Craftberry Bush

A shabby chic princess tea party...

2012-02-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone.

I sit here on a lazy Sunday afternoon, watching the brightness of the sun slowly give way to the darkness of the night. In comfy sweats, with a warm cup of tea to my left and my babies to my right, watching an old movie on TV. Sunday in all its glory...

I mentioned in previous posts that I have been helping my sister with my niece's birthday party and today I wanted to show you a few of the details. This was definitely a group effort as the women in our family came together with our different talents to create, in my humble opinion, a most beautiful magical party for a sweet little 6 year old...

Starting with the matriarch of the family, my sweet Mami - who has been baking cakes for us for as long as I can remember - and now continues to do so for her grandchildren...

Her cakes are not only beautiful to look at

but also taste delicious (gracias, Mami)

My sister and I have similar taste and we compliment

each other very well. She has great attention to detail.

We wanted everything to feel feminine and soft and of course be budget friendly. Buying this much fabric for such large table cloth would have cost a lot of money, so instead, I asked my mom to sew a seam on several plastic table cloths, which we then threaded rope through and gathered around the table. This gave the plastic table cloth the illusion of gathered fabric.

She also sewed some ruffled

crepe streamers together...

My dad found these cute little bottles at Walmart. They contained pear nectar, which thankfully tasted good since we had to drink about 36 of them. My sister created and printed the sweet little labels which she attached on top of a doily. So sweet...

My youngest sister - with the help of our dad and mom - made a gorgeous castle pinata, which was too beautiful to break.

Some water bottles covered with some of the beautiful Crafty Secret Paper.

My sister made some Popcorn cones embellished with a doily and pretty cupcake wrapper paper (shown here).

Even Cinderella made an appearance to the party....

A beautiful rose kissing ball to accompany the

many, many tissue pompoms my sisters made...

Delicious merengues...

And more sweetness in
the form of cupcakes...

We made a sweet canopy using a hula hoop some white plastic table cloths, tulle and ribbon. We decorated it with butterflies and a sweet white dove. We used the canopy as a photo booth, not only was the light perfect for pictures, but it also provided a perfect background...

We used a lot of items we already had at home and most of our supplies and decorations came from the Dollar Store, including the little bottles of bubbles you see in the white, carved wooden box...

The colours were inspired by this beautiful scrap paper printed from the Crafty Secrets CD. The CD has over 92 coloured and black and white designs to choose from, but these fit perfectly with our theme.

I can't wait to share some more of this very creative new product...say perhaps a giveway?

It was so much fun putting this together, not only because (I hope) it turned out just like my sister imagined, but because it gave us the chance to bond.

Thank you so much for your company today.

Wishing you a wonderful week!

much love,
Lucy

A God given talent...a child's art pillow

2012-02-24T00:05:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you are keeping well.

I'm sorry for being absent this week. I have been busy doing little projects as we are redecorating Isabella's room and I've also been helping my sister with my niece's upcoming birthday party. I can't wait to share with you pictures of both.

In the mean time, here is a little project Isabella and I worked on together. My excitement for this little pillow stems from it being Isabella's own art work. Isabella drew the picture from an image we chose together and I painted.

I know I am bias to say this, but this little girl of ours has such amazing drawing abilities that only appear to get better and better with each passing day. Seeing how much she enjoys art reminds me so much of me when I was her age.

I remember so clearly the day we found out we were having a little girl. The joy I felt was incredible and yet at the same time, I remember the fear of not knowing how to raise a girl (we had had two boys at this point).

Yes, I knew I could love her with all of me, care for her and be the mother God had chosen for Bella. But how could I raise a girl who would be confident and secure in herself? Full of self-esteem and be a "go getter"? A girl that does not obsess over her not perfect body?

For those are all things I am not. I continue to try and learn and by the grace of the Lord, I get better at it every day. But some days I fall into the enemy's trap.

For you formed my inwards part; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139;13-14

As I read that verse, I realize how blessed I truly am to be wealthy in health and shamelessly bow my head and ask for forgiveness. And so I continue to hold onto God's hand as He guides me through motherhood and I raise a little girl who is not only tenacious and strong but also loving and caring.

The more I look at this pillow, the more I fall in love with the thought that this is not only a pillow to decorate a room, but a reminder of how blessed I am to have been given the privilege to care for my daughter's precious soul. I know this pillow will become a beautiful keepsake for years to come.

1. Have child draw an image on a piece of paper that is large enough to cover a good part of the pillow's surface. You could always enlarge an existing image to desired size.

2. Using graphite or transfer paper, transfer image onto the pillow. We used a round pillow by Canvas Corp.

3. Paint using acrylic or fabric paints.

As always, it means so much to me that you take the time to visit...thank you.

Sending you much love,
Lucy

ps - as you may know, there has been a lot of talk about Google Friend Connect being discontinued as of March 1. I have decided to add the follow linky tool and it would mean a lot to me if you would stay in touch or if you prefer we can always keep in touch through FB..:) thank you...xo

The ugly side of creativity...and an Anthro knockoff

2012-02-18T13:04:00.002-05:00

Good Day everyone! I hope you had a great week.

I promised myself minimal blogging this weekend as we celebrate the Family Day long weekend here in Ontario. Even though I truly believe that family should be celebrated and enjoyed every single day, this weekend is for the kiddies so it's a quick post today...

(a peek into my sketch book)

Art is my passion and in it I find release and happiness.

But I also find calmness and peace in a clean and organized

space which clashes with my creative mind because...

(The ugly side of creativity)

But in my defense (honey), I don't have a crafting space to call my own. I usually craft on the kitchen island and paint on our dinette table. So when a craft does not get completed right away, these little 'art bunnies' can be seen around the house.

I try to make neat little piles so not everything is scattered, but I do have to admit that these 'art bunnies' do steal my joy because I am a bit of a clean freak.

A few weeks ago, I shared some inspiration pictures on my FB page of linen closets converted into craft areas and I hope to accomplish that in the weeks to come. But for now, I'm trying to make my artistic mess a little more appealing.

Enter my Antrho knockoff....

That's suppose to say 'yarn', but you get the idea...

You will need:

Yarn white and other colour of choice

Hot glue gun

Tin cans or pot

Cotton rope

- Cut several pieces of yarn to the length you would like your blocks to be (these were approx 16")

- Wrap white yard around rope and secure with hot glue

- Wrap colored yarn and secure with hot glue; continue wrapping yarn alternating between the white and the coloured yarn until you reach the length that will completely cover your pot when you coil around it

- Hot glue coil around pot or tin cans

Here they are side by side.

Anthropologie's on the left and mine on the right. Notice that their coil varies in thickness. A thick and a thin one as well as the size of the color blocks are different. Not having seen them in person, I can only assume that the rows of rope were glued on individually, allowing them to vary the size as well as allowing them to achieve the checkered effect which mine do not have.

I was ok with the random pattern of my pots so I decided to do one long piece of rope (I guess I took the easier way out).

Hopefully these will one day be displayed in my own crafting space.....

Well my friends, at the beginning of this post I was hoping for a quick post but an hour later, I'm still here typing away. I should have known there is no such thing as a 'quick post' . I'm off to enjoy my family...

much love,
Lucy

By the way, I have been replying to your messages via the reply thread on the blog itself. Does anyone know if these replies come right to your mail box or do you have to come back to the blog to see them? I would love to know because I want to make sure you get my messages...:)

DIY chalk paint and a giant linky party....

2012-02-15T23:10:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a good week.

I've been blogging for a little over a year and a half and consider myself fortunate to have 'met' so many beautiful and talented ladies.

As my blog matures, I'm looking for ways to give back. Not only through giveaways (although I have a couple of those coming up), but in other ways.

So when Jaime from Crafty,Scrappy, Happy told me she was hosting a giant linky party to celebrate her 1 year blogging anniversary, I knew this would provide an opportunity to not only support my sweet friend, but give some of you who may be starting out the chance to gain exposure, meet new people and perhaps grow your blog.

