life in my studio

Taking a Break

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Well, that time of year is here again......when I will be venturing away

from my cozy home and spending time at my cabin in the hills.

Hubby and I have lots of days planned to spend there,

and my sisters and I have days planned, too.

And honestly, I really need a blogging break.

I have become very bored with my blog. I'm not really sure what

I thought it would be when I first started blogging, but

I know that it's not what I would like it to be now.

While I'm away, I want to spend some time trying to figure that out,

and work on making it more interesting for me, and you.

I hope your summer is full of fun-filled days doing what you love.

See you soon!

hugs, debi

Beautiful Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:56:00 +0000

I love swapping with the ladies of MAMA.

What a sweet, and talented group of artists this is.....
and it is such an honor to be a member.

I received this exquisite altered vintage glove from Jody.

It came beautifully packaged in the most fabulous box,
and was accompanied by lots of sweet little treasures.

Thespa sent me this gorgeous necklace with a beautifully altered key.

I'm swooning over all the beautiful beads and bling!

Thank you ladies!

Well, so far, everything is going good in my little garden,
I haven't killed anything yet, and the flowers are blooming.

Of course, the real test will come when it gets hot. That's
when I hide in the house and everything gets neglected.

Hope you're all having a beautiful week!

Playing and Swapping

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:29:00 +0000

I've been playing with PicMonkey, and I really like it.
They have a fun overlay feature, so I decided
to create a new banner for summer.

I picked a sweet retro pin-up girl that I found here, because she looks
a lot like me in the summer........except she's thinner, younger, blonder, prettier,
and isn't sweating like a pig!

I haven't been doing a whole lot lately, but, here are some
of my recent creations for swaps I'm in.

Tea with Marie ATC swap

Key to Petit Trianon swap

Altered Vintage Glove swap

Marie's Garden Tea Party swap

Altered Vintage Trésor Box swap

I hope you're all enjoying beautiful spring weather where you live.

I'll be back soon to show you the beautiful swap gifts I've received.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Well, the last several days have been interesting.

On Thursday, I had a bad migraine and was sick all day. When I woke up

sick on Friday, I chalked it up to the migraine. But, it has continued on since then.

Now, I'm wondering if I have a case of stomach flu or food poisoning.

After spending two days down, doing absolutely nothing, I was sick of being sick.

So for the next three days, I kept pretty busy. On Saturday, hubby

and I went to the nursery and bought some new plants.

We spent the day at our cabin on Sunday, getting it opened and ready for summer.

And Monday, we cleaned up gardens and put in some new plants.

Honestly, I've been busier than is normal for me these days, and today I was feeling it.

In case you haven't noticed, I am late with my giveaway.

The two little French market mini bags above

have been filled with sweet little goodies for two winners,

and those winners are:

June from Laughing With Angels

and

Lorraine from Over the Rainebeau.

Congratulations ladies!

Hope you are all enjoying a beautiful Spring week!

French Market Mini Bags

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

In the Marie Antoinette group, Melanie hosted the sweetest swap.

We were to embellish three little 3" x 4" muslin bags, and fill them
with little treasures.....one bag for each of our three partners.

Below are the three bags I created for my partners.

This is the bag I received from Lorraine. I love the sweet tatting across the top,
and she filled it with such pretty little treasures, my favorite is the beautiful rhinestone button.

This bag came from Denise. I love the beautiful stamped vintage ribbon,
and it was filled with so many lovelies, my favorite is the tiny Charlotte doll.

Marti sent me this beautiful bag. I love the sweet little roses,
and it came with so many beautiful treasures, my favorite one here is the Eiffel Tower.

Thank you so much Lorraine, Denise, and Marti.
I love these sweet little bags, and will have so much fun
creating with the beautiful treasures inside.

These little bags were so much fun to create, I actually made extras.

Hey, that gives me an idea!

Today, April 14, my hubby and I are celebrating our 40th Anniversary.

I think that calls for a special giveaway!

Leave a comment telling me about something you've had fun creating/doing recently.
I will send a sweet little bag, filled with goodies to TWO lucky winners.
Drawing will be held next Saturday, April 21.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Pretty Easter Treats

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:32:00 +0000

I have one more sweet Easter swap I want to share with you.

This one is the Easter Treats Egg Carton swap hosted by
the lovely and uber talented Cassandra.

We were to paint and decorate one 6-pack egg carton,
and fill it will treats for our partner.

Using soft pinks and vintage flowers, I created this carton for Bryanna.

The soft blues and pinks that Cassandra loves were used for her egg carton.

