That Extra Hour.....

I had a good day yesterday, physically and emotionally...

I don't know if it was the extra hour from setting the clocks back,

or

because I had the best nights sleep in a long while

or

just the fact that I was surrounded by unconditional love....

((♥))

Cyndar curled around my feet and legs,

and

Katie under the covers snuggled against my tummy,

and 

Bailey nestled in my pillow behind my head.

Whatever the reason,

 I was thankful for being comforted by them.

Not that this was different from any other night,

but just because....

((♥))

I had the most productive day yesterday...

again, I don't know if it was that extra hour

but it seemed as I was whipping through projects 

and time was standing still.....

I liked this paradoxical universe.

Let me show you a bit of what I got accomplished ---- (Oh Joy another photo laden post)

Not sure if you remember,

 but I hit a great Garage Sale last month and found these babies.

I'm talking about the frames ;)

Since I am making most of my Holiday Gifts this year,

treasures like this make my heart sing...and my mind spin!

See the bright oval gold one in the center?

Well, to 'shiny brite' for me.

I had some gel stain which I tried first.

(Yes, that little pink glittery house, you see in the background,

will make it into my Etsy Shop soon!

 it even lights up)

ehhh, didn't care for it.

 I really wanted the ornate details to pop.

So I went to black paint.

I mixed some of the stain and paint together and slathered it on and in the crevices.

Left it on a few seconds and wiped off;

too light I redid it,

too dark, I used a damp rag to wipe more off.

I did this until I got the look I was going for. 

And no, you didn't see me sanding it...

as well as a lazy gardener, I'm a lazy crafter too.

Hey,

it all works out in the end.

My focus and energy is limited ya know!

Here you can see the comparison of the gel stain (top)

and the black paint mixture (right)

Since this is a Christmas gift, I have to be somewhat discrete about showing you...

someone maybe be peeking

.

But, I had to show you the background I decided to use for this project.

I love it!

Just another peek

I could have spent all day playing with Mom's buttons

Even with the usual interruptions I stayed the course!

Evidently Tilly's wings have grown back, unbeknownst to us.

(We keep them trimmed so she can't fly, to keep her safe..

Painless, just like trimming your nails..which we do for her too *wink*)

Cyndar happened to bark and surprised/scared her.

The next thing we knew she was up on our partial wall.

 

and, of course, too scared to get down.

Mom to the rescue with a (thankfully) long enough dowel to reach her.

Back on her cage with a little smooch

and scratch to calm her down. 

ahh, yeh, right there......

Next thing I see is Bailey eyeing the top of the wall..

I "persuaded" her that she couldn't make that leap in her old age!

Back to sneak peeks of the 2 finished Christmas gifts...

I am so pleased with the way they both turned out.

I hope the recipients feel the same way.

I still had some energy left so I did some "embossing" on velvet ribbon.

It gives it that extra pop in detail.

It's easy to do.

If you've never done it before I'll walk you through it.

Lay a thick towel on your table.

Choose your stamp.

Place stamp upside down on the towel.

Lay the velvet ribbon upside down on the stamp.

Place a damp cloth over velvet ribbon.

Have iron heated on steam.

Iron in place for 8 seconds, making sure not to wiggle the iron.

Remove the iron and turn the fabric over to reveal the pattern embossed into its surface.

I chose a French Script stamp for this gorgeous red velvet ribbon.

Which, by the way, will make it into my Etsy Shop soon.

Here we go again,

Tilly was in a mischievous mood and

had made her way over to T's totes,

 that are full of the vases that were used for the wedding that I still need to list!

Anyone out there need some really nice clear vases??!!. 

Tilly loves to chew up the totes!

I need to get these things listed fast or

there won't be anything left to carry them in

*yikes*

 Sending hugs to all.

Wishing everyone a great week.