2017 November
New Dessert Recipe with Almonds!
11/28/2017
A whole lot of this and a whole lot of that is what I've been up to this week. Traveling through four States in just a little over a week has had me on the run. Soon I'll be home, but I don't see things settling down for awhile with Christmas coming. Here are just a few of the escapades that have taken my time.
I love to have company come visit.. At least once they get here. It's the full day before they arrive of hard cleaning in the basement that's not so much fun! But... it does look pretty good now, if I do say so myself!!
I have had so many deadline projects spread out that I didn't take time to put supplies away during the creative process. BIG MISTAKE!! But now it's done and I hope to clean up after myself as I go along in the future.....
HOPE
That's what it's all about.
The ladies from AWAKE Ministries came to play in the studio this past week. We spent time making fabric beads and, as the beads dried, the ladies all decided to create some fun jewelry by spelling out a word for the day.
Bracelets and a great necklace were created with lots of laughter and fun. And of course they had to learn the Golden Rule of the studio.... "There are never any mistakes... just creative opportunities!" This statement gives all of us the license to play and learn without being afraid. What a great day!!
I just picked up this ottoman from the upholsterer that I designed for the Crescent Hill Trading Company store.
With fabric sporting antique playing cards combined with a brown Glen plaid and brown leather bands that cover the corners and piping, it's great for a man cave or game room.
Stop by and check out the fun one-of-a-kind items that are on display for the Holiday season. You might just find a gift for yourself!
The reason I went to North Carolina in the first place was to help run a Spirituality Retreat with my friends Mark and Beth. The three of us leading a retreat was an auction item that was purchased at ARW by a group of educators for a renewal week. Mark and Beth worked on the programing piece and the delicious meals while I led the group in making a basket for use as a hospitality piece. Any day I'm able to work with these two creative people is a good day!
Check out this delicious Almond Torte that was made for dessert. Love it when I have a friend who is an amazing cook.
You can find the recipe in FREE Stuff on my Funky Fibers website. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us, Beth!
Thanksgiving time is for counting blessings or maybe, voicing blessings that we count all year long. I'm thankful for you, my readers and blog followers, who keep me motivated. I want to see what you all are creating for the holidays: the centerpieces, the custom gifts, the recipes that are your favorites. Each of us have different gifts, talents, and ideas, and I think it would be fun to share! Just send your high definition pictures to funkyfibersky@gmail.com to be featured in the next few blogs leading up to Christmas.
Jeff and I are thrilled to have Jemmy and Lenny from Indonesia with us for a few days over Thanksgiving. We first met Jemmy as our exchange student 20 years ago. He is such a big part of our family, along with Lenny, his sister who worked at Making Ends Meet for several years. No matter how long between visits, they join in as if they had never left!
However, I had already been to OLD TIME Pottery looking for ribbon with no luck so I asked Jeff to stop by JoAnn fabric on our way home to see if I could find any quilting fabric that would work so I could create my own.
They didn't have the small check I wanted but I decided to buy the larger just in case I wasn't able to find anything else. I would just punt! I already had the polka dot at home.
Finally!! The valances in the kitchen are almost complete!!
Only the two French doors to finish.... I would rather do that than cook any day!
I love the way the fabric looks with the colorful bottles. It brings out the color that I want without being too bold and in your face -especially since the great room has LOTS of color.
This is an amazing fabric and is one of those that I truly appreciate, which is sometimes hard to do after 26 years in the fabric business!
The color blocks that you see are all embroidered..... not printed. And, of course, I LOVE the color!
I love when new unexpected packages arrive on my front porch! I like it even better when it has new fun fabrics just waiting for me to get creative.
I placed this order at least eight months ago, or more, and forgot about it. Oh happy day! I love the colors! Now to decide what to create with these treasures...
I'm looking forward to putting this new BOSCH table saw up as soon as I get home, and to finishing the workshop in the garage. And yes, to learning the proper safety techniques when using this saw.
