The Journal of Renee Plains

2008-08-01T09:48:00.003-07:00

MOVING DAY . . .

I am combining my two blogs into one and moving to typepad - click here www.libertystar.typepad.com! Please come for a visit sometime soon. There are still things to work on but the basics are finished so today is the day! xoxx, Renée

2008-07-05T11:52:00.003-07:00

I hope you will take a peek . . .

Liberty Star's Etsy Shop is now open! I have listed two little quilts and five dolls . . . and will be adding more original samples from discontinued or soon to be discontinued patterns. We are planning on moving in the next year or so . . . need to whittle away the vast "stuff" I have collected since moving into our house 16 years ago! There will also be some collages, art, jewelry all made by me . . . then some vintage treasures - OH MY . . . it will probably take a year to do it!
xoxx, Renée

2008-07-04T09:03:00.002-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2008-06-28T14:58:00.003-07:00

Research Findings!

Look here With Thy Needle and Thread for a wonderful new pattern to make use of these little oil cans I found . . . I will be ordering Brenda's pattern today!

I LOVE old brass stencils . . . these were a great find

what a sweet heart pincushion and a cool thread holder with pincushion along with a few other sewing notions - can a quilter have too many of those?

Thank you to those of you who have commented here - it warms my heart that my BAD blogger ways haven't driven you away . . . trying to catch up both on sleep & work - getting back to everyday things. It sure is lots of fun to go to quilting and art retreats but I am really a homebody at heart and it is ALWAYS good to be home in my nest! More photos soon. Also there is a new side bar link to the Liberty Star Etsy Shop where there will be some LS quilts and dolls offered for sale very soon. Etsy is "a place to buy and sell all things handmade". Back soon - xoxx, Renée

2008-06-26T20:49:00.004-07:00

Now this is some kind of record . . . at least it is for me. Three posts in one day - yes count them - THREE!

The lovely shopkeeper, Rita and Me

This is the view into the room where we had our opening last night . . . SEW many BEAUTIFUL samples - wonderful eye candy! More tomorrow . . . so many sweet friends here, old and new. Rita and her great staff do a fabulous job of putting it all together for a really fun weekend.
xoxx, Renée

2008-06-26T20:33:00.003-07:00

After my morning class I was off on an adventure to see the Curious Sofa, a shop in Prairie Village, KS for a little afternoon research. Jennifer Keltner's lecture last night gave me the insight that visiting a shop is actually research - so now that is my story and I'm sticking to it!

This is Angie and Beth ready to help you find whatever you need or tally up what you gather during your research - just saying that some of their charms, vintage oil cans & rusty keys along with a few other collectibles will be going home with me!

LOVE these mannequins!

2008-06-26T20:23:00.004-07:00

Some girls having fun at Primitives of the Midwest

Jennifer Keltner and Sue Spargo

2008-06-25T21:59:00.002-07:00

On the Road Again . . . I am in Lee's Summit, MO for Primitives of the Midwest. The darling hostess Rita Briner owner of Quilters Station welcomed everyone and then the delightful Jennifer Keltner Senior Editor of American Patchwork & Quilting entertained us sharing stories, many quilts and great ideas.

This is the adorable Jennifer Keltner - what a great speaker! If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak, run don't walk - you won't want to miss it!

Jennifer showed this snowball quilt made by my friend Julie Hendricksen (JJ Stitches Quilt Shop) that will be in an upcoming AP&Q issue. Julie is a master at making reproduction quilts - the quilt top folded over the quilt is the antique top that she reproduced perfectly.

Tomorrow I will take photos of my class and the shop as well as some quilters. We will be going to Greenwood tomorrow after classes for some antiquing and delicious Italian cuisine! You are definitely going to wish you were here!
xoxx, Renée

2008-06-06T13:57:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas Stocking

This stocking is for a class at The Country Loft on July 25th - and now it is no longer a Christmas Surprise class as shown in the schedule! The stocking will be in the shop next Tuesday afternoon (arriving via UPS) if you want to see it in person. It's a fun & quick Christmas project - I hope some of you will join me to make it!
xoxx, Renée

2008-05-29T17:49:00.002-07:00

Another booth photo . . . I had to share this one with the purple aisle carpet of the show. Just saying . . . even if you love purple it doesn't seem to be a color that blends with very many of the booths. It was particularly unflattering to my booth - even though I do find this photo quite amusing and I didn't really notice it much during the show!

I am working on a new website with the help of my genius son, Jake - well I guess I should say Jake is working on a new website for Liberty Star with my design input. The plan is that I will be able to update it myself with some fun additions - tips & tricks, tutorials & corrections. He says it should be similar to blogging - that should make it much easier for me!

I will be back soon . . . visit my other blog if you have time and any interest in mixed media collage type artwork. xoxx, Renée

2008-05-16T22:37:00.002-07:00

to market, to market in Portland Oregon

2008-05-09T10:21:00.003-07:00

The cover is done!

2008-05-08T22:55:00.003-07:00

New Handbag Patterns

These are new patterns for quilt market next week . . . along with the new booklet, Jingle All The Way. I will post the front and back cover of it tomorrow. Still lots and lots and lots to wrap up before I leave for Portland, OR next week. Quilt Market is always exciting and fun though it takes a lot of preparation and hard work to get ready! I keep thinking I will try to get things done earlier - that hasn't happened yet . . . maybe I will start working on Fall Market projects in June!
xoxx, Renée

2008-04-17T07:29:00.006-07:00

The Country Loft in February

These pictures are courtesy of sweet Michele Murphy . . . I forgot to post any of my photos from my last trip so I will post some of those soon . . .

