tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43666931603206737022024-03-13T07:50:12.987-05:00the Angry TurtleA blog with things that make me laugh or smile or just things I want to share with you.Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-60682321722777975782017-01-09T09:18:00.000-06:002017-01-09T09:18:17.079-06:00Signing OffI've come to realize that I've neglected this little space to the point that it has become obsolete. I mini blog via Instagram and find that's enough for now. Thank you for joining me on this journey and may you find many more simple joys to brighten your day. You can find me on Instagram, username:mrsgingras.<br />
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Bye for now!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-3192811286001039982016-03-31T16:29:00.001-05:002016-04-24T22:16:17.450-05:00The Little's Rooms Got Some LoveLast week I was thinking about how much creating I do for custom orders or for volunteer jobs. I spend a lot of creative energy on people outside of my family and so I suggested to David that it would nice to spend some creative energy on the littles. I had some ideas brewing and when he gave me the thumbs up, I went into full design mode. We settled on a gallery wall for each room plus curtains, hooks for their towels, shelves for each bedside and an art hanger for each little. I made a list of elements I wanted to include in each room.<br />
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<ol>
<li>something sewn/fabric element</li>
<li>woodcut element</li>
<li>string art</li>
<li>monograms</li>
<li>photograph</li>
<li>printable art/quote</li>
<li>scripture verse</li>
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Then I narrowed down to specifics as to what that looked like. So for the girls' room it ended up like:</div>
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<li>kite</li>
<li>heart (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heart_by_cc/">inspired by HEart by CC</a>)</li>
<li>crown</li>
<li>cut out of foam board</li>
<li>siblings picture</li>
<li>"Dream Big" (<a href="http://www.733blog.com/2014/03/dream-big-printable-wall-art/">source</a>)</li>
<li>I will add a verse to the heart woodcut at a later time</li>
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The boys room:</div>
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<li>deer head</li>
<li>arrow</li>
<li>sword</li>
<li>cut out of foam board</li>
<li>siblings picture</li>
<li>fox</li>
<li>I will add a verse to their arrow art later</li>
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David shopped, cut and stained wood during the daytime. He was in charge of the woodcuts, string art, shelves, towel hooks and art hangers. I painted the clothes pins (for the art hangers) and the frames plus rough cut out the fabric elements during the day. The rest of the projects were done in the evenings after the littles went to bed. That meant late bleary eyed nights, but I'm really happy with the results. Last night I planned the gallery walls, but putting them on the floor. I took pictures to give to David for hanging and while I took the children out on a playdate, David re-arranged the girls' room and hung all the elements we crafted. What a thrill it was to reveal it all to the littles!</div>
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The deer head was made from a pattern found <a href="http://upcraftclub.com/blogs/news/45029633-sewing-tutorial-make-a-fabric-deer-head-or-rudolph">here</a>. I found the wood plaque at the thrift store and a with a bit of paint it made a great mount.</div>
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David cut this based on a few pictures I showed him on Pinterest. I didn't want to tell him exactly what to make, but I knew I wanted an arrow. It turned out great. His favourite piece.</div>
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Again, I asked for the sword, but I left David to do the style he wanted. He found a sword image on google, added a cross in the middle and enlarged it to make the template. Screws were an easier choice and he just went with it. I like it a lot!</div>
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The monogram "M"s I printed out on the computer, taped to foam board and cut out. I painted them and that's it! Super easy and a great and cheap monogram! We enlarged a photograph from our last family pictures in 2014. The same picture for both bedrooms. </div>
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I thrifted and painted this cute frame and got the printable from <a href="http://www.designsbymissmandee.com/2015/02/free-fox-nursery-prints/">here</a>. </div>
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Here's Malachi's art hanger in action (sorry for the dark picture). Just clothespins painted and glued to a board. Each little has one, though we haven't hung Hannah's yet. We are saving it until she is a bit older.</div>
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Michaels had these cutlery clothespins in a bin and I simply glued them onto this little board, also from Michaels. Cheap and funny, considering the boys are always thinking about food. This wasn't planned for, but added on a whim.</div>
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I found this wood pineapple at the thrift store. It was varnished and worn, but I saw its potential and snapped it up. I painted it and glued an oversized clothespin on it and it's adorable! My favourite piece in the girls' room!</div>
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David did the crown the same way as the sword and he did a great job!</div>
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The girls' monograms were done the same as the boys. I found the birdhouse and bird at Michaels and threw it in. </div>
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The kite I made up as I went. I drew a pattern and did a basic quilting pattern on it. Then simply tied jersey bows onto a ribbon tail.</div>
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Each little got a shelf on their bed. They all needed a place to put water bottles and treasures etc. Here's Abby's in action. David made simply with two boards, painted white and attached right to the bed frames.</div>
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David made this based on a picture I showed him. Abby thinks it looks like a minecraft heart.</div>
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I used flat sheets from two of the littles' bed sets to make quick curtains. Not too difficult as I cut them in half, finished the two cut edges and voila! Curtains! I hate sewing curtains, but this wasn't too bad. We are exhausted, but happy with the results!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-25239247759906082982016-02-18T09:45:00.003-06:002016-02-18T09:56:22.732-06:00Checking InIt's February. To me that means more than a statement about which month of the year it is. It has become a statement about the season I'm in. It's a dark month, not much sunshine. There are moments where the sun peeks through, but I'm weary. There is a history of depression in the women of my family and I'm not sure exactly whether or not this is classified as such, but I'm ready for "February" to end. In the meantime, I choose to believe that God is good and I have SOOOOO much to be grateful for. In 1 Samuel 30:6 the Bible talks about how David encouraged himself in the Lord. Have you ever noticed that where your focus is, that is where your heart is, too? Well, I've come to realize that if I focus on my circumstances instead of the goodness of God, I quickly become buried in heaviness. So, how do you "<a href="https://hopefaithprayer.com/scriptures-encourage-yourself-lord/">encourage yourself in the Lord</a>"? Remember his promises. If you don't know His promises and about how he is always faithful to keep His word, then that's a great Bible study to begin. At my Moms' group, we have a little bookmark card with a great reminder on it...<br />
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My friend last night reminded us that when we are discouraged by life's circumstances or we are consumed with how big the storm is, we just need to study about how BIG God is and it's amazing how our change of focus can bring encouragement and hope. Bad things happen and life is hard, sometimes, but God is good ALL the time. That is what I will stand on.<br />
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In other news, here's a bit about what's been going on...<br />
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<li>The actual season of winter has been pretty amazing. Yes, we've had some 'stupid cold' days with a windchill of -40C, but the cold snaps haven't lasted for weeks and weeks and the nice days, have been really nice. That has meant sledding days and river walks and getting outside. We've really been enjoying the toboggan runs (<a href="http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parksOpenSpace/ThingsToDo/TobogganHills.stm">winter slides)</a> at Kildonan Park. I don't recall ever seeing these in Alberta, but we've really appreciated how much easier the stairs are than hill climbing with littles and David's injured ankle. They're super fun, too.</li>
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<li><a href="http://www.theforks.com/">The Forks</a>! I still think this is by far the coolest place in the winter. The river is frozen so you can walk (or skate) for a long way before you run out of room. The artistic warming huts and ice sculptures make it engaging and fun even for the littles. We went on <a href="http://louisrielday.com/">Louis Riel day</a> (Family Day for a lot of Canadians) and I just kept saying "I love this city!"</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wl8wtrKaMZs/VsXjcvd0SII/AAAAAAAAElw/he1VMdVxiGk/s1600/IMG_9936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wl8wtrKaMZs/VsXjcvd0SII/AAAAAAAAElw/he1VMdVxiGk/s320/IMG_9936.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">checking out an ice sculpture on the river</td></tr>
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<li>This is one of the warming huts on the river and since it was painted the same colour as Malachi's jacket, we told him was so camouflaged that we couldn't see him. Then I had the littles pose for some pictures and I only showed him the pictures without him there. He was totally convinced.</li>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzGQ3W47jxk/VsXi4SOh3zI/AAAAAAAAElY/Ix9p7cwFGSU/s1600/IMG_9932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzGQ3W47jxk/VsXi4SOh3zI/AAAAAAAAElY/Ix9p7cwFGSU/s400/IMG_9932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Valentines was quiet and nice. David and I went on an unexpected date on the Friday evening before. We weren't planning on it because we have big plans next weekend, but when you are offered free babysitting you go on a date! We did a "fancy" littles friendly dinner and had a mini family selfie session. We ended the day with a glow stick hunt. It was simply sweet.</li>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8iawP2Yt6c/VsXkZrYzWLI/AAAAAAAAEmM/ESdUUf8A5wk/s1600/IMG_9896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8iawP2Yt6c/VsXkZrYzWLI/AAAAAAAAEmM/ESdUUf8A5wk/s320/IMG_9896.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFsGkd_FpG0/VsXkZr3LKFI/AAAAAAAAEmI/xuKf4TbXTk0/s1600/IMG_9894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFsGkd_FpG0/VsXkZr3LKFI/AAAAAAAAEmI/xuKf4TbXTk0/s320/IMG_9894.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZsIzdFCGk8/VsXki715TnI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/WMQDPPfjEjI/s1600/IMG_9871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZsIzdFCGk8/VsXki715TnI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/WMQDPPfjEjI/s400/IMG_9871.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Bible journaling has begun to fill my Bible nicely and there are certain books that are full enough to require adding in pages. I still have plenty of room in the Bible in general, so I won't be buying a new one for some time, and I think I'll be sad to close this one. It's become so dear to me. Not because of my art, but because the art represents more time in the word and more word getting into my heart.</li>
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<li>My <a href="http://www.documentedfaith.com/">Documented Faith</a> journal is also filling in nicely, but I love how it will take the entire year to fill properly. </li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-QheQFAf-k/VsXi0t43a4I/AAAAAAAAEl8/WZelCmcO320/s1600/IMG_9679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-QheQFAf-k/VsXi0t43a4I/AAAAAAAAEl8/WZelCmcO320/s320/IMG_9679.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi1f9q4TgiU/VsXi9XdyBHI/AAAAAAAAEl8/Y46fkSgKmxo/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi1f9q4TgiU/VsXi9XdyBHI/AAAAAAAAEl8/Y46fkSgKmxo/s320/IMG_9940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>I haven't had very many custom sewing jobs lately, though I've played around a bit.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RF2T9iDjMA/VsXiz5zdL3I/AAAAAAAAEls/ZB8mp_s7PbU/s1600/IMG_9624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RF2T9iDjMA/VsXiz5zdL3I/AAAAAAAAEls/ZB8mp_s7PbU/s320/IMG_9624.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"doodled" house keychain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvlsC-O9Uy8/VsXi0Z-A3zI/AAAAAAAAEls/fqOLdV6l01Y/s1600/IMG_9645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvlsC-O9Uy8/VsXi0Z-A3zI/AAAAAAAAEls/fqOLdV6l01Y/s320/IMG_9645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible cover inspired by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAnjCn3BSGM/?taken-by=bekahblankenship"> this</a></td></tr>