Jason said that I need to take a picture of my fingers to post in here... so you could see that I still have them all. Oh ye of little faith. The possibilities are endless!
Fall is here!
The weather is cooling, which I really don't like, but I do love the colors! The trees really put on a display this week. These beautiful trees all lead up to and surround my studio, and it was still warm enough to work outside at the beginning of the week.
It's been such a privilege and honor to volunteer time and sewing for AWAKE Ministries.
They were getting close to the grand opening of their new Women's Shelter and were still needing window treatments so I went to work on them.
I just want to share.... shoes are important 'stuff'.
As we loaded boxes and boxes and furniture and furniture, we watched what was written on the boxes so they were put in the proper place...
My handsome husband... Always smiling! :) and he is smiling big now that the truck is empty!!
On one of my days in the TRADING COMPANY, Mark ordered lunch from Crave Café & Catering on Frankfort Ave.
If you all are in the area, stop by and give it a try! The South of the Border Wrap was AMAZING! Lunch and shopping, all in one. Now doesn't that sound like a fun day?!
Finally. Remember all of that yarn I dyed this summer?...
After it dyed and dried, it all came inside and sat in a pile because I didn't have time to get it wound in balls.
A great big thanks to Mom and Walt for spending their time helping me to get it wound and in order. I guess they felt they needed to stay busy if they were visiting me in the studio They were looking for a project.... well sort of... I drafted them... LOL!
Thanks Mom and Walt!!
Here are just a few of the spools of hand dyed yarn that they wound. Such bright pretty colors. I can't wait to use them1
Check out the scarf that I made out of some of the fun yarns that I bought at the Extension Office Yarn sale this past summer.
This is just one of many scarves that will be available at Consider Boutique in the next week or so.
Be sure to stop by and visit Casey and Toots to say hello! They're just across the street from the TRADING COMPANY.
ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT!
11/28/2017
A whole lot of this and a whole lot of that is what I've been up to this week. Traveling through four States in just a little over a week has had me on the run. Soon I'll be home, but I don't see things settling down for awhile with Christmas coming. Here are just a few of the escapades that have taken my time.
I love to have company come visit.. At least once they get here. It's the full day before they arrive of hard cleaning in the basement that's not so much fun! But... it does look pretty good now, if I do say so myself!!
I have had so many deadline projects spread out that I didn't take time to put supplies away during the creative process. BIG MISTAKE!! But now it's done and I hope to clean up after myself as I go along in the future.....
That's what it's all about.
The ladies from AWAKE Ministries came to play in the studio this past week. We spent time making fabric beads and, as the beads dried, the ladies all decided to create some fun jewelry by spelling out a word for the day.
Bracelets and a great necklace were created with lots of laughter and fun. And of course they had to learn the Golden Rule of the studio.... "There are never any mistakes... just creative opportunities!" This statement gives all of us the license to play and learn without being afraid. What a great day!!
I just picked up this ottoman from the upholsterer that I designed for the Crescent Hill Trading Company store.
With fabric sporting antique playing cards combined with a brown Glen plaid and brown leather bands that cover the corners and piping, it's great for a man cave or game room.
Stop by and check out the fun one-of-a-kind items that are on display for the Holiday season. You might just find a gift for yourself!
After delivering several furniture items to customers, I headed out of town for a few days. The first stop was for fabric. UH HUH.... did I NEED it? Of course not! But when you're headed to North Carolina anyway, why not at least peek at what's available?
And.... just look at some of the goodies I found! Circles, circles, and more circles, and lots of color to boot! This wonderful fabric is stitched in all these different colorful threads to create this fun pattern. I'm trying to decide if I can fit this in my house somewhere. Would you like to order some of the fabrics that I post? Just let me know!!
This great cut velvet, boucle fabric also has a fun polka dot to go with it that, of course, I had to order. These complimentary fabrics will be mixed with a solid fabric or two to create a fun chair that I'm picking up in South Carolina. Now to be patient while I wait for the fabric to arrive.
