A beautiful spring day

Hello!
Today is a beautiful spring day in the Rockies. Yesterday we had quite a lot of rain, but today the sun is shining. The sun makes all the newly watered flowers and plants look so fresh.

johnny-jump-ups:

These are my iris blooming, from last year:

I can hardly wait for this year!

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments

when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

- Thornton Wilder

These flowers are from WaltDisneyWorld,

photo taken in January of 2009.

"I suppose if you had to choose just one quality to have

that would be it: vitality."

- John F. Kennedy

A beautiful rubber stamped card.

I have lost the name of the artist.

"Praise is a soul in flower."

- Thomas Watson

Barbie!

Here are some pretty spring paper dolls:

tip: Why not get out some old magazines, and make more clothes for her?

Remember, you can use cereal boxes as a backing for her.

Just cut out the doll, then glue to a thin cardboard (like cereal boxes).

Cut out, and you have a nice sturdy doll to dress.

Cut out a strip of the box to make a stand.

Mary Pickford, Hollywood star

This is one of Pat Stahl's charming paper dolls:

Thank you again to OrigamiBears for her fantastic sharing!

Here is a favorite quote of mine,

from a DressBarn ad, c.2007:

"Let yourself do something for others today.

Let yourself laugh.

Let yourself make funny faces.

Let yourself eat too much chocolate.

Let yourself meet someone smarter than you.

Let yourself be."

This is one of my favorite rubber stamped cards from my friend, Shelly.
Check out her blog, listed on the right.
The stamp used is from Peddler's Pack.

"Let there be no purpose in friendship

save the deepening of spirit."

- Kahlil Gibran

I hope you have enjoyed my little celebration of spring today.

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

Duck, Duck, Goose!

Welcome!

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Goose-Tad-Hills/dp/0375840680/ref=pd_sim_b_4

Today I am reminded of the game "duck, duck, goose!" we played as children. For those of you not familiar with it, here are (our) the rules:

All the kids sit in a circle. One child starts out, circling the group and tapping the top of each head from the back while saying "duck......duck.....duck.....duck". At a random moment, she says "GOOSE!".  The 'goose' has to jump up and chase the child around the circle, hoping to tag her before she can pop into the circle and find a seat.

I suppose it could be compared to a version of 'upside down fruit basket'.

I remember quivering with excitement, hoping I would be chosen as the 'goose'!

duck...

duck....

duck...

one of a kind recycled bottlecap art by inkspired

GOOSE!!!

vintage ad for Pearline crackers

"Our memories are an untidy family album

crammed with images and dreams,

scattered and uncatalogued,

 and their sudden recurrence is wholly unpredictable."

- Don Freeman



http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Up-Duck-Opposites-Goose/dp/0375847383/ref=pd_sim_b_4

Here is a paper doll by Current. I have previously posted her friend (see March blogs, Ireland) and will continue to post international costumes for them to wear. Today's outfit representing Holland includes a little goose - or is that a duck? - so I thought it fit in with our theme perfectly!

Thanks to OrigamiBears for her wonderful paper doll web site!

"As long as I continue to hear "normal" people

telling me I am too childish, I know I'm doing just fine."

- Wayne Dyer, motivational speaker

GOOSE!!!

thank you to Dover for sharing images from their books

decorated eggs with paper cut outs

Why couldn't we use stickers for similiar results?!

So, when's the last time you quacked like a duck?

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

http://www.myinkspired.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

QUACK!!!

A blustery spring day with a free paperdoll

Hello!
Last night and today we have wind!  Makes me think of Winnie the Pooh and his friends on a blustery day!

"In a heavy oppressive atmosphere,

when the spirits sink too low,

the best cordial is to read over

all the letters of one's friends."

- William Shenstone

c. 1917

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us

as the confident knowledge that they will help us."

- Epicurus, ancient philosopher

"All that matters is what we do for each other."

