More Christmas

I am smitten with vintage images and just love the timeless and classic look.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  I wish today's Santa would dress like this.

Joyeux Noel.  Look at this sweet little angel (no pun intended) ... now that is a classic look.

Another timeless image.  Pieces like this just seem to melt away the commercialism of Christmas.

Yes, here's the man of the season again.  Men don't refer to their clothing as "outfits" but I sure do like his!

Graceful.  There's no other word to describe this couple as they glide on the ice.  I tried to ice skate one. time.  That's all it took was one. time.  I had those skates off my feet quicker than you could say "ouch" ... never again.  Graceful?  I was not!

Best Wishes For Christmas.  Something tells me these little sweeties are going to have a steaming copy of cocoa (with marshmallows) when they go inside.

This next image reminds me of a Winter wedding.  Maybe because The Runner and I had a December wedding.  With lots and lots of snow.  And cold temperatures.  And cars that wouldn't start.  I wish they still made sleds like these rather than the plastic discs.

I remember having a little hand-warmer like her.  Of course, mine was not real fur - but it was toasty warm just the same.

This hare sure is getting his exercise in!!  I couldn't ice skate, but I sure loved to ski.  Cross-country ski, that is.  Oh, I tried downhill skiing a couple of times, but preferred to stay on the bunny slopes with all the children.  Those lifts?  Oh no.  Never.  I do not miss the cold and the ice but I sure miss skiing.  As a matter of fact, I still have my skis.  Yes.  In Texas.

My father worked part time at a nursery and when flocked trees were popular, he brought one home and this tree reminds me of that one.

Whoa ... this dude makes me cold just looking at him.  And, I must admit that I am just a little intimidated by his stature.

I leave you with this image; it's not vintage and doesn't really have a timeless or classic look but I think you'll agree with me that this child is having a good time.

See you next time with more Christmas cards.  We're coming down the wire now, aren't we?

Hanging and Regular

The hustle and bustle of the season has hit me head on.  Oh my ... has it ever!  Haha – more like the hustle and bustle of the season has hit me in the head!  Don't get me wrong.  I absolutely love creating Christmas cards.  Won't be long now and I'll have finished every. single. one.

I was asked to make "one of your 'hanging cards'" for three friends.  Well, I used to make 'hanging cards' but decided I wanted to change it up a bit this year.  First up is this.  Not only does it hang but it's somewhat of a shadowbox, too.

Another of the same concept.  These can be hung on the tree, a door handle or cabinet knob or perhaps even on the back of a chair.

Lastly, one more 'hanging card' ... I hope the recipients enjoy these not only this Christmas, but for years to come.

The next three are just regular cards.  This one just reminded me so much of Squires Castle at the Metropolitan Park in Willoughby, Ohio ... and that's why it'll be mailed to a couple that lives just down the street from there.

I would love to be in the carriage being pulled by these horses.  What a nice little sleigh ride that would be - especially if there was room in the sleigh for your freshly-cut tree.  I think I'd sing Jingle Bells!

The last card for this post is one of my favorite images.  Again, I just love working with the non-traditional Christmas colors.

That wraps it up for today.  Be sure to come back tomorrow because there's more to share.

Josephine's Children in Uganda

On the heels of Thanksgiving, we here in America have so much to be thankful for.  Things we take for granted and expect.  When I reached for my toothpaste this morning, I thought that some do not have that privilege.  Specifically, I am thinking of "the vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Uganda.  They are victims of physical and sexual abuse, children of young mothers and are living or affected with HIV and AIDS."  These children need our help!

I am hoping you recall reading this post right here on my blog.  If you are a follower of Vicki Boster's blog, you will have read all about this charitable opportunity here on her original post and again here.

A couple of weeks ago, Vicki mailed me seven - yes, seven - large boxes of craft items for the children that have been mailed to her.  I have not opened these boxes but the photos were shared on Vicki's post.  Since then, boxes have begun to arrive at our home.  From Alison in France.  From Pam in Georgia.  From Sheryl in Spain.  From Kris and Dolores in Florida.  From Janet in Nevada.  From Glenda in Wisconsin.  And Jennifer hand-delivered so many fantastic supplies.  My sweet friend, Marie, also contributed.  Some of these ladies have sent multiple boxes as well as envelopes with gift cards and cash.  Those children will be so excited.  I wish I could be there to watch all of them ooooh and aaaah over everything.

I cannot believe the generosity!!!  The boxes here are just bursting at the seams with yarn, beads, embroidery hoops and floss, fabric, thread, pattern books, reading books, coloring books and crayons, writing pencils and colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, scissors, lace, fibers, buttons, underwear, hygiene products.  You readers are AMAZING - I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  As of almost a month ago, nearly $1400 has arrived - in a combination of cash and Walmart gift cards.  I'm sure that Vicki has collected even more since then.

