Adoration

Sew Nice

2010-06-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Bathroom Remodel

2010-06-08T06:27:00.003-07:00

Our tiny little bathroom has a new concrete overlay on the floor and a new concrete sink, it looks so cool! The floor is over existing 2" tiles that looked dated.

New job!

2010-06-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

I just finished posting this and got the call that I am indeed starting at Forest Lake Floral, that is very exciting!

Latest crazy makin' stuff pictures

2010-06-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

I can get so caught up in my own creativity! Here are a few of the things I have been working on: baby booties, for my new niece and have been getting some orders for baby shower presents; fabric buckets, a bed cover, baking, planting...

I am both dreading and looking forward to summer. It seems my kids have gone insane and are really driving us nuts, not sure if this is just end of school year craziness... School ends way too late this year, June 10th, summer will be half over, seriously!

In the past 5 months, I have taken a job as a waitress at a new restaurant, had my grandfather pass away, lost my job due to the restaurant not making it, dealt with my husband's busiest time of year, had bronchitis, yeah I could go on, ready for a summer break. We did go to our family reunion this past weekend and spent the day on the lake, so refreshing! It only took one day for reality to crash back in! I really need a job, think I am starting at the floral shop, so I am happy about that, it is what I want to do, who I am. I also have finally taken the step of getting my sewn items up for sale at Laurel Street Flowers in St. Paul, MN, so exciting!

Ever feel like you are waiting on the one thing that can make everything feel right, again, but it is not happening and may never? I'm still waiting.

Ode to Heather Ross

2009-10-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear, dear Heather Ross, why do you have to have such lovely fabrics, why?! Why must I love them so? Simply lovely and so smooth. My pocket book hurts from love for them. Your gnomes and munki must live in my fabric stash always... Oh, why are your fabrics so lovely?!

More Monkeys

2009-09-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

These guys are so cute, the colors are bright, but have a slightly retro feel, so many cute patterns here! I had fun making these!

Sock Monkey Clutches

2009-09-08T09:14:00.001-07:00

These turned out so cute!! Love this goodnight monkey fabric!

Late Summer workings

2009-09-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute mini scarves I made and some of my latest purses. The car one I made after my daughter Sarah said I should make a really big one, this one didn't turn out as huge as some out there, now, but it is really fun, love these fabrics! As a joke, I was going to name it the Biggie Purse, because they kept teasing their grandma when they were out school shopping that they should get "like a biggie pack of markers for like 10 bucks". Yea, my girls:)

August Rush

2009-08-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am in a hurry to create! Here are more lovely items I am making and have so many more ideas! 500 other things going on, too, but I just gotta sew!

Purses in production

2009-08-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

Lots of purses going up in my store lately, so much fun, now I need a new one myself:)

July Sewing

2009-07-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Some July Sewing I have accomplished! I am loving the tiny little bloomers for the daughter of a friend and the matching sundress:) I have been making these techno travel bags for gifts, found in Stitches magazine. I tried my own version today, with elastic on the pockets and a magnetic closure, needless to day, the prototype needs work, whew!

Latest Projects

2009-05-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

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Lately I am tending to retro patterns and black, tattoo/biker type patterns, I know, really a consistent theme! I am loving making these kitchen towel, because they showcase the fabric only and are so nice in the kitchen, I love the ones I have made for myself, the cotton feel and so unique. I am also loving making these buckets again, what fun!

In the works, a sour apple green and pink theme set, bucket and baby changing pad. Also, a great batik sea themed set, the starfish is done and it is soo nice!

