Boxed Lunch & Dinner

Around 10:00 a.m. my neighbor called and said she had a box for me. I was surprised because it was to early for the mailman and besides that we were home. The mailman knows us and would have knocked if the delivery was to large for our mailbox. When I picked up the box it had a Hewlitt Packard label on top. I wondered if my husband had bought some electronic device and did not tell me. My neighbor than informed me that she had cooked too much food and she boxed it for me to take home.

I opened the box at home and was surprised by the amount of food in it. It was enough food for lunch and dinner for the whole family. What a wonderful surprise, especially on this day, you see today I started packing some of the Christmas decorations and really did not feel like stopping to make lunch or dinner.

I have the most wonderful neighbors anyone could hope for. My family is truly blessed to have friendly and loving neighbors who always watch over us and are very giving. By the way, she is an awesome cook.

Not a creature was stirring - not even a Mouse!

I have been making these little Christmas Mice and sharing with family and friends for several years. They are usually the talk of the party and super easy to make.

You will need: Maraschino Cherries with stems, Hershey's Kisses, Chocolate Bark, White Gel, Sliced Almonds First drain Cherries. You can pat cherries dry with paper towels. Just be careful not to break the cherry. LOL

Unwrap Hershey Kisses from silver package. Melt chocolate bark (I melt bark in the microwave for twenty-thirty seconds. Stir chocolate to help melt any large pieces. Repeat in twenty second increments until completely melted. Pick up cherries by the stem and dip in melted chocolate. Unite dipped cherry to the bottom of the Hershey Kiss. The Kiss is the Mouse's head and the Cherry is the Mouse's body with the stem being the mouse's tail. While bark is still melted, place sliced almonds on top of mouse's head (between the Cherry and the Hershey Kiss. Use a dab of white gel for the eyes.

Instead of Bark you can use a Hershey Bar. You only use the chocolate as a paste to bond the Cherry and the Kiss together. You don't use a lot of chocolate for this. You can also use M&M's for the ears instead of the sliced almonds. To hurry the cooling process, I place the mice in the refrigerator for a few seconds. How do you eat a mouse? Grab it by it's tail, drop in your mouth and pull the tail off.

Ornaments

Here are some ornaments hanging on the living room Christmas tree.

Some are old plastic ornaments that I found when I moved into my Grandmother's house. What I like about these little elves are their ears. They are sooo cute.

This is the first ornament as a married couple given to us by my sister.

This ornament represents the first Christmas for my first born, John.

This ornament was handed down to me. I was with my mother at a craft show when she bought this ornament and had it personalized with all our names.

I made this into an ornament. It is a lapel pin that was given out when my dad, nicknamed "Big "O" was running for office at a Knights of Columbus convention in Brownsville, Texas.

I make some ornaments like this snowman made of a styrofoam ball.

All Texans are proud to be from Texas and we like to show our pride any way we can, even on our Christmas tree.

Some are from weekend getaway spots like, Brenham, Galveston and Kemah. My favorite - well I could not choose just one. From the cheap homemade to the expensive store bought, they are all my favorite because each one brings back special memories when I unwrap and place it on that perfect branch on our tree. How about you, do you have a favorite ornament?

Trees, Trees, Trees

Christmas Eve I will host the annual family Christmas Party in my home. It has been several years since I last hosted the party. These last couple of weeks I have been busy cleaning, decorating and moving furniture out of our house to make room for my large family.

Here is a peek at the seven trees in my home.

This tree is on the entry way table. It is made of aluminum and has magnetic ornaments. I like it because it is easy to set up.

We finally had to get an artificial tree which is in the living room. I like that it is not too wide so it does not take up alot of floor space.

The Police Blue Tree is something I started for my husband, who is one of Houston's Finest. This year, I wrapped the blue lights around the center pole.

This small table top tree is placed in my bedroom.

This tree is flat to make it easy to hang on a wall. Don't know where the tree came from, but I hung vintage cookie cutters that belonged to my grandmother. I had the red cookie cutters. It is hung on the kitchen wall.

The small tree belonged to my dad, who would use it in his office. It is placed on my son's piano along side the nativity scene. The other small tree is a mosaic I made with broken mirror pieces.

Did I go overboard with the trees? Maybe, but I really look forward to welcoming my family to my home.

Christmas Paintings

Reading blogs that I follow, I came across The Painted Garden blog that shows you how to paint a snowlady on a small canvas to use as a door hanger.  Find the blog here: http://thepaintedgarden.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-paint-pink-snowlady.html

I used Erin's directions and painting as an inspiration to paint my first door hanger.  Making these door hangers was loads of fun.  Stop by The Painted Garden blog and see other inspiring paintings.

Scrapbook paper on canvas

 Instead of base coating the entire canvas, I adhered scrapbook paper to the canvas and then drew the snowman with pencil before painting.  I then let the entire piece dry before adding embellishments. 

1st door hanger

Gift Bag

My second door hanger was inspired by a Christmas Gift Bag I saw at a local pharmacy. I took the picture with my cell phone instead of buying the expensive bag.

