Life is good

The sun is shining and we are going to blaze past 60 degrees today because it is already 53 at 10:00 am.  So exciting!  I want to bring out the cushions for the lawn furniture, but I'm almost afraid that I'll jinx this nice weather spell. 

I even saw buds on the trees and bushes this morning when I went out to the backyard to gather some twigs for one of my projects.  Finally... spring is going to force it's way into MN...let's hope that it stays!

So many things are in the works these days.  Too many to mention and some that I can't share, but believe me I have been busy.  

I want to share a few new ways to use the bird pattern that I gave to everyone who asked for it from This Post . I made  them for Valentine's day, but really you can do them up in lots of ways to use them throughout the year.  (ETA: feel free ask for the pattern in your comment and I will email it out asap!)

Here's one idea (and my favorite for today.) 
    
I used a Melissa Frances Vintage photo frame that I covered with patterned papers.  Then I layered some fabric and batting together and stitched up the outside edges.  Next I added the trims, buttons, bird(that I made from my bird pattern) and some twigs and artificial greens and flower.  Of course there is also a glittery Melissa Frances chipboard heart and a white feather.
 Notice for the birds wing and tail this time I used some window screening.  If you'd like to do this to your bird pattern also, just cut out the wings and tail pieces from both the fabric and the screening.  Glue them together then apply a heavily coated paintbrush of white paint.  I also sewed the unbleached muslin fabric bird together then painted on a ight coat of white just to stiffen him up and make him look more like a heavy canvas.  As usual, a light brown inkpad was used to distress him up a bit.
  I just love this little door hanging...so springy and whimsical.

Here are a couple of other ideas for using the bird pattern:
  
 All papers and tags on these 2 are Melissa Frances.
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 Anybody for some dessert?  We had such yummy choices at my sister Cheri's house on Easter sunday.   Our little Becky (my son Cole's girlfriend) opted for the Strawberry dessert, but my favorite was the Chocolate Almond Pie.....
 OH. MY. GOSH.  Incredible..... and amazing..... and my sister says it's easy to make so I snagged the recipe from her.  Here it is....Enjoy!!

"Chocolate Almond Pie"
20 large marshmallows
4- 1.5 ounce Hershey chocolate almond bars
1/2 cup milk
1 & 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1- 9" pie crust, prepared

Melt marshmallows, milk and candy bars over low heat.  Remove from heat and cool. Whip the heavy cream with vanilla and almond extracts until stiff.  Fold into the cooled chocolate mixture.  Pour into prepared crust.  Top with additional whipped cream and garnish with slivered toasted almonds and chocolate powder. 
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 Life is short... eat dessert! ;-) :-)

 My sister Terri's famous sugar cookies.  THE BEST EVER... and look how they sparkle.

Okay, I am going to go outside now to check out the perennials.  I bet that they are working on reaching for the warm sunshine that we have been blessed with today.  Crossing my fingers!!

Enjoy your day!
Linda

Comments

[kathy]

Oh please send me the pattern. This one is great but I missed the valentines one which is so cute!!! Would be perfect for an exchange I am in!

[Char]

I get so excited when I see you've posted!! Your Awesome!!

[anna nielson]

I would love the pattern too! zokyberyan@yahoo.com

[Debbie]

Hi Linda! So glad you had a wonderful Easter. Ours was precious...many wonderful family members...it was just perfect. Hey I love this little bird and thought it goes perfect with your little frame that had the eggs and bird's nest on it. So cute. Yes we are having a 'tiny' bit of spring here as well. Love it.
Blessings,
Debbie

[LindaSonia]

Wow - these creations are absolutely gorgeous!!! Love them! LindaSonia

[Amy Duff]

Oh wow! I am craving sweets after seeing all the yummy pictures of the desserts you had on Easter. I really love the bird projects you made with the mesh wings. The texture is rich and then extra details you have added are wonderful. It's a great pattern. Your work is amazing! I can't wait to read about your news you can't share just yet. I know it will be good and congrats to you!

