Her Creative Spirit

She Art Designs

2012-01-17T17:40:00.000-05:00

First, let me say "A Happy New Year"...

I am a really bad blogger these days, it's been a month.

My goodness, I have no idea where the time goes but I do

know I am always busy :)

I worked on these She Art canvases between Christmas

and New Years, and am just now taking photos of them.

I found it very relaxing once I got in the mode and a lot of fun too.

The only thing missing on my canvases is the words.

Not sure where I am going with that yet.

This one below is a book cover.

It will be the front of an altered book.

I had a go at two girls on a canvas.

You may notice they all seem to have the same colour theme.

Not sure why :)

Below is another altered book cover.

Do you like her skirt? I love that paper, it's from

The Graphics Fairy.

And one more, a little different with the wings.

Sorry for so many photos all at once.

I have been feeling really guilty for not posting on my blog,

but lately I just don't know what to say. So I hope you don't mind

just a few words today. All is well, I am great, and will be back soon.

Big Cyber Hugs,

Lynn

Christmas is coming

2011-12-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

Are you all prepared for the Holiday's?
I am because we are having our turkey day this Sunday with my side of the family, turkey and all the trimmings.

Just wanted to share a few things I have made this December. I seem to be in love with simple tree shapes, I made these cards using up bits and pieces I had on hand.

When I came across a folded piece of off white card stock I decided to make a card with it, a really simple card, and I think it turned out quite nice. Using charcoal and markers gave it a little definition.

I also made this little snowman ornament using a tutorial from Dawn at

The Feathered Nest. I always wanted to know how to make them. Hers are a lot cuter than mine, but this was my first time.

Still, he looks cute on the tree.

A Vintage Style snowman :)

I am finished making things for Christmas now, and I want to clear up my studio over the next week so I can make a fresh new start for the New Year.

Hope to be back again before the big day :)

Stockings, Hearts and Baubles

2011-11-21T16:11:00.001-05:00

Hello again :)

This week I would like to share a few things I have been making.

Little wool felt hearts, hand stitched , for adding to the tree and around the house.

The white one is made from quilt batting.

The Shabby Chic Stocking was inspired by Martha Stewart.com

If you are on Pinterest, you may have seen the stockings

her team made using vintage hankies as the trim.

A closer look.

As most of you know I collect vintage linens,

and just love white hankies, even with a tear in them :)

This year the living room is being decked with

silver and whites, and maybe a touch of gold.

I found the sweet little acorns and pinecone glass

ornaments, covered in glitter, at Home Sense.

I know my American friends have Thanksgiving this week,

but here in Canada that is in the past, we have ours in

early October, so now we are all preparing for

Christmas, which is my most favourite time to create.

Now I just have to finish decorating my tree :)

A Happy Holiday this weekend to my American friends.

I am going to the One of a Kind show in Toronto

that day with a friend, I haven't been in years, so I am

really looking forward to it.

Just imagine all of that creative energy in one place....

800 Artisans

See you next week

Lynn x

Linking to some Linky parties again

A Special Christmas Soiree

Deck The Halls

12 Crafts of Christmas

Head to Head Showdown

Christmas Gift Bag Tutorial

2011-11-13T15:09:00.003-05:00

Hello my friends, hope you are all well.

Christmas is fast approaching and I so enjoy making things for this holiday.

I thought of making these sweet little gifts bags and paper ornaments, and after I had finished the first I decided to take photos for a tutorial, but first a few finished pictures :)

The Ginger is made from a scrap of brown kraft wrapping paper. Same for the start and I also made a heart. Punch tiny holes and add a hanger for your tree.
It's easier if you draw your design on the doubled paper first, then stitch around it before cutting it out. As I was sewing them on the machine, I poked in a little stuffing so they are not so flat. You don't need much.

This is the paper bag I used to cut out
my first tree. I just lined it with sheet music.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial, it's been ages since I made one. You can make these bags with regular paper of any kind really, just be creative and make it your own. Enjoy.....

This is what you will need to get started.
Paper bags X 2 if they are flimsy like mine.
Paper bag x 1 to cut out Christmas Tree.
Old book paper
Sheet music
Burlap or Cheesecloth or other
Twine for handles
Buttons and embroidery floss
Thread and glue gun

The paper bags I used are not lunch bags, they are from a gift
shop and much lighter.
so I had to double up and in using old book paper as a lining
it makes them nice and strong.
I first cut the edges so they were even, but his step is up to you.

Lets get started :)
This tutorial shows me using cheesecloth which is laid down
first on one paper bag. This will be the front.
Add some sheet music that has been torn on the edges.
Now stitch around the sheet music in a random line.
You don't have to be perfect. I go in a curvy line.

Cut a Christmas Tree shape or other shape from another
paper bag.
Now, it's back over to the machine to sew it on.

Cut your twine or whatever you have for handle into two pieces.
Can you see how I have placed them inside the bag?
It's about an inch in on each side.
Now you are going to sew along the top of the paper bag
and seal in the twine for hanging or carrying the bag.
One straight line across the top.

Cut your old book paper to fit the size of your paper bags.
Now sew it along the top edge of bag on both paper bags.
On the inside. This is going to make a lining.
When you have done this you are ready to stitch
the two pieces together.

We are almost done :)
I used some wooden buttons which I had dyed with coffee.
Using some embroidery floss I made stitched
through the buttons so it looks as if they are
attached this way. You could stitch through the paper
but I decided to glue mine on with the glue gun.

Your inside will have old book paper, or whatever
you choose to use. I think it gives it a nice finish, it
just seems to add some strength too.

Now you have some sweet little gift bags for that
special small gift :)
I made some little paper ornaments too using brown kraft
wrapping paper, they will be nice to pop in the bag.

Linking my tutorial this week to

Deck The Halls Sunday
with Terri Heinz

Capturing Christmas
with Marilyn

The Twelve Crafts of Christmas

and

Happy Kindness Day to you all,

Lynn

Mixed Media Canvas

2011-10-23T16:36:00.000-04:00

Click the logo to find out more.

I am taking the She Art Workshop with Christy Tomlinson and she is just wonderful. Not only is Christy really cute, she offers lots and lots of detailed videos, and is so easy to listen too.

I have only completed on canvas so far. The canvas is a bit larger than I would really like to use, but it is what I had at the time.

Short post today, hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

Lynn x

It's a Monster Bash

2011-10-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

Frankie softie design

Hello everyone :)

I know, long time no see, but I am back. It's time to enjoy creating cute and beautiful things again, which I have not done in such a long time.

I was very busy crafting last week as you can see. I created Frankie, the Subway Art and potion bottle for "A Handmade Halloween" which I just published on Squidoo.

I have been writing pages on Squidoo for almost a year now and have raised over $200us for my fave charity. If you didn't know about this before, yes, I really enjoy putting these web pages together, and you can raise money by ads being clicked on, or sales through Amazon.com and Ebay, so I decided to do this for The Knit-a-square-project because I get a lot of pain from knitting the squares. They need cash too, so this is something I am really dedicated to. I have published 31 pages so far :)

Subway Art

This is called Subway Art for those of you that don't know, and there are lots of free printable versions listed on my Handmade Halloween page, and you can find this one here.

What I did was paint a wood canvas in black then used mod podge to glue the printable on. I rubbed it with an ink pad and scruffed it up a bit, then another layer of mod podge.

The white dots are done with the end of a paint brush, and then I sanded around the wood to give it a rougher look. I really like it, and hope to make some more.

I had so much fun while researching and searching for great Halloween projects online, mostly from other bloggers, which I have featured on this web page.

I also created my own design of what I call Witchy boots.

You can find the link to the pattern on A Handmade Halloween if you would like to make some for yourself, they are so quick and easy to make and you can make them in any fabric, whatever your style is.

I chose a piece of upholstery sample I had for years from my stash. I like the black and off white design. I thought the wrong side of the fabric was nice too so I made one of each, and stitched on some vintage buttons. I really like them :)

Witchy boots

If you visit my new web page , please feel free to tweet it and face book like it, and if you need anything on Amazon.com please go through the page, you will be supporting African AIDS Orphans at the same time, without any cost to you.

Want to know more about Knit-a-square and why I love it so much? I have a web page dedicated to them too, and it is featured on my web page. They are always in need of knitted squares, hats and more, or you can donate directly from their website.

I am so excited to get back to blogging, it's been a crazy summer and a very hot one too, even up until a few days ago.
We just had our Thanksgiving here in Canada and it was the hottest on record where I live. It just didn't seem right some how.

I have so much more to share with you, and I will be back soon to do that, because I have really missed you all.

See you very soon,
Lynn x

Digital Dreams and Backyard Dreams

2011-08-01T15:59:00.000-04:00

Hi my friends, it's been so long since I blogged, and it feels really weird.
It's not that I have nothing to blog about, I do, lots, but I have been busy doing it and rarely have time to visit blogs lately.

First let me start off by sharing my latest creative endevour , here she is

I have created her in Photoshop using a Wacom Tablet. She is my finished project from Tam's Digital Dreams workshop, which is now available as a self study. I actually think I prefer and do better with the digital art than the actual mixed media collages. After all, I was a digital artist before I found the world of mixed media.

Head on over to Tam's Ning network to find out about a huge giveaway she is having right now, to celebrate 5,000 members. She is giving away lot's of her mixed media classes and more, you have one week left to enter.

I have just started another workshop drawing digitally, which you can check out at Shwe's Sweet Pieces and Sweet People.
Now I am learning to use even more tools in Photoshop and am just loving it :)

What else have I been up to in the last two months?

Well, a lot of construction has been going on around outside the house. We have been here a year now, and we decided to just get all the outside work done so we can enjoy the back yard.

My hubby built a cute shed , and a pergola, and we have had the patio done in stones and the driveway too. As you can see, everything is wide open right now, so we are having a fence built for privacy. I can't wait to be fenced in. I worry too much about Cooper , plus I want to create my own little sanctuary :)

I didn't realize the door was open when I was snapping photos, but you get the idea :)

One side of the roof is glass panels and inside there is a potting bench so we can grow some plants from seed this year, which I am very interested in.

There is a pond going in this hole here, we are just waiting for the fence to be done which should be completed this week. I have started a butterfly garden beside the patio, and I hope to show you that soon. There are a couple of photos on my photography blog of my two new butterfly bushes if you are interested. The link is at the top of my side bar.

DH is also building a gazebo, something I have always dreamed of having, but the two weeks vacation he took has been just unbearably hot and humid to do any kind of outside work. We are hoping for some nice fresh summer days to get out and do some more work.

It has been one of the hottest summers I have known, and I think a lot of you that I know have been in the same situation with the heat. I don't mind hot and sunny but when you mix that humidity with it, YUK. I have barely spent any time outside in the last week.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer, I will be back soon,
Lynn

The Queen's Antiques Niagara on the Lake

2011-06-12T16:54:00.001-04:00

Last Tuesday June 7th was our 31st wedding anniversary. We try to take the day and usually go to Niagara on the Lake, which is not all that far from us so off we went planning on going to the Butterfly Conservatory.

Our first stop was "The Queen's Antiques", and wow, this place is chock o block full to the rim with amazing, magical, vintage and antique items. I didn't know where to look first, I found it almost overwhelming , I was so excited.

The lovely lady behind the counter that day was Barb, and she told me that five ladies run the place and they take turns looking after the shop. This is Barb's booth, she kindly allowed me to take a few photos, although she couldn't speak for the other ladies, so I kindly didn't take photos of their areas.

There was a pair of old shoes on that table there. I bought them :)
I have had fun taking photos with my new shoes, and I edited this photo with textures and the Vintage Overlay from Kim Klassen.

Click on the photo for larger view.

It's a shame someone had painted over them, but it is a pretty blue paint. Oh well, I may just see if I can do something with them, I am thinking they were a creamy ivory colour originally. They are ancient and very narrow. I have narrow feet and couldn't get them on, that would have been a cool photo shoot :)
Barb the lady from the shop thinks they were once wedding shoes. I used my Gran's pearls in this photo and some vintage gloves, along with a rose from the beautiful roses DH gave me for our anniversary.

More of the beautiful booth, filled from floor to ceiling and everywhere in between. I felt like I was in heaven and an hour later realized I had lost my husband.

He was out in the car, poor guy is so patient but he hates old stuff.

Barb also has some painted items in her booth, shabby chic style. This was her mother's dresser. My grandma had one just like it but the mirror was rectangle.

Lot's of beautiful old bit's and pieces around. I wish I had gone back and looked over the place again, I just didn't want to bother my hubby. I am sure I will go again, and soon.

I did purchase some hankies, lace, two really sweet little books, and a little cake tray, no photos yet.

I just LOVE these old windows and think one of them would look perfect in my hallway, but not sure if they will be there when I get to return.

That was my first stop and I think I was there a couple of hours.
After that we went to a beautiful garden centre that we like on the same road, and popped in another antique shop. It was a real let down after visiting "The Queen's Antiques".

We had lunch and walked downtown Niagara on the Lake for a short time. It was so hot and I felt faint so we decided to leave the Butterfly conservatory for another day.

I can't wait to get back there, I will let hubby go off to the garden centre while I look around. So if you are ever planning on a trip to Niagara on the Lake you may want to check out this shop. The photos don't even begin to show what they have.

More photos soon, bye for now,
Lynn

Matchbox Swap with Tina

2011-06-06T16:17:00.000-04:00

I was so happy when Tina @Tiny Bear asked if I would like to do a Matchbox Swap with her, I had never done one before so I thought it would be fun to try.
I had seen her do a swap on her blog and had missed the swap, so she kindly offered to do a one on one with me. I prefer that anyway :)

Look at how she presented everything, even the dominoes are tied together.

We both like Vintage, Flea Market style and neutral tones, so that is what we decided on for our swap and to also send a handmade card. You can see how much Tina fit in this box, which is a good size match box, love the trim and lace, sweet little buttons and I just adore pearls. Love the little glass bottle she put them in :)

A close up of the beautiful card

Here is everything all together, just look at the lovely Vintage box she designed.

Now you can see other things in the box, old snapshots, a tiny fan, a tiny cookie mold, flowers, leaves, a doily and game pieces ooouuuu la la :)

Here is everything all together

This is a close up of the front on the box, Tina hand stitched the children on to cheesecloth over a lovely doily, and texted paper is beneath it. Just lovely isn't it?
I think a lot of you know Tina, but if not, you are missing out on a beautiful blog, this lady lives in Denmark, she is very talented, creates lot's of mixed media and is also a very talented Teddy Bear artist, of Tiny Bear's, hence the name.

Thank you Tina for everything, I really enjoyed our swap and would gladly do something else with you:)

Close up shot of the beautiful box, love the kids stitched on the front :)

For some reason I only took a few photos of the box I made for Tina, but I am sure she will have more on her blog. I totally forgot to take photos of what I put in the box. As you may notice is is stuffed full to the brim.

