Rosevine Design

I'm smelling good and looking clean.....

2010-12-27T08:29:00.004-06:00

I just had a wonderful experience with a great soap maker, Juanita Barr, of a Barr of Soap Gift Shop that can be found on etsy. I had been looking for some cranberry/orange soap and she made some special, and now has some available in her shop. Believe me, it is really yummy. What a generous shop owner Juanita turned out to be.

Take a look at her shop when you have a chance. You can find some really nice soap there, even vegan for those so inclined! Oh, and be sure to look at here sold items, the soaps and displays are lovely.

Here are two items Juanita liked from my shop, Rosevine Design.

Beautiful Stuff!

2010-12-06T08:52:00.004-06:00

Simple, clean, shiny and fun. That describes the fine jewelry made by Amy Taylor out of Illinois. I came across her etsy shop because she had favored an item on my etsy shop, a bracelet named Garden Path.

Here are a few pics of her beautiful work!

Miss Olivia, of course!

2010-12-03T09:49:00.004-06:00

Thanks, Amanda, for taking this sweet picture of my sweetie pie!

Things have been busy around here (like when are they not???) Thanksgiving was very nice with the family and extended family. Lots of parties and dinners coming up and trying to figure out new things to bake and take. Also working on Christmas items like baby girl's dress and other gifts. Trying to make tons of jewelry, bags and other appropriate items to sell at a Christian motorcycle rally in May. Do you know how difficult it is to find decent, small, low cost motorcycle charms??

Anyway, life is good and I am a happy person. Hope the same for you, especially during this busy season. Take time to relax a little, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, read a book, put your feet up.

Cricut Search

2010-10-07T11:46:00.004-05:00

This is pretty neat! Search for designs and find out which cartridges they are on. Go here for more info:

http://cricutsearch.com/

Or click on the button further down the page here on the left!

It just gets sweeter and sweeter!

2010-10-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

What grammy could resist sharing these pics? Olivia is 3 years old.

Just Hello

2010-09-10T09:32:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been a busy summer. I am ready for things to slow down a little!

We had a wonderful visit with friends we haven't had contact with for over 30 years. Why over 30 years? Mainly because I am such a bad letter writer!

We were in Key West, Florida for 5 years during the 70's, made friends with lots of Navy couples but 2 very special couples. The six of us went to church together, shared meals and were family for each other while so far away from home. One of the gals lived with me for 10 months while our husbands were gone to sea together in the West Pacific during Vietnam. We were all pretty close. We all left the Key West at different times and left the Navy at different times, moving to various states. Some of us kept in touch for a long time and there were a couple of actual visits at the beginning. I am very bad about writing but quick to pick up the phone and call. We moved a lot after getting out of the Navy, same area but we moved about every 9 months for the first few years. Long story short, life gets busy, I always had good intentions but finally lost track and they couldn't find us because our phone number was always unlisted. Long time later I started looking online for my friends ever so often without much success.

One day when cleaning out an old box of stuff while looking for a lost chocolate pie recipe, I came across an old rolodex (remember those??) from the 80's. On a whim, I flipped through it to see who was in there and found my friend's name and phone number. I thought, "It has been ages, they couldn't possibly have the same phone number" but I tried it and guess what? It is still their number!!

So, in a round about way, both couples were able to come to our location and we visited for several days, catching up with our lives and talking as if it was just yesterday that we saw each other last. It was so wonderful! And this time we won't lose each other.

So, keep track of those good old friends, you will be glad you did.

Finally Done!

2010-04-21T11:56:00.003-05:00

It seems like I have been working on this painting for a very long time but it has just sit a lot waiting for me to find time to paint! But, it is finally done and I couldn't be more relieved. It has been delivered to the powers that be with the National Veterans Wheelchair Games so they can frame and get it ready for display in Denver, Colorado where the games will be held this year. I haven't updated my website yet with the newest canvas, but here is a peek for those interested.

We did have a little trouble with getting a good picture, for some reason so if you see some blurry areas that is why. Anyway, now it is done and I can concentrate on other things that have been waiting unpatiently to be accomplished!

Oh My Word!

2010-01-30T11:27:00.005-06:00

Well, looks like 2009 is gone and now 2010 is in full swing. I haven't touched a bead in at least 4 months and I really am wanting to get started on several projects but it will probably be a while yet before I can think of it. All my jewelry is still on display at the local library, since June 1, 2009, if you can believe that! Every time I go to remove the display they request that I leave it and since I am not doing any shows now, I have. I just go raid the display every time I sell one of the pieces!

I have purchases some new beads. For some reason everything seems to be yellows, golds, tans and blacks. My fingers are just itching to get with it!

One reason I am not beading right now is that I have taken on new responsibilities. My son-in-law is the director for a newly formed missions group named Psalm 67 Missions Network and I am the volunteer office assistant. That really means that I do everything to make sure the short-term mission groups get where they are going, have what they need while there and get home again. My day job is approximately 30 hours a week, my Psalm 67 job is taking approximately 25 hours per week, so, do the math! I am pretty busy these days plus I have been doing some volunteer work at the local veteran's administration office. Plus I still haven't finished painting the canvas for National Veteran's Wheelchair Games that I wanted to have done by January 1. It has been busy.

I just want to be able to do everything at once!

God has certainly been good to our family this winter, no major illnesses or struggles. I had a sinus infection which caused me to have no voice for most of December but I am sure some would not find that to be a catastrophe! Pretty hard to answer the telephone when you can barely squeak out a sound, though.

For lack of anything better to show, here is a digital scrapbook page that I made in 2008 using a picture of the outside light on my front porch. You can't really see them but there are three little baby birds in the nest!

All I can say is, "Hurry Spring, hurry back soon!"

Wow, it has been months...

2009-11-20T22:25:00.003-06:00

I have been amazingly busy for months and months. I am going to be busy for months and months to come. I keep thinking I am going to catch up any day now but ............no, not going to happen!

The dog needs a haircut, my home needs a really good cleaning, as usual lot of laundry (which for the life of me I cannot figure out how 2 people and a dog that doesn't wear clothing can accumulate so much of), a stack of sewing for others, and the list goes on. I don't know where I got the idea that being over 50 was going to be relaxed and calm - it is like being on a rollercoaster 24/7! But at least I'm not bored!

My husband bought me a new set of cookware, red and cooper in color. It is very pretty but I hope he doesn't think it will make me cook any better. I doubt there is anything that will do that. They are so pretty I didn't want to put them in the cabinet! Maybe they are making me want to cook just a little bit. But don't worry, I think I can refrain, for the most part!

For Thanksgiving dinner I am going to try my hand at a new cornbread dressing recipe that was demonstrated by my friend from church, Sherri. It was the best I have ever tasted. And I finally found my wonderful chocolate pie recipe that has been lost for about 10 years, in a cookbook, of all places. Yeah, I know, if I used the cookbook more I would have found it sooner. Another friend from church, Darla, gave me a recipe for her yummy pumpkin pie and I think I will try it also, it was also very delicious. That will probably be the last time I do any major cooking until Christmas eve.

In the meantime, This week I start working on a 4x4 foot canvas painting for the National Veteran's Wheelchair Games. My deadline for finishing is January 1. (I work well under pressure!) This will be an addition to the previous 6 panels I painted in 2004. You can see them at http://www.rosevinedesign.com/MURALS/nvwgmurals.htm, if you are interested.

Encourage our Youth

2009-11-20T22:10:00.003-06:00

Check here for the blog of a couple of young ladies I know who are working hard to support a good cause. Even if you aren't in the marketing vacinity for their goodies (and I know from personal experience they are goodies) go on over and leave a message about their project. Give some encouragement!

By the way, you can also make donations directly to their cause with Paypal by going to Psalm 67's website at www.psalm67missions.net, logging in and clicking on the donate button.

Where Was I???

2009-07-28T11:52:00.004-05:00

I don't know where I was when this picture was taken but if I had been there I am sure there would have been a lot of screeching going on about babies on roofs........

Featured!

2009-07-22T11:36:00.002-05:00

Angelica Schaaf, Editor of Handmade News published by artfire.com, has graciously included me in a feature article. Please take a look at the article here, and be sure to browse through the publication, it has lots of interesting featured artists, techniques, tips and many other fun things!

Sweet as Sugar Candy

2009-06-30T10:14:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I guess I have to admit that grandmotheritis has really got a hold on me. Sorry, but I just can't resist, I have to show her off. Olivia Grace will be 2 years old this week and she is as sweet as sugar candy!

