Coffee House Chatter

This Just In: Pumpkins!

2011-09-24T22:27:00.000-05:00

I searched for the best in autumn decor to share with my friends and compiled this project...just in time for the leaves to fall....

I had so many requests for how I did them, I'm attempting my first tutorial. So bear with me!

Please note: I am a very visual person so am putting in quite a lot of photos! Hopefully this is a good thing!

First the list of supplies:

paper cutter
hole punch
glue
scissors
paper, in solid and patterns
large brads
cup of tea (you'll see this is not on the optional list!)

Optional:

ink
tool for punching small holes
small brads

To Make the Large Pumpkin:

Cut the patterned paper into 16-18 strips, each 8 inches long and of varying widths (1/2-2 inches)

Cut solid paper into 16 strips, each 7 inches and 1/2 inch wide.

To Make the Small Pumpkin:

Cut the patterned paper into 16 strips, each 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.

Cut the solid paper into 14 strips, each 5 1/4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.

An optional step is to ink the edges of the strips. I think it gives the finished pumpkin more depth and definition! ~~either that or I'm just a glutton for ink-covered fingers!

Punch a hole in each end of the strips.

Put one brad through the stack of solid strips and one brad through the stack of patterned strips. *Tip: these two brads will not be seen on the finished pumpkin, so it's a good place to use those strange colored brads you got in the mixed set and thought would never be used!

With the patterned stack on top, put the last brad through both stacks of strips. This brad will be seen.

*Tip: if you use a hard tool and press down the flanges of the brad, the pumpkin will maintain it's shape easier!

Create the shape by starting with the solid pumpkin. Divide the strips roughly in half, creating a circle. Then fan out the strips to make a ball.

Now do the same thing with the patterned strips, creating an outer layer of pumpkinness!

After you get the second layer fanned out, you'll probably have to reach through and re-align some of the inner pumpkin.

BEAUTIFUL! Look at what a good job you're doing! This does get easier after you make a few!

*Tip: Press down on the middle of the pumpkin as this will give it a better "squashy" shape. DON'T crease any of the paper as this will give it a terrible folded shape!

For the stem, use a small piece of paper about 3 inches long. This is a great time to use scraps!
Roll it up and use a dab of glue to secure it in a nice little roll!
Use the scissors and trim the point off the bottom so it has a flat, glueable surface!

Put a nice, thick layer of glue around the bottom of the stem and put it on the top of the pumpkin, covering the top brad. See. I told you you wouldn't see it! The glue will be kind of globby looking. Let it dry.

VOILA! What an amazing looking Pumpkin you are creating!

Cut some little strips of paper to create the vine tendrils. Wrap them around a pencil or other pencil-like object to give them their twirly look!

Glue to the pumpkin or stem. Whatever looks good to you!

This is what looked good to me!

If you only have small brads (or you just want to use small brads!) a hole punch may make too large a hole so you can use a sharp tool to poke a smaller hole. A small brad may not be long enough to go through thick paper so you may have to use thin paper or less strips.

Now, go and DECORATE! Oh, and while you're at it, dig out the scarves and sweaters, too!

As a small, possibly unnecessary, footnote, I ran out of orange brads....so I created my own. I started with some brads that were a really awful blue color. Then there was the very bright orange nail color--the reason for which it was purchased eludes me. Anyway, the a few swipes with the nail color and Bingo! I have orange brads!

For anyone who wants to print these directions (such as they are) without the photos, here is a word-only version.
How boring....

First the list of supplies:

paper cutter
hole punch
glue
scissors
paper, in solid and patterns
large brads
cup of tea (you'll see this is not on the optional list!)

Optional:

ink
tool for punching small holes
small brads

To Make Large Pumpkin:

Cut the patterned paper into 16-18 strips, each 8 inches long and of varying widths (.5-2 inches)

Cut solid paper into16 strips, each 7 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.

To Make Small Pumpkin:

Cut the patterned paper into 16 strips, each 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.

Cut the solid paper into 14 strips, each 5 1/4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.

An optional step is to ink the edges of the strips. I think it gives the finished pumpkin more depth and definition! ~~either that or I'm just a glutton for ink covered fingers!

Punch a hole in each end of the strips.

With the patterned stack on top, put the last brad through both stacks of strips. This brad will be seen.

*Tip: if you use a hard tool and press down the flanges of the brad, the pumpkin will maintain it's shape easier!

