Saturday, 25 January 2020

Where to find the best Quilt Kits?

Hi There.....Do you like Quilts?

Did you know that today is Visit your Local Quilt Shop Day?

Me neither but I do like to browse through the calendar to see what kind of special day today could be 😊

It seems that Quilt shops aren't getting the attention they deserve. The purpose of this 'Visit your local Quilt shop day' is to give them the recognition they deserve. And to widen the scope Fabric shops of any kind can be part of it too.

I suppose most of you know what a quilt is but for those who don't.....Here is part of the description that I found on Wikipedia

Quilts are textiles with multiple layers that are traditionally made up of three layers of fiber. Mostly they make a patchwork from smaller pieces of fabric, and the pattern and color of these pieces will be important to the design. They usually are quite light with little to no filling which makes them perfect as a blanket for spring or summer.

I have seen a lot of them on hobby fairs and I am always in admiration of the amount of work that goes into making such a quilt 😍

They have been introduced in Europe by the Crusaders in the 12th century as a quilted garment worn under their armor. One of the earliest existing works is the Tristan Quilt that was made around 1360 in Sicily.

They seem very popular in the United States where salvaging small scraps of fabric was a part of life for all households. It was often a communal activity, involving all the women and girls in a family or in a larger community.....But not only women would take part because there are also many historical examples of men participating in these quilt traditions.

Yes, girls don't be surprised.....But I know a few men who have creative hands 😉

So how about I give you some inspiration to get quilting yourself and show you some of the materials you can find on Etsy 😋

Hexie Pop Quilt Kit using V and Co Confetti or Original Ombre's

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/696047726

Seaside Stars Quilt Kit with Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/630436261

Penguin Party Kit Green Lap Quilt Kit

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/623678216

Quilt Kit For Beginners, Pre-cut, Crazy Colorful Letters

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/760350603

LAST ONES Quilt Kit Remix Zoologie Pink Girl Zoo Animals

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/194552298

Quilt Kit for Arizona Cactus by Quiltworx in Bohemian Blues

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/590366783

Windham Fabrics - Starlight - 58" x 78" Quilt Kit

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/569189028

Granny Chic Tea Pots Quilt Kit

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/738101017

HOPSCOTCH - Pre-cut Quilt Kit

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/178825626

Sweet Pea Flannel Pod Precut Rail Fence Quilt Kit

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/578013698

Ok now tell me are your fingers itching to start quilling 😁

Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day

Renata (Seadbeady)

Behind every unique handmade piece is a lot of hard work. It's a labor of love and every piece you buy will make someone's day a happy day.

Want to be on my blog next time ?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me an email 😊

Saturday, 11 January 2020

Where can you find vintage board games?

Hi There.....Are you creative?

I am and have always been as long as I can remember. As a kid I used to love drawing, playing music on my block flute and melodica.....When I was a bit older I started to knit and sew all kinds of things for myself or for my dolls.....There were no computers or iPhones to keep us busy.....I was a teenager when we got our first pick-up (record player).....I know what you may be thinking.....Wow this woman is ancient 😁

But did you know that this month is also Hobby Month??

I suppose in even more ancient times people have always had hobbies.....They went swimming, hunting or drew on cave walls.

I am wondering.....No I don't suppose they had bathing suits haha 😂

I found on Wikipedia that the word hobby came from 'hobyn' and had the meaning of 'small horse and pony'.

Today there are hundreds of hobbies that can be put in 5 categories such as collecting, making and tinkering, activity participation, liberal arts pursuits, and sports and games.

I think I have done them all.....I used to collect keychains and frogs but don't anymore because after a while I had so many of them that I wanted to put on display, that it became far too much work dusting them off every time 😏

Making and tinkering is something I still do off course.....I make beadwork jewelry and knit.....I am working on a sweater at the moment and I will be sharing a picture of that on my Instagram profile as soon as it's finished (I guess I am gonna need about one more week).....so if you are curious just use this link to my Instagram profile.....I know I would be but I am a Little Miss Nosey I suppose 😉

Then there is the activity participation.....Things I have mostly done when being on a holiday like hiking or bike rides.