2009-06-23T12:24:00.003-05:00

Knittting Mode

2009-06-23T11:08:00.003-05:00

Olivia needs new sweaters. I know, it is in the 90's in St. Louis right now but Olivia's mom knows that sometimes it takes Grammy a while to get things made so she was very smart and asked me early! Two have been ordered, bright orange and white. I have the yarn, I have two patterns that are acceptable and I am a little burned out with beading at the moment so the knitting mode has begun. I can't do power knitting for long because it affects my neck, my shoulder and eventually my whole upper body if I don't lay it down fairly often. I am sure it has something to do with my posture, the chair, etc. but I know it is mostly due to restriction of movement in my neck from a surgery about 8 years ago. So, well, I adapt. The orange cardigan is coming along nicely, so far. I am even remembering to include the button holes that I usually forget because I am moving along so quickly!

Most of the knitting on this particular sweater pattern is repetitive, you knit or purl along until a marker comes up and then do a different stitch at the marker. So, it doesn't take a lot of thought, other than clicking the row counter when you get to the end of a row. It is easy to watch tv, or listen to cds or even talk to someone while you are knitting in this fashion. The orange sweater is knit from the neck to the underarm, in one piece, and then the arms are put on a holder and the body of the sweater is continued to the bottom in one continuous piece. Then the each sleeve is finished in the round. There are no seams to finish. It is an easy, quick pattern that looks very nice and is comfortable. It is plain and very functional, a good play sweater that can be worn until it just can't be put on anymore because it has been outgrown.

When I get to the white sweater it will be totally a different story. The white sweater is made in several separate pieces and has a complicated pattern. Each piece will have to be seamed together when it is finished. The whole sweater is patterned in a sort of lace effect, very pretty and girlie looking. It will require a lot of attention and I don't doubt that I will make some mistakes along the way. It will take a lot longer to accomplish a finished sweater using this pattern but it will be a beautiful sweater and one that could become an heirloom but will probably be worn for less strenuous activities - we always save the pretty things for more special occasions - and therefore won't get as much wear.

As I was knitting and thinking about this it occurred to me that the orange sweater would be more likely to become an old favorite. It will be worn more often and Olivia will become used to it keeping her warm as she plays. If she wears it often enough and long enough it will even start to conform to her body and begin to keep her even warmer and be more comfortable. She will start to look for it when she is cold or needs to feel cuddly and it will seem like an old friend who gives comfort in its own way.

On the other hand, the beautiful white sweater will likely not be worn as much, possibly just to church on Sunday. It will function in basically the same way, to keep Olivia warm, but will probably not ever become as precious to Olivia as the plain orange sweater in which she can play and be herself. With the white sweater, Olivia will probably hear from her mom and grammy "Don't get your sweater dirty!" because the white yarn will easily become dingy with wear whereas the orange sweater is meant to be played and lived in. To compare the beauty of the two would cause the white sweater to win every time but the comfort and security factor will likely put the orange sweater on top.

To me the orange sweater is like having a loving God watching over me. The white sweater, while being the more beautiful on the outside, is to me like the world. The world is a beautiful thing on the outside, there is glamour, money, shiny toys, happy seeming lives, but it lacks the security, warmth and comfort of God. We can fool people into thinking we are happy and content without God's grace but our existence often fades quickly and becomes dingy, like the white sweater. I want the orange sweater! The one that is warm, comfy and that I can wear everyday, no matter what I am doing, and not be afraid when I roll around on the ground or stand on my head. It will protect me and keep me warm and that is where I want to be.

Well, back to the sweaters. I expect the orange to be done in less than two weeks. Hopefully the white will be done by fall! I will post pictures at some point.

Still a baby to me!

2009-06-16T09:37:00.003-05:00

She will be 2 years old in July. She is seldom sits still. She is learning to speak Spanish along with her English. She loves to "run, run, run". She is very maternal with all her babies but she doesn't want any of them to wear clothes. She loves her "gramfadder". She loves to sing and dance around to the music on our cell phones. She is strong headed but soft hearted and is fairly obedient, for a 2 year old. Her grammy loves her very much. She is Olivia Grace.

Green Envy Design

2009-06-16T08:33:00.005-05:00

These bracelets really caught my eye this morning. They are from the etsy shop of Green Envy Design which is owned by Gabrielle Elisabeth Neijman, better known as Esther! Esther also has beaded jewelry at Green Envy Design but I am going to show some of her wrapped bracelets. Esther is a member of EBW Team at etsy. Please visit her shop to see the other items she has created! By the way, she is from Holland!

Kaskaad - Beautiful Beads, Simple Designs

2009-06-12T09:58:00.003-05:00

Owner of the etsy shop Kaskaad and creator of lovely jewelry items, Ainsely seems to me to be what some people in Missouri might call "a card". Here is an excerpt from her bio on her classy looking blog:

"I make jewellery. Or, at least I try. Sometimes there just isn’t the time, sometimes I’m just lazy. It’s certainly not for a lack of supplies. My goal is to create that special design, get a line going, and sell it to some of the local businesses (salons, clothing shops, etc.). I live in a town north of Toronto and have no desire to try and make it big in the city. I like my town and I’d love to make a name for myself here. It’ll take time and patience, but hey, I’m not going anywhere."

Doesn't that just make you want to meet her and see what comes out of her creativity? It does me. I have actually only become acquainted with Ainsely through Artisan Beader's, an etsy street team I joined early this year.

Ainsely's design style, as shown here, does not compare to my design style. Hers are simple, classy, feminine and sometimes delicate. Mine are complicated, artsy, bold and large. I love her style! I can't seem to create in a similar fashion, whatever I do always comes out large and detailed. Visit Ainsely's shop on etsy, see her photos on flickr, and don't miss her blog! Oh yeah, Ainsely loves to twitter!

Now if I could only cut back on the beads, or the size, or the fringe, or something.....................

Yes, I do like Star Trek

2009-05-26T10:24:00.005-05:00

Notice I didn't say trekkie, I am not a fanatic but I like the story! I remember sneaking to watch the ORIGINAL Star Trek when I was around 12 years old because my stepfather was so strict that was one of the things we were not allowed to do much, watch tv. He was a miserable man and often didn't allow us to do things simply because he was the boss and had control over us. But that is another story. I did get to watch Star Trek sometimes because it was his bowling night! That began a long time interest in all kinds of science fiction.

Yesterday my sister-in-law and I had a day at the movies and saw the new Star Trek movie. It was excellent and I am ready to go back again and see it all over. I think that the original actors are so attached to the characters that it would have been very disappointing if the makers of the movie had not worked off of the original actors in picking the actors to play the young character. They did an excellent job! It is amazing how you can see the continuation of the characters from the "young" actors to the original "older" actors. I found it very believable in the story. Especially with Spock, Scotty and Bones. It was a really good show! And we had a great time!

The only thing I really missed was the original music. If it was in there somewhere the movie was so exciting that I totally missed it.

The Jewelry Box - A Hodge Podge of Beaded Jewelry

2009-05-22T10:22:00.013-05:00

A very lovely new friend, Brenda of The Jewelry Box, is being featured here today. I met her when I joined the etsy Artisan Beaders Street Team and she has wonderful handmade jewelry!

Today I am showing several pairs of earrings, some are from her etsy shop, http://brenda45.etsy.com and some from her other shop at http://thejewelrybox.1000markets.com.

Brenda uses sterling silver, fine silver, antique copper, gunmetal, gemstones and glass, seed and lamp worked beads in her original creations. In other words - she grabs everything and makes something beautiful! You can see more of The Jewelry Box designs on Brenda's flickr pages and please be sure to go to her blog. Look for her bracelets and necklaces, also. Everything is just yummy!

Maggie Dog

2009-05-21T11:27:00.009-05:00

Maggie is "my" dog. Maggie doesn't know she is a dog and doesn't even like dogs. Maggie is VERY smart, so smart that we now have to spell things like "go" and "chicken" and "Walmart". You get the picture? Maggie is about 6 years old now and we thought she would be about 8 pounds when she was grown. Maggie is 17 pounds. Her mother was a schnauzer and her father a yorkshire terrier. She is a yowzer or a snorkie or something like that. Maggie was supposed to be my dog but she thinks she is my husband's dog. I am okay in her sight but her Papa is the one she longs for.

I am the one she begs from.

At the end of most days I put on lounge wear (we call them dusters but they are what most people would call a light robe or house dress probably), get my phone, my glasses, my cool drink, the tv controller, and go sit in front of the tv, maneuver everything within reach, adjust the pillow behind my back and then put my lap board on my lap with all the beading stuff that tries to roll off because it is balanced precariously on the lap board and prop my feet on a foot stool.

Only after all this takes place and I am finally able to relax and start beading does Maggie let me know that she either needs to go out or needs her daily treat. It never happens before. Never. So, after hearing her whine quietly and feel her staring at me for a few minutes I get up, doing everything in reverse, carefully so as not to spill anything, and go get the treat or whatever. Then the process starts all over again.

