{ sewing }

Well, I think my sewing machine might like me again. I'm hoping it lasts, because I have very little patience for that machine!

So on this lovely weekend, I'm hoping to finish some sewing projects and {maybe} try some new ideas that have been swirling about in my head.

What will you be up to this weekend?

If you'd like to join in on my "virtual coffee visits", be sure to leave a comment right here.

{ visiting }

In my perfect dream world, I would love to invite some fellow bloggers for coffee.

Nevermind the fact that in real life, I can be painfully shy.

{This is just my dream.}

{source}

Maybe Kim would come over.

{She actually does live fairly close to me!}

Maybe Gussy. Or Natalie. Or Erica.

{You know, I'd probably still be nervous. Even in my dream world!}

We would sip coffee with special creamer and topped with whipped cream. I might even make some Coffee & Cream muffins. We'd spend several hours talking, laughing...it would be so much fun.

But since that probably won't happen {at least not any time soon}, I'll just have to be content visiting their blogs and leaving comments. And that's fun, too.

Now, I know there are lots of other great blogs out there.

I'd love to be able to visit some of them over the next week or so!

So here's my plan.

If you are a fellow blogger, and you'd like me to come visit your blog for a virtual "coffee visit", I'd love to! Just leave me a sweet comment about your dream world + a link to your blog.

P.S. I do have one small request. I don't want any weird links to nasty sites or anything like that.

{not that any of you would do that, but this is my disclaimer.}

Please keep it clean, safe and family friendly!

I'll be seeing you soon!

{ random Loveliness }

Passion Vine Soy Candle

from Zuz Design

Sweet Cherry Blossoms

from VerreEncore

The Butterflies

from Susannah Tucker Photography

What's making your day lovely?

{ yellow + grey }

I would have to say that is probably Natalie's "fault" that I love yellow + grey so much.

Because I really didn't notice yellow until I "met" her and her blog.

So, thank you, Natalie. Because these colors are fabulous.

{Natalie is celebrating this week of yellow + grey, and she might even be giving something(s) away! You should go check out her lovely blog, and I doubt you'll be disappointed.}

{ tired }

I have a bad habit.

{Well, maybe more than one, but for now, it's enough.}

I always have books on hand, just waiting for me to read.

And I read them.

I have read SO much in my lifetime.

My problem is that sometimes {especially on Saturday nights}, I'll finish one book...

{source}

...and then I'll pick up a book I've already started...

{source}

...and finish it.

And think to myself, my alarm will go off early in the morning, and I really should be sleeping.

{source}

But I don't turn off the light. I just pick up another book. And proceed to read almost the entire thing.

And then I finally go to sleep at 2:30am.

Trust me, I regret it when the alarm goes off at 6:30.

{Someday, maybe I'll grow out of this habit. I hope.}

{ #78 }

78. Go to IKEA.

Yep! I've actually been there 3 times in the past 5 days...Wow!

I really wasn't intending so many trips there.

Once I went with my dear friend, my mom and my sister. My mom and my friend had never been there, so it was more of a "browse around and look in wonder" trip. ;)

The second time, I went with my parents. My dad really wanted to get a bookshelf for their bedroom. He had never been there, but he found exactly what he wanted from the catalog and website. He likes to shop when he knows exactly what he wants.

The third time was not intended at all. But my dad bought 2 sets of casters to use with the bookshelf...

...but he needed 3 sets. So my mom and I ended up going back again.

But in my opinion, there's no such thing as too many trips to IKEA. Plus, they have super yummy cinnamon buns. ;)

{All images taken from ikea.com}

{ #1 and #66 }

1. Learn to sew in a zipper.

66. Sew a zippered pouch.

Check and check!

I have to say, sewing is not my forte in life. I mean, I can sew, but I don't like to use patterns or follow directions. Problematic? Probably.

I've always heard the term zipper foot, which you use when you sew in a zipper {okay, that seems sensible...}. Well, my sewing machine is a really old hand-me-down from my grandmother. I'm sure it has a zipper foot, but I have no idea where it is. So I decided to experiment on my own instead.

And it worked!

I've made several {read: 8} of these zippered pouches.

And I'm actually happy with the way they turned out!

I have no plans to sell them, other then to help Haiti.

Maybe someday.

And credit must go where credit is due...

The ever fabulous Gussy helped me out a ton! Her tips and suggestions got me going and helped me reach the end goal {the first few pouches I made were not so lovely...}.

Thanks, Gussy!

So, tell me:

Do you sew?

Or are you afraid to try?

{Trust me, I was there for a while}

I'd love to hear your stories!

P.S. Currently my sewing machine does not like me...I'm trying to fix it, but nothing seems to work. Which is sad, because I would like to sew on it soon!

See my { 101 in 1001 } list here.

