Blessings from Cindy

Heartfelt Thanks...

2012-02-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

I have been in a fog since our little twin grand~daughters were stillborn on February 4th. I have sooo appreciated all the wonderful thoughts and prayers from each of you. I cherish each comment of sympathy. I can truly say that this has been the hardest thing to go through in my life. I can only be there for our son & daughter~in~love for their pain is deeper than mine as the parents of the two little angels. God has been with us and is carrying us through each day. What do people do when they don't have Jesus in their lives in moments like these? I have done more than I thought I could handle, but only by the grace of God. I am forever changed. I don't say that lightly. I will forever have two grand~daughters that are in heaven, our first grand~children. I can still feel their soft little foreheads as I kissed them gently. I will miss them until I see them again. Thank God, I will see them again...
Blessings,
Cindy

Valentine for my Honey

2012-02-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Due to the loss of our grand~babies, I won't do my usual fancy dinner. In past years I make a really nice dinner, with candlelight and gifts. This year I made a card and I think my dear hubby will love it. I wrote a poem for the inside and I won't share that... ;-). But I am sharing the front.

My sister~in~love is coming today to spend a couple of days. I'm so excited to see her. The service for the girls is this Saturday. My son and daughter~in~love have all the plans set for a very special time. Thank you so much for all the prayers and thoughts. We feel every one and know that Jesus is carrying us through this difficult time. We also know that our precious Emma & Myla are safe in His Arms.

Blessings,
Cindy

Deep Sorrow

2012-02-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

It is with much sorrow that I post this. Our tiny baby twin grand~daughters passed away on Friday. They were 26 weeks along and our son, Josh, and daughter~in~love, Jamie, showed such strength, love, and compassion while dealing with such a horrendous heartache during the delivery and time with these two precious baby girls. I cannot express how totally grieved we are and blessed to hold them and love them, knowing that they were already in Jesus's Loving Arms. They were taken by the condition, "twin to twin transfusion". I will not go into it here, but you can google it if you choose. I am not sure yet how many details I will share on this blog, but I would appreciate any prayers for our family. I will not be posting for a short while, but know that I appreciate all of you. I thank God for the many friends I have made through this blog. I know that many of you will be praying and I thank you in advance. I will answer comments as I can.

Blessings,
Cindy

Another Gift...

2012-02-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

I have been sharing about winning the Shabby Cottage Shop's "Pink Present Giveaway". I received another package with several goodies in it from Rhonda's Rose Cottage Designs. The box was full of sweet little treats, not to eat, but to drool over! I got several gorgeous faux cakes and candies, two beautiful handmade paper roses on a clip all glittered up, and a tiny pink shoe ornament. It was so fun to open. Rhonda has an online shop, blog, and facebook page, all accessible from the main webpage.

Don't these look good enough to eat?? They are so pretty! Thanks again to Rhonda!

Blessings,
Cindy

Hearts & Chalkboards

2012-02-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

I have some hand~painted chalkboards which I painted with roses on two and bird nests & eggs on the other two.

There is also one that is just the chalkboard on a beautiful silver~plated tray, without decorative painting.

Then I also have the bowl filler hearts that are all bagged with potpourri & a handmade tag. I shared 3 of them recently. I have 3 sets of them, all different.

These just went into my Etsy shop and I have some vintage linens that I will be adding soon plus some framed collages. Lots of work, so little time!! I'm going to be having a giveaway soon, but can't decide what I want to give away!! Any suggestions? Do you like supplies, hand made items, a combination, a gift certificate to my Etsy shop, or.....???? I would appreciate any input!! Have a wonderful rest of your week.

Blessings,
Cindy
I'm linking with these parties:
Kristen's Creations~ Share Your Creations Party #23
Common Ground~Vintage Inspiration Friday #75
French Country Cottage~ Feathered Nest Friday
2805~ Potpourri Friday #22
At the Picket Fence~ Welcome to Inspiration Friday #50
The Charm of Home~ Home Sweet Home #52
My Romantic Home~ Show & Tell Friday

Quill Cottage Challenge!

2012-01-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

Sandy at Quill Cottage challenged her readers to make a project with some images she posted. I haven't done anything like this before and since she allowed me plenty of time, I thought...why not?? I chose a little girl with roses, since I love roses. We were also instructed to add "Dream" somewhere on the creation, one of my favorite words! So I got busy, made a fun mess pulling out lots of goodies to create with and ended up with this collage. I added some chalk to the picture to accent the roses, leaves, and her dress & scarf. I chalked around the picture in light blue, as well as the pink mat. I inked around each element also in black after using victorian scissors. I stamped on aqua binding the word "Dream", one letter at a time, since I don't have that small of stamp with the complete word. I used some vintage lace, crushed velvet ribbon, buttons, crochet tiny pink doily, paper flowers, silk roses, tiny blue accent flowers, and porcelain daisies. I also added some bling from a rhinestone bracelet and a star with pearls. The final touch was writing "Dream" all over the printed background in a glitter pen that only shows the glitter, no color.

I had so much fun doing this and I know that many talented ladies are about to show off their creations too. I can't wait to see what everyone came up with. Be sure and visit Sandy at Quill Cottage, if you don't already know her. She is so talented and you couldn't meet anyone sweeter. I'm happy to have met her in blogland!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to:
Quill Cottage~ Barefoot Dreams Art Challenge Link Party
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~ Tuesday's Treasures
A Diamond in the Stuff~ Time to Shine #54
Show Me What Ya Got #59 @ Not Just a Housewife
White Wednesday#137 @ Faded Charm
Wow Us Wednesdays #51 @ Savvy Southern Style
Show & Share #25 @ Vintage Gwen
Whatever Goes Wednesday #102 @ Someday Crafts

Gift From A Friend

2012-01-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today I want to share a gift I received from Sonya at Counting My Blessings. She made this lovely magnet board with lots of pretty magnets. I didn't have one for my studio & I absolutely LOVE it!! The board is all detailed with flowers & rhinestones; who wouldn't love the bling! Then Sonya made some sweet scrabble magnets with flowers and a domino one with pink glitter, roses, & a bird!!! It makes me smile every time I look at it! Thanks so much to my dear friend, Sonya. I am so blessed that we have met!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! The sun made an appearance today & it is lovely!!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to:
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
My Romantic Home~ Show & Tell Friday

White & Black "Dream" Collage

2012-01-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a 5 x 7 framed piece I made awhile ago. It is in a vintage metal frame that has some nice detail. The angel/fairy is from Graphic's Fairy from a long time ago and I added some glitter to her wings & black glitter to frame the print, with scissored edges that I inked. The background paper is flocked.

How is everyone's week going? It has been raining tons & tons here. Lots of flooding in some areas & even our little park looks like an island in the center of the river! Pretty startling when I saw it. The waters have receded, but the rain is coming in sheets today so not a good sign. Can you see in the pic below, the smaller green tree in the center & the piece of wood sticking up? I have stood on that bank taking pictures. The water on this side of it is the swollen river...

It has been pretty dreary here in the last couple of weeks. We need a little sunshine! But of course, that is probably true of many of you too! How's the weather in your neck of the woods??

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking with:
White Wednesday
Common Ground~Vintage Inspiration Friday #74
2805~Potpourri Friday #21
At the Picket Fence~ Welcome to Inspiration Friday #49
From My Front Porch~ Treasure Hunt Thursday #41
French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday

More Gifts from Pink Present Giveaway...

2012-01-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

I've been sharing posts about winning the Pink Present Giveaway from Shabby Cottage Shops. If you haven't been keeping up or are new to my blog, the giveaway consisted of 30 gifts, all to one winner. I won in December and starting January 3rd, I started receiving packages. There are still more to come. Today I will share three more gifts. I will add a link to each one so you can visit their shops.

First is this lovely white linen hand towel from Blue Creek Home on Etsy. It is so delicate and pretty that it won't be used as a towel, but I plan to make it into a pillow. Rhonda has lots of vintage treasures, including sparkly tiaras, and handmade items like pillows and decorated cones.

Next are three bejeweled star fish ornaments from Bella Lucille. These real star fish are pretty, pink, & sparkly; what a great combo! Bella Lucille has a huge selection of all kinds of home decor & gift ideas, specializing in cottage, shabby, romantic,& Paris chic styles.

Last for today is this glittered pink present ornament, perfect for a Pink Present Giveaway, don't you think?!! It is 5 1/2 inches tall and it comes from Teacups & Twigs. Teacups & Twigs sell a lot of different items from handmade china jewelry, shabby chic furniture, to vintage items and craft supplies.

Thanks again to each shop for your lovely gifts!

Blessings,
Cindy

Office Organizing Ideas

2012-01-19T17:14:00.000-08:00

Organizing my office space has always been an ongoing battle. I move things, purge things, containerize things, and ultimately don't keep up on putting things away. If I was to help someone else, I would do great! I could get their space looking lovely & functional. Why can't I do that in MY office? Probably because I spend too much time on the computer & crafting! Anyway, I looked up some inspiration online and here are a few that looked nice, neat, & tidy.

Source

So I am armed with ideas...now what?? I know, I know...first purge, then organize in categories, decide what is needed to store items, use what I have, then put it all away!! Sounds so simple, doesn't it? Yep, Yep!

