Life can now be back to normal

Today my baby left to go home to Oklahoma.  I am already missing her.  We had a lovely time and I thoroughly enjoyed every second spent with her and the rest of the family.  As with all mini-vacations, you try to pack more into it than you have time for, so we were all getting really tired last night.

She just called to tell me that she had arrived, safe and sound, so I don't have to worry about her, but I still will.  She is my baby.  I'll always worry about her.

What was really nice was a trip to the local outlet mall here in Austin.  My sister, my oldest daughter, my youngest daughter and me all piled into the car and went shopping early in the morning.  For the longest time, we were about the only people there.  We really had fun.  I love seeing my girls together and getting along.  There was a time when I despaired of ever seeing such a thing.

Here are some pictures of a particularly funny moment during that day:

Here is my sister doing her "mind melding" with my daughters, and them playing the "mind meld" back. 

 Here's an idea for some last minute gifts to give to teachers and other service people you interact with regularly.  Gifts don't need to be costly and the best gifts are those that you put some time into.  This article below shows you an easy craft to make that will be very appreciated by any recipient. 
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By Gayla Trail

HERBAL BATH TEA

What You Need:

# Cotton muslin or pre-made resealable tea bags (large size).
# Ribbon or string
# An assortment of herbs and essential oils (optional)
# Optional -- rolled oats, epsom salts, sea salt.
# Cellophane bags, cellophane roll, other packaging.

This is such a simple but satisfying gift to make. I have been making them for years and always receive compliments and requests. I often give three of them in conjunction with other bath/spa products (also homemade), or give one or two with other gifts. I make lots because everyone likes them and I can fire off a large batch in one night. As an additional savings use herbs grown in your garden. I use my own home-grown sage, basil, rosemary, mint, calendula and lavender (flowers and leaves).

To make the bags you will first require some cotton muslin. Other cotton fabrics can be used but I prefer this kind the most because it is dirt cheap ($2.00 and change for a yard or cheaper if you buy scraps from the ends bin), unbleached, and has an open weave while remaining sturdy and rigid. In the past I have purchased ribbon (I'll explain its use later), but this year I found some nice seam binding tape in earth tones for a very good price (29 cents a yard). If you don't want to sew you can purchase special large-sized, sealable tea bags made especially for this purpose. They are relatively cheap to buy and can be sealed with an iron. However, I guarantee you that even the most inexperienced sewer can make this. Keep in mind that it is going to be used a few times and thrown out. Precision is not necessary. No one will be grading you on your ability to achieve a perfect square because the bag will be wet and soggy before the recipient has a chance to inspect the merchandise.

1. Start by cutting the fabric into squares. Any size is fine but I usually cut mine into 6" squares because that is the thickness of my ruler and it's faster.

2. Cut a 12" length of ribbon or string. Butcher cord or just about any strong string you have on hand can be used. This will be used to hang the bag over the faucet so it must be strong enough to bear the weight of a bag of wet bag of herbs.

3. Lay out a piece of fabric. Lay the string/ribbon on top in a u-shape with the U formed inside the square. The object is to sew the ribbon inside the bag so that when you turn the bag inside out, you can hold the ribbon like a handle. Place the other piece of fabric on top and secure with a few pins.

4. Sew around the square, being sure to leave a small opening to pour the herbs through. Turn your bag inside out through the hole, push out the corner and iron flat.

5. To fill the bag, take a piece of scrap paper and form a cone with it. Insert this into the hole and use it as a funnel through which to pour your herb mix.

6. Sew the seam shut with matching thread.

7. Herb bags can be packaged in cellophane to retain freshness and the potency of the smell longer. Or you can give as is. Be sure to include the ingredients and instructions for use (Hang over faucet when filling tub. Hang to dry and reuse up to 3 times) with each one.


Herbal MixesHerb Mix Recipes:

Every year my recipes are different but they are always based on what I think are the three things people want out of a bath; to heal, to revitalize or to relax. As a result I mix my herbs accordingly. I always add a few extra ingredients aside from herbs to each bag. I add rolled oats (coarsely ground in the blender first) for moisturizing and soothing, epsom salts for muscle relaxation and celtic sea salt (as opposed to table salt) for its healing properties. Powdered milk or citrus peel can also be added. I have listed this year's recipes below and a listing of other potential ingredients at the side.

Please Note: When using herbs be sure your recipient doesn't have an allergy. Chamomile for instance is a common allergen to those with ragweed sensitivities. Also note that some herbs should not be given to pregnant women. Although you will not be drinking this 'tea', your skin is a semi-permeable membrane and anything that comes into contact with the skin will have an effect.

Soothing: Calendula petals, eucalyptus leaves, lemon balm, rolled oats, espsom salts, celtic sea salt.

Relaxing: Rose petals, lavender leaves, white sage, rolled oats, epsom salts, celtic sea salt.

Stimulating: Mint leaves, lemon grass, rolled oats, epsom salts, celtic sea salts, a dash of lemon grass and mint essential oils.


You can go here for the original article and see if you can find other things to make!

