“Outside the Box” for Valentine’s Day

“Come live in my heart, and pay no rent.”  Samuel Lover

Watch – Beaded – “Diana” by Robyn Soules

I’ve talked about the importance of showing your love EVERY day, and that it need not cost anything. Looking for ways to show your life’s partner how much he or she means to you is a wonderful thing for both of you – a challenge for YOU to come up with creative ways to delight the person who means the world to you, and a joy to be on the receiving end of so much ‘good stuff.’ :0)

 

“Forget love, I’d rather fall in chocolate.” — Sandra J. Dykes

 

Asian-Flower-Print by Derek McCrea

Showing you know, respect, and appreciate the quirks of your favorite person lets them know you think they’re special. For example, if he loves to cook, getting him something that will make it easier or more fun for him is a nice way to show him he’s on your mind.

 

“I wrote your name in the sand but it got washed away, I wrote your name in the sky but it got blown away, I wrote your name in my heart where it will stay forever.” Author Unknown

 

 

Sweatshirt-Cross-Stitched-Women’s by Angela Kiefer

My husband and I love to create metal ‘critters’ in our shop. I had been experimenting, trying to find a paint to use for the small parts or accents that we didn’t want to powder coat. I was frustrated because I wasn’t finding anything that looked shiny and bright when it dried and would LAST. My husband quietly ordered a set of model airplane paint and brought it to me the next time we were trying to finish a metal cat. I tried it and was delighted! It was just what I’d been looking for, but I didn’t have any experience with model airplane paint. The next week, two MORE sets of paint arrived via UPS. A special, “outside the box” gift that was PERFECT for me.

 

 

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” unknown

 

Card – “Blooms” – Thank-You-5 by Linda Lewis

One of my presents to my husband was Laffy Taffy. Yeah, I know – kind of ‘tacky’ as a present, but you should have seen my husband’s face when he opened the package. He had been grabbing a handful of the candy at our pharmacist’s store, and chiding the pharmacist if he didn’t have any. We had looked all over our small town for more, but no one carried it. So that was a clear way I could show my husband I was thinking of him.

 

“I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.” Roy Croft

 

Bottle Caddy – Hand-Stained– Wooden by Mindy Sommers

One of the best things you can do is very simple – and should be common courtesy – but isn’t: say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’  It amazes me when I listen to couples like us, who have been married a long time.  They treat complete strangers with more courtesy than they do the person with whom they live.  What an upside-down thing is THAT!

“Vintage-Wine-Record”-Handmade-Journal  by Lisa Richey

I’m trying to start a ‘movement’ to NOT celebrate Valentine’s Day only once a year – but to celebrate it all year long. Love is too important to only celebration on February 14th!

 

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Unknown

 

Pressed-Flower-Bottle-Bags-Set-of-6  by Indian Crafts

So, use all you know about your love to get him or her special things throughout the year. Send a sappy Valentine in February; another in June; and maybe October?  Show them in little ways and big ways how much you enjoy sharing your lives. Show them you think of them and appreciate them EVERY DAY.

How can YOU show your love TODAY?

 

“From the Country…” ArtFire Collection

Sherry, of SherryCreates on ArtFire, created this beautiful collection of country items from ArtFire artisans called, “From the Country…”

“From the Country…” ArtFire Collection

She kindly included my “Country Rooster” Hand Painted Journal in her collection!

“Country Rooster” Hand Painted Journal by Linda Lewis

Sherry is a very talented lady, offering handcrafted accessories, such as hats, headbands, baby gifts, jewelry, shawls, afghans, and more in her SherryCreates shop on ArtFire.

Here is a sample:

Vintage Lavender Fringed Shawl

Isn’t this LUSCIOUS?!?

Give yourself a treat. Spend a few minutes looking at Sherry’s work on ArtFire!

THANK YOU, Sherry, for including my journal in your NICE “From The Country” ArtFire Collection!

50% Off on Hand Painted Journals!

Now is the perfect time to stock up on journals for yourself or gifts for the year through the 50% off sale on my hand painted journals.

There are two styles of journals – one is larger with heavy cardboard covers, spiral bound, with manila paper and envelopes inside. The 2nd is smaller, with regular book binding, and lots of regular paper inside. The cover is like linen.

Each cover is a one-of-a-kind design.

