Ah Spring -

The weather has been lovely (off and on, that is) and the warmth of the sun, the blue of the sky is inspiring to me.
I've had a busy few weeks preparing for a bake sale, Easter cards and making my flowers.
The flowers, I think, are a lovely accessory for spring and summer. By Palm Sunday, I was just exhausted! I promised myself I would take a break from all of the craziness at least until after Easter.
Then yesterday happened! I was surfing for some supplies and I couldn't wait to get home and make something - ANYthing!
I refrained, but that urge to make something is still strong.
The flowers were a smashing success at the church bake sale!
Wouldn't you like to add one to your wardrobe? I'll be working on some alternative patterns as soon as my break is over!

Loss

I am still reeling from the loss of a friend's son. The list of friends that have asked for prayers seems never ending lately. It makes me so sad and yet, it inspires me to create, create, create. Doing something seems to take away some of the sting - like if I make this thing with this person in mind, I will never lose them.

I did switch gears from making cards and flowers to something that I haven't done in years - needlecraft - I am making a pillow using quickpoint (cross stitch with REALLY big yarn)
It's a lovely abstract pattern in blues and greens and it is soothing to work on during my lunch hour or in the evenings. I find myself completely lost in moving the needle in and out and watching the pattern take shape, anticipating the next color change or the completion of one pattern or section. - Escapism at it's finest.
This week I will get to turn my attention to Easter and create some cards to sell, some to send. And back to the flowers - I cannot wait to get back to the flowers. They are fun to wear and oh so much fun to make!
Pictures soon...

Spring is almost here

I know it's hard to believe, especially for the folks back East, but Spring is almost here. Here in So CA, trees are budding, flowers are blooming and the weather is getting warmer.
It's in the air and it's kind of taken over my thoughts and my creations. Here are some lapel pins that I've been working on, using the Big Shot.


I think they are so fun to make.
I've also been working on a Facebook Challenge to create handmade gifts for the first 5 people to sign up - The photo Albums for Froilan and Dalton were part of that challenge. Here are two journals that I made as well - they will be mailed out this week.

My Lenten Journey

Lent is here and for awhile now, I have been adding something along with giving something up. Christ gave and so it is my intention, in my walk to give as well.
This year, I am making cards to be given to survivors of breast cancer.
I will be giving about 30 cards to two organizations.
Sounds like a lot, but I will have help!
Here are some of the designs for the cards - can you tell that my colors for the week are Wild Wasabi and Blushing Bride?

I've been really busy lately - the creative urge is strong and I've driven myself almost to the point of exhaustion, but it is a feeling that will not be ignored and so I work and work. Oh, don't feel sorry for me - a day spent in the studio is an excellent day! Above is an explosion box. It opens and expands and it's as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside. It can be used to give a small treat or to showcase pictures.





This is one card from a set that I made for my friend Claudia. I love this set!









This is a "brag book" I made for Debbie, who is a new grandma. I made the letters with my Cricut. I love that it's not just a brag book but one just for Froilan Daniel. She is also expecting a granddaughter in a few weeks, so I made the other half of the book for the soon to come girl.

I will add her name after she's been born.
I made a similar one for HiKath and her grandson, Dalton. I am not into scrapbooking, but the mini albums allow for a lot of creativity and just a short amount of time.

I hope something here will inspire you to create!

A fallen angel

Last week a friend lost her son in a tragic drunk driving accident. He was struck and killed and in an amazing act of forgiveness, she asked our community to pray for the family of the young man who took Chris from them. This so speaks to the person that is Mary Ann and I know that her son was like her. I never met him, but through her stories and her tears, I feel like I knew him and I feel the loss too. I was inspired to create something so that she would know that I will never forget her young man. I began, simply and it struck me that she is not the only one that I want to make something for. Chris left a brother and a daughter and a father and a step-father. I know others who have lost children as well and that gives me much to think about and adds to my list of must create projects.
Most importantly, I will hold each child in my heart, forever.

Valentine's day is coming

And so we are back to cards - wherever I wander, I come back to my cards.
We've gotten settled in our new place and I'm ready to start classes again -
January 29 - 10 to 12
Here are the cards we'll be making!