quiltcrazygaljennalouise

Take A Class! Learn Something New!

2012-01-24T17:25:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday I was privileged to take a class with some quilting friends from artist Patsy Thompson! She is awesome and her work is amazing. If you have not stopped in and seen her web site make sure that you do! She is a wonderful instructor and her work will take your breath away! Above is a few of my attempts of machine quilting. I hope to catch onto making feathers soon! It's all about practice. I should try one everyday:)

My friend Jean is showing her leaf work. Isn't it cool? Jean is extremely talented and I am lucky to know her:) She is a true inspiration! I encourage you to take a class and learn something new!

Jenna Louise

Mom's Donation Quilt, Kay's Gift & Vintage Holidays

2012-01-15T20:19:00.002-05:00

Some of you may recognize this beautiful quilt my Sister Kay posted last week on her blog. Our Mother Rita made this breathtaking quilt this past fall after a challenging time in her life. Quilting really does help with the healing process. Mom is donating this quilt to our church St. Louis in Custar, Ohio this summer for their festival. I know I will be purchasing a lot tickets:)
If you're interested buying this beautiful pattern called Diamond's Jubilee by Nancy A. Smith, visit
Quilter's Quarters web site.

Thank you Mom for letting Kay and I post about this beautiful quilt! Speaking of Kay...

I am so privileged to have such a talented family. My Sister Kay of Kay'z Quiltz thread painted this lovely bird for me as a Christmas gift. I cherish it and invite you to visit her blog and see the large picture of this work of art and the other thread painted projects she has been working on. Thank you Kay I just love my birdie! I hope I can create something like this someday:)

Today I put all of my holiday treasures away and I wanted to share what my Mother-In-Law gave me recently. She knows I love vintage and sent over this lovely table cloth and apron for me that her mother made many years ago. I just love them and yes the apron was used to make holiday cookies this year. I did not pack these treasures away...I have a cute little tree in my studio that stays up all year and both of these items will be a part of that display:)

Thanks for stopping by. I have missed sharing things on my blog and my blogging friends dearly. My family has been blessed in so many ways.

Jenna Louise

Happy New Year!!! Happy New Quilters!!!!

2012-01-09T17:29:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all! I am happy to be posting again and wanted to share with you highlights from the 4-H Quilters! It was a wonderful workshop and we were blessed to have numerous mentors with us to help sew all day! Thanks to everyone and I am looking forward to another successful year quilting with our youth! Happy Quilting 2012!

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year. It is hard to believe it's winter with all of this warm weather. Harvest is finally complete but we have a lot of tillage work to do. I am working feverishly on a quilt for a friend with a deadline that is coming soon:) Looking forward to catching up with all of my blogging friends.

I miss everyone!

Jenna Louise

Merry Christmas And See What My Sister Did!

2011-12-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

It has been a long fall with many things happening, but I am happy to say the crops are finally in and the holidays are now in full swing! Above is one of my projects from the last quilt retreat I attended. It will be hanging in my office for the winter months.

My sister Kay http://kayzquiltz.blogspot.com/ is such a talented person. She designed this awesome quilt for her son and his wife for Christmas. They opened it when I was with them and I am so greatful to have had the opportunity to see it! Such a work of art!

Nathan and Jeanna Zeisloft
Merry Christmas to all!
Jenna Louise

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T23:43:00.000-05:00

Hello blogging friends! I'm still around these days. It seems so many things are happening I can hardly keep up. I'm excited to say I spent last weekend at a retreat with good friends and enjoyed many hours behind my sewing machine! Pictured above is a bag I stitched together. I learned a new technique for quarter square triangles and I had to give it a try:)

Here is my friend Betty's quilt. I just love "Attic Windows" and how cute is the fabric she selected! I just adore this quilt.

My good friend Laura joined me for the weekend. We have been friends for a long time and don't get to see each other very often. The quilt behind us Laura finished at the retreat.

I have not been on the computer much this fall. I have spent a lot of time behind the wheel of our combine trying to help out with harvest. Oh it's been a long fall. We still have a few crops to finish, but the rain is making it impossible to done. It will now have to freeze for a few days before everything will be completed.

Today we put up a 4-H history tree for the holidays at our local historical museum. Note in the bottom picture the vintage 4-H sewing pattern.

I do miss my blogging time and I look forward to catching up with everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to all! I know I have so much to be thankful for!
Jenna Louise

Fresh Evergreen Wreath Sale to Fight Cancer

2011-11-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

This special Evergreen Wreath Sale is going on at Beeker's General Store and I wanted to share it on my blog. Fighting Cancer is so important to so many people I know.

Pemberville Locals, Mary Ellen Poturalski, Toledo (left) and Sara Foos, Bowling Green (right) pose at Beeker’s General Store / Downtown Deco in Pemberville with this holiday’s warmest entry-way greeting. Fresh, artisan, Canaan Fir wreaths are for purchase to support the fundraising efforts of Mrs. Foos’ American Cancer Society Relay For Life team Foos and Friends until November 25. The wreaths are available in the traditional circle in sizes of 12 inches for $24.95, 22 inches for $31.95, and 28 inches for $37.95. Additional offerings include a 32 inch candy cane for $32.95 and 26 inch drop door swag for $22.95. New this year, is a beautiful 34 inch cross for $36.95.

The Northwest Ohio made wreaths, each with a festive bow, are available by calling Downtown Deco at 419-287-4305 or emailing psfoos@yahoo.com. Wreath pickup will be Saturday, November 26 – Sunday, December 4. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds of this sale support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to help people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer. Purchase any four of this season’s offerings for yourself, a family member, or friend and help the Society celebrate 11 million cancer survivors.

Busy Days

2011-10-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

The Wood County 4-H Quilter's donated over fifty quilts to the Neonatal Unit at St. V's Hospital recently. Nurse Angie came to the Extension Office for a special presentation. I'm so proud of my quilters! Great job everyone!

This past weekend we had the Blackswamp Quilt Guild's Retreat in Carey, Ohio. What fun we had! I managed to get binding on a quilt that has been needing it for two years. I also finished a wall hanging for my office. I thought seasonal quilted items would be fun to share with co-workers. I will post pictures of these items in a few days:)

Last night was 4-H Spirit Night. A celebration of the accomplishments of all of our outstanding members. You can see highlights of the evening, elected officals thoughts on 4-H and the 2011 4-H video on our blog.../http://woodcounty4hoh.wordpress.com/

Jenna Louise

The Quilt On My Porch

2011-10-09T22:23:00.000-04:00

We are finally having some warm fall weather and I have spent countless hours outside. I am tearing up all of my flower gardens and starting over. It has been a large task, but I'm excited for all the new plants and landscaping ideas I have. One idea I have had in my head for a long time is to put a quilt on display on my front porch. Now this quilt is an antique with some wear my sister gave me on my birthday. I just love it outside! I'm excited to display quilts every now and then in the beautiful sunshine! Next Spring we are remodeling the front porch...oh I can't wait for the possibilities!

I also want to share with you a new blog my crafty friend and past 4-H'er has started...
http://craftyenough.wordpress.com/

She has some great ideas to share and I'm thrilled she started blogging!

Jenna Louise

Projects And Some Family Time

2011-10-03T23:23:00.001-04:00

I have been feeling the need to do some of those "projects" that I have put away for "someday". I pulled out my wool rug supplies and hooked this simple little pumpkin to get me started again. The orange wool came from a coat that I felted and cut up from a garage sale. I have another small project to hook and then I think I am going to tackle a snowman:)

I picked up this little fabric book The Great "I Am" by Leanne Anderson for Henry Glass & Co. It was a joy to sew together and what a great opportunity to do some machine quilting! I love to make cloth story books and I believe this one is going to a sweet little baby girl who has one of the greatest Mom's ever:) It's a surprise and I can't wait to share!

Yesterday I got to spend some time with my youngest nephew Shipley...

and his sweet little brother McKoy...

and big sister Traci and big brother Tyler. They have grown so much! I really enjoyed seeing them and look forward to the upcoming holidays:) Got to get my sewing machine busy making gifts again:)

On our way home from Mom and Dad's yesterday we were driving along and I noticed this old barn. Now I have driven by it a million times in my life, but yesterday it caught my eye. In a few weeks those trees in the background will be even more stunning. I have been trying to take time to look for the simple things around me.

Enjoy the simple things surrounding you. Take time to see what is right in front of you:)
Jenna Louise

Fall is in the air!

2011-09-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

Fall is in the air! Rob and I enjoyed a few days away camping in Amish Country recently. We visited farms, quilt shops and enjoyed the peaceful days. I also want to welcome in the Fall Season with the above wallhanging. I purchased the panel at The Quilt Foundary in Maumee, Ohio. I decided to practice my machine quilting skills and make it fun with lots of embellishments:) We spent the weekend cleaning up the yard and tearing apart flower beds. The time has come for me to clean them out and start over:) Can't wait to plant some new bulbs for Spring. Enjoy the season!

Jenna Louise

Catching Up And An Honored Publication

2011-08-25T10:42:00.002-04:00

Hello to my blogging friends! I'm sorry I have been MIA this summer. It has been busy and challenging to say the least. I have become so grateful for the many blessings I have been given. Personal hurdles had to be crossed this season that were not anticipated. I have come to realize when faced with siuation that is life changing, the little things we encounter become trivial and unimportant. With all that said and the hurdles crossed...I'm ready for to share some fun! The above picture is my "Garden Angel". She is way fun and I enjoy seeing her in the summer months.

4-H Milkshakes. Okay I spent a LOT of time in this building over the past few weeks between fair and tractor pull. We had a wonderful year, lots of laughs and raised $ for our 4-H program. Special thanks to everyone who helped us and purchased a yummy shake! You truly are not making milkshakes unless you are messy:)

I love sunflowers! Here is another one greeting me outside every morning. I'm a flower nut and can't wait to sit down at my sewing machine and try my hand at sketching this one with thread. This fall I will find myself cleaning out beds and starting some new colorful gardens.

Last week Rob and I took a day trip to the Greene County 4-H Quilt Square Trail in Ohio and searched for blocks. I so appreciate their support of our new trail and we enjoyed the day! Stay tuned...the Wood County 4-H Quilt Square Trail is coming together:) It is going to be an exciting year...15 blocks are spoken for so far:)

I had to also include Bruce. He is such a good dog and is always happy:) I am planning to do a portrait of him in the upcoming months so we have been taking lots of pictures lately.

In all of the Summer Happenings, I was blessed recently to be selected in Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Studios top 10 organizing your studios digital publication! What a surprize to have my sewing mat make this list! You can purchase this publication for download by clicking on the link. Did I mention the front page??? I am so blessed in many ways, most of all to have the most wonderful talented mother Rita who passed on her love of fabric and threads to me. Thanks Mom! I luv you!

Happy Summer, I have missed you all!

Jenna Louise

Thankful For Summer

2011-08-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

This Summer has been amazing. With the support and dedication of my 4-H Volunteers, the Wood County 4-H Quilt Square Trail in Ohio is on it's way to becoming a reality. Two blocks were shared at the Fair in our parade for everyone to enjoy! The signature block at the top of the post will be posted on every square. It will be hung at the Wood County Fairgrounds this fall. The colorful Friendship Block was painted by the Dowling, Stitch, Stir & Stock 4-H Club. They helped us to get the ball rolling:) In just a few days we have had interest sparked for 13 more blocks! I am so excited and thankful to see the project come to life:) I will keep you posted on the progress. Needless to say, I have spent time making blocks with wood instead of fabric this summer.