Bathrobe and More

2009-03-05T13:56:00.001-08:00

Here are some of my latest craft goodness, a bathrobe for my "middle" child, sounds strange when you have twins:) The robe was from Amy Butler's In Stitches book, I modified it to fit her better, but it did end up too tight, so I had to add some panels in the sides to make it fit, but it turned out well, once I did it, soo glad I didn't mess it up after spending the money and time on materials! There are some cute pom-poms for a pillow I made for my "oldest" (by 3 minutes). I bought the new yo-yo makers even though I know how to make them without, I did get the flower and heart shaped ones. I like using them, they are really easy and no-brainers, the stitching is much easier (less) than I had done on the ones I did in the past. I haven't decided what to make with them, yet, but did catch the cat playing with the smallest one late the other night:) Maybe, add them to a purse front or something fun. I did get 3 new purses done for my Etsy store, and one for a friend, the orange one pictured here.

New Rice Projects

2009-02-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are the cute new rice bags I made for some friends, I really love the sushi fabrics!

Latest Escapades

2009-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Have been making crafts this week, made all of my girls happy (and my guy, too) with therapy bags, filled with rice and Lavender (no lavender for Greg). I ran out of rice and also made some with feed corn, as we have lots of that for the corn stove. I just read another blog where she used buckwheat and flax seed, and lavender and made eye masks, so, I may have to try that. I made different styles, but the pink and light green are my favorite combination right now.

Also pictured, the banana bread from last week, and the craft area after the creative genius has been at work!

Finished another burp cloth set, one that was cut out but not yet sewn.

I found this awesome sushi print today and had to buy it, went out last week with some girlfriends and tried sushi, so I want to make some zippy bags or therapy bags for them :)
Still in the hunt for some chocolates on fabric. I have two bags to make for other people, still need to find fabric, one moose or outdoorsy for a teacher bag and the other a purse for a friend.

Projects that are Getting Done

2009-01-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well, Sarah's room is done, made curtains and put a fabric swatch on the wall, the stick-ons are really nice, Sarah did them herself, they are from Ikea. We need to add some yellow accents to the white and black. Also pictured, a sneak peek of the bathroom, still needs one more coat of paint. I want to put those little glass votives on the wall, but they are rather small and I don't think they will show up against the purple. I want it to have some white accents, and make it very romantic. Baked banana bread today, yummo, I am stocking up extras for my grandparents and my mom and dad (who both have birthday's in February). My new and organized craft area is also pictured, I am liking it a lot, I can find things, now, but I haven't made anything lately!

On Finances and Frugality

2009-01-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

These items are running across my path today, interesting food for thought...

http://dangerousintersection.org/2008/12/02/what-its-like-to-not-shop-for-a-year/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3631603/I'm-NOT-buying-it.html

http://www.ptm.org/uni/resources/ptmupdate/011209/brown.html

http://www.littlebrowndress.com/brown%20dress%20archive%20home.htm

So, could we really not shop for a year? Not too likely, could we stay out of the shops more and buy more second hand, or borrow, or trade, sure. Maybe a shorter experiment. No new clothes, this could be interesing.

The View From the Computer

2009-01-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today was one of two Sundays a month we are on for worship team, Greg played guitar at the Forest Lake Campus and the new Chisago Campus, so three services total and we played two songs for alpha, which is starting a new round. I sang, but only went to the second service and alpha with him. Worship was sooo good, it is just one of my favorite things to do, and I really enjoy the people on the team. It is so good to praise Him with others!

The rest of the day was picking the kids up from Witness Messiah practice and then cleaning, taking out the tree and extra chores as payback for a particularly annoying ride home :) I think it is about time they get an idea of all we do for them.

Greg is catching up on sleep after getting up so early for practice, his fingers are very tender after all the playing, even though he is used to it, it was like 6 hours of playing today.

I am now trying to keep this as more of a diary, seems like life slips by and we hardly remember the past.

I am thankful for my friends.

Paint on the Brain

2009-01-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Have started painting the bathroom, it is a dark purple undertone red and I think it will look great, there is tan tile on the floor. Will need another coat of course, why, oh why, always a second coat?? Today, it's painting, kids and friends, and a missions dinner. And exercise, gotta do that, too. Trying new hair styles, it's getting long enough, now, fun!

Just a picture

2009-01-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

Thought this one turned out so nice.

