Not Much ...

... but I did manage to finish a project-or-two in progress ...

The funky little collage card-n-tag-holder ...

... made from the box that business cards came it and pages from an old art magazine ...

... four more wonderful mini-journals ...

... and I realize a collage mini-box could be very cool for my mini Tarot deck ...

... that's what I managed to make today!

A Light in the Darkness

Today I made a simple candle lantern from a jelly jar ready for the recycling bin, some copper wire, an old bead and a few crystals.

I was inspired Saturday, at HerbFest, when I saw similar items displayed at Shooting Star Gallery. They were lovely. The items triggered a memory of making like objects at some point in the past. So ... I made one again.

Time to Smell the Flowers & Sip the Dew pt#1 of 2

This morning, before the sun ignited my little acre, I made time to stroll into a realm of color, light, shadow, mystery and magic . . . and I paused there to partake of the simple gifts, so abundant and so often overlooked . . .

Time to Smell the Flowers & Sip the Dew pt#2

And I was in good company.

Stuff for HerbFest

I made adjustments to the final version of this year's HerbFest tea donation by adding a bit more peppermint and rose petals and love . . .

. . . I brewed it . . . and I sipped it.

Delightful! I just hope it brews as successfully tomorrow as a sun tea as this heat infused cup. I am calling this blend "HerbFest 2008 Tea." It is an intuitive blend of organic lemon balm, raspberry leaf, peppermint, red clover, lemon verbena, pink rose petals and lots of love. It is rare that I mix so many herbs together like this, but this is one of those times I just do what the voices tell me. 

I also made my give-aways. I still have more to do, but "well begun is half-done!" I make these because I like for folks to walk away from the workshops that I offer with a little something to have and hold. 

Now, to gather my drums and rattles, my business cards and workshop notes, these creations you see here, as I prepare and pack for the big day. With that - Hope to see you tomorrow at HerbFest!

Mini-Journals

Mini-journals, that's what I made. It all started yesterday with the prototype . . .

Which, like so many "firsts" in life, this experience taught me a great deal. Not only about the process of making these little books, but how all things in this life fit together to make manifest something of value, and that beauty as well as value is forever-and-always in the eye and heart of the beholder.

These are all made with materials on-hand.

No fancy craft-paper for me. These are made with pages from old magazines.

I admit I'm on a roll and have more in process. Why? Because it's fun and I love journals and these might make sweet gifts too.

I learned this process from an inspired artist named Tascha in her YouTube broadcast called, How to make a hardcover mini art journal. Check it out and give it a try. Have fun!

Win a Whimsy

Wow - It's Win a Whimsy Wednesday already!

Today, if you choose to play, all you need to do is leave a comment here sharing what you believe this plant to be (ya know - it's name or something):

That's easy enough. Even so, here's a clue: This is a large plant. It grows tall and is used for many, many, many things!

It doesn't matter if your answer in "right" or "wrong," as long as you leave a comment. In fact, the more whimsical your answer, the more fun we all have!

The winner for this week's random drawing will be chosen tonight (probably quite late) and we'll post that news here (and I'll send a message to the winner too) - so check back tomorrow. Oh! What you could win: A little sample bottle of In the Day spray that I made yesterday.

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Thanks to all for playing! Our winner is: Adrienne! Yay!!

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Now, a little about this plant . . . it is Prunus virginiana, most commonly called wild cherry or chokecherry 'round these parts. It is a tree, and I was rather high up for the pic. It is used in various ways as food and in medicine making, not to mention wine! The wood is even used in furniture making and other decorative arts and crafts. My experience with the flower essence indicates its use for worry-inspired stress that settles between the solar plexus and heart chakra.

You can start learning more about it at King's American Dispensatory, then take it from there. Maybe make a tincture with some twig and branch trimmings? Have fun!

In the Day Spray

I played with crystals, essential oils and flower essences today . . .

. . . and made a batch of a fragrant energy spray from notes that I (THANKFULLY) took some time last year when the formula was made clear to me. At the time it was made with an intention of remembrance, specifically to assist me in remembering that which had been forgotten. Then, as now, it takes me to the best parts (and ONLY those parts) of my teen years.

That's what I made today.