Friday, December 23, 2011

Ho-Ho-Ho

Scarves for neighbor girls


Santa Bags
I've been busy last minute buying, wrapping, arranging and making Santa Bags and scarves--and jewelry, of course.  I had this low pile nylon velvety fabric, part of a box I got at a yard sale years ago and I had the perfect amount to make these bags.  I had decided not to do stockings for my three kids, their spouses and my 13 grandkids.  I knew it was coming eventually but this year, because of my sister's death, my time for shopping, etc. was limited.  I went Dollar Treeing and we will grab-bag--women, men and kids.  We'll be at my in-laws for Christmas Day and the day after so we're actually adding three more people to the mix.  The more the merrier, I guess.  I'm looking forward to being with everyone and am hoping to see my AL son and his family next week.  Too bad we can't all be together at once but we'll take what we get.  Some things can't be changed.  I've SO had to be flexible with all the schedule changes that take place with a large family.  What will we do when the g-kids get old enough to date and marry?  We'll see if the Lord allows.  Have a Jolly Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

More Jewelry


Faceted beads on waxed linen


Large red beads from antique necklace

 
Antique button closures


Faceted beads from antique necklace and mini glass beads

Yes, indeedy, these are addictive!  And I should be wrapping presents...hmmm.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Another Necklace

I made another necklace.  These are getting addictive.  Hopefully someone will enjoy it.  I've used charcoal and gray beads mixed with silver leaves and beads on black waxed linen thread.  I used a silver bead slide as a closure.  I have another bracelet, too, that I'll photograph another time.  I wrapped presents yesterday for about 5 hours--one needs a lot of time when one has 13 grandchildren.   Today I had to exchange a toy at Toy R Us--a scary chore, indeed!  They did have another, thank goodness.  I also did a Dollar Tree Run--another dangerous journey, for sure. Ho-ho-ho.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Card In Memory

I made a little Christmas card in memory of my sister, Peggy, who passed away last month.  I've sent it to her daughter, son and husband and I hope it pleases them.  It was very difficult to do this today.  My emotions took over and I had to make myself complete the task.  It took most of the day.
I used the colored lights background from mon on flickr and the frame is from playingwithbrushes on flickr

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Quilt Completed!

I pieced this quilt about 2-3 years ago--yes, when I can't think of the exact time, it's been too long.  My husband quilted it--learned from his grandmother.  The quilting design is a rose swag in the corner of each block and around the border.  I love this pattern and have made one other like it. This goes to my newly-turned-seven-year old granddaughter for Christmas.  I begin another one the first of the year for granddaughter Number Three.  Maybe she'll get it when she's seven--maybe even sooner.  I'm very happy with this one and hope my little granddaughter will feel the same and like it, too.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Baby Blankie


I made this little Baby Bl'Hankie, as I call it, for my daughter to give to her sister-in-law.  It measures about 11" square and I used a vintage hankie, cute flower and lady bug fabric, and iron-on embroidered lady bug, ribbons and knobby soft plush fabric.  I used velcro on the black ribbon to attach a pacifier or teething ring. I've made a couple more pieces of jewelry yesterday and finished the quilt!!!  Pictures to come.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Bevy of Jewelry




The beginning of the week was spent with my daughter and family to celebrate the birth of their five-year-old.  We had great fun and the toys I took were a hit.  We played "princess" the whole time.  In route and while there (during naps--ahhhh), I made these necklaces and bracelets.  I don't know where they will wind up but they're ready--maybe a thank you gift, a Christmas present or maybe I'll wear one.  Now, on to that quilt I've been putting off binding.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Refashioned T Shirt for Sister

I reworked this plain t-shirt by cutting off the hems of the sleeves and the bottom.  I zigzagged the edges of the sleeves and bottom, ruffling them and made roses from the remaining fabric that I attached to the neckline.  I added small crystals I gleaned from an antique earring.  This one goes to my sister.  She had seen my shirt and I asked her if she wanted one.  She purchased her own, choosing her color and size and I remade it in a more fancy version.  Easy, fun and rewarding.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

