Friday, July 30, 2010

Who started me crafting?

Who was responsible for my becoming a crafter?













My earliest memories are of my mother sewing clothing for my little sister and I. We never went to the department store at the first of the school year, except for new shoes and underwear and socks. Our school clothes came from fabric and patterns that my mom purchased at the local yardage shop.


Then there was my mom's sister, my Aunt Wilma who was also a seamstress. She had clients that she created clothing for. She also loved crochet. As a young girl, I sat with her, when we visited her house and she would teach me the crochet stitches. I really never learned enough to crochet for myself, but I really enjoyed the attention she gave me with our little lessons.

















Then there was my mom's mother, my maternal grandmother. She lived alone and cut little pieces of fabric in all kinds of shapes and made quilts! She also made little yo-yo dolls. But I was most fascinated with her quilts! I always said that when I got old, I was going to make quilts. Well, I guess I am old, because since all my children are grown, I now make quilts of my own! I am so blessed to have had this heritage!









(This little quilt I made for my grandson. Not the first of many that I will make for my family!)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

ID Badge Holders







Some time ago, I made some beautiful ID badge holders. I don't think that I ever shared them with you wonderful blog readers. I had purchased some larger beads from an Etsy seller, and decided to make something different, than what I had normally been making. I settled on long beaded badge holders for those who must wear them everyday at work. They can double as jewelry, since they are not the traditional webbing type holder. You can see them in my shop in this section http://www.etsy.com/shop/PruittDesign?section_id=6990174 If you have a special request for a color, I would happily make a custom order. Also, right now, during my summer sale, I will refund 20% of the purchase price thru Paypal. This is a great deal for you working gals!!!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Tip of the Day

Asparagus! A cancer fighter? That's what a new friend told me. I met Angel at a Craft Bazaar that I was participating in yesterday. We were talking and she told me she eats Asparagus every day, because it is proven to "eat cancer cells." I have never heard of this!

So, being a good researcher, I looked into it. I found lots of info about it! (Is it strange that when you go to the doctor that they don't tell you this nutritional information.) Anyway, what I found was:

History:

  • Asparagus used to be a delicacy in one of the 10 or 12 dishes offered in Chinese Wedding Feasts.
  • It is noted as an epicurean delight and also for its medicinal qualities.
  • The origin of asparagus was in the eastern Mediterranean region but now it has spread throughout the world.
  • In the 18th century, King Louis XIV of France popularized the asparagus.

Medicinal Properties:

  • Asparagus is one of nature's most perfect foods.
  • Asparagus are poor in calories and loaded with vitamins and minerals.
  • Asparagus also contains the phyto-chemical glutathione, which has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.
  • According to the National Cancer Institute, asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, one of the body's most potent cancer fighters. Glutathione is involved in detoxification. It binds to fat-soluble toxins, sucha as heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, and transforms them into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in the urine.
  • Additionally, asparagus is high in rutin, which is valuable in strengthening the blood vessels.

These history facts are from an internet article. The medical properties of asparagus are taken from the writing of Lucinda Ball of the UK written in 2005.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Just relisted!


This lovely necklace is has just be relisted! I spend part of my weekend on the beach, so I just had to feature this necklace. I sat and read a book and watched the fishermen, the people watching their children play, and others walking their dogs. I strolled on the beach looking for pebbles and shells, and generally had a lovely day!
Remember . . . my 'Pebbles on the Beach necklace" is 1/2 OFF the listed price for my Christmas in July SALE! Prompt refund thru Paypal or a can make a revised invoice for you! Check it out!!!


Saturday, July 17, 2010

Christmas in July


I'm participating in the "Christmas in July" Sale on Etsy. Lots of shops are participating. Take a look!
Search 'cij' or 'christmasinjuly' and see what wonderful things you can find!
Great time to stock up on gift items for birthdays or for saving for Christmas or for just little something for yourself~

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dream Vacation?

A dream vacation? What would it be? I often see contestants on Wheel of Fortune win trips as they play the game. They jump up and down and shout, and generally make silly of themselves! But they are happy! Real excited to say the least!!! So, I thought . . . what vacation would make me jump up and down and scream, although I'm not the sort to do that! After much thought, about the hassles of flying and traveling, I came up with this:




I would love to go rent a cabin at Crescent Lake in near Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. Although I visited this lake on a trip with my dad when I was a teen, I've always wanted to go back. It is the clearest blue lake that I had ever seen. Spectacular! My husband and I took a day trip thru the area two years ago, but we didn't get to stay. We took a little time to enjoy the pier. Here he is sitting on the pier. These pictures do not do the lake any justice, since it was an overcast day and the blue just didn't show at all. Summer time would be the best time to visit, when the sun is out.

The lake is extremely deep, and tucked between two mountain ridges like a hidden gem. The road around the lake is windy and slow because it is literally cut out of the side of the ridge at the water's edge--kind of freaky in some spots, but plenty of turnouts to stop and take a look at the water. When you get to the west end of the lake, there is a wonderful old lodge with a lovely restaurant, a comfy pier, and quaint cabins. I want to stay for a week, take a boat out on the lake, go fish, go for a hike--maybe to Marymere Falls, sit in the Adirondack chairs on the shore and read a good book! Just generally relax and have some fun! That's my kind of vacation!!!!


Tuesday, July 13, 2010

New listing!


I'm doing a couple of craft bazaars soon, so I have come up with a little ditty that will be an impulse buy, I hope!
My daughter inspired them! She has one, that is a little different that she uses when she shops at the farmer's market every Saturday. She keeps her budgeted cash in it, attached to her tote handle. This helps her not go over budget and always have her money handy. That way she doesn't have to carry her purse, also. A blogger friend, Beth, said that she thought it was a great idea, only she would take it to the beach! She doesn't like getting sand in her purse but still needs to take her license, money and cell phone with her. She would like to attach it to her beach tote!
These little fabric pouches have an attached key ring. They can be used as a key chain to hold your keys or as a coin purse, or attach it to your backpack, or even your belt. Absolutely great for hiking too!
I had so much fun making them in all the assorted fabrics with contrasting color zippers! I love working with the different color combinations!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fourth of July!



I bleed red, white and blue, don't you? Today is a day to celebrate, but also think about our freedom and heritage. I was going to write something, but my Etsyblogger team mate, Mysticwynd, said it better.

Please visit her site today, July 4th, read her words and view the video! It's well said and beautiful!! Don't miss it!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Birthday Sale











I just love patchwork! I love country style. It's so homey and comfortable. I'm not much for the new minimalist styling for homes, it seem just so cold! So I created this lovely patchwork tablecloth and matching towel set. I imagined a bed and breakfast guest room with this cloth on a side table with the fluffy guest towels just lying ready for a special guest! I had loads of fun making them! They are both on sale, as they are included in my birthday sale!
Huge 'It's my Birthday' Sale thru the Weekend! 25% OFF everything!