little moment of peace

Recharging

2011-10-28T09:16:00.009-05:00

When I say I’ve been busy…

It means that I have been spending too much time having to talk to people that either I don’t know very well or that require small talk.

With children, the beginning of the school year brings continuous interaction with teachers, parents, nurses, doctors, school staff, play dates and PTO members. And, with my son's asthma and severe peanut allergy, all of these interactions begin to carry tremendous weight.

I am drained by Halloween and in the fetal position by Christmas.

My friends and family suffer because I am nowhere to be found when they need me.

Today was the first time I realized this. I thought there was something wrong with me but it's simply that I'm introverted and I've been trying so hard to be outgoing.

Of course the cure for this is being alone, watching old movies, laughing and stitching.

Oh...and Balance.

Getting ready for Fall

2011-09-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

I've been practicing my sewing skills. I made a burlap runner for my dining table for Fall!

And....

a friend of mine took some time and started teaching me how to knit. So far, it's wonderful and relaxing.

Hope everyone is doing well!
Nina

Shopping Day

2011-07-31T07:13:00.000-05:00

Had a great Saturday shopping and then having lunch with two wonderful friends!

We checked out a local antique mall.

We were as giddy as little girls!

It was one of those times when you see SO MUCH awesomeness that it's overwhelming. We forgot our cameras and I had to take these pictures with my phone so their quality is pretty poor but at least you can see some of the cool stuff we drooled over.

Atwater Kent Speaker

Bee Smoker

Work table

Metal storage for film reels

Enormous doors

Chippy vintage glider

Tabletop jukebox

Butcher block

And, here she is...I fell in love with her.

Isn't she lovely?!

Tattered chair

I put her in the kitchen. Maybe I'll reupholster her someday but for now she's perfect.

confession...

2011-07-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

I can't do it anymore...art that it is..I don't know why but I've lost it...I sit at my little craft area and stare at all my materials and....nothing.

As a beautiful, creative friend of mine says, my muse is away. Well.....mine may have taken a undetermined leave of absence.

Maybe it's the constant requests for entertainment from the little ones. Or, maybe it's the fact that I find it difficult to concentrate when the house is, ummm, shall we say, disharmonious in it's decor.

Or, maybe it's the constant nagging guilt that I should be cleaning or organizing or cooking or playing.

I've started so many projects...they are all piled on my shelves unfinished.

There was a time when I was able to stay up late after the kids went to bed and do something creative.

Nowadays, I barely make it to my pillow before falling asleep.

So, fine. I accept.

I will clean up my craft area. Put everything away.

I'll take some classes and learn some new skills. I'll paint my house. Play with my kids.

Have some fun and figure out what I want to do and if that's too much pressure I'll just laugh a lot.

Field trip to Cloverleaf

2011-07-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, a couple of my very good friends and I went on a little field trip to

Cloverleaf

in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

We had a fun time being together and laughed a lot as always. I thank God for my friends. They keep me sane and centered.

Cloverleaf was cool. It was a great place to take pictures but a lot of the things we were interested in buying (vintage items) were only for display or were out of our price range. They did have some really cute clothes and sandals. And...I realized you can spray paint ANYTHING!

2011-06-03T09:16:00.006-05:00

This morning... my wildflowers are blooming...

it's the first day out from school for the kids AND it's Friday, the day of the week we set aside for playing electronic games...

Trying out these products that I found at Walmart...they all smell really great and seem to work pretty well too.

Now, off to clean the house before the weekend and maybe sneak away to do some craftiness.

Love her journals!

2011-06-02T06:04:00.003-05:00

Besottment by Paper Relics is having a giveaway....oh, I really want one of these journals! Just leave a comment and let her know about a book, movie or website you highly recommend and she will enter you in a drawing to win. Good luck!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-01T05:53:00.004-05:00

While I was cruising Pinterest, I saw this link to a 30 Day Photo Challenge. Fun!

Just for the necessities...

2011-04-10T11:33:00.004-05:00

I needed a little cross body bag to carry a few things when shopping... you know, just little necessities like a wallet, keys and lipstick. Not wanting to spend a whole lot of money, I found this little plain canvas bag at Hobby Lobby for a $1.99 and attached some lace remnants, vintage pearls, a button and a little brass heart. Pretty darn excited about the result! It fits everything perfectly!