The main place to see what is offered is here

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_13.html

but you’ll also find journals under the special holiday and seasons categories.

All are 50% off with FREE SHIPPING!

ENJOY!

Valentine Candy Kisses

Valentine’s Day – “I-Luv-U”  Handmade Card by Linda Lewis

Looking for something to give your special someone for Valentine’s Day? It doesn’t have to be anything BIG – just something to show him or her they have a BIG spot in your heart.

On Creative Artworks, we have cards that will melt hearts.  Cindy and Christy have cards with original artwork and sweet sayings that are just the ticket. Charlene Bodero makes each card by hand with love.  Lisa Richey makes collage “Lovenotes” that will hit the spot.

Valentine’s Day – “I-LUV-YOU!” Handmade Card by Linda Lewis 

What about a nice coffee cozy she can use to protect her hands all year long? She think warm thoughts about YOU every time she uses it!

Coffee-Cozy-Hand-Crocheted-Red by Sandi Myers

Valentine’s Day – “My-Hero!”  Handmade Card by Linda Lewis

What about a gorgeous handmade wreath to display on her front door?

“Pink Roses”-Wreath by Nora Ruth

Valentine’s Day – “U-R-My-Only-Luv” Handmade Card by Linda Lewis

A bear?

Be-Mine-Cupid-Bear by Debbie Garrett

Valentine’s Day -”Be-Mine!” Handmade Card by Linda Lewis

What about a journal?

 ”Be-Mine” Hand Painted Journal by Linda Lewis 

Sweets to the Sweet on Valentine’s Day!

50% Off Sale on Hand Painted Aprons/Signs/Place Mats!

Prices on my hand painted aprons, kitchen signs, place mats and trays have been slashed by 50%!

Now is the perfect time to get an apron or two for yourself and some for gifts for family and friends. Each is one-of-a-kind.

Hand painted place mats sold in pairs will add a bright spot to your table.

Hand painted one of a kind signs will bring a smile to your guests.

There are two one-of-a-kind round metal trays – birds, and butterflies you may decide to hang on your wall!

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_59.html

All 50% off and free shipping!

ENJOY!

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not…”

Valentine’s Day-”He-Loves-Me”-Limited-Edition-Print by Jane Daniell 

“Saint Valentine’s Day, commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.”  - Wikipedia.

In my opinion, the celebration of the holiday itself each year defeats its purpose – the celebration of love between two people.  Why do I say this? Because mainly it’s a time that men are forced to find something to give the woman they love on a particular day or risk bad consequences or guilt.

I like holidays as much as the next person, but it bothers me that this one is mainly a ‘have-to’ for our men, when what we really WANT is people to celebrate their love for each other in little ways, EVERY DAY, isn’t it?

My husband and I will have been married 43 years this coming June 14th. It used to hurt my feelings that he didn’t remember my birthday or give me special things for holidays like Valentine’s Day.  I finally realized that he didn’t want to feel OBLIGATED to get me something on a particular day. He would rather get me things as we came upon them, like a new coat or two, even though I didn’t really NEED another one, as winter approached.

He sent me flowers at work. People would ask what the ‘occasion’ was. I would smile when I read the card that only he and I would understand, and reply, “No reason.”

Over the years I’ve become hopelessly spoiled. My latest gift was a new computer – installed and personalized by my husband – and my son (before he left for Shanghai on the 18th).  They know how frustrated and scared I get when my equipment is failing. I know how to USE my computer and my software, but don’t have the first idea HOW any of it actually WORKS.

I feel loved EVERY day of the year – when my son orders a pedometer for me to encourage me to move more. When my husband buys me a funny hat that looks like a frog while we’re at Yeagers. When my husband buys me insulated overalls so I won’t freeze to death – in case we have problems this winter.

I kind of miss his jumping over my parents’ back fence with a rose in his teeth, but we’re both doing well to be able to walk the beautiful hiking trail at the local park, like we did yesterday.

The latest way we’re showing our love is eating less and exercising more. We’ve agreed on an eating plan that’s good for us and are recording our progress on a wall calendar. We’re walking every day, finding a new place to do it each day. When the weather is bad, we’ll go to the mall. March 1st we can also join a local gym for free! We’re encouraging each other to slim down and feel better. What better way is there to show how very much we enjoy our lives together!