Blessings,
Cindy

Dainty Dishes

2012-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for tiny teacups and pitchers, etc for my bottle brush trees. I will also find some bowls and plates that have just the right design for me. Anything with little roses will catch my eye, especially pink ones! I got a tiny plate at Treasures from the Heart just before Christmas. It is only 4" and so lovely. The bowl and little pitcher are Goodwill finds from yesterday. The pitcher is about 2 1/2 inches tall!

It is always a fun day when I can find a treasure or two. I'm a little under the weather today, so I'm going to rest. Have a great week!

Blessings,
Cindy
I'm linking to these parties:
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet The Sound
Coastal Charm~Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #97
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~ Tuesday's Treasures
White Wednesday #135
Not Just a Housewife~ Show Me What Ya Got #57

Pretty Pink Presents Continued...

2012-01-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

I have shared two previous posts about winning the Pink Present Giveaway from the Shabby Cottage Shops. {Their blog is HERE} Here are those posts #1 and #2. Click on the store names of each to visit their online shops. As I said in the previous posts, I am receiving 30 gifts from the Shabby Cottage Shops due to winning their huge giveaway. Today I will be sharing six more gifts I have received.

First is a gorgeous handmade fabric ornament from Dusty Oak Ornaments. Sandy makes these little beauties and this one is named Vintage Rose. It came with the sweetest smelling bar of soap. She has a beautiful shop which is filled with all kinds of different fabrics on the ornaments and custom orders are welcome.

Next is a magnet for your dishwasher from Tequila Bay Boutique. I don't know if you have seen these before or not, but they are so handy to have. Just place them on your dishwasher & turn to whatever the dishes are...clean or dirty! Tequila Bay Boutique has a huge selection of items ranging from tote bags, lotions, cupcake liners, on & on...all kinds of gift & home items.

This sparkly piece from Julie at Creations With Heart is a stunning pink shimmer glass beaded bracelet. Julie handcrafts each piece of jewelry and has a special passion for paw~print, military, inspirational, and gemstone designs. Again, I will say that I really enjoy a variety of bracelets and this one is beautiful & fits perfectly. Julie also has a blog HERE.

Next is a pretty pink cherry blossom mouse pad from Mrs. Sterling's Boutique, which offers a wide variety of gift items for all occasions, including wedding accessories and home fragrance. This mouse pad fits perfectly with my studio theme, which is going more pink.

These Rose Bouquet note~cards by Debi Coules are so pretty with her hand~painted design. Debi paints all kinds of items from furniture to canvas, jewelry, and more. I would love to own one of her canvas paintings. She is very talented and I will enjoy sending out these note~cards, shy of one that I will frame!

Last for today is this lovely vintage red~work linen capelet, with hand embroidery from Sweet Repeat Vintage. It has delicate lace and embroidery perfect for an altered piece. This Etsy shop has one of a kind items made with vintage items, such as wearable art and home decor.

A big thank you to each of these shops for their lovely gifts. This has been a blessing beyond measure. I wish everyone could experience this. I continue to enjoy the trip to the mailbox or a knock at the door from the mailman with yet another package. More to come...

Blessings,
Cindy

Pinkilicious Hearts!

2012-01-13T17:17:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post showing you my hearts. Each heart is different and I have 4 sets of three. This is just a sneak peek! I will be bagging them with some potpourri I put together. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

I will be sharing more of the goodies I won from the Pink Present Giveaway soon. Enjoy all the pinks!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to:
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet The Sound
Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday #156
The House in the Roses~Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Homemaker on a Dime~ Creative Bloggers Party & Hop 1.15.12
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop #19 @ Katherine's Corner
Inspiration Friday#48 @ At the Picket Fence
Potpourri Friday #20 @ 2805
Feathered Nest Friday #@French Country Cottage
Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

More Pretty Pink Presents...

2012-01-11T23:22:00.000-08:00

This is the 2nd in my series of Pink Present Giveaway gifts I have received. Here is the link to my 1st post HERE. I cannot express how much this experience has affected me. It is such a joy to receive gifts and having so many has been a true blessing, even overwhelming! I always am happy to show my appreciation for my giveaway wins by posting about it on my blog. It is a very small thing I can do since the giver took the time & expense to send me such wonderful things. So on with the next batch of goodies from Shabby Cottage Shops...

I have received two lovely bracelets, the first being from Mary's Cottage Treasures. It is a beautiful, sparkly {you know how I love sparkly} bracelet with silver components, Austrian crystals in red, green, & clear, plus a silver angel charm. I am a bracelet connoisseur, so this is one I will definitely enjoy wearing for many years to come! I'm not into wine, but I am into bracelets! Mary also added a little notepad; sweet! Go check out Mary's online shop HERE and her Etsy store HERE. Mary offers a wide range of items for home decor, jewelry, gifts, etc. and her Etsy store is full of trims, jewelry, & more.

The next bracelet is from Sassy Beach Jewelry Designs. It is definitely sassy and is also chunky & fun. It is called Fall Funky Bracelet, but I think it would be great for anytime of year. I can see it with turquoise outfit in spring or summer! My daughter will want to "borrow" it, I'm sure! It is elastic with turquoise, coral, and golden resin with Tibetan silver beads. Gail has three left if you are interested on sale. Check out all of her creations at her online store HERE.

Last but not least, for today, is a frilly, pretty door charmer and hand~painted spoon. They are from The Ruffled Rose, which is Jil & Marian's shop. They offer lovely handmade original pillows, bags & totes, faux desserts, and so much more, including vintage items. They have an Etsy shop HERE, Jil's blog HERE, and their online shop HERE. Their stores are full of beautiful things, as is apparent by the lovely door charmer and dainty hand~painted spoon; I couldn't resist showing you the back of the spoon!

There is more for another day. I am being showered with blessings! Have a wonderful day!

Blessings to you & yours,
Cindy

White Wednesday Chalkboards

2012-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

I have some chalkboards I painted on tin trays about a year ago and since I didn't do a spring show, they got packed away. Well, they are seeing the light of day now. These photos are my first taken outside in the sunshine {yep, there was sunshine today!} as an experiment. I keep trying new settings on my 'ol Canon camera. Let me know what you think! I am also using Picasa 3 to edit them, which is new to me also. I practiced a teensy weensy on my roses before doing the chalkboards, but just went for it with the birds nest.

A little too much sun in this one!

This is a little one!

All of these were made on tin trays and painted with chalkboard paint.   I will be adding these to my Etsy store soon. I would love to get some time to paint again soon. I'm trying to finish editing my sister's book and re~organize my studio. It has become a little...shall we say...cluttered!! Too many projects going on at once! That never happens to you, does it?? My packing boxes are now neatly stacked on a shelf in the garage, along with the tissue paper & bubble wrap. I helped my dear hubby get the garage all neat & tidy, now I gotta get busy on my room!!

Blessings,
Cindy

I will be linking to these parties:
White Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesdays #48
Home Decor & Organizing Link Party #34
Show & Share #22 @ Lil Pink Pocket
Show & Share #22 @ Vintage Gwen
Treasure Hunt Thursday #39 @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Thrifty Thursday #42 @ Thrifty Decorating
It's a Party #37 @ A Creative Princess
Share Your Creations Party #20 @ Kristen's Creations
Thursday Favorite Things #18 @ Katherine's Corner
French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday
At the Picket Fence~Inspiration Friday #47
The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home #49
2805~Potpourri Friday #19
Stuff and Nonsense~Fridays Unfolded #49
Common Ground~Vintage Inspiration Friday #72
My Romantic Home~ Show and Tell Friday
Cherished Treasures~Sunday Blog Love

Pretty Pink Presents!

2012-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

I am still recovering from the shock of winning such lovely giveaways in December. The final and biggest giveaway I won was the Pink Present Giveaway sponsored by the Shabby Cottage Shops. If you haven't heard of it, well you have been missing out! It is a huge giveaway consisting of the Shabby Cottage Shops all getting together with gifts for one BIG WINNER! This years gifts total about $350 worth of merchandise, many hand~crafted. I will receive 30 packages before it is all over! I'm sure my postman loves me!! I will show you my gifts in several posts, this being the first. I am trying out Picasa 3 for the 1st time, so we'll see if my photos improve. I will add a link to each shop.

First is a gift pack of wonderful pedicure products, all which smell delish! They are so fragrant and the cream is silky smooth. I will be using the kit soon & enjoy each product, I'm sure! This is from Little Luxuries of Virginia. You can visit their beautiful online shop HERE.

Next is Cottonfieldfarm. Regina has been so sweet. She emailed me right away about winning and asked for my choices of her digital images; 5 sets in total. Well, first I hadn't gotten the numbers right on one, so she gave me both of them for 6 sets, then she didn't get right back to me {meaing a couple of days!} and added an extra one for a total of 7 digital image sets!! You have to check out her Etsy shop and see for yourself. I will make something & share it at a future date. You can visit her shop HERE. She also has a blog HERE. I don't have a pic of the images for you, but they are great quality, with a distinct vintage theme, plus buttons, etc.

For my 3rd gift, I received a package full of goodies from Celestina Marie Designs. Celeste had bought a bottle brush tree from me in December, so I already "knew" her. She sent the most beautiful ornaments and an added surprise of a sparkly, pretty spoon, all hand~painted with gorgeous roses, plus a lavender sachet & bookmark, all wrapped up in pretty paper & a rose! She is such a sweet lady & you have to visit her Etsy shop HERE and her blog also HERE.

