Imagine This

Image Editing Workshop with DJ Pettitt

Banner created by DJ Pettitt

Do you wish you knew how to make great digital photos like these? Do you wish you knew more about the Photoshop or Elements application you have?

Photos and Digital Images by DJ Pettitt

Have you ever taken a class from DJ Pettitt? If so, you are among the most fortunate people on the planet. No kidding. Why do I say that? Because when you take one of her classes, you get about 300% of the content you expected when you signed up. Not only that but you also get 500% effort on DJ's part -- before the class and during which includes individual attention should you wish to have it. I've honestly never had a better nor more talented teacher than BJ and she is an absolute sweetheart of a person.

Digital art by DJ Pettitt

Lucky for all of us, the uber-creative, uber-skilled DJ has planned a jam packed digital art class ONLINE! There is no class limit but you have to hurry because class starts on Jan. 4 and sign ups end that day.

Photo and digital Images by DJ Pettitt (click on image to see detail)
 

Memories and Manipulations
Online Image Editing Workshop

January 4th - February 1st

Just go here to read all about it: 

See ya there!

In 2010 Let's Resolve to . . .

ART IT UP!!!

~Happy New Year ~

The Monkey's Paw - The Rest of the Secret Santa Story

The Monkey's Paw, a Necklace by Deryn Mentock (detail)

Well, when I got a large package in the mail with a return address belonging to my wonderful friend, Deryn Mentock, I was baffeled. It was clearly a package. It was clearly to me. And it was clearly from Deryn. I wasn't expecting anything from Deryn. "That little booger," I said to Jer, "she better not have sent me a Christmas gift." I didn't send her one, you know.

As I opened the box -- I noticed a little note that indicated it was from my SECRET SANTA!! What? Deryn was my secret santa? And I was at the same time, seeing . . . a GIFT!

A precious Christmas-mug-of-a-gift! Hot chocolate for two in a large Christmas mug. It ran through my mind that I had mistakenly thought this gift exchange was supposed to be jewelry but I had embarrased myself by making a necklace for my giftee instead of giving a Christmas gift. Luckily, at that instant, I saw the tissue paper concealing the exchange gift. That relieved me of my embarassment but why couldn't I have been thoughtful enough to send along a little extra merriment with my gift? oh well.

Now I couldn't wait to see what Deryn had for me... I ripped open the tissue and was shocked to find what fell out.

Photo by Deryn (I think)

OH, my, oh she shouldn't have! I know and love this necklace. I had most recently drooled over it at the bead and jewelry show where I assisted Deryn in her booth of lovlies. I was spellbound and humbled by this generous gift of love from her. It took a few minutes for the reality to sink in that it would now be MINE!

For one thing, I love found objects especially metal ones and MOST especially vertebrae bone ones. LOL.

And oh, Deryn knows how I love skulls and other things excitingly dark. (Speaking of dark, I apologize for the dark pictures I took by the light of a table lamp tonight. I knew if I waited for daylight in the morning, I'd get sidetracked by something and not get this story posted. So I opted for poorly lit photos. The colors in the photos I borrowed from Deryn are the true ones.)

I'm sure that those of you who read my blog (thank you -- you know who you are) are also readers of Deryn's blog. And surely you do know that Deryn makes every wire element of her jewelry by hand -- like the monkey's paw itself, for example.

 

Photo by Deryn

All that weaving and wiring of the little hand with it's drawn beads, etc. was done by Deryn as her example of a Mary Hettingsperger project. All the twists and turns of every wirewrapped bead and other elementsare expertly crafted by Deryn. I'm in total awe of her talent. This necklace shows it off well. Thank you my sweet and dear friend for this treasure. I will wear it with much pride.

Just let me say again to Molly Alexander, the swap hostess, that I thank you so very much for inviting me to participate with all the jewelry greats in this super swap. It helped boost my Christmas from fantastic to blessed and fantastic!

I think I'll go have some Candy Cane Fudge Hot Chocolate now -- it's 40 degrees outside. Br-r-r.

Secret Santa Jewelry Swap

Joy, a Necklace created by me for Molly

I've been in another terrific Christmas swap. This one was hostessed by my new friend, Molly Alexander, an extraordinary jeweler herself. She enlisted the enthusiastic cooperation of twelve wonderful art jewelry makers to trade gifts of jewelry with each other. We were given the name of one person for whom we were to make a gift. Molly also gave us some information from a survey she did with each participant so we would know a little about the tastes of the person we were assigned.

