My little elf...

Over the holiday, I spent time playing in Photoshop with some of the photos I took, here are 2 of my favorites...


Jaelyn
One of the 2 little girls I keep part-time during the week. She is the sweetest little girl, very quite, very well behaved and I just love having her around. She's such a happy child too.

Another busy week ahead, although a short one. Nothing planned for New Year's Eve, we normally hang out at home. We'll watch a bit of football, maybe a movie, just sit back and enjoy. If I fix a meal, it will be fondue, if we get take-out, it will be Chinese.
Hope you have a great week.
Be back soon.

Happy holiday...

Hope your Christmas was wonderful.
We have been busy...Christmas Eve day we drove to Harrisonburg to finish our shopping. I also had to get frames and Harrisonburg was the closest location with any in stock. It took about 2 hours to get there, my favorite part of the trip was the portion over snow covered Afton Mountain. Shopping complete, we ventured to Walmart for our groceries. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning cooking and preparing for a 2 days of family and celebration. We had our family get together Christmas afternoon and then the day with our children and grandchildren yesterday. A very simple and laid back holiday. Just what we needed. Spent the morning picking up around the house, getting things put away. I'm ready to take down my tree but that can wait. I feel the need to play with paper and glue.
Busy days ahead, my gallery display needs lots of new items and I have several album projects to complete.
Hope your holiday season is a happy one.
Be back soon.

Ornaments

I love to recycle, I save a variety of items. A couple of years ago it seemed I recieved a CD of some sort in the mail on a daily basis, AOL was famous for sending them weekly and I saved them all!
Here are some of the ornaments I created using them...

Imagine

Dream

Faith

Believe

Away in a Manger
The music is from old hymnals, I created 5 of these using different hymns.

Angel

Winter Fun

Many of these have already sold, took a few new ones down to the market last Friday and I'm working on a whole series with birds for Bird Lovers Day in January.

Just 2 more days...

We are headed out very early in the morning to finish our shopping. Sounds very last minute however we planned it this way. We both have the day off, one of very few we get, and decided several weeks ago we would spend the day finishing up, then we are treating ourselves to lunch out, then grocery shopping, then home for the holiday. Tomorrow night will be spent wrapping gifts and cooking. I have plenty of Christmas music, all the fixins for hot chocolate and White Christmas is on all day on A&E.

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season.

Have a great day.

Be back soon.

O' Christmas Tree

It took a while but I finally got the tree decorated last week and thought I would share a few photos...

This year our main tree stands in the corner of the dining room. I didn't feel like moving furniture in the living room to make room.

Lots of white lights and ornaments, I like to cover my tree.

Baked cookies yesterday and hope to get some wrapping done this evening.
Going to be at the market this afternoon, lots to do this morning before I leave so I better get busy.

3 more days...

Have a great day.

Be back soon.

How we spent our weekend...

It began snowing here about 3:15 on Friday afternoon.

This was Friday night, already 5 to 6 inches on the ground and still coming down.

Early Saturday morning, at least 16 inches and still snowing.

Later Saturday morning, we begin to dig out, it's still snowing. It stopped sometime early afternoon. Almost 24 hours of snow. With the temperatures remaining low all week, it's expected that a lot of the snow will still be on the ground on Christmas Day.

Sunday morning, more digging.

Sunday afternoon.

By late afternoon, we can finally get to the road.

Since I couldn't go anywhere, I got all my gifts made, watched a lot of football, even got a bit of cleaning done, very productive weekend.

Hugh got to work okay this morning although it took quite a bit longer than usual. Route 29 from here to Lynchburg was a solid sheet of ice at 5:30am.

Hope you had a great weekend, enjoy your week.

Four more days...

Be back soon.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Vintage image courtesy of Clearly Vintage.
We are preparing for a winter storm in our area, snow is expected to begin around noon. Accumulations of 8 to 14 inches are forecasted, more snow than the last several winters combined.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas and my dream may come true.
Hope your week has been good, have a wonderful weekend.
Be back soon.

Everyone needs an angel...