What I’m proposing is that we all make a shift in our thinking. Instead of making such a big deal over particular days of the year, whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, etc – or just “Saturday” – show the person you love in every way you can how very much you love them.

Give him an extra hug as you’re fixing dinner. Smile and give him another kiss. Tell him a joke. Buy him a scarf to keep his neck warm, or a nice wool hat….

Every day, find another way. Every day is ‘show your love day”!

Handmade Greeting Cards 50% Off

All one-of-a-kind, handmade/hand-painted greeting cards are 50% off, plus FREE SHIPPING, no matter how many you buy!
Take advantage of the chance to stock up on

“Butterfly Quote” Cards
“Feather Friends” Cards
“Possibilities” Cards
“A Birdie Told Me” Series Cards
“Blooms” Thank You Cards
“An Old Farmer’s Advice” Cards
“Cat Quotes” Cards
“For Our Troops” Cards
Frogs Cards
“Boo-Boo” Get Well Cards
“Zen Thoughts” Cards
“Strong Women” Series Cards
“Friendship” Cards
“Red Hat” Cards

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_12.html

This sale also includes special holiday cards, such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. Please look under the special day and season categories.
ENJOY!

Hand Crocheted Scarves Sale!

Prices on my hand crocheted scarves have been lowered by 50%!
These are fun, sassy, long scarves made to add a happy, flirty touch to your wardrobe. You can wind them around your neck, or around your waist as a belt.
Each is a one-of-a-kind scarf, with LONG fringe. :0) A young, fun way to stay warm and cozy this winter!

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_60.html

ENJOY!

“It’s a Journal Thing” ArtFire Collection

Rhonda, from Roban Studio on ArtFire, created a scrumptious collection of journals by ArtFire artisans called, “It’s A Journal Thing.”

“It’s a Journal Thing” ArtFire Collection

She very kindly included my “Tweets” Hand Painted Journal in her collection!

Journal -Small-”Tweets” by Linda Lewis

Rhonda is truly a multi-faceted artist, creating original fine art, journals, dolls, jewelry and hair accessories, and more!

I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through her ArtFire shop, Roban Studio.

Here is just one example of what she offers:

“Fog in the Bay” Original Watercolor Painting

I think this is stunning!

You’ll find ACEOs (art cards that you can trade), calendars, journals, and more at Roban Studio.

Thank you, Rhonda, for including my journal in your beautiful collection!

One cat just leads to another…

“One cat just leads to another.”  Ernest Hemingway

Cat-”Peek-A-Boo”-AN113 by Charlene Bodero

 

“Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.”  Jeff Valdez

Cat-”Siamese-with-Flowers” by Charlene Bodero

 

“I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.”  Hippolyte Taine

“Looking-into-Fish-Bowl” by Charlene Bodero

 

“Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well.”   Missy Dizick

Journal-Hand-Painted-”Mysterious-Musings” by Linda Lewis

 

“My husband said it was him or the cat… I miss him sometimes.” Author Unknown

“A Happy Cat” 2-Pack Card Set by Darlene Fletcher 

“Cats always seem so very wise, when staring with their half-closed eyes. Can they be thinking, ‘I’ll be nice, and maybe she will feed me twice?’”  Bette Midler

“Kitten and Spider” 2-Pack Card Set by Darlene Fletcher

“The smallest feline is a masterpiece” – Leonardo Da Vinci

“Kitten in Poppies” – 2-Pack Card Set by Darlene Fletcher

 

“Cats invented self-esteem” – Erma Bombeck

“Retro-Black-Kitty”-Print by Ines Miller

“You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense.” – Jane Pauley

“Cat-on-Gold”-Acrylic-on-Canvas-Painting by Ludmila Penouchkina

“‘All right’, said the Cat, and this time it vanished quite slowly, beginning with the end of the tail, and ending with the grin, which remained some time after the rest of it had gone.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

“Striped-Cat”-Acrylic-on-Canvas-Painting by Ludmila Penouchkina

“Love me, feed me, never leave me.”- Garfield

Valentine’s Day Cards/Gifts Sale!

Prices reduced by up to 50% on all of my Valentine’s Day cards, hand painted totes, journals, memory boxes, mugs, baskets, hand painted place mats, glassware. One-of-a-kind items, so hurry!

