Beginnings

Hard to believe Christmas is over...2008 is almost here. I will always love the anticipation of the holidays, but I've never been a New Year's party gal. I like quiet New Year's Eve, cuddling in front of the TV with my hubby and dogs...eating freshly steamed shrimp and having Pickled Herring for good luck.

Hope you have your kind of New Year's Eve this week and may all your dreams come true this year!

Merry Christmas

A friend sent this link to me today and I had to share with anyone that might stop by.
Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas.

http://www.e-water.net/viewflash.php?flash=irishblessing_en

Favorite Christmas Things

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things to put out at Christmas time...such a magical holdiay. I have always loved it and will never ever get enough of it! I sometimes wish I could make it last and just hold time still to enjoy it longer. My teenage sons are still home with me(16 and 18), and I know that will be changing at some point soon. My 18 year old goes to the University here in town, but I know my younger son will go away. I love having them HOME and I count my blessings for this brief moment in my life. My parents are still here with me too at 88 years young, and Lord only knows how many more days I will have with them. Just need to live in the present and be thankful for NOW!!!
Anyhow, enjoy the photos and Happy Holidays!






A very old teddy next to a German Kestner doll...they seem to come alive to me this time of year.


The teddy bear holds this sign made out of a very old house shutter.


A kind friend of mine sculpted this adorable little display of some of my dogs.


Don't you love the smell of oranges and cloves???


Oh how I adore this little wind up teddy!!!! He dances around with GLEE!!! I made him a pull toy to hold. Look at his celluloid RED SHOES!!


Two teddies I made years ago...sit in our family room in an antique child's rocker.


This is a garland I made twenty some years ago! Still in decent shape...love the wood swan. Have it draped over my china closet that belonged to my grandparents.


My 1860's Highbrow China...so serene she is standing in her shredded lace gown next to an old German Feather tree.


A bowlful of old glass ornaments that sits next to the lamp...I love their colors!


An old cranberry lamp


Old bells hanging on my pie safe...


I bought some plain shades from Lowes, and decoupaged them with toile fabric. I just LOVE TOILE!!! I made the curtains over our bay window and wanted the shades to cast more of a warm glow in the kitchen...it worked out great and they were very easy to do.


These are old Victorian wood blocks with lithographs. I adore them! I have a complete set and use them to spell all kinds of things. That's an old snowman candy holder that is another cutie. I hope to try making a few of these in the spring for fun.



I love the Beyer's Choice dolls...this is my only one, and I tell myself I can NOT collect them! Isn't he cute on my piano in our family room?


In my foyer...her sign reads "You better not pout". :)Love the Chinas!


An ornament I love...my sons and myself years ago when they were little. OH, if you only knew how hard it was to get them to keep still for this shot!!! I was a wreck when I got home. LOL


My very favorite of all....a creche I've had since I was a little girl. My mom always put this out at Christmas...what it's truly all about...a treasure of mine.

an artsy tree

I think it would be fun to do an artsy Christmas tree, don't you?
I made some more ornies of course, but have yet to get my tree up in the foyer. I do an artificial one there and a real one in our chilly sunroom. Actually it stays alive so long in there, but this year I'd like to buy a living tree. I hate cutting trees down just to throw them out. I think Al Gore is getting to me!!!Anyhow, here are some more ornaments to share.
I call these the three sister Fairy Angels, WISH, JOY, and Queen TIME...just used old sheet music, tatting, charms, and decoupage...found some pretty old faces and viola! Easy!

I started my Christmas decorating. Well, I still have a little orange around too for fall, but I figure I'll slowly work on the inside and save the outside for last, and by that time it will be Thanksgiving! We go out for Thanksgiving dinner now, so that's why I don't mind so much.

I've been making some ornaments and fun stuff. Here are a few for you to see.

Trick or Treat

These were my first trick or treaters today!

