simplfy. . . enrich. . . create. . .nourish. . . renew. . . and enjoy

enJOY Saturday . . .

2012-01-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

Do NOT read enJOY Saturday posts unless you would like more joy in your life.

While surfing, and browsing, and going off on little cyber-rabbit trails this morning....I found a GEM, I wasn't looking for it , but God is good, and there it was. I found out that one of my favoritist people, Elizabeth Eliot, has a daily devotional online. I am now sooo looking forward to a daily dose of godly wisdom from such a mature, beautiful, wise, woman!

So the first devotional I read today seemed to be about boredom. Oh. a bit dissapointed, but only at first. I mean after all, I can be accused of alotta' things...but being bored is not one of them! I read a list of artist's blessings once and on top of the list was that an artist is NEVER bored! Too true!

But, as I read on, I realized that she was also speaking of joy and contentment, and the lack thereof. Now, the lack of those two virtues is actually on the list of things of which I can be accused!

And not by coincidence, but by my sweet Father's design, Elisabeth was repeating to me some thoughts I had....just this morning. BEFORE I sat down w/ my coffee and computer, before the surfing, and rabbit trailing, before I came across Elisabeth's website and devotional, as I was drying my hair, I was thinking about my default attitude towards trials. My response to health, financial, workplace, relationship TRIALS is all too often off, way off center, that center being the fixed mark, Christ. I want to get by the trial, passed it, around it, avoid it, whatever, so that I can get back to "normal". But, my "normal" should... and CAN be a heart stayed on Jesus; my "normal" CAN be a life focused on ushering in the kingdom of God; my "normal" CAN be waking up and saying "Good Morning dear Father", rising, and walking with him every moment until I lie down and say "Good Night dear Father."

So, yes, coming across Eisabeth's website, sweet!...finding out she has a daily devotional, awesome! Having my own thoughts reinforced a few moments later by no coincidence, amazing (Thank you, Father!). Remembering I CAN have joy, true joy in the midst of trials, priceless. Please dear Father, keep my heart stayed on Christ today.

Renew Thursday. . . recylced art

2012-01-05T21:54:00.000-05:00

In much of my art I use recycled materials. I love love love taking old every day objects and renewing them as art pieces! I made these butter and cream pieces recently from old bingo cards, my clay doll heads, and other old, vintage papers and such. Each piece is brushed in beeswax. I am also in a butter and cream phase- I find working in simply various shades of white calming, and yes renewing. Feel free to comment and share a link to recylced, renewed art that you have found or created!

crEate wEdnEsday....

2012-01-04T07:47:00.000-05:00

My daughter, Grace had some fun yesterday with the cAmeRA and PiCAsa 3 and vInTAge pRopS (found in and about the house and art room) and with her little sister LiLY (the model, i.e. the ham). Love my girly's!!!

ps...don't forget to check out this weeks previous posts, simplify Monday and enrich Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by!

Enrich Tuesday ~ Tasha Tudor

2012-01-02T23:41:00.001-05:00

beloved author and illustrator

I first"met" sweet Tasha Tudor in the pages of Victoria magazine back in the 90's as a young mom of 3 little ones. . . what a treasure I had found. I check every book out by her and about her at the Library; I searched high and low for as many of her books at used book sales (young mom w/ tiny budget). I fell in love with her lifestyle, illustrations and sweet quiet spirit. Just recently found a like-new copy (still shoppin' on the cheap) of The Lord's prayer, so beAuTIfuL. Maybe just one flaw had sweet Tasha. I remember reading about how she dyed all her own wool. And to this young mom and germ-phoebe's chagrin. . .I read that in order to make one of the colors she collected, umm...eeeewe...pee. Well. ok, anyways, that small factoid withstanding...please,oh please . . . if you have young ones, please find at least one of her books to read with them. I promise, you will be blessed!

visit today... Tasha Tudor and Family

Simplify Monday... Raw Recipes.....

2012-01-02T13:27:00.002-05:00

Simplify Monday....

Let's stop cooking EVERYTHING TO DEATH!

More energy, better health, and a healthier family...SIMPLE SOLUTION- MORE RAW FOODS!!

100% raw diet is um, well a little scary, and sad...I mean, how can I ever give up my favorite recipe in the world- Grammy June's Fried Chicken (will share on a future Enjoy Saturday!!) BUT...the most energy I have ever had was when I tried the raw diet! Fell off the wagon though :( Going to give it another go! So let's not go whole hog...you can't eat that raw either. Lets try like 50% raw 50% cooked, or 1 meal a day, or 1 day a week! Simple start!

There are a lot of wonderful and SIMPLE raw food recipes out there. Packed with enzymes and vitamins, and pure goodness!! My all time favorite...RAW marinara sauce, you will never go back to the jar! Small note...I am not an exact recipe follower chicky...so most of my raw recipes tend to lack...measurements...Sorry, I will work on that. But you're probably pretty web savvy...so if you are an exact recipe follower chicky, I am sure you'll google raw marinara recipes, and find one or two complete with those pesky measurements ;). And while you are googling, find a recipe for raw walnut meatballs to go with the sauce! YUM!!!!

Now for the SIMPLE RAW MARINARA SAUCE

BLEND

1.fresh tomatoes (oh pleeeeease try and find organic!!)

2.dried tomatoes (in olive oil or add a li'l bit o' olive oil)...and yes some dried tomatoes are super important! they add depth and richness you would miss from cooked sauce!

3.italian seasoning or garlic cloves and basil leaves

4.sea salt to taste .....

dump it all into the food processor or blender and push the go button.

WARM

on the stove up to somewhere between 105 and 120 degrees (depends on who ya listen to) and it is still considered raw.

SERVE OVER....

1. organic pasta (good) or

2.organic whole grain, spelt pasta , spouted pasta (betTER) or

3. raw zucchini pasta (BEST!!)
using a spiralizer is best..do ya have one of those tucked away somewhere?? If not, you CAN cut zucchini by hand into noodles, toss in a bit of olive oil and sea salt...and there ya go!! You are in for a pleasant surprise...looks and tastes like PASTA.

there ya go...simple and yum! See ya tomorrow....ENRICH TUESDAY !

simplify, enrich, create, nourish, renew, enjoy!

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

Simplify

Enrich

Create

Nourish

Renew

Enjoy

My goals for 2012, and coincidentally my blog themes for 2012 ;)!! If simplifying, enriching, creating, nourishing, renewing, and enjoying all sound like good ideas to you too, Please stop by daily, just for a moment, and join me! Your tips via blog comments will be wicked welcome too!

Simplify Monday

Enrich Tuesday

Create Wednesday

Nourish Thursday

Renew Friday

Enjoy Saturday

Please stay tuned for Simplify Monday...DON'T COOK EVERYTHING TO DEATH...simplifying with some raw meals....

Take a Word...numbers

2011-12-05T06:06:00.001-05:00

Take a word challenge for this week...numbers..what an easy challenge when one ya love to create on a bingo card canvas...anything goes! This little piece is now part of my butter and cream collection on etsy, come visit my shop to see more butter and cream pieces with my little baldy babies!

I was at a yard sale....ha, so many of my art that way...anywho, like I was sayin'...I was at a yard sale and found this box...big ole' box of vintage sturdy- chipboard-like bingo cards and got them for a song and a ...I believe a dollar because, after all...it was getting late in the mornin' they probably figured get rid of 'em or we'll have to haul 'em back in and store 'em in the garage.

Well, 'tis the season for giving...so I want to give ya some bingo cards!!

To the first 10 of ya to become new followers of my blog...

I will send 2 free bingo cards in the mail :)!!

If you are on facebook, like my sundappled nest page

and I will throw in an extra bingo card!

Favorite my sundappled nest etsy store and...

you guessed it, I will add another card!

You can email me your address, and I will get them to ya in time for holiday creating! C'mon, it'll be fun! Whatcha got to loose?

I am at 40 followers to start...help me reach the big 5-0!!

And PS...if you didn't make the 10..please follow my blog, like my fb page, and favorite my store anyway!!! I plan to make giveaways a regular fun practice, along with altered art tips...and more fun stuff...for my followers, likers and favoriters...so you won't miss out!!!

Merry Creative Christmas Everybody!!

SPA Christmas Fairy

2011-12-03T23:24:00.001-05:00

just one more artistic endeavor before I go off to dream land.... Sunday Postcard Art's challenge "Christmas Fairy". Fairies are a tried and true altered art favorite :) cannot wait to see all the other creations...you can look too... click here to be inspired and enchanted by many Christmas Fairies! Also may be adding this tiny work to my butter and cream collection on my etsy page...loving the winter whites! Merry Creative Christmas my sweet art friends!

