ScrapHappy Saturday - RSC25 - Week 20

Welcome to Week 20 of the 2025 Rainbow Scrap Challenge!!  This week my days will be filled with lessons from an online art event.  Will there be time for GREEN scrap sewing?

Keep reading to discover the truth...

SUNDAY - Happy Mother's Day to all of you motherly types out there!

My day began with my Weekly Morning Art Zoom using an altered magazine image of artwork by Susannah Rains-Haddad, along with two of my favorite colors to create this Messy May prompt celebrating COLOR...

And ended with a tasty dinner out with these two:

MONDAY - Day Off / Doctor Day

Random tasks prior to my appointment and afterwards I did some art based the CURIOUSER prompt for Messy May.  A search of the internet found a this funky coffee shop located in Winston-Salem, NC which is about an hour from our house...

And I was inspired to create the following mixed media page celebrating Curiouser Coffee:

It's also known at the coffee camper.

Until it was time for my Weekly Zoom Call with LeeAnna @ Not Afraid of Color:

TUESDAY - #100Days100ThingsDecluttered

Work

Before work, I worked on the 1st two layers for the UNLEASHED prompt for Messy May:

It was my first day back in the Call Center in ages!  After work I ran a couple of errands, including the pharmacy and a quick grocery run. Before dinner I started a painting based on one of today's Mastering Mixed Media Expo lessons and finished it up after dinner.  I completed this floral painting based on the artwork of Nikol Wikman:

SO MANY LAYERS!!!

WEDNESDAY - Work

Before leaving, I finished the last two steps on my UNLEASHED page by adding the focal point and (what I thought was) the day's identifiers:

Back at the cash register today.  I'm not sure which task I like better.  Possibly retirement!

THURSDAY - Day Off

I attended my (Weekly) Quilt Group meeting with the following members in attendance:

Then it was home for Curiosity Collective where we worked on the ADJUST page.  While I got a start on that page, I started and finished the LABRYNTH page shown below:

FRIDAY - Day Off

This morning I was off to Knit Group.  Did I remember our group photo???  No, I did not, but a took a photo of my freshly finished Lucky 13 Sock by Tracy @ OnWoolenPond:

After lunch I headed upstairs for Get Messy's Open Studio with Deandra.  I worked on the CORE prompt for Messy May.  Hand-cut mini Apple Core blocks completed my page:

I prepared the next couple of pages in my Messy May Journal during my Weekly Evening Art Zoom.  Britt and I stayed after to talk about the projects we planned to take to tomorrow's Sew Day with members of our Monthly Evening Quilt Bee:

SATURDAY - Work

It's LINK PARTY day for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge!  I hope you will join me in visiting Angela @ So Scrappy to see what the RSC Quilters have been up to this week.

I did some GREEN scrap sewing today at a Sew Day with my Monthly Evening Quilt Bee.  I'm pleased to say that I achieved a fair bit of progress on my projects:

I missed a group photo before half of our attendees left for the night, but here I am with the members of today's clean-up crew:

Thank you for the help, Britt, Mary Ann (not pictured) and Dawn!  What a fun and productive day.  Special thanks to Knittingsuek for arranging the event!!

Until next time...

Get SCRAPPY!!

The 100 Day Project - #100Days100ThingsDecluttered - Week 11

Welcome to Week 11 of the 2025 edition of #100Days100ThingsDecluttered, a special edition mini-series here at The Joyful Quilter!!  I started The 100 Day Project last week.  I'm excited that I've committed to it, again.  It's particularly popular on Instagram.  I was hesitant to participate before last year.  I'll be releasing weekly updates on Tidy Up Tuesday for those of you who might be interested in seeing what goes out the door.

What did you say your project was, again, Joyful???

I signed up with a different idea in mind than most.  You can read about it HERE.  That link will tell you all about my project.

The gist of my focus...

Decluttering my home and studio in an effort to free up space for MORE creativity.

Here are my decluttering efforts for  Week 11:

1 worn out fingernail implement

2 tissue holders

4 gift bags

2 studio boxes

4 keychains

2 upcycled mailers

Total: 15/100

Again, my goal was to hit 400 this week... Again, I failed to hit it.  On the plus side, I emptied TWO studio boxes this week.  I'll call that a win!  (Please remind me not to buy any more books for my studio library, as the shelves are bursting at the seams.)