Dior's Flowers

2011-02-22T16:01:00.011-06:00

Just browsing the web the other day and looking for some inspiration and came across these gorgeous dresses that John Galliano designed for Christian Dior's Couture Fall 2010 collection. I am no fashionista, obviously, so I'm only just seeing these. The colors are so vivid they make me think of Spring. Lovely! (Pictures from www.fashionista.com)

Marie's Danse des Fleurs

2010-12-30T15:11:00.013-06:00

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to Silver Bella in November....

...but, happily, I am going to Tampa, Florida in February for Marie's Danse des Fleurs!

I love the dreamy quality of Marie Antoinette art. The colors, the textures, the frou-frou details...February can not come soon enough!

A little Marie to start the year

2010-12-30T09:47:00.002-06:00

2010-08-19T06:57:00.021-05:00

It's been ages....

I'm still here :)

I've been a little under the weather and, now, I'm feeling SO MUCH BETTER!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been reading through the blogs too and here are some things I found on them that I would like to share:

Carolyn Westbrook is coming out with a new book!! Can't wait to get this...

http://www.amazon.com/French-Inspired-Home-Carolyn-Westbrook/dp/1907030697/ref=sr

_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282219224&sr=8-1

And, someday, I want to have a home like this:

http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/in-delhi-ny-sandra-foster-and-twee.html

I would love to order these beautiful clothes:

http://www.mandarinbillie.com/boutique/total-looks-c-128.html?language=en&sort=1a

I want to eat these!

Oh and maybe I'll order these...fun back to school candy...a little gift for the teacher!

Gummy letters

Gummy brains

Giant smarties

http://store.candywarehouse.com/schoolcandy.html?page=all

February ATC's...a little bit late

2010-03-09T21:01:00.003-06:00

February's ATC's requirement was only that we use a doily...Yes, it sounds so easy. But then you get the doily out and it feels as though you do a million things with it! Well, here is what I did...Hope you like it!

Alice Tag Swap!

2010-03-09T20:35:00.003-06:00

Just sent out my Alice Tags!! Hurray!! I'm participating in Karla Nathan's Alice Tag Book Swap and can't wait to get my book of tags!!

I've been in a slump for a quite a few months...but with time and a lot of love and support from my family and friends I'm back to creating. I have to mention that is was my very dear friend, Alisa, who emailed me and told me that she was participating in the swap and so if it hadn't been for her I would not have started back. So, THANK YOU Alisa!

Lighten up!

2009-12-05T16:01:00.004-06:00

I decided to clean out my little "studio" today and only got as far as my jumbled box of ribbons. What a mess! I still have ribbons from my scrapbooking days!

It was time to toss them but I have a hard time tossing anything. I separated my newer ribbon that I use now...you know, the "vintage-y" looking lighter colored ones from the brightly colored scrapbooking ribbon of my past. What to do? There were a lot of bright pinks and blues and greens that if only were a bit lighter, more faded. Then I got an idea! I filled a bowl with bleach and water! Many of the ribbons turned out WONDERFUL!!! Some didn't fade at all so I'm giving them to friends but some..OH!! Lovely!

My Texas Bella Mum

2009-12-03T16:11:00.003-06:00

During Silver Bella, many of the Bellas from Texas participated in a Silver Bella Texas Mum Swap. Because of my late registration, I missed the sign up. I called my very good friend Alisa and told her how disappointed I was that I would not be able participate but was still so happy that I was going to Silver Bella.

Well, she surprised me with this GORGEOUS mum the night before the swap!! What a wonderful friend!

The flower of this mum originally started as a part of a garland inspired by Pam Garrison that Alisa made for a beautiful party she gave for our little art group. She left the garland outside and it weathered in the rain and sunshine. When she brought the garland in, the texture of the paper was so interesting, she decided to make flowers with them. So, for me, the mum has an added sentimental value to it because it was a part of that wonderful get together and our group's friendship.

Just want to be her

2009-11-23T09:00:00.004-06:00

I found this image and she was just so delicious..I had to...

What a find!

