Decorate Your World; unique art, furniture and accents
Category: Entertain in style
Why would a blog with it’s focus on art, specifically fiber art quilting,, include catagories such as entertaining, interior dsign, gardening,and photography?
This is because there can be an element of art in many areas of life,. When we can see the beauty in life and make free use of our creativity, these areas can be transformed into art.
Be honest, don’t many quilters say that they don’t enjoy binding their quilts? In my experience, many don’t.
If binding makes you crazy, I found something that I think you’re going to like.
One possible reason for the negative reactions
One reason why some dislike binding a quilt could be the obvious, because it can be difficult to do, even confusing. Instructions designed to help, are often more confusing than helpful.
Well, take heart fellow quilters. I stumbled on a video on U Tube. It was a tutorial about how to use a particular binding tool.
I’m sure many quilters have seen it, but are unaware of how useful and easy to use this one is.
The video I saw was made by the Minnesota Quilting Company. With so many binding tools to chose from, how do you decide?
This video gave a live demonstration of how easy this is to use & what a beautiful job it does. The two ends are joined with a perfect miter.
Seeing is believing.
I hope you watch the video demonstration and decide for yourself . You might just begin to like quilt binding. It’s called The Binding Tool. made by the Tom company. It’s available everywhere, I liked the Missouri Quilt Company best, they have lots of great instructional tutorials videos and other products..
I’m celebrating, and singing the praises of The Binding Tool. One word of
The link has stopped working apparently. You can always do it the old fashioned way; google the Minnesota Quilting Company. Then look for their tutorial section. It’s worth the extra steps to get there. Or cut and past the UTube link above
Theme parties, I love them. If I am planning a party that’s nice. But if I can come up with a theme for the party. Now that’s a whole different thing, another level of a fun. I immediately get excited. I throw myself into it with gusto. I get caught up incorporating the theme into as many details as I can, the more details the better. That’s the fun, it’s like a giant scavenger hunt, what will you find?
A little obsessive I think. You may wonder what do themed parties have to do with art quilting, after all, this is a blog about fiber art, isn’t it? I think the common thread is imagination and creativity, they are really little ideas we have that excite us.
I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsparties and ar, creativity,, color, me,I’ll get to that. I get overly excited and go extremely over the top behavior, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsparties and ar, creativity,, color, me,I’ll get to that. I get overly excited and go extremely over the top behavior, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the gueststheme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsbut found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guests With parties and everything else, I suppose, once I get an idea my excitement levels shoot through the roof. On the other hand, if I’m not moved, excited or intrigued it simply has no appeal for me. I have to have my heart into it, and when I do I will pursue it down to the last tiny detail..if I’m engaged I go all out. I get overly excited and go extremely over the top behavio.. Every detail is important and I’m the happiest if I can follow my theme right down to thw smallest detailr, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsget an idea my excitement levels shoot through the roof. On the other hand, if I’m not moved, excited or intrigued it simply has no appeal for me. I have to have my heart into it, and when I do I will pursue it down to the last tiny detail..if I’m engaged I go all out. I get overly excited and go extremely over the top behavio.. Every detail is important and I’m the happiest if I can follow my theme right down to thw smallest detailr, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsget an idea my excitement levels shoot through the roof. On the other hand, if I’m not moved, excited or intrigued it simply has no appeal for me. I have to have my heart into it, and when I do I will pursue it down to the last tiny detail..if I’m engaged I go all out. I get overly excited and go extremely over the top do I will pursue it down to the last tiny detail..if I’m engaged I go all out. I get overly excited and go extremely over the top behavio.. Every detail is important and I’m the happiest if I can follow my theme right down to thw smallest detailr, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into thw smallest detailr, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into thw smallest detailr, yes? It is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsbut found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guestsbut found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guests t is much more fun. I threw a baby shower for my middle son’s first baby. It was such an exciting occasion that I got into theme party overdrive mode. He loves the Japanese culture. My daughter in Law has an older brother who lived in Japan for many years, married, had children who were just hitting their teens when they moved back to the states. I thought what a great idea for the shower, a Japanese theme. This was to have 50 or 60 people attending. I was off and running looking for anything I could use that fit the theme. but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guests in in Kimonos. I I ordered 2 lightweight summer kimonos, though that is not the proper name for these, I also had a