{winner} + news

I've been a bad blogger lately. You may have noticed, but if you didn't, that's okay, too. ;)

This week has been busy. I'm worn out.

But I missed my blogging a lot! So now I'm back, and trying

my hardest to fight off bad blogging habits.

*****

I'm sure you'd like to know who the winner of The Lavender Road giveaway is, right?

Well, I plugged in the number at random.org, and the winner is...

Bailey!

from Addicted to Addison.

Bailey, please email me!

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

If I don't hear from you, I'll have to pick another winner, and I'd really hate to do that.

*****

Thank you for the sweet and heartfelt comments left on my post about Haiti. I did find out that those 2 little girls and their family are all right, but I'm sure they're still having a rough time. I'm not sure if they have food, or a place to live...it's very sad for me. But I am very thankful that they are alive.

I've created a Help for Haiti section in my shop.

I had made some zipper pouches like the one shown above, and I decided to sell them

{just for now, not permanently}, to help raise money.

$10 from each sale {of a zippered pouch} is being donated to Compassion's Disaster Relief for Haiti.

Right now that section is empty.

7 pouches have been sold.

That's $70 for Haiti.

I am so excited!

Right now my sewing machine is giving me fits, {seriously, it's driving me crazy!} but as soon as I can, I'm hoping to list a few more of the zippered pouches.

I'm not selling them for me, I just want to be able to help Haiti.

*****

I've managed to cross some things off of my {101 in 1001} list!

I'll be showing some of that during the week.

Still can't wait to see just how many I can accomplish!

{ Haiti }

My heart is aching for Haiti.

Especially because I don't even know...

...if these 2 precious little girls are even alive.

I'm hoping {and praying} they are.

Their mama is a missionary in Haiti.

Can you help?

You can donate to Comapassion's Disaster Relief, or join in on the raffles happening at Hope for Haiti. I'm sure there are many other organizations raising funds as well.

I'm working on an idea for helping out in my own way. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

{The Lavender Road} + a giveaway!

Let me tell ya--there is not much better than opening your drawer and pulling out your pajamas, still smelling of lavender.

Mmmm.

Today I'm featuring Kim's Etsy shop, The Lavender Road. Ever heard of it? Trust me, it's pretty great. I have a few of these sachets, and they smell soooo good! Stack one in your drawer, and then your clothes smell really good, too. :)

These pretty little sachets would make great hostess gifts, or you can use them to freshen your closet (even your car!), and they're eco-friendly. The scent lasts and lasts, just give it a squeeze every once in a while!

Kim even has some sachets that would make lovely Valentine's Day gifts! Aren't the hearts pretty?

How would you like to add a lovely set of sachets to your collection? You would?
I thought so.

Well, you've got a chance to do that today!
Here's the rules:

For one entry, leave a comment. Any old comment will do.
For a second entry, visit The Lavender Road and comment with your favorite sachet.
For a third entry, blog/tweet/spread the word about this giveaway {comment with the link}.

This giveaway will end next Monday, January 18th. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced here at The Sweetest Petunia, and will need to contact me within 3 days {or another winner will be chosen}. You can follow The Sweetest Petunia or subscribe {see left sidebar!} so you don't miss anything!

*I received no compensation for hosting this giveaway.*

{ #29 }

29. Make a new Etsy banner.

Check!

The Art of Paper has a new look! Which is good. My other header? Not so appealing.

You can see my other 100 goals right here.

*****

In other news, you'll definitely want to check back in on Monday. I have something special planned!

It may also include something exciting for one of you...

I'll see you then!

{ 101 in 1001 }

I made a list for myself. 101 things that I'd like to complete 1001 days. Some of these are important and special to me; others are just things I'd kinda like to do. I've decided that if I get to September 27th, 2012, and I have not finished everything on this list, it's fine. I can find the joy in the things I did accomplish.
I've included the entire list here, and it is kind of a lot. I will be impressed if you read through the whole thing! You may notice that some things are already crossed off...I didn't waste time for some of these! (You'll here more about that in other posts).

