My not so Funny Valentine Quilt

Oh, let's see.  I've only been working on this heart shaped raw edge applique quilt...

FOREVER!

You can see the technique here Stitch and Split Applique: 12 Raw-Edge Projects or maybe do a google search.  The idea was to make heart blocks we would slice up, then piece back together.  Hmmmmm..... Seemed like a good idea at the time.

I'm more than a little "over it" by now, but I refuse to let it win.  I must win.  I will finish it.  I will put it in a choke hold until it yells, "Uncle!"  Not a very nice way to treat a Valentine, huh?

It started as an online Yahoo swap, maybe 10 years ago.  That group fizzled out.  Years later, when I pull this Valentine quilt out, I get to thinking about it....I can see where I cut out a billion hearts for my blocks. I remember fussy cutting.  I remember the fabrics I used.  But I don't see any blocks from other people.  I wonder if life got so crazy that I never even missed not receiving my swapped sets back. Who knows.  I do know I would have found them by now if I had them.  Oh well.  *sniff*

Isn't that sad?  It's just sad.  Sad that life gets so crazy busy and important things are over looked.  I'm not going to let that happen to my life or schedule any more if I can help it.  I'm done being busy.

Over it!

There is no GUILT in QUILT.  I heard Bonnie say that, and it has stuck with me.

With that being said, I'm determined to finish all my UFO's, WIP's and big fat PIG's this year.  I'm sick of feeling guilt or shame over what hasn't been finished.  I'm ready to move on.  Onward! Let's move Forward!  Use it up or get rid of it.  Just finish.  It doesn't have to be King Size.  If I have enough blocks for a throw, I'm going to allow myself to feel comfortable changing plans.  A throw is GOOD ENOUGH.

It's good enough.  Right?

So I'm ready to fall in love again and get this pretty girl finished in time to love my family with it. Warm Valentine cuddles, movie night and popcorn await!  

I love you too Pooh!

Sharing with these SWEET Blogs:

Quilt Story ~ Fabric Tuesday
I Have to Say ~ Show and Tell Tuesday
Freemotion By the River ~ Link Tuesday

Christmas Ornament Storage

When you love vintage Christmas, you tend to collect a lot of single pieces, trinkets and baubles here and there while junking. Few of my Christmas ornaments were actually found in their original "ornament box".  What about our heirloom pieces that have been in the family for decades?  They need a safe place to live too.

These ideas seem so clever.  I have to do this.  Too many of my precious pieces are breaking each year.  They are not easily or inexpensively replaced either.  I hope this is helpful. 

Image from Martha Stewart

Laura, at Come Together Kids took this Martha Stewart idea, and made one herself.  (Come Together Kids is a nice blog for parents with young children. Go visit her and say hello)  

Photo credit belongs to cometogetherkids.com

Photo credit belongs to http://www.udandi.com/

Photo Credit belongs to Vintage Modern Wife

Emily, at Merry Pad, deconstructed a box and made a container with individual slots for each special ornament in her collection.  This is a smart way to utilize cardboard, which otherwise would end up in the trash. (Merry Pad is a clever, inspiring blog, helping one to embrace a DIY lifestyle. Go say hi).

Photo credit belongs to Merry Pad

Now this idea of an empty oatmeal storage container, from Saxon (is that not the coolest name, ever!) is a very good idea.  We go through a lot of oatmeal and these boxes are round and sturdy enough.  Her blog, Let's Drink Coffee Darling looks like it could be a newer blog, so go say hello to her and show her some love and support. 

Photo credit belongs to Let's Drink Coffee Darling

I seriously think Becky's idea is a favorite, found at Organizing Made Fun, but I don't shop at Costco.  I wonder how I could find fruit containers like this.  I will have to keep my eyes and ideas open. 

Photo credit belongs to Organizing Made Fun

This is also a favorite idea, which I actually use, however, it's best for smaller ornaments.  Your larger baubles won't fit in an egg carton.  

The original source for this photo I believe, belongs to Better Homes and Gardens, but I couldn't locate the link.
I did find the photo on Pinterest though. 

OR:

You can just go buy one (or two or three)

Here is a great link on Amazon for many different, affordable choices.  

Personally, I love shopping through Amazon. We're Prime, so I don't have to pay shipping, most of the time, and I don't have to leave the house to go shopping.  Which leaves more time for sewing. LOL

What do you think?  How do you store your ornaments?  I'm open to more good ideas, which I hope you'll share in the comments section below.

I would love to meet you "face to face", at least through the blogiverse so follow my blog and other social media places to your right------->

Pooh's thought bubble, "Can we be done now?  I'm sick of Christmas.
Humans are crazy". 

Be blessed and Be a Blessing

I'll be sharing with these sweet link ups:
All Things With Purpose ~ All Things Thursday Blog Hop
Todays Creative Blog ~ Link Party Palooza
Sincerely, Paula ~ No Rules Blog Party
Love Bakes Good Cakes ~ Freedom Fridays With All My Bloggy Friends
Serenity Now ~ Weekend Bloggy Reading
Funky Junk Interiors ~ Party Junk
Chic On A Shoe String ~ Flaunt It Friday
The Thrifty Groove ~ Thrifty Things Friday
A Vision to Remember ~ All Things Hand Made
Whipper Berry ~ The Party Bunch
Too Much Time ~ Let's Get Schooled Saturday
Classy Clutter ~ Saturday Spotlight

Party Decorating idea

Here is a great way to decorate your table for a party. Buy a can of peanuts and set a candle on top. I hope you've been inspired in your visit to my blog today.
((((group hug))))

Such a great response. I never expected so many questions. As you can see, I purchased the peanuts at Publix and I believe I used salted, as salt adds to the glittery elegance. I also used a Party Lite candle purchased at a garage sale, so not only does this make a beautiful table display, it's economical as well...which means you'll have more money to spend on.......PEANUTS!!! A display for peanuts...or of peanuts.......

Please feel free to email me with any more questions. Blessings and Peace! Blessings and Peace!