Now I ask you, who is the smarter of the two of us? If it were me don't you think I would remember to get the treat before I even started to sit down? Huh? Huh?

Gearing Up

2009-05-12T09:35:00.004-05:00

Summer is upon us (although you might not know it with this goofy weather) and that means calendars are filling up with activities! Just in the next two months is a Bead Art show, family birthdays, Bluegrass festivals, sewing classes, theology classes, motorcycle trips, and all kinds of stuff.

Since I didn't bead all winter, I am now trying to get ready for Bead Art on May 30th and setting up a jewelry display at the local library on June 1st. I also need to do some maintenance work on my tent display for then and do some research for info to include in the library display. And I need to do some major cleaning out at home and general home stuff. Lots to do, lots to do.

Here is the information on Bead Art:

Lady Bug Beads presents...

Bead Art
Saturday, May 30th
9am-4pm

In the parking lot of Lady Bug Beads
7616 Big Bend Blvd.
(Between Laclede Station Road and Shrewsbury Ave)

Over 50 local vendors selling their original designs of beaded jewelry, clothing and art objects.

Silent Auction of designer pieces for
Make A Wish

Extra parking available across the street at Gracepoint of Webster Church

Admission FREE
Handicap accessible and Strollers welcome.

For more info call 314.644.6140

So, if you are in the area, please stop by. I will be located at the very top of the hill on the corner closest to the shop! Please take a look at my etsy shop for some of the designs that will be available at my booth that day. My newest designs are not all listed there yet so there will be some surprises at Bead Art! Hope to see you there!

Shiny Adornments - Artisan Handmade and Wire Wrapped Jewelry

2009-05-05T09:52:00.009-05:00

Kristy, of ShinyAdornments, creates beautiful, handmade artisan earrings, bracelets and necklaces but I thought it would be great to feature the lovely hair sticks that she offers in her etsy shop. However, I just couldn't leave out some other great items so here is a composite picture of several creations at Kristy's shop that made me drool on my keyboard!

Kristy is also a member of Artisan Beader's Street Team and her work can also be found at artfire and flickr. Be sure to check out the blog, also! It will be time worth the spending!

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow...

2009-05-04T10:54:00.002-05:00

I just realized it has been several weeks since I have blogged. Sometimes life is just so busy!

It was brought to my attention this weekend that I haven't thought recently about how very blessed my life is. So I am taking this time to think about it a little bit. Having a recent birthday and anniversary, and Mother's Day and the 2nd birthday for my grandchild coming up, brought these statistics to mind:

Percentage wise I have been a child of the King for 72% of my life, married 65% of my life, a mom for 56% of my life and a grammy for almost 1% of my life.

I find that pretty staggering, because in my head I am still 22 years old, not the real age of 57!

Christ found me when I was 16 years old, in a sad home situation and no one to really lead me in a good direction. Praise Him for finding and keeping me all these years, even when I wasn't following Him as I should. He never let me go, not even once in 41 years. He is the lover of my soul.

Then Don, my husband, came along. He never even dated anyone besides me and he has never deserted me or let me go, not even once in 37 years. He is the lover of my heart.

Then Rachel, my daughter, was born. It took 6 years and a lot of tears before she came along. I always felt in my heart that she would probably be the only child I would bear and I guess that made her very special from the start. We have a very close relationship and she has always shown me respect and love, even when I wasn't very respectable or loveable. God sent her a wonderful spouse, Aaron, who loves God and his family, they are a wonderful match and I love him like a son. Rachel has never given me reason to doubt her love, not even once in 30 years. She is the joy of my heart.

What can I say about Olivia Grace, my granddaughter? All she knows is that Grammy loves her. Grammy thinks she is adorable. Grammy thinks she is so smart. She is the holder of the strings to my heart.

All these things I am blessed with and I praise God from whom all these blessings flow.

Every Single Bit

2009-04-07T12:54:00.002-05:00

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
- Erma Bombeck

I just came across this quote on an old calendar in my collage files. I know of Erma Bombeck but don't really know very much about her, however I totally relate to the quote. God didn't make me a wonderful teacher or even a very good homemaker but he did give me talent to be able to do things with my hands and a creative spirit that leads me to create things. I know those creations are not the most important thing I will do during my life but if God gave me the resources they must have some use for Him. I want to use them all for Him, everyday, in a way that praises and glorifies.

That is my daily prayer for myself.

Make Love Not War by Hannah Rosner of Good River Gallery

2009-04-07T11:40:00.003-05:00

This is extremely creative as well as beautiful! This was made especially for the Etsy Time Machine April Beadweaving Challenge by Hannah Rosner of Good River Gallery . Hannah's etsy shop is hannahrachel. Notice that the brass tubes are actually rifle casings.

Hannah is a member of EBW Team on etsy, which sponsors the challenge. More challenge entries can be seen at the EBW Team Blog where you can also vote for your favorite.

Nicely done, Hannah!

Islandgirl : Handworked Glass Beads and Jewelry

2009-03-26T09:49:00.005-05:00

Lynn, owner and designer of islandgirl, the etsy shop of Fireball Beeds lampworked glass beads and jewelry, resides on a small island in the Bay of Fundy in the North Atlantic Ocean. With experience in lampwork since 1995, her beads are interesting and beautiful!

Lynne is a member of several street teams on etsy, including Artisan Beaders Street Team. Here are a few sumptious pics of her work:

More examples of islandgirl's lampwork, handforged silver and chain maille creations can be found in her Flickr site, blog, and website. Please visit!

Etsy shop Vickiorion - Orion Designs - Artisan Jewelry by Vicki Potter

2009-03-26T09:19:00.005-05:00

Beautiful gemstone, glass and sterling combinations in earrings, necklaces and other jewelry creations can be found in the etsy shop, Vickiorion! Just take a moment to look at these beauties:

Vicki Potter, owner and artisan of Vickiorion and a member of Artisan Beader's Street Team, creates wonderful one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry, suitable to every taste. If her creations were edible they would be delicious!

For more examples of delicious treats, visit Vicki's Flickr account or you can find her blogging HERE.

New Treasury!

2009-03-17T09:31:00.003-05:00

BinKaminka has graciously included my Southwest Vegas cuff bracelet in this beautiful treasury!

She is a bead artist and tailor residing in Latvia whose beaded jewelry and fashion corsets are available through her etsy shop, BinKaminka. You can also find her blogging here!

At least it feels like spring!

2009-03-16T12:28:00.004-05:00

Or maybe that should say "At last it feels like spring!" Either way, the weather is nice today, sunny, warm and bright, despite starting out very foggy this morning in the low spots.

I am almost finished with 2 new bead embroidered pieces, both pendants and both in the same colors of green, red and violet. They are both meant to be worn on cords, leather or satin, or can also be worn on a chain. I will post them here soon! I have to start beading in earnest for the Bead Art show the last weekend of May, since I have barely touched a bead all winter. I usually do a lot of beading while we are camping but we sold the camper and won't be camping this year. Have to make time somewhere, though!

Above is a necklace name "Daisy Dreams" that is found in my etsy shop. The floral strands are made of little flowers using a daisy chain technique.

I loved these colors so much that I also made "Violet Moon Craters", shown below. I started wondering how many times I have used these colors and also noticed this bracelet, called "Iced Grapes" and the bracelet named "Ocean Bangles".

I guess I really like these colors because they keep popping up in my designs!

Spring, Spring, where art thou?

2009-03-03T12:58:00.000-06:00

I have never been so cold, so often, as I have this winter. I want it to end. I am getting very impatient. Please, spring - hurry!

Creativity Spurt

2009-02-23T11:32:00.003-06:00

Caution: creativity spurt is ready to occur!

I have been so busy doing other things that my creativity release gauge is about ready to explode. I can only go so long without creating something before all that stored up stuff starts to bog me down and I can't get the regular everyday things accomplished. I have tried to concentrate lately on getting organized, physically and electronically, and that has taken up most of my free time. Of course, I haven't had much free time lately because I have been spending it with good friends and family! So I am not complaining, but the creativity release gauge is going to have to be seen to pretty soon or the outcome won't be pretty.

"I am so ready for spring and so tired of cold weather". That is what most everyone I know has been saying and I agree. Seems the older I get, the more I notice the cold and this winter I think I've been cold most of the time. Now I know what my husband, Don, has felt like all these years, poor baby! Even the dog, Maggie, has gone without a haircut for longer than usual because of the cold. She looks like a woolly bear. I did trim her eyebrows on Saturday so she can see better! Still, this isn't a complaint. I know the cold has to come in order to enjoy the Spring. Just want it to hurry up!

