EDIE MARIE'S ATTIC

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

Romantic candlelight...

sweets for the sweet...

calorie free cake...

and a table fit for the Queen of Hearts...

is all you need to make the heart

merry and light.

Take time to make someone feel

special...

tell someone you love them

on Valentines Day...

whether it's your partner, family,

friends or someone that looks

like they need a smile or a hug.

It will make you feel

so wonderful!

Happy Valentines Day

my sweet friends!!

Sending big hugs your way.

Til next time...

Birthdays Are Just A Number!

2012-02-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

You know age is just a number...

and I'm happy just to be.

I don't think I'll count them

anymore!

Instead I'll count my blessings today -

My Faith...

My Family...

My Dear Friends and Loved Ones...

My Talents...

AND YOUR LOVE!

I HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL
BLOGGING FRIENDS AMONG
YOU...
OFTEN TIMES YOU HEAR ME SAY
"YOU ARE THE BEST"
BECAUSE YOU ARE!!

I'M THANKING GOD FOR ALL
THAT HE HAS BLESSED ME WITH
TODAY ON MY BIRTHDAY!

TIL NEXT TIME...

A MESSAGE FROM ST. BASIL THE GREAT

2012-02-01T10:15:00.003-05:00

I received a call from the Kidney Foundation

yesterday asking if we had anything to donate

next week since their truck would be in

our neighborhood.

I replied "Yes, I have a box of things to donate and

will have them out at the door on the designated day."

Last month I received the same call and I said "No,

I don't believe I have anything for you."

The disappointed voice on the other end said

"Even if it's only one item, a pair of shoes, a

sweater, a kitchen item, a stack of magazines

you no longer want and are throwing away, we'll

take them!"

It made me rethink my answer...

was saying "No." a lazy response on my part?

So I changed my mind.

I agreed I must have "something" for them.

To my surprise I had 2 boxes of items and 2 trash bags

of clothing! I was amazed what I could come up

with to donate to them! I've always been fond of

that charity having kidney issues when I was a wee

one. A good friend and co-worker of many years

died of kidney disease. One of my "adopted" daughters,

received a kidney transplant that saved her life.

Plus others that have called

on the Kidney Foundation for help. They are

very willing to help in anyway they can.

Well, I was cleaning up the desk drawer

(okay it wasn't quite this bad)

and ran across a newspaper or magazine article that

my dear friend Cindy sent me.

It was an article written by Sister Mary Thill

called "Spiritually Speaking".

Her topic was

"How to respond in these trying times"

In the article she quotes St Basil the Great,

The bread you do not use is the bread of

the poor.

The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of

(someone) who is naked.

The shoes you do not wear are the

shoes of one who is barefoot.

The money you keep locked away is the

money of the poor.

The acts of charity you do not perform

are so many injustices you commit.

It reminds me of the words of our Savior,

Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:31-40

When the Son of Man comes in his glory,

and all the angels with him, he will sit

on his throne in heavenly glory.

All the nations will be gathered before him,

and he will separate the people one from

another as a shepherd separates the sheep

from the goats. He will put the sheep on his

right and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right,

'Come, you who are blessed by my Father:

take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared

for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me

something to eat,

I was thirsty and you gave me

something to drink,

I was a stranger and

you invited me in,

I needed clothes and

you clothed me,

I was sick and

you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Then the righteous will answer him,

'Lord, when did we see you hungry and

feed you, or thirsty and give you something

to drink? When did we see you a stranger

and invite you in, or needing clothes and

clothe you? When did we see you sick or

in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply,

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for

one of the least of these brothers of mine,

you did for me.'

Of course scripture goes on to tell what happens to those

that have not helped others in some way.

I'm trying to stay positive here... so you get the gist I'm sure.

These are very hard times for most of us.

We have to be very careful with our funds and with our

trust in others. But we can give a bit of what we are NOT

using, even if it's a can of soup.

It's something!

It's something to the person that will receive it!

It's means a great deal to our Lord!

PLEASE don't think this post is a guilt trip!

This post is just as much for ME as anyone.

When times get hard it's hard for me to feel

benevolent. But I'm changing thanks to that

darling lady that called me last month from

the National Kidney Foundation.

I love you dear friends!

May the Lord bless you and keep you

til we meet again...

Mirror, Mirror in my hand...

2012-01-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

You know that magnified side of the mirror on

your standard "from the drugstore" 2 sided

mirror that makes you look like a monster?

Or makes you appear larger than you

actually are??

I removed that clear sticker that told

the purchaser that the side was

magnified... MISTAKE!

Every time I picked it up I was

looking at the back of my hair and

scaring myself LOL... so...

I used this fabulous sticker image of the

Eiffel Tower to mark that magnified

side of the mirror!

I already had the sticker in my

stash of travel stickers so

this quick project

cost ZERO $$s!!

AND it's beautiful too!

Til next time...

Saving with Sara: Coupon Basics

2012-01-18T03:01:00.001-05:00

PLEASE take time to go to Sara's site to read her

tips on saving with coupons on you groceries.

She made me understand so much about using coupons

that I DID NOT KNOW!!

I am amazed at how much you really can

save at the grocery store.

Once you go to her site and read and finally

"get it" like I did you will be so excited about

what you can do to save $$$$!

My dear friend Cindy goes to church with

Sara and the savings she talks about is REAL!

Saving with Sara: Coupon Basics: Coupon Basics–

If You Just Don’t Get It – Read This!

This is something that I find people asking about all the time.

I had got this in a ...

Read it and read it again... I did and I'm amazed

at what you can save. Sara has some great links on

her site for you to get coupons too.

Did you know you can buy coupons on EBAY??

I didn't!

Have fun saving!!

