Knitting & Crochetting Frenzy

Hello Folks!

It is hard to believe that we are about to enter into February! It seems like we just finished celebrating the new year.

The last time I posted I told you all I had lots of projects on the horizon. Almost all of those projects have to do with either knitting or crocheting. A sister-friend of mine and I were blessed by a wise woman a few weeks ago (thanks Minister Pat). She showed us how to read a pattern.

Those that know me know that I am not really one to follow patterns (I don't have much patience). I would much rather figure things out as I go. However, a few years back, a boss of mine gave me a book of simple crochet patterns. I saw a cowel that I had to have, and thought that this would be the perfect time to attempt to make it.

I started it about 2 weeks ago, and have picked it up when time permitted. It doesn't quite resemble the picture. I didn't follow the pattern to the T because it would have been too small. I have a big head. Oh and, don't always believe when a garment says "one size fits all" because what they really mean is "one size fits most"! I also didn't use the same colors or the same yarn. I couldn't find the yarn that they wanted me to use, and those that were comparable were way too expensive. So I opted for an acrylic yarn that was pretty weighty. All in all, I believe that it will turn out to be good regardless.

This is what the finished product is supposed to look like from the pattern

This is what I have got thus far. I will keep you all updated on the outcome next week! Until then, be safe in what ever sort of weather you are bearing!

My incomplete version thus far

Pearls of Wisdom:

"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions." ~ Naguib Mahfouz

Take the time to listen and ask the pertinent questions that will give the person you are asking the answers they are unknowingly seeking.

Be blessed!

100th Post!

It took a while for me to get here, but I have reached my 100th post!!!!!!!

I thought that I was going to be able to keep up with ministry, businesses (art and massage therapy), a social life, and post daily! I crack myself up, and for sure haven't been able to do so for long periods of time. However, what I am able to do is post on a weekly basis, letting you all know what I have been up to creatively.

So today, although I have been working on knitting some scarfs this week for presents, I wanted to focus on artwork of some others.

These pieces are from some children that are in my life. Their sketches/drawings are absolutely amazing, and done with no fear whatsoever. It always amazes me that adults are sometimes afraid to do things due to what others may think, and children are simply fearless! They don't care if you like what they have created or not. All they are concerned with is transcribing what they see in their heads onto paper or whatever medium they are working with. As the quote states, they dance like no one is watching, love like they'll never get hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like heaven is right here on Earth.

Maya has already started to develop a style that she likes. Can we say a future cartoonist, story board writer or children's book artist! The possibilities are endless!!! (I apologize for the position of the 2nd pic. Blogger is uploading funny these days)

Drew draws from what he sees, and decided to take it to the next level do a bit of collaging!

Today, I pray that you take lessons from a child! They are exquisitely resilient in many ways adults are not. They bounce back in minutes, if not seconds! Talk to you all next week!

Pearls of Wisdom:

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on Earth."

~William W. Purkey

Be blessed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year Folks!

If you are reading this post right now, you are truly blessed to see not just another day, but yet another year! WHEW WHEW!!!!

I must admit, this has been one of the best vacations that I have had in a long time. I spent lots of time with family and friends, and things were relaxing and peaceful. And to boot, everyone was so generous, and I don't just mean with monetary gifts. People took the time to give of themselves unselfishly...looking to be blessings to others instead of worrying about themselves. It made me so joyful!

Since I last blogged, I have been working on a few things other than jewelry. The latest is an invitation that I designed and created for my mentee's (more like my little sister) baby shower. It is hard to believe that the one that I have seen grow up and mature is about to have a little one of her own. I got the opportunity to sit and talk with her and the young man (who I also saw grow up) yesterday. Although I may have chosen a different path for them, and desired for them to wait to have children, I am so very proud of them. They really have their heads on straight. They both are in school, and have set things in order to insure that they will be able to finish school once the baby gets here. So I say...I love you Sakora and Andrew!

I really wanted to do something creative for them. I thought about how special a new baby is, and decided to play off of that. For the actual card, I ended up sketching out a mailbox and adding the U.S Postal service emblem. I decided to change the colors to suite the colors of the shower. I did a cut out on the top layer and added the wording on another piece of card stock and attached it to the top layer.

My crazy looking workspace while working on this project

The front of the card. I didn't show the inside because there is personal info there. However, it pulls down where it says pull...LOL!

While I liked the card, I was super excited about the envelope. I wanted to give it an old package feel, and decided to use brown paper bags. I got some string and wrapped the bag to look like an old school package.

The envelope. Not sure why it registered as vertical instead of horizontal, but you get the drift :)

So there you have it. A card for the special delivery that shall soon be here!

I look forward to posting later this week. I am getting lots done, and am chomping at the bit to share with you all! Until then....

Pearls of Wisdom:

As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. ~Henry David Thoreau

Be blessed!

It's Almost Christmas

It is hard to believe that Christmas is almost here already! It seems like the summer was just arriving, and now we see snowflakes (which aren't necessarily my favorite).

During this season my prayer is that we never forget why we celebrate Christmas. It's the birth of the Ultimate Gift, Christ, that allows us to even enjoy the gifts that we give each other. Remember those that are less fortunate than yourself, and be mindful that things could always be worse. And if you don't have the dinero to buy a gift, give the best free gift out there....LOVE!

