Welcoming spring

Spring is here full force. So is work... lots and lots of work. I'm amazed I'm keeping up with my health goals, 25 lbs lost so far this year. And I'm amazed I still find time to sew and craft. Two finishes to report: a table runner and my easter bunny wall hanging. I even managed to decorate a little ...

Thanks Nike for the pretty fabrics :)

I love my little bunny wall hanging so much it now displayed on my mantel :)

Now if only Bug would stop taking off with the decorative eggs ... I find them EVERYWHERE

Trading posts - Paper piecing and sweet bunnies

 In good trading post fashion, we did tray something new and out of our comfort zone again. This time around we were joined by another fellow blogger, Morgane from Bear, Dolly and Moi, that graciously agreed to school us in the art of paper piecing. Both Amie and myself were a bit nervous but very excited to try out this technique. Morgane made it easy and fun. She brought a pattern selection and great tips/expertise for a successful first experience. 

Morgane adding embroidery details to a lovely paper pieced panda and supervising our efforts

Morgane demonstrating the technique and Amie attentively observing

Euuuhh I swear this mess will turn out good

See Amie proudly showing her completed bunny

Yay! We made it!

Not bad for a first time :)

Now I'm working on turning my bunny into a small Easter quilted wall hanging.

Lemon twist necklace

 After slacking off for a few weeks, I finally got some pictures of my latest jewelry creations. I love those chunky light yellow glass beads that I bought over a year ago on sale. I had 2 strands left when I found those cute bead caps. It just was the perfect combination for the elongated shape of the beads and their slight twist. I added anthracite Swarovski pearls for contrast... grey and yellow are so pretty together.

You can guess the blooming branches of my forsythia bush in the background. 

Spring has definitely arrived in MD