Happy Valentines Day!

Cupid comes in many forms, but this one definitely makes the heartstrings go "Boing"!

The Easiest, Most Scrumptious Apple Pie Ever

8 cups sliced apples, with or without peelings (better without)
1/4 cup tapioca         1 cup sugar      1 tsp cinnamon       Sprinkle of nutmeg
3/4 cup water        3 TBS lemon juice

Prepare apples & drain.  Mix dry ingredients, then add water and lemon juice.  Mix with apples and spread in 9x12 baking dish.  Topping:  Mix together 1+1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar (or less), 1 tsp. baking powder, and 1 tsp. salt.  Cut in 1 cup (2 cubes) softened butter until mixture is crumbly, then sprinkle over apples.  Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.  

PS....Thank you my dear sister for sharing your EASY recipes with me!  You know me...if it's not simple to make, even the best recipes will probably never be tested in my kitchen.  And yes, even the very best recipes have been turned to "toast" in my kitchen, too (I inherited those genes).

Be ready for spring...paint a pretty pot for your pretty flowers!

Your flowers will love keeping company in this oh, so cute flower pot.  It makes a perfect base for a birdhouse...great centerpiece and gift basket also. 

Old Clay Pots transformed into a Chic Tea Set

Create a beautiful new play "tea set" from a few old stained clay flower pots and saucers with just a few scraps of stiffened fabric or leather pieces glued on (for handles and a spout) and a wooden bead for the "lid".  Decorate with painted or vinyl flowers & leaves, and seal with a clear finish coat, sprayed or brushed on.  Note:  this teapot, cup & saucer hold only pretend liquid refreshment for obvious reasons, but is fitting for the very daintiest of tea parties.  So slip into your finest gowns & slippers little ladies, bring on some tasty treats, get those pinkies in the air, and let the party begin!

Don't give up on me!

Trying to get a business started is more work than I thought (especially while simultaneously remodeling my "creative corner".  I work that way....never just one creative mess at a time.  I have some pretty fantastic dreams of sharing my life and creations with you, and some awesome input from those that I love on what I should do and how I should do it (Thank you, dear grandaughter, for spelling it out so plainly.  Wish you were here with your expertise and finesse).  However, I may be a slow starter, but when I'm on a roll, watch out!

I'm just getting started...a lot more to come!

NOTICE:  You're  now able to view  photos and details of products, and purchase patterns on Etsy.  If you click on Applevinedesign under Etsy on the right sidebar you'll go directly to my shop.  Quilts/wall hangings are originally 50" x 60" and all patterns include color photos, all applique shapes, detailed instructions & diagrams, as well as a size conversion chart for larger quilts and wall-mounting options.  The December Christmas quilt is available in a Twin size pattern also, so be sure to indicate if you're interested in that one.

AppleVine Unending

As a young child I was intrigued with the image of the legendary Johnny Appleseed wandering the countryside, busily scattering apple seeds wherever he went--seeds that would produce apple trees that would eventually produce many apples with many more seeds hidden within.  It was exhillarating just thinking of the good that could come from such a small thing as an apple seed.  I realized that within each of us lies the potential to create and share, bless and beautify lives.  A trail of goodness that never ends--that has become my life's quest.  

"Santa Express" wooden train

"All aboard"!  Create a bit of Christmas magic by bringing joy to a child, and there is no better way to do that than giving a gift of love--a train that's sure to become a treasured heirloom.  You'll feel the joy and thrill of anticipation in your "journey" of creation.  Easy to build, it's sturdy enough for play and a beautiful accent for the fireplace mantle or circling the base of your Christmas tree!

Patterns include color photos, a list of materials & tools needed, detailed instructions for cutting, assembling, painting & finishing with "Santa's Paint Shop" details. The complete train can be made out of a couple of 1x4 pine boards.  Cars are 5" wide and 6"-8" long, the full train is 40" in length.  A cord & bead may be added for a pull toy.

"Freezin Season" quilt

Snow may freeze, but hearts will melt with this cozy winter quilt!

                                                                     You'll get "warm fuzzies" knowing you created this easy 50"x60" applique quilt/wall hanging yourself!  The technique is so simple and embroidery stitching may be done by hand or machine.  The pattern is all inclusive with color photos, instructions & diagrams for easy assembly, & a method for creating larger quilts as well. Sewing this quilt will be so enjoyable that you'll want to check out my other monthly/seasonal quilts.

"No freezing allowed"...so wrap up in a warm & wonderful Winter Wonderland, smile and keep those winter doldrums away!

"Cupid's Rendezvous" quilt

Love wasn't put in your heart to stay....Love isn't love 'til you give it away! 

Yes, love is in the air...Can't help but smile when your heart fills with sweet sentiments in every stitch of this heart-felt quilt/wall-hanging.  Stitching by hand or machine will be as easy as it is beautiful!  Within each pattern is a list of supplies, all the pattern pieces, and detailed instructions for easy assembly as well as a size conversion chart and unique quilt mounting options. 

Give someone you love a gift of love, and remember to put a smile on your kisser, and maybe someone will put a kiss on your smiler!

