notes from ThoughtfulHearts

Mosaic

2012-02-05T08:11:00.000-05:00

I brought together two of my favorite fabrics, batik and unbleached cotton. With remnants left over from two separate projects I randomly started sewing strips together. I ended up with this fun mosaic pattern.

For a selection of heart keepsakes please stop by for a visit.

You can see more photos of my mosaic keepsake here.

Gluten Free Almond Bread

2012-01-31T15:00:00.006-05:00

I've been experimenting with gluten free bread recipes for a while now. For this loaf I used almond meal, coconut flour and ground flax seed. Finding just the right combination of flours has been the hardest part of making gluten free bread. A lot of recipes call for rice flour, but I don't care for the aftertaste it leaves. This bread also has a nice texture and holds up well in the toaster.

I ended up making french toast with several slices. Yum!

Vintage fabric endures

2012-01-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

I was given the opportunity once again to create a heart keepsake from vintage fabric. I love working with vintage fabric. The history, the colors, the texture, the sentimental value makes it so endearing.

This yard or so of well worn, or as I like to say, "well loved" vintage fabric, in aqua and avocado, had seen better days.

I selected the best area for the pattern, wanting to be sure I could show the lovely flower pattern. Included with the fabric were several original fabric covered buttons. I just had to incorporate these into the finished keepsake. The vintage buttons made the keepsake heart complete.

As a finishing touch I added a new silk ribbon in aqua for a wonderful contrast.

The beauty of vintage fabric.....endures.

Valentine's Day

2012-01-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to express your feelings for someone special.

Select the perfect little keepsake for your sweetheart. In my romance collection you will find a variety of romantic keepsakes.

Celebrate love February 14th.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-05T07:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Winter friends

2011-11-29T06:42:00.024-05:00

Snowmen and penguins all bundled up for the winter. These winter friends reside here, in my holiday collection, . . . . until they find a home for the holidays. Come take a peek if you are looking for a special holiday ornament, stocking stuffer or hostess gift.

Chilly and Chili

2011-10-31T07:36:00.001-04:00

It was chilly here Saturday morning. Crisp. My husband and I decided to take a long walk at the local
state park. With the cooler weather the trees are turning all the lovely autumn colors. Of course I forgot to bring my camera, but I did manage to pick up some acorns for this shot.

On our way home my husband requested a big pot of chili. And that's exactly what he got....a big pot of chili! I made so much that I was able to freeze 8 quarts. I am ready for the next time he asks.

Chilly ! Chili ! Yes, it is autumn here.

Is it chilly or chili by you?

Fall Whimsy

2011-10-09T12:13:00.008-04:00

Fall is in the air. This whimsical keepsake would make a great hostess gift or fun decoration. Scarecrows, pumpkins, Indian corn and other fall delights cover this charming keepsake.

The Big Pumpkin

2011-09-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

Ever see a little one try to pick up a huge pumpkin?
That is what gave me the idea for this design. Matryoshka doll. Pumpkin. How cute is that !

These delightful cards would make a great Halloween party invitation or a fun note to send someone.

A set of two prints of my original Matryoshka doll illustration in watercolor and ink can be found here.

Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-09-14T12:08:00.000-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Send a reminder to your sister, mom, daughter, cousin, aunt, friend.
Paper Dolls reaching across, hand in hand, to remind them of yearly mammograms.

This is a copy of my original ink and watercolor.

Time for a coffee break!

2011-07-29T04:56:00.000-04:00

The local farmers market has the most fabulous roasted coffee beans. Two of my favorites are the Cinnamon Hazelnut and the Vanilla Hazelnut. Delightfully mellow aromas. The scents are subtle, but fragrant enough to lure you to your favorite reading nook and pick up a good book to read.

I recently made a custom heart keepsake for a customer. It's for her husbands home office. I used a masculine fabric in paisley on one side and unbleached cotton on the other side. Then I added a wide brown ribbon. Dark French Roast coffee beans fill the inside of this keepsake heart, bold but not overwhelming.

The sachet can be placed on a small saucer with unbleached cotton side down. Over time the unbleached cotton will absorb the oils from the coffee beans and give the sachet a touch of Old World charm.

Time for a coffee break!

It's a wrap

2011-06-19T17:34:00.000-04:00

After several attempts to make the perfect wrap that fits my taste....I finally found the right combination of ingredients.

Yes, the wraps are green, that is from the spinach. Other ingredients include coconut milk, yellow bell pepper, 1 apple, 1 banana, ground sunflower seeds and ground flax seeds.

This recipe makes 3 large wraps using a food dehydrator. They have a slight sweetness too them but not too sweet.

