Christmas Craftiness

I'm visiting with relatives right now, and having a lovely time.

Yesterday, the ladies of the family gathered for a wonderful brunch and

crafting session! My dear sister-in-law Tracy makes beautiful cards with Stampin' Up

products, and she brought supplies and materials for all of us (seven all together)

and gave us great instructions on how to use the stamps and punches.

We all became engrossed in creating "step" cards in a tan, black and cream color scheme.

Lots of fun! Our results were diverse and we had a lot of laughs along the way.

Tracy also made place card luminaries for everyone in the family, with LED candles 

in each. At night, with the lights off, the effect is so lovely.

Here are the luminaries for my family. (My husband's family name is Dave)

And, finally, we got together and made a family album/scrapbook with plenty of photos 

and tributes from all. The final page featured one of the family dogs, Bob, the English Bulldog.

So cute!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Happy Holiday Wishes!

To all of my wonderful blogging friends, and to whoever stops by to read my blog,

I'm sending out my warmest wishes to you,

For a very lovely Christmas celebration 

and a very happy Hanukkah.

May you enjoy all of the blessings of the season!

Two Peas in a Pod

Last month I was posting so often for Art Every Day Month.  Now I feel like an absentee blogger, as the holidays loom and I'm totally involved in Christmas preparations. But two members of our household are holding it together and going about business as usual!

Out on the porch, where it is chilly, Rosie and Angus huddle together and watch all the action in the back yard. The last photo looks like a lovely embrace, but Angus actually has his mouth around Rosie's neck. He likes to let her know who's the boss, but he never really hurts her.

I'm working on some ornaments and will post them soon. Meanwhile, hope you've had a great week!!

Weekly Word

J is for...

  JOY

I want to share a special link with you - a blog I love to go to for inspiration, a pick-me-up, or some upbeat common sense. Somehow, whenever I arrive at This Way to Joy, I find just the right words to give me the lift I need. Connie has a way of doing all of this with humor, sparkle and a touch of sophistication.

Speaking of joy - 'tis the season!

In spite of all the hustle and bustle,

Here's wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Lovely Mail

I received a great surprise in yesterday's mail from my blogging friend Gwen, whom I met during Art Every Day Month!! I had commented on her pen and ink drawing (below) which is also stitched with black thread, and she sent it to me!

 She also included a beautifully collaged card.

I was excited to receive mail from England, and I love both pieces of artwork, Gwen!!

Thank you so much!

A Collaborative Exhibit

This weekend, as our town celebrated its annual Holiday Stroll, our newly formed Artists' Collaborative was given the opportunity to have an exhibit of artwork in an unoccupied store. We set to work on Friday, cleaning and decorating a long untended space. Many hands made light work, and the place was transformed by opening time on Saturday! We named it Gallery 39, inspired by the store's street number.

The exhibit went from 3 to 7 PM. The main streets were closed off, there was music and food to enjoy, a Hat Parade, musical entertainment and all sorts of events in the town.

In our cozy temporary gallery, people gathered, looked at artwork, enjoyed some hot cider and snacks,

listened to seasonal music, and had a lovely time!

I was excited to show some of my work,

and, all in all, it was a memorable evening!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!