Hey there!!

For those of you who haven't completely given up on me....

So much change has transpired over the last few months that I'm not even sure where I'd begin or that I could hold your interest long enough to get through it all, but suffice it to say that I'm a stronger person for having experienced every second.  

Unfortunately, my little family is still wading through all that comes with a difficult (and expensive) divorce.  I have faith that we'll rise above (eventually) and in the end be better for it.  Faith is the only thing I have left that hasn't been sacrificed, walked on, taken advantage of, or manipulated.  

And my girls.  I have my beautiful girls.  My constant.  They remain the only inspiration I need to move forward in grace.

Fort Popham, July 2015

Fort Popham, June 2010

On a happier note...the girls and I have been taking little adventures and doing our usual summer activities.  Visiting the coast and it's beautiful beaches and monuments.  

I also took my oldest to her first rock concert!  It was a blast!!  We saw Papa Roach, Slash with Miles Kennedy, Seether and Godsmack.  It makes my heart sing to know that we share a love of music.  

We haven't been able to travel much (to camp) because of cheering/tumbling schedules, but in a few weeks we're heading south to Water Country in New Hampshire with my sister and her boys for some fun.  I can't wait....we love water parks!!

I have to admit that I haven't been very creative as of late, so I don't have much to share in that respect.  My hands are getting worse, and as soon as summer winds down and we're back onto a more structured (school) schedule, I'll take the required next step....surgery.  I just can't put it off any longer.

But here are some of the projects I've managed to finish...in fun or for Reverie Creations customers.

I'm currently working on some Grandparent's Day (September 13) greeting cards and masculine birthday cards.  I'll have them listed in my shop soon so be sure to check them out.

In lieu of paper crafting, I've done a lot more mixed media painting...so much easier on my hands, but because it's so personal, I don't show any of it.  Maybe someday.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

M.

Neglected But Not Forgotten

I'm currently working on a memory album for one of my lovely Reverie Creations customers, and it's rekindled that neglected (but not forgotten!) love of scrapbooking.  I'm ashamed to admit that it's been a year (or more) since I've scrapped.  Funny thing, whether or not I'm keeping up with creatively chronicling my little family's memories, we keep on making them.  ;)

  

When the girls were younger, I was able to design and create two to four pages every week, and with three girls there wasn't time to waste.   These days, I realize that the only way I'm ever going to find the time is if I make the time.  New Year's resolution?  

Anywho, here are some sneak peeks at a few of the completed pages...

This album is being gifted to the President of the LOWC, and I'm honored to be doing it for her.  It's become such a labor of love.

It's my hope to be finished by the end of November so that I can fully focus on holiday preparations.  Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?! 

Find time to do something you love.

M.

Hello October!!

My sister's birthday.  My daughter's birthday.  My father's birthday.  It's also the start of holiday preparations for Reverie Creations...not to mention Halloween.  October is a busy month.

Every year, I put together little bags of goodies for my girls and my nephews on Halloween.  Just a little something to put in their pillow cases at the start of their trick or treating adventures.  The tradition started with my Mom who did it for my sister and I.    

For this year's goody bags/tags, I based my design on the Tall&Skinny sketch over at Mojo Monday.

I started with splattering a small paper lunch bag with black paint...simple.  The tag was created by painting Tim Holtz Kraft Resist paper (Moths & Butterflies) black and then adding orange splatter.  Washi tape, a Petaloo daisy and a vintage button were added to round out the look. 

Tied up with raffia and stained muslin. 

Simple and perfectly Halloween-ish for the kids.

All that's left is to fill them with all their favorite treats!

These are also available for purchase at Reverie Creations.

Have a fantastic weekend!

M.

Autumn Bliss

We've established that I'm not a fan of snow or being cold...ergo winter, but I am looking forward to autumn.  It's by far my favorite time of the year here in Maine.  You're surrounded by deep and comforting colors of the changing leaves, county fairs, warm days, cool nights, and lingering smells of apple cider.  Sweater weather as we like to call it.

Inspired by the challenge photo over at The Shabby Tea Room, I created this card for Reverie Creations.

The image is an old Italian illustration that I came across on the Internet.  I liked the that the pumpkin was white and it fit nicely with my design.

The paper is 7 Gypsies Avignon, and I also used Pink Paislee's Fall clear stamp set...both oldies. 

The buttons are vintage as is the paper that the image is printed on (graph paper from my Bampa's stash- I'm in love with the color it's aged to and the thickness of it)

I've also been working on another project based on autumn for Reverie Creations...here is a little sneak peek:

Distressed and shabby with vintage goodies and everything else that I love.

Take some time for yourself today,

M.