2009-11-21T11:21:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness!! Look what my husband just brought home for me! Aren't they gorgeous?!! He found them beside a dumpster. Yes, someone wanted to throw them away. Well, they're mine now...all mine!

Something New and Astro Boy

2009-11-21T08:48:00.004-06:00

I feel so energenized after Silver Bella! I stood in my little crafting "studio" and almost didn't know where to start. First job, put away all the little goodies I received and purchased. Oh! It's definitely time to redo my organization!

Then, a clear tabletop and music. I started pulling out this and that and crafting away. By the end it was a complete disaster area but this is what I made...

While I was crafting, my 4-year-old daughter got out her markers and drew a gift for me! It's Astro Boy! I was so amazed! Pretty good, isn't it?!! Her Dad took her and her brother to see it (their first movie ever) while I was at Silver Bella...they left early though because it was a little violent but she really liked it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Silver Bella Photos

2009-11-16T08:56:00.016-06:00

I'm back from Silver Bella! It was absolutely amazing! The classes were awesome, of course. My favorite instructor was Anna Corba because she was so calming and sweet. My favorite class was, surprisingly, the Vintage Rosary, given by Kaari Meng of The French General! I was surprised only because I had done so little jewelry and was not just a little intimidated but Kaari is a fantastic teacher! Both Rebecca Sower's classes were so organized and amazing, as expected. She is a wonderful instructor and so prepared. I loved both of the projects and actually finished them!

Here are some pictures of the weekend. Enjoy!

Registration...

Rebecca Gawryl and Me

Sea of Bellas

Downtown Omaha

Huge antique store in downtown Omaha

Inside of store

Inside of store-vintage wedding dresses

Inside of store-vintage hats and other things

Inside the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Chaotic swap night-so much fun!

Vintage Rosary kit-the beginning of class... Finished rosaries at our table..

Cigar Box Assemblege kit-beginning of class...

My finished box...

My finished Be My Guest Journal-Anna Corba's Workshop

Other journals... Vendor night pics...

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Silver Bella was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Beware New Moon post!

2009-11-02T08:42:00.006-06:00

Oh my! I've been staying away from all the New Moon hype because, well, when I saw Twilight, I knew it would soooo long before New Moon came out...it would drive me crazy! Well, with only a couple of weeks to go, I allowed myself to finally watch the trailers and "WOW!!" I'm am so EXCITED!!!!!

To see the some trailers, if you've been hiding out like me go to:

http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

http://www.fandango.com/hdmovietrailers/newmoon:volturifight-1308270312/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnyDdfVgqnQ

the wolves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF1DoDOYADg

ignore the screaming girls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGIa947Xvsw

AND....then, I found a post with these beautiful pics from Rob Pattinson's Vanity Fair photo shoot...

IF you want to see more photos, go to: http://team-twilight.com/20091101/untagged-vanity-fair-rob-pattinson-photos/

Sigh!

Birthday Celebration with the Girls

2009-10-26T05:23:00.009-05:00

This Saturday, three of my very good friends threw a wonderful birthday party for me. I haven't had a real birthday party since I was perhaps 4 and it was WONDERFUL! Many of my closest friends were there and it was wonderful to spend an evening together.

We met at a restaurant for dinner first and Alisa gave me this beautiful box.

Inside was a lovely crown she had made just for me!! GORGEOUS!! Every detail is perfection! The picture really doesn't do it justice so you'll have to trust me.

After dinner, we went to one of my friend's homes. There I discover another surprise from Alisa. Beautiful and YUMMY cupcakes!! I've always wanted cucakes wrapped in those lovely little wrappers...she knows me so well!

We opened presents and a BIG SURPRISE! My unbelievable friends had bought a Cricut for me. I guess because I have been drooling over theirs for so long :)

Then we had my favorite drink right now, Mango Daquiris, super yummy! And toasted to a the next year. Cheers!

Just a little something...

2009-10-22T07:14:00.003-05:00

This is something I worked on yesterday for an art exchange I'm in...I hope she likes it!

Birthday Surprise!

2009-10-14T16:12:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's been so long for posting....my camera has been dying a slow death and was down to only being able to take one picture before needing to be recharged. On top of that, it had developed water spots inside it and every picture had two spots in the upper left hand corner...and it was almost 12 years old. So, anyway, posting was not fun because it was so frustrating to get pictures and I was just giving up and waiting to get a new camera.

