Creating Myself

Summertime fun @ Honey's!

2011-09-19T11:27:00.022-05:00

Hi y'all! It's been forever since my last post, hasn't it? Sorry! But I spend as much time w/ the grands every summer as possible & while it's enjoyable, it takes a lot of energy to make every day a "special" day. Energy, I don't seem to have enough of. ;) But oh how I treasure the memories & the fun. And I know they will as well.

It was a hot, hot, hot summer though...the hottest ever here in N. Texas. We had more 100° days than ever in history. Over 70 days above 100°! But the grands still enjoyed playing in The Enchanted Tea Cottage...even if Connor is too big to stand all the way up. LOL

They had pow-wows behind the cottage.

And Miss Caralyn played dress-up.

She dressed up a lot!

Since it was so hot we went bowling often, where it was nice & cool.

We ate pizza.

Colored on the patio....

& in coloring books too.

Sometimes they took baths to cool off.

They did a lot of snuggling w/ the puppies.

Connor's dog, Mikey spent a lot of time w/ us as well....LOVE this pic of the 2 of them!

Yes, Coleson is wearing a tiara....he probably spends a bit too much time playing w/ his sister. ;)

Sweetness!

We had art days...this day it was play-doh.

and we had grandkid pile-ups.

They were full of funny faces.

Except for Connor...he just looked at me w/ a "Seriously?" expression.

Occasionally we ate breakfast @ the park but we had to do it early before it got too hot.

They played hide n seek...

tag....

and swang on the swings.

This art day was painting sun catchers.

Noah did his best to catch butterflies.

And any dog who came near. LOL

One day, they painted my windows with a mixture of tempura paint & dish soap. They had fun & all I had to do to get sparkling windows was hit them w/ the water hose & squeegee them. Just call me "smart"! ;)

Caeden is too sweet. On his window, he wrote, "Kids + love = grandparents. I love my Honey. I love my Grouchy. "

We watched a lot of kiddie-flicks.

And I put them to work watering my plants.

We went bowling once a week. It was the one activity we could all agree on that wasn't too hot for Honey. I can't believe I actually enjoyed bowling but I guess everything is more fun when done w/ a grand.

They blew a lot of bubbles & went through almost a gallon of bubble solution.

Noah wears pants, I promise! But he's in the midst of potty-training & it's easier to leave them off. Can't believe I won't have any grands in diapers! I've had at least one grand in diapers for the past 6 years! *sniff sniff*

Being so hot, we ate a lot of ice cream!

And Connor was kind enough to give wagon rides.

Poor Connor though. He turned 13 in May & hanging out w/ his grandmother doing kiddie stuff wasn't exactly exciting for him. He would have been happy if it had been just he & I.....playing "shoot 'em up" video games & watching scary movies. But I had to keep it age appropriate for the little ones. Anyway, by then end of the summer, this was the look I got when I snapped a pic. Doesn't this picture just scream "I'm bored outta my mind!"?

So to compensate for such a lame summer at such a momentous age, Grouchy & I got him tickets to ride-along w/ a pro-driver in an actual Nascar racecar. One pair of Jeff Gordon sunglasses....$15. Four laps around Texas Motor Speedway @ 170 MPH....$100. Watching Connor puke afterwards...priceless!!!!!

I hope everyone had as wonderful a summer as I....I am very, very blessed!!!

I'll be back later in the week with very belated swap pictures. I didn't get much crafting done over the summer but I did manage to do a couple of swaps....I just haven't taken the time to blog about them. *blushes*

Some good junkin'!

2011-07-25T12:22:00.007-05:00

Wow, what a good day I had! A couple of weeks ago, I headed out to the cattle barns flea & scored some great stuff! Who doesn't love a good junkin' day? Look at it all! Lots & lots of lace (which I neglected to photograph individually), rust, bling & ephemera....all my favorite stuff!

Scored another old dictionary & I bought this set of earrings for the farthings & shillings hanging from them.

Rusty doorknobs & doorplates, pearls & a wonderfully patina'ed base to something. I'm seeing a baby doll head on top of it. ;)

I don't know what this ring is from...maybe an old lamp but I'm envisioning it as a mobile w/ tags & junk hanging from it. Tiny crocheted rosettes, old spoons, lace....

tri-fold dressing mirror & beautiful old roses oil painting...

And buttons! I scored several jars of buttons!!!

My friend Junker Val, doesn't have a booth @ the cattle barns anymore so I made a quick stop @ Lone Star Antiques to see what goodies she had for me. She had some wonderful green stamps...I've been wanting some for my collages. I tell you what though....I licked so many of those stamps as a kid that my mouth puckers up just looking @ them. Blech! My grands didn't believe me when I told them how bad they tasted so they had to give them a lick & each made a face. I'm sure the taste hasn't improved any in 40 years. LOL And of course they had to use some on birthday cards they made for their Grouchy.

I also scored some lace from Val, as well as a wonderful 1920's French paperback...translated to English, it's titled The Princess of Cleves. But my best find was the old Ft Worth phone book from the year I was born!

It has my parent's number in it!!!!!!!

As well as my grandparents, my aunt & my uncle.

The ads are very cool...

and will provide me w/ a plethora of backgrounds for my art.

but I was shocked to see this. I just can't believe this was going on in my lifetime. I mean I know I'm old & all but gosh....

And I have to share this picture, I just this minute took of my Sonny Boy. I've been teaching him to sit-up & of course he gets a treat when he does. I'm sitting @ the puter, working on this blog post & I glance down @ my feet to find Sonny sitting up...waiting for me to notice & reward him. He held that pose while I took his picture & gave him a treat. I think he's got this lesson learned. ;)

I know, I know....he needs a grooming...but isn't he the cutest? Even if he is a bit scruffy!

BirdSong tags...

2011-07-22T13:18:00.005-05:00

Taking a break from the grands to share the BirdSong tags I made for Karla's tag book swap. I made all 7 of mine the same so I'm just sharing pictures of one. I used a technique Lisa, from Tarnished & Tattered, recently shared. She taught us how to use deli tissue sheets as transparent overlays. I printed a Bird Beauty sheet music cover on the deli tissue, then layered it over an image of a bird on cardstock. I glittered up the words Bird Beauty (although it doesn't show in the pic) & I trimmed them out w/ lace.... adding a bead adorned twig like I made for Karla's journal page. (you can see the journal page I made here)

My grandson Connor (he's 13) wanted to play along so he made this BirdSong tag...all by himself! The only suggestion/direction I gave him was to print the sweet picture he chose to use (it's one I took of a mama dove & her babies) in sepia instead of in color. Everything else was totally his ideas & his design! I'm even prouder of his tag than I am of mine....didn't he do a great job? He gave it to me to add to my tag book when I receive it. I've said it before but I'll say it again....grands are the greatest!!!

I know I haven't had much time for blogging...my summer days w/ the grands are full of kiddie flicks, bowling, coloring, parks & ice cream...lots & lots of ice cream! I'm taking lots of pictures to capture the fun we had & I'll do a mega-post on it @ the end of the summer. But until then, here's a fun picture of my Fab 5, enjoying their afternoon ice cream.

Hope you're managing to stay cool...temps have been in the 100's here in Texas for almost a month!

Where all the art happens....

2011-07-15T13:01:00.020-05:00

Actually, that's a total & complete lie. My studio is only clean enough to create in about half the time...the other half, I pull everything downstairs (translation...dig through piles & bags of stuff looking for what I need) & use our dining room table. *blushes* But I wanted something catchy for the title of this post.... it is after all the blogging event of the season...the 2011 Where Bloggers Create party hosted by Karen Valentine @ My Desert Cottage!

click on any picture & then click again to enlarge for details

Welcome to my studio! Not many major changes since the last year... I had sure hoped to have more of my goals accomplished. But I'm very fortunate to have the wonderful space that I do so I won't complain. I'm gonna swing you around the room & try to provide as much of a panaromic view as I can, then I'll move on to the more detailed close-ups.

The first thing you see when you enter the room is my worktable....all 8 ft of it! And as you can see....I don't leave much workspace left. I love the printer's trays I keep on each end though...they're so easy to dig through to find jewels & trinkets & I can still stack stuff on top as I'm working. Please overlook the junk underneath the table...I utilize every inch of this place for storage. I should probably try to skirt the table somehow.

I'm fixing to clean out my junk room & move the computer into there. I love the arrangement of my studio for just me, but it's definitely a one-person studio. I'd like to move the computer desk & printer into another room & move my work table out away from the wall so that both sides could be sat at. That way, I could have crafting days w/ my friends!

This craft armoire is a major workhorse! We once lived in a house and our bedroom had no closets. It was a huge room & I just filled it up w/ old armoires. I converted this one into a craft closet. I'll show you the inside later in the post...but brace yourself, I didn't clean it. ;)

The dresser holds my stamps & crepe papers etc. By the way, everything in this room was bought cheap, cheap, cheap & then painted by me. I got the dresser for $20 (half off day @ GW) & then painted it white. Still need to paint the little $5 end table at the end of it. The shelf above the dresser I paid $5 for.

I found the frame to my inspiration board in someone's trash. It was rickety & wobbly but once it was backed w/ a sheet of sheet music-covered plywood & then covered in chicken wire, it's not only sturdy but beautiful!

You can't see it in this picture but hubby installed a roll of brown craft paper under the lip of the table. I just pull it up & cover the table; glitter, glue, whatever & then tear it off. (you can see it in the above picture of my worktable). I've had this old table for almost 15 years. It has 3 leaves in it & is also a drop-leaf so it breaks down into a table about 2 feet wide by 3 feet long. It's been all over the house, including the front porch, before finding it's true home in my studio. I bought it at the cattle barns flea for $50 & is the only piece I haven't painted or don't have plans to paint.

One of the sets of printers trays at one end.

Wonderful bling!

You'll notice that I have a thing for dolls. I always have. I played w/ Barbies until I was 14 years old!

The vintage stamp in this picture was hubby's grandfather's. The baby boy on the right is my father.

Glass box of goodies on my worktable, within easy reach.

Ballerinas dancing in fairy dust!

The Tickled Pink sign was painted by Karla Nathan. I bought it while @ BirdSong. I bought 2 of her paintings actually...I'll share the other one soon.

This rose painting was a Paper Cowgirl project.

More printers trays full of wonderful bling! The top one is actually an old drawer out of something.

Love this Hendryx birdcage!

Like I said, every inch of space must be utilized for storage.... so I use my unused frames as a window valance. I hung lace curtains w/ upholstery nails & then hung an asstortment of coat hooks to hang the frames from.

Most everything has to have storage capacity as well as being beautiful but I do allow a few "just for shows".

One of the projects I did manage to finish since the last party was to convert this mosaic topped wine shelf into a bookshelf. Although anybody who knows me, knows that when I say that, I mean that I got hubby to do it. Although I did the painting....the painting is always my job.

You might have noticed all the wedding veils I have draped across things. I buy them cheap, may or may not cut them up & Caralyn often plays dress-up in them. Just noticed my Monster energy drink...it's not beer!

These shelves are stashed full of old dominoes, jars of buttons & seam bindings that I hand dyed as well as hand dyed tags. I haven't had a chance to blog about it yet though. But I did them all with vegetables or fruits. It's also home to my collection of vintage, porcelain ballerinas.

This little table & bench was bought when Connor was just a baby. He's 13 now!!!! *sniff sniff*
It also has a pair of chairs to go with but the grands use them as stepstools around the house. Doherty's Antiques was an antique store in Fort Worth in the 50's.

Love me some lace! And this large 2-tiered stand holds a lot!

Doesn't it just make you wanna riffle your fingers through it it?

Another workhorse in my studio is this bench...it was another $20 GW find, that I painted white of course.

Inside the bench is all my sheet music.

I didn't get a full-on shot of the armoire. It was really dark wood but I painted it white & then covered the doors w/ a couple panels of vintagey wallpaper.

OK...are you ready for what that beautiful armoire looks like on the inside? I hope you'll still respect me after this. ;)

EEEKS! It'll look better after I move it to where the puter desk is...I promise! I've already bought more turntables & some clear plastic shoe boxes. When I empty it to move it, I'll put it all back right. I can't promise pretty....I need it to hide all my uglies. But I do promose that it will be neat.

For a while. *grins*

Another change to my studio since last year is this bow-front cabinet. It used to be in my dining room but I replaced it w/ a hutch. I painted it white (of course I did!) & backed it w/ sheet music. It looks just as pretty empty as it does full! I do keep all my pretties in here....buttons, millinery, glitters, laces, etc. The sash on my wire mannequin was made by Ann Denise Andersen & the skirt is a vintage bridal petticoat I wore to the Paper Cowgirl prom. The mannequin is also wearing wedding veil.

