Winter Crafting Fun

Saturday, December 16, 2017

The season of winter is a time of less light with shorter days, longer nights and more time spent indoors.  I like to take advantage of the winter months with the time spent indoors to catch up on all the projects I think about doing through the year.  Through the year, often I will get started on a project, but the outdoors will call me, and they get put aside.  Winter is the time of year that I focus on getting back to my crafting projects. 

A dear lady reached out to me through my blog after discovering we live close to each other. We have met several times since to visit together.  Because we both love to craft, we planned a crafting day together.  She purchased this gorgeous fabric to make 80 yo-yos.  I brought my Big-Shot and cut out 80 4" circles to make yo-yos by gathering a stitch around the outer edges.

 
I saw her yo-yo table topper and we came up with a plan for me to make one similar to hers. 

While I was visiting her, she was also working on the finishing touches for this darling snowman!  She finished it and
sent me the picture.  It is a punched needle Snowman and she made a little pillow out of it and set it on an old oil funnel.  Isn't he the cutest! In the New Year we plan to have another crafting day
and I may have to try my hand at punched needle working! 

Because we were sharing craft projects with her, after she shared the yo-yos with me, then we worked on some stamping/scrapbooking projects I had brought.  I found coasters at the dollar store,
and she stamped them with brown Staz-On ink with a lighthouse
and a stamp that says "Thy Word is a Light Unto My Path". 

The final step is to seal them with an acrylic sealer spray. I forgot to bring the sealer spray with me to show that step. 

Then we made a little stand-alone accordion photo album to put pictures of her grandchildren in. 

A picture of the little album from the back. 

Very fun and easy to make little album, and makes a great gift for someone to keep pictures of their grandchildren, children, or family members on display. We had such a sweet time of fellowship together, and sadly, my phone died and I couldn't take a picture of the beautiful lunch she prepared for us to eat.  What a blessed day of crafting it was!  And of course, we sat down after our crafting was done, and drank a cup of hot tea together. 

Speaking of hot tea, I found this darling tea pot at a thrift store, and I suspect it is very old.  I believe it is a Rockingham teapot, but I am not sure as it has no name written on it, only a hand painted number. It has the distinctive markings of the Rockingham line, but I have not been able to positively identify it as such.  Perhaps some of my tea drinking friends will know more about this teapot?  I cannot find any pictures online of one that looks similar to it.  

As I've worked on my yo-yo's I've often had a little helper trying to tangle my threads! 

We have had some days of sunshine where the mountains could be seen with the frost dipped tree line in the horizon.

Walks with the dogs on beautiful afternoons, soaking up the sunshine. 

Roger always has this look on his face as if he knows something I don't,
with a look of wonder or a knowledge of something I can't see.  He is quite a funny little fellow! 

The sunsets have been glorious!  After an late afternoon trip to Wal-Mart, I was dreading the drive home in the dark.
I exited Wal-Mart to these gorgeous skies, and I got to enjoy the beauty of the skies on my drive home! 

Because of my carpal tunnel surgery this past fall, my tomatoes had not finished ripening, so canning was put on hold.  I simply froze the tomatoes until they all finished ripening.  My husband helped me one long afternoon as we canned in one setting all the tomatoes from our garden this year.  My tomatoes did not do well this year, but I still got a good amount to put up for the winter! 

You probably recognize this picture! It is also on my blog header.  I found a company who makes gorgeous canvas art out of your photos.  

I was very impressed with the quality of the canvas print and the sturdiness of the boards too. 
 
I had two photos printed on canvas, and my favorite by far was the first one,
but I was pleased with this one as well. I wanted to do a bold bright print and a soft muted one. 
The quality of both was excellent. 



I had a hankering for cherry pie.  I had found this old recipe framed in a thrift store some years ago,
and it has been a favorite cherry pie recipe since.   

I kept the pie crust simple with no lattice crust, and it tastes amazing!
This was made with cherries we picked this past summer that I canned. 

I'm making progress on my yo-yo's! 
I was so blessed earlier this year to win a giveaway with Kim @ ExquisitelyUnremarkable.  Thank you Kim for this generous giveaway!  She sent me the cutest card and a get well card too, because the tartlet tins
came to me just as I had my carpal tunnel surgery. 
Because I was in recovery mode with the surgeries,
I set these gorgeous little tins aside for my winter projects as well. 