Anyway, so my birthday came and I got a great little Canon point-and-shoot...because I have the hardest time spending money on myself. Well, during the present opening, my husband was attempting to take pictures and every one with my son (the "active" one) came out blurry! He convinced me that we should return it and try to find another. I was bummed because I thought I had chosen well.

Well, I should have known...he left to return the camera that night and when I went to the the kitchen later that evening what did I find on the counter???!!!!!! A Nikon D90!!!! Wow!!! It was the camera I really wanted but there was no way I would ever by for myself! Love my man!

Here is a link to what I got: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D90-Digital-18-105mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B001ENOZY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1255555278&sr=8-1

So, I'm off to read the rather thick manual and try to figure out how it works and, hopefully, you'll be seeing a lot more posts very soon!

Silver Bella Here I Come!!!

2009-09-26T07:33:00.005-05:00

It happened!!!!! The wait list shortened enough and I am going to Silver Bella!!! Oh My Gosh!!!

I'm still in shock! So much to do! I've already my flight arrangements, hotel arrangements, paid the registration, bought a craft apron, moo cards, printed the lists of things to bring for my workshops. I still need to make an apron...which I have absolutely no idea how to do but who cares. I am going to Silver Bella! I am a Bella! Wow! Someone pinch me!

Little Burst of Creativity

2009-08-13T09:29:00.005-05:00

Don't you just love those BURSTS of creativity when nothing can stop you! Well, I had one of those and this is what I did...it felt wonderful!

New Treasures

2009-08-01T06:18:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, a good friend of mine emailed that an antique store was having a BIG sale and I really needed to get down there. So...I packed up the family and we headed downtown with plenty of snacks for the kids and hubbie. After 3 bathroom breaks we made it and it was so worth it. The place was pretty much empty of people and everthing was 80% off. There wasn't much furniture or accessories but, WOW!!!!! There was TONS of linens, vintage clothing, sewing notions, hats, vintage laces, hankies, and other miscellaneous things.

Look what I picked up for $10...

Plus I got a lot of vintage fabric that I didn't take pics of...as you can see, my camera is HORRIBLE...that is my next big purchase, I promise!

2009-07-29T12:17:00.002-05:00

It's been so hot lately, we've been staying in the house with the a/c turned way down and just watching shows, playing, and, me, well, I've been crafting like crazy! Thinking of the cool of February I came up with this heart, little hanging pillow and "love" pillow for Valentines...

After a recent trip to the thrift store, found an old junk jewelry box for a dollar. Tore out the inside and repainted the whole thing and "antiqued" it then added this beautiful image, seam binding and flowers....

Since, I'm on the waiting list for Silver Bella, I thought I'd try my hand at a sampler since they are doing one for a swap...I loved it!! It was the first time I've ever done any kind of embroidery and I think I'll keep doing it because it was SO relaxing! Crossing my fingers that somehow the waiting list gets small enough that I'm able to go still! Oh Please, please!!!

Anyway, going to try a paper doll next...we'll see how that turns out...I've never done one of those either but it sounds like so much fun, doesn't it?!!

Ephiphany or HELLOOOOOO

2009-07-18T07:02:00.004-05:00

Okay had to share my latest ephiphany....I've been struggling with making a journal cover...I just couldn't get it right. I kept adding and taking away images and object. Finally, I just tore everything off and started over from scratch using a beautiful fabric I found on a recent shopping trip. Then, I added ribbon. Then, I was stuck...again. It hit me. It was all too perfect! I was making it too perfect. Most vintage items are worn and scuffed and used. That's the look I love and adore! Duh!!! Sigh! I come from a scrapbooking background where everthing is lined up perfectly and straight...that's what I've been trying to do all this time...that's why I've been so unsatisfied with my art...hellooooo. You think I would have seen it by now but, well, some of us need a brick...hehe. Okay, so the journal went much better after that little discovery. I still have to work on it but I think I'm going to like this...