Amazingly, I was assigned Molly and because she was the hostess of the swap, she -- of necessity -- had to know up front that I was her "Secret Santa." So much for the secret part in our case - bummer. It worked out just great though as she had no idea what I would make for her.

In her survey, Molly said she was a laid back type of girl who likes to wear red among other colors. "Especially reds," she said. "And she also stated, "I usually wear pretty simple organic/earthy jewelry, but love to fancy it up every once in awhile." So, I put some down home along with some fancy in this laid back necklace with . . . especially reds!

Focal piece of the necklace

Molly mentioned that she likes vintage only a little more than modern so I used a vintage watch to make this reliquary. Because I know Molly is a Christian and loves our Lord as much as I, it seemed appropriate to feature a picture of the Mother and Child.  A silver-tone cross and several tiny, clear and pearl baubles fall loose inside. Many of the  elements were from vintage jewelry and this focal includes a wire-wrapped red pearl, as well. Here is a lovely picture Molly made of it:

 

Photo by Molly Alexander

The dangle from the reliquary is a wire-wrapped piece of sea glass swinging from a wire-wrapped, hand-made glass bead (I wish I knew who the artist was who made this bead I bought at a bead shop. It looks just like Christmas candy!) 

I used chains from four different pieces of vintage jewelry as elements of the "chain" of Molly's necklace. The red glass balls, red tube bead, and glistening crystals just screamed, "Holiday!" Though "holiday" wasn't a requirement, I couldn't help myself.

 

 

A spiraled fiber knot, freshwater pearls, mother-of-pearl square beads, and a vintage, embossed gold nugget finished off the beads of the chain. Don't you just love that vintage chain made of embossed gold-toned bands?

The bead dangle off of the vintage chain includes a red glass bead, a red and white candy-stripped glass bead, and a miniature religious medal. Finally, the closure sports two twisted sterling wire loops and an "S" clasp.

Well, that was TMI, I'm sure! LOL. But I don't make jewelry all that often and I really had a grand ole time playing around with all this paraphernalia!

I'll try to get a chance in the next couple of days or right after Christmas to show you the FANTASTIC necklace that I received from my Secret Santa, Deryn Mentock -- that's right -- how lucky am I that I was randomly assigned to her? Woohoo! Here's a peek:

Now, doesn't that look intriguing and exciting? The whole necklace is intriguing, exciting, and yummy. Just wait, you'll see.

Molly Alexander's Blog Banner

If you'd like to see more of the jewelry made and traded in this jewelry swap, just check out Molly's blog, Beautifully Broken Me. She has some wonderful Christmas music playing there, too. Thanks, Molly for a terrific swap. I was honored to be included. 

I'm sure that the other participants are also posting pictures of the pieces they created and ones they recieved. Here are their names and blog address as Molly has them on her blog:

• Beth Bricker – http://vintagesweets.typepad.com/

• Diane Cook – http://rosa-josies.blogspot.com/

• Carolyn Mallin - http://fancifulexpressions.blogspot.com/

• Deryn Mentock - http://somethingsublime.typepad.com/

• Crystal Neubauer - http://otherpeoplesflowers.blogspot.com/

• Tami Roth - http://cattalesetc.blogspot.com/

• Jeanette Blix Ryan – http://www.jeanetteblix.com/

• Riki Schumacher – http://rikijewelry.blogspot.com/

• Jan Thomason - http://polkadotbarn.blogspot.com/

• Sally Turlington - http://sallyt.typepad.com/

• Cindy Wimmer - http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/

• Molly Alexander – http://www.beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com/

Meanwhile, have fun and if I don't get back here before it, have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!!

Day 13 of the 12 Days of Christmas Exchange

Day 13 Gift from Lorraine George

On Day 13, we are opening a gift from my friend, Lorraine George. She is a very talented artist who puts together gorgeous projects and I'm eager to see her ornament.

Package by Lorraine

Everything I've seen Lorraine create is well executed and usually dainty and  - well - just perfection as far as I can see. This package is no different. She is the only person I know who can actually fold white tissue paper without wrinkling it! The blue stained paper under the plastic wrap is very interesting. It looks like hand tinted, hand made paper in a loose weave and then fused together as one sheet!?! Only Lorraine would think to use something so simple and yet so cool in a Christmas decoration.

