CAMP NANA

How Camp Nana Got It's Name

2011-10-08T08:00:00.003-04:00

You've heard "kids say the darndest things"? Well, I guess they never grow out of it.

Camp Nana is wherever Nana and Papa live. It used to be in rural Illinois, now it's on a mountainside in Southwest Virginia.

Camp Nana is also a foster home to 2 misbehaving dogs, one from my brother and one from DD an 1 cat with special needs (I swear she's autistic).

No children live here, but there are toys in the yard just waiting for grandchildren to visit. Now that they are in school it's summer camp and school holiday visits, but they are never long enough. Camp Nana has become a creative retreat for me. You can see my creations here and in several retail galleries (Heartwood Artisan Center, Appalachian Art Center, and The Golden Palette Gallery)

DD gave Camp Nana it's name when she told her dog to behave or it was going to Camp Nana and the name stuck. But we all know that Camp Nana is not a punishment, but a place to be spoiled and live the good life.

Hop hop hop

2011-09-24T13:46:00.001-04:00

"It seems to me that today the art and craft of Quilting is like a great tree with many branches. Its roots are in the past but today It has flourished and developed and extended in various directions. Some people prefer to perch on one branch, some on another, and others elsewhere even on the far out twigs.". Joy Miller

This was posted in a quilting group and I think it is spot on. I'm trying to figure out just where I want to be in the quilting world. As a mostly self taught seamstress I've tried many different things but only a few that I care to do over and over again. As I learn I skip around from the traditional to the liberated to the modern I'm finding inspiration everywhere. on the quilting tree, I've found no permanent home. I'm having a great time climbing around the tree branches and very thankful that there are some strong roots down there keeping the tree standing. When I find my spot, I'll build a nest. For now it's hop, hop, hop.

Birds of a Feather

2011-08-15T20:03:00.001-04:00

I visited my Aunt in January and she asked me if I could make a quilt with the birds she has cross stitched. When I asked her what she had in mind she said "I don't know, do whatever you want......I'm not fond of purple"
I immediately called on my online quilter friends for advice. I didn't find anyone who had done it before. Someone said to line each section of aida cloth so the batting won't beard through the holes, so I started with that. Then the blocks spent a lot of time on the "design wall" (that's a flannel sheet hung on the wall with a curtain rod, not fancy but it works). It was a challenge to arrange them; mixing the various styles and colors of aida cloth and then filling in the gaps to get columns and rows. I selected fabric from my "stash". I started with greens, browns, looked for some florals (got a little purple, but I think it's OK) I wanted the fabrics to be varied as the cross stitch panels were varied. I was hoping this would draw attention away from the differences in the birds. I think matchy matchy fabrics would have accentuated the differences in the cross stitch panels. I played around a lot with the fill-in pieces. I probably made twice as many as I needed and then chose from those. The scrappy border was an after thought, but it needed something. I chose the quilting design because it reminds me of puzzle pieces (something else my Aunt enjoys) It's a basic meandering. The stiffness of the aida cloth gave free motion quilting on my basic sewing machine a whole new feel and I was glad it wasn't any bigger than it was. The label on the back lists the name I gave it: "Birds of a Feather" (My Aunt and I have a lot in common. My mother once said that maybe I should have been her daughter. I think it was when I was learning counted cross stitch, too funny!). I just love the way it turned out and hope they do to. I will happily take it back at any point.

Graduation Gifts

2011-08-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Maryville

Maryville detail

Cincinnati

Cincinnati detail

Features:

color palette: Both students are going to universities that have red and black as their school colors.
theme: Out of the Box
computer printed school graphic
I tried 2 new-to-me FMQ designs (I want to increase my repetoir)
machine stitched binding practice (I want to get good at this for quilts that expect heavy use)

Brianna's quilt is finished

2011-08-03T10:25:00.000-04:00

For Brie:

Color palette - robin's egg blue and brown (not turquoise)
Theme - "more mature" she's a teenager now!
backing - flannel for the fuzzy/cozy factor

For me:

time to experiment with a new FMQ quilting stitch, I like it!

binding done by machine using different stitches (mixed results here)

Label contains a smartphone TAG

More Placemats; great for FMQ practice

2011-08-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

Placemats teach table setting

2011-08-02T14:47:00.001-04:00

Each placemat features a novelty fabric personally chosen for each child/grandchild. The appliqued pieces show how to set the table for dinner. The back of the placemat is the same novelty fabric, making them somewhat reversible.

