Paige Hill

The music of your life ...

2012-01-27T20:56:00.002-07:00

Today on NPR there was an interesting story on PRI's The World, the afternoon program on our local station. It was about a BBC program that I hadn't heard of. It's called Desert Island Discs and it's turning 70 years old this week. The premise of the show is simple. Each week the guest is asked what music they would take with them if they were stranded on a desert island ... Specifically, 8 records. But here's the catch. It has to be music that has spoken to you in some way over the years of your life.

I was intrigued ...

What would my 8 be?

According to the BBC official page for the program, the number one tracks and artist are Beetoven-Symphony No 9 in D minor 'Choral' and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart respectively. Mine wouldn't be nearly that interesting, but important to me in different ways ...

Here they are in no particular order:

1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-Elton John.

This song always takes me back to my childhood. My parents owned the tape and I swear we wore it out. Not to mention for YEARS I tried to figure out what it the world this song actually means ...

2. Take the Long Way Home-Super Tramp

This song reminds me of driving with my Aunt Mardee out to visit my Great Grandma. She lived in an old two bed room farmhouse complete with an outhouse. She was a true "Daughter of the Pioneers" and even made her own mayonnaise. When she was 90 she just couldn't live on her own anymore and was sent to a nursing home. I remember this song being on the radio as we drove out to visit her in her home for last time.

3.The Big Chill- The entire soundtrack

Ahhh the album that introduced me to all of the beauty that is Motown ... Not to mention the FABULOUS Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson! We listened to this album over and over when I was in 7th grade and we made a family trip to San Francisco and down the coast. I will never forget going to Sea World and then having to drive all the way back to Anaheim because the hotels were packed. My Dad filled the long ride (at midnight!) with stories of his time during the Vietnam war working at the Navy hospital. The Big Chill was the theme music of that trip, and I can't hear Whiter Shade of Pale without thinking of that time. What a great memory!

4. Jackson-Johnny Cash and June Carter

Every summer we take our kids to Jackson, Wy and every summer we sing Jackson as we're heading out on another adventure! I love this song:)

5. Leaving on a Jet Plane-Peter, Paul and Mary.

My Dad LOVED Peter, Paul and Mary. Now that he's gone, this song will always have a special place in my heart. Blowing in the Wind holds a close second ...

6.The Kingston Trio-Where have all the flowers gone

My Dad also loved the Kingston Trio and played their greatest hits constantly when Bruce and I were first married and lived with my parents. One day he was working in his office and had this song on. I tried and tried to figure out where I had heard the melody before. Years later when we were unpacking from our move to our current house, I pulled out a bird music box that I had salvaged from my Grandma's after she passed away. Sure enough, the melody was this song. I can't tell you how much that little bird means to me now:)

7.(tie) REM-Don't go back to Rockville
The Smiths-Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

Just one word describes this time in my life
COLLEGE! And I love the Smiths and R.E.M

8.The Entire Soundtrack-She's Having a Baby

I had this album LONG before I actually became a Mom, but now that I am, it means so much more.
I love every song, but especially Kate Bush's This Women's Work and Everything But the Girl's Apron Strings.
These are beautiful songs that speak to me as a Mom and remind me how much I love this job!

Runners up ...
Anything by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel or Ella Fitzgerald.

Now it's your turn! What are your 8?

XOXOX
Paige

Forging your own path ...

2011-12-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

How do you decide when to stay in the safe comfort of the footprints of the snow and when to make your own path? How do you make the decision to NOT follow the trail that was made and blaze your own? And if you do make that call, do you just throw on your boots and go for it? What if you fail?

This month I have struggled with these questions.

I have bantered back and forth, weighed all of the options, listed all the pros and cons, then I made a tough decision. I will not be continuing with Where Women Create in 2012. The time has come for me to move on ... Try new things and explore other opportunities. Plus, I'd like to actually CREATE something myself. Maybe sew? Maybe paint? I don't know, but it's time! I also want to spend more time working with Riley Blake. They are a FABULOUS company with the best fabric and people behind it! I absolutely love them. Plus, I hope to have another BIG announcement coming at the first of the year which will truly be a dream come true for me and will be just what I need to forge my own trail.

*This pup looks just like my Marley!

I am crossing my fingers that the footprints that I leave in the snow will lead me to bigger and better things!

I hope yours do as well ...

I'm pulling on my boots ... Won't you join me?

Saturday Inspiration ... Bring Mary Englebreit's Home Companion Back!

2011-12-17T14:48:00.001-07:00

By show of hands who used to stalk the mail box or the newsstand for this FABULOUS magazine? Does everyone miss it as much as I do?

Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion "Got me". I felt at home in the pages ... These artists felt like MY People ... MY FRIENDS! Ironically enough when I was fortunate enough to MEET many of these wonderful women, I was treated as if I actually was the old friend I felt I was. All because of the way I was introduced to them in ME's magazine. I was filled with creative projects, decorating ideas and inspiration. I have saved each issue and treasure each one. I consult them every time I need a creative boost. Just this week I was down in the decorating dumps. Luckily, I just pulled out one of my ME holiday issues and VOILA! Dilemma solved. The ideas that were published in Home Companion are AMAZING and timeless ... I miss it so much!

Were you a Home Companion fan?
Here's you chance to get introduce yourself, or reintroduce as the case may be to all the wonderful things that this magazine is about:

Mary has released a special digital mini mag just for us!

Click http://maryengelbreit.com/home-companion-magazine

It's a special peek into Mary's home for Christmas ... It's BEAUTIFUL!
I have a collection of old paper mache houses and bottle brush trees, so I especially love how she has added them to her holiday decor. Not only can you download the magazine, you can also get some DARLING gift tags for FREE!

Click this link: http://maryengelbreit.com/make-takes/holiday-gift-tags.
I am going to print mine on heavy card stock, then attach them to my neighbor gifts!

Thanks Mary for the continued inspiration you give me:)

As you can see, I love Mary Englbreit's Home Companion and I so wish they would bring it back! Unfortunately, the publishing industry is volatile and it's hard to get funding, but me? I'd like my voice heard. How about you? Can you help?

Click the link below to cast your vote and spread the word!

We creatives need this magazine!
Let's stick together and
BRING IT BACK!

http://maryengelbreit.com/archives/3399

Thank you so much!
You can share this post on Facebook or Twitter by using the buttons at the bottom of the post and I would so appreciate if you would. Pulling together is the only way we get things done, and our creative world is a better place because of Mary!
Let's show her we care and want our voices heard!

Happy Holiday's Friends!

12 Days of Holiday Giveaways!

2011-12-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Where have I been you may ask ...

It's my favorite giveaway of the year!

This time we've got 48 FABULOUS artists with 50+ GREAT prizes!

Best of all ... There are at least four prizes each day with one winner ... 12 Chances to win!

Click HERE to visit WWC, then comment on each day. You can enter each day until the contest is over, but just remember to post only once.

~Good luck~

I also have something else to share ...

You may remember me singing the praises of my friend Elea Lutz at

Well yesterday guess what showed up on my door ...

It smells HEAVENLY!!!!

I am using the hand lotion right now, but I can't bring myself to open the soap ... It's too pretty!

And yes, that is a fat quarter of her brand new fabric! How cute is that???

She's having a giveaway over on her blog and I would so appreciate you showing her some love!

http://nostalgia.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/12/giveaway-new-fabrics-and-the-sweetest-little-pins-for-your-pincushion.html

If you enter, please come back here and comment that you did. I will draw a name on December 12th for a copy of our latest issue of WWC PLUS I'll throw in the latest issue of WWCook!

Off to work on another project!

