Humble Pie Designs

Engaged!

2012-01-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Fun things are happening over here....... my sweet Cassie has said yes to the Love of her life Matt and they are planning an August wedding.........much creative fun ahead! They are a marvelous couple and we are so happy for the both of them. Sending love your way my friends! XO

Happy 2012

2012-01-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

Trueman and I wish you the very best of 2012 and all that God has planned for you! Plans not to harm you, but to prosper you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. And that you would call on your father in heaven and pray and seek him, for you will find him when you seek him with all your heart! Sending love your way this cold Indiana snowy January day! XOXO

Christmas Love

2011-12-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to throw out a little cup of cheer and craftiness for a little Christmas bliss!

I adore these little bird ornaments crafted after seeing them in Amy's inspired Ideas magazine.

They have been special to make, no two alike just like the recipients and my prayers over each one.

If you are more inclined to do something personal and joyus, try what I did for a number of tags I made. (and shown here)

I used a large piece of reciept book that came from my Great Grandfathers workshop, writing a letter to him and my Grandma Nell in pencil. I next Gessoed over this lightly, stamped and painted randomly, then cut in pieces to apply to tags. Since both of my Great grandparents are deceased, it was my way of including them in on Christmas. Of course my girls will get these tags, but even if no one knows, I truely enjoyed the thought process. I hope you are enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas my friends! I hope you are inspired inside out with the love and care all around! Sending Christmas Love! XOXO

Seeing

2011-12-04T03:02:00.000-08:00

Experimenting again of course with color........whimsy, silly, and somewhat deep all the same, if you knew my week! These are journal pages with no words. Not many words lately......... but that's ok. I'm "seeing", though. Thus the BIG eye! Art is practice, practice practice. Heart art is practicing and the pouring. I love the quote "Hold your heart with gentle hands." Wishing you a gentle week friends, and creative practice to help your heart through your busy week this December! OXOX

Grateful

2011-11-23T11:15:00.001-08:00

Thinking all day about those cute little Thanksgiving pictures and school programs from my girls gone by. I remember in my own First grade~ a Thanksgiving masterpiece of Pilgrims and Indians. (Sorry none to show, just images from my artroom this week) I am so grateful for these memories, this art journey, this family and also for you, my friends! Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving full of grace and gratitude. Wishing you an easy weekend with what you enjoy and with whom you enjoy it too! Sending Love! XO

More Art and Soul creations for tomorrow

2011-11-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

Just this small snippet of Lindsay Bradley's designs. Wait until you see her gorgeous necklaces and earrings..........oh my. Oh, La-La. Loveliness.

Nikki Hunter's tu-tus......aren't they adorable? Just like her and her two little girlies. Sweet!

Adorable nests by Ashley Miller. Mother of three little birdies herself. Love these necklaces.

Handmade by my sweet Anna girl. It was surely a bright spot in a recent sickly weekend!

Blessed collaboration with my baby girl for sure!

From Yours truely........truely blessed to be a part of this! Hope to see you at ARt and Soul my local friends! XOXO Have a beautiful weekend, near and far.

Some sneak peeks for this Saturday

2011-11-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

We hope to see you at our local Art and Soul where many talented artists will be selling their beautiful creations for this Christmas gift giving season. You can click on the button at the right of this blog to find out further information. Now back to some cute wreaths I am having such fun with.........more later! Sending crafty thoughts your way.... sort of sugarplums dancing in your head today maybe? Come to ARt and Soul and be inspired! I know I will be! XOXO

Get your Christmas Craft on, Amy Powers style!

2011-11-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

I'm tickled pink, along with my sweet friend Amy Powers to introduce to you this incredibly inspiring Holiday Craft book.............for the price of a cup of coffee?! Are you kidding me?
You won't be disappointed my friends! Be sure and check back here at humblepie designs, for a your free template for my project design in this Issue of Inspired Ideas! Sending you a heart full of Love today dear Holiday crafters! Wishing you merry little fun! XO

Twinkle face

2011-11-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Still a little face making........last night and today. Thinking of my sweet friend Sharon I lost this day 4 years ago. Funny how I wasn't thinking of her while making this facey girl, but somehow she fits. One of our last girl things was Sharon trying to talk me into dying my hair redish and cutting it short. I think she just wanted me to play and use my creative joy. Not a problem. Doing it, Sharon! I mean the creative thing, but NOT the hair thing. Anna said this girl looks like a pumpkin. I wonder if Sharon sees me like this punkin head girl? I wonder what she looks like now? I think we have those twinkles around our heads already, we just can't see them. I bet she has a lot of those! You do too, my friends! Sending Love and grace for the day. Have fun and Be yourself, ok?! XOXO

Listen to your heart today

2011-11-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Listening to my heart ARt today.....wanting to make faces..... but color, now too? I will when the world stops spinning. Actually, I am doing bits and pieces of art, in between the spinning. It keeps me grounded. Some errands, coffee with a friend, time with my daughter..........all valuable. and then art today. Valuable Art. You too, my friend! Do your art thing today!! It. Is. Valuable. XO Sending permission and Love!

A Treat for you!

2011-10-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thought you might enjoy this treat today...... some coffee filter inspiration.
I just love coffee filters........ something that only a crafty girl could say with utter excitement, eh?!

Anna and I made necklaces wrapped in filters for the dance team this weekend with yarn in school colors, of course.

These beauties are filled with wonderful lavendar and the aroma peeks thru the filter nicely..... while the velvet leaf and seam binding make it cute, don't you think?

This is something I thought of myself, but I'm sure I'm not the first to do this.......... so let me know what you have done with your coffee filters my artful friends. Will you?! I think white ones with red and green for Christmas might hold little goodies too...........hmmmm.... back to the art room! Sending love for the week!! XOXO

Bee careful this week!

2011-10-23T17:38:00.001-07:00

A visit to the Farmhouse cafe and Herb barn this weekend for Feta Quiche, Chicken salad from heaven, pumpkin pie of course....... all for Grandma's birthday. The weather and company? The best! The worst part? we missed Carly's company who was unable to come.......... and the most memorable?...... was Grandma asking the little bee on her plate if he was enjoying her raspberry dressing and then.......... snickering.......she drowned him. Just a little funny, spooky Grandma lunch. Wishing you an especially SWEET day...........but BEE careful.........especially if Grandma is nearby with any pranks this week! XOXO .......Oh and cutest moment? Green glasses times 3 for sure!

Class photos

2011-10-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Fun class photos of the art journaling experience from last Friday. It is such a joy to teach and watch the unfolding, and I am so inpsired by these women! I do hope it is something that they will be able to use as I have. Art journaling has been a very valuable thing to me in so many different ways. Not only is it a safe and necessary place to work things out, but also a fertile place for art project inspiration, for connection as it was this night, and for de-stressing, energizing, and finding my center again. Some days Art journaling is a lifesaver, and other days it is a place to savor life! I just love Art Jouranling. Sending a little hug your way for whatever makes your heart sing today too, my friends! XO

Sweetly Strong

2011-10-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

As we sat on the back porch swing at Dusk Saturday night......... having such a good Mother daughter chat, I reminded her, that it is good to be both tough, and tender.

It seemed a good moment to remind us both of that. ....... just then, a brilliant shooting star blazed across our seemingly starless sky. We were tearfully grateful.

I had made this page earlier in the day, not remembering it when I shared this with Anna.

We are so blessed. We are so loved.

Sending a great big hug to you!! XO

Here comes the season.......

