"Find The Seed At The Bottom Of Your Heart and Bring Forth A Flower" ~ Shigenori Kameoka

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!  May you ALL find a seed from our own heart that will sow something wonderful for you....

Rebecca Sower has been having a wonderful time making hearts, and at the same time, showing other artist's creations on her blog.  I thought I might play along and show you my own creation.  So, for Heart Session {no. 06}, this is my creation.

I would be delighted to tell you how I created this sweet pink and creme heart. 

I began going to the thrift store.  Yes, that is a spot to find all kinds of "affordable" supplies.  I bought 3 pure wool sweaters (one being pink).  Of course the pink is what I used for this project.  I bought all 3 for $9.  Bring the sweater home, put it in the washer with a little detergent and wash on HOT water!  The water must be HOT.  I did not use fabric softener.  Run it through a normal wash cycle.  Next, put it in the dryer and dry it on a normal temperature untl dried.  It will shrink up.  A lady's sweater will now look like it will fit on a 6 year old! LOL! LOL!  I'm not sure, but I believe they call this "wool felting".  Maybe someone out there in blogland can confirm the name of this process, and any extra tips would be very much appreciated.

Next, take a heart template (I used a heart paper doily) and fold it in half.  Cut enough fabric from the sweater for an entire heart.  Fold the fabric in half and place the heart template on top, pin down, and cut out the heart.  Un-pin,and un-fold the fabric heart ~ Wa-la, a nicely, perfectly shaped heart.

Find some lace that you would like to use. I used some vintage eyelet cut from an old curtain and some very fine, thin lace that has some discoloration (which I love).  The different shades in the lace bring the piece a bit of definition, I think.  Cut it to length across the heart.  Get your fabric glue and glue down the eyelet first and then finish the top and bottom with the fine lace.  After drying a bit, I carefully strung 5 seed beads together in a row on a knotted thread and sewed in the middle of each eyelet flower.  They dangle a bit.  I then sewed 4 silver beads, scattering across the top, on the fine lace and 4 more along the bottom.

I had purchased the seam binding and crepe paper ruffle from Karen at Second Hand Rose.  I'm sure she would love to sell you some, and besides, she has various colors, if that is your preference.  But, someone who sews could make their own ruffled length ~ enough to go around the heart.  I hot glued this onto the circumfrence of the heart. 

Once that was completed, I used clear tacky glue to glue on additional silver beads to the crepe paper, here and there.

I hot-glued a length of pink seam binding (for hanging) onto the back of the heart and covered with one bone button and one shell button.

After allowing it to completely dry (probably over night), I added a 4 loop bow, and a vintage rhinestone pin.

Now you have your own pink and creme heart.  

Thanks for stopping by.  I love seeing all of you and will be around to pop in soon....

Blessings,
Kitty

xox

UPDATE:  I have listed a few new things on Etsy.  Please pop over and check them out... 

A Beautiful Life Art Journal ~ Done!

I am so excited to do this post. It's taken, well, let's see, Heather, Pretty Petals, posted the workshop in September of last year? (gasp!) As they say, better late, than never. And, OH AM I GLAD I FINISHED THIS! This "labor of love" was frustrating, at times, but taught me so much about collaging, and layering, and stretching your mind/imagination. I highly recommend it to those of you who were a bit intimidated. It also taught me to part with "my pretties" for a bigger purpose! You know, they are not all piled up or stored away in boxes. We all have a bit of the "hoarding instinct" when it comes to pretties. :) :) :)  The very best part for those of you who missed it back in September, Heather has decided to offer this on-line class, once again.  So all you, who missed it, come join the fun.

I messed up my page order, from the beginning :) :), but, alas, it is MY journal, so I guess that is just fine. Freedom of expression, as they say. The picture above is the cover, and I used all of my best laces for this, girls, as well as gorgeous millinery flowers. I wanted something to treasure, and using really "good stuff" makes your heart pitter-patter!

Below is a picture of the thickness of the book, after binding! Scrumptious, isn't it? For those of you who have completed the class, you know what I'm talking about! (~sigh~)

Now here is where "I messed up". For some crazy reason, I put one of the "Beautiful Ladies" on the back cover, which left the first page open. I decided to do somewhat of an index page. It lists the categories found in the journal, topped off with ribbon roses. A vintage lace sleeve is stretched over the vintage wallpaper to create a pocket. Inside the pocket, I have a copy of my favorite postcard,"Love's Messenger", and a little author paper (Me!). This pocket will allow me to store future "treasures", as I find them. Of course, old millinery glittered up with old German glass glitter tops off the page.