Blessings and hugs to all of you,

Sherry

LAMPSHADES GET A NEW LEASE ON LIFE! AND PRAYER NEEDED!

2012-01-13T19:10:00.000-05:00

My lamp shades were looking a bit dingy and

dated as the holiday season approached but

new lampshades were NOT in the holiday budget!

They're sizable and not available on a shelf in

the nearest Target or Lowe's. Which means going

to a lamp shop where I found prices starting at

$150 per shade (she said making a choking sound).

So I resorted to a fast and ~~cheap~~ inexpensive

trick I've used in the past to give new life to old

lampshades.

I went to the dollar store and purchased 4 or 5 rolls

of white tulle on the spool (hey that rhymes) from

their little wedding department, pulled out my

wide ribbons and my vintage brooch collection.

I tied the end of the tulle to one of the crossbars at the top and

started winding and gathering the tulle a bit as I went, making

sure I overlapped the edges of the tulle with each vertical trip around

the shade.

I had a wide cream satin ribbon and a slightly narrower

dark brown satin ribbon in my stash that I layered and

brought around the shade and pinned with a very

sparkly blingy vintage brooch.

The result was quite lovely and received several

compliments over the holidays.

So if you need a quick fix for your shades try

my dollar store makeover... you'll be surprised at

the years it takes off of them and the money it

leaves in your pocket!!(for other spending LOL)

Love and blessings to all of you my friends!

Sherry

1-14-12
ATTENTION! PRAYER NEEDED
URGENTLY!
Please PRAY for Stan Butler @
According to the Book and his wife.
Stan's wife is recovering from a surgery on a left frontal
brain mass that is a cancer called Glioblatoma.
Please pray for healing, comfort. strength and courage
for Stan & his wife during this time.
Stan has a wonderful inspirational blog.

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

2012-01-02T10:38:00.021-05:00

HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR

HOLIDAY SEASON...

WE SURE DID!

JUST WANTED TO SHARE SOME HOLIDAY

DECOR SHOTS BEFORE THEY GET

PACKED AWAY TIL NEXT CHRISTMAS...

MY GRANDMA MEME'S ALUMINUM TREE

BRING ON THE BLING!

CHRISTMAS CARD SLEIGH I MADE WITH MY UNCLE

WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10 YRS OLD...

I USE IT EVERY CHRISTMAS!

A FAVORITE HALLMARK ORNAMENT -

YES... I STILL BELIEVE

MY MOM'S LARGE NATIVITY MADE BY MY SISTER NANCY AND ME -

MY BROTHER LARRY MADE THE STABLE FOR IT

DOLL ORNAMENT FROM MY MOM

EIFFEL TOWER FROM MARIE

AND MY HOWDY DOODY

A NEW SWAN ORNAMENT FROM CHRIS & MATT

IN MEMORY OF OUR SWANS, HENRY & MINNIE

A VIOLIN IN MEMORY OF MY SWEET DAD -

ALWAYS REMEMBERING THE MUSIC HE MADE

MY MOM'S LITTLE ELVES... SHE DISPLAYED THEM

EVERY CHRISTMAS

LOVE THESE CONES...

LET'S MAKE SOME THIS YEAR!

THIS CANDLE A GIFT FROM OUR NEPHEW'S

MOM'S HOME WHO RECENTLY HAD TO MOVE TO

A NURSING HOME.

CHRISTMAS EVE

*******

WE WERE INVITED TO OUR SON RUSSELL'S

HOME FOR THE EVENING.

WE DINED ON ROAST DUCK, A FABULOUS

PASTA DISH AND A GREAT BROCCOLI SAUTE.

OUR DESSERT WAS FIGS & DATES - DELICIOUS!

WE MADE MOST OF OUR GIFTS THIS YEAR.

THE SWEETIE GIRLS LOVED THE JENNIE LIND

TOY BOX THAT WES REFURBISHED AND I DID

DECORATIVE PAINTINGS OF "TOTORO",

A FAVORITE CARTOON OF THEIRS.

HERE'S A BETTER LOOK AT IT.

THE FRONT SHOWS TOTORO SITTING ON

A BRANCH WHILE TWO SISTERS FISH

IN THE RIVER.

THE TOP IS THE "CAT BUS" FROM TOTORO.

I THINK HE'S SOOO FUNNY!!

RUSS & JEN THOUGHT MY PAINTINGS WERE

FABULOUS. I WAS SO HAPPY!

I MADE PRINCESS PILLOW CASES FOR

THE GIRLS BED PILLOWS.

RUSS IS SHOWING YOU THE BEGINNING

OF A SCRAPBOOK I CREATED FOR HIM

THAT GOES FROM HIS BIRTH TO HIS

FIRST BIRTHDAY.

I MADE A PILLOW FOR JEN BY TRANSFERRING

A PHOTO SHE HAD TAKEN OF

THE EIFFEL TOWER TO FABRIC.

(I'LL DO A FUTURE POST ON THE PHOTO TRANSFER

METHOD TO FABRIC. I LOVED DOING IT!)

CHRISTMAS DAY

********

LOOKS LIKE SANTA HAD ARRIVED

AT OUR HOUSE!

CHRIS & MATT CAME OVER TO SPEND THE

DAY WITH US.

MATT SEEMED TO ENJOY THE SCRAPBOOK I

MADE THAT INCLUDED PICTURES FROM

HIS BIRTH TO THREE YEARS OLD.

WE MADE A FAUX TWINKLING FIREPLACE

FOR CHRIS TO USE IN HER CABIN ROOM/CRAFT

STUDIO. WE SAW ONE IN A GIFT SHOP THAT WAS

NOT FOR SALE THAT SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH.

WES & I PUT ON OUR MCGUYVER HATS AND

CAME UP WITH OUR VERSION!

