CREATIONS BY NORA MARIE

Happy New Year

2011-01-26T19:01:00.002-06:00

I have sadly neglected my blog for many many months, but one of my resolutions for 2011 is to post at least once a week. Times just seems to get away from me and I forgot or can't think of something interesting to blog about.

I making many changes in my shop and what I will be creating so hopefully I will have lots of topics that my interest all my followers.

So just to start of I am wish all of you a belated Happy New Year.

NATIONAL QUILTING DAY

2010-03-19T13:40:00.012-05:00

This Saturday quilters will be celebrating National Quilting Day. To commemorate this day several of my Quiltsy Team had a challenge called the Nature of Quilting. Here are the beautiful and talented creations that my team members have created.

Flying Carpet Wallhangin from the shope of AnotherGhostQuilts.etsy.comThis is called Doree the Dragon Fly and comes from the shop of Planetpollyanna.etsy.comBotanical Gardens from the shop MoranArtandQuilts.etsy.comTrapunto Tulip from the shop of Quiltfinger.etsy.comPastoral Nature Scene by Bungalowquilts.etsy.comDresden Plate table runner by Clubaloha.etsy.comHand quilted whole cloth pillow cover by Serenstitches.etsy.comMountain Landscape Quilted Fabric Postcard by Sew Upscale.etsy.com Mini wallhanging by DebiDesigns.etsy.com

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

2010-03-17T10:12:00.004-05:00

Today we celebrate St. Patrick's and on Saturday March 20 we celebrate National Quilt Day. so I came across this gorgeous Celtic Wallhanging which not only represents Irish Celebrations, but shows just how quilting is another form of art.
This gorgeous piece comes from the shop of PennyFabricArt.etsy.com. Penny created this by using foundation piecing methodology. The peacock's head and body is a vibrant blue dupioni silk apkique with blue and silver beads, silvery embroidery thread and blue/white stone beads.

This is truely a work of art.

Saving Selvages

2010-03-11T09:34:00.007-06:00

We have all heard the expression "You'r never to old to learn" well this phrase fits me

Now I love to create so this was right up my alley and I have decided to share this with some of you.

Selvages are the finished end of you material. They usual have the designers name, collections name and maybe a color key code to help with coordinating you fabric. All sewers will cut them off before they begin using their fabric and for me I always thru them away. Not anymore.

The first one I want to show is from the shop of Whimbrella.etsy.com.
She has created a chic eyeglass case. She made this from selvages of some of the most popular fabrics and lined it with tiny orange bird print form Moda. She also states that this would make a great case for carryingperfectly.

Recently a few of my Quiltsy Team members have taught me something new, to save the selvages after I cut my material and to create some wonderful and very useful items.
your rotary cutter to class.

My next feature is from the the shop of Bonbonsandmore.etsy.com.
She has created a hotpad or trivet from selvage ends and bound them together with a dark red binding. Every kitchen needs hotpads and this one will go with any motif you might have.

This adorable little skirt was created by Kimbuktu.etsy.com. She made this
for her granddaughter and I must say I think this is one of the most
creative items I have seen made with the selvage ends.

I searching for my ideas I also came across a great blog by Karen Griska, selvageblog.blogspot.com. She has also written a book with all kinds of ideas for using selvage ends. The book is called Quilt from the Selvage ends. I recommend checking out her blog.

So from now on I am saving all my selvages and hope to soon add my own creations to this selection.

BLOG WINNER

2010-03-02T13:23:00.002-06:00

The winner of the February Blog Giveaway is Ann Woods of Quilting Frenzy.

Congratulations Ann, I have you bookmark in the mail for you

My Puzzle Quilt

2010-02-15T11:19:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I post about the quilt I was making for my grandson and I referred to it as a puzzle. Well I finished the puzzle and here are my results. I must say I think that it turned out quite well. Since I called it a puzzle I also decided to quilt in a random motion with a pattern similar to a puzzle. I used a variegated black and gray thread.

When I started the idea of making a quilt for him skulls was not my first thought I thought of sports, he was the one that asked for the skulls. I started with the fabric and then found the blocks and from there I laid them out until I found the design I wanted.

I gave this to Riley yesterday and he was thrilled with it. When we left he was getting ready to curl up with it and watch his movies.

February Give Away

2010-02-01T13:14:00.003-06:00

I find it difficult at times to keep up with interesting things for my blog. So to shake things up a little bit I have decided to do a February Giveaway. My goal is to get 100 followers on my blog or Facebook Fans.

This give away is designed with my quilting friends in mind, but anyone can enter. I have made two bookmarks with sewing charms attached to the end. One bookmark, the larger, has a thimble charm attached to the end, and the smaller one has a sewing machine charm on the end. Both bookmarks are silver plated and have swarovski crystal. Either one will make a great bookmark for you quilting or sewing books or magazines.

Now to win one of the bookmarks all you need to do is one or more of the following. The more you do the more you are entered.

1. Leave a comment about which of the two you like or would prefer.

2. Leave a comment and become one of my followers. ( promise to start having some
interesting post)

3. Leave a comment, become a follower and a fan of my Facebook Page artist.to/creationsbynoramarie

4. Leave a comment, become a follower, become a fan on Facebook and leave a comment on
my facebook fan page.

You have 4 chances to win and I will randomly choose a winner and the winner will receive the bookmark of their choice.

