While Mama's Away

Mama is leaving in the morning to go to that Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival thing. Then she is going to visit her nieces and nephew for the weekend. We heard her grumbling that she has not seen them in a year because she works too much.

So she put Sugie and me in charge to remind you that the next block of the Sentimental Journey Through the Months, block of the month series will be out on Monday (around 9:00 a.m. est). Also, she will have another great giveaway, so you really should hop back and visit. She said something about a kit to make something....

Ok....my work is done. Ahhhh yep...time to stretch out and relax. Dad is too busy watching the Olympics to care if we are working or not. A bunch of lazy bunnies we are! Errr....ummm... I mean hard working employees of The Raspberry Rabbits. Yeah that's it!

Razzy

Feeling a little Blue...In a good way!

So it all started when I took one of those quizzes about personality and color. I love taking those things. They are always the same answer, but somehow I think I need to keep taking them in case someone else invaded my body and I may somehow like something else! Yeah right...I'm the same old ding dong as before!

So this one said that "you are not one for a lot of color." Uhhh yep, that would be right. Then it said, "you like a calm neutral background with a little bit of color added in through accents. Hmmmm....

Then I saw this on sale at Pottery Barn. Since I just ripped all the carpeting out of the living room and added hardwood, I wanted a little rug for under the coffee table to ground the room if you will. I saw that this had that calm blue color I liked and the price was good, so I thought I would give it a try. Can we say loooooooooooooove it!!!!

Then... I remembered this cool clock I saw at Pier 1 or as my friend says, Pier Fun! I said to myself that if it was still there, it was meant to be and I would bring it home. Hello clock, welcome to your new home! David likes it too. We have this weird obsession with time.

Then Pier fun had these really pretty hydrangeas in the same blue. I thought I could add them to the kitchen to bring that little bit of blue color there.

Then I found this candle and put it in my favorite candle holder. It smells divine and again adds just a touch of color.

Oh and then I found some great scented oil at Pier fun called Oceans. I love the way it smells and the color.... perrrrrrfect! Isn't it funny how you can't smell your own house??? I buy all this stuff, but can't smell my own smell. What's even funnier is when someone asks you to describe the smell of their house and you can't.. you just say...it smells like you!!! hee,hee,hee! Cracks me up!

Then.... I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and found these ready made curtains (still had to take the hem out and resew, but ok with that). The color... perfect, the embroidered flowers on them...perfect!!! The price... on clearance and then the fella gave me two coupons...perfect! I got both panels for $30!!!! I think they add a great little "pop" of color to my dining room.

So...here's what the rug looks like in the living room.

Another view of it. See the clock and the new chenille throw on the chair? I think it still looks very calm, clean and serene. Maybe a little more spa zen???

Now... here is some Valdani floss that is soooo perfect with my new color scheme. I'm currently designing a new pattern with this floss to hang in the dining room. I'm so excited!!! I can't stitch it fast enough! Of course you'll be able to make the pattern too! I really think you'll like it!

Stay tuned!
yf,
shell

Ready, Leap, Land! I'm stupid...

My computer is crashing.....I need the darn thing to run my business, chat with my friends and tour the world. This one is 7 years old and it has been worked to death! I've been saving for a while and I decided I better go and get a new computer before I'm in trouble. I got a laptop. A decent one that will perform all the functions I need and then some!

These are my favorite bunny plates that hang in my dining room. I looked at them and had to laugh because they made me think about my whole "new"computer experience.

"Ready" Prepared to get the new computer and excited too! All that Windows 7 stuff should be fun to learn! The commercials make it look so easy!! Oh boy!

"Leap" Here we go. Got the computer home, turned it on. Waiting for it to wash the dishes, pay my bills and make me gorgeous!

"Land" I've landed in the middle of all this stuff that makes absolutely no sense to me! I teach quilting and stitching and write patterns for goodness sakes... where's the "easy button?" How come my computer won't talk to my printer from the air??? How do I make that work????

