Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings

"Group Hug!"

2012-01-28T01:58:00.013-06:00

Sometimes I stand in awe of God's perfect timing in our lives....My newest book, "Do You Need a Hug from Heaven?" was published last week...It has become an Amazon Bestseller! If you know me well, then you know that being in touch with spiritual gifts is truly where my heart is....

I want to thank all of you who have written me emails and shared your miraculous angel stories with me....and I would like to introduce you to some of the people whose stories are in the book...

David DeWitt, whose miraculous story shows how there is help when we least expect it. David's blog is The Errol Flynn Blog.

Celeste who is the owner of Celestina Marie Design and who played an integral part in a miracle that transpired recently in my life.

Daniella Hayes of Daniella Hayes whose story is evidence that we are watched over by heavenly angels....

Donna of GG's Creative Corner who played a major part in my being able to complete this book...

Cindy Adkins of Art, Books, Tea whose story of love is in the pages of this book...

There are more, of course, including my good friends Jim and Velma, my life-long friend Gayla Claes, my Uncle Lee and Aunt Nancy...

Yes, there are stories of true-life interventions that happened to everyday people...and it is my prayer that miracles touch all of your lives.

Cindy

Linking this to Pink Saturday.

Blue Velvet

2012-01-26T00:04:00.010-06:00

I would like to thank you for the numerous letters I have received regarding Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion....I know that so many of you are getting your creative groove on--and this is very exciting!

On my birthday, I received a vintage bottle from my good friend, Velma. I adore cobalt blue and she knows it and surprised me with this treasure....Thank you, Velma!

Well, I just created a bracelet for a dear friend of mine and I wanted to show you the pictures...

I have always wanted to make a bracelet with buttons....This was my chance.

I received an amazing surprise in the mail yesterday from Sharon of Plumrose Lane!!! Not only does Sharon create awesome blog designs, but she made this treasure!!!

I wish you could see it in person--it would take your breath away. Thank you so much, Sharon!

PLEASE NOTE: At the moment, I am in the midst of a major project--and "the reveal" will be next week! In the meantime, I will not be available for comments or emails. I hope you all understand.

Wishing you a wonderful end of the week and fabulous weekend!!!

Cindy

Linking this to Show & Tell Friday

Potpourri Friday

City Crafter Challenge Blog

2012-01-25T01:05:00.012-06:00

Last night, I happened to go over to visit Kirsty Vittetoe's blog who sponsors the City Crafter Challenge....

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. I saw this sketch and started creating 3 cards with this design in mind....

This card is embellished with a flower, tea pot, and seam binding from Shabby Cottage Studio.

This next card was created using a torso, graphics, seam binding, and blue tag from Shabby Cottage Studio.

And lastly, is this pink fairy card that I decorated with some items from my stash, as well as flowers from Shabby Cottage Studio.

Kirsty, Ros, Linda, and Cheryl, thank you for letting me play along!!!! If you would like to see their gorgeous creations and also Liz who is the Guest Designer this week, I know you will love what you see there!!!

Cindy

Elegant Decorator Tags

2012-01-23T21:46:00.011-06:00

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. I think that decorator tags add a touch of elegance to the many rooms and I created these tags because I think they have such charm....

I love German glitter glass and these tags were sprinkled with glittery goodness. If you would like to know how to make them, I have a complete tutorial HERE!

Cindy

YOUR COZY HOME PARTY

Linking this to the following parties which are on my sidebar!!!

WOW Us Wednesday

White Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

Happy Surprises

2012-01-23T16:53:00.007-06:00

I had some HAPPY surprises in my mail over the weekend and wanted to share them with you. The first is the precious book I received from Wendy at Art By Wendy! I won her giveaway and am so thrilled!!!
The second is this beautiful tag made by my friend Myric at Petites Passions. I saw it on Myric's blog and little did she know that I fell in love with it--the next thing I knew, it was at my door!

And I received a gorgeous card from my secret Blogging Sister. And such a beautiful handmade card by Jill at Chillin' With Jill!!!

I wish you could see all of these in person as they are so detailed and amazing. Thank you all so much!!!