Etsy Front Page Keyword/Themes January 11th – January 19th

2010-01-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

Etsy Front Page Keyword/Themes January 11th – January 19th

Quilts and Puzzles

2010-01-25T14:14:00.007-06:00

I'm currently making a quilt for my Grandson. As I was starting to assemble the quilt I realized that putting together a quilt is much like working a puzzle. At least it is for me.

The block I chose for the quilt is called Woodland Patch. After I determined how many blocks in the quilt (24 for this one) I then had to calculate the amount of smaller blocks or triangles were needed to complete the quilt. Well here comes the fun part and the part I consider to be t putting the puzzle together. From the two piles you see here of black and white triangles I sew one black to one white until I completed a total 96 .

From these 96 blocks I had to attach the remaining black and white triangles in various directions

From here I had to lay them out and then sew those together until I formed the center strips.
This is why I call it a puzzle, because each piece had to fit a certain way to form the center strip

Now for the final step I then attached to larger triangle on each side of the center strip until I formed a block and continued on until I made 24 blocks.

Now from here you may wonder where I will go next. Well I do have pattern formed on how I will finish this quilt, but have decided to stop here and make it a little mystery for you. This I hope will have you coming back for more.

I will post the finishing of this quilt within the next couple of weeks. Like every other quilter I have more than one project going and alternate between them.

Stay tuned for part 2

Exchange Quilt

2010-01-09T13:30:00.005-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the mini quilt exchange I am in with the Quilting Gallery.

Well I received a very nice package in the mail the other day. It was my quilt and I wanted to share it with all of you.

My quilt came from Jeane who lives in Piedmont. Mo. I just love all the colors that she used to design the quilt. She did not leave me her email so I will have to send her a little note, but she give me a note stating that she is a beginning quilt and wasn't very sure how well she did. In my opinion she is more than just a beginner and her skills get an A in my book.

She also include an adorable and very well crafted ornament which I will cherish and hang on next years tree.

Unofficial UFO

2010-01-04T13:16:00.003-06:00

Many of my fellow quilters are compiling there UFO's and making a resolution to try and finish them in 2010. You notice I did say try, basically we all have good intentions but life just seems to get in the way, Work, Family, errands and of course custom orders.

Well I really don't have UFO's but what I do have are projects that I have completed but have never listed in my Etsy shop. So I have decided to make a resolution to take new pictures and to list all the items that I can in my shop.

For today I have listed to purses that for some reason or another I forgot about.

The first is a small accessory purse. Great for cosmetics or keeping those coupons organized in you purse.

The second is an embroidered pouch I made and at first I was going to keep for my self, but have decided to post to the shop. A large pocket on the outside is great for keys or you cell phone, one small inside pocket again can be used for you cell phone or keys.

You can both of these items listed in my Etsy shop creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Quilt for Exchange

2009-12-31T13:59:00.004-06:00

I have joined a few social networking sites over the past year to interact with other quilters.

One the Quilting Gallery site we are having an exchange of a mini quilt. The Theme was fall and the moderator sent us a fellow quilter to design and sew our quilt.

I have created this mini quilt with a center block from my embroidery machine and the borders are from the Pumpkin and Spice collection by Moda.

Each recipient does not know who her quilt maker is until she receives it. I will also receive on from someone other than the person I made mine for. I can't wait and will it when I receive it.

Of you are a quilter and are interested in The Quilting Gallery I have posted the link below.

Tote Bags for Granddaughters

2009-12-28T11:07:00.003-06:00

I wanted to show off the tote bags I made for the girls. I couldn't believe my ears and eyes when they described a bag that was similar to what I would have carried in the 70's, with the tie dye fabrics and fancy stitching. So grandma went to work and this is what I greated. I was so happy that I came through again with something they liked. Now I have to make them quilts with Ed Harding designs in mine.

Gift Guide Week 4

2009-12-03T13:49:00.005-06:00

This week although I can easily find wonderful items for the gift guide, I found that I didn't have the time to do the searching, but I believe I once again found some unique items for gifts.

My first this week is a Pink Poppy Bottle from the shop of MommaGoddess.etsy.com.
This hand painted bottle has a variety of uses from the
kitchen and bathroom to the laundry room.

Now I have seen many mug coasters in my search, but these are the
first that I found that were knitted. Find them in rokstudy.etsy.com
shop.

Now bringing you own lunch can be a little boring at times, but here
is a reusable veggie fabric lunch bag to make a little more exciting This also has a variety of uses.
You can find this in the shop QuiltSALAD.etsy.com

My final choice for this week is a Cotton Candy Felt Ring.
With this gift they will be wearing a piece of art on your finger or
toes. Find this ring and others at Waterrose.etsy.com

Blog winner

2009-11-23T09:43:00.003-06:00

Well I am happy to announce that the winner of my Thanksgiving Blog giveaway is Debbie Brown of Pinkfink. Debbie said she is "thankful for the season because it makes us pause and look at just how many blessings we have in our lives". Debbie is a member of the UWIBTEAM and her shop is Pinkfink.etsy.com.

Gift Guide Week 3

2009-11-22T13:55:00.009-06:00

I must admit that I am really enjoying myself looking through all the shops to find unique gifts for the Holiday Season.

Here are this weeks picks and I hope everyone enjoys them.