gorgeous vintage garment that looked Chinese, a brocade like fabric that looked like spun gold. For the 2 younger girls, I made Obi’s and learned how to wrap them around their waists and tie the large bow s that tied in the back. You can learn anything from U-Tube. I found the white socks with the toes, the name escapes me. They were to greet the guests with “Konnichiwa” a welcome greeting. For over a month I searched eBay for Kokeshi dolls, trays, fans, vases and assorted items to be placed in as center groupings on the many tables. Since I couldn’t think of a cuddly animal associated with Japan specificity. like a teddy bear, I went for Pandas, although Chinese. I made a panda cake, Wilton has a large sitting teddy bear cake pan that can be decorated to look like a panda bear. And naturally more pandas were needed. So I searched the internet for every stuffed panda bear in the country. I found about 20 that I approved, although “used” they weren’t. They looked adorable sitting here and there around the room. Do you get the sense of how obsessed I become with themes? But it was the funnest party ever and I think my 2 soon to be parents were surprised,and that made it worth any effort.but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guests in in Kimonos. I I ordered 2 lightweight summer kimonos, though that is not the proper name for these, I also had a gorgeous vintage garment that looked Chinese, a brocade like fabric that looked like spun gold. For the 2 younger girls, I made Obi’s and learned how to wrap them around their waists and tie the large bow s that tied in the back. You can learn anything from U-Tube. I found the white socks with the toes, the name escapes me. They were to greet the guests with “Konnichiwa” a welcome greeting. For over a month I searched eBay for Kokeshi dolls, trays, fans, vases and assorted items to be placed in as center groupings on the many tables. Since I couldn’t think of a cuddly animal associated with Japan specificity. like a teddy bear, I went for Pandas, although Chinese. I made a panda cake, Wilton has a large sitting teddy bear cake pan that can be decorated to look like a panda bear. And naturally more pandas were needed. So I searched the internet for every stuffed panda bear in the country. I found about 20 that I approved, although “used” they weren’t. They looked adorable sitting here and there around the room. Do you get the sense of how obsessed I become with themes? But it was the funnest party ever and I think my 2 soon to be parents were surprised,and that made it worth any effort.but found it was hard to find decorations, baby themed Japanese items that were specific only to Japan. So in the end it became an Asian theme, with emphasis on Japan. I had 3 lovely cooperative granddaughters who agreed to be the hostesses welcoming the guests in in Kimonos. I I ordered 2 lightweight summer kimonos, though that is not the proper name for these, I also had a gorgeous vintage garment that looked Chinese, a brocade like fabric that looked like spun gold. For the 2 younger girls, I made Obi’s and learned how to wrap them around their waists and tie the large bow s that tied in the back. You can learn anything from U-Tube. I found the white socks with the toes, the name escapes me. They were to greet the guests with “Konnichiwa” a welcome greeting. For over a month I searched eBay for Kokeshi dolls, trays, fans, vases and assorted items to be placed in as center groupings on the many tables. Since I couldn’t think of a cuddly animal associated with Japan specificity. like a teddy bear, I went for Pandas, although Chinese. I made a panda cake, Wilton has a large sitting teddy bear cake pan that can be decorated to look like a panda bear. And naturally more pandas were needed. So I searched the internet for every stuffed panda bear in the country. I found about 20 that I approved, although “used” they weren’t. They looked adorable sitting here and there around the room. Do you get the sense of how obsessed I become with themes? But it was the funnest party ever and I think my 2 soon to be parents were surprised,and that made it worth any effort.bow s that tied in the back. You can learn anything from U-Tube. I found the white socks with the toes, the name escapes me. They were to greet the guests with “Konnichiwa” a welcome greeting. For over a month I searched eBay for Kokeshi dolls, trays, fans, vases and assorted items to be placed in as center groupings on the many tables. Since I couldn’t think of a cuddly animal associated with Japan specificity. like a teddy bear, I went for Pandas, although Chinese. I made a panda cake, Wilton has a large sitting teddy bear cake pan that can be decorated to look like a panda bear. And naturally more pandas were needed. So I searched the internet for every stuffed panda bear in the country. I found about 20 that I approved, although “used” they weren’t. They looked adorable sitting here and there around the room. Do you get the sense of how obsessed I become with themes? But it was the funnest party ever and I think my 2 soon to be parents were surprised,and that made it worth any effort.like a teddy bear, I went for Pandas, although Chinese. I made a panda cake, Wilton has a large sitting teddy bear cake pan that can be decorated to look like a panda bear. And naturally more pandas were needed. So I searched the internet for every stuffed panda bear in the country. I found about 20 that I approved, although “used” they weren’t. They looked adorable sitting here and there around the room. Do you get the sense of how obsessed I become with themes? But it was the funnest party ever and I think my 2 soon to be parents were surprised,and that made it worth any effort.funnest party ever and I think my 2 soon to be parents were surprised,and that made it worth any effort.
