Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats

Greetings friends! There have been some very exciting things brewing in the BRD studio...and my desk is swimming in correspondence, designs, creative ideas, contracts, piles of paper, product swatches/photos, and a giant planning calendar...but it is all great and I will have some SUPER FUN news to share in the next couple months. Currently, I am trying to get organized and on track for a very busy year.

For now, it is new project tutorial day - time to share my March project created for the Therm O Web blog with you. I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials using incredible products from Therm O Web. For the month of March, the blog is focused on home décor, kitchen refresh, HeatnBond Sparkle Paste, machine embroidery, and appliqué. I created a brand new project that was posted on Monday - it is a complete project tutorial for my Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats. My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. 

With the spring season officially starting later this week and Easter right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to make a pair of snack mats to freshen and brighten up my late night snack (which is an afternoon snack for all of you that are not on my crazy night schedule 😉). I have had a sketch of these bunnies in my idea book idea for quite some time and I was excited to execute my plan. I am really happy with the results - AND I applied HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl to make them waterproof and stain resistant. 

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:
https://blog.thermoweb.com/mr-and-mrs-cottontail-snack-mats/

You will be surprised how quickly this seasonal project comes together. It is perfect for using up those scraps and small pieces of fabric - I opted to use bright and cheerful solid color fabric scraps. For this post, I used:

• HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl Gel Coating
• HeatnBond Pressing Paper
• HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheets
• HeatnBond Fusible Fleece
• HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Fabric Adhesive Tape 
• Optional: HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Interfacing

Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list. 

Tomorrow, you will be able to visit my YouTube Channel to follow along as I create my mini quilt (longer version)...or visit my Instagram for a shorter Reel video...it should be posted on Wednesday.

To find the exact tools and supplies listed, visit my Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats Supply List on Amazon (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!). 

Are you familiar with the HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl Gel Coating? With this unique liquid product, you can make any fabric stain-resistant, water-resistant and even waterproof....simply paint on a light, even coat - let it dry - and then iron to create a smooth finish. One coat makes the fabric water and stain-resistant...two coats makes the fabric waterproof and stain-resistant...and three coats makes the fabric waterproof and stain-resistant with a semi-gloss oilcloth finish. With my latest project being used with food and beverage, I put on two coats...and it worked perfectly! I like how the project is now easily wiped clean and stain resistant.

If you have questions on any Therm O Web or HeatnBond/SpraynBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

I hope this project gets you excited to create a fun project for springtime or Easter...

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web Blog and I will be sure to post here when I have a new tutorial available. My next project is scheduled to be on the Therm O Web blog in April. Plus, I have a couple a special projects for the Wildwood Dwellings Fabric Tour that will be shared here on Friday. 

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing my projects with you. Have a great week and make time to work on something creative...

Bitty Goody Baskets

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my March project created for Therm O Web with you! I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share with you on the Therm O Web blog. Each month, I share a new project and you give you my tips and tricks for using their wonderful line of fabric, craft, and sewing products. For the month of March, the blog is focused on early-start gifts (baby, kids, grads), scrappy solutions, projects with dimension, and springtime makes. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Bitty Goody Basket." My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with template, and step-by-step directions with color photos. This is a fast and easy project, perfect for using up scraps and great for beginners. I chose to use some cheerful fabrics from the Garden Party collection by Sheri McCulley for Poppie Cotton. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web blog and check out my project and tutorial...

This is an easy, springtime project that can definitely be a scrap buster! It uses minimal supplies and is perfect for Easter, May Day, or a special gift. Fill it with treats and/or treasures...I can even see this as a little mending basket filled with needles, tiny scissors, and spools of thread. For this post, I used HeatnBond Craft Extra Firm Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, and SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray...plus, I give you tips for using each of these items. I also used two 8.5" squares of fabric and one 2" x 9" strip of fabric and a couple buttons. Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

To find the buttons I used, along with other supplies/tools listed, visit my Bitty Goody Basket Supply List on Amazon (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!).

