YOKE DU YOUR
Tony and Esther are flying to Australia for a two-week vacation to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Suddenly, over the public address system, the Captain announces, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid I have some very bad news. Our engines have ceased functioning and we will attempt an emergency landing. Luckily, I see an uncharted island below us and we should be able to land on the beach. However, the odds are that we may never be rescued and will have to live on the island for the rest of our lives!”
Thanks to the skill of the flight crew, the plane lands safely on the island. An hour later Tony turns to his wife and asks, “Esther, did we pay our $5,000 PBS pledge check yet?”
“No, sweetheart,” she responds.
Tony, still shaken from the crash landing, then asks, “Esther, did we pay our American Express card yet?”
“Oh, no! I’m sorry. I forgot to send the check,” she says.
“One last thing, Esther. Did you remember to send checks for the Visa and MasterCard this month?” he asks.
“Oy, forgive me, Tony,” begged Esther. “I didn’t send that one, either.”
Tony grabs her and gives her the biggest kiss in 40 years. Esther pulls away and asks him, “What was that for?”
Tony answers, “They’ll find us!”
ARTspiration
Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my muse! Like it or dislike it, what about this art inspires your own art or creativity? Lily Holder by artist, Julian Hsiung.
DESIGNspiration
Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft?
TOMORROW!!!
A LIVE SLOW STITCHING WEBINAR TOMORROW
April 14, 2015
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Mark Lipinski has the prescription for
better, more mindful quilting.
Slow and Steady, Forget the Race
Vivika Hansen DeNegre
Editorial Director, Quilting Arts
QuiltingDaily.com
What do you get out of fiber and quilting arts? A pile of quilts? An expression of your creativity? A way to escape the world? An excuse to go to the fabric store?
As quilting artists, we all have our reasons–and they’re all valid.
For me, quilting, sewing, and other fiber arts serve as outlets for creativity, ways to relax and unburden my mind, and even practical pursuits (making gifts and decor).
But sometimes, the number of projects on my table–or in my head–can stress me out. I’ve heard other quilters say that seeing what other quilt artists post on social media causes them anxiety: they feel like they are ‘behind’ somehow. And the sheer number of tools, fabrics, kits, patterns, and supplies to choose from for art quilting can be overwhelming.
Over the years I’ve found that, instead of looking for shortcuts or adding more projects or supplies, the best way to approach my fiber art is to slow down and simplify.
Mindful creating, or paying close attention to what you’re doing. how you are doing it, and the materials you’re using, can help you regain the “Zen” of your favorite pastime. Not to mention how much better your results will be.
This is the message quilter and personality Mark Lipinski is trying to promote with his “Slow Stitching Movement.” Mark has been lecturing on the topic for about a year now. Judging by the enthusiastic reception for the topic, many in the quilt community crave ways to slow down and enjoy their quilting again
Mark makes it clear that there will always be a place for the get ‘er done project or the jelly roll strip quilt. But he wants to bring back the joys and benefits of losing yourself in a project by giving it all your care and attention.
Here are some of Mark’s Slow Stitching tips:
Pause and reflect. Take a couple of minutes before you hit the sewing machine pedal to think about your project, what you’re trying to accomplish, and to consider the tools and materials you are using. Consciously breathe in and out to prepare yourself for the work ahead.
Stitch intentionally. There are times when it’s good to just practice, doodle, and play with fabrics with no particular plan. When you slow stitch, think about what you want to accomplish with your stitching and focus on it intently.
Give it 20 minutes a day. You don’t have to slow stitch all the time, for every project. In fact, Mark says you may not actually enjoy your slow stitching at first: your mind will want to wander over to the 10 other things you ‘should’ be doing right now, how hungry you are, or what your best friend might be up to. Like anything else worth doing, you might need to practice. That’s why Mark recommends giving over just 20 minutes a day to slow stitching. The goal is to make it a habit.
There is so much more to The Slow Stitching Movement: how it can improve your quilting, encourage your to create a legacy quilt, benefit your health, even strengthen your relationships!