Updated 100 Day Project Total: 352/100

Sorry!  No photo of the small items decluttered this week.

Thank you to those of you who encouraged me in my decluttering efforts this past week!  Your kind comments continue to make this decluttering journey of mine a somewhat less arduous task.

Some of you had a few things to say about Week 10's results...

Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing blog commented with the following:

Congrats on your progress. I did a little myself yesterday cleaning out above the shelf in my closet and in the chest of drawers. 2 more closets and one more bureau to go for me....slowly it happens.

Here's how I replied:

Thank you, Kathleen! Glad to hear that you were inspired to do a little decluttering, too. Keep peeling back the layers!

Sara, who blogs @ My Sewing Room, said this:

Good job! I've hit a wall myself this week with the decluttering, but will get back on track next week.

This is how I responded:

Thanks, Sara! I hope your decluttering mojo returns. You CAN do this!!!

@dothe100dayproject

#The100DayProject

#DoThe100DayProject

#100Days100Things_TheDeclutterEdition

#100Days100ThingsDecluttered

#filltheboxjoy

Come back next week to see what goes in the box during the next 7 days.  You can also follow me on Instagram @thejoyfulquilter, if you are there more often than in BlogLand.

Until next time...

Do the 100 Day Project!!!

ScrapHappy Saturday - RSC25 - Week 19

Welcome to Week 19 of the 2025 Rainbow Scrap Challenge!!  I've got a lot going on this week.  I'm scheduled to work, I've got errands to run, and there's an online Mastering Mixed Media Expo going on.  Don't forget it's Messy May over at Get Messy Art Journal Community!

Will there be any time left for GREEN scrap sewing, Joyful???

SUNDAY - During my Weekly Morning Art Zoom, I worked on the DERIVE prompt for Messy May based on a piece of art that I did back at the end of January of this year:

This afternoon, I watched the All-Star Sampler Platter from The Global Quilt Connection.  In the photo below you see Lyric Kinard introducing Jen Simonek from Loose Ends, an organization of volunteer finishers for those special projects left behind:

Her presentation "How not to leave a mess" was aimed at all kinds of fiber crafters and gave the following tips for managing your work prior to death or disability:

1. Take a hard look at your stash

2. Take a heard look at your WIPs

3. Leave a note in your WIPs

4. Find a Craft Executor

5. Use the resources on our website

6. Let people know about Loose Ends

MONDAY - Day Off 

This morning I attended a virtual watercolor class with @tammykayeart and here is my painting based on her example:

While visiting her website, I saw the supply list for an upcoming class and decided to paint it to include in my MIL's Mother's Day card using some of the techniques learned in the landscape class:

This afternoon was Swap Club at Get Messy.  I signed up for my first ATC Swap.  Color me excited!  The theme was LINE and I got my set of cards made during the hangout:

Once Swap Club was over, I watched one of the three lesson I missed for Alex Kincaid's Spring Florals Watercolor Workshop.  My sample strokes were nothing to look at, though.  Then I did some of catching up on things around and for the house before catching up on the NEW Mastering Mixed Media Expo videos from Tam LaPorte @ Willowing Arts.  Day One either didn't appear in my inbox or I accidentally deleted it.  Either way, I'm only 3 lessons behind now.

TUESDAY - #100Days100Things Decluttered

Day Off

This morning I watch the first of three lessons for today at the Mastering Mixed Media Expo and then did a bit of decluttering.  Bonus Points!!  I emptied another studio box:

I noticed construction efforts on two houses in the new neighborhood next door:

I checked in with Barb at Get Messy's Open Studio after lunch.  My task was to gesso a spread in my DIY Lay Flat Journal.  Sorry!  Nothing photo worthy.

WEDNESDAY - Work

I did a post office run this morning and a quick stop at the grocery store this afternoon, before I went home for my Weekly Zoom Call with LeeAnna @ Not Afraid of Color...

Once we finished chatting, I went to get ready for a Celebration Day dinner:

After dinner, I watched the last two videos from Alex Kincaid's Watercolor Workshop.

