Sunday, January 25, 2015

Grow Your Blog 2015

Welcome to the "Grow Your Blog" Party - 2015.  A big thank you to Vicki, at 2 Bags Full blog, for hosting this event.  Over 400 bloggers have signed up and the fun begins today.  

My name is Carol Dillman and I live in the mountains of Virginia, USA.  I am retired from the education field and keeping busier than ever.  I have two grown children, a son and a daughter.  Both are married and my daughter just had a little boy in November.  I also have 4 grown stepchildren and 3 more grandchildren. Whew!  The family is growing.  My husband and I love to entertain and spoil the grandchildren and sometimes the granddogs. 

The Mr. and granddogs
I am so glad you have come to visit my little space in the blogosphere.  This is where I get to share my adventures in lampwork glass beads, jewelry, sewing and some photography.  I need to be busy all the time with creating, learning and improving skills. 

Zinnia in my garden
I love to sew and have been sewing since I was fairly young.  Though I am currently in to quilting and making baby clothes, my daughter and husband can sometimes get me to create projects they devise.  Mending is not on my favorite list. lol 

Quilt made for the Crisis Pregnancy Center
Another sewing project I enjoy is upcycling leather garments in to handbags and totes. 


Leather tote made from leather skirts
Next on my list is making lampwork beads which means I melt glass in a torch flame. 


Lampwork beads from my torch
Then, because I have so many beads, I use a lot of them in jewelry.  This also gets me into some metal work. 

Sterling silver and lamwork beads
Seems that one thing just leads to another in my life.  Does anyone else just like to try out everything?  And this explains my stashes of fabric, glass, yarn, etc., etc.  So many projects - so little time.

Glass stash
This year I have decided to join in with a GIVEAWAY.  All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win.  Of course, I would love to have you follow my blog but it is not a requirement to win. 

The gift will be a surprise as I haven't decided what it will be yet.  I will announce the winner on February 15 so be sure to leave your comment before then to be entered.

Thanks so much for visiting with me!  If you are a blogger but not a participant in the "Grow Your Blog" party, leave your blog site in your comment and I will visit you, too. 

Now if you are ready to have some fun and meet some new friends through their blogs, please click here on Vicki's blog.  Vicki has a list of all of the participants and links to all of the wonderful blogs that are participating.  Many of the blogs are also having giveaways.  Here's to making some new friends!

2 Bags Full


Keep on creating,
Carol D.
Posted by at

49 comments:

  1. WendyJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:01 AM

    it was interesting to read more about you. And yes, I too have a massive stash of fabric, yarn, papers, even some glass!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carole @ From My Carolina HomeJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:08 AM

    On behalf of Vicki at Two Bags Full and myself, welcome to the Grow Your Blog blog hop! I am in awe of your lampwork beads! I am another one with what I call a short attention span (LOL), and I do a lot of different things too. Lovely pictures too. Hope you have a lot of traffic today!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shirlee FassellJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:27 AM

    Love your work! The leather tote is great.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fil @ Fil’s Place - Old songs and MemoriesJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    Hi Carol - I love the bright colours of your beads ... and that quilt is fabulous - so much work obviously went in to it.
    Like you I like trying lots of things, but I'm only very good at knitting and one of these days I'll post some photos of my work.
    Enjoy the Blog Party today ... such fun having a wee virtual trip around the world.
    Best wishes
    Fil
    Fil’s Place - Old songs and Memories

    ReplyDelete
  5. kathyinozarksJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    good morning Carol, we are allot alike-I am retired too, we live very rural in the woods, and I create all kinds of thing too-mostly in the fiber arts-but I do jump around-have several things going at the same time, and have so out grown my craft room-lol I have things in there I have kept since I learned to sew
    I love lampwork beads they are so beautiful-so I buy those-not make them lol
    I am a new follower-enjoy the party Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  6. gpcJanuary 25, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    Your work is beautiful. I love that bag! I've never thought of turning leather clothing into bags, brilliant! I only have a regular sewing machine so not something I can think of doing, but I love the idea! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol D.January 25, 2015 at 10:31 AM

      Thanks for visiting. I sew the leather on my regular sewing machine. You can use a leather needle and a teflon foot to do it.

      Delete
  7. MokkiJanuary 25, 2015 at 10:27 AM

    I love your quilt! I make handbags too but I havent used leather, it seems like a great upcycling project though. Im like you in that I like to try every craft and art technique I can! I make jewellery, id love to have a go at making beads. Like you said - so many projects, so little time :).

