• Crafts,  Creative,  Holidays,  Leather Working and Chip Art,  Tutorials and How to's

    12 Days of Sizzix – Day 7 – Last Minute Gifts

    Who says you need a lot of time to make cool last-minute gifts? This Leather Sunflower Magnetic Charm is a perfect example of a last-minute gift that will be loved all year round.  Here’s what you’ll need: Here’s the How to: Include a little note to the recipient of the different places the charm can be attached to including a favorite bag, hat, shoes or anywhere the sunflower will stay put with the second magnet holding it in place. Tell the recipient that this charm is built to last since its made with durable leather.  These charms are so easy and fun to make, you’ll want to gift one to…

  • Life,  Nature,  Thoughts

    Keep It Positive – Do You Know Downscrolling?

    Recently I learned a new word ~ Downscrolling. It was used as a reference to negative or triggering content on line and on social media platforms. I loved the tips that this article gave, and thought I’d paraphrase a few for you and hope to give your day an upward swing. Staying positive is so needed in this unpredictable world. It’s so important because being in a negative place (including online and in your mind) can cause anxiety, numbness, stress, health issues and more. So important. I’m wishing all a beautiful week. I hope you have an opportunity to do at least one, if not all of the things listed…

  • Crafts,  Creative,  Hats,  Leather Working and Chip Art,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    How Big is Your Head? Measuring for a Hat

    How many hat lovers are out there? Share with me if you love a good hat. I’ve always worn hats of all kinds. You can wear them every day, for practical reasons, or for special occasions. Dress them down or dress them up, they are a good investment. How big is your head? No, I don’t mean your ego. Often I get asked on how to measure a head for a hat. That’s great if you’re in front of me and I have a tape measure, but what if you’re at home? The Charlie 1 Horse website has some great information on how to do just this. Feel free to…

  • Creative,  Hats,  Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Touching Base

    I hope you all had a wonderful 4th celebrating the liberties we have. I’ve lived overseas so I can attest to freedom (or the lack there of it in some places in the world). It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I wanted to touch base. We have enjoyed festivities surrounding Independence Day. Prior to the 4th, Rodney and I headed to a Red, White and Blue themed cattle sorting event which was a blast. We’ve attended other events there, but this was fun with the patriotic theme. I made a patriotic leather feather for the occasion. That day was dry, a little warm and dusty, but loads of…

  • Life,  Nature,  Thoughts

    A Word Found Me

    Many enter the new year and choose a word that speaks to them, that holds promises for the new year, or represents something they want to accomplish. There are a ton of other reasons they chose their word. This year I thought about choosing a word, but one just didn’t come to mind easily, until . . . A word found me. I started seeing a thread. First, I have tea very often throughout the day and use my favorite sweetener. See below. When I ran out of one bottle, I started to put it on my shopping list, but realized I had an extra I had purchased. Then I…

  • white notebook on the table
    Faith,  Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    The New Year, A New Beginning

    With the New Year, comes new beginnings, and a fresh canvas. A few things on my radar as I ring in the New Year includes; continued weight loss and healthier choices, making time for more creativity, supporting loved ones for better health, making special memories with friends, visiting some favorite places, attending loved events, grow in my faith, do some decluttering, and more. I think it’s important to go into a New Year with goals in mind both personally and professionally. Here are a few ideas to consider that might spark some inspiration. What about you? Do you have some accomplishments in mind you want to see come to fruition…

  • Art Journaling,  Creative,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    A New Year, A New Beginning

    As we enter 2024, it’s a fresh start. I love a new start, a new chance, a new canvas. I’m wishing you all a wonderful new year. I realize for some, you may have just had a loss and it doesn’t seem like a smooth beginning. Maybe you’re facing a health challenge. Know that I’m rooting for you in 2024. Reflecting back on the old and looking forward to the new is promising. Warmest blessings and wishes to you and yours!

  • medical stethoscope with red paper heart on white surface
    Faith,  Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    When the Time Comes

    Wow how time flies. It seems like just yesterday I held our newborn baby in my arms. She’s now living in Iowa and setting down some roots there. It’s amazing. Or it seems like just yesterday I was a young person who was skiing, sailing, and taking every opportunity to get as much activity into a day. Today, I’m tired, I’m happy and grateful, but I’m tired. I’ve been through breast cancer, some deep emotional valleys due to circumstances out of my control, and have pushed through some definite challenges. However, the time comes so quickly when you face the process of aging and life. But as my mom always…