New Projects

Well, since I received the packages from the wonderful fabric swap, I've been able to begin work on my next projects. I have some sets of Art Cards for my Montessori materials which need(ed) custom storage. I already have some nice decorative boxes but I wanted to make fabric pouches/envelopes for each set. 

These are really fantastic for several reasons:

1. They keep the sets separate so I can get them out without sifting through to find where one collection ends and another begins.

2. It's a great way to create mystery and intrigue the child. It's like unwrapping a little gift and discovering the special surprise inside. 

3. They're developing fine motor skills in figuring out how to open the clasp and unfold the material. 

4. They're pretty, of course!

Shown above is the Monet set

Radiographs by Steven N. Meyers

So, there you go! I've got several more to complete and I'm psyched about the way they've turned out so far! Anyone else start on their swap projects?

Fabulous Fabrics!

I found out about this 'Continent Swap' set up by JoJo over at A Bit of This and a Bit of That. A number of us signed up to be a part of this fabric swap and she set us up in groups of 4 people. The goal was to choose a traditional and a modern fabric from your country or a country of your choice. 

I had an excellent group of women to work with and we had a great time exchanging some gorgeous fabrics. We're all from North America but we all chose very different patterns! Here are all of the packages I received (including the one I sent):

Cranberry-esque from Massachusetts

Gorgeous Greens from Toronto

Perfect Prints from ChinaTown, Boston (not sure why it's loading upside down!)

And my picks from Naples, FL

Thanks to Jojo for putting this swap together! I can't wait to participate again :o)

There's No Place Like Home!

I'm so glad to finally be home! The travelling has been wonderful--lots of work any play. But it's just exhausting to be on the road all the time and in several different beds. I didn't realize how cozy my OWN bed felt :)

I know I already shared the photos and experiences from New York. From there, I was home for 3 days then headed up to Washington DC for another work trip. Here are a couple of shots from that trip:

Lots of old cobblestone type streets, lampposts and carved stone buildings!

The view of Washington Monument from our hotel room at night. 

Well, after a weekend in the Capital I headed out the very next morning for my trip to Florida. It was so great to see my honey (it's been about 3 months since he was here), his family, and my grandparents! So a few more pics to share from our wonderful trip :)

Yup, I love that guy <3

My beloved Nana and Papa 

We spent half of the time on the road and had a fantastic time!

All right everyone, that's the round up of photos from my latest travels. Next time I'll share the wonderful fabrics I received from a recent 'Continent Swap' I enjoyed taking part in! 

It's good to be back!

Home for a moment!

Whew! What a whirlwind! 

Spent last weekend in New York, NY for work and wow, I'm glad to be home. If only for a couple of days! The City got 21 inches of snow while we were there and it was absolutely beautiful! Now remember, it's been about 5 yrs since I moved from my home state of Maine so my blood has thinned and I've missed the cold winters and loads of snow. 

Well, we got our fair share! I have to say that I very much enjoyed the snow despite being cold and wet for two days straight. I didn't own a pair of boots but made the investment on day 2 of raisin-like toes :o) I thought I'd share a few photos of our adventure...

We had a blast trudging through the snow-filled streets--even had a snowball fight in the middle of Times Square!

 We walked 12 blocks to go to this fabulous Thai Restaurant (PongSri) and it was worth every cold, wet moment of it!

I so wish this photo did justice to just how deep the snow had gotten and how wet my legs were! Needless to say, I was wearing a pair of heels with my jeans and was soaked up to my knees...too much fun!

By the way, it's off to Washington DC this weekend for yet another work trip. I hope to catch up on my blog after that!