in His Grace

Lent

2012-02-22T13:16:00.002-06:00

I sift through the "tupperware" cabinet in my kitchen.
It is the first on my list of 40 bags in 40 days.
There are containers without matching lids.
There are lids without matching containers.
There are sippy cups without the lids and plastic bowls that have been marred by the microwave.
It is full, overflowing, and filled with things I don't know what to do with...
I am overwhlemed by the abundance and things that we take for granted.
Half of it will go in the garbage.

It is a perfect time to clear my house, clear my soul, and make more room for God.

My kids decided this morning they were giving up candy for Lent this year.

I've been mulling over what I would give up all day.

Nothing felt like a a big sacrifice.

Until I sat down to write this post.

God laid it on my heart.

I will be giving up blogging until Easter.

AAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

I love to blog.

I love to read blogs.

I hope you won't forget me.

I have so much I want to share with you already...

but since I am learning to obey, it only seems fitting.

Inspired by Sara's post, I must say, it's time to quiet my noisy soul. :)

I will miss you all.

See you in the beginning of April.

Many Blessings to you!

What's up? (a long and random post:)

2012-02-20T05:36:00.001-06:00

I had a moment of panic last week when I announced I was closing my etsy shop.
It has been a nice source of income this year and so I got a little nervous...
but I am obeying and trusting that the Lord has something else in store for me.

A few of you wrote to ask what I would be doing now.
Ha! I don't have any big plans. I am actually looking forward to simplifying my life again.
You know Lent starts on Wednesday and I am already in the mindset of new beginnings.
Cleaning out my house, my body, my spirit...

Speaking of cleaning out, I have done pretty well on my no-sugar committment.
I am so much more aware of how sugar affects my moods, my energy, my work-outs.
I am still staying away from it all for the most part, but I allow myself a little treat every now and then.
For me, it's all about moderation.

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I found this on pinterest here.

I want it really big on one of my walls.
I don't know who created it, but I would love to paint one myself in a different color.
I spend a lot of time dreaming of a bigger house, a newer house, a house with land, or a house on the beach. When all along we live in a lovely house that perfectly suits us.
God is so good and I need this as a daily reminder!

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Look what I found at Goodwill last week.

I've been searching for months...I've been wanting the set for so long.

Now I'm on the hunt for the rest of the series...

Does anyone else love Little House on the Prairie?

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Working on a couple of custom Family Rules...

Aren't all the colors pretty?

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I picked up this ink pad for the kids last week and showed them our Ed Emberley book.

They have really enjoyed it.

They especially like cutting paper up small and making little books.

I'm thinking this would be a great birthday gift for a kid party too...

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I made curtains for our kitchen window.

They are sort of crooked and wonky but I think I love them anyway.

I got the material from IKEA and I meant to take a close-up...it's really cute.

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This child/pre-teen has boundless energy. His newest passion is fishing.

I love this process of "growing up". I love watching to see what his passions are...how they have developed over the years and what comes and goes. I have a feeling this is one he will carry through with him his whole life. What a blessing it is to witness...

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The last of the Valentine Day roses...

Isn't it beautiful?

It looks like soft velvet in intricate folds.

So, what have you been up to?
Have a blessed Monday...and Happy President's Day!!

Etsy Shop Closing (for now)

2012-02-17T06:29:00.001-06:00

I've been mulling this over for awhile now...and
It's time for me to close my etsy shop (at least for a long while)

So....
I'm having a closing out sale.
Everything is 25% off. When the 8 x 10 prints are sold out, they will be gone from the shop.
There are a few pillows, wood pieces, and checkbooks left as well.

I don't know exactly what new path I am heading on...
It's scary and exciting at the same time.
God has something else in store for me...it may just be having more time to devote to my family, or it may be something else? But I trust it is the right thing to do. (I will still be blogging :)

Please use code 25SALE when you check out.

Oh, and have a blessed weekend!

Children's Artwork Based on Famous Art (Van Gogh)

2012-02-16T18:00:00.001-06:00

I've been hard at work as we near our Pre-school art show.
I have forgotten to show you some of the projects...so I will be sure to do that this week (for those of you who like to do art with your children, these are great for all ages!)

This four year old class was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's very famous Starry Night.

I don't have pictures of the process, but I basically broke it down into 4 steps.

1. Show the children the painting and talk about it. We looked at the shapes, the colors, the overall feel of it.

2. Using black construction paper and a white crayon, they drew some basic shapes. Most of them did the moon, circles in the sky, the "mountain", swirls in the sky. Some even did the houses.

3. Using oil pastels, they started with one shape at a time, and drew tiny broken lines to immulate the brush strokes. Some children did not want to do that and used the oil pastels to color in the shapes.

4. After they were done, their teacher found some paint at Michaels with glitter and stars in it, and they were allowed to paint in some of the shapes if they wanted to.

Here are a few examples of how they turned out:

Aren't they great? :)

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T11:01:00.000-06:00

Ava had asked me to put hearts on this dress for her for Valentines Day a couple of weeks ago.
We remembered last night at 7 pm. It didn't take that long and it made her happy, so I'm glad I did it.

Of course I had imagined she would wear it with her black mary jane's and a cute bow or headband.

She had other accessories in mind. :)
I can't believe she is only five.

Have a Happy Valentines Day Friends!

Etsy Update

2012-02-13T05:09:00.000-06:00

Good Monday morning Friends!
I hope the weekend was good to you. :)
I meant to post these last week with the new checkbook covers but ran out of time.

This angel was made from pieces of scrap wood and she measures 10" x 16".
She has one of my favorite scriptures on her dress, Proverbs 31:25.
She is meant to be a shelf sitter.
You can find her here.

I'm letting go of the original "God gives us rainbows to remind us of hope" collage in it's original lavender frame.
I love this piece;) You can find it here.

I have two new "beYOUtiful" signs as well in the shop.
I intended to make many more as it has become a very popular item in the shop, but I ran out of time.
I will be making more in different colors soon.

This house was also made from pieces of scrap wood.
It is painted and has many elements of collage and mixed-media as well.
You can find it here.

I am up early due to a busy day.
Errands, gym, grocery store, art with Pre-K, a doctor appointment...
You may find me asleep tonite by 8 pm!

Have a wonderful Monday! ;)

Valentines Day Shirt

2012-02-09T04:54:00.002-06:00

Jackson had pink day at school yesterday. We didn't have anything pink for him, so I thought we'd embellish a shirt he's about to outgrow. I thought it would also make a great Valentines Day shirt.

When I first started blogging a few years ago freezer paper shirts were all the rage! I thought I'd give you a quick tutorial just in case you are a newbie and have never seen them;)

Step 1: Print out on your computer whatever you want your shirt to say. Make sure it will fit on your shirt.

Step 2: Take a piece of freezer paper (shiny, plastic coated side down) and lay it over your print. Trace your letters with a sharpie.

Step 3: Carefully cut out the letters. Make sure you save the little parts from the A's, R's, and B.

Step 4: Position your template on the t-shirt and iron it on. Use the little pieces to fill in your A's, R's, and B.

Step 5: It would be easier with a pouncer, but I couldn't find one, so a stiff brush will do. Just lay the paint on your letters and let it dry. You can use fabric paint, but I just used acrylic craft paint.

Step 6: Peel the freezer paper off and there you go!

Step 7: Take a picture of your little Heart Breaker :)

I was just looking in my February archives, and I came across this picture of my daughter at the same age showing off the Valentine shirt I made her:

And then this one from last year...

Pooh! They grow so fast!

Spend Wisely...Checkbook covers

2012-02-08T13:40:00.002-06:00

The first checkbook I ever made was for myself. I had just started reading Dave Ramsey's stuff, and I was "gazelle-intense" at the time. It took us almost two years to pay off our debt, but we did it. Now we are trying to fill up our emergency fund.

Anyway, I made the checkbook cover with the words "Spend Wisely" on it to remind myself the plan that we were/are on. When people saw them they started asking for them and they have become one of my most popular etsy items.

I finally finished this batch...I used some beautiful new fabrics and some that have been popular in the past.

I like knowing that in some small way I can create something that helps people stay true to their financial goals. Because we all know, it's hard!

You can find them here.
I hope you are having a lovely Wednesday Friends! ;)

No Mo' Sugar

2012-02-07T06:29:00.001-06:00

As delicious and pretty as this looks...

It's going bye-bye.
I'm trying this:

Except for the peanut butter.
I need the protein;)
Wish me luck!

New Rule: 30 Minute Screen Time

2012-02-06T05:35:00.002-06:00

Good morning and Happy Monday to you all!
Do you want to see how I got this look of pure joy from my boy?

A volcano kit!

We had a rough week last week. A lot of sickness spread through the house-a week full of antibiotics, steroids, nebulizer treatments, and lots of laying around watching television.