Our fair hosted a wonderful quilt show and above are a few of the quilts that were on display that caught my eye. It was a splended show that I look forward to every year.

Sunflowers...I just love them! We have been blessed with some beautiful ones this year. I hope your summer is fully of sunshine and fun!

Summertime Is Exciting!

2011-07-27T08:17:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone:) It has been an incredible busy summer and I'm excited to share some of the highlights with you! The Wood County 4-H program is starting a "4-H Quilt Square Trail" on historical barns and buildings! It is a dream I have had for a long time and thanks to some outstanding support from our Volunteers, Commissioners and Community Groups it is becoming reality! We are currently working on the first block that will become the signature block for the trail:) The first two completed blocks (including the one pictured here) will be revealed at our county fair's parade and on display at the fair next week! I will share more details then:) We recently made front page news in our local paper. You can read about the project here:) I am blessed with the most wonderful

4-H Volunteers and Friends in the world... you are the best!

Monday night we had our 4-H Style Revue! Our 4-H'ers worked so hard to make this night special for everyone involved. I'm so proud of them and we made front page news in our local paper also! Check out the story here:)

It has been a crazy busy summer so far, I can't wait to see what will happen next! I hope your summer has been happy and full of sewing time!

Jenna Louise

Summertime

2011-07-10T23:43:00.001-04:00

Summertime is always a busy time in more ways than one! Wheat needs to be harvested, straw and hay need to be baled, gardens need weeding, yards need mowing and 4-H is in full swing! Last week we started our 4-H judgings with livestock interviews and skill-a-thons. Every week now until fair we have many projects to be judged. My husband and nephews put up 1,900 bales of straw yesterday...yes you read that number right! Needless to say they are tired but glad the work is done. I have not spent much time in my sewing room so I thought I might share some of my vintage needle books in this post...

Oh how I love antique sewing items, especially those from my family. This past week I took Mom to a few quilt shops and her and Dad both to Amish Country in Northeast Ohio. It was a great day and Mom and I found many more treasures to sew! This week we have our quilt guild meeting and a quilt show to visit. Although my schedule is a busy as it can get, I feel making time for what is important is at the top of the list:) No matter how busy you are, make time for what matters...family, friends and what makes you happy. Many summertime blessings...
Jenna Louise

Spending some time with my friends!

Happy Summer...I'm Still Here:)

2011-06-22T22:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Summer Everyone! I have been missing these days from my blog...but don't worry, I have been busy! First I wanted to post a picture of our dog KC, he turned 15 yesterday and we celebrated with shortcakes:) He is a great dog and we love him a lot!

A few weeks ago our quilt guild got together and learned the skill of "quilting as you go." Lots of great fabric combinations. I really enjoyed this technique and can't wait until I have the opportunity to make some more blocks.

My friend Jean brought this stunning wallhanging to our last guild meeting for show and tell. Her work is fabulous and I have learned so much from her. She is such an inspiration!

I read "The Quiltmaker's Gift" to my quilting friends and put together a power point presentation of quilts at our last guild meeting. I really enjoyed doing something special for the group because they have given so much to me. Last week was 4-H Camp and we were full! We had 215 campers, 45 teen counsleors and 20 adults. The weather was fabulous! The kids made duct tape wallets, beaded bracelets, charm bracelets, garden mosaics, dreamcatchers, and I also did some wacky science projects. We swam, danced, sang and just had a great time! I'm so thankful for all the opportunities that have been given to me. It does the heart good to spend time with kids:)

I've also been doing a lot of gardening and cleaning up outside and I spent a lot of time driving tractor trying to help my husband catch up planting since we had so much rain. It's been a crazy spring and early summer. I'm very thankful for all of our blessings I hope this post finds my friends doing well:)

Jenna Louise

An Eventful Spring

2011-06-01T23:41:00.000-04:00

I have been blessed to have my article "Quilting With Mom And Me" published in the Summer Addition of Cloth, Paper, Scissors "Studios" Magazine! Thanks Mom for passing on your love of quilting and giving spirit to us and to so many others. Thank you "Studios" for another great opportunity to be a part of the magazine...I'm so happy. I encourage everyone to follow your dreams, you never know where they might take you!

So where have I been hiding these days? Lots of great things happening this Spring:) Our nephew Tyler had his confirmation a few weeks ago and my husband Rob is his sponsor. It was a beautiful church service and I felt very blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy this special day. Rob spent some special time with Tyler and shared his memories of the farm and what his Father and Grandfather taught him about being a kind, fair, and honest person. Rob shared some valuable thoughts about being forgiving and understanding. I am a lucky gal to say the least!

We also recently had "Quilt Camp" at 4-H Camp Palmer in Fayette. Oh did we have fun! Lots of projects were completed and new ones were started. I almost finished my blocks from the 2008 Amish County Quilt Shop Hop! (See them in the picture below).

I have them on my design wall because I like to just look them:) As soon as the others are finished I will set them together...great fun!

This is not the greatest picture, but you can see the little birds in the birdhouse that was made by my "nephew" Tom. How sweet to see those little babies. I sure love this time of year when I can hear the birds early in the morning! So...that is what has been going on these days. I have also been keeping all the people affected by the storms in my heart and prayers. Just tonight we received a message from our guild of how we can help a quilt guild in Missouri at our next meeting and I am on board. I continue to pray for comfort and peace for everyone. I also am so grateful for the many blessings I have and the understanding and caring friends and family who pick me up when I fall and make mistakes. Be sure to thank God for your blessings and tell those you love just how much you care:)
Jenna Louise

Quilts In The Classroom & Finds

2011-05-16T22:11:00.002-04:00

Today the Wood County 4-H Program conducted the "Quilts In The Classroom" program with the 3rd graders at Haskins Elementary School. Each student made two blocks, one to keep and one for the classroom quilt that will be donated to the neonatal unit at St. V's Hospital in Toledo.

Special thanks to the Teachers and Volunteers who made this program possible. Together we made many stitches and demonstrated how quilts can make a difference to others:)

I have been doing a lot of cleaning these days and I recently came across this fun wall hanging I made many years ago. I can hardly wait to quilt and bind this project! It is always fun to find something you put away for awhile:) I hope you are having a great Spring filled with sunshine!

Jenna Louise

Mom's Work For Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:38:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of my "Mom" friends! Last week Mom entered a quilted wallhanging at the local quilt show at Sauder's Museum in Archbold, Ohio. Last year she purchased the fabrics and challenge directions and designed her own creation. I'm so proud of her. This project is "out of the box" for Mom, she does a lot of traditional quilting and this project was very "artsy" for her...way to go Rita! Celebrate the "Mom" in your life who has made a difference to you! I have many "Moms" who have touched my heart:) Many smiles,

Jenna Louise

Happy Times!

2011-04-30T23:24:00.000-04:00

Our youngest nephews sure enjoyed Easter this year! McKoy collected numerous eggs in the very wet grass and mud...he loved it! The Easter bunny had muddy feet this year:)

Shipley will be ready to give McKoy some competition for hunting eggs next year. He was sure a happy boy on his first Easter Sunday.

The 4-H Quilters have been busy this winter sewing up lots of quilts! I can hardly wait until July when they share their completed projects:)

I hope this posting finds you enjoying a Happy Spring!
Jenna Louise

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-24T10:30:00.001-04:00

Rob and I want to wish you a very Happy Easter! We had this photo taken last fall by our good friends at Hagemeyer Fine Photography and I thought it would be a fun Easter greeting on my blog:) Notice the quilt and sewing machine and yes Rob has his Allis Tractor! Thank you all for being such great blogging friends!

Lots of things to share!

2011-04-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

These past few weeks have been busy for everyone I am sure. It's time to catch up a little with my blogging friends:) Just a few weeks ago, I received this lovely fabric print from my very first blogging friend Fannie Narte. She is so talented and giving, be sure to check out her blog and become a follower. Fannie's inspiration and caring spirit always makes my day brighter:)

Last week I took a mini vacation with my quilting family and went to the International Quilt Festival in Cincinnati. All I can say is...WOW! What a great show, great facility and the quilts were unbelievable! Yes I did some shopping and one of my favorite finds was this lovely vintage looking fabric from Japan. I just adore it! I have a few special projects in mind, but I'm not sure yet where it will end up. I just love it!

I highly encourage you to attend any quilt show in your area. It will inspire you and give you great ideas and let's face it...they are just plain fun!

My friends at Beeker's General Store gave me these beautiful flowers to celebrate my Birthday...even though it was a few weeks ago, the celebration goes on! What a great way to welcome Spring with fresh flowers at home! I hope you are having a wonderful beginning to this warm and welcoming season!
Jenna Louise

Winners and Fun Things!

2011-03-28T11:01:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to "Needlewings" and "Sew In Peace" you are the lucky winners of my art pin give-a-way! I will mail you your fun pins this week when I get your address information:) It's fun to share art with others and I appreciate all the wonderful things I have been given:) Next week I am going to share a surprise from one of my followers! The above picture is of an antique quilt my sister gave me for my birthday, it hangs in my hallway to my studio. I love it, thanks Kay! Check out her blog at "Kay'z Quiltz"!

Yesterday my nephew Shipley Robert was baptized and my nephew Jayme was one of the sponsors. It was a nice service and exciting day! I had to share this happy celebration!

This week my niece Maddi will show her heifer at the Spring Show in Columbus at the Fairgrounds. She has been working hard and I wish her well! I'm very proud of her:)

Wishing everyone a very happy week ahead!

Jenna Louise

A Give-A-Way Celebration!!!!

2011-03-20T10:34:00.004-04:00

I have many reasons to celebrate these days! This is my 150th posting, I had a wonderful birthday this past week by taking a sewing class, and yesterday I went on a shophop with some of my best quilting friends! Without having my creative experiences and blogging friends, I don't know how I would get through everyday life these days. Thank you one and all for your friendship, support, and sharing of talents:) To celebrate all of these blessings and many more, I am giving away two of my fun unique art pins similar to one pictured above. You can enter the give-a-way in many ways...
1. Leave a comment - one entry
2. Become a follower - two entries (let me know:)
(If you are currently a follower, you are entered twice automatically if you leave a comment:)
3. Leave a link on your blog to this give-a-way - three entries (let me know:)You can earn up to six entries! That's a lot of chances:) I appreciate each and everyone of you...Thank you so much you are all very special:) I will announce a winner Sunday, March 27th:)

On St. Patrick's Day (my birthday:) I attended a class from Sew Nice by Jill Braley to learn more about the works of my Bernina sewing machine. Jill is fabulous and taught me so much about my machine. I encourage you, no matter what model of machine you have to learn about the stitches it can create and play with the tension...yes, write everything down but learn about your tension! Jill told us "Tension is your friend, embrace it!" Thank you Jill for a wonderful day! She will soon have a new web site launched and I will be sure to post it here for everyone to visit!

Yesterday my girlfriends and I went on a shop hop in Amish Country. I have some very close friends who need a "day away" and it was perfect for them. We visited the following stores...
Hearthside Quilt Shop
Helping Hands Quilt Shop
Miller's Dry Goods
Country Craft Cupboard
Grandma Fannie's Quilt Barn - Berlin
Lonestar Quilt Shop - Mt. Hope
It was a "Quilt N' Cuisine" kind of day! We recieved patterns for a "Mystery Quilt" that was revealed by each shop at the end of the day. (A block from one of quilts is pictured above). We also were given recipes at each location and at the end of the day we gathered together and were given a sample of each dish! It was a fun and very busy adventure:) I think it might become an annual event for us:)

I encourage each and everyone of you to take classes, gather your friends and family and go on adventures whenever possible. If these options are not available, plan a quilting day with your buddies! We now more than ever need to find ways to deal with stressful situations and for me it is with my stitching pals both online and off. Thank you everyone for your support and friendship...it means the world to me!

