Merry Christmas

I couldn't have told it any better. This is what it is all about Enjoy!

Playing with Sequins

This Christmas I had fun with sequins...I was inspired by my friend Dana T. She was recreating a Christmas swag like the one her Grandmother had made. Her Grandmother had cut out white felt letters to spell out Christmas and be-decked and be-jeweled them with sequins and beads. Then backed it with red felt to hide stitching and sewed each letter onto a wide red velvet ribbon, talk about cute! It was so festive and fun I had to try my hand at it.

However, I gave it a twist and did ornaments for my kids for their ornament boxes. We give each of our children an ornament every year until they graduate from college or marry. That way they have all their ornaments to fill their first Christmas tree once they are on their own. I love this tradition, it is practical and the kids really love thinking back to each Christmas represented by an ornament.

So here are my charming little birds. I used Layer of Color's Touch of Elegance stamp and fabric ink to stamp down the background pattern. Then I went to town with colorful beads and sequins. They are stuffed just a little to give that quilted look. I stitched on wings and then strung them to hang.

A Lesson in Giving

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

I want to tell you a story. This really happened and I hope it will inspire your heart to do something like this too.

During the Christmas season a Mother and Daughter decided it was time to get a fancy dress for some upcoming, formal events. This year the Mother seemed to find it hard to do extra things. There had been a death in their family and Christmas just didn't sparkle like it had in the past. She was tired and worn on the inside. Money was tight and she was having a hard time justifying going and getting a new dress. It seemed like the dress fell into the not- a- necessity column.

But she realized that her Daughter really hadn't asked for many things this year and was really making do with what she had already. She even attended a formal Christmas party for youth group in something nice, while all the other girls came in fancy party dresses. The Daughter's spirits were not dampened one bit. Her Mother was very proud of her quiet strength and grace in a situation that, for most middle school girls would have been a disaster.

Mother decided that this was an occasion where she would do her best and with the Lord's help get her Daughter a new party dress. Maybe she could sell some extra patterns or use some of her grocery money instead.

When Mother asked her Daughter where she would like to start their search, her Daughter excitedly said,"How about Goodwill?" Her mother was pleasantly surprised at her Daughters thrift-sense response.

"Alright let's start there." Mother chimed in with excitement, thinking this could turn out to be a wonderful time together.

Now, like most middle school girls shopping can be a bit frustrating because there is always a certain" look" to be found, then, compound that with a second hand store and you have an equation for frustration.

Mother and Daughter eagerly looked around. They carefully searchrd the isles coming up with only a few options, two of which were promising skirts. The Daughter tried all the clothing on, finding small things wrong with each item, however one skirt seemed to fit the bill! It was black and long and just what the Daughter was looking for. To the Mother this meant heading else where to find a top to match. Oh dear, thought the Mother, this could be a long day.

With the last thing tried on and rejected the Mother turned to her cart with a heavy sigh.

A woman with a wide smile and twinkling eyes, was standing in line waiting patiently for the dressing room. "Is that your daughter?" she asked.

"Yes, she is eleven."Mother answered.

"I have a daughter too, she is seven. Your daughter reminds me of her"said the waiting woman.

" Mom I am done... this skirt is just a bit too tight." the Daughter fussed.

"Well if you don't love it, don't get it," the Mother sighed.

"Can I give you something?" Asked the waiting woman.

"Sure," said the Mother quietly, with a weary smile. Mother was thinking this woman was going to give her an article of clothing that she had found for her daughter to try on. Or hand her a business card and try to sell her something. Instead the woman dug under her heap of clothes and dug out her wallet. How was Mother going to tell her politely no thank you? What happened next was not expected at all.

Mother wasn't quite sure what was going on and the woman said with great joy on her face,

"I would like you to have this,"and she handed a $50.00 gift certificate card to the Mother. "I would love for you to go buy your daughter a new Christmas dress."