After a few of days of constant electronic bombardment, we set a new rule in our house:
30 minutes of screen time a day...that includes television, computer, and any other electronic device.
We actually used to have this rule and it slowly got lost. But I am happy to say that it's back!

I feel the kids have been sooooooo much more creative since we re-instated this rule...a lot more time is spent outside, exploring, playing board games, reading, building forts, and playing imaginary games. Makes me happy.

I also found this quote and I love it and need it right in front of me during this phase of parenting/child-rearing that I am. Feel free to right click on it and print it for yourself. ;)

I'll be back soon with an actual etsy shop update! It's been a long time.
Have a wonderful day Friends!

Time

2012-01-31T18:02:00.000-06:00

I know I am not the only one today starting off my blog post with
"Can you believe it is almost the first day of February?"

As much as I try to slow it down, to grasp it tightly, the days fly by...their limbs get longer, their laughter gets louder, their brains get smarter.
My children are not who they were a mere month ago.
Childhood is so fleeting...it goes by so quickly and they change with every restful night of sleep.
I love their pliancy, their ability to to morph into new phases, their ease into a new inch, a new thought even.
They inspire me. Even an old dog can learn new tricks. ;)

I am not who I was a mere month ago either.
I prayed for a big change in January. But before I tell you about it, let me backtrack a little.

November and December were full of anxiety for me...a yucky anxiety that stopped me from maintaining the pace I had inhabited. A pace that only a SuperWoman could handle.
I woke up one day with panic that literally stopped me in my tracks.
I could no longer function in the life that I had created. It left me immobilized and scared. It left me in a place that I had to call out to the Lord to rescue me. I needed to heal and let go. It was the first time in my life that I literally let go of everything and said, "God, rescue me, please."

He did. He showed up big time. He led me through the darkness until I came back to myself. Anxiety and panic are terrifying things. They are the Devils Attack. I knew that, and I knew that God was by my side. I took it one day at a time.

By Christmas time I was feeling much better. I knew though, that I had to make some big changes in my life. I could no longer run through every day as if it were a race, trying to get everything I could done. I knew I was going to have to learn to start saying no to things. I knew I was going to have to take good care of myself, which included exercising regularly and eating foods that serve my body well. I knew that work could no longer be my first priority. I knew that I could no longer try to be everyone for everybody. I had literally made myself sick, and I knew I never wanted to do that again.

When the New Year began, I asked God to change me.
I asked Him to give me some quiet. I asked Him to help me change all of these terrible habits that I had grown into, and to give me the strength to become a healthy woman. A woman who loves God first. A woman who takes care of herself. A woman who takes pride in being an honorable wife and mother. A woman who gives integrity to her work, even if that means not working as much. A woman who is content.

I am happy to say that I am becoming that woman. Please don't mistake that comment for conceit or pride. I have much to work towards. I am as far as perfect as you could be! I just mean to tell you that when you make the time to put God first, a certain peace fills your heart.

I had no earlier intention of posting this, but then the message to share came loud and clear on a whim and here I am, an hour later, sharing this with you.
I know a lot of you deal with anxiety on many different levels, and I want you to know that you are not alone.
I want you to know that even if you feel like you are at the bottom of deep, dark well, God will pull you out. Call out to Him. He is there.

In HIS grace,
Chrissie

2012-01-31T10:31:00.005-06:00

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

-Pablo Picasso

Snippets from the weekend

2012-01-30T07:30:00.000-06:00

This conversation ran through all of our minds this weekend, and we were all on the lookout for "God's artwork for us"...It is a sweet frame of mind to be in...especially when it is so easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of every day life.

The focus of our pastor's sermon this week:

(It rocked my world.)

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you,

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

beholding your power and glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise you.

So I will bless you as long as I live;

in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

when I remember you upon my bed,

and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

for you have been my help,

and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

My soul clings to you...

-Psalm 63 (ESV)

Family Rules

2012-01-27T12:58:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday Friends!
It was a busy week around here... I'm hoping for a quieter weekend to play catch-up and do some relaxing!

I used to make A LOT of custom family orders a couple of years ago, and then I got a little burned out on making them. They are all hand-painted and are pretty time-consuming. But I recently made one and had so much fun. I thought I would offer them in my etsy shop again for a little while.

You can custom order the rules, color variety, your family's last name...etc.
I paint and add other dimensions as well, like a little hand embroidery.

It comes on a 16 x 20 canvas, and although you could pop it in frame, I paint the sides as well in case you want to hang it as is.

They are available here. ;)

Any big plans for the weekend?
It has been 80 degrees here all week and today it is raining, which is kind of nice.
I finally ordered this (I've been wanting it forever) and am hoping to start on it this weekend.

Have a blessed weekend!

Children's Artwork Based on Famous Art (Kadinsky)

2012-01-25T14:26:00.000-06:00

I have the pleasure of "being in charge" of our beloved pre-school's art show this year.
I thought I would show you all of the projects as we work on them in case you were looking for new and fresh ideas for kid's art projects.
Even though the projects are being done by pre-schoolers, I think older children would enjoy them as well. Just vary the level of adult help to fit the child's level.

The theme of the art show this year is "A Night at the Art Museum."
I chose a famous artist and a famous piece of work for each classroom.
This project is based on this very well-known painting by Wassily Kadinsky.
I used it for a three year old class.

Above is Kadinsky's version, below is a three year olds version. Pretty cool-huh? ;)

Start out by dividing the paper in six sections very lightly with a pencil.
I hung the paper on an easel and the children painted in each box with a different color tempera paint. I showed them how to outline each box with the paint and then fill them in. They did a great job!

Next, they were given a large piece of watercolor paper. I loosely drew eighteen circle of varying sizes and the children painted each circle with watercolor paint.

After they dried, I cut them into circles. We actually used circle cutters, but you could hand cut them, or if the child is proficient with scissors, they can cut them out by themselves.

I used 3-D pop up foam stickers in between all the circles so they would look three dimensional. It's hard to see it in the photos, but in real life it looks awesome!

Here's another version. As the art show nears, we will matte them on black paper.

Sigh...you know those colors make me happy! ;)

My Kids

2012-01-24T07:15:00.001-06:00

This morning on the way to school we saw a beautiful sunrise.
We also saw a large flock of birds sitting on the telephone wire, and the silhouette it created against the sunrise was amazing.
I said,"look guys! Isn't that pretty?"

It was quiet for a minute and Ava said, "Mama, God gives us little pieces of art all throughout the day, doesn't he?"
Well, yes Ava, he certainly does...

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Some days these kids of mine are so silly and crazy.
Some days they teach me a whole lot of about life that I didn't know.

This post makes me ridiculously happy

2012-01-23T07:16:00.000-06:00

Color is my love language.
I've told this story before, but when I was a little girl I would dump out my two large boxes of Crayolas and line them up in rainbow order.Something about it fascinated and soothed me, and thirty-something years later things are still the same.

We made heart shaped crayons for the kids to give as Valentines this year.

Start by soaking the crayons in a bowl of water. A lot of the paper peels will start lifting off.

The kids took all the wrappers off and threw them away.

Of course, for fun, we put them in rainbow order ;)

The kids and I broke them up into little pieces. The larger pieces I cut with an exacto knife.

I got my molds at Ikea. Line the bottom of the oven with tin foil.
I put them in at 200 degrees, but I had to keep a close eye on them. When they started melting I had to add more pieces.

Coming out of the oven, I let them sit for a minute, and then we put them in the refrigerator to cool for awhile.

We made a pink/red set, a yellow/orange set, a green/blue set, and a blue/purple set.

Finally, we made a cute valentine in picnik.com and printed them at 3 x 5.
The older kids will sign their own on the bottom instead of me typing it out.

It was a lovely afternoon crafting with my favorite littles.
They were mesmerized by the process!

Linking up here today:)

Right now...

2012-01-20T07:55:00.004-06:00

I haven't done a "right now" in a few weeks!

These photos are from yesterday morning and they fill me with joy.
We found the original Superman on Netflix this week, and Jackson loves it!
He has been carrying around Superman "baby" and wearing Ava's Supergirl costume for three days now. ;)

"Shhhhhhhhh Mama...I am putting Superman Baby to bed."

"He up! Time for a story!"

"I can fly like Superman!"

I love these photos. What a precious moment in time for both of us.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! ;)

On Being Content When You Want More

2012-01-18T05:37:00.002-06:00

I walked around the house yesterday taking shots of things I love...
It led me to feeling a deep sense of gratitude for what I consider the little things...
It's funny how when you start counting your blessings they multiply quickly...

