NEW YEAR 2024

LET'S INSPIRE A FRESH START IN 2024! 

For the new year, 

    I wish you to always keep a smile on your lips even if sometimes it's really difficult,

     I wish you to always have the strength to get up after all the falls,

      and that you never lack the confidence to know that behind every cloud there is always a ray of sunshine and after every storm a beautiful rainbow.

     Happy New Year!

 WISHING YOU ALL A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

                                                     Placemats in bag (Set of 4)    

                                             Thanksgiving Themed Table Decor 

GARDENING: Expressing Myself Creatively

Besides my crafting hobby, gardening is my favorite pastime because it's good for my mind, body and spirit.

My garden style is traditional... a combination of landscape and perennials. It’s a place that reflects my personality and character.  Being a happy and sincere hard worker, I am not afraid to be proud of my accomplishments.

I love to see flowers and plants grow.

Hydrangea tree

Crepe Myrtle and Black-eyed Susans

               

The only annuals I plant are in vases.  Love geraniums combined with other flowers.

Geraniums and marigolds

Hanging geraniums

         Another reason why I enjoy gardening is that it builds my strength and helps me maintain a healthy weight.   Every spring, I create curves in my landscaping which in turn sculpts and strengthens my body.

Early spring

Early summer

Late August

Gardening captures my heritage as I remember my parents that instilled the love of doing it. 

Bean plants from seeds

Vegetable garden

 

A crochet Bedspread in my Italian Trunk

 LA CASA E IL GIARDINO: A Crochet Bedspread in my Italian Trunk - Il Copriletto all'uncinetto nel mio Baule (casa-giardino.blogspot.com)

Canning and Crafting with Love

For me, canning and crafting are both creative activities. 

Canning

Canning is as much science as it is kitchen art.  I strongly believe that the act of preserving food at home and creating something in the kitchen that tastes good and extends the season is very satisfying.

Canned tomatoes and peppers

Pickled eggplants

Crafting

    When I'm focused on creating something beautiful, my mind has the opportunity to rest and relieves stress. Also, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I admire my creation and the hard work that went into it. 

 Not only I have fun making crafts but also serve a purpose like home decor or adorable homemade gifts.

Anything handmade these days is regarded as special.

“An artist is someone who produces things that people don't need to have but that he - 

for some reason - 

thinks it would be a good idea to give them.”

― Andy Warhol

Handmade Personalized Dog Bed

 My first attempt at making a dog's bed.  

It's not perfect but the dog is thrilled to jump on it.

I added his name to make sure everyone knows whose bed it is!

I used materials which I already had on hand and some simple sewing.

Started with a 20" square foam.  Covered the foam with an old cotton pillowcase.  Then I used a large beach towel to cover the bed and create sides.

Finally, I felt the beach towel was not soft enough for a small dog and decided to cover the whole bed with few yards of light blue, soft flannel.

Added the name ROCKY

Rocky...so cute!

Took some large alphabet letters.  With a pencil, I drew around the letters.  Then did some simple embroidery.

Looking forward in making another soon.

HOLIDAY KITCHEN TOWELS and GIFT BAGS

 Holiday party season is officially upon us.  Here are few items to appreciate your foodie friends and for the persons hosting the parties and holiday dinners.