Shabby Cottage Shops also include jewelry makers, Vint Elegance being one that uses vintage pieces to make new, one of a kind designer jewelry. I received this charming bracelet with a vintage cameo on a white elastic band. It is exquisite! She has a huge selection of unique pieces that you won't see anywhere else. Visit her delightful online store HERE.

Next is an elegant pillow cover that was given to me by The French Elements. It is burlap with a very detailed Angel with the nativity design in black embroidered thread. It is so pretty and I just happened to have a pillow form waiting for a perfect pillow! Visit The French Elements blog HERE or the gorgeous online store HERE. You won't be disappointed!!

Last for today is a dreamy sign with hand~painted roses. Did I say I love roses??!! This is from Rose Cottage Chic and chic she is! Jill's online store has a large variety of hand~painted items from plaques to clocks, plus website design. Her store is full of beautiful things and you will enjoy visiting to see the eye candy. You can go to Rose Cottage Chic HERE.

Well, considering it took me three hours to get this post made, since blogger was extremely slow, I am lucky I got these pictures posted at all! I will share again soon more of my wonderful gifts. It has been an exciting experience to continue getting packages with such beautiful things. I am humbled to have won & wish I could share each item with you, my fellow bloggers. "Talk" to you soon!

Blessings,

Cindy

Giveaway Win from Vicki at This Art That Makes Me Happy!

2012-01-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

In December, I won a Crafty Secrets CD, Creating with Vintage Illustrations, and Adaptive Planner which I can decorate with images from the CD. It is really cool! I played with it the other day for awhile and came up with a cover I liked. It was so much fun and there are endless possibilities. I need to work on my Photoshop skills but I got it figured out enough to create the cover. I want to thank Vicki from This Art That Makes Me Happy for hosting such a fun giveaway and to Lisa at Per Annum and Sandy at Crafty Secrets {don't' have links}. I know I will enjoy creating with the CD and use the planner to it's fullest potential! Lisa shared on her blog about designing her own planner with the Creating With Vintage Illustrations CD. Go check it out HERE! Here is my cover I created, with the CD I received. Lisa included a tag she made with a perfect saying for crafters/artists.

I would like to thank Lisa again for having a giveaway and choosing me. It really brightens my day to receive a gift & I was thrilled to win. This tag says it all. I will be creating with my CD and making art!! Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

Blessings,
Cindy

Can You Guess What the Twins Are???

2012-01-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year again to everyone!! I have a lot to be thankful for and many exciting things happening in my life this year. Two of them are the little twins that are due in May! Our first grandchildren & the excitement grows with each passing week! I thought I would give you some pictures in a certain color hue to let you know what kind of little twins we are expecting...

My attempt at roses...

Fun Collage I put together.

Love hearts, hate the sewing!!

I made that too easy didn't I??!! Our little identical twin grand~daughters are gonna be welcomed into a family full of love for them. I will be doing all the decorations for the shower/party the end of March, with a polka dot theme. It will be a little unconventional since men are invited!! My son will fit right in with everything, because I almost think he is enjoying buying little girl things as much as his wife!! He is already a very proud Daddy! My daughter ~in~love said that there are already two little fingers wrapped around Daddy's pinky! Isn't that a cute mental picture? {I wanted to put tons of pictures on this post, but blogger is being stubborn!} Note the pink polka dots on my background in honor of the sweet little darlin's!

Blessings,
Cindy
I'm linking to these parties:

Eye Heart~ Anything Goes At Eye Heart #7
Homemaker on a Dime~Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~ Tuesday's Treasures
Coastal Charm~Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #95
Northern Cottage~Northern Cottage Party Time Tuesday
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet The Sound
Kids e-Connection~Color Connection
Cherished Treasures~Sunday Blog Love

What a Difference a Year Makes~

2011-12-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

The view out the back door in our home in Redmond...miss that!

As I look back on 2011, there have been a lot of changes in my life...

1. My hubby getting a new job
2. Selling our home in Redmond
3. Buying a home in Lebanon
4. Adjusting to my hubby's graveyard shift
5. Learning I was going to be a grandmother to twins in 2012
6. Missing my daughter and son & his wife in Redmond & my wonderful friend, Melody
7. Meeting a new friend, Sonya & reconnecting with old friends
8. Leaving a church family I loved; still not settled in a church here
9. Back surgery & it's ups & downs
10. Still working on the ME part of my life...what do I want to do?

I'm sure if I thought about it long enough, I could come up with a whole lot more! But isn't that just life? Each & every one of us in this world has ups & downs...changes that are good, some bad, & some that just take getting used to. I know that for myself, I keep evaluating what I am leaving as a legacy for my family. Sometimes I just don't do things the way others think I should. I fail at "not being like my mother". I want to have a joy in life that flows from within me and is apparent to others, even my family. Do you ever feel that way?

Ahhhh a new year, full of promise, full of hope, full of blessings, full of some sorrow... What do you think of when you think of a new year approaching? Is it just about the New Year's resolutions or does it go deeper? I know, for me, I need to reconnect with God and church this year. I want to have a deeper relationship with my hubby and kids; which are good right now, but I want great, with each one of them. I want to be the best grandmother I can be. Other than those things...well, I'm still working on that. I trying to find "ME".

Giveaway Win from Sugar Pink Boutique

2011-12-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

I won the giveaway recently from Jennifer at Sugar Pink Boutique for a strand of candylights "Hello Kitty". They are the prettiest shades of pink; bright pink & light pink, plus white. I immediately put them around a 3~tier wire stand/shelf I got at a vintage fair last month in my studio, then I added some greenery, pink & chartreuse vintage glass ornaments, and vintage bead garlands in the same colors. I love the way it casts such a pretty glow! Soon I will probably put them around my window when I take down the Christmas decorations. I want to thank Jennifer from Sugar Pink Boutique for having such a cool giveaway & choosing me. It is so much fun to receive a gift from a giveaway. You need to check out Jennifer's store, Sugar Pink Boutique because she has some wonderful items like trims, candylights, & so much more!

Thanks Jennifer!

Blessings,

Cindy

Giveaway Win from Shannon at Cozy Home Scenes

2011-12-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

I was happy to receive an email from Shannon at Cozy Home Scenes informing me I had won a prize in her Gingerbread Party. I had so much fun getting my dining room all decorated in gingerbreads & sharing the post on Shannon's blog for the Gingerbread Party. I won a pretty apron in, what else, but gingerbread fabric! I got it a few days before Christmas, in time to use it for some cookie baking. Shannon told me in her sweet card that she had found some special trim in her stash and added it to my apron to make it extra special. How sweet is that? Well, I have to agree...the trim is wonderful. The apron has a large pocket too. The apron came all Christmas gift wrapped with a bow & pretty card. I want to thank Shannon so much for having such a fun party and choosing me as one of the winners. I love my apron & will enjoy wearing it for many years to come.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was very nice. We had our eldest son & his wife over. My hubby & son worked on prime~rib together and it was yummy and I tried a new biscuit recipe called angel biscuits. They were light & fluffy; made with buttermilk and yeast, which isn't in my old recipe. We had a non~traditional meal which was a nice change. Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,
Cindy

Pink Roses in December

2011-12-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

I love roses and since we moved into our new home in a new town, I have enjoyed a rose bush in our front yard. It has been producing beautiful roses for months now. I thought after we had our 1st frost that the roses would have been long gone by now...but, no...there were more to welcome the Christmas season. I couldn't help but put them in a vase on my table to enjoy. They are very fragrant & lovely. So here are my Pink December Roses...

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~Tuesdays Treasures

Amazing Grace~ Beautiful Words...Beautiful Song

2011-12-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

As soon as I heard this rendition of Amazing Grace, I knew I had to share it with you. It is one of my all time favorite hymns. During the Christmas season I am reminded how the precious blood of Jesus has cleansed a sinner like me. I am so grateful for the gift of Jesus. Although I will never be perfect, I know that God accepts me as I am and helps me to be a better person through His strength and love.

Phil 4:7~ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Blessings,
Cindy

~Have a Blessed Christmas~

2011-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:8~14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ^a the Lord.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

”Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

May Peace, Joy, and Love be with you this Christmas, whether you celebrate alone or with loved ones. The Reason for the Season is Jesus, not Santa & his elves, not gifts to each other, and not the holiday meal & goodies galore. May each of us stop for a moment and reflect on His Gift to us, more precious than gold or anything this world has to offer.

Have a Blessed Christmas Everyone!

Cindy

Two More Gifts Done & Reflection on Christmas Pasts...

2011-12-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

I finished two more gifts. The first is for my sis~in~love, but shhhh she doesn't know! I will mail it out after Christmas. Her favorite color is purple/lavender and her name starts with a "K". Bet you could have figured out that one!! The frame is leaded glass & stained glass with wire & bead accents. I fell in love with it when I found it & knew that I would make something with it for her.

The 2nd gift was for my friend, Sonya of Counting My Blessings. She is so talented & receives so many beautiful things from her blogging friends that I wasn't sure what to make her. I am NOT a seamstress AT ALL, so I don't' know what got into me to even make it, but I loved the pattern in the Jan/Feb issue of Create & Decorate. I have to say that I really enjoyed making it. I know I will be making more next year!! I think I need one too! The glass candle holder the pin cushion is on has vintage white buttons in it! I couldn't resist adding them! This is design of patchwork pieces that have been machine quilted on batting.

