Quilt Girl

Floor Tiles~Inspiration for a Quilt!

2012-02-25T18:40:00.002-08:00

I have a fascination with floor tiles and after you see these pictures, you'll see why! Here they are:

These were taken in a hotel that I stayed in. I can't remember the hotels name, but...I fell in love with the floor! The floor looked like a QUILT!!! Every time I look at these photos, I'm inspired to design a quilt. One day I will have to break down and sew one up! I also like the colors! The tiled design was so big, I couldn't get it all in the one picture!

Have any of you been inspired by something you've seen on your travels? I'd love to hear about them, please make a comment!

happy quilting,

xoxo

Denise

I {Heart} Pinterest!

2012-02-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

I know I've mentioned this before, but, I really do love pinterest! Just to show you how much, I've decided to make the Meatball Minestrone Soup ,that I pinned the other day, for Sunday dinner! We have our kids over with their families each Sunday and this will be perfect!...

I may also make the biscuit recipe that goes with the chicken soup recipe in my "Yummmm" folder!

Don't they both look yummy! Let me know how yours turns out!

xoxo

Denise

How do you like your Sugar Cookies?

2012-02-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

I LOVE, LOVE sugar cookies! I have loved them ever since I found the recipe I'm going to share with you, today! I found this recipe when I was away at University and would spend time in the library ....to study....and to look at books (cook books to be exact) I was interested in....(I used to study for only about an hour and "play" the rest of the time.) Can you relate to this? I hope so, cause I don't want to be the only one!

Anyway, I like my sugar cookies more on the thin side with a little crunch and a little brown on the edges. I'll like them plain, but, then I also like to have a great frosting on them, too....I have found a frosting that I love, too! I'll share that with you!

We like to freeze our cookies so they taste fresh for several days...but, I don't think they'll last that long!

This is how we decorate our cookies:

Here are a few more ideas on how to decorate your cookies (some of the pics have their website names on them and give instructions for you! YAY!):

Enjoy!
xoxo
Denise

Here is my favorite recipes:

Sugar Cookies-Our family favorite!

1 C butter (real is best)
1-2/3 C sugar
2 eggs
3 t vanilla
3-1/2 C flour
2-1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla and cream until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking power and salt into wet ingredients and mix well. Let chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll out on floured board. Cut out and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes about 5 + dozen.

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 pound (3 1/2 cups) sifted confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
3 to 4 tablespoons milk or light cream, or to make smooth and spreadable

Preparation:

Cream butter, salt, vanilla and butter flavoring, beating with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar gradually, beating after each addition. Add 3 tablespoons milk or light cream, beating until smooth. Beat in more milk ,until spreading consistency is reached and the frosting is spreadable. Makes about 2-1/3 cups of frosting, enough to frost tops and sides of of an 8-inch 2-layer cake or a 10-inch tube or bundt cake, or about 1 dozen cupcakes.

How to make a Quilted Card!~great for Valentines!

2012-02-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Are you forever looking at left over blocks or pieces from a quilt that didn't quite make it into the quilt? Well, I have the solution for YOU! I had so many little four-patch pieces left over from a quilt, that I decided to make something worth remembering and passing on to someone else!

Now, if you want to print a little message inside, you should do that first and then cut to size recommended in the instructions! you may also want to add your name or sentiment on the back of the card, like you see @ the big card companies!

Well, now that I've got your brain full of ideas, you can even create a card with a heart block for the front or whatever you choose for Valentines Day! (note: the block should be square, for some reason my picture changed while uploading to blog.)

(click to enlarge and print)

*Please abide by the copyright laws and give credit when sharing.

Enjoy! xoxo and Have a Great Valentines day!
Denise

Quilt Girl Flickr Group! Join us!

2012-02-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I just created a quilt flickr group for Quilt Girl! Yes, you can upload all of your fun block-of-the-month photos to this group! Right now we are making use of all of our strips or left over quilt pieces in these blocks. Click on the tab, above, for Block of the month to see the FREE patterns.

These Strip blocks are fun blocks and they kill two birds with one stone! No more extra strips laying around, PLUS beautiful blocks for a beautiful quilt! We have 5 blocks right now! I'm working on block 6, so join in! Sign up for email subscriptions for notifications! and the join the Quilt Girl Group on Flickr! Can't wait to see you!

I have a new discussion on the Flickr group! "What are you working on right now?" so, tell us what YOU are working on!

xoxo, happy quilting!

Denise

What was your Messiest Moment?

2012-02-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you for stopping by! If you are new to Quilt Girl, please subscribe for free updates! You will find several different ways to subscribe in the sidebar.

I would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter!

I grew up where we had a garden every summer. It wasn't a small garden, it was a BIG garden! We all had a part, in the garden, to make it grow and be successful. I especially liked working with the tomatoes, they were so pretty, red and easy to pick...as they were tall and in cages. All I had to do was put my hands in the 4" squares and pick a juicy, red, ripe tomato!

One particular day, I went to the garden to pick some tomatoes, I thought I would use my shirt to put them in...(a true farmer! haha). Well, when I got back into the house, I dropped off the tomatoes into the kitchen, went into the bathroom to wash...and low and behold...there was red all over my white shirt. (did I fail to tell you I was wearing white?) What was I to do? ...I knew Clorox was great at bleaching out stains...so, I put together a solution of bleach and water, poured it over my WHITE shirt and voila!!! it was WHITE again! I was the happiest person in the world! the rest of the story....because, this was not only a white shirt, it was a white shirt that I made myself! Thank you Clorox!

I ‘m sharing my messy moment for the chance to win prizes from TidyMom as part of Clorox’s Bleach It Away campaign.

Table Runner & Napkin Ring Pattern

2012-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you for stopping by! If you are new to Quilt Girl, please subscribe for free updates!

You can subscribe in the sidebar.

I would also love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter!

I have a very talented daughter, named Erin Winfree! She designed a beautiful table runner for an online magazine and I wanted to share it with you. [I am a proud mama!] She picked out the fabrics from my stash and away she went! She figured out a pattern for any skill levels! AND it turned out beautiful!.... as you can see:

Runner is 17" x 47"

She used Insul-bright for the batting, so that when a hot pan sits on top, it will protect the table top! Isn't that genious!? The pattern also comes with a napkin-ring pattern. You can find the pattern on the Crafts'n Things online newsletter!

For the runner you'll need:

Fabrics & Embellishments
• Fat quarter (FQ) prints: beige (A), one; medium purple (B), one; salmon (C), one; medium green/cream (D) for border and part of blocks, two; green floral (E) for center block and backing, four; dark purple (F) for block and binding, three; light green/cream (G), one.
• Salmon satin ribbon, ½"-wide, 3-½ yards.
Tools & Supplies
• Insul-Bright Batting, 1 yard (The Warming Company®).
• Lite Steam-A-Seam2, 9"x12" (The Warming Company®).
• All-Purpose Dual Duty XP thread, to match (Coats & Clark®).
• KK2000 "green" Temporary Spray Adhesive (Sulky®).
• Fray Check™ (Dritz®).
• Basic sewing and quilting supplies: sewing machine, straight pins, scissors, rotary cutter.
• Sewing machine feet: quilting foot, ¼"; darning foot, zipper foot.
• Iron and ironing surface.
• Cloth napkins to match.

The rest of the pattern is on the Crafts'n Things website!
This can be made many times in different seasonal colors! Easy to make and machine quilt! Enjoy! I have!

xoxo
Denise

Pinterest....a dream come true!

2012-02-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you for stopping by! If you are new to Quilt Girl, please subscribe for free updates!

You can subscribe in the sidebar.

I would also love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter!

Hi fellow quilters!

I've been having so much fun on pinterest, it is a dream come true! I have fallen in LOVE with how easy it is to store great inspiring images! I'm sure all of you, who have your own boards, have realized this, too. As it is getting more hype than any other social media site on the internet! I'm working on filling my pinterest with things that inspire me, (like most), as well as projects I would like to may, (as most) and making friends, especially quilting friends!

Pinterest is a great place to "file" any image you want to keep handy for future drooling over and admiring! Here are a few pics of quilts I absolutely fell in love with:

I also have a "board" for my designs and work in the quilt an craft industry, too! If you want to be part of the pinterest rage...you will need to be "invited" when you send in your inquiry. It make take a little while....but, believe me it is worth every minute of waiting! You can see that it is worth checking it out!

Check out my pinterest board by going to: www.pinterest.com/deniseclason I'll see you on the board!

xoxo
Denise

NEW BLOG! YAY!

2012-01-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

I've been getting my blog switched over and wanted to thank you all for being so patient! I just added a FREE Block-of-the-Month to the menu bar! It is starting out with 5 blocks! (aren't you lucky!) :O)

Subscribe to my blog, so that you won't miss one of these great blocks!

I look forward to our friendship as I blog about what I love, QUILTS! I love hearing your comments about what you are doing, too. So, please feel comfortable posting comments!

Thanks again! Please post your pics on my flickr page, in the Strip BOM folder!

xoxo

Denise

What does your Craft Room look like?

2011-11-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you for stopping by! If you are new to Quilt Girl, please subscribe for free updates!

You can subscribe in the sidebar.

I would also love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter!

I've decided to purge! Yes, It is REALLY time to do it. I keep things because, some day.....I could use it for....??? Really???... Do I HAVE to keep everything??? (yes, in a whisper) AND, on the other side, I do like a challenge, so the "stuff" is really a challenge to use up, right?! (can you see that I'm trying to talk myself into keeping everything..) I'm talking not only my fabric stash, I'm talking books, files, paint, art supplies, quilt supplies, unfinished painted projects, old jeans, etc. you name it, I probably have it, whether is it finished or not...you know "some day....I COULD use that!

So, Here are a few pictures of my too full studio! It is also the messiest it has ever been! After finished my apron book, Sewing Vintage Aprons (you know, you have to leave stuff out to get to it quickly when working on a book.) and other "deadlines" ...my workroom became an organized-STACKED-room-of-clutter!......and believe it or not...I know where everything is!
So, here it all is...in its glory! TA DA-----

Here we have the first photo, above, it is in the North-West corner of the room. By the window.

On the Counter Top: 4-in-1 printer, paint, lamp, overflow fabric, water basin and part of my ribbon storage.

Above the Cabinets: Plastic tubs full of designer dolls, unfinished wood/birdhouses, gallery glass stuff, unfinished painted projects, misc. wire supplies. lamp shades, paint palette, wreath, basket, vintage fabric, knitting supplies.

