It's Monday..a fresh view for a new week

This Monday morning greeted me with a beautiful sunrise, happy hens, wonderful family and a fresh inspired outlook. I spent all day yesterday (albeit that I have a spring cold in the winter) cleaning and reorganizing the rest of my studio. This all started after the Holidays...now keep in mind that I didn't go through everything...just the things on the floor, and the lower shelves. There were days, I just didn't want to venture in-too much stuff, not enough time, too many other avenues calling my name. But yesterday, I had had enough...So I spent the whole day finishing what I had started. It feels great to start and finish something, there is a quote in my studio that says,

Beginning is easy. Finishing is hard.

That is absolutely true! I have many projects that would so illustrate that beginning is easy. Pinterest, Magazines, blogs, friends, shops all encourage and inspire us to start something. But where is the encouragement to follow through, to not give up- to finish what we start be it in arts and crafts, in our home, in relationships, in the tough things of life...I found that what these sources, for the most part, leave out are the struggles, challenges, lessons and the victories that were experienced in order to get to that finished photograph, project or relationship. We see only a snapshot of time, of something well done. So where do we go to find the tools to not just begin but to finish and finish strong? For me, it is God's letter to me - His Holy Word. He gives us, through many writers and experiences of life, that he is with us from the beginning and he will complete a good work in us (Phillipians 1:6). Paul tells us to run the race (of life) and to finish even when it is difficult. We don't have to finish first, we just need to finish. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Peter is one that had a lot of struggles with his race and yet the Lord let us see those struggles so that we may be encouraged to continue on even in the midst of mess. Peter gave us 2 wonderful books in the New Testament that showed he finished strong. King David in the Old Testament definitely had created a messy situation with Bathsheba- and yet the Lord, after discipline, encouraged him to finish strong. After all, he was a man after God's own heart. And so are we...well I am a woman after his heart. The idea is that God put in our hearts- the same love, joy, peace, compassion, kindness, perseverance, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control (just to name a few) that he has. We, when living by the His Spirit, can share these things, we can be encouraged to begin and we can persevere to finish. So when the task in front of you looks daunting, perhaps the best place to look for our inspiration and encouragement isn't an app on our phone, but it is God's letter to us--(Oh by the way I do have an app for that - the Bible app!!)

So whatever you have begun, whether it is a scarf to crochet, an apron to make, a child to raise, a marriage to build- there will be struggles and challenges but also joys and victories.

Continue on so that you will experience the joy and the strength that comes from finishing.

"Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place"

Proverbs 16:3 (The message)

P.S. Leave a comment to be entered in a give away. See earlier post....

Blog give away.....

While reorganizing my studio - I found some great swap bags from our past Art Retreats that are filled with wonderful embellishments, vintage papers, lace and more. I would love to share these with my wonderful friends... Please leave a comment and a way to get in touch with you-- We will draw 5 names on January 31st. Thanks so much for stopping by....

Good Luck and I look forward to mailing you a little happiness.

Paint Spill 101...

Paint Spill 101...

What do you do when a gust of wind blows over and spills 1/2 of the quart of Annie Sloan Paint on your garage floor?

Do you ...(a) freak out because you are watching $$$ become a puddle?

(b) scream knowing that you are creating another messy situation?

(c) call your kids to come and help paint everything in sight--knowing that paint on the floor is still wet paint that can be used?

(d) all of the above!!

D is the correct answer. There are stages in spilling like stages in loss -only not quite so deep and devastating. I was painting a bookcase in the garage today albeit that the weather was gray and windy but only 70 degrees--perfect painting weather. I was working on the underside because the first coat of the topside was dry when all of sudden a huge West Texas gust of wind blew through my garage - the only problem is I live in North Central Texas and my Annie Sloan Paint was on the floor near where I was sitting. And in a moment, no a second over 1/2 of my brand new filled to the brim quart was all over my floor- I freaked out, I screamed and then called my girls from the garage and said "Do you want to paint?" So we did..we painted the rest of the bookcase, a set of paper mache boxes, easter eggs and a few other little items.

Paint brush in hands, we saved the day. Only a few causalities..a disney world red jacket, a pair of workout pants and Savannah's freshly manicured nails. Oh and the new spot on the floor of our garage - but at least it's quality paint and such a pretty shade of Old White.

Now to wash the paint off our hands, hair and feet - yes I paint barefoot -Don't you?

Until next time,

On the 12th tag of Christmas

my inspiration tag

close up of the details in the background

the close-up of the tissue flower covered in German glitter

Once again, let me say thank you for stopping a moment, reading and hopefully finding something to help your daily living. I love reading the comments -it has been such fun tagging along with Tim and you. Thanks again.