Jenna Louise

One More Snow And Some Beads

2011-03-13T20:50:00.001-04:00

This was what I found on my way to work on Friday...one more snowfall! I had to pull off the side of the road to take this beautiful picture:) It looks like the the trees were "frosted" with snow. Soon we will have close to 50 inches of snow this Winter! That's a lot of the white stuff:)

All this winter weather has allowed me to do some fun things in my studio! I have been making cuffs with lots of beads, threads, wool, stamps, etc...I am planning on having these little gems in my Etsy store soon! Tomorrow is going to bring a lot of sunshine...a sure sign Spring is just around the corner:)

Blessings to all..

Jenna Louise

A New Opportunity

2011-03-02T19:35:00.003-05:00

"Tattered and Torn" - Mini Felted Wool Quilt

Felted Art Beaded Pin

Felted Wool Art Card - "Sea"

Free Motion Thread Painted Art Card - "Spring Tree"Again I really appreciate all the encouragement from my friends including all of you who have become a part of my blogging family! Your kind words and complements mean so much. Thank you for the inspiration!
Jenna Louise

An Article Published!

2011-02-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

I am honored to have a sewing mat I designed in the new Cloth, Paper, Scissors "Studios" Magazine! This is so very special to me and I want to thank Editor Cate Prato and Assistant Editor Lindsay Murray for being so kind and excellent to work with:)

Be sure to pick up your "Studios" magazine today, make the handy sewing mat and enjoy all the excellent articles for wonderful ideas and inspiration for your creative space. This magazine is a part of the "Quilting Arts" magazine family. You will find excellent articles, beautiful quilts and publications (including DVDs) you will want in your library! I always have one of their publications with me and display them in my studio for constant inspiration. This accomplishment was a dream come true...I encourage you to follow your dreams and fill your days with constant inspriation. Somedays my schedule does not always allow me to spend time in my studio, so I travel with books, handwork and a sketch pad. It's great to pull out between meetings, at the gym, waiting at the doctor, or when a meeting gets a little too long:) Best wishes on your creative journey! Thanks for stopping by and for your support:)
Jenna Louise

A Winner!

2011-02-20T22:25:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Lost Coast Post! You are the lucky winner of my OWOH Giveaway! Thanks everyone for stopping in:)

One World One Heart

2011-02-02T21:09:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Lisa Swifka One World One Heart is off and running! Welcome to my blog, I hope you can stay awhile:) I love quilting, farming, mixed media, lots of different sewing techniques, embellishments, 4-H and my blogging friends! This is a great way to make new blogging friends and find new and inspiring blogs to follow. It's not to late to join this event so be sure to follow the link for more details. Special thanks to Lisa for all of her hard work and dedication of putting this event together for the past four years:)

I will be sending a Winter postcard to the winner of my give away. I love to thread paint trees, each one is different. Please leave a comment with your contact information so I can reach you if you are the lucky winner! I will draw the winner on Feb. 18th. Thanks for stopping in! Happy One World One Heart!

Jenna Louise

Happy Winter!

2011-01-29T13:25:00.001-05:00

Happy Winter to everyone! It has been a crazy time for me at work and I have not had a lot of time in my sewing studio, but I have been putting binding on a quilt and hope to have it done shortly. I thought I would share some of my favorite snowmen I leave up after the holidays with my blogging friends. We recently put in a new window with glass shelves and it is such a great place to display these friendly fellows!

At a recent Art Quilt meeting I was introduced to Zentangles from one of our talented members. I now find myself doodling...how fun! I think I might have another new hobby!

Enjoy the winter season and all of it's beauty.
Jenna Louise

An Old Fashioned Sewing Display

2011-01-17T20:00:00.000-05:00

This past holiday season I decorated a room in our historical home in Pemberville, "The Furry House". This home belongs to Pemberville Historical Society and is known as the first house in Pemberville. Every holiday volunteers decorate the house and I was selected to do a sewing room for the holidays. The great antique sewing machine belongs to the Historical Society and I got to use it for my display:) Isn't it a beauty?

I just love vintage sewing items and it was an honor to show them off over the holidays.
Jenna Louise

A Few Holiday Memories

2011-01-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share a few of my favorite ornaments. They are already packed away until next year so this way I can enjoy them a little longer:) Above is a sweet little santa my sister made for me a long time ago and every year I enjoy putting him on the tree.

This ornament "Snow Girl" is a memory of my husband's favorite cow when he was younger. Snow Girl was grand champion at the fair years ago and one of the most friendly calves he ever raised.

Every year we purchase a new ornament for our tree and this year I found this lovely vintage bird. I love the folk art and vintage look!

My family had a great Christmas also. My nephew Ronnie loved his new picture of Rob and I for his home.

And Mom LOVED her Acuquilt GO cutter! I hope she is cutting out lots of new quilt blocks with it this winter! Dad is also now all decked out in his OSU clothing we provided him. It was great holiday fun, I hope all of you made great new memories and I wish health and happiness to all in 2011!

Jenna Louise

The Holidays Take Two...

2011-01-02T21:52:00.001-05:00

This year I made these great little bags for Maddi and Traci and I am pretty sure they are happy with them:) The pattern is called "The Two Hour Purse" by Janice Dale Pope of Anything But Boring. This pattern is awesome and I highly recommend it:) It was easy to put together with lots of possibilities! Thank you Janice for this lovely pattern and I will be shopping for more patterns you have developed:) Be sure to stop over to Anything But Boring and see the fabulous products you can add to your sewing library:)

Another great pattern helped me make great gifts for the girls I work with. The Lunch Bag by Favorite Things was a great find! Ever since I created these bags the girls have been carrying them everyday to work. Thank you Favorite Things for this excellent pattern! Be sure to check out their website, it is very inspiring and has excellent products:)

My 4-H'ers started quilting again for the 2011 4-H year! Our workshop was held this past Tuesday and we had a full house!

Happy 2011...I think it is going to be great!
Jenna Louise

"Sew" Many Gifts To Share...Take One!

2010-12-26T20:34:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas! I have many items to share it will take a few postings to get everything on line:) I will start with some homemade gifts I made for family and friends. Above is a quilt I put put together for our newest family member Shipley Robert Morlock. I found the fabric in Maryland this past summer shortly after his birth. This was a great opportunity for me to work on my machine quilting skills. I did loops, hearts, and stars. Below is the tag I put on the back.

He was sleeping Christmas Eve but I know he will enjoy many nights snuggled up in his new quilt.

Tyler and Branden enjoyed their stockings. Very fun and easy to make.

Johnathan graduated from Illinois State this past summer and I found some fleece for the perfect blanket.

I thought Mckoy would enjoy this wonderful book of the story of Rudolph. I stitched his name on the front and put our greetings on the back after I put it together.

It was a joy to share items with the kids. They seem to really enjoy their homemade gifts:) I have plenty more to share! My sister made me the most wonderful clock and gave me an antique quilt! Mom stitched lovely pillowcases from my Grandmother's collection. I will post these lovely items and many more next time! Blessings to all this holiday season!

Jenna Louise

The New Ohio 4-H Quilting Book And A Winner!

2010-12-16T23:57:00.000-05:00

I am proud to share with you the new Ohio 4-H quilt project book "You Can Quilt"! The co-authors include two of my 4-H Volunteers and myself:) It is structured around the Wood County Ohio 4-H Quilters. I have never worked on writing a publication before and it was a thrilling experience. The project will be offered to Ohio 4-H'ers in 2011 and can be purchased through the Ohio 4-H program. If you are interested let me know and I can make a connection for you:) This is a very exciting achievement for me and our team and it is a joy to share it with you. It was very emotional to see the final product and I can't wait to see all the quilts this summer completed by 4-H members. I am so blessed!
And the winner of the ornament is...
http://back-in-the-woods.blogspot.com/
Be sure to visit this fun blog! Thanks everyone for putting in your name and following my blog. It's great to have such wonderful connections!
Happy Holiday Season to all!
Jenna Louise

So Much Sewing Going On & A Blog Give Away!

2010-12-06T17:02:00.000-05:00

I have been doing so much sewing these days...but I can't post anything because everything is holiday gift items:) Oh I love creating gifts to give...it's a great feeling! I did snap a few quick pictures of those wonderful fabric ornaments in the Quilting Arts Gifts Magazine! I can't stop making them!

Happy Holidays everyone! I would love to give one of these beautiful ornaments to someone who visits my blog...be sure to leave a comment and you just might be the lucky winner!

Jenna Louise

A Thanksgiving Gift, Art Cards & Friends

2010-11-28T17:26:00.004-05:00

My Mother In Law JoAnn is the best cook ever! I always look forward to her holiday meals and I try to make something special for her kitchen instead of bringing over a food item. She loves to cook as much as I love to sew, and she loves everything I make. It was a delight to make the above towels and potholders from Moda fabrics and a few scraps I had in my stash. She enjoyed them and I think they are so neat!

My 4-H friends and I decorated a 4-H Tree for the festival of trees in Pemberville this past weekend! I am so thankful for them all, 4-H brought us together and we love to share the spirit with everyone!

My S ATC Card...Stars! Love metallic threads!!!!

My R ATC Card...Red! A fun color to celebrate!!

Happy Holiday Season everyone! Thanks for stopping in, I will be celebrating the holidays with a give-a-way soon...don't miss out!
Jenna Louise

A Quilt That Touched A Heart...

2010-11-21T12:44:00.000-05:00

My world has been so busy and so blessed these days. I wanted to share this special little quilt and the heartwarming story that goes along with it. My Mother put this quilt together for a friend who lost her parents in a tragic accident two years ago. This quilt made for her son, contains clothing from her parents so her child can feel the warmth of their love for years to come. As quilters we can make such a difference to others...love you Mom! Thanks for showing us how to touch a heart!

Happy Holiday Season to my Quilting Blog Friends! So much has been happening these days, I am so blessed! Above is a UFO I recently finished. It has been around for years just waiting for me to complete! I believe it is a Debbie Mumm project, but I don't have the information anymore. My Quilt Guild "The Black Swamp Quilers" had a UFO challenge and I for one finished a few projects I needed to get done! Mom and a good friend of mine traveled to the Amish Country Shop Hop a few weeks ago...12 amazing quilt shops. We had a wonderful time and now I have another quilt to work on! So many project, sew little time! 4-H is doing well, we recently ordered these road signs to distribute around the county...

If you are like me, the sewing machine is burning rubber! I have so many projects going on right now it is crazy:) I can't post them just yet because they are holiday gifts...but I can't wait to show and tell! Thank you for following me...I'm thinking of a holiday blog drawing to be posted here shortly! I appreciate each of you and wish you a great Thanksgiving!

Jenna Louise

More Quilt Retreat and a Challenge

2010-11-07T13:12:00.000-05:00

I had to share this special quilt made by Quilter Carol (pictured below standing on the left). She made this for her Aunt and Uncle who are both turning 80. This quilt celebrates 80 years of life and every block tells a story. She designed each one herself and the story is amazing. Hats off to Carol for such a beautiful quilt!