Miriam featured one of my items recently in her blog so I search
her shop to find a unique item and came across this cute little pouch.
It is very versatile, can be used for coins, cards or phone.
You can find it at goldcrestbags.etsy.com

Many designers make business card holders, but I came across one
that makes card holder stands and if you know someone who is a great
cook this can also hold up a recipe card will cooking. This can be
found at the LMcreation.etsy.com shop

When I came to this shop, there were so many unique ideas that I
had a hard time choosing until a came across this Lemon Drop Pencil
Holder Set. With a variety of colors and flowers this can go anywhere,
desk, kitchen counter and much mores. Find this at Annebella.etsy.com

Are you or do you know of someone who is a birdwatcher, well then then here is a great gift A Golden Birdhouse Christmas Ornament. This is hand painted and of heirloom quality. Find this at BirdhouseBlessing.etsy.com

To help keep keys from getting lost here is a great keychain or fob.
Although I chose this one she offer these in a variety of fabric
colors and patterns. Visit her shop at TracyDesigns.etsy.com

As a quilter and sewer myself, I know that I love all things sewn or
quilted and these magnets are no exception. She describes them as
"looking like they just came out of the backwoods of Appalachia".
Very rustic. For all you artist and quilters out there you must visit
her shop, her art quilts are breath taking.
You can then them at quiltingcafe.etsy.com

The description for this next one says made to show off you
Texas pride, but I don't think you need to be from Texas to appreciate
and own this gorgeous wristlet with a detachable wrist strap.
This comes from the site of QuiltingFrenzy.etsy.com

When I spotted these I immediately thought of my oldest
granddaughter. Lauren calls them Tattoo Potholders, but I don't
think you need to have a tattoo to appreciate the beautiful fabric used to
make theses. These would look great in anyone's kitchen.
Find Lauren at OriginalsbyLauren.etsy.com

Gift Guide week 2 - 11/19

2009-11-19T09:00:00.009-06:00

This week features for you gift buying. Remember all items are under $15.00

Many of us are trying to go green and this recycled tote can help
us do just that. It is from pondersaquilter.etsy.com and made from
recycled cotton flannel sheet. It is perfect for the you shopping needs.

This one is for all you Disney lovers, which includes me.
Denim Coin purse with a Sleepy Dwarf embroidered patch is from pamspatchwork.etsy.com

And who wouldn't want to brighten up o seat belts.
Maybe if we all had this beautiful polka dot and oxford stripe seat strap cover we would all wear are seat belts.
This is from the shop of MomNMiaQuilts.etsy.com

Have a book lover you know, well then this Crazy Daisy Bookmark is just
for them. Makes me want to curl up with a book and a cup of hot
chocolate. This comes from one of our newest member of the Quiltsy
Team ArfullySew.etsy.com

These reversible coasters have a retro 70 appeal. This would make a
great stocking stuffer or grab bag gift. They come from the shop of
postcardlady.etsy.com

Now if this were a little larger I think I would get it for my
hubby. Mororcycle and Flames Baby Bib for the feature Harley
rider from sewinggranny.etsy.com

I found this one not only creative but unique.
Crochet Flower Broach with Freshwater Pearls.
This was made my julianascreations.etsy.com

And let's not forget the men in our lives. He needs to be
pampered also and what better way then
Juniper Sage Foaming Shower Scrub.
This can be found in the opheliasapothecary.etsy.com

THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY

2009-11-16T08:55:00.004-06:00

Even with all the stress that we are all under, be it illness, loss of job, lack of sales I believe we all need to take time and think of what we do have that we can be thankful for. So I decided to have a Thanksgiving Giveaway,.

To participate all you need to do is leave a comment under this post about what you have to be thankful for this Holiday Season. You do not need to be a follower of this blog, although if you are and also leave a comment you are entered twice. I am also posting this on my facebook fan page, so if you leave a comment there then you are entered again, and if you are a fan and leave a comment you are entered 2 more times. So you actually have 4 chances to be entered and win. I will draw a name next Monday, Nov. 23 and send out the pot holders that day, so hopefully you will have them by Thanksgiving. Please also tell me where I can find you such as you a member of uwib, or quiltsy or creatibility or live the name of you shop so I can contact you if you are the winner

To get started I want to state what I am thankful for. I actually have many reasons, my husband has a good steady job, we are reasonably healthy, but I think what I am most thankful for is a wonderful family, husband, daughter, grandkids, son-in-law and more.

BIG SALE 11/13 TO 11/20

2009-11-13T10:00:00.005-06:00

The Quiltsy Team is have a big sale for the next week 11/13 to 11/20 you will find items starting at 10 percent or more off. Here is a listing of the some of the shops including mine

QuiltingCorner

Gift Guide 11/12/09

2009-11-12T09:34:00.013-06:00

Well it is that time of the year again. The holidays are approaching us. Whether it be Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or Christmas we are all looking for gift ideas and with the struggling economy we are looking for the best quality for our money. So I have decided, starting this week, I will be offering a Gift Guide on my blog.

Each week I will be featuring my fellow Etsians and a link to their shop. All items will be $15.00 and under. Here are the items I have select for this week.

Icepurplepenguin.etsy.com
She makes this adorable Memory Games. This set is
Noah's Arch

clubaloha.esty.com
This lover zipper bag is made from Michael Fabric.
There is a variety you can choose from.

From webescrapbooking.etsy.com are these lovely
embossed butterfly note card. I have to admit, I like these so much
I may have to purchase these myself.

MadeByMari.etsy.com is offering a pair of
Chanukah Glycerin Soap Pair

When I found these I couldn't resist showing these unique pair
of Heart and Key Earrings from CobwebCorner.etsy.com

Of course lets not forget our little four legged friends.
from crazyforcollars.etsy.com are a blue bandana dog
collars.