Here is the beautiful egg carton I received from Cassandra. *swoon*

And this little beauty came from Bryanna. *still swooning*

I am tickled pink with these beautiful egg cartons, and the sweet treasures inside.

Thank you Cassandra and Bryanna for a wonderful swap!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Easter weekend!

Easter Matchbox Fun

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:23:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to alter is matchboxes.

So I was excited to participate in the Panoramic Easter Swap hosted by JoAnne.
The idea was to create a matchbox reminiscent of a panoramic Easter egg.

This is the matchbox I created for JoAnne.

I cut a hole in the top of the matchbox, added this sweet little
frame I found at Michael's, and embellished it with little eggs and flowers.
I also added a little shimmer, using Stickles.

I received this amazing matchbox from Michele, and
it arrived in this beautiful altered box.

I love the cute bunnies on top, and
Seriously!......look at how gorgeous this matchbox is!!
It never occurred to me to cut out the end of the box.

I love the shape of the opening, and the details are so beautiful.

*swoon*

And how sweet is this little scene inside?!

Thank you Michele, I will treasure this beautiful box.

Oh, How I Love Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:29:00 +0000

I love this time of year, when the days start getting warmer.....and longer,
and the grey skies give way to white, fluffy clouds and sunshine.

The trees are budding, and there are little sprouts of green
popping up in every garden, with the promise of new life.

There is something about these longer, brighter days that always compels
me to clean the house, doing all the jobs I don't get to on a regular basis.

Maybe it's that fresh, new feeling the house takes on
when everything is shiny and clean.

When I started my cleaning a few days ago, I went for my tea cups.
Their pretty colors, and flowers always feel so spring-like to me.

Today, I'm cleaning tile grout in the kitchen. Not as exciting as tea cups,
but necessary just the same, and I'll love it when it's finished.

So.....what fun spring thing are you doing today?

I'm linking up to Terri and Martha's Tea Cup Tuesday.
Check out all the pretty tea cups.

Swapping & Creating

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Participating in swaps is one of my favorite things.

I love creating for others, and I love receiving other artists' creations.

But sometimes, I love creating for me.

That's why some of my favorite swaps are supply swaps.

I recently participated in two supply swaps with the MA group.

We are given a list of items to send to our partner. These swaps

are so fun because everyone always goes above and beyond.

These are the beautiful supplies I received from my partner Bobbi Ann,

to create a Paris Wall Pocket.

There were beautiful, elegant fabrics and lots of pretty laces and trims.....

as well as ribbons, jewelry, charms, and flowers.

Bobbi Ann really went over the top and spoiled me.

I had a hard time narrowing down just which of the beautiful supplies
I wanted to use in creating my wall pocket.

What a fun project this was! Thanks again Bobbi Ann!

These are the beautiful supplies I received in the Shabby Chic

French Lingerie Hanger swap, from my partner Melanie.

I started swooning the minute I saw this pretty box.

There was a beautiful lace runner and doily, and lots of lace and fabric script ribbon.

I love the dreamy flowers she created, and all of the pretty touches she added.

This was another fun project to work on.

It was wonderful playing with such beautiful, dreamy supplies.

Thanks so much Melanie!

Beautiful Altered Bottle

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:26:00 +0000

I received this beautiful altered bottle from Lorraine.
We were partnered in a Marie Antoinette swap.

I love all of the pretty details she included like the script
that goes around the bottle, and the pretty trim.

The feet are really fun, and I'm in love with that beautiful stopper!

Thank you again Lorraine, I love it!

Altered Book & Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:14:00 +0000

I really love altering things, and books are no exception.

I created this altered book for my swap partner Sandy,
in a swap I'm hosting in the Marie Antoinette group.

I had so much fun with this project, I thought I would share my tutorial with you.

If you create an altered book, I would love it if you dropped
me a line so I could visit your blog to see your book.

It Isn't Spring Yet!

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:14:00 +0000

We had a crazy snow storm last night. The wind was blowing,

so it looked like a blizzard. When I looked out the front door,

this is what I saw. The snow had swirled itself right over the front

of the roof, and was hanging there.

When I got up this morning, I was happy to see that hubby

had taken the camera outside to get some pictures so I could see it.

It looked like a big, white blanket laying over the whole house.

When my son got up this morning, he took this picture

of the snow hanging from the carport area. It had started to melt,

and was hanging about two feet over the edge of the roof.

He said about two seconds after he got this shot, it all fell.

Isn't Mother Nature a wonderful, amazing thing?

Keeping Busy

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:21:00 +0000

I haven't posted forever!

I've been keeping busy working on a couple of painting projects
around the house, trying to get a little bit of cleaning done (very little, actually),
and of course, lots of creating....lots of swaps.