Cindy

Woman Thing--The Link Party!

2012-01-21T04:27:00.018-06:00

Hi Everyone~

On Monday, February 6th will be my brand-new Link Party! It will be a once-a-week event.

Art of any kind.

Old photographs.

Something from your home that you love.

Glass bottles.

Anything that you have repurposed.

A card that you made or bought.

Flowers.

A favorite sunset.

Some scrumptious recipe.

Something from your garden.

The sky’s the limit, so use your creativity and show us what you’ve got got!

You are also welcome to grab the code from the blinkie on my sidebar if you'd like to help me "spread the word" to other bloggers--the more the merrier!

I would also like to announce the release of my newest book, “Do You Need a Hug from Heaven?” If you would like to read about it, click HERE.

My book is on Amazon exclusively and this Sunday and Monday, if you have a Kindle, you can grab it for FREE!

This weekend there is something else completely awesome happening--Wayna of Creative Grammie from Hawaii will be in New Orleans and I am going to meet her on Sunday--how fun!!

Cindy

Linking this to: Spiritual Sundays

Creative Bloggers Party and Hop

Blogger's Bodega

Your Cozy Home Party

White Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

Time Travel Thursday

Potpourri Friday

Show and Tell Friday

Tuesday Tutorial--A Reliquary

2012-01-16T23:37:00.015-06:00

This is a project that I thought many of you would enjoy making.

As I design for Shabby Cottage Studio, I wanted to show you this because their awesome materials are featured in this piece.

I began with the lid of a jar and a Frozen Charlotte doll.

I inked the sides of the lid with Staz-On ink that was in my own supplies.

I used a graphic sheet from Shabby Cottage Studio and glued it inside.

Then, I added coffee-stained cheesecloth from my stash.

Finally, I added flowers from Shabby Cottage Studio, as well as a domino and some other embellishments from my stash.

I hope that you have enjoyed learning how to make this!

I have an EXCITING announcement coming in a few days...so stayed tune! (Hint: It is an opportunity for all of my visitors to "strut their stuff" for everyone to see!)

Cindy

Linking this to Blogger's Bodega

Etsy Cottage Style

Wow Us Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

White Wednesday

Time Travel Thursday

Show and Tell Friday

Potpourri Friday

I Won!

2012-01-15T17:50:00.005-06:00

See these adorable books?

These little treasures were created by Wendy of Art By Wendy....and she had a giveaway and I won one of them! Thank you so much, Wendy! These are truly beautiful!

But, Wendy is also a paints gorgeous pictures. These are so realistic that they look like photographs...I am astounded by her talent.

But, that's not all--Wendy creates amazing jewelry and other treasures that are in her Etsy store.

Wendy, thank you so much for having your wonderful giveaway--I'm so happy to be a recipient of your amazing work!

Cindy

Heart-Shaped Tartlett Tin

2012-01-15T13:33:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone~

I hope you're having a "love"-ly and blessed Sunday. This is one of the items from my Etsy shop--a vintage tartlett tin from Sweden....

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Cindy

Linking this to Market Your Biz at Homemaker on a Dime

Decorative Wine Corks

2012-01-14T21:58:00.005-06:00

My friend Dee of A Lapin Life has fabulous style. She just created these wine corks that are available at stores near her...But, now they are also available in her new Etsy shop and she can barely keep them "on the shelves!"

I think they're gorgeous....

Aren't they adorable?

I thought you'd enjoy seeing them as I think they are just dreamy!!!

If you'd like to visit Dee, her blog is HERE.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!! I will be having another Tutorial Tuesday so I hope you'll join me for a fun project, which is a reliquary.

Cindy

Faerie Moon Creations

2012-01-13T16:34:00.009-06:00

I adore Etsy shops! One of my favorites is Faery Moon Goddess. My awesome friend Theresa owns it~And she came to my rescue the DAY before Christmas and sent out items that I ordered for family at the last minute.

Here are some of her creations that I purchased....And everyone was so THRILLED with how they arrived all wrapped in fairy goodness!!!