Inside of Upper Cabinets: Organized fabric stash, I'll show pics of inside, in another post.

Inside of Lower Cabinets: The Warm Co. Batting rolls, pillow forms, misc. fabric bags (drawers)

This is a picture just left of the above picture, the West wall. I've got:

On the Counter: Ribbon box, misc. fabric scraps (in plastic bags), fabric stash, leftover fabric from a project. This is supposed to be my "open" cutting area, well, everything was dropped here, because it was "open" space...not any more...I've put it to good use, haha!

In Upper Cabinets: Organized fabric stash, you'll see later on.

This picture, above, is just below the previous picture on the West wall. It has: (walking space! YAY!)

Under the Counter: A light box that my husband made, which I painted, Viking Designer SE sewing machine and embroidery unit, batting I'm not going to keep..too stiff!, Legal 2-drawer filing cabinets which houses my unfinished wood/painted projects on top (and it is stacked full!) and the lower drawer houses my painting instruction books/patterns, and Create and Decorate, Crafts'n Things, Sewing Savvy magazines which have my designs. On top of the filing cabinet is a pressing sheet for applique.

Here we have a picture of the South/West Corner just left of the West wall above. This is what I call my "black hole," because the counter ends and I have some floor space in the corner, which I can't get to very easily! It has a TON of stuff! Here we go:

In Front of Cabinet: stool with a box of batik fabric, on top of that are aprons from my grandmother, below the stool is a stack of paperwork waiting to be filed. (4 drawer filing cabinet to the side.)

Inside of Lower Cabinet: Here I have a large rolling luggage for my sewing machine. Finished projects from my first 6 books, old sewn items from when I was a child, unfinished quilts. (3)

On Top of Counter: I have a box of fabric/ties for a book idea, punch needle project, Bag of fabric set aside for another quilt. 3 Boxes of fabric collections from designer friends ( just have to keep them together), Two rotary cutting rulers (large square), stacks of fabric set aside for apron book (that I didn't use), batting from another project, (my decorart, delta paints are on the back wall in containers that my husband made for me! Saves me a lot of space!!!)

Inside the Upper Cabinets: Left side is full of Lion Brand yarn, silk flower supplies, office supplies, my old book manuscripts (originals), computer software boxes.

In the Corner (black hole): I have a hanging rack my husband made to hang unfinished projects, underneath the rack I have room to store my mannequin, quilting frames (husband made), rolls of pattern paper, canvas, box of computer stuff, yard sticks, folding cutting board.

This is the South wall in my workroom, it is opposite of the window. Here I have:

On the Floor: You can see a little piece of my quilting frames, that my husband made, on the lower left. I painted them with quilt blocks. They were out because a friend borrowed them. My mannequin is out with a sample apron from my apron book, unfinished...because I was testing the pattern. 4 drawer filing cabinet, which holds all of my paperwork, manufacturer's information, pattern packets, Trade show travel folders.

On Top of Filing Cabinet: My Singer Featherweight sewing machine (can't see) because I have my two iron boxes and iron in front of it. a "T" square, metal ornamental design, box of vintage art and sewing machine cover.

Inside the Pantry: This is the tall 24" deep by 24" wide by 7' tall cabinet. I have a lot of fabric meant for clothing, many vintage aprons, vintage towels, vintage fabric for a double wedding ring quilt, manufacturer's tools/supplies, fabric on bolts, ironing supplies, DMC embroidery threads/patterns, crochet spools/patterns, interfacings, metal tools/snaps, Clover hooks & buckles for purses, etc., Beading supplies, you name it, it is in there...and stacked two layers deep! I know what is in there and where!!!

On Top of the Pantry Cabinet: I have a "Lap" hand quilting frame, and a hammock...waiting to be used!!!

This is just to the left of the pantry cabinet. It is the South/East Corner of my workroom. You can see that I have a lot of stuff here, too...so here goes: (first let me say that I work in a Loft area that is 10' x 11'. and I'm very, very lucky to have an open window to the downstairs...otherwise I think I would be very claustrophobic!)

Behind the sewing table: You can see my ironing area, with all of the supplies on the sewing table. My Unique Sewing Furniture sewing table is my Love! (next to my family) It is 4' wide and 2' deep...with a drop table that can open up to make a 4' x 4' space for quilting!

On top of this table are: ironing supplies, 4 baby p.j's ready to be made up, CD/radio player (thought I would listen to music) but it was too big! CD holder, Magazine projects that were returned to me the week before, pin cushion, stack of paperwork to be moved to filing cabinet and home office, digital camera case.

You can see that there IS some carpet and it is only about 2 feet wide, so I have a zig-zag walk area to get in and out of my studio.

Underneath Sewing Table: garbage can (not usually here), embroidery unit for Bernina 170E, Sketchbooks with designs/patterns.

This picture is the North/East corner of my workroom, just across from my sewing table. I use the same chair to work at my desk that I use to sew at the machine.

Inside of the Tall Plastic Drawers: I have a TON of misc. supplies in these drawers, beginning with wooden pieces, metal pieces/vintage hardware, twine, metal wire, glue, Steam-A-Seam fusible webbing, vintage quilt blocks, unfinished quilt tops, painting supplies, beaded trim/rope...all at arms/hands reach!
On Top of Plastic Drawers: This is really a junk pile of stuff I don't know what else to do with. I have some misc. quilt blocks, a kitty cat pin cushion, stack of BOM patterns, wooden giraff to hold project pictures or instructions, broken lamp (I think I can fix...yeah right! haha), old magazines.
Wall-Shelf Cabinet: I have some Zip file storage on one of the shelves, a couple external hard drives...I love these...getting rid of the zip file SOON! I also have a few notebooks, another pin cushion (she keeps my hand sewing needles)

On the Wall: Here I have some of my favorite ornaments, daughter/SIL photo, my grandma's boot pin cushion. (if you want to make the boot pin cushion, I have a FREE pattern on my website.) The pin cushion is perfect for a holiday gift! I also have an old painted clip light...haven't used for a LONG time, as well as a favorite scrapbook page.

On the Desk Corner: There is a standing file that my husband made for me and I painted. (too bad I can't see the painting anymore...it is covered by another box, which holds more stuff that I use almost daily!) I need to find a better way to get to these things! You can also see that I have a datebook, magazines with my designs in them, waiting to be sent out for endorsements. You can also see that I have my IPod (green case), candle, pen/pencil holder, and my favorite OTT light w/magnifier!!! Great for sewing and ripping out! haha

Here you are viewing the North side of my workroom, with the window. The window helps me feel like my room is larger than it is because I can see OUT! Here you are seeing:

On my Desk: Laptop, computer CD storage, phone, a little stack of "to-do's" by the mouse pad.

Small Plastic Drawers: I LOVE this stack of drawers! It has 6 drawers! And 4 of them house part of my Coats and Clark, Gutermann, Sulky, Auriful thread collection! The top drawer holds my office supplies that I need at a moments notice, like stapler, address labels, business cards, envelopes, paper clips, tape, checks, etc. Then I have 4 drawers full of thread, all color coordinated. The bottom drawer has misc. paper products, old vintage keys, small notebooks, post-its, etc.

Underneath Desk: Under the desk and behind the thread drawers, I have three more plastic containers of thread! I have AURIfil as well as Sulky Embroidery threads in their respective cases. I also have my first sewing machine, a Viking 6360! It is a work horse and keeps me grounded when the computer sewing machines cause me a fit! haha Behind the thread cases, I have my ribbon/trims cases. I have two of these with two drawers each. I'll post how I store my ribbon and trims in another blog post!

So...I'm sharing one of my work spaces with you, because I was at the point of going crazy. I've started cleaning and throwing out and putting away! I'll post pics when it is all done...I'm doing this because I need to have my mind clear again to design....AND I want to set up my new IMAC!!! I told myself I have to have a clean room, first!!!

I hope I have inspired you to clean up your work area, as well as given you SOME ideas on how to keep things organized...the later will be in another post! When everything IS put away! Thanks for reading my blog!

Now...tell me what you want to do with your space???!!!

Denise

diane flowers art and design: Never Give Up !

2011-11-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

diane flowers art and design: Never Give Up !

Bake the perfect Potato in your Microwave!

2011-11-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you for stopping by! If you are new to Quilt Girl, please subscribe for free updates!

You can subscribe in the sidebar.

I would also love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter!

One of the fun Make it-Take-its at Quilt Market in Houston TX, was a Potato Bag! It is a GREAT bag that when used in the microwave can bake the PERFECT potatoe! Not only does it cook the perfect potato, it will also cook your corn-on-the-cob! AND I warm up my tortillas in them and they stay warm for a long time afterwards!

The Warm Company makes a 100% natural cotton batting, called their "Warm Tater," just for this purpose (and other quilting projects). But, because you want to have only natural products around your food, they came up with the best batting! If you go to their website, you'll find the instructions on how to make this great bag! As well as instructions on how to use it!

I will be giving mine away as a gift to one of my daughters for Christmas! It went together fast! Here is a picture of how it looks! If you look for potato prints, you may find some, BUT, you can use any fabric you'd like!

What an easy, fun and inexpensive gift to make! have fun making one for your friends and family!

Denise

Create a Thanksgiving Table Topper~w-Sizzix

2011-11-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you for stopping by! If you are new to Quilt Girl, please subscribe for free updates!

You can subscribe in the sidebar.

I would also love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter!

If you are wondering what to make for a table topper for Thanksgiving, I have the perfect project. I made this last year and fell in love with it! This cute little house made such a great impression on my dining room table! I covered the table with a seasonal cloth first and then added a basket with greenery and put this cute little scene in front of it! My home was ready for Autumn in no time!

This Fall project is featuring the Sizzix Scoreboards Pro Die-House, 3D by Eileen Hull!

Sizzix Scoreboard Pro Die House 3D by Eileen Hull
***Link on how to construct the 3D house!

I used the glazing medium to adhere the wrinkled tissue paper to the house. Let it dry and then paint with the English Mustard and Wrought Iron in respective places. ‘Antique’ with the Burnt Umber.

For the Base, Trace the top shape onto the wrong side of fabric, cut out and then adhere with watered down Tacky Glue, Let dry. Paint the edges with Burnt Umber and “float” or shade the top edge of the fabric. Use Satin Varnish for sealing the project and give a finishing touch on all pieces, including the pumpkin!