Beautiful angel...
Vintage image courtesy of Digital Imagery Plus.
I'm in a frenzy but it's all good. Had a terrific day at the market on Saturday and busy getting restocked for this Saturday. Also took 7 custom orders and working on getting them all done so they can be picked up this weekend. A wonderful kind of busy.
We spent the rest of the weekend visiting my daughter, Amy and her boyfriend Matt, in Fredericksburg. They took us out to dinner on Saturday evening and then back to their house to play games. A great way to keep my mind off the pain in my heart. Sunday was the first anniversary of the loss of our beloved Debbie, my stepmom, my sister, my best friend. It's been a rough time for our family however I find some comfort in believing that we have the most wonderful angel looking down on us.
So today, this angel is for you...everyone needs an angel.
Hope you are having a fantastic week.
Be back soon.

To market, to market...

That's were I'm headed later today.

Another vintage image to share. Looks like she's spreading Christmas cheer with a basket full of goodies.
I miss my cookie making days. I would spent weeks choosing recipes and then an entire weekend before Christmas doing nothing but baking cookies, as many as 15 different kinds. I would then make up platters, boxes and tins and delivery them to neighbors and coworkers. One year I made 6 different kinds of flavored popcorn and altered gallon paint cans for packaging. I haven't baked much of anything at Christmas since losing my job in 2005 and we no longer have neighbors since moving in 2007. I won't have time for much baking this year however I think I will pick back up the tradition next year, not so many but at least a few.
Hope your Friday is a happy one.
Be back soon.

Sweet girl...

A sweet, vintage image for you today courtesy of Digital Imagery Plus.
Didn't have either of the girls yesterday so I spent part of the day running errands and the other part hanging out at the market. Took some handmade birds to sell and sold 2 before I left.
I also sold 4 of my ornaments and got special order for a 5th from a lady visiting from North Carolina. I'm very pleased with how things are going at the market and look forward to spending a lot of time there.
Jaelyn is here today and we have been coloring this morning. It's wonderful to see the delight a few crayons can bring a child.
Lots to do for another Saturday of Mistletoe Market and I think we may be putting up a tree this evening. Still lots of emotion but life goes on and I must too.
Hope you are having a great day.
Be back soon.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

Sharing a vintage image with you today, enjoy!
Hope you are having a wonderful day.
Be back soon.

This year...

The holiday season is in full swing, well, almost. I am getting a slow start here at the house, finding it hard to get started. Just as I was getting in the swing of the season last year, our family suffered a great loss, the unexpected passing of my stepmom. I never got my tree decorated, it stood in the living room with nothing but lights until the day after Christmas and then was promptly returned to the basement. Obviously, Christmas will never be the same for us and it's hard to think about celebrating without the person that made the holiday so special year after year. I know we'll get through it with the love and support of each other.
I mention this because normally I would fill my blog with photos of my home, my decorations, all the traditions of Christmas. I'm not prepared to do that this year and I hope you understand. I will be sharing a few handmade gifts and lots of seasonal images over the next few weeks and hope you will stop by often.
Mistletoe Market went well this weekend, dispite the nasty weather. Children waited patiently to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and folks stood in line for their free carriage ride even in the rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow. The event continues the next 2 Saturdays.
Hope you have a great week, I'm busy finishing projects for customers and getting a few gifts made.
Have a wonderful Monday.
Be back soon.

Mistletoe Market

I'll be downtown at the Community Market today participating in Mistletoe Market. A great place to find unique, handmade Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. Come on down if you are in the area, stop by and say hello. Mistletoe Market will be held for the next 3 Saturdays.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Be back soon.

A little something to share...

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season, is the music. Beginning with Black Friday, all the way through Christmas day, I can listen to it 24 hours a day. I am particularly fond of the traditional hymns and carols.
Remember the hymnals from the post last week? Here's one of the ornaments I created...

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
I covered an old cd with music, added a vintage image, a few rhinestones, ribbon and some glitter. So much fun and so easy to make. I've made several and have them hanging in my display at the market.
I am so far behind, have not yet begun to decorate for the holiday. I have 5 gifts still to make plus a long list of projects, many that need to be done by Christmas. Life is good, I refuse to stress!
Hope you are having a great week.
Be back soon.

