It's Show And Tell Time...

Work has been very busy lately and I haven't had a lot of time in my sewing studio. I thought this was a great opportunity to share some of my favorite treasures. Antiques can be found all over our home. There is something about trinkets from the past, especially if they belonged to someone connected to our families. The cookie cutters below were given to me from my Mother-In-Law JoAnn this past Christmas. They were handmade by her Grandfather during the depression. They are so unique. It's amazing to think how they survived through such a time with so little.

Next on the "Show and Tell" list is a unique piece my Great Grandfather Clarence Trumbull carved out of wood. It is a cup with a base that has two wooden circles around the bottom. He was known for his woodwork. If you look carefully on the bottom you can see it is dated 1923.

Grandma Dena (My husband's Grandmother) was handy with a needle and thread. She made the handkerchief and the tatting piece below. I also received these gifts this past holiday from JoAnn. What a wonderful idea to share lovely collections from generations past. I adore these handmade items and now have an interest in learning the art of tatting.

I hope all of you are keeping safe and warm this winter season. I love living where the seasons change. Outside everything is frosted in white and crystals. Winter is shiny and bright. Enjoy the season and take wonder in the beauty of the changing environment.

Blessings,
Jenna Louise

Come and meet my new Dotee Doll

Oh I love to share what I have been working on:) I find it very important no matter how busy I am to squeeze in some creative time. It is good for the soul.

I made my first Dotee doll. My friend Cindy introduced me to these cute little gals and I decided I needed to make a few. I'm in an exchange on Stitchin' Fingers and can't wait to share my creations and learn new techniques. It's a great place to check out!

My ATC group is doing an exchange with embroidery this month, so I pulled a few together to share. I just love to embroidery. I need to dive into it a little deeper in the future. It's remarkable to me how beautiful it can be.

I've wanted to make some more ATC's to trade in the near future so I added to my stash. Since Valentine's Day is coming I thought it was appropriate to construct a few using hearts and valentine fabrics. It also was fun using up the rest of my "Zinger" fabric. It made very colorful and playful cards.

I won't be crafting or gardening outside for awhile. My picnic table looks a little full on the back deck. Winter has painted some beautiful pictures this year. Discover the beauty around you.
Blessings,

Jenna Louise

Zinger Fabric And A Few Hearts...

The Black Swamp Quilters, my local quilt group had a project called "Zinger Fabric". Last January we brought in a brown paper bag with a piece of fabric that you just did not know what to do with, a "zinger fabric". I recieved a fun selection of green and red with a tie-dyed look. I have been looking at it for sometime and came up with the following "work of art".

I call this "Be Happy". If you click on the picture, you can get a larger view. I stitched the words "Be Happy" and "Enjoy Life". Lots of beads and Angelina were added also. In the works are some ATCs and postcards, stay tuned. I will be sharing this project with the group in February.

My on-line group, Cross Country Quilters had a some fun heart projects this month. I made the coaster project to share with friends for Valentine's Day.

Make your creative juices flow. Pull out a fabric you just don't know what to do with and explore the possibilities or be sure to make your Valentine's Day a homemade one. Gifts from the hands and heart mean sew very much.
Happy Days,

Jenna Louise

Spring Cleaning In January

The past few days I have been busy cleaning my home. Working extra time and making all those gifts made dust grow in my house:) Before I can start any new projects I had to clean up! I'm getting rid of a few items and adding more to my collections. My Mom recently came across this vintage White sewing machine. She knows I have started a small collection of older machines and thought I would like this one.

I acquired this nice antique Singer recently at a silent auction at church. There is something about older machines I just love. They are on display in the extra bedroom, next to my sewing studio. Very ideal when an extra machine (or two) is needed:)

While cleaning out some childhood items I came across my first sewing card. I remember using shoelaces to sew with. Jenny is written backwards in crayon on the back. Childhood memories make us who we are. I hope I have made some memories that someday will mean a lot to my friends and family.



Off with the duster, sweeper, and mop...tomorrow is sewing day! I can't wait to put away my goodies from Christmas and break out the machine. It has been on vacation since December 23rd. Time to burn rubber and work on some new and old projects! Sew much to try, the adventure is endless.
Try something new and exciting in 2009. I dare you to go outside of your comfort zone and experience something you have always wanted to do but have never tried.
Blessings Always,

Jenna Louise