Rug finished

2009-01-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I did get the rug done for Christmas, it was a nice size and I think she liked it, the t-shirt material lays so flat and is nice to work with, just lots of cutting strips while sitting in front of a movie. Friday today, so Greg will be home, it has been a two ships in the night kind of week, so looking forward to the weekend. Take care, Ya-all.

January 8 Ramblings

2009-01-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Funny how the home life surges up and demands time and attention when the work life slows down. Of course, I was home for 10+ years with the kids, so I am just picking up where I left off!

Still have to take the ornaments off the tree and take it down. We are purists there, have to have the real thing. "Clark, Audrey can't feel her hips..." It still looks good, it is tall as we have high ceilings, which I love.

I am working hard to declutter things, but have not hit the kids rooms, yet. That will be an adventure in itself! I have to add a second coat of paint to Sarah's room, we did one coat of paint in a light yellow, her theme is black and yellow, we have some fabric panels to put on the walls and some cool stick ons, like the chandelier type ones.

I really want to paint the master bathroom and am deciding between grey with orange and blues or deep purple/gold or white.

Random thought of the day, some people think way too much!

Long time no blog

2008-12-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ok finally found my sign in info again! Well, much to see about whats up is now being channeled to my facebook account, so you can check over there!

Ah remember 4 wheelin' ?

2008-10-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Life Right Now

2008-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Right now I am in the midst of a few crafty projects, making new purses, still, I got two done for a couple of friends of mine. I have about 5 in the works, two in the older design and three in my own pattern, but that's stalled for the moment as I need to find lining for them. Some nice Amy Butler fabrics, new ones, and some Joel Dewberry.

I went to a craft show two weekends ago, one of the fun ones in Minneapolis with the edgy reused type stuff, it is so fun to see what everyone else is making.

I started last night on a rag rug that I am crocheting, maybe as a Christmas gift and believe you me it may take that long to cut strips and roll it up and crochet. I hope to give one to someone I know who loved one and it got worn out. You can see the one I'm working from here: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/rag_rug_tutoria.html

Then, tonight it's off to pick up kids from school for shots, eat, run to church, you know the drill.

99

2008-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

You ever play 99? The kids love this game and beg us to play, it's actually great for math!

New Scarf

2008-10-15T12:41:00.001-07:00

Here's a new scarf I made to copy some of the ones I am seeing lately, great scrappy strips. A rather ugly pic of me, but hey the cat looks good. Her name is Esperanza, A.K.A. Anza, Peowanza, Punjab, Meow-meow, Panza....

New Design

2008-10-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

This is a new purse I designed, I kept noticing all of those big purses out there and wanted one that is more my style, thus, the Amy Lynn was born, I am using this one for myself, and I love it. It has great fabrics, this home decorator weight is so great for purse/totes. It is larger and has a cute little pocket inside for my cell phone, I love this combination of these Alexander Henry & Joel Dewberry fabrics. I am so excited to have my very own design and to have it turn out great!

Fabric for Purses

2008-10-07T11:11:00.001-07:00

Went shopping for some new fabrics for purses today, these are nice as the ones for the outside are a heavier weight, like tote type fabric. Great designers like Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Alexander Henry, ooh!

New Purses in the works

2008-10-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

A new purse that is a new take on the ones I used to make, this one is deeper with a magnetic clasp, I like it a lot!

Lily Pad Bouquet

2008-10-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a lily pad item I designed, I thought it would make a lovely flower girl accessory, put a cute little handle on it. It matches my floral crown, I am so liking these lily pad items right now!

The New Siding and Roof

2008-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ah, at last, I have the picture of the new siding and roof. It looks great, although, you wouldn't know it today it is dreary, cold and rainy!

Fall decorating

2008-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here's some fall decorating we did at a local bank, it turned out really nice!

2008-09-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sarah Take Two

2008-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sarah Video Take One

2008-09-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Watching Old Videos

2008-09-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

We have been looking at pictures of the kids when they were little today and watching home videos, hard to belive they are the same people and that time is going by so fast.

