So three nights ago it got down to 33 degrees and two days ago it only got up to the low 50's.  Two nights ago, it was in the high 40's and yesterday the high was 83.  Today the high is in the mid 60's.

These wild swings in temperatures from say 53 to 83 (that's 30 degrees) are hard on everyone, especially when you get to my age.  But it's hard on everything including the environment.  I hope that we get a handle on this global warming situation sooner rather than later because if not, we may have to adjust to extreme weather for years to come.  The west with so little water could become like the dust bowl in the 30's even with modern farming procedures!

For many this is a three day weekend with Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday.  Do you have any special plans?  It looks like rain for Sunday and Monday (probably from the Hurricane) so we are planning on going pumpkin picking on Saturday. We may get a few apples as well.  I would like to make some apple sauce and maybe an apple pie or two.

Yesterday I showed you how to make a quick ephemera folder and I said that once I made one, I wound up making more.  Here they are...

I have to say that they were a lot of fun to make.  If you create junk journals, why not make one...you will probably end up making several like I did.

I haven't shown a picture of Cookie Monster lately.  Here he is...

...hanging around on one of the cat towers.  He's grown into quite a large cat.  We have an outdoor cat patio along with tunnels to get to it.  Cookie stays out all the time.  The other three cats go in and out but Cookie stays out.

I did pick up lots of pine cones yesterday.  I gathered a lot of pine straw from the sidewalk.  Why the sidewalk, well, there were no other things like grass and dirt on the sidewalk so the pine straw was cleaner.  

Today I want to finish the raised garden beds...I did get one done and another about half way done.  I also need to check on the greenhouse plants.  And I need to send out the quilters guild newsletter which I finished last night.  I have already finished my one hour of exercise. So that's done for the day.  How about you?  Any chores to finish?  Are you exercising?  Finish up your must do's and then spend time on your want to's!

Have an excellent, adventurous weekend and do something special...

Talk with you next week...

It's a lot warmer this morning going to a high of 70!  Bright blue skies and light breezes.

I didn't have time to work outside yesterday so I'm hoping that I can get outside mid morning to take care of the raised beds.

When I went out to the truck to run a couple unexpected errands yesterday, I saw a ton of pine cones on the ground.  And not only pine cones but a lot of pine straw.  When I lived in Minnesota, I used to purchase pine straw to make Swedish Ornaments.  Today I am going to harvest (in other words, pick up) lots of pine straw and all the pine cones I see.  Going to use them in my fall and winter holiday crafts.  

If you find things outside that you can use in future crafts, gather them when dry and store them until you need them.  That goes for inside things,also, like clean tin cans, light cardboard rolls like toilet paper, whole small boxes, large cardboard boxes either folded or cut apart and anything else of interest to you.

By the way, how are you doing with this month's challenge?  It's not a hard challenge and it will help you make everyday ordinary experiences special.

I saw this ephemera on YouTube yesterday and had to make one...and after that first one I made four more!  Start with a small piece of decorative paper (around 8" square, or even 8" by 9").  With the right side down, fold the right hand side in around an inch...

Unfold that fold and fold up from the bottom around two inches (measurements for these folds are approximate)...

Next, make a cut as shown...

Fold the right hand side fold in and then fold in half as shown...

Unfold and fold up the bottom fold.  Next glue on the right hand side fold at the top and bottom edges to make a pocket.  On the bottom fold, glue the left hand edge and at the middle fold to make a pocket on the left side and a side tuck on the right side.  If desired add another small pocket as shown

Here's the folder with journaling folded cards...

Here are the four decorated journal folded cards...

And here's the folder with the decorated cards...

It actually took me longer to write the instructions than to make the ephemera!  It is cute though and I will definitely be using these in my journals.

Well, that's it for today.  I want to get outside to especially gather the pine straw and pine cones and clean out the four raised beds.  Once that hurricane comes ashore around Mobile, Alabama, it will head up here.  That's why we have rain forecast most of next week.  Need to get things done now.

Have a wonderful day and be sure to follow the challenge today...

Talk with you tomorrow...

 

It was actually in the high 30's this morning!  Quite a fast change but I guess it is October.  And there's already a hurricane on the horizon...looks like more rain is in our forecast next week!  

Although cold, the sky is blue, there's only a small breeze and the trees are still mostly green but starting to change.

I made chicken and gravy with rice and a corn pudding for supper last night.  Tasted pretty good.  I used the iron skillet to make the chicken and gravy and I think that was one of the reasons it was so good.  Can't really beat frying in an iron skillet even though it's quite heavy!

I hope it warms up a bit today so I can work outdoors for a while this afternoon.  I didn't get much done yesterday so I would like to clean out the four raised garden beds.  That will leave the garden plot in the back yard to finish.  I worked in the greenhouse and it's looking more organized.  I moved the potted herbs into the greenhouse to keep them out of the cold.

