2015-09-13



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?  ASGER JORN L’AVANT-GARDE SE REND PAS, 1962

YOKE DU YOUR

“Sugar why don’t you sit down by the table and we’ll start supper.” Said Dorothy to her Husband of 50 years.

“Sure thing,” said her husband settling himself down.

“Now darling, would you like the soup first or the salad?” Questioned Dorothy.

“Umm I guess I’ll take the soup.” He responded.

After a whole meal of one endearing term after another, their guest Bob couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. Bob snuck into the kitchen and asked, “Dorothy do you always talk to your husband like that?”

“Bob, I’ll be honest with you,” Dorothy replied. “It’s been five years now, I just can’t remember his name, and I am just too embarrassed to ask him!”

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? I love this wallpaper and room by designer, Lauren Devens.

IDEA I LOVE

I really do love a pincushion … and can never seem to find one when I’m looking for one.  This is such a simple and easy pincushion to make and is perfect as a gift or party favor to make — because we all know you have endless free time.  Show us what you’re made of!  Start here:

http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?p=4877

IDEA I LOVE

Truth be told, I loathe candy corn, and when I do eat it, I can only eat one color at a time.  Popping a whole candy corn in my mouth tastes skeevy.  Here’s an interpretation of autumn’s grossest candy in the form of a pillow. This pattern is so simple most of us would’ve completed this in utero. In case you’ve forgotten how click on the website link for tutorial:

http://www.positivelysplendid.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Color-Block-Candy-Corn-Pillow.pdf

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!

RUSTIC CHICKEN WITH GARLIC GRAVY

INGREDIENTS:

cooking oil

chicken thighs

ground black pepper

garlic

flour

dry white wine

chicken broth

fresh thyme leaves

butter

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/rustic-chicken-garlic-gravy/

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BATHROOM I WANT

Get outta my way, Bill and Giuliana Rancic!  I want your bathroom and I’m moving in!  BTW, does Giulianna really need two shower heads?  She has to run around a shower to get wet as it is!    Sheesh!  Love that tile in the shower but not sure I want Mrs. Kravitz looking in on my shower from the sitting area while she’s over to borrow sugar!

IDEA I LOVE

Decor your door, cupcake!  Isn’t this autumn door ‘wreath’ just the prettiest?  Make one and make your neighbors jealous!  It’s a twofer!   Here’s how to make one:

http://www.thelilypadcottage.com/2013/08/autumn-door-decor.html

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

HARD CIDER SANGRIA

Ingredients:

green, yellow and red apples

navel orange

apple juice

fresh lemon juice

apple brandy

hard apple cider

Ice

For the Full Recipe Click Here:  http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/hard-cider-sangria

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

I love me a stack o’ pumpkins.  Here’s a great way to put your scraps and unused stash to good use.  Display them en masse or singularly.  Wonderful way to welcome the falling leaves!.  Here’s how:

http://thompsonfamily.typepad.com/thompson_familylife/2009/11/fabric-pumpkin-tutorial.html

IDEA I LOVE

My buddy Bonnie Espenshade (whom I couldn’t live without) sat with me while I paper pieced a block a week or so ago.  I really loved it.  When I saw these free paper pieced woodpecker patterns I had to share it with you.   Now, listen here.  Why not paper piece these in outrageous textures and colors.  Sometimes the unexpected and out there is the best design!  Take a look:

http://www.jednoiglec.blogspot.com/2013/03/woodpecker-forest-qal-dziecio-lesny-qal.html

WORDS TO LIVE BY

IDEA I LOVE

I’m mad about cross stitching.  Here is a chart for a Quaker Sampler.  Just change the date, and don’t stitch 2015 or 2016 into the piece first — because you know you won’t finish this until 2182.  Download the chart here:

http://needleknowledge.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ReQuakerSampler.pdf

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS WITOUT YEAST

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

All purpose Flour

Unsalted Butter

White Sugar

Baking Powder

Whole Milk

pinch of salt

Coarse Salt or Salt Flakes

Egg

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK THE LINK: http://wyniskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/05/homemade-soft-pretzels-without-yeast.html

MEMBA?