I used to decorate a ton for Halloween...one year we had a big party and I brought in a huge tree branch..covered it with spider webs and ornaments...made green punch and everyone came in costume. It was a lot of fun. Now my sons are older..this was the first year my youngest son didn't go trick or treating. Kind of sad. He gave out candy this year, but we got very few kids..not sure why. Kind of a bummer...I like seeing the little ones all dressed up. I had so much fun with my boys when they were little..I'd dress up too. When I taught Kindergarten I let the kids come to school dressed up...oh what excitement! Monsters, ghosts, Cinderellas, Batmen, Angels, you name it came to my class. We'd have a parade and PARTY!!! Some of the other teachers wouldn't do anything that day, but I enjoyed it as much as the kids. Yeah, they got wild, but it was only short lived and the next day it was back to basics.

I think I'll decorate a lot for Christmas this year and start early. If I start too late, I lose steam now, and then it's time to put the stuff away. At least my sons are still home with me...
I feel so blessed to have them here. My one son has started college, but commutes to the University in town. He could have stayed in a dorm, but he really wanted to stay home, which was fine with us. He's kind of a quiet guy...and not into drinking or partying. He studies hard and is doing fantastic grade wise. I don't see why some people make such a big deal about sending their kids off to Dorm life...I went, and yeah, I had fun and made friends...but I only kept one of those friends over the years. It didn't really make me less shy to live in a dorm. I just hate when people seem to feel that everyone should be an extrovert. My dad is like that...even now at age 88...he thinks Kyle should be more outgoing and do this and that...as though it will make him a better person or he'll be more "normal". Of course, if he was a wild child and got drunk and did drugs he wouldn't like that either! I think that's one thing I try to do with my boys..to accept them as they are and the thing is, I feel soooo lucky and blessed with both of them. I won't list the million reasons why here...but I am bubbling with pride and just am very thankful.

Just hope they both live to be an old age and are happy in life!!!

Pups

Yes, new babies are here, three weeks old on Saturday already!!!
Here they are as happy as can be at the milk bar!

don't like it

I'm not so sure I like this at all. It was unfinished at Michael's and very inexpensive. I was all excited to make it into something, but now, it looks corny to me. Oh well...such is how it goes sometimes. I couldn't stop working on it and spent so much time, only to not like the result. I had an old Ouija board and took a photo of it, and used that for the wallpaper inside. Somehow it all just doesn't move me.You can't tell here, but the tiles are a dusty pink/violet and are mirrored. On to the next project..:)

DANCIN' WITH THE STARS!!!!

Do you like the show Dancing With the Stars? Mr. Moon does too!
He is a tappin' and a hip hoppin' and a jivin'!!!
I used a very sturdy German wire for his arms, so they can bend any which way, and of course his head, hat, and legs move too.
On the back he has a message for everyone, "Don't Be a Party Pooper!". That one is mainly for me, since I hate to dance any more in front of people! I guess if I could lose thirty pounds, that might help!!!

I needed this one!

This was sent to me this morning by a friend. Just loved it and thought I'd share.

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was
> >taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction,
> >she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting
> >question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.
> >
> > Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
> >
> > I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have
> >always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the
> >wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback
> >by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but
> >I don't agonize over those things for long.
> >
> > I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving
> >family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become
> >more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own
> >friend.
> > I don't chide myself for eating that extra ! cookie, or for not making
> >my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks
> >so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be
> >extravagant.
> > I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they
> >understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
> >
> > Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4
> >AM and sleep until noon?
> > I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if
> >I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
> >
> > I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging
> >body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the
> >pitying glances from the jet set.
> >
> > They, too, will get old..
> >
> > I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just
> >as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
> >
> > Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can y! our hea rt not
> >break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when
> >somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give
> >us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is
> >pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
> >
> > I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray,
> >and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my
> >face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair
> >could turn silver.
> >
> > As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what
> >other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the
> >right to be wrong.
> >
> > So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I
> >like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I
> >am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or
> >worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert eve! ry sing le day.
> >(If I feel like it)

***B****Magical!

This is Belinda Witch. Mr. Crow is attempting to cheer her up and is insisting she be magical instead of grumpy, but she is just thinking about that idea. Perhaps she needs to grow up a little first. Not sure I will ever do that!