- Lewis Carroll

Here is a paper doll with her dolly friend:

And for a final note of wisdom:

"Eat oranges-

Hear the larks-

Wait on the sun."

- John Muir

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

http://www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/

http://www.myinkspired.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

Having a daffodil dazy day!

Merry April Fool's Day!

Today I am in a Daffodil Daze.

My first daffodils have bloomed, and they make everything look soooo cheerful!

I also have one giant grape hiacynth. No more, never has been. I have no idea where this lovely came from but I sure do like it!



“If you've never been thrilled

to the very edges of your soul

by a flower in spring bloom,

maybe your soul has never

been in bloom.”

~Terri Guillemets

Daffodil crochet afghan:

MaggiesCrochet.com

1-888-454-2101

from 40 Free Patterns

I apologize that the picture is not better. It's what came with it.



38. Daffodil Afghan # 2

Size: 46” x 66”

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn; Lt Yellow (Y) 24 oz, Gold (G) 22 oz, and White (W) 16 oz

Gauge: Square Motif = 4 ¾”

Crochet Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Diamond Motif: (Make 32)

Rnd 1 (right side): With W, ch 1 (center ch), ch 4, (dc, ch 1) 7 times in center ch; join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch-4.  (8 dc)

DO NOT TURN EACH RND.

Rnd 2: Sl st in next ch-1 sp, ch 4, * (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 3, dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, tr, ch 3, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * around; join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch-4.  (20 sts)  Finish off.

Rnd 3: With Right Side Facing, join G in any ch-3 sp between 2 tr, ch 3,  (dc, tr, ch 2, tr, 2 dc) in same sp as joining, *2 dc in each of next 4 ch-1 sps, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp, 2 dc in each of next 4 ch-1 sps, (2 dc, tr, ch 2, tr, 2 dc) in next ch-3 sp, rep from * around; join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch-3.  (54 sts)  Finish off.

Flower Motif: (Make 45)

With Y, ch 12, sl st in first ch to form ring.

First Petal: 

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in same st as joining, 2 hdc in next st. (4 hdc) Ch 2, turn eaCH row.

Row 2: Increasing at beg and end of row hdc across. (6 hdc)

Row 3: Rep Row 2.  (8 hdc)

Row 4: Decreasing at beg and end of row, hdc across.  (6 hdc)

Row 5: Rep Row 4.  (4 hdc)

Row 6: Rep Row 4.  (2 hdc)  Ch 1, turn.

Sl st along side of petal back to starting ch.  Sl st in same ch as last of Row 1 of Petal.

Next Petals:

Row 1: Sl st in next ch of starting ch, ch 2, hdc in same ch, 2 hdc in next ch.  Ch 2, turn eaCH row.

Rep Rows 2-6 of first petal.

When 6th petal is complete, work the following rnd:

Rnd 1: Sl st along side of rows 6 and 5 of petal, * ch 3, sl st in side of 5th row of next petal, working behind petal, ch 4, sl st opposite end of row 5, rep from * around, ch 4, sl st in same sp as joining.  Finish off.

Flower Center:

With Right Side Facing, join Y in any unused lp of beg ch-12. 

Rnd 1: Working in unused lps of beg ch-12, ch 2, (2 hdc in next ch, hdc in next ch) around; join with sl st in 2^nd ch of beg ch-2. 

(18 hdc)  Ch 2, do not turn. 

Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st around.  Join.  (18 hdc)  Finish off Y.

Rnd 3: With Right Side Facing, join G in any st, ch 1, sc in same st, * (sc, ch 3, sc) in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around; join with sl st in first sc.  (27 sc) Finish off leaving long end.

Next Rnds:

Rnd 2: Join W in any ch-4 sp of Flower Rnd 1, ch 4, dc in same sp, * ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-3 sp, (ch 1, dc) twice in next ch-4 sp, rep from * around; join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch-4.

