Works From the Attic by Linda

It was a rough Thanksgiving this year. There has been so much going on, so many new things for everyone to adjust to. I went all out with the decorating this year since my MIL has Alzheimer's and we honestly don't know just how long it will be before she doesn't remember any of this. Just knowing that makes it tough. My grandson is adjusting to his dad and mom both getting remarried this year. It is hard on a seven year old to understand it all. They all love him and I pray that all of our love will get him through. My brother is going through a divorce, so that is a little upsetting as well. I felt badly that he couldn't be with us for Thanksgiving but at least he will be here for Christmas. So, since I was fortunate to have two of the grandchildren over the holiday we made some crafts. They love the studio and can spend an entire day there making everything from ATC cards to pictures and stories and many other things. I've also been working with them playing check...

I am always on the lookout for found objects of all sorts. Besides painting, beading, scrapbooking, card making, ATC card making and misc. other things; I love Altered Art. I take that which most people throw away and make them into something interesting. This is something I found that just spoke to me. Don't ask what it said, the memory fades way too easily. ;) I know no clue what it is or how I will use it but for now, it will stare at me until the inspiration hits and I finally figure out what great work of art it will become. Of course, the thought of incorporating it into a crown crossed my mind. Who knows. Stay tuned, this may get interesting! Have a sunny day!

This is the time of year that I decorate for Christmas. We have Thanksgiving dinner here for the family and everyone enjoys seeing the trees decorated. I'm only doing five trees this year. Our cats are now just over a year old. They are being great so far but with cats, odd little things always go on. Each of our cats has their own Windsor chair that they sleep in. One sleeps in the parlor, the other in the living room. Cricket is the most agile of the cats (the black and white cat) while Shadow tends to be a little pudgy and not quite as agile, but he has been practicing. Today as I was putting the lights on the living room tree, Cricket refused to leave her chair. Shadow decided he was going to check out the lights but the only way there was by way of Cricket's chair. So, with his little "tight rope walking technique" he has been perfecting; he walked on the rungs of the back of the Windsor chair over top of Cricket just to see the lights. I've always wanted a p...

This is a custom piece of jewelry I made for a wonderful woman named Beverly. She fell in love with my "Dream" bracelet and wanted a version for herself with some of the same components. She brought me some beads and charms that meant a lot to her from her travels around the world that she wanted included in the bracelet. They truly dictated the theme and color for the bracelet. I know the beautiful brass color and cinnabar and ruby colored stones will look especially beautiful on her. When you look at this bracelet pay close attention to the face beads. They are glass beads with faces hand painted on the inside of them. There are Swarovski crystals all over the bracelet. A woman cannot have enough "bling".I am adding three photo charms to the bracelet but I never like to put someone else's photograph on my blog without asking. I hope you enjoy viewing "The World Traveler". Thank you for viewing this masterpiece.

During a recent visit to Northeast PA, I happened upon an antique shop whose name I will have to add later. He was very kind about letting me take pictures of several things. The one thing that intrigued me most was a concrete memory pot. I've seen them made of several materials and including a lot of different things but there was something different about this particular pot. I still can't put my finger on it but it seemed like something meant to settle their lives. I wouldn't be surprised if the person who discovered it, also happened to also find remains in it. Anyway, here are the photos. Be sure to click on them to enlarge them for detail. I'm interested to hear other opinions. The price if you are interested, is $1100.00.

The sun on my face, the sand between my toes, chasing waves for sea glass, tiny seashells in hand. The sound of the surf, the far cry of the gulls, the way the waves make me smile, create my perfect day. The glow of the sky, the brilliant orange yellow and red, as the sun sets slowly, just brings peace to my world. Even if only for those precious moments in time, I am lost in the serenity of all that was created. A glass of fine wine, candlelight flickering in the room, the faint scent of lavendar and the softest silken sheets. My husband by my side, the lake breeze flowing into the room, his warm hand entwined in mine and I remember that moment I first fell in love. No matter what lies behind us or what we encounter ahead, I know he is with me, until that very last sunset.

Sadly I forgot the cable to post pictures yet but the moment I stepped onto the beach and looked out at that beautiful lake, I felt "at home".  The trip has been beautiful. Northeast is stunning this time of the year. The fall colors are breathtaking. The sunsets have been beautiful the last two nights. We are supposed to get storms today but it won't dampen my excitement about being by the water. We are staying at the lovely Vineyard B&B with a room that has a view of the water. I did not realize how much I had missed waking up to the sounds of the surf and the breezes across the water. Clyde and Judy, the owners of the B&B are wonderful hosts. Breakfast has been out of this world. Yesterday we had stuff French toast with cherries, blueberries and apples. Clyde and Judy make their own juice from their private vineyard and it is not like the juice you buy in the stores. I still haven't decided if I prefer the Concord or the White, but I certainly have drank ...