Oh how I loved this tag..Tim's final tag was full of wintry wonderland feel. He did however use a frozen Charlotte (he calls them fractured, which for me is worse:) which is one vintage embellishments/ephemera that I can't seem to like. I am such a girly, girl that I loved my dolls to be whole - my sister on the other hand thought one of my baby dolls needed a haircut and to have her eyelashes plucked...that however is not about today's tag. We will save that story for another day when that is the topic at hand. Right now it's about this wonderful tag. I did have to make a few switches as there were a few things he had that I didn't know even existed. I must have been under a pile of paper, fabric or buttons when he introduced tissue tape paper. I immediately ordered some for me, on Santa's behalf of course. I did use the tissue tape for the background and it worked wonderfully. It is truly a fun tape that doesn't behave like tape. It's wonderful. My embellishments were different as I used a Christmas tree instead of poor frozen Charlotte...I do love how it turned out...here are a few tips for this tag.

*I used thin tissue that I use for wrapping. I made the tissue flower just as Tim had done, but then sprayed mine with a spray adhesive and the poured German glass glitter all over it. Beautiful if I do say so myself.

*I used real hymnal words from "Joy to the World" I thought it tied nicely with the tree and just the feel of the card.

*For the tinsel, I used the little bit of scrap yarn I had left. If you happen to see Fun Fur or something similar in gold/silver or metallic- snatch it up because it works great.

*Instead of leaves, I used scrolls from Tim's grungeboard line. They seem to work well behind the tissue flower.

Each day, I woke up and checked fb to see his post, then sat for a few minutes and saw his steps to his tag and then began to plan my steps. I would run back and forth from the house to the studio to grab just a few minutes here and there to work on each day's tag. I was determined to do each tag, each day and then blog about it that evening. As I was working today on this tag, I thought this is the last and final tag. I did it..I actually carried through and finished the projects at hand. Those particular thoughts, lead me to think of the Lord and how he begins a good work in all of us. Unlike me with projects everywhere, some almost finished, some barely started all beckoning for attention, The Lord begins and finishes what he starts. He understand the work that needs to be done and the wonderful reward that awaits us when the work is finished. I am so grateful that the Lord doesn't just add me to his "to do list" and hopes that he gets to me. You and I are at the top of his list each and everyday. He knows what needs to be accomplished for that day and if I am willing, seeking and learning, and open to his will, the work continues just as planned. I praise him for his wisdom, which is far greater than mine now or in the future. But each day, I can be confident that even though my to do list is still miles long, there is a list where I have been taken care of, sought after and loved. It takes deadlines, someone prodding or encouraging us to finish..For Paul it was his love for Christ that compelled him to keep the fight, run the race and finish what was started. I hope that in my life, it is Christ that compels me to finish the important things... Seeking his Word, loving my family, serving others and living for Jesus. I know That he who began a good work in me will see it through...

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion... "

Philippians 1:6

Once again, let me say thank you for stopping a moment, reading and hopefully finding something to help your daily living. I love reading the comments -it has been such fun tagging along with Tim and you. Thanks again.

On the 11th tag of Christmas..

my inspiration tag

close -up of Santa

On this Sunday, I hope you had a time of worship, reflection and rest. Even though Sunday is no longer the Sabbath, I believe the Word does encourage us to rest and reflect on God's love for us and what he has done for us and then we can go with renewed focus and touch others. While I spent time in my studio today, working on my take on Tim's tag, focused on the techniques today, I just couldn't get the hang of the UTEE with shrink plastic. I have used UTEE in the past and also shrink plastic (remember watching them through the oven door-wasn't it magical??) but never together. I liked the fact that today's tag was simple, not frantic, not too many steps--it was restful!! At first when I finished it, I didn't think it was that great..maybe too simple, not enough pizazz. But the more I look at it, while I am typing, a sweet calm comes over me. The gentle eyes of Santa, the soft background, the words "Peace, Love and Hope..." The words we all long to not just hear but to have those be evident in our life. Sometimes the simple things elude us in the midst of the busyness, the noise, the wants...But the Lord has told us several things that we must take to heart and hold on to and then hold out to others...

"The Lord blesses his people with peace."

Psalm 29: 11

"Find rest,O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him"

Psalm 62:5

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"
I Corinthians 13:13

When the Christmas season is over and others have packed up their holiday cheer, when their hearts of gratitude will come out again next year or when their thoughts will turn to Jesus again at Easter - remember that the Lord remains with us, his perfect peace is extended to those that love him, his perfect love is given to all and in him , we find rest from the wearies of this life. He refreshes us each and every day. Thank God for the simple, restful days for the frantic, difficult times come, you and I can reflect back on those daily gifts from the Lord. I love my tag not for it's intricacies, but for the simplicity, so alsothe days of rest - Simplicity!!