ONE OF MY GIFTS WAS A SIZZIX MACHINE

TO USE TO MAKE IMPRESSIONS ON PAPER

FOR CARDMAKING & SCRAPBOOKING.

I CALL IT MY "PRESSER MACHINE"!

THANKS CHRISSY!

A TOTAL SURPRISE GIFT FROM WES.

I SAW THIS BUTTER DISH IN AN ANTIQUE

SHOP WHEN VISITING MARIE DOWN

SOUTH. WHEN I WENT BACK TO PURCHASE

IT THE SALES LADY SAID SOMEONE HAD

COME IN TO BUY IT... I WAS SO BUMMED.

WELL THAT SOMEONE WAS CHRISSY AND

SHE BOUGHT FOR WES TO GIVE TO ME!!

HOW SWEET!

WE ALL HAD SUCH A GRAND WEEKEND!

THANK YOU TO BOTH OUR SONS AND THEIR

FAMILIES FOR MAKING IT SO PERFECT!

THAT'S RIGHT...

WE'RE ALL DOG TIRED AFTER

ALL THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

BUT WHAT SWEET MEMORIES TO CARRY

US THROUGH TIL NEXT CHRISTMAS.

BLESSINGS TO YOU AND

YOURS IN 2012 MY FRIENDS!

(NOW TO PACK ALL THIS STUFF UP!)

GIIVEAWAY PRIZE THANK YOUS!

2011-12-29T06:09:00.019-05:00

I couldn't believe I won not one but TWO Giveaways

during the holidays!!

*****

The first was a fabulous giveaway from

Karen @ Karen's Korner.

I received this photo box (which I can sure use)

filled with goodies!

I was shocked to see so many intriguing little packages

starting with this beautiful card...

with sweet holiday wishes.

The shimmering navy blue necklace & earring set

lured me in like a fish to a spinning shiny fish lure on a hook...

a luscious navy & white Paris scarf to go with the

navy necklace set, how chic!

Such delightful goodies... the cutest

little snowman candles...

a sparkling red church ornament along with

a glass angel, a set of magnets that will grace my

message board all winter ...

and a wonderful book for winter reading,

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck.

THANK YOU KAREN FOR THE WONDERFUL

GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS JOY!!
I can't tell you what happiness you gave me!

I love visiting Karen's blog. She's a sweet loving

person I'm so blessed to call "friend".

Take time to stop by and say "Hi" to her.

***********************

I also won an incredible prize from

Elaine @ Cafe Chatelaine.

I received an exciting package in the mail
that contained a copy of Victoria's Holiday Bliss,
such a lovely publication to leaf through and dream...

and two sets of Mini LED battery operated Christmas Lights.

I decided to use them on my buffet to illuminate some very

sentimental treasures.

It was a gorgeous success!
The lights have a steady and a phasing or fading setting.
They even have a timer setting to turn them off after several
hours. The batteries are still going strong in them after LOTS
of use over the holiday weekend.

I had seen a picture of flowers and greenery stuffed into

a vintage silver ice bucket and I knew at once it was

an idea I had to use.

I have the ice bucket that belonged to my first

husband that passed at a young age. It was one

of his treasures, he hadn't time to collect but a

few treasured items in his short life.

I stuffed it full of white roses and hydrangeas

that I already had and my hubby Wes stuck in

a tree topper that had belonged to my Mother

for a bit of sparkle.

I also used the Santa Bulb that I found at

my Uncle's home after he & my Aunt had

passed...

The lights looked perfect around the greenery

at the base of him.

Here's a good look at the bulb...

and it's base. He still lights but I chose not

to tempt fate and do not light him for preservation purposes.

So the mini LED lights were a perfect alternative!

I also included one of our favorite treasures, a Santa decanter

made by Wes' brother that passed on Christmas Day.

The decanter is a favorite of ours and sits out all year.

A favorite snowman and a sparkly Christmas

greeting of NOEL and my lite display

comes to life!

THANK YOU ELAINE FOR MAKING MY CHRISTMAS

BRIGHTER AND SWEETER!

Please stop by to visit Elaine's blog.

She's one of my favorite stops when visiting...

she shares so much beauty, creativity and warmth!

It's so nice to get to know such a sweet lady.

*****

I was truly blessed to win two giveaways!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

*****

HAPPY NEW YEAR
MY FRIENDS!

Blessings to all of you!

Until next time...

Sherry

This is Christmas!

2011-12-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

The Sweetie Girls visited Santa and

had such a wonderful time...

and Santa was laughing in his jolly old

way hearing the burst of laughter from

our youngest Sweetie Girl!!

What a sweet part of Christmas this is!

Blessings to you and yours during this Holy Season

rejoicing the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sherry

I'M STILL HERE!!

2011-12-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

Hi my sweet friends!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm

still here! My computer had to go to

the Computer Hospital for some serious

surgery and has now made a complete

recovery!! It was brought home last

night by the Surgeon, my son Russ.

Thank you Russ for performing yet

another miracle on our beloved computer.

This is just a quick post to let you all

know that I haven't left the Land of Blog!

Will post more about Christmas later...

enjoy your tree trimming, cookie baking,

shopping and wrapping in the meantime.

Don't forget to stop rest and breathe!

Love and blessings to you all...

Sherry

Give Thanks!

2011-11-21T19:44:00.000-05:00

Pause and Give Thanks

Wherever you find yourself today,

Whether filled with joy or wrapped in pain,

Remember to pause a moment and give thanks

For no other event in our history and time,

Can change our lives like the birth of Christ – so divine.

His love never failing, and His Presence always near

The greatest wonder in Heaven on Christmas did appear.

God’s gift full of grace that brings life, love, and hope,

Can be unwrapped by us all - changing life’s scope.

