17 April 2013

April Showers Blog Hop, My Day!

Hello, Welcome to GrecoMara, I am Mara and I live in Greece!

Today is My Day to share my mug rugs for the April Showers Mug Rug Hop.
Thank you to Madame Samm for this fun hop 
and thank you to our cheerleader Erin!

April Showers, mmm... makes me think of clouds, rain, rainbows, umbrellas, green trees, flowers, renewal and re-birth.

RAINBOWS

My very first ever mug rug creation is on it's way to Mexico as part of Joy Handmade Swap over at My Giant Strawberry
It is probably a little large for a mug rug at 8" by 10', I think it is cute though, little rainbow umbrellas under silver clouds.  "Every cloud has a silver lining" and "Life is like a rainbow, you need both the rain and the sun to make it's colors appear" are some rainy day quotes that I like.
For the cloud and the handle I used felt and for the rainbow color, 7 total, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple I used Riley Blakes medium dots.  The colors don't show up so well, but that's what they are.

GREEN TREES

Today is my husband's birthday so I thought I would make him a mug rug too, besides I am tired of him always using my turtle mug rug.  If my husband was American his favorite quote would probably be "Money doesn't grow on trees", lucky for me he doesn't know that quote or I would hear it all of the time, but now he has a money tree, that is a money tree mug rug.
Loving my embroidery thread!

And with his very own turtle, the cutest turtle button you will ever see, from ButtonMad.
Such a happy turtle, we have lots of turtles in Greece, not only water ones but land ones also, and the babies are now hatching and my kids have so much fun finding them.

Oh did you want to see the whole mug rug, here it is.
Since it is a birthday would you like cake with that...
or are you a cupcake kind of person?
I sized the tree trunk to perfectly fit my husbands favorite glass and wouldn't you know it, it also is the correct size for his beer!  I also made it a little small so it could fit on our "bar" spot that you see it sitting on next to the table, measuring in at 5.5" by 7.5".
I personally like cupcakes, as do my kids, especially these "baby" sized ones.

RE-BIRTH

I know it is getting to be a long post but stick with me, because now I need your help, which mug rug should I send to my sister-in-law?
You see she lost her father a few months ago and I can't be physically there for her, but she wrote a beautiful and moving memorial about her father, I would send you to the link but it is private, but I have taken a few of her quotes, "One of my favorite childhood memories of my dad was when I was about five or six years old. I would wake up early and walk into the living room to see my dad sitting in his recliner drinking his coffee. He would ask me to come to sit on his lap, and he would give me little tastes of coffee. I always felt so special and grown up getting to drink coffee with my Daddy early in the morning." and " I suppose I will make a cup of coffee and remember him."  I thought it only fitting that she should have a mug rug, to rest her cup of coffee while she remembered her father.  I also wanted to represent this quote in the Bible, 
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, The Comfort of Christ's Coming,
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
But which one should I give her, 
 
The Hexagon
Pat's Fabrics

This one is named after Pat at Life in the Scrapatch, since I won all 4 of these fabrics from her during the "In your words blog hop", they came in so handy.
 or Reverse Applique
All 3 of them have the same gorgeous fabric on the back.
It says:  Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
courtesy of Pat!

So what do you think?
If you want more details, I have written another very lengthy post below:
 
 Make sure you go visit all of the other wonderful and talented bloggers out there today.

Wednesday, April 17
Jen @ Quilter in the Closet
Marjorie @ Marjorie's Busy Corner
Elita @ A Pieceful Perspective
Green @ So Sew Green
Mara @ Greco Mara  You Are Here
Wendy @ Why Knot Kwilt?
Gmama Jane @ GrandMama's Stories
Debby @ Debby Kravotil Quilts
Britt-Inger @ Hill Valley Quilter
Connie @ Freemotion by the River
Beth @ Words and Stitches
Kathy @ iHeartSquishy


68 comments:

Judy B said...

LOvely mug rugs! Love your husband beer rug! I think #2 would be perfect for your sister. Thank you for sharing.

Michelle said...

Your mug rugs are wonderful. I would like to have a real money, lol. Very sweet. Also to answer one of your questions, I'd like cupcakes please. :-)

Wendy said...

What a treasure you are as a SIL! I really, really like the third mug rug, myself but each is beautiful in its own right. Your shares for the hop are down right wonderful and I am so glad you joined the hop so I could be introduced to your blog...wow! Greece! So very cool!! Thank you!

Unknown said...

