Paper Bird

Petite Inspiration Swap- Flea Market Edition

 I don't participate in many swaps but one that is a favorite of mine is Heather Rowley's  Petite Inspiration Swap.  You take a simple match box and cover it with vintage papers,fabric or wall paper and adorn it to the theme of the swap.  The fun part is tucking in tiny vintage treasures.  I love creating these tiny boxes.  This last swap was the Vintage Flea Market Style Edition.  Over 60 women participated in the swap!  My swap partners were Michelle of Petite Michelle Louise and Kristin of Sweet Dreams Art Studio. Each of these sweet ladies took great care to create a box with lovely vintage detail.  I was not disappointed.  Take a look at the wonderful boxes and tiny treasures I received. 

 

 The wonderful vintage style box that Michelle created. 

 

The Sweet Vintage Details.

 

The tiny vintage treasures that were tucked inside the wonderful box Michelle created. 

 

 

Tiny trinkets- flea market style!

Merci Michelle!  

 

 

The Lovely box that  Kristen Pare created. 

 

 

The Pretty details. 

 

 

The sweet treasures Kristin tucked inside our packages. 

 

 

 Tiny flea market style tidbits to create with! 

 

 Kristin created this pretty flower from vintage tidbits that she added to our packages.  My LuLu wants to wear it in her hair!

Thank you so much Kristin. 

 

I was in a mad dash to get my packages in the post to meet the deadline. I was not able to take a picture of the boxes I created.  I borrowed this image from Michelle!  

You can see the tiny treasures I tucked inside by boxes by visiting Michelle and Kristin's blogs.  

 Michelle's Blog.

  Kristin's Blog. 

 
 
To see some of the other boxes that were created for the Petite InspirationBox swap you can visit the Flickr site.

Stop by Heather's sweet blog The Speckled Egg to see the boxes she created.  She also has a lovely shop filled with treasures to create with!

 

 

 

Sharing Good Things!

 

I have been without my computer for sometime and even now that it sits back on this old pine table of mine I am struggling to find the words to satisfy a post!  It happens now and then...the words just don't seem to flow.  The good thing is that I am finding so much to be inspired by.  The simple beauty in the things around me! The wonderful good things I find shared by others.    

Here are a few of my favorites!

 Ruffled Cake

I found this beautiful image on Pinterest.

I love ruffles but I have never seen them on a cake! Is this not the prettiest cake you have ever seen?  

I love cake! 

and

Roses!

 

Ruffled Roses

Our neighborhood Walmart has had the prettiest ruffled roses available.  I Love taking photographs of pretty blossoms and they bring a touch of spring indoors!

(Texture from the studio collection) 

 

 The Studio Collection

A beautiful collection of textures created by the talented Kim Klassen. I had so much fun testing some of these wonderful textures for Kim.  You can check them out at the Cafe'.  If you have a passion for adding textures to your images- you will LOVE these!  Amanda from Every Day Elements is hosting a giveaway for these lovely textures!   

 

 

 

Baby Bird Ella

This tiny wool bird was handcrafted by Julie Collings.  So cute! I think a few of these sweet birds hanging on a branch would look SO darling in a babies room.  You can visit Julie's wonderful blog to get all the details about Ella. 

 

 

Sweet Spring Nest

Julie sent me the link for this sweet nest.  I love it!  It is on my list of artful projects.  I think these spring nests would be so pretty on a plate setting for Easter.  You can find the tutorial to make the nests at Treasures From The Heart Gifts.

 

 

Beautiful Journal Art

I found this beautiful journal page from Shiela of Halo Hill.

I think it is wonderful and it has inspired me to create my own art journal.

 

 

"She Carried The Light"

I love this painting that I purchased from Katie Kendrick.  Katie is a sweet spirit and I am so inspired by the art she teaches.  She will be taking some time off her year long sabatical to teach a class in Malibu California.  I can't imagine anything more wonderful than painting by the beautiful sea.  To learn more about Katie's class you can read more here at Artinfusio.  If you feel compelled to paint and don't know where to start, this is the class to take.  Come paint with me by the sea!   

 

 

Paper Butterfly

 Another sweet link that Julie Shared with me is from the beautiful blog of Anneke. I found this paper beauty there.  The original blog it came was Idemakeriet, a lovely Scandanavian blog filled with inspiration.  I love creating things from vintage papers. This little butterfly is sweet and would be so simple to make.

  

How wonderful is it that there are so many good things available to us that lead to inspiration and rekindle our inner spirits that help us learn and grow.  I am SO thankful for this sweet gift.

What's inspiring you today? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing Sweet Memories

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.  ~Elizabeth Lawrence

It's funny the things we remember from our childhood days. Memories from my childhood are scarce and cloudy at best. Many things I just choose to forget.  But then there are those memories that are triggered by something that I see or smell that conjure up days from long gone by.  Layers unearthed from a life lived. Flowers have always brought back memories of my days of youth.  I vividly remember the first time I plucked a pretty purple Pansy from someone's yard.  I remember thinking how incredibly beauitful that tiny bud of color was.  Hydrangea flowers have always triggerd sweet memories for me. I remember a white cottage house with a picket fence covered with huge blossoms of Hydrangea. A sweet old lady tended that cottage garden. She always gifted me with a stem or two! I remember being mesmerized by the beauty of that cottage home and dreaming of having an enchanted place just like it with a garden fenced with those beautiful flowers that are so deep rooted in my memory!  

 

Sweet memories of childhood.  Do you have one?

 

 

 

 

 

(Texture by Kim Klassen)

 Thank you for the kind comments that are always left my way.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate them.  Have a beautiful day.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Snickers And Pretty Things!

These winter days seem to be passing quickly. I can hardly believe that February has come and gone and here it is March already!  Maybe it is wishful thinking but there seems to be a sense of warmth tapping on the door- hopefully spring is on it's way!  

Something else has made it's way to our home. We found this little guy wandering our backyard.  We live in a small neighborhood on the edge of a wooded hollow and it is not uncommon for wildlife to come into our yard, but nothing quite as tame as this!  Somebody has left him to the wild! "Mr. we are not having anymore pets" (the big boss) is opposed to keeping him- but I ask you, how can anyone resist a sweet face such as this?  

LuLu has named him Mr.Snickers!  

     Did I mention he uses a litter box!       

(Texture used from Kim Klassen) 

 

 

(Texture used created by me!) 

 

 

 

 

 

(Another sweet texture from Kim Klassen's 30/30 collection- soon to be released)

Mr. Snickers is cute but I want to share a little pretty with you!

I am always in awe of the goodness I find in the world of blog.  So many inspiring women who are kind and generous, who are SO willing to share their talents and the things they are passionate about.  The lovely and creative Cherie Wilson is such a person.  Cherie hosted a sweet giveaway on her blog and I was the lucky girl to win her prize!  

 It came so beautifully wrapped!

 

 This is the pretty bracelet tucked inside!

 Cherie created the bracelet with bits of vintage treasures.

I think it is so pretty.

Thank you Cherie- I love it!

Stop by and visit Cherie's sweet blog Humble Pie Designs.

 

Happy Friday

xo

Lorraine 

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a tiny tease of spring weather this week.  It is amazing what a little warmth and sunshine can do for the soul!  It made me SO happy.  I knew not to be fooled by old man winter's trickery... a storm blew in and left us with a beautiful blanket of fresh fallen snow.  

Do you know snowmen come from heaven unassembled?

 Just for me and you!  

 

 

 

(Texture from Kim Klassen) 

 

Have a beautiful weekend and don't forget to play!

(My first self-portrait from Vivienne's on-line course!)

 

 

 

Valentine Box

 

Happy Valentines day sweet friends.

It's been awhile since I have posted anything crafty.  I have really missed creating for Artful Thursdays.  I keep thinking I should have continued on with it, but after the holidays things became so busy.  And to be honest- my art room is a total disaster!  I am actually quite embarrassed that I let it get so out-of-control.  My word for the New Year should be Get Organized!!!  I am loving the Art Of Texture class that I am taking with Kim.  It's easy to stay organized when all you need are  a computer, camera and a few amazing textures!  Well so far.  I think we will be getting our hands dirty soon- creating our own textures.  About this time last year I created this Valentine box for Julie's Artful Thursday!  They are super easy to create.  It was one of my favorite projects.  I left a link for the instructions at the bottom of the page.  

