Tuesday, February 20, 2007

14 Hearts Afire

I had fun making these gifties...thanks again to the first 14 posters to my Valentine's Day drawing...these little cherubs are on their way:-)


Top14007


Look at what I found in my local Michael's...just my style
Pics013


Vintage-style magnet board


Pics020 little hanging thingies...
not sure yet what I'll use them for!


Pics027Vintage-inspired paper towel holder.
Love this...I'm using this color as
inspiration for my new kitchen cabinets!


Clockand this really beautiful antique key/clock
(looks much better in person)...


Pics030 And on the way home
I bought these pretty
mugs from
"Linens & Things"...

as I said...just my style!


xoxo,

Thursday, February 15, 2007

"Dear Friends"

Chrisyoungspiece012 Would you look at this! A lovely giftie from my very talented and sweet friend Chris Young. We met online about 3 or 4 years ago, lost touch, and recently reconnected when we joined the same art group a few months ago. I have always adored Chris. She is very friendly, incredibly talented, and always willing to share. There is something about her that gives me the "warm fuzzies", and I love that!  We talked about doing an exchange with a "friendship" theme and bless her heart, look at what she created. The photos don't do it justice. It is simply magnificent. Her detail is extraordinary, especially the background and blending. More importantly, she put her heart and soul into creating something special in celebration of our friendship. I just LOVE it Chris! I'll treasure this piece (and YOU!) forever..xoxo

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

The True Meaning of Love

I found the following to be truly inspirational. I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine's Day and are able to experience the true meaning of love...


What is your definition of love?


Love is not confined to sexuality, not is it primarily a feeling at all. The Bible teaches that love is a commitment. As a commitment, love is not dependent on good feelings, but rather on a consistent and courageous decision to extend oneself for the well-being of another. That commitment then produces good feelings, not the other way around. Jesus became the perfect demonstration of God's unconditional love for us by laying down his life for our benefit.


adapted from TouchPoint Bible with devotional commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers, Tyndale House Publishers (1996), p 1227


So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.


John 14:2 NLT

And The Winner Is...


Drawing004_2  The names were written heart doilies and placed in the bowl


Drawing005 Allie tosses them around


Drawing006 OH -- it looks like she has a winner!


Drawing007 ANGELA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Congratulations Angela!  Please send me your address so I can mail your journal to you. In honour of February 14 I would also like to send a surprise gift to the following kind folks who were the first 14 people to leave me a comment :



Maija
Mel
Audrey
Helen
Theresa
Diana
Kathy
Dana
Danielle
Jo
Vicci
Maria
Susanna
Joyce

I only need the following addresses: Mel, Helen, Jo, Vicci and Susanna. Thank you to all who participated. I loved reading your comments and emails, and meeting a few of you for the first time.
xoxo


**********************************************************


The love we give away is the only love we keep.
ELBERT HUBBARD

Happy Valentine's Day!

V20copy The weather in New York is frightful, but it's Valentine's Day and I am so excited! I have quite a bit to share with you. I'll have to make multiple posts because we are experiencing sporadic power outages.  First, I'll tell you about my tea party...I had the honour of hosting 5 lovely ladies at my home for afternoon tea. Dana, Louise, Jennifer, Christine and Danielle (yes, the Vintage Dragonfly flew to my house yesterday!).  There were a few people who couldn't make it at the last minute (missed you Joyce, Felicia, Corinne and Bailey!) but we had a good time for them as well! My friend Christine, the scone-maker extraordinaire, spoiled us with her delectable orange-glaze and cinnamon recipes. I prepared and served a few tea sandwiches (cheddar and chutney, chicken salad, egg salad with watercress, cucumbers and cream cheese -- email me if you want the recipes) and we all enjoyed piping hot cups of delicious tea. My friends not only gifted me with the pleasure of their company, but with their generosity as well...
Dana bought me these beautiful green tinted roses -- so lovely! 
Pics032_6 
Louise wished a touch of spring upon me when she gave me these lovely tulips.
Pics038_4
My sweet friend Jennifer makes homemade soaps and gave me these delightful heart-shaped pretties that are made with real cocoa!
Pics041_4
Christine, my forever tea friend, gave me this beautiful Royal Albert plaque in honour of our special day together
Pics036_7 (front) Pics035_6 (back)
and Danielle brought me one of her gorgeous Valentine's Day ornaments.
Pics029_5 
What an amazing day. It was so wonderful to spend time catching up with my friends and introducing everyone to each other. I was thoroughly exhausted last night, but would do it all again in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact, we're in the process of planning a movie night together. Should be fun! If you have ever thought about having a small get-together in your home but haven't had the moxy to get it going, please don't hesitate to do so. It doesn't matter how big or beautifully decorated your place is the idea is to show your friends that you care about them and want to invite them to spend a special time together. In this crazy, hectic world, your efforts will be greatly appreciated.  Make it special, make it beautiful. Believe me, you will be richly rewarded with fun, laughter and heartfelt thanks.


By the way, here are the finished favors. I purchased a Whitman's sampler tin of candy (inspired by Pam Garrison's blog birthday favors), added Jennifer's homemade Rose Petal Soap and a small sachet.
Pics004_4 Pics022_4


I'll be back at 4PM today for the Valentine's Day drawing. Thank you to all who have left a comment and entered the drawing for the journal. I have to run now and take goody bags to my daughter's Valentine's party (it's snowing, sleeting and raining here and her class is having an ice cream social!). We found miniature mailboxes at Target for a dollar and decorated them together...here's a peek:
Mailboxes
Speak soon:-) xoxo

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Art From The Heart


Journal2_1 


Carol recently left me a message about a special celebration taking place in blogland referred to as "Art From The Heart" wherein you create a special art piece to give away on a date leading up to Valentine's Day.  What a lovely idea! There are so many wonderful artists participating in this event, and I have decided to join in on the fun as well (thank you Carol!) . So here is my humble offering, a 5 x7" journal decorated with Foof-Fa-La Savannah papers, vintage lace, jewel trim and an antique brooch. Just leave a comment to this posting and I will  announce a winner on Valentine's Day. I also have a special surprise for the first 14 people who leave a message (in celebration of February 14th). I'm looking forward to having all of you play along (and to meeting some of you for the first time!). Thanks for joining in on the fun:-) xoxo

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Something Powerful

HeartcupsI was thinking about what to post today, and having three projects in the works and my party preparations underway, I really didn't have anything "artsy" (or at least "complete") to share. Then, as if out of the blue, a friend sent me the following link in an email and I knew right away I had to share it here. This is so beautiful. Enjoy it and be uplifted...


                    An Interview With God...

Friday, February 2, 2007

Tea Card Holder

I am totally in love with these Christine Adolph papers! I'm down to my last sheet and am trying to use every scrap for any project I can think of. I had this empty "after coffee" mint tin from -- where else -- Starbucks (!), so I decided to make a "Tea Card Holder". On the outside I combined Christine's papers with a few scraps from the new Foo-Fa-La Savannah collection (another serious addiction). Inside are four cards with images from my favorite teas. I collaged around the images with scraps. The back of each card will have a little hand journaling telling how I discovered the tea and why I like it so much.  I remember a motto I learned in my first stamp class -- "If it doesn't move, stamp it!".  Well, now my new mantra is "If it doesn't move, alter it! (with beautiful papers of course...lol).  Enjoy your weekend. xoxo


Starbucks6_1  Starbucks4_2  Starbucks3


Starbucks1