Another Christmas come and gone ...

Well, at the beginning of December, I had so many things I wanted to share on my blog and for some reason, my blog disappeared! All I could find was an old cache snapshot when I did a google search.  I was heartbroken because even though I don't update the blog often, I come back often to read past posts and I update when I really feel the need to share something that I used to share with my Mom.  After sharing my dilemma on facebook, I received a lot of advice and finally was able to get my blog up and running again.  I'm happy now!  Since the beginning of December when I had so much to say, I have forgotten all those things.  I made it through another Christmas without Mom.  It still hurts, and the hurt does not subside.  Everyone always says that it gets better with time, I'm not sure about others but this isn't true for me.  Each and every hummingbird that flitters my way sends me in to memories of my Mom and even though I cherish those memories, I would love to have a real hug from her.  I would love to hear her voice.  I would love to share my joys and sorrows and listen to her joys and sorrows.  I would love to love her in person rather than in memories.  I look forward to the day when we will be reunited in eternity.  Until that day, I will hang on to my lovely memories.  Happy New Year!  xoxo

New Puppy ... New Life!

So much has happened here in the past month!  We adopted a precious little puppy who is a handful, to say the least! Luna was one of a litter of sweet puppies  (and their Australian Shepherd Mom) who were turned over to a local rescue. Being part Australian Shepherd, she has an overabundance of energy and my every waking moment is spent trying to contain her excitement and rowdiness!  We knew what we were getting in to (but forgot most of the fun stuff) because the only other dog we have ever had was a Shetland Sheepdog ... another herding breed that has way too much energy! Luna requires a lot of play time, a lot of time running and getting that energy out in a safe manner. Our house has some chew spots (doors and cupboards are her favorite ... wood must taste yummy) from the times when I haven't been able to divert her attention.   She also finds a way to get in to the litter box (if I forget to shut the bathroom door ... argh!  That's NOT fun!) She also jumps all over us and nips ... all things that herding breeds do and need to be stopped before they get out of hand.  It's not too bad when a sweet little 13 pound puppy jumps on you and nips but what about when she's a 40 pound dog?!  Yikes!  Not a good scenario, at all!   I'm trying to use the Victoria Stilwell Positively Training methods and Luna catches on quickly.  She has sit and lie down mastered perfectly (unless she's excited, then it all goes out the window).   Does anyone out there in blog land have some tips on training a puppy to stay down?  She jumps all over us and the furniture out of sheer excitement.  I also have not been able to introduce her to the two cats because they are too afraid.  As it is now, they are out in the main part of the house at separate times.  So, any advice on introducing a puppy to the resident cats is much appreciated, too! I do not believe in screaming, hitting, holding down or any of those other Dog Whisperer training methods.  Only positive reinforcement ideas, please!   Thanks so much!    On a bear related note, I am trying to finish up an Autumn bear.  She's a lovely pumpkin color.  If I can contain Luna's enthusiasm, I should be able to finish before Winter arrives!
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice

 Here's Luna when we first brought her home!  Look at that little face!  Love her little bent down ears!

And look at those precious little white eyelashes!  Oh my goodness, she's so beautiful!

Here she is now at about 4-1/2 months old, about a month after we adopted her, one ear up and one ear down!  She's beginning to look more like an Australian Shepherd!

More paper crafting!

One more paper crafting post before I promise another "Booh Bear" post!   This latest wall hanging was made from a pre-cut, whitewashed, wooden plaque.  I dyed several colors of 90 lb. watercolor paper using different mixes of Dylusions Inks.  After the paper has dried, the flower cutting begins!  I really enjoy flower making ... it borders on therapeutic for me!  I guess that is how I end up spending hours upon hours making flowers!   After die cutting the flowers, I tipped the petals in color box inks, dampened them slightly and curled the petals using fondant ball tools.  I know there are some fancy flower making ball tools out there (with a fancy price to match) but you will get the same effect using fondant ball tools and they are a lot less expensive.  The dies used on this piece were Sizzix Tattered Florals, Garden Greens, and Fancy Flourishes ... along with the butterfly die that came with the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit.  The smaller flowers were die cut using 5 different JoyCrafts!  Florals dies.   I hope you like my latest paper craft!   Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice

I'm keeping my promise! :o)

Okay, last time when I went 4 months in between posts to my blog, I promised to show my latest creation here and I am keeping my word!  My latest is a puppy who is made from long, beautiful, white mohair.  She is made to resemble a Maltese.  Her name is Gabriella - named after a friend of mine's sweet little Gabby, whom crossed the rainbow bridge way before her time.   I am really trying to spend more time on bears and hopefully will be able to do that now more than ever.  I miss working on these little fabric sculptures!  They bring me so much joy!  I hope they bring you joy in seeing them, too!  Here is Gabriella's link if you are interested in visiting her auction today.  She is only listed for one day!  Gabriella on eBay Have a blessed weekend.  Many hugs,   Janice

Oh dear ... at it again ... 4 months since the last time I posted?!

I am a blog slacker.  No doubt about it.  I get worse all the time with lapses in posts.  I've been super busy helping my husband with clerical type work as he has left his business career and has been consulting.  He would like to get back in to the business world, so I've been helping him with resumes, as well.  Each day brings a new and exciting adventure with him at home!  lol!  In the past four months, we've celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary (where does the time go?!) and I've celebrated my 10th year of being cancer free!   Those are two milestones I am very proud of and grateful for.   I do miss making my bears and hope to get back to them on a regular basis, soon.  In the meantime, I have been creating paper art (it doesn't take long to put together a card or shadow box) and it allows me the creative outlet that I so desperately need to keep my sanity!  Here are a few photos of what I've been up to in the past four months.  Once there is a new bear or puppy or bunny to show, I promise I'll post it here first!

The card above was sent to my childhood friend for her 61st Birthday.  I hope she likes it!

The canvas above was placed in a shadow box for my Sister-in-law.  I hope she likes it!

This shadow box was created for my Sister-in-law's friend.  Her friend allowed her to stay in her home for a week here in Arizona and my Sister-in-law wanted a thank you gift with Arizona colors.The shadow box is filled with AZ wildflower colors, a sunshine and a little hummingbird!

The card above was created for my Mother-in-law for Mother's Day.  She suffers from Alzheimer's and I thought the bright colors would cheer her.  I think my own Mom would have loved the flowers, too!

I hope you have a beautiful weekend filled with all the joys that God has for you.
Lots of hugs & blessings, Janice

Paper Crafting!

I had no idea this much time had passed since my last post!  October 19th?!  Time simply flies by way too fast.  There really doesn't seem to be enough time to get all the projects done that are constantly dancing through my mind!  My latest crafting includes the purchase of a Sizzix Big Shot Plus die cutting machine.  I have a Big Shot and a Cricut Expression 2 but I wanted a Big Shot Plus as the opening is a full 9 inches!  It makes all the difference when working with embossing folders!  I started by making a little box and a card using the Starter kit (ordered with the Big Shot Plus).  I think it turned out really cute!  Then, I started making cards and I've made quite a few.  I've attached a couple photos. The bears have been on hold while I've been playing with paper but I do have one that I started two weeks ago and she is almost done.  My mind is full of bear making ideas, too.  Wish there was more time in a day!  I hope you are enjoying the end of Winter.  Have a blessed week! Many hugs, Janice