Mark will tell you all about it in a new version of Mark Lipinski Presents The Slow Stitching Movement Creating, Promoting, and Sustaining a New Vision in Quiltmaking, a live webinar, April 15, 2015, at 1 p.m. ET.Mark’s Slow Stitching events have been sell-outs, so earn more below and register now.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER : http://www.interweavestore.com/catalog/product/view/id/141041/s/mark-lipinski-presents-the-slow-stitching-movement
Mark Lipinski Presents…
The Slow Stitching Movement
Creating, Promoting and Sustaining a New Vision in Quiltmaking Live Web Seminar
Quick, fast, easy. In our busy multitasking world, those buzzwords capture our attention. But speed can kill creativity and the enjoyment of our creative pursuits.Maybe what we really need to do is slow down, enjoy the process and create fiber art that we’re really proud of. But how?
This ILLUMINATING live web seminar introduces a revolution within the quilting industry, The Slow Stitching Movement, launched by international quilting personality Mark Lipinski. With Mark as your inspiration and guide, this web seminar will prepare you for a higher form of creativity and important quiltmaking.
If you’ve hit a creative wall, if you have more fabric and notions than you do inspiration, if all of your quilts are beginning to look alike, or if you’ve been quilting for years and have nothing wonderful to show for it . . . The Slow Stitching Movement is for you.
What you’ll learn at this web seminar:
•
Approach your quiltmaking in a totally different way
•
Recharge your passion for patchwork
•
Engage the connection between your body, your quilts and your legacy
•
Expand your creativity, self-esteem and even your spiritual journey
•
Create groups and habits to support your creative vision.
•
Tap your right brain, to train and develop your imagination.
•
Find the creative genius in you.
•
Implement your creative thought in today’s too-fast world.
•
Heal your life, emotions and boost your physical health.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER : http://www.interweavestore.com/catalog/product/view/id/141041/s/mark-lipinski-presents-the-slow-stitching-movement
HOW THE WEB SEMINAR WORKSThe web seminar is broadcasted via the internet as a powerpoint-style presentation with live audio delivered through your computer speakers or over your telephone. The live web seminar’s visual slide presentation is displayed directly from the Presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions being read and answered by the Presenter for the entire class to hear. A recording of the live event will be sent to all web seminar registrants (regardless if you attend the live webinar) after the live event for viewing 24/7.
IDEA I LOVE
Here’s a great little tutorial for making a roll up glove box sewing essentials caddy! I can’t think of a more useful project to make. Here’s where you start:
http://www.doodlecraftblog.com/2014/09/roll-up-glove-box-essentials-caddy.html
IDEA I LOVE
Grab some old blocks or make some more to create this geometric zipper pouch tutorial for the little things you need to carry (like Xanax and Zoloft). Here’s how you make a cute lil’ pouch like this one. Start here:
http://www.sewdelicious.com.au/2014/05/geometric-zipper-pouch-tutorial.html
The Slow Stitching Movement Getaway: SPRING 2015 Begins Next Tuesday
APRIL 21 -24, 2015
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR THEIR SUPPORT:
CLICK ON THE ICONS TO VISIT OUR SPONSOR SITES
YUMMY DISH!
4-INGREDIENT PIZZA BAKE
INGREDIENTS:
Bisquick™ Complete buttermilk biscuit mix
water
pizza sauce
sliced pepperoni
shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/4-ingredient-pizza-bake/f4af756e-8a2a-41c8-b36a-f950fbed9fa6?niadd=BisquickF14&nicam3=Banners&nichn3=Outbrain&niseg3=OCT&nicreatID3=4Pizza
IDEA I LOVE
I love this giant flying geese knitted baby blanket. Here’s the pattern:
http://www.purlbee.com/2015/04/13/flying-geese-knit-baby-blanket/
omg!
crewel embroidery pillow by mellow_stuff on Flickr
SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG
THE SEERSUCKER 751
Ingredients:
Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
limoncello
1vodka
soda water (or to taste)
lemon
For the Full Recipe Click Here: http://ruhlman.com/2013/07/friday-cocktail-hour-limoncello-cocktail/
IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED TO THIS BLOG YET:
Several months ago, Facebook, without warning, had implemented a new business model. As a result, the vast majority of “LIKErs” who have been faithful readers of this Fan Page have been blocked from receiving my posts, time and time again, from getting all or a few of the postings onto their timeline feed.