This is one side view, I used bits of tea dyed fabric pieces, cut doily and lace, and topped it off with this vintage look flower.

This photo shows the other side, and ohhhh you can see some of what is stuffed in there :)
You know, I can't remember everything now. Serves me right for forgetting the photos.

I did a stupid thing really, but it was my first altered match box.

I glued paper around the inside of the box, but on the outer part of it and it made it a bit hard to slide it in and out. I will know better next time.

This was fun, hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Thank you for your lovely comments on my Color Drop Flowers , I still have some blog visits to day but wanted to post this now. Tomorrow, June 7th is our 31st Wedding Anniversary and we are going to Niagara on the Lake for the day. Hoping it won't be too hot, we have suddenly gone into air conditioning mode here.

I share my anniversary with blogger friend Sue from My Art's Desire. We actually got married the same date in 1980 , how cool is that?

Take care my friends, until next time,

Lynn

Color Drop Flowers

2011-06-03T14:47:00.000-04:00

This is the "Color Drop Flowers" workshop with Martha Lever at

Creative Workshops

I have been thoroughly enjoying this workshop.

Martha has the sweetest southern accent, she is so cute too.

Her videos are awesome!!!

The bookmarks above were the last little painting session I had.

This is all done with water colour paints.

This is a card I made for Tina in Denmark, we recently did a matchbox swap together.

I can show it now because she received mine already. Hope mine comes soon :)

Little gift tags, love how the yellow flowers turned out :)

I love the whimsical look of these flowers too, and they are such fun to paint.

My first flower pot which almost ended being painted over, but I managed to salvage it, and the more I look at it the more I like it.

So there you have it.

I highly recommend this class if you like this style.

Have a great weekend,

Lynn

Everything keeps coming up Purple

2011-04-03T12:35:00.002-04:00

Hi my blogger friends, WOW, thank you for all the lovely comments on my Studio, I am loving it !!!
Oh and yes, Cooper does think the chair is his, but he loves it in here and now he stays with me and that is what I wanted.

This past week my DH brought home for me, a bunch of purple tulips and a bunch of pink tulips, and ever since then I keep seeing purple in my photographs, so I thought I would make a couple of mosaics to share with you.

All except the first photo of the the tulips in the jug were taken on the round table in my studio. So this room also serves as a place to shoot photos :)

I took hundreds of photos last week of the purple tulips and also the pink.

The photo with the Bible is dedicated to my Grandmother, we called her Gran and I have written about here before. She gave me the lovely white Bible when I was young, and when she passed away I was given her little silver cross. The vintage gloves just reminded me of her. She was a creative soul too, I remember her making Easter bonnets for competitions through her social club :)

I even saw a lot of mauve shades in the journal page I painted and sort of finished. No journalling in words yet, and I am not showing you a close up because I am not really happy with my fairy, the face that is. I found her too small to work with, also, I have not painted a face in a very long time.

This was a little worksop run by Monica at Hands and Heart

Monica has some lovely workshops and also lot's of free mixed media workshops, you really should check her site out, you never know what you may find :)

So this photo I am showing you the close up. This is a craft project I came up with for a new page I published, A Handmade Easter on Squidoo. It is a pretty napkin ring, made from a toilet tissue roll, and I whipped this one up in less than 5 mins.

You can find the instructions on my page along with the cone for candy treats in the first mosaic, which is a lovely idea to add to your table for dinner. I have featured some lovely Spring projects, so even if you do not celebrate Easter there is still something their for everyone.

I also received 2 Purple Stars for my pages on Squidoo this past week. This is the best award you can receive so I feel very proud about this and I hope you don't mind me bragging :)

Now I have 3 Purple Star Awards :)

One of the awards was for A Handmade Easter and then... then... I was nominated for Lens of the Day...WOW.. I feel very special this week and have had so many comments and visits, I am overwhelmed by the wonderful people in the Squidoo community.

I LOVE writing about Handmade on Squidoo, I love the people there, and I have learned so much more about social networking. It is something I enjoy very much. Problem is, I enjoy so many things, I can't do them all at once LOL.

I have had so much fun wit these tulips, this photo is on my wedding dress with a pretty vintage hankie.

I hope the colours of purple and flowers will give you inspiration and make you feel more like Spring is coming. I think it will be here very soon, we have had some beautiful sunshine.

BTW, you should see my studio right now. Disaster, while I work on another project. Yet having a smaller space to work on is great, because I do clean up before I start another project :)

Happy Sunday,

Lynn

I make my mosaics at Big Huge Labs, it is so fast and easy.

Welcome to my studio

2011-03-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

Finally, after living in the new house for 8 months I can feel comfortable in my studio.

It's taken me a while to get the cozy feeling I needed, and that little Cooper needed too, because let's face it, he is glued to me, so it is his room too :)

I had two plastic fold up tables before last week, and found I just kept piling stuff on them and getting overwhelmed by the mess, so this is what I did.

First got them out of the room, put down an area rug from storage, brought in a cozy chair from another part of the house, and this old round pedestal table that we have had for so many years. I wanted the feeling of a cozy cottage living room :)

Thing is I need my computer and printers in here too.

I got hubby to pick me up this new desk from Ikea for my most favourite piece of equipment, the Queen of all computers who now resides in my cozy little room.

This is the imac with a 27 inch screen and it is absolutely incredible. For photographers and graphic designers it is awesome, and bloggers too, all of your beautiful blogs look fantastic on this screen.
You can get a smaller version but my husband decided I needed the huge one LOL.

I hope to get something small, a little table maybe to put beside the desk for the laser printer.

The desk matches the shelving unit I already had for a few years from Ikea. I love that place, my chest of drawers is from there too, the drawers are huge, lots of storage room.
I closed the door you see to the walk in closet, it's full of more "stuff".

The storage boxes house my felt and some fabric, the cupboard is jam packed full, and beside it my plastic drawers on wheels has all my papers in it.

I knew Cooper would love the chair LOL, he has used it more than I have that's for sure. Now he can look outside or just fall asleep in comfort.

Since I was redoing the room I decided to get all my Easter decorations out. Not that I have so much, but I love to have lot's of things on the shelves of my old cupboard.
I knew I was having this beautiful piece of furniture in here when we moved so I had the movers bring it upstairs. I think they thought I was a bit crazy, but who cares.
I keep my vintage china in this cupboard, vintage linens, and more art supplies, it is really useful, and I get to see it all the time because this is where I am most of the time :)

Beside my computer desk is this little wicker desk for my sewing machine. It still is looking a bit empty over there, I could use a couple of shelves I think.

Do you see a beautiful fabric collage on the wall?

This is a beautiful, beautiful gift from my friend Robin at Robins Nest. She made it for me as a housewarming gift, and I loooove it, so I added it to my studio so I can look at it all the time.

I took some close up's of this beautiful collage and made a mosaic at Big Huge Labs

Isn't it scrumptious? Robin makes some incredible fabric collages.

I am using the pedestal table only, no other work area, for my artwork, and there is a reason for that. Keeping my work area small means I have to clean up before I start something new. This is what I have to do to keep organized , I just have to, although in the future if I can keep things tidy, I may add one small table near the window, there is lots of space there still.
While I am working on something, of course, everything is a disaster, things strewn all over the place. This is the tidiest it may ever be, and that was intentional :)

Thanks for visiting me today,
Happy Spring,
Lynn

Owls and Digital Manipulations

2011-03-09T14:15:00.002-05:00

Hi my blogging friends, how are you?
I know it's been a while since I posted or did my blog visits, life has been rather busy.

So what have I been up to lately? I have been having a little fun creating with some beautiful sheets of felt I purchased from Joggles.com, called National Non Woven Felt, I just love it, and I have been shopping there for some lovely threads too, I love the Oliver Twist packs, and was going to show you some, but this post may get too long.

I actually made these cute little owls two weeks ago.

This blue one is my favourite.

I then designed a little needle book and I am really happy how it turned out.

You can see below the steps I took to make this little project, and I am trying to show you the finished inside but blogger is giving me fits here.
I wrote a full tutorial on my Cute Owl Crafts page, that is printable, and there is a link to the little owl pattern too, which I drew very roughly, but just incase you don't want to draw your own :)
Also included on this page are lot's of links to some of the greatest Cute Owl Craft projects I have found online, all free instructions.
If you love Owls as much as I do, you are going to love this page.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

The tutorial is on an off blog page at Squidoo.com where I am thoroughly enjoying writing about Arts and Crafts mostly, I think I found my niche there :)

I have also been playing in PSE9 , but not as much as I would like. I post my work on my Flickr but I will show you a couple right here that I really love.

I am also learning how to use my new camera, going to a DSLR after my little Coolpix point and shoot, is rather overwhelming. I just want to know how everything works, and right now LOL.

This is as you may guess, called "Authentic". A photo of some Grape Hyacinth from the grocery store processed with Kim Klassen textures. The link to her site is in my side bar if you have yet to see her beautiful textures.

A couple more to share, this one is "Tulip Love", and I love how it turned out.

I got to play with a beautiful, beautiful bunch of tulips a friend brought me.

You may noticed the name Ashleigh Lynn on my digital art now. That's the name I will be using on my photographs and on Flickr and I am also hoping to have a blog just for my photography when I get around to it.

Ashleigh Lynn is my daughter's full name, she is also into photography so you never know what may come of our adventures :)

This next one is called "Tea in Bed", it brought back memories of my childhood. My dad always brought mom a cup of tea in bed each morning. He did this throughout their marriage but now he has Parkinsons and it's too hard for him to carry a cup of hot steaming tea.

I hope to be back sooner than last time,

Until then, keep living creatively :)

Lynn

We came to tell you the winner of our giveaway

2011-02-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hi ladies,
I thought you may like to see the dollies I have ready to ship to S.Africa along with my knitted squares and hats. They are so cute, and fun to make :)

They wanted to help me and tell you our winner of the Hearts Giveaway....

I am happy to tell you Robin , that you will be receiving these hearts shortly, you won :)

Thank you all for entering ....
Lynn

A Happy Hearts Day Giveaway

2011-02-14T14:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day to my blogger friends :)

What better day than to post this sweet heart giveaway for you in honour of my 400+ followers.

I have created two hearts just for this giveaway and if you would like to win, all you have to do is leave a comment with someway of me to contact you. If you do not have your blogger set so I can reply to your comment, would you please leave your email?

I have been playing with felt lately, and I made you this sweet needle felted heart pin or brooch with tiny little beads. There is a brooch pin in the back to attach it to your jacket or to anything really.

I have been playing in PSE with Kim Klassen's new Sweet Treat Texture which was delivered on Friday to her Textures mailing list.

This next heart is small too, and can be used in a bowl as decor or maybe a pin cushion. I embroidered the design first from a free stitchery pattern at Kviltstina , I just checked and they are still available if you are interested. They are originally designed for quilts, and at one time I was going to stitch them all but, well... you know how it is ? I always want to do it all but I just can't.

The back is Wool Felt in a dark pink almost identical to the heart pin.

Hope you like them, and if you do please don't be shy, join in and leave a comment, everyone is welcome to participate. I will draw a name a week today.

If you havn't checked out my latest published page on Needle Felting Techniques please do. I had a lot of fun putting it together, and I found so many sweet tutorials and videos for this page.

I have also been playing with the wool felt and will be back with more of that when I finish my little projects.

Until then, show a little LOVE today wherever you go, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about romance only.

Lynn

P.S for those who asked, yes I do need surgery to have my gallbladder removed, but the surgical wards are backed up so it won't be until July, unless I have an emergency. Hope not!

Learn Textures in Ten Minutes

2011-02-03T11:13:00.004-05:00

I am just popping in to share something with those of you who use PSE or Photoshop and want to learn how to use textures.

Kim Klassen has a free video lesson for you right now on her blog , and she will show you how to add textures and play with them to digitally alter your photographs.

It's fun and can be very addicting .

Ready to get started?

Textures in Ten

My photo in this post is processed with one of Kim's textures.

On another note

I just noticed I am at 400 followers... WOW... are there really that many?

This could be cause to celebrate :)

I will be back soon with a giveaway, I just lost a whole week due to some very severe pain, only to find out I have a hernia, and my gallbladder is inflamed. I will know more when I see the surgeon on Monday. The joy of growing older, in some ways it's great and others not.

Take care, be back soon,

Lynn

Knitting and Sewing For AIDS orphans

2011-01-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

I felt a change coming before the beginning of the year, don't know how, I just feel things sometimes, I knew something good, something inspiring would enter my life, and it did.

So....... I have been knitting again.

This time for some very special little people.

I discovered, and have bonded with a very special knitting for charity organization. A family run , grass roots organization that has done so much incredible work in the short 2 1/2 years since the family started.

Knit-a-square or KAScare is a way for me to give back and be creative at the same time. I am knitting to keep children warm, children that live in extreme poverty, in Southern Africa, and have lost their mother's to AIDS, yes they are orphaned, and many abandoned with no one to care for them. It is estimated that there are 500 new orphans a DAY in S.Africa, can you imagine?

Many of them have HIV/AIDS themselves and these sick children need warmth even more to keep their immune systems healthier.

Here is what I have knitted so far, 5 hats and 2 squares. Knit-a-square collects 8"/20cm knitted or crochet squares. Knitter's send them directly to one of the co-founders in S.Africa and volunteers help her sort everything, then they are sent to another group of volunteers in Soweto where they are sewn into blankets.

I have published a page for them, The Knit a Square project for AIDS orphans

I would love you to come read about them and see some smiling faces of the children who have received blankets, and if you are interested find out other ways you can help if you do not knit or crochet.

What I love about this charity is you get to see the kids they distribute blankets to, they take lot's of photos and these kids are so grateful for the love. They now plan on giving each child a hat and a sweater too. The nights can go down to 0 degrees in the winter and most of them sleep on floors without heat, even the babies.

My shoulder has been sore from the knitting so I decided to make these dollies... ohhhh what fun they are and so easy.

These children really need something to cuddle and maybe they can even talk to them and tell their troubles to them :) Look how cute they are, although I could use some practise painting the faces, and I have just realized I forgot to give them rosy cheeks.

This free pattern is from Dolly Donations and so easy to make with scraps of fabric. I was lucky enough to have just enough brown in my stash to make these little darlings. The pattern comes in a boy's design too which I will try next.

Thank you to Sarah for the pattern and running such a sweet blog.

You can see more donated dollies on Sarah's blog, where recently a shipment went off to some very needy children in Haiti.

Take care, and hope to see you soon,

Lynn

Make a pretty pink Valentine Card

2011-01-12T16:34:00.003-05:00

I am just dropping by to let you know that I have updated my tutorial on making the folded Valentine Heart Card, and it is now on my Squidoo page here.