We had a wonderful visit with a group of friends on Friday night - we had breakfast for supper and packed about 20 people into 3 small rooms. I forgot how much I like to have groups of people over to visit! We mostly ate and sat around telling tales. It was great.

On Saturday I spent the day with a friend sewing and teaching her to make purses. We talked about sewing and quilting and had a pleasant time together, just the two of us. Sometimes it is nice to just be two together so you can really get to know each other better. It was great, too.

On Sunday there was a missionary from Lebanon speaking in the morning and evening services. It was very sobering for me. In this country most of us have no idea what it is like to really live in a war torn area. We see it on tv and we hear it talked about on the radio, but I think we see so much on tv and in movies that is made up drama that it desensitizes us to the true reality of what is happening in the world. We got a little taste of it on 9/11 but even that soon fades into the past and isn't constantly remembered by most until it causes us some inconvience. The speaker on Sunday told us many truthful accounts of life in Lebanon, including times when his own life was in peril and he was beaten and jailed, just for welcoming someone into his home. I found his presentation to be very serious and thought provoking. I thank God for this country, even though at times it seems awfully far from being a godly country.

On a lighter note, here is one of the cuff bracelets in Rosevine Design's etsy shop. This is one big bracelet! I started to name it "Inspired by Elvis" but instead it is named "Southwest Vegas" because the colors are southwest but the bling is all Vegas. It is surprising comfortable to wear, even though the rectangular cabochon is a little hefty.

I love to make big jewelry because it gives me more room to play with the beads!

Cultivate a gentle spirit.......

2009-02-19T09:48:00.000-06:00

I happened upon a wonderfully inspiring site that I would like to share. Here is an excerpt from one of its pages:

Cultivate a gentle spirit...

-Spurgeon, "Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord."

I do believe that there is nothing that has such power over
ungodly men as gentleness of spirit, quietness of behavior,
patience of character, and the continual conquest over an
evil temper.

If you grow angry when people are angry with you,
you will have lost your witness.
But if you can be patient under persecution,
if you can smile when they ridicule you,
if you can yield your rights,
if you can bear and continue to bear,
you are greater than the man who has taken a city.

Let the meek and lowly Christ be your example,
and seek to be a partaker of his Spirit.
He prayed even for his murderers, "Father, forgive them,"
and he ever sought to return good for evil.

I pray you to do the same, cultivate a gentle spirit.

This, along with many other gems, is found at Grace Gems. Please take time to look around there, you will find it very interesting, I think!

Ode to Spring Treasury

2009-02-19T08:29:00.001-06:00

Here is an etsy treasury
that will make you pine for spring.
Everything that's in it
is a very nice shade of green!

Thanks, GrandmaMarilyn's, for including my Green Eyed Cat bracelet. Please visit her etsy shop where you will find lots of beaded beauties!

Brag Time

2009-02-18T14:16:00.000-06:00

Here is the sweetest baby I know, Olivia. The top pic is from Christmas time 2008 and the bottom is from her vacation to Myrtle Beach, after taking a dip in the ocean. Isn't she a bathing beauty?

Finally - New Items

2009-02-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

I have finally made the time to add some new jewelry items to my etsy shop. I am still in the process of adding more, as time allows, but here is a preview of the newest.

Yes, they are similar in color. I have a tendency to work in the same color groups for awhile! I think it is because the beads are already on my work surface and as I am working on one project another comes to mind and it is just easier to keep going in the same color! So I keep going until I run out of that color or another color combination grabs my attention and off I go in another direction.

The top necklace is named "Bottom of the Sea". The chain reminds me of coral and the dangles include various shapes, sizes and colors of beads, including the shell discs.

"Old Fashion Pendant", the bottom picture, is reminiscent of victorian jewelry. I could imagine it being worn by a Gibson Girl with a high necked collar edged with picot lace. This necklace has a spiral and stranded chain and a polymer cabochon surrounded by seed beads.

They can be found at my etsy shop, Rosevine Design. Please come by for a visit!

St. Louis Handmade

2009-02-16T09:59:00.000-06:00

In a couple of months I am scheduled to be a featured artist at St. Louis Handmade, and I am very excited about it although I hope I didn't say anything really stupid in the interview! I am not really from St. Louis but about 35 miles south of there. Even so, I have been graciously included in their group by the leader, creator, wonderful person - Tammy Tutterow.

I am fairly newly acquainted with St. Louis Handmade so I am still learning a lot about it but I can tell you this, the St. Louis area is FULL of wonderfully creative artists and artisans! Just go to the site and see for yourself, when you have some time. It is pretty awesome!

Also, do yourself a favor and visit Tammy Tutterow's site - Fairy Davis. There are lovely heirloom items with ribbon embroidery, baby bonnets, and other pretties. Her blog is also a great place to visit!

2009-02-11T08:33:00.000-06:00

Everyone deserves to be rewarded. Who doesn't like to be pointed out by their peers? I was just given the" Marie Antoinette Award" from Brenda of The Jewelry Box. No one knows what the award is really for (maybe someone saw me sitting on the couch with my feet up eating bon bons the other day) but it is nice to be singled out (with 6 other people) even if the reason is unknown! Brenda is a new friend and she makes really wonderful pieces, especially earrings! Brenda has a creative, sharing heart and her jewelry reflects that. You can find Brenda's creations at her Etsy Shop, and her 1000 Markets shop. Thank you Brenda for the award. If you every figure out what the award is really for, just let me know!!

Now for the rules of this award. The rules are as follows...

1. Please put the logo on your blog.

2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award.

3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on your blog.

5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them. And that's it!

I hope this award will make the following artists as happy as it made me!

1. twistedsisterarts

2. crysalliscreations

3. shinyadornments

4. beadlust

5. firechicktick

6. elenadesignbead

7. jaelsjewels

Featuring handmade jewelry by etsy seller Patty of Broken TeePee Designs

2009-02-06T10:41:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been a while since my last entry! There has been way too much going on around here including weddings, illnesses, weather and other busy stuff. I haven't had much time to bead because I have been sewing, but I have listed a few new items at my etsy shop and I have made new friends with the Artisan Beaders by becoming a member of their team. I would like to feature one of those new friends and fellow beader's shops in my blog today. At Broken TeePee Designs you will find beautiful and creative beaded jewelry that you will find as wonderful to wear as it is to look at. Not only does Patty, Broken TeePee Designs creator, make jewelry, but she also has a destash shop and a soap shop that has yummy looking soaps! She is a busy gal so click on over and she what Patty is up to. To see the wise words of Pricilla the goat just go to her blog.

Waiting for the colors...............

2008-09-30T10:07:00.000-05:00

I find myself looking often at the trees just waiting for the fall colors to begin showing in earnest. I love fall colors, they are so warm and earthy. They never seem to last long enough to get used to them so every year it is a treat when they show up and a wonder to me all over again that they are so beautiful. We get so used to the green grass that after a while it just gets to be a chore of mowing and we forget to enjoy the colors. With snow the problem is that the beauty only last for a short time then the ugly slush and grime takes over pretty quickly. I guess some people (like my husband) look at the leaves from a different perspective - that it is necessary for him to clean them up. I think the beauty of the leaves makes it all worth the cleaning up - but I am not the one who has to do it!!

We are into Hebrews in Sunday School and we have a wonderful teacher in Amy Lee, our pastor's wife. Her blog is here: http://usbtomybrain.blogspot.com/ although she doesn't blog very often! All we have talked about for weeks is the total power, holiness and priesthood surrounding God and Christ. That is so totally amazing and sometimes we tend to let that knowledge fall to the side without continually rejoicing in the truth and wonder of it.

Our family is very excited about a move coming up in less than 2 weeks - Our daughter and her husband are becoming first time home owners very close to where we live. The only disappointment for me is that I have a 3 day fall festival on the same days they are moving! I won't be there to boss anyone around!

I just participated in the second Bead Art jewelry show of 2008 last Saturday. It was an absolutely beautiful day, not as many sales as everyone would like according to what we heard just visiting around with the other vendors. But that was what everyone said at the spring show also and it was the biggest money-wise they had to date.

It is so easy as a vendor to get into the "make money, make money" frame of mind because that is what you are really there for, to sell as much as you can. Many people do it for their living but I do not. I love the creation and sell to share what I have made and to help pay for the supplies. I would love to make enough to be able to quit the day job but will never happen unless I commit to the craft fair/art show circuit and that is very gruelling.

