Rengin's colors

CQ Gatherings magazine, Spring 2012 issue's cover

2012-02-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Pat Winter's magazine CQ Gatherings's 2012 Spring issue just released...It is another wonderful issue with lots of interesting subjects...I also would like to inform you that I've prepared its cover:)) Yes, I'm cover girl of this wonderful magazine's new issue....It was a big honor for me, I got so excited when Pat asked me to prepare the cover of her spring issue. I tried to do my best, I hope the readers of the magazine likes my contribution as well.

I'll start to share what I've done on my cover block...Follow me;-))

Distribution of the baby blankets

2012-02-08T01:08:00.000-08:00

Our blankets went to Van in the first week of January, in those days area was having normal seasonality, afterwords the distribution of our blankets the weather conditions got worst, the timing of the distribution was perfect!
Our contact person distributed blankets according to a list that was prepared according to real demands.
Young mothers delighted to have lovely blankets for their babies.
This small angel sleeps with his new blankets.
Our contact person visited hospitals as well to distribute blankets.
This baby is a little bit lucky because his family lives in a container instead of a tent.

After the earthquake, most of the upper class people left the city. But, sad that the lower class tries to survive there! They have to live there in that all those negative conditions...

I hope and pray all those people who are homeless at the moment they should have their own homes soon.

I would like to thank for everyone who helped us to realize this "Baby blankets" aid for the earthquake area, I appreaciate all efforts.

After completing this project, we started another one to help kids once again. After shocks of the big quake still continues and casue people have traumas. Especially children needs special attention after losing their homes, scholls, loved ones....We decided to make handmade toys for them....to prepare small toy gift packs with a pair sock will be great for them...

There are some buddies who organized to collect kids socks already and some others collects books, etc...Of course, governmental authorities, civil organisations there to help people but always individual helps needed after this kind of big disasters.

Praying for safe and peaceful world not having this kind of disasters....Thanks so much for helpers once again.

2012-02-08T00:43:00.000-08:00

I shared daily improvements related with our blanket aid to Van earthquake area through my Facebook account but I neglected to share via my blog:(

My dear husband helped a lot to put all those blankets into vacuum bags .
My living room turned to a storage area with those lovely blankets reached to my home from different places of the world.
We precisely prepared vacuum bags to put them into the big cartoon boxes with reduced volume.

I sent all blankets to our contact person in Van who helped us to distribute them to all required people. He made good selection for the real requirements! I'll share their photos as well....

Snowing in Istanbul

2012-02-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

This photo is from last week, but it is still stormy and so cold Istanbul. Suppose to we'll have snowing again.

Snowing in Istanbul

2012-01-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

We have hard winter conditions this year....It is still snowing, Istanbul is under the white blanket. My potted flowers are also under the white blanket.

Below photos taken from my studio which is at the southern part of our home, it is the coldest part, photos shows the extreme conditions....I love to sit and watch snowing....

I'm working on a special Crazy Quilting project in these days, I'll share its photos soon. I have a good news that I used lots of embellishments on that CQ project that I was keeping them for a special project:)) I'm a real keeper, now it is time to use special items for a special purpose. Happy stitching to all.....

Happy New Year

2011-12-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

I hope the new year brings us all peace and happiness and above all good health....

A little heart came from Japan:)

2011-12-28T04:01:00.000-08:00

We had another big support from Japan for our charity project. My quilter friend, dear Hideko sent us two boxes of blankets. I also would like to thank Hideko for preparing a lovely heart for me, she wishes happiness and luck for me and my country with a small clover charm, special thanks to dear friend for a special gift, I'll always keep it with a great happiness as a treasury.

Hideko's blankets are so lovely as the others I reveived, these are silky soft blankets, perfect selection for the babies soft skins.

This photo shows wonderful blankets that came from Japan. Earthquake survivor young mothers will love these blankets to wrap their little angels in that bitter cold climate. It is snowing there now, temperature always below(-) degrees.

All these disasters are real tragedies for us but great friendships always helps to get hands together, one word, one small gifts means a lot, indeed!

I hope we never have earthquake, flood, drought at any place of the world on next year...

Thank you dear Hideko, I know you're always there, dear friend, your friendship means a lot to me, you know it.

Baby Blankets ready for disaster area!

2011-12-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

I'm almost ready to send wonderful baby blankets to the earthquake area. So sad that all those people who have to live in hard winter conditions, they desperately in need of things to keep them warm, especially babies. Special thanks to all participants of this project, I had great help of buddies from Ankara, Bursa, Edirne, Adana other than İstanbul area. Also special thanks for my buddies from Crazy International group, we have lovely blankets from Portugal, USA and Japan. We really appreciate all efforts of those who contributed this project.

As you see, we have lovely hand made, crocheted blankets to keep babies warm, they are so lovely, so soft to wrap little angels. Some blankets have also lovely cases:))

My local Post office clerks and the members of the cargo companies who brought big boxes to my home are all so happy with this meaningful project...We are all got so impressed to have big support around the world, thanks so much, dear quilter friends.

Take a Stitch Tuesday 2012 Challenge

2011-12-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

Sharon Baggon is going to have another big activity on next year. Her another "Tuesday stitch challenge" will start on January 3rd, 2012. I'm looking forward to start it together with lots of old buddies from all over the world...further details at her Sharon's site.

Earthquake disaster in Turkey

2011-11-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

So sad that we had another big earthquake at the eastern part of the country...The announced magnitute was 7.2 and caused big damage! Thousands of people are homeless at the moment, living in the tents or bungalows in the rough winter conditions.

We, as being quilter Ladies in Istanbul started to make baby blankets to help young mothers who are living in the pretty hard conditions at the moment. My some quilter friends from Crazy Quilting International group also wanted to support us to prepare baby blankets.

Cathy's lovely blankets arrived last week and today I received another box from Peggy . I would like to share with you all that I got so much impressed with my Committe Member friends with these great support of my quilter buddies from thousands miles away.

Both friends says, we wish we could do more!!! I also would like to admit that I couldn't control my tear drops upon Peggy's message, she writes "As each child is warmly wrapped, I pray they are aware of the love and good wishes sent with the blankets"....

I believe that these lovely blankets will give hope and power for those young mothers who are trying to keep alive their little ones in that disaster area in this current hard winter conditions...

Special thanks once again...

Another block of "Spring Garden" RR

2011-10-31T03:14:00.000-07:00

I completed another RR block as I was telling you in my previous post. This block was another cheerful one with lovely colors, I easily worked on it. The owner likes lilacs and lilac tones, I specially added a Chevron stitch with lilac color thread and added neat colors of sequins and beads.

A close up photo shows the details of the beaded needle lace and ceramic rose type buttons and additions I made with pearls. My floowers know that I mostly like to create my own seam treatments I rarely use trims but these beaded oya laces are always exceptional, I love to use them if their colors are neat...

The theme of the RR is "Spring Garden" but there are always potted flowers in the gardens, am I right? I stitched the edges of the flower pot with back stitch, made long vertical and horizantal stitches and couched the intersections of them. I added small size stiff type oya flowers, those tiny mini flowers gives 3D dimensions that I love on the CQ blocks and at last I added a watering can charm and made running stitches with metallic silver thread to symbolize running water:))

I'm waiting last block to play with...so, another RR will be completed:))

Our Spring Garden RR

2011-10-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

Our "Spring Garden" theme RR keeps continue. I wanted to share my works on two blocks, it was great fun to work on these cheerful blocks. Today I'm working on another one, I'll share its photo soon.

Allison Aller's New "Crazy Quilting" Book arrived:)

2011-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

I was knowing that dear friend Allison Aller should have her own "Crazy Quilting" book. But, with my laziness to get on-line in these hottest days of the summer I missed its launch and just ordered last week. Special thanks to Amazon's super service I received my copy in a short period of time.

Allie's book is so nice, precisely prepared for the need of quilters...excellent explanations with very good photos, super inspritional photos, indeed.

I must state another wonderful thing from my side, Allie had been used some oyas on her projects, there is a note about it that I'm so much honored to take a place in that wonderful book.

Online store!

2011-08-16T07:22:00.001-07:00

My Artfire online store doesn't exist anymore. I decided to close it after the new applications of Artfire, their applications changed several times...Of course, they have rights to make changes but there must be different applications for the small scale sellers!

My customers are always very welcome through my ETSY, I'll try to give my best service as I was doing before. I moved some items from Artfire to Etsy. Now, my Etsy store have more items for my customers.

All the best,

Hoo hoo hoooo, Santa came to town in August:))

2011-08-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

One of my Etsy customer from Canada sent me these wonderful goodies. As I always say so Christmas and New Year Eve are always my favorite times of the year and I love to collect Christmasy embellishments. Special thanks to Grovenore to select wonderful pieces for me. The fabric with stocking print on it, is adorable, it is two pieces, I must start to embellish them immediately for my daughter and for myself, I want to make special things for my new home this year...a new home, new decorations....:))
Here is a close-up photo to see more details of the contents of the baggie I've received from Canada. There are so many wonderful laces, charms, sequins, fabrics etc...related with Christmas
I loved this lovely lace with green color and lovely pine trees on it...They remind me cold and snowy days...I'm missing cold days, it is so hot here, I hide myself indoors, all A/C's works non-stop...Why don't we have mild summers as we were having in our childhood?
Here is another close-up photo. I'm grateful to Grovenore she mad my day with this lovely baggie with full of adorable pieces, it is going to be a fantastic motivation to start new project in this hottest time of the year that I don't have much interest to stitch.

more photos from Krumbach, Germany

2011-07-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

As I stated in my previous blog, I admire to see the good conditions of all those old buildings in Germany. They protect building so well, indeed.

