Bee Sew Whimsical

2009-08-01T13:16:00.002+10:00

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE...

It's my birthday (10th) and Bee Sew Whimsical's 5th Birthday... that means loads of celebrating in the beehive this month...

Click our birthday logo below to buzz your way to Bee Sew Whimsical's online store... enjoy 15% of your order + receive a bonus gift! I wonder what it could be....

ps: don't forget to use the coupon code to grab that 15% saving!

TAILFEATHERS... by Cinderberry Stitches

2009-05-22T11:41:00.005+10:00

Friday: May 22, 2009

One the most anticipated events has finally arrived... & I know some of you gals have been patiently waiting... maybe fluffing your own feathers along the way... hehe...

drumroll.........

TAILFEATHERS from Miz Natalie Lymer at Cinderberry Stitches.

WOW!!! I pretty excited to say.... it was released last night. We have ordered stock... and fingers crossed the postman will have it in my hot little hands early next week!! I SO CAN'T WAIT TO START THIS ONE..... CAN YOU!

Bee Sew Whimsical is so proud to be able to offer you the PATTERNS (only)
was ~~$150.00~~

BSW Price: Pattern Charges (including postage)
Australia - $120.00
New Zealand - 130.00
Other Countries - $140.00

note: patterns only. You will receive all 10 patterns for this price.

For more information or to make a purchase simply click TAILFEATHERS and start your own feathered journey!!

If you can't hold those fluffy feathers in place... email me your contact details & I can let you know as soon as Tail Feathers hits my website & set aside a copy for you!

email: darlene@beesewwhimsical.com
subject: Tailfeathers

Include the following:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Mailing Address:
Order from Bee Sew Whimsical website - yes or no
Would you like a PayPal Invoice Request when stock arrives: yes or no

take care... have a gorgeous day filled with creative stitches & inspiration

hugs
xoxo

The Whimsical Honeypot - May 2009

2009-05-03T16:21:00.002+10:00

Sunday: May 3, 2009

The Whimsical Honeypot
...Newsletter...

MAY... Out Now...

Dear Whimsical Friends,

The Whimsical Honeypot has relocated into the new Snickerdoodle Dreams Community -- current subscribers of our gorgeous newsletter are invited to join our quilting/crafting community...

Our newsletter will still feature craft swaps, articles, giveaways, tutorials, new releases & ever popular Guest Honeypot Designer... but it will now be member interactive -- that's right, you will be able to actively participate in our newsletter & community each month.

If you are currently not a member of the Snickerdoodle Dreams Community.... Simply click... SNICKERDOODLE DREAMS INVITATION & sign in today! We'd love to have you be a part of our wonderful quilting & crafting community. If you have any questions - please don't hesitate to contact me. Ü

You can find d/loadable links to previous issues of - The Whimsical
Honeypot, in the

Honeypot Archives.

take care... have a wonderful month full of creative inspiration...

SNICKERDOODLE DREAMS PROJECT DEBUT

2009-04-30T17:41:00.005+10:00

Thursday: April 30, 2009

SNICKERDOODLE DREAMS PROJECT DEBUT
Homespun May Vol 10.5

OMGoodness... I'm jumping for joy... the gorgeous Catherine Sanchez emailed me today saying that the edition we are featured in plus our debut project... is being sent to our doorsteps... YIPPEE. That means it's finally in print & on it's way to subscribers, shops, etc...

She sent me some a gorgeous promotional picture... but that wasn't all.......

drumroll... da da da... doing a happy dance & jumping for joy..... now that's a sight!

OUR PROJECT IS ON THE FRONT COVER!!!!!!!!!
it's the cushion in the right corner...

picture courtesy of: www.completecraft.com.au

You can read more of our story & see a bigg, & a totally gorgeous photo of our project... by simply heading to: Snickerdoodle Dreams Community. We'd love to have you with us.

take care... have a gorgeous day filled with creative stitches & inspiration

The Whimsical Honeypot - Moving to a new Home...

2009-04-28T16:45:00.003+10:00

Tuesday: April 28, 2009

THE WHIMSICAL HONEYPOT - MAY 2009
Coming Soon...

Over the next week, Bee Sew Whimsical's newsletter, The Whimsical Honeypot will be moving into the Snickerdoodle Dreams Community (May 2009) -- so current subscribers of our gorgeous newsletter are invited to join our quilting/crafting community... where all quilters/crafters feel welcomed, encouraged, creatively inspired & surrounded by friendship!

Our newsletter will still feature craft swaps, articles, giveaways, tutorials, new releases & our ultra popular Guest Honeypot Designer... but it will now be member interactive -- that's right, you will be able to actively participate in our newsletter forum & community each month. Sp please... join us at our brand new home... well that's if you're not there already!!

If you are currently not a member of the Snickerdoodle Dreams Community... Simply click... SNICKERDOODLE DREAMS INVITATION & sign up today! We'd love to have you be a part of our wonderful quilting & crafting family. If you have any questions... please don't hesitate to email me: darlene@beesewwhimsical.com

If you would like to catch up on all previous issues, they can now be found in our Honeypot Archives

Take care...I wish you a day full of creative stitching & inspiration!!

2009-04-10T16:32:00.006+10:00

Friday: April 10, 2009

~*~ NEW RELEASE ~*~

A Mother's Dream...

Perfect gift to give that special lady in our lives for birthdays, just because "I ❤ You" days & utterly gorgeous for that special day ~ Mother's Day

If you have a patchwork store & wish to carry "A Mother's Dream" or any of the gorgeous range of Snickerdoodle Dream patterns, please contact me:

darlene@beesewwhimsical.com
subject: Snickerdoodle Dreams Wholesale Enquiries

take care... have a gorgeous day filled with creative stitches & inspiration

hugs
xoxo

A Day of Fabric Indulgence...

2009-04-10T16:30:00.000+10:00

Friday: April 10, 2009

The kiddo's have been making the most of their very first day of Easter holidays & have left me alone to play with my new fabrics... It's been a totally self indulgent day... bliss!!

It's been a day of utter fabric indulgence. Cutting, mixing, matching rich cranberry reds. chocolate & creams and with hints of blue (could I call them blueberries... hehe)... moving bit's here... moving bits there. Renaming colours is such fun... better than plain ol' red, blue or brown!

After all the cutting and rearranging... just what is that, that has had me such a fabric indulgent mood?

well..... it's the bag that I'm making for my swap partner. I'm so loving the gorgeous fabrics I've chosen for this bag. The pattern for this bag is from a gorgeous designer here in Australia... Rosalie Quinlan. The front & back are together... now it's time to do a little hand quilting and touches of applique....

Well girls... it's time to get back to some sewing...

I wish you all Easter Blessings and that you have a break that is just as fabric & chocolate indulgent as I think mine will be...

take care... have a gorgeous day filled with creative stitches & inspiration

hugs
xoxo

2009-04-10T11:26:00.003+10:00

Friday: April 10, 2009

MySpace Comments

I want to wish all that visit a beautiful & blessed Easter. For some it will be celebrated with Church services and for others it will be filled with the sounds of hippity, hoppity bunny feet and the delicious aroma of choclate! Children and parents alike will join in the hunt for those yummy Easter eggs & having fun with their loved ones. No matter what you do - relax & have some much needed time celebrating with your family & friends.

take care... have a gorgeous day filled with creative stitches & inspiration

UPDATE: A Mother's Dream by Snickerdoodle Dreams

2009-03-26T10:03:00.004+11:00

Monday: 30 March 2009

A few weeks back... I left you snippets of a Snickerdoodle Dreams project that Heather & I had been working on for Mother's Day. Fabric bits of blues, creams & pale greens, butterflies and a hint of chocolate and a word or two about mothers....

well........

just to give you an update......... YIPPEE!! strike another Snickerdoodle Dreams UFO project off the drawing board list... hehe

the sample is FINISHED!! Now I'm in the midst of the nitty gritty pattern writing details - the pattern (& it's bonus co-ordinating project...) will be available from APRIL 4th.... more details the closer that gets - stay tuned!

I'm sitting here & glancing over at this beautiful cushion sample and just like a gal in a fabric shop... I couldn't wait to see what you all think... so instead of another teasing snippet.....

I GIVE YOU............ the finished sample (minus the cushion insert because silly me forgot to get that on my fabric shopping spree today). It has beautiful tiny 1½" dimensional flowers but you will find that the pattern will also include an applique flower if you wish to applique instead...

JUST FINISHED..... the bonus pattern which co-ordinates with the cushion pattern... a diary/notebook or sketch book cover. Both make the perfect gift for Mother's Day or really any day that you want to give your Mum a loving surprise.

Please enjoy & let me know your thoughts!

take care... most of all have a gorgeous day spent in creative stitches & inspiration

A Glimpse to Mothers Day...

2009-03-07T20:30:00.006+11:00

Saturday: March 07, 2009

WOW!! It's been so wonderfully refreshing to get back into my design & sewing room. Though having said that.. hmmm... let me say it's looking a tad bit messy & needs some organisation yet again & very, very soon. Fabrics, papers, sewing must haves are everywhere. Otherwise, I just might find myself buried amongst everything. That could be a good thing... hehe... but I do like some sort of organisation.

Today... I wanted to show you a Snickerdoodle snippet of "A Mother is...." a "PIP" (Project in Progress... hehe) Heather & I are working on. A gorgeous project just perfect for those special ladies in our lives...

Soft & delicious blues/creams & very pale green dotted fabric...

A Mother is... you'll just have to wait and see... but she's definitely special & one of a kind!!

More yummy needfuls that feature... isn't that butterfly just gorgeous!

We'll reveal more "PIP's" pictures as we go...

take care - may your day be filled with creative stitches & inspiration

Victorian Bushfires... Orphan Blocks

2009-02-13T10:13:00.003+11:00

Friday: February 13, 2009

This past week has seen the eastern states of Australia experience their worst natural disasters... from the raging inferno in Victoria that destroyed so many lives, towns decimated to the flash flooding in northern Queensland... It's difficult to expression what one feels in these circumstances - sadness & disbelief are among them. As a nation we are grieving but at the same time that Aussie spirit & will for survival & hope is alive and kicking strong to help the victims of this past weeks tragedies. We want to send our sympathies, thoughts & prayers to all those that have been affected.

The quilting community is a wonderful thing to be a part of in times of need. Here in Australia and even across the world these wonderful people are banding together, forming many quilting initiatives that give support in one way or another.

One of my wonderful friends in Victoria... Janet Rowe - Wildcraft Farm has launched one of these initiatives...

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES... ORPHAN BLOCKS...

Can you make a quilt block or two?

Do you have a spare ½ (ish) to make up 12½" blocks?

Do you have ORPHAN blocks that you can spare?

Blocks need only be basic sewing... nine patch, rail fence, or other simple styles. Scrappy in colours if perfectly fine. Raid the scraps in your sewing rooms...

We will match them up with other "orphans" and turn into 60" square quilts for children. Actually, if your able.... if your cutting fabric -- could you make two (2) matching square.. that will make it so much easier for Janet & her quilting friends to match squares when sewing these pieces of orphan gorgeousness together.

If you can make more... WOW!!! then you quilting gals are super FABULOUS!

Ok... if you need more information... buzz over to Wildcraft Farm or email Janet for more details. You'll find her email details at her blog.

One last thing.... snag the gorgeous Orphan Block logo (on the right) and splash across all your websites, blogs, communities, Facebook, MySpace, etc...

take care... have a gorgeous day full of creative stitches & inspiration!

hugs

xoxo

Guest Blogger at Quilting Gallery

2009-02-13T10:08:00.002+11:00

Friday: February 13, 2009

Ok.... one of my wonderful friends in Canada... (Michele Foster - Quilting Gallery) asked me a little while ago if I would be interested in being a guest blogger...

ok... I don't blog daily... hehe, as I get distracted by lots of ideas & then those stitches too -- but when I find a spare moment... it's always from the heart and working to make my gorgeous little company & work Bee Sew Whimsical & my partner/friend ship with Snickerdoodle Dreams a dream come true.

So I was delighted to be asked... even if I'm not the world's best daily blogger to feature at the Quilting Gallery - February Guest Blog Spot. What an amazing job Michele does over there... you've got to check it out.

Anyway.... my featured spot has gone online so you can check my story out in those spare moments that life may throw your way...

Click BEE SEW WHIMSICAL

take care... have a gorgeous day full of creativity & inspiration

hugs
xoxo

A Top Secret REVEALED...

2009-02-01T13:10:00.008+11:00

Sunday: February 1, 2009

Over the past couple of months, I have been working with a wonderful friend in the USA, on a TOP SECRET, HUSH HUSH project... this is just the first step of an amazing journey for 2009. There is plenty more to come... so you'll need to stay tuned, of course... However, we can now reveal what all the suspense has been about.

DRUMROLL...

We have launched the Snickerdoodle Dreams Online Community - a social quilting/crafting social network, where all quilters/crafters feel welcomed, encouraged, creatively inspired and most of all surrounded by friendship from all over the world.

We INVITE YOU to join us on this amazing journey. To help us celebrate the opening, we are giving away 6 fabulously, gorgeous stitching patterns to all who sign up during February...

Simply click... SNICKERDOODLE DREAMS INVITATION & sign in today! Sign in... & why not invite your friends... more the merrier

I look forward to having you join us on an this amazing journey with the launch of Snickerdoodle Dreams Online Community

.... Let's grab that hot cuppa, get ourselves comfortable & most of all, please... be inspired to create with all that's gorgeous. There is plenty of brand new, stitching treats that will certainly tempt & delight... that Bee Sew Whimsical has to offer you... ENJOY!!! No matter where you are, I hope your days are creative & full of inspiration!

take care... have a wonderful day full of creative stitches & inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

2009-01-26T14:47:00.005+11:00

Monday: January 26, 2009

Where on earth has January gone? and you thought that 2008 buzzed on by - well this year has started it's very own roller coaster ride... hehe

Well, I'd love to say I should blog every day, but that's hasn't always been possible.... co-ordinating the family, running a business, designing/stitching patterns, the daily mundane things, etc just doesn't make for enough hours in the day.... can I ask for more hours in the day? I'd love some more hours... that or a few extra creative hands... LOL!!

Here's some little tidbit to whet the appetite... I've been working on a TOP SECRET, HUSH HUSH project with a wonderful friend in the US. All will be revealed in the Whimsical Honeypot newsletter coming out February 1st.... try to be patient. I know it's hard -- I'm having trouble keeping this secret myself! I love sharing but I'm under strict instructions...

I will try to keep everyone updated constantly.

if your new to the Bee Sew Whimsical blog... I'd love to have you join me... share your comments with me... it's always my pleasure to read them & send back replies where needed!!

take care, may your days be filled with creativity & inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas...

2008-12-24T20:35:00.004+11:00

Wednesday: December 24, 2008

Happy Holiday graphics provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

It's only hours before that special guy in a red suit & his team of reindeer friends arrive to surprise & delight the children in our lives... OK - and the big kids to. There is much anticipation in those final hours & last minute preparations to be made before we all hit the bed sheets!

I want to wish you all a heartfelt thank you for your wonderful friendship, support, positive thoughts & wishes this past year. I am so proud of all the wonderful women who participated in the Secret Santa Honeypot Swap - while there were a few hiccups - the festive spirit was bought to life by all the amazing ladies that participated! You can see their gorgeous gifts at their blogs - just scroll down a little and you'll see a host of wonderful, creative blogs to be inspired by. I'm telling you... these gals are truly creative & will provide you with plenty of inspiration.

I want to leave you with the following that was sent to me by one of the Honeypot gals... Sandi Andersen of A Legacy of Stitches

Never a Christmas morning,

Never the old year ends,

But someone thinks of someone,

Old days, old times, old friends!

Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year!

"This poem is one from a Christmas card we received many years ago. It is a favorite verse that I think of each year. I pass it on because the words are so true. If I added any words to the verse they would be these ...And may you have many happy hours of sewing, quilting, crafty and creative fun!!"

Have a lovely holiday!
Sandi Clause

Thank you Sandi... and thank you to all who have visited and those special ladies from the Honeypot Swap for your wonderful words of kindness & positive support. I'm thinking that 2009 is going to be filled with wonderful new surprises, blessings, fun things (& a swap or 2... hehe).

I wish you & your families a beautiful Christmas & New Year Blessings.