Please see the bottom of the post for more details on the linky party, but in the interim...

In honour of Jaime's 1st year, I picked

up an old beat up chair and decided to

to redo it with some chalk paint...

But of course, I had to try the homemade

version first introduced by Martha.

The recipe calls for 1 cup of paint and 2 table

spoons of unsanded tile grout. There are also

other recipes around the web (here and here).

I mixed various paints we had at home, but was still not satisfied with the colour so I added some of my DecoArt acrylic paint and crossed my fingers hoping it would work. And guess what....it did! Yay! Not sure if these paints are made for this purpose, but I was thrilled with the results.

The paint goes on nicely and although it's gritty looking at the beginning, it dries perfectly smooth. I am in love!!!

We are in the process of re-doing Isabella's room and this chair, along with some other pieces, will coordinate well with her quilt.

We received some beautiful flowers from friends and family last week. Daisies are so fresh and pretty looking, don't you think?

Not having ever tried 'real' chalk paint before, I don't have a point of comparison, but I really liked the results of the homemade version and would recommend you trying to make your own.

Thanks so much for stopping by and please don't forget to read below.

much love,

Lucy

And as for the linky party...

Feel free to link up anything and everything Crafty, Scrappy and/or Happy! (no giveaways or etsy shops please)Check out other links, be inspired and make some new friends!Grab a button if you would!And check Crafty Scrappy Happy for features all next week!!!!

Valentine Roundup...

2012-02-12T23:13:00.000-05:00

I hope your weekend was wonderful.

With Valentine's Day this Tuesday, I thought I would put this year's Valentine ideas together in one post. In case you missed any of them, just click on the photo to take you to the original post...

Sending much love your way.

Lucy

I will be linking to one of my favourite blog's first linky party...

Dear Lillie

Jo Totes Giveaway. And the Winner is...

2012-02-12T00:38:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a great weekend.

I apologize for the delay in announcing the Jo Totes winner. As you know, Blogger introduced a reply thread on comments, which deleted the previous HTML code for numbered messages. As much as I tried to figure it out, I was unsuccessful, so we (hubby and I) had to enter every name manually into an excel spreadsheet for reference when using random.org.

And finally, the winner is....

Congrats Sharon!!!

Thank you all so much for participating; I have several other giveaways coming our way soon! :)

Have a beautiful day!

much love,

Lucy

A heart for Shabby...easy Valentine ornament or gift tag

2012-02-09T02:13:00.002-05:00

I hope you have had a lovely week so far...

Today I have a super quick, easy and best of
all - inexpensive craft to share with you...

Several weeks ago, I was at our local dollar store and spotted some beautiful cupcake liners. Even though I knew that I had no need for them, I just had to have them...

I have thought of several uses for them, none

of which have anything to do with baking...

Here is one of them...

I simply drilled a hole through wooden hearts and used

DecouPage by DecoArt to adhere the cupcake liner onto them.

So sweet as a gift tag or an ornament...

For a completely different look, I made
some using music sheets and chalk paint...

This one I covered with some beautiful paper from
Canvas Corp. It's the same paper I used here.

It's called French Script...so pretty.

Vintage love...

...or Shabby love.
What's your favourite?

Well my friends, short and sweet for today.

I will see you again on Saturday when I will announce the winner of the JO TOTES bag. (go here to enter)

Have a beautiful day!

much love,

Lucy

Linking at
Carolyn's homework
Home stories A to Z
Primp
The 36th avenue
Someday Crafts
French Country Cottage
2805
Crafty,Scrappy,Happy
Whipperberry
Tatertots and Jello
The girl creative
Chic on a Shoestring decorating
Finding fabulous
My Romantic Home
Simply designing
The Shabby Nest
I heart naptime
Today's creative blog
It's overflowing..
Ask Anna
a.k.a design
Thrifty Decor Chick
Cedar Hill Ranch

Love blooms...faux Mulberry watercolor paper rose tutorial

2012-02-07T01:03:00.003-05:00

Hi friends, I hope you are all doing well. Before anything else, I want to say thank you. You have been part of this very difficult journey and your prayers and words of encouragement have meant a lot to us.

It has been very difficult making the transition to 'normality', but today the sun was shining and for the first time in several days and I picked up my camera...

And while taking photos, it was so clear to me that when a loved one parts and their physical presence is gone, their love remains behind...

This journey has left us with a deep desire to love deeper and has given us a different outlook on life...

The sadness that one feels when someone goes is not easy to ignore, but the abundance of love that is left blooming makes it a little easier to cope...

I started this little project a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't until today that I felt like completing it and taking photos...

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

1. I painted both sides of an 8"x11" piece of card stock paper using pink watered down DecoArt paint (1:5 paint-to-water ratio)

2. Gently scrunch paper, unravel and allow to dry (the wrinkles will give the effect of mulberry paper)

3. Once paper is dry, cut a 6"x3" strip and scallop one edge

4. Roll strip and hot glue the end

5. Cut several petals of varying size

6. Hot glue around centre roll

7. Continue gluing until you reach desired size

8. Curl ends under

9. Paint separate card stock with green paint and follow step number 2

10. Cut several leaves

11. Cover degradable plant pot with desired scrap book paper

( I used Vintage French Script by Canvas Corp)

12. Glue a couple of leafs onto pot and some onto the flowers

13. Place some peat moss pellets and seed packet into pot

14. Make simple lid to keep items secure

Inspired by these, I think they would make a sweet

Valentine's gift, wedding favor or bridal shower.

As another chapter in our family's life closes, another starts. One filled with blooming love.

Thank you so much for being here, I hope you have a beautiful week.

much love,
Lucy

ps. If you have not yet entered the JO TOTES giveaway, you still have time, but hurry as the deadline for entering is this Friday (Feb 10).

In better hands now...a note to Gramps.

2012-02-04T00:43:00.001-05:00

Gramps,

It's only been a day since you left, yet we miss you dearly. How was your trip? Is heaven like we picture it?

Today our hearts ache, but we take solace knowing you are in better hands. We know that if you were here, you would say 'Don't worry about it, I'm okay...I'll just get on with it'. And we know you are; you are more than okay as you are home now.

Look for the star Gramps...when you see it, you'll know you're safe...you'll know you're home.

We love you and miss you.

Your family

Our beloved 'Gramps' peacefully passed away yesterday afternoon after a brave fight with cancer. He was alongside his loving children who watched over him day and night until his last breath.

My sweet friends, we thank you for your prayers and words of hope during these past few months. Your prayers helped us get through and we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.

Blessings to you all.

ps. I'm not sure what heaven looks like, but I have a feeling that for our sweet Gramps, heaven might look a little like this.....

Bouquet of hugs and kisses...a Valentine favour

2012-01-30T14:02:00.002-05:00

Hello friends, I hope your week has gotten off to a great start.

I'm not sure if Blogger has been experiencing issues as this post kept disappearing from my drafts. As this is my third time re-writing it, I'm going to keep it short and sweet...

Over the weekend, I made some pretty
roses to be given to the kiddie's teachers...

I have learned a few things about myself since having first started this blog. One recent discovery is my love for working with paper and I know I'm just scratching the surface of this new found love...

Materials

Floral Wire, Skewer or Lollipop Sticks

Floral tape

Streamer or Crepe Paper

Scissors

Tape

Hot glue gun

Chocolate Hershey's Kisses

1. Fold streamer (or crepe paper) several times in an accordion style
2. Cut simple petal shape (the flowers pictured have approx 12 petals)
3. Tape chocolate bottom to bottom as pictured
4. Wrap floral wire to tip of chocolate kiss or insert skewer or lollipop stick
5. With a low temp glue gun, dab small dots of glue onto petals and attach all around chocolate. Shape petals and gently curl paper under with scissors
6. Wrap floral wire around tip of chocolate and secure with tape
7. Cut simple leaf shapes and attach to stem

I had painted the bottle the flowers are sitting in about 2 years ago, long before I knew about this little blog world. Simple, but pretty, no?

