ARTIST TRADING CARDS

Sharing a couple vintage themed ATCs I did in October. Do you like them? I do like vintage.

JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE

Did this back in August. Guess I'm a bit behind in posting things. Lots of classes I need to post too, but when it comes to doing or posting, I just think the "doing" has to take priority. Hope you all aren't too crazy with Christmas preparations in the west. Here in Ukraine that is all much more relaxed. No big rush of buying expensive "stuff." Remember, take time and breathe deep.

GLITZIN' IT UP

This fun piece was done for a sweet young gal who loves castles. It was fun to do, but long process of applying glitter and letting it dry, one section at a time. I don't usually do things like this, but sometimes the recipient is reason enough. Click on the picture to enlarge so you can see the sparkly detail.

MAKING BRACELETS IN UKRAINE

Not long ago I had the privilege of doing a class for 13 year old Marina's birthday party. Thanks to the Mark and Rhonda Kilsby family of Texas I had Christmas bracelets that told the nativity story. As you can see from the pictures we had all ages get in on it, from little ones to some of the moms.

Even this little guy wanted to make a one, but needed a little help from Papa.

That's me in the green giving instructions (in Russian). We all had a great time. I love doing this with kids. Their joy in creating is my delight.

Altered Bottle

My first attempt at a painted altered bottle. This one shipped to America and made it in one piece.

THE DELIGHT OF CRAFTING

Many of you know that I have a ministry of teaching arts and crafts here in Ukraine. We have been here for 17 years, but I have only done this the past 13 or so years. It started with my sitting in church not fully understanding the Russian language yet, when the light bulb came on one day, I thought I could do crafts with the kids. I never have been good at sitting for long periods so this was perfect. Now I speak the language well enough to instruct them and communicate most of what I need. The shot below is some of the little ones with the proud pieces they will take home. I just love it when they are so happy about what they created. It is my joy to share this with them.

THE SOUND OF BIRDS BY CARLY SIMON

A little piece I did not too long ago. I love doing things with birds. One of God's marvelous creatures. This is a 3x5 inch "Skinny" as they call that size. The buttons are Mother-of-Pearl and the lace is vintage from my collection started back in the 60's. The little journal box says, "The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind" by Carly Simon. This little bird flew overseas.

CAROL OF THE BELLS, TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

Sometimes missionary families are left feeling a bit "out-of-the-loop," in regard to their home culture. I mean, we are in our 18th year of living overseas so despite internet, some things just slip by. Only today I was visiting another blog and she had this musical piece by TSO. It brought back memories of our 2007/08 furlough when we were first introduced to this fab music. We were in a small Texas town going to our hotel room when we came upon this wonderful display of Christmas trees and what looked like something out of Disneyland with lots of figures and light up displays. As we marveled the trees and figures just pulsed in rotation to this wonderful music which we only later found out was TSO. We could have stayed for hours, but alas we had an early morning church visit. So enjoy.