For when we invite His life into our hearts,

No love is greater than that He imparts.

So wherever you find yourself today,

Remember to pause and give thanks,

For He is the Truth and the Way!

The Lord bless you and keep you...

Sherry

A Funky Junk Interiors Giveaway!

2011-11-17T07:05:00.000-05:00

Donna at Funky Junk Interiors is having

a fabulous giveaway!

Donna is giving a $60 shopping spree away

to Katie's Rose Cottage Designs!!

Please don't enter... I mean... hop on

over to Donna's post and enter.

You'll have to go to Katie's shop and tell

Donna what you'd purchase if you win.

Believe me I had NO problem doing

a virtual shopping trip in Katie's shop!

I often go to her shop and drool.

But if you don't have time to enter...

well... I'll have a better chance to win!

Just sayin'.

( You know I'm kidding.)

Til next time...

Sherry

Where is Fall Taking You?

2011-11-07T08:10:00.001-05:00

To a place of reflection ...

a bridge you finally have the courage to cross...

running towards something you've been

avoiding...

taking time to soak in the beauty of God's creations...

making your ideas come to fruition...

trying to memorize the colors of

the short-lived fall leaves again this year...

planning your next "flight" ...

finding what's in the mist...

trying to learn something new that

you've always dreamed of all you life ...

or getting out on the floor and showing them

what you've already got...

watching a sunrise or sunset and feeling the

joy it possesses ...

looking out your window and

seeing something that takes your breath away...

walking along a quiet river and counting your blessings...

dabbling in the arts...

REALLY dabbling in the arts ...

enjoying the romance of life...

watching others fine talents...

sitting under a tree and watching the leaves fall

around you...

or putting your house in order??

Just remember...

home is where your heart is.

And there's no place like home!

Just follow your path to that place of love & warmth.

HAVE A GRAND FALL

MY SWEET FRIENDS!

BLESSINGS -

TIL NEXT TIME...

The Sweetie Girls Room

2011-10-31T08:45:00.001-04:00

There's a room at our house just

for Sweetie Girls

and other guests of course...

oh my, looks like it's

"occupied" today.

Vintage photos greet you.

They were a gift from my Mother

years ago and resemble my

two boys as babies.

Sweetie Girl hats are ready

for a special outing.

My childhood dress... I remember wearing it

and thinking it was the prettiest dress

I had ever seen.

My favorite poem

by Emily Dickenson says it all.

I didn't want matching bedding but

I think this is complimentary and pleasant.

I made the outer draperies...

out of a sweet pink sheer print with a lovely edge.

An antique table for the oldest Sweetie's

bedside... .

a favorite book & bear...

a little bookcase to hold lots of

bedtime stories...

more favs of the little Sweetie...

and a special bedside table to hold

more favorite books There's

Tangle, their almost lifesize doll.

(And yes, her hair is ALWAYS tangled!)

My little french desk fits snugly in the corner.

This desk was one of the first pieces of furniture

I purchased new. I still love it as much as when

it was bought.

After painting the desk with a creamy paint and

distressing it a bit, I had some fun with

decorative painting.

I love french flower baskets and

created this on the sides of the desk.

I adore painting birds nests and this was

the perfect place for one on the upper crown

of the desk.

I have some favorite things displayed on the shelves...

and some old childhood books waiting for the

girls to "grow into them".

I had lots of fun experimenting on this piece...

playing with lots of ideas that were

whirling in my head.

Don't you just love the look of Victorian

cones? They speak "french" to me!

The Sweetie Girls have a little dressing table.

My Dad made it when I was a wee one.

It's topped with the mirror I had made from my

Great Grandmother's chairback.

That would make it the Sweetie Girl's

Great Great Great Grandmother... Wow!

This darling little photo frame

was from the Dollar Store years ago.

I had it "stashed" and thought it

perfect for a darling photo of the girls.

These little figurines of Blue Boy and Pinkie were

in my old bedroom at my Mom's house for years.

I make these little signs to sell and this was

my very first Paris sign.

This hangs above the dressing table mirror.

You never know when you may need

your Tinker Bell outfit!

Lots of "littles" stuck in a basket

are ready for bedtime.

This old dresser will get a paint treatment

sometime this winter...

I'm still thinking what it wants to be.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions??

(The lamp was purchased for my first apartment

back in the 70's from JCPenney... $20.00 quite

a lot for back then. But as you can see it's still

going strong!)

A vintage picture that Wes picked out, my Mom's

Alabama "Grandma" bear...

a child's head vase from her small collection...

and a darling Boyd's Bear grace the top.

What would a Sweetie Girl Room be without

a Tea Party??

This soft tea set was a Christmas gift from one of our

dear Nieces years ago after the oldest grand was born.

It came from Lillian Vernon and gets used constantly!

The book Ellie's Tea Party

was a fav of our oldest Sweetie Girl and seems

to fit the mood.

The "tea" is crumpled old pattern pieces and

the sugar and cream are crumpled paper towels!

The desserts are calorie free!!

The best kind!

The plate rack holds a special plate.

What could be better than the coziness of a Nest?

Hear are the paint colors we are contemplating for

this room. Wes really wants to paint the room this soft pink

with the closet wall as an accent in green.

The cream would be for the dresser.

Hey Gur! What do you think you're doing??

This is a photo shoot!

"This is the Gur Room, not the Sweetie Girl Room.

What have you been telling these people Mom?"

"Let's get down to the facts... This is a Dog's Life

and I'm livin' it LARGE!! Are we done here?

I could use a nap. Beauty rest is important."

Anyway...

til next time...

Pumpkin Tea Party & HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE GIRL!

2011-10-28T09:50:00.009-04:00

Whatever you do this weekend...

take time for a sweet cup of tea!!