Take care... may your day be filled with creative stitches & inspiration

hugs
xoxo

Secret Santa Honeypot Swap... Follow Up

2008-12-17T09:26:00.002+11:00

Wednesday: December 17, 2008

To all my gorgeous Honeypot Swappers...

Just doing a followup to see if you have -

a) received your Secret Santa Honeypot goodies... some of the Honeypot's are anxiously awaiting for a secret to arrive. I wonder if they are wearing a path to the mail box... hehe

b) if you have sent off your parcel to your partner. If you have sent, the day it was sent - just so I can let your partner know that they should be receiving something shortly.

ps: for those that have emailed me to say they have received their yummies... I've been to your blogs or emailed.... got you covered! If you haven't heard anything - please email.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me: darlene@beesewwhimsical.com

I have my trusty Honeypot master list so see what those Secretative Honeypot Santa's are up to! LOL!!

take care... have a gorgeous day full of creative stitching & festive inspiration

hugs
xoxo

Wrapping Christmas in Honeypot Spirit

2008-11-30T20:21:00.008+11:00

Sunday: 30 November 2008
That's what happens when you take 45 wonderful crafters & extraordinary women. I have been so excited over the past couple of days as emails arrive informing me that Secret Honeypot Santa's have been arriving all over the world delivering goodies. The gifts have been so absolutely gorgeous & unique. The story's behind each so heartfelt & touching. There is a definite festive buzz in the air. I know that over the next couple of weeks more goodies are arriving at their new homes. New friendships are being formed. Really isn't that what Christmas is all about.

ps: Let me know when your goodies arrive, so I can pop over and admire the wonderful gifts that are buzzing into new homes all over the world.

Don't forget to stop by the each of the Honeypot Swap Blogs over the coming weeks and leave some praise... these girls have done some extraordinarily beautiful work!! Just scroll down a little and you'll see the list of participant blogs!

With that said... I have to mention that my mother-in-law Lyn was a participant in this swap. Now while that gal has a computer... she is yet to delve into the big wide world of blogging. So, I couldn't not let the rest of the Honeypot's miss out on all the gorgeousness that arrived at my mother-in-law's home last week. Do I mention how excited she was... LOL!! SUPER EXCITED!!. Her special parcel arrived all the way from Austria... from the lovely Sabine of Stitching Sewing and More blog. Those chocolates & wafers in the photo - well....... they disappeared pretty quickly! Chocolate & patchworkers are a match made in heaven - you don't have one without the other!

Sabine..... your gifts to Lyn are absolutely gorgeous! The gifts are already in place, ready to celebrate the coming festive season!!

Have a totally gorgeous day. May it be filled with creative stitches & inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

An Important Message for all Women...

2008-11-15T13:23:00.003+11:00

Saturday: November 15, 2008

Shoal Creek Cottage - Snowman Giveaway

All you have to do is scroll down and read the information that Debra has kindly provided, find four symptoms for ovarian cancer and leave a comment under the Giveaway post listing these four symptoms.

Please help pass this on, do you know there are women out there that do not even know that ovarian cancer exist! Please help her reach as many as we can.

Created by Debra Facer , keeper of the cottage, a ten year ovarian cancer survivor, and a woman on a mission to help find a cure. Debra writes "A brand new blog and my first ever. I am starting this blog in hopes of helping others who are going through their journey with cancer. This blog will not only help raise money for the fight but also be a haven of comfort and support to those who need it."

Enter her giveaway now and win this snowmen..isn't it adorable! Thanks to Debra for this public awareness blog on cancers affecting women!!

The winner will be announced:: November 23

take care... have a gorgeous weekend full of creativity & inspiration!!

Secret Santa Honeypot Swap BLOGS...

2008-11-12T10:57:00.009+11:00

The Secret Santa Honeypots have all been sent and delivered.... I know from the gorgeous emails received that their is plenty of Festive excitement buzzing around the world....

If you would like to share with all participants & your Secret Santa friend, your Christmas traditions, stories, etc by all means do so. We all celebrate this Festive Season differently... we’d love to hear your stories via your blog, websites, etc or simply send them to me and I will add them to the BSW blog!! We'd love to hear how our friends celebrate... without revealing too many of your Secret Santa details...LOL! It is a Secret Santa swap afterall...

Buzz into these gorgeous blogs... take a sneek peek at what a gorgeous Secret Santa Honeypot gets up to when she is festively inspired!! I'm sure you'll be feeling creatively inspired...

My Pink & Cream Cottage
Lawyer, Quilter, Scrapper - Oh My
Artrageous Quilter
Jackie's Jam
Coffee Time Quilt Studio
Coffee Time at Home
Simple Stitches 1
Quilting Gallery
Monogram Baby
Luv 2 Stitch
A Legacy of Stitches
Little Busy Bee
Soleur Chris
Bird Woman AU
Marit's Hobby Blog
Hill Top House
Thyme and Lavender
Angie Beth
UFO Queen
The Gathering Room
The Angel and The Pukeko
Beeze Knees Fashions
My Little Raggedy Blessings
Back in the Day Store
Bek's Shabby Dreams
A Bite of Country Cupcakes
What's Cookin' in Junk
Kainga Happenings
Clare's Craft Room
Barb's Creations
Peg's Place
Threads of Friendship
Stitching, Sewing and More
Crafty Stitching
Ichnoart

If I have missed any special Honeypots... leave me a comment or send me an email. I'll fix it up straight away!

have an awesome day full of creative stitching & inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

The Dangers of Being in a Parked Car!!!

2008-09-13T20:45:00.008+10:00

Saturday: 13 September, 2008

(this came in an email & suited my mood...hehe... that gorgeous teddy feels just like I do!!)

Last Monday (08.09.2008) my daughter Ashlei & I were involved in a serious car accident... despite the seriousness, rest assured we are both OK. Ash has no injuries other than a bruise to her lower leg. As for me..... 5 stitches to a laceration on the head, a broken wrist that needed an operation to put a 2" metal screw to hold the bones together & soft tissue damage & bad bruising to my left knee. The police have since told me that I did a beautiful job to my cars dashboard & console..... if you do something you may as well do a good job. I'm slowly getting things done with the help of my wonderful family, especially Ashlei - she is marvellous helping me with Bee Sew Whimsical.

I came home from hospital late Wednesday night... but since then I'm still really tired all the time. Not getting enough sleep because it takes me time to move so I'm not damaging my wrist. At the moment it's in a temporary cast until the stitches from the operation come out (which is middle of next week).

... the broken wrist and one finger typing is a huge bummer ---- how one functions, I'm just learning. I can do little bits, but just has to be done in slow turtle motion.... frustrating mostly & tiring!! I'm doing ok though, positive & upbeat but have moments of weakness & tears. I was really calm, collected & good throughout all of this nightmare - even when I was hit. This is a version of the accident --- read at your own discretion!!

For about 10 mtrs this (I will call her "stupid") person drove directly into my parked car at a high speed.... but I'm blessed - I was about to exit my car to get Matthew (my son) from school. I saw a car weaving about a 100 mtrs away & thought what the heck is that car up too....about 10mtrs away it straightened on the wrong side of the road (into my path). Something told me to stay inside the car... I knew I was going to be hurt but that it would be alright --- if not, I would have been killed according to the doctors and police. I was parked in front of park and there was a power pole at the rear of my car...she hit my car which pushed the front passenger side into the powerpole and my car has bounced from the pole to about 6mtrs away from where I was originally parked. We didn't have seatbelts on as I was in a parked car & nearly exiting.... so while injured - my car saved our lives too. My airbags didn't deploy either.... the police told me it was because I had everything shut down... because I was about to leave the car obviously. (Note... always leave the radio on) What happens in split seconds is mind boggling. I didn't loose consciousness at all, Ash & I both saw & remember the impact but those nano seconds between that and my realising my nose/head were bleeding badly are not remembered. The doctors said because I was watching it all my body was preparing itself (adrenaline, endorphines & shock) for this trauma. The body while fragile is an amazing piece of work! Enough of all the bad .... I always find funny moments inside tradegy (my way of coping with this is HUMOUR)........ those gorgeous fire paramedics - 5 of them working on my injuries, the ambulance cutie... all of them totally HOT!!! LOL... me not telling them my knee was sore because I hadn't shaved my legs..... (at this time they are cutting away my clothes & a girls gotta have some dignity left.... ) There is always sunshine in any bad story. My darlin' hubby was a mess when he saw Ash & I but he has been totally my rock of support.

Ash has some bruising to her lower leg. When we were taken to the hospital, she said she had a sore wrist and back... she was x- rayed but everything is OK - they said it was the shock wearing off and her muscles being sore from being thrown around in the car.

I'm a little angry also because the woman told the police she was only doing 50 km's (legal street limit) and that a car was coming her way.... OK - there was no car, she had 100 mtrs in which to pull over, she was driving all over the place.... and I'm telling you the women didn't even slam on her brakes. She was travelling for at least 10mtrs at high speed straight into me.... my wrist is broken because I was trying to hit the car horn but was to late...........I hate people who lie.
The police will only charge her with negligent driving (only a fine) not culpable driving occasioning injury because I didn't die, loose a limb or was disabled..... so she won't even have to go to court! She was an absolute menace and it was an accident that shouldn't have even occurred. If she was doing 50 - she had a 100 mtrs of clear road in which to easily pull over....

However, despite all this...we are both very fortunate. Thank you for all those wonderful emails, well wishes & concern from friends all over the world. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by many good friends & angels.

ps: I'm taking things easy - my wrist will be in a cast for 8 weeks - so Ash is going to do what she can but other things will have to be done slowly & with plenty of patience. Please bear with me!!

take care.... may your days be filled with creativity & inspiration!!

hug
xoxo

ASTOUNDED...

2008-09-03T20:11:00.004+10:00

Wednesday: September 3, 2008

I am absolutely FLOORED!! ASTOUNDED!!

WOW!! -- in two days of it's release - The Whimsical Honeypot, Bee Sew Whimsical's newsletter; the number of new subscribers & the downloads have exceeded all expectations. I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the whimsical friends who subscribe... it wouldn't be possible or even half as fun without you.

Despite the hard work that goes into putting it together - I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a pleasure to not only promote Bee Sew Whimsical, but also bring you plenty of creative projects to spark your imaginations, bring smiles & plant giggles!!

This particular edition is special to me because it is the Whimsical Honeypot's 1st ANNIVERSARY!! One whole year since I started this amazing adventure... that sounds scary & exciting saying that...hehe...

Anyway.... there is much to see and do in this issue -- so if you haven't subscribed & you wish too...Don't be shy... buzz over to our Honeypot Archives & join today!!

Take a peek at our September Guest Honeypot... Gail Pan (she's going to delight you with her story & gift!!)

Again... loads of love & thankyou's to all my whimsical friends for helping me make THE WHIMSICAL HONEYPOT such a success!!

take care & have a day full of creative inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

Read... then Smile!!

2008-08-21T20:46:00.005+10:00

Thursday: 21 August, 2008

ok... last week saw me sick with a slight cold. Then hey... you feel great again! What happened in 24 hrs is what I'd like to know. As today as progressed.... my head feels like a lead weight... it's probably because all my darlin' friends' children are sick....hehe...they've spread their little germies around!!

however, there's always something to brighten the day & normally my mother-in-law sends me lots a jokes or quotes (she knows what I like). Today, I opened this from her... please ENJOY!!

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to 'cut back the calories'. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible !!

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Who wants to be a millionaire' on television?
I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain.' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because we cram so much into our lives, we tend to even schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process The other day , I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you...

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away. ... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over. 'Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!'

Spring is coming... JUST LIVE and ENJOY EACH DAY

It's funny, because a great friend & I were just discussing this sort of thing... hard work, long hours...etc - so really...

take a few moments, step back & smell the proverbial roses!! I'm sure the days will be so much brighter and make one feel so much fresher.

take care...
have an extraordinary day full of creative inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

Shhh... an Angel has Landed!!

2008-08-18T22:26:00.003+10:00

Monday: 18 August, 2008

I'm sure anyone who is anyone in the patchwork & stitching blogging world will have seen the little Stitching Angel banner on my blog. It's only the MUST DO swap event on the 2008 calendar....LOL!!

Since I signed up...hmmm... (so, so long ago.... well, let's just say it seems that way!!) the anticipation & excitement has been building. These last couple of days before the announcement of our secret Stitching Angel have been so hard.

..........B U T............ the wait is finally over. I have my lovely Stitching Angel partner. I'm so looking forward to this & to completing this "secret" stitching assignment.

I've been going through pattern after pattern - picking this, picking that... wondering what on earth I will do.... I have a tonne of gorgeous things I could make & then 7 more to choose from that will be released by the lovely designers over the next 7 weeks. I can't tell my partner who I am for a few weeks yet.... but I know that this angel will be thoroughly spoilt in stitches & goodies.

I'm sure there will be little sneek peeks along this Stitching Angel journey - so watch out... because if you stop by... it may just be YOU who may be my Stitching Angel!!

take care... to all the Stitching Angels - have a creative & inspirational journey!!

ps: lucky I'm good at keeping a secret...hehe.... well, that's when it's a definite must keep!!

hugs
xoxo

Bear With Me...

2008-08-15T18:11:00.002+10:00

Friday: August 15, 2008

I finally, finally found the most perfect backgrounds for a brand new MAKEOVER.... you know you have to research before you do any cosmetic changes....LOL!! Well, it's the same thing for blogs, websites, etc - you just have to have the most perfect look.

Please bear with me as I finalise these changes over the next few days... I'm pretty good with most basic HTML codes, but had a few "hairy" moments and am still being puzzled with an alignment issue... but... like a good girl.... I've sort some angelic help from Shabby Miss Jenn.

Give me a few moments... or two & then I'll be able to fill you in on all the good things that have been happening with Bee Sew Whimsical & me....

have an awesome day filled with creativity & inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

Miracles for Mallory...

2008-07-28T16:31:00.005+10:00

Monday: 28 July 2008

MIRACLES FOR MALLORY

One of my darlin' friends in the USA has set up this absolutely gorgeous site in honour & memory of her beautiful neice, Mallory Marie who was recently born with Trisomy 18. She sadly passed away 4 days after her birth. However, many of Shay's friends - both far & near - offered not only their prayers, comfort & support but offered to donate their wonderful crafting talents as well.

Crafters and artists from all over have graciously donated their time and items in memory of Mallory for a silent auction. We will be coming together September 7th through September 14th to raise awareness for Trisomy 18 which Mallory was born with.

If you would like to make a monetary donation in Mallory's name to support Trisomy 18 awareness, please visit - Miracles for Mallory. A donation button can be found there. All the auction proceeds and any monetary donations will be going to the Memories for Mallory fund, which will promote Trisomy 18 awareness by creating a fund for parents whom have Trisomy 18 babies without insurance. A park bench at a local playground will also be created in Mallory's name.

We are so grateful for all the support received thus far, our family thanks you all for your unconditional gratitude.

If you are a crafter or artist and would like to donate in memory of Mallory, please contact us at:

miraclesformallory@yahoo.com

Bee Sew Whimsical will be participating in the silent aunction. More details will follow as the dates for the silent aunction draws nearer.

have a wonderful day full of creative & inspirational thoughts!!

hugs
xoxo

M...I...A???

2008-07-28T15:44:00.004+10:00

Monday: 28 July 2008
Gosh, I hope I'm not MIA (missing in action).... but it seems like forever since I blogged my thoughts and happenings. It's been a rollercoaster ride for me - many things good and some not so good have been keeping me occupied this past month.

THE GOOD....
1. ok... that dream of designing under the Bee Sew Whimsical name (hey, that would be me...hehe) is taking off in leaps and bounds... so many wonderful new ideas & patterns running through my head....there are copious (WOW!! is that a big word....) amounts of notes and exercise books for each idea's planning, then there's the fabric. bit's & pieces to go with them in storage containers & the odd bag - since I've run out of boxes.....then I seem to have run out of time (I'd love more of that...pretty please) - to work the samples.....While it's great being a creative & inspired person in this wide world - it can have drawbacks at times - those ideas don't just turn up during the working day - mine normally arrive in the early morning hours when one should be asleep sleeping sweet dreams - well, I suppose dreaming up inspiring ideas sounds SWEET too!!