I am done making gifts now. I remember many years ago, when I had younger kids, {I was younger too! ;-)} staying up most of Christmas Eve night getting presents done for family members. I learned that making last minute gifts, buying on Christmas Eve, & wrapping presents late into the night, did not make for a Merry Christmas & jolly Mom!! I was so frazzled & exhausted that all I wanted to do was take a nap instead of cooking a huge meal! Things are much more laid back now than they were when our kids were little. We used to have both my family & my hubby's family at our house with him & I cooking the turkey & trimmings. Now, we just have our eldest & his lovely wife over for the main meal on Christmas Day this year. We already had a little get together with our other kids last weekend. For us, it will be a pretty quiet Christmas. But that is ok. Next year we will have little twin babies to cuddle & love!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Sugar Pink Boutique~Friday Fun Link up Party
French Country Cottage~ Feathered Nest Friday
2805~ Potpourri Friday #16
At The Picket Fence~Inspiration Friday #45
The Charm Of Home~ Home Sweet Home #46
From My Front Porch~Treasure Hunt Thursday #36
Katherine's Corner~Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop 15
The Shabby Nest~ Frugal Friday
How Sweet the Sound~Pink Saturday
Coastal Charm~Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #94

Front Porch Full of Wonder & Christmas Lights in Central Oregon

2011-12-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

My dear hubby got the lights up weeks ago & we had to start from scratch this year since I gave away all our outside decor before we moved. Our son now proudly displays it all in their yard. So we found some lights at Jerry's Home Improvement Store & large ornaments at Costco, along with other goodies from other places. We will add to our lights each year, but this was a good start for this year. So here is the tour...

My studio is in the front with the arched window!

A wreath I made several years ago.

My finds at Goodwill: sled $4.95 & bear $1.99!

I got this at Craft Warehouse for 75% off~ $5.00! I added my own painted face!!

The REAL Reason for the Season!

When we were in Central Oregon visiting our kids, we all went to look at the light show at Eagle Crest, a resort in Redmond. They always have a lot to look at & I tried a new setting on my camera & actually got a few pictures that you could see!

Last, is a church in the area which had this display. It was hard to get a good picture because of the traffic, but you get the idea...

Well, more to get done before Christmas. I have a couple more gifts to show you next time, with a tutorial. Hope you are enjoying the days before Christmas & remembering the Reason for the Season!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Savvy Southern Style~Wow Us Wednesdays #45
Beach Cottage Christmas Twinkles~Good Life Wednesdays
White Wednesday #132 @ Faded Charm

Quick & Pretty Ornament Idea

2011-12-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

I made some ornaments for family & friends that I wanted to share with you. The pictures aren't great, but they are easy & fun to do. I didn't take pictures while I did these so I will have to do that for the next one I make. Here are the instructions...

What You Need:
Plastic Snowflakes already glittered
picture
1 1/4 circle punch or template
punches of choice
ink pad
sticker
ribbon
embellishments
sealer spray
glitter
glue gun or tacky glue

I used snowflakes from Walmart, but they are at the dollar store & many other places. I chose a picture I wanted for the center & printed it on matte photo paper. I punched out the picture with a 1 1/2 circle punch. You can also use a template & cut out. This is experimental on getting the right size photo to fit in the punch. I got some pretty cardstock that would look nice with the photo and punched it out with a 1 1/2 inch scalloped edge punch. Make two of these, one for each side of the snowflake. I wanted a 3rd layer, so I cut out a square of glittered designed paper about 2 inches & used Victorian paper edgers scissors to trim all sides of the square. I trimmed the corners a little to have a slightly rounded look. I added ink around the edges in a coordinating color to compliment the paper square in cardstock. Again, make two of these for front & back of the snowflake. I made a small bow to fit on the bottom of the snowflake. Before assembly, add a wire hanger to the top of the snowflake inside the top hole. Then glue the paper pieces together with a glue gun or tacky glue, the large glitter square 1st like a diamond shape, the cardstock square on the opposite angle next, then the photo on top centered. For the back, use the same stacking method, but add the sticker instead of the picture. Add the ornament or tassel in the bottom hole in the snowflake, trimming if necessary for it to hang straight. Add glue if needed. Then add the paper stack to the front of the snowflake using your glue of choice. You may need to add a book to weight it down for drying if using tacky glue, so it dries flat. I waited between drying to add the back papers. I used the glue gun for the latter ornaments with nice results and didn't have to wait. Finishing touches are to add the bow on the front and you can add a gem or glitter brad {with back removed} to the back of the ornament on the bottom, opposite of the bow. Spray with sealer to protect the picture.

I added glitter around this picture.

vintage ornament added

Learn from my mistake; don't cover pic with contact paper. It changes color!


The angel image is from Graphics Falry

There are many embellishments you can add, but I kept it simple. I added vintage bells to some instead of a tassel or ornament.

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Vintage Gwen~A Special Christmas Soiree
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~Tuesdays Treasures
Coastal Charm~Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #93
Hope Studios~Tutorial Tuesday!
By Your Hands~Blog Party Sunday Handmade Christmas
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm #131

DIY Pretty Framed Bird Print

2011-12-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful friend, Melody, who loves birds. My dear hubby and I were heading over to see our kids in Central Oregon this weekend & stopping by Melody's house to pick up some carefully hidden vintage ornaments she had gotten me. She was out of town so I couldn't see her. I wanted to make her something she would like to add to her pretty decor & remembered some images of birds that I had saved from The Graphic's Fairy. From there, my mind took over & with a silver plated picture frame I had been saving, paper, & glitter, I came up with my gift for Melody. I thought I'd share the steps if you'd like to make a version of your own.

Items you will need:
frame
print, picture, or image
coordinating scrapbook paper
printed words or verse
ink pad
ink or makeup pad
glitter dimensional paint
glitter
stick glue
decorator chalks, if desired
embellishments of choice/tacky glue

Pick out a frame and image; print the image to fit the frame with at least 1/2 inch space on either side, plus a space large enough to fit your words or verse. My frame is a 5x7, with a 3 1/2 x 5 inside measurement and I printed my image 2 x 3. Cut the image edges with a decorative scissor.

Next, using the ink blotter pad, ink around the edge of the print with a coordinating ink, not a dark color; something muted like gray or brown. I used gray.

I worked with my word program on my computer and chose a bible verse about birds that I typed in a size 8 font. It is 18 font for the picture so you could see it more clearly. I centered the verse and printed it on a medium thick white cardstock.

I cut my coordinating cardstock scrapbook paper to fit my frame using the paper inside the frame as a guide. I got my paper from the "Lost & Found Two" by My Mind's Eye {6x6 pad}. I also cut loosely around my verse so I could size it when the paper & print were in the frame. This will vary with what you use & your size of frame.

When I figured how much space I had, I then cut the verse closer with the same decorative scissors as I used on the print and cut each end to resemble a banner. I continually checked for size & position as I did these steps to make sure everything fit.

I inked around the verse edges with the same ink. Here is a close up of the banner cut edges...

Of course, I had to add some sparkle, so next is the glitter. I used an old margarine lid and carefully put the dimensional glitter paint around the edge of the print & the verse very lightly. You can overlap onto the lid so you don't overdo the thickness of the glitter paint. Then sprinkle liberally the glitter & let it set until it dries, about 1/2 hour or so. Then tap off the excess glitter & blow off the remaining loose sparkles.

The next step is your choice to do or not. I like to add a little extra color & sparkle to my prints. I used the decorator chalks on the nest and the bird wings applying with my finger.

Then, using the glue stick, glue down the print & verse to the scrapbook paper. I added my embellishments after putting the finished print in the frame. I had a stick with moss that I used along with a mushroom bird. I used tacky glue to attach them. I added glitter to cover the glue & add some more sparkle...yeah I really needed to do that!!

After the glue had thoroughly dried, I used a can of air to blow off the excess glitter. I did this step because the moss had collected more than I wanted. I wanted a more subtle look. Hmmmm glitter & subtle don't go together, do they? LOL!

So here is the finished framed piece...

I enjoy making gifts that fit the person. Melody got home & found her gift hidden where she had left my beautiful ornaments for me. She text me this message..."Oh my gosh! I found my gift! You are SO amazing! Thank you so much! I love it!"

And that is why I do what I do...

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Anything Goes At Eye Heart #6
Homemaker on a Dime~Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop 12.18.11

Graphics Fairy ~Brag Monday

Faded Charm Cottage~White Wednesday #133

Living Room All Decked Out for the Holidays

2011-12-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

I'm working on some Christmas gifts before we head over the mountain to see our kids in Redmond for the weekend. Can't wait to see them!! I also want to get some cookies made to bring...too much to do, so little time!!

I am going to let the pictures do much of the talking for me today. My living room...

I tucked in my dried hydrangea between the branches in my new Martha Stewart tree.

I made all the hand~painted wood ornaments on my tree over the years. The knitted items were made by my Great Aunt Myrtle and the felt ones were made by my hubby's grandmother.

I also made the angel in the fabric dress.

I also made the bear on the star hanging below the candle holder.

This is a music figure that my parents gave us the 1st Christmas we weren't with them.