Candy dish full of charlottes & porcelain doll parts. And the glass jar is full of wonderful old doorknobs & doorplates.

I got this big wire basket @ a garage sale for $10. It's old & I'm pretty sure it was used to store basketballs & so forth...I seem to recall them from school, way back in the day. It now houses my rolls of wallpaper...some vintage, most not.

I painted my studio this wonder shade of ballet slipper pink not just because I think it's beautiful but because I want to nurture, encourage & inspire the little girl in me. Because after all, grandmothers are just antique little girls. ;)

I hope you all enjoyed your tour of my studio! I had really hoped to have the puter moved & the armoire in it's place & the worktable pulled out into the center of the room prior to today's party but I just couldn't manage it. So for those of you who saw my studio last year, I apologize for it being much the same. But hey...the bow-front cabinet was worth a peek wasn't it?

Be sure & stop by Karen's to see the list of all the participants. Holy shih tzu! There's a lot!!!

A songbird for Karla....

2011-07-08T13:59:00.005-05:00

I'm working on the tags for Karla's BirdSong tag book swap & it occured to me that I never shared the journal page I made for Karla. There was a journal swap for BirdSong ....I was too intimidated to sign up but the pages were so wonderful that Karla expressed regret that she had not signed up for teh swap herself. So Laurie & Beth thought it would be a wonderful memento if we made a BirdSong journal as a surprise. It was for Karla so of course I had to brave up & contribute.

And I'm glad I did....I'm pretty proud of my page! I used a tattered photo frame, scrap of lace & a sweet, vintage image of a songbird...layering them all on an old book page, packed w/ cardboard & sheet music.

I let the bird sing from atop a bead-adorned twig.

And I used the same quote I used on my stands for the Frilly Paper Bird swap...another BirdSong swap. "A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."

You can see all of the pages plus the beautiful cover that Beth did here.

I'm also busy spiffing up my studio for the Where Bloggers Create party...are you coming? They're always such fun & it may be the one time all year that my studio is clean. So I'll be sure & take lots of pictures to document the occasion. LOL

Finally...a Paper Cowgirl post!

2011-06-29T13:39:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I've been home from Paper Cowgirl for 2 weeks & haven't posted about it yet. But talk about fun, fun, fun! LOVED the cowgirl prom ...it was soo fun to see everybody in all their finery. I didn't get but a couple of pictures @ the retreat though. Don't know why...guess I just didn't feel like lugging my camera around everywhere. Sure am regretting it now though cause I only have my projects & vendor night goodies to share. :(

First up is my project from Sandra Feazel's rose painting class. I strayed from her class example by using another color palette & adding a bit of text though. I LOVED this class & I'm setting aside some time next week to practice painting my roses. I am determined to use more "art" in my artwork.

Second class was Lisa Pace's shadowbox class. I copied her class example almost exactly. This looks a LOT cuter in person!

My 3rd & final class was Karla Nathan's dress form class. Talk about fun! It was so much fun that her students bought up all the kits she brought for vendor night. We couldn't wait to make more! I adorned mine w/ fairy wings & a banner w/ "beautiful fairy" written in French. She has an online tut available here ....so you can make one too!

I am so glad that I signed up for the charm swap...there are so many wonderful charms! And I jingle-jangle the whole time I wear it. Like I'm not loud enough already!!! LOL My altered cigar box partner, Bonnie, is having some health issues & was unable to attend Paper Cowgirl. :( Please keep her in your prayers!

Vendor night shopping @ Paper Cowgirl is incredible.....INCREDIBLE! You wouldn't belive all the vintage goodies & mixed media art supplies...& all @ great prices! Look @ my score!

Box of chandelier crystals...all w/ flat backs so I can add pictures to them. 25 cents a piece from Jamie's booth....

Bronze painted baby shoes (they're not actually bronzed just painted to appear to be so...gotta love the thrifty creativeness!), old picture mats, tiny Snow White & Bambi playing cards.....

A wonderful ledger book (nearly all the pages have writing on it...it's grom a general store in the late 1800's), aged doorknobs, & optical lenses....

A vintage needlework catalog w/ wonderful graphics.....

Crepe paper ruffles & bits of bling.....

I got several rolls of vintage wallpaper...it's all very old & brittle. Rusty keys, old cabinet cards, a glittery bowl....

A French letter from 1792...wayyy cool!

A beautifully painted leather cuff by Sandra Feazel.

And a little handmade journal by Karla Nathan. LOVE it...it's so pretty inside that I don't know that I'll be able to cover it up w/ anything.

I'm kinda sad that it is over. There probably won't be any more art retreats for me until A Wicked Tea in October. I'm keeping the grands nearly every day this summer; so that I can get as much time w/ them while they are out of school, as I can. But we have been having crafting days & ethy're fun too...I'll share pics soon.

Stay cool...we've had the hottest June in 30 years!!!

Happy birthday to my furry little heart!

2011-06-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

My Sonny Boy turns one today! My baby is growing up!

YEAHHHHH!!!! ;) I like to say that many dogs will hold a piece of your heart but very few will be your heart. This one is mine...all wrapped up in fur & cute as can be.

I made him a birthday hat (it coordinates w/ Rudy's but isn't exactly the same), served him french toast for breakfast & he'll have steak, mashed potatoes & peas & a birthday cake for dinner. I wish all dogs were loved & appreciated as much as these 2 are!

I'll be back soon with Paper Cowgirl pics!

Another big event!

2011-06-12T13:24:00.000-05:00

I'm leaving straight from Paper Cowgirl to another exciting event...my granddaughter Caralyn (she's 5) is having a dance recital @ Will Roger's Coliseum today! I'm so excited about it that I've made myself a necklace for it. Yes, I made another resin spoon charm... this time adding a vintage ballerina from a cupcake topper.

Wish my baby girl good luck...I hope to have a video to share w/ you all later in the week.

Cowgirls have more fun!

2011-06-10T07:27:00.009-05:00

I didn't sign up for as many swaps for Paper Cowgirl this year. I felt realllllly overwhelmed w/ the swaps last year & didn't want a repeat. ;) But I had a lot of fun w/ the swaps I did do. I've told y'all before how much I love box swaps so, of course I had to sign up for the altered cigar box swap, hosted by Shannon. Especially since I had just found a bunch of cigar boxes at a garage sale.

These boxes are a bit dfferent than the typical cigar box though. They are made of cedar but they're rectangular-shaped. And they were bright red! Several coats of paint remedied that though. I painted the whole thing white & then layered wallpaper scraps, crackle paint, shoe polish & some more dry brushing. I topped it w/ an image of a charlotte doll....blinging her out w/ a lace collar & rhinestone trim.

I covered the charlotte image in Ranger's Glossy Accent to give her a shiny finish, like a real porcelain doll.

I added a ruffle around the rim & trimmed it out w/ rhinestones too. You can never have too much bling!

I employed big glass beads as pedestals.

And added a few inspirational quotes.

I decorated the inside of the lid w/ sheet music that reads China Doll...adding a lace pocket for a frozen charlotte. Love how the ruffle frames the lid!

A blinged out paper clip holds vintage ride tickets.

Look at all I managed to get in that box! Although it was such a tight fit that I had to pull out the little roll of wallpaper you see at the top of the picture...I couldn't get the box to close!

I made a couple of resin baubles & backed them w/ filigree pieces.

Scrap of lace adorned w/ a vintage earring & a matchbox full of buttons....

I recently found some crown wine toppers @ Hobby Lobby. I bought several to use in projects & I'm sharing one w/ Bonnie. I'm also sharing one of the tiny, old leather bound books I found while junking a while back. Bonnie is a self-described paper freak so I know she'll love it.

I glammed up a spice bottle & inserted a few pages from a French to English dictionary.

I also glammed up a couple of birds since I still have BirdSong on my mind.

I always include a heart item in my swaps. For those of you who haven't heard me use the term before, it's a gift that makes my heart scream "Noooooooo! You want to keep me!". There were several items in this swap that my heart didn't want to let go of ...the tiny book & the frozen charlotte particularly. But it can't be something I have more of, or that I can (or will allow) myself to replicate. I have several of the tiny books & a few of the big frozen charlottes so even though my heart didn't want to let go of them, they didn't qualify as a "heart item".

So I'm giving Bonnie the necklace I made for myself to wear @ Paper Cowgirl. And my heart is screaming @ the top of it's lungs....."NOOOOOOOOO!" LOL It's made out of a matchbox & filled w/ resin (like the one I made for me for BirdSong) ... and it doesn't show up well in the pic but there's a beaded chandelier prism hanging from the bottom. I hope Bonnie loves it as much as I do!

I blinged it out inside & out.

The only other swap I joined was a charm swap...hosted by Trisha Louise. We made 12 art charms & will get back 11...one is for a very special cowgirl. ;) I made mine out of a resin bauble. They needed to be smaller than a quarter though so I couldn't use the paint pallettes I usually use as molds. I found candy molds that were the perfect size but they were a bit textured inside & didn't come out shiny & clear so I'm not completely thrilled w/ how they turned out. I added my usual bling by attaching a rhinestone to the jump ring. Cowgirls rule!!!

We also needed to make 12 filler charms. I made mine out of dangly rhinestrone strands.

Cindy works so hard at these gigs that I made her a little hostess gift...a Queen of the Cowgirls pendant. I used some of the beautiful, blue glass glitter I won at last year's Paper Cowgirl....adding a bejeweled paper crown & boots.

Yep, it's true...cowgirls do have more fun!!!!

Yee Haww!

2011-06-07T11:17:00.001-05:00

Time for me to mosey on down to Waxahachie & have a boot-scooting good time w/ the rest of the paper cowgirls. I am sooo excited!

I typically don't get excited about these events until I am done w/ all that I need to do. And since I am typically a procrastinator & am working right down to the wire, I don't have time for much excitement to be built up. But I've been done w/ Paper Cowgirl preparations since last Saturday & I am about to explode w/ excitement. I didn't think Thursday was ever gonna get here!

Would you believe these boots used to be red, black & white? I bought them @ a garage sale last year for a dollar. I'm not a red, black & white kind of gal but they were only a dollar! I thought that maybe I'd do something w/ them & if not, I was only out a buck. ;) After seeing some altered shoes in a Somerset publication, I got the idea to paint them (using fabric paints so they'd flex). But they looked really artificial so I hit them over & over again w/ brown shoe polish...wiping it off & letting it settle into the cracks & creases, making them appear to be old leather. Then I stuck some glittery letters on them & added rhinestone anklets & now they're "cowgirl chic"! (cross your fingers for me that the paint doesn't scuff off but I've brought a spare pair, just in case)

And isn't the purse cute? I made it last year for Paper Cowgirl. I think it used to be an old 45 record case. How many of you are old enough to remember them? I am! *blushes*

I'll be back tomorrow w/ swap pictures...come see!

Bet y'all thought I was done w/ Birdsong posts, huh?

2011-06-06T16:03:00.011-05:00

I dang sure should be...it was over a month ago! But things have just been so hectic around here with Mother's Day, Connor's birthday, Memorial Day, Stacie's birthday, out of school parties & trying to get ready for Paper Cowgirl. But before I jaunt off to Waxahachie for another fabuous artsy weekend, I just have to share the wonderful projects & swaps from BirdSong.

I'm not going to take the time to link up to everybody...sorry! That's the reason why I have delayed in this post for so long...it takes sooo long to link up to everyone. So you'll just have to forgive me. ;)

This is the awesome crepe paper tree I made in Carol Spinski's class. She's providing an online tut soon so do look her up!

One of the lampshades I made in Deb Dusenberry's class.

LOVE my nest banner, taught by Karla. (she says it was her first time teaching....true to form, she's already a master @ it!) Doesn't it look good on my hutch? I decorated the whole hutch w/ BirdSong stuff. It'll be that way through summer so I'll share it later.

And the woven pouch from a class taught by Lisa McIlvain. I copied Lisa's original design somewhat & used it for a "gift bag" for silhouettes I made for Mom for Mother's Day.

One of my favorite part of these art retreats is the swaps. LOVE doing them & always sign up for more than I should. This frilly paper bird was crafted by Lisa Stanton. Too cute!

This one was made by Karla herself.

Mine...

Sherry hosted the swap & made us a pair...a Mr & Mrs Dandy.

This adorable bonnet-bedecked bird was made by Laurie...she included the cute bird flashcard in her packaging of it.

This one was made by Gail...

And last but certainly not least (cause it's one of my favorites!), this one by Sharon.

If you recall, I also signed up for a matchbox swap....Nicki crafted this wonderful box for me out of lovely, hand-dyed velvet.

And filled it with all these goodies! I ADORE the vintage French trims & the page from an old French beauty book.

