Embrace Your Bliss

seventeen years ago, tonight...

2012-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

Today is our REAL Valentine's Day here at the Grable home.

Seventeen years ago tonight, my fella asked me to marry him.

We were babies.

What a great memory, what a perfect choice.

Happy Valentine's Day Sweetheart!

~xo

goodmorning valentine!

2012-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello and a happy valentine's day to you!

(breakfast on Sunday... because Tuesday is just too crazy)
~xo

Round Robin

2012-01-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

Oh my... here we go.

I am in a round robin book swap and this week I am shipping my book off to the first of 10 other girls (not including myself) who will create pages in my book based on the theme I chose.

There are so many ideas swimming around in my head, but I have gone with a very general theme.

This book is all about "happiness"

I began creating it under the tutelage of PamGarrison at my very first art retreat ever. It was held in Ashland, Oregon, where I actually met some of the girls in the RR for the first time and it will forever be amemory of a very happy time in my life… up there with some of thehappiest. I was with like-minded girls,all come together for the simple pleasure of creating. I never even knew such things existed. Now with this, I finally have a greatuse for my budding art journal. Sincethat time in Aug 2008, it has been waiting for the perfect inspiration to fillit, and I am honored to be in such a group of girls who will help make that happen.

The girls will focus on the simplethings that make them happy. It could bededicated to just one thing, or a whole list of things. They may even just capitalize on a quoteabout happiness. I want their creations tomake them happy. After all, it is about the journey, right?

happy creating!

~xo

Perspective...

2012-01-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

This past week I was a guest curator for CRESCENDOh.
Here is my personal story about how I feel art saves
and all the wonderful links that I shared throughout the week:

Perspective

I used to think being anartist meant that you had to produce work that people paid top dollar for.

I used to think that inorder to be an artist, you had to isolate yourself only to, and for, art, excludingall other factors of life (like family, career, and anything that pulled you inanother direction.)

I used to think thatcertain people had it in them to be artists while the rest of us had to sit byand watch it being created, longing for that same talent and skill.

I was always creative…but an “artist?”

After much searching, Ihave learned.

Now I know that we are allartists with grand ideas waiting to be discovered within.

Now I see that I can havea life outside my art and still make time for my creativity to flow (althoughit isn’t always easy.)

Now I see that we allhave it in us and it only takes time, patience and practice to bring forthgreat work.

I cannot say that I was “saved” by art, but if I didn’t have it,I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Itbrings me an inner calm, joy, and peace that nothing else can. And when I am able to step back and look at acompleted work, no matter if it is a simple collage or journal page, I feel asense of satisfaction and happiness because I have brought something into theworld that no one else has. And to me,that small piece of work makes my world a brighter place. I hope you too can find that inner artist,love your work and find true joy in creating it.

I also want to thank all of the artists who allowed me to showcase their art on Jenny's blog. Although they were only up for one day, they are all so awesome, I have relisted them here for you to see:

‘tis the season of givingall year…

http://kaseybuick.com/2010/12/the-perspective-project/

becausesome of us need a little prompting…

http://embers.typepad.com/e/52q/page/6/

I hope tobe like hope… one of my greatest inspirations… (*caution, you may be here awhile…)

http://besottment.com/besottment/2011/12/december-daily-reverb11-hybrid-journal-days-16-17-18-19.html

Winter stitchingtutorial...

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2011/12/cute-ice-skater-embroidery-tutorial.html?m=1

art journaling is suchfun...

http://michellegeller.typepad.com/michelle_geller_weblog/2011/11/the-love-of-journaling.html

going to start early onmy Christmas gifts for next year…

http://www.2gypsygirls.com/2011/12/day-7-oh-christmas-tree.html

What happens when artcomes from YOU...

http://www.inspireco.blogspot.com/2011/09/happy-family.html

goinggreen can be fun…

http://www.littlelucylu.com/2011/05/from-pallet-to-bookshelves.html

humble artists make thegreatest art…

http://glitterdusteddaydreams.blogspot.com/2011/04/gratitude.html

somethingyummy to make on a cold day…

http://stamps4fun.blogspot.com/2011/10/traditions.html

Becauselimited lighting choices are no fun…

http://pursewna-pursewna.blogspot.com/2011/07/baby-girl-2s-room-broken-down-lamp.html?showComment=1312337253617#c4095102593449937699

art is everywhere…

http://www.logolalia.com/alteredbooks/

a smallwork per week (this is from a long time ago but is still fun and each time youdo it, it is reinvented and fresh):

http://embers.typepad.com/e/2007/01/join_me_on_an_a.html

somethingfun to get us ready for warmer weather…

http://bluemossgirls.blogspot.com/2011/04/hello-spring.html

pureinspiration…

http://pamgarrison.typepad.com/pamgarrison/2010/01/working-on-my-inspired-project.html

Have an inspired week!
~xo

art saves

2012-01-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

Oh my,
be sure to look at crescendoh.com this week for some pure inspiration!

Jenny Doh asked me to be a guest curator on her site and I was nothing short of honored.

See it all here. And for a little eye candy... here is a little note Jenny wrote in my art journal last summer when I was so lucky to get to take a class in her very home.

I love what she continues to do to promote art in us all,
to bring out of us something great,
something that many don't even realize is there.

Go out today and be an artist,
make something out of nothing,
stand back and love what came from you.

~xo

the last touches of Christmas...

2012-01-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

In keeping to my word, I have been creating every day.

My page for the Vintage Christmas ABC book page is complete.

I was assigned the letter "H" and had no idea beyond
holiday,
holly
and
ho, ho, ho
what I would possibly come up with.

I am happy to say that I stretched my creative wings and did something completely different that what I expected.

Love it or hate it, here is the product:
(I couldn't resist the "hiney")

and because the group needed some more members, my little creative one signed up too.

She is 11.

You want to try something really hard sometime?

Give an 11 year old a project, with a deadline, and sit back and let it happen.

It is so hard for me to not intervene.

However, she has been working hard on these little beauties and I believe that she is quite pleased with them. She was assigned the letter L (again, very difficult to come up with many Ls for Christmas) We had just watched "It's a Wonderful Life" and so she based her page on that fond memory. Here is what she came up with:

She painted around each family photo and based it on the meaning behind the movie.

Not bad for 11.

I was just trying to remember what I was doing at 11 years old.

I don't think it was as memorable as this...

~xo

simplification

2012-01-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Every year I look forward to receiving Christmas Cards.

Each one different and containing sweet notions from friends far and near.

I hang them all the way up our banister
and usually
have to use the other one as well.

Even the letters!

At the end of the Christmas Season, I take them all down and my stairway becomes bare again.

Then comes the "what to do with them now?"

I have a hard time just tossing them in the trash, they are treasures and full of amazing photos.

So this year, I have decided to put them on rings.
I punched holes in them and put them all together like a little book.
I will pack them away with our Christmas decorations and next year,
I will toss the little book on our coffee table for perusing.
It doesn't take up much room
and it is full of every one's letters and well wishes.

A simple little spot of joy.

~xo

Bonne Annee

2012-01-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

This year while making resolutions,

several ideas came to mind.

I reflected on my year and thought about what worked and what didn't, things that made me feel good about life and being here on earth, and things that didn't contribute at all.

So after much deliberation, I finalized my list of the big ones.

1. Create as often as possible (at least once a week) It can be as simple as an art journal entry, but I find that in my most stressful times in life, I am not creating. We all need balance, and this is one thing that brings me back to me.

2. Continue to remove things from my home that I do not love or honor. Stuff really messes with my "ch'i." It truly blocks my energy, concentration and ability to relax. Less stuff = more time to breathe.

3. Do something healthy every day. It can be as simple as making sure I eat enough veggies, skip my favorite drive through, or go for a walk. Health brings an inner peace and outer glow that no makeup or tanning bed can replicate.

4. I want to learn how to crochet. You can create such sweet things simply with yarn and a hook.

5. Judge less, love more.

I hope you are able to create goals and resolutions that bring you and your little place on earth creativity and peace this wonderful new year.

Happy New Year to one and all!

~xo

Merry Everything!

2011-12-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

~xo

oh my greatness... Christmas already??

2011-12-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

While perusing pinterest, as many do these days, I found this cute little wreath:

It is located at this blog with instructions

I really wanted to hand make some Christmas gifts this year so I took this idea and made it my own. I went to all the local thrift stores and picked up as many wool sweaters as I could find. My DH was so sweet and suportive, he doesn't even question me anymore. He actually came along and helped me hunt down some of my best finds! So then I washed them in super hot, super soapy water and dried them on high. They came out looking like they would fit no one larger than a muppet.

I got out my scissors and through several Christmas movies, I cut 4x4 squares out of those sweaters. Goodness knows how many.

Then, I took a wire hanger (the kind you get from your dry cleaning) and with my tin snips cut off the top and made a loop with the wire by twisting it aroung some pretty hefty pliers. I then started putting the felted sweater squares on the wire one at a time and an hour later, I had something that looked like this:

It is so warm and festive, I just want to cuddle with it. There are cardigans with their buttons still attached, scarves and even tags throughout the wreath. It was fun, easy and will last forever.

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, full of fun and homemade love!

~xo

your barn door's open!

2011-04-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

finally!

after 3 long days of painting with rollers, brushes and teeny-tiny detail paint brushes...

it is finally complete!

Here is the coop the way we bought it:

(photos courtesy of the knotty bird company)

Crystal, the owner, does an amazing job!

and after much deliberation,

(so many fun colors to choose from)

we went with fate... the $5 can on sale that someone left behind

I think "the girls" are going to love their new home.

Now all they need is an antique crystal chandelier up top and some swanky fine linens for afternoon tea.

