2016 January
Continuing the Purge, and it Feels Great!
1/27/2016
Wow! Where do I start? I have worked from 7am till at least 10pm just about every day this week.
We have moved stuff and unpacked boxes that were packed long ago, just knowing I was going to 'some day' use those treasures for that certain creative project.
We are in the process of moving my studio to the basement of my home. I am fortunate that it is large enough to be able to move around, work and have classes.
My friend Patty and I have a booth in downtown Shelbyville in one of the antique shops and will have it up and running the beginning of February. It's located at Reclaimed on Main where the Harvest Cafe is. Come grab a good cup of coffee and a snack, and then do a little shopping.
Sometimes plans change. And those changes can disrupt our regular routines, but the Cardinals going to the Music City Bowl was a nice interruption of routine.
After we pulled the the Cardinals through, in style I might add (thank you Roger), we headed back to relax for the rest of the weekend. A typical New Year for us consists of watching LOTS of movies back to back. It's also filled with a project or two that Sophie and I come up with... check out the great pillows she made. She just used a simple basic pillow pattern and some fantastic fabric.
Find my FREE Leslie's Basic Pillow Informational PDF for instructions and pillow making tips on my Funky Fibers & Furniture website.
There is always a puzzle for the weekend (this one I left for Roger to complete since we could not get Jeff and Sophie to help us finish! But best of all is the food! We eat ourselves silly!! We get up from one meal and as we are doing the dishes we make plans for what we are going to eat at the next meal!!
Good friends, great food and no where to go.... what more could you ask for! Happy New Year!!
I am cleaning out! Clothes, furniture, household accessories, things I just don't need. Well... I can think of something to do with most everything I am getting rid of but I will never live that long!!
January does this to me... Now, if I can just keep it up and get through the whole house!!
Operation Care, here I come!!
Tooth Fairy Pillow number 2 is complete... one more to go! After the last blog, I was asked to give directions on making this fun little baby gift.
I use the same basic pillow making directions for all my pillows. You can find the FREE instructions in PDF form - Leslie's Basic Pillow Informational PDF.
It doesn't matter what size pillow-form you pick for this project, but I find a 12" x 18" Lumbar size is great for the Tooth-Fairy pillow. Feather/down Lumbar pillow-forms this size are available on my Funky Fibers & Furniture website.
I have all my monogramming done for me locally and then I piece the fabrics that I have chosen around the monogramming. This is all a personal choice and I have no 'exact' pattern for the design.
I use three coordinating fabrics to the top and bottom of the monogramed block. This is a little more than 1/3 of the pillow size. I then choose my fabric for the other side of the front and add the little pocket for the tooth. (You know the fairy doesn't have to worry about waking anyone up with this). Lay the pattern you've prepared on the pieces you've patched together and cut out the front.
Cut out the back and sew the front and back together. Don't forget to steam press your pieces as you go along. It's the details that make the difference!
Sometimes I choose to sew an overlapping opening on the back so that the pillow cover can be easily washed when soiled. Wrap pretty and you have a great gift!! Hope you have fun making your own Tooth-Fairy Pillows!!!
Lots of changes happening in the New Year! Watch next weeks newsletter for a special announcement and lots of details!!
1/27/2016
We have moved stuff and unpacked boxes that were packed long ago, just knowing I was going to 'some day' use those treasures for that certain creative project.
Well, they're still in their boxes because there's always something new to capture my interest. Thus, the piles of 'stuff' that have accumulated over 25 years!
A creative mind can be a blessing but it can also be a curse. I'm sure that if I had not had that wonderful warehouse there wouldn't be near as much clutter. So... there will be a pile of 'free stuff' in the big sale (not pictured). All you have to do is help yourself. Please share so that all Teachers, Sunday School teachers and non profits may benefit.You may have your own ideas of what to do with those treasures. And I'm sure some of you will look at that and say..."why didn't she just send that to the recycle bin?" But just ask and I can give you LOTS of ideas that will make you want to take all my 'clutter' away!
That all being said, there's not much creativity going on around here right now. I keep telling myself and my husband that I'm ready for March 1. By then I'll be completely moved in to the new Studio (HA HA) and creativity can begin again. And I can tell you, I have great new ideas. Seeing all the old treasures as we've moved them has got the creative juices flowing. Now I'm just waiting for the time.
A creative mind can be a blessing but it can also be a curse. I'm sure that if I had not had that wonderful warehouse there wouldn't be near as much clutter. So... there will be a pile of 'free stuff' in the big sale (not pictured). All you have to do is help yourself. Please share so that all Teachers, Sunday School teachers and non profits may benefit.You may have your own ideas of what to do with those treasures. And I'm sure some of you will look at that and say..."why didn't she just send that to the recycle bin?" But just ask and I can give you LOTS of ideas that will make you want to take all my 'clutter' away!
That all being said, there's not much creativity going on around here right now. I keep telling myself and my husband that I'm ready for March 1. By then I'll be completely moved in to the new Studio (HA HA) and creativity can begin again. And I can tell you, I have great new ideas. Seeing all the old treasures as we've moved them has got the creative juices flowing. Now I'm just waiting for the time.
 |
| Hurry up, Grandma! |
The good news is that I am headed to Florida to dog sit this week while my Florida family takes a vacation and I know that Murphy is just waiting for me!