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<li> I am thankful that I've been able to save from my sewing jobs and David and I are going to have a weekend away - just the two of us. I am beyond excited. It is long overdue.</li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13P8FtJm7Qw/VsXi4VfOfSI/AAAAAAAAEl8/Mb-8qTkZNIw/s1600/IMG_9934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13P8FtJm7Qw/VsXi4VfOfSI/AAAAAAAAEl8/Mb-8qTkZNIw/s320/IMG_9934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Oh, I have a little art journal that I use to practice faces and play around with doodles etc. On a particularly cold day, I filled in a page with what I love about living here. I really do love it here!</li>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping in today. If you're struggling in life's circumstances, join me in turing our focus from the storm to the God who not only created it, but who is able to calm it (and if not, He is still good!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-37228074231518128282016-02-01T13:03:00.000-06:002016-02-01T13:03:58.234-06:00Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the end of last year I tried something that I hadn't tried before. I drew (half of) a face. I spent a loooong time on that little sketch and put her into my Documented Faith journal. It began something in me that surprised me. It filled me with a desire to learn how to do faces and incorporate them into my art. My goal is for the faces to be whimsical more than realistic, but not so technically off that another artist cringes to look at them. I am hard on myself, but I also have really learned to love the work of my hands and appreciate the talents that God gave to me to use and to improve. Here's a run-down of the faces I've practiced so far...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytq1GnTy0rY/Vq-hpBG6pcI/AAAAAAAAEiw/rJfpdCp1g6Q/s1600/IMG_0467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytq1GnTy0rY/Vq-hpBG6pcI/AAAAAAAAEiw/rJfpdCp1g6Q/s400/IMG_0467.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first (partial) face in my Documented Faith journal - December 2015</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi4DRKJ8X5o/Vq-hpZ2pFEI/AAAAAAAAEi4/2JJwJQXi0s0/s1600/IMG_0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi4DRKJ8X5o/Vq-hpZ2pFEI/AAAAAAAAEi4/2JJwJQXi0s0/s320/IMG_0464.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">painstakingly coloured with watercolour pencils</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_OR0Bd3-NM/Vq-hoV3-roI/AAAAAAAAEis/k2TdKcvRGFg/s1600/IMG_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_OR0Bd3-NM/Vq-hoV3-roI/AAAAAAAAEis/k2TdKcvRGFg/s400/IMG_0496.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An attempt at a whimsical self-portrait in my journal - December 2015</span></td></tr>
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Now that's a BIG head!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjukSwGf9rQ/Vq-hp9K2MKI/AAAAAAAAEi8/GsF5-LSHKa0/s1600/IMG_0497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjukSwGf9rQ/Vq-hp9K2MKI/AAAAAAAAEi8/GsF5-LSHKa0/s320/IMG_0497.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can hardly believe that growing up I preferred wax crayons to pencil crayons - I love pencil crayons, now!</span><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODE9pd_8HHg/Vq-hswnRBoI/AAAAAAAAEjU/tFuXsIEmQE0/s1600/IMG_0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODE9pd_8HHg/Vq-hswnRBoI/AAAAAAAAEjU/tFuXsIEmQE0/s400/IMG_0517.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">a fun little sketch I did after I decided that I was going for fun and not realism - December 2015</span><br /> </td></tr>
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January 2016 - Faces</div>
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1/2016 my first rough sketch before the colour.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLhABGcChF8/Vq-htiGhYiI/AAAAAAAAEjg/uANA45DqRUw/s1600/IMG_0872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLhABGcChF8/Vq-htiGhYiI/AAAAAAAAEjg/uANA45DqRUw/s400/IMG_0872.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">My first attempt to paint a face. I wrote on Facebook and Instagram "<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: start;">Someday I'll look at her and either laugh at how far I've (hopefully) come or look at her with pride because I took a chance and began." 1/2016</span></span></td></tr>
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2/2016 Usually I leave the watercolour pencils dry, but I experimented with water and had fun with it. She looks kind of sad, I'm working on that.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bHItKmIlp8/Vq-hz5_3BXI/AAAAAAAAEkM/B9Udb0AuETo/s1600/IMG_0927.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bHItKmIlp8/Vq-hz5_3BXI/AAAAAAAAEkM/B9Udb0AuETo/s400/IMG_0927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3/2016 One of my favourites so far! I usually prefer my raw sketches and other than a little bit of white chalk marker for highlights, I left her with the background showing through.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0SBdFwYj4/Vq-hwVTEIYI/AAAAAAAAEjw/NvEsfyAB35s/s1600/IMG_0891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0SBdFwYj4/Vq-hwVTEIYI/AAAAAAAAEjw/NvEsfyAB35s/s400/IMG_0891.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4/2016 My first face in my Bible journaling. Hebrews 2:1 I did a quick colour, but mostly kept it in it's raw sketch form. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk9mRLyR0xQ/Vq-hyqWQvzI/AAAAAAAAEj4/GSpkgAbCEFk/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk9mRLyR0xQ/Vq-hyqWQvzI/AAAAAAAAEj4/GSpkgAbCEFk/s400/IMG_0901.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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5/2016 My least favourite so far. Her proportions are odd and I think I was rushing too much. I never attempt to show a specific age, but they end up younger or older as I go and I don't fight it.</div>
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6/2016 I was determined to try another face in my Bible and spent a good long time on this one. I couldn't figure out how to do her hair under her crown, so I went with more of a medieval queen's attire instead. Cheated a bit, but I still think she's beautiful.</div>
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7/2016 I practiced some basics in my art journal - just pencil and pen (no pictures to share - sorry)</div>
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8/2016 My first canvas attempt. I am much better with pencils and markers than I am a paintbrush. Though she is flawed in many ways, I am overall happy with her and am not discouraged from trying again. Practicing for progress not perfection.</div>
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9/2016 In my art journal. In an attempt to find a faster medium than pencils, but not as much mess/effort as paint, I tried oil pastel in her hair. In the end, it's still pretty messy and took a decent effort. I'm not unhappy with it, but probably won't be too quick to go that route again.</div>
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10/2016 a did a pencil sketch of a face in a letter to my sister. Again, no picture to share.</div>
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10 faces in the month of January. I'm pretty happy with that. Oh, and on a side note, I am trying to get them to look happier and would definitely benefit from some proper training. I have gleaned a lot from Youtube videos by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2YwcmFTd8g">Dina Wakley</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Instituteofcute">Jane Davenport</a>. I have several art books in my amazon wish list, but for now, PRACTICING!</div>
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Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-61712099848432824682016-01-07T11:32:00.002-06:002016-01-07T16:31:17.295-06:0015 Favourites from 2015I watched the <a href="http://www.christasterken.com/my-favorite-things-a-silly-video-sampling-of-2015/">cutest video blog</a> this morning and was inspired to share my 15 favourite things from 2015. I'll spare you a video though as I have a cold and sound frog-ish and my computer microphone isn't working. Maybe someday. Let's get started (in no particular order):<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Single-Column-Journaling-trutone-Chestnut/dp/1433544407/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1452185641&sr=8-5&keywords=esv+journaling+bible+crossway">My journaling Bible</a>! I am so glad I stumbled across this two years ago. Abigail is getting her first journaling Bible for her birthday this month and I'm excited for her. It was on her Christmas list, but I was waiting for the NIV release (that's the version she does all her memory work from in school).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqNiotdrunY/Vo6fdpN0zSI/AAAAAAAAEh8/bWfQ7WM3daE/s1600/IMG_9245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqNiotdrunY/Vo6fdpN0zSI/AAAAAAAAEh8/bWfQ7WM3daE/s400/IMG_9245.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of my favourite pages</td></tr>
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<li>My <a href="http://www.documentedfaith.com/">Documented Faith</a> journal. This is the most consistant I've EVER been in keeping a journal of any sorts and I think it's because of the art and faith components. I smile looking through it and my littles ask me regularly if they can look through it, too. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/">Instagram</a>. I signed up for IG several years back when we bought an iPad, but never really explored it until we got smart phones. I love the community, the inspiration... all of it! Username: mrsgingras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Microfibre dishcloths. I am not typically the kind of person that recommends recipes and cleaning products etc., but I really like the <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Ritz-60025-Microfiber-12-Inch-Assorted/dp/B004ZZK646/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1452185871&sr=8-10&keywords=microfiber+dishcloth">microfibre dishcloths</a> with the mesh back. I bought mine at <a href="http://www.sobeys.com/en/?f=731">Sobeys</a> and it's their house brand, but they're available pretty much anywhere now. I have all dark grey ones and that's great because they don't stain as easily.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_CA">Young Living</a> essential oils. Everyone gets sick - that's life. Our quality of living while being sick greatly improved with the help of EOs. I would also say that we've chased away many colds that didn't have the chance to take hold thanks to EO use. My mom and my sister gave us the premium starter kit for Christmas in 2014 and even <a href="http://theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2015/03/grandmas-oily-blends.html">blended</a> some little friendly oils. Those ones, the blends, are my all time favourites and I use them all the time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>I'm exploring art more and more and my favourite go-to supplies are: <a href="http://www.staedtler.ca/en/products/ink-writing-instruments/fineliners/pigment-liner-308-fineliner/">Staedtler Pigment Liner</a> pen 0.1 in black, pencil and eraser, <a href="https://www.plaidonline.com/martha-stewart-crafts-paint/146/product.htm">Martha Stewart multi-surface craft paint</a>, watercolour pencils and my <a href="http://www.michaels.com/heidi-swapp-roller-date-stamp/10375184.html">Heidi Swapp date stamp</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="http://www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com/">Mysterious Benedict Society</a> books by Trenton Lee Stewart. David read to me the whole series this year and it was a great diversion from the everyday. It's a very imaginative series written for middle aged children, but they're so fun that we enjoyed them immensely. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="http://shop.rockymountainsoap.com/collections/natural-soap/bar-soap">Rocky Mountain Soap.</a> Not limited to 2015, they have been my only soap supplier for years. Completely chemical free and I can use them without flaring up any eczema spots. Just tried Vanilla Mint and hmmmm, it's so refreshing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Pajama Van. This continues to be my favourite family outing. (Almost) weekly, after supper, we bathe the littles and put them into pjs and load everyone up into the van. We put on a movie using our portable DVD player, stop at Tim Hortons for tea and timbits and drive for as long as the movie is. David and I get to have a "date" in the front seat and we all love pj van! As a result of driving for a couple hours every week, our littles are seasoned and great travelers, which comes in handy when we drive to Alberta to see the family.</li>
<li>My kitchen table! David, with some help from one of his students, built me a GREAT kitchen table. It's huge and solid and will be a central gathering place for our family for many many years to come. He got the plans <a href="http://www.ana-white.com/2013/09/plans/4x4-truss-beam-table">here</a> and adapted them to suit our family needs. He has plans to build me some mission style furniture for my living room next. I love getting to receive his handiwork.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Sushi. Specifically the avocado and cucumber rice rolls (I don't know what they're really called other than "yummy") from Sobeys. Yes, grocery store sushi. I love it! David and I dip in caesar dressing.</li>
<li><a href="http://rendcollective.com/">Rend Collective</a>. My favourite music discovery of last year was definitely these guys. I love how fun and catchy and well written their songs are. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/heavensearth/?fref=ts">Serena Wilson Stubson</a>. So, we met because our children are in the same school/class, but seriously, have you seen her art?! It's awesome. Serena gave my David one of her wood block mounted art pieces as a thank you Christmas gift (David is the parking lot patrol guy and the parents like him keeping everyone safe), anyway, I've stolen it. It's gorgeous.</li>
<li>Favourite movies of the year go to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369610/">Jurassic World</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/">Star Wars</a>. Both nostalgic and both really well done. Plus, David I got to see both together in the theatre (a rare occurrence).</li>
<li>My favourite outing involves a body of water. I discovered just how much I LOVE to be by the water. We are fortunate to live in a city with rivers running through it and several lakes within driving distance. Beach combing for sea glass with the wind and the crisp air - LOVE!</li>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-46059186379521057972016-01-05T10:43:00.000-06:002016-01-05T20:08:10.313-06:00A Glance Back Through 2015I used to write newsletters at Christmas time. I liked the opportunity to look back at the year. I blog instead. Let's see if I can do this in a reasonable sized post.<br />
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January: I chose the word FIGHT for the year. Fight for what is right, fight towards the Lord, fight for Abigail. We settled into routines of a new year. I began Documented Faith! We started to ride a roller coaster of highs and lows with our Abigail. I began a year long string of unsolicited commissioned sewing work (so honored and blessed by your support!).<br />
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February: Our church went through "Forty Days of Faith" - I really enjoyed the daily devotionals that went along with that! We decided that we couldn't help Abigail on our own and began seeing a family psychologist. Our faith in God's provision was tested heavily as many of our physical things were breaking down. Of course, He proved Himself to be faithful and generous! We had a fun family Valentines with a dance party and little treats. We trudged through cold and flu season, but with the addition of essential oils (thanks to my mom and sister) our quality of life during sickness was much improved.<br />