It's been so grey and drab here lately, that I'm having a hard time
getting good pictures, but I wanted to show you some pretty swap gifts.

These are the beautiful fabric postcards I received from a Marie Antoinette swap.

This first postcard is from Lisa.

This one is from Holly.

And this one is from Mary.

Then I received this gorgeous button brooch from Laura.
I just love the beautiful details, and all the many pieces
that went into the creation of this piece.

Another new crafting adventure: I created this altered bottle
for a Marie Antoinette swap.

I've never done an altered bottle before, and can't even believe how much
fun I had with this. It's definitely something I want to do again.

I just finished another fun project last night
that I can't wait to show you....soon.

Have a wonderfully creative week!

Creative Chaos

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:33:00 +0000

For the last few weeks, my studio has been filled with creative chaos.

That seems to be how I work best.

I've been busy with several swap projects for the Marie Antoinette group.

Using lots of new and vintage laces, appliques, and ribbon,
I created this Secret Valentine Heart for my partner Robin.

It is completely hand stitched, which was so much fun to do.

I love hand stitching because it's very relaxing.

And of course, it needed a lacy little tag.

In another swap, I learned how to create a button brooch.

I disassembled a vintage pin and used the back piece as my base.

Then I added vintage buttons, lace, and other jewelry pieces.

I just love trying new things!

Right now, I'm hosting an Altered Book swap in the Marie group,
so I created this book. I removed the cover, and created my own using fabric and lace.

I glued the pages of the book together, and cut a recessed area in the right side
to create a little 'scene' with lace, flowers, and a sweet little window.

When I was a girl, I made a book like this to hide things.

I pulled an all-nighter last night, getting my room cleaned and organized,
so today, I've been a little brain dead.

I needed something easy to do, so I've just been making flowers today.

Hope you've been doing something fun this week!

Dress Form Escapades

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:59:00 +0000

The big day is finally here!

It's time for Carol's Dress Form Party over at The Polka Dot Closet.

When I reminded Violet Ann that it was time to get ready,

she ran to my tea cabinet, and started pulling out tea cups.

'We'll have a sweet tea party for our guests', she said.

She was disappointed when I told her that we are not having a party,

we're going to a party.

After trying on several different outfits, she settled

on the new lace dress I made for her.

(you know things have gotten out of hand when you realize

that your dress form has more clothes than you do)

She was finally dressed and ready to go......

when she suddenly decided that since it was a party, she should wear a hat.

Oh......

I was trying, very gently, to explain to her that she doesn't have a head......

when from behind me, I heard, 'Excuse me, I have a head'.

'I look perfectly fabulous in a hat', said the Queen.

And before I knew it, hats were flying!

Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse......

the little dress form girls decided they wanted to go to the party too!

I'm going to have to go now, and try to regain control over the situation here.

Oh......

Visit Carol's blog to see more beautiful (and hopefully well-behaved) dress forms.

Have fun at the party everyone!

Valentine Postcards & Avocados

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:48:00 +0000

I've been creating fabric Valentine postcards for a Marie Antoinette swap.

These were really fun to create. I love playing with pretty laces and appliques.

back side of postcards

I found the beautiful Marie image, and the postcard image here.

I've also been playing with avocados. In our house, we eat alot of them.
We love them in our salads, with a dish of cottage cheese, or all by themselves.

But, I recently made a discovery thanks to other bloggers.

Did you know they make a wonderful dye?

We've been saving our avocado peels. I just put them in a ziploc baggie
in the freezer until I had enough. In a pot, I added the peels from 5 avocados
and approximately 6 cups of water. I boiled them for several minutes, removed
them from the heat, and let them stand overnight.

The next day, I removed the peels, and poured the dye through
a piece of fabric to removed any bits of avocado.

And then, I started gathering pieces of lace, seam binding, and scraps of muslin.
And into the pot they went.

I got different shades of vintage pink, and cream, depending on
the type of lace/ribbon, and the original color. It's amazing!!

You should give it a try!

I can't wait to show you the other fun projects that I'm working on right now.

Hope you are having a beautifully creative week!

Tea Cup Swap with Kris

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:02:00 +0000

I am so behind, it's scary. I discovered this post that I still haven't shared.

I was partnered with Kris for a Tea Cup swap in December.

This is the tea cup I chose for her.

We were to also include our favorite cookie recipe, tea, and an ornament.

This is what I created for her.

I was having so much fun, I got a little carried away with the ornaments.

My goodies from Kris arrived in this beautiful snowflake box.

I love pretty boxes.

