Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Valentine grandchild: soft card and uke

    Valentine's Day is almost here along with Erika's 7th birthday. I like to make a soft birthday card, a 12" x 12" quilt for a grandchild; but I am more proud of the red ukulele that will excite her.  The card still needs embellishment, but posting time has passed. I will probably add beads and some gold wings from puff paint. Visual solutions are sometimes slower to arrive these days!


     I was very tempted by the Alex Toys My First Sewing Kit, but the temptation of the family ukulele orchestra won out. I found the Hilo toy ukulele at Guitar Stop in Cambridge and was pleased by the sound and the fact that it holds its tune. It is smaller than Hannah's concert ukulele and will be easier for Erika to hold. For her, I ordered the book Jiminy Kokopo's Ukulele Sing and Strum Fun Book. I just received the very thorough Ukulele for Dummies for myself. What a rich find. I am telling you this information so you will join us :*)!
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14 comments:

  1. AliceJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Great choices for a Valentine birthday gal! I wouldn't have seen this until Thursday, had it not been for the fact that because of flight delays of daughter, we're still at home. Glad I got to feast my eyes on this before I left!

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    1. AliceJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:46 PM

      That uke is really, really pretty, in addition to its good sound. I'll take your word for the latter, but I love its looks!

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    2. Linda HicksJanuary 29, 2013 at 6:16 PM

      I don't want to overplay it. It is a toy, but fine...appropriate for the age and I can enjoy it myself. Ordinarily, for sound, you don't want the wood painted. I asked about protecting it from chipping or perhaps just enjoy the happy use. The lady said finger polish helps you to find the exact red:*) for chips.

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    'Can't wait to find out Erika's reaction to such a delightful gift! This picture of the card and the uke makes me think Erika is going to have a great birthday! Her Lin Lin is always thinking and planning fun and growth. ss

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    Hi Linda,
    I love the uke. It is so cute.
    ES

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  4. TrillaJanuary 29, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    I want to come to that family concert! You and J. really know how to enjoy grandchildren. Fun! Fun! More fun!

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  5. the wandering threadJanuary 30, 2013 at 4:32 AM

    I love the fabrics that you used for the card. Made me want to eat some candy! What method did you use to apply the hearts?

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    1. Linda HicksJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:26 PM

      I just stitched the hearts on top of each other about a quarter of an inch from the edges, one after another. My plan was to wash the quilt so the edges would fray. I lost my nerve. Today I got daring and it made all the difference!

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  6. Sandi ColwellJanuary 30, 2013 at 5:35 AM

    Hi Linda, that ukulele is beautiful. The quilt is as well! Do you play the ukulele and is it difficult?
    Sandi

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    1. Linda HicksJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:24 PM

      I think you will have to take it up!!! I could teach you right away, with some chords for you to sing to. You can also read music, individual note from tabs. But then one gets into it and wants to do more and it gets complicated. I always plateau at some point...but I keep trying to go further. Google some lessons on line at YouTube to see what you think. There is Ukulele Mike and ukulelehunt dot com.

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    2. Sandi ColwellFebruary 1, 2013 at 1:58 PM

      Ok Linda! I did it! I bought a ukulele today... Lol! I spent the afternoon with a free online lesson and learned 4 chords. I have 3 musical daughters and thought they might enjoy learning as well. We are taking a family vacation to Hawaii in August and I couldn't resist. The websites you mentioned are great. Thank you for turning me onto this.

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  7. Sandi ColwellJanuary 31, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    I will check it out because I really need another thing to take up!! Lol!! Thank you for all the insightful comments you left on my blog this week. Love to hear from a fellow guild member!

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  8. Nancy MJanuary 31, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    Lucky Erika! We are all waiting for your family uke concert!
    NM

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  9. RosemaryFebruary 1, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    The ukelele and the "card of hearts" are such wonderful gifts for Erika. And, how great that you were able to get a book of music that will be a good level for her. Can't wait to hear about the family party!

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