Creative Dawn

Today is the day that my hard work in painting will hopefully bring in lots of money for a good cause.  Two chairs one with a footrest, a set of bean bag toss games and a small item that is my post for today.  I will let you know how much our charitable event raised as soon as the totals are in.  I know I am a dork, but watching the auctioneer and the excited participant as they bid on something that you created is fun for me.  Knowing that in some small way because of my abilities another person or group is benefiting.  Nothing feels better than giving to others! My small personal contribution is this little gift box.  I embroidered two towel with tropical drinks and added in the note cards that I made from the March 4th post.  In addition a fun deck of flip-flop playing cards and some colorful beads.  This is for the silent auction, but every bit helps.  I always jump at the chance to help others and will try to do another item ...

I have an embroidery pattern of southwestern designs.  The one I chose to make was the Indian for two reasons.  The first is that I am part native American and so is my mom the recipient of this pillow.  The second is that the decor of her home is southwestern.  So, I embroidered the design on muslin and bought a remnant of fabric to coordinate with it.  Using a rotary cutter I trimmed the fabric and sewed together the pillow.  The project was budget friendly and also very appropriate for my mom's home.

This is my newest embroidery project, just in time for Thanksgiving .  I got the towels at Joann Fabrics and used my weekly coupon to get a great deal.  The iron on patterns were from a package that had twelve designs, one for each month.  This is September and November, but make a great set for fall holiday time.  I am not hosting Thanksgiving, but for the person who is this year, they will be the perfect hostess gift tucked in a basket with rolls.   I always make my rolls every year because if I didn't, my husband's family would disown me.  I will post my simple recipe closer to turkey day for everyone, that is if anyone actually is reading this yet!   I love giving things like this because not only is it something handmade, it is also very practical.

This is a great way to relax and still do something creative.  I love to embroider and watch TV especially on a rainy or snowy day.  Flour sack dishtowels are practical and make great gifts.  Everyone can use more towels!  This set is going to my husbands grandma for their family cabin, hence the cabin theme.  The iron on templates are at most craft and fabric stores for a few dollars.  You can use them multiple times and even if they wear out, you could still use them with fabric tracing paper.  I use a basic back stitch and keep it simple since the towels will be used a lot I don't want to get to fancy.  To the left is my recent findings at the Goodwill and to the right is the amount I spent.  It was half off all blue ticket items and the table was marked at .99.  I got 10% off the table for carrying it out myself.  What a deal!  Look for these bargain finds in upcoming posts.