It's been a debate in my head about the timing...and I believe this trip, planned well before the sale was planned, is a good thing for me. It's pushing us to have the sale almost ready a week ahead of time AND it is going to allow me some free time to be creative. I'm looking forward to that!
Do you remember all those UFO's I was working on and feeling so good about finishing? Well, I unearthed about a thousand more! LOL! So much for getting ahead.
3 Comments
It's been a debate in my head about the timing...and I believe this trip, planned well before the sale was planned, is a good thing for me. It's pushing us to have the sale almost ready a week ahead of time AND it is going to allow me some free time to be creative. I'm looking forward to that!
Do you remember all those UFO's I was working on and feeling so good about finishing? Well, I unearthed about a thousand more! LOL! So much for getting ahead.
Paula - You are doing great Leslie! Now go dig your feet in the sand. U have my permission. Lol
Jayn - Purging has been the hardest part of our kitchen renovation ... and that's not even the creative playing stuff ... I can't
even imagine! You deserve a break and some creative time~
Mary - Oh how I wish I could be at the sale!
Organized Chaos!
1/19/2016
It's finished! I received a text about 11:30pm one night last week that Roger finished our New Year's Eve puzzle. So glad that he got it done...
Organized Chaos!
1/19/2016
I seem to have so much in my life that is unfinished and in disarray right now and it feels good that I can cross this important project off my list. LOL
Do you have a place besides home that feels like 'home' when you get close? Black Mountain (Montreat) North Carolina is that place for me.
I have spent a lot of time there off and on over the years with different conferences.
Do you have a place besides home that feels like 'home' when you get close? Black Mountain (Montreat) North Carolina is that place for me.
I was passing through before spending the night at my friend, Beth's house and heading out for a meeting but had to swing into Black Mountain for a Greek Salad and bread sticks at MY FATHER"S PIZZA. Oh... so good!!
I had a planning meeting in Charlotte this past week and feel honored to have been asked one more time to organize and run the recreation office for TRIENNIUM 2016 for about 5000 senior high youth. What a fun time and a great recreation team. I am looking forward to the week in July!
The new home studio is coming right along and I feel so comfortable in the basement. I'm taking advantage of every little bit of space that I can find to store my much "needed" supplies and getting the studio set up to fit what I feel my needs will be... I am just ready and excited to start creating again and there hasn't been any extra time for that lately. Maybe next week!!
I am keeping up with blogs from some of my artist friends who are trying to figure out what their inspiring word will be for this year. I have thought about this and am struggling between two different words. 'Recreate' seems to be an obvious choice for me but the word 'Purge' keeps coming up.
I had a planning meeting in Charlotte this past week and feel honored to have been asked one more time to organize and run the recreation office for TRIENNIUM 2016 for about 5000 senior high youth. What a fun time and a great recreation team. I am looking forward to the week in July!
Also, I'm in that time of my life where I realize I don't need all the stuff I thought I needed before and there's just a lot to get rid of to make this Re-creation happen!! What would your word for the year be??
Don't forget that you can help me with my purging. Our sale to finish cleaning out the store starts February 4th. Come see what treasures we are unearthing from the back. Also, please help me by letting teachers in your area know about the sale. A lot of the treasures are great for classrooms and artists... not to mention great fabrics and trims! Remember.... it will be closed and done by February 27th.
Don't forget that you can help me with my purging. Our sale to finish cleaning out the store starts February 4th. Come see what treasures we are unearthing from the back. Also, please help me by letting teachers in your area know about the sale. A lot of the treasures are great for classrooms and artists... not to mention great fabrics and trims! Remember.... it will be closed and done by February 27th.
2 Comments
Sandra Sacksteder - Kind of sad to hear of the closing. Left a part of me there when I left. I know you will re-create yourself yet again Leslie. All the best. Sandra
Leslie - Thanks Sandra.... You were such a gift to me and the store... I will treasure those times! I have thought of you a lot in the past few weeks.... believe it or not, I have found your hold basket and several other things with your name still on it!! Oh... I keep too much stuff.... it will be a BIG sale!! Hugs to you... come visit!! Leslie
the End of an Era... On to New Beginnings!
1/12/2016
The decision has been made and it feels wonderful, scary, and freeing! I'm ready to create, experiment, and play with furniture and fibers, paints, metals and beads, and whatever else comes along.
We tried to downsize last March and concentrate on internet sales, as my original intent was not to be open for retail at all. Even so, we ended staying open Friday and Saturdays to accommodate loyal customers who weren't internet savvy. Now it's time to follow my heart, closing MEM down, emptying the building and listing it for sale.
I want to thank all of the loyal customers who have supported us for the past 25 years. You all were so good to us and were our main advertising source with your word of mouth. We appreciate you lots! We want to thank all the officials and downtown folks of Shelbyville who have helped us and supported us through the years. I also want to thank that one cranky customer who made me realize I really did need to follow my heart and move on!