Cutting up your sweatshirts and wearing leg warmers (although you never took a dance class in your life)

IDEA I LOVE

I think these candy ‘cones’ make a cute little vignette.  Grab some yarn or heavy cotton and transform your home into an autumn retreat.  Here’s how you make these things:

https://danielleyarian.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/candy-corn-decorations/

https://danielleyarian.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/candy-corn-decorations/

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.

ALL ABOUT PRAIRIE POINTS CLASS!

In All About Prairie Points with Mark Lipinski!, Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to add prairie points to the borders of your quilts for a fun and exciting finish! Prairie points may look intimidating, but really, they’re simply folded triangles added into the border of your quilt. Learn how to add prairie points to your quilts with and without binding, as well as prairie points that are staggered and saw-tooth prairie points. Tune in for this wealth of prairie point information!

You’ll Love This Quilting Video If You:

Want to add excitement to any quilt

Would like to learn more about adding prairie points to your quilts

In All About Prairie Points with Mark Lipinski!, You’ll Learn How To:

Cut and fold your prairie points

Add variety to your quilts with different styles and sizes of prairie points

Sew prairie points onto a quilt without binding

Adjust prairie points on your quilt top for a balanced design

Pin appropriately for easy sewing of prairie points

Add traditional binding to a quilt with prairie points

Stagger prairie points along a border

CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER:

ALL ABOUT PRAIRIE POINTS CLASS

Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders

In Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders, Mark Lipinski – nationally known quilt teacher and former cohost of Quilt Out Loud – shows two deceptively simple and addictive borders, the Cathedral Window and the Braid. Instead of adding plain borders, elevate even the simplest quilt top to a work of art. Mark uses humor and creativity to teach both borders step-by-step, making this a great video for beginning and advanced quilters. After you learn these borders, you will want to make them again and again.

You Will Love This Video If You:

Want to add new borders to your skill set

Enjoy making your own artistic choices

Have been intimated by the Cathedral Widow or the Braid

In Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders, You Will Learn How To:

Make beautiful braided borders

Utilize two methods for piecing Cathedral Windows

Use a basting stitch

Techniques Demonstrated In This Video:

Strip-piecing

Creative fabric folding

Hand-piecing

CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER:

Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders

Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings

In Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings, Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to approach curves, scallops and wavy edge 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, use a bias binding and embellish your binding. Mark will give you an educational and entertaining lesson on all things curvy 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 something special to a quilt with a bias, curvy or wave binding

In Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings with Mark Lipinski, You’ll Learn How To:

Work a curved corner

Tell the difference between a scallop and a wave

Choose between a straight and bias binding

Learn when and why to use a bias binding

Approach bindings in a whole new way

CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER:

Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings with Mark Lipinski

And now a word from our sponsor . . .

IDEA I LOVE

This is a really pretty knitted scarf.  The Pepto Bismol pink doesn’t do it for me.  Hello Kitty pink, however would be perfect.   What color is your knitted scarf going to be this season?   Here’s the pattern:

http://blog.nobleknits.com/blog/obleknits.com/2013/11/free-knitting-pattern-manos-maxima-bias.html?rq=bias

DESSERT!

2- MINUTE FRENCH TOAST IN A CUP

Ingredients:

Bread

Butter

Egg

Milk

Cinnamon

Syrup

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.prettyprudent.com/2012/01/entertaining-food/2-minute-french-toast-in-a-cup/

JUST BECAUSE, I’M IMPRESSED

Victorian Lace and Felt Cut-Out Jacket in Cream, $1,400

IDEA I LOVE

Soon the leaves will be falling all around you.  Quickly harvest your favorites and then preserve them in glycerin for your fall crafting and home and table decor.  Just follow these directions:

http://www.ehow.com/how_6224529_preserve-autumn-leaves-glycerin.html

NOW, I  SWOON

Rami Kadi HOUTE COUTURE FALL/WINTER 2015

ORGANIZE!

