Pretty Gift Card Holders

Packaging gifts is something I like to do. I do have some loved ones that are hard to buy for or prefer giftcards or cash. I love to give people what they really want, but I look for ways to make it special. Call me fussy, I just challenged myself for unique ways of giving giftcards and cash.

I simply cut two squares of fabric (good side outward), stitched around three sides leaving an opening, and then used pinking shears to add a pretty edge. I didn't want the giftcard to take center stage, but rather blend in nicely with the paper art. Embellishing each pocket with a scalloped 1-1/2" edge on the end of the opening, and the latest images from Moonlight Journey called "Vintage Angels" work beautiful for Christmas gifts. Just imagine the possibilities, It's a great way to use up some tiny scraps of paper too!

I'll tell you that if you are making one, it's addictive. I started out making nine, and made six more that I want to coffee stain. This is a great project to make in mass so that you have gift holders on hand when you bring that giftcard home from the grocery store.

CREDITS: Lisa Super at anartsygirl.blogspot.com. and MOONLIGHT JOURNEY "Vintage Angels"

Colorful Autumn Afghan

As the weather begins to cool, I look ahead to fall by showing you this latest afghan knitted in autumnal colors. I started this afghan about a year ago. It has taken me quite a while, but I love the results.

One of the most challenging phases of this project was sewing the panels together. For some reason, I am never quite able to get the seams as flat as I hope to.

This is a very warm afghan, and is perfect to snuggle under. As a matter of fact, lately my favorite place to start another pair of socks is in bed at night while watching TV.

This free pattern is available by creating an account through Lion Brand Yarn Co. It was the latest featured item in their last newsletter. "Amazing" yarn (one of my favorites) was used with a selected few colors of "Jiffy" yarn.

I am lovin' it!!

CREDITS: SECOND PHOTO COURTESY OF LION BRAND YARN CO.

Country Music Cards

"Music

washes away

from the soul

the dust

of everyday

life."

Sometimes finding the time to create art becomes a little more difficult. I have so many ideas, and just not enough time in the day. With the holidays now past, I can once again focus on all my unfinished projects and all the new stuff I need and want to begin!

These cards are a work in progress for my art group. Every month I need to muster up 15 cards using a rubberstamp that all of us are required to use.

For the month of January, our stamp was this chair image from Paperbag Studios. I thought it might be fun to try something a little bit "country."

The stamp image was scanned and digitally enhanced in Creative Memories Storybook 3.0. Then I added a background, a banjo and a cowboy boot image from Deviant Scraps. The card itself was cut from a Martha Stewart paper pad called "Bandana," which I distressed with a Tim Holtz distress ink pad called "Rusty Hinge."

CREDITS: PAPERBAG STUDIOS, MARTHA STEWART, TIM HOLTZ, DEVIANT SCRAPS, & CM STORYBOOK 3.0.

The Best Christmas Ever!

The holidays are back! The days leading to December 25th can be very exciting. Back in October, I felt the early whispers of Christmas when I visited the craft store in town. I feel like Thanksgiving formally introduces Christmas, but I like to begin my plan even before.

It's time to start my list. It will become my "making a list and checking it twice" list. Take a deep breath and imagine the Christmas of your dreams. I think of my childhood. Remember how you felt? I want to re-create that spirit and wonder now. I try to in my gifts, and in my hospitality. I truly do not yield to a tide of Christmas demands, but want the comfort and joy Christmas was meant to be. Let your emotions guide you through this holiday journey.

First Presents on my Holiday Workbench

Ever since I became a camper at the KC Willis Ranch a while back, I now experience a charge of excitement when browsing through dollar and resale shops. I saw these humble hangers, and began imagining how I could make them look more artsy. With just a little bit of sanding, some pastel acrylic paint, old sheet music, and a dollie head image, I began the process. Then finding just the right bow to top them off.

Christmas doesn't have to cost a lot of money if you give your gifts a little thought. For me, the joy comes in the making. Handmade stuff, whether it's just for a day or for a lifetime, is such a personal expression. And remember, perfection isn't the goal. It's often the little goof that is just the most precious part of a piece.

Start your list early, and maybe the spirit of the holidays just might be "Your Best Christmas Ever!"

CREDITS: HOLLIEWOOD DOLL IMAGES FROM TUMBLEFISH STUDIOS

Halloween Dreams

"Deep into the darkness

peering, long I stood there,

wondering, fearing, doubting,

dreaming dreams no mortal

ever dared to dream before."

~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven

As the night comes sooner, and the days become shorter, I suddenly get into the Halloween spirit once again. This two page spread is for an art journal that I have been focusing on lately. There is something very magical about creating artwork when the moon laughs and whispers, "Tis near Halloween."

Let There Be Wings

The moment you doubt whether you can fly,

You cease for ever to be able to do it.

The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply

That they have perfect faith,

For to have faith,

Is to have wings.

J. M. Barrie

~ Peter Pan ~

I started a collaborative art journal entitled "Let There Be Wings." At the end of the year, I hopefully will get my book back with exciting entries to share. I love all things winged, so what could be more fun than this! Naturally, I turn to the images from Moonlight Journey. Their winged butterflies and gorgeous women never disappoint me.