Family, photos of precious moments, a multitude of books

An excess of toys, a little girl's imagination, a beloved blanket from a beloved friend

A beginning of an art gallery for the kids, crayons, markers, paint, the ability to create

A spot in Our Master Bedroom, the love that resides there, a soft warm bed

Pride to be southern, a sense of humor, a running sink with clean water

My loves: their health, that they are safe and learning and growing and becoming who they are meant to become

A photo of my Dad as a child, the time I had with my Dad, my learned love of reading and writing

My totally unfinished bench, the sunlight pouring in, my paints and brushes, the time I carve out to make something for my home

Crockpot full of white bean chicken chili, food for my family, health and sustenance entering our bodies to nourish us, a time where we can all sit together

A child's bike, a warm day with fresh air, his desire to ride freely, his laughter and pursuit of feeling the wind in his hair

A little space my husband made me to hang things I love, a husband who supports me, a husband who loves me and gets me

A chance to read new books, a chance to learn new things, literacy in a world where 1 billion people can't read at all

Try it.

Next time you are wanting more

(which is exactly what I was doing)

count your blessings.

Remember to be content with what you have

TODAY.

It will bring you back to the present moment.

Happy Wednesday Friends! ;)

A Valentine of sorts

2012-01-15T19:45:00.001-06:00

I like V-day a lot.
Aside from the candy and flowers, it's just a sweet time to celebrate my loves.
Of course my cute hubby and kids are my sweet valentines, but I have a new Valentine this year.

It's totally corny and I guess I can officially call myself a Jesus Freak now...ha!
My new Valentine this year is Jesus.

I feel closer to God than I ever have in my life.
To tell you the truth, I can't believe I'm saying that.
I've been afraid of that for a long time.
And then I prayed for the courage to ask for it.
And now here I am~
I read a cool quote over the weekend:
"every saint has a past and every sinner has a future"
I love that.
I have a looooooong way to go in my relationship with God, but I feel so grateful and blessed to know His love.

And so, this little love piece was born over the weekend.

On a totally different note, remember these glittery beauties?

I wrapped some up over the weekend in these really cute bags I found at World Market...
Each bag has four sets of glittery clothespins, eight total.
They are perfect for hanging up art or photos, using to clip a card on a gift, or one million other things.

You can find the artwork here.
You can find the glitter clothespins here.

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Speaking of Valentines Day again, I'm looking for some creative ideas for my kids to make Valentines for their classmates this year. Something other than candy!

I like these...
And this.

Maybe I should ask them what they want to make? ;)
We have the day off from school tomorrow and I thought it would be a good time to make them.

I'll let you know what we decide.
I'm thinking that spending a couple of hours peeling and sorting crayons sounds like a great time to me!
I hope you had a blessed weekend.
xoxo

A Truth

2012-01-13T08:49:00.005-06:00

I have a little story for you today.
I have been praying for something for a long time.
I have been asking God for something for a long time.
I have been working towards that goal, that dream of mine, for a long time.

Three weeks, for the third time getting this close to that dream, the door was quietly shut.
And God said, no.

I don't mind telling you about the dream of mine.
It was to have my artwork licensed.
I've dreamed of walking into Hallmark or a specialty gift shop and see my artwork as greeting cards, home decor, stationary, plaques, etc.
I have worked very hard to reach that goal, like I've said.
I've spent a lot of time and money traveling, working, trying to fit myself in...
I kind of had my whole self-image as an artist wrapped up in that scheme.
It was kind of like I had told myself, "as soon as you are licensed THEN you will really be an artist".

It has taken me over five years to call bullsh*t on that way of thinking.

This time when God said no, I got it.
I already am who i am. I am an artist already.
I am an artist because God gave me the desire, the passion, the ability to create.
Whether or not anyone buys my art.
Whether I have 1000 sales in my etsy shop or 0.
Whether or not a large company wants to manufacture my work and sell it all over the world.

I am an artist.

Today I have a new prayer.
"God, please help me be authentic.
Please help me be real.
Please let me make my art in a way that pleases you.
In a way that serves you.
In a way that allows me to follow your path, whatever way that path leads.
Please help me listen carefully to your truth.
Please help me seperate my ego from your voice."

It's a new truth for me.
And it feels really good to let go.
Because when you are dreaming of something, and it doesn't feel good, or right anymore, I think maybe it's God way of telling you to let go.

Have a beautiful weekend, my friends.
See you on Monday.

Oh! and the print is now available here:)

10 on 10 (instagram style)

2012-01-11T08:41:00.001-06:00

I always want to do 10 on 10 but I can never remember.
I finally remembered yesterday! I didn't want to lug my big camera around so I took all my photos on my iphone using the instagram app. It was a good day. A busy day. A contentful day. ;)

6 am: journaling, devotions

7 am: Breakfast. Greek yogurt with strawberries, walnuts, and a few white chocolate chips thrown in.

8 am: Ashton is home sick from school for a second day in a row. Mike decides to stay home with him and work from home.

10 am: Ava has a modeling shoot today for a portrait studio. Very fast and fun. She met a new friend ;)

11:30 am: The shoot is out by IKEA, so we decide to "run in". You know what that means in IKEA! We also eat lunch here. Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes. Yum!

2:00 pm: I'm home and since Mike is there I squeeze in some exercise. I'm doing this right now.

3:45 pm: I want to paint. I'm working on this bench for our entrance way whenever I get a chance. I only get about 15 minutes, but that's okay.

4:00 pm: I go in the kitchen to start dinner and realize I haven't had any veggies today. I drink a glass of this. Until I buy a real juicer, I drink this. It's actually delicious.

5:00 pm: Logan comes in after fishing. If he gets his homework done early enough and he doesn't have baseball, you will find him fishing.

6:00 pm: Dinner. Leftovers of chicken parmesan. I throw mine in a salad with romaine, spinach, and half of an avacadoe.

7:00 pm: Time for bed. We read stories. Jackson is showing me how his pre-school teacher taught him to wiggle his nose.

After everyone's in bed, I clean up the kitchen, lay out school clothes and backpacks, read for about an hour, and I think I was asleep by 9 pm!

Here's to another blessed day! :)

Morning Devotionals (and a tiny DIY project)

2012-01-09T08:38:00.000-06:00

I like to spend some time in the morning doing devotionals.
If I'm taking a bible study class, that is usually when I do my "homework".
Otherwise, I usually just say a prayer and then go on with my day.
I've wanted to really spend more intentional time in the morning with God, but I just didn't know how to.

Enter this book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. A sweet and dear friend gifted it to me a couple of months ago, and it is changing my life!

Have you ever picked up a book and felt like it was written just for you? This is the book for me.
It is a daily devotional. I read it in the morning, and then I journal about what has spoken to me. It pertains so much to the path I am on right now. Like so many of you, my blogging friends, who want to know what God wants us to do now...I have a hard time knowing what I think I should be doing, and what God wants me to do. This book is giving me peace as I follow His path, as I give him my Heart and say, "Do with me what you will"...

Here is an excerpt from January 1st...

"Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

It is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it!

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And so I have a teeny tiny very easy DIY project to share with you as well.

I love the Yankee Candles that they sell at Target.

The label peels off very easily and you then you have a clean glass container.

I simply printed off one of my favorite scriptures, cut it out, and then put it on the glass candle with contact paper. It literally took less than 5 minutes. I'm thinking this would be a great gift, with maybe a fabric flower or something else cute to embellish it.

I'm linking up here today:)

Craft Nerd and Proud of It!

2012-01-07T13:25:00.002-06:00

I didn't mean to be gone for so long from this space, but a certain quietness has entered and I'm going with it.
I have been very intentional about taking good care of myself...doing my devotionals in the early morning, eating well, drinking lots of water, making healthy food to eat, spending time outside in the sunshine, even exercising! It has taken me away from the computer quite a bit, but that's okay!

I painted this fun little piece last week too...
Craft Nerd and Proud of It! ;)
I have fallen in love again with my watercolors!

You can order an 8 x 10 copy right here if you'd like :)

Do any of you do the Word of the Year?
I've never chosen one before, but I'm thinking I have one for now.
I am learning to simplify and prioritize again, and lean into God for some healing.

So for now, my little word is "Quiet".
It's been a good thing.

Have a blessed weekend friends and I'll see you next week!
xoxox

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!
I've got two new prints to share with you...the first two prints for my 2012 collection!
I've been having so much fun making new art over the last few weeks, and I can't wait to show you more!
(please note that copyright watermark will not appear on purchased prints:)

You Have Permission to be Awesome, available here

You Are Blessed, available here

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

We had a really fun night on New Years Eve.

We set up our fire pit in the back yard and roasted marshmallows, did some small fireworks, and played charades. It was a great way to end 2011, just with our little family ;)

I hope you've had a lovely start to the New Year.
It's of popular belief that it's going to be a great one!

2011 Year in Review

2011-12-29T06:41:00.000-06:00

Wow, is all I can say.
2011 was a very fruitful year for me creatively.
I made a lot of stuff!
I re-opened my etsy shop last year to sell items that are faith-based, and I am proud of the success.
Here are some of my favorites from the year...;)

Recap:
A LOT of pillows, A LOT of checkbooks, A LOT of color, A LOT of prints.
My new book was published and I went to The Creative Connection.
I did love it all:)

This year will be a little different though.
After much reflection, I realized that things for me got way out of balance.
I started skipping church because I was too busy with work.
I started skipping my time with God in the morning because I had too much work to do.
I stopped exercising all together because the work needed to be done.
I stopped saying yes to my kids and started saying no, because I needed to work.
I was making cereal, chicken nuggets, and frozen pizza too often for dinner because it was convenient.
I didn't carve out extra time for my precious husband, because I was always working!