~Hope you're all enjoying the most wonderful time of the year~

XOXO

Paige

Saturday ... Snowing ... Sewing ... GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-12T14:11:00.001-07:00

WOW ... It's Snowing like CRAZY here! The perfect time to get caught up on sewing ...

Currently I am making:

Gabby's Sleepover PJ's from Izzy & Ivy

And a pillow using

QUICK and easy Floral YoYos

with my friend Amanda's FABULOUS

Delighted Fabric

PLUS ...

Working on this little guy (AGAIN!)

I think I'm going to FINALLY finish these Snowmen! I have a whole box full of little Snowman heads all ready to go, I just couldn't figure out whether to sew a whole bunch of bodies or do something else. Maybe put them on a stick? Make the bodies out of paper clay? UGH! The last two Christmas's I've brought them out, then put them back in January. Other projects came and went, but I kept thinking about my Snowmen. Then I spied something on Pinterest and my problem solved!

It was like Snowman Serendipity!

The image linked to this AMAZING blog with a GREAT idea ...

Her blog is called Creative Dreaming and it's darling! I think I'll put some candies in the jars and give them for gifts!

PLUS

look at this paper that I can use for the hats!

And how great are these embellishments?

They're from a company called Webster's Pages and they're just as beautiful in person as they are on the site! As a matter of fact, when lovely Courtney sent me a pack to try out, I couldn't believe both the quality and design. And the best part?

If you head over to

WHERE WOMEN CREATE

you can comment to win a collection kit of YOUR CHOICE!

And another best part?

Since we've got a BRAND NEW ISSUE of

I'd like to give TWO copies away to TWO of my readers!

All you've got to do is comment to this thread.
Want two entires?
Comment on the Webster's Pages Fabulous Friday post on WWC and then comment again and let me know you did.

GOOD LUCK and Happy Saturday Friends!

Delighted is delightful!

2011-10-21T22:07:00.000-06:00

My friend Amanda of The Quilted Fish had a great party this past Wednesday to celebrate the release of her latest fabric collection with Riley Blake called "Delighted".

The atmosphere was simply lovely!

Refreshments ...

Make~n~takes ...

Fabulous Creative Friends ...

{Me, Amy, Melissa, Amanda, Kara, April, Cindy and Jennifer}

And a Darling, Delightful, Delighted,
Decoupage House!

~CONGRATULATIONS~

Amanda on your fabulous line!

~XOXOXO~

Wednesday Math ...

2011-10-05T21:25:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you take:

1 very cool magazine +

2 fat quarters of FABULOUS Riley Blake fabric +

8 pattern pieces +

1 sewing machine +

1 large clump of Fiberfill + Scissors + Needle + Green embroidery floss +

Two buttons=

1 very funky pear for miss Emma J

Sewing, Sewing ...

2011-09-19T21:02:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA ... It's been a CRAZY month!

I have been sewing though and I almost have this DARLING dress finished!

STAY TUNED!

PS~The winner of Amanda's giveaway was ...

CONGRATULATIONS DEBBIE:)

~THANK YOU AMANDA~

And can you see that cute fabric on the ruffles? That's from her fabric line Sugar and Spice!

LOVE that Amanda:)

More giveaways are coming ... You can't miss it!

Have a great night friends!

It's time for another FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-25T20:42:00.001-06:00

Let me introduce you to my friend Amanda.

She is the owner of

{http://www.thequiltedfishpatterns.com/}

and TALENTED fabric designer for

{http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/}

I was lucky enough to meet her in person at Spring Quilt Market this year in SLC and she is such a sweetheart!

Plus, she designs the cutest patterns!

That's me, Amanda and Cindi Walker

from Stitch Studios.

She even let me wear this FABULOUS hat!

Hats are BIG in Amanda's world!

{I am SO making these for Emma's Birthday!}

So are beautiful quilts and GORGEOUS fabric!

Plus, she's got some great things up her sleeve, including a new Scrapbook line with Bazzill. I can't wait to use it!

And did I mention the GLAMP?

While I was up in Logan visiting my friends

Kim and Kris at

My Girlfriends Quilt Shop, I purchased the kit. I can't wait to make one for my office! I also had a chance to check out Amanda's

laminated cottons ...

How cool is that? You can make a shower curtain!

She even has a pattern for a cap ...

{I love that flower}

Amanda just released her latest line of fabric from Riley Blake called Sugar & Spice~

Isn't that sweet?

{I cannot WAIT to make this pattern for Emma's first day of Kindergarten using S&S}

{pattern from Jina Barney, who I LOVE!}

I hope I can hold it together for the first day ... SNIFF!

Now that you've seen a sample of her work, how about a chance to WIN some of her fabric?

She has GENEROUSLY offered to give

one luck commenter

a GREAT prize ...

two packs of 5" squares, one pack of 10" squares and two bundles of FQ's (7 in each bundle)! Think of all the creating you can do with THAT! WOW!

All you need to do is comment to this post and you're entered!

How about some extra entries?

*Follow The Quilted Fish on Facebook

*Follow Riley Blake on Facebook

*Follow my Blog:)

Make sure to comment for each extra entry and don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you. I will leave this post open until Thursday, September 1st at Midnight (MST), so make sure you get your comment in!

~GOOD LUCK~

Have a great day friends:)

Eight words that NO sewist wants to hear from their 5 year old ...

2011-08-21T21:27:00.002-06:00

"I'd rather buy my Halloween costume this year"

SOB!!!!!

My Mom took Emma and Mason shopping. Of course Gymboree starts putting out the Halloween costumes before school starts, so Emma spied this:

and then called me with the bad news.

I almost started crying!! Are you kidding? You don't want me to make you a costume? SOB!

So I asked my Mom to have them hold it, then started to plan.

Do I buy it? Do I find a pattern and make it?

OF COURSE I HAVE TO MAKE IT!!!!

I think I found a good pattern:

And I think I can add tulle and make it extra fancy. And I bet Emma would love to go to Joann's to pick out the fabric. Of course with the fabric, pattern and time it will cost me much more than the Gymboree price, but I HAVE TO MAKE her costume! Anyone else have this same disorder? Please tell me I'm not alone:)

Why Hello Friends!

2011-08-12T21:54:00.000-06:00

How are you? Is your summer going well? What'cha working on? Me? Well I have been SWAMPED with The Creative Connection Event, Plus putting together a baby shower for my BRAND NEW NEPHEW which included making this guy ...

{Can you tell we're crazy about owls in my family?}

His name is Otis and he's actually a kit from my friends at Adorn-It. It was super easy with very good directions ... Not that I ever FOLLOW directions, but if I did, they'd be easy:). Since he is for a baby, I used my sewing machine to sew his eyes, nose and belly embellishments, but for the original pattern they were hand sewn with embroidery floss. SUPER CUTE! Anyhow, Otis is on his way to his new home tomorrow. I just put him in his basket of goodies ...

Next up, I think I'm going to make Emma a dress (the poor thing has NO CLOTHES! It's sad really ... HA HA!) ... I have the most AMAZING fabric from my good friend Jennifer Paganelli, plus the patterns from her book Girls World are absolutely stunning ... If you have a girl to sew for, you must get this book!

Now for my SUPER exciting news ... Here's a hint ...

More information is coming, but if you live in Utah and want to get together with your fellow creative bloggers, business owners, artists and friends this one's for you! Email me and let me know if you're interested. We'd love to have you!

Good night my Creative Friends ...

Oh and I turned 40 this week ... :) Not too bad so far ...

Good Hearted Sadie ...

2011-07-28T22:26:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I LOVE vintage children's books!

