Monday, April 18, 2011

You know what they say about rabbits...


Well, they sure have been multiplying around my house lately. I just can't seem to get enough of their sweet brown faces and want to share with you what I've been working on. First up, is this little pillow I created using Bent Creeks' "Bunny" chart (part of "The Littles" series). Don't you just love his dear face--he looks quite concerned about something. This is stitched on 32 ct. Flax Belfast linen and uses whatever WDW and Sampler Threads I had available. Then I simply made a pillow using one of my favorite leafy green fabrics and embellished it with soft yellow ric-rac and mauve colored buttons that pick up the color in the bunny's flower.










Rabbit finish #2 is from the Just Nan chart "HummingBead Heaven" and is called "Bunny Hop." I had so many compliments on my Just Nan bunny finish from my last post that I decided to stitch a different one this week. Here he is romping through a white picket-fenced garden filled with cabbages and foxgloves. Notice the two little lady bugs crawling through the garden, too.


Stitched on 28ct. grey Monaco with DMC threads, this tiny pillow is backed with a cheery green and white polka dot fabric. I'm so proud of myself because I finally got up my nerve to try a ruched ribbon trim. I struggled and struggled to get it right using different online tutorials. Somehow, none of them got through to my feeble brain. Finally, I found an extremely helpful YouTube video that I could understand. The ruching isn't perfect, but I think it came out quite well for my first time. Doesn't the ruching on the pillow resemble bunches of fluffy bunny tails? If you'd like to try ruching yourself, check out this video.



The third and fourth rabbit-themed finishes are, of course, Prairie Schooler designs. First up is the April ornament from Book No. 13: "A Prairie Year." I used the suggested DMC threads and made my own cording out of DMC 223 to match. The fabric is 28ct. tea-dyed Monaco evenweave. I just noticed that the poor bunny has no whiskers, but they weren't charted so I guess maybe they're supposed to be brown whiskers that just blend in with his body.


Finally, I stitched the PS April design from Book No. 90: "Spring & Fall." I used the suggested DMC colors and stitched it on 32 ct. flax Belfast linen. Think I'll frame this one when I find just the right frame. The bunnies would feel right at home huddled under their umbrella with all the rain we've had this spring! The downpours on Saturday were unbelievable, but I didn't mind since I had to work. And, yes, I worked Sunday, too... Not the best weekend to work with all those last-minute folks coming in for tax forms who then get mad at us librarians because we don't know what form they need! We keep telling them we aren't accountants, but oh, the looks they give us. We can hardly wait until tax season ends each April. Do you all have your taxes done? I sure hope you don't owe too much money. Even better, I hope you're lucky enough to be getting money back that you can spend on those much-needed stitching supplies!


Last week's mail brought a couple of lovely gifts from fellow stitchers. First of all Faye at Carolina Stitcher sent me this delightful red scissor fob as a thank you for a chart that I lent her. I'm just tickled to have one of her famous "red" pieces and the personalization on it is very special. Check out the suede cording and the little silver bead that she attached, too. Such a pretty piece...Thank you so much, Faye--I certainly love your thoughtful thank you gift! It will look quite elegant attached to a pair of my favorite scissors...




I was also lucky enough to win this package of gorgeous giveaway goodies from sweet Lynn at Kearnel's Korner. Don't you just love the chick ornament that she made? It is so special to me because it reminds me of the fluffy little chicks that were born last spring at our pond. (If you're new to my blog click here and you can see photos of the nine chicks and their mother paddling merrily along in the pond.) And just look at the gorgeous spring fabrics, cute scissors, and the butterfly ribbon that Lynn included. I am one lucky stitcher. The LHN "Simple Joys" chart is one of my favorites because it is so "me." Thank you so very much, Lynn--I'll think of you each time I use these thoughtful gifts.