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March: For the first time since moving to Winnipeg, we walked on the frozen river and explored the Forks in the winter. I remember thinking "this is by far the coolest thing about our city!". We are looking forward to more river exploration this winter! We attended our second family retreat weekend at which David and I hosted couple's game night. It was such a great weekend but slightly touched with frustration and sadness with Abigail and her anger our family.<br />
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April: I love April. It was a busy month and not without it's challenges! David and I worked most evenings creating for a craft sale fundraiser in May. Abigail's behavior issues caused every outing to feel like a gamble. I witnessed a domestic violent act and wept and struggled for quite some time over it. We started Theraplay with Abigail at the psychologist appointments and honestly, David and I both struggled with the method of "help" we were getting. I had a great birthday with a family date <i>and</i> a date with my David <i>and</i> a party with my girlfriends! Spoiled!<br />
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May: Things escalated with Abigail and we called upon our pastors for help. Something was terribly wrong and we were battle weary and scared for our baby. Our pastor and an elder came over and prayed for and with us. We were so encouraged and relieved because that was a turning point for us all. Abigail was tormented and we prayed for her release. We are still learning and growing, but that was a game changer in our family. The results of which we wouldn't fully recognize until the summer.<br />
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June: We began what I call "Happy Abby Days". I took Abigail on a mother daughter weekend along with friends of ours. We went on many mini adventures and started to savor family times together.</div>
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July: Summer vacation kicked off with Canada Day (my favourite holiday) and our VANiversary. We went on several outings and began our summer long goal of dating each of our littles. We got lots of use out of our backyard pool. Abigail got baptized!<br />
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August: we went camping with the use of a friend's trailer. We went on day trips and chased storms. David and I celebrated our 11th anniversary. Our church began to focus on how to hear God. I loved this focus and learned a lot. THE BEST summer since moving to Winnipeg!!! David finished building my gorgeous kitchen table.<br />
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September: a new school year feels fresh and with two in school on some days we all fell into a nice rhythm. My Dad got to go home from the hospital after almost 11 months time. I celebrated in my heart from afar. My goal for the month was survive the adjustment and it was so much easier than I had anticipated. I ended the month with a doozy of a cold, but we made it!<br />
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October: I was struggling with the mundane and repetitive life of domesticity. I cried out to the Lord for an attitude adjustment and a sense of purpose. My moms' group began a study on GRACE. Much needed and difficult to receive. I hosted an art gathering for local artists participating in Documented Faith and Illustrated Faith. Spent a lot of time choosing to TRUST in God and studying what that meant. We had a federal election, the results of which caused a lot of stir. Again, trusting God and His plan.<br />
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November: We saw a lot of cloudy days and I struggled with some depression - nothing went wrong, really. Just couldn't shake the heaviness. The world was rocked by terrorist attacks, though my own struggle was the imbalance of reaction based on where the attacks occurred. Terrorism, regardless of location, is tragic. We celebrated Christmas early with our friends and I worked through my large list of projects for Christmas and ministry.<br />
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December: We had several events to keep us busy early in the month and with my depression lifted, I began to really enjoy the preparation for Christmas. Our church proceeded with our 10th year of Bethlehem LIVE! and I participated on behalf of our family as a woman at the town well. David was sick through the entire weekend (plus before and after) and sadly missed participating. We carried out several mini traditions as a family that we love. We were intentional to make plans with friends throughout the holidays so as to not feel so lonely away from family. I think we found a nice balance (though, of course, we still missed our families). We were blessed by God's generosity to us through many friends and family and even anonymous givers. We spent New Year's Eve at a prayer meeting and I think that is my favourite way to end the old year and enter into a new one.<br />
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It sounds, in some ways, that it was a bad year. I don't remember it that way. We had challenges and triumphs and growth. To me, that's a good year. I'm looking forward to what 2016 holds and pray for the grace to handle each situation as it comes. Happy New Year, everyone!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-68780361055063417302015-12-04T20:41:00.003-06:002015-12-04T20:41:40.376-06:00My Sewing JourneyI have a friend who recently asked me to help her make her children a couple of presents. She wants to sew them and just needs someone to help her along. I am honoured to help and last night we got together for the first session. "How long have you been sewing?", she asked. I had to really think about it, because it was kind of gradual, but there was definately a time where I became interested to really learn and not just fake it anymore. It isn't my mom's fault that I didn't sew until so much later. She tried to teach me, but I didn't want to learn. I would rather just know then put in the effort to learn. Isn't there something you'd love to just know and not have to learn? Piano? Guitar? Art? It was sewing for me. I first dabbled when I was about 17 or 18. I'd use a cut off leg from blue jeans to make a purse or hack together a bag from some random bit of fabric. It wasn't until I discovered online tutorials (the same year we bought our first Mac) that I decided I wanted to know bad enough to learn. I borrowed my MIL's machine (I called her Helga) so that I could learn. I didn't want to invest in a machine if I hated sewing, so I strong armed Helga onto our tiny apartment table and worked through <a href="http://tinyhappy.typepad.com/tiny_happy/2006/06/shoulder_bag_tu.html">my first tutorial</a>. Thank you Melissa, you have no idea what your tutorial sparked in me! I asked my pastor's wife to walk me through my first pattern and the rest is history. Rather than bore you <b>all</b> with the details, we'll do an overview through pictures of my progression. This is about 9 years of sewing....<br />
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This is the early years. Not the very beginning. I wish I had pictures of my first projects - they were so bad! Hahaha. These are from the first year. As you can see it started with my love of bags and that love has not diminished.</div>
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These are from a couple of years into sewing. I loved tutorials and patterns by this point and was happy as a clam to sew bags, bags and more bags!</div>
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I even started to feel confident enough to alter patterns or design my own bags.</div>
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Zipper pouches and wallets are still a favourite go-to gift for me.</div>
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Dolls. My first doll (top middle) has been my most loved doll and I am so honoured that she was the favoured cuddle toy for my friend's daughter. My boys' super dolls were a huge hit and are still played with regularily. </div>
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Baby presents for my babies and friend's babies. How I love to give handmade treasures.</div>
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I've tried my hand at some children's clothing and with my mom's help sewed cloth diapers that I loved!</div>
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Did I mention bags? Yup, I have sewn a LOT of bags.</div>
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Notebook covers in large and small sizes. Gifts and sold in fundraisers. </div>
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I've had the privilege and honour of teaching some beginning sewists.</div>
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I've been stretched and challenged by commissioned orders. Things I had never made before and were trusted to do and afterward so proud of finishing.</div>
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I've challenged myself with projects that I wanted the finished product of and again, through the challenge and perseverance of it I was very proud of the results.</div>
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I've started and finished (most) several mass producing kind of projects. (I still have a partial picnic blanket in my WIP bin)</div>
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I love the creative process of sewing things from a flat piece of material into a work of function and/or art. Thanks for walking this journey with me. I plan on continuing on for many years to come.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-20100932170665901332015-11-19T08:39:00.002-06:002015-11-19T08:39:56.607-06:00Live at the Space Album Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had the privilege of reviewing <a href="http://www.karlaadolphe.ca/">Karla Adolphe</a>'s latest album <i><a href="https://karlaadolphe.bandcamp.com/album/karla-adolphe-live-at-the-space?mc_cid=e4d395f3bd&mc_eid=dd398c03ac">Live at the Space</a></i>. Karla has a style that lingers with you and is steady and true. Her bluesy spiritual grooves keep me going back for more. The album was recorded live in Red Deer's The Space and I'm sure it was an absolute treat for the listeners there. My favourite track is "No Grounds for Love" with its pure and lovely harmonies. "Ice Road" got a great re-mix and is a treat to hear. This five track EP shares a solid message and is musically flawless. Karla's HEart continues to shine through her music. Her album is available for purchase <a href="https://karlaadolphe.bandcamp.com/album/karla-adolphe-live-at-the-space?mc_cid=e4d395f3bd&mc_eid=dd398c03ac">here</a>. </div>
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Would you like to <b>win</b> a digital copy? Share this review on any social media site and comment here to let me know where you shared. I'll choose a winner on Monday, November 23rd.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-21494908912016150362015-10-24T12:18:00.000-05:002015-10-24T12:18:37.956-05:00Happy Mail!!!I just got a package that was a great surprise. Months before my <a href="http://www.theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2015/10/art-gathering.html">art gathering</a>, I wrote to <a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/about-shanna/">Shanna from Illustrated Faith</a> and asked if she might have a little printable that she would like to send for the ladies at my event. I thought even a little "hello" would be nice. Well, today I received a large package with the "Bloom" devotional by <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/do.html">Stephanie Ackerman (Documented Faith founder)</a> and stickers and pocket scripture cards!<br />
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Thank you so much, Shanna!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-25196514054266641762015-10-23T19:22:00.002-05:002015-11-04T11:42:09.728-06:00Art Gathering (supplies update added)Well, this past Tuesday I hosted an art gathering for locals (Winnipeg and surrounding areas) involved in Documented Faith and Illustrated Faith. I love a good party and I think it turned out fairly well. There are always things I would go back and change or adjust, but that's my event management training and since I haven't decided to go into the event industry, I can take it a bit easy on myself, right? I will spare you all the thought processes and ideas that I sifted through and show you where I landed.<br />
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My first event weakness if food. I quickly solved this by asking people to bring snacks and thank you ladies, they were great. I made our traditional Christmas cider drink. I figured since it was cooler outside, it would be a nice cozy thing to sip. My next party weakness: pictures. Ugh! I really need to delegate picture taking to other people. I'm usually too involved in the event to think about pictures, and then when I do, I'm in such a fluster or hurry that they're not great. Sorry. This would be so much better to share with good pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7c_JaOzGJKU/VipJLwJxxqI/AAAAAAAAEVk/CFUFC3_gxI8/s1600/IMG_9816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7c_JaOzGJKU/VipJLwJxxqI/AAAAAAAAEVk/CFUFC3_gxI8/s400/IMG_9816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Probably my favourite thing about hosting events is making my guests feel a little spoiled. I could easily spend a fortune on giving gifts, but I try my best to have parties on a small budget so as to not stress out my dear David who works so hard to provide for our family. This means I get to exercise my creative gifts. If you're ever curious just how creative you can be, limit your resources. It's fun and surprising to see what comes out! In the end I made fabric cuff bracelets with "made to create" stamped on them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each bracelet was slightly different and imperfect.</td></tr>
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I printed out free embellishments and quotes etc. from various blogs I found through Pinterest. I made little bags filled with fun post-it flags, shaped paper clips, hand painted star cutouts and other embellishments that could be used in everyone's Bibles and/or journals. Candy, of course. One of my guests brought bookmarks that she carefully stamped for us and another guest sent Illustrated Faith goodies to share. All to be put into cute decorated bags. I also made lanyard style name tags.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4b0DlPYPgw/VipJMKQN7TI/AAAAAAAAEVs/Ri_wG28G_yc/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4b0DlPYPgw/VipJMKQN7TI/AAAAAAAAEVs/Ri_wG28G_yc/s400/IMG_9826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The evening itself included sharing our journaling stories. I asked everyone to share what kind of journaling they do (Documented Faith and/or Bible journaling), how they heard about it or began, what it means to them and anything else they'd like to share. This is a great ice breaker for those of us who hate icebreakers. It gave us each a chance to talk about something we all had in common.</div>