Have a beautiful Valentines.  Do something sweet for someone today!    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentines Box Instructions

(click on the link) 

 

Memories

 

I always think of my Mom when I see a bouquet of Tulips.  They are one of my very favorite flowers in the spring.

 

I can't help but smile and think of my Mom and the beauty she glimpsed as a child growing up in the Netherlands.  Tulips and windmills.  A landscape of dazzling color and heavenly scent comes to mind. 

 

My Mom was born in Indonesia and later moved with her family to the Netherlands when Indonesia fought for independence from Dutch colonialism.

A history I need to study!

 

When my Mom was in her early teens she and her family moved to the United States.  They came as passengers on a big ship.  I found the passenger list on Ancestry.com- so cool!

   

 

It has been just over a year since my Mom passed away.

 

 

 

I fill my house with Tulips and I think of her!

 I have been experimenting with some WONDERFUL NEW- but not yet released textures.  Kim is creating thirty new textures in thirty days.  LUCKY me- I get to test them out!  You can see on my tulip images how gorgeous they are.

 AND...It's not too late to sign up for kim's On-Line class, "The Art Of Texture- The Secrets Revealed.  It is packed full of Good Things. I am amazed at the work that has been put into this class!  I am very IMPRESSED.  It's not just a techy class but a hands on art class too!  The knowledge and passion that Kim shares is just plain Wonderful.  I have learned SO much and I am the "slow" girl at this techy type of stuff!

Check out ALL the GOODNESS here!

 

Have a beautiful weekend.  

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Time To Blossom- And A Winner.

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.-   Anais Nin

 

I love this quote.  Maybe because it holds so much truth for me.  It has only been in the last few years that I have had the courage to step out of my comfort zone.  Taking the risk to learn and grow...to blossom into the full potential of ME!   

 

 

In each of us there lies an unrealized possibility.   

 

 

 

A dormant seed just waiting to BLOOM into its full potential.  

 

 We each have hopes and dreams.  But for whatever reason we find safety in that tightly woven bud- fearful of ascending to our higher aspirations.

But there is no courage withering on the vine.

only a life lived with regrets!

 

As I poured over each sweet comment left for the self-portraiture giveaway I was moved by each heartfelt comment.  There were so many who wanted to take that leap of courage to step out of their comfort zone- too realize a hope or dream they had for themselves, willing to let their light shine    I wish I could offer Vivienne's course to each one who commented.  If only I could!  Random number generator chose lucky #8 - Susan from Hometown Girl. 

 

Yes, in each of us there is that seed.  Like a tiny ember of fire.  It waits to burst into a flaming light.  A beautiful brilliant light for each of us to see and grow and learn from.  The flowering bud can't help but open up to the brilliance of the light and it BLOOMS! 

 
 FYI

Kim Klassen has a on-line course that is open for registration.  "The Art Of Texture, the secrets revealed" The course starts next week!  Come play with us! 

The Beauty Of Self Portraiture- Shine Your Light- A Giveaway

The deepest secret is that life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation.  You are not discovering yourself, but creating yourself anew.  Seek therefore, not to find out Who You Are, seek to determine Who You Want To Be.  Neale Donald Walse

 

I am in LOVE with photography.  The beauty and artistry of it.  Capturing every day moments, documenting our life's journey.  I am one who has never been comfortable with having my picture taken.  I know I am not the only one who has these feelings.  It seems to be inherent with the female species!  Why is that?  

I have always admired women who are at ease in front of a lens, comfortable with self portraiture.

Confidence with the beauty they radiate.

The beautiful Misty Mawn

 

Comfortable behind a lens.

 

Ally of Ally Lewis Photography 

 

Agreeable with silly!

(My LuLu) 

 

 Luminous in their artistry.

http://mistymawn.blogspot.com/

The pure artistic ability of self portraiture is amazing and so beautiful.  Not long ago my sweet friend Chrissy shared a post on self-portraiture.

Chrissy from Cul*tiv*ate - Photograph from Vivienne McMaster

 

She introduced her readers to the amazing Vivienne McMaster.

Vivienne has a love for self-portraiture and photography and she shares her talent teaching e-courses in capturing yourself through the lens and also in developing your visual voice through photography.

Read about it here

You are your own muse

Vivienne's Story

Perhaps you, like me, have struggled with getting your photos taken.  I never felt like who I really am shone through and I get critical of the physicalities of myself in the photo.   What is really at the core of whether I like a photo or not isn’t about my body (though my psyche sure likes to pretend it is).  

It is whether or not my essence shone through.  

It was a big realization for me when I saw that I was capable of taking photos that did indeed let that spark of who I truly am appear.  

Sometimes I let the sunlight help me radiate my own light, other times playfulness and movement bring it out in me.  

Perhaps for you it might be your radiant smile or the way your mama self shines when you are in photos with your kids.  Maybe it is when surrounded by friends or after a beautiful walk.  What makes you shine? 

Let’s try and remember to shine our light when someone aims the camera at us or  we aim it at ourselves.  Let’s remember what makes us feel like our most true selves and let that radiate.  Sometimes it can be awkward or challenging to push through and find ways to do that but I swear it makes all the difference with the way we relate to photos.  

Of course there are some days when we don’t want to be shiny and bright.  I’ve learned through continually aiming the camera at myself that those photographs are equally valuable to me.  

Whether it is someone else taking our photo or inviting ourselves to step into the photo as a self-portrait I am on a mission to encourage us all to play around with how we can find ways to feel seen in photographs, to feel beautiful or playful or truthful when we see them and to capture moments along the way.

Let’s let ourselves shine.

I am so excited about this on-line course so- 
 I'm sharing a little give-away love.

Giving you permission to let your light shine!

If you would love to take this e-course leave a comment and I will choose a lucky someone February 3rd,2011 to participate in this wonderful class.  Share the love and let your friends know about the give-away and you can be entered twice.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? . . . And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." 

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

 Let your light shine girls!

 xo Lorraine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give-Away Love

Hello, it's me!

I've been a little busy.

 

Organizing,

cleaning,

fluffing my nest.

Oh, and working on a little give-away!

 

I LOVE sharing with my friends.

I can't wait to tell you.

Come back thursday for a little give away love!

xoxo

Lorraine

Winter Blues

 

In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.  ~Albert Camus

 These January days have been cold and bleak.  I don't think we have seen a blue sky since Christmas!  The truth is, I am not a winter kind of girl.  I dread this seasonal change and the descent of spirit that seems to winterize my soul.  All I want to do is curl up into a ball and eat and sleep!  It's a good thing I have become wise with age and know how to slap my self out of this sorry affliction!!!  I have learned over the years how important it is to nourish the soul.  To find the things in life that make you happy no matter your weather or circumstance!  And attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference- great wisdom from Winston Churchill!  So as these cold and bleak winter days continue, I find my self drinking lots of hot chocolate, taking hot baths and nourishing my soul with the things that make me happy.  I am nourishing my creative spirit with a photoshop "skinny mini e-course" given by Kim Klassen.  Right now she is offering a free texture course that you can learn in ten minutes!  It's pretty cool.  She is generous with sharing her creative talents.  Her photographs are visual poetry- so beautiful.  I have learned so much in the last two weeks and it has been fun- just the nourishment I needed to escape these winter blues!

 

 

My hubby likes to build things!

Hope for spring! 

 

 

A little bit of Spring in my house

 

Matilda 

 

Jack my black beauty 

 

 

A Christmas Gift! 

 

 

Sometimes I babysit!

 

 

A favored trinket 

 

 

 

Rosie my best egg-layer

 

 

What do you do to nourish your soul these long winter days? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DREAM BIG

  

In our heart of hearts, no matter what our age or condition, we all have dreams and aspirations.  Lovely hopes within us that are untapped possibilities waiting to be realized.  Like stars in the night sky our dreams and aspirations are beacons of light.  We see the beauty of what could be.... and it grasps hold of our earthly spirit, encouraging our daily tread through this journey of life.  Sometimes the walk takes courage, but the dreams of possibilities are beautiful.  This past year has been amazing.  I have loved the journey and each sweet dream that was fulfilled, dreams I never thought possible.  The only real limits for our possibilities is our own thoughts and lack of imagination.  Here's to a year of bright and beautiful possibilities.  Dream big girls....DREAM BIG.    

