Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Casserole Carrier

Hi!
I finally made my casserole carrier.
I did a lot of research on the web and found many nice ones.
After all of that, I came up with the style I think is the better for me.
If you look here you will find several  awesome styles to choose from.

Here  is how mine turned out.
I used a cotton print for the outside and plain red for the inside.  For padding I used cotton batting.
I decided to use red piping for contrast.

This is very simple pattern. just two padded rectangles that you sew together on the part where the bottom of the dish will be (that will give extra padding for hot dishes). You sew the handles on at the same time.
You will need Velcro to hold the parts closed when transporting. I think I am going to sew one more strip of Velcro on each side of mine. just to make sure it will hold well.
It is good to have  your dish on hand, so you can measure and make sure you have a good fit.
This is the tutorial I used for mine. I made some changes, but you get the idea. Hope this can help if you want to make one.
Talking about casserole dishes,  I found this one at Home Goods other day. My favorite store.


So pretty! My daughter said that it is too pretty to put on the oven.  I agree with her.
I love everything berries...so,  I couldn't  let this one pass.
Thanks for visiting!
Ana Paula.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Pretty new things

Hello!
I don't have any craft pictures to share today.
I am making a list of projects to finish...to see if things really get done.
I have many small sewing projects. Lots and lots of them. And I have many cross stitch projects on my list.
Soon I will share some finishes. 
Today I will share a couple of other things.
We got this picture for Brenda's room just after Christmas.
This is Story time in Galilee by Del Parson.
We got the print and used a frame and mat from Michael's.
I love this print. It is my favorite picture of Jesus with children. So sweet.

The other stuff I have to share are cute cute little cactus from the 99 cents store.
I had some small  bowls I got on clearance at Joann some years ago.
I really had no use for them.

Now they grace my (ugly) counter top as pots for my "pokes".
I will keep them there all year long.
It goes well with all my red stuff.  I got some red small appliances recently and all my red gadgets hang on the wall. It is hard to make an old kitchen look good, but since we plan to stay here for a while, I am doing my best to make this place look better.
Thanks for stopping by!
Ana Paula.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Give me a Kiss Valentine Cross Stitch


One more cross stitch finish.
This is "Give me a kiss" from San Man Originals. It was a fun and kick stitch.
When I first saw this cute fabric at Joann, I thought it was perfect for this design.
It was my first finish as a little pillow like this, and I really like it.
I have a couple more valentine projects to finish until Monday,  including a skirt for Brenda using this same fabric. She loves to dress up for any holiday. Valentine's Day is a cool one.
Little girls are so much fun, and I enjoy make things for mine.
Thanks for the visit!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Valentine Mini Cakes and Valentine Kitchen

Today I made some mini chocolate cakes using this nordic ware pan my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas.
They are valentine gifts for some ladies from my church.

I just dusted them with sugar and Brenda decorated with the valentine sprinkles.  My sweetie loves them.

Do you know any little girl that does not love sprinkles? I don't. Very Fancy Nancy.

Now, this is a little corner of my kitchen.
We live in a  apartment with a small kitchen. Not enough storage.
I got this shelf at Michael's and painted it white. I like to put this set of canisters there. The empty canister usually holds cookies. I have a different set on the counter for flour, sugar and such.

I made the cross stitch pot holders and the grocery bag holder modeled after a clothespin bag. I also made the cherry print apron.
The cross stitch dish towel I made about 9 years ago in Brazil. My Mom made the crochet border.


I have several other dish towels from that time. It is a very popular cross stitch item there.
When  we went back some time ago, I got several dish towels and table runners. They all have the part for the stitched design in aida.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Ana Paula
 

Follower Party #3 !

Hi!
I am having fun with this party!
I found many awesome blogs to follow.
SJ from the Homemaker on a Dime is hosting this great party.
The whole thing is: I follow you, you follow me.
She gives all the details on her blog.
Click on the button and join the party.



Today, I found more great blogs to follow.

My Creative Escapes has lots of inspiration. Such a fun blog!

Vicky Loves to Decorate is a very creative blog. Vicky loves  DIY and spend time with her family.

The Junk House  is a new blog. Sam is buying her first house and starting the adventure of decorating  it. I am sure she will have lots to show us.

Lucky Lees To Be  is a great blog. Amber is a girl with many ideas. Her mini spinach dip bread bowls look delicious.