 In my painting, Santa's suit and hat is the scrapbook paper adhered to the canvas.

2nd door hanger

Scrapbook paper on canvas with Pattern in Book

In my third and last painting, the inspiration came from a drawing in a book I bought at Half Price Book Store.

3rd painted door hanger

Santa's face painted on scrapbook paper.

Raining Acorns

Walkway

Eighteen years ago my mother bought us an oak tree that we planted in our front yard to give us shade as we sat on the front porch chatting and watching the world go by.  This little tree has grown and we have had to trim it several times.  Each fall the leaves would fall and the wind would blow just right that it would send the leaves flying across the street to the neighbor's yard.  The neighbors never complained about picking up leaves even though they did not have a tree.  This fall something strange happened.  The leaves did not fall. Instead of leaves falling, this oak tree is dropping acorns galore.  One evening the wind came which caused the tree to rain acorns.  So many acorns that you can hear them like the sound of hail hitting the ground.  Each night I have to sweep the driveway and walkway.  Only to wake up the next morning to find more acorns have dropped.  I am going into the forth week of sweeping and raking acorns.  Could it be because of the dry spell Texas has had this summer?  I refuse to let these acorns get me down.  You know the saving "If life gives you lemons make lemonade."  Well, I can't make a drink with acorns, but my plans are to make an acorn wreath.  Besides cutting the tree down, what other options do I have?  

Driveway

Ground covered with acorns. 
(Click on picture to get a better view of how many acorns are on the ground.)

The Birds

I was stopped at a traffic light and had one of those eerie moments when you see something and it reminds you of something from your past.  I took this picture because it reminded me of the first time I saw Alfred Hitchcock's movie The Birds.  At the time of the photo I did not realize the camera setting was set at black & white.  After I took the picture, the birds took off flying everywhere.  There were birds all around our van.  My son said he thought the birds were going to attack our car.  I think maybe the flash scared them.  Do you remember the first time you saw the movie The Birds.

Ahaa Moment

Sometimes it takes me a while to figure things out.  Remember those cast iron crosses I found at a great bargain.  I didn't know what they were made for or what to do with them.  I even found a way to cut the nail off the back.  Well, I think I finally figured out what they are made for.  I believe they are made to add a little spark to a plain candle.  The nails can easily be pushed into the side of any candle to give the candle a little more decorative look. I went back to Sacco to buy ten more crosses. I added ribbon around one used candle before adding the nail and displayed it at a craft show.  That display helped to sell all the crosses I had.

I just laugh when I have a light bulb moment or what Oprah calls it an ... Ahaa moment.  LOL

Sun Catchers

What could I make with two pieces of scrap glass and a marble glob?

Hmm....



Thinking ....



Thinking .....



and still Thinking.  


I've got it! 




An Angel

Stained Glass Angel Sun Catchers

Finished Crash Glass Project

Here is the photo of my finished crash glass project.
As you can see I have grouted the panel and added a cast iron cross at the top and a coin with a prayer at the bottom right.  The Prayer reads:  I said a prayer for you today, I know God must have heard.  I felt the answer in my heart, although he spoke no word. 

This project has a personal meaning to me as the religious cards used were in my collection of religious cards I have collected from funerals I have attended.  The Praying hands is from my Mother-In-Law's funeral and the Sorrowful Mother is from my Grandmother's funeral.  It took a while to finish this project as I did not know how to cut the nail off the cast iron cross.  (See my previous posts: Cast Iron Crosses and Old New Toy)

Old New Toy



Cast Iron Crosses with and without nails and Rotary Tool

I asked Hubby and my Brother how I could cut a nail off the back of some cast iron crosses.  After studying the crossing they were stumped as to how I could cut the nail and leave a smooth back.  They said I needed a small saw or drill which they did not have.  That's when the light bulb lit in my head.  I remembered that I had a Dremel that could probably do the job.  The Dremel is a small rotary electric tool used for carving, engraving, routing, grinding, sharpening, cutting, cleaning, polishing and sanding.  Now my problem was learning how to use it.  You see, when I bought the Dremel three years ago, the Quick Start Book did not make any sense.  I did not understand the directions on how to use it. So the Dremel with Case was stored in the tool shed until now.   I stayed up all night reading and re-reading the directions.  Looking at pictures and reading over and over again.  Finally a small screw in a picture caught my eye.  It finally made sense.  So, here's the picture of the Dremel and some crosses with and without the nail.  I love this Dremel, it is my old, new toy.          

Butterfly Panel

The Butterfly window panel is finished. The background is a clear glass with what looks like rain drops.  The pink wispy boarder glass was chosen to bring out the pink color in the butterfly wings.   The butterfly glass was also used on the four corners of the panel.  I am happy how it came out.  If interested in purchasing, call or e-mail me before my first show which is on October 13th.  I have a feeling this panel will sell fast.  Click on the photos to get a closer view.  

Closer view of double butterflies

Butterfly Panel - 15 1/4" x 14"

Closer view of single butterfly.