I'm stupid... my head hurts from trying to understand this stuff...I need a guru...where's a 9 year old when you need one!!

hee,hee,hee.

your friend,

shell

Hugs from Donna

I've mentioned many times before how much I love blogland and the fact that I can meet people from around the world without ever leaving my home. I truly love to read about people, their lives, their art and their critters. In fact, to me blogland is better than any TV show out there.

My friend Donna, of Brynwood Needleworks, is a true example of this. I have never met her in "person", but I feel as if I have known her my entire life. She is the kind of person that I would love to hang out with, create with, and share a lot of laughs with. She is real, genuine and truly a lovely person that I have been blessed by getting to know.


Donna has spoiled me with many gifts over the past year and the other day I received this.
A beautiful ATC that says hugs! How perfect is that since I sign most of my emails and correspondence with "hugs." Hugs of friendship! She sent me this for Valentines Day. I haven't received a Valentines in years and then there in the mail was this. Oh how I love it!


Donna is having a giveaway on her blog to celebrate her 300th post! Hop over and check it out! She always has fun giveaways and is one of the most creative people I know. The woman can do everything!! Tell her Shell sent you!

Donna, I'm forever grateful that wires, computers and blogs brought us together.

Hugs and Friends always,
shell

Kitchen Organization...the OCD continues

Ok... so you saw my beautiful closet and home office from last week and so many of you commented and made me laugh really hard! Then others of you suggested I become a professional home organizer. In truth, I think it would be a fantastic job as I really love to help people organize, clean, and make their spaces look new again. It's very rewarding! To think I could get paid for that!!! Get out!!

So this week we move on to my kitchen. Most people freak out when they see my kitchen because all my upper cabinets are glass. Even my cabinet maker said, "uhhh shuuug...do you really want that???"

Folks say they could never keep them clean. I feel that dishes stacked and arranged nicely look like beautiful art and I really do enjoy looking at them. The simplicity of of everyday objects.

Plus, when I have friends and guests over, it's easy for them to find the wine glasses! hee,hee,hee.

As you can see I don't have much on my countertops either. That's because kitchen stuff always seems to get schmeg and shmutz all over it, so I keep the items to a minimum. Wine and coffee are a must however. Isn't my wine bottle light cute! My friend, Eric, made it for me for Christmas.

My kitchen is light, bright and cheery, but at the same time calm, clean and serene. (sound familiar???)

We decided it was time to for new shelf paper too. Helloooooooo white paper.. have I told you I love you???? (there's the OCD part again)

Heck in my kitchen...even the gladware is glad there is new paper!

Now you know I've totally lost my mind. But there are worse things out there. At least no one gets hurt in the organization process and David is just as loony. hee,hee,hee.

Your friend,

shell

Bun in the Oven

By now most of you know that even though I like calm, clean and serene, I do have a pretty silly sense of humor. While most of the time my designs are a little more elegant, subtle and serious, sometimes I just can't help but be a little silly. Especially when my mind starts hopping around like a crazy bunny!

This time it started when I got some new floss colors from Valdani. This one is called Baby Soft Pastel. That made me remember a little doodle I did about a year ago. Then I started thinking about Spring and new bunnies everywhere and how most of my friends had kiddo's around the same time. You know...multiplying like rabbits. hee,hee,hee. (that silly thing again).

Then I started thinking about how much I love to wrap presents and make the wrapping just as special as the present!

So, may I present you with my newest design "Bun in the Oven Gift Bag."

Over the years most of my friends and family that had kiddo's, all complained about swollen feet. This pattern made me laugh because the bunnies look like they are trying to see past their belly's to look at their swollen feet! hee,hee,hee. Told ya I was silly. See how the bunnies are all joined at the ears? I used little beads on their dresses for buttons.

I love to give unique and handmade gifts and I like to make the presentation of the gifts just as special. I give things like lotions, a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure, coupons for dinners, etc. This bag is perfect for those or little books for baby. It then makes a wonderful keepsake holder for all the cards, photos and little favors from the baby shower.

