Checkbook cover

I just completed my first project in which I sewed ribbon onto something. Behold: a checkbook cover made with the new ribbon. Too bad my checkbook doesn't fit in it. That's right, you heard me. I used this nice tutorial, but clearly I didn't check closely enough to make sure I was doing it right. But on a happy note, I didn't say any bad words or smash anything, either.

Quiz: Find your decorating style

Ann sent over this fun little quiz. Just choose pictures you like in response to the questions. My style turned out to be kitsch chic. I "love to mix old and new to create an interior design cocktail that's easy, fun and whimsical."

I made ribbon, reluctantly

J Caroline Creative hired me to design some novelty ribbons for her store. I have to admit my first reaction was: "Uh, okay, but ribbons are stupid and useless." I had visions of teddy bears and ruffles and Precious Moments. But I took a stab at it and tried to think of things that would be cute and funny. Guess what. It was really fun. Here's the result. I still don't know what they're good for, so if you have an idea, please tell me. I'll put the link where you can buy them under each photo.

Get dachshunds here.

Get campers here. (This one is my fave. I want an Airstream!)

Get piggies here.

More fabric news

Caroline reminded me to tell you that the Modern Flora fabric collection is now in its second printing! So either my Mom bought a few thousand yards, or you guys helped out. Thank you! And... some new prints are on their way to the mill. When the printing date is scheduled, I'll give you a sneak peek. Should be any day now.

Thank you, Family Circle magazine

I was going to play it cool and pretend to be all jaded and professional-like, and not put this on my blog. But I'm too happy to resist. Look! A tiny picture of my fabric is in a magazine appearing in grocery check-out lanes and dentist's offices everywhere!

Mini canvases

Impulse purchase from the checkout counter at Blick: a pack of teensy little 2" x 2" canvases. Why is everything that's miniaturized so irresistible? Anyhow, I made them into magnets.

See? Aren't they cute?

After painting, I covered the back with self-adhesive paper and glued on magnets. These things weigh practically nothing, so they'd be easy to mail to someone. Or keep them and turn your fridge into a Smurf-sized art gallery. Dick Blick even sells tiny easels for them.

Free pincushion pattern

Heather Bailey has a fancy new website, and to kick things off, she's generously offering a free pincushion pattern you can download. If you'd like to make a little reupholstered tape measure to go along with that, check out this tutorial from A Spoonful of Sugar.