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Wednesday 1 January 2014

* Happy 2014 * (and giveaways too)

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you had a good New Year's Eve.  I had a great December 31st.  I stayed up late with my boys and danced in the living room to ring in the new year while the little girl slept.  : ) 


A big box of goodies arrived - a present to myself from Meinke Toy:  Art Supplies!  Oh, it's like Christmas all over again.  : )))  I replenished some things I was low on.  I got more hand felting needles.  Mine are getting so dull.  I also got some new supplies they added to their shop that I think are really cool!  One is 'art yarns', and one is fibre batting.  Check it out!

top: art yarn.    under: tea cake batting

I have a new friend who spins.  She was telling me about what she makes, saying there are weird bits in them, and wondering if I might not like that.  *Oh I like that!*  I think these are just what fibre artists want. 

So - the batting.  See it underneath in the last photo?  I chose it, thinking it would be good for winter backgrounds.  This colorway was called 'teacake'.  I think I might pull some of the green out and use the other whisps to work into my scenes.  Or maybe I will spin it?  Really - the possibilities are endless.  I think that's what attracted me to it.  There's even angelina fibres in it.  mmmmm.  Shiny.


And these - sigh.  I just love the mixed threads so much.  These are great for postcards I think.  I also got a separate package from Meinke Toy - BUT IT'S A SECRET.  I am going to make something with it first and then I will show you.  Eleanor said, 'shhhhhh'.  I feel like I'm working in Santa's workshop.  It's kind of awesome.  : )

So.  A new year!  Let's celebrate with a GIVE-AWAY DRAW!  ONE comment per person please.  Everyone will be eligible for Draw # 1.  NEW followers will also be eligible for draw #2.

DRAW #1
I have a TWENTY DOLLAR coupon code up for grabs that can be used toward a purchase from Meinke Toy.  THANK YOU ELEANOR.  Meinke Toy is her online shop and she can ship anywhere (based out of Florida, USA).   Please show your support by liking their facebook page here and/or checking out their shop HERE. There is also their link button posted on my right sidebar.


To be eligible for the draw, simply leave your name and email in the comments below.  One per person please.  Tell me what resolutions you might have made in the way of art or creativity or stitching or happiness in general.  I would love to read those!  : )  Please inspire me!


DRAW # 2
If you are a new follower of my blog or my facebook page, please say so in the comment to get your name in the hat for a little package of goodies from me as well.  : )  Type 'NEW FOLLOWER' in your comment and you can have a chance to win one of three fun packs of random fibre yummies from my studio stash.  This will include decorative yarns, silk ribbon, and fabric... and whatever else I can cram in the envelope.: )


By 'new follower', I mean that you have clicked to follow a few months ago at the most.  I'm not really counting... but something like that.  You get the idea.  Be sure your email is there so I can contact you.  Tell your friends!

I will announce winners on Saturday.  Contest closes Friday night.  Let the resolutions roll in!  : )


42 comments:

Kit Lang said...

My resolution is to make a plan and stick with it! No getting distracted by the shiny things over there!

I'm very interested in that batting...

Marie Cron said...

My resolution (one of them) was to begin and finish the EAC Individual Metal Thread course. (registration mailed).. and of course there is a lot of other stitching I want to do.. continue to work on... begin. thanks

Denise said...

I plan to try one new artsy thing a week be it ever so small or major. Initially I was going to say "I resolve to complete an unfinished project", but that might be discouraging..."I will try to look at an unfinished project with new eyes.
I am interested in your draw. If I can figure out how to post this.

Bernie said...

Balance of creative time versus fitness time. Some of both even if it is only in small doses. Small projects only this year and many of those as gifts.

Bernie

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

To experiment more with my fibers and fit in some relaxation as I'm always doing something.

Jennifer Scantlebury Vienneau said...

Thanks for this introduction to Meinke Toys! So much fibre goodness, it is hard to take it all in!! This year I am focusing on experimenting with the materials I have, working up the designs I have been dreaming about and making quilts for those I love. Only twelve months? I better get at it!! Happy New Year to you and yours!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Happy New year Monika!! My resolutiion is to not buy fabric that I don't need...or at least won't use.

Christa Marcotte said...

I decided to bypass the usually...start to lose weight on Monday...to.....I am going to live a simpler, more creative and inspired 2014!!! Love your tastein embellishments,!

Dolores said...

Getting rid of "stuff" and finishing some of those projects that have been hanging around. Not really a resolution but more like a goal.

Jo Vandermey said...

My intentions for the year is to start and be. By start I mean to just start each day... not to think to much but to engage in activity that is positive and leads to either creating or "happy vibes". The other is to be... to be whom I feel comfortable with and to enjoy the moment or activity.
Right now I am just "being" with a virus... time to dream and sleep...
I will dream of the Meike Toy goodies!

Molly said...

my resolution about craft for 2014? DEAL WITH THE STASH! or more accurately - stashes....ideally by making, making and more making....
now - if i can just quit sleeping, eating and household stuff, i might be able to make a dent in it! lol!
cheers
molly

elle said...

Whatever I pick up/start, I need to complete in some way or at a logical stopping place if not completely completed!

Gill said...

I'm determined to use more stash this year!!! but all the sales are so tempting!
I'm a newish follower!

In Love With Threads said...

Thanks for the giveaway, Monika. I don't really have any new resolutions this year. Just more of the same - work more on my embroidery, post more to the blog. That type of thing.

Heather M.

Bonnie58 said...

hi Monika
great display at Circle. Love it. you are so talented. My goal is to continue to balance my work life with my home life with my creative life to the best of my abilities and hopefully not be overwhelmed by each too often.

Lisa said...

Hi Monika! Happy New Year! I have been lurking here for a while. I have shopped online at Meinke Toy. They have some great stuff!

