Today I had the pleasure of lunching with a dear friend who, in her 80s, still makes gorgeous hand-sewn quilts and garments for herself! She lives in a Victorian house, beautifully appointed with period wallpaper, drapes and furniture, and I want to move in with her! We are soul sisters in that we both love Victoria magazine and antiques and creating beautiful homes and beautiful art. I always feel uplifted by my cheerful friend and her gorgeous home and fabric creations! She is currently working on a quilted wall hanging for one daughter, with appliqued Autumn leaves and mushrooms on a lovely tapestry ground. All by hand.

I worked on my fabric and lace journal cover this evening, and will show photos when it’s finished. Meanwhile, here is another paper pocket I made from a scrap of “Birdsong” paper by Graphic 45, with a gold and black trim sewn onto the opening edge. This could stand alone or be put into a journal to hold bits and pieces from the collection. EnJoy!

Birdsong Journal Pocket

Woke up to the power being off again –it went off at 1:30 am and came on again at 4:00 am –this time from about 8:30 am to 4 pm. Grrrr. Thankfully it’s back now and I went to town creating things this evening!

I made this Christmas card with a scrap from my stash to create a pocket on the base of plain green cardstock. I turned the card so it hinges on the left, thus the pocket tags don’t impinge on the hinge! Hee hee! More things to come tomorrow. EnJoy!

Scrappy Christmas Card

Scrappy Christmas Card 2

We had our first snow today, whoopie! Very wet, mixed with rain and only a tiny bit sticking to the ground, and it’s definitely snow! So grateful for the moisture to nourish the trees and the earth.

I cooked up a nice venison stew for dinner, though I wish it were more flavorful. Yes, I found Worcestershire sauce at the dollar tree, of all places, so added some of that as well as some chicken bouillon (the only flavor I have) and herbs. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll add a little thickener.

I also whipped up this little scrappy journal, inspired once more by Natasa of Treasure Books. A few more bits from my stash used up. I think it’s an endless supply! EnJoy!

Mini Scrappy Journal

Mini Scrappy Journal 2

Mini Scrappy Journal 3

Mini Scrappy Journal 4

Ooops! I forgot to post again yesterday! Ah, well, probably nobody noticed anyhow. I got a massage in the evening, then soaked in a hot bath for a while, delightful!

Today I drove to Auburn to my chiropractor who also does cranio-sacral work; I feel much better after both treatments! Then on to Roseville where I shopped at the Dollar Tree, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Trader Joe’s. When I went into Dollar Tree, the gal at the cash register said I had to check my back pack (which I’ve never done there before!), so I ran back out in the rain and put the pack in my car, taking only my wallet–and unintentionally leaving my keys on the passenger seat! Luckily the rain had stopped by the time I finished shopping there, and I remembered that I have a spare key in a lock box under the car. However, I could not find the box anywhere! Tried to get help from a couple of different guys at Ace Hardware next door, but they didn’t want to kneel down on wet pavement with a flashlight to help. Humph! I finally got a young chap at the auto parts store willing to don his slicker and come help. After much searching, he finally found the box–and made sure I knew where to stash it again! Phew!

No new creations to show, though I did carve another avocado pit just now. They are hard to capture on my computer’s camera as the lighting is not good enough to show the designs I carve. Must remember to ask my next visitor to take photos of the pits I’ve carved for me!

Again, I encourage you all to do your holiday shopping on my site now, to allow plenty of time for shipping. Take advantage of the low price on my wall calendar, too!

Orange Paisely Scrap Journal

Today I went to several thrift shops for half-price day, wheee! I found a glass lid to a square casserole that I needed, a scarf hanger and a pair of thick, waterproof mittens, and a dress to use for adding a gusset to another dress that is too tight but oh so beautiful!

Then I went grocery shopping and treated myself to a cup of hot tomato-basil soup from a natural foods deli, which was divine. We had more rain today, thankfully, so laundry got hung indoors to dry while I was out.

This evening I filled up my creative well by watching a fun video from Natasa of Treasure Books, showing an explosion of things she made while decluttering her art space. Don’t throw it out, use it up! I now have some great ideas for using up my own scraps over the next few days and weeks, so stay tuned.

Meantime, here is a beautiful little journal that I made by sewing a signature inside a greeting card. EnJoy!

Hydrangea Card Journal

Got some new pages added to my wellness website, then ate somthing for lunch that my body rejected, so I took the rest of the day off to recover.

Who do you know who would love a beautiful wall calendar for 2023? Go here to shop and get the special price for November only!

Quadiras Doll Calendar Cover

A friend from Santa Cruz came to visit today! She and her son drove up here yesterday to visit family and friends, so I was glad we had a little time together. I showed her some of my art and we took a walk around the neighborhood, then she went off to be with family for the evening. Yay!

I made progress on two journal covers, still not complete enough to show yet. So here is another paper purse I made back in 2018, which has since been sold. EnJoy!

Helena Purse Green Garden

Helena Purse Green Garden 2

Helena Purse Green Garden 3

We had a bit more rain today, interspersed with glimpses of the sun. Nice and chilly, too! I got out my winter coats to have on hand, and took a short, brisk walk before supper. I also brought my ottoman in from the garage so I can put my feet up more comfortably when sitting in my arm chair to read. I really don’t have room to store it indoors! and for now it will stay. It’s quite comfy!

I began working on another journal cover, but ran out of time and daylight before I could finalize choosing the laces that I’ll apply over the pale pink fabric from a blouse that I glued down first. So this evening I’ll share a cute pincushion I made, perfect for Halloween or any time! EnJoy!

Candy Corn Pincushion

We finally got some rain today, wheee! And a bit of hail this evening. Thank goodness! Down to 45º F when I went out to get some food for dinner, so it’s nice to bundle up again.

I started making another scrap journal cover from a paper grocery bag, but got stuck trying to decide what papers to cover it with, so I plan to work on it more tomorrow.

Meantime, I want to remind you to get your orders in now for my 2023 wall calendar! The calendar opens to 11″ x 17″ tall. The printed copy will not have watemarks on the pages. Special price for Novemember only!

Note: the watermarks will be removed from the printed calendar pages. EnJoy!

Quadiras Doll Calendar Cover

Today I made this lovely 2023 calendar with images of some of the dolls that I have made. Calendar opens to 11″ x 17″ tall. The printed copy will not have watemarks on the pages. Special price for Novemember only!

Get your orders in now to be sure of timely delivery! EnJoy!

Quadiras Doll Calendar Cover