2015-08-30



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? This is called, French Lace and is a painting by Deborah Elmquist. I’m in awe.



YOKE DU YOUR

A blonde guy gets home early from work and hears strange noises coming from the bedroom. He rushes upstairs to find his wife naked on the bed,sweating and panting. “What’s up?” he says. “I’m having a heart attack,” cries the woman.

He rushes downstairs to grab the phone, but just as he’s dialing, his 4-year-old son comes up and says,”Daddy! Daddy! Uncle Ted’s hiding in your closet and he’s got no clothes on!”

The guy slams the phone down and storms upstairs into the bedroom, past his screaming wife, and rips open the wardrobe door.

Sure enough, there is his brother, totally naked, cowering on the closet floor.

“You rotten excuse for a human,” says the husband,”my wife’s having a heart attack and you’re running around naked scaring the kids!!!

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? Gloria Vanderbilt once “patchworked” a room.

IDEA I LOVE

Believe it or not, Tuesday marks September 1 so it’s time to start thinking Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts.  This pretty wreath with felt roses is an easy one to use to ease into the season.  Here’s the tutorial:

http://craftingmom.com/fall-wreath-with-felt-rosettes/

IDEA I LOVE

Here’s how to make a cellu-clay paper mache pumpkin.  Don’t stop here, cupcake, give the damn thing some color, design, or textured personality!  Here’s where you begin:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-CelluClay-Paper-Mache-Pumpkin/

LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!

ON YOUR NEWSSTANDS NOW!!!

Pages and pages of my Slow Stitching Movement article and photographs from April’s Slow Stitching Movement Getaway!   (HINT:  There are a few more Getaways planned this year!  More on that in today’s blog.)

BUY THIS ISSUE BY CLICKING HERE

VITTLES!

EASY RANCH CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:

chicken breasts

butte

Ranch dressing seasoning mix

Corn flakes

Parmesan cheese

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/ranch-chicken/

IDEA I LOVE

By now, you know I’m a notebook/sketchbook junkie but actually making your own book really appeals to me.  Here’s a short tutorial on how to master very, very simple and basic bookbinding!  Go for it here:

http://www.justdiy.com/book-binding/

IDEA I LOVE

Put all of your Zentangling and design sketching to work for you.  Take a look at the tutorial.  You might be surprised at how to pull off this look!  Start here:

http://www.poppytalk.com/2012/02/tutorial-african-mud-clothtextile-art.html

SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG

ARCHANGEL COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

cucumber

gin

Aperol

lemon twist

For the Full Recipe Click Here:   http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/03/archangel-cocktail-gin-aperol-cucumber-drink-recipe-milk-and-honey.html

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.

IDEA I LOVE

Aren’t these the cutest bags?  Easy and boho and so ready for your appliqué, embroidery, or printmaking touches.   Go for broke.  Here’s the pattern:

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/sewing/accessories/grab-bags/

IDEA I LOVE

I love this idea for a SKINNY pincushion rather than a bulky one hanging from, or in front of, your sewing machine.  Here’s how to make one for your own (great gifts for your sewing group, too).  Start here:

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/348786/8784029/1285950344627/Skinny+Pincushion.pdf?token=LmWkHce2uNpcA%2F%2BKpJBJtFk7vdc%3D

WORDS TO LIVE BY

IDEA I LOVE

A potholder and a tea towel are all you need to craft this 5-minute no-slop dish towel combo.  Too bad it doesn’t actually clean the kitchen.   Oh, well.  Here’s the tutorial:

http://www.polishthestars.com/2012/11/5-minute-no-slip-dish-towel.html?&cuid=22f0d34513652c9d070309be9fd4a57a

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

SIMPLY STUNNING SUMMER FOCACCIA

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

For the Dough:

flour, or bread flour

instant yeast

granulated sugar

salt

olive oil

vanilla extract

For the Topping:

unsalted butter

fresh cherries

apricots

turbinado sugar

FOR THE FULL RECIPES, CLICK THE LINKS: http://www.foodfanatic.com/recipes/summer-focaccia-recipe/

MEMBA?

Spending sick says with ….

Granny

Beaver

Lucy

Lisa and Oliver

Jeannie

Rob and Laura

INSPIRED INSPIRATION!

The nerdiest of textile designs! Butcha’ gotta have some – to wear!

See the original article here: http://boingboing.net/2015/08/09/gorgeous-nerdy-textiles.html

IDEA I LOVE

I love the tote and I especially love the embroidery!  Here’s how to create both:

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/embroidery-project-tote

SHAMELESS PLUG

TAKE A QUILT BORDER CLASS!

Get ready for Labor Day, Autumn, Halloween, Christmas and more by adding interesting borders onto panels, or simply learn the technique to make beautiful and themed borders for your own quilt designs or to change up a pattern.

Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski – Part 1

In Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski, Pt. 1, Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to construct and assemble borders for two very fun quilts just in time for the holidays! Follow along as Mark demonstrates how to create festive borders for your Halloween and Thanksgiving quilts. Adopt some great seasonal ideas while getting into the quilting holiday spirit!

You’ll love this quilting video if you:

Enjoy creating holiday-themed quilts

Want to express your own creativity in making quilts

Enjoy quilting for yourself and others

In Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski, you’ll learn how to:

Strip cut pieces and sew them together for a Halloween quilt

Use a candy corn template on pieced fabric

Use various templates to create a fun block for a fun border on a Halloween quilt

Create a 4 patch corner block for a Halloween-themed border

Embellish your quilts if desired

Strip piece a leaf border for a Thanksgiving-themed quilt

Assemble 9 patch leaf blocks for a border on a Thanksgiving quilt

CLICK HERE FOR :

Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski – Part 1

Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski, Part 2

In Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski, Pt. 2, Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to construct and assemble a border for a very fun quilt just in time for the holidays! Follow along as Mark demonstrates how to create festive borders for your Christmas quilts. Adopt some great seasonal ideas while getting into the quilting holiday spirit!

You’ll Love This Quilting Video If You:

Want to add a holiday theme to your quilt borders

Want to add interest to your borders

Want to design your own holiday border blocks

In Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski, Pt. 2, You’ll Learn How To:

Create a random scrappy block for a Christmas quilt border

Use a Christmas tree template to cut your pieced fabric for a cohesive border

Sew your strips at various angles for a different or wonky look

Add visual interest to a Christmas tree border with alternating block placement

Create a 9-patch Christmas corner block for your quilt border

Add an interesting binding to a Christmas quilt that emulates piping

CLICK HERE FOR:

Holiday Borders Using Strips with Mark Lipinski, Part 2

Simple Bindings for Sensational Quilts with Mark Lipinski

In “Simple Bindings for Sensational Quilts with Mark Lipinski,” Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to approach simple bindings with your quilts. Not only will you learn tips on how to add bindings, you’ll also learn how to cut your fabric properly, utilize either hand-stitched or machine-stitched binding and embellish your binding. Mark, and special guest Marie Bostwick – New York Times bestselling author of many quilting novels – pair up to give you an educational and entertaining lesson on all things binding! What a treat!

You’ll Love This Quilting Video If You:

You’ve made a quilt but are unsure how to bind it

Want to add some special adornments to your quilt

In Simple Bindings for Sensational Quilts with Mark Lipinski, You’ll Learn How To:

Make a perfect seam when sewing binding strips together

Pin your binding to your quilt top, including mitered corners

Hand stitch binding using a blind or whip stitch

Machine stitch binding

Make and add prairie points to the inside of quilt binding

Attach embellishment to binding such as rickrack, pompoms, and lace ruffles

CLICK HERE FOR:

Simple Bindings for Sensational Quilts with Mark Lipinski

And now a word from our sponsor . . .

IDEA I LOVE

This foundation pieced table runner is called Beacon Lights, and you can find the free pattern on the McCall’s site, here:

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccallsquilting/articles/Beacon-Lights-FREE-Foundation-Pieced-Table-Runner-Quilt-Pattern

DESSERT!

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE LASAGNA RECIPE

Ingredients:

Nutter Butter Cookies

Cool Whip or whip your own fresh whipped cream

peanut butter cups

peanut butter

instant or regular vanilla pudding

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://hugsandcookiesxoxo.com/2015/02/peanut-butter-cookie-lasagna.html

JUST BECAUSE, I’M IMPRESSED

Gianni Versace Couture 1991 Madonna and Child Runway Leather Jacket, $7,393.38

IDEA I LOVE

I know you’re rolling your eyes, but if you don’t start now, or start planning now, you will be in dire straights by the time the holidays roll around (and you know it’s in just a blink of an eye).   Upgrade your tree skirt with this no-sew, ruffled version.  Here’s how you do it:

http://anwjohnston.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-no-sew-ruffle-christmas-tree-skirt.html

NOW, I  SWOON

Carolina HerreraCloud Jacquard Asymmetric Ruffle Gown, $8,990.00

ORGANIZE!

Oh yeah, I need a lazy Susan because I’m too lazy to move a jar of jam or container of yogurt.  And vous?

http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/5-organizing-tips.html?m=1

IDEA I LOVE

Grab your yarn, your needles and knit your way into a warm fall season with this multi-colored knitted blanket.  Here’s the pattern:

http://www.smilingcolors.com/2015/08/knit-multi-colored-blanket/

BE DAZZLED!

