Nostalgia

Just wanted to share with you these lovely bits of long ago. I think they came from my grandmother's home. She's been gone many years now, since I'm a grandmother as well. As a child we had the best holidays at her house which leaves for such fond memories. I only pray that I might create the same fond memories for my grandchildren as well.

If you'd like to see another lovely blog with some beautiful "nostalgia" just click on the title above to go to Faith, Grace and Crafts.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Wow, Life Path Challenge, week 52. It just struck me this morning that this is our last challenge week. I must admit it has had pluses and minuses for me. While I've loved hearing about what you all have done, it sometimes was a bit demanding for me to get this up every single week. Therefore, I"m sorry to say that I will not be continuing it into 2011 as some of you have asked. Nonetheless, my prayer and hope is that this year has presented some questions and thoughts that may have made a difference in your life. Everything we do has impact so it's important to remember we make a difference in our lives to those all around us. Thus, let us get on with our last question of the year:

WHAT ONE THING WILL YOU DO IN 2011 THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND YOU?

It had been my joy to hear from you all. I would love to hear any parting comments or advise for improvement if I ever do this again. You may contact me by a comment here or by my email: coleenfranks@gmail.com

Happy New Year to you all, May 2011 be blessed for you, Coleen

The Gift You've Already Been Given

Simplicity

Simplicity was the prompt word for a new challenge for those who like to do tangles or zentangles. Just click on the title above if you'd like to check it out. This is one I did. Fun to do while watching TV or sitting in a coffee house.

Van Gogh and The Church

Paper Flowers: Poinsettas by June Campbell

2010 Life Path Challenge

Counting down the days to the end of the year now. 2010 is drawing to a close very rapidly. So, given the holiday season, it is a time when we usually focus on those we love so here's your assignment for this week:

It's always nice to share with someone why you love them. Today, I want you to draw a picture, doodle, sketch, of a person who you love, or admire. Then, write that person a letter telling them why they mean so much to you! If you are intimidated at the idea of drawing a portrait of someone, draw objects that represent that person or draw their name in a creative way. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to you all.

Artist Georges Seurat

European Book Art Project Call for Entries

I received the following call from a (professional) bookbinders'/book
artists' list thru another friend. The information may be of
interest to those who live in Europe. (At last! At last! A "serious"
European book arts project!) Full details are available on the
www.abot.mak.at website.

Check it out, Coleen

I would like to let you know that the MAK Vienna, in cooperation with
>the MGLC Ljubljana and the UPM Prague, has recently launched the
>EU-funded project "Artists' Books on Tour - Artist Competition and
>Mobile Museum". In this project we offer artists a platform to share
>their work in the field of artists' books within a unique pan-European
>competition.
>
>The submission period started December 1st, the application deadline is
>May 2nd 2011. Please note that the competition is open to anyone living
>and working in Europe.
>
>We would very much appreciate the announcement and distribution of our
>competition to anybody interested in the topic and eligible for the
>contest.
>
>For further information please visit our website www.abot.mak.at or our
>Facebook page www.facebook.com/artistsbooksontour.
>
>Thank you very much for your support!
>
>Best,
>Katharina Diewald
>Project assistant
>
>____________________________________
>
>ABoT | Artists' Books on Tour
>
>MAK - Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art
>Library and Works on Paper Collection
>Stubenring 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
>abot@mak.at
>www.abot.mak.at
>www.mak.at

Merry Christmas from North Point's iBand

Now this is taking technology to new levels of creativity. I love it.

Merry Christmas from North Point

2010 Life Path Challenge

Gratitude is one of the keys to happiness. It is like a muscle...not used it is weak, but the more we exercise gratitude the stronger it becomes in our lives. And the result is more joy and passion for life, more love for those around us. And those things are infectious creating the kind of people we want to be around. As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another it is often a time of reflection for people. So let's look at that idea this week.

AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, WHAT ARE YOU SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT IT SWELLS YOUR HEART?

Tutorial - Fusing Plastic Bags

This is just a sample of what you can do with fused plastic...my mini-book. The pages themselves are the fused plastic. It's fun, give it a try.

Check This Out for Some Great Crafting

Just click on the title to see some beautiful Christmas crafts.

Ever Wonder About These?

Matroyshka Dolls are all the rage now in a lot of places. Those above are 5 sets that we have that were gifts given to us early in our ministry here in Ukraine. When tourists or short term missionaries come the one thing you can be sure they will buy is a set of these. If you'd like to read a short history on matroyshka dolls just click on the title above and it will take you to "Above the Clouds." Another spot that simply displays a whole lot of different kinds of dolls is this: http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2008/04/matryoshka-madness-russian-nesting.html
Enjoy, Coleen

Christmas Fun, Not Holiday Fun!