AND...

due to the inspiration of Crystal (owner of the knotty bird company and builder of our fine coop)

and her amazing gardens,

my favorite guy created a little veggie garden for us too.

(that's my DH gardening in the background)

We are going to grow corn, tomatoes, beans, lavender (I hear it is good in cookies) zucchini, cucumbers, carrots and who knows what else.

I love our little farm by the ocean!

~hugs

the easter bunny came early...

2011-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wanted to stop by and say

"hello!"

quick,

simple

and easy.

there are more additions to the family

(is that the only thing I blog about... animals?)

Don't ask me why.

Meet:

Lucky

Penny

Liberty

and Henrietta (the yellow one out front, she's mine)

Anna lovin' on her baby chick Liberty

(She's an Americana Chicken)

I said don't ask.

the coop costs as much as a new dishwasher

but what is more fun?

besides, we can hand wash

it builds character.

(and fresh eggs
are about as close
to having a farm
as I can get here.)

~xo

something new... something BOO!

2010-10-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

after much deliberation, I am going to try something new

it is small, simple and sweet.

nothing huge

but something fun.

I will be offering a small class,

a get together

at my home,

in my little embrace your bliss studio

for a tiny group of crafters.

if you are interested,

shoot me an email.

the gist:

Grab a friend or two and spend the day with us Saturday October 30th in Oceanside at a private class at my own little slice of heaven, the embrace your bliss studio where we will be creating the perfect Halloween memento. I only have a few spots available that are open to the public for this exclusive class. You will not be able to find it anywhere else and it will only be taught once.

In our class we will make a five page (10 back and front) chipboard book jammed packed with goodness and featuring your little Halloween witches, ghosts, ghouls and goblins at their Halloween best.

A delicious lunch will be served, techniques will be taught, and lasting friendships will be made.

All supplies for this one of a kind kit will be given to you at the class, you only need your basic tool kit and pop-dots (I have some to share if you need them :O)

Optional items: if you like a distressed look, bring a sanding block or dremmel
(I use a dremmel... love my dremmel!)

Agenda:
10:00-10:15 guests arrival, mingling and “finding your seat”
10:15-12:00 class and loads of fun
12:00-12:30 yummy little lunch (served by me)
12:30-3:00 second half of class and more fun
This workshop is for adults 18 and older.

The cost is $35 and payment for classes are to be made through paypal. If you send me an email, I can send you an invoice.

Once you sign up, I will send you the class address and if you have any dietary concerns, we can address those then, I want you to be happy and comfortable.

** I do have a couple of kits or completed books for sale too, they are $28.50 each.

Email me with questions or for additional photos.
Thanks!

~hugs

1,000 paper cranes

2010-10-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

What would you do

if you found one of these?

Recently, I was contacted by this creative soul Sandy who has masterminded a wonderfully fun and positive idea.

After reading the true story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Elanor Coerr, Sandy was inspired. She is attempting to make 1000 paper cranes, putting a different positive word on each of them, and then placing them all in different locations out and about in our world. She has included her blog address so that people can go there and write to her about where they found it and maybe share about how finding it affected them. A picture of each crane with its word are on her blog daily in addition to a picture of the crane in its location. Most of her cranes are in New Jersey, but I think it would be cool to contact her and see about sending them all over the states and further.

What a sweet, peaceful idea. I love stuff like this, reaching out to random others with happy messages of care, love and peace.

Have a happy peaceful day, full of love!

~hugs

September already??!!

2010-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I posted that I was starting to branch out and sell a few paper crafting kits here and there. Well, my start kind of stalled. I only ever made one. Don't get me wrong, they were great kits and sold out quickly but then I got busy with other things. Since the kids went back to school, I have had some time to created another. Based on one of my favorite holidays, these little Halloween monsters chipboard books are more of a treat than a trick. (giggle, giggle)

The kit is stuffed with goodness and just about everything you need to complete a project minus your basic tool kit and pop-dots. In addition to sending you the kit, I will email you instructions and full color photos of the completed project.

Here is a peek at the book:

You can see more photos and buy yours here.
I have only made 10 kits and sold one already!

Also, if you can believe it… (I still cannot)

we have adopted a little puppy.

Meet Charlie.

Charlie chews,
Charlie runs,
Charlie “teedles” (as my friend Holly would say) wherever Charlie likes…
Charlie is a baby.

Goodness. I forgot how hard babies are.

He is half boxer, half lab.

The person we got him from said he is called a boxador
back in the day we called a dog like that a mutt.

We just call him Charlie
and with all the chewing,
wild running,
more chewing,
and occasional teedle…
we love him
(and it is probably because he is just so darn cute.)

Please remind me of this when he goes after my anthropologie boots!

remain calm...

2010-08-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

TODAY,

while shopping for some art goodies,

i happened upon a copy

of the newest somerset

Holidays and Celebrations edition.

(i think it is supposed to hit shelves sep 1st.)

I flipped through it and

GUESS WHAT???

My work is right there,

taking up all of page 17!!!

EEEEKKKKKK!!!

Those poor ladies in the shop looked over to find

me jumping up and down,

hair falling out of the clip it was so carefully put in,

squealing to my 10 year old...

"Ohmygoodness, ohmygoodness, ohmygoodness!!" was all I could say!

At Silver Bella 2 years ago, I hosted a swap full of amazing talent and one of the girls (thanks Kim!) submitted the entire work along with an article about the swap to somerset and they decided to put it in their magazine!!!

(You can find all of the work of these amazing ladies blogged about here)

"Ohmygoodness, ohmygoodness, ohmygoodness!!"

I know girls who have their work in these magazines and they are so cool about it.

"yes, I have a few things in there"

and

"oh, that little thing?"

and

"oh, that really isn't anything"

Well, let me tell you...

I was not cool

AT ALL

Jumping up and down so very excited... I bought one.

Now I am off to actually read it.

~hugs

It really was no miracle, what happened was just this...

2010-08-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

The wind began to swish

The house, to pitch

And suddenly the hinges started to unhitch

Just then the Witch

To satisfy an itch

Was flying on her broomstick, thumbing for a hitch.

and, oh, what happened then was rich.

~dorothy gale

I have done it!

Finished my tags for the Wizard of Oz Swap

(hosted by the lovely Karla Nathan)

Getting them packaged up and mailing them monday...

Yippie!

Now on to other goodies...

gotta work on:

my journal

birdhouse (yes, I signed up and have not even started!)

and some little albums I will be selling on etsy

Although, when I get to create, it isn't really work at all. It is more of a recharging of my batteries.

aaaahhhhhh...

~hugs

my honey bunches of stinkweed...

2010-08-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

first, as promised...

the answers to yesterday's post.

here is the back of my alphabet card with the answers:

now on to the real reason for this post...

while shopping with Hope the other day

I found a ring

you know when you find something you like

you make the move to try it on

and when you do,

it fits

AND looks good?

well, it happened to me.

it was not a big deal, just a sterling ring...

but it had a heart in the center of it.

i don't want to buy a heart for myself.

i know it sounds weird

i feel like I am saying "i love you" to me

and as we should love ourselves...

i don't need to buy something to tell me that.

well, i suppose no one needs to buy something for someone else to tell them that.

it is evident in how we treat each other,

right?

Well, I went home that day,

ring-less

and told my husband about it.

it was the same day I got my little animal

(fox? bear? cat? we still don't know)

I digress

(i do that a lot!)

So today, he told me to go put my feet up, take a nap or just lie down for a bit.

and after a ton of lollygagging

(it is what i do best,)

i finally made my way into my room and found this:

Upon first glance, it looked as if she had a cast on...

but no!

It was the ring!!!

and then came the note...

I won't share it, because it is personal,
and mushy...

but it was the sweetest note ever.

really,

you are just going to have to believe me on this.

He was supposed to be setting up his classroom yesterday
with our kids
while i was out with friends
and instead,
he spent over an hour on the road
and somehow the kids kept this a secret for a whole day!

(my favorite is the heart in the middle)

I love my honey bunches of stinkweed!

~hugs

staying true to my word...

2010-08-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

one more thing to check off the list!

Yippie!!

I completed my ABC book swap page.

(hosted by the ever so sweet and gracious Marian Ballog)

as you can probably guess

my letter

was Gg

it started out in a whole other direction, but as I worked

my page morphed into something whimsical.

and i can sit back and say

"i am happy with it"

so, I think I will...

I am happy with it!

There, another thing checked off my list...
being kind to myself about what I create.

Wow, this evening is full of check offs.

Here are all TWENTY SEVEN in all of their glory...

criminey!

Can you guess all of the "g" words included on the page?

Hint,
there are seven!
get it?
G is the seventh letter of the alphabet!!

answers coming tomorrow...

On another note,
I got to hang out with Hope this week while she was in town!

What a treat that was!!!

Anna and I took her

to blick (oh the copics!)

antiquing (vignettes is amazing!!!)

met up with LeAnne,

had lunch on the beach

touched our toes in the COLD Pacific

ate bright green ice cream

(well, Anna and I did... everyone else had normal colors)

went to Out of the Blue, Solo and Leaping Lotus

Love this towel!

before having to take her back to her hubby.

I just could not resist bringing this little one home...

She was just so sweet that I could not leave her.

she has a home, now she needs a name...

any suggestions?

~hugs

someday is here

2010-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

I decided today that it is about time.

About time I start finishing up all of the old projects

i paid big bucks to create

there are so many

and yes,

they are neatly stored

and kept in the state they were in when the class was over

i packed up

exhausted from a long day of creating and good company

there was usually a long drive home or flight

unpacking and putting it up on a shelf for someday

well,

someday is here

it is now or never

use it or lose it

I think we all come to a point where it is easier
to chuck some things

rather than take the time to finish them

i am battling with that

and trying to win.

