Another Year Has Passed.......

...and it feels moments ago that I was a small child....seconds ago that I became a wife and in a fleeting blink ... a mother. Where does time go?

As I think back on all those events in my life that took me down the path I walk today I think,"How Blessed I am!" Don't get me wrong I have had some sad and unhappy moments through the years but I have always considered those moments of growth. My belief that all happens for a reason and we grow in bad times and tend to be somewhat stagnet in good times. You know.....coasting along. Those moments helped me develop strength and endurance. They showed me that every moment of happiness and love is ever precious and should be treasured as a fine jewel...never to be replaced!

Remembering my young years I must smile as I can see that the dreams I had in those days long ago have since become the reality of my life.

Dreams of falling in love...
Dreams of getting married...
Dreams of a home and family...
Dreams of a career...
Dreams of watching my children grow into adults who follow their hearts and pursue their dreams.

I remember the birth of each of my sons....the joy and love that filled my heart beyond a capacity that I didn't even know I had. Their tiny faces, hands and feet moving in rhythm with my heart. As I held them closely and felt their hearts beat with mine I prayed for them to know that I loved them with a love greater than I could imagine.

Through the years they have shown me the meaning of life....They are what life is all about...They give me my eternity on earth.

My husband has always allowed me to pursue my dreams. As I enter these twilight years where my career will soon close and I will move to a time where I can spend my days playing in my art studio, my heart and soul is filled with smiles and overflowing with love.

Trust me....turning 62 is not an ending but new beginning...I am now counting not years but months until I can close my career days and begin the playing of my life. I feel as though I am nearing going full circle in life....play, work...then back to play.

Thank you, my husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons for giving me joy, happiness and a wonderful life! You EACH fulfill my being!

Thank you, mom, for giving me life which I enjoy to the fullest!!!!

I LOVE all of you!!!

More Creations

Here are more creations for vendor night at ArtFest:

Each of these journals is a one-of-a-kind journal. A composition notebook that is easily replaceable once it has been completed fits in the reusable cover. There is a coordinated pen enclosed in the front pocket.

The first three journals are made from fiber fused fabrics that are one-of-a-kind designs using a fused technique where threads, yarns, fabrics and paper are bonded together to create fabric. They are trimmed with ribbons, stitching and artificial flowers to enhance the fused design.

The insides were constructed using a coordinated cotton fabric.
















































This journal was created from some fabric I discovered at a small fabric shop when I was on a fabric hunting excursion with a friend. I fell in love with it and have been looking for just the right use. A journal is perfect.




















I invite you to stop by my booth on vender night to see these lovely designs.

Also, if you leave a comment on my blog you will be entered into the monthly drawing. See details in the upper right of my blog.

Creating in My studio....

....has been exciting these days as I am getting ready for ArtFest the first of April. Since Easter is just around the corner I have been decorating eggs to bring for vendor night. Here is a sneak peak:





These are a terrific gift for friend or loved one. When opened there is a special a message inside.


Messages include:

HOPE....
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune
Without the words,
And never stops at all.

Emily Dickenson (1830-1886)

LOVE....
For it was not into my ear you whispered,
But into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed,
But my soul.

Judy Garland

FRIEND....
A friend is someone
Who knows the song in your heart,
And sings it back to you
When you have forgotten the words.

Author Unknown

DREAM....
Shoot for the moon
For even if you miss,
You'll land among the stars.

Les Brown


They will be packaged and ready to give to that special someone.



Off to get the ribbons on the packaging......

Copyright 2009: Egg design and assemblage.
Marylin's Nouvelle Collection and Willow Brook Home Decor

Unexpected Visitor

As I glanced out our kitchen window I saw a figure moving through the grass. I kept watching until I realized it was the fox that has taken residence in our woods. Hurrying to my studio I grabbed the camera and scurried to snap a picture of this very elusive creature.

He stopped and looked around as if he knew someone was watching him. Then he slowly ambled across the open area.

I was able to snap a couple of pictures before he disappeared behind the trees.






What a catching sight! His colors are beginning to become vibrant as they do for the spring and summer seasons.

Last week I saw him with his mate playing in the far area of the pasture. Hopefully, I will be able to capture a picture of them together.....perhaps with tiny kits in the spring.

March Drawing Creation

Since Easter is in April this year I wanted to make the March prize an item that the winner could enjoy during the month of April. I knew it need to be something special so I began to search through my fabrics. I first thought a pale green floral would work then this lovely pink and white twall revealed itself. That's it!

I would make a basket then place some eggs and bits of candy in it. What a lovely table centerpiece this would make! Now I needed to create a pattern. I took a lid from the cabinet and traced a circle for the bottom of the basket. Then I measured the circumference to determine the amount of fabric needed for making the sides. I began stitching on the machine.

















Once I had the sides and bottom stitched I made a handle.