Two visitors enjoying my old platform rocker given to me by my sweet long gone mother-in-law. This is a reminder that we are seeing so much issue about Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Let us not forget "The Reason for the Season," that of Jesus Christ who came to earth that we might be saved. All of man's history is dated by his birth as before and after (B.C./A.D.). What else in life has so impacted history?

This picture is a link up for White Wednesday featured on Faded Charm Cottage. You can visit them and see lots of other pretty vintage Christmas pix by clicking on the title above. Merry Christmas all. Coleen

Winter

Winter finally arrived in Ukraine. I'm not complaining mind you. I loved the long drawn out fall weather we had. I still had rose buds near the house in November. This is a tag I did in honor of winter. Hope you like it.

Vintage, Vintage and More Vintage

I know that many of you like to do vintage arts and crafts. I do too, but often I've found that along with that goes a general love for all things vintage. Things that speak to us about the past, about a gentler time and place in our lives and sometimes about actual happenings in our past. So I found a site with a wacky name that I think they suggest that vintage is better than anything. So don't let the name put you off. Just check it out and you'll see some lovely stuff just like the pictures above. And when you get there, if you want to explore further, check out her Etsy shop. The link is on her blog. Just click on the title above to go to her blog. Cheers, Coleen

SO FUN!

TRAVELING ARTIST'S GUILD

I am participating in a year-long art project called the Traveling Artists Guild. One of the projects for this is to do some sort of traveling container. Some used boxes, some bags and most used some sort of suitcase. I happened to have this old, very vintage leather suitcase that I thought would be perfect. Back in October I posted the plain suitcase so you could see what I'm working with. This is what I've done so far and I have one more side to do. Some of the vintage photos are those actually given to me of relatives and ancestors of friends. If you'd like to see more of the artists who are doing this just click on the title to go to the blog where our work and stories will be posted.

2010 Life Path Challenge

MESSAGE FROM THE HEART

PEACE, COURAGE, ABUNDANCE, LAUGHTER, REST, CHOICE, POWER, WISDOM, FORGIVENESS, INTEGRITY, DECISION, FREEDOM, CONFIDENCE, WONDER, BEAUTY, COMPASSION, HUMOR, ACCEPTANCE, CALM, HEALING, COMFORT, UNDERSTANDING, LOVE, BLESSING, HARMONY, PLAYFULNESS, AWAKEN, TENDER-HEARTED, GRACE, HOPE, CARING, HONESTY, TRUST, GOODNESS, CLARITY, FAITHFULNESS, WONDER, LIGHT, FAITH, THANKFUL

Pick a word from above that has meaning to you. My word is _______________.

My initial reaction to my word ______________________

Reflect on your word this week, write or art about how its meaning is part of your life. Enjoy.

Glitzy Double Loop Bow

You gifts will be big hits this Christmas with this technique by Tammy Malone of Not Just Paper and Glue. Find more from Tammy at her place here: http://www.notjustpaperandglue.com/

Stools in the Netherlands

I fell in love with these stools the moment I saw them. I'm sure this is a European thing because I've never seen stools like that in the states, but I have some just like them in my house. Now my imagination is turning on stool ideas, what fun. Just go here: http://bobbeez-8r1id.blogspot.com/ and you can go and see many cute crafts Susan does.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Sometimes life has a way of throwing things out of whack. That is how it has been for me in the last few months with having done a trip in each month of this fall season. Yesterday we returned from a 2600 kilometer (1600 miles) trip to south Ukraine and then onto Moldova to the west and back. Therefore I am late in getting this posted, but the good news is there are no planned trips in December.

THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF MY CHILDHOOD

Now this should bring up some thoughts. Enjoy.

SCRAPPERS TAKE A LOOK

For those of you who like to scrap, this is a blog that you will find colorful and encouraging. Jessica scraps for her family and she is one to share her ideas. There are also some very nice "sketches" for you to try in your layouts. If you visit her site be sure and tell her I sent you. You won't be disappointed. Just click on the title and you'll go right to it. And don't forget to check out her Blogaversary to win a beautiful prize.