...but it's all good and definitely the 1st quilt top is coming together beautifully. The top has been put together - now it's time to complete the stitching!! Maybe when I get a spare moment and some light - it's dull, dreary & wet while I sit here - not a great time to be taking photos!! But I won't forget & will sneek you a peek.

2. Bee Sew Whimsical has been doing well also.... which makes me extremely thankful to all who stop by & visit. It's always a pleasure to have you with us...

3. This is so beautiful.... my darlin daughter, Ashlei wanted to earn some money for an addition to her growing DVD collection. So normally she would make jewellry but this time she wanted to do some stitching - so I found her something really quick & easy....

Ash spent an afternoon putting all the yummy squares that I had from a charm pkt of "Shangri La" - played & played - moving the squares around till we found a good fit... then it was time for me (mummy) to sew them together...... Ashlei's job is to stitch the running stitches in each block.... so far she has completed 4 1/2 squares - and it's looking beautiful!! There was one afternoon, that Mark found the two of us sitting in the lounge room, a table between us stitching away & chattering!! It was a kodak moment if I'd thought to grab the camera...LOL!! but it was such a great day, spending some time with my daughter doing teaching her something crafty!!

THE BAD:
My Mum... was recently diagnosed with Bowel Cancer (although the doctors think they have caught it early) - that's great news but there is still much testing and an operation in the coming days for her. She is really scared - who wouldn't be right but I think staying positive & taking each day as it presents itself will be a huge factor in her staying healthy & getting the care she so badly needs! She is my biggest supporter of all I do & I love her dearly (even though she lives so far away). With all that has been going on this past month - I haven't felt the inclination to blog - that sounds so sad but true! Anyway, I'd rather that time spent with my family & also STITCHING as that brings me comfort & joy!!

it's great to be back here... there is more news on the horizon - stay tuned!

ps: the pattern above can be found at Bee Sew Whimsical.
Click "Patchwork of Friends" for more purchasing details

have a great day full of creative inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

BLOG COMPETITION WINNERS

2008-07-01T00:53:00.005+10:00

Tuesday: July 01, 2008

I'd like firstly to CONGRATULATE the winners... You have been emailed and I hope you have a wonderful time reading and practising all those beautiful bullion stitches!!

Secondly, I would like to thank each and every person who entered. What a tough job it was - I just wish I had so many more copies to give away because each entry was so beautiful & totally touched my heart.

Over the coming months, I would like to share these beautiful quotes with our friends that subscribe to the Whimsical Honeypot. So please watch for your quote...

CONGRATS to the winners once again!!

have a wonderful day full of creative stitches & inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

2008-06-26T13:07:00.006+10:00

Thursday: June 26, 2008

Cupcakes with PINK Icing...

INGREDIENTS: (for cupcakes)
2 cups self-raising flour
3/4 cup of sugar
125g butter/margarine
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

INGREDIENTS: (for PINK icing)
Mix together: 3/4 cups icing sugar
2 -3 drops of PINK food colouring
1 tablespoon butter
with.... a little bit of HOT water. Mix into a smooth paste. Then use to ice the tops of the cupcakes when done!

HOW TO MAKE ME:
1. Turn oven on to 180C (350F) - a little lower for fan-forced ovens.
2. Set out approximately 30 cupcake/pattie pan paper cases.
3. Sift together - flour & sugar in a mixing bowl.
4. Add to bowl - butter, eggs, milk & vanilla essence.
5. Mix together (by hand or machine) until smooth = NO LUMPS or BUMPS...hehe!!
6. Fill the cupcakes cases evenly - 3/4 full
7. BAKE for approximately 15 mins or until golden brown
8. Cool for 5 - 10 minutes..........then ENJOY!!!

oops!!! Don't forget to DECORATE with PINK icing & other yummy goodies....

** The kids' will have so much fun helping you to bake... and yes, then gobble up all this deliciousness!!!

Thank you for joining me in our PINK DAY awareness!

have a wonderfully creative day.

hugs
xoxo

PINK DAY...

2008-06-24T21:41:00.005+10:00

Tuesday: June 24, 2008

click picture to enlarge... don't strain those beautiful eyes!

PROMOTING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS - KID STYLE...

INFORMATION:
Share with your child the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness (age appropriate). What it means? What they can do even as young children to raise awareness - kid style. Children have wonderful imaginations & are the most creative creatures on this earth. They humble me always with their unique intelligence & style!

MATERIALS:
* Anything PINK, PINK & more PINK (you just can't have enough)... clothing, fabric, food, drinks, paint, paper, ribbon, pencils, crayons, etc

IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR PINK DAY:
* Adding a small amount of PINK flavouring to milk or their milk in the cereal bowl!! now that sounds so yummy!!

* Eating PINK foods.... strawberries, watermelon... ok it's the closest you'll get to good healthy fruit... hehe.

* Making patty/cup cakes with PINK icing on top... this is always a favourite with the kiddies (recipe will be added tomorrow - stay tuned)

* Wear PINK clothing - tops, shirts, skirts, jeans/pants, headband/bandanna's

* At bath time... add a couple of drops of PINK (red) food colouring to the water... now the bath routine will be fun.

* Get the children to paint a ceramic flowerpot PINK & then fill with dirt & add a plant that has PINK petals

* Make up some PINK ribbons for family & friends to wear!

* Using PINK paint, colour pencils or crayons & a load of paper/card board... be creative, use the imagination to draw, colour or make some precious cards... most of all - have FUN!!

There are many more wonderful ways in which our children can express their PINK feelings - please have fun, be creative & use the imagination!!

If you do make something.... email me ( darlene @ beesewwhimsical . com ) a picture and I will add it to a special all about "PINK" section. If you also have any other suggestions that we can add, by all means email those also & I will add it to the post.

have a wonderfully creative PINK day. take care!

hugs
xoxo

Breast Cancer Awareness...

2008-06-23T12:04:00.007+10:00

Monday: June 23, 2008

In honour of JANE McGRATH - who sadly passed away.

Exclusive to Bee Sew Whimsical & Snickerdoodle Dreams. We have collaborated together & are so proud & honoured to have put together a Breast Cancer fundraising initiative for our whimsical friends. Heather has designed a gorgeous Breast Cancer graphic "Hope`s Possibilities". This oh so darlin` graphic features in our exclusive stitchery cushion pattern & so many other delightful needfuls....magnetic notepad holders, magenetic to-do-lists, stationery, magnets & bookmarks.

Simply click: PINK RIBBON to buzz you to all our pink ribbon items, including pink ribbon candle melts, soaps & so much more...

Hope's Possibilities - Stitchery Cushion

Bee Sew Whimsical proudly supports the wonderful McGrath Foundation by donating 50% of each purchased Breast Cancer offering/pattern. The objective of the foundation is to raise much needed funds for Breast Cancer Nurses & increase the awareness of Breast Cancer especially in young women. For more information go to:

McGrath Foundation

Each item can be kept for your personal use or given to a close friend that is suffering from Breast Cancer. We want to put back that smile & encourage these special women that face this awful disease with such strength & dignity.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING BREAST CANCER NURSES & RESEARCH

****

My husband & my son are both cricketers, so when I launched this initiative 2 yrs ago... it didn't take much guess work that the obvious choice was to choose the wonderful McGrath Foundation... not only for their research, but to raise funds for much needed Nurse Carers especially trained in caring for these special ladies that suffer from Breast Cancer. They also work with raising awareness in young women - our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends.

Last year, we lost our darling neighbour to this exact disease and today I'm sad for many, many reasons! Too many of those special women that touch of lives are also the inspiration to fight against this disease. Over the next couple of days... we'll be doing lot's of PINK things.... recipes, crafty things even things for our children to participate in!! So buzz over to my blog.... & please join me in celebrating & honouring these awesome women who fight so bravely with dignity & strength.

Today is dedicated to those women -- and also to survivors.

hugs
xoxo

GIFT

2008-06-23T11:47:00.011+10:00

Monday: June 23, 2008

IT'S HERE!!!!! -- ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME Click here: GIFT

was: 35.95
NOW: 29.95

Oh my word...what an absolutely gorgeous book full of wonderous gifts & inspiration!! A MUST HAVE to add to your book collection...

This delightful book by Rosalie is jam packed full of sweetness & deliciousness... which project to pick first? I love the beautiful colours that can be found within the pages of this book - soft & fresh. It reminds me that Spring Thyme will soon be 'round the corner

Cover of GIFT:

A piece of dollie gorgeousness
found inside the pages:

have a wonderfully inspiring & creative day!

hugs
xoxo

Technology

2008-06-20T22:39:00.004+10:00

Friday: 20 June, 2008

Occasionally, an email sent from my mother-in-law produces a chuckle or even an AWWW... isn't that sweet feeling. Then if it's extra special... I'll share it with my gorgeous friends to brighten their day! Today... it was a hilarious outburst of chuckles when my mother-in-law sent this to me!

Technology at it's very best! (isn't this guy a cutie & full of wonderful good old fashioned humour!! Us city folk can learn a lot from him)

If you click on the cartoon image... it will give you an a larger photo...better for reading & not straining our eyes...hehe

Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend full of creative stitching & inspiration

hugs
xoxo

Rosalie Quinlan Invitation...

2008-06-19T14:20:00.005+10:00

Thursday: June 19, 2008

If you happen to be visiting the beautiful state of Victoria... & happen to be near Belgrave... here's a personal invitation to....

You're invited to attend the launch of
Rosalie Quinlan Designs'
new book...

"Gift"

Sunday June 29th
2:00pm onwards
"The Barn"
Glenharrow Gardens
Old Monbulk Road
Belgrave.

This delightful book by Rosalie is jam packed full of sweetness & deliciousness... hmmm!! which project to pick first? There are so many projects that beg to be made. I think that it will be a hard choice over which comes first...hehe. I can tell you that I simply love the beautiful colours that can are found within the pages of this book - soft & fresh. It reminds me that Spring Thyme will soon be 'round the corner.

COMING SOON...we're counting down the days at Bee Sew Whimsical

PRE-ORDER your copy today!!

If you can make it to Rosie's launch - then definitely go!! ... I'm sure you'll be awestruck by her beautiful "GIFT" book.

have a totally creative & inspirational day!

ps: don't forget to enter our BLOG COMPETITION (details further down) - you could be one of 3 people chosen to win... "Beautiful Bullion Embroidery" Simply add your favourite friendship quote for a chance to win!! EASY!!

hugs
xoxo

This Past Week...

2008-06-15T17:09:00.005+10:00

Sunday: June 15, 2008

This past week has been full of exciting events... and all Patchwork/Fabric related. Isn't that every girl's dream...hehe!!

Last Saturday, my daughter, Ashlei and I, drive down to Rosehill to attend Sydney's premier Quilting Trade Show - this is where I get to see what's new & buzzin' in this wonderful industry. It's also where I get to see where I want to spend some money! So, there's another thing a girl dream's about!

It's been a couple of years since I've been able to attend one of these shows, but it was totally worth it this year. I got to meet up with some designers that I've met through blogs (Lynette Anderson, Helen Stubbings, Annie Downs and Natalie Bird - all wonderful women to have a conversion with) plus also make new contacts with some fabulous distributors of fine fabrics, threads, laces, patterns..... hmmmm.... yummy, scrumptious goodies to feast on. In the not so distant future, you will be seeing these gorgeous goodies buzz into Bee Sew Whimsical.

One of the great things about attending such events is the inspiration & creativity that one is provided with. I went home from this show full of ideas & even expanded on ideas that had been buzzin' inside my little ol' head. I then pulled out my pencils, sketch pad, certain fabric fat 1/4's that I had purchased & crayons and had the making's of a quilt top.... you can see a sneek peek in the previous post called- Quilting Recipe. I'll have more updates over the coming days...

... then this weekend it was Sydney's turn to host the NUMBER 1 --CRAFT & QUILT FAIR, at Darling Harbour. Since hubby had to work, both my children were in attendance... Ashlei is fine to attend this event... Matthew -- let's just say I was armed with drinks, lollies, lunch, nintendo DS & reading material.... actually, both kids behaved wonderfully (previous years have had some niggly dramas...hehe) they would be dragging me from booth to booth looking at different things to look at.

I purchased some Marti Mitchell templates, 5" charm packs, jewellry pieces for Ashlei, and some lacy embellishments for my mother-in-law's crazy patch stash!!! You can't pass up some bargains while attending these shows. While my wallet didn't get a massive work out... it was more an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere, view quilts/wallhangings/bags/cushions up close and personal. All samples look so much more beautiful when seen this way!!

Hopefully, one day in the future, I will exhibit at this show or even the Stitches & Craft Show at Rosehill... next year is looking so good for that!! On that note of dreams...

I wish you a week full of dreams, creativity & inspiration!!

ps: don't forget to enter our BLOG COMPETITION (details further down) - you could be one of 3 people chosen to win... "Beautiful Bullion Embroidery" Simply add your favourite friendship quote for a chance to win!! EASY!!

hugs
xoxo

Quilting Recipe...

2008-06-12T21:37:00.003+10:00

Thursday: 12 June, 2008
Take some gorgeous fat 1/4's
In shades of Brown, Blue, Green, Apricot & Lemon...
A bundle of delicious threads
wound on a wooden spool...
Lace flowers...
Stitched Verse

Mix and match fabrics...
Take needle and thread...
Stitch and sew...
with a touch of mystery till complete

I have the beginnings for a brand new quilt top... in it's infancy! Here is just a sneek peek at the making of the lemon slice & the other fabrics just waiting to be made!! Delicious! Are you getting hungry? My gorgeous overseer is a wrinkled & wise man... isn't my darlin' Santa adorable!! And in front of him... hmmmm... a cinnamon pie candle with homespun bows... just to make everything look pretty & presentable.

have a wonderfully creative & inspiring day!

hugs
xoxo

ps: don't forget to enter our BLOG COMPETITION (details a little further down) - you couldbe one of 3 people chosen to win... "Beautiful Bullion Embroidery" Simply add your favourite friendship quote for a chance to win!! EASY!!

The Whimsical Honeypot - Archives

2008-06-12T09:50:00.003+10:00

Instead of sending me an email for previous issues of The Whimsical Honeypot, I have created a home of it's very own. You will find all downloadable links to previous issues in the archive section at Bee Sew Whimsical

Simply click Honeypot's Archive & you will be buzzed straight to our past issues.

...Grab a hot cuppa, sit in a comfy chair, buzz your way into the archives!! Most of all, please... be inspired to create with these patchwork & stitching treats that will tempt & delight... Also, catchup with our monthly featured Guest Honeypot's - read their gorgeous stories & enjoy their bonus gift!!

If you still have some questions that need some helpful answers... just buzz me an email!

Have a Bee-autiful day full of creative inspiration

hugs
xoxo

BLOG COMPETITION!!

2008-06-01T21:26:00.005+10:00

Sunday: June 01, 2008

I was talking with Sally (The Rivendale Collection) today & amongst the girly chatter, we talked about different ways for people to enter competitions... ok the 25 words or less is just way to difficult for me..... how on earth do you put everything you want to say into a mere 25 words!! TOO HARD FOR THIS GIRL to do... hehe... This is Sally's beautiful idea & I told her I was going to borrow it, because it so FUN!!... (details further down)... soooooo back to the competition.....

It's about time for me to have a giveaway....... it's been a long time since I've posted a competition here at the blog.

We have 3 copies of Beautiful Bullion - The Complete guide to Bullion Embroidery to giveaway...

As the Whimsical Honeypot (Bee Sew Whimsical newsletter) is celebrating the theme of FRIENDSHIP - instead of leaving just a regular comment... & we won't have a 25 words or less... LOL!!

Leave Your Favourite Friendship quote/poem in the comment section for your chance to win this absolutely gorgeous book. I love quotes (that's the digital scrapbooker in me) & the 3 x quotes that win will also feature in The Whimsical Honeypot over the coming months!!

Competition Closes: June 30, 2008
Winners will be announced July 1, 2008 (mailing details will be needed at that date to receive your gift)

Is that plenty of inspiration to participate... I look forward to reading each and every quote/poem you leave. Oversea's friends are most welcome to join in the fun! The more the merrier!

I'll leave you with a quote:
"Go confidently in the direction of your DREAMS & LIVE the life you've IMAGINED"
Henry David Thoreau

have a wonderful day full of creativity & inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

Do I Feel Guilty...

