The countdown has begun. It's just a little more than a month until Bill and I fly away to our favorite spot on earth - Paris! This year we're throwing in Spain and Belgium for good measure. If it were up to me I'd be totally content with Paris, but the world is full of so many fascinating places we have never visited and as long as I have at least a few days in the city of love and light, I'm happy.
Before we go I have just a few things to tend to. Like our visit this weekend from Barri Sue from Bareroots and her fabulous workshop here on Saturday (we have a few spots still available if you'd like to come), the big Heart of the Valley Shop Hop on May 4, 5 & 6 and a quick trip to Kansas City for Quilt Market. Yikes. Just typing that last sentence gives me palpitations! Once we finally board the plane and fly away I have a hunch that I'll have absolutely no problem kicking back and relaxing.
This year our shop hop is over Cinco de Mayo weekend so of course we're planning a big fiesta! Every good party starts with a theme and this one was a no brainer for us. From our Mexican inspired quilt
to our goody bags
to our decorations
and refreshments.
The prizes are bigger and better this year. With just nine shops participating there is no excuse not to visit and party with each of the fabulous shops for a chance to win nearly $2500 in gift certificates and exciting gift baskets. We're even giving a prize to everyone who fills their passport by visiting each of the nine shops!
I wanted to show you these.
As I was sitting
and sewing all of these
paper doilies to string together for the big fiesta I got to thinking that they might make fun
place mats to coordinate with the kits for Barri Sue's workshop.
So we whipped up a few rectangular versions while we were at it.
That's the cool part of creativity. You just let your imagination wander as it takes you to all kinds of fun unexpected new places.
Now if you'll excuse me I have a wardrobe to coordinate, goody bags to stuff and pinatas to hang.
Encourage one another,