I had the BEST time with my darling Country Loft friends!

Some of the dolls, a photo album and Michele's beautiful cross stitch!

The Country Loft and everyone that is part of it makes it a very special place . . . I read this quote today over on Pat Sloan's blog and thought how they always make me feel sooooooo welcome in their warm cozy nest!

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

xoxx, Renée

2008-04-11T15:58:00.004-07:00

Jingle All the Way

This photo is for an ad in American Quilt Retailer, a great quilt shop trade magazine. The pieced quilt behind Santa will also be in the new booklet. My darling friend, Debbi Mercado, in CA, expertly quilted it for me! Thank you Debbi!
xoxx, Renée

2008-04-10T21:16:00.003-07:00

New Shoes

So photos of shoes seem to be popping up all over blogland so I thought it would be a good idea to show you my new shoes since I didn't have another photo to post! Sooooo cute and super comfortable . . . I bought them in Port Townsend , WA last weekend while I was at ArtFest. They were even on sale 25% off - a very good deal!

. . . still working on all those Christmas projects for Jingle All the Way - I should have some more photos to post soon.

For the comment about the number "50" that is stenciled on the Carry It All Tote (Pat No 158) - it is somewhat random. The number "5" has turned up all my life in the best places and the very best ways so it was a natural to stencil the 5 . . . I added the 0 simply because it looked better with two numbers. The brass stencil set I have only has one stencil of each number and they hook together to space them evenly so there you have it - the reason behind the number 50!
xoxx, Renée

2008-03-27T15:44:00.003-07:00

more Jingle All The Way

This is a wool appliqué wall quilt that will be in the new booklet . . . the tree skirt (a photo coming soon) has the same Santa and Sleigh with five Reindeer. Thank you for the nice comments on Santa.
xoxx, Renée

2008-03-25T13:51:00.004-07:00

Jingle All The Way . . .
Santa 14"

This Santa is fun & easy to make . . . I think I will make several - he is made from just one red plaid fat quarter, a few scraps and some doll making supplies. It does seem a little bit odd to be sewing Christmas projects in the beautiful Spring weather we are having here but I do think it is the best time to introduce Christmas designs at Spring Quilt Market. I even set up a few Christmas trees to put me in the right Holiday mood . . . and try out the tree skirt. Tomorrow I should have another project to share.
xoxx, Renée

2008-03-15T17:50:00.003-07:00

putting the Easter decorations away . . .

Thank you to those of you that are still visiting my blog (and BTW thank you for the very sweet comments) . . . I know the posting has been sparse lately but I have been working on projects for a new booklet, Jingle All The Way. I will be introducing it at Spring market in mid May along with two new bag patterns. In the next few days I will post some photos of the progress - please come back for a peek!
xoxx, Renée

2008-03-12T16:25:00.003-07:00

rabbit under glass

2008-03-11T15:41:00.004-07:00

Some of my rabbit friends . . .
a little more Easter

Lots of sewing around here . . . even though it is close to Easter I am working on Christmas projects for Spring Quilt Market. That almost sounds like an oxymoron - don't you think?
xoxx, Renée

2008-03-10T16:10:00.006-07:00

a little bit of Easter . . .

One of my sweet friends from the Country Loft, Michele, inspired me to make this little pillow pin cushion from a cross stitch I had done several years ago. I never knew what to do with it and after I saw some of her wonderful pillow pincushions I decided to make this one when I happened on to it last week. I should do more Spring cleaning and perhaps I might find some more forgotten unfinished projects.
xoxx, Renée

2008-02-21T18:01:00.004-07:00

CA here I come!

The kits are ready along with all the supplies . . . my bags are packed so early tomorrow morning I will start my adventure to the Country Loft. I can't wait to see all my darling friends and make some new ones. It is sure to be a fun weekend of stitching and laughing. It's about a 5 1/2 hour drive and I am planning on using my cruise control to stay right at the speed limit. I probably couldn't be lucky enough to just get a warning this time. I will take lots of pictures and share those when I get back home.
xoxx, Renée

2008-02-14T09:14:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-10T09:03:00.001-07:00

Primitives of the Midwest projects

2008-01-08T15:03:00.001-07:00

Millie & her Heart Make-Do

Vintage Photo Album

These projects are for two workshops I will be teaching in La Mesa, CA at The Country Loft Feb. 22 & 23. Now back to inventory and then the projects for Primitives of the Midwest in June need to be finished up.

xoxx, Renée

2007-12-29T17:31:00.001-07:00

Now I will begin putting it all away . . .

xoxx, Renée

2007-12-29T17:28:00.001-07:00

2007-12-29T17:26:00.001-07:00

. . . more Christmas photos

2007-12-23T09:23:00.001-07:00

Cookie cutters & a green scale

Maybe I should weigh each cookie that I eat to see if that coincides with any weight gain!

a sweet snow angel with two little friends

more working snowmen

Hailey and Axel after a hard day of taking care of the house . . . we are getting a new roof (just as much fun as getting new tires!) and they have been concerned about all the footsteps up on the roof top for the last few days. Do you think they were looking for Santa and his reindeer?
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-22T13:25:00.001-07:00

Only a few more days for all the little ones to wait . . . then we will have to be packing up the holiday decorations!

A Tinsel Tree, a Bottle Brush Tree Cloche, Nicol Sayre Snowmen, more Shiny Brites, a plastic 50's Santa . . . . . a few more of my favorite things!