One day soon, I will be shopping for these sweet little angels.  I cannot wait to send clothing for them.  I can't even imagine the obstacles these children must overcome.  In some small way, I hope to make a difference.

Vicki has mentioned that the deadline has been extended until December 15.  Please, look into your heart and help these children.  Just one $5 Walmart gift card.  We also ask for just one dollar to help with the shipping costs.  PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.  I know that crafters have crafting friends.  We all have an overabundance of stuff.  Stuff that sits untouched and unused in our closets.  Stuff that these children can use.  I invite you to share this charitable project on your blog or Facebook page.  We need to get the word out there.  I know your friends would love to help, too.  Just make sure that any contributor's name is listed.  Why?  Because every single person that helps is eligible for the a chance to win prizes.  Good prizes.  Vicki and I will announce the winners on our blogs.

Vicki has knitted a "Colors of Africa Tapestry" knitted wrap and is in her Etsy shop.  The proceeds from the sale of this wrap will be applied towards the cost to ship the supplies to Uganda.

Vicki's friend, Marsha, has created this beautiful "African Dreams" necklace especially for this project.

Amazon has offered this wonderful Kindle Fire 8GW (Wi-Fi) to one lucky person.  Thank you, Amazon, for your generosity.

Also is Vera Bradley's beautiful "Abby" purse in the design of Safari Sunset.

All you have to do in send supplies, a Walmart gift card or a dollar to help offset shipping costs and one of these wonderful gifts could be yours.  If you are local, and would like to avoid shipping costs, please send me an e-mail at kosec@sbcglobal.net to schedule a time to drop off your items.  You can mail your contribution to:

Josephine's Children

c/o Sue Kosec

2525 Hwy 360 #1532

Euless, TX  76039-8505

Our goal is to send clothing, school supplies, craft supplies and health-related items to these needy Uganda children.  Please join us in supporting Josephine's children.  All it takes is a little bit to make a difference.

To those of you that have already contributed, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You have no idea how GOOD my heart feels and I am sure yours does, too!
  

Happy Thanksgiving

My heart swells when I count my blessings - and I hope yours does, too.  Miles separate my family and I wish we could be together.  Instead, I hope your day fulfills you.

I am blessed to have so many friends - to you I say "Happy Thanksgiving."

This is the beginning of the holiday season.  Many of you may have your Christmas tree already up and decorated.  Some of you will be decking your halls within the next few days.  So with that in mind, I hope your fall cornucopia and twinkle, twinkle spreads a common denominator of happiness.

Go forth and make it magical.

It's the most wonderful time of the year ...

Christmastime is my favorite time of year.  Everybody seems to be in a better mood (unless you are at the mall - or "maul" as I prefer to spell it in December) and homes are so beautifully decorated.  Oh - and the food ... we can't forget about that now can we?

I sometimes reminisce about all the Christmas cards I used to send and receive.  How come that's a thing of the past?  What brought us to that?  Has technology stolen that?  Have postage increases taken that from us?  Also, in the hustle and bustle of life, the cards we do receive do not have handwritten notes inside - only a signature.  And what happened to the photos?  It's sad, isn't it?

I vividly remember helping my mother with her Christmas card-sending job.  I was the designated stamp licker.  I thought it was a big deal that she trusted me to line up that little stamp just perfectly until one day she told me that she just didn't like the taste of the stamps.  Atta way, Mom!!!  I wish she was still with us so that I could put all of her stamps on the envelopes.

As promised in yesterday's post, here are the 10 Christmas cards I created for Beverly to give to Jill.  This is why these cards were an early Christmas gift.

First up is the reason for the season.  Away in a manger ... I remember learning this song as a very young girl - hand motions and all.

Thank you to my friend, Marie, for giving me the window die cut.  At first I wasn't sure just what I would use it for until I started playing around.  Amazing how a plain white window can be transformed, isn't it?

Of course, we can't forget Father Christmas.  He's probably a child's reason for the season.  I've never thought of browns as a Christmas color but I sure seemed to use it quite a bit this year in my creations.

And another Father Christmas.  He sure does have some wardrobe changes, doesn't he?  I wish Santa Claus would dress like this rather than the red and white velvet suit with the big black belt.  Ho Ho Ho!

Here's one more Father Christmas in all his splendor.  Joyeux Noel to you.

 

Here we go with another card in the brown tones.  I really like it and think it's a nice change from the traditional reds and greens.  What do you think?

 

This little sweetie is all bundled up and protected from the elements.  I have a feeling she's going to stay toasty warm in this hooded cape.

 

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be very comfortable if one of these had his nose in my car window.

Now that the cards have been addressed and the stamps are put on the envelopes oh-so-straight, it's time to take the truck to the tree farm and bring home the best one on the lot.  If you look closely, you'll notice that the plate says "OHIO" - home sweet home.

