Year of Making Stuff: Week 12

I ran across scherenschnitte on Angry Chicken’s blog (you can see some in her banner) and thought to give it a try, especially since I love cutting paper snowflakes.  Scherenschnitte isn’t only fun to say, but it is also the art of paper cutting, and there are both Northern/Eastern European traditions and also some from the Chinese.  I have been trying a few different methods, including some folded designs (shamrocks and pineapples) and flat paper cutting, like the carp above, using both scissors and a craft knife.  I think with practice, I could get better and there  are some more designs in the library books I checked out I’d like to try.   The library book says that the Chinese carp is a symbol for good luck and determination, so this little fish has found a home in Tim’s office as he gets through the rest of the semester.

I had a lovely weekend, with getting to briefly hang out with Stephanie, seeing Meagan’s art show and then visiting with Suzy, Donal and Lily all weekend.  Mark, Emily and Marinn also drove down for a quick trip.  We had a grand time, despite the crappy weather.  Maybe Lily remembers the Chinese word for red?

Reliving Memories All Year

For Christmas Tim and I made four of these calendars using photos from our summer Low Countries trip and iPhoto to give to our parents, my brother (who traveled with us) and one to keep for ourselves. Picking among thousands of photos was hard, but making the calendar using iPhoto was really easy.  And despite my sort of crappy photo, the calendar is beautiful and looks completely professional.  Its hanging in our kitchen and always brings a smile to my face.

Happy Happy 2009

Of course we forgot to take a picture of the floor before, but just picture crappy linoleum.

Today I put aside crafty plans and helped Tim install a new floor in one of the bathrooms.  We are going to put the same flooring in our bathroom too.

Today is New Year’s Day which means that 9 years ago I had my first date with Tim and he made me grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and we drank rum and cokes with his roomates at his place on Prow. We had grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches again today.  I’m a little tired, but couldn’t be happier.

I wish everyone a healthy, happy and hopeful 2009.

Coasters

This holiday I only made two gifts, a set of four coasters for my mother-in-law from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts and a cross stitched bookmark for Ashley (which I forgot to take a picture of before I sent it).  Other than quilts (who doesn’t love homemade quilts?), I don’t know if everyone enjoys homemade gifts.  But I love the idea of a handmade pledge and the ensuing creativity, ingenious and wackiness.

Beach Vacation

Tim and I spent a glorious week in Southwest Florida visiting his parents for Christmas.  I missed being with my family a lot, but had to settle for amazing sunshine and beautiful beaches.  In addition to some beaches around Ft. Myers, we took a day cruise to Key West which is incredible.  I’d love to go back with more time.  We also checked out the Naples Zoo (with the monkey island boat tour highlight), ate great seafood and played some wii with Tim’s parents.

I am a firm believer in seasons.  But come February I am going to miss walking in the gulf waters.

Hope everyone had a great holiday and looking forward to 2009 as much as I am!

3 Day Weekend

Every weekend should be a three day weekend.  My holiday shopping is 99% done, I finally figured out the purple fabric situation that was plaguing a future queen sized quilt, cut said fabric, wrapped presents, shipped packages, made cookie dough, watch 2 movies, did laundry, talked on the phone to friends and was able to visit Abby in Indy and hang with her two cute little girls.

Of course now I am looking at a 6 day week, but it was worth it!

Heidegger Homework

Tim is deep into finals for this semester, so while he isn’t a first year anymore, he could still use some happy thoughts.  Heidegger is hard.

I am on a three day weekend, but lots is planned.  Trying to finish up holiday shopping, wrapping, sending, visiting, movie watching, reading, cooking (veg chili) and maybe some relaxing too.

Thanksgiving 2008

The wool slippers I made last year have bitten the dust.  To be replaced by the new and improved versions with more batting and a higher cuff.  Unfortunately they are also not as cute.  But that is the price you pay for warm feets.

This Thanksgiving has been nice and quiet, exactly what I needed.  After a leisurly morning, I prepped some food and then Tim and I went for a walk in Lower Cascades Park before full on dinner preperations began.  We had deviled eggs, spinach salad, grilled portabello mushrooms, mashed potatoes, green beans and gingerbread with homemade whipped cream for dessert.  Delicious!

This year, like every year, I am thankful for such wonderful friends and family.  Thank you.  For everything.

Very Late

A quilt for Mom for Mother’s Day, very late, but will be delivered in person tonight!  I am looking forward to my week in Colorado with good food, book talks, wine, family, mountains and sleeping in.

I voted on October 17th, but watching the news all day today.  Looks like long lines in VA and a few other places.  Hope everyone who is voting today has a good experience.  My fingers are crossed for Obama, I feel like we are so close.

Happy Potter Quilt

Its Halloween, and my pumpkin isn’t even carved.  Tim did some crazy decorations though, check his flickr page.

The above quilt is for Gina’s first girl, and even though I will see her in a week, she will have to wait for it a few more weeks as it will be shown in the Bloomington Quilters’ Guild show November 14 & 15 at the convention center.  I love how it came out, so girly and cute. She did ask for a preview, so I don’t think I am ruining any surprises here!

Thanks to everyone who sent me good thoughts, wishes and even a “oh man that sux” about the theft of my belongings earlier this week.  The picture below is me in happier times with my bag in Amsterdam, photo stolen from Andrew’s flickr pages.