Welcome to my Blog!

I'm Wendy, and I'm absolutely addicted to DIY projects!

As long as I can remember, I have always loved to decorate, make crafts, sew, garden, cook and entertain. I pursued my interests and hobbies by studying Home Economics at University. This career path allowed me to explore and teach all my favorite subjects; Housing and Interior Design, Fashion and Textiles, Nutrition and Culinary Arts, to name a few. My Bachelor of Education in Home Economics has given me opportunities to do so many things I'm truly passionate about for life.

Doing What Brings my Joy

As I get closer to retiring from teaching, I'm looking forward to spending more time doing all the things that bring me joy. I'm a certified Home Stager and Interior Decorator. I've written decorating columns for KV Style, a local magazine. I've sewn everything from evening gowns, costumes and children's clothing to stuffed animals and home decor items. I've participated in numerous craft sales, selling a variety of homemade crafts, clothing and decor items over the years. I love decorating cakes and cookies for special occasions. I'm fascinated with gardening and harvesting my own vegetables. I can spend hours and days creating new garden spaces and collecting seeds from my flowers. Taking pictures and making scrapbooks for myself, family and friends makes me happy! I love trying new hobbies and experimenting with different creative activities.

Sharing my Addiction for DIY

I've always had a creative mind and I love making things, whether it be a craft, a gift, card or decorating front doors for a holiday season. All these things, I've learned and experimented with throughout my life. Creating my own recipes and setting my dining table for my friends and family have opened so many new opportunities for my middle life journey! I want to share what I've learned with you. Writing a blog and starting my own website have been on my bucket list for quite some time. This will be a new challenge and experience for me.

Enjoying the DIY Lifestyle

I'm not really superstitious, but one day while I was sitting on my patio enjoying a cup of tea and looking at my gardens, a dragonfly landed on my big toe! It lingered for a good time, flew away and then came back a few minutes later for a second visit. I was told that dragonflies are very mythical, so I did a little research and discovered that when a dragonfly lands on you, it's a significant event. Its believed that they are messengers of good fortune. I used that experience as a sign that it was time to do the things I've been putting off because of being busy all the time with work, chores and just everyday life. I'm excited to share my ideas and projects with you!

Please bookmark my blog so that you can find me easily. Check back often for new posts. Subscribe to my blog if you'd like to be notified when a new project is posted.

Thank you for following me!

Wendy

Community of Quilts Tour Hampton Fall Festival 2024

As autumn arrived in Hampton, New Brunswick, the town transformed into a haven for quilt enthusiasts. As part of the Hampton Fall Festival, the town was decorated with quilts displayed at local businesses, shops, resident's homes and landmarks. Maps were provided for the tour, so quilt enthusiasts could view around fifty quilts while visiting and supporting local entrepreneurs and historic landmarks. My quilting guild (aka my friends and I) were invited to display our quilts!

Quilts displayed at Hampton Visitor Information Center

Top L to R: Nancy's Chandelier quilt at Kredl's Corner Market, Pumpkins at Blooming Stems, My first quilt hanging (Tumbling Charms) at Blooming Stems barn

Bottom L to R: Pumpkins at Blooming Stems, Nancy's quilt at the The Barn in Bloomfield, Brent Rourke's fine home decor items at The Barn in Bloomfield

Celebrating Autumn Colors through Quilting

The town of Hampton is a perfect backdrop for an autumn quilt tour. Their picturesque architecture and vibrant hues of gold, orange, and red leaves, motivate local quilters in creating their projects. Quilters frequently meet in local groups to work on their quilts. Community workshops are essential to this creative journey, as they not only instruct beginners in sewing but also nurture friendships.

Hampton Town Square

Fall Quilts displayed at Ole Foggy Distillery (Nancy's & Wendy's)

Quilting events and workshops attract quilters and enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. I was introduced to quilting by my friend Nancy in June 2024. I immediately became addicted to this new hobby. By the end of October, I had finished five quilts! Two of my quilts were displayed at the Fall Festival. The fall Jellyroll Race quilt above (right) and the Tumbling Charms quilt hanging in the barn of Blooming Stems (above) were my first two quilts.

Quilt shows allow quilters to showcase remarkable creations across different categories. Cutting up fabric into scraps to resew into beautiful quilts has become very popular! Quilt shops offer "pop-up" stores at different craft sales and quilting events, enabling quilters to purchase a variety of fabrics, patterns and notions for their quilts.

Terra's and Shawn's quilts displayed at the Lighthouse River Center

The Bond of Quilting: Community Connections

The heart of quilting lies in the connections formed among its members. Quilting guilds bring people together, offering support beyond just sewing. Newcomers often find mentors among seasoned quilters who willingly share their expertise, fostering both skill development and lasting friendships.

Patty's Jellyroll Race quilt displayed at the Hampton Visitor Information Center

Halloween Wreath

Create a Halloween wreath using various spools of wired ribbon and mesh - Meet Boo!

Here's how to make your own Boo!

Supplies:

• Wire wreath frame

• Various spools of wired ribbon and mesh

• Pipe cleaners, zip ties or florist wire (to secure ribbon and mesh)

• Metal or wooden painted Boo, or other centerpiece of your choice

• Scissors

• Hot glue

Directions:

1. Cut ribbon and mesh 4 - 6" long.

2. Trim the ends on a diagonal, or points.

3. Tie ribbons and mesh onto frame using pipe cleaners, zip ties or florist wire. Mix the colors and textures, adding until you have the desired fullness.

4. Attach your center piece securely to frame using zip ties or hot glue.

5. Add a hanging bow if you wish.

Shopping Notes:

• Shop Michael's flyer for specials on ribbons (buy one, get one free, etc.)

• Check dollar stores for characters that catch your eye. I used a metal garden stake and attached it to the metal frame using zip ties.

• Metal frame; purchased at the dollar store.