My darling daughter, Jessica has been visiting from thousands of miles away. We’ve had three wonderful weeks with her. Among all the family vacations and activities she crocheted an amazing purse. We saw a similar purse at a specialty women’s shop selling for $600! She was so inspired that we skipped on over to the nearest yarn shop and bought gorgeous silk, wool and cotton yarns for her project. She lined it with a lovely cotton print and topped it with the perfect pair of hemp and wooden handles. The flower instructions can be found in a book called, ‘Nicky Epstein’s Crocheted Flowers’. Wow, I just had to share Jessica’s fabulous purse with you! Hope you find it inspiring, too!

Sue Smith honored me with the, ‘I Love Your Blog Award’!
Thank you for adding joy to my day!

It’s early on a sunny summer day. I just got out of the shower, grab a cup of tea, and step out onto the patio. Taking a deep breath of fresh morning  air, I relax in a chair, where I can feel the warmth of the first rays of sun peaking through the trees. The air is crisp, the birds are singing to each other. I glance across the garden, thinking the dew on the leaves will be gone soon in the heat of the day. When suddenly galloping through the field I see our giant prize rooster with our son on it’s back, riding it like a racehorse! I jump to my feet, upsetting my tea and shout, “Russell, don’t ride the rooster!!!” They both stop and look at me as if they do this every morning. And all he can say with total sincerity is, “Why not!”

Acrylic on canvas. Pumice and clear gels. Color copied images.Metal upholstery tacks.
Layers of Color Architectural Blocks art stamps, Staz-on ink, painted cardboard letter raised up on tacky foam, and feathers.
This is my entry for this week’s Layers of Color Challenge, “Yellow”.

My artsy friend, Heather W. had this great idea to alter matchboxes for a swap. My daughter, Jessica joined us and I’m thrilled with the results and had to share with you all. The only requirements of the swap were to alter an empty matchbox, create one non-sliding opening, add a Bible verse, and use elements that the recipients would love. I hope this inspiring gallery sparks your imagination and sets you on fire to alter a matchbox, too!

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Altered Matchboxes

Matchbox for Jessica - by Laura

Right side view

Left side and front view

Inside matchbox

Matchbox for Laura - by Heather

Inside matchbox

Matchbox for Heather - by Jessica

Inside Matchbox

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The theme over at Wednesday Stamper is Summer Tea Party. I dove right in and splashed joyfully, celebrating the colors of summer, the flavors and aromas of delightful teas, and scripted a letter of praise to the hostess for an excellent party! Thank you, I had a marvelous time!

All stamps used in Summer Tea Party are Layers of Color art stamps (Fleur Heart, Garden Borders, Architectural Blocks, and Beaded Frames).

Summer Tea Party

Summer Tea Party - by Laura

Dive right in, the tea is fine!

Celebrating the delightful aroma of tea.

Seeped in texture.

Splashes of color.

Having a marvelous time!

Praises to the hostess for an excellent party!

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