Who doesn't need something is basic black
Designsbynoramarie.etsy .com has just that with black and silver
earrings

Features of the week 11/8/09

2009-11-08T09:30:00.012-06:00

In the past year in order to help promote my Etsy Shops I have joined a few Etsy Teams.
Unique Women in Business( UWIB), Quiltsy, and The Carried Away Bag Team (CABT). Through these teams I have met some very interesting and creative artist/crafters and of course what unites us all is that we love to create. I discovered that many have more than one interest in their creations. So I have decided over the next few weeks to feature a few of the artist and their shops. Each week I will try and features at least 2 and give you an insight into what they sell and why they have chosen to have more than one shop.

The owner of the first shop is Gail. Gail owns QuiltSewPieceful.etsy.com and QuiltSewCover.etsy.com. Gail says that when she first opened her shop on Etsy in Jan.2009 she did so because she mostly wanted to sell some excess inventory of quilts. But she also made and sold many things over the years and in trying to put them in one shop it became a jumble so she started the second shop.

From QuiltSew Pieceful shop I choose to feature one of Gail's beautiful quilts. It is an applique medallion style quilt-Primrose Lane and from her QuiltSewCover shop I have chosen a checkbook cover.

My second feature artist is Jamie. Jamie owns jmjcreations.etsy.com and destinationhandmade.etsy. Jamie I would say is very much like myself, not only does she sew, but she also likes to design and make her own jewelry. For her features I have choosen
a animal print I-Phone Protector from her destinationhandmade shop and from the jmjcreations a gorgeous Butterfly Pin. In her description she state that she wanted to "attempt to capture the delicate beauty of God's amazing creation". I believe she did.

I had to get myself in somewhere so I chose my shops. My two shops are creationsbynoramarie.etsy. and designsbynoramarie.etsy.com. I chose to have two shops because I felt that sense I was creating very different categories of designs that in order to be taken seriously in each shop I need to separate them. By doing so it tells the customer that I am experience in each craft.
For my features I have picked my newest Christmas Table Topper from my creationsbynoramarie and from designbynoramarie I have chosen my butterfly earrings.

Follow me over the next few weeks as I feature more of these wonder desiners/artist.

Fall Harvest

2009-10-16T13:39:00.003-05:00

Well I ended up having a great week. I received an email last night telling me that my Breast Cancer Eye Glass Case is part of a feature this week on the Team Quiltsy blog so take a look. www.teamquiltsy.blogspot.com That made me feel just great.

Secondly I just listed the last of my fall table runners and placemats on Etsy.
creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Each of the items are made with warm fall colors that will only contribute more color to you fall tables. As you all know I love to use my embroidery machine, so I embroidered a cornucopia on 3 blocks on one of the runners.

The placemats are reversable and can be used other either side

Halloween Table Runners

2009-10-05T17:53:00.003-05:00

Normally I never make items for Halloween unless they are a special order, but this year I first decided to make my daughter a Halloween Tablerunner for her birthday, she and my grandkids are big, big fans of Halloween, well I had more material than I needed and instead of putting it in my stash bin I decided to make more and to quilt/embroidery them on my machine. Here are the results.

You can find them in my Etsy Shop at www.creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

You can also email for more information on them

Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-10-01T13:23:00.004-05:00

As I know many of you are aware of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a disease that has hit's almost all of us one way or another, family member, friend or yourself.

Last year I decided to help raise awareness and possible make a contribution for research.
I collected a variety of embroidery designs and designs this very simple lap quilt. I dedicated the quilt to my aunt and a very dear friend who both lost there battle. I also have a web page that is dedicated to all the courageous women who are fighting or are still fighting this battle.

You can find the quilt and several of the other items for sale at my etsy shop creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com.

These designs can also be embroidered on t-shirts, sweatshirts, pillows, robes and more. My most popular items last year where my t-shirts, pillows and the eyeglass case.
Prices range from $6.00 to $30.00 and $80 for the quilt.

Every item I sell I donate a portion to the Susan G Komen Foundation in my aunts memory.

If you are interested in having any of these designs you can contact me through my etsy shop or directly through email creationsbynm@yahoo.com

Mixed Media Artist

2009-10-01T09:04:00.005-05:00

I admit I have neglected my blog lately, so before I start the rest of my day I have decided to blog about a new artist I was recently introduced to.

Her name is Kathren. Kathren is a mixed media artist who creates handpainted premitive items and one of a kind whimsical scupltures.

I found her through another Facebook friend and I love here work.

She bost that her favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas and you can see this reflected in her work.

She is having a fantastic giveaway on her blog www.codyskeepsakes.blogspot.com. She is giving away this adorable little orne called Bella. I hope my readers will log on and participate and help support a fellow artist.

Winner of giveaway

2009-09-23T15:10:00.001-05:00

The winner of my giveaway is Erica from Hippo Baby. Congratulations Erica. I have emailed you with the details

Door County

2009-09-23T12:38:00.004-05:00

Just came back from a wonderful vacations toWisconsin's Door Peninsula. It was our first time there and the scenery was spectacular. Although I had expected the colors to have started to change more into fall colors, everywhere we went the landscaping was a work of art. The trees were still mostly green with just a hint of autumn colors of reds and oranges, but what I admired the most was the layout of the flowers throughout every step of the way. The landscapers used arrangements of yellow and purple blackeyed susans and mixed in were a variety of impatient.