Here are the items you will need to make this cute Festive Fall House:
1. Sizzix die #656836
2. Sizzix 12 x 12 matboard, white
3. Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die cutting machine
Additional supplies needed to make the Fall Celebration house:
Glazing Medium
(1) sheet tissue paper
Folk Art Paint in colors–English Mustard, Burnt Umber, Wrought Iron, Permanent rose, Hauser Green Lt.
Loew-Cornell brushes, 1/2″ flat, 1″ flat, #1 liner
Satin Varnish
(1) 6″ square sheet Therm-0-Web Double Stick Tape
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Walnut Hollow #23426 Basswood Surface
10″ square fabric by Brenda Pinnick (Henry Glass)
Small 4″ pumpkin, pick one with leaves on the stem!
Fall Floral spray
Paper towels, water basin, paint palette. sharp scissors

Enjoy!
Denise

Quilted Bags and Totes~Jessica's Backpack redo!

2011-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I often receive photos from people who purchase my books and I absolutely LOVE to see what you do with my designs! Here is a wonderful version of Jessica's backpack from my Quilted Bags and Totes book:

Barbara from Minneapolis MN made this beaufitul backpack for her granddaughters 6th birthday! She will use it to go to kindergarten! How sweet it is to fussy cut the "K" for the flap as her name begins with a K! Thanks for sharing, Barbara! Can't wait to see what else you create from Quilted Bags and Totes!

Here is a cover of the book:

Here is a picture of the original Jessica's backpack:

If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please go to my website: http://www.deniseclason.com/
thanks so much!

If you are interested in buying my latest book, Sewing Vintage Aprons (signed copy can be purchased from my website), or you can purchase a copy from Amazon- here:

Hug yourself in a quilt, xoxox

Denise

Sewing Vintage Aprons~New Annie's Apron

2011-10-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I remade one of the aprons in my Sewing Vintage Aprons book and wanted to share! It is the red apron on the cover of the book! To buy: Sewing Vintage Aprons If you want a "signed" copy, please buy from my website: http://www.deniseclason.com/

A friend of mine, Tara Reed, sent me some of her fabric that she designed for South Sea Imports. Here is a picture of the apron made from the "Welcome to the Roost" fabric:

Isn't it ADORABLE?

Now Create & Decorate Magazine is posting a FREE Annie's Apron pattern on their blog...Free Annie's Apron Pattern from my book, Sewing Vintage Aprons!

Please Enjoy! and spread the word! on your facebook and twitter posts! thanks so much!

xoxo
Denise

Apron Tablecloth...so CUTE!

2011-09-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I went to a fun country fair last week and found this vintage red gingham apron used as a tablecloth. It was so cute and creative that I had to take a picture. So glad I had my camera! I'm thinkin' I'll have to use one of my vintage aprons as a tablecloth some day!

The white Wrights rick-rack which also adorns the apron really gives it a great touch, Yay for the 50's! If you want to make a vintage apron, check out my newest book, Sewing Vintage Aprons! There is a half apron with black stitching and black rick rack!

As long as we are talking about food and aprons, I wanted to share a picture of my grandson, Ryan. He loves to bake and so here we are making sugar cookies! He also has a play set of sugar cookies. They are wooden with wooden frosting that you attach with velcro...even comes with a cookie sheet, spatula, oven mitt...which he never forgets! We made the "oven" out of a cardboard box and we colored the handles and windows with Crayola crayons. The wooden sugar cookies are fun to play with ....even for grandma! haha (I like the way the real cookies taste, much better!)

We made my favorite sugar cookie recipe! I've been making it for over 35 years.

Sugar Cookies-Our favorite!
1 C butter (real is best)
1-2/3 C sugar
2 eggs
3 t vanilla
3-1/2 C flour
2-1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla and cream until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking power and salt into wet ingredients and mix well. Let chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll out on floured board. Cut out and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes about 5 + dozen.

I couldn't forget my grand daughter, Evelyn (named after my dad's mother)...Here she is trying to crawl. About 4 months old. She is now 7 months old. I LOVE her in these white crop pants! Just too cute! She is laying on top of a blanket that my maternal grandmother made for MY daughter. It is 25 years old and has been loved a lot!

The child's blanket is very simple to make,

You will need:
(2) two yard lengths of fabric (make one length flannel, prewash and press fabrics)
2 yards 80/20 Fairfield batting
1 spool 50 weight Aurifil thread, to match fabric
Lion Brand Jamie yarn to match or coordinate with fabric
(1) Gold Eye Taspestry needle by Clover
Blue painters tape

Layer backing flannel, face down onto large table or floor. Tape around the edges with blue tape. Layer batting, layer topping fabric, face up. Thread needle with yarn. You may want to have several of thse ready to go to save time. With a piece of cardboard or tag board, create a 4" square. Use the square to position each "tie" of yarn. Create a tie with the yard by going through all three layers of the quilt. Go across the quilt and when you run our of yarn, stop and cut the yard between stitches. Tie each yarn into a square knot. Repeat and cover the quilt with ties! Very cute!
Remove the painters tape and turn the top fabric over to the bottom fabric, create a hem and stitch it down with your sewing machine!

Hug yourself in a quilt! and eat some comfort food....maaaaybe some sugar cookies!

xoxo
Denise

Fig Tree & Co. and Joanna Figueroa

2011-09-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I know it has been a LONG time since I've posted. I feel very bad about it, too! I've been busy with our new little grand daughter, Evelyn! And she is adorable! I also have a grandson, Ryan, who is now 3 1/2 years old and they both are so much fun, especially when they are together. Evelyn loves to watch her brother and she laughs at all of his running around and giggling! Makes me smile to write about them!

Now, on with the rest of the story....

I took a quilt class! Yes, I did! I decided I needed to get out of my studio and experience the "real" world...at the quilt store and not just my "stash" store (even though I have enough fabric to make enough quilts to keep me happy for a life time)! When I found out that Joanna, from Fig Tree & Co. was coming to Henderson, NV to the Quiltique quilt store, I had to buy my "place" right then. There were only 22 seats in the classroom. I found out that I was the 7th person to get a place in the class! I was ecstatic, I just love Joanna's fabrics!

Here is the interesting part....I happened to go into Quiltique a few weeks prior to the class, not knowing about it, and bought one of Joanna's "whimsy" jelly rolls! (Then I saw the class online and bought my "seat.") Well, I ordered the Jelly and Jam pattern and when I got to the class, I found out that it was made using the whimsy jelly roll! It couldn't have been a more surreal moment! It made my day! There were no more whimsy prints or jelly rolls in the store by that time. Here's a photo of me with Joanna, in front of the Jelly and Jam quilt! (with the jelly roll prints from Whimsy by Moda!)

The class was FULL with fun women talking and chatting! I realized how much I missed the sounds of happy women sewing! I also ran into two of my painting chapter friends...they happened to sit right next to me! so...needless to say I had a fantastic day!

I took my cute little featherweight machine and she stitched her heart away, finishing 10 blocks and 10 more almost finished blocks.

We made the "end of day" block for the jell and jam quilt. They are quick and easy blocks to make!

I've been sewing at home and have only 10 more to finish, then on to the sashing, borders, etc.! can't wait to finish it up! Here's a photo showing part of my blocks, they are stacked, so you can't see them all. It also shows the yellow fabric I'll use for the sashing, the green check I'm using for the border and the floral print for the backing!

Here are a few more pictures from the class!

A quilt Joanna showed us (above), and I bought the pattern.

I'll be making the above version of the Jelly and Jam Pattern. I love it and can't wait until it is finished!

Another Jelly and Jam quilt, with striped borders.

I bought this Prairie Rose bag pattern and can't wait to make it out of the fabric on the left!

It was a fun day! Can't wait to finish the quilt and quilt it all up on my new APQS George machine!

Hug yourself in a quilt!
Denise

If you want to see the images at full size, click on them. Thanks for visiting my blog!

Vintage Fabric~Love Ebay!

2011-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE vintage fabric! I shop on Ebay.com often just to find beautiful vintage fabric. My "Sewing Vintage Aprons" book just came out in July and so whenever I see a fabric that would be perfect for an apron, I snatch it up!

I ran across some really great fabric last week while shopping on ebay.com. Here is it:

Isn't it perfect for an apron? I love the folkart roosters and houses! Not to mention the floral in the dotted circle! It is a heavier, more 'decorator' weight print, but still perfect for those aprons where a thin fabric is just not enough. There were 2+ yards to play with. My heart just smiled when I got it in the mail! Can't wait to make it up! I may use the Grace Apron in my Sewing Vintage Aprons book:

Hug yourself in an apron!

xoxox
Denise

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2011-04-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

We have a winner for the give-away that I featured in my last post! Her name is Luci D. Congratulations to Luci! What I did was write your names on pieces of paper and spread them out on my desktop and with my eyes closed, and they were closed, I picked up a paper and hers was drawn! ....but, don't be discouraged! I'll be having other give aways in the future! Subscribe to my blog to keep up on the news! It could be you next time!
Denise

QUILT Pattern(s) GIVE AWAY!

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I have some very cute quilt patterns to give away! Just comment and leave me a way to contact you and I'll have a drawing to see who wins these great patterns! They are She-DA designed by Dana Brooks of Lazy Daisy Cottage for Henry Glass & Co. Fabrics, and Amy Butler's Sunshine Quilt, made from her line of fabrics called, "Soul Blossoms" for Rowan fabrics by Westminster Fabrics.

The She-da pattern was designed with certain fabrics, but can easily be created using some of your favorites!

Here is a picture of the 78" x 92" quilt.

Here is the other pattern by Amy Butler for Rowan Fabrics:

This Amy Butler pattern is on cardstock and is one I received at Quilt Market last year.

Be sure to make a comment to get a chance to win these patterns! Please leave a contact email for me to contact you!!!

Good Luck! Hug yourself in a quilt!

Denise

I'm a new grandma!

2011-02-23T17:43:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, I wanted to share that we have a new grand daughter! Her name is Evelyn Jane, born February 16, 2011, 8 lbs 20 oz. and 20″ long. She is an arm full of perfection! She is just beautiful, as you can see!

Here I am after only about 15 minutes. And I think I look pretty good!

Here I am all snuggled up in my car seat, ready to go home. Don’t I look so precious and sweet…almost look like a “real” doll! I was a big girl, but don’t look like it in this picture!
As you can see, Grandma is very proud of this little girl, who came 5 days late! She is going to be so much fun!!!
***Does anyone have tips on how to help Evelyn get her days and nights switched to normal???
Denise

We have a WINNER~

2011-02-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

I picked the "comment" winner for the sample package of AURIfil thread and it is......ta-da---

DeLayne!! Here is her comment about the Designer of the Month project in the previous post!

