Thanksgiving Table

I've been thinking about my first Thanksgiving that I hosted, way back 1996. Don and I were newly-wedded-love-birds and I was working on the set of the movie Contact. What was I thinking? I was working six 14-hour days per week.  But I did it. I pulled it off. I stressed over that meal for weeks, every detail carefully planned out.

Boy, how things have changed. I may still work 14-hour days, but extensively planning a meal is long gone. Heck, I didn't even buy a turkey or my fix-ins until late Wednesday. Despite my "I've got no turkey" mantra, the lack of a turkey really didn't bother me that much. I have a very picky family, so as long as I stick to the status quo, I'm okay. The hard part was finding time to get to the grocery.

But what I do love to fret over is the Thanksgiving Table. I love a good tablescape! What was I thinking? I had nothing for this year's table pre-prepped. Well, nothing except a mind full of ideas, and thankfully a studio full of fabric.

You may remember that I'd wanted to make myself a new oilcloth tablecloth for the occasion, but time and materials got away from me. After making more than a dozen tablecloths for Modern June holiday orders, I just didn't have it in me to make one for myself. So, Wednesday evening I finally got started on something for our holiday. The rules were simple... NO SHOPPING and NO SEWING!

My inspiration was a page from the November issue of Country Living, but instead of craft paper I went with Chalk Cloth. The minute I saw the photo in the article, I was reminded of an idea I had been meaning to do for over a year. It was such an easy-peasy project, I really did love making it! And, it only took me 30 minute to complete. Sweet, right? Check out the step-by-step instructions at my Oilcloth Addict Blog.

The morning of Thanksgiving, I started setting the table and I realized that all my napkins were less than pretty. What to do... what to do? Make some of course! Within my fabric stash I found some lime, yellow and orange polka dot cottons that I then cut into 18" squares using my crimped rotary cutter.   A set of 8 napkins in less than 45 minutes! Can't beat that! Nothing fancy here, just fun!

Around mid-morning I took some time to dig out my chalk cloth table runner, and I was able to plan out all the food placement in advance (and it looked really cute too!). This made enlisting help with delivering the food from the kitchen to the dining room even easier, because everyone knew exactly where to put each dish. 

I have to say that the causal Thanksgiving Setting befuddled my In-Laws at first. I really wanted to make the point that this was a no-stress holiday, and we were all going to let go of the silly stuffiness that comes with this time of year. Once everyone knew that the "black stuff" on the table wasn't a tablecloth pad that I had forgotten to top off with a crisp white linen, they all came 'round, and we all spent over an hour scribbling away. Now, that's a Thanksgiving we will never forget, and that is what it is all about, isn't it? Making happy memories!

  

Drafting and Patterning tools

Drafting and Patterining tools!, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

I am so excited to have this wall completed. I started making patterns when I was 15 or 16, at a time when all I wanted in the world was to dress like Madonna. Surprisingly enough you couldn't find those styles in a suburban mall in Missouri, so I was left to my own devises... paper shopping bags, really cheap fabric and my Kenmore sewing machine.

Now, 25 years later, I still love making patterns. Every single Modern June product is handmade by me and my team of "Junies" from my own hand-drafted patterns!

National Tie One On Day™

National Tie One On Day™ has nothing to do with purchasing anything special or even driving!

Participation is simple. On the day before Thanksgiving, November 25th this year, pause in the preparation of your own meal, wrap a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement
in the pocket, and tie one on…an apron, of course! and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone without your bounty… a neighbor, friend or family member in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, a bit of recognition or just a kind word.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Sale!

Paris Flea Market Napkins 

Let's talk Turkey!  Next week is the big day but don't fret there is still time to get some great Modern June Housewares for the big day!  From now till Monday (Noon) we're offering you 25 % off of our fall products.  Shop early for best selection!  All items are in stock and will ship two day priority.

Fall Placemats

Woodland Toadstool Table Runner

 Chalk Cloth Table Runner with Orange Lace only

Handmade Christmas-ornaments!

You know we all did it, we took that Buy Handmade oath a few years back, but as time went by and the economy tanked we have had to do what we could to get by and still feed the babies.  But handmade doesn't cost an arm and a leg and it bets shopping the big box stores as much as we can.




We have a family tradition of giving the kids a special ornament each year, an ornament the represents their current interests.  I admit yesterday I was a Michael's checking out the selection and I realized I wasn't being true to the cause, so I have collected all the super cute-low cost Handmade Christmas Ornaments I could find.  They just happen to go with our best selling holiday item, the Red Lace Scalloped Tree Skirt and what will be under my tree this year.

From left to right, top to bottom... 1. Red Poinsettia Ornament by Butterfly Blue Designs $3.00 2. Holiday Ornament - Felt Cupcake - Christmas Merry and Bright Collection by Sugar Chic Baby $8.00 3. Amigurumi Strawberry Ornaments by anapaulaoli set of three for $18.00 4.Festive Owl Ornament by emily orpin $4.00 5. Tree or Gift Ornaments-Recycle-Upcycle Soda Can by loda set of 10 for $20.00 6.Beautiful Embroidered Red Work Christmas Ornaments by personal threads $4.00 7.Russian Nesting Doll Ornament by banner babe $4.00 8. Pair-Felt Mittens Ornaments-Red by aquaartstudio $7.50 a pair 9. Red, Green and White Scandinavian Inspired Baubles by Snowy Side Drive Set of 3 $20.00

Volunteers needed!