Butter and Cream Art

2011-12-03T11:12:00.001-05:00

Hmmm, sooooo many shades of white, so little time! I think maybe my favorite color this season is white. I have a new little section of my etsy store...butter and cream...please come visit! sweet, soft, rich, warm and yummy shades of white, butter and creams for the winter.

Please post any comments and links to your own art in your favorite shade/s of white!

My pieces pictured feature my new little baldy baby heads and are available in my etsy shop! And more butter and cream art to follow!

Shades of white
Anti-flash white	Antique white	Beige	Blond	Cornsilk	Cosmic latte	Cream	Eggshell	Floral white	Ghost white

Honeydew	Isabelline	Ivory	Lavender blush	Lemon chiffon	Linen	Magnolia	Mint cream	Munsell	Navajo white

Old lace	Papaya whip	Pearl	Seashell	Snow	Splashed white	Vanilla	White	White smoke

uPCyCLed CHriStMAs!!!!!

2011-11-29T08:34:00.001-05:00

candy coated Christmas altered art handmade upcycled bottles....say that 3 times fast!!For Christmas this year I announced to my fam that I wanted to have a hadmade Christmas this year...my knit-a-holic daughter thought it was a wonderful idea!! In fact, she started knitting away.... The other kiddo's, not so much. Maybe not too concerned w/ what to give as they were what they would or wouldn't get...biggest hang up- electronics- you cannot knit an ipod, you cannot carve a ps3 out of pine. sooo, we shall cOmProMIse!! Mom and dad buy gifts for kiddos, and kid to kid= handmade.

Do me a fun favor and leave a comment with your favorite upcycles and or handmade gift idea!

ps..my Christmas altered bottle now in my etsy shop!!

Have yourself a merry handmade upcycled Christmas!

Candle, Christmas, and a baldy baby ;)

2011-11-27T23:16:00.001-05:00

a favorite challenge...Sunday postcard art (this week-candles), a favorite Christmas song, and my new favorite things to create...baldy babies...stay tuned for more!

me...published...yay!!

2011-11-21T18:33:00.008-05:00

Here it is.... my very own little corner of a Somerset Studio Magazine... Page 46 of Somerset Studio Gallery Winter 2012! I have loved Somerset Studio publications for years, I save issues and look at them over and over! One day last April I recieved an email form Jennifer Jackson, one of the editors. She had visited my sundappled etsy shop and asked me to submit 2 pieces for publication....and here they are page 46! Giddy as a school girl am I...about my little corner...page 46!!

oh..and PS! I have similar pieces to these listed in my sundappled etsy shop, and much more...please come visit!!
oh...and PPS! Please visit...and like if you would like ;) my sun dappled nest page on facebook!

Sunday Postcard Art Challenge:Poppies and Remembrance Day

2011-11-12T18:36:00.003-05:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Click Here Sunday Postcard Art to see more poppy & remembrance day pieces!

Swirls

2011-11-12T18:23:00.003-05:00

Came across a wonderful challenge Crazy Amigo Challenge creating a piece of altered art with swirls. Well, how exciting for me...I am in the process of completing an entire altered book "Count it all Joy" ( taken from the book of James) and each page is decorated with..can you guess...swirls! Here is the page I have chosen to show for the challenge...and this post can double as a sneak peak of the book! Click on the crazy amigo link to see other artists swirly works!

Little Bo Peep, and her sheep...shabby chic ;)

2011-11-06T18:56:00.005-05:00

Have not been able to do any altered art challenges for some time, so happy to get back to it! Here is my entry for two challenges, a vintage collage/ memories, shabby chic postcard for Three Muses challenge (vintage collage/memories) And SPA (shabby chic postcard). My version of childhood tale, Little Bo Peep. Have always loved the shabby chic style, pretty, pinks, but delightfully imperfect :). Please take a moment to view all the entries on these blogs,all the creativity and unique takes are wonderfully inspiring!!

kids+art+ home+autumn= happy me

2011-10-15T15:15:00.006-04:00

back to art, etsy, and blogging after a not so brief hiatus....happy me :). listed 4 new pieces today in my etsy store...please stop by etSy sUnDappLed nEst. enjoying a Saturday at home with just my littles (Darby and Lily), love days like these. Thank you Lord.

All Joy

2011-05-18T10:28:00.003-04:00

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4

Joy in trials, bright beautiful colors w/ braided, tattered ribbon, soft fabric, vintage flowers on an old worn child's book cover. Life is imperfect and beautiful. True joy is joy that can be found in the worn and tattered times of life. it is joy that overflows form a heart and life that trust in God's goodness It is joy that comes with the wisdom and patience of age.

Do you see the cross in the middle? I wanted it is symbolizes the source, the middle of true joy, true peace and comfort!

4 1/4 in, x 6 1/2 in child's book cover, hung by a handmade "gypsy ribbon braid"
to purchase this piece and to see more of my "porch art style" little pieces, please visit my etsy shop. Thank you.

if my art were a person...

2011-05-16T21:59:00.004-04:00

My porch art...If art were a person, maybe my art would be a sweet, wise old lady sitting peacefully on her front porch swing with a brightly colored, gently tattered quilt on her lap, on a soft rainy morning.

listed 2 little pieces today on etsy....please come and see.

clean art porch= yay :)!!!!

2011-05-01T21:29:00.005-04:00

May 1st ?! Where did that month go?! Anywho, I happily created in my clean art studio (so, guess what I did all day yesterday....came home from my am run and spent almost the entire day cleaning my art porch!). Well worth it though! Tee hee, have to laugh because if a non media/ non altered art buff entered my porch they would not quite see the clean ;)

So today, 3 art challenges:
Theme Thursday: Vintage (woohoo!!)
Love vintage babies, this one a tiny bit steam punky...
Sunday Postcard Art theme:Weddings (went w/ the bride)
used one of my handmade doll heads, brushed it w/ beeswax
and Every Inchie Monday: hearts (used one of my fave stamps- bleeding heart.)
stack of 1" squares of vintage paper, brushed w/ beeswax.

Click on any of those challenge links to see many other artist's creative takes on those same challenges!

Stop back soon! I feel a creative month of May coming on!!

pOrch aRt

2011-04-04T22:50:00.004-04:00

I create my art on my enclosed front porch, it is my humble (truly HUMBLE) art studio. Our, um, shabby chic (emphasis on the shabby) Maine farm house rental came complete with a long, narrow closed in porch, with a wall of windows across the front (most of them still have the panes!) My favorite decor feature- A set of white Christmas lights I have across the ceiling...creating a warm, magical, vintage glow in the evening, and early morning too.

The more objects I collected on my antique market ventures, and the more art that I created with these finds, the more I noticed that my art was beginning to resemble my porch! The backdrop unashamedly old, weathered, gray, chipped, scratched, dented, faded...then here and there tiny random bursts of color, like the few yellow, pink and blue buttons in a jar of weathered grey and white ones...or my gypsy braids...ripped strips of bright vintage floral fabric, wrapped around a stack of antique grey and brown school books.

There is freedom in creating porch art. Stain spots, rips, tattered edges, all featured and loved for their age and beauty! random pencil jottings I have discovered inside antique book covers...thoughtful words ALMOST lost and forgotten, now featured as treasured writings adorned with bright flowers, birds, and butterflies.

There is lovely truth in porch art. Life is not precise (I hate measuring), perfect, or pristine. The grey and the colorful coexist in beautiful, honest, reality. The dark moments and the bright moments of our lives make us who we are. Porch art is a simple honest extension of the life I love- my life, my porch, grey and bright and beautiful.

spring quilt and art sampler

2011-04-01T22:22:00.009-04:00

...found an old quilt..in the corner of a booth ..at an antique market...discounted 50%. Yes I bought it, and am now using it in my art. Lovely colors and fabrics! What a find- 1" x 1"...perfect for my new found love of making assemblage samplers as seen above and unique inchies. Never tried inchies before, check out my inchie w/ my handmade doll head a few posts down.

This piece pictured in this post is for the monthly Creative Paper Artists (CPA) blog, please check out the rest of the design team's take the spring color palette pictured. I love color challenges! It is always fun to go on a scavenger hunt through my art drawers, tins, bins, and boxes to find fabric, found objects, & paper ephemera that match the color challenge!

The best part is, that you can join the challenge too! So hop on over and check out the CPA blog and create some art with us!