Mrs. Piggy Gets Nose Broken

Mr. & Mrs. Piggy

While watching the boxing match this past Saturday, Mrs. Piggy was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The suspect, 16 year old son of Irene, was questioned and released after admitting to accidently breaking Mrs. Piggy's nose.  Mr. Piggy was a witness who said Mathew got excited watching the boxing match and hit a shelf which knocked down an object from the shelf and hit Mrs. Piggy on the nose.  Mrs. Piggy did not need medical attention right away but was told to see the nearest crafty person as soon as possible.  It was Monday night when Crafty Irene looked at Mrs. Piggy's nose.  The diagnoses looked good for Mrs. Piggy who's nose will be adhered back together using E-6000.  Crafty Irene said these two piggies have been partners for years.   I don't even remember when or where I bought them from.    It will take about 24 hours for Mrs. Piggy's nose to completely heal.  Mathew was not charged and all is forgiven and well in the Maldonado household.

Butterfly Window Panel

How many times have you gone to the store and saw something you liked, and say to yourself, "I can make that."?  So you go home without buying the item and never make it.  That has happened to me many times.  This past week, I saw a stained glass window panel hanging at a glass shop that I liked.  I liked it so much that I decided this time to make it.  I knew what glass I wanted to use for the butterflies, I cut that glass first.  Then I decided what size the panel would be and placed the butterflies where I wanted them.  I used brass rings to draw the circular lines on the panel which will give the panel movement. 

Little by little I am teaching my boys my craft.  So, I asked them to help me choose the background and boarder glass.  We talked about color, texture, transparency and movement of the glass. The picture on the right shows the glass we chose, cut and placed on the cartoon.  The next steps are grinding, foiling and soldering which will take a couple of days due to work, family and life.  I will post updated pictures as I go along.

Cast Iron Crosses

2 X 2 3/4 Cast Iron Crosses

While shopping at a religious store I found these cast iron crosses with a nail in the back for 85 cents each. I thought they were a good price so I bought ten.  I thought I could do something crafty with them and sell at a craft show.  The problem is I don't know what to do with them. What would you do with them?  Any suggestions?

God Is Awesome

Everywhere we look there are signs to remind us of God's presence.  Today, I saw one in back of a flatbed truck.  My son took this picture for me, as I was busy driving. 

FAMILY/FRIENDS

Friend/Me/Cousin

This past weekend my family got together to celebrate my aunts 80th birthday party.  Turning 80 is a big deal in itself, but what I really enjoyed was seeing alot of my cousins that I grew up with and their spouses, children and even grandchildren.  At this joyious occasion there were a few tears as we remembered cousins who have passed away and tears of joy as we saw old friends we had not seen in awhile.  I met my nephew's new wife and found out that her family lived a few blocks from where I live and her parents knew my parents.  I caught up with a friend whom I had not seen in awhile.  I also saw the three sisters that babysat me and my sister when we were oh so young little girls. When the DJ started it was hard to talk and hear so we traded numbers and vowed to get together again at a much more quieter place.  That night before going to bed, Hubby and I talked about the party.  We talked about how blessed we are to have such good friends and a close knit family.  We talked about how close our friends are that sometimes they are our family.  As I reflect on this past celebration, I am happy my hubby and two boys were with me to celebrate my aunts birthday, but most of all I am happy to have been able to see my cousins and their family and so many old friends.  I can't wait for the next birthday celebration which should be in September for my two youngest brothers and a nephew.  I wish you all the best week ever and may God bless you and your family and friends.

Tia Luisa



Irene & Tia Luisa

I had the pleasure of celebrating my Tia Luisa's 80th Birthday Lua Party. It was fun to see my family get together for such a wonderful event.  My Tia Luisa is the only surviving aunt on my mothers side of the family.  We do keep in touch with each other by phone about once a month as she is a very busy lady.  (Her daughters had to get her a cell phone because they had trouble finding her at home.) Besides going to the senior center every weekday, she is always going out of town with family and friends and on weekends there's always a party of some sort or special event.  For a lady who has never learned to drive, she sure gets around. Doesn't she look great for 80.

Crash Glass

Crash Glass Added

Layout without Crash Glass

This Saturday I took a Crash Glass Class at Harmony Stained Glass www.harmonystainedglass.com/  
The  first time I saw an example of crash glass I knew I had to learn how to do this.  I happened to be at Harmony Stained Glass Shop looking for a certain piece of glass  when I saw the sign-up sheet.  I knew it was a popular class and fills up quickly, so before I left the store I signed up. 
The class was taught by Lisa Morales who was a great teacher with lots of patience and understanding.  She had knowledge of the glass, layout and color.  You can see some of her work in her etsy shop at www.apinchofwonderful.estsy.com  I have not added the grout as Lisa is ordering a certain grout color that she suggested would look good with my project.  Meanwhile I need to paint the back and sides of the board and add something to hang it with.  After it is grouted, I have some trinkets to add to the top of my piece.  Once my project is completed, I will post the final picture.