{ some exciting news }

Things have been really busy around here lately, but I wanted to share some really exciting news with you. First of all, there is an extraordinary event taking place in Minneapolis in September called The Creative Connection Event. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to go. I mean, the co-founders of the event are none other than Jo Packham and Nancy Soriano, the former Editor-in-Chief of Country Living Magazine.





So, I am going, and what's even more exciting is that I've been accepted into their juried HandMade Market, so I'll be selling my goods there as well. I am so honored to just be going, let alone to be a part of the event.

It's going to be a lot of work, because we'll have to drive from Cincinnati, and I'll have to have someone man my booth while I'm at the conference. Plus, I've never left Aidan and Olivia before, so I'm nervous about that as well. But, I think it will be a fantastic opportunity. And I'm so EXCITED!

I've signed up to take classes by Camille Roskelley, Betz White, and Joanna Figueroa. Panelists include the amazing Heather Bailey, Jo Packham, as well as some other extraordinary women. And guess who the key note speaker is?! None other than the fabulous Amy Butler, herself! SWOON! Like I said, I Can. Not. Wait.

{ my quilt blocks for the Love for Layla project }

Here are my first set of quilt blocks for theLove for Layla Grace project that Candice is putting together. I appliqued Layla's initials in a circular designed monogram using Sandi Henderson's Happy Butterfly in Blush on Kona Cotton in Bone. For the other blocks, I did a variation of a crazy 9-patch design in the same fabrics.

I think maybe all my years of working as an art historian are showing in these blocks, with the symbolism of the butterfly, the cross, etc., but I think they were a fitting tribute to a very special little girl and her family.









I'm working on another set for Candice as well, so we can make sure that there are enough blocks to make quilts for Layla's two older sisters as well.

I want to thank all of you who have contacted me to make a block as well. This project has been really special to me, and I'm honored to be a part of it. Thank you also to Sally of the Polka Dot Mom and The Isaiah 42:1 Project for helping to spread the word.