I also wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who entered the Jo Totes giveaway. If you have not yet done so, please go here as there is still time to enter.

Please remember that the mandatory entry requires you to 'like' the Jo Totes fb page, but you must also leave a message on my post advising such as it is the post comments that will be used for the draw.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

much love,

Lucy

The ROSE Camera Bag.....a review (and giveaway)

2012-01-27T02:08:00.000-05:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Photography is a new passion of mine. I have so much to learn about the art, but as time passes, I find myself growing increasingly fascinated with staging and photographing my crafts more than creating the craft itself. Don't get me wrong, I would not pick one over the other as they both bring me a different kind of happiness.

About three months ago, hubby surprised me with a new DSLR camera for my birthday. I was immediately in love with it but became a little obsessed with its handle and care (still am?), as in, I treat this thing like I did my firstborn.

I wanted to take it everywhere but I was afraid of it being damaged as I did not have a camera bag. Hubby offered to buy me a 'regular' camera bag, but truthfully, they are not the prettiest to look at and kind of bulky to carry....

Enter one of the most beautiful camera bags...
The Rose by Jo Totes.

It's no wonder their bags are called "Camera bags for ladies".
I am in love with this bag and would like to take a moment to tell you why...

Not only is it beautiful to look at, but well designed for its purpose. It's roomy enough to not only carry your camera and lenses but other items too. It saves having to carry both a camera bag and a purse and the entire bag is padded with foam that is sewn into the lining on all four sides and the bottom, eliminating my fear of my camera being damaged. It also comes with magnetic closures for quick and easy access.

It includes 4 adjustable Velcro pads that can be adjusted to fit your particular camera needs. You can place them as you wish to accommodate your lenses, camera(s) or any other delicate piece of hardware.

This is a great feature for someone who has additional camera 'toys' as you can take them out when not in use and put them back in as needed. I look forward to the day I'll have new zoom lenses (hint, hint baby)?

I have even taken this bag out without my camera, because it's just so pretty.

The bag also comes with a detachable adjustable cross body strap, which is another plus when you are a mom and need free hands to hold little hands when you're out and about...

Don't you just love that beautiful vintage rose and front pleated panel?

Although there is a small zippered pocket on the back that you can use for papers and such, if I had one suggestion for the folks at Jo Totes, it would be to perhaps incorporate a pocket behind the pleated panel. That said, this is a minor suggestion as the functionality of the bag is wonderful.

Here is an untouched picture so you can get a better look at the true color of this bag. I love the teal and had to have it but there are some other delicious colors to choose from...

...such as the Marigold and the Moss.

They are also so beautiful....

There are obviously many other styles to choose

from and it was a very difficult decision to pick one.

I debated between my beautiful Rose and

the New Betsy, which is also gorgeous...

So here's a question - which one would you choose if I told you you could have any Jo Totes camera bag?

Well, go ahead and start thinking about it because the folks at Jo Totes are generously letting me give one of their amazing bags away!!!!

I am so excited to be able to share this with you. Here are the details of what you need to do...

MANDATORY ENTRY

1. "Like" Jo Totes on their FB page. While there, feel free to leave a comment on their wall letting them know you're visiting via Craftberry Bush and a note on how you feel about their products. Then, leave me a message here letting me know you did.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES

2. Follow Jo Totes on Twitter and leave a separate message letting me know you did

3. Visit the Jo Totes website and leave me a message letting me know which handbag you would choose.

4. If this is your first time here, take a look around and if you like what you see, feel free to join my creative team by following Craftberry Bush. Please leave a comment letting me know you are a new follower.

5. I would love to have you join my FB page. There, I share many inspirational pictures and sneak peeks into my crafts and everyday life so that you get to know a little more about me and I about you. :) Please leave a comment letting me know you joined.

So that's 5 chances to win your own beautiful Jo Totes camera bag!!!! And best of all, Jo Totes didn't want to limit participation and so this giveaway is open to anyone worldwide.

This giveaway will be open for two weeks and will end on Friday, February 10th at midnight (EST). The lucky winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Saturday afternoon. Upon notification of winning, you will have 72 hrs to claim your prize.

Good luck guys!!!!

Have a great day and thanks once again to the kind folks at Jo Totes for the generous giveaway.

much love,

Lucy

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Painted Cross Stitch Pillow and Locks of Love...

2012-01-25T02:42:00.002-05:00

Hello friends, I hope you are having a great week!

Today I received a sweet email from no one other than Eline Pellinkhof . She had seen my mural and was nice enough to let me know she liked my mantel composition and the colours I had chosen for the painting. It made me smile...:)

I just wanted to give you a close up of the little Valentine

pillow I had made to coordinate with the cross stitch painting.

I used a canvas pillow from Canvas corp and

asked hubby to lightly draw a grid with a pencil.

Following the pattern here, I used DecorArt paint

and Fabric medium and simply painted the x's with

varying colours to match Bella's decor....

It took very little time to make
and I think it looks very sweet....

Bella's baby shoes...awww.

There are days when I miss having a baby around the house. And speaking of babies (no we're not having another baby, I'm afraid I have reached my expiry date for that) this here is the baby of the house and...

I shared these pictures on my FB page last week when Isabella and I had a Mama/Daughter date. She was inspired by her older brother who donated his hair last summer to Locks of Love...

Now more than ever, helping anyone undergoing chemotherapy means so much more to our family.

We had had a little fun doing a mini photo shoot. We haven't done this in a long time and being silly and laughing felt good.

I hope today you get to be silly and laugh today....

much love,

Lucy

Linking at
Carolyn's homework
Home stories A to Z
Primp
The 36th avenue
Someday Crafts
French Country Cottage
2805
Crafty,Scrappy,Happy
Whipperberry
Tatertots and Jello
The girl creative
Chic on a Shoestring decorating
Finding fabulous
My Romantic Home
Simply designing
The Shabby Nest
I heart naptime
Today's creative blog
It's overflowing..
Ask Anna
http://akadesign.ca/
Thrifty Decor Chick
Cedar Hill Ranch

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...a Valentine Mantel

2012-01-22T23:19:00.001-05:00

As I get older and the hand of time starts to draw little laugh lines around my mouth, it also lifts a veil from my eyes and the meaning of love has never been clearer...

It is a renewed understanding and appreciation for things which cannot be acquired with money, yet is given to you freely by the Maker...

It's the sunrise in the mornings, the cool breeze during hot summer days and even the cold snow that sparkles like diamonds in the sun.

It's in the eyes of our children
and their innocent smiles...

...and the safe haven that are my husband's arms;

oh how I find peace and love in his embrace.

It's in an empty bank account, yet

an overflowing pantry of food....

It's in the tears of sorrow we shed, yet
unite us as we comfort each other....

It's in the warmth of our home

during cold winter nights...

It's in my hands, it's tangible and it's mine for me to share....

On the mantel sit old books, blue jars, pink and white roses, some are real some are not. Love notes in bottles and a painting inspired by a very talented artist named Eline Pellinkhof. She created a cross stitch mural which is by far much more superior than my painting.

This type of painting is like one of those large pixelated pictures that need to be seen from afar so to capture the full picture, hence the small photograph.

It is very rare for me to recreate another artist's work and I almost feel ashamed displaying it here on my blog. But when I saw Eline's mural, I knew it was exactly what my mantel needed. I suppose I could have drawn a grid to make it a little neater, but lines and measurements constrict me, so I went freehand on this one.

