Ode to Harry Potter

It was the summer of 2001, my first working in Denali. I had brought Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in my small stack of books to read that summer. I read it quickly and loved it so much. I immediately fell in love with the world that J.K. Rowling had created and with the characters that inhabited it. I let a friend borrow that book that summer and she also became an instant fan--so much so that the next time she could get to town, she bought the rest of the Harry Potter books that were out at the time. We both read them voraciously. We were hooked. Such began my love affair with Harry Potter. That winter of 2001 I was living in Colorado and the Sorcerer's Stone movie came out. I was so excited! I bought some Bertie Bott's to snack on while waiting in line to get in. The movie was magical. Colby watched that movie with me and we've seen all the other movies in the theater together. It's just something we do. He's never read the books but he does enjoy the movies. Now that the last movie is out, I feel a sense of loss. I've spent the last 10 years with these characters--that's longer than most things. What will I do now that it's truly over? (I secretly hope that Rowling will write some stories about Harry's parents) At least there's plenty of craftiness to look at. Here's some of my uber-faves I've found.  I myself have stitched this Leaky Cauldron piece for my friend from that summer in Alaska 10 years ago and I recently received these kick-ass pieces in a swap.

  I will miss you Harry. 

This  lovely stitched quote from Dumbledore by shaebay.  I love the words with this frame.  A beautifully simple piece.  She's also stitched this this and this.

A few years back there was a Potterpuff craze (cross between Harry Potter characters with big Powerpuff Girls eyes).  I don't remember where it all started--some site, but they are so adorable.  spike_fan has stitched up several examples including my favorite--Remus Lupin. See others here, here and here.

 ofenjen made this stunning quilt!  42 squares of Harry Potter love.  Here re some of my favorite blocks.

The Flying Car

Hagrid's Hut

A Dementor

Beautiful Hedwig

This wonderful cross stitch of the dark mark by bombastitch, 

There's tons more stuff out there.  People are wild about Potter--the true mark of something great, is when folks make things based on it--in my opinion.  So---so long for now Harry--until we meet again in the pages of my books.

Oh Maggie...

We found Maggie in the hamper.

Flickr faves: Couches

We need a new couch something fierce.  The one we have is a hand-me-down from my grandmother. Let's just say it's seen better days. It's becoming less and less comfortable to sit on.  We're not quite at the point where we are going to make a purchase though.  So what do I do--drool over awesome couches online of course. 

This orange striped couch looks cool-especially with the pink shag rug!

I'm loving this aqua sofa--ooh what I could do with this one! 

This bright orange sofa is amazing.  I love the shape.  I actually love this entire room--when can I move in?

This one is so full of awesome (and it's a trundle bed, too!)

Dang!  This doll even has a better couch than me.

 

Red velvet?   Come to mama.

Oooh so comfy and sunny.  I cold take a mean nap on this one.

Loving this pink--don't know if Colby would go for it though?

This awesome teal couch is so beautiful I can't stand it.

Lime green?  Yes please.

Well I guess that's enough window shopping for now.I'm hesitant to buy a brand new couch because we are still apartment dwellers.  I would hate to buy a new couch that would not fit into our someday home.  Guess I'll go scope craigslist some more for a snazzy used one.  Later!

Flickr Faves: Yellow Quilts

I love drooling over quilts...especially when they are yellow.  Yellow makes me happy.  I keep promising myself that I will learn how to quilt.  I sure hope that I keep my promise...someday.

Yellow Bloom Quilt

From vintage sheets

Modern Quilt Challenge

Yellow Cross Quilt

Vintage Fabric Inspired Quilt

Pinwheel Quilt

Heart Applique

Random Ohio Stars

Antique Quilt

Old quilt

Ode to my childhood cartoons

I was reminiscing with my sister about old cartoons we used to watch when we were kids.  We started combing through YouTube looking at all the ones we remembered; Transformers, He-Man, Snorks, She-Ra, Animaniacs and the list goes on.   We had a blast just looking at all of them—some of them I had forgotten about—Mr. T anyone?  I have actually been re-watching Jem on Hub and it’s been really interesting watching it again.  They just don’t make cartoons like they used to.  So I thought I’d see what craftiness is out there for all those good cartoons I grew up with.   

A rocking Pizazz amigurami from chubbyninjcrafts.  She was in the band Misfits--arch enemies of Jem and the Holograms.  She's got a bad attitude but this little crocheted cutie almost makes her seem sweet (but don't be fooled, she will try to blow you up as evidenced in the carton).  You can get Roxy and Stormer to complete the band! 

You can fulfill your dream of finally being She-Ra Princes of Power with this wonderful handmade costume by tonyagergely.  How rad is this!!  I could totally rock this on Halloween---or on a Tuesday---whatever.

Another crocheted goodie--you can buy this pattern for All-Star Snork from erinscull and make your own cutie.  I have watched the Snorks as an adult and it doesn't quite translate to adulthood--it was much better when I was a kid.  

OK I wasn't a young child when I watched Animaniacs but so what.  This cartoon is so good that I just loved it, even as a teen--I would totally watch it today and I don't care who knows it.  This fabulous Brain cross stitch by PuzzlingPeach rocks my world!  The best things about Animaniacs were the all the different characters they had and Pinky and The Brain were no exception.  I also came across this super cute crochet Wakko doll from BunnieBard--she even includes the pattern so you can stitch this up yourself!  I also totally want these magnets!

Care Bears were everywhere in the 80's and what's not to love--I mean seriously--they were just too cute.  Micheleleigh stitched up this super cute design!  She also did this one.  I'm also pretty sure I want this for work badge and this cake for my next birthday.

The Smurfs were great and so it this sweet cross stitch of Smurfette by helby.  Also, what kid wouldn't look adorable in this?  I would also take this cake for my next birthday.  I love this cross stitch of Grouchy Smurf.

The Beetlejuice cartoon was awesome!  This is a great machine embroidered patch by Neither Sparky.   If I had pierced ears I totally rock these and I sorts love this Lydia Deetz cham.

Well that's about it for now I guess--I may have to do a part 2 to this to look up even more cartoon awesomeness.  I'm so glad that I refuse to truly grow up becuase I  still get so much enjoyment out of these cartoons. Just pure joy really.  So I'm going to leave with a few truly outrageous videos. 

And by the way...What's your favorite cartoon? 

In process...

I finally worked a bit more on my latest painting.  I'm liking the direction it's going. 

I have this rather large piece of fabric hanging from the bottom that I can't decide if I want to cut it or not.  I'm going to think a bit more on it. Still more to do...but it sure felt good to work on this again. 

Mysterious ladies

I don't know too much about these ladies.  I found them a couple of years ago at the Hospice flea market and just had to have them. I love them, especially their faces. 

They have bodies made out of a heavy paper cone, their heads are wooden.  

I love the little touches of lace and sequins.  I just think they are adorable, wherever they came from.