Here are the talented ladies I quilted with at retreat! Of course I had to sew with Mom! These ladies were so much fun to be with along with the other 60+ participants! I encourage you to attend quilting classes and retreats in your area. It is the best way to help your talent grow.

The Three Creative Studios Challenge word this time was "Music".

Music…so many meanings to me. I love to sing, play guitar, listen and find the feelings music gives me whenever I hear it. Quilting gives me that feeling, the special relaxing spirit I find in songs and instruments. When I thought about what I was going to do I wanted continue to fulfill my goals of using products I have and also finish up projects from days gone by. I have orphan blocks, the ones that are left after a project is complete and this special one just kept “singing” to me. The fabric is traditional and something I might not select anymore but it brings on that feeling of relaxation I hear in music. How could I make this block sing alone…metallic thread! I quilted my solo block with fabulous metallic thread and thread sketched a pear from the design in the middle. Music is everywhere…in song, in fabric and in our hearts. I found music in an old quilt block and gave it rhythm to “sing” on it’s own. I hope you enjoy my take on this challenge.

I challenge you to take a class or attend a quilting event this winter:)
Jenna Louise

A Quilt Retreat

2010-10-24T21:54:00.001-04:00

This past weekend Mom and I went to our Quilt Guild's Fall Retreat:) The theme was "Sock Monkeys" and above are the blocks Mom and created. Sixty-seven members of the Black Swamp Quilters enjoyed a weekend of laughter, friendship and sewing.

I made Mom a handy little mat for her sewing machine. She seemed to really enjoy using it! More pictures will be coming about our fun weekend!

Rob and I enjoyed a walk at Oak Openings last weekend. We found this little caterpilliar and his coat is pretty thin. Maybe this means a warm winter? It sure is nice having 70 degree weather in late October:)

I hope you are enjoying your fall season!
Jenna Louise

Holiday Ornaments, Quilt Blocks, and Fall Stuff

2010-10-12T06:35:00.001-04:00

It has been a busy week! I have had lots of interesting things going on and I have fit sewing in between:) I just finished these fun and easy to make ornamnets from Quilting Arts Gifts magazine! They are designed by Gudren Erla. Check out this fabulous publication for great holiday ideas!

I have been busy making blocks from the 2008 Amish Country Quilt Shop Hop! The fabrics are lovely and the blocks are coming together nicely. I can't go on the next shop hop without some completed blocks...lol:)

Saturday Night I took my nieces to "Sneek Peek" a early Halloween Celebration in Pemberville! We had a great time and the girls really had fun dressing up:) My Gorilla especially like running around town and riding in my car:) Thanks girls for a fun evening with Aunt Jenny!

I also spent some time working ground for Rob so he could get his wheat planted. We only have about 20 acres left to harvest and we will be done early! What a great blessing!

I am happy to report that the 4-H "You Can Quilt" book has almost completed publication. I have the final copy for proof this week and it will go to print in a few days! I can't tell you how exciting this project has been and to see it in print is amazing! It's such a great feeling to see it come together with our 4-H Quilters throughout the book! The first 4-H Quilt Project for the state will be offered in 2010...what a blessing! I will keep you posted on the progress. Thanks for stopping in and happy harvest!

Jenna Louise

My Wedding Dress...Thanks Mom!

2010-10-02T14:17:00.000-04:00

Mom is cleaning up at home and recently brought over my wedding dress she made for me 21 years ago. Mom, I don't know how to say how much I appreciate the endless hours of work you put into this beautiful dress! It will always be cherished. I thought my cyber friends would love to see the talent my Mother has. She has been working hard at reorganizing her sewing rooms. The past two Fridays Mom and I have spent cutting out blocks from the 2008-2009 Amish Country Quilt shop hop. We are ready to sew them together since the next shop hop is just around the corner:) I will post some pictures of the blocks later.

Harvest has been good. I have helped Rob when I can, it is an early season and really like it! Yes I drive the combine when needed. This year is the first time I broke something, only a chain but I was a bit nervous.

My view from the cab. It's a big monster!

Last weekend I went to a wool rug hooking class in Amish Country and I am "hooked". I'm almost done with my first project and I am ready to start another. I love to quilt and dabble in other crafty adventures as you can see if you follow my blog:) I hope everyone is having a great fall so far! Trick or Treat!
Jenna Louise 

ATCs, Family, Friends, A Wedding, Bags, Harvest...Life Is Good!

2010-09-19T21:53:00.003-04:00

It has been a busy few weeks:) I went back to work and lots of events were happening around me:) First I made this fun little bag last weekend. I purchased the fabric in Amish Country with my friends a few weeks ago and decided it just had to be created. I came up with my own design after looking at numerous bags. I like pockets, lots of room and sturdy handles so here it is! I topped it off with two glass buttons, a girl has got to embellish:)

Last weekend was also the Morlock reunion. My how my little nieces and nephews are growing! We are blessed with 12 of them and we are thankful to share in all of their life happenings.

Okay I have to share one more picture of the new baby, look at all of his hair! I have quilt fabric all ready for this little one:)

The next few pictures are of my friends, these are my 4-H people. Above is my friend Tonya and her baby Ryan who is 3 months old. Tonya met with us last week while she was in town. She called and wanted to have lunch, how cool is that?

Donna, Jenna & Deb

Sarah, Harmony & Megan

Shannon and Connor

Jenna, Deb & Kristin

The bride's sisters Ashely and Michelle

Last night we had our fourth wedding of the year:) Rob was in the field so I went with the girls:) The bride Janel is wearing a stunning gown made by her mother. She has three sisters and her mother made each one of their bridal gowns. (In my June post you will see Janel's sister Michelle's dress). The girls really know how to put on a wedding with style. It was great to be with all my friends last evening, you are my 4-H family, we bleed green:) Sharing our important moments together makes us a unique group of friends:)

Finally the Alphabet Fabric ATC Cards...N is for "Notes"

O is for the "Ocean"...looks like our vacation picture:)

P is for "Pink"

Q is for what else but "Quilt"

I also recently made this fun little ID Coin Purse by Ruth DeVries of Granny's Quilting. Isn't it fun? I have had many compliements on it since I started using it. It is really a handy thing to have.

Wow what a post:) Thanks for letting me share some fun highlights of the last few weeks with you. Rob and I are blessed in so many ways, it is a warm fuzzy feeling.

Jenna Louise

We had a wonderful vacation!

2010-09-06T12:48:00.003-04:00

It has been along time since Rob and I took a vacation together. This summer has been a very busy one and we were very lucky to sneak away and spend sometime together last week. We went to Salisbury, Maryland to visit a friend of mine who had to move there this past winter because her husband's job was transferred. We ate crabs, saw a part of the Appalachian trail, walked on the boardwalk at Ocean City, saw the wild ponies at Assateague Island, went to the Maryland State Fair and visited Amish Country in Pennsylvania.

The Boardwalk at Ocean City

The wild ponies at Assageague Island

Quilts at the Maryland State Fair

Quilt Museum in Pennsylvania

My friend Deb:)

Rob and I enjoying the sunshine!

It was a wonderful week to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer. I stopped at many quilt shops along the way and of course added to my stash! Harvest time looks to be early and very busy. I am thankful we had time to be together. Be sure to spend time with the people you love, work and everyday life can sometimes take you away from what is really important.

Happy Fall!

Jenna Louise

Quilt Challenge Reflection And A New Baby!

2010-08-28T13:44:00.000-04:00

For the 3 Creative Studios Challenge this time I made a mini scrapbook page quilt for the word "Reflection". This challenge has brought me back in time, especially with Mom. This is the second mini quilt I themed around her and I just love it! I have really been into fabric scrapbooking and thought this would be great for the challenge. I made one similar to this one in the Spring and got hooked:) See the other fabulous quilts in this challenge at:

A new baby has arrived in our family. Shipley Robert Morlock was born on August 26th...his Uncle's Birthday! Now my husband has a birthday buddy!

Happy Late Summer To Everyone!

Jenna Louise

ATCs, Milkshakes, Needle Art and Tractor Pulls

2010-08-21T12:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, by now you have probably realized I have a crazy fun life:) You never know what I might be doing at any given moment:) This weekend is the National Tractor Pulling Championships at our Fairgrounds in Bowling Green Ohio. We open up the 4-H milkshake barn and sell milkshakes, pie, cinnamon rolls and hand dipped ice cream. It is long busy days, but we have loads of fun and support our 4-H kids:) Above you will see our new 4-H Milkshake Hall Of Fame T-Shirts...how fun is that?

A BIG THANK YOU to Keim Lumber in Charm Ohio for donating this lovely bench to our 4-H Milkshake Stand. We love Keim Lumber and highly suggest when you are in Amish Country in Northeast Ohio you make them one of your stops. It is the most beautiful showroom imaginable and the customer service is outstanding. Thanks again for your support of Wood County 4-H!

My ATCs for the letters K and L are pictured above. This exchange has been one of the best I have ever participated in! ATCs are such fun and a great way to make mini art!

After all these events you would think I would take long naps and watch some great Lifetime TV??? Oh no I have wanted to learn punch needle forever so I am attempting a new art. I have been doodling and practicing before I try a pattern and here is my first attempt. Speaking of needle arts, did I mention I was a guest speaker last week for the Toledo Chapter? Check out their web site, they are a great group of gals!

Last but not least, here is a few of my kids at St. V's neonatal unit last week. Had to share one more picture of this grand event. Seeing them visit the unit was incredible. I am so thankful I can reach our next generation and teach them the importance of giving through the art of quilting...what a great gift! As you can see I never know where life might lead me on any given day, but I am thankful for all the experiences I have been given. Okay...I'm off to make some milkshakes, thanks for stopping in!
Jenna Louise

So much to share...quilts, kids, fair...a great past few weeks!

2010-08-15T12:04:00.000-04:00

What a busy and crazy last few weeks:) The Wood County Fair was great and I am happy to share some highlights. Above is a quilt top I purchased at our guild's garage sale and displayed at our fair's quilt day. I added some borders and had it quilted, it does need binding, but I had to share it.

My friend Anita made this beautiful quilt...wow! She is so talented:)

Mom was busy working at quilt day on her mini quilts. She loves paper piecing and is so good at it.

Now I would like to share the 4-H Quilt Display...

We went to St. V's and delivered the quilts this past Friday. Our local TV stations even interviewed the kids, what a fun experience. The 4-H'ers also saw a baby that was only a few hours old...no words can explain how powerful this visit was to my 4-H'ers. Thank you everyone for your support of this endeavor.

We had numerous animal shows including some fascinating horse shows. Pictured above is 4-H member Catherine and her brother Andrew. I am so lucky to work in such a wonderful diverse program and watch young people grow into successful young adults.

I'm proud of our 4-H teen leaders! Thanks for doing such a great job at the fair!
Jenna Louise

Enjoy The 4-H Quilters!

2010-08-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

Summer is flying by! I am so proud to share with you some of my 4-H Quilters from the 4-H Style Revue last Monday evening. Click on this link to watch the quilts on stage.

I am so proud of all of my 4-H members! We had a GREAT evening with wonderful clothing projects on display. We also announced this year's 4-H Honor Court and the results of our "Walk Across Wood County" event. You can learn about all of these exciting events on our 4-H Blog...

http://woodcounty4hoh.wordpress.com/

I'm off to the fair for an exciting week! I'm giving a quilt talk on Thursday about all my internet quilting friends! You might just meet some new friends from Ohio! Happy Summer!