Please go to http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_74.html and scroll down to the Valentine’s Day items.
Happy Valentine’s Day! :0)

Love is…

Valentine’s Day – “Love Is”-Series-Card by Linda Lewis 

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” Judy Garland

Valentine’s Day – “Love Is”-Series-Card by Linda Lewis

“Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.” –John Keats

Valentine’s Day – “Love Is”-Series-Card by Linda Lewis

 ”You’re nothing short of my everything.” –Ralph Block

Valentine’s Day – Card-”Love Is”-Series by Linda Lewis

“Before I met my husband, I’d never fallen in love. I’d stepped in it a few times.”  Rita Rudner

“There is a place you can touch a woman that will drive her crazy.  Her heart.”  Melanie Griffith

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Creative Artworks!

Sale on Hand Painted Journals!

I have reduced the prices on my hand painted journals by 50%, regardless of how many you purchase. Plus, shipping is free!

Take advantage of the sale to get journals for yourself, your friends, co-workers, and family.

The url to see most of the designs for two sizes and styles of journals is http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_13.html

Please check Creative Artworks
http://www.creativeartworks.cc/ and then look under the season categories and special holiday categories for more.

Enjoy the special prices!

“A tote saved is a tote earned”

Can one have too many totes? NAH!

Tote-Bag- Canvas – “Plants-Are-My-Passion” by Linda Lewis

Some women I know use a tote, instead of a purse. Others use them to “tote” groceries or other purchases. I use totes for several different purposes:

Tote-Bag- Denim – Hand-Painted- “New Digs” by Linda Lewis 

• I use a hand painted tote as a gift bag for another present.
• to keep my latest crocheting project tools and materials together.
• to hold colored pencils for my latest group of handmade cards.
• to carry my lunch to work.
• a gift for special days of the year.
• a gift for the seasons of the year.
• to carry a casserole dish to a community meal.
• to carry my gardening tools, seeds, instructions, plants.

Valentine’s Day -Tote-Bag-Large-Hand-Painted  by Linda Lewis

Whatever reason you have for carrying a tote bag – the whole idea of them has changed. You don’t have to carry a ratty, worn-out, stained bag until it falls apart. You can have a different tote bag for every reason you have to carry them!

Tote-Bag- Grocery-Hobby – “Take Nothing” by Linda Lewis

Brightly colored, hand painted totes are a fun gift, or gift wrap when you present gifts to your family and friends during the year. They lift your spirits and make ‘toting that barge’ much more fun.

Tote-Bag- Extra-Large-Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

See other totes HERE plus in the special seasons and special holiday categories.

Make it a point to choose totes for yourself to use this year, plus give others to your friends. Hauling  your ‘stuff’ around can be a great deal of fun!!!!

HAPPY TOTING!

 

 

 

“True Love!” ArtFire Collection

Brenda, who has an ArtFire shop called “Crystal Beaded Designs,” created a beautiful collection of Valentine’s Day items by ArtFire artisans called “True Love.”

True Love! ArtFire Collection

She very kindly included two of my hand painted memory boxes in the collection!

Valentine’s Day – Memory-Box- Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

In Crystal Beaded Designs, Brenda has created some really nice jewelry. This pair of earrings gives you a taste of the wonderful things you’ll find there!

Multicolored Flower Earrings

While I was looking through Brenda’s shop, I found a pair of pearl earrings I just had to have and bought them. (Sorry, I couldn’t risk it that YOU might buy them first!)

Give yourself a treat and browse through Brenda’s Crystal Beaded Designs on ArtFire!

THANK YOU, Brenda, for including some of my work in your “True Love!” collection!

Sale on Hand Painted Note Cards and Stationery!

Send note cards or stationery that has been painted by hand. This can be personalized, if you like, at no extra charge! Prices have been reduced by up to 50% plus you’ll receive FREE SHIPPING!

Look through the choices and let me know what I can create for you! http://bit.ly/7dwjqv

How Do I Love Thee?

 

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

“Something-Special”-Box-of-8-Cards by Christy and Cindy 

See all of Christy and Cindy’s Cards HERE

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.

