Let Them Eat Cake! And Cookies!!!

I'm getting ready to mix up some Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie dough and Chocolate Orange Sugar Cookie dough.  I'm going to put the dough in the fridge and bake them in the morning.  I confess, I really love cookies!  And chocolate!  And I don't quite have the will power that I used to have.  Esp. with my mom's cookies!  She was baking when I arrived at her house this morning and oh, I love that!  Reminds me of when I was little.  I would get home from school to find mom baking and that awesome scent floating around in the house! 

But since the cookies aren't ready yet, Let Them Eat Cake!!!  I told you I was into Marie Antoinette.  Well, I made a Marie Antoinette Blank Journel:



Isn't this cool?  Lot's of places to use glitter on here!  These do take awhile.  I really had no idea how time consuming they were.  The front and backs are covered as are the inside covers.  I always do a sweet little envelope and a matching bookmark.  I'm wanting to make some fabric journal covers.  Would give me a chance to run my sewing machine!

This Blank Journal is a custom order.  It's for a little girl so my client didn't want a ton of glitter on it:



The only glitter on this journal is on the vintage card that I used.  I figured the card is at least 50 years old.  If the glitter stayed on that long, it's not going to go anywhere now!

So while I was making journals, mom was making more Tussy Mussy's:







I just love these!  And my mom is so into mixed media now!  I never expected it from her.  She's always been so traditional.  She asked me to bring her more of my Somerset Studio magazines and some of my Cottage Style decorating magazines.  I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks.  Not that I think of my mom as old because I don't.  We're actually like 2 little kids playing with the craft supplies!

In other news, I've noticed a bit more improvement regarding this horrible depression that I've been living with.  Mornings and evenings are still not good but, I noticed the past couple of days, that I feel a bit more on the planet.  It still goes back and forth but I know that feeling grounded will eventually take over and stay put.

I'll tell you, this whole depression thing has been like living in a Stephen King novel.  And now I know where he comes up with all that weird stuff.  He suffers from severe depression.  Edgar Allen Poe had severe Bi-Polar.  He's another one with the weirdo stories and due to my experience the past year, I could write some of that creepy stuff too but I'd rather not remember it.  I really prefer to think of fuzzy little fluffy things like puppies, kitties, birds and butterflies! 

I'm told, in time, that I will forget much of this experience.  I say thank God for that!  Quite honestly though, I would find it hard to believe that someone who went through this would not be changed by it.  I've been dealing with depression all my life and didn't even know.  The "off the charts" anxiety was always obvious to me but the depression wasn't.  It's my severe anxiety that goes with my ADD that causes the depression.  Still, I've never had an episode like this before.  And don't care to ever go through it again.

I'm off to run that Kitchenaid!

Glitter Houses for the Birds!

Yes, I do believe I've mentioned my love for glitter once or twice!  I finished these up this morning:



I love birds but these aren't for outside!  My husband would call these, "Look At Birdhouses"!  He learned a long time ago that anything stitched on or handmade is off limits to him.  Don't touch!!!  That's for looking at!

I glued some vintage lace to the roof of each birdhouse and then added glitter.  They're so sparkly!

And another finish of mine:



I finished this block up this morning before I went into town.  I can't believe I did 6 blocks already.  They seem to be stitching up a little quicker than my purses.  They're only 1 inch smaller! 

Anyway, here is block #7:



Not sure if I'll start on this one right away or if I want to do something else.  I have all these great ideas of things I want to do but I only have 2 hands and 1 brain.  We won't go there!  Ha, ha, ha!

Well, I have an order to put together and then I plan to relax and look through my magazines until my husband gets home. 

Busy Day

I didn't intend for it to be that way.  It just sort of happened.  I woke up and decided that making cookies would be fun!  And it was!  I was only going to do Cherry Almond Shortbread with Chocolate Chips but once that was done mixing and in the oven, my Kitchenaid was still screaming at me!  So I made a batch of Coconut Shortbread.  Whoa!  These are quite yummy!  I just got back from taking some to my neighbor to thank him for shoveling my driveway for me:



My house still smells good!