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We shared a group art project experiment and laughed our way through our insecurities. We started with a blank canvas and had about ten minutes to apply our base, then we rotated the canvases and added to each one as we continued passing them around ten minutes at a time. I'm not sure it was completely a success, but it was a fun experiment and a great opportunity to create and visit. Then we pulled out our Bibles and journals creating and sharing our favourite pages. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These ladies are all lovely and I hope to get to create with them again. (<i style="font-size: 12.8px;">boo! blurry!</i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> )</span></td></tr>
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In the event invitation, I asked each person to bring a favourite art supply (under $10) to swap with another person. We drew names to see who got whose supplies. I shared a bottle of Martha Stewart acrylic paint and a Staedtler pigment liner in my favourite size. I received a whole package of favourites including number paper clips, washi tape, alpha stickers, clips to hold the pages during the creative process and ribbon - spoiled, I know! Other items shared were watercolour pencils, washi tape and Illustrated Faith pens (I was slightly jealous over that one). </div>
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Sadly, four ladies were unable to make it and two others had other plans, but it sounded like everyone would be interested in another gathering. Who wants to host, let's say in January?</div>
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UPDATE:</div>
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Hello, friends from Documented Faith. Thanks for stopping by. A question that I've been asked is how did I handle supplies. In the event invitation (I created a Facebook event - easy access to everyone) I asked everyone to bring their own favourite on-the-go supplies to use. I also put out my few paints, brushes, paper, ephemera and glue. I only put out items that I wasn't worried about being over or misused. Keep your best pens and markers to yourself if you want them to be in good condition by the end of the evening. Whatever supplies you do share, share with open hands and heart. If anyone has any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer either here or on Facebook. Again, thanks for stopping by.</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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P.S. If you're curious about faith journaling, you can learn about <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/do.html">Documented Faith here</a> and <a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/">Illustrated Faith here</a>. You can also read about <a href="http://www.theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2015/01/documented-faith-2015-introduction.html">my DF story here</a> and my <a href="http://theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2014/10/bible-journaling.html">IF story here</a> and <a href="http://www.theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2014/10/when-tragedy-comes.html#uds-search-results">here.</a> I post pictures of each week in my DF journal and all my Bible journaling pages on Instagram (user name: mrsgingras)Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-83196207625261902162015-10-13T11:00:00.001-05:002015-10-13T14:49:47.616-05:00Checking In - It's OCTOBER?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! Did September fly for you, too? It was an amazing September for us and I can't even express how grateful I am for it. Let's get to it!<br />
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<li>Why was it such an amazing September? Answer: Abby. There has been such a remarkable difference in how she is handling change and this fall we've had a couple of minor incidents and no major meltdowns! This is the first peaceful back-to-school season we've experienced. Abby has had her fair share of behavior issues and the fact that we can finally reason with her and help to adjust to new situations without lengthly meltdowns is huge. I miss her now that she's in school for five days a week and I'm so glad to be able to say that. If you've had a child with behavioral issues, than you know that it isn't always easy to be around that child. Now, I look forward to her coming home each day and I don't have to brace myself for potential conflicts.</li>
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<li>With such a change in Abby has brought a change in our family. We haven't merely survived September, but have taken the time to enjoy it.</li>
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<li>My parents have had a lot to celebrate. Daddy has been through a huge battle and has a way to go, but he's alive and they celebrated the one year anniversary of his medical event (I don't know how to refer to the day he almost died and ended up in a wheelchair). Thank you all for your prayers, love and even financial support. We are all so blessed! </li>
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<li>We took our annual trip to a local farm's pumpkin cart. They decorate the yard with lots of picture worthy spots and it's a highlight of our fall each year. </li>
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<li>I'm still open to custom sewing orders and finished up a few in the last little while. I am still so flattered that y'all want to hire me and I love being able to personalize items to fit your needs. I am much more careful with your projects than my own, in case you saw my recent blunder on Instagram. </li>
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<li>We are in the midst of a federal election here in Canada. David and I took advantage of the advance polling station this year. We were both eager to vote and it was nice to walk in with no wait time at 7:00 in the evening. It seems to be a very pivotal and important election and I'm praying that the best people for our country will be in leadership.</li>
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<li>We celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend. Friday we had a traditional turkey dinner at "Auntie" Trudy's. We started a new #gingrastradition for Thanksgiving with a BBQ steak dinner. We enjoyed the warm weather by taking a nice walk at the park on Sunday and we stayed warm and cozy on the cold Monday at home. </li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1bu1lkTlbE/Vh0oQugScAI/AAAAAAAAEUA/9ARgeCM360Y/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1bu1lkTlbE/Vh0oQugScAI/AAAAAAAAEUA/9ARgeCM360Y/s200/IMG_9538.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKR-acSsW8o/Vh0oT8Ayj5I/AAAAAAAAEU4/inwR3tPiRuE/s1600/IMG_9555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKR-acSsW8o/Vh0oT8Ayj5I/AAAAAAAAEU4/inwR3tPiRuE/s200/IMG_9555.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"every woman should have flowers for Thanksgiving" - my David</span></div>
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<li>I'm hosting an art gathering for locals involved in Documented Faith and Illustrated Faith next week. This introvert is rather proud of myself for this and a bit nervous, too. It's going to be great and I've come a long way from planning a party that no one shows up for. I love a good party full of swag and good company, so I know it'll be great. Stay tuned for a blog post about that after the party.</li>
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"I'm so glad I live and world where there are Octobers" - Anne Shirley</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-60464703810423744212015-09-16T10:35:00.000-05:002015-09-16T10:35:22.127-05:00An Art Update: Part TwoI shared about our family art time from the summer, but that is not all the art I did. Surprisingly (to me anyway) I didn't do more. The art time that I had, I cherished but I chose to spend more time on family focused time than my art. That's a decent accomplishment for me and I'm proud of it.<br />
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I spent some evenings painting and some afternoons lettering. I joined a few new groups on Instagram so that I'd have prompts to practice my lettering. I don't think I'll do it daily, but I do enjoy having some new things to try. The flowers are painted and cut out to use in my Bible, journal and letter writing. The bookmark on the right was by request from a friend. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-j7KvgG0us/VfbX0YLEs_I/AAAAAAAAESg/jh9392kOa_4/s1600/df%2Bupadte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-j7KvgG0us/VfbX0YLEs_I/AAAAAAAAESg/jh9392kOa_4/s400/df%2Bupadte.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The one art that I was most faithful to was my <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/welcome-to-documented-faith-2015.html">Documented Faith</a> journal. This little book has been a delight to fill. I update weekly on Instagram. (user name: mrsgingras)</div>
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I did a fair amount of <a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/what-is-illustrated-faith/">Bible journaling</a>, too. I love how I'm able "to hide His Word in my heart" through art. By the end of the summer I picked up a new Bible study guide. I find that having something structured to follow helps me with consistency. </div>
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I tried my hand at mixed media and had a lot of fun, but need more practice. I <i>mostly</i> like the results.</div>
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I did a little sewing. I have a few custom orders on my plate right now, so it's back to the grind of it tonight. My new table is a dream to sew on - solid and no bounce! Happy sewist right here.</div>
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Does playing with her hair count as art? I am counting it as art <i>and</i> focused family time. Win win!</div>
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And finally, I shared this on Facebook and Instagram, but I wanted to share here, too. I went on an artistic field trip. <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is Nettie and she is one of several volunteer sewists who make quilts for charities worldwide. Nettie and her friends work from the MCC thrift store. They sew and make 1000 quilts per year. They are resourceful, using every piece of useable fabric that's donated. Some quilts are "batted" with light blankets or heavy sheets and then are are hand tied (I helped tie 3 this morning). They use the self binding technique and are finished with a sewing machine. Cutting and quilt top sewing are done in homes and the stacking, tying and finishing is done upstairs in the store. I had such a great morning! Thanks ladies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">This summer was by far my most favourite in years. I am so thankful for the two months of family adventures, simply perfect days and yes, some challenges. It was a great time. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-64637640537592187202015-09-14T08:56:00.000-05:002015-09-14T11:05:06.950-05:00An Art Update: Part OnePart of the summer fun for me was having lots of art practice time. I was our family "art director" for the summer and I look back with fondness at these times. Although...<br />
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family art is something that I have to work hard at. In the end, I'm usually glad that I put in the effort. I am not a fan of messes that I don't make myself and so I have to focus on the fact that it's a family creative initiative and it WILL be messy. If I prepare myself ahead of a time for that reality then it helps me not to mind too much. This summer we did more family art projects than ever.<br />
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Sun painting was the first art project we tried. I saved this for our camping trip so that we'd have something fun to look forward to (I'm not a great camper and this helped <i>me </i>to have something to look forward to). The idea is that you paint the fabric with diluted paint, then place leaves etc on it, lay it in the sun to dry. <a href="http://www.craftiments.com/2013/06/acrylic-paint-sun-prints-on-fabric.html">We followed this tutorial here</a>. We didn't have much direct sunlight that day, so only a couple turned out the way we had hoped, but they were all colourful and we had fun doing it.</div>
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Tree faces is a family favourite and we've already decided that this will be an annual summer tradition. <a href="http://www.theboyandme.co.uk/2013/07/21/creating-wild-art-forest-faces/">Tutorial/instructions can be found here. </a></div>
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Stick painting might have been one of my favourites. (I chose family crafts that I wanted to try and it helped to keep my focus off the mess and onto the creative effort). We had some grumpy-ness during this craft and it was uncomfortably hot, but I loved the results and still have them in a vase in my kitchen.</div>
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Paper making was a two day process and the results weren't as satisfying with this method, but I think the children had fun with the process, so I can still feel like it was a success. <a href="http://jamonkey.com/diy-recycled-seed-paper-heart-valentines/">Tutorial that we used is here.</a><br />
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Bubble painting was another children favourite. The picture above of them blowing the bubbles is before we got the paint to water and soap ratio quite right. The littles were less interested in the art than the bubble blowing, but I got some cute stationary out of the deal. <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.ca/2015/08/creating-with-kid-bubble-paper.html">Tutorial/idea from here</a>.</div>
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Individual craft time can also reduce the mess. Malachi did a cute printing paint project (<a href="http://gomakesomething.com/ht/stamping/styroprinting/">similar to this method</a>) at <a href="http://canada.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MichaelsCanada-Site/default/Page-Show?cid=classes#kidsclasses">Michael's</a> and the mess stayed at the store - worth the $2! Abby and I had a mini art date one quiet time and we did make a large mess, but with it just being the two of us it was still manageable. Both littles appreciated the focused one-on-one art times.</div>
