simple things...

...that bring joy.

Like Japanese colored striped masking tape...

and Poladroid...

and receiving kinds words and awards. (I'm terrible about passing these along, and responding to tags, and all that...but big thank yous!!!!)

caregiver kits...

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and the season of Lent began. Even before yesterday, I've really been thinking about what I need to be doing in my life to more closely follow Jesus, and last night I was even more convicted. In preparing my heart and life for Easter, I didn't want to give something up, I wanted to add something of significance.

So an idea came.

For over 10 years I have financially partnered with World Vision. If you aren't familiar with all that they do, I encourage you to check out their website. One of the projects that I have recently learned about is their Caregiver Kits. These kits are full of basic supplies that can improve and prolong the lives of those living with AIDS, while protecting caregivers and preventing the spread of infection. World Vision is currently sending kits to countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Read more about Caregiver Kits here.

Here's where I come in: I would like to purchase, assemble and ship 20 kits. Each kit costs about $28, so my goal is to raise $560.

In an effort to raise the money, now through Easter, 100% of the profits from the Wild Olive shop will go towards Caregiver Kits!

Here's where you come in: Help support this effort by making a purchase. Remember, 100% of the profits go toward Caregiver Kits!

I've started a progress chart in the sidebar that I'll update at least weekly. Please help fill up the Caregiver Kit by Easter!

lucky me...

This may be a little late for St. Patrick's Day stitching, but maybe not. I just finished setting up a new embroidery pattern called, "Lucky Me!" It is filled with lucky and unlucky things that can be stitched up in no time. The Reticent Rabbit's Foot above is my favorite. The question is, do you consider a rabbit's foot to be lucky or not? It didn't work out so well for the rabbit!

a little painting...

I used to say that I was only an artist (and even using the word artist has been a stretch for me to say...), when I used a computer as my canvas and palette. More recently I've become more comfortable seeing myself as an artist and not just through digital art. Crafting is certainly a way that I express my art. But paint has still be a bit intimidating. So it has taken me some time to work up the courage to make a little painting...even something as simple as this...and declare that it is art.

But here I am, officially showing off "Paper Airplane". He is painted in acrylic on a 3.5"x3.5" block of wood, and he is art.

a february workshop for you...

Wow...it only took until the 21st to get this done! Yikes!

The February workshop is a bit simpler than last month, but I'm looking forward to using my Embroidery Floss Charm Rings so, so much! (my sweet little sister helped name it, as she thought the bobbins and tags looked like charms!)

Now, if you have a large floss collection, this could end up being a lot of rings, and they could be divided into more detailed sections (groupings of reds, blues, etc., rather than warm, cool and neutral as I've started with). But even if you just use this charm ring for holding the floss for your current project, I hope it brings a bit of joy to your crafting!

Download the workshop here.

i've been thinking...

Busy, busy! I had been thinking about lots of things, and they are moving forward! In fact, they've been getting completed! Today I listed some new items in the shop, including the above "I've Been Thinking" journaling collage sheet, and three lettering embroidery patterns. Yay!

And at last, I've gotten the February workshop photographed, so I'll be setting that up to share in the next day or so. AND, And, and...I'm started to stitch up the next embroidery pattern: Lucky Me! (as in, that's the name of the pattern...but I suppose I'm rather lucky to be able to spend so much time making things I love!).



It's such a good feeling taking things from ideas in my journal to actual things. What are some ideas that you are currently taking to the next stage?

feeling not so good...

Some very dear friends of my family are going to be moving this year. The thought makes us so sad. Today my sister and I went to take pictures for them to sell some things on ebay as they clear things out in preparation for the move.



I have always admired how they choose to decorate their house. Warm colors everywhere. Lots of world influence. And oh so classy. While I was at their house today, I was especially struck by one wall with some oil paintings, and had to take a quick picture or two.

On a different note, I've had a killer headache all day. It caused me to say, "I feel horrifying." Not horrible, horrifying. Um, yeah.

threaded letters...