I then spent some time photographing our latest creations:



I finished this up yesterday.  I am absolutely planning on making one for myself.  And I think I know what the theme will be!  HINT:  I just ordered the Marie Antoinette magazine from Somerset Studio this morning!  Oh, and the movie is so incredibly beautiful!  I'm so glad I bought that!

Anyway, another of my latest creations are these little Feather Tags:



Aren't they pretty?  I usually do paper craft things when I'm at mom's.  She has the most awesome workspace down in her basement!  I'll have to get a photo of our craft space next time I'm there.

Anyway, mom made these pretty tags:



I'm so impressed with these.  Mom recycled some package material that she received with something she ordered.  It's some really neat stuff and mom saved it for crafts.  My mother has always been into the "Green" thing.  That's where I learned it from!

Well, I'm out of steam for now.  I have a couple little packages to put together for shipping and then I'm off to stitch on this some more:



I expect to finish this up tonight or tomorrow.  I may take another little break before starting Block #7.  We'll see what I do.

Have a great evening everyone!

QUICK EDIT:   I wanted to mention Sheila's blog.  She stitched up my "January" Biscornu of the Month.  I wanted you to see the stitched piece as well as Sheila's stitching which is quite lovely!

Now Is The Time.....

Years ago, I loved to journal.  I wrote about my day and things that I wanted to do and so on.  Nothing grand, I just kept a journal to help myself unwind at the end of my day.

Eventually, I stopped doing it.  Not enough time!  Honestly, I just stopped making the time for it in order to have time for other things.  What is it with time?  We seem to have an obsession with it.  Or rather, an obsession with the lack of it!  I guess we as a society have reached a point of having so many wonderful things to do, that we have a hard time (there's that word again) making time for everything.

On that note, here is one of my latest creations:



I used vintage papers, vintage millinery flowers which I hand-dyed myself and loads of glitter!  I really enjoyed this project and plan to do a few more.  I may even make one for myself.  Oh my goodness, one more thing to make time for!  LOL!

Honestly, journaling is an excellent way to help deal with anxiety, depression, ADD and BiPolar.  By writing things down in a notebook, it gets all the chaos out of our heads.  It's also a good way for us creative people to get our ideas out of our heads.  By writing it down, we're not spending so much energy trying to remember everything!

Another new addition to the shop, is a new Tussy Mussy by mom:



Isn't this pretty?  I love it because I love St. Patrick's Day!  It marks the beginning of Spring for me.  This little Victorian Lady is ready to go to the parade with her little shamrock!

I have all sorts of new things to add but can only do a few a day.  It really takes a lot of time (there's that word again) to take photos, load them into my computer, edit them, write up descriptions and upload photos.  Thankfully, I can sit here and stitch while the photos are uploading!

Speaking of which, I'm off to work on my crazy quilt block!  Now is the time.....

Thoughts Of Spring.....

Another cloudy, dreary day here in McHenry, Illinois.  It's not terribly cold and it's not snowing (that's a good thing), but it's dark and grey.

I spent the day with mom, glittering and gluing.  I have some really pretty new things to share but I'm too tired now to take photos so I'll save them for during the week.

The ugliness of dirty, melting snow adds to the boredom of Winter.  I look forward to the snow disappearing and the little peaks of Crocus' popping their heads out of the soil, reminding us that Spring is near by.  I'm really eager to see Robins again.  Those gorgeous songbirds with their bright orange breasts really tell the world that the glorious season has begun.  For us, we usually see the first Robins of Spring about the last week in February or the first week in March.  It's a bit of a wait yet, but such a thrill for me when I see my first Robin of the season.  Much of last year is a big, fat blur to me.  But I do remember the day I saw my first Spring Robin!

Working on my garden quilt does help me to think of Spring:



Block #6 is coming along nicely, isn't it?  As you can see, I've really been playing with Carol Samples templates.  I only used my Waste Canvas technique for the feather stitch and the herringbone stitch.

