Is It Because of the HEAT?

We've lived in this beautiful desert country for 34+ years and we are truly grateful that it's our home.  This is the season of the year when we cash in the dues we paid, enduring the summer extremes of July/August/September.  So, that being said, dh and I decided that this Epiphany we would de-construct everything Christmas...

and re-construct WINTER!  Now, I know many of you sweet blog friends must think we've lost it and are thinking, "Could it be that living with extreme heat does this to them???"
Here's a few of the Winterscapes we created...until Spring arrives.
Let me know what you think...

Since the holidays, I've been catching up with some dear friends who helped me with a late celebration of my birthday....

Debbie took me to a wonderful lunch at The Pita Jungle and gifted me with this amazing travel mug for my tea.  Along with all that, she put together two test tubes, one filled with Ginger Peach (long gone and test tube is out in the studio waiting for another assignment!) and one with Vanilla Spice.  These teas come from Maya Tea, a local merchant, which makes the tea even sweeter!

Dear friend Sandra and I spent an entire Monday together at her lovely home where she fixed a delicious Mexican lunch for me and gifted me with the lovely jewelry mannequin and some sparkly, pearly baubles for my art...

My sweet friend and teaching colleague, Nancy, treated me to lunch on Friday at Sauce and presented me with these lovelies...

this is the most amazing collection of poetry (I'm a poetry addict!)

and this gorgeous pendant..(actually a Christmas present)

So, not bad for a gal who had to share her birthday with the turkey this year!  I'm a dedicated believer in making that birthday last as long as possible!!

I've got a couple of creations to share with you for some upcoming swaps...so, I can't divulge the swaps    yet...

tag front - image from Patty

tag back

ATC - image from Paper Whimsy

ATC - image from Bumble Button

pincushion with altered stick pins ~ it reminds me of a Flapper's hat from the 20's!

And this is a domino order for a dear friend...

front - image from Patty

back

Friend Nancy collects nativities and has the most extensive collection I've ever seen.  I've made it a practice to gift her with one each year, but this year I decided to create one that would not pose the problem, "Now where will I put this?"  It's a domino and it can go just about anywhere!

So sweet! - image from Debrina

text from Paper Whimsy

Well dear friends, I thank you for taking your time to spend some time with me today...so much to look forward to this month and next...Right now I'm getting ready for a trip Anaheim, California for the fantastic Winter CHA!!  It will be my first time and I'll be in great company ~ Debbie, Sandra, and Rose.  We are SO grateful to Feather Expressions for this wonderful opportunity!

I'm working on a lovely, one-of-a-kind jewelry creation for my upcoming blogaversary giveaway.  Be watching for future announcements!  In the meantime, have a beautiful, blessed week and know that you are loved!
xoxo
Karen