Tis the Season for Busy

We are all busy!

I am sad, I wanted to be fun and share craft ideas this month, but it has been a challenging time.  I became a bit blue after Thanksgiving.  I felt like a human yo-yo stuck on Rock the Cradle.   I went through albums of photos and wondered how time had gone so quickly?!   I miss my kids, their laughter and hugs most.  I play music loud and imagine they are here.  I am lucky we talk almost every day, but I still miss their magic!!  

My hound has been ill-first thought it was cancer, but it is his thyroid and maybe Cushings disease.  He lost significant weight and we found a lump near his thyroid.  His thyroid is compromised and we are waiting to see if this medicine will help.  

Are you ready for the holiday?!  I still have some last minute things to do and I always like to wrap up a few uniquely creative ideas. I made snowballs out of cotton battening and inside tucked a gift card.  The recipient will have fun unwrapping this snowball-it doesn't melt.  Okay, it might melt someone's heart-if the gift pulls one's heart strings.  I could see an engagement ring being at the end or some sentimental token!  I cut a strip of battening 4 inches wide and 2 ft long, some I have done 3 ft in length.   Mine are going to be the jokey kind-this year.  

You can tuck jokes, fortune cookie sayings, charms, silly or sweet sentiments along the way.  It is fun to watch someone unwind a snowball.  Snow, sentiment and smiles-I love a few fun gifts~

I pinned the end and added silver tulle bags and fortune cookies-this was my first attempt.  I added a heart stone. You do not have to pin the end, just tuck and roll around the items.  I was mailing this one and didn't want it to come undone.

Next year, I plan on blogging more and be more brave.  I want my art to be bold and colorful.   

I need to go downtown and take an art class, perhaps test the waters and see if teaching is an option?!  Bold will be my word for 2015.  Do you have a word picked out?

I did get one of my wishes-sort of!  I wanted to be on the cover of an art magazine.  I wanted my art on the cover-didn't happen, but my name is on there instead.  I am hopeful if I keep going maybe, just maybe my dream will come true~

Thank you, Danielle Mohler and Stampington for adding sunshine to my life~ Your publications have been a saving grace for me, through all those military moves!  I could always count on your magazines, your gorgeous photos and grace filled words to fill my heart with joy!  I have to pinch myself to believe I am in your publications!  It is a dream come true~

I made an Advent calendar out of red threads, Glassine bags and vintage photos, Washi tape and charms.  I have been trying every day to do something for someone else.  I wanted to tangle myself in humanity.  I am a loner type and with my children gone-this project has kept me busy.   Some ideas are simple, let people ahead of me in line and others I have to give away my gloves or my hat-to someone who looks cold, helping with groceries, opening doors, buying a stranger a cup of coffee-pay it forward type gestures.   So, far it has been fun and I feel like an elf~

Thank you, Stampington~

I also made a 5x5 square of art and mailed it to artist and author, Seth Apter.  Seth asks artists about their process. His books are insightful and inspirational!  My square is in a gallery in Connecticut-crazy to think of!  Thank you, Seth, for all you share and do~  It is a thrill to be part of this project!  Seth's books offer an inside look of artist's secrets, dreams, tips and tricks.  It will make you want to create and battle any creative blocks~

***Seth's photo**

Quote sister, Lesley Riley came out with her second quote book!  

I was stunned to see one of my cards in her book !

Do you have a favorite quote?!

One hundred artists are included and one hundred and thirty quotes~  This book would snap anyone out of a creative funk!  I gasped when I saw some of the gorgeous art paired with beautiful words~  In fact this book inspired me to make art!  Thank you, Lesley this book would be a beautiful gift for any holiday or celebration!

I am reminded, even though I have been blue-how incredible fortunate I am!  Thank you Seth, Lesley and Stampington!!!  

Thank you bloggers for being you-

"You all have warmed my heart!"