That's Princess music

Mommy as it came floating out of the speakers said my little one.  I normally have complete silence when I create but it was a day for classical to fill the air and tinkle out the open windows on this beautiful Fall day in SC..perfect high 60's blue skies.  A day to be happy and thankful for the warmth and coziness of creating together (or making messes is more like it :)

I made this sweet a little shabby Christmas book mainly out of coordinated scrapbook papers.  I admit on those days when time is fleeting it's quick to put together these little books for future journals or simply happy holiday pictures.
Below are the Front and Back of the little book.

A couple of the inside pages:

I managed to have a few hours to myself so I headed to a local antique mall with various local dealers.  I love to look and historically just did that due to limited space to be able to collect a lot of items.
Now that I have room to put my favorite things to collect, I picked up some gorgeous books.  I tend to collect children's books prior to the 1960's as the illustrations are so detailed.  These are somewhere in the late 1800's and though they are not in pristine on the edges; the colors and paper are still wonderful. Look at that handwriting that was in the first page. I spent a long time just looking at all the books; picturing who held these books; what they were wearing, --I tend to daydream about all these items. I guess it's one way to preserve the past and thank whomever for keeping these 100 yr old books for future people to enjoy. 

Last a wonderful illustrations book by Kate Greenway from 1946.  It's rough but the inside illustrations are in awesome shape.  I so can't wait to create with these!

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday; I'm cooking the big 22lb turkey for about 10 people.  Today is my Friday and then I'm off to play with glitter and paint with my little one :)

Oh, if you haven't check out Hope and Kari's course Winter Stories.  I'm also working on my manifesto for the class.  My book is actually going to be a sketch book as I am pushing myself to work on my painting and illustration work again.  My cover hasn't appeared yet--I hope that comes out of this tired brain too!

Blessings,

Before and After--a Little Shabby Sweet Thanksgiving

Our First Thanksgiving in the new old house this year. I am having 9 people for dinner--definitely not the size of the one's my Grandma hosted over the years.  I do miss her and being the one to make the 'real' whip cream. Does anyone do that anymore? It's so simple to make.  Oh and helping her 'make' the apple pie and then her baking the leftover pie crust with a little bit of sugar and cinnamon...ahh the smell was wonderful but the flaky sugary goodness was the best.  Wonderful simple times filled with simple Joy. Thanksgiving has always been about sharing, giving thanks, and the simple emotion of Joy.  Thanksgiving wasn't fancy, just filled with food, laughter, and well, football, if my uncles had their way.  Since we moved South, our family is small and over the years, our Thanksgiving has progressed to sharing with those that don't have anyone or are also transplants with no family and won't be going home for the holidays--so you may end up eating of a melamine plate but the door is open and your belly will be full!  This Thanksgiving will be hard for many --I will do as much as I can to make sure others share this joy too even if its for a few hours.

The table is simple but I wanted something a little shabby with a vintage feel for my sideboard.  These pumpkins would be perfect for any Fall project.
Here she is finished:

A paper mache pumpkin found on clearance --less than $1; mod podge, walnut ink stain, vintage paper, clear glitter, new and vintage embellishments.

These little 'Joy' pumpkins will be on the main table.

Before:

 After: some craft paint, new and vintage embellishments, handmade tag, and a little bit of glitter.

Off to travel to Asheville for work today with a late night arrival back home.  Hope you have a beautiful day.