Tatted Lace on a Christmas Card

I made Christmas cards for my sisters and used a copy of an old photograph of my Grandmother and Great-grandmother--Swedish origin and Norwegian immigrant and here they are doing laundry together. What a patient Grandmother to have her mother-in-law live with her and her husband and three boys. No wonder she died when she was 50. The great-grandmother lived to 93. Stubborn works, I guess. Seeing this photo made me ashamed of complaining about doing laundry. Off to shop for Christmas food and wrap presents for my 13 grandchildren--Ho, Ho, Ho!
Psalm 51:7--" Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."--a prayer of King David after coming to grips with his sins.

Ruffled Bible

I got an order for a ruffled Bible. Mine went to the shop for a display for bookmarks and a lady saw it and wanted one. I had to find a used NIV or NKJV at her request. This one was at the second Goodwill store after I had already searced the Salvation Army store. I was glad to see that the clerks said they did have Bibles but they go quickly--Yeah! This one was really used, underlined and seemingly loved. I guess people who get new Bibles give their old ones away. Like everything else, we keep ours. Anyway, here it is and I love it. I get scornful and wistful looks from my Bible-lover husband but...I do it anyway. There is no destruction to the words that can still be read so I don't feel I'm destroying it. Maybe it will actually attract attention and someone who wouldn't normally read one will read this one. God's blessings on you, little Word of Life.
Deuteronomy 17:19--"It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees."

Angel Domino Necklaces

Here is another section of the batch of domino necklaces I took to a shop last week. These have an angel motif. I used vintage hankies, jewelry, letter stickers and ephemera. I'm glad my husband has a drill press. I couldn't do these this way by myself. (Cue music) "It's so nice to have a man around the house."

Luke 2:10-11--"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

The Presentation

Half of the gift is the presentation. I actually threw these cone ornaments into these packages in 15 minutes. Hopefully the presentation is acceptable. I stamped Merry Christmas on scrapbook paper, clipped glittered garland branches, attached little jingle bells then tied it all to the wrapped package--easy as pie. We give gifts at Christmas to celebrate the greatest gift of all--Jesus Christ.
Matthew 2:11--"Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

Christmas Domino Necklaces

Here are three of four domino necklaces with a Christmas theme I made for a little shop called "RE." (One of the necklaces already sold:-) This shop's by-words are "re-claim, re-purpose,

re-think." Much of their goods are from poor countrys and that seems to attract a lot of rich people for some reason. I'll put some more pics on in the next couple of days to share with you. My favorite above is the center one--the one with Santa holding the Christ child. (Click on the photo to enlarge.)

Matthew 2:10-11--" They (the wise men) saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

What To Do With Ugly Socks

Add rhinestones. Yep, argyle, not my favorite so I spruced them up with rhinestones. I think rhinestones make everything look better. They are for sale at S'More Couture.

Have a blessed day.

A Bible Of A New Sort

This poor little Bible had been abused by some child and I rescued it from the give-away bin at church. They'd used green marker on the edges and it had torn pages so I decided to give it a new life. "New," you say? It doesn't look new but that's the point. I sprayed each thin page with water and crinkled it, let it dry and dry brushed walnut stain and gold paint on the edges. I think it looks fabulous and it can still be read. I don't want to mess with the "jot and tittle" and totally obscure God's message here. (My husband, a Bible lover and collector was not too thrilled with my creation.) I made the bookmarks from ribbon and muslin strips and added bunches of beads on the ends worked through tiny old plastic curtain rings. The old Bible makes a great display for them. I've sold two bookmarks and have an order for one of the Bibles. Now to find another abused one....

Happy Birthday

Gift wrap with gathered crepe paper and a paper rose....

Decorated with a bought crocheted snowflake, a punched out scalloped circle and seam binding.

December brings two birthdays of grandchildren plus Christmas. We're celebrating one of them this week. The other lives too far away and received her presents delivered by the toy company because Grandma ordered online--what a great invention. Christmas presents are stacking up as we speak and still more to do. With 13 grandchildren, a Grandmother's holiday is filled to the brim. I love it!

Again--Working on Flowers

I've been asked to design a signature flower for the little curiosity shop called Relics. I love the shop. It has bunches of cool antique stuff and it seems she caters to the mixed media artists because I could spend a lot in there. Restraint here at Christmas time is in order and I have to concentrate on selling more than I buy but what with 13 grandchildren, that's saying a lot. I'm trying though. Back to the flowers--I think it is the coolest thing to use different fabrics. Each flower is a new creation and that brings me to another scripture about "new creations" found in Galatians 6:15--"What counts is a new creation." Paul was saying that it makes no difference what we look like on the outside but it's inside that counts. We can be as pretty as a flower on the outside but we ARE what is within us.

