Crafty Things

beverly12

I Alone Cannot Change the World

"I Alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone to create many ripples across the waters" Mother Teresa What a powerful quote made by such a beautiful person! I love the message this sends to us all.... not one of us has the ability to change the world (gosh....I hope you've figured this out!) but what we can do is become a part of the change which can be done in a variety of ways. What's important is to get involved, become educated, be passionate and truly care about others. What a difference one person can make....combined with others who are similar in spirit, this is how change is made! I was commissioned to create this project which was a challenge from the beginning FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
team in training

Team in Training – Wipe out Blood Cancer

There's a first time for everything right? Today is one of those times for me.... When writing blog posts, it's often difficult to take what's in your head and relay it through the keyboard....I think we've all probably had this struggle at one time or another. I was asked to make a canvas that could be auctioned off to raise funds for the leukemia and lymphoma society, so I made one because the cause is important and because the young lady who asked me to make it is young and passionate about bringing more awareness to cancer. No way I was saying no to that! It's an important cause, one that we can all get involved with.....specifically, this young lady (Helen) and her team are FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
Friends Box 1

Friends are Friends Forever

C.S. Lewis said “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” Friendships are so wonderful to have and for some, they are life long relationships which become a precious part of our lives. I was commissioned to create a special gift for my friend Joy which she was giving to her friend as a keepsake. Joy and her family are moving and with that, I'm sure, comes mixed emotions. You are excited for what lies ahead but also go through a bit of grieving for relationships that change because of the miles that will be between you. Joy mentioned that her friend was a support and encouragement FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
bwpearlset4

Elegant is as Elegant Does

   I am deeply mesmerized by the power of black and white when used together in something I create! I began this morning with no idea as to what I would create. All I knew was that I was going to pull down one of the cigar boxes I picked up recently and somehow incorporate it into my project. I sunk into a chair, gather paper samples, mixing and matching things for quite some time, but nothing was creating an "ah ha" moment for me, so I decided to stop and step away for a while. I went for a walk as this always helps me to refocus.....breathe in....breathe out....don't forget to walk......lol! Out of nowhere, I remembered a statement from Mr. Bivens which has come to me quite frequently FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
sweethourofprayer1a

Sweet Hour of Prayer

What began as a desire to use a song sheet in a card, turned into a day spent pouring over the words of this hymn, and recognizing the opportunity for a deeper, more meaningful prayer life with God. When I decide to create a card / card set that shares my faith, I am able to spend time reading Scripture, listening to music, talking with my Heavenly Father and creating. I've learned that if I don't willingly enter into a place where I can close off the world and be alone with God, my ability to create is affected. I'm blessed to have this special time with Father, it is precious and sweet to me. I grew up singing this song and hearing my father play it on the marimba. If I close my FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
blue wine bottle2

Wine a bit…you’ll feel better

I'm a quirky individual about certain things.... When I have my morning cup of coffee, I take a moment to select which coffee mug I'm going to use. I've got to get that special feeling inside of me when I'm choosing it, it's just something I do. Same goes for those times when I decide to indulge in a libation, especially a glass of wine. I look over my wine glasses, I may reach for one glass, only to be persuaded by an unseen force to another. If the glass isn't the right choice, it messes with the experience in my book. See....I told you I was quirky! I enjoy the enjoyment of things, meaning, if I'm going to do something, like drink a cup of coffee or tea or, enjoy a glass of wine, FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
tags group5

Using the Excess: Tasteful Tags

Hi everyone, welcome to Thursday! Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite things to create as a means for using up left over supplies. Tags, tags and more tags!! Birthdays, anniversary, thinking of you, holidays....there are so many opportunities to incorporate tags into our gifts for others. A tag, if handmade is an extension of the gift and shows your recipient that you went the extra mile for them because they are special to you! This first set of tags is made using rosetta flowers and paper scraps. I used a Spellbinders die cut to create the top of the tags: My second set uses distressing inks and random stamping. This is a very simple way to use multiple stamps FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
cherishframe1

The Family God Plants Us Into

Have you ever wondered why God placed us into the families we belong to? Have you ever looked around at your family and thought to yourself "boy, are we different from other people..." or, "I have empathy for anyone entering into our family!" Families are a little like puzzles aren't they....each person is a part of the whole and without them, it just seems that the puzzle would never be complete. I've been blessed with an incredible family and I love everything about them. Ok, well maybe not "everything" but it's pretty darn close! lol! {They could say the same thing about me I'm sure!) The older family members are very special, they have been a part of our lives as we have grown up and share FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
Shadowbox 2

DCVW / May Arts Challenge: Refurbished Shadowbox

Hi everyone! I'm so excited today is finally here!! DCVW & May Arts have revealed all the creations from those selected to participate in the May Arts Challenge and my Shadowbox is part of the excitement!! I had purchased this shadowbox over a year ago at a yard sale for a small amount of money and knew that one day I would make it into something beautiful that could be displayed. The man who made the box shared with me that he was a woodworker and made these boxes for a local nursing homes Alzheimer's unit. They would have pictures in them of each patient and hung outside of their room for all to stop enjoy. I could tell by the way he talked that this was a special project for him, FULL STORY HERE....... Read more
Ampy6

“His Voice Will Go On…..”

Time really passes by quickly doesn't it? Today, as I remember the life of my son Anthony I realize a little more than usual just how quickly we journey through our lives. Things are moving so fast it seems, as we rush through each day taking care of "things" that have made their way to the top of our list. Things such as work, cleaning, paying bills, spending time with family...this list could go on quite a bit because we fill our days with all kinds of things don't we? I had the blessed opportunity the other day to sit and listen to a beautiful lady share the story of the life and death of her own son. She voiced things that resonated with me which I've pondered over the past few days. After FULL STORY HERE....... Read more