******

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY

TO OUR OLDEST

"SWEETIE GIRL"!!

LITTLE SWEETIE GIRL, AUNT CHRISSY & BIRTHDAY GIRL

MAY ALL YOUR

BIRTHDAY WISHES

COME TRUE SWEETIE!!

GOD BLESS YOU & KEEP YOU!

WE LOVE YOU,

GRANDMA SHERRY

GRANDPA WES

Cute As A Button Shower

2011-10-27T05:53:00.001-04:00

A special little girl was born to a

very special friend of mine.

That little girl is Sydney and she's

CUTE AS A BUTTON!!

So let's have a Baby Shower!

A warm welcome for Sydney and

her guests.

Name tags that I made using plain index cards

and button stickers I found at Joanne Fabric

in the Dollar Bin! I trimmed one edge with

my scallop scissors for a little interest.

I used large pink safety pins purchased

from Joanne's to pin them to the guests.

This was my inspiration for the theme.

There was NOTHING anyplace for such a theme

hence... I make everything myself.

It was fun to create!

I made a pendant banner to decorate the fireplace

screen and also one for our front window.

I found large cardboard button stickies to place

on the pendants...

and letter stickers to spell out SYDNEY.

I love to use our coffee table to add to the decor.

I'm able to place things under glass so I loaded it

with Sydney photos and buttons and a fun sign.

I added this little linen baby towel that my

dear Aunt Edie made for me when I was

a wee baby.

She was a wonderful artist!

We didn't have games so I had guests write down

on these large plain index cards their

wishes & blessings for Sydney & her

family. It's something that Mom Bailey can use

for a scrapbook!

I cut circles out of scrapbook paper and

drew the button holes and faux thread on them.

It was fun to dangle large button decorations I

made with festive scrapbook paper and curly ribbon.

I always love to decorate the dining room chandelier.

I just used those large cardboard stickers with

curly ribbon sandwiched in between the stickers

to add buttons to the chandy.

And of course I had to make a big button

that shouted "Sydney is Cute as a Button"!

I made my own cupcakes, chocolate and

strawberry. It was fun doing frosting in a pastry

bag to make them look more professional.

It was my first attempt at it!

I made the cupcake pics with the help of

a friend's Cricket Machine. What fun!!

I always have to have Mints & Nuts for a shower.

I guess it's the old fashioned thing in me.

I put out the extra cupcake papers for guests to

use if they wanted to keep these treats separate

from their food.

And here's the Guest of Honor...

Baby Sydney!

She's very tiny and so adorable!!

Mom Bailey opens gifts for Sydney.

Some of our guests...

there's Daddy sitting on the sofa back there!

We had a wonderful time...

celebrating a beautiful little girl

named SYDNEY!!

Hope you liked my Cute As A Button Shower!

Til next time, blessings to each one of you...

Sherry

My Darling Little Misty Dog

2011-10-22T04:38:00.003-04:00

Sadly my little Misty has passed on to

the Rainbow Bridge.

She was 16 years old and lived a long

happy life for a little tiny dog.

We adopted her when she was 2 years old.

Her previous owner had 2 other dogs of a

different breed that had puppies and Misty

wanted to be the puppie's Mommy.
So the owner decided Misty needed
a new home.

I wanted a little lap dog after my dear

sister-in-law, Donna, passed away.
I just needed a comforting distraction
from the sadness of a great loss in our lives.

It was a perfect fit!

My sweet sister, Nancy, adored Misty and often said

she would love a little dog like her.
Then 5 months later Nancy passed away.
It was heartbreaking to lose my sister and
sister-in-law in that short of time span.

Once again Misty was a great comfort for me.

My Mom loved Misty and Misty loved my Mom.

Now Misty is in their laps once again.

Even my dear Aunt Edie loved Misty.

She called her "Popcorn" because she

could jump so high and looked like a kernel

of corn popping! LOL!

Amazing how they steal our hearts

isn't it?

I'll miss you little girl...
but the soft feel of your plush white fur
and your sweet little face will remain in
my heart until I see you again at
the Rainbow Bridge!

*******

Just this side of heaven is a place called

Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been

especially close to someone here,

that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills

for all of our special friends

so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,

and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old

are restored to health and vigor;

those who were hurt or maimed

are made whole and strong again,

just as we remember them in

our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content,

except for one small thing;

they each miss

someone very special to them,

who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together,

but the day comes when one suddenly stops

and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent;

His eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to run from the group,

flying over the green grass,

his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted,

and when you and your special friend finally meet,

you cling together in joyous reunion,

never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face;

your hands again caress the beloved head,

and you look once more

into the trusting eyes of your pet,

so long gone from your life

but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

*******

1995-2011

Is this true?
Will we see them again?
I believe all life goes back to it's Creator
once it leaves here.
I know it doesn't say anywhere in the
Bible that animals go to heaven but
I have a hard time believing that
their life just ends. They supposedly don't
have a soul but they have definite personalities
like we have.

I for one hope we will see them again someday.
After all God's Word says that
He gives us the desires of our hearts.

What do you think about this topic?

Blessings til next time...

Sherry

A Gathering of Thoughts Giveaway

2011-10-19T09:47:00.000-04:00

What a great giveaway!

Rebecca @ A Gathering of Thoughts is giving

away a train case that she has refurbished

and decorated.

Rebecca's decorated train cases have been

published in Romantic Homes Magazine.

They are beautifully done down to

the smallest detail.

Please hop over to her Giveaway Post

and enter today! The drawing is Dec 11th

and there are several ways you can get entered.

Rebecca has a wonderful blog of creative

talents and inspiration. I know you'll

like this fabulous lady as much as I do!!