I planted Boxwoods today outside...another "B"...:) I bought little ones from Lowes, only 3 for $10...a real Bargain...:)

We made a simple patio outside our sunroom, and I thought the Boxwoods would be pretty edging it. I also found an Encore Azaela, that was so gorgeous, thought I'd try one. I love planting in the fall. I dug up a bunch of Hostas and moved those to a better spot. Got some lirope too, but not sure where I'll plant those yet...saving them for tomorrow. Will take a pic or two when finished.

Happy Fall!

Moon Tea, Mermaids, and Magic!

I don't know how she found her way into this teacup, but she is happy as can be sipping Moon Tea and swimming in the sea! Her tail can move and on the back it reads, "DRINK MAGIC!" Ahhhhhh...to live the life of a Mermaid...

Have you found your key????

This little girl just has that face! She is laughing at the little crow who had to visit her once he spied that silver hand of hers!
Now he is whispering a secret in her ear, that I will share with you...but don't dare let him know I told you!

The Key to Happiness Is In Your Hand...

Sometimes I think I have found my key, and sometimes I misplace it...but it's really always there if I just look hard enough.

Yes, I am addicted to these little creations and they just speak to my heart these days!

I'm A Little Teacup!

I am having such fun with these paper doll creations.

Having taught Kindergarten, we always sang the little song, "I'm A Little Teapot". Well, this little girl came close in her Halloween costume, but decided she wanted to be a teacup instead. :)
Once I made one, I had to make her a sister! I loved this girl's face in her old photo, and she just was the perfect model for my creation.

I have been trying to drink more tea these days, particularly green tea. I found a good green tea ice tea mix and it's very refreshing.

These little witches are both on ebay this week, and brew a mean cup of T! :)

Play time!

I have been playing with paper all week and making some little paper Halloween creations.
Here is one I made that I am selling on ebay this week. He seemed to come out of nowhere. I found a kitty postcard with his head and the rest just found me. He wanted to be made I guess, and insisted on being able to move his feet. Seems as though he likes to dance and of course had to be able to tap his tail as well. What he doesn't know, is the spider made her web under his collar! Now if you lift up his head, you will see a little life secret...but I dare not tell. It is one you already know anyway. :)

It Had to Be You...

I love that old song...my son was assigned to play that piece for the piano about two weeks ago. Talk about a memorable tune!!! I hear it in my sleep these days!!! Kevin has done great with it. Nice that he's being exposed to some oldies. He had to play Rock Around the Clock before this one, and he really got into it!

I've been thinking FALL the last week...ready for sweatshirt weather and cool nights and even HALLOWEEEEENNNN....I know it seems early, but have you been to Michael's lately? All Fall decorations already...One of my favorite fall things is collecting old Halloween postcards, except now, it seems to have caught on and BOY have they gone up in price!!!

I found an old photo of my grandmother as a toddler. I decided to cut and paste some bits and pieces of my old postcards. It's so so much fun to do, but also very time consuming. I also had to add a doggie photo too. Hope you enjoy some of my creations! Not sure if I'll make these into ATC's or what. Any ideas?




Here it is in it's original state.




Here she is with a new dress and a moon to give her a little light and color, plus her very own witch's hat! I'm naming her "Little Louisa Witch".



Now she has her own little dog to keep her company, and I liked this sign to add to the bottom.

Then I had to give the dog(My Lacey)a matching hat! Plus Louisa needed some new shoes, and this cat and pumpkin seemed just perfect to sit on the wall beside her!


Then, I painted on some polka dots and stars in the sky, and added a frame.



Next I thought I'd give her a tri colored Cavalier puppy instead...



And then, I decide to try altering the entire pic and changed it back to a spooky black and white, adding yet another very old Cavalier that is actually a GHOST DOG!!!






When I printed these out, I added a leash in her left hand and a little collar on the dogs.

