Happy Hearts...

Happy Hearts to everyone.

Aren't surprises just the most fun when they bring such creative joy and happiness? I certainly think so. In my mail was this super cute Birdie Valentine card and the little burlap package held closed with an adorable heart pin.

Surprise!

It held a beautiful charm domino necklace made by Sheila of Blessed and Distressed blog. I aplogize that my scan does not do justice to the glitter and beauty of this sweet little girl that Sheila made from a simple domino. Please visit her and see all that she does.

Thank you so very much Sheila. You are one of the wonderful and generous friends I have found here in blogland.

Heart Strings.

This scan definitely does not do justice to this lovely sewn string of hearts and butterflies and love that Miss Cory "Dogwood" handmade and sent to me. I adore it and its fluid movement as it hangs near my desk to inspire me. Thank you very much Dogwood of Pink Dogwood Blossoms blog. Cory and I actually live right near one another and have never met in person. We were matched up in last year's April Letter Writing challenge and have been corresponding ever since. Some day soon we shall meet especially since we both shop at the same Ben Franklin local craft supply store.

Creative Handmade Cards.

These are some Valentine cards I received from family and friends that are ever so cute and special as they are handmade. I must not scan so badly! I do cherish all of my Valentine goodies and the fact that they were created with love.

Chocolate...

Oh no lack of that. Just no photos or scans as I have eaten all of it. I did share a tiny bit with Mr. C since he likes chocolate also.

May you each celebrate this wonderful day and enjoy the love that surrounds us all.

Happy Hearts...

Road Trip Continues...

Our destination was Scottsdale Arizona for the Barrett Jackson Auto Auctions. This is the mecca of collector cars. About 200 acres filled with giant white tents and hundreds of amazing cars and other collectible items. Mr. C had this as one of his top ten bucket list items so we had to see it in person. We have watched it on TV however you can multiply that by 100 and still not get the true dynamics until you experience it in person. Overload would be quite an understatement!

Just on Saturday over 160,000 people attended. This gorgeous 1956 De Soto convertible auctioned off at $340,000 plus commission fees of 10% paid by the buyer. Who would have thought an orphaned De Soto would bring such money?!! It was so beautiful in person and every detail was perfect.

Silly me thought I wanted a Smart Car when I was traveling in Europe and saw them everywhere. Now that I have sat in one I cannot imagine driving 70 mph on the freeway in traffic with merely my a$$ being the bumper. Yes it has heated seats because the engine is directly behind your seat so you could also bake dinner on your way home from the market. :o) Too cute but not for me.

I did take a side trip to do some shopping. No photos of this so as not to incriminate myself. I visited a bead store in Scottsdale. This is a beautiful store with fabulous finds. However for me it was super intimidating. I have never gone in a bead store where you must put your purse in a locker and then you have an attendant hovering over you every minute. Who can relax and shop in that environment. Needless to say I bought very little especially after I saw the prices! One short strand of copper curved caps was $175. Ouch!

Let's continue our drive up to Sedona Arizona. This is the sacred place of red rocks and lots of lore. It is truly beautiful. Mr. C and I used to stay in Sedona several times a year until we moved north. We had not been back in about 14 years and lots had changed. Growth, commercialism and generally a sad depleted economy has taken its toll. Oh the beauty is still here however the ambiance has changed.

We managed to visit our old haunts, galleries, restraurants and the scenic rocks. The photo below is the famous Eagle rock which presides over the chapel built in the hills.

This entire area is said to be very sacred.

Enough road trip for now.

How many of you have ever been to either Barrett Jackson or to Sedona? Each is unique and well worth the trip if you like the venues.

Now I am off to the studio to finish some Valentines which must get into the mail today. I am only sending to family this time since I was gone so much.

Happy Hearts to all...

Beading in the Studio...

Here is my design board for bracelets. It is a smaller version than the large one I use for necklace designs. As you can see I got this from my favorite online source Fire Mountain Gems. I have spent time in the studio today beading some bracelets for Valentine's holiday.

I had fun digging through my bead boxes for colors and combinations that looked good together. This is proof that you do not need to purchase special beads for every design. I managed to make three bracelets with beads I had in my stash. These could have been beads I had previously purchased or in many cases beads left over from other projects.

I think you might agree that these three bracelets have heart and clearly look good for Valentine's day celebrations.

I loved being in the studio and making these bracelets. They came together quite quickly and easily. Now I am ready for Valentine's.

I hope you are able to spend time in your art room this week and make happy art.

Happy creating...

Valentine makings...

Hello bloggers. I am completely aware that January is almost coming to an end and next is February with Valentine's Day. So I have gathered a few supplies for Valentine makings.
Felt, ribbon, thread, feathers, pearl cotton, needle, heart shape pattern, Clover heart shape yo-yo maker, fabric and of course scissors.
These supplies are spread all over my table as I decide what I am going to actually make with them. I have a couple of ideas but if you have any ideas I would love to hear what you would make.
I really like working with all of these supplies. I will be hand sewing as opposed to machine sewing. Maybe I will include wonderful lavender buds that I have picked and dried from the lavender plants. I really love the smell of lavender and it has a relaxing and calming effect. Unfortunately my sister is allergic to lavender so none for her. Maybe another scent that she likes. Or...maybe no scent at all. I will figure out just what is right.
I always like the colors of red, pink and white for Valentines. I might surprise the standard colors and use some non-traditional colors such as blue or purple for example. Hmmm...
After I get something made I will post another photo.
Let me know what you would make with these Valentine supplies.