So...although I am very grateful for the work this year, I burned out a couple of months ago.
I burned out bad.
I have since got back to the things I need to do to stay grounded and healthy and happy.
I'm back to church.
I'm back to my time in the morning.
I'm doing my yoga and walking again.
I'm spending more time keeping the house where I want it and making sure everyone is getting nutritious meals.
I'm concious about making sure my husband is not last on my list!
I NEED to do all of these things before work.
I love to work. I love to create. I love to share with others. I love running my etsy shop.
But if it comes before God or family again I know I am doing something wrong.

My New Years Resolution this year is to simplify and balance.
Getting back to the basics. Taking time to smell the flowers and not stressing...

My etsy shop will remain open! :) In fact, I am excited about the new things I'm making and will share soon. But I am going to keep it my happy place, instead of a stressful place. I will definitely still be doing custom orders, but I am going to be realistic and honest with myself, so if I need to cut back, I will.

I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you!
To all my bloggy friends. To all of you who read and take the time to leave me comments.
To those of you who buy my art. To those of you who have prayed for me.
This blogging gig has become so much more to me than an on-line journal of sorts.
I have you as well. :)

For fun, take a look at my:
2010 Year in Review
2009 Year in Review

Happy New Year Friends! I wish you many sweet blessings from the Lord as we enter the year with a clean slate. See you soon!

Favorite New Photo

2011-12-28T07:28:00.003-06:00

Put here to make you smile ;)

Still laughing...

2011-12-27T07:22:00.000-06:00

If you love pinterest than I'm sure you've already seen these...
But I still had to share them.
I love me some Ryan...but the "hey girl's" were made just for me, and any other artsy-fartsy who sells on etsy. ;)

Hilarious. They all come from this clever place.

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

So, how was your Christmas?

I hope it was lovely and laidback. The high here on Christmas day was 80 degrees! Can you believe that?

I am slowly starting to put away all the decorations and clean, but I'll leave the tree up through New Years. I just love the lights...

Any New Year plans? I'm just hoping I can make it to midnight this year! A sign of the times, right?

I'll be back soon with my 2011 year in review :)

Merry CHRISTmas

2011-12-22T06:49:00.000-06:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

found here

I'm signing off to enjoy the next few days with my family.

I hope you have a beautiful Christmas filled with HIS love.

I'll see you next week:)

Merry CHRISTmas friends!

The process of a new series...

2011-12-20T12:40:00.001-06:00

Every once in a while, I like to document the process of a painting.
This started out as a doodle, and then I became immersed in it.

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

I started sketching it with a pencil yesterday morning, and then outlined it all in black.

Then I started adding watercolors.

It was a gorgeous day, so I took it outside while the kids were playing. Pretty soon they wanted to paint too.

I was painting just for fun and it felt so good.

The sun started to set and I finished painting just in time.

Last night I went back to it with with a fine black marker and added lots of details.

I could have filled up the whole page but instead I started a new one.
I think I may have a new series to introduce to the shop when I open up again. ;)
Closing up for the holidays has been good for my creativity.
I can't wait to show you more...

blessings to you...
(5 more days!!!!!!)

some random weekend lovelies...

2011-12-19T05:36:00.001-06:00

I was on the lookout for all the loveliness I could find this weekend:)

I finished up some teacher appreciation holiday gifts...

Spent almost an hour getting the dang seeds out of a pomegranate...but it was so worth it.
Aren't they beautiful?
My favorite new breakfast is vanilla greek yogurt with pomegranate seeds and crushed walnuts. Yum!

My new, very colorful curtains.
I love them.
One day I will photograph the whole room for you...

The kids spent almost the whole weekend in here.
Daddy hooked them up!
He set up very comfy beds with pillows and blankets, a TV that streamed netflix with a que of Christmas movies, and some snacks.
You can't see them but at night the whole patio is decorated in Christmas lights. They camped out all weekend and it was so cozy and fun!

Driving home from my mother-in-laws birthday celebration yesterday we came upon this peacock!
I had to take a photo from the car.
I have a slight obsession with peacocks and I am inspired to paint one soon!

Little Miss found some lipstick yesterday...and applied it over, and over, and over again ;)

Easiest treat ever...
I am on the hunt for Hershey hugs...the white striped ones...they seem to be out of stock everywhere!

Three more half days of school...and then it's time to celebrate!
I hope you are having a blessed holiday season...and finding lots of your own lovelies...

Linking up here:

Right Now

2011-12-16T16:44:00.001-06:00

Here's my "right now" for the week.

If you do one let me know so I can what you are up to.

Here's to a blessed weekend for everyone!

10 more days

2011-12-15T04:31:00.001-06:00

I keep meaning to take photos of the art projects I'm doing with the kids at the elementary school, but I never remember!

I am finishing up my custom orders...I only have to finish two more and everything is getting shipped!
It feels good to be (almost) done! :)

I thought I'd share what my kids are giving their classmates this year for their classroom gift exchange. It's hard to think of of 18 things that won't break the bank or add to the already huge candy collection.
We edited their pictures in picnik and printed them on labels, put the little bouncy ball in the bag and called it a day:)

I jumped on the Erin Condren bandwagon and I ordered myself an early Christmas present.
I love it too much.
I need to see my lists in person, have them written down, and this book is perfect.
Found here.

Oh, and this cute rack I couldn't resist.
On sale at Pier One.

I can't believe there are only 10 more days until Christmas.
I'm excited.
I can't wait for the Christmas Eve service at Church, and the groggy, magical eyes on Christmas morning.

I hope you are all feeling blessed during this time...
Hugs to all my bloggy friends!

Family weekend at Sea World

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

We took a mini-vacay this weekend and headed over to The Renaissance Hotel after work on Friday.
There is something very exciting about staying at a hotel (even if it's only for two nights) that makes everyone excited! Especially when said hotel has a game room, ping pong, and a jacuzzi. :)

We got up early the next moring and spent the whole day at Sea World.

We had a blast!
And then back to work yesterday...
I'm hoping I'll have some artsy craftsy things to show you soon! :)

A Prayer for Today

2011-12-09T05:09:00.001-06:00

Dear God,

Thank you for his new day, its beauty and its light.

Thank you for my chance to begin again.

Free me from the limitations of yesterday.

Today may I be reborn.

May I become more fully a reflection of Your radiance.

Give me strength and compassion and courage and wisdom.

Show me the light in myself and others.

May I recognize the good that is available everywhere.

May I be, this day, an instrument of love and healing.

Lead me into gentle pastures.

Give me deep peace that I might serve You most deeply.

Amen

prayer written by Marianne Williamson

Photo found here.

I pray you all have a peaceful weekend in the midst of all the hustle and bustle:)
Sending love and prayers to all of my bloggy friends:)

End of the Year etsy sale

2011-12-07T04:26:00.000-06:00

I've been immersed in my temporary sub position at the elementary school.
I'm really enjoying myself, but man, I am tired!! ;)

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

FYI-
I'm closing up the shop on Friday afternoon...December 9th
Just wanted to let you know in case you were planning on ordering something.
I will have all orders shipped by Dec. 15th at the latest to ensure Christmas arrival.

Also, it's time for an end of the year sale...
The remaining checkbooks are only $10 now...

The remaining quilted list makers are only $15.00 right now..

I'll be closed through the holiday season and then open back up in the New Year 2012! :)
Thanks for all your etsy support this year.
I can't wait to start making some new items to share with you.
My head is overflowing with new ideas! Love feeling inspired! :)
I hope you are having a blessed week friends!

Christmas angel

2011-12-05T04:54:00.000-06:00

I wanted something to hang over my Willow Tree nativity set, and so I set out over the weekend to make this.
I love it. :)

I made it on an 11 x 14 canvas.

The wings are hand embroidered...

I love the way the cross came out...

Her wreath of holly...

One of my favorite Christmas songs...

The Willow Tree nativity set is my favorite Christmas decoration, and I'm happy I have something handmade now to hang over it.

There are copies of my Christmas tree angel here if you want one too:)

Introducing a new Ava :)

2011-12-04T12:22:00.001-06:00

My little Missy-Moo decided to do it...she donated her ponytail to Locks of Love yesterday and got herself a cute new 'do...;)

Introducing...the new Ava!!

I think she looks precious :)

And in other news involving the Grace household, Alfie was very naughty and hung the kids underclothes all over our Christmas tree.
Can you believe it?