I made this pretty pink card with lace :)

I mentioned Squidoo on a previous post and it is something very important to me. I get to write about things I love, have fun, and I get to help my favorite charity. I will tell you more about that soon, I am so excited and feel very passionate about charity work, and I want to make an entire post about the one I am supporting the most now.

Head over to my page where I have instructions and the free cliparts I used :)

If you have a Squidoo account please give me a thumbs up, if not you can still leave a comment.
Thank you, be back soon,
Lynn

Happy New Year and a Giveaway

2011-01-04T08:50:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to you all.
I love the start of a fresh New Year , it's almost a feeling of I get to start anew, wipe the slate clean.

This brings me to feelings about blogging, I am not sure where to to go with this. I spend a lot of time on the computer playing in photoshop, visiting blogs etc and I need to cut back somewhere. So I am going to take a little break to think about things. It could be two weeks , it could be more. I do love blogland and all of you, but I need to carve out some extra time to take care of myself :)

My first post of this year is to share a collaborative giveaway with my friend Lynda of Diva Designs, who you read about in a recent post when she created a beautiful gothic arch pendant using my art work. We thought it would be nice to share one with you all and this one is even more beautiful, it has a gorgeous cage around it, which I think fits perfectly with the gothic arch style.

The photographs are good , but when you see these in person they are even more stunning.
Want to win? Then head on over to Diva Designs and leave a comment on her post right now, that's all you have to do. International friends are welcome too of course, so don't be shy ladies.

Lynda will draw a name in a week's time, and she has also decided to have a new giveaway each month of 2011 on her blog. I am so happy about that, I will be entering to win more of her beautiful work :)

If you missed my last post about our collaborative art work, scroll down a couple of posts to read about it :)

I hope you have a wonderful, creative day,
Lynn

Have a beautiful Christmas

2010-12-19T13:39:00.011-05:00

I want to wish you all a love filled, joy filled, and healthy Christmas, I have so enjoyed this year with you all my blogging friends. I have learned a lot and am still learning a lot from you all, and have been inspired and felt loved too. Thank you so very much.
I decorated in whites and gold in the front room, and then in burgundy and gold in our family room where I sit a lot on these latest cold days. It's just so cozy here with the fire on. We have not had much snow yet but it is very cold.

We had Christmas yesterday with my young nieces, the little artists I have posted about before, my mom and dad were here too and we had a lot of fun. The girls dressed up Cooper but it was hard keeping that hat on him, he just wasn't having it *giggle*

Next week on Christmas Day we will be doing it all over again with my DH's family, so I am going to try and take it easy this week. Although I love it all, it knocks me out, even if it's family and friends visiting I still get flustered and try to do too much.

I will see you all again in 2011... wow, doesn't that sound strange?
My DH is taking some holidays now, and will get back to work after the New Year, so we want to spend more time together :)

Take care all, and enjoy the holidays

A Gothic Arch Pendant

2010-12-08T15:35:00.001-05:00

Look at this beautiful pendant and ornament. I am in awe...

I think this may be called a collaborative work of art because it was created by my new friend Lynda of Diva Designs, using one of my collages created on a Gothic Arch.

Lynda saw my work on Flickr and fell in love with my Garden Nymph Gothic Arch, so she asked if it was available in digital format for sale. Nope, never thought of doing that, I have never even seen these designs on polymer clay until I saw hers, so anyway, I told her if she makes me a pendant she can use my design. She was thrilled, and look how beautiful it is.

Below is a matching ornament for the tree, but I can keep it hanging in my studio all year long.

Lynda creates polymer focal beads, pendants and ornaments. They are one of a kind works of wearable art. She specializes in image transfers and faux work, and would love to create a custom pendant or bead for you. She also has tutorials for sale in her Etsy shop if you are already into working with polymer clay. Me? Nope, not going to get into anything else, I have so many things I love to play with I can't even find the time for.

Here is the Gothic Arch I made last year. It actually is one of my favorites which I never could part with.
I have been having a bit of trouble getting into collage work lately, not sure why, but I do enjoy it and hope to get back to it in the New Year.
I printed this image on fabric too and used it on a bookmark. This was a giveaway.

Speaking of "Giveaways", check out Lynda's blog at Diva Designs. I noticed she has an ornament giveaway on a post a few days ago, but it ends soon so hurry, it really is beautiful :)

This talented lady just opened a second Etsy shop, Diva Designs 2 where you will find genuine Vintaj natural brass, Swarovski crystal beads, Preciosa crystal beads, semi-precious gemstones and metals. You may want to have a lookie if you are a jewelry designer.

Thank you Lynda for creating this beautiful artwork with my artwork, I love it !

Handmade Christmas Week 3

2010-12-03T11:58:00.006-05:00

Happy December to you all

Last week I was inspired by a little tutorial on Skip to my Lou to create some little sachets with vintage hankies.
I thought I had a lot more in my stash than I did, so I will be looking for more as soon as I can get out of the house. At the moment my face is swollen from some dental surgery this week and I don't feel well enough to go out, but am dying to get to the thrift shop to see if I can find more.

I put my own spin on the hanging sachet here, which is filled with rose petals. I love how it turned out, and am working on some more for little gifts for Christmas for the ladies on my list.

Some dainty hankies all in white, which I personally like plain and simple but I still may add something to them.

I was going through my cupboard and found an old salt shaker filled with lavendar (which I am allergic to)
This allergy only started a few years ago, I love lavendar, used to grow it all the time in my garden, then one day while sniffing it my throat started to tighten and I couldn't swallow. It wore off but since then when I am around it I get this funny feeling in my throat.

It didn't seem too bad in the salt shaker so I thought I would decorate it a bit and I think it would look nice in someone's bathroom don't you? Just not mine :)

The last few weeks I have been creating pages on Squidoo to raise money for charity.

All royalties from clicks on the page ( if I get any) will be going directly to the
"Save The Children Foundation" all year long, and you can also make a direct donation from my pages. I have 6 in total now.

I have made a page called "A Handmade Christmas 2010" which has now been featured in the Holiday Gift Guide. I am proud of this because there are thousands upon thousands of other lenses to chose from. Please, if you have a few minutes come visit me there, give my page a thumbs up if you like it or leave a comment. You might be inspired by my page to make some of your own handmade gifts too.

Below is my first fabric flower using the candle method to crinkle the edges. I looked at so many you tube videos until I found one that wasn't annoying to watch and listen to. If you are interested, it is on my Handmade Christmas page. The first time I tried it I did burn the fabric, but you get used to it with practice, they are so pretty and will look lovely on gift wrapped parcels.
I know it seems like I have been really busy but this has been over a span of a week. Until next time, enjoy your creative days :)

Handmade Christmas Week 2

2010-11-24T14:50:00.006-05:00

Here I am, and it's been so long. To be honest I havn't had much to share, I have been so busy decking the halls and Christmas shopping, and just with life in general.
I did make some little birds as I said I would, but only two because I lost interest. There is still time to make more anyway if I want to.

I drew my pattern then sewed them on muslin. Once the body was stuffed I stitched on the wings and then painted them. As you can see, one is gold... hmmmmmm not sure about him.

I think I like the white one more. They have different wing designs and the white one I used french knots for the eyes. I gave them a dusting of mica flakes too, can you see them. Click on the image for a close up.
If anyone is interested, I would be happy to scan my humble little pattern for you and post it on my blog. I have scanned the drawing of my skinny stockings too and will share that too. I also have a chubbier stocking pattern that I used before.

Do you remember Ms Pearl? I created her two Christmases ago and still love her, she goes perfect with my white and off white decor. Which I am almost done with and will take photos for my next post.
I wanted to make another snow lady, just havn't felt like being in the studio lately, and I have decided for the good of my sanity not to worry every time this happens and just do something else , whatever makes me feel good. Well , within reason LOL

Cooper wanted to say hi.....
Here is, my little teddy bear. This was before I cut his hair last week.

Here we are preparing for Christmas and all of my American friends are just having Thanksgiving tomorrow. I don't know how you do it, I am thankful that our Canadian Thanksgiving is in early October, I really am. Give us a break :)

I wish you all a wonderful, happy and healthy Thanksgiving, and could someone please tell me why Friday is called Black Friday. I know it's about big sales everywhere but where does the Black come from?

Until next time, hope it is sooner,
Lynn

Handmade Christmas Week 1

2010-11-09T09:21:00.005-05:00

I have this crazy idea that I want to decorate two Christmas trees this year. It's our first Christmas in our new home and I want to go all out, so I have decided to make as many ornaments as I can to fill up a second tree using bits and pieces from my stash.

I hope to share something new each week this month :)

For my first set of ornaments I decided on a cute elf shaped stocking and used some left over fabric I used on some chairs, which is a light upholstery fabric.

I have embellished them with bits of lace and old earrings etc I have collected in the past.

Everything is from my stash of supplies, and what a good feeling to actually use some of it.

I think I have a dozen of these now, and am thinking I will make some doves or some type of bird this week and see how they turn out.

My theme for the new tree is a Shabby Chic style in off whites and with a touch of red or burgundy here and there.

How about you? Are you making anything this year for Christmas? I would love to hear about it , and if you post it on your blog let me know.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lynn

Blogger Shop Hop, All week long

2010-11-01T10:54:00.007-04:00

Happy Monday, and Happy November :)

I have been inspired by Market Monday at the Etsy Cottage Style blog, which runs once a month.

Here is how it works.

If you sell, on Etsy, Ebay, your own website, blogs, or anywhere you post your handmade items, including digital work, this is a chance hopefully to get you some traffic for the upcoming busy season.

Add your shop link to the InLinkz below, and then please visit the other shops, if you can, no pressure :)

You will have all week, I have set it up to finish November 8th.

Do you have friends who sell handmade? Let them know too, anyone can join in.

Why not head over to Etsy Cottage Style blog and add your link there too. It is a great opportunity to promote yourself :)

Art. Heart, Healing Workshop

2010-10-30T16:36:00.008-04:00

She is back... yeahhhhhhhh....
My Muse :)
Mostly because I found that Tam at Willowing was offering a free workshop.

I had just finished my last blog post and told you my muse was still missing. Not an hour later I had been to another blog, after clicking on a link for some reason and read about the Art, Heart, Healing Workshop that Tamara was running.

I call that an "Unmistakable Touch of Grace", after reading the book by that title a couple of years ago by Cheryl Richardson. Some of you call it a "coincidence". Great book and an easy read.

I suddenly felt inspired again once I was at the website so I signed up promptly and have been playing with my paints again the past two days.

I think I will just stick to these few teaser photos of my journal pages for now, as I feel I need to add something else still, but it just feels so good to be able to do this again and I had to come and tell you about the workshop.

The videos started October 18th but I have done one class in just two days, now I can go watch the other videos for week 2.

I believe she was going to wait another week for the 3rd class because more and more people are interested. If you don't feel like working on this now, not to worry, you can download and keep the videos on your computer to watch at a later time.

As I said, this is a free workshop, but Tam has put a lot of work into these videos, they are great quality, and I have enjoyed the first ones very much.

I finally dirtied my large moleskine journal, which my DD gifted to me last Christmas so she was happy when I told her about that :)

You can go read all about the workshop here
and, or listen to a video describing it and why Tamara decided to offer this for free.

Have a great rest of the weekend, and keep your kiddies safe on Halloween :)

P.S I am still looking for 3 people to sign up for my PIF
Read about it on my last post.
No pressure, I have time:)

This, that and the other

2010-10-28T11:33:00.005-04:00

Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to win a giveaway of these beautiful note cards from Stephanie Mealor Corder at Dragonfly Design Studios.

They feature her beautiful paintings of flowers, but that's not all she paints. She works in acrylics and is one talented lady, if you have a chance check out her Etsy shop for cards like this, and even some of her original paintings.

Thank you Stephanie, I have a LOVE for cards :)

I also purchased some cards recently from another very talented artist Molly Harrison. I have fallen in love with her work on Zazzle and purchased a few cards that I just had to share with you.

If you like Fairies, Angels, Unicorns and other fantasy art, you will love her shop. She just posted some amazing Christmas Angels too and Polar bears that are so cute.

Visit Molly at robmolily, and delight your inner magical side :)

I have commited to a "Pay it Forward" at Dolore's blog True Blue Canadian.

Here is how it works.....

I have commited to send 3 people a gift in the next 365 days.
If you would like a gift from me, then you must commit to do the same thing within another 365 days.
So what do you think, anyone up for it?

It can be anything, and it can be sent anytime within the next year :)

That's all for now my friends, I am still having problems with my mixed media muse, she hasn't come back, so I am taking it as a sign to get off my butt more and get some much needed exercise, and hopefully she will come back soon.

Have a great weekend,
Lynn

Tulips in the Fall... beautiful

2010-10-22T17:56:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen this variety of tulips? I hadn't, but when I did, I knew I had to treat myself to a bunch.

I take my mom grocery shopping now because my dad who has Parkinsons can no longer drive, and mom never did learn to drive. The grocery store she likes to shop at has the most amazing florist section and for some reason this was the first time I noticed.

I got them home, and was putting them in a vase when I broke two of them. Sooooo I put them in a little glass then later I felt like taking some photos of these beauties, so my wedding dress of 30 years came out of the closet. Look how pretty they look on the white organza with all the pearls.

I must add, that each and every pearl on my wedding gown was hand stitched. A friend of ours made my dress as a wedding gift. I chose a design and she did the rest. I do remember sitting down one day with her and sewing some pearls onto the lace, so I suppose I could say I had a part in putting it together :)

I had so much joy out of this bunch of tulips, which was under $10, and although it's not something I do for myself all the time, I really think it was worth the money.

What can you buy for that anyway? And they lasted over a week.

Why not treat yourself to some flowers this week?

They just bring something special into the home. I smiled each and every time I saw them :)

I just love the crinkled edges on this beautiful flower, this is my very first time seeing anything like it in a tulip.

I wonder if you can plant bulbs like this?

Probably, but I have nowhere to plant them yet, so I will have to wait.

A few days ago when I took mom shopping for her groceries, I looked again, but they were all out of tulips this time. I could have used some this week, it's been a crazy one.

I hope they bring you a little smile too :)

Have a great weekend,
Lynn

Tea Cup Challenge

2010-10-15T06:16:00.001-04:00

We are at it again :) This week Linda and I challenged each other to take a photo of a tea cup and alter it digitally. I went for an old vintage look on this one after playing and playing with textures I still wasn't happy until I gave it a sepia tone and some more scratches.

I used Kim Klassen's scratch texture again (love it) and the scalloped texture is from Rita at The Coffee Shop, which is a freebie, but you will have to search her beautiful blog, I don't remember now where I found it, but it was somewhere there. I then did a bunch of other manipulations before I settled on the finished result, which I am very pleased with.