New Calendar

I've been needing a new calendar for a while now because January is filling up. The calendar I made myself last year was too big to carry in my purse so this year will be different. Hopefully the ribbons won't get in the way. I've used a page from an old photo album, old lace, paper velvet flowers, tiny buttons, a decoration from a book page, a fancy plastic button and seam binding. The insides are pages from a mini score of music. I've written the date and placed it on some cheese cloth at the top and also written "Seek and Find." The accompanying scripture printed on the fly leaf of an old book is glued on the inside back cover and comes from Matthew 7:7--"Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you."

Tendrils

I call these "tendrils."

I made my own pattern and cut this design from a pre-made light-weight fleece scarf. I've added more tendrils attached with vintage pearls and gathered a couple of roses, each with a pearl center. I love wearing this and have one like it on my Etsy site. I've also put two more, one varigated sand and one mocha latte, in S'More Couture. I call this color Rose Romance. I loved making it and have one in the wings as a gift. How blessed I am to have been given this opportunity to create.

Psalm 16:8--"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

I might paraphrase this as: "He is my right hand."

More Flowers

I guess you might say I'm hooked on flowers--this time from ribbon and tulle, crocheted edgings from sweaters, beaded lace trim from lingerie, ribbing from a sweater and just the sweater itself. Centers are pearl buttons and a rhinestone button. Love 'em!
1 Kings 6:18--"The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers."
See, even the first churches decorated with "created" flowers.

Festive Headbands

I made three headbands for a friend yesterday with a little bling for the holidays. I used sheer, gold trimmed ribbon with a jinglebell center, mesh sparkly ribbon with a pearl button center and sheer gold swirl ribbon with a shiny gold button. It was fun making them as they were different from the other flowers I've been making. Funny, I couldn't find any red and green ribbon when I went to search. I was in a hurry so I grabbed whatever and later found some. Now I have to make more with the traditional Christmas colors. Once I get started, it's like Christmas every time I make a new one because each is so different. Today is the beginning of December and I'm raring to go. I've been packaging up little goodies here and there and dreaming of what to buy for my grandchildren. I'm so blessed to have my baker's dozen.
Proverbs 17:6--"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

Simple Wrap

Don't have much time or money?--Just take a plain brown paper sack, add a copy of an old photo, make two slits in both front and back of bag, run ribbon through each slit and tie in the front. Simple, yet beautiful. Add more ribbon, lace, buttons and/or other goodies to dress it up, if desired.

With the Children

We're going to be with some of our family for Thanksgiving. It's always fun to share holidays with any or all of them. As we age, so do they and schedules and in-laws sometimes hinder our gatherings so we cherish any time we have with them. Can't wait to see our little grandsons and granddaughters. I love their hugs!

[Credits go to Shabby Cottage Studio for the little girl postcard above and my notes to myself are sketchy on the boy postcard (my source is bmp--whoever you are, thank you). Both are in the public domain so help yourself to these cuties.]

Close Up of Card Published

Here's the close-up of the card that was published recently. See more information below.

I Made It in A Publication

I'm in the 2010 Winter edition. Look! I received my art card back months ago with a regrets notice and low and behold, I'm in there anyway. What a surprise.

It was submitted to the Black and White issue the first of this year, I think. Mine is the "three" card on the far right side and is a picture of my grandmother and her sisters. The scripture I used was, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken," Ecclesiastes 4:12. I etched in gel medium on cream paper and highlighted it with black acrylic paint. Click on the photo for a close-up if you wish.

Interesting Christmas Card

I made this little card last week to give to a shop owner who liked my Halloween cards. I used one of the same images only Christmased it up a little with the border--antique red and green--and added the "Peace" sign. Oh, that we would have "peace on earth!"

Luke 2:14--"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

How are we favored in God's eyes? --By accepting his Son as our Savior. That's the only way. Call it narrow-minded if you want but I don't argue with God when he plainly states it this way in his Word. Jesus is the one who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," John 14:6. Remember the age-old truth stated in John 3:16--"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." No other sage, prophet or holy man ever claimed this except Jesus. Have peace on this earth by knowing him.

Two More Bracelets

I made these two bracelets last weekend for a friend who had seen my bracelet at church and wanted one for herself and her sister. There are many duplicates. I made earrings into charms, added glitter glue for missing stones, altered pins, turned posts into hooks--an all-in-all 4-hour span of time. I think they turned out ok and you can't see too many faults from this angle. I enjoyed doing this and have started making "dangles" for earrings and bookmarks now. I'll show pictures later if I don't forget to take them before they leave my house to be sold (I hope.) Jewelry has been around for a long time--since way before Bible days. We girls just like to be pretty.
Numbers 31:50--"So we have brought as an offering to the LORD the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord."