Happy blessed Sunday!

right now

2011-12-02T04:58:00.001-06:00

I had an idea this morning.
Since my blog is kind of my journal of sorts, I thought it would be fun to make a "slam book" page for the week.
Do you remember slam books? They would get passed around middle school...what's your favorite color, best friend, etc.?
This is kind of your own slam book page to record right where you are at this moment in life...
I'm thinking of doing it every Friday and if you want to join along here is a slam book page I made for you:)
Right click on it and save as a picture.
You can print it out and write on it, or you can pop it in picnik.com and just type out your answers.
Of course you could make your own too!
Just something for a little fun!
If you do it, will you leave me a comment so I can pop over to your blog and read yours too? :)

Here is mine for today...

Oh, and before I forget...

the winner of my new book and mini quilt is YOU!

E-mail me with all your info and I'll get it out to you asap!

Have a blessed weekend friends! :)

Current state of my studio

2011-12-01T05:13:00.001-06:00

I've been telling you for months that I moved the house around (again) and I'm so happy with the results.
I've been wanting to take pictures to share with you but the truth is that I'm not happy with the photos.
We don't have a lot of natural light in the house, and I stink at taking lowlight inside photos.
But I finally decided to bite the bullet and show you what I've got :)
Starting with the current state of my studio.

It's actually located in the "dining room"...I'm blessed to have a husband who really doesn't mind that I take up a whole room right in the middle of the house! It's actually much better for me to be here than in the back of the house in one of the bedrooms. I'm sandwiched in between the kitchen and living room, so I'm near the kiddos all the time. I love that!

This is my command center of sorts. I'm still using my big ol' chalkboard for my weekly to-do list in the etsy shop. Those black boxes house all my fabric, sorted by color. They are overflowing!
after the hustle and bustle of Christmas I cannot wait to get in there and start playing with new ideas!

My brushes etc...This box needs to be organized!

I found this at Joann's and hung it on the wall...I love it because I was always losing my scissors!

This shelf desperately needs to be organized and "prettified". It houses all my random supplies, but I want to come up with a better system.

Ava recently decided to donate Olivia the artist because she didn't play with her anymore. I took her as a mascot. I love Olivia! ;)

My inspiration board is tucked away behind the shelf.

The glass doors lead out to the pool. I love my logo quilt and found a perfect spot for it above the doors.

My teensy eensy sewing desk that wants to be painted yellow. Notice my spinach pizza I had for lunch?
I love that painting a lot. I've had it for 10 years...you can't see the details but it has a bunch of amazing affirmations painted in the background. I might have to put it away for awhile though...I always notice Logan's friends giggling over the boobies...dang middle-school boys ;)

Oh! I got this fabric stack in the mail yesterday.
It's a new line by Carol Van Zandt...It's by Andover fabrics. It won't be shipping into the stores until January.
I'm especially partial to the blues and grays...I'm thinking of making some new bible bags with them.

Okay, my little studio tour is over.
I'm hoping for some thrifting luck soon to help me with some prettier organization.
wish me luck! ;)

Looking for a Aunt who ordered some pillows...

2011-11-30T13:03:00.001-06:00

Ok, totally random and wierd post I know...
I'm looking for someone who ordered three pillows from me...
A very sweet Auntie who has three nieces named Taylor, Morgan, and Brooke...
I have her pillows ready and no address to send them to.
I've searched ALL my emails, etsy convos, paypal transactions...and I can't find her.

I'm hoping that the sweet aunt reads my blog (?) and will see this.

So if you are the awesome aunt who ordered these pillows please contact me asap:
chrissie@chrissiegraceart.com

Happy Hump Day! :)

A little tutorial for you...

2011-11-29T18:15:00.001-06:00

This certainly isn't a new concept, but I thought I'd do a little tute for you in case you've never seen it.

I have slowly been working more colors and textures into our home, and I wanted to add a little color to one of the rooms by using some of my favorite fabrics. I covered some old mattes with the fabric and then re-framed them.

Step 1: Find a frame with a matte inside. I had two of these from Ikea laying around.

Step 2: Using some of your favorite fabric, cut about an extra inch all the way the matte.

Step 3: Turn the fabric over and use hot glue to pull the fabric taut against all the edges. For the corners just fold them over too and hot glue them down.

Step 4: Cut a big X in the center of the matte.

Step 5: Pull the pieces of the X in and hot glue them down. If the fabric overlaps, trim the edges off.

Step 6: Ta-da! Pop it back in the frame behind the glass and add your photo :)

This would be really cute with Christmas fabric and a holiday photo...
It would make a sweet gift too!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2011-11-29T04:38:00.001-06:00

We had to run to the mall yesterday to get Ava some new shoes, so I thought we'd make our annual Santa visit while we were there.
He was awesome.
There was no one else in line...and he spent a good 20 minutes with them! This is an awesome age for Christmas this year...7, 5, and 3...It is all so magical to them and they talked and talked!
Ava says she gave him six hugs! (I think it was even more:)

Children are God's best gift. -Psalm 127:3

Ashton wrote him this on the way home...:)

I also got suckered into bringing this guy home...The kids have named him Alfie.
Look what he did last night! That rascal stole my lipstick and left the kids a message in a mirror.

Fun times, blessed memories...

So very thankful to be able to share this time with them...

And since Logan is 11 this year and "knows" (as he says), he is my little sidekick...helping me think of fun things for Alfie to do...

Of course we never forget why celebrate this season of Advent and Christmas...it is all magical!

So, are you in the Christmas spirit yet? ;)

Finishing Up the Blog Hop with a Give-away!

2011-11-28T04:40:00.001-06:00

It's the last day of our Sew to Swap Blog Hop and I have a give-away for you...:)
A copy of the book and a doll quilt that I made that was featured in the book...

Some free-motion drawing with thread...

Some hand quilting...

and some of my favorite munki-munki bike fabric...

Just leave a comment and I'll choose a winner on Friday! :)

I hope you enjoyed the blog hop!
The contributors are all amazing, right?
Don't forget about this deal:

Get Sew to Swap now for just $14.99 ($10 off the retail price!). Visit the Martha Pullen Online Store and use promo code SEW2SWAP to get your exclusive discount.

{Offer expires Nov 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST.}

Have a very happy Monday and I'll see you tomorrow!

Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday

2011-11-26T09:57:00.001-06:00

In honor of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, I'm keeping the BLACKFRIDAY code open in my etsy shop all the way until Tuesday morning.
25% off still :)

Have a blessed weekend!

Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-24T17:14:00.000-06:00

It's time for my 25% off sale for Black Friday!
Use code BLACKFRIDAY when you check out.
Of course I am a little biased, but I think these all make great Christmas gifts ;)

25% off all checkbooks...

25% off all list makers...

25% off all pillows (excluding custom name pillows)...

25% off all prints...

and a few "be YOU tiful" signs left...

The sale begins tonite and will last until 11:59 Friday night.

I hope you have had a blessed lovely Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:50:00.001-06:00

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him."

Psalm 28:7

I hope your Thanksgiving is a blessed day.
I am thankful for all of you...my bloggy friends. :)

Crystal from Little Bit Funky

2011-11-23T06:35:00.000-06:00

Crystal from Little Bit Funky is rounding off our Sew to Swap Blog Hop.
Crystal runs a successful etsy shop, where she is constantly re-inventing the wheel and coming up with new products. She quilts, she sews, she bakes, she embroiders, she paints, she hot glues:), and she specializes in lots of custom orders too.

Check out some of her creative ways...

Oh yeah! I have to mention the hoho's.
Crystal has created the most adorable little monsters named after her youngest son...who they call hoho.
They are perfectly imperfect and purposefully wonky and wonderful.

She makes them in various forms (I ordered a robot hoho for a special Christmas present this year), and you can also have her customize them with fabrics that are sentimental to you.
Cute-huh?

Something extra cool:
Today on Crystal's part of the blog hop, she is raising money for Charity:Water, using one of the quilts from the book.

For every $10 donation you will be entered to win this adorable quilt from the book.

I love this!
Please head over to Crystal's blog for more details :)

'Round Here

2011-11-22T09:50:00.001-06:00

I've been so busy with the blog hop that I haven't had much time for any regular ol'blogging.
This is what we've been up to:

Ava started tennis lessons a few weeks ago.
Loves it :)
I love to watch her learn. Wouldn't mind taking some lessons myself!

Logan's science fair project is full steam ahead.
Candy Chromatography.

Ashton has gotten into a huge writing kick!
Writes all the time.
Mostly fiction...pages and pages of funny kind of 2nd grade sci fi?

Turkey art...
Lots and lots of turkey art :)

Jackson found the big kid lego box.
He's moved on from the duplon box.
Usually can be seen sitting with one of his creations.
(Yes, a haircut for him is in order!)

Hoping for a little time to make some ornaments this weekend.
Inpsired by this on pinterest.

I mentioned sometime last week that I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety after having a couple of panic attacks.
I didn't want to talk a lot about it because I didn't want to give any power to it, but I thought I would share with you this book of prayers by Marianne Williamson.
I know people don't like to talk about anxiety and/or depression...it's kind of a taboo subject.
But I'm going through a little bout of anxiety and this book of prayers has been my security blanket.

