My FIRST - tiny shipping tag book: About stamping, play, simplicity?, and being inspired by the very sweet Mary Ann. Ever since I have been receiving real mail from Mary Ann I have been so impressed with all the stamping she does. On one recent comment on Mary Ann's blog I believe I said something about starting to do more stamping. Yesterday morning, or maybe it was the day before I was looking through one of the stamping, inspiration magazines I had received from Mary Ann. I noticed especially a little shipping tag (not really certain what they are supposed to be called) book. I've always really liked them and thought I could easily make one. So on stormy yesterday I found a few of the shipping tags I have and did some tea staining. When they were dry I yanked out my alphabet stamps, my licorice scented (Yummm) black stamp pad and a couple of other things. It took me awhile. I knew I also needed practice with a steady hand. It's not perfect - YES! I had such fun AND I really like the looks of it. What do you think? Would you decorate it any more or leave it simple? I think I like it simple but...?

Journal quilt stage 2 or maybe you could call it stage 3. It's a stormy blustery day with very cold temperatures. For anyone wishing for snow I can empathize most days, not today. Actually it is a lovely day to vegetate in the house and do some art, between phone calls of cancellations, postponements and the like. We were supposed to have our writer's group tonight. Sigh. Greg got stuck in the driveway on his way home at lunch. Children are being kept home from school and tomorrow has warnings of severe cold.

I've had time to wonder-under the painted fabric softener sheet pieces to my started quilt. I'm disappointed. With the pressing, the sheets lost much of their beauty and texture. A learning process I guess. I suppose it would have been better to just sew them on with the quilting.

I want to put on some beads yet. I was thinking about sequins BUT I don't have any here and I don't think I'll consider going out to get any. Greg called to say they are all being sent home and ALL the school kids are to come too. Oh NO!!!! There goes my time to myself.

I've been trying to learn EXACTLY what a journal quilt is. I'm not certain if I'm supposed to put writing on the back of the quilt or write it on paper in a separate paper journal. Either way, I think I can manage. I definitely know I will be learning new techniques and letting myself stretch and grow.

YES!!!! I'm excited.

hoarfrost creekside

hoarfrost creekside
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

Another photo of the hoarfrost. The dogs would always wonder why I stopped so often while walking them. They're probably getting used to it by now. It gave them a chance to clean their paws of snow.

creekside Tracks

creekside Tracks
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

Creekside photo taken while w e were at farm over holidays. We had gorgeous weather most days. I loved to get photos of the hoarfrost especially.