My Favorite Christmas Things Bracelet

Inspiration can come from almost anything. For me, it's color, vintage images, and family. I can remember when I was in third grade sitting in front of our Christmas tree with a brand new dollie. Her name was Beverly, and at the time, I thought that name was just awesome.

What I typically do with my jewelry creations is to start with a focal point, something that's special to me, and then I add some beads to complement the color of that image. What is so easy is using one of the Christmas images called "My Favorite Christmas Things" from Moonlight Journey. All of my beads are from local craft stores, except the rectangle resin bead.

Me and my sister, Peg, 1955

I hope you will try making one of your own pieces using these sweet holly jolly images!

Christmas Magic

Growing up, Christmas was a huge celebration. My mom always loved the holidays from the tree, the lights, family holiday parties, and the piles of gifts under the tree.

I have begun making a few gifts, and no detail will be unnoticed when you use these gorgeous tags from Moonlight Journey and magical beads from Fire Mountain Beads.

September Recipe Card

A few years ago, I was given a treasured gift by being invited to join a recipe card club. Once a month, 12 of us get together to share laughter, stories, and an empathetic ear. There is a wide range of age, style, and circumstances. Officially, we are there to exchange our recipe cards, but, in reality, for us it has meant so much more. Something magical comes together in a creative way. The best part is that we bring food! We believe it would be "just plain wrong" for there to be a lack of treats and drinks any time women get together.

I used to frequent this wonderful restaurant back in the 70's. It was called the Magic Pan. Well, over the years the restaurant closed, but I managed to conjure up the recipe by sampling this salad each visit. It may not be the "exact" taste, but it comes pretty darn close. Whenever, I bring this salad to someone's house, it is definitely a big hit.

Fun Sparkle Scarf

I can't wait to tackle that gift-giving list again this year. I love sharing through my love of knitting and here is my very first completed project. I ended up giving this to my lovable daughter-in-law for her birthday, and started a second in black for a lucky recipient.

If you seek something extra-special for those in your life, this quick and easy scarf fits the bill. I found the pattern on the yarn label called "Dewdrops," the color is 13 DIAMOND, by Loops & Threads. It is much easier than it looks!

Have a fabulous weekend!

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.

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.

Our Favorite Things

My artistic friends created these beautiful 4" X 4" images of our favorite things. They were exchanged this past Saturday at Kim's.