This is a close up photo, the building had been built in 1755 and renovated in 1955. It must be super to live in that old building with all those wonderful vintage items.

Is there any other interesting thing for a crazy quilter other than this cuttest staff in an antique store??? I saw this cute baby doll in an antique store, but the store was closed, I couldn't learn who, when made it ? I also I couldn't learn its current price. I hope the owner of the antique store doesn't mind, I took photos of this lovely baby house from the front window...

This photo taken from another angle to see more details:))

Lovely details of a kitchen.....

A wonderful living room with nice furnitures:))

As I always say so, I love cozy places, this was the breakfast area of our hotel.

Recently, I embroidered a small baby carriage, I shared it photo with you all here. When I saw this lovely baby carriage on the front window of a Photo Shop I remembered it and took this photo:)) Who knows, how old it is now???

"Apfel strudel" is one of my favorite dessert...After a long walk in rainy day, I had a super strong, black coffee and had a delicious apple pie. Too much calories but who cares!!!

A short break in Germany

2011-07-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

My friends and some of followers all know that I like to travel at every possibility especilly if the destination is Germany! My friends also all know that my DH travels a lot with the business purpose and I never join his business trips in principal. But, as being first time I joined him last week, we went to Krumbach in Germany. I had one full day for my own, I had long walks to take nice photos in that lovely small village that is close to Ulm and Ausburg cities in Germany. It was also a nice coincidence that it was an Italian week there, there were different activities.

The Italian flags were at everywhere to celebrate the week. I wish we could arrive there one day earlier, we missed spaggetti service!

I took long walks along the small streams. There are two small rivers in the village. It was so serene environment for me after having a megapol city life in Istanbul. No traffic, no noise, only sounds were the singing birds and rain drops.... It was heavily raining time to time but nothing could hold me to walk along the stream in that heavy rain showers...

I take photos since my childhood but with new digicams we all started to take much more photos...I keep continue to learn more details of photography each day...In the past I wasn't aware about the "stupid shadows" now I'm more precise for the light, etc to take better photos...This is my one favorite photo...Isn't it nice reflection photo?

By the way, the building was our hotel and its "beer garden".

All those ancient but well renovated buildings are so impressive in Germany, I enjoy my each trip, and I admire their culturel approach to save their history. I'll keep continue to share more photos...now I must go to prepare dinner!

My "Victorian theme RR block" back home:))

2011-07-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

My RR block came back home safely. As you know, I shared my works on the other participants' blocks. This is the final of the RR, I share my beautiful block. There is problem with the macro adjustment of my new camera, I couldn't take photo as I wanted to show you the details. I hope, at least, these photos should give you an idea about its beauty.

When I assembled my block I was planning to make it cushion but now I changed my decision. I want to use it as an elegant purse. I'm going to add some extra work, such as seam treatments using pearls, bugles and adding buttons etc, it will be a great heavily embellished front side of a purse. Let me go to my studio to search neat color beads, buttons, etc.

I would like to thank all participant buddies for their lovely work on my block, it was a very nice RR that we completed smoothly and great fun.

My work on Lita's RR block

2011-06-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

This is the last block of our Victorian theme RR that I participated with my old CQ buddies. Lita's lovely block is going to be middle part of the baby blanket for her new born granddaughter. I thought a small baby carriage will be perfect on that white patch. It is my own design:)) This cute thing gave me some other ideas to create as well...But, I have so many things to do, not much time for stitching...I beat, most of you are also busy in these summer days. By the way, we had only a few extremely hot days up to now...We mostly cloudy and rainy weather...Hope it doesn't get so hot on the coming days....

My block for Sendai Project finished

2011-06-27T04:04:00.000-07:00

My block is on its way...I completed this little block for our dear quilter friend Hideko whose country, hometown had a tragic earthquake in Japan. Our another friend, Leslie Ehrlich is organizer of a special project "Our Hearts and Hands for Sendai". special thanks her for her efforts to realise this important project. I wish I could make this block for another reason but I'm glad that our dear friend Hideko is well and safe. I always keep Japan people in my prayers who survived from big disaster and for all those innocent people who lost their lives due to big quake and horrible tsunami.

I tried to use flowers and lots of beads on my block, I wanted to use bright colors as the reminder of the spring...spring brings new hopes, new expectations....

I used contrast colors in a harmony. My beaded needle laces looked so neat on the hand dyed fabric.

I used different types of oyas...

I'm not much familiar to Brazilian Embrodiery but recently I bought nice special threads for that purpose, using those treads I did Bullion stitches and french knots on top the bugles intead of using beads as I used to do.

As my buddies all know, I like heavily embellished blocks, this is another heavily embellished block that I made for an important project. I added my sincere feelings, all positive energy to create it.

Blessings to all.....

Its spring:))

2011-05-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

My followers know that I love lilacs...I shared lilac paintings that I made...This year I would like to share some beautiful photos of naturel lilac. Yesterday, we went to our friend's lovely farm again. I got so excited, it was lilac time and their back yard was full of lilacs. I know they are always lovely on their own bunches but their wonderful smell covers our home right now. We had a small lilac tree at the back yard of our home at my childhood. It was a two storey home and we were living at the second floor, however, it was big enough to reach our balcony....Istanbul were covered lilac trees in my childhood, there were special smells of each month...lilac, magnolia, mimmosa....roses, honey suckles....Now, everywhere covred with huge buildings, we have all comfort , hand made peysage views but there is nothing related with special smells of nature!!!

This close-up photo shows their beauty.

To sit this here and feel wonderful smell of lilacs was great.

This lovely&lonely poppy was looking great among all those green things.

Another close-up photo, itsn't so nice???

It was great to see poppies when arriving our friends farm. We totally forgot the important symbols of each season while living in big cities...I always say, I would love to live in county without hesitation...

Progress of Sendai Block

2011-04-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

I usually use silk threads for the seam treatments but this time I use different kind threads that I bought them recently. These are locally produced threads for Brazilian embroidery, but I started to use them for the seam treatments. I really liked the color scheme so much. In addition, their lovely colors perfectly matches with my oya flowers and beaded oya laces as well. My first trial with the pinkish color was satisfactory, I hope I start to learn BE with the sake of these lovely threads. I just know a few simple things related with BE, I want to learn more details.

I was planning to complete this little block for Sendai Project in a short period but my tendonitis problem of right hand recurred once again after a long time. It is so obvious that I did overwhelmed during and afterwords of our moving. Now, I'm a slow turtle again, if I stitch a few hours I must give a break at least a few days, because my finger gets swollow immediately! There won't be any worst case for a quilter....

My naked block for the Sendai Project

2011-04-11T07:25:00.001-07:00

I really don't know how to express my sadness about big disaster Japan had last month. So sad that Japan is still having strong after shocks. I know nothing should confort them after all that tragedy they had to face. But, we can remind them that we are thinking them from the different places of the world.

At the begining, I couldn't decide about the colors of my block. Afterwords, I wanted to create something to remind spring and wonderful Japan cherry trees, lovely cherry blossoms. I found some pink color fancy fabrics in my stash and created this little block for the Hearts and Hands for Sendai project.

Hearts and Hands for Sendai Project

2011-04-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

We, international crazy quilters decided to organize a special project of quilts to be made auctioned for some charity that our dear friend Hideko denotes in Sendai, Japan. Everyone who is interested in this project is invited to contact us for further information. Both, traditional and crazy blocks are welcome. Unfortunately,

I missed my blog:)))

2011-04-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

Finally, I reached to my blog again with the support of my husband. Because Turkish bloggers are unable to reach their blogs for a long time due to a ridiculous reason. The Justice closed whole site instead of selective punishment for those bloggers who had illegally shared soccer games on to their blogs.

I wasn't so much active but to be banned made me so angry!!!

Well, let me start to share some photos of my new works.... Both photos are my new works on the RR blocks of our small group.

First RR block of 2011

2011-02-13T03:27:00.000-08:00

After a long break, I joined a new RR with old CQ'er buddies with Victorian ntheme. I received first block of Juliette from U.K. Her cream color block is gorgeous with vintage fabrics.I started from the longest patch to create a seam treatment with a simple Herringbone stitch with cream color silk thread, added lazy diasies iwth Kreinik metallic thread. The pearls that I used are cream colors as well. I added brown Swarovski crystals to catch more elegant look.

Afterwords, I embroidered a little fan, I thought its brown color should make a nice harmony with the seam treatment. Its tassel from seed beads. Now, this lovely block is ready to start its long way. I'm waiting another block to play with it.

First Hello of 2011

2011-01-06T01:23:00.000-08:00

After a long time of quietness I'm here again. Lots of things happened in that period but the most important thing is we moved! We were planning to move a new and bigger place for along time. Finally, we realized it. I'm so happy because I have a big sewing room now:)) A transport company moved us but I tried to pack our all personal belongings as much as I could. By the way, of course, I gave a special attention for my stash. I don't remember how many boxes I've used to pack my fabrics, embellishments, books, etc related with my CQ and patchwork materials.

This messy environment was scary, I really didn't know where to start...After completing all other parts of home I settled my Studio...

