I'm Back!

Well  can't believe how long it has been since I've posted!  So let's get started again and hopefully build some energy!

I just got back this week from the 2013 Red Hat Convention in Atlanta, Georgia!  It was a wonderful, fun filled, exhausting 5 days of partying, visiting and making new friends!  I'll post a few of the many pictures taken - just too many to post here.

This is a picture of our room with all (well almost all) of our hats!  From left to right, my sister Helen, me and friend Kathy.  This is our first day at Convention.

This picture is taken at the Atlanta Aquarium - one of many pictures with my mouth open!  Seems I'm laughing out loud most of the time:o)  Oh well that's just me!

 

They are in my thoughts....

Although I know that the families and friends of those that perished in the Sandy Hook massacre will not be reading this post, I feel driven to put my thoughts into words. 

It is hard to look at a little child and not think back to the horror of that day last week when so many innocents lost their lives.  To think of the teachers and others that put themselves in harms way to save their "kids".    Teachers, administrators, janitors, lunch room workers, electricians and others go to work each day not expecting to risk their lives........

Has your view of our world changed?  Have you paused to think what can be done to protect our schools?   I'm afraid this is so complex that answers will not come easy but we must begin the discussion .....

To quote so many...life has to move forward and healing needs to begin - but they will never be forgotten.

Cookies on Parade!

We just finished with our Cookies on Parade! sale at the 4th Street Gift Shop.  This was our biggest cookie sale to date.   Our members donated some beautiful and delicious cookies and candies for our sale - all the proceeds go to scholorships for local youth artists. 

There were so many cookies donated we had some left after we closed the sale at the Gift Shop so we took the cookies down to Home Depot and set up a table there.  Our Cookie Chairperson, Dorothy, stayed and sold cookies to customers and some of the employees!

Now here's a few yummy pictures of cookies to make you hungry!  There's just too many cookies to put all the pictures here.

I made a traditional oatmeal cookie with raisins and walnuts - with sprinkles on top of course.  And, a delicious fruity vanilla cookie with red and green cherries, dates and walnuts - soft and lightly sweet!!!

Of course we had to have sugar cookies with decorations - wouldn't be Christmas without these!

Don made peanut brittle and wrapped them in these cute bags with reindeer tags!!

Finally back in the swing with new creations!

Well I bet you thought I had disappeared!  Just took some blogging time off so I could craft - hope you enjoy my new creations!

This apron is made from recycling old jeans - its easy to get lots of jeans once you mention your project to your friends and neighbors.  Then, all you need is a bit of fabric, some trim, lace and decorations - buttons, buttons, buttons are a good choice!!

This isn't an original idea but the decorations are mine - adding buttons, ribbons, flowers, etc adds a bit of ME to the project!  The apron is fully washable - the large flower at the waist is removable and can be worn as a hair decoration.

I'm working on another apron for my secret pal for the Red Hat Society - I'll post pictures when it is finished.

The Polka Dot Closet: Vintage Framed Paper Dolls

The Polka Dot Closet: Vintage Framed Paper Dolls

Check out this fantastic idea for framed paper dolls! 

Lady Hugs A Lot

Introducting Lady Hugs A Lot - she's dressed all in red with rhinestone choker and bracelet.  She has a red feathered hat and sequined shoes and purse.  She is all handsewn and decorated.  Lady Hugs A Lot is visiting the Ogemaw County Fair and hopes to come home with a ribbon!!!



Lady Hugs A Lot

Sassy Sally is Stepping Out

Sassy Sally is my latest creation for entry in the County Fair.  She is a brunette and loves red lipstick!  Her dress is hand-sewn multiple layers of purple sheer organza with sequins, purse is also hand-sewn with a crystal closure and her necklace is red and clear crystals.  Her hat sports a bright purple feather with a glittery red band and a purple flower in the back and a hat pin with crystals to match her necklace.  And, to top off her fancy dress she has a fluffy red boa.

Ok, so my inner girl is coming out!!  Always loved playing with paperdolls as a girl and this is just as much fun!!!

Poor Sassy Sally - she didn't get to go to the County Fair - I signed up for the wrong category and she doesn't get to party at the Fair - there's always next year:o)