I feel a little bit like Santa with my list in the background.
Checking off custom pillow orders...I'm getting there! :)

...and one last thing.
I've been preparing my little shop for a big Black Friday sale.
I'm not one to do the Black Friday thing, I've never done it actually, because I like to shop early without a lot of crowds.
But! I'll be having a Black Friday sale in my shop as Thanksgiving turns into Friday...midnight!

I hope you're having a good week, counting your blessings...
Are you ready for Thanksgiving?

It's Ryan Walsh!

2011-11-21T17:03:00.001-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to another talented man who contributed to Sew to Swap...
His name is Ryan and he blogs over at I'm Just a Guy Who Quilts.
Ryan is a super nice guy who is really involved in quilting swaps.
Ryan interviews fabric designers, authors, and manufacturers about the latest and greatest fabric hitting the market, so his blog is always full of what's trendy in the modern quilting world. He also hosts giveaways, product and book reviews, and shares lots of tutorials.

I am jealous of his accuracy...
Check out his geometric shapes and how he matches his seams perfectly!

This is a tutorial from Ryan I've been wanting to try for a long time...the Eye Spy Monster Pillow:

Ryan is currently working on a project with Quilt Magazine & Simple Quilts in conjunction with David Butler of Parson Gray for the upcoming line Curious Nature from Free Spirit. I can't wait to see what that's all about!

He's also a social media butterfly:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RyanWalshQuilts
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryan-Walsh-Quilts/125889814126321
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ryanwalshquilts/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanwalshquilts/

It's Ryan's turn today on the Sew to Swap blog hop...
Make sure you run over there and see what he's got going on! :) Word on the street is that he's giving a copy of Sew to Swap away, PLUS a bunch of yummy fabric scraps!

It's John Adams today...AKA Quilt Dad

2011-11-21T05:14:00.000-06:00

Today on the blog hop tour I am featuring the work of John...otherwise known as Quilt Dad.
John is a big-time modern block maker and he participates in and runs a lot of swaps.

He's done three different rounds of "Sew Connected", also blogs at "Feeling Stitchy", has been published in many different magazines, publications, on-line sites, and also is a contributor to Fat Quarterly. He is a busy man! ;)

Here are a few of John's quilts that are my personal favorites:

Check out John's blog here,
and his extensive flickr site here.

Christmas Cards

2011-11-20T11:24:00.001-06:00

You know how much I love Amy and her sweet little Davis, who is awaiting his arrival home to her family.
Well, I also adore any thing that helps the Jupin family get their son home!!

My adorable friend Heather from Life Made Lovely is offering an amazing deal on Christmas cards.
She worked with Megan and Ashley to create some awesome Christmas card templates.

Each card design is $15 and will be customized with your photo and name.

Just place an order and in a few days you'll be ready to send your fancy Christmas card design in to any photo printer, even your local Costco.

Wanna see mine? :)

I absolutely love it!

$10 from each Designs for Davis card purchased will go directly into Davis' adoption fund.
How awesome is that!!!
Do it now so you don't have to worry about it later ;)

Up today: Tasha from A Little Sweetness

2011-11-20T04:43:00.001-06:00

Today I'm introducing another contributor from Sew to Swap who specializes in cuteness.
Tasha from A Little Sweetness is a master at pink,red, and aqua, just like Kerri!
She quilts, yes, but she also illustrates darling little pictures and also turns some of them into embroidery patterns that are available in her etsy shop. (I noticed she's having a 20% off sale, but it ends today, so head on over there!)
I bought some of her fabric a couple of years ago and I save every little scrap of it for special projects :)

I love how Tasha really pays attention to all the little details!
Check out some of her work:

Tasha also has a really sweet embroidery tutorial on her blog... a nice step by step for those of you who are just learning.

Head on over there and check out what she has planned for her day on the Sew to Swap Blog Hop!

Have a blessed Sunday!

A Quilt is Nice...Nettie

2011-11-18T17:44:00.001-06:00

Today's modern quilter/contributor featured is an amazingly talented woman named Nettie.
Check her blog out over at A Quilt is Nice.
Nettie is super experienced with swaps and online quilting bees; her style is clean and original and fun.
Chceck out some of these beauties:

So fun, right?

There is much more where that came from.

Nettie also has an amazing tutorial on how to make rounded corners. It's pretty genius.

Head over to Nettie's blog to see what she has up her sleeve for the Blog Hop today! :)

Introducing Nova from A Cuppa and a Catch-Up

2011-11-18T05:15:00.001-06:00

Sweet Nova is one of the contributors from Sew to Swap...and I love her creativity.
She uses upcycled materials often, has an artistic touch, and is not afraid to try new things.
She herself calls her style ‘random eclectic‘ :)

(quilted magnets, eeek!)

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

So this is the project that inspired me to write the "My Favorite Things" swap in the book Sew to Swap.

Nova has been corresponding with her Mum on this red work quilt, and when I saw it I knew it would be a wonderful project for quilt swaps.

Adding hand-embroidered blocks to squares is a lovely way to personalize a modern quilt, wouldn't you say? Thanks Nova, for the inspiration!

Here's a little picture of the redwork sampler we created in Sew to Swap inspired by Nova's piece:

Check out Nova's tutorial page here
and her flickr page here

And definitely don't forget to stop by her blog hop today...she's giving away this amazing pillow!!!

Thanks Nova!

Stop Today: Corey from LMS

2011-11-17T08:26:00.001-06:00

Today I'm featuring the beautiful quilting work of Corey from Little Miss Shabby, Adventures in Quilting.
Corey is responsible for the Stashbuster quilt tutorial in Sew to Swap.
She generously allowed us to use her pattern in the book for the Stashbuster swap;

It's definitely one of my favorite quilts in the book.

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Check out some more of Corey's gorgeous work:

Of course I love her use of color, and she has a beautiful eye for combining modern fabrics.
She's also been doing a really cute block of the month this year:

Click here to get the supply listed. There are links for the rest of the project on her site.

Thanks Corey for all your inspiration!

Introducing Beki from Artsy-Crafty Babe

2011-11-16T04:34:00.001-06:00

Beki's blog was one of the first blogs I read when I started this whole blogging thing about six years ago. We both delivered our third children within about a week of each other (if I am remembering correctly). At the time I thought it was so ironic that they were both named Ava. I have always been a fan of her blog and her mad sewing skills.

Beki does a lot of sewing, quilting, and knitting. She's been published in over 10 different publications, and she has a great etsy shop where she sells pdf sewing patterns for her amazing bags.

Check out some of the things that she has made:

Some Knitting:

Some Sewing for her and her girls:

Some Quilting:

Some Home Decor:

Some Bags:

...and her newest, precious creation. A beautiful baby girl.

Isn't she yummy?

Congratulations Beki!

It's Beki's turn on the Sew to Swap Blog Hop,

so head on over there today!

My Middle-schooler

2011-11-15T17:17:00.001-06:00

I was really worried about my oldest going to middle school.
I actually kind of love this age/stage.
His middle school Pre-IB program rocks.
Sometimes when I'm helping him with homework I feel like I'm back in school, except it's harder.

He's super silly...

He works sooooooooooo hard in school and in baseball. He loves to fish and watch Malcolm in the Middle (found on Netflix.)

He's funny, annoying sometimes, but funny.
Like really funny. Make-you-pee-in-your-pants funny.

I love that he texts me on the bus. That he tells me things. That he asks me what things mean.
I love that he has good friends that he hangs with. Good kids.

I love that he loves God and is proud to be Christian. I look forward to seeing how his relationship with God continues to develop.

I love that still comes into my room at night to tell me he loves me.

I'm proud of this kid of mine. :)

Heather from A La Mode Fabric

2011-11-15T09:55:00.001-06:00

Ok, let's see if we can keep this straight!

Today was scheduled to be John's day on the blog hop, but Heather hijacked his blog and they did a swap!
So, we've got a swap inside of a swap and today I will tell you about Heather from A La Mode Fabric :)

Heather is a super cool chick and uber talented modern quilter.
I learned almost everything I know about quilt swaps from her and Kerri, whom I refer to as the "Swapping Queens".

Heather is not ashamed of her stash...it is amazing and I would give a pinky finger to rummage through her stash and take a few things!~ ;)

She makes some amazing pillows...this one happens to be my favorite:

Heather has an eclectic style and she's not afraid to try new things.
Check this out; this one has qulted lyrics in it... the lyrics to Stone Temple Pilot's Interstate Love Song, which is her and her Hubs song. I love that idea!

I absolutely love the colors in this one...those dragonflies are to die for!

Heather also has some great tutorials here and her extensive flickr site is here, where you will find a lot of swappy inspiration!! When I say a lot, I am not exaggerating here people! It's like an encyclopedia for quilt swaps! Head on over for tons of inspiration!