So this past week, I pulled the tins out of their vintage box and began to play with them.  Oh what fun!  I also had some beautiful paper that I covered magnets with as well.  Once the crafting fun starts, I never know where it will end! 

I made some of the tins into magnets as well, and some were made into hanging ornaments. 
 
Most of the magnets I've given away as little gifts for friends. 
It is a fun and easy project! I just buy the peel and stick business card magnets
and attach pretty paper to them, soo easy! 


This is a project that I've NOT made myself... yet! But it is on my "bucket list" to try.  I just love the pretty vintage look of the painted bottles.  I saw these in a local thrift store.  

I wanted to find a fun yummy treat to take to a Christmas party with some of my dear friends.  I cut pie crust with a 3" circle cutter, placed them in the mini tart pan (from Pampered Chef) and then used the fun Pampered Chef wooden tool to push the dough down into the tart pan. 

Homemade apple pie filling went into the mini tarts and baked at 400 for 15 minutes.  Sprinkled with cinnamon on top. 
 
Yum yum!  Sprinkled with a bit of confectioner's sugar... so simple, easy, and I promise... you can't eat just one! 

Making more progress on my yo-yos.  Just a few left to do now!
I won't get the table topper made until after Christmas,
but I will show you the finished project when it happens! 


Some handmade bookmarks being made as Christmas gifts too. 

What is cause for more joy than this gorgeous pillow that I also won in a giveaway! I can't believe that I was the blessed recipient of two very generous giveaways!  I won this pillow from Connie who blogs at Connie's Crafty Creations.  I was just soo excited to receive this gorgeous pillow in the mail, handmade by my very talented friend!  I have long admired her work, and was so excited to have the perfect place for this beautiful pillow in my living room.  However, you can see a lazy Mister Simba who really does symbolize total and complete joy in this picture, ha!
Cats do have the art of sleeping perfected! 

Whew! This has been a long post... I've gotten quite behind in my blogging with all the projects I have going on.  Our world finally was dipped in white a couple of days ago, and I am just loving the glorious beauty of it all.  We have an inversion of heavy clouds over us right now and we haven't seen the sun for days, but at least the snow helps brighten up our world! 
Christmas is just around the corner, and I can hardly believe it! We will be traveling over the holidays, and it is possible that I won't get back here to post again this year.  I pray that all of you have a blessed and very special Christmas, and I will see you in the New Year of 2018. 

I will leave you with a couple of fun short videos I took as the snow came down yesterday.  My daughter was playing the piano and I think you will enjoy them!





Happy hugs to all! 

56 comments

  1. Hi Marilyn. I have no idea what a Big Shot is..I have never seen one. Now- I might be way off but I think your teapot is a Lefton footed teapot made in Japan in the 1950s. I used to do some 'finding' for a friend of mine that had a shop (BEFORE internet) and did lots of library researching at that point. Like I said--- I might be wrong but that's my thought.

    You have certainly had a lot going on, Marilyn. I love that you are able to craft with someone that has the same interests as you do. I saw a yo-yo project on someone's blog a while back, too. My grandmother had a whole double bed pieced yo-yo top but I have no idea whatever happened to it. Sad.

    Travel safely and have a wonderful, blessed Christmas, Marilyn. God bless you and your family! xo Diana

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    1. Thank you for your insight Diana, I will investigate the Lefton teapot to see if that might be what mine is. I can't imagine doing a double bed pieced yo-yo! And how sad that you don't know what happened to it! Appreciate your prayers for a travels, much love to you and your family!

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  2. Dear Marilyn, boy is it nice to stop in for a visit and see all your beauty!! You, my dear friend, have been quite busy with much enjoyment and work going on. Those tomatoes look delicious!!
    I love those yo-yo's you are making and what a sweet time you must have had with your friend.
    I too have that Pampered Chef tart pan, actually I have 4 of them so I can really put out some tarts.:-) that tart pres is awesome as well.
    Your apple tarts really look good, makes me want to do some baking.
    I enjoyed your videos accompanied by your daughters piano playing.
    Those Turkey's are hilarious! We have 33 Turkey's this season and they've been sticking around daily. When I go out to spread their hen scratch they actually follow me like I'm their mother hen cackling with joy knowing what is coming. We also have over 30 stellar blue jays that sing so beautifully when I talk to them as I feed. It's a glorious morning each and every day with our wild life, one of God's many blessings.
    You seem to be healing up well, praise the Lord!