(silver bella alum 2008, remember this one? this one will be done before bed!)

so, with that in mind...

i am already taking Hope's journal class (as you probably know)

and suzi's petit dolls class (you probably know this too)

i am in a vintage abc book swap (but hey, one is going to charity!)

just signed up for Karla's swap:

and planning on signing up for this class online because i just cannot resist.

I mean come on!

2 weeks and $25... super cute and affordable.

Who can resist this stuff???

now, I am creating, finishing and glad someday came.

paper is flying, scissors are snipping and glue is dripping

but i don't care.

someday is here and i am getting ahead.

~hugs

one word? really??

2010-08-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to think of one word to describe myself...
and since it was difficult,
I cheated.

I used a word that has more descriptors than any other I could think of.

I picked Libra

Here is my most recent journal entry
and
my first attempt at a petit doll
from the suzi blu class i have been taking...

on my last journal page,

I realized that my journaling

(well really my lettering)

needed much practice,

so that is really my focus here.

Look at that ridiculous letter A in the middle of the left page!

Well, it was a good exercise to get some practice in and stretch those creative wings once again.

~hugs

Nourish Your Soul

2010-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

I went to mail something yesterday and realized I was near a bookshop that sells Moleskines and I needed some for my journaling class. The come in packs of 3. I purchased them and went home, not knowing what I was in store for and how fate sometimes has other ideas for us.

There has not been much creating lately and I was so excited to get back into it (much like my blogging!) It is when I am at my most calm and peaceful state, which doesn't happen often enough.

As I sat down yesterday to begin my online journaling workshop taught by Hope, my little budding artist asked if she could join and grabbed one of the journals.

If you want to grow as an artist, create with a child.

We ended up at it most of the day.

It was quite an experience.

She is only ten and expects herself to create just like the master.

There were some tears,

but when she realized what wonderful things she can come up with on her own,

she relaxed and enjoyed the day.

Now she has some work that she is proud of and the time we spent together was priceless.

Here are our first pages:

mine

anna's

Now, as I reflect,
I see that I need to
work on more words and less collage.

Getting comfortable with my writing is tough,
but I have to let go…
especially with my little one watching.

Being comfortable in our own skin and developing our talents is such a mountain for an artist to climb but once we are at the summit, the possibilities are endless and what amazing and beautiful work follows!

I am still climbing...

~hugs

a random act of kindness (rak)

2010-07-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today was unlike any other...

got up, got ready,

ran out for errands

and

blammo!

I found a box in the mail.

I didn't order anything...

hopefully my son was not on eBay again trying to out bid someone

(the last time he did that
we paid almost $70 for 2 inspector gadget toys...
God bless him, he hates to lose!
you can bet your sweet pa-tootie
that we changed our password though)

I digress.

In the door I went,

mail and box in hand.

I ripped into the package and found the sweetest card and gifts.

AND all owlies!

She knows me!!!

My dear friend Julie Baxley sent it with thanks for hosting swaps last year at Silver Bella.

Honestly...

what a living doll!

She already sent me goodies back then

and now this!

Well, there is only one thing to do...

pay it forward.

Maybe you can do one too!

I love random acts of kindness, thank you Julie!!!

i am still here...

2010-07-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

life tends to get away from me...

or maybe it is this blogging that gets away.

while i am living life

yep,

that is it.

I have been LIVING LIFE.

summer is in full swing,

family visits, garage band sessions, house guests, horse camp, swimming in the cold pacific, BBQs, kids i do not even know running through my home...

gosh, i need a vacation to get away from my vacation.

that sounds ungrateful.

i do not mean to sound that way,

i am happy to have the time off.

it is a blessing.

just yesterday, i drove my dad and step mom to the airport and said goodbye.

I came home and everyone was exhausted

so we pulled out the hide-a-bed and hung out snuggling and watching movies all day...

the whole family

(and yes, puppy too)

It was like a snow day, without the snow.

Now that I am all rested, I wondered onto a wonderful friend and artist's blog...

Hope Wallace Karney

look out girls, if you have never been there

(and I cannot imagine you haven't)

you can get lost in the wonderfulness of it all

I just signed up for her
"nourish your soul"
journaling class

(i know, like I need something else to work on)

but maybe i will finish this one... maybe

it looks really, really, really creative and i hope to get those juices flowin' again

it has been

really, really, really too long.

more on this and that suzi blu class later... (whichihavereallynevermentionedexcepttosomeclosefriendswhohavebeenaskingaboutmyprogresswhichihavenonetoshowbecasueijustcannotsitstill.)

whew!

Want to go to Greece for FREE??!!?

2010-04-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Found this
at Cocoa Daisy
and just melted...
check it out.

So worth it!

~hugs

Heartbreak...

2010-04-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

"Heartbreak is life educating us"
~george bernard shaw

I am sad to report that Despereaux Squeakling has passed away.

We are not sure what happened but it could have been a number of things.

He was so small

his mother was missing

his brothers as sisters were all popping up dead in various places at the school
(may have been poisoned)

but whatever it was,

we cared for him

and loved him

while he was with us.

The worst part of it all

is that my kids are so sad.

It is amazing...

the love they have in their hearts

for something that would repulse most.

I love them for that,

and hope they never lose it.

"no rodents!" and some bursts of creativity...

2010-04-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

My son has wanted a hamster for as long as I can remember.

Every time we go to the pet store

(or happen anywhere around one)

it is as if he has a radar that goes off and it starts up all over again...

"can I have a hamster?"

"let's not start that again..."

"Mom listen, I have an idea... maybe when I am sixteen I can keep one in my car..." (which leads to a whole other dialogue about this delusion of his that he will magically get a car when he is sixteen...)

I am sure I will look back on all of this and laugh, right?

Last week

one of my colleagues at my school

told me that she stepped on a mouse

in her classroom

and didn't even know it!

I scoffed...

"stepped on a mouse? You would know if you stepped on a mouse."

She was so convinced that this really happened

and went on to tell me how flat it was

after the stepping, that is...

Now let me tell you,

I teach at a middle school,

and it is not above kids at this level

to play a little joke or two on teachers or other students.

I put it out of my mind and moved on.

Today, that same teacher told me she found

another little puffball but with obvious trauma

that caused its demise.

It was not flat this time

but was still in the same state as the other one,

dead.

A moment of silence for the little furry ones...

Just too weird...

as I said my goodbyes to my son this morning,

we walked into a short inner hallway

that leads

to the "mouse teacher's" classroom,

(sort of a tunnel from her room to mine)

I saw this little bit of fur and instantly flashed to the flattened and not so flattened critters...

This one was squeaking and

not

much

bigger

than

a goldfish cracker.

He could have used a small water bottle for a swimming pool.

Well, guess who found him first.

That is right...

my hamster wanting son.

Surprisingly, he trotted off to class without much more to say.

I scooped up the little guy and he was so stinkin' small...

what was I to do?

There are all sorts of creatures that would have loved a little snack such as him

but instead,

we ended up bringing him home.

Somehow,

the whole family loves him,

this poor little mother-less baby who chirps more than squeaks.

(he must know I like birds)

And after much deliberation and a family meeting,

we have decided to keep him.

Meet

Despereaux Squeakling

I know, it is nuts.

On another note...

I got my hands on 6 bistro chairs and started playing with one of them.

The man that sold them to us had

this wonderfully thick

French accent.

He told us they came from France.

Maybe they did,

maybe they didn't,

but it is certainly romantic to think they did...

They needed cleaning

and

a bit of paint

don't get me wrong,

I love distressed and used

but

these were sickly green with orange edges...

so I started by stripping one of the chairs.

and guess what???

It WAS ORANGE!

you know that old 70's style of staining?

ewwww....

sorry if you like that

but I just don't know how that was

ever attractive.

Saw this in a magazine once...

I used cardstock and cut out

a bunch of different sizes and fonts

of letters and numbers with my cricut.

I glued them to the chair

and then

painted the chair cream.

It isn't complete,

but here is an idea of where it is right now...

I think I like it.

Sometimes these ideas sound really great

and flop

and sometimes they actually

turn out ok.

hooray for ok!

there is still more to do.

I want to lightly sand,

give some more coats

and distress with dark brown...

hopefully it will all still be ok!

Finally...

here is little turtle I

embroidered on a onsie

for a sweet little one on the way.

it isn't much, but

the momma loves turtles

and I could not resist the chance to make

SOMETHING

for that little blessing!

~hugs

seems to be baby season around here...

2010-03-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

just the other day

a girlfriend,

my neighbor,

came by to talk.

she asked if I had heard the big news.

what news?

there is so much of it these days

(most of which i would like to block out)

she told me she is pregnant.

today, i went to a baby shower where three ladies are pregnant!

(one with twins!)

there were only 8 of us there...

I stayed away

from whatever water they were drinking.

next week i am going to another.

babies, babies, babies

but...
i love that baby smell,

no, not THAT smell,

the smell that is right in the center

of that swirl of hair

on the crown

of that sweet little angel's head

while asleep in your arms.

such peace,

such trust,

such calm.

I digress...

I have never been a big registry person.

i mean,

i want to get the mom

or bride

or whoever

what they want,

but I love to give them

something that no one else will.

something unexpected,

something homemade.

I know it may be quirky...

but there is a lot of love that goes into each one

and each one is different.

Here is the one I made today

(some of the adhesive is still wet in the photo

and looks yucky,

but it came out ok)

the proud momma is having twins!

bless her!!!

as i left the party

one of the "mothers to be" stopped me

and said,

"I want you to know, I am expecting a handmade gift too."

I smiled and said "of course."

fortunately,

she is only six weeks along...

i have some time.

~hugs

Whoosh....