Every time I think about finally updating my blog something comes up. I've been hit hard with the flu so I am trying to get my strength back and apologize for not keeping in touch with everyone. We traded our Halloween Fat Book pages on the Altered Start group so I will be posting pics once I am up and about. Get your flu shots! I got mine but this still is not pretty! Cyber Hugs Linda

There is an awesome give-a-way of my favorite type, just visit http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com/

I took a trip to Phipps Conservatory the other day with my mother. Her birthday was on September 4th so I like to take her places that she wouldn't otherwise get to go to. They had the "Gargoyles in the Garden" exhibit which was really wonderful. I love gargoyles and have one in my garden now. Some of the photos are in my Flickr album which is linked on my blog. Near the end of the tour there was a group of school children that came in to sketch the gargoyles. The teachers allowed us to walk around and see what the children were sketching. Some of the sketches were really nice. There were a couple of times that I found it interesting just seeing how the children were sitting in relation to the gargoyles. At times it appeared that the gargoyles truly were staring down at them. We went into the butterfly room and saw some really pretty butterflies. Of course it is very hard to see them as they love to go to the flowers which are very high up in the ceiling. As I was w...

Now, how can you resist helping someone share their 1 year anniversary of their blog? Hop on over and check it out. If you are  Tim Holtz fan (and who isn't?) you will love it! http://bearcrazyman.blogspot.com/2010/09/bearcrazymans-blog-birthday-giveaway.html

I don't know too many people who aren't interested in blog candy! Just click on the link and jump over to Jodi's blog for a chance to win!  Be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday! http://inkedinspirations.blogspot.com/2010/07/its-my-birthday.html Good luck to all!

I read about Grace on the Scalhints group. It broke my heart. It is hard enough to lose a child and a sister, but twins share such a special bond. I can't imagine the pain Grace is going through. If you read this, please consider popping a card or something special in the mail to Grace. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family, I can't begin to imagine their pain on the loss of their daughter Ellie from cancer. http://jennifermcguireink.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/06/need-your-help-cards-for-grace.html Please send your cards to this address by the end of July...                             Jennifer McGuire                                 Cards for GRACE                 ...

I am still trying to get caught up with things but I'm so glad the wedding is over with and now their lives together begin. It is amazing how much you have to do at the last minute. I was lucky that my daughter-in-law's family did all the planning but there were still a lot of things to be done. Sadly they had rain on the wedding day but it didn't dampen spirits. Everyone had a great time and they got some great outdoor photos in spite of the rain. One of my favorites is of them under an umbrella looking over their shoulder. It is so nice to see how happy my son is and how much having Rachel in his life means to him. I don't think there is any greater thing a mother can wish for than the happiness of her children. This was his second marriage but in many ways it was his first. I can see the love and respect they have for each other and nothing was taken for granted. They make a great couple and I am so proud of him for putting his faith in Rachel's hands and taking ...

Every Memorial Day I watch the parade here in town. It isn't a big event but it is enough to remind us of what is important in life. This gentleman is in the parade every year. I suppose in many ways I always dread the year he won't be. Clad in an original military uniform of wool, not matter how hot it is, he marches with his fellow VFW members. He is the oldest living member of the VFW in town. My father, who passed away two years ago, fought in the Korean War. I guess the parade has a whole new meaning to me these last two years in particular. It isn't about the Boy Scouts, the Twirlers or other groups. It is the men that fought for our freedom who really bring the tears to my eyes. So, on this Memorial Day, to the family of those whose family have fought/or continue to fight, for our freedom, and for those whose families have died doing so...I merely say Thank You, and may God Bless each and every one of you.

There is just something about a hot sunny day that just makes you want to relax and soak up the rays. Of course, when you are a cat, that pretty much covers 365 days a year if possible. Have you ever noticed how cats seem to always know the warm spots? My two precious little ones were just having a typical day. 

This is a huge blog candy giveaway so hop on over to Trudy's site and check it out! She has goodies galore she will be giving out! Have a sunny day!

Blog Candy Give-a-Way from http://www.makeitcrafty.com.au/ What’s in the candy??? 24 Ciao Copic Markers in a Copic fold up fabric case I hand picked the colours which I think would be a great beginner set for anyone starting out with copics. W-1,  E00, E02, E11, E31, E33, E37, R20, R27, R29, YR04, YR07, Y11, Y15, G21, G28, BG15, BG49, B00, B95, B97, BV00, V17 and Blender 0 10 A4 sheets of X-Press It blending paper Papermania Rose clear stamp set Clear flourish stamp (great for backgrounds) Wags ‘n Whiskers unmounted stamp – Angel Whispers 7 colours of hand made paper. 5 sheets each. 3 ply wood stars 5 Silver skeleton leaves 1 sheet of gold edged flower and leaf stickers I sheet of silver hearts, flower and star stickers 1 sheet 3 dimensional square stickers Basic Kaisercraft Love/dream circle rub ons 140 x 305mm rub on sheet – doilies 140 x 305mm rub on sheet – grunge floral 4 mini spring boards 5 lengths of my favourite lace Length of Rhinestone chain Paperma...