2011-10-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's not too early............no never!! Never too early to be inspired to think happy thoughts, to dive into the best season and reason for the celebration of the year!
You can find Matthew Mead's preorder form and loads of other ideas here
and check back soon.......... there will be more inspiration to come!! Much more.

About that brown packaging.....

2011-09-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Just wasn't any good until I could use up a tiny bit of that brown packaging from my last post.

I love the hearts by my girls.......then the giant flower with the leftover edges from cutting out the hearts. Nothing wasted, dont' you love it?

So much more left......... What would you use this brown crinkly packaging for my creative friends?

Happy creative weekend to you! XO

This is for me..........and you.

2011-09-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Funny little story to go along with this new adorable publication. It's just pure eye candy by the way! A little expensive so I passed it by when I first saw it a few weeks ago.

But it came back to me, via images of a friends recent art travels. I decided to order it. I thought, was I buying it to justify not getting to take an art trip this Fall? Wasn't it too expensive?

However, wouldn't this book fuel my creative gift and couldn't it be and a blessings to others as well? Wasn't I ready for some stitching inspiration for Fall? For gift giving season?

Then wouldn't you know it that very day, my devotional lesson with friends brought up the point of denying ourselves. How our culture is to want and have......usually immediately.

I remembered Charlotte's wise words this Summer too....."an eye for restraint" she said.

I ordered it. I felt good about it. It was for me to have. I recieved it today, and it is very delicious......will take a long time to digest. Even a little gift enclosed. Well worth the money.

But, wouldn't you just know it~ and my very last point......... As I was taking it out of the box, and snapping a few photos, all I could think of was painting on that massive amount of crinkly brown packing paper! I. Am. Serious. My fleshly desires are so fickle! I had to laugh. In the end, it is all good and I am a huge supporter of allowing blessing into our lives as it presents itself. All of it. Yes, let's understand restraint and let's use it too, but don't forget to inspire and bless your beautuful self! Sending love your way today, my friends! Please allow blessings for yourself! Crafting time too! xo

Journal fun

2011-09-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Much journal fun this week. Always fun with Washi tape. Perhaps you have heard of it? This is a cute assortment, here on Etsy. Let me know if you know of another! Wishing you a fabulous weekend my friends! XOXO

surround yourself

2011-09-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

So many good things to surround yourself with this coming weekend.........some friends going to Creative Connection and some going to Handmade U
and where I will be with friends this weekend with Lysa Terkherst

and all these remind me of the beauty and purpose of surrounding ourselves, "cultivating ourselves" as Anna Corba once said to me........ with those people around us who take us to a higher place. Who make us better artists, women...mother's wives and yes, friends!

I count you one! Sending you love! XO

Weekend wishes

2011-09-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Dream

2011-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all dreaming a bit. Hold tight to that which gives you wings today my friends. Someday soon a wonderful wind will come along and your wings will catch this wind and off you will be........soaring high! Sending Love! XO

Acrylics, Fabric, and Watercolor

2011-09-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

It was a good artful week. First, Arcrylics and Fabric in my Art journal........ and the message came later.

Then watercolor with my friend Blue, outdoors for a couple of hours this week. She is so good to inspire me with color and water........ then the message came later on the birdie.

I'm reminded that inspiration is everywhere. Stay in the awe and wonderment if you can, dear friends! Good days and bad, be amazed!

Happy, Happy Labor Day Weekend to you! XO

You can do this!

2011-08-29T12:51:00.001-07:00

Feeling not-so creative? grab some cardboard and just paint....uh scrape or whatever you call it. This is my favorite technique to add color for my journal pages these days. What started out as a warm up on cardboard, turned into a full blown class idea. Heart Art of course! My hope is to start sharing a bit of that with you in the next few months. For now, just wanted to pass along what I am learning as well. YOU CAN DO THIS! XO

Sending flowers

2011-08-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Thinking of our friends and family on the East Coast and sending flowers! The waiting room is a hard place to be. Figuratively and literally. If you are in the waiting room today, I hope you feel the hug and lots and lots of peace. We will be praying! XOXO

Mary's workshop!

2011-08-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Lindsay and I had such a teriffic time at Mary's Summer workshop, that I wanted to pass along the invite to you as well, from Mary's next gig ~ just click here.

So fun meeting other elves and making those great projects.....Mary is so generous and yes, witty like her work! Generous teachers as well........ Of goodies and heart, no doubt! St. Louis is darling. I really hope if you are considering it, that you will give it a whirl. What a great idea to inspire us into the Christmas season!! Thank you Mary and Barbara! XO

Inspired

2011-08-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Charlotte Lyons again.........always. First cleaning out her studio, then her challenge of letting some things go.......and then this sweet poodle. I love how his eyes sparkle as he watches over my own studio. "You have everything you need for life and sparkliness" resonates with me right now. Generosity makes us sparkle! Thank you Dear Charlotte! Praying you all have more than enough sparkle to give away today my friends! Sending love! XO

Celebrate You!

2011-08-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

From my patio to yours..........I hope you celebrate the day! Happy Weekend from a beautiful and much cooler and pleasant Indiana, my friends! XOXO

Think. Be. Do.

2011-08-09T08:41:00.001-07:00

Just so inspired by all the projects the girls turned out for my Heart ARt breakout session at One Girl Can Change The World. A conference for teens and now tweens, based on the book written by my friends Claudia Mitchell and Kim Goad. (click here)

Thought you would like a peek at the inspiring work of my girls session too!

My favorite One girl was of course here, this day!

I"m wearing the sweet necklace that Hope gave me on here too.

Such inspiration for sure! Stamped, stitched, stapled and glued! These girls know how to have fun!

Each piece so unique just like the precious girls that made them. My devotion to the heart spoke about just that. Beauty everywhere.

From writst wrap to headband, and even a suggestion to make a belt. Their creativity fueled me, of course!

I think they enjoyed stitching even though they might have not expected that as the class. Everyone did beautifully. Brave girls in art and in Life! Think on such things. Be yourself. Go make a difference and enjoy the journey!

Sending Hope for your week, whatever that looks like! XOXO

ps~Thank you to Anna and Josie for decorating the board in my room for HeartARt!

One Girl Can.....do anything she sets her heart to!

2011-08-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the HeartARt class for One Girl Can Change the World this Friday. So excited to be a part of this two day event and for all that awaits us. Don't want to share too much of our project just yet...........but I think it is fun, fun, fun! Just a few images of supplies. See if you can guess what it will be! Hope you are all having a creative week....and if you need a jump start you can find inspiration on this sidebar with Amy's summer creative publication! I am itching to make those hot air ballons she shows us............stay tuned!! Sending Love! XO

My two favorites

2011-07-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Painted canvas and Good friends. I can't imagine anything more gratifying, more envigorating or edifying in my life right now. I count you too! Best day to you artful girls. Sending love! XO

HeartARt

2011-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Had to work out some art ... HeartARt of course. Didn't plan on loosing someone so precious this week. Not our precious Uncle Jimmy. My husband idolized him as a child, and became one of his best friends as an adult. If not his best, since his Dad passed away. It has been a whirlwind. In one small snippet of time.

I needed to do a journal page and I love how it turned out so bright and colorful. Glory!

I haven't written on it yet. Hearts so full and life just keeps on happening that I haven't had a chance to write. It will come, though. I just love the two hearts.....One on each side of Glory. I imagine they are singing. I love the happy colors. I love how I felt when I created it. HeartARt...........is soooooo very good. I hope you are enjoying your Summer and some good Heart ARt if that is what fills you! XOXO

Corn Dog

2011-07-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Have some fun with your camera outside this weekend! Make your shadow "do" something and photogragh it.