Create the shape by starting with the solid pumpkin. Divide the strips roughly in half, creating a circle. Then fan out the strips to make a ball.

Now do the same thing with the patterned strips, creating an outer layer of pumpkinness!

After you get the second layer fanned out, you'll probably have to reach through and re-align some of the inner pumpkin.

BEAUTIFUL! Look at what a good job you're doing! This does get easier after you make a few!

VOILA! What an amazing looking Pumpkin you are creating!

Cut some little strips of paper to create the vine tendrils. Wrap them around a pencil or other pencil-like object to give them their twirly look!

Glue to the pumpkin or stem. Whatever looks good to you!

Kind Words....

2011-02-09T22:40:00.019-06:00

I have now started selling the scrapbooks I enjoy making so much! Here's a link to my shop where you can look at samples of my work and order one for yourself! GingerShop

Nice things people have said about the Scrapbooks I've made!

* I love the scrapbook you made for my baby's shower. It's precious! ~M.B. from Texas

* I LOVE my book! I look at it every day! And I keep it on my coffee table so everyone who comes over can see it! ~G.W. from Nevada

* Honestly, it's the most beautiful book I've ever seen! I love all the details! ~V.D. from Alaska

* The scrapbook you made from my birthday party is priceless! I love it! ~J.L. from Missouri

*The GingerShop scrapbook pages are more than wonderful! I was very pleased with the one's I had done, they were even better than I had imagined. What a terrific way to capture your memories. ~D.R. from Missouri

News from my little sewing room....

2010-03-13T10:48:00.001-06:00

I am loving the adventure that is creating Christmas Gifts! I even got carried away with the whole stocking thing and am making more than I need for gifts! It is just so much fun!

A zany side note:

2010-03-13T10:39:00.007-06:00

I was using a very old pincushion which had gotten quite soft and I could tell there were some needles stuck in side of it. So I started pushing them out. After getting out 5 or 6, I decided this particular pincushion had lived a full and happy life and now deserved to rest in peace! So I cut it open and used a magnet to fish out the needles from the wood shavings.

Every time I stuck in the magnet it came out with a load of needles!

When it was all said and done, there were 66 rescuced needles...of every shape and size! There were quilting needles, cross-stitch needles, embroidery needles and, I think, every other kind of needle! I don't even know what some of them are for. There was one that the pointed end was a triangle and some had a half hole above the hole! There were a few that were the tiniest needles I've ever seen! A few were worn out and a few were bent!

I know you're probably wondering why in the world I would go on about such nonsense, but I found it most entertaining! So you must suffer along with me!

The Christmas Count-Down Has Begun!

2010-01-30T14:42:00.006-06:00

I have this lofty goal of making all my Christmas gifts next year. I always have high aspirations, but never start soon enough, so usually only a few people get genuine, one-of-a-kind, hand crafted creations! Sooooo...I'm thinking, if I start now, I have a fair chance of getting this done!

Project Number 1: Christmas stocking for nephew.

I am attempting something never before seen in the Jennifer realm of creativity...Crazy Quilting.

As someone who knows me all too well said, "Jennifer doesn't sew. She thinks about it. Plans it. Even buys fabric. But she NEVER sews!"

Well....I'm here to tell you, Jennifer is sewing!

I went through all the piles of fabric in our possession and found all the Christmasy stuff!

I found a pattern and between that and Googleing (is that a word?) "How to Crazy Quilt," I set off!

So far I'm liking this project, which is a good thing. However, I do wonder what we ever did before Google let us look the the creative genius of others who so helpfully post their inspired handiwork!

Day 7 of 7

2010-01-09T23:59:00.005-06:00

So we've come to the final day of our Dresses Challenge!

I wore my wonderful reversible Coldwater Creek skirt from Day 1. (other side, of course!)

My newest splurge on myself, my rose sweater from GAP! So cozy, I love it! Don't know if you can see it, but the lacy tank is from Rue 21 and brown tights from Old Navy.

During housework, I'm featuring a vintage apron, hand-made and worn by my Grams! She gave us all her old aprons, it's wonderful! Doesn't take long wearing one to figure out why our Grandmothers always wore one!

What!?! How long has it been since I watered this plant????

My pink pearl earrings were a gift from a co-worker ages ago and the necklace was a gift from some of the volunteers at TLC in South Africa.

My photographer getting creative! I think she just wanted everyone to see my hair (worn messy today! :O ) which she cut!

