birdsandtrees

We had a great weekend...

with this little guy!  More later...

Thirty years old.

Today is James's birthday.  And not just any birthday, but the big 3-0!  We're having a little shin-dig later this week with friends and family, but I wanted to have something festive up for the actual day.  So using Posie's book, Stitched in Time (I can look through this book over and over and never get tired of it), I made the birthday banner.  I tried to pick fabrics that weren't too girly (notice that there is not one calico print here, thank you very much) and I think it came out pretty well!  To make it, you basically just cut out the pairs of fabric for each each letter, and then use freezer paper to make stencils and then paint each one with fabric paint.  But I do recommend getting the book if you don't have it - this project is worth it alone!

I love the idea of having this from now on, hanging it on his birthday for years to come.  Growing up, whenever there was a birthday in our house, you could always count on the Muppet paper cut outs (that fold out as birthday cakes and other weird things) to be on the kitchen table that morning.  And my mom still put those out for my last birthday this past summer.  And even though I don't really watch the Muppets anymore, there's something really fun about having them there.  It's a small tradition that I'm starting today with this lil' banner. 

Now that this is done, it's time to move onto some other preparations (and lots and lots of cleaning) for this weekend that I'll share soon! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!

Just happy.

Last night James and I went with some friends to see one of my all-time favorite bands, Travis.  This is the first time they made the trek to Birmingham, and I'm so so so glad they did.  On this tour, it was just half the band, more acoustic and intimate (I took this photo on my phone, and he was maybe 10 feet away from me and also singing one of my favorite songs)...they basically went through their career as a band, telling stories, sharing pictures and slideshows, and explaining songs and lyrics.  It was AWESOME.  I couldn't stop smiling and singing along.  I was just happy.  Just so happy to be there.  

Here are some other things making me happy this week:

- the apple crostata I made this weekend.  Try it - you won't be disappointed. 

- sitting in the backyard reading my stack of craft books from the library (like this and this)

- the glitter painting craze that's going on...learn all about it and upload your photos here

- the thought of trying to make these chocolate caramel crack(ers)

- Lickable Spoon, a recipe sharing blog where you can print off recipes onto a 4x6 card to add to your recipe box!

- dusting off my knitting needles and crochet hooks, and wondering if I could knit a pair of socks, or maybe some toasties?

Some keepers

Last night I made the Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette from the Barefoot Contessa.  I had wanted to make something fall-ish, and I think this definitely fits the bill.  It's got walnuts, roasted squash and dried cranberries, and this delicious vinaigrette that you cook on the stove, with cider and vinegar and shallots...yum.  While we had this by itself, I think the next time I make it, I'll have a pork tenderloin or roast chicken with it.  But it's a keeper and worth a try in your own kitchen!  

Another keeper is a beautiful blog that I've wanted to share with you- it's from Caitlin, a friend of a friend (her good friend sends her daughter to my school)...it's called Roost and she just has such lovely things posted on there- you need to check it out!  Her applesauce recipe looks delicious! 

Handmade and a little Housekeeping

It's hard to believe it's the first day of October.  I feel like once October hits, my brain sends out this message to my body that it's time to start thinking about Christmas presents.  I know I've said this many times (and wrote a post about this last year), but I've been trying to make a lot of my presents for friends and family.  I made the Handmade Pledge last year, and while every single present I gave wasn't handmade (and I don't know if I'll ever reach that point or even know if I want to reach that point), it was nice to give something handmade (either by me or by someone else) - I think it takes small steps each year.  So this year I'm going to try to make some more handmade gifts.  Recently, I've been going through my craft books, magazines, blogs, and websites.    

If you need some inspiration (like I do), here are some ideas to get you started: 

- check out all the projects from the Purl Bee - the whole right side of that site lists all the different types of projects they have - embroidery, knitting, crochet, and patchwork - so much goodness in one place! 

- I know I've posted this before, but it's worth posting again..100 project tutorials! 

- ole trusty Martha always has ideas...here's a link to all her crafts by techniqe (sewing, candle-making, embroidery, felting, etc.).  I love all these embroidery projects - the monogrammed necktie might be on the list for my dad!

- and don't forget about etsy!  There are so many great ideas there to inspire you- or for you to support a fellow crafter and buy their stuff! 

If you have any other ideas, please comment and let us all know!

And, before you go, I had a bit of housekeeping news for the blog - I have changed the way my comments are...you can (and I can) reply to comments that others have made (maybe they asked a question about something or it's something you'd like to add to) - we can get a little discussion going! 

Also, you do not have to have a blog or website or typepad account to leave a comment (I've had a couple of people ask me about this)...you can simply leave a comment with your name and email (no website needed).  If you want, though, you can sign in under your typepad, blogger, etc. account and leave comments that way.  In the comments in the last post, you can see examples of all this! 

Phew! Enough housekeeping...onto making things for Christmas! 

