Karen's Muse and Musings

Envelopes, Bracelets and Puppies

If you follow my blog, you may recall that I recently wrote how I discovered double-sided scrapbook paper made a fabulous envelope. (Click here to see that post.) Well, that very afternoon I received a fabulous, innovative package from Lenna.

She took an entire sheet of double-sided paper, folded it in thirds, and sewed the sides closed on her sewing machine. No enveloped template needed! Then she decorated it with lots of stamping and a beautiful label. Isn't she clever?

I also want to share this bracelet my mother made. I've been meaning to post it for quite a while. To let you know how long, I've had it since Christmas!

I was lucky to receive this because my family was having a White Elephant gift exchange. (I wondered if my mother knew what that meant!) Anyway, somehow I was lucky enough to snatch this lovely beaded bracelet.

Lastly, we have a new puppy, a Maltese. He's been with us for about a month now, and he is training us very well. His name is Jasper.

As you can see in this next photo, he and grandson Bobby love each other very much.

Lovely Day!

In spite of the cold and rainy weather, my day was lovely because of all the beautiful things that arrived in my mailbox. First of all, there were my Valentine welcome banners. If you haven't seen the other banners we've done, each of us in the swap took a letter to spell out the word welcome.

These cheery hearts will now brighten up our entry way. Next are the matchboxes altered by my talented friends and filled with tiny surprises.

from
Joanne Thieme Huffman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from Kari McKnight-Holbrook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from Kathy McElroy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from Beth Bricker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  from Sue Trump who unfortunately does not have a blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both the banner and matchbox swap were hosted by Kathy McElroy, and she is the best hostess ever. She always sends goodies to accompany the swaps. Anyone who sends me chocolate is my BFF. What can I say? I guess I'm easy!

Last, but certainly not least, are my charming chunky Valentine blocks from my friend Jean Carter.

 

September Is Ovarian Cancer Month

Over a year ago, I joined in with almost 100 other artists to collaborate on an art doll to raise money for ovarian cancer research. Each of us made a charm or decorated a man's tie, and Jan Brown put together a gorgeous almost life-size doll that was raffled off. Later my friend Aileen Roberts created a beautiful and inspiring book about the project, and, once again, all the proceeds from the sale of the book go to ovarian cancer research. I purchased the paperback version, and I treasure it, but I wish I had bought the hardback version. You can see the book — inside and out — and find out how to buy it here on Aileen's blog. It would make a loving and meaningful gift for someone special or for yourself. After all, you're pretty special!

It's been a while!

I can't believe how much time has passed since I have added anything here on my blog. It's not like I haven't done anything to share. I have been busy making jewelry, knitting, working with fabric, oh, and of course, taking care of 22-month-old grandson Bobby three days a week. Now that keeps me busy! Tired too, some days.

Despite a busy life, I still have my swap commitments, so here are two more skinny book pages. These are for my sadly blogless friend, Trinka, a very talented artist whose work I admire greatly.

 

Pictured below are some fabric panels, or tiny pillows, for a swap with some dear online friends. I made these following the style and instructions of Teesha Moore. Click here to see her videos about these. She sews these little pillows together to make journal covers. When I receive the various pillows made by my friends, I think I will sew them together into a wall hanging.

Finally, here are some of the jewelry pieces I have made.

A French-themed necklace, which I wore to church on Independence Day, since in spite of its being French, it is very red white and blue!

A black and white necklace.

A fishy charm bracelet. I must admit that I love this bracelet.

And some swingy, dangly, copper earrings!