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Some art projects require no mess at all! Shadow play was something we all had fun with this summer.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-Nl4fWC3w/VfbLeR3G90I/AAAAAAAAERk/Fllj7X54ZAY/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-Nl4fWC3w/VfbLeR3G90I/AAAAAAAAERk/Fllj7X54ZAY/s400/table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This wasn't exactly a family craft project, but we all certainly benefit from the result! My favourite art project of the summer, was definitely my table! David, with some help from a student he mentors, built me this gorgeous kitchen table. My David's love for me is all over this table and I'm so thankful!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-19935215240345760982015-09-10T10:22:00.000-05:002015-09-10T10:22:56.193-05:00August LoveAs I predicted, August went way too fast, but it was a great month. This summer had a lot of "perfect" days. I know that perfect isn't possible this side of heaven, but what I mean is that we had a lot of simple outings that everyone enjoyed and days that we'd love to live over and over. That's about as close to perfect as you can come. Here's a mini run down of August...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried to do a lot of family crafts. Stick paintings, bubble painting, Abby and I had an art afternoon and we made paper, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We continued to date our littles. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">David took Micah on a date and they had fun at the toy store. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />David and I managed a couple of dates, too. Our anniversary found us in the back of our van at our own personal drive-in and we also managed to read together under our favourite tree in the English Garden at Assiniboine Park for another date.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes ninjas and super heroes join our outings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ch7wVcd9ixY/VfGeb3tJoyI/AAAAAAAAEQY/QFgbTSwnP9s/s1600/more%2Bperfect%2Bdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ch7wVcd9ixY/VfGeb3tJoyI/AAAAAAAAEQY/QFgbTSwnP9s/s400/more%2Bperfect%2Bdays.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect days usually include a drive and a walk and <i>my</i> most perfect days found us on the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dhEXY9Mf3o/VfGecjHN9FI/AAAAAAAAEQc/cH6HKQhntoI/s1600/perfect%2Bdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dhEXY9Mf3o/VfGecjHN9FI/AAAAAAAAEQc/cH6HKQhntoI/s400/perfect%2Bdays.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a lot of perfect days and I will cherish the memories of this summer for a long time.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-65159395235542992262015-08-13T14:03:00.002-05:002015-08-13T14:03:20.238-05:00Summer Lovin' Check InI am loving summer! I'll skip the apologies for how long it's been since my last post and just say "I'm playing!" I did want to pop and in and give an update as to what we've been up to. Let's call this one July and I'll stop in again with August, okay? Let's get to it...<br />
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We kicked off the summer with my favourite holiday, Canada Day. (And our 2nd <a href="http://www.theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2013/07/we-are-officially-mini-van-family-story.html">VANinversary</a>) We went to <a href="http://stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca/">St. Norbert</a> and took in some of the festivities including <a href="http://www.theredember.com/about/4586819810">The Red Ember</a> pizza truck, local musical talent and fireworks.</div>
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Let's just say that we are all SUPER Happy to have David home for the summer! Hannah's face says it all.</div>
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We are doing our best to just have a great time together on as many mini adventures as possible. River and beach walks, lots of parks, picnics, tandem bike work-outs and even waiting at the doctors office can be an adventure if we are all together.</div>
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David and I are trying to take the time to date our littles one at a time (sometimes together and sometimes one on one). So far, we have taken Abby to her first baseball game, Micah to his first movie, Malachi to kids club at Michael's and Abby to a Zumba class. </div>
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We had the joy and privilege of baptizing our Abigail. We've had such a journey with her and we are so pleased that she's making such a profound decision to follow Jesus and to tell others about it. If you're curious about why we do this, you can read about it <a href="http://gatewaywinnipeg.com/growing-in-god/water-baptism/">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocXqCFP6cO0/Vczk8lri6bI/AAAAAAAAENY/bpEpxh9oV0E/s1600/abby%2527s%2Bbaptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocXqCFP6cO0/Vczk8lri6bI/AAAAAAAAENY/bpEpxh9oV0E/s400/abby%2527s%2Bbaptism.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This could technically go into my August update because that's when it was finished, but David and a student He works with spent several hours in July on this beautiful kitchen table! I'm so pleased with how it turned out but mostly with the hard work and time that my David put into making it for me (okay, for my family). I have a list of other items I'd like him to build next. Its so exciting!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYDKCGsfI2I/Vczk9vI1WrI/AAAAAAAAENg/keEWQLG_TrI/s1600/my%2Btable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYDKCGsfI2I/Vczk9vI1WrI/AAAAAAAAENg/keEWQLG_TrI/s400/my%2Btable.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's hard to believe that July could be summarized so simply, because it's been a grand adventure! I'm so glad that we have a few more weeks before it's back to the daily grind. I update Instagram regularly if you'd like to keep up there. My user name is mrsgingras. Otherwise, stay tuned for an August update (sooner than I'd like).</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-53670210665401343812015-06-22T12:55:00.004-05:002015-06-22T12:55:41.705-05:00Checking InHappy June! I can hardly believe that summer break is just over a week away. June has slipped away so fast and it's been a great month. Let's get to it, shall we?<br />
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<ul>
<li>June has been full of art exploration and creative time. I love every chance I get to create.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fZqnDGnl3E/VYhJUThtuQI/AAAAAAAAEKg/5Mq_6BVgRVQ/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fZqnDGnl3E/VYhJUThtuQI/AAAAAAAAEKg/5Mq_6BVgRVQ/s400/art.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. a sketch of the china pattern I'm treasure hunting for 2. a sketch of some Winnipeg landmarks. 3. I had a hankering to try my hand at something larger</td></tr>
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<li>Sewing some little lovelies...</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlLtTY5gowY/VYhJVpez_MI/AAAAAAAAEK8/6k1niUc0VCo/s1600/sewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlLtTY5gowY/VYhJVpez_MI/AAAAAAAAEK8/6k1niUc0VCo/s400/sewing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. All my littles have dolls now (L-R Malachi's super doll, Micah's super doll, Hannah's mini dolly and Abby's dolly) 2. a zipper pouch birthday present with vintage fabric and the March #zipperofthemonthchallenge 3 & 4. Mother/daughter cuff bracelet sets</td></tr>
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<li>It's been awhile since I've shown you an update in my Documented Faith journal. Here's weeks 15-23.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCul8BcO4I4/VYhJWcHUeCI/AAAAAAAAELI/Sorvuc-FVhs/s1600/weeks%2B15-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCul8BcO4I4/VYhJWcHUeCI/AAAAAAAAELI/Sorvuc-FVhs/s400/weeks%2B15-23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can keep up to date with my #documentedfaith journal on Instagram (user: mrsgingras)</td></tr>
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<li>A few of my Bible journaling pages...</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tFnVHsw-v0/VYhJUq8iffI/AAAAAAAAEKs/IP1Ksqt76-w/s1600/june%2Bbible%2Bjournaling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tFnVHsw-v0/VYhJUq8iffI/AAAAAAAAEKs/IP1Ksqt76-w/s400/june%2Bbible%2Bjournaling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can keep up to date with my #Illustratedfaith Bible journaling on Instagram (user: mrsgingras)</td></tr>
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<li>My Dad has been in the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital for a couple of weeks now and is making leaps and bounds in progress. I am so proud of him and how hard he's working. My mom and sister even took him out to the mall on Father's Day and he's rocking a power chair that gives him so much more freedom. Praying for his FULL healing and recovery.</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNIlTIcfiYc/VYhJ9eABz8I/AAAAAAAAELQ/qyXGaBvJAes/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNIlTIcfiYc/VYhJ9eABz8I/AAAAAAAAELQ/qyXGaBvJAes/s400/IMG_7732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>I took Abby on a Mother/daughter getaway with a girlfriend (Jenny did the arranging for the weekend and it was so nice to just go and enjoy) and her daughter. We had a dress up tea party, presents, hot tub time, craft time, girly nails time, movie time, amazing meals at the retreat centre and Abby I finished the weekend at a special dinner out. We both came home exhausted, but with good memories. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.womenrefreshed.com/">Women Refreshed at the Well Retreat Centre.</a> It's a gorgeous house that had me full of refreshed dreams for a God-sized dream yet to come true. Joy is such an amazing hostess and we were very well taken care of.</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-YQoRSb9QQ/VYhJVTLw8kI/AAAAAAAAELM/PrukSVsZaH4/s1600/mother%2Bdaughter%2Bwknd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-YQoRSb9QQ/VYhJVTLw8kI/AAAAAAAAELM/PrukSVsZaH4/s400/mother%2Bdaughter%2Bwknd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>June has had some amazing weather! We've been treated to hot, sunny days and cool, rainy days and I've enjoyed sneaking in some adventures with the family. Park trips and long drives and mini dance parties and summer break hasn't even begun yet. I think it's going to be a great one!</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r22L37GxBko/VYhJUu9oPyI/AAAAAAAAELE/rPg_t0iE0BQ/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r22L37GxBko/VYhJUu9oPyI/AAAAAAAAELE/rPg_t0iE0BQ/s400/family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's almost time to come up with our summer schedule/rhythm and summer idea list. One more week!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-26340716817078937022015-05-25T08:43:00.000-05:002015-05-25T08:43:28.745-05:00Old Revival House Co.<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi Friends. I just wanted to pop on here and give a little advertisement. After the craft sale fundraiser, a friend of mine asked me if she could try to sell some of my buntings at her space on the third floor of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OldHouseRevival">Old Revival House Company</a>. I am honoured and blessed by her support. If you are in Winnipeg you <i>NEED</i> to check out the Old Revival House! It's an <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Architectural Salvage & Antique Mall. I've been a couple of times and I could spend hours browsing through all the treasures. Rachel's store is called 77 Street and it can be found on the third floor in the middle. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flYsDfkco0M/VWMmOX2e8cI/AAAAAAAAEHw/yODOAVbsfPs/s1600/20150513_163647_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flYsDfkco0M/VWMmOX2e8cI/AAAAAAAAEHw/yODOAVbsfPs/s400/20150513_163647_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the cute display Rachel did with my buntings</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-81047650891145610122015-05-11T13:21:00.000-05:002015-05-11T13:21:05.637-05:00Checking InPhew! What a crazy month April (and into early May) turned out to be. Let's get to it...<br />
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<ul>
<li>April is my favourite month to throw a party! My birthday is as good of a reason as anything else, right? I knew that I wanted to have another My Favourite Things party and when I asked a few people what they thought, the resounding answer was "YES!" It's such a great party and it almost throws itself. You can read about the last party <a href="http://www.theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2013/04/party-post-part-one-announcement.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.theangryturtle.blogspot.ca/2013/04/party-post-part-two.html">here</a>. How it worked is I had everyone bring 4 of their same favourite item/s (under $10) and every one went home with four others' favourite items. My favourite items this year were a carton of <a href="http://store.starbucks.ca/tazo-chai-tea-latte-concentrate/011024829,en_CA,pd.html">Tazo Chai Latte mix</a>, fun socks, <a href="http://www.staples.ca/en/uni-ball-Signo-207-Gel-Retractable-Pens-Micro-Black-3-Pack/product_608358_2-CA_1_20001?kpid=608358&cid=PS:SBD:GS:n:n:SBD:58:21800&kpid=608358&gclid=CJOKqdaYusUCFY-TfgodrLMAvQ">a pen</a>, a <a href="http://shop.rockymountainsoap.com/collections/natural-soap/bar-soap">soap sample</a>, straws, an <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_CA/products/essential-oils/singles">essential oil sample</a> and a couple of dishcloths (Compliments - microfibre - seriously the best dishcloth EVER). I had so much fun with this! By the way, if you didn't get invited, please don't be upset. I wanted to invite so many more of you, but my place can only hold so many. In my heart, you are all welcome!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyuVveUu3H0/VVDvuxjI2bI/AAAAAAAAEFk/ZsJsULCSoqQ/s1600/IMG_7166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyuVveUu3H0/VVDvuxjI2bI/AAAAAAAAEFk/ZsJsULCSoqQ/s400/IMG_7166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite things package</td></tr>
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<li>Here's a list of what everyone brought.... Soy candles, journals, Starbucks gift card, jellybeans, pens, mugs, hairspray, lip balm, cuticle cutters, jar mugs, drink tumbler, napkins, chocolates (store bought and homemade), soaps, homemade laundry detergent, collapsible bins, zipper storage bags, a pansy plant, various stationary items, mesh laundry bag, socks and candy. I think that's everything. It was so great to hear things about the gals that I didn't know as each person had to answer a random question about something that was a favourite. I also had everyone bring a favourite drink or food to share and once again - the BEST party food!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-App285d45iA/VVDvvM9gWAI/AAAAAAAAEFo/sN9hYjAZcCs/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-App285d45iA/VVDvvM9gWAI/AAAAAAAAEFo/sN9hYjAZcCs/s400/food.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Fog cupcakes from my friend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugar-Momma/427014507353469?fref=ts">Sugar Momma</a> and her truffles, too!</td></tr>