Try positioning your camera very low up into some kind of vegetation.

Mix unusual objects.....be ready for anything that catches your eye and imagination!

Try photos in the morning light by positioning your camera at unusual angles. This sweet light was not from a setting, and didn't even look good on my camera screen. I was totally excited when I downloaded the pictures though! From CornDog to AngelDog.

Enjoy and acknowledge your sweet surroundings this weekend, my friends! Whether it be from a cornfield, with Loved ones, or even in a Hospital room. There is beauty all around. There is. XOXOX

Hunt, gather, paint.........popsicles and pooch.

2011-07-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

The camera was so misty when we hit the outdoors with this heat advisory! Crazy hot!

Hunting and gathering our nature artifacts to paint and stamp texture.

An artistic fun day when Kingdom Camp comes to play! Cheyenne and all her sweet class kiddos came to tour my art room today and learn about artists and art.......making a little of their own. It was so much fun. Love to see these fresh young minds at work....uh play. yes, PLAY!

I think the pictures tell all about the day just great! Photos supplied by my artist girl, Anna!

Hope you are enjoying your Summer day and staying cool my friends! Art rocks! I think a nap would OK now, don't you?? xoxo

Warehouse wedding

2011-07-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so full of goodness. Hope yours was too. We started with Andrea and Scott's wedding reception at this charming local warehouse. Stone Mill, actually. Many of those here locally, but none used as this! So fun. Here you will see the bride and groom from behind, Anna and I hiding behind hydrangeas at our table, and the cute little cardholder that I made, if I do say so myself! Jill Ruth was the starting point of this great idea, and so many more. I hope you will check her out. Have a lovely week! More crafting inspiration to come. Sending rest, peace and air conditioning my friends!! XO

Oh, just noticed............check out the mother of the bride at the cake table before anyone arrived...........the long camera shot of the tables. She is such a quiet little presence. Love her dearly! She is a gentle and strong one. Nothing like the heart of a Mama..........and at her daughter's wedding too. Bless you little "Mama of daughers" hearts this week, as well!!

Brave girls everywhere set goals

2011-06-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Some of the neat things in the Prize package I'm using in the Soul Restoration 2 online class.

Although there are several "projects" to this class, the journal is near and dear to me of course!

I'm reminded again, that unless I "name" my time, and set the goal my time is frittered away and my passions are untapped, and unused for myself and those around me to benefit from.

Not just art passions, but heart passions too. Things that are uniquely ours that we desire or want to nourish and cultivate. I've heard it said before, and say it all the time........like a trapeeze artist ~one must let go of one bar to extend their full reach to the next. I have been swinging on one bar far too long. Whether that bar represents additudes, past ouchies, or literal things, habits and perhaps unhealthy relationships........I imagine the next bar will surpass anything that was intended or expected from the last bar, don't you think?! Sending all you brave girls a big hug and encouragement for a week to soar high! XOXOX and love!

Mirror, mirror, mirror, mirror on the wall..........

2011-06-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Mirror mirror fun for my Anna and her Abby. So fun to have friends to play with this week!

Oh the Happy Couple! They were like shining stars in the mirrors!

Just back from Destin Florida and three things come to mind. White sandy beaches, beautiful teal gulf water, and lots of mirrors! When we rented the resort cottage to vacation and attend a family friend's wedding, I knew there would be lots of mirrors. It's just the Florida way! I was intimidated before we even got there. I don't usually find mirrors so fun while i run around in my bathing suit, ya know?! But I have to share what I found. Maybe you will try this too.

Each morning when I woke up I saw myself looking back at me about 10 inches away! It was even before I had lifted my head or fully focused. And I laughed! Just giggled to think this is how God see's me each morning. Like we see our little ones......and even big ones..........or the ones that lie next to us each night. Messy hair, cute unspoiled attitudes and pure in the morning light. Mercies new every morning. So what can you try? How about looking at yourself this way when you wake up..... and be grateful, feel childlike and giggle. Oh, and try what we also did often in Florida and dance in front of the mirror and giggle. Be absoulutely ok with a mirror and better yet...........have fun with one! grab a friend or loved one for double the fun!

I'm not sure I'm ready for a mirrored bedroom and living room wall, but a little mirror by my bed sounds fun, don't you think? Let me know if you try it!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXO

Mary's Birthday takes the Cake!

2011-06-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

It was a sweet treat to see all of Mary's spaces in her studio and her humor everywhere! What an opportunity to create in her studio. It was such a warm and easy welcome from whitty and humble Mary and her, equally whitty and warm assistant Barbara. They truely are charming.

Always a treat to take a class with Charlotte Lyons whom I truely adore. Sweetie for sure!

All of the projects were so fun, and this one with Paint, of course was right up my alley! I love how this project (By charlotte) was so doable for all crafters no matter age or skill. Wouldn't it be fun to have a whole set of mismatched ones like here?

Just adored seeing these girls. Getting to know them a little better and sharing over lunch. Beautiful and talented girls Amy Powers and Pam Keraruori on the right, as well as beautiful and talented Lindsay Bradley on the left. All of these artists inspire me greatly in so many ways.
Amy generously offered to give away her beautiful online publications in print. Oh what lucky winners they were!!

My Party hat!

Check out Mary Engelbreit's blog here, and entire web page for that matter. She shared a new line of fabrics and home decor coming out soon. Fun, fun colors!!

Felt like crafting and celebration with friends when we arrived, and by the end it was just that!

So Grateful to have gone to Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion Workshop and Birthday party this year! I am still marveling at the warm and witty hospitality that I experienced. Just loved the creativity all around and especially "playing" in Mary's studio with teachers Charlotte Lyons and Kathy Curotto. Both very generous of materials,time, talents and heart! XOXO No pictures of darling Kathy, (I hate that!) but you see Mary here with her own crafty girl Makayla .

Love the "Good Life" sign here behind Charlotte and I. She is a treasure in this art community, I tell you! She spills Good Life out all around her and I love that! Just saw her new sampler here. Don't you love that? Such an inspiration in so many ways.

Reconnected with Kris another former Silver Bella girl. So wished we lived closer, wouldn't that be so fun?!

Ahhhhhh my traveling buddy Lindsay. What. A. Doll! So blessed to have had this experience and I hope to do this again sometime! Hope you can too, my friends! St Louis is adorable if you haven't been. Sending love while I take a week or so to unpack and restore with the Brave girls SR 2 class mix..........a wedding and a beach somewhere in there too!

Summer is off and running! Sending love for where ever yours is taking you. XO

Hearts go out

2011-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Just a little heavy today~ and hopeful too, for the missing girl from downtown. An Indiana University student here from New York, Lauren Spierer. Please pray for her family and others who are here and searching. It is something you never think will happen in your community or family, isn't it? This area being next to our good friend Lisa's shop, Lola Rue~ and an area my third daughter walks frequently as well.
I do have some happy fun to share with you just back from Mary Englebreit's studio and Home Companion workshops in a day or two. Thank you for your prayers, dear friends. XO

Consider this..........

2011-05-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Beginnings of a good Summer and I wanted to share what I am up to, reading, and participating in through out this week's posts. I hope you will share your doings as well!

So Here we are starting the week (It's not too late to sign up!) with excitement winning a prize package from Brave Girls club Soul Restoration 2. If you know these girls, Sisters Melody Ross and Kathy Wilkins) I am already a winner for participating in their artful and empowering classes. Now it's win win! Can't wait. Click HERE for Soul Restoration info and more!