This is the dome-shaped box I downloaded and cut out with my Cricut thanks to the designer Penny Duncan. Her blog is  http://pennyduncancreations.blogspot.com/ She shares her designs to all of us in the ScalHints group and is wonderful about helping us out with the little problems we encounter in our journey to create lovely Scal2 masterpieces. This particular box is cut from a beige with black flocked card stock. I made several of them to tuck little gifts in for my future daughter-in-law at her recent bridal shower. They were a hit! Everyone was asking about them. I was so proud of them, thank you for that Penny! They were a perfect fit for the Swarovski crystals I gave her. She purchased a Cricut just a couple months ago so I also bought her the Jukebox and an Ott-Lite. I had already bought her the Scal2.  I taught her how to make jewelry and thus the reason for the Swarovski crystals! She was thrilled. Besides, who really wants a mixer for the bridal shower? I always fe...

This Sketches Three Scrapbook Class was a lot of fun and I loved my photos. I wish the picture here did them justice. These are critters from my garden. I took a lot of time getting bee photos in spite of the fact that I am deathly allergic to them. The one photo at the top left has spectacular detail. The macro setting on my simple little point and shoot Olympus camera is so nice that I rarely use my larger digital camera. The bee on the bottom left is loaded with pollen. It was an amazing shot. It probably sounds silly to be so excited about a bee, but to me it was a thrill to get that photo. Last but not least, I had a friendly praying mantis that let me photograph him for about a half hour. He would move a little from time to time but I had a lot of time to get some fantastic shots. I just love them. We don't see them often so it was a distinct pleasure to have him in the garden area. Again, I need to put my title, journaling and embellishments on the page.

This is my grandson at his yellow belt test. It was an honor to meet Grandmaster Kim. He wrote Noah's name on his Do Bok.  Noah was so excited. He did a great job and passed with flying colors. I'm really proud of him and what he has learned. He can break boards with his foot and his hand which is a pretty awesome thing to a seven year old and his grandma The discipline and respect that is taught to them in Tang Soo Do has really shown through in his daily life. He is currently working on his sparring. He won a trophy at his competition.

This is from my Sketches Three Scrapbook Class. This is of my son when he was my grandson's age. I changed my mind about the third photo so I still have to put it on and do my journaling. Making these pages has given me so much time to reflect on certain times in the lives of the family. It is a wonderful thing.

This is the page from my Sketches Three scrapbook class. I learned a lot this time around as well. (Do we see a pattern here?) I learned that in Design Studio you should correct the little quirkiness of some of the font programs before printing them and affixing them to your pages. This is hubby Philip. He is the light of my life and what keeps me going through all the medical nightmares I have faced. He has always been there to lift me up, wipe my tears and a million other things. If I lived to be a million years old I could never begin to repay him for all he does for me. I miss my job and my career, but I have learned just what the true meaning of marriage and family means. I love you Philip! I still have journaling to do but I think that will be a bit private. ~smile~

I am so proud of my little Squirrel! That is my pet name for him because he tends to be a bit squirrel-y. This is his first official scrapbook page. He picked out the paper all by himself and cut the photos and frames without assistance. Pretty darn good for a seven year old! He needs to teach grandma a thing or two! lol He just loves the Cricut!

These are also from my Sketches Five scrapbook class. This was a two page layout. Once again, I need to get better photos of my scrapbook pages. I wish they would fit on the scanner! This was in the Orchid Room, my favorite room of the Conservatory. I can't wait to go this year, they are having "Gargoyles in the Garden"!  Again I still need to add my title and my journaling.

This is the layout from my Sketches five class. Again, I need to put the title, journaling and some embellishments on the page. I also need to take a better picture! lol This is of the kids over the years.

This is another page from my first scrapbook class. This is my precious little Cricket. No, I didn't name her after my Cricut, she was named Cricket because she doesn't really meow, she chirps! It is an odd little sound, sort of like slurring your tongue as you would try to meow. It comes out as a little chirpy noise. She is my photogenic one! I still have to do the journaling and put on the page name.

This is the page I did in my first scrapbook sketch class. I learned a lot. Most importantly I learned to take my good cutter to class instead of using the one I bought at Big Lots. Note the crooked pages. ~sigh~ None the less, once I do the journaling and put the page name on, it will be wonderful all the same. I still can't believe my little grandson is growing up so quickly.

T The wedding day is just around the corner and the wedding card box is finally done. One less thing on the list to do. I hope they like it. I called to let them know it is done, it has to be to the reception hall by Monday. Of course, I also painted a second type just in case they change their mind. ~smile~

You will want to hop on over over to: http://pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/2010/03/day-4-of-my-raks.html She is giving away over 200 sheets of patterned paper from Rusty Pickle!

Okay, I know that didn't sound good. People are going to think I took up drinking or something. No, but maybe I should. ~grin~ I had my right knee replaced on February 15th 2010. Last January I had the left one replaced. So I am officially the type of person who will hold up the lines in the airport while they search to make sure there isn't something else I am hiding besides artificial knees. So far the progress is going well. I'm on my third week of outpatient PT and considering an early setback I had, things are really moving along nicely. I will be dancing at my son's wedding in June! That alone is cause for celebration. I can't wait to get back into my studio and paint and bead. I really miss being creative. We are glad to have all that snow gone, it is hard to believe that we had a record snowfall this year. That is what I get for telling our daughter that she will love living here, we hardly get any snow. Of course this is the second year she has lived ...