Every now and then I write about another blog I've come across. This time I'm writing about one I've reviewed as part of a swap on Swap-bot.com. This lady Helen is a knitter. Now I know that may not sound real exciting to some of you, but she is so funny. And this is the most gorgeous set of mittens she did. I would just like to see more of what she does. Anyway, get your cup of coffee or tea and check her out. I guarantee she'll make you laugh. Just click on the title and it will take you right to the spot. Enjoy.

2010 Life Path Challenge

The above picture is a box I collaged. If you were to do one, I know it would turn out quite differently. We all do things differently so today we have the chance to document that in our own individual way.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOU...WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?

For those of you in the states I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Almost Winter

It is hard to imagine that this is growing in my garden in November. It is close to the house on the south side so I would imagine that those factors help it. We have been blessed by having a very mild fall. Global warming? Well, some call it that, but in an area where we usually have snow by now it does cause one to wonder. Just wanted to share God's beauty with you.

2010 Life Path Challenge

I know you've probably all heard of the idea of the bucket list. If you haven't, it's a list of things you'd do before you kick the bucket. So here's an idea that might incorporate your bucket list.

LIST THREE THINGS YOU'D DO IF YOU WEREN'T SO AFRAID.

The year is quickly drawing to an end. For those who have followed along, you will have a fun book of stories and/or art that will be a great keepsake in the future. By now you are seeing that so be sure and bind it in some way to keep it safe. Enjoy

Zentangle's Betweed

A Message for New Visitors

THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY TO VISIT. I WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU FOLLOWED. IF YOU ARE CRAFTY I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU THAT I HAVE A FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK FILLED WITH ALL KINDS OF TUTORIALS AND INSTRUCTIONS. YOU ARE SURE TO FIND SOMETHING FUN THERE. JUST ENTER vintageterrace2 IN THE SEARCH BOX. YOU CAN FRIEND ME ON FB: COLEEN FRANKS. HOPE YOU COME AGAIN.

Fun Felt Purse

Fronts side with pocket

In October we made a trip from Ukraine to Poland to renew my husband's visa. As Americans we must leave the country to do that. So that means a lot of driving for which I always bring along projects to work on in the car. This is a Christmas present for my younger granddaughter Jordan (age 5). It is all hand done with a necklace as the shoulder strap. Being an absent grand mother I'm learning how to do the grandmother bit from far a way. It is a challenge at times, but I think she'll like it. You can page down a bit to see the one I made for Julia (Julia, age 7).

2010 Life Path Challenge

This is the eleventh month of the year. Isn't it amazing how fast it has gone? Such is life which is why it is so valuable to preserve our thoughts and values as an encouragement for future generations.

We've all heard the story of the genie in a bottle. So today is a time of fantasy.

WHAT WOULD YOU ASK FOR IF A GENIE GRANTED YOU THREE WISHES?

This can cover a whole range of ideas that have to do not just with riches, but maybe with family, with relations, so what is it for you? Time to dream.

For Every Creative Person

The First Thanksgiving « Videos « The Skit Guys

The First Thanksgiving « Videos « The Skit Guys

Grandchildren

Being a long-distance grandmother has it's challenges for staying connected so I came up with this idea to make my two girls cute little felt purses for Christmas. This one is both sides of Julia's purse. She is 7 years old. Each side could be a front and there is a button closure plus each side has a pocket. I used a bead necklace for the shoulder strap. They took a lot of time, but when you are captive in a car for many hours/days it is a good time to do such projects. I could never do it at home with all the demands of life, but it sure was fun. Looking forward to the next trip.

2010 Life Path Challenge

We all have rituals we do everyday, but there is one day a week that we often do things a little differently. What do you do on Sunday that is a ritual you look forward to. You are creating memories for your family whether you do this actively or not so here is an opportunity to document a part of your life that they may remember long after we are gone.

MY FAVORITE SUNDAY RITUAL....

A Littlle Bit of Whimsy

I had fun doing these silly birds for a swap on Swap-bot.com. The interesting part of swapping there is that your creations go all over the world. I sent something to Mexico not long ago and I've also sent creations to Africa, South America, Australia, Canada and various European countries. None to Russia yet, still waiting.

Visual Journal Online Workshop Series - Strathmore Artist Papers

Visual Journal Online Workshop Series - Strathmore Artist Papers Check this out folks as this is a free workshop.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Here it is, the last week of October, the 10th month of the year 2010. It is amazing how quickly life passes. One day we are children in our parent's home and then we are adults with our own children. Then those children become parents and on and on the cycle goes. The question today is a good one to consider in light of how short life is on this planet.

HOW EASY IS IT FOR YOU TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED YOU PAIN?

