The Christmas Report :)

Typically we are on a 3 year rotation of traveling--one year to Ohio, one year to PA, one year home. This year was our 'at home' year. Which is very cool because then I get to decorate--usually. With as sick as we all were right before Christmas, and everything I did for Thanksgiving, I was tired and not into the 'spirit'. Also with getting the new DVR, we couldn't cover the top of the TV to put my village out--so I was bummed. However we put up the tree, and I started getting little things to put out--a few Santas, some snowmen. I got a great deal on a wreath--just gorgeous! So I spent all one Sunday wrapping it all, sending out boxes, putting stuff under the tree and we went to our typical 2-3 church services.

God and all our loved ones were so good to us this year! With blended families, the kids get gifts from a LOT of people--their Christmas is always really good. This year I got a lot of thoughtful gifts! My MIL sent me an Ergo Floorstand--I was speechless!! I am so blessed with my in-laws! She also sent us towels, and I got Forrest Gump-one of my all time fav movies! She does so much for us the whole year through that we are always so grateful for! My SIL sent two gorgeous beaded blown-glass ornaments ( I think I'm going to hang them in my kitchen year round!) and a wonderful bath set. My daughter gave me a #1 Mom pin that moved me to tears, and my son bought me a book I didn't even think he'd remember I was reading the series of! My husband got me a new digital camera, season 1 of Grey's Anatomy, 3 other DVD's, Celtic Woman-Christmas CD, a set of gorgeous purple pens, several stitching packets of stuff I'd picked out, and he cooked for me!! We still have some exchanging to do with family friends, but this has been a stunning Christmas for me!!

Here's hoping everyone else has had a great holiday season and that 2007 holds all the bright promise of blessings and peace!

BIG Finish!!

Now typically I'm not an advocate of staying up all night, especially when you have not just one child home on break, but two of them. Actually is twas the prescence of the second (older) child that allowed me to make that choice! When 1 am came and my DH had to go to bed since he had work this morning, I was headed into the home stretch of the beading on Stargazer. This hasn't been a simple prospect since I've changed all the beads, and then ran out of one and the replacement tubes weren't a match! Yes it's been an adventure! So when he saw where I was, he said "Why don't you just stay up and try to finish?" There are many reasons I love my husband dearly, but his canny understanding of "Finishing Frenzy" was tops of the list last night! So I cued up the next "History of Britain" DVD from the set DH got from his mom for Christmas (more on gifties tomorrow!!)and settled in to bead. Well as is per usual, it never takes the "short" time I think it will, and at 6:30 this morning I finished.

Without further delay, here is my biggest finish this year, my first Mira finish in 3 years and my pride and joy as of now!:



I also had help with the picture again! Smudgers is my trouble kitty! But according to my husband, Smudgers can nearly get away with anything because he's my favorite. I won't admit to favorites!! *winks*

Obligation stitching almost done!

I finished framing 3 pieces this weekend--I mounted and laced them, but used store-assembled frames! All of these are for my sister-in-law.



I also finished off 3 ornaments for my obligations--I used biscornu seam finishing for these, and am thrilled with how they look. I also made my own cording for the first time!


Now to get everything boxed up and shipped!! I'll be glad for the holiday to GET here!

The tale of the cramped fingers...

or, if you prefer--Beading and crocheting within hours of each other do not usually make for pain-free fingers!

Of course some of this is compounded by the fact that I did something to my lower back. It's excruciatingly painful to actually stand, sit or lay down. Once I get *into* most positions I'm alright, except for a dull constant ache. The act of moving however has me nearly in tears--if it doesn't ease up with the things I'm doing to try and help it soon, I will call a dr.

So I got the beads for Mirabilia's Stargazer this week--am converting them to Delicas because I can't stand to work with Mill Hills anymore, really. After I ordered them however, I realized the one bead was more of a tonal color to work with the original fabric (at least in my opinion) so I had to change my thinking on that. I go for more muted and not so stark contrasts so my conversion isn't all that 'true' to the mill hill colors called for. It also made me realize that y'all haven't seen the finished "stitching" picture! So here we go!

Finished Stitching!

Two days of beading!


of course it is nearly *impossible* to get a true picture of this gorgeous fabric or the true shimmer of the beads! The fabric is Sugar Maple Fabric's Summer Twilight on Belfast! The fabric type does make a difference.

I'm torn on what to be working on as I have SO MANY obligation finishes to get done. *sigh* I just want to bead! LOL

Y'all take care!

Wow--this month is going fast!

December is my favorite time of year! But I have some November catching up to do! I've had a few requests to see some of the stuff I did for our Thanksgiving--the placemats and napkins are being washed, so I don't have those right now. But-- here's the napkin rings:
I used glass and swarovski crystal beads along with some silver beads. The base was memory wire *grrrrrr* I was pleased with how they came out!
Here is the candlescape I made--I painted the pots with a stone finish, and assembled the dish with rocks. Wasn't much to it, but DH loves it!

I also have had a Christmas gift HD! The person this is for doesn't read here, so I can show off my "bobble" stitch scarf! It's done with Lion Brand Homespun yarn and is so warm and cozy!

Finally, a few pictures of my furbabies--well just two of them. Simba is the orange kitty, and there's a reason we call him a "big puddle o'kitty love". Smudgers is the black&white trouble cat!


Y'all take care!