2010-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

it is Monday

trash day

and for my 12 year old's birthday

(in addition to all of the other goodies, of course)

i gave him something that money cannot buy

(well, at least not his money)

I told him i would take out the trash

for an entire MONTH!!!

needless to say,

he loved that.

as i was lugging our one bag out the door,

headed for those

large,

germ riddled,

daunting containers,

a warm breeze whooshed across the yard,

through the beautiful blooming jasmine

and right into my nose.

all of the sudden

that trash bag

full of

well,

trash

became a beautiful blessing.

the day is warm,

the sun is out,

our orange tree is heavy with citrus,

and the jasmine, oh the jasmine

it is just exploding

on our back fence.

i don't think

i would have ventured out there

i didn't need to take out the trash.

and i thought to myself,

sometimes,

just sometimes,

the gnarly jobs are full of joy too.

I hope you all have a trash experience today.

(just be sure to wash your hands afterward)

~hugs

silver sunday #5... what is it with shoes lately???

2010-01-31T17:33:00.000-08:00

In keeping with my quirky tradition,

I am posting silver, but not really silver...

my mercury silver glass cup where I keep my paint brushes

the only ring i wear almost as much as my wedding ring
(can you tell it is a tree?)

and the shoes calling to me telling me that my trip to the gym is WwaAaaAYyyy overdue.

off I go...

~hugs

silver sunday #4... already?

2010-01-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

for this 4th silver sunday

I will make this one short and sweet,

one photo,

one quote.

One shoe can change your life. ~Cinderella

~hugs

a girl and her silver

2010-01-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

I bought this vase antiquing somewhere

(I really do forget where)

and it sat...

and sat...

like most things that I buy

and have big plans for

but it had a certain charm

i just could not bring myself

to goodwill it,
send it off to another home

it was the charm.

one day, while looking for a home
for this little wooden doll bottle stopper

i put 2 and 2 together and found they made a nice pair.

now they sit happily on a shelf with other treasures in my studio.

the girl, and her silver

isn't that happy?

~hugs

no more... that’s it!!!

2010-01-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

I have made a decision.

No more caffeine is allowed in my body.

I have no religious reasons,
no commitments,
no medical issues.

I just want to live healthier.

For the last 3 days I have gone without~

no Starbucks,

no Mountain Dew from my beloved taco bell

no Red Bull, sweet nectar of the gods…

nothIng!!!!

oh the headaches!

They follow me everywhere, haunting me, taunting me

I go to bed with them and wake up with them.

Do not pity me,
I brought this on myself,
WILLINGLY...

once it is out of my system that is it.

I will be healthier, or at least I hope to be!

~hugs

Sliver Sunday #2

2010-01-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

When I signed up for this I thought:

"No problem, I love silver, it is everywhere in my home"

and

"How hard can it be, take a few shots, blog about it and be done, right?"

Wrong... I find myself wondering all week about what to photograph and how to post about it.

Well for this week, I went small

I found silver but it isn't all silver

the point is that there is silver on it so it has to count, right?

I have learned that too much on one thing isn't always good.

Sometimes something (especially when we create from art to food) just a dash of something is all our work needs.

Here is a snow girl, created by the ever so talented Colleen Moody.

Her splashes of silver embellish her grace and beauty

... they are the icing on the cake.

There isn't too much, but just enough to bring out her special charm.

A vintage Christmas ornament the size of a peanut, and a vintage brooch with certain history behind it are all the bits of silver she used. (the stories that brooch must have to tell while riding on the lapel of someone's coat or sweater all those years ago, how fun!)

And now the complete work, isn't she lovely with her fur trimmed collar and velvet bodice?

so sweet

AND for you straight silver lovers, my vintage mercury glass cup on my desk.

I use it to hold vintage velvet leaves, paintbrushes and bits of sparkle for my work.

Finally, I wanted to link to a blog who is also doing Silver Sunday but even better, she is doing a giveaway...

She has a really cool idea with a tutorial and you can WIN! Good Luck!

Happy Sunday, may your week sparkle!

~hugs

down and out

2010-01-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas decorations are

DOWN

isn't it nice to have that SPACE again?
it is too early, I know...

but Valentine's decorations are
OUT and they make me smile.

especially this little guy...

there is something to love about valentines day.

~hugs

a little birdie...

2010-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

What is it that makes children sing while they sit quietly and work?

I don't know what the inspiration is, but I hope mine never lose it.

If I sit and listen, sometimes I even hear my youngest singing in her bed before sleep.

I love that.

You will be hard pressed to find a sound sweeter than the sound of your own child softly singing to themself.

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."
-Maya Angelou

May you have something to sing about today!

~hugs

silver sunday #1

2010-01-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first Silver Sunday post, thanks to Beth of Gypsy Fish Journal there is a gaggle of girls all participating in this fun event.

Today, as I was taking down my Christmas ornaments, I was inspired by so many sparkly silver ones that I love. I looked at the pile and just had to snap a shot to share.

There was everything there from vintage silver given to me when I was a child to newer ornaments and even one I found this year at Silver Bella. They all have a special story that comes with each one of them which is why I got a little sad when it came time to put then away. It helps to remember the joy and pleasant surprise I feel each year as I unpack them again to hang them on the tree for another wonderful Christmas spent with good friends and family.

On another note, I posted earlier on the Mary Montage Swap from Silver Bella but did not take close up shots with notes on who made what. BUT, sweet Teresa McFayden did just that yesterday. So if you would like to peruse, they are here. Thanks for doing that Teresa!

~hugs

happy bright and shiny new year

2010-01-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

To start the year off right, I am inspired by this little journal that has been calling to me these past two weeks, just waiting to see what I produce on those fresh pages.

My dear sweet friend Jenny gave this to me for Christmas this year and I am putting it to good use.

I have decided to write 3 simple things every night before turning out the light.

1. One thing I simplified in my life today

2. One thing I did today to better myself

3. My goals for tomorrow

I have never been too good at keeping up with a journal, but if I keep it short and simple, maybe I will develop a better direction in my life and therefore maybe, just maybe, become a better person from it.

~hugs

Mary and silver sundays...

2009-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

So the last part of the challenge from my swap called Miraculous Mary Montage from Silver Bella is to show how you have displayed them in your home. I began putting them on some ledge shelving that I display photos on. I liked this because you were able to see all of the wonderful details.

Then I took them down and tried another approach. I put them on a low shelf in a bunch and although they were wonderful, I missed so many of the details because of the overlapping.

Here are some close-ups of the eye candy, all the girls worked so hard...

Finally I decided to just put them here and there all throughout my home. I figured that spreading Mary all over is the best decision.

AND on another note...

Sounded fun so I joined in, maybe you will join too?

you can find out all about it here

now to stretch those creative photography wings...

~hugs

it really is about the presents...

2009-12-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

We have worked so hard with the kids to teach them the meaning of Christmas, desperately doing our best to shield them from the frenzy and strangulation of this special time.

Last year, we began a new tradition. We make gifts for each other and instead of 20 trips to the mall and being a part of the holiday rush, we are busy at home like little elves working on our projects.

Skill required: NONE
Love required: TONS

It is the best part of our whole mad frenzy of unwrapping because these gifts, more than any other, come straight from the heart.

If for the rest of my life, I only received handmade gifts, I would be in heaven.

I just wanted to share what my husband made for me, it came in a frame but here is the picture alone:

It is my family's hands telling me (in sign language) "we love you"

The love and care for another that goes into these special gifts, now that is Christmas.

~hugs

Bellas in Training...

2009-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

My little Anna was invited to participate in a "Bellas in Training Ornament Swap" hosted by Sheila and Janna.

It was a one-on-one swap where the girls were paired by age group. Anna and Dana became little pen pals over the email to get additional information of their likes and dislikes for ornaments. They then got to work and this is what they made...

Anna was inspired with my Bundle Up Birdie class by Jennifer Murphy and did a shadowbox ornament. She covered the box inside and out, added mica flakes and a couple of snowmen we had, tied seam binding around their necks for scarves and added vintage tinsel around the edge.

It is funny to learn what my little one picks up on from watching me. She has watched me do so many swaps in the past that she knew her project was not complete without her artist's info on the back.

This is what she came up with.

Sweet Dana created this beautiful wonder for Anna

This was so amazing because it is paper intricately woven together.

I am telling you, this girl has patience.

She even dusted on just a touch of glitz so that when the lights on the tree hit it, it sparkles!

It was so sweet to watch a swap from a parent's stand point.

Watching Anna's little creative wheels spin is always a treat.

~hugs

Invented in 1974, mesmorized in the 80's, solved TODAY

2009-12-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

Finally, after 29 years, I can say I did it...

and no, I didn't take it apart...

~victory!

up on the house top click, click, click...

2009-12-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

5:50 a.m.

"Mom"

I desperately hope I am dreaming... but then just as sure as the first time, "Mom!"

I roll over and find I am nose to nose with mister energy himself, as if he found the secret espresso mines of the great starbucks and ate the beans whole... "Mom, it is Christmas!"

I mumble less coherently than I believed I did, "It is the middle of the night, go back to bed, why are you even up?"

Dumb question.

"It's Christmas!!!"

These are the days we will remember.

The magic of childhood, the sweetness and care for each other.

Thank you God for the day, your Son, and my family and friends.

Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all!

~hugs

ahhh...

2009-12-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

went to my blog tonight
something funky happened with the formatting and who knows when...
my last post was A MONTH AGO!

this seems to be a theme in so many facets of my life

so
i am going to simplify

less is more

in honor of simplification in life my layout is the first step

a clean fresh start

like fresh crisp cotton sheets

the serene hush of a new fallen snow

wow... i feel better already

what will you simplify today?

~xo

shhh...

2009-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

I know the girls are too busy packing to look (or at least I think they are) so I am publishing some swap spoilers... If you are attending SB and are looking for a sneak peek, well, here it is!