I love, love, love your money tree mug rug! That is awesome. I think you should gift your sister in law the inspirational mug rug..."Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...". Prayers for your sister in law and all of your family.
hugz
Pam

Rhonda said...

How touching. Your mug rugs are well thought out. I'd say the HEX for your sister.

Grammasheri said...

First let me say that your mug rugs are awesome. Plenty of thought and creativity went into those, for sure! I think any of the three mug rugs would be sweetly appropriate for your sister. My favorite it the hexie one.

Sunshine Girl said...

They are all fabulous - love the tree one. I would give your sister the first or second ones - or even both of them, its such a kind thought from you. Thanks for sharing.

Amy said...

Such beautiful mug rugs! I need a money tree. As for the three choices, I really like #2. I think which ever one you finally chose, she will treasure it.

mammafairy said...

Send your sister in law the hexie one. It is lovely.

Mind you, all three are rather special!

Britt-Inger said...

I love your money tree mug rug, but I think you should send the hexie one to your sister. Thanks for sharing all your creativity.

DeborahGun said...

These are wonderful mug rugs - al of them! I personally like the reverse applique one - the words on that fabric are so uplifting and encouraging - what a great hope! Thanks for the encouragement your post has given me today.

newsurfiegirl said...

Thanks for sharing your mug rugs! I like #3 Reverse but I am sure that your SIL would be happy with any of them they are all so beautiful.

JoyceLM said...

Thanks for sharing your mug rugs. I like the 3rd one with the quote fabric.

Martina said...

Great mug rugs! I would vote for #3 too. But all of them would be meaningful to her.

Jeanie said...

What a nice post! I love the money tree, but especially love the last two. I'd pick the second one with the words, but either one will be cherished. Very tender and sweet.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

great job on your project!! I love the money tree...happy Birthday to your husband!!!! I would go with #3

Gwen said...

What an incredible bunch of mug rugs you've made! Your husband's is just great! And how thoughtful of you to make mug rugs for your sister-in-law--I like the last one best with the hands and the cloud, but I'm sure she'll appreciate whatever you send her.

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures said...

Money tree!

AnitaS said...

Nice rug for your husband. It makes me smile. Happy brihdau to your DH.I think the hexagon rug is perfect for your sister.

Dee said...

What a wonderful tribute to a father, having a cup of coffee with your mug rug and thinking of him.

Anonymous said...

I do adore all of your mug rugs...you were a stitching to high heaven...lol
yes meant to say that....how lovely for your sil she has you...
Madame Samm

Linda said...

Your projects are so pretty!
I vote for the reverse applique mug rug for your SIL. It says it all so well!

Just Quilt It said...

Greetings from Illinois! Your hop mug rugs are so cute! I especially like your money tree--every quilter needs one of those. LOL Losing one close to you is so difficult, and I think the scriptures can be so comforting. I would send the 3rd rug. I don't know how people without faith get through the loss of a loved one. Beautiful work.

krislovesfabric said...

Hiya Mara, your projects are all wonderful...such fun thoughts behind them all. My hubby would like a money beer rug too, lol! Love the scripture one!

Leanne Parsons said...

I love the turtle button! He's adorable. I love both the hexie and the reverse applique ones for your SIL, and the backing fabric is wonderful. Praise God for the hope we have.

Gill said...

Great mug rugs!
I think you should give #3 to your SIL
Thanks for sharing!

Gmama Jane said...

I'm crazy about Polka Dots and yours is cute as a button. Very colorful and I thought it would win Top @..oh well, in my world YOU won!
Blessings
Gmama jane

Pauline said...

Great mug rugs - all of them!
I don't mind cake or cupcake, as long as it is a chocolate one!
I lost my father a year ago, I recognize myself in the little allowed us to read, I recommend number #3 the hands saying Love mve me.
Which one you send her does not really matter, she will love every single one of them, and love you for making the effort.
Thanks for sharing so much more than your mug rugs!

Needled Mom said...

Very nice mug rugs. I also like the turtle one that you made. I think you should send her #3.

Sparky said...

Hi Mara..

I do adore all of your mug rugs...you were a stitching to high heaven...lol
yes meant to say that....how lovely for your sil she has you...

Susan said...

I love them all, but the Hex #1 caught my eye as being soothing.

Vickie said...

Love them ALL ! I REALLY like #3, and 3 is the Godhead !

apple blossom said...

nice job

Linda C said...

You have done a wonderful job, Mara. Very clever. Love that turtle button to rest a cookie on they say? Or a cupcake would work too!