DeLane said, "LOVE, love, love this quilt. I like that she used all the dots – they seem to make the whole thing POP! I really like the way she quilted this piece; the quilting provides such a nice contrast to the leaves."

DeLayne please contact me denise@deniseclason.com and I'll arrange to ship you the sample thread! Here is a photo of the thread! Congratuations, you will love the way it sews and quilts!

AURIfil Designer of the Month

2011-01-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

AURIfil is sponsoring a Designer of the Month! Below, is the FIRST project for the Designer of the Month for AURIfil Threads! The designer's name is Susan Brubaker Knapp! Susan has a really beautiful project to share with you... here it is!

Click over to Aurifil blog and read the interview with Susan. Download the free project she has designed it to chase away the winter... her January project is darling and a quick one to bring some color into your home!

Also check out Pat Sloan's interview with Susan on May 8, 2010.. scroll down and listen on your computer or download.

Remember if you make the top by the end of the month and load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr group.. you will be in the running to win an Aurifil thread prize.. so worth the fun!

Visit Susan on the internet.. and sign up for her newsletter, blog, facebook, twitter

Come back each month around the same time to see the next Aurifil Thread Designer of the Month! I'll be the designer for JUNE!! Lots of fun...and don't forget that if you make the project and post to the Flicker page, you could win a bigger prize!! [EACH MONTH]

OH and--I'll be giving away a free thread pack, just make a comment and I'll randomly pick a winner, I'll do this each month!! Drawing will be on January 31st. Good Luck!

Denise
http://www.deniseclason.com/

Sizzix Triple Blog Hop, Week #7~Treat Bag Topper

2010-12-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

This is WEEK #7, the last week, of the Sizzix Blog Hop!

We are designing with Sizzix die number 656774, Treat Bag Topper, designed by Eileen Hull. This Die can be found on their website! This die comes with several different types of toppers in three different sizes and embellishments! So much to work and create with! I decided to create a mix treat bag!

I especially Love this die because I LOVE to make mixes! This cocoa mix is the perfect house warming gift. I usually make up the batch and have these in my freezer waiting for guests as they arrive....and we always have people dropping off Christmas goodies, so these mixes are great to have on hand when you need a gift to give back! I also make up a brownie mix and have choices to give away! Here is a closer view! Click on either photo to see a larger view!

This is what I used to create the treat bag:

5" square piece and 3/4" x 12" scraps of two coordinating fabrics

5" square piece of Steam-a-Seam2 fusible webbing by The Warm Company

Extra Strength glue stick by Elmers

Fabri-Tac by Beacon Adhesives

(2) 1/2" Glue Dots

(2) 1/2'" x 3" extra strong double sided tape by Therm-o-web

Scissors, exact-o knife, black sharpie

Adhere fusible webbing onto back side of fabric square. Iron onto outside of large treat bag topper. Use exacto knife, carefully, to cut fabric along edges. (I folded the topper to press fabric onto each side.) Cut holes out with knife. Thread fabric strip from back side through holes. Tie into a bow. Fill clear bag with cocoa mix. Fold top down and staple closed. Adhere double sided tape onto inside of topper...one on top and one on back piece. Adhere bag onto tape pieces. Glue a small berry spray to front of bag topper with fabri-tac. Print out a saying onto paper and clue to tag with glue stick. Adhere to bag with glue dots. Enjoy!

Here is the cocoa mix:

20 quart box of powdered milk

(1) large can chocolate drink mix (Nestles)

(1) small bottle Creamora

16 oz box powdered sugar

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir with a wire wisk until evenly mixed. Store in airtight container until ready to use. You may add powered coffee flavorings, such as mint, raspberry, english toffee, etc. To use: Place 3-4 Tbsp. in a mug, add 8-10 oz. of hot water and stir. Sometimes I add mint chocolate chips or marshmallows to the mix!

Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!

Denise

Thank you from the creators of the Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop:"Thank you for checking out the Triple Play Blog Hop! Please visit www.tripleplay.typepad.com for more fun ideas from Brenda Pinnick, Karen Burniston, Eileen Hull and friends. If you have enjoyed seeing all of the inspiring ideas on the blog hop, please "like" Triple Play on Facebook Happy Holidays!"

Toddler Chair~ How to refinish!

2010-12-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

I love, absolutely Love vintage chairs, tables, and any great vintage item. When I ran across this darling toddler chair at an antique store, I had to buy it! I wasn't sure what I would use it for at the time, becuase my children were much too big for it...I thought...humm, maybe a doll or a plant? I wasn't sure....on with the story....

When I bought it, it had several layers of paint, tan, yellow and red to be exact. So, I stripped the paint and all evidence of stain to get to this bare wooden chair.

(click on the picture for a larger view.)

Above is the chair in the middle of primer. I had to take the chair apart, because it was rickity and falling apart! I had to reglue all of the pieces back together to make it strong again.

The rest of the Story: I have had this chair in "pieces" for probably over 7 years! It was a long time! I, now, had a good reason to fix it up....our 2-1/2 year old grandson, was getting too big for the high chair, so I pulled out this chair and began fixing it up!

I glued all the pieces back together and then brushed primer over the raw wood. After it dried, I sprayed the chair with one of Krylon's new spray paint colors, a beautiful new green color, called Ivy Leaf! I fell in love with it right away.

I couldn't stop there, so I made a little matching, quilted, cushion, made from one of Moda's beautiful prints, to fit onto the chair! The circle shape fit best since the chair had an unusual shape to it. I also put ties on the front and back so that it would fit secure and not move around while little bodies sat in it! You know how toddlers like to wiggle! :O)

So, here is the final chair! It is a fun little "high" toddler chair that sits perfectly at the dining table for little boys or girls! Ryan can even climb up into it by himself!

It is very easy to do, so if you have a chair, table, shelf, etc. to refinish, don't forget how easy a can of spray paint can make it!!! I'm going to spray paint a wooden shelf, next! It is a walnut color with brass brackets and hooks, It will soon be BLACK!

Have a creative day!

Denise

Sizzix Triple Blog Hop Week #6~Babies First Christmas

2010-12-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Here we are at week #6 of the Sizzix Triple Blog Hop! We are working with an Album and Brackets "die" designed by Brenda Pinnick! We are so thrilled, as a family, to welcome a new granddaughter into the family! So, I decided to make a first Christmas ornament for her! Since my daughter is not one for pink, I thought I would create something for me and the little one... that was pink! Because, I love pink!

You will need:

Sizzix Die # 656053, Album, Brackets by Brenda Pinnick

5" x 8" Pink Felt by National Non-Wovens

5" x 10" Card Stock

8-1/2'" x 11" coordinating paper

1/2 yard each, 1/2" coordinating ribbons

Fabri-Tac by Beacon Adhesives

Celebration Pink Glamour Dust by DecoArt

3/4" pink button, 1/2" flat brush (loew-cornell), scissors

Cut pieces out of cardstock and felt, glue felt onto cardstock, print a saying onto colored paper. Cut out in the shape of the small ornament. Brush glamour dust on the outside edges of the felt. Glue felt onto shaped cardstock. Punch a hole in the top corner. Tie a bow in the hole. Cut a ribbon and glue to the top and bottom of the pink felt. Insert paper saying inside of ribbon slots, glue in place! You may choose to adhere a picture of your sweet grandchild or child. Enjoy!

Very quick and easy. You can make one for each of your grandchildren, children, friends and family members. Use several different felt colors to enhance the decor of your Christmas tree. Lime green, pink, gold and purple are BIG trends this year for Christmas!

Denise

I received product to create this design.

Ribbon & Trim Storage Solution

2010-12-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

I promised I would show you how I store my ribbons and trims....I have a lot of ribbons and trims, too! If you notice , in the below photos, they do not take up valuable real estate in my workroom!!!

When I first started out, I kept my ribbons on cardboard strips about 6" x 14" and kept those in boxes cut down to the height of the boards. I then kept these stacked on top of each other in my cupboard in my workroom. It was the perfect solution, until I found these great storage containers by Snapware! I found some for you online, at Create for Less. I got mine at Target a few years ago. The containers came with plastic cards. BUT, not enough for me! hahaha

So...I ended up creating more "cards" out of foam core board and they are actually better than cardboard! They have foam in the middle and that helps keep the pins secured while the pins secure the ribbon/trims! Here are a couple pictures of how it looks, and they hold a TON of ribbon!!! I organize my ribbon by type and age! Click on picture for a larger view and then click on it again for an even larger view.

This is how the cards look with the ribbon. I also have another set of boxes that contain my laces. For the pieces of ribbon, lace, etc. that are too small to wrap on the boards, I place them into a plastic bag, and these also fit into the containers. Here is another view:

The above photo shows how great my ribbons look all organized in a box! If the ribbon is really long, I wrap it until it looks full and then move over to finish up the reel of ribbon. If you click on the picture, it will show a larger view of the two rows of ribbon.

Here is how the box looks on the outside. You can stack and connect these to fit on top of each other and then there is a lid to cover the top!

I have two sets of these boxes, one for ribbons/trims and the other for laces. Just love them! And they don't cost and arm and a leg! Enjoy making your craft room organized!

Denise

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week #5~Gift Card Holder

2010-12-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

We are in Week #5 of the Sizzix blog hop and it was a fun "die." We worked with a Sizzix die designed by Karen Burniston, called "Gift Card Holder." It may look a little intimidating, but, it isn't. Here is a link to see how to put it together!

Here are the items I used:
Sizzix Die #656740 Gift Card Holder "for you" 3D pop up, designed by Karen Burniston

Linen Card Stock, Die Cuts with a View

1/4" double stick tape, strong

9" x 12" piece of fabric

Craft Bond Glue Stick, Elmers

Black "The Fabric Brush Marker," Marvy

"Gold" spray paint, Krylon

"Pale gold Leafing Pen," Krylon

Glue Dots, mini 3/16"

Checkerboard ribbon flowers

6-1/2" x 11-1/2" card stock

9" x 12" sheet, Steam-a-Seam, The Warm Company

Print out from computer, "Thank You" (use favorite font)

iron, scissors, rotary cutting tools

Cut out a "frame" and spray with gold spray paint. Paint remaining die cut with fabric paint marker. Use pale gold pen to highlight "for you." Adhere double stick tape where mentioned in How To Video.

Iron steam-a-seam onto wrong side of fabric. Iron to inside of card. Trim where needed with rotary cutters. Fold card in half. Position and iron a 2" wide and a 1/2" wide strip onto the cover, where desired. Print "Thank You" and glue to front of card with glue stick.

