Christmas Eve and 1 Peter 4:!0

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

I have gotten into Pier 1's Tasting Party collection.  They are fabulous for serving appetizers and desserts and even drinks.  I love all of the options that are offered and their display options.  I started building my collection last year with these ceramic spoons that and some clear glass mini bowls.  This year for Christmas, Angie blessed me with three more sets.  Two more sets of spoons and a set of mini shot glasses with spoons.  Check out more options here.  This Christmas Eve, I used my tasting party dishes to host some of my family for dinner after church.  What a blessing it is to have gifts that I can use to serve others! 

 These ceramic spoons are sold individually.  Each one has a hole drilled in the handle.  I used it to take red and green beads with red jewelry wire to make little accents for each spoon.  They turned out quite cute if I do say so myself! 

 This was part of my counter on Christmas Eve.  The two sets of spoons toward the top of the picture are the ones Angie gave me for Christmas.  They were eventually filled with cottage cheese and topped with a peach.  The individual spoons had appetizers in them.  They were Phyllo shells that I filled with Philadelphia cooking cream - tomato and basil flavor and topped with a slice of a cherry tomato and a piece of green pepper. 

And these glorious desserts are single serving pies baked in half pint canning jars.  How fun is that?!  Got this idea off from Pinterest.com.  They were delicious.  Next time I display them I would probably add a ribbon around each individual jar, but give that I had 5 hours to clean the house and prep the food, I think it looks quite cute! 

Merry Christmas to you all.  I hope you have a blessed 2012.

This isn't my normal post, but because I am so excited about it, I just have to share!  I've been on Pinterest for a short while now and have been seeing a lot of the melted crayon art.  So, I'm watching Ty and Hanna over night tonight and we gave it a try with our own twist.  Here's Hanna's and hopefully Ty will do his in a bit.  I did a coat of Mod Podge when Hanna was done and it is still a little wet in this photo.  Also, not sure why the photo is sideways...I can't get it to turn the other way.  But it turned out cuter than I expected!

Merry Christmas and 2 Corinthians 9:15

Merry Christmas!  

As I write this, I am thinking of all of the different pieces that make up Christmas.  There are trees, Santa, presents, elves, family, parties, stockings, toys, bows, bells, mangers, wreaths, sleigh rides, and Jesus.  There are two that are the most important to me, Jesus and family.  What a savior we have in Jesus!  Remember Him and the real reason we celebrate Christmas this season.  And through all of the different parties we go to, the ones with family are the most important.  It's fun to look back on those moments when the kids eat nothing but sugar, grandpa is overly worried about the light on the roaster going off, mom is making sure everything gets done, a quiet hug is shared with dad, brother shows up to help unexpectedly, and cousins share in laughter.  Whatever those moments are in your family, cherish them. 

These centerpieces were for a family holiday celebration with my grandpa's side of the family.  There were seven original siblings and we were figuring that there were well over 100 people in four generations in attendance.  To have such a large family and so many of them in one place at the same time is a blessing. 

Purple Birthday Gift and James 1:17

This vase was given by my mom to one of her co-workers for her birthday.  The vase is a nice small vase about 6" tall, wrapped with sparkly black ribbon and a flower that I got from a craft show.  It is filled with a pre-made bouquet from Hobby Lobby.  The colors matched well and it was the perfect size so I thought I would give it a try.  I'm kind of bummed because this is the only picture I have and it doesn't do it justice.  It was super cute and the ribbon so sparkly!  

And now on a completely different note..James 1:17 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  ~James 1:17

There are so many blessings in this world.  Recently God has sent me a little girl named Gabby.  When I read this verse, I think of her.  She is filled with joy and giggles, and she lights up our classroom every time she's there.   She works hard and never forgets to give us a hug at the end of the day...she even runs back from the car if she needs to.  Next week is Gabby's last day in our class for positive reasons.  We are so excited for her, but are going to miss her dearly.  And as hard as it is to say good-bye, I will always remember the joy she brings wherever she goes.  She is one of God's perfect gifts.  Next time you think of someone who is a blessing in your life, make sure to tell them.  So often things go unsaid.  Make the most of this holiday by spreading the joy that is brought to you by so many blessings!