My favorite were published by the Volland company and I think after you see how charming they are you'll know why. This image and verse are from the book

You can read the entire book, complete with illustrations HERE.

Isn't that sweet?

Now don't you want to be a "Good~Hearted" Sadie?

Which story is your favorite?

~WINNER~

CONGRATULATION MICHELLE!

Thank you so much

RILEY BLAKE

for this FABULOUS donation!

Speaking of giveaways ...

How would you like to take your best creative friend to

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT?

And the best news? We’ll cover TWO PASSES plus HOTEL! WOW!

Simply head over to

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT BLOG

and enter a comment!

You have multiple chances to enter so hurry over!

~GOOD LUCK~

Have a great night My GOOD HEARTED friends:)

A Fabric Lovers Dream ... GIVEAWAY!

2011-07-19T23:02:00.002-06:00

I have a serious addiction An addiction that drives my poor husband CRAZY. It fills an entire closet in my laundry room and four shelves and two baskets in my office, but it's something that I don't ever want to be cured. Yes, friends, I am a FABRIC HOARDER and I am not ashamed to admit it.

Who's with me? C'mon you know you are too. How can you resist those cute prints? That soft flannel ... And the KNITS! How fabulous is it that we can now buy ready-to-wear quality knits! And don't even get me started on laminated cotton! Are you kidding me? AHHHHH! Now you *might* think: "Wow Paige!" "I'll bet you sew so many things with all of that fabric"!

CONFESSION: I haven't actually sewed ANYTHING since March! I have a boatload of great patterns, a sewing machine (and serger), plus all of that BEAUTIFUL fabric all at the ready ... I have got to get going!

I've got to quit buying and sew!

Will that ever happen?

YES! Well sort of ...

Jo and I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely ladies of Riley Blake a few weeks ago for lunch. Let's just say I was in HEAVEN hearing all about their new lines and workings of a fabric business. It was so interesting ... Especially for a fabric gal like me. Plus, Jina and Cindy are seriously the nicest people! I just can't give up my addiction with them around! And who would want to?

Here is their booth at Quilt Market:

It was FABULOUS! And that darling fabric tree? It now resides at our dear friends Kim and Kris's new store in Logan {My Girlfriends Quilt Shop}. If you're in their neck of the woods, you MUST stop in! I just visited on Friday, but that's another blog post and another enabler to my fabric hoarding!

Riley Blake is one of my favorite fabric companies. I was lucky enough to work with their fabric on some projects for Making Memories last fall:

I even had enough left over to make an owl for Emma using my friend Anj's Pattern.

She loves her:).

Not only do they have GREAT fabric, but Riley Blake also carries matching trims, buttons and other accents called "Sew Together". How many times have you wanted to rip your hair out trying to match rick-rack or buttons to your fabric? Now Riley Blake has you covered. Plus, they have pom-pom trim which is perfect for little girls skirts! I have a pattern all ready and just enough of this fabric by Riley Blake designer Lila Tueller to get started! Yes! I can FINISH a project!

You really have to head over to www.rileyblakedesigns.com and see for yourself. Plus, they're having a contest right now where you could win a Beach Cruiser bike or a Caribbean CRUISE!

Click HERE for the details!

So you can see how great I think their fabric is.

Do you want to find our for yourself?

Well OF COURSE you do!

Look what I have to giveaway ...

Two Rolie Polies bundles!

{22-2.5"x44" cuts}

Lola's Posies by Lila Tueller

and

Happier by Deena Rutter

All you need to do is comment and let me know which Riley Blake fabric line is your favorite ... It's going to be hard ... I warn you!

*If you LIKE them on Facebook, give yourself an extra entry

*If you follow my blog give yourself an extra entry

I'll close out the comments on Wednesday, July 27th at Midnight (MST) so please get your posts in by then~I don't want you to miss out!

ETA: Since the new issue of WHERE WOMEN CREATE is being released this week, how about I sweeten the giveaway ...

Yes! If you're the lucky winner, you'll get the latest copy of WWC!

GOOD LUCK

and

Have a great day friends!

Oh, and I'll never stop hoarding, but maybe COLLECTING sounds better?

Are you with me?

Friends ...

2011-07-06T22:19:00.000-06:00

Plant the garden of your life with Friends ...

They are the loveliest flowers:)

I am heading out on Friday to visit with old friends and hopefully meet some new ones at

EVO '11

If you're going to be there, please stop and say hi. I'd love to meet you:) There's always room in my garden for new friends! And speaking of friends, when I get back, I've got a FABULOUS giveaway courtesy of my friends at ...

If you love fabric (and you KNOW you do!) this giveaway is for you!

In the mean time, visit www.rileyblake.com but be warned, you'll want to buy every, single collection!

Stay tuned, but before I go I have to announce the

WINNER of the French General Jewelry Kit ...

DRUM ROLL ...

CONGRATULATIONS Gilli!

If you will please email me by:

Clicking the "View my Complete Profile" in the upper right hand corner of this page, then clicking email, I will get your prize right out.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND FRIENDS!

Crafty Inspiration: Kaari Meng GIVEAWAY!

2011-06-28T19:21:00.000-06:00

Way back in the fall of 2003 I was having a crappy year. My Dad had died in June, we sold our house before our new one was built so we had to move in with my Mom. I was working on a book and stressed out to the max-as a matter of fact, I was diagnosed with hypertension in October. Not a good few months. So at the start of 2004, I was looking for brighter things. One day during this time I picked up the latest copy of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion to find a small write up about French General, Kaari's beautiful store. It sounded like heaven to me! Luckily, there was a decorating box for purchase ...

And when it came, I fell in love!

As you can see it was filled with lovely treasures and wrapped so pretty ... I didn't dare use anything! Of course I did break down and many of the embellishments are in my first book. The rest I have saved in a special place in my office ... I just can't use them!

I was delighted with the announcement of her first book, The French Inspired Home,

Especially since it was published by our sister publishing company, Lark Books (it's now available in paperback for a GREAT price on AMAZON).

Next came

Which I bought (and LOVED) right away. (also available in paperback HERE)

They are without a doubt two of my all time favorite creative books!

Since that time she has authored four other books and been featured in too many publications to count, including the very first issue of WHERE WOMEN CREATE (you can purchase the digital edition here).

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Kaari in person at

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION.

We were also able to spend some time together at Spring Quilt Market, where she was debuting her newest line for Moda, Paniers de Fleurs. It's BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Yes, she is just as wonderful in person as she is talented ...

Kaari is defiantly one of my favorite creative people!

And guess what?

This year she and Wendy Addison will be teaching two great classes for this year's TCC:

{Boite de Bijoux Workshop}

{Bibelot Charme Workshop}

I'm taking both ... I can't wait!

Kaari's latest project is called "The Art of Craft."

It's a place where artists can connect and share ideas, plus download FREE projects!

Click HERE to sign up.

Please take a minute to visit

French General

then

Kaari's blog.

You'll be smitten with FG. Just like I am:)

Now ...

You know what I love? GIVEAWAYS!

So guess what I've got for you?

A French General Jewelry kit!

YES!

Simply comment to this post and you're entered!

Additional entries if you:

*Join The Art of Craft

*Follow French General on Facebook

Just make sure you post separately for each entry!

I'll close out the posts on Tuesday, July 5th, so make sure you comment by then.

GOOD LUCK!

Thank you so much for entering the last contest.

The winner was:

Congratulations Lil!

Have a great day everyone!

Cinderberry Stitches ... Seriously the CUTEST book!

2011-06-20T11:55:00.000-06:00

I was both THRILLED and honored to be asked to be a part of the Cotton Floss book tour!