Tomorrow, Scott is taking me into town to Borders & Michaels.  The latest Marie Antoinette movie is just screaming at me!  I read the reviews and I just know it's a movie I'll watch over and over.  Thankfully, there's no beheading in the end.  I know I couldn't deal with that right now!  As much as I love Amadeus and usually watch it a few times in January, I can't deal with some of it right now.  Especially the end.  It's not an accurate historical representation of Mozart's life, but it's a bit too dark and heavy for me at the moment.

I'm also going to order the Marie Antoinette issue from Somerset Studio.  I can't stand not having it!  The Somerset Studio magazines have helped me quite a bit the last few months.  The colors and the beautiful handmade things remind me of feeling like my real self.  Not the partial zombie that I've been for too long now.  Some of the zombiness has faded away but I still feel a bit off the planet.  Like I'm trying to function with someone else's glasses on rather than my own.  It's screwy!

Anyway, at Michael's, I need glue!  I can't believe how many different types of glue I use for my projects.  And then there's some of the new Martha Stewart glitters!  Oooof!  I love my glitter!

I'm really itching to go antiquing.  The next flea market isn't until Valentine's Day.  That'll be fun for Scott and I.  I may have to ask him to take me to an antique mall next week.  I love the thrill of the hunt and the thrill of a bargin!

Time To Relax!

I started stitching on Block #5 this morning before I went into town for groceries:



I've been experimenting a little more with Carol Samples Templates.  I'm just about done on the computer for today so I'll go stitch and relax.

Tomorrow is a crafting day with mom.  I'm working on some little bird houses which I hope to complete.  I'd like to say thank you again to everyone who continues to share their kindness with me.  Your concern, encouragement and support means so much!

Not every minute of every day is perfect but I'll get past this at some point.  My stitching and craft projects certainly help to keep my mind off of how I feel.  And heaven knows I've been bitten by the mixed media bug!  And the Marie Antoinette bug!  I have a Borders coupon so I plan to pick up the latest movie over the weekend.

Before I head out to relax, Mom's been cleaning out her sewing room again.  If I have any Quilters here, I just added a bunch of quilt patterns to the Yard Sale section of my shop. If anyone is interested, please hope over and check them out.

Have a good evening everyone!  I'm off to stitch!

Before I Retire For The Night.....

I thought you would enjoy seeing this:



Block #5 of my Garden Quilt is now complete!  I had all 5 blocks out on the floor this morning and oh, this is going to be a pretty wall quilt!

Before I start stitching on Block #6, I thought you'd like to see the pieced block:



I usually stitch in the morning for a little while after my husband leaves for work.  On the days when I can drag myself out of my bed!  I used to get up at 4 am, ready to go, go, go!  Now, I do good once I get going but sometimes my greatest accomplishment for the day is making myself get up.  Today was a good day.  Hope tomorrow is too.

I'm quite tired now so I'll keep this short.  Before I head out, thought I'd share my mom's lastest creations:

Sweet little angel ornaments, perfect for package tie on's for Valentine's Day, Easter, Birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas, New Baby or First Communion.  I don't know which one I love more.  They're all so pretty and sweet!

Mom is really going to town!  I loaned her some of my Somerset Studio magazines and she is so into them, I can hardly get them back from her!

Speaking of Somerset Studio magazines, does anyone have an extra copy of the Marie Antoinette magazine.  I'm willing to pay for it or trade for it.  I was so sick when it came out.  I remember seeing it in Borders, but I just couldn't focus enough to buy anything.  I'd really love to have that one.

NOTE ADDED TO POST:  I don't know what happened to this message!  Can't figure it out so I'll leave it.