This wrap has tomatoes, shredded carrots, avocado, raw homemade mayo and my home grown sprouts.

Here I added my home grown sprouts again, avocado and shredded carrots.

These wraps turned out better than I expected. I guess I will call this a wrap!

My Pink Azalea

2011-05-10T05:30:00.000-04:00

In full bloom, my pink azalea bush never disappoints me. One moment it is just a green bush, then overnight it surprises me with hundreds of pink flowers! Each year it gets more beautiful.

Teacher Appreciation

2011-05-01T20:13:00.000-04:00

Red apples symbolize the traditional teachers gift. This keepsake puts a bit of whimsy on tradition.
An A+ gift that will show that their dedication has not gone unnoticed. A small token of appreciation for a special teacher.

What is your favorite jelly bean flavor?

2011-04-20T05:34:00.007-04:00

I am surprised at all the jelly bean flavors out there. From apple to watermelon! My husband loves red, although red is not a flavor, red is what he goes after....cherry, strawberry.
I think if I had to pick a favorite it would be chocolate!

You can see a listing of my favorite Easter card in my shop....before my husband ate all the
red jelly beans!

What is your favorite jelly bean flavor?

Happy Easter!

Woodsy Batik

2011-04-10T17:56:00.005-04:00

I love the look and unusual patterns of batik fabric. I found this lovely brown pattern that reminds me of crunchy brown leaves in the woods. I just had to make a keepsake out of it.Although brown can be boring, this keepsake turned out rather lovely.

Chocolate Halvah

2011-03-23T07:36:00.024-04:00

Halvah, a sweet treat consisting of ground sesame seeds and honey. In this recipe I grounded my own hulled sesame seeds. I added honey, cacao powder, coconut butter and vanilla extract. The halvah was pressed into a small glass dish and scored in one inch pieces then frigerated for two hours. This also keeps well in freezer, if it lasts that long. Then, of course, I had to sample. Delicious! This will take care of your sweet tooth, but it doesn't stop there, sesame seeds are a great way to add to your daily calcium intake. Enjoy!

Ode to Spring

2011-03-23T05:26:00.008-04:00

Ode to Spring Keepsake

Here in Georgia spring is beginning to bloom. It's been a long winter and I can't wait until Spring shows all it's colors. Ode to Spring keepsake can be found here along with other springtime keepsakes.

Raw Chocolate Truffles

2011-02-23T05:27:00.030-05:00

When my sweet tooth gets the better of me these yummy truffles are life savers.

Made with almond butter, cacao powder and honey. I then add
my favorite dried fruit and chopped nuts. These have cranberries and cashews.

Raw Chocolate Truffles
1 Cup Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
3 Tablespoons honey (local is best) I use raw local honey
1/4 Cup Cacao powder (cocoa)
3/4 Cup dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries or raisins) small pieces work best
1/4 Cup chopped nuts (pecan, cashew, walnuts) optional

Mix all ingredients together well. Pinch off pieces and roll into truffles about 1 inch in diameter. This makes about 30 truffles. Store in sealed container in fridge. These keep well in freezer too.

A good source of protein, healthy fat, fiber, calcium, potassium, antioxidants, B vitamins, iron and zinc. A nutritious, good for you treat.

Now, off to take care of my sweet tooth!

Lovely Custom Order

2011-02-15T12:37:00.010-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of working on a custom order in which the customer sent me this lovely toile fabric. I used the theme from each scene on the toile print to make 4 individual hearts. A coordinating fabric was added to the other side and a soft cream colored ribbon completed each heart.

They turned out so beautiful, I hated to let them go.

Springtime

2011-02-01T05:37:00.025-05:00

Colorful flowers announce the arrival of Spring.

In my Spring Collection you will find a garden of keepsakes to choose from.

Say goodbye to winter and select the perfect flower keepsake for someone special.

Georgia Winter Wonderland 2011

2011-01-10T14:15:00.017-05:00

Georgia Winter Wonderland.

Sunday night snow moves into Georgia.

Monday morning, over 6 1/2" of fresh snow.

I couldn't resist....I had to make a snow angel.

Happy Holiday

2010-12-15T05:37:00.017-05:00

I finally wrote my last holiday card, mailed out the last of the packages, sorted through new recipes to make (well, at least one new one), the house is clean and groceries bought.

And now my favorite part . . . . . A big thank you! To my family and friends for all your comments, suggests and support this year on my little corner of the blog world.

And to the small group that follow my blog . . . . It's been great fun! I enjoyed meeting you all

and love reading your blogs as well.

To all . . . . a safe and happy holiday.