Can I just say what's on my heart today though............. that I encourage all of us to ask ourselves when considering anything............ Is this an "I SHOULD" or is this an "I COULD"?
It seems to me the I should's are such an outside voice and so demanding and condemning. The I could's on the other hand are an internal voice of I hope, I dream, and empowering.

I hope you will accept the I could's this week and quickly push away the I shoulds and do something ~ plan something positive and empowering for yourself! Check back this week for more sweet friends! Sending Love today! XO

Catching our breath in Indiana

2011-05-26T13:14:00.001-07:00

Although we are entirely safe and sound, there are many who didn't dodge the storm so well last night here. Some who were just a mile away from us.......a huge wind shear (correction: now they are calling it an E1 tornado) going down our two lane highway. Still a mess and will be for a few more days or weeks. Nothing like Joplin, Missouri~ but there are so many effected by this storm in so many little pockets of this Country I am now realizing. So much rain and quite honestly a little dark cloud I just can't shake. I am so thankful for the art, for friends and for a peace that passes understanding at opportune times. So grateful! Sending you some of that gratitude today my friends, and allow your self the freedom to BREATH a little, k?! XOXO

You should!

2011-05-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Amy Powers has the cutest swap going on here................ I hope you will be inspired to accept the invitation. It is always so much fun to swap creations! Looks like the sky is the limit on ideas in the tiniest way for this one. I just love that! Oh, and keep dreaming my friends......from the last post. It helps so much. XOXOX

You can

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weekend to you my friends! I hope you find happy dream filled thoughts along your journey this weekend where ever you are! Sending Love~ XOXO!

My favorites right now..........

2011-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

......favorite ink, favorite paints to ink over.........favorite words this week. I just love art journaling. It is truely my first love in art. My main squeeze! What is yours? Sending a hug out this week to you my creative friends! XO

You are

2011-05-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

I loved Melody Ross's recent post and reminder of the performance trap thing. (You can see here.) I actually created this page before I read it and love how sometimes we help to confirm our findings here in blog land. And as far as the performance trap...do and do and do thing goes~ I find that I am not necessarily wanting to impress anyone else, but prove to perhaps that "voice" that urges me to do it all, and do it all better....do it now....... or I will miss something!

Yeah, like miss the good stuff.....

"Everything is good, but not everything is Beneficial." 1 Corinthians 10:23

.............and how about the beneficial stuff? Webster's calls it advantageous or favorable.

Wishing you a favorable, beneficial day and the know how to avoid the voice that steers us outside of that...........to the seemingly good stuff. XOXO my friends!

Fun mission accomplished

2011-05-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

How thrilllllled am i?? Iknow, I know~ it doesn't take much! Just a few of us crafty gals, some good eats and a delicious project to explore.

The craftiest ones in the land...minus Steph, who was with her sis and Lisa, who was with a customer. Oh, and check out her to die for bins of crafty goodness below. And that isn't for sale, but if you come to the shop you will surely find something made out of all that on any given day! So inspiring.

About that little exploration thing from my last post........ was this ever fun, adventurous Friday! Been trying to meet up on Friday's at Lola Rue with Generous Lisa, Hope, and Steph...........and of Course Kim and Kelly today too and I think you will like what we did! Adorable purse creations the girls brought back from a craft darling Karla's fun event, Birdsong. There is just something about us girls doing our "art thing". It helps. Bunches. Check out Hope's latest version here.

Sometimes the answer is "just play". Love that. Sending Love and play your way for this adventurous Mother's Day weekend! XO

Sending Patience..........

2011-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

..........as always, sending it because I need it so badly myself! Keep looking my friends! Happy Explorations this weekend to you! XOXO

Tiny Journaling

2011-05-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

Just about the size of index cards. Tiny bit of journaling. Doing a bigger one too, simultaneously. I hear others who benefit and utilize journaling say they work in multiple books at a time a well.

Funny little artist thing. Working up the urge to stitch something to. Hope this week finds you in pleasant places in your journey! Sending Peace my friends! XO

Xalted Ministries

2011-05-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Wow. Wow. Wow. 500 plus kids.......Wow. Actually the number may be different....check facebook if you are on. I just know how many chairs we inititally set up and they were filled and then some. So...........Praise God for an amazing evening. Truely an honor to be a part of. Humbled to have my art hanging in the lobby area set up for the Warehouse Jam last week too, with maybe you can see above. The band picture isn't too great, but the colors were fun. Our Xalted Band totally nailed it and Abandon came to rock the house until the end. Good stuff!

In case you haven't checked out the button to the right, Xalted Ministries is a youth outreach with music, media, art, and drama with a message. All the arts rolled into one event. Focus is on teenagers in today's world with difficult choices. My heart is full to see so many involved in these various arts and so many that are inspired to be after this too. Sending love for the start of a beautiful week my friends! Resting now.........but some fun art to come! XOXO

And so there is........ HOPE!

2011-04-26T06:05:00.001-07:00

Hope that I will get these done...........

Hope their message and color will bless............

Hope they don't get water damage in all this rain............

And Hope you and 5oo or so kids enjoy the message........

You can see more about it at the Xalted button to the right. Good stuff. Hundreds of kids will get this message this Friday, April 29th. HOLD ON YOU ARE LOVED.

I had so much fun with these colorful urban canvas works. They will hang from a wearhouse ceiling over the event. 26 painted canvases~whewie! It is such a fun feel and really took me to a new place artistically. Love this journey in art, don't you?!

Sending a fun kind of out of the box colorful day to you friends......and Hope and of course Love!! XO

Bunnies Welcome here!

2011-04-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Bunny Lumps as their designer, Charlotte Lyons calls them. These sculpty clay bunnies are our version around here and just keep increasing in number they are so fun to make! (As bunnies do) Too fun! Check out how Charlotte made them at Amy Powers offerings here. So many cute Inspiring goodies in her publications! Also, the vintage chenille was from Jennifer Murphy who is loads of fun as well. Wishing you all a Happy Easter full of sweet family and celebrating the never ending Love of the one who made us..........I have to say it.....People Lumps! XOXO

Birthday week

2011-04-19T07:25:00.001-07:00

Thought it would be fun to show you my birthday bash at my Katie and Danny's house this past Saturday. My Girls blessed me with an immense spread of food. Homemade fresh from the Farmer's market kind of stuff. They are so good. I am so proud. And my man Mike, he's good too! Haven't gotten to vist you all much in blogland this past week...........Hope to catch up soon on your doings, and give you a peek at some urban art I am doing for an upcoming event. Fun!

Sending you a warm hug today..........mmmm and some of that basil pesto I am still craving from Saturday. XOXOX!

Dolphin Life!

2011-04-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share an image of a family of 4 dolphins that followed our friends boat on Monday. Glad we were in it!! Spent 4 sunny bright days in Florida with another couple this past weekend . I just had to clap and clap............think our friends and hubby thought I was a little silly......but it was way too cool not to ask for an encore!

Oh, and back to my birthday today.......good to be home.....think I will ask for an encore for my birthday too. Another year of God's goodness?! Yes, I think so! Good friends for lunch, a little art time, and steak on the grill maybe too. Happy Day to you as well ....sending Lovely LIFE!

New life

2011-04-08T08:43:00.001-07:00

Still with that "hearts desires" from the last two postings.............. isn't this beautiful? It's my own little new life! Been seeing with my eyes this week....maybe listening a little better too. I saw a friend bring a new grandbaby home. I saw a friend come outside to find new life in her barn.............a new baby horse she didn't even know was on His way?! Named him Butler! A new building for Church too.............perhaps that's the prayer? For new lives!? It made me remember we thought about a 2nd doggie not long ago, but didn't . But we thought about it.

