Giveaway winner, and some stitching...

Congratulations to Lynn in good old England, who was commenter 119 in my 'Flowers for Sale' giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered. I wish I could send a gift to all of you. xx

Tomorrow I will carefully package this framed and coloured version of the my stitchery and send it off to Lynn in the post. It has half the globe to travel...what stories it could tell!

I went looking over Lynn's blog when I drew her winning number, and WOW, this lady is a very talented cross-stitch designer, so make sure you go and visit her blog HERE for some sweet eye-candy! She is also extremely generous with free designs...what a worthwhile giveaway winner she is! Bless you, Lynn!

~~~~~

Speaking of talented designers, Australia is brimming with them!

 (I know, I am an Aussie too so what else would I say, right?)

Well, my nationality aside, I'm sure you'll agree that we've got something in the water down here that blesses us. This month I was truly humbled to be able to stitch one of the blocks in Rosalie Quinlan's newest quilt. The blocks are the most beautiful I've ever seen from Rosie, and to be able to stitch one for her was a real blessing for me. I got to see up close and personal just how much work she puts in to her designs, and I'll admit I was more than a little nervous stitching for her. This is a sneak of the block I did for her quilt...

Visit Rosalie's blog HERE for more peeks at some blocks in her soon-to-be-released redwork quilt design. You will drool, girls...so have a tissue on hand, and a cuppa 'cause you'll be there a while. ;-)

~~~~~

Issue 12 of my magazine has been emailed out to all it's subscribers. \o/

 If you are not a subscriber and would like to purchase this as a single issue only, visit the magazine page HERE, and you can do just that!

 Now to work on Issue 13, The Kids Issue...

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Are you following my BOM this year?

Block 6 from "Promises & Borders" is all stitched and ready to share on June 3rd...

The first five blocks can still be downloaded by clicking on the links in the left hand side-bar. If you have any problems, please email me privately or leave a comment with your email address, and I will email the pdf file to you.

Time to put my feet up for a little while, maybe finish that yummy pot of soup I made on Sunday and do some stitching...

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

The Monday after...

What a big weekend this was. It may have been Blossom's 18th birthday weekend, but we were all caught up in the celebration! By Sunday morning we were all tuckered out and in need of  sleep.

Late Sunday afternoon Blossom and I decided to sneak out alone, and drive up the mountain to the Heritage Tea Rooms for a restful afternoon tea under the trees....

It was so pretty in the sunset, and the drive back down the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.

Today it was life as usual, and after driving her to work, I came home to brew my first cuppa for the day while I enjoyed quiet time with my Bible. Then it was time for catching up on washing, vacuuming, washing Bob-the-dog, ironing, dishes, and general tidying. Thankfully I had taken time yesterday to prepare a large pot of soup,  so for lunch I nourished my tired self with spicy vegetable soup, and some gluten free sun-dried tomato and spinach muffins...delightful!

Last night I finished writing the next issue of Elefantz HOME, and emailed it away to my precious proof-readers. I don't know what I would do without them! Thank you girls. xxx

It's all done now - mistakes repaired, and just about ready to be emailed to my subscribers...

Before the weekend I finished my version of Amy's free design. I really love these fabrics and they make my little table runner shine!

 

This will find it's way to a friend very soon; someone who I think lives this out in her life all the time.

 

~~~~~

I am in a small online swap group, and our current theme is Winter Wonderland. My partner was Maree, and this is what I sent her. A quilt stitchery bound in lace, my favourite book on knitting, and a bag I made and filled with pampering goodies...

  

Any day now a parcel will arrive for me, but I have no idea who my partner is. Very exciting!!

~~~~~

I found a few things online recently that I'd love to make. I am hoping that over winter I'll have some 'holiday' time where I can sew just for the joy of it, and not as an occupation. These look like fun...

From Jodie at The Haby Goddess, a laminated purse using an old doily -

From Sara, and Rachel, this really cute thread storer...

This gorgeous chook from Bronwyn of Red Brolly...

And these delightful little houses from Retro Mama...

Have you found a tutorial online for something fun?

Leave a link in your comment so we can all go have a look, would you?

Thanks.

Hugs

Jenny

xx

Happy 18th birthday to Blossom....

Happy 18th birthday, baby girl!

We love you so much, and we're very proud of the young woman you have become.

The gifts...

 ...a forget-me-not ring just like the one dad bought me many years ago;

...a citron & diamond ring because you love those stones and every girl should choose one piece of jewellery she loves; 

...a gold '18' heart pendant from big brother to celebrate this milestone and journey into adulthood. 

And a beautiful bouquet, just from daddy, to his little girl...

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May His eyes be upon you always,

May His purpose for you life be fulfilled to His glory,

May you walk closer with Him each and every day.

May you see unimagined joys in the year ahead.

May you always remember how much you are loved and cherished.

Our love always,

Mum & Dad

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My other blog...

For the longest time I have wanted to write regular devotionals sharing the life lessons the Lord has taught me, and continues to teach me, as I journey through this earthly life.

If you would like to join me as I study the Scriptures and work at applying them to my day, you are warmly invited to follow my devotional blog, The Elefantz Walk.

We can encourage each other, ok?

Hugs

Jenny

xx

Tea anyone - and a giveaway!!

I'm so excited to show you my third and final project for the next issue of Elefantz HOME magazine!

It's a mix of some things I really love - tea, flowers, and Robyn Pandolph fabrics...