I still try to get settle but I must tell you it is big happiness to settle in a brand new and big home. I hope I'll be able to create lovely things to share soon. There are more things to be done in the Studio but I'm well enough tired... All those extra decorations postponed to an unknown date...I want to sit and create:)))

To celebrate a year at a new home was so nice....I would like to wish you all a healthy, wealthy and happy new year....Happy stitching in these cold days....

Stocking

2010-10-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

I know I neglected my blog in the past months....an extremely hot summer is the main reason that I was so quiet. We are having wonderful autumn here in Istanbul. The green colors of leaves started to turn wonderful yellows and orange reds. My favorite time of the year is coming and I started to work on a UFP. This lovely stocking with wonderful poinsietta prints was sent me by a crazy quilter friend. I couldn't find a time work on it last year. I started to embellish it, adding sparky seed beads on the little ponsietta prints made it much more pretty, I already completed beading now, I'm thinking what to do on the borders.... In addition, I want to use my Kreinik metallic threads, most probably I'll use them to make chain stitches at the several places...I'll keep to post progress:))

New Painting

2010-06-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

There are many nice photos that I keep them to make silk prints for my CQ projects. I inspired from one of them to make this painting. Too much details were great for me to make a crazy painting:)) When you review detaills you'll understand me more clearly....
I don't like to use bigger size canveses for these type paintings. This canvas is a small size, 15x19".
I think, an old looking frame will be neat for this painting, what do you think? Your suggestions will be deeply appreciated.

My prize baggie arrived:))

2010-06-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

My followers should remember that I've joined "Dress it up" challenge of Ribbonsmyth. So sad that there were only a few participants and I won the challenge. The prize was a baggie with goodies:)) I must admit that I was expecting to get a baggie with some nice goodies. But, as you can see in this photo, the contents of the baggie covered my big size coffee table. I received wonderful pieces, believe me all these photos never justice the beauty of those items.

Here is a close-up of goodies with wonderful color combos.

Now, my stash looks more richer with these wonderful threads.... Their colors are gorgeous, I'm looking forward to start a new project to use them.

Victoria, (owner of the Ribbonsmyth) knows my blue color love, I loved all those fantastic ribbons with lovely colors. Special thanks for selecting special items for me with my favorite colors.

There are so many other things in the baggie as you can see....I loved the postcard kit and some other seasonal accessories....silk sachets, appliques, charms, buttons, fancy fabrics, trims with gorgeous colors.....

I'm so glad that Vic sent me another two pieces of hangers that they were the main theme of the mentioned challenge. Now, I can create another little costumes for them...It was a lovely challenge that I enjoyed so much, Afterwords, I got all these wonderful goodies that they gave me a super motivation to start new projects. Special thanks for Vic for my prize.

I wanted to share my happiness after getting this surprice baggie and its contents with you all....

All the best, happy stitching....

My new paintings

2010-04-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

I started to spend more time for painting in the previous weeks. This photo shows my last painting that I finished it yesterday. I enjoyed to work on it so much. There are some paintings that I visualize myself to be there. This one was one of them, it took me to our Mediterrenian coast. I wanted to sit and stitch under the dark shades of the trees in that hot summer day...lovely geraniums were waiting to be watered after the sun-set! Maybe, a lovely baking cake smell was coming from the inside!!! Well, please don't get surprized if I start to write a novel soon:)))

I love to play with oil paintings after long time struggles of using acrylics. This is another imprestionist work.

This photo was taken at Glasgow, Scotland a few years ago. It was right after a heavy rain shower, sun was trying to show its face behind the clouds. I think, my photo shows the serenity of Bonnie Glasgow well enough.

I wanted to reflect the serenity of Bonnie Glasgow in my paintings. I copied previous photo onto my canvas! But, I added some flowers. Otherwise, it shouldn't reflect my colorful crazy world.

"Textile Memory Quilt" for UNICEF

2010-03-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

I was invited to join a "Textile Memory Quilt" to support UNICEF by Brigitte Laumanns who is a master quilter, lives in Dortmund, Germany. I should prepare a 6x6" block and it should have story. When I heard this project, I got so excited to support Unicef other than just buying its cards. It was so meaningful for me to help children to grow up healthy and safeway.

In a short time, I prepared the structures of the block in my mind. I should use a special fabric as the focus of the block. It was my dear Father's an old necktie with lighthouse design on it. My retired naval commender Dad had been used that mentioned necktie long years at the different parts of the world when he locationed. Some of my Followers may remember that I've have created another block with my Dad's necktie piece with a Nautical theme some time ago.
Afterwords I sent block to Brigitte in 2004, I received a kind letter from Dortmund branch of Unicef along with a lovely bookbinder with the print of my block on it.
I must admit that I totally forgot about ttis Memory Quilt till I received a letter from Brigitte two weeks ago. She was telling that "Textile Memory Quilt" was done and its book published in German and English versions. I immediately placed an order to have several of them and they arrived here safely. I got so impressed when I saw the photos of all those wonderful blocks from 24 countries and read their individual stories. Total 86 Ladies and 4 Gentlemen from five continents made this quilt possible with the dimensions of 3.50m(wide) X 2.20(height) for the children of our world:))

An important part of the profit of this book will be used for the benefit of the children by UNICEF.

To get wonderful news about an old project made me feel so happy and honored me so much to take a small place in this wonderful project. I would like to thank Brigitte for her great organization and full personal trials to realize this project to support the children of our old world.

I still keep continue to read interesting quilt stories of all those participants from five continents....If you are interested in to have this interesting book and support UNICEF please contact Brigitte.
You can review more details at her website www.memoryquilt.website.ms

2010 ArtBra Block completed

2010-03-12T01:22:00.000-08:00

Here is the final of my 2010 ArtBra block....I shared its beginning, I also would to share some other details of what I have done lately.

In my previous post the blades of the fan were ready, I pieced the other part with some contrast colors. I believe after another experience that the paper piecing method is a life saver for those who doesn't like to use machine like me....

This photo shows my naked block. After piecing a block I always get so excited to embellish. I get all neat embellishments together and start:))

As I always say so, I love to create seam treatments instead of using trims. But, this time I used trims because they were so neat, especially beaded oya lace looked so pretty on that dark color fabric.

I like to use every kind of pearls, these pale blue pearls looked so pretty on this seam treatment along with those sequins... If I've used white they won't look like them. The harmony of the flat type oyas were perfect on the silk turquise fabrics.

I used several oya flowers that they are pretty new creations. Especially pale mint colors are looked so neat with my fabrics. These new oyas with lovely colors will be available at my Etsy store soon. Most of the metallic threads are Gutterman or Kreinik. Those flat type sequins and little charms were in my stash for a long time, aren't they look nice on that turquise background? Those glass beads are from my local bead shop, I used several of them on the various patches.

At top, left side, the little silver charms with carnation shapes are from a local bead shop, as well. The ribbons are also from our local market, I could make more SRE but, I didn't want to complete that area, otherwise I could miss all warm colors.
It was so nice to prepare another block for another great project. I hope I'll be able to participate more meaningful projects on the coming years. Special thanks for everyone who contribute on 2010 ArtBra Wallhanger project.

My "Tea-Time" RR block back home:)

2010-01-23T02:50:00.000-08:00

Suppose to our last RR should be finished as of September but due to some problems it completed recently and my block came back safely. Isn't it look so pretty with lovely with the nice stitches of Maureen, Reneta, Shirlee and Melodie. I would like to thank them individually.
I plan to make this lovely block a wall hanger with some additions. I still collect "tea time" theme charms for a special project, it will be better to use some of them on this block to make final touches.
Here is close-up photo to show more details on my pretty block.

My last painting

2010-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that I don't do reproduction paintings anymore. I assured my teacher and started to use landscape photos of my own. Of course, it is much more joy to work from a photo that I took myself. Today, I finished this painting, I liked its outcome and wanted to share with you all. I enjoy to work oil paintings, my oil painting longing lasted now. I worked with acrylics for a long time, of course they never give same satisfaction of oils paints.

Here is my inspirational photo of a lovely village house at Austria that I took that photo during our recent trip.

My painting doesn't have any idea to be an impressionist or classic style!!!!!...I just wanted to paint as I wish:)) When I was working on this painting I visualized myself at those lovely Tirol mountains and valleys once again and I remembered an old favorite book "How green was my valley" by Richard Llewellyn, I think I was a sophomore when I've read that book. OMG, more the 35 years.... I must read it once again...

There are other so many photos that I would like to make their paintings as well. It is for sure that I'll have a painting collection of my trip photos near future... I always joke, my DD will be rich after me...you know, the value of the painters are realized after they die!!!! LOL!!!!

I would love to have your comments, criticisms.... Love to you all.....:))

2010 ArtBra Ladies Wall Hanging

2010-01-19T08:20:00.001-08:00

It is another year that our small group is making blocks for another Art Bra wall hanging. This year we will be creating fan blocks. Dear Stephanie prepared individual muslin foundations for us with the fan design so we will be able to create exactly same blocks more easily.

We will be using jewel tones this year, suggested tones are emerald, turquoise, peridot, citrine, aquamarine, sapphire, topaz....when I heard all these stone colors I got so excited. All these lovely colors reminded me our Mediterranean coast, fresh and watery colors... I selected fabrics mostly from turquoise tones to make my block....