I'm still in the middle of writing the pattern, but I got so excited that I just had to share it with you today! The pattern and 3 kits will be available on my Website Friday night, Feb 19th.

Have a fun day and be silly!

your friend,

shell (aka, Auntie M)

Not a Snowman

I woke up this morning to a beautiful sight. A sight we rarely see around these parts.
SNOW!!! I think our house looks so pretty.

Of course, David is a big giant kid and had to get out in it right away. I however only own clogs and sandals. Let's just say that neither of those is very conducive to playing in snow! So David got to playing with all the other "kids" and he made me this.

Hello Snow Bunny! Here's a carrot!

Come on now....you really didn't think we would make a snowman did you???I mean this is Bunnyville after all???? hee,hee,hee.

your friend,
shell

Happy Friday! Leave all your worries Behind!

Wishing you a very Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend, do something fun and leave all your worries behind! (bunny behinds are so darn cute!)
Visit with me on Monday. I'm stitching all weekend and hopefully I'll have a new pattern release ready for you to see!

your friend,
shell

Calm, Clean and Serene and Is it wrong to love a Closet???

Ok... so if you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I'm a little OCD when it comes to organization. You know I love clean and white. I can't help it. It just makes me soooooooooo incredibly happy to see everything arranged in a such a beautiful order. No hunting, no digging, no "where the heck did I put that?" going on. Nope.... just pure bliss....oh hellooooo there beautiful!!! Yes indeed I love you my organized closet. Is that wrong???


My inventory of floss, needles, paper etc. lives here with my fabulous wrapping paper David got for me on clearance from Target.

You see I work from home now. The Raspberry Rabbits is my full time job and I have to say I really love it and love being my own boss. I have spent most of my life organizing others, running companies and people and now it's my turn to follow my bliss. The chaos and stress of the past 25 years is moving on. My friend Donna of Brynwood Needleworks, said it perfectly, a staff of Me, Myself and I. Responsibility is for me alone.

David and I have been renovating our house since last March and my office was no exception. It went from a guest bedroom to full blown office. I keep my inventory here instead of up in Bunnyville. Let's just say that dust bunny hairballs are not good for business. hee,hee,hee.
These are my most favorite design and decorating books. I find inspiration in all of them. In each cabinet on the side is kits I have for sale and packaging products. I'm working on two new stitchery designs to frame and hang above.

This is my wrapping station. My back hurt from sitting on the floor wrapping orders. We created this space so I can stand and wrap with everything in place. I have the perfect picture to hang above the wrapping station. Hint, hint, Patricia. (inside joke)

Here's the view from the wrapping station to the beautiful closet. Have I told you how much I love that closet??? hee,hee,hee.

This is my desk and computer area. I'm saving for a new computer and wireless stuff so I can get rid of all the icky wires, tower and crapola that sits to the right of my computer. I just got new carpet in here, so I want all this stuff off the floor. Boy what a nasty mess it made to the last carpet! See the screen saver on my computer??? It's from Potentially Crazy! I totally love having bunnies in my face! Go get one! It's only $9.99 for 125 of the most fabulous bunny pictures ever!!!

This last picture shows my new curtains I made over the weekend. I'm totally gaga over linen. These are a soft sheer linen. I love the drape of them. Just enough softness for the room.
I have to say, this is a perfect spot for packing orders, working on the computer and allowing the light to fill my days.

Calm, Clean and Serene. So is it wrong to love a closet so much???? hee,hee,hee.

your friend,
shell

Winner of the Bunny Scissors and What I Won!

Congratulations to Linda of Living 4 Quilting! You won the Bunny Scissors! Send me an email with your address. Yipeee!!

Thanks so much to everyone that entered and to everyone that is a follower! I'm so glad you're following along with us. Now you won't miss out on all the fun projects we have coming up! Oh and of course on all the giveaways we're having too!