A child’s tea party . Theme Mary Ev=ngelbreit
A child’s s tea party
Here ‘s my Mary Engelbreit teapot cake. I made the spout with fondants my Mary Engelbreit teapot cake. I made the spout with fondant
Total amount
Mary Engelbreit table setting, I made the tablecloth and napkins. The napkin holders are Mary E. napkin holders with a teapot cake. Never know when enough is enough.Mary Englibret napkin holder with a teapot cake. Never know when enough is enough.
I will attempt to correct my earlier mishap post , which combined 2 different threads in one post. It was was accidentally mis-posted uncorrected. I seem to be finding myself with this problem quite frequently. i took it for granted they were the fault of Windows, Word press or whichever platform I used. “Cursed be Windows or WordPress, how unreliable” was my battle cry..But lately I am noticing a pattern the common denominator seems to be me, in every case.
Well honesty is raising it’s annoying little head shedding light and reason on the subject. I have to admit to an unpleasant thought which has occurred to me, it is not the fault of Windows, nor is it the fault of Word Press, it certainly is not the fault of my computer. It might be me, oh of course it is me. So sorry dear readers, I am the source of these little mishaps.
I’m hoping you find this charmingly amusing,”Oh that Barbara Harms, she is such a nincompoop”. Yet you find yourself strangely drawn to read on anyway, even if it is only to be amazed at the level of of ineptitude, surely this is not possible. Perhaps it has become a little game, mark your calendar, “oh here’s another one, I can’t imagine any one person capable of so many blunders!” Soon you’ll begin to look for them, like a lively game of “Where’s Waldo?”. And don’t we all love that game? Of course we do!!
Here’s another opportunity, I am going to correct that post, with a long drawn out one [that’s a mistake in itself. Score one}. Here are a few cakes that I’ve made, for various parties.
Bear in mind these were made by a nonprofessional cake novice. Tasting good was not a requirement, only did they add to the ambiance of the occasion? Remember they all have their little side tilt and misapplied icing, but I love theme parties and cakes are a good way to pull together a theme.
Now on to the post. This will be a series, I have just decided looking at the massive length already. These are thrown in the Obsessive entertainment style. By definition this involves never knowing when enough is enough,that’s my hallmark. I’ll show a couple today and save more for the series posts known as Obsessive Entertaining, I style I love.
SEVERAL TEA PARTIES FOR LITTLE GIRLS
The first theme is cutesy or precious
I made little daisy wreaths for girls to wear
[ “You will wear this until I get pictures!” says one Mommie
to her cutesy child. It’s all about the kids.]
OBSESSIVE, I MADE THE NAPKINS AND TABLE TOPPER. Please note the cute pink flower trim all along the bottom of the topper. This is an excellent example of the OBSESSIVE style, You never know when you are carrying your theme too-far.
No one else will even notice, but you’ll know it is there.
Next theme, A Mary Engelbreit Tea Party
“The queen of everything and princess of quite a lot”
This is my interpretation of a Mary Engelbreit tea party
The kids will not know who Mary Englebreit is, but they will like the colors and tea pots. Many Mommies may recognize this adorable quaint style of Mary Englebreit. For the Obsessive hostess it offers a theme to rally around and center the entire party around. Finding as many ways possible to weave that theme in with every conceivable way possible is the point. The tinier the detail, the more satisfying for our hostess.
A few Obsessive touches. I made the place cards using paper dolls. The teapot cake was based on a Mary Engelbreit cake I thought was cute. I used a large ceramic baking casserolebowl to bake the cake in. Then I shaped as needed to look teapot- ish, with a large cake knife. Now with the “tea pot cake” body finished we will follow the same process for the lid.. The lid was baked in a smaller bowl and shaped with the cake knife. The spout, handle and lid tip were fashioned from fondant. I used a few toothpicks to stabilize them where they attached to the teapot cake.
I made the table topper and napkins using fabric from a Mary Englebriet fabric line. You’ll notice the classic Obsessive Style, on closer inspection of the napkins, a strip of blue check fabric along the edges and blue rick rac .The napkin rings are from Mary Englebriet, tiny teapots. The cups along and luncheon plates were also from Mary Engelbreit.