2008-06-01T21:07:00.004+10:00

Sunday: June 01, 2008

I don't think so... despite the cool mornings and evenings here in Sydney... we have had some absolutely glorious sunny days. I found that instead of sitting at the computer (doing patterns, blogging & a number of other things that always need doing....) I preferred sitting out on the back deck, with my last project in hand "Fresh Breeze" by Cinderberry Stitches & literally soaking up some winter warmth. That sounds a bit contradictory... but it is Sydney & Autumn/Winter days can be quite spectacular here.

Here's what I'm up to so far on Fresh Breeze.... I've had a ball putting this together. While the top looks like it's a challenge of teeny pieces... it actually went together beautifully. There's still plenty of stitching to keep my fingers busy but hopefully it won't be too long before it's ready to be quilted!

May your day be full of stitching & inspirational

hugs
xoxo

The Whimsical Honeypot - June

2008-06-01T20:38:00.006+10:00

Sunday: June 01, 2008
JUST RELEASED...

Dear Whimsical Friends...

No matter where one lives in the world, winter inspires thoughts of blustery winds, howling storms & sitting in front of a cosy, crackling fire to keep warm. That and also snuggled under the warmth of a quilting project! For those that live in the northern hemisphere your days are filled with beginnings as Spring ends and summer dawns.

Our days are still filled with sunshine & warmth (only the occasional cold one) - & they are days that I love to sit & stitch any of my current endeavours. I hope your days are filled with plenty of creative projects also. Gina Miller, Mom Means Business - Digital Shop & Simply Homespun Designs is our featured Honeypot - she has an adorable "ewe" that follows our friendship theme, for us to play with.

There are some absolutely wonderful new patterns by Natalie Lymer (Cinderberry Stitches) to tempt those stitching fingers & Janet Rowe (/wildcraft Farm) has produced this absolutely gorgeous wooden button for all those upcoming Christmas projects... I can see this oh so cute button adorning many a Christmas gift this year. Here's a peek at this gorgeous button -

Anyway....Grab a hot cuppa, sit in a comfy chair & most of all, please... be inspired to create with these brand new stitching treats that will certainly tempt & delight... that Bee Sew Whimsical has to offer you... ENJOY!!! All stock can be found at BEE SEW WHIMSICAL - buzz on over today!

Offers provided in this newsletter are exclusive to Whimsical Honeypot subscribers only....pass the word... get your family & friends to subscribe here:: BEE SEW WHIMSICAL

Please Note:
If you are a subscriber, that hasn't received your newsletter... please email me using the Bee Sew Whimsical store contact form & I will email you the links directly. Thanks!

Have a wonderful day, may it be full of creativity, blessed stitches & inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

Bee Sew Whimsical ~~ Pattern Sale ~~

2008-05-03T10:42:00.001+10:00

Ok... this is part of our Whimsical Honeypot but I thought this would be a wonderful gift to share with all the Bee Sew Whimsical friends - far & near!

Simply purchase any pattern from Bee Sew Whimsical during the month of May... (that sounds pretty easy)

drumroll..... you go into a draw to win...

a beautiful package of 5 patterns by Sally Giblin (The Rivendale Collection).

Winner will be announced in the June issue of the Whimsical Honeypot (& via email)... GOOD LUCK

Please Note:
Total Order + Postage charges will be emailed to you upon receipt of your order. If paying by Paypal - a Paypal Invoice Request will be issued upon receipt of order. Thank You Ãœ

May your days be full of Creative Inspiration!

hugs
xoxo

The Whimsical Honeypot - May

2008-05-03T10:37:00.003+10:00

Saturday: May 3, 2008

Please Note:
Some AOL accounts are being blocked by the AOL servers - if you are a subscriber, that hasn't received your newsletter... please email me using the Bee Sew Whimsical store contact form & I will email you the links directly. Thanks!

Dear Whimsical Friend...

The Easter bunny has hopped on by for another year... and now it's time for one of the best days on the calender - Mother's Day! Alright, I'm biased... it's also time for my 16th wedding anniversary... 2 days before Mother's Day - so the weekend is a pretty special time in our household.

This issue is a little different, not only in look but instead of a stitching gift this month, I've created a cute little applique template - just in time for those last minute quick projects for the day! I've also adapted the same pattern into a quick Mother's Day card. Please enjoy!

There are beautiful new patterns both by Natalie Lymer (Cinderberry Stitches) & Sally Giblin (The Rivendale Collection). Janet Rowe (Wildcraft Farm) has produced this absolutely gorgeous wooden button for all those upcoming Christmas projects...

We also introduce the talented Rosalie Quinlan into Bee Sew Whimsical... that's been pretty exciting. She has so many wonderful new projects on her drawing board including an absolutely delicious new book..... will let you know more in the coming weeks about that!

Anyway....Grab a hot cuppa, sit in a comfy chair & most of all, please... be inspired to create with these brand new stitching treats that will certainly tempt & delight - perfect gifts for Mother's Day...that Bee Sew Whimsical has to offer you... ENJOY!!!

ps: Offers provided in this newsletter are exclusive to Whimsical Honeypot subscribers only....pass the word... get your family & friends to subscribe here::
www.beesewwhimsical.com

Have a Bee-autiful Month full of creative inspiration & I wish each of you & your families a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I hope you are all thoroughly spoilt in love, thread & patterns...

Rosalie Quinlan Designs

2008-04-24T09:46:00.010+10:00

Thursday: April 24, 2008

Alright..... here are those promised pics for lovers of all things Rosie. Bee Sew Whimsical has a collection of oh, so delightful bag pattterns by the talented Rosalie Quinlan. If you're a bag collector... then you'll love what Rosie has on offer. Add one of these delightful & purposeful bags to your collection. It's small to start off, but if you desire a particular pattern we don't have...please send me an EMAIL.

Ok.... let's get buzzing with those pretty patterns.

Plant Some Seeds:

Little Bag of Dollies:

Quilt Giving Bag:

Leanne's Shopping Bag:

Oma's Project Bag:

Nellies Sewing Bag:

Feeling inspired... Wanting to add to your growing collection of gorgeous handmade bags...

more details can be found by buzzing into Bee Sew Whimsical

have a day full of creative inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

Oh My Goodness...

2008-04-21T12:02:00.002+10:00

Monday: April 21, 2008

What a great way to start the day...... the arrival of a package!! Hmmm, should I spill the beans.... or do I keep you in suspense a little while longer....LOL!!

Well...ok... how could one hold in all this gorgeousness inside...I'll have to spill what turned up on my doorstep bright & early!!

Rosalie Quinlan...... stop, stop - not the lady herself (although that would have been great too)... hehe... but a package of her wonderful designs. As requested from my customers.... Bee Sew Whimsical will carry Rosie's designs.

It will be small to start of with.... but should you badly need a Rosie Quinlan design & I don't have it... just pop me an email & I'll gladly get it in for you!

pics, pics you want.... I'll be back later today after I update the website with Rosie's patterns so you too can see all the gorgeousness that has arrived on my doorstep & in the beehive!!! You won't be disappointed!!

have a wonderful day full of creativity & inspiring stitches

hugs
xoxo

Fresh Breeze...

2008-04-21T11:50:00.005+10:00

Monday: April 21, 2008

LOL.... here's a perfect little project to complete during the cold days ahead....& alright I admit it....hopefully bring those sunny days back sooner...hehe

FRESH BREEZE:
Cinderberry Stitches
finished size: 36" square (92cm)

Fresh & crisp, perfect for a gorgeous summer day... blossoms meander along it's borders & butterflies sway in the fresh breeze

Buzz your way over to Bee Sew Whimsical today....to see this oh so gorgeous piece of freshness!!

have a wonderfully inspiring day full of stitches & creativity

hugs
xoxo

What are you working on...

2008-04-17T08:42:00.004+10:00

Thursday: April 17, 2008

It's only a few short weeks away.... Mother's Day!!! (It will also be by 16th wedding anniversary - I'm blessed to celebrate both special days together - my family & marriage)

Thinking of Mother's Day...... have you got that special handmade gift started or is it already bundled & wrapped in love, ready to give?

Are you looking for some creative inspiration?

I know that within the pages of the Whimsical Honeypot - April '08 issue... Janet Rowe has gifted us with a gorgeous design that would be a wonderful gift for those special ladies in our lives & it would only take a day or 2 to stitch...(perfect for those of us time deficient...) buzz over to Bee Sew Whimsical to see what Janet has shared with us in the Whimsical Honeypot.

The Whimsical Honeypot is full of wonderful stitching patterns - to give as a Mother's Day gift. Here's just a couple of special Mother's Day patterns to tempt you...

In My Heart...
The Rivendale Collection by Sally Giblin

A Mother's Love...
Wildcraft Farm by Janet Rowe

I wish you a week full of stitching pleasure, creativity & inspiration!!!

hugs
xoxo

Why Women Cry...

2008-04-17T08:31:00.003+10:00

Thursday: April 17, 2008

A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?'
'Because I'm a woman,' she told him.
'I don't understand,' he said.
His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.'

Later the little boy asked his father,
'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?'
'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God.

When God answered, he asked, 'God, why do women cry so easily?'

God said: 'When I made the woman she had to be Special.

I made Her Shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave Her an Inner Strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave Her a Hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up,
and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave Her the sensitivity to Love her children under any and All circumstances, even when her child has Hurt Her Very Badly !

I gave Her Strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her Wisdom to know that a good husband Never Hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.'

'You see my son,' said God, 'the Beauty of a Woman is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The Beauty of a woman must be seen in Her Eyes, because that is the doorway to Her Heart - the place where Love resides.'

The Whimsical Honeypot - April '08

2008-04-02T21:06:00.003+11:00

Wednesday: April 2, 2008

Hi everyone.... I must apologise.... my darlin' best friends & I had a coffee/lunch date today - so I'm behind with this posting....everyone on my subscription mailing list has already received their copy of the April edition of the Whimsical Honeypot but for those wanting to see what Janet (Wildcraft Farm) has gifted our subscribers... I'd love to share it with you.......

Please Note:: Offers provided in this newsletter are exclusive to Whimsical Honeypot subscribers only....pass the word... simply buzz (click)over to Bee Sew Whimsical & signup for your free copy today!!!

The Whimsical Honeypot - April '08 (title cover)

Dear Whimsical Friend...

April has arrived... The year is in full swing... cooler weather has turned up in Australia, although so far, our days are sunshiny warm - which is an absolute delight. I can sit out on the deck in beautiful sunshine & stitch/read the day away...hmmm sounds heavenly!!

Catch up with our Guest Honeypot & my friend - Janet Rowe. Janet is the wonderful designer behind Wildcraft Farm... You'll be inspired with thoughts of friendship & gift giving ideas.

There are beautiful new patterns both by Janet Rowe (Wildcraft Farm) & Sally Giblin (The Rivendale Collection) - which celebrate those special ladies in our life - our Mum's!!

Grab a cuppa, sit in a comfy chair & most of all, please... be inspired to create with these whimsical patterns & gift ideas perfect for Mother's Day...that Bee Sew Whimsical has to offer you... ENJOY!!!

ps: if you would like to receive past issues of The Whimsical Honeypot (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb & March) please email me & I'll be happy to send you the d/load links.

Have a Bee-autiful Month full of creative inspiration & Happy April Thoughts!

(if you have any queries...please don't hesitate to leave a comment here or send me an email - I'll get back to you as soon as I can)

hugs
xoxo

I am a Snapdragon....

2008-03-27T20:31:00.006+11:00

Thursday: March 27, 2008

....what flower are you?

Ok, I was doing a little research for my upcoming April newsletter - The Whimsical Honeypot... on.......shhh - can't tell you that just yet!

but....... I did come across a cool site. Mary Ann (a Bee Sew Whimsical friend) had this "What Flower Are You..." link on her blog. So having nothing better to do - I wondered exactly what flower I actually was. The link is for a blog called This Garden is Illegal.... hehe - cool blog name by the way.

You simply answer some questions - they're pretty easy...click the submit button at the end & hey presto it comes up with what flower you are!!!

So I am...... DRUMROLL please.........

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

"Mischief is my middle name, but my first is friend. I am quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

LOL!!! - ok.......not so sure about the prankster part, but I do love my friends immensely, care about them & try to make them laugh!!! I love Snapdragons also... as a child I'd pick them from Mum's garden bed and play with them by opening & closing their petals... the life of a child!!!

so go and play.... if you click on the above flower picture it will transport you to the site. You too can find out exactly what flower best suits you!! HAVE FUN!!! If you're into gardening... you'll love the blog also!!

Have a creative day full of inspirational thoughts!

hugs
xoxo

EASTER WISHES & BUNNY KISSES...

2008-03-23T07:52:00.008+11:00

Sunday: March 23, 2008

Just wanted to wish all my friends such a Blessed Easter with your family & friends. Yes, eat loads of yummy, scrumptious Chocolate...hehe!!

Here's a little Easter poem full of hugs & kisses...

Easter Bunny Hugs And Kisses
That cute little bunny has hopped all day,
delivering baskets for the holiday.
His paws are so tired and his nose how it itches,
He left you something special to fulfill all your wishes-
Lots of cute little easter bunny hugs and kisses.

It's raining here in Sydney (the weather is a little on the chilly side...) so I'm going to rug up nice & tight, get comfortable and stitch the day away. I have a couple of projects of the run.

1. Truly Scrumptious... (block 5 - 1/2 way there....)
2. Sisters - I'm stitchin' this little beauty of a cushion for my sister's birthday in a couple of weeks.

There's more but don't you think the above will keep me tied up in scrumptious fabric & thread for a while longer. I'm sure it will.

ps: had to add a little side note. It's the Australian Swimming Olympic trials in Sydney at the moment (SOPAC)... there are a couple of young swimmers from my Childrens Swim Club (Blacktown City) that are competing. I wish them an awesome swim meet. We got to see one young swimmer in action last night, competing against Grant Hackett!!! What a wonderful swim!!

Have a totally creative & inspirational weekend!!

EASTER HUGS & BLESSINGS
xoxo

Feeling Sore....

2008-03-18T09:40:00.005+11:00

Tuesday: March 18, 2008

It was an ordinary Friday... nothing spectacular was happening... other than the fact I was picking up my children from school... then IT HAPPENED. One second I'm walking... the next I'm flat out, face down on the concrete ground!! Lordy that hurt!! I didn't see that coming... in hindsight I think I would have rewound that moment.

Should I mention that there are a heap of people sitting on the benches watching this most embarassing performance. One kind lady came over to help & offered her hand... I was ok to get up by myself. While my knee and both hands were stinging - at that moment I was more embarassed than hurt. I thanked her for her kindness. It's amazing 1 person out of all those people wanted to help me...what can one say!!

I tripped over a piece of tar. One of my fancy red shoes stuck and I went flying along the concrete...Shock has an amazing capacity to cover pain... that afternoon my knee was so swollen and in agony... the ice pack and some anti-inflammatory gel worked wonders. However, the next morning OMG - my shoulders and neck were aching & the bruising is out - told you shock covers up the aches and pain. After a weekend of craft shows, swimming carnivals and just plain being a mum with 2 active children - (hubby had to work...hehe) I'm feeling a little sore still.

Just know I'm ok but taking it a little easy for a few days!

have a wonderfully creative week!

hugs
xoxo

Yummies For Me....

2008-03-07T18:10:00.005+11:00

Friday - March 07, 2008
WOW!!! what a yummy surprise was awaiting me today in my letterbox!!! There was a newsletter from LUSH for Ashlei.........buried underneath........a surprise for me!!!!

On the back of the envelope was the words in large black letters....yummies for you. Isn't it amazing how one gets excited over such mail....LOL!!! Hey, it's better than getting a bill or junk mail....

The mail was from my darlin' friend - Janet Rowe of Wildcraft Farm. It was a lovely note along with some patterns & her booklet (Postcards) so I can make up some yummy, scrummy Wildcraft Farm eye candy that my Bee Sew Whimsical friends can see up close & personal!!

I have stock, but it's all bundled up so one can't sneek peeks at the patterns...hehe. I was surprised to say the least - I'm expecting A4 patterns (smallish patterns) but it was these gorgeous, large patterns. Absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to start on some of them very soon. I wonder which will get attention 1st....ok....add it to the must do list of things waiting to be completed. The life of a patchworker is never dull or without a project or 2 or 3 (maybe more...hehe) on the go.