Today's fall decoration craft is a bit long so you may want to make it over a couple days.  First of all, remember the leaves we made using heavy paper like card stock and fabric?   You will need them for this project.

The supplies you need for the rest of the project include cardboard, scrap fabric, scrap yarn, glue and a scissors.  First cut two acorn shapes (about 5 inches high and 4 inches wide) and a pumpkin shape (about 8 inches wide and 7 inches tall) out of cardboard.  I remembered to take a picture of the acorn but forgot to take one of the pumpkin...

Using glue I covered the acorns with brown fabric but you can leave it plain or even paint it if you want...

I then glued on yarn to designate the cap but you can use a different color fabric or even paint.  I also outlined the edges with a bit of yarn...

Once the pumpkin shape was cut out, I covered it with fabric, using glue, but again you can paint it or even leave it plain.  I glued on yarn to designate the sections and around the edges, and then, using a scissors, carefully make three holes as shown.

I tore four long strips of fabric.  Three I threaded through the holes and tied a knot in the back.  With the fourth strip I made a bow for the top of the pumpkin, tying it around the stem of the pumpkin.  Next, using tacky glue, I glued the leaves and acorns unto the torn fabric strips.  Be sure to let the glue dry well before using.  And here's what the finished project looks like hanging up...

It looks even better in person then the picture illustrates.  And all you need is some cardboard, scrap fabric and yarn and some glue.  Not too shabby if you ask me.

That's it for today...

Have a wonderful day and take some time to explore outside...

Thanks for stopping by...talk with you tomorrow

It was so cold this morning that my son found his winter coat to wear!  And, yes, it was that cold.  Going to take the air conditioners out this weekend and start the furnace just to warm up the cold mornings.

However, it is bright and sunny out with completely blue skies this morning.  And Jupiter was shining bright this morning before the sun came up!  I am once again waking up in the dark!  But I have my exercises all done along with a lot of other daily chores like journaling, meditation, etc.

I'm making dinner tonight, something simple like chicken breasts, rice and probably corn casserole.  The house is in pretty good shape so I will spend some time in the greenhouse along with working on the guild newsletter today.  If it warms up a bit this afternoon I will start removing the garden plants.  Leaves are already beginning to pile up but there's still not very much color.

Today's craft is a cute little pumpkin that you can use for table decorations and place cards; or, you can make several and hang them on a string for a really nice garland.  Supplies needed are:  Card stock or heavy paper, scissors and glue.  First, make a circle pattern...

And cut out fifteen or sixteen circles...

Fold each circle in half...

And glue them together...

Cut out a stem and a couple leaves...

Place the long part of the stem in the middle of the circles and glue the last one to the first to make a pumpkin.  Curl the leaves and glue to the stem...

If you fold small pieces of paper first, place the pattern on the fold and cut out the circle you will not see any of the ink from tracing around the pattern.  You can make these any size you want, but they really are cute.  And, of course, I didn't come up with this idea...I saw it several places on the internet and I'm sure you have also.

That's all for now...have an amazing day and do something special...

Talk with you tomorrow...

 

Our fall daisies are certainly putting on quite a show these days...and only about a quarter of the buds are open!

I'm late today in posting because I had a mid/late morning dental appointment.

It is a cool bright blue day with lots of clouds that zip by and are gone...then another batch comes zipping by and are gone.  It is interesting.

I checked the Dear Jane Quilt display at the museum in Bennington, Vermont and found that it is only on display for around a single month.  I need to go this week if I want to see it...probably will drive up on Thursday.

Remember these notebook covers from last week...

Today I wanted to finish up making them.  Now the complete instructions for two methods on located on the sidebar on the right.  You can check them for complete instructions on adding pages using the pamphlet stitch or using elastic.

First you need paper.  I used both lined and plain paper.  Right now with school starting paper is on sale.  I purchased a package of lined paper for under a dollar (Unfortunately, twice the cost as last year!)  If you have children who need lined paper, well, you can use some of theirs.  You only need maybe five or six pieces.  I also purchased a package of plain white paper for around a dollar.  Again, you only need a few sheets.

I used the pamphlet stitch on two of the notebooks, one with lined paper and one with plain paper.  And the elastic stretch band on two note books.  The nice thing about an elastic band is that the pages can be easily removed so if you want, you can add an extra set so when the first set is done, simply remove it and add the second set of pages.

First you need to cut the paper so it fits...a bit shorter in height and width (Remember, for width you need twice as wide as the pages are folded in half.). Also, when cutting, do not throw out the small extras...put them together and staple them for tiny notebooks.