Blessings and hugs... til next time,

Sherry

The View Through My Windows

2011-10-10T08:38:00.002-04:00

I had a dream of these windows on my

dining room wall and my fabulous hubby

made it come true!!

Here's a BEFORE photo of the dining room wall.

(Can you believe it... I actually had a before pic!!)

And this is the AFTER!! WOO-HOO!!

I LOVE IT!

The windows were from the old porch of my

dear friend Cindy. She had to replace her

front porch because of structural problems

and salvaged the old windows.

I was the lucky recipient of some of them!

Thank you Cindy!!

View from our kitchen.

Wes also rewired the little crystal sconces from

my Uncle's house. Actually they were among a

table piled with junk in his garage.

Great save huh?

My Grandma Meme's carnival glass is the

perfect color for fall decor.

I like to leave the little sconces on in the evening

and be able to gaze upon them

as I pass by the dining room.

Silly? Maybe.

Waste of electricity? Probably.

Does it make me happy? Absolutely!

It turned out just as I imagined.

We had a displaced wall piece that is gorgeous.

Wes knew immediately that it had found it's home.

Our Maxfield Parrish print called "Enchantment" fits

in the middle perfectly thanks to Wes.

The old glass in the windows have so much

character.

I love how the wall looks with my

shabby antique buffet. The base of our

dining room table is creamy also... perfect mix.

I truly enjoy sitting in my "new" dining room.

We are avid fans of the Nate Berkus Show and Nate

had a fall decor segment that showed

the dark bronze metal colors are really in this fall.

Fortunately I actually HAVE some dark bronze!!

So I dug out an old urn and candle sconces

in those colors that I had stashed

and purchased some fall leaves from the dollar store.

It made a really ~~cheap~~ inexpensive table arrangement!

Thanks Nate!!

I can hardly wait for the next visit from Cindy to show off

her old windows, reused, repurposed and absolutely

FABULOUS!!

Do you like my transformation?

I'd LOVE to hear what you think.

Blessings and prayers to all of you,

Sherry

Nephew Time!

2011-10-04T09:18:00.002-04:00

While in Toledo I had the wonderful opportunity to

visit my nephew, Scott, and his lovely wife, Deborah.

They live in a town near Toledo so my brother, Larry,

and I went to spend a Sunday afternoon with them

and their family.

It was perfect timing to go watch my great nephew,

Tyler, do some dirt biking! He has his 2nd dirt bike

and it is so fabulous!!

(I love motorcycles so this was right up my alley!)

I got a great shot of Ty jumping the hill

on the circuit they ride on! He has 2

buddies that he rides with.

My nephew, Scott, even got on the dirt bike

for the first time just to see how it feels.

He's never been on a bike before and

my camera wasn't fast enough to catch

him doing an accidental wheely!!!

We all got quite a laugh out of it!

It was definitely laughter at Scott's expense!!

Ty is such a handsome wonderful guy.

I really enjoyed this special time seeing

him do what he loves most.

Ty's older mentor, Erin, makes sure

everything is done in a safe and proper

manor. They only ride together.

They know the mechanics of their bikes

and can make sure they are in correct

working order. Thanks Erin!! You're

a great guy and a true friend to Ty.

It all makes "Mom & Dad" feel a lot

better about the sport of dirt biking

and the safety of their son, Ty.

I got to see Drew the next in age.

It was fun looking at pics with him

on the digital notepad and just being

with him. He's wonderful!

My great nephew, Matt, was so loving

and welcoming. He has the best hugs

and I love to see what he's up to.

The twins were helping "Mom" in the kitchen,

smashing nuts for the dessert topping.

What adorable girls these two are!!

Before we knew it the day was over and it was

time for a picture of the clan, minus our oldest great

niece who is at college.

We all hugged at least twice and it was sad to leave

them but oh what fun we had!

THANK YOU SCOTT & DEB

FOR A FABULOUS TIME!!

WE LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!

AUNT SHERRY

YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE!!

2011-09-23T05:00:00.006-04:00

BEFORE...

70'S-80'S LIGHT FIXTURE

(Been there, lived through it, got the t-shirt!)

AFTER...

PURE GLAMOR, LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it!

(She said jumping up and down with absolute joy!)

With gold shades...

(that we will used at Christmas time with some

added fru-fru of course)

and black shades...

(that we will use the rest of the time)

OOOOoooo - AHHHhhhhh!

This was a FREE chandelier from my dear friend

Cindy and her hubby Jake!

That's right chandy fans... FREE!!

Brass with old chrystals!

THANKS JAKE for spotting it for me AND

for storing it til' I could get it out of your shop!

You are the greatest!!

Wes did some rewiring on it and LOTS

of cleaning and VOILA...

a "work of art",

or is that a "WORK OF BLING"?!

At any rate, Thank You to all that made this

fabulous transformation possible!

(all I did was shop for shades)

Blessings to all you lovers of sparkles

and non-lovers. How could you not love

the occasional sparkle?

Bisous, Sherry

Please Continue to Pray for Our Troops

2011-09-16T05:00:00.035-04:00

America's Finest

(The precious little one in the first picture is Paige,

pray for her too.)

The above words are from

Covntkepr1 whose Inspirational Blog is

"According To The Book".

This blogger served in our Armed Forces

and knows first hand that our Soldiers need

our endless prayers.

Please take time to visit this wonderful blog...

and of course...

Pray for our Troops!

*************

I know many of you have husbands, wives,

sons, daughters, grandchildren, even great

grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

that are serving in our Armed Services.