I wish I had the time to share pics of all the wonderful, talented ladies I had so much fun with but alas, I don't. But I do need to share this photo of Karla & I. Knowing my feelings towards her, she created this frame for it & sent it to me. I can't tell you how touched by her thoughtfulness I am. I have told her many, many times that she is my idol (said it here plenty of times too! LOL) & it's this kind of sweet generosity of spirit (coupled w/ her immense talent as an artist and as a decorator) that put her up there on that pedestal.

And I'm gonna see Karla again this weekend...I'm taking her dress form class @ Paper Cowgirl! I'm so excited!!!!! I'll be back later w/ pictures of my projects for the 3rd annual Paper Cowgirls Art Retreat....the best little art retreat in Texas! Yee haw!!!!

I love my girls!!!!

2011-05-25T15:12:00.010-05:00

And to celebrate my love for them & who they are as people; for Mother's Day, I made them each a necklace....a "soulful" necklace. I wasn't able to complete their necklaces by Mother's Day however so we met up for sushi & martinis last week & I gave them to them then.

I saw this thimble necklace design, by the extremely talented Diane Cook, in the current Belle Armoire jewelry magazine by Stampington. Her designs were based on a heart, birds & religious icons though. I wanted to make my girls one, using soul as the theme.

And I know there's been a lot of controversy & discussion in blogland about the ethics of copying an artist's work & I'm gonna give you my 2 cents worth. I have big reservations about copying an individual's work that they were generous enough to share on their blog but if you publish a tut & I pay for it (whether it's online, an in-person workshop or in a magazine), then I am then free to "copy". I've purchased the knowledge so I am free to use the knowledge. *crossing my fingers that the marvelous Ms Cook agrees* Cause she is FULL of marvelous ideas!!! *grins*

This is my version of Diane Cook's Heartstrings....I call them "She's Got Soul".

I strayed from Diane's designs in many ways. I didn't age the silver as my girls don't like old stuff (I know!!!!!), I used heavier fabrics & I went easy on the bling & left off the lace completely, as neither Stacie nor Shilah are into that kind of stuff. (again I know!...but I love them anyway! LOL) This first necklace is for Stacie. I used a beautiful blue & tan upholstery weight fabric, torn into a frayed strip & faded vintage blue ribbon. For both necklaces, I used charms symbolizing things that are important to each of them...adding a few "pearls of wisdom", a crystal drop, a bottle of "dreams" (the bottle is full of mini-rhinestones) & a couple strands of rhinestone chains.

The poem Footprints in the Sand has had special signifigance to Stacie, ever since Clifton's accident, when after a particularly bad day, a social worker at the hospital gave her a charm w/ it. So I made her a mini-book out of resin. (just spread the resin front & back on the paper & allow to dry. It drys pliable like leather!)

Since Stace is an optometrist, I thought it would be fun to make the letters so small that you need a magnifying glass to read them. I was able to get the entire poem in a tiny book, just a bit over an inch and a half.

Her bottle of dreams, a cross to symbolize her love for God and a mirror ...the mirror is to encourage her to see her own beauty.

And of course, being an optometrist, she needed a pair of glasses.

And because she is officially a Texan now, I included a cowboy boot charm. A couple of Christmases ago, she told me a story of how she wanted a pair of red cowboy boots as a little girl & never got any....so I took both my girls boot shopping for their Christmas present. She didn't pick out red ones though so I guess I still owe her a pair. ;)

I added a key to a heart locket....

and added pictures of the "keys to her heart".

For Shilah's necklace, I went w/ a nubby floral fabric, using yarn trims, faded pink ribbon, etc.

She has collected angels most of her life so I added an angel wing.

and a sterling wineglass cause she is her mother's daughter. ;)

She also has a love for our God so a rhinestone cross was added to her's as well.

The keys to Shi's heart.....

She is known to have a major shoe fetish so I added a high heel.

Her bottle of dreams....may they all come true!

And I had to include a butterfly...she knows why.

Here's how the necklaces look hanging...like beautiful, jeweled tassels!

My girls & I; taken Mother's Day of this year....Shi is on the left, Stace on the right. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

I LOVE MY GIRLS!!!!!

BirdSong...part one!

2011-05-11T10:04:00.019-05:00

I'm gonna start my series of BirdSong posts (yes, it's gonna take multiple posts to share everything) with what I know my readers are most eager to see...Karla Nathan's lovely farmhouse!

This is the entrance to her fabulous studio!

click on any picture & then click again to enlarge for details
Her infamous hat cabinet. We had a contest to see who could guess closest to the number of hats...I think 84 was the right answer.

Stephanie guessed closest & won one of Karla's hat's....lucky girl!

Her studio was filled with so much beauty...it was like being enveloped by loveliness!

I forgot to take a pic but there is a pice of my art hanging in Karla's studio...it's in a tag book hanging from this shelf. My art in Karla Nathan's studio....pinch me!

This headboard was painted by Karla & converted into a bench.

Sorry for the graininess in my photos...I think my hands were shaking with excitement! (this photo is living proof that I am not the only one who puts a piece of furniture where the door will hit it when opened...my family constantly complains about it. I just tell them to be more careful when opening the door. LOL)

LOVED this wall, decoupaged w/ book pages!

And Karla's house was even lovelier in person than it is in pictures. How is that possible?

This was as far as I ventured into Karla's bedroom. I already had her worried about being a stalker...didn't want to freak her out! LOL

Her charming guest bath....

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the wallpapered stair risers!

A beautiful wax paper rose.

Check out how she faux-painted bricks in Sugarwings room!

The outside of Karla's house is just as charming as the inside!

This disco ball is made of thousands of sequins!

Her windowboxes were full of old china. What a great idea!

A truly fabulous firepit area is right outside the Fairy Berry Trail.

You wanna take a walk down the Fairy Berry Trail with me?

Fairy Tales do come true here!

Karla even painted a face on a tree!

I have much more to share...the goody bags (oh my! the sponsors & guests were sooooo generous!), the teachers & students, the projects & vendor night...I bought so many wonderful things on vendor night.

I had high expectations of my BirdSong retreat & I want y'all to know that Karla not only met, she exceeded every one! She hosted, decorated, made all the food, taught & was still relaxed enough that she sat in on the classes w/ us & crafted the projects too! And she is just as warm, charming, beautiful & inviting as her wonderful old farmhouse is...she is truly "the whole package". Thank you so much for a weekend of memories I will always treasure, Karla. Can't wait to see you again @ Paper Cowgirl next month!

Swap goodies!

2011-05-05T16:03:00.008-05:00

I arrived home from my BirdSong retreat & had swap goodies awaiting my return! WooHoo! Presents are always nice to come home to! (like I didn't come home w/ enough stuff from BirdSong! The sponsors stuffed our goodie bags full!)

These first 2 swap packages were from a swap hosted by Heather @ Speckled Egg. Heather hosts frequent matchbox swaps...in assorted themes. The theme for this swap was Spring. And both my partners nailed the ambience of the theme! This beautiful box was made by one of my partners, Melissa @ Piney Rose .

And she over-filled that matchbox w/ goodies!!!!

A sweet seasonal tag, dyed seam binding & a mini-matchbox full of buttons.

Sequins & lots of lace....

bottle of beautiful glitter, lovely images, paper flower...

fabulous vintage earring...

butterfly lace appliques & a gorgeous pin.....

and a lovely, LOVELY umbrella pin. Thanks Melissa...you were a wonderful swap partner!

My second partner for the Spring Petite Inspiration Box swap was Cecily Cecily has a wondeful etsy shop...check it out! She crafted a beautiful box w/ this gorgeous fabric blossom...

and attached a sweet bird to it.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this paper!!!!

She included a swatch of antique linen, rolled "rose" & paper partridge. Doesn't the partridge look like the logo from the Partridge Family tv show? (yes, I realize that I am dating myself here but hey...w/ 5 grands y'all had to have already known that I was old LOL)

sweet bunny & embroidery floss (love that shade!)....

adorable Spring mini-canvas....

a stamped glassine envelope full of lavender buds...

a bottle of glitter , dyed seam binding & twine, wrapped around a clothespin. And my favorite....a tiny, wax stopper bottle full of wildflower seeds. Don't know if this will end up in a collage or on a piece of jewelry but I can't wait to use it! Thank you so much Cecily!

This next swap was hosted by Linda @ A Swap For All Seasons. My partner was Becky @ Don't Look Back. Look at all she treated me with! I LOVE how she used the pin cushion to present the Mother brooch. Great idea Becky!

And she also included some gorgeous stick pins! LOVE them! Thanks Becky!

Thanks again to all my partners...y'all were the best! And a special thank you to the swap hostesses...without y'all, these swaps wouldn't be possible.

I'm readying the first of several blog posts about my BirdSong weekend. Would y'all believe that Karla's Cottage was even more beautiful in person than it is in pictures? I wouldn't have thought that possible!

Junkin' with a friend!

2011-05-03T12:06:00.001-05:00

I haven't gotten a post ready about Birdsong yet (what fun!) but I wanted to share some recent junkin' finds....from guess where? Yep! The cattle barns flea again! I know y'all must get tired of hearing "I got this @ the cattle barns flea" or "this" or "this" or "that"; but the pickin's @ thrift stores have gotten so lean that I don't hardly shop anywhere else any more. Except garage sales...I still brake for garage sales. LOL

The cattle barns flea is dusty, hot & dirty...it's authentic junkin'! But it's a guaranteed $100 spent on great, old junk...at really good prices! So you get a lot of bang for your buck! My friend Jan had anxiety attacks at first; all she could think, was that she wanted to get out of that dirty, dusty place that sometimes houses cattle! Until she asked about some prices (hardly anything is marked). But the prices are good enough to win over even a neat-freak like her & now she is always twisting my arm to meet her there. *winking @ Jan* Just for the record, they clean up well the cows' mess, after the rodeo each year, before they reopen as a flea market.

This was my haul from our shopping trip a couple of weeks ago.

This was my favorite find of the day! A sweet, swwwweeeet , jointed charlotte w/ holes in the top of her head. The holes were meant for a ribbon to be strung through & a bow tied (or so the dealer said) but I'll hang a couple of jump rings from them & turn her into an adorable, shabby chic necklace. Can't you just see it?
Another tiny frozen charlotte.... the MOP mother pin I mentioned in a previous post ($3!!!!) & a wonderfully aged thimble.

I always pick up trinkets to use in my projects & lately, I've been snagging old watches & watch parts too. I bought the watch parts from Pam @ The Altered Muse (she had a booth at the cattle barns). She used to have a shop here in Ft Worth but it has closed. She is still having workshops out of her home though... I plan on taking her reliquary class sometime after Mother's Day.

25 pieces of beautifully tarnished flatware...lots of projects in store for them!

A gorgeous rhinestone belt ...wayyyy too tiny for my waist though! I'll use it as a necklace instead ....& a cheap pocket watch. The dealer charged me $2 extra for it cause it's still working. I don't care if it's working or not, I just want the case but I paid her $5 willingly.

rhinestone buckle (I'm like a magpie...I can't resist anything that sparkles!), lone earring ....

and I've been eyeing an old photograph album at the flea for a couple months. Being too cheap to pay $50 for it, I asked for his best price & was told $40. Still too cheap to buy it, Jan & I split it.

We took turns picking the cabinet cards. The subjects are good ones too...the first 5 picks were all premo. I wound up w/ 13 fabulous, large cabinet cards.

and 8 wonderful "frames" to use in my artwork. And I was too cheap to buy it. *shaking my head in wonder* Now I'm kicking myself for sharing it!!!

I shared a few of my finds from this junkin' excursion w/ swap partners...the MOP Mother pin, the french poodle pins & for a Birdsong swap, I shared the rhinestone "crown" piece above. The rhinestone necklace I kept for myself. ;)

I'll be back later w/ lots of pictures of the good times @ Birdsong. I think I'm gonna break it down into multiple posts though as I have a LOT to share!

Birdsong swap gifts...

2011-05-01T09:47:00.006-05:00

Gosh, I don't often post 5 times in one week! But I've just got so much to share!!!! I'm still away @ my Birdsong art retreat (today's the last day *sniff sniff*) but I've scheduled this post to share the swap gifts I created for the retreat. One was another matchbox swap. I LOVE box swaps! They're not intimidating to me, I have a huge stash & I'm willing to share.

I stepped out of my usual color scheme & went w/ a lovely shade of blue. I found this beautiful, pearlescent robin's egg blue paint recently & had to use it.

I used a digital image of a bird & added a ribbon & button. The letters are tweet, aren't they? LOL

In honor of Karla, I used her signature paper ruffle around the rim...adding a tiny bead "pull".

Look at all I managed to get in that little box!