We spent the day last Thursday moving storage shelves to the basement that seem like they were just made for the space! It feels good and right when I go downstairs, even though it is still in a messy state.
The blog will continue on with the new adventures and direction, and the Funky Fibers & Furniture website will be taking on a life of its own with lots of new designs and free PDF's for you to down load. As soon as I get settled I will be offering small studio classes at my home in the basement.... with a private entrance. I am also contemplating a Home Show with one-of-a-kind items perfect for gift giving early this Fall. However, the custom furniture I design will be my main focus in the days ahead. I'm so looking forward to getting this new business off the ground!!
We are emptying the MEM building - and that means more savings for you. The FINAL FAREWELL SALE will start on February 4th with amazing prices. Trims, Fabrics, Art supplies, Jewelry and beading supplies, metalsmithing supplies, display and office fixtures, rolling machines, lots of treasures from my back warehouse.... It all has to find another home and we hope you will help us! REMEMBER.... these fabrics and trims are the best of the best.... ones that we had on the internet and ones that we were going to put on the internet.
It is a scary endeavor... to go from a successful business to no income at all.... but I feel this is where I am being called at this time in my life. When your heart and spirit feel good, it will be successful. Twenty-five years has proved that to me. I hope you will continue to follow our fun. Please share this blog and help spread the word. Only 15 shopping days to sell 25 years of business!
9 Comments
Paula - LESLIE.... Good for u. It's time to let go and I'm so proud of you. Life is too short not to follow your heart. Great decision. Your furniture is gorgeous.
Leslie - Thanks Paula!! I appreciate the support and am looking forward to what is next as soon as I figure that out!! Come to the sale if you get a chance... You won't believe all we are getting rid of!! Spread the word. Thanks! Leslie
Ann - Thank you for sharing your talents. Wishing you much success in all that you do! 🎉😀
Leslie - Thanks Ann! I appreciate the support!!
Jo - Thanks for sharing your talents & creativity with me. Whenever I visited MEM & got to visit with you, I always came away uplifted. Life is too short not to explore our heart's desires. Wishing you blessings & success!
Leslie - Hey Jo!! We will get together to create after I get through this sale.... The studio at home is coming along wonderful and I am looking forward to creating with friends!! Hugs to you and thanks for all your support. It means so much to me.... Leslie
Annette Deardurff - Leslie - what a tremendous surprise to read that you are closing the doors! I so enjoyed coming down there for classes and shopping. You are by far one of the most creative people I have met!! I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for you next! I will definitely try to come down for some more classes. Please think about the weaving. I have yet to set up that fabulous copper weaving loom I bought from you - it would be awesome to bring it down and really learn how to use it and hopefully have some of your creativity rub off on me!!!! I wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life, and look forward to future news!! Love and hugs - Annette
Leslie - Annette, I am ready to see what is next... Once this sale and closing are over I will have time to sit down and figure out what is next... including classes!! We will make plans to play with the looms after that!! Thanks for your support. Hugs! Leslie
Lynda - Leslie, I am so excited for you and your new adventure. You had a great shop and wonderful classes and this will be another great step. I look forward to seeing what develops this year.
Cardinals, tooth-fairies & Puzzles!
1/5/2016
Jeff is making sure people know where we are headed and has to have that Cardinal decal head on 'just right!'.
For the past few years we have spent the New Year holiday (days before and after) with some dear friends of ours. It's always been a great time to slow down from our busy lives and to catch up with each other. We usually spend the New Year at our house in Shelbyville but this year we went to Sophie and Roger's place in Nashville.
Good friends, great food and no where to go.... what more could you ask for! Happy New Year!!
January does this to me... Now, if I can just keep it up and get through the whole house!!
Operation Care, here I come!!
I use the same basic pillow making directions for all my pillows. You can find the FREE instructions in PDF form - Leslie's Basic Pillow Informational PDF.
It doesn't matter what size pillow-form you pick for this project, but I find a 12" x 18" Lumbar size is great for the Tooth-Fairy pillow. Feather/down Lumbar pillow-forms this size are available on my Funky Fibers & Furniture website.
I have all my monogramming done for me locally and then I piece the fabrics that I have chosen around the monogramming. This is all a personal choice and I have no 'exact' pattern for the design.
I use three coordinating fabrics to the top and bottom of the monogramed block. This is a little more than 1/3 of the pillow size. I then choose my fabric for the other side of the front and add the little pocket for the tooth. (You know the fairy doesn't have to worry about waking anyone up with this). Lay the pattern you've prepared on the pieces you've patched together and cut out the front.
Cut out the back and sew the front and back together. Don't forget to steam press your pieces as you go along. It's the details that make the difference!
Sometimes I choose to sew an overlapping opening on the back so that the pillow cover can be easily washed when soiled. Wrap pretty and you have a great gift!! Hope you have fun making your own Tooth-Fairy Pillows!!!
Lots of changes happening in the New Year! Watch next weeks newsletter for a special announcement and lots of details!!
1 Comment
Jayn - So important to take time for/with good friends!
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