This beautiful tea cup she sent me is a Limoges, from France. ooh la la!

I absolutely love it! The colors are so pretty, and the pattern is perfect.

Look how the handle is painted to look like a banner.

This is the gorgeous ornament she created for me.

I'm just so thrilled with all of these beautiful goodies.

Thank you so much Kris!

Valentine Marie

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:53:00 +0000

I've been creating Valentine Marie ATC's for a swap

in the Marie Antoinette Mail Art group.

I was definitely in the mood for some pink on this project.

This is one of my favorite Marie images from Cassandra.

It's snowing here today, so I'm staying in, and having a crafty day.

♥ Are you doing something fun and crafty too? ♥

Sweet & Shabby Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:15:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was in the mood to make a heart. ♥

So I started pulling out fabric, lace, beads, buttons, and whatever

else I could find, until my table was its usual chaotic mess.

I don't know why I need so much mess just to create a little heart.....

but I do.

I cut out a sweet little heart, then using my pinking sheers,

cut out a slightly larger heart, using a cream fleece.

I added another fabric heart behind the fleece, and hand stitched them together,

adding some pretty shabby vintage laces.

I finished it off with buttons, beads, flowers, etc.

Then, I made another one.....

And I just kept making hearts. ♥♥

So, I decided to make a little banner.

And since I haven't been able to stop yet,

I thought I'd sit a few around the house.

♥ ♥ ♥

Be careful what you set your heart on,

for it will surely be yours.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Marie Doll

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Last month, I shared the beautiful pouch and goodies I received
from my swap partner Terri to create a Marie half doll.

I was so excited to finally get started on her this week.

This was a project that was outside my comfort zone,
so it was a real challenge......but so much fun.

I loved working with the beautiful fabrics and trims that Terri sent me.

I've already started looking for another half doll for my next creation.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Still Playing

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:36:00 +0000

I haven't been feeling well since Christmas, so I'm not getting much done.....

except playing in my dollhouse.

I've been painting furniture and working on floors.

I love the way the wood floors turned out.

The livingroom got a cream carpet.

I still have lots of furniture to paint, and trims to add. Lots to keep me busy.

Wishing you all the best in this New Year!

My Dollhouse

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:28:00 +0000

About twenty years ago, hubby gave me a dollhouse kit for Christmas.

We put it together, almost all the way, and being the impatient

sort that I am, I painted it. And then it sat.....for years.

Several years ago, I decided to finish it. So, I repainted it.

And then it sat......for years.

Watching Claudia work on her beautiful dollhouse,
I was inspired to dig mine out, and finally finish it.

I've been making repairs, finishing things that were never finished,
and of course, repainting it!

Puppy is happy to finally have the porch put back together.

Lots of trimming and painting yet to do.

And I absolutely had to try Claudia's amazing idea for wood floors.

I've been cutting LOTS of popsicle sticks.

And I'm so excited that my kitchen will have a beautiful wood floor.

I love blogland!

There is no better place to find creative ideas and inspiration.

Thanks Claudia!

He Is The Reason....

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:01:00 +0000

As we surrender to the hustle and bustle of Christmas,

may we always remember the Reason for the Season.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

A Visit From My Secret Santa

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:55:00 +0000

I joined in on the Secret Santa Soiree
hosted by the lovely Suzanne from The Coloradolady.

And this week, my package arrived from my Secret Santa.

She treated me to some of my favorite scents,
and a sweet little sewing kit for my purse.

She also fed my obsession for fun socks.....

as well as my addiction to chocolate!

During the winter months, one of my favorite sweet treats
is a big cup of hot chocolate with a candy cane.

And I love, love this beautiful Eiffel Tower ornament!!!

This was a really fun swap!

Suzanne, thanks for hosting, and giving us a chance to meet new friends.

And to my Secret Santa, whoever you are, thank you
for bringing a smile to my face with these sweet treats!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

May Your Days Be Merry & Bright

noreply@blogger.com (debi) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:38:00 +0000

The house is decorated, and the gifts are wrapped.

Saturday was spent at our annual family Christmas party,

eating delicious food, playing games, singing carols,

and doing lots and lots of hugging and chatting.

This week will be spent baking yummy goodies and cooking the turkey....

listening to Christmas music and maybe a movie or two....

and remembering why we're celebrating.

On Christmas Eve, we'll gather at my daughter and son in law's home

for a delicious dinner. And on Christmas Day, the kids will all

be home for hubby's special Christmas breakfast, and gifts.

My favorite Christmas gift is the time spent with my family.

From my home to yours,

I wish you a very Merry Christmas!