My next stop was at my friend Beth's house. I arrived just in time for dinner and so we headed to the Bouchon in Asheville. It's a wonderful French restaurant and the folks I was with enjoyed the 'all you can eat' Mussel night! Just saying..., my chicken was great! If you are traveling in the Asheville area, make sure and try this great place out. You won't be disappointed.
Check out this delicious Almond Torte that was made for dessert. Love it when I have a friend who is an amazing cook.
You can find the recipe in FREE Stuff on my Funky Fibers website. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us, Beth!
These photos are part of the process of making the box. Lots of cheesecloth, buttons, and fabrics for all to play with as they embellish and create! Wouldn't these be fun gift boxes to make and use for the holidays? I think I might have to try that. Just need to make the pattern for the lid!! Would you like me to post a "how to"??
They all finished their boxes and were thrilled with the outcome. So glad to see smiles on their faces and the finished pieces... What a great group of gifted and talented church professionals. Thanks for the opportunity!
Now on to South Carolina for the weekend... Might even do a little Christmas shopping on the way.
1 Comment
Doreen Rogers - I sent a couple of pictures to you from my Small Business Saturday shopping. Artistic and yarn—of course I thought of you.
Color Me Crazy!
11/21/2017
Thanksgiving has come and gone so this blog will be short and sweet (maybe) since I know you have a million holiday projects of your own to start. Be sure to check out below how to make a decorative bow when you don't have the perfect ribbon on hand. You just make it yourself!
There's nothing like the holidays and company to motivate me to get the house cleaned, and to finish those projects that have just been hanging around in my head.
I just finished the laundry room as Jeff hung the new valance over the window. I love the bold colors... no surprise there! Color me crazy!! I even think Purl approves of her new dinner space.
Jemmy always helped me decorate for the holidays... so hopefully he'll be willing to help this year. I'll have all the goodies ready just in case he has time!!
So... while we were at The Glitz last week, I mentioned to the girls that I was looking for black and white checked ribbon and if they came across any, to let me know. On Sunday afternoon I got a text from greta saying she was in a TJ Maxx store in Jeffersonville and found two rolls. (!!!) The ironic thing is that I just happened to be walking in that very TJ Maxx at the same time she was texting me!! So... I now have tow rolls of ribbon for my mantle and trees!. Thanks Greta!
They didn't have the small check I wanted but I decided to buy the larger just in case I wasn't able to find anything else. I would just punt! I already had the polka dot at home.
So, since I was using a black and white theme anyway, I decided to go ahead and make a bow for my door wreath and to share with you how to do it quick and easy!
I made bows for years when I worked at Wakefield Scearce Galleries so I knew that I needed to start with 3-3.5 yards of ribbon for each bow. I cut the check 3 inches wide x 3.5 feet long, and cut the polka dot 3.5 inches wide x 3.5 feet long.
I made bows for years when I worked at Wakefield Scearce Galleries so I knew that I needed to start with 3-3.5 yards of ribbon for each bow. I cut the check 3 inches wide x 3.5 feet long, and cut the polka dot 3.5 inches wide x 3.5 feet long.
I ironed Dritz WashAway Wonder Tape on the very edges of the polka dot fabric. I then laid wrong sides together making sure to center the top on bottom. I folded the bottom to the top, pressing but not sticking to create a crease. I laid 24 gauge floral wire in the crease, peeled the paper off of the WashAway tape and pressed. Voila! 3.5 yards of ribbon for a front door bow! NO more hunting for just the right ribbon! And I have lots of fun fabrics at funky-fibers.com so you can make your own too!!
Finally!! The valances in the kitchen are almost complete!!
Only the two French doors to finish.... I would rather do that than cook any day!
I love the way the fabric looks with the colorful bottles. It brings out the color that I want without being too bold and in your face -especially since the great room has LOTS of color.
