First I must apologize for Fran & Freda, they missed posting on Fowl Friday. I had to be away for the day and they were left with a very short list of to do's. (Thinking I need to rename their lists to To DON"TS!) They will be back tomorrow with news they are just all in a flap about! I am collecting their stray feathers for some sort of crafty project, now if I could just get them to lay some eggs...

Today being Labor Day, a day free from Labor for some and the day before school begins here it always feels like the true beginning of a new year. It has been six months since my Mom passed away, it both seems like yesterday and forever at the same time. I often still forget and go to call her, I miss her very much but the time passing has lessened the early days of grief when tears veiled my eyes many times each day. Caring for her was not always easy in those last couple of years but I know it gave her a quality of life that she enjoyed in the time she had left and that she was ready to go.

I find myself at a time in my life after being a single Mom since my youngest was 15 months old that my caregiving days are dramatically changing. My oldest daughter has only three more months of school left for her second degree and will be out working in the new year, moving out into her own place. My youngest daughter, my baby begins University classes tomorrow and has been gone much this past week with Frosh week activities and friends. She has a car now and more freedom. She is going to University in town but much different than a regular school schedule and for how long she will be at home, those days are numbered.

So I find myself in a place of what now...I have always my work which keeps me quite busy and which I truly love. I find my creativity is renewed these days and the ideas are flowing. My daughters are encouraging me to begin dating again. Considering Fran & Freda's exploits with Hatch.com not sure of the whole internet experience. Community involvement and volunteering is something else I now want to give more time to and attending different events.

My Mom taught me many lessons and even with her passing there have been many more. To love like there is no tomorrow, to make a difference to someone or something each and everyday, to always be grateful and say thank you. I spent more time with my brother recently and am always struck by his gratitude and respect of everyone. It is the little things, whenever we went out to eat if the server was not wearing a name tag he would always ask their name and then use it often as they served us.

So the next chapter begins, I love where I live, I love my work and the opportunities it has given me and most of all the dearest of friends near and far. I guess this is my chapter and what I choose to write upon the pages will be my legacy someday. I choose my words, my actions to enrich my life and all those who are part of it. (and if anyone has a nice available friend say fiftyish email me :)

May you dance upon this earth each day to a harmony that will linger long & lovingly! Debra, CEO!

First I must apologize for Fran & Freda, they missed posting on Fowl Friday. I had to be away for the day and they were left with a very short list of to do's. (Thinking I need to rename their lists to To DON"TS!) They will be back tomorrow with news they are just all in a flap about! I am collecting their stray feathers for some sort of crafty project, now if  I could just get them to lay some eggs...

Today being Labor Day, a day free from Labor for some and the day before school begins here it always feels like the true beginning of a new year. It has been six months since my Mom passed away, it both seems like yesterday and forever at the same time. I often still forget and go to call her, I miss her very much but the time passing has lessened the early days of grief when tears veiled my eyes many times each day. Caring for her was not always easy in those last couple of years but I know it gave her a quality of life that she enjoyed in the time she had left and that she was ready to go.

I find myself at a time in my life after being a single Mom since my youngest was 15 months old that my caregiving days are dramatically changing. My oldest daughter has only three more months of school left for her second degree and will be out working in the new year, moving out into her own place. My youngest daughter, my baby begins University classes tomorrow and has been gone much this past week with Frosh week activities and friends. She has a car now and more freedom. She is going to University in town but much different than a regular school schedule and for how long she will be at home, those days are numbered.

So I find myself in a place of what now...I have always my work which keeps me quite busy and which I truly love. I find my creativity is renewed these days and the ideas are flowing. My daughters are encouraging me to begin dating again. Considering Fran & Freda's exploits with Hatch.com not sure of the whole internet experience. Community involvement and volunteering is something else I now want to give more time to and attending different events.

My Mom taught me many lessons and even with her passing there have been many more. To love like there is no tomorrow, to make a difference to someone or something each and everyday, to always be grateful and say thank you. I spent more time with my brother recently and am always struck by his gratitude and respect of everyone. It is the little things, whenever we went out to eat if the server was not wearing a name tag he would always ask their name and then use it often as they served us.

So the next chapter begins, I love where I live, I love my work and the opportunities it has given me and most of all the dearest of friends near and far. I guess this is my chapter and what I choose to write upon the pages will be my legacy someday. I choose my words, my actions to enrich my life and all those who are part of it. (and if anyone has a nice available friend say fiftyish email me :)

May you dance upon this earth each day to a harmony that will linger long & lovingly! Debra, CEO!