I'm sure there are others of you like me who savor the simple things in life. It gives me such pleasure to curl up with a good book at the end of a long day or sort through my buttons or ribbons looking for the perfect accent for one of my ornaments. Or to spy the first sky-blue eggs in a robin's nest in the spring or hear those soft coos of the mourning doves at sunrise... Things that cost little or nothing, but leave me feeling so satisfied and comforted. Just last month, I was thrilled to see this majestic-looking hawk sitting on a branch not more than 10 feet outside my kitchen window. What a sight! No, it really doesn't take much to make me happy... Hope you'll enjoy some simple joys today.

Well, that's about it for this post. I want to thank you, as always, for all the kind comments and emails and wish each of you a wonderful week ahead. Do you have any plans for Easter? My brother and his family will be joining us for Easter brunch and I'm really looking forward to their visit. I only get to see them once or twice a year so it will be special. Wishing everyone who celebrates it a blessed Easter and I hope you find lots of bunnies (chocolate ones, that is!) in your Easter baskets! Bye for now...
HAPPY EASTER!

75 comments:

  1. What wonderful pieces you have created. I think the ruched ribbon on Bunny Hop looks fantastic!

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  2. Your finishings are all just perfect. They look so nice on display.

    Also, thank you for the you tube link. I watched it right away and would like to give it a try.

    Hope you have a nice visit with your family.

    Pam

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  3. What beautiful finishes, Carol! Your house must be so nicely decorated for each holiday. I love being able to turn to You Tube for help with stuff--I'm amazed at the wealth of information on there! I've used it for everything from blogging help to gardening help to stitching help.

    Enjoy your Easter! Ours will be quiet. Have a good time with your brother.

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  4. Oh my! I love all the lovely bunnies gathering in your house! They're all wonderful! Great job on that ruching too! Love the goodies from friends as well! Hope you enjoy your Easter with your brother and his family!

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  5. Your finishes are lovely Carol, all the bunnies are so cute! Love the first bunny, he's face is adorable. Have a lovely Easter. Xx

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  6. All your bunnies are sooo sweet! Thanks for the ruching tip; I'll be watching that video soon, I'm sure.

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  7. Beautiful finishes, I just love all your bunnies :))

    Your ruched ribbon trim looks perfect, thanks for the link.

    Happy Easter to you, too.

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  8. I love your bunny finishes Carol! Each one of them is so special. The gifts you received are very special too and so pretty! Have a wonderful Easter with your family.

    I see hawks out my kitchen window too!

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  9. love the bunnies, they are finshed perfectly

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  10. What a sweet gathering of bunnies! My favorite has to be the adorable Just Nan one. And your ribbon trim is lovely!!!!!!

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  11. Carol, What sweet bunnies you have created! Your display is adorable!

    What great goodies the mail brought you as well. I know you will enjoy them all!

    And that hawk is amazing! I can't believe he was that close!

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  12. Hi Carol!
    How cute Easter bunnies, all are beautiful, I love the finish of your labor.
    The gifts are great.

    Happy Easter

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  13. Carol -- All your bunnies are so precious and I loved the rouched ribbon you did. It looks lovely and thanks for the tutorial link.

    I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your brother. Ours will be very quiet but I'm looking forward to it.

    Have a good week.

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  14. oh how I wish you lived closer Carol....your finishing techniques are so good........I wish I could do half as nice of work.
    I especially love the little bunny, hopping over the cabbage patch....too adorable....
    and oh my! The hawk picture is gorgeous.....I love the birds especially this time of year.

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  15. You are a busy lady!
    Beautiful finishes! I love all your bunnies, but the Just Nan one is adorable. Like Peter Rabbit,just missing the blue jacket. I love the ruched ribbon border...just perfect!
    My grandma used to make ruched ribbons to decorate baby stuff. I want to make an ornament using it, I guess a red one.
    Cute gifts too. I love the sweet chicks ornament.
    I wish you a great easter with your family!

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  16. I am so glad I am not the only one having bunny fever! I just started another Barbara Ana design (who by the way has awesome bunnies) and I know this will not be my last. I love all your bunny finishes. So sweet. I still have your adorable "Spring Garden" by The Design Connection bunny on my wish list. I can't locate it anyhere, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that one day I will fun across it.

    Wishing you a most blessed Easter. :)

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  17. Lovely finishes! I think that they are all fantastic. I have stitched quite a few bunnies myself lately and they have all been joyful. Cheers!