Ornament by Loraine

Woah, what a precious ornament! A fabric ornament of what could be a tea-dyed doily, alternating layers of fabric, vinyl, and pastel blue net circles sewn around an image - is that image a fabric transfer? Lorraine always pays attention to detail. The three stars sewn on the ornament are highlighted by the free falling stars inside the package wrap. How fun is that?

Just look how gorgeous it is on the tree!

 

Notice the tiny crystal beads on the dainty blue strands of yarn flowing down from the ornament.

Crystal Beads

Just to be sure you know Lorraine's penchant for perfection, take a gander at the  bead separator between the two crystal beads on the center strand:

Actually, it is not so much a "bead" separator as it is a "star" separator. Tha-a-a-a-ts right -- the same star that is on the ornament and loose in the package. See what I'm telling you? Lorraine is unbelievable. It is all so small that the two beads and the star together are only 1/2 inch long!

Click on this image to get a good look at the focal piece.

 

Back of Lorraine's Ornament

Looking at the back will show you what a meticulous artist Lorraine is. The center is fabric stitched over a little bit of stuffing to make it soft. The circle is perfect - not a stitch showing! Everything is tucked and finished beautifully. Lorraine is nothing if not a master crafter.

Ornament Hanger

What a creative designer, Lorraine is. Notice the fabric hanger she attached to the back with simple lines and no stitches showing here either. I love getting anything artistic from Lorraine because I know it will be handcrafted to perfection. Thanks so much, Lorraine, my lovely artisan friend, for this stupendous ornament for my tree.

This then, concludes our 2009 Twelve (13) Days of Christmas Ornament Exchange. It has been a thrilling ride for the past two weeks. I love every gift this year and am already thinking about next year. Congratulation to my buddy, Deryn Mentock, for hostessing such a remarkable swap. We love it and we love you, Deryn. Thanks a million.

 
 

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

Wrapping by Lou McCulloch

You might think that the twelfth day of Christmas is the last and usually it is -- but not this year. This must be "Christmas Leap Year" because this year we have Thirteen Days of Christmas. Yippee!

So this is our twelfth day and on this day, we are opening Lou McCulloch's sweet tiny gift package. Now, I know that Lou decorated the paper this box is made from and I love it. I also love that it is a tiny gift. Haven't you heard the old saying, "The best things come in small packages?" I was so excited to get this package open. First I pulled on the blue ribbon which made the folds of the box pull out.

  

O-o-o-oh! I see a bit of what is coming. You can also get a closer look at the decorating Lou did on the box.  So, now let's get a closer, clearer peek . . . How I love to torture myself and prolong the anticipation.

Yeah, I see. How clever that the box was meant to be opened by the blue ribbon. The ribbon is actually attached to the ornament. YES! I can tell it's going to be one of Lou's signature looks.

I pulled out the ornament, trying not to look directly at it - saving the best look for last! When I looked down in the box, I see that the little glitter bird who was on top of the package had made his nest in there as a place for the ornament to rest.

Ornament by Lou McCulloch

Isn't she a beauty? Lou is a wizard with paint. She has given this muffin tin - probably a vintage tin - her signature painting look . . . a look of rust and patina. The focal of her ornament is what looks like a very good rendering of a tintype. Maybe Lou had this little image and put it under a mica sheet to make it sturdy and give it the look of a vintage tintype. Or maybe it is a vintage tintype??

I love that I got the word radiant on the tiny corked vial embellishment. I haven't felt radiant in several days now so I'm hoping this will bring that attribute today as I plan to get out in the cold weather and do some errands before going to the movie with a friend.

Lou this is a '"radiant" ornament for my tree. Thank you so much for this little token of your talent. I will cherish it. I'm going to call her Radiant Lou, well, named after you - yes, but also because I happen to know that today, December 12 is the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe. (So Lou is also short for GuadaLOUpe.)

Since 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe, or the Dark Virgin, as she is often called, has become the patron saint of the Mexican Republic. The festival of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe actually begins a week before December 12. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country—many traveling for a week on foot or by burro—flock to the Basilica of Ville Madero, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where the most impressive ceremonies in honor of the Virgin are held. The streets adjoining the church are literally packed with people who wait their turn to enter the church and make their offering.