Some vintage ornaments in my new wire basket from Goodwill ~$1.99. My sis~in~love, Kathy, made the table runner.

My hubby made the shelf & the snowmen are my new goodies from craft shows I got this year, plus the vintage wreath with vintage corsage I added.

A vintage lace piece for 25 cents & a dried hydrangea from my yard.

I didn't get out my snowman collection this year. I have a special place for them, but need to get up on a very tall ladder. Not this year! Enjoy your weekend & may the busyness of the season not get in the way of the true meaning of Christmas...

~Jesus is the Reason for the Season~

Blessings,
Cindy

I'll be joining these linky parties:
The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home #45
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
2805 Potpourri Party #15
My Romantic Home~Show & Tell Friday!
Inspiration Friday #44 @ At the Picket Fence
Stuff & Nonsense~Fridays Unfolded # 46
Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday #68
The House in the Roses~ Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Cherished Treasures~ Sunday Blog Love
Under the Table and Dreaming~Sunday Showcase Party

My Winter Wonderland with Precious Moments

2011-12-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

I love Precious Moments figurines. They are so dainty & each one has a special meaning. My hubby & kids have gotten me several over the years, as have other family & friends. I keep them in my curio cabinet in my living room.

I went to a yard sale summer before last, and came across Precious Moments in boxes that had Christmas buildings on them that totaled $12. I glanced in the two boxes quickly & decided to get them. The young woman selling them told me her mother~in~law had given them to her & her kids wouldn't leave them alone. She was keeping the buildings. Not until I got into the car & really looked at them, did I discover how much I really had. There were 14 separate figurines. Some even had their prices still on them ranging from $17.50 to $25! There was some damage on three of them and an extra little bird that had broken off something not in the box. It was a shame, but I still got a great deal! I have had them packed until this Christmas because of moving and I love how they look displayed on a shelf in my family room. The shelf has a light above that casts a glow & everything sparkles. I have added a couple more figures that I got at garage sales this summer for 25 cents a piece. I know to many, Precious Moments aren't exciting, but to me...well, I love 'em!

So here is my display of Christmas Precious Moments, with some of my bottle brush trees, a few buildings, and lots of sparkly tulle. My Little Winter Wonderland...

I also have the mini nativity with the grandma figure kneeling and praying. They are in a separate shelf. The picture isn't great, but you get the idea...

Hope you enjoyed my little collection. Do your collections bring you joy or are they just dust catchers? I purge things I don't want anymore to make room for the things I enjoy. Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm joining these linky parties...
Under the Table and Dreaming~Sunday Showcase Party
The House in the Roses~ Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Eye Heart~ Anything Goes at Eye Heart #5
A Diamond in the Stuff~Time to Shine #48
Coastal Charm~Nifty Thrifty Tuesday # 92
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~Tuesday's Treasures
Home Decor & Organizing Link Party #31
Savvy Southern Style~Wow Us Wednesdays #44
Faded Charm Cottage~ White Wednesday #130
Very Merry Vintage Style~Share the Love Wednesday
Vintage Gwen~Show & Share #18
From My Front Porch to Yours~Treasure Hunt Thursday #5

My Dining Room Full of Gingerbread Goodness!

2011-12-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

I got my dining room all decorated with mostly items I made over the years!! I left my table rather plain because I had a lot going on in the hutch. I thought about adding a wreath to the window, but I haven't...I think I need to just leave it as it is & get to making Christmas gifts!! The table & chairs came from Craigslist after we moved. I sold our last, much larger set before moving. I got the new set for the same cost as what I sold the old set for. It worked for me!! The hutch is my mothers, that my Dad built for her. She doesn't have room for it, so I have it. It is made out of rare Hawaiian wood that is no longer available. Guess I won't paint it!! So here is my dining room...

The room looks dark because it was foggy & dreary that day.

My rooster prints I got at a sale for $7 for the pair!

This isn't my fav light fixture, but I decorated it anyway!

My hubby wasn't impressed!! Too Gaudy!!

I made all the gingerbread cuties!

Another gingerbread girl I made...

My Mom made this one for me! Love it!

My spoon rack, a spoon I decorated, & a gift from a friend, the little plaque.

I hope you enjoyed your tour of my dining room! Don't forget my 20% off everything in my Etsy shop. Now...back to ornament making...

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
No Minimalist Here~Holiday Dining Block Party
Finding Fabulous~ Frugalicious Friday
At the Picket Fence~Christmas Kitchen Block Party
The Charm of Home~ Home Sweet Home #44
Cherished Treasures~ Sunday Blog Love

Vintage White Tree, White "Mantel", & New Snowman

2011-12-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I would share some things that are white in my decor for Christmas. Here is my little vintage white tree with vintage ornaments & glass garland...

This is my faux mantle, which used to be a shelf, that I had my hubby put up above our sofa in the living room. He made it several years ago for me & it used to be burgundy. Several coats of paint later, it is white and a fun mantle.

The window is another project I did to add something more substantial to my large wall & anchor the shelf/mantle. It is scrapbooking paper behind the windows!! I saw a makeover show on HGTV & the hostess did a collage of black framed pieces that looked like fabric & this popped into my head to do instead, since I had the window. Some of my bottle brush trees are on the mantle, along with some mercury glass candle holders. The balls below the shelf are mercury glass also that I got for $1.19 each at Craft Warehouse.

Last I will share a white snowman that I got at a craft show last weekend. It was t the Albany fairgrounds with lots of booths of all different kinds. I got a couple of items, one being this snowman...

So now I will join White Wednesday this week for my 1st time!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm joining these linky parties:
White Wednesday #129@ Faded Charm
Wow Us Wednesday #43 @ Savvy Southern Style
A Special Christmas Soiree@ Vintage Gwen
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Organize And Decorate Everything

Home Decor and Organizing Link Party #30
Share Your Creations Party # 15 @ Kristen's Creations
Friday Fun Link @ Sugar Pink Boutique
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Blogger Block Christmas Tree Party @ 2805
Christmas Block Party, Vintage Inspiration Friday # 67 @ Common Ground
Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Holiday Sale going on in my Etsy Shop~20% off EVERYTHING!!

2011-12-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

I decided to have a sale this week in my Blessings from Cindy Etsy store. There are lots of bottle brush trees & vintage flavor items. The only snowmen I have left are my snowflake ornaments. Here is a sample of my Etsy offerings that are ALL on sale 20% off!!

For more items, go to my store, Blessings From Cindy, on Etsy. There is an Etsy link on my sidebar.
Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Market Monday Holiday Edition@ Etsy Cottage Style

Pink Saturday~My Pink Bottlebrush Trees

2011-12-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't joined in on Pink Saturday before & thought I would today! I am sharing some of my bottle brush trees in pink. Enjoy!

Blessings,

Cindy

I'm linking to:
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

My Gingerbread Creations; Ornaments & Dolls

2011-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Cozy Home Scenes is having a Gingerbread Linky Party & Giveaway, with 12 gingerbread gifts, so I thought I would join in since I love Gingerbread Men & Ladies!! I decorate my dining room each year with gingerbread goodies for the holidays, but haven't quite gotten to that room yet; however I do have them unpacked. These are all things I have made & sold over the years. I kept some of my favorites!!

My Ornaments:

My Dolls:

I hope you enjoyed my collection of gingerbreads. I have more I will share {that I didn't make} when I show you my finished dining room all decked out for the holidays! Come join the party at Cozy Home Scenes & post your gingerbread items, baked goods, crafts, etc; Deadline Dec 12th.

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Cozy Home Scenes Gingerbread Linky Party
Shabby Creek Cottage~ Transformation Thursday
Coastal Charm~Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #90
Someday Crafts~Whatever Goes Wednesdays
Very Merry Vintage Style~Share the Love Wednesday
Share Your Creations at Kristin's Creations
It's a Party #30 @ A Creative Princess
Potpourri Friday #14 @ 2805
Feathered Nest Friday~Holiday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday #43 @ The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday #66 @ Common Ground
Home Sweet Home #43 @ The Charm of Home

Vintage Marketplace Photos to Enjoy!

2011-11-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

The fireplace all decked out for the Vintage Marketplace.

First, I would like to share my experience at the Vintage Marketplace. I didn't make it to the opening night, but was there on Friday. I got there before they opened & started clicking pictures of the outside. Barb came out of the store, greeted me warmly & said that I could take as many pictures as I wanted to share on my blog. So here is the complimation, through my eyes, of Vintage Marketplace at Barb's store, Treasures of the Heart.


Here is Barb; such a lovely lady!

Treasures from the Heart Store.

Now for the inside...

the front room...

Here are Jill and Emily, with Barb, who brought many beautiful items to sell.

This room was next to the front room...

The pink room in the back...

This room was full of vintage~y memorabilia...

Even the bathroom had lovely items to see!

In the hall...

Here are the goodies I picked up at the show...

This is nearly 3 ft tall & 2 ft wide!!

There is a funny story about the purchase of this piece. I had gotten there early, as I said before & saw Jill unloading some items from her van, this being one of those items. She had placed it on the ground near the door & continued taking other things in. I wanted it & my hubby knew it!! LOL! Anyway, when others started arriving, I got out of my car & picked up this little goodie & took it inside. Jill said thank you for bringing it in & I said "Is it for sale?" She said yes & "do ou want it?" Uhhhhh YES!! So she gave me a price & I had her hold it for me while I shopped. When I checked out, two other ladies were up front & noticed I was paying for it & commented on how they had seen me picking it up...they had both wanted it too!! Well, it is MINE!! LOL! The shelves fold up & it is rather heavy, so I need to decide on a place for it & what I will put in it...I'll let you know when I do.

