From Sketch to Sentiment...

I made a promise to myself that I would send more letters out this year. I really AM trying to catch up with friends but life (sometimes) gets in the way. I started these little sketches this winter and FINALLY ran them up to staples and had some prints made. I attached most of these to repurposed note cards and scrap book paper. Those went onto a piece of 81/2 x 11 inch card stock. I bought a big box of greeting card envelopes and made these cards. I have been making cards since I was little and my skill level hasn't improved much.:) I think I may add some vintage buttons but I wanted to keep them simple so I would be motivated to make more. I have a daughter home with mono right now and a son who hasn't been feeling well with other issues. Both are feeling a little better so hopefully I will be more productive, soon.:)

Well, spring WAS here for a few days and I am so thankful. Right now we are a little chilled and the heat came on this morning. I know that spring "will" be back and that makes days like today much easier.:)

First of all, thanks to all that left such nice comments. It is so nice to know I am not alone and I have discovered new friends.

Well, Ethan just deleted all my writing and so I will post more soon. PROMISE. I will try to upload a few pics between his screaming here.:) Yikes. Ethan made the comment, "mummy you are painting dolls." I guess I am.:) I am also working on other dolls as well. Hope to post more soon and tell of the "goings on" here.:)

Thinking spring!!

Oh, it's been just lovely here the past few days. I thought I would take a minute to update my blog while the little guy was asleep, but he just woke up.:) I finally got out and about a little and came upon these jewelry grab bags and a set of vintage of diaper pins at a new flea market type place here in town. I am so excited to have a local shop again.:) I have had so much fun picking through these baubles and finding treasure.:) I am hoping to dress up some of my dollies with these and who knows what else? I posted a few things in the works. Please excuse the loose pieces and dangling strings. I still have to sift through a bit more. Well, a short but sweet post today due to a busy, busy little toddler. Happy Spring.:)

The "corage" to go on.....

......and start from scratch. As I was working on this piece for the "Haiti by Hand" site on etsy, I realized halfway through that I had spelled "courage" wrong. Well, I felt like crying. Although the design concept really looks simple, I actually put a lot of layers of medium to achieve the effect I wanted. I decided not to cry and try to look at it from a different angle. I am still learning so much and just chalked it up as a learning experience. The other piece was almost complete. It has been sitting here for a long time. I FINALLY figured out what I thought was missing. Just a little piece of "hope".:)

...Of Heart and Home

I have been trying my hand at water colour painting over the past weeks. Actually, I mixed up a bunch of paints this summer and have been working "on and off" at them. I am not quite sure what to think of my reasults. I feel a little frustrated as I feel I don't have much control of my color palette.

I moved a bunch more of my supplies out of the family room as this my mess was taking over every surface. Sometimes I start "wishing" for more space, a killer studio like some of ones you see in "where Women Create." But I realize that in truth, I think I would rather be at my "suitcase desk" watching "Wonder Pets" with Ethan. So, for now, I will drag my supplies back and forth from the basement and do the best I can do with what I have. And truthfully, there is a "contentedness" in weaving my creating in with my "real life." :) I posted a picture that of a print I had in my room growing up. Betsey Clark's work has always pulled at my heartstrings since I was a little girl. I remember my mom framing about ten of her oversized post cards to hang on my lavender walls. Betsy didn't have an amazing studio. She worked from a card table in the corner of her living room. She woke up early to work. She is not unlike one of my other inspirations, Tasha Tudor. Both infused their "art" with their daily lives. I realize that looking down at my blog list, many of my sweet friends are part of this group. This Valentine's day I am thankful for the bloggers who share their "hearts" and lives so freely. You will never know all the seeds you have planted that will help others "grow and share" their hearts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. xxxooo

Hearts Abound.....

Just some stuff I have been working on.:)

As it seems to never stop snowing....

I have created a warm nook in my family room to work and create.... I am still putting away Christmas stuff here.:) I also added another post today called "snippets of the season" which is a round about way to say, these are Christmas pictures.:)