Pretty Little Things

I love crosses, and have been searching for a design I like.  So peering into Sally Jean Alexander's wonderful book "Pretty Little Things"  I discovered a few I loved.  One is a more rounded gothic style which I really like so I forged ahead to create it.  Of course I picked the hardest one to make!  I discovered quickly the pattern needed to be very precise, and I couldn't just wing it.  So I created a pattern with the use of my beloved Photoshop, traced it out on glass and shaped the pieces with a glass grinder.  I bought the pretty shadowbox above from Lori at  Vintage Flair.
After much trial and error I came up with this cross.  I love that there are two sides to it, and according to what you wear it can be worn either way.
 I used small clear crystal rhinestones on the inside square, and like the way it glistens. 
Old postcards, photos and prints were used in the design.  The cross itself is about 1 3/4"x 2 1/4" 
This was a real labor of love and I hope you enjoyed taking a peek at it.  Have a wonderful weekend, and if you're in Southern CA enjoy the clear weather!

Take care,

Martha

Flowers, Angels and Rabbits

While the mourning doves are cooing outside ( I can hear them on the roof through the chimney), I thought I'd take a few photos of the mantel in my living room.  I've been influenced by the many beautiful Swedish blogs lately, and decided to bring the outdoors in.

This delightful lady head vase holds flowers.

The bunny hopped in from the garden.  I found the clip on candle from this store.

Angel pot with moss growing out of it.

A beautiful banner Madai from Wren Cottage made.  Visit her Etsy store here.

Bell jar over a nest of bird eggs.

Tea lights bring a gentle glow to the pot.

Close up of the old mirror.  I love the patina, and chippy cracks of the paint.

Thanks for swinging by my living room!   Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Take care,

Martha

Trust in God

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6) I actually have this verse memorized which is a big deal for me, because my memory sucks. Things are going on in my life right now (I won't bore you with the gory details) in which I am clinging to these words. I know a lot of people are living in uncertainty right now, and I just wanted to make this charm as a reminder of who is lovingly in control.
I've been struggling with creating a design I like, and finally came up with this one. I made the heart with very fine silver glitter. So anyway, I just wanted to share what was on my own heart today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Take care,

Martha

Creating in the Land of Chaos

I create in the Land of Chaos.  Do you live there too?  The dictionary meaning of chaos is "complete disorder and confusion."  This was my day.  I've never been the most organized person, so when you add the mix of kids to pick up, laundry to do, crock pot in the sink to scrap, and working at home, it can lead to chaos pretty quickly.  I've been hard at work making these little charms.  I have always loved creating, and am so thankful to do so.  But this was one of those chaotic days when nothing seemed to cooperate.  My computer was slow, the USPS website wouldn't print out my shipping label, and the dear dog wouldn't stop barking.  

That's why I love sitting down and let the chaos kinda leave as I enter my little realm of creativity. The little heart initial charm above is new.   This box was made by my friend Rosemary.  Check out her etsy site here.

new little initial charm.

...the back with a glitter heart.

Ah the chaos just melts away when I go here.  How do you find peace when your day is chaotic?