If you have questions on any Therm O Web or HeatnBond/SpraynBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:
https://blog.thermoweb.com/bitty-goody-basket-featuring-heatnbond

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique...

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web Blog and I will be sure to post here when I have a new tutorial available. My next project will be available in April (I don't have a date as of this posting)...and I am working on something fun with a unique fabric panel...

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Have a great week and make time to work on something creative...

Hippity Hoppity

Wishing all my family and friends that are celebrating today a very Blessed Easter...I hope your day is filled with sunshine and happiness...

I am still busy working on a gigantic freelance pattern designing/writing project (and will be for the next few weeks)...but I wanted to pop in and share just a few photos from the week. I managed to finish up a springtime quilting project that will be featured on the AccuQuilt Blog this coming week (more on that in a few days)...I started working a few needlework finishing and sewing projects for a customer...and I have been diligently stitching a new needlework model every evening. So, while my days are filled with computer work, I am still making time to be creative!

A little peek at the binding process for my springtime quilting project...more on this
will be posted later this week....

I've been doing so much sewing/quilting lately, it was time to refill my thread
boxes...I just had to take a photo of the pretty colors...

The sweetest package arrived from a very dear friend this week -  a delayed
birthday surprise. It was filled with fabulous goodies, including this wonderful
sewing machine pincushion (and yes, that is a tape measure)...

For those of you on Ello, you can now find me too:
https://ello.co/brdgirl

I hate to rush off, but I have to get my Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms in the oven (I prepared them last night) - Travis's mom is cooking an Easter lunch and we are headed over there shortly...we are also celebrating her birthday that took place earlier this week. I hope your day is filled with family, friends, food, and festivities...

Saturday Snapshots

Fabric and threads for a pair of Halloween designs
I am working on for The World of Cross Stitching magazine...

I have been busy model stitching every night - still working on my special design for the October issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine...and switching it up with a pair of Halloween designs for The World of Cross Stitching Magazine - they both have the same deadline (which will be here before I know it), so I have been keeping my needle super busy. I have been at the sewing machine too - working on a few quilting projects and making more machine embroidered Easter Egg ornaments for my Etsy shop.

This week, I received some wonderful cards and gifts in the mail to help me celebrate my birthday - I sure have some thoughtful and talented friends...I'm a very blessed girl! Here are some creative things I am "crushing on" this week...maybe they will inspire you...

A whimsical cupcake pincushion...

An incredible wool pincushion with handmade
pins made especially for me...

Beeswax treasures...

Somebunny loves me...isn't this handmade
gift fabulous?!

Owls, jewelry, and Starbucks...so very thoughtful...

It's all about the squirrel in this cross stitch ornament - a lovely gift!

Owl cross stitch made just for me - isn't it beautiful?!

Fabric inspiration and a fun new pattern...

Easter Egg Ornaments that can be found in my Etsy shop...

I love my new GO! Big...and will be participating in the
GO! Big Blog Hop that takes place next week...
look for my project/tutorial on March 2nd...

More on the GO! Big Blog Hop will be posted on Sunday...
stay tuned...

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend...and remember, it's the perfect day to create!