The Boys

2008-09-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Besides Greg, these are our only boys, Rio and Jet.

Fall

2008-09-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last day of Fall? Thinking of fall and dreading the coming winter and cold!

Greg's Cool Picture

2008-09-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice picture of the center of MN state government that Greg took, it turned out really cool. Pretty neat when you can focus way in on the horses, he has been up to the top, where the gold ball is, too.

Last Year This Time

2008-09-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the St Croix River last year at this time, it was so extremely low, sometimes we had to pull the canoe and kayak over parts of the river! We had planned on going about 8 miles, but there wasn't even a current to push us along, and the kayak power was a little lacking. So, we only went about 1/2 mile and then went home upstream, mainly pulling the canoe and kayak.

More Summer Pics

2008-09-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here's my gram and gramp over the fourth, we had lunch at my mom's. Did you know, Greg, Steven, Eddie and I pretty much built this house?? Of course, much thanks to Larry on framing day, Gary for his awesome bobcatin' skills, Brett, Jordan, & Jeremy on the roof, thanks so much to everyone who helped!

Taylors Falls Hiking

2008-09-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Here's some hiking Greg and I did this summer, at Taylors Falls State Park, it is quite a climb and very pretty scenery.

Fall Frolic

2008-09-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

More fall fun, these are from last year, everyone enjoying the fall leaf pile. Leaping around at Grandma B's. Hard to believe the cold weather is coming, it must be time to move somewhere warmer.

New Floral Bliss

2008-09-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a new floral crown I made, and a purse I sold on Etsy. I love the fabric, it is from Henry Alexander and is sooo nice!

Also, my kitteh as a baby.

A couple of my favorite sellers on Etsy and believe me there are so many!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82743 she made the labels I use.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5161361

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5095605 the cute cat pics above.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5853112

Apple Press

2008-09-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Another memory of Fall, here's Greg's mom and dad showing our kids how to use Grandpa Sinn's apple press, the result? Yummmmm cider!

New Roof and Siding

2008-09-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well, the workers are here today to put on the new siding and I am thrilled, the house is going to look so different! Thank you hail! The roof is a multi-colored shingle that incorporates all of our colors into it, the dark brown, a green color, the siding is going to be willow, kind of a medium green. Here's the old stuff, will post the after picture later!

One of Our Favorite Haunts

2008-09-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

When we go up to visit my mom, we love going out on "the blandin road", we go 4-wheeling there or drive our truck or now the van.

Here is the great big gravel pit we go and the kids climb up, or my brother on his wheeler!

My Girls and Their Crazy Dad

2008-09-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

The three other loves of my life, looking oh so cute a few years ago! It was bitterly cold that day and Greg had me take a picture of him laying out in his swimsuit to send to his brother in response to a picture his brother sent from somewhere warm. It was like 7 below plus windchill, my hands were freezing just holding the camera!

More Osceola

2008-09-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, now, I have some more time to add a few more pics of the waterfall and Osceola.

Sunflowers and Fall

2008-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Some very cool fall things I saw today, over by Osceola, WI, where I work. The waterfall is called Cascade Falls, right in town in Osceola.

Bet 'ya didn't know...

2008-09-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

...about my campaign!

http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=416d797c43726f7765

Our Little Rose

2008-09-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

You never know, I thought this rose bush I bought for Greg was dead, didn't grow all summer, now here it is, barely a plant but blooming already.

Crafty Projects

2008-09-08T14:36:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the other crafty projects I have made!

BWCA July Trip

2008-09-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Some cool shale at a portage.

Some more boundary water's pics. We went into Knife lake, took a boat in about 6 miles and then paddled about 9, had quite a few portages on this one. Nice lake, really clear water and good company. Had a giant hill across the lake called Thunder Point, we hiked to the top of it, such a great view. Black flies drove T crazy, thus the bad sock choice!

