The New Year Makes Me Crafty

 A trip to the thrift isn't always successful, but then there are times you can be inspired.  This little plate spoke to me.  This is the type of calligraphy of the word Friendship I was taught by dear Sister Ann in High School.  Oh to learn the beautiful Spencerian script of the swirls and graceful letters of the script beneath the word Friendship. My penmanship could use a little practice.  Remember the workbooks we had in grade school, practicing the loops, upper and lower.  I remember the sore I got on my finger from holding the pencil too tight.  Maybe when Penny learns cursive, I can practice with her.

Then I found this weird sign.  As soon as I saw it, I knew what it could be.  It's shape reminded me of those old school Hymn boards found in churches.

 I used some chalkboard paint to cover the Brandy bottle.

 Then used some chalk based paint for the frame.

 A few guide lines...

a stencil and a chalk pencil...

and I had myself a Hymn board. Quirky, perhaps, but I love it. I may wax the finish to give it an antique look. Favorite hymn?  I have dozens, choir girl that I was for many years.

Think I'll leave it blank for a while.  Dearest suggested Amazing Grace.

 I've been using this room upstairs to store all the overflow from Christmas.  Since we have a wedding to plan and decorate for this summer, I moved in the tables and I gathered all the tools I will need and put them all in one place.

 I've been a woman without a craft room for months now.  The basement never worked out.  It was too dark and far away from the rest of the house and my dearest was two floors up.  It's not as bright as the other side of the house, but I brought in a standing lamp and I have an Ott light for close work.

 This is going to work out much better. (Until I change my mind again;-)

I know I've shown this before but ...

I have this little envelope framed and hanging in my space.  The first letter I ever received.  That penny has been stuck on the envelope for almost 63 years! A scientific anomaly! What glue lasts 63 years?  Beside being a treasured keepsake, it may have some value, beside the 1955 penny.

Kind of a botanical theme accidentally taking place here.

  Next door in my office...

Collections of glass hobnail vases, mercury glass votives.  

We have to plan a shower, a rehearsal dinner and decorate tables for the wedding of Mike and Amanda later this year.  So many other decorations and supplies are taking up space here there and everywhere it seems.  I know from the experience with Jon and Charlotte's wedding, the time will fly.  They have already celebrated their first anniversary!

I got to spend time with both of our boys this weekend.  Jon spent the day, lounging and watching movies with his Dad.  So good to have him just hanging out.  Mike came by the next day and watched football, talked tech with Dad.  No Penny this weekend.  She had a busy social calendar, a birthday party and play dates.  

Even when we can't be together, we still have fun.

I purchased a bag of doll clothes at the thrift, of course, 

and with Grandpa's help we had a fashion show on Facetime for our girl.  I played the song, Girl from Ipanema, (There is no better song for a fashion show.) Grandpa held the phone as I walked all the dolls and animals we have here at home down the catwalk, dressed in the new doll clothes. (The catwalk being the dining room table)  Penny and Kristen laughed and laughed. Grandpa thought I was enjoying it the most, which was true.  I love to make our girl laugh, I want her to have the happiest memories of her old grandma and grandpa.  She loves silly and so do I!
 

Clarence, my bear, Stitch and Tigger were quite embarrassed, but played along.

 Bits of nature keep the winter blues away. 

 The amaryllis is still going gangbusters.

Four huge and beautiful blooms.

Today is Martin Luther King Day, he said,

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  

Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Sending love out into the universe,

Praying for Peace.

Enjoy this beautiful day.

Love, Penny