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!