Adhere ribbon flowers onto front of pop up with a few 3/16" glue dots. Adhere pop up into card. Enjoy!

Have Fun...I did! Click on the Sizzix blinky in the sidebar and finish the hop!

Denise

*I received product to make this card.

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop, week 4~Victorian Girl

2010-11-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here we are at Week 4 of the blog hop! We have a VeRy fun "die" to work with this week, it is called the Frame with Stand die, by Eileen Hull. I decided to make a Victorian Picture Frame. I am in love with the Victorian Era and especially the hats and patterns! So, I found a hat pattern and made it into a picture silhoulette!

You will need:
Sizzix Die #656835 Frame & Frame Back w/Stand by Eileen Hull

Designer Paper by K & Company

Zip Dry paper glue by Beacon

e-z Walnut Ink TintZ by Fiber Scraps

Heritage corner punch by Fiskars

Hole Punch & Pad by Making Memories

Organza Ribbon

Black craft paint, gold paint, satin varnish, Maple Stain by Folkart

1/2", 1", and 1" scruffy flat brushes by Loew-Cornell

Pop Up Glue Dots

small black button

Exacto knife, cutting mat, large paper clips, scissors, basic craft supplies

Glue paper onto large square backing. Cut off excess with knife. Stain paper with walnut ink. Paint large frame with black, dry brush gold over black. Paint scalloped frame with gold, dry brush with black. Glue black frame onto back with zip dry. Use paper clips to secure while drying. Adhere scalloped frame onto black frame with glue dots. Cut a small rectangle out, cut corners with corner punch. Glue favorite image onto rectangle. Antique edge of rectangle frame with walnut stain, as well as edges of paper. Punch a hole onto top corner, tie a ribbon and make a bow. With scrap ribbon glue a strip across bottom edge. Glue a button onto top. Brush with Satin varnish.

Enjoy!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop, Week3~Girlie Headband

2010-11-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is week 3 of the Blog Hop using one of Sizzix's new "dies". This week the die is called, "Beauty Bloom," by Brenda Pinnick. It is VERY versatile. This is what you'll need:

Beauty Bloom, Originals Sizzix Die #655455 by Brenda Pinnick

Felt – National Non-Wovens

Link to master designer list on Sizzix blog:

"Colour Vie" Fabric by Brenda Pinnick, by Henry Glass & Co.

There are many ways you can use this die – with paper, you can curl the layers to create dimension or use it flat to create surfacepattern. With fabric, you can layer then stitch around the center, gathering it up to create a fluffy flower.

I chose to use fabric! of course! It was so much fun figuring out how to get dimension with this die. I added a touch of fabric glue by Crafter's Pick in the center of the flower and then used binder clips to hold a pleat. Here is a picture:

While that was drying I decided to create some Yo-Yo Leaves with a new tool by Clover, which makes making yo-yo's a breeze! I used the "small" leaf.

Start out with a 2" x 36" strip of fabric. Sew a seam and turn right side out. Topstitch 1/8" from each side of fabric tube. Insert a 13" length of 1/4" elastic and tack to keep inside of fabric. Sew a seam to make a circle. I sewed the seams down to eliminate bulk.

Make the leaves and tack onto the headband. Brush some Glamour Dust Glitter Paint, made by DecoArt, onto the edges of the flower pedals to add bling! Add some glamour dust to the felt flowers. Layer onto the headband and adhere with fabric glue. The final touch is a little button in the center! There you are! So Cute and EASY!

I am going to have a cute little granddaughter that will use this fun and beautiful headband, but for now, I'll have to use my "grown" daughter's cabbage patch doll to take the picture...! Granddaughter Evelyn (Evie) will be here in February! YEA! (this is actually my daughter's, who is having our grandbaby, doll when she was little 23 years ago!)

Denise

I received free product to create the design on this blog post.

Denise Clason's Magazine Projects!

2010-11-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you some of my recent projects, as well as some that are available, NOW, on the newstands!

I absolutely love to design projects and get so thrilled when I know you are enjoying them! Here are a few of the newest designs, please enjoy! And pick up the magazine! They are all wonderful publications! If you can’t find the issue on the stands, go to their websites and you can buy back issues!

This little hanging towel is adorable! It was published in the Crafts ‘n Things Online Newsletter, October 2010. If you have a tea-towel, cut it in half and make two of these! This particular towel has my Stitchin’ Up the Pieces buttons featured in the middle.

If you are interested in a set, please go to www.buttondrawer.com and see if they still have some available, as they are no longer in production. Although, I still have a few pieces that may work. So, just contact me by going to my website www.deniseclason.com and let me now what colors you are looking for!

This cute little wallhanging is a favorite for those who have a seaside retreat! Bring the Ocean inside and relax! This wallhanging was published in Crafts ‘n Things August 2010 issue. Applique’ patterns are also available, which make this wallhanging easy to do! Fusible webbing is used to adhere the icons onto the wallhanging and appliqued with matching threads. The lighthouse is a rendering of an actual lighthouse on the North-Eastern coast!

This is the most adorable apron, featuring 6 pockets ready to hold anything! It is shown as a garden apron, but can easily be used for other adaptations! Published in Crafts ‘n Things June 2010 issue! Chose some beautiful prints that contrast well to show off the waistband, pockets and ties! So much fun and easy to make!

Here is another project that I had so much fun creating! With a mixture of machine and hand quilting, this pillow will be a favorite! I love buttons and wanted to add a punch of color in the plain border with 1/4″ blue buttons. The binding is a mix of two prints to add interest! 18″ pillow published in Create and Decorate October 2010 issue. THE best thing about this pillow is that it has a zipper so that you can change the pillow out with seasonal prints!!! Remake the same pillow with different prints for all seasons! Zipper application is VERY easy!!

What a fun and easy project! These cute little quilted gingerbread men are joined with fabric bows, pine cones and lights make this the perfect garland decoration for any mantel! It’s hard to tell but, I used gold spray paint to add sparkle to the pine needles and pine cones! The face and buttons on the little men are done with puff paint! so easy! Published in Create and Decorate Magazine, December 2010 issue.

If you LOVE tote bags, you’ll love this quick and easy Christmas tote! Make it up with your favorite Christmas prints and adorn with silk flowers! This particular bag is Not too season specific, so can be used basically year round! Published in Mark Lipinski’s Christmas 365 Magazine, Winter 2010. Notice the cute little beads on the zipper! Creativity is endless.

thank you for reading my blog. Look for more magazine articles in another post!

Get ready for the Holiday! by starting NOW!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week #2~Twist Cube-Sewing Kit

2010-11-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

THIS IS WEEK 2 of the blog hop! Welcome back. This week we will be using a Sizzix die designed by Karen Burniston. What a fun project this was! I wanted to do something completely different and incoporate what I love to do and that is sewing and quilting! So, I made a sewing/quilting kit! Here it is:

This is the way it looks on the outside, above!

This is how it looks on the inside, above! I have places for scissors, buttons, needles, pins, measuring tap, needles, yardage guide, ruby beholder, and last but not least a place to put all of my ribbon scraps!!! And below is an upclose picture of how I store the ribbons...notice that the twist-cube pops up?!

Here is what you'll need to make this fun twist cube-sewing kit:

Sizzix Twist Cube Die by Karen Burniston

Die Cuts With a View Cardstock

And a video on how to make the twist cube!

The finished size for my Sewing Kit is 7" x 17-1/4" and you'll need:

1. 7" x 17-1/4" rectangle & 7" x 4" rectangle (pocket) of quilted fabric (I quilted my own)

2. 60" 2-1/4" contrasting binding

3. (2) snack size sealable baggies

4. (1) sandwich size sealable baggie

5. (1) 1-1/4" button, I used a button by JHB.

6. 1/2 yd 1/4" ribbon

7. thread to match fabrics, I used Aurifil Threads

8. paper glue like Zip Dry from Beacon Adhesives

Bind the edges of the pocket. Baste the pocket to one side of the large rectangle. Bind the edges of the large rectangle. Pin all baggies together at bottom, stitch next to pocket. Stitch a 10" piece of ribbon to the opposite side for small scissors. Make twist cube and add "sewing" ephemera pictures to the top with paper glue. Punch a hole in the sewing kit to add the twist cube. (You may want to add a patch over the clip for the twist cube.) Fold up your sewing kit to find the best place for the button and sew into place.

Enjoy!

Denise

Fall Quilt Market 2010~Houston, TX

2010-11-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

I went to Fall Quilt Market this past week and had THE best time! The weather was perfect in Houston, but I didn’t actually go out into it for 2 days, as my hotel was right next to the convention center…I walked over on a connecting bridge…I did branch out and walk back to the hotel from the street and I hadn’t realized how humid it was…thanks for the A/C! …..enough of that…now, on to the trade show.

I didn’t know I was going to go until the week prior to the show. It was all so fast. I was soooo glad I went. These shows are an eye full of so much eye-candy! I get so inspired whenever I go! and this year was no exception! Designers, manufacturer’s, publishers, magazine companies, celebrities, and the list goes on! Here are a few celebrities I ran into:

Amy signing her book!

Amy Butler had a beautiful booth, I was very lucky to catch her signing her new book, above, on purses! What a beautiful book! Her husband takes the photos and they both designed the look of the inside.

Jan Patek and Edie Mcginnis signing books

As you can see I took the above photo on Sunday (Halloween). They both were so cute all dressed up! Their book “Across the Wide Missouri” is a fun folkart book!

Kay Whitt signing her new book, “Sew Serendipity“….I was lucky to get one. The publisher was only handing out so many. Her book has patterns for skirts, blouses and coats! Can’t wait to make one up!

Marianne Fons and her daughter had a booth showing their new producus and signing magazines.

So much fun to run into Marianne! She is the nicest person. Her show is the only quilting show we get on PBS in Vegas!

Here is a photo of Ty, I missed seeing him in person…he was there and gone in a flash! Fabric is made by Free Spirit!

AURIfil Thread booth with Pat Sloan and Alex Veronelli

Here I am in the AURIfil Thread booth with Pat Sloan and Alex Veronelli” AURIfil thread booth at the show. Pat Sloan asked me to be one of their design experts for 2011. One of 12 quilters. I’m honored to be the designer of the month for June! Can’t wait to show you how wonderful their thread is!
I’ll post more in another blog entry!

Enjoy!

