Crafting

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Posted by: | Posted on: July 22, 2020

New Quilt Panels

I am opening up a new STORE on my website to sell my Quilt Panels. 
See them at, www.kimberlysimpson.biz

 

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Posted by: | Posted on: December 5, 2016

Samples of the Alice Panel

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I have had a few samples made up using both the Cotton Sateen fabric and the so soft Fleece.

The colors are beautifully bright and the fleece really is baby Soft.

Torrie and her daughter came over and gave their snuggle test and it got lots and lots of snuggles.

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Order from my website: http://kimberlysimpson.biz

Remember: Wholesale prices available. Just email me.

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Posted by: | Posted on: October 12, 2016

Alice preprinted Craft panel

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Posted by: | Posted on: September 18, 2016

Changes In Kwan’s, a home based business

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Kwan’s Crafts began quite awhile ago. To me, it was just yesterday. But now I am a Grandmother so time has passed.

My Mom, and three friends, Jackie, Isabelle and Eloise first started this little enterprise in the 1960’s in the basement of our house.  I don’t know who came up with the idea.  I just remember when they would gather in the hobby room and I would hear endless hours of happy voices and laughter. Their big plan for success was to take dried flowers and other small objects and put them in to a resin mold.  Once dried, the discs became mobiles that were hung in windows. Every window in our house were adorned with these mobiles.  Whenever we would drive anywhere Mom had her scissors and old phone books read to clip and press anything she saw that she thought she might use. I still have found old phone books, underneath something heavy that would press and dry the flowers. They all felt they had hit the big league when a store in Aspen,Colorado began to sell their art. Now Mom could take frequent trips to Aspen to go visit The Tom Thumb Gallery, and see their artwork.  Most of the time I would go along with these very enthusiastic ladies. Lunch, and shopping and checking in with the Tom Thumb became a regular routine.

I am not sure when this phase of Kwan’s drew this a close.  I think everyone’s families were growing up and other interests came along. But in the 80’s I was starting my family and along came a new Kwan’s Crafts idea.  I have always loved sewing and crafts. I even took a sewing machine with me to collage. In the 80’s appliqué was becoming very popular and with that and quilt designs I officially launched my version of Kwan’s. Mom was equally enthusiastic about this new version. My daughters never knew what it was like to wear just a “plain” shirt. If it did not have a design already, I would sew one on. This seeped out to many of their friend’s wardrobes as well. Mom and I and Tiffany and Suki were walking billboards, displaying my latest designs. Mom and the girls would now trek with me to all the Quilt and Fabric stores where I was hopeful to sell my wares. I don’t think I ever topped the enthusiasm that everyone got when the original Kwan’s was discovered by Aspen, Colorado. But I got in to a whole new world, one I never invisioned, the Internet, the Global Community.

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Posted by: | Posted on: August 6, 2016

Jumping In! Back to Quilts

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I have been away from sewing and quilts for way, way too long. I have pulled out this kit from my stash.  I have always wanted to do a laser cut quilt kit. McKenna Ryan’s quilts are wonderful.

The first block is laid out. I feel like,somehow, I am cheating. But I will see what things I might do to make this look like my quilt.

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Posted by: | Posted on: August 1, 2016

Native American Jewelry

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Growing up in the western United States, I have always been aware of the beautiful Native American Art. My favorite has always been their jewelry. Driving between Grand Junction and Phoenix we would stop at what were called, Indian Trading posts and look for treasures. During the 60’s and 70’s the look of this jewelry was definitely “in”. Once I became a Mom in the 80’s I could not wear what I used to love to wear. Little hands could pull and twist off necklaces and bracelets. Even ear rings were not safe. For a period of years I lost track of whether the jewelry was in or not. Baby bottles and baby toys were as far as I could think. Fast forward twenty some years and I have begun seeing on the internet beautiful pieces of Indian Jewelry. Often times worn in multiples. Not just one necklace but several. The look, to me, is so fun and refreshing. So out comes my treasures. Whether is is to the store or out to dinner I have rediscovered what I used to so love to wear. I have also discovered some less expensive, similar jewelry that is equally fun to wear. To me it is about color and the weight of the jewelry worn. Lots of possibilities. I have even come across some amazing silver beads that can be used to make necklaces. My Mom went through a time that she was making jewelry. Her tool kit is no doubt still here someplace. A tempting thought.

 

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Posted by: | Posted on: July 28, 2016

Fun with Filters

There are so many apps available to apply special filters to your pictures.

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Posted by: | Posted on: July 8, 2016

Playing with Photo Filters

This was a picture of some flowers we took. Then I put it through a photo filter.image

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Posted by: | Posted on: July 4, 2016

Inspirational Quilts- 4th of July

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Posted by: | Posted on: July 3, 2016

Quilts that inspire

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