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday! Fall brings a feeling of a fresh start, new beginnings and of course back to school! A look at fall clothes, purging the closet brings some pieces to light that are ideal for upcycling. One find was a summer white purse which showed signs of wear. The top of the purse was in great shape. I had a heavy piece of fabric remnant that I wanted to use in a bag so put the two together and now I have a new summer bag for next year!

First I washed the purse and cleaned it out, carefully cutting away the bottom leaving the pockets intact inside for my cell phone, business cards. Measured the purse and cut my two fabric pieces front and back 4" wider than purse to allow for pleating. I rounded the corners and made it a longer bag than before to hold summery items like sandals and a hat. I also lined the fabric, sewed up the sides, pressed down the top. Pressed in the pleats as well. Beacon's Fabri-Tac was used to glue the fabric to purse. I added a felt bird motif as I love birds, my home is surrounded by trees and bushes with berries so there are always birds around, blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, sparrows and canaries.

From a small piece left over I made a matching mini bag for sunglasses, make up, those odds and ends which we always carry around. Mine usually include gum, measuring tape, bandages, chapstick and mini sewing kit, oh and chocolate! Those mini chocolate bars are often a life saver!

Keep Creating! Follow the JOY! Debra,CEO!

"Simple pleasures, quiet moments, reflection and gratitude for what is nourish the spirit for the day ahead. Find your inner JOY and embark on the adventure of the day! Debra, Expressions of JOY!

 

One of the most wonderful perks of the Web is all of the amazing talented and talented people you can meet and connect with. The information and knowledge shared is invaluable and my hope always is to be able to repay some of that sharing whenever I can.

Today I am excited to be interviewing Rebekah Meier! Rebekah Meier's new book Fabric Art Collage is filled with 40 + Mixed Media Techniques. Rebekah is a sweetheart and so talented! (Photo Courtesy of Rebekah Meier) She will be offering classes featuring techniques from the book at Joggles.com.

 

1. How early in your life were you a crafty type?

Early, while still in grade school.  I remember my grandma teaching me how to crochet, making granny square afghans.  I also did a lot of macrame, hooked rugs, and embroidery while in school.  In high school I took all of the home ec classes available.  Cake decorating, sewing etc.

My latest book out last month Sweatshirt Remix is one for those who like to alter clothing. I have techniques to make a sweatshirt a more flattering fit and create some fun fashions! Next month I am off to Quilt Market to do presentations and book demos. Rebekah will be there as well, always great to catch up!

Tonight I am taking a friend to FLASH, Fashioning Love Acceptance and Hope, a local celebrity fashion show featuring SPCA dogs up for adoption and some pets as well. All proceeds benefit the SPCA and the two local homeless shelters. I have been without a dog for two years now, who knows what tomorrow will bring home! :) Not sure my daughters four cats would be impressed! Follow the JOY! Keep creating! Debra, CEO!

"Today travel with lightness, a feathery touch to dance across the day, elicit smiles and hugs leaving JOY behind to stay!"  Expressions of JOY! Debra

Fall is right around the corner and in Atlantic Canada the air has a crisp chill already. Fall is beautiful time of year here, bright mums flourish in the gardens and the leaves turn to the most gorgeous color palette of deep russets, copper and rich gold. The turning of the maple leaves inspired my latest Make it Green column for Creative Homearts Magazine. While I was away my daughters consumed a whole case of root beer, the colors of the cans got me thinking about fall leaves (a stretch perhaps but in the crafty world not!) The beautiful GREEN (no VOCs paints) from EarthSafe Finishes cover anything so I cut up the cans and turned them into fall maple leaves. A recycled vase from a Valentine past and some covered wire remnants were transformed with Shimmer paints and Crackle finish from Earth Safe Finishes. The company founder Nancy Burkhart believes strongly in protecting the environment and at the same time providing quality products that are easy to work with. Voc's (Volatile Organic Compounds) are toxins in many paints and other products which vaporize into the air when drying and affect air quality. I am so fortunate to be able to write a column that lets me meet companies that are committed to the environment and creativity. Thank you to Nancy and her daughter Jessica, co-founders of Earth Safe Finishes!  Follow the JOY! Keep Creating! Debra, CEO!

Photo courtesy of Creative Homearts.

It is Fowl Friday with Fran & Freda, they of course were very annoyed they could not go on the trip to BC, their wire legs were a security issue. So....they remained behind at home with some simple requests like water the plants and rules like no roosters allowed after 9pm. Well...in their own words!

Fran & Freda here, we were devastated at not making the trip to BC, left home to wilt in the heat and humidity. So what are a pair of chicks going to do, make lemonade (and other yummy drinks :) lounge on the patio. Of course we used the watering can diligently as can be seen in this garden shot. Who took the photo, well Freda's been having some success with Hatch.com and this cute rooster from Mactaquac happened to be in town. So he came over for the afternoon, the rules being out by 9, am or pm we were a little fuzzy on and he did make a mean omelet!

