lutkaandco

A Visit to Piecemakers

May 7, 2016 Leave a Comment

The last time I visited my parents in Orange County, I had a chance to stop by Piecemakers Country Store. Oh, it was such a delight to browse, and look at all the amazing fabrics and supplies for all the things I love to do! Quilting, needlework, beading, etc. The list goes on and on. And I met Jean and Joanna who were so kind to invite me into the room where all the current and upcoming class items were displayed. My last project that I worked on from Piecemakers were some rag dolls, almost 30 years ago! I never managed to dress them, so they happily/patiently sit in their birthday suits on the shelf in my studio :).

Filed Under: Crafting, Outings And Adventures

Rose Painting

April 22, 2016 Leave a Comment

My friend Terrie and I recently took a rose painting class with artist Christy Repasy. We headed down to Fallbrook, and spent a day in her studio having fun and learning how to paint roses in Christy’s style – Victorian/Shabby Chic (my rose is third from left).

Filed Under: Painting

Still Life

April 20, 2016 Leave a Comment

Finally finished painting my Still Life. I am really starting to enjoy painting. I find myself looking at things with a different perspective. Always thinking how it would translate on to canvas. As always, my mind races, and is way ahead of my skill level. Oh well, as they say, practice, practice, practice…

Filed Under: Painting

Still Hiking

April 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

I have found such peace and satisfaction in hiking… New boots that don’t pinch, goofing off, and enjoying my surroundings…

Filed Under: Outings And Adventures

Baby Booties

April 7, 2016 2 Comments

Another friend of mine became a grandmother, for the fourth time! 🙂 – she has an adorable granddaughter. I saw this on Pinterest, and of course just had to make a pair:

Filed Under: Projects And Interests

Spring Break Hike

April 5, 2016 Leave a Comment

DH and I took the opportunity to join Dear Daughter on a Spring Break hiking trip. We started with the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, then on to Inspiration Point. The views were spectacular! And on the advice of our Innkeeper, we climbed Grass Mountain. Well, I managed 1,950 feet climb before it got too steep and gravelly, and my mild high anxiety kicked in :). DH and DD sallied forth and made it to the top, another 150 feet climb or so. This time of year, the wild flowers were in full bloom and amazing! And we managed to fit in a hike up to the Gaviota Wind Caves, another hike with gorgeous views.

Filed Under: Family and Friends, Outings And Adventures

Zentangle Challenge #261 Stacked Bijou

April 3, 2016 2 Comments

Today has been one of those “anything but…” days. So, rather than do what I needed to do around the house, I checked in with the Diva to see what was going on. It’s been almost three years since I did a Zentangle challenge, so it was a nice change of pace. I even broke out my water colors to paint the different size tiles. Here is my Stacked Bijou:

A little hurried… Today was the last day for this challenge.

Filed Under: Zentangle Challenge

Tagging Along

April 2, 2016 Leave a Comment

DH had a business trip to the State Capital, so I tagged along. Some sightseeing, shopping, and eating out. Fun, but I prefer playing tourist with the company of others. Found some nice quilt shops along the way. Spent a night in Cambria on the way down home, and even had time to do pebble art – day dreaming of a seaside cottage one day… Came back in time for my Longarm rental day – finished the quilt I started at the retreat!

Filed Under: Outings And Adventures, Quilting

Quilt Retreat!

February 24, 2016 Leave a Comment

I just got back from a fun Quilt Retreat at Vina De Lestonnac. Round the clock sewing and chatting. Best part of all, all meals prepared and served – no cleaning up! And, I still marvel at how much a bunch of women can talk all day, and into the wee hours of the night 🙂

Filed Under: Quilting

Hemet Quilt Show

February 16, 2016 1 Comment

Some eye candy from the 2016 Hemet Quilt Show hosted by the Valley Quilter’s Guild:

Filed Under: Quilting

Happy Quilts!

February 15, 2016 3 Comments

As much as I admire art quilts, I have a preference for utilitarian quilts. Quilts that can be lovingly used, scrunched up, and washed over and over again. We hosted our daughters Collegiate Cycling team this weekend, and our quilts were put to good use. The guys and bikes slept in my Studio surrounded by quilts! I threw in a photo of dear daughter, courtesy of Cycling Illustrated.

Filed Under: Quilting

A Baby Quilt

February 5, 2016 4 Comments

Baby quilts are fun to make. Small, cute, and fast to complete. Kind of an instant gratification quilt. My friend Muriel has a new grandson, and when I came across this French bunnies fabric, I could not resist 🙂