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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Christmas Ideas

I thought I would share with you this little idea. I get a little rock and tie it up with a round of fabric and tied it with a ribbon. I gave these out at our wedding in little bags as it will be appropriate for any time. I decided to share this with my guests at the Holiday open house. {As I stated before I am using this blog for a sort of diary for myself.} If you would right click on the picture it will blow it up to be able to read the poem.

Halloween Greetings

I am not at all into Halloween and I think never have been. Only in America can one beg at every door and receive for their reward only candy. But the little kids are so precious. So we open our door and let the little buggers into our home and into our hearts. Our church is having a "Harvest Festival" tonight and we are expecting over 400 children to come for free hot dogs and all the candy they can carry. I have a horrible cold so will not be going to sneeze over everyone.
Have a blessed and safe Halloween.

This done in a cuff form with antique pearlized buttons and a belt clasp in the center. I made a band of flat cream colored beads. I then surrounded the center two buttons and buckel with fresh water pearls.

(SOLD 11-15-2008)

So far this is my favorite piece. It looks so elegant and has a simple beauty. The stone in the center was a little expensive but the peyote beading makes it the focal point. I twisted the side beads to add texture.

This is a little different than anything I have done so far but I really liked the way it looks like a stained glass church window. I did a peyote stitch to incircle the pendant in an antique gold. The crystals give it a little "bling".

Santa's poop!

I have made 24 ornaments that also double as gift card boxes. They are so nice to have for last minute gifts to give to loved ones or neighbors. The Christmas ornaments look a lot like them but one is strictly an ornament and the other is a box. I did not add ornamental extras to that I could put the elastic bow tie.

This pearled ornament was from the dollar store but with a little ribbon they turned out to look quite expensive.

I saw this Santa poop idea on line and just had to make some of them. It says: "You've been naughty, so here's the scoop You're getting nothing but the snowman's poop". I thought it would be a cute gag gift. I have been covering note books and legal pads to fill in some teachers gifts. Oh, yes I also have made several pin cushions and some hanging baskets. My art room is a total mess, with stuff everywhere and I think it will take me a week to get it straightened up. Melissa wants be to have the open house on Nov 1 and Nov 8 BUT that is so soon and I have got to have all the house decorated before then. I am not sure I am up to having Christmas decorations up for two months but I have so many lovely decorations that it would be nice to enjoy them a little early but two months is alot. Time will tell.

Beautiful Fall Day & New Creations

I have sure been busy this weekend! I had made the base of this Czech Bead bracelet and my lovely daughter came over yesterday and gave me this gorgeous metalic bead to match the base. I just love the way it turned out. I made the bead into a cab. which is peyoted in light lavender then topped it with a size 15 metalic purple bead. It is enclosed with a hook and eye.

I don't know what is wrong with my camera but all of a sudden it does not focus sharp. The second bracelet I made is a peyote base with a buildup of size 11 beads and four triangular irredescent beads in the center with a copper base. It turned out to be fairly dressy because of the bling factor. I did one in a transparent cream and one with a antiqued silver with a blue peacock base. The copper centers really stands out on both of them .

This is another example of the Wooly worm I did in the greens. This one is all copper and purple with alot of depth because the base is of a size 8 peacock colors. What a fun look on your arm. It is closed with an irredescent carved bead.

Christmas is coming to my house

I wanted to show you some ornaments first because I just wanted to give you some more details. The red lights are sold a the dollar store for 2 for $1.oo and I just spruced them up to make them more sellable. But I mainly wanted to share the idea of the small package. When I lived in Florida a friend of mine gave me this gift and I really needed some love at that time and have cherished the gift even today. Every time I see it it seems like I need that little little love box. All you have to do is wrap a piece of Styrofoam in a pretty package and put a bow on top. I however went to all the trouble of making small boxes when my daughter said "Why don't you have Don cut little blocks of wood?". Dahhh now she could have told me that before I spent all day long cutting out my patterns and making the boxes. This is the poem attached

My Gift to you

This is a very special gift

That you can never see

The reason it is so special

Is that it is from Me.

When you are feeling lonely

Or even feeling blue,

You only have to hold this gift

And know I am thinking of you.

You never can unwrap it,

Please leave the ribbon tied.

Just hold the box within you hands

It is filled with my love inside.

Author Unknown
I have always tried to wrap my presents with a special wrap so that the package is nicer than the gift and one gets two presents in one. This year I am using cigar boxes that my daughter gave me from her collections. The one that has a red sheer bows actually a box that I get my bead containers in. It turned out so beautiful and I won't be too disappointed if some of them do not sell. My only problem is that they still have a cigar smell and I am not sure if that will offend anyone with a sensitive nose. But it is a good use for those beautiful boxes that are just laying around.


These lovely pin cushions were tea cups from my Mom and were not being used any where else. I left the message from my Mother in the bottom of the cup for someone to find in the years to come. It says that the cup was given to her by her friend in 1944 and it belonged to her great grandma during the turn of the century. Both of the cups are made of very fine china. The second cup is much smaller but makes a lovely, dainty statement on a desk. I just love their look. I used a stamp on the top to age them and soften the look. Dawn even made pin cushions out of old silver sugar bowls but I do not have any of those lying around....

Here is another "Fairy Jar" that I think is wonderful. ( I get so emotionally attached to the things I create) I made her wings from flowers from My wedding bouquet. They are so soft and feminine. I found some silver trays and have loved decorating them and they so lend to the Holiday scene. I left them tarnished to make them "feel" used and loved. I love all the trays but this NOEL tray really speaks to the holiday spirit.
I found this cute teddy bear and wanted to dress her for the upcoming holiday! Miss Priss is not as cute as Dawn's from The Feathered Nest.blogspot.com but my grand daughters both want her. Again another beautiful idea from Dawn. I have loved these fairy jars and think they will be so cute for a mantel at Christmas plus can be used all year long. There is a cute poem attached I have made and sold numerous Christmas ornaments for the tree. I even keep a few for myself or for quick gifts when friends drop in. I particularly like the "Santa's Magic Key" I got the idea from the Internet and I think it is such a good idea for those children that can not figure out how Santa gets into the house to leave their gifts. You may use any of these ideas, as we go along in developing my inventory to sell at my open house then these jewels will go to the Carriage House in Winder, GA.










I have been busy busy busy with Christmas gifts. I have soooo many ideas from the Feathered Nest Blog site. Please check her out!!! You must must check it out. This little shoe has been with me since 1984 and I have saved it to find something to do with it. Dawn Edmonson gave me this delicious idea that I absolutely Love. What a precious gift to give a new baby or just for someone who loves Victorian, as I do.