Denise

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week #1~Fall Celebration

2010-11-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of our 60-designer blog hop, featuring the Sizzix Scoreboards Pro Die-House, 3D by Eileen Hull! What fun it was to think of a decorative way to design this house! I chose to design mine with a Fall theme and use it as a table decoration! Here is the outcome, it turned out so cute!

Sizzix Scoreboard Pro Die House 3D by Eileen Hull

***Link on how to construct the 3D house!

I used the glazing medium to adhere the wrinkled tissue paper to the house. Let it dry and then paint with the English Mustard and Wrought Iron in respective places. ‘Antique’ with the Burnt Umber and then go from there to continue the project. For the Bass, Trace the top shape onto the wrong side of the fabric, cut out and then adhere with watered down Tacky Glue, Let dry. Paint the edges with Burnt Umber and “float” the top edge of the fabric. Use Satin Varnish for a finishing touch on all pieces, including the pumpkin!

Be sure to flip through our blog hop, on the right, and see which design you like and want to make! Have fun!

Here are the items you will need to make this cute Festive Fall House:

1. #656836

2. Sizzix 12 x 12 matboard, white

3. Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die cutting machine

Additional supplies needed to make the Fall Celebration house:

Glazing Medium, 1 sheet tissue paper,

Folk Art Paint in colors–English Mustard, Burnt Umber, Wrought Iron, Permanent rose, Hauser Green Lt.

Loew-Cornell brushes, 1/2″ flat, 1″ flat, #1 liner

Satin Varnish, 1 6″ square sheet Therm-0-Web Double Stick Tape, Aleene’s Tacky Glue, Walnut Hollow #23426 Basswood Surface, 10″ square fabric by Brenda Pinnick (Henry Glass), Small 4″ pumpkin, Fall Floral spray, Paper towels, water basin, paint palette. sharp scissors.

Have fun and enjoy the HOP! I know I will!

Denise

My NEW book~Sewing Vintage Aprons!

2010-11-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

My book, Sewing Vintage Aprons will have a new cover! The new cover will be in the red tones, instead of the peach tones and features a different apron, as well as oven mitts on the cover! Take a look. I’m so absolutely happy with it! So, when you order the book from my Amazon widget, on the right, you will be getting the new cover…. Enjoy, like I am!

If you would like a signed copy of my book, please buy from my website, deniseclason.com.

My 80 page Book, with 11 apron patterns, will be released in March 2011, published by All-American Crafts.

Sewing Vintage Aprons by Denise Clason

Please look for my book on my website, Denise Clason if you want it signed, or click on the Amazon "blinky" in the sidebar!

Enjoy!

Denise

Quilted Bags and Totes~New Version of the Rikki Bag!

2010-07-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Katherine Greaves, made a "Rikki Bag" from my Quilted Bags and Totes book using Selvages from fabric yardage! So cute, Katherine! check it out, below!

This is a picture of my book, above!

If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can buy a personalized copy with a link in the menu bar.

have a creative Day!

Denise

Makin' some Placemats and Oven Mitts

2010-07-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've been busy working on my sewing vintage apron book and it is turning out to be a very fun and CUTE book! Here are more little snippits to tempt you!

One of these is a placemat and the other is the waist band of the matching apron. There is also an oven mitt that matches this set. I think this is one of my favorites so far!

Although, I also really like the apron, below....I can only show a little bit...but, there is also another part of this apron in a previous post! can you figure it out??? Here is another peek:

xoxo

Denise

Block of the Month~New Apron Book!

2010-07-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working on BOM's. Can YOU guess the name, if you are right, you may win a prize!!! It is so much fun! Here are a few of the blocks:

Can you guess what the names are??

I'm also working on a new book, the title most likely will be "Sewing Vintage Aprons." This will be a book dedicated to sewing 10-12 or more vintage aprons from the past. I have a collection as well as many photos of vintage aprons, so I'll be taking my collection, my mother's, and my grandmother's collections and creating my own version of the vintage apron. They will look a lot like the originals, but will be sewn with upbeat prints and embellishments from today. Some of the prints may be reproductions, but they will still be fresh and new!

I'm having so much fun picking out prints and putting them together with the perfect apron pattern! The picking of prints for a particular pattern can be challenging for some, but in my book, you'll see how easy it is to do!

Here are some sneak peaks of my progress, so far!

Remember...these are only some or part of the aprons to get you excited to buy the finished apron book. The book will be released in June 2011!!! Don't you Love the large pockets on the last apron snippet?

I'll keep you posted on the progress and upload more photos soon! Happy piecing!

Denise

Magazine Projects~Block of the Month Mystery

2010-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have two more magazine articles coming out. The first project is a cute little quilt adhered to a rusty tin. You can find it in the June 2010 Crafts'n Things magazine.

The finished size is approximately 12" x 5". So fun and cute. The little quilt can be adhered to any surface you can imagine! If you like this project, you may like some of my other designs found on my website "free patterns" area.

The next project is one of my favorites, it is a Gallery Glass by Plaid project. If you haven't worked with gallery glass before, you are in for a treat. It is one of the easiest craft products to work with. Get the look of stained glass in a bottle! so much fun! You can find this project in the June 2010 issue of Create & Decorate Magazine.

This project is approximately 7" tall x 12" wide. If you want you can enlarge the pattern to fit into a different frame. I purchase most of my frames at discount department stores.

I have several frames waiting to be made up. Look for another one of my Gallery Glass framed project in the Today's Creative Home Arts magazine, soon.

Denise

Note: Plaid provides me with product to work and design with.

Magazine work

2010-03-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

It's time to get this blog more current! I have another blog that I keep more current, decided to get this one going!

I thought I would post some of my designs that can be found in the magazines that are on the shelves right now! As well as some that can be found online! Here are some projects that are online:

This project is called, Victorian Boot Pin Cushion, that can be found in the Crafts'n Things Online Newsletter. I wanted to share that the blue boot is my grandmother's original pin cushion! I remade a newer one on the right! Used old lace and old buttons to give it an antique look. I also tea-stained the lace. This pin cushion is approx. 13" without the ruffle.

Here is another project in the Crafts'n Things online newsletter. It is a Patchwork Photo Frame! All of the project supplies can be found at the Michaels stores, as this was a design I made for one of their Store demos! It showcases some pretty awesome buttons and some other "bling." Just sign-in and you'll see the pattern!

This is one of my favorite projects, it is a quilted wall pocket, I designed it with some things that were repurposed, such as a green/white checkerboard shirt, using the buttons, too! I also repurposed the wall bucket, it used to be pink. I painted it yellow and added some destressed it with some dry brushing with browns and white paint for a coordinating look! I added some grosgrain ribbon on either side of the quilted block. Enjoy!

This cute little Miss Sadie doll is in the Create and Decorate February 2010 issue! I just love her. I named her after my grandmother who has parents that crossed the plains! She is 18" tall. Very easy to make!

This Appliqued Garden Verse Wallhanging can be found in the April 2010 issue of Create and Decorate!

The verse reads "All garden live in beautiful places, because they make them so." by Joseph Joubert

I hope you enjoyed the projects. click on them for a larger view!

happy sewing and quilting!

Denise

Magazine Projects!

2010-02-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share with you some of my designs that have been in the latest magazines and newsletters:

1. Create & Decorate, "Garden Applique" in their April 2010 issue! This wallhanging is made from a repurposed linen shirt and some of my stash! The buttons are some of my antique collectables! Just love the quote, too!

2. Crafts'n Things Newsletter, "Patchwork Frame" March Newsletter. This is a FREE online pattern! This design was made for a Michaels' demonstration, so all of the supplies can be found at your local Michaels stores! Fun and Easy!!!

3. Crafts'n Things Newsletter, "Victorian Boot Pin Cushion" March Newsletter, This is another FREE pattern! I wanted to let you know that the turquoise pin cushion was one of my grandmothers, who passed away at age 93, just last year. I loved it so much that I wanted to remake it into more current prints. You will love this fun and easy pattern. It is approximately 13" tall and makes a great gift! It lies down or can be hung up for use!

4. Creative Home Arts Magazine, "Quilted Wall Pocket" FREE Online Pattern, This is one of my most favorite patterns/designs! I bought the tin and had it in my closet waiting to be used. It was originally pink! I painted it and destressed it for a softer yellow look to go with the prints I used. The green check is a repurposed shirt as well as the buttons! Please enjoy!

Please enjoy! They are all fun projects to make, great for home of gifts!

Denise

Tote Tuesday, TODAY! go and bid!

2010-02-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Update---My tote sold for a winning bid of $101.00! Congratualtions to the winner!

The 4 weeks of tote tuesdays made a whopping total of $15,649.00!!! Great work Virginia! Check out the final information on her site, Virginia Spiegel.

Today is Tote Tuesday and MY custom, one-of-a-kind Amber Tote is up for bid (a design from my Quilted Bags and Totes book), as well as one of my Quilted Bags and Totes books! AND....that's not all--there is also 9 Fat Quarters, designed by BJ Lantz, AND...that's not all, there is a bag full of my Stitchin' Up the Pieces buttons up for sale!!! The tote is approximately 13" . 17" x 4".

The bidding starts at 11:00am EST! Make a bid and watch the excitement as the day unfolds...Will we reach the $10,000.00 goal to earn money for The American Cancer Society???

Here are pictures of what I put up for bid:

: Custom made bag by Denise Clason, lined with pockets! There is a hard base for support, too.

Tell everyone you know about Tote Tuesday, to earn money for The American Cancer Society! There are only two more weeks for this event. This week and next week!

Hope you win!

Denise

Mystery block of the month! Can you name that block?

2010-02-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

It's time to do the Block of the Month for 2010! 2009 was a lot of fun and this years will be even more fun! This year we will be doing a MYSTERY! We will be making 12" blocks, without knowing the name of the block! At the end of the year, we'll learn how all of the names relate to each other, like a puzzle! Each month you'll learn the name of the previous block! So, Here is the FIRST mystery block!

Denise Clason's Mystery Block of the Month #1

It is amazing how one block can be made to look so different because of the different prints!

Use up all of your favorite scraps...those pieces we just HATE to throw away...! you know how quilter's are! Each piece has a place in a quilt!

Denise

Happy New YEAR!--2010 WOW!

2010-01-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

Remember when 1999 was nearing the end and we all worried about the new 2000 year ??? Were you worried about losing everything on your computer, because it may not recognize the 2000 number? I remember that! And I can't believe that it is, now, 10 (TEN) years later!!! Where have the years gone!?

This will be fun-----Please leave a comment about what you did the last 10 years that really made a difference in how you are going to live the next 10 years and the person who leaves the 10th comment will win a handmade gift from me! The 20th comment will also win, etc! This will be a lot of fun! Please mention what part of the world you are from!!