I usually do hand stitching on my CQ blocks as much as I can. I started to make this block according to paper piecing method, fan blades are ready to get pieced. I must decide colors of the other pieces....Let me sew fan blades now... I'll share progress later:))

It is snowing in Istanbul....I love to stay at inside watching snowing....Happy stitching:)))

First CQ project of 2010!

2010-01-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

After a hectic period finally I'm back to my routine life and gave a start to stitch with a lovely project. One of my online buddy from the USA will have a presentation to show different CQ applications from different cultures. She just kindly asked to borrow one of my CQ project for the mentioned presentation but I wanted to create something different for her as a present . As most of my CQ'er buddies knows, I don't use much trims on to my blocks, I love to create my own seam treatments. But this time, I used different handmade beaded oya laces to reflect Turkish application on a Turkish style CQ block. Everything,, I've used, on this block is from our local market.
I started to get pieces together with my favorite Victorian colors,
after piecing the block I added neat color trims, of course I selected them among my beaded oya laces, and stitched seam treatments using mostly silk threads. I crocheted two little hats, but I decided to use pinky one, it looked more apparent with its lovely colors and its contrast border ribbon.

This is a highlight of the bottom side. All those embellishments that I used are from our local market. The silk ribbons that I used to make web & fargo roses are also local products, that variegated silk ribbon looked so pretty on the web rose . The bronze butterfly charms looks like antiques. Recently, I found that little tulip charm at a local bead shop. I especially wanted to use it because tulip is another nice symbol of Istanbul. The origin of tulip is Istanbul, it goes to 15th-16th centuries, Ottoman Empire.

This photo shows the right side of the block.I used my favorite style oyas on the pink fabric and added a calla charm. It is also a new charm that I found it from a bead shop at Ankara. These oyas in this photo are a new creation with my favorite colors with lilac and purple tones of floss thread.

A CQ block without an evil eye bead won't look too much Turkish. Of course, I added a nice evil eye bead to complete it:))
This photo shows some other details of the left side.

Here is the final of the 7x7" little block that I made for dear friend, Lynn. The block on its long way to go to Ca right now. I crossed my fingers it will be reached to there in time to be used at her presentation.
Unfortunately photos doesn't judge the colors so well, however I wanted to share all details of my first CQ project of 2010. I hope 2010 will be a creative year for all of us....Happy stitching.....

2010-01-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your beloved ones. Now, it is time to back to our routine lives.
Yesterday, we were together with my DH's classmates. One buddy has a lovely farm who loves to organize reunions. Yesterday we had one of them! When I saw his muddy boots, I loved their image. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me but I'm so glad that another gal took these photos for me. Most of you know that how much I like country life. Of course, I aware the hard sides of the country life but these muddy boots looked so pretty and I wanted to share with you all.

Those doggies were curiously watching inside and expecting to get some foods upon all those yummy smells:))

Isn't it look like a bronze statue?

Wishing a wonderful new week to you all...

Happy New Year

2009-12-30T01:01:00.000-08:00

Best wishes for health, wealth and happiness for 2010 and for future years to come...
I hope 2010 will be a wonderful year for us to create wonderful new projects.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T05:47:00.000-08:00

To all my friends, around the world; Happy Holidays....

An old cardigan with autumn leaves:)

2009-12-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

Today was a fruitful day for me, I did too many tasks. When I was organizing my wardrobe, I found this an old cardigan that I've knitted and embellished long time ago. It is at least 20 years old!!! To find totally forgotten cardigan made me happy, I can wear at home...Its mohair yarn with dark chocolate color still looks pretty. The most important part of the cardigan is embellishments that was my first trial to work with leathers...Isn't so obvious that my crazy world world comes from past. I remeber how I've worked hard to sew all those leather autumn leaves and to cover their borders with trims.

Here is a close-up for one motif, isn't is nice with nice color combo? But, I still remember my struggle to sew beads and buggles on the leather to form those autumn leaves...

Its back side also has motifs...

I wish I could have same patience and enthuisiam to create same kind of things again. Time to time to find these kind of my old work force me to realize to work hard once again. I was full time working mother and doing these kind of things:)) I plan to active as much as I can on next year, I promise to share new lovely things with you:))

First Prize!!!

2009-12-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

My little dress won the first prize, thanks so much for votes and your feedbacks, appreciated.
I'll keep following new challenges of the Ribbonsmyth with my current motivation.
This was very nice challenge with an interesting theme. But, we had only two participants among the other people who bought kit. The dress of the other participant was very nice she also is a winner for me with her wonderful creation.
We are all so busy in this time of the year, Season's greeting to you all....

Voting for the "Dress it Up" Challange

2009-11-13T05:14:00.000-08:00

It was August that I was placing an order from Ribbonsmyth. I noticed a little kit for the "Dress it up" challenge. I got so excited to join a challenge!As soon as the kit arrivedhere, I started to work and found this outcome at the end.
If you liked what I've done, please vote for me at Ribbonsmyth's link here.
I also would like to have your comments and critisim, your opinions are so important for me:))

Now, let me tell you a little bit details of what I've done to create this tiny mini dress and its accessories.

As soon as I completed this little dress I wanted to work on the little hanger which is the theme of this challenge. I used acyrlic paints, blended a nice lilac tone and startd to paint.

I used acrylic paints, blended a nice lilac tone as a basement.

I did little flower spray with pinkish tones, at the end I polished it The polish avoided the dull looking of acrylic painting. This is the end of the painting of this little hanger, how can I leave it without a final touch? I added a small rose bud!!!
I used all fabrics that were the contents of the kit, but used an old lace to cover top dark purple part.

I kept going on to embellish....

It was so fun to work on this project, I enjoyed it so much:))

Here is a close up to showyou details of my embellishments on the neck and the belt part of the dress. In addition I crocheted a little hat with neat color. I thought that a little hat should be perfect on this dress:))

After completing my little crocheted hat, I thought a small amulet bag will be also so nice. In addition it should be better to spend rest of the material of the kit.

And, here is the final of my trials...If you liked it please don't forget to vote for me at Ribbonsmyth's link.

Thanks so much in advance.....

Big Surprice

2009-11-13T03:06:00.000-08:00

As I told you in my previous post, Santa came to my home with big suprices:)) You should remember my friend Sandy Riggens whose friend came to Istanbul in September. I've shared about Sandy and Patti in my previous posts. This time I had another amazing surprice from Sandy. She had been apply one of my painting onto a mouse pad. I got so impressed upon her her kindness to create such a lovely gift for birthday. Some of you may remember my this painting. It is a reproduction but I've spent long time to complete with acrylic paints. When I opened Sandy's baggie, I couldn't believe my eyes. To see my painting onto a mouse pad was a great surprice:))

This close-up shows my new mouse-pad.

My new mouse pad looks so pretty, isn't it? By the way, finally I have a new laptop, it is my DH's gift for my birthday. I celebrated my 51th birthday at Oct.10th. Suppose to I should organise another drawing as I did last year. But, during my physical therapies I wasn't so well to organise anything.

I'm so much happy with my new surprices, I wanted to share my happiness with you all. I'm so happy that I've stumbled into the Crazy Quilt world, it brought amazing joy into my life and of course, amazing friendships from all over the world.

Love to you all....

Swap baggie

2009-11-13T02:41:00.000-08:00

Santa came my home a little bit earlier and brought me wonderful goodies that I want to share with you all here.
We have a lovely international group to swap goodies. We send swap baggies to each other four times a year in a quarterly base. The last baggie contains a handmade goodie. This year, my swap partner is Margreet from the Netherlands. I received this wonderful notebook from Margreet who made this lovely thing for me using an interesting fabric and old laces.

This is so convenient case I can store my some laces in it ,too. By the way, special thanks for these old laces, Margreet.

This photo shows the both sides of my new note book. As you can see, Margreet had been embroidered front and back sides too. This is totally handmade piece done by my swap sister. It was so nice to know her, we built a wonderful friendship, I hope we'll continue this friendship on the coming years too.

New oil painting

2009-10-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

How time flies by....It is almost second month over since my last post. I know, I ignored my blog and my follewers during that period. Thanks a lot for your private messages, appreciated. As most of you know, I have to have physical therapy for my current knee problem.

I mostly tried and (still try) to rest as much as I can... Suppose to I should finish all UFP till end of this month, but it looks impossible according to current situation!!! Of course, this too much relaxing affected me negatively to feel a little bit moody:(( You won't believe me but I mostly spent time playing games, such as Farmville!!! (OMG, it is an addiction!!!)

I'm so glad that I started to go to Art Studio again and completed a painting that I started before the summer. It finished yesterday and I wanted to say hello to you all with this oil painting. I'm waiting your comments...but not about my painting, about the quilt on it:)) LOL!!!

Bye for now....

My new goodies:)

2009-09-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Since last night, there was a problem to reach blogspot.com, I think it was related with our Telecom here. I couldn't post the photos of my new goodies early that dear Sandy sent me with Patti. If you've already read my previous post, you know its details. Thanks so much Sandy, special thanks for your thoughtfulness to send me a lovely baggie and for your lovely selections according to my likes.

This wonderful needlepoint bag is made for me by Sandy.

Here is another more close-up photo to show its beauty!

This adorable ornament is another fantastic work, made by Sandy. She knows how much I like Christmasy things, her selections are fantastic to make me so much happy.

