Woah, what's this?

So...I have a blog. I almost forgot. The end of school is always a bit crazy and I've been having a great summer. So, my computer has been a bit neglected. I have tons of pictures to upload and will get to it one of these days! Here are the Cliff's Notes from my summer so far:

The sweat shop...I mean sewing camp

Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp

A fiber workshop at Arrowmont

Pearl Fryar and his topiary garden

The 4th at TJs

Whew! Well, back to practicing the banjo!

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!