**************

Heavenly Father, please protect each and every one of

our Troops and bring them safely home. Give them the
strength and wisdom to fulfill the duties they have
taken on. Watch over and protect their loved ones
while they are separated from them Uplift the family
and friends waiting for their return.
And when they do return home from the battlefield,
help them to adjust to everyday life
We thank you Father for hearing and answering
our prayer.
Amen

Loving Labyrinths - Part II of My Toledo Journey

2011-09-09T06:03:00.034-04:00

We are all on the path... exactly where we need to be.
The labyrinth is a model of that path.

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness.

It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into

a meandering but purposeful path.

The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own center

and back again out into the world.

Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.

A labyrinth is an archetype with which we can have

a direct experience.

We can walk it. It is a metaphor for life's journey.

It is a symbol that creates a sacred space and place

and takes us out of our ego to "That Which Is Within."

Labyrinths and mazes have often been confused.

When most people hear of a labyrinth they think of a maze.

A labyrinth is not a maze.

A MAZE is like a PUZZLE to be solved.

It has twists, turns, and blind alleys.

It is a left brain task that requires logical, sequential,

analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out.

A LABYRINTH has only ONE PATH.

It is universal.
THE WAY IN IS THE WAY OUT.

There are no blind alleys.

The path leads you on a circuitous path to the center and out again.

A labyrinth is a right brain task.

It involves intuition, creativity, and imagery.

With a MAZE many choices must be made and an active mind
is needed to solve the problem of finding the center.

With a LABYRINTH there is only one choice to be made.

The choice is to enter or not.
A more passive, receptive mindset is needed.

THE CHOICE IS WHETHER OR NOT TO WALK A SPIRITUAL PATH.

At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor

for the journey to the center of your deepest self

and back out into the world with a broadened understanding

of who you are.

Source: Taken from Lessons4living site.

There are many styles and types of labyrinths.

Large and fancy...

Small and simple...

Made of stone...

Planted in flowers...

Lined up rocks...

Mowed into grass.

Whatever labyrinth you chose to walk,
try to make it a time for your
own spiritual growth.

*****
My dear friend Cindy took me to a labyrinth
in Toledo on the property of a friend of hers.
It is a labyrinth that has two sides...

it's designed as a mirror image so two people
can walk it at the same time.
We chose to walk it together.

HOW TO USE IT:
• Spend as much time as you like on the path.
• Do not feel pressured to move on.

Let others pass you by as you take time to relax and pray.
• Stop at the stations to reflect on your journey

and the journey of the Church.
• Use the suggested activities if you wish to.
• You may simply wish to walk the Labyrinth

using a prayer mantra.

For example, repeating the words:

‘Lord Jesus, bring me your peace.’
Source: Great North Labyrinth

We used it as a time to grow spiritually in
our friendship and give some of our
spiritual sorrows over to God.

We left the labyrinth together in
unity as dear friends,

a blessing to each other,
a true gift from God the Father.
It was a refreshing uplifting spiritual
experience for me.

Thank you Cindy for this new old discovery!!
I'm so happy to understand and appreciate
this age old spiritual practice known as

THE LABYRINTH.

Hope you enjoyed learning with me!

Please remember those who lost their lives
on 911 and the loved ones they left behind.

They still need our prayers!

Til next time...

THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU!

SHERRY

Hometown Happiness Part I

2011-09-02T08:34:00.002-04:00

It's been a whole year since I've seen my

dear friend Cindy!

So to my hometown of Toledo I go!!

Cindy planned a Girls Get Together at her home with

two of our High School classmates,

Judy & Nancy.

A third gal, Jenny, could not attend because

of a serious health issue in her family.

Please pray for Jenny's husband for healing.

Jenny was a Grade School friend of mine and

Judy was a neighborhood friend. Nancy lived 2

doors down from my Mom's house. So it's so

nice to see them!

We dined outside until the raindrops came

and forced us in. Cindy's patio is incredible!

I feel like I'm in the South of France or Italy on

a Piazza... it's so peaceful.

There's something wonderful to look at in

every corner...

the sailcloth and strings of lights are such

a finishing touch to the feeling of far away places.

Cindy had some great crafts lined up for us.

One was stamping metal objects with a letter

set that guys use to mark their tools with.

You need a steady hand and a good aim!

(Yes you guessed it... I whacked my thumb a good one!)

We used a variety of metals to stamp on.

Old silver spoons, metal washers, copper.

(Note: Stainless steel silverware is too hard... don't

waste your time trying it.)

I loved the things we made. I did several herb markers

that Cindy's hubby later cut into pointed shapes to

make it easy to stick into my herbs.

Cindy is now selling her stamped creations!!

You go girl!!

We visited some of our favorite places in Toledo.

The Libbey Factory Outlet is one of them.

It's chocked full of great buys on glassware and dishes.

Then to the Superior Antique Mall

next door.

You can usually find something in this place

whether you need it or not! LOL

Usually NOT!!

One evening we went to the Toledo Museum of Art.

I LOVE this place and as a child and then as an

art student it became a warm inviting place

full of culture and beauty.

Toledo Museum of Art

This is one of our favorites...

The Syndics of the Amsterdam

Goldsmiths Guild

By Thomas de Keyser.

The symbolism of how they are

seated and what they are holding

is so interesting.

They are such handsome men

and the artist has such insight into

the personality of the faces.

Toledo Museum of Art

This is Rainy Day, Boston

by Childe Hassem.

I really like this style of painting.

Toledo Museum of Art

I find it so awesome to stand in the presence

of a work of art such as this huge painting of

Water Lilies by Claude Monet...

Toledo Museum of Art

and Harvest near Auvers, 1890

by Vincent Van Gogh

Toledo Museum of Art

and The Dancers by Edgar Degas.

Toledo Museum of Art

I love the old masters of art.

The Toledo Art Museum has an incredible

Egyptian section.

