Holiday Crafts & Gifts at The Lavender House

The Lavender House at 779 East Pole Rd in Lynden, Wa has a beautiful selection of holiday items for sale. We have our earring cards and handcrafted holiday cards on display there along with tons of other beautiful handcrafted items by other local artisans. The Lavender House is a renovated old farm house that is actually lavender. Karen, the owner, has done a beautiful job of capturing the holiday spirit with all her excellent displays. Just walking in the door makes you feel the Christmas spirit. The lavender house will be open every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas. My mom and stopped by and couldn't resist getting some of our own goodies for the holiday season. The prices are wonderful and the selection is great. If you are coming from Bellingham, just take Hannegan Rd all the way out and then take a left on Pole Rd. The house is on the left at the top of a little hill. They will be open 10am to 5pm Friday and Saturday and from 12pm-4pm on Sundays.

Our Newest Hand Crafted Holiday Cards

We created these cards for our upcoming Holiday Craft Show and will be posting some of them on our website www.gwynnsgifts.com

Handmade Crochet Earrings are so Stunning

I came across these earrings yesterday and I just think they are beautiful. They are so simple and elegant. I was surprised at how delicate they look. I think they would go with almost anything in my closet. You can find them and other great items at http://www.tanianovacrochet.etsy.com/

A video of Happy Tree that I created for a Fund Raiser

Teaching a Class is so much Fun

I love teaching crafts. I am not a trained teacher but I love to pass on knowledge to people and watch them excel at creating. A lot of people I know think that they can't make something and when I talk them into trying they are always so amazed at what they have created that it just makes me happy. I feel like I have shared a little of myself with them but showing how rewarding it is to create.
We have hosted a couple of card making classes and it is so much fun. We recently got contacted to go put one on and do a party at a friends house and I am so excited. I think it will be great to meet some new people and share my love of paper making crafts. I just really enjoy doing it and am going to try and pursue my love of teaching with others.

My Creative Process...

New Christmas Card Video

Flower Fairy Booties for the Little One

www.Sillysockmonkeys.etsy.com

Super Cute and Practical Adorable Argyle and Chenille Hooded Towel

This great towel is perfect for you little one. Get it for yourself or maybe as a baby shower gift. I really like to combination of non traditional baby colors. You can find this and other adorable items at http://www.4sweetcheeks.etsy.com/

Fall into Fall with this great TShirt

This shirt is screen printed by hand and is unique because no two can turn out exactly the same. it is available at http://www.3of4clothing.etsy.com/ It looks like it is made out of the super soft cotton and could easily turn into your favorite shirt. Another beautiful handmade item by a seller at Etsy

Stunning Butterfly Photo

This vibrant picture of a butterfly can be found at the shop http://www.khokreative.etsy.com/

Ling Kho said "this is one of my favorites because it's a unique & beautiful shot". Which I have to agree with. The angle and the colors are just eye catching.

Handmade Greeting Card with Handmade Purple Earrings

This is one of our favorite designs and I just love the way the colors turned out in the card and earrings. The purple tones are so stunning. This would be the perfect gift to send to one of your favorite people. You can find this item at http://www.gwynnsgifts.com/ for only $10.

A Stunning Headband can be the Perfect Touch

This beautiful and stylish headband can be found at http://www.boutiquedebandeaux.etsy.com/

"This elegant brown sugar topping is perfect for enhancing any ensemble, day or evening! "

Autumn is upon Us.

This original piece of mixed media art is available at http://www.caralara.etsy.com/

The beautiful autumn colors are stunning and the serene thoughtful expression on her face is so beautiful. It is like she has come to many decisions and is now relieved not to have to worry anymore.

Cute Crocheted Flower Choker

This beautiful choker is handmade by Liz McLelland. She says "Its really cute, as well as comfortable. I made another one of these for myself and I wear it everywhere. " You can find her shop and other great items at http://www.lizmclelland.etsy.com/

Handmade is always made with Heart

This is so cute for Halloween.

