Elegant Tussie Mussies

I have just completed these themed Tussie Mussies.

The first one features a bird's nest and can actually be

used all year round to decorate a home.

This "Seaside Dreams" was created to enhance a

seaside cottage home. It contains exquisite shells,

faux pearls, and a miniature corked bottle with

sand inside.

XO

Cindy

Pure Romance

Repurposed cigar boxes are the rage in mixed media

today and this particular one was a real "find." This

all wood box provided the perfect palette to

create a 40s-style piece that was filled with

romance.

Remember old movies that captured the days of

long ocean journeys, steamer trunks, and telegrams?

Well, this was the era that was captured in this

mixed media piece.

It is embellished with many finds, including vintage

jewelry.

Victorian Christmas Elegance

Hi Everyone,

I have just completed designing these large Victorian Tussie Mussies--the ultimate in Christmas chic.

They were created in neutral tones with a "little dainty" (with an organza bag) tucked inside each one. The best part? The organza bag can be placed in a drawer after the holidays so that the Tussie Mussie can be enjoyed all year long.

But there's more--I just added these to my Etsy shop--and if you know anyone who would be interested in having one of them for their very own, each one comes with a large matching free decorative tag perfect for home decorating. On each tag is a clothespin embellished with vintage sheet music graphics.

The tags with accompanying clothespins could be used as a separate gift, so it's a great way to enjoy elegance with a bit of "thriftiness" at the same time!

Tussie Mussies are ideal to adorn a fireplace mantle, hanging from a vase, or dangling from the bannister of a staircase. They can even be placed on a table to create a Victorian vignette.

Linking this to French Country Cottage!

And The Graphics Fairy!!!

And to Metamorphosis Monday!

And Something Beautiful!

And to Bobbypins Boardwalk!

Oops! Sorry--these are sold! But, I'm going to try to make more this week!

Hugs,

Cindy

So Excited!

Here is the new Winter issue of

Cloth, Paper, Scissors

And the awesome Gail of Shabby

Cottage Studio is featured in it.

For those of you who don't know Gail,

she is from Tennessee and has a heart

the size of Texas--I was so excited to

see her in this issue--congratulations

Gail!

If you would like to visit her blog,

just go to Shabby Cottage Studio

and say "hey!"

If you would like to visit her store,

just click here!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you--

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!!!

Hugs,

Cindy

A Treasury Surprise!

What do these three pictures have

in common? They are all part of

a brand-new treasury on Etsy!

My piece, Destiny's Rose, a decorative spool, was included!

Aren't these adorable? The treasury is filled

with the most beautiful items...If you want to go

take a look, they are here.

The treasury was created by Roselle of Seaside

Rose Creations. Thank you so much Roselle for

including me--what a surprise!

Would you mind clicking the link and making a

comment? I would appreciate it SO much!!!

XO

Cindy

Announcing the Winner!

Hi Everyone--

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.

I would like to announce the winner of the

pink crystal bracelet--She is Devonay of

http://lumpkinandme.blogspot.com

Congratulations Devonay!!! And thank you to

everyone for playing along!

Entering the Fairy Garden

With Christmas just around the corner, I love creating pieces that have a fairytale effect. So, I created a journal and a fairy garden tin for a baby girl as a gift.

I began with a fairy journal that her mom can write in to keep track of happy events and stages, such as walking, sitting, etc.

And here is a coordinating tin to match...As the child

is young, it will be saved to be played with when she is older.

The inside was created in several layers and each piece on the right side was backed with grunge board to stiffen it. If you would like to see the detail, click on each picture to enlarge.

A happy little fairy garden to treasure and enjoy!

My Newest Creation

Hi Everyone,

As you can see, I am still playing "Santa's helper" and creating gifts for my Etsy shop...My newest addition is this travel-themed journal with a miniature Eiffel Tower on the cover, vintage maps, coffee-stained cheese cloth, as well as commercial papers and embellishments.

I hope you're having a great start to your weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,

Cindy

A Journal for a Friend

Hi Everyone--

I hope you're all having a good week! I just completed this journal for a friend, Debbie at Love of the Sea. (It has her initial on it in a bronze tone.) The image is from Shabby Cottage Studio--I am their Artist in Residence. You will find amazing graphics there! The French writing on it says "Chaise de Summerhouse."

This was fun to design as I was going for a shabby chic look that also included shells alluding to seaside living--formal rather than casual, I thought it was a neat combo to put together for such a lovely person.

I used burlap, lace, cheesecloth, hand-quilled roses, faux pearls, rope, a shell, and vintage music sheets.

"What Dreams Are Made Of" Journal

What could be more adorable than a little girl sewing for her dolls? This little journal entitled "What Dreams Are Made Of" is a collage that tells its own story on the cover.