I am now offering this piece on my etsy shop page sun dappled nest, please stop by to see this and other pieces from previous posts!

my favorite gypsy

2011-03-28T22:57:00.004-04:00

One more challenge...then I am goin' ta bed. If I don't go, the challenge will be getting up early for work tomorrow! Anywho, the Crazy Amigo challenge,this week- Fave stamp. Well, I had to go back to my lovely lady stamp for this one.With this stamp I created a whole set of gypsy tags for a shop down in Texas, gained entry onto the MPTS design team, and well, just have had lots of fun. So here she is once again. Never wearin' the same tattered ribbon skirt twice though ;) God bless ya'all and good-night!

ps..please don't say goodbye w/ out checking out the rest of my blog :) Thanks!

my winged inchie

2011-03-28T20:34:00.002-04:00

ooooh, found yet another challenge...a very tiny challenge at that. Every inchie Monday- this week: a winged inchie. Well, I decided to use the vintage 1" x1" quilt squares as my background for inchies. A little odd, but well, that is me ;) This little inchie is one of my handmade faces, and wings I scanned form a real butterfly wing I found on a window sill last summer...yes, I do save everything.And I have glazed the piece with a generous brushing of beeswax.

Thanks for looking, please visit my previous posts...and follow me if you would like...you never know what I am going to glaze in beeswax tomorrow ;)

Baby bLooM

2011-03-28T18:46:00.003-04:00

I love the theme for this week's "Take a Word" challenge...BLOOM. Since I use millinery flowers, dried flowers, floral print A LOT in my art...it was an easy challenge for me!

I just began creating a series of pieces- spring samplers I am calling them. Bought a vintage quilt for a song and a dance at a sweet antique market down in Scarborough, Maine and yes...I was finally brave (or stupid) enough the other day to start cutting it up! And yes, I HAD to incorporate beeswax in this piece. The texture is sooo fun -and the scent is wonderful!

This piece is available on my etsy sight too, along w/ a few others.

Angel sampler

2011-03-26T22:03:00.002-04:00

Having fun creating altered art samplers, small pieces of art featuring treasured finds ...here is an all white postcard for the Sunday Postcard art challenge.Love Love Love creating with all white! And a piece is not complete w/ a brushing of creamy beeswax.

Abide with me

2011-03-25T13:33:00.007-04:00

This piece was inspired by the song Abide with me, and the theme Thursday's weekly challenge...this week Orange. Smiling, my Darby's favorite color. please take a moment to listen to the words of this song and my they bless your soul today.

farm front porch art

2011-03-23T10:55:00.004-04:00

Ha ha... gotta love this week's theme for Crazy Amigo challenge...chickens. Here is the piece I created..calling this style farm front porch art...if you haven't seen pics of my farm front porch "studio" click and visit! Thanks for stopping by :)

Oh, then I came across this wonderful art challenge Inspiration Avenue. Their theme this week is spring...so here is my spring chicken offering :)!!

There ya go, 2 birds...chickens...challenges w/ one stone.

Blue challenge

2011-03-21T23:34:00.002-04:00

Think Monday Think ATC. This weeks challenge was a blue ATC. Having too much fun with my new brown bag faces!! And thinking spring of course!! Did I mention... we are having a snow storm here in Turner Maine on the first day of spring...too funny. Oh well. Cup of coffee, warm wood stove fire, and art supplies at the kitchen table...loving it ! I am not blue ;) but my ATC is ...haha...

Full Moon

2011-03-20T21:11:00.005-04:00

2 posts in one day...what is this world coming to??
4x4 Friday's art challenge for the week: Full moon. Funny, before I had seen this challenge I had already made a moon themed piece for Theme Thursday's Black and white challenge. Wasn't 4" x 4" though...so back to the drawing board... ;) too bad, so sad, I was forced to create another art piece tee hee. And THEN I came across the crazy amigo challenge and found that the challenge was your favorite fairytale...which TA DA (is that how you spell ta-da??)...
I used to read this fairytale poem to my son Kevin way back in the early days of motherhood, I have always wanted to do an art piece based on it, didn't think it would be such a tiny one though. Quite happy with my project, and the sweet memories it evoked.

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod (a Dutch lullaby)

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe---
Sailed on a river of crystal light,
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we!"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
That lived in that beautiful sea---
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish---
Never afeard are we";
So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam---
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home;
'T was all so pretty a sail it seemed
As if it could not be,
And some folks thought 't was a dream they 'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea---
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

My Fair Maiden

2011-03-20T18:32:00.003-04:00

Another day... another challenge! The Sunday Postcard Art theme this week is Fair Maidens. I had been practicing these little doll faces yesterday at the breakfast table...doodling on a paper bag. My fair maiden's lovely dress is from Moss Hill Studio and she is holding a beautiful bouquet of vintage millinery flowers. She has a tattered bow from a thrift shop dress, and her hands and feet are hand doodled in pencil.

Theme Thursday: Black and White!

2011-03-19T14:53:00.003-04:00

Well, I have found an art challenge for each day of the week! This altered bingo card is for the Theme Thursday challenge Black and White. At some point I will sync my project creating w/ the day of the theme; right now however, I will probably try to do as many challenges as I can...all on Saturday. Decided to take a slightly different turn in my art projects...little quirkier and fun and a bit childish. I love how kids create with no fear and with such random beautifulness (new word- another heatherism). So, anyways...here is my humble offering, one of my little paper clay heads, vintage papers, trim and of course brushed with a layer of beeswax to finish.

A boy, A bird, and the bright white moon.
"My the moon is bright tonight. Lovely. and quiet."

pretty bottle, pretty birdie...

2011-03-08T07:32:00.001-05:00

altered bottle sPriNg

From SunDappledNest

Now for sale in my etsy store!!

This piece in particular...
Using a bottle as an art canvas..how randomly wonderfully fun :)
Sooo many little things to see, please take the time to look closer... tiny hand dipped pink candles, pretty painted key, antique buttons, a nest of moss, millinery flowers, vintage fabrics and trim, collected from only the best of rummage sales ;) in my sweet little new England town! Sweet soft and bright colors, a sweet little robin.. vintage bird sticker...remember from kindergarten or Sunday School- I mean vintage bird stickers..not tequila bottles ;)

The soft texture of the bottle is a layer of sweet smelling beeswax, sealing, protecting, and beautifying all my altered bottles.

********************WeLComE SPriNg!!***********************

last minute masterpiece ;)

2011-03-01T00:22:00.010-05:00

Well, this month's MPTS theme definitely challenged me!! Theme:Tropical w/ pearls and satin, Technique: embossing!! I honestly couldn't for the life of me figure out how to combine all these things into an altered art piece......kudos to MPTS for making me think hard on this one!!

but then...things started coming together little by little (of course on the night the project is due...oye!) and I have creating a little wall hanging piece that I decided I love ;)

Started searching for vintage pics on the internet...and finally found this beach Victorian chickie, and a little while later, this 1906 tropical pic. The satin trim is off of a fabric remnant I found at my fave antique mall last week...and had the little "pearls" in w/ my vintage buttons.

Embossing was tricky, as I don't have the tools for this sort of thing, embossed the edges of the pics using a vintage frame...didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, but if ya look close you may be able to make out the tiny embossed flowers...

If ya ask me art challenges are the neatest thing since sliced bread and the funnest thing since the hula hoop ;) Click Creative Paper Artists (the MPTS blog)...Check out what the other creative gals have done w/ this same theme and JOIN IN THE FUN!!

challenge- no red or pink??!!

2011-02-01T08:24:00.008-05:00

No red or pink?? That was our art forum's Feb challenge! To create a Valentine Day piece- Theme "Love is in the air" w/ distressing, glitter and lace...and no red or pink.

How do you make Valentine day art w/out pink or red- go vintage- sepia, black, and white!!

I got some paper clay for Christmas from my son...thanks Kev! And used the whole batch to create a bunch of these doll heads. They are sitting, piled on a plate in my *winter art studio...my daughters said they are cute but the pile of the heads on a plate is kind of freaky.

*winter art studio= the corner of my bedroom...too cold in my "art porch"

Anywho, my project is a shadowbox (vintage hankie box), homemade doll (head, cheese cloth, and lace), homemade beeswaxed hearts, feathers, and of course vintage papers..and more cheesecloth and lace!

If you like scrapbooking, stamping, altered art you should join our challenge on the CPA Blog. Check out the rest of the design teams art there too! And check out our art forum!! More fun challenges, swaps, giveaways, etc!

Happy snow day everyone!! Go create something today!!