Valentine’s Day – “Birdy-Told-Me” by Charlene Bodero

See all of Charlene’s Handmade Greeting Cards HERE

I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

Valentine’s Day-”He-Loves-Me”-Limited-Edition-Print by Jane Daniell

See all of Jane’s work HERE

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

Scented-Petal-Soap-3-Gift-Boxes by Vivian Dee

See all of Vivian’s work HERE

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

Panda-Love-Bear by Debbie Garrett

See all of Debbie’s work HERE

I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

Valentine’s-Day-Glass-Red-Hearts by Rebecca Kelman

See all of Rebecca’s work HERE

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints.

Valentine’s Day – Memory-Box- Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

See my other Valentine’s Day items HERE

I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Sale on Painted Glass & Stained Glass!

Save up to 50% on my hand painted glassware plus stained glass pieces! As always, the shipping is FREE!

http://bit.ly/xBfheA

Questions? Please email me at linda@creativeartworks.cc

New Greeting Cards from Darlene Fletcher!

Recently I told you how proud I was to have Darlene’s greeting cards on Creative Artworks! We just added FOUR NEW DESIGNS I think you’ll love!

Please go here http://bit.ly/yvXdZv and then scroll down to:
“Bald Eagle”
“Lucky”
“Old Friends”
“Wild Pony”

Remember – Adrian and Darlene donate $1.00 from every card sale to local organizations that care for what they believe in.

Don’t miss the “5 card Mix and Match” listing in this section!

My New Year’s Resolution for 2012

My new year’s resolution for 2012 is the same as last year – to look like Julia Roberts. Didn’t quite make it in 2011, so I’m hoping for MUCH better results THIS year. :0)

• We’re about the same age (she’s 44 and I’m 65 in March).
• She’s gorgeous – I CAN look reasonable – sometimes.
• She has a dazzling smile – I have never had a cavity.
• She’s the perfect weight for her height – did I tell you one of my peripheral resolutions is to grow taller by 6″ or so?

Julia Roberts

I figure I can tackle this ‘head on’ by the diet I’m on now. It’s only fair that for each 10 lbs I lose, I add 1 inch to my height – okay? AND – I should also be able to subtract a couple of years or so – right?

SO!  If I get 5″ taller, we’ll be the same height.  THEN the amount of weight I need to lose is no longer in the stratosphere!  Well, almost…. :0) And as I get taller and lose my lard, I’ll be losing years off my age – all GOOD.

I believe one’s new year’s resolutions should be serious – ones you really mean to try to keep. To that end,

• My husband and I started our diet 6 days ago.
• My son left us his super-accurate scales to record our progress when he left for China this week.
• I ordered a pedometer so I can keep track of my steps each day. (goal 10,000 steps/day)
• I have a growth chart in the bathroom to record any difference in my height. (My wonderful massage therapist pulls on my arms, legs, and head once a month. It feels really great and HAS to make me taller…)
• I’m enduring the insults of the Wii Fit program on a daily basis. (If you’re not familiar with this, the person says  things like ”Do you fall a lot?” ”This isn’t your strong suit, is it?”  ”You’ve gained ___ lbs since we saw you last…”
• I’m seriously thinking about checking out the local exercise place (my membership will be free the 1st of March – the month I turn 65.

I’ll keep you up on my progress toward looking like Julia Roberts.

Linda Lewis

Any encouragement you can send my way would be MUCH appreciated!

Whine with Cheese?

I have to admit I’m hopelessly spoiled.

We had a really wonderful visit with my son for part of last month and part of this – the longest we’ve gotten to see him at one time in several years.

Brian had been in Florida working as a senior program developer for a software company, but decided to quit. He had been to Chengdu, China a couple of years ago and wanted to go back – this time to Shanghai. He wants to be fluent in Mandarin, and living there is really the only way to do it.  He also loves the country and this is a good time in his life to travel.

On this visit, we did things we’ve never done before. He’s into healthy eating, and so we spent some time grocery shopping and cooking together!  He’s definitely changed from the child who despised anything “green,” or “good for you.”  He knows what he’s doing with a skillet, creating lots of great smelling concoctions without recipes.  :0)

We went bowling, watched TV and movies, did some Wii Fit stuff, etc. Most of all, I love sitting and talking with him. He’s the only one on the planet that can make my stomach hurt from laughing so much. He starts something and builds and builds until I have to hold up my hands and beg for him to stop…

My husband bought a computer from him, since the one he had was showing ominous, wonky signs, and they worked together to transfer everything and make sure all worked. I usually get the hand-me-down, but since it was wonky, we bought a new computer for me, too! They ordered everything, from the case to all the innards and software. They got the physical hardware altogether and tested, then adding the operating system, and finally we transferred all the software I use on a daily basis to run Creative Artworks.  I then carefully tested everything to see what needed to be ‘Brian’d” before it worked properly.  Now we’re both fixed for the foreseeable future!

