The Grandkids!

I love Christmas. But I am so glad the mad rush for the holiday is over with. I could do without the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, sending cards and decorating is in the past.
But the best part of the season could go on for ever “having my family altogether for the day”. It is so seldom that my three grown sons with their families are able to join us here on the farm as one big happy family. The grandchildren are all growing up so fast; Jeffery is as big as his papa. Aaron is in scouts now so much of his time is spent with scouting and outings with his dad. Julie spends her hectic days in cheerleading practice and football games. And the little one Cade is growing faster than a weed in the spring garden.
Gee, what am I saying the hustle and bustle is all worth it, when you have the greatest kids, grandchildren and husband in the world all here together for this most happy time of the year. Love, peace, hope and family!

Hand made hard cover journal.

Hand made book

I have always love handmade books and journals and have purchased many for my own personal use, some just for their beautiful workmanship.

A few years ago I tried my hand at making some for myself, and that is where it stopped. I could use them for my personal use but never would I give these poor little books to family or friends as gifts.

Well still wanting to create something useful and artistic I purchased a book called Cover to Cover by Shereen LaPlantz. Following her instructions on the basic codex I made my real first hard cover mini journal. I am so excited about the results, it turned out very nice.

I confess I used some scrap papers of poor quality and the covers of the book as well as the end papers are of scrapbook papers, but I did use a good professional glue and chipboard.

Photo #1 Block of signatures total of 86 pages.

Photo #2 Outside of book done with scrapbook paper.

Photo #3 Hardcover chip board, showing of the inside.

Photo #4 Signatures placed inside of the finished book.

Photo #5 Detail of the spine.

Photo #6 The finished hard bound journal.

The final measurement of the small journal is (43/4" x 53/4"). All in all I in joyed the whole process of making this this little book, it has encouraged me to try my hand at some more later on after the holidays. Who knows maybe I'll give some as gifts!

My wisdom of the day.

Be thankful for what you have today, for tomorrow you may have nothing!

Check me out at Etsy.com

I've been busy with stocking up my new shop at Etsy.com. Haven't been doing very much business as for sales, but hopefully things will pick up before Christmas. I am excited about the whole concept of Internet shopping and learning so much. This computer stuff has always challenged me!!!!
I've worked in retail sales for years, very hands on with the everyday duties of stocking, inventory and one on one customer service, I like the personal contact with the customers so this is a whole new world for me. Need to learn new ways to attract people. Any advice out there would greatly help this old dog!
These are some business card holders I've been working on. Now you can safely carry these cards with you where ever you go with out them getting lost in your handbag or getting those dog ears.

I made them from double thick cardstock from my own template and then decorated each one differently so on two are alike. I have been carrying mine now for a few months and really like the durability of them. They hold approximately 25 standard size business cards, more or less and go every where you go.

Thanksgiving,here and gone, hope everyone had a great day! With so many problems these days I have a lot to be thankful for, loving husband and family, good food, good health and a warm comfortable home. I couldn't ask for more.

My Wisdom of the day.

Eliminate the Negative, Commemorate the Positve!

Two found books.

As I was cleaning out some of my books and magazines, I came across these two .

These were books I picked up at yard sales for almost zilch, and are two of my

favorite artist of our day.

I love Norman Rockwell, his paintings are so full of detail, and he had the ability to bring his subjects to life. Don't you agree?

And when I see anything done by Thomas Kinkade I find peace and quiet.

Here's another wall

This wall is full of more of my supplies, that I do use everyday....

Hanging on the wall is an acrylic painting of a family of dolphins, this is just one of three paintings of dolphins I done one I sold and the other is on display at our local cafe here in town. I do paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor.

You may not be able to see it very well but the two green frames hold Artist trading cards that come from many artist from around the world... I love trading with my friends at http://www.atcsforall.com/ But I havent been on there in some time. ( note to self need to check in with them ).

On the top are tons of photo boxes (yes they are all full and organized) this has taken months, a big chunk of my time, but I am so glad I got it done... Now I need to get them all in scrapbooks and albums.

The three hat boxes are full as well as the two clear boxes next to them....

By the way It didn't show in these Pict. but the 6 bottom shelves are full of books and magazines.

My DH found these three tall bookcases (that were free) and in perfect condition to boot. Oh what luck, well it didn't take long to fill them up. They take up one whole wall, but hold all my art and craft books.... well almost. I have more bookcases in the rest of the house... did I tell you I'm a book nut!!!!

Nice and clean!

Besides spending time with the kiddo's, I have completely redone my home studio/workroom... this was a chore, but so worth it. hopefully I can just put my hands on what I want and need, when I need it for all them crafty things I doooooo....

Here's my nice clean organized work table.

You Like? belive me it wont look like this after tonight.

Here's another of my grandchildren this is Julie, I have 4 (Jeffery, Julie, Aaron and Cade).....it was such a nice day the kids talked me into riding a bike. Let me tell you it took me some time to get the hang of it. This was the first time I've been on a bike in 35+ years.....

But I so injoyed it.

Boy how time flies!

Well hello everyone....it's been awhile since I have done anything here OMG! I can't believe I haven't been here in so long....time just doesn't stand still.

I have been spending a lot of time with my youngest grandbaby.

This is Cade he's a little cutie pie....SEE

Example of Artist Trading Cards

2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch Artist Trading Card
#187 Beatrice
Medium: Colored Pencils

10 x 2 1/2 inch Artist Trading Card Tag Book
(Folds into 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch book)
#247 San Antonio
Medium: Collage


2 1/2 x 3 1/2 Artist Trading Card
#244 Reading from the Past
Medium: Collage


2 1/2 x 3 1/2 Artist Trading Card
#108 Air Mail
Medium: Mixed Media Collage


2 1/2 x 3 1/2 Artist Trading Card
#188 Naomi
Medium: Colored Pencils


2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch Artist Trading Card
#131 Louisiana Bayou
Medium: Acrylic Paint

2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch Artist Trading Card

#179 Pelican on Watch

Medium: Watercolor and ink

The above Artist Trading Cards are some examples of cards in my private collection. They are done in various mediums and with different techniques. These cards are all originals and are not for trade at this time.

To all my old ATCard Friends

All my friends from ATCards.com . Welcome to my Blog. Thank you for visiting me here. I am very new to at this, and haven't been able to set it up the way I want it as yet, as you can see it is not compleat But please fill free to leave a message for me. I would love to hear from my old friends.