Here is the before photo, pretty as it is, but this was a challenge to experiment in PSE8. Linda and I have been hooked since we got PSE8 last January, and yes.... This IS my obsession right now :)

Below is another tea cup photograph I took last week. I had my wedding dress out to play photo shoots with, it was a lot of fun and I do have more photos to share at a later time. This photo I added a very subtle, dreamy manipulation after playing around, and then I went off to my Zazzle and made an invitation and a note card with this.

Wouldn't it be beautiful for a bridal tea party or a thank you wedding card? That's what I thought :)
I had some printed and they are so soft and pretty. I love the dreamy look too.

I also made a friendship postcard and a note card with my new tea time design which you can find in my Zazzle store right now.
I made a page for my Zazzle store and my Etsy here because I just don't like all the clutter in my side bar, so you can always click on the links at the top and see what's there :)

Thanks again Linda my friend, for this challenge. Yesterday was the perfect rainy day to play in PSE all day. Let's do this again soon :)

Pear Challenge

2010-10-07T17:23:00.006-04:00

My Blue Eyed Girlfriend Linda Vincent set us a digital challenge after we were talking about pears one day.

The above photograph was taken of one of many pears Linda had ripening in her conservatory. She's British, I think only they have conservatories , which is like a sun room :)

I used textures from Kim Klassen on this one, I just LOVE her magic textures and so many more, if you have not been buy her site, you are in for treat when you do.

On my own pear photo (below) I did a really grungy look using textures from Jerry at
Shadow House Creations, one of which is his old newspaper texture, then I topped it off with one of Kim's scratch textures.

If you are into Photo Shop and textures like Linda and I are at the moment, you do not want to miss a visit to Jerry's blog. He is the most generous man, all of his textures, masks and brushes are free for you to use, and there are lots of them. You can however make a donation and buy him a coffee or something while you are there :)

So Linda, what do you think?

I bet your's are way better. To see what Linda came up with check out her big beautiful and inspiring blog at Blue Eyed Girl. This woman has so much talent, everything she does is superb, I mean really superb!

While I am here today I would like to wish all of my Canadian friends and followers a very Happy Thanksgiving Weekend.

The last holiday weekend before Christmas, and the weather here in S.Ontario is supposed to be beautiful :)

I can't get back until after Monday so I will leave you with this little card I made.....

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I have a little shop on Zazzle now. I have been having cards printed there with my digital work on for a while now and am really happy with the quality. So I thought I would offer my work to everyone else who shops on Zazzle.

You can now purchase greeting cards with my pumpkins, and other digital. You can add your own text to them which is fun, and they ship the next day, they are great!

This weekend only all cards are 40% off at the Canadian site HERE using the code THANKSCANADA at check out. You can mix and match cards from any other Zazzle shop, you don't have to choose mine :)

I will be adding more as I create them, I am hooked....

I have always been one to keep a stock of pretty cards for friends, and thank you notes etc, I think it makes people feel good inside to receive a nice card, especially if it is something different, so if you get a chance please check out what I have and add me as a "fan", because I don't have any yet.

There is also a sale on at Zazzle.com this weekend for Columbus Day.
Everything is 14.92% off using the code 1492COLUMBUS , my oh my, where did that percentage come from?

I am not sure about other international sites, but if you sign up at Zazzle you will be notified when there are special promotions, and you can use any of your own images or photos to create cards, and so much more.

Thank you for all the great advice on my last post, and I will see you all soon.
Lynn

Playing with Pumpkins

2010-10-01T15:18:00.004-04:00

October is a time for pumpkins, cooler temperatures, change of season, and for Canadians, our Thanksgiving, which is only two weeks away.

Last Sunday we were at a garden center and I picked up a bunch of small white gourds and a nice white pumpkin to decorate my dining room. I also found the really interesting brown pumpkin at Home Sense and fell in love with it. I never dreamed I would be into brown , but I love it with the whites and off whites, so I am going with it.

I have also been playing with the pumpkins to use in my digital art work.

There are two different looks here, both achieved using textures from Kim Klassen Cafe
Are you one of those people who would love to try PSE but have no idea where to start? Kim is now offering a Skinny-mini ecourse to get you going and it's FREE... You can read the details here. If you love Kim's textures and know a bit more you may be interested in the new group she is starting on Monday called The Test Kitchen, and there is still a chance to get in at a pre opening price. I have signed up, so who knows, maybe I will see you there :)

I feel a big shift in my creative spirit lately, actually just over the past two weeks. All I want to create right now is digital art and so I am going with it, this is where my spirit is guiding me, so why not?
I have tried painting , collage, sewing and I just can't focus, and to be honest it has had me quite down. I know you know what I mean, I think we all go through it sometimes.

Well...... it's time to change my mood, go with the flow and enjoy what I can focus on.

Happy Weekend,
Lynn

World Gratitude Day

2010-09-21T10:46:00.009-04:00

Today is World Gratitude Day , so what better time to say Thank you to all my dear blogging friends.

I am grateful for

Your Friendship
Your Encouragement
Your Love
Your Giving , Sharing Hearts
Your Beauty
Your Inspiration
Your Art
Your support
Your kindness
Your Sharing your life with me
Your Laughter
Your Grace........

and so much more

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. ~Henry Ward Beecher

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
~Epictetus

Friends garden in England,2008

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you. ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Village in Tuscany, 2005

Whatever our individual troubles and challenges may be, it’s important to pause every now and then to appreciate all that we have, on every level. We need to literally “count our blessings,” give thanks for them, allow ourselves to enjoy them, and relish the experience of prosperity we already have. ~ Shakti Gawain

But the value of gratitude does not consist solely in getting you more blessings in the future. Without gratitude you cannot long keep from dissatisfied thought regarding things as they are. ~Wallace Wattles

North Yorkshire Dales, England, 2008

Blog Header and Digital Thank you card created by me on the weekend :)
Have a great day,
Thanks for visiting,
Lynn

Vintage Style sewing and a beautiful Treasury

2010-09-16T17:08:00.010-04:00

Look what's in my vintage linens draw, I have been doing a bit of sewing lately with tea and coffee died bits and pieces.
Below is a 4 x6 postcard on muslin featuring the sweetest little girls , also printed on muslin.

I also made this pretty vintage style bag with a drawstring, with a collage on the front, vintage bits and pieces that have all been tea dyed for that aged look.

Do you see the little bluebirds? I layered them over a vintage postcard image and printed on fabric. You can find the birds at Carol Anne's Boutique, thank you sweetie :) I am sorry I don't know where the postcard image is from. I usually have image in folders by peoples names but it wasn't in one.

Both will be for sale in my Etsy shop which I just re opened yesterday. If you are interested in my wildflower bookmarks, there are a few in the shop too.
I was really surprised to find that someone already included one of my wildflower bookmarks in a beautiful treasury this morning, I feel so honored :)

Here is a close up of the bag.

I have to share part of this Treasury with you, I love it. I remember way back when I used to love creating these on Etsy, during my Cottage Style days of selling there. Click here if you would like to go see it.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend,
Lynn

All photos are clickable for a closer look :)

Playing with PSE again

2010-09-09T17:05:00.005-04:00

This is a snail flower, isn't it beautiful ?

The original photograph is copyright to Patty Szymkowicz at "Magpie's Nest", and she kindly let me use the original to play with in PSE. You can see the original, and read more about this deliciously fragrant vine on Patty's blog post here. Thank you so much sweetie, hope you like this one.

So how did I get this effect? I followed a really easy tutorial at Rita's "Coffee Shop" called Vintage Blush, only I used a different texture than she did in her tutorial. I am really pleased with the results. Rita has a super blog with lot's of free tutorials, textures etc and "actions". You can download her "action" for the Vintage Blush or make your own like I did. Be careful, you may get lost over there and never come back. That is if you are into PSE.

Using the same steps and colors with the pink blush, I took this photo of mine and made it look like this. Not bad huh?

Then I went on to do the same steps over again, different textures every time with this lovely photo from Flickr's Creative Commons. I really should go back and look at my layers on things to remember the textures used.

On this one I used a clipping mask and a brush from "Designer Digitals", great stuff there too.

Here is the original photograph.

I hope to inspire you to not be afraid of trying Photo shop or Elements, there are many workshops out there that can help you and many free tutorials too. You can do it!
I was stuck forever in my old version of Paint Shop Pro 7 and I still use it for resizing photos for the web, things like that, but I am just loving Elements now that I got over the fear of trying something new :)

Digital work for today

2010-09-08T15:47:00.003-04:00

I used my very own clipping mask, my first, although not the greatest, you have to start somewhere.

I used a free vintage image from The Graphic's Fairy, and I used a texture from Linda, with of course a lot of masking and brushing. (You have to use PSE to know what I mean)

Here is another version of it.....

I tried printing this on TAP but my bee's went smudgy so I must be doing something wrong. Will try again and let you know what I did wrong so you don't waste a sheet of it like me.

I am so proud of them

2010-09-07T15:04:00.007-04:00

My two younger nieces ages 11 and 13 in two weeks were here again for an art day and I am sooooooo proud of them I just had to share their paintings with you :)

They saw my practice drawings for my class with Suzi Blu and Emma asked if I would show them how to draw faces. The younger one Sophie, kept saying she was no good at faces, I can't do this etc etc, and I told her if you think that way, then you won't be able to draw, just tell yourself you can do it.
She did, and look what she created after she stopped her negative thinking. Can you believe this is her first painting? Inspired by Ms Suzi Blu of course.

What if she had just given up like she wanted to? Kids with no art training tend to draw the eyes very far apart anyway so these Petit Dolls are perfect for them.

After a few faces I gave them both a huge sheet of watercolor paper and my Caran D'ache Watersoluble crayons, but Sophie found them too soft looking so she went over them with folk art paint, and when it was dry we used rub on butterflies.

Ohhhhhh she was so proud of herself and kept saying "I can't believe I made this".

Emma liked a doll I had drawn and cut out of card, so she drew around the outline and filled in the rest herself. The face, the hair line is all hers. She on the other hand loved the soft colors of the oil pastels. The bottom of the dress is actually a lime green , too much flash I suppose, it was dark when we finished.

I did nothing but add the rub on's because they were afraid to ruin it all.
The cute thing too was, after this was all done and they had to leave they told me they had been talking while I was downstairs and both thought being in my studio made it easier. I think they meant they were inspired by all my supplies and my art work etc.

If you missed it, go here for the last art day we had together.
I don't get to see them much anymore , but when they can, they do still love to come and stay, and play art with me :)

Hope you had a great weekend, it feels like Monday to me because of the holiday yesterday.
Love,
Lynn

Where the purple thistles grow

2010-09-01T16:08:00.007-04:00

This is where I live , by lake Ontario, where the purple thistles grow.

I can see the lake from my bedroom window, kitchen window and the end of my driveway, it's only about 500meters away, but to get to the Marina is about an 8 min walk. I don't know why, but it just is a thrill each day to see the blue water, wonder what it will look like in winter, and what about the empty space in the back of us, maybe a new home there will block this view.

We live beside a natural conservation area, no cutting of grass or wildflowers , and you know I love wild flowers. The thistles grow every where there but I found some that were still nice and bright looking along the rock edge.

I think this is the one I used to create the digital piece at the beginning of this post.
I have been refreshing myself with PSE8 again after a long break, because we are still in yet another heat wave and I can't stand to be in my studio. Even with air conditioning it is the hottest room in the house.

I had fun snapping dried up dying off wild flowers , yet at the same time I was disappointed there were none left to pick for my flower press.
I am by no means a photographer but I am thinking more and more it may be something I would like to learn more about because I love taking photos of plants, flowers etc.

Below is what a lot of the conservation area looks like. You won't get me walking through there I tell you, I bet it is full of skunks.

There are two natural beaches that are not sand, but teeny tiny pebbles all broken up and the beaches are not really maintained like a beach you might find in Florida. They have a pet beach and then the larger one for people. I forgot to take photos of that.

My DH snapped this weird looking plant, I have no idea what it is but it reminds me of when cucumbers are starting to grow.

Cooper wasn't too happy there, and he could care less about the pet beach, he just wanted to go home. I think it was too hot, we didn't stay long anyway.

I think this is a large size Queen Anne's Lace drying up.

Another area on the walk back.

"At last" he thinks, "I am home" :)

Cooper wanted to let you know he is a big boy now, today is his 2nd birthday :)
Happy Birthday my precious little man,
Love, Mom xxx

I have some beef for you tonight.

The Butterfly Effect

2010-08-30T13:46:00.004-04:00

In memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children who died during the Holocaust, the Holocaust Museum in Houston Texas is collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies for a special exhibit in 2012.

Can you imagine how beautiful that will be ?

Trudi at Two Dresses Studio, felt she wanted to spread the word about this project out into the art community of bloggers, and far beyond that too, and has organized an artist project to collect butterflies from as many of "us" as possible.

I knew right away I was in, I think this is a most beautiful way of spreading love throughout the universe, spreading love and making the hatred in the world less powerful.

If you are interested please click on the link in my side bar to find out more information from Trudi, and if you prefer to create and send a butterfly on your own here is a link to the information about the Butterfly Project in Houston.

I am thinking needle felted, or fabric from my vintage linen stash.

Color and Texture play

2010-08-23T17:32:00.005-04:00

I was putting together a pile of things from my stash as inspiration for Suzi Blu's new workshop, which is all about Mermaids, and I came up with this little needle felted collage which is still a work in progress. It is done on a painted baby wipe, much like the ones I used for my beads.

Ahhhhh there. You can see some of my baby wipe beads.
I had a lot of fun putting all these bits and pieces together that I have kept them in a bowl now in my studio for inspiration.

I put some batting in the back of the painted baby wipe and needle felted what remind me of little bird nests. I also needle felted some fibers , and I just had to use a couple of these teeny tiny dragonfly beads. I don't have a free hand foot for my sewing machine so I just did some random stitching and now I feel it needs some more hand stitching.

Not sure what I am going to do with it, but it's been fun :) I never did start the Mermaid workshop, I got carried away, lost in a space of my own. I can still catch up later, we are working on color theory and background textures the first few weeks, should be fun.

I hope you find some inspiration in my mess :) Why not make a pile of your own?

Have a colorful day :)
Lynn

Pressed Wildflower Bookmark Tutorial

2010-08-15T16:31:00.001-04:00

I have had lot's of questions about this technique I use for my bookmarks, and also asked if I have a tutorial, well now I do.
I decided to put it all in one post for you and keep a link under "tutorials" on my side bar.

First let me say, this is a tutorial on " how I make my bookmarks", I do not claim in any way at all the wax paper and tissue technique as my own. As I have said in a previous post I found this technique in an article by Susan Hannen in the Spring 2008 issue of Somerset Life magazine. It really is a beautiful issue, I look at it over and over and never get tired of it.