I am in so many swaps I cannot even remember them all. Nine total! That is right... NiNe!!! Whew, I am so glad I am all finished. And early! Not like me at all, but it is nice for sure!

I hosted the Spooky-ookey Owl Banner pre-bella swap and here are some shots of that:

This isn't the best photo but it is the whole banner strung up in my living room... I love how it came out!

below is my owl

I am also hosting an ATC swap and a Saint Tag Swap but those pictures will have to come later (I already sent them off to Omaha)

My Miraculous Mary Montage... here is a peek of her:

The swaps I signed up for... you have already gotten a peek of my "under the big top" page and my apron flair swap in a previous post. So that makes 6.

Let's see... I did the Bee's Knees swap (hosted by Wanda C.) Here is a picture of the packaging and the goodies inside:

There was also the Felted Ornament Swap (hosted by Rebecca G), I took old thrift store sweaters and washed them in hot water and dried them. Once they were small enough to fit a kitten, I cut them up, sewed little seed beads on them, stacked them and made trees out of them. I made 4 different ornaments before I was satisfied to mass produce 16 of them. Here they are:

And finally, maybe one of my favorites... the embroidery swap (also hosted by Rebecca G).

Molly and I traded sweatshirts and she said something about liking birds and trees.

I ran with it and this is what I did:

Hope she likes it!

More about the big Silver Bella trip to come...

~hugs

I love this day!

2009-10-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday.
October 18.
I love everything that goes with it.
The roundness of the O and the 8, the smell of crisp fall leaves, colder days, hot cocoa, pumpkin patches, Halloween... you know what I mean.

Here are the cupcakes my kids and mom made for me while my honey took me out antiquing yesterday.

Funny thing, we went to some of the most amazing spots to find goodies and didn't buy anything.
And then it hit me...

I have all I need right here, my family who loves me.
There really is no better gift than that.

Happy Birthday to me!

~hugs

Jack's back...

2009-10-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

a posting quickie...

I was so happy to participate in Pricilla Cerda's Tim Burton Halloween Ornament Swap recently.

Here is a quick look at my little Jacks in progress:

and completed:

I could not resist making Jack... I just love that movie!

~hugs

charlottas!

2009-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to meet up with some very good friends this weekend. There is a long story behind it and I will not bore you with the details but Sandy Camarda, Lisa Kettel and I have a little Charlotta history. When we all met, I surprised them with one of three "Charlottas" (not really frozen Charlotte but a bisque head instead.) I ordered them on eBay and decorated them all up. They even got a little “tramp stamp” tattoo on their back shoulder of a creepy, yet sassy little spider.

It was a fun project and the best part was the look on my Charlotta’s faces when they opened them up. Now we each have one to remember the others by.

I gave the orange ones to the Charlottas they were much more Halloween-ish and kept "Miss Green" for myself.

And just take a peek at the sweetness I got in return!

The adorable one on the left is a little mouse lion tamer from Lisa and the spooky-ookey one on the right was created by Sandy. She says "Charlotta was bewitched"

I love them both and they have a special place in my home reserved for the finest of fine homemade art.

More soon on last weekend when I was so fortunate to join with creative souls for sweet Kim Caldwell's event:

An Artistic Affaire L'Automne.

~xo

a little birdie and a clown...

2009-09-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

I have been to Solo again and every time I go, I find something wonderful, a treasure of some sort to brighten my home or a gift for someone dear. here is the little gem I found and could not leave behind... isn't she sweet?

In other endeavors, I have completed my "Under the Big Top" Swap page. This swap is being hosted by the ever talented Wanda Clark for Silver Bella this fall. I was not going to sign up because it didn't sound like my style, but it was a fun challenge and as always in art, I learned a few things.

Here is a sneak-peek at my page. I used some old Rusty Pickle Circus themed paper, a meri-meri clown that I shrunk waaaaaay down and re-made (fifteen times!!!) because he only came in a huge size, and painted and glittered some hat pins.

I am really excited to see how this whole thing turns out. Wanda is making the covers and binding them all together and will deliver them to us in November... oh goodie!

~xo

a local swap, a full gander at some bella crafting, and some wonderful girlfriends...

2009-08-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I met with the girls at the Pink Pineapple for our Summer's Savory Sweets Reveal Party and it was such fun. Everyone in the swap made a recipe page based on their favorite summer treat and I bound them all together on rings. We all brought in samples of our recipes for tasting and it was so nice and relaxing sitting and enjoying time with the other swappers.

What a sweet bunch of gals!

and...

I know I probably am not supposed to do this...

I have been working on swap after swap after swap. Let's see, in the last month I have done 3 swaps for a girlfriends weekend (totally worth it!!!), signed up for NINE for Silver Bella (hosting 4) and one more for Kim's event Artistic Affaire L'Automne (which, by the way, there are only a few spots left and she is closing registration soon so be sure to sign up if you are on the fence, I hear there will not be another for a while and her events are to die for!!!), and of course the one mentioned above.

Anyway, in 2 short months, I have run up a total of 14 swaps!! And since my blog is about my life... and you can only imagine how much of my life is spent adding detail after detail, I just feel that I must share SOMETHING. So if you don't want to see, turn away now. Fair warning...

Here is what I made for our apron flair swap, simple but I love them. I used vintage button covers, and stitched on felt to make leaves. I hope the girls like them!

And finally, I finished my Woodland Faerie Hideaway from the class Christine Rose Elle taught at our girlfriend's weekend at Big Bear.

and while I am on that subject (wow I am all over the place tonight, aren't I??!!)
here are the girls from that sassy little weekend in July...

Big Bear Girls Club: (back row left to right) Jamie, Holly, Joy, Cheryl, Kim H., Jenny, (middle row) Sherry, Jessi, Kim C., (front) Cynthia, Me, Alice and Christine

Talk about a treat! Such kindred spirits.

~xo

freshly sharpened pencils and warm copies...

2009-08-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today was my official first day of school. Normally the saddest day of summer because I am forced to cut back on the time I get with my family. As the school year wanes I find I spend so much more time with other people's children than my own. HOWEVER... today was special because my not so little boy will be coming to school at my school this year! I look forward to breakfast with him, quiet conversation on our rides to school, homework in my classroom after school and even an occasional pop in at lunch. I love knowing that he will be close, and he loves the idea of it too. Now, if I can remember to not hold his hand while walking into school...

~xo

Whew, I Am Back...

2009-08-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus, I am back and going to try and do a better job of blogging. Our summer is almost to an end here and so much has happened. Instead of droning on and on about it all, I will do a quick photo update and move forward... hey, better than nothing, right?

At the end of May, my little one sang the Star Spangled Banner at the Ramona Rodeo, pretty exciting!

My not so little guy had his 5th grade "graduation."

We flew my Gram out for a visit in July.

The bottle I made for Kim Caldwell in an altered bottle swap (i love her butt!)

AND the AMAZING bottle she made for me... see St. Joan of Arc?

The book pages I made for a journal swap

We took my mom to see Smokey at the OC Fair... still smokin' at 69!

The unexpected road trip we took to spend time with family in the midwest and went through 16 states, puppy dog and all!

and back in time to see Trace Adkins and Toby Keith last night... What a show!

"Never apologize for being patriotic!"

~xo

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

artwork by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918)

I never knew how much love my heart could hold until someone called me "mommy" - Unknown

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!

~xo

she's arrived... my sweet Marie!!

2009-04-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my greatness! She arrived!!! As you probably know, I participated in the Marie Canvas Swap and sent mine off to Alisa last week, and she sent her's to me. Well as fate would have it, we got each other's on the very same day!!! You just would not believe the amazing packaging around this lovely piece! She put so much love and care into it all. Where to begin??!!

When I found the box on my doorstep, I just could not help but tear into it. I am never good at taking photos of the before shots... I am learning to get better at it though. It was amazing! Wrapped in this vintage fabric, pinned with a beautiful vintage brooch and adorned with the sweetest plumes woven together with a beautiful velvet ribbon and my initial made of pearls! This girl thinks of everything!!! Here is the box of goodies:

Here is a closer look at the amazing work she did on this canvas. The shoes, the cake, the German glass glitter initials, the birdcage handmade with the finest of wire, the feathers, the ribbons, the bead work, the fan... OH!

Here are some chocolates she added to the mix. They are made right in her home town and they are just yummy as can be! chocolates fit for Marie herself! They even shimmer!!

And just check out these beautiful French soaps she sent too! I swear, it must be Christmas! The whole box smelled just lovely, like fields of lavender, milk and honey. Guest soaps? I think not! These babies are going in my bathroom where I can smell them every day. Sorry guests... you get the hotel soaps. (well, unless you are Alisa)

Thank you so much Alisa, you are just too much! I cannot wait to see you again in November!

~xo

a wedding, an anniversary and a spoiler alert!!!

2009-04-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in the last week and it is bitter sweet to see it all be done.

My best girlfriend in the world got married last weekend... what is it with weddings that turn me into a blubbering idiot? I think the people at the wedding who didn't know me thought I was lamenting my former girlfriend, watching her being married to another. I was just so happy for her, she was glowing!

Without boring you with a bunch of photos of people you don't know I just wanted to share the sweetest wedding cake... Isn't this so whimsical?

My DH and I escaped to the "vines" this weekend and it was amazing! Our 13th Anniversary is Monday so we decided to go to the wine country and celebrate (sans kiddos.) It was wonderful. We so easily forget how important it is to get back to why we decided to share this life together and time really does fly by. We spent a couple of nights at South Coast Resort and Winery and did nothing but relax, eat good food, and drink really, really, really good wine. Oh the sweet nectar of the vines...

We even got to meet Master Winemaker Jon McPherson! It was such a treat! He was the nicest most unassuming man ever, and what he knew about wine would knock your socks off!!!

