Doing crafts is more than just a way to keep me busy, it's a way to give a bit of myself as a gift to a loved one. When I have someone I just don't know what kind of present to get for holidays, I tend to make them something instead. It always makes me feel good to see someone enjoying a quilt I've made or searching for just the right place to put a plaque I have painted.

My favorite type of craft is painting plaster. It's much like painting cermamics, without the hassle of firing. The main problem I have with painting plaster, is that I can't get enough of it. Craft stores carry plaster craft, but unless you are looking for christmas type items or angels and gargoyles, you are pretty much out of luck. I've gotten to the point where I pour my own plaster, when I can find molds I like. It's really fulfilling to me to be able to create something from start to finish. Here are some of the things I have painted. I'm sorry for the quality of the pictures, I will try to take new pictures soon and post them as soon as I can.

On occasion, I also enjoy making quilts. I have made both hand stitched - handpainted quilts, and crocheted afghans. I tend to make more of the crocheted afghans, as they are faster to make and I get quick sense of accomplishment.

My last several afghans I have made have been of the zig-zag pattern. My most recent is a quilt for christmas. I've gotten to the point where I make my afghans large enough for a twin sized bed. I like the look that it provides, and the larger size makes for a cozier nights sleep.

I have the yarn for my next project, however I'm still trying to figure out how I am going to design this one. I like to "try" to design my own, but I've hit a "mental block" and haven't progressed any further. I know it will be a mile-a-minute quilt, but I haven't found a pattern that I am happy with yet.

The hand stitched/handpainted quilts are a combination of cutting quilt squares and painting a picture on them and stitching them together. I really enjoy the painting part, but the stitching is very time consuming. When it is done however, I am both relieved and usually quite proud.

I am currently planning to make a new handpainted quilt for my youngest daughter Rachael. It will be a Looney tunes quilt, with alternating cartoon squares and blue denim squares. She is really very anxious for me to get the quilt finished, but I have yet to get beyond buying the materials. I will keep you apprised of the progress with this quilt through pictures and details on how to make it. If this interest you, keep checking back to watch the progress.

I truely love Fabric Painting. I use a system you may have heard of, it's called Tri-Chem. Tri-Chem is a specially designed, permanent, Fabric Paint which come in a tube with a ball point tip. The best way to describe Tri-Chem painting is "Coloring for Adults". I've made a habit of collecting the various colors, and now have approximately 95 different colors to paint with. If you're wondering what this crazy lady is talking about, I have put two pictures below to give you a better idea.