Craft Love

 My favorite of the slew of Christmas crosses I crafted. . .alas gifted away!  Lucky Denise.

 This Christmas, my man crafted crosses so that I could gift shell crosses for Christmas. . .he made 15 of them.  I love my man.

 Gifts!  Gifted to me!  My sister Jeanne has been making shell signs for many years.  This artist did a unique take on it as she piled the shells upon eachother that this photo doesn't do justice.  It stands sideways about a half in in thickness.  When Jeanne and I were at Maui Swap Meet, our life theme at the moment was discussing "being content"; the struggle that simple state of mind can "be".  This is a life long attitude adjustment.  How to "be". . .she bought this for me as my name is Bee as well, sometimes it's a win win being me!

A couple of years ago I spied the Chen Lu wrap bracelets. . .I was determined to find a way to make them, and did. . .this is one I made for Janet.  She wanted blue.

 My personal collection.  Coral--oh I love you. . .and pyrite, yes!  The wrap bracelet took a long time to learn to do and many failures due to understanding thread strengths & beading techniques.  And finally I was introduced to the "ladder" bracelet. . .a much easier way to bead.

Another gift from Jeanne (and Mom) to me, it's a tahitian pearl bracelet crafted by my nephews wife who makes uses shells and pearls in her jewelry making.  I got to choose this yummy pearl, it has a beveled solid silver bangle.  Can you tell I have a weakness for jewelry?  I am not proud of it, but it is me.

Two Things.

The first, is that I am experiencing a renewal (for lack of better words) in my personal Christian walk.  I understand I live in a world that is anti-faith.  I would be remiss on so many levels if I failed to incorporate my faith with daily living to those that I know, to myself & to Christ.  So many people quickly want to dismiss talk of God or Christians, and I understand that.  I am seeking to find a balance.  Christians are far from perfect and that is what makes Christianity wonderful, Christ is not looking to use perfect people (there are none except in our egos or minds), but he is looking to redeem the broken, the poor in spirit.  Over & over again I am learning through Bible study that the Lord is using the "Unlikely" to reveal Himself.  His Love is the trues Love.  I don't believe I convey this as much as I wish.  I stumble, I fail.  Oh, how I fall short.

But I pick up quickly and move on.  There is much living and loving to do.

Being so blessed I must, truly must, give thanks to the King of Kings.

Secondly, I've been doing a new take on scrapbooking, which came forth from a pioneer of scrapping, Becky Higgins, and she calls it Project Life.  I began experimenting in January of 2011.  However, this year as I picked it up to attempt the weekly PL.  Wow!  Crazy how much I am enjoying PL!  It's quick!    It's short and sweet, and a blast!  I love summing up the week!  So I present to you my friends, my take on Project Life.  I confess. . .I have this weakness for photography, playing with paper & pens & scrap supplies. . .and I love documenting. . .oh dear, I love documenting.  My house collects dust, the laundry builds up, I put off studies, I lose sleep & time. . .oh that I not be remembered for housekeeping (hear that Lorin??  Kids?).  Do click on photo for enlargement.

Resuming the Blog!

Hey Blog Family!  It's been quite the absence, I needed to focus on these peeps!  Kawai, of course, my Tazmania Devil for when he is still, he is a whirlwind. . .and Noah made Santiago High School's freshman team!  We are living the young boy's baseball dream and JUST embarking the season beginning this upcoming weekend.

But I have more favorites yet to for you, because my life is Big. I have great family & friend photos, projects galore!  It's 2013, the sun is shining!

Summerfest

This is a 9x7 1" binder from Martha Stewart's Home Office line I found at Staples in search for a the size for a Wedding Guest book.  Just for Nikki.

 I purchased K & Company's $10 pad of ocean theme specialty paper & cut out an amazing coral.  Then I Mod Podged the book with the matte finish, also using Basic Grey alphabet stickers.  Mod Podge galore!

 I just had to revamp a decorative box I found at Michael's, redo the color paper to accent a bit with Nikki's colors & theme.  I tweaked a shell project I spied in May on Maui with a heap of shells on the top of a box.  The box I got for 40% off, which came out to $13.  I like the idea of discovering a small heap of shells.  This is actually the first project ever done with my Costa Rica shells which I hoard especially hidden away from view.

 Was it Karen that shared with me spying a bag of Mother of Pearl shells at Michael's which came in various colors?  Why yes please, on clearance no less! Wedding gift.

 An 8x8 shell frame, again, for that lucky bride & groom.  (Lucky or curse?)  It's delectable to find the early morning light on my shell project.  It's a little piece of heavenly quiet time sorting and gluing and playing with little treasures. . .

 The July 4th week, minus Kawai and Frank we were off to join Noah's summer Junior Olympic team, the Reds from Corona to compete in Arizona.

 It was a special week of boys cruising the family oriented inn we stayed at and enjoying a true travel week of baseball.  One boy, left of Noah named Manny was chosen for tryouts in North Carolina for USA baseball team.  He was clocked pitching 86 mph.

 Luke with new skateboard, and very cool Monster Machine hat.

 In Arizona, shade was my best friend.

 And Nikki & Joe married on July 7.  7/7 wedding.

 Nikki crafted & crafted her heart out with friends and family to give it that touch, where I say:  The best things in life are homemade!

 Peek-a-boo family.

 Another tournament win, Noah's 13u team.

That all important July Santiago High School clinic whereupon a few are selected for 6th period baseball come August.  Noah got the phone call!  All glory, seriously, to God.  Here I am with my baseball buddies, Maygan (Noah's favorite girl besides his mama), and Lisa.  And that folks, is my current list.

808 Area Code

 I can't even capture the blues and greens of Baldwin Beach shore breaks.

 H'poko. . .

 Old Maui High School. . .my senior year in 1973 we spent the beginning of the school year here and after Christmas moved to the new Maui in Kahului.

 There used to be benches under these arches where we would hang out.

Crafty Things Maui 2012

 A shell box topped with whole shells. . .

 . . .and a frame that goes dark to light with shells!

 Bangles with shells & coral.  Starfish cuff bracelet.  Yes.  Mine.

 Jeanne's Costa Rica shells on a mirror.

 Jeanne's abstract painting in her family room.

 I found a troll doll in the wash room, so many memories of playing with them!

Wings "Be Right Back" sign.

Painting at Maui Hands.  Inspire.

COLDPLAY, I'm loving you!

Unexpectedly Coldplay tickets fell into our lucky hands. . .this is my 3rd x; I cannot get enough of that creative energy from Coldplay!  I jump up and down like a teenager!  And sing!

Why oh why did I not bring my camera or itouch?  What crazy person believes no cameras are allowed these days?  Hello Hollywood Bowl.  Thanks Lacette for the memories!  If anyone out there has never seen Coldplay in concert, put it on your bucket list!  (Photos from Lacette's FB.)