Cabbage Curtains

Yes.... I did it! I actually sewed something that is worth sharing here......some grommet top cabbage cutrains!

I've wanted to update the curtains in the master bedroom for quite some time.  I finally found some cute fabric at Ikea... with a great price I might add :)  It wasn't until I got it home that I realized that the pattern was actually a cabbage design... haha!  I still like it anyway. The colors are great!

Every time I attempt to sew something it takes waaaaay longer than expected.  It's one of those things that I have to make many many mistakes with before I catch on.  These curtains are no exception.  I think I spent about 5 hours total because I couldn't get the right tension on my machine to get a nice even stitch with this thick upholstery fabric. Thank goodness for my handy seam ripper... haha!   At least I learned a lot about adjusting the tension. You live and learn right?

Shop Anniversary Giveaway

It's been two years since I opened my little Etsy shop!  My how time flies.

I remember debating a lot over whether I should give it a try or not.  I was so worried that no one would like my stuff.   But, I'm so glad I took that jump.  It's been a great experience for me.  I used to not have much confidence at all in my own abilities.  I could only see my flaws, not my strengths.  Opening a shop and having positive feedback has helped me overcome that.  Now I'm doing what I love and it's very rewarding.

Many thanks to all you readers for your encouragement and support.  You guys are amazing!

So, ya ready for another chance to win a Giclee Print from my Shop?  Start by entering with the Rafflecopter Widget below.  Please also read the contest rules below the box.  Thanks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Rules:

• Giveaway starts Tuesday, July 30th 12:00 AM Mountain Time and ends Tuesday, August 6th 12:00 AM Mountain Time.
• I'll announce and contact the winner on Tuesday August 6th. 
• Make sure to visit the Giclee Prints Section of my shop and leave me a comment on this post about which one is your favorite and you could win it!
• Must be 18 years or older to enter
• There is a chance I might sell the print of your choice while the contest is going. In that case, I will send you your second choice.

Photos of the Week

My photos for the week taken at Red Butte Gardens.....

I could visit this place every week, but we usually only go on the free days once or twice a year.  I just love being surrounded by all the beautiful plants.  I could take pictures of them all day!  And to think this is all possible in the desert!

A Look at my Sketchbook

Hanging outside on the back lawn today with my son, sketchbook, blanket, library books... and snacks.  I love the lazy days of summer :)

I forgot about these paint chips I had stashed in the back of my sketchbook.  They're fun to doodle on!

Messy Frames Tutorial

So....... usually I'm painting stuff to put in frames, but this time I played with painting the frames themselves!

This is such a simple and quick project.  Only two steps and you're done!

Materials:
picture frames- preferably white ones
acrylic craft paints
paint brush
water

Step 1:  Paint stripes or dots or whatever other design you like on your frames in multiple colors.  Let dry for a few minutes.  The more you let the paint dry, the harder it will be to rub back in the next step.

Step 2:  Holding the painted frame under running water in the sink, gently rub off some of the paint you just applied.  It's up to you how much paint you want to rub off.   Lay out to dry.

You're all done!  See.... I told you this a was a quick one!  All you have left to do is find the right stuff to fill your frames with.  I went for some old watercolors from my "mess-ups" pile.  Now I have some bright and cheery decor for my art room :)

A Look at my Sketchbook

 Playing with blog header designs.........

Which is your favorite?  I really like the colorful dots.  I may scan it and incorporate it into a heading sometime.  I also like the feathers, but the handwriting with them.... not so much.

 I also have a few pen drawings from a few months ago...

By the way, if any of you happen to see an offensive video game ad displayed in my sidebar,  I sincerely apologize.  I've reported it to Blogher and they are working on getting it blocked.  I've come across it a few times and it's awful.  So really, I'm sorry about that.  I opt out of the "nasty" ad categories as much as possible, but sometimes I can't control all of them.  Does anyone else have that problem?

I'm considering switching to running my own ads with Passionfruit Ads.  That way I can have total control over what is on my blog and only have ads that I agree with.  

The Influence of Summer

My latest watercolor illustrations........

I started out with the Chevron design in mind, but by the time I finished that, I had several other ideas.   So I kept painting..... and painting :)  I think the fact that it's summer time had a huge influence on these.  I can't keep myself away from bright colors!