Shamrock Pin

Yesterday I was thinking about how I really don't have any green in my wardrobe.  We have been invited to a friends house for dinner on St. Patricks Day and I didn't want to have to purchase something green to wear.  I quickly did a Pinterest search and found this tutorial.  You do not need to have the Clover heart shaped yo yo maker to make this.  I cut out a heart from paper and traced around it on fabric.  I used the stitching lines from the picture of the yo yo maker as my guide for stitching.  It worked like a charm!  The pin took about a half hour to make.  So simple!

Joyfully,

Happy 4th of July!

Source: hmhdesigns.wordpress.com via Renee on Pinterest

Wishing you a blessed and safe fourth of July!


Smiles,

Rose Napkins

When I was visiting my brother I walked by this display in one of the little shops near his town.  I took this picture thinking that this napkin arrangement would be great for Easter or Mother's Day.  When I got home I had an email from The Cottage Journal with this link showing how to make it.  Now we can all have flowers on our tables.  Enjoy!

Joyfully,

A Time for Fun

My daughter went to the Shanghai Circus with her boyfriend on Saturday for his homecoming.  She wore her retro dress with the fun pink crinoline.  We decided against the "fascinator" (hair piece with netting).  I made it alittle too big.  Our favorite hairdresser did some wonderful retro-inspired pin curls.

They always have such a fun time together.  Saturday was in the 40's.  All the snow was pretty much melted.  Now we are back in the 20's with one of the worst snow and ice storms ever.  Trees down everywhere.  Many, many people without power.  Roads too treacherous to drive.  No school yesterday or today because the school doesn't have any power.  Oh, how I long for spring!

Blessings,

Chelsea's Bridal Shower

I am very excited today to show you pictures of the bridal shower I had on Saturday.  The weather cooperated, being overcast but not too hot.  Let's take a stroll, through the garden to the festivities...

I had so much fun using my vintage china, some I have purchased and some that belonged to my Grandmother.  I used all my own cloth napkins, they were all different but went together beautifully.

My friend, Diane (the soon-to-be Mom-in-love) helped me scour Goodwill and Salvation Army for mismatched teacups which I filled with Lady Gray tea and homemade lavender shortbread.  They were the take-home favors for the guests.

I cut flowers from the garden that morning, including red rose, hydrangea in pink, blue, white, and lime, blue Love-in-a-Mist, and various daylilies.  I had purchased some pink roses the day before because the rain had taken most of my pink ones away.  All the flowers were placed in vintage china of various size.

I purchased a bundle of vintage wedding cards on Etsy and used Diane's collection of antique floral frogs to display them.  It was fun to add some vintage cake toppers as well as other bridal themed items.

I have been collecting pretty doilies for such a long time and it was fun to use them on the table for added interest.  So many different items coming together to make pretty vintage-inspired tables.

The painted chairs were borrowed from Diane and I purchased the benches at an estate sale and painted one blue and one pink.

The flowers really added that special touch and pop of color.  The scent of the roses were heavenly.  It really was fun to use what I had.  It's really not hard to make something special and remain on a budget when you utilize what you already have.

It was fun to see all the wonderful, thoughtful gifts.  It brought back memories of my own bridal showers, all those years ago.

Without a doubt, the most beautiful part of the shower was our stunning Chelsea who made it all possible.  She is beautiful, smart, funny, caring and kind (to name just a few) and I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of this special time in her life.  Come back tomorrow for pictures of the items I made.

A very heartfelt thank you for all the thoughtful

comments about Max.  It brought many a tear to

my eyes and I am again so thankful for the 

wonderful women I have met through blogging.

Joyfully yours,

Showers of Inspiration

I am getting ready to host a bridal shower this month.  During the preparation stage I often go to my old files for inspiration.   I will also frequent wedding sites such as Green Wedding Shoes.  I have found that Etsy offers tons of inspiration and their items can be purchased.  Following is some of the inspirational places on Etsy that I found...

Nathaniel23

Pink Cherry Mama

Tipple and Snack

Miss Pickles Press

Oxford Haven

Craft Zine

May you be inspired to go create!

Joyfully,

Time for Tea

The weather yesterday crept into the low 60's.  Today should be more of the same. Hurrah!  Time for some iced tea.  Would love to have you over for a visit!

I snatched up these glass cozies on my latest thrifting adventure.

Do any of you have a pattern for these?  I would love to make more.

Be sure to wear green today so you don't get pinched!

Joyfilled Hugs,

100th Post Giveaway!!!

Today marks my 100th post!  I have truly enjoyed my blogging experience.  I've learned so much from you and have met such amazing women.  You have become kindred spirits as we journey together through our days.  I am awe struck at all the possibilities that are available with the click of a button.  I still have a long way to go to master this art form, but I'm excited to learn and grow with all of you!  I would like to thank you for your support by doing a giveaway.   I will be giving the above items to one happy reader:  a reversible tote bag and covered hanger made by little ole' me.  The cutest ever icecream cone timer and the book, "One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity" by Debbie Macomber, with a handmade book mark.  The guidelines are simple, because I'm simple:

1.  You need to be a follower of Sewn With Grace.

2.  Leave one comment on this post telling me what you are thankful for.

That's it, nice and simple.  The giveaway will end Sunday, Feb. 28th.  I will announce the winner on Monday.  I'm looking forward to learning what you are thankful for.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

I'm thankful for you today,

A Bundle of Blessings!

This is Kai, he is the new grandson of my dear friend, Nancy. He was born last Tuesday. This photo just takes my breath away. What an absolute gift from God he is. Congratulations Amanda and Raj! I am reminded of the verse,

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me

together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I

was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written

in your book before one of them came to be"...

Psalm 139:13-16

With joyful thanksgiving,

Wishing You A Happy New Year!

Wishing all of you the best for 2010! Have a fun, safe New Year's! God bless you!