Hippity Hoppity

If you are an avid reader of my blog, then you know I am definitely still a kid at heart...which completely explains why I love the website "Mr. Printables"...it is chock full of fun, free printable downloads for kids! Check out these ADORABLE Bunny Party Favor Bags - aren't they just the cutest...and you can make them in a matter of minutes (seriously) with very few supplies. First of all you need a computer, Internet connection, and a printer...and I am guessing if you are visiting my blog, you have all three...next you need a several pieces of white cardstock or heavy paper (which many of us have on hand). Do you have your paper loaded in the printer, yet?? Okay, so now click on this link for the Bunny Party Favor Bags - you can now easily download and print four (yes, I said FOUR!) different Bunny Bags for FREE! - there is one large and one small pink bunny...one titled "Strippy Jumper" and one titled "Woolly Socks" (which are both small - meaning each fits on one piece of 8.5" x 11" cardstock). Once you have the selection you want printed, you will need scissors, a scoring tool/board (don't fret, a bone-folder or pen cap works great for scoring), a craft knife, and a glue stick...you can find all those things around the house, can't you?? Now, time for the "crafty" part, cut on the solid lines, score on the dashed lines, and use a craft knife to cut the two lines where shown (this is where the ears fit through)...fold on the score lines...and glue where it notes "glue"...that's all there is to it...easy peasy! There is also an stinkin' cute Frog Favor Bag and it has step by step directions and photos of how to put a favor bag together...wouldn't the Frog Favor Bag be fun for a stitching retreat?! The last and final step is to fill your bag(s) with treats...and maybe a little Easter grass or tissue paper. Fun, easy, and affordable...and you can make them for or with children (or a big kid, like me)...and simply precious...

Excellent Eggs...

Despite the sleet and snow that has been falling for almost 24-hours, I did see more birds in the trees today...so I am still hopeful that spring is on the way! I can't believe Easter is in just a few weeks...it's no wonder why I have had and urge to work on some cheerful, springtime items. I wanted to do some seasonal freestanding lace ornaments for my wrought iron tree and found some wonderfully digitized Easter eggs at emblibrary.com...I made a set for myself and decided they were so bright and beautiful, I just had to make some for my Etsy shop. I started out making several sets in pastel colors...then I made a few sets in citrus colors...for some reason these Easter eggs make me happy! I immediately put my set on display...which is a lovely way to distract me from the gloom and icy/snowy conditions outside. These eggs are machine embroidered and measure an average of 3" W x 3.75" H...and I am thinking they would look good on an Easter wreath (I may just have to make myself some more!)....

I have been getting quite a bit of designing and model stitching done this week. I designed, stitched, and finished my ornament for the 2013 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue...I designed and have almost finished the Mystery Bonus for Blue Jeans and Daisies (plus I finished the "fun finishing idea" for part three)...and I have been stitching the class project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat being held this fall...it has been a productive week. I also have another fun design in the works - something very special - and I will have more to share with you in the near future.

For now, I will be spending the rest of the evening in my cozy stitching nest...it's the perfect place to relax on a cold, snowy evening...

Brightening Up Winter

View from my deck door...

I should have never posted I have "spring fever"...because what happens??...it snows for two consecutive days...making my fever increase by several more degrees. I was supposed to visit my dear friend Kimber yesterday - but awoke to 6 inches of fresh snow...and all sorts of weather advisories and traffic accidents...and forecasts for 24+ more hours of snowfall. I promptly (and unhappily) canceled my road trip and made plans to stay safely home - even though I have 4-wheel drive vehicle, I rather be safe than sorry. To deal with the snow, ice, wind, cold temperatures and basic gloom - I decided to surround myself with the beautiful colors of spring. The first thing I did was settle in with a hot cup of tea and one of my absolute favorite magazines - Mollie Makes - it is now available for my Nook Color which thrills me! I also did some planning for some Etsy projects and worked on some class kits. In the afternoon, I did some new cross stitch charting...including an ornament for the 2013 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue and some fine tuning for the New England Stitcher's Retreat project in progress.

An assortment of bright and cheery Riley Blake Fabrics I am playing with...
"Sunny Happy" Skies by Bella Blvd.

Mail delivery has been a little "hit or miss" during inclement weather this year, but to my surprise, the mailman delivered a couple cheerful packages today. I received a fabulous birthday package from my dear, dear friend Ruth which was a complete ray of sunshine - it included 72 rolls of bright decorative ribbon, bakers twine, and jute - 24 ribbon spools of each (5-yards per spool)....you should have seen my eyes light up when I saw this fabulous assortment - my jaw hit the floor! The package also included a very fun birthday mug filled with K-cups and specialty hot chocolate packages...and a lovely "sisters" plate with easel. Such a cheerful, thoughtful, and timely package!!