Pocket with tag on inside cover.

"Winged Queen" with doorway skirt and flowered wheels on inside cover.

Reverse side of tag on inside cover.

Beautiful woman tag in large pocket on back cover.

Inside back cover pocket.

Thank you for dropping by today!

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.

Handmade "Moo" Cards

Want a different and fabulous way to share or promote your blog? I discovered this wonderful way called Moo (www.moo.com). You can easily make a card using snippets of your artwork. The company has an easy interface that allows you to upload your art to their template. You can choose any portion of an image and have it printed.

I, on the other hand, am always looking for ways to be economical lately, and thought that I could do this within minutes by using this awesome collage sheet designed by Becky Loyall and the group Moonlight Journey, entitled "Beautiful Women Microscope Slides." Each handmade "Moo" card measures 1-1/8" by 2-3/4". I added some reflective holographic stickers to some of these.

Because of their small size, these cards can be used as business cards, invitations to special events, gift tags, and so on. I even thought I could make third generation art from them. By that I mean, what if you began with a piece of art and made a "Moo" card from it, and then go one step further and make art from your "Moo" cards. You can even use these tiny cards as embellishment.

You can even go in another direction by creating a "Moo" box, to hold a nice stack of "Moos," ready for sharing. I have been thinking it would even be cool to make little photo cards and then combine them in a unique photo collage. And how about a "Moo" card swap? There are a host of possibilities. Just let your imagination soar!

The Things in Our Lives

Every January, if there was only one resolution I should really keep, it is invariably to clean out the clutter in my studio/office. Sometimes I can't bear to think of what's stashed in drawers and closets in my art room.

Sometimes I am able to throw things out without a qualm, but certain items hit me hard--like a mechanical stuffed monkey that was my son's (he's 38), and maybe those Valentine's that my daughter received in the 80's! Once I find a way to clear out what is no longer relevant to my life, I will open a path to look at all the parts of my life that matter to me now, not in the past or in the future.

Today I set aside a firm, two-hour period to declutter my studio for a starter. I am so proud of myself for finally trashing a two-year chunk of scrapbooking magazines. I organized all of my ribbon and even sent a care package to Becky Loyall. Best of all, I discovered a skein or two of some yarn, and made this sweet sweater for my grandaughter for her birthday in March. How about that? I even have it almost done a month a head of time!

I need to be tough! The process of purging is definitely liberating. I know when I can let go of those unneeded possessions, I will feel like I have cleared space not only in my house, but in my life. Just having my personal ecosystem changing, my choices will broaden, and maybe even life can be more manageable. My studio will become better suited to who I am now. Whoo! Hoo!

Coffee Cup Sleeves

Inspiration comes from everywhere! For instance, I received a Tassimo coffee maker from my family this year for Christmas. I have always wanted to brew up my own lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. Experiencing that final burst of steam when the creme ends it's frothing cycle right in my own kitchen is divine! The aroma sends me to new heights!

Knitting these coffee cup cozies occupied my New Year's Eve and New Year's Day holiday. There are so many free patterns on the internet, that I couldn't decide what to make. First of all, here are some very simple slip-on designs by Diana Madill shown on a web-site entitled canadianliving.com. I altered a few of them by adding on a row or two of black on the tops and bottoms, embellishing with a vintage button. I tried knitting them on double pointed needles, tried working them flat and sewed up the side seam. Honestly, knitting them flat is quicker and you really can't tell the difference once placed on your cup.

And even best of all, maybe I can actually lessen my impact on the environment by saving a small tree by knitting these cute personalized coffee cup sleeves out of scraps of worsted weight yarn instead of the paper sleeves at our local coffee shop. Keep a couple in your car for that cup on the road!

Last-Minute Wishes

This precious pink sweater will be given to my dear granddaughter, Lauren, for Christmas this year. It took me a few months to complete, with a bit of anxiety near the end. I feel an "Ooh La La" Parisian moment with these colors. I am hoping she will like it, and enjoy wearing it. Little girls sometime surprise me with their preferences even at the age of two!

When Christmas comes calling,

may your home glow bright

with good times and laughter

and love's warming light.

Merry Christmas from My Home to Yours

And, what an eventful year this has been! Who would ever have guessed that some of our most "secure" American institutions would succumb to such devastation? I truly hope that you are able to put the "junk" aside and just enjoy a few moments of peace this holiday season.

There are, of course, many difficult scenarios connected with where all of us find ourselves this glorious time of year. Our real estate and mortgage business has really taken an devastating economic hit. I am having my best artistic years ever though. I love having joined the exciting blogging world, creating artwork to share with you all, and of course, my knitting. I can't imagine doing anything better. My only wish would be that I could spend more time with my grandchildren.

All in all, I have laughed more than I've cried, hugged, learned, and given thanks perhaps a bit more than in other years. But, we're together, strong, happy and incredibly grateful for the miracles we witness each day. I sincerely hope that you, too, have had more joy than sadness, and that the love that surrounds you will let the glorious light of Christmas bring gladness to your heart all year.

