Art Canvas

Creating this 4X4 inch art canvas was a special honor for me. Shanita Jones wanted something unique to give her boyfriend Hiram to welcome him home from deployment in Uganda. Living in a town with an air force base reminds me often of the sacrifices military families make to serve our country so I was eager to create something unique for them.

Her request for a scripture represents the spirituality that she and Hiram share. The canvas is wrapped in a vintage Bible page with Romans 8:28..."And we know that in all things God works for the good of those those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The glass heart has Shanita's name cut from book pages and is filled with tiny red hearts for color.  Underneath is the word "love" and a silver bling frame. Keys and a tiny crown which represents Charlotte, NC where Shanita lives are tied to the heart.

The photographs are poor...taken in a hurry so I could mail it!

Record Album Bowl

Our son has always had a gift for music, teaching himself to play the piano, mandolin, and guitar.  When I found a tutorial for these record album bowls, I knew it would be the perfect Christmas gift! Having several old albums, I chose two to form into bowls. Placing a metal colander upside down on a cookie sheet, I put the album on top and placed it in the oven on 200 degrees. After 5 minutes, I removed the album and flipped the colander over so the album could be placed inside to form. The album will not be extremely hot but use caution and oven mitts. You can then shape the bowl to your liking. Is that easy or what? In less than 10 minutes, my gift was finished! Woohoo!

If you need an album, check thrift shops in your local area. This might be the perfect music themed birthday or Valentine gift for someone you know!

2011 Christmas Ornament

These hot pink, blue, and red large ornaments were my choice for this year and they are the perfect size for a teacher gift, neighbor, co-worker, or simply a hostess gift. My husband's side of the family plays Dirty Santa with ornaments so I'll probably cut a Merry Christmas or "Santa, I can explain!" for our exchange since I won't have a name. If you want to purchase one, message me as they are easy to ship. Ornaments are $10 plus shipping. 

2011 Christmas Countdown Calendars

Here are two more of the Countdown Calendars I created this year. One thing that makes the countdown calendars interesting is the use of different kinds of numbers on the pieces. Piece 6 was cut from glittered paper. Some numbers are printed in unique fonts. Many are numbers cut from old books and glued on. Clock numbers come in different sizes. And, rub-ons in different sizes work to identify pieces. I'm always looking for interesting numbers in different mediums...wood, metal, plastic, etc. and be sure to buy plenty of 1's and 2's as they are used repeatedly on the calendar. ;)

Another Magnetic Board Idea

Before Christmas

FLIP! After Christmas

 What a great idea for using the 12X12 Subway Art Christmas board! Thanks to my friend Emily for the idea! After the holidays, flip the board over, change the ribbon, and use it as a magnetic board in your kitchen, laundry, or by the back door for last minute notes to family! Still creating Christmas items so keep watching for more posts.

Before Christmas

After Christmas

Christmas Subway Art

These 12X12 inch boards were the perfect size for a Christmas Subway Art design...I love the different fonts in Subway Art and this Christmas design has several of my favorites! The white framed Christmas Subway Art is a larger version of the 12 inch cut and shown in a floating frame which allows you to see the wall color behind the design. Choose your favorite Christmas words or message for a unique home decor!

Subway Art

In the middle of creating Christmas decor, I received an order from an Arkansas friend. Her son has just been ordained as a minister and this has been his scripture blessing from birth so she wanted to include it in a special way for a Christmas gift.

We recently discovered the idea of a scripture blessing and I love the act of blessing each of your children with a scripture that guides them through life and reminds them of God's love. Most parents will recite the same verse every night at bedtime or perhaps at breakfast...or a time that works for their family. It doesn't have to be this long and should reflect your spiritual hopes for your children. This creative use of scripture is a beginning of establishing a Biblical worldview...where every life decision is based on God's truths and will for their lives. It's never too early to start!

This black glass board really provided a background for a trendy piece of art that is unique and personalized. I found them at a book store but I'm sure you can find something similar or simply use an art canvas.