. . . a vintage pickle jar lamp with Shiny Brites makes a perfect bedside light during the holidays!
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Santa skiing? . . . isn't he cute? a vintage find today

. . . the little Santa boot is a reproduction as well as the little glitter bird in the boot . . . some red SHINY BRITES, a wonderful Santa by my friend, Olivia Thomas, the talented Ms. Olive Rose and an angel I made several years ago.

My camera is missing - eeeekkkk! I LOVE my little camera (a Pentax Optio S5i) . . . so I had to use Bob's fancy BIG one until I can find mine. I took lots of photos today though so there will be plenty to share at least until Christmas.
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

. . . mmm delicious - old tin things, red & green, snowmen, Santa, shiny stars & candy canes . . . no wonder this is my favorite season! xoxx, Renée

2007-12-18T22:27:00.001-07:00

. . . more little cardboard houses and bottle brush trees displayed on a two tiered metal serving plate. xoxx, Renée

2007-12-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

A Christmas Village

This baker's rack has most of the bigger cardboard houses this year . . . and three little Santas with their sleighs and reindeer. The tinsel tree from Seasons of Cannon Falls is my favorite.
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

On the 5th Day of Christmas

A little feather tree on alphabet blocks in a bird cage sits on the little quilt from our Snowflake pattern No 140. The glitter glass stars are from Wendy Addison's A Christmas Pageant 1880 decorations. This link will take you to an ebay auction that has five of them right now. The first photo is of a snowflake ornament but scroll down and you will see the same one I have with three stars. I don't know anything about this particular ebay store but if you are like me you just may want your own dangle star ornament!

Off to Las Vegas tomorrow for the National Finals Rodeo and some shopping at Cowboy Christmas. The twelve days of Christmas Vignettes will start again on Saturday - hoping to see you then!
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-10T15:18:00.001-07:00

On the 4th day of Christmas . . .

This is a wee part of the bottle brush tree and little vintage cardboard house obsession that I started a few years ago. The round paper maché boxes are Wendy Addison I think. They make a perfect pedestal for a Christmas tree.
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-08T13:39:00.001-07:00

On the 3rd day of Christmas my sweetheart sent to me

. . . some candy canes, a red bucket of greenery, a vintage metal tree topper & a cute little snowman! OK, I know it is supposed to be three French hens but starting today the posts won't fit the verses. Also my twelve days will have a few days interruption when I go to Las Vegas on Wednesday for the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) and Cowboy Christmas . . . back on Friday and the vignettes will start again.
xoxx, Renée

2007-12-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

On the 2nd Day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . .

two turtle doves, I mean . . . even better two little angels and a partridge in a pear tree. The little glass oil lantern (at least that's what I think it is) is new this year and a perfect little pedestal for a bottle brush tree.

Thank you Kathie for leaving a comment (visit her blog to see the beautiful tree quilt she is working on) - the two quilting book titles on the end table in yesterday's post are Cloth & Comfort by Roderick Kiracofe and The Quilter's Companion by Linda Seward. Both are very inspiring little quilt books.

. . . . hoping you are enjoying a Merry & Bright Season!

xoxx, Renée

2007-12-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . .

a partridge in a pear tree. Today starts twelve days of Christmas vignettes - I hope you will come back to visit.

HO HO HO Merry Christmas!

xoxx, Renée

2007-11-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

Getting Started . . .

This is just a tiny bit of my Christmas stuff - all of this is part of what was stuffed in among the inside boxes. Now the excitement begins . . . .
xoxx, Renée

2007-11-21T18:25:00.001-07:00

New Rug

I love this new rug . . . my friend, Cindy - shopper extraordinaire, found it at Home Goods. We haven't ever had a rug under this table so it may take a while to get used to one. Happy Turkey Day to everyone . . . I hope you have as much to be thankful for as I do!
xoxx, Renée

2007-11-20T21:36:00.001-07:00

Pretty Pepperberries

just a few more days . . . a big harvest feast and let the decorating begin!

2007-11-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

A New Toy . . .

This is my new Flip Video Ultra camera . . . . I LOVE gadgets and it only took a little preview to decide to get one of these. So far I did a little video of Axel and Hailey and tried to download it into iMovie for editing but that keeps freezing my computer. hmmmm - maybe I better try reading the directions! My plan is to make short little videos with a quilting idea or working on a journal page or making a collage or ? Since I have to wait for the tripod (it's backordered) to make an instructional video, You Tube might be fun in the meantime!
xoxx, Renée

2007-11-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

A Little Bit of Fall and Finally Feeling Better!

You're invited to visit my brand new blog Mixed Media Play . . . . it is a place to share my playtime - I mean artwork with you. I hope you will stop by soon.

Dan in Real Life was delightful . . . mindless fun entertainment, exactly my favorite kind of movie! I highly recommend it!

My magazine love has taken over my studio/office and family room . . . stacks everywhere trying to sort out the "must keep" from the "donate/recycle". Only two lonely magazines in the "donate/recycle" pile! Any ideas on how to tame my "must keep" mountain?
xoxx, Renée

2007-11-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

Hailey & Axel

After being gone for a week they are watching me like a hawk wondering if I might disappear again. Don't you just love our furry friends? They always greet you with wagging tails ready for a hug!