Day 6 of 7

2010-01-08T15:52:00.008-06:00

Here we are, inside...watching the snow fall and enjoying the warmth of the house! However, the wind is not blowing quite so much today and I really should go out and shovel! ...but, but...I'm having so much fun looking at my Altered Book from my sister..... Ohhhhh! I must have some will power in there somewhere!

Every picture taken of me today turned out miserably so we're stuck with these!

The Outfit: Black suede skirt from Coldwater Creek! (hand-me-down, yippee!)

Sparkly silver knit top from White Stag, Christmas gift several years ago.

Crop royal blue Rue 21 sweater, Christmas gift this year from my sister.

Black George socks, I bought because they're wonderful!

The Accessories: Earrings were a gift from my Grandma a few years ago.

Bowl from an Africa market filled with pinecones....from the Christmas decor box! I did not, however walk around carrying it... Also to note, the adorable, hand-made stockings on the wall, courtesy of Derrillynn!

The Do: Brown plastic comb headband. Nothing special, just nice and easy!

And since I'm obviously having a love affair with my socks, I have included a special photo of them! *sigh*

Read about the 7 Days of Dresses here!

Day 5 of 7

2010-01-07T23:01:00.009-06:00

Time to show off Day 5's outfit as well as one of my passions, scrapping!

Since it was blowing and snowing all day (I think the lowest it got, with wind chill, was -23!) It was a great day to stay inside and craft!

Alrighty then! I know it's a late post...but better late than never, right? Of course, right!

Today I'm wearing one of my favorite get-ups! I seriously considered not posting new photos but instead, reposting the fabulous shot Ester took almost exactly one year ago!

The Outfit: Thermal knit hoodie top and tank are from GAP (have I worn GAP every day...?)

Apt. 9 skirt was a gift from Mother Dearest the Christmas I was in England!

Smoky grey Old Navy tights.

Slip-On ballet shoes, black & grey striped, I bought in South Africa.

The Accessories: I bought these earrings, probably 12 years ago when my sister and I decided we needed fancy and daring jewelry! Woo Hoo! And, do I even need to mention the African necklace? Can I count my amazing scrapbook tote by Paper Studio?

The Do: First, I gave myself more definite bangs. One side is twisted and held with a comb and the other side is held with 2 snappy clips.

If you haven't been following the 7 Days of Dresses you can read all about it here!

Day 4 of 7

2010-01-06T15:58:00.009-06:00

*ahem* Now to continue The 7 Days in a Dress. I don't know what the official rules are, but being sick for two days, I neither got dressed nor was in any shape to be photographed! So, we'll just pick up where we left off!

It's snowing so beautifully once again and I was determined to get pictures in it!

Amazingly, this fab wool skirt is a White Stag. It's such a wardrobe basic, I'm literally wearing it out. *cries*

The shirts are my FAV long-sleeve tee and cami from GAP! (bought on sale, of course!)

The hidden socks are George (My favorite socks, ever!)

The mules, I'm thinking are from WalMart, 100 years ago. The faux fleece lining is super warm!

The hair-do is just blow-dried and pulled back with a beautiful brown headband from a Christmas past. Earrings are a birthday gift from a South American couple I worked with, which is where the earrings are from.

And, for a change, my other African necklace!

Hooray for Snow!

Day 3 of 7

2010-01-03T16:14:00.009-06:00

Continuing the "Dresses" event!

Today we have another ever-so-comfy hand me down from Vintage Studio! ...or maybe it was bought second-hand. I'm not sure! The heathered grey tights are a perfect match! (not that you can really see them) The earrings are antiqued silver hearts set with blue stones and were a gift from Mom & Dad years ago! And, of course, my African necklace!

I don't know what you would call this hairstyle, but it's gathered into tiny bands and each little ponytail is then split and gathered into alternate little ponytails...that doesn't really make much sense... Oh, well, it's different!

Oh, and as you can see, all my little Nutcracker men wanted to join me! What was I to do!

Days 1 & 2 of 7

2010-01-02T21:55:00.016-06:00

I have been a very naughty girl and quite abandoned my Blog. Oh, Dear...how lonely it must feel. (I can either break into tears here, or simply move on...)

Between my sister and The Unknown Artist (aka Esther) I have been persuaded to join the "Seven Dresses for Seven Days!" *in my head I now hear ♪♫♪Bless Your Beautiful Hide...Wherever You May Beeeee♪♫♪*

...never mind....

