birdsandtrees

Ribbon Embroidery

Sorry (again) for the lack of blogging...I have been working on some different craft projects, but they're all presents for Christmas, so it's not like I can really show them on here.  But I am going to show you one that I'm really excited about.  I was looking through my craft binder (of all the clippings and articles I've kept from magazines over the past few years) and found an article from Martha on embroidery that uses ribbon instead of embroidery thread/floss.  If you know how to embroider using basic stitches, you can embroider with ribbon.  So don't think you can't do it!
In the article, she/they showed you the stitches and some example flowers you could embroider:

And then, they hit you with this picture:

I instantly knew I wanted to make my mom something like this.  I'm not going to do all eight- I think four might be good, and probably not that big.  There are tons of sites where you can buy silk ribbon for embroidery (and it's cheap, too!).  I've been buying mine from Cam Creations and so far, it's working for me.  I think I like ribbon embroidery because it seems just a teeny bit fancier than regular embroidery, but just as easy...maybe even easier.  I just won't tell anyone that.  Except you.  So don't tell anyone, k?

Stitched in Time

 

I have been waiting for this book and today, it finally came!  I seriously contemplated giving our mailman a high-five.
Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share is written by Alicia Paulson, the creator of Posie Gets Cozy.  I know I've said many times how her blog has been one of my favorites- I started reading it a couple of years ago, and have not missed a post since.  She really is what inspired me to start my own and even to try my hand at photography - and not to mention her endless inspiration in the world of crafting.  Through her writing, I feel like I know her and she's one of my best friends.  Now, I've never met her, but that doesn't seem to matter.  Reading through the book gives you another glimpse into her beautiful life.  
More specifically, she brings you through simple and charming projects that help capture a moment in your life (or someone else's) - from really special times to simple, everyday moments.  She even gives tips on how she approaches photography and tips she uses to make her crafting life easier. 
The book is broken down into three different sections- projects for little ones, for the everyday, and for special occasions.  Some of the projects are Christmas stockings, a baby quilt, a photo pillow, a stuffed doll, a birthday banner, a sleepover pillowcase, and really too many good ones to mention.  You just need to get the book!  It's already given me an idea for the perfect present to make the kids at school- and it's something I wouldn't have thought of on my own.  That is reason #896 why I love the craft blogging world.  Sigh.
Love.  This.  Book. 

Kids' Embroidery: Projects for Kids of All Ages

At the library recently, I discovered this book:

It's got some really easy and beautiful projects for kids (girls and boys) that involve embroidery.  I knew I had to incorporate some of its projects into our handicraft time.  So at school last month, we started working with needlepoint and I think the kids enjoyed it, but we recently moved onto another project in the book: cross-stitching on gingham fabric, which will end up being pillows.
 
I got gingham in several different colors, and with several different square sizes.  The kids got to pick the color fabric they wanted, and then the color embroidery floss they wanted to use.  And so far, everyone has really liked it, and I think their cross-stitching is beautiful!  The squares in the fabric make it really easy for them to make the "X's."  And it was an easy transition from needlepoint (which is just half of the "X"). 

   I think cross-stitch has gotten a bad reputation, because of all the cheesy patterns out there.  But it is such an easy craft to pick up (and there are modern, cool patterns out there, I promise)- and now you see that even 4, and 5, and 6 year olds can do it!  
 So for all you mom's out there, definitely keep this project in mind- I highly recommend it! 

Dutch inspiration

I know for some people it's not quite time to talk about Christmas, but I can't help myself.  After looking through a couple of websites, I've really been drawn to all things dutch (or is it Scandinavian?)- like this paper from Paper Source:

and I really hit the mother-load with Martha's stuff at KMart:







That Martha is a genius. 

On a totally unrelated note, Jamie Oliver is doing a cooking school series on the Today show this week. This morning he made this amazing mushroom dish with tagliatelle pasta - I've already gone to the store and gotten all the ingredients- you can watch the video here. 

Pumpkin Bread

My friend Melissa made this really yummy pumpkin bread the other night and I immediately wanted to make some.  And what's weird is that I have never made pumpkin bread before.  I don't how that happened, but there ya go.  I used the recipe on this blog - I didn't have two loaf pans, so I made one in a loaf pan, and then I divided the rest of the batter into these small bundt pans.  I didn't know how well it would work, but they are SO good!  The recipe couldn't be any easier and it makes your house smell incredible.  So go forth and make some pumpkin bread!

And after enjoying the pumpkin bread, don't forget to vote!

November link love...

There have been a few small changes to my blog, like the banner (thought the start of November needed a new banner) and also a couple new blogs and websites over to the right side.  There are a couple of new blogs that I've recently discovered and thought I'd share. 

 
(picture from La Tartine Gourmande)

For those foodies out there, please check out La Tartine Gourmande.  As always, I love the photography (which you can also check her pictures out on flickr) and the things she makes look amazing.  I really want to try out something from her site, like this.  Her home also recently featured on the site Design Sponge, which you also need to check out if you haven't already.  Love, love, love that website. 
I'm thinking I shouldn't share any others right now because I want you to focus on these two!  Two many websites/blogs can be overwhelming, I think. 
You see, while the rest of the country is focusing on really important things, I'm focusing on food and design blogs.  Yep, I've really got my priorities straight.