Also in the mail - a little surprise from California - including this adorable fluffy chick...seriously - how cute and "springy" is this??!

Last night, my husband needed me to venture out in the VERY nasty weather to take him to pick up a rental car for a business trip...so we ran some errands and had a nice dinner out (it was actually relaxing - with all the snowfall the city was extremely quiet!)...and we finally went and picked up my new walking shoes! I am so thrilled to have a good pair of shoes for training and I am saving my pennies for a second pair...I am guessing I will need at least two more pairs for my Komen 3-Day journey. What a difference a GOOD pair of shoes make  - and aren't they bright and cheerful?! The color is listed as "Black with Electric Pink and Apple"....and since the walk is for breast cancer, they just *had to* have PINK...

Just a few things that are brightening up my gloomy winter days...if you are in the path of winter weather, I hope you have some bright and cheerful items/colors to lift your spirits...

On A Snowy Evening...

The predicted snow storm has definitely hit the Midwest and I am thankful I got all my "running" done beforehand. I moved Simba's grooming appointment up to first thing this morning (instead of this afternoon) - then filled up the Jeep with gas, visited the post office, ran a few errands, and got some last minute grocery shopping done while he was getting his bath and haircut. We arrived home in time to take a good cold walk before the heavy snow started to fall. I am happy to be at home, safe and warm...enjoying the snow from my studio window...

I wanted to take a moment and share couple creative things with you this evening, before heading to my stitching nest or sewing machine (I haven't decided yet). I received a lovely birthday package from my friend Lorrie this week - she delivered it at the perfect time, as the last couple weeks have been filled with challenges and I needed a little pick-me-up. I was excited to see she included one of her fabric bowls - Lorrie has been experimenting with making fabric bowls after receiving one as a gift (you can read about it/see photos on her blog: http://www.astitcherssnippets.blogspot.com/). I wasted no time in filling my bowl with trims and ribbons I am using for current projects and have it sitting on my sewing table. Several years ago, I was obsessed with making fabric bowls for gifts and found a couple wonderful books - perhaps I should see if Lorrie would like to borrow them....if you are interested in making bowls from fabric, check out "Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Bowls" (2003) and "Fast, Fun & Easy Irresist-A-Bowls" (2005) both by Linda Johansen (C & T Publishing) and are still available. Each book has clear instructions for five reversible bowls - great for beginners with lovely color photographs, diagrams, and details...and wonderful ideas for materials, embellishments, and decorative stitches! (No affiliation, I just enjoy these books...)

The fabric bowl Lorrie gifted me - made from the Blackbird Designs Blueberry Crumb Cake Fabric Collection.

Lorrie spoiled me with other creative gifts as well - including a gorgeous heart fob with my cross stitched initial ("Heart To Heart" - By The Bay Needleart...heart pendant by Nunn Designs) - a BEAUTIFUL cookbook ("The Afternoon Tea Collection" - Metro Books) - along with recipe cards, and the cutest wrought iron bird card holder (see photo top right for detail)...there was even a fun magnetic owl "to-do" list pad and a unique wrought iron daisy. It was such a cheerful and heartfelt package from a very dear friend!

I'm thinking I may need to put the Afternoon Tea cookbook to good use during this storm...I already have a cup of black tea on my desk as I type this...and the recipes all sound scrumptious...perfect for a cold winter day!

Finally - I have been busy working on more items for the Blue Ribbon Designs Etsy Shop - more needlework pouches, stitch starter sleeves, and holiday pieces...there is quite an assortment for St. Patrick's Day...and last night I listed a few spring items...and more will be on the way...I have already cut multiple projects from some gorgeous sampler fabrics that are ready for assembly...but for now, here are some of my current/new listings...

To those of you in the winter storm path - stay safe and warm...