Author / Bethe

by Bethe

I heart my customers

Thanks to my sweet customers who are so good at sending me pictures of my prints displayed in their homes! You all know how to make a girl feel good!

My friend Chelsea displaying her ruffle pillow, and her Adventure and Sunshine prints.

Alli… one of my most faithful customers, showing off her Thankful print along with my fall free printable…

Alli ordered a custom print of the verses she read at her wedding (1 Corinthians 13).

Kelly ordered a few prints, including my favorite verse that’s up in her office…

And my free printable that’s up in her friend’s office.

Thanks to everybody who has been such a huge support these past three months. If I could give you each a hug in person, I totally would. But instead, I’ll just send a hearty thank you.

A little shop talk – don’t forget that I’ve got hand-sewn Christmas cards listed. I’m only taking a few orders, and I won’t take orders on hand-sewn cards after November 15, so if it’s something you’ve got your eye on, be sure to place your order while there’s still time! Because the cards are very labor-intensive to make, please allow three weeks for me to professionally print the cards and then sew each one. Obviously the smaller the order, the faster you will receive them.

I am hoping to also add some Christmas photo cards to the shop – where you can purchase a design, I’ll drop your photo into the card, and then send you the high-res file for you to print at your local photo store. Or, for an extra cost I will happily print them professionally for you and include envelopes. As soon as I have them listed I will be sure to let you know.

PS–My goal for Saturday is to finish TWO new baby quilts! I can’t wait to post pictures of the new lovelies!

by Bethe

Tuesday Truth: Set Free

I’ve been slowly reading my way through Psalms this year, and this one jumped off the page at me. So many people think that living your life for Jesus is so restricting. You can’t do this, you can’t do that, you can’t think about this. That thing is wrong.

To those people, I want to put my hands on both of their shoulders, look them straight in the eye, and tell them that loving Jesus means to be set free. It means gaining hope. It means thriving in a way that only your creator could orchestrate. It means gaining comfort from a loving Father who knows intimately the sorrows we face.

When I am running in the path of Jesus’ commands, THAT is when I am most alive.

by Bethe

Books, babies, parties, and quilting

This weekend, the theme was REST. Since I was at a conference last weekend, I basically worked 12 days straight without a day off. Add to it that much of those first 5-6 days I was feeling pretty sick, which meant my energy level was lower than normal, and a 13-hour day Thursday, and by Friday evening I was pooped.

Luckily so was Mr. Right, so we did a LOT of sleeping. Like, 10 hours a night of sleeping. Like, we went to bed at 8:30 every night. We are so wild and crazy. It was glorious.

In between all that sleeping we managed to have some fun.

This is the book I’ve been reading. I adore biographies, and politics, and history, so this is like my book-loving trifecta.

Friday night we went to a party at the home of the owner of Mr. Right’s new real estate company. The theme was “denim chic” and I must say I felt a little bit of pressure to look effortlessly, casually chic. Coupled with the fact that it was 90 degrees in late October and my hair was a greasy mess, my skin looked tired, and, well… I may or may not have tried on every outfit in my closet. So silly of me, because we sat down the entire time we were there, nobody was dressed up, and I don’t think a single guest gave my outfit a second glance.

We left the party for dinner with my mom, sister, her husband, and the real star of every family get-together, my nephew Luke. These pictures are actually from the night before when we babysat him, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll take baby pictures whenever/wherever they’re available.

I am pretty sure if this photo had a caption, it would be, “What you talking about, Willis?”

My two guys… (if you look closely, you can see the quilt I made Luke)

Mr. Right got me a special treat after my long week – special heart cookies from Trader Joe’s. The fact that his office is within walking distance of my favorite grocery store may turn out to be the best thing – or the worst thing – that ever happened to me. I see a lot of gourmet organic treats in my future.

Saturday I spent the entire day in my pajamas sewing. It was wonderful. I realize not everybody would love to spend a pretty day stuck indoors on their hands and knees on the floor, trying to keep from getting stuck in the foot by a rogue strait pin, but for me, it’s the ultimate escape. I use the time to catch up on all my favorite shows, and my mind gets to be creative and messy for hours without interruption.

I worked on two quilts, and while I’m so very tempted to show you them in their entirety, I’m saving that for my Wednesday “Works in Progress” post. Is the alliteration cheesy? I’m trying to brainstorm new blog topics, and all the cool bloggers use alliteration. I still wish there was a day of the week that started with Q so I could do a Quilting theme. Maybe I’ll try rhyming instead… Quilt Day Tuesday? (oh my, I’m a dork)

So, long story short, come back Wednesday for some pretty quilt pictures AND an update on a special pillow I’m making myself.

Saturday night Mr. Right and I had a hot date thanks to a gift card we won in an internet contest (score!). No pictures because we were too busy making googley eyes at each other.

Sunday we went back to our home church for the first time since Mr. Right left their staff in early September. It was so nice to sit together during worship – something we haven’t done at this church in over a year because he had to work every service. I also got to finally introduce him to our Sunday School class – I think a few people were wondering if that phantom husband of mine really did exist, but I got to show them that not only does he exist, but he’s a total hottie.