Once that tree has been taken out of the bed of the truck, it's time to go to town to the Toy Emporium.  Christmas was so much more fun when there were little ones in the house.  I can still remember the excitement in my children's eyes when they saw all the presents under the tree.

That wraps it up for the cards for Jill.  Don't worry though - there will be many more Christmas cards to share as we get closer to December 25.

Once again, please don't be shy.  Leave a comment and tell me which one gets your gold star from this group.  Oh - and tell me why, too.

Because that's what friends do!

My friend, Beverly, asked me to make TWENTY cards to give as an (early) Christmas gift to her co-worker, Jill.  Beverly, Jill and I used to work together.  They still do but I no longer do.

Jill is just great at sending out handwritten cards and notes for any and all occasions.  I hope she enjoys sending these.

Today I will share the first 10.  Tomorrow I'll share 10 Christmas cards.

I started on these in September and as I finished each one, they were put on the dining room table where they lived until I packaged them up for delivery.  In other words, about two months.  Just about every time I walked by, I would stop and look.  This one jumped out at me almost every single time.  I would send to a friend celebrating a birthday or somebody that just needs to be cheered up.

This next one is so relaxing to me.  There's just something soothing about the image.  For some reason, this one speaks to me in several ways:  send me to wish somebody a good vacation or send me to wish somebody happy anniversary.  Of course, it's up to Jill for the who and why!  I'm sure she'll have no problem in that area.

A man celebrating his birthday should receive this one ... or maybe just a sincere thank you written inside.

As I was creating this one, I couldn't help but think it should be a sympathy card.  Or maybe just a "wish you were here" ...  for what occasion would you send this?

There's not a single doubt in my mind - this one should be sent to a best friend to commemorate any occasion.

Another one that just seemed to be destined as a sympathy card.  Naturally, it's Jill's choice and she might have something entirely different in mind.

Maybe Jill knows newly-weds or somebody that just bought a home.  Tell me why you would send this card.  I'd love to know.

What's not to love about this little girl?  Don't know about you, but I'd sure love receiving a card like this one - wouldn't you?

Oh yes - we can't forget the men.  This one would work for any occasion, too.  Oh, and wouldn't this truck be great in a photo shoot?

Here's another one that spoke to me from the dining room table.  It just may be my favorite of this group.  She is so elegant and classy!

I wish you could see these cards in person.  The pictures lack the dimension and the textures but hopefully you can still be inspired by them.

Which card gets your gold star?  I'm always curious to hear what style strikes your fancy.  Don't be shy ... leave me a comment and let me know.

Yes, that's what friends do.  How generous of Beverly.  Thank you!  I'm proud to call you MY FRIEND!!!

Well, that's it for today.  Tomorrow will be 10 Christmas cards.

Happy birthday, Wiqed ...

A friend of a friend celebrated his special day surrounded by people that care about him.  I was not there, but my card was.  You see, he designs one-of-a-kind jewelry and apparel and adds skulls to most of his work, hence the skull on this card.  I thought it was just funky enough to whet his appetite.

If you are looking for unique jewelry or clothing, be sure to check out Wiqed Gear!!!

PS - He has a goatee just like the dude in this picture!  He also rides a motorcycle ... do you see the bike just peeking out from the bottom left of the picture?

Happy Anniversary

A special card for a special couple celebrating their first year of marriage.  Congratulations Stephanie and Nick.

Some quick matters of business

I feel like I'm making friends with my creative process lately - everything seems to just be clicking with my newly adapted crazy-busy fast pace.  I've been waking extra early these days and getting right to it.  If I keep it up, everybody will have their cards in plenty of time to be mailed to their loved ones.  I cannot believe how quickly time has flown by - faster than a hat on a windy day.

First out of the shoot this morning is a birthday card for a friend that's celebrating her special day today.  Happy birthday, Sandi - I hope you enjoy all the celebrations and festivities in your honor.  I know you'll be spoiled just the way you deserve to be.

Next up is this Christmas card from a cat lover and no doubt it'll be sent to a cat lover.

A daughter will be giving her mom this card showcasing a beautiful little angel and a soft poinsettia.  I hope they both enjoy the giving and the receiving.

There's lots more where these came from so stay tuned.  I'm anxious to share my ideas and the finished results as I go along.

All over the place ...

Yep - that's where I am today - posting cards for different occasions.  First up is this Thanksgiving card going to Minnesota.

This one is a "just because" card - also going to Minnesota.  This was a joy to work on once I found the paper with dishes and then the guest check and the coffee spill.

Now it's time for this Christmas card to go to a secret pal in Arizona that just happens to be a concert pianist.  Works for me!

Last are these two birthday cards.  One for a sister and one for a gramma.

I cannot wait to share all the Christmas cards I've been toiling over.  I was fortunate enough to get 31 cards finished at the retreat this past weekend.  Now to just keep the momentum going, right!?!