The climax of the festival begins on the eve of December 12, when the conchero dancers gather in the atrium of the church. The name probably derives from the word concha, meaning "shell," [Hey my Radiant Lou has a background that looks somewhat like a shell!] because the mandolin-shaped instruments of the dancers are made of armadillo shells [ARMADILLO? Texas armadillo? LOL] The dancing—hopping steps performed to the endlessly repeated accompaniment of one or two musical themes—begins at midnight and lasts throughout the day.

Our Lady of Guadelupe

You know the background of the traditional Our Lady of Guadelupe portraits looks a little like the background in Lou's ornament, don't you think? And Our Lady (above) is quite radiant as well.

Thanks again, Lou, for such an inspiring ornament. I love my Radiant Lou. Let the dancing begin!

 

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

Wrap and tag by Deryn Mentock

Day Eleven of our Christmas Ornament Exchange belongs to my multi-talented friend, Deryn Mentock. I'm always excited to open the ornament from Deryn because I always expect her to create something fantastic . . . and I'm never disappointed. Look at that perfect mini ornament she selected. Click on the image above and see the delightful gift card she created using a picture of herself as a child and glittery inclusions all stitched up with netting. Oh-h-h Ah-h-h its so Deryn! And the package is so very intriguing.

Wrapping by Deryn

Oh, yes! My expectations are raised even more by the luscious fabric wrapper she sewed up to house what I know will be a unique and thrilling ornament. This package is quite inviting. Can't wait to get this bag open. Among other mediums, Deryn is a gifted art jeweler (you must stay updated with her Etsy shop.) and I hope she has used her skill to craft this ornament. So, lets start ripping stitches and open the top of the bag to get the ornament out. Carefully now, you know you'll want to reuse this gorgeous bag.

 
Ornament by Deryn

AW-w-w, Gasp!!! I knew it! I told you -- she has done it again. This ornament almost made me weep it is so exquisite. I mean it, I wish everyone could see it in person.  I'll try to show some details so you get an idea. I so love this ornament.

Reliquary - Deryn's Ornament

Deryn has put so much work in these ornaments that to receive one is the greatest blessing. Inside the reliquary cylinder, she has put a portion of a vintage prayer card with pieces of twisted metal strands, strips of silk fabric, and antique Bible text. Of course, the reliquary is enclosed with clear glass. This focal is amazing in its detail especially considering the small size of it - a little over an inch across!

Outer Decor of the Reliquary

On the outer rim of the reliquary is a strand of vintage rhinestones -- my fav! They make this ornament shine with sparkle. Also trimming the outer case is more vintage Bible text. The ornament is embellished with beautiful faceted beads and strips of silk fabric.

  
Front                                                                        Back

Dangling from the Reliquary is a vintage cross complete with an image of the crucifix and several religious symbols (like the dove, a symbol of the Holy spirit.)

Back of Deryn's Ornament

The back of this ornament could almost have been the front. It is finished in a beautiful, decorative way.  I used to have a tole painting teacher who would always say, "Paint your backs!" Deryn is well aware of the habit we have of  turning over whatever we are looking at to see the back (Hallmart knows this as well!) and she always finishes her pieces beautifully.

Back of Focal Piece of Deryn's Ornament

In this case, Deryn covered the back with vintage Bible text and crackled it. A ribbon of silk fabric is tucked under a handmade wax seal which is an image of Jesus.

Deryn, I am feeling very fortunate to have received this gorgeous ornament made so meticulously with love and caring by such a special friend as you. Thank you so much for it and for including me in this swap every year. It is one of my favorite groups of artists and their work is always inspiring.

 

On the Tenth Day of Christmas . . .

Laughing All the Way

My friend, Kelly Snelling, started my day off today with joy and laughter. First, get a look at the package that I received in the mail:

Fun Fun Fun

 

Joyous Snowgirl by Kelly

Kelly says this little snowgirl she sketched on the box is throwing love on us! And when I turned the box over to open it --

Note to Mailman by Kelly

I thought, oh boy, something squishable? Fruitcake? No, no. Then I remembered what Kelly said in a message yesterday, ". . . hope you like them! they're kind of quirky. :-)" What? Me dislike something quirky that Kelly created??? I think NOT. So, with excitement and maybe a little trepidation - I pulled the gift out of the box.

Giftwrap by Kelly

Oh, yea - a glistening blue gift promising JOY! Of course, what else would be coming from Kelly? (BTW, you must read her post about these gifts where she goes into a tirade about how much she hates gift wrapping. It's hysterical and so honestly Kelly.)