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Dear Carol,
    Welcome to Grow Your Blog party. Loving all the beads.. wooo.. they really look pretty..
    Hope you'll made some new friends and have new followers in the weeks to come. Big Hugs from Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  9. ChristineJanuary 25, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    Great to meet you through the Grow your blog party.
    Your beads are just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cathy January 25, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    I knew right away that I had to follow your blog when I saw your beautiful lampwork beads and upcycled leather tote! I look forward to visiting often and seeing what you've created.
    Cathy
    CraftyCat

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lupe MeterJanuary 25, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    Hi Carol! Nice to meet you here on "Grow Your Blog Party"! My name is Lupe and I love beads too! I once tried making glass beads but my hands were not steady enough. I know what you mean about trying out different hobbies. If I had the money and time I certainly would. Right now, polymer clay is my medium and it keeps me pretty busy! Looking forward to seeing your lampwork beads! If you have an opportunity, please visit me at my blog: http://gesmpccorner.blogspot.com Please include me in your giveaway (gemmeter12@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  12. glassbylindi.blogspot.comJanuary 25, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    Glad to meet you! I am having a lot of fun seeing all the great inspiration, so many new ideas! I love making beads, have to do it at a friend's house, wanted to do lamp work too but my husband said no to that. I do fuse however. I will be watching for your new projects. L

    ReplyDelete
  13. Emily CJanuary 25, 2015 at 1:06 PM

    Very interesting. I dabble in a bit of everything crafty, but have not yet tried making my own beads. Yours are lovely. Living in an apartment is a bit prohibitive for having kilns and forges.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fat DormouseJanuary 25, 2015 at 1:08 PM

    I love all your crafts, but I think your beads are the prettiest. You create some lovely things. Isn't this fun?! God bless xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. ShaunaJanuary 25, 2015 at 1:31 PM

    love the beads, they are so pretty. Thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  16. CherieJanuary 25, 2015 at 2:21 PM

    Hello there. Just popping in from the blog party. I reckon you sound a lot like me. I love to try all manner of new crafts.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Denise BryantJanuary 25, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    Nice to drop in and find your lovely creations! Your beautiful lampwork beads and jewelry really catch my eye! I have dabbled in several things also, paper arts being a favorite! I have very little experience with beading or jewelry making but it fascinates me! I don't have a blog but look forward to hopping along to discover new places to visit!
    deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:49 PM

    Hi Carol, thanks for the wonderful chatty blog post and for visiting my blog. You were my first! I already follow you but don't think I've ever seen your lampwork. I'm a big fan of artbeads in my jewelry making. I really like your bags of recycled leather coats. What a great idea. I have some leather pants that don't fit anymore but I love the soft leather so I may steal your idea and make a bag. Have a great party!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beti HorvathJanuary 25, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    Hi there! love your blog...and your lampwork! Oh my goodness, that's a lot of glass! Would love to win. betihorvath@gmail.com
    You cqan come see me at http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/2015/01/grow-your-blog.html?

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2015 at 8:26 PM

    Hi, I'm Melissa (Meinhardmk@vcu.edu), I bet making lampwork would be so much fun!
    thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  21. HeatherJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:23 PM

    Carol, it was wonderful getting to know you a bit through your blog. I really admire your jewelry beadwork!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Val's Quilting StudioJanuary 26, 2015 at 12:21 AM

    I have always wanted to make glass beads! yours are beautiful! And you know what! I've seen that flower quilt pattern before and so want to make it!! Anyhoo...I've been a follower but enjoyed your post and getting to know ya a bit more. V:)

    ReplyDelete
  23. SueFitzJanuary 26, 2015 at 3:11 AM

    your beads are beautiful. I love the bracelet you made - I have always wanted to do jewelry making - will have to add to my crafts to do list.

    http://suefitz-fitzsstithing.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. africanaussieJanuary 26, 2015 at 8:48 PM

    my neighbour makes glass beads and I do want to try that one day. Beautiful - I love that bracelet. How clever too to make that lovely tote out of an old skirt. That flower quilt is awesome too, you certainly are a busy lady! I will be following along to see what you come up with next!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistJanuary 26, 2015 at 8:51 PM

    I'm visiting via GYB from St. John's, NL Canada. Your work is lovely. Love the beads. The leather tote is great - wonderful idea.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2015 at 11:52 PM

    Glad to have found your blog via the GYB Hop. You make beautiful beads! I look forward to seeing more of your creations throughout 2015. :)
    -Brittany @ Pickles Quilting

