Spring is in the Air Table Topper Blog Hop

Welcome, guests, and regular readers to my Table Topper post for Madame Samm's Spring is in the Air blog hop.

My entry for the hop was made back when this was going to be a Valentine's Day hop, so my table topper features an original paper piecing design of three of my favorite people in the world.  I used these photo transfer sheets and Sulky's new PolyLite 60 thread that I got when Nancy Sapin visited our guild back in February.  

These little table toppers are so quick and cute that I just can't stand it.  I donated a custom one to the kids' school auction, and it stirred up some competitive juices (not to mention some decent cash for the school!).  Now I want to make one for all the different holidays.  

I hope everyone is enjoying the hop.  Please see yesterday's post for the schedule of all the bloggers to visit for lots of mini-quilt inspiration and several giveaways.

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Go With the Flow - A Day on the Chattahoochee

It's Spring Break around here and the weather is perfect for a staycation. In our quest for things to keep everyone entertained, we have managed paintball, golf, a movie, playdates, quilt guild, and now kayaking.

I grew up rafting on the Chattahoochee River, fondly referred to as "Shooting the Hooch", but had never kayaked or canoed before.   Since my husband actually had to, you know, WORK, I was taking the kids alone and was a little bit anxious.

I needn't have worried.  The guys at Go With the Flow in Roswell were great.  They showed the boys how to load the boats on the car (my biggest fear) and gave us all the gear we needed.  I had packed a cooler of drinks, lunch, and lots of sun screen, so we were ready to go!

There's a great place to put in just 2 miles away, and it was easier than I would have believed to get the boats and all the gear to the dock and into the water.

Soon we were on our way. What a gorgeous day! We paddled upstream about 2 miles to a local park where we stopped and had lunch. Then we were back in the river for a lazy ride back downstream to the car. 

Anyone else stay-cationing this year? What ideas do you have for keeping the bickering to a minimum?

Spring

We have been having the most gorgeous spring weather. I am enjoying every minute with the fresh air coming through open windows, the bluebirds and friends on the feeder singing to me, and the new flowers that greet each new day.
It puts me in a mood to tidy and clean, especially deck and garage so I can be outside, but it has also spilled into the house and my sewing area. I've decided to keep myself honest in my stashbusting by posting monthly pics of my progress. I didn't realize myself how much I had

done until I looked at these:

BEFORE: (March, 08) AFTER: (April, 08)

I'm embarrassed to post even one "before" picture and there are many more. I can't believe how much has been done in just a few weeks, but believe me when I tell you there is more to do.

I have to give credit for this to Bonnie Hunter's Scrap User System that she shared with us at our March guild meeting. She explains it all (for free!) on her website, plus so much more. I took her directions and made myself a little cheat sheet to keep in a plastic sleeve on my cutting table. The drawers you see under the table have my different sized squares, bricks, and strips in them. The large Basket by Dawn is my favorite and holds the twin sized quilt I am currently hand quilting for my mother.

So you can see that there is hope, even for the messiest of Messies. Open your windows, let in some spring air, and spend 15 minutes folding and cutting and fondling your favorite fabrics. You'll be amazed at what you find and how much more you can accomplish. Have a beautiful weekend!