Presentation and Packaging

2010-12-02T05:23:00.031-05:00

I enjoy packaging these little hearts as much as I enjoy sewing them. When preparing my keepsake hearts for shipping I use a cello bag to protect the fabric. Then, to fit the theme or holiday, I choose coordinating tissue paper and ribbon. I then add a small card for an uncomplicated presentation. Last, I mail in a sturdy white box. That is it! Simple and neat packaging from me to you.

These three hearts just need tissue, ribbon and cards before they are sealed up and mailed.

Share your presentation and packaging tips and ideas. How do you protect your items for mailing? Do you have a special packaging technique? What supplies do you buy in bulk?

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T07:29:00.003-05:00

I just want to thank everyone that comments on my posts. I enjoyed meeting each and everyone. Thank you for your thoughts and ideas and your kind words.

Happy Thanksgiving! That is it! Short and sweet. Now...I am off to continue baking and cooking and getting ready for family.

Kindly,

Frannie

Winter Friends

2010-11-18T07:31:00.007-05:00

Polar bear, penguin and snowmen all bundled up for the winter. These winter friends reside here.......until they find a home for the holidays. Come take a peek.

Happy Veterans Day

2010-11-11T08:54:00.003-05:00

To all veterans and their families. Thank you for your service.
I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a friend
.....and I am a veteran.

Olde St. Nicholas

2010-11-06T19:21:00.023-04:00

Celebrate the holiday with the arrival of Olde St. Nicholas. Who is that hitching a ride in his pocket? Could that be little penguin! Send warm wishes to that family member or friend that will be away from home during the holiday season. A lovely little ornament to hang on tree or place on mantel.

For a selection of festive holiday keepsakes visit the holiday section.

Festival Recap

2010-11-01T21:11:00.035-04:00

Festival day started out early and very chilly. But once the sun was up it turned warm and clear. Perfect for an outdoor festival.

My first surprise...... all the volunteers that helped me and all the other vendors unload vehicles and set up tents and tables. What a great help that was. And a special thank you to my daughter for the warm coat, breakfast and bathroom breaks!

I met a lot of delightful people and had a great time visiting with everyone, plus a fair number of sales, all of which is enough to entice me to do another festival.

Another surprise...... the many compliments my autumn keepsakes received. Several made their way to new homes for guest room decorations and hostess gifts.

I also brought along a few cards sets. My newest listing, Holiday lights, sold out early. Wish I had brought more with me. Next time I will!

Happy Autumn everyone!

Matryoshka Doll - Holiday Lights

2010-10-25T05:21:00.013-04:00

Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? Before you know it you will be tangled up in holiday lights. This is my fun version of the holiday lights experience.
This is my original ink and watercolor, but you can find prints in my card shop. I am giving one of these cards to my neighbor, he lights up the entire street with his holiday light display. Do you have any fun stories to share regarding holiday lights?

My first festival as a vendor

2010-10-13T07:16:00.064-04:00

I secured a spot at my very first festival. It's a small neighborhood arts festival featuring a number of local and regional artists.

I'm excited and a bit nervous about getting things organized for this small event. The festival is not until the end of the month, but there seems to be so much to do.

Making lists, as I always do, helps a lot.........what to bring, how to set up a tent, what props to use in my displays and of course sewing....plenty of sewing. I believe I got it under control! I think!

Do you have any anecdotes regarding your first festival as a vendor?

Matryoshka Doll - Pumpkin

2010-09-19T07:03:00.036-04:00

I know I should be sewing for the upcoming holidays.....
but I've been captivated by these fun Matryoshka illustrations. I had great fun with this Halloween design.
Ever see a little child try to pick up a huge pumpkin? That's what gave me the idea for this illustration.

On my website you can see the two original ink and watercolor illustrations, which I turned into greeting cards. Come take a peek, leave a comment, throw out a few ideas that you would like to see Matryoshka style.

I have a fun design I am working on for Christmas that I hope to share with you soon.

Reminiscing

2010-09-06T17:47:00.071-04:00

One day I was reminiscing about these colorful nesting cups I had when I was about 7 or 8 years old. Which had me thinking of those delightful nesting dolls, also known as Matryoshka dolls. Which gave me the idea to draw this illustration for my daughter and new grandbaby.

Nesting cups, Matryoshka dolls, new illustration, card for new granddaughter.

Interesting how one thought leads to the next when you reminisce.

Since then I've been sketching other designs with the Matryoshka doll in mind.

This card set is my newest illustration, Autumn....Matryoshka style.

The cards are a print of my original ink and watercolor design.

Has reminiscing ever guided you somewhere?

p.s. A photo exists somewhere of me standing on a chair, at the kitchen sink, washing those nesting cups. They were my prized possessions.