Our room was a hundred feet off the bay and the first night we say the most gorgeous sunset I have ever experience. It took my breath away.

Door County is very well noted as an artisan colony. I found shops and museum everywhere we went. Pottery, paintings, sculptures, tiles, plates, sewing creation each more beautiful and creative then the next and of course I can't forget the the wineries were they produce some of the most delicious wines. I came back an abundance of ideas for quilting, totes and new line of jewelry. Just hope I have enough time to do them all.

Our time was much to short a trip to see the entire countryside and visit all the historical sites of lighthouses and see where over 200 ships have been lost to see in Lack Michigan so we do intend to visit again, but this time I believe we will bring the Motorcycle.

Empire

2009-09-10T11:24:00.005-05:00

For all the years I have quilted I have never entered any of my work in a quilt or art show. But I have finally gotten the courage to do so.

The piece is a wall hanging called Empire which reflects the excitement of the big city. The fabric is by Benartrex. The colors consist of basic black with various gold and red tones to make this very sophisticated wallhanging.

I pieced all of the wall hanging, but my friend Pam Cole helped me out by doing all of the free motion quilting. You can find Pam at pamspatchwork.com

The piece has been submitted in the Heritage Quilters "Indiana rose " Quilt Show and will be on exhibit Oct 3 and 4.

This will also be on sale in my shop after the show. creationsbynoramaire,etsy.com

Heritage Quilting Guild

2009-09-08T14:50:00.003-05:00

I just came home from the first meeting of the season for my quilting guild. Heritage Quilters of Crown Point. For those of you how are not familiar with what a quilting guild does. The purpose of the guild is to promote quilting and an art. We also work as a not profit organizations and make quilts for kids and quilts of valor for our wounded soldiers in hospitals.

I didn't joint the guild until Feb. of this, but really enjoyed myself and usually come back very motivated about quilting and new designs. I even took the summer challenge and created a tote out of the fabric we had to use. (will post a picture of that after we turn in the challenge.) We have just been given another challenge called rounch ostrich challenge, but no we do not have to design or applique an ostrich, but this is really going to be a big challenge for me.

We can create a center block, and from that block we will be given two types of borders each month to go around the border.

So the first 2 borders will be a 4 patch square border and an applique border. Here is the first part of the challenge for me. I am not one to applique on my quilts so to all my followers who are quilters I would appreciate any input that they can give me.

As a finish each section I will post pictures and appreciate any and all comments on my project. Since this is to be turned in December I have decided to design this with my stash of Christmas fabric. Yes ladies just and beaders have stashes of beads, so do quilters have stashes and stashes of fabric and are always accumulating more.

I also want to announce that we are having a Quilt Show Oct. 3 and 4 in Crown Point Indiana.
We are hoping to get over 300 quilts, wall hangings, pilllows, table runners to exhibit. Your's truly will have a wall hanging in the competition. This will be the first time I have ever entered into competition with my quilting.

So now off to quilting

McKinley, Salom & quilt

2009-09-01T15:38:00.001-05:00

I made this quilt a few years back for my Granddaughter, but it seems her and her dog seem to like it. This was hand quilted

Other Quilts

2009-09-01T12:14:00.002-05:00

Here are few other quilts I have made over the years.

Two of them are hand quilted.

Quilting Inspirations

2009-09-01T11:28:00.005-05:00

Since I started by blog and reading other blogs, I have seen many post on how artist and jewelry designers get their inspirations. But nothing on quilters, so I decided to write how quilters get there inspirations.

Besides being one of the most warm and cozy blankets, quilts are use as wall hangings and are exhibited through out the world in art shows and have their own quilting museums. Hundreds of quilters each year for their rewards and master pieces. Quilters are much more than crafters they too are artist in their own right.

To help me with this I called upon 3 other fellow quilters and asked each of them 3 questions.
Were do they get ideas, how do they choose fabric and their favorite block. There are hundreds of block styles to choose from and you can combine then to make more of an interesting design.

Pam Cole tells me that the fabric itself inspires her. She is able to visualize what she wants to make beforehand and then the rest of the designs involves as she works on it. She has lots of favorite blocks, but decided to use the crazy patchwork heart block for her logo, because she puts her heart into all her projects. Pam completes her quilts with free motion quilting on her sewing machine. Pam's quilts can be found at pamspatchwork.com and her quilted bags at pamspatchwork.etsy.com

My fellow quilter Kathy Norton says her inspiration comes from the Show & Tell at her Quilting Guild. She says that"fabric itself can sometimes scream for a particular block." She also takes the customer request into considerations. She has a large stash and chooses a focus fabric and goes from there for the coordinating fabric. If she were to have to choose a block she likes the star blocks. Kathy uses a long arm machine to finish off her quilts. Kathy can be found at QuiltsWithHeart.com and her etsy shop QuiltsWithHeart.etsy.com

Shirley Wahlreen and fellow machine embroiderer receives most of her ideas from quilt magazines. She chooses fabric based on color and price and prefers a simple block as here style of quilting. Shirley complements her quilts by finishing them with machine embroidery. Shirley can be found at EmbroiderybyShirley.etsy.com

As for myself I get my inspiration from many places,Quilting Guild, magazines. Since I now have my own quilting/embroidery machine many times I choose the embroidery design first and design a quilt around it. I choose my fabric by the block design and my favorite colors. As for by favorite block I too like something simple and if I not embroidering my block, I like the log cabin block. I use to hand quilt, but now I"m with Shirley and finish off with machine quilting patterns.
By doing this we can do quilts as you go with the blocks then stitch them together and then add the sashing or borders.