With a gasp of disbelief and tears welling in her eyes the Mother wasn't sure how to react. Is this real? Why would this stranger do this for me? Oh I can't take this I don't deserve such a gift! With encouraging words from the waiting woman the Mother took the card and hugged the woman she didn't even know. The Daughter in disbelief thanked the waiting woman. The Daughter's warm smile crept from ear to ear as she realized a new dress was a possibility. The waiting woman disappeared into the dressing room as if she hadn't ever been there at all.

The Daughter got a new dress and shoes that day, there was even money left to buy a matching purse and head band to fancy up her hair!

I can't help but see how this parallels so beautifully with the story of Christ and his "gift card" to us.

Blessings from the Lord often come so unexpectedly. During a Roman census and political strife.

Blessings are packaged in ways we don't recognized, as a sweet child- king.

Given to us by a God we have not seen and a stranger to many.

All you have to do is take this gift of salvation with tears in your eyes, say thank you and hug the one who has shared it with you. Then praise the Lord for His goodness and Love. Serve him with gladness by giving to someone else. Serve him by loving someone who doesn't deserve it. Or help someone who is less fortunate than yourself.

This is the gift of Christmas: the unexpected child-king who served us with His death so that we might have eternal life...it is a lesson in giving I will never forget.

Hurray! Hurrah! Hurray! Another Blog Give-Away!

Hurray! Hurrah! Hurray! Its Almost Christmas Day!

We had so much fun with the last give away that we are having another one! Are you jumping with glee yet? It is the giving-season after all, right? I want to hear from you! What is your favorite crafting or decorating tradition in your family at Christmas?

One of my favorite things to do is bake Gingerbread. So in the tradition of baking Gingerbread, I am giving away a Gingerberry Companion Apron Pattern from The Patchwork Heart Co.! What exciting news and such a sweet treat!

But that is not all, here is the really fun part: you will also win this months edition of the GHC's downloadable Tea Cozy Club which features an audio talk I did with Jill called the "Gingerbread Cottage of Faith". This talk is about preparing the hearts of our daughters by helping them to build their faith. I pray that it will bless you!

Here is what you do, it is so easy: comment on my blog about your favorite tradition or craft, then tell a friend and have them comment on my blog, just send them this link:www.thepatchworkheartcomblogspot.com and finally, go to Jill's site, Remembrance Press, and leave a comment there, as well.

Easy as one- two- three! I will then collect all the names and draw one lucky winner, on Friday Dec.18th, just in time for Christmas! So share the joy and tell your friends.

**Please make sure if you don't have a blog to leave an email, so that if you win, I am able to contact you. You may email me directly with this info just go to my blog profile page or from my website under contact.

First Blog Give Away Ever!

This is my Mimi and Papa and my jeweled ornament collection

I have a wonderful opportunity for all Patchwork Heart fans and Girlhood Home Companions. I am having my first-ever blog give away! In the spirit of the giving season, I want to give a big thank you to all my friends, patrons, and family members who encourage and pray for me and my family as we continue to grow our business!

One of my favorite things to do is to give gifts, so here is the really fun part! Not only will you get a gift from me, but you will also get one from my dear friend and editor of the Girlhood Home Companion Jill Novak.

In honor of the project I made for the Christmas edition of Girlhood Hood Companion, I am giving away a Jeweled ornament, similar to the Jeweled Heritage Ornament featured in the Girlhood Home Companion(the only difference will be the jewel on top. I can't give away my Mimi's jewels, I'm sure you can understand). You will also get a copy of the Holiday Girlhood Home Companion. Are you giggling with excitement yet?

Here is what you do, it is so easy: comment on my blog, then tell a friend and have them comment on my blog, just send them this link: www.thepatchworkheartcomblogspot.com and finally, go to Jill's site, Remembrance Press, and leave a comment there, as well.

Easy as one- two- three! I will then collect all the names and draw one lucky winner, Wednesday, Dec. 2 to start your Christmas season off right!

**Please make sure if you don't have a blog to leave an email, so that if you win, I am able to contact you. You may email me directly with this info just go to my profile page.

Freebie Digi Party Favors-Just for You!