I received Natalie's ADORABLE book and immediately started planning projects ...

First up: The Market Folk carry bag

Is that not the cutest thing???? Those little embroidered tags? EEEK! Her designs are so whimsical ... I just love it!

Next, how about The Big Bag?
(Can you see I'm on a bag kick?)

My Mom is heading to Europe and I think she'd be thrilled to carry this cutie around ... I don't know if I could part with it though!

Now, I have to share a secret project ... SHHHHH!

My dear Sister-in-Law is having a baby in September. Guess who's holding the shower? And since she has a love of owls, what do you think of these cuties for party favors?

PLUS how fun would these be on the tables?

With Natalie's clearly written directions PLUS templates for all of the embroidery projects, I'm confident that they'll be PERFECT!

I wanted to share some additional projects from the book ..

As you can see, she is one talented gal with a wonderful eye for design ... You can't miss this book!
Please visit Natalie at http://www.cinderberrystitches.typepad.com/ and tell her that Paige sent you :). You'll be glad you did!

Now ... Here's the VERY best part about this review.

How would you like to WIN a copy of this book???

Simply leave a comment to this post by Saturday, June 25th at Midnight and you're entered!

For an extra entry, follow Cinderberry Stitches on Facebook and let me know that you did:).

Wait ...

STOP THE PRESSES!

Since I was such a silly girl and thought TODAY was my day to post (it was REALLY yesterday!!!!)

What if I threw in the latest copy of

PLUS

Would that help? Again, just comment to this post and you're entered!

GOOD LUCK! I'll announce the winner on Sunday, June 26th.

~Have a wonderful day~

Oh Me-Oh-My ... Quilt Market!

2011-05-19T16:22:00.000-06:00

One of my FAVORITE things about my job is the creative aspect ... Meeting creative people, seeing their work, sharing artistic visions. All of these things came together and more this weekend at The International Spring Quilt Market.

The booths were lovely ...

Lot's of color and beautiful patterns ...

Loved seeing friends ..

Plus, we had a great meet-up at The Blue Lemon!

I brought home some goodies, so hopefully as soon as I get my creative space cleaned, I can actually sew!

I'll be sure to post when I do ...

~HAPPY CREATING~

Guess What is Happening this Week?

2011-05-09T15:28:00.000-06:00

I can't wait!

That is all.

The Period Drama Post ...

2011-04-28T22:42:00.000-06:00

I discovered something VERY wonderful about my iPad. First of all, there is a PBS app. You can watch episodes of Masterpiece Classic and it's totally free! ACK! Plus, the kids talked us into getting a Netflix account which streams movies directly through our Wii and X-box. But guess what else? You got it ... THERE IS AN IPAD APP! YES! So I have been catching up on all of the period dramas I have missed. AHHHHHH! Heaven! After the kids are tucked into bed, I put on my headphones and get lost in the beauty of the MC (Masterpiece Classic!) here's my list of what I have watched ...

While not a MC, The Civil War should be required watching for all High School students in this country. It is AMAZING! In 1990 I bought my Dad the companion book for Christmas, but never had a chance to watch the entire series. I am so glad I did! One of the most poignant moments for me was the reading of the Sullivan Ballou letter.

Grab a tissue ...

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more . . .
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . .

Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness . . .

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights . . . always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again . . .

SNIFF ... But well worth it!

Round of applause for Ken Burns for once again instilling a love of American History into my heart.
*If you get a chance, watch his documentary The War about World War 2 ... It's heartbreaking, but eye opening. I cried during every episode and I don't know if I can watch it again, but I am so glad I did!

Next, I watched

When Downton Abbey premiered in the winter, I was really busy on a project so I didn't get a chance to watch it. I was so glad to be able to catch it on Netflix. It's a wonderful series about the lives of a wealthy British family and their servants starting in 1912 and finishing up just at the start of WWI. When it was over, there were several "loose ends" that I can't wait to see tied! And they BETTER be tied! :) Luckily there will be an addition to the series that is coming to the BBC this fall. That means it will hit here sometime in the spring of 2012. Hopefully some kind soul across the pond will download it to YouTube so we won't have to wait that long ... I thought it was just lovely!

Next,

I have to preface this by saying I am a Jane Austen girl through and through. You know this if you know me. I have had debates about the appeal of Mr. Darcy compared to Mr. Rochester. Let me just say this right now: Toby Stephens is a close second to Mr. D in this version. There are a few scenes that SMOLDER! I am not kidding! I watched the entire thing on YouTube because DANG Netflix didn't have it, and still loved it! It's one I am going to have to own. I also finished reading JA right about this time, so it was nice to have it fresh on my mind. Great book, great movie version! WHEW!

Next,

Once again we have a tale of a British family and their servants at the brink of another horrible war - this time WW2. I watched it on PBS and really enjoyed it. Not as much as Downton Abbey, but it was good. I have heard the original series is just wonderful. I'll put it on my list:)

Now for my FAVORITE so far ...

I just finished it this afternoon ... I LOVED IT! So much that I think I may take a closer look at Dickens. Great Expectations is on my reading list, but I might have to put Bleak House on it as well ... It was that good! I don't want to spoil anything, but it was a GREAT story. If you love the period drama, you MUST watch this show!

Next on my list is Little Dorrit.

How about you? Do you have any MC or BBC recommendations for me? I have watched every BBC Jane Austen, Cranford, A Room with a View and a bunch more, but let me know ...

What are your suggestions? Oh, and I'm still reading. This time it's

Have you read it? I've seen the movie a few times, but never read the book. I'm really liking FSF's writing style ...

The Great American Novel you know:)

Off watch another Period drama:)

Have a great night friends!

BTW: I just set up a Goodreads account, so if you've got one as well, please "Friend"me.

Please Come to the Lady Blog Picnic!

2011-04-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

We want Utah's blogging ladies to get to know the OGDEN NATURE CENTER! … So pack up your kiddos, wear your sneakers and join us for a free picnic lunch, nature games, activities and fun in our BACKYARD! Rain or shine. (If it rains, we'll be inside with the snakes and tortoises.) Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 26th to visitor@Ogdennaturecenter.org or call 801-621-7595. Let us know your name, your email address, how many kids you are bringing and their ages so we can plan for yummy food, pb&J's and goofy games! Check us out at www.ogdennaturecenter.org. Follow us on Twitter! Like us on Facebook!

................................................

I am so excited about this! We are a "Nature Center" family, so I hope all of my Utah Blogging friends come out and see what the ONC has to offer.

Let me know if you can come!

Read Along With Me ...

2011-03-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

I feel like I never get to read anymore...

Sure I read the newspaper, a few magazines, blogs, Facebook, message boards and emails by the dozen, but to sit down and read an actual book ... That would be WONDERFUL!

So I made it my goal this year to read 24 books by December 31st 2011.

I'm going to start a separate page on this blog chronicling the books, but so far I have read ...

The Help

Water for Elephants

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl who Played with Fire

The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest

and I am currently reading

Jane Eyre.

Would you care to join me?

Do you have a great book you can suggest?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

Logging off to get lost in Jane Eyre.

I read it in High School, but since the movie is coming out soon, I need a refresher. Plus, I keep getting into Bronte sisters VS. Jane Austen debates and since I HATED Wuthering Heights (sorry Emily fans), I need to give Charlotte a fair shake.

~Happy Reading Friends~

Meet my friend Chitters ...

