Monday, July 1, 2013

Welcome Home

My Mother has two sons-in-laws, 2 grandsons, a niece and nephew in the military,
 
and one daughter and her husband that were in the military.
 
Two of them are now stationed over seas.
 
 
To show her support she wanted a large yellow bow
 
tied to a tree in her yard.
 

I decided to make her a wreath instead,
 
to either use on her door or on a tree.
 
I used an old flag (tea stained), a large metal star, yellow ribbon and a large wreath.
 
The flag was not cotton, so the tea did not absorb well.
 
 
I wrapped the flag around the wreath twice.
 
It was important to me for the stars to show, as well as the stripes.
 

Once I got the flag like I wanted, I began gluing it, so it would not move.
 

Next, I placed the star where I wanted it and
 
looped wire through the hanging tab and wired to the wreath.
 


I also used the same wire and wrapped it around the 'bunch of flag'
 
on the back of the wreath.
 

I also glued the star into place so it would not move when hung.
 

I took the yellow ribbon (stiff netting) and made loops.

I wired them together to make a bow.
 

I wanted longer tails, so cut and added more ribbon to the bow.

It was just tails, I did not add more loops.
 

The bow was then added to the bottom of the wreath,
 
but you can place it on the wreath wherever you would like.
 

 So,  my mother now has a patriotic wreath and her yellow ribbon.
 
A perfect 4th of July wreath.
 
Love,
Catrina
 
P.S.  One disclaimer,  from here on out, I am doing my craftwork in front of a mirror.
I cannot believe the faces I am making.  CRAZY!!!
 

 



Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Family..... Priceless

This past year has been a little more than I could handle.

Without going into detail, let me just say, I was overwhelmed......



So, I came down to my parent's home;  which is a place of rest and refuge for me.


While down here, I wanted to work to finish a quilt for my daughter's graduation.

Unfortunately, it was for my daughter's high school graduation.....

and she just graduated COLLEGE!!!  I am definitely a little behind.....


So, during my hiatus...  my mom, dad,  sister, and I worked to finish

what I believe can be a work of art.

Even though.... I consider what I do a 'work of love'.
 
While sewing, I am praying and loving my children....


Our manner of organization:
 
My sister would thread all the needles, 
 
my mom and I sewed the edge,
 
and my dad 'yarn tied' the squares,
 
(which was the way most of the quilts were done when he was a boy)....
 
and we  wanted to add family history to this quilt.


Because of the pricelessness of family, to me...
 
I want to remind each person to not take your family for granted,
 
In light of what has and is continuing to happen in Oklahoma....

take some time to let your family know you appreciate them.

Love them, hug them, and if needed.... forgive them.

Life is too short to not make your family, your haven...


As I head back home tomorrow, I can say, my family has been a part of my healing...
 
Love,
 
Catrina