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  18. All your finishes are lovely. The dsiplay in your home is gorgeous. Have a lovely easter with your brother.

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  19. Don't know where to begin - all the bunnies are oh so cute - can't even chose a favorite - I so admire your finishing - the ruching looks fab and your fabric choices are inspired!

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  20. I love ALL of your rabbits and ALL of your finishing techniques. Beautiful.

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  21. So many finishes! And all so beautiful :D Congrats sweetie!!!
    I love the second one, all adorable but that one.. made my heart smile! Looks so adorable =)

    oh yes! That chick ornament is really cute! :) Congrats for your gifts, lucky girl ;)

    I can't do much these days, I have an allergy on my hands =/ I'm not even sure if I will go to Lisbon for Easter weekend.. oh well, I have to wait and see if my allergy goes away! Hopefully will soon!! :)

    Hugs&Smiles to you!!!

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  22. Carol, these are all so beautiful! I love your finishes on them. I think you need to make a step by step tutorial on some of these! Have a wonderful Easter!

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  23. Love all your bunny finishes! Your ruched ribbon looks great!

    Lovely scissor fob from Faye! Isn't she sweet :)

    Happy Easter to you!

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  24. Your bunny pillows are just beautiful! I love the yellow ric rac on the green fabric with the button details. It matches that design perfectly! Kudos on all of your lovely finishes!

    happy stitching...

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  25. Your bunny finishes are adorable. I especially like the way you've finished the Bent Creek one with the button flowers on the ricrac

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  26. Beautiful bunny finishes! I love the Just Nan one the best! It's so cute and I think your ruching is fabulous! You've been very busy with your stitching. Lovely fob from Faye and great win too!

    Amazing that hawk was so close...it's a stunning photo!

    I hope you have a nice Easter. I am laying low and am on vacation. Thank goodness. I need some quiet time and relaxation. Hope you have a nice one!

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  27. Your Easter ornaments are all so beautiful Carol! My personal favorites are the PS pieces :) but all of them are lovely. This year I have not stitched new ones, but I have also several stitched ornaments for Easter.

    Anyhow, I see that here the Easter Bunny has no big tradition, here Easter is more about religious processions and celebrations.

    I wish you a nice week and nice spring weather.
    Edit

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  28. The wabbits are wonderful!!!!
    Happy Easter!!

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  29. What a lot of beautiful rabbits! Your ruching looks amazing to me - I'm going to check out the You Tube video in a moment.

    Rowen's post card arrived today and I must tell you that you've got her walking at least an inch off the ground. "Mail? For me? No one ever writes to me!" She read it out loud for all of us to hear and has hung it on the refrigerator so it can be used in the final project. Thank you SO much!!

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  30. Loving those bunnies. I think you might be starting something here! x

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  31. Very cute bunny finishes! I think you did a marvelous job with the ruching! I haven't attempted that yet but maybe I will try it with the project I'm working on now.

    That hawk picture is awesome! What a beautiful sight to see out your window.

    Have a great Easter brunch with your brother and his family!

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  32. What beautiful finishes, Carol!!
    Have a lovely Easter with family.

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  33. What a wonderful collection of Rabbits you have been stitching think No 2 Bunny Hop is clearly my favourite and well done on the finish I will certainly check that video out

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  34. Looking at your ruching, I wouldn't believe for a minute that you struggled with it. It's beautiful!

    Your collection of bunnies is adorable!

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  35. Love your BC Little Bunny--you are too right about his face!

    If you recall what yellow you used for the background I'd love to know it--gorgeous!

    You are entirely right that the ruching puts one in mind of sweet white cotton tails! I'm bookmarking that YT Tutorial! Thank you!

    Love your April! We finished up our taxes on Friday Night--what a relief! Leave it to the IRS to have someone else (Library) do their Customer Service!

    Beautiful gifts from Stitchers! Thanks for sharing. :)

    What a gorgeous bird--love seeing these bird pics on blogs. We have a flock of wild turkeys living in a stand of trees adjacent to our building...also adjacent to that stand is the Garden State Parkway! Whew! These birds can be seen (and heard) in our courtyard or strutting along the Parkway most days. lol!