"The little pig decided to spend the night inside a warm cosy pumpkin as darkness spread its wings over the woods and mysterious shadows began to form among the trees, making the little critter shudder with fear"

This adorable handcrafted polymer clay figurine is available at www.HeartshapedCreations

Fifth on Sixth .. A connection between you and the artist

This incredible company located in Bellingham, Washington helps connect the artist with you the public.
My friend Marisa has a passion for all things artistic, from fine art to videography. She has taken that love and turned it into a business Fifth on Sixth. She represents many different artists in many different forms and helps you find the right person for your project. She also helps promote the work of her artist in local shows and galleries. Her heart is in everything she does and it shows.

A quote from her website http://www.fifthonsixth.com/

“fifthonsixth inc. not only helps artists, but art appreciators as well! We are the hub connecting businesses, galleries, and the public to a variety of graphic designers, fine artists, actors, videographers, illustrators and more”

Adorable Primitive Rag Doll

You can find this charming handmade doll available at www.CraftsbyCarrie.etsy.com


"This 30-inch rag doll was sewn from 100% cotton. Her body is tea-dyed muslin, her dress is made from burgundy cotton homespun, and her slip is cotton."

Black Corset Fingerless Gloves are Eye Catching

These gorgeous gloves are available at http://www.yeoldesocks.etsy.com/ They fit all sizes and come in different colors. This artist is new to Etsy and I am sure will be a big success.

Beautiful Butterfly Earrings

These beautiful earrings were created using a enamel technique that resembles stained glass. They are available at http://www.sjanisdesigns.etsy.com/ . I bet the light would just catch them beautifully and add the right touch of whimsy to any outfit.

Super Hero Family Challenge

I have challenged everyone in my family to create their own Super Hero. This is my contribution. Sunday is the deadline and I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with


Magnificent Mom
The every day Super Hero


Super Powers

X-Ray Vision so she can see through walls at what’s happening in another room

Super Sonic Hearing so she can hear when someone is getting into something they are not supposed to.

Rear Vision so she can see everything that is happening behind her especially people trying to sneak by

Healing Lips allow her to kiss any boo boo and make it better

Heated Embrace allows her to hug anyone and make them feel especially warm and happy

Weapons

Retractable Super Strength String shuts out from her handy rubber gloves and can wrap around anything

Scissors are always carried in her apron and come in handy when she needs to cut loose

Super Glue is on her belt for those situations when things need to get sticky or when your favorite toy breaks

Magic Eraser speaks for itself

Feather Duster for sweeping dust right into the evil criminal face so that they are temporarily blinded. Also leaves the location with a little more sparkles

Band Aids for all those little bumps and bruises that seem to arise.

The Miracle Cure for Siblings Fighting

I have currently found the miracle cure for sibling fighting in the car and at bedtime. Books on tape or CD…
I know, way too easy. That is what I thought but the minute I pop in a story the kids are to busy listening to fight. It is amazing and wonderful. We are at least a ½ hour drive from anywhere so every time we would get in the car the boys would decide it was time to DRIVE MOM CRAZY and it was working. I think I was only a drive or two away from being committed. Committed to what? I am not sure but committed all the same and then inspiration struck while we were at our public library one day. There was a book propped on the shelf with a cassette tape stuck to the front of it and a bright light shining down from the heaven on it (or possibly an overhead track light). I picked it up gently, read the title and turned to my youngest with hope and excitement
“How would you like to listen to Amelia Bedelia in the car today?”
“Sure mom sounds good”
Those simple words brought such joy to my heart. He was willing to listen. There was a chance and it was free. It is pretty huge that my source of entertainment is free because when ever I ask the kids what they want to do, they don’t say things like:

Read a book
Go for a walk
Play at the park
Clean my room (as if)

They say things like…..

