Monday, December 31, 2012

Art play date with Amy

Amy wanted some creative time today so I suggested working with alcohol ink- easy and instant gratification and making matchbox dolls.

We headed out to Lowe's to get 16 cent tiles to create coasters and get some little match boxes.

I gathered up all the stuff and we spread out on the dining room table and made these cool coasters and dolls. Lots of fun! We plan on making more tomorrow :)

Our whimsical matchbook dolls

My alcohol ink coasters

The coating reacted with the ink. I'd choose something different next time.

Another color combo

love these colors

Amy's color choices for her tiles.
So fun to have a crafting partner today! Happy New Year's Eve!



Sunday, December 30, 2012

These are a few of my favorite things.....

It has sure been a wonderful Christmas season for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Advent and time with my family has been terrific even though a few crucial players were absent. Other than adding a few folks, I wouldn't change a thing.
I had the idea on Christmas Day to set up a "photo booth" on the 26th at my mother's open house and made props and insisted everyone join in for at least one photo. Too bad my grandchildren and DIL couldn't be there with Miss O sick (still sick- bad stomach virus). But, the booth is still up at my house until the New Year if they get to come over. I think they'll have fun hamming it up with their Aunt Amy.

Photo booth fun!
 It really is a fun idea that gets people together and clowning around. Easy to do- I just hung some wide Christmas paper on the wall, gathered some thin dowel rods, bought three 1/2 price Santa hats, dug out my reindeer headband, cut a few mustaches, lips and beards from construction paper. Easy peasy.
Richey's ex-husband's younger children


They got the photo booth going

Cute reindeer!

Pat with the boys

Trying a little reflective camera work

My hubby between two of Richey's (former and current)- we are an all-inclusive family

Mom and Ruth who have been friends since I was a toddler- they've both moved to the same place!


Sister silliness

Richey's son, Jim, wife, Michelle and little brother

Then we had the set up at my house for an impromptu gathering.

Rach and Amy

Amy's cheesecake pose

Mary Ann and Jon

Shirley, my former MIL, decided to be scandalous with a kiss from Jon

A and R with Grandma Shirley

A and R with Grandma Jenny

Grandmas and girls

Me and Mr. Jim

My blood relatives


Mom and the daughters

Three generations

Amy and her grandmothers
And if you're still with me, here are a few of my favorite gifts- most handmade by the giver!

Love, love these coaster that Amy made me! The colors are perfect for me :)

And some homemade truffles! 

Beautiful enamel pendant by Rachel

That is reversible! Love both sides

My beautiful bowl made by E and sweet DIL Kristen filled with color co-ordinating ornaments

These are soft, soft socks and the gray polka dots just make me happy- Jim got me 3 pair!

How about some felt and felted ornaments by Amy



My fav
Jim gave me these lenses for my iPhone for some cool iphonography- I 'm thrilled with the macro lens as I love close-up shots. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure
Took this without the lens

Here's a closeup of Santa's eye!

Stitching on my coaster

Enameling on my pendant

Close-up of poinsettia buds

poinsettia buds opened a bit

Snow

And my front windows make me happy every time I pull in the driveway.

Oh, these are a few of my favorite things........
Hope your holiday was filled with things you love.





Wednesday, December 26, 2012

I can't help myself!

Shameless photos of my adorable grandchildren yesterday. We had such fun!





 My mom (left) and my former MIL, my children's other grandmother and E and O other great-grandmother
 The doctor is in- I didn't have a fever but still needed a shot!

 Forgot her barrette :)
 Holding down the horse while O goes on a wild ride!

 Sweetest, smartest, kindest boy ever


 Gift excitement!
 E and Jenny
E and Grandma
My beautiful gift made by E and Kristen- stiffened fabric bowl with ornaments. He chose the fabric for me. Love love love it!