Grace

Share the Quotes of Grace

Allow yourself to Nurture Yourself

Where do I jump back in - I started blogging as a journey and an self- inspiration.  I am so grateful for my creative life and family.  And these also keep me so busy that I forget to breathe.-------

There have been so many events that continue to inspire me this year I don't know where to start. 

• Barbara T'Arts - this is the gathering of my sister, sister-in-laws, nieces, daughter-in-laws.  We get together each year to share a craft project that is inspired by Mom - Barbara . ( Love you Mom!!)  Our theme this year was the word "Grace" .  I must say I am impressed at the talent and creativity that each of crafted to celebrate  "Grace" 
•  So ------ENJOY!!  

• a Collection of : Appliqued & trimmed towels by Kris, Nest of Quotes of Grace to ponder daily by Susan, Artful jewelry with hand - stamped charm of "Grace" by Brittany, a heartfelt collage of family - given to Sheila by the Grace of God, Dinner plates with quotes of Grace to cherish by Ali, a cross decoupage with burlap & letters in regal purple by Crystal, a serving tray with "Grace & sunflowers by Becky, and a canvas of quotes of Grace by me.

We are all so blessed to have each other - and to have the families that bring us together in joy & comfort.

And so it continues ----- my creative life shared with the women that inspire me---- who will you inspire.  

The Women of Barbara T'Arts
back; ME, Becky, Susan, Kris
front; Crystal, Sheila, Brittany, Ali

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Happy New Year! 2015

Ok I'm about a week late.   Better late than never.

I make no excuses but, will just jump into it. A great year so far ---family in good health. 
What do I expect this year?  What are my resolutions?  Probably the same as many

- lose weight
- Enjoy family & friends
- create in all forms
- share passions
-  Be inspired

This goes for me at work and at home. Simple plans to live in 2015
 I pinned these words recently that I want to work into my daily life as well- see above 
 I think that I need to appreciate the simple things this year. Back to Basics

 

I look back over 2014 and the most important and memorable things are; babysitting grandkids, time with my sons & husband, enjoying a craft day with the girls, the road trips with my sister, celebrating with my team.  Its the personal connections that mean the most.  And personal connections don't cost a thing!

Simple life & Back to Basics

• Lose Weight - this will be the hardest for me - so stay tuned.  My first steps; bought a scale & have ap on my phone to monitor my success.
• Enjoy F &F - first appreciate them in each moment.  And stay in touch.
• Create - schedule it!  Planned projects - art journal, new quilt, grandbaby clothes
• Share - everything is better shared
• Be inspired -

  
So I have challenged my Facebook connections to start an Art Journal.  I open this up here as we; and will add more details as we go .

Art Journal
JANUARY - the month of beginning - so I have challenged my Facebook friends to create an Art Journal during 2015.  And I invite you too!!  Make it your own - nothing fancy.  Use  a plain notebook, recycle a book, make a page, block, whatever.  Use an art median or word or receipt or clippings - again - your choice.  Each month I will supply a theme - use the whole month to create. 

January - snow - white - minimal

Hurrah for January -  Jump into it!

Spinning Thoughts

Wow - have i gotten lost in the everyday life of work.

I have so many ideas and project spinning in my thoughts and i have abandoned my blog, which just drive me bananas.  I will be recommitting to myself and you all that i am "back in the saddle " on my blogging.  How else am i going to keep your attention and share my passion for leaving a legacy of sewing/crafting/art from your heart & hands.

So, let me first share the newest photo of my "next generation" inspiration - Lily Mae

So, as you can see she's Wonderful, Beautiful, Lovely, Happy, Fun and soon to be crawling like a turtle

and of coarse a KEEPER!!

I getting set to make her first Christmas present from Grandma - SHHHH !! Don't tell Sheila her mom or Tim her daddy.    Check back in her on the blog after this weekend to see it!!!

No I haven't forgotten my 3 sons - but, I never had a "girl" before.

I'm still working my way thru Christmas decorating - i decided to re-theme my living room to "Snowflakes" - here is the start of the decorations

I found this great burlap garland at Primitive Peddler in Cameron MO

Add some great wooden snowflakes found at the local craft stores 

Add some metallic ornaments and home made snowman head
Very fun!!
Next - the Windows - come back on Saturday to see what i added
Until then - you are always in my inspirations - and so much more to share - so little time LOL

Life continues - Life goes on :)

Life continues on - Ive missed writing and sharing.  Time gets away sometimes but, I need to reconnect with this blog - it feeds my soul.

