A fun weekend!

I spent the weekend doing what I love! Quilting! I don't know what makes this so relaxing. Could be the hum of the machine, the feeling that you made something or, just being able to let your mind wander as you sew those little seams together. Whatever it is I LOVE it! I get crabby when I'm away from it for awhile, and I always feel so much better after a day at the machine. Who knew a sewing machine could be such good medicine?

While I was sewing away, I decided to make a new cover for that old lamp shade from Target.

So, here's the new shade cover! All spiffed up for the New Year. I've put the directions on my web site....just in case you have a shade that needs a bit of dressing up! http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

Happy New Year Everyone!

It's A Sale!

Our little angel has come to say, Bunny Hill is having a sale today!

Everything on our website is 25% off from today, December 28 through January 1st.

The coupon code is: angel

Just type in the word angel in the coupon section on checkout, all lowercase letters, and 25% will be deducted from your total. Our sale applies to both our retail customers and wholesale shops. It's my way of saying "Thank You" for all of your orders, support and friendships throughout 2007.

Today is my first free day to sew and I just can't wait to get started! So much has consumed my time lately and being in my studio, at the sewing machine, is a little bit of heaven. I hope all of you have a chance to sew this weekend. That wonderful feeling of making something is so relaxing and enjoyable. Happy Friday everyone!

Miss Emma Came for Christmas!

December 24th and yards of my newest fabric line, Miss Emma's Garden, arrived at my door! Enough fabric for me to make quits, pillows, table runners, placemats, pillowcases, sheets (well maybe not sheets, but you get the idea). It's so much fun to get lots of fabric after skimping for so long! Fabric companies ship a limited amount to work with in advance. The remainder of the fabric arrives by boat months later, goes through customs, into the warehouse and out to the stores! Yes, "Miss Emma's Garden" is shipping to stores!

To add to my excitement, I opened this present from my assistant Nireko and I couldn't believe my eyes! She took two of the prints from my collection and made a sewing box for me. A sewing box like no other sewing box. First she designs the box (she actually makes the box herself), then she meticulously covers it with fabric and adds a bit of padding on top. Everything fits together perfectly. The inside of the box has a tray that comes out so you can keep larger things underneath. Oh my, I love this box! Thank you Nireko from the bottom of my heart. (:

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday! Another long weekend is coming up! Hope you have a chance to sew a bit, shop the internet sales and do some more sewing. I plan on sewing for sure! My fingers can't wait to sew. I'm been going through withdrawl!

Hugs,

Anne

The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-bones danced in their heads...

Oh for heavens sakes Chelsea, get out of that bed! You're a day early and yes, you do look like a mouse but really...Santa isn't coming tonight no matter how long you lay there.

As we finish up our last minute things, may your lives be blessed with the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah, or any holiday you celebrate in your part of the world. I wish everyone peace on earth and all the very best of the season. May we all come together and celebrate family and friends.

And, to my son in Germany, may you have the best Christmas ever surrounded with love and friends. I'll wait for that phone call on Christmas day! Maybe Chelsea isn't so early. It would be almost Christmas Eve day where you are!

"But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night! "

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Hugs from me!

Pink Reindeer

Four things I absolutely love; pink & white glitter houses, pink reindeer, pink stars and pink stockings. Are you catching a theme here? This photo is a long time coming and I've promised Cindy at http://cutepinkstuff.com that I would send her a photo using the pink reindeer I bought from her. When my husband decided that this would be a good time to "rock" the fireplace the photo had to wait! I've been wanting this fireplace for six months but I never imagined he would do it two weeks before Christmas! Smart wife that I am, I've kept my mouth shut and told him how nice it looks! It does look nice as long as you don't look down at the hearth that doesn't have any grout yet, or the kraft paper with blue tape on the floor to protect it. The reindeer came from Cute Pink Stuff, the pink & white house is from my assistant Nireko, the pink star is from my friend Mary Jane Carey, and the stocking was made by Verna Mosquera! The result is a lucky combination of pink stuff! (Pardon the play on words Cindy!)
Here's a close-up of the special pink and white glitter box my assistant Nireko gave me for Christmas!

I'll wait for next year to give you a full photo of the fireplace (:

Dots always help!

So I have this "decorating thing" going and I realize that I am running out of time. I'm working against myself because once January comes I will have to put my full attention into designing another fabric line, creating new patterns, and getting back to business. The rooms will have to wait until I can fit them in. December is the month that I always take a break from designing and do some things I never seem to have time for. And December is almost over! Can you believe it? Where did this year go?