Tonight I thank God for you.

Peace and Joy.

Andrea

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention and Psalm 20

Out of the Darkness...

      For the past 4 years I have been involved in the community walk for suicide prevention in Grand Rapids, MI.  It is called the Out of the Darkness walk.  Each year it is growing and we are exposing depression and other mental illnesses that cause suicidal thoughts. We are bringing them Out of the Darkness.  And you can help!  Visit our walk page at Grand Rapids Walk.  This year for a door prize, I made a custom vase with the Out of the Darkness blue ribbon.  I collaged the ribbon with tissue paper and then used a Cricut to cut the letters out.  I know there's a glare, but it says, "Out of the Darkness 2011."  We filled it with Lifesavers and a gift card.  I love being able to fill some of the vases with things other than flowers! 

This year, a student of mine joined me with a friend and some family.  It was so special to have her there and for her to know that everything is going to be ok.  She got to know that she's not the only one going through what she's experiencing.  She's loved and so are all of you!  For some comfort, here's a prayer and a reminder in Psalm 20.  

Peace and Blessings.

Andrea

Psalm 20

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

 ¹ May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
   may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
² May he send you help from the sanctuary
   and grant you support from Zion.
³ May he remember all your sacrifices
   and accept your burnt offerings.
⁴ May he give you the desire of your heart
   and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy over your victory
   and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

   May the LORD grant all your requests.

 ⁶ Now this I know:
   The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
   with the victorious power of his right hand.
⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
   but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
⁸ They are brought to their knees and fall,
   but we rise up and stand firm.
⁹ LORD, give victory to the king!
   Answer us when we call!

Psalm 71:6 and my Mom's birthday!

~ From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. (NIV)   ~ Psalm 71:6

 

This weekend, I am sending up thanks for my mom.  She is one of the strongest people I know.  She's always been there for me, through ups and downs, joys and fears.  She is a kind, giving, loving mother and I wouldn't trade her for the world!  Love you Mom!

 

My mother's birthday is coming up on Monday and she's been wanting a plate or bowl with decorative balls for a coffee table centerpiece.  With a low centerpiece like this, my dad won't have to move it to see tv!  

It took me a long time to figure out what exactly I wanted to do for this plate.  This is going in her living room and the colors of the room are greens, tans, and a muted purple.  She pointed out that she preferred that I didn't use purples, soooooo I went with the other two!  Half of my battle was figured out, the other half was figuring out how to make it a little more meaningful.  

To bring more of a personal connection to it, I added words around the outer edge.  Words like "love," "faith," "family," "blessed," and "joy."  I used a black sharpie on the tan tissue paper.  It was important to use permanent ink so when the Mod Podge was applied, the ink stayed put.  

My mother suggested Pier 1 as a place to look for filler.  I checked things out there first.  They didn't have exactly what I was looking for, so I thanked the woman and continued shopping.  Well....just across the parking lot is a Marshalls.  I thought I would just stop in and check there.  Woohoo did I find exactly what I was looking for or what!  The three largest balls came in a set of 3 for only $6.  The rest of the pieces were all in a set that was on clearance for $5.  So...what was going to cost me a minimum of $30 at Pier 1, I got for the steal of $11!  And it was EXACTLY what I was looking for!

 

Enjoy your week friends!  And if you're mom is still with you, give her an extra hug today and tell her how much you love her!

Genesis 1 and God's Beauty

 

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. " - Genesis 1:31

As I am sitting outside today, I am enjoying God's beautiful creation.  I'm trying to block out the loud sounds of the construction equipment down the road and the helicopter circling above and focus on what's important.  As I reread the very beginning of the bible, I was thinking about how general some of it sounded, but how much detail lies embedded within this message.  Solely in God creating two great lights there is so much detail.  Yes the sun and the moon are these great lights, but take a moment and think of the moon.  There are craters and moon sand, gravity and tides, reflections and shadows, and so much more.  

