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Last Post of 2011. . .

It is hard to believe that 2012 is a mere 12 hours away! As I get older these years seem to fly by much too quickly, especially the last few months of the year. Once the kids start a new school year in September, the holidays are here in the blink of my eye.

Tonight at dinner, just as in year's past, we will sit around the table reminiscing about our favorite moments over the last year. And, just as in year's past there will be good ones and ones that we will be glad to leave behind. And, just as in year's past there will be renewal and hope for fresh starts where they are needed and continued persistence where dreams have yet to be met. And, just as in year's past, I am grateful for the wonderful friends and family that surround me, blessings that light my life and the silver lining that always shows itself no matter how hard the lesson.

In hopes of NOT beginning 2012 with a holiday post, I wanted to share how my last creative days of 2011 ended for me with those very friends I mentioned above (with way too many, many missing this year) celebrating the holidays. . .

Allowing me to create just one more centerpiece . . .

Make one more set of place cards and goodies. . .

Host one more amazing artist and friend, Karla Nathan. . .

Learn many more artistic techniques (twisted by me and decorated by Karla). . .

Beginning to transform my 36 year old childhood bedroom furniture in a private class with Karla learning her infamous painting techniques. . .

And participate in the last three swaps of 2011, officially throwing my tree of handmade ornaments over the top. I could go on and on but suffice to say, I couldn't be more grateful. . .

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.

                                                        ~ John Lennon

 

Creative Pilgrimage Launch Party. . .

I couldn't be more honored to be featured as one of the "Behind-The-Scenes' Gatherings in Jenny Doh's latest artful publication, Creative Pilgrimage. It is a wonderful book of creative inspiration and projects by too many artists to count on TWO hands. Some of my favorite events and moments are displayed in it's pages and show what bringing a group of amazing women together can do to create joy in our lives. I am hoping it will inspire you to spread your wings and come play with other like minded souls if you haven't already.

Since all exciting news deserves a celebration, there will be a special Launch Party on January 7th in Jenny's studio. I will be there with a sweet make n' take that you will love. It also just happens to be the perfect accessory for my upcoming Affaire at Tiffany's Event in May 2012. It will be a lovely evening with other artists from the book demonstrating their art techniques and we will all be available, along with Jenny, to sign a page as well.  

Jenny has put together a wonderful video about the book that you can view Here. It is available on Amazon for pre-order and will be shipping on January 1st. There will be copies to purchase at the Launch Party as well.

I hope you will come join us for this celebratory evening. Thank you Jenny for letting me share in such a special moment!

 

Holiday Stocking Swap. . .

Between all the decorating madness and holiday preparations, I was pleasantly surprised when the always lovely, Carrie, invited some of her crafty friends to join in a holiday stocking swap. As you know, I am not much of a "sewer" so when Carrie said we could embellish an already made stocking, I was in! I LOVE to embellish!

Once our lists of favorite things were completed, Carrie randomly matched us up. My partner was Deirdre, who just happened to be my wonderful ride all around Dallas last year. It's great being partnered with someone you know, if only a bit. Turns out that Deirdre likes creams, taupe's, vintage, lace and is not a huge fan of jewel tones. I couldn't have gotten a better match.

I used all my best bits and pieces of lace and had the best time turning this sweet velvet stocking from Pottery Barn into a vintage lovely. We filled the stockings with pretties as well ~ of course, right?

I jumped on the "sleigh" of Mason Jar craze this year and made Deirdre my version of a shaker inspired by Anthropologie's darling snow globes. With a few tree dying tips from my friend, Karla, I was a bleaching maniac. I actually dyed this little pink tree using packets of Crystal Light Pink Lemonade. I had so much fun that I made them to use as place cards for an upcoming holiday party.

I wanted to include a piece of handmade jewelry for Deirdre as well. I made her a bracelet using my talented friend, Jamie's, wonderful layered bracelet technique that she taught us at a recent get together.

add some tins of goodies. . .

and a collection of treasures is ready to go with some holiday cheer. Thank you Carrie for including me in such a great idea! Crossing my fingers she likes it!