Ruffles!

I finally finished a ruffle pillow I've been working on.  Isn't it delightful?

 












I find myself looking over at it often.  I love the spunk and freshness it adds to the room.  I have decided I'll give it to my sister as a birthday present.  She just moved into a cute little apartment, and I'm sure she can find the perfect spot for this cute little guy.  Besides, who doesn't love ruffles?

I've also had lots of fun creating these adorable little fabric flowers. 

These are super easy, fun, and cute accessories.  I've pinned them on shirts, purses, pillows, and head bands. 

I'm about to start on a quilt pillow with a spunky bird applique, the one my aunt bought for me at Nancy Noel's art gallery shop.  Unfortunately, packing and getting ready for college is slightly getting in my way.  Fortunately, I have nine hours of travel time in the car to get some fun and crafty things done. 

I am really excited about the classes I'll be taking this semester:  Ceramics, Sewing, Home Based Business Strategies, Fundamentals of Counseling (incredible teacher for this one), and Christian Masterworks.  I'm taking a couple others, but I can't remember what they are at the moment.  They're the not so exciting ones.  I'm definitely looking forward to seeing everyone, but I will definitely miss home. 

Well, I'm off to continue packing.

Quiltfully Inspired

I never saw myself as a quilter.  When I think of ladies who quilt, I think of old ladies who either use walkers or wish they used them.  But recently I've been intrigued by the art and detail involved in quilting.  Earlier this summer I visited Nancy Noel's art gallery with my mom (check out her link here), which holds a spectacular display of Nancy's incredible paintings.  During the month of August several beautiful quilts are also put up for display.  During my first visit, I was definitely interested.  Today I revisited the art gallery with my mom and aunt, feeling and admiring the different patterns and needlework.  Now, I am officially inspired.  If you ever need motivation, inspiration, or a little encouragement in something you're about to embark, let me hook you up with my aunt.  Number one, she is incredibly knowledgeable.  Number two, she is insanely energetic.  Number three, she is super fun.  She and I talked with the two ladies who sewed the quilts.  Both were extremely encouraging, inspiring, and helpful.  My aunt ended up buying me an adorable quilt pillow kit to work on during my nine hour trip to school next week.  So excited.  I Googled quilts and found some pretty neat pieces for inspiration.

 

Love the colors in this one.

Gorgeous quilted wall hanging.

This is a delightfully elegant mouse pad.

This is busy, but beautiful.

What an adorable, sweet baby blanket.

This one is so traditional and old fashioned.  I love it.

Fascinating detail.

I am inlove with the creative shape and color in this one.

Well, that's all for now.  What's inspired you lately?

. . . e s t i m a k a r i a . . .

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
      or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world
      without end. Amen.
     
      Ephesians 3

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the feeling of commencement?  That's how I feel now. 

"Where do I begin...

"What do I say...

"Is it really worth my precious time...

I don't think I can go wrong by quoting the vibrant, everlasting, breathed-out words of the Immortal, Invisible, All-Wise God. 

So.  Here's to the commencement of an unknown, but hopefully inspiringly exciting and wonderfully productive journe{y}ling of thoughts by a human following "the Way" and seeking to live a life of "godliness" accompanied by "contentment," which "the Truth" promises to bring "great gain" {see John 14:6 and 1 Timothy 6:6 for more details}.