On the 10th tag of Christmas...

Today's Tag was an all time favorite. I love that Tim brought a technique that my mother showed me when I was a little girl. We now have so many tools, products out there in the market than we forget the simple things, the basis for art and the ability create one of a kind art. I did make a few changes-I made my own banner with a decorative cutter and folded the ends to create a banner. Of course, I love the roses wrapped with holly and some tinsel yarn (leftover from a crocheted scarf I made). The facets were so wonderful to make. The transfer technique use mailing tape (the clearer the better) and the image you want to transfer and warm water in a small bowl and a paper towel. To create this cut your image a little larger-then cover the image with the tape. Dip in warm water and begin to rub the backing away from the image. When you get a "squeaky" clean feel and nothing else is rubbing off, it's done!! You now have made your own transfer! I followed Tim's tag with adding the metal foil tape and it looks awesome. In fact, Savannah , my 17 year old, thought they would be pretty necklaces!!
I didn't switch too many things - the stamped sentiment instead of the alpha parts, the flowers instead of the bells. It was a great experience!!

Now for the reflection- While working on the transfers, I thought of how much my mother has taught me in art, crafts, being a woman, a wife and a mother. She has taught me so much about life and how to love God fully. I think that is why Scripture commends older women to teach younger women how to love their husbands and children, to manage their days, their priorities and to reflect the Lord in all that they do. No matter where you are in life, what season you are in there is always someone watching you, learning from you whether you realize it or not. take opportunity to see teachable moments- make them part of your daily speech, your daily activities-to put it simply in our daily living. I am also reminded that when we share what we know, what we have learned - the lessons will never be void. It may take years to see the benefits, to reap the reward but just as the tape transfer was taught to me when I was little, so were the lessons of kindness, service, commitment and the love for the Lord. Years later, the lessons that lasted are the ones which truly make a difference in my life. Love and commitment permeate my family, kindness is extended to all and the love for the Lord grows daily. It's great to be a life long learner, just make sure your teaching along the way.

"Teach the older women to reverent in the way they live,...to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind,..." Titus 2:3-5

P.S. Here are a few more photos...I am on my mom's pc and it is alittle different than my mac -so I can't seem to move the photos around:) Enjoy

On the 9th tag of Christmas...

my inspiration tag

Here are a few close - up details..glossy accents on the letters,

the stamped tag and the awesome embossed background

Did you see the time I posted last night? Yes it was around 11:30 pm...My computer ran out of space - you could say I stretched it as much as possible. It wouldn't allow me to do anything. So off I went to the Apple Store on a busy Friday to see if the genius bar could figure out what I could not - which wouldn't take a genius--I am computer challenged but still attempt to learn and understand "to stretch my mind" as it were. The guy who helped me was wonderful -my computer still can't upload photos, save downloads or sync phones at this moment but soon when the apple guy comes to the house to give my computer more memory all be well. Wouldn't that be great for us if someone could add a ton of new memory space....On to the tag before I forget why I am blogging today....

Tim's tag took a walk through memory lane for me...I love to emboss!! And to layer emboss is a double treat and the effect is just beautiful. Of course, I didn't have the wonderful die he used -his Halloween candelabra. Who knew that you could use just a portion and get a candle that is perfect for the holidays...oh my list is getting longer for Santa.

On this tag, I first thought I would go french with the Eiffel tower and Joyeux Noel but it wasn't coming together. So I looked for inspiration and found it in a stamp... true gifts. Then the tag took shape. Here are a few tips for this tag...

*I embossed two cards, one for the background and one for the tag with the sentiment. I loved using the vintage photo on the saying and then trimming it to a fancy shape and then using the snow cap paint dabber for a little Christmas snow.

*This tag played to simplicity -not a lot going on but with the background technique - an amazing finish.

As I worked on this tag, especially on the embossing technique, I began to think of all the things I have forgotten, the tips, the techniques, the tools - It was a great refresher. We all need to be refreshed from time to time. Perhaps now even during this what is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year", remembrances come to mind, some happy, some sad, some painful. Stress reaches a high during this time with unreal expectations, lofty but unattainable goals, a lot of gift lists to fulfill without a lot of time or resources - Wouldn't it be nice to feel refreshed, renewed instead of run down and weary. Good news - just like Haggar in her time of despair, the Lord remembers us. - Not our flaws or our failures, he remembers our faithfulness. He looks upon us with love and kindness and renews our spirits and gives us strength to journey on but not limping from the heavy bags that weigh us down but with wings like eagles so that we may soar. So if this time of year finds you travelling down memory lane and you are in need of refreshment, no Starbucks needed - simply wait on the Lord and he'll be right over-

"..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." --Isaiah 40:31

"A genrous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." --Pr. 11:25