This pretty tea set comprises a tea cosy with a different stitchery on both sides, a lavender scented tea pot trivet, and two pretty place mats (because you must invite a friend for tea!)...

 

 

I wanted to take the photos outside on our back table but it was so windy and overcast today I had to opt for inside pics - but I still think you can see how pretty each piece is.

This issue is packed with seven pretty stitcheries that can be used in the projects I am providing, or in your own projects!

 

 

 

Not a subscriber?

It's simple to become one!

For $4 AUD a month (about $4 US), on the 29th of each month you will receive an email containing my Elefantz HOME magazine as a PDF file to download and save to your computer.

 In each issue there are 3 or 4 new Elefantz designs, and occasionally a bonus design from a guest contributor!

I also write from my heart (you knew writing was my other love didn't you?), so be prepared for a read as well as inspiration to stitch.

All my projects have step by step photos and simple instructions so if you're new to stitching you can "see" what I am doing along the way.

You can sign up today using the Subscribe button below. As a bonus I will immediately send you one of my previous issues after I have confirmed your subscription email address - just visit my magazine webpage and browse through the contents of each issue. When I email you just let me know which one you'd like!

You can unsubscribe at any time, with no penalities! :-)

 Don't forget you can also read Issue 1 online for free if you visit HERE.
~~~~~

Blossom is three sleeps away from 18.
I think it must be time for a celebration giveaway, don't you?

If you would like to win my original stitched and coloured 'Flowers for Sale' framed design, (picture above) all you need to do is:

For one entry, leave a comment below!
For a second entry share news of my giveaway on your blog, facebook or twitter and leave a second comment telling me you have done so.

I will draw the winner on Monday night, May 28th!

Please don't cheat. Sad, but true - some people have cheated in the past when I have had a giveaway.

Be sure to leave your email address if you don't have a blog, ok? Otherwise I cannot contact you and another winner will be chosen instead.


Take care my friends, and be sure to enjoy your day!
Hugs
Jenny
xx

Stitching, reading, and drinking tea...

They are three things I love to do.

This week a new book arrived in the mail and already I am planning some projects to make...

 I love pink (not surprised!?)...and have no idea where I'll find a pink basket like the one below, but will keep my eyes open in case I am blessed to come across something similar to dress up. This would make a fabulous sewing carry-all...

 

And I love my tea time, so this tea cosy is a must...

Actually, Mr E has to cut right back on caffeine as it is quite acidic, so I have been auditioning some caffeine-free teas. Today's hopeful was really nice indeed, so will stay for a repeat performance...

I was quite intrigued by the list of ingredients - organic blue cornflowers, anyone?

I finished stitching the gorgeous Mother Teresa quote that Amy designed, and wrapped in a wreath of blooms. I think I am going to use this on a mug rug, or perhaps a wall hanging...

I'm also stitching one of Gail Pan's designs, but using just one variegated thread from Cottage Garden...

From my own designs I finished framing this Pot of Blooms for the next issue of Elefantz HOME Magazine. Black thread is rarely featured in my projects, but didn't it work well in this one?!

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Did you enjoy Mothers Day? Look what my Blossom gave me...

How perfect! They haven't left my ears since Sunday!

Mr E bought me a gorgeous silver pendant...also hasn't been taken off since Sunday. :-)

I used to wear only gold, but as I've gotten older I really think silver suits me better. What about you? Do you prefer silver or gold - or do you wear both together? Blossom shudders when I do that, declaring you must only wear one or the other. 

~~~~~

I think it's time to audition another tea, so I'll brew myself a pot this time, and enjoy my recently received copy of Mollie Makes from the UK...

This issue had some vintage style buttons attached to the cover, and I have the perfect black cardigan to sew them on! 

Have a wonderful weekend, won't you?!

I'll be cooking and stitching, and helping Blossom count down the final seven sleeps until her 18th birthday.

My baby is almost 18. 

Pinch me.

Hugs

Jenny

xx

This week I have been...

 In the kitchen baking gluten free Anzac biscuits...

...and a gluten free Aussie meat pie for my beloved Mr E.

I have been in my stitching spot working on a new design...

...and finishing a swap gift for someone special.

I have welcomed a visitor in Blossom's bathroom...

...and gently explained to him that he cannot stay.

I have read my Bible every day...

...and discovered the world of Kindle. A gift from Mr E.

I have welcomed a treasured gift from my dear old friend, Robin, in the US...

...and a gorgeous rosey apron from my new friend, Ros in the UK, courtesy of Rhonda's Apron Swap.

I have taken Blossom for a visit to Wendy's, where she had fun playing with Ralph the dog...

...and enjoyed a night ride around Townsville with Mr E and some biking friends before stopping at Gelatissimo's on the Strand for gelatos. 

I wonder what next week will hold?

~~~~~

Happy and Blessed Mother's Day to all of you tomorrow - whether you are a mum, a nana, a daughter, a carer, or just someone who loves children.

I never knew my mum, so my hero for that role is this precious lady -

~ Mother Teresa~

 In honour of Mother Teresa I am stitching a free design that Amy of Nana Company shared on her blog this week. This is Amy's beautiful stitched quote from Mother Teresa...

You can visit Amy's blog HERE to download this very beautiful stitchery she is sharing. It's perfect for Mother's Day. Stay and visit her for a while - she is a very talented lady.

I have just finished stitching the quote from Amy's design. Not sure yet how I will finish it, but the fabrics I'll use have been chosen...

God bless you all!

Hugs

Jenny

xxx