"Hold Onto Your Hat" quilt

Be more like the dandelion fuzzes--go & explore the world out there!

Yes, the air is now filled with a promise of warmer, sunny days to come.  Give your thoughts wings to soar with the eagles as you stitch an easy dozen blocks together in this applique & embroidered (by hand or machine) windy weather quilt/wall hanging.  Besides color photos & easy instructions, tips & diagrams, included is a size-conversion chart for larger quilts and wall-mounting options.

Remember, that life is tied with heartstrings!  So hold on and get ready for the "ride of your life" as you begin stitching!

"Rain Rain Go Away" quilt

Do a little rain dance or two, and then watch it pour!
Into every life a little rain must fall, but yours will be a sunny disposition as you create this adorable appliqued quilt.  The process is simple with color photos, shapes, instructions, tips & diagrams, a size-conversion chart & wall-mounting options.

Windowpanes a bit misty?  Wrap up with a good book, and remember, we can't have rainbows without a little rain!

"My Bloomin Garden" quilt

Talk nice to your plants...and scatter a little sunshine each and every day! 

You'll sow seeds of joy as you sew blocks together in this fun and fancy gardener's quilt!  A dozen blocks appliqued & embroidered by hand or machine, with symbols representing the loving care spent wielding a spade will produce a quilt that will blossom with color and contentment.  Patterns complete with color photos, shapes, instructions, tips, diagrams, a size conversion chart, and quilt mounting options.

The process is simple and enjoyable!  The only thing that will beat puttering in your garden will be burrowing into your quilt! 

"Gone Camping" quilt

Roastin' marshmallows to a tune by the "Wilderness Chorale"!

It will truly be "Camp Wonderful" as you take a break from your routine and enjoy some simple pleasures, like machine or hand-stitching this quilt/wall hanging--a woodsy retreat of fresh mountain air mixed with a few tall tales around th campfire!  Pattern's complete right down to the "Campin List" and "cute as a button" ants (with color photos, shapes, instructions, tips, diagrams, size conversion chart & wall-mounting options). 

Finished?  Pack up your gear (don't forget your quilt) and get going, at least as far as the easy chair in the backyard!  

"Stars n Stripes Forever" quilt

Where would you rather live...in the country or the summer?

A good old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration calls for a burst of Americana.  Hearts will swell with patriotic pride as you stitch these appliques of "Old Glory" waving in the breeze to the baseball & apple pie!  This Blue Ribbon quilt/wall hanging is surprisingly simple and the pattern all-inclusive.

Whether you're off to the County Fair or a ballgame, be sure to take this one with you, and let your heart beat true for the Red, White and Blue!

"Summer Vacation" quilt

She sells sea shells by the shimmering, sunny seashore...

Ready for a beach retreat where the sand meets the sea?  Just begin piecing these tropical quilt blocks together and you'll feel as though you're basking in the sunshine & sipping lemonade!  The pattern has everything to make the applique work & assembly easy and enjoyable, with color photos, instructions tips & diagrams.  Bonus features:  a size-conversion chart and wall-mounting options!

It's your own beach-front property--you now have your passport to the island paradise of your dreams!

"School Days" quilt

Get a little knowledge, and you can color the world a better place!

You'll love how simple the steps are to completing this Back to School applique quilt/wall hanging.  It's as easy as ABC and much more fun than Recess!  This pattern has color photos, answers to all the questions about assembling the dozen blocks from start to finish, a size-conversion chart & unique wall-mounting options. 

You'll enjoy stitching this one so much you're sure to get an A+ for "Absolutely Awesome!

"Fall Festivities" quilt

From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties & things that go "BUMP" in the night...

Nothing scary about this!  You'll definitely feel that you're holding the bag with all the treats while working on this "too cute to be spooky" quilt/wall hanging.  More fun than bobbing for apples and not at all tricky!  The pattern has color photos, simple yet charming details to guide you through the process of appliqueing festive shapes, stitching blocks together, and embroidering details.

What a bewitching quilt to greet all who come knockin' at your door! 

"Rest and Be Thankful" quilt

Frost is on the pumpkin.  There's magic in the air... and thankful hearts become happy hearts!

You'll love making this beautiful harvest applique quilt/wall hanging!  The pattern's complete with color photos and good ideas & tips for completing each of the dozen blocks filled with the garden's bounty, autumn leaves, button berries & a picketing turkey.  Included are simple instructions for assembly, size conversion chart & quilt mounting options.

Now everyone's eyes can feast upon your handiwork!  You can rest and be thankful with proof that your bushel basket runneth over with blessings!

"Visions of Christmas" quilt

All the signts, scents and sounds of the season--yours to savor, ponder and to share!

Christmas...that favorite time of year that causes us to pause and reflect upon what is truly important!  No better way to celebrate this wonderful holiday than by bringing these meaningful symbols of Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace into your heart & home as you stitch.  A gift of Love!  Patterns include color photos, tips, detailed instructions, size-conversion chart & and wall-mounting options.  Twin size quilt pattern available, including all the above.

May the spirit of Christmas warm your heart as this Christmas quilt warms  your home!