Then I ripped off the paper to find . . .

What!?

Ornament by Kelly Snelling

At first this funny little creature looked bewildered, melancholy, and what else? I turned it over to the back:

O-o-oh! A Snow Bunny! A RED snow bunny!

I hung him on the tree and thought of Kelly creating all these quirky little bits of whimsy.

Photo borrowed from Kelly (Thanks, Kel, hope you don't mind.)

My bunny started to look amusingly stunned or even peeved to be there!

Enameled Bunny by Kelly

Suddenly, I cracked up laughing. This is soo-o-o-o like Kelly, this whimsical joke on us and our brightly lit Christmas trees. Maybe I can't explain why I get such a bang out of them - all these hacked off bunnies who didn't want to go out to our homes and be on  Christmas trees for fear of . . . what?  A cat shredding their bow? Being lost in a crowd of ornaments on a tree???

Kelly said, "they needed a bell because bunnies get lost and they need a bell so they can be found because they hate it when they look up and discover they have lost their way. no one likes that." (She cracks me up! You really need to read Kelly's post about all this and see even more enameled projects)

Well, Kelly, my mad, mad, mad genius of an artist -- as you can see I've made up this funny little story to go along with my "quirky" little bunny so he and I are quite happy after all! LOL.I think I know even better now why your blog is called "Soul Humming." You make my soul hum!!

Oh and I am totally impressed with your enameling skill and even more impressed with your courage to make all these enameled ornaments while taking a class learning how to do it!! You always amaze me, sweet girl.

Thanks for my buddy bunny. He and I plan to hang out all year long --especially at Easter!

Tah.

 

On the Ninth Day of Christmas . . .

My sweet friend, JoAnnA Pierotti sent us an ornament gift for the ninth day of our swap. Her packaging was most unique -- sent in a clear package filled with vintage paper clippings, potpourri with a scent reminiscent of a Christmas kitchen, and tagged with a snippet of waxed vintage text.

 

Inside, the ornament was wrapped snuggly in a red & white ticking fabric and pinned with a rusty safety pin and bow. As unusual as the wrapping was, it would seem common compared to the fantastic ornament inside. Wowza!

 
Ornament by JoAnnA Pierotti

What a sweetheart of an ornament it is . . . a darling little dress fit for a Renaissance fairy! Bedecked with laces and fabric swatches and all manner of jeweled pieces, this creation is to fall in love with.

The bodice is made of some sort of old, patterned metal. It almost looks like metal mother of pearl (no such thing but wouldn't you love if there were?) JoAnnA has laced it through eyelets and tied it with a mesh ribbon, jingle bell, and bead dangle.

"The skirt is lavish with pieces of vintage fabrics and ribbons crowned with a vintage jewelry fragment. The whole thing is oh, so lovely.

JoAnnA is an acomplished art doll maker -- among her many talents. Especially around this time of year, you will find various angels, fairies, and other creatures being born in her work area. Take a look at some of this year's batch (I've borrowed some pictures from JoAnnA's blog.)

 

Fairies by JoAnnA

Just watch JoAnnA's Etsy shop and one of these little creatures could find its home with you!

Thank you JoAnna for exercising your fertile imagination in the making of our ornaments. I believe you have outdone yourself this time and I, for one, am thrilled with it.

 

On the Eighth Day of Christmas . . .

I Gave Ornaments to My Artist Friends

My Gifts Wrapped

I used my handmade brayered paper for gift wrap, stapling the edges together with red, green, gold, or copper staples. If you haven't seen my brayered paper, check it out here. Meanwhile here is a sample of it, though you certainly can't get all the glitz of it in a photo -- or at least I can't. It is so rich and yummy. You just have to try making some.

 
  

 

 
My Brayered Paper Samples

So, ok, back to the ornament exchange --- my packages.

 

Wrapped Packages

I actually forgot to take a picture of an individual package. The one above is for my friend, Kaye. The artists' packages had a large number 8 on the gift tag (as in the group shot) to indicate that they are to open it today -- Day 8 of the exchange. Below is a picture that Crystal Neubauer took of my wrapping. I borrowed it to show you because I loved the candy canes in the background. Hope you don't mind, Crystal.

Photo by Crystal Neubauer

Gift Tag, Opened

My gift tags were somewhat of an afterthought made from folded scraps of brayered paper. Inside I stapled a picture of an angel or Santa torn from a greeting card and a scrap of vintage hymnal page. I ended up liking them even if they were and afterthought.