 

 

 

 

(Painting by Heather Barron)

Titled anything is possible with Jane 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baked Goodness!

 

The girls have been busy and continue to gift us with eggs. I couldn't resist photographing them with a few of my vintage Christmas ornaments.  Each morning we find a pretty palette of beautiful eggs in an assortment of sizes tucked in the nesting boxes.  I have had to share some of the goodness with my neighbors because we just can't eat that many eggs! Christmas morning I baked a holiday French toast that is a family favorite.  It is a wonderful recipe when you have an abundance of eggs!  I have tweeked this recipe so many times but I think it is perfect now.  It is so easy to prepare and it is baked goodness... so yummy!  It looks beautiful displayed on a cake stand and is perfect for special occasions.  If you need any eggs- come on over!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ENJOY!

 Baked French Toast

 Prepare the night ahead

12-14 slices of day-old-bread (Country Potato works best)

one dozen eggs

2 cups of half and half

one grated orange rind

1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon of vanilla

1 pint of Blueberries or desired fruit (more for garnish)

1/2 cup of sugar

12 ounces (which equals 1 1/2 Packages) Cream Cheese

(Mix cream cheese and sugar in a bowl and set aside)

Cut bread into one inch cubes.  Place 3/4 of the bread in a greased 9 x 13 inch dish

(a bundt pan works well and is so pretty)

place 3/4 of the one pint of berries on top of the bread

drop the cream cheese mixture in spoonfuls on top of the berries (about 3/4 of the mixture)

top with the remaining bread- blueberries- cream cheese mixture 

beat the eggs well and add the half and half, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and orange rind.

pour evenly over the bread mixture.

Cover with foil and refrigerate.

30 minutes prior to baking take the french toast out of the refrigerator- set aside.

preheat oven to 350 degrees

bake 30 minutes covered with foil

bake an additional 30 minutes uncovered or until browned and center is set.

 

Syrup

1 stick of butter

1 cup of sugar

1 grated orange rind

3/4 cup of canned milk (not sweetened condensed milk)

Cook on medium heat stirring constantly until thick and bubbly- add orange liqueur about 1/4 cup

Garnish with blueberries and syrup 

 

Have you seen the movie Flipped?  I loved it. It is a favorite on my list!  There is a section in the movie about chickens and eggs!  You have to see it. 

 

Bootcamp starts this morning- I think I might die!

 

 

 

 

The Spirit Of Sweet Friendship

Christmas has come and gone and a new year is soon to start!  I am always amazed at the SPEED in which this holiday season seems to come and go and I always feel a bit of sadness when it is over.  Although the Christmas holiday can be busy and hectic, I love all the details that make it magical and beautiful and filled with tradition.  For me it always starts with trimming my tree and decorating my house.  I love unwrapping each decoration that has been packed away.  My heart sighs at the memories unfolded as I pull out each treasured decoration. Each one is special and holds meaning as many of them are handmade and given with kindness and thoughtfulness. And as I pull out each wonderful gift of friendship I think how very blessed I am for these beautiful things but mostly how very thankful I am for the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all year.   

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have two new Christmas treasures to add to my collection.  I won this sweet handmade stocking from Jillayne of a Fine Seam.

And this sweet mitten 

I participated in a wonderful swap that was hosted by Heather from The Speckled Egg.  This was the beautiful Christmas mitten I received from Danielle from The Vintage Dragonfly.  Each handmade mitten was filled with tiny treasures from each person who participated in the swap.

 Wishing you sweet blessings and the spirit of friendship that brightens all year.

 Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Acts Of Kindness- Something Extraordinary!

Winters first snowfall.  Do you have a sweet memory from your childhood days?  As a young girl I would watch anxiously as the first few flakes would drift down to lay the beginnings of a winter's blanket.  I can remember looking out the window late at night with nobody around, watching the quiet flakes dance in the street lights, the beauty filling my heart with a feeling of peace.  Each flake so beautifully different.  Each so very small alone, but magnificent together.  Each frosted drop of heaven did it's part to dress the earth in a white crystalline gown.

It is the small things in life that add up to greatness.  A smile.  A word of complement.  A warm greeting.  Time given out of the business of life...  a charitable donation for those in need.  Tiny individual flakes of kindness that GROW into a beautiful blanket of love and happiness.  Small acts of kindness that become something extraordinary!

 The total from the winning bids of each Christmas kitty came to $510.00.  But with a few added "flakes" of charitable kindness we were able to donate $1000.00 to the Haiti Gospel Mission.  Thank you to each tiny wonderful snowflake that helped Grow our cause into a BIG beautiful blanket of love.  

My heart is filled with gratitude.     

Merry CHRISTmas! 

 

 

Kitty Needs A Home- Charity Auction

 

The auction is closed.

Thank you to each of you who have helped us with this charity event and for the kindness you are rendering to the Haitian people- they are still in need.  

I will email each person who has won the bid for their kitty.  Kitties will be mailed Monday morning (in time for Christmas) if payment has been made.

Merry Christmas from Utah Artful Gatherings

Holly Kitty created by Julie Collings

Thank you Jeanne you have the winning bid for Holly Kitty- $35.00 

 

Little Mary Margaret created by Senta Plyer 

  Thank you Suzanne you have the winning bid for Mary Margaret- $50.00 

 

 

Clara Kitty created by Amanda Elton 

 (Thank you Maija, you have the winning bid for Clara kitty- $55.00

 

 

Katherine Kitty created by Liz Kempe 

 Thank you Ellen, you have the winning bid for Katherine- $35.00 

 

 

Miss Kitty Du Chateau created by Cheryl Burton

Thank you Julia, you have the winning bid for Miss Kitty Du Chateau- $50.00  

 

 

Gwenda Kitty created by our guest artist- Judy Wise 

Thank you Gwen, you have the winning bid for Gwenda- $40.00 

 

 

Aleksandra Petronova created by Heidi Nebeker 

Thank you Lisa, you have the winning bid for Aleksandra- $50.00 

 

 

Birdie Blue created by Courtney Bird 

Thank you Sandra, you have the winning bid for Birdie Blue- $55.00 

 

 

Lola Monroe created by Eden

 Thank you Suzanne, you have the winning bid for Lola Monroe- $50.00

 

 

KiKi LaRue created by Lorraine Lewis

Thank you Lori, you have the winning bid for Kiki LaRue- $50.00 

 

 

Created by Candice Elton 
Thank you Judy, you have the winning bid for baby kitty- $40.00

 

 

Fa La La La La La La La La La  

Merry Christmas everyone! 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitty Needs A Home- Charity Auction

It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit. -

Isabel Currier

 

 

I am so excited to share this charitable event with you.   

Each sweet Christmas Kitty, comes with a name and a story. 100% of the funds received from the auction will go to the Haiti Gospel Mission.

This Wednesday, December 15th, ten little Christmas Kitties created with love will go up for auction... I hope you will be here to support this wonderful cause.

xoxo

Lorraine

 

 

 

About Family

 

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.  ~Erma Bombeck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family... sweet family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE LESS STEP FROM CRAZY

Last night my daughter told me I was lame because  I have not posted anything on my blog for two weeks!  And just the other day when I was shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner I asked the Hubby if he thought I should just purchase the pies instead of making them homemade like we usually do.  He said "I was already going to be crazy- just purchase the pies"!  

Ok, I will take crazy but Lame? 

I fell into the current of life's rushed flow and it has kept me away from this place I love.  But here I am- my head still above the water, one less step from crazy!  Life is busy and it is amazing how fast it can rush us along.  I guess the key is to keep a perspective of all that matters most and to not lose focus of the things you value as the demands of life pull you into it's rushed flow.

These are the sweet things that have swept me down the rapids of demand!