Day 1:

OK, I was not planning on sharing my outfit with the world, so I didn't get any good pictures

of it but here is what I have:It seems to be the

way of these posts to tell everyone where the articles came from so I shall do my best! The skirt is my all-time favorite and was acquired second-hand from my Dear Grandmother! I'm showing off my beautiful coat purchased in Alaska...where they have ample supplies of such things! The brown boots are another favorite, so don't worry that you cannot see them...they will more than likely show up again! And of course I'm modeling two of my favorites accessories....a scarf and a cup of coffee! :)

Day 2:

Something old, something new, something purple....?Wait...I think that's the wrong train of thought...

This outfit was created for warmth. The ribbed mock turtle neck is older than Noah and I have no idea where it came from! The moleskin skirt has a likewise, ambiguous origin...but is long and warm...besides the camel color goes with most anything!

The ever-present scarf is a Christmas gift and this was it's maiden voyage--that's a weird way to put that :/ The little touches are, fav cami in purple from GAP, my lovely Hippo necklace from Africa, stolen..err..I mean, borrowed earrings from my sister's stash, wonderful black boots and, of course a new haircut. I am loathe to call the purple Hershey's Kiss an accessory....but if the shoe fits....

And speaking shoes...

when one has purple legs

and black boots, they really

ought not to be hidden away!

Thinking

2008-10-06T00:30:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting on the floor,
leaning on an air mattress,
listening to Johnny Cash.
Thinking.
Not that Johnny has anything to do with what I'm thinking about! It's just a fact.
Not that the air mattress really has anything to do with it either. Except for the fleeting thought that I hope I don't wake up on the floor...
I'm wondering what's going to happen next! Sometimes I wish I knew. Sometimes I'm glad I don't! There are so many options! I've been invited to live with friends and family from California to England! There are so many things to think about!

I think, possibly, I should go to bed and just sleep on it for now. It is after all nearly midnight! And we have a big shopping day tomorrow!

Getting Pretty!

2008-08-13T21:03:00.005-05:00

I have been wanting to get my nails done. Now I realize this is an ordinary thing. Millions of women get their nails done all the time! But I have never wanted to spend the money on it. I've always done the do-it-yourself-at-home kinds! Which are OK, but i'm tired of them. So I really, really wanted for once to actually sit in that chair and have someone else (who specializes in such things, no less!) do my nails.

So my Grandma and I went out. First she treated us both to hair cuts then I treated us both to the nail salon! She received an indulgent mani/pedi which she GREATLY enjoyed!

And I got my nails done! Oh, the tools and chemicals they have that are sorely missing on the do-it-yourself options! They are gorgeous, if I do say so myself. And they match my toenails! (which, in fact, I did do cheaply myself!)

Now I am patiently suffering the initial soreness of newly applied nails! What we go through fo beauty! But it's OK, in a couple of days I won't even notice them anymore except to see how lovely they are. And look, I don't even think I made any nail-induced typing errors in this post!

A Quote by Patsy Clairmont

2008-08-12T00:31:00.003-05:00

I read this on a greeting card today and I decided I love it!

A common, faulty belief holds that true love and romance means harmony of thought.

Whereas I am of the opinion, if we agree on everything,
one of us is unnecessary.

Signs of the Times...

2008-08-08T12:39:00.008-05:00

I've always had a thing for funny signs! For some reason I just notice them! Unfortunately, most of the time they're in such unexpected places, I don't have camera poised and ready to capture them! For instance, there was a sign at one of the hospitals in Africa, in the pediatric ward that said "no children allowed" I mean, how ironic and funny is that? But I somehow didn't manage to bring my camera along on that trip!

I saw this sign in Florida and it hit me as brillianly funny. I showed the picture of it to someone and they didn't think it was so great. Maybe you had to be there. Maybe it's just me.

I don't know...

Then in Colorado I ran across this sign and every time I passed it I just laughed. Now, the gal I was with, (who is my Mom's age) thought I had a dirty little mind. But I just COULDNT HELP IT!

I mean, you tell me what YOU would think:

Some signs are surlely meant to be helpful, but are so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh, like this one out in the middle of nowhere!

Here's a sign that isn't funny, I just love it! It's over a highway in South Africa, and reads: If there's no path, Create your own!"

Taking Time Out!

