So, I've had several folks ask, . . .

"what kind of ornaments normally hang on your tree?"

For years, I've went the "wacky & tacky" look. I know that sounds strange, but I love kid like Christmases. You will completely understand when you see some of the ornaments that I'm about to show you . . . hehehe. I collect the Dept. 56 North Pole Village and I love the reds and odd shades of green!!! I'm actually in the process of matching my Christmas stuff up with my everyday home decor! Hopefully, I can get some pictures posted of all of it together!

Well, I hope you all are ready for these!!!

Everybody needs a Santa on acid, who likes to travel in his . . . .

eight-track, love-shack!!!

And please don't forget about

mr. potato head!!



I love zebras & giraffes!!

And how I love my 1985 twin Ronalds & the Hamburglar!!!

Yes, I got these from my Happy Meals when I was in the 1st grade!!

{Hey - it's Carson, Lawson & Hudson!!hahaha}

This is only a few!! Most of all my ornaments fall in this range!! But HOW can we forget to mention something like this!!??

This would be a towel that I LOVE and totally treasure!! Thanks Rachel W. for this awesome gift!! All this fish is missing is some 60's pink & rhinestone glasses!!

But now, lookie here - I do have some extremely classic pieces!! A STAR, a gold star with some groovy twisty sticks twisting everywhere!!

I must go for now - I've got 5 - NO 6 stockings to cut out and get started on . . . as well as, 4 paintings to complete!!

OPERATION PROJECT TWO: ornaments {the first of many!!}

Quilling anyone???? Okay, not really, but something like it!! I actually lifted this idea from a picture that I saw last year online {just don't quite remember where} . . . Seriously, if I knew that I would be blogging about it a year later, I would have made a note as to where the idea came from!!

supplies:


- scrapbook paper


- clear ornaments


- ribbon (somewhat on the thin side)


- scissors or paper cutter


optional supplies:


- quilling tool (BUT you can roll the paper with your own fingers - I did with some)


- rub-on letters (or designs) - thousands to choose from


- sticker letters


Some tips -



IF you are going to use the rub-on letters, you might want to get flatter ornaments. It was hard to work with the rounded ones. I'm not saying it is impossible, but when they have somewhat of a flatter surface it is easier!! These were great to use!! Hobby Lobby has some square ones too!! How cute would those be??

If you mess up with the rub-ons, they will easily scratch off.

I personally - liked using the stickers!! Easier, adjustable, overall - just looked better!! BUT to each his own!!

sticker



rub-on

It is just as easy to roll the paper by hand as it is to use the quilling tool. I just happened to have one, so I tried it both ways and the results were practically the same. If you don't have one, please don't go out & buy one if you don't truly have a need for one.



To get started - you will need to cut your paper in strips. You can strip down the paper in many different widths - you just want to make sure it is still small enough so that you can put alot of paper in the ornament!! The more paper, the cooler it looks!! It is very easy to roll the paper. Just start with the end, roll it over and "BOOM" your rolling your own paper - {Okay - that sounds funny. I'd normally not leave a line like that in a post, but that will get some laughs out of some of you!! heehaw!!} Once the paper is in the tightest roll you can possible get, pop the top of the ornament {GENTLY} and drop the paper down in it!! Just keep doing it until it is full!! But the top back on and decorate the ring with some fancy little ribbons {ooh, or other little notions dangling from the ring - just thought of that - will do it on another post!!}



And tadah!!!! You got this. . .



Lovin' it!! What do you guys think - easy or hard???

Oh and don't forget to post pictures!!!

A friend did send me this. Please feel free to go here to see someone else's - too cute!!!

I'm here . . .

Okay - I'm back. I'm still alittle sad {or maybe alot sad . . } Thank you to everybody for all the comments!! I so appreciate all the care that everybody had for me and Frenchie! Tiddles is actually doing fine with the loss & more and likely - we will probably get her a buddy {uhhh . . . later!!} Everyone who knows me, knows I have to have multiples!! I really think we must wait awhile before the buddy thing happens. I mean come on - 4 kidlets - you all know that one of those rugrats will convince us that we need another animal of some sort!! As long as it's not a snake or something uncute or uncuddly!!!

