final post of 2011

As 2011 draws to a close and I wrap up my last project, I have done a lot of soul searching this last week to figure out how I want to go forward in 2012.  No doubt, 2011 has been a year of personal (many) highs and a few lows.  With that said, I vow to be more calm and enjoy the process of life more.  We artists have active imaginations and I often find I am a ball full of energy, wrapped up and trying to release my ideas.  Often, the stress I experience is self induced and many people have told me I need to not be so hard on myself.  This last project is no exception.

I have wanted to create an assortment of framed photos of Leilani going up our stairs for some time now.  I've had some frames laying around for years just staring back at me.  Not wanting to spend a fortune to have them custom matted and professionally framed, I took on the project myself.  Many hours, lots of paint, five stitches, a tetanus shot and a lot of frustration later....it is done.

But, I learned a few things from it and in due time to go forward into 2012:

1)  I will not be so darn hard on myself and create goals & deadlines that are unachievable
2)  I will take yoga
3)  I will paint and complete projects out of sheer enjoyment
4)  I will be the best wife, mother, sister, daughter I know how to be
5)  I will slow down...and enjoy life more.

Oh...and I WILL de-clutter my closet!

the crazy frames I've been holding onto

creating the perfect color for the 3 matching frames...

and 2 mirrors (which were an antique white to begin with)

I had glass custom cut at a local glass shop. (Joann's was going to charge me $70 for 3 pieces but the local shop charged just $19!!)......However, I will say I ended up cutting my hand on one of the pieces of glass and ended up with 5 stitches and a $40 co-pay, sigh.

But, I think it was worth it...all in all this project cost me maybe $80 if you include my co-pay :) and supplies:

I love using architectural pieces to decorate with.  I have several funky painted shutters throughout our house and ended up using these two (which were once a hot pink, yikes) as part of the wall combo!

Oh, and lastly, Leila on Christmas day....on most likely her most favorite gift from Grandma and Grandpa:

Have a great new year, everyone!  See you in 2012....bring it on!

good things

come in small packages.  At 87 years old my grandmother is pretty hip.  She sends some that are just plain fun to open.  In our Christmas box were a few things she told us we could open before Sunday.  In it, some Boucheron, Salvatore Ferragamo and Fresh Citron De Vigne perfume samples, which I can't get enough of.  Chanel No 5 After Bath Powder (because I ran out of the supply I regularly buy myself : /?!) and a box full of gorgeous gold jewelery for Leilani when she gets old enough from the Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry collection.  I am smitten with the ring in particular!

christmas bliss

So, while the last week has been crazy busy cutting, glueing, bow making, wrapping etc...I can officially say my gifts are wrapped up and shipped out!  Let the festivities begin...the coming weekend, week following and following Christmas weekend will be pure fun!  Beginning with tonight....girl's night in historic Ellicott City with my dear friend Lisa...tomorrow my dad arrives for a quick overnight visit and is sweet enough to give us the night off for dinner at The Wine Kitchen.....and Saturday night is my husband's annual company party where Vanessa Carlton will perform.  JOY!

My grandmother, "Mackie", lives in an apartment in Honolulu.  All she ever wants is photos of the grandchildren and she has little space.  Wanted to send her photos in a creative way.  This way, they are compact and she can fold them up and tie the ribbon around them and put them in her purse to show off if she likes!

in preparing for tonight's girl's night and Bapa's arrival tomorrow, I am making a hearty stew to fill the men's tummies........Merry Early Christmas everyone!

felt

Had a wonderful birthday dinner for my dad last night.  I pulled out my Grandmother's Aunt's coverlit from my linen storage and used it to set the table. 
Lovely and so nice to use for a very special birthday dinner celebration. 

 I have a HUGE amount of gorgeous linens...BUT have now decided to start using special pieces no matter how small the occasion...life is too short to wait.

And ofcouse it was nice to see my parents adore our baby girl...



BUT,  my post today really is about felt and a wonderful, HANDMADE, garland you can give to anyone (and make yourself !!!)  I know I have had a lot of posts lately on "crafty" things which really is not my thing...BUT...it is the Christmas season and I can say one thing:

 the handmade gift really is the most special 

I was in the doctor's office the other day and stole this Better Homes and Gardens mag that was published a year ago.  I was too honest to "steal" it so they said I could have it :) 

 And so I took their idea for felt (see below):

 

I cut the large pieces about 2" apart (with heavy felt) and the smaller pieces about 1.5" apart:

use heavy felt

threading them through....

Layer the colors and pinch the bottoms together...(put the smaller layer on top and larger on bottom)...

thread 6 pairs together

form a "flower"

spice yours up as you choose:

I customized mine by adding an "S" in the middle and having a "bullet" on either end

thread it through

and hang

deck the halls

Definitely one of my top ten most favorite days of the year

giving thanks

for my loving husband, family, friends, the roof over our head, the food on our table, the wonderful place we live.  And a few small things a certain someone has brought to our life:

sweet little feet

adventures in dishwashing

a bit of attitude

story time

carrying around a select few of mama's t-shirts rather than a blankie

giving out kisses only when meant most

(photo credit: jenny busbey)

giving our life exceptional meaning...

happy thanksgiving