How to Make an Easy Appliqué Owl.

These are some practice ones I made, in preparation for a quilt I'm making. I have very, very limited sewing experience- I just made this up as I went. Luckily it worked! Enjoy. :)

First, you need to make a pattern. I drew mine by hand, but I'm sure one could find something off the internet.

Here's mine. Made with a pink Sharpie, and just on ordinary everyday lined paper. Nothing fancy needed.

This is how close they are- not perfect, but pretty close. :)

I found a honeybun with some crazy material I liked, and if you know what a honeybun is then you already know that the fabric comes pre- cut into strips. No extra cutting or measuring needed. Just be sure to use the back of the fabric for tracing, and realize that your owl will be a mirror image of your pattern when right side up, unless you flip the pattern over.

Next you simply trace it, I used just an ordinary pen.

Here's that mirror image. This is your base piece for the applique. Everything else- eyes, beak, whatever- gets sewn on top of this piece.

Next is the wing. I cut out the wing slightly in my pattern, just so I could get the basic shape of it without having to draw another pattern. Again, make sure your pattern is facing the same way you cut the base piece or it will be backwards.

Simply place it on...

No pinning necessary!

Then place the eyes (I picked out fabric that had these eye shapes already in it, I just cut them out, but you could make yours however), and beak.

This applique is small enough that I didn't need to pin anything, the fabric just stays in place when I sew it. Lucky me, I know.

Add some details, like feathers or some funky stitches, and that's it! All done.

Now you're ready to experiment with whatever interesting shapes you can find on material, such as the wings on the owls shown above.

**NOTE: Unless a special backing is applied or an actual quilting appliqué stitch is used for all details and all around the owl, these will fray over time. I'm sticking this nifty backing on mine to prevent it, but it's just something to keep in mind.

A little note of encouragement

So tonight I was invited to 5 different places at once. My dad says to me, "well... if you time it just right, how many can you hit?" Haha. Love my dad.

Anyway, I go to the one that asked me first, because it's polite. And because I kind of had to, it was sort of a club meeting/ summer social for the Classics club at ASU.

We were supposed to watch Gladiator or 300, or something at least Classics related, but instead somehow we ended up watching Life of Bryan. I want my time back, it was so incredibly offensive. Granted, parts of it were hysterical, but on the whole it made me really uncomfortable.

And it hit me: yep, this is why I usually don't go places.

College kids. Tonight, conversation centered around drinking stories, racial jokes, and things like Harry Potter (which I haven't read btw) and movies I, you guessed it, haven't seen. Not to mention the whole conversation on music, where I hadn't heard a single song they were talking about, and therefore had absolutely nothing to contribute to the discussion.

So I don't have any drinking stories, because the only alcohol I've ever had was one sip of wine at Christmas two years ago (with my mom's permission, she was right there), and 4 sips of kosher wine this year at Passover, because, you know, that's part of it (Passover). But seriously folks, that's it. I don't turn 21 until December, and even when I do I'm not going to drink very much, if at all. I just don't like what it does to people.

I don't have any bad jokes either, because I don't think about things like that. Lascivious references were passed back and forth like 4th graders trading pokemon cards, and I had no clue as to what they were from. Most sexual innuendos I was totally in the dark on. I had no comment on the latest ribald movie.

Can you say... awkward?


I just don't have much to talk to people about. So I sit there quietly and uncomfortably, because I'm pretty much the only one not getting things and not laughing, and it's just awkward. I can't help it! I am who I am, and I'm not ashamed of it, but I feel bad for making others uncomfortable. They don't quite know what to make of me.


Oh well. I guess this is where I say I am what I am: totally naive about things.

But you know what?

It's ok.

That's right- it's ok.

I mean really, what am I supposed to do- go educate myself about these things so I can "fit in?" Read all the trendy magazines, watch the trendy movies, drink the beer, compromise my reputation? I don't think so. There's a reason I haven't done it already, and I'm not about to start.

The truth is, I'm glad I still have my innocence. And even though I know people snicker at me and totally, totally make fun of me behind my back... I'd rather that than be called a hypocrite. Because that's just it... I practice what I preach. Am I perfect? HA, certainly not. It's a process, I can tell you that. But I'm still a person of integrity, still a person of my word, and still following God. Because of my relationship with Him, I can't do those things. My conscience just won't let me.

