A good read, leftover paint and bookmarks

This time of year I find myself reading books more than any other.  There is something comforting about  putting on warm flannel jammies and curling up next to a fire while it is cold and ugly outside and losing myself in a book.  Oh and a cup of coffee.

Two books I have read in the past couple weeks are While We Were Watching Downton Abbey ~ a fiction novel by Wendy Wax, and Summer at Tiffany ~ a memoir by Marjorie Hart.  Both were enjoyable reads and I would recommend for a "light" read.

Not sure what is next up on the docket as I have a huge pile to choose from but I welcome any suggestions! (my typical favorite genres are historical fiction and or mystery/suspense … in case you want to offer me any suggestions..hint hint!)

So while I was cleaning up my art studio today, I had blobs of leftover paint and I really hate to waste paint, but it wasn't a ton of paint.  What to do?

I grabbed some tags and threw paint and stamps on them to make these nifty little bookmarks.

I used this stamp from Hero Arts to add texture.

Then I stamped on a quote:

I then used a butterfly stamp in the top left corner for some balance.

My other two bookmarks I made with Maria McGuire's Stitch a Greek Border stencil from StencilGirl.

I took my blank tag and magenta dabbing through only part of the stencil.

 I stamped deli paper with turquoise and cut out pieces to add on to the bookmark.

I added in some yellow ochre with my finger around the blue and magenta.  I stamped butterflies  and a quote on to deli paper and adhered it to the bookmark and trimmed.

What are you reading and enjoying?…I always love new book suggestions!

If you are local, be sure to join me January 23rd at the Spring Hill Library at 5:30 p.m. where I will be doing a free demonstration and you will make a bookmark with me!  

Through My Lens

This past week I have tried to pick up my camera a bit more to tell and document the story of our lives around here.  Here are some of my shots and peek at my life.

I made a couple batches of homemade chocolate chip cookies because the weather was cold and I have hungry teens roaming the kitchen all the time.

I caught my favorite little guy (not so little anymore) being silly and dancing and singing to his new favorite song, Carry On by Fun.  He actually asked me if he could play it over and over.  How polite. I never asked when I was a teen, I just kept hitting rewind and play!

Mixed in some usual house chores...laundry.  The never-ending chore.

Been perusing this stack at night when I kick my feet up.  Honestly I have been so tired, I have not read much at all.

We said goodby to our two puppies we fostered, Finn and Dakota.  They lived with us for two weeks and found lots of love and affection while visiting.  They also hid one of my favorite flip flops which I have yet to find.  Sneaky pups.  I received word that they safely arrived in their forever homes in Rhode Island.

And of course, lots of soccer.  Sarah, Ben, faithful friends and family who come out to freeze and watch and cheer! :)  

We attended the baby dedication of Alexandra Johnson...such a sweet thing and a real blessing to rejoice in!

Sunday dinner was at our house.  St. Patrick's Day is Sarah's 1/2 birthday. As she was growing up we would have a little cake or something to mark her "half" and instead of gifts she would find things of hers to donate.

We did dessert in her honor....a half of a cookie cake.

But her boyfriend Cody helped find use for the second half and surprised her in front of everyone.

 She said "yes".