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  36. Your bunnies and finishes are all so pretty! Well done on the ruching!
    Easter plans, my brother is coming over with his family, and we're going to be trying to deep fry the turkey this year...eek! but the ham will be tucked safely in the oven for back up! LOL
    We have a new baby this year for easter. Brand new this morning! I'm a great aunt today! :)

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  37. All such lovely bunny finishes. I seem to like the bunny patterns too.
    LISA V

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  38. LOVE your bunnies!!!!!! They are awesome!!!!!

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  39. Carol your stitching and finishes are exquisite. Thanks for sharing. I hope your Easter Holiday spent with family is full of simple joys and many blessings.

    Jane

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  40. Beautiful finishes and I love the way the ruching came out. I watched the video because I didn't know how to do that either. Very interesting! Seems easy, if a little time-consuming. It looks so fantastic in the finished piece though it's worth it.
    You know, I have that little Bent Creek bunny and I never would have thought to finish it that way. It looks fab! You've been busy busy as always with your stitching. Have a great Easter!

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  41. All your bunny finishes look beautiful, I love the Prarie Schooler pieces. Congrats on winning Lynn's giveaway and that is a darling little fob Faye sent you. It sounds like you've got a lovely Easter weekend planned, we're having a big roast dinner on Easter Sunday. I'm looking forward to it already! Hope you are well, and happy stitching.

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  42. Oh Carol I absolutely love your sweet bunny finishes:: So cute!

    Lovely gifts you received.

    How fantastic to see a hawk so close up!

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  43. Congrats on the lovely finishes - all the bunnies are adorable!

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  44. Who cares how much those bunnies multiply when they look as cute as yours are!! Such sweet finishes Carol. I love how your ric rac and buttons match the stitching on your first pillow and that rucching is wonderful. I would never have guessed that was your first try.
    I'm so glad that you enjoyed my giveaway goodies. I hope that you and your family have a very blessed Easter celebration and you can partake of some of the more edible bunnies.

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  45. Such beautiful (and cute) finishes!

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  46. Oh such gorgeous bunnies:)) love them all and so in keeping with Easter too!!
    I love the Hawk, and so close by, you have captured him/her so well!
    Have a Happy Easter bunny with your family:))

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  47. Your finishes are beautiful, Carol !!! So Easter... :-) I bet your home is beautifully decorated for the holiday.
    I am a bit You Tube fan to learn new things. That's where I go when I don't know how to do a specialty stitch !!

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  48. All of your bunnies are darling! I am not sure I could choose which one I liked best.

    Enjoy your family at Easter. We will have our Daughter and her daughter with us. So much fun to have a little one around.

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  49. Your rabbits are all beautiful! Incredible picture of that hawk. A hawk is our school mascot, so I'm particularly partial. :) hope you have a Happy Easter. We plan to go to our church that morning and then have dinner with husband's family in honor of both Easter and a neice's birthday. :)

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  50. Carol, you're killing me with all those wonderful bunny finishes!!!! I'm drooling all over my keyboard ;o)

    Thank you so much for the link to the tutorial. Very informative and easy to follow. How wide was the ribbon you used?

    What a majestic looking bird! I love birds of prey. Such beautiful creatures.

    I hope you and your family have a very Happy Easter :o)

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  51. A superb collection of bunny finishes.

    How amazing to see the hawk, now that would have made my day!

    Happy Easter wishes to you and your family Carol, i hope you all have a lovely time together

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  52. oh mon dieu c'est sublime !
    bisous bisous

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  53. Oh Carol.... All of your bunny rabbit pieces are each uniquely beautiful. It is difficult to even say that I have a favorite one, but I think that it would be the Just Nan "Bunny Hop". You did a wonderful job with the ruching too...it looks just perfect!

    What a lovely scissor fob from your friend Faye with your initial stitched so beautifully! I absolutely love the adorable "chickies" ornament from Lynn at Kearnel's Korner, with the other special goodies too. Congratulations to you!