In cleaning out a closet last weekend, I found a giant bag filled with crumpled up grocery bags.  Enter the bag fold.  What a way to collect, and compact those bags we always seem to need.  Here’s how to fold your bags (if only I could tidy up the bags — under my eyes).   Here goes:

http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2009/03/grandmothers-apron-carryall.htmlIDEA I LOVE

BOOK 2017 Classes and Lectures!

Just call (908) 876-1208 to schedule!

BE DAZZLED!

Breathtaking Autumn Color Fancy Natural Diamond Bracelet, $49,000

A Cornucopia of Fall Colors.   An Exhilarating Autumn Color Natural color Diamond Bracelet, 57 Fancy Color Diamonds=9.51ctw (Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Russet, Cognac, etc). 421 White Diamonds=1.83 ctw

18k White, Yellow, and Rose Gold.

PATCHWORK, BABY!

It’s one of those classic and simple to piece monochromatic quilts.  I think I’d like to do this in scrap, scrap, scrappy.   How about you?  Here’s the pattern:

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccallsquilting/articles/Blue_Breeze_FREE_Classic_Blue_and_White_Quilt_Lap_Quilt_Pattern?preview=1

SHOEspiration

Maison Margiela

Faux-Fur Mule Pump, Gray, $1,360.00

IDEA I LOVE

I’m not a woodworker, but even I could put this together.  Here’s how:

http://fablifyit.com/diy-fall-mini-stackerwith-cute-pumpkins/

IDEA I LOVE

Yes, it’s time.  Why not make these as gift tags that become handmade tree ornaments or doorknob hangers for your Christmas Futures.  Make one or two a week and absorb the gratitude come December.  Start here:

http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2014/12/mini-christmas-tree-quilt-ornament.html

GARDENspiration

Here’s how to decorate your outdoors for the fall.  Click on the link for even more ideas.

http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/flowers/outdoor-fall-decorating-with-mums/

LOL

MUST HAVE

Isn’t this cool?  It’s a 2016 fabric calendar panel to embroider!!  I just love it (I think I’d like the red, too). Get it now and get started or else you’re going to miss the opportunity.   It’s only $11-bucks!  Take a look:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232473481/diy-fabric-calendar-panel-floral-2016?ref=shop_home_feat_3

IDEA I LOVE

Our mail usually sits on our kitchen table until either Mr. Electric or I get so tired of seeing it, we just toss it.  Who needs to peruse a bunch of crappy over-priced catalogs anyway.   Here’s a mail organizer to keep your mail in line.  I’ll choose a different fabric.  We don’t do fruity very well.  Here’s the tutorial:

http://fortworthfabricstudio.blogspot.ca/2014/09/mail-organizer-tutorial.html

MUST DO

From cereal box to magazine holder to organize your periodicals.  The better alternative is to just dump and recycle all of those magazines (unless an article you’ve written is in them, or there is something written about you).  Start eating your Cheerios.

http://www.thesitsgirls.com/diy/diy-home-decor/

CUPCAKES!

PEACHES ‘N CREAM CUPCAKES

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

For the fresh Peach Cupcakes:

flour

baking powder

baking soda

salt

sugar

fresh peach puree *see below

vegetable oil

egg

vanilla extract

white vinegar

For the Fresh Peach Puree & Filling:

fresh white peaches

light brown sugar

sugar

cinnamon

nutmeg

ginger

cloves

all-spice

For the Peaches n’ Cream Frosting:

fresh peach puree, strained

unsalted butter

cream cheese

powdered sugar

vanilla

Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

Wilton Harvest Peach Food Coloring Gel

Wilton 1M piping tip & disposable bag

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:   http://totalnoms.com/2013/10/peaches-n-cream-cupcakes-guest-post-java-cupcake/

THIS WEEK I’M IN 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

These are THE BEST and I don’t know how anybody could resist making several pairs of these patchwork putter-arounds?   Here’s al

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