We'll start out w/ the "heart item" for this swap. I love this tiny, tweet bird & nest. (Am I starting to annoy you w/ all the "tweets"? *grins* ) I created it especially for Niki, my swap partner, but my heart sure didn't want to let go of it.

And I'm very proud of this resin spoon charm I made. I wish y'all could see the resin in it better...it domes over the spoon & encases the contents in "liquid glass"!

I filled the tiny treasure chest (another vintage cracker jack toy) w/ even teensy-tiny blue rhinestones. In the background, you see vintage millinery blooms (had to include some) & polka-dotted tulle w/ a rhinestone bauble.

This big rhinestone piece was another recent flea market find... I also included a resin bottle cap charm & a tiny bottle "charm" of german glass glitter.

Lace, crocheted blossoms, tiny wasp nest (us mixed media artists appreciate weird stuff like that!) & another bit of bling...

& lastly, a birdcage stamp, playing card w/ bird image & crystals. Believe it or not, it all fit in that little bitty box.

Another fun swap I joined for Birdsong was the Frilly Paper Birdie Swap. I made 8 birds & will receive 7 back (one is for myself). I crafted mine w/ scraps of vintage wallpaper & sheet music, giving them a final coat of beeswax.

Glamming them up w/ frilly lace wings....

& a rhinestone crown.

I hung them from wired spools that read "A bird does not sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song."

And because I idolize & adore Karla, I made her this necklace as a hostess gift. I hope she likes it as much as I do!

A bit of bling, a bird & the handle from the spoon charm I made for Niki.

The fabric is a remnant from an old pillowcase. I used it instead of chain because it reminded me so much of Karla. And Karla likes bling so I added another vintage rhinestone piece.

I wired wrapped the strip of fabric onto the jump rings, for neatness.

I wound the necklace around a tag, pinned it in place & tucked it in it's envelope.

We're driving back home tomorrow. *sigh* But I will always remember the fun I had @ Karla's Cottage.

She was not afraid!

2011-04-29T10:48:00.004-05:00

I 'm away on my Birdsong retreat but I wanted to share a necklace I made for myself, in anticipation of the trip. I guess it's no secret that I am intimidated by all the talent that will be there. I don't understand why I am so insecure about my artwork....I'm not typically an insecure person, trust me! In fact, I fall much closer into the egotistical, arrogant category. ;) But early on in life, I developed an insecurity that my art wasn't good enough. And over time, gave it up. Decades passed & I didn't do much & somehow, a little girl who was passionate & fearless about her art, grew into a woman who never drew anything more than a heart shape...or wings.

I want to channel that fearless little girl & encourage her to come forth again. Wish me luck!

I created this pendant out of a matchbox. It was an idea I saw in Somerset's Jewelry Affaire but they soldered the boxes. I filled mine w/ resin instead. I used a childhood photo of myself & the text She Was Not Afraid, blinging it out of course. Wish the look on my face showed clearer. I am challenging the world & all comers! LOL

I finished off the back w/ a Waverly rose & Rangers Glossy Accent for durability.

Little fearless girl....come out, come out wherever you are!

My bags are packed & I'm ready to go!

2011-04-28T07:34:00.003-05:00

I've got the Blazer loaded & Lisa, Marie & I are on our way to Kansas for Karla's Birdsong retreat. We are going to have such fun!!!! Good shopping, good atmosphere (have you seen Karla's cottage?????) good friends, good classes & good ole fashioned fun!

My old craft case was falling apart so I spiffed up a vintage Samsonite cosmetic case...

w/ vintage millinery blossoms, seam binding & a tag w/ my blog name on it.

You know you're a mixed media artist when you're packing more art supplies than you are clothes & accessories. ;) All I could fit in this case was tools & glues. I have a mega-tote full of everything else.

And speaking of accessories... I made this barrette out of resin & a wonderful image of a bird. Too cute, huh?

Now I'm off to Birdsong...tweet! tweet!

Did you remember Secretary's Day?

2011-04-27T07:13:00.008-05:00

I did, thank goodness! And w/ enough time to create this wonderful pendant for her. I honestly don't know what we would do w/out Donna. She is not just a secretary & she's not just an office manager...she manages our entire automotive shop. With hubby traveling in his paintless dent repair business (and now Clifton is traveling w/ him) she bears almost the full responsibility herself. She keeps the bank accounts straight (mine alone can keep her busy LOL), handles the customers (plus a surly mechanic!) & adds a much needed touch of femininity to the office.

We put our money where our mouth is & gave her a recent raise (true to form, she tried to decline it, saying that the shop couldn't afford it LOL) but I also wanted to make her this pendant, leaving no room for doubt who The Queen of the Shop is. I'll deliver it w/ a vase of flowers later today.

I found a whole bunch of old cracker jack toys @ a garage sale last year & this little wrench was in the lot. I had hubby cut, file & bend an old spoon (turning the handle into a "ring" to hang from)....then I glittered the basin, glued the text "Queen" (isn't that a wonderful font? it's called windsong) in & added the tiny wrench & gold crown. Then I filled the spoon basin w/ ice resin.

TaDa! Isn't it cool?

Queen of the Shop!

I've made a couple of resin pendants lately. One is for a swap gift for Birdsong, that I will share this weekend & one was made for someone extra special..... me! *grins* I'm really pleased w/ how they all turned out. You'll have to come back & see!

Swap Spoilers....

2011-04-25T09:28:00.011-05:00

Hi y'all! Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday...we sure did! Today, I'm sharing some swaps that I have been involved in so if you're one of my swap partners in The Spring Petite Inspiration Box swap @ The Speckled Egg or the Vintage Mother's Day Brooch swap @ A Swap for All Seasons, then back out of this post now. No peeking!!! ;)

This first swap was hosted by Heather @ The Speckled Egg. I've been wanting to join in on one of her renowned matchbox swaps for some time now and finally followed through. What fun!!!! You decorate 2 of the larger matchboxes, fill it w/ goodies in the current theme (Heather hosts the swaps periodically & they always have great themes!), mail them off & you get 2 back.

I decided to decorate my 2 boxes differently but kept the contents the same.

This one I made for Cecily... I painted, inked & glittered up the box, then made a "blossom" out of rose fabric, tulle & a vintage button....adding a final touch of Spring.

This one is Melissa's, I used a beautiful dotted paper & added a Springy image of a lovely lady.

I achieved the wonderful crackly effect on her w/ Rangers Crackle Accent & then ink. Too cool, huh?
I only took pictures of the contents of one box cause they're both the same. I lined each box w/ a gorgeous, vintage lace hankie. I always say that I like to include a "heart item" in each swap. A "heart item" is something that makes my heart go "noooooooo...you want to keep me!!!!" *grins* For this swap, my heart did not want to let go of the hankies! But in the boxes they went. I also included a recent flea market find...a french poodle pin. Isn't it sweet?

And then I filled the boxes w/ all these goodies! A fabulous shade of pink glitter (a good pink glitter is hard to come by!) in an old salt shaker... glittered mini-clothespins... authentically aged pink lace, wound on a spool... tiny bouquet... wonderful crocheted lace w/ earring clip... scallops cut out of ledger paper... crown cut-outs... a vintage birdie cupcake topper...

and a resin bauble that I glued to a filigree backing. I hope my partners enjoy their boxes!

This next swap was for the Vintage Mother's Day Brooch swap @ A Swap for All Seasons. I decorated up a paper mache box w/ a vintage image of a little girl, adding an I Love Mom banner & dolled up the box w/ lace & buttons.

This is the beautiful brooch I chose, from my collection, to gift my partner with. I hope she likes it! I had a hard time choosing which one to give her but settled on this one cause it's one of my favorites.... I've worn it often in the past. Take good care of it Becky!

And Linda works so hard at A Swap for All Seasons that I sent her this adorable MOP pin as a hostess gift. It was another find from my recent trip to the cattle barns flea. I got some great finds that day but haven't had time to share them w/ you...maybe later in the week.

I have a couple more completed swaps to share w/ y'all but I'll do that next weekend while I'm away at Karla Nathan's Birdsong retreat. Yep, you heard me....I'm going to Karla's! I'm going to Karla's!!!!! I have admired Karla's work in magazines for over 10 years (my older readers know of my ~~obsession~~ appreciation for her) & although I can't credit her fully w/ influencing my decorating style (wayyy too much inspiration out there to give her all the credit!); if I had to name just one name, her's would be it. Then we met while blogging & became friends.... and in just a few days, I'm gonna be sitting in her lovely, lovely studio sipping a cup of tea. *sigh* I couldn't be any more excited if I were meeting Brad Pitt!

But Karla, can I trade in a cup of tea for a glass of wine? Wine's really more my speed! LOL

The Easter bunny came!

2011-04-24T03:02:00.002-05:00

And he has a new partner! *grins* Aren't these the cutest little "bunnies" you ever saw?

It's a good thing the Easter Bunny has help this year 'cause look at all these baskets I made for my "grown up" family. I wanted to put a specialty chocolate in them but all the chocolate stores in my area are out of business now. :( So I just put a Lindt bunny & lamb in them & added a handful of peanut butter cups. You can't go wrong w/ peanut butter cups. ;) The pink ones are for the girls in the family & the green & blues are for the boys.

Since the Easter bunny brings plenty of candy for the grands, I made them so jello eggs. They love the jeweled jello squares I make, w/ different colors of jello & sweetened condensed milk, so I know they'll love these.

RAINBOW FINGER JELLO

1 (3 oz.) pkg. lime Jello
1 (3 oz.) pkg. lemon Jello
1 (3 oz.) pkg. orange Jello
1 (3 oz.) pkg. strawberry Jello
6 pkgs. Knox plain gelatin
1 c. sweetened condensed milk
6 c. boiling water
WHITE LAYER: Mix 2 cups boiling water with 2 packages gelatin until dissolved (I allow my gelatin to "bloom" first in just a bit of cold water). Add sweetened condensed milk. Cool.

JELLO LAYER: Mix 1 package Jello with 1 package gelatin. Add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Pour into 9x13 inch pan ( I used jello egg molds instead), wiped with mayonnaise. Freeze for about 10 minutes or until a finger touched to it leaves an imprint. Pour 1 cup milk mixture over Jello layer and freeze for 10 minutes. Every 10 minutes, add another layer and freeze ending with strawberry Jello. (do not leave the layers in the freezer for longer than 15 minutes @ a time or they will separate.)

I'll have my entire family here w/ me for Easter this year. Life is good! I hope the season blesses you as generously!

He died for us on this day....

2011-04-22T10:37:00.009-05:00

& to commemorate that, I want to share my collection of vintage religious prints. I have shared my "Stairway to Heaven" on my blog before but it was a couple of years ago so I thought I'd post it again, for those of you who haven't seen it.

I hang all of my collection on one huge stairway wall, from the baseboards to the ceiling! I can't get it all in one picture so this is from the bottom of the stairs looking up.

This shot is from the top of the stairs, looking down. The stairway is in a dark part of the house so you'll have to forgive the bad lighting. I did the best I could!

Many in my collection are by the artist C. Bosseron Chambers. He was the foremost religious artist of the 20th century...LOVE his work! Most have a trademark "halo" that makes his work easily identifiable, even if it is not signed. This one is of a young Mother Mary...doesn't she look like Drew Barrymore as a girl?

This is another C. Bosseron Chamber & is of a more mature Mother Mary.

Another Chambers....this one is St Anthony.

"I will bless every house in which an image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed & honored".

Love this pair of praying children!

And this guardian angel print!

A beautifully hued print of St Therese.

Another Chambers...this one is of a young St Paul.

And yet another Chambers...this one is St Therese.

Another work of C. Bosseron Chambers...this one is of a young Jesus & Mother Mary. (told y'all I was a big fan of his work!)

Forget each kindness that you do, as soon as you have done it.

Forget the praise that falls to you the moment you have won it.

Forget the slander that you hear before you can repeat it.

Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer, wherever you may meet it.

Remember every kindness done to you, whatever its measure.

Remember praise by others won and pass it on with pleasure.

Remember every promise made and keep it to the letter.

Remember those who lend you aid and be a grateful debtor.

Remember all the happiness that comes your way in living.

Forget each worry and distress, be hopeful and forgiving.

Remember good, remember truth, remember heaven's above you.

And you'll find, through age and youth, that many hearts will love you.

I did have a partner print to this next one; it was of The Last Supper & was also in a rococco frame w/ bubble glass...it fell off the wall & broke. I was so upset about it, that I am ashamed to say, that I used the Lord's name in vain when I discovered it. *blushes* But it was years ago & was the very last time I've done so.

Inside the birdcage is a tiny little print.

The Garden of Gethsemane.

Another beautifully tinted print...this one is of the Holy family.

LOVE this print of St John & a lamb!

but my favorite in my collection, will always be C. Bosseron Chambers' most famous work. It's of Baby Jesus & is titled Light of the World. My grandmother had a copy of this hanging in her bedroom. It was the first of my collection & will always be my most treasured.

