Time passes so quickly! Who doesn't admit to saying at some point where did the summer go with August now half over. I look back over the last year and marvel the same thing, where did the last year go and how my life has changed. A year ago in August was the Memorial service for my parents, my Mom finally with my Dad after thirty years. A chapter closed and right around the corner in September another one opened. My year has been filled with good byes and hellos, tears and laughter, and so much love I cannot even express. So I look to the fall with anticipation, what will this year bring and how will I make a difference in my place in this world.

It has been a year since I launched my new site and blog. I am grateful each day for those who visit, thank you! Time now for a slight "redecorating" of my site so over the next couple weeks I will be editing and adding. My new physical home is settled so time for the virtual one to have some sprucing up!

Have a great week everyone! Embrace creativity! Follow the JOY! Debra, CEO!

Fran here for Fowl Friday! Not meaning to complain (although Debra says we do often and loudly!) but life in the new city is not so good for us. Sure the loft with the big windows has a great view. We have met some friendly crows and the odd seagull, (I mean really odd, Freda is not the best judge of character but when this gull flew by backwards showing her well too much, we decided not to say "hi" to that neighbor!)

Other than that though Debra is either happily working away, entertaining or out leaving us alone way too much! We are even starting to miss those felines that used to live here. At least they paid attention to us although the missing feathers sometimes was a bit annoying! Anyway I guess we will just have to get a life as they say! Freda wants to get back on Hatch.com but considering the trouble she got into with the rooster from Cape Breton (she falls hard for an accent) that is not an option in this place! So for now we would appreciate any help with suggestions as to what we can do with our little feathery lives! Follow the Fowl! Fran & Freda

Not trying to rush the season but I want to share some Holiday fun projects!

The fall issue of Crafts 'n Things is out! My wee button snowman made the cover in his own special wee way above the S for Snowman. He is needle felted over STYROFOAM brand foam, one of my favorite techniques. Also in the same issue is my version of the popular sock monkey using foam shapes as well. It is fun to work in reverse with the foam, I start with the shape and build around it instead of with sewing, sew the shape and then fill it.

One of my favorite materials to work with these days is bamboo. I just finished a project using Natur-fil quilt batt by Fairfield. It is very soft and very strong. I use it both for in quilted projects and on its own as it is lovely soft creamy shade. Xotic felt which is a bamboo/rayon blend from National Nonwovens. Again so soft and available in vibrant colors which can punch up a room when used in home decor. I created a table runner, large flower centerpiece and matching pillow for Homearts. You can find the table set with full instructions under Projects.  (photo courtesy of Homearts)

This week I am working on several projects spanning all the seasons. Sometimes I get so immersed that I look out the window expecting to see leaves or snow falling! Keep creating! Follow the JOY! Debra, CEO!

We made it!! We are fabulous fall fowl for Creative Homearts! Just go to projects and there we are looking mighty fine if I do say so myself! You too can now have your very own Fran & Freda! (Debra says we should come with a warning label and instruction book but what does she know!) Just keep the champagne flowing along with breakfast in bed and we are easy! (especially Freda, we all know about that rooster from Cape Breton incident) Anyway we are soooo excited, wish I was a rooster, would be crowing from the rooftops!

We are spending the day at home answering congratulory emails and ready to sign autographs for the multitude of fans who will stop by. (Debra says not to expect too much and she is supposed to be the optimist!) We don't care, we are ready with pens in hand um wing and in Freda's case foot. (Her fine motor skills are confined to her feet only!) So we are off to celebrate!!! Follow the Fowl! Fran & Freda!

This past Canadian holiday weekend was spent in old Quebec, the beautiful and historic walled section of Quebec City with cobblestone streets, horse and carriage, outdoor cafes to linger at. We stayed at the Frontenac overlooking the water like a magical castle in the sky.

The weather was perfect. The family wedding took place in a gorgeous church, the oldest Anglican church in Canada. We stayed on an extra couple days exploring and enjoying the place. The buildings are beautiful dating back to the 1700's and earlier. The shops are inspiring featuring many talented artisans. This wood shop had the most delightful store front with colorful carved flowers in the the flower boxes.

The stone buildings are contrasted by doors and windows painted in rich vibrant shades and everywhere there are open windows with people enjoying good food or a drink. It was a wonderful romantic weekend and I look forward to returning to that magical place where time stands still. always Follow the JOY! Debra

A nice surprise this morning from the sweet editor of Crafts 'n Things Abby Foster, she posted a picture of the cover of the latest issue. There is a quirky and cute fall owl and above him my cute button snowman on the "S" for Snowman. He was such fun to make with button feet and sled. I love buttons and there are so many sizes, shapes and colors to play with!

Fall is around the corner and I am busy on deadlines for winter sparkly creations! My favorite designs to do. I am missing being at CHA (Craft & Hobby) show in Chicago but between extra work and family events home is where I am meant to be!

Loving the move to Saint John, my place is wonderful and being close to my guy is the best! My girls are doing so well on their own following their dreams! Life is good, I feel very blessed! Plus these long curls I have now hold up quite well after a day driving around with the top down yesterday! Follow the JOY! Debra, CEO!

Wow! I just received the latest copy of Creative Homearts magazine. The winners of the  (photo courtesy of Creative Homearts)

 "Make it Green" contest are shown. You can see the amazing creations on the website. The winner is Justyne Obeldobel of Colliers, West Virginia with her gorgeous "pop can prom dress" she made during her senior year of high school. The outfit took her four months to complete! Amazing work! The other entries are all so creative, such talent and imagination!

In this issue of Homearts I feature Canvas Corp in my column. The company has eco friendly products to assist you in designing and building a home, a room or any design project. Founders Randy and Christine Meier began their company when buiding their own home and they couldn't find products to assist them. When I moved this past month I used one of their kits to lay out my apartment and arrange the furniture pieces even adding the plants! I loved playing with the kit and it helped with the movers. I made them a copy, big grins I got! Did I say I am an organized person but then a week later I move up to the loft above, kind of threw my lovely plan out the window! Still it was fun to try out the kit!

For my column I created a message center using their chunky canvas along with their very cool accessories, pencil sharpener, clothespins. I carry a Canvas Corp measuring tape in my bag wherever I go. Thanks Canvas Corp! Follow the JOY! Debra, CEO!

Well Fowl Friday is here once again, sigh as if Debra really cares. No CHA (Craft & Hobby) show for us next week, no fluffy bed in a hotel, no pool side or the hope of room service. She is off on a fun family event and we are stuck at home! We also hear rumors of more trips which do not include us at all! She is loving her new life here, us not so much! So for all you fowl fans a trip down memory lane when life was really good for us!  Follow the Fowl! Fran & Freda!

Next week is the summer CHA (Craft & Hobby) show back in Chicago. Usually I would be busy getting ready for the show but I am missing it this year. I am still preparing work that will be at the show but sorry not to be there in person. There is an energy, a creative excitement of connecting with the industry, the people and the products that returns you to your studio with renewed energy!

The big news in my creative world is the Homearts Live event coming up in September and October. It will be three weekends in a row of crafting extravaganzas. The Homearts columnists join club director Julie Stephani and celebrity guest speakers, Crafty Chica and Drew, the Crochet Dude along with exciting sponsors for 30 hours of creative fun! First weekend is in Minneapolis, September 24&25, from there to Philadelphia, October 1&2 and finally Phoenix, October 8&9. Classes in every kind of craft, great gifts and goodies, crafting room open all night for "the hard core crafters" my daughter's definition! Will be such fun! Come join us! Debra, CEO!