Seeking New Life!

I spoke it out loud.........I think new life is so good for a home and a heart.............

A few hours later ~ this absoulutely enchanting plant from my sweet daughter Cassie...who didn't even know my words or wish............ but her own eyes saw this and thought of me! New Life. Guess what I am sending your way? Yep, New life!! And a fabulous weekend, my friends!! XOXO

Feeling the need?

2011-04-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Likewise stitched circles on the left page with bits of truth and wisdom my heart needs to hear. If you have ever needed a safe place to work it out, I hope you will try ARt journaling. It is my heart"s desire! How about YOU?? What is your heart's desire??

The Desires of your heart

2011-04-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Do you know that those longings and desires of your heart were placed there by a loving all knowing God? He knows them! Let's remember to talk to him about them...and seek out how they fit into the scheme of bigger things in our lives. They truely bring us Joy. Deep Joy when we acknowledge them and use these delights,.......all for His glory. Sending Joy this day! XO

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

Weekend findings

2011-03-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

SEnding Love for the Start of a BEautiful week Dear fRiends! FillEd with TreaSureS and UniqeLY dEeSigNed sparKLes MEant juST For YOU!! XO

A little more jewelry inspiration

2011-03-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Going on a girls trip this weekend..........uplifting and inpsiring Women of Joy...... and might do a little beading in the hotel room. Guess I caught the beading bug from my previous post! What about you dear friend? What calls you to be creative right now??

Sending JOY for the weekend.

PS~ Will miss you Anjie....sending you an extra dose of that Joy!!

sweet weekend finds

2011-03-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

These beautiful pieces were found handcrafted treasures from Rebecca's little corner at ARtifacts. Such a sweet store and owner for sure. Clarksville is adorable if you ever head to Tennessee....just a little off the beaten path but well worth it! I chose the necklace for the beautiful blue stone. It reminds me of Earth.......I keep running my fingers over it as I wear it and saying a prayer for this big ole blue ball we call home. We sure need it, and the necklace seems to be my favorite treasure, although I saw many good things in Sweet Rebecca's booth! (Oh but the bunny, he is mine all mine!)

Speaking of Rebecca, it seems she and Jenny Doh and some others are doing something for Japan......keep watching Creschendo here or Rebecca here....thought I would pass that along as well!

Scroll down and you will see another sweet treat we found near downtown Nashville. Oh, the flavors they have! Hers was birthday, mine was wedding cake. I guess we went with the traditional ones.........but oh so many fun choices. Hope your weekend was great as well! Sending wishes for a sweet week to you my friends. XO

Gentle Heart

2011-03-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

So many of you agree I know. Hearts going out to Japan. Gentle prayers for all they have faced and for protection and provision of all that remains.

This canvas has a bit of celebration to it, but still I want to send that out. To celebrate what was, what is, and is to come.

Finding the good. We are so blessed.

Just look really, really hard sometimes. Eyes on the prize my friends! XO

Sweet Inspiration

2011-03-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Time for a little rainy day crafting with some youth group friends today. Spring break here and many have flown south, so my Anna (right) and I decided to play a bit while the boys were playing basketball and Wii indoors today at Chruch. They made the greatest necklaces with these Tim Holtz tags. We also created a collage on wood, and I was so into creating my own, I forgot to take pictures! Teen time is good. Roller skating tomorrow....pizza factory Thursday...and then perhaps a little family road trip. Treasure hunting sounds good! I can forgo the sunshine for that, any day! Hope you have a fun week, sunshine or rain and with a teenager if you can too!! How can you insprire one today? Maybe one inspired you too! I know they did me. Sending you patience and inspiration today my friends! Love! XO

She won!!

2011-03-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Sue Stokke, that is..... here at MyArt's Desire! She is one of the most treasured finds in all my blogging days, She is! Sue is one of the most encouraging and inspiring peeps out there and ooooh la la her eye for beautimus things! A heavenly artspace too, this gal. Sue wins the Vintage notions book and pattern from Amy Barickman, I offered a couple of posts back!

I was so tickled to hear Sue had signed up for the next SheArt class and wanted to remind you all of that as well. Teacher Christy Tomlinson has posted an offer to win some sweet things too, here, on her bog. Check that out while you are at it! Have a super good day my friends! I will post some more of these SheARt projects this week, so stay tuned! XO!

My very first girl......in She ARt

2011-03-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Not sure how you feel about taking this fun, most reasonably priced class~ playing with paints and paper and canvas and just about anything from fabric scraps to rub ons. I can tell you from looking at all the work my classmates are doing...............it's nothing but good!! Check out Christy Tomlinson's class here, and her shop too.

I will not be the same~NOT!! I love that this incorporates media I use in Art Journaling. Even the words and captions. Love it. You will see more from this SheArt student! Hope you can join the fun in this 3 week class, starts again April 11th.

Sending Joy for the weekend my friends!! XO

Vintage Notions Give away

2011-03-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Wanted to share an offer that comes to us through Amy Barickman . She has generously offered You and I a free copy of her book Vintage Notions as well as an adorable pattern called Boudoir Basics. Cutest PJ's ever! Just leave a comment below for Friday's drawing.

Amy's book is a charming coffee table book with an instant flavor of historical southern charm. As the title suggests, It's vintage feel is what inspires me the most. A book rich in heritage with essays, recipe and decorating ideas, and of course, sweet vintage sewing prompts. I like the idea that the book is broken down into months and seasons....and cute little book pockets after each one!

If I could say anything I dislike about the book is that is makes me long for times when women spoke and lived as so much of this book depicts ! You will love it! Hope you win it!

Sending Joy to you this day, my friends!! XOXO

Apron Fun!

2011-03-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

Aprons should be fun, right?! This one, Pink and Green, just makes me so very happy.

Then the REAL fun started..... had and urge to buy a vintage slip for a while now. Last week was the perfect opportunity as I drove by one of the shops with a 20%off clothing sign. So here it is............just felt like it was waiting for me for some odd 40 years or so. Tags still on it, in perfect shape! I happened to stop into Lisa's shop Lola Rue yesterday and check out what I bought my paycheck with?! A Pink and Green bag to go with. There are two more in the same pattern there in her shop.....a little smaller in size but every bit as darling!!

No, I won't be wearing this slip out.........maybe not even wearing it in, but I loved the challenge Jenny offered here at THE ART OF THE DRESS and love the opportunities for creativity that it inspired in me. Now to go put the apron on and get some 4 or so canvases done that have a destination for this weekend. Hope you are playing/working and enjoying your aprons today too! Sending you Joy Dear Friends! XO

What about you?

2011-02-27T16:12:00.000-08:00

What do you wish to be free from? We all have them. What are you lending your strength to that you need to stop? Wise words from a Jewell song. A song my artful daughter surprised me with this past birthday. Her newfound guitar journey and her sweeeet voice. I was blown away. The best ever Birthday present. So, what about you? Your energy. What steals it? What energizes you?? Art energizes me for sure. Fretting and busyness can steal it, can't they? Specifically doing things~too many "good" things. Lending my strength to that, is which I want to be free from. Wishing you time to think about this ~and Freedom, dear friends! XO

Welcome Art Saves Travelers!

2011-02-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have journeyed from Art Saves, and came by for a peek, or maybe you and I are old friends and just checking in. Love that you are here! I hope you will share where you are at in your journey~ either in the comment section below or email me.(found in my profile)

I have to say there were so many things I wanted to add to my story over there......and Sweet Jenny encouraged me to write it as long or short as I liked..........but here, in this space I have an addendum to the story.