Applique is NOT my thing, but this turned out OK. I glue basted the fabrics after I starched the dickens out of them. I used machine applique. The stitch I used looked like a combination of a narrow satin stitch and buttonhole stitch. I'm hoping it will wear a little better than the buttonhole stitch alone and it didn't get too stiff or puckery like the satin stitch (and it didn't hang up on the foot either). Thin batting and no binding, I turned them pillow case style so there would be less chance of a cup tipping if it was set on the edge. I was afraid binding might make a bump that could cause spillage.

Reusable gift bags

2011-05-23T07:59:00.001-04:00

The girls received new earrings for Easter and they were wrapped in these reusable gift bags with Easter themed fabrics. I remembered them after a facebook friend suggested yesterday's bags could be used as reusable gift packaging. I love the idea of passing on the gift bag or consider it a bonus gift.

Zippered bag

2011-05-22T08:34:00.002-04:00

Two little bags to carry or store whatever you want. The smaller bag shows the pattern on the fabric as it was. The larger bag features a portion of the same fabric carefully cut out and reassembled into a six pointed star. What would you put in these?

waste not, want not!

2011-03-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

I sorted some scraps by color and started sewing them together. these are the rainbow colored squares I created. waste not, want not.

mouse quilt top done

2011-01-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

Look Ma, Cameron's quilt is done!

2011-01-24T14:10:00.001-05:00

a little small on my queen sized bed, but should fit nicely on his double

The Label on the back

close up of the fabric on the back

Coleen's request, dark fabrics on the back

Fun in the snow attic windows flimsy

2011-01-13T11:30:00.001-05:00

Instead of playing in the snow I prefer to showcase the snow. This is not a great picture, but it's not finished yet. I'll take a better pic later. for now just thought it was a good time to show the snowy beginnings of this wall quilt since it has to come down from the design wall to make room for Brianna's quilt (that I started piecing Tuesday when the quilting on Cameron's Monkeys blew up).

a little of this, a little of that

2011-01-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Nana was knitting and crocheting like crazy before Christmas, yarn stash decreased (but not depleted yet). Scarves were added to clothing gifts, stuffed in water bottles and otherwise distributed to family and friends. Some soft, some furry, some plain, some twisted (potato chip pattern- funny name for a scarf pattern, but fun to make).

No More Cold Feet

2010-12-09T10:59:00.000-05:00

These are easy to make and sooooo very warm. After seeing this post about knitted slippers http://blog.craftzine.com/craftprojects/easy_house_slippers/ I knew I had to make some. I had some wool yarn (wool of the Andes from Knit Picks) just waiting for a felted project. I went to the crochet version

http://www.mommyknows.com/easy-norwegian-house-slippers-the-crochetted-version-by-mommyknows/

because I crochet faster than I knit and I was impatient. It has gotten cold here and I needed to warm up some toes. The hardest part is folding them into a slipper. You might need this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKMFEkSKGHg I did. It took 3 wash cycles to get them felted down small enough for my feet, but they are now PERFECT! I stopped the machine before the wash water drained out and re-set it to the beginning twice. After they were rinsed and spun out I put them on wet to form them to my feet, getting a custom fit.

PERFECT!