It will sit on my mantel for a little while before making its way to Isabella's room. See the pillow on the bed? It all started when I did a faux cross stitch tag (see it here) and I thought it would be cute to make a faux cross stitch heart pillow for Valentine's day. I then thought of taking it a step further and creating a cross stitch painting but alas, someone else with a lot more talent than I had already thought of it and had excelled at it; there was no reason to reinvent the wheel for this one as I had simply fallen in love with it. I just altered the colours a bit to match Bella's decor.

I believe Eline has had such great response over the mural that she is thinking of creating stencils to sell. If you are not familiar with her work, I encourage you to check it out.

So this is my love mantel for this year, with something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Thank you for your company; I hope to see you again soon...

much love,
Lucy

Linking at
Carolyn's homework
Home stories A to Z
Primp
The 36th avenue
Someday Crafts
French Country Cottage
2805
Crafty,Scrappy,Happy
Whipperberry
Tatertots and Jello
The girl creative
Chic on a Shoestring decorating
Finding fabulous
My Romantic Home
Simply designing
The Shabby Nest
I heart naptime
Today's creative blog
It's overflowing..
Ask Anna
Thrifty Decor Chick
http://akadesign.ca/
Savvy Southern Style
Cedar Hill Ranch

Sharing a little bit of love.....a paper wreath

2012-01-19T00:37:00.003-05:00

Hello again. It's just past midnight and I had promised myself I would go to bed at a reasonable time tonight. I fear my lack of sleep is beginning to catch up to me as I feel like I'm walking in a daze during the day....

But alas, here I am, sharing
a little bit of love with you...

Those of you who follow me on FB
got to see a little peek of this project...

Although very simple, I think it looks so pretty.

I hope to incorporate it into my Valentine's mantel,

but have yet to decide on the colour scheme...

Hubby helped me bend and shape a coat hanger

into a heart shape, which I then covered with

book page strips using DecouPage by DecoArt

The word 'love' is made using the same technique, but with
craft wire. I allowed it to dry and then bent the wire to form
the word 'love', which was then hot glued onto the heart.

The stems were done in the same manner and the

rose created using a previous tutorial found here.

And finally, I re-purposed the frame

I had used for my winter wreath.

I'm not completely satisfied with the photography as I'm not convinced the pictures captured its tenderness...I still have a lot to learn :(

There are a lot of things I wish to talk to you about, but my fatigue is louder than my voice, so I will say bye for now. Thanks for sharing a little bit of love with me....

much love,
Lucy

Linking at
Carolyn's homework
Home stories A to Z
Primp
The 36th avenue
Someday Crafts
French Country Cottage
2805
Crafty,Scrappy,Happy
Whipperberry
Tatertots and Jello
The girl creative
Chic on a Shoestring decorating
Finding fabulous
My Romantic Home
Simply designing
The Shabby Nest
I heart naptime
Today's creative blog
It's overflowing
Ask Anna
http://akadesign.ca/
Faded charm
Savvy Southern Style
Thrifty Decor Chick
Cedar Hill Ranch

The little blue box...a Valentine's gift

2012-01-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, I hope you had a great Monday. This morning when the alarm went off, I made the executive decision to stay in bed and not wake the rest of the house. Have you ever had one of those 'irresponsible parent' moments, when you keep the kiddies home from school, just because?

I have always wanted to home school our kids and I have dreams of traveling the world with them, teaching our kids life lessons through experiencing the world and all its diversity....

My husband and I have a common goal in raising our kids and that's to provide them with not only quality time but, quantity time and fortunately we have been able to do both. So today we walked around in our pj's all day long, we 'clayed' a little, read a little and then I took them out to a restaurant where kids eat free on Mondays. Don't you love those? Unfortunately hubby had to stay home with his Dad but it'll be his turn next time.

In preparation for Valentine's day, Isabella and I have started working on cute little gifts for her friends.

To make the beads, simply follow the instructions pictured above. Allow clay to air dry (approximately 24hrs) and pierce with a toothpick or thread with a needle.

note: this method of piercing after the clay is dry only works with this type of 'puffy' clay as it dries to resemble foam. If you are using a hard curing clay such as porcelain or polymer, pierce the holes prior to it drying.

I used a molding clay AMACO had graciously provided called Cloud Clay and I can honestly say it is probably the best 'puffy' clay I have ever used (I am not being compensated to write this, it's just my honest opinion).

I painted my version of a Tiffany box - from a wooden box bought at the DS - using 10 parts of Oyster Pearl to 1 part of Sea Breeze by DecoArt. The Oyster pearl has a beautiful shimmery finish.

Isabella wanted me to photograph her working on her school project. I am bias to her artistic talent but believe she is an incredible sculptor for a (just turned) 8 year old.

Tip: The clay can be tinted by simply marking it with regular markers and kneading the colour into the clay or it can be tinted with paint.

Who wouldn't want to receive a little blue box like this?

If you visit my FB page then you might have seen a little peek at what I have been working on. Do you prefer the sneak peeks or to be surprised? Either way, I hope to see you again very soon. Thank you so much for all you do for me...:)

much love,
Lucy

Onward and Onward...

2012-01-15T23:10:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

If you have been following this little blog of mine, you know these past few months have been a trying time for our family. Our days and nights seem to blend into one as we lay awake till the wee hours of the morning; sometimes just allowing time to pass by, other times trying to shutdown our minds.

But if nothing else, it has brought a deeper sense of appreciation for family and friends.

A need to grab onto God's hand and feel his comforting presence at all times. Often times, it is unfortunately only situations like these that bring awareness to how precious time and life truly are. Suddenly, some dirty dishes in the sink or a few hand prints on the fridge mean absolutely nothing in this grand show called Life.

It is in this context that I wish to share my feelings; thoughts which I have been wanting to write since shortly after publishing my previous post. You see, I feel in my heart a need to apologize. Not for my feelings - as it was how I felt at the time - but because complaining about something like not having been credited does not feel right, especially at this point in my life.

While I contemplated deleting the post, I was reminded that this place serves as a journal of sorts, where I have decided to write how I feel and be as honest as I can.

So many of you offered encouraging words of support, and for that I am truly appreciative. I also wish to express my gratitude and respect for having received an apology email from the person in question, wherein she expressed regret if my feelings were hurt. She assured me that if inspired by having seen my post, her omission in not crediting back was an oversight. As I said in my reply, this is 'water under the bridge' to me. I have never been able to hold a grudge and I plan to continue living my life that way.

All that aside, this has been an emotional weekend as it was time to prepare our kiddies for the inevitable. We have tried to shield them from the sadness as best we can, but with time drawing near, we felt in our hearts that we needed to prepare them.

While still young, they each have a varying degree of understanding of what death truly means. We met with the three of them individually so to cater the message to match their understanding and relationship with the man they know as 'Gramps'. One conversation not any easier than the other as we all shed tears. But our hope is that this will allow our children to prepare and cherish whatever remaining time we have with 'Gramps'.

Last night, my husband and I had a beautiful conversation with his dad and we rejoiced in knowing that we will see him in heaven. He spoke with conviction about where he is going and yet through it all, his only concern was for us. 'You guys just relax, I'll be fine..moving onward and onward.' Sometimes his words are hard to make out as he gasps for air or his words try to catch up to his thoughts. It was not until right now that I understood he was referring to the hymn, Onward Christian Soldiers.

As the time gets closer, we long for those precious moments of alertness, to hear him speak and just be by his side. How much more fulfilling would our relationships be if we acted this way at all times towards our loved ones?

During these past couple of weeks as I have shared our story, I have received so many beautiful words of encouragement, support, but most importantly of hope. Thank you all for your prayers, thank you for your encouragement, thank you for just being here.

I wish you a beautiful day!

much love,
Lucy

ps.

The pictures you see are those of the roses my husband bought me. I took advantage of a beautiful sunny day and used the flowers for a couple of upcoming posts. One of which I hope you will love. A giveaway perhaps? hmmmm...........;)

Faux birch lantern tutorial...and the little green eyed monster

2012-01-12T22:36:00.005-05:00

You know the saying 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery'? Well in this world of blogging, you tend to see a lot of imitation. Sometimes credit is given, but sadly, sometimes it is not.