Busy weekend...

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a quiet dinner, just the 2 of us and celebrated with family on Friday. Spent Saturday morning at the market and the afternoon bargain and treasure hunting. Today we ran errands and finished our Christmas shopping. The four days sure went by quickly.
I spent some time on my Gratitude album for this year and it's ready for photos...

It's created from a kit I found among my stepmother's things after she passed away. Our Thanksgiving was bittersweet, our first since she passed. Seems fitting to use an album that belonged to her.
Will be busy most of this week getting ready for the first Saturday of Mistletoe Market.
Hope your week is great!
Be back soon.

With gratitude...

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Butterfly dreams...

Sharing a postcard today...

I created this card for a challenge at Three Muses, the theme was In Your Dreams.
Not a lot of extra time this week, working on getting ready for Mistletoe Market.
Hope you had sweet dreams last night.
Have a pleasant day.
Be back soon.

Happy Monday

Hope you had a lovely weekend.
I spent Saturday morning working on my display in the Heritage Crafters Gallery at the community market. The market was quite busy and I enjoyed meeting a lot of great folks. By the time I left that afternoon, I was pretty pleased with my display however had a list of things I want to do to make it more appealing. I have an even longer list of things to make. It's so wonderful to be fortunate enough to do what I love everyday.
Spent yesterday morning at my dad's, he is recovering quite well from his foot surgery, he's up and around with the aid of crutches. He's having surgery again in January and will be laid up much longer.

Just fascinating how the leaves have all fallen from one side.

Found a lot of great books at the flea market last Saturday, 11 hymnals, 2 cookbooks, 1 flower book, 9 children's books and a book on the White House, all for $8. I've already removed the Christmas hymns from one of the hymnals and made a few ornaments which I'll share soon.
Have a fantastic Monday!
Be back soon.

Tis the season...

no, I'm not trying to rush Christmas. It makes me sad to see decorations up, music playing and endless advertising before we have even celebrated Thanksgiving.
It's football season and yes, I'm a big fan. I'm crazy about college football, it's exciting, they play with their hearts. In honor of the season, thought I would share one of my images with you. I bought this almost 20 years ago in an antique shop in Indiana. I believe, and I could be wrong, this is a University of Cinncinati player. Quite ironic since I've been following their season closely this year. Go Bearcats!

Hope you have had a wonderful week. Mine has been extremely busy. Participated in Bella's Girls Night Out last night. The market was open during the event and when I arrived, I was surprised to find that they had my permanent space ready for me. Got partly set up and will tote more items down on Saturday and get really creative. Met lots of the vendors and the crowd was good.
Have a happy Friday.
Be back soon.

Another door opens...

Photo taken at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that when one door closes, another door opens. Last week I submitted several items for review and I'm excited to announce that I'm going to have a display in the Heritage Crafter's Gallery at the Community Market in Lynchburg. The gallery is open 6 days a week and is a popular place for Christmas shopping. I'm also participating in the Girls Night Out Holiday Open House on Thursday evening. Things seem to be falling into place, this is just the opportunity that I've been hoping for.
So needless to say, I'm feeling pretty good right now, lots to do to get ready but feeling pretty good!
The weather yesterday was fabulous and we were out of the house by 8am. Spent the day running a few errands and junk shopping. Also took lots of photos, I'll post a few soon.
I may be absent a little over the next few weeks as I prepare to move into the market, hope you understand, I promise to share lots of photos and details of my new venture.
Hope your week has started well.
Be back soon.

Lost...

I created this postcard for a challenge at Three Muses, the theme for the challenge was Fowl Play.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Be back soon.

Happy Friday the 13th

I'll be out and about all day today, things to do, people to see.
It's going to be a fabulous day, hope your's is too.
Be back soon.

Said the butterfly...

Sharing another postcard...

Said the butterfly

Love this quote. I use a lot of butterflies in my art, there's something so magical about them.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Be back soon.