Jenna Louise

Summertime...Fun Times

2010-07-25T23:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's Sunrise was really something. Rob had to get up early so I joined him and saw this incredible scene right in front of our house:)

Friday we had 4-H Clover Bud daycamp...what a great time! We had forty four 5-8 year olds, it was a super day, everyone had fun! Today was 4-H Honor Court interviews and tomorrow is our Style Revue. The 4-H Quilters will be on display! I can't wait to see everyone. I will share them in my next post.

My first Sunflower has bloomed, I just love them. It has been so hot this year all my flowers are so far ahead of time. It seems like late summer instead of the first week of August. I must admit I am ready for some cool weather, 90 degrees+ everyday is making sewing almost impossible. I did get a Air Conditioner today for upstairs from my sister, what a relief. I hope to maybe get some time in my studio before the fair begins, my fingers are crossed! Blessings to all my on-line friends. I hope your summer is going well!

Jenna Louise

Summertime fun and a few ATCs

2010-07-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed some fun bubbles with my nephew McKoy and niece Traci last weekend at my FIL's 80th Birthday party. It was a fun summertime celebration!

My "I" ATC card was "infant" and this picture is my Mom when she was a baby:)

My "J" ATC was "jingle bells". Love this fun holiday retro fabric!

The morning dew made for a fun picture early this morning. It's hard to believe how fast the summer is going. This week is 4-H clover bud day camp, lots of fair planning and 4-H honor court interviews. Fairtime is just around the corner! Cherish your summer memories!
Jenna Louise

Flowers To Share...

2010-07-09T17:02:00.000-04:00

I have been "missing in action" these days:) It has been a busy summer to say the least and I have spent sometime out in my gardens even though it has been super hot in Ohio.

My flowers are so early this year since the weather has been so strange. I do love to have flowers around and fun garden decorations! I especially like items from Carruth Studio. We have a store in Waterville, Ohio and I absolutely love stopping there.

The 4-H season is in high swing and yesterday was livestock judging. Hundreds of kids came to the fairgrounds to share their projects and experiences with judges

I am so proud of our 4-H'ers and their accomplishments. Next week is Nutrition and Miscellaneous Project Judgings. It is always great fun to see all the exciting things the kids have been working on. I hope to sneak in a little sewing time this weekend. My studio is upstairs and it has been in 90's all week, way to hot to sew:( I did attend a little quilt show last weekend at a Allis Chalmers Tractor show and here is one of the quilts I really enjoyed...

Summertime Smiles!

Jenna Louise

Fabric Screen Printing and a Challenge

2010-06-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday I enjoyed a wonderful Fabric Screen Printing Class at the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, Ohio. Our instructor Jennifer Solon was awesome! Above are the screens I made and some of the fabrics I created! What fun...I see a lot of screen printing in my future!

This time around the 3 Creative Studios Challenge word was Rhythm. All I could think about was Music and how important it is in our lives. I had great fun creating this little project:)

Thanks for stopping in! Next I will be catching up on my ABC artist trading cards:)

Jenna Louise

4-H Camp was GREAT!

2010-06-24T23:15:00.000-04:00

4-H Camp was a Blast! I have been unpacking and settling back in at home and work. Here is a link to our 4-H Blog with our exciting camp posts... http://woodcounty4hoh.wordpress.com/ Check them out and enjoy the video I posted of some of our activities, I think it will make you smile:) Happy Summertime!
Jenna Louise

A Class, Some Flowers, And A Friend

2010-06-15T23:44:00.000-04:00

I recently took a class with Mary Lou Hallenbeck and she was FABULOUS! This is the wall hanging we made, it is so lovely and great fun to put together. Her patterns are excellent and she is a terrific teacher! Thanks Mary Lou for a great day!

I nominated my supervisor and friend Jayne Roth for the Spirit Of Wood County Awards recently and she was honored with a plaque at the ceremonies this past weekend. She is in the photo with the Gold Medal 4-H Club who came to cheer her on. It was a great afternoon, congratulations Jayne!

My flowers are blooming everywhere early! We are ahead of schedule about 3 weeks...I hope I have flowers in August. It has been a rainy season so far, we finally got all our crops in. I actually planted beans for Rob this year, not in the garden, but out in the field. I ran the tractor with the grain drill. I hope the rows are straight:)

Our very close friends (and cousin) were married this past Saturday. It was a beautiful day and what a great time we had together! Luv you Michele and Andrew!
I'm off to 4-H Camp with 212 campers and 45 counselors for a few days. Wish us luck:) We will have a great time with lots of stories to tell! Take care!

Jenna Louise

A Time For Support...

2010-06-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

Northwest Ohio experienced major storms Saturday evening including tornadoes. 4-H families and friends were affected by this tragedy. Please say a prayer for all the victiums of this sad experience. Our communities have pulled together and are supporting one another and rebuilding lives.

My sewing machine has been idle for a few days so I thought I would share a few more pictures of the 4-H Quilters who have been working diligently on their quilts:) I also recently participated in a local fiber arts show and I will give more details on my next post.

Today I am thankful, thankful for all the blessings around me. I think we often don't recognize our everyday gifts of life. Think about your blessings and remember how the little things in life are often the most important:) Thank you for the extra prayers for the victims of the tragic storms of Saturday evening.

Blessings,
Jenna Louise

Gardening, Friends and a Blog Give-A-Way

2010-05-28T20:33:00.000-04:00

This past week I spent time with my flowers and made a raised bed vegetable garden. I took a few pictures to share:)

You can see in this photo an old sewing machine. My husband saved this little treasure. Although it is rusted and seen better days sewing fabric, I thought I should save it for my flowers this summer. It is "sew" me:) Flowers, fabric and creating.

I also finished two quilt tops and they are at the quilter:) In a few weeks I will be able to share them and their stories with you. Today I spent sometime with friends from 4-H in Ottawa County, Kathy and Becca. Kathy lives about 1/2 mile from Crystal Bowersox and she was in 4-H:) She took us by her house today it was so cool to see where she grew up. Crystal brought so much positive energy to Northwest Ohio and she is our idol! Thanks gals for a great afternoon!

Check out Beeker's General Store's Blog...they are having a great fun give-a-way! Beeker's is a great place to visit and "step back in time". If you are ever in the area, it is a perfect place to stop:)

Enjoy your holiday weekend and remember those who have given so much for us. Spend some time with family and friends and create something this weekend even if it is a small project. Happy summer!

Jenna Louise

Fabric Winnings, ATCs, Auction Finds And More!

2010-05-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

I am so lucky! I won this wonderful little charm pack from Cyndi at http://bluebirdswing.blogspot.com/! She also made me the lovely key holder:) Thank you so much Cyndi, I am thrilled with my win! Make sure you stop and see Cyndi's blog she has some wonderful posts to enjoy!

I have had the best time with my Art To Mail Group! We have been doing the alphabet for our ATC exchange and above is my letter G for "girlfriends" and below my letter H ATC for 4-H:) I have loved this exchange so far and have great ATCs numerous talented artists:)

Speaking of 4-H I have spent a lot of time in the classrooms around Wood County lately making rope, bread, and butter. We have also been studying the science of bubbles, flubber and hatching baby chicks:) It was a great school year and now I am looking forward to 4-H summer activites.

This past weekend my nieces Traci and Maddi celebrated their First Communion. They both go to different churches, thankfully they are only about 8 miles apart and services were and hour and fifteen minutes apart. We were able to see both of them on this special day.

I have been going to garage sales and auctions whenever I can sneak them in. I want to make charm bracelets with my campers this summer at 4-H camp so I'm looking for items to use. I also am always looking for old patterns and items for my sewing studio and I stumbled upon this vintage 1931 pattern and a great set of sewing drawers that I am looking forward to refinishing and filling with treasures.

Summer is almost here and tonight I hope to put in my garden. It has been so wet lately that planting both our garden and in the fields has been hard to accomplish. Hopefully this week we will be able to start planting corn again and then on to beans. Enjoy the sunshine.

Jenna Louise

Some of my UFO's have landed...they are complete!

2010-05-16T14:16:00.000-04:00

Some of my UFOs (UnFinished Projects) have landed on the completed pile! Our quilt guild is having a UFO contest each month and I am hoping to continue on the completed pace:) My first UFO is the small star wallhaning. It is machine appliqued and hand quilted. I can't remember the pattern, it has been laying around for awhile:)

Next is my holiday star applique wallhanging. I love it! It has been in the UFO pile for a long time. The purchased fabrics and magazine containing the pattern at a quilt shop in Findlay, Ohio. Unfortunately the quilt shop has closed but I did finish this little gem. It was my first try at stippling and I wasn't happy with it so I quit and put it away. When I pulled it out again, I realized my stippling is very different now and I decided to do all kinds of fun machine quilting to tie it all together. Click on the photo for some close-ups!

The last UFO for this month is very special. My long time friend and past co-worker Shannon and her husband Ryan had a beautiful baby boy last September. Long before his expected arrival, I purchase this unique vintage print infant fabric because I knew someday Shannon would love it! A few months after the purchase low and behold a baby was on the way. Well now Connor Amos is nine months old and will be nice and comfortable in his new baby quilt. I stippled quilted the fabric and in each corner I stitched something special. In the above picture you can see Mom Shannon.

Dad Ryan...

Baby Connor...

Amos...(their last name)

And an example of the fabric:) Isn't it lovely? Boy or Girl I could not go wrong. It was such a good feeling to hand over the quilt:) Giving a gift made from your heart no matter what it is, is a feeling you can not describe...a warmth that makes your soul sing:) Share some of your talents with others, surprise them and you will feel so good! Happy sharing with others!

Jenna Louise

My Sister Quilts!

2010-05-11T20:08:00.000-04:00

My sister Kay is such a beautiful quilter. Her machine quilting is amazing and I want to share it with you:) She is very helpful with my 4-H quilters and she just gave me two quilts to donate for St. V's Neonatal Unit. Isn't it fun? The machine quilting is really something up close. Be sure to click on the quilt to see. The back of the quilt is also stunning. I hope I can become as talented as she is with her quilting. I think she might give me free lessons:) She is the reason I explored machine quilting and I am thankful to her for that.

Kay has also started her own blog: http://kayzquiltz.blogspot.com/
Be sure to stop and visit her, tell her I sent you:)

I recently made this fabric scrapbook page of my husband's Grandmother Dena. My friend Pam at Treasures and Textures has been such an inspiration so I thought I would give it a try. Stop at Pam's blog to see some great creative projects, she is so talented:) Thanks Pam for sharing your wonderful talents and encouraging me with your kind postings.

My paper doll ATC exchange this past month was "Butterfly Wings". I have had a great time using models from old patterns for my dolls. Isn't she just fun! I love this group because it keeps me also working with papers and I love putting paper and fibers together. This week I have been fighting bronchitis, hopefully I am on the mend. Sneezing in the Spring is just no fun. This post is to remind us all to recognize those who inspire and make a difference in your art...it makes them feel so good!

Jenna Louise

A Special Quilt and a New Blog!

2010-05-07T17:29:00.000-04:00

My good friend Laura Rolf exhibited this quilt at Sauder's this past weekend. It is very special to her because it was the last quilt her mother Teresa Jones quilted. The pieces were purchased at a garage sale and Laura took her mother to the quilt shop to pick out fabric to put it all together. Teresa marked the entire quilt herself, put it in the frame and had it handquilted in one month. It is so amazing to me:) I know Laura will cherish this quilt forever as I cherish my friendship with her.