2008-08-02T23:01:00.005-05:00

Every once in a while, I have learned, one MUST take some time and do something relaxing and fun for yourself! Otherwise, work takes over your life and you loose perspective.

In a moment of my own work-related stress. Well, actually a whole string of stresses! I decided to take a friend's advise and see Sanibel Island. She had told me it was her favorite place in the world. And that HAS to spark some curiosity! Especially when it's only about 3 or so hours away! On the spurr of the moment, I packed a bag and hit the road. I got to the island quite late and found, with the help of the trusty Garmin, a Holiday Inn and checked in!

The next day was spent from the crack of dawn until it was too dark to see, in the pure bliss of swimming, sunning on the beach, sea shell combing, reading, and driving through the most picturesque little place, ever!

I have never in my life seen so many shells! Some of the beaches were
made entirely of WHOLE shells! I mean you could dig down and it was nothing but shells! What a sensation to walk on them! I don't know how this happens, but it was fascinating!

I went home much refreshed and oh, so happy to have done this fun & crazy little outing! These kinds of things should be done more often!

Where am I...?

2008-07-30T14:21:00.008-05:00

After traveling all over the country, I am having a hard time just knowing what state I'm in! In the past month and a half, I've been in:

Florida

Massachusets

New York
Missouri

California

Colorado

& Nevada! Whew!

What experiences! I had some good times! Some hard times, too.

But these pictures show the best of the times!

Simple Pleasures!

2008-05-13T14:49:00.005-05:00

I love how little things can make you so happy! At least they do me! When I moved to this lovely, tropical climate, I was bemoaning the fact that I would have no one to rub sunscreen on my back! Now you all know how hard it is to get lotion in the middle of you back! It doesn't get everywhere and it's hard to get it all rubbed in. Anyway, someone has gotten smart! Some fantastically brilliant (and probably single, girl) has invented a spray-on sunscreen.

Now don't laugh at me. Perhaps this amazing invention has been around for a long time and I'm just now discovering it. I don't need to know about that. Just humor me and let me believe it was introduced to the world last month, or something, OK? Anyway, it's great stuff! You can spray it and get ALL your back covered. It's also nice for the face so you don't end up with those embarrassing white globs no one feels obliged to inform you are streaked around your hair line and down the side of your face!

Well, that being said, I am now out of exciting news and must rush off to discover some more
Who knows what greatness I'm going to discover next!

2008-05-06T18:13:00.010-05:00

Hello from Florida!

I've started my new job and my first few days were a bit stressful! But I think I'll get the hang of it! There's just a lot to think about!

But there are amazing perks, like looking out my window at the yachts in the chanel! Spending hours relaxing on the beach which is an easy walk away! Walking and driving down streets lined with palm trees!

Well, I'll keep you updated on the events from my new life!

What Life Brings...

2008-04-24T22:44:00.006-05:00

It's a strange thing to see what life brings our way. I was just thinking today that if my old boss had not left his job, I probably would not have left mine and so would not have gone to Alaska and not have gone to Africa and therefore would have missed what was probably the most amazing experience of my life. Sometimes it takes a long time to see good in a tough situation. Hmmmm.....interesting thoughts...

Now a quirky and fun thing to post about: Last week, I met Mr. Incredible. The man (or should I say the voice) himself! I love the movie, The Incredibles and was excited to meet Mr. Nelson in person! Now I'm actually interested to see what else he has acted in and to see if he sounds like Mr. Incredible in his other roles!

I'm very anxious to see what other interesting people I'll get the chance to meet in the year ahead!

This and That...

2008-04-08T22:49:00.004-05:00

It's very cold here. You know, the kind of day where you would like to curl up in front of the fireplace with a cup of cocoa (extra marshmallows!) and a good book! Now, if only I had a fireplace or marshmallows for that matter! Oh, well! In the end, I just put on a fleese pullover and cleaned the house! Works every time to warm you up!

I am desperatly wishing I had a camera! Mine was ruined in South Africa when it fell into a puddle of water! (I don't reccoment you do that!) I simply haven't gotten another one.

A friend who is in Africa now, sent me a picture of my Baby Girl. She's gotten bigger since I left and that makes me want to cry because I'm missing it! She's such a precious angel and I'm having a mushy moment from missing her!

It's Been a While

2008-04-03T15:40:00.001-05:00

Wow! It's been a long time since I've blogged!
I think I may have lost all my creativity!
Oh, well! We'll see how this goes!