[Leonie - Australia]

Oh Linda that little bird is adorable, I missed it when you gave out the pattern before, would I be able to get the pattern off you please, I would love to try to make one? Thank you & have a lovely day.
PS the Easter goodies your sister made looks wonderful!

[Julie Jacobs]

You have a new follower, I love your blog and your beautiful creations, so inspiring!!

[Yvette West]

Linda--you never cease to amaze me! I loved the original little birdies--but these with the "screen" wings...fabulous, dahling. I would love to have the pattern also--I hate to be a "me to-er", but I just can't help myself. They are just so "tweet", LOL!!

[Michele G.]

Found your blog a couple of days ago and just love it. You are so creative. This little bird is so cute.

[Barb F]

Gorgeous door hanger project! I love all of the distressing and vintage-looking trims and layers... just beautiful!

[kathy lowry]

OH loving the little birdy ideas -- Thank you for sharing -- love all the special details -kathy - ga

[wendela]

your doorhanger is so gorgeous!!I totally love the birdie. Thanks for inspiration.

[Melissa]

Oh my Linda! That wall hanging just melts my heart...love the sweet sentiment, the colors...the softness to all you do.
Hope you had a wonderful Easter.
Melis

[Kathy F.]

Linda, your blog is wonderful and your projects are so inspiring. If possible, I would love to have the bird pattern too!

Thank you,
Kathy (kathy.fleming@cox.net)

[merryredhed]

I would love to have the bird pattern. Thanks for the pie recipe, I can't wait to try it. Nothing better than chocolate pie.
Rosemary
rosemary720@yahoo.com

[Susan]

I would love the bird pattern. It will be nice to have something to do over the rainy weekend headed our way (I'm a southern MN girl too!). Thanks for your creative inspiration!

[Kris]

Oh, I would love the bird pattern too! So cute. Thank you for sharing!

[eshea]

This bird hangy is so adorable. I would just love the pattern. Your work is precious and I thank you so much for sharing.

[Helen]

Wow Linda. Constantly amazed at your creative talent! HOW do you come up with your ideas! I'm artistic, but certainly not creative. I am blown away by creativity. :D

Helen

[DeniseLynn]

I am wonderfully inspired everytime you post. Your creativity is so refreshing to me. I would love to have your pattern for a sweet bird. I am learning to sew ... well, re-learning really. it's been so long since I've tried it. My dear friend, Ann, passed away last month; she always did my sewing and now I need to do my own. My Grandma, my mom and Ann's mom are all encouraging me. Wouldn't they be thrilled if I did something as cute as one of you birdies!? Love it!

[Paula]

I would love to have that pattern. Thank you!!

[Teah]

I Love your blog-it's so inspiring. Thank you for sharing with all of us. I would love a copy of your bird pattern. Could you please email it to me? I would be thrilled if my project turned out half as good as yours.

I liked your cookie pictures. They looked quite yummy. I think I need to go bake. Thank you for the pattern!

[tammygraves]

Oh. My. Goodness. I can't believe I found your blog through the creative therapy link. You are my favorite scrapper! How could I not have searched for you before now??? I check your 2Peas gallery to see if there's anything new quite frequently. When I don't see anything new, I think, "Surely she is creating things...now where are they?" I have been known to purchase a magazine because it has a layout of yours in it. Probably sounds like I'm a stalker...I prefer to believe that I appreciate fantastic art and God-given talent when I see it! Your work astounds me and I can stare at it over and over again, never tiring of all the eye candy. Your family is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your layouts and projects here! I was supposed to be in bed an hour and a half ago...then I found your blog! I've now marked you on my favorites and can keep up with you here! I am so thankful! Blessings to you!I would love that birdie pattern too! Thanks!

[Laura]

Your blog is like a mini vacation for this mom! Please share your bird pattern with me! Keep the inspiration coming!