T Shirt Necklace

Yes, I am actually wearing this and liking it.  I'll be making some more when I can find a little time.  It's been crazy busy around here the past few days and making this for myself was fun.  Try it. 
One large t shirt, seamless is best--your color choice and plain
Lay flat, cut off bottom hem, cut one inch strips up to arm pit, leaving them "in the round."
Stretch each strip.  If they don't stretch then this won't work.
Pick up each strip and lay each single layer in your hand.  Hold all like a lasso in your hand.
Using a smaller strip, wrap it pretty tightly around the strips in your hand.
Pin it and tack with matching thread.
Depending on the lengths, you can wear as is or double it around your neck.
I used a small childs shirt and tied the ends together.
Happy crafting.

Friday, December 9, 2011

What's On Your Tree?

Mixed media art card
"He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth."
Job 37:6


Mixed media art card
"For unto us a child is born."
Isaiah 9:6


Mixed Media Santa doll
Appeared in Somerset Studio Magazine


This year's mixed media creation
Use of tin type photo, button/bead dangles.
and old book cover


Lace rolled flower


Linen rolled flower


Cross-stitched and beaded needle roll
"The Holly and the Ivy"

I took these photos pre-dawn and they are wanting light but you see, I actually like my artwork enough to use it on my tree.  These aren't all I have but they are all that will fit on my narrow little tree.  I have other ornaments on my tree, too--mostly vintage and heirlooms.  My tiny tree fits right in front of my window and squeezes into a 2-foot square of space--all I have left in my creation-crowded living room.  I counted and I have four different projects at work in this small space--nothing new here.  Hope your tree brings you joy and directs your thoughts to the Creator of Life.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Making Crocheted Necklaces

Three necklaces

Three super long necklaces
I've been busy making these crocheted necklaces the last few days in my spare time.  I've been working around "Christmas," you know what I mean?  Three go to Relics and three to S'more Couture.  I looked at a Sundance catalog the other day and these run anywhere from $100-$200 dollars.  You won't see these at that price but, of course, I didn't use gemstones either.  I like them, though.  I used waxed linen thread/cording and another small cord for beading purchased for me by a friend (thank you, Wendy.)  I bought the waxed cord from Michaels and some I purchased at a yard sale--good for me.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wedding of Roses Floral Backdrop

These are part of a commission.  The person wants to make a backdrop to rent for weddings.  I have two more very large flowers, 14-20 inches, to make and I've already been paid--though $100 seems small now that I spent 11-12 hours making these.  I guess that's about right for a crafter (I'm getting over it because I really like doing these and loving one's job is significant.)  I make $30.00 an hour teaching piano and $40.00 an hour teaching organ but I'm totally burned out on teaching keyboard and I've gladly traded it for crafting.  Yes, thank you, God.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Feathered and Fingerless

Sweet little Guinea feathers


Mini-guineas for me


Sugar Sweet Fingerless Gloves

Lacy Striped Fingerless Gloves
The little guinea feathered earrings look so cute and hang well.  I even made a teeny pair of guineas for me.  Now to see if I actually wear them.  A couple of friends have challenged me and said if I do they would.  We'll see.  Us 60-plus-ers have been know to throw caution to the wind.  Hmmmm.  

The two pair of fingerless gloves I made a while back have sold so the shop owner has requested more.  I had purchased a couple more pair just in case and worked them up a few days ago.  Hope these wind up under someone's Christmas tree this year.