So today I thank God for all of his detail.  Attention to detail makes things and people what and who they are, and I am so thankful for that.  Thank you God for making me unique.  Please bless my family, friends, and readers with Your beautifully painted world.  Help them to block out all of the annoying loud noises of the world and focus on Your beauty.  Help them find it in unexpected places.

This piece that I just finished is a "pencil holder" of sorts.  I show it with paintbrushes.  It was such a beautiful day outside here today that I took some photos outside.  I used shiny off white tissue paper and orange floral ribbon.  Then I attached two small white flowers to cover the seam in the ribbon.  Simple, but quite elegant.  Standby for more of these to come.  I have made a few more.

"Fear not, for I am with you." Isaiah 41:10 and a proposal

"Fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  ~Isaiah 41:10

For those of you who are struggling right now...finding out some horrible news, making hard decisions, feeling down, losing a friend, working your way through a tough recovery, or struggling with issues of faith.  I am sharing Isaiah 41:10 today because there are so many people - friends, acquaintances, family, people I don't even know - who are struggling.  We all go through ups and downs in life and no matter what you're going through, I'm here to be the reminder that God is with us and is our strength.  When you feel that you just can't do it any more, hand things over to God and let him hold you.  I have been there, to feel like you just want to give up, that there is nothing worth fighting for any more.  Those are the times that it is hardest to remember that He is there, He will take the reins.  Hopefully, this is just one of several reminders you have about God being our strength.  If it is the only one, write yourself notes, keep your bible nearby, talk with friends and tell them you need these reminders.  It is SO worth it!  God is there to help us all pull through emotionally, physically, mentally.  You just have to let Him.  

For all of you who are struggling, I pray that you find peace in God's strength.  I pray that you know you're not alone.  God hold my friends in Your hand and squeeze them tight.  We all need You now.  Remind us that You're here.

And finally, a proposal.  These vases were ordered from a woman who already owns one of my vases.  Her son is coming home from Afghanistan and is going to propose.  These vases were going to be a set to the hopefully soon-to-be daughter-in-law.  (Please don't pay attention the bad photos.  I didn't have time to do better photographs before they were picked up.)

Tashia's Shower Gift

Hello!  I've missed writing throughout the summer, but taking classes and doing homework assignments has actually been refreshing!  I took two preschool labs at Michigan State University this summer.  I've learned so much and cannot wait to get back into my classroom and use the skills I've learned!  Because of these classes and extra hours at work, I decided to take a break from blogging.  I know it seems a silly thing to take a break from but allowing myself to do that was a little less pressure!  

This vase was a gift for my friend Tashia's bridal shower.  I went to her registries and checked out her colors.  Some of her bathroom and bedroom stuff was a mix of lime green, blue, and brown.  I just happened to have a lime green vase sitting in the "workshop!"  I know it's appearing yellow because of the photos, but it's really lime green.  To this, I simply attached a brown ruffly ribbon and a periwinkle blue flower.  I filled it with some silk blue hydrangeas to bring out the blue a little more. 

Tashia and Adam get married in September and I wish them the best!  

Tashia and Adam~

Definitely keep God as the third strand in your relationship.  He is a constant guide and friend that will help you through any situation!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Chic and Sassy Black Tie

I named this one Black Tie because as I was making it, I kept imagining the collar of a tuxedo.  I'm highlighting this one today in honor of my brother's wedding.  It was a great day for a formal occasion.  Congratulations little brother!

The vase is tall, 2 feet tall.  With the tulips in it, it is more like 3 1/2.  Covered in the black and white tissue paper and accented with red flowers and beads, this is a great floor accent for a fashionable room!

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13

Mother's Day hydrangea vase with flowers 2 Kings 4:30

But the child's mother said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So he got up and followed her. ~2 Kings 4:30

Here's to the comfort of our mothers and all of the others who have been like mothers to us.  There is something about a mother that brings us a sense of security and a feeling of reliability.  