    ReplyDelete
  27. CatieAnJanuary 27, 2015 at 12:44 AM

    oh my goodness I love your post and all the creativity you have. your art work is so beautiful in everything you do. I am so looking forward to seeing more of your work and hearing all about your family. Being grandparents is just the best right?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Magpie's MumblingsJanuary 27, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    I see that you're a new grandmother too (our little guy is just 8 months old). Fascinating to see your glass beads - something I would love to learn to do but living in an apartment doesn't lend itself to that. Thank you for the visit!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Karin GJanuary 28, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    So many crafts, so much talent, and your beads are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That)January 28, 2015 at 7:37 PM

    I love the bead tried to it but could not.So I'm the one to buy the beads
    I try everything too. Hope to see often at my blog
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  31. MartiDIYJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:09 AM

    I love all your creations and am intrigued with your glass beads. I can't wait to read more about your crafts.

    ReplyDelete
  32. nicolesenderJanuary 31, 2015 at 4:27 AM

    Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! I like how you have organized your craft supplies!

    ReplyDelete
  33. GillJanuary 31, 2015 at 7:37 AM

    Lovely to meet you - I'm visiting from the UK
    Your work is fabulous, I love your beads!

    ReplyDelete
  34. tktlFebruary 1, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    I am in envy at all your skills!!!

    alexis@cobcottagecraft.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. SherylFebruary 2, 2015 at 3:02 AM

    Pleased to meet you via the GYB party. You make very pretty things, love the quilt and beautiful bag and beads.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Threads of InspirationFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:39 PM

    Hi Carole, thank you for stopping by my blog! I really enjoyed reading about your work. The beads are just beautiful, I especially loved the blue and silver bracelet! Susan

    ReplyDelete
  37. Debbie WalterFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    I've never done lampwork beads. They look so interesting. I love the results you get! And of course the supplies and tools.I'm a new follower and look forward to see more of you blog! Debbie SunflowerHouseArt.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. MariaFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:02 AM

    Hi Carol, what a lovely lot of projects you've shown in this post...varied and very beautiful items.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Arianna M.February 5, 2015 at 5:07 AM

    Your beads are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  40. carol funFebruary 5, 2015 at 9:32 PM

    I'm enjoying reading your blog! Your quilts are lovely and I'm in awe of your glass work . I've been tempted to try it but held back as I have waaaay too many hobbies... and not enough time! Glad to meet another Carol!

    ReplyDelete
  41. anojaaFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    Hi! Thank you for stopping over at my place. I am happy to return the courtesy and very happy I did. You are so gifted. The leather bag, among other things, is just incredible. I am looking forward to read you from now on.

    ReplyDelete
  42. afistfuloflemonsFebruary 9, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    Your tote is amazing! Thanks for joining the blog hop. I'm looking forward to seeing your new creations. :)
    - afistfuloflemons @ gmail.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol D.February 13, 2015 at 11:05 PM

      Thanks for your nice compliment. Hope maybe you will be starting a blog too.

      Delete
  43. MaggieFebruary 11, 2015 at 4:12 PM

    Hi Carol--a late visitor from the GYB party! Gosh your beads are beautiful! And I wholeheartedly agree about wanting to try everything...so many projects, so little time! I'm going to follow you....you're at 99 now, so I'm putting you into the 3-digits!

    maggie
    www.themagrag.com
    maggieraguse@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  44. TammyFebruary 13, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    Just getting around to more of the blogs on the GYB party .. it's been fun and have a few added to my followers. I love your beads and I totally resonate with wanting to try new things. Too many ideas and not enough time in the day. I love to repurpose clothing and anything as well as make art, dye, rust, sew, repurpose leather jackets, make purses with vinyl wallpaper, make my own walnut ink, sew paper together to paint on. Too many things to mention, oh and stitching things. Anyway .. nice to meet you. I'll follow you. :) Have a fantastic day!!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. suziqu's thread worksFebruary 14, 2015 at 5:39 AM

    Hello Carol,
    You certainly have a number of talents up your sleeve and recycling leather clothing into bags certainly is something I have not seen before and your bag looks fantastic. Thanks for coming to my blog. Good luck in the Giveaway!
    I hope you enjoy visiting all the party blogs and meet some new friends,
    Have a wonderful day,
    Suzy

    ReplyDelete
  46. JFebruary 14, 2015 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks for the reminder to enter your give away! Ditzy me! I thought I'd already done that! It's fun to have a "mystery prize!" Congratulations in advance to the winner! (Hope it's me!)

    ReplyDelete
  47. barbara woodsFebruary 14, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    You are one busy lady, visiting from grow your blog

    ReplyDelete

Love to hear from my readers! So join in the fun.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...