He installed a chat program that we can use to talk to him while he’s in China. We’ll also use Google Talk, Skype, email, carrier pigeons, and smoke signals to keep up with what he’s doing. He’ll start a blog as soon as he’s settled in an apartment. He has several days to get settled before the week long Chinese New Year celebrations begin and then his Mandarin classes begin in February.

I’m feeling lost right now, even though he more than generously filled my ‘hug tank’ before he left this week. He’s a good, considerate communicator, so we know he arrived safely and is looking for an apartment with a good friend there.

I’m such a greedy lady. I’m happy for my son and yet wandering around the house unconsciously looking for him. Our animals are too, and I tear up knowing I can’t explain where he is to them or when they might see him again.

And so begins our vicarious enjoyment of his ‘strange new world.”

New Hand Crocheted Hats!

Sandi Myers just allowed me to list more of her hand crocheted hats on Creative Artworks! So many different styles and colors to allow you to laugh at the cold this winter. Take a look!

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_201_60.html

Don’t Worry – Be Sappy!

“I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.” Roy Croft

Valentine’s Day – Love – ” Snookie”-Box-of-8-Cards by Christy and Cindy

See all of Christy’s and Cindy’s Valentine Cards HERE

“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” Author Unknown

Valentine’s Day – “Perfect-Pair,-Beautiful-Music” by Charlene Bodero

See all of Charlene’s Valentine’s Day Cards HERE

“I wrote your name in the sand but it got washed away, I wrote your name in the sky but it got blown away, I wrote your name in my heart where it will stay forever.” Author Unknown

“Lovenote – Everyday” by Lisa Richey

(This says, “Every day of my life I am thankful for the joy of  loving you and being loved by you.”)

See all of Lisa’s Lovenotes HERE

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Author Unknown

Be-Mine-Valentine’s-Day-Bear” by Debbie Garrett

See Debbie’s other Valentine’s Day items HERE

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” Robert Heinlein

Valentine’s Day -Tote-Bag-Large-Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

See my other Valentine’s Day Items  HERE

DON’T WORRY!   BE SAPPY! :0)

Stained Glass & Hand Painted Glass Sale!

Stained glass pieces and hand painted glassware have been discounted by up to 50%. One-of-a-kind pieces, so hurry for best selection! FREE SHIPPING!

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/i_15397.html

Glassware also included in the season categories. I hope you find something you like!

“It is not an easy thing to inflate a dog.”

“It is not an easy thing to inflate a dog.”  Edward Abbey

“Where’s-My-Prize?”-Limited-Edition-Print  by Jane Daniell 

“A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.” Author Unknown

“Basset Hound and Butterfly” 2-Pack Card Set by Darlene Fletcher

“There is only one smartest dog in the world, and every boy has it.” Author Unknown

Get Well Soon – “Dog-Gone-It!” Handmade Card by Charlene Bodero

“You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, ‘My God, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!’”  Dave Barry

Animal-Key-or-Leash-Holder-Rack by Ines Miller

“A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.”  Robert Benchley

“Beagle”- Fine-Art-Print by Evelyn Morris Hecht

“Money will buy a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag of his tail.”  Josh Billings

“Dogs”-Handmade-Paper-Poster by Lisa Richey

“The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.”  Samuel Butler

Husky-Dog-Print by Derek McCrea

 

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” – Will Rogers

Lovenotes

“Lovenote – The More I Know You” by Lisa Richey

“The more I know you, the more I want to know.” 

“Lovenotes” by Lisa Richey will make you smile, make you laugh, make you tear up. They’ll definitely get a positive reaction when you care enough to send them to the one you love for Valentine’s Day – or ANY day you want to let someone know how much you care.

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” Judy Garland

 

“Lovenote – Pretend” by Lisa Richey

“I don’t pretend to know what you want, but I offer love.” -Neil Finn

These cards are wonderful whether you’ve just met the love of your life or have lived and loved for over 40 years, like I have. They’re pretty – simple – heartfelt – and classic. All handmade by Lisa for you to send.

