pressure

Can I go back to New Hampshire now? I know it's only been a few days, but vacation was so nice.

I am utterly swamped right now. (Wait, make that this year). I've stuffed my calendar so full, it needs to go on a diet. But It's all good stuff, stuff that I love to do and I am always grateful for opportunities.

Remember my word of the year REACH? Now that half the year is over, I'm wondering how that's really goin' for me. I've reached out for more opportunities, but I also have discovered that I've reached my limit, time/work wise. I'm feeling it and I'm tired. What I haven't reached so much for is help. Actual physical help. Aside from my parents helping stuff patterns during their visit this spring, I've been juggling most everything on my own. Where is my intern? The one I thought I might reach for this year? I got as far as contemplating finding one...does that count?

Over the next few weeks I am putting together and shooting some new online workshops (you're going to love these!) then I'll be concentrating on new patterns for fall. Oh, and September brings The Creative Connection, followed by Quilt Market in October. Just for starters.

I do like to push myself and I can accomplish a lot. But what is with the pressure I put on myself? Isn't this why I am working for me? To do it my way? Why is my boss such a task-master? For the last month I've been sneaking up behind myself whispering things like, "it's been 4 days since you've blogged, you better blog, people are expecting you to blog". I need to quit it. You know I'm not thrilled about blogging when I've got nothing I feel like saying. I'm also not a big fan of teasing (well not too much) by saying I've got great stuff but I can't show you. Where's the fun in that?

So here's the deal. My posts may be fewer and farther between than I'd like but that's just the way it's going to be for a bit. I would tell you that I am going on a blog break, but I'd rather just dial it back a notch until I get over a few hurdles. Less pressure, more fun, right?

How are you doing with your Word of the Year? Any insights?

(next year my word is going to be SLEEP or maybe ICE CREAM...)

just what I needed

Family, cottage, lake, swimming, fireworks, ice cream, blueberries, knitting, hammock time, boating, and lots of sand and sunshine. Just what I needed!

Holding onto these images as I switch gears back to work, laundry and other realities...

down time

Hey there! I'll be taking a break from this space for about a week. I am in serious need of some down time. I'm ready to unplug (mostly) relax and get away. It's been far too long.

Have a lovely week and I'll see you back here soon!
xo
B

something spectacular

I love what I do. I spend time in my studio, designing prints, developing new sewing and craft patterns, contributing to books and magazines, etc. Blogging and Twitter keep me connected to the outside world and with like minded creative people.

Most of the time.

Sometimes, I gotta get out. I need face time with my peeps. I need to balance my input with my output! Fill up, share, and do something spectacular!

In 2 short months I will be teaching again at the Creative Connection Event in St. Paul, MN, September 15 - 17th. Women, such as me (and you!) come from all over the country to get creative, silly, messy, and to meet new people IN. REAL. LIFE. (I know, right?!)

Here's a little peek at last year's inaugural event, to give you an idea of what you're in for:



There is an outstanding selection of classes this year, which you may be seeing around the blogosphere as the excitement is building! Registration is now, so get while the gettin' is good! I would love to see you in my classes!


My Reversible Bucket Hat with Felt Flower class is not to be missed! This hat is my best selling sewing pattern and I know why! It's so versatile...anyone can wear one and it can be made in any type of fabric. Wool or corduroy for fall, cotton prints for summer and even laminate for a spring rain hat! Plus I'm teaching a cool new felt flower that can be added to the hat or worn separately as a brooch.

My second class is teaching my Woodland Sewing Set. Everyone loves felt...it's easy to work with and these little sewing buddies are adorable and functional. The class kit will have everything you need to make your very own!


Take a minute and pop on over to the Creative Connection website and check it out! There's a lot to look at and much fun and soul-feeding to be had. Hope you'll join us for something spectacular!

busy building

How are you all doing? Are you busy? Yes, we are all so busy. Busy, busy busy. Like the bees in my garden. Like these hornets (I think) building their nest. So busy they didn't even notice me taking their picture...or maybe they didn't care. They are focused and on a mission.

Sometimes I am so busy business-building that I neglect to stop and notice things around me. Sometimes I am so busy looking around (distracted), that I neglect to focus on my business building!

There's a lot on my plate this summer, big projects, a little vacation, and two crazy boys to enjoy. I'm going to do my best to give each of those things my attention. How do you balance it all?

Make Stuff Together: Review and Give-away

Today I'd like to share a great new book called Make Stuff Together: 24 simple projects to create as a family by Bernadette Noll and Kathie Sever. (And by share I mean give-away a free copy! Details at the end)

A few years ago I came across Future Craft Collective, Bernadette and Kathie's website. Basically they believe in building family connections through crafting and I couldn't agree more with their philosophy! Lucky us to have access to two women who share this idea through their blog, camps, classes and now a beautiful book! And lucky me, I was honored to be asked to write the foreword to their book, which is just what I did.....

homemade piñatas, my brother, my neighbor, and me, circa 1972

As long as I can remember, I have been making stuff. Growing up in the 70’s, most of the stuff consisted of macramé bracelets, paper maché piñatas and sand candles at the beach on summer vacation. I was greatly influenced by family members making stuff around me. My mother sewed, my grandmother knit, my father caned chairs, my brothers drew and built and created stuff constantly. My fondest memories are those sitting around the kitchen table with my family crafting.

Today, all grown up with two boys of my own, I’m fortunate to carry on this family tradition. We live in such a busy time with so many distractions (much of them electronic), often rushing from one activity to the next. It’s more important to me than ever to spend time unplugged and in the moment with my kids.

Make Stuff Together offers fun and creative projects that foster building family bonds while making cool stuff! The authors, Bernadette and Kathie, share their invaluable experience and insights about sewing and crafting with children, what’s realistic and what doesn’t work. Their projects utilize reclaimed materials and are often themed around values like showing appreciation, exploring nature, and celebrating milestones.

As I strive to create connections through creativity with my children, Make Stuff Together is just the book I need at my fingertips. Time spent together and the process of making is the best “stuff” I could ever hope to give to my children.

*****

If you'd like to read more about Make Stuff Together, feel free to follow the book's blog tour. If you'd like to win a copy of the book (and who wouldn't!?) please do the following:

* comment on this post by midnight EST Friday July 8th
* tell me about your favorite crafting memory from your childhood
* be sure to leave your contact info in case you win
* US shipping addresses only please!

In the meantime, I can't wait to get started on a few projects with my own kids. Summertime is a great time to re-connect and make stuff together!

***comments now closed. Thank you! I have notified the winner: Congrats to Lisa P of Illinois!***