Thanksgiving and a craft show

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!  ~Psalm 95:2

Happy month of Thanksgiving!  It is my favorite holiday each year.  I believe it doesn't get enough credit anymore.  Thanksgiving is sandwiched right in the middle of the craziness of the beginning of the school year and the busyness of the Christmas season.  Being a teacher and working in a Hallmark store, I get the most of both of these occasions.  There's something about Thanksgiving though....something that makes me want to slow down....something that makes me appreciate the little things and family and close friends even more than normal.  

Thanksgiving brings togetherness and cozy times with family, mouth-watering aromas of homemade-from-scratch pumpkin pie and roasting turkey, and a break from most working hours.  What do you do for Thanksgiving that warms your heart and fills you with warm fuzzies?

With my true feelings about Thanksgiving shared above, another event happening for me in November is my first craft show.  It's more of a holiday shopping night, but for me it is a first.  This is the first time I am bringing my vases anywhere for the general public to see.  I've been busy preparing some fun new creations for these event.  Enjoy this sneak preview!  The show is at Kenowa Hill's Early Childhood Center on Thursday November 15 from 6-8 pm.  Come see them in person!

2 Corinthains 5:17 and A Candle Holder

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.                           
                                                                                                ~2 Corinthians 5:17

Tonight I write while I am sitting home with my husband, who just had knee surgery.  It's fairly quiet as he is still sleeping off the anesthesia.  I got to thinking...my life has gone through big changes lately.  The biggest being a new job.  It's hard to believe that I am in my ninth year of teaching.  I've spent the last 8 years building colleague relationships and friendships with teachers in Jenison.  I think about those friendships and miss everyone there more than they think.

My new endeavor keeps me in preschool, but moves me to Kenowa Hills Public Schools.  Here I am creating new friendships and colleague relationships.  So far, I have been blessed with a warm reception and feel like the KHECC is a great place to be and will evolve as our staff bond is strengthened.  

Each person with whom I have worked in the education field, at the beginning of my career and presently, have had an impact on my attitudes, work ethic, knowledge, and overall teaching experience.  It is fun to take a look at myself as I teach and say to myself, "I remember learning that from _____." or "_____ used to do it this way."  Thanks to everyone who has been there for me in anyway along my career.  The several children that I babysat for, Robbin's Nest Daycare, West Side Christian  School, Eastern Elementary in Grand Rapids, Jenison Public Schools, the staff at Camp O'Malley, the staff of Indian Trails Camp, and the staff of Kenowa Hills Public Schools.  I appreciate you.  "May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." ~ Numbers 6:24

I chose this candle holder to highlight on this post because it was in use at my house the night of a bonfire at my house.  The only problem was the RAIN!  I had invited colleagues from Jenison and the entire staff of the KHECC and it rained.  A few people stopped by for a memorable evening inside.  It was fun to see this and the matching Daisy Trio both displayed in my home. 

It looks nice unlit, but when lit it looks like they are twinkling on and off as the tealights flicker.

Joel 2:13 and Hot Pink with Sparkles

 Joel 2:13 Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 

Throughout the past several months, I have seemed to lose my connection with God.  I have found myself longing for Him and I miss being conscious that He is here.  This summer, for me has been a whirlwind of traveling, both near and far.  Shortly after school got out for the summer, my parents took our family to Alaska.  What an adventurous experience!  Just two days after returning home, just enough time to do some laundry, Todd and I jumped in the truck and headed to Iowa for a family wedding.  Alaska + Iowa = Three weeks with family from both sides and all over the world.  Following Iowa, I was home for a week then I spent 6 weeks in Lansing with the Ludlow family.  (Cousins of Todd's)  I thought I would be taking my class in the morning and then having all kinds of time left in the afternoon and evening to read and spend alone.  Wrong!  The girls kept me busy!  It turned out to be an exciting summer all around.  But coming back to the God piece...my Bible was with me...but never in my hands.  I miss it.  I miss the devotionals I used to do every day before school.  The last week in Lansing started listening to The Shack to get me thinking and pondering questions.  The rest of my summer is going to be spent reconnecting and growing with God.  I know He is always there, but I am not always there.   Well, God, I am back.  Thank you for always being, "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love...."