I have been busy playing “Santa’s helper” and making Christmas gifts for my Etsy shop. I just completed this whimsical journal that was made with vintage images and commercial embellishments. I love everything that has a “sewing” theme, so this was a true joy to create! The beautiful hydrangeas are from The Graphics Fairy.

I am linking this up to The Graphics Fairy!

And I am linking this up to the challenge at Dezinaworld!

Oh--and please scroll down to see my giveaway and sign up!!!

Miss Creative Spirit Winner & "Pink Christmas" Holiday Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

I would like to announce the winner of my Creative Spirit Challenge--Miss Creative Spirit for November is Linda of Random Creativity--Congratulations Linda! And thank you to everyone who played along--and for making it all so fun.

Linda will be winning one of my pink miniature mixed media pieces especially made for this challenge!

NEXT SUNDAY, I will pick a winner of this pink crystal bracelet--in person, it shimmers and shines! So, if you haven't signed up to be in the drawing, please do!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

I am celebrating the one month anniversary of my Etsy shop!

If you would like to make your holidays sparkle, what better way than with this precious pink crystal bracelet? This giveaway could give you a chance to win it and call it your own...Just leave me a message to let me know you’d like to enter the drawing. I would also like for you to add it to your sidebar, if possible (but not required!) The winner will be announced next Sunday!

And, the WINNER of my KITCHEN TAG is Karen--Congratulations, Karen!!!

Hugs,

Cindy

Old World-Style Journals

French-inspired Rosette Journal

Hi Everyone--

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend! I wanted to show you my 2 newest journals that just went into my Etsy shop. They were so fun to make and that's probably because I am partial to anything with an Old World feel to it.

I am linking this up to June's wonderful challenge at Dezinaworld...

Her theme for this week is "Mother and Child."

Mother/Child Journal

I am having 2 giveaways for mixed media

tags--so please scroll down to sign up!

"Baby Girl" and "Bingo Kitchen" Tag Giveaway!

I have just created this brand-new pink "Baby Girl" tag!

If you have a new baby or know someone who does and you would like to win this tag, just leave me a comment to let me know...

But, please be specific so I know if you'd like to win this one--(I know everyone doesn't have babies or small grandchildren!)

It was created in several layers and has a vellum overlay (a little difficult to see here!)

And ith the holidays "just around the corner," I'm sure that your kitchen will be the center of attention. And what better way to add something fun than with your very own kitchen tag? The tag has a pale gold and black background. The red and white gingham oven mitt dangles from a dainty chain. It is signed on the back. I created this tag for Louise's Tag Tuesday Challenge also...

If you would like to win it, please leave me a comment here to indicate that you would like to be in the drawing for it. Also, would you mind putting it on your blog to let people know that this giveaway is going on? (If you don't have time, I completely understand!) The winner will be announced on Sunday!


Also, my Creative Spirit Challenge is still going on thru Sunday too--Please scroll down to link up!

THESE GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW CLOSED.

XO
Cindy

November Creative Spirit Challenge--Please read before entering

Hi Everyone--

Welcome to the Creative Spirit Challenge for November--Miss Creative Spirit for November will be announced next Monday night on Nov. 15th! This is the prize that will be sent to the winner! (The mixed media angel piece.)

You can link up your art, recipes, photography, decorating ideas--anything that shows YOUR creative spirit! Also, you can link up an old post--no need to make something new, so it's easy, peasy!

Now I would like to announce the winner of my "Vintage Christmas" Journal...It is Linda of Itsy Bits and Pieces! Congratulations Linda!

These are my brand-new Victorian Christmas magnets. They’re fun to make!! They were created with images from Shabby Cottage Studio....To see my tutorial, please visit: http://inspiration-gallery.blogspot.com/p/tutorials_25.html



One more thing--my link for the challenge has changed. Please just leave YOUR NAME to link up (not your item name.) And then, just link up with your blog address--thanks so much for playing along!!!

I am linking this post to Rednesday!
And Boardwalk Bragfest!

"Vintage-Style Christmas" Journal Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

Years ago, I started a wonderful tradition at my house. Every Christmas I write in a Christmas journal and tell the events of the past year--trips we took, babies born, etc. It's easy to do. I keep the journal in a safe place and pull it out each year to write in it.

My friend June at Dezinaworld announced a new challenge...It is for people who papercraft. I decided to make this Vintage Christmas Journal--and I'm having a giveaway, so if you would like to win it, just leave your name and I will enter it in the drawing...I will pick

a name at random in a couple of days and announce a winner! (And yes, that's a jingle bell tied to the gingham ribbon!)

Also, if you would like to enter the challenge too, just click here.

If you came to this blog via I Owe it All to Him, please read the story in the next post...that's the one I wanted to share with you AND you're welcome to enter this giveaway too!

Gratitude Journals and My Latest "God Wink" Moment

Throughout my short time blogging, so many people have asked me, “When do you ever sleep?” The answer is simple--I don’t sleep much...I usually get to sleep around 3 or 4am. That’s because I create art all night long.



