Friday 19 November 2010

Christmas is just around the corner.... so I'm told

Hi everyone, thanks for dropping by. 

I really appreciate all the lovely comments you are making and the fact that you take time out of your day to come visit me. So big hugs and kisses to you all...

Each year I paint and then donate Christmas ornaments for my son's special needs school to sell at their annual Christmas concert. All of the money raised goes directly to the school so I am happy to be a part of it. 

My son has been going to this school for about 7 years and this is his final year. Yes that is going to be another significant day for us when he finishes there. They are a wonderful school and have made such a huge difference in our lives and I am deeply grateful for their existence.


 Each year I have families who collect the ornaments so i have to come up with different designs each time. 
Here is the start of the process. I had them all base-coated and ready to go. Then I line them up, usually on my ironing board and paint all the one colour at the same time so by the end they are all finished at around the same time.

As I am not proficient at designing my own and knowing that there are Queens of Christmas out there, I borrow ideas and designs, with their permission of course, and paint those.

These cute little elves are designs from the lovely Kerryanne









These ones are from Jamie Mills Price



 I love Jamie's designs and have painted many of them over the years. I was also lucky enough to paint with her when she came to Melbourne a couple of years ago. A lovely lady and so generous with sharing her painting secrets.




 I used a stamp for the background which was stars and dots and looks a bit like snowflakes.



These are the puddings and cupcakes that I will be teaching at our True Blue Christmas workshop on Sunday.





 I used Jo Sonja paints and painted on some Opal Dust to make them sparkle

And here they are lined up on my ironing board all ready for some varnish all 52 of them.


I also dabbled in a bit of card making yesterday. 
A friend of mine is getting married on the weekend and I made her a card to give her with a couple of little gifts. I found a couple of videos on you tube as inspiration like Natalie's.

I used my Big Shot and the Spellbinders Die Template called Flying Beauties to emboss and cut out butterflies. I distressed them with Imprez ink in Fawn and Jo Sonja Rich Gold paint. I used this paint on the ribbon to get the matching colour and also rubbed it around the edge of the card face.






I embossed and cut the tag from the Spellbinders Nestabilities set which I stamped and distressed with the same ink and paint. I stuck pearls on the body of the butterflies as well. The heart paper on the left hand side is printed vellum. Inside I printed what I wanted to say in matching ink colour on vellum. I really like card making and think I will do more of it in the future.

Well today I have a lot of scrapbooking to do on my sons album and will be going to a scrap night at Scrapper's Warehouse so I can hopefully get it nearly finished by his party. I have my fingers crossed.

Today I offer you a Buddhist saying
"Live in the present and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering"

I hope you all have a great weekend and remember to find beauty in the present moment no matter where you are or what you are doing. Here it is supposed to be sunny and around 29 Deg so I'm looking forward to getting out in the garden and enjoying the sunshine..... ahhh come on Summer.

Namaste

Lee

9 comments:

itsaworkof Art said...

Hello Lee, nice to 'meet' you. Thank you for visiting my blog;)
Your son is blessed to have a mummy like you!
your doodling art are just amaaaazing!! love it!
and love all the 'quotes' that you shared too!

Peace n Luv
July;)

Carin said...

Love that quote- I had never heard it before, but think it's a new favourite!

How wonderful you make so many ornaments for your son's school. They turned out beautiful too. And the wedding card is gorgeous- very elegant!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Lee,
Oh wow, you have been a busy lady.
Those decorations you painted are marvelous, how very generous of you to paint and donate them all to your son's school!

The wedding card is gorgeously pretty and soo creative!

Great saying!
Enjoy our weather this weekend,
Hugs,
Anna
PS: I love the snow flake background on the ornaments.
I must get me one of them. lol

Serena Lewis said...

Hi Lee,

WOW...you've been quite busy! The ornaments are GORGEOUS!!! How lovely that families collect them each year. Your friend is sure to love that beautiful card too...all the more special because you made it.

Enjoy your week,
Serena :)

Janet said...

Your ornaments are all so beautiful. I'm not surprised that people collect them. And the card you made is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Cindy Belseth said...

Hi Lee!
I love your ornaments, they are delightful! (my favourite is the "HO HO HO" heart - lovely!) :)
Also, the butterflies on your card are amazing! The pearls for the bodies are such a great idea, perfect touch of class and elegance :)
Great job!
*hugs!*
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Yes! Find beauty in the present moment! I agree! It really is so nice to see artful creations being made..and to give back like that! good for you! and that card is stunningly pretty! Who would not be happy receiving something like that!

ciao bella!

creative carmelina

Tyggereye said...

All those ornaments wow! You made so many and they are so pretty. That card is so classic and gorgeous. Really pretty. Have a great rest of the weekend!!

CreativeMish said...

Your ornaments are amazing! What cute little elves and for such a great cause!

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