Mrs. Hancocks Baby Quilt

 At the end of 1st grade, Dyllan and I presented this quilt to his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Hancock. She was expecting her first child, a girl by July.Mrs. Hancock has cats, so I wanted to incorporate them into the quilt with complimenting colors. I also thought that since she's a teacher, she might create a "eye spy" game with her little girl as she grew...to maybe count the different colored kitties. :)

 This was the first project I made with my sewing machine in nearly 6 years and also the first machine sewn quilt I've ever made. When it comes to crafting, I don't really like to follow rules, -  not all the squares are perfectly cut, and some of the stitches may be uneven, it's still made with Love and that's what counts, right? :)

 

My Step Mom who's a seasoned quilter gave us the idea of creating our own signature for the back. 

I love all the zig zag stitches. It's so Me!

 

Lady Bug Love

~ Michelle  Frae Cummings

Ice Museum 2011

This past summer at the Orange County Fair, we visited the Ice Museum, which was on it's second year.
Dyllan and I went 1st thing on a Wednesday before we rode rides all day. Admission is free with your fair entry and you have a option for a insulated blanket to drape over your shoulders or brave the below freezing temps like I did.
My camera kept fogging up so I took photos as quick as I could. Look how cute Dyllan looks with his freezing rosy cheeks. :)
The window sculptures can be seen from outside line, but the view is so much better from inside looking out.
Details are simply amazing!
I love this clam and pearl. Especially when they colored part of the sculpture and lit up the rest with special lights.


Look how graceful this jelly fish looks.

Ice Queen Dominique Colell was there daily with her all women troupe "The Chainsaw Chicks" carving up new sculptures.
We can't wait to go again next summer!

You are Invited to a "Gothic" Halloween Charm Swap!

I created the above layout with My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software!
Save $10 with this promo code : STMMMS96126 and get started creating amazing pages right away!

***************************

You are invited to my annual Halloween Charm swap!

This years theme is : Gothic

It can be anything from old world architecture, haunted poets, ancient beliefs, attire, makeup, hairstyles, quotes, clubs, books, memories or even desires.

image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy


"We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it."
-The Breakfast Club

image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

"Not all those who wander are lost."
-J.R.R. Tolkien
* * *

This swap is open to 10 Charm makers.

Charms must be durable enough to be worn or displayed.
No bigger than 3"
Please make something you'd like to receive.
All media allowed for the charms as long as you adhere to the theme.
Must be at least 2-dimensional and of good quality.
No "cute" charms please.

Please also include 10 ATC's to match the theme of your charm.
read more about ATC's here....

All 10 charms must be in my hands no later than
October 22nd.
Late packages will be returned to sender.
No exceptions.

International welcome.
Must be 18 years or older to participate.

If you would like to be included in this charm swap,
Please e-mail me - altered (dash) art (at) hotmail (dot) com
Please include in your e-mail:
Your first & last name, mailing address, and (optional) any blog/etsy/ web site link.
I will send you a confirmation with my mailing / shipping info and more swap details.

You can view past Charm swaps here as well as view the participant list as I update it daily.
This will be my 11th charm swap since 2007!

image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy


Please help spread the word about this swap
by copying and pasting this image to your blogs side bar,
then linking back to this post.
Thanks!

Read about the different types of Goths here. From romantic to traditional.
Goth.net tells a little about the history of Goth.
So does this site.
Here are 40 movies that are related to Goth sub culture.
Some of them are my favorites!
Check out these notable Gothic rock bands.

Make a Wish and Blow

Giant "Wish Faeries" from Northern California

I love how the little "wishes" look like something out of a vintage fairy tale book 

as they float on the gentle breeze, 

on the way to making my wishes come true!