Notes To Myself

Slow down girl!  Settle down girl!  Relax girl!  Oh, these things just don't seem to be in my vocabulary!  I keep moving from one task to the next despite the fact that all I really feel like doing is stitching.  That motor on my ADD butt just doesn't quit.  At least until I'm so exhausted that I have no choice but to take a shower and go bed.  And oh yes, how about those night sweats!  Love that.  NOT!  And then the restless leg syndrome caused by my medication.  My body wants to sleep but my legs would rather get up, marathon walk around the lake and stroll down to the WalMart for awhile.  They say that the 40's are some really great years for us women.  I think not!  I hope my 50's will be some good years.  We'll see how that goes when I get there.

In the meantime, here are the latest creations by Mom and Myself:







Mom made these sweet little Blanket Babies.  Some of you may remember that Mom made a ton of them for Pat Winters' Comfort Doll Project.   Although they are for decorative use only, they would make the cutest little package tie-on's for a new baby.

These pretty little Blank Note Cards were made by mom as well:



And I made this set:



I have a tendency to forget that it takes a lot of time to take photos, edit photos and upload photos.  I feel like I didn't accomplish a thing if I don't create something each day.  Jan reminded me and I quote, "As for the accomplishing , you did this - sometimes accomplishment means just acknowledging you're alive".  So true Jan and I think that's something that we all have to remember.  Wasn't there a book out awhile back called, "Women Who Do Too Much"?  That would be me, with an extension added that I never feel like I do enough.

I had to stop at the grocery store this morning so I buzzed through the resale shop which is next door.  I don't usually find much in that one.  It's mainly clothing but today I got lucky:



Is this too cute or what?  So shabby cottage style!  I only paid $3.00 for it!  I have plans for it for Easter.  I'll add some Easter grass to the bottom, sit my sparkly white bunny in there and tuck my metallic eggs in around the bunny.  I'll tie a pretty bow to the handle and call it Spring!  I'm sure I'll find a use for it for the rest of the year too.

I'm looking for a magazine holder that is similar in style.  I'm a magazine junkie!  I'd like to get some of them out of my computer room and my bathroom (library) and move them to a corner in the living room where I can reach them while I watch television.

Speaking of tv, Food Channel is calling me.  First I have to put together my Impossible Bacon Pie that I'm making for dinner.  No, I don't cook!  Really I don't!

I'll leave you with an update on Block #5 of my Garden Crazy Quilt:



Quick note to Karen who left me a message regarding my mom's Tussy Mussy's:  Please drop me an email so I can reply to you Karen.  I don't have your email address and it's important to me to answer your questions.

Rose Garden Design In Cross-Stitch & Needlework

I just received the March 2010 issue of Cross-Stitch & Needlework:



I did this lovely Rose Garden design for Charles Craft last year:



Not bad considering I was in the "depths of hell" at the time I did this design!  I am quite pleased with it.  I don't usually get to the see stitched models until they are published and I must say, this really came out beautiful!

I'd like to offer my copy of this magazine to the first person who leaves a comment letting me know that they would like to have it.  USA residents only please!  I just can't keep every magazine that I ever had a design published in.  There wouldn't be any room in my house for me and my cats!  So if someone would like to have this, just leave me a comment and I'll gladly send it off to you and I'll take care of the postage.

In other news, I made some Oatmeal cookies this morning but I'm not really happy with them.  I used my mom's recipe which I forgot, I don't care for.  They're too crunchy.  Next time, I'll go back to my recipe which is soft and chewy. 

I've also been fooling around with Facebook today.  I had to download the latest version of my browser just to get Facebook to work properly.  Then I set up a "Page" for Kitty & Me Designs.  I'm still trying to figure that out but I did manage to get my Etsy shop linked over there.  I could use some "fans" now if anyone feels like heading over there.

The other day, I worked up a new Banner for my shop:



As I mentioned last week, I've got to not push myself so hard and instead, do things that I really enjoy so I decided to have some fun and play with my craft supplies and my shop.  The banner isn't exactly what I wanted but it's good for now.  I may play with it some more at a later date.

Finally for today, Tristan at Enchanted Revelry blog is offering a very nice give away.  I found his blog today through Mary Anne's blog.  Tristan's blog is wonderful!  Thought provoking and visually incredible!  Do stop by and take a peek!