I have to share some Inspiring Artful Women who have shown such great light on my path. Lisa Orme, a local friend who lives out this journey so artfully, as Steph Oyler and Hope Ellington. Lisa shed light at the peak of my search out into Art onto Teresa McFayden, wowie....I felt like I had a life preserver thrown to me when I found her!!

Then, in my Heart Art, there are those that just "See me". Not in a sense of fame or notoriety, but as in the movie Avatar depicted it. "I see you" they said to one another. Anjie and Piper my soulmates and fellow travelers..........what light they shed on my path! And for true hearts of Rebecca Sower and Charlotte Lyons. All my heros in Heart Art!! You will see more of those on the side bar of blogs to follow as well.

Oh so sweet of Jenny Doh to post my story, truely a light isn't she? Just finished with another light, Melody Ross and her sister Kathy in a class called Soul Restoration. Truely an enlightening journey they are offerning. Highly recommend it girls!

Let's see, what's next for me? Teaching a Heart Art journaling class here locally on March 4th, creating something for a music/media event reaching teens. Hopefully an art event to connect with some of you............. and thinking of that great looking online Class Jennie has up. Free Form Revolution. Why not? Ready for the journey, my friends? Need a little light on your path? Tell me what you are doing about that! Let me know if I can help. Sending Love and Light to you sweet ladies, on your own brave journey!! XOXOX

Two new chicks I want you to meet.....

2011-02-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

This little gal is a new chick friend, and inspired me to try a little art something on her friend.

And this little gal wasn't so lucky..........or was she? I thought I would paint her. Yes, love paint.........she would too, right? It made me so very sad when I saw her, until ...........

I put them together and they didn't even care how each other looked. They didn't even notice!

Then they did headstands and somersaults and had the time of their life. I am so glad I painted her. Life is a process and journey.....sometimes Messy, but always, always good. Enjoy your weekend my friends! Enjoy the laughter! Sending Joy!! XO

And the winner is..........

2011-02-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

.......Lorraine from Paperbird!!
She has such a lovely blog. You really should check her out~ D-e-l-i-g-h-t-f-u-l! Thank you all for your sweet comments. You truely inpsire me. In fact, I've went off the deep end with a giggle for tomorrow's post. Thought the weekend called for this one. Really why I chose

"Joy" for the picture above..........for Lorraine and for the giggles I had today. You'll see!

Sending............JOY, of course! XO Cherie

Giveaway to Love!

2011-02-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

A giveaway in honor of my Four Valentines, or Balentines as we like to call it. A little red and creme wrist cuff. Snippets of Love from me to you. To Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement and sharing your Lovely blogs of Inspiration. In honor of Love. In it's truest form of inspiration. Purely. Just leave a comment to this post. I will randlomly draw a sweet name on Wednesday, February 16th. Can't wait!

Whatever, wherever, feel the hug my friend! XOXO

More Inspiration from Amy Powers

2011-02-11T08:57:00.001-08:00

On the kindest most beautiful acts I have see here in Artville..........and you too, can see Amy's latest compilation of beauty from some of my favorite artists here, at Inspire Co. For Only $3.20 you can join the fun and be inspired for Spring creativity...........that in my opinion, needs to start now my friends! Enjoy this artful weekend~ and hopefully Amy's fun too!! Oh and don't forget to check back next week for some exciting news! XOXOX Love is in the air!!

....a day unwrapped part Two.........

2011-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

So my last post was that beautiful gift wrapped day..........and because I want to blog authentically my friends, I have to just say then the next was all "unwrapped". The kind where you can't put your finger on it, but you know from the start it's a messy one. Maybe I had a bad attitude from the start.

This day we began to look for a dress for my theatre girl, Anna. You can can call her "Wendy" as in Peter Pan. Not a good day in Never Never Land. In fact, I decided I never, never want to go there again. Vintage shop after shop (should be fun, right???!!!) and all the thrift stores we could find...............nothing but my and her bad attitude. I had to stop. WE had to regroup.....we had to go to the fabric store and it was there I discovered I needed to give her wings. Gently, I needed to show her my wings and then hers......She picked out a sweet pattern ....lilac fabric....long flowing skirt. I showed her how to read a pattern package to find what she needed......she had an opinion on Zippers....yes, she does sew some too.........and we listened to each other and made a plan. We both agreed we needed to just ask Grandma to do this because we need it fast and she is super seamstress with not lots to do this week. We are so grateful for her ready and willing wings too.

Like I said, I never want to go there again, (any chance of that happening?!)not about the dress hunting~ but the fact that my day started in dread and I wasn't patient. Bad attitude. Really . But we learned. We talked about it too, later the next day. It's ok.....we found our wings.

Life is such a fertile learning ground, and thankfully the unwrapped days teach us. It's a journey! Wishing you a week filled with more wrapped days than uwrapped ones dear friends!

This little gift wrapped day

2011-02-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

Quaint and sweet......this simple day, today. Beginning with a quick look at what beauty I could find....yes, even in the cold and forcast for more snow. Had to find it, I tell you! It showed itself to me early, thankfully. In the ice and the trees, no doubt. Of course, I found it there in my yard!

Then in some HeartArt journaling of course..........

And then best of all, a dear and precious friend. With a gift for me......oh this friend! A red pinky ring with a pink bow! This is the friend who's house burned.......totally gone, just beofre Thanksgiving. She is still giving and giving and giving. I can honestly tell you that I think she left me with some wings today, to go with that ring. I can only hope to fly as beautifully as this one! And you, and you and you.....You know who you are! What a gift we give each other in this friendship thing......and I want to encourage you to Love, and fly and look for the authenitc beauty all around you and to share and give. Me too. Happy Weekend my friends and feel the hug of encouragment to fly! And my gratitude! XXOO

Heart art for you to make!

2011-02-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

A little fun before the ice hits here..........thinking positive, but a good chance we'll be without power it seems tonight or tomorrow. I powered up today with this adorable stamp set (see previous post please!) Just grab some clothespins, a little fiber paste mixed into your paint on the clothespins top.......... let dry, tie a ribbon ( hand dyed from Michelle Witchell...sweet gal!) and add to whatever lovely heart art you are making! Sending joy and maybe a little preparedness your way. I've stocked upon a lot lately, and so has hubby...... glue yesterday in case this lasts a day or two:) I know, funny~ but I am sure you can relate my artist friends! Stay warm! XOXO

Cold hands, warm heart

2011-01-31T13:48:00.000-08:00

.............. and perhaps some freezing rain here soon! Have you heard this saying? Cold hands, warm heart? I hear it often because my hands are always freezing. But what do I say back to those poor people who say this to me??? Obviously their hands are warm, mind you! What a giggle I get when I hear this. I just smile:) It does..........warm my heart that is!!

This heartwarming image is one that showcases Rebecca's handiwork in support of http://water.org/. You can purchase this stamp set at Crescendoh. Of course another cause near and dear to my heart~manna for Haiti, on facebook here.

Wishing you warm hearts and cold hands whether you are shoveling out, bracing for the ice storm (like we are), or like my lucky loved ones, Smiling all the way from Florida. Sending love! XOXO

Honest to Goodness.......

2011-01-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

The truth is, I am so very busy over here! It' s all good stuff though. Teresa McFayden's Take Heart class for one, (so fun) and woah a biggie for me heart : Melody Ross's Soul Restoration.

I will be in and out and around but just know my friend, if I haven't seen you in a while I am on a journey into all things bright and beautiful. See you soon and enjoy your amazing journey as well this week! Sending you Love!! xo

Caught ....redhanded!