Long ago I sold to make money and it overshadowed the creative process so much that I quit selling. Then later I started creating again, just what I felt like making and if it sold that was wonderful but if not then I gave my creations as gifts. I think I am getting into a new area that combines both ideas. I love to make the jewelry and will continue to sell it to liquidate the stockpile but I think I am going to get more into the business of selling for a profit with some other items, like I am starting to put in www.mommymadethis.etsy.com. I like to sell useful things that are functional and pretty. So far I am only doing 2 jewelry shows each year. I want to branch out with the other products at 3 local festivals next year and see how it goes.

So, for the next few weeks I will be feverishly sewing and adding to my tent display for the fall festival at Herculaneum, MO on October 10-12, helping out with my granddaughter while her mommy packs for the move and waiting for the colors....................

I found the other one!

2008-08-21T10:23:00.000-05:00

I was looking at Sand Fibers blog and I found the first treasury where my Cool Mint Bells necklace was included. It is the third down on the center column. I can't pick my favorite item in this treasury because they are all so wonderful! The treasury was selected by Triz Designs and you will want to visit her shop to see her beautiful work.

Using Your Hobbies for God

2008-08-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

We recently had a Women's Conference at our church and I was asked to give a short talk about this subject. Several ladies who missed the conference have asked me to post my notes here. Sorry for the length but I hope you enjoy reading the post.

I Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The general definition of hobby is - a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts, usually pleasantly.

Speaking of yourself, what pastime, not including prayer and Bible Study, first comes to your mind when I say a pleasant diversion that occupies one’s time and thoughts?
Most of these answers are considered hobbies. I can almost consider myself an “expert” on hobbies. I have the fortune, or misfortune depending on the day I think about it, to have multitudinous hobbies (that means lots and lots). There are many times I wish there was just one hobby that I liked to do above all others so I could get rid of all the other “stuff” in my vast array of supplies to support those hobbies. Just so you understand the scope of what I am referring to when I say “hobbies”, here is a list of my hobbies, past and present. Jewelry making, basketry, quilting, oil painting, drawing, sculpture, wood-burning, murals, decorative painting, stained glass, doll making, knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch, macramé, collage, gourd art, woodworking, carving, plaster casting, ceramics, airbrushing, furniture refinishing, home decorating, upholstery, sewing and I am sure without a doubt that I have left something out. Oh, also, notice I didn’t say anything about cooking!

For many years the pursuit of what I find to be pleasurable pastimes put a lot of doubt in my mind as to the importance of these hobbies in the whole scheme of things, particularly as a Christian who should be spending the majority of time trying to further God’s kingdom. How could I sit and sew, paint, or whatever when people all around me, even in my family, were lost? What good was anything I was doing to anyone or anything other than my own pleasure and the occasional extra income? Did I have any right to pursue these pastimes when they took so much of my time and thoughts? And why did I feel the need to do them in the first place?

I thought about these things off and on starting about 20 years or so ago. In the past 10 years I thought about it even more often and about 4 or so years ago it started to become a real burden on my heart. I had occasional thoughts of giving hobbies up all together, I wasn’t sure they were justifiable in the time spent but I also feared that I would not be able to give them up and also questioned why if God had given me the ability and easy knowledge of doing these things should I stop?

These are the conclusions I have drawn from a lot of searching, with help from other Christian women for whom I have a lot of respect and from studying and praying on my own. I hope they are helpful to you.

I do believe that God gives each of us certain inborn talents or abilities that we should, possibly must, use for him. I also believe that if we don’t use those abilities for him that we are falling short of his expectations for us. There are also learned abilities that come to us in life and they should be used also. I am fortunate to have an ability to learn things that require hand and eye coordination very easily, sometimes intuitively without someone showing me how.

I want to stop here for a moment to say a word aside about talents and assure you that all abilities are not given to all women. One definition of talent is the natural endowment or aptitude of a person. Because of these abilities, a person may have the faculty to excel in a given area. I mentioned earlier that cooking is not on my list of favorite pastimes. I can cook when needed but I am not very good at it. It is not a talent I have. But ask me to make a dress and you will look hard to find someone who can do any better. I have learned through experience how to make a better dress but God makes things easy for me to learn. God has a purpose for everyone and has given some talent to each person to accomplish that purpose. Find your true abilities and use them, please.

I Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There are many ways we can use our pleasurable pastimes to glorify God, to help someone to see God, to be more open to accepting his call when it comes, or sometimes just to lift up the weary, even if it is for a moment in an otherwise burdensome day. I make a lot of things with the idea they will be sold but in reality I have given away more over the past 40 years of crafting than I have ever sold. There are few things as exciting as seeing someone’s face light up with the understanding that you took the time and thought to make something with your own hands and to give it to them for no reason other than to make them happy, if only for the moment. To see the look on a young mother’s face when you give her a beautiful blanket for her baby, to hear the joy in a lonely older person’s voice when they tell you how much it meant to them to receive a card in the mail that you made yourself. I love these times because I know I have done something with the abilities that God gave me and that I have managed to share his love through those actions. They may not be large in the grander scheme of things but I have learned that they are important and provide a way to share God, if I turn them in the right way. It can also become very addicting, seeing who you can surprise next!

Since I believe that God has given us our abilities, they should be used for his glorification and those abilities have led to the hobbies that we participate in, then there must be a way to glorify him with the hobby. We just have to find the way. That is the harder question, sometimes. Look at what you like to do the most and think of 5 ways you can glorify God doing it and use it for God’s glory.

I am sure it has come to someone’s mind “well yeah, that is easy for her to say. She has one grown child and only one grandchild. She has all the time in the world to pursue whatever she wants!” Some of you have small children at home, you have jobs, you have husbands and households to take care of, you have limited income and you have very little time each day for any pursuit of even the least time consuming hobby. You are sometimes nervous, anxious, depressed. Guess what, so is everyone. You can make time for things you feel are worth doing. You don’t have to have 3 hours everyday to sit down and make 30 greeting cards while everything else goes to seed. Spend a few minutes to do something small that can make up a larger project. I work everyday, I have a house to clean, meals to fix (when I have to), laundry, a dog, a husband, a daughter and son-in-law, a grandchild and the similar responsibilities. How have I managed to continue to pursue my hobbies? For ten years in the 70 and 80s I stayed home with Rachel and made dolls and such and sold them to shops. Having only one child doesn’t lessen the responsibility but it does make for a little more free time but most of my craft time was after she went to bed. I would stay up sewing. It was a time I could set aside for myself, not be concerned if the dishes where done or the laundry. It was an important time for me so I cut it out of a time meant for sleeping. When I went back into the outside work world in the mid 80s there was much less time for it but I would still make as much time as I could for hobbies, it was a stress reliever and important to me. I thought when I was older that I would have more free time for these kinds of things, but guess what, I have no more time for it now than I did when Rachel was small, probably less time because I no longer stay up at night, I am old and need my rest. I find my time by seldom being idle. If I am in front of the tv I have something in my hands. If we are traveling, I have something in my hands. If I am waiting at the doctor’s office I probably have something in my hands. I find such pastimes restful, refreshing and productive. I really like being able to work on something and listen to scripture at the same time.

What I am trying to say is, don’t wait until some time down the way to have a hobby because you don’t think you have time. A hobby can help relieve stress, produce needed income or items for your family, give you an opportunity to do a generous deed, show God’s grace to others, etc. A hobby doesn’t have to be a big huge expense or consumer of time. Do little things, do little things that you can use to glorify God. Use your hobby to accomplish necessary things, for instance make clothes for your kids, etc.

Here is an example list of hobbies and what can be done with them to glorify God.

1. Teach another woman how to do your hobby. It may give her an income, teach her to use her talents for God, possibly even make a difference in her everyday existence. It will certainly give her more confidence in all parts of her life. It can also open a door between you and a lost woman and possible help her to know God’s grace.

2. Make greeting cards and send them to shut-ins or for birthdays and anniversaries. Anything that opens a door for communication regarding God’s grace is worth doing.

3. Use your knowledge about your hobby to help with home schooling families. Give a class for a field trip or teach a skill. It can be difficult to find an outing for home schooling that is something different to do that doesn’t cost much. Something you think only you are interested in might also be interesting to a child.

4. Use your hobby online to draw people to God by having a blog or web site that links to the church website or other good sites where sermons and other helps can be found.

5. Use the time spent with a Christian sister working on a hobby to share and uplift her and yourself as well!

6. If your hobby is cooking you can cook for me every night and I will have time to do more stuff! Really, food taken to people in need is the hardest thing for me to do. I admire the person who does it often and joyfully.

7. Is your hobby reading? Read to an invalid or an older person who can’t see well any more. Help a child who has trouble reading.

8. Do you like to paint? Ask the Bible School or Sunday School teachers if there is something they need done for their class. Don’t worry if you don’t think you are Rembrant, no one is.