Too little sleep and too much fun at market must have lessened my resistance because I have come down with an annoying cold. Feeling pretty puny! Maybe a movie will perk me up . . . . off to see Dan in Real Life!
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-31T20:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

This little Happy Halloween banner is made by Martha Stewart and it is sold at Michael's! I was lucky enough to get it from my sweet friend Cindy. It was already sold out at Michael's when I found out about it. Darn no trick or treaters again . . . . we stocked up on delicious candy since several little people moved into our neighborhood this year but even with all our lights blazing we didn't get to see any little ghosts or goblins!
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Pat Sloan stopped to visit at market and finally I thought to have someone take a photo of us to share with you . . . too bad I waited until the last day to think of that! I got to see so many darling friends at market - I will take photos of all of them in Portland at Spring Market!
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

It was such fun to see the darling girls from Quilters' Paradise (Clovis, CA) in their Utility Aprons when they stopped by to visit today! Shhhh don't tell anyone but market it sooooo much fun and I get to call it work!

xoxx, Renée

2007-10-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

First Day of Set Up at Quilt Market . . .

It looks pretty messy right now but there is still one more day to finish up and make it warm and inviting! More tomorrow . . .

xoxx, Renée

2007-10-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

two more pattern covers . . .

Color Inc does my photography and prints the covers . . . they are the very BEST! Lucky for me they are right here in the Phoenix area but they can help with photography, design and printing even if you don't live here.

Thank you for your very nice comments Dawn, Lisa, Nancy, Karen & Carol! That is especially nice when writing the directions - drudgery!
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-15T11:14:00.001-07:00

Quilt Pink Auction

Here is a link to the ebay auction for my little quilt . . . I almost missed it. I am happy to say there are a few bids on it - there were so many beautiful quilts donated not every quilt has found a home.
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-12T06:45:00.001-07:00

Here is another one of the new pattern covers - there is a coin purse, a make-up bag, small notebook cover, tissue case, eyeglass case, checkbook cover and a key fob. They were quick & fun to make. Thank you Edina and Dawn for your kind comments on the "Carry It All Tote" I really appreciate your thoughts. Quilt Market in Houston starts two weeks from tomorrow - oh my goodness so much work to get done - can't wait to see friends like Julie!
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-10T19:06:00.001-07:00

New Tote Pattern

This is one of the new patterns that will be available at the end of the month. The other new titles are In My Bag, Posy & A Tisket A Tasket. In the next few days I will post the other new covers. Writing the directions is the next step - it is tedious at best and probably my least favorite part.
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin & Cat Tree

This little wallhanging was a kit from Plain Jane's Quilt Shop in San Antonio, TX. Not sure if they still have this pattern/kit but they have a website and an ebay store with lots of primitive treasures. It still isn't quilted or even finished (see the thread on the bottom left side) - maybe I will try to work on it a little bit then put it back on the wall.
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Odds & Ends

2007-10-01T10:10:00.001-07:00

A tisket a tasket five more baskets - a table runner that will also be in the new basket pattern . . .

Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection Quilt Pink magazine is on newsstands now. I am lucky to have a project in it "Oklahoma Roots" on page 76.

I think this quilt will be on the ebay Quilt Pink auction sometime early this month. If you search on ebay for Quilt Pink there are many wonderful quilts to look at and bid on.
xoxx, Renée

2007-10-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Pumpkin Seeds?

2007-09-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

Dress Up as a Girl?

2007-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here kitty kitty!

2007-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins?

2007-09-26T17:44:00.001-07:00

BOO!

2007-09-26T17:21:00.001-07:00

A tisket a tasket . . . some brown & pink baskets

If you are still reading after my lengthy absence - thank you for stopping by . . . and thank you to those of you who have left comments - I really appreciate them. I LOVE knowing that you are reading my blog!

Seven Days of Tricks or Treats starts here tomorrow . . . I hope you will enjoy my Halloween vignettes!
xoxx, Renée

2007-08-30T16:32:00.001-07:00

Baby Steps . . . a little bit of progress on this new quilt

In August here in AZ any rational quiltmaker would be sitting at her sewing machine piecing a quilt in air conditioned comfort but this horse riding has turned me into a crazy person - out in the 110 degree temperatures . . . but having soooo much fun! Giddy Up!
xoxx, Renée

2007-08-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Wirework

I made this little "easy link" bracelet a few days ago while I was contemplating my new pattern designs. It is ready to add some charms - some more jewelry play . . . perhaps I am my own worst enemy - venturing off to play with every possible distraction! Fall Quilt Market is only 8 1/2 weeks away and even though there IS a plan - actual progress is less than a snail's pace! It has been sooooo hot here lately that an afternoon siesta is quite inviting though I have resisted MOST of the time. Hoping to post a little peek at some blocks soon for one of the two new quilts. The strips are cut and ready for the EZ Angle ruler to slice them into half square triangles - ready, set, SEW!
xoxx, Renée

2007-08-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

New Fabrics from Marcus Brothers Textiles

Civil War Classics

Charleston IV 1850-1865

Civil War Dressing Gowns

. . . and these earrings (Nina style) are a little birthday gift I made for my friend, Joan . . . she is quite the cowgirl - even team ropes - she is a heeler for those of you in the know. Very impressive I think since just getting on and staying on the horse is enough of a challenge for me.
xoxx, Renée

2007-08-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Adorable Nieces

My brother, his wife and three daughters stopped for a quick visit on their way from CA back home to OH. This is a picture of those cute girls - such nice young ladies as well! It was good to see them all even though it was very brief.