He was so sweet, he even took me antiquing! And for a guy would would rather act as a human speed bump on the I-5 than do this, it was a super sweet gesture! Here is a photo of La Maison Rustique this weekend... those girls are amazing!

He also carted me out to Matilda's Mouse but we didn't get any photos while we were there, but it was equally as wonderful with Enya playing in the background while we shopped... I love places like these!!!

A view of the Vineyard from our villa and the mountains beyond...

Our Villa in the vineyard (it's the one furthest to the left)

SPOILER ALERT!!! IF YOU ARE ALISA. . . do not read this next part until

after Marie arrives!!!

I participated in the Marie Antoinette Swap hosted by the sweet Maria (of the Junk Drawer). We were to take a canvas size 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches and break it up into twelve squares. Other than following the theme of Marie Antoinette, this was all we had to do. Well, I did break up my canvas and it looked much like an Easter Quilt, UGH! But with much tweaking and totally straying from the directions, I came up with this...

Alisa, this is your last chance to turn back...

The vintage paper is and original scan of an early 19th century French birth certificate. It dates back to 1816 and was used because it refers to “Marie Antoinete” in the center of the document. Could this be the Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France who died an untimely death 23 years earlier… probably not, but it is fun to think so! (got it from an etsy shop)

The old jewel is an old broach I got from and estate sale, the trim on the crown is something I actually bought at an old barn sale… loved the color. The crown is adorned with fresh water pearls. The French cologne label is a little item I bought at Silver Bella Vendor night and at the top of the canvas, it says “Let them eat cake” in French.

Finally, the Marie Antoinette image in the center was created by Hope Wallace of Paper Relics and embellished by me. (I love her work!)

Well, that is it in a nutshell. More later!

~xo

silver bella anyone?

2009-04-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it! I am all signed up for the Bella again in November and through the grapevine I heard that it over halfway sold out in the first 13 minutes of posting registration!

So glad I got in when I did!!!

I signed up for some really great classes and honestly, I still feel like I want to take more classes. Here is a picture from Teresa's blog of snippets of the classes offered.

More than anything else it will be fun to be with my extremely talented girlfriends again!!!

Here we are from last year:

I cannot wait to see who will join in... will you be there?

~xo

old friends and sweet maija

2009-04-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so wonderful! I got to spend time with some old high school friends. Normally that isn't such a big deal but when you live 2,600 miles from your high school, getting more than one of them together is a really big deal (at least for me!)

Spending time with them was so very precious. They are links to my past, people who know where I came from and who really get me. Pretty cool.

AND...

A huge thank you to Maija... just look what she sent me for being a runner up in her giveaway!!!

too sweet, thank you so much!!!

~xo

my dearest...

2009-03-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

today when I got home, my sweet husband gave me this

he knows how much I love Gerber Daisies

~xo (especially to my sweets)

a few last thoughts on la petite maison blanc...

2009-03-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

I know... it is a lot to take in, but it really was amazing! There was so much that happened that I had to chunk it out so that I could share it all. There was just no way to fit it into just one, two or even three bloggings. These are my final thoughts, and photos of that wonderful event.

(i promise!)

The three muses: Pam Garrison, Teresa McFayden, and Amy Hanna

My canvas house swap partner (Nancy Anicich) and I The canvas she made for me

I got to meet Jenny Doh! Pinch me!

I caved and bought a piece from Amy Hanna! I love it!!! (the photo does not do it justice!) I only wish I could have gotten them all. The hardest part is deciding which one...

Dinner at Cheesecake Factory (clockwise starting in far left corner ~ Cheryl, Suzanne, Natalie, Jessi, Heather, Jenny, Joanna, and me) It was sooooo good!!!

Like we didn't see enough of each other... is that possible??!! We (a few of us die-hards) drove out to Temeclua to this sweet barn sale called La Maison Rustique. The ladies were all so sweet, they had treats out for us (cookies, pastries, and mimosas! yummy!!!) and it was quite the reception! My little antique-r Anna joined in on the fun too... she got a handful (or two) of vintage cracker jack toys. Thank you to the lovely Linda, Sherry, Joy, Rita and all the ladies who were so hospitable to our little gaggle of girls that day!

It was a bittersweet day, it was still full of good friends and fun surprises, but in the end, everyone went back to their little nook in the world. Until next time ladies...

~xo

a spring maiden's crown

2009-03-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Mayor made this crown for me in the Spring Maiden Crown Swap hosted by Bryanna Lenan for Kim's event. There are no words to describe the beauty but I do have to say that Stephanie told me that she has never made anything like it before. This girl should go into business... It is beautiful! Thanks Stephanie!!! AND thanks Bryanna for hosting! (by the way, Bryanna has a cute account of how the swap went down on her blog, it is true, I did squeal when I found out that this crown was mine!)

the front

the back

the happiest girl in all the land

~xo

artists, friends, and a little white house

2009-03-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

After an event such as the Paris reception we had the highest hopes for the following day and they were met and surpassed with exceeding standards. Kim outdid her self again with her La Petit Maison. From the minute we entered the building, we were transported to another time and place where we left the business of the world at the door, only the softness of creams and whites surrounded us and we had no place to be except with good friends. It was just what I needed.

checking in, getting our table number and giddy to see what lies ahead

Up the stairs we went, finding hints of what was to come

When we walked in to our main crafting room, this is what we found

my seat

ceiling adornments

Kristen Robinson's vintage chandelier

the room was abuzz with excitement and everyone was impressed with the fantastic decor.

I love this shot, i think Kim got it... look at all the cameras out and where am i headed you ask? shopping, of course...

We made garland with Pam Garrison, creative house canvases with Amy Hanna, and Milagros with Teresa McFayden. I was a happy girl for sure!

me, Jenny, Teresa and Joanna

my Milagro

me and Jenny crafting away

my table Natalie, Jenny, Cheryl, Jessi, me and Joanna

The crown swap, oh the crowns!

I will have to post a really good close up of the crown I received coming up soon, it is just stunning!!!

i love paris in the springtime...

2009-03-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

this past weekend was a whirl. my sweet girlfriend Joanna Lewis flew in from Texas for a visit and with the ever so talented Miss Jenny Morgan, we attended La Petit Maison. This amazing event was hosted by non-other than the fabulous Kim Caldwell, who arranged a wonderful reception for all the ladies attending the event on Saturday. We met at Paris to the Moon on Friday night before the big day and even got to do a make and take with the amazing Candice Carpenter. The evening was wonderful!

the shop front all adorned with Easter bliss

just some of the goodies inside...

The make and take with Candice Carpenter... she's amazing!

Joanna and Candice

the traveling team ~ Jenny, me, Joanna

~xo

shaking off the dust...

2009-03-24T18:09:00.001-07:00

Gosh, where to begin... I feel like I need to explain. I have not hosted any swaps, taught any classes, spent much time outside my home and am getting emails from girlfriends asking me if they are doing something wrong when they sign on to my blog because they keep getting my Feb 1 post and nothing else.

I have really neglected my entire life excepting my husband and children (thank goodness I have at least my priorities somewhat in the correct order!) In January we had a flood in our main hallway upstairs. We had no idea how much damage it caused. We had industrial fans and dehumidifiers, estimators, insurance agents, construction workers, drywallers, carpet installers, tile and wood floor installer (who was also our), baseboard painter and installer, painters (my husband and I), electrician (my DH who isn't really an electrician but did a wonderful job and fortunately didn't set off so much as a spark), tile remover (also my DH... what a handy guy!), etc... Thank God for insurance!

We were told we needed to replace the flooring throughout the entire house minus our kitchen area. It was like moving out and starting over without being able to move our stuff out completely. We were like gypsies moving from room to room.

Since we needed new flooring, we decided we should paint before it came in, and since we were going to paint, we thought, we may as well get new baseboards, and since we were getting new baseboards, we decided to get new light fixtures as well, and since we got new light fixtures, we thought new bathroom accessories and bathmats and shower curtains were essential as well as new bathroom mirrors, and since... it can get really out of hand.

One of my girlfriends said it was like the children's story "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie"

She was so right.

Well, now it is almost April and we are just getting started putting our home back together. I never had any idea that so much dust could ever be produced! It was so bad I had to throw out our couch covers and start fresh but it is nice being able to see my floors again and beginning to have some sort of organization back in our lives.

Here are some before and in the process photos:

Once the house is back together again, I promise to post some photos of a clean, organized and newly decorated home. Knowing that people live here, I wonder if that will ever happen??!!

Here's hoping!!

~xo

I found Jesus at Matilda's Mouse...

2009-02-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while antiquing, I found this beautiful and very worn statue of Jesus.

I just could not leave him there, so now as I write this, he is looking over me. I know it is just a chalkware statue, but it is a nice reminder. I may give him a little work (like a nose job) but for the most part, the years of wear have added a certain subtle reminder of what humanity must do to Him. Thank God, He forgives us.

~xo

Valentine's Day came a bit early here...

2009-01-30T17:48:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes words get in the way, I will refrain.

Today, in the mail, my Valentine ATC swap arrived:

cover by Joanna Lewis
http://sweetfinds.typepad.com/sweet_finds/

Cindy Gilstrap
http://cindygilstrap.typepad.com/junqueart/

Maija Lepore
http://www.maigirlz.typepad.com/

Gina Grable
(you are here!)

Heather Ales
http://www.heatherales.blogspot.com/

Jenny Morgan
(no blog yet, but we are working on her.

Her stuff is too amazing to go unseen!)

Ali Sunlia Gripp
http://aligripp.blogspot.com/

Alisa Noble

http://lifeisabeautifulplacetobe.blogspot.com/

Joanna Lewis
http://sweetfinds.typepad.com/sweet_finds/

Jana Perenchio

http://scrappinjana.typepad.com/

Cindy Mayfield

http://yappingcatstudio.typepad.com/

Valita Baxley

http://valitas.blogspot.com/

The final page was a short note to all the girls who participated and a beautiful end cover to the book completed by Joanna as well.

