O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, How lovely are your branches!

I made this ceramic Christmas tree for my mom back in 1983.  Mom would set it out every year on top of a bookcase in the living room.  I never would have guessed that 30 years later this tree would still be around and sitting in my home.   It has been tucked in a box in my fruit cellar for a number of years now.   When I pulled it out a couple days ago and plugged it in, I was happy to see it cheerfully light up.   I set it on a file cabinet next to my computer and sewing machine where I turn it on and enjoy memories of Christmas past.

Christmastime Is Here!

This year I got terribly behind of my Christmas craft making so decided to take to my sewing machine.  I found this simple table runner pattern a number of years ago, dusted it off and started cutting and sewing.  There is nothing fancy about this runner.  It is all in the choice of fabrics... and I found some good ones.

Oh Christmas Cone!

These cones were made for 4 dear friends I played sports with for many years.   Although our bodies got too banged up and old to compete, our friendships remain as strong as ever!   God has blessed me with many wonderful friends over the years.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Happy Holidays/green was the December theme for the card/tag trade at A Swap for All Seasons.  This month my mail from partner was the talented (and sweet) Joyce from Scrap for Joy.   Her work is always fun and creative.  Thank you Joyce!  Love them both.

 

My mail to partner was Deb at Garage Sale Gal.  Her blog is full of fabulous eye candy!  Here is the card & tag I made for her!  The 'O Christmas Tree!" stamp used on the card and picture of the little girl on the tag are from REDlead

All about Brown!

The theme for the November card/tag/de-stash at A Swap for All Seasons was birthday & the color brown.    Lorraine at Over the Rainebeau was my sender partner.  The card & tag she made was awesome.  They are so elegant and creative.  The colors she used were perfect and I love all the layers.  The de-stash item was a bag full of brown fun goodies.  My favorite is the handmade flower with the rhinestone center.   Thank you Lorraine.

This cutie will be hanging on the wall in my craft room.

My send to partner was Jill Sibbald.   Here is the card and tag I made for her.  I hope she likes them!

Think Pink

A Swap for All Seasons is hosting a monthly card and tag swap.  The theme for October was friendship featuring the color pink.

Yesterday I received a small box from the very talented Debbie at Kitten Creates.  When I opened it I said "Oh my!!!"  Everything was wonderfully packaged .... and I loved it all.   A big thank you and hugs to Debbie!

The contents.

 

       A very fabulous card

 

Love this tag!!

And last but not least, some hand dyed pink tags with twine and gorgeous pink ribbon in all its shimmery richness. I can't wait to use it!  Debbie makes this and sells it in her Etsy shop in lots of colors (along with many other goodies.)

Show and Tell

A Swap for All Seasons had an October Swap.  We were to make a card and a tag with the theme "Friendship".  My mail partner was Mrs. A. at It's an Alien Life with ValeryAnne Designs.  

Here is the card and tag I sent. I hope Mrs. A. likes them.

BCS 5 Years and Counting!

Life
by Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.  Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.  Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.  Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.  Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.  Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.  Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.  Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Paper Fabric Round Two!

This is my newest paper fabric.  I wanted to try one in just browns and beige.   The thread is a metallic copper. I have never used metallic thread before.  It is my first love/hate relationship with a spool of thread for both my machine and me!

My Little Craft Pod

Slowly but surely I have been claiming the empty spaces left behind by my children.   My craft area moved from the craft cave in the basement to the new craft pod in small bedroom upstairs.  Good thing it is in the back of house because it is usually in a messy state.

My son and his wife put up some word decor they personally chose for my little room.  I love it.  What a perfect touch!!!   I just had to show-off my walls.

Paper Hoop - Project 3

Whew.  The wrapping paper I added was my favorite... and also tore easily.   The circle in the center was added to cover a few small holes.  I like the little extra pop of color it added to my hoop.   I am behind in my SEWN projects so I think I will work on the lantern next.  It looks like a fun one!

Fabric Paper - Project 2

While making my watercolor and painted pattern pages I had some doubts that the end product would be something I really liked.  I winced at a number of pattern pages I created.  But when I started to cut the pages up and sew the pieces together the paper seemed to transform right before my eyes into something fun and colorful.  

Paper + paper =

Cut + cut + sew + sew = whala!!!

Pattern Book Cover - Project 1

It was fun sewing this little paper book together.  I even found a bookbinding needle buried in my stash of random sewing needles. 

Although I am not the best sewer around, sitting behind my sewing machine is in my comfort zone.

Sewn Patterns

Playing with paint....  The paint did not flow how I expected.  With no rules to follow I found this curiously more difficult than I anticipated.  I have always been better at duplicating than creating.  I tried to choose colors that are vibrant for my pattern pages. 

The Watcher

These pictures were taken at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.  Founded in 1849, it is like walking through an outdoor museum.

A Bottle of Karma!

Karma.  What a great name for a bottle of Chardonnay.  I bought this at an import market that has been in my neighborhood for years.  It is my favorite go-to place for olives, sausage, pepperoni, cheese, & spices.  This bottle of Karma Chardonnay was bought for a house warming.   Perfect!

Crafter's Block

For the first time since long before Christmas I am not in the middle of making a project or two or three.  I do not even have an idea in mind.  I have crafter's block.  So I decided to just make something..... anything!

I stumbled on a video by Melissa Samuels on how to make these cute little ornaments. They are fun to make and there are many things you can do with them.   Maybe if I make enough of these I can shake off my slump.

The Wedding!

The new Mr. & Mrs. Rob Diederichsen.  Welcome to the family Rob!

The Apple

My mother taught me to sew when I was young. This year for Christmas my daughter, Kathy, asked for a sewing machine. Over the years Kathy has seen me sitting behind my machine making everything from clothes to blankets. To see her sitting behind her own machine this Christmas morning made my year.