A Pinterest Win!

So, based on this pin on Pinterest (click to follow me), I made my own birthday board dangly tracker thing.

Yes, that's an official name. 

I started off at Michaels. I found a wooden board that was more or less already framed for about $4.99.  It even had hangers on the back.

So I painted the frame part with black high gloss.

I cut some scrap book paper to fit inside the "frame" part of things and glued it down with Elmers.  I had some trouble with the paper buckling up around the edges. I just kept pushing it down and eventually the paper gave up fighting back.

I predrilled 13 holes at the bottom.  Why 13?  We'll get there.

In those holes, I screwed in little gold screw hook things.  I made the first six point one way, the middle points forward, and the last six point the opposite direction as the first six.

Then, I stuck letters for each month above the hooks.  If I had been thinking a little better, I would have stuck the stickers first and THEN drilled.  Why?  The spacing is a little uneven, to say the least.

And then I put stickers across the top saying "Birthdays."

Now, for that 13th hook:  I made a spot in the center (between June and July) to hang people we're waiting on.  As in babies that haven't quite made it out yet.  I put a "W" at the top... for waiting.

I couldn't find any circular (or even different shapes) that would work out, so I bought a 1" circular paper punch and punched holes out of scrap book paper.  

I used a tiny pin-hole punch to make a hole at the top and bottom of each circle.  I wrote names and dates (numbers only) on each tag and then connected them using oval shaped jump rings.

Doogie said, "What a great idea. Now I know who to send cards to."  

Yes, because I know he spends SOOO much time stressing out about when everyone's birthday is about to happen so the cards can get in the mail on time.

Including the tools I had to buy (those freaking punches are expensive!!! I know why Martha Stewart is so damn rich!), the total cost for this project was probably in the $40-$50 range.  But, if I were to make another as a gift or something, I'd only have to buy another wooden board.  

I am considering adding in important anniversaries and putting them in some kind of contrasting color.  But then, the only anniversary I really give a crap about is my own and I already know that date.

Monday Finishes (and Starts)

I finished the Spring '12 Mystery Quilt (the Original) and got the binding on today.  I couldn't bear to go to bed knowing there was even a second of work left to do on it... including the label.

Now it's ready for the birthday girl.

And rather than go to bed (like a normal person), I HAD to start something new.

Thus, I dig out my Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer 2012 BOM #2.

It's cut, partially pieced, and ready to be completed tomorrow.

(Maybe I can do the #1 block tomorrow, too)

I am beginning to notice a trend of "mystery" being involved in my quilt projects.

Maybe it's my way of giving up control?  (hahahaha)

Melinda's Heart in Blues and Plums

I started cutting this on the 2nd anniversary of my 29th birthday (September 2011).  So far all I've gotten to do is cut and sew the strip sets.  I'm hoping I'll have an opportunity to at least iron them this weekend.

When I sewed this pattern for my mother in 2009, I found out just how important accurate pressing is in bargello, so I'm making myself take my time and keep everything parallel. 

I also learned to make an extra of each strip set in case I develop a twitch or sneeze when I'm cutting.  Seriously, it's an issue sometimes.  Don't believe anyone who says they have zero issues when it comes to cutting accurately, consistently.

Worst case, I pull the staples from my fabric key and use these strips if I exhaust all my extras. 

"They all think I'm crazy but to me it's perfect sense." - Nothing by The Script