The color blocks that you see are all embroidered..... not printed. And, of course, I LOVE the color!
I think it's time for a fabric run.... I need to see what else is out there!
I really would love to see pictures of centerpieces, read your favorite recipes, and know what projects you are working on and share them in the December blogs. It might get the creative juices flowing to the rest of us! So send me your high definition pictures at funkyfibersky@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!!
I hope your Thanksgiving was full of fun, laughter, family and friends.
I am thankful for YOU!!
1 Comment
De Selby - I really enjoyed working with Lenny. I'm going to use some of my MEM fabric in new paintings soon. Watch this space!
Nonesuch?
11/16/2017
I'm slowly getting back in the studio and trying to get caught up on projects that have been waiting for me to finish. But.... first I have to get it straightened up so I can have room to work again. The rest of the window treatments for the new Women's Shelter at AWAKE Ministries got finished this week, and now I just need to schedule a time to deliver them. Yay! Another UFO finished!!
For those new to my blogs... UFO stands for UnFinished Objects... and I have a lot of them!
My fiber earrings are carded and ready to go to Consider Boutique at the beginning of this next week. They make a great and easy pick up for stocking stuffers. My scarves and bags are next.... Sounds like a weekend project to me!
I love when new unexpected packages arrive on my front porch! I like it even better when it has new fun fabrics just waiting for me to get creative.
I placed this order at least eight months ago, or more, and forgot about it. Oh happy day! I love the colors! Now to decide what to create with these treasures...
Jeff and I had a great time while we were in S.C. and found several great restaurants while we were there. These fried green tomatoes and this pimento cheese from Pages Okra Grill in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. were absolutely amazing! They focus on Southern home cooking and the place was packed every time we went by.
The other place we really enjoyed while in Mt Pleasant is The Rusty Rudder Restaurant. Their sandwiches were wonderful for a quick early afternoon lunch. If you get a chance for a South Carolina getaway, these would be fun places for you to try!
A fun day out with a few friends! We had planned a while ago to go out for lunch and shopping, which was a good thing since the studio was a MESS!! We headed to Irish Acres in Nonesuch, Kentucky, and had lunch at The Glitz. Wow! They had beautiful Christmas displays that were over the top, the food was yummy, and the staff was so friendly and helpful! Trust me, if you take a day trip to visit Irish Acres and all they have to offer there, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!
One of the best things they served us was their Spiced Apple Refresher. You are able to buy bottles to take home with you. What a great item to put in gift basket with some fun cheese and crackers for a hostess gift!
Left: This is just one of the beautiful displays in the many rooms that are decorated for Christmas. The silver, teal and white glittery with the tree hanging from the ceiling was lots of fun. I do know where they came up with the name "The Glitz" because it was glitzy all over!!
Right: And I loved this Mother Goose with the tall hat! She just made this children's display so magical and fun. What a great piece for a baby's nursery.
I'm ready to start decorating for the holidays. Jeff isn't wanting to put up the 10-12' tree this years, so I will be on the hunt for someone who can use a big tree. It would go great in a church or assembly room, so let me know if you have any ideas who could us it... and any ideas of where to look for new real looking artificial trees... I am creating new ideas for decorating for Christmas this year. Where have you seen the best trees?
2 Comments
Gloria - A tree from Balsam Hill has always been on my wish list. Check them out for premium artificial.
Leslie - They do have beautiful trees!! I just have to think about us downsizing and what size I want!! Thanks for the info!!
Leslie - They do have beautiful trees!! I just have to think about us downsizing and what size I want!! Thanks for the info!!
Same Story... Different House!
11/8/2017
Happy Birthday to me!! I felt so blessed to be surrounded by family for my birthday in the middle of a hectic and busy week. And I was SOOOO excited when Jeff came home with a new toy for me!I've been telling him that I think I need a table saw to do some of the projects that I have in mind with wood. He really does listen to me!!... sometimes..... :)
I'm looking forward to putting this new BOSCH table saw up as soon as I get home, and to finishing the workshop in the garage. And yes, to learning the proper safety techniques when using this saw.