Susan had found this technique in a 1950's Boy Scout handbook and then went on to fiddle with the recipe until she got it right. I have done the same thing, you may need to fiddle, or experiment with amounts of glue and water used to achieve the look you prefer.

Here are the products I use, 3 ply tissue, Aleene's tacky glue, and Reynolds wax paper which I purchase at the $1 , I hope you can find it at your dollar store too, I use wax paper all the time for working on when I am making a mess, and as a paint pallet, it's great stuff :)

The glue I have used just happened to be the brand I had at home when I first tried this, I am sure you can use any regular glue, but you will have to play with it and see how your brand works for you.

In the second stage of the bookmark I use these products, or gloss gel medium, depends what I feel like. Bits of fiber, and the ink for edging.

So let's get started. Combine a mixture of approx' 60% glue to 40% water. To be honest I just guess. You don't want it too watery and you don't want it too gluey either.
Mix it really well with an old brush. This is the one I use below just some old thing but the bristles are still soft.

For my bookmarks I use a piece of wax paper from the roll wide enough to make several at a time. Then position my pressed/dried flowers the way I want them.
You can add some fiber at this point too so it is under the glue mixture, or add it later with gel medium. I do it both ways.
I use the shinier or top side of the wax paper to lay my arrangement.
(Val has asked if freezer paper would work, but to be honest I have no idea. I have a feeling there would not be the waxiness in it, but let me know if you try it please :)

Grab a tissue from the box and separate it into 3 ply's, you are only going to use 1 ply. This part I find important because I tried using a 2 ply and I really didn't like the look, it wasn't as transparent.

Make sure you are not in a breezy room to do this, or have a fan blowing :)

Take your tissue and gently place over your arrangement. I hold a section of it lightly with a finger tip as I apply the solution to the tissue.
Dab it gently and not too much, don't over do it or the tissue with split open on you. I first do the section where the flowers are and they don't seem to move once that is done.
Then I work around the arrangement as shown below. I need enough to use as a bookmark so I cover a good area and then I will trim it later. I usually do a row of these so I can use up all the glue/water mixture.

Now you have to be patient and let it dry all day or overnight. Then it will look like this ....

Next step: If you are making a bookmark, cut out two pieces of white "watercolor paper" in the size you would like your bookmark. I am using 140lb cold press which is a heavy weight paper, and sturdy enough for bookmarks.

Using a metallic gold thread I now take it to the sewing machine and with one piece of the white watercolor paper I stitch the wax flower paper to it, around the edges.

Tidy up your threads and bring it back to your glue table :)

Turn over the piece you have stitched on and place some ribbon as shown below. Glue this to the paper and then glue your second piece of watercolor paper over top of this.

(Another option is to punch a hole in the bookmark when it is finished, then add ribbon. I do it both ways.)

Now I edge the back with the green ink and sign it if I remember. When that has dried which isn't long, turn it over the front again.

Now you can edge the front with the green ink too.
Don't forget these are just my steps, you can do whatever your little heart desires, use any ink, any thread etc etc, just do your thing :)

If you didn't add any fibers under the tissue, you can still do it now. Take a very teeny tiny amount and lay it where you like the look of it. I stick my little finger in the gel medium and rub it right on top of the bookmark. Make sure to let it dry well.
This is usually when I add "words" if I am going to, do it at the same time.

Now you have a pretty bookmark, which would make a lovely gift with a book or for a garden/nature lover, for anyone really, wouldn't you love one?

Here are two that I finished and put in plastic sleeves. I try to make them skinny enough to do this so it protects the bookmark, that way you can actually use it and not worry about it getting dirty, but sometimes the flowers I use are too wide for these plastic sleeves :)

I use a microwave flower press to dry my flowers and this is my wildflower series, but you can use whatever dries nicely for you, or has been in a flower press long enough to be dry.

Here are the links to my other posts featuring dried flower art....

Flower Art Continues
Flower Art and gifts from friends
Cut dried pressed and preserved
What are wildflowers anyway?
Microwave Flower Press

Hope you enjoyed my tutorial, and will show me what you have done with it :)
Lynn x

Fig...ments of my imagination

2010-08-10T16:58:00.006-04:00

Is it just me or is this the hottest summer we have ever had here in Ontario?
I am not sure about you but I would love some cool weather right now, I just can't enjoy this heat and humidity. Then again, look at the figs this year, and fresh from my mother in law's garden too. They seem to like it.

They are ohhhhhh so sweet inside and so good for you. Just wish they got rid of hot flashes......
My husband just pops them in his mouth, but I like to peel the skin back.
My father in law who passed away last December had a passion for his garden and this summer my mother in law who is 74 is insisting on keeping it up for him. She is a stubborn Italian woman that's for sure. I am not talking a small vegetable plot either, this is a huge garden , complete with a green house that Antonio built around the fig trees to keep them safe during our Canadian winters. He lovingly raised three fig trees from seedlings that a friend brought from Italy :)

I must take a photo of this garden, maybe I have one somewhere. Not only veggies, she has pear, apple, peach, apricot and plum trees. Not to mention grape vines, but the Racoon's have been around and they seem to like them. Did I forget the blackberries?

I keep this plate on our counter all the time and just keep adding to it, I love to see fresh foods in the kitchen. Not the cucumbers though, I am sick of eating cucumbers now LOL, way too many this year. The hot peppers are for my DH, but I have grown to love Eggplant since I have been married to him for so long. My MIL made the best Eggplant Parmigiana last week and sent over a huge plate, there was enough for two meals.

Lot's of fresh parsley, and herbs in her garden too, and tons of tomatoes. (We will be jarring them in September). I love the cherry tomatoes in a salad with radicchio and endive, tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a touch of salt. The sweetness of the tomatoes is beautiful with the more bitter taste of the salad. Try it :) We are having it tonight again.

It's almost dinner time, and DH is cooking pasta right now, that's probably why I thought of food, these photos are making me hungry. It's a good thing he knows how to cook , or I probably wouldn't be eating all this good food. (For those that don't know it, I am terrible in the kitchen, unless it's to clean up.)

Cooper loves to be in the kitchen, he has his dinner first, and dad boiled some chicken for him tonight. Spoiled dog he is.
Now he is happy to take a snooze in the sunshine while we have our dinner. Look how cute he is, snug as a bug. He is there right now beside me as always.

I received a lovely gift today from Patty, take a look. I have admired her cutlery for a long time now, her husband smashes them and forges the words into them for plant pots. I love seeing them in her garden, and so she kindly gifted me these, thank you sweetie :)
Seems quite fitting, food and cutlery, I wonder who used these and what type of foods they liked. They look to be some fancy silverware to me.

Each one was wrapped in tulle with one of Patty's hand crafted flowers, are they not sweet? Something else I keep wanting to try, making flowers.

Ok, I am being called for dinner, enjoy your's too , bon appetit :)

Flower art continues

2010-07-30T11:03:00.004-04:00

I think I like this version of my flower art the best. It is simple, on a white background, gold thread stitching with a touch of pesto around the edges.
Thank you Linda for the little pieces of eco art board, this is one of them :)

I am trying to be more creative with my photos, so here goes, they are looking a lot different on the computer than in person, much prettier in person.
I added some fiber "under" the tissue on some of these rather than on top, and it turned out not bad.

The lovely purple flowers are from my garden last year but I am really loving how the wildflowers look, especially clover and the wild chamomile. Don't think I will make any tea with it though, you never know what is on it with all the animals around here.

I forget what flower this is now, here is a close up. I believe it was an annual.

Look how pretty the pink clover is with the Queen Anne's lace.....

This is for you Patty, I found purple clover, only two, did you see it? Maybe it's not actually clover, but it looks like it to me. It didn't have the three leaf clover leaves like they usually do.

I think these are my favorite bookmarks so far, I added some goldish colored ribbon to them. The back of everything is plain white water color paper edged with the pesto ink pad too.

I found this card in my stash with an oval window in it, so I used some flower art and lace on this one.
I have been spending whatever free time I have working on these. First you have to glue the tissue and wax paper, then it has to dry for about 12 hours. I don't iron over them anymore, I havn't found any difference when I do that step, and I also use less glue than I did with the first ones I made. You just have to experiment to get the look you want.

It takes me ages too because even with a paper cutter I can never seem to get a straight line, can't seem to sew a straight line either and that metallic gold thread is a bit tricky to use on the machine, but I do like how it looks.

What are Wildflowers anyway?

2010-07-26T15:17:00.006-04:00

A wild or uncultivated flowering plant.
Some may even call them weeds, such as the clover I have here, but even weeds have beauty in them.
These beautiful specimens are the only thing blooming in the back yard of the new house, and I think I would like to keep them when we do get around to doing any planting. Our new yard is very long and quite wide too, I forget the exact measurements but there is a lot of room in the back for an entire garden of wildflowers, so that is my first design plan :)

After my blog post this morning I went outside and picked some, look how pretty they are. I put them in water so they wouldn't wilt before I squashed them in my microwave flower press, and they were so tiny I grabbed the smallest little jug I have. I thought they were pretty enough to take a photograph :)
I also wanted to ask you something. Does anyone know what the purple flowers are? I am wondering if they are an ornamental pepper plant of some kind. I have searched images on google, but not found these yet. Not sure what the skinny things in the back are either but I like them.

Here is a little project I finished and I have more on the go, just waiting to dry. This is an ATC , but I decided to give it a hanger.
I stitched the dragonfly on there, it is really tiny, and I did some cross stitches but you can't see them. Then I stitched twice around the edges. I used chalk inks to colorize it , a tiny piece of fiber and specks of gold leaf (thank you Linda for that).
Click on the photo for a closer look.

The flower projects I am working on now will be very simple on white backgrounds, hope to show you those soon. I love to hear your comments and any opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated too on my latest obsession.

Thank you,
Lynn

Update, update, read all about it....

Thank you Pam for warning me about the purple flower, I think I will just leave them alone when I see them, they really don't look as beautiful when they are dried anyway.

The purple plant is Deadly Nightshade or Atropa Belladonna, and it is toxic if ingested.

Tussie Mussie Winner

2010-07-26T08:48:00.005-04:00

Good morning, or afternoon, what a lovely Monday morning it is too :)
I am here to announce the winner of this pretty tussie mussie.

Only 18 comments on this giveaway, so maybe it was not a good choice on my part but then again it is a good choice for those who entered and the winner of course, which is........

I used the random number thingy again, and I did remember to show the results today. I suppose I could have written 18 names on paper and done it the old fashioned way but I was just nice and comfy sitting here with my morning coffee, so I thought lets do it.
Are you waiting to find out the winner?

OK....... if I must......

#16 is my friend and your's, Carol Anne from Carol Anne's Boutique

Yeahhhhhhhh, congratulations to you sweet lady, I will be in touch with you later :)

If you love vintage images, especially of beautiful children, then go visit Carol Anne at her blog, she recently posted some lovelies from her collection and you won't want to miss them.

I hope you all had a great weekend, don't know where mine went to, but I did have some time yesterday to play with my pressed flowers again, and hope to finish up what I started some time today. I think you will like what I did this time, they are a little different than previous attempts, and I can't wait to show you.

Thanks to all for entering this giveaway, I hope to have another one soon.

Lynn

Flower art and gifts from friends

2010-07-22T13:50:00.003-04:00

I have been playing with my dried, pressed flowers again and I thought they would make for a lovely bookmark. I had fun with this one, stitching over the edges and adding bits of fiber. The close up gives you a better idea.

I then stitched one to a tea dyed piece of muslin and glued it to a mini notebook, this one has a more vintage feel to it.
I am off to glue some more today for new projects, I am still getting used to working in a different room and that room is so hot in the mornings I have to wait until later when the sun moves. Yes, we have the air conditioning on but it is still hot in there, I don't remember a summer this hot in a very long time.

I wanted to share with you some beautiful gifts bestowed upon me this past week for my birthday.
From my gorgeous girlfriend Linda (Blue Eyed Girl), I received the most spectacular ATC. You must click on photo to see the delicious detail, a specialty of the very talented Linda. She also sent me a beautiful mixed media tag and one of her tiny Lotus Books. Thank you Linda, I can't stop looking at your wonderful creations.

I also received this precious little fabric art from my sweet, and very talented friend Terri (Pringle Hill Studio). She is known for her bright colors, and very detailed collage art, and is now branching out and trying fiber art, so I feel blessed to have this, it is so me :)
Just look how sweet this heart is, so much detail again in such a small piece. It is now hanging in my studio where I can see it all the time, thank you so much Terri :)

My friend Terry (Terry's Treasures) has been sewing up some lovely tote bags lately, she is into quilting and stitching , and has made some amazing quilts. This sweet bag already holds some of my knitting. (Yes, I knit once in a while, but with the hot flashes and the humidity here, not much lately , I am sure some of you know how it is :)

Love this fabric and how it is white inside, thank you so much Terry :)

Don't forget to enter my giveaway in the post below :)
Off to go upstairs now and play.........
Lynn

Yep, Another Giveaway

2010-07-19T13:48:00.001-04:00

I noticed last week I was at 300 followers, now I am at 306, so to celebrate I am having a back to back giveaway. This is for those of you who like Roses, pink romance and Tussie Mussies. Even if you don't you could always win it for a friend :)

I first would like to thank all of my followers for taking an interest in my blog. I know we can't visit all the blogs we love every week or very often. I know if I did I would never be off the computer, but I do appreciate you all being there, even if you don't always comment :)

You do not have to be a follower to enter this giveaway, and you do not have to post about it on your blog unless you want to :) The only requirement is to leave a comment and make sure I have a way of contacting you after the giveaway. If you like to post about my giveaway, it is always an honor, and if you want to be a follower, that too is an honor for me, so do as you please :)
This tussie mussie is made using the most beautiful Laura Ashleigh fabric and trimmed with a piece of vintage doily and pearl earring. I finished the bottom with a doily too and also popped one in the top. I am showing the back of it too where I added another pearl earring. (After I took the clip off of course ) If you would like to win this tussie mussie, leave your comment and I will draw a name on Monday July 26th, one day from today.

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my Birthday giveaway, I am going down the list and will visit you all as time permits. I am still trying to sort out my studio in the new house and I think I have it ok now to actually create in, so I will show you soon. It's nothing that fancy but it is always nice to see where each other creates and I missed Karen Valentine's "Where bloggers create party" because we were moving at the time, so I will just have to post late :)

Have a great day,
Lynn

The winner is....

2010-07-19T13:13:00.004-04:00

Thank you all for the lovely Birthday wishes and comments.
The winner of this pretty bird nest pendant is........

Lucky #13
Vintage Sandy

Hip, Hip, Hoorayyyy
Fun, fun, fun

So much fun, I am having another giveaway :)

I will contact you for your info Sandy
Lynn

My Birthday Giveaway

2010-07-15T08:26:00.003-04:00

Pretty little egg beads in a shiny silver nest.

