and started the engine, switched the wipers on and off – it was a fine, dry summer night, flicked the blinkers on and off a couple of times, honked the horn and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more of the other patrons’ vehicles left. At last, when his was the only car left in the parking lot, he pulled out and drove slowly down the road.

The police officer, having waited patiently all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and administered a breathalyzer test. To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence that the man had consumed any alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said, ‘I’ll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station. This breathalyzer equipment must be broken.’

‘I seriously doubt it’, said the truly proud man. ‘Tonight I’m the designated decoy.’

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? This photograph by artist, Christopher Payne, was taken at Langhorne Carpet in Penndel, Pennsylvania.

Langhorne Carpet, Penndel, Pennsylvania

IDEA I LOVE

Isn’t this little bag sensational? I love working with heavy felt when I can find it (I did run across some sensational felt in Brooklyn). I also love the little ‘drops’ design. Now’s the time for you to construct your own April Showers Bring May Flowers bag. Here’s how: http://www.handmadiya.com/2015/10/felt-bag-tutorial.html

IDEA I LOVE

How cool are these knotted necklaces?  Easy enough to make and totally perfect for matching anything you wear. You’re a believer in the personal power of crystals? This tutorial is perfect for you.  I’m a devotee of Amethyst, a meditative and calming stone which works in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes to provide calm, balance, patience, and peace.

Choose your own favorite stone or crystal and follow the tutorial by clicking on the link: http://www.quietlioncreations.com/2015/04/ecuador-necklaces-diy.html

 

YUMMY DISH!

SMOTHERED CHICKEN CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS:

• oil
• boneless skinless chicken thighs
• garlic salt
• pepper
• angel hair pasta
• condensed cream of chicken soup
• half-and-half
• smoked paprika
• Green Giant™ Steamers™ frozen broccoli florets, cut into smaller pieces
• precooked bacon, crumbled

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/smothered-chicken-casserole/a68b963a-5f75-4ad4-be09-8e0004ee0d9e?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_830640

 

IDEA I LOVE

 Here’s a unique crochet pattern to construct a Pinwheel Blanket.  Here’s the FREE pattern: http://yarntwist.com/2016/02/pinwheel-blanket-free-crochet-pattern/

 UP FOR AUCTION!

LADY’S PRINTED WOOL ROBE with TAFFETA TRIM from the 1850’s. Mushroom wool with floral swags and flowering branches in red, pink, green, blue and white, having collared sleeve, cuff, yoke and front panel in plaid taffeta, red silk frogs to hem, back set-in waist with back drawstring, polished cotton lining.

On the auction block here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/11347782_ladys-printed-wool-robe-with-taffeta-trim-1850s

IDEA I LOVE

Knit then knot this beautiful yarn and clay necklace.  The pattern and knotting isn’t all that difficult and a pretty quick project.  Why not take a stab at making one this week?  Here’s how:

http://www.pagesfrommymoleskine.com/2012/06/weekend-project-wool-necklace.html

SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG 

VINO FRANCESCA COCKTAIL

 

Ingredients:

• honey
• sage leaves
• bottle rosé
• Ice
• Lemon twists, for garnish

For the Full Recipe Click Here: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/vino-francesca

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BREATHLESS INSPIRATION!

SO MUCH CAKE, SO LITTLE TIME!

An art installation designed and made with cake! This is the floor to ceiling cake exhibition that has opened at a Los Angeles gallery covering 7,500 square feet of space. I could eat my way through this exhibit in 2-seconds, flat! 

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/02/break-bread-cake-room-scott-hove/

IDEA I LOVE

 

Never be without your name tag again or show your personality by making and wearing your own DIY quilted lanyard.  Click on the link for the FREE pattern: http://faithandfabricdesign.com/2016/02/quilted-lanyard-pattern.html

WORDS TO LIVE BY

IDEA I LOVE

Oh my gosh, I love these primitive balls made with scrap fabric and string! I don’t know what you’d use them for besides decorative purposes, or toys for your kitties and/or hounds, but they appeal to me. Here’s a tutorial for how to make them (although I think you could figure it out just by looking at the photos. No?).  Click the link for the FREE tutorial:  http://journeycreativity.blogspot.gr/2016/02/fabric-balls.html

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

QUICK AND EASY BREAD BOWLS

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• active dry yeast
• sugar
• salt
• bread flour

 

 FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK THE LINK: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-and-easy-bread-bowls

MEMBA?

 

 

Here’s a doll from the 1960’s called Hedda Get Bedda. It’s the sick doll baby with a spinning head that rivals Linda Blair in The Exorcist! 

Speaking of ‘memba . . . Memba when The Exorcist was released in 1973 and people started  storming hospital Emergency Rooms claiming demonic possession after watching the film? LOLOL  Idiots.

Anywho, Hedda’s faces turn from sick to happy with the twist of a knob that every baby has on the top of her noggin. 

LOL

And now a word from our sponsor . . .

