PARISIAN BEAUTY ATC SWAP

Welcome, just wanted to share a few ATC's I've sent off for a swap. I always enjoy Kimberly's swaps, you can catch up on them at her blog  ArtJoyStuff.

Hoping you have a wonderful weekend.   Thanks for your visit.

WOYWW #298 LACEY GOODNESS

Welcome WOYWW...and those just visiting. Today is Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday, a fun posting by many, originating from Julia's blog the STAMPING GROUND.  Curious, visit her and she's listed all the info on an addicting Wednesday adventure.

Thanks to all of you who left comments 2 wks ago. I appreciate them so much.
I apologize for not visiting many from my last post of WOYWW 2 weeks ago....just had a lot of real LIFE things to take care of.   Was in and out so much of the time. Some good and some not so good. But the good this week is I hope to have sometime.  The weather will take care of that. -30 tonight with windchill and not to improve much by the AM.  Prayers to the people in Boston with snow every few days, 7 ft or more. Our snow blew away with high winds.  Oh soon to be spring, SPRING, Spring !!!

I've a few photos today: mainly because a few requested to see my lace:  I've cleaned out containers, drawers and shelves and either rolled it onto clothespins, index cards, or put it into small shelving for display.  You can click on photos to see them clearer. And organizing it all gave me more empty drawers for storage of things I hope to sort by seasonal use.

 This wedding dress is the end of my family room downstairs and the start of an overgrown crafty space.  Normally it is hung in a nearby closet, with little snips taken off as I need them. (Yes I have cut into it, it was hard but I needed it's loveliness)
The bird cage was another cleaning adventure...the fabric storage, need I say more? Small odd little lovely pieces I will use for my fabric books.  This is the right wall just entering my creative space.

This is the left of my sewing machine, a table for cutting and assembling.  A pile of the start of 9 family fabric books. It will be a while before they are complete.  still GATHERING and ASSEMBLEING    ....The doll bed holds bolts of lace.

The back side of this table...

A few things of lace by my sewing machine that need to find a place in this maze.

The walkway and yet the right side following the sewing machine. Laces in divided old pop crates on top of his mother's old buffet. Wood here all needs to be painted.

 The left of my sewing machine and the top of my storage of paper ....in the far background you can see the end of this room and my NORMAL crafting tables, punches etc.

A salvaged old bookcase, holds  jars of buttons, white simalac boxes hold shades of ribbon scraps more old jars with colored laces. Beyond this is the area for paper creating etc. What you normally see.

Thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy your comments. Have a wonderful week, stay warm, safe travels and enjoy some time for "You".

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

So glad you stopped by.  The past 2 weeks have been so hectic. Today it's fun to wish you special friends a

Our Volunteer Firemen host a "Valentine Steak Fry" this time of the year. And I love it. Not usually weather to travel to far, mobs of people trying to find a place to sit at local restaurants and the casino and this is a fresh grilled steak with all the trimmings. Plus a silent action (most of which is homemade candy in special boxes) to raise money for the Fire Dept. It's a win, win deal. And a lot of local people having fun visits.

I spent the morning making Breakfast Muffins, Ginger Cookies, and Zucchini Bread. My rely on recipe for the bread failed me..it tastes good but quite dry this time and I don't know why.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend with those you love most.  Missing my sons and family but will visit by Skype or Phone.  Loving Valentine Wishes to You and Yours

WOYWW #296

It's once again WOYWW, the week just flew by. Seems we had snow everyday. Julia at the
STAMPING GROUND likes us to share this day on her blog with others. Stop over, she has
all the info to help you get started. n It's fun and it's addictive.

 A drop leaf table for sewing projects, sewing machine is to the right of this

Working on some little fabric books. I hated to cut up this lacy top, but....that is why I bought it.
and below my crafty area, which you normally see and this area is straight down from the little pink doll bed filled with lace.

I've 2 tables together here and still only have about a 7x7 spot to use, I seem to have to have supplies all around me. Need to get at least a few Valentines FINISHED.

I've rearranged this little collage several times, with different laces and haven't decided which I like best.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your week. And stay warm.

WEEKEND FUN

Good Morning to all of you....Thanks for stopping by.

I just had to share a sweet quote with you, I love to visit LilyBean Paperie. Today she had a great recipe for pretty "Cowgirl Cookies"  .....another adorable creation of her sweet designs ....and this quote. Stop over and visit her.

 

                     Thank you Melissa for the inspiration you always are so good to share.

I saw a cute idea on Pinterest using an old tray and making it a magnetic board. I am hoping to do this and off and on add an inspiring "Quote" for the week.  This will be the first one I use. It's unique, it's true and it's inspiring.  How we forget and take for granted everyday living.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, full of family fun, some peace and quiet and  a soft snowfall.

WOYWW #295

Oh the fun of Julia's blog STAMPING GROUND  it connects all of us throughout the world the fun of sharing our workspaces.  There is a BIG variety of what we all do. Join in, just visit, whatever.... she has all the details posted.