Jason said that I need to take a picture of my fingers to post in here... so you could see that I still have them all. Oh ye of little faith. The possibilities are endless!
The weather is cooling, which I really don't like, but I do love the colors! The trees really put on a display this week. These beautiful trees all lead up to and surround my studio, and it was still warm enough to work outside at the beginning of the week.
The weather was beautiful for the Crescent Hill Trading Company Open House and it was a wonderful success. Mark called all excited, talking about planning for next year already! I can get into that!!
They were getting close to the grand opening of their new Women's Shelter and were still needing window treatments so I went to work on them.
I knew in my head what fabrics and styles were going to happen.... just needed a few minutes of time to sew up some cute valances for each room.
I knew in my head what fabrics and styles were going to happen.... just needed a few minutes of time to sew up some cute valances for each room.
Check out the video above to learn more about AWAKE Ministries new Women's Shelter.
It's amazing what a difference a small amount of fabric can make in a room. Each valance only took half a yard, and the styles are SO simple to do! Throw a couple of pillows in the room made with the same fabric and, Voila!, you have a custom look!
I was able to deliver sixteen window and door treatments the day I was flying out of town. The staff have them hung and the rooms are now ready for the women who will be part of this loving family to begin their recovery. So thankful for this ministry!
Jeff and I flew to Florida to drive a last load of "stuff" up in a truck to Summerville, SC for Brent and Natalie. They closed on their Florida house this week so things are settling down for them. Hopefully the move will be complete by next week.
As we loaded boxes and boxes and furniture and furniture, we watched what was written on the boxes so they were put in the proper place...
The kids and Sameeha had really cleaned out what they were moving north by selling and getting rid of LOTS of stuff in the yard sale, but we got a good laugh at Natalie's expense as these five boxes you can see in the picture are all labeled SHOES!!
Of course, you keep the important things when you are moving!!
Of course, you keep the important things when you are moving!!
My handsome husband... Always smiling! :) and he is smiling big now that the truck is empty!!
As we unpacked boxes, Natalie's brother, Bish, had the best comment of the week. As he was struggling with a HEAVY box of books, he said... with a straight face "I think these books have had more of an impact on my back than they ever did my mind! LOL!!
It seems like yesterday I was looking at piles of boxes with Nat and Brent as we cleaned up after the wedding. Different house, same story!Time to put things away.
Now to get our ticket home.... I have lots of projects rolling in my head to work on in the studio next week.... Watch for the start of holiday gift ideas!!
1 Comment
Doreen - Leslie, went to Crescent Hill for the open house and had so much fun. Bought a bunch of stuff and saw all your FABULOUS work!! Mark and his team were a lot of fun.
THE RACE IS ON!!!
11/1/2017
The One More Race Wingback Duo is done!! Judy and I have been talking about creating this pair of wingbacks for about 1-2 years.... We had the idea, I had the chairs, and she even drew her vision for the horse to spur me on, but the time seemed to escape me. After working together for several years now, I think she's figured out that I'll get to a project when the creative juices hit and not before!
When Mark and I started talking about what he wanted for the Crescent Hill Holiday Open House it hit me that horse and jockey would be a perfect one-of-a-kind duo to highlight for his Open House. I hope you can get by the shop to see all the fun, creative, and unique items he has for sale!
I had the privilege of spending 3 days with Mark and the great ladies at the store decorating for Christmas. Love, Love, Love! having the opportunity to work with such creative people.... and then I get to go home while they run the daily day-to-day business! Thanks all for letting me play!!
Long Shot Glory: the Story of a Jockey and His Mount
The bond between a rider and his horse can be a magical one. that's the way it's always been between jockey, Hugo B. Phirst and his mount, Downwind Breezes. Though Downwind proved to be a morning glory, tracking better times in the morning runs than at actual race time, they ran a lot of races together. They even came in third place one year! So close to those roses!!
