My Wish For You...

As we welcome the new year, I am taking a look back at the last 365 days...it sure has been a year of ups and downs...2012 was full of triumphs, challenges, and new directions. Thank you for contributing to the success of Blue Ribbon Designs and for your support, encouragement, and loyalty - there are many talented designers and teachers out there...and a vast amount of needlework patterns to choose from - I sincerely thank you for welcoming my designs into your stitching rotation and allowing my dream to be a reality. I truly love the needlework industry and I hope you will continue to receive my designs with open arms and share in my passion for all things done with needle and thread. As we jump into 2013, I have many goals and a good amount of projects in the works - a pile of design ideas, multiple classes across the US, and exciting plans for the future. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my passion...

As 2012 comes to a close, I would like to thank all of you for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs and my blog journey. You continue to inspire me with your creativity, kindness, and generous spirits - BRD would not be possible without each and every one of you. In preparation for 2013, take a moment to reflect on the past year and the many blessings bestowed upon you...and take a look at all the beautiful stitching, sewing, and crafting projects you have accomplished. I wish you a happy, healthy 2013 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity!

From The Studio...

Today's post will be a short one...just a few photos to show you what I have been creating for Christmas...these gifts have all been delivered, so I thought I would share them with you. Although my sewing machine is still waiting to be fixed, I managed to get quite a few pieces quilted and sewn before it broke down (or I used my old machine). Each year, I try to make the majority of my gifts - and this year was no exception...

Pincushion Tuffet and Needlebook Scissor Case
My own patterns.
Fabrics: Polka Dot Stitches by Lori Holt of Bee In My Bonnet for Riley Blake
Wee Play by American Jane Patterns Sandy Klop for Moda

Strippy Table Runner
Pattern: "Strippy Table Set" by Patterns by Jean Boyd
Fabric: Sent With Love by Deb Strain for Moda

Machine Embroidered Flour Sack Kitchen Towels
Machine Embroidery:  Vintage Kitchen Set, digitized by Splinters and Threads

Quartered Nines Table Topper
Pattern: Quartered Nines - my own variation...
Fabric: Wiscasset by Minick & Simpson for Moda

Willow Tree Candle Mat
Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop pattern by Debbie Lazarski
Fabrics: Unknown - Kitted Scraps

Of course I made a few other presents...and purchased some special things too - this is just a sampling of the personalized gifts I have been creating in the studio....

I hope your holidays have been filled with handmade and heartfelt gifts!

Cross Stitch for Christmas

It was a peaceful Christmas holiday in our home. We hosted Christmas dinner at our house - and I cooked a huge feast...and although it was only for four people, it was devoured, leaving little room for dessert. I had planned to take some photos of the meal for you and share some recipes - but the only photo I managed to get was of the table before our guests arrived (and it was taken with my smartphone - sorry). After a big meal and a small gift exchange, we enjoyed an afternoon of conversation in front of the fire...and then had dessert. It was a comfy, cozy, and quiet holiday...and when I say quiet, I mean it - I even turned off the phone and the computer for the day - something I need to do more often. After my husband's parents left - I walked Simba to the park (in the snow, ice, and bitter cold), cleaned up the kitchen, then spent the evening watching movies with my husband.

I did finish opening the Christmas package from my dear friend Robin in Virginia...and I just *had to* share the contents with you...because it included not one, but TWO cross stitched gifts! A beautiful ornament...and a gorgeous framed sampler - aren't they both treasures?! I feel so blessed to have these on display in my home...both exquisite reminders of  our friendship across the miles! Robin has a knack for making the perfect stitched gifts...she always picks colors that match my style - and designs that match my personality...and her work is superb. I love that the framed designed is personalized by having the letter "B" and the letter "R" stitched in black...it is so very special! I will be hanging this in my stitching nest, along with the lovely friendship piece my friend Mary gave me a couple weeks ago - two gorgeous stitched samplers from two amazing friends. I am proud to hang their heartfelt gifts among my personal stitching and BRD models. I must say, I am so very blessed....my heart is full. Robin - thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with me and for giving me so much to be thankful for this holiday season!