My desk:

To the left jars of buttons and containers of ribbon

I've spent sometime working there, but finished up the ATC's for a swap and have them ready to mail. Will post photos as time gets nearer for the swap. So still have Valentines to make.

Since Saturday, I have been "SPRING CLEANING"  I know not quite spring, though it is 45 degrees here, but I am entertaining tonight and started with dusting,whoa that lead to cleaning the china hutch, windows, cleaning fans,  putting up Valentine decor, making egg rolls, a new Iowa product for dessert. 

Toffee Choco-Latte Beer Cake.

Thanks for stopping by, I'll be around to visit this week. So sorry about not being there previous weeks.  The past 2 wks,we've been in and out. The weather is nice so we can travel a bit.  We visited my son and family as the grandkids had swimming competition and basketball tournaments.  

He won big at the Casino going and I won really big Friday night...had to fill out a form for taxes. Was a fun trip. 

WOYWW #293

Welcome, hope you are enjoying lots of good things.  Today is Wednesday the day to share the desk..
Julia has had this event of over 5 years and you can find out all about sharing, peeking, and pick up a friend or two on the way. Just visit her blog  STAMPING GROUND  It's a fun adventure.

I've been spending time in my work area...grouped all Christmas together in an old chest, close by, found the Valentine container, so sorted it out to see what I have to work with. Hope to get some done later in the week. I've a few birthdays to do ahead also.

I plan to put away Christmas through the rest of the house tomorrow. I wanted to start today, but got waylaid in sorting out some photos.  When I walked in the storage area, I walked out and said not today...too much work for this old body today.  Hoping my attitude is better in the AM.

If anyone has any ideas on sorting photos...I'm looking for suggestions.  I started with families, then by their children, putting in zip lock bags and storing in under the bed rubbermaid.  Some families my sons don't know will be returned to those families to pass on I guess. Cleaned out one small closet and have FRAMES and more FRAMED Old photos. Think the frames will go and the photos by family. Gives me 2 free shelves for something else.  Some of this mess is from my folks collection.

Have a wonderful week, hope to get to visit quite a few this week.  Thanks for stopping by.

ELVIS PRESLEY Tribute 2015-Happy Birthday January 8 1935 -80th

He was good.....his music was great, just sad how it all turned out. But his music lives on..

You Tube has some awesome video's    But today

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ELVIS  

Artisant's 5th Color Challenge

So nice of you to stop by, I haven't joined any challenges for a long time.  I sometimes think I work my best by being challenged.  I've been following  ARTISANT  blog  for a short time and she has the most beautiful color palates. So I thought I'd try to compete. If you are interested she also has a page full of other color combo's to help you with your needs. 

Isn't it lovely....Her card is adorable, with a beautiful Color Palate,   and the theme  for January is A positive motto or a quote for the next year.
So my card has "Where you tend a rose, a thistle cannot grow" and the word "Cherish"   

I used the Graphic 45 "Secret Garden" papers, little butterflies punched out by my Martha Stewart hand punch, Heidi Swapp stamp "Cherish" love the font she creates. And some bling and ribbon from my stash. 
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the fun over at Artisant's     

WOYWW #292

A Happy New Year to You and Yours....took a little blogging break I guess, but wanted to partake in Julia's weekly Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday, at her STAMPING GROUND.

I did get some organizing done since my last post. Entertained my son and family over Christmas and my husbands family was here Sunday.  So still have up my Christmas decor and have been enjoying the little lights.

My desk:

 Looking for Inspiration for upcoming Valentines day  I did find the box of necessary things.

Above is left of my desk, a drop leaf table near my sewing machine. I mentioned to my nieces and sisters I'd make them all a fabric book, from some of mother and dad's things. They gave me colors and themes. Well I've not done any physical work on this, just mental !~! so thought I'd at least get the sizes cut, pick out laces and decide how to bind it all together. Just maybe I can get them done before the holidays 2015....MAYBE....
My niece knows from past experience how that works.  While she was in college I met her for lunch. We had a great time shopping, eating and laughing together.  I bought a panda bear pattern and all the fabric.   Every time she saw me she'd asked if I got the project done !...Well when her 2nd son was born about 6 years later...I got the idea.... just to prove to her I could finish it, I made the Panda for her son's little gift.  No how bad it that.

I am also working to find ONE spot for all my Christmas crafting supplies. I have 2 chest of drawers in my storage room, I need to work into the area, clean out and organize. Maybe one for Christmas and the other for other holidays.

I'll be spending most of this week "INSIDE"...can put away Christmas, and work on the above. We hare having 30 MPH winds, after our 4/5 inches of snow, and dangerous temps. -35 with wind chill.
Schools are closed  and advisory's to stay at home.  I'm good at obeying danger....

May you all have a wonderful 2015...accomplish and enjoy all that you desire. Thanks for stopping by, I'll play catch up on your last weeks posts, when I come around to visit this week.

WOYWW #290 CHRISTMAS WISHES

So glad you stopped by during this busy season, It's  Wednesday time to share a workspace, and mine has not changed one bit from last week.  Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  provides us a fun time visiting all around the world.  I am preparing for Christmas..last minute wrapping, a menu for Christmas, and a menu for the following day...So Happy 3 of the grand children will be here. After 3 trips I think we have more than enough grocery supplies.

