Simple fun holiday

Here at our home we are having a hard time with the get up and go.  We've had a wonderful holiday filled with family and friends.  Here are the littles dancing.  And my cousin Jennifer won the appetizer cookoff with jalapeno poppers.  She holds the ornament I made as a prize.

The most delicious cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning.  Oh, I could eat the whole pan..I am not kidding.

I've made a few of these dolls for the little girls in the family. 

These two have landed in Germany.  I love making Jess Brown dolls.  And now I am learning fabric roses...so fun. 

Happy New Year to all.

xo, juls

My new treasure, ahhh

After searching what seemed like forever, over hill, over dale, new stores, antique shops, craigslist..I found her. And she is home in my dining room getting stocked up and loved on. My new hutch. I have waited so long to have one. Isn't that odd? Laurie at My Cottage Treasures in Fallbrook, CA repurposes funiture. I thought she did a stunning job.

And that is me, so super excited. Really!

xo, juls

Thank you's

I made these easy thank you cards for my son's 7th birthday party. At the bash we had fake mustaches and everyone got into the spirit. I just used black cardstock and added photos and a small thanks. I hope the people like them.

xo, juls

Finally home

Our family bought a home, our last big home. We plan to retire here, watch our boys graduate, become men here. I get to create a new studio here. It feels good to be home. And now I hope to keep blogging about what a nice place it is....amidst the boxes and clutter. I got this lamp at Salvation today. 14 bucks was sort of alot. But I love it. I bought the lampshade for $5 at big lots. I got a brown velvety sofa for 100. and this cool armoire for 75.

I have designs for that armoire. See all those boxes? Think they will fit in that armoire? Bout to get my creative on. I got these little herb pots at Trader Joes. They smell good and I think they are so cute. xo, juls

Art field trip

My wonderful teacher friend, Annalei, (pictured center)took me to visit her artist friends, Eddie and Carolyn. Carolyn paints. Eddie is a woodcarver. My friend Anneli took me to their exotic home and I relished each piece they showed me. I will share a few pieces with you here. But all I can say is I loved the experience far and above what I can describe for you. It was an honor to meet these truly lovely people. I hope you enjoy.

Isn't this kissing mother endearing?

This is the most magnificent wood carving. Really an inspiring piece. Nice aura.

You are jealous, no? I can hardly impart what a fun time it was..really.

xo, juls

April's Chocolat Mouse

We had a little dinner party on Sunday. Our friends came over and brought their kids. We have two kids. Well, I still brought out my fine china, silver and set a fabulous table. It was so Mingle. Anyway, my darling friend, April, brought dessert. Chocolat Mouse that she made from scratch, mind you. But see these glasses? They belonged to her mother-in-law. Our friends last name is Irelan. You get the picture. These babies tasted as luscious as they look.

xoxox, juls

January Posting

Spring is on the way. I am so happy because that means I might possibly be living in a house we just opened escrow on, and drum rollllllll.......adopting a son. Whew. Yeah. He's pretty amazingly neat.

My older son convinced us to add on. He is a wonderful big brother. I will keep you posted.

Here is a picture I drew. My son's teacher opens her home and teaches a group of us how to use pastels. We have fun and she is very gracious.

My obsession with Jess Brown dolls led me to create my own. I can't pay 200 bucks for a rag doll, not with a good conscience and a sewing machine. So here is mine sitting pool side. She's waiting for hair, makeup and wardrobe. I just love her.

Lastly, I met a pretty interesting gal. Lynn makes upcycled journals from books she picks up from every stinkin where. She's a teacher/writer/world traveler. These are a few journals I picked up from her. If you need one, let me know. The background is a very lush
bedspread I got at a garage sale for 20 bucks.

That is another post....xoxo, juls