Day of wine and rose....

Need I say more?

Lori Roberts made me do it--with help from Suze

I have a love/hate relationship with my melting pot.
I try things with it periodically with usually mediocre results. However, I have two of them and I refuse to give up. So, this week when Lori Roberts talked about SuzeWeinberg's new photo show (http://www.photoshow.com/watch/hu7EP7rc) I decided to give faux dichroic a try.

While my results aren't nearly as lovely as either Suze's or Lori's, I have to say, I am fairly happy with my own results.

Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Aloha!

On a dreary February day, I think it's time for some sunshine!

Stamps by The Stamping Studio, text cut with my Quickutz Silhouette, flowers from Target

Twenty One Years

Twenty one years married today. Three times the national average. I have been married half my life. WOW. How blessed am I???

SNOW!!!

It is surreal to hear the local weather (in Atlanta) report "32 degrees and snowing." But there it is outside the door. I love to watch it fall---so peacefully. I am grateful I don't have to drive in it or shovel it...just enjoy to special moments when it happens.

A little playtime....

I love IKEA for alterables...and this mousepad turned out to be so much fun I want to get more!

Learning by doing

In my quest to refine myself as an artist, I decided to take some on-line courses. Not official, accredited courses, mind you, but challenges and instruction from successful mixed media artists armed with books by some of the best. One course actually began in late fall, while two officially began January 1.

The first project included a variety of distressing techniques applied to shipping tags. The twelve tags recieved a variety of treatments: coffee staining, marbling, watercolor...

...and then embellishments. My little tag book took on a music and art theme.

I was able to include stamping, embossing, packing tape transfers, brads, miniature game pieces, sewing, fibers, handmade paper, silk flowers, and a dozen other things. It was tremendous fun and I learned the art of dry brushing, new ways to watercolor, and fearless experimentation.

It was a good way to transition from 2007 to 2008. There are so many things to learn about art--and in the process I suspect I will learn a great deal about myself as well.

Merry Christmas

The Trees

Why do we have so many Christmas trees in our home? Growing up we only had one in each of our homes. The first years of our marriage we had one--in the main room of the house. Today I counted 15---and I suspect there is another one hiding somewhere. They're all shapes and sizes. Some have elaborate decorations, while others look more homespun. One tree is dedicated to domino ornaments from several swaps. One tree is devoted to nativities and angels.

None of the trees is particularly large, but I like effect of a miniature Christmas forest. They're easier to decorate, too....and much easier to store. (Allergies, pets, and fear of fire preclude real trees---besides they are expensive!) I also like seeing Christmas everywhere I turn. Every tree has its own collection of memories on it. The ornament Caty Mae created in pre-school Sunday school is there. The clay ornaments from Carrie's kindergarten class are displayed as well. Corinne's love of music is represented by a multitude of trumpets and pianos.

Then there are the gifts of ornaments collected over the years. The 12 bells from Roswell New Mexico, blown eggs from Eastern Europe--before the fall of communism, olive wood ornaments form Israel, beaten metal from Mexico...each one is significant.

Handcrafted ornaments are always happily displayed. Besides the domino ornament tree, there are ornaments of puzzle pieces, altered CDs, paper clay, origami, and glass balls filled with potpourri, tinsel, or glittery paint.

Each girl has her own set of ornaments--one for each year. Those they will take with them when they have homes of their own. The girls also have tiny trees in their rooms--decorated with tiny lights and ornaments.

There is certainly no lack of Christmas spirit here. Every tree reminds us to be grateful for the blessings God has given us---family, friends, a beautiful world, a hope for the future, and a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

May your days be merry and bright.....

The Season of Giving

This time of year is often overwrought with stress and busy-ness and other decidedly unpeaceful pursuits. Yet Christmastime should be an opportunity to reflect on the events of the previous year, gratitude for the blessings from God, and a distinct focus on the holy.

With that in mind, I want to give you, my readers, an opportunity to reflect and give. The first five people who comment on this blog will receive from me a handmade gift. The only quid pro quo is that you pay it forward by adding this same opportunity on your own blog.

Take time for peaceful reflection every day this month and give thanks for the gift of CHRISTmas.