Theresa is so talented--and her shop is so whimsical and filled with happiness! If you'd like to visit her at her blog and say "hi," it is at: Faerie Moon Creations

Theresa's shop is: Faery Moon Goddess

If you are looking for blogging or art seminars, just click on the tabs at the top of this blog. If you are interested in how to read ebooks on your computer, the tab with all the info. is at the top of my blog also.

Wishing you all a happy weekend~and sending ((((hugs))) your way,

Cindy

Ribbon Challenge--Transforming a Plain Envelope!

2012-01-12T20:36:00.019-06:00

Gingersnap Creations has a NEW challenge and it’s to make something with ribbon. So, I created this envelope using my favorite ribbon from my stash that has “Beautiful” printed on it.

I am a designer for Shabby Cottage Studio. Many of the art supplies for this project are from there. If you are in need of crafting supplies, go take a look--You’ll love it over there!!

Here’s where you can find these items by clicking.

Pink Tag

http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=11

Chipboard Designs

http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Embellishing&isThumbs=Yes&curpage=2&Thumbs=200

Graphic

http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=CollageSheets/SingleImages

I have a new book in the works right now, so I will be writing over the long weekend. If you don't hear from me, no worries--I am just busy typing away and enjoying some personal time with my husband. Wishing you all a Happy Pink Saturday and a wonderful weekend!!!

Cindy

Linking this to: Gingersnap Creations

Homemaker On A Dime--Creative Bloggers Party and Hop

Pink Saturday

Birthday Surprises!!!

2012-01-12T11:33:00.018-06:00

I received some amazing treasures in my mailbox from some wonderful blogging friends and I couldn't wait to share them with you....My dear friend Celeste of Celestina Marie Designs has been designing for over 30 years and has thousands of customers in her Etsy shop--She created this box. You can imagine why she is so popular!! What a treasure this is, indeed!

This beautiful box arrived with this gorgeous handmade card and clip--so precious!!!

I was already in 7th Heaven when I realized there was yet another surprise inside--this exquisite fleur de lis!! WOW! Being from New Orleans, this has a special place in my heart and I am already wearing it!!!

This absolutely beautiful handmade card and tag arrived from June of Dezinaworld--I was so surprised and if that wasn't enough...

June sent me one of her Lucky Treasure Bags!!! I really wanted one!! It is filled with decorating treasures. June is the owner of Dezinaworld--one of the premiere online shops for images. She has just "rolled out" these Lucky Treasure Bags for her customers and they are incredible!!

My dear friend Donna of My Shabby Chateau sent this gorgeous wooden box that was designed with shabby goodness!!! I opened it and was so surprised!!! I adore her style as do so many of her clients of her fabulous Etsy shop!

Just look at the detail--with sheet music inside--"Be still my heart!"

And Donna sent this precious handmade card~I adore the little girl and the baby buggy!! It is so, so darling!

My dear friend Melody sent me a vintage cookbook~Melody is from Brown Gingham Creations! But look what else she sent~

A beautiful vintage apron...and guess what? Melody completely embroidered the apron!

I hope it is possible to see the intricate stitches~She is so talented!! This is truly a heartfelt treasure.

Thank you all SO much--You made my birthday so special and I can't begin to tell you what this meant to me!!

Cindy

Beach Cottage Decor and Tutorial Tuesday

2012-01-09T18:04:00.040-06:00

Remember I mentioned that I have been super-busy lately? I have a new Amazon Bestseller entitled "Beach Cottage Decor: Life's Simple Pleasures."

The book is $2.99 and it is filled with all kinds of ideas for Beach Cottage decorating.

As a mixed media artist, I love to create....

Seaside treasures are among my favorites.

And now, I would like to announce the winner of my New Year's Giveaway--She is Diane of Lavender Dreams--Congratulations, Diane!!!

And I made two sets--not one--of these French-inspired tags (in pink and blue)--so I have 2 winners for these:

Marydon of Blushing Rose and Jill of Chillin' With Jill--Congratulations!

I am proud to announce my Tutorial Tuesdays and today's tutorial for an Old World Style Book.