“Just so you know, there’s a space that only you can fill. Just so you know, I loved you then, I guess I always will.”  -Author Unknown

“Lovenote – “Yes!” by Lisa Richey

This one is my favorite. I laughed aloud when I saw it for the first time, and it still makes me grin every time I see it. :0)

“When you smiled you had my undivided attention. When you laughed you had my urge to laugh with you. When you cried you had my urge to hold you. When you said you loved me, you had my heart forever.” -Author Unknown

See all of Lisa Richey’s “Lovenotes” HERE. You’ll find something PERFECT to send to YOUR special love any time of the year!

 

So many hats and only one head!

“So many hats and only one head!” Author Unknown

I have to admit I love hats, even though I seem to have a small head and have trouble finding hats that don’t make me look like a mushroom.

Hat – Crocheted – Chunky-Red by Sandi Myers

“Life is like a new hat. You don’t know if it suits you if you keep trying it on in front of your own mirror.”  Shirley McLaine.

This one by Sandi Myers would keep the cold out, but wouldn’t completely smash your hair the way some caps do. The fact that it’s beautiful is a definite PLUS, too!

Hat – Crocheted – White-Frilly by Sandi Myers

I love this one because it’s so FEMININE!

“Whenever you wear your hat, your day will be special.”  (Margo Nickel)

Hat – Crocheted – Lilac-Frilly by Sandi Myers

Isn’t the color on this one scrumptious?

“A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it’s the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all
men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat.” (Martha Sliter)

You can see the rest of Sandi’s hats and other wearable art HERE.

Cabled-Hat-and-Scarf-Hand-Knit-Grape by Nancy Hearne 

“I myself have 12 hats, and each one represents a different personality. Why just be yourself?”  (Margaret Atwood)

Nancy made a set of this color for me, and I LOVE it!

Cabled-Hat-and-Scarf- Abergine (Burgundy) by Nancy Hearne

I think this set is a glorious color, too!

“Women who love hats don’t get jealous. It makes them happy to see a hat that looks good on someone else. Women who wear hats know who they are.” Author Unknown.

See the rest of Nancy’s hats and mufflers HERE.

“Leave everyone wondering which is the more interesting piece of work…you or your hat.” Author Unknown.

How Do YOU Say, “I Love You” ?

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” Morrie Schwartz

Basket-”Valentine-Candy”-Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis 

This is such an important subject – whether you’re expressing love for your husband, your wife, your sweetheart, or your friends and family.

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” Mother Teresa

“Pink-Heart”-Felted-Bowl by Sandi Myers

It amazes and saddens me when I see people treat their life’s mate with less courtesy and care than they do to a complete stranger! I guess it takes a scare to remind us how very short life is – and how very lucky we are that someone cares about us, and how few chances we may have to show a person how much they mean to us.

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”  Unknown

Be-Mine-Cupid-Bear by Debbie Garrett

I have made myself a promise to show my husband in every way I can – each and every day – how much he means to me.  Of course, this doesn’t mean he doesn’t drive me nuts every once in awhile. :0) But life gives us very few second chances. Many of my friends have lost their husbands in the past few years, reminding me over and over again how LUCKY I am to have someone who drives me nuts!

“Lovenote”-Card by Lisa Richey

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” Unknown

“Rose-Flower-Soap-with-Stem”-12-Pcsby Vivian Dee

Consider making EVERY day your own, personal ‘Valentine’s Day.” You and your spouse will be so much happier for it. :0)

Happy Squirrels!

We live out in the sticks on about 8 acres on top of a ridgeline. We had our home built about 25 years ago, clearing only the top of the ridgeline and leaving the rest ‘wild.’  We have a small ‘civilized’ area around the house and the shop that we mow.

Off the edge of the ‘civilized part of our front yard are a lot of trees. For years my husband tried to lure squirrels up where we could watch them play.  He created and installed all kinds of things to hopefully get them to come closer.  After about 15 years, we now have several squirrels who regularly eat from our feeders and play on the ‘toys’ my husband made.

Squirrel House

We bought this house for squirrels, made from a tire, and hung it high in a tree. For several years it smelled too much like a tire to be used by the squirrels, but finally they began to at least explore it. We’re not sure if squirrels are living in it or not.

