2016-06-19





The bells have stopped

But the flowers are still ringing



Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 | Stanley Almodovar III, 23 | Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 | Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 | Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 | Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 | Luis S. Vielma, 22 |Kimberly Morris, 37 |Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 | Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 | Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 | Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 | Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25 | Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 | Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50 | Martin Benitez Torres, 33 | Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 | Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 | Amanda Alvear, 25 | Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 | Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 | Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 | Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26 | Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 | Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 | Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 | Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 | Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 | Cory James Connell, 21 | Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37 | Luis Daniel Conde, 39 | Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 | Juan Chavez Martinez, 25 | Jerald Arthur Wright, 31 | Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 | Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 | Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 | Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez, 27 | Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 | Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 | Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 | Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32 | Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28 | Frank Hernandez Escalante, 27 | Paul Terrell Henry, 41 | Antonio Davon Brown, 29 | Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 | Akyra Monet Murray, 18 | Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25

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 Tantra 04-15,2015 by Dieter Balzer.  $15,000

YOKE DU YOUR

John was the cop in a small town where everyone knew each other. One night, during his night patrol, he spotted the town drunk walking down the street looking like he was up to no good.

“Hey!” Said John, rolling down his window. “Your not heading for any trouble, are you?”

“No sir!” Responded the drunkard with a big smile, “I’m heading to a lecture!”

A lecture?! thought the cop incredulously at 1 am!? this I gotta see! After following him for a few blocks John was surprised to see him going into his house.

“Hey!” John screamed out his window. “I thought you were heading to a lecture?!”

The drunkard just held his index finger and headed inside. Sure enough within a minute John heard the lecture loud and clear through the upstairs window, “JUST WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING OUT ALL THIS TIME YOU NASTY GOOD-FOR-NOTHING…”

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? Tableware and architectural tile masters Heath Ceramics have teamed up with boutique wallpaper company Hygge & West on a collection of wallpapers that carry on the signature Heath aesthetic.

IDEA I LOVE

Cute, cute, cute. Try your hand at making a little bunny sashiko sachet.  I want one. Let’s do it!  Here’s how:

http://embroidery.about.com/od/Easy-Embroidery-Projects/ss/DIY-Sashiko-Stitched-Zakka-Sachet.htm#step1

IDEA I LOVE

Drop the crayons and actually draw something!  Start with a simple mandala on air dried clay.  Then, make a fridge magnet.  Here’s where to start and how to make a few:

http://journeycreativity.blogspot.gr/2016/06/mandala-clay-magnets.html

BREATHLESS INSPIRATION

Artistry by Russian beadwork artist, Olga Orlova.  Click on the link to see much more of her work:

http://viola.bz/russian-beadwork-artist-and-jeweler-olga-orlova/

YUMMY DISH!

BIG JOE’S CHERRY CHICKEN BBQ

What You’ll Need

chicken thighs

fresh cherries

habanero infused honey

barbeque Sauce

orange juice

bourbon liquor (optional)

garlic

butter

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  Big Joe’s Cherry Chicken BBQ [Recipe] | http://nj1015.com/big-joes-cherry-chicken-bbq-recipe-3/?trackback=tsmclip

IDEA I LOVE

If anyone can figure out how I can make some coin from the burn marks on my ironing board cover, please let me know.  Maybe if I didn’t forget to actually pick up my iron occasionally, I might not have to make a new cover.  Anywho, this is totally on my TO DO list.  Make on with me.  Here’s how:

http://www.sew4home.com/projects/furniture-covers/easy-ironing-board-cover

IDEA I LOVE

Yipee!   A no sew beach cover up.  Mine would have to have printed words on it.  “Do Not Net. This is Not a Whale!”   You can just cut, knot, and wear.  Here’s how:

http://theseamanmom.com/no-sew-beach-cover-up/

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

Watermelon-Tequila Cocktail

When watermelon is in abundance, this is a great way to use it. Bobby Flay purees seedless watermelon chunks, then strains the juice through a sieve and mixes it with silver tequila, sugar syrup, blueberries, mint and fresh lime juice.

