dawn's icy sun

Free time!!!

2009-11-13T10:32:00.004-06:00

Rusty took the girls for a few nights to the cabin, so I could get some things done, not to mention, so much needed alone time. So, I fit so much into my couple of days that I am just giddy with excitement. Along with a much overdue haircut, I am getting my craft world organized! Had a craft night with the girls from church, and worked two nights. I was also able to watch "Project Runway" last night. 3 very good designers, with VERY different ideas. I am very inspired by this show. Anyone want to give me a dress form for Christmas?...lol

Found a couple of gret sites for you to visit-On Awesome Avenue and Joy the Baker. Check these out if you can!

This is a pillow that I have finally completed. I began it in China in 2006:( At least it is finished!
Finished up two gifts, working on another one (the afghan above.) Also, I put up a shelf in Sophia's room, did a little Christmas shopping...not going to race around for the Hamster toy everyone is looking for...what a crock that is--

Working on the birds again, and boy have I got plans!!! I should be able to update the finished project really soon! Taa taa!

Rusty and his girls-

2009-11-08T20:52:00.004-06:00

First a little of my finished work-

These and much more can be found at the Tomorrow River Gallery and Gifts in Amherst Wisconsin. If you are local and able, this is great place full of local treasures! Great place to do some Christmas shopping!

Rusty came home today with his Bow-hunting buck, a nice sized 8-pointer, the girls are so proud of him! I am too, he LOVES this time of the year, and he has had a few unsuccessful bow hunting years of late! Besides the dead animal, I actually think this is my new favorite photo!

"So next is Christmas, Mom?"

2009-10-31T19:33:00.003-05:00

This is what the little dears looked like after leaving grandma's on Friday afternoon. Notice new toys in hand...lol This is seriously 10 minutes or less down the road.

Insane amount of candy for two little girls, but we have a VERY generous neighborhood!

Sophia was Cinderella, and Jurnee was a "gymnastics girl." You know, the everyday look for her. They were so cute! Did you know how cold it was here is Wisconsin today, I bet it did not get to 40 degrees!

Sophia looks good with her pumpkin, that's all I can say, she was afraid to touch the "pu-kin guck"

After we left Grandma Bs tonight, Sophia said, "So next is Christmas, Mom?" Of course I replied yes!

Gallery show

2009-10-28T13:34:00.004-05:00

Can you say Bling? Liz, one of the gallery owners showed me a small sampling of her wares...looks like burlesqueware to me. But you know I traded for some of my baubles!

Crochet lessons going on in front of me all day, what a beautiful sight!

Liz, our wonderful hostess! She and her husband are workin' it at the Tomorrow River Gallery and Gifts in Amherst, Wisconsin. They graciously invited me to show my repurposed bracelets in the Wearable Art show last weekend. I got some tremendous feedback and it was very good for me to participate, not to mention, visit with Liz! Notice she has one of my birds on her head!

Stitching like crazy around here!

2009-10-18T10:03:00.003-05:00

Busy I am telling you! The ONLY good thing about the flu! I just sat with Sophia and stitched for days!

The snowman is part of a crazy quilt pillow I started and I love!

Easy crocheted flowers for this pillow! Hope you like what I am doing-I did manage to get some things on Etsy this morning, but now I have to get re-focused on my bracelets and photos of them, as I lost many of the photos of the new ones in the computer overhaul.

Autumn Life in Wisconsin

2009-10-15T20:15:00.003-05:00

Even sick, sick, sick, Sophia can still attempt to eat one of the caramel apples Jurnee and Rusty made for us tonight. Yes, Jurnee is on the mend. Still coughing a bit, but her aches and fever have been gone since Monday morning. Mild case of H1N1? Or not at all, I just don't know what to think. Definitely flu. I bet the little cutie lost 5 pounds, but she is doing cartwheels tonight.

On Monday it snowed all day...very wet snow, but seriously October 12? It snowed again today, but I hear it should be about 55 degrees here by Sunday. Gotta love the changing seasons in Wisconsin.

And the bear paw...so here's the story, last Thursday night for whatever reason Rusty did not lock the patio door. Now if you know Rusty he is so anal about checking the doors, I often get annoyed. But of course I NEVER check since I KNOW he will. Anyway, when I got up on Friday morning, I noticed the patio door was all steamed up, not typical, so I looked more closely and hmmm...the inside door was about a foot open wide, and the storm door was shut, not locked. So, I just closed the door and walked away. I made my coffee, turned around and since the condensation on the door was changing, warm and cold, (I am not a chemist, but anyway) I took a double take and there was a paw print on my door. One very definite paw print, and one that sort of slid down the door. The neighbors have two dachshunds, not their feet, definitely too large for a bird, cat, squirrel, chipmunk, raccoon, turkey, fox or deer. A few people looked at my camera and EXCLAIMED, "that's a bear."