Take a peek at Bee Sew Whimsical for these wonderfully inspiring quilt cards and booklets - you won't be disappointed!!

have a wonderfully inspiring weekend

hugs
xoxo

Good Grief....

2008-03-06T10:30:00.003+11:00

Thursday - March 06, 2008
I can't even take photos, because my poor little darlin' didn't want to show his poor face/body looking so swollen!!!! It was a sight.... looked like he'd jumped straight into the Supernatural TV show....

I get a call at 2.45pm (mind you I'm already at school...hehe) from the School Office, asking if I could pick Matthew up. What's happened??

Well...... he has the welts on his face & body........so I rush to the office. My poor baby he is literally covered in welts from his face to his body/arms (the legs looked fine) his poor face & eyes was so swollen and his body was so red & itchy.... He's allergic to something alright. I'm thinking it's the mosquitoes (he's allergic to those critters) but it looked different to what normally happens. It wasn't his food as he's eaten that for ages and ages...nothing new to add. He was fine at lunch time - this happened in the last hour of school. This is definitely something we didn't know about........(& lucky his was breathing ok...not going into shock!)

Straight to the chemist to get some anti hystamine - finally Matthew tells me that his class when up into the nature section (who knows what could be there amongst the long grasses and tress) of the school to build Aboriginal Shelters... native grasses, saps/oils yes... that could be the culprit...

So... medicated and ice packed up (to cool his body temp)...my poor darlin' went to sleep from the medication.

While the welts have receded.... one of his eyes is still a little swollen. The eyes and ears are very sensitive areas to allergies and take a little longer to recover....Otherwise his fit as a fiddle again...but has been told to take it easy today. He went to school.... and bless his friends.... a couple of them came up to find out how he was and what had happened. They saw him literally swell up in class!!!

So my afternoon of stitching fell by the wayside... but that's ok........ there's always a tomorrow...

have a wonderfully creative & inspirational day!!

hugs
xoxo

The Whimsical Honeypot - March '08

2008-03-02T14:51:00.006+11:00

March 02, 2008

Dear Whimsical Friend

March has arrived... can you smell the scents of chocolate in the air. Now I know the Easter bunny isn't far away. The year is definitely in full swing. The March edition of the Whimsical Honeypot has just been released...

Catch up with our Guest Honeypot & my wonderful daughter - Ashlei Carroll. While she's only 13, she's full of talent in a few different crafting areas...Be inspired by her wonderful design! It's full of whimsical charm & filled with thoughts of friendship.

Grab a cuppa, sit in a comfy chair & most of all, please... be inspired to create with these whimsical patterns & gift ideas that Bee Sew Whimsical has to offer you... ENJOY!!!

ps: Offers provided in this newsletter are exclusive to Whimsical Honeypot subscribers only....pass the word... get your family & friends to subscribe today:: BEE SEW WHIMSICAL

Have a Bee-autiful Month full of creative inspiration & Happy March Thoughts!

hugs
Darlene
xoxo

A Few Days Left...

2008-02-25T09:58:00.004+11:00

February 25, 2008

~*~ I LOVE BAGS... SALE... ~*~

Totally Whimsical... Utterly Scrumptious... Ultra Chic...

Each Bag pattern is full of whimsical charm, filled with love & friendship in mind. All full of delightful purpose - each bag, perfect for all your social, crafting & stitching needs. A PERFECT must have for all avid bag collectors...

Click:: Bee Sew Whimsical - Bag Sale to take you to our store... you'll see some of the featured bags available.

Use Coupon code: WH20Bag to receive 20% discount on all bag patterns only. Offer available until February 29, 2008. Note: total order + postage details will be emailed to you upon receipt of order. Thank you

*****

You still have a few days left of this short month to grab some of these absolutely beautiful bag patterns!!

Which made me think.... just what is in your bag? Anything interesting besides the normal stuff you'd find? Mine at the moment is filled with paper, paper & more paper... & it's all swimming related. PB's (personal best times), carnivals, etc for the kids..... then there's a wallet... a girl has to have that to function... a mobile phone... You'd think with such a medium size bag I could find something more interesting to put in there...

Have a wonderfully creative & inspiring day!!

hugs
xoxo

New Look....

2008-02-23T21:23:00.005+11:00

February 23, 2008
Does it matter that I had a trillion other things to accomplish? Of course not...

I saw this amazing design today & saw it could be added to blogger (although, I would have changed to the other account if needed...hehe). I just had to spring clean the blog...

WHAT DO YOU THINK??

It looks stained & has that vintage type feel. I LOVE IT!!

ps: you'll have to bear with me... with all things technical... I'm still trying to figure out how to add a few things here and there.

Have a totally creative weekend full of inspirational thoughts!!

hugs
xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day...

2008-02-14T10:08:00.003+11:00

February 14, 2008

Sending you loads of scrumptious hugs for a wonderful day with your loved one. Are you going to be spoilt with hugs & kisses????

I wished my darlin hubby a Happy Valentines...and received the sentiment back - as for gifts, etc...we don't do that part... it's more the thoughts of the day that we share. I even gave my children, Valentines' hugs & kisses...LOL!!! Can't you feel the love in the air.

Today.......well.... it's one of those dreary, overcast, looks like rain days here in Sydney........an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL day for stitching & some reading.

ps: I'm currently reading a series of books by Emilie Richards............ brilliant author. Her books are about quilts also....like Elm Creek by Jennifer Chiaverini but different........ she is also a quilter & has her own store too!!!! Just in case you want to add some more reading material to the pile...I highly recommend these books also.

1. Wedding Ring
2. Endless Chain
3. Lover's Knot
4. Touching Stars

Have a wonderfully creative & inspiring day!!

hugs
xoxo

Hissy Fit.......

2008-02-06T17:28:00.000+11:00

If it's not one dilemma.... I'm sure it will be another....

My computer (pc, not my laptop) has decided it wants to play silly buggers with me. For a whole 2 weeks, since I've been back from holidays....... everytime little old me turns the computer on... it drops out & restarts....one time it actually deleted all my emails. Told you it was having a hissy fit!! Lucky for me I got a quick glance at all 15 emails.... & there wasn't anything to important!!!

Anyway.... apparently, it's easy for me to fix... (that sounds way to good to be true). I just have to reload my XP CD. Apparently everyone...... when you buy upgrades..... when you install you don't actually hit upgrade (like I did...ughhh) you have to so a complete advanced upgrade. Sometimes, like in my case... putting something brand new (XP) at the time on something ancient (Windows 98) that runs entirely different isn't really good. Well......I'm paying the price for that now!!!

Then just to put the icing on the cake..... we have been having such horrendous storms that I don't want my laptop to suffer.

It's why I haven't been here very much..... one great thing to come from all of this..... I've been stitching more blocks on Truly Scrumptious & I finally finished The Whimsical Honeypot - Feb issue. It's been sent to al my wonderful subscribers. If you would like to grab your copy, you can buzz on over to Bee Sew Whimsical & sign up to receive it or shoot me an email & I'll send you the link to d/load your copy.

Our Guest Honeypot for the issue is Trina Clark of DigiScrapKits and Trina Clark Designs. she has designed this absolutely gorgeous outline for you all to stitch. The best part... it's FREE!!

The Whimsical Honeypot - February '08 (cover page)

well there's another storm that's just hit... better turn the power off

Hope your day is full of creative inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

Sucessful Women....

2008-01-21T20:58:00.000+11:00

Before I get into all of the happenings while I was away on a week's break at the beach, I thought I might let you in on some exciting news!

While away at the beach, I received an email from Trina Clark - a graphic artist in the US. At first, I thought it was a newsletter that I receive from Trina... however, when I returned home - sorted & went through a tonne of email/snail mail...(hey - it happens!!) I discovered that Trina was actually inviting me to submit an article for her new blog "Welcome to My Home on the Web" under the title of Successful Women.

WOW!!!! ( pick me up off the floor... I'm speechless, excited, over the moon... WOW!!!

I'm not so sure how successful I really am, never the less, I feel honoured to be invited & considered to submit a short business profile/article about Bee Sew Whimsical. Not to mention be amongst other successful women in the crafting industry.

You can read my profile about Bee Sew Whimsical over at Trina's place on the web!!
Simply click Bee Sew Whimsical & be transported!! Catch up on some other successful women in this wonderful industry of craft. It's amazing how we got started, what inspires us to create, the hard yards, the amazing families that support us, etc. Plus, you just might be creatively inspired also!!!

ps: Over the next couple of days, while I'm playing catchup with the computer.... I'll fill you in on some of my amazing adventures while on holiday & the wonderful people I got to meet!!! hint: Kim Smith (Honeysuckle Cottage)..... & one of my customers - Faye (a dear friend of my mother-in-law, Lyn)....

Have a totally creative & inspiring week!!

hugs
xoxo

Surgery???

2008-01-12T08:44:00.000+11:00

LOL!!! it's not what you think. Everyone in the Carroll household is well - Matthew has a bit of a summer cold but he's ok!!

HOWEVER.........

Matthew's Nintendo DS suffered a drowning at the pool on Thursday...whatever possessed him to put the DS into his wet kickbag & have it next to the edge of the pool one can only ponder!!! Needless to say, after an hour & half of being drenched - the DS suffered major electrical damage. It was drowning (you should have seen the water dripping off the thing...)

It required heat therapy ( a blow dryer), some micro surgery...(the tip of a steak knife to undo those teeny tiny, microscopic screws...ughhh!!!!) 3 hours of intense surgery & then it was on life support in an electrically induced coma (that's the charger!)......lots of prayers & loads of Tender Loving Care. Keep checking & take notes on what's happening... get excited when something small happens...geez, that's taking things a bit far.......LOL!!

There are signs of life..... but somehow.... the outlook for a complete recovery is not looking hopeful... the joys of being a mother.... playing doctor to a machine!!

We'll see what happens!!

UPDATE: January 21, 2008

Ok.... those 1st few days... provided very little in the way of hope! More likely that the Nintendo was going to crash & burn..oops drown!! It kept making buzzing noises but not much else. Then, the day before we were to leave on our holiday - signs of life.... I had managed to get the DS working.... it had a little water mark on the edge, but the game loaded & played fine. (Matthew was pretty over joyed!!)

Then... 4 days after the slight recovery... hiccups - frozen screens & other things happening!!! So it's like all things in life... you get good & bad days when something needs to heal & recover! Hopefully it's just still trying to dry completely! If not......Matthew has been told he won't be getting another until his birthday in April - afterall, he needs to learn a lesson about being responsible for his valuables.

Have a totally creative day... Happy Stitching Thoughts!

hugs
xoxo

A New Discovery...

2008-01-08T20:07:00.000+11:00

......alright, you're all going to think this is silly... & really it is - but I've just discovered iTunes - well I knew about iTunes... it was the matter of actually d/loading music that I discovered!!!

Ashlei (that's my darlin' 12yr DD) got an iPod Nano for Christmas. We'd been putting it of because all her friends that had the Nano, had major problems with their ipods & we were a little hesitant in buying one. Well you can't put off the inevitable (somehow, the other thing on Ash's Wish List was a laptop.... hmmm - don't think so!!! LOL!!) so she got the iPod instead!

WHAT AN AMAZING "TEENY TINY" PIECE OF TECHNO WIZARDRY!!

Ash purchased a couple of iTune gift cards... & we got to create an account for her (well it's in my name... you have to be 13 (legal age...whatever happened to 18!!) - to do any type of account type stuff or internet purchasing...hehe!!! So we get that all sorted out & OH WOW!!!!

HOW EASY IS IT TO DOWNLOAD SONGS (silly me..... I dreaded doing this because I'd never done this before & it scared me. What a 'Fraidy cat I am...LOL!! give me anything else on the computer... HTML coding, website maintenance, blogging, MySpace, fixing viruses when my pc's been sick, even 2nd Life (3D virtual world), & hey presto - NO PROBLEM!! But when asked to d/load music.......hmmmm... what!!

Well it's as easy as saying ABC... the array of music available in all genres!!! Nothing short of mind boggling!! I know there's heaps of "free stuff" & maybe one day...Ash & I'll explore but the iTunes software makes everything so easy... so we'll stick with that for the time being. I think I'll get a couple of cards also to get some music that I don't have on CD already... add to the collection.

I love music! I love stitching! I love patchwork & I can sit & listen to all my fav's & work at the same time... Ash calls this multitasking!! Sounds like the life to me!! So with that said....... off I go to keep stitching away at Block 2 of Truly Scrumptious!!

Have a totally inspirational day with plenty of Happy stitching hours in between!!

hugs
xoxo

Well Underway.......

2008-01-06T11:06:00.000+11:00

Did you see that utterly gorgeous creation in the post below called Truly Scrumptious?? I know there are a great many who have this wonderful pattern in their stitchin' hands...

For me.... what a complete joy this has been to start. I've finished the first block & have just commenced the 2nd.... mine, however, is being done from fabrics in my stash!!! See, I was impatient to start & I didn't have the Shangri La Jelly Rolls...hehe... so a gal's got to raid her fabric stash..... (good excuse to refill the stash when this quilt is completed... shhhh, don't tell my hubby that!!)

Anyway... I'm happy with the fabric choices (some are a little lighter in comparison, but still fit perfectly with the thread colour & feel of Truly Scrumptious. All the little 2 1/2" squares are cut... ok, I'm doing things the hard way.... I could have strip pieced but I wanted to use up so many fabrics.... because they all looked great together. the first block is COMPLETED!!! the 2nd has been pieced together & the stitchin' commenced...

Last weekend, when we where at Fitzroy Falls... I managed to squeeze in a visit at a local patchwork shop in Mittagong... while they didn't carry the Shangri La range of fabrics, they did have 1 bolt of fabric from Shangri La - it's an all over print.. showing diamond blocks of the fabric range.... while it won't tie into the quilt blocks... it will make for perfect binding & it may feature in the backing!

HAVE YOU STARTED YOUR TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS JOURNEY WITH THE MOJO GIRLS? I know from some of my darlin' customers that they have been impatient also, gathering the bits & pieces (threads, fabric, etc) to start their own quilt, while waiting patiently for their patterns to arrive in the post.

I wish you all many wonderful stitching hours ahead.

Have a wonderful weekend full of inspirational creativity (& stitching/patching!!)
hugs
xoxo

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2008

2008-01-01T10:49:00.000+11:00

I wish you all a Happy New Year for 2008! May all of your wishes, goals, dreams for 2008 be fulfilled.....

Did you do anything special to celebrate bringing in the New Year. Sometimes for us, Mark & I just stay at home with the kids, relax, watch movies & then see the awesome fireworks that Sydney puts on for the world. Other times we either go to friends or have friends over... this year (... or is that last year... LOL!!) we celebrated with great friends, good wine (...beer for the guys)& a totally terrific BBQ. Made it home by 2.30am.... as I type - Mark's at work..... (poor darlin'), the kids are still asleep ( 11.00am - obviously it's going to be a jimjam day!!!) & I've been up since 8.30am. Washing's on the line, a bit of tidying.... does this household work ever stop?....oh well, it's got to be done.

However, the rest of the day is going to be spent stitching.... I've nearly finished stitching the 1st block of Truly Scrumptious. What a total joy this has been to start.

My job for this is going to be made easier.... for Christmas, in-law's, Lyn & Ron made & decorated this FANTABULOUS light box for me... I'll have to take pics, because while it's a light box... Lyn decorated & painted the box with scrolls, bits of fabric with buttons... a dream pressie for any patchwork/stitcher. Not to mention all the other wonderful goodies she made me.

She stitched up Salt Box Hill - another wonderful sample for Bee Sew Whimsical to display at craft shows... but while it's not being used for work it will be on display at home (the best of both worlds!!!! - can't ask for more than that right). IT'S SO WONDERFUL TO HAVE SO MANY TALENTED GALS IN OUR FAMILY & also to see the next generation taking an interest too. There's Ashlei (my daughter... jewellry, sketching/drawing, digital scrapbooking, stitching & now knitting!) & then there's Beth (Ashlei's 2nd cousin - who has an artistic streak for painting, drawing too!!)