Visit of on-line friend

2009-09-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

I'm back home after a wonderful travel, our entire trip was great! Suppose to I should share some photos and details about our travel but first off all I want to share another wonderful news with you. Last month, my on-line buddy Sandy Riggens informed me that her friend Patti should come to Istanbul by a Cruise. Of course, I got so excited to meet in person with Sandy's friend here in Istanbul. Its timing was great for me, it shouldn't match with our travel program.
Yesterday, I got up so early to get ready to leave home to meet with Patti. I live in the Anatolian part of the city, I have to pass through the Bosphorus Bridge to go European side where the Cruise lands.
I usually see the arrivals of the Cruises from my home but yesterday morning the weather was foggy, I couldn't notice its arrival in the early hours when I was at home. When I noticed the ships on the dock while we are passing the Bosphorus Bridge I took a deep breath that the ship was there and I should meet with Patti in a short time.
Our meeting with Patti and Jody was so nice, we noticed each so easily:))

We went to Topkapi Palace together. The terrace of the Palace has an amazing panoramic view, in this photo Patti has a lovely smile. I hope you noticed the Bosphorus Bridge at the back ground which connects the two continents, Europe and Asia.

During the coffee break Patti gave me a wonderful package that Sandy sent me. I'll share its details later with another post, I want to show you all those lovely things she did for me. Patti and Jody were so kind to wore my little oya brooch gifts.

Don't I look so happy between Patti and Jody? It was a short meeting but I must admit that I enjoyed it so much, it was so nice to meet with Patti and Jody. Some of you should astonish to see me with short hair in this photo. I got a hair cut just the day before. I envied so much to see all those so short hair cuts during our travel, especially in France and Germany short hair cuts are so trendy this year. As soon as I came back I went to my hair dresser and got a hair cut.

I come from a naval family, I always interested in ships! Especially if she is so beautiful as seen in these photos!!!!These two photos of the Cruise aren't so clear. I took them from the ferry on the way back to my home. The glass of the window wasn't so clean due salty sea water stains.

It was so nice to meet with Patti and Jody, hope to see them again one day.
Wishing a pleasant weekend to you all....

Vacation!

2009-09-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

We had another long and hot summer and we almost reached to its end! It was a hard period for my family, we l couldn't find time even though for a short escape.
Finally, we got together and we are going to vacation tomorrow. It will be an interesting tour covering Alsace region of the France, a small part of the Switzerland and southern part of the Germany, lovely Bavaria.
I'll share details of our trip and photos after I come back home. I don't want to have internet access, TV, newspapers...nothing...I just want to focus on our trip and enjoy my time...:))
Good bye till Sept.15th.

Last RR block

2009-08-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is the last block of our RR. As I've explained before, this RR has a different concept each person makes a specific thing on each block. According to the rules, as being last person, I added all pizazz.... beads, sequins, charms and some other final touches on this lovely block.

This photo shows my additions on Reneta's block.

This is a close-up photo that shows my additions on the sky part, I added a brass bird charm. Afterwords I decided to make a cloud. But, in that white part I decided to make blue color clouds! I should add more sequins but unfortunately they weren't sufficient amount. One of old metallic Gutterman thread with variegated color looked so neat to me! I did some chain stitches on the sky.

In this close-up photo, my additions looks better. I added many beads, little charms, etc. I found many neat color embellishments in my stash to add, I hope Reneta likes her block after our work. But, I really would like to say that the photo doesn't justice its beauty. It so much pretty in person. There are lovely details in that block.

This RR was another different experience with its interesting rules, I enjoyed to work on all blocks. Now, I'm waiting my block's arrival.

New goodies arrived:)

2009-08-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

How time goes by....It is almost one month since my last post. It was another hectic period for me! I know, I neglected my blog.
Yesterday I received another order that I was waiting for crazily. I wanted to share a photo that shows some of my new toys. The Ribbonsmyth is one of my favorite online store that it carries wonderful items one crazy quilt needs.
There is also a special item in these goodies, it is a kit for the "Dress it up" challenge. I must admit that this is going to be my first trial to enter a challenge with a special kit. I got so excited to start it, but I have limited time to finish it till our vacation. Therefor I must complete it as soon as possible.
I really got so much motivated after receiving all these lovely items and immediately I sat and started to work on a RR block, there are some embellishments that I would like to add as a final touch and I'll share its final with you soon.

More fabrics arrived:)

2009-07-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

As I told you in my previous post, the Fabric.com's speedy service impressed me so much and I placed another order from Fabric.com Thursday night in our time. My order arrived here yesterday morning, Monday!!! It took only 3 days and its two days were the weekend!!! This is a super speedy service that they provide through UPS.
I know, I exaggerated a little bit to buy too many more fabrics. But, these lovely Christmasy, winter theme fabrics are so lovely, I couldn't control myself and placed another order with a high amount:)) The photo shows a small part of my new fabrics, as I told you, I exaggerated but I believe that it was worth. Some of my quilter buddies knows that how much I like goodies related with the Christmas and I love to collect them. I'm so glad that I found a super source like Fabric.com.
These lollipops were in the box, as well. The company must know my childhood side:))

My new fabrics

2009-07-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I've ordered some fabrics from Fabric.com. It was my first trial from that mentioned company and I should almost cancel my order at the last moment when I saw the total shipping cost. But, the prices of the fabrics were worthy to pay for that amount for the total cost and I decided to pay that high shopping cost. Yesterday UPS brought this box, it was full of with my new toys:)) I'm so happy that I didn't cancel my order, otherwise I'll be a real loser!

I would like to share some of my new fabrics panels with you.

This Victorian fabric is so lovely. It is for sure that I'll use this fabric as a whole panel, no way I can cut it into pieces! I never want to waste any piece of it.

This is another one that I loved, I think I'll use it as it is to make a wall hanger. Maybe I can make crazy borders with some embellishments. I still keep continue to collect charms and beads with the winter and snow themes. Its prototype is ready already in my mind. I'm looking forward to give a start when the weather starts to get a little bit cooler. To look at this lovely Victorian skating scene is super when we are having hot steamy weather in the mid of the July.

This is another fabric panel that is my favorite; the sisterhood of quilters, I'll make a small quilt to devote my quilt friends...I plan to make another crazy wallhanger.

I got so much impressed upon super service of the Fabric.com. It is for sure that I'll be their a loyal customer from now on:))

I love to collect charms and buttons and I love to find new sources to have more interesting things. I had some bad experiences in the past with my orders, my two orders got lost! What a coincidence that I couldn't receive my two orders from the same company. I must admit that I didn't care about the nonrefundable money, I got so worry about all those lovely buttons and charms that I was waiting crazily.

Anyway, I'm so much happy for the service of the fabric.com, I'll place another order again with their current super prices.

New Necklace-Set

2009-07-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Most of my CQ'er buddies and customers know oyas only with their little flower forms. But, there are so many different applications of these amazing lace art. Here is a wonderful necklace set with my favorite color. But, as being a CRAZY quilter, I thought it was so simple, to make some attractions with some beads will be nice idea. But, I must admit that I was so hesitant to destroy its beauty, I never want to add any other things on oyas but this time I wanted to try something different.

I started to add neat color pearls and Swarowski beads. The outcome was nice and I kept continue....

Here is the final of this lovely necklace set, isn't it looking much more elegant? A crazy touch always gives a feminine look!!! I added this lovely necklace set to my ETSY. Visit my ETSY or ARTFIRE shops to see other alternatives.

RR block

2009-07-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

I'm so quiet for blogging. It is so hot here in Istanbul. I don't have enough energy to stitch and being creative. However, I enjoyed so much to work on a RR block. I've explained the rules of this RR in my previous posts. As being third person to work on this RR my responsibility was to do motifs, embroidery without too much additional decoration. The next person will add beads, buttons, charms etc....I envy her job on this lovely block!!!!:))

Now, let me start to tell you what I did. Melodie's block theme is "Grandfather's Garden". Can you think a grandpa's garden without bird house? I did a bird house with little flowers its underneath.

I embroidered this little bird with blue tones of the silk floss. I thought it should be well looking under the Maureen's beautiful Forget me knots. The seam treatment at top looks so pretty, isn't it?

I wanted to create something like a rose garden on this green part of the block which is the center piece. My roses aren't so successful, the fabric was a little bit tough for the SRE, I couldn't pull the needle easily. My tendinitis problem at right hand still exists. However, I think this part looks fine, what do you think? At last, I added a lace dragon fly, I dyed it with coffee. It should be looking much better with some beads and bugles. I'm sure that Reneta who is the next person to work on this block, she should do wonderful touches.

Willa BC block for 2009

2009-06-25T07:27:00.001-07:00

As I always say so, our little oya flowers got so famous in the CQ world after I've used one of them on a Breast Cancer Wallhanging project several years ago.
I would like to share an eye-candy here that dear friend Willa who is also one of my loyal customer, she used small flat type oyas and ceramic roses on her block for 2009 BC Wallhanging project.
She is a purple and lilac color lover like me, please visit her blog to see her lovely block.

Comforting block for Hideko

2009-06-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

I made this little comforting heart block for Hideko who lost her mother recently. I waited block's arrival to Japan to post these photos. I wanted to make something different other than a heart applique. I used a heart shape charm on the solid color fabrics and surrounded it with oyas. As you see I used pastel color fabrics and used various oyas with the neat colors. The beaded lace oya is one of my favorite type, I especially used it to make a good contrast with the white patch of the right side.

Here is another close up photo to show you a lovely lace. I used this lovely lace which is from Maureen's store. It looked so pretty on the mist mint color fabric, I added same color small pearls but unfortunately the photo doesn't judge those colors perfectly. If you would like to have this lace you must visit Maureen's site, she offers wonderful goodies.

