at last...I had some time to create!

With my crazy schedule, it was nice to be able to spend some time in the studio.  It is my therapy.  A place where I can listen to music, catch up on my shows or just be quiet.  Watch the birds outside the window and laugh at the crazy squirrels that stretch between the bird feeders.   Occasionally, a cow or two will graze by my window, and that makes me smile..

The pictures aren't so great, I took them with my iphone.

I kept them pretty simple in this batch. 

I have some pretty ones in the works for Valentine's Day!

I made these calling cards from old books, receipts, coat check tags, patterns and old music sheets.   I sewed the enveloped, stamped on birds, swirls and flowers.  Using old buttons and tatting for a little extra charm.  I used a very old waxy paper with silver tinning on it to stamp my words.  (I am not sure what this roll of paper is from.  I got it in an old shoe shine kit, maybe someone will know what it was used for).

 It felt really good just to get my hands dirty again.  I am hoping to get back into the studio again this weekend, if it just to sit on the porch and drink a cup of coffee...

I hope everyone has a great, creative week!

xo
Cindy

check out more of my things...

busy day in the studio

vintage-buttons-tatting-and-paper

Happy Friday!

I am as happy as Tess .  

It is finally Friday!

Tess is all play all the time and Red is ready to go to work after a quick swim!  He is already looking for the cattle

Trixie is going back to bed....

I will be back to show you what I have been working on!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

xo

Cindy

the good, the bad

This is a sneak peek of a ranch that belongs to my sweet friends Sam and Shelbie  It was such a treat to visit this old homestead that they lovingly restored.  Everything thing down to bolts and gears. 

They have such pride and respect for this ranch that belonged to his grandfather...

They know the history of every post, nail, tool, book, picture, etc. and

treasured each piece.

This homestead is so full of love for each other, for the history of  the place, respect for the land and pride of  the lineage.  My friends have never met a stranger, they always welcomed people to enjoy the scenery and awesomeness of their home and took time to tell the story of the ranch.

Until last weekend.    See that beautiful lightning rod with the blue glass globe in the above picture?   It has been there since 1907, until it was stolen!  After decades of protecting the grandfather's house from lightning strikes, some idiot decided that they needed it more than they did.   It makes me sick to think of someone blantantly cutting it down for scrap or selling it for cheap.   

My friends are heartbroken.   The police was called, antique dealers have been warned to be on the look out for someone trying to sell it.   The word is out for this scumbag that took it.  I am hoping they are caught soon.

But the really sad part is...the trust is gone.   The pride of displaying their love of the homestead will probably now result in cameras, locking doors, bolting things down, posting no trespassing signs.

This is indeed a sad sign of the times...

A New Year...thank goodness!

 First of all...HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope everyone's year is full of LOVE, LAUGHTER, JOY and many BLESSINGS!


I have been reading my friends blogs about the New Year.  Their  resolutions, changes and words they want to incorporate into their lives.   I have been inspired by them all.   It got me to thinking of a word that I want to have for this coming year.    I love Amy's word Begin at Four Corners Design, Kristin's word BE at Faded Prairie and  Z's word is GIVE at Old Grey Mare   These are just a few blogs that have wonderful words to ponder.

This past year has had many ups and downs.   I have been on top of the world and down in the deepest cave of emotions.    I had my heart soar with anticipation and love and broken with doubts and meanness...

 I had to stand alone with my own thoughts and listen to what my own heart had to tell me...

thence..the back of my business card...

one of our mama cows in the early morning light..

An abandoned truck in Taos NM

I lost one of my very best friends this past year, but she will remain in my

heart forever....

But with all that stuff that life can sling on you and knock the wind out of you, I had much joy and so much laughter that my side hurt and had coke shoot out my nose from laughing so hard.

This past spring, I moved into my new art studio!   It is smack dab in the middle of 30 acres with trees, a creek and pastures.I could stay out there 24/7 if I could.   I feel so creative and inspired just walking thru the doors.

A card I made for inspiration

I did my first art show this past October.  It was such a blast.  I was  very successful in selling my necklaces and got orders for more.   But the most fun was meeting all the dealers and customers.   I must say that people who enjoy, collect and admire art and antiques are the best people in the world!

 So, with 2011 in the past and all it's ups and downs...

 New life begins...

New friends are made...



My nephew, Sam, me and his girlfriend..Amanda (she is a keeper!)

  Old friends will always be by your side to make you smile, laugh and to warm your heart..

Tess and me

And new friends are always waiting in the wing..

black birds on the wire on the county road

My word for the coming year is GRACE:

GRACE to except challenges, GRACE to forgive and forget, GRACE  for all the blessings that I have been given.  

Our cattle huddled in the snow..


And GRACE for the coming year full of beautiful sunrises and sunsets

GRACE as a way of life...

Here's to a New Year full of GRACE for all my friends and family whom I love so very much!

I am looking forward to our new year together!  It will be inspirational, creative and fun!

xo~Cindy