June Page of the Month

Big Changes

Over the last month my life has changed dramatically!  I decided to change careers - this is an exciting move and I'm so glad I took the leap!  For the last 9 years I've worked for our county health department as a health educator.  It's been a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade my time there for anything I've made fabulous friends and participated in some great programs but it was time for a change.  I'm now the floral manager of our local flower shop!  I've been on the job for under a week and absolutely know I've made the right decision.  Everyday I work with beautiful flowers that bring smiles to peoples' faces and add a little comfort to those who are feeling a little down.  I can't wait for all that is to come!

Handmade Gift

I know Christmas was a few weeks ago but I just had to share.  I did finish one handmade gift!  The above table runner was a gift for my mom and I think it's just perfect for her coffee table!

Final Table

I set up my final Swing Choir table yesterday.  The only request was that the table be red and gold.  I think it really came together!  I created the ornament wreath yesterday morning on a whim and I'm sure glad I did!  I love the way it sparkles when the lights are down and the candles are lit.  The red dishes, I borrowed from my sister-in-law and the rest I already had.  This has been such a fun event every year - I'm happy to have been a part of it!

The end of an era

For the past 6 years I've been decorating at least one table for our local high school's Swing Choir Christmas dinner/production.  Through the years I've decorated as many as 3 tables in a year.  The dinner is a fundraiser for the group and each student hosts a table which includes selling 8 tickets and decorating a table.  Six years ago I volunteered to help decorate a friend's table and have been doing it ever since.  This year it comes to an end as I'll be decorating my last table for her beautiful daughter who will be graduating this spring.  (As a side note - it started with her oldest daughter who graduated 2 years ago.)  I'll be sure to post pictures of the final table but here's a quick look back on a few tables from the past.

A Handmade Holiday...

I had the best of intentions this year to make all my Christmas gifts.  As I look at the calendar and the list of projects to complete I've come to the realization that not everyone will receive a handmade gift.  This is not the end of the world but I have already started planning for next year!  I WILL have a Christmas where all my gifts are handmade.  In an effort to achieve this, I've signed up for a few classes (this way I know projects will actually be started and completed).  The photo above is one of my projects for next year.  I haven't decided who will receive this super cute clutch but I have a few ladies in mind...

I'll post pictures of this year's handmade gifts after Christmas - no peeking here!

Stockings

I love paper crafting but I do sew on occasion as well.  This is my latest project.  My sister-in-law and I took a quilting class recently at the Quilting Bee in Spokane.  This is a Buggy Barn pattern and my favorite way to create a quilt!  I'm making table runners from this pattern and will post the finished project soon (they're going to be Christmas gifts).