CUP COZIES

2010-12-06T11:20:00.000-05:00

rolled for storage

I am sending these latest “creations” to special friends. We use them to keep our hands cool when the drink (coffee) is extremely hot and also to absorb condensation when the drinks are iced or frozen. They fasten with a button and an elastic loop that also holds it together when rolled up for easy storage in your purse or desk drawer.

cup cozy

Harvest Quilt

2010-11-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

fall toile fabric
I like the horsey

flimsy done

Quilt made entirely from "stash" fabrics. I don't have a backing for it, so it will have to wait for now.

orphan block from another experiment,
maybe I'll use it on the back
with the label

2010-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

This art quilt will be exhibited and auctioned off at The 2011 Red Ribbon Dinner and Great Art Auction. This is a fundraiser to benefit TPQC formerly known as AIDS Project Quad Cities. TPQC/APQC, a 501-3(c) non-profit service organization, providing support to persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as their families. Their mission: To enhance the quality of life in our community by providing advocacy and care for those living with HIV/AIDS with case management services and education for those at risk by offering a variety of prevention and education programs throughout the community to reduce the spread of HIV. TPQC/APQC provides services to more than 260 HIV+ participants and their families in 11 counties in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa each year. More than 1,000 residents of this area are provided with HIV screening, prevention education, counseling services and advocacy. Every day, participants struggle with issues like poor access to health care, limited or no health care insurance, homelessness, lack of transportation, social isolation and difficulty in navigation of other social service programs and services. Participants range in age from 8 to 72. Government funding does not begin to cover their needs or pay the full cost of delivery of these critical services. The balance is covered by donors at events like the Red Ribbon Dinner. It is my hope that this art quilt will not only raise funds for TPQC/APQC but also raise awareness for the need to support not only individuals whose lives are affected but also the research needed for treatment and prevention.

In 2006 my brother volunteered me to make a quilt for The 2007 Great Art Auction at the Red Ribbon Dinner fundraiser for The Aids Project Quad Cities (now known simply as the Project or TPQC /APQC). I have been creating and donating items to the auction each year since. It seemed like the natural choice for my Craft for a Cause entry to be the art quilt planned for the 2011 auction. AIDS Project Quad Cities is a non-profit Service Organization providing support to persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as their families and friends in Iowa and Illinois. Their mission, to enhance the quality of life and reduce health disparities by providing a full spectrum of services including: advocacy, care, testing, education, counseling, referrals and other health care services for individuals who are living with, affected by, or at risk of contracting HIV/STI/AIDS is honorable. It is a huge undertaking for a small local grassroots program to financially support this undertaking. I am honored to be able to use my talents to help raise funds. Government and private grants do not begin to cover the needs of this organization. This year’s project incorporates a scientific image related to research into the development of an AIDS vaccine that intrigued me. It is printed on fabric and embellished with stitching and traditional quilt squares. The image, an atomic-level picture of a key portion of an HIV protein as it looks when bound to an infection-fighting antibody published in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease’s (NIAID) newsletter, stems from research into an AIDS vaccine. (image credit NIAID)

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2007/pages/b12antibody.aspx

Pink Post Card

2010-11-14T11:46:00.001-05:00

Ashley ran a 3-Day--60 mile--adventure benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research and this is the little quilty postcard I sent to congratulate her.

An apron for Tigger

2010-11-13T11:45:00.000-05:00

When I saw the "Tigger" overalls in a thrift store I was sad that they weren't the right size for my favorite Tigger, but then remembered the apron. A couple layers of ruffles,a tie, and some yo yos and ta da a September birthday gift for my niece.

Reuseable & Recycleable shopping bag

2010-08-09T09:44:00.000-04:00

I made this reusable shopping bag patterned after the brown paper bag and added handles. (next time I'm adding some padding to the handles) It can even have a brown paper bag for a liner. Using a paper liner means you don't have to launder the cloth bag as often. A recent segment on a morning news program discussed the cleanliness issues of using reusable shopping bags, laundering and lining them are a couple of solutions. We usually have some of these brown paper bags because when we forget our reusable bags we always ask for paper (where available) because I recycle them in the garden (more on that in a minute). Now they can be reused as liners first and then off to the garden .