Given there are so many other important things in life (finding a cure for cancer being at the top of my list right now), I know it shouldn't bother me, yet I can't help but be irked when credit is not shared.

Trivial? Perhaps, but I sometimes can't help feeling that little twinge in my bones when I see a project that I have created posted on someone else's blog with no credit to be found. Yes, I openly share tutorials, but I do so hoping it will encourage someone to try something they may have otherwise been hesitant to try and feel the freedom art can bring. But when a project is then re-posted and presented as their own, tutorial and all, I feel a little credit is warranted.

It's difficult for me to write this as I feel selfish for even having these feelings. That little twinge doesn't come out very often, but tonight I can't seem to keep this little green eyed monster in its place. Especially when I see this particular project that I'm referring to being 'featured', in one of my favourite sites nonetheless. :(

I guess it's because I try so very hard to come up with new ideas and if my ideas are not my own, I give credit where credit is due. Such is the case with these little lanterns...

Furnish Co UK

I think they are charming and perfect for the season and so after finding this picture, I ventured into my creative world in an attempt to recreate them....

Cardboard paper

Wall compound

toothpick or knife

Scissors

Stapler

Brush

Different size glass jars

Paint (courtesy of DecoArt) - Titanium White

Soft Black

Dark Chocolate

Celery Green

Dried Basil Green

Forming the lantern

1. Measure and cut cardboard to size of jar. Cut or punch a heart or several hearts as desired.

2. With a putty knife, spread a thick layer of wall compound over cardboard.

3. Do not smooth it out as you'll want the ridges and texture.

4. With a toothpick or any sharp edge, make lines and indentations into the compound.

5. Form a tube and staple back of tube prior to the compound drying.

Painting the lantern

I have tried to include instructions of the process I follow, but there are no rules as tree bark has various tones and textures; it can be as dark or as light as you wish. But here is a tip: it's always easier to add paint than to take away.

1. Use a 10:1 white paint to black ratio and sparingly brush onto tube

2. Brush some brown paint onto the tube and quicly wipe off with damp cloth

3. With a brush, dab a mixture of celery green and dark chocolate paint (4:1 ratio) and again wipe off with a damp cloth.

Keep playing with the colours until you are happy with the results.

Allow to dry and gently remove the staples from the back of the lantern. Place a candle inside the jars and wrap 'bark' around the jar. With a hot glue gun, glue 'bark' together and......

Display....

I chose to display mine on my winter mantel, having simply removed some of the items from my Christmas mantel and replaced with pine cones, moss and white branches (sorry, the picture quality is not very good as I had very little time to take the photos)

I also thought my filter roses would make
a lovely display for Valentine's day...

And here is a little fun picture - my hubby's
and my initials carved on the back...:)

This would make a cute wedding centerpiece, no?

I hope you enjoyed this little project and that you forgive my 'green eyed monster'.

Have a lovely day.

much love,

Lucy

Je t'aime...a Valentine's pillow

2012-01-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, thank you for stopping by - I hope your week is going well.

As you may have noticed, I recently gave this lil' blog of mine a make-over to start the new year.  I have been wanting a new layout for a while and although I still have a few little things to iron out, I'm hopeful you like the new look and feel of it so far.

My sister in law, who was one of the first to encourage me to start blogging, has been helping out with the re-design and I am so grateful. She has a cute little blog you may want to visit called Busily Spinning Momma, which reflects her self-taught sewing, kniting and crochet projects.

Today, I wanted to show you this super easy Valentine pillow I made in less than half an hour. I love the way the canvas almost looks like old wrinkled vintage paper...

And how it coordinates with my old books and decor without it being too 'Valentiney'. I could probably keep this pillow around even after Valentine's day....

I used some of the goodies I received from Canvas Corp. (canvas sheet and canvas pillow)

1. Soak canvas sheet in tea (not pictured) and wring out to form wrinkles if desired. If you do not want wrinkles, hang to dry.

2. Write message with permanent marker

3. Cut out heart shape

4. Hot glue canvas heart onto pillow

I recruited hubby to write the words as he has the neatest handwriting I know. So much so, that I had to tell him not to make it perfect. I thought of perhaps lining the outside of the heart with twine but I decided to leave it as is.

The open book is a Midsummer's Night Dream which I found it at our local thrift store. A previous owner had read and scrutinized every page as there are little notes penciled in with beautiful old looking handwriting. I find it so much more interesting to read the notes than the book itself...

I had fun setting up this little display and scattering the books along the floor. I pictured myself in an old French farm reading poetry, overlooking a beautiful garden...sigh...:)

Speaking of gardens, hubby bought me beautiful white roses today and I can't wait for them to bloom a little more so I can snap some pretty pictures; hopefully the weather will cooperate.

There was a time when he would bring me flowers every week and though I was grateful and flattered, I was young and thought shoes and other material items would be a better use of the money he was spending on flowers. So the flowers stopped and the wardrobe grew, but that was a different phase in my life, because now, I want to fill our house with fresh flowers.

As you get older, I guess you start to appreciate the little things a lot more and see a deeper beauty in the things around you. But honey, I know you'll read this and the flowers are beautiful (but I kinda still like shoes VERY much so!)

Well my friends, I will talk to you all soon. Have a beautiful day!

much love,

Lucy

Linking at
Carolyn's homework
Home stories A to Z
Primp
The 36th avenue
Someday Crafts
French Country Cottage
2805
Crafty,Scrappy,Happy
Whipperberry
Tatertots and Jello
Savyy Southern Style

Marshmallow conversation hearts

2012-01-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

I entered this blog world blindly, simply wanting to share my love for art; I had no idea I would end up sharing some of my heart and soul along the way.

I find myself surrounded by so many caring, encouraging women; women who not only share the common ground of creativity but of womanhood itself....

Your words touch my heart and as I read your messages over and over again, I feel healing in my soul. Not because I need validation, but because I feel the freedom to be able to express my feelings knowing that you are there to lend support and lift me up as real friends do.

I recall a conversation over a family dinner; my sister in law and I discussing a specific blogger and her unfortunate situation. Someone interrupted to ask what we were discussing and after saying "blogging", they responded "can't you talk about 'real life?".....

I know that when you take time and leave your words behind for me, you are doing it because you care. I truly consider you my friends. We share our sorrows, our happiness, our success and our failures. This is real life.

So in my 'real life', I can admit to you that I wanted to make homemade marshmallows, as I think the results for this idea would be a little more polished. But because I had neither the time nor the confidence that I could do it, I took a shortcut and used store bought marshmallows.

1. Use a generous amount of icing sugar and starch mixture to cover a heart shaped mold. Use equal parts of both ingredients.

2. Place store bought marshmallows in a buttered microwave safe dish and cook in intervals of 15 seconds, stirring in between until melted.

3. Add food colouring if you wish to make different coloured mallows and stir.

4. Butter or spray a spoon and hands (this will prevent mallows from sticking)

5. Spoon melted marshmallow mixture into mold . Sprinkle some icing sugar on top and firmly press mixture into mold.

6. Allow mixture to dry (about an hour)

7. Gently remove mallows from pan and reshape if needed. Brush excess sugar and cornstarch.

8. Pour some food colouring into a little bit of milk to make diluted pastel colours and with a clean paintbrush, write message onto heart (I have used this technique here and here)

If you wish to make homemade mallows and use a heart shaped cookie cutter instead, go here.

TIPS:

- prepare mold prior to melting marshmallows as they harden quite quickly.

- butter fingers to avoid mixture from sticking to your hands, as it is extremely sticky.

You can make them traditional looking or a little fancier like the ones above. I think these would make very sweet Valentine treats or even wedding favors....