My First Ever Crown

2009-07-10T05:43:00.006-05:00

The first crown I ever made was for a crown swap recently at Paper Cowgirls. I was SO NERVOUS! Would it be right?...could I do it?....would she like it?.... But as with everything art, I researched the internet, books, talked to my friends and after they reassured and guided me (love my CPGs), the ideas started to flow and before I knew it, it was done:

Below is the box I made to put the crown in for the swap. Alisa of http://lifeisabeautifulplacetobe.blogspot.com/ helped put the finishing touched on it.

I am proud to say, my partner like it and I loved it! Pretty good for my first! :)

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T10:26:00.006-05:00

Looking around I found that I didn't have any 4th of July decorations and this year since were short on funds I decided to make some. I went to the Dollar Store and bought 4 placemats with a Patriotic pattern, tea-dyed them and sewing them together and voila!

I also tried my hand at making a crepe decoration for the door.

Hope everyone has a Wonderful 4th of July and gets to do whatever it is that makes them Happy!

Here she is!!

2009-07-01T08:59:00.003-05:00

I only signed up for one swap during the Paper Cowgirls weekend...the Crown Swap. Valita Baxley of http://www.valitas.blogspot.com/ made mine and it IS GORGEOUS!!! I LOVE IT!! Here are the pics...

Thank you so much Valita!

More Paper Cowgirls

2009-07-01T07:40:00.008-05:00

More Paper Cowgirl pics....

Waxahachie Courthouse is just beautiful and BIG!

We had a chance to eat homestyle at 1879 Chisolm Grill...delish!

Good pic Alisa!Joanna and Alisa at the Meet & Greet on Thursday

We had a chance to shop at Old Town Antique Mall while there - fun!

I wanted this but at $365 just a little more than in my wallet :( I might go back for this though!

On the Sunday (the last day), we stopped at the Crafty Scrapper One word....WOW!! Tired feet

Alisa, Donna and me with my eyes closed (darn it!)

Tina and Cindy...resting after doing such a FAB job! Thanks ya'll!

It was so much FUN!

More Paper Cowgirls

2009-07-01T07:35:00.001-05:00

Back from Paper Cowgirls!

2009-06-29T10:11:00.043-05:00

Just returned from Paper Cowgirls! Wow! My first art retreat and do I have to say it -- Awesome! It was so great meeting so many talented people and taking classes to learn new

techniques!

Ann-Denise Anderson of http://whimandfancydesigns.blogspot.com/ gave a class on Crepe Paper Spun Hearts, which was amazing! I learn so much. Not only is she super nice and sweet but so extremely talented. She took time with each of us and added some extra little tidbits like how to make crepe paper leaves and stems and flower and hand-made ruffles.

Pic of Ann-Denise at the Doves Nest on Thursday at the Meet & Greet

Ruffles she made for our class to use

Super cute place settings for each student

Pics of samples she made

My Spun Crepe Paper Hearts!!

I also took Dale McLain's Nature's Song Shadow Box class which was WONDERFUL!

We used a canvas as the base and turned out a beautiful shadow box - each with a little nest and bird but all of them were so unique and gorgeous!

Dale teaching!

Cute bags full of our trimmings for each student!

Here is my Nature's Song Shadow Box!

(Please excuse the poor pic-it really did turn out beautiful!)

No escape from my latest obsession!

2009-06-22T04:07:00.005-05:00

My latest obsession is tea dying! Nothing can escape me! I dye it all...flowers, placemats, ribbons, papers, tulle, cupcake wrappers. I can't help myself! I love it! The whole thing. Brewing the tea, pouring it in the container, mixing it up, picking the items and then checking them periodically to see what delicate color they've turned hour by hour. My son yells, "We're not even old! Why do we have to make it look old!" I can't explain it to a seven-year-old. Maybe I'll have him pick something today so he can get in on it or we'll dye something blue for him. It's just that I don't like the loudness of bright white. It glares at me. Softness...that's what I'm after. Peace.

Yesterday, we bought red, white and blue placemats at the dollar store and today they are red, tea-dyed brownish white and blue...hehe. I'm sewing them together to make a table runner for the sofa table. They still look patriotic just a little more toned down like me.

I even dyed my new paper by Amy Butler. I find that most paper is just too bright for me now that I'm doing more vintage stuff so tea dying makes it work for me. I've even started just using water and adding a little blue too and making a really pretty Robin's Egg blue paper to print on - Oh!!! Try it!! You'll like it!!