Paper bags in the garden: I put them down as a weed barrier and scatter some mulch on top to hide them. They decompose nicely after they do their job and we use less mulch this way.

"Stargazer"

2010-08-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

This photo of a Stargazer Lily from the garden was perfect just the way it was. The only editing I used was cropping it to size. After printing it on fabric I quilted the surface with 10 different threads. This is my new favorite quilting technique.

"Petunia"

2010-08-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

My first quilted photo. This photo of a petunia from the patio was altered with a photo altering program on the computer, printed on fabric, and free motion quilted. Thank you Beth Wheeler for the inspiration. I bought both books after seeing the preview show so there will be more.

Sailing East

2010-08-03T08:51:00.000-04:00

Another little convergence quilt. Quite different from the first one. A shout out to Leah Day for free motion quilting inspiration and Ricky Tims, king of convergence.

Woof Woof #1

2010-05-22T09:50:00.001-04:00

The photography is not very good but I hope you can see that the ears and tongue hang free on this paper pieced doggy. I was trying to make one that looks like Sara (and it does a little). Next, to make one that looks like Bubbles. finding a black and white fabric for Bubbles' face might be the biggest challenge. These were fabrics in my stash. I was anxious to try this new pattern. The brown is leftover from the back of a quilt and the background was a FQ gifty from my SIL. I think I'll look at some other options for the tongue while I'm shopping too. The pattern is by Christine Thresh at http://www.winnowing.com/. It is called "My Dog Your Dog" or maybe it's "Your Dog My Dog".

I made something for ME

2010-05-14T12:55:00.000-04:00

I pulled these shortalls from the rummage sale box and repurposed them as an apron with ruffles and yo yo's. Look for me wearing it at the Highlands Festival in July. Thank you CleverQuilter for the inspiration.

Owling in Nature's Wonderland

2010-05-01T12:23:00.002-04:00

This is my 2nd Convergence Quilt. I followed Ricky Tims directions on this one. One square is an owl border fabric and the 2nd square is wonky pieced square with the stars on top and the "trees" on the bottom.

I made this wall quilt as a gift for a friend. It reminds us of our first outing with the local birding club to see and hear owls. We had a great time even though we never had even a glimpse of an owl. We ended the evening at Dairy Queen with sundaes and had a good laugh about Owling.

One Block Wonder in Blue

2010-03-29T19:33:00.001-04:00

I found this fabric on clearance. I thought the colors were great, but the funky blue roses, yuck! So taking the advice of one blogging quilter......

There's no such thing as ugly fabric.

If the fabric is still ugly, you haven't cut it in small enough pieces yet.

I wacked this fabric up into little triangles following the One Block Wonder instructions and created my first OBW quilt.

My first Temari

2010-03-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

I have a fascination with all things Asian and love the unique so trying this Japanese craft is perfect. After a little web searching and book purchasing here is my first Temari. If you see pulled strings it's because my cat decided it was a great toy, ARG! (my fault, not the cat's - I know better, she doesn't).

I took a shortcut and started with a styrofoam ball. I padded it with strips of quilt batting (don't you love when you can use scraps that you would otherwise throw away), wrapped it with yarn, then thread (a bright yellow that was old and probably never going to get used again) and then started the embroidery using floss and a gold thread (the gold was really hard to work with and not a great idea for a first project, but don't yo love the little bit of glitz it added?) If they are supposed to be bright and colorful, I think I succeeded.

Temari てまり (meaning 'hand ball' in Japanese) is a folk craft born in ancient Japan from the desire to amuse and entertain children with an embroidered toy thread ball. The art of temari began as a simple needlework craft, making a mari ball for play. Today the lovely thread-wrapped, Japanese embroidered temari balls are given as tokens of good luck. A stitched temari ball on a stand would be displayed and enjoyed as a striking example of Japanese embroidery. Temari ball craft is unique needlework, an Oriental folk art which is spreading all over the world!
More information and help go here: http://www.japanesetemari.com/index.html

Fabric Flowers

2010-03-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

Trying something new, my favorite thing. I love origami and fabric and putting them both together to make these flowers was a fun experiment. Now, what do I decorate with them? I think I need to make more.

