First class of the season for the 8 Lovelies!

 Last week at our opening lunch we had a fantastic reunion. We talked about our busy summers, celebrated our friendship and planned our upcoming season. The girls have decided to possible do crafts for a couple of weeks long so that we can have time for our socializing and crafting. Our options were keep things the same, extend the craft for 2 weeks or even 4 weeks. The vote was extending the project for 2 weeks if needed. We gather our ideas and thoughts, take everyones ideas into consideration and the host of the week has full option for lunch and project. What fun. So on our first class Tina decided to have a learning lunch. We combined Lovely Betsys birthday and a Camera update workshop.

Tina brought a boxed lunch and Christy brought a cake, an what a yummy cake it was. Tina (me) kept the lunch simple because we wanted to get working. I did learn a few things and I refreshed my memory. If you don't use your tools (camera) sometimes you can forget what you have learned. I haven't had a photography class in years. Whew....we did it and it was fun. If you check your local computer/camera/printing business, they love fun workshops like this! Gather a couple of your friends and trust me, you'll have fun. We missed you Jenny and Laurie.

 Miss Sheryl using her Nikon and I am adjusting my white balance. It's looking good so far.

 Miss Kimmie listening intently. Your such a good student.

 Lovely Sarah, having fun as always. We need to go back to photo evo, so we can go from camera to computer (printing) and beyond. Are you ready girls? Oh...we are always ready, but is there enough time? A big shout out to Toren at Photo Evo for accommodating all of us, and allowing us to basically take over the studio.

One of Betsys beautiful birthday gifts. We were thinking about creating something like this for a future project. Thank you for the lovely inspiration - artist whom created this pretty bowl!
Next week lovelies we are scheduled for a field trip to Saugatuck.

"May there always be work for your hands to do, may your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine on your windowpane, may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you, may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."   - irish blessing

recycling blankets - embellishing blankets

One of our last projects of the season (we meet Sept. - May ) was recycling and embellishing blankets. Jenny one of our lovelies finished and photographed her throw. Here you can see that she took an old sweater and cut out shapes for the petals of her flowers and then she layered them with yarn and threads of bright colors which made this blanket just pop. The complimentary color contrast also helped this blanket stand out. She not only used old sweaters but yarn, string and pearls. When recycling your old blankets, keep in mind that any scrap materials, strings, yarns, buttons, pearls etc...will make an interesting and fun blanket. We used new blankets from the clearance section at Macys, which were a nice choice for us. They were soft and fluffy which could hide a multitude of sins ( irregular handstitching ). I do however have many of these inexpensive fluffy blankets laying around and can't wait to try my hand at recycling. Thanks Jenny for another fun, simple and completed project! and thanks Sheryl for your inpiration that came to fruition.

Lovelies take an offsite soldering class

So the Lovelies got alittle brave and decided to take a class on soldering. Bead Quest in Grand Rapids could accomodate five of us in a private instructional workshop. The price was $45.00 for the class and $30.00 for the sterling silver, solder and clasp. Bead Quest offers a variety of classes such as: Basic Wire Wrapping, Glass Fusing, Etching, Chain Maille and a variety of other classes. Get a group of your best friends together and schedule a private class, you'll love it! There is nothing like getting personal instructional help. It can be scarey, but we conquered our fear and just did it. 

This is the bracelet I made! I love the imperfections and the idea that I made it all by myself. I think I will add some large stones or something to bling it up abit. 

Setting a Table for Easter Lunch

The Lovelies were in for a treat today! The groups weekly lunch was held at the home of one of the members, and was set for the most wonderful lunch you could possibly enjoy. The table was adorned with porcelain, ceramic, nature, glass, silver, crystal and silk. I don't think I missed anything. As an artist (painter) I feel that texture plays a huge role in making any composition work, whether it's a painting, your outfit, decorating or your next sewing project. It all needs to be cohesive and have elements of surprise along with a variety of textures. Then I think you've made the project successful and pleasing to the eye. Well Kimmie not only kept our interest, but her table had all the elements needed to be successful. She is a wonderful and talented artist and her home is her canvas. So the next time you get stuck on design. Think of your home as your canvas. Work it and make it work! Here you'll see little snapshots of her amazing Easter table. Thank you Kimmie

Chicken Salad with dill in melons... oh so yummy!

Nature added to a table...oh so lovely!

Poppyseed muffins, brie and red pepper jelly tarts & salami rolls!

Wouldn't be easter without our little bunny bringing us eggs.