9. Do you like to sew? Ask for items from the elderly or single men or young families that need repair. Sew on some buttons, hem those pants or fix that zipper. Make a jumper or pjs. Sometimes all it takes is asking and you will find lots of ways to help.

10. Are children your hobby? Well, considering the size of some of our families I would think there would be a lot of appreciation for any help given there. Or have a summer backyard class or something like that.

11. Do you like taking pictures? Photographs are very expensive to have taken. Sometimes just a nice picture of the family is more than appreciated.

12. Do you like to memorize scripture? Work with children or adults to have a club or drill team.

13. Do you like to garden? Grow flowers and take little boquets to shut-ins new moms, or just someone needing to be uplifted. Help someone not able to garden around their yard or garden. Grow veggies and help someone who is needy by sharing what you harvest. Give them to the person who has a cooking talent and let them preserve the food for distribution.

You get the idea? Everything you do can be used for God’s glory.

We have all probably read or heard the passage regarding the virtuous women passage in the Bible. There are several ways to interpret the passage but one way it speaks to me is about some of the types of activities I like to pursue and gives an idea of ways those activities can be used in the daily life of a Godly woman:

• She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (weaving) She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. (meals for the needy) She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.(cooking family meals) She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings(she works!) she plants a vineyard.(gardening) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.(she is fit and productive) She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.(she works late to accomplish what is needed) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.(spinning) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.(hospitality) When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.(makes sure her family is provided for) She makes coverings for her bed; (upholstery) she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (she presents herself well) She makes linen garments (seamstress) and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.(business owner)

These are just the sections of the passage that talk about some of the activities I mentioned before. The rest of the passage speaks more to the spiritual side of the virtuous woman such as her relationship with her husband and other things. Don’t think that I am underplaying that side at all. It is most important. Don’t ever get so involved in the activity side that the spiritual side is neglected. Us your time wisely, listen to tapes, watch videos while you are pursuing your hobby. You would be surprised how much you can learn.
Be careful not to be fanatical about your hobby. It is after all, a diversion that occupies one’s time and thoughts. Keep it in perspective, use it to God’s glory. Enjoy it and use it in the right way.
And if you start a new hobby, call me. I might have some hoarded resources you will find useful!

Etsy Treasury

2008-08-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

It is time to get ready for the next jewelry show at the end of September. I haven't been beading for about 2 months and I am ready to get back to it although I am trying to wait until the end of August before jumping in again. Just trying to finish up a few other projects before then.

Thanks to several nice new friends I have been in three treasuries in the past few weeks! I am the one with the black background here on the right. This is actually the second treasury because I missed the image of the first one. For a different view of this cuff bracelet, here is a larger image. All of the items chosen for this treasury were really beautiful and I was tickled to be included by enchantedbeads.

Here is the third treasury I was included in, also by enchantedbeads. She chose items in mostly blacks, grays and whites for this treasury named "Reflections". My piece, which is a necklace named "Moons and Stars" and is the second down in the first column, is a non-symetrical bead embroidered pendant which is about as sparkle laden as it can be! The pendant is 2.75 inches wide and 5 inches long including the fringe, and is covered with glass seed beads and white glass pearls. The beaded chain is 27 inches long and has a bead loop and metal bar closure. The beaded fringe consists of glass seed beads, glass pearls and clear glass cubes and beads. The beads used throughout the piece are pearl white, silvery gray and black. You can see the necklace close up at:

www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10175441

Also, please visit enchantedbeads to see her beautiful beadwork at:

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com

Run, Run, Run

2008-07-29T10:29:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe how fast this summer is passing! Olivia is walking, starting to talk and knows how to say NO, with a loud voice.

Don and I have decided to sell our travel trailer, see here: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/rvs/770049690.html
in hopes of getting a new toy. It is getting so difficult to go camping anymore that we have decided it is not worth keeping the camper, although we are a little sorry to see it go. Maybe by the next time I write here I will be an official motorcycle grammy. But gotta sell the trailer first!

We are having a Ladies Conference this weekend at church and I think it will be a good weekend. If you want info just click on the Rockport Baptist Church link and there will be phone numbers there.

I have had a lot of computer chores lately. We had accumulated several computers at home, all with different operating systems. We had a Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP and a Vista laptop. The Windows 98 was running the embroidery machine and it was the oldest. The fan was going out, the cd recorder drive was dead, it needed more usb ports. Since I got the laptop I seldom use the XP and some of the new equipment we have won't run on the ME. So I trashed the 98, moved the ME to the embroidery machine and moved the XP over for Don to use.

Everything went really well, the ME was working wonderfully for the embroidery. All I needed was to finish moving and catagorizing all 10,000 embroidery design files and everything would be great. I had one folder left to move late on a Friday and was going to finish on Saturday, back everything up and be happy. When I got up Saturday and went to make a gift on the embroidery machine I found that my operating system had crashed. There was a storm over night and the power went out a few times. All the computers upstairs had been shut down but I forgot to get the one downstairs on the embroidery machine. I had to restore the system and load everything again. All my 10,000 unzipped and sorted design files were lost. Well, not totally. I did have most everything on cd in zip files.

Now I am wading through and trying to resort and move all the files. I feel like I am running in circles! So that is were my spare time has been spent this week. And I am only up to 1300 files and most of them are not sorted yet! Makes me want to go camping. Oops, forgot!

What a Busy Time

2008-05-12T09:27:00.000-05:00

There have been so many things happening since my last post! Camping trips, Bible conference, crawling baby, Mother's Day, spring storms, jewelry making and work.

We had a great camping trip at the end of April. Even though the reserved camp site park was closed due to flooding we were able to find another on short notice and had a good weekend. It was cold, though.

The following week we had a Camp Meeting at church - like a preacher's conference where there is preaching from morning 'til night, just stopping to eat! Boy, what a week. We had a lot of people to feed and the preaching was excellent. The sermons can be found here http://www.rockportbaptist.org/gcm.htm These are all excellent and I encourage you to listen to them.

Baby Olivia is crawling and really close to walking. She just gets more adorable every day. Being a grammy is really wonderful. I think her parents are going to have their hands full with this one but I am sure they will be able to handle it. Here she is wearing her grandfather's hat and sitting in her camping chair.

We had a terrible wind on Mother's Day. The powerlines across the street were down so they blocked our street just before and after our house. It was still a great day for our family. We had 4 generations together that day.

I am trying to get ready for the spring Bead Art. I am beading every spare minute and just got some new supplies so the creative process is in full speed mode. Here is the information for those living in the St. Louis area who are interesting in attending:

Bead Art & Jewelry Show
Saturday, May 31st
9am - 4pm

Over 50 Bead Artists selling their finished jewelry and art work made primarily from beads. This semi annual event is a must see in St. Louis. Please stop in and enjoy the day with us. If you know someone else who would like to come, please feel free to forward this info to them!

Sponsored by
Lady Bug BeadsBead
7616 Big Bend Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63119
314-644-6140
www.ladybugbeads.net

Location:
Lady Bug Beads
Parking Lot & Yard
7616 Big Bend Blvd

Parking:
Available across the street at
Grace Point of Webster Church

No Admission Fee

Make a Bracelet for a $10.00 Donation to
Make a wish logo

Food & Beverage
By our friends at
Webster Groves Masonic Lodge #84

The mural project is done, for all practical purposes. I finished it in time for the camp meeting but some of the applied letters kept falling off! I finally glued them all on and no problems since then. I need to take a picture for my personal records and then I will share it.

I have three shops on etsy now. They are:

www.rosevinedesign.etsy.com
www.mommymadethis.etsy.com
www.photobob.etsy.com

Rosevine Design is primarily jewelry with a few additional embellishment items.

Mommy Made This is a shop I share with my daughter, Rachel, and it is all needlework type items, knitted, crochet, sewn types of things for your home, family and pets. It is a new shop and we are slowly stocking it with great items like hair barrettes, doggie blankets, tote bags and purses.

PhotoBob is for photographs by Bob Ubaudi. It has not been stocked yet but will contain a lot of barn pictures taken in Missouri and Illinois and some other matted pictures that will have inspirational themes.

I have also joined indiepublic and can be found here: http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/DebbieFerrell

What's Going On Today

2008-03-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

The past week has been very busy. I am behind on everything and trying to catch up before the end of next week when we go on our first camping trip of the year. The first trip is always more time consuming to prepare for since everything has to be replaced in the trailer, the water tank sanitized, the weatherizing fluids removed, plus the usual getting ready procedures. Sometimes I just pack everything in and straighten it out once we arrive at the campsite and I think that might happen this time!