Laura has been such big part of my life. I am thankful for our long friendship...be sure to thank someone close to you today:) We are silly...and we have fun.

I am proud to share with you a new blog! My good friend Todd Sheets, owner of Beeker's General Store in Pemberville has started a blog and I want to invite you to visit. Beeker's General Store is like walking back in time:) The vintage atmosphere is lovely and I am sure you won't want to miss out some blog drawings for items he is going to have in the next few weeks. Don't miss out on this great historical place to shop!

http://www.beekersgeneralstore.blogspot.com/
Best wishes for a great weekend!

Jenna Louise

The Quilt Retreat Was AWESOME

2010-05-05T08:22:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we had a Quilt Retreat at 4-H Camp Palmer in Fayette, Ohio. It was awesome to say the least. Fifteen of us quilted, laughed, sat around the fireplace and went for nature hikes around camp. It was so exciting to share a part of my 4-H world with my quilting friends. I have never been at camp before without 200 kids running around so it was a little different for me:) Thank you everyone for making our first quilt retreat a success! Another one is in the works for 2011!

Mom and I entered quilts at the Sauder Quilt Show in Archbold this past weekend also. Mom did the Sauder Challenge where she purchased fabrics provided and made this beautiful wall hanging called "Pretty Petite Pieces" and recieved an honorable mention. She also entered her "One Block Wonder" quilt...I just love it!

I was also fortunate to get an "Honorable Mention" on my fabric portrait of Mom and Dad at the show:) The quilts were beautiful and you can see some of the winning entries on their web site. Sauder Museum Quilt Show 2010. Best wishes for a week of creativity lots of stitches!

Jenna Louise

A Few Things To Share

2010-05-03T16:42:00.000-04:00

EQ7 is coming and I am excited! So many possibilities for quilters:) I love my EQ and you will too. Check out the Electric Quilt Company's website for more information.

Another studio picture...Here is a picture I forgot to share on the studio make over. This corner of my studio sewing room contains some antique sewing machines and my vintage doll collection. The baby in the carriage was owned by my Great Aunt Theria and she named her Marie. Theria told me she often put cookie and pie dough in her little hands when she was a child, how fun is that?:)

Here is another quilt from Edith. I adore this pattern, Tumbling Blocks is on my "quilts I want to make someday list". That list continues to grow about everyday I think:)

Everyday items seem to stop me in my tracks as I grow older. On Easter Sunday my nephew McKoy had on these cute little boots. When I was going out side to hide the Easter eggs I thought about how cute they are and what a great little picture to remind us to always look for the little things around us that make our days brighter. This past weekend our office held a Quilt Retreat Camp at 4-H Camp Palmer. It was wonderful to say the least and I will be posting about this exciting adventure tomorrow. Thanks for dropping in!
Jenna Louise

3 Studios Challenge...The Passage Of Stitches

2010-04-29T16:05:00.000-04:00

The second word in the 3 Creative Studios Challenge was "Passage". With every project I am trying new things and this time I made fabric paper from Creative Paper Quilts by Terri Stegmiller. I decided to dedicate this project to my Mom Rita. She was so generous to pass down her love of sewing and quilting with her family. This quilt represents her childhood and young adulthood. It contains fabric photos, buttons, fabrics and jewelry she has had over the years. My favorite are the buttons on the left side, they were on her coats as a child. The fabric paper is quilted with silk thread, I added some glitter and rubberstamping to jazz things up. The fabric paper is a pattern from the 1950's. Visit the quilt challenge blog to see all the beautiful quilts!

I just created another ATC for my exchange group. The letter "F" is for Flowers. Yes I know, flowers are very common but I drew these flowers with my new watercolor pencils from the Chicago show:) These pencils are awesome! I also added some shine to my cards:)

Thanks for stopping in!
Jenna Louise

A Wedding Dress Baby Quilt, More Chicago and Other News

2010-04-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

This quilt has many stories to tell:) My friend Karen's co-worker is adopting a child from overseas, so Karen created this precious baby quilt out of the wedding dress of the excited "mother to be". The picture does not do justice to this beautiful paper pieced baby quilt. (click on the picture for a better view) It is embellished with ribbons, lace and numerous fancy stitches to celebrate this special event. What a priceless keepsake for the new baby to cherish. Karen is so giving, thoughtful and makes the best soft sugar cookies ever! She is a special person I am so lucky to be friends with.

More from Chicago...I enjoyed spending time with one of my favorite artists Kelli Nina Perkins. She is so very creative and fun! I was lucky to get into one of her classes and learn to create some of her fabulous art. (Picture coming) Check out her blog and enjoy the inspiration. She has books and DVD's that are "must haves" for your library.

We were a little loud in Chicago when we created these wonderful Small Flower Books by pounding real flowers and leaves into the fabrics:) Leilani Pierson was our instructor and she is fabulous! I have been privileged to be one of her students a number of times in Chicago and I always love the project I bring home. Looking forward to her Quilting Arts taping coming out soon.

We had a great time in the windy city and I still have many items to share! Aunt Linda, Kay, Mom and I pictured above brought home plenty of new items to dive into. I did dye some fabrics recently and also tried my hand at rusting fabrics also. My husband had plenty of items in the barn for me to test market:) I will continue to post more fun items and finds in the next postings, a sinus infection slowed me down some but not for long. In other news...

This past week our very own Kristin was selected as the Outstanding Bowling Green State University Off Campus Employee! She invited us to share in her celebration on campus and we were very proud. Kristin puts in a lot of time and dedication to her 4-H responsibilities and it was super to have her recognized!

My friend Fannie Narte selected me as the winner of this fun little book called "Pretty Little Mini Quilts"! I am so excited to have this treasure! Fannie is one of my very first blogging friends and I am so grateful to know her. She is a true inspiration and her work is breathtaking! Be sure to visit her blog and see the tremendous talent she has to offer! This week is a busy one, we are sending out reservations for 4-H Camp, I am putting together another In-School Quilt for a classroom next week, doing a Bubbles program for 120 students and we are having a "Quilt Camp/Retreat" this weekend at 4-H Camp Palmer in Fayette Ohio through our office so I have some planning to do:) I can't wait and also to tie up the weekend we are visiting an outstanding quilt show at Sauder's Museum in Archbold...Mom and I entered a few items also. Oh I can't forget my Art Group also meets on Tuesday evening and my 3 Studios Challenge 2 will be revealed at the end of the week. So many great things happening, I am so blessed! I still have that one row to go on my quilt..it will get done I promise!

Jenna Louise

I Enjoyed The International Quilt Show!

2010-04-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

Okay, I admit it I enjoyed a quick trip to the International Quilt Festival in Chicago on Friday and Saturday. What a great time! I have so much to share and can't wait to start playing with my new finds in the merchants area:) After viewing quilts from around the world that were breathtaking, I was privledged to participate in a number of classes from "Make It University" sponsored by Cloth, Paper, Scissors and Quilting Arts magazines. Above is a way fun collaged dress I loved putting together and my instructor was Kristen Rodriguez from Fiber On A Whim. Her and her Mom had this way fun booth with the greatest fiber art items ever:) Kristen also let me take her picture with a lovely landscape quilt she created out of fabric scraps, tiny little fabric scraps. A very talented artist indeed! Visit Fiber On A Whim's blog and check out all the cool creations.

Saturday morning I created this way fun game tile bracelet with instructor, Belinda Spiwak. I just adore it and can't wait to make some more Belinda is great instructor and very talented. Her art is AWESOME! Visit her blog and you will be amazed at the inspiration:)

I have so many things to share in the upcoming posts about my trip and yes I still have a row to go on my quilt, everybody does right? I will end this post with a picture of the important people who joined me on my trip...Mom, Aunt Linda, and my Sister Kay. I'm grateful we all love to quilt and make art, it's a gift to share the things you love with those who are close to you:) More exciting posts are coming I promise. I'm going to dye some fabric today from some new products I just had to have:) Blessings and happy creating!

Jenna Louise

My challenge quilt was a winner and a few more quilts to share:)

2010-04-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

I am so excited...at the last minute I decided to put something together for our Color Wheel Challenge for my local quilt guild, The Black Swamp Quilters and mine was selected as the best use of embellishments:) It is the first time I made something for our challenge and I was thrilled. I put this together the night before (it really was a last minute decision) and I was thankful to have a few hours to put into participation:) I made samples of machine quilting, thread painting and practiced my free motion writing skills, what fun and what a wonderful surprize! My embellishments included lots of seed beads, fish and moon beads, crystals and color beads. Thanks to our committee for all of their hard work:)
Here are a few more of Edith's Quilts from our Leadership Workshop...

Since I did the challenge project, I did not finish the last row of my quilt...but I will hopefully this weekend sometime:) Always a quilt or project to make. I am often asked "How do you find the time?" My answer is this...we must find time for the things we enjoy if not, are lives are not complete. Even if you just cut a few squares or sew a few stitches whenever possible, it is good for the soul. Do whatever it is that makes you happy and make time for it:)

Jenna Louise

Quilts to share

2010-04-05T23:29:00.000-04:00

This lovely 4-H quilt was given to me by my friends who are both 4-H Volunteers and Quilters Karen and Stacy. Oh did I mention they are also Mom and Daughter:) They have been with the 4-H Quilt group for six years and I just love them. I was so surprized when they gave me this thoughtful gift it is even quilted in a four leaf clover pattern. Thanks you so much for thinking of me!

As promised here are two quilts from my recent leadership retreat from our instructor Edith. This quilt is made of Ohio State University colors and sold on the auction to help raise money for scholarships for future workshoppers.

This is the quilt participants learned to make last year at workshop. I just love the colors Edith put together and the design is stunning. In my next post I will show you some more of Edith's quilts and I almost have mine finished...one more row to sew. I also spent the day working on UFO's, I finished a wallhanging that has been around for about five years, some ATC's to trade and thinking about a challenge project for our quilt guild. Always something going on:) I'm also finishing up two 4-H In-School quilts for two classrooms this week and visiting three first grade classrooms on Friday to study bubbles. A busy fun week ahead. Easter was a wonderful day. My neices and nephews seemed to really enjoy the holiday. Here are a few happy photos of the day:)

I can't believe how fast they are growing. The best part of the day was when the kids hid the "real" eggs for the adults to find. It was fun just being together, laughing and being a kid again. I hope your Easter was filled with happy times. Spring is here, time for new dreams and new creations.

Blessings,
Jenna Louise

See creations from my students:)

2010-03-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! What a great week at Buckeye Leadership Workshop! I had a great time teaching, creating and renewing friendships. I taught a fiber arts class and my students were terrific! Above you can see Joyce is busy creating a fiber art pin of her own design:)

John loved making fabric postcards. He is a very creative person and I also enjoyed him in my afternoon quilting class.

Don't you just love this ATC? Hannah (above on the left) made this little gem. I enjoyed her creative spirit. The best thing about teaching is seeing all the art my students create. I'm so blessed:) It was a great class and I thrilled I was selected to teach. Thanks everyone!

Creating and sharing...isn't that what it's all about? My friend Mary asked if I had any "left overs" from my class, she would love to take care of any fiber art project that needed a home. I just had to give her my "Belinda Beautiful" Dottie Doll. She is on her way to Georgia and I'm sure Mary will take her to school for her 2nd graders to enjoy:)

I treated myself to a quilt class in the afternoon with my good friend Edith Richmond. Here is a sneak peek of my quilt top. In the next post I will share with you creations from other students and stunning quilts from Edith and my friend Patrica.