Sweet and tender...

I want to once again thank you for being here; I know I sound like a broken record but your company lifts me up and I truly appreciate it.

Have a beautiful week!

much love,
Lucy

ps. This week, I'm honoured to be a guest judge over at the CSI project where the challenge is Winter Crafts. I would love for you to participate or just drop by and be inspired.

Link up starts on Wednesday at 12:00 am EST

Linking at
Carolyn's Homework
Crafty, Scrappy,Happy

Escaping through art...(cold porcelain tea light holder)

2012-01-05T21:15:00.002-05:00

I have written this paragraph over and over again, trying to somewhat sugarcoat the 'ugly'. Truth is, there is no sugarcoating when you speak of a loved one facing death. The word itself feels wrong to say or even type. But that is the reality of our home right now. We live and breath it everyday and hold our breaths with the anxious question is today the day? I have hesitated posting in fear that I will 'scare you away' with all this gloominess, yet it is our reality (I speak about it here).

Reality is not pretty right now and is difficult to escape, but like using that oxygen mask on yourself first so you can help others around you, we have decided to try to live as 'normal' as possible. It is therefore why I am posting today. Because when I am creating, my mind leaves for a few minutes and that is all I need, a few minutes of that precious oxygen.

But now I am facing a new feeling - guilt. Guilt that I have this outlet and I don't know that my husband has one. Scared that he will think I don't care enough - babe, you know that I do care, with all my heart.

I have been sculpting at nights, when the

house is quiet and my thoughts are mine....

I received some cold porcelain from AMACO (it is called cold porcelain because it is air drying and does not need the use of a kiln to cure). Although I had never tried this type of cold porcelain before, I have quickly become addicted and just wish I had more of it.

I made the tea light holders and these sweet little pinecones....

I have also been painting, dreaming of making handmade cards to possibly sell one day (this is what my husband calls my 'forced' smile. He would also say 'I see sadness in your eyes'. He would be right. :(

And I have been trying to pretty up Bella's temporary room. I used the crates on this shoot and covered the inside with fabric, leaving some of the wood visible because I like the rustic/vintage feel. Perhaps when it's all done I can show you some more.

In trying to decorate post Christmas, I made these sweet birch lanterns. I will show you how they were done on a later post. Think faux.......

And so, this is how I escape through art. Friends, now more than ever I appreciate your company and thank you for being here.

I wish you all a beautiful day.

much love,
Lucy

Decor Trends 2012...

2012-01-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year friends! We have started a new chapter and the pages are blank waiting for you to write your story....

I thought I would stop by to say hello and share some of the decor trends of 2012 according to Style at Home magazine...

Malachite is a semi precious stone also known as the Peacock stone

Viva Full House

Elle Decor

Weldons

Houzz

We saw an influx of reptile print on clothing this
fall and furniture usually follows right after...

Home Depot wall paper

Snake Skin Frabrics.com chair

Modenus table

1st DIBS mirror

Probably one of my favourite trends is Chinoiserie,
or a modern take on Chinese motif decor....

Designzie blue wall paper

flutter flutter girl room

Apartment Therapy

artedona plate

Wall paper with geometric shapes is still going

strong, yet there is a shift to anything hexagon...

Dove Cote Decor pillow

Decor8 lamps

Eclectic revisited wallpaper

My Natastic Life wallpaper

We are also welcoming Tangerine Tango as the Pantone colour of the year...

Lamp Plus

Dwell Studio

Bright, cheerful, feel good color...exactly what I need right now.

What do you think of the trends? Is there one in particular you are attracted to?

On a side note, while it's been a little gloomy around here and I haven't had much desire to create, please know that I do miss this place and my interaction with you.

I'm not sure when I will speak to you again, but I sure hope it is soon.

Until then, please know that with all my heart, I wish you a beautiful New Year, filled with hope, fulfilled dreams and bright horizons.

sending you much love,

Lucy

My thoughts on a Thursday afternoon....

2011-12-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hello my dear friends, I hope this finds you well.

I have always proclaimed this little space of mine as 'my happy place'; a place where I come to get away from the reality of life. It is here, where my creativity blooms in hopes that what I do will inspire someone to create and feel the freedom that comes with creativity.

And yet as I try to get away from the 'reality of life' and come up with a 'Top 10 of 2011', my heart will not allow me. As it is also here where I pour my heart through written words and reality finds me.

This week has been yet another trying week for our little family as we come closer to seeing the ugly face of cancer and its destructiveness. But my intentions on writing this is not to put a damper on what is probably a happy time for many of you as you come together and celebrate the holidays. But my words are those of encouragement to

Love deeper....

I watch in admiration the love and dedication of my husband and his sister towards their father as they try to make him as comfortable as they can. Showing him love and tenderness such as the one he once showed them as children. Even though their father was not always physically present during the latter part of their childhood, they faithfully sit at his bedside, painfully watching him fade away. And yet amongst all the pain I am learning a beautiful lesson, a lesson in compassion, forgiveness and faithfulness.

It is easy to lose sight of all the blessings that surround us when the pain is so strong. But they are still there; in the love for each other that grows even deeper and brings you so much closer, in the family and friends who offer their love and support, in the need to have my kids all sleep in my room because I need their comforting presence, in the realization that material wealth is truly meaningless, in the need to draw closer to God...

As this year comes to an end and we look towards the future in hopes of more beautiful sunrises and brighter horizons, I want to encourage you to stop and be grateful and appreciative for the people in your life.

Today is the day that was made to hug a little tighter and love a little deeper. You can never say too many I love yous. We hear this all the time, and yet many times words are left unsaid until it's too late to say them....

Deleted scenes of 2011...The 'unbloomed' Craftberries

2011-12-26T20:27:00.001-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, filled with love, laughter and new memories.

It's hard to believe that after weeks of preparing for Christmas it is now in the past. We will soon be ringing in the new year and I thought it would be fun to share some of the posts that did not make the final cut. Either due to time, failed attempts or me thinking it was not blog 'worthy'. Most recently - the little felt birdie pictured above. I think he is so adorable and so he will sit in the 'draft' file until next year...:)

This ornament wrapped with doilies did not make the cut either as I was not completely satisfied with the results.

I had a great time helping a friend decorate for the holidays, making several of these wreathes using mostly dollar store items...

I love the non-traditional colours she chose, inspired by peacock feathers I found at the dollar store. She has a beautiful home and I would love to give you a tour, but maybe next time....

The kiddies and I always love the time we spend decorating the gingerbread house. I love how the hard candies we used as bricks make the house look like a quilted Candyland house. So fun..

I know you recognize the bark from this post, but along with the bark tutorial, this felt mushroom tutorial did not make it either.

In the fall, I made pumpkin pancakes for the kiddies, but some one else posted the idea before I did, so I decided not to post it...

This one was just for fun, which made
it to my FB page, but not to the blog....

I made these for our son's birthday

in June...they were a hit...:)

...and my sister and I made these Elmo pops.

These were our very first ones ever.

Bella and I tried to make colourful rock candy, which was a bit of a fail, but they still looked pretty. We'll try it again next year...

This one was a favourite in the neighbourhood, as we had many of the neighbourhood kids line up to try. I made them an "Angry Bird" launcher out of exercise resistance tubes. We even painted an old volleyball. The target was several boxes and water balloons with pig faces drawn on them with Sharpie markers. So fun!

When I was contacted by the producers of the Martha Stewart show to potentially showcase my soda bottle penguins on the show (I speak about it here), I was also asked to send other items to showcase. I made this faux cupcake, which several people mistakingly took for real, and tried to eat.

This mug was inspired by Anthropology and painted using glass markers the folks at DecoArt graciously sent to me to sample.

And finally, this Spring I made these tulip popcakes for my cousin's baby shower (the tutorial also sits in the draft folder...).

So there you have it, some of the craftberries that for some reason or another did not fully bloom.

