Australian Flower-Making Tools

I want to thank Allie for introducing me to these wonderful flower-making tools. Those of you who read CQMagOnline probably read her article in the latest issue. Just in case you didn't, here is the link.

After seeing the article I just had to have a set. They are pricey but my sweet husband insisted I order a set knowing how well I loved re-creating nature's beauty in silk.

I wish the photo showed the beautiful peach shades and the three different pieces of silk used in this flower. Vic dyed one of the fabrics and sent it home with me. I dyed the other two. I used her Ribbonsmyth dyes. We experimented with her set of tools but needed more time than what we had.

I set aside several hours yesterday to play with my yet unopened tools. I was a little uncomfortable lighting the alcohol burner the first time but I soon became comfortable with it. It will take a lot more experimenting on my part to come up with "the perfect rose." One of the tools is for curling the silk petals and that will take a little more practice.

I love my first flower and wanted to share the results. I look forward to working with the Hanah Silk as well. I have some prepared with the stiffening and just need another play day. Dyeing your silks, stiffening the fabric, cutting the petals and then using the flower tools to shape them is time-consuming. It's not for someone who wants instant gratification. I love to see the flowers come to life so I don't mind spending the hours it takes to reach this point.

Amazing East Coast Trip

Our trip to the East Coast was amazing!!! It was a dream come true...doing only those things crazy quilters and SRE lovers enjoy doing. We shopped during the day and created and experimented in the remaining hours.

We arrived at the Philadelphia airport with Stephanie there to greet us. We spent the first part of our vacation with her and her wonderful family, including Diamond, her beautiful Maltese. Stephanie is an amazing artist and her studio is the perfect place to create. Her love is doll making and her creations are the most amazing I've ever seen.

Stephanie's husband, Eddie, has a wonderful hobby as well. One of the high points of our visit was taking a ride in this beauty!

Vic, Stephanie, Lynnis and I went to New York City on Saturday and spent the day in the garment district shopping for fabrics, ribbons, trims, beads, etc. etc. etc. We took the train into the city which was a new experience for me.

I'm planning several articles for CQMagOnline and don't want to share too much information on my blog. I will definitely post links to my articles as they appear in CQMag.

The second part of our adventure was spent in Pennsylvania with Vic and her husband, Mike, along with her wonderful extended family of animals. Sadie the papillion and Pearl the kitten needed to come home with me but I couldn't figure out a way to smuggle them out.

Many of you know Victoria Adams Brown and her online business Ribbonsmyth. I met Vic about 8 years ago at the Omaha CQ Convention and became an instant follower. She instilled the love
of silk ribbon embroidery and became a wonderful friend and mentor.


Vic and Mike own a beautiful farm in the countryside of Pennsylvania. What an amazing place to live and create! She is surrounded by such beauty and rich history. The home was built in the 1800's and they have remodeled and added on, retaining the old and historical beauty of the home.

I have memories to last a lifetime from this wonderful trip. I hope to share more photos and tales of our adventures as time permits.

Texas Girls Fly to East Coast

I'm up in the wee hours of the morning too excited to sleep. Lynnis and I are flying to the East Coast this morning to visit dear friends Stephanie and Vic. They have a wonderful itinerary planned with some fabulous shopping in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York City. I can't believe I'm going on this great adventure doing only those things we crazy quilters enjoy doing.

I plan to take lots of pictures and I know I will have many adventures to share with you when I return. I'll look forward to blogging and doing some articles in CQMagOnline regarding this fabulous trip.

Jules had originally planned to make the trip with us but a broken foot and family illness prevent her from going. We will miss you sweet friend.