Can I just tell you that it is the yummiest book of all sorts of goodness?! So many wonderful people participated in the making of it, but the biggest thanks goes out to Joanna, what a doll!

She packaged it all up and included so many little Valentine goodies...

I feel so very loved.

~xo

Catch up time...

2009-01-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

In this blog I will let my pictures do most the talking. I have so much to catch up on and so much to share. It seems I am living life more than I am documenting it, but isn't that what it is all about? I will do my best to keep it short...

One more Marie photo, don't you just love her??!!

(Thanks again Kim for an absolutely over the top time!!!)

The 4x4 Valentine I made for the Love Me Tender Collage Swap hosted by the fabulous Danielle Muller at http://thevintagedragonfly.typepad.com/the_vintage_dragonfly_stu/

The banner I made for sweet Sherry on her very special 40th birthday (it says "create")
a special thanks to Jenny M. for the silver tinsel idea for the nest on the last letter e!!!

A photo of us on the beach at Sherry's girl's weekend where old friendships were celebrated and new ones were made... thanks Sherry!!!

(Pictured left to right Sonia, Kelly, Michelle, Sherry, Rhonda, Christie, Me and Natalie)

My Obamicon (thanks to Michelle Geller for the inspiration!)

A sweet little cupcake gift April Clemens made me for hosting the Christmas swap at the Pink (too cute!!!) Thanks Chickie!!!

And finally, last night's Valentine Banner Swap. It turned out amazing and the girls involved were so wonderful!

The Valentine Banner Swap Reveal Party was complete with heart shaped cookies, pink lemonade, and even Eiffel Tower cookie treat bags (thank you April!)

We had Teah and Joanne drive 2 hours to attend!!! I am still so tickeld that you made the trip!! AND some of my original swappers from the Christmas swap joined too! All involved were such a treat and brought such different and creative ideas to the table.

As I told them, it was smaller than usual, mainly because of CHA but warm wishes and creative energy filled the room, you all were buzzing with it! (and I don't think it was the sugar in the cookies either!!) What a treat to swap even more ideas and creative outlets. There were so many blogs and web address mentioned I know I missed most. If you have them, send them my way, PLEASE!!

Teah Borrow and April Clemens

Terri Kinjo and Krystie Whillock

Gina Grable and Christianne Penaflor

Christine Penaflor and Joanne Anderson

Gloria King and Kimmi "Seahag"

In the true spirit of swaps and our French theme, she made Eiffel Tower cookies complete with silver adornments she had to purchase from another state for EVERYONE!!! They were packaged up so sweetly! Just as soon as I got pics for my blog the kids made short work of it. Sadily I cannot say how delicious it was but the kids agree it was awesome. Here is a picture of it and the other goodies she gave me.

I want to publically thank you all! I know I said it before but you are a very special and great group of girls. I will always cherish my love banner and all the love each one of you put into your personal piece of art!

And for now, I will end with Moira the Tiny Pink Mohair MouseI found on etsy. Isn't she just the sweetest?! She was made by http://www.violetpie.typepad.com/ and we just love her here in the Grable home.

~xo

So exciting...

2009-01-22T17:33:00.001-08:00

I am too excited! Through several circumstantial events (working with Jenny M., meeting Rebecca in Ashland, Kim missing Ashland so I got to sit with Rebecca G., and meeting Kim C. at the Silverbella)
I was able to attend the Marie Soiree which leads to the next creative endeavor. I am just giddy to attend ~ La Petite Maison Blanc. Pam Garrison, Amy Hanna and Teresa McFayden will be joining us for an exclusive day of inspirational projects that will be sure to be completely amazing. AND you know when Kim throws a party, it is one not to be missed!

AND I get to go with Jenny & Joanna!!!

Oh what fun we will have!

~xo

this sweet little girl...

2009-01-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

... is 60 today.

Happy Birthday Mom!

xo~

ooh la la...

2009-01-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Marie Antoinette Soiree was all that and a box of Madelines to be sure! I would love to cover it all in one posting but I doubt that is even possible. First of all, our amazing hostess Kim Caldwell went all out to make us all feel like we were Marie. She prepared her home to accept us in the most gracious way and everything was just, well, over the top incredible! Très Magnifique!

I was so honored to be asked to host a swap so I jumped on it did a book titled "If I were Marie, I would..." and I have to say, I was tickled pink to see the finished product. The ladies all did an amazing job! Here is a shot of them completed and ready for delivery.

I will post more on the book soon. It is just amazing, thanks to the lovely ladies who participated! Here is a shot of the group who were there that day: Jessi, Cheryl, Sylvia, Kelly, Rebecca, Kim, Me and Maija. There were 5 other lovely ladies who will be attending the 2nd installment of the Marie Soiree who were there in spirit.

The wand swap was equally as fun. I was paired with Louise and she made this amazing wand out of a vintage wedding dress!

Here are close ups of the wand I made...

I was really intimidated to do this but it made me think "outside the box" for lack of a better term. It was a fun exercise of creativity.

One of my favorite pictures from the whole day is this one of the girls I spent so much time crafting and giggling with...

Rebecca, Cheryl, me, Jenny, and Candice. Could I ask for more?

More pictures to come...

xo~

Breathing a sigh of relief...

2009-01-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Christmas decor is all put away (well almost) and my Valentine goodies have started creeping out for their display through the month of Feb. I just love all the warm reds, pinks, silvers and whites. After sadly putting away my 2 awesome 12 days of Christmas books from previous swaps and my Twinchie advent calender, things were looking bare. But bare to me is a blank canvas waiting for its first smears of brightly colored acrylics and creativity. Oh what fun!

My next exciting creative endeavor is this weekend and I am just tickled about it! I am preparing myself for the Marie Antoinette Soiree hosted by Miss Kim Caldwell. It is going to be the event of the season for sure!

I spent the better part of tonight assembling books for the swap I have hosted "If I were Marie, I would..." and the girls each made a page telling what they would do. After the reveal on Saturday, I will post them. They are truly amazing. I am such a lucky girl to have such crafty friends!

I am also participating in a wand swap. Goodness knows why I signed up for this one, I always have such grandiose ideas and then... BLAMMO! I am hit with the reality that I actually have to make this stuff! I will post whatever I come up with. It should be nothing less that interesting. Send crafty vibes my way... I need them!

~xo

Tomorrow...

2009-01-04T20:22:00.001-08:00

I am so excited that tomorrow I get to meet with the new group of swap gals at the Pink! We are working together to complete 2 different banners for Valentine's Day and I am sure they will be nothing less than spectacular! We even had some girls who have signed up for this who are from out of town and doing this long distance! (of course I will be mailing their things to them as they will not attend the meeting or the reveal party)

I am just so excited about it all!

Love is in the air!

I posted samples 2 posts ago (scroll down for those) and will bring the actual banner to the Pink tomorrow for ideas along with others. There are still a few spots available so if you even think you want to join, call soon to join the girls. It will be a sweet treat and a cherished decoration you can get nowhere else. We would love to see you there!!!

xo~

It's today!

2008-12-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

to all my friends, new and old,

May God bless you and keep you all safe this coming year!!

xo~

A new swap for the local gals...

2008-12-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

My Sweet Shabby Chic French Valentine Banner Swap

Think soft, think sparkle, think France, think LOVE!

We'll join to create a delightful, frilly, fun Valentine banner for your home or your Valentine! Our banner will read “je t’aime,” which means “I love you” in French. There are 2 groups you can pick to sign up for, one is a standing banner for a bookshelf or mantle or elsewhere, the other is a hanging banner.

If you would like to be a part of this super fun project, sign up at the Pink Pineapple and I'll see you January 5th for our meet and greet.

Important dates to note:
January 5th at 6:00 p.m. for our 20 minute meet and greet and to shop for supplies.
January 19th: all work due by close of business today
January 26th: revealing party at 6:00 p.m. until 7:00

Hope you can join us!

~xo

our local swap group and oh so talented...

2008-12-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

Here is the lovely group of girls who locally participated in the 12 days of Christmas swap. They were all so delightful and talented! We even had a mother and daughter participate making our youngest artist only 16! And boy is she talented! What a great group of gals!

Here is our group shot, everyone is holding their book open to the page they created and my little helper elf is holding the famous Blue Bunny.

I created the cover and used a vintage photo from the early 40's. It is an awesome shot of a Macy's Department Store Santa sitting. What a magical time!

The first day of Christmas was created by Terri K. She layered lots of paper and paint and topped it all off with this sweet birdie ornament.

The second day was created by Bonnie P. She did a phenomenal job of using a vintage photo of her grandmother. It was just beautiful and the silver twigs were the icing on the cake!

April, oh that crafty and creative April C. She created the 3rd day of Christmas with those French hens. All I can say is Ooh, la, la! Marie's dress opens up to reveal the other 2 hens!)

Cierra B. created this wonderful version of the 4th day and it was covered in beautiful gold glitter and the sweet bird addition. I thought it was an old playing card but no, she made it herself! Too cute!

Sherry W. worked her magic to create her 5th day. She was bound and determined to use those 5 golden rings and incorporate an angel. I just love the frosting of the angel's wings with the glitter, such a sweet touch.

Day 6 was created by Kimmi S. and I have to say it was a collage of Christmas-y goodness! She is quite talented!

Krystie W. wowed us all with her interpretation of the 7th day of Christmas. Don't you just love all the fibers and wire? When does this girl sleep?

Christie R. created the 8th day. Her combination of paper was heavenly and she even went as far as painting a milk mustache on our little maid a milking. Too cute!