*UPDATE* from Robin:  the chart for the framed piece is called "Sew Sew" by iStitch Designs - the fabric is 32-count Vintage Buttercream from Lakeside Linens and the floss is HDF silks in Primitive Barn Red and BeGrimed.  I stitched the letters ‘B’ and ‘R’ in BeGrimed (they are my initials, they are your first initial and my first initial and they also stand for Blue Ribbon which was how our friendship began). The ornament details:  the chart is called "Merry Virginia" by Homespun Elegance - the fabric is 32-count Flax and the floss is Weeks Dye Works and DMC.


Remember the fabulous winter scene fabric Robin sent me?? Well, her package also contained several other beautiful cuts - including this unique bluebird panel from the Tend the Earth collection by Deb Strain for Moda...I haven't decided how I will use this unique panel yet - but it will be used for something special!

....and I have one more stitched gift to share with you...this beautiful cross stitched stocking was given to me back in October at the New England Stitcher's Retreat. It was stitched by one of the hosts - my sweet, sweet friend Gail. I met Gail at the very first New England retreat in May of 2010 and we have kept in touch ever since...she has attended all three retreats and is such a joy to be around! This year, when I arrived at the Shaker Dwelling House, she had a placed a fantastic gift bag in my room filled with treats - including this gorgeous stocking (it is about 6.75" H) - complete with a couple presents inside. Many of you know I just adore stockings and teeny tiny packages, so this LOVELY gift touched me deeply! I have been admiring it the entire holiday season and I just had to share it with you...

I hope you are having a magical and heartfelt holiday - filled with family, friends, food, and festivities!

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve to my family, friends, and followers! It is a quiet holiday in our home...I spent the day running errands, cleaning, and doing a little preparation for Christmas dinner tomorrow (my husband's parents will be joining us for a celebratory meal). I plan to spend this evening in my stitching nest - with a fire in the fireplace - a movie - and a nice glass of wine (I'm hoping my husband will make it home to join me!).

To the right you see a photo of me as a little girl opening a Christmas present..this makes me happy and fills my heart with the Christmas spirit!

Below is a little Christmas collage that includes many Blue Ribbon Designs holiday favorites....

Merry Christmas to those celebrating - wishing you a blessed and magical holiday! May you find joy in the celebration, beauty in your surroundings, and love in your heart...

A Snow Day...

Just as predicted, winter weather arrived in central Iowa yesterday evening...it started as a rain/sleet mix, then quickly turned to snow (and thunder snow). We received 12" to 14" of snow (on top of a layer of ice) and blizzard-like conditions with winds gusting up to 50 mph...yes, winter has definitely arrived! With the heavy snow, our power was knocked out last night...but we are blessed, as our electricity was restored early this morning. With most of the city shutdown this morning and travel not recommended, today was an official snow day. I made it outside to do a little snow removal and take Simba for a brief walk...he was quite irritated by the harsh weather and I had to force him to go further than the end of our driveway....but who could blame him - with the snow so high, he must feel like he is walking in a tunnel...and with the winds so extreme, he must feel like a little kite. I must say, even with the cold, wind, snow, and ice, it was still beautiful outside - looks like we will be having a white Christmas this year!

View from our deck....

Sunshine trying to peek through....

...and speaking of winter weather and snow...several days ago, I received a FABULOUS Christmas package from my dear friend Robin - I have only opened one of the enclosed gifts....and it was this WONDERFUL winter fabric, which reminds me of our current weather situation...it is Winter Wonderland by Ingrid Slyder for Moda...isn't it marvelous?! 

