Yesterday was the first day of CHA (Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show) and a little part of me is in Chicago at the show. I made a few samples for the October Afternoon booth featuring their new lines.

Midway:

Midway is my favorite of the new lines. It’s so colorful and versatile. I’m sure I will use it over and over!

Witch Hazel:

I’m not a huge Halloween theme fan, but this line is definitely versatile enough for those of us who aren’t typically into really theme-y Halloween motifs. Plus, I know that many people have been wanting OA to do a Halloween line, so I think they will be very happy.

Make it Merry:

I love that this Christmas line works well with the last OA Christmas line Holiday Style. I also like that it’s Christmas without having every page scream Christmas.

There’s another new line that I haven’t seen yet called Farm Girl. I’m anxious to see it too!

I plan to spend a little time in my studio again today working on some special upcoming projects, including Trendspotting, the new class by Kelly Noel and Lisa Truesdell at Studio Calico. It’s hot out, so a little inside time will be great!

I did put together a *b* list yesterday to share today : )

*b* list of favorite summer reads(nothing too heavy, just some lighthearted faves):

• Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Easily one of my favorite novels, although I didn’t really love the ending. Just enjoy the story and the strength of the heroine and don’t have high hopes for the end.
• The Island by Elin Hilderbrand. I read this one this spring and enjoyed it. It’s a good escape.
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. He also wrote The Kite Runner, which I loved. This isn’t the lightest read, but it’s well written and riveting.
• One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Her writing is lovely. I didn’t want it to end and fortunately, you can continue to enjoy her writings on her blog: A Holy Experience.
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Quick easy read…but quite challenging to apply. Still thinking about this one.
• Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson. The thing I love about this book is how it changed my paradigms. I like her Christian outlook, which is loving, not judgmental or stereotypical.
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I enjoyed this one so much…as I know most of you probably did too.
• Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. My eyes were opened when I read this one. I had no idea how awful it was for Japanese Americans during and after World War II. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is another eye-opening true story of survival during WWII.
• Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner. I almost didn’t read this because I was NOT a fan of In Her Shoes, but I somehow ended up giving this one a shot and I liked it a lot. Perfect summer read.
• The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. If you haven’t read it, you need to. I read it years ago after Kim Henkel recommended it at CHA in Anaheim. It’s a good one. I also read Half Broke Horses, but it was just okay for me.
• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I can’t make a list of books, without including this one! It’s on every book list for me. My favorite. Anything by Francine is a good read.
• The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith. Another all-time favorite. It’s classic.
• The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. One of the very few books, other than the Bible that I’ve read more than once. I read it to my kids when they were young. The three of us were camping out in a tent in the backyard when we were down to the last two chapters and Brooke ended up having to read them out loud to Jared and I, because I was sobbing. I need to read it again to see if it’s still as good as I remember it.
• Little Women by Louissa May Alcott.  Duh.
• Pathway to Purpose by Katie Brazelton. I bought this for $1 at Goodwill several years ago and I really like it. Very encouraging and practical.

I love to read books recommended by friends, so I hope you enjoy this list. I’m sure many of you have read most of the list, because they are not sleepers. But just in case, I had to share my favorites for summer.

Have a great day and God bless!