To teach is to give and to share the wealth of our creative souls. Share your talents and your spirit, for their is no greater gift than to see others happy.

Jenna Louise

A new purse, antiques and my class

2010-03-21T12:32:00.000-04:00

This post is full of exciting things that have been going on in my creative life:) Pictured above is the purse I made with Mom in Florida. We used the "Grids and Grommets" pattern from Indgo Junction. We had a great time making our new bags:) I used fabrics from my one of my favorite designers Michael Miller and found this way fun bird cage embellishment that had to be sewn on my bag:) Mom's bag is in the sunshine state with her so I will post a picture of hers when she comes home:) It was a great pattern and fun to make:)

This past Friday, I was honored to be an instructor at the Women In Agriculture Conference. My program allowed participants to learn how I tie agriculture in with creating items with fabrics. From my classroom visits to elementary schools to programs with quilt enthusiasts, it is my mission to teach the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. Quilting and creating items with fabrics and fibers is the perfect place to showcase just where cottons and many fibers come from...the farm. My participants were thrilled I was sharing with numerous audiences just where their fabrics come from and they loved making fabric postcards. Thanks to my trading partners from all over the world, they loved your creations and made one of their own.

A friend of mine also shared with me her beautiful antique sewing machine. She had brought it for an appraisal to the conference. The best part is this little gem is a family heirloom passed down from previous generations. It is a real treasure and I'm so thankful she let me take a photo of it...thanks Liz!

Speaking of antiques, my husband was at a farm sale recently and found these little treasures in a box of items he purchased. I love surprise little finds like these...

At a recent quilt guild meeting my friend Mary Lee shared her beautiful flower art quilt and demonstrated some little purses she made. I went home and created one quickly so I would remember the process.

So many wonderful things have been happening lately, I am sew blessed! This week brings the hatching of baby chicks in one of my schools, turning in the final draft of our 4-H quilting project book, (I have never been a part of writing a book...it is an educational process:) and I am teaching a four day fiber arts class in the Columbus area at Buckeye Leadership Workshop. I will post some pictures of my class, I just love to teach! Blessings to all!

Jenna Louise

My 4-H Quilters were honored in Columbus

2010-03-14T22:20:00.000-04:00

The 4-H Quilters were presented the Ohio 4-H Community Service Award this past Saturday in Columbus. It was a very special day and I thought I would share the video clip with you:)

There is nothing greater than knowing you have shown someone they can make a difference to others. My heart is full of happiness, I am so proud of my 4-H'ers. Thank you for sharing my joy.
No matter how big or small we can all give to others, there is nothing more satisfing then sharing your heart with others.

Share your creative soul with others and watch the joy before your eyes:)
Blessings,
Jenna Louise

Some more highlights from sunny Florida

2010-03-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share some more pictures from my recent trip south with Mom and Dad:) Last Christmas we bought Mom a quilt kit and guess who has been sewing this winter:) I had her hold up one of the blocks, she has a large stack of them ready to put together. I can't wait to post her quilt when it is complete:)

Dad has been busy also:) He has made numerous clocks for friends in the park, they are a popular item. When Mom has her sewing machine running, you can hear Dad's saw working also.

You always know what time it is because he has chimes in them for every fifteen minutes. That is handy when you are sewing and can't find time to look at the clock:)

Mom and I also made purses and I will post mine next time. I wanted to share with everyone my Grandmother Dolores's Featherweight sewing machine I had the privilege of using. It is beautiful and sews like a dream. Featherweights are wonderful!

Yes we went to the beach, it was 53 degrees and windy and beautiful. I love the atmosphere even though it was chilly it was still very peaceful. Thanks for taking me Mom and Dad:)

Thanks for stopping in and reading about my adventure. I am sure glad I booked my week with Mom and Dad, it was a blessing. Don't put anything off, take the opportunities you have today and enjoy them!

Jenna Louise

I Snuck To Florida...

2010-03-04T16:04:00.001-05:00

Okay I admit it...I snuck to Florida with my Mom a few days ago:) Her and Dad have a winter home and this year I decided I needed to escape for a few days and enjoy time with them. Although the weather has been cool, we have had a great time. Ofcourse we have visited the local quilt shops and even took a class today at the Quilter's Quarters Quilt Shop.

Nancy and Mom:) Vacationing and quilting what could be better? MAKE time for those who are important to you and do the things you love:)

Blessings,

Jenna Louise

A few new items for trade...

2010-02-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

Life continues to be busy and happy. I helped teach quilting at a small local quilt group last night the BG Community Quilters. It is an amazing feeling to help others with the art. I look forward to visiting them again soon! I have created a few new items for trade...

The Black, White and Red ATC is for Maria at Textile Artist Trading Cards. Check out our blog, great ATCs are posted:)

"Unique You" is for my friend Norma in the Fabulous Flat Paper Doll group I recently joined:) The snow is falling, but soon it will be Spring:) I hope you heart is full of warmth and happiness.

Jenna Louise

3 Creative Studios Challenge Revealed

2010-02-22T14:32:00.000-05:00

I am participating in the 3 Studios quilt challenge. We are given a word every other month to create a quilt around. Here is my entry for our first word..."Puzzle".

Oh I'm so excited. Everyone's quilts are so beautiful! I decided when I joined this challenge I was going to use items in my studio I have purchased but have not found the time to experiment with. Puzzle was a perfect word for "unlocking" the mystery of my creative tools waiting to be used. I started by exploring Photoshop Elements, I have had the program for a long time and decided this is a great opportunity to see what I can do. Last summer I took pictures of beautiful summertime clouds and they are the focus of my quilt. I manipulated the photos in different colors and textures, printed them on fabric and then designed puzzle pieces around them. Next items to play with was some sky blue fabric dye and cheesecloth, the result was a perfect shade. I used some Misty Fuse to put the cheesecloth in place and then I stipple quilted the background with invisible thread. Then I sewed on the photos, added beads and embellishments. What an thrilling journey! It feels so good to learn about the items I have been collecting in my studio. Thank you 3 Studios for the opportunity:)

Visit the stunning puzzle quilts at:
http://threecreativestudios.com/quiltblog/

Blessings,

Jenna Louise

New things to share...

2010-02-17T22:28:00.000-05:00

So many exciting things have been happening these days. The 4-H Quilters met again this past Monday and sewed together more quilt tops for the neonatal unit at St. V's Hospital in Toledo. I have 25 new quilters and their mentors this year. What a wonderful group, I'm so proud of them.

I have been busy making ATCs for my alphabet exchange...

B is for buttons and beads

C is for candy

I also mailed out a few Valentine postcards to friends...

And spent an afternoon snowmobiling around the farm with Robbie.

I hope this message finds you enjoying warm winter wishes:)

Jenna Louise

And the winners are...

2010-02-15T19:31:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the following visitors...

Lady bug - Winner of the Book:) @ http://thelightifind.blogspot.com/
Astrid Maclean - Winner of the Angel @ http://astridsartisticefforts.blogspot.com/
Connie - Winner of the ATC @ http://shedreamsbig.blogspot.com/

Thank you everyone for participating! What a wonderful journey it has been!

Blessings,

Jenna Louise

Another item for the OWOH drawing

2010-02-02T13:53:00.000-05:00

This post will remain the top post on my Blog through February 15th. Be sure to enter my drawing:) Please scroll down for my most resent postings.

Because of all the wonderful visitors I have had in the past week, I have decided to add another item to share. See the end of this post for more details:)

Hi everyone, I'm joining the "One World, One Heart" event again this year and I can't wait to make some new blogging friends! Last year was amazing, there was over 900 participants from around the world. Thank you to Lisa Swifka for all of your hard work. My drawing will close on February 14th, at Midnight EST, and the winner will be announced on February 15th. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. Please be sure you have a working blog, or at least leave your email address when you enter so I can notify you if you are the lucky winner:) You can also join in the fun. Learn how to sign up by clicking on the image above. I have been doing a lot of cleaning these past few weeks and realized I have two copies of this wonderful art publication "Creating With Fabric." I will giving this book away and the lovely little angel also.

I have had so many wonderful visitors, I have decided to add another drawing:) This little winter ATC card "Winter Wishes" will also be given away. Thank you everyone for participating!
Thanks for stopping in and do visit me again!

Jenna Louise

Studio make over - take three:)

2010-02-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

Here is my sewing area:) I'm still moving things around a bit, but having fun! You can see on the walls that I display items that have been made for me. The blue and white wallhanging on the left was created by Grandma Fredia Morlock, the Butterfly wallhanging in the back was sewn by my sister Kay and the chenille bedspread on the bed frame belonged to my Grandmother Dolores Goris. My Grandfather Emil Goris made my sewing cabinet and my cutting table is actually an old table that was going to the junk a few years ago from a bank where my MIL worked. She knows how much I love to sew and rescued it for me:) I adore my sewing area because I have surrounded it with antiques and creations I love.

This little dresser was a treasure of my Great Grandmother Blanche Trumbull. I display the beautiful tablecloth my Mother Rita Trumbull made and the hat Grandma Dolores wore to Mom and Dad's wedding. The wedding doll was given to my from Grandma Fredia, the purse was Grandma Dena Henschen's and the picture is my beautiful Great Aunt Theria Pearlman. It fits perfect in the corner of my sewing area.

I have been waiting a long time for a display wall...and here it is:) DH put up a curtain rod for me and I purchased some flannel backed fabric and wala...a design wall in front of the closet:) It is perfect and I can move it whenever I need to. Cleaning and re-organizing my studio has been a wonderful journey. At times I was not sure what I was going to do with everything. I realized some items were better off with owners who could enjoy them and by taking the time to clean up I am more motivated than ever to create:) I did not have lots of $ to spend. I watched for good deals on fixtures, plastic storage containers and utilized items I already had. I hope my project has inspired you! Oh and one other thing...stretching into two rooms was an awesome decision. I loved having a spare bedroom, but no one had slept in the room for over two years. Now my co-worker's son has a new bed and I have a new area to create! Use your space wisely and enjoy! Thanks again for visiting! Jenna Louise

Back to a few creations...

2010-01-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

After all that cleaning, I needed to get back to creating. I'm in a few on line exchange groups and here are some items I have put in the mail recently...

Winter scene postcard I created for four exchange partners. I am experimenting with thread painting and I love making trees:) I had to add the little bird and lots of fun beads.

I love to work with papers and vintage items. This gem is called "Little Queen of Hearts". She is in an exchange in my paper doll group.

I am exchanging ATC cards and the Alphabet is the them. This month was "A" and I could not resist to use my FIL's picture. The title is "A" is for Allis. What is Allis you say??? Allis Chalmers tractors of course:)

Be sure to enter my "One Heart, One World Give -A-Way!" It is a wonderful way to meet bloggers from all over the world! Enjoy! I will share more pictures of my studio soon! Blessings!

Jenna Louise

Studio make over phase two...

2010-01-27T18:24:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how exciting it is to walk into my studio these days. I have been cleaning, sorting and reorganizing it is just GREAT! Here are a few more photos of my progress...

Can you see my favorite magazines? Oh how I love Quilting Arts and Cloth, Paper, Scissors:) I even organized all my extra patterns and Bernina sewing machine information.

This pictures shows some of the beautiful art cards and fabric postcards I have received. The bulletin boards are nice because I can take them down for presentations. I also have a wall hanging that holds art cards.