But more years have passed than what they care to admit and they're both feeling the need for one more run! However, getting a sponsor for a 'has been' horse and his overweight jockey could prove to be tricky. As it was, a favor called in surprisingly provided a place on the leaderboard with Downwind Breezes name at the bottom. Hugo knew from the beginning there was no chance they would win. Why, he could barely squeeze into his silks, and Downwind spent more time sitting than running these days. So he secretly brought a dozen roses to present to Downwind after the race.
The sky was cloudy and the air cool, with each rider and horse in their assigned gates. Muscles were tense and senses sharpened when a shot rang out and startled Downwind, reminding Hugo just 'why' he was named Downwind Breezes!! THE RACE WAS ON!!
It was a good race. It was a great run! Downwind Breezes ran like the wind, and though he was the last horse over the finish line, the crowds cheered just the same and the excitement of the race was exhilarating. It was a glorious day for a Long Shot who would return to his stable to eat roses while his trusted jockey watched on with great admiration.
On one of my days in the TRADING COMPANY, Mark ordered lunch from Crave Café & Catering on Frankfort Ave.
If you all are in the area, stop by and give it a try! The South of the Border Wrap was AMAZING! Lunch and shopping, all in one. Now doesn't that sound like a fun day?!
After it dyed and dried, it all came inside and sat in a pile because I didn't have time to get it wound in balls.
A great big thanks to Mom and Walt for spending their time helping me to get it wound and in order. I guess they felt they needed to stay busy if they were visiting me in the studio They were looking for a project.... well sort of... I drafted them... LOL!
Thanks Mom and Walt!!
Here are just a few of the spools of hand dyed yarn that they wound. Such bright pretty colors. I can't wait to use them1
It's all done, Mom and Walt. Are you sure you have to leave just yet? there's plenty more loose ends to tie up around here!
Check out the scarf that I made out of some of the fun yarns that I bought at the Extension Office Yarn sale this past summer.
This is just one of many scarves that will be available at Consider Boutique in the next week or so.
Be sure to stop by and visit Casey and Toots to say hello! They're just across the street from the TRADING COMPANY.
Don't miss the Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY Christmas Open House!
Here's Mark's 'weekly video' from Thursday explaining the Open House, daily sales and special items!
Hope to see you there!!!
Here's Mark's 'weekly video' from Thursday explaining the Open House, daily sales and special items!
Hope to see you there!!!
I'm packing again and pulling yarns for more scarves and phone bags. We're headed to FL/SC for a few days so I want to make sure I have lots of hand work to do while traveling. I don't want to miss a chance to get something creative done!
6 Comments
Mary - Love the chairs, the birds, the scarf, the yarn!! I’m a passenger in the car right now and laid down the needles and yarn to look at Facebook. Good thing we have a driver!
Leslie - Thanks Mary!! I feel like I have had a creative fun week!! I always have to have a project in the car with me... getting ready for this next trip so I have plenty of work to keep me busy..... Drivers are wonderful people!!
Linda - Me too...I knit when we travel. Love my driver.
Leslie - Love those drivers.... and Jeff is so patient when glue, glitter or feathers.... or whatever the newest project is, ends up all over the car!!
Jayn Lando - I have to bring projects to do while I'm away too. Can't just sit.
Leslie - Some of us just have to stay busy!! So much to do and so little time!!
Leslie - Thanks Mary!! I feel like I have had a creative fun week!! I always have to have a project in the car with me... getting ready for this next trip so I have plenty of work to keep me busy..... Drivers are wonderful people!!
Linda - Me too...I knit when we travel. Love my driver.
Leslie - Love those drivers.... and Jeff is so patient when glue, glitter or feathers.... or whatever the newest project is, ends up all over the car!!
Jayn Lando - I have to bring projects to do while I'm away too. Can't just sit.
Leslie - Some of us just have to stay busy!! So much to do and so little time!!
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