2011-03-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

He is a 33 year old Great Horned Owl and he lives at The

A visit to the Nature Center is not complete until we see Chitters, so yesterday while Emma and I were visiting my friend Brandi, who is lucky enough to work there, we stopped by his cage. He was crouched down behind the door so we couldn't see him. He was making all kinds of funny noises (hence his name!), and we couldn't figure out what he was doing. One of the naturalists happened to be close by, so she offered to open the door so we could get a closer look. As soon as he saw us, he started to "talk" to us and even "Dance" around! What a treat! He has so much personality and LOVES human interaction. Actually, that's why he is at the ONC. Years ago a boy happened upon an owl's nest with, you guessed it, a baby owl inside. Of course owl's don't make great pets, so luckily his parents contacted the Nature Center where Chitters has been ever since. And what a joy he is! He is now the official mascot of the ONC and as such is able to visit local schools and teach the children all about owl's and their environment. We are so THANKFUL to have The Ogden Nature Center in our area. If you live in Northern Utah, you must come up and visit. You'll love it!

Visit Ogden Nature Center today!

Speaking of owls, you MUST check out this

FABULOUS "Night Owl" Party created by Anj Snow of

www.snowybliss.blogspot.com

Click HERE to take a peek ...

Isn't she AMAZING?

If you want to make stuffed owls of your own (and you KNOW you do!) visit her ETSY shop for the pattern, plus she even has a PDF pattern for the DARLING adoption certificates! I can't wait to make some for Emma ... She wants them all! And since felt is so cheap, why not? Not to mention you could use old sweaters or fleece. The possibilities are endless ... I'll share what I come up with when I'm done.

HOOT! HOOT!

Have a great day my friends!

Friends ...

2011-03-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

I love this quote.

I used it for this post for WWC, and I think it sums up the last few months for me. The Internet is a funny place ... You can learn new things, find old friends, watch videos, play games, visit message boards. The sky's the limit. Yes, there is an UGLY side (which I won't even begin to go into), but for me, the WWW (World Wide Web) has been a huge network of friends just waiting to be met and I am grateful to meet them. I think it's my favorite thing about my job. The creative world is simply packed with great people. People who "get" your obsession with fabric, glitter and scrapbook supplies. People who know that Michael's and Joann's are not someones possession or place. People who know what you're talking about when you say CHA or QM. These are my people. And I love them. Case in point. Sweet kitty Maggie had to be put down. It was not a happy time. I have spent my lifetime owning pets, but never had to make that awful decision to put one down, and it was a heart wrenching. Plus, how do you explain to Emma, who is five, that Maggie was going to die. And what does that mean exactly? My Dad died three years before she was born, so we told her that Maggie was going to Heaven and Grandpa Val would take good care of her. So one night I got a message on Twitter from my friend April Meeker. We had met briefly in the summer at a blog conference, but only really "know" one and other from the Internet creative world. She had a gift for me and needed my address.

About a week later, this wonderful book showed up at our door ...

Emma answered and wanted to open it right away. "Hey! Did Grandpa Val send this to me?" she asked. I laughed, then I cried. "No, my friend April did to make us feel better". We sat down to read the book and I tried my best to hold it together. It is a BEAUTIFUL book ... If you ever loose a pet (there is a Dog Heaven as well), you must get it.

My favorite part, and I am choking up here, is this:

"She will watch the old house

where she once lived and wandered,

and the people

who loved her inside"

How sweet is that? I envision that those who have gone on to Heaven like to make sure that we are ok, and I can't help but think that Maggie and My Dad check on us often. It makes me feel at peace.

Thank you April for this gift. I really can't express how much it meant to me.

You are truly an angel ...

This is April's blog ...

http://www.suaviloquy.blogspot.com/

And this is her GORGEOUS jewelry shop ...

http://www.secondsisterdesigns.com/

Please visit her today ... You'll be glad you did!

****

Well, I am off to break up the band downstairs.

Mason received the worst possible birthday gift that you can get for an 11 year old boy ....

A DRUM SET!

Now add Colter's electric guitar and Bruce's old electronic keyboard and you have a very LOUD house.

I hope the neighbors don't complain ... Or maybe I hope they do:)

Just kidding!

Have a great night everyone

and

*HUGS* to all of you for being my friend:)

Helping our feathered friends ...

2011-02-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Emma Jayne and I decided to "Feed the Birds" by making pine cone feeders. Emma LOVES to collect pine cones, so we were set there, but I was worried about her peanut allergy.

FEAR NOT little birdies!

A quick google search informed us that Crisco was a fine substitute, so we grabbed our seeds, a big bowl and some ribbon then set to work. After we had a cookie sheet full, we headed out to the tree in our front yard to hang our feeders (Well, I hung them, she hunted for rocks!). As we were admiring our decorated tree, we decided that our favorite one actually looked like a bird! Can you spot it in the picture? Oh, and notice the big rock Emma found? She brought it inside and covered it with seeds as well. I'm not sure how I feel about that. After all, Midnight is a pretty big cat, and putting a rock covered with birdseed on the ground is just an accident waiting to happen ...

Maybe I can find a safe spot out of his reach ... :)

~Have a great day~

*All of these great images were designed by Michelle Underwood.

She is a FABULOUSLY talented Digital artist.

Please visit her at:

Working on a blog button ....

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Defending Pollyanna ...

2011-02-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Am I ashamed to admit to being a "Pollyanna"? Should I be? Is it a positive or negative label? Recently I have had a few conversations on this very topic. In my perfect world, people are friendly, helpful and genuine. In the real world things are much different. I try my hardest to surround myself with the positive, uplifting people, but sometimes I see the other side and it's not pretty. There are self serving, rude, bigoted and hateful people. With all the negative things happening all around us, how do we cope? Do we all throw on our rose colored glasses and forget it exists? I know there I days that I want to, but that's no solution. So how about we take a page from the book Pollyanna and implement our own version of "The Glad Game". Simply put, let's make our world a better place like Pollyanna did to Beldingsville, Vermont.

Out with the negative, in with the positive!

Who's with me?

Join me fellow Pollyanna's!

We may just change our little corner of the world!

"Keep on the Sunnyside"...

There's a dark and a troubled side of life

There's a bright and a sunny side, too

Tho' we meet with the darkness and strife

The sunny side we also may view

[chorus]

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way

If we'll keep on the sunny side of life

Tho' the storm in its fury broke today,

Crushing hopes that we cherished so dear;

Storm and cloud will in time pass away

The sun again will shine bright and clear.

Let us greet with a song of hope each day

Tho' the moments be cloudy or fair

Let us trust in our Saviour alway

Who keepeth everyone in His care.

*Written by Ada Blenkhorn in 1899

2011-01-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend's wish!

FIVE FABULOUS BLOGGERS ...

Having the job that I do, I follow so many FABULOUS (there's that word again!) blogs that it's really tough to narrow it down to just five that I love .... There are HUNDREDS!

So let's just say here are five great blogs that if you aren't following, you should.

(Broken record time ...) I know I've said it time and again, but if your aren't following

Koralee at Bluebird Notes you MUST! She is one of the most beautiful bloggers both inside and out.

If I ever need any inspiration, she's my very first stop! Thank you Koralee for brightening my day:)

I love the The Long Thread for it's simple clean look, great projects and easy directions. Plus, she has a "Where to Buy Handmade" section with a huge list of artists. You can't miss it!

Soulemama is the wonderful blog created by Amanda Soule. She lives in an old farm house in Maine and chronicles her life with beautiful photography and lovely stories. She has an emphasis on the natural craft lifestyle, so her blog is where I first fell in love with Bamboletta dolls. Plus, she has a "Currently Enjoying" section where she highlights some great children's books.

Allsorts is the crafty blog of illustrator Jenny B Harris. It is so whimsical and fun ... You'll love it! She has dozens of really cute projects and tutorials. She also has an Etsy shop with darling embroidery patterns. One day I may even try it ... You know, 'cause I need ANOTHER hobby!