I wish I could make this block for Hideko with another reason but so sad that this the reality of the world, we lose our precious ones!!!

200th post

2009-06-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

This is my 200th post! I've had to deal another family health issues in the past a few weeks, I couldn't have much time for blogging. I was planning to complete some handmade goodies to have a giveaway for my 200th post. Unfortunately, I had to postpone it for a later date!
I decided to devote my 200th post to my dear teacher Nur Cubukcu! So, I wanted to share some photos of my teacher Nur Cubukcu who taught me SRE and CQ. She is master quilter and the author of "The Dance of the Ribbons" book. Nowadays, she gives her full performance for a fund that provides scholarships for the university students. In this photo, you can see me with her in front of the lovely calla flowers at her beautiful garden.
Mrs. Cubukcu was giving silk ribbon classes. If I'm a crazy quilter today, Mrs.Cubukcu is the main reason, because I coincidentally saw a mini CQ quilt at her SRE class and afterwords I crazily learned CQ:)) When she recognized my high CQ interest she gave her full support to teach me CQ principals, including stitch techniques and shared her stash with me.
I was doing sane quilts but the crazy quilting is another passionate interest:)
I would like to thank her once again here that I found a special hobby for my retirement that I was always willing to make something different. Is there any other craft that combines sewing, embroidery, beading, painting fabrics or embellishment with laces, ribbons, charms, buttons?
Dear Nur Hoca thanks so much for your all support to teach me Crazy Quilting. Otherwise I shouldn't post this message, I shouldn't do CQ'ing, I shouldn't have wonderful CQ'er buddies at all over the world.

My new painting, Venice!

2009-06-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

I've completed another painting today. This time, I've tried a new thing from Italy. I couldn't visit "Bella Italy" since last year, but I was there while I'm making this Venice painting. I assumed myself there, I was stitching while listening Andrea Bocelli who is my favorite singer. This painting seemed so easy at the beginning. But, its details took longer time than I expected. You can imagine how it is hard to complete a painting like this with lots of details with the acrylic paints. But, I really enjoyed to work on this painting, to work on its small details was great fun.
I'm so glad that I'll be using oil paints from now on. I've had to use acrylics as a preventive action for my health. But, it is "BASTA", as Italians say.
I think, my patience is enough to struggle with these acrylics, it is time to use oil paints:))

2009-06-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Our little Prince doesn't like hot weather like his grandmother! He tries to find cool places to take naps.

This is an interesting cat, he is not a camera shy boy!!!

A few days ago he got lost at home, we looked for him crazily at least five minutes....While we were trying to find him, I recognized that he was watching us from the top the bookcase!!!! Afterwords, I understood that he likes cool places, especially the opposite side of the A/C!!!

He spends all the time at the balcony or window, discovering new things...He likes to watch birds and seagals!!!

We have a visitor:))

2009-05-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

My grandson came here two weeks ago. This handsome prince likes my sewing room, you can see how he is posing proudly:))
It is so true that we aren't owner's of them, they are our owners. It is for sure that we'll have a void when my DD takes him back on next week:((
He is so cute, very smart boy.

Victorian image:)

2009-05-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

I did too many different cross stitching and needlepoint projects in the past. Recently, I saw this painted canvas at my local quilt store and I loved this lovely Victorian Lady. I have too many UFPs but I couldn't control myself and bought it. I wonder what is she reading???? Guess it!!!
I hope I can complete this canvas this summer. Usually, I'm unable to stitch during the hot summer days but I hope to work on this project will be easier other than work on a CQ block.
I'll share its progress on the coming days.

2009-05-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

I worked on a RR block this weekend. This is a different concept other than our known RRs. We are five people, picked a different theme to create our own blocks. When the first person receives the 1st block, does all of the seams with designs in thread. When the 2nd block received, she adds to the seams with some ribbon embroidery and more stitching. When the 3rd one received, the motifs should be doing without additional decorations and when the 4th block received it will be final touch with the adding pizazz....beads, buttons, charms wahatever needed! I must admit that it will be my favorite block!!!:))
This interesting RR was Maureen's idea that I liked, it seemed so interesting. The photo shows the second block that belongs to Shirlee, I received it from Maureen. At first, I was hesitant what to do on this "Oriental theme" block without pizazz. After giving a start I enjoyed so much to work on it.
I think, I did well on this lovely block with the "Oriental theme" according to the rules of this mentioned RR. Its on its way to go to Reneta. Now, I'm waiting 3rd block!

Lilac time in Istanbul

2009-05-08T02:45:00.001-07:00

It is another lilac time in Istanbul! I just completed this painting the day before. It is Mother's Day gift for my Mom. Some of you should remember that I've also made her another painting last year with lilacs.
She had a few tear drops, lilacs always reminds her my grandma and their lovely home with lilac trees in the garden. I'm sure that most of you have same kind of old memories related with this lovely flower.
Tomorrow, I'm going to Ankara, I'm so glad that I'll be together with my daughter this year at a special day!
Wishing you all a Happy Mother's day!

Old memories, Tirol Girl&Boy

2009-05-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I neglected my blog in the past few days. I did some spring cleaning! I found some old things that I would like to share their relations with my new doily!!!! I want to show you this lovely Tirol doily today that I've bought it last year during our "Romantic Bavaria tour". As I always say so, I love Alpine mountains and I love to visit both Bavarian and Austrian Tirol's at every possibility. To see all those people who wear traditional folkloric costumes is the another point that I like that areas so much. This doily with its lovely blue tones is so neat with my other accessories at my blue home. My daughter was joking me when she was a teen girl, she was saying that "Mam, I feel myself like a fish in an aquarium in this blue home". But, now a days her own home is started to turn a blue home too!!!
Anyway, I love to use this doily with a lovely folkloric design. Now, I would like to share with you some other memories too.

I quit to work before my daughter's birth and I was at home till she started the school. It was so great that I was together with my daughter as being a full time mother. In that period I tried different new hobbies. One of them was glass painting. When she was sleeping, I was trying new things at my small hobby room. In those years I was subscribing "Anna" magazine, its each issue was full of marvelous ideas. I still keep them, they are super sources for a crafter needs. Unfortunately, it is an uncontinue magazine now. As far as I know, its only "crocheting" is available. I was making wall hangers for my daughter's room. This Tirol couple is one of them that I made at least 20 years ago from a pattern of that magazine.

This is another one that I made in the same period, 20 years ago. As you can see, my love for the Tirol couples with the folkloric costumes comes from the past.

I also want to share this snowy scene that was one of my favorite, its pattern was from the mentioned magazine, Anna. It was a different method that I created in those days. I was doing flowers with doughs in those days. I've prepared a light mixture with a special glue, flour and starch and used for the puffy areas and used glass paints to paint all those areas. It was a special glue that I was buying from the warehouse. I think I was much more patient and enthusiastic in those days to try news things to be more creative!

This is another scene but it is unfortunately unfinished!!! There are some details that I must complete. But, I must buy new glass paints. But, I don't know if they work on this pretty old thing or not!

I must keep continue my spring cleaning....Let's me see, what will I find more to share with you???

Another snow painting:)

2009-04-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

We have a lovely spring time here but I just completed this painting of the snowing. It was another hard case for me with a lots of details of this reproduction but I stubbornly completed another detailed work with the acrylic paints!

My Winter RR block back home

2009-04-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

As most of you knew that I had my first experience to host a RR with "Winter" theme. It was so nice and easy job with the contribution and support with the group members. My RR block completed its long journey and came back home. I would like to thank my stitching friends once again with their efforts that they created this wonderful block, it is a real treausre, indeed. I also wanted to post some highlights from my block so you may be able to see the details.

My oyas on a special project:)

2009-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I've had hard times due to family health problems since mid of January, I'm unable to follow-up daily blog posts regularly. Therefor I miss so many things....
But, this time, I would like to share you a wonderful news here. Most of you know Hideko from Japan. She is a CQ guru from far east and she shares her exquisite work on her blog "Wind from the East". Recently, Hideko posted a wonderful project about an album that she makes for her mother. I'm so honored that she used my little oya flowers on that special project.
Special thanks to Hideko for using my oyas and I convey my respects to her mother. I wish I could have an opportunity to meet with this charming lady to listen her stories.

"Heart" swap block finished:)

2009-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Finally, I completed embellishment part of the little heart that I make for Mary. It is the most fun part so I completed easily. At first, I did one of my favorite seam treatment with long chain stitches, after adding their seed beads, I decided to add a beaded oya trim on the pink patch to make a good contrast with the bottom beige fabric. I didn't want to leave beaded oya trim as it is...I added pearl drops and chain stitches to form little flowers at its top side.

I think, these little antique looking charms looked nice!

I like these little oyas so much and I love to use them at every possibility. I added a few of them on the right side and made final touches with green floss and added small butterlies.

This is the final of the little block. Now, I'll applique it on the muslin that Mary sent me with her swap baggie. I made my heart according to its original size as she drew on the muslin. Afterwords it will be ready to start its long journey.

I have another RR block to complete as of Wednesday than I'll start a new project. I'm so excited about it. Of course I'll share it here with you all:))

Paper pieced method small CQ heart

2009-03-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

As you know, recently I received a wonderful heart from Mary. I decided to create my heart for her according to paper piecing method. I drew two pieces 6" size heart shape crazy design. I drew two of them because use one of themto be used as the base and the other one will be cut of for each piece.
My fabrics were ready (ironed), I started to cut at the bottom piece to prepare the first part of the heart shape CQ block.I cut the first piece of the paper and reversed it on the back side of the fabric and pinned.