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<li>I chose to set up an Italian Soda Bar as my favourite beverage to share. David and I enjoyed testing these and David made the strawberry, orange and butter rum flavour syrups. I'm a big fan of "help yourself" so I doodled instructions and let everyone do just that.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjdxwG-fALY/VVDvsIyF6uI/AAAAAAAAEFI/jasvsFajFfE/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjdxwG-fALY/VVDvsIyF6uI/AAAAAAAAEFI/jasvsFajFfE/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Soda Bar</td></tr>
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<li>I could've easily spent a month on the plans and preparations for a party, but thankfully I didn't need to because I spent the month sewing and crafting for my first craft sale. Our church hosted a craft sale fundraiser for some missionaries who will be going out with Wycliffe. David and I spent every spare evening and weekend working on growth charts, (David did the bulk of the work on those. I just lettered them) scrap buntings, mini scrap buntings and cake toppers. I had a goal of 12 growth charts and 40 each of the other items. We spent many evenings late into the night making. It was fun and tiring and my poor house got pretty neglected. I met my goals! David's amazing growth charts sold really well. I came home with three and they're now all spoken for, too. I have most of the rest of the products still. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them yet, but I'm so relieved to have it all finished that I'm okay to just put it aside for now. Sadly, there wasn't a whole lot of customer traffic at the sale, but we recovered our costs and were able to make a small donation to the missionaries. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0QNzkUqEDM/VVDvtl3xxLI/AAAAAAAAEFU/jB1KjyV6zXk/s1600/buntings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0QNzkUqEDM/VVDvtl3xxLI/AAAAAAAAEFU/jB1KjyV6zXk/s400/buntings.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buntings!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgZmAwhfOdk/VVDvuPqsv8I/AAAAAAAAEFc/aSi07byvBxo/s1600/craft%2Bsale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgZmAwhfOdk/VVDvuPqsv8I/AAAAAAAAEFc/aSi07byvBxo/s400/craft%2Bsale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<li>Michaels Arts and Crafts are moving into my neighbourhood! It's going to be nice not needing to drive across town to shop!</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wswHsxrtVI/VVDvsdBxIuI/AAAAAAAAEFM/guFOA5kL378/s1600/IMG_7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wswHsxrtVI/VVDvsdBxIuI/AAAAAAAAEFM/guFOA5kL378/s320/IMG_7308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Mothers' Day was a quiet and relaxing day finished off with my favourite family "date". We call it Pajama Van. It's usually a Saturday evening tradition, but I'm glad we saved it for last night it was perfect. (pajama van is where we load the littles up in the van in their pjs, put on a movie for them to watch, grab tea and timbits from Tim Hortons and go for a nice long drive).</li>
<li>I got quite spoiled with mail lately! I love my dear pen friends!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6ie4ZqsJvQ/VVDvwB8No-I/AAAAAAAAEFw/xtvYJQMWXtQ/s1600/letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6ie4ZqsJvQ/VVDvwB8No-I/AAAAAAAAEFw/xtvYJQMWXtQ/s400/letters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top pictures are my birthday package from dear Annemarie and the bottom two from dear Donna!</td></tr>
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<li>I was crazy spoiled for my birthday, too.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdbXDcSJGd0/VVDvwqGQX5I/AAAAAAAAEF4/Xg7md_bK_6Y/s1600/presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdbXDcSJGd0/VVDvwqGQX5I/AAAAAAAAEF4/Xg7md_bK_6Y/s400/presents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R ink and pens from David's family, essential oils from my family (card signed by my Daddy - a big deal for a partial quadriplegic) flowers from friends and a drawing book from my David.</td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: left;">And in case you needed a reminder of how adorable my David is...</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdSrIQaMpFM/VVDvu2plbXI/AAAAAAAAEGI/i44xhKNkHPo/s1600/david.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdSrIQaMpFM/VVDvu2plbXI/AAAAAAAAEGI/i44xhKNkHPo/s400/david.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-26589262301178155072015-04-10T09:51:00.000-05:002015-04-10T09:51:44.035-05:00Checking InI have a lot of random things to share, so I'll do it in pictures...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Creative Happenings...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-ESe__nv88/VSfd-5HRekI/AAAAAAAAED8/L7ENTT5uE4E/s1600/creative%2Bthings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-ESe__nv88/VSfd-5HRekI/AAAAAAAAED8/L7ENTT5uE4E/s1600/creative%2Bthings.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1.Biggest commission project - a sound booth cover 2. a passport holder for a family of nine 3 & 4. Family t-shirts hand painted - freezer paper stencilling 5. family growth chart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XadPg1NaMU0/VSfd_A_PZQI/AAAAAAAAEEA/dfBqFEv_CpM/s1600/DF%2Bweek9-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XadPg1NaMU0/VSfd_A_PZQI/AAAAAAAAEEA/dfBqFEv_CpM/s1600/DF%2Bweek9-14.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Documented Faith weeks 9-14</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We attended a family retreat at the end of March it was a great time!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpWIsBtpByg/VSfd_HlfZPI/AAAAAAAAEEE/-J6MLlSDNd0/s1600/family%2Bretreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpWIsBtpByg/VSfd_HlfZPI/AAAAAAAAEEE/-J6MLlSDNd0/s1600/family%2Bretreat.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Malachi and his friend at the pool 2. David holding Micah during family worship time 3. Hannah has so much fun 4 & 6. Malachi and Abby both riding for the first time 5. Silly group shot</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Random family news...</span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0MZnnI-zrU/VSfeADcjW6I/AAAAAAAAEEU/mstLTnq6Ol4/s1600/random.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0MZnnI-zrU/VSfeADcjW6I/AAAAAAAAEEU/mstLTnq6Ol4/s1600/random.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. We walked the river at the Forks for the first time this winter....so cool! 2. I love my new clock 3. chubbbers!!! 4. My daddy celebrated his 65th birthday! 5. an anonymous zipper challenge has me thrilled and excited (already a month behind ;) 6. pink hair! 7. Bunny's first haircut 8. Girl's date at <i>Cinderella</i> 9. New tradition: socks for Easter</td></tr>
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Keeping it simple lately with ink in my Bible....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxYRrrK5Yy4/VSfenfc55EI/AAAAAAAAEEc/mN6TAltYeco/s1600/bible%2Bin%2Bink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxYRrrK5Yy4/VSfenfc55EI/AAAAAAAAEEc/mN6TAltYeco/s1600/bible%2Bin%2Bink.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. John 13:34 2. Colossians 3:13 3. Daniel 3:18 4. Psalm 121:1 5. 1 Peter 2:17 6. Romans 1:6-7</td></tr>
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I have had a whole pile of custom sewing jobs and I've agreed to a craft sale fundraiser next month. My sewing machine and I are being friendly and I'm loving it. I love Instagram and in many cases feel like that's been a better space to stay in touch. Is this blog getting to be an outdated thing? I love this little space, but is it too redundant? What do you think?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-9222400035593812502015-03-04T09:32:00.000-06:002015-03-04T09:32:26.347-06:00Grandma's Oily BlendsYou've asked, cajoled and harassed (just kidding, kinda) and now my mom has graciously offered up her <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_CA">Young Living</a> Essential Oil blend recipes. <b>Her only request is that if you choose to share them, please share the entire document in full. Her research on oils and safety is important to read and understand. </b><br />
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From my mom...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Before I go any further, let me say that I am not a doctor or health care professional. Statements in this document have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. I am not here to treat, diagnose or cure any disease or medical condition. I am simply sharing with you as a Grandma. You should seek professional medical help for any serious disease, condition or injury. I assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of these recipes. I recommend using only Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils and to keep them out of reach of children.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Oils should not be used in the ears or eyes and are not recommended for internal use in children. If accidentally spilled or rubbed in the eyes or ears or injected or in case of a reaction to an essential oil dilute with a carrier oil such as olive oil NEVER water and seek medical attention if necessary. </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I highly recommend testing the single oils or blends on the skin such as the forearm before applying liberally.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">You will often find more than one recipe below some just using GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for children essential oils and other blends using other time honoured (and in some cases ancient remedies) that might be used with more caution.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">These therapeutic essential oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for children</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Chamomile</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Lavender</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Neroli</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Sweet Orange Mandarin Geranium</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Dill</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Tea Tree (Melaleuca)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Rose</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Olive</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Sweet Almond</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Coconut </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Essential Oils for Children over 2 years of age:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Tangerine</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Rosemary</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Lemon</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Ginger (make sure to use only 1/3 of this though, or not as much as you use other oils as it is still quite “heavy” for kids) You can use other kinds of oils once they are 3 years old and above. You may also mix other types of oils with what’s written here as long as you do not use too much of them. Now, it’s time to start making your own therapeutic oils that you can use for the kids.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This is another list that I found of oils that are apparently safe for children</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Bergamot</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Cedarwood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Roman Chamomile</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Cypress</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Frankincense</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Geranium</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Ginger</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Lavendar</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Lemon</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Marjoram</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Melaleuca </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Orange</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Rose Otto</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Rosewood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Sandalwood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thyme</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Ylang Ylang</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">[Quotes from Surviving When Modern Medicine Fails: A definitive guide to essential oils that could save your life during a crisis, 2nd Edition/Scott A. Johnson.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Use peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus very cautiously on or diffused near children under age 5 and avoid wintergreen on or diffused near children under age 12. In the case of sensitive children, it may be necessary to avoid peppermint and eucalyptus up to age 10, though this is very rare. It is quite uncommon— thought to affect less than two percent of children— but peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus may cause adverse reactions in very young children, including central nervous system problems, respiratory distress and toxicity, and this reaction can occur from inhalation only. Although the chance of these few essential oils causing harm is minute, it is important to be extra cautious when it comes to the health of children. Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, which is very similar to aspirin. Ingesting as little as 2.5 ml can be extremely toxic to children, and fatalities have resulted after the ingestion of as little as 4 ml in young children. Wintergreen should be avoided by children under age 12 to prevent salicylate poisoning and serious adverse events. Do not apply any of these essential oils on or near a child’s face and avoid diffusing them near young children. This includes applying them on your own body in a place where they would be exposed to them. Use mild oils like copaiba, lavender, German chamomile, lemon, and frankincense instead. Avoid oral administration of essential oils with children under the age of three. Oral administration in children under the age of six should be limited to the mildest of essential oils and very small doses. Some essential oils are known to or may cause acute toxicity in children under the age of six if administered orally. Those recommended in this book that may cause acute toxicity include basil, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, melaleuca, thyme, and wintergreen.]</span></blockquote>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Vapor Rub Cream for Kids (ages 0-5)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />1-1/2 cup organic solid coconut oil<br />4 tsp of beeswax pastilles<br /><br />5 drops of Lemon<br />5 drops of Myrtle<br />5 drops of Lavender<br />5 drops Peace and Calming<br />5 drops of Frankincense<br /><br />Recipe 2 (use with extra caution)<br />1-1/2 cup organic solid coconut oil<br />4 tsp of beeswax pastilles<br /><br />18 drops of Raven, RC or Breathe Again<br />2 drops of Peppermint<br />2 drops of Lavender<br />3 drops Peace and Calming<br /><br />In a double boiler melt coconut oil and beeswax on medium heat<br />Cool 5 minutes<br />Add essential oils stir well and empty into a class jar<br />Let sit 4 to 5 hours or overnight to become relatively solid<br />Apply to the child's chest, behind the ears and down the throat, below the nose and to the soles of his/her feet.<br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">For children 6-12 you could increase drops of each oil to 8 or more as tolerated.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">On a personal note: I LOVE my mom's Vapor Rub. We've had a crazy coughing season, but we rub this on chest, necks and feet and the coughing calms almost instantly.</span><br />
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(Click on pictures to enlarge)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3jCECSre_A/VPce_dRtPXI/AAAAAAAAEB4/rqmGiqL7okE/s1600/Dragon%2BTamer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3jCECSre_A/VPce_dRtPXI/AAAAAAAAEB4/rqmGiqL7okE/s1600/Dragon%2BTamer.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Tamer (all labels designed by my sister)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">Dragon Tamer is another one of my favourites! This does such a great job!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBIn3epqQ78/VPce_VxyG_I/AAAAAAAAEB0/0VfJN9kLdcc/s1600/Knight%2BTime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBIn3epqQ78/VPce_VxyG_I/AAAAAAAAEB0/0VfJN9kLdcc/s1600/Knight%2BTime.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knight Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpTwfV8JlOs/VPce_A8iYqI/AAAAAAAAEBw/KaW-hQRiML0/s1600/Little%2BMiss%2BMellow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpTwfV8JlOs/VPce_A8iYqI/AAAAAAAAEBw/KaW-hQRiML0/s1600/Little%2BMiss%2BMellow.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Miss Mellow</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">This is a new oil that mom blended and my sister designed for my Abby. She loves having her own calming "perfume" and we've already put it to good use. Now that Abby has her own roller bottle size, the boys are asking for Prince Calming in a roller bottle. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCNNGvXKcWo/VPcfDGCfJ6I/AAAAAAAAECI/e49yFcQLtME/s1600/Prince%2BCalming.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCNNGvXKcWo/VPcfDGCfJ6I/AAAAAAAAECI/e49yFcQLtME/s1600/Prince%2BCalming.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prince Calming</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">My littles ask for this by name... all the time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JCBOkiYqZ0/VPcfD80hAbI/AAAAAAAAECU/B95squPQlWQ/s1600/Sir%2BBow-Wow's%2BOwie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JCBOkiYqZ0/VPcfD80hAbI/AAAAAAAAECU/B95squPQlWQ/s1600/Sir%2BBow-Wow's%2BOwie.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Bow-Wow's Owie Buster</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6zMkFo1kRo/VPcfDtyRlwI/AAAAAAAAECM/sRkeHWK51sY/s1600/Thinkerbelle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6zMkFo1kRo/VPcfDtyRlwI/AAAAAAAAECM/sRkeHWK51sY/s1600/Thinkerbelle.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Thinker-Belle</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">Abby is better at remembering to put this on before school. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tP0OCrWT4Q/VPcfFe5dL_I/AAAAAAAAECg/qNmDblsRPSQ/s1600/Tooth%2BNo-Saur.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tP0OCrWT4Q/VPcfFe5dL_I/AAAAAAAAECg/qNmDblsRPSQ/s1600/Tooth%2BNo-Saur.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tooth No-Sore</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Chest Infection</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In a 15 ml bottle<br /><br />3 drops Myrtle<br />3 drops Idaho Balsam<br />3 drops Copaiba<br />1 drops Frankincense<br />5 drops Ravintsara<br /><br />Recipe 2 (use with extra caution)<br />15 ml bottle<br /><br />10 drops Raven (or RC or Breathe Again but I used Raven)<br />2 drops Peppermint<br />3 drops Thieves<br /><br />Top off with carrier oil (I used grapeseed oil).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Tummy Tamer</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In a 30 ml roller bottle<br /><br />1 drop Roman Chamomile<br />1 drop Lavender<br />1 drop Geranium<br /><br />Top off with carrier oil (I used grapeseed oil)<br /><br />Recipe 2<br />In a 15 ml bottle<br /><br />15 drops Peppermint<br /><br />Top off with carrier oil (I used grapeseed oil)<br /><br />Can be applied clockwise Never counterclockwise) on the abdomen or applied on the soles of the feet AND ankles.<br /><br />Recipe 3 (for older children 6 and up)<br />In a 15 ml bottle<br /><br />23 drops Di-Gize<br />2 drops Peppermint<br /><br />Top off with carrier oil (I used grapeseed oil)<br /><br />Can be applied clockwise only on the abdomen with or without a warm towel or applied on the soles of the feet AND ankles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Hot Cross Buns (Diaper Rash)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In a 15 ml bottle<br /><br />1-2 drops Lavender<br />1 drop Melaleuca<br /><br />Top off with carrier oil (I used grapeseed oil)<br /><br />Recipe 2<br />In a 15 ml bottle<br /><br />1 drop Lavender<br />1 drop Roman Chamomile<br />AND/or 1 drop Melaleuca<br /><br />Top off with carrier oil (I used grapeseed oil)<br /><br />Recipe 3 (Cream)<br /><br />1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil<br />1/4 cup grapeseed oil<br />1/2 cup coconut oil (solid)<br />1/4 cup beeswax pellets<br /><br />In a double boiler combine the first three ingredients and heat slowly until pellets melt. When partially cooled add essential oils<br /><br />5 drops Lavender<br />5 drops Roman Chamomile<br /><br />Or<br /><br />4 drops Lavender<br />3 drops Roman Chamomile<br />3 drops Melaleuca<br /><br />Use electric blender or whisk until thick and creamy.<br /><br />I whipped it until silky smooth and thick. It is very luxurious and has a very mild scent. The beeswax gives it sticking power. Use it very sparingly it spreads like silk and goes a long way. It has a sheen to it, however if used sparingly does not feel greasy after a few minutes.</span></div>
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Perhaps another day I will share my mom's lotion recipes, too. They're awesome! Please remember to share all the research information and disclaimers if you're sharing this information.<br />
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<b>Thanks, Mom!</b><br />
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PS If you'd rather not mix your own, <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_CA">Young Living</a> has <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/collections/kidscents-oil-collection">KidScents Blends</a> available. We are blessed to have both and in my opinion, my sisters labels are way better. I haven't had them long enough to compare the effects. I've been so happy with my mom's that I still tend to go that route first.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9eXMC2TKF8/VPcj2lxAV7I/AAAAAAAAECw/DkglKdfFAaA/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9eXMC2TKF8/VPcj2lxAV7I/AAAAAAAAECw/DkglKdfFAaA/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-61914844312298345862015-02-28T10:48:00.000-06:002015-02-28T10:48:26.490-06:00Checking InUgh! Cold and flu season. It seems like it's just keeps going around and around, but the good news is that we have been hooked up with <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_CA">Young Living Essential Oils</a> and even though these sicknesses are awful, I feel like the quality of living with the oils is a definite improvement. This won't be a sales pitch don't worry... just sayin'.<br />
Let's get to it.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Cold days mean I don't want to go anywhere, so lots of creative time. My <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/df/">Documented Faith </a>has been a lot of journaling, so I haven't shared but here's an overview look from the last two weeks. </li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORwjDUA3ecg/VPHsome5IoI/AAAAAAAAD_k/JKYxcKbOXLA/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORwjDUA3ecg/VPHsome5IoI/AAAAAAAAD_k/JKYxcKbOXLA/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Malachi got invited to his first birthday party, so I made this cape and mask duo (it's become my go-to gift for boys).</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malachi models it for me</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8gddJYr9F8/VPHsifVvMKI/AAAAAAAAD_E/YDQ3104eJg8/s1600/IMG_6310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8gddJYr9F8/VPHsifVvMKI/AAAAAAAAD_E/YDQ3104eJg8/s1600/IMG_6310.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>My girlfriend got an <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Niv-Note-Takers-Bible-Zondervan/dp/0310432596">NIV Notetaker's Bible</a> for her birthday and so I had the privilege of making a cover for her. </li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O82c6brA3o/VPHsg_t3p1I/AAAAAAAAD-8/tLOScbLX1IM/s1600/IMG_6305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O82c6brA3o/VPHsg_t3p1I/AAAAAAAAD-8/tLOScbLX1IM/s1600/IMG_6305.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li>We are not the only "oil-ers" in our circle of friends and family and so, I've been working out a to-go oil carrying case. I've made five and I think I finally have the pattern figured out. My mom and my sister got a couple of my prototypes and in my distracted-ness I only put one row of pockets in it instead of two. In order to remedy the situation, I whipped up little divider pockets that could be slipped in the pouch. I think it'll do in a pinch. I will be sewing up a few more complete pouches this week.</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTxBIorC1rk/VPHskotgP0I/AAAAAAAAD_M/WCLOcks-w1Y/s1600/IMG_6314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTxBIorC1rk/VPHskotgP0I/AAAAAAAAD_M/WCLOcks-w1Y/s1600/IMG_6314.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
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<li>In other custom jobs, I have a huge project that I will be picking up my fabric order for this week. This will be (in size, my largest project yet). I'm a bit nervous and will pray my way through it. Measure twice, cut once!!!!</li>
<li>I'm still having a lot of fun with happy snail mail. I have three regular pen pals, plus I sent a birthday package to my sister and I've just chosen someone on the Documented Faith Happy Mail list to send a little package to. I like working on mail scattered throughout my creative times. If I am working on mixed media items, then I make several similar ones so that I can use them in my journal, my Bible and/or in my letters. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_048UYfnZJM/VPHslFmnfYI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/dxHE5rAj5Vg/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_048UYfnZJM/VPHslFmnfYI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/dxHE5rAj5Vg/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister's bday pkg</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Have you heard of "<a href="http://janettelane.blogspot.ca/2015/02/what-are-pocket-letters.html">Pocket Letters</a>"? Well, I stumbled across them on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mrsgingras/">Pinterest</a> and my pen pals will be receiving at least one as you know it... I "had" to try!</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1wauIgboxk/VPHve_T7gGI/AAAAAAAAEAI/qOylDwpzHxA/s1600/IMG_6344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1wauIgboxk/VPHve_T7gGI/AAAAAAAAEAI/qOylDwpzHxA/s1600/IMG_6344.jpg" height="320" width="311" /></a></div>
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<li>I post almost daily on <a href="https://instagram.com/">Instagram</a>, so when my blog activity is low, you can still keep in touch with me there. User name: mrsgingras</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi87_IPiXVs/VPHt-m26f5I/AAAAAAAAD_8/gnMRcHn_ZyE/s1600/IMG_6252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi87_IPiXVs/VPHt-m26f5I/AAAAAAAAD_8/gnMRcHn_ZyE/s1600/IMG_6252.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a lovely package I received last week</td></tr>
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<li>Bible Journaling is going well. I love it more everyday. I post pretty much every single page on Instagram, but here's a little peek. <a href="http://gatewaywinnipeg.com/">Our church</a> has been going through <a href="http://gatewaywinnipeg.com/forty-days-of-faith/">the Forty Days of Faith</a> and I'm really enjoying it! A lot of my pages have been inspired from the daily readings. </li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvCbBLsoavI/VPHsoqyo9bI/AAAAAAAAD_o/Gs5DnjYsBwM/s1600/biblejournalcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvCbBLsoavI/VPHsoqyo9bI/AAAAAAAAD_o/Gs5DnjYsBwM/s1600/biblejournalcollage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Abby has even joined me in Bible Journaling. On the <a href="http://illustratedfaith.com/">Illustrated Faith website,</a> <a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/april-crosier-kidsintheword/">April shared</a> how impactful this was with her daughter and I knew I needed to invite Abby to do some journaling in my Bible. You should have seen her face when I said she could journal in my Bible. It was priceless!</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#kidsintheword</td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!</div>
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<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-69765723340200194142015-02-06T10:55:00.000-06:002015-02-06T10:55:00.750-06:00"She is Clothed in Strength and Dignity"Today's Bible Journaling page needs to source some folks, so here's a quick share. Be sure to visit the links and show your support.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9O5uM1CwMY/VNTsn5bUJ4I/AAAAAAAAD8U/sfbCgcVH8Rs/s1600/IMG_6061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9O5uM1CwMY/VNTsn5bUJ4I/AAAAAAAAD8U/sfbCgcVH8Rs/s1600/IMG_6061.jpg" height="388" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was inspired by <a href="http://www.janngray.com/index.html">Jann Gray</a> <i>Saulsberry</i>. She did a gorgeous page (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_BBMonbzVQ">with a tutorial</a>) in Isaiah with a mixed media lady that I loved! Jann is even hosting a giveaway for the awesome stamp and die set that she used to make it. Not having any funky tools like that I remembered a pin that I saved for later to try. <a href="http://gabriellepollacco.blogspot.ca/2012/06/mixed-media-fun-with-bo-bunny-template.html">Gabrielle Pollacco</a> generously shares the template for this little lady on her blog along with a tutorial how to do a mixed media art piece with it. The template prints on an 8x11 page and so in order to use it in my Bible, I shrunk it down (I used my Print Shop program, so I don't have a percentage for you). Tiny cutting was involved, but so worth it, as you can see.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLO_c5CFmsE/VNTspce821I/AAAAAAAAD8c/soGfFmqlDno/s1600/IMG_6062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLO_c5CFmsE/VNTspce821I/AAAAAAAAD8c/soGfFmqlDno/s1600/IMG_6062.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I didn't have the colour of papers that I had envisioned for her, so I found the musical score paper on the <a href="http://farfarhill.blogspot.ca/2011/06/freebies-vintage-music-paper.html">Far Far Hill blog</a> and the pretty prints on <a href="http://amyjdelightful.blogspot.ca/">Amy J Delightful</a>'s blog. I didn't want to play around with the text too much and so, like Gabrielle's piece, I used the words in her skirt. I used a pigment pen (Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.1) for the details and pink watercolour pencil (Art 101) for the background. I'm pretty happy with it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-35201231162419057302015-02-02T13:12:00.000-06:002015-02-08T12:09:02.396-06:00Checking InIt was a fun and creative week here last week.<br />
