Mug Rugs

I've seen them all over the internet. I didn't think I wanted one until Mark turned his Valentine's Day card over and used it as a mug rug. Well, I made this that same day.


Then I had to make one for my dear friend Sue.

I love these things! And, yes, coffee tastes a little bit sweeter when I use it.

Thin Mints

I'm never experienced this before (with Thin Mints). But they seem to be melting in my mouth today. I eat one and I have to pop another in my mouth. I am bringing them up to the office. This cannot continue!

Gifts for Friends

I am a big geek. I can't help it. I love when I get to make something sports related. I hope everyone likes their goodies!


My friend LOVES Rajon Rondo. This is my favorite. It's just so silly.

A Beautiful Monday

We had the day off and decided to take a walk by the Pier. Pictures don't do the water justice. I love Florida!

Sketchbook Delight with Alisa Burke

I love to make things. I have great confidence with fabric, beads, and frosting. However, I've always been self conscious when it comes to drawing and painting. I asked Mark for drawing lessons in January. We've discovered that we don't do so well taking classes from each other (he never followed my recorder lessons!)

This is my first line contour drawing. Mark said I should do this every day.
This is my second line contour drawing. I did not do this one the next day. It was about 1 1/2 months later. At least I did it...

I've been following Alisa Burke's blog for a little while now. I can't remember how I came across it. But, I am always inspired when I read a new post. I was so excited when she offered an online class called Sketchbook Delight. I must say, the class is a delight.

Alisa's personality and passion come through even in her videos. She makes the process of sketching, exploring, and enjoying my art almost...easy. I've done some sketching this week and I don't hate anything I put on the paper. Miracle!

Just checking out the color palate of my watercolors.

I call this the "Alisa shell" because I simply followed her directions in one of the initial videos. It was really nice to be retaught about shading and using color.
Here are two sketches I did from pictures I took on vacation.

I had a lot of fun and I can't wait for more directions, more lessons, and more inspiration!

Valentine's Day and more

I saw this idea for a card or craft on a blog. I can never remember where I find inspirations when I write my posts. So, if I find the link I'll add it later. Mark has class on Wednesday nights, so the boys and I spent these nights stitching the card. He loved it.

This weekend I finished paining more Scrabble tiles. Yes, I am keeping that beautiful red one in the middle. I can't wait for baseball season to start!

Fiberologie is back!

Fiberologie is my favorite fabric store not just because of the beautiful fabric, but because of Karrie, the store owner. Fiberologie has opened up inside of Whim-So-Doodle, an amazing scrapbook store. It is a beautiful marriage.
I popped in Thursday night for a workshop. We each made an adorable fabric covered file folder. I had a blast, and it was great seeing Karrie again. Funny, she didn't forget any of my quirks!
I decided to make two more folders this weekend. One for a former student and one for a wonderful parent at school who does so much for us teachers.
This is a great way to use up scraps and fat quarters. I can't wait until I'm off my fabric diet so I can so shopping at Fiberologie again.