Like me, some of you might wonder what this liberal arts pursuit could be.....Those are things like singing, acting, juggling, dancing,.....So it seems like I am still doing that as well.....I am the female singer of the band as I told you in my last blog post.

And last but not least sports and games.....I am not a fan of sports anymore because as I said I am ancient but I love playing games on the computer as well as board games.

So I thought I would browse Etsy again to find some vintage board games this time 😄

Large Wooden Chessboard Box 18.9" x 18.9" with Backgammon

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/288823339

Monopoly board game from the 60s

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/709895130

Dominoes, Domino board game, Vintage board game

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/596461086

Vintage 1948-1953 SCRABBLE Board Game

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/654260805

1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Memory Board Game

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/633790936

Mini Solitaire game made in France

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/759521293

Chess Set Chess Table with Drawers Chess Set

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/724391251

Vintage German Mikado game. Full set

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/728545427

BINGO ~ 1987 ~ by KING

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/649332863

Handcrafted Wooden International Draughts Checkers Set

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/664389679

I used to play a lot of these games and they were a lot of fun.....we sometimes played for hours especially our monopoly games could take a long time before there would be a winner. How about you? Did you or do you play board games?

Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day

Renata (Seadbeady)

Behind every unique handmade piece is a lot of hard work. It's a labor of love and every piece you buy will make someone's day a happy day.

Want to be on my blog next time ?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me an email 😊

Saturday, 4 January 2020

What kind of music can we call pop music?

Hi There.....Are you a fan of pop music?

I just learned today that every 4th of Januari is pop music chart day 😀

But what is this pop music actually?

They are songs that are short to medium-length in a basic format such as verse-chorus structure or repeated choruses that appeared in the record charts.

I know that still leaves you with a question mark.....I found it pretty hard to find a good explanation for what this pop music actually is 😉

It seems that many have tried to define what pop music is but they didn't make me think.....ah yes that is the best way I can explain to my readers.

After some searching, I did find a pretty good explanation on Englishclub.com.

They say that pop music is the genre of popular music that produces the most hits.....in the charts of course as I said before. They share common features that are sometimes called the pop-music formula. They have a good rhythm, a catchy melody, and are easy to remember and sing along to. Most pop songs are between two and five minutes long, and the lyrics are usually about the joys and problems of love and relationships.

I found that pop music songs were most performed by artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Abba,...

Now that rings clear to me.....how about you?? Please say yes 😅

Some of you may know this already......but I am the female singer of a band called Back To. and today I wanted to share some videos of our performance on the 21st of December. The quality is not the best but I wanted to show you nevertheless.

Hurt from Timi Yuro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqCRenR4Zn0

Jambalaya from The Carpenters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0uJhJfgKrs

I am only gonna share 2 short ones here cause my file would otherwise become way too big 😁

We already got asked to play on 3 places this year of which I will share new video's afterward hopefully.....so if you have a youtube channel of your own and you can use some more followers.....just follow me and let me know and I will follow you in return 😁

We also have a facebook group https://www.facebook.com/Back-to-304923843683968/

And an Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/back_to._coverband/?hl=nl

Sometimes I am a bit worried what people think about someone like me having too much pain to be able to go to work and on the other hand, is singing in a band.....but I have a good explanation for that.....repetitions are only about 3 hours and that once a week doesn't compare to working a whole week or even a day. And it was my therapist from the pain clinic that advised me to do it.....I know I have a great therapist 😍

Saturday, 28 December 2019

Where to get a stunning tie to complete your suit?

Hy there.....do you like to look at well-dressed men?

Oops or maybe you are a well-dressed man.....or perhaps not?

I love it when a man dresses up in a suit, shirt, and tie.....they look so very distinguished, more gentleman if you know what I mean 😊

Although when I think of it I recently saw a politician that was dressed up in a suit with blue and white diamonds pattern wearing a flashy yellow necktie.....to me that doesn't ring gentleman or distinguished but reminds me more of a clown 😁

Did you know that the necktie has been granted a holiday of its own? This month is been said to be the month of the necktie.

It seems that it gained importance in the 1600s during the Croatian war? When a regiment of Croats arrived in France their cravat caught the attention of the Parisian, and this way became integrated into their fashion culture.

