i have to admit –  i’m proud of my first proper screen printing work. no there is nothing grand about it, the images are quiet simple, the technique was not complex but regardless it is mine. actually, my original plans for these images where to be postcards, i was going to print on the back of them as well and send them to people i know (because who doesn’t love snail mail?). but as i started printing it became tricky with all the measuring and registering – so i decided to just print. i tried to cut them and use them as card, but the sizes came out all funky. so until i have a brainstorm of an idea they will sit and remain my masterpiece of the day.

saturday was the perfect day to celebrate a good friend’s up coming arrival of baby #2. she gave us strict instruction - simple . we were more than happy to oblige because who doesn’t want to celebrate a new little one? so we gather a few dear friends, some good good food and a little crafting energy, and from the mouth of the honored guest, she declared it “the best baby shower” she has had! success, i tell you!

we freezer-stenciled out little hearts out and sent her home with a handful of baby onesies, which I am sure will come in handy with for this summer babe born into the kansas heat. can i tell you how much i love freezer-stenciling? so so much. it’s almost too good to be true. any craft project that can be completed in under an hour, allow complete creative freedom and includes ink  - i give five stars.

Oilcloth Tablecloth

Oilcloth inspiration board & coasters

I’ve fallen in love with oilcloth all over again.  My mom thinks this is crazy since she is grew up with oilcloth, and then it was considered common and trite.  But there is something about the way oilcloth feels – soft, bendable and of course one of it’s best features it wipeable.  My first experience with oilcloth was my Orla Kiely purse…all I can say it is one of my favorites purses and it still looks like the day I bought it.

Apartment Therapy had a great post about oilcloth and now it’s all I’m thinking about.  The only unfortunate there is not a very large oilcloth selection.  Sure there this is the typical checkered, stripes, 50’s and 60’s flower prints and even some crazy polka dots, but my grand plans call for more variety.  Not that I need to add to my “to-do” list, but I started to research how to making my own oilcloth.  Crazy, I know.  But I think the desire for oilcloth aprons, outdoor seat cushions, purses and small makeup bags (the list could go on and on) will eventually win over.  The instructions call for the fabric to dry in the sun for days, so perhaps its a good thing that we just entered our rainy/tornado season.

The home-made ravioli part deux was a little more successful then part one.  The dough was made, it was still hard but a little less yellow; then it took me forever to roll out the dough, and when boiled it tasted a tad rubbery. Let’s just say that I will not be making any home-made pasta until I get my hands on one of these.  Plain and simple, there is a reason why this machine exists.  Backup dinner number two: quasi bruschetta with a kicking marinara sauce.