Now I will backtrack a little to earlier in the day...
I went to two shows on November 18th. My dear hubby & I were headed to Eugene to the "Vintage Marketplace" and he saw a sign for "Country in the Barn" show. Well, of course we made a detour...quite a little detour if I say, to Shedd. It was well worth the drive through the curvy, leaf strewn country road to a barn...all decked out with Christmas lights. I wish I'd taken a picture, but alas, I didn't. I felt too intimidated to even bring out my camera. So I will just share what I got at the show...

It was a wonderful day of seeing beautiful things all in holiday array. I hope you enjoyed your tour of the show & my pretty finds for the day.

I want to thank all my followers, old & new. I have been having trouble accessing some of your info to send you a private email & thanks for following my blog. I appreciate each & every one of you.

Blessings,
Cindy
I'm linking to these parties:
Tuesday's Treasures
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #90

Check out the sales in my Etsy Shop!!

2011-11-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

Sale items now in my Etsy shop! Check it out at Blessings from Cindy Etsy Shop.

Here are a few...

Have a fun weekend!

Blessings,

Cindy

Faith, Family, & Friends... My 24 days of Thankfulness.

2011-11-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I wrote this list as a daily post on my personal facebook. Each day I contemplated on what I was thankful for. Some days it was easy, others were hard. I started on November 1st.

Here is my thankful list:

Day #1~ Thankful for my wonderful husband!!

Day #2~ I am thankful for our three children, each one individual & different, but each one I am so proud of & love dearly! I am blessed to be your mother. Josh, Nathan, & Liz, I love you!

Day #3~ I'm thankful for my two daughters~in~love! You are both special to me! Love you Jamie & Jessica!!

Day #4~ I am thankful for Jesus, not just a great teacher, but a Savior.

Day #5~ I am thankful for God's creation, earth! We enjoyed a few hours at the beach today. It was chilly & rainy, but still awesome!

Day #6~ I am thankful for all the troops that fight for our freedom. Thank you Barb, Mike, Colby, and everyone for serving our great country!

Day #7~Today is Nathaniel's birthday, so today I am thankful for him being born 26 years ago. Than, you bring me a joy that you can't understand in just being you, dear son. I love you more than you know. xxxooo Mom

Day # 8~ I am thankful for my wonderful friends, old & new! And that doesn't mean they are OLD, just old friends! LOL!

Day #9~ I am thankful for God's gift of talent. Each of us have them, but some don't think they do. Take time to discover yours...

Day #10~ Today I am thankful for the senses...hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste. Thank you, God..."I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made".

Day #11~ I am thankful for Veterans Day & honoring those who have served, are serving, and have died for this great country. I am so proud of my sister, Barb, who is training to leave for Afghanistan in a few weeks. I continue to pray for her safety & others serving to protect our freedom, as well as the families they leave behind. God bless America!

Day #12~I am thankful for the two little babies that will join our family in May {April?} making me a grandma. I am soooo excited to meet them, love them, & spoil them!! ;-)

Day #13~ I am thankful for the home we live in. Tom & I are enjoying making it our own.

Day # 14~I am thankful that I have learned something from all the hard times in my life. Sometimes we are able to help others from what we have learned. If life was perfect all the time, we wouldn't have the opportunity to grow. Not only that, this would be heaven...

Day #15~ Today I am thankful for music & the ability to sing. It brings joy to my heart & soul.

Day #16~ Today I am thankful for the seasons in Oregon. I love fall & all the beautiful colors, the morning mist {or fog!}, and crispness in the air. God gives us such beauty to enjoy!

Day #17~ Today I am thankful for God answering even my smallest, insignificant prayers. I love it when I see an answer when I had forgotten the prayer. How many times do we forget what we have pleaded for after the prayer has been fulfilled?

Day #18~ So thankful for spending a fun day with my hubby; maybe more fun for me than him, but he was a trooper going to a couple of vintage/craft shows, as well as getting Christmas lights for our new home. He even pointed out a sign for a craft show when we were headed to Eugene! That is a really cool husband I have!!

Day # 19~ Today I am thankful that we don't have slippery, snowy roads. Sorry, Central Oregon, I don't miss the snow/ice!

Day #20~ Today I am thankful for modern healthcare. Not only does it provide jobs for several members of my family, but it is there when we need it. I wish that it was true for everyone in this world.

Day #21~ I am thankful for our little dog, Sophie. She is a wonderful companion. She keeps me company when I would have been alone. Thank you, Tom, for bringing her into our lives.

Day #22~ I am thankful for extended family members near & dear to my heart. Some may be far away, but my thoughts & prayers are with them daily.

Day #23~ Today I am thankful for my sweet dear sister~in~love, Kathy! Just knowing she cares & is there for me is such a huge blessing in my life! Love you, Sis!

Day #24~ I am thankful for today because Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what blessings we have in this life, in this country, and this world that God created. We don't always get everything we want, but we should be thankful for what we have.

Psalm 100"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (KJV)

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Everyone!

Blessings,

Cindy

Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

The winner to my giveaway hosted by Tracy at Screaming Sardine is Dee from All Wired Up. Dee has a blog as well as an Etsy shop & Artfire store that she sells her handmade jewelry in, so stop by & congratulate her! Thanks again to Tracy for interviewing me & hosting the giveaway. Tracy is dealing with lots of issues {plumbing & heating} with the home she just moved to, plus driving through snow with her U~Haul to get there. Send her some good thoughts & prayers. Congrats to Dee for winning! Have a nice Sunday everyone!
Blessings,
Cindy

DIY Craft Blotter~ Tutorial to show you how!

2011-11-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

I was working on some trees the other day & then cleaning up some. Ugh!! There was specks of glue all over my counter, of course with lots of glitter mixed in. It took quite a while to get it all loosened up & clean again. Before I did another thing, I decided to make a blotter, like you use on desk tops, but geared towards messy designing. So, even though we are in a holiday frame of mind, I still decided to share this tutorial on how I did it. Just in case you have the same problem... You couldn't be as messy as me!!

Sorry I didn't take pictures during these steps...
First you get a heavy cardboard, not the corrugated, just flat kind. Even poster board would work, if it is thick, not flimsy. I used some cardboard I had. I used the size it already was because it was a good size for my counter space. Mine is about 15" x 19", but any size will work. Then get some pretty scrapbooking paper that is cardstock, not thin paper, and make a design with several patterns that you like. I used a 12 x 12 paper, then added strips on the sides & filled in the corners. Butt up the papers against each other for fit, better a little bigger than too small. Using a heavy duty glue stick, glue down the papers. Trim around the edge with scissors or a craft knife {on a protected surface}. The papers I used are "Tim Holtz Idea-ology" in the 12 x 12 pack, that includes all size patterned papers.

Here are the other items you need for this project:

Next I wanted to emphasize the edges, so I used some chalk ink that I got at Michaels for $1 each. I used a light taupe color {no color name is on the container} and a sponge applicator and put the applicator into the ink & in a circular motion, rubbed the ink along the edges of each paper where they connected & the outer edge. Try to fade the color out so it isn't just a line, but a softening effect.

Then with an ink pad, color of your choice, blend some ink around the outer edge of the board. You can do this in any way you are used to. I like to use the small pad inks and gently go around the edge, fading it so it isn't heavy.

While that is drying, I wanted to add a couple of flat designs. I picked out my favorite clear rubber stamp and using the same black ink, I put my image on. Quickly after stamping, add glitter, I used black, covering liberally. Let it set for a minute or two, then stand the board on end & tap the glitter off into a waiting paper to be able to put back into the container. I always save the excess because I use a lot of glitter!!

Hmmm, can you figure out why this is my fav stamp?? Then I used a pigma micron pen #5 to do some little squiggly lines & dots around the edge. This is just my preference & not necessary.

Another addition I did was to put some chalking on the bird in the 12 x 12 print. I used Decorating Chalks, the rosey & pearl colors, applying with my finger. This is just for a little sparkle & there is no specific way to do it; just add where you want & blend in a little. Again, not necessary!

After you have finished with the little details, then I added spray glitter, lightly spraying over the entire piece. I know...I know... over the top! That is just me! This is...yep, you have it...Not Necessary!

Now the not so fun part, but this IS necessary...
Using the clear contact paper, unroll until you cover your table surface {do not take off the protective paper yet} & lay your blotter board on it, giving about a 1 inch overlap on all sides. Cut off two from the roll, the same size. Then you get to add the contact paper to your blotter. Do this very carefully to not have bubbles. I found the best way for me was to lay the blotter down on the work surface, sideways on the right. Then pull back about 2 inches of the paper backing off the contact plastic. Place it down carefully, getting it lined up evenly with the 1 inch overlap on the three sides. Press down, running your fingers over the surface firmly, trying to avoid bubbles. Pull the paper backing off a few inches at a time, pressing the plastic down, until you get the entire piece on the blotter. Press again over the entire surface. Turn over & do the same with the 2nd piece of contact paper. Go over the entire blotter again, pressing your fingernail over the edges to seal the plastic together. If you have any bubbles, use a straight pin & gently prick the bubble & press down. You can do this several times on a bubble & it won't show.