    Enjoy your Christmas as you travel and may God richly bless your hearts.

    Much Love~

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    1. The Lord has truly blessed us with so much Wildlife around us to enjoy! I know the feeling of them getting so excited when you come out to feed them. Is truly a blessing to be able to enjoy them and watch them! I pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas, give your sweet mom a hug for me and tell her that I'm praying for her! Much love to you today dear friend!

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  3. You are a very crafty lady. Each craft has special beauty. Oh,and those pies look amazing and delicious.Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

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    1. Thank you Ruth, crafting is in my blood I think, I love to do it but don't always have time to do it during summer months. Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas and New Year, much love to you!

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  4. You’ve been too busy to blog, Marilyn. Such a great variety in your post.

    Have a safe journey this Christmas and a blessed Christmas as well.

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    1. Yes it seems I managed to stay busy no matter what time of year it is, LOL! May the Lord bless you over this Christmas season! Thank you for your wonderful visits to my blog!

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  5. How nice you me a friend through blogging. The fabric is beauiful for the yo yo's. What a great idea to have your photos put on canvas. Congrats on winning the pillow... Your animals are so precious looking. Winter is the time I craft in knitting and quilting.

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  6. You and your blog friend got so much done in one day's effort!! And still had time for tea. Your thrifty tea pot is very lovely. I haven't heard of a Rockingham tea pot but hopefully you'll find out if yours is one or not. I'm sure you'll love it in either case.
    Have a blessed Christmas! GM

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  7. Oh, sweet friend, you had indeed been busy, but what a "fun" busy :) How I wish I could join you as your create beautiful treasures. A crafting day with you would be such a blessing {{smiles}}

    How I LOVE your pretty and feminine yo-yo's and I can't wait to see the yo-yo runner when it's done.

    And your magnets are ever so sweet and cute. What a wonderful idea, my friend.

    I wanted to thank you for the incredibly kind and gracious comments on my blog this evening especially the one on my Christmas dresses post. You brought tears to my eyes and I truly appreciate your love and sincerity...thank you. You are a precious, precious friend.

    Thinking of you during this Christmas season. Tomorrow will be my last post for the year...it's hard to believe Christmas is in 9 days and the New Year is just around the corner. WOW! Where has the time gone?!

    Much love to you, friend!

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  8. So much to comment on! Suffice it to say that everything looks wonderful. I’m glad you were able to get together with another blog friend. Your photos all looked wonderful. The apple tarts made my mouth water and the yo-yo’s are so delicate and feminine. Have a safe and blessed trip.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  9. Such fun to be able to find a kindred spirit with which to craft and create fun pretties. Love all those yo-yos. The photo on your header is beautiful; how wonderful your photos are now on canvases to enjoy. Safe travels over the holidays and a blessed Christmas to you, lovely Marilyn, and your loved ones. Xx

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  10. You have been a busy bee, I love your crafts and now I am hungry for those apple tarts.

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  11. Wow, you have been busy doing so much. This post was inspiring me to be more creative and productive. Thanks for sharing.

    Happy Christmas to you and yours ~ FlowerLady

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  12. You've been a busy lady! Those tarts are adorable. Any hostess would be happy to receive those for her table. I've always wanted to try my hand at yo yo's. I might have to do that this year. I hope you have safe travels and I look forward to catching up with you in the new year. Merry Christmas!

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  13. I did enjoy reading about al you have been busily doing. The little apple tarts look so delicious!

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  14. Oh what a fun post!!!! Thank you for sharing. Fellow blogger, Stephanie is making yo yo's as well, smiles. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, friend.