An update on my recent health issues . . . close your eyes or change bloglines if perhaps this is TOO much information - . . . it seems that my new diagnosis and treatment is in direct conflict to the previous overzealous one. Thankfully my volatile blood pressure (a blessing in disguise) put brakes on the impending surgery and with further investigation (a second opinion) it appears that I only need a minor little procedure. THANK YOU TAMMY for your VERY wise thoughts.

xoxx, Renée

2007-08-05T09:58:00.001-07:00

The Country Loft

Is this the sweetest house? It is the home of The Country Loft in La Mesa, CA - if you love primitives, antiques and plaids then you won't want to miss visiting this shop. All of the darling girls who make this shop special will welcome you and make you feel right at home. There is a new photo album of my visit this weekend on the sidebar. Thank you to Kathy for being such a wonderful hostess - her home is sooooooo wonderful & she is a DOLL! Sweet JoAnn, the other shop manager (and Kathy's sister), went on a camping trip with her husband and grandchildren so I missed visiting with her. Sharon, the shop owner-antique buyer extraordinaire, and Kathy kept everything in order including me for another fun workshop weekend. I drove over on Friday and made it in record time - that even included a quick stop and visit with an Arizona Highway Patrol Officer to let me know I was going a "little bit too fast" - he was kind enough to give me a "warning" rather than a ticket. Three cheers for Officer Holstman - the rest of the trip I used the cruise control to ward off any additional unscheduled stops. Singing along with some new tunes from Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Sara Evans made the road trip fly by. Back home again and ready to get started on Fall pattern projects - maybe I can be a "little bit too fast" on that! What a GRAND idea!
xoxx, Renée

2007-07-30T09:47:00.001-07:00

Still HOT outside and still doing a little riding!

Our riding friends, Steve and Joan, are recuperating from shoulder surgery (Steve) and a broken foot (Joan) so Bob and I have had to forge our own trail . . . check out that cowgirl hat - from Target! Bob is perplexed at my renewed interest (28 year interval) in the horses, in fact I am a bit surprised myself. There isn't any real explanation for it - just a little fun for a girl in Scottsdale, AZ - "The West's Most Western Town."

xoxx, Renée

2007-07-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

Precious Metal Clay

a necklace started ala Nina Bagley style

earrings . . . with the Nina knot

The charms on the left are stamped little nests with eggs . . . this is my first PMC clay attempt - just what I need another creative outlet - HA! Thanks Lisa - you know it's your fault!

Bob is off on a fly fishing trip to Lee's Ferry, so yesterday I went to the first showing of Hairspray with a friend. The music was great - it was very entertaining - always my idea of a good movie. Bob and I saw Live Free, Die Hard on Saturday before he left . . . also enjoyable if you think of it as a comedy. LOL Caution: use my reviews if you are the sort that likes mindless entertainment! My theory is if I want to think or be depressed I will read the newspaper. I just added Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts to my iPod . . . she rocks! LOVE "Before He Cheats on ME" the lyrics make me laugh EVERY time! A perfect work out tune!
xoxx, Renée

2007-07-16T21:43:00.002-07:00

Bessie

shhhh . . . this is obsessive Bessie - she is my contribution for a mail swap and I sent them today to the others that are participating. The only parameter was to use fabric - she was fun to create - it was nice to play with fabric and paper.

My house looks like we had a tornado - while the thermometer is topping out around 110 degrees every day this week I decided to sort all the mountains of stuff that have crept in to every nook and cranny. WHAT A MESS! What in the world was I thinking!
xoxx, Renée

2007-07-12T13:32:00.001-07:00

Paris to the Moon
Costa Mesa, CA

Darren & Kerri

Last weekend I was in Southern CA with my friend Lisa for some journaling workshops with Teesha Moore. Before the Sat. & Sun workshops got underway we went on a shopping adventure Friday. We stayed at the Residence Inn in Manhattan Beach and headed south to Costa Mesa. The first stop was at a fun shop . . . Paris to the Moon . . . an eclectic mix of jewelry, glitter, aprons & art. Darren & Kerri are the shop keepers of this very cool store. Watch for Kerri's new book, Crowns & Tiaras, release date in August. Lisa and I found a few treasures here first then we went to Orange for some antiquing. My favorites in Orange are Country Roads Antiques and Down Home American Country. Don't miss these shops if you are vacationing in Orange County . . . treasures are just waiting for your arrival!
xoxx, Renée

2007-07-02T07:38:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July . . . summer is in full warmth (113 degrees today) here in the Southwest . . .

Our website is back in service and there are even a few new photos of workshops coming up in August at the Country Loft (La Mesa, CA) and in Oct for Boxwood & Berries at the Country Sampler (Spring Green, WI) - I hope some of you can join me.
xoxx, Renée

2007-06-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Primitives of the Midwest Day 2

Pat Sloan, Me, Lynda Hall & Sue Spargo

. . .ready for a little dinner after another full day of fun! Is it my imagination or do we all look a little tired? A little food and perhaps a Culver's custard will certainly revive us!

Lovely Shopkeeper Ms. Rita & Me - Quilter's Station is such a great SHOP! Don't miss visiting this shop if you are in the Kansas City area!

