Victorian Charm

• New Tatted Lace Wrist Cuff 

I found out some exciting news this past week!  I teach piano and one student that I teach is putting his lessons to good use.  Three years ago, he started piano with me and had never played before.  I knew right away that he had a special talent and he went through his lesson books very fast.  Three years later (in fact, last week) he tried out for his Jazz Band in high school.  He was picked to play the keyboard for the  Jazz Band!  And he has only been playing for three years!  I feel like I have done my job as a teacher.  So many students don't keep up with their playing through the years, and I talk to them as adults and they always say they wished they had continued with their lessons.  But, it's never too late.  I also have a 62 year-old student who is doing very well and wants to teach her grandchildren.  

Just thought I'd add my latest creation.  One of my readers suggested that I start making lace cuffs along with my notebook covers.  So, here is a new one.  I tried making satin flowers yesterday and found I really like making them, also.  I have already sold one cuff to my reader and I'm on to my next one that is featured on my Etsy (http://www.lllangel.etsy.com).

Old Songs and Old Lace

You know, the older I get, the more I love the past.  I guess that is a normal progression.  We want to remember the past because that was our life.  Friday at work, I sang about 20 songs from the past--mostly from the 30's to the 60's.  I find that people really enjoy these old songs.  I'm sure they bring back special memories.  I sang songs like "Fly Me To The Moon", "Stormy Weather", "Misty", "Someone To Watch Over Me" and songs from Carole King, like "Home Again" and "Where You Lead."  I'm in love with jazz right now.  And I was in O'Charley's last week, and they had jazz playing in the background.  I asked the young waitress if she liked the music and she said, "Yes, it was very soothing."  Of course, she had never heard these songs before they started playing at her restaurant.  I think jazz is coming back.  My musician friend sings in supper clubs, etc., and all she is singing is jazz right now.  That's what people want.  And, even though I don't really watch "Glee", I have heard they are featuring songs from the past like "Maybe This Time."  Are you loving all the old songs?


I have always loved lace.  I guess that's why I started tatting--so I could make lace.  Now, I am noticing lace on more and more blogs and on more and more Etsy sites.  I need to make more time to visit antique shops so I can look for old handmade lace.  The past is our heritage.  Isn't it interesting how these new inventions (like the internet) can help keep the past alive.  I think visiting blogs has replaced my love for magazines.  I use to buy so many magazines, but why do I need to when I have so many thoughts and ideas from others like you?  So, now I think I'll go back to visit more of your blogs for a little while . . . . 

The French Cupboard

I have found this wonderful blog, and every few weeks, she asks us to post pictures for her various "parties." This week, she has posted her "Valentines Party" and asked for pictures of hearts and Valentine-themed creations.  What a lovely theme!   The name of her blog is The French Cupboard and her blog is www.thefrenchcupboard.blogspot.com  


You can see such beautiful pictures and other blogs when you visit her blog.  Above, I have added my heart that I posted to her blog.  If you get a chance, please visit her blog.  You will have a great time there.

My Tatted Wrist Cuff

Well, I'm on to something new already.  In addition to my notebook covers, I am now making tatted lace wrist cuffs.  I had someone contact me and ask me if I would make one similar to my notebook cover.  So, here's my first one.  I'm going to make more styles and some with flowers.  I'm also going to try a necklace.    I think these would be nice for a bridal piece, also.  


It's a wonderful day here in Tennessee!  The temperature has reached 50 degrees and it feels great.  My husband and I have the day off and we were out all morning doing errands.  No snow to deal with, no coldness--I love it!  I will enjoy it while I can.

Still on My Little Journals

I'm still designing more of my little journals.  They are really fun to make.  And someone even suggested that I make a wristband with the same design.  I think I will try this, also.  I am open to any and all suggestions you may have.  It is a little bright spot in my life right now.  At Elmcroft, the assisted living home where I work, this month has been rough.  We have some residents in the hospital right now and I hope they can return home soon.  The weather here is getting a little warmer after our week of winter snow.  We weren't able to get out of our subdivision until the middle of last week.  And the snow hung around for more than a week instead of just a couple of days.  It reminded me of living up north all those years.  I am looking forward to Spring in about a month and a half.  In the meantime, I am praying that everyone will stay well or get well soon.  I hope you are all taking care of yourselves and washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer often.  That really helps!

My Second Tatted Notebook Cover - New On My Etsy Site!

A picture of the front of the book. The cover is totally removable so you can put another spiral notebook inside.

A picture of the book opened and showing both the front and back.

A picture of the back of the book.

A picture of the side of the book showing the removable spiral notebook.

Well, it has been snowing all day so this gave me a chance to work on my second tatted notebook. This time, I made it with pink and off-white. I am having fun with this! Both of my tatted book covers can be found on my Etsy site - www.lllangel.etsy.com

Tatted Journal Cover

Okay, I was thinking about something new I could make for this year that I haven't made before. It's always fun to come up with "new" thoughts in creating. So, I was trying to come up with something that was practical as well as pretty. I saw some small journal covers on Flickr that I just loved and decided to try one and adding my tatting to it. You know, that's what I like to do--add my tatting to existing items and altering them. I really enjoyed making it and am on to my second one at the moment. The covers are totally removable from the spiral notebook, so another new notebook can be added when the original is filled up. What's more practical than that? I think it would look pretty on a bed stand or carried in a purse for all to see. It's size is only 3 x 5, so it can easily be put in a purse. Since I am "snowed in" today, I think I will work on more of these little book covers. I am putting them on my Etsy site once they are completed. Hope you like them!

Happy New Year!

Well, today is the first day of a new year! I'm sure we all have had our share of good times and hard times in 2010. But, this is a new start and I'm going to start out on a positive note and keep going from there. With the Lord's guidance, 2011 will be a very good year!

My daughter took a photo of my husband Terry and me, and I really like our expressions. I thought I'd share it with you.