Inspire co. is the blog of Amy Powers, who also publishes the beautiful webazine Inspired Ideas. It's is filled with great ideas, inspiring photos and all around lovelyness! I have loved each issue of her magazine, I just wish that Issuu had a better app for iPad. Hopefully they'll get that fixed. Visit right now ... You'll be glad you did:)

Have a FABULOUS day my friends:)

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend's wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

I'm an adult now ...

2011-01-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

I had to make a painful adult decision today. I made the choice to put my sweet Maggie kitty down. She has been suffering from cancer for a long time and had finally gotten to the point of absolute misery. I struggled and cried, but I knew it was best for her, so today she made her journey home. I don't know that I feel peace yet, but I know my Dad was waiting for her on the other side.

My dear friend Kari posted this picture for me on Facebook ...

And here is an example of what made Maggie so special to me

When Maggie Was Hurt

I know that in the grand scheme of things there are many things that are so much worse, I just wanted to say that the loss of a great friend is hard to bear. Furry or otherwise. Thank you for everyone who sent words of encouragement and shared stories of how to cope.

Visit the WHERE WOMEN CREATE Facebook page to read the comments. If you are in a similar situation it will be so helpful. I know it made me feel better to realize that I wasn't alone.

Rest in peace dear Mags Rags. I will miss you.

~Happy Holidays~

2010-12-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a

HAPPY HOLIDAY

and a fabulous

NEW YEAR!

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for following my little blog:) It means so much to me and I am proud to call you all my friends!

LOVE,

Paige

~WINNERS~

2010-12-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist it. I had to choose TWO winners ...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE ......

Congratulations!

Please email me at

Paige (at) Wherewomencreate (dot) com

by Monday December 20th at Midnight (MST)

with your address and I will get your prize right out.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered. I truly wish I had 142 copies of the magazine to send out so I could give each and every one of you one. You really need to have your own copy! It's AMAZING! (Did I just say that again?) So I was thinking ... What would you think if I were to giveaway 2 copies of each of the Magazines (Where Women Create and Where Women Cook) quarterly? Right when they hit the newsstand. How does that sound?

PLUS ...

Stay tuned!

I've got another GREAT giveaway coming up with one of my ALL TIME favorite artists,

AMY BARICKMAN!

I will be giving away a copy of Vintage Notions, quite possibly one of my favorite crafty books (next to the WWC books of course!) of all time! If you love sewing, quilting, crafting or anything vintage,

YOU MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!

More details to come:)

~HAVE A GREAT NIGHT and THANKS AGAIN~

*HUGS*

~Announcing Where Women Cook~

2010-12-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's finally here and it's AMAZING!

Where Women Create's sister publication ...

I browsed through it in November, but finally had a chance to read it cover-to-cover yesterday. Now first I must confess ... I am NOT a foodie nor am I a great (or even mediocre) cook, but I

LOVE ~ LOVE ~ LOVE

this magazine!

The pictures are amazing, the featured women ... Amazing,

the whole concept ... AMAZING!!!!!

So I probably can't say AMAZING again in this post, but my friend

Koralee Teichroeb of

Has a feature in this issue that you don't want to miss!

Here's a sneak peek.....

AMAZING!

(Whoops ... Couldn't help it!)

So in honor of the official launch on Friday, I'm going to giveaway a copy of the premier issue!

(click for a bigger image)

What do you think?

Now for those who love Where Women Create, you know that our premier issue sold out very quickly and will not be reprinted. If you want a copy of this issue of Where Women Cook you better act quickly. It's sure to sell out. What better way to get it than to win it! Heck, I'll even throw in the official tote bag from The Creative Connection!

So what do you need to do to be entered?

Just leave me a comment. For an additional entry, follow me ... Thats it!

I'll close the comments on December 16th at Midnight (MST) and announce the winner the following day.

Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaways over on

~WHERE WOMEN CREATE~

the big celebration ends on Friday the 17th, so HURRY!!!!!

For more information on Where Women Cook, please visit:

www.wherewomencook.com

www.twitter.com/wherewomencook

www.facebook.com/wherewomencook

A Crafty Holiday ....

2010-12-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I am participating in

Started by the lovely Anglea Flicker, A Crafty Holiday is a way for all of us to come together and support the handmade movement. Read all about here inspiration here.

I am buying handmade this holiday season because:

"I have a FABULOUS job that I love. Part of this job is finding and helping promote fellow creative women. When you read their inspiring stories in the pages of Where Women Create, you can help but want to support these artists and the work that they do.

From A Woman's Soul.
Through A Woman's Eyes.
By A Woman's Hands.

That is our motto at WWC.

It's a great feeling to purchase something knowing that it has truly come from an artists inspiration ... their soul.

I am buying handmade to keep that feeling alive."

~Paige Hill

Part of our assignment is to write our handmade shopping list. Being in the position I am, I couldn't possibly add each artist that I support. There are HUNDREDS!!!!

So what I would ask you to do is to visit

Each day 3 different artists that we have featured on our blog are sharing their holiday traditions. Plus, they're giving away some GREAT prizes!

~You don't want to miss a single day~

Also, please take a moment to click through my blog roll and buttons. I adore each and every one of these ladies and purchase from them whenever I can. For more creative women, visit the blog roll of Where Women Create, but be warned ... You may spend all day visiting these creative women, so make sure you have time:)

I do have to share one very special handmade item that is on her way to a certain 4 year old in the Hill household ....

I can't wait to see what she looks like!

I am so grateful to Christina and her team for making a holiday wish come true.

~THANK YOU~

And while you are out shopping this holiday season, please remember ...

We need to support each other and the handmade movement!

Next up in A Crafty Holiday blog hop is:

http://whollyafool.wordpress.com/

Make sure you visit her tomorrow for another great post!

For the entire A Crafty Holiday schedule, click HERE.

~HAPPY SHOPPING~

My Snowman needs some vintage style ...

2010-11-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

You know how much I love vintage images right? Finding them was a big part of my original job at Where Women Create (Chapelle publishing). I'd scour Ebay for fabulous old magazines and children's books and I LOVED it! How fun is that job? As a result of my sleuthing and Jo's scouring antique stores and shows, we have a library of vintage images that looks like this ....

And that doesn't include the thousands of postcards and paper ephemera that we have as well. I absolutely love to look through our vintage stash for inspiration ...

It really ignites my creative spark!

So remember this Snowman that I was SUPPOSED to finish last year?

I had a conundrum about what I should put in his hands. A garland? A bucket of Snowballs? DANG! So of course some other pressing project came along and he has been sitting on my shelf just waiting for a holiday accessory for 12 months ... Poor guy!

So last night it came to me ...

Check out the old Dennison books!

For those unfamiliar, The Dennison Manufacturing Co. was founded in 1844 making paper boxes, jewelry tags, display cards and the like. Shortly after the turn of the century, the company turned its attention to making their own crepe paper, which then led to the creation of party supplies. As a promotion to their party wares, they created pamphlets about parties, holidays and crafting.

The most popular of these were the Halloween edition called Bogie Books ...

They were published between 1909 and 1934, and are AMAZING! The illustrations are so charming and whimsical. I especially love the crepe paper costumes! Can you imagine the fire hazard? Plus, all that work for one wearing? Surely you couldn't wear it twice!

If you check Ebay you may find a good selection of Bogie books, but they go for quite a bit of money. However if you'd like to purchase a reproduction, Amazon has most of them. I know you're saying ... "Hello Paige! Halloween is over!" Yes. Yes. On to Christmas. In our collection (among other Dennison books) we have a mint condition 1925 Christmas book. Now that I'd like to use it, do you think I can find it? NOPE! No trace ... Isn't that the way it goes?