Today is my birthday, another year goes by and boy oh boy did it go quickly. I feel so grateful to all of you my blogger friends, some of whom in this last year I have become very close to. You all bring me much joy and pleasure, you lift me up when I am down, you inspire me in so many ways, and give me so much love. Thank you for a wonderful year :)

I decided to have a little giveaway with you to celebrate, so I am offering you all a chance to win this sweet bird nest pendant. It is a larger size than others I have shown you and the wire is a non tarnish silver tone in a heavier gauge so it is much stronger. I just love these blue glass egg beads don't you? Too bad I couldn't find more, there were just a few left.

Just leave a comment on this post making sure if you do not have an email reply on your comments that I have a way to contact you. I will draw the winners name on Monday July 19th.
If you don't have a blog but don't want to leave your email in the comment field you can always contact me on my profile.

Miss Iowa, if you are there. I can't respond to you because your profile is private, but I did want to thank you for visiting and leaving me lovely comments, just know that I would reply if I could :)

Ok, I am off to start my day, have a good one,
Lynn

First photos of our dream home :)

2010-07-11T15:12:00.003-04:00

Just a few photos of our new home for now. I have had a hard time getting good photos for some reason, and the only two areas that look reasonably tidy right now are the living/dining room and the sitting room upstairs. We are still waiting for the kitchen people to come and finish up the work so I won't even show you that yet. There is trim missing at the top of cupboards, the fridge doors are missing and they range hood is not finished, they forgot about my corbals, and to be honest so did I until I had lived here for a week. That's how stressful moving can be.

So here we are just inside the front door. It is very wide and open to the formal living room and dining room. The floors are all dark hardwood on the main level, with the exception of the mud room and powder room which are tile.
I wanted to use my favorite Benjamin Moore color throughout the main floor and up the stairs too, which is Philadelphia Cream. I just love it with the dark floors and white trim.
I had the brown and blue pillows in our previous family room but I think I like them on my white couch too and they tie in with the dark frames on the wall which I also had in the previous family room.
The room still looks very empty, I need a couple of big white/cream comfy chairs I think, and an area rug in the living room
:)
This next photo is taken from the couch. I just LOVE my new dining room table and chairs and they chairs came with slip covers too but I like the way they look without them. Now I need something "large" as a center piece because I am leaving the leaf in the table.

We have a chandelier ordered and it matches the one you see in the hallway, but it hasn't arrived yet. I am sure that will make the room look more complete too and something else on that back wall.
The french door is one of those pocket doors which slides in the wall and it leads to the servery that goes through to the kitchen. You can see an archway down the hall, that is the entrance to the kitchen and the family room.

Next I will show you what is at the top of the stairs. Ooooooh I love this little area already and have sat here a few times with my lap top. I have already changed it a bit in the last couple of days, moved the white table over and added a small round table for my coffee. I decided to use the chairs I had in my former living room up hear for a cottage style room.

I had such a hard time taking a photo of this area, but at least it is tidy now, you should have seen all the boxes there a week ago.

One more for now of the back of the house. I have been waiting for the painters to come and paint the front exterior and they did finally do it yesterday.
We have a huge back yard which is all grass at the moment and with all the heat we have had a terrible time keeping it alive. Right now as I am typing, it is raining really good... yeahhhh!!!!!!

The stucco is a creamy color. The two windows upstairs are the master bedroom, the lower windows are family room and kitchen.

I felt so at home from the day we moved in and I was just thinking today that I feel as if I have always lived here and we havn't been moved in 3 weeks yet. The house just has a good energy and is so full of light :)

It's been a long drawn out process and very stressful, so I am sooooooo happy we are finally here and I am never, ever moving again. I hope I didn't go on too much, I am just so excited and so proud of our dream come true :)

P.S... Cooper is beside me as always and he says to tell you he loves it here especially his back yard.

Beyond Question

2010-07-06T10:38:00.003-04:00

Digital collage using several photos, and stamps and overlays from Designer Digitals. Thank you to my special, and very talented friend Linda Vincent for your help using the worn photo edges.
The butterfly was taken at Niagara's Butterfly Conservatory when it landed on my shoulder, my hubby got a great photo of this beautiful creature.

It's good to be back to blogland with you all, after a month of no posts. We moved into our beautiful new home exactly 2 weeks ago today and have been going non stop ever since. There are still a lot of unfinished jobs to be done by various contractors, and the first week it seemed the house was full of people all the time, but now it's slowed down a bit. Cooper has settled in really well, he has lot's of space to run around in and he has a field for a back yard , well it looks like a field to him 'cause he is so small.

I will have some photos to share soon, just wanted to check in , and I notice I am at 299 followers today. WOW... I am so grateful. I think we need to have a giveaway or something to celebrate don't you? Let me see what I can do, and I will be back soon.

If you are having the extreme heat we are having here in S.Ontario, be careful, and stay cool. I love the summer but this is a bit much, it's unbearable sometimes with the humidity.

My new studio is not all organized yet, but I am hoping soon to be able to create again, I really have missed it.

Lynn

Cut, Dried, Pressed and Preserved

2010-05-30T22:45:00.000-04:00

I was just heading upstairs to start packing up my studio, and remembered I had not posted this. I recently discovered a beautiful way to use my dried, pressed flowers. Take a lookie...
This is an altered mini notebook.

And this is a gift tag I created over some dictionary paper and card.
To see the details you really must click on the photos and view the close ups, they look so much better.

I was flipping through some older Somerset magazines and came across this method of preserving dried flowers. The lady in the article had found the instructions in an old boy scout book. Darned if I can find this magazine, maybe I packed it up already, but I am so excited to share with you the process. It sounded so easy, so I thought ok....... try it, if you ruin a few flowers you can dry more this year.

Look at this pretty close up. It is almost transparent so they look so different depending on the background you place them on, this was taken on my patio table which is a dark brownish color.

If you want to give it a try, this is what you will need:
Wax paper, tissues (kleenex), and a mixture of glue and water.
The article said 60% glue to 40% water.

Lay out your waxed paper and make a design or collage with your flowers. Take a tissue and use only one ply , then lay gently on top of your design. Very carefully apply the glue and water over the tissue.
Now you have to leave it for about 12 hours or overnight, then using a cloth over it, take your iron and press firmly.
Ta da... now you can use this to create something beautiful :)

I want to try sewing over the tag using fabric behind it, but my sewing machine is broken. I think it would make a really nice effect.

I used a microwave flower press which I found last year to dry these flowers and they have been squished up in my dry flower press all winter. If you would like to dry flowers quickly check out my post on the Flower Press here.
I have found that the mum's I dried turned out really well, and the leaves above are from my Virginia Creeper last fall. I know when I get moved I will be doing more of this :)

Happy weekend,
Now I suppose I should go pack some supplies .

The countdown is on

2010-05-25T08:15:00.005-04:00

Moving date is 4 weeks today, the countdown is on, and still so much work to be done on the house, but it's looking beautiful. I am ready to share now, so many of you have asked for pictures, so I snapped these yesterday. Here is the beginning stages of our dream kitchen, and kudos to this poor man who worked the entire holiday weekend putting things together.

Guess which is my favorite part right now.

If you guessed the hood, you are right...... ohhhhhhhhh I am thrilled with it. I still can't believe this is going to be our kitchen. My DH is the one who figured out all the details, he is excellent at designing a kitchen, I am so proud of him. Of course I had a hand in it too, I had to have light cupboards, and "yes" a hood like this one.
Also, when I walked in and saw the island I got goosebumps. Sorry the photos are terrible but I was so shaking from excitement inside I didn't even have my camera on the right settings.

The walls are Benjamin Moore Philadelphia Cream which is my favorite color at the moment. I have it in our current home too, it is a lovely creamy yellow, and the kitchen cupboards are antique white, then we went with a dark wood for the island. It will then be topped with a rather dark granite which I am really nervous about, it was so hard to choose a granite to match both dark and white cupboards, as well as the floor which is a dark hardwood.

On the photo above the empty spaces in the wall are for the fridge, which is built in. Actually it is two seperate pieces, a fridge and a freezer. Beside that is a pantry with pull out shelves and on top, something I always wanted a cupboard with slots for trays or platters.

Something else we have that we always wanted are lots of drawers, pan drawers are the best, and one more dream of item will be the sink. I always wanted an apron sink. That will go in when the granite is installed.

At the moment there is a cupboard missing beside the window, not sure why.

Ok, now you will see what I mean about bad photos. This next one is the family room which is directly opposite the kitchen and look at the difference in the colors, yet it is the same as the kitchen.
Look at the beautiful ceiling in this room, lots of windows too and we are still waiting on that carpenter to get the mantle done. There is a pillar stuck there in the corner but that is going in the dining room.
Again, same color walls, bad photography. I had to show you the stairway although the steps are covered for protection. We wanted an old world look in the house with a modern twist and I think the railings work well for that.

Here we are upstairs in our bedroom. It is huge...... The first photo is the sitting area complete with another of my dreams, a fireplace. OMG... I feel as if I have died and gone to heaven.
I have designed with the carpenter a large mantle for this room, I just hope it works out well. It is a gas fire, so, where is that guy with the mantles?

This is the other side of the bedroom. I think the bed is going on the blank wall. We have cream color carpet coming for this room and the walls are a lovely cream color by Benjamin Moore.
What do you think of the trim my DH chose? Doesn't it make the place look like an older home?

I didn't get many other good photos, and I don't want to bore you to death either. The laundry room wasn't worth showing, it's a tiny room on the bedroom level which is also what I always wanted, and it will be great for cleaning my paint brushes etc in there. There are three other bedrooms on this level, one being my studio, and two bathrooms. Lot's of room for people to stay over :) One room I am designating to our DD when she is home, and just incase she returns home again after University. Then hopefully we will have grandchildren some day too :)

Our 30th wedding anniversary is coming up on June 7th and we move 2 weeks later so this is like more than a dream come true, and I only hope we get to spend another 30 years together in this beautiful home if we are so blessed that way :)

Thanks for visiting, and I will share more later.

Vintage beautiful, a lovely surprise

2010-05-19T09:54:00.006-04:00

I had a very special surprise package from my dear friend Carol Anne last week, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I still cannot believe all the beautiful things she gifted me.
First of all the wrapping was divine, I was afraid to open it. Each package was in a cello envelope then adorned with lace and ribbons, take a look.

Carol Anne is known from her blog Carol Anne's Boutique, where she offers some of the most beautiful vintage clip art, scanned from her own collection of cabinet cards, photos and postcards. She really has touched my heart, I have been in love with vintage linens or even linens and lace that look vintage for years now, just look at this exquisite piece of lace trim which was wrapped around the first packet. It is a beautiful ivory color.
Inside that first packet was another one, again , beautiful presented with a vintage postcard and wrapped with button ribbon, then topped off with a pearl pin. oooo la la, my heart was skipping beats.
Especially when I opened it to find the most gorgeous pieces of vintage linens, including two beautiful collars. I love battenburg lace so much. There are doilies too and more, just makes me swoon :)

I just love how she packaged everything, I can't say that enough, and I know it must have taken quite a bit of time. A touch of ribbon and lace is just perfect, and the other one is pink ribbon and rosebud trim together, lovely, lovely, lovely :)

Wonderful cabinet cards, postcards, vintage style flowers, which I am in love with and a sweet tag to finish it all off.

More postcards and a really cool Autograph book to alter, along with tiny bird nests and beautiful silk flowers. Can you see the buttons too?

One package after another I just got so excited and little Cooper was wondering what all the fuss was about :) I had to snap lots of photos.
Another adorable cabinet card and more, and I love how the bingo card says Adore and the tag to match.
I hope I didn't forget anything I could go on and on showing photos. I am thrilled, this is all sooooooo "me" and I thank you again sweetie from the bottom of my heart, this really was a wonderful pick me up while I am packing daily for our move.
I am only sorry I have to pack it all up soon, but I know how happy I will be to open it all again when I get settled in our new home :)

I am told the kitchen cabinets are being installed at the end of the week, now that is going to be exciting and I hope to go on the weekend and get some photos. I can't believe this is all happening, I am so excited :)

Collaberative work with young artists

2010-05-13T15:06:00.004-04:00

My two youngest nieces ages 11 and 12 were here last weekend and we had an artful afternoon around my kitchen table.
They loved the Paper Whimsy collage I had created a while ago so we sat down and I helped them create their own, and I am so proud of them, they did some brilliant work that day.

The important thing is, they were both proud of themselves, and I think that is so important to a young girls self esteem.

I painted the background for them on an 8 x 10 piece of watercolor paper and showed them how to measure for the border. My mom was here too and she helped cut some of the Paper Whimsy pieces from the collage sheet, as some are really tricky, but I told them they had to try and cut too. I also told them they could not copy what I did but had to come up with their own design.

I was very surprised at the way my younger niece layered so many pieces, she was very particular about what she wanted :)
I even showed them how to shade with the charcoal and they did really well...
Below are the finished collages.

This is Emma's, she is our 12 year old, wearing the black nail polish, she is so much like my daughter at her age. You can click on the photo for a closer look if you want.
This one was created by Sophie, our 11 year old. She wanted to go on adding more and more but we had to finish and clear up the table for dinner, I think she is the one with the most patience to follow through and finish a project on her own, where the older one, talks too much and you have to push her a little LOL... just her age I think.

So, as you can see I have two very talented young artists here, and I hope to work with them again after I move and during their summer holidays. I have been playing art with them since as long I can remember, but now they are old enough to really be able to do a lot more, so it should be a lot of fun :)

You can see the Whimsy Faerie I did on my post here. I think I actually like theirs even more :)
Here is a little postcard I did with the smaller collage sheets while we were playing.

You can purchase the digital collage sheets at Paper Whimsy.

My moving date is June 22nd, 6 more weeks to go, so I have been trying to pack as much as possible. I didn't realize how much I have in this house, I have so many decorative accessories, and the place is looking emptier by the day. We also seem to have a lot of mirrors, but I am a sucker for a nice mirror.
I will leave my studio till last, just in case I have time to play in there , but not only that, it is going to take me days to pack up everything. I am sure you know what I mean, I bet a lot of you have more of a stash than I do :)

Have a great day, talk to you soon,
Lynn

Mixed Media Angel Painting

2010-05-06T12:48:00.003-04:00

Painted on a wood panel, using natural paper for her wings, and molding paste for her hair and halo. The sky is done with layers of paint and gel medium stamped, and textured more by using my heat gun. Her gown is also textured with molding paste and I carved some crosses into it just because I felt like it. I searched my heart for words over and over to add to her, and I searched my brain as to what else I could add to the painting, but it always came up as "nothing", so that is the way she will stay.

