Creating Vintage Journal Via Jeanne Oliver's E-Course

Hello to each of you reading my blog!  Finally I am feeling up to posting as my eyesight is clearing and time spent holding my arms at a keyboard is improving.   Healing from my surgery is taking place and I have SO MUCH to be grateful for!!  Hopefully soon I can begin to drive a vehicle again.  Thankfully, my husband and friends have helped me in getting to church and to the grocery stores.  Otherwise "Home Sweet Home" is where I have spent my time recouping ~ and that is with a GRATEFUL heart!!

Here's my first creative endeavor in what seems a LONG while....

OH WHAT FUN!!  This past week I was inspired to create a vintage journal with the tutorial by Jeanne Oliver in her online e-course, "Creatively Made" that I am part of (THANK YOUS to Carol Spinski at Raised In Cotton!).  

(You can click on the photos for a larger view.)

Using an old book I cut it apart for the hard covers....

Then I cut up an old tattered doily to use around the edges...

The papers I chose are from "Love Letters" by Recollections Signature.  Ranger Distress Inks added extra color.   

Mod Podge worked very well for adhering the papers to the hard book covers.

My completed VINTAGE JOURNAL's front cover.

Tags, chipboard, ribbon, beads and trinkets embellish the pages...

Inside are many pages just awaiting my added thoughts and comments of my experience in Jeanne Oliver's "Creatively Made" e-course.  Jeanne is so inspiring!!  Just what I needed at this time in my life!!

How fun to meet others that are participating in this class online and to see what creations they bring forth!

THANK YOU, Jeanne!!!

Gift of Handmade Tags From Marcia!

While still in my "soft" neck brace, due to the cervical spinal fusion surgery in April 2012, and with blurry vision and unable to use my hands creatively I received TWO lovely sets of hand-stamped distressed tags from Marcia of http://alittleshoparoundthecorner.blogspot.com/!!!  What a sweet blessing and a generous gift!!  Even my sweet feline friend, Fauna, was next to me to share in the delight!!
( Most likely she would like to be playing with the strings!  TEE HEE!!!)


Once again my heart is soooo very grateful for each and every prayer that continues to help me through this prolonged time of healing!  I'm usually an enthusiastic and creative person so this slow pace is a bit difficult to deal with.....BUT God has been using the time to let me know that He is ALWAYS with me and KNOWS what I am going through!!

How treasured are the visitation times of friends!

As of TODAY the surgeon gave permission to remove the neck brace for short periods throughout the day when I am being fairly still.  OH YAYA!!!  Now, hopefully, I can look down a little more and see clearly to work on some paper crafting projects that I long for!!   That's an answer to prayers!!  The first fusion area is beginning to show signs of fusing together as needed ~ TWO more to go!!  My job is still on hold until this happens.  Some of the "blue" in my heart is seeing bits of SUNSHINE!  

MANY "THANK YOUS!!" again, Marcia, for your generous thoughtfulness in brightening my days!

Sweet bouquets of hugs.............~Sandie

Alive and Getting Better!!!

As you can see these photos aren't of my "best side"!!  TEE HEE!!  Due to the 3-level cervical spinal fusion surgery  of 3 weeks ago my neck is in this very stiff brace!

 
Once home, after being admitted to the hospital twice due to having a very severe reaction to the anesthesia/narcotics, the living room sofa become my abode for the first 2 and a half weeks.  These photos were taken after that time as I felt ever so dreadful those first few weeks!
After my first early dismissal from the hospital, Diane -a retired nurse and  God's precious angel of mercy, came to spend time with me as I was to have care 24/7 for my first week at home. Danger of choking is very real as the surgery is performed through an anterior(front) four inch incision close to the base of my neck.  During surgery the esophagus, trachea and aorta get clamped to one side, so the spinal discs can be replace by cadaver bone and the titanium plate adhered to the 4 vertebrae with 8 screws,  thus usually causing this area to suffer some trauma at this time.
 When Diane arrived she realized that I was near dehydration due to not being able to keep ANYTHING in my stomach and having the dry heaves.  I hadn't eaten in 5 days.
Diane drove me to the ER and expertly guided my way to get immediate help.  She and the many nurses helped me to hang on as I truly just wanted to leave my body.  I hurt everywhere!  

 

This following photo shows how much better I felt after getting to bathe and have my hair washed!  Sweet relief.  My husband, sons and daughter(-in-law ) helped me to have my laptop and necessary supplies nearby.  I felt so wrapped up in love from the quilt I snuggled in that was made by a DEAR DEAR friend last Christmas.  

Gifts of flowers and plants added much to brighten the room and my heart!

 "Dear to the heart" well wishing cards brightened my spirits.  Oh, how I have learned that I must give in return to others who are hurting.  

 

 My loving husband provided the roses of many colors!


Ladie, my sweet companion chocolate Lab was longing for us to go out for our daily walks.
Yet she patiently watched the world go by through the glass storm door for several days UNTIL Amy, a sweet animal-loving neighbor came to her rescue, by offering daily walks.

How amazing our God is in providing for our smallest to the greatest of needs at just the right time.
Two days ago my whole being felt so BLUE!  Seemed that there was nothing I was capable of doing other than taking short walks or sleeping. (I'm ever so grateful to have my faithful friend, JAM, that would get me out for a daily walk and companionship!)  This feeling was ever so contrary to my way of living!  Even God's heartfelt Word just seemed empty.  Does that ever happen to any of you??
Yesterday, on a warmer sunny day, my sweet daughter(in-law) and my 6 week old grandson surprised me with time at a local garden nursery.   Traveling by car is uncomfortable, but the trip was short, so we enjoyed all the BEAUTIFUL colors and textures of plant life and garden embellishments.
That helped so much as gardening is another one of my passions.
Today my friend, Mary Ellen shared laughter and tears with me as we visited over the yummy ginger laced, lemon iced cookies she shared with Wayne and me.  VERY HARD to resist the temptation of eating Wayne's portion!!!  HEE HEE!!  I'll be a good girl!!