Jane, Mary, Susie, Rita & Karen

Nancy & Lori working hard on Picking Cherries

Nancy, Judy & Lori

Off to pack so I will be ready to catch my plane back to AZ as soon as class is over tomorrow. It will be sad to say good- bye to all my new & old friends here in MO.
xoxx, Renée

2007-06-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Primitives of the Midwest
Lee's Summit, MO - Day 1
put on by Rita Briner's fabulous shop Quilter's Station

This is Clara's class! What a fun day . . . these are some of the most delightful girls you could ever spend a day with. We stitched and laughed and had a wonderful time . . . (from the left Denise, Laura, Nancy J, Marie, Susan, Me, Ellen, Lori & Nancy C). That was the morning of fun then I met my darling friend, Jo Morton, (yes THE Jo Morton) for a little antiquing fun in Greenwood, MO. (yes, yes Nancy from Thousand Oaks, CA I know "darling" is a bit overused in my vocabulary tsk tsk but they/you are ALL DARLINGS!) Then it was dinner with Sue Spargo, Cherie Ralston and Pat Sloan - (yes, yes THE Sue Spargo, THE Cherie Ralston and THE Pat Sloan) - DARLING girls! okay okay I can't help it they are DARLING! Then there was stitching and visiting in the lobby of the Hampton Inn. Can you think of a better time? Sweet dreams . . . night night!
xoxx, Renée

. . . and yes dear I know we are going to be downsizing so I passed up all the primitive treasures EXCEPT the ones that were almost FREE!

2007-06-12T21:26:00.001-07:00

Window Dressing at Zoe's Trunk

Too bad I don't know how to take a photo through glass but maybe you can still get the idea of how the windows look.

xoxx, Renée

2007-06-11T19:34:00.001-07:00

More from Cotton & Chocolate

Stacy, Marilyn & Jerry - Cotton and Chocolate Quilt Shop is a family affair!

Precious Camryn and her adoring grandmother, Mary!

Margie and her wonderful Strippy Quilt from last year! These darling ladies brought lots of their wonderful projects from last year to share. I LOVE THAT! Thank you girls! There will be a new Cotton & Chocolate photo album with all their projects here on the side bar very soon. Somehow I can't seem to get the link correct - !!??!?!!
Sally's darling husband, Dan stopped by for a quick visit with us after golfing! What a cutie and such a nice fellow too!

I spent this morning setting up a window display at Zoe's Trunk quilt shop in Chandler, AZ. The photos weren't very good because of the glass reflection - I will work on the glare and hopefully post those tomorrow!
xoxx, Renée

2007-06-08T21:14:00.001-07:00

A Day at Cotton & Chocolate

Here we are at the end of the first workshop . . . these Sweet Emma dolls still need their clothes but they are close to being finished. We ate and stitched and laughed and played all day long - we had a purely delightful day together! What more could a girl ask for? Most of us went for a delicious early dinner at Cisco's . . . . right across the parking lot - mmmmm Mexican cuisine! These girls really know how to have fun!

Sally, Debbi and Mary - darling ladies!Sweet Emma with her kits and that cute little box filled with tiny spools of thread was a gift from sweet Debbi - WHAT a LUCKY Girl I AM! Thank you Ms. Debbi!

Cindy, Fran, Cheri and Margie - adorable ladies! Sleep is calling - better get some rest for another fun day tomorrow filled with laughter.

xoxx, Renée

2007-06-03T18:57:00.001-07:00

Giddy Up Cowgirl!

Here we are on the trail ride - that is me in the middle with Bob, my husband and our friend, Joan, on the dapple gray horse. I would call Joan's horse a white horse with cute little freckles but that is not what these real cowpokes said. I rode Bill and Bob rode his other horse, Mudslide. Pretty cute horses and very well mannered!

Bill didn't seem to know or care that his rider didn't remember much about steering. We went Sunday morning for about two hours a little east of where we live. If we could have turned down the temperature a little bit it would have been a perfect morning ride - next time we will go closer to sun up.

This is Steve with Joan . . . we are already planning the next trail ride - I think Bob is pretty excited that I am joining some of this horsing around.

I am getting ready to travel to Cotton & Chocolate this weekend for two workshops. This shop is in Thousand Oaks, CA . . . a very nice shop with lots of REALLY darling ladies. Stop to visit this great shop if you are in the Southern CA area!

xoxx, Renée

2007-05-27T18:57:00.001-07:00

Myrtle

This is Myrtle . . . she just needs a few accessories . . . some treasures to hold. She was a fun doll to make - a little bigger than some of my other recent dolls. Myrtle is for the Country Loft workshop on August 3 - I hope some of you will be able to join me.

I thought Waitress was an entertaining movie but Bob gave it a thumbs down . . . hmmm perhaps he was still under the spell of Percocet or maybe it was just too much of a chick flick! The main character is Jenna played by Keri Russell. Jenna's journaling is really funny - especially humorous for those of you who keep journals. If you are a Keri Russell fan and you want some mindless entertainment - my review is Waitress rocks!
xoxx, Renée

2007-05-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is Mz. Gorgeous, a really cool paper doll made for me by my friend, Olivia Thomas! She is 18" tall . . . and looks very nice on my little cupboard.

Here are Pixie Fairy, made by Lucy Lee, and Linda Dee's Raucous Boy, my other two awesome paper dolls . . . all three of them are jointed so their arms and legs move . . . sounds like some fun play time to me! Just wanted to share some of my artist friend's inspiring work! I named all three of them . . . I hope Linda, Lucy and Olivia will enjoy and approve of their names - LOL! Don't you just love them?

My husband, Bob, had an emergency appendectomy last Thursday night. I just brought him home today . . . it was a whirlwind three days of ER & hospital fun . . . He is up for a movie this afternoon for a first outing - so we are off to see Waitress - a nice way to spend a hot afternoon in Scottsdale, AZ. We were supposed to go on a trail ride (riding Bob's horses) on Monday with some of his horse buddies . . . the first time in hmmmm about 28 years for me to ride a horse . . . surprising at what lengths Bob would go to in order to keep me off one of his horses!

