MY NEW TATTING VIDEO, "TATTED TREASURES II"

Today, I added a new tatting video to my Youtube Channel.  About a year ago, I added a tatting video called "Tatted Treasures" and it has over 18,000 views.  My new video has many of the projects that I have been working on in the past year.  It is called "Tatted Treasures II".  Please let me know if you like it.  Thanks!

MY NEW WEDDING LINE

I am having fun lately working on a new wedding line for Little Lace Lady by Linda.  A local store has asked me to create pieces for a line for their store and I am coming up with all kinds of ideas.  My latest is a bridal purse to add to my other purses.  Each purse is one of a kind because I use vintage lace and each lace is different.  Much of the lace is hand made and I add my tatting to the items and it seems to blend very well.  I am also going to work on jewelry to go with the line for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls.  They will be pearls combined with other beautiful beads.  Hopefully, this will all work together.  I just created a wedding album (and I have added pictures of it on here) and am working on a larger version with a pen attached.  I will let you know my progress and show pictures as I complete my line.  I am also putting these items on Etsy.  Just having fun in the winter months!

MY NEW VINTAGE LACE AND HAND TATTED GUEST BOOK FOR WEDDINGS AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS

So I have been thinking weddings, weddings, weddings lately.  I came up with a new vintage lace and tatted wedding guest book.  But it could also be used for any other celebrations, whether it be baby, anniversary, birthday, etc.  I made one in white also so you could see what it would look like.  I really enjoy making these and I hope I will be making lots of them!

NEW VINTAGE LACE AND TATTED PURSE

I am trying to keep everything going lately.  Teaching music and doing my crafts keeps me very busy.  Lately, I have been creating more jewelry and purses.  This is the newest purse that I have been working on.  I love the combination of lace and tatting.  I taught a tatting class on Tuesday, and that was so fun.

Busy With My Two Blogs

I haven't been a very good blogger on here lately.  The reason is, I have another blog.  I teach voice and piano and since this is one of my main sources of income, I have been concentrating more on it.  We had our Fall Recital last Saturday and I had twelve students participate.  They all did wonderfully well! I was so proud of them.

However, I have also been tatting a lot lately, too.  I wish I had the time and energy to do more craft shows, but one just can't do everything.  I cut back working at the assisted living home to one day a week and increased my music students to 28.  Physically, this is easier on my old body and I think I could continue this on into my 70's, if God wills.  Most of us cannot just retire with no other income other than our social security.  That is a pipe dream.  So I pray that The Lord will give me good health to continue on this path.  I think if my husband, Terry, and I just keep moving, that is the best for us.  Outside of some aches and pains, we have no physical hurtles to overcome so far.  We have to start exercising regularly, though to stay this way. I would appreciate your comments and thoughts about retirement and what you are doing if you are like us.  It would be interesting to hear your comments.  I hope I haven't lost all my friends and contacts because of my silence lately.  It would be great to hear from you.

LOTS GOING ON . . .

Lately, things are getting busier around here.  I cut back the hours at the assisted living home where I work as an activity director to only one day a week so I could do more voice and piano teaching.  I have about 30 students right now, and that keeps me hopping.  But I also have gotten busier doing my other "love" - arts and crafts. I am just taking some time out right now to let everyone know that I am still alive since I haven't posted in awhile.  I have added some pictures of new items I am making.  Just this week, I got an order for twenty--yes, twenty--tatted bracelets!  That will take me awhile.  Plus, there is a new scarf that I love making.  It is so frilly and lacy--just the style that I like.  So, I hope you enjoy my pictures.  Now, back to work . . . .  (lovin' it)

MY NEW PROJECTS

I am sorry I have neglected my blog for awhile.  I have another musical blog that I started and I guess I am having trouble keeping up with both blogs.  However, I have also been creating some new things along the way.  I am into designing totes and purses lately and am having fun doing it.  I always try to incorporate my tatting into what I make, and these totes are no exception.  Let me know what you  think of my new items!

 The above purse has been a very popular purchase on Etsy.  I have sold several of them to new brides for their wedding day.  I have added vintage lace that I find at antique stores, along with my tatting and handmade flower with vintage pearls.

On the above tote, I added my hand quilted pinwheel square.  I started this as a  quilt, but I guess I do not have the patience to make a whole quilt, so I decided to incorporate my quilt squares into the tote, along with my tatting.  This is much more enjoyable to make!

            This tote would look great with jeans or a summer dress!

Above, you see another one of my hand quilted squares.  These are large totes and can hold, lap top computers, iPads, books, or used as an overnight bag.