Zhu Zhu wedding

2010-03-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

And how about a Zhu Zhu wedding.

The little outfits are fun to make I only wish I was there to play, too.

Easter Zhu Zhu pets

2010-03-26T15:14:00.001-04:00

They're Here!!!! One of the granddaughters has been asking for this since last August. There are 3 children and 3 critters. Of course they needed clothes and sleeping bags (that have straps so they double as carrying cases). the 2 girls were pretty easy, but what does a boy want for his hamster?

I decided some denim, the logo for his favorite baseball team (Go Cubs), and a red super hero cape,might work with Hot Wheels fabric and flames for the bed/carrier.

sunset & shadows

2010-02-12T13:39:00.001-05:00

Check out my latest wall quilt with applique and some elements of Ricky Tims convergence quilts. I really enjoyed trying some different designs in free motion quilting on this little quilt. I couldn't get out to get more fabrics so I used some black moleskin for the applique and really like the way it turned out.

First Leader Ender Project

2010-02-02T19:09:00.001-05:00

The idea of Leader Ender projects intrigued me so I tried it. I was too impatient to wait for a whole quilt and have been wanting to try out this bag idea so this is what I made fom the patches I sewed while working on the Monkey quilt. More about Leaders/Enders projects here leaders/enders

Monkeys coming together

2010-02-01T07:45:00.001-05:00

The Monkeys are coming together. There was a mid-stream change in the layout. The original plan didn't look good to me. Back to the drawing board for borders to get a good bed size quilt.

Monkey-ing around

2010-01-28T08:05:00.000-05:00

Simple fabric and a simple design will highlight the cheerful monkeys. The monkeys came with a suggested layout, but it is for a crib size quilt and our little guy is outgrowing that size quickly. Off to the drawing board.

Quilt Collaboration

2010-01-27T08:43:00.002-05:00

My mother has been very busy. When we visited her at Christmas she gave me these 12 monkeys she had embroidered and asked me to make a quilt. Before we left Q-town I picked out some fabrics to use with these monkeys. So I will be "monkey-ing around" in the studio to turn these into a quilt for my grandson, her great grandson.

Felted Rocks Tutorial

2010-01-26T07:51:00.000-05:00

Felted Rocks Tutorial Here is a tutorial for felting rocks. This is not the one I used, but I can't find the one I first saw. I think it has been deleted. This one is very similar.

This is the third kind of felting that I have done. In my first knitting class we knitted and felted a bag. In the second class, a hat. Since then I have felted some old wool sweaters and blazers to use for other projects. The baby shoes, HERE were made from wool from one of the blazers. If you have accidentally shrunk/felted a wool/cashmere item, I have another project in mind. Don't throw them away, I need them.

Felted Rocks

2010-01-24T13:29:00.004-05:00

I saw this post about felted rocks for checkers and decided to try it myself
Homespun Checkers

I did not want to hand sew and these squares turned out kinda wonky, not sure I like that. I had a couple of issues with the assembly and think I might try it again sometime. Making the felted rocks was a ton of fun. I thought this might be fun for the grandchildren to try, but it was a bit more challenging than I anticipated.

Yellow Coneflowers

2009-12-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yellow Coneflowers is a hand appliqued wall quilt inspired by Kumiko Sudo's quilts. It was the first time I used bamboo batting for hand quilting. I like the silky feel of the bamboo and the softly quilted quality it achieved. I tried using a hoop for the quilting but the dimension of the flower petals kept getting in the way so most of the quilting was done without a hoop. I liked the way that felt with all the fabric and batting soft and bunched up in my hands. Here is a shout out to all the "liberated quilters" and the freedom to do what feels good and works for you. This quilt is currently on display at the Appalachian Art Center retail gallery.

Beep Beep!

