Blog Hop Day 6: Let It Snow

 

When the weather gets colder, I often turn to my trusty tea pot to keep me warm. I love to put the tea kettle on and fill the tea pot with a good brew. If my sons are around, they will often share a cup with me, too.

Michigan has already had significant snowfall, but it's all been in the Upper Peninsula. I'm fine with these long, lingering days of autumn. Let it snow...later!

{Today's Brew: Simple Stories Winter Wonderland paper and elements, Lawn Fawn stitched snowflake dies, Hello Bluebird deckle frame dies, SS enamel dots}

I used a blender brush to add a dark blue to the edges of the deckle frame. I think it makes it stand out a bit more against the white card base.

If you like tea, too, may I suggest you try a brew from one of my new favorite companies? Chapters Tea offers delicious blends with a bookish theme. If you like to curl up with a book and a warm cuppa, this is the company for you!

Need some card inspiration? Make sure to visit the Coffee Loving Papercrafters Blog Hop!

Blog Hop Day Five: Put a Mug On It!

 

Question: How do you turn a wintry card into a coffee or hot cocoa themed card?

Answer: Put a mug on it!

It helps if that mug has a snowflake on it, too.

{Today's Brew: Winter Wonders papers and elements (Simple Stories), MFT snowflake die, Simple Stories enamel dot, Lawn Fawn stitched frame die}

Thanks for visiting the café today!

Blog Hop Day 4: Cocoa Cart

 

Who wouldn't love to visit this hot cocoa cart?

{Today's Brew: Simple Stories Winter Wonders papers and enamel dots, Lawn Fawn Stitched frame die}

Happy Monday, café friends!

Blog Hop Day 3: A Sweet Season

 

Day 2 of the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop! Hot cocoa with whipped topping? Yes, please!

{Today's Brew: Merry Mug stamps and dies ( Papertrey Ink), Lawn Fawn scallop frame die, Simple Stories papers, MFT snow flake die}

Coffee Lovers Fall/Winter Blog Hop 2024: Day One, Warm and Cozy

 

It's here! The Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop!

I love creating coffee cards, especially for the holidays!

Here's a warm and cozy card for the hop!

{Today's Brew: Simple Stories Hearth and Holidays papers, The Greetery Cozy Coaster die, Mama Elephant Winter Banners, Catherine Pooler mug die, Hello Bluebird deckle frame die}

This card says Peppermint Mocha season is coming!

Turkey Time!

 

Happy November! And Happy All Saints Day!

Turkey time is here!

The turkey plates are on display.

Doesn't that Brown Betty teapot look adorable with the turkey plates?

Last year's stitching project is hanging in the foyer.

Here's a new project I picked up at Always in Stitches last weekend!

I've really been smitten by the designs from October House this year. The shop had a bunch of the patterns I wanted for 40% off. Yay! That Coffee and Pumpkin Pie will need to get stitched first!

November is pretty late this year...November 28th. That's usually bad news for retailers, who have one less week to sell sell sell for the holidays. Personally, I like it a little later. I want fall to linger.

                                            Blessings on your weekend, café friends!

A Trip to Folkcraft Instruments

 

We were driving to Indianapolis on Friday, heading down the highway on a beautiful October day, when I looked up from my stitching project and saw the sign for the next exit.

"Did that say Woodburn?" I asked my husband.

"Yep."

"That's where Folkcraft Instruments has their showroom! That's where my dulcimer was made!"

"Do you want to go?" Ed asked.

"Sure!"

So we made a slight detour to visit the small town of Woodburn.

In my head, I was thinking "Showroom = Store". When I got to the door, which was locked, a sign was posted that said if you'd like to come inside, call this number. So of course, I called the number, spoke with someone who said they'd be right there, and waited.

And the door was opened by Richard Ash, the owner of the company. He graciously allowed me to come in and basically dropped everything he was doing to give me a tour of the facility and introduce me to all of the craftspeople who make these amazing products.

He explained every step in the process and showed me every machine that was involved.

And of course, he had me sit down and try a few instruments on for size. No pressure! ha ha

They were lovely. I can totally understand the craftsmanship that goes into each distinct instrument.

They also sell a LOT of books and accessories, including gig bags that are handmade by a talented seamstress named Pam.

I saw a small display of Irish tin whistles and told him "That's going to be my next instrument."

"Well here you go," Richard said, and handed me a red Clarke whistle in the key of D. "Here's a souvenir for you. You can have it."

How sweet was that? I told him I'd be going home and placing an order, which I did. And I also told him I'd be saving pennies for my next custom instrument from him.

I've been having a lot of fun playing my new whistle, too. I even ordered a book that features music for dulcimer and whistle. Woodwind instruments are a natural fit for me, as I have experience playing the clarinet and saxophone from my school days.

It's so fun to "talk shop" with people who are passionate about the same things that I love. And it is such a blessing to meet kindred spirits who are kind and who take the time to share their knowledge and their love.

What a fun impromptu adventure!