But I'm here and ready to get back with the program!!! I will be posting - TODAY, I promise - our first of several ornaments!!

I've always had a great fascination with handmade ornaments. When I was about 6 years old, my Grandmama Tate {that would be my Dad's mother} made a TON of ornaments from the LEGGS pantyhose eggs - Does anyone remember when you bought them in an egg???? I barely, and if it wasn't for those ornaments, I can tell ya that I wouldn't!!! These eggs were the most beautiful creations that I ever saw!! I remember she would dump out thousands of sequins and methodically glue them on the eggs. Some would overlap, some would frame out another glued on treasure, they would zig-zag, fan, you name - she did it!! I don't have a clue if she got the idea from somewhere else, but who cares - those were the coolest dang eggs I've ever seen!!! I also remembered she sold them . . . something like 75 cents ea. - maybe a buck. And she couldn't keep up with the demand!! That year she let me pick 3 of them out, . . . {she was a big fan of odd numbers, said it has "more balance than evens"} . . . I so treasured those things. They hung on our Christmas tree till there was only 1 sequin left on each one!! I was in high school when I was forced to throw the last egg away. I mean, it did look kinda silly with a baby blue egg {with glue residue} hanging from the Christmas tree!! hahaha . . .but hey, that was some special eggs!

So, with the memory of Grandmama Tate, I make ornaments every year . . . I hope you like at least one of the ornament projects that you all have been so patiently waiting. . . .

. . . pictures will be expected in the flickr group!!

{crappy}

- that is the only way to describe today . . . truly crappy. It's cold, windy, rainy, gloomy, . . . my list can go on.



No matter the weather - when I woke up this morning, I had a decision to make and I knew that crappy was going to be Monday, November 26th, 2007.

On February 3rd, 2003 I got horrible news that I would have to put my diabetic cat down - kidneys failing, lethargic, skeleton of a cat. It had been just me and her for so long. I was devastated. I decided to do "it" the next morning.

That night a dog showed up on my front porch. An ugly, mutt-looking dog. Lonnie came home and asked where the dog came from?! Now, I'm thinking, "that fool has done brought home a dog! An ugly, mutt-looking dog." He swore he didn't, but it was so hard to believe - he had been wanting a dog for a while and I only agreed if we could wait about a year {or 5} after Katt died. {yes - that was her name. I know - very original, but she too was a stray and just always seemed to answer to "cat".} I knew that dog would just go away. After all, we agreed not to feed her so she should move on to the next house. Right?? Wrong . . . .

After I put the cat down, Lonnie took that ugly, mutt-looking dog to the vet and had her checked out & shot up - you know, all the stuff you do when you adopt ANOTHER stray. We were then informed that she was a Sheltie, a blue-merle = this means she isn't the typical breed, she is a little rare, about "$500 more than an average sheltie" rare. Okay, so now maybe she isn't so "mutt-looking" to everybody else, but she is to me!! I agreed to keep this dog only if Lonnie took care of her - he was the one that wanted a dog!!

Six days later, we got news of Lonnie's deployment!! That is what happens, you know, when you are in the military . . . . and you just adopted the dog "you always wanted." Good news - he was only gone for 4 months, uhmmm . . . just long enough for his dog to become my dog.

I named her Frenchie . . . because she tried to "french" anyone who got their face too close to hers. It was if she was soooo happy that she got to live with us. She would prance as if she was in some Eukakanuba (sp?) ring about to win the grand title . . . she was sooo beautiful.



I had to put Frenchie down today, she had a tumor. I couldn't see her suffering. I was so attached, more so than I was to that cat. She came at a very needed time . . . I needed her and she needed me. I held her till the end. She had to know I was there - I feel horrible. Those who know me and my dog personally are probably in just as much shock as I am right now to hear this news. I had been battling with what to do for several days. My gut told me it was cancer. Today, Dr. Weaver just confirmed it. Man, I would hate to have his job.

I've got everything ready to post the next project, just give me a day. Sorry for the wait. . . . I've just got the worse headache.