Yesterday these boxes arrived in the mail. I'm sure UPS thought they were a Christmas package, but guess what? They are for me! I got so excited when I saw them and I have big plans for them. Each box will hold the current project I am working on until it's finished and then the next project goes into the box! They can be out in the studio, look pretty and keep me organized. I can't wait to put the first design into one of these boxes! It will hold my drawings, pattern notes, trim samples, fabric samples and everything I need for a new quilt design. There's something about dots that make you feel good! In case you want to get organized too, I got them at http://www.seejanework.com (:

This could be the year!

How many weeks are left in this year? Not many and I say it every year...I'm going to drive my husband nuts. My friends are used to it and I know my husband is too, but this could be the last straw. Last night I was laying in bed trying to think of what it was I didn't like about two of our bedrooms. After looking at Cindy's house on Jennifer's blog http://www.theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/ , and the post on Kari's blog from December 17th. http://kariandkijsa.blogspot.com/ I knew I wanted to do something.

First thing this morning, after his coffee, I made my husband help me move the bed in the front bedroom. We put it under the window and ta da! Instant gratification! Now I feel like working on the room again. It's amazing how the furniture arrangement affects the room and me! I'll share progress of this room as I go along. I need to make a slip cover for an old chair, find some things for the walls (ebay here I come) and work on the bedding.

Then it was into the "blue" room trying to figure out why I don't like this room. I know it's hard to live with a perfectionist that doesn't really like perfection and there was my answer! It's too perfect and it's not me. We've added hardwood floors since this picture was taken, so at least I have some brown in the room. I'm taking down the canopy drapes, adding some brown to the decorating. I'm even going to have him spray paint the wicker chair brown. I know he's thinking "I don't care what you do as long as it doesn't cost money". When has it not cost money? Little does he know. It's important for me to have my home my personal space so it's back to work on this room. Heaven help him.

Remember that free pattern a few posts back? Look at this little quit Amy made for her daughter's American Girl doll http://aerostitcher.blogspot.com./ It's little tiny kitties! Isn't it cute?

A Bunny Hill Christmas in Oregon

Hi everyone! Today you're in for a treat... we're going to visit my good friend and assistant Anne Bryson in Bend, Oregon! She has a way of decorating for Christmas that says welcome home, stay awhile, and make yourself comfortable. When you're sitting by the fire, watching the snow fall and enjoying her decorations you may never want to leave. Add some hot cider or hot chocolate, a kitty on your lap and you know it's home for Christmas.

Welcome to the Bryson home! The entry way greets you with candles, cinnamon sticks, and rose hips in a narrow antique tray. The tray stays here all year and Anne changes the filler to match the seasons. I've offered her money, fabric and quilts for this tray. She's not selling!

The dining room is graced with a beautiful star quilt she made. If I remember right, it's from a Red Wagon quilt book. Nothing says Christmas more than a star quilt. The quilt is complimented by a smaller quilt on the table, containers filled with red berries and candles. Even the china hutch has a garland of greens.

Successful decorating is using what you have in a different way. A beautiful pine cone candle is showcased on a simple cake stand, and surrounded by red berries.

Anne loves working with wool, and she's made some darling table toppers throughout the years. These snowmen will make you smile with your morning coffee ...this little tree is the center of the kitchen table. Did you notice those little buttons on the tree? I've got to go get my button jar!

A beautiful yellow bowl with a purchased table topper sparks up the great room coffee table. That touch of yellow is wonderful at Christmas.

I love this display she did on the table behind her couch. It's one of the first things you see when you enter the great room and again she's used the things she has creatively. The scoop holds a candle, the white bowl holds white balls with a little handwritten sign that says "snowballs". I actually gave away some old scoops when we moved. If you found them at the thrift store could you bring them back?

Remember that old cheese grater? Don't throw it out! Tie it with a bow and add a cinnamon stick. Instant charm! Darn, where did I put mine?

The bedrooms are ready to welcome guests. Red flannel sheets, a snowman pillow and little wreaths on the picket fence headboards make this room warm and cozy. (Her husband Dave, made the picket fence headboards! ) Special little decorations sit on top of the quilt rack. Anne made the quilt from a pattern in American Patchwork and Quilting.

Another room waits for guests to arrive. The side cabinet is topped with a plaid homespun towel and containers filled with greens.

The bed is dressed with a Christmas quilt and pillows. The quilts at the foot of the bed are tied with a bow to remind guests of what's to come.