Finished up the guest bedroom, lit the tree and thought oh how fun. I am so Blessed. I've truly enjoyed all of you each week stopping by. I've enjoyed  visiting so many of you and your workspaces and all the fun things you shared. 

Wishing you and yours, a Wonderful Christmas.

"Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store or under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends."
                                                                         --Dr. Seuss.      Thanks for being my friend.






PS:  I have some sort of tree in every room..Just did not put up my "BIG" one with all the treasured ornaments.  Regret it as now my son & family will be here, but there's more to being together than a tree.

MERRY CHRISTMAS WISHES to YOU and YOUR FAMILY

Taking this chance to wish all my blogging friends "A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS".

I have many things to accomplish before company arrives,  and we celebrate the Birth of Jesus. So this will no doubt be my last post until after the 25th.

I wanted to share with you the Nativity at our church.  It's very old and the best part of Christmas, is our children's mass on Christmas Eve. It helps refresh everyone's mind of what the true meaning of Christmas really is. The little children dressed as Angels, Joseph, Mary and the 3 Wiseman and learning the traditions.

I have so much enjoyed your friendship and inspiration throughout the year. May you and yours enjoy the festivities and  have a wonderful Christmas.

WOYWW #289

 Tis' the Season !

Sharing of the workspaces on Wednesdays per dear Julia at  the STAMPING GROUND.  Take a visit and enjoy some fun.                     And I've been a busy little Elf.

Made some 15 Christmas tags for my Bunco Pals.  And a few cards for friends and family
Was so much fun, I've been away for so long from my crafty fun.

And for a special little girl who loves to do her chicken chores ! And under her name is a little saying
                                                               "The Chicken Chick"

Love this cute image of the couple  enjoying winter outdoors. My brother is one who enjoys nature to the max. Has mules and loves to ride so for him and his special friend I did this card.

The count down is on,,,hope you are all able to enjoy the time leading up to the big day. Have some cookies to make and a menu to plan. The best news of all is my son and family will be home for Christmas this year.
 PS:   and for those of you not on Facebook...My good news in previous post is my son will be coming home sooner than expected, Maybe February  not sure where they will be stationed but I was so excited.  I just had to cry with excitement.  And my other son and family will be here for Christmas Day...God Loves Me.

BEST NEWS OF ALL

I was so excited a few days ago when my daughter in law said they'd be coming home for a few days during the Christmas Season.  It's been a hard year and my family means so much.

Now today I get a facebook message from my daughter in law in Germany and they will be coming back to the USA much sooner than expected. Late February...

I'm one happy Mama !!

The REAL Meaning of CHRISTMAS

For my  Blogging and  Bunco Friends..


."CHRISTMAS CAROL" really pay attention to the words in this Awesome Christmas Song. I Played it LOUD as my kids grew up and a few years ago my son Josh wondered if I still did that. Oh Yes Josh and on it came..Plus they each got a CD of it to enjoy for themselves .....it's a TRADITION ....if only there were a few more people like this in our world today. Love this Season and Love the Song. 

FRIDAY'S SMILES

Oh Annie, I awoke to this little photo on Facebook and reminded me today is your "Friday Smiles"
New to this you can hook up at Annie's A STITCH IN TIME  and enjoy the fun.

Oh yes,  it could be our Bailey....he begs for clean up of dishes from ice cream.

And then I came across something simple to make for your cookie trays....or that "ONE" person who should have a piece.  Easy Christmas Idea!

Lumps of Coal

Melt the marshmallows and butter together.
Crush the oreo cookies.
Add to Marshmallow mixture
Let sit and cut

Have a lovely day....heading towards the 50's here in IOWA   another unusual trend. Have lots to do on finishing some things for a quick Christmas gathering tonight.  Enjoy.

WOYWW #288

Tis the Season to be Jolly !   OK, I'm hoping that soon sets into my little head.     Tis the day to share our workspaces also,  Julia at STAMPING GROUND  gives us the chance to share, snoop and enjoy a few hours of fun...Stop on over, she has all the info.

                                     My Creative Space

Click on the photo to enlarge, not too much activity, was hoping to get a few Christmas items finished but happy to have the desk so I can sit at it and have space. I have made a 40th Anniversary card and helped our friends celebrate

and a few Sympathy Cards. An elderly couple, growing up neighbors, and 2nd cousin to my DH were in an auto accident which took both their lives. A huge funereal, 10 grown children, 35 grandkids, and 19 great grandchildren. So one of the reasons for not doing WOYWW that week. It's always sad, you never saw one without the other but for them to be together was a blessing, as if one survived the other no doubt would not have been able to go back home to be alone. Rest in Peace dear friends.

Was not really going to do too much decorating, but to keep busy with the fun decorations I have. I have spread it out daily and am happy I have some twinkling lights in most of the rooms. TIS the SEASON!!!    Enjoy whatever season you have...We will have the 50's by Friday.  So will enjoy it. It's been an up and down year, in more ways than that.