Is it easy? Heck no. Who wants to be made fun of? Who wants to be alone a lot? Who wants to be known as the girl you can go to for answers on a test, but rarely anything else? Exactly.

It is hard sometimes. Ok, maybe more than sometimes.

But all things in life worth having are, I suppose.

I guess I just want to encourage those few out there like me that it is ok, and that you're not alone. People won't remember a ton about you, but they will remember how you live. And more importantly, God sees too and will reward you for making choices that please Him. He values your innocence! It's really a gift in disguise; when I get married someday- if I do- I won't have anything polluting my marriage. I won't have any baggage. I won't have any regrets! How awesome is that? Well, it is awesome, and completely worth paying the price for.

So for those of you out there making fun of me, I get it. I soooo get it, believe me I know I'm incredibly out of the loop of most of what's going on. But it's ok. I forgive you.

One day you'll understand.

All the Single Ladies

So what's in the water lately??

Every time I turn around, people are getting married. Like I'll be on Facebook and think, "now who the heck is... OH! THEY GOT MARRIED!"

But it's like every other post on my home page!

Dang.

I know it's a direct result of the area I live in, and even though on one level I get it, I still think it's a little crazy. I don't think there is, but it's almost like there's some sort of competition to see who can marry the fastest or something, and it makes me a little uncomfortable. Not that there's anything wrong with marriage, even at 18- 20, but whoa people, slowwwwww dowwwwn. To be called an old maid or to be treated like there's something wrong with you at 22 or 23 is CRAZY. Just sayin'.

Anyway.

What I really wanted to write about is letter writing.


Yes, the good old- fashioned practice of a hand- written note on nice stationary... remember those? ;)

One of my dearest friends recently sent me a letter, and I have yet to get back to her. Here's my problem:

I. Can't. Choose. The. Stationary.


I know, I know- that is a completely POINTLESS and STUPID problem, but it's nevertheless true. Here's what goes running through my head:

"Wow! That was so sweet of her!!! I'll write her back today. *goes to desk* Hmmm. Should I use this one, or make her one? Maybe I could use my water color postcards, and paint her something. No, I want to write more than that. Wait. I could use stamps, stamps will work! No... I don't want it to look completely dumb, because other than thank- yous I have owl and kid stamps. Ehhhh... Here! I can totally use these!!! Oh wait.... no I can't, I've had these since grade school, and she deserves something a little more sophisticated than bunnies at a tea party. We are not in 1st grade anymore. AHA!!! These look cute! Oh, darn, why do they have to be invitations?!"

And on and and it goes. I know people, I need help. I think I'm going to just go get some new stationary tomorrow, because I feel awful for not having written her back yet. Oy!

Family Update?

With my mom partying in Minnesota for two weeks (sniffles at the HOTEL PARTIES I'M MISSING), the fam here is sort of a mess.

First there's my dog, who thinks he's a mother duck. Yeah, that's right- my dog's a him.



Poor, confused, Raisin. ;) (but still cute!)

Second, my poor brother has some kind of flu bug.


Poor Daniel. I got him some Sprite & Jello, so hopefully he'll be able to keep those down.


What in the world is next? I hope nothing... but I probably just jinxed myself.

Happy Belated Father's Day Blog

Hmm, what to say about my dad...


1) I remember when I was really little my dad would read a book to me every night.

In the morning, he would read to me from the paper. I'm pretty sure I was the only kindergartener who asked the teacher if she read about the latest headline. :) Well, I remember that was one of the best times of the day- snuggling on dad's lap with a book. One time he came home with this book about really furry cats that acted like people (one even pretended to be a hobo), and other times he would read Miss Spider. But my favorite thing he read to me was a ginormous collection of selected Biblical stories for kids, but in a very grown- up way, and there were lots of cool pictures and artifacts to look at with each story.