It was a very quiet day and I decided to do some cooking (a big pot of homemade chili), some baking (molasses cookies), and some sewing (more Etsy shop items and a couple last minute gifts). I finished up the last six Blueberry Crumb Cake Needlebook Scissor Cases...then decided to pull out some bright cheerful fabric (Fresh Flowers by Deb Strain for Moda) and work on some more Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves....these will be listed in my Etsy shop soon.

I have just a few more things to finish up in my studio and at my desk...then I will be headed to my comfy stitching nest to work on some model stitching (I think a fire in the fireplace and a hot beverage will be a nice touch)...I have several large projects to get completed in the next few weeks...

I hope you are staying warm and cozy...and enjoying this winter holiday season....

Stocking The Shelves...

Finally, I have some Etsy shop items to share with you! Remember months ago when I told you I was working on more Needlebook Scissor Cases for my Etsy shop?? - well, here I am posting a LONG overdue update. I had quite a few requests for some made with fabric from the Blueberry Crumb Cake collection by Blackbird Designs...and at that time, I got them all cut and prepared for sewing...then life, traveling, teaching, designing, "you name it", got in the way...and then my sewing machine had to go in for repair. My sewing machine is still waiting for parts - but I dusted off my old machine and got to work last week. I managed to get 26 of the needlebooks completed - along with 24 new Stitch Start Ruler Sleeves - all in the Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric....and I have 6 more needlebooks ready for assembly this weekend. These items are all ready to ship and would make perfect holiday gifts for stitching friends (or yourself!)...

The "Needlebook Scissor Case" is my own pattern which I have perfected over time - each one is approximately 3.5" W x 5.5" H. They are padded with fusible fleece and the pockets/cover are structured with interfacing - making them quite sturdy and durable. The covers are embellished with rick rack, trim, or ribbon...and the closure is an elastic loop and button. Many of the buttons are vintage from vast collection - and the rick rack I used is hand-dyed. Inside you will find wool felt needlebook pages with one pretty stick pin and pockets for your stitching/sewing tools. Each Needlebook Scissor Case is different and unique...

I also added a new batch "Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeves" - these pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold the 3" square ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. Each Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeve comes with a Stitch Starter Ruler (single Stitch Starter Rulers without a sleeve are available, as well). To read more about my Stitch Starter Ruler, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/USING%20THE%20STITCH%20STARTER.pdf

Orders placed this weekend will ship Priority Mail on Monday, December 17th and should arrive in time for Christmas gift giving....and all of my Etsy items are wrapped in GiftGloss and tied with tulle bows.

For those of you needing affordable gifts for a small group of stitching friends - check out my Decorative Pin and Button Packs! I used pretty papers and cardstocks to fold holders with a pocket on the front and and a pocket on the back...and then tied them together with fancy coordinating ribbon. The front pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized heart straight pins...and the back pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized leaf straight pins...and attached in the center is a poly bag of 24 matching buttons. The holder is tied with approximately a 1/2 yard of decorative ribbon and is placed in a transparent bag tied with tulle. Each package is different and unique...and I still have a nice assortment listed and ready to ship.

I have an impressive pile of pieces cut and ready for assembly this weekend and hope to have more fun items listed soon!

Today, I am finishing up some last minute handmade gifts - then this evening, I will be working on the model for the Elegant Stitch Workshop taking place in April...and I have a project to complete for AccuQuilt this week, as well...lots of creative work to do in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blue Jeans and Daisies

Today I have a fun little teaser to share with you...this is a little peek at the mystery sampler, which I have titled "Blue Jeans and Daisies". I originally shared a few details with you about the Mystery Sampler Club at the end of November - now I have a special "teaser" photo to entice you a little bit more!

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share with you about the Mystery Sampler Club...

• The title is "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...
• It has a "springtime" theme...
• Each chart will contain a fun finishing idea...
• Collect all three designs to unlock a mystery bonus on my website when the 3rd and final part is released...
• The first part is set to be released on January 21, 2013...
• Stitch count for the entire sampler is 150H x 300W - each installment will be approximately 150H x 100W...

