Father Christmas Greeting Card

"My Beard"

by Shel Silverstein

My beard grows down to my toes,

I never wear no clothes.

I wraps my hair around my bare,

And down the road I goes.

Here is the first in a series of Christmas cards I am making using this extravagantly bearded fellow. This vintage bearded man image was a freebie from Tumblefish Studios. I have been loving the creations that have magically formed.

CREDITS: "SIR BEARDSFELLOW" COURTESY OF TUMBLEFISH STUDIOS, RUBBERSTAMP IMAGES FROM STAMPINGTON, HANDWRITTEN MERRY CHRISTMAS RUBBERSTAMPS FROM PAPER INSPIRATIONS, MISCELLANEOUS FABRICS FROM JOANN'S, AND BLANK CARDS AND ENVELOPES BY RECOLLECTIONS. BACKGROUND "CALISTO CHRISTMAS' BY ANNA GRIFFIN.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Get ready! Santa's workshop has been temporarily relocated to my house. I have been very busy knitting up a storm, baking, and creating little gifts made with love. If you are serious about Christmas, you know it's essential to make sure Santa feels really welcome. Don't wait until the last minute to get ready for this important visit!

Making gifts at home is powerful when you like to give presents. It helps me focus less on my own wish list, and fosters an appreciation of the gifts I will be giving away.

This sweet Christmas photo card album has been a work in progress. I purchased a kit for the cover only from my friend, Norma Kooi, possibly five years back and began the process of adding family photo greeting cards each year.

It's truly amazing how everyone changes, and what a great keepsake of friends and family. So save those special Christmas and photo cards. I think it's maybe time to bring it along to family Christmas visits this year to share.

Dear Friends,

The holidays are over before you know it,

so each year I add a few more photos

to my Christmas Card art journal.

I think about what I really enjoyed,

and a jot down maybe things

I would like to do next year.

Then I let everything else go.

Nothing has to happen exactly

according to some grand plan.

Hugs,

Nancy

A Witches Life Art Tag

As the bewitching hour of October 31st fast approaches, I stirred up these art Halloween tags using a digital collage I created a while back and placed them into a scanned Mason jar photo I had. I further embellished them with black fun fur yarn and silken black vine ribbon.

CREDITS: WORD AND WITCH IMAGES FROM MOONLIGHT JOURNEY

Halloween Art Journal Pages

It's that time of year when Halloween creativeness just keeps buzzing around me. I made this art journal page for one of my swaps. The tags are hidden in between the pages.

And, there are three artist trading cards in a black lace pocket on the last page.

I really love this time of year!

CREDITS: WINGED WITCHES USED COURTESY OF SENECA POND.

Barogue Art Tags

I have been creating new and improved art tags for a future swap. In fact, here are some highly decorated women images from the Barogue Era. Each tag has been embellished with fibers in rusty orange and brown shades, then further decorated with a dangle of crystal beads, pearls, or metallic beads. A tiny amount of diamond glitter sparkles on each tag.

These lovely ladies can be ordered from Moonlight Journey. All images are on one sheet entitled "Barogue Art Tags."

I can imagine them on that special gift package during the holiday season.

Art Tag Swap

Artwork by Nan and Pam

On the third Wednesday of each month, I meet with a bunch of gals to exchange artistic gift tags at Artful Studio. With all my other commitments, I finally decided it was time to relax somewhat and join a fun art group. Plus, you get some fresh ideas, laugh, share family stories, meet new faces, and do what you like most.

Artwork by Elise, Mary, and Jo Ellen

Artwork by Linda, Sherry, and Carole

These are the gift tags I received. Some of them are real beauties! Thank you so much Pam, Jo Ellen, Carole, Sherry, Mary, Nan, Theo, Elise, Vivi Anne, Linda, Diane, and Betty. I probably will not want to use them for the reason they were intended.

Artwork by Vive Anne, Diane, and Betty

Artwork by Theo and myself.

Thanks again, Ladies!