We're looking for a few good people to lend us a hand at our upcoming Handmade Holiday!  As a token of our thanks we will treat you to our Ticked Preview Party!  To sign up for a day and time please contact Kelly@modernjune.com

Richmond Craft Mafia's Handmade Holiday Dates and Time

12.12.08 7-10 pm (Ticketed Preview Party) 

and 

12.13.08 10 am - 5 pm (Free & Open to the Public)

Volunteer Shifts!

Friday --- Load-in and Check-in  4:30 to 7:00 PM  2x4 foot table and tablecloth for check in.  

Friday --- Programs and Booth Sitting 7:00 - 10:00 PM

Saturday --- Programs and Booth Sitting  9:45 AM  - 12:00 PM

Saturday --- Programs, Booth Sitting and Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Saturday --- Programs,  Booth Sitting and Load- Out 3:00 PM  - 6:00 PM

Check out how to make you own NO-SEW Fall table at my Oilcloth Addict Blog!

Divine Design and Craft Boutique This Friday!

See ya there Richmond!

Oilcloth Girls

Last night I went to bed thinking about what a great community I have surrounded myself with, and I that know just how lucky I am to have all of my dear friends.  There's my wonderful homeschool mammas, neighbors, and my crafty girlfriends. Over the years I have chatted about a lot about these lovely people, but I don't know if I have ever told you all about my Oilcloth Posse, the two wonderful ladies that I have gotten to know via Etsy.  Other oilcloth fanatics, like me, that make wonderfully constructed and innovative products.  Their ideas are truly original and I think that it is high time you get to know them--if you don't already!  

Lilybella Boutique 

The first to add vinyl letters to uniquely personalize oilcloth, how smart is she? 

Rick Rack Queen 

The best oilcloth lunch bags on earth!  

For some of us making oilcloth goods is a passion. It's not just a job, or a stupid "friendly competition"... code for "I am farming your shop for my next product." The great thing about us is that we respect each other, and each others product lines.  Although I have a really great lunch bag pattern that one of my stitchers and I spent weeks developing, I don't make lunch bags--I don't make them because Rick Rack Queen makes great ones!  Instead, I sell RRQ's lunch totes at my craft shows.  Karen doesn't make splat mats or party banners because she likes mine and respects me enough not to steal my products.  Instead, she sells them on her super cute website, Lilybella, where you can find specially designed party banners that I make just for her customers.  

What is truly great about knowing these ladies is not just professional respect, but the support we give one another. Over the years we have comforted each other when others have taken our ideas and called them theirs. And, unfortunately, it has happened to each of us in turn. We have bailed each other out with emergency shipments of oilcloth so deadlines could be met.  Just the other day, one of the gals asked me if I could send her a certain oilcloth so she wouldn't have to buy elsewhere.  That is good business and wonderful friendship.  

Now don't get me wrong, I am not so foolish to think that everyone is going to be this friendly. I do know business is business.  But I tell you what, I don't have trouble sleeping at night. I go to bed with a clear head and a kind heart, with no need to ask for forgiveness. So, this holiday season please support my dear and kind oilcloth friends, Lilybella Boutique and Rick Rack Queen.  Between the three of us, we've got your holiday gift list covered!!!  

Christmas Stockings

set of five, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Our five new oilcloth stockings for the Christmas Holiday.
For a very Merry Retro Christmas!

Freebie and Free Shipping!

It's the first Monday of November so that means it is time to give something fun away! Let's keep celebrating fall with a set of Modern June Oilcloth Placemats.  All you have to do it leave me a love note telling which set you like, will it be the darker faux bois with the elegant brown lace or is it the more casual gingham and birch wood grain that would top your table?  

I would also like to extend my gratitude to my loyal blog readers and gift you free shipping for the entire month of November!  To receive this savings add "MJ free shipping" in the Note to Seller Box during check out!  Enjoy the Modern June goodness this holiday season!
Please include your email address so I can reach you! Deadline will be Wednesday @12 p.m.!

Chalk Cloth Table Topper in action!

Chalk Cloth Table Topper in action!, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

We had a blast last night hosting our annual Halloween Trick or Treat Party. The entire family agrees that this is our most favorite gathering of the year. The chili pot is on, the snacks are spooky and the company is always entertaining.

This year I broke out a Modern June Chalk Cloth Table Toppers for myself. You know I have to test all my products, I simply can't make something I don't want to use, and use often. I was really surprised that I didn't have one of these bad boys before yesterday. I have to say it fit perfectly on my island, it almost seems like I planned it that way.

Chalk cloth is a holiday hit, check out all the other hostess-have-to haves at our Modern June Etsy Shop and plan you next party with us!