First treasury

I created my first ever Etsy treasury. I've also started a list of my favorite shops and blogs. Give them a look.

Alright now back to work on my own creations. 

The Girl in the Lane Shop

The caged bird handkerchief

I finished this sweet little hankie on Christmas day. The full quote is "When the caged bird sings is she caged? When art flourishes in prison was the artist ever in that prison?" I found it in Calvin Miller's Into the Depths of God. It is a fantastic book. I do not believe it is his quote but I am having a hard time finding where it came from. If you know, please inform me.

There is freedom in creating. I love how this quote captures this truth. I find great encouragement in these simple words. When there is little in my world I can control, I can always be free as I make something beautiful.

The Girl in the Lane Shop

Merry Christmas!

Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of Earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"

I always enjoy thinking about those first holy moments after Jesus was born, when it was just the three of them. If you have children of your own or have ever been in the room when a baby is just born you have experienced the love and awe that fills the room. I cannot image how rich that feeling was in the tiny stable.

 Last year Avia drew this nativity. It was the inspiration for mine. I will always love it and not just because she drew it. Sometimes it takes the perfect wisdom of a child to capture the true perspective of the greatest act of humility ever. Our God, who is bigger than the universe, became a tiny baby so that He could save us even though we are weak, broken, and little.

A very Merry Christmas from me and mine.

The Girl in the Lane Shop

A peek at my journal

December, t'is the season for secrets and lies. I cannot share with you what I have been working on because... reasons. I thought I would take the opportunity to share a few sketches with you instead.

I have kept a journal/sketchbook fairly consistently since I was a little girl. It is my own world in there so consider yourself lucky to be welcomed in.

I am not sure what I will do with this butterfly
 but I cannot wait to figure it out.

Sketches from when I was working on my green and pink deer.

 This is based off of 1 Corinthians 15: 35-58. 

I would be more than happy to further clarify for you just ask.

This is the beginning of another tattoo idea but that is a ways off yet.

Oh snap that looks familiar. ; )

Doodle doodle

 Also, this happened this morning. 

Calvin will not leave the presents alone. 

He tried to stand on this I guess and got his foot stuck. 

Caught red handed...or red box footed in this case.

P.S. His foot is fine and was easily freed.

The Girl in the Lane Shop

This weekend (so far).

 Mmmmm Christmas cookies!

The first present was opened. It was not supposed to be. I planned to show you some of the handmade gifts I made this Christmas season I can't really do this until the recipients get them of course. Anyway, I made this headband for Avia and wrapped it yesterday. Later, she comes walking into the kitchen with it in hand saying, "Whose is this? Where did it come from?" 

"Where did you get it?" I respond. 

After very little investigation we discover Calvin with some wrapping paper and a blank expression on his face. In his defense, he chose the perfect present to open early. Avia will get lots of use out of it before Christmas. 

Meet the newest member of our family.  Her name is Snowflake. I voted for Whydidiagreetothis but somehow Snowflake won out. Calvin calls her Moe (mouse) even though it is definitely not a mouse but in fact a hamster. 

A very happy Avia. 

Note, Snowflake was not a Christmas present. She was a promised reward for good behavior, showing responsibility, and good grades last year. Avia saved up to help with the cage and supplies. She has been patiently awaiting this day for a long time. Welcome home Snowflake.

Just in time for Christmas!

Yesterday I finished this Christmas tea towel. I love Christmas items that are almost more of a winter decoration. That way you can keep them up longer. This little forest scene is an original design.

 Just in case you haven't seen, here are some of my other Christmas items still available. 

 Christmas pillow

 Christmas star pony tail holder

 Christmas flower pony tail holder

Know anyone getting married?

I have the something blue!
It is also new so you just need to find something borrowed and old.

I just finished this lovely little handkerchief. It does not have to be for a bride but in my head I am imagining this beautiful little moment where a mother of a bride gives this handkerchief as a gift. That bride will give it to her daughter and it will be passed down for generations. It is touching and maybe there are tears or maybe I am just getting carried away. I did think for a second about keeping it and giving it to my daughter someday but then I thought, "No she is seven. I have plenty of time to make another one."

I am completely happy to personalize this piece so if you are interested, lets talk.

                                   

My first craft sale

On Wednesday night I got the last minute chance to join up with a little craft show a neighbor was having at her home. I had less than 24 hours to prepare. I didn't even have tags or prices on any of my work. It was hard work. I had to make lots of little business cards by hand and scramble to find a change box and other little necessities. It was worth it. I had a wonderful time. I met many wonderful neighbors, ate some excellent food, and even made a few sales. The best part is I am now much more prepared for the next craft show.

I think I did pretty well for less than 24 hours to prepare.

I brought it all. Old works and new.

On a side note, sorry these pictures seem to be a bit grainy. 

I am pretty sure Calvin (the almost 2-year-old) got to the camera and did I don't even know what. 

Thank you

Jamarta for braving snow and ice to babysit for me. 

Jane Bresser my host.

Caroline Sparks for the great fabric I used as a tablecloth. 

What inspires me may inspire you: vintage children's books

As far as inspiration goes this is a fairly simple source but I love vintage children's books. Children's books in general are fantastic and a huge part of my life. I take my kids to the library often and reading in general is a big deal in our home. The illustrations found in the old ones are an endless source of ideas for me. Here are a few of my favorites. Today sounds like a good day to cuddle up and read about fairies in the woods but I have promised the boy a bundled-up trip to the zoo.