Cutting the lined pages takes a bit more time because you want to keep the lines straight.  I actually cut them with a scissors so that I could.  Plain paper can be cut several at a time, even with a paper cutter.

For one of the plain paper notebooks, I made the right hand page longer and then folded each page inward making it the same size as the left hand side...

You can see that this was put together with the pamphlet stitch starting from the outside rather than the inside.

I did make a notebook a third way.  All the pages are just a bit smaller than one side of the notebook.  After cutting several pages, I cut a decorative paper the same width, but longer...

I placed the decorative paper on top of the pages, front towards the paper and stapled at the top...

I then folded the decorative piece of paper to the back and glued to the last page of the notebook...

I then glued that into the cover on the right hand side...

This is perhaps the easiest way to make a notebook but I hope you will check out the instructions on the right hand sidebar.  These are really inexpensive and quick.  If you want, add a pen/pencil and if you want to go all out completely, make a small drawstring bag to give them in. 

If you want a closure for the notebook, cut a small strip of decorative paper, heavy weight, and curve the end that goes around to the front.  Glue the long strip to the back.  In the front add a craft size velcro dot which are really inexpensive.  Check out the first picture to see how they look.

That's all for today...getting a bit late and I still have lots to do...

Talk with you tomorrow...

A few old fashioned roses still blooming...I saw these on one of my walks.  The weather today is warm (low 80's) with a chance of rain...it's that chance of rain that gets me everytime!

A few more of the trees across the road are beginning to turn.  Not sure if the warmer temperatures will have any effect on the leaves turning but at this stage, I don't think so.

I guess it's time for me to plan my annual trip to Bennington to see the Dear Jane Quilt and Grandma Moses Paintings.  I live so close, that it's a day trip only...it's less than two hours away!

I have been so mixed up this week with all that's been going on that I missed a regular zoom talk!  Talk about things being out of sync!  Next week we should be back to a normal schedule...at least I hope so!

So, today I was going to show you how to make an inexpensive notebook.  I will show you how to make a cover first and then Monday I will show you the different ways to include the paper.

You can use just about any heavier paper/cardboard for the notebook cover from regular cardboard, to the thinner cardboard in cereal boxes, to magazine covers and plain or decorated card stock...

Next, cut to the size of the notebook you want.  You do need to double, and glue together, the thickness of any cardstock paper including the magazine cover unless it is unusually thick...

From now on, work with the cover unfolded, in other words, flat.  Pick out some decorative paper to glue unto the cover.  It could be wrapping paper, the brown packing paper, or you could even cover with a collage from magazine pages or an old paperback that is no longer used.  When cutting, be sure to leave enough paper on all sides to glue to the inside of the cover as shown...

Here's the outside of the covers...

And here's the inside of the covers...

Next, cut a piece of paper large enough to cover the inside...

At this point you may want to fold the notebook cover...DO NOT FOLD!  The glue needs to complete dry or the fold on the inside is messy.  I suggest that you leave it overnight before folding in half.  However, there are still things you can do with the cover unfolded.

If you want to add a pocket to the inside front, cut a small piece of decorative paper that fits in the area plus 1/2 inch all around.  Fold the top 1/2 inch portion down and glue.  This will give the opening extra strength.  Then fold as shown below...

Apply glue to the 1/2 inch folded portions only on three sides and then place it in the inside front cover...

I added pockets to all the notebooks...

Finally, you can decorate the front if you want.  I used both washi tape and strips cut out of magazine pictures as well as both stickers and tiny pictures, again cut out of magazines and attached with glue.  You can see the different items I added to the covers...

As a reminder, let the covers dry unfolded overnight for best results.  On Monday I will share the different ways to add paper and a closure if needed.

Any plans for the first weekend in October?  Those fall festivals are probably still going on.  Apple or pumpkin picking is always a lot of fun even if you only pick a few...just getting out and walking around the orchard is fun especially for kids of all ages (and I do mean ALL ages!).  Find something fun to do for fall.

Decorate out side...have you ever stuffed old clothes with leaves to make a scarecrow?  Or made a fall wreath out of pinecones to hang?  Or placed some dried corn stalks along with a pumpkin at your front door?  

Not interested in decorating outside, then how about taking a walk at a local park, or even just around the block?  Remember, winter will be here sooner than expected and those outdoor temperatures may be too cold to venture outside.  

Have a wonderful weekend and do something unexpected...

Talk with you on Monday...back to normal (I hope)!...

 

Believe it or not, these potted plants are still going strong with fresh blossoms.  I have seen them planted in the ground at a house on the corner so I decided to try planting them in the large round flower bed once the ground dries out a bit.

We're still trying to dry out from the nor'easter that visited us this past weekend and what is arriving shortly today...yep, more rain!