Gucci Horsebit Cocktail Ring, $9350.00

18k white gold. diamonds and amethyst

195 diamonds, total 0.90 carats

amethyst total 12 carats

Made in Italy

PATCHWORK, BABY!

I like this quilt.  All you needs are solid colors, a little black, and a whole lotta white.  Here’s the pattern (and please buy your fabric at your local quilt shop).  Here’s the pattern:

http://www.robertkaufman.com/quilting/quilts_patterns/hope_takes_flight/

SHOEspiration

Manolo Blahnik

Zarina Embroidered Suede Boot, $4380.00

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Manolo-Blahnik-Zarina-Embroidered-Suede-Boot-Black/prod179930047/p.prod?ecid=NMALRFeedEcj26XL3y4I&ci_src=14110925&ci_sku=sku158670280

IDEA I LOVE

I’ve gotten so fat that my t-shirts are automatically ripping into giant leaf-shaped holes.  If you like this boho look, then by all means, put your thinking cap on and create this pretty and casual t-shirt from your old, well worn and well loved t-shirt stash.  Here’s how:

http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2010/01/t-shirt-rehab.html

IDEA I LOVE

How easy are these to make?  So easy, you might want to make a gazillion for everyone you know (hell, pass them out in your supermarket and to passersby on the street!).   Here’s the pattern and tutorial:

http://www.marthastewart.com/270705/hankie-holder

GARDENspiration

Just some practical tips for slow and sustainable living.  Take a look:

http://slowfood.com/international/food-for-thought/focus/222844/from-the-kitchen-to-the-garden/q=7F4D76

LOL

Yeah, an Ashley Madison hack won’t cut it, dude.  BUT . . .

MUST HAVE

I’m not sure I love this more as a side table or as a potential quilt pattern, but what-evah!

http://natashabaradaran.com/pdfs/karat.pdf

IDEA I LOVE

There are NO WORDS for how much I love this crocheted Hello Kitty hat, so I’ll just say

http://www.blogher.com/make-it-yourself-crochet-hello-kitty-hat-pattern

MUST DO

Here’s a great idea for you schlumpy looking sofa pillows:

http://www.lifehacker.co.uk/2015/08/25/plump-saggy-sofa-cushions-just-buttons

CUPCAKES!

SUGAR BAKESHOP’S CITRUS CUPCAKES with GRAPEFRUIT BUTTERCREAM

“The crumb is super tender, since they’re made with pastry flour, with a lovely light orange flavor, and the grapefruit zest in the frosting gives it just the right hint of bitterness.”

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Cupcakes

pastry flour

baking powder

kosher salt

eggs

unsalted butter

granulated sugar

pure vanilla extract

grated orange zest

orange juice

whole milk

Frosting

grapefruit juice

unsalted butter,

grated grapefruit zest

confectioners’ sugar

heavy cream

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:   http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/2015/08/27/simple-citrus-cupcake-waning-days-summer

DES MOINES!

Sept. 19th & 21
Woodside Quilting
5360 NE 14th St
Des Moines Iowa 50313
Woodsidequilting .com

(515) 777-3500

Sept. 19 7:30 PM  Program – Bull in a China Shop trunk show/lecture
See website for details – purchase tickets at Woodside Quilting.

Sept 19 Class – Throw me a curve Mystery Quilt – 9-3

Sept. 21 Class – Stars and Stripes – 9-3

****************
East Polk County Quilt Guild

Lutheran Church of the Cross

1701 8th St SW

Altoona, IA
Sunday Sept. 20  Class – Ribbons – 12:30 – 6:30

Monday – Sept. 21 – 7 pm – Lecture – Ways to find Inspiration

MARK’S IN SYRACUSE, NEW YORK!

Sept. 25th & 21
CALICO GALS

3906 New Court Avenue
Syracuse, New York 13206
www.calicogals.com

(315) 445-0617

Sept. 25  Lectures – The Stitching Movement  2 PM &  6PM

September 26 – Throw Me Mystery Quilt   8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

IDEA I LOVE

Really easy to make and really pretty, too.  Put all of your needlework skills to work and be the talk of your next sew-in while you watch your fellow sewists turn green with envy.  Here’s how to make this:

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/bags-and-purses/sewing-caddy?page=0%2C0

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

A new Slow Stitching Movement Getaway is now taking reservations!

After the success of last spring’s Slow Stitching Movement Getaway in Lambertville, NJ, we have added another Slow Stitching Movement Getaway this November — in Minneapolis!

Fiber Artists, Cyndi Souder and Ruth Chandler will join me for 4 focused, intentional, healing and illuminating days with you stitching.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Ruth

Cyndi

The Slow Stitching MovementGetaway: Autumn 2015

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

NEW NEW NEW!!!!

Quilting Arts TV Series 1600

I have two segments on this DVD:

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