Myrtle, a new doll for the Country Loft in August, will get her photo taken to post this afternoon or tomorrow before she leaves the nest.

xoxx, Renée

2007-05-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Home again, Home again, Jiggety Jig!

This is how the cargo van looked right before we started to unpack it. We did a pretty good job packing - it was just like a jigsaw puzzle. Cindy and I each bought a dolly - you can see them at the back of the van. They made loading & moving stuff so much easier - I highly recommend one if you are moving stuff around. Thank you for all your nice comments - I tried to take lots of photos but it just didn't happen - the week was a whirlwind! Today is the first day to feel a little less stressed . . . YAHOO!

This is Clara - she is one of the three classes I will be teaching at the Quilter's Station event Primitives of the Midwest in MO next month. She is leaving for MO tomorrow - I was sooooo late getting her done and Rita the owner of Quilter's Station was so understanding . . . that is not the way I normally operate. My new motto is "Be Prepared" perhaps I should join the girl scouts to keep on track . . . probably a little too late in life for that but I love the motto and I am definitely going with it!
xoxx, Renée

2007-05-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

The booth is ready . . . the show opens in the morning!

2007-05-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

On the Road in Utah . . . we stopped at a great antique mall in Springville - lots of fun and a few treasures for our booths.

all my stuff in the booth - ready to set it all up at the Salt Palace

I will post some photos tomorrow with the progress during set up and what it looks like once it is ready for opening day Friday

xoxx, Renée

2007-05-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

Off to SLC for Quilt Market

This is our the empty rented Enterprise Cargo Van . . . ready to load all the stuff!

These are my Utility Aprons to wear during market!

Phew . . . packed and ready to roll -next post will be from the road!
xoxx, Renée

2007-04-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

New Pattern Covers

Yippee!!!!! The new Liberty Star pattern covers are going to press - this link takes you to a new photo album with all four covers. Finally finished up the projects and went to have photos taken last Monday at Color Inc (my VERY fine cover printer and photographer). . . eeeekkk my new idea for pattern covers was a mistake so Color Inc was very accommodating to fit me in for a re-shoot on Wednesday . . . yay these are very nice! Now it is full focus on writing the insides - directions and templates. We leave for quilt market a week from Tuesday . . . so the directions need to be at that printer on Monday - I guess they need a little time so they can print them and get them to the bindery for folding . . . nothing like being a day late - probably keeps my blood pressure at peak performance! Back to writing . . . I hope you will enjoy a peak the new covers.
xoxx, Renée

2007-04-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Picking Cherries

This is a better photo of Picking Cherries for Primitives of the Midwest in June and The Country Loft in August. No quilting yet but at least it does have the binding so it looks more finished.

Visit my website Liberty Star to see it's brand new look - Jake did a quick revamp yesterday - he will be doing some more with it very soon. I will be updating the workshop schedule and adding some mixed media projects.
xoxx, Renée

2007-04-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Playing Dress Up Assemblage/Shadow Box

This is a project in the new pattern "Playing Dress Up" - it's really fun to make for those of you who like to play with paint and paper along with a little bit of sewing too.

This is the "One Room Schoolhouse Journal" for Primitives of the Midwest . . . Clara the doll and last of the three projects is waiting for her clothes . . . such a patient little doll! Then those projects will be done - yippee! A little photography for kits and they can make their way to MO. That will be one more thing done on my rather long and overwhelming list of things to get done . . . I sure don't enjoy being behind on deadlines.

. . . and all this fun stuff was a surprise from Tracy Roos in OR - SOOOOOO SWEET! Thank you Tracy . . . I love it all and will definitely try the magic wand tomorrow. Maybe a few waves of it over unfinished projects will magically finish them! Cross your fingers!
xoxx, Renée

2007-04-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Picking Cherries

This is a project for one of my workshops for Primitives of the Midwest at the Quilter's Station in Lee's Summit, MO - June 20 - 23. It is inspired from a vintage block that I have always thought was amusing - one lady in the tree and both of them in dresses working so hard. The two other projects One Room Schoolhouse Journal and a Primitive Doll, Clara aren't ready for photos yet but I am trying to get them done over the weekend. Then they will be off to MO . . . but not before I take some photos to post here.

The Picking Cherries project will also be a workshop at the Country Loft in August along with a new primitive doll, Myrtle.

Thank you so much for the very nice comments about the workshop and pattern projects - I really appreciate it. Several people have asked about workshop projects becoming patterns later . . . or being available as patterns - I usually don't publish them so that hopefully there will be interest in signing up for my workshops.

Back to stitching - so much to do . . . so little time!

xoxx, Renée

2007-03-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

A Little Peak at the New Patterns

No 156 Patches & Pockets

This is just the "first take" for the new handbag pattern and it doesn't even have the straps on it in the photo but I thought you might like to see it anyway.

No 154 Playing Dress Up or maybe Dress Up or Little Dresses

I am handquilting this one since it is so little . . . it was so much fun to stitch - the raw edge appliqué was done on the sewing machine - really fast. It will have red binding to sort of frame it. The pattern will also have an assemblagé or shadow box included - an easy project for those of you who are crafty. What title do you like best for this pattern?

