Here is our tree for this year. Last year’s theme was blue and white — so this year I decided to go with red and white. You’ll notice that there are red & white ornaments hanging in the background.

I saw similar ones in the Jackson & Perkins catalog and said “Hey! I could make those myself!” So I did.

I’ve just finished 2 new log cabin pillows. One is being sent to the organizers of Boston’s Bazaar Bizarre for their vendor pre-party. They are giving away door prizes, I am told. I also made up 125 retro vintage recipe holiday cards for the event’s goody bags. First 300 visitors to walk through the door get them. Date of the BB is December 16th, at the Cyclorama 1:00 – 7:00pm.

I’m not a vendor this year, but was 2 years ago. I do plan on trying to participate next year!

The first is the BB pillow, the second is one that I will put up for sale on my site.

Just had to post this adorable pic of my oldest kitty Orbit. With the winter weather settling in, she likes to cozy up with the wool blankets on the couch.

Just kidding….I know there are loads of blogs that do “Day of insert color here” which is great….I just don’t happen to have the extra time to break out my camera and start snapping away. Maybe one day….

So I came across this artist’s site who does wonderful interior designs (or staging)….amongst other things. I thought his collection of orange cookware was fabulous. And of course the poster on the wall. So I had to share. From his Portland, ME apartment.

My middle school friend had a phone like this back in the 80’s! With the giant buttons…I use to want one exactly like it….Kari Swett, if you’re reading this, I’m talking about you!

Link from http://www.warymeyers.com

Okay, so I said I was going to attempt a Log Cabin quilt pattern — and I did — and it was easy! So instead of doing a pillow cover, I decided to turn it into a baby blanket for my friends’ newborn boy. It’s hard to tell but the backing is this super soft (and super adorable) minky faux fur with embossed stars.

I still have to do the binding (dark blue), but thanks to Amy Butler’s handy “In Stitches” book, I have excellent directions to follow!

I found this awesome glass jar to store my felt donut magnets. Reminds me of something you would see in an old fashioned candy store. Just had to share!

New products are up on the Minty Print online shop.

Greeting cards: Funky alphabet flash cards with a twist.

Baby Blankets: All with fleece or faux mink fabric to keep little tootsies warm in the coming cold months!

Any people into making their own greeting cards? Well, I don’t dabble with the embossing or flocking powder too much, but I came across a “Heat it” craft gun at the local Ocean State Job Lot for $3.99! I’ve seen Martha Stewart us it, so I figured I’d give it a try. Smoked the first couple of times I turned it on, but I’m sure that’s not too unusual.

So any of you Boston locals, I found mine at the Norwood Job Lots. I know they have various locations around town.

Okay…so I don’t really consider myself a Quilter, but I just came across the Quilter’s Buzz website and was amazed at what a great fabric resource it was. There’s tons of information about Amy Butler and Denise Schmidt (both who’s work I drool over).

The site also introduced me to Heather Bailey’s work…check out her pics on flickr. She also has some great new patterns debuting Fall 2006 from Free Spirit.

Back to the discussion of Quilting though… I would love to attempt a Log Cabin pillow like Lisa over at A Bird in the Hand creates. I know certain family members would really appreciate it as a Christmas gift! Here is the research into patterns that I have done so far: http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/LogCabin/LogCabin.html. Any thoughts?

I have tons of scrap fabric left over from projects that I can put to good use. I am just so bad with cutting straight lines! I’m worried that’s the key to quilting…or at least to making your life easier.