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!

Don't Tell Santa...

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

Merry Christmas Charlie!

Cemetery Stone Topper for Christmas...

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 mom and a dad, it was made to honor them for the holiday's. The blue used in this piece were the colors the couple had used for their wedding. I really think it came out beautifully...

I love the sparkle of the silver ornaments mixed with the silver poinsettia's blossoms. I also accented this piece with silver berries.



The back of the stone topper is as pretty as the front!

I joined in the Christmas Blogger Block Party, please stop by to see what the others are sharing today!

Pink Tree for a Little Fun...

Every girl needs to have a little pink in her life, right? About 5 years ago my niece was going to be turning 16 shortly after Christmas. I thought this would be the perfect time to make a special tree just for her. I decided to purchase a small pre-lit tree that came in a pretty white ceramic container. I found all different kinds of make up products in miniature sizes; eye shadows, eye pencils, lip gloss, lip stick, nail files, etc. I glued some sheer pink ribbon to each product and attached them to the branches of the tree. I added a pretty pink ombre bow that I made with wired ribbon and for the tree "topper" I added a sweet sequined make up bag filled with pink make up brushes!
My niece loved her special gift and I had so much fun coming up with the design for her tree. I still have all the items that I had purchased knowing that I would want to make another tree for my granddaughter when she was old enough to enjoy it. I guess I should get busy and start pulling out all the girly items I have and make another tree. This would also be a perfect gift for a hair stylist or a nail technician to place in their shops. I have way too little time for all the ideas swirling around in my head. Have you any special projects that you are working on for a loved one this Christmas?



I joined Beverly for Pink Saturday and I also joined in at The Christmas Blogger Block Party, please stop by and see what others are sharing for the Holidays!

Frosty The Snowman Hat Centerpiece...

Today I decided to join Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for Metamorphosis Monday it's been so long since I've been able to join in the fun...

I found these adorable woven "Frosty" hat baskets and just had to make some centerpieces with them. If you are lucky enough you can find the baskets at Michael's but not in my area, as I bought every single one of them! Yep that's me when I find something I love I buy them all!
They really came out adorable, I used fresh pine, tiny bulbs on picks, snowflakes, sweet checked bow and a cute little snowman. I added lots and lots of glitter for the "frosty" effect and I am very pleased with how they came out. I'm sure they won't be around long... not because they are going to "melt" away but because my friends will scoop them up and buy them for gifts for their friends and family. So what are your favorite things to make during the Holiday Season?





Close up of "Frosty"...



Close up of "Frosty"...



Please be sure to visit Susan and see what everyone else is sharing today!

Wedding Photos...

I thought I would share a few more photos from my daughter Paula's wedding this past August, we are still waiting for the Wedding Video. What a beautiful day we had, I wish we could turn back the clock and do it all again. What a beautiful couple, so in love, just like a fairy tale! The wedding took place at Lucien's Manor in Berlin, NJ in the Venetian Ballroom, when the curtain went up after the cocktail hour I was breathless. I really felt like I was in a Broadway production just watching the curtain go up and reveal the room to our guests. Pinch me, I think I'm still dreaming...

I'm Seeing Red...

I have loved using red to decorate in my kitchen for the past few years. Red is the color of passion, but I'm careful not to over do it. Red can be very cheery and happy but can cause anger if you use to much of it (I'm told). So you need to keep that in mind when using red to decorate in a room, you have to know when enough is enough.

I like to use red as an accent color in everything from wall decor, clocks, candles, dishes and even my silverware. When you have accents of red it gives a punch to other things you might not even notice in your room. I think red can entice and invite you into a room and it's perfect in my kitchen/dining area. Food looks great on red plates and red works any time of the year and for any holiday.

So are you seeing "red" today too?