Heart Whispers

I just needed to say this more than ever today. "I appreciate you." Without you, I would have less reason to create. Your encouraging words always give me reason to continue making art to share.

Here are some photos taken of the most amazing gift from my dear friend, Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings. Since I have been recovering from some arthroscopy surgery on my right knee, she sent this to me. She definitely lifted my weary spirit with this chunkie book she calls "Heart Whispers."

It truly contains my favorite colors, vintage soft sepia colored ladies, with a hint of The Renaissance Age, coats of arms, birds, tiaras, horse drawn coaches, and nests. I love the way it subtly sparkles, and shines with crisp images of beautiful women of the past. Thank you so much my sweet friend.

Then on Saturday, another "Angel of Kindness," arrived bearing gifts of food, dessert, and an assortment of DVD's. Deb Abel is another special lady in my life. I don't know how she does all that she does. She is remarkable, artistic, and always there to listen. Thank you, Deb, for the homemade lasagna and cherry pie. Hopefully, I will be back to my normal self within the next couple of weeks.

And, not to be forgotten, I was pleasantly surprised to receive this lovely bouquet to wish for a speedy recovery. Thank you for your well-wishes, gals. I am so humbled by everyone's concern.

"Get Well Soon" Bouquet

from my artistic friends,

Deb Abel, Terri Gauthier, Kim Baslock, and Vikki Light.

I just never realized how much of an impact blogging would have in my life. Thank you all for your wonderful comments, the new friends I have met, and for all the inspiration that I see every day.

Where I Create....

"Any day is the perfect time

to begin getting

organized,"

I say.

It's Party Time!!

Yes....the party day is finally here. I reorganized a majority of my creative space like an absolute man woman yesterday. I am not the neatest "picker-upper," so I had to devote a little time to share with less embarrassment.

I really appreciate Karen linking all of us to her blog. This is going to be even more awesome than last year. I can't wait to start visiting you all.

I got my studio about the time my daughter, Amy, moved out of the house to get married. I just never had the time or the energy to plan and organize my vast stockpile of goodies and then organize a space to actually say, "I have a room of my own!"

I had a desk that was a complete disaster. We bought it at a garage sale when I first got married, so it required about a week of stripping and staining and then varnishing. I am really quite proud of that accomplishment. Then I switched the rug shown here from my family room. This carpet is so much fun! I ordered posters from Shutterfly and framed them in poster frames. I can't seem to part with my magazines. I have Somerset issues from 1998!!

My husband, Chuck, tackled painting one wall my favorite shade of green. Then he built shelves to store my books, finished projects, and other doo dads. I sewed my own curtains to cover the tiny basement windows. There is so much I would like to do someday.

Because I have a lot of interest in sewing, knitting, and paper arts, here are a few photos of my work areas. Due to taking the KC Willis Collage Camp, my sewing machine was pulled out of the closet and I organized a sewing table near the back of my room.

Actually, I would love to own a cupboard to store my yarn. And I need another cabinet to store my rubber stamps with a little style. One of my future goals is to own a huge "inspiration board."

So today, here is my space. I wish I could really have you stop over and play with me. I love seeing all the talent and inspiration from all of you. I just love visiting everyone.

It may take me a while to visit all of you. I want to really fine tune my room so I can be truly proud of it.

Thanks, Karen for this great idea of opening every one's home and viewing our creative spaces. I am thrilled to be included.

Butterfly Kisses Thank Yous

There's two things I know for sure

She was sent here from heaven and she's Daddy's little girl

As I drop to my knees by her bed at night

She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes

And I thank God for all of the joy in my life

Oh, but most of all for..butterfly kisses.

Oh the precious times

Oh, like the wind the years go by

Precious butterfly

Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today

and she'll make a promise and I'll give her away

Standing in the bride room just staring at her

She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not sure,

I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl"

And she leaned over...and gave me...butterfly kisses.

For the past couple of days, I have been assembling these wonderful butterfly images into thank you tags for my niece's bridal shower. I love the way they turned out, especially all the blue-green colors. These lovely butterflies are available in a digital kit entitled "Beautiful Butterflies" with 32 images through Moonlight Journey.

~Artist who wrote these lyrics is Bob Carlisle.

Fairy Bridal Shower Tags

"From this day forward" are words of promise. Weddings to me are wondrous because they are so filled with tomorrows. I savor these beautiful moments.

Next month my niece Laura is having her bridal shower. I love her spirit and her reverence for the past. I am so excited to see her wedding invitation (she designed it herself). It was such an honor to be included in the process of creating these bridal shower favor tags.

These romantic fairy tags are perfect in representing Laura's personal style. She has always loved winged little fairies. That's why I feel these are a perfect expression of her hope for the wedding of her dreams.

These special images, "Adorned Fairies, " "Faerie Floral Frolic," and "Pastel Faerie Children" are available through Moonlight Journey.

Fun Socks and Child's Sun Top

Most of my close friends and family are never surprised to see me knitting. I always bring my bag of knitting wherever I go just in case there are some spare moments when I can pull out my latest project and knit a few rows.

I have always wanted to learn how to knit socks. I know, I know, you can buy socks for two dollars a pair, but not like these socks. Knitting socks makes me happy. Socks are portable, and you can tuck the yarn, needles, and pattern into your purse and take them anywhere. What inspired me was finding the ultimate book called "The Big Book of Socks," by Kathleen Taylor.

Hand-knitted socks are long lasting and unique. This was my second pair of hand-knitted socks that I knitted last week during my unfortunate period of injuring my right knee. I love knitting socks because there are so many patterns, and with the latest self-striping yarn, you can't wait to see what designs will appear.

These orange, brown, and black socks will be given to my sweet grandson. I say that they are hugs for the feet. And, who needs more reason than that?

And, what else have I whipped up last week? This hot-pink 100% organic cotton yarn Child's Sun Top pattern was generously given to the public through Lion Brand Yarn. com. You just have to create an account, and every week or so you will receive an email with the latest free patterns. It is Pattern #: 70302AD. It is extremely easy and looks adorable! I will be giving it to my three-year old grand daughter. The very cool yellow butterfly tag, has laundry details on the the reverse side. These outstanding butterfly images are sold through Moonlight Journey in a 32 image digital pack.

So you knitters out there, start your needles!

A Chance to Win

Dyane is having a giveaway (her very first). How exciting to promote her sweet pastel pink blog featuring scrapbooking and crafts.

Drop on over to Boch's Creations for a chance to enter the CSN Store shopping site and a chance to win a $40.00 gift certificate. Thanks for your generous offer!

This photo is of me right after

I had my tonsils removed at the age of four.

My mom and dad gave me

this sun umbrella for being a "good girl."