THURSDAY - Work

First thing this morning was some concrete work in the new neighborhood next door.  Two driveways and two foundations (not pictured) were poured:

Before I left, I did a quick watercolor painting (loosely based on the view out our back door) for today's NATURE prompt for Messy May...

And took a picture of my APERTURE prompt response from the other day:

After work I watched the Mastering Mixed Media Expo lesson from Jackie Schomburg and created the following page using her methods...

And followed that up with a lesson from Jennifer Bonneteau @ rainbowslinger.com

using various techniques, including pen and watercolor:

This afternoon's big news!!  Another family moved in down the street:

FRIDAY - Day Off

I went to Knit Group and then had lunch at the Clubhouse with Beth and her husband.  We missed our other knitting friends:

Thanks so much, Beth!

After lunch I missed my friends at Get Messy's Open Studio with Deandra in favor of doing a favor for Knittingsuek who needed a ride to her post-surgical appointment.  However, my alarm didn't go off and I was late picking her up.  Fortunately, we arrived right on time and hopefully she will eventually forgive me for causing her such distress!!!

Once home, and with dinner out of the way, I attended my Weekly Evening Art Zoom where I worked on the Mastering Mixed Media Expo class from Cindy Gilstrap that I watched this afternoon.  There are still a few more details to add:

  

RSC Quilter friends, do I get bonus points for using

fabric scraps that I painted GREEN???

SATURDAY - Work

It's LINK PARTY day for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge!  I hope you will join me in visiting Angela @ So Scrappy to see what the RSC Quilters have been up to this week.

The answer to the question at the top of the post...

NO.  There was not a single minute for GREEN scrap sewing.  I haven't even set my sewing machine up since I got back from the mountains, but here's what I have available to work with for the month:

Perhaps, next week will be a sewing week.  Only time will tell.

Until next time...

Get SCRAPPY!!

The 100 Day Project - #100Days100ThingsDecluttered - Week 10

Welcome to Week 10 of the 2025 edition of #100Days100ThingsDecluttered, a special edition mini-series here at The Joyful Quilter!!  I started The 100 Day Project last week.  I'm excited that I've committed to it, again.  It's particularly popular on Instagram.  I was hesitant to participate before last year.  I'll be releasing weekly updates on Tidy Up Tuesday for those of you who might be interested in seeing what goes out the door.

What did you say your project was, again, Joyful???

I signed up with a different idea in mind than most.  You can read about it HERE.  That link will tell you all about my project.

The gist of my focus...

Decluttering my home and studio in an effort to free up space for MORE creativity.

We went away for a week and DS2 forgot some of the order of eating...

5 spoiled food products

Added to that my Week 10 decluttering efforts:

15 pc fabric

1 empty studio box

3 pr. shoes

5 shoe boxes

1 decorative ornament

Total: 30/100

I had really hoped to hit 400 this week, but just didn't have the energy for decluttering.  I did empty a studio box, though, so I'm pretty happy about that.  I "found" three of my "missing" mini quilts!

Updated 100 Day Project Total: 337/100

Thank you to those of you who encouraged me in my decluttering efforts last week!  Your kind comments make this decluttering journey somewhat less arduous.

Here's what some of you had to say about Week 9's results...

Sara@ My Sewing Room had the following to say:

Every little bit makes a difference. Hope you are enjoying some time away.

I'm not sure that I responded before now:

Thanks, Sara! Every little bit feels like a small win. Our time away was quite pleasant, as it's always nice to have someone else do the cooking!  :o))

Soma @ InkTorrents.comMay 2, 2025 at 3:23 PM

It is such a good feeling. Well done!!

-Soma

Again, I'm not sure if I responded before now:

Thank you, Soma! I just keep taking another layer off each week. Some weeks it's a thinner layer than others. I appreciate your thoughtful response.

@dothe100dayproject

#The100DayProject

#DoThe100DayProject

#100Days100Things_TheDeclutterEdition

#100Days100ThingsDecluttered

#filltheboxjoy

Come back next week to see what goes in the box during the next 7 days.  You can also follow me on Instagram @thejoyfulquilter, if you are there more often than in BlogLand.

Until next time...

Do the 100 Day Project!!!

ScrapHappy Saturday - RSC25 - Week 18

WARNING!!!  Photo-Heavy Post!!!