As promised, today I have something a bit more crafty to share. I've been in the midst of working on some embroidery patterns, as well as a new free workshop for February ('cause, I should really get that in before the month is gone, right?). The stitching has been all letters thus far, and being someone who really likes type, I'm generally OK with that.

The embroidery above is taken from the patterns I've been putting together, and will have some faces added soon. Below, some words stitched without a pattern or even anything penciled in. These will be part of the workshop.



Now, must get busy so that I can finish something!

he made me laugh...

I just heard my brother say that he wants to see "He's Just Not That Into You." You know, because of the "all-star girl cast". That guy.

Next post, I promise some crafty goodness...

you know you have a good friend when...

...they don't even question why you've asked them to bring their Brita pitcher with them to dinner. And when they leave it behind, they are willing to drive back at 11:30pm to pick it up again. That's friendship.

A valentime's winner!

Hope you're having a lovely day so far! (and yes, that's Valentime's with an M, not an N)

The random number generator chose #17, so Sandy! You won a heart brooch! Send me an email with your address and I'll get this little guy in the mail right away! Thanks all for playing!

hearts day giveaway...

Ugh...I feel so behind. Last night I realized that I really needed to make something sweet for a few folks. So, inspired by Purl Bee's felt heart pins, I made some of these little painted brooches.

Pretty simple...I just painted the canvas, then cut around it. Then I stitched two pieces together (with a teeny bit of stuffing between), and added a pin back. I left the edges raw, because, well, that's how hearts are.



So anyway...I made an extra one for one lucky blog reader! Just leave a comment in this post and tomorrow morning I'll let random.org choose a winner!

I do apologize that you won't receive it in time for Valentine's day, but you can wear your heart on your sleeve any time, right?

today i received...

...my first Valentine of 2009! (Thanks, Catherine!) Which makes me think...I should probably get to making a few for the folks I love.

this is not going to be pretty...

Prepare yourself folks. I'm going to let you see what my collection of embroidery floss looks like.



This one isn't too scary. But it gets worse.



Now multiply that.



It's time for a solution.

ahh...sunshine...

Who would have thought that February could have such lovely days? Today I am in love with the sun. Sure, I have things to do, but...

...taking a walk with a friend was so good. Watching the snow melt as the sun warms is comforting...spring is coming!

...sitting and reading a book and getting lost in thoughts was so good. Feeling the warmth of sun streaming through the window is just what one needs sometimes.

I know that there will still be more days of winter (this is the Midwest, after all), but I'm so thankful that God sends days like this to give hope.

making food...

A couple folks have mentioned that they would like to see the Food Friends as embroidery patterns. I had thought the same thing, so guess what? They are in the works! If all goes according to plan, they'll be in the shop tomorrow.

I've been trying to consistently work on new things and here's the short list of what I'm in the midst of: Alphabetics and Numerics embroidery patterns, "Been Thinkin'" and "It's Your Birthday" collage sheets, February's free Make. Do. Create. workshop, and something special for the Mailing A-List. Whew!

on his own...

Remember this poor little Lonely Heart Box? I decided that he should be his own workshop in a PDF (making him even more lonely?). So now you can buy just the instructions and pattern for this by itself. Find it here.

my shadow...

Happy Groundhog Day!

Have you seen your shadow today? As a special offer, with any purchase in my shop I'm giving away a "My Shadow" journaling collage sheet! It has the shadows of some of my favorite illustration doodles, plus a new one that is still waiting for some friends.

Just tell me that you saw your shadow in the message to seller on Etsy. And you don't just have to make your purchase today. Mention the special anytime!

darcy...

This sweet little kitty is coming to our house tomorrow. Her name is Darcy. Some folks here are more excited than others, but PJ is the most enthusiastic. When I showed him this picture he said:

"She looks just like the one on the box!"

Of course, he was referring to the picture of a cat on the litter, but I just busted up laughing. How many times have you heard a kid say something similar about a toy?