 

My Ornaments

Forgive my photography. I haven't mastered taking pictures of glitz. . . and these ornaments are fairly glitzy. Also, I think I did some things more to them after I took these pictures. But you can go to other blogs to see them. I'll show you what I have and tell you how I made them. (Click on any image to see a bigger view.)

 

First, I made the small arched frames by hand to go on top of the ornaments. They are made of paper clay and each one is different. They had to dry a couple of days so I did them first and set them aside while I worked on the ornaments. Later, I painted them with glitzy metallic acrylic paints and dusted them with powdered metals.

The base of the ornament itself is a 2" x  2" wrapped canvas! I covered the front and sides of the canvases with molding paste, painted them with metallic acrylic, and rubbed the highspots with gold or copper or whatever inkpads -- direct to paper technique. (Obviously, I don't have pictures of my working on them but I'll just show you several of them finished.)

I made tiny copies of a vintage religous card and cut them out to use for the pictures. I cut each one to fit it's exact frame and then I crackled them. When all the paint and crackling was dry, I began assembling the ornaments.

 

Each one was different from the next in color and embellishments. I used vintage jewelry pieces to enhance them and to make the dangles. Above is a picture when I was laying out possiblities for the jewelry pieces.

As I began making decisions, I glued the pictures and frames down to the canvases. When I was sure what jewelry pieces I wanted to use on one, I started gluing the embellishments on the frames.

After the frames were embellished, I tore pages from a vintage hymnal, tinted them with inks, and glued them on the canvases to cover the backs. I intended to sign these ornaments on the backs but forgot it for most of them. What a ditz!

 

Next, I brushed metallic ink to match the color scheme of each one onto the edge of the covering. Since I left the covers larger than the canvases, I deliberately wrinkled them to hug the outside of the canvases.

The rest of the work was done pretty much in assembly line fashion. I drilled holes in the tops and bottoms of the canvases to attach bead dangles and hanging apparatus.

 

I attached vintage Christmas ornament hangers to the tops so they could be easily hung on trees. (Don't you love to use the word vintage so you don't have to say "my OLD stuff?")

 

Apparently, I didn't get a good photo of every single one of the fourteen ornaments (12 plus one for me and and one extra for my girlfriend, Kaye.). I've shown you all the good pictures I took. I sort of ran out of time and was scrambling to get them wrapped and prepared for mailing. Somehow, picture taking took a back seat.

Hope all of you in the swap enjoy your ornaments and get as much love from them as I put into them. May you each have a blessed Christmas season and remember the birth of our Christ as the miracle it is.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas . . .

Crystal!

On Day 7 of the exchange of these stupendous Christmas ornaments, I picked up this package from my sweet friend, Crystal Neubauer. Something about the ethereal wrapping papers and the tiny silver mirrored raindeer reflecting the lights of the tree made me think of the crystal clarity that our Crystal strives to get through her art.

"Art serves so many purposes, not only in the life of the artist, but also in those who will view it and reflect on what it stirs in their soul."    ~ Crystal Neubauer

I have enjoyed reading Crystal's posts on her blog and appreciate her descriptions of the feelings she experiences as she creates.

Ornament by Crystal Neubauer

Isn't that the yummiest piece of heaven? This is one of Crystal's signature looks. Lately, she has been working to marry metal with wax - an unlikely couple. I think this ornament proves that she has mastered the process quite well, don't you? 

"During the creative process . . .. A voice comes from within that affirms the placement or leaves me unsettled about it. Sometimes it will stir with words, a song or a phrase, or scripture will begin to repeat over and over in my head."    ~ Crystal

The magnificent translucence of this ornament lends itself to different looks in different lighting. Notice the shadows of the tree boughs that can be seen through the glowing expanses:

I love the dappling of what I assume is marbled paper, probably from the end papers of an antique book as Crystal is a hauntress of antique stores and other treasure houses.

Each piece of crystal's artwork, whether jewelry, encaustic collage, assemblage, or even Christmas ornaments -- each piece is thoughtfully executed reflecting the teamwork she openly affirms to have with God. 