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio and I created this project using all of their awesome products!!! If you haven't been over to their store, you might want to go take a look!

Old World Style Book

It began with this cover that is from Shabby Cottage Studio....

Then, I cut out sheets of their graphics.

Then, it was time to stamp the pages....(This stamp is from Stampabilities--not Shabby Cottage Studio.)

Once all my inking was done on each page....

I used a Crop-A-Dile to punch holes in the book cover, back, and pages....

Then came my favorite part--embellishments!!! AND seam binding--all available at Shabby Cottage Studio...

I love the flowers and chipboard designs!

Here is what my finished design looks like...

This key-shaped stamp is one of my favorites and it's from Stampabilities too!

It's easy to make and lots of FUN!!! Happy Creating!!!

Cindy

Linking this to:

Gingersnap Creations--"Use a Set or Line of Stamps" Challenge

Blogger's Bodega

Market Your Biz

Your Cozy Home Party

What's It Wednesday

White Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesday

Time Travel Thursday

Show and Tell Friday

Potpourri Friday

Blogging Seminar

2012-01-08T22:03:00.012-06:00

I have some exciting news--I have a brand-new seminar for Beginning Bloggers. If you are new at blogging and took my first seminar, you may want to take a look at this. It is short and super-simple. It is located at the top of my blog.

My new seminar is called "Blogging: The Wonder of the Journey."

One of the things I discuss is monetizing your blog--that's right--helping you get paid to blog. Did you know that if an ad is on a page and you click it that the person whose blog it is on gets money if it is a Google Adsense ad? Well, if you set up a Google Adsense account, you could be on your way to get compensated for your blogging too! (If you notice, I have an ad placed right under each post.)

If you are not aware of SJ at Homemaker On a Dime and you have an online business, such as an Etsy shop, you will want to link up with her for more exposure to your blog. SJ is a fabulous person who really CARES about bloggers!!! This blog party runs from Tues. through Saturday of EVERY week--What an opportunity to "see and be seen!" To link up, just click HERE.

On Tuesday, I will have a fabulous tutorial! I will be having one each Tuesday for 3 weeks in January.

As I am very busy with "first of the year" business of creating blog headers and buttons for our bloggy friends, I am literally "burning the candle at both ends." So, please understand if my visits are not frequent as this is a very hectic time.

I truly value my blogging friends and you each mean so much to me.

Sending (((hugs))) your way and hope to see you on Tuesday for a FUN tutorial!

Cindy

Mixed Media Art

2012-01-07T11:28:00.010-06:00

First, I would like to thank all of you for your birthday wishes! I would also like to thank you for your support of my book Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion.

Now that the new year has begun, I have a brand-new event on my blog for the next 3 Tuesdays of this month. It is called Tutorial Tuesdays!

So, come prepared to learn many new techniques and start fabulous projects! If you would like to let your friends know about it, feel free to post my button.

Projects Include:

1. A Reliquary

2. Handmade Old World Book

3. The Anatomy of a Tag

If you do not see me on here for a few days, just know that I am working hard to prepare for this event and can't wait to see you as you grab a "front row seat" for crafting fun!

Cindy

Linking this to Creative Bloggers' Party and Hop!

My Birthday Celebration

2012-01-05T22:11:00.017-06:00

Today my husband Ralph took me out for lunch at Landry's Seafood at The Marina on Lake Pontchartrain.

We had a really good time.

And we got pics on his Iphone~

Luckily, we arrived in the afternoon with an appetite.

This was one of the appetizers we ordered.... (Picture compliments of Google.)

And we each got Chicken Alfredo.

I had Ralph take this picture--why? Because I wanted to show you the new bracelet that Jenny got me yesterday.

Here's a close-up...
We watched the sunset...It was so pretty over the water...

And after that, guess where we went? Michael's Crafts for "yours truly." lol

But, right after we got home, there was a knock at the door and these beautiful flowers with exquisite roses were delivered from my Surprise Blogging Sister!!! They are gorgeous and I about fainted!!!