Go to the waterslides
Visit Chuck E Cheese
Go Shopping
Buy a new video game

We only borrowed one book on tape that day and it was wonderful. It only lasted for the trip into town but it worked all the same. They were quiet and peaceful. Now I borrow much longer books so the kids are always excited to go for a ride and barely want to get out of the car when we arrive anywhere. We have a CD player in their room so now they listen to all kinds of stories as they fall asleep. Unless it’s a really great story and then I am pretty sure it keeps them up but they are happy all the same. They have been listening to this book on CD called “The Manny Files” for almost three weeks and they can’t stop laughing. CD number 5 is their favorite and they just giggle and giggle. I laughed pretty hard when I was listening too. So if a good story makes you happy and you have a local library then peace in quiet is only a library card away.

Upcycling to create GREAT outdoor lighting

I have been collecting 1 gallon glass jars from work to use for various things. Mostly they hold stuff like chicken feed, spare change and craft notions but yesterday I was inspired by some great handmade paper that I came across while cleaning and created this awesome candle holder. My son Cody and I made the first one with just paper and it turned out really cool but we both thought it would look so much better with some sort of silhouette coming through. So then I tried it with paper flowers glued on first and then beautiful paper over and this is what we got. I also wired a handle on it so you can hang it up. We lite both candle holders up last night and they looked great outside. I have so many ideas for different themes that I can't wait to make more.

Fun with Notebooks

We recently picked up notebooks on sale and I has so much fun creating this book covers. I have since made three more and just keep thinking of ideas that they would work for
*Journal
*Recipes
*Garden Notes
*Weather
*Craft Ideas
*Home Improvement
*Trip Planning
*Poetry

How Cool is This for REcycling?

I just came across this great shop that transforms empty glass beer/wine/soda bottles into everyday house ware. At http://www.yavaglass.etsy.com/ they take recycling to a new level by creating these great glasses and other items out of empty bottles. I just think it is the coolest idea. Fun and festive house ware that helps the environment.

Surprise Packages are so much FUN!

My mom and I recently decided that we would randomly send each other gifts from online each month. We put a cap of $20 on it and try to buy something handmade. We did this because we love to get stuff in the mail and its so much fun to get something good, especially from other people. Who can resist a good surprise? So the first time I sent my mom this wonderful sample tin of homemade teas that I got from http://www.teaman.etsy.com/ and they are so good. My favorite so far is strawberry tea.

So to my delight I got a surprise package in the mail yesterday and it had this wonderful natural spray lotion and handmade soap. So far I have tried out the spray lotion and I love it. It is very light and smell delicious. The scent is Summer Green. My mom purchased it at http://www.plunksoap.etsy.com/

I can't wait to find her next great gift.

New Art! New Art! New Art! Can you tell I'm excited

Here are a couple of the new pictures I have finished. Let me know what you think please.

The Painted Cat Challenge

My boys and I were reading a children's book called Chester today and the main character is a cat. We all just loved the pictures so we decided to try and paint our own cats. My 8 year old son painted the picture on the left and I painted the picture on the right. We just used the cheap little watercolor strips and I just love the way they turned out. I think I will try and spend the summer challenging them to create different pictures. I can't wait to see what they come up with

Gretchen Wilson is Coming to Deming Washington

I am so excited. We are getting Gretchen Wilson to play at the new amphitheatre in Deming, WA. The Nooksack River Casino is hosting the event and it should be so awesome. I will be working the beer garden so I get to see the concert for FREE. Here is a link to some of her videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L30V5vnYHzk
The concert is in July so if you are a Gretchen Wilson fan who lives in the northwest then you should definitely get some tickets for the show.

1/2 Off my Entire Store of Greeting Cards

I am having a super sale at my handcrafted website and everything has been marked down 50%. I am hoping to make some room for my new creations. Stop by and take advantage of this great sale. Thanks

www.GwynnsGifts.com

Play! Play! Play and then Play some MORE!!!