Simple, Beautiful, Unique

A snowflake. Each is unique, all have the basic six componets--simple and beautiful. I made this little lovely as a thank you to a friend. It's a dollar store sparkled plastic snowflake with a remade rose on cheese cloth and the computer-generated word, "love." Sometimes "simple" is better.
Job 37:6--"He says to the snow, ' fall on the earth.' "

Many Flowers

I made quite a few flowers this week and many of them are in the shop, S'More Couture. These are made from vintage lingerie, pretty pinky/beigey, with centers of vintage crystal beads except one that has vintage pearls gleaned from an old necklace.
Isaiah 40: 8--"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

What Is This?

Remember way back when Reader's Digest Books were folded and turned into snowmen, carolers and Santa and Mrs. Claus? I've always wanted to do that and lately I've been noticing a number of artists doing the same things but on a different level. This is a small example of a present-day folded book. I love the cover on this but can't decide what to do with the book now. I don't have a place big enough to display it and--oh, well. I'll hold on to it until I decide. You can still read it but you have to unfold the pages as you go.

Christmas Tags

I used some little tags offered by Carolyn Peeler on her blog last Christmas season. I used glitter glue, old lace, muslin strips and pink sheer ribbon to decorate them. You can find them at S'more Couture.

Christmas will be here before we know it--Remember the reason.

Luke 2:4-7--"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Encouraged

Encourage by the works of many artists lately, I've made a bracelet. I've been collecting little doo-dads for ages now and have wanted to try to make jewelry, other than domino necklaces. So I finally did it. I saw one today that struck a chord and--here it is. I think it turned out cute and I love the trinkets I put on it. One comes from an earring of my Mom's (the turquoise and green round thing) and the others are found objects. The crystals used are also from my Mom's necklace. I'm going to be wearing this for a while even though I don't like dangly, clunky jewelry, to see if it stays together before making another one to sell. Sometimes it only takes one bit of encouragement to turn the tide.
Acts 13:15--" If you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."

Renewal

I've had this poor coat for over 20 years. It's long and wool and just the right weight for mid-seasons. I've mended, replaced the lining and buttons, and trimmed the frayed edges and retacked the trim numerous times. I just can't give it up. This year I'm updating it by adding a flower I made from vintage lingerie. The center is a big crystal--part of an old necklace my Mom had a long time ago. Now if the coat will just stay together one more year then, maybe, I'll have it remade.

2 Corinthians 4:16--"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

Snow Globe

This pretty little snow globe went to the shop around the corner, S'More Couture, where I sell many of my handmade items. We decorated for Christmas two weekends ago so I'm in the Spirit of Christmas now. I made this from a open-ended Christmas ornament from which I removed the plastic innerworkings and replaced it with what you see: batting, sparkled baby's breath, copy of vintage image, mica snow, plastic snowflakes, and a plastic icicle. Above hangs a little chandelier crystal and below I've used a ribbon spool and flat cardboard disc, both covered with old music and around which I've glued more sparkled baby's breath. Now I need to find another ornament to take apart. I wish I'd bought more last year but who was to know I'd actually use it? I've got too much stuff as it is and am getting rid of lots in my sallylsmith.etsy shop (see side bar). November and December are slow months on Etsy so I don't anticipate much action but those months are usually big in the retail shop market so I'm hopeful I'll actually make a profit this year. All is in the Lord's hands.
Proverbs 16: 3--"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Funny Little Tree

Why did I buy a red sparkly kid's purse with a mini white boa at an after-Valentine's Day sale? Well, here's the answer--a cute little tree. I used a mini paper mache cone and wrapped the boa around it, gluing it as I went and the boa was the perfect size for the cone. It was meant to be. What am I going to do with it? Hmmm, that remains to be seen but many of the things I've made are in Limbo Land right now. They've either been rejects that I didn't feel were good enough to sell or I tried to sell them and they didn't get bought. As for now, here at the end of Oct. and the beginning of Nov., I have a little feather Christmas tree on my TV and I like it.

Psalm 91:4--"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Feather Tree

I saw a lovely feather tree in JoAnn Fabric the other day and thought I would make one. This one doesn't look a thing like it but was SO easy to make. The key word is "boa" so all you crafters can take a hint. I made two and took them to S'More Couture to use as displays for jewelry--stick a pin in and hang said jewelry--and it worked. I'll have to take pictures of the corner of the shop I helped decorate yesterday afternoon after church. It turned out pretty well. I'm putting one in my Etsy shop as well.