I don't know who you are, my dear Blogging Sister, but I know you must be reading this blog to see if the flowers with the adorable ladybug on them arrived--They did!!! THANK YOU!!! I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Thank you to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday--and also sent surprises in the mail! I will share those in a few days as we are still celebrating here in New Orleans.

Thank you to Diana from Nana Diana Takes a Break for your beautiful blog post this morning. Thank you to Starr for your fabulous feature. And thank you to SJ of Homemaker on a Dime for the amazing feature on your blog about my books!!

By the way, my pashmina is not plaid. That was the sunlight making it appear that way!

Cindy

Linking this to Pink Saturday

Birthday Celebration

2012-01-04T23:16:00.010-06:00

My birthday is on January 5th, but my daughter Jenny and I decided to start celebrating early...So, we went to a Japanese restaurant that we love~here's Jenny in the parking lot outside.

Once inside, she whipped out her birthday present for me which was really beautiful pair of silver and turquoise earrings. Little did she know that I would be wearing the turquoise pashmina that Mary from Hope-filled Living just sent me for Christmas--they matched!

After we ate, then came my favorite part--The people at the restaurant sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out this amazing dessert which is a fried banana in the shape of a caterpillar.

Here is a close-up...They're so cute!

Then, tonight we had a little party at home. Ralph, Jenny, and her boyfriend Fred were here and Jenny brought my favorite chocolate cake! Now, here's the best part--I got to make wishes TWICE--once for the caterpillar and once for the cake--yay!

Sidenote: The cake is so decadent that there's so many chocolate shavings on top that the bakery couldn't write "Happy Birthday" on it--Jen knew I would rather have chocolate than my name!

Ralph and I have plans to go out for my birthday (Thursday)~so, if you don't hear from me, we are out celebrating and hope we get more pictures!!

Cindy

Angelic Treasures

2012-01-04T10:59:00.012-06:00

Here is a picture of my daughter Jenny as she posed for Fashion Week~(The vintage faux fur is a designer piece that my mom bought in Paris.)

And here is a picture of us that she just posted to Facebook. (We were at a restaurant last month for her birthday.)

Jenny is here living in New Orleans right now and teaching at the college--which is so exciting.

I have received so many emails about my Angel seminar that is posted up above~and I am truly thrilled that so many of you have found it to be so inspiring.

I hope that as the new year unfolds that each of you feels protection and love around you.

This holiday season, I received so many special blessings in my mailbox from my wonderful blogging friends. This beautiful tag is from Starr. It is filled with glittery goodness!!

And Valerie of Bastelmania sent me (among other treasures) this gorgeous embossed Christmas tag.
And Cindy of Art, Books, Tea sent me this precious collage with vintage buttons and lace to begin the New Year.

I have placed all of these in my entry where I can enjoy gazing at them!! Thank you all so much.

I am truly humbled by your kindness.

Today my daughter Jenny and I will be enjoying a mother/daughter day out together!!!

Cindy

Mixed Media Art Book

2012-01-03T15:02:00.014-06:00

Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion

With the New Year in full swing, I know that so many of you are enjoying your creative wings and starting new projects~It's all very exciting, isn't it?

I have some awesome news to share~I just found out that my work is going into a new exhibit called "The Collective" this January at an art gallery--and I will have more details soon!!

I hope that you are all having an awesome start to the New Year!!!

I have a precious giveaway going on until January 10. If you'd like to enter, click HERE.

Cindy

Get Your Craft on in 2012!

2012-01-02T00:57:00.033-06:00

Is creating your passion? Well, it is definitely mine and I have just written a book about it that has become an Amazon Bestseller.

Mixed media art can be romantic. Here is a French-inspired decorative piece I created.

A romantic tussie mussie that you can add to your home decor.

Images on both projects are from: The Graphics Fairy

In my book, I also describe some of the most economical ways for you to find objects for your art or pieces you make for home decor.

I received an email from one reader who said, “I couldn’t wait to get into the car and go to the store to get my hands on those items!”

Wishing you all a Happy and Creative New Year!!!

The link to purchase my book on Amazon is HERE.