I'm linking up to Debra's Vintage Inspiration blog party...be sure & check out all the other vintage inspiration!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Good Friday! I'm keeping Noah today...we're practicing finding eggs so that he can compete w/ his older cousins on Easter Sunday. ;)

My first altered doll!

2011-04-20T07:57:00.007-05:00

Are you one of those people who get the "doll parts" craze going on right now? Or does it leave you shaking your head & thinking "Holy shih tzu...what's up w/ that?" *grins*

When I first saw an old doll head, under glass, somewhere, I was instantly smitten. I just fell in love instantly & started collecting "parts" (although I have been known to dismember whole dolls LOL) before I even discovered altered dolls. But I did discover altered dolls (love the Somerset publication!) & I'm very proud to introduce my first (of many!) altered dolls.....Hunee Bunny. (I named her after me.)

I ripped the ratted, tangled hair off an old doll head & paper clayed ears & a fur coat onto her....

kissing it in spots w/ crackled paint (heavy in some spots & lighter in others) & then hit it w/coarse glitter where I didn't use crackle paint. The glitter doesn't show up very well in the pic above but you can see it better in this close-up.

I blinged her up some w/ rhinestone "buttons".....

and glittery pink "shoes"....

and used wired pearl strands for "arms".

Doesn't she have the sweetest expression? Her eyes even open & close!

*sigh* I just love her! Even though I know she leaves many of you thinking, "Holy shih tzu...what's up w/ that?" *grins*

Also, I was asked to share the image I used in creating the chenille bunny, in my shadow box egg, in a previous post but I am late in doing so...sorry Leann! Hope you can still use it! I flipped the image before printing cause I wanted him facing the other way, you can do it in paint program.

Can you believe I've already posted my Easter decor & Easter projects & it's not even Easter? I know! Me neither!!!!

Here comes Peter Cottontail....

2011-04-17T12:11:00.010-05:00

Hi y'all! Can you believe Easter is next week? Where does the time go? I had a lot of big crafting plans for Easter but of course didn't accomplish half of it. I only completed one project & I can't wait to share it w/ you! But that's not what this post is about *grins*...today I want to share my Easter decor. It's been up for awhile...just haven't had a chance to take pics & post. I've told y'all before that I collect vintage sheet music covers & I've shared many of them with you but I don't think this one has ever made an appearance on my blog so I'm sharing it now. Here comes Peter Cottontail! My faux mantel.....not much changes about this from season to season & I like it that way. I keep a "base'scape" of the apothecary jars on the left, the frame, mirror & glittered wish in the middle & the brass mini-curio on the right. I just add seasonal touches & in less than 10 minutes, I can have a whole new look. inside one of the apothecary jars is a sweet box & a tiny leather bound book titled Dreams. So sweet! I never can get a shot of the min-curio w/out glare. I've stashed a couple of carrots inside.

This chick looks vintage but it's not. I bought it @ Tuesday morning several years ago. I paired it w/ a treasured old Easter photo of my kids....still in it's original 80's frame.

This candy dish isn't vintage either...it's another Tuesday Morning buy. They have great reproductions @ great prices!

I covered a styrofoam egg w/ fabric from an old pillowcase & embellished it (it was a tut Casandra Van Curen had last year but it's still available I think). Here it is under the magnifying glass I use for display.

Now this porcelain bunny peeking out of an egg is vintage...love it!

This "pulltoy" is another reproduction, but one I love!

Sometime soon, this dark wood piece is getting a nice, light coat of white & then it won't suck every ounce of light out of the room.

Vintage flocked Easter card.

For my centerpiece this year, I stacked egg cups on a tiered cake stand & paired it w/ my collection of sugar eggs & a playful bunny.

I didn't get a closeup of the chocolate bunnies on my hutch but you can click & enlarge. And I neglected getting pics of the wonderful sheet music cover you see on the wall...it's titled My Choc'late Rabbit & is from the 50's. It's one of my favorites in my collection!

My shoulder was well enough to hang my crocheted carrots from my chandelier. YEAH! It's been a year & a half since I could strech my left arm out high.

I'll be back later to share my one & only Easter 2011 art project...I'm so proud of it!

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way!

2011-04-12T09:11:00.005-05:00

Hi y'all! Check out the shadow box eggs that my grandson, Connor & I made! We started w/ one of those paper mache egg "boxes" from Germany....only this one had 2 tops & no bottom. ??? Anyway, I covered the inside back of mine w/ wrinkled tissue paper, then inked it...kissing it in spots w/ mica flakes.
click on any picture & then click again to enlarge for details

The outside of the egg is covered in glitter but it doesn't show up well in the pics. I rimmed mine w/ a crepe paper ruffle & then added a piece of grungy, coffee dyed pink ribbon & lace. For the bases, I used a glittered up tart tin but had some technical difficulties in glueing the egg on. So I wound a ring of tulle on the tart tin & glued the egg to the tulle. It's pretty solid now!

For the inside, I made a bunny out of chenille stems.

And added a banner.

This is Connor's egg...didn't he do a good job? Hard to believe that my all-boy, race car-loving, football-playing grandson can design & create something so lovely, huh? The only decision I made for him was to use the tart tin base & I talked him into rimming it w/ tulle. Which he later agreed was a nice touch.

I have to share what he said while we were making them (and I quote) "I think I'm gonna interject some color in mine since all your artwork is old & crusty looking." LOL He says that like it's a bad thing! *grins* I reminded him that my style is old, crusty & sparkly. ;)

He chose vintage wallpaper to line the back of the inside.

Adding a dolled up a tree w/ easter eggs & a porcelain boy bunny, offering an egg. It's appropriate since he is making this shadowbox egg has a gift for his mom.

Love the trim he picked out to use!

I'd also like to share the mini-Easter baskets all the grands made for their mom. We started off w/ nut cups...some chose a neutral & some chose silver. For this project, Connor said he was going to go w/ my "old & crusty style". I told him not to forget "sparkly". ;) From left to right it's Connor's (he did nail "my" style...the only thing I would have changed would be to omit the pink gems), Caeden's, Caralyn's & Coleson's.

Caralyn chose a sugar bunny to decorate her's with & Coleson wanted a fuzzy chick.

Love Caeden's idea of hiding an egg under the grass...so creative!

Shilah's favorite candy is jelly bellys so we'll add a few to each basket before giving them to her...won't she be thrilled when the Easter bunny comes to see her again, after all these years?

The Enchanted Tea Cottage....

2011-04-08T14:42:00.009-05:00

I'm finally sharing pictures of the Tea Cottage we remodeled for Caralyn's birthday last August. Better late than never right? ;) Cute, huh? Look at the before!!!! We've had it for years but it was only being utilized as a giant toybox for the grands. So 2 weeks before Caralyn's birthday (back in August in 104 temps!) I decide that I'm gonna remodel it for Caralyn's 5th birthday. I promised you pics then but am just now following through....sorry! We ripped off the log cabin roof & added shingles, put in a new floor & painted it white.

I know I have a pic of Caralyn in her playhouse somewhere but I can't find it so I'll share one of my favorite pictures, of my beautiful Caralyn Camille.

OK, back to the tea cottage. This is the view as you look through the dutch door & as you can see, we painted the inside pink. But I didn't go w/ the more muted, subtle pink I did in my studio. Caralyn likes her pinks bold & strong! It's actually a brighter color in person than it appears in photos. It lights inside & out at night.

The tea set I gave her to use out here. The little boys enjoy this cottage also (Noah calls it "the baby house") but neither bother any of the breakables. They are only allowed to play w/ the babies & a plastic tea set I keep in there for them. And believe or not...they leave all the china alone.

Looking through the front window. The tea cottage is cute but is it ever tiny!!! Even when I can squeeze my big butt in, I can't stand up. ;)

It's full of ballerina stuff...this is a thrift store frame than I hung a tutu (actually intended to be an ornament) on.

Most of her tutus are in the house in her dance drawer but this one is just for play.

Even these boys love the tea cottage. LOL

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I've got crafting plans w/ the grands. Connor & I need to finish up some shadow box eggs we started over Spring Break & then all of us are going to make mini-Easter baskets for their mom. I'll share pics of their creations next week. As well as pics of my Easter decor. It's all up & I am very happy w/ it this year.

Want a creative, beautiful gift card holder?

2011-03-31T18:38:00.007-05:00

Make one out of a toilet paper tube. ;) I saw these little "pouches" in one of the Somersets & knew they'd be great gift card holders. And they are! The cards fit just perfect in them. Just flatten the cardboard tubes, glue the bottom shut, paint & decorate. I gave them a light coat of beeswax before decorating & it realllllllly took them to a higher level. Made them look much more professional! (Don't be afraid of the beeeswax...it's super-easy!) I slipped the gift cards inside & then tucked a piece of tulle in also. One daughter loves pink so this one is her's.....

And my other daughter (Clifton's wife) loves blue so this one was for her. I used a cream chalk to tint the decorative paper blue.

I was very blessed in having the one daughter & then God blessed me again with Stacie. I couldn't love her more if I had given birth to her myself. And I'm pretty sure she feels the same about me as she calls me Mother. She & I are spending some girl time together this weekend & I'm really looking forward to it.

I've been spiffing up the Enchanted Tea Cottage & it occured to me that I never shared the make-over w/ y'all. So I'll be sure & get pictures tomorrow morning when the light is good.

Update...I didn't feel right not giving credit to the artist responsible for the toilet tube pouches idea so I went through my Somersets to find out who the artist is...it's Becky Shander. She does some amazing stuff!

Gotta love junkin'!

2011-03-25T13:08:00.005-05:00

And you gotta love a man who loves junkin'!!!! I'm very fortunate that my hubby likes to junk, nearly as much as I do. It's one of our favorite quality time activities. And a couple of weeks ago, we spent a whole day hitting the cattle barns flea, a thrift store, an estate sale & some garage sales....look @ all I came home with!

The cattle barns is a great place to find cheap bling!

The old rulers were a thrift store find, the old photos from the estate sale; as were the sterling S & P shakers....$3!!!!! And check out the old notepad paper...another thrift store find & only 39 cents.

Beautiful sugar bowl...garage sale...$1!

This perfume bottle was at the same garage sale as the sugar bowl & was also only a $1. It's beautiful now that it's clean & sparkly.

The lace pillow is already employed as a display/storage piece for my vintage, rhinestone brooches. LOVE the vintage bird print & I cannot seem to resist cheap china. I gotta get into mosaics.

All kinds of dolls & doll parts! And a lovely pink tatting trimmed hankie...only a quarter!

The little crystal bowl is already filled w/ mica flakes & the "pearl" hearts are actually button covers but I'll use them in art projects.

I have plans for the thimbles for my girls for Mother's day...shhhhh! Mum's the word!

I snagged the watches @ a garage sale for 25 cents a piece....they'll be used as mini-shadow boxes in jewelry designs.

I asked one of my favorite dealers if she had any super cheap bling for me to use in my art projects. She gave me 2 boxes of junk to dig out of. I spent over half an hour going through them but it was worth it...alll the bling on this sheet music was only $3....TOTAL! And as you can see...there was some good stuff mixed in w/ the junk!

Speaking of sheet music, one of the dealers @ the flea had a box w/ a 3" stack of sheet music in it. One dollar for the whole box!

Found this wonderful old doll dress, slip & bonnet @ a garage sale for $4.

And this old, fabulous christening gown was another cattle barns find but I had to pay $10 for it. I'm planning on using my collection of vintage baby garments (didn't pay more than $3 for any of them) as a valance in the guest/baby room & this nice piece will be the highlight of it.

Found this vintage cake topper @ the thrift store for only $2.99.

And I somehow neglected to get a pic of the other one I scored....for the same price & @ the same thrift store...but you can see it here behind the little leather bound books.

Quite a haul, huh? I am almost done w/ my Easter decor...then it's on to the Easter crafting....can't wait! I have big plans for Easter crafting this year.

The Super Moon was awesome!

2011-03-21T13:02:00.003-05:00

I hope you were able to see it! I set up the tripod & was able to snap a couple of decent pics....need a better camera though. Love this first one of it, behind the neighbors' tree.

Once it got high in the sky, it glowed so bright that it created a glare....this was as good as I could get.

It was just glorious and what a beautiful night for it!

Thanks for all the prayers & condolences....we're holding up. We have many wonderful memories to temper the sense of loss and that is always a blessing. Been staying really busy...making use of Spring Break last week to get some one on one time w/ each of the grands. Whew! It takes a lot of energy to make every day special! ;) No rest for the weary though as now I'm into spring cleaning & Easter decor....be back later!

It was a sad week for us....