Squirrel Feeder

We have two of these in the front yard and one on the back deck that we keep filled with black sunflower seeds. In order to eat from these, the squirrel must lift the top and then climb at least partially into the feeder to retrieve the sunflower seeds. We can hear the distinctive sound the tops make as the squirrels let them down between each bite!

Squirrel Toy # 1

This toy isn’t ready for action at the taking of this picture, but we usually put a corn cob on each end of the board. The squirrels have to climb down the tree to the board, then walk out toward one of the ends.  This makes the board spin, forcing the squirrel to hold on for dear life! If he’s persistent and strong, he shinneys down toward the end where he can eat the corn off the cob. We’ve seen TWO squirrels act in concert to climb toward the ends at the same time, thereby defeating the spinning action!

You can also see a blue holder in the above picture. This holds a corn cob, too. The squirrel just has to climb down to it from a branch.

Squirrel Toy # 2

This toy hangs from a high branch, with a spring between where it attaches to the tree and the rope that holds the corn cob. The idea is that the squirrel has to climb down from the branch, negotiate his way past the spring, continue going down the rope to the corn cob.

This morning as we were about to leave to do errands, a squirrel sat on the edge of the branch above the toy, and pulled the rope up – hand over hand, until he had the corn cob in his arms. He ate what he wanted and then let the corn cob fall back down!

As we drove down our driveway, another squirrel ran to the edge of a branch on one side of the driveway, then nimbly leaped onto the branch of a tree on the other side of the driveway.  We laughed out loud. :0)

We hope YOU have wonderful sights such as these to make YOUR life rich and full, too.

 

What Does Your Fridge Say About YOU?

Well, obviously, MINE says I’m a slob – but I’m a NICE slob, if that makes a difference…. :0)

“It ended up on a piece of paper affixed to the fridge, and was soon joined by many others. And so was born the tradition of the fridge quote.” Author Unknown

Wikipedia says:

“A refrigerator magnet is an ornament, often whimsical, attached to a small magnet which is used to post items such as shopping lists or report cards on a refrigerator door, or which simply serves as decoration.

Fridge magnets can be used to hold reminders, or be a reminder in themselves. Fridge magnets are often used as a collectors’ item.

The first refrigerator magnet patent was obtained by Dennis Buchanan of Ulan Bator, Mongolia in 1969,^{[citation needed]} and was patented in the United States by William Zimmerman of St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 1970s.^{[citation needed]} Zimmerman patented the idea of small, colored, cartoon magnets to be used for decorative display and convenience.”

MY refrigerator doors have become a collection of some of my favorite things, reminders, timers, beer openers, fridge magnets, photos and more.

 

Fridge Magnet – “Dreams” by Marianna Bellantoni 

I have some fortunes from our favorite Chinese restaurant in town.  I have some favorite photos, plus a photo or two to remind me to NOT open the fridge door so often…

I have a magnetic pad of paper, but I don[‘t have a magnetic pen or pencil to go with it, yet.

I have a ‘when school is out’ calendar for the year, even though I don’t have kids at home anymore, and haven’t for some time now. I guess once a teacher…

Fridge Magnet – Cross Stitch by Angela Kiefer

You can see many of Angela’s cross stitch fridge magnets HERE, but also look in the special days and seasonal categories, too.

I have the phone number of a guy who might – or might not – be delivering cords of firewood this year.

I have a ‘bug-out’ list – a list of things to grab if we have to evacuate the house quickly.

But mostly, I have wonderful fridge magnets. Three of them were given to me by Cindy Smith and Christy Aguirre, who sell some greeting cards printed with their own, heartwarming artwork PLUS a coordinating MAGNET! 

I have an angel made from metal, glass, and beads given to me from a long time good friend.

I have wooden butterflies, a glass hummingbird, owls made from shells, a poinsettia made from quilled paper, a cross stitched “L” that was a gift from Angela Kiefer.

Fridge Magnet – Set-of-3 – ‘Tired-Bird’-Series by Jane Loedding

See the rest of Jane’s fridge magnet designs HERE.

Do you get the idea that anyone who messes with the things on my fridge is in big trouble?!?

What does YOUR fridge say about YOU?

Sale on Handmade Crocheted Scarves!

The prices on my handmade crocheted one-of-a-kind scarves have been reduced by 50%. Check them out now for the best selection!

http://www.creativeartworks.cc/d_2_60.html