I can't forget.... there was this gorgeous fabric panel.... & it's come with a challenge!!! My sister-in-law (Angie), my mother-in-law (Lyn), Mark's Aunty (Thelma) & I have the same panel (only in different colours)......

Our Challenge: complete & do something special with the panel by Christmas 2008....easy??? maybe, maybe not... hehe!! Although, I have ideas floating around. Might wait for the kids to go back to school in February & then have fun & play with those ideas.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL CHALLENGES OR QUILTS FOR 2008??

Well...... I think I've chattered your ears off...hehe... & it's only the 1st day into the New Year.......... Again, to all my wonderful friends & those stopping by to visit - Have a wonderful day. Celebrate this year making special memories with your family & friends!!

Have a day full of creative inspiration!!
hugs
xoxo

I Couldn't Let....

2007-12-24T16:01:00.000+11:00

...........well.........good golly, it has been a while, hasn't it!! I couldn't let Christmas pass without sharing a Christmas Keepsake with all my wonderful friends near & far!!

It's our traditions that make this whole Festive season come alive with magic & wonder. It's a time to share, our gifts, but most importantly - love, laughter, joy, hope & cherished memories with our family & friends!!

Let me share a little Christmas tale, one of my favourites with you all.

"The Night Before Christmas"
by: Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, & all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In the hope that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds.
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And Mama in her kerchief, & I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap;

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the shutters & threw up the sash.

The moon on the breat of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below.
When what to my wondring eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh & eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old friver so lively & quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled & shouted & called them by name:

"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer! Now, Vixen!
On, comet! On, Cupid! On, Doner! On, Blitzen!
to the top of the porch, to the top of the wall1
Now, dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, & Saint Nicholas, too.

And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof
The prancing & pawing of each tiny hoof.
As I drew in my head, & was turning around,
Down the chimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes & soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes - how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His droll little mouth was drawn up in a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
He was chubby & plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye & a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
he spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings - then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle;

But I heard him exclaim 'ere he drove out of sight,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, & TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!"

Have a wonderful Christmas full of joy & Prim wishes!!

ps: Part of this wonderful story... can be found in a delightful stitchery by Cinderberry Stitches - The Night Before....Spend some time with a needle & thread... stitch this gorgeous stitchery during your Christmas break...it'll be ready for christmas in July & the next festive season. It's available at Bee Sew Whimsical.

A Christmas Surprise for You...

2007-10-13T21:14:00.000+10:00

* Very Special

* Once A Year Event

* Originally Exclusive To The Chatterbox Club

* Now Available To All The Blogland Chatterboxes.

If you love surprises, love gifts, are somewhat interested in all things sewing ... join us at Wildcraft Farm to see what this is all about.

Oh, nearly forgot ... there are no restrictions to being "involved", you could live anywhere in this great big wonderful world!!!!!

Have I grabbed your attention.... well, my wonderful friend, Janet Rowe of Wildcraft Farm has just launched this wonderful Christmas surprise...

A surprise not to be missed on the Festive Calender...

for more wonderful details on this Christmas surprise.... it's a simple click & hey presto.... you're on your way to Wildcraft Farm to see what Janet has in store for this coming Christmas season.

ps:: which by the way is only 3 sleeps away.... October, November & December.... geepers... Christmas is just around the corner!! LOL!! I better start getting my goodies together too.....

Have a wonderful weekend full of inspirational thoughts!!

hugs
Darlene

Penrith - Doll & Bear Craft Show

2007-10-11T17:50:00.001+10:00

more details can be found here:

The Musuem of Fire
1 Musuem Dr (cnr) Castlereagh Rd, Penrith

www.musuemoffire.com.au
ph: 4731 3000

19th Annual Doll, Bear & Craft Show
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th October, 2007

9.30am - 4.00pm

Stall No: #106, 107 & 102

Spring Cleaning!!!

2007-10-11T17:48:00.000+10:00

"It's time to Spring Clean my life...

To throw out the chaos
Get rid of the clutter
Dust off the fun times
that can be shared with
the people I love most.

Find the calm within the storm
and just ENJOY life."

ps: May your day be filled with inspirational thoughts!!

hugz
Darlene

A couple of updates...

2007-10-11T17:34:00.000+10:00

I know it's been sometime since I was here last... but life has bought me a series of personal moments that have been sad & also filled with heartache & illness...

Just a quick update so you know that while I'm not here, I do think & keep everyone in my thoughts & prayers!

a) my sweet neighbour (& Ashlei's godmother) passed away a few short weeks ago. A few yrs back she developed breast cancer... she fought that battle with such dignity & courage. Then in June, around the same time that my darlin' US friend Carla passed away... my next door neighbour found that the cancer has spread to her brain. Unfortunately, it wasn't good news at all.

b) then last week...my sweet boy, matthew started developing headaches... now that is scary! The doctor's did tests...everything is normal - it turned out to be SINUS!! With the hot temperatures & strong winds gusting through sydney lately - well the pollen & dust levels are extremely high... although, he gave us another scare Friday morning after just seeing the doctor - he had the last headache but boy was it a doosey!!!!! Migraine proportions... he was in such pain & anxiety.. I just layed down with him for several hours trying to soothe him & comfort him. It's horrid watching our little ones suffering!

I can say... children are resilient...he's right as rain!!! Like nothing ever happened!! hehe... giving his poor mummy such a scare!

c) more sad news!! Mark's (hubby) grandmother suffered a stroke & heart attack this week... at the moment she's unconcious, slightly moving on one side... so hopefully it won't be too long before the doctors can tell us more on her condition. It's so sad to see such a lively lady, an independant soul struck down like this.

Please keep us in your thoughts & prayers.

ps: with so much work to do.. I'm running a little behind in things but I am trying to keep things on track!!

May your day be filled with inspirational thoughts!!

hugz
Darlene

Hot, Hot, Hot....

2007-09-18T13:30:00.000+10:00

Did I keep you guessing with that one.......LOL!!! Well, really the weekend was Hot, Hot, Hot - in more ways than one.

Sunday was the absolute best day (well don't tell my feet or legs that - they might not agree!!).....I attended another show. My very first outdoor show...is that an experience! This was really a school fete - held at Glendenning Public School. I was asked if I'd like to have a stall at this fete several weeks back by one of my good friends. Her children attend this school.

I've never done a school fete before so why not...it's a great day out, meet & greet new people, not to mention advertising my products!! Let me say -OMGosh - what an absolutely FANTASTIC day. It was rockin' from the time I got there to setup till the time I had to leave.

I lost my son to the Fete for most of the day... hehe... Matthew & one of his friends wandered and played all day. He'd stop by every so often to check in...isn't he a great boy!! Ashlei was terrific...she had her jewellry on display and sold some of her goods. She's saving for a special treat!! Both her & Matthew are the absolute best helpers you could ever have!! We had a lot more to set up this time as it was outdoors (thank goodness for easy, collapsible, fold out shade tents) but we all got it done in record time, with a minimum of fuss, no stress!!!....My children love to help & set up...not only helping with the grunt work but they get to put out stuff and see how they'd like to diplay it!

I mentioned at the beginning it was a Hot day.... literally.... the weather was perfect...as it was my very 1st outdoor show... I'm glad for the great weather. Although...there definitely were some learning curves!

Note to self for future outdoor shows....

1. Keep the glass jars of mini melts out of the sun....or they will MELT in the heat.

Ok....I lost a little bit of product (thank heavens it was small...)...at least it can be re-used & made into other melts down the track, so all is not lost! Don't think I'm a complete bubble head... I was under the cover of an enviro shade tent & I was moving the stock as the sun was moving but at the time...I was inundated with customers buying melts...& melts in glass jars + the sun... is not a good combination.

So...I've learned lessons... what's life without them, right! I'm glad I attended... it was still a fantastic day. I loved the interaction with my customers & hearing all their stories & yes....taking in all their wonderful compliments on my stall. Definitely beats staying at home on such a gorgeous day!!

Well......now it's time to prepare for the biggest craft show I attend. A 2 day Doll, Bear & Craft Show at the end of October (Oct 27 & 28, 2007) at the Penrith Fire Museum... it's still a few weeks away, but those weeks seem to be buzzing by so quickly lately. I still have some preparation to do for this!

I'll be passing out more information on this show as I gather it....if you're in the area at that time......please, I'd love to have you stop by at our stall!! There's nothing I like better than to catch up with old friends & make new friends at the same time!!

hugs
Darlene

My Stitchin' Weekend

2007-09-10T13:00:00.001+10:00

Now ain't that just the cutest little digi camera bag you've seen... it took me 4 hrs... no you don't need your eyes checked... it's true 4 hrs & most of that was spent cursing the heavy weight interfacing & the small handles...sorry Natalie!!! LOL!!! When you're turning handles to the face the right way out and they're really skinny - it would help to have the proper tools...not just your fingers & a wooden skewer....either that or you need little baby fingers!!! & then the interfacing... it's literally like thick cardboard - so it makes for some interesting moments when turning your finished bag the right way out through a small opening - or maybe I brought the wrong type of interfacing... I even asked a girl at Spotlight which one was the right one - maybe she steered me wrong....oh well it turned out gorgeous anyway!!!

You can find Natalie's gorgeous camera bag pattern in the latest issue of Homespun Magazine (Vol 8 No 9) - please note: this was made for my darlin' daughter, Ashlei (she's the bag queen) & she requested these gorgeous fringe beads instead of the stitching!!

And the other gorgeous item in the photo - A Whimsical Gift - a new pattern at Bee Sew Whimsical by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches.

ps: if you subscribe to our newsletter "The Whimsical Honeypot" - Natalie is our guest Honeypot for the month of September plus she has a little bonus gift for all to enjoy too... there are savings to be had on all her patterns during September but you must be a subscriber to our newsletter - so really what are you waiting for...buzz on over to Bee Sew Whimsical today!!

You've got to read this....

2007-09-10T12:49:00.000+10:00

You have so got to read this story about a mum, 6 kids and a set of pokemon cards. It's a riot!!! My Pokemon Story

I was in stitches reading this but thinking at the same time... while I don't have 6 kids (only 2), I can so relate to this shopping expedition or is it shopping mayhem, nightmare, chaos, (the adjectives could keep going...LOL!!)

Hope you get a chance to go & read...... it's a crack up and will make your day... not to mention that the cards sold for $142US dollars....WOW!!! me.. I can't relate to pokemon cards & the fuss they generate amongst the kiddo's of the world (mine included - although it's Gameboy/DS versions only not cards) but $142.00 - that's some serious money for some cardboard with funny creatures on it....hehe. They must have something magical about them....LOL!

Have a wonderful day full of inspirational thoughts!!

hugz
Darlene

The Whimsical Honeypot

2007-09-03T21:23:00.000+10:00

Well have I been a total busy beaver for the past week....but I can say that it's been totally productive, awe inspiring, amazing, full of blessings beyond belief...are their any more adjectives I can think off...probably but I'll leave it at that! I've been blessed by some wonderful supportive friends... Heather, Natalie, Janet & Kim & George (Carla also - my angel).... you gals/guys make this journey so worth it - love you all so much!

The Whimsical Honeypot has launced. It took flight September 1st (well I was that excited I launched it around midnight here in Australia..hehe...so those girls on the other side of the globe got it a tad earlier - a labour of love....and probably a technical nightmare in software programs not wroking with each other....but it's been released.

So please if you want to see it...you'll have to buzz on over to Bee Sew Whimsical & fill in the subscription information.

Our 1st guest Honeypot is Natalie Lymer...... I'm telling you, you definitely won't be disappointed in her little gift...."Springberries"...it's jam packed...full of discounts, competitions to win prizes, another little gift.....what are you waiting for!!

I have to take a moment.... and totally thank everyone who has already subscribed!! You are absolutely amazing people...the feedback has been so positive & wonderful...I can't thank you enough - it's made all the long hours worth it. I love you all. I hope you enter the crossword competition.... there's 3 Spring Charm Stitching booklets + a bonus fat 1/4 (creamy background - totally yummy)to get you started stitching...competition closes September 29, 2007

hugz
Darlene

Launching September 01, 2007

2007-08-23T17:31:00.000+10:00

~*~ The Whimsical Honeypot ~*~
...Newsletter...

Launches September 1, 2007

Join us on a whimsical journey through the beehive. I've created this gorgeous exchange for all my whimsical friends & customers - letting you know happenings in the hive, upcoming events & daily specials, blog specials, bonus offers, projects & competitions.... Oh WOW!! have I got treats for all my whimsical friends who join up with the Honeypot....exclusive designs by our guest "Honeypot" each month....
Offers are exclusive to newsletter subscribers only... so pass the word - get your friends to subscribe at Bee Sew Whimsical... Why wait... Buzz on over to Bee Sew Whimsical & subscribe today!!

Fishy Treats....

2007-08-19T21:22:00.000+10:00

Seafood - me......I love it!!! well not oysters & mussels (too icky & slippery for me...LOL!!) but everything else is a go!! Saturday found us, that's the family, up early and heading to the Central Coast. Umina Beach to be exact....you're wondering why go to the beach during Winter....not to swim that's for sure! It's more the case of Darlene & Mark finally getting our taxes done...hehe....my accountant moved to Umina in January (a seachange sort of thing). It was a gorgeous trip up the main freeway....got there on the directions given. That's a bonus. You might be thinking - surely there's accountants here...of course there is...but
a) she's related to Mark's step-dad
b) she's a great accountant
c) she's probably the only one who understands how I set up my business stuff (who wants to mess that up...LOL - not me!)
d) it's an excuse to take the kids out on a day trip....

Once everything was completed, the accountant gave us directions back into the main town of Woy Woy....to this great fish co-op.....a good old fashioned fresh caught fish, chips & seafood. Outside was a great covered area, a play area, boardwalk on the river to walk & a beautifully kept cemetery that commemorated our War Veterans....& I can't forget the pelicans & sea gulls......LOL!!!

Ashlei.... that daughter of mine swears one of the pelicans was stalking her...hehe.... the pelican did come up close & personal behind her seat & opened his great beak.....Ashlei was freaking out big time & was letting eveyone know it.....poor baby!! She had us in fits of laughter...It was great to just take a break from work & also those house reno's that Mark has been doing on his holidays....- a day of pigging out on seafood & chips, gorgeous sunny weather near the water.... A PERFECT DAY out!

What's your perfect day out? Is it by the beach soaking up the sun's warmth, a trip up into the gorgeous mountains & country side enjoying the beautiful vistas that nature provides us? Maybe it's just being at home - comfortable & relaxed with a great book, favourite drink & a stitchery project in hand!! Now that sounds pretty good to me also - I'd love to hear what a Perfect Day out entails for you....

Miz Raggedy Angel loves nothing better than enjoying all of natures pleasures on her Perfect Day. Enjoy the beauty of nature all day long... We have 2 copies of this delightful wallhanging/coffee table runner to giveaway....so please leave your little story here by August 26th...
You can also find this gorgeous applique at our Bee Sew Whimsical website...

ps: Don't forget....we're celebrating our 3rd birthday during August & it's 25% discount plus a bonus birthday gift!!

Have Happy Stitchin' Thoughts!
hugz
Darlene

HIP, HIP, HOORAY....

2007-08-10T09:44:00.000+10:00

HIP, HIP, HOORAY....IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Today is the day.........I've received loads of hugs & kisses from Mark & my darlin' children....my son, Matthew, what a cutie (he'll make a girl happy one day in the far off future - he's 9 afterall...hehe) but he gave me lots & lots & lots of kisses - 39 in total..........opps I just gave away my age - LOL!!....no problems - I feel great!!!

A pressie has just arrived, birthday emails & I go shopping for my b/day pressie later today with Mark....I'm getting a Wacom Tablet for the computer...since hubby is no computer savvy person (he needs help turning the 'puter on)...he said he needs help with this pressie!

I'm not sure what he has planned for lunch...he tries & surprises me. I told him I'm happy staying at home having lunch out on our back deck - he just needs to clean up all his handyman tools first!

making this a quick post...I need a b/day cuppa - then unfortunately...(can you hear the sigh)I have work to do. I'm working on a pretty big project at the moment for Bee Sew Whimsical which launches September 1st - and it won't get done if I don't put in some hours!! I'm sure it will be worth all the hours at the end!