I must apologize . . .

because a talented new friend, Kim, over at Today's Creative Blog featured my blog last week!!! I meant to put a little blip about it, but just got caught up in all the other stuff going on around here!! If you have never check out this site, you are so missing out!! First off, she will crack you up!! Second, she has featured some of the MOST craftiest people in the world . . . People that totally shadow me {seriously - no comparison}. . . Ladies in their own league . . . I'm assuming that last week she ran out of the "great people" to feature and had to dig deep into the bag to find me - ha! It truly is an honor to have MY blog seen by so many - thanks Kim!!!

By the way - check out her blog and leave a message!! She loves comments - tell her I sent you!!

For all those wondering . . .

Yes, I did finish all 9 of the paintings that I was working on. I had every intention of FedEx-ing & delivering most of them yesterday {Friday} - didn't happen, but they are all packaged and ready to go!! So, if you are waiting for your painting to come via mail - it will be going out tomorrow!! And I will be sending you an email confirming that! I can't thank "ALL" you guys enough for the support!!

I forgot to show you guys this new little number!! I actually painted this one as a sample - to send to either Posh Tots or to Rosenberry Rooms . I also wanted to see what "gracyn" looked like on canvas - it was one of the top 2 baby, girl names. BUT that doesn't really matter now - 'cause we've now figured it all out . . . drum roll please . . . . . "Emsley Grace" it is!

Speaking of, I also found bedding that I'm truly LOVIN' for new baby girl!!! You guys have to tell me what you think!! I really only want a bumper & I don't want to pay that ridiculous amount of money for the 4-piece set. I did find another site that offers the fabric by the yard. I think that will be the way this mama goes!! But the colors are so perfect!! Girly and has a slight vintage look to it . . . can't get any better!!

Oh, what a mile stone!!

Today, Lonnie and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. Well, . . . actually, it was more like this afternoon we remembered it was our 5 year anniversary!! Haha! You know, I've thought about it several times this week, but it completely slipped my mind until about mid-afternoon. Obviously, we are not the kind of people that get each other gifts OR a card. We both have always had that theory that if we really want anything, we will just go out and get it ourselves and the card thing - well, let's just say that is another way that we conserve trees!

I actually had to dig out the wedding album just for this post - it was still in box from the move! I cracked up looking through it - I have some really great memories of that day. I remembered I wanted to skip the whole wedding thing, but Lonnie says, "we can't . . . . , it is a sacred thing and we have to have a ceremony," in a whiny voice. I'm thinking, "gag a maggot!" To know us, you would truly understand these comments! Since Lonnie can be such a girl, you see - I must step up and be the MAN!! Seriously, I didn't want a big hub-bub of a wedding. Courthouse would have been great . . . Justice of the Peace, here we come!! But NO, Lonnie had to have a wedding, so I gave him a wedding!! We sent out 302 invites. Had those jokers addressed by some chick who did the scrolling {not calligraphy - yuck!} but scrolling. Has anyone ever seen that - it is gorgeous! We spent way too much money and ate cake for weeks!! The cake was sooooo good, that after we polished it off, we took the top layer out of the freezer and ate it. I'm not joking, I think we ate it at about the 2 week mark of marital bliss!! No freezer burn there and no need to wait a year - who came up with that crap anyways!! That has to be one of the "stupidest" 1st anniversary rules I've ever heard!

But 4 kids {almost}, 3 fish, 2 dogs and 1 cat later, we still have it going strong . . . real strong. Happy Anniversary, Lonnie - my friendship on fire.

{Dang, look how skinny I am in those pictures!! I had to post the full body shot just so I could remember those "skinny - size 2 days!!" Memories!!}

I'm such a slacker . . .

Talking about not having it together!!! So, I've set down now {about 4 different times} to work on my project 2 - and I never have all my supplies. Literally - do not have all the supplies!! I've went to Hobby Lobby 5 different times! And again, I'm missing several things! I'm missing 1 thing for each of the ornaments that I wanted to make. I'm sorry to all my "loyal readers" {I think I'm up to 5} - I know you guys keep coming back expecting to see a tutorial and the ol' slacker is letting you down. Hopefully by tomorrow I will get it all together!!

