The Hand-Stitched Surface : Slow stitching and mixed-media techniques for fabric and paper

The Hand-Stitched Surface is written by Lynn Krawczyk and 15 keep-sake quality projects that are perfect for those who want to step away from technology and embrace a quiet, meditative approach to handwork and creating art.

It offers techniques and beautiful  richly layered mixed media surfaces of both paper and fabric.
The book starts with an overview of tools and supplies.  This is followed by a section of stitching essentials which covers a range of basic stitches and how they can be modified.  You will learn the effects of mixing thread weights, unique ways to create patterns, how to explore color and tips and tricks on improvisational stitching.

Right away I see 2 projects that I look forward to doing----the Deconstructed Needle Book and the Doodle Love Lap Quilt.

In the Paper Projects section I found 2 things that my middle daughter will enjoy making-- the Paper Succulent Garden and the Origami Candy Catcher.

The back of the book includes templates for the projects that need those.  It's a comprehensive book with lots of illustrations for each step.  Whether you are a beginner crafter/sewer or an experienced one, there are projects for everyone.  Any of the projects would make great gifts as well.







Disclosure:   I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and any opinions are my own.  Post contains affiliate links.

Frugal Friday With Marsha -- Time for Deals

The last 2 Friday's I have brought you giveaways over deals, coupons, freebies and sweepstakes to enter.  (If you have amazon fresh in your area and haven't entered the Pangea Nutrition giveaway for $150 worth of food, please do as it ends on Monday!)

It's time to see what deals and such I can find for my readers this week.

If you need diapers and wipes don't miss this deal on them.  Luvs are currently on sale at Kroger stores for $6.99.  The $2 coupon brings them down to only $4.99!
The Huggies wipes are on sale for $1.49 so just pay .99 cents for them after the coupon!


 

 



Here are some other coupons worth printing:


 

 

 

 

 

 




Here are some freebies for you to check out:

Free Sample of Starbucks K-Cups

Free Back to Nature Crackers or Cookies


Free Sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food or PEAK Dog Food

5 Free Recyclebank Points

10 Free Recyclebank Points


And here are some sweepstakes to enter.  Good luck!!

Win a Weber Grill, Smoker & Portable Cart from NatureSweet

Win a Trip to Chicago for the Transformers:The Last Knight Movie

Win a $200 Ultimate Men's Grooming Prize Pack

Win a $5,000 Fuel Gift Card from Lazydays RV




Until next week, Happy Saving!

WIP Wednesday -- Cutting and Cutting

I had hoped to get my sewing machine out this past week, but it didn't happen.
I went into my room and started bringing out fabrics and batting to cut for the string blocks.  I ended up bringing out flannels for a couple of blankets I want to start too.

I cut what I needed then what was left of the piece of fabric I cut as well for other projects.
You can see that I cut 10 inch solid colors.  They are for the back of a quilt that needs to be finished.
I cut some 1 inch strips for a locker hook runner rug that I want to start.
I cut strips for another toothbrush rug.
I have a stack of 5 inch squares to add to my 5 inch stash.
I have both 7 inch and 10 inch flannel squares for a start on those blankets.
And....I have my stack of green strips with batting and backing for my string blocks.

Wish me luck that I make my goal of getting out my sewing machine today and working on these projects!!

I link up with the following blogs:



Jo's Country Junction:  http://www.joscountryjunction.com/

Happy Memorial Day from MyGiftCardsPlus

MyGiftCardsPlus is celebrating Memorial Day with huge deals! If you're not familiar, MyGiftCardsPlus is a site where you earn cash back (in the form of SB points from Swagbucks) for purchasing gift cards to your favorite retailers. 

Purchase gift cards now through Monday and you’ll earn an extra 33% cash back on all gift cards! (that’s 33% more SB for your gift card purchases). For example, when you buy a $50 Applebee’s gift card you usually earn 300 SB, but now you’ll earn 399 SB! Use gift cards to stock up on summer essentials, treat your family to dinner, or book flights and hotels for a long weekend getaway. You won’t want to miss these cash back deals, so click here to make advantage of this deal while supplies last!