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  15. Wow, Marilyn, I can't believe how talented you are, from crafts to baking, from writing to photography. God was certainly not being stingy the day He blessed you with such awesome gifts!
    May you and yours have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

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  16. Hi Marilyn, WOW!!! What a fun filled post. I love the yo-yo's and can't wait to see your finished project. Yo-yo's are so old fashioned, I adore them:) I want to try your little pies, too . . . thanks for the idea. I have that little pie pan, but I don't know if I have ever used it. The reason I bought it was because my niece was having and party and I wanted to buy something, LOL. Those pies look perfect for a get-together:) Thanks for mentioning me in your post, that was very sweet:) I'm delighted that you like your pillow.
    Stay warm!
    Connie :)

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  17. I'm exhausted just READING all you've been doing!! How fun to have a 'buddy' to craft with - it sure looks like you two accomplished so much! I didn't know you could cut fabric with the Big Shot? I have a Cricut a friend gave me but I haven't used it much yet. What was the canvas company you used? I had a canvas made from an online company a few years ago - I was really pleased with how it turned out.

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  18. Oh Marilyn... how fun to find a crafting friend who lives nearby! What a fun day you had and those yo yo's are amazing! I love them just as little circles with the scalloped edges.... need to make something from those... ..... ..... We need to have a day now and then with kinship and creativity and glad you got one. All of your other projects are amazing too... the tomatoes and pie and tarts and magnets... wow..... You are one busy lady.. and love your header photo made into a canvas. It is absolutely stunning. I know it's probably cost prohibitive, but your beautiful photography on canvases.... in an upscale shop up in that area, would probably be very popular!

    I'm already worn out from Christmas and it's only the 17th.. still lots to do and have been trying to get it done "early".. ha ha... that never works.... was hoping to have the few days before Christmas to rest and relax, and maybe bake something, but the days just whiz by! Take care of yourself and enjoy the upcoming countdown week. Since you'll be traveling, be careful on the wintery roads... hugs.. Marilyn P.S. I'm staying home!

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  19. Oh, I just love your daughter's style of piano playing! Great job!! :) I love yo-yo's, too...they are so neat and old-fashioned looking. They really accentuate any type of primitive scene/decor. It sounds like you have been so busy and really enjoying life, and it was such an uplift to come and visit with you today! I trust you are blessed with safe travels and enjoy your time with your family this Christmas. God bless you, sweet friend!! Merry Christmas!!!

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  20. Olá, o bule é lindíssimo e os bolinhos devem ser deliciosos. Feliz Natal.

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  21. You have certainly been a BUSY girl, Marilyn! I love those darling yo-yos and what a great idea for a table runner or mat. How fun is it that you met this friend through our blog and you have begun to do crafts together! All of your projects are adorable. Your daughter certainly plays the piano very well and those videos are great! The turkeys are especially comical! Enjoy your snow and have a very Merry Christmas!

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  22. Wow, so much fun. :-) I do like the tart tin project. Very creative.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and family.
    Lots of love,
    Carla

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  23. How wonderful that you have found a friend close by to share crafting time with. I have made a couple yo yo table toppers myself, they are fun to make, I look forward to seeing what you come up with. The punched needle snowman is just too cute, You will like punched needle I think, it goes fairly quickly. That's great you could find the tiles at the $ store, I have not tried stamping on them but I have a couple in my stash to try it out :) Sorry that your tomatoes didn't go well but looks like you have quite a few ready for the winter. My hubby is interested in getting some canvas done of his pictures also, your winter picture is just Gorgeous! Your pie and tarts look terrific!
    Enjoy your time away and have a lovely Christmas!!

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  24. Hello Marilyn, how lovely to have found a friend with whom you can share your love of crafting. The two of you seem to have really hit it off. The yo-yo table mat is very pretty and I look forward to seeing yours when completed. The snowy photos are so beautiful. You've been busy with canning and baking and crafting. Have a most Merry and Blessed Christmas celebration.

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  25. Dearest Marilyn,
    thank you for sharing your so beautiful and inspiring post, you've truly warmed my heart, thank you once again!

    Wishing you the Merriest and Brightest Christmas ever,
    and a New Year filled with Love, Peace and many Blessings,

    XOXO Dany

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  26. What a great post! I was captivated with all your lovely crafts till the end. Your teapot is lovely and I think definitely vintage. That's all I know! Have a very Happy and Merry Christmas! xoxo

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  27. Oh, my...such a delightful post. I love everything....the little snowman is adorable...I love snow people...my post today is about my newest one...and my favorite pie in the world is cherry....may make a few little ones today.