2011-03-14T15:59:00.004-05:00

we suffered 2 devastating losses. On Wednesday, my cousin Bruce (he's on the right w/ my sisters & cousin Trey in this photo from the 80's) suffered an aortic aneurysm & passed away. My cousin Brucie was a very proper man but he also had a prankster, fun-loving side....scaring us with ghost stories about our grandparents' ranch when we were kids & years later, dressing up as Bigfoot at a girls' camp-out for one of his daughters. His funeral service was a reflection of that & was filled w/ laughter. I so admired the grace & humor displayed by his wife & adult children. Yes, humor...for Brucie left them w/ so many memories full of laughter, that it carried over into his service. We wept, sure....but we laughed far more than we wept. I wanna go out like that!

Brucie was a very successful man..... he was a lawyer here in Ft Worth but always swore that one day, he would write a screenplay & make a movie. I am thrilled to tell you that he lived to accomplish that goal...he wrote & was executive producer of a horror film entitled Beneath The Darkness. It stars Dennis Quaid & will be released in October of this year. I am so glad he lived to make the movie but sure wish he had lived long enough to see it's release. Even more, I wish that he were going to be here for the birth of his first grandchild...a boy. How heart-wrenching it was to see his daughter, big with child @ her father's funeral. :(

I am very, very fortunate to have known Brucie...he was a fun-loving, caring, do-right, intelligent, ambitious man who put his family first & foremost. All of his family....right down to his pesky younger cousins.

Give MamMaw & Colonel a big hug & kiss from me, Cuz! Tell them it's gonna be awhile but I do plan on making it there. ;)

And then on Friday, we suffered another devastating loss when we had to say good-bye to our chihuahua, Baby. She was 13 & had respiratory problems & started suffering horrible seizures from lack of oxygen, so we had to let her go. She was Princess I'll Do What I Want & kept her regal beauty, right up until the end though....as evidenced by this photo, taken just last summer.

I am honored to have been your queen Baby and although I'm not quite the task-master you were, I'll try to keep everybody in line. Love you Baby Girl!

I give you my heart....

2011-03-02T14:11:00.011-06:00

a lot of them actually! ;) I know Valentine's is past (even I've taken them down & put them away!) but I wanted to share a few projects w/ y'all.

This is my first solo-collage. I've done them before in tuts & workshops but this wood heart is the first piece I've done completely on my own. I'm very thankful for tips that I have learned.... like don't glue anything down until you're sure you're happy w/ it. I thought about it & messed w/ it for 2 days. Yep...2 days! And I thought I couldn't be happier w/ it but now that it's done, I think it could still use somethin' somethin'. Some more layers of papers as a base probably. But hubby says he likes it the way it is...what do you think? Anyhow, I really struggled w/ the design...had no clue where I was going or what I was using except that I wanted to make over a thrift store wooden heart. A very dated, very country'ish wood heart. Think mauve & blue w/ "Welcome Friends" stenciled on it. ;)

It's funny how the ideas are stepping stones for the eventual design, isn't it? The first thing I thought of; was to use a small frame, then I popped a frozen charlotte inside the frame & fell in love with it.

(click on any picture & then click again to enlarge for details)

But while on a search for an appropriate Valentine's poem in one of those old Ideals publications, I came across one entitled Lifetime Valentines & knew that I needed to put a picture of hubby & I in the frame so out w/ the charlotte idea.

I chose a favored photo of hubby & I, taken year before last on my birthday, & printed it out in greyscale.

I really struggled w/ the pointy bottom of the heart & what to put there...tried a blossom, lace scrap, chandelier prism etc but then I thought of the rhinestone buckle (a recent find from the cattle barns flea)...a strip of tea-dyed velvet ribbon & wallla!

This next project was a direct copy from the Red Shed Antiques blog. *blushes* But I fell in love w/ the cupid's arrow they shared & had to have one...how sweet!

My little Love Fairy....(image of charlotte doll can be found here)

This tag was inspired by a tag in my inspiration files but it's been in there for years & I don't remember who to give credit for it....sorry!

before you go, I'd like to share a few of the hearts that were hanging around my house. This little vignette is in a candy dish under an old, brass & copper magnifying glass that I got while thrifting (for under $5!) The grands love this display & are always eager to see if it's changed & what it contains.

A tiny perfume bottle & rhinestone heart pin, under glass.

This was hubby's father's Valentine from when he was a boy. It's dated 1945.

LOVE this vintage Valentine's card! Wish the glitter, it's covered in, showed.

Vignette inside an apothecary jar.

I am constantly asked how I can keep so much stuff around all the grands. I've had at least one grandbaby or toddler around for the past 12 years, yet I haven't baby'fied any of my house. They just don't mess w/ anything they're not supposed to. None of them (even Coleson AKA Mr Grabby) ever have. I know! I can't believe it either!!!! *grins*

LOVE this hand painted milk glass heart dish!

I draped a feather boa from my dining room chandelier, then strung gold beads & hung glittered hearts (I covered them w/ clear glitter to tone down the screaming red) w/ love words on them.

But of all the hearts, my most treasured will always be the heart I needle-felted out of my beloved Gizzy's fur. The hand holds his heart, his collar & tags & sits next to my favorite picture of him. You'll always be Top Dog to me, Gizzy!

I'm in the midst of painting a bow-front china cabinet for my studio so I haven't started on Easter decor. I'm not even pulling the bins out of storage until my studio is all clean & organized. Good thing Easter comes late this year!

Hope you're all doing well. I'm still having mega-puter issues (as those of you who are on email list are aware) & only log on when I have to so I'm missing visiting w/ you all. I'll come by & see you when I can.

He got what he wished for!

2011-02-21T14:24:00.004-06:00

Our son Clifton turned 30 years old yesterday & he received a birthday gift that thrilled him to pieces. He won his very first fishing tournament w/ a 52 lb catfish! It was just one lb short of Lake Worth's record! And not only did he win the prize for biggest fish, he made it a clean sweep by winning biggest stringer category too. And that was w/out adding in the 52 lb cat! I am soo happy for him (I must admit I shed tears of joy!).

The cat was too heavy for the guy, who weighs them, to hold up....

so Clifton had to do it. ;) At 6'6" there's not a whole lot of fish too heavy for him to lift.

Here he is releasing teh big cat ....

free to swim & grow bigger & maybe next time, Clifton'll break that lake record.

Clifton with his winnings...the day was such a special one for him. And I can't think of anyone who deserves to attain their dreams more than Clifton. Most of you know about his accident & his miraculous, incredible recovery so you know what I mean.

After his tournament, we had a small family get -together to celebrate. LOVE this shot w/ Clifton & all the kids swarming him. They sure think a lot of their Uncle Clifton & Daddy Clifton (it's what his son Noah calls him...drives Clifton nuts! but he's just copying what he hears his cousins say. LOL)

Father & son w/ the banana cheesecake I made for his 30th birthday. (lucky for me, him winning the tournament took some of the sting out of it for me...but good grief, how can my babies be that old?????)

Your father & I are so proud of you, Son & we couldn't be happier for you. I hope every birthday gifts you with all that you wish for!

Happy birthday Cutie Rudy!

2011-02-15T14:20:00.012-06:00

Our Rudy is 2 years old today! I can't believe it's been that long already! He is such a sweet, gentle-natured dog (never one sign of aggression...not a single growl or nip!) but a model he is not! I made him a birthday hat last year but never got a pic because he was so uncooperative. He yawns, licks his lips, looks away or simply lays down...all the while, w/ the saddest hang-dog, "why you doing this to me?" look on his face.

But this year I was determined & 50 pictures later ...I have a couple of decent pics of a very unhappy dog. *grins*

Here's the hat I made him last year. I plan on making coordinating ones for Baby & Sonny.

Here he is completely fed up w/ the whole picture taking process. LOL But I'll make it up to him w/ cake & a steak dinner tonight...complete w/ mashed potatoes & peas.

Speaking of Sonny, he is 8 mos old already! Talk about time flying! He soo LOVED the recent snows we've had here in Texas!

And 2 closer buds you'll never see than Rudy & Sonny....we call them Frick & Frack. They haven't gotten into a single fight! Not one! Although our chi, Baby & Sonny have tassled on many occasions. Baby sometimes attacks for no reason ...Rudy has always put up w/ it but Sonny tazzes out when she does. But never any tussles between the boys.

You know what's cuter than a shih tzu? Two shihts! ;) Here's the boys playing King of the Pot. They wrestle & bump each other & literally try to push the other out of the big whiskey barrel, that is empty for the winter. I spend a lot of time watching them chase each other & play...they're so much fun!

Hope everyone spent Valentine's with a loved one, even if it wasn't w/ a sweetheart. Hubby & I fondued....shrimp, chicken, scallops, mushrooms & onions but we did it in a jazzed-up pinot grigio instead of the typical oil. FANTASTIC! We also served buttered egg noodles w/ parmesan slivers, garlic toast & a salad...what a fun meal!

Before you go, I'd like to share the Valentine cake balls I made for the family. A photographer I'm not but I'm very proud of this shot. Beautiful & delish!

I made the grands' cake balls into cake pops.

Hubby made me chocolate strawberries. We served them w/ a chocolate wine called Dark Obsession. I'm obsessed all right!

But the sweetest Valentine's of all were the ones the kids made for their mom, last week when we were cooped up on a snow day. I piled the table high w/ supplies & gave them tips before they began (like layering, edging images w/ glitter glue, etc) but all the cards were designed by the kids themselves. I'm so proud!

This one is Connor's....

Caeden's....

Caralyn's.....(cannot wait for her to get a bit older....I see a budding artist here y'all! She's only 5 years old & look at the instinct for layering!)

And sweet Coleson's.....he include a piece of candy w/ his Valentine.

One of these days maybe I'll do a blog post that doesn't have a cajillion pictures in it but probably not. I never have the time to blog as much as I want & I always have so much to share. Oh well.....until next time!

Good to be back online!

2011-02-11T12:13:00.010-06:00

Golly! I can't believe I have posted in almost 2 months...that's a new record for even a slacker blogger like me! I have a multitude of reasons why...first & foremost, I've been w/out my puter. *sniff sniff* I've had trojan after trojan...that my virus ware couldn't get rid of. It turned out to be a trojan that got past my virus ware, then disabled the virus ware & left me wide open for any other trojans that wanted to come in. I finally got my puter back but I'm still having issues w/ it...it might be time to buy a new one. :(

I was too busy to post most of my Christmas decor so I'm determined to share my winter decor w/ y'all...even though it's all down & packed away & Valentine's has taken it's place.

My winter wish for all of you is that you stay safe, warm & happy! Hang on! Spring is right around the corner!

I LOVE the all white Christmas decor that is so popular right now but I've been collecting vintage Christmas "stuff" for many years & it's almost all in the traditional red & green. I know that as soon as I get rid of it, I'll tire of the all white & wish I had it all back. I also have a large collection of snow peeps & when I tried to fit it in w/ all my Christmas stuff it was wayyyyy, wayyyyy too much stuff. Drove me nuts trying to display it all & have it look good too! The solution to both problems is to decorate separately for Christmas & winter...I've been doing it for several years now. So as soon as Jan 2nd rolls around, I put up most of the Christmas stuff (pine sprigs, etc stay out for both seasons) & replace it w/ my winter white lovelies.

Not sure I'm as happy w/ my decor this year as I was w/ last year's. (you can see last year's here) I've been able to take pictures but had no puter to upload them to & pictures always enable me to fine-tune my work. I have the ability to see things as I envision them, not as they are. A big aid in being happy w/ what you got but a huge hindrance for decorating. ;) Pictures force me to take off those rose-colored glasses & see things as they are. I almost always take pics, load them view them; rearrange & fine tune & take pictures again to blog.

This is my faux mantel.

One of the tags I made last year. LOVE it's quote, "Kindness is like snow...it beautifies everything it covers".

My blinged out wire snow princess (made her a couple years ago).

Another tag I made last year.

The china cabinet in my living room. (I don't usually do seasonal decor in any rooms but the big main room downstairs...used to but with as much as I do, it takes FOREVER)

Thsi was a project from Beth & Karla's Romantic White Christmas tut. I didn't make any of them for Christmas (no time!) but did convert several into winter projects. This one was meant to be for winter anyway, wasn't it?

Beth shows how to make these rolled "roses" in the tut.

I covered my "mitten" w/ lace from a tattered tablecloth instead of using cardstock or decorative paper & I used a sweet, wintry image instead of the Christmas one Beth used.

This was my coffee table arrangement.

Remember this snow peep doll I made last year? You can see my post about it here.