The newest member of our family- Sweet Baby Crew

Is he just the cutest ever?

 

Remember this sweet hat from Handmade Sass from Mommafo?  I love it! 

 

Hell week The Nutcracker 

A wonderful production we feel so blessed to be part of but it keeps us in the hurried flow from early September to the week before Thanksgiving.  This year LuLu earned the part of a Blue Soldier.  The hubby and I work backstage as part of the prop committee.  It is so amazing all the work and dedication that is put into this production. 

 

Here she is waiting to go on stage.  She has danced some wonderful parts in the last five years but her dream is to be a mouse!

 

My sweet art group friends and I met together creating a Woodland Christmas tree that we are donating to The Christmas Box House.

It was such a great day spending time with these amazing women.  I loved how we all worked together creating this artful donation.

 

A woodland fairy made from Sculpey clay rests on the top of our metal tree that we inherited.

 

Sweet felted animals were created for our woodland theme.

 

 

 

Felted acorns, glittered birds, tiny wool stockings and paper adornments also hang on the tree.

 

 

 We are also creating Christmas Kitties that we will auction off for a charitable cause.  

I am so excited to share this event with you very soon.

This adorable Kitty was donated by the sweet and talented Artist Judy Wise who is a guest contributer to our charitable cause. 

 

Wouldn't you love to take her home?

 I can hardly wait to share each creative kitty with you.

Come back soon to learn all the details of our auction.

 

Happy Happy Thanksgiving dear friends!

 

Random Number generator picked the winner for my Halloween Kitty.

Congratulations Linda from Itsy Bits and Pieces

 

 

Life's Sweetest Blessings

 Life is filled with the sweetest of blessings.

Family,

Friends...

The birth of a new baby fresh from heavens care.

In just a few weeks my Son Christopher and his wife Allyson will experience this miracle of life with the birth of their first baby.  Friends and family gathered this weekend as we celebrated this sweet occasion.  I was so thankful for each person who came to honor Allyson.  Mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers- young and old- sweet examples of friendship and kindness sharing gifts of love for this baby yet to be.  I became a little emotional as a prayer was said.  Thankful for my two sweet daughters who were there helping me. Thankful for my friends who stopped from their busy day to share in this celebration.  Thankful for my hubby who cleaned the container of raspberries I dropped all over my clean floor minutes before the shower was to start. (There was a mini meltdown!)  Thankful for this baby who will bless our lives.  So very thankful for these moments where we meet and gather with the ones we love most- friends and family... the sweetest of life's blessings.

 

Gingham Salad - with Maytag Blue Cheese, Almonds, Blueberries, Pomegranite and Raspberries

 

 Quinoa with Pork Sausage, Mushrooms and Butternut Squash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 An owl themed shower

 

A sweet gift for baby

Purchased from Bower Bird Jewels

 

The cutest hat ever....

Purchased from Mommafo- Handmade Sass

 

 Allyson the new Mom-to-be

Happy November- wishing you the sweetest of life's blessings.

 

 Kitty giveaway still open HERE

 

 

The Magic of October & Kitty needs a home!

The Coyote's have been calling.  

Buzzard and hawk hover over, the deer eat my roses, the fox bask in the sun near the edge of the hollow...but in all the years that we have lived here- this is the first I have heard the Coyote make their eerie call.  They wake me from my restless sleep and I fear for my chickens!  

And here it November!  

Did you vote on Tuesday?  If you did, good job!

Life has been full and very busy here.  The month of October whizzed by, never stopping for one second- I scarcely had time to breathe!   Our baby turned 13 and I turned 29 all over again!!!!  Just kidding, I am officially over the hill!  But life is good and I can hardly believe how quickly these days go by.  We celebrated LuLu's big event by hosting a Halloween/Birthday party.  It was filled to the brim with fun and good food, the hubby even set up an amazing spook alley.  

 My sweet art group friends and I celebrated the month of October with our tradition of "witches night out".  We dressed for the occasion and ate the best food ever.  A fall feast of pork roast, rice, corn bread muffins and sweet potatoes simmered with apple cider spices, cream and butter-It was to die for good!  Our creative affair was made complete with a sweet array of desserts and the crafting of festive Halloween cats.  Fun times- I heart October!  

 

LuLu- the big 13

 

A scene in the spook alley!

 

 Naked Kitties

 

 All dressed for the party!

Senta and Eden's Kitty

 

 Party Cats

 

 

Cheryl's kitty was the life of the party but Horace had a thing for Dolores!

 

 Heidi's Treat!

 

 Courtney's Cat

 

Emily's kitty sizzled with personality!

 

Tutu's and wings- festive wear for cats!

 

 

 This Kitty needs a home!

Don't you love how each sweet kitty had it's own style and personality?

Stop by and visit Julie's Blog to see her tutorial on how to create these festive Cats! 

My Kitty needs a home.  Leave a comment and I will choose a winner next week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paper Clay Pumpkin Head Boxes

 Although I am a collector of many things, my most treasured collection is a collection of of Halloween goods and decorations I have acquired over the years.  Many of them sweet treasures gifted to me by my friends and family.  I am always on the hunt for something unique and wonderful to add to this ever growing collection.  A few years ago I purchased this paper clay pumpkin-head box from the Bethany Lowe collection.  It is a favorite of mine.  I thought it would be fun to show you a few I created for my Artful Thursday project. 

 

(The small pumpkin head box is from the Bethany Lowe collection- to the right- my paper clay pumpkin head creation)

 

 

 

I used a one step crackle finish to give the pumpkin head an aged look. 

 

I love the sweet black bird placed on his party hat.

 

 So easy to create.

Form paper clay over a Styrofoam ball shaping your head to your desired shape.  Dry completely.

Paint your pumpkin head giving it a sweet Jaco-lantern face!  Decoart makes a one step crackle that is easy to use to give your pumpkin head an aged crackled look.  Antique with a dark stain or paint.

Make a party hat using a stiff cardboard for your base.  Glue your  decorated hat to the pumpkin head.

Paint and decorate a craft box to glue your head to.

 

 Happy Artful Thursday 

It has been a blustery weekend here in my neck of the woods.  The mountains peaks are frosted white with the beginning's of a cool winter coat, old man winter leaving a frigid kiss to cool the air with freezing temperatures. 

And so it has begun... my winters mourning.

EEEK! I'm just not ready!

 

 

 

 

 

Art & Soul- Sculpey Clay Dolls

 Life has been a whirlwind since returning home from Art & Soul in Portland.  I had the intentions of coming home to paint and finish the doll I started in the class I took from artist, Judy Wise.  I always feel an urgency of energy to paint and create when I come back from these artful adventures and I needed just a few hours to complete my doll.  That had to be put on hold as my Hubby wanted to head for the scenic mountain lands of Wyoming.  It was incredible with beauty and wildlife.  We hiked the mountainside finding clear lakes and hidden waterfalls.  It was all so wonderful but I am so happy to be home. These October days in my little corner of the world have been so amazingly beautiful... taunting me to come out and enjoy the warm Autumn sunshine.  I think this is the prettiest fall I have experienced since living in this Utah land.  The mountains are still gorgeous with Autumn colors.  Usually this time of year the tips of the Wasatch are frosted white.  I am more than happy for this bit of nature to be postponed although it is freaking my husband out!  All he can think about is our local ski area opening on time which so far does not look promising.  There will be no living with him if the snow does not come!  Anyway these days of sunshine keep me from painting... doing the laundry... completing chores undone and the list goes on and on but finally I took some time to pause and finish my little Sculpey doll. 

 

Since I am a Halloween kind of girl I thought it would be fun to create a witch.

 

 

 

 

I loved creating with the Sculpey clay.  The hardest part was painting the tiny features on her face.  Even with my glasses on I found it frustrating- it's an age thing!  

This sweet horse and doll were created by our amazing instructor Judy.  She had a story for each of her little creations.  Judy's little people are incredible.  Such amazing detail!  This is Olga and her Russian circus horse.  He is mean and has a tendency to bite!

 

 Judy's Sculpey sheep

 

 This is the doll my talented friend Heidi created.  I can't wait to see her finished.