2011-01-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

Yes Ma'am caught that is...........with a paintbrush at our scrapbook retreat this past weekend. It was all in fun and jokes, but I don't think I could have gone the whole weekend with out paints in hand with all seriousness! Does that mean I am addicted? My husband says it's gotta be the fumes. He is silly. Oh, from the looks of the picture I guess we are a good match! If I could dress up these photos with photo shop I would tell you the third one above is a number of us diehards that have been there 12 consecutive years` woo hoo!

And this picture is of our own little personal group. Some great gals here and our oustanding leader and friend Sandy. top center.

I always go in January to document our Christmas pictures with all the family and friends I can gather...........and sometimes my one and only scrapbooking chance for the year. Love it. it's funny how my scrapbook pages are always so clean and simple and then watch out when I shift gears and paints and journals come out! I Hope you all are having a creative week too my friends! Whether that is painting, cooking or rearranging a food pantry..........have fun creating your artful life this week! What a privlege. Sending love!

Pre journaling

2011-01-20T08:13:00.001-08:00

Setting up the backgrounds for some journaling this weekend as I meet up with friends in Camby for the 11th year in a row tomorrow! It's a wonderful facility ran by terrific ladies only 45 minutes away. Well 45 is on a good day and school was closed (again!) for snow today. Yes, you better believe I will make it there, girlfriend! This Mamma needs a snow day too! Looking forward to putting words to these pages and also scrapbooking Christmas pages which is the tradition for this weekend. Journaling and documenting is such a good thing. I hope you have the chance to do that today, or this weekend. Even just a spiral bound notebook. Not where you share "deep dark" secrets like in the olden days, but where you celebrate truths and explore your dreams and life struggles. Things that make you happy and stretch you to understand. Sending you peace and playfulness today friends. Please send me some discipline to stop playing, and to shower and pack, will you? Love!

It does a HEART good...........

2011-01-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

...to dream. To ponder the place of your hearts' desire and think on lovely things~ noble and pure, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy and so on and so on!

To think on this always, and especially n a week of a dear friends heartbreaking loss, and a little outpatient procedure that only gals of "my age" would have! Pooey, life gets messy sometimes!

But today we drove to the lake, we pondered lovely things and dreams~ just me and hubby. Took childhood beds out to our oldest girl. Married and a new house within the lakes view. It was just so good. We pulled up and there they were in the yard with their doggie Jake....stacking wood. And we went indoors to the smell of banana bread baking, warmed by the woodstove. Drinking iced tea out of mason jars and it was just so cozy. She wants a garden. He wants a boat dock. They have dreams. I loved it, and pondering that goodness all the way home. Their dreams and mine...ours. It's valuable. I really hope you give your mind some time for that this week. Desires of your heart! XOXOX

Playing a little

2011-01-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air.........making these...... Can't stop making Hearts right now too. Still waiting on the chance to start Charlotte's Love cuff pictured here, all hooped up! For now, I seriously can't keep my hands out of paints and a new online course from Brave Girls Club this week too. Journal, journal fun!! Gotta have it. Lots of snow around here and not enough school..............oh but I LOVE her! (Miss 13 year old:) Sending Love your way too! XO

LOVE

2011-01-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hope your weekend finds you holding tight to this image.......LOVE. Whether in Joy or Pain, it is really all we have when all is said and done. When we are at the end of our rope like a few of us this week. When your friend's daughter child has scary, scary surgery, when your friend's son is on life support suddenly, tragically..............When your heart just breaks for those that are near and dear to you. When you are just scared it might be you next too. Love so much. Love is enough. Much for a heart to hold. Making lots of "Love" things around here. Right on time...........will share more. Many more are making and sharing Love out there..........Can't wait to see yours! Bring it on:) Love you, dear friend.

I would have to say.........

2011-01-04T15:14:00.001-08:00

....Yes, that would be my response to a sweet post HERE and to Trust the Journey to take it one step further.........step, by step, by step and enjoy what you can, and stand firm when you need to. Yes that is my thought as I journey into 2011. Hope yours is off to a fabulous start friends! Tell me, if you have one~ your word for 2011.

Wishing you goodness for 2011!!

2011-01-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. E. B. White

Collage and more.........

2010-12-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

Starting some collage..........things I learned at Silver Bella no doubt....with a dash of Cherie here and there:) Itching to stitch what dear charlotte created here and then fill a treasured book that sweet Rebecca sold to me here.............and Oh that Brave Girls soul restoration here......... Agggaaaaaaaaaa!! So Much Fun. Family fun this week too. Ending 2010 Well. Wishing the Best of both worlds to you too fun friends!! That is, your peeps and your creative self! xo

Colorful Week to you!

2010-12-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a colorful Christmas and maybe even opened some new art supplies, like I did! LOVE them:)

I've been thinking a lot about all the stories at Christmas. Stories behind everything we do........right down to the things we wear or purchase even. Our lives are one big book with lots of Chapters.

Even this set of crayons came with a story........ Hubby bargaining with a guy to get the best price painfully according to the 13 year old co-shopper. I doubt she will forget this one for a while:)

Don't underestimate your story and don't think for one minute the good and the bad were without value or purpose.

I hope you will consider making an art journal...or simply a word journal for 2010........maybe check out Art Saves by Jenny Doh or Brave Girls for a new online course. Your story matters! It helps to write it out and ponder it.............share it some or all. We are all in this together sweet friend.

Have a marvelous week celebrating 2010 and your beautiful vision for 2011.

This crown........

2010-12-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

..........but you have to see the crown. Can you see it? The last post just didn't show it as well. Well and of course it is so much clearer in person. What a gift. His to my family and now to you. Merry Christmas and a totally blow your socks off start to your New Year friends! XXOO

Do you see what I see?

2010-12-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

Just look and see..............what I saw in my trees this morning. His face, his nose, eyes........His crown!! It fills most the photo, so maybe that will help your eyes focus. His chin is 2/3's down.

May the Love of Christ be fully in view this Christmas to you my dear friends. Yes, that is my Christmas prayer for you and for me. To see him fully. His beauty is in all of creation and His creativity is limitless. Love that. Christmas love to you and yours!

Thankyou for making a difference

2010-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Manna for Haiti was our focus this year for our Christmas tea at South Union Church. Helping near and far.......... Not too late to make your donation at Manna for Haiti here .

Shelly Weiss (second from right) has a long time passion for the Haitians and making an incredible difference. Can't believe how I have seen this grow into feeding those kids she witnessed eating mudpies to feeding hundreds these days. She tells us $9.00 feeds 144 kids. This girl has plans for LOTS more too! Love her heart.

If you are familiar with Rebecca Sower you know she is making a difference for the Haitian women at Haiti by Hand here. Teaching and supplying means for them to use their crafting skills to provide for their families. Love her heart too!! Sweet Rebecca has a short story to share on this blog and items to purchase as well to support her passion as well. My heart is encouraged this Christmas by women who make a difference. I know you all do in some way or another in and around your world and I want you to know it matters and it does not go unnoticed by dear sweet friends!! I hope you will consider reaching outward to one of these causes if you haven't had a chance to. Christmas hugs and kisses to you friends! XOXO

Celebrate!

2010-12-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

Been having so much fun. How about you? This little ornament says it all. My to do list in a nutshell this Christmas. Put aside the busyness and have a party. Celebrate! Craft.........uh, yes even clean house today.....but all the while~ Embrace Life!! Precious gift. Enjoy! XOX

Baby, it's cold outside!