Rnd 3: Sl st in next ch-1 sp, ch 4, (dc in next ch-1 sp ch-1) twice, * (dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch-2 sp, (ch-1, dc in next ch-1 sp) 5 times,

ch 1, rep from * around; join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch-4.  (42 dc)  Finish off W.

Rnd 4: With Right Side Facing, join G in any ch-3 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, * dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in each of next

4  ch-1 sp, dc in next ch-1 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-3 sp, rep from * around; join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch-3. (84 dc)

Finish off G.  Weave in ends except for long one.  Use long end to tack cup of flower flat as shown in photo.

Finishing:

Sew 5 Flower Motifs Across and 9 Flower Motifs Down.  Fill the spaces in between by sewing in the Diamond Motifs.

shaped soaps from www.SatinAndBirch.etsy.com

here's a simple daffodil for you to color: 

A simple card technique:

These cards are a form of dimensional card making. It involves having several copies of the same picture. You can make these on a copy machine, just watch that the ink doesn't run.

1. In my Daffodil Daze, I would choose the daffodil ones! You start with the first one, the whole flower.
2. Then you cut the second one, with only the leaves and bottom layer of flower. Glue on top of the first.
3. Third, you cut out only the center of the daffodil, and glue in place.
These especially pop if you use double sided sticky foam dots - you can find these in most hobby/craft stores now. Definitely in a rubber stamping store if you are fortunate to have one in your area.
.....You can also make it look more realistic by slightly curving the top 2 layers over a spoon or wooden dowel before glueing in place.
4. Optional: you can brush a clear coat of acrylic sealer like JudiKins Diamond Glaze (my favorite) or Ranger has one that is also good, over the flower.

c.1912

A special gift from my sister. Those really are daffodils in her garland!

Here is another darling Joan Walsh Anglund paper doll for Spring and Easter:

yes, there is a daffodil in her bonnet!



"Everything is blooming most recklessly;

if it were voices instead of colors,

there would be an unbelievable
shrieking into the heart of the night." 

-   Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke  

Go look for some blooms today! Make it a search and find with the kids when you take a walk! Practice addition with them while you are doing it!

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

http://www.myinkspired.com/

http://www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

 

Bunny bibs, vintage art and paperdolls

Tomorrow is April Fool's Day. Are you prepared?



Here is a little joke to play on co-workers. This idea is from my mom-in-law, who can have the greatest sense of humor!

Faux Chocolate Candy:

Take clean cotton balls.
Dip in melted chocolate chips with a 2-tine fork, or with a skewer.
(you can easily melt chips in microwave, stirring well, but don't over heat!) 
Place on wire rack over wax paper to set.
Place on plate and chill well.
Offer to friends and co-workers. Keep a straight face.
caution: make sure the person receiving has a good sense of humor!

original one of a kind bottlecap by inkspired

you can find more of my art at:

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March,

that month of wind and taxes,

the wind will presently disappear,

the taxes last us all the year.

~Ogden Nash

Here is a little Joan Walsh Anglund paper doll to get your mind off taxes!

She is all ready for those darling Easter Baskets!

Print this out on both sturdy cardstock (for the doll) and glossy paper (for the outfits). Spend some time with your daughter. Help her cut out the dresses. Show her how to make outfits for the new paperdoll using tracing paper and plain typing paper, magazine clippings and colored pencils.  Decorate a big envelope with her to store the doll and all her outfits and accessories.  Make a simple little cardstock stand so she can stand.

Why not make a little Easter scene with the doll, accessories, some colored eggs in stands placed all amongst paper grass?

Here is another Joan Walsh Anglund paper doll for you to have fun with:

Wouldn't these hats look cute with little silk flowers glued to them?

You can print this out and include it in a Spring card!

Simply mail in a larger envelope, so nothing gets bent.

Or, roll up gently and place in a mailing cylinder.

“Springtime is the land awakening.

The March winds are the morning yawn.”