Christmas in July

2010-07-16T07:34:00.010-04:00

Christmas in July is a great time for setting aside those little gifts for the Holiday. Fun stocking stuffer, hostess gift, holiday decorations or tree ornament. Beat the Christmas rush, have these little keepsakes ready to give when the holiday approaches.

Visit my Christmas in July section for a selection of holiday keepsakes. Free Shipping until the end of July.

Happy Holidays !

New Granddaughter

2010-06-21T05:30:00.007-04:00

My granddaughter arrived June 4th around 1:30 in the morning.

8 pounds 1 ounce.

19 inches long.

Cute as a button.

I love being a grandmother!

My Favorite Jeans

2010-05-19T05:38:00.024-04:00

My favorite pair of jeans must be 12 years old. One size too big, frayed at the bottom, holes in both knees and a patched pocket, comfortable.....I love them!

We fray them, patch them, embellish them, add ribbons and lace, pull and tug to make them fit. Smile when they zip up with ease. We dress them up and we dress them down. We love our jeans don't we?

Just thought I would have a little fun here with all that we do to our jeans.

Do you have a favorite pair of jeans?

Cabbage and Pear Slaw

2010-05-16T13:28:00.002-04:00

Cabbage and pear slaw is one of my favorite salads to make this time of year.
Pears are showing up in the local farmers market, which temps me to make this simple and delicious salad.

Cabbage and pear slaw
1/4 - 1/3 head of cabbage (shredded)
1 large carrot (shredded)
1/2 pear (cut into small pieces)
Your favorite oil and vinegar dressing (to taste)

1/4 tsp. celery seed (optional)
A drizzle of honey or agave (optional)

Simple and easy. A wonderful contrast of texture and taste. Enjoy.

If you have a favorite slaw recipe you would like to share I would love to add it to my recipe collection.

Little hidden surprises

2010-05-09T19:04:00.032-04:00

My husband presented me with a lovely bouquet of flowers for Mother's Day.
I love his taste in flowers....sort of old fashioned Victorian meets modern.
To my surprise, hidden deep inside the arrangement, were these tiny, pink, daisy-like flowers. I buried my camera inside the bouquet to get to these delicate little flowers. I don't know what they're called but I had to take a picture. I love little hidden surprises.

Brahman Bull

2010-04-25T07:18:00.016-04:00

My husband and I love taking meandering drives through the North Georgia Mountains. A few weekends ago, on one of these mountain drives, we ventured off the beaten path. At the end of a gravel road we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Mr. Brahman Bull. I couldn't resist having my husband pull over so I could take a picture. I got right up to the fence to take this shot. What a gentle and magnificent animal.

What have you found when you ventured off the beaten path?

Inspired by the art of quilting

2010-04-12T05:22:00.014-04:00

I have always been fascinated with the stories sewn into quilts. How patterns and colors chronicle history, culture, traditions and reflect the lives of those that create them.

I attempted quilting many years ago and thought it best to leave the wonderful fabrics in the hands of the true artists.

My sisters, Bridget and Cathy, avid quilters, inspired me to

revisit quilting. . . . . . . but on paper this time.

This design was inspired by the art of quilting.

My Little Town

My Sketchbook

2010-03-22T05:54:00.049-04:00

Wherever I go, whatever I am doing, I am always looking for something to sketch an idea on. I reach for the nearest piece of paper. . . . backs of old envelopes, torn pieces of grocery sack, store receipts, bills. These pieces of scraps invade my life. Tossed in my purse for safe keeping, scattered about the car, tucked in my gym bag, stacked on the corner of my dining room table, eventually they all meet up on my desk for sorting.

Funny, sometimes I look at a scribble I made on a piece of paper I pulled from my purse and wonder what idea I was trying to capture. Lines and circles, instructions, words written by me that even I can't make out! An arrow pointing to the edge of the paper. . . . I turn this little scrap over and more scribbles!

So, thinking it was time for my very first sketchbook, off to the store I went. I found this lovely little 9 x 6 sketchbook. It's small enough to carry with me and large enough to have my ideas stretch out, to grow. They'll have a home all their own.

But, I find myself unable to have my pencil touch these crisp white pages. It's been well over 3 weeks and I still can't bring myself to mark a line on these lovely pages. So I thought I would introduce my scraps of paper to my sketchbook.

Scraps meet Sketch. Sketch meet Scraps. So with tape and paper clips they meet.

It's a beginning.

Happy Holidays

2009-11-20T05:12:00.020-05:00

Celebrate the holiday with a fun twist on ornaments. Colorful ornaments adorn this keepsake. Hang on Christmas tree or doorknob. Perfect for that family member or friend that will be far from home during the holidays. For a selection of festive keepsakes visit the holiday section.

