Altered Canvas

We exchanged names at the LBH for Christmas gift-giving this year. The gifts had to be handmade and everything was top secret until our party.

I made an altered tree canvas for Lynette, inspired by Christy Tomlinson's post and video here which, in turn, was inspired by www.undermypolkadotumbrella.blogspot.com.  I loved making this - it's such a freeing and messy and fun project.  I used lots of scraps, old rubons and stickers, paint, 7 Gypsies tissue paper and stamps.  This is an 8"x10" canvas because that's what I had!

And I received this gorgeous interchangeable frame from Miss Tracy.  It is made from a small, old cabinet door, covered with paint and paper and framed with embossed metal.  The bulldog clip is colored with alcohol ink and attached with a magnet. Photos or other items can be displayed and changed at will.  I love it!

NYC recap

We're back from spending Christmas week in New York with our oldest daughter who lives there. Our son from San Francisco and another daughter from Chicago met us there and we had a wonderful time.  We didn't even have any problems traveling non-rev there and back - quite unusual!  It was a relaxing (if you can call being in the big city relaxing) and non-traditional holiday for us.  We played tourists a few days and spent the rest of the time just enjoying the family, though we missed the two daughters who were spending the time with their in-laws.  (Apologies for the photos - they were taken on my i-phone at night.)

Rockefeller Center tree

Ice rink below tree

My son making sure we saw Santa

Three of my kiddos - it was cold!

Empire State Bldg

Macy's

Macy's tree

Amazing window displays - moving marionettes and lots of white, sparkle and shine

All to display a few necklaces!

Now it's time to get back on schedule! We're already creating new winter and Valentine projects at The Little Blue House - sneak peeks coming soon!

Birthday Countdown

This is one of the Christmas presents I made for my pregnant daughter and her hubby.  At The Little Blue House we have been teaching a similar project, but as a countdown to Christmas.  I decided to change it up and do a countdown to the birth day (March 31).  But, since this would only get used a few times (for pregnancies), I changed it to birthday so it could also be brought out for everyone's birthdays. 

Inside the frame is chalkcloth mounted on chipboard so that the number of days to go can be written in chalk.  I took the photo before adding a cup hook and ribbon tied on a piece of chalk on the right side just above the "y."  The base is a sturdy wooden circle that can be hung on the wall or placed on an easel.  The photo doesn't show up the glitter on the letters and frame.

They were here this past weekend for a pre-Christmas celebration since we won't be together on Christmas and they loved it.  I hope it will become a pregnancy and birthday tradition to count down to the big days! And, as of today, there are only 103 days to wait for our first grandbaby!

Another Grandbaby!

As I announced earlier this fall, our very first grandbaby - little Carl William - is due the end of March.  That is exciting enough, but at our family gathering on Thanksgiving, we were surprised by another daughter that she, too, is expecting!  So we will be doubly blessed with little ones next year.  The second - we won't know the sex for a few more months - is due the end of June.  Suffice it to say that we are very, very thrilled and can't wait for these precious babies!

Tim Holtz "12 Tags of Christmas"

Have you been following along (with the rest of the crafting world) on Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas blog posts?  (www.timholtz.typepad.com)  Every day he posts a new Christmas tag using lots of techniques and, of course, many of his own products.  If not, you are missing out on a treat.

This is the fifth year for the tags and only one year have I managed to make most of the tags! So tonight I decided to take a little time for me and make Day 7's tag.  It was one that I had all the products for so I made it almost the same as his. I love the vintagey look of this tag.

If you are interested in making your own, The Little Blue House is going to offer a weekly class to create two tags each session - starting after Christmas.  We will also be offering kits.  Watch for more information soon.

Little Blue House Art Group

I've finished the sample for the December project for the LBH Art Group - a technique-laden Christmas canvas.  Each icon incorporates a different technique using Distress Inks, resists, stamping and more.

There are still available seats in both classes: Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 6-9 pm and Friday, Dec. 9 from 10am-1pm.  Call the LBH at 817-431-7930 to reserve a spot.

More details and a list of supplies to bring are listed on the Blue House Art Group tab on the LBH blog: www.thelittlebluehouseblog.blogspot.com.

Can't wait to get inky and messy with the art gals!