Monday, November 24, 2008

Praise Be to the Lord of Lords!




The "open house" is over and done for another year and was quite a success! Not monitarily but the ladies that came seemed to enjoy welcoming in the Christmas season , all enjoyed the food & I enjoyed all of them. I even got to meet four or five ladies that live in our subdivision and that was delightful! This Saturday was not as busy as the first Saturday but there was someone here all day long but by 4:00 I was ready to crash! I, however, tore down all the tables and put the "leftovers" in a box for a later date of deciding what to do with it. I did sell six pieces of my jewelry that I would not have sold otherwise so we were pleased with that and thanking the Lord for a little "extra" to go towards my honey and I getting new glasses. He lost his in the burn pile a couple of months ago and my eyes have certainly changed since starting to bead.
I have some corrections that I must make.... I had told you that I loved a new blog called "The Quill House" wrong.... it is called "The Quill Cottage.blogspot.com". So sorry for that error. I have bookmarked it and never thought to look. Please check her out!!! She has such lovely things to say, especially todays. The drawings at the top of the page were done by Dawn at "The Feathered Nest.blogspot.com". Aren't they PRECIOUS? She has an article in there about my friend, Lynn from Lynnslovelies.blogspot.com and she is correct about the beautiful work that Lynn does. I wanted to purchase one of any one of the lovely work she brought a week ago but we are like everyone else, BROKE and watching our pennies.
I guess I am a little sad that this Christmas will be very very sparse but then I get to thinking that "WE", the worldin general, has lost track of what Christmas is all about and we need to get back on track! I am looking for reasons to praise the Lord for His gifts toward me (which is not hard once I open my eyes). The scripture that comes back again and again, is such comfort: "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" Why do I worry so when He has already seen the future and KNOWS He will provide and see me through any thing, anything, anything! Praise be to my Lord!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008



Just a quick note to send you these lovely baby cards. My Great Grandpa Walter Bohling used to sell Watkins products and cards, door to door. I have a box of these precious little cards from some of his things. I have had them for more years then I can care to remember. I just sent a copy of them to Dawn at the Feathered Nest because she is expecting a new Grand daughter. I thought maybe someone else might enjoy them too. Grandpa was such a dear dear Godly man. My favorite memories of him was when I saw him on the street corner, downtown Des Moines, and he stood hat in hand (in reverence to his Saviour) and he was singing a song. I think the song was "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". He would stand on the corner and preach the gospel and hand out tracks. His life was a living example of the love of my Lord. I still miss him so much and the other day I was thinking that my Momma was with him in heaven along with so many who I love. Precious precious memories, how they linger.....

Working Wounded

Just a couple more bracelets that I loved making. It seems so very long since I was able to bead. As soon as next Saturday is over we will tear it down and try to get the house back to a usable state then I am going into my art room and make something wonderful (I hope).
( I sold th peyote bracelet with the flower in the center at the open house) At the open house had gotten an order for 3 of my cigar boxes done in HOT PINK! One of my lovely neighbors came and told me that she has an all white tree with hot pink decorations and wanted some packages for under the tree. (It so matched her personality! Fun and a little crazy, in a sweet way.) So Sunday evening I got started cutting and pasting in the beginning stages. I was busy working away and got my finger in the way of the xacto knife and proceeded to remove a large portion of the side of my index finger. Ouch! is not exactly a good description. So I am hampered by what one can do minus the use of one finger. But my hubby bandaged it up and I am working again. I will get some pictures of the hot pink creations and try to post them. We were so pleased with the turn out on Saturday and pray that this Saturday will be as successful. (Not alot of money brought in but I so enjoyed everyone coming to my home and getting to know some of my neighbors was great!)
I have told you several times about one of my favorite blogs; The Feathered Nest.blogspot. com well I found another favorite "The Quill House.blogspot.com" She writes such lovely thoughts and reminds me to be thankful for the little things in life that so often pass us by without a thought. Please check her out! What a blessing she has been to me! I still do not know how to redo my blog so that I can post my favorites, etc. But someday the Lord will bring someone who is "BLOG" wise and I will update my attempt at blogland.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