The reason is, Facebook would like pages like, Mark Lipinski’s Fan Page, to pay money every day, and on every post, in order to advertise and lure readers like you, onto the Fan Page.
With out “BOOSTING” a post, only about 5% of people who clicked LIKE on MARK LIPINSKI’S FAN PAGE are actually seeing anything I post — and it could be random – sometimes you get a post, and sometimes not. Basically, it sucks for all of us. I am finding that we are all better served if I posted my tips, ideas, links, and jokes, etc. to this blog. You can subscribe to this blog (only if you want to) to get an email each time I post a grouping of ideas, links, etc. and never miss a chance at inspiration.
BREATHLESS INSPIRATION!
Lorraine Loots project ‘Paintings for Ants’ is full of miniature paintings that follow on from her 2013 project ‘365 Paintings for Ants’ and 2014 project ‘365 Postcards for Ants’.
IDEA I LOVE
This might take a little elbow grease but I think it’s worth it. Grab some downed wood, a drill, and make this striking votive holder. Start here:
http://www.little-nostalgia.com/2015/04/diy-bourbon-barrel-candle-holder.html
WORDS TO LIVE BY
VISIT ME IN BEAVER DAM, WISCONSIN!
http://www.nancysnotions.com/category/store/sewing+weekend.do
MAY 9: If your well of quilting inspiration has dried up, or you haven’t had a good quilting idea in years, fret no more. Mark will guide you through new places to turn for amazing quilting ideas, with practical examples that will give you motivation and inspiration for better quilting and a happier life. This lecture will open your mind to sources of creative inspiration you may have never considered. Bring along a notebook to jot down every last suggestion you hear.About Mark Lipinski:
International quilt teacher, fabric designer, and creator/former Executive Editor of Quilter’s Home magazine, Mark has been called the “bad boy of quilting” by industry press. His seminars are half quilting, and all stand-up comedy.
Register now and get a free 2015 limited edition Sewing Weekend souvenir pin. Limit one per order.
MAY 7 and again on MAY 9In our busy, multi-tasking world, the words “quick,” “fast,” and “easy” are the ones that capture our attention, but the can be fatal to the enjoyment of creative pursuits. If you’ve hit a creative wall, if you have more fabric and notions than inspiration, if all of your quilts arestartingtolook alike, or if you’ve been quilting for years and feel you have nothing truly unique to show for it, The Slow Stitching Movement is for you!About Mark Lipinski:
International quilt teacher, fabric designer, and creator/former Executive Editor of Quilter’s Home magazine, Mark has been called the “bad boy of quilting” by industry press. His seminars are half quilting, and all stand-up comedy.
Register now and get a free 2015 limited edition Sewing Weekend souvenir pin. Limit one per order.
MAY 7: If you’ve ever wondered why a successful television producer would give up a hefty salary for poverty wages to quilt, this lecture will surprise you. Travel with Mark from his boyhood home in Pittsburgh, to San Francisco, Miami, New York, Chicago and New Jersey to learn how each of these places led him to become the quilt master he is today.
From his first quilts to his most recent work, see how he transformed from a duckling to a swan – and feel better about your own quilting transformation. He’ll bring some of his UFOs and explain why he lost interest in finishing them. Hear what inspires him, and allow his life experience and outlook on the creative process to inspire you.
About Mark Lipinski
International quilt teacher, fabric designer, and creator/former Executive Editor of Quilter’s Home magazine, Mark has been called the “bad boy of quilting” by industry press. His seminars are half quilting, and all stand-up comedy.
One evening event attendee will win a Baby Lock Melody and Ott-Lite Marietta Lamp—a $1,894.98 value. No purchase necessary to enter and win.
Register now and get a free 2015 limited edition Sewing Weekend souvenir pin. Limit one per order.
IDEA I LOVE
Wow! I’m dreaming of covering every stair riser in gorgeous fabric! Here’s how you do it (it’s so easy, too):
http://www.plasteranddisaster.com/stairwell-makeover/
MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!