For your SIL? Oh my. Can she get all three. They are lovely and so is the sentiments they embody. Bless you for doing this for her.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

All three are lovely, but my favorite would be the first one.

Joyce Carter said...

Beautiful mug rugs, Mara. All of them are fantastic. I especially love the money tree mug rug. My husband does know that saying and I do hear it a lot.LOL. You did a wonderful job and I am so happy that you shared with us today.
You sister-in-law is very lucky to have someone like you. I like #3, but I am sure she would love anything coming from you.I am so sorry for her loss.

Tammy said...

Good morning Mara,from sunny South Carolina, USA. I think I would send her the 3rd mug rug. I love all of them tha tyou made. All are gorgeous and well thought out. And they are all made with very pretty fabrics.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Lovely mug rugs. Not knowing your SIL, I think you should decide on the correct one, or send them all to her.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Your mug rugs are beautiful! Maybe you could let your SIL choose the one that means the most to her? All are lovely... I couldn't choose.

Kathy H said...

All of your mug rugs are great. i would pick the third to send to your sister in law. What a wonderful comfort that should be to remember her father.

Patty said...

I like them all, although I like hexes best. I have no idea which to send your sis in law, she will like any of them .Like your husbands money tree, great job.

Lisa said...

#1 with the Hexies!!

Carol Swift said...

All your mug rugs are just beautiful! I think the hexie mug rug would make a perfect gift. :O)

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

They are all so gorgeous, Mara! I think the umbrella is my fav! Can I come over for some cupcakes? Those look DELICIOUS!
Thanks for participating in the hop with us, my Greek Goddess friend!
xo

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Great job on the mug rugs! I'm sure your sister-in-law would appreciate getting any one of those mini rugs.

Newbie Jen said...

These are all marvelous!!

Anonymous said...

I think you should give her either #1 or #3.

Susan

senstrings at yahoo dot com

BizyStitches said...

Loved all of your mug rugs and thanks for sharing your story.

Sowing Stitches said...

Great job! As for your sister in law....I would send all 3...just not at the same time...sprinkled throughout the year and a hug from across the miles.

Patty said...

thanks for sharing the fun collection of mug rugs. I'll take money tree - wish they were real!

Cathi said...

Your money tree mug rug made me smile. Love the little turtle button!

Lou said...

Love all your mug rugs! I would go with #3.
I don't care for either cupcakes or cake just the frosting:)

LJ said...

Great rugs. Yes, thank you, I'd love a piece of that cake - it makes my mouth water just looking at it.

I vote for the Hexie one. I like that she can interpret it as she'd like and it looks cheery, too.

Unknown said...

I love felt!!! And sewing with felt is almost as fun as touching the felt. Great mug rugs!!!

Julie said...

Wow - you have a great heart! Any of them would be lovely.

Emily C said...

I think #3 is most appropriate.

Simone said...

Gorgeous beautiful! I think #3 would be quite comforting. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

eleni_s said...

OK this is a surprise, finding another greek in the blog hop!!! Kalimera Mara, this is Eleni from Chania! ;)
(i'll just speak in english so that everyone can undestand)
I'm so in love with your mug rug with the umbrellas and the rainbows, i like the other two as well, but the first one was love at first sight! great work in all of them, thank you for sharing with us!!!

Corina said...

Lovely mugrugs! I ecspecially love the Re-birth set, all of them

Gina Loomis said...

Your mug rugs are fantastic! I love that you added the felt, it gives it deminsion and texture! I like number 3 for your SIL. Thanks for participating and inspiring us!

Catherine said...

All your mug rugs are wonderful! I like th Reverse Applique for your SIL.

DeAnna said...

Great post. I love the raining rainbows! For your SIL I like #3.
Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed reading.

Cecilia said...

I would choose the hexagon mug rug for your SIL. Although I'm sure she would love whichever one you send her. Thanks for sharing.

Karen O said...

I am glad you joined the blog hop! I love having quilty friends all over the world. I love the reverse applique mug rug best. Not only do the words have wonderful meaning, but the 2 hands make me think of Christ holding her in this difficult time. Thank you for sharing!

Margaret said...

I think you should send both. I know she will appreciate the thoughts and kindness in the gift.

Mrs.Pickles said...

so cute thanks for sharing!!

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Hi Mara,
each and every one of your mugrugs are adorable. My favorite is the one with the tortoise ☺
Thanks for sharing!
Liebe Grüße
Bente

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful mug rugs and sometimes I make mine that big.....in fact I make all different sizes! I like #2 for your SIL.