My own mother has always been there to support and encourage me through all of my struggles and rejoice with me during my times of success.  

Thanks mom for all you do, who you are, and all of the encouragement you've given me.  

This vase is made up of several small pieces of tissue paper.  I started with the hand-dyed tissue paper that makes up the hydrangea.  Each piece was individually cut to make miniature flower shapes.  Once I put those together, I cut the leaves to match real hydrangea leaves.  Leaving a small border around the hydrangea, I pieced together tiny white triangles and filled in the spaces around the flower.  From there, I continued covering the rest of the vase with white triangles.  This was a custom order, delivered for Mother's Day.   

The flowers in the arrangement are from Stems Flower Market in Grandville, MI.

My 1st Wedding candleholders in action!

 A marriage is a joyful union and this one was celebrated with many colors!  The candle holders I made decorated each table, the food table, and the mantle.  It was a beautiful occasion and we're so happy for our friends!  Congratulations Nate and Abby!  See the first post about these candle holders here.

Graduation

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 For all of the graduates out there this spring, take your future and run with it!  Follow your dreams and as my grandmother told me on my graduation "Always keep God on your side."  He will be with you when no one else is there, He will comfort you in times of trial, and He will share in your triumphs and successes along your journey.  

These vases were a custom order for my cousin, Allison.  She is graduating this spring with a master's in statistics and has accepted an offer with Duke University in North Carolina.  She came to my open house, and once she saw what I was offering, placed this order for her friends from her graduate program.  They are five vases all done differently with dark blue, white and a few with light blue tissue paper.  She found the logo stickers at the GVSU Bookstore.  They were a great addition.  Congratulations Allison, and remember to "Keep God on your side."  

Hope and Peace,

Andrea

P.S.  Wasn't the Royal Wedding just a spectacular event!  The history and tradition were so interesting!  And the message given by Right Reverend and Right Honorable Richard Chartres, Bishop of London was right on when he mentioned this wedding being a message of hope.  It felt great to have a day of good news!  Amen for that!

He has RISEN!

Happy Easter! 

What a glorious Easter day we had here in Michigan!  It was truly a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ!  Alleluia!  He has RISEN!  

Most of us had many more people at our tables today than two, but this vase is a nice accent for a quaint table for two and a nice lunch!  Bright and springy with yellow daisies, it welcomes the warm rays of sunshine and sweet smell of spring flowers.  It even has a little bit of that country feel to it with the black and white plaid tissue paper.  By adding a matching ribbon, this vase is complete.  

As you experience the events of your week, remember the risen Christ.  He died so all of our sins would be forgiven and his resurrection gave us all new life!  Rejoice!

Easter Sunday is so exciting it just makes me wanna move!  The culmination of all of the exciting emotions are pretty much uncontainable!  Let it out!  WoooooooHoooooo!

Joy and Peace to you this week!

Happy Birthday!

These were birthday flowers for my assistant at school.  The flowers are an assortment of fresh daisies and carnations from Stems Market in Grandville, MI.  The vase was light pink, pink floral, and hot pink tissue paper with black and white patterned tissue paper dividing all of the pinks.  

The matching floral arrangement compliments this vase perfectly!

Just thought everyone could use a bright and cheery thought for these dark and dreary days!

Another bright thought...RESURRECTION is in 2 days!  Hallelujah!  

Here's to a happy Saturday!

Custom orders and Isaiah 43:25

Have you ever felt like someone is family but you really don't know them very well?  I have someone like that and plan on getting to know her much better in the days to come.  It's hard when life is busy and we each have several things going on, but then somehow you discover that this person and you should really get to know one another even better.  Here are a few creations that this special person ordered.  They turned out great.  I hope she's as pleased as I am.  

This first one is a candy dish.  It is actually an ice cream sundae dish which gives it a unique shape when it comes to candy.  She requested it be done with my traditional phrases of "Share a Sweet" on the outside and "All gone get more" on the inside.  Unlike the other candy dishes though, this one is done with greens and blues instead of black.  It adds so much personality to it!  It's fabulous!