Let me tell you a story. I bought a book the other day. It looked like a fantastic little piece of fiction and I had really wanted to start reading it but, I didn’t have the time. That’s because I was up all night and working all day creating 4 journals. I just popped them into my Etsy shop and thought that at $5.99 they were something really affordable if someone needed a gift for Christmas for someone they love.



Then, when I got them posted I finally began to read the book. In the first 3 pages, the author talked about a Quaker tradition of keeping “Gratitude” journals! If you have ever wondered if God has spoken to you, I can assure you that I felt that He was speaking to me! After all, I had just finished making the journals--and each one is dear to my heart. (The side pieces on them are a deep hunter green and appear very "old world," but they photographed brighter.)



Isn’t it a fantastic idea to keep a gratitude journal? I loved the tradition and thought I’d pass the concept on to you~and in case you’re wondering what the book is called, it is Debbie Macomber’s “One Simple Act.” It’s precious! It is one of those, "Oh my gosh--why didn't I see this sooner?" kind of books--If you don't have it, believe me, you'll want to own it...it's amazing!

Also, Monday is the start of my Creative Spirit Challenge if you'd like to link something up--It can be an older post--it doesn't have to be new! I just do these for fun and if you know me very well you'll know that I think blogging and getting to know people is all about fun and friendship!

Also, my friend Donnie is having a CSN giveaway!!! She is at: http://newblessingeveryday.blogspot.com
and don't forget to become a follower!

Each Day is a Gift to Us

My friend Roselle from Seaside Rose Creations is a wonderful artist and I wanted to share a picture of her precious, hand-painted Christmas bulbs--they’re available in her Etsy shop. Aren’t they just the sweetest treasures?

They got me to thinking about something...which brings me to my question for you for this week--What is one of the sweetest things that someone has ever done for you?

(And I hope it will be something that caught you by surprise--something you weren’t expecting.)

Roselle actually surprised me with the sweetest package that arrived a few weeks ago...It was an envelope filled to the brim with “artist’s” treasures...vintage paper, book pages, ribbon, lace--you name it, it was in there! Sometimes, life has the nicest way of smiling at us through friends and family.

And right as I was in the midst of preparing this message, a gift arrived from my friend Nancy from The Trinket Collector--I was so surprised! She and her husband had been to Atlantic City to celebrate their wedding anniversary and she sent me Salt Water Taffy from there AND also, amazing vintage postcards--I couldn’t believe my eyes!

Every day is, indeed, a special package that we open--ours to do with what we choose...Unwrapping gifts of caring from friends is such a delight and I can’t begin to express how they warmed my heart.

Chic on a Budget!

Do you know what these 4 items have in common?

Each one is part of a new Treasury on Etsy!

It is called "Chic on a Budget..." And guess who the

Curator is....You guessed it--me!

But, in order to get people finding it, I understand that

there needs to be comments posted at the bottom

of the page...Would you mind clicking the link

and leaving a comment? It would mean so much to

me!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cd19226cce06d915344c7fe/chic-on-a-budget

These are pictures of Linda, Donna, and Dore's treasures and I am sure

that when you get there, other "familiar faces" will be in there too!!

XO

Cindy

Shrine to Your Inner Goddess

This delicate piece, a "Shrine to Your Inner Goddess" is a whimsical piece that was purely fun to create! Perched upon a domino which is popular in the world of altered art today, the image exudes contentment--something we can all use more of today in this hectic world.

It just went into my Etsy shop tonight...thanks for letting me
share it with you!

XO
Cindy

"Let Your Love Shine" Altered Art Shrine

For artists, shrines are often created to celebrate a theme or idea. A few weeks ago when I realized that the Alter It Monthly challenge was having the theme “Dominoes,” I made 4 shrines. This one was created for my Etsy shop and 3 others with different designs were made for friends. I am in the process of making a similar one for display in the art gallery.


This is a fun piece to celebrate the Boho style that
has an earthy feel to it.

I am linking this up to Alter It Monthly and The Boardwalk Bragfest!

Tag Tuesday--2-Sided Tag

For Tag Tuesday, Louise asked us to create a tag that was 2-sided...
but not only that--the design had to go from one side to the reverse. I wanted to create a very glitzy, glimmering tag with lots of layers for display in the art gallery, so this was my opportunity. A gilded cage dripping with glitter seemed the right place to start.


Butterflies on the front of the tag wrap around to the back. Another butterfly extends as if in flight off the side of the tag, as well. The design on the back is very simple, created with a coordinating paper and the “wrap around” images simply create a finished look.


If you would like to try this method, why not join in the fun at Tag Tuesday?

And I've got a question for you. Can anyone tell me how I can make my pictures bigger on my posts? I downloaded them as "large," but they're still not very big. I'd love to know know what the trick is to that, although they may be smaller because I have a 3-column blog.