Kathy's birthday bash and recycled art

Dana and I gave Kathy her choice of four things to do on her birthday. Of these, she first thought we could all learn to fuse fabric, then I realized you need to be outside or have an industrial mask to do this craft, so she decided she wanted to see what was in Newton, a small town north of Wichita. It is known for its outlet mall (which we never got to) and its renovated downtown area.

Kathy and I met Dana at her new home


where Dana gave Kathy a tour of the house.


Neither would stand still long enough for me to get a good photo.


In the basement, Kathy spied two wall hangings that Dana had made and displayed at our Art Museum and one in CA. The photo does not do these pieces justice.


Dana had coffee ready for us and Kathy brought cinnamon rolls


courtesy of Halle at Halle's Hobbies.


Halle sent a card, an ATC, and enough money for Kathy to treat herself to a decadent dessert. Halle didn't realize she sent enough for all of us to have a sinful breakfast of cinnamon rolls made in an Amish community between Kathy's home and Wichita. Look at these HUGE rolls. Thanks Halle!


While Dana showed Kathy the deck and back yard, I took time to take a photo of a quiltlet I started and gave to Dana to finish. You might recognize the fabrics I used from a few days ago.

Finally, we were off to Newton.


This is the train station, which is where you have to go if you want to catch an outgoing train. There is nothing like this in Wichita.


We drove past lovely old storefronts,


then arrived at our first destination.


Kathy was fascinated by the fabric with musical instruments.


After spending over an hour in Charlotte's Sew Natural,

we were off to eat lunch.


I've got to admit this would not be my first choice of places to eat, but Kathy remembered it and the people at the fabric store highly recommended it, so off we went.


This was not a buffet. They prepared the sandwiches, salad, and soup from this area, unless you got a salad or soup, in which case you served yourself.


Pie. Lots of pie.


Dana and Kathy each had a sandwich, tea, and pie. I had soup and water. It was so much healthier. I got to sample vegetarian vegetable, pepper pot, and cheddar broccoli. Talk about YUM.


Next, we were off to a place I had never heard of until I visited (I think) Diane's blog. It was called Ten Thousand Villages and had coffee that was delicious.


I love wind chimes and have them all around my front porch. These were wonderful, as were the prayer flags and the lamp shade made from handmade paper.


The store was so much fun and all the handmade items were to die for.


The lamp and basket were my color blue


as were these. Look at that hand woven blue and white place mat. Gorgeous.


Dana spied rolled and woven paper.


It had been made into vase covers and place mats (wide shot above), trivets, napkin rings, and coasters. I will have to try this soon. Dana also found some earrings that I am going to have to make, but I am not going to give the design away until I have the materials I need.

Next it was off to "The Beadery," a bead and yarn shop. Beads were sold by the scoop and they had lots of bead soup to choose from, too. Vintage buttons sold for as much as $15.00 each. Lovely to look at, but not something I would want.


The back of the store was dedicated to yarn and a place for classes. There was a large area up front where you could string your own beads and use their tools. Everyone was very, very friendly and incredibly helpful.

Next door to The Beadery was a thrift store that sold handmade rugs at full price. The one below was $79.99 and about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide.


Yep, it was made from recycled men's ties. Isn't that the ultimate recycling project? Especially if you have a loom.


From left clockwise, here is what I bought: shoe horns for high heels, a nylon scarf, and a crocheted ornament from the thrift store. Coffee (whole bean French roast from Ten Thousand Villages, two pieces of fabric from the fabric store (check out their plastic bag) and beads from the bead store.

I have one more piece of "business." Be sure to check out Marlynn's latest post at Honeysuckle Breeze and see how she used some of my deli background paper. She turned it into a stunning piece of art with a little help from her friends. Bleubeard gives it a two paws up.

Since yesterday was Kathy's day, it's only fair that her blog be the blog of the day. Although she doesn't actively blog like I do, you can see she makes scrapbooks and altered art. She's my dear friend and I met her in an online Yahoo group. So go check out Kat's Kuriosities and wish her a happy birthday (Sunday), too.