Shopping in McKinney

2009-05-31T06:48:00.017-05:00

Hi all... Recently went shopping in downtown McKinney and stopped in at Ambrosia (LOVE that store!) and they were selling the famed Poo-Pourri!! If you haven't heard of the stuff it is a new kind of bathroom spray but you spray it in the toilet BEFORE you poop and it keeps all the odors below the surface instead of floating out and about your house or heaven forbid your host's house!! That way everyone thinks you just popped in for a pee-pee or to poweder your nose and no one is the wiser. They aren't cheap at $9.95 for a 2 oz. bottle but you only need a spritz and and the bottle is small enough to tuck in your pocket or makeup bag. They also have a special line for the men folk and you know they often need something like this :)

Of course, I went to Smitten, my absolutely FAVORITE store!! And they have rearranged everyething and it is wonderful!! You have to stop in and see. I finally dragged my hubbie in and showed him everything because I am slowly changing our house to match the inside of the store ;) He liked it and I was relieved...whew! and even said it was beautiful.

I stopped in at another favorite store 120. They have SO MUCH now. I saw a lot items that looked like they are from Sadie Olive so if you like their stuff you can stop in there and buy and not worry about shipping. I really needed something to display all of the beautiful ATC's that my group is making and the little trinkets and paper I've been collecting. I found the this metal piece that fits the space above my desk perfectly. But...I can see now that I'm going to need something more...I'm running out of room already!

Other shopping included stopping at my favorite antique store Morning Star Treasures and picking a beautiful beaded satin collar and at the lovely Heirlooms, a wonderful little antique/collectibles store, that even sells seam binding and other little trinkets for altered art this BEAUTIFULLY aged book and gorgeous vintage brooch!

I love downtown McKinney! Everything in one little place. I haven't been to Poppy's the new restaurant yet but plan on getting there in the next week or so. I've heard its wonderful and if you want to try before me here is the website: http://www.poppys-gardencafe.com/ and let me know how it is!

Spring ATC Swap

2009-05-25T07:01:00.013-05:00

We had ATC swap on a very stormy night at my house about a month ago. We were going to meet downtown but my childcare fell through and the girls graciously agreed to come here after the kids were in bed to meet...whew!! So me and the kids, quickly dashed to the store to buy goodies before the get-together and, of course, the storm began while we were out. The kids LOVED it and I remembered to enjoy getting wet :) Well, the party turned out wonderfully and we talked, ate and laughed, as usual. I think as long as we have each other and food we can have a good time anywhere...haha!!

Here are the ATC's we swapped.

ALISA

Each of Alisa's ATC's were given in a beautiful plant. The ATC's front garden gate lead to a little fairy garden with handmade flowers and stems and sweet poem for each of us:

CHERYL

Cheryl's ATC was given in a sweet basket she made with vintage flowers. It was layered in with lace, ribbon, tulle, flowers, and images and gorgeous! Her image of the little girl was so cute!

DONNA Donna, the trickster, had a whole scene planned for the restaurant but decided not to do it at the house. I wish she had but it was still very funny. She pulled out a cup, a box of medicine and something wrapped in foil in a baggy. At the restaurant, she would have pretended to have forgotten her ATCs and started pulling these "miscellaneous" items from her purse and then said "April Fools." Each one contained an ATC! So we each picked. I got the cup and this is what was inside...a beautiful delicate image of a fool with dyed muslin, sparkling black german glitter and ribbon with pretty little beads like a jesters belt:

NINA

I forgot to take pictures of mine again! So Alisa, very kindly, took some. Her camera and skills are wonderful!! So my atc looks pretty darn good if I do say so :)

I put the ATCs in a tussy mussy filled with pink shredded paper. Each ATC had ribbon threaded halfway round it and an image of a lady with such a peaceful look and an added crown...she was April's Queen.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T07:10:00.003-05:00

My Marie Antoinette Collage

2009-05-10T00:18:00.001-05:00

Here is the Marie collage I sent to my partner, Andrea. It was my first ever swap and my first real piece of mixed media artwork other than the ATC’s I’ve been doing in my little art group so I have to say this was the most fun and stressful thing I have ever done J I had so many ideas but my knowledge was so inadequate a lot of the time I would find myself frustrated but I am very pleased with the result and I learned so much doing it. Here is a pic:

Marie Antoinette Swap

2009-05-04T17:36:00.009-05:00

It arrived!! My partner in the Marie Antoinette Collage Swap held by Maria, Andrea Tarling’s gorgeous collage arrived! I was in tears it was so lovely…dripping with ribbon, tulle, lace and, of course, crepe. Oh! I dream of the day I can be so talented with crepe paper! In addition to the collage she sent some wonderful goodies…a rhinestone crown pin, vintage paper, flowers, ribbon and crepe paper and a sweet hanky with little roses embroidered on it. Here are the pics and I also posted them on the Flicker site too. Enjoy!

March ATC's

2009-04-19T09:53:00.011-05:00

Last month, my ATC swap group met at the Lavender House in McKinney for lunch..which was beautiful and delicious! We each shared our cards and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together.

The theme for our ATC's was "the written word" or whatever March meant for us. Here are all the wonderful cards from my most talented friends:

Donna's ATC was a Mardi Gras theme...love the beads and mask!

Cheryl's http://texasbass.blogspot.com/ ATC was so lovely! She is the queen of layering papers, textures and colors! Here is the front: And back: Alisa's of http://lifeisabeautifulplacetobe.blogspot.com/ ATC looked like a tiny book it was amazing! When opened, there was a pop up of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland and different quote for each of us...Wonderful!

The front: the inside:

Here is mine...I found the beautiful image and just had to use her.

I am always amazed at the beautiful work we are creating! Thank you Alisa for helping us get started and guiding us when we needed it. Thank you to each of you for your encouragement when that's needed too!

Modern Pirate Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

Modern Pirate Frock GIVEAWAY!!!! I absolutely LOVE this dress!! If any you have not seen this most talented designer/artist, please take a second to look at her blog. She is amazing!

It's been long time...

2009-03-20T09:34:00.006-05:00

Finally posting SOMETHING, after all this time....my friends have the most wonderful blogs and I think I'm suffering from blog envy :). The kids have been sick for the past month and are well again. The weather has been gorgeous here in Texas and the Bradford Pear trees are all blooming their lovely white flowers. I hear people out mowing and see flowers planted so I'm thinking of a trip to Calloways. I'm feeling the season! I started a Spring project too and have another one waiting. I've got to get working on my ATC's for the swap coming up next week but I'm having a hard time with that one. Here are a couple of pics of the decorations I'm working on for Easter:

Mostly, it seems I've been spending my time "researching"...haha....you know, looking at blogs and getting ideas for decorating and crafting ;).

I browse through about 25 or more blogs a day depending on who's updated theirs or not. Google Reader is awesome (thank you to my husband for showing me this!) because I can keep track them and I can right to the ones that have been updated. Anyway, here are just a few, I wanted to share...

Just discovered this one called http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/. She has an etsy shop and makes the cutest pillows and is giving one away today at her site if you leave a comment about your favorite.

One of my favorite's is http://bloggedy-blog-blog-saucy.blogspot.com/. Saucy is a character and I live to read her blogs. She is hilarious, talented and very fashionable!

Of course, there is Kimba at http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/ who taught me to never fear a can of spray paint.

Little girl hair ideas for when I have lots of energy: http://hair4myprincess.blogspot.com/

For inexpensive decorating tips and ideas: http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/

And http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ every morning so I can laugh out loud and spit my coffee across the room.

Well, that's all for now..there are soooo many more but I've been interrupted about 15 times for milk, pancakes, tv, computers, bathroom, toy mediation, etc. and its mommy work time :)

Have a great and blessed day!

First ATC party and life begins new!

2009-02-14T19:38:00.012-06:00

I went to my first ATC swap party the other night and feel as though my life has just started over again. My good friend has shared her knowledge and talent with me and two other newbies and I don't think I am exaggerating when I say we were absolutely stunned at how she outdid herself for the get together. Her place was completely beautiful and feminine and we felt surrounded by creativity. She had a craft ready for us...complete with supplies held in crystal and antique wire baskets. After a lovely dinner, we each opened our own personal supply box filled with ribbons, vintage papers and flowers and other treasures and set to work creating a vintage Valentine Heart. The time flew! Here is my heart...

