Gratefulness

Today I'm feeling so grateful for so many reasons. This weekend I worked on getting my book's pre-orders packed up and shipped out. I got a little carried away on the wrapping and goodies. There weren't a ton and I was feeling so very very grateful I threw in a scribble heart for everyone as well. Of course, that made the boxes heavier and I came very very close to losing money on these once I'd shipped them (so there are no longer any pre-order specials on this blog). :) I had lots of fun putting them together though and can't wait for them all to get their packages. It's exciting to anticipate.

Back to making stuff- before I was so joyously interrupted by the Fed ex guy on Friday, I was working on a little how to for a bulletin board I'm working on for my son's classroom. My idea was to make cornstalks and then on each corn cob write something each student was thankful to God for. They're kindergartners so their answers are pretty cute. I'm off in a few minutes to go cut the letters on one of those cricut machines so I'll post pics of it all finished later today or tomorrow. The techniques I used to make the cornstalks was fun so I'll give you the step by steps on those tomorrow. I'm sure you could find other uses for it- such as a Thanksgiving themed table runner, or to make a patchwork garland, or placemats, among other things :)

One more gratefulness: I want to say thank you to all of you who have been so supportive of me as I worked through the process of creating and then introducing this book. It's been a huge journey of faith and friendship for me and I am so Grateful. Thank you.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!!

Being a mother has gifted me with the ability to more fully understand my mother. I've always known that she loves me, that she cares and dreams and hopes for me. But now that I have a child I understand how involuntary and all encompassing that love is. You don't choose it. You don't ask for it. You don't develop it. It simply is. It's born within your heart as they dawn on your world. Forever changing it.

This year I bought my mother a special gift. Usually I do a piece of art, or frame a photo, or give her a plant. This year I bought my mother Shona Cole's book, The Artistic Mother. It's a book that she's seen and loved and I'm hoping it encourages the artist in her. So Happy Mother's Day to my Artistic Mother. I love you and thank you for being my mother.

A Happy Mother's Day wish for all of you reading who are mothers too. Enjoy your day and know that you are a blessing!!!

Easy Gift Wrap Ideas from your Recycling

Scenario #1: You've got the gift bought and you're ready to wrap it and OH NO! Not a shred of tissue paper/wrapping paper left in the house- What to do??? You run back to the store, shell out another $8-10 on a card and a bag (not forgetting the tissue paper) and wrap it in the car, in the Target parking lot. You are, of course, late to your event, and there's tape stuck to the back of your dress.

Scenario #2: You've got the gift bought and you're ready to wrap it and OH NO! Nothing to wrap with. But you're crafty and don't despair because you know there's SOMETHING in the house that you can make look good. You walk over to the recycling bin and take a look and find a few tin cans, some saved brown paper grocery bags, and assorted boxes. A little paint or glue, some ribbon, and you've all you need for a fantastic presentation. Go to it girl!!!

I've had a few occasions to buy gifts for lately and have made the commitment to using recycled materials to wrap them with.The purple can? the previous night's fire roasted tomato's. The paper wrapping? Grocery bags.

Here's a birthday card I did up recently- I cheated with this and used some left over scrapbooking papers and letters I had on hand. But the inside of the card is a page torn from the flyleaf of an old book and technically the button is a found object.... :)

There really are so many options. Sew an old sock shut, use a toilet paper tube, Shona Cole and Lisa Guerin had a fabulous article in the first Greencraft about transforming old cereal boxes into beautiful gift bags. Following their cue, I prepped up a bunch of boxes recently and am embellishing them in my spare time. My hope is to get a small stockpile started so that when I do need a quick bag or box I've one on hand and can avoid that last minute rush to Target. Hopefully this post has given you some ideas too!

The Luck of the Irish

Found a few things on etsy this morning that had me Irish eyes a-smiling: leprechauns, rainbows, and of course, todays' favorite beverage of choice, BEER!

This lovely shirt with the faux shirt front is by E W McCall, you can see more of their line here. I also spotted a lovely green plaid coat....


As a child of the '70s I have to admit I've had my eye on this pendant from Block Party Press for a long long time. It would match the rainbow belt with my name on it I wore every single day in 2nd grade.


This little Leprechaun sculpture has a giant personality. I saw him here, and had to include him. He's just so Irish-y. :)





If you feel like spreading a little Irish luck around the office (maybe around promotion time) try handing out these cute little magnets as gifts!
You could even package them with a lottery ticket. ;) You never know!


Made with Guiness Beer (yes I did say, GUINESS), this soap is sure to please the manliest of men. It also has a blend of patchouli, clove, and oakmoss, along with a pinch of cocoa powder to help the color along. YUM!!








Had to add this last photo of the Just My Luck shamrock pendant by Beads in the Belfry. It's actually just MY luck.... but here's hoping that today's your lucky day!