Next, fold the corner edges over toward the back, leaving a 1/4 inch space from the blotter. Tape down with scotch tape.

Trim the contact paper to even out, then fold over the excess contact paper leaving about a 1/4 inch gap, all around the perimeter. Tape every few inches with the tape to secure. Press firmly with your fingers to get the contact paper to lay as flat as possible.

To keep the contact paper from lifting arond the edges, use another piece of contact paper cut to fit just inside the blotter edges. Press down as instructed above. I chose not to use any more paper on my blotter, but you could do a design on the back too, it just wouldn't be as neat as the front. Here's the finished edge from the front...

And TA~DA...you have yourself a crafting blotter!! Here's the finished project...

I am loving using this under my projects. It is doing it's job!! I will announce the winner to my giveaway as soon as I hear who it is!! Ahhhh, the anticipation!!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking up to these parties:
Hope Studios~Tutorial Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesdays #40

Home Sweet Home #41 @ The Charm of Home
Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Potpourri Party #12 @ 2805
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Hope in Every Season~ Homemaking Linkup
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Shows Current & Coming...Blackberry Junction & Vintage Marketplace

2011-11-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

I love going to craft/vintage shows & since I moved, I am looking for ones to enjoy here. I'm sure that there are a treasure trove of shows I don't know about, since I haven't heard of too many yet that I cannot miss.

So I start with Blackberry Junction. They have a blog, so go check it out. It is located in Albany, Oregon and runs from Friday November 11th thru Saturday the 19th, daily 10-6, which is a long time for a show. It is artfully arranged in an old HistoricTerminal Warehouse. My friend, Sonya, from Counting My Blessings blog, and I went to the preview night on Thursday the 10th, which cost $15...yep, we are diehard, be there first, customers!! We had a wonderful time browsing & buying a few things we couldn't resist. Everyone was so nice and we chatted with several vendors as well as the owner of the show. If you get a chance, go and visit Blackberry Junction. They have several shows a year, which I plan on attending from now on! I must add that this is the 1st show that I took photos to share. I have always used pics from the shows website. It was a delight to use my camera to grasp the flavor of the show & know that it was from my version that I got to share these with you. The ladies at the show were wonderful when we wanted to take pictures for our blogs. Thanks so much Blackberry Junction!!
Here's some pics to let you enjoy some browsing too...

This is Bonnie, who paints the most beautiful ornaments. She was personalizing them for the night & weekend. I had a wonderful time visiting with her & hope to see her again in the near future! She was so sweet! :-)


Here's a closeup...so cute!!

Now I will share what I couldn't live without...I know...I'm being a little melodramatic!! But they are sooo adorable!!

Last I want to share a show that will be in Eugene, Oregon this coming weekend, November 17th thru the 19th, the Vintage Marketplace Holiday Faire.
The hours are:
Thursday 6-9
Friday 12-6
Saturday 10-6

I went to the August event & loved it & shared about it on this post. I plan on attending on opening day, if I can. Not sure about that yet. I met Barb, that owns the store "Treasures of My Heart", where the event will be held, plus she has a blog of the same name. She has already posted about moving things around for all the goodies that other vendors will bring, besides her own cute things. I love visiting her store & Barb is such a delight. If you have a chance, you won't want to miss the Vintage Marketplace Holiday Faire.
Tell Barb I sent you, as well as the Blackberry Junction!! Thanks!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm joining these linky parties:
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Hope in Every Season~Homemaking LInkup

Fun Finds & Giveaway Deadline is Tuesday!!

2011-11-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy week so I didn't get any extra posts done. My blog followers have blossomed to over 100 now...yipee!! I am anxious to see who is gonna win my giveaway hosted by Tracy at Screaming Sardine. Go to this LINK if you haven't already entered. I have really enjoyed all the comments that everyone has left on Tracy's & my blogs. Thank you so much!!

I think today I'll share some pictures of my most recent baubles & trinkets finds.

These are mini dominos!! So cute! Love the vintage salt & pepper shakers too.

Gonna enjoy working on these!

Can't resist a cute bear!

I think the frame needs little twin baby pics! The candle holder is mercury glass.

Love the bubbles in this bottle!

The bird has a little hole in the back, but on the tree it won't matter! The green glass is so pretty in the candle holders.

A tiny plate...sweet!

My 1st Germany vintage ornaments.

So excited to find some more spools!!

The apothecary jar is full of vintage tiny ornaments.

I have some vintage craft shows to share with you in a couple days, some ongoing & one to come this weekend. If you live in the Oregon area, you might want to check them out. Until next time, have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm joining in on these linky parties:
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tracy @ Screaming Sardine Interviewed Me & I'm Having a Giveaway!!

2011-11-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

A Big Thank You to Tracy from Screaming Sardine. I'm excited to be a part of Tracy's interviewee posts and to have a giveaway from my Etsy shop, Blessings from Cindy. I am giving away $20 towards any item in my Etsy shop, {shipping & handling inclusive}. Please check out the post on Screaming Sardine and come back & visit me! All the info for entering is on Tracy's blog, Screaming Sardine. Just to clarify, you must be a follower of Tracy's blog, Screaming Sardine & of mine to enter & Please leave a message at Tracy's blog also. Thanks so much!!

I was so surprised when Tracy from Screaming Sardine wanted to interview me...yep, little 'ol me!! I was honored to be asked & said yes, of course. I mean, who wouldn't want to be interviewed by a very popular blogger! She also asked if I would have a giveaway from my Etsy shop & I again said Yes!! So I have been busy getting every tree sitting on my work table done so I could fill my store & the winner would have a good supply to choose from. I also decided to make the giveaway international, so that no one would be excluded. So today I thought I would share a few peeks of trees I just listed.

You also get a peek of some of the hydrangeas I dried. I will share on that soon. I spent all day & night taking pictures & getting them sized, & finally listed on Etsy. Whew!!
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Wow Us Wednesdays
Market Your Biz & Giveaways #22
Mommy Digging Giveaway Linky
Time to Shine Tuesday #43~A Diamond in the Stuff
Home Decor & Organizing Link Party #26
By Your Hands~Blog Party Sunday
2805 Potpourri Party #11
Inspiration Friday @ The Picket Fence
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Vintage Inspiration @ Common Ground
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Time to Shine #44 @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Busy Finishing Trees & Surprise Tomorrow!

2011-11-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to check in for a quick post. I have had company for the weekend. Our son, daughter~in~love, and her cousin came for our son's birthday. We made a day trip to the beach; rainy, but fun anyway.

Then I made braided pizza loaf & chocolate/cherry cake for his requested birthday dinner. Since our kids were little, I have made them whatever they wanted for their birthday dinner & dessert. Sometimes that meant a 3~4 layer cake!! Happy Memories!! Even though they are grown, I still carry on the tradition.

I have been finishing up a bunch of trees. I have some new ones that I am really happy with. I will be getting pictures taken tomorrow & listed on Etsy by the end of the day. Hopefully it will all go smoothly!! I need to get my store loaded, but I will let you know why tomorrow...

So for now, I will leave you & get back to some more glittering!! Have a sparkling day!

Blessings,
Cindy

October in Pictures #2...Nature's Colors

2011-11-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

I love fall!! I love the crisp morning air, the trees changing all the gorgeous shades of the season, and enjoying the last of the warm weather before winter's chill.

This year I have also enjoyed:

~my hydrangea bushes with the blossoms turning hues I had never seen before,

~a trip on the lake in my hubby's little boat,

~decorating our new home's front porch,

~watching the trees that are losing their leaves now &

~knowing that next year they will blossom again in spring,

~when we will be welcoming our new grandbabies ...

Ahhh, life is good. You know everything doesn't have to go right, for life to be good. I am thankful for so much, probably from going through so much & not having everything "good" all the time. That is a story for another day...For now, here are pictures from October that I had the pleasure of experiencing first hand. The breeze rustling the leaves, the fresh air, and the quiet I cannot duplicate for you. You will have to use your imagination...

I hope you have enjoyed your fall as much as I have & share in the blessings of the season. My dream has always been to go to Vermont during the autumn color show. Maybe someday I will...

Blessings,
Cindy

October in Pictures...My Creations & Giveaway Winner Announced!

2011-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone for entering my giveaway for the My Memories Suite software. I didn't use anything fancy to draw the winner, just some paper with the names written on them, & depending on how many entries each person had, that was how many slips had their names on them. I had my hubby draw a name from the holder & I am happy to announce that Terry from Cherished Treasures is the winner! Congrats to Terry!!

Terry said in her comment: "Good Morning! I would love to try out this digital program, never tried to do anything digital so this would be so fun. Yours turned out fantastic! Pick me! LOL". Check out Terry's blog Cherished Treasures & join her linky party too! She has a beautiful blog & is so talented, plus she loves thrifting & repurposing! Terry, email me to get your prize!