Next week’s wrap-up will be epic… I get to meet my newest nephew in person! I am so excited I can barely stand it. Never fear, there will be PLENTY of pictures of that precious moment.

I am linking up  Sami, Dana, and Leeann for their weekend updates. Want to join me?

by Bethe

Friday Favorites

Today I’m linking back up with the Bargain Blonde for a Friday Favorites feature. Want to join me? Just leave a link to YOUR latest online favorite down in my comment section. I always love to get new ideas!

To see the original source (and some great tutorials) just click on the picture. I believe in giving credit where credit is due!

I don’t have a lot of free time at the moment (that’s what starting a new business will do to you – but I LOVE it). But, someday soon I plan to learn how to make baby bibs so I can stock up on some baby shower gifts. I liked this tutorial, although I also went ahead and just bought some bibs hoping I can deconstruct them and make my own pattern. I’m kind of a rebel like that.

My internet friend Lauren is wonderfully creative, and she came up with this idea for an invitation. I’ve done boxed invitations before and got raves from my guests over them, but this one is even better!

I love gray, I love neutral bedrooms, and I love that mirror. I could have some sweet, sweet dreams in that bedroom.

Somehow I married a man who can build just about anything I dream up, and as soon as I saw this wooden box I showed it to Mr. Right, and he has assured me he can make me one. I think it would be great for any season on our old barn dining table.

I love my chambray shirt that I snagged on clearance at the J Crew outlet, and I love this fashion blog by what seems like a really nice Christian girl.

And finally – I have discovered this blog which also has this etsy shop. Oh my word, this gal hand-draws all of her artwork, and I am amazed at her talent. It’s like all the doodles I used to do in school, the only difference is that hers are gorgeous, and mine looked like doodles.

I love it so much that I bought two of her pieces – this sewing machine print will soon hang in my sewing studio.

I bought these cards, which will go in my new orders, so if you visit my shop, you’ll be seeing this soon!

 I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend filled with all things lovely and relaxing!

by Bethe

Triangle Tips

As I discussed yesterday, I have a small obsession with triangle quilts. Once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless! Here’s a few pointers I’ve found:

1. I cut my squares 6 x 6 inches, which means for a 47 x 47 baby quilt, I use 100 squares. Now this varies, of course, based on my mood and the amount of fabric I have. Sometimes I add a border and use fewer squares. My ginormous blue chevron wedding quilt was FOUR times the size of my normal baby quilts, which made it a queen. (It was a beast, but so worth it for my tall friends).

2. After I sew my two triangles together to make a square and press it flat, I simply clip the tiny leftover fabric on each corner (which makes another triangle), and keep sewing. On my first triangle quilt I tried to re-trim every square to be perfect, but it was a colossal waste of my time.

3. I use technology to my advantage – after I lay all of my triangles out on my floor to make my quilt pattern (which is a lot like putting a puzzle together), as I tackle each section I snap a photo with my phone. This allows me to work with a larger section of fabric at a time, and be able to refer back to the photo to know how to place the fabric. This comes in handy when you’re trying to remember, “Does this fabric or that fabric go on the inside diamond?” and saves you a few trips getting up and down off the floor. Of course, I still get on and off the floor (and up and down to the ironing board) about 8 million times in the course of a quilt, but it could be worse. Who knew quilting was such good exercise?

4. I always cut a few extra triangles, because inevitably I’m going to mess up and it’s a pain to go back and cut again after you lose the rhythm.  Plus I’m really bad at math so sometimes I miscount.

And alas, just in case you couldn’t tell with the other behind-the-scenes pictures, my sewing room gets USED when I’m quilting. Like, destroyed. And that’s okay, I kind of like it that way. I truly believe it’s impossible to be tidy during the creative process.

At least for me.

PS–Why yes, I do sit on an old pillow while I sew. That old wooden chair gets quite hard on the hiney when you’re quilting for eight hours straight.

Keepin’ it clasy, my friends.

Interested in getting your own lovely? Visit my online shop, Texas Lovely, on etsy!

by Bethe

My latest quilting obsession

You may have noticed a pattern (no pun intended), but I am sort of in love with triangle quilts. It started with an obsession with chevron and then expanded to a desire to try every possible combination, partly because (a) I’m getting really fast at cutting those triangles and (b) they really are some of the cutest ones out there.

Here’s a few examples of gorgeous triangle quilts from the web. Click on the picture to view the original source.

And a couple that I’ve made. I could never narrow down a favorite.

And someday soon I promise I’ll try a new method. Maybe, if I’m in the mood. Oh who are we kidding, I’ve probably got a dozen more of these in me.

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s post for some:

For quilts, pillows and lovely prints, visit my Texas Lovely shop on etsy!

by Bethe

Fall and a free printable

I am home from Portland, happily reunited with Mr. Right and in the process of unpacking my 51 pounds of luggage. I may have missed the first wave of fall’s cold weather (boy did I hear all about it on Facebook), but it doesn’t mean that I’m not super excited about the next round of snuggly cold weather that’s sure to come our way soon.