No 157 Sweetbriar

This pieced quilt is made with Windham's Worn & Loved group by Jeanne Horton . . . I love this fabric - it looks so vintage and has a very nice hand just like old fabric. mmmm delicious! The quilt is 46" square and the pieced border actually goes all the way around . . . I took this photo before it was done. It is headed to Sandy Strunk for quilting . . . she is the very best long arm quilter and so sweet to fit my quilts in. This pattern will also have a small sewing needle/supplies case.

and . . . the projects for Primitives of the Midwest are coming along too . . . but not ready for photos yet. Very soon though . . .

xoxx, Renée

2007-03-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

Utility Apron

This is one of two apron versions in my new pattern "Utility Apron" - it will be ready for Spring Quilt Market coming the beginning of May. The second apron will be finished as soon as the rest of the fabric arrives. I think my dress form looks pretty cute in this one. The other patterns are Sweetbriar, a pieced quilt, made from Windham's new fabric line Worn & Loved by Jeanne Horton - a really old looking group. Patches & Pockets a new handbag - I bet you can guess that it has lots of pockets and fabrics! Little Dresses (not sure on the title yet - other title choices are Playing Dress Up or Dress Up) - a little appliqué quilt along with an assemblage or shadow box project - really fun to make! As soon as they are presentable I will post photos here for you to see. Which title do you like best for the dress quilt pattern? Probably would be easier if you could see it . . . and that will be very soon!
xoxx, Renée

2007-03-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

An Amusing Stitchery

This precious little Sonia Sandell, Primitives by Kathy stitchery is so amusing! Little 6 1/2 year old Lillie may want to consider a profession other than teaching . . . one that doesn't require any patience.
xoxx, Renée

2007-03-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

My Treasure from the Country Loft

So charming! I love it!
xoxx, Renée

2007-03-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Back Home . . . and finally a few minutes to share a glimpse of my wonderful weekend in La Mesa, CA for the Country Loft workshops.

This is Kathy at her fabulously decorated home - so inspiring! She is such a darling hostess . . . and makes me feel sooooo welcome. Thank you for being such a sweetheart!

and this is Jo Ann at her wonderful home . . . I got to see her awesome newly finished studio - it is the whole floor upstairs. I decided that even though she has a bed and bathroom in the studio I wouldn't be able to sleep there because there are too many fun inspiring things to stitch or paint or stuff or hook or ? . . . . her whole house is perfectly decorated too! Jo Ann and Kathy are sisters - and both are managers at the Country Loft. How fun would that be to have a sister to work with and share a love for stitching and primitives?

What a lucky girl I am to get to visit them and all the adorable ladies there! Visit the shop along with workshop photos in my new photo album The Country Loft Workshops . Thank you to all the darling girls that were in the workshops, the wonderful Country Loft staff and the very sweet shop owner, Sharon! She gathers the coolest antiques all across the country - drawers, baskets, boxes, cabinets . . . all ready for me to bring home. Thank goodness I figured out it was better to drive . . . so much more room to bring treasures home. Look for a photo of my newest Country Loft treasure soon!
xoxx, Renée

2007-02-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

The Kits are Ready!

These are the kits for teaching at The Country Loft in La Mesa, CA . . . now I can hardly wait to to start my adventure! Go WEST young woman - on the road Friday morning - it's about a 5 1/2 hour drive. Rain is predicted but I am crossing my fingers that it will be just a light sprinkle! I will take lots of photos to share so you all can join me at this wonderful shop!

and this is the first Easter decoration - the rest will have to wait until I get home . . .

xoxx, Renée

2007-02-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sweet Emma & A Big House and a Cherry Tree

This is Sweet Emma . . . we will be making her at Cotton & Chocolate in Thousand Oaks, CA in June. Her hair was done with a felting needle - so much fun! If only my hair could work that well to tidy up. Though that would be a little more pain than I would want to endure each morning with all that poking!

A Big House and a Cherry Tree

This is the little quilt that we will be making in the other class at Cotton & Chocolate. How cute is that quilt shop's name . . . mmmmm delicious can you think of anything better than that combination?
xoxx, Renée

2007-02-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Be Mine . . . abundant hearts!

a fun little Wendy Addison heart wreath

putting the chalkboard to good use!

xoxx, Renée

2007-02-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

A Wire Skirt

I have been neglecting my blog but this week my goal is to at least post a few photos. I found this little doll in a box of old stuff. She needed to have these blocks for a stand so I drilled holes and then glued little pieces of dowel to connect them. Then came the cute wire skirt - it took a little play to figure that out but I think she looks pretty good now. She is still going to get some charms, tags and a little key added to the wire but too much to do today to work on that.
xoxx, Renée

2007-01-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

A New Washtub

Last Saturday I bought this washtub to use for a rolling file box . . . or maybe it can hold current projects or perhaps it can be for new fabric bundles? hmmmmm - can't decide yet . . . . anyway it was too cute to pass up and it was a pretty good price. It was hard to decide between this one and two others - a really cute green one and another one that had a removable galvanized washtub on a rolling base. I have one like that with two metal tubs on my back patio. It's great for parties as a cooler for water bottles, soda cans or beer packed with ice plus it looks cute! ahhh form and function - very nice! You can see Hailey is catching a few winks and Axel is off chasing lizards in the backyard.
xoxx, Renée

2007-01-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went to the Phoenix Art Museum to see this exhibit
After Dark: 100 Years of the Evening Dress

These were my favorite dresses in the exhibit . . . the details were amazing! I left the pictures gigantic so if you click on one of these photos you will be able to see the beautiful workmanship. Judging from the waist size of most of the dresses in the exhibit these women must have never eaten a single dessert! They were so tiny - AMAZING!
xoxx, Renée