As I looked through my drawer of various laces and trims I found this lovely lace to decorate the sides and a small string of tiny pearls to wrap around the handle. Then I made bows for each side where the handles connected to the basket.



















Since eggs are always part of the Easter celebration I began creating eggs using some left over plastic eggs.





Here are the fruits of my labor:
















After placing some angel hair grass in the basket I laid the eggs gently on the grass.

















Now to complete the look I stitched a small fabric butterfly on the handle.

THIS is the prize for March! All you need to do is leave a comment on my blog. (Be sure to send me a separate private email with your contact information should you be the winner.)

Each time you visit and leave a comment your name is entered to win. Please only one comment per post.

Winner of February Drawing

CONGRATULATIONS to GiGi!......winner of the February drawing!

GiGi left a comment on my blog on February 4th and was entered into the drawing. She has won the one-of-a-kind fiber fusion journal. The journal cover is made from scraps and bits in my studio. The notebook inside can be replaced so the journal cover can be used over and over again.




Please visit my blog tomorrow to see the March prize. Details on the monthly drawings can be located by clicking the link on the upper right of the screen.

Thanks, GiGi for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Your name is added for the grand prize in December.

GRANDMA'S PRECIOUS TREASURE

How many times have you seen your grandmother's broach in your jewelry box and thought.... "I wish I could do something special with it?"

Well, now you can! You can create a one-of-a-kind artful creation of your own! Tracie and my class on the painted pendant will give you this opportunity. You do NOT need to be an expert painter to paint one of these lovely pendants to hold the treasured piece of Vintage jewelry.





This is a class where we know from experience that you will walk away proud of your creation AND be able to show off that precious keepsake from your grandmother, aunt or mother!



If you don't have a treasured family heirloom then CREATE your own! Buy an exquisite Vintage pin at the local antique store or flea market, paint the tiny canvas and you will have something to wear and share with someone special for years to come! WHAT a TERRIFIC gift to yourself!


You will NOT be dissapointed with the results. We will teach you a technique that you can use over and over again to create unique works of art.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

Today is a special day to share Love and Friendship and I must say I am completely surrounded by both!

My dear husband, who NEVER forgets any special day, gave me this card! The picture on the card reminds both of us of the fun we have with our precious pets...the hours of laughter and the mounds of memories we have shared as we watch their daily interactions. How often we interact in much the same way...playful fussing, flirting and snuggling.













And he gave me a dozen chocolate covered strawberries from SnowBall Ice Cream Shoppe! Our son, Brett, gave me a lovely floral piece he made.

I simply had to share....















Of course, the Wonderful taste of the strawberries I can only say is FABULOUSLY DELICIOUS!!















Then, when he returned from the mailbox there was a "special" package for me from my INchie Divas.


Look at these BEAUTIFUL creations!




Jane Eileen hosted this swap for me because I wasn't able to use my hand following surgery. Her clever packaging brought a smile right away.....NO calories in this treat...ONLY Love and Friendship!








I can look at these bits of eye candy anytime with no fear of adding pounds to my figure! Of course, my heart is growing emincely as I feel the creative love and energy these Divas put into each of the tiny inch by inch works of art!

I, also, participated in a Valentine card swap hosted by Heather Simpson-Blumm. Look at these lovely cards I recieved. My studio is overflowing with Valentine greetings!

Don't you just love this "The Day of LOVE"?






























HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, DEAR FRIENDS!!!

and.....Thank You for visiting my blog!

Here is where the beautifully delicious strawberries were created.

The Lovely floral is an original creation from Willow Brook Home.


Please visit Jane and Heather, you will enjoy their fun and creative posts.

Trying to Decide?

For those of you who have been contemplating Tracie and my class, I wanted to share some class photos with you. The majority of the students had never painted and none had painted birds. This class is one where you will learn a technique that will enable you to paint whatever you desire. We will also be teaching some unique distressing techniques.












Aren't these beautiful? YOU and paint like this also!
























Don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing this month!

FEBRUARY'S GIVEAWAY

..... is a fiber fused journal. This is a one-of-a-kind fiber fused journal. It is created from snippets and bits fused together to form a unique fabric in shades of purple and teal. The lining is a lavender cotton. There is a deep blue ribbon for marking the page and one for tying the journal closed. A beautiful flower in shades of yellow, lavender and blue accents the front cover. It measures 8"x10".
















Please be sure to leave a comment so you will be eligible to win.

Visit often and remember to comment on each new post as your name will be placed in the monthly drawing every time you make a comment on a new post(only one comment per post please.)

Please be sure to send me your email address so I will be able to contact you if you should win. Email addresses do not publish on the blog if you use the blogger box to identify yourself rather than anonymous. If you must post as anonymous PLEASE send me a private email so I know how to contact you if you should be the winner. If you have already posted as "anonymous" then PLEASE send me an email with contact information

Details of monthly drawings are on January 24, 2009 post.