Chat soon & will show some pressie pics later on today!

ps: Buzz on over to Bee Sew Whimsical - not only is it my birthday...Bee Sew Whimsical also celebrates it's 3rd birthday during August....there's some amazing specials taking place inside our hive - you don't want to miss out on the birthday fun!!

Finished At Last.....

2007-08-10T09:34:00.000+10:00

My office that is.... over a week...not a bad effort Mark....YIPPEE!!! New flooring which looks great by the way. A fresh coat of paint - & in colours to match my business logos, etc. I've started moving back in....hehe....trying to keep things neat & orderly - for how long please don't ask....LOL! All my computer equipment is installed again & still running fine - so no more bathroom office - what a relief.....it was really cold in the bathroom - my fingers were turning into popsicles!

I still have a few more cupboards to put in (& yeah a heap of other stuff, fabric, etc) so it'll be a few more days before I get a chance to take pics of the final result. Don't worry...I've been documenting with pics so far & I promise to have them up soon. I just want everything in, all neat & tidy....it'll probably be the only time it will be like that...hehe...before I have fabric, patterns and designs floating all over it!

Stay tuned for pics...coming soon to you.

Have a wonderful day full of Stitchin' Thoughts!!

Bee Sew Whimsical's 3rd Birthday

2007-08-01T10:45:00.000+10:00

Bee Sew Whimsical's
3rd Birthday

Join us in celebrating
our 3rd Birthday inside the hive...

Enjoy 25% of all items
(excludes Clearance lines)
during the month
August

All orders will receive a birthday gift from me to you...

Use coupon code: BSW3BD for discounts to apply. Postages charges will be applied & a new total will be emailed upon receipt of your order. Thank you!!

ps: Have a wonderful day full of Happy Stitchin' Thoughts!!

hugz
Darlene

Office Mayhem......

2007-08-01T10:19:00.000+10:00

Besides having a sick child over the weekend (I won't bore you with the sickly details - needless to say...I'm glad it's over & my darlin' boy is well again...LOL).... Mark...that's my hubby has decided to finally complete the flooring in our extension....so no more yukky particle board flooring. We're getting timber floating floor....it's been yrs coming but finally he's laying the floor down. It's taken so long because we couldn't nail down what we wanted. See we have timber, carpet (rooms only) & slate.........this area we are doing borders all 3 types....dilemma's...

but...(there's always a but - hehe) we are doing my office (spare room - yes... aren't I the lucky one who has a space for work and sewing...). Along comes Monday and we spent it pulling out my office...computers, sewing stuff...you name it...it probably came out plus the 2 large tables and shelving spaces hubby has made me. Oh and the yukky horrid green carpet from the 50's...hehe!!

Now it's 2 days & the floor has started to be layed (looking good too - a vast improvement on that carpet)....with a bit of cursing in between...hehe...now Mark has decided we should paint the room. It's the only room that we never painted. Good idea but I hope it doesn't take too long.......at the moment....& please don't laugh & cackle...I can hear...I'm running my laptop (can't use the pc for the time being) from the kids bathroom....

Well...it was the closest place that -
a: I could rest my laptop on (the sink countertop)
b: the only place where all the cords reached for the internet connection....because work still goes on & Ash needs to upload her Layouts for the ADSR competition...or she's eliminated...that's not going to happen.

note to self...must get a router then I wouldn't have this problem...LOL!

so....when it's finished...I'll take some pics. A show & tell of the finished results!!

Have a wonderful day full of Happy Stitchin' Thoughts!!

hugz
Darlene

Seven Random Things...

2007-07-19T17:34:00.000+10:00

LOL!!! my gorgeous friend Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches has tagged me to share seven random things about myself. Hmmmm, so out comes the dusty thinking cap & I wonder what I can think up to share with you....

1. I love drinking tea but if I have coffee - it's White Chocolate Mocha, with a hint of hazelnut syrup....totally decadent - I only drink coffee when I'm with my bestest friends!!

2. I would love to visit the US to see all my darlin' friends......oh yes & to take an empty suitcase or 2 or 3...LOL!! & fill it up with loads of delicious fabrics & goodies...

3. I love stitching....that's my passion that I've be so forntunate to turn into a business...

4. I love spending time out on our back decking that's saturated in seasonal sunshine - reading, stitching or coming up with ideas & new projects.

5. I love my precious children & husband.....maybe this should be at the top...

6. I love bushwalking and the great outdoors - I just have to do more of it...

7. My favourite techno toy - my laptop & pc computer......who knows what I'd do without these toys...well I know I wouldn't be able to do my digital scrapbooking without them!

Now I need to tag 7 people, the rules are listed below but since I don't have that many people I know who blog.... I'm inviting all my whimsical friends to join in sharing their 7 Random things. It'll be great seeing everyone's seven random things!

Here are the rules:

Each blogger is to list 7 random things about themselves and list these rules for the tag. Next tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. Leave a comment for each of the tagged on their blogs letting them know they have been tagged and to visit your blog for the rules

Lets add a fun twist - for the 1st 7 people who participate in this challenge, post here & give me a link to their 7 Random Things....a little surprise will come your way!

Take care & Happy Stitchin' Thoughts!!
hugs
Darlene

Beautiful Soul....

2007-07-14T19:02:00.000+10:00

Credits:
Papers: Carla's Altered Paper by Carla Gibson
Swirl: Good Old Days AddOn by Manuela Zimmermann
Florish: National Scrapbooking Day - Designs by Krista (turned it into an Alpha)
Corner Flourish: Doris Castle
Font: Passions Conflict

That's exactly what my darlin' daughter is...she is such a pleasure (yes, even in those crazy, hormonal moments too!!)

I did a digital layout using some of the papers from the new "Carla's Altered Papers" range (that I mentioned a few posts ago...scroll down to see a preview of them). They're absolutely gorgeous! You can find them at: Carla Gibson Designs - Oscraps

What else has happened........it's nearly time for my munchkins to be going back to school...I think this time I'll be glad to send them back...not because they've been unbearable...just the opposite. They've taken to sleeping in till lunchtime......or if they're up......staying in their jim jam's......unless we have some place to be!! I thought something was wrong with Ashlei - with the amount of sleeping she was pulling....I was ready to take her to the doctors because she slept so much. Apparently it's normal!!!

Teenagers...(preteens) are like babies...they need lots of sleep!! It's part growing up.......oh to be a teenager again and eat, sleep & be merry!!!

I have to thank my friend Janet at Wildcraft Farm she posted a pic of the goodies I sent to her with my friendship angel block....she's such a darlin' - full of wonderful praises. Here's the sneek peek she gave:

Just a teenie, tiny bit of self promoting....why not....the notepads....totally adorable, full of charm - so why not spoil your special friends with one of these notepads. Then those wax melts (for your oil burners)...they're in the shape of buttons (plus you can get hearts as well) & cinnamon tarts... & smell like you're in a bakery house. Let me tell you....my house smells delicious all the time with all these amazing scents wafting through. See that cute soap - Caramel Cinnamon Latte.... and the top is moulded in the shape of all things sewing - buttons, spools, even a threaded needle all on top - totally awesome for your crafting friend!!! All available at
Bee Sew Whimsical. Look for Prim Candles & Prim Needfuls & you'll find them.....you won't be disappointed!!

OK... I'm also sending Janet's daughter Jessica....some love and get well wishes... the poor darlin' has been very sick the past couple of days...it's always horrible when our children aren't well. Wishing you a speedy recovery Jessica!!

Happy Thoughts till next time

Stitched Out...

2007-07-10T16:46:00.000+10:00

The past few days have been spent stitching up a proverbial storm.....it was so much fun!

1. Finished and sent my friendship angel block for Janet's Wildcraft Farm Chatterbox friends...oh I can't wait till she receives this parcel.... I can't say what but there are some goodies included...be patient!! I want to share the actual block but I don't know if I can yet so I have to wait patiently also...that's hard 'cuz I love to share what's happening.

2. Finished the last 2 birdhouses on a Cinderberry Stitches new pattern that will be sold at Bee Sew Whimsical - coming soon!! And low & behold....I even pulled out the sewing machine....dusted it and gave it a bit of polish - can you tell it's been a while since I've sewn (stitching isn't included - I've done a fair amount of that over the past months...hehe). Anyway....after the clean & polish.... I cut all the borders & sewed them to the stitchery......awwwww...it's looks so gorgeous. Now I have to add the backing and sew on the binding and it's DONE!!!!! I'll post a pic when this is finished.

3. I've also got 3 new stitcheries ready to be put together with their respective fabric borders. These are a collaboration with my darlin' friend Heather Thompson of Snickerdoodle Dreams. If you take a moment...stop by at Snickerdoodle Dreams.... Heather has this amazing guest designer - Gail Eads - her designs are full of inspiration.

These are the new Bee Sew Whimsical stitcheries that I was talking about a moment ago....just a little tease to whet that stitching appetite......
* Bee My Honey - this is so adorable, includes my favourite bees & beehives, a bear & a cupboard full of her Prim Needfuls....I've framed this one....coming soon!!
* Christmas stitchery called Santa's Got Company- a delightful redwork stitchery wallhanging. coming soon!!* Last one... a gingergal angel full of friendship and good tidings...coming soon!!.....hmmmmmmm........I haven't even named this baby yet....that's how new she is...LOL!!!

ps: if you would like any information about the new patterns...just buzz me an email. I'm just finalising pattern details & samples....but they are so adorable...

And the biggie piece..... I actually did some digi scrappin' - it's been like 2 months since I touched it.... but since my darlin' friend Carla passed away - it's been hard to do - no mojo around to complete anything! I had some good news yesterday and that is......George, (Carla's Darlin' Hubby) is continuing with Carla's awesome work... he sent me 2 new digi kits with some stuff that Carla had done prior but they weren't 100% finished! George is an absolute darlin' man - he's learning heaps & with some angel help from Vicki at Oscraps plus some of Carla's CT team & Taylor (Carla's daughter) - you will see designs not previously released. George is also learning how to design and let me tell you... I've seen a couple of things already and he's really doing a smashing good job!!

Here's a preview of the new goodies available in the Oscraps store for all you budding and experience digi designers:

Carla Altered Papers

Carla Altered Wedding Papers

Ok...time to run...... yeah....dinner must be done & served....this family of mine is ravenous.....LOL!!

Chat soon & Happy Stitching Thoughts from me to Ü

Where have I Been........

2007-07-04T23:56:00.000+10:00

Ok... this could be long = Warning: be prepared!!!

My darling daughter, Ash & her galpal from Texas, Cora have decided to particpate in the ....AMAZING DIGISCRAP RACE....mind you they are the youngest racers ever to compete. Ok, so I've spent the past days helping Ash & Cora set up a special blog called Teen Glitterbugz - stop by if you get a chance & encourage them as they complete each digital challenge (nothing like a little bit of PR)). Everything went well in registering their blog & setup then I decided to go and update my blog......

well.......

I couldn't login....what's up with that.... then I thought ok maybe it's because it was using the same cookie/computer IP (every computer linked to the internet has it's own unique IP number/addy/cookie....it was pretty frustrating to say the least. If anyone that knows me well, they know that if anything tech related that goes wrong...I have to fix it up....no matter how long it takes.

4 days later..... gee whiz..... I couldn't log in because I was using the wrong password... hehe. It's always something so simple to fix...well normally! So now I don't have to unplug the broadband cable, connect it to the laptop, and login...I can do it all on the main pc..........thank heaven for small mercies!

So now you get a completely shortform of my days:

Sunday:
It was spent doing loads of stitching....have to get my friendship angel block finished for the Chatterbox/WildCraft Farm exchange.....then because I couldn't resist any longer, I opened up my Yo-Yo (suffolk puff) maker that I purchased at the Craft Show.......WOW!!! WOW!!! & more WOW's!!!! what a marvellous invention..... it is so easy to use & so quick.

Monday:
Today...spent the day at my sister-in-law, Angie's flat....helping her carry boxes from her garage up 2 flights of stairs....great exercise BTW.....her flat flooded 5 weeks ago and her brand new carpet was just installed Saturday...so we got to buy some new furniture and carry boxes.....now she has the hard part of sorting everything out...for a patchworker......she has got a lot of stuff to sort!!!

Tuesday:
more stitching........hehe.....the stitchery is getting there! Then we watched "It Takes Two".... and some of my favourite songs were sung...so I'm singing up a crazy storm.....Mark & the kids are laughing so hard - yeah and covering up their ears.... but I was having a complete ball to "You're Just To Good To Be True"!!!!

Wednesday:
Received some gorgeous emails from new friends....gorgeous words of friendship & kindness.... which I found out that people weren't able to comment on my blog.... I had the settings only set up for registered blogusers - that's been fixed up.....comment away.....although it is moderated to stop those dreadful spammers!

Then it was time for swimming squad training for my children.......then football - Go the Blues (State of Origin. While I like sport I'm not that fussed if I watch it....but I had to since that was the warm room of the house....so I started on the final part of completing my angel block ----- french knots!!!! There must be a thousand of them...not quite but close.......but it's finished!!!!! YIPPEE!!!! I hope the person receiving this friendship angel will cherish her as much as I cherished each stitch. I can't wait to show you pics of the angel exhange blocks...soon, I promise!!!!

Today.... Thursday!!
I went shopping for my Father-in-Law's birthday pressie....plus buy the new Harry Potter PC game. I forgot that the huge ToySales started.....for me it wasn't too much of a problem - just had to say excuse me a few times to get past the huge lineups to the LayBy department - just to get to different aisles was an obstacle course....people were blocking everywhere...hehe.....

Then......... excitement galore!!! I sent off my birthday parcel and my friendship angel to Janet at WildCraft Farm..... I can't wait till she receives this!!! Wonder what she'll think!!! We'll just have to wait and see!!! Bring on the Postman....

Well that's it for now.... time for dinner and I think for tonight just relax, no stitching, watch TV (have to watch the season final of Heroes!!!) and then night, night for me...there's been to many late ones finishing the stitchery!!!

Happy Thoughts!!!

Sneek Peek.......

2007-06-30T21:46:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to share some of the blocks that I've done (not completed, not ironed and still along way from being completed - so don't look to close but I was excited to share) for Taylor's quilt. Taylor is the daughter of my dear friend Carla, that recently passed away. The quilt is a surprise for her...(I don't think she'll be here...hope not...hehe).....it's called "You are Loved" by Bareroots.

I just want to wrap that young lady up in bundles of love & warmth...what better way than a handmade quilt from the heart!!! Enjoy the preview...when it is finished...I'll definitely be posting some pics.

Quilt & Craft Show 2007

2007-06-30T21:09:00.000+10:00

It's that time of year again....something that is a must event that I attend....a girl's got to have an indulgence day and there's nothing better than a day spent amongst fabulous quilts....loads of delicious fabrics, crafty goodies, more delicious fabric and spending money. Right...a total day of indulgence...oops...I forgot to mention that my children came also....normally it's a girlie day out for Ash & I - a mother/daughter date but dad had to work and Matthew got to go...last yr when this happened I came home with a dreadful headache - refereeing 2 children is no fun (that's another story for a rainy day)....this year I came armed with loads of goodies & the promise that if they behaved and Matthew didn't mentioned "how long till we go...like 5 mins after entering...hehe" they would get Hungry Jacks (ok so I bribed them with horrible junk food & treats....LOL)

but............I can say it worked!!!!!!!!! I did leave earlier than I normally would but we had seen what we needed to, spent some money, they got some goodies for themselves and I came home - a little tired but full of inspiration. the afternoon was spent stitching my friendship angel exchange block. It's about 1/2 finished...hehe...but Janet - a friend from Wildcraft Farm - (you won't be sorry you stopped by) extended the Chatterbox Angel Exchange by a couple of days...that was so sweet of her....my block will be completed and sent by then.

here's a sneek peek of the goodies I came home with...not much really but then that's ok...it's not like I don't have plenty of fabric, patterns and everything else in my home...this is just to add to my stash....one day I'll get to it....
* soap (for the kids - they get to pick) Frangipanni for Ash & Ocean for Matthew...they are sure gonna smell delightful...hehe
* Fat 1/4
* Hug'n'Kisses pattern
* A Christmas Story plus a fabric pkt for one of the books projects - new book by Annie Downs....I have all of her books. Each copy she has graciously signed for me.
* 2 sizes of "Quick Yo-Yo Makers"....now this is a fabulous & nifty tool...I've got to play with this one over the weekend.
* Friendship tag book - this is for Ashlei's US friend, Cora.
* Jewllery necklace - Ashlei just had to have another piece to add to her collection.
* Snowman - that's Matthew's treat....you've got to love that boy... I told him he could spend more money but he was happy with his $1.00 snowman....like his mummy he loves these whimsical creatures....

there's still one more day left for this show....if you're able...GO!!! it's well worth the day out.....you'll be inspired by the wonderful array of new delights on offer, delicious fabric & so much more........