I Heart art ;)

2011-01-18T18:30:00.005-05:00

I participated in my first swap :) So much fun! Cannot wait to see what I get in exchange. It was for valentines day "candy" for art/ scrapbooking on the MPTS art forum. My contribution was altered and waxed little hearts in 5 themed sets 1. French and lace 2. sugar and icing 3.nature hearts and soul4. tattered gypsy heart strings, and 5. vintage butter and cream . These are similar to the tags that I have made in the past. Have I mentioned bee-fore (teehee) how I LOVE bees-wax!! I am addicted and will cover any and every art piece with it!

a moment to create

2011-01-12T16:43:00.002-05:00

Taking a few moments to create. Yes, I have many, many, many tasks I could have done, but for a bit of time, this morning I created art. And I am happier for it.

Home to breathe

2011-01-01T08:53:00.005-05:00

I am so pleased to be part of the design team for the Creative paper artists (CPA) blog and CPA art forum.
It keeps me creating...even in the midst of the busiest holiday season ever! 2 jobs, 5 kiddos, and soooo much to do! BUT it is January now, and time to slow down and breathe. That should be everyone's new year resolution after the holidays...sloooow down and breeeeeathe :)

Well, the theme for the CPA challenge was new year resolutions. materials,- chipboard and acrylic paint, and the technique- torn paper.

My artitstic take on this challenge is a simple set of magnets of torn vintage wallpaper with my favorite theme of HOME.
My thoughts this new year are of home and my family, my hope and prayer is to spend more time here...and a little less out there :)

Please stop by our blog and see all the creative takes on resolutions!!

Please try your hand at this challenge and/ or at any of our challenges on the forum! There is something for everyone! Tag challenge, green (recycled art) challenge, color challenges, ETC!! And sooo much fun! Creative Paper artists (click then scroll down to challenges ).

Join the tag challenge!!

2010-12-30T22:49:00.006-05:00

if you haven't visited our art forum you must! The challenges...like this tag challenge are sooo fun!!

Have an Upcycled Christmas!!!

2010-12-06T16:58:00.005-05:00

99 upcycled recycled altered Chrstmas bottles on the wall, 99 upcycled recycled altered Chrstmas bottles...take one down, pass it around :)

These bottles would be your most brightest cheeriest Christmas decoration...or gift...I promise! Check out my etsy page-Lulah Hildebrandt...also selling more of my tags, Christmas too!

And very iMpORtaNt PS...Please visit my gypsy cottage blog and join me with some altered artsy cottagy funsy upcycled/ recycled Christmas ideas!!!!!

Holiday Cheer

2010-11-26T16:49:00.002-05:00

This month's design team challenge for More Paper Than Shoes...soon to be renamed Creative Paper Artist was to design a piece to convey holiday cheer, using our individual favorite materials...my altered bottle is decorated with vintage papers tattered fabric, and beeswax. My first handmade decoration of the holiday season...and on this our first day of snow...and my day off :) What a beautiful cozy day!! Happy Holidays everyone...day one!

2010-11-23T08:06:00.003-05:00

Hi friends, I am part of the etsy group Creative Paper Artists...please check out our group page!

What a wonderful Christmas it would be if we each supported each other a little by buying from shop to shop! What a beautiful handmade Christmas it would be as well!

Create One Small Tag for One Great Cause

2010-11-06T11:17:00.005-04:00

Do you stamp?? Do you scrap?? Altered art perhaps??

I need your help!!

...Would you please create one tag for a centerpiece I am putting together for the Lewiston Root cellar, an inner city ministry in Lewiston, ME

We are asking 40 artists, art groups, and art classes to each create 1 centerpiece with the theme- Trees, fall, faces of inspiration, and community. I would like my contribution to be a tree similar to this one, but full of tags created by blog and fb art friends. Each centerpiece will be up for bid at our silent auction w/ a starting bid of $50! I have over 100 art blog and fb friends and I have seen much of your work- imagine a tree- or treeS full of tags created by all of us!!

Please consider making one small tag for one great cause. Your tag could reflect one or more elemnts of the theme. For inspiration and more info visit our website Lewiston Root Cellar.

Thank you in advance for anyone and everyone who chooses to help!!!

November Tree

2010-11-02T21:24:00.004-04:00

Have you visited the MPTS forum yet! If you are a scrapper, stamper, and/ or altered artist, you need to get in on the fun!! Stop by the MPTS blog to see the design team members takes on this months challenge and THEN do the challenge yourself and post it!!

November's Challenge:

Theme for November "Leafless Trees"
Materials: buttons and felt
Technique: ink blending
"Leafless Trees" November is usually cold and gray...but think of "you are taking a walk early morning and you can hear the wind between the tree branches and feel the cold on your cheeks... you're NOT cold because you are wearing your favorite thick wool cardigan...All of a sudden, the comfort smell of wood burning in chimneys reaches you and you take everything in...All your senses are fully awake...You happily remind yourself how wonderful it is going to be at home sitting by the fireplace with a nice cup of tea, coffee or coco!"
Lovely Idea submitted by Design Team Member, Chantel

Here is my November Challenge Piece. My "November Tree". Up here in Maine, some trees are leafless already! And my family loves taking walks and coming home to cocoa and coffee. My tree actually has a strand of a few leaves still on it. This tree is a tree close to home, Imagine a big brother and his little sister buttoned and bundled up for a walk in the woods, coming home (see their key) to candles their mother has lit and a woodstove. The felt ties on the tags, keys, and candles make me think of warm scarves. I loved making this piece! Thanks for the idea Chantel!

Grape pickin'

2010-10-16T09:19:00.002-04:00

Grape picking with my little ones! Their is an old grapevine along our stone wall that has made its way into the trees. These are the sweetest grapes I have ever tasted! Some are rather tricky to get to though ;). Lily and Darby had a blast. So did mom ;).

Please pray

2010-10-15T07:52:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends, Please pray for my sweet nephew, Peter, he is in the hospital this morning with pneumonia! Pleas pray for the whole precious family!! Peter is the little guy in the stroller. Please pray for healing!!!!

gYpSY cOtTagE

2010-10-03T14:25:00.006-04:00

New blog...opening my gYpSy cOtTage doors! My life is characterized by beautiful imperfections, sometimes I don't see my life as beautiful, but God does! gyPsy cOttage will be a blog dedicated to my style of decorating...of art...of daily living... where nothing matches perfectly and is wonderful in spite of it or because of it~a place for random pretty things, poems, artwork, photos, musings~traveling around from here to there, collecting trinkets and treasures. Please come by today for a visit!!

Harvest Queen...and other fine ladies

2010-10-01T08:37:00.002-04:00

I made the first doll pictured for the MPTS design challenge for October. Theme- Harvest, Materials- glitter, ribbon, handmade flower Method- Embossing. Tricky, because I never embossed anything and had no tools to do so. Solution- used the rounded edge of Gracie's crochet needle, 2 pieces of paper suede (1.99 each at Joann's) and the engraved celtic cross that hangs in my bedroom. Unfortunately, you can't see the embossing detail too well in the pic...but it turned out pretty cool. Her body is a wine bottle, make me think of those homemade dolls over dish detergent bottles back in the 70's. hehe.

I love these challenges for so many reasons. I hadn't made flowers before either. (embossing, flower making...look at me s t r e t c h and GROW!)...My flowers are tattered roses of dark ribbon (that I tattered w/ scissors) and floral tape.

The other two ladies are the other two dolls I have made from my stock of doll heads (yard sale a couple years back- 50 cents each!)

The second doll, Wisdom, was inspired by the boook of Proverbs. Now I picture my Lady Wisdom everytime I read Proverbs..."Wisdom crieth out, she uttereth her voice in the street..." The base is what looks to me like a miniature tomatoe cage...I have tried to find more of these, but haven't been able to. Anybody know what it is...or where I can get more...please let me know!

The third doll, my first, is my sweet little gypsy cottage doll. I think she's a little gypsy cottage grandma...welcoming the grandchildren in to bake gypsy cottage pies. Her skirt is actually a paper dress from mosshillstudios Her body is a canning jar. My own sweet grandma canned...and made pies w/ us grandkids....this doll sits by my art table on the porch, and whispers to me sweet memories of my grandma and my childhood.

baCk tO sChooL

2010-09-30T11:07:00.003-04:00

Had fun creating this little journal...sometimes it is so fun to create as if you are still a little kid. I mean c'mon...who doesn't still love the smell of a fresh new box of crayolas!! Crayons, pipe cleaners,construction paper, paste (not just for eating anymore), um anyways...wouldn't it be great to create a whole series of altered art pieces using material/ mediums we used in kindergarten?! Hmmm.....didn't I just throw away that empty toilet paper roll...be right back. ;)

montage, collage, hodgpodge...a few pics of a few things this morning

2010-09-27T07:14:00.005-04:00

Welcome fall
Good morning sunrise
my gypsy Gracie
good morning art...