I guess that's all for now.  I feel like I didn't accomplish anything today!  Did you ever have a day like that?  You make your plans but they just don't work out.  Well, tomorrow's a new day.  For now, I'll get myself into a nice warm bubble bath, grab my latest Somerset Studio magazines and relax.

Spring Birds & More Valentines

I've been pacing myself instead of pushing myself.  That's a new one for me.  I've been listing things in my shop and finally had to say, enough for today.  I have more things to add but I'll do some more over the weekend.

For now I listed these pretty little heart ornament/package tie-on's that mom made:



Scott's grandma would have just loved these!  I have a few more of mom's things to do but like I said, over the weekend.

I also listed my little Spring Birds:









Aren't they cute!  How pretty in a little Spring/Easter Vignette!

Now that I have that project done for the day, I plan to go stitch a bit.  I finished stitching the seams on Garden Quilt Block #5:



I'll pull my bead cart over to the sofa and listen to some Food Channel while I stitch.

I plan to do some baking on Sunday.  I have a few people who have asked me for cookies.  I'll be doing Oatmeal Raisin with chocolate chips and I've been wanting to try some Petite Fours.  Which aren't really cookies but rather cake.  Hey, let them eat cake!  I doubt there will be any complaints!

Gifts From Gina

I received a package in the mail yesterday from my sweet friend Gina:



Just look at that pretty lace!  And another fun ATC!!!  I have got to make some more ATC's!  I just love them!  Thank you so much Gina.  You always send me such nice things.

I haven't been feeling well the last few days.  I have a tendency of pushing myself and now I'm paying for it.  Geez, depression, the hormone change and ADD...it's all driving me crazy!

Anyway, I didn't have a choice but to take it easy for a few days.  And I think I probably pushed myself a little too much today.  Even though under normal circumstances, I didn't do (what I consider) to be too much.

I went to the grocery store to get some fruit and everything I need for soup.  I made Creamy Chicken Vegetable soup and oh, does it smell good.  It's still cooling off so I haven't been able to try it yet but I think it'll be good.  I put mushrooms in it so I fully expect my husband to have something to say about that!  And I'll tell him that if he doesn't like it, he doesn't have to eat it!  More for me!

I also finished up my little birdies in the nests.  I'll post photos of them tomorrow.  I'm out of steam  now so I'll go relax and stitch.

Victorian Tussy Mussy's

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned it before or not.  My mom is visually impaired.  Actually, she's legally blind.  Mom does have a small amount of central vision but not enough vision to drive or get around in town without help.  She does have a dog guide and she helps mom quite a bit to get around.

Thankfully, Mom's small amount of central vision is enough for her to do some crafts, some crocheting and sewing and baking.  Can anyone imagine not being able to see?  Would we creative people go insane or what?  Mom is quite determined to keep doing the things she loves for as long as she possibly can.  Mom made these sweet little Angel Tussy Mussy's last week:







To encourage mom and to keep her spirit's up, I offered to add some of her of things to my Etsy shop.  Boy, did that spark some enthusiasm in my mom!  Immediately I could see a little burst of energy and hope in her.  My mom also suffers from depression and SADS.  I just thought if focusing on my crafts and stitching helps me, it would help mom too.

In other news, we went to a flea market this morning.  I didn't find anything all that spectacular but I did find some interesting vintage handkerchiefs which kind of gave me some ideas for art dolls.  Been wanting to do some of those for a long time now!  I share photos of them with you later this week.  I also found some old lace.  Like I need more of that!  I just can't help myself.  One can never have too much fabric, too much glitter or too much lace!  I have it soaking in the sink at the moment.  Can't stand that musty smell.

For now, I'm off to take a hot bubble bath and page through some magazines.  It's so cold here today but from what I've heard, we have a warm up coming later this week.  Upper 30's and possibly 40 degree temps.  Whoa!  Heatwave!  At least compared to what we've been living with for awhile now!  Hope everyone else living with the cold gets a nice warm up too!  Happy Sunday everyone!