Merry Christmas,

and take care of yourself

and those whom you love.

Nancy

Hand Knitted Socks

The wondrous world of knitting began when my Mom sat down with my girlfriend and I at the age of ten. It was one of those lazy summer days when we were bored, tired of riding our bikes, and we wanted to "do something." Marion (my pal and girlfriend at the time), sat eagerly for my Mom to teach us how to knit and purl for the very first time.

I remember trying to push my needle into those tight stitches, thinking how hard this was. It seemed so awkward at the time. I kept thinking that I would never learn as I would forget to remove the stitch, or drop another when I wasn't supposed to. Marion, my life-long friend from Tennessee, still knits. A few years back, she even thanked my Mom for being so patient with us and was so glad that she learned how to knit so many years ago.

Today, I am posting a picture of my very first pair of hand knitted socks. There are some mistakes, I think. One sock seems a little bit larger, and the yarn is a little heavier than the yarn I would probably use the next time. But, at least, I actually finished a pair!

They are for someone who keeps asking me if I know how to knit socks. I keep telling this person, I don't know how to knit them. But this Christmas, his wish will come true. I am so proud of myself for conquering the heel turn, decreasing the foreboding gusset, and ending my toe with the famous Kitchener stitch. I finally did it! My first, and hopefully not my last, pair of hand-knitted socks!

Post Update: Thursday, December 17th, 2009

These hand knitted socks were given to my young friend, Tyler. I think he was going to cry when I presented him my gift! His Grandma used to make socks when he was a kid, but now suffers from Alzheimer's. I could read in his eyes that my socks brought back sweet memories of his Grandma knitting for him and his brother. Tyler was so thrilled that he wore them to bed the first night, and again the whole next day! It sure was worth the dedication when someone appreciates all your effort. Besides, I got a great big hug!

Christmas Log Recipe

About a month ago, I received a request from one of my "commentors" named Pauline. She was born in Michigan, but her parents brought her to Malta in 1964. It is such a small world sometimes! She still has only one living uncle who lives in Livonia. In fact, she spoke to him a couple of weeks ago asking him questions about the squirrels in the trees.

She went on to say how she missed seeing the squirrels scampering on the branches with the lovely autumn leaves, which they don't get to see in Malta. Well, she made a humble request of me at that time.

In exchange for a small piece of embroidery from her, she asked if I would make an altered recipe card written in her language, Maltese. Now, that was a little bit of challenge!

Here is the card I created for her of the yuletide recipe called the "Christmas Log." "It will be given to her daughter, since it is the only recipe her daughter can make," Pauline said with a chuckle. I am sure her daughter will be surprised. It will be sent off to Malta the beginning of the week.

Of course, I have once again used the images from one of Becky Loyall's collage sheets. I just love her artwork (as if you couldn't tell LOL).

Having A Good Time, Pardner!

I am probably one of the first members to attend the KC Willis Collage Camp at The Lipstick Ranch! KC is a natural born teacher. You will learn how to assemble fabric collages with new meaning! You will learn how to start collecting doo dads, searching for vintage images, and staining fabrics, in new and exciting ways. She teaches you how to add heartfelt words to your projects. I am having a great time and always learning new stuff!

I probably have watched the class videos a half dozen times, and each time I learn something I didn't hear the first time. Since my sewing machine was in for repair and finally back, I can focus on finishing one of my first projects. What I especially like is talking and reading in the discussion groups, and seeing every one's artwork once you join. I had so much fun attending this camp and didn't want it to end! Her generosity is so apparent, that she has decided to have a $300 giveaway. Please check out this cool video to whet your creativity to sign up for camp.

KC Willis Collage Camp

Drop a comment at the giveaway blog The Lipstick Ranch, stating that you have bandied about the Camp logo shamelessly and your name will get in the drawing for a $300 Lipstick Ranch get-whatever-the heck-you-want shopping spree. Fabulous fabric, art, DVD's, books, collage kits...whatever the heck you want. The drawing will be held in 3 weeks on Monday, June 15th. You can even grab the little icon off the Camp front page and check out class details. If you don't have a blog, post it on your Facebook page, or on any other art group you belong to. Send postcards--you know..."Having a wonderful time...wish you were here."

Can't wait to show you my first piece of art!

KC Willis Class Commercial

This class is looking SO exciting to me. Here is a short film for inspiration.

Check it out.....K C Willis Collage Camp

I am spending all day with my friends from Blooming Ideas and It's All Good. We will be playing with fabric, lace, and hoping to finish our projects for the "A Year of Color" exchange. This is going to be a great day! Can't wait . . .

Life Is Art

"Art is the one form of communication with which you can not argue...ever. No matter what the medium, art just is. You might not like a piece, you might not agree with what a piece stands for, but the work of art itself doesn't care how you feel...it simply exists in all its glory broadcasting its own personal message to everyone who sees it." words by Georgiann Carlson

"Art can help us find our way, if we choose to look...because the one thing that art does extremely well is expand our vision...to open our minds...give us hope and show us very clearly just what it is that we have to lose."

Check out this artistic video. It is just too beautiful not to share!