The top hats I made last year made a reappearance. (I don't know what those purplish spots are)

And this hutch was my Christmas present....2 years in a row! LOL We bought it off craigslist right before Thanksgiving, year before last. But it was dark mahogany w/ scratches all over it (got a deal on it!). I really, really, really wanted it painted before Christmas but of course, didn't. When Christmas rolled around again & it was still in the garage, I decided "nuh-uh! I WILL get it painted before this Christmas. And I did...just in the nick of time. ;) Spent all day on Dec 22nd & 23rd painting & all Christmas Eve, putting it in place & decorating it but I got 'er done before Christmas. Now I just need to paint the table & chairs.

This is another project from teh Romantic Christmas tut...a sweet tag made from an old picture frame border.

Beth & Karla give lots of tips...like shadowing the image w/ a marker (or brown map pencil, like I used)

The winter cottage I made last year.

I filled this tiered wire basket w/ lace, brush trees, snowbabies, old baby shoes & tiaras. Say "Hi!" to Sonny! ;)

This feather wreath is yet another project from the Romantic Christmas tut. I've replaced the wintry image w/ a Valentine one & it's still hanging up. (The wreath is hung on an iron piece that I use as a room divider over my sofa.)

I'm really not at all happy w/ the centerpiece on my table. I still ADORE the snow peeps I made last year but I think the arrangement itself needs some fouf'ing. The candy jar was full of silver-wrapped chocolates but those didn't last too long & I smartly decided not to refill it. LOL

LOVE my snowmans on a stick! Still can't believe I made them myself! You can see the post about them here.

Inevitably, I'm asked for an image when I share projects I make so I'll share the images I used now. The picture frame border that I used on the tag was from Karla & Beth's tut though so I can't share it w/ you. You'll have to sign up for the tut yourself to get it but I promise you won't be sorry!

I don't remember where I got any of the images but would like to give credit where credit is due, so if it was your's or you know whose it was, let me know & I'll be happy to give credit!

I'll share my Valentine's decor this week. I know most of y'all will be taking it down by then but I leave mine up all during the month of February. Have a happy Valentine's day everybody!

2010-12-20T04:51:00.003-06:00

Day 20's box was crafted by Denise Marie @ Denise Marie Christmas.

Inside is a chubby, glittered Santa...thank you Denise!

I made another mini-"shadow box" out of box 20. The snowman was a vintage cupcake pick.

Down to the wire...are you all done? I think I am. I should be able to spend the rest of the week, celebrating & watching Christmas movies. *crossing my fingers I haven't forgotten anything* Enjoy the season y'all!

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-12-19T04:39:00.003-06:00

Today I am 50 years old! Gosh, I don't feel that old!!! I'm really looking forward to my 50's though. I spent my 20's taking care of the 3 very small children, spent my 30's trying to find myself (I somehow lost myself in my 20's in the mounds of laundry, snotty noses & school functions LOL) & I spent my 40's becoming the person I needed to be....the responsible, mature, rational person I always expected myself to be but never quite got there. Better late than never I guess! *grins* I plan on spending my 50's becoming the person I want to be. The artsy, stylish woman jaunting off to art retreats, taking creative workshops & trips w/ the girls & selling my creations....you know, a Karla. I still plan on maintaining my professional grandmother position though so it'll require some juggling cause I just don't seem to possess Karla's energy. ;)

We're starting the B-day off w/ bloody marys out @ the cattle barns flea & we'll follow it up w/ a trip to the craft store & then dinner @ my favorite place, Lucille's Bistro in Ft Worth. It's in a historic building from the late 1800's ( think it was a hardware store) w/ wonderful crown mouldings & w/ tin ceiling tiles....charming! After dinner, we'll cruise around looking @ Christmas lights. I just love birthdays....especially my own! LOL

Today I wanted to share a couple of tags I made. A couple are loosely based on tags made by the 2 gypsy girls @ One Lucky Day, for their advent calendar (I missed out on their kits) & a couple are almost out-right copies. They're providing free tuts for some tags so head on over & check them out!

Love the lace wrapped, & bead adorned stick in this next one...love it!

I used another resin bobble for this tag. I'll share more bobbles (I had so much fun making them!) & provide a link to Lisa's tut for them sometime soon, I promise.

Today's Day 19 matchbox was crafted by Angela @ Down to the Darling Details. Love it's cheerful snowman!

And inside was another cheerful snowman! Thank you Angela!

I made a little "shadowbox" out of my Day 19 box.

Happy Birthday to me....it's gonna be a fabulous decade!

My stocking to Steph & Day 18 boxes...

2010-12-18T04:33:00.003-06:00

Stephanie received my stocking to her (from the Joli Paquet Vintage Stocking Swap) the first part of the week so I wanted to share w/ y'all what I put together for her. I embellished a lace stocking w/ a wonderful cuff of vintage lace; adding crocheted snowflakes, rhinestone button, big lace bow & resin bobbles. We'll talk more about the bobbles on another day.

And inside I filled it up w/ a vintage brush & mirror set that I altered, millinery blooms, plastic rose shoe clips ( too cool...they feel like wax!), vintage seam bindings & assorted goodies.

Click on pictures & then click again to enlarge for details

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

I have collected vintage hats for years...I decorate my downstairs guest bath with them. Ever since I discovered Karla's blog (AKA the Hat Whisperer), I've been buying them w/ plans for deflowering them but never could bring myself to do it. But Stephanie has a thing for millinery blooms so it was time I bit the bullet. I'm afraid that no hat will be safe around me now. LOL Here's the little pile of blossoms I sent her; along w/ a rhinestone S.

I included a trio of bottle brush trees I bleached, painted & then dipped in mica flakes (Steph decorates in pastels for Christmas)....as well as a vintage pomander, appropriately adorned for the season.

But the pièce de résistance for this swap was the vintage, eyeglass holder bejeweled w/ rhinestones that I sent. I've told y'all before that I always include a "heart item" in my swaps. A "heart item" is a gift that makes your heart scream " NOOOOOOO...you wanna keep me!" It's good therapy for my hoarding nature plus, it ensures that every swapper gets a little piece of my heart. ;)

I had a lot of fun w/ this swap....thanks Steph! And thanks to Cerri & the others @ Joli Paquet for hosting!

Today's Day 18's adorable box was crafted by Bonnie @ Bonnie Lass' Art Cafe.

Inside is a tiny felt ornament...thank you Bonnie!

Inside my Day 18 box is another vintage earring turned into a magnet.

I am done, done, done, done, done with my shopping! WooHoo!!!! Maybe now I can get some crafting in. I'm not one of those crafters who craft ahead of the season, I like to do it in the throes of the festivities. Which means that I never have as much time but always realllly enjoy it when I do. ;)

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Day 17 boxes...

2010-12-17T04:29:00.001-06:00

Day 17's box was crafted by Genie @ Buttons for Baga.

Inside was a beautiful pearl bar pin. Thank you Genie...I love it!

Inside my Day 17 box was another crepe paper rosette ornament.

A special necklace & Day 16 matchbox...

2010-12-16T04:08:00.001-06:00

Today I'm sharing a necklace I made for my sister-in-law for Christmas... I love it! (So does she by the way) I think I'm gonna have to make one like it for myself. My birthday is Sunday (the big 50!) so I think I deserve it. ;)

I used a vintage rhinestone button as the centerpiece & hung a chandlier prism from it. For the chain, I used vintage rosary beads & a pearl & aurora borealis strand from an old bracelet. The diamond-shaped accent pieces came off a huge, gaudy earring from the 80's!

I loved creating this necklace & had it together in less than 45 minutes (and that's counting the time it took to gather all the materials). I didn't like stringing beads in my first foray into jewelry making but this was just attaching jump rings...even I can do that! LOVE it!

And I LOVE Day 16's box! It's shaped like a house...how creative, huh? It was crafted by the talented Marcia @ Vintage French Hen. Too, too cute!

And inside is one of my favorite gifts from the swap...a stamped piece of muslin "ribbon". What a great idea! Wish I had thought of it! Thank you Marcia!

Inisde my Day 16 box was another mini-"garland".

A dance recital & boxes 13, 14 & 15...

2010-12-15T15:16:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday was Miss Caralyn's first dance recital...what fun! I took her a bouquet of flowers (every dancer needs a bouquet on the day of their performance, don't you think?) & while she was too nervous to appreciate them before her performance, she wouldn't let go of them afterwards. *grins*

Here she is in her dance outfit & holding her bouquet. They tap-danced to Frosty the Snowman...wish I could share the video but it's too long for blogger. But she did just great...I was soo proud of her! I look forward to watching her dance & dance & dance over the years! All grandkids are great but there's just something special about a girl, you know? ;)

Now on to the boxes...Day 13's box was crafted by Kim @ Blackberry Crows Prims.

And inside is a tiny gold bell. Thank you Kim!

My Day 13 gift was another bottle cap charm.

Day 14's box was crafted by Sherry @ If I Could Set My Soul Free.

With a beautiful beaded felt poinsettia inside...thank you Sherry!

My Day 14 gift was a crepe paper rosette ornament.

And today's Day 15 box was crafted by Michelle @ Faerie Dust Dreams.

Inisde is an adorable bottle cap magnet. Thank you Michelle!

My Day 15 gift was a another one of the chandlier prisms/tag danglies.

I know I've been sporadic in my matchbox postings but hubby made it in early from his business trip & we've been enjoying one another. I was able to really get a lot done while he was gone (he's been gone since Thanksgiving weekend) but it wasn't much fun doing it by myself. He should be home through the first of the year though so we should have plenty of time to annoy one another. LOL Hope everyone is having a joyful, relaxed Christmas!

My ticky-tacky vintage wreath & Day 12 box...

2010-12-12T08:13:00.001-06:00

All of my long-time readers know that I am a thrifter...a thrifter deluxe! I mean I'm good at it. ;) I find the neatest stuff @ thrift stores ...sometimes @ the neatest prices. AndI cannot resist anything vintage (as long as it's cheap! LOL)...and I mean, if it's vintage & it's cheap then it's coming home w/ me....done deal! Especially if it's vintage Christmas. Even ugly vintage Christmas!

Which explains how I wound up w/ tons & tons of vintage, tacky, UGLY Christmas "doodads". Last year, I decided to take all that ~~crap~~ stuff & load up a wreath w/ it. First I sprayed the wreath w/ a bit of white paint (just hit it in spots here & there to add some depth) then I glued on the ugliest, tackiest ornaments you ever saw! I LOVE it! It reminds me of the Christmas corsages women used to wear. (you can see my collection here in a post I made 2 years ago) Gloriously tacky!!! Just the way I like my Christmases. LOL

The "centerpiece" of the wreath is a beaded, felt Santa in a hot air balloon that I bought at an estate sale a couple of years back. And look! There's still room to add more tacky, ugly, vintage stuff that needs a home!

click picture & then click again to see all the ticky, tacky ornaments in detail

The wreath w/ our life-size caroling Santa. Until I saw this photo, I didn't think the door needed garland over & around it but now I'm not so sure. What do y'all think?

Now on to the matchboxes...Day 12's box was created by Pam @ Faster Kitty Blog Blog .

Inside are 2 tiny little ornaments...a Santa & a Christmas tree. Thank you Pam!

My gift for Day 12 was a dangly ornament made from a chandelier prism & tag.

Geeez...the 12th already? I better get off the puter & get busy!!!!

My Vintage Stocking has arrived!

2010-12-11T07:18:00.004-06:00

Gosh I love swaps! And Joli Paquet's Vintage Stocking Swap was a fun one! Look at what came in my mail the other day! Stephanie @ Tart Deco was my swap partner...be sure & check out her etsy...lots of great vintage items!

She adorned the stocking w/a red doily that she wove lace through & then added a tulle ruffle. Very clever!

The turquoise piece on teh stocking is a brooch. And just look at all these goodies!!!!

The glittered shoes are adorable & I just love the buttons & stamped tag & pin in the background.

A pink chiffon handkerchief, a bunch of felt butterflies, (2 are beaded!), vintage earrings (as y'all know...I use a whole lot of those!) & a stamped Peace on a ribbon. The stocking I made Steph needed sumpthin' sumpthin' & this little snippet of ribbon was just what it needed!

Love this little blossom & the Laura Ashley post-its are almost too pretty to use. I do think I'll use them in tags & stuff instead of post-its though.

And I love this hair clip from her esty shop! It's made from a vintage millinery flower. I wear hair clips almost everyday....love it!

Some sweet flocked chicks, bears & bunnies...will be great in an Easter diorama.

And she included a fabulous beaded egg. My grandmother used to make beaded ornaments. Maybe I should take up the craft?

And that ain't all...just look at this pile of crafting goodies! Laces, papers, stickles, stickers & paper flowers...thank you so much Steph! What a fun swap this one was!

And I haven't forgotten about today's matchboxes ...today's Day 11 box was crafted by Sophia @ Blue Chair Diary.