The watering can made a great patio accessory filled with flowers. Cousin Flora dropped by and it was party time on the patio. A lot of lemonade was consumed :), it seems to make everything delightfully fuzzy. Consequently we may have missed a pot or two when watering. Not such a big deal in our books, apparently though it was when Ms. Debra returned from her travels to discover empty bottles, an extra houseguest or two and....

Well the pot does look a little dry, dead was her verdict along with four more almost in the same shape. We pleaded our case of heat prostration and despair over being abandoned. The littered patio with empty glasses and Flora wandering unsteadily around singing "Oh what a Night" did not help our case. Next trip we are being cooped up with a sitter, sigh and we are grounded as if we could fly anywhere anyways, big deal! Keep flappin' Feathery Friends! Fran & Freda

 After three trips in one month, all great but you know you have travelled a lot when you wake up and aren't sure where you are! Technical difficulties prevented me from posting my last couple of days away so I celebrate my first day at home with a final look at Granville Island in Vancouver and the wonderful people, places and surroundings who flavor it with creative flair and energy!

 After three trips in one month, all great but you know you have travelled a lot when you wake up and aren't sure where you are! Technical difficulties prevented me from posting my last couple of days away so I celebrate my first day at home with a final look at Granville Island in Vancouver and the wonderful people, places and surroundings who flavor it with creative flair and energy!





Duane with his first children's book about animals who live in Stanley Park and their adventures and publisher right in Granville Island!



Lovely couple and their children have a beautiful shop with painted stone floors in pristine white that complement the white flowing fashions and colorful wraps and shawls. Edgar performs for an enthusiastic crowd in the street while his son sells his CD's off to the side. The hauntingly sweet sound filled the air and drifted over the sparkling water.


There is always music in the streets and where there is music there is ...dancing!!!



Then there is the walk home along the sea wall where stone and rock are softened by the sea on one side and the lush green garden landscape on the other. Like a fairy tale floral decked stairs wind here and there around trees and through quiet spaces into flowery bowers. 
Thank you Granville for the JOY! Debra

I spent another afternoon at Granville Island with a dear friend of mine. We took the mini Aquabus from the pier below my brother's place down to Granville Island, a ten minute ride in what resembles a mini tugboat at an amusement park. Water sparkling in the warm sun, it was a delightful way to get to the island. The aquabus runs every 15 minutes and for the daily walking commuters is their regular way home. Have your bike, there is a special cyquabus and on all pets are welcome as the dog population in downtown Vancouver is large. There are many beautiful and interesting artists shops where you can see the artists at work, glass blowers, clay and fabric artists. Each shop has a striking window display, a couple of them I photographed. The colors and textures are in contrast creating a striking balanced harmony. One clay artist Jasna Sokolovic has a delicate collage style combining color washed characters and words. She shares her studio space with a wonderful felt artist and their combined work makes for a unique shopping experience. A highlight of the day was to be able to chat to the artists along the way, Jasna, a sweet young woman spoke of the creative journey, of each piece taking on a life of its own and her original idea metamorphoses through the process to a distinctive finished piece. Birds, nature as in branches, trees, organic shapes, meaningful words and messages were a recurring theme in much of the art pieces throughout the shops.


Granville Island is my favorite place in Vancouver. The energy is always lively, food healthy and local, people of all ages wandering through the shops, galleries where almost everything is created or made right there. The artists share their vision, each purchase I made there had a meaningful story. I loved the organic clothing shop HALFMOON. Their locally designed and handmade t's and other pieces all come with their tag which is like a mini piece of art "reach high...dig deep and featured on many of their t's. On the back of the card "may you flourish and evolve", I picked up a t for myself with the Flourish design. Planning to do a lot of creative "Flourishing" over the next few years! 

Go forth & flourish friends! Debra CEO!

I have had the luxury of a couple solitary days to experience Granville Island in beautiful Vancouver, BC. It is home of the Emily Carr University of Art & Design and a mecca of artists and craft studios and shops. A market serves up fresh organic produce, flowers and various delectable treats. I spent two inspiring days just wandering, met artists, musicians in a lively friendly atmosphere. Kids run and splash in the mini water park along the edge, tango dancing, buskers performing, the energy is lively, a sense of friendly community. The downtown area of Vancouver which runs along the water is home to 80,000 plus where walking the seawall, seabus and the sky train are the favored modes of travel.?

Watching artists at work, immersed in the creative process is around every corner at Granville. Catching Master Carver Rick Harry at work on a native totem piece was part of Sunday's wonderful wanderings! More from Granville all this week!