Hope That Your Christmas Was Merry!

 I have used this tree for about twelve years now, I purchased it for $40 it was a floor model and the store was going out of business. It has served us well over the years, I do need to add lights to it now since a bunch have burned out and we can't seem to figure out how to fix.

This has been in every tree since our first Christmas together, my mother gave it to us and it is showing it's age but I just love my two turtle doves :)

The ugly sweater party was a success!

And this little man has been a delight!

To each and every one of my Etsy, Handmade on Amazon and pop-up customers,
you are amazing and I am thankful for each and everyone of you. The response to my artful pendants has really helped my home based business to grow in so many ways.

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Catching Up!!

It was a very busy fall and holiday season this past year. I committed to too many fairs and shops, it overwhelmed me to say the least! However, I met some lovely people along the way and was able to focus in on my product lines better. I did quite a few small paintings for the craft fairs, they are easier to tote!

My prints and art bevels were a big success, I plan on expanding those selections this coming year.


The gingerbread houses got assembled and nibbled as usual this year….

It is very serious construction…..

each house is unique and lovely!

But not as lovely as my nieces!

Ribbon Inspriation Board Tutorial

This silver painted frame has been kicking around my basement for a while now. I have been wanting to make a vision/inspiration ribbon board for my studio, but I didn't want to go out and buy more "stuff". So this frame got a good scrubbing and about six coats of a creamy white milk paint that I had left over from another project. 

I cut a piece of foam core board to fit the inside of the frame and a
piece of quilt batting to measure just about 1/2" smaller than that
and a piece of a vintage wool blanket to measure 4" larger than the board.
You don't want the batting to overlap the board or else it won't fit
the frame.

Next I pulled in the corners and held them down with tape.

I then folded in the sides and I stiched up that mitered fold. You could glue it
but I didn't want too much glue on the back since I wanted to poke the needle through
to hold the buttons.

I did hot glue the ribbon, but only because I was not going to have enough to be
too generous with it. I bleached some vintage seam binding to get the color I wanted.

I then carefully poked holes in with this vintage hat pin.
EEEK! CAUTION: be mindful of where your hands are when poking.
I almost got a poke right thru my hand!

I placed a 1/2" button on the front..

and a 1/4" button on the back.

then tied a tight couple or knots on the front button.
I like to see the cut thread ends.

I am so happy with this...

I absolutely love all the textures going on here.

The finished project!

As you can see it will not take me long to fill this board with inspirations!

Santa and Snowman Paperclay Dolls

                                                                                  I know....... I know....... we haven't

had Halloween yet.........

But I have these guys made.....

and they are so sweet....

I am going to list them on ETSY this weekend.

New Collaged Painting on ETSY

I just listed this painting on ETSY tonight.

And I must admit to liking the way the bird in this one came out the best. The colors on the bird did just what I wanted them to and the momopoly money leaves came out just right! I have been busy getting a Zazzle Shop up and running this week, so keep checking back, I will have a link posted very soon.
Have a good week!

Snowy Day #3

Well three days into my Painting A Day experience I messed up! We went to DC to visit our son and I brought my watercolors and pens and paper with all good intentions of doing some quick little paintings in our down time but it didn't happen. Just too much to catch up with and enjoy our visit and it went so quickly. His new home is lovely and we had a great time.
However my husbands back started to bother him a little last thursday after the latest snowstorm he was in a bit of pain over the weekend. But after the six hour drive, he couldn't get out of bed on monday morning and has been in pain all week. A trip to the doctor and some meds but he is still hurting.
So I am hoping to start up again tomorrow, we'll see how it goes..........

Estate Sale Table Project

This little table came out so cute. I painted it and even lined the drawers with a purple wool felt and it is going to be perfect in the new dining room.

I Love Estate Sales!

I am in the process now of redoing my dining room since the art studio and office are moved. So the dining room will be relocated to that old studio/office area. It is a larger room and brighter with windows all around.
So last week I went to an estate sale and came home with this sweet little sewing table for $10 and an old sugar bowl for $1. My idea is to paint it and use it to hold a few small serving spoons and the silver chest.

The Studio Is Finished!!

It took me such a long time to finish this studio move, but now that I am all settled in down here I just love my new space.

Art Studio is almost finished!

We are almost finished with my new studio space. It's not taking long to fill it up! It is so nice to have everything all together in the same spot. I have been weeding out things and consolidating, just getting so organized!