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  28. Marilyn, I am in awe of your yo-yo topper! That's so pretty and the fabric is just delightfully vintage. Such pretty photos, snow, Riley (I love that dog!) and your crafting time with your friend....sounds like you have been busy, busy! Wishing you a Merry Christmas, my friend!!! {{hugs}}

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  29. You are talented! Love the yo's yo's! Girl, you have been busy. Love the pictures. They always bring a smile to me. Merry Christmas. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  30. Oh my goodness! You've got me wanting to make yo-yos now. lol
    Love that you have a crafty friend close enough to get together, drink tea and make things.
    Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas. :)

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  31. Oh my! My head is buzzing with all the ideas and wonderful projects you have shared with us today. I cannot imagine being able to do so many different wonderful projects. I must put my thinking cap on and get busy. I wish you lived closer (or I lived closer to you!) so you could teach me how to do these beautiful things. Having worked so many years in an office, I just never got into crafting much. Now that I am retired, I just can't seem to get started. But you are an inspiration! Thank you. Loved all the pictures...and the two videos were wonderful! I'm having a cup of morning tea and enjoying your post so much. Thank you!! And Merry Christmas!!

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  32. Wow! You have been very busy! I love the canvas prints!

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  33. Marilyn, thank you for the lovely Christmas card! I spy with my little eye a Big Shot! Love all your yo-yos! What a blessing to find a craft buddy! ♥

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  34. A very full post of good inspiration and projects! Enjoy your time away. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  35. wow, you certainly have been busy! So fun that the lady reached out to you and now you are crafting together. Those yo yo's really took me back. When our oldest daughter got married we made yo yo toppers for the serving tables. I actually had a yo yo party with friends, family, and neighbors. I set tables up outside. They all came, helped make yo yo's and I fed them. It really was a fun time! Your pie looks delicious! wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  36. You've accomplished so much! I have missed crafting and creating this year. It took some of the joy out of Christmas time to not create. Oh well. God willing there will be a next year. I still want to talk. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you. Please forgive me.
    Hugs and happy Christmas,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  37. What a lovely post, Marilyn, so full of makes and friendship and other good things. I especially liked the tiny tin magnets, which are simply adorable. Happy Holidays to you all. And a big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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  38. Loved seeing all your projects; but I really love the little stand alone album. So cute! And your canvas photos...wow! Those are amazing! :) I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!! :)

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  39. Marilyn, I enjoyed your snow fall and the funny turkeys. We haven't had any snow yet and not much rain either. I have always wanted to make yo-yos but never have. I have been meaning to make those mason jars also and have seen them on Pinterest. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and a happy and healthy new year my friend. xxoJudy

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  40. I forgot to ask you if you would mind giving the company name that made your canvasses. Maybe you already did and I just missed it..Happy Christmas..xxoJudy

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  41. My goodness you've been busy! I love the fabric of your yo-yo's. It reminds me of beautiful handmade quilts. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas and a safe trip.

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  42. Marylin, you are a super crafter! I loved seeing all the different kinds of artwork you are involved with. I also loved looking at those tartlet tins! Like I said before, they went to the right gal!! Thank you for the shout out that was very sweet! I hope you are enjoying your trip and your family! Merry Christmas my friend!xo

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  43. I just love your header photo and what lovely sunsets, they are indeed glorious.
    Enjoyed the videos too.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    All the best Jan

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  44. OH, I LOVE the pie. I'd like some, please!
    What is a Big Shot? I think I need one.
    Blessed Christmas to you, lovely Marilyn!

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  45. Happy Christmas dear Marilyn!

    this is lovely to find blogger friend close and have meeting on crafting day together ,reminded me my days with my cousins who asked me to come over spend day and learn needle work as i was hard to handle by mom lol and she wanted me to learn all of her incredible skills .
    you made delicious looking treat for christmas party !
    soothing beautiful surroundings worth walk with delightful pets

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  46. Merry Christmas time to you and family! Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing about life. May the next year be a wonderful year for you and yours. Peace, love and joy!!

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  47. Happy New Year! I really enjoyed seeing your projects and reading about what you are up to.
    The pie looks delicious.

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  48. All your projects look like a lot of fun. Happy New Year!

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  49. Great blog!! Just keep up doing this great job.
    Bluehost Web Design

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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