By the way, I noticed several folks have signed up for the flickr thing . . . but no pictures. Once you get your picture into flickr, double click it {it will get bigger on the screen} - right above it, you will notice several tiny icons, I believe you click on the second one "add to a group" or something like that - and it will walk you through the last of the steps!! That flickr is not simple, I tell ya'. Actually, I find it VERY confusing! If you need help before those steps {or after those steps} - just comment or email me and I will definitely help you along! Can I just say that they all look GREAT! I'm so very impressed!

Ladies . . .

Post those pictures!!!! Click here for our flickr group!!! Let me just say, I'm very new with flickr - actually, I've only used it one other time for another group that I was in!! BUT I need to learn how to use it better, so if anyone is having a problem getting into the group or posting a picture - Just let me know, we can work through it together!! I'm really excited to see what all you guys have done . . . I've seen so many in emails and on your blogs. So, PALEEZE post your pictures!!! I'm really excited to see everybody's!!!

Confessions from a mad house . . .

I really think this title is so appropriate as I sit here at 4:30 in the morning updating my blog!! I'm currently busting my hump working on several paintings. As you can see, they are all spread out over the kitchen counter. {I know, nice work space . . . but until the twins move into big boy beds & into Hudson's ginormous room, this is the space I must work with!} Since I took this shot yesterday afternoon, I've added a couple of more to this crazy mix!! That totals up to 9 paintings right now!! My plan is for these to be OUTTA HERE by Friday!! As long as I keep up with the pace, that should be NO PROB! {Positive thinking - it's amazing!} So, I'm sure by now you guys are guessing that no project 2 this week . . . . WRONG!!!! I've got way too many people following up on this show and most of you have sent {or posted} pictures of your wreaths {Love it!!} So, I must keep going forward with this initial plan that I had.

Again, I will say that we are working on ornaments this week . . . AND since some things you need are on sale, I'm giving in (Courtney) and telling you guys what we are making so that you can go out and maybe "purchase" some items.
Now, if any of you are like me, you are going to want to visually "see" the ornaments before you spend the money for the materials - I totally understand!! But, I know there are too many folks wanting to know NOW!!! So, let's get started - I love to make clear ornaments with soft-like feathers inside - such as these above. I know that the picture is blurry, but you get the picture!! {Who cares anyways, I finally mastered getting my "small words" name on the picture - I need some tutorials on some photoshop!!} Definitely going to need clear ornaments - any shape, any size! {And ornaments are 1/2 off at HL this week!} Some feathers, don't forget about the feathers. I got these in the Christmas craft section of HL for 1.99 (+1/2 off) - my gut tells me that Christmas crafts will be on sale either next week OR the next. So, you might want to wait for the sale {or you might not!}

Another ornament will be some hysterical Christmas trees. I have not made these before, but they totally cracked me up when I saw them and KNEW that I had to make 'em! The best description = grinch like, whimsy . . . get the picture?? You will need some cute scrapbook paper, {which is too on sale at the HL} some wire, {not heavy gauge, more like the wire you would use with beads} oohhh - some beads - that will be a good little add on for the wire for some bling - and maybe some glitter!!

Okay, that is all for now!! I still have to go set up a FedEx account {hope I can do that online} and a group flickr thing {that's right - haven't quite done that yet!! - this is a confessions post} and I HAVE to update the family blog!!!

I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving and I will be talking to you tomorrow evening as I start the PROJECT: OPERATION TWO post!

How hysterical is this?

My great friend Krista came by last Friday!! And how funny are these pictures of Hudson?? Yes, that would be my "monkey-head" on the BACK of his furniture!!! I normally would NOT let my kid do this act on the good furniture, but we were really trying to get pictures of his name canvas in the picture {for website purposes!} And yes - my kid got a haircut on Monday!! He was looking a little shaggy and it didn't help that he flipped & flopped on the chair a hundred-gazillion times!! Still cute/funny pictures!!