I am having so much fun these days just playing. Playing with my kids, playing with my husband and playing with my friends. I have learned to slow down and just enjoy each day for what it is. Which to me at the moment is an reason to play. I have cut back on the time I spend at work and plan to play away the summer with my family. I know we are going to have so much fun.
It takes a lot to learn that everything doesn't have to get done at once. That the house doesn't have to be spotless. That everyone is really not counting on you to do everything. You don't really have to write something new on your blog everyday. That sometimes it is more fun to hop on your motorcycle and go for a ride instead of weed eating the yard. That if you only learn to laugh more then more people will be laughing along with you.

I read a quote once that said. "I don't regret the opportunities I have taken only the ones that I didn't take. So know I take every opportunity I can. " That seemed like a great way to think and that is the way that I look at the world. My husband says we are "What Next?" kind of people. Not the kind of people to live in the past, dwell on whats been done and relive our regrets. We are the kind of people who are wondering what we are going to experience next. I just love the way he thinks.

Wow, that was me feeling a little philosophical. Hope you enjoyed it.

Handmade Cigar Box Guitar

This awesome guitar is available at www.Sixseis.etsy.com for only $75. I think it is just incredible and I wish I could hear it being played. I sure it would sound wonderful.

Cool Gift for my Boys

I got this awesome cloak from PurpleOwlWitch on Etsy. My boys just thought it was so cool. They have really enjoyed playing with the cloak and have already asked if they could wear it for Halloween. I am really impressed with how well its made and I think it will hold up well to the kids imaginations. It has been so much fun to watch them pretend like they are Jedi Knights.

When the world feels a little Big....

My husband and I are building our chicken coop and along came this little guy on my husbands head. We put him down on some wood and he just took off. I snapped this picture and thought it needed a good quote.

I have discovered GRACE.

This adorable friend named Grace can be found at http://www.fabricfriends.etsy.com/ . I just love the color and fabric combination on this beautiful creation and can imagine my little niece carrying it under her arm and she cruising around playing. Please stop by this shop and see all the wonderful creations she has to offer.

Beautiful Lilac Flowers by Osweetmadeline

I have always loved this beautiful tissue paper flowers and now you can get your own at http://www.osweetmadeline.etsy.com/ . There is a set of 3 available and in this color combo but she says if you need something else just send her a note. I think these would look incredible at a wedding, shower, birthday party, garden party or outside dinner. I have a giant white tent and they would look fabulous hanging from the center. Please stop by and check out her shop.

Here is me on my brand new 2009 KLR650

My husband was a sweetie and did this video for me. On Monday I took a big leap and got a 2009 Kawasaki KLR650 Dual Sport. It is my first running motorcycle and I am having so much fun learning to drive it. My husband got the same bike last year and is just loving it. It goes on and off road which is great because we have tons of off roads to travel. When I learn to ride it a whole lot better we will go on road trips together. I am really looking forward to it and I feel really cool having my own motorcycle. We are also hoping to document a bunch of our trips. My husband has his bike and helmet decked out with cameras so we can record all kids of stuff.

Beautiful Colorful Scarf by Trisha Brink Designs

http://www.trishabrinkdesign.etsy.com/

The half Naked Roller Blader REvisted

I am so excited. Spring is here now because I saw the half naked Rollerblader. I was so excited I had to call my mom and let her know it was official. This year he was only in tiny running shorts so maybe his is now 3/4 Naked Roller Blader. I started noticing the roller blader quite a few years ago and I have included a post I wrote back in 2005 about him. He just makes me smile.