I precisely cut the fabric, leaving proper seam allowances and started to baste. I have a suggegstion for the newbies. Always start to baste from shorter side and never forget finger press when folding the fabric before stitching!

I kept continue same work clock wise direction.

I prepared them in a short period. Afterwords, I started to stitch each piece from their back. When I've completed to stitch all pieces, I ripped off the basting threads to remove papers. But, I recognized that I have to repeat one thing! I had to baste borders once again!

This is the final of the little heart shape CQ block that I made for my swap partner. I tried to explain what I did to create my little heart. Now, it is time to embellish it:)

Some of you may think that this is long way to create a small heart, but this is the best method I do to create a heart shape CQ block!!!! In addition, I wanted to be sure to create a nice thing for my partner.

Another stormy day

2009-03-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

We had constant rain in the past days. Last night, we had a strong wind. I took these photos from my window in the morning. Poor seaguls were trying fly in that strong wind!

My ArtFire Studio

2009-03-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't so nice that one item from my ArtFire Studio is at the ArtFire Artisans' site? It was a real surprise for me, one of my item chosen among all those wonderful things:)
I suggest you visit http://moonstone.tumblr.com/ to see wonderful items that they created by ArtFire artisans..

My new online store, ARTFIRE

2009-03-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

I joined to ARTFIRE community with my new on-line store. My store mainly have oyas but I plan to sell my new CQ creations on the coming days.
I've noticed that there are many friends there, there are many familiar names too:)
Please take a peak when you have time... you can reach my store through the Artfire button at the right side.

My New Fabric Panels from U.K.

2009-03-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

Last week, when I was trying to find new fabric vendors, I found Fabric Inspirations from U.K.

I've ordered six pieces of panels with different themes. Yesterday they arrived. I think there is no need for the any other word to tell my happiness when I saw them. They are so lovely, and arrived in short time.
But, I still keep continue to find interesting panels with the Victorian era images. I especially seek themes, "Tea-Time", "Victorian Ladies", "Holiday Season" etc.... Any suggestions will be deeply appreciated.

Heart Swap:)

2009-03-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

I also would like to thank Mary so much for sending a thimble along with those lovely things from Texas. I've already put my new Texas thimble into my collection. Special thanks Mary for your thoughtfulness:))

Dear friend Mary from Austin is my swap partner, she created a heart for me. She told me about her creation but didn't send me photo. I must admit that I was expecting a simple heart.. Her baggie arrived here yesterday, when I opened the enveloped I found these lovely things. I must admit that the photo never justice the beauty of that cute heart Mary made for me. I loved her wonderful work. The postcards are lovely, especially the one with bluebonnets inspired me to create a painting:)) You know, I love bluebonnets!

Last block of the Winter RR

2009-03-10T01:57:00.000-07:00

This is the last block of our Winter RR that I've just completed. I did two snow flakes and two seam treatments on Sandi's lovely block. As always do, I used various sequins and seed beads on the seam treatments. Time to time I critise my work for the repetitions but I like to use Chevron and Herringbone stitches to make different combinations using various beads and sequins:))
Sandi's block is ready for its long trip to MA. So, we came to end of the "Winter RR" that was the first RR that I hosted. We completed RR smoothly and with a great harmony. I would like to thank all participants once again, we had great fun all together and learned a lot from each other.

Another Give-away:)

2009-03-03T03:13:00.000-08:00

Cynthia from Cynthia's Cottage is having a giveaway. Go there to look at the beautiful signs she is giving away. Plus, you get to choose which one you want. She has a wonderful selection.

My 2009 ArtBra Block finished

2009-02-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

As you know, I was working on a special project for the Women Wellness, I finished it today. I would like to explain a little bit more about the block once again. Each year we make individual blocks that will be assembled into a wall-hanging quilt and donated to a breast cancer center. We want to inspire women by the message of caring and support represented in the wall hangings. I just wanted to share my completed block for this years wall-hanging, with the "Rose" theme. It is ready for its long journey to go to the USA to get assembled with the other wonderful blocks. When the quilt is finished it will be donated to a women's cancer center for display.

Is it possible to think a CQ block created by me without any oya?

I used locally produced variegated ribbons to create web roses. I used Ribbonsmyth's undyed ribbon for the white web rose. I did chain stitches to cover the asseble lines, afterwords I did seam treatments.

It is tea time:)

2009-02-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

It is another cold and rainy day. I just had my green tea. I wanted to share my lovely new tea cozy with you all. This lovely tea cozy with my favorite colors is so cute and it keeps my tea pot warm. Especially in these cold days, it is a fantastic piece.

This lovely tea cozy is a creation my dear friend Candi. She creates wonderful things but my lovely tea-cozy is favorite:))

I suggest you to visit her lovely blog and her Etsy store to see her fantastic works.

Candi, thanks so much once again for this lovely tea cozy.

My Combined Painting Exhibition

2009-02-23T01:30:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I attend an art studio and take painting lessons. We had opening cocktail party of our first combined exhibition at Feb.21th, Saturday. I joined the exhibition with six paintings. My paintings are all acrylics among all other the wonderful oil paintings but I must admit that I got very nice feed backs and compliments during the cocktail that I never expected. I hope I'll be able to open my own exhibition soon. My dear family and friends shared my happiness except my precious daughter. She couldn't come to Istanbul due to bad weather conditions. In this photo, I'm together with my mother in front of my newest painting.

Here is a highlight of my last painting that I've completed last week to display at the exhibition. It is another reproduction with lots of details that seems impossible to make with the acrylic paints but I did it again! It is a reproduction but I never stop to reflect my craziness to put some additions. Have you notice a Christmas tree at the second floor window?

Beautiful Block Award!

2009-02-16T01:45:00.000-08:00

I am honoured that you visit my blog and appreciate the comments on my work.It also is very nice to get awards because there are so many talented and inspiring people in blogland.

Thank you Marilyn for this lovely award. But, I'm sorry for being to late to pass this award, I couldn't spend time for my blog in the past days. Now I would like to pass this award on to a few others who's Blogs are Beautiful & I enjoy to visit. There are so many blogs that I love to folllow-up.... I have to chose only five of them to pass this award, well, it is pretty hard to make a choice among them....

My awards goes to;

Art Bra 2009 Block-Progress

2009-02-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

I've started to embellish the block:) I have too many things in my stash with neat colors to use on the block. I used soft pink color silk floss to make the Chevron stitch. That olive green floss that I made lazy daisies on top of the chevron stitch had a long journey to arrive here! I belong to an international swap group since two years. First year, my swap partner was from Brazil, she sent me those wonderful flosses, I was keeping them to use on a special project.

I wasn't aware that I had almost the same color beads with the fabrics, I really astonished so much when I got them together. The photo doesn't judge the colors so well, I must admit that I liked the outcome!

Art Bra 2009 Block-Progress

2009-02-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

I want to use some handmade beaded oya trims, therefor I used all solid color fabrics around the rose motif. I'm a a little bit hesitant to use white one at the below but I liked the pink and the other one at the right side. It is one of my favorite trim that I like to use much. My oya artisan lady created this one with my favorite colors, it is so nice that I'll use it for a special project.

I assembled my ArtBra 2009 block. Now, my favorite session starts, embellishments!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day:)

2009-02-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

Wishing a wonderful Valentine's Day to you all....

Art Bra 2009 Block

2009-02-08T02:07:00.000-08:00

The Art Bra Ladies started to work again - We'll have another quilt in the works for 2009 with "Roses" theme. Our individual blocks is to be done in Victorian Colors based around a piece of soft dark pink sent out by our organizer, Barbara Blankenship.
When I learned the theme of this year, I immediately remembered an old fabric that should be perfect selection for the "Rose" theme. It was my mother's dress, tailored for her at least 35 years ago!!! In those days Chine silks were so famous with nice, elegant prints! My mother gave me that old dress when I've started CQing in 2004. I used a small patch of that fabric on a RR block with "Rose" theme a few years ago, I've also sent small pieces to my RR buddies, most of them used that small patches on their blocks as well. Once again I'll use a small part of this fabric for a special project, ArtBra 2009.
I decided to use mostly pink tones and beige and gray to make a contrast with the my fabric with the rose print. Now, it is time to go get pieces together to create a nice block, 8x8" size. I want to add SRE and other things to have heavily embellished block. I'll share its progress:)

Valentine Heart Swap

2009-02-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

Due the my Father's sickness I've had to postpone my commitments but I'm so glad that I've completed the small crazy style heart that I was making for the "Valentine Heart Swap", ETSy Cottage style group. The baggie for my swap partner Char started its long journey several days ago. But, I've just found a time to share its photos here with you. I wanted to put some interesting pieces into Char's baggie. I added a hand made oya brooch along with a handmade daphne soap that has a special place in the Anatolian mythology. According to legends Ladies are used daphne soap to have wonderful long hair, still too many people uses daphne soap to have strong and bright hair. I added another box of soap roses that I loved their color, I thought it will be a nice selection in the baggie. In addition I added four different type handmade beaded trims. I hope she likes my selections.

After completing the embellishments I precisely sewed the borders, I left a small place to put fibers and sewed the rest. All of them are hand stitch, I never used machinery!!!