Now here is the first of the "Beautiful Ladies". She is the "Corset Girl", and I had fun glittering her up! I used a bit of ribbon I purchased from Andrea at Everyday Beauty and old millinery. In the bottom right corner, I added two little cherubs and corsets that were copied from an old advertising card. I thought it was just the right "surprise" for this page. (Please excuse the shadows, I tried to photograph on a sunny day.)  Underlying papers are vintage wallpaper and pages from an old victorian magazine.

Here is the second "Beautiful Lady". She has the most beautiful smile, and her face just glows with excitement! It gives you such a warm feeling to look at her.  She's topped off with (what else?) more millinery.  Layers of pages, journal, wallpaper, etc., lie underneath.  Gorgeous old lace edges the page.

The next 2 pages are "Oh How I Love".  These are the pages you put "your pretties" on.  It was hard deciding, not only what to put on them, but placement of the items.  This is where the task of collaging comes in.  How do you place them and make it all look like it works together?  I started with vintage wallpaper.  The silhouettes I received from Lili at LiliM in a swap.  Heather made me the "You are Treasured" that I used on the corner of the picture, quite awhile ago.  Old buttons,  jewelry, and velvet strawberries add to the page.  One of my Inspiration pins (in green) happily joins the grouping.

Page 2 is the other side of the page above that had the victorian lace sleeve stretched over it.  This, once again, allowed me to use it as "a pocket".  I have a letter that Heather wrote me as a little girl, in the pocket.  I also added to the pocket a page from "The Secret Garden" (one of my very favorite children's stories).  I received this in a swap from my dear friend, Madai of Wren Cottage. 

The next 2 pages are "Sweet Friendshp".  Heather gave us all of the images and copies of sheet music and wallpaper.  Everything you need to finish this beautiful journal.  I adore this sheet music used here.  Layered, once again, wallpaper, sheet music, and a title page from "Let Us Be Friends".  How appropriate is that? 

I didn't stray very far from her instructions on these pages.  Adding just the right amount of ribbon, millinery, and lace does the trick.  The image of these 2 girls is just beautiful and says it all.  Friendship is such a valuable commodity in today's world.  I treasure all of you, my dear friends.  It's been wonderful getting to  know you in the last few years.  What commonalities we have, in spite of our backgrounds, distance, careers, families.  I treasure you all.

"Blessed Family".  Two small words with such a big big meaning.  A page from an old Victorian magazine entitled "The Happy Home" starts it off right, don't you think?  The beautiful poem about standing together.  Yes, that is how I feel about my dear family.

And antoher gorgeous image of a mother pushing a baby carriage, with her two little ones playing happily.  I glittered up the page a bit and added a few millinery flowers.  Added the sweet calling card that Heather supplied in her images.   Wa-la!  A gorgeous page.  Simplicity at its best.

So, now, here was the test.  A page of my very own.  No instructions, no images to use.  Just my own mind and creativity.  Birds are one of God's creatures that I am in total amazement of.  These sweet little bundles bring such joy by not only their song, but just of their sweet appearance.  You'll remember this postcard from my first page.  It is entitled "Love's Messenger".  The background page is an image from Karen at The Graphics Fairy.  I immediately loved it when I saw it and knew I would be using it for something very soon.  It is actually an album cover. A few feathers, a jewelry dangle with a heart, and some nice old buttons.  That did the trick for me.

So, that is the end of the journal post.  I still have the "Keepsake Box" to make to store it in.  That is a post for another day, as I have yet to begin making it! LOL! 

I derived much satisfaction from making this journal.  So you ladies that are holding back, go for it.  You'll be so happy you created your very own "A Beautiful Life" Art Journal....

Blessings,
Kitty

"Just As The Bird Sings or The Butterfly Soars, Because It Is His Natural Characteristic, So The Artist Works...

I've noticed in recent weeks, there seems to be a lingering of frustration, restlessness, maybe. One might say a feeling of "being held down", if you will. I've noticed this a great deal since the earthquake in Haiti, and the feeling of frustration over what the average person is able to do to help beyond monetary donations. This is not to say that money is not significant. It absolutely is; and without it, work cannot be done or rebuilding accomplished.

This "feeling" I am speaking of, seems to be cast over bloggers that I frequent, and even family. Maybe it is the "winter doldrums", or just a lack of inspiration. Lack of enough sunlight, maybe, you know Vitamin D?

I have had the pleasure of seeing deer in my yard (or should I say woods, as I live in the country). These sweet masterpieces of nature just amaze me at their beauty and their resilience. A little nibble of some fallen corn, a few nips of hemlock, a lick or two of green moss. Their quest is to get enough food, enough sustenance, to get them through the day and the long night. It is their "natural characteristic".