Cindy

Linking this to:

Market Your Biz at Homemaker on a Dime

The Graphics Fairy

Creative Bloggers Blog Hop

Bloggers Bodega

Knick of Time Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesday

White Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

Time Travel Thursday

Show and Tell Friday

Potpourri Friday

(Links are on my sidebar!)

Designing in 2012!

2012-01-01T13:52:00.011-06:00

I design for 2 different companies--and it is such an honor. They are Shabby Cottage Studio and Dezinaworld. I just created this repurposed box with an image from Dezinaworld and also scrapbooking paper and burlap.

I stamped the sides to give it an "aged" look.

I created these tags with images from Shabby Cottage Studio. Each one is an image with dreamy writing in French.

If you are ever in need of images, I hope that you will check out both of these amazing stores.

Shabby Cottage Studio

Dezinaworld

I have a little surprise~I am having a giveaway for this set of French-inspired tags. If you would like to win this set, just leave a message for me here to let me know. The winner for these will be chosen on January 10.

Also, if you have not entered the giveaway for my mixed media PINK shoe, just click HERE.

There is a NEW feature on my blog--It is called Blogging Tutorials and it is on a new tab at the top of this blog...On it are direct links to How to Add a Blog Button, How to Center a Blog Header--and more!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED!!!

Cindy

Rock Your Blog in 2012!

2012-01-01T02:14:00.007-06:00

Happy New Year, Everyone!!! Wishing you a fabulous 2012!

BIG NEWS: I have a brand-new feature on this blog~If you look at a NEW tab on the top of my blog, you will see that it says “Blogging Tutorials.”

On it, you will find how to:

Center a blog header

Check your blog stats

Adjust column width

Add a blog button

and more! Now, it is ALL accessible in one place.

I have gotten so many emails about people wanting to "grow their blogs" this year!

Just remember, "No successful blog 'just happens.' It becomes successful because the blog owner has done all the right things to create its success."

Cindy

Photo credit for fireworks: www.fireworkdisplayss.com

New Year's Giveaway! THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED!

2011-12-30T10:47:00.026-06:00

As this year comes to a close and a new one begins, I would like to thank ALL of you for your friendship.

I would like to thank you for being so supportive of my books and helping to make them become bestsellers on Amazon. I could not have done it without you.

I am hoping that 2012 will be a super-fun year of blogging for all of you!!!

I was planning a giveaway to begin on New Year’s Day. But, I have decided to start it early. It is for this precious pink shoe~One winner will be chosen randomly to win it and will be announced on January 10.

When I read about the challenge at Simon Says, I knew that I wanted to enter this repurposed shoe for their theme "Something Old/Something New."

What do you need to do to enter?

Just say “I’m in!” That’s it!

If you would like to include a button on your sidebar, that would be awesome, but not required.

Eiffel Tower Image from The Graphics Fairy.

My precious friend Holly has a very special event planned for this year--It is called A Year of Hope. If you would like to go see this awesome FREE offer, head over to her blog by clicking HERE at 2911 Jeremiah Avenue.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED!!!

Happy New Year!

Love & hugs,

Cindy

Linking this to:

The Graphics Fairy

Time Travel Thursday

Show and Tell Friday

Potpourri Friday

Pink Saturday

Scrap for Help

Simon Says

LINKS ARE ON MY LEFT SIDEBAR!

Christmas Goodies in My Mail

2011-12-29T19:05:00.007-06:00

Remember I told you that I wasn't quite finished posting Christmas gifts from awesome blog friends? Well, imagine my surprise when this package came from Mary of Hope-filled Living Magazine...not only awesome crafting items, but also, a gorgeous turquoise pashmina that I wore with my outfit on my anniversary!

And this beautiful card and precious metal ornament from Dorthe of Den Lille Lade all the way from Denmark~It is so detailed and intricate!

And this beautiful Christmas card from Kathy at Kathy Maximo...

And this precious tag from Lynn at Trash to Treasure~

Thank you to all of you!! You are so special to me, as are all my blogging friends.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday week!!!

Cindy