Christmas Spirit!

I'm getting into the Christmas Spirit like everyone else I know. This is the fun time--the time before all the stress of wrapping all the loose ends preparing for Christmas day. It's when we put up our tree and decorate our home. I like lots of different kinds of creating and this is one of them. My grandson and I are having so much fun making little ornaments for his tree. I'll be posting his tree in the near future when we fill it up with our ornaments.

These are little refrigerator and/or message board magnets that I have created. I think I'll make more for little gifts. They don't take long and are very practical. If you would like to know how I made them, just message me and I'll share it. Happy Holiday Creating!!

Life's Situations

I have been absent for too long, I know. Our family has had it's share of heartache this year. First, my husband got sick and didn't get well for about 10 months. He's still not 100% but is much better and has now returned to work. He was out of work for six months--hardly ever missed a day of work in over 40 years. Then, my mom passed away in May. Now, my husband's mom has also passed on--two weeks ago. Hopefully, 2010 will be a better year for us.

Anyway, the only peace I have had is what the Lord has given me and my tatting and crocheting. I also enjoy working with the residents at Elmcroft Assisted Living. That has helped alot. Oh, and I should also mention my little grandson, Blythe, who lives with us. And yes, I am thankful for all my friends and their faithful prayers. And I know that having the peace that God gives is so much more than these other things . . . . but it all helps.

Despite everything, I still have much to be thankful for--as we all do. As my daughter's photograph depicts, life is a road that we travel. We do not know what lies ahead--and I'm glad I don't know. That way, it makes me rely on my faith more day by day. Dear Lord, thank You for everything You have given me.

My Detour

Well, I've taken a little detour from tatting and am into crocheting now. I won't be gone long, though. I love tatting too much. But I am trying to be practical and make little cleaning cloths with my crocheting. I am making them for the holidays to give as gifts and (hopefully) also sell. I noticed there are many, many on Etsy and people are actually selling them. And they clean very well! I cleaned my bathroom with one and it made the sink sparkle more than it ever has. And, believe it or not, that sink stayed shiney for almost a week! I guess the nubby texture is a good scrubber. They are also good for scrubbing and exfoliating our faces, but I haven't tried that yet. The secret is to use 100% cotton so they absorb the water. Well, you all probably know all this already.

I also put some of my things on consignment in the store that I use to own. Now, isn't that weird! I visited my old store, Little Lace Lady, on Saturday and while I was there, the memories came flooding back. In ways, I really miss it. Theresa, the new owner, still sells lots of lines that I sold and she has added some new ones. I know pretty much what sells in that store, so hopefully, my consigned items will sell.

I have joined a group on Twitter that has allowed me to be friends with several other tatters, and it sounds like it will be fun sharing with all of them, as well as all of you. I'm going to try to be more consistent with the blogging and twittering--it's funny, these are words I never heard of just a couple of years ago. I guess they weren't even words then, right?

Our Elmcroft Craft Show

Well, National Assisted Living Week is over and it ended with my craft show being over, too. We did okay for not advertising it to the outside world. It definitely was worth setting it up for everyone to enjoy and talk about. All the crafters sold a few things and made some money, so I am happy. The lady pictured beside the table is Carol, one of our very talented residents who helped me with the craft show and sold some of her beautiful photograph cards. Carol also displayed her "Dianna" doll with all her clothes. People really enjoyed looking at that!

We also ended our week with a "Memory Walk" for Alzheimer's at Chattanooga State. They asked me to sing the National Anthem and "You Raise Me Up" and I sang before about 800 people. It went well and I was honored to do it because my mom passed away this year in May and she had this terrible disease for the last five years. I guess they all liked it because they asked me to sing again at the 2010 Memory Walk. Of course, I said I would.

Hope you enjoy my pictures!

My Busy Week!

We are right in the middle of National Assisted Living Week and tomorrow, we will be at the Memory Walk for the Alzheimer's Association. They have asked me to sing at the event, so I will be singing the National Anthem and "You Lift Me Up", plus some more selections while everyone is walking. They will release the balloons when I sing "You Lift Me Up".

I've got to take my camera today to Elmcroft to take pictures of our ongoing craft booth we have had all week. We have sold things everyday and are making a little money at the booth. The residents have enjoyed the different crafts and I even did a tatting demonstration yesterday and they were in awe (not because I was so great, but because of the beauty of the tatting). I love to hear the comments from people when I tat. Most of them have never seen it and I like to see their response when I start to produce the little lacy medallion as I tat.