Are we content with just the right amount of sustenance or inspiration? Do we have to have the big rush of adrenaline, that huge influx of food for our souls? Is this in our nature as artists, creators, crafters, or whatever name one might be called? Can we not be happy with a "little inspiration"? What level is "Natural"?

These are the questions that have come up in my mind recently. Trying so hard to see the glass as half full, so to speak.

Are we like caged birds this time of year? Do we feel our creative wings are clipped? Do we have no purpose for creating, experiencing that rush, that joy, that "making one's heart beat faster" feeling? What makes us lose inspiration?

I feel, as I get older, that time is flying. I know alot of you probably feel the same. But I am determined to find inspiration in every day life. I am trying to be "content", "sustained" with what I find in my path.

I love my life. Am I rich ~ no, not monetarily. Do I have fame ~ no, only to those that love me. But I find richness all around me. A God who takes care of my needs, the love of my family, a job, a home; what else do I need?

As for inspiration? Just look around. Yes, even in the "winter doldrums", we can find inspiration. Beauty does abound ~ and so, the artist must work.

Blessings to all,

Kitty

Title Quote by Alma Gluck.

Images from The Graphics Fairy

Bits and Bobs......

This post is a bit of a "mish-mush" (if that is a word??). A little Valentine's Day decorating, a little over due Christmas and a few miscellaneous pictures I wanted to share. This sweet little kissing couple I found a few years ago at a sale and just love it for Valentine's Day. The perfect sentiment, I think... Below is my dry sink. If I do not decorate anything for a holiday, I always decorate this. It's right as you come in my front door, and is the center of my home, visually.

On the sink are vintage heart candy boxes, a feather tree decorated with, of course, hearts, a Bethany Lowe sweetheart box, a candle, and lots of lace. Tucked in the background is a vintage floral hat, that complemented the color scheme. I looked around for more vintage valentine boxes this year, but did not see any. Always on the hunt for these beauties....

This was my recent find at the thrift store last week. A sweet little teddy, all fuzzy and cute, was just waiting for a good home, a new red bow and of course, her pearls!

The next picture is for Stephanie at Angelic Accents. She and I both collect Pin Money purses, and I mentioned I had a Penny Jar that seemed to blend well with the color scheme. Sort of the same decorating style, don't ya think? Just love these Pin Money Purse Banks. I don't find many of them. Of course, my collection is just beginning....

And this sweetheart of a doll is another find. I've been wanting a half doll pin cushion, but have found many in just so-so shape. This one is chalk and I just L-O-V-E-D her muted colors! She is a keeper, that's for sure.

Now, this was supposed to be my last picture, and I can't seem to move it to the bottom (I'm having Blogger fits!), so it will stay where it is. This is a sample of a page out of my Art Journal from Heather's "A Beautiful Life" Art Journal Class (which, by the way is open and on Pretty Petals Boutique).

I will be doing a post on this, very soon. I have had the best time creating this beautiful journal. Using all my pretties that I normally would just stare at! I know you all know what I mean. We collect all this beautiful stuff, and then what do we do with it?

I know, I know, it has taken me a while to get this done, but, life has just gotten in the way, big time! I am so happy to be just about done and was so thrilled to see everyone's journals when they were doing their posts. It truly is a very fulfilling task.

And, last, but definitely not least, are some pictures of some things Heather gave me for Christmas. She knows I love children's books so, she gave me the most delightful Children's Story Book with stories inside like, "Little Knitters", "The Dream Fairy", and "Baby Bumbles and Dottie Dimple". How cute is that?

Then she gave me this magnificent vintage Christmas card. It truly is an amazing thing of beauty with a velvet bell with silver sparkles. I adore it. Just look at this wonderful rhinestone belt buckle. What was I saying above, something about collecting all these pretties?? :)

I've been admiring pearl handled knives for quite a while. Well, Heather started me on a new collection. Aren't they gorgeous?

And this sweet vintage crepe paper bell with delicious gold glitter on the bottom. It's hanging in my bedroom/studio. Utter sweetness!

I just wanted to give you all a bit of happiness in the devestation of the Haiti earthquake. 53 orphaned children were brought to Pittsburgh, PA today to Children's Hospital. They will be kept overnight there. 47 of the 53 have already been adopted. I understand that the children were all very excited to have an airplane ride. I also understand the dear woman that brought these children here lived in a Haitian driveway of a house for a week with over 100 children. I know we are all trying to do our part financially, but please keep these people, and especially the children, in your prayers.