Welcome to Week 18 of the 2025 Rainbow Scrap Challenge!!  This week is my vacation week.  DH had a work conference in the mountains of North Carolina and invited me along.  Some people love the beach, but the mountains are my happy place.  Was there and GREEN scrap sewing involved???  (That's the Color of the Month for the RSC.)

The short answer is... Maybe!!!  Read on to find out, but first...

Another Iris bloomed yesterday.  I didn't see it until just before we left town.  The white one with purple falls didn't bloom last year so I was surprised to see it in the front garden:

There are mountains in the distance.  We'll be arriving soon...

Happy tummies and we each have a $50 gift card to play the slot machines:

SUNDAY - Vacation

Timing didn't quite work out for me to attend my Weekly Morning Art Zoom and I wasn't able to access Zoom on my phone..

Then we were leaving the property of Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort...

To check out the golf tournament being hosted at Sequoyah National Golf Club:

After taking in the beautiful views, we took a trip down memory lane with a stop at Oconaluftee Islands Park...

Followed by a delicious grilled trout dinner at Paul's Family Restaurant.  We ate there 18 years ago and it hasn't changed a bit!  It might not look very pretty and they seem to have mixed reviews, but our food was just as delicious as we remembered.

MONDAY -  Vacation

Good morning NCPTA Conference!  Thank you to the dining staff for making plain scrambled eggs for me so that I didn't have to risk anaphylactic shock by wading through the ones with mushrooms sauteed in them.  Yes.  I'm allergic and not happy about it:

Between conference meals and other activities, I managed to squeeze in my Weekly Zoom Call with LeeAnna @ Not Afraid of Color:

Later this afternoon, I decided to tackle the task of turning the heel of my latest sock.  It's the Lucky 13 Sock by Tracy @ On Woolen Pond:

TUESDAY - #100Days100ThingsDecluttered

Vacation

After lunch, I went out for a walk along the creek that runs through the property...

Then went back to the room to do some GREEN scrap sewing:

When I finished my block components, I started a painting based on a photo I took earlier while on my walk...

As I waited for paint to dry, I thought I'd take a photo of my makeshift sewing set-up to show you and see what I could finish up before dinner:

WEDNESDAY -  Vacation/Return Home

The vouchers in the photo below were transformed into cash on my way out.  I had a great time playing with the casino's money!  We lucked out with the timing of this conference:

Fortunately, we managed to arrive home safely.  This book kept me company during the crazy rain storm that dogged us on our path.  It is destined to become an altered book journal soon, as it's one of my favorite sizes to work in:

THURSDAY - The Guest Blogger(s)

Day Off

Look what bloomed yesterday!  It's a Japanese Iris from my friend Dee Dee:

Thanks for sharing, Dee Dee!

I missed my (Weekly) Quilt Bee today in favor of a trip to the Sewing Expo in Raleigh with Knittingsuek.  Wonder of wonders, I stuck with my promise to buy nothing for myself.

We saw a couple of our Monthly Evening Quilt Bee members.  Thanks for sharing your table with us Mary Ann and Marianne.  Hopefully, we'll see you two again in a couple weeks at our upcoming Sew Day:

Our uneventful excursion took a detour when we were almost back to Sue's house.  This happened!  :o((

My car broke down on the side of the road (in nearly 90 F heat) and needed to be towed.  The guy from Lloyd's Towing thinks it's the fuel pump.  DH will do some research:

FRIDAY - Day Off 

Knit Group with Stacy and Beth this morning:

Get Messy's Open Studio with Deandra was this afternoon.  I worked on  starting my pages for Messy May...

... I left early for a skin check appointment at Trillium Dermatology and looked a little different when I returned home.  I should hear back about the biopsy in a week or so:

During my Weekly Evening Art Zoom I worked on the SWATCH prompt for Messy May.  Of course, my swatches include GREEN paint, paper, AND fabric:

SATURDAY - Day Off 

It's LINK PARTY day for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge!  I hope you were able to visit Angela @ So Scrappy to see what the RSC Quilters have been up to this week.

No Zoom with Knittingsuek today since I just saw her on the day before yesterday, but I did go art with Britt for the first time in quite some time.  We both worked on today's Messy May DRAW prompt:

Until next time...

Get SCRAPPY!!