Where is your focus?

It seems like more and more lately I have been challenged to re-prioritize my time.  There are so many fun things to do as well as so many things that are good to do. 

Overall, it has to be filtered through an eternal focus.

This is just about one of my favorite collages.  It measures 30x40 and is paper and paint.

Inspiration:  “He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.”  Ecc 3:11

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”  Matt 6:19-20

The trellis, rotted in some places, supports a lovely flower garden.  It also has some bug-eaten leaves and a few stingers.  The background is composed of dictionary and chemistry pages, suggesting what we know of this world. 

The house, on the other hand, is grand and in sharp focus, suggesting our heavenly home.

So, where is your focus?

Have a lovely fall-ish weekend.

Kelley



Used Clay

 

The last several months, I have been fascinated with clay.  Over the years,whenever I attend a craft fair, I always gravitate to the pottery artists and I usually bring home at least another mug.  Finally, I have had the opportunity to give it a try myself.  Last fall, my daughter joined me in the class and this spring, my husband gave the wheel a try.  It has been tons of fun and I am longing to get my own equipment.  (Gotta heal from a saw accident first, bummer.)

 

This collage depicts some of the uses of clay and is inspired by Jeremiah 18:6:

"Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand"

We are to be moldable in the hands of God and trust that He will shape us to His will.  Some of us will be seed planters who share the Good News, some waterers who encourage and disciple, and some to bring in the harvest.

 

Our job is to try to stay moldable and on the wheel. 

 

Hugs to you.

Kelley

Between the Rains

Last spring, I had the pleasure of participating in a Bible study written by Beth Moore called "Mercy Triumphs" on the book of James.  Her studies are quite in depth and this one amped up the challenge as expected.  One of my favorite "take-aways" was found in the verse:

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."  James 5:7

A major point was made that between those mountain top spiritual highs, like the rains in the verse, we are to be reminded of God's faithfulness.

So, what do you do when you find yourself in a time when your prayers seem to hit the ceiling or you are going through a time of seemingly endless trials? 

Be reassured that He hears your prayers, He is faithful.  Remember His covenants.  Guard your heart.  Praise Him without ceasing.  Stay the course.  Fellowship with other believers.  Know that the sun will rise tomorrow, and the rains will come.  

 

"So, if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today-to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil."  Deuteronomy 11:14 

Blessings, and never forget He is faithful.

Kelley

 



Paper beads, covered in prayer

A few weeks ago, a sweet sister in our Sunday School class was approaching a major surgery.  We ladies "circled the wagons", so to speak, and had a prayer time, with food, of course.  Another thing we did was write out our prayers on scrapbook paper which was later made into beads.  We felt like it was a tangible way to remind her of our prayers and support.

 

Here's how we did it: 

On the backside of any paper, write out the prayers and scriptural promises claimed for your intended recipient.  Be sure to photocopy the paper to send with the finished prayer bead jewelry. 

If you use a 12" square paper, you will have 24" of bead length.  Use a paper cutter to cut paper into about 1/2" to 3/4" long triangles.  I always just eyeball the size.  It is handmade, after all.

Use a toothpick and roll the triangle tightly.  Apply a small stream of white glue to the last 4 inches or so.  It will ooze out and you can spread it all over the bead, making it firmer and a little glossy. 

I added a variety of beads to make the finished extra long strand necklace.  It is also lovely just alternating with pearls.  This is a very old craft that appeals to all ages.  Our girl scouts did this back in the day and I have also seen necklaces made by ladies in Africa. 

 

I love the idea of being covered in prayer.  This is just one way to share our love and support.

 

Blessings,

Kelley  



A paper collage, just for fun

 Just for grins and giggles, I tried out this collage using the kaleidoscope idea.  I like the color combinations that resulted.  It was a paper that had a circus motif, with clowns and lots of "masks." 

This is a close-up...

 

It was fun to work in the paper again.  I have paused in that area but I have some ideas brewing. 

Have a blessed day,

Kelley 

Standing out in a crowded airport, for sure

I have wanted to do this for so long and finally, I just did it!  If you have ever traveled by air, you know there are a gazillion black bags on that baggage claim line.  I wanted ours to be easy to spot and less likely to get taken by mistake by someone else.  These babies will surely stand out in a crowd.

It was really pretty easy and I just used acrylic craft paint and lots of masking tape to make the plaid.  The plaid is on all the sides and the front plain pocket.

A word of advice:  Don't attempt this right before a trip, when you are tired and already stressed.  Give it some thought because once you commit to a pattern/design, there is no going back.  Be sure to give it plenty of time to dry.  Consider who else might be using the set of luggage.  I had in mind a lovely damask pattern but thought my husband might not be comfortable with it. 

Well, if you see this out and about, say hi...I am nearby!

Kelley

Sofa Table with a story

Don't you just love a good story?  This table has many years under its belt, but it was built just last week.  I come from a long line of creative homemakers who see beyond what something looks like in the moment to what it could be. 

A few months ago, my mom was watching the ruins of a burned out old house in hopes of talking with the owners.  She walks the area every day and knows the goings on, if you know what I mean.  Finally, she had a chance to talk with them and got permission to salvage a few of the porch posts.  I buzzed over there with my truck and my wonderful husband and these babies came home. 

The top shelf is barn wood, complete with red paint, from my daughter's new in-laws.  It was used as siding on their wedding wagon...long story.

The bottom shelf came from my grandmother's barn before it was torn down.  I guess there was salvaging in my blood way back then...almost 20 years ago...just waiting for the right moment to shine.

A couple of years ago, another local barn was being torn down and my wonderful husband salvaged some hickory posts and beams.  Today, a few pieces make the feet of this table.

So, when you look around your home, what story does it tell?

Hope you have a blessed day.