Have a great day!

One day perhaps...but not for a very long time :)

2011-11-14T12:47:00.001-06:00

Ava and I did a fun little photo-shoot the other day.
I let her put on my wedding gown and veil, we put a little pink eyeshadow and lipgloss on to match, and took some pictures of her in Mama's wedding gown. :)

(I love how girly she is, and then see that big boo-boo on the side of her face? Accidentally hit by her brother with a tennis racket!)

If it doesn't fit her on her wedding day or she has no interest in wearing it, I will frame one of these for her and give it to her on her wedding day.
What a sweet precious memory of my little girl :)

Melanie from Texas Freckles

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

I excited to show you the work today of Melanie from Texas Freckles.
I love every single contributor in this book, but Melanie kind of speaks my quilting love language.
...rainbow colors? check
...color wheel? check
...hand-stitching? check

She has a fantastic link on a Hexagon Charm Quilt Piece Along. If you've ever wanted to make hexies this a wonderful place to start.

Here are some beauties that has her name written all over them...

Head over to Melanie's blog today to see what she's up to for the Blog Hop.
Check out her flickr site too!

The Creative Juices of Ariel

2011-11-13T06:40:00.001-06:00

Today I'd like to introduce you to the illustrator of Sew to Swap, Ariel Eldridge.
Combined with the simple, beautiful photography in the book, Ariel's charming and whimsical illustrations make this book so beautiful.

Ariel is an artist, an illustrator, a quilter, and a licensed art teacher.
Ariel is available for custom illustration work, and you can purchase some of her adorable fabric in her etsy shop, Pocketful of Pinwheels.

Look at some of her fabric:

...and some of her darling illustrations:

Oh yeah, I mentioned she quilts too, right?

Hop on over to Ariel's blog to check out her entry for the Blog hop today.

She's featuring some of the amazing illustrations featured in the book.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Kelly from Stitchy Quilt Stuff

2011-11-12T05:03:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! :)
It's Day 6 of the Sew to Swap blog hop and I hope you're enjoying it so far! Today I'd like to introduce you to my friend and colleague Kelly from Stichy Quilt Stuff.
Besides being a talented quilter, Kelly was also the editor of Sew to Swap.
Kelly is smart, has a wicked sense of humor, and endured my many last-moment-of-editing-panicked -emails towards the end of the book. ;)

Here is a sprinkling of some of Kelly's quilt work:

Kelly has a killer give-away on her blog today...
Look at this:

1. a copy of Sew to Swap
2. a big 'ole bag of scraps, perfect to use for organizing your own Wonky Siggy Swap
3. a permanent fabric marker for autographing your siggy star

Head on over there now to enter! :)

She took off the training wheels...

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000-06:00

She's so proud and so are we! :)

10 on 10

2011-11-10T19:30:00.001-06:00

I always have the best intentions with this...
but rarely succeed fully.
Here's my (8) on 10 hipstamatic style...;)

7 am

Ashton is gearing up for Christmas

8 am

Sewing Machine is calling my name

Also, I'm thinking of painting that desk and chair bright yellow?

9 am

Operation Christmas Child Boxes finished

11 am

I go out to the back porch to clean up the tent from last weekend, where the kids like to "camp".

I decide the weekend will be here soon enough and they may want to do it again

12 pm

Wooby has a little cough

I turn on Cars 2 and the humidifier and let him chill in my bed

2 pm

Finalizing my Thanksgiving Day Menu

Um, yes, pedicure please

3 pm

Henry follows the slivers of light all over the house

4 pm

Lots and lots of leaves to sew

White bean chicken chili is in the crockpot

Here's to hoping next month I will get all ten pictures documented for the day :)
Linking up here:

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31. this blog entry...turns out my little flu symptoms were masking as some yucky yucky anxiety and this blog entry made me feel like I wasn't alone

32. the excitement of Thanksgiving, adding leaves to our gratitude tree, noticing the kids finding gratitude in the "small" things

33. girlfriends who I can call to confide in

34. Parents who help out

35. rediscovering the simple pleasure of ice water (I'm gonna start trying to make the fruity kind, you know, stawberries or lemons on the bottom of the pitcher)

36. Daylights Savings means my babies are passing out by 7:30!

37. little girls who learn how to ride without training wheels

Double the Fun with Jessica and Jennifer from Twin Fibers

2011-11-10T13:14:00.000-06:00

I hope they pardon the pun ;), but I want to introduce you to twins Jessica and Jennifer from Twin Fibers.
They love to sew, quilt, design and play with vintage crafts. They are seriously too nice and too cute, and I love their quilts. I'll take one of everything please! :) They have a way with color that makes my heart swoon.

Here are just a few of Jessica's items:

And here are some of Jennifer's:

It's just not fair that these sisters have so much talent! ;)

It's Twin Fibers's turn today on the Blog Hop...

...and they are giving away a book! :)

Here comes Angela from My Three Sons

2011-11-10T05:01:00.001-06:00

Today's modern quilter from Sew to Swap is Angela from My Three Sons.
She loves to make stuff and talk about the process that goes along with all that fun!
She was one of the contributors for "The Curvy Block Swap":

Here is the block she made for the quilt.
She even did a detail step-by- step tutorial for it on her blog. Check it out here.

Here are some more examples of her fun work.

I told you! ;)
Isn't all this eye candy inspiring?

Check out more of Angela's work via flickr, and be prepared to be there for awhile! :)

be YOU tiful

2011-11-09T10:05:00.004-06:00

I love these and I loved making them.
I feel super strong about making sure our little girls know that they are not merely what they look like.
I want all of our daughters to know that they are beautiful (be YOU tiful) just they way they are.
I don't want this generation to feel like they have to starve themselves to fit the stereotypes that we as a society and our media has imposed on them.
If I could I would put these in every single girl's room that I know!

They are made from scrap wood measuring approximately 4"x 12". They are slightly distressed and sealed with a clear poly spray for protection. I don't have hangers on the back, they are meant to be "shelf sitters". Available here

I got all fired up about this issue again after watching "Miss Representation" on the OWN (Oprah's new channel) network. They will be re-playing it again on November 12th (Saturday) at 11 am. I am trying to decide if my 6th grader is ready for it. He is a male, but I think he may be at the crucial age that this will benefit him. I would watch it with him, of course, so we could share an open dialogue about it. Has any one else seen it? What are your thoughts?

I hope you are all well...I myself and recovering from some sort of virus? Headache, fatigue, fever...
It feels good to join the world again! :)

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23. restoration of health

24. a husband who cares for me

25. children who pray for me when I don't feel well :)

26. the gorgeous weather today

27. family who helps us out all the time

28. Education

29. Awareness

30. Literacy

Up today: Allison from Cluck Cluck Sew

2011-11-09T07:27:00.000-06:00

I'd like to introduce you today to another Sew to Swap contributor.
Allison from the infamous Cluck Cluck Sew!

I'm not really sure how she does it...
But Allison makes some amazing patterns.
Being slightly number-challenged, it always amazes me that some quilters have the accuracy aptitude to write amazing quilt patterns.
Allison is definitely one of those people!
Click here to purchase some of her amazing patterns.
Everything she makes is beautiful!

Tutorial for Sprocket Pillows here...(been on my to-make list forever)

Allison also has the most understandable, comprehensible step-by-step photo tutorial for "finishing up your quilt". It's her turn today for for the blog hop...so be sure to check her out!

Darci from Stitches & Scissors

2011-11-08T06:40:00.000-06:00

The next contributor from Sew to Swap that I'd like to introduce you to is Darci from Stiches and Scissors.
Darci loves color and is never afraid to try new things.
She makes quilts, but I love to check out her blog and see what else she is doing...
She makes bags, clothes for her and her daughters, and lots of pillows! :)
She also does a lot of step-by-step tutorials, and one of my favorite features of her blog is a little "Sewers Interviews" she does.

Check out some of the things she has made:

It is her turn today to talk about contributing to Sew to Swap.

Head on over to her blog and check it out!

Introducing Kerri Horsley from Lovely Little Handmades

2011-11-07T12:34:00.003-06:00

First up on our blog hop is the lovely Kerri Horsley from Lovely Little Handmades.
Kerri is basically brilliant with the red, turquoise, and pink color combination...A common theme in her work is mushrooms, gnomes, and other forest friends. Her work is cuteness overload, I tell you!

Check out these beautiful creations that Kerri is responsible for:

I call Kerri and fellow contributor Heather the Queen of Quilt Swaps.
Their online swaps are the most organized and fun on-line that I have come across...
The Pillow Talk and Urban Home Goods swaps were two of my absolute favorites.

Kerri has a very successful etsy shop where you can purchase unique fabrics that include a collection of designer and Japanese fabrics.