I must finish the mural painting this weekend. The wood letters and missionary information must be finished by next Wednesday so I can totally finish installing them on next Thursday. I thought I would have extra time this week but I don't so that means go into high gear over the weekend. I will have a few days if there are any little things to touch up but I want to be done before we leave for camping because someone will be using our trailer for the upcoming Bible Conference and I want it to be nice and clean and ready and that can't be done until we are back from our trip.

So, I missed the knitting group this past Monday. I wanted to go but sometimes you just have to take care of necessary things! Seems like everyone in our family has been sick this past week, myself included and that always throws a delay into things. But, there is always next time!

I have been working on a quilt for our guest room that will match the red, white and blue decorating. I am making the top in 3 panels, hand quilting each panel and then setting them together. Then I will piece the sides, quilt and attach them. It will look pretty good when done, I think, but there were a few errors that I could not correct. To hide them I am doing small designs with machine embroidery (like an eagle in flight or stars, etc.)and that is really adding to the quilt. Sometimes mistakes end up making things more interesting in the long run, or rather the correcting of the mistakes.

That reminds me of something else that came to mind last week. The missions mural I am working on is of a world map. The map was projected on the wall so the outlines of all the countries could be traced for painting. Because of the lighting in the church auditorium, the projection was not clear in some spots and could not be focused enough for a clear tracing. So some of the areas had to be hand drawn using a reference map and Europe soon became a big mess of redrawn lines and erasure smears because we just couldn't seem to get it right. Finally, it became so bad that I painted it out with white paint so there would be a clean section on which to start over. It looked like a big weather map with white clouds painted over all of Europe! Once the paint was dry the countries were redraw in their proper places. The mistakes are still there but can't be seen because they were blotted out with white paint. The new lines are drawn and ready to be filled in with paint so they represent the countries correctly.

What came to mind was this: the map is like my life, a big patchwork of feelings, experiences and the like. Sometimes sin can cause an area of my life to become all confused and loose its shape and focus. When I try to fix those areas myself, it only gets worse and worse until there is no longer any definition and the lines all cross and smear into one another until it is hopeless to determine what is supposed to be, everything is confused.

When I realize the state I have gotten myself into I ask for help to straighten it out. God "paints out" the messed up area so that it can't been seen anymore and then he redraws the outlines with a nice clean pencil with no smears or erasures. Then it is my job to stay in the lines when I paint in the colors. The final result is very pleasing. Just like the mural, all the paint is in the lines and nothing shows through that shouldn't. Everything is clean and easy to understand and the project was worth the effort.

There are always flaws in every project, just like there are flaws in me. In the case of my projects, the flaws are caused by the CREATOR - ME. In the case of God's project (me), the flaws are in the CREATION - ME. I refuse to stop trying, in either case. I hope that when all the projects are finished that they are worth the effort.

My memory work for right now is:

James 1:4-5 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Knit, Pearl, Single Crochet

2008-03-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

Last evening I spent a few hours with about 15 other women who were knitting or crocheting. What a great time we had at the Heavenly Ewes yarn shop located in the Parables bookstore in Arnold, MO! I didn't actually do very much sock knitting (my current project) because I was teaching two crochet beginners. After crocheting for over 40 years it is sometimes easy to forget how hard it was to get all the fingers, yarn and hook in the right place and how awkward it feels at first. We had a good time of fellowship.

I really wanted to purchase at least one new book on knitting socks but I refrained and just got the set of needles I had been wanting. They are a 5 needle set double point bamboo, about 5 inches long in size 0. They look like fat tooth pics, they are so small. I had about 20 minutes at the end of the evening to try them out on my sock and they are wonderful! I think I am fast becoming a convert to bamboo.

We talked about lots of things, one of which was praying in public, and at one point I told a story about when I was chaplain for a professional secretaries organization about 15 years ago. I was honored to be asked to serve as chaplain and was told I would open in prayer and give a very short little devotional. So the first month I prayed and gave a short devotional using a scripture as reference. I noticed a few women squirming a little and took it to mean I talked too long. (not unusual for me!) So the next month I prayed and did a shorter devotional, again using scripture. The following week one of the officers called me to say that I must stop using God, or Jesus, or Christ in my prayer. I only know one way to pray and that is in Christ's name. I was told that some people found it offensive, they were atheists or Jewish, etc. and I had to keep the prayer very generic. I asked her in whose name was I to pray and she said just to leave that part out, it didn't really make any difference anyway and we didn't want to offend anyone. She also told me that using scripture during the devotional could not continue either. I should just use a short, uplifting anecdote. I was so shocked by what she said that it took me a few minutes to collect myself, I just couldn't believe she was serious and said so. She was very serious. So I told her that I seriously could not continue to be part of an organization that made these requirements and resigned from the office of Chaplain and shortly later disassociated myself from the organization.

I hadn't thought about that incident in a long time but just thinking about it last night still caused amazement. It made me even more thankful that I now work for two guys who profess to be Christians, that I can associate with a group of women outside of my own church who find importance in the same things I do, that I still live in a country where at least in public I can pray if I so choose. Sometimes I forget those things and it is nice to be reminded.

I saw some very nice projects last night, there are many very talented needle workers in the group and I hope to learn a lot from several of them. I think next time that I will take some bead crochet, there were a few requests for lessons.

Missions Mural

2008-03-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

I am a member of Rockport Baptist Church located in Arnold, Missouri or at http://www.rockportbaptist.org/ and we are very "mission minded". I am currently working on a wall mural of sorts, depicting the map of the world and some of the missionaries that our church supports. I have set a deadline for finishing before the second week of April when we will be having a Camp Meeting and Bible Conference. I always do better with deadlines because it means I have to finish, I usually work better under pressure but I don't really like to wait until the last minute to finish. This is a very simple project, it just takes a lot of time and a lot of that time is on a ladder which is not the easiest thing for me. I have a friend, Marie, who is helping me with the process.

Painting murals is one of my favorite things to do! If I were physically able to keep up with the work I would really consider doing it for a living but I cannot meet the demands of doing it everyday so I pick and choose my projects.

The image above is part of the last project I worked on. You can see all the parts here:

http://66.143.150.42/debbie/MURALS/nvwgmurals.htm

It took a long time to complete the project but I was pleased with the results. I think the canvases are on a week long display during the the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which occur annually in a different city.

The last mural I worked on before that was in my own kitchen. It was an open window with red shutters that looked out on a barn scene. A rooster was standing on the window sill. It has since been painted over and I don't have any pictures of it. I never was happy with the barn scene but the rooster was spectacular!

I have also worked on a project on the outside of a craft mall that depicted different shops lined up in a row to look like old time stores. There was a general store, a school, a barber, a flower shop, a candy store, etc. That was a big project that did not get finished because of a river flood that caused the owner to sell out. It was a favor to the owner so I didn't finish the project for a new owner. They painted over everything with BRIGHT ORANGE paint!

There have been a few other projects that were finished but I have never charged for any of them. They have usually been gifts. For instance, in a new baby's room I painted Sesame Street characters around a piano singing and playing instruments. It was a very nice job. Also did a whole room with Winnie the Pooh and friends.

I like to create using a lot of different media but I always come back to painting and sewing in some form.

Fast Times

2008-03-10T10:39:00.000-05:00

It always amazes me when I come back to a project, a blog post, my web site, the laundry, etc. how it seems I was just there but in reality it has been a while, like days or weeks or even months (well, not months for the laundry, of course or at least hopefully!)

I realized Saturday that my next jewelry show is just around the corner and I have barely touched a bead all winter. I have been knitting, painting a mural at church, playing with Olivia and doing all the other things that take up time everyday.

I am going to ramble a little bit about all those things over the next few posts, starting with knitting.

First of all, I enjoy all the needle arts and have probably dabbled in more than some people. I have the most experience with crochet and some with knitting. I have found that I like to knit socks and baby sweaters because they are small projects and can be finished quickly. From watching knitting programs on t.v. I have found that I am not a good example of how to knit properly - I am totally self taught and therefore don't hold my yarn correctly - but it works for me and that is important! Having an 8 month old grand daughter allows me to see the results of my labors with knitting sweaters, she is beginning to grow into the ones I made before she was created. Pretty soon she will catch up with my knitting.

Right now I am working on a pair of socks for myself. I am using wool sock yarn and size 0 needles, all of which are new for me. I have NEVER used wool yarn to make anything (if it needs handwashed it is usually a no-no for me!) and I am really enjoying it. I have used very small hooks and thread for crochet but I think size 0 is the smallest needle size I have used for knitting. It sure takes a lot longer with that size as compared to size 5! So far I have about 2/3 of one sock done. I can't work on knitting for very long periods of time because my neck and shoulder get stiff, a result of surgery on my neck a few years ago.

