Gift tags.

Christmas gift tags........



Reflections at Christmas

In 10 sleeps it will be Christmas day 2011. I still can't quite believe that another year is almost over. I can remember this time last year so vividly. I felt rushed and pressured. I felt like I would never get eveything done that I needed too.

This year though I feel quite relaxed and peaceful. Why? Not sure. Maybe because I am just really organised this year. Or maybe it is because of where I am in myself.

This year has challenged me to live everyday moments.

To stop often and look around me.

To breathe deeply.

To soak in the goodness that surrounds me.

To notice the little things and the big things.

To love.

To cherish.

To forgive.

To create.

To show grace.

To see what is and not what it is not.

I am excited about 2012 and what this new year will bring. However I am also excited to live out the rest of 2011 relaxed and at peace.



White Christmas

I live in the southern hemisphere meaning Christmas here is hot. No white Christmas's where I live. Instead of heating it is air-conditioning. We do however enjoy eating White Christmas and so I wanted to share my recipe.
1. Line a 18 x 28 cm tin with foil

2. Mix 1 1/2 cups of Rice Bubbles, 1 cup of powdered milk, 1 cup of icing sugar, 1 cup of desiccated coconut and 1 cup of mixed glace cherries/sultana in a large bowl.

3. Melt 250g Copha in pan over low heat, allow to cool slightly.

4. Pour into dry ingredients and stir till ingredients moistened.

5. Spoon into tin, smooth surface and refridgerate for 30 mins or until set. Cut into slices.

I used mine for teacher gifts. I cut the white Christmas into slices and placed in a jar. Cut out a piece of linen, tied with bakers twine and attached a gift tag. 

A yummy, beautiful, easy gift.



What does Christmas really mean??

"And the Grinch stood puzzling, 'How could it be so? It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!' Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. 'Maybe Christmas,' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!' "   Dr Seuss.



Good vs better

Our family recently went on a mini holiday to the NSW central coast. It was very relaxing, peaceful and fun.  We were able to catch up with my Dad and his wife and just spend a few days enjoying one another's company and the beauty of the coast.

It wasn't the best time of year to go away. There was lots going on here at home. Activities to attend and business's to run. However taking this opportunity to have a mini break before the silly season was very worthwhile. And of course spending time with my Dad was even better. In life sometimes we have to give up something good for something better. And this is exactly what we did.



More Christmas cards



Today I am.......

Thankful:  for the coolish breeze blowing through my house. It is nice having all the windows open.

Thankful:  that my oldest son has had a wonderful transition into highschool this year. Going into Yr 8 can be tough but he has handled it well and can say he enjoys school.

Thankful:  that this same son has made some good friends this year. He had a sleep over last weekend which gave us the opportunity to meet and get to know these new friends. He has found people who he can be himself around which is wonderful.  The boy we see everyday is the same boy his friends see too. I love that our son found kids who like him for who he is.

Thankful:  for two beautiful women who I am blessed to call friends. Women who know me, love me, nuture me, and encourage me. Women who help me see when I can't see. Women who notice me and take an interest in my life. Women who are mature and wise and who can look past their own issues to see the issues of others.These are rare to find.

Thankful: for the opportunity to sell some of my creative products in a new little shop in my area.

Thankful:  that it is only 12 more days till school holidays. I am so looking forward to spending lazy days with the kids and not feeling rushed or pressured.

Thankful:  for my husband and all he does to nuture and encourage my creative soul. Giving me space to explore this hidden side of me. Also for how hard he works to provide for his family and our needs and wants.

Thankful:  that we are getting a drum kit for Christmas. My kids have asked for a drum kit for 2 years now and we kept putting it off. This year we are ready for the noise. The older boys will begin drumming lessons in the new year and we are all very excited about this. We really are.

Thankful:  that I will be visiting my Dad soon. It will be so good to spend some time chatting and catching up. Love my Dad.

Thankful:  for all the projects I am making in the studio. Loving my new jewellery line. Loving my new tags. Loving the ideas that often keep me up late at night.

Thankful:  for the opportunity to make a cassowary costume for my 7 yr old son.  Sounds weird to be thankful but I haven't made one of these before and I am enjoying the challenge. It will be so much fun to see him doing the 'cassowary' dance at school.

Thankful:  that I have 2 parents who love and support me.

Thankful:  for 4 healthy delightful children who surround me with so much love I could burst. And also for a husband whose love and grace know no bounds. I love you all.



It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I haven't put the tree or decorations up yet. I haven't finished the Christmas shopping either. But the studio is swimming in Christmasness. Cards, tags and canvas art are being worked on daily and here is a small sample.


Stamp by Technique Tuesday



Handpainted

 

Handpainted 



Stamp by Technique Tuesday



Stamp by Hero Arts




Stamp by Hero Arts



Stamp by Hero Arts



Stamps by Hero Arts

Thanks for stopping by.



What's been happening.

I have been taking part in a number of online classess this year. Learning lots of techniques and gaining experience with mixed media. Trying to find my niche. One class I particularly liked was Jennifer McQuire's Inspiration Showcase online class. You can find it here. This class was full of techniques and new ways to use the supplies I already have.

Here is my miniture version of the one created by Jennifer.