Look what I won from my friend Shannon over at Shabby Shan's Cottage! I follow her blog and was entered into her Valentine Giveaway (see sometimes it is good to be a follower, hee,hee,hee.) I won!!! I won!!!! She made those beautiful tags! The candle scent is called Butterfly Kisses. It's the most beautiful scent ever! It makes my house smell soooo good! You need to go purchase one! Of course, you can never have enough chocolate. I've shared them with my honey and my friend across the street.

Thanks so much Shannon! I love everything!

Have a fun day everyone. Hop back and visit on Wednesday. I'm revealing my home office makeover and closet (is it wrong to love a closet so much?).

your friend,

shell

Happy Friday and a Reminder

Don't forget to register for my Bunny Scissors giveaway! Scroll down a wee bit. You have until Sunday night at midnight to enter. I'll be picking the winner on Monday!

I'm so happy that we have lots of friends hopping along for "A Sentimental Journey" BOM. Don't forget to go to my Website and get February's block. It's suppose to rain bunnies all weekend, so we are going to stay inside and get some stitch'in done! Oh...and make some curtains for my home office that I just redecorated. I'll show you pictures soon.

Have a fun day!

your friend,

shell

Sometimes Love can give us a Fairytale

Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale--unknown

I can't help but feel this statement is so true every time I visit with "Alice" over at Potentially Nervous. Sometimes life as an adult does seem so incredibly ordinary and rather mundane with the whole work, pay bills, take care of everyone, clean the house, work some more routine. Then sometimes...right in the middle of all of that...a love for something... can bring a fairytale. A fairytale of the heart.

You see I truly believe my love of bunnies led me to Potentially Nervous www.potentiallynervous.blogspot.com a few years ago. Her blog title reads, "The World is Going to Hell. Here are Some Bunny Photos." So right in the middle of my mundane, ordinary, the world is going to hell routine, comes the most incredible bunny photos I have ever seen!

There's just something about bunnies that bring a sense of calm, peace and utter happiness. I mean who can resist cute and fuzzy???? Don't you just want to kiss these faces! I can't hardly stand it! "Alice" has the most incredible eye. A talent and a true gift.

Then... right in the middle of all of that, "Alice" opens her own store called Potentially Crazy!

Now I'm Potentially Crazy because her first item for sale is a Screen Saver!! For $9.99 (1 1/2 grande breve lattes from Starbucks) I got 125 of the most incredible, gorgeous, down right...bring on the happiness, bunny photos ever!!! I spend a lot of time in my office and it's soooo wonderful to have a screen saver that always makes me smile, happy and calm.

Yes, sometimes love does bring us a fairytale. Sometimes it's only $9.99 and easily downloaded.

Go get ya one. You know you can't resist that face! hee,hee,hee. Oh and soon she'll have more products like calendars, note cards and prints. I'm already making my list.

your friend,

shell

Sentimental Journey Block 2 and a Giveaway!

Are you ready for the next block on our Sentimental Journey?

I changed the button on the side if you would like to grab it for your blog. Learned a new computer program and have been having some fun!

Ok... so you know I had to have hearts being this is the month of Love!

I think this sentiment is just so perfect and so very true. It always seems we remember the little things when they come to us with love. I guess that's why I like handmade things so much. I know how much love goes into each piece that is created.

Time for a HINT on the finished project.

Don't forget to embellish your blocks! Why you ask??? Well, because this is no ordinary Block of the Month Quilt. It's going to be a "Pocket Quilt." You see every month, the block you make is actually going to be a pocket! How cool is that! So art them up a bit! Ok... that's the only hint you're getting until December. hee,hee,hee. But... if you prefer to make a traditional quilt, then go right ahead. Isn't creative freedom wonderful! :)

The pattern is available on my Website and so is this floss kit for the entire Sentimental Journey this year.

Now onto the Monthly Giveaway!

This month the prize is a pair of Bunny Embroidery Scissors with a Pincushion! Every bunny needs these! hee,hee,hee. All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment. However, just like last month, if you are a follower of my blog, your name goes in the hat twice. So sign up to follow and say "I'm following in your comment." I will pick the winner next Monday, February 8th. Good luck!

Happy stitching!

Your friend,

shell