LATELY . . .

The problem I have is that I like to make lots of things.  I try to add my tatting to whatever I make but sometimes it isn't possible.  I am making things for a very cute local store and they are selling my jewelry.  So, guess what I am making?  I am also making tatted items for their new wedding line, which I love to do.  Today, I am taking some wedding items there and we shall see how they are received and if they sell.

I have also taught a tatting class there and have another class next week.  I wish more people would like to learn tatting.  Everyone always says how beautiful it is, but I guess they think it is too hard to learn.  In a way it is a good thing, because it stays a unique and beautiful craft and not everyone tries to do it, like making those popular scalloped scarves.  :).   I have made those also--about  40 of them--and sold them all at that little shop.  But lately, the yarn has gotten much more expensive and very scarce.  I think I have spent more time looking for specific colors than I have knitting the scarves.  Are these scarves popular where you live?  Anyway, I need to get back to tatting.  Although, I did sell two tatted bracelets last week on my Etsy site.  They were for little girls ages 8 and 10.  I sure hope I made them small enough for their little arms.  Well, I need to go and finish up my items for my wedding line.  I will be back!

VINTAGE MUSLIN STAMPED RIBBONS

I have always loved rubber stamping. In fact, we owned a store that sold rubber stamps and offered all kinds of classes. Lately, I have been experimenting with vintage style ribbons (since I love vintage) made from torn muslin. I have hand stamped these ribbons and they can be used for all sorts of things. They are on my Etsy and I have listed all kinds of uses. You can see them athttp://www.lllangel.etsy.com/

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.