Make your own Christmas Cards

Image by Salon de Maria via Flickr

I used to always make my own cards for special occasions.  My grandsons have quite a collection that they proudly display in their rooms going back to when they were very small.  I've made cards for my family for years.  This year I was thinking about making my own Christmas cards to give to my friends, since I don't usually give gifts to anyone except the boys.

I really enjoy making cards.  It is very relaxing to do and opens up your creativity.  I usually find myself looking at the calendar for the next big occasion while I am working on cards for the present occasion.

Below is directions for creating a lovely Christmas card.  Try it out, you might find that you love making cards.  Beware, though.  You may find yourself addicted!


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Joy Greeting Cards

Craft Project - Joy Greeting Cards

By Linda Peterson

Materials
AMACO® Craft Porcelain Modeling Material
AMACO® Rub ‘n Buff® — Gold Leaf
Loew-Cornell Water Color Crayons
Black Card Stock
Grey Paper
Decorative Papers in Colors of Choice
#2 Rounded Tip Clay Shaper
Fiskars Paper Edgers — Deckle Paper
Glue of Choice.
Helpful Hint: Keep a small bowl of water and paper towels handy. Wrap craft projects in wet paper towel to keep it from drying out.
Step 1
Letters are created by rolling a ball of clay into a log and shaping it into the desired letter. When dry to the touch, apply Rub ‘n Buff®. Note: The size of the ball determines the size of the letter.
Step 2
Holly berries: Roll 3 small balls.
Step 3
Leaves: Roll a ¼” ball into a teardrop and flatten. Feather edges of leaves until they are thin. Draw in veins with clay shaper.
Step 4
Place three leaves together. Paint green with watercolor crayons. Paint berries red and apply over top of leaves.
Step 5
Cut Black Cardstock:
# 6″ x 12″ (fold in half)
# 3″ x 3″
# 2¾” x 2¾” (cut edges with deckle scissors)
# 1½” x 5½” strip
Step 6
Cut Grey paper:
# 2⅞;” x 2⅞”
# ½” x 5½”
Step 7
Layer the paper using the picture as a guide. Add mullbery paper to top of square. Glue on holly embellishment and letters. Highlight edges of paper with Rub ‘n Buff®
Step 8
Add interest by varying the size of the card such as in the second sample. Embellish the letters with holly leaves or other flowers of choice.

Art Dolls 101

Our new member in the spotlight this morning is Anna Zueva,a professional doll artist who lives in Perm city, Russia. Anna's dolls are so enchanting and whimsical, with such delightful characters, that I know you'll want to see more then the peek you'll get here. So for more of her art dolls; visit her Etsy shop, her blog, or her amazing website! Welcome to the ADO team Anna!



As I mentioned before, I have become fascinated by the world of Art Dolls.  I am amazed at the myriad forms these dolls take.  The methods, the styles, the subject matter of these works of art never ceases to impress me.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Art Dolls, I really would suggest that you visit Much ADO about Art Dolls  and familiarize yourself with all the artists and their styles.  I am getting to where I can identify the artist just by looking at the dolls, so I know I am getting better in my knowledge of this community.

There is another site you could visit to see the works of various artists as they apply to holidays.  This site, American Holiday Artists, showcases dolls that were designed with different holidays in mind.

I frequently visit art doll blogs, so I encourage you to check out the other sites listed in the blogrolls on these sites.  Over time, I have developed favorites--some of them I have showcased here before.  I wish I had the money help support these wonderful artists, not to mention collecting a wonderful assortment of beautiful art dolls.

More about Christmas

Image via Wikipedia

I have never been a Christmas person.  As a matter of fact, Christmas has always been my least favorite holidays.  I don't like getting surprise gifts and I hate shopping.  I used to be able to enjoy the season when my girls were small by decorating and holiday crafting, but not so much anymore.

One year I made each girl a handmade stocking and decorated each one with beads and sequins and hand-made appliques made out of felt.  I really enjoyed the work, but now I don't even think they know where those stockings are.

Another thing I used to do was make bread-dough tree ornaments.  I would start making them in October and have enough to hang on the tree for Christmas.  The girls loved to "help" when they were small , but by the teenage years that too went by the side of the road.

So, here I am now, middle-aged and facing Christmas.  My grandsons are teenagers so they are not into crafting or decorating.  All they want is money or games; maybe even clothes--if they are cool.  Christmas is just another day.  Usually, I choose to work that day and let those with families take the day off. This year, I think that will be what I will be doing also.

I have begun thinking about shopping for gifts, however, which is very unusual for me.  With the advent of online shopping, I find the task not quite as bad.  I don't mind buying gifts, but I love that they wrap and deliver to the receiver.  No mess, no worry.  The only thing to remember is to shop early enough that the gifts arrive in time.

Anyone else with a similar story?  I'd love to hear some of your stories about Christmas past, present, and future.

Here are the thoughts I am having about gifts this year:

For my sister who is always getting lost--a GPS navigator to use in the car.
For my youngest grandson who loves to play games and be online--a netbook computer of his own.
For the oldest grandson who is a real gamer--a Wii gaming system
For both my daughters, each a veteran reader and traveler--a Kindle Reader
For myself, who works online and loves to watch my grandsons--a camcorder

Wow, that was so easy.  Now all I have to do is find the money and get busy ordering!! This is the way to have Christmas!

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