For the New Release Party, Laura of LOC is giving away party favors! Who doesn't love a party favor? Check out the free digis from LOC!

Here is what I have made using one the free digi design. Oh by the way there are FOUR! and then if that isn't cool on the day of the release party (Nov. 14th & 15th) there will be more new ones! Sweet I say!The sky is the limit...let your imagination go.

This is the Day 11 of my 12 days of Christmas. I will show and tell more later so stay tuned...

Here is a close up of the Freebie Digi...

Did I say they are FREE?

I recolored mine and added glitter and gold dust-tadah!!!

Here is an easy way to get the freebies and the you can also post the this graphic on your blog too, just make sure to link it back to LOC alrighty! Have fun and get creating!

G is for...Gingerbread & Girlhood Tidbits #8

Our two little cottages aren't they inviting?

I thought I would share the latest happenings in my cozy little home by the sea! We have been baking treats, and building gingerbread houses! This year we made two. One for our family to eventually eat and one to give away. Grandma gets the second one this year. What a great time we had, even mywonderful husband got into the spirit of things and helped. He is really good at the construction part and the patience part!

Here are some tips to remember if you decide to try it.

Tip #1:We took two days to build ours, I was glad we didn't rush it. This gave us really solid gingerbread cottages to decorate too.

Tip #2:We used edible frosting from the grocery store for sticking on the decorations. This was much quicker and easier for the chilren to use, plus we can eat it when we are ready to.

Tip #3: We used something pretty for presentation. At our house it is my grandmother's milk glass cake pedastal.

Tip #4: Have fun and enjoy the process!

Who is that behind the cottage, a little elf perhaps?

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy

Bundled up Snowmen out of gumballs~I have clever kids!

Many hands make light work...and yummy gingerbread cottages!

Welcome Home!

Holiday Art & The Dicken's Festival

Victorian Paper Ornament Pendant with antique tinsel

I have been working like a little elf in my workshop, I tell ya! I am getting ready to sell my wares at a local fair called The Dicken's Festival. I am looking forward to being transported back in time to early 19th century England.

Of course, it is all things Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim and Oliver.

I will be selling my ribbon flowers and Victorian paper ornaments and a few other Victorian things at Oliver's Place. I do believe there will be plenty of merry making on the Queen's Stage along with carriage rides and roaming carolers. The Bobbies will be there seeking out those who belong in the debtors prison, who knows what you will have to do to get out?

There will even be High Tea!
Should be a jolly good time don't you think?

Victorian Paper Cone Ornaments~ Patchwork Heart, Co. Style

Little envelopes with a spot of tea and chocolate~Great for any Gift Card!

Click here for more information. I can't wait....I have even been practicing my bloody British accent...Cheery oh!

What is new for Christmas at The Patchwork Heart,Co.

Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat,

please put a penny in the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny a half penny will do,
if you haven't got a half penny, then God Bless you!

When I was a girl and we started pulling out Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations I remember singing this little childhood rhyme. I can remember such excitement filled the air. There was something special about the holidays! I don't know exactly where this little jingle comes from I imagine it to be Old English...anyway, I feel the holidays coming don't you?

The smell of wood burning in the hearth, the changing of leaves and the temperature, pulling out warm sweaters, mittens, scarves, hats and cozy slippers. Soon we will be preparing for our Thanksgiving Feast and start ramping up our efforts to get Christmas gifts done. In a effort to practice what I preach I have come up with some wonderful crafting projects for the holidays this year, so you and your favorite girl can get to crafting special gifts too! I am so excited I am bursting at the seams!

These are available now at The Patchwork Heart, Co. Grab a cup of hot Harvest Time Cider and come sit for a visit. I look forward to hearing from you.

Here is a peak.... Gingerberry Apron Pattern for Girls,

Molasses Pup Plushie Kit

Also available, Ginger and Lil' Spice Dolly Apron Kit and Lil' Spice Pin Kit. You can find these and more wonderful gifts for Christmas under Seasonal Fun on my website:

The Patchwork Heart, Co.