What a Blessed Day




Well, the day went good but I am so very weary from being on my feet since 9:00am until 6:00pm. I was up until 4:00AM working on things, making Apple Crisp, Pumpkin dessert and Taco Soup. I thought I would attach the recipes, in case you might want to try them. My hubby had a whole pie by himself day before yesterday (just to "test" the recipe) and tonight he ate three more pieces! When I tried to give him some meatloaf tonight for supper he didn't eat another spoonful. He was such a blessing to me in this "Open House" endeavor. This morning, (in the rain) he put out signs, vacuumed the patio carpet, went to the bank for change, moved the cars then woke me up! (Then he took a well deserved nap) These recipes were from other people's blogs and in the rush I totally forgot to write down their locations. Sorry for the error but I will do better next time. The Taco Soup was from my precious daughter-in-love in 2006. I use it often and pray for her wonderful family each time I pull out the recipe.

Ladies started showing up exactly at 10:00AM and there was someone in and out all day long. A neighbor bought my lovely teddy bear and they bought my green twist bracelet too! Wooohooo! Lynn came from LynnsLovelies.blogspot.com and brought the most precious things! Little hats, booties, neck scarves, throws, and a picnic basket full of cookies to share. What a sweetheart! I wanted each one of them but monies are short for everyone but maybe someday I will get one of her treasures. She just "fit" in and I loved getting to know her better. I hope next week end will be busier for us both.

The things I thought would sell, didn't and things I didn't think would sell did. Funny how that works. I sold all but one of the cigar boxes and got an order for four more in HOT PINK! One of my neighbors came (Ivie) and said she has an all white tree with hot pink decorations! What a fun fun lady.

My very favorite thing about the day was having friends in my home just to visit with. Isn't the Lord wonderful to create the closeness of "Friends"?

By the way, did you know that you can right click on any of my pics and save it to your computer? Also did you know that there are other "pages" that you can click onto by going to my history for 2008? I am new at this blogging idea and I thought maybe there would be others out there who might not know all the "tips", like I do or didn't when I started. Have a blessed Sunday! I will not be going to church as I have a Bridal Open house and they wanted me to bring my jewelry. I sold my favorite bracelet, I had just finished and the cameo necklace was sold to a wonderful dear friend. Both of them were hard to let go but they are going to two wonderful homes.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Almost Ready!

I"m getting closer to getting done with all of my setting up! Thank the Good Lord! I am finding it harder to price things than I thought. I want to sell, sell, sell but I have put in countless hours and hours to make a large variety of things with all kinds of prices. They range from 5 for $10.00 up to $85.00 for the best pearl & Swarvoski crystal necklace. Tonight three of the neighbors came by just to see what I am up to with all of the lights shining out from the living room. Friday I will put out signs and vacuum the floors but otherwise I am through. Now is the nervous time for me.... wondering IF any one will show up. I hate hate hate to go to all of this work and not have anyone to come. Sunday I am going to take the jewelry to a Bridal Open House so that will help alot just to give me some exposure. I guess I will have to get more advertisements printed to take to the brides for the November 22 Open House here.
There is not much room in my Living room left to put much more but I am saving a table for a new friend who makes really lovely baby bonnets, sweaters, booties and even neck scarves. She has her own blog too. "Lynnlovlies.blogspot.com". Check out her beautiful work! You will love it, I promise!
I have made notebooks, memo pads, spirals, Memory books, Christmas ornaments, fairy jars, covered cigar box gift packaging, Photo albums, Santa fireplace screen, Santa spoons, Bird nests with scripture and a large variety of Christmas cards. I wish you could see them all. For some reason my camera is not very clear this evening but I think that those who come will see a large variety and quality goods.

