Going by some of your previous comments which BTW, I appreciate very much, I created three things for this giveaway.  The first one is a fuzzy birdie in a tree in a spool.

The second is a pretty, cozy little heart necklace.

And lastly, a cashmere heart in a vintage tart tin that could be used as either a pincushion or an ornament.

To enter a chance to win (1 winner for all 3 things) please leave a comment to this post by next Friday, November 4th and I’ll be back the next morning with the name of the winner.  Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

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I’ve recently been dabbling with paper towels (more specifically, the construction grade towels from Home Depot.)  Here’s an altered vintage metal box that I created using clear stamps (Romantic Botanicals available at Crescendoh) designed by the wonderfully talented, Rachel Emilie Jackson.

You can find the how-to instructions over at the gallery at Crescendoh, the source of this beautiful photo BTW.

On a separate note, I’m just putting the finishing touches on a few things for my next giveaway.  Hopefully, I’ll have them ready and posted by this coming Friday.

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Well, it’s that time of year again when needle felting feels so right…so cozy.  I recently made little wool birdies like these…

…and I turned them into these…

This one looks right at home perched in a wire tree…

…with a single bluish dangle on a single, bright blue spool.

This one also sits in a twisted tree.

But this one decided to sit directly on a spool…I guess he’s not as adventurous.

These spools are all still waiting for a birdie…this is a good thing since I’ve only just begun.  I’ll probably end up making at least a dozen or more (knowing myself, probably a lot more) birdies before I’m ready to move on to making something else.  Making things feels good…moving on feels good too.  Thank goodness for the changing of seasons!

Speaking of seasons changing, for these next few months due to the lack of natural light (bye-bye longer, brighter days) my photos probably won’t be as clear or vibrant.  I hope you won’t mind this temporary change very much.

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Thanks as always for dropping by. For those who entered in the magazine giveaway, thank you for participating. The winner, who gets a free copy of Stampington’s new magazine, Mingle, is Carla-cosmogirl! Congratulations…please email me your mailing address, thanks.

While you’re here I thought I’d show you a simple project that could come in handy this holiday season.  Turning feathers into party favors is quick, easy and definitely fun.

To make these, begin by typing (or printing from your computer) a special name or word onto paper or canvas.  Then cut around the name/word and adhere this strip either on top of or around the base of a feather with a glue stick.  Next, apply some glitter glue over the name/word and let dry.  Lastly, use 24 gauge wire to attach a beaded dangle around the base of the feather and that’s it…basically three steps and you’re done!

Placing a single feather into a sparkling clear wine glass would make a lovely display, or you can cluster many feathers together in a single elegant container to serve as a table centerpiece.  And then your guests can each bring one home as a special reminder of your event.  BTW, these altered feathers could also be used as bookmarks.

Here’s a close-up of one that I made for Jenny.  I made this one for her as a little thank you gift for having Bill and I over for dinner a couple months back.

And here’s a close-up of the one that I made for Heather as part of her birthday gift.

For most of my art projects I like to use feathers found at the beach.  However, for this particular project I needed feathers with a more substantial base so I purchased these from the local craft store…it’s nice to have options.

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Stampington just came out with a brand new magazine, Mingle!

This issue covers a multitude of creative ideas for unique gatherings such as fanciful events…

with spots of frilly romantic looks thoughout…

as well as colorful girlie gatherings…

and also personal stories about life changing experiences that happen at creative retreats.  The article that begins on page 54 encourages you to “do what you love.”  And beginning on page 20 you’ll find an article about “Be Present Retreats“.

If you’d like to win a free copy of this fantastic first issue, simply leave a comment to this post by this Saturday, October 15th, and I’ll be back the next morning to announce the winner.

Before I go I have to quickly show you some fun and fabulous food related ideas that are also included in this issue.  It wouldn’t be a proper party without the amazing treats right?

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Inside the current issue of Jewelry Affaire (Autumn issue) you’ll find my article in the Vintage Jubilee department.

This article includes the specific instructions on how to create these romantic looking necklaces.  All three necklaces were made using spare parts.  I know that many of you enjoy repurposing miscellaneous items as well…it’s fabulous that we have this in common!

I found the hanging parts (old metal hooks) during a family vacation in Geneva.  While traveling together, Bill and Brook very often accompany me to the local thrift stores…this makes the browsing experience that much more fun.  BTW, these metal hooks came in a glass jar full of other sewing notions – I think I paid 3 or 4 dollars for the whole jar…I love, love, love a good bargain!

In addition to using the metal hooks, I repurposed a vintage pin by attaching it to a strip of delicate lace, along with a couple of classic pearls.

I think these silvery-colored beads look pretty against the chunky crochet trim.  The mix of shine with texture, within a neutral palette feels elegant and easy.

With the holidays fast approaching I’m thinking of making some more of these quick to assemble necklaces to give as gifts.  And I’ll soon be happy-busy making ornaments as well, perhaps some felted wool items and all things cozy in general.  What special things do you enjoy making for the holidays?

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I thought you might enjoy a quick look around my neighborhood.  It’s hilly in spots around here which I don’t mind at all since this allows for a bird’s eye view of the forest.

Within the forest there are many wooded paths to walk through, and I especially love the feeling of being wrapped gently by a canopy of tree limbs suspended above.

Sights of sunshine colored berries always brightens up my mood…

…and here are some pretty petite petals with heads raised towards the sky.

During my walks around the neighborhood there are fields of red as far as the eye can see.

And beneath my feet there are prickly pine cones scattered all over the ground…these punctuations of rough texture perfectly offsets the soft bed of pine needles.

Very soon the lakes around here will be hugged in vibrant swaths of color (I took this photo last year,) bringing deep and satisfying beauty…I can hardly wait.

As I stand within the shadows of anticipation I have to remind myself that it’s good to be patient…it’s good to be in the moment.

As much as I look forward to the peak of Fall, I know to take advantage of the view as it is right now.  And right now everything still glistens in green…so lovely and alive and full of promise.

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Inside the current issue of Somerset Holidays & Celebrations…

…you’ll find my article…

…which features a greeting card…

…pillowy bird ornaments…

…presented in humble paper bags, dressed up simply with a single black bow.

Within the article you’ll find the specific instructions for how to create both the card and ornaments.  And BTW, as usual, most of the materials that I used for these projects are from my pile of recycled bits.  Making something from nothing is so satisfying…do you enjoy creating with spare parts as well?

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As you know I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with watercolor paint.  When I sit down to play with this medium it usually begins with a simple idea, which turns into a simple sketch.

The inspiration for the piece below began with windows, a yellow one to be specific.  I chose to paint my window frame yellow because this color is associated with feelings of optimism, enlightenment and happiness…I’m always looking for ways to include positive energy in my artwork.

With the addition of a basic roof this window becomes a house.

Inside of my window there are dreamy drapes of lace…a light layer of beeswax brings out the delicate details.

At the bottom of the window I added all kinds of pretty things, like a patch of shimmery flowers.

I continued this layering effect on the sides too.

Creating this yellow window of sunshine made me happy.  What happy things have you been creating lately?

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Winged bugs frequently stop and rest on the outside of our windows…I like these closeup views very much.

I am amazed by the idea that their delicate wings can carry them wherever they want to go.  And this wonderment is what inspired me to create a dragonfly of my own.

My little guy has a body made from a mini-clothespin…

with watercolor painted heart-shaped wings…

…which brought about this thought:

There’s nothing quite like playful creativity to lift the mood…wishing you all lots of light and love.

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