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  54. Gorgeous finishes! I love bunnies too!

    Hugs,

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  55. All the bunnies are so cute. I am sure you will enjoy your brunch. Have blessed Easter.

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  56. Hi Carol!
    Just wanted to pop in and say "thank you" for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I love to read them. I also wanted to let you know that I ADORE your little Bent Creek Bunny Pillow. It is precious! Perfect Easter decoration!

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  57. Oh your bunnies are just so sweet! And I can honestly say I've never seen such beautiful finishing, and now I have my own sweet piece to admire whenever I please. Still grinning here over winning your giveaway. LOL
    Happy Easter, enjoy your family time.

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  58. Hi my dear friend !
    Your bunnys are all beautiful and so sweet !!!! and I especially love the "Bunny Hope" !!! He is so cute !!!!
    Oh ! thanks you for the you tube links.
    I hope you and your family have a happy Easter !!!
    Hugs from France

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  59. What lovely bunnies. I so enjoy watching you 'grow' a collection! That ruching is adorable so I'll have to go watch - mine is far from pleasing to me. Enjoy your family and have a blessed Easter season!

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  60. What gorgeous bunny finishes Carol! Your ruched ribbon finish looks wonderful! Hope you have a lovely Easter with your brother and his family.

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  61. Happy Easter to you too! Your bunny finishes are soooo adorable.

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  62. You have been bunny busy...lol
    The cute Bent creek bunny looks so lovely, and the finish such a beauty!!
    Just nan bunny - another lovely bunny and finish, love the white ribbon
    The red color and on the third bunny is so beautifull made..
    hihi the April piece made me laugh.

    You got some beautifull things on the mail..

    I hope you have a great Easter weekend.
    We just came back from a vacation, so I have a wash and clean weekend, tomorrow we are painting eggs and we are going to find them in the garden..

    Happy Easter

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  63. They all look so cute! Wonderful pincushions.
    Happy Easter from Germany, Gabi

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  64. Happy Easter :D

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  65. They're everywhere, they're everywhere...and adorable, to boot! Love the special gift from Faye and and your other gifts, too! Wonderful finishes!

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  66. Your bunnies are gorgeous and finished so beautifully, as always. We are taking "the boys" to the beach later - enjoy the holidays.
    kind regards,
    Shirley

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  67. Hi Carol, I like your embroidery, are so delicate so pretty. I think I was very well pleated ribbon.
    Hope you enjoyed the Easter vacation with your brother.
    I met with two of my sisters and my mother in Castellón.
    Warm greetings.

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  68. Your collection of rabbits is absolutely adorable.
    I love the ruched ribbon. I think you did a fantastic job.
    Love your gift from Faye and your wonderful giveaway from Lynn. Lynn is a friend of mine and a very special lady.

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  69. You are always know how to do "magic" when comes to finishing, Coral! Your Bent Creeks Bunny pillow looks gorgeous. What a great idea to attached some matching mauve colored buttons to match with the bunny's flower.

    Your Bunny Hop's finishing is fantastic! I fall in love with your ruched ribbon. Good try and well done, Coral! I discovered they are more interesting ribbons tutorials link from the tutorial link. Thanks for the tutorial link. It's very easy to follow and useful. Now I know how to make my own ruching ribbons.

    Beautiful fob from Faye and sweet package from Lynn. Have a wonderful week.

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  70. OMG look at all those bunnies and so wonderfully finished!

    You got some lovely gifts!

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  71. My goodness, so many beautiful Easter finishes, I love them all! What great gifts you got as well, I hope you and your family had a happy Easter.

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  72. Such cute rabbits and chickens:)
    I especially like "bunny hop".

    I hope you had a nice easter. Lovely decorations too there I see:)

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  73. Oh my, what a wonderful bunny fest you have created here.
    They are all finished so beautifully. I love them all but the first one is especially adorable.
    Hugs,
    Margaret

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  74. I love all your finishes, Carol! They are all beautiful; congratulations!

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Hello! So glad you dropped in and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate each and every one...I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have, but please make sure to include your email address so I can get back to you...

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Carol