See you soon,
Lynn

Janee sent me a surprise :)

2010-05-04T14:17:00.002-04:00

Janee from Blinkles Boulevard creates these charming little wish bottles and she sent me one, woo hooooooo, doing a happy dance :) It came in a little gold organza bag with the darling little certificate.

You can see below the instructions on how to use it....

Inside is a tiny bead charm, this is what I focus on when I make a wish...

She also sent me a beautiful hand made card.....

AND one of her miniature nests made from real acorns, look how delicate this is, hung on a golden wire with a tiny charm which says "dream"
(oops, sorry, it's turned the wrong way so you can't see the words)

I love all the tiny details and the hanger she created for it, and of course, if you know me I love anything to do with nature.

I am so happy with my surprise gift, I think these are the sweetest, most precious little gifts and I will treasure them always sweet lady, I know you have so much going on, so it was very very thoughtful of you to take the time for me :)

You can purchase from Janee at her Etsy shop too, and she also has her line of wish bottles in a private little boutique in her area, and if I remember correctly will do custom orders.

Thanks again my friend :)

Tussie Mussie and Good News

2010-04-23T15:52:00.006-04:00

This is the tussie mussie I made for Debby. I used fabric to cover the cone, and I tea dyed doilies and trim to decorate it.
I really enjoyed putting this together, thing is, I forgot to take photos of everything else I included in the swap, but Debby has done a wonderful job of taking photos and posting them on her blog on this post at The Gathering Nest.

Now my good news. Our house SOLD last night... woohooooo...finally we can breathe better. We have two months before the new house will be ready to move in to, so it gives me just enough time to get packed and hopefully have some time to be more creative. It is so hard to be creative when you are stressed , and when people are constantly coming to view your house.

I am so happy, and so blessed to move into a new house which we got to customize a lot. All our married life (30 years in June) we have bought fixer uppers and then renovated ourselves and sold them to move up and up the housing ladder so to speak. Now, we are finally at our dream home :)

Here is a photo of my new studio, which I hope I get to spend lots and lots of time in when we move. I still don't have my muse back and it's been gone for a few weeks too, but I am not worried about it, I have done other things instead, and I know it will come back now. I will get more photos soon, probably going inside to view again on Sunday.

It's not the greatest looking room at the moment, and I still don't know what I will do with it, but I am loving the two large windows. It also has a walk in closet which we will put shelves in to store a lot of my "stuff" :)

Tussie Mussie Swap Gifts

2010-04-20T07:50:00.022-04:00

I had not signed up for a group swap of any kind in a year, until I found out about this one,and now I am so happy I did because I really enjoyed it. This was the May Day Tussie Mussie Swap organized by Linda on her blog "A Swap For All Seasons".
I was lucky enough to be partnered with my friend Debby from The Gathering Nest, we both could not believe it and were thrilled. I met Debby through blogging about a year ago, and she is the sweetest person, and as you probably already know, a very talented artist. I am thrilled to have swapped with you Debby and I think we both spoiled each other really well, thank you :) I really needed this right now.

I warn you this is a long post with lots of photos, lots of goodies, lot's of fun opening this package that arrived wrapped in sheet music, and LOTS of tape right Debby? I was so excited to open it and had a heck of a time getting in LOL... scissors were even hard to get through this.

Good thing I remembered to take a photo of everything when I finally got in the box, even though I was already ooooing and ahhhhing and dying to open everything, I neatly displayed it and took the time to snap a shot.

Sorry Debby I had the crochet parcel upside down you can't see the pretty blue flowers.

First of all I want to show you the gorgeous, gorgeous Tussie Mussie, that Debby created for me. Beautiful soft vintage colors, paper, lace, trim and a lovely vintage image printed on fabric, isn't it amazing?
The funny thing is, Debby and I have never sent a parcel like this before and had not given each other any inclination of what may be in it beside a Tussie Mussie, which is really what the swap was all about, yet we both had wrapped gifts in doilies and little bags. This is something I love to do when I send a gift, not always, but if I can, and so I was thrilled that I received something so thoughtfully wrapped. Look at this one below....

Look what I found inside, lots of little goodies, all the things I like to play art with.

Inside the beautiful silk bag was a lovely cabinet card wrapped with lace and trimmed with flowers, and also, tickets and tons of papers bits to use.

I am not sure what you call the candle thingy, but I love these things, and have a hard time finding them around here. This was wrapped in sheet music and looked like a cone and was lovingly decorated with pretty flowers. Lot's of attention to the details here :)

In that bag was also some lovely stamps, you can see them in the photo below.
Then I started opening the larger floral bag and inside were smaller bags. I was so excited I forget what was in each one now, but I found the most darling mirror in one with some Sniffs tissues of the Eiffel Tower, and in another these chipboard thingies, that are like a little book, with spaces for art work I think and glass pieces, never seen these before have you?

It doesn't stop there, wait, there is a lot more. Look at this package of rusty stuff and tin. I just love that cone, never seen one before. The star is quite unusual too, I don't know where she found all this, but I am happy it's mine now :)

When I opened the large gift which was wrapped in a lovely crochet table runner with blue ribbon, I was really surprised. Debby had created this amazing mixed media canvas for me. I just love all the texture and the colors, am I blessed or what?

That's not all she created in this lot, look what I found peeking out of the Tussie Mussie, a darling little altered spoon, just love it!

There was spritz and speckles, a vintage hankie, and this beautiful card.

I hope I didn't forget anything, it would be easy to do so when you go through it, there seems so much more, i am truly grateful, this was one of the best swaps I have had, I feel so spoiled :)

Thank you to Linda for all the work she does in organizing these swaps, the next one will be posted soon at A Swap For All Seasons.

Debby, I can't thank you enough, you really went far out on this swap :)

I think I will show you the Tussie Mussie I made for Debby another time, blogger is having fits on me, this post has taken a couple of hours, because it was having errors uploading my photos. I think I better click "publish" before anything else goes wrong.

have a beautiful day,
Lynn

The Thingamaboob Giveaway

2010-04-13T10:31:00.005-04:00

Hi my dear blogger friends, I am back from my blogging break and with a very important message to share today.

If you’re 50-69, have you had a mammogram in the last two years?
If not, then what are you waiting for?

Used with permission by Canadian Cancer Society

I am a 51 year old woman living in Ontario, Canada and I am making a promise to have my boobies squished every two years until I turn 69 as advised by the Canadian Cancer Society. I had a mammogram just after I turned 50 and will be having another this summer when I turn 52 years old. I am also committed to spreading the word about breast screening and am asking you as a blogger to do so too. You do not have to be a middle aged woman to be aware of your breast health either. If you have boobies, then you need to be checking them each month for lumps, bumps and anything out of the ordinary. I tell my daughter this all the time, because I have had several lumps in the past that thankfully turned out to be little cysts, and I want her checking herself too. Since my maternal grandmother had breast cancer I was promptly sent for a mammogram and ultrasound by my doctor in my 30's.

I am honored that Katherine Dykstra from the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division has asked me if I would be interested in getting the message out about the importance of regular mammograms with women 50+ to my fellow bloggers. Thank you Katherine, this is a very important cause and I am all for spreading the word.

Now let me move on a little and tell you about the "Thingamaboob" which was created and launched in Ontario in 2005. This is what it looks like. Pretty isn't it?

The smallest lump found by regular mammograms is about the size of an apple seed,
whereas the one found by checking your breasts is about the size of a cherry tomato.

As stated on Thingamaboob.ca ;
Made of different sized beads, the Thingamaboob shows women the various sized lumps that can be detected through regular mammograms to a physical exam by a healthcare professional to checking your breasts. The Thingamaboob bead sizes have been reviewed for accuracy by medical experts at Cancer Care Ontario.

Read more about it on this page here

To all Ontario women with a blog, we would like to give away a Thingamaboob to "you", and all you have to do is this:

1.First promise to get a mammogram every 2 years once you turn 50 years old. If you don’t have a doctor and you’re 50+, call the Ontario Breast Screening Program directly at 1 800 668-9304 to make an appointment.

2.Spread the message by posting about the Thingamaboob on your blog, and let others know about this giveaway, so we can keep on spreading the love.

3.Leave a comment here and let me know where to find your post, and make sure I can contact you by email. Or you can email me directly.

Once this is done I will contact you for your address, and ask permission for your info to be given to Katherine so she can ship a Thingamaboob to you with the promise that your information will be destroyed afterwards. If you want to spread the word but do not wish to have a "Thingamaboob" for any reason, that is fine too, no pressure here ok?

I am hoping to get at least 10 Ontario bloggers to participate, but hopefully more of you. When I get at least 10 of you with Thingamaboob's I will then draw a name and send that person a little something special from myself.

This is an Ontario specific giveaway.
Thank you, and please have regular mammograms.

Help spread the word about the Thingamaboob by joining their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thingamaboob) and by following on Twitter (www.twitter.com/thingamaboob).

Buttons and Baubles

2010-03-23T15:26:00.003-04:00

I found these photos in my folders and thought you might enjoy some of my buttons and baubles as inspiration :)

This was my button drawer when I had my studio downstairs. I was using my lovely old cupboard at the time, but it was just too heavy to get up to the room I use now. This other room just didn't get enough sunlight. I need sunlight :)

A lot of these buttons are gone now, but have been put to good use on lots of different pieces of art, some on Christmas stockings, pillows etc when I used to sew more.

This little purse, or hand bag for my British friends is made of silk and covered in beautiful shell buttons. It was a gift for my daughter from her great aunt, my dearest friend, the last time she visited us from England.
Never been used, it is just too pretty and too special to let it get damaged considering who gave it to her, so I keep it at home and use as decor in my cottage room.

I call these baubles. Bits and pieces of old jewelry, mostly earrings, that I can use in my artwork. I am slowly running low on this type of thing because I have not been to a thrift shop or flea market in over a year. Still they do look pretty in this little dish.

This pretty glass dish holds my blingy bits and pieces.

I also have lots of vintage white shell buttons which I keep in ice cream glasses and jars on a shelf in my studio, and below is my other inspiration in my studio, my little Cooper. This is him falling asleep with his blankie, he wanted to say hi, but he is just too relaxed to get up.

I may not be around a lot for a few months, maybe once a week or so. We have until June 26th, to sell this house, clear out more clutter from this house, pack up and move to the new house. In between all that there is much more to do too.

We had a walk through our new home this week, the dry wall is up and it looks like a home now. I walked in and instantly felt at home, so that's a good sign. I am SO excited, it's awesome !!!!! I forgot my camera but next time will take some photos for you :)

See you soon,
Lynn

Wire Nest Charms can be addicting

2010-03-16T15:46:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Patty who inspired me with this post to try some wire bird nest charms. She shares a link to a tutorial on you tube, so off I went and it sounded pretty easy, so I dug out some wire I had from the dollar store and some beads from the same place. I was happy with them at first, but would never post them on my blog, tee hee... just not good enough. I think because they were kinda flat too, I didn't like them, so I started looping the wire more.

I finally went shopping for a few supplies and picked up some better quality wire and the pretty blue pearls. I wish I could have found an egg shape pearl in that color, but nothing at that time. I couldn't find an egg shaped bead of any kind actually. So I broke down and used some Vintage beads I have been saving, and I made a nest and put it on a chain with a lovely key I had already.

I added a couple of tiny charms to one, and then I tried a gold wire nest because I have lot's of gold color charms. I think it looks so pretty. I made this one really loopy didn't I? That's the thing about these nests, no two look the same, they always come out different.

Today I recieved 2 giveaways that I won in the OWOH event, funny how they are from different parts of the world and arrived on exactly the same day :)

Below is an intial soldered charm from Xela in Germany . I was drawn to her blog right away because I just love the style of what she creates. Take a minute and visit her at Cottage Dreams

Thank you Xela for this sweet gift, look what I have done with it........
It makes a nice addition to my new charm necklace :) Wonder if I will wear it much, I am really not a jewelry person, I love to look at it and have it but I don't often wear it. I really should deck myself out more even if I do stay home a lot.

The other giveaway I won is from Cia at Briarwood Miniatures. This talented lady creates miniature furniture, accessories, houses, you name it, lookie what I won.

All hand made by Cia , are they adorable or what? They will be going in our doll house. It is packed up right now, but one of these days I will show it to you.

Thanks so much Cia, I am so happy, and I especially love the tiny bee skep, which was a lovely surprise :)

Guess what I did today? I was outside cleaning up the front garden for a while, I even had to take off my sweater. I had a t shirt underneath of course. It was so warm in the sun. I realized after twenty minutes how out of shape I am after the winter, so I left more work for another day. Ohhhhhhhh it was so nice to be out in the sun and in the dirt, especially after 4 days dark gloomy weather. Hope it stays like this for a while.

Take care peeps,
Lynn

Whimsy Faerie

2010-03-09T16:40:00.008-05:00

I decided to treat myself today and purchased a few digi sheets from Paper Whimsy. I just love the Faerie sheets which is what I used on this collage, I also love how you can download and print them instantly. By the way, Gale has 20% off her entire site until March 13th, so it was a bonus day for me.

You might find this hard to believe but I have not purchased a single art supply since before Christmas, actually I think since November, so it was a well deserved treat don't ya think? That also includes magazines and books, I am just sooooooo good :)

So, I set out to play with my dress up faerie and I used an 8x10 piece of heavy watercolor paper. I painted it first and hated it so I stamped it and still hated it. Then I got out my Versafine chalk inks which I have rarely used and started adding color over the paint and stamping. Phew... finally I was starting to like it. I was starting to think nothing was going to go right for a minute.

Once that was done I had fun and just went with it, and I really did enjoy the process.
I hope you had some fun today too, whatever you spent your time on :)

And the winner is.......

2010-03-08T08:33:00.002-05:00

The winner of the hanging wish ornament is #34 ........ who is????????
Oxana from Norway....... congratulations , and thank you to all the wonderful ladies who entered and left me such beautiful wishes :)

Have a great day everyone, and visit Oxana on her blog, she is a very talented mixed media artist, I just love her work, it will inspire you I promise.

Beatrix Potter A Journal

2010-03-03T15:26:00.005-05:00

This is such a beautiful book , I just had to share it with you. It was given to me recently by my friend Wendy who had shown me a copy of hers when she was here in the summer for an art day. I fell in love with the book, and well, she surprised me :) Thank you sweetie.

The book is based on Beatrix Potter's journal and letters and is really well put together, so enchanting :)

This is part of the first two pages, where she starts writing her diary at age 16, this is in 1882.
As you can see the page on the right has a little booklet with photos of Beatrix and her family.

I can't show you all the pages, but these are some of my favorites. Actually bats really creep me out but I love how they added a little copy of a letter to Beatrix from her brother Bertram, who had gone back to boarding school and left her in the care of his precious bat.

