Painted Glass Vase

One of my first projects after the kids went back to school was to paint the glass vases. I wanted to use paint that would allow me to put in fresh flowers. I found a couple
ways to do so and here are the links to Martha Stewart and Sand and Sisal. I used Kim's method.

I found these glass vases at the thrift stores and I think they have very pretty and unique features. Hmm... I can't hardly wait to see how these will transform after I paint them. Here is the "Before" picture...

and the "After" picture:

I have never "baked" glass before (well, I guess except the time I was making a casserole), turns out it is such a fun things to do. It was entertaining my curious mind alright.

I love how paints brings out the design of the glass.

Isn't it amazing how 50 cent thrift store finds can look like expensive milk glass for a fraction of the cost? The next time I am at a thrift store, l will definitely be looking for a glass vase with interesting designs! I can't wait to dry different colors.

Craftsy Class by Amy of Diary of a Quilter and Layer Cake Giveaway!

If you are a quilter, you probably already know my dear friend Amy from her wildly popular blog Diary of a Quilter. She is a pattern designer, instructor and author of the book Fabulously Fast Quilts. Just before the summer, she debuted on Craftsy with her fabulous class Pre-Cut Shortcuts ~ Quilt Top in No Time! She did such a wonderful job on sharing her skills and knowledge and I felt so giddy while watching her class. Today, I have a special treat for you ladies... 50% off of her class AND, one layer cake giveaway!!

In her classes, she shared a few fun time saving quilt designs using pre-cuts and different color variations. I want to make them all!

I want to make Bricks and Sticks with my 11 year old daughter. Wouldn't that be fun for her to make a quilt top that is simple enough but a more interesting design than just squares?

I also LOVE to try Crosshatch quilt. I love the look of it and watching how Amy makes it appear effortless made me want to whip one up.

I usually don't buy pre-cuts, but watching her classes makes me want to run to the store, so I can make those quilts! The last one is my absolute favorite: meet "Gumball Block". I loved the different color combinations she showed during the class and they inspire me for other color possibilities.

Aren't they so adorable?? You will find more tips and trick in her course: from fabric care to binding a quilt. Head over to Craftsy to get 50% off her class.

Are you ready to enter the layer cake giveaway? She is giving away Bespoke Blooms by Moda! Look at the pretty prints, I think this will be perfect material when you are going to make one of Amy's quilt, wouldn't you agree? Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Navy and White Pinwheel Quilt

Summer has been quit busy and I have been away from blogging for a while and I realized that I forgot to post about this quilt.

I have a group of friends that I have been friends with for over 17 years. We used to get together regularly for "project night" before we moved away and our lives diversified. We would work on our own projects (quilting, stitching, crocheting and scrap booking... basically anything goes!). We talk non stop and shared many good treats and fun times together.

This summer, one of our friends got married. She waited for a long time, but she finally met someone special to spend the rest of her life and eternity with. We are all so excited for her!! She is such an amazing person who cares about others so much. Do you have some points in your life you vividly remember when someone impacted your life in a positive way? Well, she is that kind of a friend. Because of her, and all of our friendships, my life is richly blessed. I really wanted to give her a quilt as a surprise gift from all of us to represent our friendship for her special occasion.

I made the quilt top a while ago and I asked my friends if they would like to chip in to have it professionally quilted for her. Well, they all thought it was an excellent idea! Here is the finished quilt (and my boys hands). We knew she would like the traditional look of the quilt, but I was a bit nervous before she opened the bag... but she loved it!! There were some tears and lots of hugs involved and we parted ways.

The back of the quilt, I added a hand stitched label saying "a Sweet friendships refreshes the soul~ Proverbs 27:9". The scripture passage perfectly describes our friendship. Because we couldn't get together before hand, we all signed our names in front of her around the wreath.

Family and friends are vital to our lives. The love we have for each other strengthens us and reminds us that we have a safe harbor in the world. I wish I could be that type of person to the people in my life and be ready to welcome new ones anytime.