#RBDmysteryblocks - January Mystery Block

I decided to take part in the Riley Blake mystery block of the month.  Here is my January block - Chevron.

The February block looks a little complicated.  Hopefully I don't quit this project before I really get started.

Cinched Patchwork Satchel

I finally finished this cinched patchwork satchel.  Instead of starting my next project this weekend, I'm doing some housecleaning.  And maybe my taxes.  

The pattern for this bag is from indygo junction by Amy Barickman.  The fabric is Bali Pops Mocha Mint batik strips.

{Framed} Heart Art

Last month I came across this cute Valentine Wreath by Kaminski's Creations.  I really liked it but I wondered how I could make it interchangeable.  You know - so I can change it out for every season/holiday.  This is what I came up with:

I simply made some heart art, strung some monofiliment through it, hung it and then hung an open back frame over it.  So easy!

What you need to make one:

Open back frame {mine was 6 1/4 x 6 1/4" from Michaels}

Sawtooth hanger

One sheet of two-sided paper (could also be done with single sided paper, just use two then)

Nylon Monofilament

Scissors, Needle, Tape, and Tacky Glue

Start by attaching the sawtooth hanger to your frame.  

Cut out seven hearts.  The size will depend on your frame.  Mine were 3 inches.  One of the hearts with be the base.  Thread the monofilament throug the center top of the base heart.

Keeping in mind that this with be hung from the nail, measure how long the string should be and then make a knot and trim the excess.

With the remaining six hearts, score a line down the center of each heart and fold them.  Then, with tape, adhere one half of a heart to another heart.  Continue doing that with each heart, alternating the sides of the heart.  Lastly, glue the hearts to the base heart you prepared earlier.

I would recommend letting the heart dry for a little while.  Then you simply hang it up.

To complete the look, hang your frame that you prepared earlier on the same nail.  Ta Da!

I actually made two hearts with a Valentine's theme.  Depending on my mood, I can easily change them around.

And on the 15th, you can change it out for something different.  Maybe a St. Patrick's day heart?

I'm sharing at these parties.

{Confidential} - February Project Board

I think I had the January blues last month as I only crossed one thing off of my project list.  And that was quickly replaced by a new project.

Compare to the January project board.

Read my January review.

Fabric Flowers

Meet Moxie.  Moxie is my sister Karen's dog.

Inspired by these flower dog collars made by Don't Disturb This Groove, I made these fabric flowers for Moxie to wear on her collar as a Christmas gift.

I mostly followed the fabric flower tutorial by Emily's Little World.  It was a great project because I didn't have to purchase anything to make them.  I just used some fabric scraps.  I found that batiks worked the best because both sides look the same.

The tricky part was deciding how they would be worn my Moxie.  I didn't want to glue them right to a collar {I didn't have her collars anyways}.  So I took some ribbon and sewed that to the felt circle that is used as the base of the flower {done prior to assembly of the flower}.

Here is Moxie modeling a couple of the flowers last weekend.  {Sorry the lighting wasn't that great.}

I think the flowers are super cute.  And they aren't just for dogs - anybody could wear them.

I am sharing at these parties.

{Not So Confidential} - January in Review

I found my mitten!  And just in time.  Today the weatherman uttered these dreaded words - maybe the coldest temperature of the season tonight {14 below}.  Brrr!  January has definitely been a weather rollercoaster.  But earlier in the month I did go check out the ice castle at the Mall of America with my mom, sister, niece and nephew shortly after it opened.

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

Stripey Christmas Tree Skirt

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Chicken with Bacon-y Brussels Sprouts from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - I'm still deciding if I like brussels sprouts but this dish was a vote for yes I do.

{What I read}  I love reading books and I always have one with me.  Two common places that I read are in the lunch room at work (during my lunch break) and before my Jazzercise class begins.  Some people that see me always reading wonder how many books I read a year.  I thought I'd try to figure it out my listing them here.  {P.S. - book recommendations are always welcome}

1. For the Sake of Elena by Elizabeth George
2. Private Scandals by Nora Roberts

{What I am obsessed with} NCIS.  Why have I not been watching this show?  It's sharp and funny and I love the interaction of the characters {Tony DiNozzo is my favorite!}  I came across a marathon on USA Network around New Year's and can't stop watching it.  My Tivo and Netflix are full of episodes to watch.  Too bad I waited for the tenth season to get hooked - I have a lot of catching up to do.