Here is a picture of how they looked back in the 1600s. Can you imagine a man walking around like that today.....he would definitely be the laughingstock 😂

By Bartholomeus van der Helst

In the late 1800s, the modern version of the tie made its appearance. It has become a symbol of power, influence, and became associated with serious men being on serious business.

Nowadays you can find many variations on the tie such as the bow tie, ascot tie, bolo tie, zipper tie and lots more.

Ah, you have read my blogs before maybe and know where I am going at.....yes for sure let me show you some of the ties I found for you in some Etsy shops 😄

Handmade Luxurious English Silk Bow Tie

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/583100545

138 pcs Swarovski Crystal Necktie - Skinny Slim Men 145 cm Tie

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/728145156/138

Steampunk Tie Clip Formal Wear Mens Accessories

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/207430422

Ruty tie, hopper tie, wedding bow tie, groom bow tie

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/742181646

Turquoise knitted tie, silk knit necktie for men, mint ties

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/687568476

Maroon Father and Son bow tie set, Father's Day gift

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/606941024

Silk man tie,hand painted black tie, wedding tie, tuxedo tie

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/746821492

WHITE 3D Wedding Bow Tie, White Feather Bow Tie

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/533410739

Standing Cat On A Pair of Cufflinks With A Tie Slide Set

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/521078857

Woman bow tie, Rustic brooch, Gift for her

https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/521669434

I would like to say sorry to the men reading my blog and thinking finally she wrote something for us men.....but there had to be at least one item for women in here too 😃

Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day

Renata (Seadbeady)

Behind every unique handmade piece is a lot of hard work. It's a labor of love and every piece you buy will make someone's day a happy day. Want to be on my blog next time ??

Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message 😊

Saturday, 14 December 2019

What good cause to support when you are an Animal lover? part 2

Hi There.....Are you a fan of animals in the wild?

As I told you in last week's post I am for sure.....and that is why I wanted to write this week and last week's blogs about good causes involving animals. Just follow this link to go to last week's blog post if you are curious to know what it was about.

It's a win-win situation because you get to satisfy your curiosity and I get an extra reader for that post haha 😉

So as promised this week I will be telling you some more about the WCC or Wildlife Conservation Society 😄

It seems they were already founded back in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society. The Wildlife Conservation Society was one of the first conservation organizations in the U.S. They had a clear goal from the beginning to advance wildlife conservation, promote the study of zoology, and create a first-class zoo.

Did you know they have five zoos already.....The Bronx Zoo, Central Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.

I know some of you might say that a zoo is not the right place for an animal.....and they are right in a way because an animal should be free in the wild. I think nowadays people are much more aware of that fact and the wellbeing of an animal should come in the first place.

But these Zoos are working hard together with scientists in the field to save wildlife. Field staff report back their observations of animal behavior and need in nature, which in turn bolsters animal wellbeing in the parks 😃

But it goes much further than just a few Zoos.....their goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world's biodiversity.

Their strategy for 2020 is to maintain the WCS's historic focus on the protection of species while developing an ambitious plan to engage with the rapidly changing world.

They say that the challenges are greater than ever but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff.....combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo and aquarium expertise they will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven their success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.

The WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth.

That doesn't sound like an easy task but it makes me glad to hear that people are willing to work hard to make this dream come true 😄

Although I don't want those big animals too close to my bed.....I have a hard time sleeping as it is.....I don't want to wake up hearing things running around in my home. Who knows I might happen to walk into the lion's den instead of my own den 😂

Sunday, 8 December 2019

What good cause to support when you are an Animal lover?

Hi There.....Do you love animals?

No???.....Impossible how can you not love animals???

I have always had a heart for animals......except for bugs.....they only bug me 😁

My big love has always been cats but I love all kinds of animals. I just love watching the National Geographic Wild Channel.....Especially the documentaries about the big cats.....After all, my zodiac sign is Leo 😉

That is why I wanted to dedicate this blog post to a good cause for animals. Maybe at the end of this year, some people might be persuaded to give to one of the causes I selected.