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

2010-09-16T09:37:00.012-04:00

Happy 40th Birthday to my Dear Husband. This piece is my artistic interpretation of his favorite hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God by Martin Luther. I created an assemblage of treasured found objects from my porch, beautiful discarded hymn and book covers, and my favorite photo of my husband. Kev and I love the words of this hymn, words of God's strength and protection and Christ's victory for eternity.

This is also the first large assemblage piece I have done, and I must do more! I am contemplating other beautiful hymns that would lend themselves to my assemblage art.

I and my Bucket

2010-08-31T22:54:00.007-04:00

I scanned one of my favorite things- a beautiful Victorian Book cover for this piece. I was aMazED at how the printed image turned out as beautiful as the original! I heart my scanner!!

If I lived in the 1800's this would be my scrapbook layout ;)!!

I found the precious little photos at a antique shop just out of Topsham ME. They originals are sooo light you can barely see the little girl. Enhanced them using picasa. Wow!! I heart my picasa!

A few weeks ago at a yard sale, came across an antique album w/ these beautiful, vintage blue, worn pages/ frame mats. Got the album for a song and a dance...ok those of you who know me know I CAN"T dance...so just a song!!

This project was done for the MPTS design challenge Try the September challenge on MPTS and see what you can come up with!

If you like the pics I used...I have digital copies for sale in my etsy store, Lulah Hildebrandt...for a song and a dance...please stop by! More beautiful vintage images to come!

If you are not a member of MPTS forum yet...check it out! The best scrap book/ altered art forum I have come across...and they just keep on improving it and making it even better. And the talent is amazing. My favorite part is the challenges!

more of my hymnal...close ups

2010-08-24T00:17:00.005-04:00

(double click on each pic for a closer look!!)

hymnal

2010-08-24T00:12:00.007-04:00

I gave my altered art team the challenge of creating a piece of altered art that best introduced them to the rest of the group, and the rest of the MPTS forum.

This hymnal is the project I created to introduce myself, "describing" a few aspects of my personality...

I love "altered hymns"...old hymns set to new music. The words of some old hymns cause one to stop and think...the depth and theology in such a time as this...read through some old hymns once!!some fave phrases...

Jesus lover of my soul, let me to the bosom fly!
I need thee every hour in joy and pain
Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified!
Joy that seekest me in pain
You overwhelm my days with good!
Your wondrous love will never let me go

I love God, and am his daughter, under his cross, under his wings...For all of my faults... ALL of them, I am forgiven and I am loved and am saved for eternity! Today I will screw up, and seem to forget this awesome truth...at least a thousand times. And in His mercy he will forgive me and in His grace he will keep me.

Like my hymnal, I am not perfect... pretty frayed and tattered actually, but very colorful, unique, and interesting ;)

The bright colors and dark colors in my art- life is light, bright, and beautiful at times, and other times serious, somber, and seemingly sucky...but still let's face it, the truth is life IN CHRIST is beautiful! Illness, car repair, a messy house, bills beyond measure ...these will ALL pass...my soul rests in CHRIST FOR ETERNITY! Truthfully and basically- I will die someday, and none of this crap matters, I am his for eternity, saved from an eternity I don't even want to think about. I am loved by GOD forever!

Some colors match, some don't...kind of following my gypsy cottage art/ decorating style and my life...nothing matches perfectly, and I don't care...I did it that way on purpose...sort of! If you visit my house you'll see I gave up the quest for perfection a while ago! After all, the best part of home, is well...just being home! I have some time off to think about this, and I am loving it! I heart my imperfect home...and my imperfect family!!!

Well, that pretty much sums it up I guess...me in a hymnal.......

Done!! Finally!! August Color Challenge...alternative title- Glorified Chicken Wire Assemblage

2010-08-20T10:14:00.012-04:00

My humble art, on my humble art porch... my inspiration MPTS august color challenge. Had a little too much fun with this one!

yellowgreen, darksalmon, and lemonchiffon...OH MY!!!

2010-08-08T07:57:00.010-04:00

The More Paper Than Shoes color challenge for August- Yellowgreen, darksalmon, and lemonchiffon.....hmmm....

What shall I find...What shall I do....What shall I create...What a delightful conundrum!

Well, went on a little hunt in my studio's nooks and crannies today for found objects with this lovely color scheme in mind, have a peek at my finds. My most treasured find...a single wing found in a spider web in the corner...a little sad...but so precious and beautiful!

Come back and visit soon and see what I have come up with...at this point your guess is as good as mine!

Join MPTS and join in the challenge fun!!

my little LULaH art in my little LuLAh shoppe

2010-08-05T23:06:00.007-04:00

listed some little tags in my etsy store Lulah Hildebrandt today. tiny. cheerful. fun. love making and selling these little things :)

Lulah lOvEd ParIS iN tHe sPRingTIMe... my altered cigar box for the MPTS August challenge...

2010-08-01T07:51:00.017-04:00

Lulah Hildebrandt...aspiring young American artist....in the spring of 1922 perhaps...

Traveled to Paris to find herself, experience life...and paint. She didn't have much money, nor did she know anyone there...but knew she must go.... A cœur vaillant rien impossible - To a valiant heart nothing is impossible!!

I imagine an young artista in Paris...in the spring of 1922...would keep her treasured paints and brushes in a little box such as this...

I imagine she would've taken it with her on her walks, along the Seine, along with some sort of canvas, to paint whatever it was that inspired her that day...in Paris.. in the spring time...

Well, That is what I imagine anyway ;)

PS..IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE ART HOP AND DON'T SEE IT, CLICK HOME
THEN SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM.

sneak peek....

2010-07-31T14:59:00.004-04:00

More Paper Than Shoes Forum...have you been there yet??? so many creative art chickies and sooo many bEaUTIful things to see!!

Here's a sneak peek of my piece for the August challenge....

hmmm...gotcha wonderin'????

depression era photo shoot

2010-07-22T22:05:00.006-04:00

Had fun the other day with the kids and their friends. They found some vintage clothes in the dress up trunk, and we went for a photo shoot on the farm. Can see the whole album on my facebook page! friend me and check it out! Dress up clothes... pocket change, old rusty farm props... free (well, I guess you could factor in the cost of rent)Sunday afternoon of great pics and memories....PRICELESS!!

PS: scroll down to the bottom of my blog and check out the art hop!!! Join for free!!!

my teenage daughter's shop Gypsy teardrop

2010-07-15T08:06:00.006-04:00

My Millie Kate (age 13) has opened her very own etsy shop. I am very proud of her! Her pieces are so sweet, I love the way she has "named" each of them...pretty, poetic...

If you are on etsy, and you have a chance, will you help me encourage her by maybe marking one of her pieces...or maybe even her shop a favorite....Thank you, friend. And if you are in the market for something unique, handmade with love, and reasonably priced...consider a purchase! You would make her day...probably her week ;) And you won't be disappointed ...her handmade jewelry is simply lovely.

You overwhelm my days with good!

2010-07-11T07:40:00.005-04:00

Last night's sunset brought these words to mind "You overwhelm my days with good, your wondrous love will never let me go." Click and listen to this song if ya have a moment...you won't be sorry you did. Here's an idea...listen to this song while looking through your own family pics on the computer. Sometimes, we just need a reminder of God's goodness to us ;) I knowthat yesterday I did....
Share O Wondrous Love by Sovereign Grace Music

2010-07-11T00:08:00.014-04:00

Tonight's beautiful sunset brought to you by...God.

MPTS July Challenge

2010-07-03T19:39:00.003-04:00

This is my "creation" for the July challenge for More paper than shoes. Check out the MPTS forum- challenges- July Challenge. There are other creative challenges too! What a fun way to create and make new art friends! I am loving MPTS!! Still learning how to navigate the forum though. Never have participated in a forum before. Adding this pic for instance was kind of tricky. New art friends, new art creations, new challenges, phew!! It's been a week for me ;)

little gypsies

2010-07-03T15:35:00.006-04:00

little gypsies with beautiful phrases on their backs, vintage fabrics and laces for their "skirt". Each little gypsy girl her own unique personality!! Will be listing more and I can customize a gypsy for you too! A lovely little gypsy dancing from the rear view mirror of your car, or perhaps wear her as a pendant!! A lovely unique gift for a friend, I could even send her directly to a friend!! Only $5 for a limited time...please stop by Lulah Hildebrandt...

