Some Finished Projects and a Bloggiversary

First things first: 

After spending the entire week (ugh!!) down with the nastiest case of bronchitis to come down the pike, I rallied enough today to wander into my basement cave to work on unfinished projects.

I began this quilted picture years ago - like maybe 5 or 6 years ago, and sweet Laura asked me to finish it for her - last year. 

Apparently I have some congenital problem finishing projects, and so year after year, and move after move, my projects pile up and taunt me everytime I venture into the studio.  The guilt that attacks me when I accidently catch a glimpse of an unfinished project wounds me to the core - especially when I avert my gaze, and then promptly begin a brand new project.  Thank goodness I don't parent my children the way I treat my projects! 

I don't know what prevents me from project completion.  I guess I think some of them aren't finish-worthy, or some of them need to develop a little more, or I've lost interest, or I have too many irons in the fire, or whatever.  In this case, I could not get the height/width proportions correct.  I'm still not sure they're right, but I can't diddle with it any more.  It's  done.  Beaded.  Embellished.  Complete.  Now to get it to Laura. . .

I have another completed project below.  Okay - it's technically ALMOST completed.  I need to square it off, and trim the threads

and find a frame.  Ugh - that proportion thing is going to rear its ugly head again, I just know it. 

This one is the Naval Academy skyline under a setting sun.  I started this one about this time last year, and had it almost finished and then set it aside.  I don't know why. Did I think it would improved if it was shoved in the bottom of my scrap stash?  Who knows.   When I pulled it out today, I decided it was good enough. I'll trim it, square it, frame it, and I'll do something else with it. I just don't know what yet.

Onto other things. 
In the excitement (not) of my week of bronchitis, I missed my one year bloggiversary!  It was yesterday - but since I am almost always a day late and a dollar short, I'm observing this auspicious occasion today.  And I've decided to do a giveaway.

Oh don't ask me what the giveaway is.  It will be a surprise, but I promise it will be a fun surprise.  I'll prowl through my goodies and come up with something appropriate to the one year anniversary of a blog that doesn't know if it wants to be about cooking, decorating, sewing, thrifting, painting, reading or ranting.  All you have to do is leave a comment, and on Monday I'll draw a winner.  (Not with a pencil, you understand).

The drawing will be done is a most un-technical manner, as the addition of my new blog banner used up any technical know-how that I'm likely to possess for the next year or so.  (You peeps who know how to personalize your blogs ROCK.  I bow to you.  I'm not worthy to know you.  It took me three, THREE, frickin' hours to change my banner.  but I digress.  again.) 

I think only about 3 people read this, so the drawing should be easy.  Surprise me, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do about putting together a fun package. 

Oh - and college football is back. 

I LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

Go NaVy!!

Comments

[larahurley]

send me something good anyway... love the new banner.... yes, go navy! and that reminds me to go see if the Aggies won.

[threesweeties]

Oh I just discovered your site and now you're doing a giveaway! Yay! Just send one of those gorgeous items in this post and I'll be a happy camper! (I kid, I kid...but they are gorgeous!!) Have a great weekend and happy blog-a-ver-sary!!

[ijsbeer]

I just found your blog by searching for decorating:) You make really awesome things. I totally get you not labelling yourself in one corner. Why should you when you have so much talent in different areas?

Sorry about your bronchitis. Hope you are feeling much better now!

[rachael5297]

My friend Emily gave me a link to your blog a couple of weeks ago. I was her matron of honor at her wedding for which you threw a WONDERFUL bridal luncheon. I fell in love with your house and your city. I have really enjoyed your blog. Thanks for all the great ideas!!

[Beth]

Just checkin' in....and what luck, a giveaway! I just wanted to tell you that there is a house around the corner from me the has (what I believe to be) a gypsy wagon in their side yard! I'm not sure what they use it for, but it's really cute. Made me think of you :)
ps...love the apron!

[Doojie]

Honey you really must stop that silly running and do more sewing!!!! Or forget cooking or something, the kids can take care of the house, something! Love your art, Stephanie

[Doojie]

Honey you really must stop that silly running and do more sewing!!!! Or forget cooking or something, the kids can take care of the house, something! Love your art, Stephanie