The above pictures are some of the quilts the ladies and myself have quilted.
The first 2 are mine. The next Pam's, then Kathy's and Shirley's.

You can also find Pam, Shirley and myself at Handiworkshowcase.com

MS Awareness

2009-08-24T10:42:00.005-05:00

Multiple Sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made of of the brain, spinal cored, and optic nerves. Symptons may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or of loss of vision. The progress, severity, and speciific symptons of MS are as unpredictable and very from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease. Over 400,000 in the United States alone suffer from this disease. 2.5 million world wide. 200-300 are diagnosed weekly in this country alone.

I know this because I was diagnosed with MS 19 years. It has changed by life, from working, family and socially. I never know when I awake up what kind of day I will have, fatigue, pain, numbness, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones for many reasons. One I have very suporrt family, my husband and daughter both understand how everyday can be different.
Secondly I have been able to have some of the best neurogical doctors in Northwest Indiana.
They keep up to date on current treatments and listen to me symptons and do everything they can to keep the disease from progressing. Thirdly I have been able to me on the disease modify drugs for most of the 19 years. Without this drugs, I have noway of knowing how the disease might have progressed.

But here a thousands of MS patients who are not at lucky as I am. There insurance won't cover the drugs or there doctors are even unaware and don't recommend them to their patients. There are also those for whom the drugs do not work. There is much research to be done to eradicate this disease.

To help with this cause I've designed 3 bracelets and 2 sets of earrings to make everyone aware of this disabling disease. Each bracelet will be $25.00 and $5.00 be donated and the earrings are $15.00 and $3.00 will be donated to the National MS Society.

You will find these for sale in my etsy shop designsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Please join me in helping to fight this cause by purchasing one yourself or passing this information on.

If you would like to find out more about Mutliple Scelrosis or make a donation log on to
www.nationalmssociety.org.

Story of St. Patrick

2009-08-21T14:07:00.004-05:00

Being of Irish decent St. Patrick has always been one of my favorite patron saints.

The story goes that he brought Christianity and drove the snakes out of Ireland, but this is only the by product of hundred of years of storytelling. He is the parton saint of Ireland, but even for his celebrity status his life still remains somewhat of a mystery.

He was born towards the end of the 4th century in Britian to wealthy parents. At the age of 16, he was taken prisoner by a group of Iris raiders who attacked the family's estate. He was then transported to Ireland where he spent the next 6 years in captivity. He worked as a lonely shepherd and turned to religion for solace and become a devote Christian. It is at this time it is belived he began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity.

After six years he excaped . His writings state that he heard a voice which he belived to be God telling him to leave Ireland. He returned to Britian where it is reported that he had a second revelation-an angel in a dream telling him to return to Ireland as a missionary. He began training and after being ordained as a priest he was sent to Ireland with a duel mission to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to beging to convert the Irish.

Familiar with the language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional Irish ritual in his lessons. For example he uses bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were use to doing so to worshop their gods. He also superimposed a sun, a powerul Irish symbol, on the the Christian cross to create what is now known as the Celtic cross.

Most Irish practiced a nature based pagan religion.With culture centering around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth, it is know wonder how the story of St Patrick's life become an exaggerated one over the centuries. Spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.

I have created this rosary to help celebrate the legend of St. Patrick.

You can find this for sale on in my new shop Designsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Facts found on History.com

Bracelet

2009-08-10T13:39:00.003-05:00

Here is my bracelet creation.

These handmade emerald glass beads are each an individual work of art. The flowers are on transparent or silver foiled glass beads. Bracelet is linked together with antique brass jump rings. Lobster clasp and measures 7" long. Will be listed in my Etsy shop this week for $15.00

Creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Jewelry Creations

2009-08-10T13:28:00.004-05:00

Well after summer classes, reading, and many hours of practice I am finally ready to show off my new creations, my jewelry pieces.

I hope everyone enjoys them and will leave me lots of comments.

All the earrings are priced at $12.00 and will be listed this week in my Etsy shop
Creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Handiworkshowcase websites

2009-08-10T10:31:00.006-05:00

Well this is the beginning of a new week and I am keeping my promise to myself by adding new items to my shop and blog each week, but before I do that I want to introduce you to a great sewer and quilter.

Her name is Pam S. Cole. I actually met Pam about a year and a half ago by purchasing one of her accessory bags from Ebay. I discovered that she lives in the same state I do, but 200 miles away. We began sending emails back and forth and quickly became friends.

Besides being an experience quilting and sewer, Pam also has started several connecting websites. handiworkshowcase.com handiworksellers.com stitchershandiwork.com.

These sites have offered myself and others another venue to show and sell our items.

Pam is offering a special starting August 1st. This will be to the first 6 new sellers for each of the sites.

The startup special will include up to 3 items on a page, along with links to the sellers" other sites--including Etsy mini gallery. If sellers do not already have a web site, I would strongly recommend registering a domain name ($10) to reserve there business name for their web site...and then when they ar ready they can set up a starter page on their site.

If sellers would like to try adding a Paypal cart button to their 3 items, I would suggest items that can be reproduced nutiple times for repeats sales.

The goal with all the Handiworks sites is to creat a visually pleasant browsing experience for potential buyers. If you need help with you photos, Pam can do that also.