2010-07-03T07:46:00.005-04:00

Guard you heart so that the good and pure may grow and flourish, and you, from the depths of your soul, may live life to its fullest!

I have listed gypsy tags and moss terrariums on my Lulah Hildebrandt shop ....

Please stop by the shop for a visit...

More paper than shoes

2010-07-02T07:36:00.007-04:00

sO eXCiTed!!!! I made the design team for More Paper than Shoes!! This is a wonderful new design group filled with wonderful creative women,. I am honored to be part of such a wonderful group! Check out More paper's blog, forum, and facebook page. Try the creative challenge for July!

I am designing more gypsy tags, smaller ones to sell for only $10 each. Stop by my Lulah shop I can custom design one for ya too (with name, favorite colors, words, verse, phrase...) just email me and let me know. The first set was created w/ teens in mind. Will be designing all kinds of different sets in future...

Also...promise to those of you waiting ;)...will list some terrariums over the weekend! They are FINALLY ready to go!!

inspired by Shakira

2010-06-14T10:15:00.006-04:00

Well, if ya just clicked on my blog, you are listening to the first song on my playlist...Gypsy by Shakira. Don't listen to Shakira much, but I love this song. My little gypsy artist singing Gracie shared this song one day with me and I LOOOVE it! It inspired this tag I created for design team entry more paper than shoes. I had so much fun creating it I am going to make more "gypsy tags", so lets seeee, I have the terrariums to finish, vintage sets to create, teen tags for Texas wholesale (wonderful ETSY customer) more pics to alter, and now gypsy tags! Wandering around from beautiful place to beautiful place in my little art world...just like a gypsy...are you coming with me ;)

Lily and daisies

2010-06-10T12:15:00.006-04:00

Had the evening off last night, just me and the kiddos. BEAUTIFUL SUNSET, WARM JUNE BREEZE... Took walks, rode bikes, and took pics. Could have cleaned and done laundry instead. House would look better today, laundry would be folded and put away. So this morning as I looked around at my not so perfect house (and the pile of laundry) I smiled. I am so happy that on a beautiful evening I chose to take walks, ride bike and take pics instead. I'll clean a bit today and smile....and cherish my sweet memories.

shop gYPsY first...pretty please!

2010-05-31T11:32:00.005-04:00

pretty things...pretty please....shop gYpsY first!!! New pretty things listed~ just listed this beautiful morning. Vintage sets coming soon...beach sets, picnic sets, birthday sets, vintage kitchen sets!! Great gift ideas with gypsy cottage charm coming your way! Do you need a shower gift or birthday gift with vintage cottage charm? I can put together a lovely vintage themed gift set just for you...no extra charge! Having so much fun hunting and gathering lovely items. Please check today's new items and please check back again soon!

early morning pics.

2010-05-24T09:22:00.017-04:00

Took an early morning walk and pics w/ my little guy..when we got back, took a few moments and a few pics of my "studio", or porch. Be it ever so humble ;)

took a walk today....in my very own enchanted fairy forest

2010-05-20T16:22:00.007-04:00

3 gypsy chix

2010-05-18T07:47:00.004-04:00

Opened a new etsy store with my daughters Millie and Grace. Bringing our slightly unmatched, wonderfully eclectic, whimsical and beautiful gYPsY cOtTage style to the masses ;)

...well at least to the small portion of the masses that come upon our etsy store or read my blog!

And yes,I dream BIG (and in lovely unmatched patterns colors)...I am determined to once again be a stay at home mom! trying many things, some working better than others ;) But I AM DETERMINED!

So, this is no charity, but by all means, if you like anything I (well we- my 2 chickies and me!) create, or resale/ repurpose, and ya wanna help a chickie out ;) check out my shops (see side bar links), send me custom requests (got a lot of my Lulah Hildebrandt etsy orders that way), link and share my blog/ shops with your friends and blog readers.

I am very grateful to those of you who have already done that, THANK YOU!

And yes I am ramping up the income from home effort! Because of my hubby's health I had to go back to work full time 4 years ago this summer. My oldest is turning 15 this month. He only has a few years left at home, and I want to be here w/ him for as much of that time as I can. Time flies when you are working full time. God has shown me a lot these past 4 years. Sometimes, though I get scared that I won't be able to ever again stay at home w/ my kids. So, yes, I have been feeling that way as of late. And I have decided that fear, worry and $1.00 + tax will get you any size coffee at McDonalds!

So, I will try again and again with all the creative juices I can muster. And I will dream, determine and do! And I will pray, everyday for a Godly attitude, for my hubby's spiritual and physical well being, and my sweet 5 kiddos, who I miss everytime I walk out that door!

Thanks for reading and praying with me.

That turned into quite the self motivational speech ;)

Have a good day...and if your are shopping... shop GyPSy! Thank you!!

terrarium imaginarium....

2010-05-04T10:15:00.009-04:00

shhhh...

2010-04-28T04:40:00.004-04:00

just thought I would share one of my new creations...found the fairy (cupid, angel) at an antique store, forgotten in the corner...bought her for $1. Made her a bed of moss (of course) and she is sleeping soundly.

Now up to 21 terrariums and making more tomorrow. Most are doing quite well.Reading and learning A LOT about moss. Went to post office w/ Darby today. On the way home stopped the truck about 5 times to pick moss from side of the road. The post office is just a couple miles from the house. Took about 45 minutes to finally get home though. Moss hopping is as addictive as yard sale hopping!

moss terrariums for mother's day...and beyond!

2010-04-23T09:18:00.002-04:00

I have fallen in love...WITH MOSS! I am now designing moss terrariums and will be selling them on my etsy page. I plan on listing them this following week. So many ideas for these terrariums...I can hardly contain myself!!!! Will be adding little stone walls, nests, picket fences, garden sculptures. Plan to decorate the outside of some jars with rusted wires, pearls, lace, beeswax, solder. Such plans, such work, such FUN!!!

Yay God!

2010-02-02T10:35:00.007-05:00

I have officially received enough orders from my Lulah Hildebrandt Shop to equal one weeks pay (finished, and works in progress). Not quitting my day job anytime soon. It has been a slow beginning but I am encouraged! One of the most wonderful things in life is to sit at my kitchen table (art porch too cold brrrrr) and create art that someone is actually paying me for. Yup, gotta stop to make lunch, referee the occasional ...ahem...disagreement, wipe the occasional butt (OK- Just Lily's!), what a life!!!!! My prayer...Please Sir, may I have more????!!!!! In all serious I am very grateful to God (And I keep telling him that!) for the recent art business opportunities he has given me. Staying home ROCKS! Yay God!

Lulah Hildabrandt...

2009-11-17T08:09:00.009-05:00

I have opened a new etsy store~ Lulah Hildebrandt. Right now selling reasonably priced ornaments/ gift tags....little tiny pieces of art. Got my first volume order for an art gallery- very excited! Thank you Susan! So to all you readers out there in the beautiful state of Washington....check out the Art & Soul Gallery, on 238th St in Bothel!Hey stop laughing- it is POSSIBLE that I have many blog followers in Washington. They are just the strong, silent type who don't comment on blogs- in fact, many of my readers are um...the strong silent type...who um...don't comment on blogs! So you may not SEE them , but they are there. Kind of like fairies. I believe in blog readers! And fairies.

overwhelmed but under grace

2009-09-22T09:09:00.002-04:00

Praying for grace and mercy in my endeavors today.
Remembering that God is sovereign .
Spell-checking sovereign.
Correcting spelling of sovereign.
Wondering if it makes me a bad presbyterian
because I don't know how to spell sovereign.
Spell-checking presbyterian.
Correcting spelling of presbyterian.
Praying for guidance and direction.
Wishing the world would slow down to my pace
for just one day.
Thanking God for His grace and mercy, today
and always.

a little time, a little art

2009-09-02T23:16:00.006-04:00

Using beeswax, playing, experimenting, accidently burning myself- more than once.

2 blog posts-one day!?!

2009-07-15T20:21:00.003-04:00

Just finished my second journal. If you are reading these posts on fb and can't see the photos you can go to my actual blog to see them sundapplednest.blogspot.com I had never seen this verse before- what a beautiful verse- Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility. For as often as I have messed up in life- you'd think I would be a pretty humble person. Well, sometimes not so much.It is definitely a tricky attribute. I am proud to say that I am more humble today then I was yesterday, oh crap- maybe not. ;)

Proverbs Journal

2009-07-15T18:43:00.004-04:00

This morning- a wonderful morning... Art and coffee with my dear friend Karin!!! This is my first try at making a journal. So much fun! So many possibilities, so many more journals we can make...got comp books on sale!