 

 This is the sweet creation of artist Katie Kendrick 

 

 Her piggy bum cheeks!

 

Pretty in pink created by Michelle (sorry I don't remember her last name) 

I was so amazed at all the dolls that were created in this class.  The women were amazing.

 

And speaking of amazing.

I won this beautiful necklace from the amazing Jane Jolee of  Art Takes A Village

I met Jane almost two years ago at the 1st Art Nest retreat I went to.  She is a kind and generous soul and oh so very talented.  Stop by her sweet blog and say hello.

Art & Soul

 

Have you seen the movie despicable me?

 There is a scene in the movie where the sweet character of Agnes,in a deep, gravelly voice whilst holding a stuffed unicorn and shaking it around with the hands back and forth say's “IT’S SO FLUFFY”.  

I love it!  

That's me, with all the excitement of a child at Art & Soul, only the words coming from my mouth are "THIS IS SO FUN!  And it was.  Life is pretty sweet when you can spend two full days painting and creating Sculpey clay dolls, surrounded by the kindness of others who share the same love of creating art, gleaning from the sweet teachers who share the gifts and talents they have.  I feel SO very BLESSED that I am able to experience these artful adventures.  I always come home renewed and fulfilled.  I know I am repetitive when I say "art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life", but there is so much truth in that sweet quote.

The first class I took was "Every Face Tells A story" with the most adorable and talented Katie Kendrick.  I loved painting with Katie.  She was so kind and fun, I felt very much at ease in her class.  I was very happy with the finished painting I brought home.  Katie had us working on three paintings at one time but that did not work out so well for me!  Someone forgot to tell her I am the SLOW girl in the class!  I love painting so loosely- not worrying about proportions or the correctness of facial features- it felt very comfortable to me.  I can't wait to finish the other two paintings that I started!     

Here are a just a few of the paintings from some of the other students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The adorable Katie Kendrick

 

The Hubby is whisking me away to Jackson Hole Wyoming today for the weekend- He is never content to stay home:-(  I am taking my paints with me!

 

I will share the cute doll creations we made with sculpey clay on Monday

 

Enjoy the weekend and do something you LOVE!  It will make you happy.

Artful Thursday-The Magic Of Autumn

Isn't this an amazing time of year!  

I wander outside in the early mornings and marvel at the change taking place in this beautiful season.  I look up to the mountains beyond our home and admire God's touch in the colors of the tree's setting the mountainside on fire in a pretty palette of orange, yellow and red.  The crisp air lays on my skin as a cool sweater preparing me for winters grasp.  I watch the clouds turn from dark morning grey to daylight white as the sun reaches over the horizon ready to start his busy day.  The dew is heavier, almost as if taunting Jack Frost to come out and play... (but not too soon please!)  

I love this Autumn season!

It is all so beautiful.  

  It is such a fun time to gather fat orange pumpkins to display them on a decorated porch, dressing it for this magical time of year.  A sweet invitation for friends and neighbors to come a calling.  A welcoming haunt for little spooks on Halloween night... a place to gather and enjoy the blessings of this beautiful season and a perfect spot to hang a artful banner.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday I am traveling to the beautiful city of Portland Oregon to attend Art & Soul.

I can hardly wait

to play

create

meet new friends :-)

I'll be back next week to share all the details!
Wishing you sweet Autumn blessings.
Happy Artful Thursday

 

 

 

 

Petite Inspiration Box Swap- The Black & White Edition

 

I love participating in swaps.  There seem to be so many to choose from in this land of blog but one of my favorites swaps to participate in has been the Petite Inspiration Box Swap hosted by the amazing Heather from A Speckled Egg.  I love altering these tiny match boxes that you can purchase at your local grocery stores.  They are perfect for tucking in the tiniest of treasures and gifts.  This was my second time participating in Heather's swap.  The two creative and generous ladies that I swapped with did a wonderful job, taking great care to create their sweet little inspiration boxes and filling them to the brim with artful treasures.  Take a look at the wonderful little boxes they sent to me.     

 
Heidi's Box

 

The sweet details... A pretty ruffled rose with twine wrapped around the German ledger paper that included a vintage pen tip. 

 

I love the vintage paper that Heidi papered the inside of the box with. 

 

The tiny inspiration box was filled to the brim with vintage treasures and tiny art bits. 

 

 Tina's Box

 

 The sweet details- a vintage doily wrapped around the papered box.  I love the sweet fabric photograph that Tina attached to it.

 

 Tina created a box with two tiny drawers- so very clever!

 

Each tiny drawer was so generously filled with sweet treasures. 

 

 

This is the Petite Inspiration Box that I created for Heidi and Tina.

I tucked them in a black organza bag tied with ribbon and a tiny Jack-o-lantern ornament. 

 

 A Batty Witch with glittered wings.

 

Tucked inside my box were glittered stars, a rhinestone button, a tiny glass bird and a packet of halloween ephemera with ribbons and trims. 

 

So very fun to make.

I think these little boxes would be so fun in a Halloween theme- filled with candy to give to sweet little trick-or-treaters that come a haunting on Halloween evening :-)

 

 

 

 

Boo To You and Happy October!

I'm running behind (as usual :-) with my Artful Thursday project but I wanted to announce the winner for last weeks Artful Thursday Giveaway.

The winner  is Cerri from Little Pink Studio.  

Stop by and visit her sweet blog and her fun shop that she has stocked full of crafty goods.

 

Just a small peek at a fun swap I am participating in.  As soon as both girls get their packages I will post it in full.

Have a beautiful Autumn day and come back soon to see my fun Artful Thursday project.

 

 

Artful Thursday- Vintage Inspired Wool/Cotton Dolls

It's been awhile since I have met with my Art Group Friends.  We took two months off to enjoy the summer break.  I have really missed that creative outlet and the sweet ladies that come to these monthly meetings. 

Now that summer has retreated and we are back to our scheduled routines we are back to creating artful projects.  

For awhile now I have been wanting to learn the craft of making vintage inspired wool/cotton dolls.  When our cute Julie came up with the idea to create these vintage replica dolls I was like a little girl waiting for Christmas day.  

Can I just say it was soooooo fun!!!!

I loved making these sweet simple dolls.  

 

 Julie has written a wonderful book called "Pretty Little Felts".  It is filled with sweet and simple artful projects, including the instructions to make these tiny dolls.

 

 This is the sweet doll Julie created when she was compiling artful projects for her book.

 

This is the tiny doll I created.  I used some old spun cotton that I have been storing for 15 years!  I also used a photograph of LuLu when she was a baby...  a sweet gift for her to treasure.  I think they would make wonderful Christmas ornaments using photographs of your little ones. 

 

 I love using vintage photographs in my projects.  I also made this batty witch that sits on a paper bird-pull.

 For my Artful Thursday giveaway I am gifting someone with Julie's wonderful book and a artful Halloween kit.  Leave a comment and I will pick someone for my next Artful Thursday post.

 

 

Is it my imagination,

or are Reeses Peanut Butter cups smaller?

I am Treating my self today...

I had two!

These are the last of the blooms on my favorite rose bush.

I picked them just for you.

 

 

Don't worry, I saved a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup for you too!

What are you treating yourself to today?

Coop Tour- Backyard Chickens

There seems to be a trend in urban agriculture these days. A little bit of chicken love is taking over our neighborhood backyards!  City ordinances are changing so wanna be farmers like me can keep a flock housed in my back yard.  I love it!  We purchased five Americana chicks in May and began building a backyard coop-garden shed.  Just recently we adopted two more chickens from our neighbors and have added three specialized breeds to the hen house.  Our flock is full until I can find homes for our three roosters.  I think if I bring home one more chicken I will be in the coop myself!  Truth be told I feel quite spoiled with the garden shed and coop that my husband built for me.  What a sweetheart.   Today I am taking part of Heidi Walingford's Coop Tour.   So come take a little tour with me and see where our backyard chickens roost!  

 

The Hen House down below.

 

 

Every morning I find the flock gathered at the door waiting for me to let them out.  When I open the door they come a running to see what special treat I have for them.  They love raspberries and strawberry yogurt. 

Remember Izzy?

  

Check her out all grown up with sweet muffy cheeks inherent with Americana chickens.