- Lewis Grizzard

c.1917

c. early 1900's

c.1918

“Spring has returned. 

The Earth is like a child that knows poems.” 

~Rainer Maria Rilke

This is a photo of a vintage, handsewn bunny bib.
Let's make our own!

Simple bunny bib:
~ Blow up this photo as large as you want, or just free-hand draw a bib shape on butcher paper.
~ With a pencil and butcher paper, practice drawing on the bunny face and ear details.
~ You can also use tracing paper over the image to get it as close as you wish to the original. I encourage you to personalize it however with your own drawings!
~ Still unsure of your talents? There are tons of iron-on designs out there. I find books regularly on sale at Michael's or other craft stores. Look at your favorite fabric store and you should find iron-on books there too!
~ Transfer design onto bib fabric. A transfer pencil (found at craft/hobby stores)  works great for this.

...choose fabric that is soft, washable and absorbs well. Flannel is a great backing choice.

tip: Why not use a dollar store white towel? Or a colored towel?!?

Okay, now you decide if you want to machine embroider on the details, hand embroider the details, or use fabric paint to do the face.

For Single Layer Bib:
if embroidering:
...don't cut out bib yet. Play with the stitches on your sewing machine for satin stitch binding and other decorative stitches available on your machine. This is a great time to play with some designs that you have never used! When ready to finish, stitch a tight satin stitch all around the outside. Then cut out, being careful to not cut into satin stitches.
..........alternate: use seam binding to finish edges.

if hand stitching:
...don't cut bib out yet. Leave enough fabric around bunny bib to fit inside an embroidery hoop. When finished embroidering the face details, you can remove from hoop. Cut out bib and use a simple binding stitch (sometimes called a buttonhole stitch) to finish all raw edges.

if hand painting face:
...using a hoop or desired painting surface, follow lines with paint. Remember this is a bib, so don't use too much dimensional paint. Baby's face will need wiping, and this is not so pleasant with paint sticking up or a stiff fabric!
...finish with any of the suggestions used above.

tip: Did you know you can purchase a paint add-in that will allow any acrylic paint to be turned into a washable paint? Check out your paint or fabric painting section. It's great stuff! Comes in bottles that look just like a paint bottle.

For double layer bib:
Simply add a layer to all the types of finishing mentioned above. Face details go only onto the front fabric of the bib. When stitching the edges for a final time, be sure your second layer is being caught up in the stitch. If you pin the layers together this will stop them from shifting too much. After stitching all around the edges, check to make sure your layers are sewn together smoothly.

...advanced: right sides together, sew along edge, leaving small openings for ties at neck. Turn inside out. Hand stitch in ties, closing all raw edges. Press.

How to fasten:
1.  I like the seam binding or sturdy ribbon method used for the ties. You can add these while you are finishing up the edges. Make sure they are washable.
I understand there is some concern that these ties could be a hazard to baby.

Hellloooo!!! ...Common sense - don't leave a bib tied around baby's neck if you are not actively feeding him/her!  Baby doesn't need to sleep in a bib. Baby doesn't need to play in a playpen with a bib. Baby doesn't need a bib in the car seat either!

2.  You can use sewn on velcro dots. Be sure however that these are not going to touch and irritate a baby's sensitive skin by rubbing on it.

3.  Make a button hole and sewn on button. Caution: could be a choking hazard if baby likes to remove things and chew things off (button).

I hope you enjoy your bunny bib. These would be great in a baby's first Easter Basket. You can fold one up and pop into a padded envelope to easily mail it. And of course - perfect baby shower gift anytime!

additional fun:
Wouldn't these look cute embroidered onto washcloths? Make a set of 2,3 or 4 and give with the bib, or just by themselves!

“The day the Lord created hope

was probably the same day he created Spring.” 

 ~Bern Williams

Have a bunny-rrific, paperdoll playing, smiley kind of day!

for sale by ellie58, etsy

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

http://www.myinkspired.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com