Inside was a wonderfully adorned paper clip. Thank you Sophia!

My Day 11 box gift was another domino/charm. I reallly wish I had spaced the double gifts out a little better. You just saw this one in the last post. Geeeze!

We're coming down to the wire...are y'all ready? Wish I could say I was but Christmas ALWAYS catches me un-prepared. *sigh* I guess it's the nature of the season.

Day 7, 8, 9 & 10 matchboxes....

2010-12-10T11:22:00.008-06:00

Well, I don't guess I've done too well w/ posting a matchbox every day, huh? :( I'm sorry...I really had the best intentions but even w/ pre-scheduling them, you have to schedule in the time to compose them. ;)

Anyway, with no further ado...here are the matchboxes! Day 7 was crafted by Kathy (no blog address).

She managed to pack 2 wonderful gifts into that tiny matchbox, a fabulous bottle cap magnet (done w/ resin...can't wait to try it!) & a mini- padded ornament. Thanks Kathy!
My Day 7 gift was another vintage earring turned into a magnet.

LOVE the burned edges on the Day 8 wrapper...it doesn't show up very well in the pic but it's a really nice effect. This one was crafted by Tracy @ Daily Bubbles.

Inside was a tiny glass candy cane....too sweet! Thank you Tracy!

My Day 8 gift was a mini-domino that I turned into a charm.

Day 9 matchbox was crafted by Amanda @ Whispering Christmas Dreams ....lovely, isn't it?

And inside was a miniature red velvet bow....thanks Amanda!

My Day 9 gift was another vintage earring w/ a magnet glued on the back. But I glued this one onto a rosette of tulle first.

LOVE the Day 10 box crafter by Michelle & Ashley @ The Tattered Quilt Cottage.

And I LOVE this adorable beaded snowman! Thanks Ashley & Michelle!

My Day 10 gift was a bottle cap charm.

Have a great weekend everybody & take time to enjoy the season!

Day 6 matchbox....

2010-12-06T06:16:00.002-06:00

Today's Day 6 matchbox was crafted by a blogging friend of mine, Mary Pernula @ JMPPastimes. I think her's is the only one I received from someone I knew. Her design was also one of the most unique... she added sheet music wings & turned it into a snow angel. Thanks Mary...I LOVE it!

Inside was a tiny little gingerbread house. Too cute!

For the Day 6 Matchbox I made...I strung some pearls & some letter beads onto embroidery floss & made a mini-"banner".

Hope everyone has the shopping done (I don't!) & that you have a good week!

Day 5 matchbox swap revealed...

2010-12-05T06:54:00.002-06:00

Day 5's matchbox was crafted by Valery @ It's an Alien Life . Love the simple but dynamic graphics!

And inside is a wonderful felt dangly ornament! Thank you Valery...how did you know I love dangly? ;)

Inside the Day 5 box I sent was a vintage earring turned into a magnet.

Day 4 matchbox...

2010-12-04T06:45:00.003-06:00

Day 4's matchbox was crafted by Linda @ Country Pickin's...too cute! Love the button on top of the snowflake!

Inside was a tiny angel ornament & an even tinier key. LOVE it! Thanks Linda!

Inside the Day 4 box I crafted was another dolled up rusty key. I made pairs of all the contents in my matchboxes so you'll see repeats of the same gift. Hopefully they'll be spaced out a bit better though...y'all just saw this rusty key on Day 1. *blushes*

Tonight the grands & I are having a Christmas "party". We'll drink eggnog, watch Christmas movies & "find the pickle." We've adopted the German tradition of hiding a pickle ornament on the tree...whoever finds it gets a prize. Course @ Honey's house everyone gets a prize. ;) I hid it reallllly well this year. Can you see it? I wrapped the branches of the tree around it & then put a cluster of balls in front of it. It may take them all night to find it! LOL

Have a great weekend everybody! May it be filled w/ Christmas music, glitter & love!

My beautiful, vintage tree & Day 3 matchboxes...

2010-12-03T06:27:00.006-06:00

Good morning! Hope you're into vintage ornaments as this posts features my tree & it is picture heavy! Your scrolling finger is gonna get a work-out... Sorry! But I deleted dozens of photos after uploading them so it could be worse. LOL I'll keep the verbage to a minimum though & if you're not interested in vintage ornaments, just skip down to the Day 3 matchboxes...my feelings won't be hurt, I promise!

Anyway, I love, love, love, love, love my tree! It's literally dripping w/ ornaments...most are vintage Shiny Brites, many are the Merck's Family Old World Christmas (high quality reproductions), given to me by my children over the years & some are cheaper, vintage style ornaments used as fillers. I use no garlands, bows or assorted doo-dads....just hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of ornaments w/ a handful of clip-on glass birds. For years, I've wanted bubble lights to complete the vintage look (my grandmother had them on her tree) but haven't been able to find any @ a price I wanted to pay. Last weekend at the cattle barns flea, I scored 6 complete sets for $25! Now all it's missing is tinsel (ain't gonna happen on a fake flocked tree though!) & high enough ceilings so that I can put the tree in an urn. I'd fill the urn up w/ overflow ornaments...if I only had ceilings high enough. *sigh* So it's not perfect but it's pretty dang close. And it looks better w/ the more ornaments on it so I can add more & more & more. And then some more! I can't see me EVER having my tree any other way.

click on picture & then click again to enlarge for details
My tree skirt is a beautiful beaded, vintage skirt....LOVE it! I've had it for years but never put it under the tree until now. If the dogs pull off so much as one sequin though, it'll have to be pulled up. Underneath the tree skirt is a vintage quilt made of all polyester squares (think leisure suits .... UGLY!) but backed w/ a luxurious beautiful green velvet.

The crowning glory of my tree is a crown. LOL I have a collection of vintage toppers too but I display them in other places.

This the view in the mirror behind the tree.

And the obligatory night-time shot. All Christmas trees are beautiful at night though...I think mine looks best in the light of the day, with the sun glinting off all the ornaments.

And now on to the matchboxes...today's lovely Day 3 matchbox was made by Kelly @ Cherry Kingdom ...isn't it gorgeous? And what a magical shade of blue!

Inisde is a snowman pin & a teensy-tiny paper doll. Thank you Kelly!

Inside the Day 3 box I made is a little doily, dressed up some w/ glitter, book page & a Noel star.

Here's to a very merry Christmas!

Day 2 of the advent match box swap!

2010-12-02T06:12:00.002-06:00

Day 2's matchbox was crafted by Marie @ Spun By Me . I can't tell you how pretty all these boxes are...isn't this one sweet? Inside the vintage milk glass teacup is eggnog (spiked of course!LOL)...every day I toast to the giver of the matchbox...here's to you, Marie. Thank you!

Inside was a charming bottle cap charm.

Inisde the Day 2 box I created, I put scrabble tiles spelling out Noel.

Tomorrow I'll share some pics of my Christmas decor along w/ Day 3's matchbox...see y'all then!

Countdown to Christmas!

2010-12-01T11:04:00.003-06:00

Today is December 1st & time to start the countdown to Christmas for the advent matchbox swap held by Linda @ A Swap for all Seasons. Linda is a wonderful swap hostess & if you've been on the fence about joining a swap, I encourage you to sign up for her next one...she ensures that everybody gets a swap, so no risk. Plus she sent a goodie bag...can't beat that!

This advent matchbox swap was sooo much fun...loved it! Here's my mini-aluminum tree, all decked out w/ the matchboxes.

This is the #1 box ....crafted by Sherry Edwards @ Sherry's Simple Blog . Isn't it lovely? LOVE the postage stamp stamp!

Inside is an altered domino...very pretty!

I've already shared the boxes I made w/ y'all but not the contents (I didn't want to ruin the surprise for any swappers who read my blog). But this is what was inside the #1 box I sent....an old rusty key, dolled up w/ a bit of bling. Wonder who got it?

I'm gonna do my best to actually make this an advent blog swap & post each day about that day's matchbox...I'm gonna do my posts 5 @ a time & schedule them so they'll be ready whether I am or not. ;)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here...I'm almost done! Did have a minor blip when I unpacked my beloved flocked tree though. The lid for the top half of the tree had developed a crack & there must be a leak in our shed, cause the bin was inches deep in water & my beautiful, flocked tree was all rusty & deflocked! :( I tried to go w/ the flow but that flocking really showcases my collection of vintage ornaments...where in the heck was I gonna find another? Hobby Lobby didn't have one, neither did Target, Big Lots, Michael's or Target. It wouldn't have been a huge deal except I have been wanting bubble lights on it for years...it was the only thing my tree lacked. And I had just scored 6 sets that morning at teh flea! Live trees are out of the question with the allergy problems some of the grands have. I thought I was gonna have to pay $200 for an unflocked tree that I hated. But I convinced hubby to persevere & we drove to Garden Ridge. SCORE!!!! Couple of hours spent looking & a couple hundred dollars spent but I have my beautiful, beautiful flocked tree, dripping w/ thousands of vintage ornaments & complete w/ bubble lights. You'll have to come back & see it...I'll be sharing it in a couple of days.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Meet my new love!

2010-11-22T12:33:00.008-06:00

I can't believe I've had Sonny Boy for almost 3 mos & haven't shared him w/ y'all! But he is my new love...my heart dog, as I call him. Y'all know I love my Rudy but he's everybody's dog, not mine. And I need a little companion by my side....someone to follow me & listen to me (w/out talking back! LOL) Rudy is more likely to be hanging out w/ the grands than he is me. Not that I would change that about him, there's not much about him I would change but I need a dog that makes me the center of their universe. I've been talking about getting another shiht for a year but I've delayed....knowing that my heart dog would call me, just like my beloved Gizzy called to me so many years ago. So I waited on that sign & waited & waited...all the while, knowing that it would be easiest to raise 2 puppies @ the same time. Instead of going through the housebreaking & the teething, only to turn around & do it all over again. But I didn't want just any dog...I wanted my heart dog. So I remained patient & then one day, hubby & I are in the car talking dog talk & discussing different breeds. I told him, "shihts will always be the dogs for me". And as I said it, we passed a sign hanging on a fence, reading "Shih Tzu puppies for sale". So I wonder, "is this the sign I've been waiting for?" LOL

I couldn't take my mind off it & called when I got home. To my dismay, those puppies had already been sold but then I still felt driven to finding my heart dog that day. And I mean compelled & almost frantic! I spent hours looking @ online ads & saw many, many adorable puppies but when I locked eyes w/ this little bugger...I knew he was the one & the only one.... I had to have him! I called & left message but never heard back (I didn't bother to call about any others cause they weren't the dog for me, even if they wre little cuties). All day long, I fretted & fretted & finally @ 8:00 that evening, I received a call back. The lady told me she had one shiht left, a male. I asked her to tell me honestly, why she thought he was the last puppy left & she said "cause he doesn't like anybody but me; he's constantly by my side".

We drive 2 hours (on a Friday night) to see him & as soon as I picked him up, he melded into me & he was mine!

This is the pic that stole me heart w/ just one look....it was taken @ his breeder's house & he was 11 weeks old. The breeder's teenage daughter had tried to keep him for herself but he refused everybody but her mother...until I came along. I joke that he was saving himself for me like I was saving myself for him. ;)

Here's Sonny @ a grand's birthday party...pining away for his Mama. He's very friendly w/ everyone, even strangers but he is my constant companion...my heartbeat @ my feet.

The paci is in his mouth most of the day...too cute!

We scored a big bonus w/ the love that Rudy & Sonny share for each other....they're very, very close. But although they look so much alike, they're completely different in personality. Rudy is timid & fearful, even a little neurotic & is a bit of a loner. Sonny is bold, friendly, assertive (our chi can't boss him around!) & needs constant companionship.

Here they are napping together, looking more like one dog than two.

But as much as Sonny loves Rudy, he'll ditch him in a second if I leave the room. I like to say that "many dogs will hold pieces of your heart but very few will be your heart."

This is my heart, all wrapped up in fur & w/ a bit of an attitude...my Sonny Boy.

BTW look at teh lack of drainage from Sonny's eyes (you can see the dark tear streaks in the first pic of him @ 11 weeks). If your dog has allergies or suffers from drainage from the eyes (as so many white faced dogs do) I highly suggest Blue Buffalo dog food. It's kinda pricey (even more than the Science Diet prescription food I used to have to feed Gizzy) but it is sooo worth it. We started feeding it to Rudy cause it was recommended by our vet (Rudy is an allergy sufferer) but when I noticed that Sonny had no more tears, I looked at the ingredient list out of curiousity...they use all deboned chicken (for their puppy food, Rudy's food is salmon based), no glutens, no corn & all natural ingredients like dried blueberries, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc. Just go read the ingredients label & that alone will convince you to feed it to your furbaby.