Don't forget, those of you who didn't win, that there is a special on buying your own My Memories Suite for $10 off plus $10 in papers,etc. Just use the link on my sidebar & the access code! Thanks!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have done more posts in the month of October than I have any other month on my blog. I must say that I have also spent more hours working on making posts, joining in linky parties, and trying to be interesting enough for you to visit!! All that said, I also have gotten a lot more followers, much more traffic visiting my blog, and lots of sweet comments, which I love!! Thank you so much! I will be thinking about what I need to do for a giveaway when I reach 100 followers. Since Christmas is just a short time away, maybe I will give away a bottle brush tree or two...a snowman jar...or a combo of things that I can decide on later. I'm not there yet!!! I have some other exciting things going on in the next month or two also that I will clue you in on when they happen. For this post, I want to share my creations made in October...

I am working on lots more trees. I have more on the spools, more inside many different containers I've collected over the year, some I am faux painting, and lots more glittering to do!! All these things are available for sale in my Etsy shop. See my sidebar for some pics. I am not doing any craft shows this year, which is really different for me. I miss the hustle & bustle of putting the show together, but I don't want to travel over the mountain to participate in my previous show in Redmond, which is this coming weekend. I am really gonna miss the people; crafters and patrons. Change is good, right?? Have a wonderful week!!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:
Share Your Creations @ Kristen's Creations
Show & Share #12 @ Vintage Gwen

Found Treasures & My Works in Progress. Giveaway ends tomorrow!!

2011-10-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

I downloaded some new My Memories Suite layouts today & they are really pretty! I got some for our son & daughter~in~love's wedding pictures...shhhh...it is a secret!! I thought instead of the usual pics of my newest treasure finds & my work table all ~~messy~~ beautiful, I would make them extra pretty by putting them through the My Memories Suite software & really make them special. The 1st layout is of all my treasures found last week. Pic #1 shows a ginger jar that was full of things (some treasures, some not!), Pic #2 are some things I found at thrift stores, Pic #3 are the ornaments that were in the jar in pic #5, & the things in pic #5 came from a vintage/craft show,(more on that in another post).

The 2nd layout is my craft table all covered with things I'm working on! It may look messy, but there is a method to my madness....whaaahaha. Aren't all of us crafters/creators a little messy?? I loved the paper on this one with the vintage feel. Both backgrounds are from the My Memories design pack "Faerie Holiday Pack."

I want to remind you that the deadline for the My Memories Suite giveaway is tomorrow at midnight. Click HERE to enter. I will choose a winner on November 1st! Thanks so much for participating!! If you want to purchase your own software from My Memories, click on my sidebar for $10 off & use the code listed above the link.

Have a Happy Halloween Everyone and stay safe!

Blessings,
Cindy

Joyful News, More Layouts, & My Memories Suite Giveaway Deadline Monday!

2011-10-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

First, I NEED to share our most exciting news! I already shared that we are going to be grandparents for the 1st time next May, but we just found out that we are doubly blessed...TWINS! We are so excited & it looks like they may be identical! Our son has wanted to have twins since he was a little boy & his best friend was a twin! God has granted his longtime wish!

You have a few more days to enter for the My Memories Suite giveaway! I have enjoyed using the program so much and look forward to creating more. I made the one above to celebrate our sweet little babies and here's one I just made below. I got this cute little elf girl from The Graphics Fairy.

The My Memories Suite is such an easy program to use & there are so many different pages that are available, freebies, video tutorials, and much more. Check out the My Memories website and see what I mean. I enjoy scrap~booking so much, but it is time consuming & I don't have enough hours in a day to catch up on my boxes of pictures, let alone my computer files full of life's moments I have captured the last few years. I think this is a way of catching up on some albums that I don't want to personally print and scrapbook the old fashioned way. Well, enough said! Click HERE to enter my giveaway, leave me a comment, become a follower, and tell me which scrap~booking pages you like, all for chances to win your own My Memories Suite software. The deadline to enter is Monday, October 31st midnight pacific time. Tell your friends! If you want your own My Memories Suite software, use my access code for $10 off: STMMMS75665. I suggest copy & paste for the code, just in case of a mistype.

Blessings,

Cindy

I'm linking to these parties:

Sunday Blog Love @ Cherished Treasures
Brag Monday @ The Graphics Fairy

My version of a Jack 'o Lantern & a Window Surprise!

2011-10-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

I painted a pumpkin yesterday for the front porch & thought I'd share him with you. I also added some hydrangeas to the planter, since the plant has decided not to bloom anymore. It had beautiful orange & yellow blossoms. We'll see if the hydrangeas wilt or dry...

I'm trying to dry hydrangeas using a technique I found on a blog. If I like the way they turn out, I will share with a tutorial. Here they are, the last of my blossoms, all drying on my dining room table...

Last, I will share my living room front window. Our daughter works in a sign shop & creates vinyl sayings & art for walls, among other things. She had made two of these & this was the discard. My hubby suggested that she put it on our window & I was thrilled! It is special because she made it & I haven't seen anything like it before. It is sparkly pearl, but see through. I feel it looks shabby chic. What do you think?

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to:
Savvy Southern Style~Wow Us Wednesdays

A Diamond in the Stuff~ Time to Shine Tuesdays
Home Decor & Organizing Link Party #24
Vintage Gwen~Show & Share with Southern Lovely
Show Me What Ya Got
Feathered Nest Friday
Potpourri Party #9
Inspiration Friday

Some Fall Decorating and New Layout with My Memories Suite software

2011-10-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

I got some fall decorating done on our porch. I really like scarecrows for the fall season because it can go from September until Thanksgiving.

I made this many years ago & still love it! The scarecrow was one of my fav things to paint!

I made this about 3 years ago. I got the tin basket on clearance.

I don't think I have shared pictures of our dining room in our new home yet. The chandelier has got to go! Still looking for one we really like. Here is our room all decorated for fall...

Here's our Craigslist table & chairs! Napkins on the window valance.

The china cabinet that my Dad made my Mom. The framed prints are now roosters.

The scarf is a Real Deals find ($2.49), as is the plate! The chicken is a clearance item & the teapot, from an antique mall, which I got on my travels in September, with handpainting from a fellow crafter of mine many years ago.

In our family room, we have a double doored cabinet (another Craigslist find) to hold my hubby's many Coke collectibles. Above it is our family picture wall.

That is the sum of my fall decorating. I have a plastic bin of fall decor sitting in my garage at this very minute that I can't get to. So I used what I had & added a couple of discount items. Now Christmas will be another story!!

I wanted to share another layout I did with the My Memories Suite software.

Summer fun at the Oregon Coast!

Please don't forget to sign up for the giveaway for the My Memories Suite software. Use this LINK to go to that post on my blog. I extended the deadline until October 31st. If you'd like to order your own, there is a special discount of $10 if you use the code: STMMMS75665.
Can you believe that October is going to be over in a week?

Blessings,
Cindy

I'm linking to:

Debbiedoos Blogging & Blabbing Newbie Party
Under the Table & Dreaming~Sunday Showcase Party
Uncommon Slice of Suburbia~Tuesday's Treasures

A Creative Princess~It's a Party!

Pre~Blogging Creations I Made

2011-10-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

I was asked by Laxsupermom to join her linky party: Before Blogging Throwback Thursdays.
Her blog is "Sugar 'n Spice in the Land of Balls 'n Sticks". I am suppose to make a post of things I made before my life as a blogger. I searched & found some items, that I hadn't already saved on disk, from tons of pictures, to share & then add to her linky party. So here goes...

There were versions of this with angels, reindeer, & moose.

I made tons of all different kinds of ornaments.

This is one of my favorites!

My Mom did the sewing & I put Santa together, painted his face & added all the goodies!

I did several different jars with painted scenes with lighted trees.


I was known years ago for the little black dolls I made.

These are just a tiny bit of the hundreds of different things I have made over the years. Crafting is in my heart & soul. I can't imagine not creating in some capacity. I used to think that anyone could make what I did just as well, but I learned that isn't true. We are all gifted with different talents from God & this is one of mine... What is one of your special gifts? I would love to hear about yours!

Have a Blessed Day,
Cindy

I'm linking to:

Before Blogging Throwback Thursdays

Prayers Please~ Cindy Adkins's husband...surgery

2011-10-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a prayer request. Cindy Adkins is a popular blogger that has been so helpful to me in blogging issues & moving ahead with my blog. She always has a kind word to say & answers my emails quickly. Sonya, from Counting My Blessings blog, says she doesn't think that Cindy ever sleeps! Well, I don't know if she does or not, but I just know that many people in blogland love her & she loves them back. I am asking for prayers for Cindy's husband, Ralph, who is having surgery tomorrow, Friday, October 21st. You can see her post on her blog about the circumstances:
Whimsical Musings

Cindy & Ralph

Blessings,
Cindy

Decorating & Glittering my Bottle Brush Trees!

2011-10-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have loved doing bottle brush trees for the past couple of years. I have collected for the past year, all kinds of containers to put them in. I look for something that is small and dainty, usually teacups, vintage wooden thread spools, and anything that catches my eye. I also collect vintage ornaments, vintage glass bead garland, and other vintage items to add to the trees. Here's some of my trees this year. I am working on a lot more; my craft table is covered with trees, glitter, vintage ornaments, and misc containers & extras.

Hope you enjoyed seeing my trees half as much as I had making them! Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Blessings,
Cindy

Don't forget to enter my giveaway...click HERE!

I'm linking to these parties:

Wow Us Wednesdays

VintageGwen

Inspiration Friday

2805~Potpourri Friday
French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday
Sunday Blog Love
Transformation Thursday
The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home # 38