She sit down at the computer and viewed a few of them and only sent me a few shots for me to see!!! She knew that I was dying to see the funny ones!! Now, I must patiently wait for the rest of them!! UGGHHHH . . . patience is not my best virtue . . . Krista, I think you made it harder on me by showing me these now!!! You should have made me wait!!

Hello Friends . . .

Oh my, I had so much fun today. I actually set up a booth at the Holly Day Market hosted by the Junior League. It is the first time that I've done the booth thing with my paintings. Now, I've done the booth thing before - you know, when small words was a stationery and gift store - does anyone remember that?? I barely do!! Back then, it really wasn't worth the time nor the effort. By the time you packed everything up, loaded the car, drove to where ever, unpacked, set up, tried desperately to sell "something" without looking desperate, packed it up again, loaded it back up in the car, drove back home ----- just to realize you are now officially in the hole because you spent more money with the other vendors than you made!!?? Yeah, count me OUT!! But this time - for whatever reason, I felt inclined to do this one . . . and so glad I did. First off my booth was in an awesome location {smooshed in between 2 mamma-jamma booths} and it was only 3 hours long. Seriously, there was no lull what so ever!! My mouth was moving the entire time - okay, so that's not unbelievable - BUT I wasn't talking to myself!!! I sold lots and have several folks {hopefully} getting back to me with some more orders!!

With all that said, I've got to get started on some painting!!! I promise to have "OPERATION: PROJECT TWO" up at the first of the week . . . . HEY - who HAS COMPLETED THAT WREATH???? Hmmmmm!?!? Expecting some answers!

Lori, this is for you . . .

*** updated ***

Oh, I had a time matching these colors!! I'm such a perfectionist on the color matching thing {or at least the colors complimenting each other!!} but man, oh man - what an almost impossible color to match!! I did say "almost" - BECAUSE you know I eventually matched it. The poor pink only has about 12 coats of paint on it!!! I actually had to sand a little of it off!!!! The new mother really liked the scripty, 3 letter monogram, but other than that, she gave me free range of what I thought best. Lori, I hope you like it!!! I will find out shortly and will post an update!!


Here is the matching bedding. I must admit that after I saw this bedding, I'm now contemplating going pink in new baby's room!! All the choices you have with a girl is mind blowing!!! But I do love this vintage inspired bedding!!

*** she loved it!! ***

About project number two . . .

Just to let you guys in on it - next week, I'll be doing some ornaments - "super, cool ornaments" for all types of trees.

(don't expect to make these!! I just liked this picture!!)

These will be very cheap and easy!!! I swear!! Some of them are favorites that I make every year and some are new ones for me. Hey, I figured that I could do some trial and error, too!! For those who are interested, I haven't even started on the flickr yet - I'll get on it tonight!! I promise!! This ought to be funnnnn!!!!

Can I just say, "thanks for commenting everyone!!" I really like to see what everyone thinks!!

New room pictures . . .

Like I keep saying - I love to receive pictures of the art once it is up on the wall!! Here are a few new pictures that I recently got!! All three of these were for sisters. I actually did the first 2 paintings a year or so ago. I love the way they turned out. They were the first 12x12 that I ever did! Since, I do this size a lot! You can barely see glitter on some of the circles - Love 'em!!!

And who can forget this one!? I matched it up to the tiniest of fabric swatches!! I was scared that it wasn't going to match . . . but it did . . . WHEW!!

OPERATION PROJECT ONE: Christmas Wreath {Kim's style} . . .

Can I say how much I love the color of red during the Christmas Holidays!! To me, red is the color of the season!! Now, I know that some of you folks love other colors during the season - such as blues, silvers, golds, etc. And those too are lovely colors during the holidays, BUT red - to me - is THE color of choice!!

Now with that said, know that the wreath can be created out of any color you choose - I just chose RED - you can find an abundance of these at any craft store!! So let's start out with some very important information. First thing {and the most important} - do not use the same size & color of berry stems for this project. Use different ones.