I am looking forward to the new year as I attempt to give this little blog a makeover. It is my wish that you will be a major part of the changes as I ask for suggestions and advice.
I'm still a novice when it comes to HTML codes and blog design so any advice you might have is welcomed with open arms.

Once again, thank you for a wonderful year. I can't wait to share yet another one with you, but for now, I'm off to see what you guys are up to. See you soon!

much love,

Lucy

Merry Christmas my sweet friends...

2011-12-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

⁶For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Dear Lord,

I think of the precious gift of Jesus and I am in awe of your love. Thank you for your perfect love. God, you know my heart and you know how dear the people who visit this little place are to me. Please bless them as they come together with their families to celebrate the birth of your son Jesus. Pour your love over them, so your peace and joy is felt in their hearts.

Thank you Father in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours...xo

much love,

Lucy

OK folks, it's a wrap!

2011-12-22T22:22:00.005-05:00

Well my dear friends, this is likely to be my last idea post before Christmas, so I hope you approve...

I haven't had great lighting of late, so with the sun's rare appearance today, I took a lot of pictures (perhaps too many?).

Today I wanted to show you what I hope you'll find to be a very pretty way to present some of your delicious baking goods in an unexpected little container we tend to just throw away....

But before I continue, I wanted to let you know that all of the paper used on this post was a generous gift from Canvas Corp. I am so thankful because this came at the perfect time.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but this is a mandarin orange wooden box, covered in book pages and some more of the beautiful paper I received. I have been saving those crates trying to think of what to use them for and I think this is just right...

I adore this black and white stripe cardstock paper, which I used to make this little box to put some store bought shortbread cookies inside (I speak about this here). If you would like a tutorial of this box, I will gladly do one, but it's just a simple 12"X12" cube. The waxed cotton cord was also in my package from Canvas Corp...I am so grateful.

This beautiful recipe card is also
from Canvas Corp...isn't it darling?

I love how the cookies look inside their little box and the sprigs of cedar add just the right Christmas touch...

This bag was a simple brown craft bag from the dollar store and I used the same technique I speak about here to make it into a pretty cookie bag....

I think this paper is perfect for this idea. I am just smitten with it. Do you like it? Well let me see what I can do, as there might just be a giveaway coming up....

So my friends, this is it from me for now. I hope you enjoyed this little idea and that I have inspired you to think outside the 'wooden box' (sorry, I just had to).

Oh, but before I go, I have one more. This one my kids don't appreciate because they think I'm lying to Santa....ha!

I'm fairly certain he
has a sense of humour....

Instructions on how to use

these pens can be found here

Thank you for spending your precious time with me...

much love,

Lucy

Fake bake, not the Snooki type...

2011-12-20T23:57:00.001-05:00

As Christmas nears and the excitement in our children's eyes increases, so too does my elevating blood pressure as I contemplate all of the things that still need to be done. Yet at the same time, I rejoice in their happiness and the beauty of their little world.

I have been admiring your beautiful blogs filled with yummy cookies and delicious looking Christmas sweets and was inspired to make my own....

But my oven is not working. Well, that's only the partial truth. The absolute truth is that I'm not a baker. I have tried, I really have...but to no avail....

But what I can do is show you how to make your own cookie bag, so all your hard work looks even more beautiful ...

1. Dollar store gift bag
2. Cut just below handles

3. Choose your favourite scrapbooking frame and outline the inside of the frame

4. Cut out outline

5. Glue frame on top of cut out

6. Tape or glue some cellophane in the inside above the cut out (hard to see from the picture but it's there)

This one is my favourite and it was done the same way using a doily. Isn't it so pretty? The tags you see on all of the packages are from Canvas Corp, more on that on the next post...:)

I spray painted several of these cedar sprigs to adorn other gifts, but it works well with the reds.

I love how simple this one is and of course I can't get enough of the colour combo....are you tired of it yet?

The idea of wrapping store bought cookies and re-wrapping or' fake baking' if you will, would never work with my family as everyone knows my lack of baking abilities (but my neighbours don't ;)

I'll see you soon with some other yummy ideas.....thank you for your sweet company...have a great day!

much love,
Lucy

ps. does it count that the shortbread cookies are homemade, just not by me...?

I will be sharing at Cookiepalloza...thank you Kate!

also linking here, thank you for taking the time to host...xo

Home Stories from A to Z

An unexpected treat....

2011-12-18T19:56:00.003-05:00

Good Monday to you. I would like to once again thank you for your words of encouragement as I am always humbled and amazed at the love of the blogging community. It makes the sadness a little lighter when you know you have someone's prayer behind you and even though my Father in Law is not a believer, I know through our prayers God can send comfort to not only his physical body but his soul. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts...

In an earlier post, I mentioned I would reveal what is inside this mug....

Well, here it is. It's the popular hot cocoa
mug gift, but Craftberry Bush style...

Not in a jar, in an ornament...

And depending how much you like the person you are gifting, you can take the time to build a mini edible snowman...here is how...

1. Stick a toothpick into a Cocoa Puff
2. Dip in melted white chocolate (they look like tini, wini little cakepops...awww)
3. Allow chocolate to harden and use additional melted chocolate to 'glue' together. The orange nose is an orange candy sprinkle and the eyes were dotted with a toothpick using black food coloring.
4. Using the same technique used here, cover surface with sugar and roll gumdrop
5. Make a little hat or scarf or even mittens if desired.

Do not remove the toothpick as this will help keep the snowman in place when you insert it into the bulb. As you 'build' the snowman, keep measuring the snowman against the opening of the bulb ensuring its size will fit the opening. I had to give my snowman rhynoplasty surgery...ha!

Using a paper funnel, pour favourite hot cocoa recipe into bulb and slowly insert snowman into the ornament using tweezers.

See the little 'snow balls' in the globe? they are little clumps of icing sugar I sifted just for extra brownie points. I stamped and attached a little note to the top and also placed a bag of mini marshmallows at the bottom of the mug.

I'm in love with the idea because it's whimsical and unexpected.

On a side note...to those of you who I give one of these to, the measure of my love for you will be whether or not you get a snowman or not...;)

Have a great Monday!

much love,
Lucy

ps. this is my cocoa jar from last year; please click on the picture to go to the original post....

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http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/

My thoughts on a cold Sunday night....

2011-12-18T00:47:00.000-05:00

It's a cold Sunday evening and over my laptop screen I can see my old, yet beautiful Christmas tree. Glowing proudly, announcing Christmas is only a week away.

The house is quiet save for the faint sound of the TV in the background. I sit at my usual spot at the kitchen table reminiscing of the week and choosing carefully what to share.

This week has been a sad week here at our home as my father in law fights that horrible war of cancer. 'The C word' as he calls it, just in case the children might be listening.
But they know; they see the sadness in their dad's eyes and my inability to stop the tears. They see a once independent and tenacious 'Gramps', now spending the majority of his days in bed, sleeping. Such is this horrible disease that can rob anyone of their body and deteriorate their every cell.

I know he wishes he could be walking along the Australian shores he often spoke of, or find something to repair simply because 'they don't make things like the used to'. Or something as simple as accompanying his son during his morning drive to the train station, as he had faithfully done every day for the last 4 months, before his body could no longer muster the energy.

The amazing thing is, cancer has robbed him of his physical ability but not of his inner strength as he looks up at me and says 'I will not give in'. I believe you!

And so this is our mission...day by day, we will try to revive his physical strength...plump him up into 'visual' health so he can live drug free (the oral chemo he was taking to slow the spread of cancer has taken a toll on his body and the doctor has decided to stop it). One day, he shall walk the Australian shores once again.

I know this is not a cheery joyful Christmas post, but this is what has been going on in our lives for the past couple of weeks. I know that we are not alone. I know many of you might be experiencing hurt and pain - be it cancer related or any other health issue. Perhaps your pain is emotional or you have a financial burden or you feel alone? Whatever it is, no matter how big or small, know that for God nothing is impossible.

