For Linda F.

Pretty on the Outside...

and the inside. Look at the delightful package that arrived in the mail this week from my swap partner Linda F. I just had to open it from the bottom. The inside contained another beautiful box full of treasures. My favorite was this pink round box perfectly decorated with the sweetest little girl tucked inside. Thank you Linda for such a fabulous swap!

Happy Birthday Johnny

Oh yah!!

Vintage ATCs for Red Lead Swap

Happy New Year!

A Morning Wish
~A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.
~A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.
~A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.
~A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.
~An understanding heart.
~A sight of the eternal hills and unbelting sea, and of something beautiful the individual hand has made.
~A sense of humor and the power to laugh.
~A little leisure with nothing to do.
~A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God.
~And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to know them when they come.
by W.R. Hunt

Happy New Year!

Welcome Christmas!

Fah who for-aze!
Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas,
Come this way!

Fah who for-aze!
Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas,
Christmas Day.

Christmas Blessings from my house to yours!

Oh Christmas Cone, Oh Christmas Cone!

These are fun to make. I actually started this last year and did not know what I wanted to do with it so put it away. The paper I chose seemed so dreary. But adding a bit of feather boa and a cute litte girl edged with glass glitter perked it right up. One of the words on the paper is in an unwelcome spot, but unfortunately it won't be moving any time soon.

My Altered Cabinet Card for Marie

Marie's Altered Card

What a treat!

Marie's Treasures

A Swap for All Seasons hosted an altered cabinet card swap. What wonderful treasures I received from my swap partner Marie. I love the Instant Ancestor she made. I am not sure what is all in the little gold sachet, but it made everything smell heavenly.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thanksgiving"
The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.'
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway~
Thanksgiving comes again!

Happy Haunting!

Winter White Wonderland ATC

It has been awhile since I posted. We had a critical family medical issue. To those who have been asking, my husband is slowly but surely healing and on the mend. My heartfelt thanks to everyone whose has sent healing thoughts and prayers his way.

After dusting the cobwebs in my craft room, I was happy to work on making my ATCs for Red Lead's Winter White Wonderland ATC swap. The blue in the photo was a bit darker than I wanted, but I could not resist using it.

Tin Swapping!

A Swap for All Seasons had an altered tin swap. Above is the beautiful green tin made for me by my partner, Maudina. The purple crackled tin is the one I sent to her. What a fun swap.

BCS One Year and Counting!

Once you choose hope, anything's possible... Christopher Reeve

Guarding Angels

My sister and I shopped our way back from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. We stopped at Nell Hill's in Kansas City. They had room after room of decor eye candy. Linda discovered this print on canvas of a cemetary angel hanging in a staircase. I had to have it.

Cemetary sculptures are beautiful works of art, altered by mother nature.

Birthday Treasures!

A couple of my favorite things..... doilies and glassware, both from my sister for my birthday. Don't you just love the color of the green thread used in these doilies? Green is probably my favorite color. These doiles might just have to find a home on the wall in my craft room.

The Fenton hobnail salt and pepper shakers are beauties. I have been admiring this very set of shakers in area antique malls but always set them back down not wanting to slurge.

Last but not least is the fabulous tchotchki pin Linda made. I love the little picture of my smiley kids she used from an old photo. Hiding under the ribbon is a little sewing machine charm & under the photo charm is my lucky number 3. I had to wear this to work today just to show it off. Thank you Linda! You're the best.

ATCs for the Red Lead Holiday ATC Swap.

You've Got a Friend.

In the mail this week arrived a wonderful chunky book full of love, good wishes and friendship from my favorite fabulous sister, the Sunshine Club at Follow Your Bliss, and other art friends. Thank you for such a beautiful special gift.

Some of the best lessons in life are often acquired during our most challenging times. In the past year I have come to realize the greatness and importance of family and the many friends I am blessed with. I treasure and value all of you.