This song comes to mind as I write....
"Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Here's the link with music.....
Count your blessingshttp://biblestudycharts.com/HH_Count_Your_Blessings.html

Well, my friends, this has taken some time for me to write so I will close for now to rest and refresh for a new day ahead and have time with my husband.
Sweet evening blessings................~Sandie

Thinking of you....

Just quick "HELLO" to let you know that I may be absent from my blog for awhile as I am having a 3 level spinal fusion surgery this coming Thursday!  Each and every prayer whispered for me is so appreciated.
These lyrics have been floating through my mind so often as this is a song I learned as a young girl.  Alison Kraus sings it so beautifully........

I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day;
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said;
And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what lies ahead

(chorus)
Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand

Ev'ry step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb; ev'ry burden's getting lighter,
Ev'ry cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow, Where the mountains touch the sky.

 {written in 1950 by a traveling preacher named Ara Stanphill}

But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand!!!

My husband captured this photo of me today so I share it with you as I am delighted that I have the blessings of life and love!
May you know the hand that holds yours through ALL of life's up and downs!!
Joyfully.....~Sandie

Rag Quilt For My Grandbaby, Harrison

What a delight to cut, piece and stitch this rag quilt for my new grandson, Harrison!  His mama and papa  helped to choose the patterns and colors of the high quality flannel.  Each square has three layers of flannel which makes the quilt ever so soft and cozy!

Many pieces were stitched together to form the larger squares.
 

 

 This photo shows the front side of seams before laundering frays them.
In the following photo the reverse smooth side is displayed.

The seams were then clipped at 1/4 inch intervals, being careful not to cut through the stitching!

After being laundered just once the seams have frayed quite well giving the front side ruffled looking frames.

The quilt bears a label I designed, printed on the computer, then added just a bit of embroidered French knots before being handstitched to the quilt with a small bordering frame.

This GRANDMA is excited to share this captured image of Harrison!   He melted my heart with this expression while I was holding him!!! 

Mama and Papa are so delighted to have Harrison in their lives!  This photo from Easter morning warms  my heart.  It is my heart's desire that Harrison grows up in the knowledge that his family loves him and more so that God loves him!
How grateful we are that his mama had a healthy pregnancy and a safe birthing.  His Papa is so loving and caring.  What wonderful parents!
We are all so blessed!!

How grateful this GRANDMA'S heart is for so many fabulous blessings!

Please know that if I am absent that I must spend time with this precious gift from above before my spinal surgery date!!  It may be a while before I can hold him afterwards.

With hopes that your Easter was touched with Christ's priceless love and grace!  Because He arose from the dead we are able to have LIFE and live it more abundantly!  Live your life in a most ABUNDANTLY joyful way, my friends!      ~Sandie

Baby Harrison Has Made Me A Most Happy Grandma!!

Baby Harrison is the newest addition to our family!  What a little sweetheart!
His Mama and Papa are so pleased to have their wee babe with them since 11:31 this morning.  He weighed in at 7lb &1oz, with a length of 21 inches.  He is beautifully formed!  How blessed we are.  THANK YOU, Lord, for your loving kindness and goodness to us.  May Harrison grow up to love and serve you with a grateful heart.


More photos to come as I get to know my wee grandson better!
Soon I will share photos of the quilt I made for him.
Joyful blessings on your new week ahead, dear followers.....
Sandie (OH!! That's GRANDMA Sandie!!  smile)

Baby Shower For Mich & my son, Isaac

How fun it was to make this baby shower invitation for our celebration of Mich, Isaac and their soon-to-be-born baby boy!

(Click On Photos For Larger Image)

This past Saturday I welcomed the guests to the baby shower for my son and his wife in expectation of their new wee babe!  HOW VERY EXCITED I AM TO BECOME A GRANDMA!!  OH YAY!!

I used this arrangement as a focal point on my dining room table as  I featured a  brunch buffet.

So fun to use soft Spring infused colors along with the lacy parasol!

Here I am with the soon-to-be-parents ~

my sweet son, Isaac, and his lovely wife, Mich.

Along with the many useful gifts they received it was so fun to give Isaac this 

"motorcycle"!! 

"See you later..." it says!

This motorcycle is "built" from diapers, soft receiving blankets, bibs, baby socks, and a baby bottle!  So CUTE!!  Found very helpful instructions by Erica (Icky) on her blog http://ickymadeit.blogspot.com. My son is already riding his motorcycle here in Minnesota this month!   No complaints though, unless we totally miss Spring!

This cuddly little bear needed a new label on his overalls, so I tea dyed a piece of muslin and simply stitched it onto the bib area.  Worked well!


Life seems to have picked up the pace for me lately so I have not had the time to post.  A fun happening was to have my family surprise me with a party to celebrate my 60th birthday!  How grateful I am for family.

Also, my thoughts have been distracted by an upcoming event that has me calling on my Lord daily for encouragement.  In all my years I have never had to have surgery performed on my body, but now I find it shadowing my days.  To me it is a major development that has set me aside from a job I so enjoy, and activities that add to my life, and I find that my thoughts get easily distracted.   I guess it's just the fear of the unknown.  Therein comes to mind these Bible verses...
Isaiah 12:1-3  Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Psalm 139:1-4  "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."

John 14:1  "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.

Proverbs 3:5-6  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."  (My LIFE'S verse!)

Along with God reaching out to me through other people, that he sends my way to encourage me, I can't help but feel HIS presence!  OH MY!!  God is so good!
Sweet blessings on your daily moments......~Sandie