Merry Christmas, Dear Friends!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

I'm taking a short break, but will be back on the first of the year.

May we all experience

 peace on earth and in our hearts

this holiday season!

Reflection

This morning I worked on a little stitched sketch of two cats.

I was feeling very grateful for little things,

like my trusty Singer sewing machine,

my love of fabric, texture and thread,

and my ability to create.

Then I turned on the TV...

and felt so sickened by the news which was streaming -

a school shooting in Connecticut -

a kindergarten classroom -

a horrific tragedy.

As a former kindergarten teacher, I am literally shaking.

As a mother, I am heartbroken.

As a human being,

like many others,

I am asking why.

I don't usually write about religion here,

but I have to say,

may God bless the victims and the survivors of this tragedy.

May God bless all of us 

as we contemplate the sadness of this day. 

Still Twinkling

Today I worked on another Twinkletoes and brought one as a gift to a holiday luncheon.

Good friends, delicious food, great conversation and much laughter -

another lovely stop along the way to Christmas!

Thank you, Pat,

for a wonderful get-together!

Savoring the Days

I'm so grateful for this holiday season, and for having the time to savor each day leading up to Christmas. For too many years it has been a crazy time, with stress and hectic days stealing the joy.
I'm grateful for traditions, for the family and friends who are the soul of the season and for the glow that seems to be filling my heart these days.

I've done a bit of decorating. Today I did the mantle and its swag...

the outdoor wreath is hung...

the porch is decked with lights on this foggy night...

and my helpers are snoozing on the sofa.

Angus really throws himself into his naps...

Rosie meets Santa for the first time...

and later hangs out in the coat closet!

Things are peaceful here as small traditions take shape 

and twinkling lights work their magic.

I hope that all is well with you as you celebrate or prepare to celebrate your family holidays.

Wishing you a joy-filled week!

Touches of Whimsy

All around my house there are touches of whimsy that make me smile -

a funny angel that stands on my studio windowsill, with a tiny bird clipped on top...

a little tin angel which my daughter carried home from Mexico for me

many years ago in her jeans' pocket...

a  snowman who was on a card I gave my mom one Christmas. 

She had it on her dresser mirror for years and it is now tucked into the side of mine...

a cat picture from a calendar on the side of a bookcase in my studio,

and underneath a tiny cat who tops a letter opener.

I'm thinking a lot about my mom recently. It's 5 1/2 years since she died, but she still lives on in my thoughts every day. We shared a love of laughter, even silliness, and when I see something especially funny, I think of her and how we could make each other laugh.

Isn't that a wonderful way to remember someone dear?

Here's hoping you find something to make you laugh today!!

A Heartfelt Holiday Season

I had a very restful weekend, after being so tired when writing my last post!

Yesterday I visited the Open Studio of two members of our Artists' Collaborative. Wish I had taken photos there, as it was such a warm, inspiring space. Here are some of the items I purchased:

a fabulous pincushion, made by the artists' daughter,

and a handmade silver clay pendant and earrings. I know I will be wearing these frequently!

I'm taking a hint from my blogging friend Simone, and taking a "slow walk" to Christmas -

savoring the season and trying to get things done at a more leisurely pace than usual.

I'm also taking the month to appreciate the good things this past year has brought. I think it's a good time to do this, as we prepare to welcome a new year. 

I've been blessed with good health, a loving family and wonderful friends.

How fortunate I am.

I'm planning to include something I'm grateful for in every post this month.

Here's wishing you a terrific day!

Twinkletoes

I had designed this ornament for last night's craft fair, bit never actually completed any to sell.

This is my prototype , on different backgrounds -

I had seen something like this somewhere, but for the life of me I can't remember where!

She is still in process, but I love her whimsy!

What do you think?

Last night, the fair I was part of was a lot of fun, and I sat with several great people.

 We laughed a lot, but sadly, I sold only a $2 magnet! Actually, I even gave away a picture!

