Lessons Learned

This week's Friday Files is going to focus on what I learned in 2012.

Chalk Art Folded Card
by Recipe for Crazy

I've learned good friends are hard find. If you have one or two really good friends you are blessed. I'm blessed with three that I can't imagine not sharing my joys and frustrations with over a glass of wine and dessert or around the fire pit on a cool night. I married one of them, met another in the second grade and stole one from my brother. Two of them may be "absent" for short times but when get back together it's like no time has passed.

I've also learned not everyone who comes into your life is destined to remain. Things are often said in frustration, which creates obstacles that are too large to overcome. In times like this I am truly thankful for my husband, when I feel the need to withdraw from society and regroup he's right there along side me, supporting me and helping figure out what lesson is to be learned from those situations.

Ceramic Believe Keepsake Box
Found at GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts

I've learned that I'm strong. Self preservation and will to succeed are necessary. I've been called stubborn and strong-willed this past year. I may not have accomplished everything I wanted in 2012 but I gave it my all, no matter what.

Heading into 2013 - My family and friends are going to be priority. Simple times like a smile over a cup of coffee will not be rushed. I won't look at relationships that end badly just on lessons learned from them. Projects and goals are going to be split into small manageable steps, it may not always look like I'm accomplishing something but in the end they will get done, and if not - there's always 2014.

Inspirational Resolutions Necklace
by Bookish Charm

What's That Again?

Believe Keepsake Box
by GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts

I believe we are making  progress - In Phase One Update, I told how we wanted to reclaim the basement from the craft and "where is this supposed to go again" creep.

I'm proud to say - we found the pool table and made the two boys that are still at home very happy. As a matter of fact one of the boys already had his friends that were home from college over hang out and play a few rounds. It was great to see them all together again. My purpose years ago when Santa delivered it was so I could provide a space where they wanted to spend time and stay out of trouble.

 We also found the table and china hutch.

Which means with a few more tweaks and finding the bar hubby can host his traveling card night at our house.

It's not the prettiest right now and truthfully has been a work in progress since we bought the house; but once the clutter is gone, maybe I can start working a wall over at a time as funds permit. That and I'm dreaming of built in book shelves - I have the wall all picked out.

A Touch of Paris

Ever since I was a little girl and my aunt went on her senior trip to Europe, I have dreamed of France. I've created and collected bits and pieces to keep the dream alive. This Ceramic Fleur de Lis Keepsake BoxI don't know if it is the symbolism or my love of wrought iron that draws me to the fleur de lis, but something does. There's just something so fluid about it.

While I was dreaming I went window shopping on Etsy and found these great items:

This photograph by onepointsixphoto shows some the the iron work as it ages that I love best.

Lichen and fleur de lis scroll fine art photo by onepointsixphoto

I could see these finials by historicalproducts on my mantel place.

European Finial by historicalproducts

Don't forget about NELDesigns giveaway. You can find details on AddSomeStitches blog.

I Want to Get Out My Flip Flops!

So have you ever had such a strong yearning for the warmer months? This year it seems like it is taking forever. Well when I think summer, I think flip flops and ladybugs. With that in mind my husband and I created Ceramic Flip Flop Keepsake Boxes, with a ladybug waiting to make you smile in each. We have a variety of colors available and are always willing to work with custom orders, so you're not limited to the colors listed.

Here are a few of the boxes we currently have on hand...



This mint green and burnt orange combination is as close to
Peapod Green and Coral as I could come.



This harvest gold and mint green combination is as close to
Beeswax and Peapod as I could come.



This color combination of lime green and burnt orange came to be
because I thought it would be interesting.

This one is one of my favorite combinations.
But I always think blue and yellow should go together.

This color combination always makes me smile
the purple is as close to Violet as I could come.

We have listed a set of four that you can pick the colors of.

The full color spectrum that is ready to ship!
We've also just taken orders for six custom colors.

So while I was waiting for all the photos to download during listing the boxes, I went window shopping for more flip flops and I found this great print by malibelle.

Dreaming of a Summer Night's Dream

When we moved into the house we have occupied for going on 18 years it was an exciting time. There was a park four houses down to explore with our near four year-old son and lots of challenges inside and out. One night we walked home from the park just in time to see dragonflies swarming across our yard. We're not talking ten or twenty, there were hundreds - I dare say thousands. It was sight to behold, all these dragonflies dancing across our yard. They brought glimmers of shades of blue and brilliant greens as the evening sun reflected across their bodies and wings. It took my breath away.

That happy memory was the inspiration our newest keepsake box.

With all the negativity in our daily lives, I wanted to create something that symbolized the good times. While there are some negative connotations of the symbolism of dragonflies, I prefer to look at the positives. Different cultures believe that dragonflies symbolize: agility, victory, prosperity, harmony, good luck, happiness, speed and purity. Those concepts are just what I need some days how about you?

Wouldn't this keepsake box with dancing dragonflies make a great graduation gift,
or even a gift for someone who just got a new job. It's a great reminder of the things to come.

With the dragonfly theme in mind I went searching and found this great necklace by Black Sheep Beadery. She makes one of a kind beaded jewelry and has a great selection of items.

"Fly Away With Me" by Black Sheep Beadery

My other favorite would have to be this contemporary dragon fly painting by Susanna Shap at Modern House Art. It is truly a beautiful piece.

"Original Abstract Contemporary Fine Art- textured dragonfly flower modern palette knife painting" by Susanna Shap of Modern House Art