HAPPY SPRING!  I am ready for spring to begin.  You can see the color of the sky and early morning clouds change this time of year.  They seem soft and fresh...What is it about spring that brings us renewed hope?   Oh and the smell.  The rains wash over that dirty snow as it melts away and new life pushes up with promises of colors and fragrances blessing the earth.  I have already taken the grandboys to see the chicks and ducklings at the farm store.  All fluff and no feathers they PEEP the sound of spring.


Song of Solomon 2
10My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

11For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
12The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
13The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

OK I give up on trying to arrange these pictures.  You will get the idea. This is the doll in Art Doll Quarterly.  I tried to scan the pictures from the magazine but  they didn't turn out. Then I tried to use my camera...still no luck.  I feel so priveledged to have her in there.   I am famous now...and am expecting a call from Oprah anyday to be on her show! (this is the place you are supposed to be laughing)  The submission was for a doll made from recycled materials.  The new term is to upcycle.  All of my dolls are from recycled materials so it was a simple request.  Jane Desrosier was the one who organized the doll group I am in to do a group submission.  I had never looked at the magazine before.    It is filled with all kinds of dolls...some I love and others not so much.  But I love the creativity and just the love of making dolls.  They come alive as you work on them and whisper stories in your ear, if you have the heart to listen....

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.  Helen Keller

I've been off on a new trail these past 5 weeks.  I needed to make some changes, lots of big ones, in my life.  One change is my eating choices.  I decided to try the vegan path for a while and see what kind of changes that will bring about for my body, mind, and spirit.  It takes a lot of thinking to make a change in how you look at and use food.  One change is the loss of 18 pounds.  My brain fog is gone.  I feel great...but that could be because spring is just days away.  Oh happy day.  I am finding that you can eat healthy and enjoy the food you are eating.  Quinoa is a tiny grain that is packed with goodness.  Today for breakfast I had 1/2 cup of quinoa (pronounced keenwah) with 1/2 cup of soymilk that I had blended 3 strawberries into.  YUM..serious.  I have also learned to make these delicious cookies that are totally healthy (as long as you use organic ingredients.)  To get started you need to soak two cups of nuts for a day or two ( I use 1 c. almonds and I take the skins off after soaking.  If the skins are difficult I blanch them for just a few seconds and then the skins pop right off. I use walnuts for the other cup.  After they are soaked they need to be drained.  OK so now you need to get your food processor with the s blade and put your 2 cups of nuts, one cup of raisins, 1 teaspoon Vanilla flavoring, + one teaspoon orange flavoring (or any flavoring you like)+ 1 tablespoon organic cocoa.  (I have also used carob)  Mix this in the processor until it forms into a dough ball.  Take it by the tablespoonful and roll it into balls , then roll those in dried shredded coconut.  Store in the refrigerator.  ENJOY!

Lavender Sachets in Ninepatch

I had a tumble on the ice recently.  Fortunately I caught myself by hanging onto the door handle, unfortunately I pulled the muscles across by back and shoulders. So I have been on light duty for about a week now.  Yesterday I just HAD to do something fun so I made these simple lavender sachets from  old quilt blocks.  The fabric looks like civil war era fabric and they could be that old.  They were never used .  I like to think about them being stored away for so many years...at first from home to home ...drawers to trunks to boxes of people who knew their history and what hands made them or whose dress that was.  I wonder if some of the fabric was a flour sack.  I would have looked through all of the sacks of flour and picked my favorite print.  I think these loving thoughts as I handle this small piece of history.  I think, at least for today, the ninepatch is my favorite.  I imagine a young girl sitting by a window on a wintery day. She carefully picks the two materials she will make her block from.  Her stitches aren't perfect and the corners of her little squares don't always meet.  Her iron sits at the back of the cookstove to keep hot , but not so hot that it will scorch the whites....

I am looking forward to the new year. I was born in 1955 so I will be 55 in a few weeks.   Somehow that seems to have a special meaning for me.  My favorite thrift store gives a 25% senior discount at that age.... yea!  2009 has been challenging and a year of CHANGE no doubt.  Not the change I would choose but I have to say my heart has been filled with so much gratitude for all that my life is blessed with.  Our business has come to a halt, due to the economy, and my husband has struggled with depression and feelings of worthlessness.  Men are so identified with how they provide for their families.  I, on the other hand, have had none-stop work this year and have been burning the candle at both ends.  I have a wonderful home, filled with memories and lovelies, that we may need to sell this upcoming year.  We sit on a beautiful location at the north end of Flathead Lake.   I have loved watching the ever-changing water as she reflects the beauty of the sky.  I am so thankful to have been  fortunate to raise my children in  a setting that most people see on a postcard.  I feel a twinge of sadness but at the same time such excitement to see the direction God will lead me in.  Because, as I look back through my ever changing life, one thing remains constant....the faithfulness of Gods care for me.  I HOPE your new year leads you to a greater understanding of Gods love for you through Jesus Christ.

Alex was the cow  in the nativity play at his pre-school.  It was the best .  The costumes were so cute and simple.  The kids learned six songs with signs.  I think the teacher is amazing to get these little kids to learn so much and they were all having fun.  In one song they were given bells to ring and a little girl angel was hitting the boy angel next to her with every jingle.  It was so funny!   I am loving the Gramma phaze of my life...no stress just fun!

