Early Morning Thoughts

My Mother's hands...

This is the title to my next book... I found this poem in a book the other day and it talked about a mother's hands.  So, I dedicated this book to all of the mother's out there.  A mother is more than that, she is also a women, wife, sister and a friend.  She wears many hats and to be able to achieve this, she needs to have faith, love, hope and a drive to still be true to her self.  Some of the vintage fabrics that I used in this book, date back to early 1900's.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

This poem came from a book, "McGuffey's Fifth Eclectic Reader", date 1879.  I wasn't able to find who wrote it, I would assume that it is McGuffey.

My next book, is Serenity... I found these old zippers and decided to make this one into a pocket that you could carry your notes, pencils, brushes or whatever your choose.  The zipper actually works...

 

I listed these in my etsy.

Catching up on thank you's...

First, I am not one to usually put off saying thank you to anyone, but lately I have been neglectful in saying thank you to a number of people that have blessed me with goodies in the mailbox or via internet.  So, I thought that I would combine them all together in one post and do a catch up post.  So, my first, is a box of goodies that I received a while back in the mailbox from Lesley at flatwood Folk Art.  If you get a chance, check out her blog, it is inspirational and informative.  I always leave her blog being inspired.

Don't you just love this book title..

My next box of goodies came from Dorthe at Den Lille Lade.  Dorthe, makes the most wonderful dolls, if you get a chance, check out her blog.  I received a wonderful package of driftwood, book cover, vintage papers and images. I just love the way that she wrapped my package of goodies.

 

Ok, next...I have received a few awards via internet.  Dorthe, Lori and Stephanie, thank you sooo much for these, I am really touched that you would honor me with them.

Well, I am off to finish a couple of books that I have been working on.  Hope to be able to post them later today.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and sunny day...

 

Moments...

As I was sitting outside and enjoying the blue skies, bird chirping and the smells of Spring, I sat thinking about moments that define who we are as people.  Whether that be good or bad that has happen to us; it is taking that and turning it into something positive...  Each moment in my life has led me to this moment in time.  I wouldn't be the person I am without my faith, hope and love.  So, in this spirit of this and recalling moments good and bad, I created 3 different pieces.  Each one representing my reflection on today's thoughts.  Blue; representing the sky, fabrics and lace; representing the softness and freshness of Spring and wire, sticks and buttons; representing the strength in my faith that has carried me thru storms that have come my way thru this journey of life.  Here are a few pages from the fabric book that I made.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will be listing these in my etsy.

Last book...for the day!!!

Ok, on my early post today, I explained that I still had one more book to add and here it is.  I love this book and the feel of it.

 

 

 

 

I listed this also in my etsy.

Never enough time...

I am sure that everyone feels this way from time to time...  With Spring here and yard work needing done, (which I am not complaining) I am short on time to work in my studio.  I decided that maybe, I don't need that much sleep...lol  So, I have been staying up later this past week to be able to work on some new things.  Here is what I have so far...

 

 

 

 

I still have one more fabric book to add, which is similar to the one that I just listed, it just needs a few more things added to it.  I have listed these in my etsy.

Life with a view...

My next set of books are some of my favorites...which of course, I think, that I say that everytime...lol  I have to say that this book was fun to make.  I decided to incorporate some molding paste to create the window and I really enjoyed working with it, I do believe I will be working with it more in the future.  Have you ever looked out a window and found yourself catching your breathe at the view, that is what I felt when I made this book.  I love the view as you are looking out the window.

 

I love the soft colors that are showing in this next book.  I used a vintage man's collar to make up this book.

 

Now, this next book, I decided to come out of my comfort zone a little.  I decided to use two colors that I normally would use on a small scale and use them as the primary color...yikes,  talk about sweating a little.  I love my earth colors, so I decided to use turquoise and a pale yellow.  I have to say ,that once I did finish the book, it started growing on me.  The photo was one that I had developed and then did an altered technique on it, that I learned from Karen Michel's years ago.

These next 2 books are 5 x 8 tablets that I have altered.

 

 

I listed these in my etsy.

Oh, the sweet smell....

Ok, now anyone who really knows me, knows that I don't like to cook, but is always telling me that my food is awesome...I thank you for that.  The thing about me trying to cook is kinda like when I am in my car and am forever running over the curbs, no matter how hard I try, those darn things just seem to jump out at me...lol 

 Well, when I am in the kitchen, I am forever knocking things over, dropping things, etc.  One time, my friend...Mary, tried to teach me to make homemade pies and I caught her oven on fire.  (I am not making this up)  So, I decided to make some homemade bread...OMG, talk about amazing taste and smell, but you should of seen what it took to get to this point.  Flour flying everywhere and I am not spinning a tale, things falling on the floor, me smacking my head on the counters, etc.  My kids will tell you, that I do this on purpose to make them laugh, but, trust me, I don't have to try to make this happen, this is my life.  Well, enough about that, here is the photo of my bread...Oh, the smell is amazing, I wished that everyone lived closer, for I would have you over and share some. 

 

Now, the next photo is of one of my dogs, Jackson.  He is a lab and weighs over 130lbs.  Now, before I get any e-mails about his weight, he has been on fit and trim, since he was born.  That darn dog will eat anything in site.  Anyone who comes over and sees his paw prints in the dirt (which is huge), gets that look in their eyes about whether they should approach him.  We love him to death, but boy he is a handful.  He plays football, volleyball, softball with us.  My youngest son, taught him to play football and the other two sports, Jackson wouldn't let us play without him.  So, Trevor, my youngest son is always wrestling with him and thought he would play dress up with him. 

 

 

There are times that you will see Jackson also with shorts on, but I wouldn't let Trevor do it this time, poor Jackson, what a good sport you are...

Well, I am off to work a little bit in my studio, I am just about ready to list a few books.  Hope everyone is a having a wonderful day!

Up and running once again...

I have been down with a sinus bug these last couple of weeks and feeling as if someone ran over me and decided that wasn't enough and backed up and gave it another shot for good measure...lol  Well, I am finally back with the living and feeling much better.  So, what better than to make some art to get me going again.

I have been working on some different ideas and direction with my art and decided to take a break from that and make some books.  This time, I decided to use 5 x 8 tablets and dress up the fronts.  I am always trying to think up different ways to make simple, but useful gifts and thought that everyone uses tablets for one reason or another, so why not dress up the fronts.  I usually leave one out by our phone and thought that this would be a great conversational piece, but also dresses it up.

 

 

These next couple of books are composition books.  One is a full size and the other is a mini one.  I really love this one.  In the middle of the heart, it says; A mother's advice to kids.  "Live like there is no tomorrow, Dance like nobody is watching and Love like there is no risk".

 

 

This next book is still growing on me...each day, I find that I am loving it more and more.  I used a couple of colors that are a little out of my comfort zone.

 

 

I listed these in my etsy.  Well, here's hoping that everyone is having a great day and if you are not feeling quite yourself, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.