The size of the little heart is 5". I used pink fabric and I covered front side with an old lace that was a piece of wedding dress. I made a spray with my little oyas, added leaves with dark green color silk ribbons. I like that color ribbon because it is almost the same color with the oya's basement tone so it makes a wonderful combination. I kept continue to add some embellishments. At last I added some bugles with various colors to give different sparky look.

Valentine Swap baggie arrived:)

2009-02-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

I was quiet in the past weeks. Unfortunately my dear Father a serious health problem. I've had to deal with him, I would like to thank to all my on-line buddies for their concerns and prayers. I always believe the power of the prayers, appreciated to all prayers from all over the world.
I'm so glad that I joined "Etsy cottage style-Valentine swap", I received these lovely pieces from my swap partner, Char. The cottage style little box is so pretty, I've already put some of my ear rings in it. I wanted to share these lovely things with you all, I started to celebrate Valentine Day earlier. Special thanks to Char for her wonderful selections to send me.

Traveler cat:)

2009-01-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

Afterwords we came back home!!!

Babig took only short naps during our drive of 450 km, our smart cat never wants to miss details, wants to stay awake!

We awaked to wonderful day, yesterday. After snowing, temperature was a little bit high and sun was shining, Babig was watching outside from sunny window.

Babig was happy to see his grand parents!!! He showed his happines laying down on the new puzzle!!!! He grows up in an intellectual home!!!

There are some spots on the photos, unfortunately they are drops on the windshield!

I'm so happy my precious DD is coming home Tuesday with her cat to spend two weeks with us. Her little cat is sick and antibiotic cure since last week, we thought that to travel by plane may make him feel uncomfortable and we decided to go to Ankara to bring him back here. It was heavily raining when we left Istanbul. Afterwords it turned to snowing at all the way long.

Winter RR-Last block

2009-01-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

I completed my work on Shirlee's beautiful block, as being last person I wanted to cover left below part and I did some extra work. So Shirlee will have only a small part to complete her own block. It was great fun to work on this lovely RR block with "Winter theme". I would like to thank you for your all lovely comments about my little houses on the seam treatment. I couldn't decide what to do under the ric-roc trim. Then I thought, is it possible to think a Holiday season without gifts packs???? I made gift packs:)) I kept working on the Shirlee's wonderful lace. I used red metallic (Kreinik) thread to catch a nice harmony with the top patch and added the same color flat sequins and beads. I made a chain stitch with metallic gold thread to cover the assembly line of the two patches. Now, the last block block of "Winter" theme RR is ready to start its journey to MA, USA.

Back to stitching:)

2009-01-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

I visited my bead shop the day before. I found new little charms:)) I used two different types with seed beads. I especially liked the little four petal metallic beads/charms (whatever you call them:), I used blue color seed beads to mount them.

Finally, I'm back to stitching after a long time. I've started to work on Shirlee's wonderful "Winter" theme RR block.

I've ordered some kits from Eveningstardesigns.

I received a wonderful Patterns&Instructions sheets along with my order contents. I inspired from a CQ stitch combination to make this seam treatment for Shirlee. I plan to add some other beads, I'll share its progress.

A Wonderful Friendly Award

2009-01-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

I have received an award from Marlyn at Our Victorian Cottage . Thank you so much for thinking of me. You are so kind and thoughtful for thinking of me for this award.

Here are the guidelines for this award:'This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers' aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!'These are some very wonderful gals to visit. They are thoughtful, friendly and have so many wonderful ideas.I am supposed to pass this along.

Kathy at kathyscrazymoments

Candi at Quilts N Things

Cheryl at Cheryl's Chatelaine

Nikki at RavioLee Dreams

Lorenza at Crazyvalsusa

"Invitation to Tea"

2009-01-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today, I've recognized that I didn't share my gorgeous birthday gift with you all. My dear friend Kathy, made me a wonderful surprise with this so lovely small wall hanger at my birthday. She knows my likes so well. I loved what she have done on this block, I treasure this lovely gift. Special thanks once again for her exquisite work with a special theme that I like so much.

Some of you may remember my puzzle. It is special design of Judy Koenig. I'm so glad that "Gibson Puzzles" has a wonderful collection for us who loves Victorian era. Finally, my puzzle is ready to be hang on the wall of my small sewing room.

First day of the new year!

2009-01-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

This is the first day of 2009. I hope that 2009 brings us a year full of health, wealth, happiness and global peace!
I wanted to start this year with a little bit change on to my blog. I changed the "header photo"! I hope my visitors likes this header, too.
We give gifts to each other for the New Year, here. I wanted to share my gift with you all. The photo shows my dear daughter's gifts for me. I loved her wonderful selections with these lovely mugs, tea pot and serving plate. She knows very well how to make me feel happy.

Happy New Year

2008-12-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

All good wishes for the coming year. May 2009 bring wonderful things for each of us:)

Vintage Ornaments and little angels

2008-12-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

Today I took some photos of my home decoration for a buddy as I've promised and I wanted to share some of them here with you all too. This is my most favorite vintage ornament, I keep it precisely. This little ball is older than 35 years old and only this piece left! I have some other older ornaments but this is my favorite one, nowadays it is pretty hard to find something like this. There are so many things with but none of them looks pretty for me like this one!

Last year, we went to Spandau during our Germany visit. It was only a few days before the Christmas, I found those lovely angel ornaments from a small shop in the Spandau. They are my Guardian angels:))

Swap baggie

2008-12-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

I received the last swap baggie of 2008. We have an international swap group, we send each other swap baggies four times a year. My swap partner was Wilma from the Netherlands. To receive this personalized lavender sachet with my favorite color blue made me so happy, indeed.
Wilma's this so meaningful wonderful gift reminds nice memories from my childhood. There was a small pillow at my grandma's home. It was mine, no one could touch it!!! That small pillow had a blue satin border, it was making that pillow so special for me!!! I still remember its wonderful lavender smell. I'm sure that there are some specific smells from your past for you too:)

Happy Holidays

2008-12-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Raffaello Puzzle

2008-12-18T05:29:00.000-08:00

After telling about my new "Raffaello puzzle, I wanted to show you my little cherubs that I've bought them from Germany. Kathe Wohlfahrt is a famous Christmas shop in Germany, it has shops at different places that I love to visit at my each travel. Last year I bought these lovely cherubs from Kathe's Rottenburg shop with lots of other things. We realized "Romantic Tour" in last June, we started our journey from Heildelberg, I loved Kathe's that shop, too. Kathe's "Deutsche Weihnachtsmuseum" is at the Rothenburg is a fantastic place, indeed. I also like their Oberammergau and Garmish-Partenkirshen stores as well, because I love Bavaria and awesome Alpine mountains at every possibility.

I would like to share this lovely "Raffaello" image with you. My precious daughter made this 1000 pieces puzzle for me. Its dimensions are 68x48cm. We bought a wooden frame from IKEA . I tried to make its a clear photo but its glass part shines, reflects the shadows. At least this photo should give you an idea about my new gift that I liked so much.

A full moon at a frosty night:)

2008-12-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

Here is my another painting that I've completed yesterday. I wanted to take its photo at day light but we have a gray and misarable weather today. I couldn't take its photo as I wanted. This is another an old reproduction I copied but unfortunately I couldn't find its originator. As you know, I still use acrylic paints, it is pretty hard to make this kind of paintings with the acrylic paints but I'm stubborn, I worked on this painting stubbornly and completed yesterday. I wish I could be using oil paints soon after my Doc.s approval. I'm looking forward to mix oil paints and create my paintings with spatula strokes.

Nora Creeach

2008-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

I'm so sad that to hear about Nora's passing. I've never met her in person but I was knowing that she was always there to help us and to give her full support. Whenever I have a question she could help me with her usual cooperation and great support.
When I was started to learn SRE at 2003, I didn't have any idea about the related on-line sources.
One day, as being a blue color lover, I was trying to find some info about the bluebonnets that are one of my favorite flowers with their lovely colors and shapes.
I've coincidentally found "Crafty College" of Nora Creeach. To find her Bluebonnets and on-line SRE class was a great suprice for me. I enrolled her on-line class. It was my great chance to take that on-line class and also it was my honor to be able to meet with Nora. She individually helped me to teach how to make bluebonnets. I always appreciate her efforts.
We, all CQ lovers are grateful for her all efforts she put in starting CQMag On Line and now to the courageous gals who are carrying it on, especially Rissa, Allie, Barbara and many others....
I also would like to share my other so important memory with you here.
I believe that, CQMagOnline is a great source for all of us since its first issue. When I've learned Nora's annual contest in the last quarter of the 2004, I was so hesitant to join. But, I wanted to try it with a project that I was working on it. CQ was a new passionate interest for me in those days, I was trying to do my best on my first big project. It was worth to try...I joined the contest!
To be selected as a Novice First Place Winner, 2005 was a great honor for me, indeed. I still remember my happiness when I learned the results...to be selected among from all those talented ladies by Nora and the other jury members was a great honor and great motivation to create other CQ projects for me.
Afterwords, we've contacted with Nora several times, she always encouraged me for new projects.
How tragic that she and her husband passed away in the same week. I've never met with Nora in person but she was a great friend that I'll always remember her. She and her husband may rest in peace.
Today, I received a lovely card from dear friend Nicki. There is so meaningful quote on that lovely card. I want to share this quote of Saint Thomas Aquinas with you all;
"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship".