Original Creativity

This post has been rolling around in my mind for the past week and a half. It was during my daily bible study and prayer time that it first began and then it was confirmed in a podcast sermon that I listened to online. Let me back up a bit...

 A couple of weeks ago, I learned a new craft. It's one that I had tried in the past and never could quite figure it out. I am always in awe of my friend, Patty~Jean for her work in this art form and recently my aunt, Evelyn began her journey in this craft and I found myself wanting to try again. Several Youtube videos later and much unravelling, I learned how to crochet! I used to say that the yarn arts were not my gift, something I had tried and failed at. I was so excited to actually be doing it. I couldn't wait to come here and say "Look what I did!" and I couldn't wait to hear my friend say "I'm proud of you." You might have noticed that this is the first time I've mentioned crocheting here and obviously didn't scream and shout right away. Well, conviction started entering my heart. How proud I had become of "my" ability. I began to think over previous posts where I was like "Look at me. Look what I did!"

"Oh, foolish Coralee! Who gave you the ability? Who was the original creator? Who inspires you to create?"

"Oh, Lord! YOU are gave me the ability! YOU were the original creator! YOU inspire me to create!"

(some of God's original creativity)

How can I brag about what isn't me unless I give all glory and honour back to the One who made me? I want to thank you all for your kind comments over the duration of this blog. I humbly accept them and say this,

"It is God, in me, who is the ultimate creative being. I am His tool and it is for His glory that I create."

(perhaps my favourite original creation)

The other area of conviction that I wish to confess is how selfish I've been with my gifts. Growing up my mom, sister and I would make handmade gifts and forget to make one to keep. Over the years the tendency was to keep all of my crafts - giving away less and less. Then I decided that 2010 would be a good year to possibly open my own online store. I could then sell my crafts and benefit financially, too. I'm not saying that this is a bad thing, but I do feel that I need to make time and goods for the benefit of others. Not just people who have lots of stuff and want more, but people who could really benefit. So, I'm looking for a charity or ministry to join where I can use my God given talents and abilities to serve. I don't know exactly how I'm going to balance it all, but I know God financial math is better than mine and I'm sure his time math is better, too.

And in case you'd like to see some of the Lord's creativity in me, here's a peak at what I'm working on from my crochet basket.

(details soon)

P.S. This is my 99th post, stay tuned for my 100th post and a little giveaway celebration!

A Mini Show 'n' Tell

I won another bloggy giveaway! The lovely Emily Martin of the Black Apple sent me these lovely little buttons which are from her original paintings. You may recognize her name and blog from my doll post. What a delight to receive some of the famous Emily Martin's artwork.

In other news, this is my 98th post and I'm thinking of hosting my own little giveaway for my 100th. I might just include some of these little lovelies from the Black Apple. I'm sure I can include some of my own handmade lovelies - be sure to stay tuned!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

EEEEEK! Wouldn't this be super great for Abigail's tickle trunk?!?!?!?

On My Favourite Model

Now that Abigail is awake, here are some pictures of her modeling her baby legwarmers.

How cute is she?

On My Sewing Desk

Here's what I've been working on this week:

a Note Taker for a birthday present...

... with a coffee cozy tucked into the pocket for Tim Hortons!

2 more diapers (that's 4 out of 16)

and finally, baby leg warmers. I love BabyLegs, but have you seen how much money stores want for these? The cheapest pair I've found are $12 and I made these out of knee high socks at $4/pair!

Praying Yours is Wonderful!

More fun with iron on transfers!

(click on image to enlarge)

It says "Caution, Turtle Crossing".

First Day of Snow - October 9, 2009

I have the bestest husband! David called from work and suggested a new tradition... order chinese food on the first snow day of the year! I love it - and it means I don't have to cook! What a guy!

Angry Turtleneck Re-con

Here's a great project. Minimum input - maximum results. I didn't take a before picture as I'm not all that confident with clothing projects and don't often expect them to turn out. This top used to be a tired turtleneck. We could call it an angry turtleneck and now it's a happy shrug. (My dad calls these tops shrunks - because they look like they've shrunk in the wash). I used this t-shirt re-con tutorial with 2 minor adjustments. I cropped my long sleeves to 3/4 length and I put some zig zag stitching through the ends where the ribbon comes out of the casing (once i determined how gathered I wanted it). The tutorial suggests pinning the ribbon and the stitches keep it snug without needing pins. I will definitely be trying this again.

Excuse the poor self portraits. I'm sure you get the idea.

More Babies Mean More Shoes!

Snuck in some gift sewing today. Three babies have been born to three friends since August. Two boys and a girl. I hope they like the shoes! Same tutorial as always! Scrappy fabric - stash bustin'.

I had fun in print shop today!

Spent some creative time today in print shop. (That's what I made my organizational calendar in) Whipped up a few more lists today. These are hole punched and inserted into my organizer binder.

Grocery list

(click on images to enlarge)

Babysitter's checklist

I won, again!

Are you tired of seeing things I've won? I hope not, because it's sure fun to show you! I received this pdf pattern from a giveaway on Puking Pastilles. Check out her etsy store - she's designed a great infant car seat cover tutorial! I'll be sure to blog the finished product when I make one. I'm up to my elbows in diapers right now!