Saluting Our Veterans

Veteran's Day, a day of thanksgiving and prayer as we honor those that have served.
Today has an extra special meaning for me as all 4 of my brothers, my father, stepfather and father-in-law and both grandfather's have served. Three of my brothers are still active and one is being deployed on January 10, 2o10 for his second time to Iraq. This will be the fourth deployment of one of my brothers in the last 4 years. I understand the sacrifices that are made and I am so very proud of the men in my family.
I made a card to commemorate the day...

Saluting Our Veterans
The little sailor image is from challenge 48 at Art Creations Friday. My card also fits into the current theme of Remembrance at Created By Hand.
To all veterans, I thank you for your service and I salute you.
Have a great day.
Be back soon.

Sneek peek...

Sharing a few sneek peeks into my Soul Journal...

Bits and pieces of a creative process, love, love, love it!

Are you ready to begin the process? I hope so.

More to share...soon.

Have a great day.

Be back soon.

Reflection...

Another ATC to share today. The background came from Art Creations Friday, it was for challenge 46 which I didn't get done in time however thought I would share anyway...

Reflection...
This has been me that last few weeks, reflecting on a lot of things lately. Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving and Christmas, planning for my recent show, preparing for Dad's upcoming surgeries, you name it, it's been on my mind.
My Soul Journal is coming along nicely and I am loving the concept as much as the process. My youngest daughter, Sarah, fell in love with mine and has decided to make one too. Hopefully, she will allow me to take a few photos so I can share. It will be interesting for us to compare ours side by side. I was excited because she is just 15 and has never had much interest in the artsy stuff I do, she loves to look but never any desire to create on her own, maybe that is getting ready to change!
Happy Monday!
Be back soon.

I am...

tired, excited, exhausted, hopeful...it's been a great week. The show this weekend went well, sales better than last year and my PhotoWords were a big hit. Met some great crafters, a successful show all the way around.
Looking forward to another busy week, took several custom orders at the show and need to get them filled.
An ATC to share with you this evening...

I Am...Me
This is for challenge 47 at Art Creations Friday.
I've missed posting the past few days, have lots to share.
I'll get caught up over the next week or so.
Hope you have had a great weekend.
Be back soon.

My knight in shining armor...

Image courtesy of Karen's Whimsey.
For 28 years, I worked outside the home, and my days were divided into work time and home time. Then, for 4 years, I had a retail shop that was located in my home. During this time my days consisted of work/home time, no real division between the two. It's easy to see how it happened because my job was born from my hobby. Since closing my shop in September, my days have become even more unorganized and for someone that is organized to a fault, I have been feeling a bit off lately and I believe it has effected my creativity, actually my ability to create. I still work from my home, keeping 2 little girls part time and creating and selling my art. What a great way to spend the day but I find I feel at the end of the day like I've worked all day and done nothing...hard to explain.I've decided that it's time to refine my days, work time during the day and home time in the evening. Create for others when I'm working and create for me when I'm "home". Sounds like a plan!
Something that I have wanted to do for a long time now is to create an art journal. I've been researching the process for a couple of weeks and have found a load of inspiration online. There seems to be a million different ways to create an art journal, it's amazing. A few days ago I was reading one of my favorite blogs, the last door...down the hall and fell in love with Elizabeth's journal pages, they are true works of art. I was especially intrigued with her entry on Soul Journaling and had to find out more. I joined the Soul Journal Yahoo Group, as she did, and have been reading and gathering supplies. Cannot wait to get started, this is exactly the type of project I have been looking for...thanks Elizabeth, I am inspired. Look forward to sharing my pages with you.
The graphic above is for Day 3 of the process, every girl needs a knight in shining armor!
Have a wonderful day!
Be back soon.

Fall Colors...

Thought I would share a few photos from our last ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A few of the leaves I collected.

This is my favorite time of year...I love the beautiful colors, the crisp morning air, the smell of burning leaves and the holidays of the season. With Halloween past, it's time to begin preparing for Thanksgiving.

Another busy week ahead.

Hope yours is wonderful.

Be back soon.