This area holds paints, papers and miscellaneous art supplies. I found items I did not realize I had, it's a great feeling to clean it all up:) I will post the final pictures in the next few days. I incorporated my antique items that were in the bedroom throughout the studio. Antique dolls and sewing machines surround my sewing area. I also used the antique iron head and foot boards from the bed to display my Grandmother's chenille bedspread and some other hand stitched items. I have actually created a few items for exchanges in my new sewing area and I love it. Lots to share in the next few days. Thanks for stopping in again and don't miss One World One Heart give away in the previous post:)

Jenna Louise

My studio is getting a make-over...

2010-01-19T21:17:00.000-05:00

Since late October I have been sad because we are loosing our JoAnn Fabrics store in Bowling Green:( It has been in business for over 30 years and has the best staff ever! Recently they started selling store fixtures and I thought it was time for me to do something new in my studio. I am moving into another room (now I have two rooms:) and expanding my work area. Below are some pictures of the the items I purchased at JoAnn's and how I used them to reorganize my quilting and art life.

These two shelves were used for yarn at the store. I purchased them with the idea of sorting and organizing all my fabric. They are working out great!

This little number was an art clay holder and when I saw it I thought wow I can put all my thread in on spot and see what I have. I'm very excited!

Next we purchased some pegboard and hooks. I can see all my trims, patterns, cutting tools and so much more! I just love the feeling I have when I walk upstairs to my "new" studio. I'm still putting everything together, but it is shaping up very well. I did donate some fabric to my 4-H quilt program and I made a stop at the Goodwill also:) I will keep you updated on my progress. I am going to take a break and do some sewing for my art groups. Thanks for letting me share!

Jenna Louise

The 4-H Quilters are being honored by Ohio 4-H

2010-01-15T11:46:00.000-05:00

It is a thrill to let everyone know that the 4-H Quilters are being honored with a state community service award in Columbus this March. Great job everyone! Teaching the importance of serving others is a high priority for our program and I'm so touched that we can relay this important message through quilting. Congratulations to my quilters!

Baby it's cold outside!

2010-01-11T07:27:00.000-05:00

We have had a cold snap here in Northwest Ohio and a few snowflakes. Only a couple of inches, but worth a few pictures to share.

The first is a picture of our home. It sure was pretty with the snow, but I do miss my flowers:) Bruce my "wonder dog" loves the snow:) He is a cold weather dog for sure:)

I also thought I should share with you one of my favorite postcards I received this holiday season from a friend in Canada in my Art2mail group. It was a great surprise in my mailbox a few weeks ago.

The last few days have been filled with cleaning my studio and moving it around and expanding into our extra bedroom. We are loosing our JoAnn's :( and I purchased some furnature to help with the process. I loved our store and will miss it! Happy winter and I will share my cleaning process:)

Warm Winter Wishes,

Jenna Louise

4-H and my fabric portrait are in NQA Quilting Quarterly:)

2010-01-04T23:28:00.000-05:00

It is an exciting time for the Wood County Ohio 4-H Quilters! We have a two page story in the current issue of Quilting Quarterly published by the National Quilting Association:) Pages 8 - 9:)

I am so proud of this group. On December 29th we had our first workshop for the new year and I have twenty-two new members. With all new and return members, mentors and volunteers I have over seventy members this year. It is a thrilling experience to work with such an enthusiastic group:)

I'm also very excited to have the fabric portrait I made for my parents (see sidebar on left) in this publication also:) It is such an honor. Be sure to check out the NQA website and plan on attending their quilt show in Columbus in June if you can. Thank you NQA for recognizing my 4-H Quilters with such an outstanding article and also thank you the recognition of my fabric portrait.

Follow your dreams...you never know where they might lead.
Jenna Louise

Homemade Ornaments and Happy 2010!

2009-12-31T09:37:00.000-05:00

I love to make homemade ornaments for my family. Over the years they have become important to my sister-in-law Gayann. This year she trimmed her staircase with them. She had me sign them all and try and remember the dates I made them. It really is special that they mean so much to her. Now I need to start making plans for next year...

My niece was Mary in the Christmas play this year. It was a non-traditional story reminding us that no matter who we are the true meaning of Christmas touches us all. She did a great job, lots of lines to learn.

Thank you everyone for stopping in and visiting my blog. I do enjoy sharing items I have created and little bits about family and friends. I look forward to creating more in 2010. So much fabric...so little time:)

Many blessings to you and your family in 2010 from Rob and Jenna Louise.

Gifts to share...and snowbabies

2009-12-27T23:43:00.001-05:00

I want to share a few things I made for my family and friends. My little nephew McKoy who is two years old LOVES to wear gloves all the time:) Allis Chalmers is the tractor brand of choice on our farms, so an orange pair of gloves was appropriate for the occasion. (Thank you Mitchell Farm Equipment for the patch.) He put them on as soon as he had the package opened:) Love it!

My nieces are growing up fast. I made them the way fun bags from the Quilting Arts DVD (see previous postings) and filled them with candies, an ornament and one of my snowmen.
When you see the next creation I'm sure you might remember this picture from this past fall. I decided to make my Father-In-Law a mini quilt from the picture of him on the tractor with the silage wagon. I'm so honored, they are having it framed this week:) I also made all the family members an ornament from this picture.

Now it's time to share my next flat paperdoll ATC. First I received this lovely snowbaby ATC from Kim in Pennsylvania.

I made this snowbaby ATC in return. She turned out so fun and whimsical. I am so used to working with fabric that a paper ATC feels so different. I'm so glad I joined this group, it opened up another door for creativity.

May your holiday season contiue to be bright and cheery. The next two days I will be working with the 4-H Quilters to begin our new year. I have twenty one new quilters, fourteen 4-H'ers returning (all of these 4-H'ers have mentors:) and fifteen adults volunteers ready for the task. It is going to be a great year. I will keep you posted on our progress. Best wishes:)

Jenna Louise

A Very Merry Christmas to you!

2009-12-24T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve and I still have some sewing to do:) The last two days have been spent sewing those last minute gifties I love to make. I wish I could spend everyday in my studio:) As a gift to you I want to share a few more holiday items from our house and my latest ATC exchanges.

Our Christmas tree. Although the picture does not do justice, it is a beautiful tree. I just love sitting in the front room at night with our lovely tree. It is very peaceful to me. It's full of good times and memories of Christmas past.

This ornament was made by my father, it is called "Father Wind". Dad is crafty with his saw and this is one of my favorite ornaments he has created.

This little ATC was made by a friend in my paperdoll group. She traveled all the way to Ohio from Japan and I adore her.

These two ATCs were created from a friend in New Zeland in my artist trading card group. They are adorable! I just love little Rudoloph with his nose so bright:)
I wish each and everyone of you a blessed Christmas. May all your dreams come true!
Thank you for stopping in, I love sharing my treasures with you!

Jenna Louise

Teaching kids to quilt

2009-12-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

This past week as a part of the 4-H In-School program, we presented "Quilts in the classroom" to thirty one fourth graders. Each student made two quilt squares. One for them to keep, and one that will be put into a quilt for the classroom. The students are going to select someone in need to share their quilt with this Spring. 4-H quilt volunteers helped me accomplish this awesome task:) We had a wonderful time studying where cotton comes from, why math is important in quilting and learning to run a sewing machine:) Special thanks to everyone who helped make this project possible:)

My 4-H buddies and I celebrated the holidays with a yummy lunch and laughter:) I enjoy working with them and appreciate all that they do.

I just had to share another holiday decoration with you, my Christmas stocking. I just love it! Mom made these for us when we were little and I always loved opening all the little gifts inside. We received pencils, paper and just little surprises. They were always my favorite gifts to open. Thank you Santa for all the great memories.

What is your favorite holiday memory? Share it with someone you love today:)
Holiday blessings to you!
Jenna Louise

A Quilt Show in Custar Ohio

2009-12-16T17:28:00.001-05:00

My church from home St Louis in Custar, Ohio had a quilt show for the holidays on Monday evening. They had over 60 entries and they were beautiful. I thought it would be fun to share a few of the quilts with you. Special thanks to Barb and Mandi for doing such a great job!

The crazy quilt below was stunning. It was made by the owner's grandmother. She used her clothing to make the squares and the stitches were just amazing!

I was so happy to see one of my 4-H quilters Olivia exhibited one of her projects she is planning to donate to the neonatal unit this year. It was featured up front;)

Enjoy these quilts as a holiday gift to you!
Blessings,
Jenna Louise

Fabric Postcards, Mom and Dad have been busy

2009-12-13T21:15:00.001-05:00

All my fabric postcards are in the mail:) This year I decided to mail my cards to some unsuspecting recipients. I can't wait to hear from them. I also sent some out to my exchange partners in my art4mail group and fabric cards group. I practiced many different techniques in machine quilting, such a great way to try something new. These cards match the recent ATCs I made a few weeks ago.

My Mom and Dad have been in Florida for a few weeks and boy they have been busy. Mom could not wait to show me the bargello quilt she has been working on. It is so lovely. I'm not sure of the pattern name...I will find out:) She really put this one together quickly. Way to go Mom:)

My Dad is very handy with his scroll saw. He loves to make ornaments and clocks. This clock was given as a wedding present to a neighbor who was married yesterday.

I hope your holiday season is filled with blessings.

Jenna Louise

Beeker's Store, Sewing & Some Cattle

2009-12-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

This holiday season I have been working at my favorite store in Pemberville on the weekends. Beeker's General Store. It is believed to be 136 years old. I love it there:) Lots of antiques from the Beeker Family are on display and the merchandise is fabulous. Old fashioned treats, unique gifts and so much more. It is like taking a walk back in time, very refreshing. I thought I would share one of the vintage Santas they have out this holiday season. If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop. It is a must see store in Northwest Ohio.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I was burning rubber with my sewing machine tonight, making fabric postcards to send out again this year. I don't have any ready yet to post but as soon as I have some completed I will share them. It is a great opportunity to practice machine quilting:) Recently I did make a cute little bag from Stitchin' Sisters called "Snap Happy". The bag uses carpenter's tape to help it "snap" together at the top. Very cute and very fun:)

The other day Rob and I were driving by his family's dairy farm and one of the long horn cows was near the road just waiting for her picture to be taken. Those horns are amazing to me and I thought it was worth posting. I love my new camera, it is always with me waiting to capture something exciting.

Warm Holiday Wishes to you!
Jenna Louise

It's The Holiday Season...

2009-11-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

The holiday season has arrived:) The lights, the excitement...the shoppers:) What a fun time of year. I've been busy creating gifts that I have to wait to post so I thought I would share some of my favorite homemade items on our tree...

My sister Emily made me this darling little angel. She is definitely one of my favorite ornaments:)

This lifesaver elf was made by my Great-Grandmother many years ago when I was little. It has seen 30+ holidays and the candy is still in the wrapper...it probably tastes a little funny by now:)

Rob's Grandmother loved to crochet and she gave us this ornament for our tree shortly after we were married.

When we lived in Pemberville, Ohio our neighbors across the street (The Ortman Sisters) traded holiday ornaments with us. This snowflake brings back a lot of memories from our first home.

I just joined a paperdoll ATC card group and finished my first project. This is my gold and silver ATC doll. This picture is my Great Aunt Theria. She is so beautiful, I thought she would make a great paperdoll. I hope my partner loves her as much as I do:)

My sewing machine continues to be busy creating gifts and holiday joy:) Can't wait to share some holiday magic with you:)
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
Jenna Louise