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I got to celebrate two friends' 30th birthdays. That was a whole lot of fun by itself, but it also meant that I got to make presents. I whipped up a pencil case for one friend who wants a new Bible (a journaling one for taking notes) I included a few Bible friendly pens to get her started. I made my other friend a little zipper clutch in which I put some raspberry pineapple <i>tea</i>-sers (little single serve baggies of loose tea) with a cute tea ball. Both friends received a set of "insta-magnets" - they turned out really cute. </div>
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On Pinterest I saw fabric bracelets something like this and was inspired to give it a try. I will be making more of these for sure.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFpXTI_qdus/VM_EXpQfGuI/AAAAAAAAD7M/FNMTkEFCc8w/s1600/IMG_5990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFpXTI_qdus/VM_EXpQfGuI/AAAAAAAAD7M/FNMTkEFCc8w/s1600/IMG_5990.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then rainbow bracelets inspired by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/211931201/rainbow-czech-glass-stretch-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_8">these.</a> I couldn't stop at just one. I also made a few tiny beaded bracelets - tricky to finish, but I love the results. My crafting "A.D.D" kicked in in full force this week. There just wasn't enough time to delve into any more types of crafts or I might have.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTMRPAFiZPI/VM_EYv_QOFI/AAAAAAAAD7g/2Ex0yowkVwo/s1600/missioncharts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTMRPAFiZPI/VM_EYv_QOFI/AAAAAAAAD7g/2Ex0yowkVwo/s1600/missioncharts.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Friends of ours are in their fundraising stage before going out onto the mission field. Lisa painted this great signs and hung them around the room. They're painted on old aviation charts. They were so beautiful, I had to take pictures and share. I think Lisa should paint more and make prints or postcards or something. I'd buy a set!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RdJBuwJKhA/VM_HgTRjkzI/AAAAAAAAD7w/7LxQOezeQKU/s1600/bible%2Bjan%2B'15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RdJBuwJKhA/VM_HgTRjkzI/AAAAAAAAD7w/7LxQOezeQKU/s1600/bible%2Bjan%2B'15.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had an interesting time in my Journaling Bible. I accidentally tore a page (top middle) I had finished during advent and had to do a repair job, then I did a page that I wasn't really happy with (top right). It's not that's it's all bad, just not how as nice as my original sketch and vision. I was thrilled with my Hebrews 11 page (bottom). This was a lot of fun and it helped me gain some of the lost confidence. In the end I just had to remind myself that my art does not take away or add to the Word of God. It's merely a tool to help me "hide His Word in my heart". If you are interested in following my Bible Journaling experience, I post regularly on Instagram (user name: mrsgingras).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJvQ_jzZDRQ/VM_JQq3cB-I/AAAAAAAAD8A/PKNVi9pyy80/s1600/IMG_5945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJvQ_jzZDRQ/VM_JQq3cB-I/AAAAAAAAD8A/PKNVi9pyy80/s1600/IMG_5945.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is a close-up from my DF journal. This was more like what I was going for in my Bible (again, the top right picture above). It's a bit more whimsical, but I'm glad I was able to capture it even a little in my journal.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5K_4C_QkzCM/VM_JQDtL57I/AAAAAAAAD78/egh2hihRE1M/s1600/IMG_6002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5K_4C_QkzCM/VM_JQDtL57I/AAAAAAAAD78/egh2hihRE1M/s1600/IMG_6002.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">(The art card on the right hand side with the scripture verse and heart are <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/">Stephanie Ackerman</a>'s used with permission)</span></td></tr>
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Here's my week five spread. I doodled a lot. I struggled a bit with my anger toward my children and my daily prayer was from James - quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. We started the Forty Days of Faith at church and I love the quote that our pastor shared from Smith Wigglesworth: </div>
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"Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials."</blockquote>
It's going to be a great 40 days!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-92025063654138273372015-01-26T10:38:00.001-06:002015-01-26T12:08:33.270-06:00Documented Faith Week Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGpZRKZliKA/VMZu0kuJOvI/AAAAAAAAD5w/VW9OXyMHH7k/s1600/IMG_5914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGpZRKZliKA/VMZu0kuJOvI/AAAAAAAAD5w/VW9OXyMHH7k/s1600/IMG_5914.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Sunday evenings (most Sundays, anyway) I prepare the week ahead with paint and or minor embellishments. As I learned last week, watercolours aren't my best option, but I love acrylics - they work great, are bold and give good coverage. By the end of the week I've added several tip-ins and layers to accommodate everything I want to include. The "Everything Grows with Love" print was in my last letter from my pen pal. It's so fun and cheerful, I knew as soon as I saw it, that I would want to use it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuy2lezuINE/VMZu1XhY_1I/AAAAAAAAD54/hOj2d8CLphM/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuy2lezuINE/VMZu1XhY_1I/AAAAAAAAD54/hOj2d8CLphM/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" height="371" width="400" /></a></div>
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Opening up the first tip-in reveals the back side with a verse that I'd journaled and studied in my Bible and another little tip-in with more verses. It was a week filled with intentional fighting and I needed the encouragement of the Word to continue to fight.</div>
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This is where Illustrated Faith and Documented Faith worked together again this week. I was so humbled by the Lord's words to me when I went to Him for reassurance of His love for me. He exalts over me?! Wow!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deuteronomy 31:6-8</td></tr>
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I wanted to quit fighting this week, several times, in fact. I went to the Word and found this command to not be dismayed (to lose enthusiasm or resolution). It game me the much needed push to keep going.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXxP75TkeiA/VMZu1SvMOeI/AAAAAAAAD58/SbxKEJmPsRM/s1600/IMG_5916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXxP75TkeiA/VMZu1SvMOeI/AAAAAAAAD58/SbxKEJmPsRM/s1600/IMG_5916.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the top of the page is our verse of the week from Stephanie Ackerman. Psalm 86:11, simply written in. The little tip-in opens to show my little birdies. I painted these before Christmas and like many of my paintings I'm using them here. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a close up</td></tr>
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A little private journaling is easily contained in a fold out. I like this method and will probably use it a lot. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFN0SdscKF4/VMZu7kpWFrI/AAAAAAAAD6U/hOqevcwvPuk/s1600/IMG_5920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFN0SdscKF4/VMZu7kpWFrI/AAAAAAAAD6U/hOqevcwvPuk/s1600/IMG_5920.jpg" height="400" width="388" /></a></div>
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It was a busy week. My Abigail's 6th birthday was on Wednesday and I was her parent helper in kindergarten and we brought rainbow cupcakes to share with her classmates. They were a big hit. <a href="http://www.gatewaywinnipeg.com/" target="_blank">Our church </a>led us through a week of prayer and fasting and so there were many opportunities to go to the church and/or <a href="http://pegwatch.com/" target="_blank">prayer furnace</a>. It was much needed and worth fighting for (though, if I'm honest, it didn't feel worth it at the time on one of the evenings). I had a very emotional week and I'm glad to move on to a new week.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bg3uIH4X9-U/VMZu8TaN1JI/AAAAAAAAD6c/NSIhIN1v3yY/s1600/IMG_5921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bg3uIH4X9-U/VMZu8TaN1JI/AAAAAAAAD6c/NSIhIN1v3yY/s1600/IMG_5921.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4366693160320673702.post-88313819805984915022015-01-19T15:37:00.001-06:002015-01-19T15:37:38.084-06:00Checking In (Plus week Three of Documented Faith)January, a month of beginnings, of birthdays (our Abby and friends), of resettling into routines and stupid cold weather. Lots of time inside for more crafting, because I only go out when I need to in this weather. Well, maybe a bit more than only when I "have" to. Speaking of crafting, how about a little show 'n' tell?<br />
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<li>I had the pleasure of mixing a CD for Abby's little friend's birthday present. Then Abby and I sewed a little bag to put it in (Abby did most of the actual sewing) and added a little monogram painting inside. It was a fun package to put together.</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lC54dQJjuQ8/VL1yK5xDlTI/AAAAAAAAD3o/ogO1XeKXna8/s1600/IMG_5699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lC54dQJjuQ8/VL1yK5xDlTI/AAAAAAAAD3o/ogO1XeKXna8/s1600/IMG_5699.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li>I got a great treat of a hair colour and cut on the weekend. I then discovered how awkward selfies truly are. It's really hard to take a good picture of dark purple hair. Sorry, Julie, I couldn't do it true justice. David bought me some dangly bling to match and I was trying to capture it all and in the end I spent way to much time taking pictures of myself. Rather embarrassing.</li>
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<li>In the end my favourite picture was really useless because you can't see the purple hair or the great earrings. </li>
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<li>You might have seen on Instagram that I whipped up a little scrappy bunting. I love these and I ended up cutting way more than i needed for one, so...</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGrwk3KvQ7M/VL1yL4stARI/AAAAAAAAD38/XooazFsukJI/s1600/IMG_5686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGrwk3KvQ7M/VL1yL4stARI/AAAAAAAAD38/XooazFsukJI/s1600/IMG_5686.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>... one for a friend!</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">I did a few pages in my Bible, some from my Documented Faith project and some from my Moms' Group study. </li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CodZchms4FI/VL14TRyiyqI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/xgKpOpmiz5w/s1600/bible%2BJan%2B19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CodZchms4FI/VL14TRyiyqI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/xgKpOpmiz5w/s1600/bible%2BJan%2B19.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, here's my week three of Documented Faith. So, I began the week by painting around the border, then I doodled in some appointments. I added the week's verse (Psalm 24:4-5). I did mini journaling on the days, including my delight at a date arranged by my David. I love it when he does that - totally spontaneously planned! The red background was really damage control when I attempted to watercolour the next week and it bled through. I have used acrylics without bleed and didn't think it through. I used pencil to get a more solid cover and called it "fixed" I have some more damaged control for the next week, too. I finished it off by added a few quotes/notes from the sermon on Sunday around on the border. I really would like a white pen to use on the dark paint, but it's still legible. </div>
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What is this the selfie edition of the Angry Turtle?! I promise it won't happen like this again. *wink* </div>
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It was a difficult week with my dolly, but I'm fighting for her heart. This is a reminder of what I'm fighting for</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of my haircut selfies - it really was such a treat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyt0VW7Aab8/VL1yYOFLePI/AAAAAAAAD48/1nxYi2_-P7Q/s1600/IMG_5819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyt0VW7Aab8/VL1yYOFLePI/AAAAAAAAD48/1nxYi2_-P7Q/s1600/IMG_5819.jpg" height="400" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a lot of great things about this week, too.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEBMgxCMlAE/VL1yZizc-4I/AAAAAAAAD5E/m4nGShQgHg4/s1600/IMG_5820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEBMgxCMlAE/VL1yZizc-4I/AAAAAAAAD5E/m4nGShQgHg4/s1600/IMG_5820.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqiShsKdlBc/VL1yQaa1Y0I/AAAAAAAAD4c/d-H6XGyXpOA/s1600/IMG_5815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqiShsKdlBc/VL1yQaa1Y0I/AAAAAAAAD4c/d-H6XGyXpOA/s1600/IMG_5815.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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And just because they're adorable, I'll leave you with a picture of my littles:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_ArUsOvs6E/VL1yO-qlYSI/AAAAAAAAD4U/_qGI7qEjHxE/s1600/IMG_5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_ArUsOvs6E/VL1yO-qlYSI/AAAAAAAAD4U/_qGI7qEjHxE/s1600/IMG_5809.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/281/E07BD63CB589F381FBA5B4B1B5B43ECD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18003258755318538515noreply@blogger.com1