There is a wonderful older man (mid 60's I'm guessing) that Rollerblades down the side of the my highway. I see him on my drive home from work and he is always smiling. It is great because every time I see I am glad he is having such a great time. He is quite the character because he doesn't wear much when he Rollerblades. He had got on a tiny pair of running shorts and a slip of a t shirt that is only the collar and maybe 4inch down and the sleeves are also cut off. He does wear all the appropriate safety gear. Which I think is funny because he has so much skinned exposed that the safety gear seems Irrelevant I have been driving by him and smiling for about five years now and he is always a great sign that spring has sprung. I bet he is very interesting and happy person. I'm can't stop smiling every time I see him. He is just having so much fun. I sure hope I get to see him for many more years to come

Funny Comic Strip Created by my 8 year old Son

I am so proud of my son and his creative talent. Just about a month ago he started created his own cartoon called Joe and Skratch. He has been coming up with all the ideas himself and then drawing all the comic strips. Sometimes he does a few at night and sometimes he does just one. Some of them are very funny to me and some of them are very funny to his 6 year old brother. I told him maybe I just don't get some of the kid jokes (i usually get an eye roll for this). I also don't usually laugh hysterically when someone says poop and both of my boys do. They have a great sense of humor.

We have since taken the time to edit and turn some of the comic strips into videos on Youtube so we can share them with everyone. He has gotten great feedback and is so happy when people comment on his videos. He narrates them all and it is really funny. This last one had great sound effects. I also thought it was really funny. I just really wanted to take the time to brag about him. As a parent its really cool to see your child push themselves to become better and more creative. So if you have the time please watch the video and leave a comment if you like it. Thanks so much

This is a Funny Experiment my Boys Did

My New Purple Witch Owl

I was asked to design a logo of a purple witch owl and this is what I came up with. I am so happy with the way it turned out. Hope she likes it.

I Scored this Awesome Hutch Today and Need Help

I scored this awesome piece of furniture today and I just love all the details. The glass is rounded in all the windows, the drawers all lock with this awesome key and the top drawer folds down into a writing surface. The drawers are all assembled with tongue and grove so it makes me think it is a well made piece of furniture. It also weigh a ton. I tried to do some research on the company or the piece to find out a little about it and had no luck so if anyone has info or can share how to find information I would really appreciate. Thanks so much

Handmade Greeting Cards by Gwynn's Gifts

Here is the newest set of 3 cards I created available at http://www.gwynnsgifts.com/

How to Make a Birthday Card

A Gift from Grandpa

Today as I am gathering my stuff to leave the house my eyes caress the familiar photos of my family and I miss my dad and my grandparents so much. We have their pictures all over our homes because I wish for my boys to know them. Perhaps they wont remember there presence but I hope the stories I tell will stick in their mind about these great people that came before them and helped shape the person they call Mom.
Both of my grandparents and my father passed within 2 years of each other. This was the first time in my life that death had taken someone so close to me. I was at the hospital when my grandfather took his last breath surrounded by his wife, daughters and grandchildren. I was an incredibly moving beautiful moment. He had lived a long and happy life. He had been married to my grandmother for 63 years and his time here was done and we all knew it. For as sad as it was it was also a huge relief to know that he had finished with the body that was causing him so much pain.
My grandmother lasted almost a year without him. She was beautiful and brave and when she decided she was done here on earth we brought her home to spend the last days with us. This was another sad time but I was so happy she could stay with us in our home were she was surrounded by the people she loved.
Just moments after my grandmother took her last breath our home phone rang. It was her pastor calling. She said she had just gotten our number on her pager and she called right away. We told her that grandmother had just passed on but no one in the house had paged her yet. There hadn't been time to do anything yet. It was very strange moment and we all decided it must have been grandpa watching over us and helping out. To this day there is still no reasonable explanation so why be reasonable.

Flower Delight Series Newest Paintings

I am trying something new with my paintings and am doing a flowers series. I am really pleased with the way they turned out and plan to do some more with different color variations and backgrounds. It felt really good to step out of my box and try a new look. I did these with pens and watercolors.

Beautiful Cloak from Local Artist

This darling cloak was made by a very talented mother of five. It would be wonderful accent to any Easter outfit your little one plans on wearing. Her shop also had adorable cloaks for the barbies in your little girls life. You can see all her items at http://www.purpleowlwitch.etsy.com/ She is new to the Etsy scene so please stop by and show her some love and support. Thank you