Can it be ? Five years since I have created any art of any kind ? Not quite true, but, certainly not as prolific as in the past.  Will have to see about this problem !!!

Lace Bag

This is my latest creation.  I am loving lace and fabrics these days.  Working with them versus papers and glues takes me back to the days of creating my family's wardrobes many years ago.   There was a time that the biggest share of our clothing, including my husband's shirts, were "homemade".

I have collected a huge amount of vintage and new lace the past few years for no particular reason other than "I just love it" !!!  I'm sure some of the blogs I follow and seeing all the lovely things other fabric artists create has had a little something to do with this obsession.

The main body of this bag measures approx. 11" x 12", is fully lined with a pocket and magnetic closure.
 

Boho Tote Bag

It has been a long time since I have used the sewing machine to create anything. I love all the creative bags of all different sizes that I have been seeing so I thought it was time I made one of my own.  The base of this is denim that I had on hand.  I cut a large doily in half and sewed it to the front.  The other half is used along with half of a beautiful silk scarf I have had for a long time to hang from beneath the "flower".  The other half of the scarf was used in making the large flower along with some lace and a vintage button.  This was fun to make and hopefully will get my creative juices flowing again.

Altered Christmas Cards

 These are the few Christmas Cards I altered the last couple of weeks.  Much too late to get them sent out to family or friends this year, but I will have a head start for next season.  Quite simple in the construction, but, fun.  The green one and the one with the snowman background and button ornaments are my favorites.  I had a hard time getting "into" creating for Christmas this year.  I'm still stuck in the Halloween "mode" !!  Merry Christmas, everyone !!

Grapevine Wreath

My awesome grand-daughter made this grapevine wreath for me when when she cut her vines back this month.  I have a "bin" of Christmas ephemera out  in the garage - you know, those things that you think you "might need" - someday !!  Sure enough, I found just the right things to add to the wreath and hung it on my front door.   The poinsettias and pine cones are a candle ring that was perfect to use.  The little Santa Claus figure -- I have no idea where he came from, but, a little hot glue came in handy there.  A large zip lock bag of Christmas themed ribbon unearthed lots of red stuff to make a fluffy bow.  Zip ties added to the back of the wreath made good hangers.  YES, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus !!!

Apothecary Add-ons

I finished a few additional items for my apothecary cabinet, yesterday. A few days ago, I shopped at a Dollar General store that I had never been in before.    At the front door, there was a table full of Halloween "goodies" at big discounts. Lo and behold, a package of 4  little black plastic cauldrons for 50 cents !!  I didn't need four, but will be sharing, of course.  I used a little gold rub and buff on it, then added the dyed green webbing, eyeballs and gargoyle.  My black widow venom is rubbing alcohol colored with red alcohol ink.  I had downsized all of my labels, therefore, the labels for the books were also smaller.  The larger one

here measures 2 1/2" tall and 2" wide.  Actually, having the smaller books works for me since my cabinet is not as large as Laura's tutorial shows.  I made the tassel for the bookmark on the Cauldron Favorites with embroidery threads -- both are faux books, one filled with chipboard, the other with scrap card stock.  There are still more things I want to make and add, but, it is time to pack Halloween away for awhile and start on a couple of Christmas projects.  Thankfully, Laura will have her tutorials available for whenever I want to get back to them.

Coffin for a Swap

     This little 5" wood coffin was an impulse buy at Micheal's when I was shopping for items for my apothecary cabinet project.  I opened the lid and out came a ghoulish laugh -- I had to have it !!  I had already decorated the paper mache one, what did I need another one for ??  I am sending it to my daughter along with the bottle I made for her for our swap.  I used the tissue paper and glue technique for texture on the top, then painted it black with the glittery orange paint overcoat.  The skeleton  I had that would fit inside was stark white -- I toned it down with Micheal DeMeng's Uugh mixture of acrylic paints.  A little moss, a few spiders and a tombstone inside, a clay skull and a spider and web from an earring on top -- off to No. Carolina he goes !!