Evolving

Merry New Year! Okay, really first week down and 3 more to go.  January has always been a longggggggg month for me and with each passing year seems to drag out even further.   I seriously believe I have a touch of that seasonal disorder as I get in the dumps-- so this January I'm working on updating everyday items, like sheets, towels, and kitchen items.  I still need curtains for each of the rooms.  Can you believe we have lived here a year and I still can't find something I like.  I haven't shopped for these items in a long time and I get off tangent so easily especially on the internet!  Priorities were very different for the past 7 years and are now easing back to spending a tiny bit of money on myself personally and finally a big house of my own.  Those 70's hand me downs are going to be replaced eventually!

In between the nasty sinus infections (of which I'm miserable today with), I have been working on some projects.  I did spend a little time reflecting on the past year and realizing that I have been evolving, working it out to find my own in this world of creating.  I love the mix of textures and little bits of colors with vintage bits/bobs.  I recently read about doing a word for the year and maybe this will continue to be 'my' word.  I have too much I want to do artistic and family related so time will tell.  In the meantime, it's nice to just live, day by day, see the past 7 yrs were mind trapped with having a child and then a house.  Working off of a daily list be it cleaning, food, or recipes, its simple and soothing after all those years of stress.  Being Open to the next thing that comes along--isn't that what its all about?

Enjoy these new sweets:

This wall or door hanging is my most recent:

A Thank You card that was just bursting to be put together, I just love how this came out.  I don't make many cards (actually I think this is my 3rd one ever!):

This collage sentiment and my favorite elements all mixed together.  I was experimenting with some items from the scrapbook world -transfers:

A sweet bird collage box with her own vintage eggs (buttons and bling!):

Inside of the box for little trinkets and keepsake items:

If you are interested let me know! I will upload to Etsy for purchase.

I was on a roll the week and half I was off and still have more pictures to upload.

Hope your Sunday is going well.

Off to make a favorite, Apricot and Lemon Chicken with rice and carrots.  Simple and yummy.

Till next time,

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.