Now, what happened in my last 10 years, that made a difference in how I live the next 10 years? It was when I joined The Society of Creative Designers. This was an organization for designers to learn more about how to make a business with their creative designs. Such as; how to get published, how to be professional, how to present yourself, how to sell your ideas, how to demonstrate, how to teach, etc. I could go on and on...In the last 10 years I've learned a LOT on how to grow and work a business. Now this society has merged with The Craft and Hobby Association (CHA). There are many more designers and many more opportunities for designers!

so---in my case--- the last 10 years has prepared me for the next 10 years in my business. I've become smarter about how I want to run my business and lately decided that I would LOVE to license my art and manufacturer product designs. To get me started on this new adventure, I'll have my first booth at the CHA show in less than 2 weeks! I'll show my art to thousands of people who attend this trade show, as well as many VIP's who have been invited to attend and look , specifically, at the License & Design section...where my booth will be...

If you'll be attending the CHA show...please stop by and say "hey!" my booth is #2645!

Have a great day! Back to work!
Denise

Sizzix Business Card Holder!

2009-12-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

We are doing another Blog Hop using the Business Card Holder ScoreBoard designed by Eileen Hull and made by Sizzix diecut machines! You will be amazed at the creativity of my business friends and what they did with their business card holder scoreboards! check out their links, below! Thanks Eileen for including me in this blog and sending me such fun products to work and design with!

I think this is a very creative way to showcase your business cards. Especially if you are in a creative industry, such as I am, you'll want to show just how creative you are when you pull out your cards to give to a prospective client! I used beautiful prints, that were given to me, by my designer friend, Brenda Pinnick; some ribbon I had on hand and a few old buttons. I keep telling my husband it is a good thing I like to collect things, it keeps me from going out and buying new! :O)

BLOG HOP to these great blogs!:

Enjoy!!

Denise

*I received free product to make this design.

Blog Hop~Notebook Pocket by Eileen Hull & Sizzix

2009-11-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have a friend, Eileen Hull, who has designed some wonderful Scoreboard pieces or "dies" for Sizzix die cutting company. (I am not an affiliate of Sizzix, but have received product to create this project.)

This is a blog hop showing how to make a creative Notebook Pocket using her scoreboards. There will be a list of other friends, who are part of the blog hop, below. Be sure to visit their sites to see what else you can do with this scoreboard!

I decided to create a magnetic pocket, repurposing the magnets you get in the mail for advertisements, from realtors, cruise companies, etc. I created this pocket using fabrics, but you can also create this project using papers, you'll just have to "cut" at the folds for bending and gluing with paper glue, instead of Fabric Tac by Beacon Adhesives. (I am not an affiliate of Beacon, but do receive product to design with.)

Here is a photo of the finished pocket, below!

: Eileen Hull's Scoreboard Die from Sizzix, project design by Denise Clason

I fell in love with this scoreboard. It can be used for so many things! I thought I would create this one to stick to my refridgerator keeping my notes, memos, etc. neat and tidy! And in a safe place. I used to have memos on the fridge for, people who borrow things, such as movies, dishes, books, etc. NOW, I can put that list inside of the pocket and it still looks pretty!

This can also be used for many other things, such as a grocery list with coupons for that week. OR it can be used for recipes that you want to make for the week. Parties you want to plan with the list of guests! So many different things!

Please come back on Wednesday, the 25th and I'll have the instructions posted! Thanks and enjoy!

Denise

Notebook Pocket by Denise Clason

Supplies:

(1) Notebook Pocket Scoreboard, Sizzix®

(4) 6” coordinating ribbons or trims

6” x 10” piece of fabric (cover)

12” x 12” piece of fabric (inside)

8” x 10” sheet of heavy fusible webbing

1-1/2” Yo-Yo Maker, Clover®

2 oz. bottle Fabric Tac, Beacon Adhesives®

Scissors, or sharp craft knife

All-purpose thread, Coats & Clark®

Hand sewing needle Iron

4” x 5” magnet sheet (I re-purposed a magnet calendar I received in the mail, from an advertisement.) If you need to size the magnet down, you can cut with craft scissors.

Instructions:

1. Following manufacturers directions for fusible webbing, iron to the two pieces of fabric.

2. Remove paper from fusible webbing.

3. Pre-bend the scoreboard folds.

4. With a piece of paper on the ironing board (to protect ironing board), carefully, press the inside fabric to the inside of the notebook pocket.

5. With a pair of scissors or craft knife, cut off excess fabric.

6. With the Fabric Tac, glue the trims on the front of the cover fabric in a pleasing manner. Let dry.

7. White the trims dry, make the yo-yo from the inside fabric, following the manufacturers directions.

8. Iron the cover fabric on the cover of the notebook pocket. Only press the inside, not along the folds. Press the fold areas, with the tip of the iron, while in the “bent” position. This will insure that you have enough fabric, for easement, when gluing together. Note: you may need to use the Fabric Tac to secure the edges with the trim. The area is thick and the glue will work best.

9. Secure the folded edges to the back of the pocket with Fabric Tac. You may hold into place with a clothespin or rubber band. This will dry fast, so holding with your hands may be enough.

10. Glue the yo-yo to the front of the pocket.

11. Glue the magnet piece to the back of the pocket.

Enjoy!

Quilted Bags and Totes Book! Re-created Totes!

2009-10-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who own my Quilted Bags and Totes Book, you'll be excited to see that I've re-created several of the bags in the book! If you don't have the Quilted Bags and Totes Book, well... you'll want one, now!

Rikki's Bag is a favorite in the book. I changed the look by using some prints Brenda Pinnick sent to me. Her fabrics are to die for and need to be in your stash! The collection is called, "Opulance" by Henry Glass & Co.

As you can see, her fabrics make a great looking bag! The size is perfect for make-up or any other objects you want to keep organized. Great gift idea! 5.5" x 8" x 5"

Aren't these just great Opulent prints by Brenda Pinnick!!! I love them all!

Allie's Purse is on the cover of Quilted Bags and Totes. This bag is made from printsndy Pierce. They collection is called,"Decora Flora by Mitzi Paxwell" her daughter's imaginery friend. (so cute) and made by Camelot Cottons.

Another great bag, notice the use of trims! I love trims and this bag shows them off! 8.5" x 15" x 3"

Aren't these great prints by Mindy Pierce! I love how the colors all work together!

Here is another bag I re-created from fabric I received from my friend, BJ Lantz. Her line is called, "SoHo" by Studio e. Just LOVE it! The Amber Bag makes up very nicely in many different types of prints, the first print (in the book) is more fun and bright. This one is more traditional and classic!

Amber's Tote is a GREAT bag for gifts! It is 16" x 12" and sew easy to make! Notice the use of trims, again!

You can buy a signed copy of the book by clicking on Books for sale, above.

This is only a portion of the SoHo collection. Find the rest of her fabric collection and others on BJ Lantz's website.

I hope you enjoyed seeing new ways to make bags! Please contact me if you are interested in my Quilted Bags and Totes book!

Have a great day!

Denise

Free Cupcake Pincushion Pattern! Die by Eileen Hull and Sizzix

2009-10-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the Sizzix Blog Hop! Just a little intro here... Scoreboards are a brand new kind of die designed for Sizzix by my designer friend, Eileen Hull. Her ScoreBoards are cut and scored from matboard to make boxes, totes and folders. As the ship date for the dies gets closer, Eileen realized that the best way to show them off was to ask some of her designer friends to play with them and see what they could whip up. I was delighted to be included with this fabulous group of designers! Just wait till you see what we have done! Follow our Blog Hop (see links, below) to see what other designers created using the Cupcake scoreboard die!

Here is how it will work....

Every other Wednesday from now until January, one of the eight ScoreBoard dies will be featured on our blogs so you can get a peek at the dies...THIS week is Blog Hop #2, using the Small Cupcake die!

Check out these other blogs who made designs using the Cupcake die:

Lorine Mason

Brenda Pinnick Fanatics

Laura Bray

Barbara Matthiessen

Jennifer Ellefson

Fabrizio Martellucci
Bonnie Bruns
Denise Clason
Gabriela Delworth
Eileen Hull
Ann Butler
Candice Windham
Niki Meiners

I decided to create a Cupcake Pincushion---

I used another friends fabric, BJ Lantz, to decorate the bottom of the cupcake and her coordinating print for the top of the cupcake. The button on the top is an antique round buttons, too perfect to leave off!

I glued the cupcake to a painted terra-cotta tray, so that the pin cushion will stay put when in use!

Isn't is CUTE! This is what you'll need to create the pin cushion:

Cupcake Pincushion by Denise Clason

(1) small scoreboard cupcake from Sizzix, by Eileen Hull

3" x 6" red print

10" square green print

6" red rick-rack

(1) 3/4" round button, red

(1) 4" painted terra-cotta tray

3" x 6" heavy weight fusible webbing

(1) 2 oz. bottle Fabric Tac by Beacon(r)

Sharp paper knife, Excel or Exacto, cutting mat

Heavy thread, large needle

Stuffing

Instructions:

1. Iron fusible webbing to wrong side of red print. Remove paper.

2. Press onto the right side of the cupcake scorecard. Be sure to place a paper underneath the cardstock while pressing fabric onto cupcake, to keep fusible off of ironing board.

3. With knife and cutting mat, cut off excess fabric around the cubcake scorecard. Be careful while cutting, go slow! Remove excess fabric. Gently bend the cupcake to make a circle.

4. With the Fabric Tac, overlap and glue the two ends together. Secure with a clothes pin or heavy clip. Let dry.

5. Fold the green print in half, and then in half again to make a square. Cut a semi-circle around the raw edges to create a circle of fabric.

6. With needle and heavy thread, make running stitches along the edges. Gather the stitching. Leave a hole large enough to stuff with stuffing. Pull stitching tight and tie a knot.

7. You may want to stitch the opening closed and then push the needle up through the top center of the green fabric, put the button onto the needle and push needle back down through the fabric. Pull gently to give it a slight "tuck." Tie a knot at the end.

8. Put Fabric Tac around the inside of the cupcake in a few places. Push the fabric top into the cupcake base, moving the gathers and tucking in where needed.

9. With the Fabric Tac, glue the rick-rack around the bottom of the cupcake.

10. Glue the cupcake into the tray. Let dry.

Enjoy!

Follow the Scoreboard Blog Hop!

Denise

www.deniseclason.com

Who's the Lucky Winner?

