Christmas

It's been a while since I've written (or even crafted, truthfully).  I suffered a tragedy in my life and have been down and out.  But, my favorite time of year is upon me and I want to spend it celebrating, not grieving.  So, I've decided to get decorating for the Christmas Season.

This year, I wanted a rustic look to my Christmas decor.  In keeping with this idea, I have been making my own ornaments and decorations out of pine cones and weeds from my yard, old earth toned fabric, burlap and burlap string.  Oh!  Also old sheet music and wooden spools I bought at Michael's and sewing supplies given to me by a friend.

This is what I have so far:

After working all day, racing home to make dinner, and finding out I locked the keys in car  again and already running late for a board meeting, then actually attending said board meeting, I came home hungry and tired.  Too hungry and too tired to even consider crafting.

But good news!  I didn't sleep a wink last night and got up this morning just shy of not even close to bright eyed and bushy tailed.  Nevertheless I headed to my craft room shortly after five and started working on a purse.  The idea for the purse came to me in the night whilst I didn't sleep.  You're welcome!

This is what I have so far:

At times I think I'm ready for autumn; I miss the crunchy colored leaves beneath my feet and the smell of wood burning.  I miss the coolness in the air.  And I miss how youthful I feel during this time of year.  But when I think back on the sailboat scene from yesterday's purse I have to wonder whether I was silently crying out for a few more weeks of summer.  I feel like I didn't enjoy summer to the fullest.  I didn't ride my bike... I didn't kayak...  I didn't swim in Lake Superior....  I didn't even take a walk....

I feel cheated by my own shortcomings.

Sigh...

Perhaps instead of lamenting what I have missed I should make and execute plans to enjoy fall to the best of my ability.

Today I was feeling a bit artsy and crafty so I combined the two for this particular purse.

Continuing my work with burlap I made a sign yesterday from one I found on Pinterest.  I did it mostly for fun and practice since working with burlap is really new to me.

Here is my copy and the original:

Here is the template I made:

Signs of Autumn

Today I thought I would do something different and work on a non sewing craft. Since I have an abundance of burlap I was leaning towards something that would incorporate the use of this wonderfully country fabric.

I've been suffering from exhaustion lately as a result of not sleeping well at night so this was a perfect craft for the day since it was super easy.  All I have left to do is to paint the frame.  I'm thinking red...

I didn't get a chance to craft yesterday, what with work, dinner, book club meeting, and a short date with my hubby at McDonald's for soda pop and hot chocolate.  When I finally got home I crashed in bed.  I was supremely exhausted and still feel tired today.

But I did get a chance throughout the day to contemplate new ideas.  I hope to be able to start on one idea this afternoon.  If I am able, and successful, I will post again later today.  Until then, enjoy your morning and afternoon!