My quilt card from yesterday’s post stirred up memories for many of you. It also brought back loving memories of my grandmother and her quilting bees for me. It also inspired me to re-visit one of my family heirlooms. It isn’t pretty. It’s tattered and torn, and bears the soil of over 150 years. Yet the fact that it even exists, is in itself a small miracle. This is all that is left of a quilt which belonged to my great grandparents. While there are examples of older quilts, and much prettier quilts, and definitely cleaner quilts, this quilt survived a cyclone on the Iowa prairie. It was found in a tree top far from what had been the family homestead. Over time, it was passed on to my grandmother, then to my mother, and finally to me.

As I photographed it today, I found myself wondering more about its history. From where did the fabrics come? Were they from the shirts and dresses of my great grandparents, or even great-great relatives? Was it lovingly stitched in the evening by candlelight, or in the light of day after chores were completed. I would have loved to know more, but unfortunately its secrets will lie forever hidden. As the newest keeper of the quilt, I will pass it on to my son. I will share what I know about its story…that on a stormy Iowa day this confection of calico left its home for loftier heights.

There’s Still Time

There is still time to take advantage of Stampin’ Up!’s biggest sale of the year! Earn free product with your $50 order! To see what is available in the Sale-A-Bration brochure click Here.

Microbead Winner

Congratulations to Linda Fisher! Linda, #36, was randomly selected. Her comment:

The perfect quilt! The Box In Star pattern is one of my favorites. Another incredible job.

I would like to thank Linda and everyone who left comments! There will be more opportunities for Blog Candy in the future, as I continue to re-organize my stamping supplies! Linda, just send me your address, and I will send out your microbeads pronto! Until next time…

Coming Up:

The Paper Players card AND Simple Bow Video Tutorial!

It’s time to play at PPA! Pals Paper Arts challenge #86 is Element of Style…Embossing. To emboss simply means to adorn or decorate with a raised design. Whether you use an embossing folder, embossing powder, letterpress plates, or even lines created with a stylus, the Pals are challenging you to make a “good impression” and add texture to your design! As for me, I indulged in a little “Inlaid Embossing” and created this quilt for you. My mother, aunts, and grandmother were all fabulous quilters. As for me…I will have to be content with the papercrafted version! I hope you enjoy my “Quilt for the Pals”!

The Stampin’ Schach Stampin’ Tips:

• It’s hip to be square! This traditional “Box in Star” pattern is quick and easy! I simply cut four 1″ x 1″ squares from Very Vanilla card stock and four 1″ x 1″ squares from the new Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper. The DSP squares were arranged as pictured in the center of a 4″ x 4″ square of Cherry Cobbler card stock. The Very Vanilla squares were cut into triangles and adhered as illustrated.
  

• Be the boss…the embossing boss! The “quilt top” was then embossed using the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Hint: With “Inlaid Embossing”, you may find yourself being more successful with folders that have closely compacted patterns, such as with the Square Lattice folder.
• Decisions! Decisions! Although this card could have been made into a standard sized card, I felt that adhering the Cherry Cobbler “quilt” directly to the Not Quite Navy textured card base failed to complement the beautiful Baja Breeze DSP squares. Therefore I made the decision to mat the quilt onto Baja Breeze card stock. A 4-3/4″ wide x 5-1/4″ tall card was born, which still fits into the Stampin’ Up! square envelope.
• Finishing touches! Two lines were then embossed at the bottom of the card, just perfect for nestling three large Basic Pearls!

Quick and easy? YES! Does it look quick and easy? NO! To the non-stamper, it probably looks like you spent hours on it! But that will be your little secret. For fabulous FREE quilt patterns, check out this link: Free Quilt Patterns. I am so anxious to read what you think of my very first quilt card, so please, will you leave me a comment? And as always, I am more than happy to answer any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use! I am only an email away! Until next time…

Stamp Set: None; Inks: None; Designer Series Paper: Paisley Patterns—available April 1, 2022; Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Baja Breeze (111352), Not Quite Navy (119932); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247)

I just love my Wednesday “PPA Peek” Day. It’s fun to give you just a little taste of things to come before the big reveal on Thursday! Pearls and texture are two of my favorite elements to see on a card, and this card has both. And while you are waiting for Thursday, why not stop by Pals Paper Arts and check out this week’s PPA Picks!

Sale-A-Brate Good Times

Simple Bliss (Click Here for Details)

Bliss in the Round (Click Here for Details)

Bliss Color Challenge (Click Here for Details)

Not only is there time left to earn free stamps, there is still time to take advantage of the Starter Kit Special! Join the Schach Pack by March 31 and save 15% on the Stampin’ Up! Starter Kit (Normally $175, NOW $148.75) PLUS receive a bonus package worth up to $50! If you have any questions, please EMAIL me! I would love to talk with you!

Free Giveaway

Your comments on this post and tomorrow’s post, through 11:59 PM CST, will earn you a chance to win FOUR containers of retired Stampin’ Up! Bead Duos…two in Blue and two in Orange. These can be used with either Tombow Adhesive or Sticky Strip. The winner will be drawn randomly and announced on Friday! Until next time…