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Star of Wonder

O Star of wonder, star of night


Star with royal beauty bright


Westward leading, still proceeding


Guide us to thy Perfect Light

I came across this antique silk quilt a few years ago.  It is entirely hand stitched with tiny black stitches.  I have not seen this pattern (on the order of the pineapple pattern) but each block looks like a star of Davit so I cut it apart and made them into Christmas ornaments.   They measure about 12 inches across.  I hand stitched antique tinsel garland around the edge.
Because the silk is so fragile I had to make a
large opening in the back to turn it.  This I closed
with vintage mother of pearl buttons.  Then I
stiffened the back to keep the shape .

My grandsons were over for the weekend.  I was busy on the computer while they were watching a video.  I turned around to see what they were up to and they had stacked themselves on the couch...this was a precious rare moment and I had a fully charged battery  on my camera.  I was so happy to get one picture where none of them had a goofy face (though I love those, too).   34 years ago when we were looking forward to their dads first Christmas I couldn't have imagined I would be getting these guys to enjoy future Christmas with.  My cup runneth over. 

This angel was made  from an antique newel post and stands 51" tall. I enjoyed the process more because I know her new owner and felt free to add a few elements that I knew she would appreciate.  She has layers upon layer of paint as I searched for her color. She tried on pink and green and a yellow green and black......  I wanted to draw attention to her lovely shape by painting her parts different colors but only made her look like she belonged in a circus.  She wasn't pleased.  Finally after hours of painting and looking and standing with much toe tapping I found her color and she began to smile.  She has gone to the most beautiful home where she will be loved and will spend her life watching over her family of giant dogs, Great Danes and Newfoundlands, and various other creatures and humans who come and go.  She can look out over a beautiful lake in the wooded foothills of the Rockies when she isn't busy keeping an eye on Lea.  Lea will keep her busy, as she is always going here and there and trying this and that, and wears her heart on the outside. 
Psalm 91
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—

even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Thanksgiving

I took a tutorial from Jane DesRosier (Gritty Arts Studio) to learn how to make this tiny doll.  Her teaching style is so fun and relaxed.    She is only 6 inches tall.

Jane is one of the many people I find myself thankful for this season of Thanksgiving.  I have learned a lot from her about art, but more  importantly, I have learned more about trusting God.  Jane has been transparent about some things in her life that most of us struggle with but keep hidden in our hearts closet.  I have watched her grow through things faster than anyone I have known.   She wears her faith where everyone can see and Glorifies God with her artwork, often including scripture in it.  She has been through many changes and outright battles since I have come to know her but has remained on the narrow road.   Always generous and encouraging. 

I have to mention the snowman head is in a tiny vintage Japan childs tea cup....2"wide...did I tell you that Jane taught me to sculpt with paper clay....I am loving it!




Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
                                    Proverbs 3:5-6

"I Gotta Find Peace of Mind " LAUREN HILL (watch to the end) Beautiful

Another tree

This is what I was up to today....

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

Not only green when summer's here,

But also when 'tis cold and drear.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging!



O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me;

How often has the Christmas tree

Afforded me the greatest glee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me.



O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

From base to summit, gay and bright,

There's only splendor for the sight.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!



O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

Thou bidst us true and faithful be,

And trust in God unchangingly.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee! !"

Finally my mystery balls are finished. ( posted a couple of months ago) They are loaded with vintage surprises. Some are on ice cream sundae glasses and others are bobbling around on old rusty bedsprings. Their hats are made from old woolen trousers and are decorated with various vintage finds that include mercury glass beads and balls, tiny bottle brush trees, metal tinsel garland and covered in glass glitter and mica flakes.. They are all ready to go to Hoopers Christmas Show. Like all dolls they each have their own personality. I have to give credit to The Primitive Nook for the pattern. I took her creativity and added my own flare...

Happy Birthday Susan

.   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.   Galatians 5:22-23

This little sweetie is a birthday present for a friend of mine. She is only 9" tall to the top of her tiny pom pom on the top of her hat. Her old bottle is only 1.5" in diameter. So nice to make something just for FUN

 I was recently  brought to rememberance of a woman who impacted my childhood. Her name was Mary Ann Freeman. Every summer she would come to teach the childrens church at the Normal (yes that is the name of the town ) Holiness Campmeeting. She was an evangelist. She was so vibrant, a regular pied piper. She had all of the noisy instruments from sticks to tamborines and cymbols.  It was so fun to rummage through her big  leather suitcase for our favorite instrument of praise and then march around the open sanctuary making a JOYFUL noise. Before the childrens meeting she would go out and pick up kids in her car. Note, this was before seat belts. Her car would be packed full of noisy children wiggling and laughing. I was camping with my family on the grounds but she would take me out with her on these forays. When the car was bursting at the seams with kids she would stuff me between herself and the door. Oh, I felt special when MaryAnn was in town. Once she took me shopping and purchased a store bought dress for me. It was about 50 years ago but I can still remember...  how beautiful and oh the joy! Thanks Mary Ann for making one little girl feel so special.