Needless to say, was I just annoyed that my computer got a virus last Thursday night, and I thought I could get rid of it...NOT, but I couldn't blog this:( My computer is saved, some of my more recent photos are not, many of the family photos I did get hard copies of lately...whew! But my new jewelry and stitching photos are gone. So I will be a photographer tomorrow for sure, if I am feeling better. Yes, the yuck struck me yesterday, not sure how bad I have it yet, as I am still able to function, as long as the coughing is quiet or slow.

And best of all, tomorrow I am finally going to make it (if I feel better) to this little art gallery about 15 miles away, I have been trying to get over there for weeks but stuff keeps happening. I would love to get there if I can though, as it seems like my dear friend Liz is successfully filling the place. It is the Tomorrow River Gallery and Gifts, check it out if you are ever in the Amherst area!

Virus-Illness-Issues

2009-10-13T15:27:00.002-05:00

Hi those of you that follow, but I am writing to let you know that I have a computer virus, so my current computer is out for repair- Gettin' a mac I tell you!

Anyway- my little ladies have the H1N1, and I have no internet, can you imagine? Well, I am at the public Library paying bills and such so I thought I would pop in. And to top it all off, I had a bear on my deck last Thursday night, and it snowed here in Wisconsin all day yesterday, and I couldn't even blog! but I have photos to put up later.

Jurnee might be on the mend and Sophia is on and off with the fever part of the pig flu, so please pray for us.

CRAZY around here!

2009-10-06T14:59:00.004-05:00

Working on some CRAZY squares before they get made into pillows and sent to live in someone else's home. I spent some time this morning browsing the web. I revisited some of my favorite places, Wise Craft & Heather Bailey to name a few. Check out the awesomeness there.

Craft store score & Birthday party happenings

2009-09-30T07:28:00.003-05:00

Fuzzy Flip Flops from Grandma, don't they look so cute with her painted toes?

Silly string! The kids loved it!

My big 7 year old! She is learning so many new things! She lost her 6th tooth, she loves gymnastics and piano & gym class! And best of all, she is reading! Last night Jurnee read out loud solid to me for 30+ minutes. I am so excited to have a potential reader in the family.

In the past I have posted that I live near the craft supply warehouse Herrschners.
Yesterday I scored at an unadvertised sale. I got the two yards of Amy Butler fabric and all of the gadgets you see, including 2 crochet books for approximately $20. Woo Hoo! I love a deal! The fabric will be for Jurnee's bedroom window, so I have some work to do before daddy gets home in just 2 more nights. I have to get my craft on- I'll be back again soon!

Love my little girls--

2009-09-25T09:52:00.002-05:00

Sophia at her first day of dance with her friend! Funny thing is that Jurnee went dancing with this little girl's big sister...girls are so much fun!

And this girl is 7 years old! My little 1st grader is 7!
She is getting so big now- She had the best day ever!

Still at it...

2009-09-23T13:39:00.003-05:00

This is a pillow I finished autumn of last year. I particularly like this one a bunch! Have you ever seen Sandi Henderson's blog? Portabellopixie is one of my favorites and she has a WONDERFUL new fabric line out, Meadowsweet, you have got to see this!

I hope to purchase some soon! You know my birthday is coming:)

While the big cat's away...

2009-09-22T20:38:00.003-05:00

While Big Cat Daddy is gone, I have been VERY busy with my WIPS and some new things. I am hoping for a totally Handmade Christmas this year! The pumpkin pillow above is finally finished!

I am thinking I should have photographed more detail of the pillow above, I love to mess with "unconventional" ways. Like Vintage and new fabrics randomly quilted together, and then randomly embellished with my creations ( crocheted motifs) or Vintage buttons, or fun trims and embroidery. Keep checking back as I plan to update the blog all week with the fun I have been having! Oh 41 is going to be great!

Happy Anniversary to you...

2009-09-21T21:08:00.002-05:00

So I just poured over my photos, I have NOTHING current of us together, but this is the best most recent photo I have the my beloved Rusty. (How appropriate, it was taken at the Musky museum...go figure.) Married 18 years ago today...We have been through so much together over the years, I just cannot imagine life without him.
We have been through living with each other's parents, 20 hunting seasons, 8 moves, joblessness, great friendships, horrible friendships, cancer, fishing trips, sick relatives, dysfunctional family issues, 2 car wrecks, at least 8 boats, camping trips, financial ups and downs, 2 trips to China:), finding God, a few random vacations, 2 beautiful daughters, and now a long distance commute.

Yeah, we are pretty normal in this challenging life we live. But that is the way things have been for us over the years. Challenging. I think it is what keeps us together. Every year things seem to be different than the year before, and we have grown together through it I think. I thank God for him, though the call I got tonight put me in a panic, he has to stay gone an extra week. But I have to Thank God he has a job! I really miss him this time for some reason- But the crafting I am getting finished, are you kidding me????????

Trying to post here but...

2009-09-19T15:09:00.004-05:00

Trying like the dickens to post photos here, but man, blogger won't let me! Anyway, I did manage to get this only photo on here today...hop on over to my Etsy on Sunday to see some of my new creations!