Today's or this weeks creative venture is a charm bracelet. I made it last week, before I had some other things I needed to get done, which I will be blogging about next week!

The chains and charm pieces are from various necklaces and bracelets. It is surprisingly light, as the charms are hollow, and it gives the pleasant jingle as charm bracelets often do. It seems like charm bracelets are the fad these days, and the last one I created went faster than the smell of flatulence on a windy day...LOL! It is a tad difficult for me to find the charms and chains from different sources that I believe work well together, and these happen to.

Again folks, I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas day! Be safe in your travels, and try to enjoy the predicted snowy weather!

Pearls of Wisdom:

This holiday season as you celebrate with family and friends may you remember the King of kings and His Kingdom. For the freedom and liberty He has freely given to us all is the true reason for the season! ~The Edmondson Family

Be blessed!!!

Honing In On Other Skills

This week I have been focusing on honing in on my sewing skills. I am not the perfect sewer yet, but I am looking forward to being able to sew some things that I have been wanting to wear.

So today's creation is a jean skirt that I made out of an old pair of jeans. Ha! I guess I am still in the same vain...finding something old, and making it new! But really, I was excited about this one. I have been wanting to do this for quite some time.

The pair of jeans I purchased a long time ago...let's say 7 years ago. I had to either throw them away or finds something to do with them as they were starting to get holes. And you all know me, I am always looking for ways to make old things fabulous again!

As you can see, they are sort of utility like (they have the carpenter look at the bottom, and in the back), but that is what gives them such great character! I decided to leave the buttons on at the bottom to allow the skirt to remain super long, and to keep the flare. I opened up the seams in the middle, closed the front, and stitched it back together. I needed to do a little bit of hand stitching at the bottom to avoid from breaking or changing the needle on my machine.

I picked out fabric that I absolutely love. I got the fabric a while ago, but didn't know what to use it for. I didn't notice that the pattern was a leaf motif at first, but I like it anyway! I sewed the fabric on the back of the skirt to fill in the gap that was left from opening the seam, and then sewed the bottom to match up with the skirt, and VIOLA...we have a skirt!!!


Front of the skirt


Back panel with fabric. I used the same fabric for my journal!


Me, after rocking my skirt to a Christmas party with my church fam! I love you guys!

I have been super lazy about taking before pics of things, and I do apologize. I will do so for the next creation I will be making very shortly.

Have a great weekend! If it's snowing or hailing or anything of the sort where you are, please take your time and be careful!

I look forward to updating you on more creative adventures next week!

Pearls of Wisdom:
Honing in on different endeavours can expand your horizons for the passions of life! Wet your appetite for something different, and try something new!!!

Be Blessed!

Doing It Afraid!

Last night I had the privilege of speaking in front of my class members. I was shaking in my boots...afraid. These are all people that I admire for their various gifts, talents and strengths, and I was just sheer nervous.

A friend of mine told me not too long ago though, if it something that you know that you are supposed to do, just do it afraid! That was later confirmed by another friend, and I took it to mean that this is something that I must simply get used to...just doing it afraid!

Last night, I did it afraid, and praise the LORD, things went well!

I am starting to realize that it is only me that stands in the way of my success. I guess I fall into the category of those that are more afraid of success, than failure...although I have had my moments of being in limbo between the two.

So creatively, I was able to get another pair of earrings made. I made them late last week, but was unable to get them posted due to other obligations. The round gilded pewtered like bronze piece is from a bracelet, and the hanging chain from a necklace. Neither of the pieces were broken when I received them, but I wanted to add my little flair to them, as usual :)

The original bracelet

New pair of earrings! I'm into the chains people!

I also made a bracelet out of the same pieces. I have a few finishing touches to put on it, and then I will post.

Pearls of Wisdom:

If you are called to do it, DO IT AFRAID!!! A little nerves is not a bad thing. It shows the value of the MASTERS strength, and not your own!

Be blessed!

Definition Of A Friend

It's rare that you have friends that have the ability to tell you just how it is, whether that "is" is lovely or not so great. They care about your feelings and take measures to make sure that they express their care for you in a multitude of ways. They are honest and although the truth they state may hurt, they are looking out for your best interest...always.

I am truly blessed to have an arsenal of friends that have my back. They speak the truth in love and desire to see me flourish to what God desires.

Thank you all for being who you are! My prayer is that I give and sow into you as much as you give and sow into me.

Today's creation is two pairs of earrings. I decided to show them in the same entry since they are so similar. Both pairs derived from a broken necklace. With a little bit of handy work, I was able to salvage some of the pieces. These four pieces ended up being earrings. I don't normally go the bling bling route, but knew I couldn't allow these pretty pieces to go to waste.

I arranged the pieces differently to create two different pieces!

I do pray that you all enjoy, and continue to make this artistic journey with me. Thanks, and have a great evening. Until next time...

Pearls of Wisdom:

"Much of the vitality in a friendship lies in the honouring of differences, not simply in the enjoyment of similarities." ~Anonymous

Be blessed!