A Slice of Summer

2009-08-15T16:27:00.017-04:00

You've been busy all summer....vacation, family reunion, tending to your garden, keeping the kids occupied, summer craft shows, and so on.

Summer is coming to an end, kids will be back in school, a perfect time to send a slice of summer to someone. A distant family member or friend. Let them know you are thinking of them.
Or a special thank you to a neighbor for a great get-together or barbecue.

First signs of Spring

2009-02-10T05:28:00.016-05:00

The first signs of Spring will be showing up soon. For a variety of delightful blooms that would brighten someone's day visit our Spring Collection.

Romance is in the air

2009-01-06T05:03:00.016-05:00

Valentine's Day, a holiday celebrating love and lovers.

Roses are red, violets are blue,
why not send your sweetheart
a keepsake heart just from you.

Holiday Cardinals

2008-11-16T10:22:00.004-05:00

The cardinal has become a symbol of warmth and beauty during the holiday season. These lovely cardinals will make welcome guests in someones home. The perfect holiday greeting to send to someone that is far from family and home. This keepsake would make a wonderful hostess gift or perfect for an ornament exchange.

Camouflage for Her

2008-07-25T05:41:00.019-04:00

In honor of our men and women that serve in the armed services. They hold a special place in our hearts.

Featuring women in uniform. She's in the military serving her country. In appreciation, a c amouflage keepsake for "her". "Thank you for serving" stamped in raised letters on dog tag. Yellow grosgrain ribbon tied in a bow, waiting for her and others to return home.

Also available: a camouflage keepsake for "him".

Custom Heart Story

2008-06-30T05:47:00.010-04:00

This lavender-filled heart is a commission from a young family buying their first home. They wanted to give their real estate agent a unique and memorable thank you gift. The house that the family settled on, which had an impeccably maintained interior from the 1950's, made quite a first impression on both the buyers and the agent: the living room walls, curtains and carpet were all lemon yellow. A fabric swatch from those curtains--vintage yet still in great shape--made a perfect memento for a very pleasant home-buying experience.

Gift wrapped

2008-06-10T05:44:00.004-04:00

All Thoughtful Hearts are gift wrapped for presentation, whether you are selecting a heart for yourself or having us mail it to another person.

The Thoughtful Heart includes a gift card attached with ribbon. You may choose to include a printed or hand-written message on a gift card. The heart will be neatly wrapped in color-coordinated tissue paper and a clear cellophane sheet, and enclosed in a sturdy white shipping box.

Thank you

2008-06-05T05:44:00.015-04:00

Looking for a special gift to say thank you?
Thank a family member, friend, or neighbor
for helping you out when you needed that extra hand.
Let them know how much you appreciate their time
and effort.

Send your "thank you" from the heart with a selection
from www.thoughtfulhearts.com

More for Mother's Day

2008-04-28T20:10:00.012-04:00

More keepsakes for Mother's Day are available. Check for these new additions. Soft wool, embroidery, lace and applique are used in several of these new keepsakes.

Mother's Day

2008-04-14T04:58:00.006-04:00

** HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY **

*** Sunday, May 11th ****

Celebrate. Honor. Cherish.

Surprise mom with a special keepsake. A gift from your heart for Mother’s Day.

If you are miles apart, let us send your selection gift wrapped and a card with a loving message just from you.

Reminisce

2008-03-25T05:57:00.006-04:00

Ever reminisce? Remember the blue ticking from grandmother's feather quilt. Or the mattress from summer camp. Pillowcases.
Overalls from railroad workers. These keepsakes will bring you back in time. If you collect primitive crafts you may like to add this one to your collection.

Down on the Farm

2008-03-22T08:18:00.002-04:00

KNOW SOMEONE WITH A GREEN THUMB?

Is there someone out there with a green thumb, that shares their bounty from their garden?
Send them a special thank you with a lovely "Down on the farm" keepsake.

2008-02-29T14:31:00.033-05:00

Mother's Day is coming up soon! Thank her for all she's done for you with a unique, hand-crafted Thoughtful Heart. We've created a Special Mother's Day Collection of recommended hearts for Mother's Day, but you could also delight her with a bright spring-themed heart or one of our new softly scented lavender hearts.

Your selection will be gift wrapped and mailed with a special message from you.

Order by May 6th to have your keepsake arrive by Mother's Day.

Mother's Day Coupon for $1.00 off per customer.

Use coupon code th511 at checkout.

Valid through May 11, 2008.

root

2008-01-01T17:08:00.000-05:00