2) I also remember him taking me to the park, and for long walks. I remember him teaching me how to swing by myself (a big thing when you're little! ...well, at least to me it was), how to ride a bike, and how to climb this curly piece of playground equipment I couldn't figure out. Even when I was really scared, having Dad right there to catch me always gave me the courage to try and figure the scary things out (you know... like scary curly playground equipment). ;)

2) When I was a little older, maybe 8, I remember my family was going through a hard time. I was worried, and didn't know what to do with that kind of worry. I'll never forget looking for my dad one day. No particular reason, I just wondered where he was. I looked everywhere for him, but he wasn't to be found! I even checked the garage to see if he'd left, but both cars were there.

Finally, I looked in his closet. Sure enough, there Dad was- sitting cross- legged on the floor of his closet, reading his Bible. And it clicked; that's what you do in hard situations. You turn to God.

3) When I was a little older, I remember dad buying my brother and I our first Nintendo. It was a Super Nintendo, and boy were we excited! All three of us played countless hours of Donkey Kong Country, and my brother and I were so impressed that he beat the thing. :D Dad has always been our hero, even when it comes to small things like video games.

4) My dad is also very smart. He can solve rubix cubes, beat you at chess, and was ever- so- helpful with my math homework throughout the years, especially with trig and the little bit of calculus I had to know. Thanks, Dad.

5) Dad is a quiet person, but when he speaks he's either cracking a joke or saying something incredibly profound. He's the type of person who rarely speaks up about things in public, but when he does, everybody listens and fully respects what he has to say. Dad has taught me to be careful with my words, as well as taught me not to waste them. I've never heard him say a bad thing about anybody. Thanks for the lesson, Dad.

6) Another thing I love and respect my dad for is his being a great example of a Godly man. Aside from working hard and providing for his family, Dad has shown me an unconditional love- something I know not every daughter gets. He has always been there for me, always. He always has my best interest at heart, and is not afraid to tell me to shape up when he needs to. But it's ok- he does it gently and without anger.



7) There is so much I could say about my dad, but the bottom line is: he's great. I'm so glad he's mine! I could not have asked for a better father if I had custom- ordered one.

The Lesson of Joy!

"Do not sorrow; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10b

So pretty much, if you know me, then you know that my life is about growing in my relationship with Christ and about showing His love to people.

This is a learning process. :)

Lately, I have been learning about one particular thing: Joy.

I am learning that Joy is not the same thing as happiness. That Joy comes from the assurance that God is in control, that He's on my side, and that no matter what happens, I can rest in Him. This is what true joy is!

I'm learning that joy is not dependent on feelings. While I may feel happy, I may not feel happy the next minute.

Like if I just handed you a new car, I bet you'd be pretty happy. But if I took it right back I bet you wouldn't be happy anymore. ;)

So, this is where joy is different. It doesn't matter if I'm having the crappiest day of my life, or if my world isn't exactly perfect, or if I let myself down once in a while. It doesn't matter if I'm at a spiritual low or between a rock and a hard place, or even if I'm feeling down because life isn't fair.

What truly matters is that I can have a peace that passes all understanding, and true joy because I know who I am, where I come from, and what my purpose here on earth is. It comes from knowing my Creator, and seeking His company! Most of all, I know that I am treasured by Him and that no matter what, I am His and He loves me more than I can even fully comprehend.

I am learning that this is what joy is. :)

The Perks of Dog Sitting...

While I am STILL looking for a job, I've taken on a few dog- sitting jobs.

This is Georgia. Sweet disposition, and quite the cuddle bug!




So, what are the perks of dog sitting?

1) Well of course, getting paid. But aside from that:

2) Free food! Of course, with the whole losing weight thing, it's been hard not to dive into the ice cream. But I haven't!

3) The dogs themselves. They are all so playful; well, except for the two I'm watching right now. Here's the scene:

Me: *pick up ball, go to backyard, dogs follow. I throw the ball. "Go get it!" I yell, enthusiastically.

Blaise & Dakota: "What, does she actually think we're going to get it? Let's watch her get it." And they sit there!

As I retrieved the ball from the bushes, I swear they grinned at me. But moving on.

4) Pools! I love houses with pools. LOVE them. Sure, I can go swimming whenever I want to at home, but with a bunch of people. At other people's houses, I have one all to myself. I am trying to spend a lot of time in them, because it's good exercise and easy on my knee. Should have brought the sunscreen though... right now I could be mistaken for a lobster.








Me =






Maybe it'll turn into a nice tan??