Here, I used

- tiny, wiry like stems
- some plain-jane stems
- sugared stems
- Large, clustered plain-jane stems
- Large, clustered sugared stems

If you were to use all the same size, your wreath will look like it was made in China!! {Or India, Mexico or where ever they get the cheap stuff made} Think about it, the pre-made berry wreaths are always made with the same size berries and you can get them for pretty cheap. The reason is because it takes time, money and effort to make a wreath with several different sizes & shapes. That is the reason you will pay some big bucks for a wreath like this if "someone" else made it!! So, please - I beg of you, use at least 2 different types of berries!!

So, let's now talk about the wreath. Just use a grapevine wreath. They are cheap, easy to use with the wire-berry picks and come in a variety of shapes & sizes. I would love to do a square one, but oval is what I already had!! So big, small - square, circle - whatever you decide is completely up to you!!

The only supplies you are going to need -

- about 30 - 35 or more {variety} berry stems and picks ($1.00 to $4.00 at Hobby Lobby(50% off) & Michael's(40% off) (- and always on sale)

- 1 Grapevine wreath (around $5.00 at Hobby Lobby)

- 1 wreath holder ($2.27 at Hobby Lobby)- I'm totally in love with the giant suction cup hook - it actually holds the completed wreath {and it's heavy!!}

- small wire cutters

THIS WEEK {November 12 - 17)

The good news = Hobby Lobby sale includes 50% off the berries AND 50% off the wreath!! Can't beat that with a stick!! And go to the website and print off a 40% coupon for the wreath holder!!

Let's get to the good part - putting this joker together!! It doesn't matter where you start, but don't completely jump around the wreath. Start in a spot and just stick a few stems in. Move on to the next spot and so on. You will need to snip off some of the wire stem - I'd say about, 2 maybe 3 inches. This will eliminate any straggly wires hanging out of the back of the wreath.
Normally with the tightness of the grapevine and the wire of the stems, they will hold in the wreath great! No need for glue or any wire other than what the berries have! But if you are having a little problem with some shifting, bend your stem in half and stick it back in. This acts like a spring {kinda} and holds the stem in tighter.After you get a few stems in place, move the berries around and adjust them to fill in any huge gaps. Then, keep moving in one direction - whichever way you choose!!

The wreath doesn't take long at all - that is the kinda of project that I like - instant gratification!! As you can see, one layer of berries need to have some filler of another type of berry. Just keep going around the wreath adding the second berry. Continue with the next type of berry and so on {uhmmm until you run out!!} Let me just say that I added 9 more stems of berries once I got it on the door!! I really think that I need to add more, but I too ran out!!

When it is through - hang it up - on your door or where ever you choose!! Stand back and look at it . . . Now, tell yourself, "Dang, I did a great job!!" That's what I tell myself anyways!!
Let me know what you guys think!! And I would love to see some of yours!! I'm thinking of maybe going through Flickr and maybe setting something up for the group so that we may post our pictures on it! That way everybody can see them all!! This is fool proof - so I know they all look great!! Just let me know if you guys are interested in the doing a Flickr group for the projects!

I'm excited to hear some feedback - POST a COMMENT . . . . . . PALEEZE!!!

Home at last . . .

Well, Lonnie is at home at last. It was the longest 2 weeks of my life!! I really got to see what I was made of - I'm now crazy for it - but I know what I can do with 3 kidlets and no husband. We will have to do this again in February . . . I have no idea what I will do then . . . I will be 7 months pregnant!! Oh good Lord, I don't want to even think about it!!

Well, on to the happenins' around here - I've had several online boutiques/stores show interest in my products!! Two of them are the biggest ones I know, you might have heard of them if you have kiddies - Posh Tots and Rosenberry Rooms - can I tell you how excited I am!! I'm so happy, I can't stand myself!! Again - they have only asked for some samples and professional pictures - so I'm not there yet - But, oh so close!! I will definitely keep you all filled in.

Due to this awesome opportunity, I will be revamping the small words website a little and changing up my galleries! I need categories that will make the online ordering much simpler. I will continue the Simpatico Collection, but only for those who contact me directly. It will be several weeks before you will see the changes - so be on the look out. You will notice many of the samples leaving and all new samples coming on board. That means I have alot o' painting to do within the next several weeks!! So, add another log to the fire - more irons are going in!!