The lack of forgiveness we carry in our hearts is more damaging to us and those close to us, so whatever it is, I pray you examine it and let it go.

Kindness

I snapped this picture of the coffee my dear husband brought me one morning while I was waiting for him in the car. He happened to mention to the sweet lady at the shop he wanted a coffee for "his wife." Sometimes it's the little things in life that are precious.

TRAVELING ARTIST'S GUILD

As of the first of October I became involved in an art adventure called the "Traveling Artist's Guild." This will go on for one year and we will not only be creating art, but writing a story of our adventure. Anyone can play along, but the core group of 28 artists, myself included, will be posting our stories and work to the Traveling Artist's Guild blog. You may click on the title to visit the blog.

Susan Letham originated this idea. She is from England, but living in Germany now. We have artists involved from all over the world.

I see the creation of my story as an allegory of the Christian life and would so appreciate your prayers for me that I would be sensitive to His leading in the story and art. May all honor and glory go to Him that He be lifted up. http://travellingartistsguild.wordpress.com/

Traveling Artist's Guild

As part of the Traveling Artist's Guild we are to make some sort of traveling box or luggage to put our travel items in. Immediately this old vintage suitcase came to mind. Someone gave it to us almost 17 years ago as we were preparing to move to Ukraine. You can see how the hardware dates it. I wanted you to see it before I started decorating as it will look quite different soon.

2010 Life Path Challenge

As we speed through this life there are things we like and don't like about our lives. The truth is that we are better off to accept how it is and make the most of it. Those who have a habit of doing so are simply happier in life. Nonetheless, today's topic is one to look at and see if there is something we can do to create life as we would like to have it.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If you can't find anything to change, then you are a rare person and blessed beyond measure, for that means you are content. A great virtue to own in this world of turmoil. Thanks for those of you who have written in.

OWLS

I love birds as is demonstrated in the fact that I am doing an altered book in that theme. Now owls are very interesting critters and I know a lot of artsy folks are really into making them. I have been the blessed recipient of two such night creatures. The top one I received in a swap on Swap-bot.com and is called a dottee doll because of it's small size and beaded dangle at the bottom. The bottom one I just received from a friend, Sally Joy, in England. She is one of the most versatile crafty ladies I know. They are both so cute. Thought you'd enjoy seeing them.

Swap-Bot

If you've never heard of Swap-bot.com it is worth check out if you like to do crafts to trade around with folks from all over the world. It has been such a blessing in getting me to stretch in what I do. I've tried so many new fun things. Right now I'm also doing swaps like Kiwi's Blogger Follower Swap, Vintage crafts and Zentangles. So much fun. It gives me new experiences that I can use in my teaching here in Ukraine and that is very valuable to me. Above is an Artist Trading Card (ATC) done for a swap. If you are crafty, check it out.

2010 Life Path Challenge

I looked at my calendar today and saw there are only 11 weeks left of this challenge and the end of the year. Can you believe it? Where has 2010 gone? Life just moves too fast and soon we will be in a new year.

This weeks topic is one we've thought of before so I'm going to change it a bit.

IF YOU HAD TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME BECAUSE OF A NATURAL DISASTER, WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

Ok, so everyone has thought of this to some extent and the obvious one is photographs, oh, and kids are not included. So beyond the kids and photos, what would it be? Those of you who are writing this challenge I really appreciate what you've shared with me. Some great stories. Have fun.

By the way, that is a photo of my almost 88 year old dad in case you were wondering and yes, they did do photos back in 1923. Can you imagine?

Some Local Color

2010 Life Path Challenge

As of my writing this today we have 83 days remaining until Christmas and 59 days until Hanukkah. It is hard for me to believe that we started this challenge almost a year ago and it soon will be over. If you are new here then look at the art in the header. There are also people writing this challenge. No obligations or sign ups, just play along if you'd like and upload your art to the Flickr account by clicking on the header to go to Flickr. So here's what we are writing or creating on this week:

THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS I MOST LOOK FORWARD TO.....

I guess this is a good time of year to consider this idea and why. Where do your traditions come from? Remember, let your heart show in what you create. Someday it may really speak to someone.

Garden

Despite the cold we still have roses in the garden. No freeze yet so the leaves are just barely beginning to turn. It's this time of year when we must relish the fading shades of summer for soon they will be gone. It's this time of year when I pick more of the flowers and bring them inside since I'm not out in the yard as much. My garden work now consists of cutting back many things in preparation for the coming snows that will deeply cover everything. It is so amazing to me how the summer flies.