Well, that's the end of it for today. Glad you all stopped by for a peak, and a chat. I'll be stopping by to see you very soon. Have a good week,

Blessings

Kitty

xox

Treasure: To Regard Or Treat As Precious; Cherish

I have found in a most recent experience that there are little "life treasures" hidden for us to discover. Regardless if experience is defined as “good” or “bad”, these little "treasures" allow us to see "what is" and "what could be" within our own lives and to those lives we touch, everyday. If I dig and unearth this treasure, then I will go down this path, and if I unearth that, then, behold, something altogether different, and maybe a bit more glorious, may be waiting for me. Forgive my babbling, but these experiences keep occurring and I feel the need to share.....

We, as humans, seem to have a knack for interpreting “bad” experience as something evil, a sort of, “What Have I Done Wrong To Deserve This”? But lying, just beneath the surface, a bit murky at times, is the chance to unearth a “treasure”.

My Mother had a recent stay in the hospital. She came to the hospital by ambulance, which always sets the anxious tone we begin to feel; praying all the while that upon arrival, I would find her OK, and without a terribly serious medical involvement. My Mother was admitted for a potential heart problem, and after much testing, she was “pronounced” just fine ~ just a bit of hietal hernia and much anxiety. Praise the Lord for that outcome.

During Mom’s 3-1/2 day stay in Cardiac Care, I met the most wonderful people. Her roommate, “Vanetta” was dealing with pneumonia and other complications. She was “healing medicine” for my Mother. Vanetta was sweet but vocal, and had a richness of faith and family. My Mother tends to stay to herself, but this woman brought her out of her shell. I would walk into their room and Mom would be helping her in or out of bed, calling in their lunch order and/or ringing the nurse bell for something needed. Mom got to unearth her own treasures during this stay. She called Vanetta after she was released from the hospital, and now, they plan on staying in touch. If you knew how difficult this was for my Mother, you would know how much of a true treasure this is. :)

One of my very own treasures was the opportunity to strengthen the bond between my Mother and I. This opportunity comes in the most unexpected ways, when I least expect it. I'm usually absorbed in the moment or some task I need to perform. And then, there it is, the treasure awaits.

Another treasure was meeting so many caring doctors and nurses; even those working in the gift shop and snack shop, all giving a caring glow to my day, each day.

So thank you to all those that work in the health care field, the hospitals, the ambulance attendants, the ER nurses and doctors, the medical test specialists, those that deliver the patients to and from. Due to all of you, Mom and I found treasure. We can’t thank you enough.

Heather’s post on saying “Thank You” is well timed. I would like to take that lead, and join with her to say, Thank You, to all my dear blogger friends, family, and readers who “honor” me every day with their thoughts, comments, and words of inspiration. To know I am a tiny thread, intertwined among many, creating this beautiful blogging community gives me much comfort. For this I am so very grateful.

God Bless You all this year through. Wishing you “glorious experiences” when finding your own life treasures.

Blessings,
Kitty

Much thanks to Karen at the Graphics Fairy for all of her beautiful clip art that brightens my day and alot of my blog posts! Blessings to you, my dear friend....

Longing For Lace....

I received my new issue of Victoria Magazine in the mail the other day. OOOOHHH! Such a wonderful issue, with beautiful photos of ironstone, lace, dolls and sumptuous food. When Victoria re-started publishing about a year ago, I didn't feel sure it was of the same caliber as "the old issues". But, as the year progressed, I have to say, I am not disappointed one tiny bit, but rather, I can't wait to reach the mailbox when I know the next issue is soon arriving.

The article that caught my eye, this time, was "Vintage Lace ~ A Lovely Legacy". There is nothing better than the sheer delights of vintage lace with its subtle shades of cream, white and tawny brown. To touch it, and feel the "nothingness" of its weight is a pleasure unto its own. To study each intricate tiny stitch, and the patterns woven, just perfectly; well, need I say more?

Such patience. What did those women think of while they were doing these tasks? Did they think of their problems? Did they take this time to reflect on their day, or were their minds busy with what they had left to do, or where the children were, or was hubby coming home soon. I can't help but think they were not nearly as "scattered" as I feel a great deal of the time. Could it be I am conjuring up an image of a life that really wasn't so? Let me have my thoughts and think otherwise....

I am not a person that knows the names of all the different types of laces, years they were produced/stitched/woven. But, I don't think you need to be a "learned scholar" of lace to just simply enjoy its beauty.

The affect lace has on a woman cannot be explained. It's like slipping into a scented bathtub, sipping the perfect tea in a precious china cup, slipping into bed with newly laundered sheets dried in the sun, or the coo of a sweet little baby. You know, that kind of feeling. It stirs the emotion, almost makes one "giddy" at times.

Thank you Victoria for sharing these wonderful images, you have captured my heart. What could be more lovely than a winter's day and the latest issue of this dear magazine. So, enjoy the pictures, and run now and get your copy and enjoy some blessed "BLISS"....

Blessings,

Kitty