Toledo Museum of Art

My most favorite place in the museum is

the Swiss Room. This room was part of

the Villa Solitude on Lake Zurich, Switzerland.

The room was purchased

by Nettie P Ketchum who lived in Switzerland

much of her life and wanted the museum in

her hometown to have a bit of what she loved.

It's a small room with a gorgeous

ceramic tile stove...

Toledo Museum of Art

and a lovely multi-function room.

It reminds me of the old childrens book Heidi.

If you listen close you can hear someone

yodeling!

Toledo Museum of Art

And of course there is the magnificent

chandelier by Dale Chihuly.

Quite spectacular!

Toledo Museum of Art

Speaking of chandies...

here's a sneak peak of something

Cindy's hubby gave me to

light up my life!!

You'll see more of this in a future post!

Hey... I've got to have something to

get you to keep comin' back right?

Do you know the difference between

a Maze and a Labyrinth??

Find out this on a future post also!

Cindy is such a gracious hostess...

THANK YOU KITTY for a GREAT TIME!!!

A la prochaine... til next time...

YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS CRAFT PROJECT

2011-08-20T06:00:00.113-04:00

Truvia has such nice containers,

it's a shame to waste them and send them to

the trash heap, so let's get creative.

Although my project is for the flip-top box,

I wanted to show you the container of Truvia

makes fabulous "doo-dad" containers...

(that's a technical term for you new crafters)
you can easily remove the product label
on the plastic container and VOILA...
add your own label and doo-dads!

You'll need a paper or silk flower...

this one is several scrapbook scalloped circles in

graduating sizes, punched in the centers and held

together by a brad. You spray the top side of the

flower and scrunch (another tech term) the paper

to mold your flower the shape you want, let dry.
(note: a flat surface on the bottom of this paper
flower makes it a lot easier to attach)

You will also need double sided tape
(there's removable & permanent)

and clear adhesive dots or glue gun or craft

glue, whatever you've got.
These happen to be what I used.
(I believe I also used a bit of Eileen's Craft Glue to
attach the vintage buttons.
Nice and sticky to hold the buttons where I
wanted them to stay.)

Also needed is 2 pieces of scrapbook paper,

these were only $.59 each. And I think they
were probably on sale... WOO-HOO!

Lay the front of the Truvia box on the paper and

crease the corners of the paper, leaving enough on the

top edge and bottom edge to fold over,
crease these edges.

Trim where possible to make it easier to fold over

as shown below. I did several "fittings" before
applying ANY tape! LOL

Wrong side of paper for front & sides of box

Apply double sided tap to all corners, edges and centers

of paper, I make an X in the center of the sections

with my tape. That insures that the center of your
front piece (and other large areas) won't bulge out
from the box and look amateurish.
Carefully apply the taped paper to

the box, smoothing down and folding under bottom

edge and over top edge to the inside.
If you're new at covering boxes you can get
the removable doublesided tape that is
forgiving and lets you pull off the paper
and refit. I've graduated to Permanent!!

Front of box being wrapped with paper, bottom of box showing

The paper should wrap around the back like below.

Back of box showing

Covered front of box - ooohhh pretty paper

Now lay the box on another sheet of scrapbook

paper to do the same thing to cover the back and

the flip-top and fold under the flip top edges.

Trim unnecessary paper to make the fold overs

and fold unders easier. No need to wrap the back
around to the sides of box, the sides are already
covered nicely.

Making the piece for back and flip-top of box
Be patient, you can do it!

Once again use double sided tape and place the

fitted paper carefully onto the back and top of

the box, smooth down and fold under on the bottom
of box and the flip-top part of box.

Back of box

The result should look like this below.
Try closing and opening top.
Make sure nothing is
getting stuck when trying to open it.
If so, make necessary adjustments, trimming
where necessary.

You're almost done!

At this point the bottom is not entirely covered

so trace the bottom of the box onto paper

and cut out...

Bottom of box

with double sided tape attach to bottom.

Now the fun part begins!

Embellish the top with your paper of silk flower and

ribbons, buttons, seashells
and whatever pretties you have on hand...
isn't this fun??

I wanted to enhance the flower edges so I took a

metallic pen and just touched the edges with it.

The front needed a little something...

a vintage button with the shank cut off

was the perfect finishing touch!

Ta-Dah!

Some paper pattern tissue wrapped gifts inside

made a lovely gift for

Marie @ Dolls by Marie Antoinette.

She said she really liked it.

Marie and I have fun making things for each other.

She's such a doll herself!!

Surprise!

There's more!!

Now for another box.
Same type Truvia box... different paper & doo-dads!

I covered this box the same way with

a scrolly black & white paper. So chic!

I wanted to use one of the Acanthus leaves

for the top embellishment. To make it more

dimensional I took my scoring tool ( a rounded

tip the won't pierce or cut the paper, only

crease it) and scored the veins in the leaf.

After cutting out the leaf I folded the leaf along the score

lines to give it lift and shape. Hey... that's what I need...
LIFT & SHAPE!!

I added some vintage buttons in a variety

of shapes to add some sophisticated bling.

One more vintage button on the front and

silver edging on the leaf and it's DONE!

Oh boy it's Done!

This one is for my dear friend Cindy who

is my hostess for the next week.
That's right, I'm on the road again to
my hometown, Toledo!
The Glass Capital of the World!
T-town!
Todelydo!

Hope you like this Cindy!

Cindy has invited me to her home and we'll be

doing some crafts she has lined up, then
getting together with High School friends.

I can hardly wait!!
Then I'll be staying with my Brother and
we will be visiting my nephew & family.

Yes, I've packed my camera and have the
battery charger even!
Let the gab fest begin!!!

Hope you got some ideas of how to use
some throw away items!

Blessings to all of you!

Sherry