2009-11-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

Beep Beep is the name my grandson gave his quilt. It is appliqued in the center square and then a "quilt as you go" technique I saw on HGTV was used for the borders. It has a soft flannel back in a "Hot Wheels" print. He has a fleece baby blanket too with cars on it and he calls it "baby cars" When he is ready for bed he asks for "Beep beep, baby cars" such a cutie.

Monogramed Coasters

2009-10-26T10:58:00.001-04:00

Here is a pile of monogramed coaster sets I made on commission this year. Fun project. When I can't come up with anything new to add to my blog, I'm going to go through my photos and add something from there. Now if I could just find a way to organize my photos (and the time, because I think it just might take years to do that) and remember to take photos of the things I've made. All too often they leave here before I remember to document them, sigh.

A Little Knitted Postcard

2009-10-24T19:42:00.000-04:00

I made this little knitted postcard to send as a Thank You note to a very special person. It arrived safe and sound in Maryland. Fun little project.

Question about Elephants

2009-10-11T12:45:00.001-04:00

Such is Life: sometimes things just CAN'T happen because there is an elephant in the way. (from "how to fail a test with dignity" email)

next question: How do you move an elephant?

More Wildlife

2009-10-10T20:27:00.000-04:00

I caught this little guy sunning himself on the window ledge. The privacy fence around my patio has "windows" just like an indoor room to provide a view of the garden. I'm just not sure which side of the "wall" this guy lives on as he enjoys the patio as well as the garden. Personally, I prefer him in the garden where he is less likely to startle me. I call him Lizzy.

The windows are here, right behind the pampas grass and the climbing rosebush. Pretty good disguise eh? Since the patio is uphill from the road we were feeling like we were on a stage for all to see without the fencing. Now we can look out but looking in is nearly impossible.

Wildlife

2009-10-06T10:21:00.003-04:00

We have had quite a summer here in the Appalachians. Bear sightings in several neighborhoods, copperheads nesting in waterfalls and gardens. Hawks and Owls shopping for dinner in our yard. Some of it has been a little scarey, some of it very enjoyable, and some of it has been downright funny.

I made this little toady as a gift for a friend following an especially funny story about not being able to get back in the house one evening because there was a "huge" toad sitting by the door just waiting to jump into the house if she opened the door. So just how do you get a toad to jump out of your way without touching it?

I filled him with rice so he is quite poseable. His eyes are 4 beads (the black ones fit just perfectly inside the clear ones (how lucky is that?).

Go Dragons

2009-10-05T13:53:00.003-04:00

I had a little trouble getting a willing model.

Reviving the blog

2009-10-05T13:37:00.006-04:00

I've been thinking about reviving this blog thing for awhile not. Seems I spend too much time blog hopping to do any blog writing. But I'm going to try.

first up........ GO DRAGONS!!!

I found some red and white eyelash yarn in my stash and asked my dd if she would like a furry school spirit scarf. This is what she requested instead.... something about "Where's Waldo" stripes and "Thing one and Thing two" furry heads.

Easter banner for St. Joseph's

2009-05-26T16:27:00.004-04:00

what I've been doing in the studio

2009-02-23T07:28:00.005-05:00

coasters for a chicken lover

Table topper from kaleidoscope hexagons

embroidered baby shoes made with repurposed felted wool

Quilted banner at St. Joseph's Church

2009-01-24T15:51:00.003-05:00

2009-01-24T14:17:00.001-05:00

Grandchildren

2009-01-24T14:09:00.004-05:00

We stopped for a quick visit with the grands on the way home. Just enough time for a violin concert, some hugs, and lots of smiles.

APQC Red Ribbon Dinner and Great Art Auction

2009-01-24T14:01:00.006-05:00

Here I am with my brother and the 3 items I donated to the auction. We had a smashing good time. This is the second year they have asked me to make them a quilt out of cast off blue jeans that they collect and send me. The red ribbon wall quilt is constructed from neckties and the messenger bag/purse is constructed of more men's neckties. great recycling fun in this "Green" economy.