A simple quilt block becomes a decoration when it's framed.

...and the kitties (Jack and Arnie) are waiting for Santa to arrive. I've heard they've been very, very good and have even helped decorate!

Another fun collage! Thank you to the Brysons for sharing your beautiful home!

A Pink Collage

I've been meaning to do this for some time now...a pink collage of "cute pink stuff" from Cindy over at http://www.cutepinkstuff.com/ She has so many wonderful things and the best thing is they are all pink! Visit on a regular basis or you'll miss the new things. Some things are one of a kind and she sells them quickly. If you see any tissue boxes while you're there please don't buy them. I have dibs! (: Be sure and visit Cindy's blog at http://wwwcutepinkstuffcom.blogspot.com/ to see her wonderful decorations!

Look at what I did with the napkin holder! I use it to hold rulers on my work table.

This was a special Christmas present from my friend and Bunny Hill assistant Anne Bryson. It now holds magazines in my living room. How perfect is that? In my next post I'll share some of the Christmas decorating she's done this year. It's cute and will give you lots of ideas!

If you haven't done a photo collage try it! Just go to http://www.picasa.com/ and download the free software. Picasa is a FREE photo organizing program from Google. It's easy to use. It gathers all the photos on your computer and puts them in a "Picasa" folder (on your computer...not on the web). From here you can email, touch up, size, crop, delete, arrange the order, and yes even make a collage like I did. Just pick a file, click on the photos you want to collage and click on collage. That's it!

So now I'm off because I have a date with these shoes...my grand-daughter Alyssa turns 6 today! It's a party!!!!

Have a great weekend!

How to get what you want at Christmas

Chelsea has volunteered to give a few lessons on how to get what you want for Christmas. You to have to follow her carefully if you want the "secret". So are you ready? Here we go: 1. Approach the object you want very carefully and drop a few hints with a cry or two. Don't let anyone else (like the cat) distract you.

2. Slowly make eye contact with the object and make sure that person who can get it for you is watching. You can't be too subtle or you might get ignored.

3. If it seems like everyone is ignoring you, circle around the object and try to get their attention again. Maybe approach it from the other side.

4. OK, if this doesn't work you're going to have to get it yourself. Stretch as far as you can, open those pocket books and just buy it!

Have you noticed the trouble that seems to happen since we got those chairs in the living room?

Look how cute!

One day later we already have a little quilt made from my free pattern! Can you believe how cute these little monkeys are? This quilt was made by my graphic designer, Sue. I asked her to proof my pattern and ta da! Before I knew it she had a quilt made, quilted and the binding finished. Just think how cute these monkeys would be as a Christmas package decoration or ornament. I'm going to post this photo onto flickr...who knows it may even end up being a flickr "group"! Remember to send me a photo if you make this little quilt!

There's a new blog in town that you have to check out...my friend and designer Vicki Bellino, of Bloom Creek has finally done a blog (after months of listening to me tell her she has to do one!) Today is her first post and it's sooooooo cute. Check out the little bags she made for her grand-daughters. Such a CUTE idea! http://bloomcreek.blogspot.com Get those sewing machines humming everyone! And leave a comment so she'll know you were there (:

Be sure to hop over to Holly's blog http://www.hollyholderman.typepad.com/ and see Tammy Tadd's darling little quilt. Remember, there will be another quilt tomorrow from another designer. Isn't this fun?

The bears come to visit! It's December 11th!

OK everyone, sing this with me....On the first day of Christmas Anne Sutton made for me, a tiny pink quilt, with that Lakehouse Fabric you'll see!

I have two surprises for you!

The first surprise is a pink and white quilt made with love for a special little child and bear! If you've been to Holly's web site lately you've seen the adorable little bear, that traveled all over quilt market http://hollyholderman.typepad.com/holly_blog/. Well, Holly has 12 of these bears and each one is the proud owner of a new quilt designed especially for it! For the next 12 days you'll be entertained and surprised by a fun list of designers. After all 12 quilts have been matched with a bear, they'll leave for a surprise visit to be announced on Christmas Eve. And maybe some magic will happen when those bears come to visit...

If you liked the first surprise you will love the second! I've written a free pattern for all of you, for the little quilt you see above. It finishes at 14" x 14"! You can also make ornaments, a pillow cover and little pincushions like the one below. Just imagine the things you can do! Take any little print that fits into a 1 1/4" square and have some fun! You'll find the pattern here on my web site at http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns . Just click on the link below the pictures, a PDF file will open and you can print the directions. Have fun and send me photos if you make a little quilt. I'll share them if I can!