Linking up to Miss Mustard Seed FFF  and Addicted To Decorating

My kind of Birding

Looking around our house today, I realized I have something "birdy" in every room in our house!  We live in the woods and they are alive with the sound of bird calls.  That is one of our home's best features. 

I made this little fella from scraps of an old quilt.  It combines a few of my favorite things in life: quilts, birds and all things vintage. 

Blessings!

Present for Baby Girl

I have been wanting to make some baby shoes for ages.  At last someone in my circle is having a baby girl and this is the set I came up with.  I had a pattern for the shoes.  They are lined with regular felt.  The pattern called for wool felt but there was no white available.  Anyway, I came up with a ribbon embellishment in lieu of buttons (choking hazard).  The onesie is a $2 purchase at Walmart, embellished with a ruffle "skirt", embroidery and another ribbon flower.  I had such fun and so many more ideas for this personalized baby gift. 
Ah, someday I will be a fun Grandma...not too soon though!
Blessings,
 

"Known"

 Psalm 139
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

    

"You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." 



I love to create paper collages.  Usually they begin with faith.  I love this Psalm...I am comforted to know that I am "known".  If only all young women could keep this reassurance close to heart.

Blessings

Year round chargers

I don't know about you but sometimes, I just have to CRAFT! 

I picked up these bright, plastic chargers at Old Time Pottery for $1 each.  They would be a perfect base for some crafting.  First, I wadded and then flattened some white tissue paper.   I used Mod Podge to apply it over the gold.

 After that dried, I glazed with some dark brown acrylic.

 Then came the fun of decorating each one uniquely.  I LOVE these papers by Jim Holtz...very vintage-y.

 I used the cricut to add our monogram.  Then I followed up with a couple of coats of polycrylic.

These turned out pretty good and they are much more interesting than our placemats were.  They were not a big investment and I had so much fun making them.  Only problem is that now my dishes don't quite measure up.  This will likely increase the total cost of the project.  (chuckle)  We also discovered a side bonus...they hold paper plates nicely when we are being bums in front of the TV. 

I am looking forward to more sewing and creating and decorating and entertaining in the new year. 

How about you?   Blessings to you and yours.

A simpler Christmas!

 I am keeping it much simpler this year than I have in the past.  No Elf craziness like last year!  Be sure to check it out.

 I added a burlap garland to our tree this year.  I cut strips of burlap, frayed the edges and stamped the words to our favorite Christmas tunes all along the strips.  I used white acrylic paint and large foam stamps.  Usually, I have many strands of the red wood beads and this year I doubled them and draped them.

On my china cabinet, I put the middle size tall, skinny tree with white lights and vintage ornaments in front of a mirror.  My favorite shiny brights and santas are all grouped in this vignette.
I am going to hold my breath a few more days to add some fresh cedar and pine boughs.  And I'll kick in the cookie baking in a few days.  How are you treasuring the season?
Blessings.

What you missed at our craft booth

 For the first time, I decided to have a craft booth at a couple of my favorite shows of the season.  I was able to sweet talk my mom into helping.  She made these awesome hand painted signs and was a wonderful buddy/encourager for the days.

 As you can see, we had a wide variety of "stuff" and actually did pretty well for beginners.

 This is my most recent collage, titled "His hand is on the sparrow".  I made a several cloche displays and they were well liked.

Our displays were mainly louvered closet doors in various applications.  Kinda shabby chic. 
We had a good experience with the whole thing.  Our products were well liked and Mama had several orders for custom signs.  We will definitely continue to do this stuff.
I have been checking in on my favorite blogs but, as you probably noticed, I have not posted.  Wow, all this actual "doing" of the crafts takes a lot of time!  Check back soon for some of my own Christmas decorations.
Blessings!

A sweater slipcover?

I am cheap.  Yep, I look for creative ways to make our house comfortable ...on the cheap.  I longed for a comfortable spot to put my feet up by the fire.  Enter a one dollar garage sale hassock.  That's what we call them in the south.  And one large sweater from Goodwill.

 I pulled the sweater inside out, over the hassock and carefully tailored it to fit (not really, stretchy is very forgiving.)  I went around the bottom with quarter inch elastic so it comes off easily.

 So, here is the finished project.  Very cozy and the cat loves it.  I used the leftover arms to make some more stuffed pumpkins. 

Have a lovely fall day!  Blessings.

Birthday Banner

Recently, I went to visit my daughter for a birthday celebration...on the road! I took a pretty cake plate and candles for the purchased treat and a fun birthday banner.

To start, I bought a regular "Happy Birthday" banner at Hobby Lobby and I took it apart. Needlenose pliers made it easy to pull apart the rivets. Then I used spray adhesive to apply the letters to pretty scrapbook papers (which coordinated with the cake stand and napkins).

After I cut them out, I used regular craft paint to edge the letters and minimize the tabs. I punched holes and used some ribbon on hand to restring the letters.

I am pretty happy with the result and I will definitely do this again, just to have on hand.

As simple as can be, but it was my "craft fix" for the day, and I think it made her smile.

Blessings.

Pillows: when you HAVE to craft!

You know that I LOVE red! I had burgundy pillows on my couch for the longest time because it went with the rug, but I prefer the good ole fire engine red with a folk art-ish feel. This was a little piecing, a little applique and a few vintage trims. I can easily change the covers when I change my mind again! Sometimes, you just gotta craft!
Blessings

Easter Decorations

I wanted to share my latest crafty project. I blew out eggs....quiche for dinner!...and decoupaged with cut out napkins. On a few, I just painted my favorite robin's egg blue and speckled (I know, really huge for robin standards.) Notice how cute they are snuggled in and around the lovely turned wood pieces my husband made. Maybe I can keep my Martha card.
Blessings.