Good mornin?

2009-07-14T05:59:00.007-04:00

This is my dear sweet little Lily June. My dear sweet little Lily June hasn't wet her bed for months, but this morning she wet MINE. Yup, that's right. I woke up, a little confused, and wet. At some time last night Lily had crawled into my bed and snuggled up RIGHT NEXT to me. Awe, how sweet. Well, I had been meaning to get up earlier in the mornings. Today I was up, showered, and washing laundry by 6am. Life is good. Children are a blessing. And yes, God has a sense of humor.Ya all have a good day ;)

WISDOM!!

2009-07-11T00:10:00.009-04:00

Well, I have been reading the proverbs, and have created an altered art doll, her name is Wisdom. You cannot see wisdom however, because my camera is broken and unlike my other recent art projects, she cannot be scanned. I hope to post pictures of her soon. I had a wonderful time creating her, spent hours with her in my art room. Well, I was also cleaning my art room too. Hope to have pics of it soon as well....before I mess it up again.

There is chapter after chapter in Proverbs dedicated to Wisdom- council to seek her, warnings against forsaking her, contrasting her to prostitutes, revering her above ALL earthly treasures...over and over again, the father to the son says "Seek wisdom...seek wisdom...seek wisdom...seek wisdom!!!!" Verse after verse, chapter after chapter- Parent to child "SEEK WISDOM! SEEK WISDOM!! SEEK WISDOM!!"

Um, I think I have fallen short. When I am home, my lips are FULL of instruction (some call it nagging) to my sons and daughters. I am sad to say I have not emphasized to my dear children "SEEK WISDOM!!" I am sad and ashamed. The closest I think I may have come lately was to not so softly encourage my teenager to "GIMME A BREAK-USE SOME COMMON SENSE!!!" Not exactly a verse out of proverbs. You won't find that one crosstitched on a pillow.

Well, God forgives, and children do too. God's word transforms the heart. And tomorrow is a new day.

So Dear Father, I pray...Thank you for giving me the wisdom to see something seriously missing in my parenting. Please remind me tomorrrow to encourage the dear ones you have given me to...

Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor." Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
(Proverbs 4:5-13) I couldn't have said it better myself ;)

so today I'll try and catch up!

2009-07-05T07:38:00.003-04:00

Ha- not catch up on EVERYTHING! That's too funny and too impossible. But I do plan on reading proverbs 3, 4, AND 5. Week end got away from me there. You know ya need a day off when you answer your home phone "Hello, Ruby Tuesday, Auburn, this is Heather speaking would you like to make a reservation?" Or when you ask your own fam at the kitchen table if they are ready for desert or do they just want their check.

Any who, let's watch a little bit of Tim Hawkins this morning- I could use a laugh, how 'bout you?

Proverbs 2

2009-07-02T11:22:00.003-04:00

a short and sweet entry- gotta go to work!

Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.

Every mom's prayer for her young man, or young lady!!

A Proverb a day....

2009-07-01T20:57:00.004-04:00

My Ornaments of Grace

Here is my own personal challenge for the month-Each day read a proverb and create an art piece using that proverb as inspiration.

Today Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and pendants about thy neck.

Well these ornaments might look a bit silly hanging about my head- but I think they will look quite pretty hanging from some cupboard knobs and window locks.

I have an over abundance of these formica chips and had a wonderful time turning them into art- look for more in the future....

7 sistahs (premio meme award part 2)

2009-06-30T07:54:00.003-04:00

Well, what fun! It was too hard to pick and choose 7 blogs out of the cyber- gal pals I already have (I like you all too much to choose!!!) so I decided to search out 7 new bloggers for this award by doing a google search of a few of my favorite things..... christian, moms, homeschool, altered art...and here they are
Let a Woman Learn
Easily amused, hard to offend
Melissa's creative Space
The Renaissance Chameleon
Collage Contessa
keeper of the home
Nutbrown Cottage
7 wonderful gals and new friends- I hope!!

Premio Meme Award

2009-06-28T07:36:00.013-04:00

Well, I have never heard of it, was very glad to accept it ("I'd like to thank the academy....."), pleasantly surprised that I had another reader;) and so blessed to cyber-meet fellow artist and blogger Jessie of J.B. Guess & Co.

Premio Meme Award

The rules associated with this award are that I am to write seven little-known facts about myself, and then pass this award to seven of my fellow bloggers.

so, here we go....

1.I love the smell of a bowling alley- it reminds me of when I was little going with my mom, grandma, and later my little sister and my aunt to their bowling league games on Tuesdays . Afterward we would go to Long John Silver Restaurant and I would get extre FREE "crispies" with my meal. Little bits of deep fried batter crumbs- YUM!

2.I also love the smell of Long John Silver Restaurant. It reminds me of a time I could eat deep fried batter crumbs and not worry about clogged arteries- or moving up a pants size.

3. I was valedictorian of my senior class.

4. I graduated in a class of 8 students. ah- now #3 makes a little more sense to you.

5. I love Theology. I wish I could immerse myself in the teachings of Reformed theologians- past and present. Of course- I would have to start out with the basics- such as the well known book Deep Theology for Dummies. Don't bother googling that book- I just made it up.

6. I really like beer. Microbrews- not generic domestic crap like bud. I wish I could immerse myself in the study of beer. Of course, I would have to start out with the basics-such as the well known book Microbrews for Dummies. Actually, you could google that one- more of a liklihood that is an actual book.

7. I had a nic-name that my mom gave me as a child- friends, thankfully never found out about it, it was a term of endearment for me used by my parents, grandparents, and some aunts and uncles. ready for this? Hubber Ubber Sue-ber oober. It was sometimes shortened to just Hubber. Thankfully, most of the time they would just call me Heather Sue. If you try to address me as hubber I will block you from my blog. and if you are reading this on facebook- I will most definitely unfriend you. ;)

Ok- I know that I am only halfway done- I will post my list of 7 fellow bloggers later, While I sit blogging others lie sleeping and we are all going to be late. I am late for almost everything but work. That is a not so little known fact about me.

Life is short. Precious, but short.

2009-06-26T08:39:00.005-04:00

Last week my dear pappy passed away. I have been going almost nonstop since. Almost nonstop- had brief interludes of sitting at the airport (actually 4 airports if we are counting), and sitting on the plane (4 planes). God has granted me moments to meditate- on my pappy, his life, our relationship, my extended family, and my own mortality.

After the funeral, I had the blessed opportunity to spend some time with my sweet Aunt Mary (the sister of my departed grandma). I was able to take a day to stop, stay, and fellowship with one of the few older relatives still in my life. As a child I would sleepover at her house, go bowling, picnicing, and to meals on wheels with her. She is still on the go at the young age of 81. I hadn't seen her since my grandma's funeral- over 3 years ago. Too long. We talked and talked. I asked questions, so many questions, about my families past. She was delighted to share with me. We looked at pictures, many pictures, and talked. We visited my grandma and pappy's grave, We went to dinner with more family that I hadn't seen in forever, and at dinner we all talked and talked, laughed, and talked, hugged, And said our goodbyes. Not for long I hope. I had missed my extended family, and with my busy life hadn't realized how much I had missed them.

There were more family I didn't have the opportunity to visit. My sincere prayer is that I can visit with all of them too soon...and talk...laugh, cry, and talk.

Life is short. Precious, but short. I truly have failed miserably in keeping touch with the dear family God has given me. The family in our lives are not there randomly. These are people God has chosen to bond us with through blood. Not to be taken lightly I now believe. We share memories, ancestors, a common history, and love for those who have passed. May we also share our Savior and a true love for each other.

I miss my pappy. I miss him dearly. He gave me so much during his life. There were stories, jokes, and stories, coffee, checkers, and stories, the garden, card games,and stories! Did I mention the stories? He also gave me the priceless gifts of his forgiveness, his patience, and understanding. I realize pappy mellowed with age. I believe I was able to know him during the best years of his life. He truly loved me I truly loved him. I miss my pappy.

The last thing pappy gave me was the precious gift of being with family. I miss my grandma and pappy, more than words can say. But I still have my Aunt Mary. I still have my Uncle Randy, my Aunt Susan, My cousins Randy and Nick, My cousin Sean, my Uncle Russ, my Uncle George, my Aunt Gerry, my Uncle Walt, And on my dad's side, my Dad, his wife Janet, my grandma, my Aunt Sandie, my Uncle Ron, my cousin's Kristen, Stacie, and Nickie.