 For this second vase, she wanted the old fashioned classic green glass.  We kept it simple with ribbon and a flower to show off the green.  Simple, yet elegant I think.

 

As we anticipate the resurrection of Jesus, remember  "But I am your God, and so I forgive all you do wrong and forget about your sins."
--Isaiah 43:25

Just a few more days until we celebrate RESURRECTION!

Joy and Peace,

Andrea 

Loved - Ephesians 5:2

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."  ~ Ephesians 5:2

As Easter is approaching in just a few weeks, we remember how God made a sacrifice of his only son, Jesus, for us and the forgiveness of all of our sins.  And for this reason, if for no other reason, we should feel loved.

Open House Preview and Info

 

Hello Friends!  I am going to be having at open house for Andrea B. Lewis Creations at my house on Saturday April 16 from 2 -4 pm.  Feel free to stop by even if it is just to check them out!  I do take custom orders also.  If you need directions, please email me (Andrea) at alewis5109@gmail.com.  Thank you so much!  Enjoy the preview and we hope to see you Saturday!

P.S.  I will also have my Cocktail Glass Candy Dishes on display too, but didn't have any candy on hand to take their picture with!

Polka Dots - Isaiah 41:10

 

Welcome Spring!

This is a fun cheery vase to go with the bright sunshine that is outside!  For this vase, instead of using small pieces of tissue paper, I used one large sheet to keep the pattern.  I wrapped it around this bottle gradually adding Mod Podge on the under side and on top of it.  When it was dry, I added ribbon, wire around the top, and lime green gerber daisies.  Says nothin' but fun!

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes, with Todd and I working opposite shifts, I have to remember verses like Isaiah 41:10.  There are just times when being alone brings fear, fear of several things some small and some big.  Verses like these remind me that the Lord is always with me.  Reminders like that are very reassuring to me and there can never be too many. 

May you know that the Lord is also with you always.

Andrea

Hand dyed tissue paper - purple and blue

 Decorated with hand dyed tissue paper, this vase with matching flowers are a nice small piece to brighten up any room.  It has a square slate topper that makes it slightly different from other vases. Now it is holding several flowers,but it can also house just one beautiful rose or other wide stemmed flower.

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14

Make peace friends, with any and all.  

Peace to you on this rainy day in Michigan.

Andrea

Spring Bridal Shower Centerpieces

Nothing says spring like these beautiful bunches of flowers!  (And the vases that they're in!)  This set of vases was a custom order for a bridal shower this month.  They're going to be used as centerpieces but then also given away as the gifts for the games from the shower.  Pretty awesome idea I think!  They're done in several different shades, but I wanted to point out two of the six.  The two that are on the right hand sides of these pictures.  They're new prints of tissue paper from Hallmark.  I just LOVE them...especially the purple print.  And the pink one reminds me of the Chic and Sassy collection, but in a much brighter more vibrant color!  Enjoy!

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;             -Song of Solomon 2:11-12  

Even though Michigan is a crazy place to live in the spring with warm and cold days all mixed up, with the sun not sure if it wants to spend the day or not, spring is coming.  I see the crocus buds and the beginnings of my day lilies.  It is in the spring that we remember the resurrection and rejoice in the little things like the buds of a flower.  What little things can you find to rejoice in today?  

Chic and Sassy Pink Flower

This medium vase is part of my Chic and Sassy collection.  I made this for my grandmother.  She has always been there inspiring me and showing me the love of a grandma!  She's there to put a firecracker under me when I need it and cheer me on when I am doing something good.  And since we put this vase on her table, my grandfather has kept it full of flowers.  :-)  

And instead of a bible verse today, a quote...

 

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.  They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life.  And, most importantly, cookies.  ~Rudolph Giuliani

I don't know about the "most importantly" part of this quote, but grandparents sure do give a lot.   I cannot tell you how much I appreciate my grandparents.