It's funny - some of the people think my medallions are manufactured until I tell them that they are actually handmade. So much these days is machine produced, it is just assumed that all lace is made by a machine. Most people are not very observant - I have to actually tell them before they figure it out. I think we need to take more opportunities to demonstrate tatting. The fashion industry these days is using a lot of lace in their collections, and I think that our tatting could fit right in with everything, don't you? Today, someone even sent me an email with their little knitted hats and said that a medallion would look nice on the side of the hat. I agreed wholeheartedly and asked her if she would like to try it. I'm waiting for her response.

I'll take some pictures of the craft booth today and put them into my next post for you to see. Happy tatting, Linda

My Mini Tatted Hair Clips

Okay, so I went to Hobby Lobby and when I got home, I immediately started making little hair clips. I can't get my camera to take good shots, though. I guess you can tell sort of what they look like. I can't wait to try them on a little baby and see what they look like. I think the pink lacey ribbon one looks like it would go with one of those flouncy pageant dresses that little girls wear when they model. Anyway, I am having fun making them.

Love This Little Book Box!

Well, I bought this little book box and couldn't resist adding my tatting to it. Yet another purchase to "dress up." I'm on my way to Hobby Lobby to get some little barrettes to make for babies and little girls. I noticed many were on Etsy and they were so cute.

I have to tell you something funny! I'm still not totally educated on this blogging thing, and I was wondering why I hadn't heard from anyone--I thought I had offended some people with what I was saying--until I remembered that I was "monitoring" my comments now because of the unwanted "spam" I was getting. That went on for a few days until the light bulb went on in my head. I'm really slow sometimes. So, when I checked out my "monitored" comments, I found that I had 8 waiting for me to okay. So, now I know. . . . and I hope I remember!

Happy Tatting, Linda

DELETING COMMENTS

I finally changed my "Comments" section to where I can read everything before it appears on my blog. I was getting advertisements to sell flowers and other unrelated things (spam) instead of hearing from my friends. It's really sad that we have to monitor everything so much and can't just let our friends make their comments and observations. Why does everything have to get so complicated? Life is complicated enough just living it.

Oh, by the way, my grandson mentioned last night that when he grows up, he wants to be in the military and jump out of planes (horrors!), then become a cowboy, and then become a paleantologist (I can't spell that). He loves dinasaurs (can't spell that either) and knows every one by name. I'm sure all this will change, but it's fun to hear his thoughts about the future. He's so much fun!!

My Pink Tree!

Okay, so I am decorating early. I had this pink tree and my ornaments were calling to it. So, I got them together. I placed a little doll that I made about 10 years ago at the bottom of it, along with a pillow that I had made. The second picture is of a Victorian lady tree topper that I also made a few years ago. I guess all this is working on my inspiration.

I am in the creating mode

I don't know if it is the fact that the Holidays are around the corner or I am just inspired. But, lately, I've been making up some new items. I hope to be in some craft shows closer to the Holidays, so I am stocking up now.

I came up with the idea of making up little sachets and trimming them with my tatting. I had all the supplies--I just needed to get them organized in my mind. I wish I could think of other things I could do with all my other thousands of supplies. I must admit that I find some inspiration on Etsy. I also get inspiration from the other blogs that I read--which include your tatting blogs, too.

In addition to selling on Etsy, I am selling on a website called "Make Mine Pink" -- www.makeminepink.com . If you go to the "Boutiques" section and look for "Little Lace Lady by Linda", you will find me. I have had one sale on this site so far--hopefully, it will pick up soon because it costs me money each month. You know, when you create all these things, you either give them away or find an outlet where you can sell them, right? Well, I guess I had better get busy and start creating again. I'll let you know the next item I come up with.

Yet another way to use my tatting! I found these pretty little chains with a dainty lobster claw clasp on Etsy. My next item is a little tatted barrette. There is always something else to add tatting to, right?

Yesterday, I played catch the ball with my grandson. The weather is finally getting a little cooler for me so I can spend more time outside. I live in the south, and for 9 months out of the year, I love it--but those three hot months in the summer are killers! When I lived up north, it was the other way around. The summers were wonderful and the winters were hard. I think I'd rather be right where I am. Life is easier where it's warmer--unless the A/C goes out. I can't imagine getting stuck in the snow or sliding around on ice.

I like to do my tatting outside when there is a little breeze. It is just so relaxing and calming. Writing this makes me want to do that very thing. So, I think I'll get my things together and go outside and sit in my favorite chair and tat. See you later . . . . .

Busy, busy, busy!

Wow! My life is too busy! And, to make it worse, I just joined Twitter, along with a new internet shopping site called Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com) This past weekend, I have been listing my product on there and it all takes a lot of time. Like I have extra time! Like today, I have to get ready, go exercise, work on my creations (like the one I have pictured here), and teach piano and voice this afternoon (plus work on my music for the group I sing with). When do I get my housework done? I need to do some of that, also (sometime). Sometimes I think I'm ADD--I run from one thing to another and then run out of time. Is anyone's life as chaotic as mine? I guess I am starting to feel overwhelmed by everything. I need to get my priorities in line--what is more important. Are you running around like crazy like I am?

