Learning some techniques using PhotoShop...

I have been learning how to use textures and layers in Photoshop after following a tutorial I saw on a lovely blog called frenchkisstextures.com. Leslie provides instructions that are pretty easy to follow. I was so excited after a few attempts to be able to complete my project. The second picture was done using Leslie's image and texture and the first picture I did using a texture I found online layered with a picture I had taken of a centerpiece that I had made a few years ago. And the last picture is done using Leslie's image and texture with another texture added by me.

If you have a chance pop in on Leslie and see all the great tutorials she offers.

Just stunning...

I took this picture of the moon last night with my new lens that I got for Christmas. I think it came out pretty amazing since I just grabbed my camera and took a few shots, nothing fancy!

Little Guest Room...

A few simple changes to one of our little guest rooms...

Winter Blues...

Although Christmas has past and I long for summer days I can't seem to get myself in the mode to design anything other than something for the Winter months or Christmas. Are you having the same problem or have you happily moved along to new things? I could use some inspiration because I seem to be stuck...

Happy New Year

Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

What a wonderful Christmas...

I made this red and white scarf by combining different yarns, I love the big white "snowball" yarn. This was made for my granddaughter for Christmas, I think they are sooo cute! And since this scarf didn't require knitting or crocheting anyone can make these!

I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and although I am tired from all the baking, cooking and ho ho hoing I don't want it to end... I still have some craft projects that I had started and didn't get to finish that were intended for gift for a special someone. I also started some projects were just things that I liked and wanted to do just because! Every year I intend to start to work on my crafts sooner but I am more apt to wait until Christmas draws near to feel the inspiration. Do you do that too? And of course with Pinterest and all you talented bloggers the ideas that come to me are never ending. My head is constantly a buzz with idea after idea... make all the noise in there go away, lol! So even though Christmas is over I'm really going to see if I can stay inspired and work on those crafts that I wanted to get done and then I'll be ready for Christmas next year! Ya right, good luck with that, huh?

I hope you all had a magical Christmas and hope that Santa was good to you too!

Merry Christmas...

You Better Not Pout...

I'm working hard to get through my list in time for Christmas. I hope I made it on Santa's Nice list and I wish the same for you!

Merry Christmas!

Don't Tell Santa...

My great nephew Charlie... shhh don't tell Santa I've been Naughty...

Merry Christmas Charlie!

Hark The Herald Angel's sing...

I made these faux pine window decoration's long ago and have enjoyed them season after season. The old fashioned candle adds a realistic charm to this piece. The little porcelain angel's were a find years ago at the Christmas Tree Shop. I love how they hold onto the candle and their little faces glow in the light. I tucked in some icy beaded picks along with some berry's and shiny red ornaments. The glow from this centerpiece inside and outside my window is very sweet and I love them more each year. It is so cute to walk up to my house and see them sitting in a frosty window.





I hope my window arrangement's will inspire you to try something different this year!

Red and Green Christmas Headstone Topper...

Each year as we all begin to celebrate the Christmas season I always make wreaths or cemetery stone toppers for our loved ones who are no longer with us. I have always enjoyed making each piece special and this year was no different. I also had many orders for wreaths and stone toppers this year. When I take an order for a cemetery piece I like to ask each client to tell me a little about "their" loved one and what was special to them. I then create a piece that is unique, that also has meaning to the family and I like to add a photo of their loved one to the topper. It may take me a few hours to make a topper but I enjoy each moment of it knowing that this may be the only item that someone can give to a loved one that is no longer here. My customer's are so kind and usually are quite emotional when they come to pick up their topper or wreath. A little bit of me goes into my work and I think they can feel that as well. This topper was made for a dad, it was made to honor him for the Holidays. I used the traditional red and green Christmas colors for this arrangement. I really think it came out beautifully...