Thursday, December 31, 2009

Last Day of 2009

Well, I started this post on the last day of 2009, but I got sidetracked in the process... Anyway, I'm trying to set my goals for 2010 and schedule my time in the Studio. Right now the Studio is a little bit of a mess because my husband and son are building a new worktable and ironing table for me. The worktable is 100% complete on the construction, and is in the process of painted. Hopefully the ironing table will be constructed during the New Year weekend. I'm really excited about these new tables. I asked Jeff and Ben make them 36" high, so I'm not awkwardly leaning over to cut and construct my art quilts. Jeff and Ben have cut out the space for my Bernina and also a space for a light box. The lift has been installed for my Bernina and I have sewn a few things sitting at the new table, all I can say is AWESOME!!!!! I bought a new cutting mat at the IQA show in Houston earlier this year. We have four flat files that came from Jeff's office that will fit underneath both tables. This will give me great storage for my patterns and mixed media supplies. The table is 60" wide and 80" long. The ironing table will be 60" wide and 36" deep. I've also reduced my stash (check out StudioJules on ArtFire!) and have moved my thread stash over to one of the fabric cases. This way it won't get as dusty and I have freed up the wall where we are going to put a window in. As soon as we get the tables finished and painted I'll post the Before and After pictures.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to sharing my goals and accomplishments with you in a few days!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!

This is my favorite time of year. I love the Christmas season, I love that Christ was born for us and we are free to celebrate his birth and share His love with our family and friends. My heart just jumps for joy (usually in the form of dancing with two little girls), no matter how tired my body is. I'm a person that loves to give and sometimes I have to tell myself to "stop" more than once so that I don't exhaust myself completely.
Last night my son wanted to help me make the family famous chocolate pies. The recipe was created by my husbands' grandmother and they are thick and rich and wonderful! I made the first batch, Ben and his two daughters watched while I stirred the chocolate goodness, well, Betty kept wanting to touch, until she touched the hot skillet, then she decided playing was more fun. Ben made the next three batches of pies and I'm so proud of him! For being his first pie event he did a great job. Last year I had made an apron for Nickola since she loves to help in the kitchen. She's 4 now and loves to "count" when we are measuring out ingredients. Betty is 2 and this year I decided that she needed an apron too. As soon as I get pictures taken this morning, I'll post pictures of the girls in their aprons. They are darling!
Like most of you I had last minute Christmas presents to make, Betty's apron was the last item to be made in my studio this year. I made another present, but I will have to tell you about it later. I don't want to spoil the surprise for the intended receiver.
I'm looking forward to having all of the kids home for Christmas this year. Amanda, Sam and the twins fly in today from CA. Texas weather is going to greet them with snow! Can you believe?! We were blessed yesterday with the arrival of my daughter-in-law's family making it down safely from Kansas. They were able to hit the "window" on the weather for their drive and we are so thankful for that! And we are so excited that they will be sharing the holiday with us too!
Well, everyone, have a safe and joyous Christmas, be thankful for your friends, family and the Christ child that we are celebrating.
Blessings,
Jules

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Where has the Month Gone?

Where has the month gone? I can't believe it it only 9 days until Christmas. I've been busy shopping, wrapping and planning for this week and next. This little quilt is one I did for the Dallas Area Fiber Artist group I am in. We have a silent auction each year to raise money for our group and this was my contribution to the auction. I had such fun with it. It is hand painted fabrics, appliqued to hand painted fabric. The vintage stamps (1946 Christmas stamps were to support the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan) were scanned in and then printed on ExtravOrganza by Jacquard. The brown grass is hand painted cheesecloth and the snow is raw silk fibers. Everything was fused down with MistyFuse. I had such a great time making this little quilt that I am going to make a few more and for different seasons.
Well, I'm off to get ready for a party and ready for all of our family to be here next week, so I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday season and are able to pass along joy to each person you greet!