Now head on over to her blog. She's the first one on the blog hop! :)

Custom She Said

2011-11-07T09:40:00.001-06:00

Remember my "She Said" series?
I received a request recently for a custom She Said painting...
I had a lot of fun working on it :)

I'll be back later today with our first stop on the book blog tour!
See you soon!

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19. my little girl overcoming her nerves to try tennis lessons and loving it!

20. rediscovering Pandora
21. technology that allows me to watch church on the computer
22. Operation Child Christmas boxes...making these with my kids feels like the start of our holiday season

Announcing...Sew to Swap Blog Hop

2011-11-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

This book is exceptional.
Can I say that?
Yes, I can!
...and I'm not being boastful because without the work of some A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, talented, modern quilters, this book would have never happened.

"Gather a group of quilting friends and start trading fabric, quilt blocks and full projects for the ultimate community sewing activity! From fabric to block to project exchanges, Chrissie Grace and her team of all-star contributors show you the best way to organize and run your very own swap while making 12 beautiful projects. Whether you form your group in person or virtually online, you’ll love the excitement of giving and receiving handmade items."

Adding to the beautiful photography in the book, along with step-by-step instructions for each project are Ariel Eldridge's whimsical and fun illustrations:

They are amazing!

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*One of the things I love most about this book is that although it is written specifically for quilt swapping, you can totally use the patterns and tutorials if you are solo and not intending to swap.

"The Scrapbuster Swap"

Here's some great news!
Get Sew to Swap now for just $14.99 ($10 off the retail price!). Visit the Martha Pullen Online Store and use promo code SEW2SWAP to get your exclusive discount.

{Offer expires Nov 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST.}

"The Invisible Nine Patch Swap"

The book also contains fun interviews and insider tips that make the book feel really personable...

"The Vintage Meets Modern Swap"

I am proud, honored, and humbled by the sheer talent that this book encompasses....
The greatest thing about it is that is appropriate for a quilter of any level...From the beginner (there is a whole chapter on exactly how to make a quilt) to the advanced quilter. Check out this curved piece quilt:

"The Curvy Block Swap"

So when I say all-star contributors, I am talking about some of the most innovative, creative, successful modern quilters today. For the rest of the month, the contributors of the book will be participating in a blog hop. There will be give-aways, tutorials, techniques, beautiful photos, original quilts from the book up for auction, and much, much more!

Here is the schedule for our fantastic Sew to Swap Blog Hop:

November 7: Kerri from Lovely Little Handmades
November 8: Darci from Stitches & Scissors
November 9: Allison from Cluck Cluck Sew
November 10: Angela from My Three Sons
November 11: Jennifer and Jessica from Twin Fibers
November 12: Kelly from Stitchy Quilt Stuff
November 13: Ariel from The Creative Juices of Ariel
November 14: Melanie from Texas Freckles
November 15: John from Quilt Dad
November 16: Beki from Artsy-Crafty Babe
November 17: Corey from Little Miss Shabby
November 18: Nova from A Cuppa and a Catch Up
November 19: Nettie from A Quilt is Nice
November 20: Tasha from A Little Sweetness
November 21: Heather from House of A La Mode
November 22: Ryan from I’m Just a Guy Who Quilts
November 23: Crystal from Little Bit Funky
November 27: In His Grace

" The Wonky Siggy Swap"

Every morning of the hop I will be introducing a contributor, bragging about their superb quilting skills, and sending you over to their blogs for tons of surprises! :)

It's going to be so much fun!

Thanks for joining in! You are in for a visual feast of the eyes and inspiration overload!!

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my gratitude list for the day:

16. 9 hours of solid, restful sleep last night

17. finding a splash of french vanilla creamer this morning when I thought we were out

17. some cooler weather moving in today

18. my sister-in-law visiting us

Gratitude tree

2011-11-03T15:45:00.001-05:00

I dug this Thanksgiving sign out today and I couldn't find a place to hang it.
I had this thought of putting a chalkboard under it where we could all write different things we were thankful for.
Than I had an idea for a gratitude tree.

I whipped it up very quickly. I just used large butcher paper to cut out the tree trunk and a basic tree top shape, cut it out, and used scotch tape (which won't damage my walls) and taped it up.
The wall is right in the center of the house so it doesn't get a lot of light (sorry for the akward photos), but it is a great place for it to be.

I used construction paper to cut out leaf shapes. The kids all took a turn writing on a leaf something that they were grateful for. We will do this every day until Thanksgiving, and we will have a tree full of gratitude! :)

10. friend of all ages
11. sunlight streaming in the morning with a hot cup of coffee
12. the privilege of buying my kids new books when they want them
13. their passion for reading
14. a dishwasher that makes my day more convenient
15. having no where that I have to be tomorrow , so I can spend the day at home!

Just a reminder...

2011-11-02T14:10:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to let you know that I have accepted a position to substitute in the art room at our local elementary school for the whole month of December. So...

tomorrow is the absolute last day I can accept custom pillow orders with a guarantee of Christmas delivery.

I don't want anyone to be disappointed, so if you were planning on ordering one for a gift please get the order in by tomorrow. :)

The etsy shop will remain open until December 15th for guaranteed Christmas delivery for all other orders.

I hope you are having a fabulous day! See you soon :)

6. leftover Reece peanut butter cups
7. hugs from little arms
8. beautiful weather
9. crock-pot dinners

November 1st

2011-11-01T09:31:00.001-05:00

I love this time of the year.
November brings me to a deep sense of gratitude...
I'm so thankful for all that we have...
and I believe this time of introspection prepares our hearts for the gifts that Christmas brings...

I created this Autumn tree as a beautiful reminder to give thanks everyday...

8 x 10 available here

I had to add my Sara Mincy print in the vignette as well.

Sara was one of my first blogging buddies and we traded prints 2 or 3 years ago?

I'd like to search for a nicer frame for it, but I always put it out in November.

We celebrated Halloween last night with a big lasagna dinner with extended family, and a fun time trick-or-treating.

That's Logan there with his best buddy.

Notice anything about his arm?

Yes, he spent Halloween morning at the orthopedic office getting a bright orange cast.

He broke his arm Sunday night riding his dang rip-stick.

I tell you, there's never a dull moment around here!

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I've been inspired by new friend Becky to try something new for the month of November.

Every blog post Becky makes a list at the bottom for things that she is thankful for.

I'm going to do it too for the whole month of November...

1. a safe and fun Halloween for my kids

2. The opportunity to substitute in my children's elementary school

3. a washer and dryer that serve me well, every day!

4. Amazing teachers that care about my children and their education

5. medical and dental insurance

Have a blessed day, Friends!

Sunday Scripture

2011-10-30T10:17:00.002-05:00

Recently I have been struggling with what God has in store for me and what I think I should be doing.
My recent prayer?
That God uses me to serve in the purpose for which I was made.

Sometimes what God would have me do doesn't coincide with how I think things should be going...
Can you relate?
Do you have a hard time listening sometimes do what He is telling you?

8 x 10 prints available here

Many blessings to you my friends, on this lovely Sunday! :)

A busy week...

2011-10-28T15:17:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy, full-of-life week.

It's been one of those weeks that was just packed full...

full of prior commitments, work, scheduled doctor and dentist appointments, Fall celebrations and activities at school, big projects due at school, baseball and dance and tae kwon doe...Every single day it's been up early and gone all day, going here and there and everywhere!

I can't handle weeks like this very often, or I get stressed out. But every once in a while it's okay...and then I do feel glad to just be done with some things.

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The weather has been so gorgeous that we have just been going outside after school and enjoying the coolness...I take advantage of these times because in Florida it is really the nicest time of the year. It's not too hot, it's not too cold, it's just right :)

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I am itching to be creative...and now that my must-do list has dwindled down significantly, I know I will be making some new stuff soon. My brain and sketchbook are filled to the brim with inspiration and ideas, and I am so excited to get into my studio and get messy!

I hope you have a blessed weekend! I'll be back on Monday to share some new art :)

Some Cute Halloween Crafts and a winner :)

2011-10-25T15:57:00.001-05:00

I did this project with a couple of second grade classrooms.
I was inspired by this project, and then I used this to trace the haunted houses.

The kids really loved this project.

Especially the pop out door.
That was definitely their favorite part.

Sorry for the horrible photo, but I cut the pop out doors for them before-hand with an exacto knife.

It took all day, but I think I did it with 40? kids.

So if you do it at home it won't be overwhelming.

Look how neat and organized we started out...

...and this is the end of the day!
It was worth it though for sure!

I did another one with the Kindy-kids...
I read them this funny book~

and then they made skeletons out of q-tips.
The girls put the bows on the head, and the boys used them as a bow-tie.
I wish I had taken a picture of all of them together.
The quirkier they were, the cuter they were!

..and that's about as spooky as I get for Halloween.
I don't like the scary stuff!

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Thanks to those of you who left a comment on my 600th post. Are you wondering who won?

Erin, you won the two prints! Please email your address and I'll get those out to you :)

Have a wonderful evening :)