A Very Kelli Journal

Thought I would share the latest finished project from my studio, on this very hot humid Monday.
I received a sketchbook from Chloe, for Mother's Day, full of glorious thick, textured, watercolor paper. I decided it needed a cover, that has "Me" written all over it!
The book is small enough that I can fit into my tote along with my favorite markers and pencils. I love that I can take something to doodle in, wherever I go.
Sketching or doodling is one of the things I wanted to get back into this year. I have fallen out of practice, and have forgotten how much I love to do it. I have never considered myself very good at drawing. I just find it fun and relaxing---it's right up there with stitching!

For the cover, I used a mix of vintage and new fabric that I had in my stash. The bird pieces you see on the front and back are from my good friend, Hope. She knows I like birds. They worked perfectly for this project.
I didn't have a plan at all, when I started, I just added bits and pieces that I loved. I even added a pocket on the back!

The photo below is of the inside front flap.

And here is the back flap. I'm still practicing my free motion embroidery on my sewing machine.

I thought I would also share the few pages I have started on, inside. The photo below is of a page I had a lot of fun with. Not a whole lot of doodling, but I think that is OK too. I have a thing for pretty paper and love to use it whenever I can. I started the page with a rose cut from fabric, and sewed it to paper. I then added other bits of paper that I like. I left room for writing---which I will fill in---someday.

Here, I added an old book page that I had doodled on.

The page below, was inspired by this quote from Mark Twain. Love the quote so much, I'm adding it to my quilt as well.

Last, but not least, are my doodled elephants. On one beautiful day, a couple weeks ago, my girls and I sat outside at the patio table and doodled together. We had all our markers, crayons and pencils spread about, filling up the whole table....
And I was loving every minute of it!

New Memoir Keepers

Just stopping in to let you know that I have restocked the shop with new Memoir Keepers.

Two of them are much thicker with 192 plain pages to doodle, sketch or write to your hearts content.

I truly enjoy creating the Memoir Keepers. I hope you like them too!

I hope to have new Posie Pockets and Strands available soon soon soon.

Summer with the kids is already passing by too quickly.

Sigh...so many things to do---so little time.

Have a grand 4th of July weekend, everyone. May your bbq or picnic taste extra yummy, your drink simply refreshing and your fireworks extra dazzling!

A SUMMER PROJECT

Just look at this lovely bouquet of yummy colors. Summer inspired threads to add to my new summer project.

All of these goodies (which make me giddy everytime I look at them) will be used in my Summer project, inspired by this very creative person. I will be working on a quilt. Something of an heirloom to hopefully pass on to my kids someday. I will be hand stitching, free embroidery with the help of Miss Mabelle, adding pretty little bits and bobs of fabric, doilies, hankies and dresser scarves all on a base of pillow cases sewn together. I have already started with the little horse you see in the photo. Abby sketched her famous horse in her own little Abby style and I stitched it into a palomino (her favorite kind of horse). Then I snipped small circles from a favorite dress of hers when she was little, and stitched them around the doily. The doily will then be sewn onto the quilt wherever it may suit my fancy at the time.

I have many ideas floating in my head---things I would like to add to the quilt. Maybe a few favorite quotes or stitchings to remember special family events or moments. Kinda like a memoir of our family that we can wrap around ourselves and snuggle with.

I'm guessing it might take me a little longer than the summer. But, this is one project I really want to see to the end. Sometimes I start something with good intentions then life gets so busy and my good intentions get pushed to the back burner.

My very good friend, Cammy, is going to do one as well. We made a deal to keep each other in line and stitch together. Now that it is summer, it is something we can both make time for.

I'm REALLY looking forward to it.

Can't wait to dig in and get stitching.

What summer projects are you working on?

ART JOURNAL E-COURSE and GIVEAWAY

My good pal Hope, is doing it again. She is offering another amazing art journaling e-course.

I'm so lucky to be able to see Hope's journals in person when we get together. I love her journals. They have a simple, fun, yet elegance to them. I love how she uses very few supplies and how she always carries them with her wherever she goes. I love that when the three of us get together, Hope will pull out her journal and favorite pen---doodle or letter while we chit chat. And no matter where we go, whether it's lunch, out for coffee or exploring a new shop, she always gathers a napkin, business card, or tag to tape in, or slide into a secret pocket.


If you find a bit of free time, grab a cold drink, a comfy chair and take a peek at Hope's journals. They are simply amazing.

Check out her new e-course. If you sign up before the course starts(June 20, 2011), you'll receive a very fun free gift. ( I have one--and it's one of my favorites)

Also, if you sign up before the course ends (July, 31, 2011), you will be entered to win this Memoir Keeper made by me. My Moleskine cahier cover (includes the notebook) is made with vintage a new materials.

RAINY DAY GARDEN

Hello everyone!
It is a very wet and rainy day, today. But, I could not resist some garden photos.
We started a veggie garden this year with radishes and lettuce. I LOVE the French Breakfast variety. They make a great radish sandwhich, but are also tasty, just plain with a sprinkling of sea salt. YUM. I also read that you can roast them. Double yum. Can't wait to try that.

Such beautiful colors.

We are eating LOTS of lettuce as well. There is nothing like a fresh salad picked right from your very own garden.

Spinach too!!

Chives are in full bloom! Love the shade of purple.

A beautiful pansy looking down on me---making me happy.

Knockout Roses are a favorite in my garden. They are virtually carefree and bloom all summer.

And last but not least, my very first Peony. On the verge of opening in all it's glory.

What is growing and blooming in your garden today?

SOME EXCITING NEWS AND A MOTHER'S DAY WISH

Goodness gracious where has the time gone? I haven't been a very good blogger lately. This Spring has been a little extra busy this year. The kids are keeping me busy with school events and such. I'm hoping that this Summer, we will all be able to slow down a bit. I'm dreaming of a week spent at the beach, on the porch watching (and listening) to the waves, my latest stitching project in hand.

I have some exciting news to share with all of you.

I have been invited to be featured on Fabulous Friday (today) over on the Where Women Create blog.

Words can't describe how flattered and honored I am. At the same time, it's a bit scary to put myself out there---it is unfamilar territory for me. I'm used to hanging out in the background, not wanting attention drawn to me.

But this is an amazing thing. It is great exposure for Posies On Parade, and if I want more people to smile when they look at a Petunia, I need to venture out of my comfort zone, right?

So, thanks so much Paige for finding me!

If any of you get a quick second, wander over there and check it out and enter to win a Petunia Posie of choice and a Posie Pocket.

There are many fabulous women who do such creative things featured in past posts--definitely worth a visit. Grab a glass of ice tea, kick back and enjoy.

On another note. The momma flower and baby in the photo above was inspired by Mother's Day. I had this idea in my head for a while and have been experimenting with this--trying to work the pattern just right. I had visions of a whole bunch of mom flowers, baby flowers, best friend flowers and sister flowers to add to the shop. But time got away from me (again) and they need to stand just right without falling over. I'm still working on it.

My wish--- for a most special Mother's Day to all the moms, moms to be, and grandmas out there. I hope you get to spend the day with the ones who love you most.

To my mom, I wish we can be together, sipping a cold drink on your deck. We will be together in our hearts and just know that I consider myself the luckiest daughter in the world. You have taught me how to be the best mom I can be. For all that you have done for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for being my mom. I love you.

Have a beautiful weekend.

HAPPY EASTER

May you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter.

xo Kelli