2008-10-12T22:22:00.001-04:00

Summer fun for Cameron and Abbi at Camp Nana and Papa

2008-06-28T09:41:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy 4th of July

2008-06-28T09:20:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox free ecard

A Choir of Angels for the NICU

2008-03-05T14:45:00.006-05:00

Nine little angels are ready for delivery to NICUs in West Virginia and Tennessee. I've been crocheting these when I watch TV. They can be used as fetal demise wraps or to cradle and cuddle any tiny preemie needing an angel close by. Here is a link to the pattern I used http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/aunt-bs-cr-angel-wrap.html Thanks, Aunt B, for the great pattern.
There is a new knitted pattern at http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/aunt-bs-knit-angel-wrap.html that I will have to try next.

2007 Halloween Costumes

2008-02-27T16:24:00.000-05:00

I'm doing a little more catchin' up. here are pictures of the poodle skirts I made for the girls. I think it's funny that the day care dubbed Cameron as a little Elvis, hee hee.

Amelia's graduation day

2008-02-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

Amelia's Puppy Class

2008-02-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

I spent some wonderfully fun January and February Saturdays accompanying Cynthia and Amelia to puppy training classes. Here is the group photo I came up with showing Amelia and her new school friends.

Christmas Card Picture (finally)

2008-02-26T13:01:00.000-05:00

This is a photo I took while hiking at THE HOMESTEAD in Hot Springs, VA. This is a wonderful place to visit. I added pictures of Charlie and I and each of our critters, Sara, Bubbles, and Spooky to make this Holiday Greeting.

Bruschetta

2007-12-19T10:46:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

2007-12-19T10:45:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Fudgey Saucepan Brownie Recipe

2007-12-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Ultimate Play Dough Recipe

2007-12-19T10:40:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Hot Chocolate Mix

2007-12-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Frosty Paws Dog Treat

2007-12-19T10:37:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Pumpkin Muffin

2007-12-19T10:31:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Oatmeal Muffins

2007-12-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Angel Biscuits

2007-12-19T10:25:00.002-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Beer Can Chicken Recipe

2007-12-19T10:25:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Roasted Chicken

2007-12-19T10:20:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Dog Biscuit Recipe

2007-12-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Salsa Recipe

2007-12-18T16:31:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Cabbage Kielbasa Skillet

2007-12-18T16:23:00.002-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Helen's Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce

2007-12-18T16:16:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Baked Potato Soup

2007-12-18T16:12:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Rice Krispie Treat Recipe

2007-12-18T16:08:00.001-05:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Playing with old Halloween Pictures in Smilebox while waiting for the 2007 pictures.

2007-10-07T09:56:00.001-04:00

Just finished 2 poodle skirts for the girls, will get them in the mail this week. Can't wait to see them all dolled up.

2007-10-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Welcome to Camp Nana

2007-08-07T08:10:00.001-04:00

Anything can happen at Camp Nana.

If you can dream it, we can try it.

I've been acting out "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" for about 3 weeks now. Now that Abbi is back home with Mom and Dad, I kinda miss being called "Momma Bear." It was a great, imaginative time. And believe it or not, we solved the problem with that "Goldiocks" girl by having "Papa Bear" build an extra bedroom onto the house and invited her to stay.

It is great to see such wonderful imagination in an almost 4 year old.

To encourage this imagination try "telling" stories instead of reading them. As you tell the story over and over again (I hope they are asking for it over and over again) add some new embelishments, change the story a bit, or leave something out and let them "catch" you. Adding sound effects and funny voices is fun too. After a while the story will be familiar enough for the child to participate more and more. Play along with any changes or additions they make. Encourage imagination. You might even want to write some of these down for scrapbooking or to share a memory and laughing together when they get older.

links to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story

http://www.dltk-teach.com/rhymes/goldilocks_story.htm

http://www.ongoing-tales.com/SERIALS/oldtime/FAIRYTALES/goldilocks.html

hugs

Nana