So today is the first day of October and that means a new word for the month and a new challenge.  I like the idea of 'gathering in' for fall.  I always imagine creating a cozy home, harvesting the last of the garden produce, family meals around the table, less outside activities, etc.

I chose the word 'collect' for this month because in a way it does have a similar meaning as gathering but even more, it brings to mind collections.  Collections of colorful leaves, children's drawings, happy memories both new and old, warm feelings, etc.

And so, as I was thinking about the word for the month, I thought that it naturally lead to the challenge of collecting memories...memories of something that you do or experience.  Perhaps it's a tree in your yard that has turned an especially beautiful color.  Or maybe the smell of a favorite fall fragrance.  It could drinking a great cup of coffee outside on a cool morning or the face of a stranger smiling.  In other words, small ordinary, everyday life experiences.

However you carry this challenge out is up to you.  Perhaps all you want to do is acknowledge that special memory before retiring to bed.  Or you may want to jot it down somewhere or even draw a picture of the memory.  The object of this challenge is to help you slow down, even as time seems to speed up, and make note of the little things that you experience on a daily basis.  

For me, I am making a tiny notebook with just enough space to either write down a few words or draw a quick picture.  But then, I love making these notebooks.

And speaking of notebooks, do you realize that small notebooks are really a great gift.  You can make them very simply or even purchase inexpensive ones from bargain stores and decorate the covers to make them more personal.  They make great stocking stuffers and/or multiple gifts for friends.  Add a pen or pencil and the gift is complete.  And best of all, these gifts do not add to clutter, they are useful.  

I know it's early to start thinking about gifts, but with the economic situation that many of us face, starting now to make and purchase needed gifts is prudent.  You won't have to purchase last minute more costly items.  Tomorrow I will share the easy technique of making a notebook so you can get a head start.

That's it for today.  I hope you have a great one...

Talk with you tomorrow...

 

Our late blooming daisy bush is full of buds ready to open.  Going to be a beautiful sight.  It's going to be a bit warmer today...low 70's with no rain.  Unfortunately, rain comes tomorrow and Friday but hopefully not this upcoming weekend.

Things have calmed down here a bit and although not yet going to work, the family member who was in the hospital is home and doing better.

I have a quilt guild chat this afternoon to get ready for and then I need to do some cleaning in my studio which has become extremely messy over the past week.  It's so bad that even finding a place to put my cup of coffee is hard!  And it's piled up, not just one or two items deep, but several!  The rest of the house, though, is in good shape.  I generally leave my studio til last...maybe it's time to put it first!

Today is craft day...not sure why I wound up with specific seasonal crafts on Wednesday but so far it works even though I share crafts most days.  This craft really is truly cheap.  This is not a new craft, you can find instructions all over the internet.  All you really need is a paperback book (One with a lot, and I do mean a lot, of pages works best.)...

and some brown paper (think packing paper in boxes).  An orange marker is optional.

First, I took one page out of the book and made 1/2 of a pumpkin shape.  I then made a cardboard template using that shape...

The object is to cut each page using that pattern.  I tried cutting both with a scissors and with a sharp blade.  I found that even with a sharp blade, the pages didn't always cut well so I ended up using only a scissors.  Also, if the book is newish and the spine is stiff, you may want to fold it in several places to make the spine more pliable.  

For the first 30 to 50 pages, I used the cardboard template, drawing around it and cutting out on the line.  After enough pages were cut to make a nice stack, I used the stack of cut pages for the pattern, drawing around them.  

When making that cut line, be sure to keep the bottom of the book on a flat surface so the page edges are straight.  I generally cut between five and seven pages at a time.  Try to keep them all the same size but don't worry if they look a bit rough.

If you want, once the pages are cut, you can use an orange marker to color the edges.  Hold the edges tightly and 'color' with the marker.  It may seem like an extra unneeded step, but I then separated each page of the book.  Sometimes when cutting, the pages stick together.

Next, glue the front and back covers together really well and let dry.  You may want to put a small pencil in the spine area to curve the spine into a circle.  I used bull clips to hold the covers together.  

To make the stem, take a piece of the brown paper and twist until it curves.  Once it curved the way you want, add a bit of glue to the outside of the paper first, and then glued it to the 'pumpkin' by pushing part of the paper into the center hole created by the spine of the book.  Here's the finished pumpkin...

It really is very cute.  And you can make several different sizes by using different sizes of paperbacks.  Even if you wind up purchasing paperbacks from the thrift store, this is a very inexpensive decorative craft.

That's it for today.  If the weather is nice, take a walk outdoors.  Today's the last day of September...already...before you know it winter will be here so don't miss the enjoyment of fall!!!

Talk with you tomorrow...