For additional details or to sign up, visit your favorite needlework shop or stitchy website (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part is scheduled to be released in January - the second part in February - and the third part in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). 

(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

So without further ado, here is just a taste to whet your appetite!

Clarity and Perspective...

I was given a much needed boost of holiday spirit yesterday. I've been a little "bah humbug" this year (who am I kidding - I have been extremely "bah humbug" this year)...I have been slow to get my gifts ready and I am yet to start sending my holiday cards - completely unlike me...I'm not sure if it is my heavy workload, the unseasonable weather, financial constraints, or my sewing machine being on the fritz (I'm usually sewing up a storm this time of year)...I've just been in a bit of a funk....but leave it to my dear friends Mary and Lorrie to give me a gentle attitude adjustment. We met for lunch yesterday and had the most enjoyable time...in fact we were having so much fun, we completely lost track of time - I checked my watch to find we had been chatting for over two hours - it was an extended (and much needed) break!

Although I was planning to see each of them again for our Christmas gift exchange (I just don't have everything ready yet), Mary brought my Christmas gifts to lunch - a gift bag full of special goodies. I started  opening some of the smaller packages first - they included a adorable little notebook, a glass ornament, and a squirrel cookie cutter...and there were two larger packages to open too! She gifted me a wonderful book - The Gentle Art of Stitching: 40 Projects Inspired by Everyday Beauty by Jane Brocket - Mary knows I absolutely adore sewing/quilting/stitching/crafting books...and this book is the perfect addition to my library. The projects range from Sashiko to Crazy Quilting to Vintage Embroidery to Stitching on Felt (to name a few) - it is a great collection of handwork projects with lovely photos...and full of inspiration. As I reached for the final package, I immediately realized I saved the best for last - Mary had stitched and framed a BEAUTIFUL cross stitch piece for me - it is absolutely perfect and I had to choke back tears when I removed the tissue paper. So much thought went into this gift - from the colors and frame she chose - to the design (which contains many of my favorite things...and of course squirrels!)...I couldn't wait to get it home and hang it (close to my stitching nest where I can admire it daily)...it is so very special to me. The design is "A Sheltering Tree" by All Through The Night...isn't it fabulous?! I am so very touched by this heartfelt gift - it is the first framed cross stitch that I have ever received...and knowing all the hard work and love that went into this piece warms my heart.

Spending a few hours with my dear girlfriends was just what I needed and I finished my day feeling happy and blessed (even with a migraine that arrived late yesterday afternoon). The gift of friendship provided me with a little clarity and a new perspective.

Today I will get to work on my Christmas list - better late than never - Christmas cards and stamps are on the table, ready to go...and I will try to work on a few more of the gifts I am making (provided my headache subsides)...

On the sewing machine front, I do have a little update...I took it back to the tech last Monday and had the belt put back on, hoping it would hold for regular sewing....and yep, it was the exact same belt problem...the parts are on backorder (of course they are)...but she was kind to put the belt back in place. I have been able to do some sewing (no embroidery until the parts are replaced) - I managed to get a special order of 25 needlebooks completed (that was a HUGE job). I am being extra gentle and trying to keep the belt in place as long as possible, as there is no estimated arrival time for the parts needed (of course there isn't). I am hoping to finish a small pile of Etsy items and a couple Christmas gifts...and if I am super lucky I can work on a special project for AccuQuilt. I do have a back-up machine, but it doesn't have all the "bells and whistles"...and this little experience has definitely taught me that I am a sewing/embroidery machine DIVA!