Tiny - little letter . . .

check out this tiny, sample canvas that I just completed!! It measures 5 x 5! How cute - what would be cuter is to do an entire alphabet - all letters completely different. Maybe even have a set that would be for a boy and a set for a girl . . . call it "alphabet soup!" You could spell out whatever you wanted . . . all mixed -n- matched!! I might have to think about that one!!

a basic blue . . .

This color scheme is a basic in this collection of paintings!! I've created this color palette several times now. And I really like the way it turns out!! I need to come up with a girl one like this. Any suggestions?!? I've got some ideas, but I would like to see what everyone else thinks!! Leave me a comment and tell me some ideas . . .

Shaun in sunny California - this one is for you!!

Christmas projects, here we come . . .

So, I'm so glad so many of you responded to the project idea!! I thought I only had a couple of readers, so it was nice to see the number of comments in the double digits!! I can't believe that so many people care about these rambling thoughts of mine, . . . wait a minute - just wait a minute - . . . you all are just curious as to what the next painting looks like - you don't care about my ramblings at all - do ya?! Couldn't blame you!!

Back to the topic {after all I'm just a rambler!!} - So, I was thinking of maybe starting the projects next MONDAY, NOVEMBER the 12th!! Are you guys ready? I hope to not disappoint any of you - I've got a variety of things in store!! Matter-o'-fact, my list of ideas have grown considerably and we might just have a couple of projects throughout the week! Again, I don't want to scare anybody off - I'm talking about tight money projects!! Some of the stuff I have bought ahead of time because I did run across it on sale and was already planning on doing certain things, BUT I will be checking my weekly ads to let you guys know when stuff goes on sale!! The good part, most everything that I use from places like Hobby Lobby do go on sale AT LEAST once a month. We do have 6 to 7 weeks before Christmas - So, surely we can find some bargains!!

Well, I hope you guys are ready - and hopefully you will learn something from all this!! My biggest tip - try each project BEFORE you say you can't do it!! Off to finish a painting tonight {it is actually 12:28 in the morning} so maybe I can post tomorrow!!

The whole thing . . .

As promised, it's Sunday and here is the full picture!!! As well as a side view!

I really don't think you can see very well the tiny pink & even tinier green crystals that are spaced out through out the dots. I love using these - especially for a little girl - I will let you know what the new mom thinks once she gets the painting!! I thought I also should throw in the picture of the bedding - Super, groovy bedding!! I can't wait to see it all together!!

Another painting completed . . .

This would be an 8 x 10 from the classic collection. Sage green background with gold swirls. I've done alot of "W"'s lately - which are the HARDEST!! Trying to get the same swirly background as the last time is very challenging!!

I've been doing a little thinking . . .

and I thought that I might start doing a little type of Christmas crafting tutorial on the blog - I'm thinking maybe weekly. What do you guys think? Now, if you don't know my motto, let me give it to you - "I'm all about it being made at home, I just don't want it looking 'Home Made'!!" I hope you all know what I mean by this - I hate some 80's looking crafts!! When you make something it should look like you bought it at a high-end store! But this is only MY theory - some of you might want it to look like YOU made it! I love people asking me - "Did I make it" because they are just not sure - OR - I really love the people who assume I made it {because it looks so good} and I actually did pay too much for it at a high end store!! My biggest secret on creating things - you must know what you can do. Of course you are not going to know if you don't just try!! I, personally know my limits, that is why I do, sometimes, buy some ridiculous, overly-priced item - either I can make something comparable - or I can't. It's that simple.

With that said, I figured I can let some of my "Secrets" out of the bag and show you guys how to make some great things for the holidays. If I get a lot of responses/comments, I might continue this after the holidays. I was thinking maybe about 4 to 6 projects for this upcoming holiday season. Not only will I give the how to's, I will have easy pictures to guide you!! It couldn't get any easier!! I will probably post on a Monday - that will give me the weekend to get it completed and I can also post where to get all the materials {and if they are on sale anywhere - that will give the week to get all the stuff!} I have already compiled a list of things that I can possible make. I am talking about simple, easy stuff that anybody can do!! I will not be using the sewing machine, so some of you stop shaking your head and thinking you can't do this!! So, what do you say - anybody interested??