You can see a photo of Beatrix with short hair on this page. She was very ill and lost almost all of her hair so what was left was cut. She continued to be ill between the ages of 18 to 21, then went into the world of business, as she put it.
She had decided to put her art to use and created Christmas cards, seen below. There were 6 designs using Benjamin Bunny, look how sweet they are. The one on the right opens up.

I love this next page. Beatrix used to write stories to the children of her former governess, whenever she couldn't visit, and there is an envelope on the right page which opens and inside is
a copy of one of those letters. It is so sweet, 8 pages of her drawings with a little story. Love it!

1904 - 1905 , she now had 7 books in print and they were doing well. I just liked this page with her drawing of a doll house which she used in "The Tale of Two Mice", she was also it seemed starting to fall in love :)

July 1905 Norman Warne asked her to marry him, but her parents were against her marrying a man in "trade". They put off announcing their engagement for six months, then her parents took of for summer holidays.

Norman was ill for a while and sadly died of his illness before Beatrix got to see him again, she was heartbroken.

That's all I have for photos for now, but you get the idea of this beautiful book. In the back cover is a copy of the Tales of Peter Rabbit, which is a reproduction of her privately printed edition.

Wouldn't this make a special gift? It certainly was special to me :)

Make a wish... a giveaway for Spring

2010-03-01T15:09:00.005-05:00

I know that Spring is a couple of weeks away, but it is such a glorious day here so to celebrate I am having a giveaway.

I thought this altered egg shape would be perfect for bringing that Spring feeling indoors. Look how cute it looks from the side....

This is the sweetest little bird, I only wish I could find more like her. She is nestled on some moss and 3 small eggs, surrounded by pretty flowers. There is a tiny pom pom trim around the edges of the plastic egg shape, which I have painted a pretty robins egg blue.
To finish it off I added a tiny little rock with the words "Wish" on it.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with a way for me to contact you, and tell me what you "wish" for, besides good health and a skinny body :)
Well you don't have to tell me, but I thought it would be fun.

My wish at the moment is to sell my house, otherwise we will be stuck with two at the end of June and then what?

So, if you like my little wish bird, leave me a comment , and I will draw a name on Monday March 7th because 7 is my lucky number. I think :)

Hope you are having a glorious, sunny day,
Lynn

P.S.... check out my post below and see what Janee is giving away this month on her blog, you will be delighted.

A Magical Giveaway

2010-02-27T13:41:00.003-05:00

Janee at Blinkles Boulevard is giving away the lovliest little gifts as a celebration giveaway. Just look at the tiny little acorns, one made into a nest, and see the Wish Bottle ? Oh my they are so sweet, and this one has a little tiny bird in it.
You can see more of Janee's nest creations and Wish Bottles on her blog too, you don't want to miss out on this one :)

I have just been accepted into the May Day Tussie Mussie Swap and am so excited to find out who my partner will be. I have not done a group swap like this since last Easter, and now that things have slowed down for me more, I can't wait to create a new Tussie Mussie.
Let me know if you are in it too :)

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my art work this week, I so appreciate you all :)
Have a great weekend,
Lynn

Dreamer

2010-02-26T15:44:00.004-05:00

Are you a dreamer?

I certainly am, and I always have been. I think creative people often are don't you? I always dreamed of being an artist, and for the past few years, my dreams in that area have come true, I have been able to try and test out my creative spirit in areas I never would have thought I would go. The great thing is I keep trying new techniques and new forms of art, so it is always so exciting and I just can't get enough.

I have been playing with my daughters water color papers, the ones she made in her high school years and was throwing in the trash. Remember I saved them?
This time I added some stamping and distressed edges, but left them as they were otherwise. The "dreamer" I glued on to a black card and it has gone off to a beautiful friend :)
The "nesting", I did cut to ATC size but added no extra color.

So my dear, beautiful, talented daughter, we just finished another collaboration of art work together. Now, are you not happy that I fished your papers out of the trash?

Credits:
Clip art from Paper Whimsy, The Vintage Moth, Digital Collage Sheets, Artchix Studio,
and Retro Cafe Art.

Passion

2010-02-25T08:14:00.003-05:00

I certainly have a passion for many forms of art, and as you may have noticed, digital manipulation is my latest. If you have known me for a while you will know how much I love texture and I can play with texture to my hearts content with PSE and not even get dirty :)

I used a photograph I took last summer of a passion flower and some texture from one of my mixed media paintings for this piece, along with some super grunge brushes which you gotta have if you use PS or Elements. The set, created by Mike Martinez , is free to use with a link back to his site. You can download them here at Psdtuts+ which is a great site for tutorials and some great linkware and freebies.
Click on the Passion Flower for a close up.

My next piece is using a photograph my hubby took in Rome five years ago. I used some brick texture from Open Source Hunter, which you can find here, a set of 25 textures for free. After playing around with it I then used a clipping mask, thank you to Wendy in DJ's class for the use of it and to my friend Linda for showing me how to use it.

Thanks for dropping by, and please read my last post if you havn't already, you might be one who has never heard of IBC and we all need to be aware of it.

Hope you take some time to enjoy one of your Passion's today :)

Lynn

You don't need a lump to have Breast Cancer

2010-02-22T14:06:00.006-05:00

Do you know, there is more than one kind of breast cancer?
Do you know you can have breast cancer without a lump?
Did you know, a mammogram does not detect this kind of breast cancer?
This is called IBC or Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

I was going to post some artwork today, but I feel the need to post about IBC again. I feel the need, because I heard about Renee today, a loving mother and doting grandmother, and a wonderful friend to many, oh, and a blogger :)

As I was visiting some blogs today I read about her twice and went to visit her blog. There I found out through a post her daughter has made that Renee is not doing well . She has IBC.

The reason I know about this horrible breast cancer is I did some research last year after weeks of having itchy breasts and then noticing a small lump on my left nipple. I came across websites about IBC and then panic struck. So off I went to my family doctor. He sent me for an ultrasound right away and I am happy to say that my little lump is a fatty cyst. It is still there a year later and sometimes is a little larger than other times but now I don't worry about it. My doctor also checks on it every few months.
I never did know what caused the itchies, they went away.
Anyway, this is not about me, but that's how I found out there was such a thing and at the age of 51 too? Where had I been living, under a brick?

I then spread the word on my blog and in my online groups and most of the women that read about this disease had never heard of it, so I am hoping that today you do become aware of IBC and that you will share that information with your family members and friends, tell your adolescent daughters too, it has no age limit, it does not care who you are, but maybe someone can be saved a lot of pain by us spreading the word.

Let us all send prayers, good thoughts, vibes, whatever you call it to Renee, and hope that she is not in too much pain right now, that she is resting comfortable, and send strength to her family.
Let us tell at least one other woman about this disease, today!

Puppy Love

2010-02-18T14:03:00.006-05:00

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent.

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace."
- Milan Kundera

Hi, this is Cooper :) On the last post, Shirley asked how I was doing and that was so sweet of her , so mom said go ahead and tell her. I am doing great thank you, I am almost 1 1/2 years old now, and I think I have stopped growing at 15lbs. I love mom and dad so much, but I just love all people really. I like my routine, and I like to snuggle up on the couch with mom while she is on her computer. I do miss being in mom's studio, but she says we have to keep it tidy because our house is for sale. What? I like this house.......
My favorite thing is my blankie, I like it better than balls and my rubber bone. Mom said dad has spoiled me because he always gives me something in with my plain boring old dog food, tee hee. Got them good there :) If he doesn't, then I just don't eat it.
This photo of me was taken last week and mom really likes it, she sent it to everyone because she just loves me so much, and is always telling me so.
Think I will go take a nap, I like doing that too while mom is on the computer and this blogging thing is a bit hard on me because I have paws not fingers.

Bye for now,
Love Cooper

Winners of my OWOH giveaway

2010-02-14T18:48:00.007-05:00

Hi to my dear blogging friends. This morning I am announcing the winners from my One World One Heart giveaway. I used the random number generator at Random.org

The first prize of my mixed media canvas goes to #41 which is Martina from Germany, congratulations to you............ Here again is your prize, I hope you like it :)

Second prize, my fabric collage bookmark goes to #210, which is Heather. Congratulations to you too and here again is your prize :)

I will be in contact with both of you today for your addresses and thank you to everyone for visiting and signing up for my giveaway.

Have a wonderful day........
Lynn

Live with Joy in your heart

2010-02-10T18:55:00.005-05:00

Joy is a heart full and a mind purified by gratitude.
Marietta McCarty

Joy is prayer - Joy is strength - Joy is love
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.
Mother Teresa

Learning to live in the present moment

is part of the path to joy.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Creating this digital art gave me a feeling of joy, I find that when I am in the moment, really in the present moment I feel an extreme sense of happiness and contentment. To me that is joy.

Look for the joy in your life today :)
Lynn

Faerie Knoll Folk Art

2010-02-09T10:23:00.003-05:00

For those of you who like Folk Art

A very long time online friend of mine is creating again and just started a new blog. To celebrate she is having a giveaway, so head on over to Faerie Knoll Folk Art to see what Dana has created. I can tell you personally that she is a perfectionist, her work is always very creative and superb.

I am missing my studio so badly right now but I have had to close it for a while as we have people coming to see the house now. I have a couple coming back for a return visit today otherwise I would have had the entire day to myself, but that's ok, if it means they want my home, I am game :) I just can't wait to get back in there and mess it all up again!!!!!!
I hope you are enjoying making your own creative messes right now and creating lot's of wonderful art for me to come drool over on your blogs :)

The OWOH giveaway ends in 6 more days and wow , what a Magic Carpet Ride this has been. I am still 142 comments behind , but I will visit all of you as soon as I can , even if it is after the event :) I have already visited some wonderful blogs and met some lovely artists, hope you are enjoying it too.

Lynn

Window to the Soul

2010-02-06T13:48:00.002-05:00

I am filled with gratitude for the life I have, even though I have been through some extremely hard times, mentally, physically, and financially in my 51 years on this planet, even though I am estranged from a close family member, but if I hadn't gone through it all, and really learned from it all I would not be who I am today.

A little inspiration for you....

There are two words that, when spoken, have the most unfathomable power to completely change your life. Two words that, when they pass your lips, will be the cause of bringing absolute joy and happiness to you. Two words that will create miracles in your life, wipe out negativity, and bring you abundance in all things. Two words that, when uttered and sincerely felt, will summon all the forces in the Universe to move all things for you.

There are just two words standing between you, happiness, and the life of your dreams . . .

"THANK YOU".

Rhonda Byrne (The Secret)

Peace, Tranquility, Silence

2010-01-31T15:29:00.004-05:00

Peace, Tranquility, Silence... just what I need right now.

My post for the OWOH giveaway is below this one, I am still not caught up with visiting everyone who has commented, there are just so many of you and I will tell you why I am so behind in a minute.

This digital artwork is one of the latest projects that DJ posted for us in her workshop and I really like how it turned out. Again by following these tutorials I have learned so much about PSE8 that I never could have on my own.
(All photos are copyright DJ Pettitt)

Anyhoo, to make a long story short, we are moving June 26th to our dream home...yeahhhhh. We chose a home from a builder and they will be done by that date. I have been choosing everything from where to put electrical switches to kitchen cabinets. Sometimes fun, sometimes stressful, because at the same time I have had to get my current home ready for sale and we just signed the papers today to have it listed. This is why I have been so busy, and I have barely had time for any artwork.

I had to really organize and clean my studio, it has to be reasonable looking to potential buyers, and I decided to spring clean so everything is nice and fresh. The place is "pristine" LOL... and I have found muscles I never knew I had.
So we may be in the MLS system by Wednesday then I will not be able to relax until it's sold. I am a homebody and a private person and I hate the thought of people coming here and roaming around, and it seems you have to get out when they come with their agent. I just hope it sells quickly. I really miss my artwork, so I am so grateful that I started the digital workshop, at least I can do that on my lap top while I sit on the couch.

Our new home is about the same size as this one, quite large for two people and a little dog some people would say, but our daughter does come to visit often and we need the space, and we love the space. The kitchen has to be just right for my hubby, one of his passions is cooking and baking, he even makes bread :) It has a walk in pantry which he is thrilled about LOL, he has to have a home office for his real job, and I have to have a studio of course :) I did have a say in the kitchen cabinets and it is going to be beautiful, antique white in a kind of French country feel, something I always dreamed of, although I don't cook, I still clean and eat in there.

I am hoping to visit everyone who have left a comment for the OWOH giveaway, I do a bunch each day, but I just can't be online all day. Thank you all for dropping by, and have a great evening:)
Lynn

Her Creative Spirit

She Art Designs

Christmas is coming

Stockings, Hearts and Baubles

Christmas Gift Bag Tutorial

Mixed Media Canvas

It's a Monster Bash

Digital Dreams and Backyard Dreams

The Queen's Antiques Niagara on the Lake

Matchbox Swap with Tina

Color Drop Flowers

Everything keeps coming up Purple

Welcome to my studio

Owls and Digital Manipulations

We came to tell you the winner of our giveaway

A Happy Hearts Day Giveaway

Learn Textures in Ten Minutes

Knitting and Sewing For AIDS orphans

Make a pretty pink Valentine Card

Happy New Year and a Giveaway

Have a beautiful Christmas

A Gothic Arch Pendant

Handmade Christmas Week 3

Handmade Christmas Week 2

Handmade Christmas Week 1

Blogger Shop Hop, All week long

Art. Heart, Healing Workshop

This, that and the other

Tulips in the Fall... beautiful

Tea Cup Challenge

Pear Challenge

Playing with Pumpkins

World Gratitude Day

Vintage Style sewing and a beautiful Treasury

Playing with PSE again

Digital work for today

I am so proud of them

More Flower art and a pretty postcard I won.

Where the purple thistles grow

The Butterfly Effect

Color and Texture play

Pressed Wildflower Bookmark Tutorial

Fig...ments of my imagination

Flower art continues

What are Wildflowers anyway?

Tussie Mussie Winner

Flower art and gifts from friends

Yep, Another Giveaway

The winner is....

My Birthday Giveaway

First photos of our dream home :)

Beyond Question

Cut, Dried, Pressed and Preserved

The countdown is on

Vintage beautiful, a lovely surprise

Collaberative work with young artists

Mixed Media Angel Painting

Janee sent me a surprise :)

Tussie Mussie and Good News

Tussie Mussie Swap Gifts

The Thingamaboob Giveaway

Buttons and Baubles

Wire Nest Charms can be addicting

Whimsy Faerie

And the winner is.......

Beatrix Potter A Journal

Make a wish... a giveaway for Spring

A Magical Giveaway

Dreamer

Passion

You don't need a lump to have Breast Cancer

Puppy Love

Winners of my OWOH giveaway

Live with Joy in your heart

Faerie Knoll Folk Art

Window to the Soul

Peace, Tranquility, Silence