Berries, Birds, and Blooms

As promised, I am back today with the details for my other new release "Berries, Birds, and Blooms". This is another cheerful, sunny design that I hope will brighten your winter days!  This chartpack contains charting for the sampler and four needlework smalls - a scissor fob, pinkeep, floss ring tag, and needlebook....it also includes stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for all four needlework smalls, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. The models were stitched on 32-count Chantilly Creme hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is provided). I am very happy with the set of needlework smalls and plan to find a small basket to hold them - I want to place it on the table next to my stitching nest. As always, I have put all the details on the Blue Ribbon Designs website - here are a couple direct links...
Complete materials list and specifics:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD108%20Specifics.html
Additional photos:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/Berries%20Birds%20and%20Blooms.html

 Automatic shop orders (for both "Berries, Birds, and Blooms" and "Sunflower Serenade") start shipping today and distributor orders will be shipping next week - so look for this new design to arrive at your favorite needlework shop (or online at your favorite webshop) very soon!
(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Needlework Smalls (clockwise from top left: scissor fob, pinkeep, needlebook, floss ring tag) - Front View

Needlework Smalls - Back View

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you like the two new releases! I am now off to bag and prepare charts for shipment...and of course I have more details to finish for the Mystery Sampler...I would LOVE to do a little holiday sewing, but my sewing/embroidery machine is still waiting for the replacement parts to arrive (boohoo!)....

Sunflower Serenade

I'm back to share more Blue Ribbon Designs news with you. Yesterday I shared my big announcement that I have designed a mystery sampler for the Norden Crafts Mystery Sampler Club (thank you all for the very positive feedback!)...and today I am sharing the first of two new releases with you!

I have two new designs ready to start shipping within the next week (Sunflower Serenade and Berries, Birds, and Blooms)...today we will talk about BRD-107 "Sunflower Serenade". This is a Midwest/Kansas-inspired design - it features a few of the Kansas state symbols: the state flower (Sunflower), the state bird (Western Meadowlark), and the state insect (Honeybee). This piece was actually designed for a special class I taught for the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp...but I had so much wonderful feedback, I decided to release it in my regular line. As winter continues to arrive, I thought I would release a couple pieces with a springtime feel to keep your stitching rotation bright and cheerful! This design chart contains charting for the sampler and two needlework smalls - a scissor fob and a pin pillow with a place to attach your scissors....it also includes stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for both the needlework smalls (including a paper template to help you cut the hexagons for the pin pillow), and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. The models were stitched on 28-count Jobelan Bone fabric - but I also suggest a linen: 30 or 35-count Baby's Breath by Weeks Dye Works....and for threads, I used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss - but a DMC conversion is also provided.

You can find all the details and a complete materials list on my website:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD107%20Specifics.html 
...and additional photos can be found here:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/Sunflower%20Serenade.html

Automatic shop orders start shipping tomorrow and distributor orders will be shipping next week - so look for this new design to arrive at your favorite needlework shop (or online at your favorite webshop) very soon!
(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Tomorrow, I will return with all sorts of information about "Berries, Birds, and Blooms"....

A BIG Mysterious Announcement!

Today is the day! I can finally share with you some details on a HUGE project I have been working on for several weeks. I have been invited by the needlework distributor
Norden Crafts to be their next mystery sampler designer - yep, that's right I have designed the next project for the Mystery Sampler Club!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club...you have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part is scheduled to be released in January - the second part in February - and the third part in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share about my "mystery" with you...

• It has a "springtime" theme...
• Each chart will contain a fun finishing idea...
• Collect all three designs to unlock a mystery bonus on my website when the 3rd and final part is released...
• The first part is set to be released on January 21, 2013...
• Stitch count for the entire sampler is 150H x 300W - each installment will be approximately 150H x 100W...

So there you have it - the big announcement I have been waiting to share with you - I hope you will join in my excitement and contact your needlework shop of choice for all the details! 

(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Start out your New Year with a fun, new, springtime project!

Giving Thanks...and a Squirrel Sequel...