"I am not creating alone, I am a vessel, as he pours his song of love into me I pour my praise and adoration for him out onto the canvas."    ~ Crystal

Serenity by Crystal Neubauer

"Something deep in my soul will stir as I move the objects about and they often seem to put themselves together before me. I am the hands, the assembler, the story comes from within."  ~ Crystal

When Crystal explains the process, it seems a reasonable matter of logic. Not so easy for me and probably not for her either when she is in the midst of it.

"Wearable Sculpture," pendants by Crystal Neubauer

Crystal says she has been learning to trust that still small voice in art and in life. She explains that it enables her "to know it is okay, to leave something as is and wait, or to take action to change it." And she admonishes us to "Trust it. Trust that voice. Trust the Spirit inside."

So Crystal, my splendidly talented and wise friend, I know I will be better off to heed your earnest advice. Thank you for the little piece [think peace] of heaven you've gifted me with in this lovely Christmas ornament. I will cherish it always.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas . . .

Are You Kidding Me?

Gift Wrap by Maija Lepore

Give me a break!!! I have managed to get mixed up in a group of the most talented, uniquely imaginative artists that ever created a Christmas ornament. This is getting absolutely spooky - how brilliant these ornaments are. Just look at this gift wrap by Maija with it's precious burlap-look holiday bag and glitzy Noel tag. But that ain't nuttin' honey, to what I found inside.

My friend, Deryn, the instigator of this exciting swap shindig, already outed me on her blog about poking around on this long mysterious package. I figured what could it hurt? The packaging seemed sturdy enough if I didn't squeeze too hard. Well, squeeze as I might, I couldn't guess it -- No, not in a million years!

 

Did you gasp? I did! Quick get her all the way out -- I want to see the whole thing:

O-o-h A-a-w! Ornament by Maija

See what I mean? Could this festive little lady be any more brilliant? I just know this is a German porcelain doll head put together with love and imagination by Maija Lepore who made her the richest, most fabulous of bright fiber-skirted playmates. 

Doesn't she have the sweetest, morst regal of faces? I could just eat her up! and don't tell anyone but . . .

I have looked at the blogs of the other recipients of these precious little dolls and as far as I can see -- mine is the queen of the bunch (and if you get info otherwise - well, just don't tell me!) The others seem to be topped with pointy princess hats or some such -- royal subjects at best. Hmmm.

Isn't her little paper crown adorable. Only you, Maija, would think of such a thing. I love it.

Next comes her vintage rhinestone bejeweled torso topped with a plush royal red neckline. The webbed midriff is highlighted with a vintage handmade sticker of sorts and a red and yellow party flower. Maija, the torso is the most inventive part of her construction, no doubt. How in the world you made it all work I'll never know!

Now lets get a look at that flouncy, flirty skirt!

Fiber-crazed, Tasseled Skirt

This skirt is the most fun with it's plethora of fabric strips and fibers. Makes me want to have a life size one of my own to frolic around here in. (Could do without that mental picture, huh?)

Well Maija, my friend, you have certainly made a fan out of me -- yet AGAIN! You are one of the most inventive, creative, and fun artists that I have the pleasure of joining with on the playground. Thanks so much for my prized little party queen. I'm totally in love.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas . . .

 Ruth Rae gave to me . . .

Package by Ruth Rae

Oh, the thrill of receiving a gift from the fabulous -- and famous -- RUTH RAE!! I haven't opened the package yet. I will in a minute. Don't you love the anticipation? I'm sure you all know of Ruth Rae, the lovely mixed media artist, seamstress, jeweler, and author of, not one, but TWO fantastic books.

You surely have the book she and my friend, Kelly Snelling, wrote, right? The one about the charming jewelry charm exchange? If you don't you are really missing out. It's fantastic.

 

Cover of Ruth and Kelly's book

Have you seen Ruth's new book? I promise you, it is packed with yummy ideas and eye candy.

 

Cover of Ruth's Latest Book

Click on the image to get a better look at these pages by Ruth Rae

OK, that's as long as I can stand it. Lets open the package and see Ruth's ornament.

Gift Wrapping by Ruth Rae

Ornament by Ruth Rae

 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ~Matthew 6:21

Home is where the heart is.     ~ author unknown

Want to see the back of it? Even the back is quite artful.

Back of Ruth's wonderful ornament

Ruth, you kept saying you were late, late, late getting started with your ornaments and girlfriend, that just added to the suspense. When I got my package from you on just the day before I was to open it -- now, that was exciting! LOL. However, as Deryn and I keep telling each other -- you are the super talent and with as much experience as you have making these incredible fabric art pieces, we knew you'd come therough. And come through you did! We couldn't have asked for a more thrilling ornament. Thank you, my friend, for a real treasure.

