A project and continuation

I think I should show you something I worked on recently (just so I don't run the risk of boring you TOO much with the downsizing efforts!).  These beaded buttons were done for the 'CQ Quarterly' magazine that will be available soon....

And here's the results of my downsizing challenge for Jan. 2 and Jan. 3....

Above is some yardage - most of which will be donated to our local quilt guild for use in making wheelchair bags.

Below is a binder filled with rubber stamps which I have rarely used (if ever for a lot of them).  I have booked a sale table at the quilt guild for February and will see if I can sell any (or all) of them.  What I don't sell will be thrifted. 

And, as a little aside - we took 6 of these to our #1 son at Christmas time and left them there.  I know it's not a downsize for January per se, but I'm counting it anyway!!

Today's quote..."Be so busy loving your life that you have no time for hate, regret or fear"

Pay It Forward

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the Pay It Forward movement, but I wasn't until I heard about it on Paula's blog. It is an exciting concept so I waved my hand in the air and pledged to do it, in return for a gorgeous stitched paperweight from Paula. It's not here yet, but I know it's gorgeous...sight unseen!

Anyway, I will try to explain Pay It Forward and hope you will want to play too!.....

Once I heard about it, I Googled and discovered the concept started with a book, titled (oddly enough) 'Pay It Forward' by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I got the book from the library and was mesmerized! What an incredible story and it now resides in my Top 10 Favourite Books. If you can find a copy it's well worth reading!!

"Pay It Forward is a wondrous and moving novel about Trevor McKinney, a twelve-year old boy in a small California town who accepts the challenge that his teacher gives his class, a chance to earn extra credit by coming up with a plan to change the world for the better - and to put that plan into action. The idea that Trevor comes up with is so simple and naive"....."What is his idea? Trevor chooses three people for whom he will do a favor, and then when those people thank him and ask how they might pay him back, he will tell them that instead of paying him back, they should each 'pay it forward' by choosing three people for whom they can do favors, and in turn telling those people to pay it forward. It's nothing less than a human chain letter of kindness and good will." (Quote is taken from the book jacket).

So, how does this translate to the blogging world you ask? Well, as Paula explained it...you find three people who agree to accept a piece of your art...they each, in turn, find three additional people to send THEIR art to. And so on...around the world!! Great, huh??

Here it is...what I've decided to give to the first three people who either leave a comment on this post OR email me at marmic1954 'at' hotmail 'dot' com. You just have to agree to find three people to 'pay it forward' to. C'mon you know you want to play too!!

On offer is a beaded button similar to this one, in colours you prefer. The size is approx. 2" across and is hand-beaded by moi.

Oh yeah...specs on the book: 'Pay It Forward' by Catherine Ryan Hyde, published by Simon & Schuster, c1999, ISBN 0-684-86271-9

Buttons, dirty table tops, and baking

This is the second try for this post. Argh!

Picture is of a beaded button I made today sitting on my obviously paint-covered table. It's one of three buttons I'd like to make. The colours aren't 'true' in this picture, but you can get the idea.

My friend Jacquie was here for our weekly crafting time (coffee & munchies too). DH made an incredible quick bread from our new cookbook (The Taste of Home Cookbook) and I just have to share the recipie with you. It is really good!!

POPPY SEED CRANBERRY BREAD (original recipie is from Cindy Harmon)

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. sugar

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 c. milk

1/3 c. butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. grated lemon peel

1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed & chopped (we used frozen)

ICING: 1/2 c. icing sugar & 2 tsp. milk

Combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder & salt. In a small bowl, beat the egg, milk, butter, vanilla & lemon peel. Combine two mixtures just until moistened. Fold in cranberries. Pour into greased loaf pan & bake at 350 for 55-60 mins. or til toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 mins. before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Combine icing ingredients and drizzle over cooled loaf.

YUMMY!