Today I am more tired than I can ever remember being - I've been creating like crazy since September. Since then, I have participated in a craft fair, our town's Paint Out (helping), Art Walk, a solo exhibit and now last night's craft fair! This is a very weary person writing this! lol

I'm planning to slow down in December, decorate a bit, finish some ornaments for gifts and enjoy the season with my hubby. Our daughter is coming from Toronto for Christmas, which I'm really looking forward to!

Meanwhile, I'm reflecting on all I have to be grateful for, and hope to post some of these thoughts on my blog for December.

One thing I know I'm grateful for is my wonderful group of blogging friends - yes you!

Soon I'll be having a giveaway, or maybe even a series of giveaways, so check back!

Here's wishing you a wonderful weekend!! 

Art Every Day Month - Day 30

To tired to write, but just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed being part of Art Every Day Month. 

Many thanks to Leah Piken Koladis for hosting this yearly adventure and to all who participated this year. I've loved looking at your work and receiving your supportive comments.

Here are some photos from my day - I'll write more tomorrow!

My table at tonight's craft fair!

Have a wonderful weekend!

AEDM Day 29 - Fa-La-La

The month of November has really sped by and here we are at the second-to-last day of Art Every Day Month! I have participated sporadically, but enjoyed so much being part of this busy group of artists!

Lately I've been wearing my crafting hat, preparing for a craft fair which takes place tomorrow night!

My little trees are all decorated - at least the ones I could finish on time!

And I'm still working on some ornaments, which I'll reveal tomorrow!

I couldn't resist adding this picture of Rosie which I took last night!

Tomorrow morning I'll take pictures of all the pieces I have for the fair.

Meanwhile...

Here's wishing you a lovely evening!!

AEDM Day 26 - Festive Trees

After taking some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday and a lovely visit with daughter Kate, I'm back to preparing for a craft fair called "Mistletoe Marketplace" which will take place Friday night.

My plan is to work on something different each day, and today I am decorating little Christmas trees!
As I post this, I've been spending time working on my largest cardboard cone, covering it with eyelet  ruffles I've had in my stash for about 25 years. Rosie was fascinated by the whole process!

Then Angus came up on the table to investigate!

When I finished gluing the lace, I could see Rosie's ears behind the table...

and when I went to look, she was sitting in a box of fabric -

a common occurrence in this house!

I'll be working on the rest of the trees tonight, then on to something different tomorrow.

I know that my sister would love the lace tree, so it will be hers if it doesn't sell at the fair.

My only wish for the fair is that I make back the money I've spent for the table. I know that it's going to be a fun evening, with several friends sharing a table.

Well, time to get back to work!

Thanks for visiting.

Hope you've had a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I wish everyone who reads this today a very

 Happy Thanksgiving!!

This is a card sent to us and made by my very talented sister-in-law Tracy.

I know that I will take a moment today to think of all the many blessings

I have in my life and give thanks for them.

Hope you will too.

Have a wonderful day!!

AEDM Days 19 and 20 - Looking Back

I haven't been all that creative lately, so I'm taking a step back to look at some pictures 

I've made in the past few years.

For a while I was doing pictures in cut paper with quotes to go along with them.

Of course, there had to be cats!

I had fun with these!

Then there were landscapes. This one, done in fabric appliqué, was sold 

about 20 years ago. Hard to believe!

Here's one in sheer fabrics and stitching...

another oldie fabric appliqué that was sold...

an ATC in fused fabric...

and yet another of the same!

And a few florals - this one in fused fabric...

sheer layers in the background...

and fabric applique.

And finally, another piece in cut paper.

Hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane!

Have a wonderful week!

AEDM Day 17 - Little House

Today I took the pattern I was working on yesterday...

and made a prototype house ornament with scrapbooking papers.

Although I'm happy with how it came out, it was much too labor intensive to make to sell!

But I may make a few personalized houses for gifts.

 My husband and I went to see the movie "Lincoln" today.

I thought it was fantastic. Beautifully done, wonderfully acted, and full of history, as you would expect. Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field are amazing. We really enjoyed it!

Hope you're having a great weekend!