Only a sneak peak . . .

Just to prove that I have been working and not laying around doing nothing!! I had to show you a small clip of a canvas that I've been working on. I can't show you the entire piece until Sunday. You see, I'm giving this one as a gift and I know this certain someone lurks around this blog {alot!} and this certain someone will know this is for her. So, until she gets it on Sunday - I can't show the whole thing. But it is super cute and works perfect with the baby bedding. Make sure you all check back and see the whole thing!!

As I sit here . . .

in the dead of night {it is around 2 am,} my mind is racing with soooo many ideas. Those who know me, know that I've got to have a plan for the new baby's room, a new GIRL baby's room!! {And I too, need to figure out a 1 syllable middle name to match up with the first name!} I think this baby room is going to be so fun. Currently "the room" houses my desk and computer and a "little" clutter. I'm so ready to get a move on now. Ya' know, now that I know who my new critter is. I always love red in a baby room, but I'm really stumped over the other colors. I've got some ideas - definitely a green, maybe a smidge of yellow - I don't know! I've got to go on a search for fabric. I don't plan on making the bedding myself this time - I'm in a little too deep with canvases and paints and I'm sure I won't have the time. I will make the window treatments however. I really have a great idea for that - includes a cornice {how girlie!!!}

I'm so ready for my husband to come home. This night time routine is almost too much to handle by oneself. The daytime is not so bad {I'm here everyday doing that,} but "whoa" the night seems to be getting harder. I appreciate everyone calling and asking if I need anything because you will be on my side of town. That has truly helped - ESPECIALLY since all 3 kids have some type of fall cold!! But I do miss going to Hobby Lobby {at least 3 times a week} and our Michael's just had a grand opening!! Totally missed out - I really wanted to be there so that I could go ahead and introduce myself to all the employees - I'm sure they will be seeing me alot - its about half the distance that Hobby Lobby is from my front door. And HL is only 5.8 miles if I turn left out of my neighborhood {and 6.4 if I go right!} I really can't beat that with a stick!!

I've got a major urge to go antiquing - I really need to find a few vintage shutters {-or buy new and make them vintage!} I've got something new brewing in my head - I will post about that later!! That is my plan for next Friday - because Lonnie will be home and I really feel that he needs to spend some quality time with his kids - ALONE!! As I need some time ALONE!!

Back to the baby room - this will be fun to post all the befores & afters. I will do that on this blog and not the family one. So, stay tuned - I'm sure I will have Lonnie working on the room once he gets home. Nobody feel sorry for the man either - what does he expect training states away for 2 weeks!!

*** the picture is of Hudson - a great pic to make me laugh when I feel overwhelmed!! Ha!!***

Great news . . .

As most of you know, I'm a mother of 3 boys and I'm pregnant with my last child! No more pregnancies for me - my body has had enough in the last 3 years! To say I didn't want a girl would be a lie! I went to my monthly dr's appointment yesterday afternoon and BEGGED for an ultrasound - just a quick one - we can do the big one in a couple of weeks!! I really didn't think my doctor would give in, especially because I'm only 17 weeks and 5 days. Well, she did!! Woohoo!! Took only minutes, the ultrasound gal went straight for my peanut's business and "BOOM" got the money shot!! IT'S A GIRL!!! Me nor my husband can be any happier! Years ago, my plan was to have 4 kids {3 boys and lastly a girl!} Funny how it actually worked out that way!! Now with that said, I NEVER dreamed of having 4 kids in 3 years. But hey, you got to have humor somewhere in your life and trust me, myself and my husband are still laughing at our situation. When my daughter is born {that sounded weird,} Carson and Lawson should be right at 17 months old and Hudson should be about 6 weeks shy of his 3rd birthday. WOW . . . .

. . . . . . does anybody think I might can get them all potty trained by then?