Angel Trinket Boxes

I only have a few minutes to chat today.  My inlaws just arrived but I promised to post close-ups of my Angel Trinket Boxes:









These sweet little pretties can be found here.

I haven't finished up on my birds yet but they should be done this week sometime.  Mom and I are planning a craft day on Monday so I'll work on them then.  Speaking of mom, she's really into making some pretty things too!  I'll share those in the next few days as well.

We have a flea market tomorrow so I'm hoping to find all sorts of interesting goody's.  I'll let you know how I do.  For now, I'm off to visit.  Have a good Saturday everyone!

Is It Spring Yet?

It looks like it finally stopped snowing here!  My sweet husband has already cleaned off the driveway and my car for me!  I will be going to Hobby Lobby with mom today.

Well, it may not be Spring in my backyard yet, but it's looking more and more like Spring in my house!  These little birdies are another of my projects:



They aren't done yet.  But I expect they will be later today.  I need to pick up a new glue gun.  Mine is well loved and it makes so many strings, it drives me crazy!  Short trip for me these days!  Mom just bought a new one and hers doesn't make any strings.  I need one of those!  Anyway, I'll post more photos once they're complete.  I just think they're too cute!

It's really nice to do some of these craft projects.  I used to love designing and making things for craft shows years ago.  The part I didn't like was packing and unpacking my car, setting up and taking down and sitting at the shows all day.  Etsy sure is a nice outlet.  Although who knows?  I have been thinking about doing the Farmer's Market in Crystal Lake this Summer.  That would be nice as it's small so I wouldn't have so much loading and unloading to do. 

In other news, I started on Block #5 of my Garden Crazy Quilt:



No marathon stitching, but it's a start.  I haven't felt too great the past few days.  I'm assuming it's the weather.
I must say again, this weirdo stuff that I've been living with for over a year now is really getting old.  I try to keep myself busy so as not to focus on how I feel.  And at the same time, I try not to push myself too much because that's not good either.  Some one, please tell me again that this does go away eventually!

The "Baking Bug" is coming around again too.  That Kitchenaid is just screaming at me!  I think I'll take a day next week and bake up a storm.  My sweet neighbor shoveled my driveway for me yesterday so I want to take him some cookies to thank him for his kindness.  And my uncle asked me for some Coconut Macaroons back at Christmas so I will make him some of those.

Well, I'm off to straighten up the house and get myself together to go to Hobby Lobby.  This weather has always made me feel like an animal in a cage!  But I will keep thinking SPRING!

Sneak Peek

I've been busy here with my stash and my glue gun!  I just finished up these pretty little Valentine's Day Trinket Boxes:



Click on the photo to see a larger version.  I'll post more photos in the next few days.  I'm so pleased with them!  I almost hate to part with them but into my Etsy shop they will go.  I have a few other projects that I'm working on too but I need to get to Hobby Lobby for a few things that Michael's doesn't carry.  And it's snowing today.  I'll spare you my complaining!

When I finish up here on the computer, I'm going to start stitching on Block #5 of my Garden Quilt:



I've been all over the map since Christmas and I think if I just sat and stitched for awhile, my mind might settle down a bit. 

I'm on Facebook now.  I was going to do the linky thing here but I have to change my Blog Layout and then I'll lose everything and have to redo it.  I don't feel like reworking my entire blog.  Anyway, you can find me over there if you're interested.  I'm still figuring things out but I'll get the hang of it eventually.

Well, I'm off to stitch and watch the snow come down.  Isn't it Spring yet?  Ha, ha, ha!

Have a good evening everyone!

Happy New Year!

Then came old January, wrapped well in many weeds to keep the cold away. Spencer



Just a quick note to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year! I just finished straightening up my house so now I'm ready for crafting, stitching, sewing & glittering! Be sure to stop by over the weekend to learn more about my new Biscornu Of Month designs.