Well it has sure been awhile since i have posted here-- after the loss of arlette life in general was just hard... i went to Houston for the memorial and am so glad i did -- i met all her friends, who were lovely and spoke so highly of her. Darlene did an excellent job on the Memorial-- even got jade pieces from china with the sign of the ox on them and we each got one--
Arlette was a one in a million woman and i am just thankful i had her for as long as i did... she impacted my life in so many beautiful ways -- i miss her more than words can say...

On a happier note Christmas was wonderful-- i got everything i wanted-- new keyboard and mouse, art books, dvd's... The March of the Penguins and Rivers and Tides- both of which i HIGHLY recommend-- a beautiful clear glass head..which i think i will collage... and just tons of other cool stuff. Spending time with family and friends is the best part of the holidays and i am truely blessed to have my son and his family right here in town and several dear and precious friends who made the holiday extra special.

It was a hectic time with gift buying, wrapping, cookie baking, a Yule ceremony i had to do for my metaphysical group-- i ended up doing an Native American theme which turned out very cool... i made Yule gifts for everyone in the group too... lots of parties to attend... i was totally exhausted once Christmas was over and am recuperating now!

I made several gifts this year--
ALTERED BOTTLES
wine bottles of asst sizes that i collaged and/painted ... it was hard to take photos of them but i did get some that turned out... made one for the mail lady that was collaged with postage stamps, a gratitude bottle with metallic paints, buttons, magenta wire...two angel bottles--that used Never-Dull as a technique .. it is basically a metal polish that when applied onto magazine pages erases the ink-- making a very cool effect--

GRATITUDE BOWLS
basically handmade paper bowls that were decorated, painted, and glittered... then i made gratitude cards which said TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR and on the back was a place for the date and a note about what one was grateful for--and also cards that said THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU... and on the back a place to write why one is thankful for this person.... i think they turned out awesome and my friends did too--

i also altered match books for a good friend who collects matches--

every year i make journals from small composition books-- they are the perfect size to fit in a purse or pocket so everyone really looks forward to receiving them.

you can see my art at ..there are several albums that are appropriately labeled

art pics

I had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS that is for sure!!!