A local yarn shop has just recently opened in my area, inside a Christian book store. It is very small but has beautiful yarns. We have started a knitting/crochet group that will be meeting a few times a month to knit, crochet, and maybe have some classes. One more thing I want to fit into an already busy schedule but I think it will be a wonderful time. It means a lot to be able to meet with a group of like minded women who believe in God and serve Him in local churches. I look forward to making new friendships with many of them. As summer approaches, that may be the only time I can fit in my knitting!

For now the knitting will take a backseat to beading but I am making stitch markers from beads to sell this summer. They are pretty and functional. I think they will make a nice addition to my jewelry items.

This is the Bible memory I am working on right now:

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3

All things Handmade: Jewelry, Bead, Seed and Woven

2007-12-03T10:41:00.000-06:00

All things Handmade: Jewelry, Bead, Seed and Woven

New Friends, New Trends

2007-10-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

Don and I made new friends this past week. We go camping (trailering actually - NO TENTS) occasionally and sometimes we take other people's children with us. That sounds a little creepy, somehow, but we really just like to let the kids get away for a few days and give the parents a rest, too. And they keep Don and Maggie (the dog) occupied while we are camping so I can just sit and do my "thing". We took three siblings with us this time and had a great time! We have recently joined their church so we are having a good time getting to know lots of new people. We drank a lot of hot chocolate and ate s'mores. The flies were really awful but we had lots of action with the swatter. We played cribbage at night and did crafts and bike riding in the day. We had a great time and BOY, am I tired! The kids were wonderful and their parents should be proud of them.

Along that line of thought, one of the girls had a birthday yesterday and her mom made a wisdom scrapbook as a gift. I started looking at it but I couldn't read most of it because it made me cry. I grew up in a broken home atmosphere where my mother worked a lot, sometimes three jobs when I was young, just to support 4 kids. It was not a Christian home by any stretch of the imagination but my mom tried to teach us how to be "good" people and for the most part we were "good kids" and didn't get in trouble too much. I was 16 when I came to know Christ as my Savior. I married a young man from a Christian background when I was 19. My mom died when I was 21 years old and I had been away from home for 2 years. I never really got to know her as an adult because I was gone so quickly and I truly regret that. As I was trying to read the scrapbook last night I realized how very special it was, how much thought and time the mom put into creating it. I could also see throughout the book that their lives were Christ centered, I couldn't help but notice how very much this was true. And that it wasn't just a quick, off the cuff thing but a true and abiding way of life. I felt a twinge of longing for the feelings expressed to the daughter by the mother and other relatives and friends who where giving so freely of their wisdom to the birthday girl who just turned 18 years old. I couldn't finish reading through the book because of the emotions it solicited, but I hope to read it through some day when I have lots of time and can read every word. I was pleased to see that the daughter recognized the meaning of the scrapbook, also, and would cherish it over the years.

I had two jewelry shows this summer and both were successful enough to make me continue selling. I was able to help someone in need with some of the proceeds so I thank God that the sales were made. My jewelry is completed over several short sessions so I don't produce it in huge quantities. I doubt I will be doing a show every other weekend or anything even near that often. Right now I am planning on doing just 4 shows next year. I do have a shop on Etsy now. You can visit it at www.rosevinedesign.etsy.com. More items will be added regularly so check back often!

I will be teaching Stitched With Love Sewing Class at our church starting in November so I am gearing up for that. If you are in the Arnold/Festus, Missouri area and wish to attend a free beginner's sewing class please contact me at artistdf@sbcglobal.net and use the subject Sewing Class. It is going to be fun!

My other new project is downsizing my "hoarded possessions", as I refer to them. Don said, "Can I get an amen?" or something to that effect. He is a patient man.

My favorite verse today is:

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Exciting Things

2007-09-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Here it is September 2007 and the last few months have flown by. Olivia arrived a little early, her mom developed pneumonia while in the hospital and Olivia came home with me and her grandfather for a few days. Mom came home exhausted/still sick and the whole family stayed with me and her grandfather for a few days (7 or so!). Everyone went home for about a week and Olivia's other grandfather was diagnosed with a serious cancer so everything has centered around that for the past month. He is doing well after surgery but still hospitalized and Olivia's house is filled with extended family right now and for a while. We still manage to get the same things done with a more crowded schedule but it sure makes one tired!

Olivia is beautiful and so cuddly! I really like her a lot. Her mom and dad are so smart for giving us such a stinking cute baby girl.

God is so good to our family and I praise Him for His wonderful grace.

I have worked out my thoughts from the last post regarding using my talents for a meaningful purpose. My goal is to find the ways that I can use them in a meaningful way. That will be easy in some cases (free sewing classes through our church, etc.) and more difficult in others (time consuming jewelry production). But, I am confident that I am meant to pursue these activities that God has given me the talent or interests in. I will be posting some items that are available on this blog with the goal that at least 25% of the proceeds will be used towards mission outreach in my local area and foreign areas so check back often.

Busy Times

2007-06-15T12:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I made a good start on this blog but haven't had time to add to it for awhile.

I have been busy making baby items, doing machine embroidery, making jewelry for a sale that occurred two weeks ago, left town for a few days of relaxation, CLEANING THE ABODE, taking care of a sick dog who is finally getting well (I think), and trying to make time for a little Bible study on my own to go along with some church studies that are occurring. If I didn't have to work for a meager living I could get a lot more done!

We are anxiously awaiting Olivia Grace's birth, which is due in a few weeks. Everything seems to be going well, other than the usual complaints from the mom. I am excited to see Olivia's little round face!

I spend a lot of time creating. It has been on my mind a lot lately about how much time I do spend on things that are not directly connected to the things of God. I could spend all my time just making things. The things are pretty, sometimes beautiful and everyone enjoys looking at them, using them, wearing them. Being creative is such a big part of my life and personality that if I go for long periods of time not creating that I can actually feel sick and become nervous or feel disconnected. There are not many craft related things that I do not know how to do and there are not many creative activities that I have not participated in or have the tools to perform. You can accumulate a lot of things over 35 years.

I have recently been trying to pare down the "things" that I have related to these creative activities. It is difficult for me to do this and I have finally realized that it is because I know that I will eventually need everything I have (if I live long enough to complete all the projects I have in my head) and feel it is wasteful to get rid of things only to have to acquire them again, especially if the funds might not be available later. Also, I think because I didn't have many "things" growing up that it is difficult to let them go AND before too long I will no longer work at a paid job and all those "things" can be turned into income. I currently don't acquire new things like I used to. It has to have a really important purpose to make the "get" list. And I have started using up what I have, although that is a long process. It is so nice to be able to use an existing item instead of shopping for something new. I have also been TRYING to release some items.

I have been wondering lately why God has given me the ideas, the abilities and the drive to do these things. I feel I should be using these talents he has given but at the same time I wonder about whether I am wasting my time on vain pursuits when I should be doing something else. I didn't go to school to learn any of them and I find that I usually have an inborn ability to be creative in all areas with very little instruction and really believe that some people are just born with creativity. I have started looking for ways to use my talents for God but so far all I have done is make things for people as gifts and give sewing classes for free. I make a lot of jewelry that takes a lot of time and I have started selling it. That is really beneficial to no one, other that being a pleasing embellishment and giving me more money to buy supplies. This is really a subject that has been on my mind so much lately. I don't feel like I am doing anything productive for God. I desire to find a way to use these talents for God but at the same time wonder if that is just a way to satisfy my own selfish need to continue in the same creative mode. I can't imagine not being in that mode, I feel like I would no longer be me. I simply can not imagine it.

Well, that is it for now.

The Beginning

2007-03-08T11:58:00.000-06:00

I have a lot to be thankful for so I want to make a list.

My Savior:
Jesus Love Me, this I know because He lifts me up and brushes me off each time I fall and gives me more strength and knowledge about how to do His will each time. It totally amazes me how He has used the fall down times in my life to bring me closer to Him and closer to my family.

My Family:
I have a wonderful husband of almost 35 years who is wise in so many ways. He has been a good father and provider and is my best friend. He is funny, smart and creative. And children love him. I love him more than he can ever know.

We have one daughter who is married to a great guy. I don't see how they could be any more suited for each other and I truly believe that the match was made by God. They are expecting their first child, a long awaited daughter, and we all are very happy and excited. I believe that God will do marvelous things through their service to Him. I am very proud of both of them and their Christ centered lives. I know they will be good parents and teachers.

My Church Family:
We have made good Christian friends over the past few years in the church we attend and we have come to love them as we love our own family. It is a wonderful thing to have friends that have the same agendas in their lives as you, to serve God and see other come to Him, to raise your family to do the same. We love our Christian family!

I have a website that shows some of the things I like to do in my "free" time. There are even a few things for sale there. It is www.rosevinedesign.com. Please visit when you have time!