So tonight I went back to Ebay where I found (and put bids on) ..

PLUS ...

CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR ME:)

My Snowman needs a stylish something to hold. Maybe a crepe paper rosette? Or a noise maker? Or a bucket of Snowballs? A garland? A staff? UGH! He can't go another year! Plus, I really want to make a few more Mr. Snowmen.

Save Mr. Snowman Dennison Manufacturing Company:)

XOXOXOX

And the WINNERS are ....

2010-11-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS!

THANK YOU so much for participating in my very first giveaway, and thanks to

for giving me the opportunity to share this with you!

~HAVE A GREAT DAY~

~Scotch Tape Giveaway~

2010-11-03T13:35:00.000-06:00

{Thanks to Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs.}

I created this project using Scotch (R) Double Sided Tape:

Since we're having a small gathering this year, I wanted to make something special for our guests. This image from my book Instant Memories "Family" was perfect for what I had in mind ...

A personalized place card.

First I printed and cut the image out. Then I attached it to a piece of patterned paper using Scotch (R) Double Sided tape. Next, I cut a piece of brown card stock just slightly larger than the image and patterned paper and attached with four brads, each placed on the corners of the patterned paper. To embellish, I added a flower and silk leaves to the top, metal photo corner to the bottom, then used rub-on letters to spell "Thankful". I printed out my sweet Mom's name on a piece of vellum and strategically placed it over a paper pumpkin using my Scotch (R) adhesive dot roller. For the final step, I added little gems to each corner of the name plate.

There you have it ...

An easy personalized place card for your holiday feast!

~Please feel free to take this image and use it however you would like~

If you prefer a Scrapbook page, I have included that as well ....

Or a journaling/picture block ...

Now for some really GREAT news!

How would you like to win some {Scotch (R) Double Sided Tape} for your own holiday crafting? There are DOZENS of uses for this FABULOUS product! All you need to do is comment to this post, and you're entered! Plus, I'll pick 2 winners who will win 5 rolls each! How about an extra entry? Just follow my blog and leave me an additional comment letting me know that you do:) This contest will close on Sunday, November 7th at Midnight (MST) and I will announce the winners on this blog the next day.

~GOOD LUCK~

*Please learn more about Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape and other Scotch(R) Products and join the conversation on the Scotch(R) Brand Facebook Page and via Twitter . I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity , as I do.

Creating ... Creating ... Creating ....

2010-10-24T22:17:00.001-06:00

My poor little blog! How neglected you've been!

So what have I been up to you may ask ....

First of all ....

BIG news on Where Women Create ...

We've been changing the look, so pardon the dust

BUT ...

We featured the most FABULOUS doll maker ...

Christina of

She is so talented and sweet to boot!

I've wanted to feature her forever, so I was OVERJOYED when she said yes.

Thank you so much Christina-You're WONDERFUL!!!!

Please visit her at

www.bamboletta.com

but be warned ... You will fall in love with the dolls:)

I am crossing my fingers to get a Bamboletta for Emma (or me!) for Christmas!

Next,

I've been creating some fun projects for

using their brand new cutting machine for fabric!

I don't know how much I can say, but they're on their way to Quilt Market as we speak! I created most of the items for "the girls room" using this fabric from Riley Blake .

Pretty cute huh!

So, if you are headed to QM, please stop by the Making Memories booth and get a demo ... You'll love it! Then check out the testimonial video for my silly face! Oh, and as soon as I can post pictures I will:)

Finally ...

believe it or not ....

I actually finished Emma Jayne's Halloween costume!

I'll post a picture later, but she's a black kitty ...

Just like our Midnight.

Here he is as a kitten ...

There is no way on this earth he would EVER fit in that sink today ..

He's HUGE!

Have a great night everyone:)

Get Your Craft On ....

2010-10-05T17:13:00.000-06:00

Visit my friend Kim over at Today's Creative Blog is hosting ...

I added my Stuffed Pumpkins from last year.

There are TONS of fabulous fall crafting ideas ... Check it out!

~HAVE A GREAT DAY~

Get Your Craft On ....

2010-10-05T17:10:00.000-06:00

Visit my friend Kim over at Today's Creative Blog is hosting ...

I added my Stuffed Pumpkins from last year. There are TONS of ideas ... Check it out!

~WHEW~

2010-09-20T19:52:00.000-06:00

Since we returned home from The Creative Connection on Sunday, I've had this post running around in my head. How do you put in to words all of the wonderful things that I experienced? I don't think the English language holds enough adjectives to describe, but I will try ....

FABULOUS ... AMAZING ... WONDERFUL ... CREATIVE ... CAMARADERIE ...

BEAUTIFUL THINGS ... LOVELY PEOPLE ... DREAM COME TRUE

~INSPIRING~

I met many friends,

both old and new

SO MANY THINGS TO SAY ...

Can I break it up into a top ten?

(In no particular order!)

1. Meeting Krys Kirkpatrick. I collect Bunnies by the Bay (which she started with her sister Suzanne back in 1986), and have admired her beautiful style forever! Emma Jayne's very favorite blanket in the world is her "Bunny Ears" blanket, so even she was excited when I told her I met Krys! And Krys? She couldn't be lovelier.

Look at this cute little guy I bought ....

Plus, she was wearing the most gorgeous necklace. When I commented on how much I liked it, she sold it to me! How cool is that? Visit her at http://kryskirkpatrickdesign.blogspot.com.

2. Spending time with my fellow Creative Connection Correspondents

Cindy Hopper (Skip to my Lou) Kim Demmon (Today's Creative Blog) Laurie Turk (TipJunkie)

I *HEART* These gals!

3. Listening to Ree Drummond ~The Pioneer Women~ Speak. She is AMAZING. So funny and down to earth, you wouldn't believe how successful she is. THE REAL DEAL ... I enjoyed every minute of her keynote speech, then meeting her afterward.

I'll always treasure my signed book ....

3. Meeting Joanna Figueroa. We featured her in Where Women Create, so I "met" her by email some time ago. I have always thought she was so talented and nice to boot. When I walked into her class, it was like walking into an old friends house. I was so tired so she offered to give me a kit to do at home and we just sat at the table and talked while the others worked on their projects. The conversation turned to vintage images, so I told her about our huge collection at WWC. She said "Oh I know ... I have your book". DID YOU HEAR THAT?? Joanna has MY book! Not just one. TWO of my books! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! Knock me over with a feather~What a great moment. Someone I admire so much owns my book:) Please visit her HERE

Thank you Joanna!

4. Meeting every single fabulous woman in the pictures above. Most I had only met "online", so meeting them in person was so great. I am already counting down until next year when we can meet again! Of course we do have some great Utah gals up there and I hope we can make a lunch date to get together...

And a special thanks to:

Angela Flicker. Thank you so much for the beautiful card and the extra fabric-you are such a sweet heart!

Kim and Kris from The DIYDish plus their sweet Logan friends. You made me smile so many times ... Not to mention the BEAUTIFUL necklace you gave to me. It made my day~Thank you so much!

*HUGS* to all!

5. Jill Schwartz. What can I say about Jill? Jo has been singing her praises for years, but I have never had the privilege of meeting her until TCC. If you will remember this POST , Jo and I had a preview of her jewelry line at Making Memories. On the drive home, Jo called Jill and asked her to clear her calendar to come to TCC. She did. That is just how great she is. Meeting her was an absolute pleasure. She is so nice and down to earth. I gave her a Facebook tutorial, so please go and join her page so you can follow her adventures. You won't believe the beautiful shots of Paris! Oh, and guess what? Did I mention that her jewelry line sells at ANTHROPOLOGIE and NORDSTROM! ~

So nice to meet you Jill~

OK ... I am so tired! I'll add the next five tomorrow ......