With the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, I wanted to do a quick blog post - I have so many things to be extremely thankful for...a loving family, a wonderful husband, AMAZING friends (who accept me, my quirks, and my crazy busy schedule!), a career I find joy in every single day...there are truly too many things to list. I am thankful for all of you who share my passion, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs - you all brighten my days - I am truly grateful for the success of Blue Ribbon Designs.

Today I received a special package in the mail - another reminder of my many blessings - it was a Thanksgiving card (right) from "one of the Enfield squirrels"...and an adorable (let's say) straw squirrel (below). See, it truly is "all about the squirrel". This time I have a pretty good guess who sent it to me - and you know it brought a HUGE smile to my face - thank you dear friend...you are sneaky, but I know where you live! See I am truly blessed with wonderful friends...

After hearing from so many of you about the photo collage I posted for Halloween, I decided to do the same thing with some of my Autumn/Thanksgiving designs. Over the past ten years or so, I have truly enjoyed designing charts and patterns especially for this time of year - I adore the colors of autumn...I thought you might enjoy seeing a collage that includes many these pieces...you can find additional information on each of these designs by exploring my website...enjoy!

To everyone celebrating tomorrow - and to my many international fans and friends - Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter White Ornaments

Holiday Cottage - approximately 4.5" x 4.5"

I managed to finish quite a few machine embroidered lace ornaments over the last couple weeks...if you have followed my blog for quite some time, then you know I make these each year to slip inside Christmas cards and tie on packages. This year I decided to make some to put in my Etsy shop...and not only did I make snowflakes, but I made some holiday cottages (gingerbread houses) and some ice skates. I actually got quite a few completed before my sewing embroidery machine decided to act up (it is still unhappy - waiting for parts - a new belt and housing mechanism - boohoo)...and I listed what I have in my Etsy shop last night. These ornaments are made on my embroidery machine...and are technically called "free-standing lace"...they are made entirely of thread! 

For those of you not familiar with an embroidery machine, here is a little idea of how these snowflakes are made - using digitized designs, the machine embroiders the ornaments on water-soluble stabilizer...once the design is completely stitched, you put it in water and the stabilizer dissolves, leaving you with a beautiful piece of lace made completely of embroidery thread. I like to put a piece of white ribbon through the hanger on each snowflake before placing it in a card or on a gift. Each large snowflake can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour to make, so I usually set up my machine and let them embroider while I am working on various other crafts in my studio...each cottage and ice skate take quite a bit longer, as they are larger and quite detailed.  In the photos you can see a selection of my embroidered snowflakes ...average size of the small snowflake is 1.75" W x 1.75" H...medium snowflakes are approximately 2.75" W x 2.75" H...and the large snowflakes are approximately 3.5" W x 3.5" H. The holiday cottage and the ice skate are a little bit bigger at approximately 4.5" W x 4.5" H. Many digitizers offer snowflake designs for machine embroidery, but if you are interested in these particular medium and large snowflake designs, they are designed by Criswell Embroidery & Design - the holiday cottage and the ice skate are digitized by Anita Goodesign....you can purchase digitized designs from both of these designers on a disk at your favorite quilt shop or by downloading them from their website.

Large snowflakes - approximately 3.5" x 3.5"

Ice Skate - approximately 4.5" x 4.5"

Small Snowflakes - approximately 1.75" x 1.75"

A selection of wrapped ornaments...

I have listed all of the ornaments I have completed...and with my machine waiting for parts I am not sure if I will be able to complete more before Christmas - if you have been waiting for these, please do not hesitate. They will be shipped on heavy cardstock and wrapped with GiftGloss to keep them nice, clean, and flat.

On a happy note: I have approved the printing proofs for the new designs and they will be delivered next week - so they should be available around the 1st of December...I will post more details in the next couple days. AND...I am very close to be able to share my big design surprise with you - just be patient a few more days...

It is a beautiful day and after wrapping up just a few more details at my desk, I am headed out for a long brisk walk - my training continues to go well - and a big thank you to those who have already supported my Komen 3-Day walk with a donation - I heart you all!