Randomness from the weekend

What a great weekend.  I don't know about you, but I didn't want it to end.  James got a call on Saturday from his sister Emily saying that she and Tripp (see cuteness above) were going to be in B'ham Sunday!!  Such a fun surprise.  I wished they could have stayed longer, but knowing that they'll be back in a month definitely helps!

So other than hanging out with them, this weekend I did "accomplish" some other things...

- I attempted to make the towel rug (using old towels and fabric) from Soulemama's Handmade Home book.  Well, I measured the towel incorrectly and then realized I didn't have quite enough fabric for the top part.  Ugh!  So I walked away from it (which I've been doing a lot lately with craft projects) and then came back and tried to make it work and have almost finished it.  I'm just not sure I like it.  But I might share it later this week.  If you'd like to see some of the cool things people are making from this book, just check out these pics.  

- My friend Dana told me about this new show Glee, a dark comedy about a high-school glee club (or show choir).  There's only been four episodes so far...I downloaded the first one and then ended up downloading all four.  I love this show.  Love love love it.  I'm not a huge fan of football, but if I went to a game and saw this(the good stuff starts around 2 min 30 sec), I'd be coming back for more. 

- James and I have been listening to the new David Gray album. It's a winner. 

- Anybody thinking about Christmas presents yet?  More on that later this week... 

The fact that fall officially starts tomorrow makes me incredibly happy.  Even though it will probably stay warm here for a bit longer, I've seen traces of fall popping up in places these past few days.  It's hard to pass up the gourds and pumpkins at the store - I just need it to be a little cooler before I start enjoying them! 

Since I've last posted, I've finished my picnic blanket, but the rain has also not stopped in quite some time.  So as soon as the grass dries, I'll have some pics of the blanket in use.  I've also started embroidering a dishtowel (using the wreath of flowers from this pattern)...it's addicting I tell you.  Fold laundry?  Nope, embroider.  Plan lessons for school?  Nah.  Embroider!  Go to bed?  Don't think so - embroider!!!  I might need an embroidery flag to hang outside our house...just so everyone knows what's going on inside, and why they haven't seen me in awhile.  It would be a large linen flag, with a huge embroidery of some DMC floss.  And the flagpole would be in the shape of a needle...

Anywho, while I'm waiting for the rain to stop and my fingers keep stitching, here are some lovely things to distract you:

- my friend Cory's blog, five feet small...she inspires me constantly and I know she'll do the same for you.  She's currently in North Carolina for eight weeks learning the craft of letterpress - how amazing is that?

- some fall sewing crafts from Martha to get those creative juices flowing.  I think we might make the Hankie Holder at school tomorrow during craft time - if we do, I'll be sure to share some pictures!

- a recipe for pumpkin bread from Melissa...the perfect way to kick off autumn in my opinion

- I've been staring at this photo and wondering how I could set something like that up in my backyard for the school girls

That's it for now...enjoy the first day of fall!

I've been busy here working on and finishing up my picnic blanket, which I'll hopefully share soon.  But in the meantime, here are some links that I'm enjoying right now:
- I love all of the embroidery found here
- This has been out for awhile, but I love looking back at these photos - it's the story of a couple who renovated a house on a budget in NY, mainly using Craigslist, garage sales, and things they found off the street.  I love all the touches of that light green! 
- another cute embroidery idea from Purl...I'd love to make my kid (or even myself) this one day!
- really hope this show comes to the States, because I love me some Jamie.   
- last embroidery link (it's been on my mind lately) - I love this idea of embroidering your calendar.
- this little house makes me happy...it would make such a lovely home for crafting!

A great weekend, a new week, and lots of projects
 and things to share with you...back soon!

10 things I'm loving this week...

1.  My new Cath Kidston catalog that came in the mail yesterday (the photo above is from one of my favorite pages in the catalog...I love her quote about using better china).  I've looked through it way too many times, and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  All the sewing and knitting notions are just too much...too much!  The house sewing basket!  Agh!  I really could go on and on about all her stuff, but I will spare you and try to contain myself. 

2.   All the hand-sewing projects (found via Posie) on Sew, Mama, Sew!  There is a different one for every day in August.  Along with Posie's hand-sewing project, some of my favorites are this one, this one, and this one.  To me, one of life's small pleasures is working with a needle and thread.  These projects give me (and hopefully others) plenty of ideas!  

3.  Thunderstorms and the sound of rain...I can't get enough. 

4.  Playing Scrabble...James and I have been kind of obsessed lately - I would love to have this vintage one to play!

5.  The new season of Project Runway. 

6.  My friend Amanda sent me this link for ideas for displaying plates, and I love them all! 

7.  This "Poppy Doll" pattern from Hop Skip Jump.  I hope to make one very soon. 

8.  Saying "Mazeltov!"  (That's for you, Melissa) It really is fun to say.  Try it. 

9.  A week full of baking some 'ole favorites: brownie pudding, double chocolate brownie cookies, and blueberry coffee cake muffins.  All tried and true in our house and highly recommended.   

10.  A weekend where James and I are both home, no plans, and nothing to do....my kind of weekend!  Hope yours is great, too!