HeartFELT Seasonal Memories.

The first Mandala that I created was from an established pattern . It was the little bird wearing the witches hat. I made it because my husband calls me "Little Bird" without fail...so when I saw this, I simply followed the pattern...

But then I started to create autumnal mandala's that meant something to ME. Each holds a special memory or tradition of some sort. The next one that I will make will be my son's black Kinjitsu uniform with special Fall inspired features to embellish further on it. These are my first five mandala's....many more to come; however, it is my first autumnal project this year - on this chilly day in Edmonton Alberta.

Candy Box Tutorial By Lanie

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Holiday Ornament, Tutorial by Lanie

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Origami Lotus Blossom Tutorial by Lanie

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Finding A Balance.

It's a weakness of mine...learning to balance my time between creating, posting on SEVERAL websites, working, and relaxing. That's just it...I don't think I relax in the traditional sense of  the word anymore. My hands are always on the move; however, at times I find myself  really sacked - as if I cannot shut off my ever flowing creative mind, and as a result...feeling drained  - exhausted even as my feet hit the floor in the morning....this must change.
Funny thing is, my husband Don is EXACTLY the same....we create...we obsess...we talk excitedly about our newest projects...each of us cutting the other one off in mid-sentence to add something of import to the conversation. Life to us IS creating...as important as food and water is to our survival; however, we must find that balance...introduce a little "down-time" in our lives...shut down to replenish our creative mind and spirit.

Here's An Interesting Little Tim - Bit!

I love Tim Hortons Coffee...don't we all? A large double-double to me ACTUALLY has the ability to save lives when encountering people on a day to day basis...

But can you imagine ordering a MILES instead of a TIMMIES?  That's right! Tim Horton's name at birth was Miles Gilbert  - named after his Grandfather. His mother always liked the name "Tim", and that's what she called him...so the next time you want to grab a "Timmies" to start your day off right, just think...it could have me a "Milesy" hmmmmm....(I ponder this as I cross-stitch! After all, this is a crafty blog ya know. ;)  )

Igniting Imagination!

I'm a piano teacher, along with my husband Don

which makes for a pretty busy and often LOUD household throughout the day. While Don's studio takes on a more sophisticated look with the beautiful Heintzman Piano and soft tones of chocolate browns and beiges, my room appeals to the younger crowd - my main target audience! However, I wanted to instill MORE than just a love of music (while they pound on the keys in gleeful joy..) I wanted to ignite their imagination in many art mediums and  found that a passion of music and art blends very well together. EVERY week like clockwork I add something new to the room, and the children enjoy looking for it...it's a great way to connect with my students while adding the love of music and art in its many wonderful forms together in one harmonious room. Now...it's back to our lesson!

Check Your Drawers!

Oops! Not those ones! :)

Every new project that I create, whether it be cross-stitch, jewellery design, or paper folding, I enhance them further with simple embellishments. Personalizing embroidered gifts by stitching their name or initials into the fabric really adds something special to the piece, and makes the receiver of that gift feel a little more special too. :)

Vintage lace, buttons, bits of unused jewellery can be re-purposed for future projects. Bookmarks like the one I have just finished can be spruced up with lace...it's (sew) easy to attach too as the aida cloth allows for even stitches! I also created a very small Swarovski wreath (about the size of a large button) at the bottom of the bookmark. I made this one from topaz coloured Swarovski crystals and cream coloured seed beeds.  So don't delay! Check your drawers today!...And tell me what you find. :)

A Primitive Way To Tell A Story

Attending the small Medieval Festival this year in Edmonton Alberta reminded me of just how primitive life was back then. In fact, stories, and legends of battle, religion were told, and retold through different art mediums. Religious accolades were revealed through Stained Glass...pictures that could tell a story as many could not read or write. Other forms of course....tapestry....history woven into the fabric of our lives as it were. Individual families using embroidery to create a homage to their family...lovingly stitched with the same hands that cooked, cleaned, worked the land and bathed their children....remarkable really...and wonderful.

It's Fall To Me.

Even though it's August, my mind is already in that "Fall Routine" Mode. What does "Fall Routine" mean to me? It means cooler nights, shorter days, back to school for my music students, better focus for me all the way around because there is simply better structure or routine in my life during this time of year. I've always felt like I was "floating" around during the summer...which I detest...but now I am coming alive again creatively and spriritually as well...I think there is something about the changing colors of the trees, and the cool fresh air on my face that wakes me up, and revvs my engine!