Sunday, September 30, 2018

a bit of early flutterings of holiday inspiration : )

Hi Friends!  I'm so happy you could peek in today~  And a big Thank You! to those who have recently clicked my "Follow" button! : )  What a blessing you are! you really made my day~

If you have followed for a while; or if you have read a few posts back - you will know I've had a series of 'losses' in my life and I have been trying to "climb out of the rubble" (so to speak) for some time now.
Lots of emotional business going on, and as probably all of you know, it is sometimes hard to be creative when your heart is broken~
My 'Mojo'  has been un-friending me! But I keep trying to woo her back <3   ; )

 I want to take a few minutes and share with you a website that 'feeds' the shabby-chic part of my art-heart~
Her name is Kerryanne and she is found at    https://www.shabbyartboutique.com/
Her tone is soft and feminine, and I find her blog uplifting and interesting.  She is also a woman of generous spirit; offering free patterns and templates; and lots of creative ideas.

A while back I found a free pumpkin template there- and, while her pumpkin was very soft and shabby (and I think perhaps made from fabric?)  I decided to use some (older) Autumn paper from Graphics 45.  (I think it's called School Days)
I simply cut out the 6  pieces from differing papers and attached them to a kraft paper backing.
I added a bit of natural polished hemp that I curled around a pencil~
 This will probably adorn a homemade pie or cookie box for a give-away treat : )
 Soo simple and soo easy, I know~  But that is where I need to be right now.  Simple and easy!!  It's my happy place, while I steady myself and re-connect <3

 I also wanted to share a few package toppers I made for the upcoming Christmas holiday~
The hearts I made using a die cutting machine, but the canvas stars were purchased a few years ago.
(Made by Canvas Corp.)
 I added a loop to each one, so it could even be used as a mini ornament.~~
I painted them with some white acrylic paint, added a bit of sparkle along the edges with  micro beads, glitter,  and Ranger brand Stickles.  Then a teeny bit of Winter greenery and a few rusty jingle bells~~

 


 This heart is canvas.  I included some glitter glass and "prills" (little white beads)   The buttons are m.o.p.


Here's a heart made from quilt batting.  I added some machine zig-zag stitching.  Sure love the vintage, home-spun look of a primitive heart~

Thank you!! For stopping in.  Hope you enjoy this week ahead~  Mine will include Verrry Chilllly weather!  Oh my~ How is your weather?  I know many of you look forward to the Fall & Winter.
I'm - - -still acclimating! LOL
Blessings to you,
Karen

15 comments:

  1. My dear Karen,
    such a beautiful post , and a happy one, too with that joyfilled pumpkin - so sweet it is, and I will go visit your friend.
    The ornaments are totally to fall in love with- soooo beautiful all Karen, and love the tattered look of the stars. It is so lovely to see you are here already now, again- it makes me feel happy for you .
    Here we have lovely autumn weather , colder yes, but still not to wear other than a thin jacket when out walking.
    I wish you a beautiful new week , dear friend. Blessings and love from Dorthe xx

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    1. Hello friend : ) Thank you for the visit! Dorthe you are such an encouragement! Lots of love and hugs to you, Karen

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  2. Your paper-pieced pumpkin is just delightful, full of autumn warmth, and I really love the natural look of your Christmas package toppers. It's lovely that they can be used as ornaments once they've served their gift wrap function, and the soft textures of canvas and felt work beautifully with the glitters and beads and simple greenery. I'm in the Czech Republic at the moment with glorious sunshine and blue skies, and temperatures veering from "warm enough to sit out in and read a book" to "huddle up with a hot water bottle indoors"... but as long as the sun shines I'm happy!
    Alison x

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    1. Thank you for visiting Alison! I am such a (new) fan of your blog and wish I had found it sooner. :)
      Wow, the Czech Republic; what an experience~ (my husbands ancestors were from that area)
      Sound like you're having the same kind of weather there - as I am here! But I'm with you > as long as the sun is shining, I'm happy~ Have a great week ahead~ Hugs, Karen

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  3. Hi Karen! It is so good to see you creating even though you feel your mojo has run out on you. The pieces you have shown here are absolutely wonderful!! I love the paper pieced pumpkin! It is so pretty and your Christmas package toppers are just gorgeous! What a lovely idea that they can be used as ornaments as well. I love the glitter and little bits of greenery.. they will look so pretty on someone's tree.
    Down here in Australia our days are getting warmer. Not really looking forward to Summer, it can be soooo hot!! I love the sunshine but don't fare too well when the temp gets over 30c .. gets way too hot for me. I am so thankful for airconditionaing .. LOL!! Take care dear Karen and have a lovely week! hugs xx

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    1. Thank you Marg!! I appreciate your visits so very much. You (and your beautiful blog!) are an inspiration to me~
      I can imagine how lush it must get down in Australia; what a beautiful site it must be~ Hugs and love, Karen

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  4. Oh Karen!
    Your pumpkin is so sweet and what a great idea to use papers instead of material!! Clever you!

    WOW your holiday toppers are simply gorgeous!! Each one is just a bit different fron the last, like snowflakes! The hearts with the varied stitching is a favorite!
    Good to see you!
    sending hugs,Jackie xx

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    1. Hi Jackie~~
      It is always good to see you too! : ) -a happy time to see you visited and to read your encouraging comments! Thank you so much~ You keep taking care of yourself, ok!? Hugs to you, Karen

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  5. I would say your Mojo is doing just fine, these are all wonderful creations, I so love the papers you used in your pumpkin. Those ornaments are just gorgeous and will look lovely on packaging and then to decorate their home, I love your idea of using the batting, I have many small pieces that I saved after finishing my quilts :) The way you have embellished everything is just wonderful!!
    IT is still HOT here, we are to reach 90 tomorrow but it is just a heat wave our normal temps are in the 70's, can't wait for the fall weather to come and stay.

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    1. Hi Connie,
      You are such a peach : ) Thanks for the encouragement and love~ (Batting itself makes me think & feel - -homespun! <3 it. I like to use it now and then for a natural, country or primitive look.) I have heard reports of hot weather in some unexpected places lately (like my old home; CO) but here is is rainy and cold (MT) with no 'Indian Summer' in sight; only coooler weather and possible snow soon. *sigh* ; ) Have a blessed rest of the week. Hugs to you, Karen

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  6. I love your beautiful creations! The idea to us batting is genius- must remember this!
    And you have all embellished with such lovely detailed touches! Gorgeous!
    Wishing you a happy and creative October!
    Big hugs
    Susi

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  7. Thanks so much for the visit Susi!
    You are an inspiration to me with fresh creative ideas I find on your blog~
    Thanks for the hugs and well-wishes~
    Hugs back to you, Karen

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  8. Just caught your comment - thank you for the lovely words... but the tag's almost twice as big as you're imagining... 15 inches tall! It really is huge.
    Ax

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  9. Karen! Your sweet pumpkin is putting a huge smile on my face! I love it soooo much! What a darling pile of patterns! I love that you're creating again and your art fills me up with so much inspiration! It's been a long time since I've dabbled in shabby style and you're really making me want to! I feel so inspired when I visit here. And I can't even imagine how difficult it is to be creative in light of that mojo that just doesn't want to be there, but I hope with time, it will come back. This gives me even more inspiration to just push forward and keep creating. Thank you so much for that and for being such a wonderful friend. Sending you so many hugs!

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  10. p.s. Can't believe I almost forgot your present toppers!! They are GORGEOUS!!! Like magazine-store-worthy gorgeous!! sigh...shabby chic is calling me back!

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