Proud to be a Creative Connection Correspondent!

2010-09-08T19:04:00.000-06:00

The Creative Connection Correspondents Will be reporting on all things "TCC" during the event. Look for them in The Handmade Market where they will be interviewing, blogging, Tweeting, Facebooking and best of all, giving away great prizes! Make sure you're following The Creative Connection on Twitter (use the hashtag #tcce10), Facebook, and this blog for all the latest news.

So ... Who are the CORRESPONDENTS?

Cindy Hopper

Kim Demmon

Laurie Turk

of

Paige Hill

For all things The Creative Connection, follow these roving reporters!

*This FABULOUS logo was created by the one and only HAPPY ZOMBIE ...

Have you met The Happy Zombie?

2010-08-26T20:08:00.000-06:00

YOU MUST GO NOW and EXPERIENCE the AWESOMENESS!

(Just click his cute little face)

The Grumpy Child Photo Shoot ....

2010-08-17T12:37:00.000-06:00

It was a GREAT mail day yesterday ....

I received my custom made Emma J outfit

from

www.oliveandollie.blogspot.com

Heather did a FANTASTIC job ...

It's DARLING!

Emma was so excited to get it on, but not so thrilled with having her picture taken ....

Can you say GRUMPY!

With summer winding down, I guess we're all a little grumpy:(....

How are things at your house?

Sunday thought ...

2010-08-01T12:09:00.000-06:00

Be sure to enjoy the journey ....

It's just as awesome as the destination ...

Drum Roll Please .......

2010-07-29T21:12:00.000-06:00

Introducing ...

THE

CUPCAKE

SNUGGIE

If you're heading to the

www.cupcakeconference.com

You could win one courtesy of Where Women Create!

Now I'm off to wash the glitter off my hands ....

Like a Kid In a CANDY store:)

2010-07-17T17:32:00.000-06:00

Jo and I were lucky enough to visit our friend Jenny at Making Memories this week. We went for lunch, then Jenny gave us a sneak peek at their FABULOUS new products for CHA including their new do-it-yourself Jewelry line called

VINTAGE GROOVE.

Making Memories teamed up with our WWC friend Jill Schwartz,

so you know it's going to be beautiful!

This line is like discovering a great antique store with TONS of vintage findings!

We went crazy ...

Like a kid in a candy store CRAZY!

Not only are these pieces great for making jewelry, but wouldn't they be fun on a scrapbook page? Or making a card? Even on a home dec. project. I can't wait to get started. They even have a line of tools and an idea book so it's virtually fool proof! Especially for me:)

We also checked out all of the new Scrapbooking collection. They have a great Halloween line, plus a brand new Christmas collection as well. Look for them in stores in August. I just may have to start Scrapbooking again ...

{SSHHHH ...I'm going to let you in on a secret.}

We're going to be doing a Making Memories giveaway on WWC to celebrate our new blog makeover. Keep your eyes out, cause it's going to be good!

Visit Making Memories Blog for all the latest news .....

_________________________________

Since I haven't had time to sew, I'm lucky to have met some FABULOUSLY talented gals ....

First,

Heather Jones

from

Heather is a talented seamstress and quilter.

Just look at this quilt she just finished ....

Isn't that amazing? SUCH talent!

She runs the DARLING shop called {what else?}

Olive and Ollie!

I just bought the CUTEST shirt for Miss Emma J.

She'll personalize it with any name you choose.

How about this owl set?

LOVE IT!

Heather is going to be at THE CREATIVE CONNECTION ...

I'm really looking forward to meeting her in person.

Oh, and I'll let you in on another little secret ... if you visit her shop and see something you like (and trust me. You will!) use this code WWC10 for 10% off your purchase until the end of July.

Thanks Heather!

Now I'd like to introduce you to our WWC featured artist this week:

Julie Martin

I've admired her designs FOREVER ....

Simply adorable!

So here's what I bought for Emma ...

Head on over to WWC for a chance to win a ZOZOBABY outfit of your own!

WWC BLOG

Plus, she's also offering a discount ... Hurry!

Thanks Julie:)

Now for my future sewing needs ...

Who doesn't love a GREAT fabric store?

Melanie Thornton

is being featured on TCC's In Your Words

& guess what?

She's offering a discount, so don't miss it!

Wahoo! I've got my list ready ....

What about you?

Have you seen anything great this week?

I want to know!

EXCITING NEWS!!!

2010-07-07T21:36:00.000-06:00

Guess who's coming to

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION?

One guess ....

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels.

(Did you not LOVE that story? I read the whole thing in one sitting!)

Ok, TWO guess's

FABULOUS Cinnamon Rolls.

YES OF COURSE!

It's

The Pioneer Woman Herself,

REE DRUMMOND!

I cannot wait to meet her! I bet she's just as sweet in person as she is on her blog:)

Please come with me ...The more the merrier!

Click HERE for all of the details ....

HAVE A FANTASTIC NIGHT!

PS~I have a TON of great stuff to share .... STAY TUNED!

2010-07-02T20:10:00.001-06:00

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION

{Presents}

“CRAFT Publishing with LARK BOOKS”

Etsy Virtual Labs

Wednesday, July 7 at 4 p.m. ET

Have you ever fantasized about having your work published? What about becoming a book designer and author? Then join in the conversation on Wednesday, July 7 at 4 p.m., when Nicole McConville, Beth Sweet, and Kathleen McCafferty—editors of Lark Craft (www.larkcrafts.com) host THE CREATIVE CONNECTION/Etsy Virtual Lab. Join in the conversation on how to get published, learn how Lark finds inspiration, works with crafters and designers, and develops book ideas. Find out how to tailor your own book proposal to best reflect your creative spark. To register for this Lab Session, go to etsy.com. But hurry—space is limited!

Lark Craft, a division of Sterling Publishing, is a Platinum Sponsor of THE CREATIVE CONNECTION event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis, MN, September 15-18. Paige Gilcrest, editorial director of Lark Crafts, will be a panelist at the Editorial Panel Breakfast on Saturday. She, along with other media professionals, will discuss ways to get published in magazines, books, and on-line, as well as things you should know before pitching an idea, story, or book proposal. Time will be allotted for questions from the audience, so be sure to come and take part. Marcus E. Lever, President of Sterling Books, will also be on hand to deliver one of the keynote addresses at the Thursday night dinner, September 16.

Learn more and register to attend at

www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com.

EVO Saturday

2010-06-25T22:29:00.000-06:00

Guess where I'm headed tomorrow?

GORGEOUS Park City for ....

FUN TIMES!

I'll update you on my adventures on Sunday.

~Have a great Saturday~

Where Bloggers Create ....

2010-06-19T12:27:00.000-06:00

No, my mess of a studio will most certainly NOT be participating in this FABULOUS blog hop, but there are over 450 (!!!!) beautiful studios to be seen. WWC is sponsoring this great event, so make sure you stop by. Our friend Karen Valentine is hosting, so you know it's going to be wonderful:). After you've visited, make sure you stop by
WHERE WOMEN CREATE
for
FABULOUS FRIDAY

This week we're featuring the AMAZING
Julie Carson
of

And guess what?
One lucky commenter will be winning this BBQ Chalkboard ....

Just in time for summer!
{Follow this LINK to enter}

~GOOD LUCK~

~HAVE A GREAT SATURDAY~