Sunday, October 31, 2010

Tassels Tutorial

I have tackled the craft of making tassels and I am surprised at how easy they are to create. Here's how I made a snowman tassel:
I began with an empty thread spool, covered with a piece of felt. I rolled 1/8 yd of fringe and hot glued it onto the felt:
I dove into my stash of ribbon and began gluing on loops of ribbon and a few cut pieces:
I just kept working my way to the other end of the spool by layering more loops:
And I topped it off with this cute snowman ornament (from the Christmas Tree Shop)
Try it - - it's pretty easy and fun way to rid yourself of those little pieces of ribbons and trims you just can't seem to get rid of!

I want to thank Kristen of Kristen's Creations for the inspiration -She is extremely talented and can turn ribbon into beautiful bows and tassels - go visit her and see the lovely tassels she has made! Here are a few more of mine:





Joining Make it For Monday at Cottage Instincts and Made by You Monday at Skip to My Lou
and Tutorial Tuesday at Hope Studios and Bobby Pins Boardwalk - go on over to these blogs to find some great decorating ideas!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Halloween

Are you ready for the Trick-or-Treaters?

Decorations. Check
Scents. Check

Mask. CheckPumpkins. Check.
Candy. CheckEnjoy the weekend - Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

I've been busy...

and I have nothing to say...
so, I'll be back in a few days...

Monday, October 25, 2010

I'm exhausted....

It was a fun weekend with this adorable little guy, but I'm exhausted!!
Here's Carter sitting in the chair his great-great grandmother bought for his great-grandmother 75 years ago!
Joining A Picture is Worth 1000 Words for 2nd Time Around

Friday, October 22, 2010

He's here.....

I am having too much fun and I won't be blogging for a few days!!
Enjoy your weekend,

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Guess who's coming to town...

...to visit Nana and Grandpa...
CARTER, hip hip hooray!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Not a wino...

I had quite a few emails asking about the local NY wineries. One reader politely asked me how much wine I drink!
My name is Patti and NO I am not a "wino"!
But yes, I certainly do sample when we go to the wineries....and I like to have a glass now and then, especially when the house is full of family and friends.
The Finger Lakes in NY were formed at the end of the ice age by glaciers (I don't know how, but it happened). The weather in this area is perfect for growing grapes, hence the gazillion wineries (well that might be a slight exageration, but there are over 65 in the area). You can see by the map that Syracuse, where I live, (actually the south-west shore of Oneida Lake) is not far from the Finger Lake region - so it's a short drive!
New Yorkers take wine tours to celebrate birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and numerous other events by limos, buses or by car and caravans. Some are connoisseurs, some are just there to learn about wine, some for the thrill and there are a few that never remember the tour!
So, no need to call in the "A.A.troops". I don't drink it often, but I would love to see if we could grow a little vineyard in our backyard - then we could have "stomping parties" and make our own wine!!
I think I will pour a glass of wine and think about it!

Joining Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer


Sunday, October 17, 2010

Apple Picking...

Sunday we took our annual trek to Beak n Skiff Apple Farm to pick apples
It was a cold, crisp morning and we got there early, before the crowds.
Caitlin was home for the weekend, and of course wanted apples from the very top of the trees
Just like her dad!
We even took a few minutes to stop at the winery and taste some new apple wines:
The foliage in central NY is at PEAK, but the sun was hiding behind thick gray clouds.
And now we brace ourselves for WINTER...and, I hate to say it, but we have been the snow capital for many years - and I am NOT proud of that.
It can be a long, cold winter around here!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Beautiful colors....

What a beautiful autumn day in central NY

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Pillows, pillows, pillows...

My husband went to Ohio to visit Carter for a few days, so I have been sewing for 2 days to prepare for a craft show. I haven't done a craft show for over 20 years and recently "got the itch". Here is a sampling of what I made:



Each one is tied with an organza bow and has an inspirational word and organza flower attached. The other side of the pillows has coordinating fabric and the ribbon can turned to the other side by sliding it around to the back.



Sharing this with Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and Thrifty Thursday @ Tales from Bloggeritaville

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Mackenzie-Childs checks

I have another new piece from the Courtly Check pattern
and it looks great with fall colors!
Visit Color Outside the Lines to view some lovely vignettes!