I hope you all will take a look at these sites. For further information you can reach Pam at
pam@pamspatchwork.com.

Take a look at her own site pamspatchwork.com or her blog
pamcole-pamspatchwork.blogspot.com I know you will love her quilts and bags.

Managing Time

2009-08-08T14:42:00.002-05:00

Well here it is Saturday and I fell like I have not accomplished a thing, yet I know I have.

Between running for Physical Therapy appointments. I have managed to finish and send out two orders, work on another order, make a new wallet, and work on my jewelry collection and take pictures for all of these. I guess after re-reading this I did accomplish a lot this week.

Oh yes, I did have some fun and went with my girlfriend to see the Harry Potter Movie.

I hope and I mean hope to post my new creations on Monday.

I also have joined a new team on Etsy called the Carried away Etsy bag team. I am now included in a wonderful group of woman who design and sew some beautiful bags.

Along with belong to Unique Women in Business and having my own shop I guess this will make me a very busy lady.

I plan in the near future to feature some of these creative designs on my blog and least one monthly. I think this will be a great way to help everyone in there business.

So to all my followers, keep checking in with my blog or Etsy shop and don't forget my giveaway in Sept.

The Chocolate Shop

2009-07-30T18:32:00.002-05:00

I was recently given some advise that my blog should be about what I like, and things I do.
So I'm going to blog tonight about a shop in my town that my friend and I went to for dinner last night.

It is called "The Chocolate Shop". Actually they just relocated from another spot and this was my first visit there. What make it unique to me is how it is decorate. Very 50's,
Hot Pink with the simulation of chocolate drips down the walls. In the center of the shop is all the candy bins,anything from flavored gum drops, gummie worms, to of course chocolate pecans, fudge, chocolate with peanut butter, chocolate, chocolate, everywhere. Above this hangs chocolate and hot pink umbrellas hung upside down.

To the other side they have two sections for birthday parties. The first is decorate in pink, with hints of green, lace, and pearls, tea settings like a little princess, this is for the girls, and next to that they have a table with tanks, trucks, GI Joe figures decorated with camouflage
for the boys . Through various shelves and basket bins, are little gift items for purchase, a lot of Hannah Montana, and even Betty Boop.

Well I said I had dinner and no I did not have chocolate for dinner. When you come in to the right is a little dinner area that serves hamburgers, Italian Beef, pizza and Chicago Style Hot dogs. All keeping with the 50's theme, including a soda fountain that has all kinds of handmade ice cream, okay you got me I did have for dessert a scoop of chocolate peanut butter chocolate chunk revel. If the staff are dressed like soda fountain jerks.

I'm sorry I didn't bring my camera to post, but that just makes an excuse to go back.

I will say that the Italian beef was excellent, but the verdict is out on the Chicago Hot dog til my husband can taste it. He is the expert on that one.

Biker Chick Purse and Earrings

2009-07-27T13:14:00.004-05:00

This bag is for all the ladies out there who like to ride and need something small, I made this just for you. I just listed this in my Etsy Shop $25.00
Creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Bag measure 9w x 10h has 3 inside pockets and a biker charm on the zipper pull

As I have mentions before I love all things creative, and love to create and in the last few months I have been learning to make jewelry as well to complement my bags.

My first showing of my jewelry creations are the biker earrings. The bike charm is made of sterling silver and accented with black beads. I also just listed them in the shop for $20.00

Keep watching my blog and shop in the next few weeks, I will posting some more jewelry and one that promotes a cause that is very dear to me.

Friendship

2009-07-25T13:21:00.002-05:00

Even though today is Saturday and I'm sure my fellow bloggers are busy with family and outside on such a gorgeous day, I have decided to post a little quote about friendship. The author is unknow.

"A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out"

I'm writing this because I know of someone who is having some tough times in her family with a serious illness and I pointed out to her that she had a good group of friends around her that are willing to help and listen to her. She send me a note back saying that was very true, she had a great support group in her friends.

I don't think that the quote means that your family ignores or leaves when times are tough, but because they are going through the same rough times they can not always be objective and that's when you could use a good friend.

It reminded me of how my best friend is always there for me and I hope that I am always there for her. I have three great friends, my husband, my daughter Becky and then my friend Edie. She has always been there when I've needed help or just someone to talk and sound off. My family lives a distance from me so I have had to rely on her many times and I want her to know just how much I appreciate her.

As we go through are many task for in the day I think we take our friends and family for granted to I wanted to write this today to remind everyone we all have a best friend, whether it be you husband, daughter, sister or girlfriend we all have one.

Rose on Rose Tote

2009-07-21T11:43:00.002-05:00

As I promised myself I am listing a new item a week in my Etsy Shop.

I'm call this Rose On Rose Tote. The pocket and tab closure is a embroidered rose. Fabric is cotton with warm and natural batting.

Quilting on tote is in a criss cross pattern.

Measure 13w x 11h x 3d

6 inside pocket 3 on each side helps keep you organized.

3 large outside pockets rounds out you organizing for cell phone, keys so you never miss place them.

$35.00 on Creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

One Item a week

2009-07-18T11:17:00.001-05:00

I have decided to set a goal for myself. I'm going to try and place one new item a week on by blog and etsy shop. So if you are following me place come back every week and view what I have place.