The man I'm married to...

2008-09-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know? This is my ultra cute and talented DH. He plays guitar, sings, leads worship, he is such a talented guy and funny, too! He is also a great dad to our girls. He deserves a medal, hey, he puts up with me, right?! I don't brag him up nearly enough, he deserves it!

Fall Images and Thoughts

2008-09-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

Well, Fall is on it's way, I always think of home this time of year, here are a few pics with my mom at my mom's house the land I grew up on.

Can't believe time is passing so fast!

New sewing

2008-09-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I made today, a couple of ditty bags for a friend who is leaving on a big time trip and some fabric buckets for my mom. She also sews and quilts, but picked out this fabric and wanted me to make her some buckets.

Car Show

2008-09-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, we just wrapped up the 19th annual car show and tire burnout at Maranatha Assembly of God in Forest Lake, MN, it was really a great show with great turnout! I help out as the administrative assistant, it was only my second show and the first one was pretty much rained out, so I am glad this one went so well! You can watch the youtube videos of the burnout at the side.

Ok, so I am kind of a motorhead, grew up riding dirt bikes, 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers, I love to go 4-wheelin now, especially with my hubby and brother. Pictured is some fun with the jeep we used to have before we sold it.

This is a pic of my brother's sweet ride, too bad he wants to sell it!

Boundary Waters Conoe Area Wilderness

2008-09-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

The best place on earth with the best guy on earth.

Etsy creations

2008-09-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

A few of my favorites, marker caddy, fabric buckets made for a special order, giraffe minky burp cloths and vintage chenille burp cloth with french velvet ribbon, ooh.

We made homemade monkey bread the last few days, we gobbled it up, soo good, I used a Rachael Ray recipe, where it's made in muffin tins, but the second time I made it, we just put the little balls in a tray and poured the honey/maple syrup mixture and then the sugar mixture over the top, much less mess and still as good.

Thought I could send you over to the RRay website, but no dice, so here's the recipe:

Monkey Bread Minis

makes 1 dozen

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

3 T maple syrup

1/3 c. plus 2 T sugar

1/3 c brown sugar

1 T ground cinnamon

2 c flour

1 T baking powder

1/2 t salt

3/4 c buttermilk, chilled

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Microwave 4 T butter and maple syrup until melted, about 45 seconds. In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 c granulated sugar, the brown sugar and the cinnamon.

In a food processsor, combine the flour, baking powder, the remaining 2 T of sugar and the salt pulse to combine (I used a pastry cutter in a bowl since I do not currently have a food processor.) Cut the remaining 1 stick of butter into small pieces and pulse with the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Pulse in the buttermilk until the dough just comes together.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface, pat into a 10" square. Quarter the dough, then cut each quarter into 16 equal pieces. Put the pieces into a dish large enough for them to lay side by side (not on top of each other) pour maple syrup and butter mixture over top, sprinkle with sugar mixture, put about 5 balls into each greased muffin cup, press down, bake until cooked through and golden, 15 - 17 minutes (my oven was faster, so check 'em!) Cool, drizzle them with a mix of 1c confectioners sugar and 2 T milk.

Beginning September Musings

2008-09-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well, fall is here and the kids are back to school! My head is full of ideas for future projects and it feels like time to start cooking again. You know, the delicious goodies that come with cool weather, like chili and stews, yum! Time to get out the Rachael Ray cookbook and magazines and start planning.

The purpose of this blog is to let you know a little more about me and the items I create, you can visit my etsy site at www.adoration.etsy.com I have lots of little sewn goodies there. More to come, too. I made many baby items for a show near here that I did and have some left that are for sale there, lovely chenille things made with designer fabrics.

The picture here is of my hand next to a bear print we found when we were out four wheeling on the paper company land behind my mom's house, pretty big, eh?

I work for a florist and today was crazy busy, we are getting ready for a parade and got in lots of flowers, some to hand out and others to build a float, busy, but fun to play with all the flowers:)