The vase below is one that I just made, no special order, and in fact, I still have it.  It is a uniquely shaped vase done with a hot pink pattern and accented with square Swarovski crystals.  In the sun, they just sparkle!  It still needs a home if any of you reading are the hot pink sparkly type people! 

10 mugs and Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. - Psalm 34:18

There are two reasons that I have chosen this verse for this post.  The first is the reason for the mugs...

My cousin Michelle asked me to make these for her as a thank you for her physical therapists and doctors.  She has been in incredible pain for a long time and she was losing hope.  She was brought to God and has kept Him by her side, incredibly close.  After all that she has gone through, God has sent these people and their talents into her life.  Not only is she giving them a mug of flowers, but she's also helping to plan a wedding for one of them who was not going to have a wedding to save money.  She's working hard to put the plans together to help this girl have her dream wedding on a Lake Michigan beach.  God is good!

(Second reason for this post is down the page a bit!) 

Aside from the mugs, I wanted to refer to Psalm34:18 one more time.  This past weekend, a relative of mine was killed in a motorcycle crash.  She and her husband were rear-ended by a drunk driver and he fled the scene.  Both of my relatives were transported by ambulance to the hospital...her injuries worse than his.  After hours of surgery all night, the doctors were unable to save her.   When I think of this couple, I think of how he was quiet and she had a great sense of humor.  She was always so nice.  And the thing that comes to mind is that they were SO in love.  They had just celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary less than a week before the accident.  She mentioned on Facebook that she "hit the jackpot when [she] married him in Vegas."  Along with thinking about all of her wonderful qualities, I have been praying a lot for her husband.  Still in the hospital with his own injuries, he had to say goodbye to the love of his life.  I cannot imagine what that feels like.  I don't want to.  I've also been curious...what is she doing now?  As she looks down from heaven with God by her side, does she want to come back and comfort all of us who are hurting?  Is she up there with complete acceptance of what happened and wanting to make us understand?  With so many questions running through my mind, I have clung to this verse..."The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." - Psalm 34-18  The reminder that the Lord is ALWAYS with us and he "rescues those whose spirits are crushed" is definitely needed at this time.  Please, if you've read this far, say a prayer for our family.  It is hard saying goodbye to someone's physical being, even knowing that they are in a better place.  We all love you, Kim.

With a heavy heart,

Andrea

Daisy Trio and Psalm 27:4-5

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."

-Psalm 27:4-5

 

This verse brings a sense of security that nothing here on Earth can bring.  I am in awe of that.  In the fall my grandfather was in the hospital, and currently my grandmother is in the hospital.  They are 90 and 88 years old, respectively.  As of last night, we weren't sure how my grandmother was going to fare through surgery and recovery.  Sometimes when the doctors fix one problem, it leads to more problems.  That's what happened last night and this morning.  This verse brought me comfort.  I try to be realistic.  I know that humans don't last forever, but when you take a close relationship that has been growing for 30 years, there are heartstrings that just break at the thought of losing the other half of that particular relationship.  I want my grandparents to stay here with us on Earth for as long as our good Lord will let them.  But when facing the fact that someday they will both join our God in heaven, the comfort in knowing that part of them is already home and that they are "safe in His dwelling," brings a sense of calm over me.  I hold onto that...knowing that they are, we all are, "safe in His dwelling."  Today I praise Him and thank Him for holding us all "safe in His dwelling."

 

For this Daisy Trio, I stuck to the natural look.  The photos were taken on our new pallet wood floating shelves that Todd made.  The neutral tones in the vases really worked well with the raw wood shelves.  These would work great for flowers or candles!  

 May you feel comfort from the thought that God already has YOU "safe in His dwelling!"

Peace and Joy,

Andrea

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.