And I still have my sister Kim, and Brian, my brother Matt, Grace and ALL my sweet nieces and priecious nephews!!!

And I still have my dear husband Kevin, and my own beloved children!!

My prayer today is that I get through the rest of the week (still going nonstop- remember!!!)
But more importantly that I go through the rest of my life visiting, calling, emailing and remembering my family. God chose each one of them to be family to me. They are all a gift from Him. Father, please help me to be a blessing to EACH one of them.

burnt potato soup for the soul

2009-06-12T07:46:00.004-04:00

Well, had a day off yesterday, or should that be an off day...had A LOT I wanted to accomplished. Here are the tasks from that list that I actually accomplished:

cleaned bathroom

Now don't get me wrong, I did have quite the day, manged to turn a quick trip to Walmart into a not so quick trip that sucked up most of the morning. Came home to make lunch and burnt...ruined a batch of potato soup. Good thing I bought the potatoes on sale at Walmart. PBJs for everyone! Not exactly the rainy day comfort meal I had in mind. Was a bit tired from working my double shift on Wednesday so decided to lay down for a few minutes and woke from my coma 2 hours later. (Maybe I am getting too old to work double shifts- or too out of shape).

But we did round out the day with a make up comfort meal for dinner- Meatloaf w/ that yummy sauce, mashed potatoes And baked mac and cheese, candied carrots And broccoli...tried to hit everyones favorites. Nothing burnt. yay! But the best thing for dinner was the laughter. I had one of those mental snapshot moments where I sat back watching all my kids laughing with dad over a homemade meal. Nevermind the fact that it was after 7pm when we all finally sat down to eat. (remember the 2 hour nap threw off my timing a bit) zero arguements at the table, zero complaints, 7 happy faces and full tummys.

Now granted the rest of the day didn't go perfectly...bedtime for the little ones was a bit challenging for whatever reason.

Well, not exactly a chicken soup for the soul entry, but that was my day.

Today back to work for another double. Leaving behind many, oh so many unaccomplished tasks, leftovers in the fridge for the fam, and a clean bathroom. Taking with me my mental to do list and my mental picture from dinner ;).

Well, I am off to take a shower in my clean bathroom. Did I mention I cleaned the bathroom?

Leaving ya with my Gracie's favorite song and now one of favorites too..can really identify with the words of the song, except when the gal sings about being 20 years of age. I'm just a bit older, still great song.

.

More on me (not moron, me)

2009-06-10T07:13:00.005-04:00

So, I want to use my blog to share my art with others and honestly, to also use it as one of the building blocks in reaching my dream of being able to earn an income from home. (Which honestly is moving as slow as molasses- in January- in Maine- in the morning- before the wood furnace has been fired up- where you can see your breath in the kitchen- where you are trying to pour the wicked slow molasses) Anyhow.... I also am feeling the need to step out of my comfort zone and share- dare I say- my thoughts- and, (squirming uncomfortably a bit) more of my personal life. I want to be a more open person and I think that being myself on my blog is a good start. After all- it really isn't that hard- I mean- at this point I may only have a couple of readers (you know who you are) so- it is not like I am baring my soul to the entire world. Still it is good for me, and probably for you too. After all, when you spend a bit of time with me- you could possibly walk away saying... "hey, I (meaning you, the reader) really am not that bad off... or that weird, or that depressed, or that crazy, or ...well you feel in the blank ;) Don't get me wrong, I am not bragging about being imperfect (kinda like being proud of being humble). "I am what I am" ( words from the great philosopher from the early part of the 20th century, Popeye) Actually I think it was "I yam what I yam."The words of a song we sang at Free Grace last Sunday really stuck with me "Sinners then shall learn from me And return, O God, to Thee." So if you are looking for some imperfect, unpretentious encouragement, advice, friendship... I'm here for ya babe.

God is sovereign, I am not perfect, God loves me in all my imperfectness, and I love God the best I know how. That is about it for now I guess....more imperfect blog accounts will follow.

Here's the whole song. Well actually, it is not the whole song- after listening to it I realized Jars of Clay doesn't sing the one verse I had mentioned above. So I'll post those words at the bottom. Hope it makes you cry this morning... in a good way...

God be merciful to me on Thy grace, I rest my plea
Plenteous in compassion Thou
Blot out my transgressions now

Wash me, make me pure within
Cleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sin

My transgressions I confess
Grief and guilt my soul oppress
I have sinned against Thy grace
And provoked Thee to Thy face

I confess Thy judgment just
Speechless, I, Thy mercy trust

I am evil born in sin
Thou desirest truth within
Thou alone my Savior art
Teach Thy wisdom to my heart

Make me pure, Thy grace bestow
Wash me whiter than the snow

Gracious God, my heart renew
Make my spirit right and true
Thy salvation's joy impart
Steadfast make my willing heart
Steadfast make my willing heart

Broken, humbled to the dust
By Thy wrath and judgment just
Let my contrite heart rejoice
And in gladness hear Thy voice

From my sins, oh, hide Thy face
Blot them out in boundless grace

one more verse....
Sinners then shall learn from me
And return, O God, to Thee;
Savior, all my guilt remove,
And my tongue shall sing Thy love;
Touch my silent lips, O Lord,
And my mouth shall praise accord.

2009-05-15T09:53:00.005-04:00

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.

Cick here to hear this song

Matthew Smith. Click, listen, be blessed!!!! (click "All I owe" for more songs)

2009-05-15T07:11:00.002-04:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://matthewsmith.bandcamp.com/album/all-i-owe"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing by Matthew Smith&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

O love that will not let me go

2009-05-15T06:26:00.012-04:00

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

1. O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

2. O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

3. O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

4. O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

I want to share a new passion, an inspiration for my art, a true blessing to my heart- Old hymns set to new music. Words of depth and stunning truth set to beautiful music by such talented artists. Michael Card, Matthew Smith and others of Indelible Grace,the artists of Sovereign Grace and Red Mountain Music are my favorites.

Praying for Ron and Joanna

2009-05-14T07:18:00.004-04:00

I have been thinking about and praying for Joanna, an art friend, mentor, and her beloved husband, Ron. Ron underwent surgery on a brain tumor yesterday. Please pray with me for Ron and Joanna- FOR HEALING for Ron, and for REST, STRENGTH, and PEACE for both of them. God bless you Joannna! Love, Heather

You too can follow Ron's progress on Joanna's mosshill blog http://mosshill.blogs.com/

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://matthewsmith.bandcamp.com/track/jesus-i-am-resting"&amp;amp;gt;Jesus, I Am Resting by Matthew Smith&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

sNow dAY pLay

2009-01-18T19:18:00.009-05:00

sNow dAY pLay

2009-01-18T17:58:00.008-05:00

I had fun today- playing with my altered art "toys".

Pretty toys . .my favorite doll, some fairies, elves, a ballerina, a birdie, and sparkly things...

No work today, no errands, no schedule....snow, snow, snow and family and time...

God is good. Rest is good. Thank you God.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-25T17:28:00.001-05:00

The chorus of this beautiful song is my new mantra! God bless you Amy Grant for putting into words- into beautiful words- what so many of us busy mamas are feeling!

wiNteR fAirY WonDErLaNd

2008-12-12T02:31:00.004-05:00

I am making winter fairy jars! I will sell them in my etsy store if anyone is interested. Also, for anyone local I will take some up to the gift shop at Auburn mall. This is sooooo much fun!! I am kind of hoping that I get called out of work due to weather in the morning so I can spend the time on making more jars! Let it snow...let it snow....let it snow!!

Home

2008-10-04T08:10:00.007-04:00

I just want to stay home. I want to be there for my little ones anytime they need a hug, to snuggle, to cry, to show me the most beautiful picture they just drew. I want to be there. I want to be there for my older kiddos, for meal time chats, for midday walks, to tuck them in before they are too old to be tucked in anymore! I won't even mind if sometimes they take me for granted for always being there. I want to spend the day up to my elbows in dishes and up to my knees in laundry. I want to have the chance to do it again- to be the stay at home mom I was- only better. I want to help, encourage and support my dear husband in his goals and dreams. I want cook the meals with my daughters. I want to color with my little ones. I want to play board games (maybe even computer games?!) with my 13 year old. Yes I know I can squeeze the time in to do those things now, but it is not the same as staying at home and doing them, its just not.
I am not complaining, I am not looking down at other moms who work happily outside of the home. I just wanted to share my hearts desires because this is me, it is what I think about and dream about all the time.