 

Inside the coop.  

The handle on the side pulls open so you can easily clean out the - well you know what,  It's a messy business.

 

The small opening is the entrance to their roost and nesting boxes.  There is a larger door so I can sweep out their droppings.

  

Rosie our adopted girl- my best egg layer!

 

She lays the prettiest brown eggs.

 

Matilda our adopted hen.

Her eggs are a light brown pink egg.

 

The new girls!

 Sassy, a Blue Polish Hen - she's a CRAZY chicken!

 

Pickles- A German SpitzHauben

 

Rufio- A Golden Lace Polish Hen

 

Her vision is impaired by her feathers.  It's too funny but sometimes we pull it up for her!

 

The Garden shed is yet to be finished but it is a dream come true for me.

  Hubby wants to stow the lawn mower in there.... I don't think so!

 

A girl needs a place to keep her garden essentials.  LOL!

 

I love having chickens.  They make great pets with very little care.  They have quirky little personalities that make you smile.  They produce fertilizer, eat bugs, and gift you with pretty eggs.  It's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me.   

Thanks for touring my henhouse.

Stop by and visit these sweet coops.

Heidi from Birds of A Feather

Tiffany from The Fancy Farmgirl

Kelly from Second Hand Chicks

And visit Rosalyn Sue from The Patriot Girl Flies for some fun chicken ideas!

I found  Chickoopy at the Salt Lake Farmers Market.  They specialize in small backyard coops.  

 

PS. 

Just one more photograph.  My husband had to cut down three large willows to get the coop and shed on our property.  Look what he carved in the stump.

I love him dearly!

  

 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

  

A peachy kind of day!

In the winter when the ground is frozen and snowflakes dance upon the frosted grass, when my thoughts are turned to the warmth of summer I will make a peach pie.... or maybe my most prized bread pudding recipe stuffed with sweet peaches that my kids and I bottled together.  105 jars of bottled goodness that we spent the day canning.  We split the profits of our labors and enjoyed the sweetness of family time spent together.  Kids running amuck, chickens loose in the neighbors yard, the sun shining brightly... it was a good day!    

 

 

 

Croissant bread pudding- my favorite dessert recipe!

 10 large Croissants

3 jumbo eggs beaten

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 1/2 cups Half and Half

2 full TBS. orange zest

3/4 TBS tsp. cinnamon 

4 TBS. melted butter

1/2 tsp. salt

about 2 TBS. Grand Mariner

2 TBS. melted butter for your 9x13 dish

Your desired fruit

My favorite is Raspberries- one container and home canned peaches mixed in.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

brush a 9 x 13 pan with 2 TBS. melted butter

Break croissants into bite size pieces

add your desired fruit

In a large mixing bowl

add eggs, sweetened condensed milk, half and half, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, orange zest.

Mix thoroughly

gently add Grand Marnier Liqueur

Pour EVENLY over Croissants and fruit

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

sometimes it looks wet on top but no worries- if a knife inserted comes out clean it's good- just don't over bake because you want this to be moist

(Sauce)

1 stick of REAL butter

1 cup sugar- I use a bakers sugar

1/2 cup canned milk

melt ingredients in a small sauce pan on medium heat

bring to a boil and add Grand Marnier Liqueur to taste

not too much- mix in well and serve over bread pudding 

garnish with whipped cream. 

some suggestions-

If you are adding apples I would pre-cook them a little before you add them to the bread pudding -also you can use rum or good vanilla instead of the Grand Mariner Liqueur for both the bread pudding and the sauce.  This just depends on the fruit you use.  if you are using raisins- the rum is a better choice- the same for apples.   Worth every single calorie

 

I am always so thankful when life slows down just a bit and I can take the time to create something artful. It's like a kiss on a sore thumb, an antidote for what ever ails me!  I love the idea of what spurred Artful Thursdays.  Although I am finding it hard to meet the challenge of creating on Thursdays- I still love the inspiration of living a "more artful life".  My Artful Thursday's may run into the next Monday or Tuesday, but as long as I'm getting that kiss on the "sore thumb" once in a while- it's all good! Soooo, almost a week late here is my Artful Thursday project.

ARTFUL THURSDAY- Bella The Doll

 

Just over a year ago in art group we spent our artful time creating charming cloth dolls.  I never completed my doll and there she sat in my closet- bare naked and forgotten!  When I saw this sweet video from Stephanie Rausser I was inspired to finish my abandoned doll.  If you have ever stuffed tiny doll parts you know the hardest part was already completed.  All that was left was adding a simple stitched face, hair and clothing.  For the hair I cut strips of wool and sewed them on by hand creating raggedy ponytails- I added a ribbon to the very top of her head.  I stitched a simple mouth and eyes with black embroidery floss and added color to her cheeks with some blush.  I made her bloomers from a vintage baby dress that was torn and shredded.  I just cut off the sleeves pulling one on to each leg and sewing the tops together to make a waist.  To make her dress I used what could have possibly been a cake top cover or a toilet lid cover- I am hoping it was not the latter!  I really debated purchasing it but in the end I fell in love with the pretty pink color of the tulle and the price was great- $1.00!  After washing it I cut the cover in half and just hand sewed the cut ends to fit her tiny body- it worked perfectly and was so simple.  I regret not finishing her sooner because she turned out pretty cute- well at least LuLu thought so... I gifted it to her!   She named her Bella.   

 

  I wish my photographs were better.  I took them in the early evening in poor light.  LuLu was such a good sport when I stole her away from her homework to do an impromptu photo shoot!

Happy Artful Thursday!

 
 

 
 
 

   

PS.  

Dear Typepad,  

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Your listening ears worked really well and I am happy again!

XO, me  

 
 
 
 
 

 HAPPY ARTFUL THURSDAY

Picked by a random number generator the winner for my Halloween Pumpkin Girl is Zita from http://www.mllemagpie.typepad.com

Hello Girls,

Life has been busy here, I am a bit behind on my Artful Thursday project, but hopefully I will have it completed and posted by tomorrow. Sunday! MONDAY!!!   ????

xoxo

Lorraine 

 

 

PS.  

Dear Typepad 

I am none to happy that you just up and switched my toolbar format.  It took me FOREVER to learn the format as it was.  What happened to my favored brown color I used for my text and why is the link thingy not working?

xo

Frustrated Me

 

 

 

Pumpkin Girl Giveaway

Artful Thursday- Paper Pumpkin Girls

My very favorite holiday is Halloween.  And although I am in no rush for the holidays to come, I find myself thinking of fun things to make for this magical holiday.  Earlier this spring I found the cutest Halloween cross stitch pattern.  A sweet pumpkin girl with a quirky cat.  I don't cross stitch but I purchased the pattern anyway knowing I would turn the art it into a paper doll.  I thought I could just whip her out but she took just a little longer than I thought.  The hardest part was painting the face.  I didn't care for the face on the pattern so I had to come up with my own face design.  In the end I think she turned out pretty cute.  But my question is- hair or no hair?  I can't decide which I like best!

 

There are so many fun Halloween papers to choose from.  I loved putting together the paper outfits.

 

My quirky cat!

 

The details are always the most fun in creating paper dolls.  I purchased this tiny skull last year from Stampington and Company.  I used ribbon and tulle to add a little whimsy to their dresses.  I used black glitter from my BFF- Martha Stewart's products.  

 

I thought a little Halloween Giveaway was in order since I was a complete DUD and missed last weeks Artful Thursday!  Leave a comment and tell me which way you like the paper doll- hair or no hair.  I will pick a winner next Friday when I make my Artful Thursday Post.

 

And since we are talking about Halloween

Check out Kari Ramstroms Best Halloween Ever.

 

  Happy Artful Thursday

 

 

Everybody has a bad hair day, but us girls still like to be told we look nice even if we don't feel like we do. 
Cat Deeley 

 

 Just a random quote to go with the photograph I took of our sweet chicken Rufio.  Isn't she cute, mop top and all?  I've experienced a few bad hair days myself!  Lately I just can't seem to appreciate the graying of my hair or the extra fluffiness that seems to stick to my body no matter how much I exercise.  Ugh!  The woes of aging.  And then I am reminded by this wonderful quote of what beauty is.                  