So many blogs, so little time!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ana Paula

Monday, February 7, 2011

New Cross Stitch Pillow

This is the year for getting things done.
I had this cross stitch piece maybe for 3 years now. I also had the Mary Rose fabric and the lace, all  waiting to be made into a pillow for Brenda. It finally happened.  I am very happy!
I love this design from Precious Moments/Gloria&Pat .
This is called We are all Precious in His Sight.
She is lovely, isn't she? And the saying is beautiful.
Just perfect for my little girl's room.
I am working on a couple of new projects right now. I wish I had more hours on my day.
Thanks for visiting!
Ana Paula 

Thursday, February 3, 2011

I am folllowing some new cool blogs!

Hi!

I am having fun finding new blogs to follow.

I found these talented ladies at the Homemker on a Dime Followers Swap Party.

Jessica, at My world - Made by hand has a tutorial for a cute Valentine plate stand. She has many other inexpensive  pretty crafts  on her blog.

Karen at Joy, Junk and Juxtaposition has a blog filled with great ideas. I will take more time to look at everything.
I really need some inspiration around here.

Chrissy, at Roses,Rhubarb and Pearls is a new blogger with great potential. I love the name of her blog!

Alicia, at Purple Paisley Pinwheel is another great blogger that has so many great things to share.

Debbie at Slice of Pie Cookbook and Entertaining has great ideas for parties, beautiful tablescapes and recipes!

Thanks  for visiting!
Ana Paula :)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Race day party and new followers!

Hi!
Saturday we went to one of  the Children's Tumor Foundation local events.
The Children's Tumor Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) medical foundation, dedicated to improving the health and well being of individuals and families affected by the neurofibromatoses (NF).

What is Neurofibromatosis?
Neurofibromatosis encompasses a set of distinct genetic disorders that causes tumors to grow along various types of nerves.  NF can also affect the development of non-nervous tissues such as bones and skin. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body.

My little girl has Neurofibromatosis 1, as some of you may know.
She has no tumors. We pray everyday about that. But she has bone deformity, or pseudoarthrosis on her right leg. This means that her tibia was very week, and as she started walking the bone could not handle her weight anymore. She broke her leg two times. It was a very difficult time for us.
At  two and a half years old she had a surgery to correct her leg.
We have no NF history on our family. Brenda's condition comes from a "spontaneous mutation".
To make a long story short, she now is 6 and a half years old, and has a pretty "normal" life.
She wears a brace to protect her leg, and has some  restrictions that are very difficult for a first grader.
She can't run or jump, go on the slide, swing or monkey bars. The risk of breaking her leg still there.
Many days she comes home from school and tells me that nobody wanted to play with her. It breaks my heart. I try to make her understand how the other kids like her but also like to run and jump.
The school  makes special adjustments for her on PE classes and other activities.
So, we have a little china doll, she is beautiful and we love her.
We don't know what the future will bring. She has a "mild" case. But things can change. NF can bring many issues. We trust the Lord and she is on His hands.

The foundation has a car that is every year at the 24 hours of  Daytona for their Racing for Research program.
Saturday, the local chapter had a party here at the  Los Angeles area.
The raffle table. See my Valentine's Basket there?
Brenda, Kelly ( the Foundation's representative at the Los Angeles office) and Ray, another NF hero.

Brenda and Ray helping with the raffle.

Some of the kids making bubbles.

The race is over and it was a success, but the "race" against NF is everyday.
Next year the car will be at the 24 hours of Daytona again, and we will be fundraising  for this and other events through out the year. One day they will find a cure.

Now, the swap party!
Amy, from Petal picking designs is following me...and I am following her.
She has many darling projects on her blog.

Jordan, from Military spouse house is a very creative lady. Many great ideas on her blog.
She is following me, and I am following her now.

That's how the party works: I follow you,  you follow me.

Here is the link for the Swap party again. Please join us.








Thanks for stopping by.

Ana Paula

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

My January ornament

Well, it is a very easy one. But it is cute.
This is "Le roi des rennes". I made some changes, leaving out a crown and a bow on his neck.
I have no idea who the designer is.
I had it on my freebies folder, but there is no designer name anywhere. I am sorry.
Thanks for stopping by.
Ana Paula.

Followers swap Party

Hi! I am excited about The Homemaker on a dime Party!
I am joining again this week. I have found some great blogs because of this.
It is a great way to get new followers and find new blogs to follow. 
If you don't know about her great idea yet, please take a look and join us!
Here is the link:









So... let the fun begin!
I found Jaymee at Crafty Hearts, Warm Home,  and she has some cool stuff on her blog. You need to stop by and see her DIY wedding  and her many other ideas.

I also found Jenn from Our Blessed Life and she has a beautiful blog and a beautiful family.

Enjoy the party, ladies!