So, to catch you all up there have been some great news in my life.    I will be a Grandma this year.  "Grandma" what an interesting word.  It makes me smile just to say it.  Tim, my oldest son, and Sheila my new "daughter" will be delivering my new grandaughter in July (or sooner)  Sheila has added the girlish that i have not had in my life yet.  Being a mom of 3 boys on a farm can be along way from "girly".    So, now i am on the path to alot of pink in my life (I'm not sure that I am ready for that) but it will be fun to test.

Also, I want to invite you all to my sales coming up on June 15th on the farm.  It's the "Stash Bash & Recycle Market".  What I classifiy as a creative life - garage sale.  I am cleaning out my studio so you can get some great deals. ( And I will be able to buy more stuff)  I also need some of you to join me in cleaning out your stash.  I plan to do this annually - so I need some "charter" crafters.

 

Take Time to Sew

3-2013

Well - I've been tied up with the working world so I didn't make the blog dateline of 1 posting per week.  But, I've set up the Cloth Continued Facebook page for your all to "Like" & share your sewing/creating happening with me there as well.  Post  your latest projects or your top 5 UFOs (unfinished objects).

I get asked all the time - "How do you have time to sew?" with the world spinning around I have a couple of tricks that I keep up my sleeve so that I can enjoy "Sew-therapy". Here are my top 2!

#1 - Schedule time for Family, Home, Art (sew) & Share into every month.  I start by penciling in every weekend on my calendar, every week - the whole year.  1 project theme per weekend.  Last weekend for me was "Home" and it was a simple as taking the time to clean out the frig, getting my bedroom "fresh" by putting on clean linen  & ironing my pillow cases ( I LOVE ironed pillow cases - kinds dorky - I know).  I know that this sounds very domestic but, it feels so good who you get to enjoy the outcome.  I also squeezed some "Family" in here because it was needed.  My youngest son, Lucas & I had to tour NW Mo college where he plans to attend this fall.  It was a great day that I don't get much of anymore with just him & me.

So, as you can see - when life happens you add it into your schedule.

  But, if life does not get in the way - I have a"Plan" to squeeze it in.

#2 - Create 15 minutes at time.  How, you say, can you get anything done in 15 minutes at time?  You would be amazed.  Now, I will admit that I have the luxury of having a Sewing Studio (yes, I said studio - it's the same as  a sewing room but, "Studio" raises the bar on my personal expectations).  But @15 minutes at a time, I can plan the project, or cut out the garment, or sew in sleeves or sew 5 quilt blocks.  All I can say is that if I only have 15 minutes and if I sew 15 minutes a week - I usually finish I project per month.

So, if an entire weekend is out of the picture - I crave the "15" - Try it - it will surprise you!

Share - what tricks do you do to make your "Sew-therapy" happen?

                             

As I mentioned in my last blog - I am creating a Project calendar for fun to add to the excitement of my scheduled life.  I'm half done - so stayed tuned to the blog next to show it off.  I think I'll really have fun with it this year.  I encourage you to try your own & share with us ----------- a yearly tradition - pass it on!!

I talked about UFOs - many of you already know what this stands for - the little objects flying around in your head or studio - that you need to finish up so that you can clear the gray matter or the cutting table space to start 5 more (LOL)

My rule of thumb is that for every project you finish - you get to start 5 more. 

  Don't you agree :-)  

I'll go check out what my top 5 UFOs are and get back with you -   thanks for checking in!!
Cloth Continued ---------------------------  until next blog --- Linnca

Legacy Inspriations

Post #2-2013

I asked each of you to share your who in your life is your 

Legacy Inspiration & Art median of choose. 

 This question for me has a lot of different answers.  

I have been blessed with many people past & present 

that live "a creative life with passion".

Barbara - my mom - a quite matriarch. I would say is my strongest influence of the creative spirit - she exposed me & our family to so many art forms through out her life.  But - her passion was water color painting.

Grandma A - Greta - a Swedish immigrate who was self - reliant  &  opinionated,, a  baker & seamstress who always added details.  Her hand embroidery was the added "Love".

Grace - a pioneer woman that lived up to her name.  Mother of 3 daughters. A "Foody" before her time.  The simple foods were the best - to die for pot roast & fudge - YUM!

Kris - my sister - a generous woman with talents in  so many areas you will have to keep reading my blog to learn them all.  Love U Sis.

  

That's just the first in my group of women

 - I'll share more as I blog on.....

My Art of Passion is Cloth & Paper Mixed Media 

- which I work into Home & Fashion

My first Project for you to Create & Share 

Legacy Inspiration Wreath 

I'm making mine with cloth and paper - but, you can use any medium that inspires you.  Use my design or create your own. 

(Ali I challenge you to an Occasional Owl style) 
 &  everyone drop by
 A & J Blog @ With Our Powers Combined 
- very unique - my new generation inspiring me!

I've included the woman past & present who are my greatest inspiration. The 4 red hearts are for the 4 men in my life who inspire me each day