I would like to make a scrapbook page (or possible a page to put in a picture frame) in honor of my grandmother who passed away a week and a half ago.  I have a small blurb (for lack of a better word) that I wrote and read at the funeral, a flower from the service, a music cd and a memorial video dvd, the memorial folder (kind of like a flyer), a poem my niece found and had the minister read along with her obituary and photograph.  I'm not a scrapbooker and not sure where to start.  I have pressed the flower and want to preserve it - any suggestions?

In no way am I trying to trivialize the loss my family has suffered - I want to honor my grandmother's memory and the wonderful person she was.  I'm lucky to have had her around for so long (she was 90).  My family all called her "Mo'Mo"" - short for mother's mother.

Any suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated!  I have 2 sisters, a mother and an aunt that would appreciate the suggestions as well.

Thank you in advance!!

At the end of September, my grandmother is turning 90 and we are having a TON of family members come into town to celebrate.  We have a dinner set up at a local restaraunt, but need ideas for gifts and party favors, decorations, etc.  So, she was born in 1915 and the restaraunt is Victorian themed decorated.  We have decided to find a picture of her with each family member and have him/her write in a scrapbook a memory to be included with the picture.  We just need some more ideas.......help!!!

Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions!

I've moved back to Upper Sandusky, Ohio (I consider it my hometown) after living in Myrtle Beach, SC for 8 years.  I love the beach, but many circumstances arose that required me to be back "home".  Upper Sandusky is about 1/2 north of Marion on Rte. 23 and about 1/2 from Findlay.  We're actually at the intersection of routes 23 and 30.

Just wondering if anyone else is nearby.

I've always wondered why only certain people are crafty or DIY-ers.  Is it learned, genetic, environment?  My mom has always been crafty and handy around the house.  She helped my dad put up drywall and ceilings while pregnant, she helped with insulation, electrical, made a sequined Christmas tree skirt, sewed many a halloween costume (4 kids!) and more.  I think I've learned to be handy around the house because I'm just stubborn and independent.  I get that from my mom.  I had to take a craft class in jr. high along with industrial arts (welcome to the world of power tools!).  I love my power tools right up there with my sewing machine and beads, etc.  My other 2 sisters are not crafty in any sense of the word and my brother is quite a musician (has groupies, even).  I think it's part in the genes and partly learned.  Anyone else have an opinion or story?

I've seen a few times where newbies have introduced themselves in a reply.  Maybe we could have an "introduce yourself" area where we can all post a little bit about ourselves and have a way to say hello to the new members and the current members can introduce themselves as well.

My niece is a high school cheeleader and going to cheer camp tomorrow.  She wanted to make something nice for her "secret sister" so I helped her make this pillow.  She did the desinging and cutting, I did the sewing.  I'll teach her how to sew once she gets back.  She's very proud of the end result.



(Sorry the image is so fuzzy - I have yet to master getting a clear picture under the size limit.  The megaphone is orange and white polka dot fabric.)

Just thought I'd share a couple of bags I finished.  The first one is my current handbag.  Made of denim with a polka dot lining and handles.  They were supposed to be bamboo handles, but I didn't have any so I improvised.  I even managed to put a zippered pocket on the inside.  The flip-flops are an iron-on transfer that originally had 4 flip-flops.  Unfortunately, I bought them on clearance and one of the ends didn't stick - therefore I have 3 on my bag!

The second one is a messenger type bag made of canvas.  It is reversible and has a clutch that snaps onto the front (underneath the flap).  That was a last minute idea I did just for kicks.  I have another I finished, but it's in Myrtle Beach at the moment.

Thanks for looking and comments welcome!

Mary



(sorry for the crappy resolution, but it's the only way I could get it to upload)

My oh-so-thoughtful-brother gave me a JoAnns gift card for my birthday (a few months late but who cares - I get to buy crafty stuff and just when I needed the boost!)  and I got these cool fabrics.  I want to make a couple of bags out of them, but just can't decide what type.  I thought that maybe all you fellow crafters might have a few ideas!

Well, Snapfish is unavailable for maintenance.  I'll have to post the link to the fabrics later.  (If I don't post, I won't remember to ask later!)

Sorry!

I've been looking at all the cool patterns (gee - it's not like I have any here  ) and just can't decide.  Just thought I'd pass along the link - www.sewingpatterns. com - they have a lot of different pattern companies as well as the most commonly known ones.  There are some really cute things and I have all this fabric, where do I start!