2010-12-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

It's just so cold...... and don't you think jewelry can be warm too? Yes, loving the idea of a hug for my wrist. You can have one too.....just the cuff off of an old sweater will do. Have fun! Stay warm!

Weekend blessings and peace, yes peace to you!

2010-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

"NOT TO DO" ..........list

2010-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

I can't get the Christmas tree~ red velvet cake out of mind!.......... and the words I shared for a short devotional at our sweet party last night. When I say something it most surely is for myself as well.....................History just tells us that If I am learning it, I just spill it back out. Your words in the last post ring in my ears today too. Thankyou so much for sharing your hearts!! Feast your eyes on these sweet ladies that I adore and then a little snippet of devotional regarding a "NOT TO DO LIST"............I think you will like it.

Recently, I've been reading a book by Shauna Niequist (Bittersweet) and was interested when she said she was an avid list maker and finally had enough, when one day noticed she had written "Do everything better" on her list. Toxic was the word she used to describe this. I agree. We can become so very Toxic this time of year, can't we? Shauna suggested making a "Not to do" list. These are things (for December and all year) that keep us busy but don't help us to necessarily celebrate Life.

How about focusing on what has been done, and not what is left to be done this Season. How about buying Lasagna at Sams instead of homemade.........but baking cookies because you love that instead. KNOW what gifts God has given you and use them. We will all stand accountable for what we have been given one day. Did we do what we could do, and only when we could do it? Did we sit tight and just breathe and give ourselves grace when we need it? Did we use and share our gifts and PASSIONS to embrace life and move forward when we can too, and be who we are truely created to be?

How about a Not to do list my friends?! I will come up with mine and share soon............this may be tricky! You enjoy your day, wherever you are and feel the hug and encouragement to sit tight if that is what you need today. xoxo

Christmas will come........

2010-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Maybe it was the year I had a baby on Christmas Eve, or maybe the grieving one after loosing my friend, or then there was the time that I had to buy some gently used things off of people in order to give my young girls Christmas presents. Oh how about today, as we cut a piece of an upstairs wall out to get to a broken furnace......just home from a trip and a mound of laundry, No matter, I know that with, or without that Christmas will come. So grateful. This is what I do for Christmas..........I wait with anticipation. Each year is different. I wait on what is there for me for that specific season in my life. Gifts of Love, Patience, Hope, Joy and on and on!! One year it was a dollhouse many years ago...........but this year?? No matter what, Christmas will come and sometimes that is all we need to know girlfriends. Enjoy the Christmas journey! XO

Project to start December off organized...

2010-11-25T16:22:00.001-08:00

This is simply a piece of tri fold junk mail....a cell phone flyer that I covered with pretty papers and stamped. Add areas for lists, a paperclip and don't forget to stitch up the sides of one fold to make a pocket and.............voila! You have a coupon holder for all those stores You "might" get to this season. This one just seemed to me to be a good reminder for the season when I am out there in all the retail mayhem. Maybe, just maybe it will remind me to think twice and consider if there is something I can "make" at home too. I hope you do too!! Have a great week and Happy Holiday's here we go! I can't wait. XOXO

Love is...........

2010-11-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Still so much to share with you of Silver Bella.........I hope you are ok with it all! For those who haven't seen this in blogland yet, I wanted to share the "LOVE" chapter swap. For this swap, 14 of us who were randomly assigned a portion of 1 Corinthians 13:14 and on.... Mine was "Love is not rude". So we all began our little art and heart journey into the assigned portion. I was blessed by the talent and hearts of these women, especially the hostesses...with the mostesses....of Love that is!!! Check out these sister's Karla and "Miss" Lynn pictured above. Two adorable girls I just couldn't get enough of. Downright good as gold, I tell you!! Miss them already. Miss Lynn posts and lists names of these artists here as well. Loved how the art and relationships just came about with this swap so easily.

Thinking of you all ~Feel the Love dear friends!!

I dedicate this Love post to my sweet friend Cassie who lost her house this past week. She is doing well and keeping Joy. Amazes me, this Love thing!

Canvas Swap part 2

2010-11-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

Here you see a close up of what I made for Michelle. I failed to take many closeups before hauling it off to Silver bella, but thanks to my camera buddy Steph, we have a snippet here. I really enjoyed making this canvas for Michele even though there was surely an element of pressure and I hadn't done a "one on one" swap before. The rewards were worth it though. Wait until you see what she made me!! ooooh la la!! Lucky girl, am I!!! Hugs to all you lucky girls too this good day:) Micheles blogspot name, too by the way!!

Keep me safe, O God for in you I find refuge

2010-11-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

How appropriate right now. And the word refuge has been coming again and again to me.
This sweet treasure of a canvas I recieved in the One on One Canvas swap from Precious Michele Witchell. She is a beautiful lady and dreamy vendor and you can check out her Etsy shop here. I loved that we told each other our "likes" and both went to town creating how we would interpret each other. Oddly enough we were a pretty good match and had similar canvases:)

Wish we lived closer Michele...........I am sure we would create together! For now, you are in my heart with your art.......placed it just to the right of my creating desk.........oh thankyou sooo much. Your scripture Psalms 16:1 really hits it for me. Just perfect. Perfect timing:)

Sweet hugs to all you girls this Monday. XO

Kisses and Prayers for Cassie

2010-11-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

Cassie and I have been childhood friends for a lotta good and bad times. I even named my third daughter after this special girl. Sorry to say, this one of those bad times though. I'm sharing so that we can all pray for her family. They are safe, and I am so thankful.
They lost everything in a house fire early this morning. Everything. And If I understand correctly, they got out barefoot and coatless and yes, thank Sweet Jesus they got out. Still trying to wrap their heads around it. Thankyou for your prayers and enjoy your sweet home sweet home this weekend girlfriends:)

Back to our Silver Bella program

2010-11-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Seems as an artist, I am always falling in Love. This class, and this artist, Lisa Kaus 's authenticity and direction spoke the loudest to me this past week at Silver Bella 2010.

It's a personal message in my own colors, words and spirit. My roomies and my mantra for the week......... "own it" rings true here. I am saying that I am owning this piece. It is me. I can say I fell in love with me in this artwork. I am so excited to explore this medium and me a little more. This is the true beauty of Silver Bella to me. Stay tuned for more beautiful things girls!

XOXOX Sending you a colorful ~ love yourself day girlfriends!!

Important announcement!

2010-11-17T12:02:00.001-08:00

We interrupt the regularly scheduled (Silver Bella) program to bring you this special announcement!! It is the amazing and talented~ Piper Cohen's birthday!!!!

And we admit, your friends who love you~ totally messed up. We feel awful. Will you please forgive us Piper?? We both had big gooseeggs on the calandar. How could we forget to write down such an important day?? How about the study we are doing on guilty conscious this week?? Big red target on our backs maybe?? No excuses though............we messed up. Please forgive us. Will you let us make it up to you with a rockin' Bella craft and a snack this Friday at 10:00?? Next Tuesday if not?? Oh we hope so. We think you are the cat's meow! Enjoy today!

Love you dearly,

Cherie and Anjie

Where to begin.....

2010-11-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

Silver Bella 2010 So much to show, and to say!! I think Charlotte Lyons said it all beautifully here. I'm excited everytime I look at my projects and think of the classes and teachers................the swaps and the Hostesses'ssssssss and Vendor night, and Opening night, and Closing night...............but more on that very soon. Just had to do this post today. My Indiana girls........no fussing or tweaking photos, finishing anything or gushy words.
Here we are, and this is what we do.................Enjoy!!