"Real beauty isn't about symmetry or weight or makeup; it's about looking life right in the face and seeing all it's magnificence reflected in your own"-Valerie Monroe.... 

Our bodies are a gift, created in the image of One who loves us so much.  We are a masterpiece of His handiwork.  What better way to show gratitude then by letting our light shine through this amazing gift we are given!  I have met so many sweet spirits through this community of blog.  I have not met you in person.  But I have felt the goodness through your blogs and by the sweet comments you have left to encourage and inspire me.  Thank you for that example of kindness and for the beautiful light that you share.

I can hardly believe how quickly these days of summer are coming to an end.  My heart sighs as this reality starts to sink in.  LuLu starts school next week.  Truth be told I would just as soon keep her home.  She begins a new journey in her life as she will enter into Junior high as a 7th grader.  I would choose to home-school her in this phase of her school life if I thought I could be disciplined enough to do it.  And of course she would have to be a willing participant and there is no way in heck that this child of mine would ever consider this.  She definitely has a mind of her own and she is quite the social child.  She loves people and thrives in the company of others.  I will worry and stress over the things I don't want her sweet spirit exposed to.  But I know that this season in her life will be sweet and she will bloom and grow like a beautiful summer flower.  And just like these fleeting days of summer I will savor each and every moment... for I know all to well that this season of her life will pass much to soon.  Savor these sweet moments with your little one's- in a blink of an eye, they are all grown up.

 

 

 

 

 
All photographs by my Daughter-In-Law- Ally Lewis 

Ally Lewis Photography  
 
 

 

The Joy Of Being A Child

Their eyes reflected the brightness as a dew covered flower of the early morning sun.  Busy on their way to another day of business... the business of being a child. Carrying only a bucket full of imagination and the determination to empty it into the times to be had today.  The joy of being a child, all too soon to grow and bloom into a young woman.  Innocence into wisdom, child to adult, girl into woman.  But for now all that can wait.  There is too much business to attend to now. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wishing you happy carefree summer days!
 
 
 
 PS.  I had to share this photograph of my son Christopher as he was so proud of him self when he killed a rattlesnake that came very close to him at a family party!

 
 

ARTFUL THURSDAY- Lavender Sachet's

 

Just recently I purchased a pretty pillow cover from Andrea of Faded Plains.  When I opened my package I found this hand made lavender sachet tucked inside.

 
 

I love this sweet gift of kindness.  A simple stamped bag filled with fragrant buds of lavender. 

The fragrance is sweet and calming.  I tuck it under my pillow case at night for a restful sleep.

These little sachet's are so simple to make.  

 Pick some  pretty stems of lavender and let them dry.  Roll the buds in your hands, letting them fall into a bowl.  Sift through your buds takeing out any large stem pieces.

 

 

  Sew a pocket from scraps of fabric- using bits and pieces of ribbon if you'd like.  You can stamp or embroider on your little pocket too.  Be as fanciful or creative as you feel  Fill your pocket with the dried buds and sew the sachet closed.  Embellish your bag with sweet little treasures such as buttons or millinery- you could even pin a small tag to it.  So very simple but what a lovely gift of kindness to give to a friend or neighbor. 

 

 

 

 Stop by and visit Andrea's shop, Faded Plains  filled with wonderful treasures

 
      Happy Artful Thursday

About the girls.....

Do you Remember Lilly and Lola,

two of the five Americana Pullets we purchased as baby chicks?

 

 

There will be no egg laying by these two.

There has been a little cock-a-doodle-dooing going on these early mornings.

Looks like I have me a few roosters!

Meet George and Lincoln.

We can't be sure but my sweet Cocoa is showing signs of being a rooster as well.

 

Three out of five?

The odds were not good to me.

My neighbor down the road purchased twenty pullets chicks.

How many of his chicks were Roosters?

Not a one!

Seems the joke was on me.

"Mr. we are not having any more pets" is NOT laughing.

He keeps saying the word "ROTISSERIE"

LOL! 

   

(Life is Good)

... when you're sitting on a beach.  Contemplating how good you have it and reflecting on the paths that have led you to this point and place.  Letting go of regrets that are only wasteful baggage. Anticipating the excitement of dreams to be fulfilled.  Renewing the determination to continue on the path that leads to more goodness.  Packed for the journey ahead, recharged for the challenges that await.  Coming to the realization that you are not here by your own merit, but by those who you have followed and led.  Life is nothing without those you love, without those who are there when life isn't so good and when life is great.  Knowing that this is what it's all about, realizing more than ever that... Life Is Good... when you're sitting on a beach.

(written by Ted Lewis)

(Warning- mega family photos!)

 

 

  
  

 

 

 

  

 
   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

  
  
 
  
 
 

 

 
 

 

Hello sweet chicks.  

 

 

Today for my Artful Thursday project I am sewing a Sling Tote bag.  I found the pattern in Kaari Meng's French General Book- Home Sewn.  My daughter Brookie asked me if I would make one for her for our family vacation this weekend.  This is the daughter who teases me and will say things like, "oh Mom, I see you remembered how to thread your sewing machine!"  She wants to use the bag to carry small projects in for the kids- like crayons and notebooks.   

  

I chose bright colored fabrics that I thought she might like.  

  

 It's a perfect bag for toting things around.  I made the handles longer so you can wear the tote just like a back pack.  The project was harder than I thought it would be.  But then again If I had read the directions beforehand I would have read that the skill level for this project was "experienced!"  My sewing skills are very basic.  The hardest part was sewing the bottom of the bag (the square part) to the perimeter of the bag.    

I added a small pocket to the inside of the bag and a flower made with vintage hat netting and fabric scraps.  For the tie closures I used seam binding ribbon.  We are headed to Southern California this weekend- all 18 of us.  I'll be sure to tuck a bottle of Tylenol in the tote.  LOL!

 

 
 
 (a few new girls- I have a story to tell!)  Next time :-)  

 

Happy Artful Thursday

 

 
 

 

"Again and Again I've taken quick glances and then for some reason...it's opened up like one of those Japanese flowers that you put into water and something I thought wasn't worth more than a casual, respectful glance begins to open up depth after depth of meaning."  

 Sister Wendy Beckett 

What's a girl to do when her chores are done and the weather is too hot for outdoor activity?  Paint of course!  I started this painting in May when I participated in a class taught by my favorite artist, Misty Mawn at Art And Soul in Virginia.  I almost threw the painting away thinking that it was not perfect.  As if good work is synonymous with perfect work.   It's not.  Silly me, what was I thinking!  Sometimes it's good to take a step back and just appreciate the growth in the talent you are trying to perfect.  It will never be perfect.  Art is human.  Error is human, and after all... we are human!

She started out like this.  

  

 

And then like this.  

 

 

 I painted her scarf and added a flower.  

 

In the end this is how she finished.

I am going to paint a bird or flower to add to the background and work on her nose and lips.    

 

I loved playing with her in Photoshop.  I scanned the painting onto my computer and then added a few brushes and overlays.  So much fun!

 

  

  
 
 
 
 
 

  

 
 

 

 

In The Garden- Artful Thursday

 And the winner for my 100th post giveaway...

Leticia from MS Bingles Vintage Christmas

The days have been busy.  Seems there is no rest for the weary and I am weary!  My Artful Thursday was spent in the garden.  Weeding and pruning, tending to each flower,bush and tree.  Temperatures are predicted to be in the 100's- too hot for me.  Here are a few images of what I have been working on and of course I have to share a little chicken love.

 

     

 

 

Sharing a little chicken love.... 

 

 

Thank you to each and everyone of you who stopped by for my 100th post giveaway.  Your  kindness was very much appreciated.

Congratulations Leticia.  Email your information to me and your package will be on it's way.

