Blocks - More Paint Samples, Please!

Here are more views of the easy paint sample blocks, in action.  The request is out there, for us to make thousands of blocks.  That would be an amazing feat.  And a beautiful sight. Hmmm, sounds like a project in the making...

Blocks - From Color Samples and Packing Tape

These little blocks are simple and relatively inexpensive.  I know that packing tape isn't free, so we've definitely been experimenting with ways to use the tiniest bits possible.

We started with rectangular paint samples, from Home Depot - Glidden, to give credit where credit is due!

We folded all of the rectangles in half...

Then, we overlapped and taped, handily covering up the paint names and colors.

Each block is made from three rectangles, to make a sturdier block.  They stack nicely, and can hold up to a fair amount of squishing.  They can nest together, and also moonlight as telescopes and binoculars.  We'll be experimenting with more shapes and configurations for the rest of the day!

Sewing - Small Creations

The book work has stalled, but I do feel the energy returning! In the meantime, I've been working on a little flannel blanket for Isabel, from the tutorial by Dana. Very small scale, but that suits me right now!

Speaking of small scale, I'm interested in signing up for Betz White's felted bird house course - I love those sweet little houses!

Sewing - Fabric! Books! Bliss!

My dear, kind husband surprised me with some early Christmas presents... It's funny because this is probably the BEST present I've ever received from him, and he's given me a lot of thoughtful things over the years (not to mention the never ending love and emotional support!).

I know these books are 'older' in the world of seamstresses and crafters, but they're newer to me, and I couldn't be happier to own them now. I was checking the first two out of the library often, but now they're sitting next to me on my own shelf. And now I won't feel compelled to trace all of the patterns either!

Simple Sewing with a French Twist by Celine Dupuy

Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones

Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross

I was so surprised when I opened the package and found not just one book, but all four books that were on my wish list! I've been reading them constantly and making little (big) lists of all the things I want to make and what fabric I'll use.

I was also very excited to pick up a freecycle drop this week - a woman gave me a box of fabrics (some stretchy knits that I might use for a baby sling...) and a huge bag of yarn. Many project possibilities... If you haven't freecycled yet, I highly recommend it!

Happy Christmas Eve for now - we're away from school and work for another week, so I'll be back to share more soon!

Inspiration - Grandma Reese

I love this photo that Michael took in 2005. We were visiting my Grandmother Reese in Seattle, the winter before Sam was born.

She was and is an inspiration to me - an incredibly creative person, in everything that she did. She raised five children, managed a busy household, and still found time to create gorgeous clothing, quilts, needlework, and stained glass. Not to mention the gardening, the canning, the cooking, the baking... I'm probably missing something else creative that she did, that I didn't even know about! She taught sewing classes for years at their church parochial school, and when I was old enough she taught me some sewing basics.

To top it all off, she spent many years volunteering her time translating children's textbooks into braille versions. This made a huge difference in the lives of many students, in the Seattle area and beyond. I remember her carefully thought out braille projects sitting on the side counter of her dining room. She specialized in translating social studies and science textbooks, because she would use her creative skills and knowledge of textural materials to create perfect diagrams, maps, and illustrations - all to make the information accessible to students.

Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed by the layers of life that I've taken on, I'm reminded of her, and what she was able to do with her life, despite many challenges.

It's time to choose some of her Christmas cookie recipes to try this year, so she's on my mind this week...