Have you stopped in to "The Feathered Nest" in blog land yet? It is a MUST! I love the way she writes like she is talking directly to you.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Christmas Decorating/Weary Body

I finally got the tree up! Wheeee! I have been decorating, crafting, and cleaning. I did not know how dirty the ceiling fans could possibly be. Plus, can you believe it, I finally found my floors again. The tree looks great and the tables are starting to make their place around the house to hold all of the things I have been working on. I thought you might enjoy seeing how my buffet looks! What a mess but I have one week to either hide or
display them somewhere. It is coming together a little at a time. The open house is Nov. 15 and 22nd plus the neighborhood wants to have a Christmas party here so it will be busy for a while. I am also making my sister, Mary Ann, (what a lovely name) her birthday gifts and I will probably send her Christmas present at the same time. She already knows she will be getting jewelry that I have designed so I will not be able to let you see what that looks like until after her birthday after Thanksgiving. We will be having my nephew and his family here for Thanksgiving dinner. I can already smell the turkey and pumpkin pie. yummmm

I have got to get busy. I just now thought of another craft project that I MUST design before I forget it! Catch you later!

Monday, November 3, 2008


My precious daughter made my "Open House" Invitation and I just received it! I hope that anyone reading this will know that they are personally invited to come to start off the Holiday's with us! I have been decorating for the last three days and my house is a major MESS! You know how it is just before it all comes together. At this stage I am not sure if it will ever "come together". But if I keep plugging along I will find just the right spot for all of my precious memories. It is so nostalgic to open a box and remember all of the memories tied into each ornament, each treasure. I have boxes and boxes and boxes of things that I have saved and never seem to be able to get rid of any of it. Each year I think I will downsize but each year I just pack it away. Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. People seem to be so much more friendly, so much more gracious during the season. My sweet hubby has been hauling up the boxes and helped me to hang the garland for the patio because it was such a delicious day. How blessed I am to have him in my life! How awful it would be to be alone during this time, as I well remember. I was alone in Florida during the Holidays and will never forget that first Christmas by myself and it makes me Praise the Lord for HIS blessings to me. I will take pictures of the finished product IF I ever get that far. Blessings to you all!

Woven Victorian Elegance Swarovski Crystals

Woven Victorian Elegance Swarovski Crystals
My favorite Necklace but will sacrifice for $85.00

Fiori

Fiori

Butterflies Galore

Butterflies Galore
Can be made with your favorite colors!

Bead Embroidery

Bead Embroidery

Cleo

Cleo
Pattern design by Jimmie Boatwright/Atlanta Bead

Nothing But Netting

Nothing But Netting

All Buckled Up

All Buckled Up

Just Something I Made.blogspot.com

Just Something I Made.blogspot.com

Copper Peyote

Copper Peyote

Red Black Purse Ear Rings

Red Black Purse Ear Rings

Purple right angle Will Make in Your choice of colors

Purple right angle Will Make in Your choice of colors
Swarovski Crystals and Rivoli (SOLD)

Butterflys

Butterflys

Swarovski Crystal Purple fantasy

Swarovski Crystal Purple fantasy
(SOLD)

Gold and Green Herringbone and Cab

Gold and Green Herringbone and Cab

Holler for Hoops

Holler for Hoops

Floral Motif

Floral Motif

Lovely Purples on Copper Pendant

Lovely Purples on Copper Pendant
Stunning Purple (SOLD)

V Vine Fantasy with Reversable Pendant

V Vine Fantasy with Reversable Pendant
Blacks and Tans with Antique Crystals Necklace $55.00

Dramatic Bump Bracelet

Dramatic Bump Bracelet

Celini Spirl Blue and Gray

Celini Spirl Blue and Gray

Freeform nest

Freeform nest

Fiori Necklace Swarvoski Crystal and Amethyst Crystal

Fiori Necklace Swarvoski Crystal and Amethyst Crystal
Sold

Pearls on Mother of Pearl

Pearls on Mother of Pearl

Twisted cuff

Twisted cuff
Crystal flower & Slide lock $55.00

Copper Chocker

Copper Chocker

Delicious Copper Cubes

Delicious Copper Cubes
Choker Necklace $60.00

Copper & Earring combination

Copper & Earring combination
Purple Brick Stitch & White Antique Beads $95.00

Twisted Bugles

Twisted Bugles
Twisted Bugles with crystal bead drops $55.00

Fringed Cage

Fringed Cage

White on White on Gold

White on White on Gold