…More Details?

by | Feb 11, 2010 | Collectables, Projects

Did someone ask for more details? Well, this week we are in the process of making two Valentine boxes for Syd, 9 and John, 4. In the previous post Syd can be seen working on hers and here is our progress so far.

First we needed to edit some of the cool stuff. Syd had her idea for design direction and I had mine. We went with hers……which was a classic black and cream palette and just a touch of red.

Nothing too love-y dove-y for John’s of course, even if it is to hold Valentines. We decided to go with the “bugs” faux postage collage sheets offered through TidingsOf GreatJoy.com. They will be a nice compliment to the really cool, hundred year old, Apple man post card.

Now for the finishing details, maybe some “bling!” We’ll post both Valentine projects later in the week along with some “Valentags,” that we had a lot of fun making. So, I wasn’t the first to come up with that name, right?

Snow Downside

by | Feb 10, 2010 | Personal Touch, Projects

There is nothing like going back to basics to really slow your life down. We rely on two satellite dishes for television and internet. So, with yesterday’s snow on the dish, we were forced to get creative when we lost service.

Syd At Work

The Rest of the Story

by | Feb 9, 2010 | Personal Touch, Spiritual

OK, this morning was the first time that I was faced with big trouble while blogging since I began. I lost today’s post trying to edit, lost a comment, pretty sure that I threw both in the trash and became completely frustrated. Technical difficulties will sure rob you of your joy, eh? The rest of today’s post included our snowfall of four inches and I’ll gladly take any and all the snow I can get.

God’s greatest show, snow.

Snow Skeptic

by | Feb 8, 2010 | Personal Touch

Not enough snow lately to suit us snow lovers. Expecting up to six inches here (mid west), by nightfall. It doesn’t appear that it could miss us. We’ll see!

"Camp Christmas" - fabric & book

Inspiration Tree - front yard

Sunday Post(age)

by | Feb 7, 2010 | Personal Touch, Spiritual

Last evening I continued the search for likely candidates to use on the valentine project scheduled for today.  Among the many items retrieved from my dad’s work area last summer, I discovered his stamps.  An interesting, melancholy but beautiful look back~

Earlier in the day at a local shop, my daughter Kate and I found some wonderful Austrian post cards with incredible calligraphy. It was fun creating some of the coffee soaked tags incorporating both.

A “Special” thanks to my friend Diane Knott for offering some personal instructions! Don’t forget to register for her Valentine give away~ www.dianeknottsmusings.blogspot.com

Make A Wish!

I can’t forget to wish Jason, our son (in law) a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  While the guys take in the BIG game we’ll be cutting, pasting and enjoying carrot cake?

Ain’t She Sweet?

by | Feb 6, 2010 | Collectables, Getting Started, Projects

Who doesn’t want to try their hand at the art of paper and mixed media? I have been admiring this popular trend for a while now and recently signed up for Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion Workshop in the Spring.  (Workshop is April 30 and May 1, www.maryengelbreit.com for more details) When my granddaughter ask me to help with a Valentine box for school, I thought it would be the perfect project to get my feet wet.

Baby Buttons on red & Dress Forms - "Tiny Tailor" fabric

I’ve gathered a little bit of everything that looked very Valentine-y from my supply stash.  A good friend offered her secret decoupage paste concoction. I’ve soaked a few items in this morning’s coffee. Hmmmn, I wonder what we do next.  Let’s see, do I have anything else red?

"Camp Christmas" fabric heart - gift from Joan Ford

Of course Sydney believes that her gram can “make” anything, considering my extensive artsy, craftsy background. So, the pressure’s on.  I’ve made my share of Valentine boxes in my day.  Surely I can …..um, er, uh, well. We’re  doing this after church tomorrow so, you still have time to post any helpful hints under comments!

shoes - "Tiny Tailors" fabric

Stuck

by | Feb 5, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

from "Woodsy Wonders" fabric

Often when I commit to a project that I do not want to do, I become stuck.  This is the downside of working at your craft/skill that I do not enjoy.  Creativity, for me, the work flows so much smoother, almost effortlessly, when the art comes from within.  As a creative individual, ideas are always there, just beneath the surface, compelled to burst out through the lead of the pencil.  However, when forced, such as a commissioned piece, it is a continuous struggle and not the ideal way to execute a drawing. Luckily, I have another project that I can bounce back and forth to.  More, my cup of tea, or should I say coffee?

"Woodsy Wonders" - book panel

The bugs for instance, created one July in a hotel since we lost our electric & air conditioning, were pure fun to draw. The Woodsy Journal quilt was created and quilted by Joan Ford. www.humminbird-highway.com Project instructions can be found on the Home Arts projects page of – www.tidingsofgreatjoy.com

Woodsy Wanderer

The summer spent creating my Woodsy Wanderer group I remember walking, just a little closer to the Creator of all the little woodsy creatures.  That helps too!