Visit WillowBrook Home....

For ANOTHER chance to be a winner! Brett is having a monthly drawing for a lovely item from the store.

In December he will also be giving away a $100 gift certificate good for merchandise in his store. Details are on Willow Brook Home's blog.

WINNER OF THE 100TH POST DRAWING IS..........

Lena S!!

Lena has won the packet of Vintage papers, music, album page, pressed floral from my garden and silk flowers.




Congratulations for winning the 100th post drawing. Lena's name will be placed in the drawing for the GRAND PRIZE in December.


Please retun to the blog tomorrow to see the February prize.

100th Post Giveaway Announcement

I am doing a giveaway in honor of my 100th post. And YOU could be the winner! Just leave a comment and I will place your name in a jar. On February 1st a name will be drawn from the jar and that Lucky Person will win a prize!

The gift is a packet of vintage papers, music sheet, album page, pressed florals from my garden, silk flowers and small floral & miscellaneous shapes for you to use in your artwork. Here is a peek at what you will be eligible to win:




DRAWINGS AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY MONTH!!!!


Then, IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN SOME FUN ITEMS....visit my blog on a regular basis and leave a comment on each post. Every time you visit a post and leave a comment I will place your name in a jar.(Only one comment per post, please) The more posts you comment on the more chances you have to be a winner. On the first day of EVERY month I will draw a name and that Lucky Person will win a prize.

The prizes will be different each month.

Possible prizes you may win are:

Vintage Papers
Original artwork I create
Fiber fused fabric I create
Original patterns for various items
Packaged fibers
Book or magazine
Miscellaneous fabrics
Miscellaneous ephemera items
And much more.

In December I will draw a name from all those who have visited my blog all year and left a comment at least once every month.

Every time you leave a comment on a post your name will be placed in the drawing.

The more times you visit thoughout the year the more chances you have to be the big winner!

I am excited to hear from all of you and to see who the lucky winner of the first drawing will be!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

January 22, 1966


Forty-three (43) years ago today I married my high school sweetheart. My, how time passes!

I remember our meeting so vividly. We were in the school cafeteria when I first saw him. After that day we both sat in the same place everyday stealing glances and smiling shyly. Finally, after a couple of weeks a mutual friend introduced us. I was 15, a junior, and he was 17, a senior.

After our first date where we went sleigh riding, there were several more dates over the course of 3 years then we married.

Sometimes as I remember those days I think.."My! How young we were." Now 43 years later I think..."My! How old we are and how many years have passed....OH, so quickly!"

I would guess many would ask, "How have you made it last?" My reply would be, "With a lot of hard work, being friends, and knowing that love changes with the years. It grows from passion to a soft gentle understanding"

I tell everyone that we have grown up together. We were such kids when we married....18 and 21.

There were tough times and good times; sad times and happy times; quiet times and noisy times; lonely times and times together; angry times and laughing times. I could go on and on as I think we have faced every trial a married couple could face. But the one thing we were both committed to was making it work and not giving up. Making it work was hardwork sometimes and at other times very easy.

We have always been able to talk to each other. Our life goals have remained focused on the same dreams and throughout the years we have worked to accomplish those dreams.

My dear husband was in the military for 40 years and fought in 2 wars so as you can imagine we spent some stressful times apart. Thankfully he returned safely home. And the last time he went to war he served beside our middle son. What a sad time that was...having my husband and son in harms way yet bittersweet knowing they had one another.

He has now retired and I am hoping to join him soon. Then, finally we will be able to travel to those far away places, build more dreams and enjoy our final years together.

My anniversary message to him is:

"Thank you for loving me...in good and bad times. Thank you for sharing all these years with me. Thank you for being the father of our children. You have always been a wonderful role model for them. I am proud of our very loving and responsible sons. While we faced some tough times throughout the years we have emerged stronger and loved more. Thank you for always supporting me in pursuing my dreams and making many of them realities.

I Love you, my darling husband."

Making Valentines

Yesterday, I started trying to do a little bit of artwork. It is difficult since I can't use scissors yet. I have given it a couple of tries but just am not able to squeeze the scissors.




Prior to my surgery I had signed up for a swap of Valentine cards and needed to get them complete. After a little struggle I finally finished them. I am still unable to work on anything too small due to lack of using the fingers. I love creating with silk flowers so it seemed appropriate to use them in the cards. Here is the result:













Once the outsides were completed I worked on the insides. The lace and buttons are vintage. I bought the lace at a flea market last summer and purchased the buttons from a vendor at International Quilt Houston in November. The hearts are cut from fabric and attached with a fusible web. Printed the wording for the cards on the computer. Stamped the heart and lips on the envelope with a stamp I purchased for $1.00 on clearance.














Here they are ready to mail:






Simple and fun! Hope everyone likes them!