Grandma's Valentine Party

Saturday was the big day---Grandma's Valentine party!
The grandchildren have been so excited counting down
the days! (As has Grandma!)  What a great time we had.
(click on pictures to enlarge)

 

Can't wait until next year!

I've Been Spoiled!

It has been fun participating in Cheryll's Initial Heart
Swap.  As I mentioned earlier, this was the first swap
I have ever done.  I didn't know what to expect.  But,
I was blessed to have a partner, Laura, who literally
went above and beyond and absolutely spoiled me with
lovely Valentine goodies!

First was this heart shaped box with a sequin braid,
fabric bow with a wooden heart on the side tole painted
roses on the top (which she painted).  Laura indicated
on her blog that she had recently learned to paint these
small ceramic doll heads.  Isn't she talented!

Inside the box were more goodies:  Small fabric hearts,
felt hearts and a wall plaque with another of her
hand painted ceramic doll heads.  Can you believe
how busy she has been?  Oh, and the inside of the
box was lined with fabric and a braid with tassels.

Did you see the little red "heart" ring?
It even lights up!

There's more:  A lovely pillow with a vintage
picture, a stuffed heart to hang on my wall and yummy
chocolate.

Thank you so much, Laura.  You really went the
extra mile and made the swap exciting and fun for
me.

Today I'm delivering invitations to "Grandma's Annual
Valentine" party on Saturday.  Then, I will spend the
afternoon wrapping little prizes for the games we
will be playing.  I don't  know who looks more
forward to this--me or the grandchildren.

When Kohler (4) was here on Tuesday, he said his
Mommy was helping him count the days until the
party and that there were four more days.  Then
Ian (8) came by later and asked if they would be
getting an invitation. (I always make invitations).
With the luncheon on Tuesday I didn't get them
done until last night.  It made me happy that he
liked to get an invitation!

Busy, busy week for me.  But, I love it!

Now if I can just get this inflammation in my eye
cleared up.  Thank goodness it's not contagious...
just looks bad.  The Dr. has given me new medicine
and an antibiotic to try, because what we've been
doing hasn't worked.

Stay safe and Be Well,

Nola

Friendship Luncheon

For some time now I have wanted to host a luncheon
for a group of friends where we could just sit, visit,
share a light lunch and enjoy one another's company.
It seems we all get so busy and just don't take the time
to really visit.

Time moves so quickly and we never know what lies
down the road.  Three of us are cancer survivors.
Actually, one is still receiving radiation treatments.


My daughter was kind enough to make the invitations
for me (so I wouldn't talk myself out of it again--which
I have done a couple of times)
The picture doesn't really do it justice.  The background
is actually pink with red and pink hearts and scallops.)


















Eight lovely friends were invited.

We had so much fun eating, laughing, reminiscing,
and just enjoying being together.  All the work and
preparation was well worth it.  As each one left, they
received a little "Friendship Basket" filled with
Dove Chocolates.

I'm thinking this should become a tradition each
February to gather together and share a lovely
afternoon.

Stay safe and Be Well,

Nola

Heart Swap and Small Quilt

I just participated in my first swap -- the Initial Heart
Swap" sponsored by Cheryll. It was a lot of fun to
do.  Although if you ask my daughter, she will tell
you I had a lot of anxiety trying to decide what to
make. 

Finally, I chose to do a heart stitchery and included a
"match book cover for post-it's with Danette's
initials and of course a little box of chocolates.  Since
she has now received her gift, I can post a picture.

Today I had a little extra time so thought I would work
on one of the little quilts for Karen. (See her post of
January31).  I found just enough of these flying geese
blocks to make into a small quilt which I hope will be
acceptable.

Be Safe and Stay Well

Nola

Hearts for Valentines!

Finally, I can share with you what I have been working
on.  I have made three of these scrappy hearts as
Valentine gifts for family and a friend.  And, now that
they have received them, I can post a picture.



















This pattern has been sitting in my files for several
years.   Sadly, I forgot about it until I was looking for
something recently and came across it.  I knew
immediately that it would be perfect for a charm pack I
had recently purchased.  I was able to make three hearts
which I framed in 12 x 12 inch frames.  Still have
several 5-inch squares left that can be used for another
project.

Again, I love these quick and easy projects.  But, I
especially love anything to do with hearts!

Stay safe and Be Well,

Nola

Button Flower

In early January Fiona had a give away for a kit and
pattern to make one of her "Daisy Button" flowers.
I happened to be one of the lucky winners and today
finished my flower pin.

It was very simple and easy to do.  Just what I like!

Thank you, Fiona!

Nola

Worthy Cause!

My friend Karen posted a "Special Quilter's Request" for
some help with blankets for babies in the Neonatal Care
Unit at the Brooke Army Medical Center.  She is
asking for small quilts, 24" by 24" or larger.  These will
go to babies of our military men and women.

If you are interested in helping her, please visit her blog
to learn more.
Stay safe and be warm, 

Nola