OVERNIGHT YEASTED WAFFLES
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
active-dry yeast
butter
eggs
milk
salt
sugar (optional)
all-purpose flour
eggs
baking soda
FOR THE FULL RECIPES, CLICK THE LINKS: http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-overnight-yeasted-waffles-recipes-from-the-kitchn-199052
MEMBA?
Motown Records
COOKIES!
SOFT & CHEWY OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
Ingredients:
unsalted butter
light or dark brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
molasses
all-purpose flour
baking soda
ground cinnamon
salt
old-fashioned rolled oats
raisins
chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/07/24/soft-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/
JUST BECAUSE, I SWOON
Vintage 1950s Gold Yellow Hand-Beaded Couture Silk Cocktail Dress, $1595
Absolutely one of the most stunning dresses we have ever laid eyes on! This dress is just incredible. Gorgeous gold-yellow silk cocktail dress with heavy hand beaded design. Full sweep, short sleeves and V-neck.
IDEA I LOVE!
These Anthro knockoff goat napkins are guaranteed to stimulate your inner artist. I love these and want to make a set for Pickle Road. Here’s how you make them or come up with you own design using this technique:
http://woodsofbelltrees.com/anthro-knockoff-goat-napkins/
BE DAZZLED!
Magnificent Edwardian Diamond Platinum Filigree Brooch
This delicate Edwardian filigree brooch is made in fine platinum and beautifully set with old mine-cut diamonds. Made in France circa 1930s. $35,000.00
PATCHWORK, BABY!
This easy quilt is called Jean’s Diamonds. It sure is easy . . . it’s just squares and 4-patches! Here’s the pattern:
http://thecraftyquilter.blogspot.be/2011/09/jeans-diamonds-quilt-pattern.html?m=1
SHOEspiration
Converse Hi Floral Fashion Sneakers
Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker by Converse. 60$ www.jcpenny.com
GARDENspiration
It’s been years since I played with crepe paper, but this project has inspired me to try it (Party Store here I come). Create these pretty crocus flowers that will last longer than the couple of days they show up in your yard. Check it out:
http://www.ehow.com/ehow-crafts/blog/diy-crepe-paper-crocus/
IDEA I LOVE
How can any knitter not try dyeing yarn at least once? Here’s how to create an ombre yarn using simple turmeric. Try it out, you’re going to love it! Start here:
http://www.makery.uk/2015/03/diy-turmeric-dyed-ombre-yarn/
MUST HAVE
The Kitchen Safe
Avoid snack temptations and control playtime with this timed kitchen safe. Get it here for $39.95.
IDEA I LOVE
Create garden rocks using this easy painting tutorial. Start here:
http://curlymade.blogspot.pt/2014/10/diy-painted-stone.html
DESSERT!
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MOUSSE CAKE
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
For the Brownie Layer:
all-purpose flour
unsweetened cocoa powder
salt
baking powder
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Mousse:
semi-sweet chocolate
heavy cream
Pinch salt
unflavored powdered gelatin
water
For the Raspberry Mousse:
fresh raspberries
white chocolate
heavy cream
salt
unflavored powdered gelatin
water
Pink food coloring, optional
For the Vanilla Mousse:
white chocolate
heavy cream
honey
salt
unflavored powdered gelatin
water
vanilla bean paste (can substitute vanilla extract)
To Finish:
, finely chopped
heavy cream
fresh raspberries
Chocolate curls or other decorations
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.sugarhero.com/chocolate-raspberry-mousse-cake/
IDEA I LOVE
Even in the 1960’s I loved seed bead necklaces. Remember making them on elastic thread? String a bunch of seed beads for your summer partying using this tutorial:
http://sayyes.com/2014/07/diy-seed-friendship-necklace.html
IDEA I LOVE
White flowers and water mixed with food coloring create pretty live, and tinted flowers. I have always liked this process. Check it out:
https://nitasablog.wordpress.com/2015/04/07/dyed-flowers/
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19572" src="https://marklipinskisblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/split-stem