The first one I would like to share with you is The AAP or Animal Assisted Projects

They started up in 2017 because they saw what friendship between pets and people could do. They found a solution for pet owners who don't want their pets to be at home alone all day.....who want their pets to get some extra affection.....who want their pets to get some extra care......who want to make someone happy by letting them take care of their pet......who want to create a better bond between people and pets.

Their solution is the plus-owner.

I can hear you thinking up to here.....no matter how far you are.....what the heck is a plus-owner 😄

It is someone of 55 or older who has time during the day to take care of an animal.....who wants to enjoy the company of an animal of someone in the neighbourhood.....who likes to bond with this animal......who likes to chat a bit with others and feels at home in a group of people who have a heart for animals.

Since this is a Belgian cause I am actually thinking about doing this

Some of you might know but I have a lot of joint and muscle problems and it's impossible for me to work at the moment because that comes with a lot of pain.

3 years ago we moved out of our house to an apartment with everything on the same floor to make things easier for me. That also meant that we couldn't keep animals anymore. Weird as I still choke up talking about this......needless to say that was pretty hard for me since I had to give my cat away to someone else. I do still yearn to give some cuddles to cats. Having it softly purr on my lap or give me soft bites in my neck or toes.

Haha yes I did have a cat that softly bit me in my toes to remind me of giving him his food 😂

But let me show you a picture of our new pet since we moved.

Isn't he the cutest ever.....he is not noisy at all and doesn't make a mess 😁

Ok enough about me let's get back to the cause....You see combining pet owners and plus-owners is not the only thing they do......they also find pets to be very valuable in therapeutic centra.

Dogs and cats have the ability to get through to people that have mental or physical disabilities. They send out people to these places with pets to give those people a special experience that benefits their mental wellbeing.

You may find me a little cheesy but that warms my heart 😄

In order to contribute to a better society, they would also like to share their knowledge so they offer training about this relationship between man and animal.

I just love knowing that there are so many people out there with a heart for animals.....don't you?

As a reward to their plus-owners and volunteers, they organize excursions, lectures or workshops in order to mix business with pleasure.

If after reading this you feel like becoming an active member of this organization by becoming a volunteer or an ambassador.....don't hesitate to contact them for more information.

Next time I will share some information about another good cause I found interesting - The Wildlife Conservation Society 😃

Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day

Renata (Seadbeady)

Behind every unique handmade piece is a lot of hard work. It's a labor of love and every piece you buy will make someone's day a happy day.

Want to be on my blog next time ?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message 😊

Saturday, 30 November 2019

Where to find the perfect gift wrapping for your special gifts

Hi There.....What are you planning this Holiday Season?

You may not have noticed but it's getting really close to the end of this year. Are you preparing things already or not?

I am celebrating Christmas eve with my husband, my daughter, son in law, granddaughter and my son. Because we are just with the five of us adults we decided not to get any Christmas gifts except for the granddaughter. She will probably be loaded with gifts 😁

What traditions do you have? Do you put up a Christmas tree?

I am waiting for Saint Nicholas to be over before I am gonna put ours up. I have always loved decorating for Christmas. We have a tree and lots of special ornaments like paper butterflies, small figurines, small toys and lots of different sizes of baubles. and in addition to a tree, we have a large Santa Claus, a smaller one and a large squirrel and lots of garlands and flickering lights 😄

Don't you just love it when the streets are all decorated with lights and you pass by the stores with their Christmas decorations?

Or is it just me because I am an emotional soul.....no, no not an emotional eater.....well at least not anymore 😜

Actually, I have always been lead by my emotions.....but I have come to terms with it that sad movies make me cry and seeing others sad makes me wanna cry too.....that is just who I am.

I could actually write a whole story about how hard that was growing up.....but then again being laughed at by a lot of people made me stronger and more determined. So forget about that story because it is not happening.....or at least not today 😇

But let's get back into the Christmas spirit and talk a bit about where to find that perfect gift wrapping that I was gonna tell you about. And if you have read a few of my blogs you know by now that I am always trying to promote some handmade shops on Etsy in my blog. Today is no different.....here are some of the beautiful items I found for you 😉