IT HAD TO BE YOU..... LITTLE LOUISE...wonderful YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Gosh, I think her spirit had to be telling me what to do...I just got so carried away with it!!!!

if you click on a photo, you will see on her left shoulder something that looks like a frog to me...or maybe a rat? what do you think? I didn't put that there..wonder where it came from?

ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHTED: PLEASE DO NOT COPY

Not enough time

IN THE DAY TO DO ALL I WANT!

Here are a few new things I've been making. Wish I had more time to blog, but just busy with life. If I stop and think, I tend to get sappy...so I just do and try not to think too much. I have those middle age blues now and then I suppose. Wishing I could be twenty years younger and twenty pounds thinner!!! So I just keep going and try not to let those moments sneak up on me! First my beautiful boy, Adonis, who just bred to my cute little Heidi. Hoping for a super nice blenheim girl to keep and show.



A necklace using a beeswax fairy I made and painted...


A folksy cat necklace...


A good tip for taking pics of your jewelry...I've found that using a white bowl or plate as your backdrop really makes them stand out more...using diffused light... like in late afternoon.

Lightening strike

I guess we were lucky it was just our chimney and we were all safe, but here is what it looked like AFTER that bolt decided to hit home. Hubby was on the potty right next to the window which is right beside the chimney! LOL It definitely shook him up, but at least it stayed outside!
I was in our basement and heard a ZAP sound...then the fire alarm went off.
We lost our phones, computers, TVs and are pretty sure our airconditioning is off kilter too...nothing compared to what some lose in catastrophies. Makes us realize how lucky we are and boy did I get a ton done when I didn't have a computer working!!!

Tags

Had fun making these tags, which seem so popular these days. I didn't make the them smell like cinnamon or vanilla, as I've seen others do, but would like to try that too.Here's a recipe I found telling how to make those, which I hope to try soon. They must smell really good. If you make some, let me know!!!

You will need, some instant coffee, some vanilla extract and some cinnamon.

To mix your primitive solution take 1 cup of very hot water. 4 heaping TBS of instant coffee and 4 TBS of vanilla extract. I always like to put a couple of sprinkles of cinnamon in the mix just for good measure, but it is optional. Now, with a spoon, mix up the ingredients well. I find this mix a dark enough mixture for my tastes, but do a test. Dip a piece of card stock or manilla tag into the mix and see if its dark enough for you. If its not, just add some more instant coffee.

Dip your manilla tags into the solution ( if you cant find manilla tags, simply cut some cardstock into tag shapes, generally they are 4 by 2 1/2. Just use a ruler to measure). I usually leave my tags in about 30 min. Then fish them out and lay them on some paper towels to drain and dry.

While your tags are drying, print off your clip art if that is what you are plaining to use and cut out your clip art pictures.

Once your tags are dry, squeeze some modge podge into a foam plate and with a brush ( I use those little black foam brushes, they are inexpensive and you can throw them away when you are through), brush some of the modge podge glue on the wrong side ( the side without the picture) of your clip art. Center in on your tag, and glue in place. Modge Podge dries fairly quickly, so just let it sit for two or three minutes. Take your foam brush and brush a coat of modge podge over the entire front of the tag. This will hold your clip art in place and also help the front of your tags from getting scratched up while in use.

And thats it...you've made some primitive hang tags!

*******************************************************************************
To make mine, I first painted water color paper with gesso and lots of pinks, turquoise, purples, and glitter. I couldn't repeat it again, but I sure did love the result. I didn't know what to use it for and then I thought of TAGS for my wax faeries. So, I added some words that I made up on the computer, and attached a faerie, and sprayed with Krylon's Acrylic spray. Tied them on with some ribbon and made a few with clasps so they could be a necklace or just part of the tag or an ornament to hang. I think I like the bird one best. I found that pretty carved bird pendant at Fire Mountain Gems, used a new bird stamp I'd bought on lilac vellum, plus added the mini scrabble tiles. Try these if you haven't, lots of fun!!!!