HGTV's Website!

I am so excited! On Wednesday, I joined HGTV's website as a crafter and uploaded some of my tatting to my profile. They also rate different creations, and mine were rated. I don't know who rates them, but at least I get an idea of what they like and what they don't like. Well, they gave my tatted ornament a "4 out of 5" star rating and today, I found that they put a picture of my blue tatted ornament on the cover of their "Crafts" page. If you go to www.hgtv.com and then go to the Craft area, it is there. I don't know how long it will be there, but maybe that's a good sign that I should be making more of these little lacey things. My picture here is the picture that they put on their page. I'll take "free" advertising anytime I can get it.

My New Website

I have been working on my new website so I can have a way to sell what I make. It has been fun, but I am just starting on it and have a long way to go. If you have time to look at it and have any suggestions for me, please let me know. I have also created business cards so I can give them out to my friends and they can check out the website. All of this takes a lot of time, I know, but as I said in my previous post, I am trying to build up for the Holidays and not wait until the last minute. If any of you have websites where you sell your creations, please let me know. I would love to see them!

My website address is http://web.me.com/lllangel

New Designs

I don't know why, but I just can't do the same thing over and over. I have to change it up a little. So it is with my little ornaments. I'm trying to come up with new designs and I guess the sky is the limit for putting something in the middle of these tatted pieces. So, here are some ideas I have come up with and I'm sure they won't be my last changes. I'm really in the mode lately, thinking of all those craft shows I want to participate in. I always think big at first, then come down to reality. I guess I just run out of steam with everything that happens during the holidays. I need to get making angels again, too. And I also need to get to the gym because I am paying a monthly fee to get into shape. So, if it's not this, it's that, right? Anyway, just wanted to share these with you.

Have you started yet?

Well, I am getting ready for the Holidays already! I have received some orders for my tatted ornaments and angels and am trying to get them done as quickly as I can. I just finished the items pictured and it took me awhile to make them. The Holidays will be here before we know it, so that means we need to get busy hand crafting, whether it's for a show or just for giving gifts. I do both, and with this economy the way it is, I can save quite a lot of money if I make my own gifts. I am sure you all do this, too. I also like the reception I get from my friends and family when they open their gift. They know it is one-of-a-kind and uniquely made for them. And it took a lot more time than just going shopping and picking something out. Our handicrafts are getting harder and harder to find, with more items being manufactured--and coming from China! If you have any comments about your gift-giving, please let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Happy creating!! Linda

The Don Price Story

My husband has started a new blog. It is dedicated to his father, Dr. Don Price. His father has a wonderful testimony of how he found Christ in prison. He grew up in a bootlegger's home in Indianapolis in the early 1900's. His whole family was involved in crime and in and out of prison.

Terry's (my husband) father passed away several years ago, but fortunately, we have preserved a video of his father telling his story. We are in the process of putting the video on the internet and have uploaded the Introduction and Chapter 1. There will be about 8 chapters in total. I will let you know when I have uploaded a new chapter. Just scroll down to the beginning of the blog to read the whole story. Please take the time to watch him tell his story--you will be blessed.

Just go to www.thedonpricestory.com

My Special Box

I'm still making my little boxes. One of my friends ordered two so she could use them for her pearls that she bought for her special granddaughters. I thought that was a great idea since the box would also be part of the gift. Anyway, I'm having fun with these boxes!

Daddy's Hands

I sang this song a few times this past week and thought I would share it with you. Parts of it remind me of my dad and I hope it reminds you of your dad, too.

My Wedding Album

I just thought this looked pretty. After a few years of not knowing where my wedding pictures were (a few years out of 40 years isn't bad, right?), I finally came across them, opened them up and had a good laugh. We looked so young and innocent.

So, my co-worker and I brought our pictures to work so we could share and I brought them home in a fabric bag with handles on the top, along with several music books. When I got out of the car, I was distracted by something (it doesn't take much) and left this cloth bag by the side of my car all night! During the night it rained, and rained hard for a long time. The next morning, my husband looked out the window and said, "Did you leave a bag out all night in the rain?" I about had a heart attack! My wedding pictures were in there!

I ran out and got the bag which was dripping wet, and brought it inside. I immediately got my wedding album out and it was also dripping wet. I was afraid to look inside, but I opened it up and, thankfully, the pictures were dry! The album now has a very antique look (water-stained), but my pictures still look good. I can't say the same for all my music. I just laid everything out to dry and eventually it all did. Talk about feeling really dumb! My picture was taken before the incident, so the album still looks pretty good. Just thought you'd get a laugh out of this little story.