{ January 1st, 2010--September 27th, 2012 }

1. Learn to sew in a zipper.
2. Figure out how to crochet a cup cozy.

3. Add a bookshelf to my collection.

4. Read all the works of Jane Austen.

5. Learn the basics of knitting.

6. Play through all of the Hanon exercises.

7. Build up my savings account.

8. Learn to sew with a pattern.

9. Sew a lovely dress.
10. Learn to make the "perfect" pie crust,

11. Crochet baby blankets for any new arrivals.

12. Finish writing my novel.

13. Read all 28 original Elsie books.

14. Read the Bible. All of it.

15. Make a Book Page wreath.

16. Add to my Lamplighter collection.

17. Buy a nice camera.

18. Learn photo-editing skills.

19. Stop biting my nails.

20. Add 20 new recipes to my file.

21. Read all of the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

22. Get engaged. :)

23. Plan a beautiful, simple and sweet wedding.

24. Get married!

25. Perfect a simple apron pattern.

26. Buy Hayden something sentimental that he'll love.

27. Read through all of my Mystery of History curriculum.

28. Lose 10 pounds.

29. Make a new Etsy banner.

30. Make cocoa mix.

31. Compose a "classical" piano piece.

32. Write several short stories.

33. Learn to make lavender sachets.

34. Do some basic coupon clipping/organizing/using.

35. Make a Pride and Prejudice-inspired dress.

36. Paint a picture.

37. Take a trip up north to see the leaves change.

38. Visit Washington, D.C.

39. Surprise someone!

40. Whiten my teeth.

41. Get rid of all acne!

42. Create/sew a bag (use/make a pattern).

43. Memorize 1 Corithians 13:4-8a.

44. Write a poem.

45. Make a CD (playing the piano).

46. Get a pedicure.

47. Learn to type--correctly!

48. Write down our love story.

49. Buy the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack.

50. Learn to play 2 songs from Pride and Prejudice, and well.

51. Give someone a "care basket" (for no reason).

52. Run a mile.

53. Buy something (on my own) from an Etsy shop.

54. Start up a blog for The Art of Paper.

55. Figure out how to sell {Create Your Own} card kits.

56. Make a set of cards shaped like coffee cups.

57. Buy someone else Starbucks.

58. Get pictures done by a "real" photographer.

59. Teach someone to play the piano.

60. Create a scrapbook.

61. Take one picture every day for a month.

62. Rearrange the furniture.

63. Find a good devotional and use it.

64. Go to the beach.

65. Pack a picnic lunch to share with someone.

66. Sew a zippered pouch.

67. Read The Chronicles of Narnia {again}.

68. Read The Lord of the Rings trilogy {again}.

69. Work through a mathbook.

70. Do a logic puzzle.

71. Create a crossword puzzle & challenge someone.

72. Do a Sudoku puzzle.

73. Buy a book of crossword puzzles.

74. Read (and finish) Great Expectations.

75. Buy The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.

76. Plan a "Girl's Night In" and have a good time.

77. Get a vinyl wall decal to add to the decor.

78. Go to IKEA.

79. Go out to The Melting Pot.

80. Clean out my closet and donate clothes.

81. Shop at a thrift store at least once.

82. Buy some artwork.

83. Make Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice soup.

84. Host a Spa Night.

85. Give an anonymous gift.

86. Babysit for free.

87. Make Peppermint Sugar Scrub.

88. Stay up all night.

89. Buy something "vintage".

90. Knit a scarf.

91. Take some kind of music class.

92. Make a Dutch Apple Pie.

93. Get a job (of some sort).

94. Sing for an audience.

95. Make cinnamon rolls from scratch.

96. Add to my Willow Tree collection.

97. Plan a surprise party.

98. Make a quilt.

99. Call an old friend.

100. Play Braham's Waltz in A flat.

101. Memorize James 3:2-10

Whew!
Still here? Great! You should probably get a prize. :)

I will be keeping you all updated when I finish these, to some extent. I'm excited to see what all I can get done!

{ 3 Years }

I love you more than I ever thought I could.

Happy 3 Years.

xo

{Monogrammed Candles}

Oh, how I looove candles!

If there was one thing I "collected", that would be it.

I also love to give candles to other people {go figure}!

This year for Christmas, I needed an easy, inexspensive {read: cheap} gift, and then I needed 2 of them.

One for my mom, one for my Sweetheart's mom.

I wandered the aisles at Michael's for hours...

{probably only one hour, but it was a while.}

I finally found my solution, and it turned out so cute I just had to share!

Here's what you'll need:

A jar candle

Ribbon {I used 2 kinds}

Paint to match

Small letters {they can be hard to find, so you may have to improvise}

A hot glue gun or super glue

First, you'll need to paint your letters. Front, back, sides, all of it! Make sure the paint is thoroughly dry before moving on to the next thing.

{With my candle I did first and last initial; you can do that, or your own monogram version. Whatever works best!}

Next, be sure to peel the label off of the candle and heat your hot glue gun.

Once it's ready, hot glue that letter right onto the jar!

{Arrange it however you like!}

The last step is to tie your ribbon around the mouth of the jar. I used 2 different types of ribbon {I couldn't resist the brown/gold combo!}, but if you only have one kind, that would work, too! Just make it look good. I'm sure you can figure that out on your own. :)

And here it is!

They turned out very cute, and the ladies loved them!

'Cause really, who doesn't love a monogram? *wink, wink*

These would be great to make for birthdays, bridal showers...very easy, not much expense...sounds good to me! I'm already planning the next one I'll be making. ;)

{Linking up to Kimba's DIY Day!}