Hello 2012, Good-bye 2011

Beautiful flowers from DH.

DH + DS(N) found them at the grocery store.

Happy New Year.

I had so many wonderful experiences

in 2011.  Difficult to pinpoint one special time.  

 DH + I were able to spend more time

together and even had a vacation!  Two of our children

were able to vacation a few of the days with us - 

which made it extra special.

Bye 2011 ... 

I crossed off the last item on my 'bucket list'.   

DH surprised me with a sunrise

hot air balloon ride (back in October).

Followed by Champagne Toast + Breakfast.

I've wanted to ride ... for many many years ...

2011 was the year.

It was peaceful, serene, 

more awesome than words can describe.

Looking up.   The ballon is named Envy.

Our pilot Jeff Thompson + co-passengers.  
ThompsonAire Balloon Rides
Orlando, FL

The Balloonist's Prayer:
The Winds have welcomed you with softness.
The Sun has blessed you with it's warm hands.
You have flown so high and so well,
that God has joined you in your laughter
and set you gently back again,
into the loving arms of Mother Earth.

Lucet Braiding

I have attempted my first cord with the lucet.   I'm using:

 Lucet Braiding: Variations On A Renaissance Cord by Elaine Fuller.

I used some crochet cotton - size 3.   With practice, I should

get a better tension.

There is a lot of information on-line & this was quick

and fun to make. 

--------------- edited 12/19


Here is a direct link to Amazon :  
 http://www.amazon.com/Lucet-Braiding-Variations-Renaissance-Cord/dp/1891656066


Sorry, link in the post did not work.

Gifts from Mom

Christmas Cat Tree

Michelle M. Lash:  Brittercup Designs

Christmas Tree 2011

Karen Kluba:  Rosewood Manor

from Just Cross Stitch Magazine

(2011 Ornaments Issue)

------------------

Not sure the designer or pattern name.

Sure is pretty ; )

Thx Mom.   Your ornaments are beautiful.

giveaway(s)

Victorian Motto Sampler Shop

hosting a couple holiday giveaways .... 

Details on these posts:

Hand Dyed Floss Giveaway for Christmas

AND

Merry Christmas Giveaway: Hand dyed floss, charts, + Hand Dyed Trim!s

Kanzashi Flower Maker

I have enjoyed the Clover Templates for round and heart shapes.   Also, fun to make the round and butterfly shapes.  


When they made Kanzashi (flower) templates, I was over the moon!!!!   They have three types of flowers in two sizes;  (six templates) for flower petals.   The  petals are strung on a strong fiber/thread (I like quilting thread) ... then, embellished with stash.   Buttons, fibers, tatting, yo-yos, etc.   


Should you get the chance, pick up a template and enjoy making some flowers!!!