Kathy MacKie said...

My word for 2014 is Finish so that is definitely my New Years Resolution, thanks for the chance to win.
dkmackie@shaw.ca

p.dimattei@comcast.net said...

You have inspired me to use my free time more effectively and instead of dreaming of those quilting and weaving projects I would like to complete but actually doing those projects. I also plan on working on being a better person...performing more random acts of kindness....a smile is such a wonderful gift to give as well as receive. Your postings surely put a smile on my face :)

Paula D.

Anonymous said...

I want to finish quite a few projects I have started!!
I am a new follower!!

HollyM said...

All those fibres look wondrous! I've bookmarked them but not ordered from them yet.
I made intentions, one to be creative in some cep way every day, a continuation from last year. I intended also to get going on new submissions and then I signed up yesterday for a painting course with Alicia Burke. I've already started. Fun!

Suztats said...

I've signed up for CQJP 2014, plus I have my 'wrapping cloth' to finish, but there are several other projects in the works and I would like to challenge myself by using new and different fibers this year. Thanks for the chance to win some fiber yummies!

Terri said...

New Follower, I guess.
Resolution? Try some new crafts. It won't be easy, cause I've been around the block several times. But you have inspired me to try some embroidery. I haven't done any in 50 years! (Ouch!)
Can't wait to see what you do with the lovely new fibers. Love your blog.
Hugs

Unknown said...

I am a new follower, well, within the last 2 months anyways. My resolution this year is to try to finish up my 30 or so UFO's. It still doesn't stop me from starting new ones though!!

Quilts 204 said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR
My resolutions for this year are all about staying focused and getting things finished. I have soooooooooooo many UFOs and projects ready to be started.

Unknown said...

What fab stuff you got! I'm kinda a NEW FOLLOWER, been reading your blog posts for about 3 months maybe. Love what you do and has inspired me to play with my threads!

New Years - my word for this year is REACH...I want to reach a different level in my artwork. I guess I should say stretch. Either way I'm pushing myself to step outside of my box.

J-A said...

My word for the year is 'diversify'. I want to try as many new techniques and products as I can

Anonymous said...

Georgette from Manitoba ... I want to finish up some UFOs before starting new projects. I am a NEW FOLLOWER

Stitchgeek said...

Hi Monika. New follower. Born on the prairies many moons ago I enjoy you landscapes am going to try some of my own. Hand work is back big time and so relaxing.

Pamela said...

My resolution is to spend at least half an hour a day stitching. I was looking for inspiration and that's how I found your wonderful blog! I'm a new follower via Facebook and Bloglovin. Thanks for the inspiration! pk_sews at yahoo dot com.

grannydo4me said...

I've been quilting for about 8 years and this past year have started to go from large quilts to smaller art pieces. I found your blog through a friend that also originates from Saskatchewan and I am in love with the work you do, this year, I am taking the leap into the small art quilts, so I've started collecting small pieces of threads, fabric, embellishment, this would really help out with building the art stash! I am also a new follower, I started this past fall.

Anonymous said...

I am going to explore my surroundings. Don't have your beautiful prairies, but the floor of the forest is filled with wonder. We had so many different types of mushrooms this year. Now I need to learn how to use some fibers to bring the memories to life. New to your Facebook.

Kathlene Prescott
j.g.prescott@wavecable.com

Anonymous said...

I don't do resolutions but I do pick a word to concentrate on for the year. 2013 was "explore". 2014 will be "create". I love seeing your creations on your blog and am always amazed on how real they look. Your work is amazing!

Hilda said...

I've been reading your blog for a while...but just now became a NEW FOLLOWER! I don't make hard, fast New Year's resolutions, but I am resolving to find more time to spend on my artistic passions. I tried a weekly art project last year, but failed to stick to it. Life happens, things change, and I'm better going with the flow. I'm going to just resolve to do more of those things that bring me joy!! Great giveaway! Thanks!

Margaret said...

My resolution matches my word for the year: "Finish"! It means not only finishing my usual deadline-related work, but also a variety of UFOs that have been languishing because I've been procrastinating or distracted or uninspired. These might be actually finished and used, finished and given away, or taken apart and "re-purposed" as 'They' say. I have a list here somewhere... ;-)

susan said...

My resolutions this year is to try new art technique each month. One month will be exploring with texture magic, one month will be experimenting with thread painting, one month will be working on an art piece using my machine stitches, and then hand stitches, and on and on. I am trying to find my "voice" so to speak, and I love learning! I have learned so much from your blog, and hope to try your techniques as well...like your birds in the air fly stitch.

Unknown said...

My resolution is to finish the UFO's I have already before creating a whole lot more of them!! Thanks for the opportunity!! Love your work! Wish I was that talented!!

Giddings Art said...

I'm not one to make resolutions but my goal this year is to get back to my fiber art which is my first love. You are such an inspiration! Thank you!

Michele T said...

I thought that I would stick to one project at a time... But only two days into the new year and I already have three quilty projects started and in various stages of progress! Hehehe
Your pieces are incredible and inspirational!

Michele T said...

I thought that I would stick to one project at a time... But only two days into the new year and I already have three quilty projects started and in various stages of progress! Hehehe
Your pieces are incredible and inspirational!

Lise said...

Happy New year! I love your work so much! It is really down my alley. I took embroidery and silk embroidery lesson. I just need to jump in, if I was not so scared

Shan said...

I have never made New Years resolutions and don't intend to start but I do plan to get some of my UFOs done this year.
Love those yarns and ribbons.

Diane Duncan said...

My word for 2014 is focus. It may mean setting specific goal and working towards them but I am also thinking it may mean 'living in the moment'. I think there will be a bit of both.

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