Donna L. was not afraid to make her page 3-D! She added a whole shoe to hers! My favorite was her hand cut 9 ladies dancing all had hand painted on lipstick and hand colored hair (all right after she had hand surgery!!) Amazing!

Christine P. created the 10th day with oodles of goodness. She used vintage sheet music and prima flowers with sparkles and rhinestone goodness. Yummy!

Christianne P. was our youngest but pulled her weight nicely! She embellished with a paper doilies and used techniques that she learned in classes with her mom. We were all impressed!
Ally rocked our last page with one of my favorites... the little drummer boy who looks like he was taken right out of the Civil War era. the topped off her colorful and amazing page with a big shimmery star. LOVE IT!!

I am so happy with the way it turned out and so was everyone else! Next up is a Sweet Valentine's Swap. Stay tuned to the Pink Pineapple for more details!

~xo

so many wonderful things...

2008-12-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful things happening right now! I am on a glitter high because we just finished our 12 days of Christmas swap at the Pink Pineapple AND today was the Holiday Hoopla! I just wanted to share some pictures of all the wonderful things happening right now in one quick journal because I have been so bad about updating my blog lately. I promise to do better. (ooh, I feel my first New Year's resolution coming on!)

we got our Christmas lights up! Hooray!

I figured out how to put my Twinchies up from the Advent Calender Twinchie Swap at the Silver Bella. You know, you just can't leave good art laying around! I hung them with tiny binder clips on a shimmery green cord and hung the cord like a small garland over a large mirror. Very nice!

Here are the 12 days of Christmas books all packaged up and ready for delivery at the cookie and hot cocoa revealing party at "The Pink." They came out just lovely and the girls were all so wonderful! I will post a picture of the completed book with a group picture as soon as I can get my hot little hands on it.

Here is a photo of my little model with the banner I taught at the Holiday Hoopla. We all had such a good time today!

And finally, a picture of the wonderful group of girls I got to work with today Leah Fung, Candice McLean, Teri Rogers, Krystie Whillock, Me and Michelle Hill (Stephanie Ackerman, what a doll, was there too, we just missed her for the group shot.)

Wow, what a week!

~xo

Things to be thankful for and a winner!

2008-11-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have a terribly long list of things to be thankful for but here are some to share:

A beautiful song, , A comfortable chair, A cool breeze, A drink of cool water, A full moon, A gentle rain, A hard rain, A good book to read, A good coat, A good husband, A good pillow, A Mourning Dove's song, A scenic drive, Air conditioning, Beaches in the morning, Blue jeans, My Brother, Butterflies, Butterfly kisses, Children laughing, Christmas morning, Clothes that fit well, Comfortable shoes, Compliments, Computers that work, Dove Milk Chocolate, Dishwashers, Diversity, Dried pineapple slices, Fairness, Crackling fire in a fireplace, FAMILY, Flowers, Freedom of religion, Freedom of speech, Fresh ideas, Good conversation, Good eyesight, Good friends, Good health, Good movies, Good teachers, Good tires, Grace, Grandmas and Grandpas, Holding hands, Honest people, Hugs, Indoor plumbing, Kittens, Laughter, Parents, Parking spaces near the front, Peanut butter, Plenty of closet space, Polite drivers, Porch swings, Quiet mornings, Rainbows, Roasted peanuts, Shade trees, Silver Bella, Smiles, Snowflakes, Soft toilet paper, Sunrises, Sunsets, Thanksgiving dinner, That I am not a turkey today, The color of autumn leaves, The ocean, The smell of homemade bread, The words "I love you", Tire swings, True friends, Uninterrupted dinners, Warm kisses, Warm showers, Whipped cream, White puffy clouds and GOD.

There is so much to be thankful for, these are just a few. Don't forget to take some time this holiday and everyday to be truly thankful for our wonderful blessings.

And now.... drum roll please! My husband randomly picked a number from your posts and the winner of the Thanksgiving I am Thankful For Papercrafting Kit is:

A Silver Bella Sister!!!

Danielle Muller at daniellewww.thevintagedragonfly.typepad.com!!

Send me your address Danielle and I will get this out to you. Congratulations, and Enjoy!!!

Thank you all for your sweet sentiments and comments! You all give me so many more reasons to be thankful!

~xo

kits, kits, and more kits!!!

2008-11-20T16:15:00.001-08:00

I am starting to branch out and sell a few paper crafting kits here and there. They are stuffed with goodness and just about everything you need to complete a project minus your basic tool kit. If you are interested, just click on the link to my newly updated etsy shop! In addition to sending you the kit, I will email you instructions and photos of the completed project.

Here's the first one:

Every Thanksgiving I spend at least two full weeks planning and preparing a meal fit for the noblest of kings. On the big day, the house is exploding with the smells we love so very much and the timer on the oven rings telling of another wonderful dish that is ready to cool. We bless the food and everyone dives in. We use our most beautiful china (the stuff for only special occasions) and everything is perfect. We are surrounded by family and friends, and the yummiest of foods. Several courses later, we all retreat to the couch for some football or more family fun. This is one of our favorite holidays with so many photo opportunities for sure but there are never any good photos because I am up to my elbows in cranberry sauce and pumpkin pies while making sure everyone in comfortably stuffed.

I figured it was about time to document at least one Thanksgiving before these wonderful memories escape me forever. With this kit, you will create a sassy memento of your Thanksgiving favorites will all the trimmings. It includes paper, binding ring, vintage jewelry, chipboard, vintage photos, ribbon, German glass glitter, beads, card stock, feathers and much, much more! With this, will have a special decoration to display for years to come, full of warm memories, precious family and oh yes, the cranberry sauce!

Here is a peek at the book:

~xo

Holiday Hoopla @ The Pink Pineapple!!!

2008-11-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

I am just too excited to get the chance to work with such great talents at the Holiday Hoopla at the Pink Pineapple! The other girls I am so blessed to get to teach with are:

Leah Fung http://www.leahfung.typepad.com/

Michelle Hill http://www.polkadotwhimsy.typepad.com/

Candice McLean http://candicemclean.typepad.com/

Stephanie Ackerman http://www.homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/

Be sure to check them out, they are magnificent!

We all get to hang out Sunday December 7th from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. to create and be with our other kindred crafty girlies. You will get to make 5 projects and they can either be gifts or you can keep them for yourself (I think it will be hard not to!)

Get ready to get your glitter on girls!
Here are some sneak peeks of the class I am teaching:

The supplies you will need to bring for my class are:

scissors
crop-a-dile (don't worry if you don't have one, we can share)
tacky glue (Aleene's is great but any will do)
Art Glitter Glue (this is wonderful, but any sort of glue you can make a thin line with will work)
sanding block

There are only 32 seats and it is already more than half full! Call today to reserve your spot 760-598-2222.

I am sure it will prove to be a fabulous day of good times, great projects, and warm holiday wishes, hope to see you there!

~xo

as promised... the 12 days

2008-11-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

I promised several Bellas that I would post our swap when it was complete. Here is the most glittery, glamorous days in all its glory (and they are glorious!!!):

I did the cover:

Liz Albrecht of the Artist Cellar was the first day of Christmas her paints were just perfect for the project, shimmering and shining!

Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss was day 2 with so many layers I could not even count! Stunning!

Michele Witchell of Willy Nilly Art & Whimsy was day 3 with her French hens are all speaking French! Ooh, la, la!!!

Cherie Wilson was day 4 with her vintage sheet music and glittery birds, so sweet!

Sylvia Estrada did amazing things with the 5 golden rings, and on material non-the-less!

Alisa Noble's fingers were probably numb after cutting all those geese, but it was worth it for the 6th day of Christmas!

Oh and that Heather Ales... Who but her would have thought of a ballerina for seven swans-a-swimming???!!! Love her for that!

Julie Hackney and her maids-a-milking was a huge hit! Just look at that chic cow!

Karen Lea wowed us all with her ladies dancing, the vibrant colors, rhinestones and feathers to boot... I feel like I was just at the Copa Cabana!

And then there is Miss Stacy McGinnis! She was so clever making her lords a leaping cute little frogs. Just look at that ornament in the corner... what a clever girl!

Lisa Orme, what a treat it was to get these in the mail, she used real vintage glass ornaments on the page!

And finally, last but far from least, my newest flying buddy Cheryl Stoneham created the most beautiful final page for our 12 days. Just look at the scrolling detail and the wonderful glitter trim. You cannot tell but that pink stripe is a vintage velvet ribbon going down the side!

Thank you all who participated! My Christmas decor will be the envy of all! I am truly blessed to get to have worked on such a special project with you all!

~xo

where does the time go?

2008-11-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

It seems like yesterday was the middle of Oct and now today we are almost to Thanksgiving! Feathers have been flying and glitter is everywhere but so very worth it! I have packaged up my swaps and shipped them off to Omaha for our wonderful event, The Silver Bella. I cannot wait to see all so many kindred spirits there crafting and exchanging wonderful ideas and love! Here is a package of the goodness I sent off yesterday:

I will post more pictures after I return. The girls get first lookie-loos at their projects.

Secondly, I am excited about teaching new classes at our very sweet local store the Pink Pineapple! You can check out all the goodness at their site to the left of my blog. Super cute store and really nice people! I am fortunate to have such an opportunity as this and love to work with even more crafty and creative minds!!! I am a lucky girl indeed!

More later after the big event!!!

~xo

happy birthday to me!

2008-10-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

I have been searching for just the right dressform for a good long time now and everywhere I look they are not only expensive, but they just have not been too exciting. Today I went out (my birthday none-the-less) bound and determined to find one, or at least hoping to find one. I did, I did, I did!!! Here she is... now I just need a name for her! I am even more excited because her sister is with my dear friend Jenny, so now we get to share the sisters. How fun!

xo~