Before we knew it, it was 1:00am.

Time to trade our ATC's! They were each wrapped in their own lovely packaging...and each one...gorgeous and personal.

It took about 3 weeks to finish mine because they were my first. I started and restarted and probably went through about 20 before finally picking something that I liked.

This is what I came up with...

I put ATC's out in the living area so that I can look at them all the time. They are so beautiful I'm going to hate putting them away after Valentines.

Doctors orders

2009-01-21T12:46:00.005-06:00

It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything. I’ve been having a spell. Doesn’t that sound cool? I have monthly migraines that last about a week or so and they aren’t cool but it sounds so much better to say that I have been having a spell. I wonder about the days when women were able to take to their beds. Can you imagine? How nice? Well, maybe it wasn’t but I’m imagining here so go with it. Imagine lying in a soft comfy bed, propped on pillows in a calm, cool room scented with lavender and actually being able to rest. Sigh! We don’t get to take to our beds anymore. Doctors don’t prescribe going away to a warm climate to rest in the sun to get your strength back either. What happened? I think we still need that…I do. Okay, I’ll stop my moaning and say I’m terribly grateful that we do at least have little retreats. In fact, I’m going on one this weekend. There will be friends, laughing, creativity, good food and time to just be. I think it’s just what the doctor should order!

Saturday shopping with friends

2009-01-04T09:41:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful day! Went shopping in our lovely downtown McKinney yesterday with some close friends. There's nothing like shopping and finding treasures to perk up your day! We not only found that they've widened the streets and made parking easier BUT there are new stores!! Yes, we discovered so many great stores! We happened upon a little store called 120. It was full of mixed media art books and other goodies like glass glitter, reproduction vintage Paris postcards, french bistro glasses and other glittery goodies. We were practically jumping up and down with excitement! Then, there was Smitten around the corner selling our favorite magazines by Somerset where we scored our beloved copies of Somerset in Love, yards of seam binding, antiques, linens and other precious items. My friend found some lovely antique little girls satin slippers with huge roses sewn on top - so sweet! We stopped for lunch at The Pantry (of course) and two friends came to join us. It was so much fun eating, laughing and sharing dessert. There is nothing like women having lunch! After showing our newest additions, 120 and Smitten, we went on to Ambrosia. We didn't find too much this time but were inspired nonetheless. We had just began to walk towards the antique mall when my friend exclaimed, "This is it! This is the store I've been wanting to go into but it's never open!" And it was! It's called Chesare Vintage Home and is just a little narrow store tucked between some others. It was love at first sight! Bridgette the owner has baskets of lace, beautiful furniture, old ledgers and other antique papers, jars of notions and pieces for your art and two welcoming dachshunds at her feet. After our shopping, we stopped for a martini (only one) at La Misha, which I highly recommend. I had a dirty martini and it was the absolute best ever - and I've tasted a lot!! All in all, it was a great a day, one that I will remember as one of the best. Thank you friends! You are my inspiration in so many ways!

My first real post!

2009-01-02T11:58:00.000-06:00

2008 has gone! It was an interesting year.

Here are my bullet points for the year:

Potty training finally accomplished (for my 3-yr-old)
1st grade started at public and with 6 more months to go doing pretty darn good
DH built a cute scrap/craft space in our huge pantry for me
Started three new obsessions: blogs, mixed media art (Yay!) and Twilight
Met so many new friends this year and love them all!
Went on my first scrapbook retreat (first time away from kids and DH for 2 days in a row)
Learned how to take time for myself.....maybe a little too well ;)
And finally, but not at all the least, was reminded once again that prayer really does work!

Do you do New Year’s Resolutions? I stopped a long time ago. But on one of my recent blog cruising trips, I read something really cool. The blogger had selected a topic for every month instead of picking something impossible (for me) to accomplish like weightloss or keeping the house continuously clean…say for example, in January, she would work on Organizing and February would be Acceptance. Now, those may be the kind of resolutions I could get behind. Just working on something for a little while and then moving on to something else...less chance to fail and more chances to succeed. I’ll think more about it but I think I'll try it Anyway, best wishes of Love, Success and Grace in the New Year!