So you noticed the little stuffed animal isn't a bear? Good job!

2 1/2" pin cushion. I love these tiny little things!

Hugs from the bears, bunnies and me! Enjoy (:

Christmas Traditions Continued:

What a fun evening we all had! We turned off the TV and played games. If you haven't done that in awhile treat yourself. Even the simplest games are fun when kids are involved! This one's great fun and called "Don't Fuggetabout the Candy Game"

You can get it at http://www.landofnod.com/ They have some of the best games for kids ever!

And of course coloring is always a favorite!

And, then there's Old Maid, also from http://www.landofnod.com/
Turns out Grandpa was the old maid! (:

Pretty fancy room for two little girls! Michaela, the 7 year old told me it was "fabulous"! I made the drapes and bed canopy myself. The cream fabric is that wonderful Lakehouse frosted dot I keep talking about! Gives a bit of a shimmer when the light catches it.

Getting two little girls to go to sleep in this room was another story. Take two grand-daughters who each have their own room, and put them in one room and you had a recipe for an interesting evening.

Grandma, how do I know there aren't bugs in here?

Grandma, I can't sleep with the light on in the hall.

Grandma, I can't sleep without a night light.

Grandma, I can feel the bed through the mattress.

Grandma, why do you have these drapes on the wall?

Grandma, if I pull these drapes around me Alyssa can't see me.

Grandma, I can't go to sleep.

Grandma, my head is starting to hurt.

Grandma, I can't go to sleep.

Grandma, can you close the closet doors?

45 minutes minutes later they were finally asleep, our home was quiet and I was smiling (:

Gifts of Time and Family

Tonight is a special night for us...it's the first time our Grand-daughters are spending the night at our new home. It's only about 1/2 mile from where they live, but our lives have been so crazy that we haven't been able to share much of our time. As I look at the stack of presents in the closet still waiting to be wrapped, and the list of things to do, I realize that the real gift of Christmas is time spent together creating memories. So tonight we will create some Christmas memories at our house. Absolutely something we should do more often, as the time seems to just fly by and before long they will think of a night at grandma's house differently!

So, as I tuck my girls into bed tonight I'll say a little prayer for more time, more memories and that they will be able to fall asleep before Grandma does!

From my sweet friends Barbara and Nancy, I've received some gifts I will treasure forever. I wanted to share them with all of you. They remind me of home, and the memories inside...

My friend Nancy came by last week with this beautiful advent calendar from Germany! It's now the center decoration on my dinning room table. It's one of those things I will treasure every year, and think of her every Christmas!

In front of the house I placed these 3 little rabbits from my friend Barbara. They are perfect on the table and another thing that makes me smile.

This was a gift from Barbara from last year...a pefect ending to this post!

Tell me how you create your holiday memories and maybe someone else will start a new tradition !

Hugs to all!

Anne

Christmas Decorating A Lifetime Ago!

Seems like a lifetime ago that I had that "other" career. The one so different from the one I have now...Catering Director for a hotel. Not just any hotel, but a beautiful one with grandeur reminiscent of a palace. Christmas at the hotel was a special time indeed and every year would involve new ideas and themes for the holiday decorations. By far, my most favorite year of all, was the year I decorated the "Library" with teddy bears. I spent months collecting bears from all over; thrift stores, garage sales, and any place that might have a special bear or two. They didn't have to be perfect, and I actually preferred a little loving character to them.

Then my husband and I created this special teddy bear tree from the collection of bears. It's made from Styrofoam cut into triangles and glued together with a hollow center. The bears were attached with wire. I stood inside the center of the tree to grab the wire as my husband pushed it through. I twisted the ends to hold each bear in place. The tree was about 4 to 5 feet tall and it got very hot inside that tree! When we were done we added lights and the Library became the Teddy Bear Room! Holiday dinners were served in this room and parties were enjoyed by many who frequented the hotel. Everyone loved the bears! This tree idea came from an old "Country Living Christmas" book that featured a smaller version of a similar tree.

Now, years later I still have a passion for teddy bears! When the tree was no longer needed, I couldn't bear to part with the bears. Many came home with me, and at Christmas time they grace our home, and still bring us many smiles. (: We have our favorites, but I wouldn't part with a single one. There's something special about a teddy bear!

And they all get along every year! Aren't they wonderful?

Hugs to all the teddy bears in the world!