And regardless, I’ve busted out the tall boots and scarves and tonight may be the first night I flip that switch on my heating blanket. It’s kind of like my birthday… which coincidentally happens to be in the fall. And which coincidentally may involve me getting some new fall boots. But I digress.

In honor of fall, and because I needed something to distract me from the scary turbulence on my plane ride last night, I decided to create a free fall printable. Mostly to say thank you for the way you’ve supported my transition to the new blog and the opening of my new shop. I really do appreciate my friends who keep coming back.

Click here to download a Free fall 8×10 printable. For personal use only.

For more printables, visit my shop – Texas Lovely.

by Bethe

Postcard from Portland

I’ve been on the board of directors for The Cowtown Marathon for the past six years, and it is one of my very favorite things I get to do. I’m not a great runner. In fact, I have a love-hate relationship with running–I love what it does to my body, I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from setting an impossible goal and then achieving it. I love the clothes, and watching people cross the finish line for the first time. But I readily admit that I hate the time and hard work that it demands from you. Running is HARD, which is what makes it a challenge. It’s a total metaphor for life.

It fascinates me. And events like this make me want to train for another race.

I got the opportunity to travel to Portland, Oregon for a Race Director Conference for the Portland Marathon this week. A week of sharing ideas with organizers of the nation’s biggest races (like the New York Marathon), rubbing shoulders with former college stars and Olympians and famous running authors (like the guy who invented the run-walk method). I even got to meet Bob Dole’s speech writer.

But enough about running. I also got to enjoy Portland, which is a delicious combination of big city with a hippie flair. A city of bicycles and funky restaurants and great architecture.

By the time you read this, I’ll be watching the marathon finishers from the VIP tent, and then I jet back to Texas for a much-needed reunion with Mr. Right. I adore traveling, but I adore Mr. Right much more. Next time I’m going to have to sneak him along inside my suitcase.

by Bethe

Texas Lovely in homes

There is nothing that makes this girl happier than to see some of my lovelies in other peoples’ homes!

Remember Ashleigh, who won my Thankful print last week? Check out her blog post that shows her picture displayed on her mantle, and the Instagram photo she posted of it so beautifully framed.

And then there’s this instagram photo from Marcy, one of my very first customers, who purchased my Sunshine print to go in her daughter’s bedroom.

And then there’s Katie, who sent me these pictures of her wedding quilt and my first ever ruffle pillow up in her newlywed home.

To my other friends who have their own lovelies – I’d love you to send me a picture. You can only imagine the squealing that happens when I see a little piece of my heart in your home.

by Bethe

Friday Favorites

I’m sending you a very earthy, crunchy hello from gorgeous Portland. I keep telling Mr. Right I may come home with a nose ring and a tattoo. Which, for the record, is perfectly lovely on some people, but if you know me, I’m a bit conservative scared buttoned up not cool enough to pull that off.

But anyway, today I’m linking up with The Bargain Blonde for Friday Favorites. In particular, here are some of my current favorites for fall. Click on the pictures to be redirected to the original source.

Decorating with pumpkins – this makes me want to host a dinner party.

A free fall printable from one of my favorite bloggers (she draws these herself – crazy, huh?).

I’m thinking of making something like this as Christmas stocking stuffers. I could add a loop of thread and convert them into ornaments (with different fabric of course).

This gal’s etsy shop is like a burlap heaven. I love everything in there.

I love pairing my chambray shirt with skinny jeans and boots. I think I may have to add a scarf as well. I also do the white tank beneath it to hide my hiney in those skinny jeans – glad to know it’s considered fashionable and not just functional.

I found the perfect place to display one of my Texas Lovely designs in my kitchen. Although now I have a hankering to paint that frame and distress it. Hmmm…

I adore the applique on this pillow. It would take me forever, but might be a good ongoing project. Speaking of projects, I’m currently recovering all of my living room pillows. I figured I’d done enough sewing for others, it was time to spoil myself for a bit (besides, they were a bit worn, which is ridiculous considering I sell pillows these days). Pictures to come soon. One is a temporary home for some yo-yo’s I’ve been making for the past year – a definite labor of love.

One of my very favorite things is my newest nephew Jack. You may have prayed for him when he decided to arrive eight weeks early. Crazy thing is, he isn’t even really “due” for another three weeks. Is there anything more wonderful than a preemie baby’s grin?

On the fourth day of being home sick last week I finally had the energy to finish piecing together this yellow and gray quilt. It’s made from the same fabric as the chevron quilt I made last month. I love the endless possibilities that come from piecing triangles.

I had planned to put it in my shop but an old sorority sister with an adorable newborn baby girl called dibs, so it will be headed to Austin just as soon as I can get this gal quilted.

And that’s it! I hope you have a wonderfully fabulous fall Friday.