I'm working on super large flowers for a screen commissioned by a wedding photographer to be used as a backdrop.  Pics to come soon.  Happy weekend.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Getting in the Groove

Made for a friend


Gleaned from a floral pick


Small peacock feathers


Small peacock feathers


Small turkey feathers
These are some of things I've made the last few days.  Monday I felt like creating but I just couldn't remember how to make the feather earrings.  I had forgotten to take pictures of the last ones I made and though I tried four times, I was unable to create them.  I put my creativity on hold until after a good night's sleep and while lying in bed the next morning, I figured out how to do them.  I don't think it was the same way but it worked.  Tomorrow I'll show some more--even made a pair for me!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Stepping Back In



I was goofing off at my computer today, reminiscing, nostalgic and thinking of stepping back in the race.  Until I do, here are some photos from my stash.  Take them if you want to use them and link back to me if you do, please.  Hope your turkey's settled and you're ready to roll.  Mine is and I am.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Home

My sister went home to be with the Lord late last Tuesday night.  It was to the point of being a blessing and her family and sisters were past ready to let her go.  The funeral service was uplifting and comforting and not sad.  We sang her favorite hymns, her favorite Bible verses were read and the pastor delivered the best eulogy I've ever heard.  She will be sorely missed.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  God is good in all things.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Early Morning Moon

I love to see the moon in the early morning when the sun has not obliterated it yet.  I can't get the greatest shot with my little camera but I thought I'd share a bit of God with you today.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thankful Anyway

November 1 a friend of mine decided that every day of this month she would post things for which she was thankful.  My sister had been put in the hospital just three days before after having a series of cardiac arrests and things didn't look good.  My Thank Tank was very low.  Things have only worsened through this last week but I am praising God anyway.  I thought I would take a look back and remember things for which I was thankful on the first few days of November 2011.
Nov. 1--My sister's vital signs were normal. Praise God.  I was thankful that I was so busy that day and had energy to do the things I had to do.
2--My sister had pneumonia but was still responsive to commands.  I was thankful that I was able to take a friend to therapy and was able to cook for Wednesday night dinner at church
3--My sister's eyes were wide and she smiled today.  I got a hair cut and it was raining--thankful for all. 
4--My sister was much more responsive, actually had physical and occupational therapy, they sat her up on the side of the bed, and her temperature was normal all day. Our spirits were high. I planned a trip to see her.  I was able to take my friend to therapy and go to lunch with her.  I stayed the afternoon at her house and we had coffee and talked.  
5--My sister's tubes were being removed after she proved she could breathe on her own but in so doing, she had another cardiac arrest. Thankfully, CPR brought her back.  I was thankful to have the day to clean and sort the many things that lurk around that I had considered selling on eBay or Etsy but realize that I will never sell.  We're taking them all to the auction.  We made $183 at the last auction.
6--I'm thankful to have the support of my church family and friends.  My sister is back to square one with Therapeutic Hypothermia treatments.  Still praising God anyway.
7--I'm thankful to have had something to do since my sister was not responding as she did last week. It's still too early to tell but I'm thankful all her vitals are good.  I took my friend to her physical therapy session, lunch and coffee. 
8--My sister is the same.  I'm thankful for a day at home.  I'm thankful to do some sorting and cleaning today. 
9--My sister is the same.  I'm thankful to have a full day, 9:00-- meeting about retirement investments, 11:00-- take friend to physical therapy session, lunch and coffee, 5:00 church dinner, 6:00 Early Service rehearsal, 7:00 choir practice--so thankful to be busy. 
10--My sister is the same.  I'm so thankful for friends and family.  9:45-- doctor's visit with friend, 11:00 physical therapy session with said friend (a day earlier than last week--friend to move from wraps on legs to heavy duty stockings.  That's good news.), during her therapy session Bill and I read to children in a Kindergarten class--Book Buddies (we buy books, read them and then give them to the children.  We each have 2 kids.)  My friend and I went to lunch, grocery shopped and had coffee afterward. 
11.11.11--My sister is the same. I'm thankful that her immediate family is coming to grips with the possiblity of loosing her.  I'm there, too.  God is good anyway.  I'm thankful to be home today.  I need the down time and time to do piddly household chores.  I'm going with my "therapy" friend to see Aaron Schock and Condoleezza Rice tonight and I'm thankful for that--another thing to keep me busy.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  
Colossians 2:6-7

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Take Heart

I was just thinking a little while ago how I'd love to collect things or pictures of things with a natural heart design.  I was going through some old rusty metal stuff and this was tucked away under it all.  God loves us so much that he surprises us sometimes.  I'm waiting on his surprises for my sister.

Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart and
wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14





Monday, November 7, 2011

He Gives Flowers

Two weeks ago he brought these to me.  I don't even know the reason why but he does this on occasion--sometimes for no reason.  I love roses and he knows it and these were especially beautiful.  It doesn't take much to please me.  WalMart roses work very well. 
We're back to square one with my sister.  She had another cardiac arrest last weekend.  She was making such progress but when she was trying to breathe on her own, she struggled and arrested.  Not good.  She's under Therapeutic Hypothermia again and we will know more tomorrow about her brain function at this point.  Prayers are welcomed.  I'm needing roses again.....

Saturday, November 5, 2011

When A Card Is Not Enough

THE worst photo ever but you get the idea.


Paper side markers


Stickers, rub-ons, cool paper clip

Personal stuff

A card just wouldn't do it.  I had too much to say.  I finished this little book with the scripture from Psalm 118:14-
The Lord is my strength and my song.
but
I found this scripture as I had already sent the book and was researching the correct reference:
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my safe cover.
My heart trusts in him and I am helped.
So my heart is full of joy.
I will thank him with my song.


I used a small black and white cover notebook with sewn pages (my source does not carry these anymore--what will I do?), background papers from ShabbyCottage Studio.com, image from PaperWhimsey.com and cork letters.
I drew  a little eighth note and put the scripture reference in the back of the book.
Every page has either a sticker, a rub-on, a stamped image, a personal drawing, a writing or a scripture.  I hope it brings her some joy.  She's a trooper and is doing better--
Praise the Lord for his wonderful works.
Thank you for your prayers as she recovers from a series of very serious heart attacks that happened a week ago.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Treasuring Life

It's been a while since I posted but life has taken a drastic turn.  My sister had a cardiac arrrest last weekend and is struggling back to existence.  She had to be shocked four times until her heart started beating and that was with her pacemaker inserted two months ago!  She's making progress but it will be slow and I'm not able to make the two-day car trip by myself.  My husband is leaving for an overseas mission trip next week.  I can afford only one plane trip that will probably be when she's allowed to go home so I can help her with her transition back to normalcy.  It's so difficult not being there but she has my other sister (a four-hour trip for her), her son (a day's drive and who had to shorten his Germany trip to see in-laws), her husband (an hour's drive away), and her daughter, who had encouraged her Mom to visit early to enjoy her grandson's first Trick or Treat adventure.  Fortunately, she was not driving, though she was intending to.  Her daughter, with baby in tow in the back seat, was driving when my sister arrested--pretty scary stuff. It brings the thought around again that life is so short and fragile.  All I can do is pray-- and she is improving day by day with God's help.  Sometimes it takes tragedy to make us realize where God wants us and that's in his palm.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Arm Warmers


I fulfilled a request from Amy at Smore Couture and made a couple pairs of arm warmers, fingerless gloves, with lace.  I used a pair of socks for each and zig-zagged lace around the raw end that had been cut straight across the heel, leaving the finished end on the top.  Many of the on-line tutorials suggested the reverse but I think these look better.  I decorated each with another snippet of lace and either pearls or black faceted beads.  They look really cute on and I realize now that should I want to sell these online myself, I'll have to hire a model for pictures.  I have fours Jr high/high school girls in the neighborhood who would make good ones.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Christmas Ornament 5

This is the last one for a while.  I have to let my mind rest and then I come up with new ideas, hopefully.  I used a vintage brass drawer pull plate, vintage eyelet lace, vintage tatted lace and a beautiful piece of vintage embroidered chiffon.  I cut the word, "Peace," from some holiday ribbon and a lovely cut mother-of-pearl button sits in the center of the plate.  Seam binding and sparkly ribbons became the hanger and the picture comes from vintageimagemadness.com.