Summer memories part 1

 Is it really August already?  It seems as though it were just yesterday that we had the whole Summer ahead of us.  But here we are in the "dog days" of Summer.....

Drew's mommy will be headed back to school next week so I will have my little "weekday" buddy once again.

I do love the Autumn season and I look forward to all it has to bring.  But Summer also holds special memories as well.  I thought I would share a few of this Summer's memories before it passes us by. 

A few weeks ago Kate, Emma and I had a sleepover at my Mom's house.  Even though I don't babysit them any longer, they are still such a special part of my life.  I love the time I spend with them.  They are growing up so fast. 

When we have our sleepovers, I always let the girls choose a project.  This time it was doll making. 

We did a little sewing.......

Ate a lot of ice-cream.....

And had tons of fun.....

I am so blessed by these girls.

The next Summer memory is  so very special as well.  My Mom, sister, and I hosted a memorial picnic in honor of my Dad.  It was held over Memorial Day weekend and we had the perfect day.  Family and my Dad's closest friends were invited to share in the day.  We made all of my Dad's favorite foods, played his favorite music, made posters of all our favorite photos and asked everyone to come ready to share their favorite pictures and memories.  One of the most special things about this day is that it allowed us to reconnect with my cousins that we had lost contact with for the past 30 years.  What a wonderful reunion we had.  My Dad would have been so happy.

(me, my Mom, my cousin Peggy, and my sister Andrea)

 (my cousin Bobby, cousin Peggy, me, my sister Andrea)

When I first began writing this post I thought I had just a few Summer memories to share.  As I continued writing I found that I have more memories than I thought to share with you all.  I decided to make this a two part post.  Before I close part one of "Summer memories" I will share just one more.  It is one that I am very excited about and one that I have been keeping a secret for some time now.  Cricut Magazine has once again honored me by publishing two of my projects.  I had to wait to tell you until the magazine hit the newsstand. 

I knew that the magazine would hit the newsstand in August but imagine my surprise when I opened this email to find my shadowbox had also been featured in the Cricut on-line newsletter Click on the red link above to check it out :) 
Stay tuned for part two---I have lots more to share :)

Skip Along Designs

Isn't that a happy name for an etsy shop.  The owner of this shop is Dee and she has filled Skip Along Designs with so many wonderful vintage images that I just had to share this shop with you.  The best part is that she continues adding images so each time I visit it is like Christmas :)  First I will show you what I created using some of her images and then I will give you the link so you can visit her too. 

Ok now "Skip" along over to her esty shop and take a peek at all the other wonderful images.

Skip Along Designs

I had such fun making this bunting banner I just had to make a few more.  For the first one I used my Cricut to cut out the letters to spell "Precious" from some of my reproduction 30's fabric and then using a zig zag stitch attach them to the purple polka dot fabric.

Cutting fabric with the Cricut machine is very easy.  Just back your fabric with "heat and bond".  With the fabric side up, place the piece on the Cricut mat.  Make sure that the pressure level is set on max with the speed level set to high.  See -----easy peasy.

This next banner I left plain.  I just love this fabric and I didn't want to cover any of it up :)

I hope you will all take a minute to visit Dee.  I know you will not be disappointed !!  Tell her Mimi says HI   :)

On a Whimsy

 I recently shared with you all about my neighbor, Mashel and her soon to open children's consignment and boutique.  Well it is no longer "soon to open". I am so excited to report that today is the day.  The day that On a Whimsy will open it's doors for the very first time.  I have been sewing for weeks preparing for the opening day.  Yesterday I put the finishing touches to my little dolls,  added these sweet tags.....

packed them all up.....

and headed to the shop.  I would be seeing it for the first time---and it was everything I has imagined it would be.  I was greeted in such a welcoming way by this delightful garden.

I knew from the moment I walked in that this was going to be a special place.  It was filled with all of the vintage charm that I adore.  Mashel has such a wonderful talent for displaying items using vintage pieces that she collected from garage sales.  I took lots of pictures....here are just a few.......

Oops I guess that was more than a few pictures--but everything is so cute I could not help myself.  If you live locally I know Mashel would love for you to stop by to say Hello.  The shop is located in Ingomar at 820 West Ingomar Road   Pittsburgh. Well I must get back to sewing--I have so many things I would love to add to the shop.  I can't wait to show you all the project that I just finished---but I will leave that surprise for another post :)