What You’ll Need

water

granulated sugar

seedless watermelon (1 pound)

fresh lime juice

blueberries

fresh mint leaves

silver tequila

Ice

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/watermelon-tequila-cocktails

INTERESTspiration

STUDY SAYS MAKING ART REDUCES STRESS EVEN IF YOU MIGHT SUCK AT IT

Read the article here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/study-says-making-art-reduces-stress_us_576183ece4b09c926cfdccac

IDEA I LOVE

I’m actually waiting for an order of Procion dyes from Dharma in San Raphael.  I have this art quilt idea (No, I am NOT telling).  In the meantime, I’m firing up my ice maker.  I can do a little ice dyeing with the leftovers from my project.  Here’s how to ice dye:

http://jojotastic.com/2015/09/10/diy-how-to-ice-dye/

WORDS TO LIVE BY

IDEA I LOVE

Now is a wonderful time to find and press wonderful flowers for your bejeweled adornment. Here’s how to create these made with nature crystal charms:

http://monsterscircus.com/2016/06/10/diy-pressed-flowers/

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

SWEET APRICOT BREAKFAST BREAD

What You’ll Need

½ recipe Crusty Flat Bread Dough

a little water

brown sugar

dried apricots

mixed spice

icing sugar, to dust

Crusty flat bread dough

water

dry yeast granules

mashed potato

extra virgin olive oil

high-grade or baker’s flour

salt

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.annabel-langbein.com/recipes/sweet-apricot-breakfast-bread/407/

MEMBA?

HAPPY FATHER’S DAYspiration . . .

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads out there

IDEA I LOVE

Wow! How cool is this embroidery on canvas shoes?  I love this so much.  Don’t stop at flowers.  Or, don’t stop with embroidering only a few flowers.  Go for it, kids.  Here’s how:

http://mottesblog.blogspot.de/2015/04/all-tangled-up-diy-embroidered-canvas.html

COOKIES!

SPICY PINEAPPLE LINZER COOKIES

These sandwich cookies, adapted from chef Frederico Ribeiro of New York’s Te Company, are an homage to the classic Taiwanese pineapple cake. Here a super-buttery vanilla bean shortbread gets a nutty dose of hazelnut flour, and sweet pineapple-rosemary jam gets balanced by the spicy, fermented, and grassy flavor of Japanese yuzu kosho paste. Be sure to let the cookies rest overnight (or at least a few hours) after assembling so the jam sets in place, and don’t skip the lime zest and flaky salt topping for a sweet and savory cookie that has a nice habit of electrifying your taste buds.

What You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough

all-purpose flour

hazelnut flour

baking powder

Kosher salt

unsalted butter

granulated sugar

eggs

vanilla bean

For the Pineapple Jam

pineapple

granulated sugar

rosemary

Kosher salt

lime

yuzu kosho

Maldon sea salt

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.saveur.com/pineapple-linzer-cookie-recipe

FASHIONspiration

Naeem Khan

Strapless Embroidered Illusion Gown, White/Multi

$14,990.00

Check out the most beautiful runway show ever . . . keep your eyes out for this strapless embroidered illusion gown!  Tell me what you think in the comments section.

IDEA I LOVE!

Meow meow meow Mr. Rogers meow.  Meow painted shoes meow.  If you’re a cat lover, you are going to love these DIY shoes.  Here’s how to make them:

http://www.sopurrfect.com/2016/06/easy-how-to-cute-diy-cat-toe-shoes/

Take Our Poll

Live…every Sunday morning

If you miss it, I’ll post it right here around 2 PM (eastern) today.  xoxom

BE DAZZLED!

Rare Art Deco tutti frutti brooch

A very fine and rare Art Deco tutti frutti brooch, designed as a stylised diamond tree set with four engraved ruby leaves. The diamond flower pot is decorated with black enamel. Mounted in platinum. Circa 1925. Total diamond weight: approx 1,35 ct.  $19,858.66

PATCHWORK, BABY!