 

COOKIES!

IRISH COFFEE COOKIES

Ingredients: 

• Wilton Irish Cream candy melts
• butter
• sugar
• light brown sugar
• Kosher salt
• baking soda
• Irish whiskey
• espresso powder
• eggs
• flour

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://blommi.com/irish-coffee-cookies-recipe-st-patricks-day-dessert/

 

IDEA I LOVE!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with your own handmade shamrock of felt, beads, and thread.  Here’s how to make your own (March 16 is coming up fast).  Click on the link for the FREE tutorial:  http://www.instructables.com/id/Free-Instructions-on-Making-a-Green-Felt-Leaf-Broo/

JUST BECAUSE, I SWOON 

1983 Oscar de La Renta Heavily Embroidered and Beaded Evening Jacket, $4,100

 

IDEA I LOVE!

 

I think that this Introduction to Eco Dyeing tutorial is really pretty good and inspiring. If you are a fiber addict, then I’m sure you will really get excited to start your own eco dyeing process!   Take a look by clicking on the link.  You won’t be sorry.  Here’s the link:  http://www.frankie.com.au/blogs/craft/5206-frankie-exclusive-diy-an-introduction-to-eco-dyeing

BE DAZZLED!

 A brooch designed as a sculpted 18k gold bouquet, the two blossoms centering upon either a circular-cut ruby or sapphire cluster pistil, extending elongated cushion-cut blue or yellow sapphire petals, enhanced by circular-cut ruby and sapphire buds, gathered by a gold ribbon. Signed and numbered Van Cleef & Arpels. France, circa 1940.  $78,000

BUY IT HERE:   https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/brooches/brooches/retro-van-cleef-arpels-sapphire-ruby-gold-bouquet-brooch/id-j_1100012/

PATCHWORK, BABY!

I kinda like how this piecing  and block shapes look like ‘slivers’ of moving water (at least to me). It’s a weird little quilt in that it’s not ‘modern’ nor is it entirely ‘traditional’ so I’m calling  it ‘contemporary’ and I find it appealing (and who cares what I call it anyway?)  I’d like a giant one.  Here’s the pattern and tutorial: http://www.modabakeshop.com/2015/08/just-a-small-slice-please quilt.html#more-31728

 

SHOEspiration

Aquazzura Colorado Woven Ankle-Tie Bootie, in Mondrian Blue. $850.00

GARDENspiration

 Here’s a few tips for stating your summer garden.  I love how this blogger starts her seeds.  Take a look:  http://www.housingaforest.com/starting-seeds/

 

 

IDEA I LOVE

 

Less than a month until Easter!  YIKES!  Whip up this amigurumi bunny basket starting today!  Here’s the FREE crochet pattern: http://www.acmoore.com/projects/projects-yarn-and-needlecraft/holiday/lion-brand-vanna-s-choice-amigurumi-bunny-basket.html

MUST HAVE

Besides me, you must know a friend and/or relative who fits this description perfectly.  There are limited quantities of this sucker, so you had better order soon should you want to gift one for Father’s Day or not!  Here’s where I’m getting mine, in green or navy, I think:  https://teechip.com/grumpyoldmanclub-shirts?utm_source=organic&utm_campaign=grumpy+old+man+club&utm_medium=pinterest&pp=0#id=4&c=15380E&sid=gildan-50-50-hoodie

IDEA I LOVE

I love the idea of these Easter mini-bouquets as an Easter Brunch favor, or just as a little token of affection for your friends at church, neighbors, or local shopkeepers.  While this tutorial is focused on Easter, it doesn’t have to be. Simply snip your spring tulips and make somebody’s day.  Here’s how: http://sayyes.com/2016/02/mini-diy-easter-bouquets-2.html

PLAYING WITH PHOTOSHOP

DESSERT!

PINA COLADA POUND CAKE

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 

For the Cake:

• unsalted butter
• sugar
• eggs
• flour
• baking soda
• baking powder
• kosher salt
• sour cream
• crushed pineapple
• rum flavoring

For the Glaze:

• milk
• powdered sugar
• rum flavoring
• sweetened coconut

 

 

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.shugarysweets.com/2012/08/pina-colada-pound-cake

IDEA I LOVE

I have one of these mini-pincushions on my desk, gifted to me by one of my sweet cupcakes.  I think it’s just the cock-a-doodle-cutest.  Here’s the pattern to make your own clutch of chicks for yourself and your friends.  Here’s the FREE tutorial:

http://redfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/chicken-pin-cushion-tutorial-giveaway.html

IDEA I LOVE

What a way to wake up a table as spring and summer approaches. It is a terrific stash buster and the colors can be changed for any season.  I love this bright and happy combination of textures and color this designer chose.  Here’s the FREE pattern:

http://www.sameliasmum.com/2015/05/bursting-buds-table-runner-tutorial.html#.VtCvEBgYb0E

 

FINALLY, THE STORY OF MY LIFE . . .

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