Love Banner

Here's another banner for Christmas--LOVE--the essence of Christmas. What a gift--eternity through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16--""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Joy Banner

We can't have enough joy. Our world needs it so much. True joy is complex in that it comes from within regardless of outward circumstances. Have you ever seen someone with a smile on her face ALL the time? There is a checker at WalMart who is continually smiling and I try to get in her line because I need to see someone who actually looks like they are enjoying life and you know standing in a check out booth all day has got to be grueling. I've never seen her without that smile. You can bet you won't catch me with a smile all the time and shame on me

.

God gives us a sense of inner joy IF we seek him. With that joy comes a special strength as well.

Nehemiah 8:10--"The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Snowflakes and Roses

It's been a while since I posted but it's been a crazy week. Our church had a full weekend of Lay Renewal Services that involved my participation from Fri. afternoon through Sunday evening. Then I had to play for a funeral on Mon. of a dear friend who lost his battle with leukemia but is now living the eternal life as promised by God for those who know Christ. Today I'm cooking for a person who was scheduled but forgot. I've now cooked for three Wednesdays straight and need a break

I haven't had much time for creating. I made these little snowflakes and roses ornaments a while ago and added the labels yesterday so I have these to show today. I've been working on more little handmade flowers for my granddaughters and the shop and I'm decorating a corner of the shop on Sunday--all white. I'll take a picture when it's done--so I'm collecting and creating white things to display. Must go and create for an hour before I start cooking. TTFN--Ta Ta For Now if you're not a Pooh Bear Fan.

Song of Solomon 2:1--" I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys."

In poetic and descriptive words, the author, King Solomon, writes a song of his love for his bride.

Fiber Art Journal

I started work on this journal yesterday and finished it this morning. It's called "Follow Your Heart" and it's to go into a silent auction sponsored by the shop, S'More Couture, where I sell my other artsy things. I cleared almost as much money last month as I did all last year. It was a good month! I bought a stack of Hallmark Bride's Books at Big Lots (love that place for cheap artsy stuff) for $2.00 each. Usually I aim for $1.00 but these are so cute with each page colored blue and decorated. The end papers are brown and blue with a pocket in the back--perfect. I decorated the whole cover with fabric and embroidered on a beautiful cut-work piece I bought quite a while back and saved--well--just for this, I guess.

I added ribbons with buttons and I hope someone bids on it. It would be really bad if I sold it for $5.00 since I spent about 3 hours on it--a drop in the bucket for anyone who does any art projects. Have you noticed, most artists and musicians don't get paid enough for the time they spend on their works--the story of my life. However, God gifted me with musical ability and artistic ability and I can't live without either. My life is centered on both. It's nice to make a little profit. I chose a scripture to accompany this journal but forgot to add it. I'll have to go back to the shop and glue it in the back. Here it is:

Deuteronomy 6:6--"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts."

Pony Tails

I've been making ponytail roses for a few little girls I know--no, not these "girls," my granddaughters. I took the stuff with me last week when visiting one of them and didn't have time to make one. Her brother and she took up my time, ohhh, too bad:+)

She wears her hair like this sometimes--sooo, cute!

Matthew 7:11--"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Standing Out

It's interesting how some things just stand out more than others. I went to my kitchen window where I have one of my little collections of found bird feathers and look what caught my eye.

I didn't miss picking these two beauties up. It's funny how they stand out in a crowd. Even the Bible gives scripture comparing birds--which makes me wonder why some people stand out and others blend in. Feathers do not make the bird.

Job 39:13--""The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork."

Three More Pumpkins

A pink and white Autumn--mmmm--my favorite. I had some pink and maroon leaves, purple flowers, pink roses and beads, put them all together in this arrangement. I love it! I can't sell this one--it's mine.

Even though I love pink and white, I do like the traditional colors of Fall as well. I've made two more. This could be addictive. I searched the scriptures for those with pumpkins and, you know, these weren't available in that part of the world so there is no mention of them. Melons are mentioned and so are vegetables. I've included a vegetable scripture for today.

Proverbs 15:17--"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred."

RePurposed Vintage Purse

I was about to give away a 100% wool sweater with pearlized buttons when I thought, "There's got to be something I can make from this. I hate to just give it away." Thirty minutes later, Voila, a purse. I'm going to carry it today and will probably have to line it so it won't stretch to high heaven but I think it turned out cute.

Maybe tomorrow I'll make a flower from some of the back to add to this. Hmmm....think, think, think. Stay tuned.

2 Corinthians 5:17--"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Fall Glorious Fall

I made this little artificial 9" pumpkin for a friend today. She wanted something to go with her Fall flower arrangement we bought last week. I had seen some similar to this in the current Somerset Life magazine. Mine don't look as beautiful but I think it's pretty.

I'm going to work on a white one with pink, maroon and brown this afternoon, maybe. Happy Fall.