Ruth Rae is an extraordinary artist. Everything she puts her hand to turns to pure masterpiece. Do not, I repeat, do not miss her blog, My Creative Soul. Buy her books, read her blog -- just stick with Ruth and you'll be entertained, enlightened, and inspired beyond measure.

On the 4th Day of Christmas . . .

 
. . . IT SNOWED!!!!!

Melissa David's beautiful gift wrap!

Oh, my gosh -- it is snowing in Texas!! Global warming? What global warming? This is the earliest snow ever in our fair state. Boy is it fun. You can stand in it and love it or walk in it because it is only sticking to the flora and fauna. Except, look at the huge flakes sticking to this package.

This is looking from my back deck toward the neighbor's yard.

Just look how hard it is coming down. I had to go out and take some pictures in order to believe it.

Across the street from my house looking across the golf course.

Package by Melissa David

Well, anyway on the Fourth Day of Christmas . . . Melissa gave to me -- a gorgeous package and we'd better get it out of the snow. I don't want to ruin the luxurious fabric wrapping nor the lovely icon transfer sewn on the front. Anyway, true to Texas weather (at least where I am in Texas) it changes before you can say "jack rabbit." It only snowed for about an hour and a half. Then it began to melt. Now it's all gone. So, back to the excitement at hand -- Melissa's gift ornament. Let's OPEN it!!

Carefully slit the stitches at the top where she has sewn it closed and slip the little ornament out:

Melissa's Way Cool Ornament

This ornament is Melissa from top to bottom. It is creativity at it's highest. First let me show you a better picture of the heart.

Isn't that fantastic? A lumpy ole heart made from wh-wh-wh-WHAT? A cardboard heart smeared with molding paste? A paper clay heart slathered with spackle? A wooden heart shape with paper clay lumped all over it? Don't you love it when you can't even figure out how she did it? Anyway it is luscious.

 

And what in heaven is that little crown thingy? Metal? No, I think it's plastic . . . what in the world is it?

 

It is so perfect. It makes the whole thing look like the sacred heart of Chist to me. I love that - especially at Christmas time. Let's see it on the tree.

O-o-oh, A-a-ah!! Wow!

And look at the precious dangle.

Well, Princess Mel (that's what her real friends call her - probably because she is magnificently talented,) all I can say is you really "done yourself up proud" this year. Girlfriend, this little jewel will be up all year at my house for sure. It is definitely not just a Christmas ornament -- it is LOVE itself. Thanks for such a yummy gift!

On the Third Day of Christmas . . .

Oh boy! Oh boy! My friend Jackie Allison sent a gift that is perfect in every detail. That's like Jackie. She is one terrific artist!

First of all . . . the box was the perfect arrival in the mail.

Now how would like to get such a delightful package out of your mailbox? Only Jackie would put her treasures in a lovely Christmas box and then just put the addresses on it and mail it -  just like that. I'm telling you it was a thrill right from the beginning. And then --

 

A quick look inside started the excitement all over again... Oh, the darling Christmas bag all tucked in with red tissue. And that precious card . . .

Decorated card by Jackie

She even put her artistic twist on the gift tag with her beaded berries. Is she not the master of detail?

Ok, so what is the ornament? OH- AH ---- WOWZA!  First I saw the head. Oh my.

Top of Jackie's Ornament

True to Jackie's talent, it made me sigh when I first saw the vintage doll head affixed to a decorative collar and perched on top of a vintage candle reflector.  She is just so perfectly precious. Then a look at the whole ornament.

Jackie's ornament hanging on my tree.

A glitzy finish accomplished by Jackie as she attachied a sparkling chandelier crystal. Again, the perfect touch! So let's get a closer look at that collar Jackie created. 

You know you can click on any of these images to get a better look, right? (and, btw, did you notice that I finally remembered how to use the macro setting on my camera?) Anyway, you're going to want to look at this photo even closer to see the rhinestones, beads, and gold glitz. How did she do that anyway?

As the crowning glory -- Jackie hand made the glistening ornament hanger. That is a wonderful idea. The whole presentation absolutely makes me feel special to have received this priceless ornament. Thank you so much, Jackie. You really outdid yourself this year.