As Christmas fast approaches and we feel the need for joy and cheer, the burdens of life can interfere, but please know He can give you peace even in the midst of your despair... you need only allow Him to lead the way.

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Thank you my friends, for being there to 'listen' and lend support....

Tomorrow I will show you what is hiding inside that mug, but for now, I wish you all a peaceful Sunday night.
much love,
Lucy

Mini Pine Cone ornament....

2011-12-16T17:57:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, I just wanted to stop by to say a quick hello and also let you know that today I'm at Stephanie Lynn's blog Under the Table and Dreaming, showing you how to make this easy last minute ornament....I hope you can join me.

Have a great night and talk to you soon.

much love,
Lucy

A little nostalgic....

2011-12-13T23:18:00.003-05:00

Hi friends, I finally found some time to sit down, edit some pictures and create this post.

Tonight, I am feeling a little nostalgic as my eldest son will be going on his first overnight trip with his school. Even though it's only a couple of nights, I feel as if part of that beautiful silk thread that unites us is slowly unraveling. Perhaps dramatic for some, but such is the bond between a first born and a mother....

The realization that that little bird I once held under my wings and comforted him to sleep will one day leave this little nest of ours makes my heart flutter. But that is not for a while yet as he is only 11....

When I was a child, I recall my mom saying she wished she could put us in a glass box and keep us in there forever; I never understood what she meant and my little child imagination didn't think it was such a great idea....

I obviously now understand that she wanted her most prized possession to be kept from harm; like a precious artifact that sits safely behind the glass of a museum exhibit. Kept away from hands that can harm it and thieves who could steal it. But alas, life is such that one has to let them go so one day they can grow up and have their own precious artifact to take care of.....

But I digress, and apologize as today I wanted to show you a little Christmas village that I made to coordinate with my advent calendar. I simply decoupaged some old bird houses (you can see their before here), painted them with coordinating colours and added some frosty love on top. The little nutcrackers came in a pack of three from the DS and I also painted them to coordinate.

I'm in love with this colour combination and

wanted to use it to decorate Isabella's room....

I think these guys will look

super cute sitting in the village....

I used a little tea cup and a tea

pot to add some more whimsy.....

Well my sweet friends, I hope you are having a great week so far! Thank you for your sweet company and for allowing me to be a bit 'dramatic'. Have a great day!

much love,
Lucy

p.s. You can make your own little mushroom by following the instructions here. I simply painted them red and added a few white dots...xo

Faux Boxwood mini wreath tutorial...

2011-12-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

Hello again...I hope you enjoyed your weekend.

Can you believe that Christmas is 2 short weeks away? I feel as if I have so many things to get done and yet the procrastinator in me says 'you have plenty of time'.

Unfortunately, I have always been a Christmas shopping procrastinator and I don't think things will change this year. It doesn't help that hubby shares the same 'philosophy' and so every year, we come together to form a super dynamic shopping duo and get it done. And every year, we say 'next year, we'll get it done early'....

I have always been enchanted with boxwood wreaths but they can be pricey, and so as usual, I'm off to look for an alternative. Enter my faithful Dollar Store...(I mention that store a lot don't I? Seriously need to look into sponsorship...ha). I found what I thought would work and came up with these little wreathes....

Here is how I made them...

I found these 'boxwood' topiary balls

and pulled all the sprigs right off....

I rolled and taped several shopping bags into a wreath form and individually glued the sprigs onto the 'wreath' making sure to cover the entire area.

I love how the look hanging

from the old window frame...

Nothing compares to the real thing, but I think they look very pretty and festive, hanging from a chair, on a door or just anywhere. And the best part is that they will last a long time and they only cost me $3.00 to make... (I know baby, DS trips add up after time...)

This week, I hope to post a little more often than usual as I have several projects that I have completed. I am always weary of posting too soon for fear that you will 'miss' a post so I hope you will join me.

Which brings me to this - I want to thank you once again for all your tender comments and sweet words. It's been said many times before (and for fear of sounding repetitive), please know that I appreciate the time you spend here with me and the time it takes you to leave comments and express your feelings to me.

I realize that browsing blogs and stopping by to leave a message takes effort and time and it's much easier to keep on going or to 'pin' something you like. I'm guilty of such, but I am trying to change that because I know how important comments are and how they validate all the hard work and hours it takes to put a post together. Especially to those who are just starting out. So from the bottom of my heart...thank you!

I will talk to you very soon, but in the mean time....have a wonderful day!

much love,
Lucy

Home Stories A to Z

A peak into our nest....

2011-12-10T12:54:00.000-05:00

Hello my dear friends, I hope this finds you well. This morning, the sun is shining and if not for the frost on the rooftops, you would think you could step outside wearing just a t-shirt. I'm in a joyful mood this morning for no particular reason. Yes, our worries are always in the background but today, I want to feel peace and joy as God has granted us another day so why not make it a good one?

As you might know from previous posts, I have been decorating our home for the holidays. I wanted to give you just a little glimpse of what our nest looks like.

Here is our table, that does not get used as often as it should. We usually eat at our dinette table in our kitchen....

I placed some bulbs for colour and randomly inserted some vintage silverware amongst the greenery....

I hung a couple of mercury glass ornaments from the light fixture to add some more interest and balance to the table

Here are some pictures of the table setting with my little trees. It might look more inviting because the candles are lit. I have a little conundrum...do I keep the trees on the table or remove them?

A series of pictures from around our home, the theme continues throughout the house....

Our gallery wall has had many changes. Here, I hung some wooden letters to spell NOEL and placed some pretty DS snowflakes in the frames. I also have prepared a tutorial of those mini boxwood wreaths you see hanging....

This little vignette sits on my kitchen table, which was probably not the wisest idea as the kiddies keep drawing pictures on the 'snow' with their little fingers....I found a smiley face and a heart....ha :)

Here is another display I'm working on that coordinates with our advent calendar. I will also give you more details on the little houses in an upcoming post....

And of course you have seen

our fireplace and mantel...

And this other little display with my wreath...

And so it goes, our home gets filled with more and more Christmas love everyday! I hope you enjoyed the little glimpse into our home...it's not close to perfect and there are many things I would love to be able to do, but nevertheless it's our home and to us, there's no place like it!

I hope you come back soon so I can share with you some other projects that have been checked off the 'to do' list.....

Have a wonderful weekend!

much love,
Lucy

It's Overflowing

Craftberry Bush

A shabby chic princess tea party...

A God given talent...a child's art pillow

The ugly side of creativity...and an Anthro knockoff

DIY chalk paint and a giant linky party....

Valentine Roundup...

Jo Totes Giveaway. And the Winner is...

A heart for Shabby...easy Valentine ornament or gift tag

Love blooms...faux Mulberry watercolor paper rose tutorial

In better hands now...a note to Gramps.

Bouquet of hugs and kisses...a Valentine favour

The ROSE Camera Bag.....a review (and giveaway)

Painted Cross Stitch Pillow and Locks of Love...

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...a Valentine Mantel

Sharing a little bit of love.....a paper wreath

The little blue box...a Valentine's gift

Onward and Onward...

Faux birch lantern tutorial...and the little green eyed monster

Je t'aime...a Valentine's pillow

Marshmallow conversation hearts

Escaping through art...(cold porcelain tea light holder)

Decor Trends 2012...

My thoughts on a Thursday afternoon....

Deleted scenes of 2011...The 'unbloomed' Craftberries

Merry Christmas my sweet friends...

6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

OK folks, it's a wrap!

Fake bake, not the Snooki type...

An unexpected treat....

My thoughts on a cold Sunday night....

Mini Pine Cone ornament....

A little nostalgic....

Faux Boxwood mini wreath tutorial...

A peak into our nest....

⁶For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.