patterns of change

With the new year approaching, I've been thinking of change.  Not just another list of resolutions quickly made and even more rapidly abandoned, but real change~~~ that lasts.  I know it has to come from within myself and yet not of myself.  I've tried and failed more times than I can count.  So this year I am praying that the Spirit of the Lord will begin a serious edit of ME.  That the old ways, some of which are working poorly would be replaced with what HE would have me be.  I might look different on the outside, but more than anything, I want to be new on the inside.

Seeing the Color Challenge on SCS today, I was not jumping for joy...those colors are certainly not what I reach for.  However as I sat looking through my image book, I came upon this awesome Tim Holtz set from Stampers Anonymous.  It was easy then as I knew the Basic Grey paper group, Stella Ruby would fit perfectly with my pattern idea.  So I have collaged my card to celebrate the changes I hope to work toward this year.  If you would like more details of exactly how I created this card, please click over to my SCS gallery.

On a related note, I've been waiting to blog about my most fabulous Christmas present!  And I have Amy  at Tsuruta Designs to thank for tagging me  on a get to know you questionnaire (which had more than 50 questions!)  But one of them really got me going, what was your favorite childhood toy?  Well, mine was a Betsy McCall Fashion Designer set, which allowed you to create fashions for Betsy with tissue patterns and a light box.  Santa brought one to me Christmas 1962.  I have never forgotten it!  Well, one thing lead to another, and a look on E-Bay and Kovels for what the possible value of the set, and I  snagged the set off the 'bay for $7.99!!!  It was originally sold for $5.95.  It arrived a few days before Christmas and I had told my DH that this was all I wanted and on Christmas morning all watched as I relived a long forgotten memory.  I plan to save it for when I become a grandmother of daughters and we can play together!     

There is a pattern in all things...what are you seeing and feeling?

two happy's and a NEW year

It's almost here, the NEW Year!  I  am always happy to turn the page on an old year and ring in the new.  And this year 2009...how did we get here already?  Time just seems to flying by...even my sons notice how fast the days are going.  

I created a New Years cheer card for a dear friend, who has been out of the country for most of this month.  We're the kind of friends, we'll celebrate in February if that's were life takes us.  No pressure, no guilt...don't we get enough of that from other people in our life?  I know she'll just love it.  Many times she's told me her heart beats faster when she opens her mailbox and there is an envelope from me.  Now isn't that why we do what we do?  To raise someones' spirits, bring a smile to their face and treasures for a mantel!  

There are several challenges going on SCS today.  Monday's learn a new technique was actually a new fold which our hostess, Lynn created a tutorial.  Check it out when you can.  Then there has been the Holiday Challenge Extravangaza, today was to alter an embellishment .  Here's my card for both of those challenges.

Have a delightfully short week!  And early Happy New Year wishes!

the courage to imagine

I am sorry to be long in posting here...it's been wildly chaotic lately...in the best sort of ways, but I am always glad when my life is back to a routine...I am much happier in that regard.  How about you?  Are you a fly by the seat of your pants or are boundaries more comfortable?  I am thankful I have people in my life that will hold me accountable and challenge me to grow in areas where I am weak.  It's that first step thinking...just get moving so I am excited for 2009 to begin...I've still got areas to improve upon,  I never want to stop learning.

I've felt the creative muse dancing on my studio counter top lately and I've let her play.  Don't you love it when you have the seed of an idea and all of a sudden, that idea has flowered into a piece of art and you stand there thinking, 'Wow, where did that come from?'   My dear husband says he like to just sit and watch me in the creative process as an idea takes flight.  So here's whats been flying at my house recently.   These all have been posted to my gallery  on SCS for various challenges.  

the doll's choir

Tonight, I'm asking the Lord to forgive me for taking for granted the greatest blessing any of us could have, our health.  This was brought home to me today with a request of cards to dear Hannah, a young girl who is dying of a very rare cancer. I held my sons a bit closer, thankful for the every wonderful and annoying thing about them! And for their wisdom, Andy saying, 'Mom, she's going back home' in his mind, HEAVEN. If you would like to read about Hannah and her request. please check this out. I think those baby dolls are singing the way, though there is always hope for a miracle...I don't think she'll be lonely.

I am also thankful for feeling fully the emotions of righteous anger, sadness, and hope...dear Lord be a healing balm no matter what.

where the naughty girls went

I love Saturday's Inspiration Challenge on SCS.  It really helps me think outside the box and I get to see textile, fashion, furniture, and magazine designers I might never be exposed to.  Thanks so much, Stef for bringing such interesting 'sparks' each week. I had to fire one last round in the Schirmcat naughty or nice list. For the details on my box in a bag, please look here. The resources forum is a fabulous place to find just about anything related to paper crafting. I really like how the tote turned out and will definitely be making others.

So where did the naughty girls go, SHOPPING, of course.  Have a wonderful weekend...throw some snowballs or cuddle up with a peppermint mocha and someBODY warm!!!

family Christmas cards

Let's see, it's a week till Christmas eve and I have one card in the mail!  That's right on my pace.  

Terrible to admit, perhaps, but I've come to realize I can't do it all, but I'll try to do it RIGHT!  I am glad I have 'people' who love me just the same...my heart will always be in it!

It is Wednesday again and the Sketch Challenge on SCS.  My card will make #2 postal, for a beloved brother and favorite uncle.  He'll appreciate all the fluff and stuff.  I had to use liquid applique on this fun collaged Santa from Tim Holtz.  If you would like to read the full details, you'll find them here.

So how about you, want give up any hints for being more organized and put together.  I'm convinced that arty types are only disorganized and chaos reigns...please share if this is not the case with you...I'd really love to change my stripes

Western Union

It very interesting to think about how just a couple generations ago important news was received by telegram.  My card today for the

 Color Challenge had me wondering how it felt to get your information this way. I used a collaged image from Oxford Impressions 'Winter Snow' set that contains the telegram as well as the wonderful vintage Christmas tree.  I set the tree inside Stampinks Unlimited fabulous shuttered window.  Merry Christmas is stamped onto the telegram .

I'm glad for today's technology that keeps us just a touch of the keyboard away from new news...but my Mom won't have any of it though my sibs and I have pleaded for her to get connected.  She still wants her news the old fashioned way.  And I do respect that, but you'll find me busy texting encouraging notes to my sons or a voice mail to my husband...sweet nothings...I will use what we have to the benefit of my family.  And I hope I'll always be willing to learn what's new...so I can keep up!  

So this card goes out today to my parents. Some things are just better the old way! How about you?