Happy Stitching/Sewing Thoughts!!

Memory Purses....promised pics

2007-06-30T21:04:00.001+10:00

Today I've decided to go through all the pics stored on my camera and do something with them. As you can imagine, these past weeks I haven't been able to do any type of digital work at all...I just couldn't bring myself to touch my digital kits - they're mostly Carla's gorgeous creative kits.

Anyway....these are the promised pics from the memory purse bag (front & back) that I created for my MIL's birthday....she can now have 24/7...well nearly....hehe....bragging rights everywhere she goes.

Credits for the inserts go to Carla (Carla Gibson Designs)

* layout with Ashlei

* layout with Matthew

Didn't the inserts turn out so beautiful...definitely worthy of bragging rights!!! Now I just have to do some inserts for my memory purse...maybe I'll use these or create something new entirely....

Happy Thoughts from me to Ü

My Heartfelt Love & Sympathy

2007-06-30T20:28:00.000+10:00

I haven't been around for sometime now.....so many reasons that would bring tears to your eyes...no person should have this amount of tragedy in their lifes....but sadly, this is what I have been coping with for the past 5 weeks....believe it or not....I receive all this sad news in one short weekend.

I'll take you back to the beginning of June...I found out that one of my dearest friends in the US and a lady I worked for (Creative Team Member)passed away suddenly of a brain aneurysm...I was completely devasted, in shock & feeling so much hurt for this wonderful and truly talented soul. Next piece of news was that my next door neighbour (Ashlei's godmother) has been in hospital. The breast cancer she survived had returned and spread to her brain....to top off this awful news...The young family of 5 that tragically drowned in the severe storms that swept Sydney that awful weekend were friends of my MIL....while it didn't directly affect me, I did know this young family's grandmother. So much sad news - it was hard to deal with. One thing that was able to get me through...keeping in contact with Carla's husband George & Taylor (their wonderful daughter), my wonderful friends both here that I love and the dear friends that I've met across the world. Friendship is an amazing thing to behold....it's something to hold and treasure right now....at this moment...

*******

For my wonderful friend Carla & her gorgeous family - my dear friends:

George & Taylor - thank you for being the blessings in Carla's life!!! I know how much that sweet lady loved you and Taylor. I know she knows how we all feel & all the words that have been expressed over the past weeks. You have paid so many beautiful tributes to one of my dearest friends. I can't express what I'm feeling at the moment...it's just to hard to put into words. I just know that I have been honoured to be just a small part of your lives & to have got to know you & Taylor and be surrounded by all the love & friendship Carla had to give.

I have been especially blessed to have had Carla in my life - I'm going to miss this sweet angel, my dearest friend so very much. But I know in my heart she will be looking out for all of us - it was her way!

All my love to you and Taylor. Take care sweeties and know that I am with you in thought & prayer during the difficult times ahead! I can't be with you in person but I'm definitely with you in spirit - You are so loved & supported in this special community here at Oscraps. We'll be here with you & Taylor both!

Carla: I love you sweet angel!!!

All our love,
Darlene, Mark, Ashlei & Matthew

The Next Room
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

by: Canon Henry Scott-Holland

CRAFT SHOW - OPEN

2007-05-17T23:12:00.000+10:00

Click the banner to take you to our online EZCraft show...there are over 160 booths to browse through at your leisure...To take you directly to our Bee Sew Whimsical booth...simply click the links below to take advantage of the craft show specials.

http://www.ezcraftshow.com/shoppe/?sid=BeeSewWhimsical
~*~ 10% discount ~*~ plus
bonus Love `n` Honey Stitchin` pattern (valued at $10.00) free

and my daughter's booth:

http://www.ezcraftshow.com/shoppe/?sid=BeeDedBitz
~*~ 10% discount ~*~ on all booth items here

HAVE FUN BROWSING!! Take Care!

Memory Purses....

2007-05-15T13:48:00.000+10:00

WOW!! well I got a special Mummy's Day pressie off my kids this year. It came all the way from the USA. I know every girl in her right mind needs to own one of these oh so gorgeous bags. They're memory purses.

I can't do justice in explaining how cool these bags are, so I'm including the link to their website. You need to get one of these... Memory Purses. They're great for showing off your loved ones.

Then hop over to Memory Purse Blog and download the fabulous freebie from Heather Thompson (guest designer for May)....it's full of Americana charm. Stay tuned, because Heather will be selling more purse inserts for these fabulous bags! I'll update as I get more information.

ps: I've got the bag - now I need to print up some amazing digital layouts to showoff my bag & brag about my cutie children...I'll post a couple of them soon for your eyes only..LOL!!

As always...take care until next time.

10% discount sale!!!

2007-05-13T10:02:00.000+10:00

That's right friends!!! Hop on over to Heather's site Snickerdoodle Dreams & enjoy the wonderful benefits of her May Sale!!

SAVE 10% ON SUBSCRIPTIONS - Save 10% on all subscriptions through the month of May.

Please use Discount Code 558F9 when subscribing. Special only valid with subscription purchase. Discount only applies towards 6 or 12 month subscriptions.

This is an amazing deal - Click the Snickerdoodle banner above to fly you to her darlin' site full of wonderful graphics! You won't be disappointed!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2007-05-13T09:59:00.000+10:00

Just a very short side trip to the blog today....I just want to wish all my gorgeous friends a very HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!! You are all such amazing friends and women...I'm so glad to have you in my life!

Snickerdoodle Dreams Gallery

2007-04-27T10:31:00.000+10:00

Well...here y'all go. Just when you think it couldn't get better... my really good friend, Heather, has setup this wonderful gallery dedicated to showcasing all those wonderful crafts that we can create using those oh so gorgeous Snickerdoodle graphics & digital kits that can be found at Snickerdoodle Dreams/Clip Art Heaven.

Register here: Snickerdoodle Dreams Gallery. Preview some awesome crafts that can be done and also post your Snickerdoodle creations. There are so many versatile ways that Snickerdoodle Dreams graphics can be used. Let's showcase your wonderful creations!!

2007-04-24T13:06:00.000+10:00

CREDITS:
Papers: "Titania" by Carla Gibson
Staple: "Nostalgia" by Carla Gibson
Frame/Wordart: "Frameworks - Dream" by Sue Cummings, Debra Tope, and Carla Gibson
available at Oscraps
Fonts: Sylfaen, Texas Hero

Poem: Only for a Moment: by Mark Harris

It’s only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I’ll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I’ll want to know
You’re walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
It’s not living if you don’t reach for the sky
I’ll have tears as you take off
But I’ll cheer as you fly

Take care till next time

Full of Sugar & Calories...yummy

2007-04-22T22:12:00.000+10:00

LOL!!! well despite the fact that this slice is full of sugar & fat molecules...don't let that stop you from trying this absolutely yummy slice...

Ok here's the ingredients list:

1 pkt of Marie biscuits (plain biscuits)
1 x 250g Cadbury Caramello Chocolate (or whatever flavour - peppermint's great)
125g butter
1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk (approximately 200g)

What to do:

1. Crush the whole pkt of biscuits finely
2. Melt butter & chocolate together over low heat
3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk & melted chocolate mixture on the crushed biscuits
4. Mix well
5. Line a slice tray with baking paper
6. Put mixture into tray and even out
7. Place in fridge until slice has hardened
8. serve

Watch out!!! this is oh so yummy and you won't be able to stop at one...hehe.

Take care & ENJOY!!

I've Been Tagged...

2007-04-12T14:08:00.000+10:00

Four Jobs I Have Had: (this is hard, because I've only had 3...hehe)
1. Retail Manager for Kmart
2. Mum
3. Owner of Bee Sew Whimsical (my pride & enjoy)
4. ???

Four Movies I Have Watched Over And Over:
1. Priates of the Carribean
2. Harry Potter....(all)
3. Shawshank Redemption
4.

Four Places I Have Lived:
There's only one place....& that's Sydney Australia...no place like Sydney!!

Four TV Shows I Like(d) To Watch:
1. Charmed
2. 24
3. Lost
4. Heroes ...mind you I could keep going.......

Four Places I Have Been on Vacation:
1. Queensland, Australia
2. Perth, Western Australia
3. Fiji
4. ???? - well that's yet to be determined

Four Of My Favorite Foods:
1. Baked Dinner
2. Honey Mustard Chicken
3. Soups/Casseroles
4. Fish & Chips...

Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:
1. No place like home...
2. Being spoilt & pampered at Pamper Retreat...mmm...heaven
3. I've definitely got to visit my favourite friends overseas
4. On a date with my hubby....

Four People I Will Tag:
1. Heather
2. Angie
3. Dani

Anyone who wants to play along....just go ahead...HAVE FUN!!!

This Doesn't Happen Often...

2007-04-11T22:01:00.000+10:00

Definitely doesn't happen...it's very rare to see me in front of a camera....but when photo's are called for - well a gal's got to do what a gal's got to do...hehe. In this case, I got my budding photographer of a daughter to take some photos. Out of the 50 she took (I did mention that my DD likes to use the camera...LOL!!!)...this was the only one I liked...and then I decided on the weekend to do an AAM (all about me) scrap page...Well here goes....

Credits:
Papers/Corner: "Nostalgia" by Carla Gibson
Button/Tape: "Remnants" by Carla Gibson

Carla Gibson designs available Oscraps

Other Credits:
Striving - "I Have Words" Doris Castles
SmallCorner Florish by Doris Castle
Ribbon: "Beautiful Dreamer" by Windgefluester (Nicole)

Thanks for peeking...

A Wonderful You....

2007-04-06T21:01:00.000+10:00

Not only is my son a cutie but I reckon my daughter defnitely fits the bill also...hehe...while she certainly has moments of "moodiness" typical of a 12yr old...she is & always will be Some Kind of Wonderful.

Carla Gibson designs available at Oscraps
Papers: Grungy Watercolours by Carla Gibson (NEW)
Brushes: Decorative Brushes by Carla Gibson www.oscraps.com

Photo Effects: Pastel by Carla Gibson

Rose: by Art of Disc
WordArt: by Anna Aspnes
Old Writing: by ScrapArtist

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-04-02T21:49:00.000+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to my totally gorgeous boy...Matthew!!! WOW!!! you turn 9 in the morning. (3rd April).

I'm a little early...hehe...but wanted to post this in case my darlin' friends in the US stop by. Ok....it always takes time to reach your birthday sweetie...but I wouldn't have it any other way. You are such a pleasure to be my baby. Kind, charming, considerate, totally affectionate, emotional, good, you're my sweetheart....there are so many more words that describe what a special boy you are.

As you turn 9, you have achieved so many wonderful accomplishments. Academically - you are doing well. You are also starting to show so much promise on the cricket field (as a bowler) & last most most important - SWIMMING!!!! You have a gold medal 4 x 50 medley relay (Jnr. Cumberland Meet - backstroke) & came 10th out of 36 (9yr olds) at the Sydney West Championships - 50mtr Freestyle (plus a 4 sec PB, too!!!). You are so young still and have the world at your feet & fingertips. I see the amount of swimming you do each week and you go in and swim each lap just as hard as your first lap....you're a coaches dream swimmer....well that's what they all tell me. I hope and pray, my darlin' boy, that all your dreams come true on this most special of days!!!

We love you with all of our hearts!!! Mum & Dad, Ashlei

....well this is a long post for me...but it was special! Anyway...I've done a couple of layouts that feature my gorgeous boy...nothing quite recent...but still they are my son.

Credits:
Papers: DOTS , CARDBOARD1, TAYLOR by Carla Gibson Oscraps
Ribbon: GOOD OLDE DAYS by Carla Gibson
Ricrac (recoloured): EMOTIONS by Carla Gibson
Stitches, Button, Ribbon, Heart: NOSTALGIA by Carla Gibson
Other Credits:
Ricrac: That's My Boy by Misty Cato

Credits:
Papers: Cardboard2 by Carla Gibson Grunge frame, Ribbon: GOOD OLDE DAYS by Carla Gibson available Oscraps
Flower, Ribbon, Brad: EMOTIONS by Carla Gibson
Alpha: REMNANTS: by Carla Gibson
Other Credits:
circle brush: by Bek (opeysmama)
corner stamp: by Angie Briggs
buttons, ricrac & wordart by: Misty Cato

These layouts have been such a delight to work on...because of the gorgeous kits that I get to work with. Check out Carla Gibson's online store at Oscraps - you won't be sorry!

that's it for now...take care!!

Brand New.... Snickerdoodle Dreams

2007-03-22T11:38:00.000+11:00

WOW!!!! my sweet friend, Heather Thompson, has been working hard for everyone. Yes...a total revamp of her darlin' website, Snickerdoodle Dreams. Have I grabbed your attention...hehe...definitely visit her absolutely darlin' site & the extraordinary offers available. With over 5,000 designs at $.04/design....what are we waiting for...
Hop on over & visit Snickerdoodle Dreams today.

till next time

hugs
Darlene

Swimming Champion...

2007-02-06T21:58:00.000+11:00

Ahhhh.......I was so proud today. My baby girl has had a huge 2 weeks...her 12th birthday, starting highschool & to top it off today her 1st highschool swim carnival.

Well, Ashlei does squad training each week, but for the last few weeks, we've added an extra hour of intense swimming followed by an enormous amount of fun play at a local swim centre...hehe...including slides, etc.

Today all the hard work paid off... her results are as follows: (can't give you times, as they're not handed out to the kids but she did accomplish some PB's - personal bests - you can't beat that)

100mtr Freestyle - 1st
50mtr Breaststroke - 1st
50mtr Backstroke - 1st
50mtr Butterfly - 1st (hates this stroke...LOL)
50mtr Freestyle - 1st
Open Relay - 1st

An enormous workload and one she relished. The attention, however, is another matter...she's very shy, quiet & doesn't like a lot of attention from people she doesn't know. As you can imagine...starting at a new school and not knowing many people, plus the fact that she was swimming so well - well...that part she found hard, especially when teacher/students were coming up and asking about where she swims, how many sessions she swims, who she swims for, etc, etc...

One thing that made me proud was - she wasn't going to participate in the relay (she was tired) but when a group of seniors (yr10-12) asked her to do the anchor leg of the relay - she said yes...they made her a part of their little group! She finds it difficult sometimes to fit in so I'm glad to see that she took a chance & flew with it!!

CONGRATUALTIONS SWEETIE!!!

ps: on Thursday, my son Matthew will do his swimming carnival...he's another swimmer in the making!! keep you posted!!

hugs till next time.

Oh WOW!!!

2007-02-03T22:26:00.000+11:00

As I posted, it was my darlin' daughters' birthday...well I happened to mention it to one of my wonderful friends in the US...Carla. First she wrote an email back to Ash wishing her a wonderful day. Later on in the day, I checked out my email & there was this abolutely awesome birthday layout...I was literally floored - it was so beautiful. So I thought I'd share this with you also...this lady is such a talented creator & designer!!! This is a friendship that I cherish each day & I feel special to have her & her family in our lives!

Thanks for looking!!

hugs till next time

Happy Birthday....

2007-02-03T22:18:00.000+11:00

Opps!!! I'm a little late in posting this....hehe...but I wanted to wish my baby girl a very happy 12th birthday!!!! On the brink of teenage dreams (or is that dilemmas...LOL)

Not only has Ash...turned another milestone year, but this year is certainly extra special - she started high school. WOW!!! that's a big step!

She's adjusted extremely well & liking most of her teachers also...that's got to be a bonus! She's already had tests & homework...& low & behold, that girl is actually looking forward to her 1st assignment...ok what's wrong with my baby!!! Nothing...hehe...she actually loves learning! I might just have to remind her of what she said when she has 4 -5 assignments all in one hit....

Anyway, my sweet angel - may all your dreams come true. I know you had a wonderful day getting pressies & eating that chocolate/vanilla mousse cake!!!