Went to a small "Art in the Park " in my community today, I saw many friends, but it got hot, Sophia got cranky and we couldn't stick around as long as I would have liked to. But I enjoy the show, since young crafters are encouraged to sell their stuff. I now wish I would have taken photos.

Also wanted to mention that I LOVE so many of the clothing designers on Etsy. I am going to "recreate" my wardrobe. Since I have not much cash, and many resources and ideas, 2010 might just be a whole new year for me and designing. and with any luck whatsoever, buying a few things!!

Sisters-Sisters

2009-09-13T15:47:00.005-05:00

Aren't they so typical of older sister, shows off little sister? So fun!

So I gave early birthday presents to my sisters this year, totes and scarves. They are so cute! Hard to believe Janell and I are further apart in years than Jurnee and Sophia are! And of course, I was 15 & 17 when Gigi and Kate were born! Love them:)

Gettin' my craft on-

2009-09-09T13:18:00.003-05:00

So I have been working like crazy on these scarves the last two days, and Sophia wanted one, and wouldn't let up I might add. Anyway, I put a couple of flowers on it for her, she is very proud!
Some awesome thrift from the weekend also, my sister adorned me with a few things, and I hit the jackpot at an Appleton thrift store, I won't mention the name though...cannot let my secret out!

Wedding and Jurnee's room update

2009-09-07T10:09:00.002-05:00

Above Jurnee & Sophia dancing with grandma Ethel. Below, the groom with his mom, Aunt Judy

Above, Grandma Schaus' birthday, and below Jurnee's room still in progress, but coming along nicely!

This picture with the ladybugs, we picked up in China in 2003. Finally put it in a frame. IT looks pretty good in Jurnee's room, I must say!

I've made a junk collector of him!!

2009-08-31T17:40:00.002-05:00

Rusty and his friends found this old cooler base on some hunting land, Rusty brought the "rusty old thing" home, and primer, paint, a steady hand and a few hours later, the result is great! He plans to " set in" a cooler and cover the top with a chopping block for the cabin.
He is so creative, and able, I am proud of him for "junking" and doing something so creative with it!

These birds are now on Etsy! MANY MANY more to come!

Saturday, feels like November!

2009-08-29T11:10:00.002-05:00

The weather here is not very pleasant at all. Windy and cold. Not a good day for the balloon rally. But if Rusty gets back from the land timely, maybe we'll have time to do something before the hot dog roast tonight with the neighborhood. Which is always a good time.

Preparing to post on Etsy sometime this weekend- lots of new bling and birdys too!

All about Jurnee...

2009-08-24T19:10:00.005-05:00

Jurnee's room before (above) and after (below) we still need curtains and wall decor. Thinking of a banner of some sort, her name probably~

The magazine stand above was just a thrift find waiting for all of Jurnee's paper stuffs (and if you know Jurnee, you will know there are many!!!!!!) I cut a thrift fitted sheet, with the elastic still on it, hot glued it to the wooden stand, hot glued the lace to that, and the silver trim to that. She loves it!

So she finally lost the other top tooth, so cute. Birthday & school photos in just a few weeks, I think excellent! She has been such a pal this summer! I will miss her next week when she goes off to 1st grade!

Do you see a color theme here?

2009-08-19T07:52:00.004-05:00

Birdy embellishment in progress-

Successful thrifting! It is chilly here in Wisconsin this morning, and I am feeling it! Fall that is- One more week and school will begin here, so hard to believe! But, Rusty is gone again, and the sewing machine will be working OT. Also, I plan to get some much needed painting done in this house. We have lived here for 7 years already, and much of the work I did pre-children, needs to be re-done. My mom thinks I am crazy, but I promise I will not paint the kitchen or my bedroom. I have already done that a few times.

Oh yeah, any ideas for Rusty's 40th coming soon? I have a couple, but I am not entirely sold on any of them.

I love Thursday!

2009-08-13T07:37:00.003-05:00

I love Thursday, thrifting day, well Friday too, but usually Thursday is a day I wait for all week so I can look for treasures. I have been really successful this year.
This is one day's work, with the help of my dear friend Patti. Actually it was a couple of months ago now, but I think I will go out today and see what I can find. I have more bracelets to work on, and I am embellishing the birds...stay tuned for their progress!

Tweet Tweet

2009-08-10T08:27:00.004-05:00

I have been working on the birds again-many finished, many in the works, so I will just continue to keep up with them for awhile. Rusty is in Indiana again, so my machine in on the kitchen table...good place for it I say!

Hot week here in Wisconsin finally, but I am working much of it. I really wanted to get repainting some of my rooms, but I am worried with the humidity I better hold off, definitely do not want to stand around watching paint dry in the summer!

Boating

2009-08-06T18:10:00.001-05:00

Here are the girls on the boat! They both love fishing and swimming and boating!

Camping and the slide breakthrough

2009-07-18T06:40:00.003-05:00

Sophia finally in not scared of the slide...yeah, now we can go to the park once again!

The Tokarski's graciously took us out for 4th of July fireworks and we had a great time, though most of the kiddos fell asleep on the way back, it was fun to connect with them again, it has been a long time!