2009-09-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, It is the day after the Card Trick contest deadline, midnight PST on September 15th!
I put the names into a "hat" and drew the winner, who was TJ! Please email me off list and I'll send you a set of my Stitchin' up the Pieces buttons! How fun is that???

Denisesstudio@aol.com
Here is a sample of my buttons. They are no longer in production, but if anyone is interested in buying some, I have a few in inventory.

I'll send you a set for winning the drawing! TJ!

Can't wait for the next contest!!!
Denise

Card Trick Block contest

2009-09-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

There is one more week left for you to enter the card trick contest! Make a comment in my blog with a link to your block photo! and your name will go into a drawing to win a prize!

ONE MORE WEEK! Deadline is September at midnight PST!

Denise

I'm getting blocks from contestants! The above block is from Carol S. Thanks Carol! It's GREAT!

Here's another block from TJ! Thanks! These are so great!

Bushfire Blocks !

2009-08-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I received four more bushfire blocks in the mail, yesterday. A quilting guild in Round Rock, TX sent me these beauties! The block is called Crosses & Losses. Perfect for the victims from the fires in Australia.

If you want to see how these blocks make up into a quilt, please go to Busy Bee Quilting. Wendy Cox is putting these blocks together for families affected by the fires. Thanks Wendy!

If you want to help the victims, too. Please contact me at Denise@DeniseClason.com and I'll send you a pattern for the blocks. You can ship them to me or I'll send you the address for shipping them yourself. The shipping is very minimal!

Thanks!

Denise

BOM #9 is Here!

2009-08-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Block #9 in my BOM program is one of my favorites! It's called "Card Trick." This was the block for July 15th-August 15th. Now, because I live in Las Vegas, NV, THE capital of the world for gambling, the Card Trick made the "winning hand," as one of my BOM's. Because of that reason, I'm going to post the instructions in my blog. Look for Block #9-Card Trick.

Here's the BIG news! I'm making Block #9 a contest!!!!

If you make the Card Trick block, before September 15th, your name will go into a drawing to win one of my books! "New Country Quilting." It is now out of print, so you'll be getting a prize! (you've got 21 days to complete the block for a "perfect" chance, to win my book. (Contest is over)

This is what you do:

1. Comment in my blog regarding your block, with a link to your finished card trick block! I will put your name in a drawing to win "New Country Quilting."

2. Deal the deck of cards (pick your fabrics) and let's get going on the perfect hand! Can't wait to see your blocks and the winning Card Trick block!

Good Luck!

Denise

New BOM--Card Trick Block

2009-07-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

I had a contest to see who could sew up the "Card Trick," first, and we had a winner! It was a 22 year old male who won the contest (he made it within hours of posting the pattern)! He won a set of my Stitchin' up the Pieces buttons as well as the e-pattern on my website! We actually had two people who made the block the first day, so the second winner also received a set of the buttons! (I was so thrilled to have such enthusiasm!)

Below is a picture of the "Card Trick" Block! Easy and fun! No money is won while piecing it, though! haha (unless you have some fancy card playing tricks and use them in Vegas! haha) You can find the Card Trick Block here.

If you want to get started now, I added block 1 and 2 to my blog. Find block #1 & block #2 in the side bar! The blocks start out easy and get a little more challenging as we go!

You'll learn how to use Triangles on a Roll for block #2 and you'll LOVE it! So (sew) easy!

I look forward to you joining the yahoo group!

Denise

www.deniseclason.com

Rebekah Meier's New Book!

2009-07-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

My friend, Rebekah Meier, has a new book that just came out! You are going to LOVE it! She teaches you how to create over 40 different techniques for mixed-media fabric art crafting! Her book is colorful and is loaded with fun embellishment ideas! You'll want to read it cover to cover and follow along while she teaches you how to work with fabric art!

If you want to WIN one of her books, go to her blog, she is having a drawing from those who make a comment on her blog! Rebekah Meier's blog.

OR----

Buy her book on Amazon and you'll be glad you did!

BUY NOW!--- Fabric Art Collage: 40+ Mixed Media Techniques

Bushfire Blocks are coming in!

2009-07-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

I'm going to post the bushfire blocks that I've received in the last month! They are gorgeous! They are all the same block in red, white and blue, Australia's flag color. The block is called "Crosses & Losses."

Click on the following pictures to see details, and names of those who donated! Thanks ladies!!!

Thanks to everyone who has donated their time and efforts into making these blocks! Wendy at Busy Bee Quilting will be making one or more quilts out of these to give to the Bushfire Victims! Thanks Wendy and your helpers!

If you still want to be involved with our project, please contact me! denise@deniseclason.com If you own a quilt store, your customers may want to help!

thanks so much!

Denise

http://www.deniseclason.com/

Inspired at Home Radio Clip~Learn how to Get Published

2009-07-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

The radio interview went very well! Tiffany Windsor made me feel so comfortable and relaxed! The whole group was so nice! Tiffany, her sisters, Heidi and Candice and her mother, Aleene Jackson. She was a hoot! Check out Tiffany Windsor's website and view the history of their crafty family! (Just click on the links on the page to view the history.) It is very interesting how Aleene made it in television when it was just getting started....talk about Art Linkletter, etc.!

If you want to listen to the radio interview, go to Inspired at Home. or if you want to listen to only the clip of my interview, go to Denise Clason clip.

This is a really fun radio show! Learn all about how to create things for your home, etc. I have a few friends who will be interviewed on the show. Listen for Brenda Pinnick and Ketra Oberlander on July 19th! You'll really enjoy these women!

Brenda has a new line of fabric licensed by Henry Glass & Co. Check it out! I'll be making a bag out of it soon! Keep your eyes open!

Aren't they beautiful!!!

have a great day! Denise

How to Get Published~Inspired at Home Radio Show

2009-06-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Windsor will be interviewing me on her Blog Radio Show, called, "Inspired at Home." The topic will be on how I get my designs published in magazines. If you want to learn how to do that yourself, set up a reminder for your email by clicking on the link, above! Be sure to join us on the call!

Note: Be sure that you set your reminder earlier enough for your time zone! if you are PT, you'll need to set it at least 3 1/2 hours ahead to get the email in time! Look for the link in my sidebar!

I look forward to having you there!

Denise

Project in Create and Decorate Magazine!

2009-06-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my designs, featured in the Create & Decorate magazine August 2009 issue. It is made from Plaid's Gallery Glass product. There is no cutting of glass, it is applied like glue and dries to look like stain glass! It is so easy that you can't stop creating projects! Here is the magazine photo! So easy to do, anyone can do it!

This is one of my favorite designs using Gallery Glass. Look for other projects, coming soon!

Denise

Victorian Pillow Set in Crafts' n Things Magazine

2009-06-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting to share my magazine projects with you. The pillows, below, are on the store shelves, NOW! You can find the following design in Crafts'n Things August 2009 issue!

I used some time saving steps by using Fabric Tac by Beacon(r) Adhesives. Just love their glues! The beaded trim on the pink pillow is from Expo International. They have the most beautiful trims and cording around!

The trims and lace were from my stash! And believe it or not, the rose fabric and purple velvet were from a second hand store! It's amazing what scraps can produce. These turned out beautiful!

Go and buy your copy, today!

Denise

ps. check back for my next magazine article!

2009-04-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hello quilty friends,
I just added my first E-pattern to my website! I'm featuring the pattern, below. It is one of my favorite patterns. It is called, "Two hearts make friends." So, you'll need to make one for yourself and then one for a friend. The metal sign is resourced in the pattern. Please enjoy!

"Two Hearts Make Friends" by Denise Clason
Finished size: 15" x 18-1/2"

Wallhanging hangs on a metal sign. (resource included in pattern.)

Buttons, embroidery, and beaded trim adorn this beautiful hanging.

Make one for you and for all of your friends at the same time!

Quick and Easy instructions!Only $4.95 (electronic download)

Buy the pattern here: Two Hearts Make Friends

Stitchin' Up the Pieces buttons on SALE

2009-04-07T17:20:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I designed a set of unique fruit and quilt buttons about 5 years ago. They are no longer being manufacturered. BUT--If you want to purchase some of these unique buttons, you can go to The Button Drawer and buy some! AND they are on sale!

Aren't they are cute! The center square is 1". The corner stones and sashing are 1/4" and 1/4" x 1". When you go to the link, above, they may be sold separately or in sets as you see! Enjoy!

Please make a comment, I'll be giving away a set of buttons from a drawing, but I need at least 20 comments to do so, so---if you see that there aren't 20 comments, yet...be sure to invite your friends to visit my blog! Thanks and I hope you win! YEAH!
Denise

My first blog on blogspot!

2009-02-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is a test blog to see how it looks and works.

This is a photo of my puppy, Cory, about 3 years ago! Isn't he a cutie?

BOM~December 2008

2008-12-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I am posting the December block of the month!

Here it is:

“Lady of the Lake” (you may want to purchase 2″ finished Triangles on a Roll paper to make perfect half-square triangles)

happy quilting! Denise

Sampler Quilt~Block of the Month (BOM)

2008-11-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I created a sampler quilt a few years back and decided to share the patterns with all of you! If you want to join us for the monthly BOM patterns, come back here each month or sign up for the RSS feed and I’ll have a new one on or before the 15th of each month. These blocks are 12″ finished.

This month we are creating the “Crosses and Losses” Block. Look for the pattern in the side bar! Check it out, now! If you want to join my Yahoo Group instead, join here. (1-19-2012 group is closed now. see BOM on this blog. )When you join you can upload your finished block and show others what they look like.

I made mine with Americana fabrics, but you can pick your own favorites! Be sure to choose colors that have HIGH contrast with each other so they stand out…for example…don’t choose prints that are the same intensity as they tend to blend into each other. Notice in the block, below, that the dark red and blue stand out against the white and red print.

When all 12 blocks are finished, we’ll put them together and make a queen sized quilt. OR you may choose to create individual projects out the blocks, too. Such as a wallhanging, pillows, runners, etc.

Here is an example of a wall hanging I made from two of the blocks:

This particular wallhanging was published in the July 2007 issue of Sewing Savvy Magazine . You may still be able to get an online e-magazine copy of the issue here.

Woot, Woot

2008-09-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just checked Amazon and found out that my “Quilted Bags and Totes” book was in the top 100 of 3 categories:

#56 in Fashion

#66 in Sewing

#72 in Quilt/Quilting

So, I’m going to give myself a “shout out” party! WOOT, WOOT!

Happy Quilting! Denise