ALSO COMING AUGUST JEWELRY

So keep watching

Thank YOu

2009-07-13T14:02:00.001-05:00

Just want to thank all the ladies from Unique Women in Business who have signed up to follow my blog. A Big Thank You. You are now entered in to my contest. Good Luck

Sherbert Collection for Etsy shop

2009-07-11T18:08:00.005-05:00

Have been working on the new items for my shop. They will be listed on Monday, but thought I'd give my fellow bloggers and facebook fans a sneak peek. Hope everyone likes them.

I usually don't name the items I make, but when I saw this fabric it reminded me of sherbert and I new I could make some great things with it so I bought it and now the collections is being called Sherbert

Persistence

2009-07-07T10:11:00.003-05:00

About a week ago I wrote about a cardinal trying to build her nest in my hanging plants. We removed the nest because of watering. Well this morning I found her trying to build again. I guess the listen to be learned from this is eventually persistence pays off. If she lays eggs I'll try an take pictures of them and her babies.

Jewlery is coming

2009-07-06T15:58:00.003-05:00

We had a very rainy 4th here in Indiana, so while my husband was creating with his Harley, I spend the afternoon working on jewelry that I hope to present in my shop this week. But for now I need to finish my new creation Tote Bag.

We have up and posted by the end of the week. Keep following

Clutch Wallet

2009-07-01T14:17:00.003-05:00

This is part of my new accessory line. Clutch Wallet. Marron paisley print.
Measures 8x 4 closed and 8x8 opened. Has zipper pocket for change and 6 pockets for credit cards and pockets to hold bills and/or check book.
Will be listed on my Etsy shop. creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com $15.00

Fringe Purse

2009-07-01T14:05:00.005-05:00

Could not believe it when I was walking through the mall last week and saw a fringed purse on display. So I came home and started creating and come up with this design. Purse is made of cotton/canvas material. Measures 9x9 and has inside 3 inside pockets and zipper closure. Reinforces seams
Will be listing on Etsy shop Creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com $20.00

If at first you don't succeed

2009-06-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

This morning while having breakfast with my husband, I saw a female cardinal that for the fourth day in a row was trying to building a nest in my blue fan plant. Because of water she will not be able to do that. But it got me to thinking how persisted she was and that she would not give up, and I thought how many times I and many others have given up to easily. If life and the economy how it is today, it would be so easy just to give up. So I think we should all take a lesson from her and keep trying to fulfill are dreams, whether in be at work, school or trying to my a new home or have a family, keep trying.

Remember the old saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"

Just a thought for the day

great new site

2009-06-27T11:45:00.000-05:00

I was just lead to a great site and want to share with you.

She is having a contest that I just entered and sure hope I can win one of her gorgeous pieces.

Her site is. www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Promoting my Blog and Fan Page

2009-06-25T10:27:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,

It is a very hot muggy day here in the Midwest. So I have decided stay indoors today and get my Blog and Fan page promotion off

the ground.

What I will be doing is giving away one of the following; a business card hold, checkbook holder or calendar hold. The sample pictures are above. It will be a random drawing and you will have a choice of which one, the color of the material and thread used.

All you have to do is become a follower of my Blog or become a fan on my Fan page on Facebook.

Once I have 50 of either one or combined I will have a drawing. I will keep this promotion going all summer.

I hope all will join in and follow the 2 sites and I start launching some new creations for the fall.

I love doing all things creative, whether it be sewing, jewelry making, scrapbooking or decorating my home. I guess that is why I named by shop Creations by Nora Marie.

Keep following and good luck to all

Something for everyone

2009-06-20T11:28:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone.

I would like to show some jewelry I purchased from a designer I met on Facebook.
Her name is Lorelei Eurto. I love her designs.

To thank you her for the jewelry I made her a custom made business card holder. which she like very much.

Lorelei can be found at . www.Lorelei1141.etsy.com
Her bog http:/Lorelei1141.blogspot.com
or on Facebook

Making a difference

2009-06-18T12:36:00.000-05:00

I decided to write this today to show that yes one person can change things. In the town I live in there is a CVS which has the handicap parking around the corner from the front door. Since I use the handicap parking this has always bothered me, since all other CVS's are at the front door. Well we are now getting a Walgreens and there parking is in the front. So my husband suggested I contact CVS corporate and see what could be done. Well thinking this would get no where I did it any and have been contacted by the District Mangager, by phone and email, to inform me that the are working with the landlord(evendently CVS doesn't own the property in my town) to correct this and have the parking in the front like it should be. So yes, one person can make a difference.

2009-06-17T19:27:00.003-05:00

Zebra tote. Find it for sale on at Creationsbynoramarie.etsy.com

Day at the movies

2009-06-17T19:25:00.000-05:00

Had a great day with my grandkids and my daugher. We went to the movies and got scared

2009-06-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

The other thing you will here me brag about a lot are my 3 wonder grandchildren. Aren't they all just gorgeous. My McKinley just made honor roll for all 4 quarters.

2009-06-13T15:18:00.000-05:00

Of all the things that I have design and sewn I think I'm most proud of the wedding dress I did for my daughter Becky. Her we are on her wedding day and a picture of the back.

2009-06-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

This our little princess Maggie Mae. She basically rules the house. As you can see from this shot we are disturbing her nap time by basically taking this picture. Since we have some redecorating she no longer has this couch to rest on.

2009-06-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Look at me I'm blogging. As my grandkids would say welcome the 21st Century.

This wristlet is a special gift from a fellow sewer. I did the embroidery and she designed and sewed the writlet.

Sewing is done by www.Pamspatchwork.com