Isn’t this the most beautiful treatment for a quilt border?  From my buddy Barij, here’s her free downloadable pattern for her garden tea party quilt.  Get it here:

http://barij.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/05/garden-tea-party-free-downloadable-quilt.html

PLEASE…

SHOEspiration

Dolce & Gabbana

Red Painted Sandals with Pom Pom and Sequined Toe

$1,895
$1,043

IDEA I LOVE

I thought you might like this. It’s a free screen saver for your iPads, phones, laptops, etc. of spools of thread!  Download it here:

http://www.cozyreverie.com/blog/free-download-spools-of-thread

KNITspiration

This is the Papagena scarf to knit.  Now, if you’re wondering why there is a flute in the picture it’s because Papagena is a character in the opera, The Magic Flute.  Get it?  Here’s the free pattern:

http://knitting-and-so-on.blogspot.ch/2016/05/papagena-scarf.html

LOL

WHEN I HAND SEW……

GARDENspiration

OK is this twig terrarium not the cutest?  Now’s the time to plan and create your DIY indoor garden.  Just walk outside and start digging up wonderful little plants for your jar (if you like something in your neighbor’s yard, just nab it — they won’t mind).  Start here to make your own:

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/projects/diy-twig-terrarium/#page=0

MUST HAVE

Really?  I have to.  I … just  ….  just . . . . have to have a mermaid tail!

Chic Knitted Warm Fishtail Blanket For Women, $22.16

IDEA I LOVE

What a fun little doll to whip up… and from socks!  So make one, or 10.  Not so sure, however, how she might look with tube sock stripes running across her face . . . just work with it.  Here’s how you make one:

http://www.ohohblog.com/2016/05/how-to-make-sock-doll.html

DESSERT!

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB CHEESECAKE

What You’ll Need

For the Crust

unsalted butter

graham crackers

sugar

grated nutmeg

kosher salt

For the Filling and Garnish

sour cream

cream cheese

sugar

unsalted butter

eggs

dark rum

kosher salt

vanilla bean

Charred Rhubarb Compote

Sliced strawberries, for garnish

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:   http://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/cheesecake-with-charred-rhubarb-compote-and-sliced-strawberries

CROCHETspiration

Love this simple crocheted Amimono Kimono jacket.  I especially like it because of the wider, somewhat larger cut.  Not designed for a carrot stick.  Here’s the free knitting pattern:

http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pdf/AmimonoKimono.pdf

MY CRAFT UNIVERSITY CLASS

Instead of adding plain borders, elevate even the simplest quilt top to a work of art. Mark uses humor and creativity to teach borders step-by-step, making this a great online course for beginning and advanced quilters. After you learn these borders, you will want to make them again and again.

You Will Love This Course If You:

Want to add new borders to your skill set

Enjoy making your own artistic choice

Want to make your borders shine

Like to learn more about working with panels

Enjoy getting inside info and history about quilting

Enjoy creating holiday-themed quilts

Enjoy quilting for yourself and others

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

For more information on how to take my class or to take the class, Just click here:  http://bit.ly/20yUzWK

IDEA I LOVE

I know this is called a ‘modern granny square’ quilted pillow cover… but it looks like a non-modern, very classic, Irish Chain, to these old eyes.  That said, what a beautiful combo of colors. I love this project.  Check out the See Kate Sew blog for a tutorial:

http://seekatesew.com/modern-granny-square-quilted-pillow-cover-tutorial/

PERSONAL STUFF

i bought my first pattern

Oh, yeah.  Mark Lipinski in a dashki in 3…2…1…   I’ve never sewn apparel.  This oughta be hideously good!  Bwahahahahaha

dyeing fabric for an art quilt

I ordered a half dozen small Procion dyes to create an art quilt.  They should be here within a few weeks — Dharma delivers by horse and buggy — and I’ll get started.  I have a vision but it’s ‘out there’ and may be difficult to impossible to get together.  If anybody can pull it off, I can.  I’m preparing myself for permanent multicolored hands, face, clothes, grass, trees, etc.  It’s how I roll.

thank you for your birthday wishes

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday on June 15.

It’s going to take some getting used to finally hitting my mid 30’s.  I will try to stay strong.

The Quilt Show

My episode airs on The Quilt Show today!   I was already pretty sick when I shot this episode with Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson but didn’t know just how sick.  I had begun to have night sweats in Denver and within 3 weeks I was hospitalized with 104-105 degree spiking fevers once or twice a day. I hope you enjoy the show. Here’s the link to THE QUILT SHOW, check it out:  https://thequiltshow.com/watch/show-list/video/latest/show-1813-quilts-of-valor-and-intent

quilts of valor

What a small world.  I was c

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