 

Celebrating 100 Posts... and a giveaway

Hello girls,  

It seems amazing to me, and truthfully there were days that I thought I would never make it this far, but today it is a celebration because I am posting my 100th post.  It has only taken me a year and a half !!!!  As I take inventory, looking over my past posts, I am amazed at my growth as a blogger.  This opportunity to express myself has been a wonderful journey and has helped me to improve and develop skills that I never would have dreamed possible.  In the beginning the writing was frustrating.  It was not easy for me to reveal pieces of myself, truths only known to my closet friends and family.  This passage has become easier and I enjoy unearthing these sweet things in my life.  I have loved participating in this community of blogging.  Learning and gleaning from such talented women who share the goodness in their lives.  For this I am thankful and a little appreciation is due.  I have gathered together a few of my favorite things to celebrate this 100th post to give to a lucky someone.   

The details begin with my Artful Thursday project...

A Handmade keepsake folder . 

 

Created with pretty paper and vintage pretties.

Tucked inside, a gathering of vintage goods and art supplies.  

 

A few of my favorite products. 

 

A beautiful magazine purchased from Tracey at French Larkspur - stop by and visit her sweet blog and Giveaway. 

  

 All tucked inside this pretty bag purchased from Jeanne at A Bushel And A Peck.  All for a lucky someone.

  

If you would like to be entered in my 100th post giveaway, Just leave a comment by July 15th. 

You are more than welcome to blog about this giveaway- just leave a separate comment letting me know about it and you will be counted for a second chance.  

The winner will be announced Friday July 16th with my Artful Thursday Post.

Good Luck and thank you to all who have left such kindness here. 

 

 Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

Mother Teresa  

Another sweet giveaway... visit Anne from Fiona and Twig. to check out the details.  to be inspired and enter her lovely giveaway.

 Visit Parisienne Farmgirl to be inspired and to enter her lovely giveaway.  

 

  
     

My soul is full of longing for the secrets of the sea, and the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me...   (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) 

Several times a year we head West in search of blue skies and sandy beaches.  There is something about the ocean that seems to fill my spirit.  The smell of the ocean breeze and the sound of the pounding surf have always felt like home to me.  My fondest memories are as a child growing up near the great Pacific.  Although it is a dream of mine to own a sweet seaside cottage here in this land of sun and surf, we will never live here.  The Utah mountains are our home.  For now, It is enough to visit and enjoy the sweet gifts this sea side land has to offer.  We spent our 4th of July holiday in Hunington Beach.  Although the weather was most peculiar, the sun making it's entrance it the latter part of the afternoon, we still enjoyed the weekend.  We spent most our time at the hotel pool- the beach being so very crowded.  We shopped and ate... viewed a parade as it made it's way down the beach streets.  Dogs of all kinds were dressed in holiday color, we even saw a pig on the board walk.  I still made time for my Artful Thursday project- sewing a needle book as I basked in the sunshine.  It was a good weekend... so much to enjoy in this land of freedom which we are so blessed.   

A  few images of our weekend.

Nacho Style Hotdogs

 

Patriotic Dressed Dogs

 

Pretty Koi Fish

The Koi Fish Pond At The Hotel

 

Orange Roses (My Favorite) At The NewPort Library Gardens

 

A Pig At The Beach!

 

4th of July At The Beach

 

My Artful Thursday Project- A Felt Needle Book

I constantly lose needles.  I am hoping that this little needle book will help me to keep track of these tiny needles.  The little book is made from scraps of felt and wool, bits and pieces of vintage laces and a few trades I received at the Art Nest.  I hand stitched my Artful Thursday project while basking in the sun at the pool...so fun!

 

 

Wishing you happy summer days.
See you Friday for my Artful Thursday project and my 100th post giveaway 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  

 
 

 

The word of the day is Pause...

We spent a beautiful day today with friends and family enjoying some of life's sweetest moments. As I sat back resting, pondering the days events I listened to little Annie playing in the background conversing with herself.  She used the word pause in her imaginative conversation.  Not a typical word in a vocabulary of a three year old, but then again she is a child wise beyond her years.  She used the term correctly.  Annie's Mom often uses this word when she wants her children to slow down or to cease an action temporarily.  Not such a bad thing for any of us to do as a new week begins.  To slow down and Pause.  To take time from our busy schedules and linger and tarry just a bit. To stop and enjoy the simple but beautiful things life has to offer.  So many many beautiful things.          

Have a beautiful week.

 (Sweet Annie, not so happy to pause for a photograph)

Once a month I gather together with a group of wonderful women to create art.  We are members of an Art group called Utah Artful Gatherings .  This artful gathering was founded in 2007 by Julie Collings with just a handful of women. The group has grown over the years with a membership of about twenty. Not too large, small enough to keep it's sweet quaintness.  I love meeting with these talented ladies- visiting, creating, learning new skills.  It is so much fun and something I look forward to each month.  I consider it a great blessing in my life to be part of this group.  If you have ever thought about joining an art group or even starting your own group of shared interests I don't think you would be disappointed.  The connection shared with art is so fulfilling and enjoyable.  I had planned to show you my book that we created in Ruth Rae's class at the Art Nest last week but I left my sewing machine at the cabin when I was packing up... who does that?  Anyway...  this week for my Artful thursday project I will share with you what we created in our art group meeting last night.  

Artful Thursday - Altered cigar boxes

 

We used Cigar boxes that my friend Heidi purchased in bulk from Ebay.

 

I taped the sections of the cigar box that I did not want to be painted.  I used a wash of white and pretty blue paint leaving some of the cigar art exposed.  I stamped the box using white paint with a stamp that looks like canvas.

 

I drew a cartoonish bird but really it looks more like a chicken with a long beak!!!

 

I painted my bird adding a wing cut from vintage paper that I had added polka dots to.  I then added bits of collage I had punched from scrap paper.

 

 

I added a beeswax finish to my cigar box and then etched different elements into the wax with a sharp pointy thing (BRAIN FREEZE- I can't think of what it's called !!!)  I rubbed burnt umber paint into the etchings giving it a antiqued look.  These were some of the techniques we learned at the Art Nest in Stephanie Lee's class.  I kind of rushed through this project.  I would have loved to give it a little more time but it was so fun to create and so fun to see what everyone else created.

 

Here are ome of the beautiful boxes the girls created.

By Liz

 

By Lori

 

By Heidi

 

By Tami

 

By Diana

 

By My Daughter Courtney

 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 

 

 
 
 

 

 

Rescheduled

So sorry- but the Coop Tour and Hen Party has been rescheduled.  

The new date will be September 15th.  You can read more about it here.  And if you would like to join in the fun, visit Heidi from Birds of a Feather to sign up.

My girls are growing like weeds, each one with it's own personality.

Look at Izzy all snuggled up in Ellie's lap.   

 

Lilly and Lola dusting themselves as chickens love to do.  Somewhat like spa day!

They love to wander in the garden.

 

LuLu the chicken Mama!

  

Please join me June 23rd, 12:00 Noon EST for a Coop Tour and Hen Party       hosted by Heidi Wallingford from Birds of a Feather

Read all about the sweet details here.

 

 

Artful Thursday

I have been spending my days in the beautiful mountains of Heber Utah attending the Art Nest retreat.  It has been a wonderful time gleaning from the sweet talents of Ruth Rae and Stephanie Lee who have nurtured us with their art.  It has been so fun to create and play all day, spending time with an amazing group of women.  Today for my Artful Thursday project I will share with you what we created with Ruth Rae.  

We spent the morning dyeing fabrics with tea's and coffee.  The prettiest color of pink was created by using red zinger tea.  Some of the fabrics had been stamped with inks. 

 

After our fabrics had dried in the the warm sunshine we created layered, tattered and stitched samples that we will create a book with.  

We used pretty papers that we sewed to our fabrics.

Using tattered pieces of vintage trims and lace make the details so fun.

I used a pink netting that I layered over my bird image.

Sweet pockets are added to tuck in treasured photographs or keepsakes. 

It was so fun creating these samples using my collection of pretty trims and laces.

I will share the completed book next week for my Artful Thursday project.

Just a sneak peek of what we are creating with the talented Stephanie Lee.

Happy Artful Thursday  

  

 

 

   

Come this Friday- we will leap for joy!

No more ballet practice.

No more dress rehearsals.

No more tight ballet buns.

Yippee!

We can let our hair down and wear monkey hats! 

 

Summer is officially here when the last dance is over!

Have a beautiful week!