From Paper Cut to...Quilt?!

I am the most fortunate person in the world because I have an amazing aunt who can quilt anything! She sent me the best surprise a while ago (and by 'a while ago' I mean more than a year).

First let me preface this by saying that I am a descendent of beekeepers, so honey bees represent something very special to my family.

My aunt took this papercut I made, used it as a pattern, and made me THIS AMAZING QUILTED PILLOW COVER!!

The photo quality is not the best...that's what you get when you use an old cell phone! And yes, my dad has a HUGE record/cd collection.

I have already said it many times, but thank you so much, Aunt Sunny! This is truly a gift I will cherish forever. And by the way, I am still hoping that one day I get that quilting lesson we have been talking about :)

A Little Bit of Home

Playing with design ideas...I have so many presents to make for so many amazingly kind/generous people!

 Side Note: I hate the walls in my house. Grrr...

The 'New' New Paddle

Aloha everyone!

I got a new paddle a while ago. The only problem: almost everyone in my club got the exact same one.

The new paddle. 

I knew that I needed to do something to my paddle to make it easier to spot and identify. But what? My sister helped me come up with a brilliant idea: make a sticker.

I bought some permanent waterproof vinyl and transfer tape, and I was ready to go. 

I knew I wanted a design with a Polynesian-vibe. Something that had to do with paddling or the island. I began sketching ideas and found that I kept coming back to two elements: the sun and taro leaves. My design represents both.

After I had my design, I cut it out of vinyl.

This was my first time using vinyl!

A little transfer tape, some delicate placement, and a lot of rubbing later... I have a 'new' new paddle!

My Friend

A card for Jeff, 

The best, most knowledgeable war reenactor I know, who also happens to be my favorite customer...large coffee, egg sandwich with raclette and/or a croissant, coffee refill (see Jeff, I still got it!). 

A scene from the Civil War.