Back to Reality

Back from our travels, and I'm spending a few peaceful moments (heirs to the throne are snuggled into bed) catching up. While on our trip we visited the Macinac Bridge (very small in the background of this photo). Toured Tequamenan Falls (both of them)- here is the King with princesses and prince on the boardwalk to the lower falls. We couldn't hold still for too long because Michigan's Upper Pennisula's state bird (ie Mosquitos) were eating us alive!

We did spend a little time on Macinac Island (and a little money on the fudge), and went to the Soo Locks, just as I used to as a child with my parents. The highlight of the trip for the kiddos was climbing the large sand dunes at Sleeping Bear. I did not make it to the top- the girls are not even near the top in this photo.

I also spent my time in the car wisely, finishing up some magazines, and sewing up this adorable strawberry pincushion from a kit I purchased at Heather Bailey's online shop.

Isn't it too sweet? I shall have to make more.

Berry Sweet Ribbons

Lots of pretty new ribbons and crepes in the shoppe now. I was inspired by warm strawberry sauce dripping down fresh vanilla ice cream for this first set "Strawberry Sundae". Rich and red flowing mellowly, intermingaling with the cream to form soft pinks...

...or bright red varigating into rich ivory for "Strawberry Cheesecake"...

I just love the way thre ribbons fell into this flower shaped pattern.

I wrapped the ribbons around a Sweet Nothings Journal, this one a soft pink cardstock filled with vintage papers, paper lace, and a smidgen of swiss dot organza.

The next set I had the colors in mind for awhile, I just wasn't sure how I wanted to prepare the ribbons, or present them. I was struck with inspiration whilst reading the latest issue of Somerset Home, Connie Govea Stuart talked about her dyeing technique for ribbons using Easter Egg tablets. I decided to try her technique (although I still used my regular dyes). They were gorgeous even during their dye baths!

A rainbow confection of ribbons starting to appear...cherry, orange, lemon, lime, blue raspberry, and grape.

Tutti-frutti bright and scrumptiously crinkley!

The Everlasting Gobstopper!