Our Clay Pendant Class

Well, our clay pendant class at Elmcroft was a great success! I had a crowd there (about 12 residents) and even the daughter and granddaughter of one of the residents came to help out! The residents loved making the pendant because they had no trouble kneeding the clay (which was good exercise for their hands) and flattening it out. Some of them wanted to make round pendants instead of square, which was fine. I prefer to let them be their creative selves instead of telling them they have to do it my way. That way they "own" it and love it even more! We made about 20 pendants all together. Some of the residents had to go to the doctor and couldn't be there, so I said we would make them one, and they were happy. I guess I will have to do another clay craft real soon. The centers of the pendants are kind of hard to see (especially in a photo on here), but that's what makes them unique. In real life, people like to peer into them and figure out what the image is in there. At Elmcroft, my residents are from 85 to 92 years old, and they did a great job!

Journaling anyone?

Okay, so I came up with something else to attach my tatting to. I have always like embellished journals and have wanted to do this for a long time. I wish the journal was a pastel color, but I'm not complaining because it was a great price and I love the word "faith" in the middle of it. That word says alot to me. We all need to have faith, right? The slogan, "Keep the faith, baby" has been around for a long time. I am thankful that I have faith in God and Jesus Christ, because that is all I need in this life to keep me going. I can't have faith in my government, because look what has happened. I can't have faith in people, because we are all human and we all fail sometimes. I can't have faith in things, because they decay and go away. So, I enjoyed working on this book because it says something positive to me, and I hope to others.

Angels Watching Over Us

I have always loved angels! I believe in them and feel that they really do protect us from harm. I have made various angels over my lifetime and I have a very creative sister who has also made many angels. This is one she made about 10 years ago for me. It is covering an air freshener--remember when those were popular? It's about time for them to come around again, right?Everything old is new again. Anyway, this little angel has such an innocent quality about it. I say "it" because I don't think angels are male or female. But I have tried to make a male-looking angel in the past, and I just couldn't make it look good. So I gave up and now, all my angels have a female look. I make angels because I want people to look at them and remember that they have a Heavenly Father who watches over them. And, these days, we need all the help we can get!

Clay Pendant for Craft Class

These are pictures of the clay pendant that we are making at Elmcroft next Tuesday. I wore it to work this week and all the residents were excited when I told them that they were all going to make one just like it. It's going to be fun to make. There is not much to it and that is good, because some of the residents have arthritis and a hard time using their hands.

I am sorry that the picture is not really clear, but there is a picture of a little bird on the pendant. We will be using all kinds of pictures--some butterflies, birds, flowers and maybe even a pretty victorian picture of a child or woman. I can't wait to do this craft!

My Little Dresses

Well, I've been working on something other than tatting lately. I made these little dresses from rubber stamps I designed. I love to make all kinds of designs. I stamp them on cardstock, color them in with all kinds of markers, cover them with a very shiny thick acrylic sealer called Dimensional Magic and then cut them all out. They are used to make greeting cards and are added to my scrapbooks. I guess I could add my tatting to them also. Hey, I might try it! I'll have to make some small tatting because they aren't too big--maybe about 3-1/2" tall.

Memories of My Mom

This past week has been very sad for me. My mom passed away suddenly on Memorial Day. I had to fly back to Portland, Maine last Tuesday and the Memorial Service was on Friday. My sister, Wanda, flew in from Wyoming and my brother, Stan, drove up from Pennsylvania. I flew up from Tennessee. My other sister, Pam, lives in Portland and we all stayed with her. I learned all my craftiness and desire to make things from my mom. She was a very talented artist, seamstress and was good at everything she tried. She knitted very beautiful and intricate sweaters and afgans. These pictures are of the tables that we had at the reception after the memorial service and we laid out some of her creations so that others could know a little more about her. She was a very quiet person so I think many were very surprised to see this side of her. I'm glad we did it. It was s comfort to us, also.

Where do you tat?

I have a question. Do you all tat in public places?

I tat when I'm at the doctor's office, when I am waiting for my order in a restaurant and also tat when I am in the car (not when I'm driving, though. I haven't mastered that yet!). I don't make a big show about it, just quietly tat and most of the time, people want to know what I am doing. Recently, I had an older man in a doctor's office (who bragged that he was a Master Plumber) make a comment about how he couldn't stand to do something that is so repetitive and boring. I told him that I look at the big picture when it is finished and enjoy the process of completing it. I guess he had a hard problem understanding that. (Besides, I'll bet as a plumber, he does many repetitive things!) I also told him that (believe it or not) I do make money with my tatting. He couldn't quite understand that, either. Oh well, I'm glad I don't get comments like his very often. Most people have never heard of tatting and are amazed at the delicate lacey look. I love to create pretty things and enjoy it when someone else enjoys it, too.