Christmas by phone

OK, we made it through. Just the two of us...not so bad. We really, really missed having the "kids" home, the mounds of wrapping paper to climb over on the living room floor, the early morning wake up, and the Raffi's Christmas Music we listen to every year, but we made the best of it. It was a great opportunity to really focus on "the reason for the season."We attended the Children's Mass in the evening, which was the sweetest thing, then we came home watched "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV. Later we went to the amazingly beautiful Cathedral in Memphis for Midnight Mass. The music was spectacular, and the Church was packed to the rafters with people from all faiths. It really was a Holy night. I'm not used to going to bed at 3AM, however, and was sure I'd sleep in 'til noon (part of the strategy for handling my kids not being home), but no, I woke up at 7AM! We spent much of the day talking to our kids on the phone as they opened their gifts, which was fun. We got them each a Garmin Nuvi navigational system (which should help them find home next year :) They might be adults and all gorwn up but still get stockings every year, which are packed to the brim with silly, and serious gifts. I love that they still treasure the traditions they grew up with. So here's to Christmas...may we always treasure old traditions and keep making new ones!

Yum-O

Eclectica Scrapbooks and Stamps (LSS) had it's annual Staff and Instructor Holiday Celebration/Dinner/Cookie Swap. Our "Dirty Santa" gift exchange was fun, but a bit too polite with only a few steals. Everyone ended up with a lovely gift in the end. As I promised, here is the recipe for the Cookies I brought. Enjoy!

Maple Walnut Shortbread dipped in Chocolate



1 cup butter (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 egg yolk
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. maple flavor
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts

1. Beat sugar and butter until smooth. Add 1/2 cup walnuts and egg yolk; beat until blended. Add flour, baking powder, salt and maple flavor. Beat on low speed until stiff cookie dough forms. Shape dough into a ball, wrap and place in fridge for about 45 minutes.
2. Heat oven to 350degrees F. Divide dough into 8 equal parts. On lightly floured surface, shape each part into a rope 12" long and
3/4" thick. Cut into 2" lengths; place about 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. I flattened centers slightly with one finger.
3. Bake for 16-18 minutes until edges begin to brown. Cool completely.
4. In a double boiler melt chocolate chips; stirring until smooth. In another small bowl place toasted chopped walnuts.
5. Dip one side of each cookie into melted chocolate then into walnuts. Place on sheets of parchment or waxed paper; let stand until set. (I put mine in the fridge.)

Don't ask for the calorie and fat count...'cause you just don't want to know!



All packaged and ready for the swap...

Giving Thanks

Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving! We're on our way to Virginia, along with all the other (crazy) people who will be on the road tomorrow. We're hoping and praying to stay ahead of the storms! Remember, between stuffing the bird and stuffing your face, to take a minute to remember everything you have to be thankful for and count your blessings! Love to you all!

Artistic Outpost

I mounted several plates of stamps over the last few days, most of which are from Artistic Outpost's new stamp line. One of the plates is Thai Buddha, which I used for the collage below. I couldn't help but think about our sweet little exchange student from Thailand while I was stamping these images. Did you know the skinny Buddha is Thailand's Buddha? That's just one of the many things I learned from Bow's short stay with us. Having three exchange students from around the world (Martin from the Czech Republic, Camilla from Brazil, and Bow from Thailand, reminded us that everyone on this earth is connected, that we are all the same yet different, just like a big family. They opened our eyes and broadened our views in ways we never could have anticipated! I hear from each of them now and then...they all call me their "American Mom." They will always have a special place in my heart...my other kids. And tomorrow is Camilla's 19th birthday...Happy Birthday, sweetie!

I love surprises!

A normally uneventful trip to the mailbox made my day! I was greeted by a package from Oxford Impressions, one of my favorite stamp companies (a girl can have lots of favorites...right?) There was a note attached that said, "Don't feel obligated to use these....but if they fit into your art..." Of course they fit into my art, and I have a perfect opportunity to use them today! Nineteen artist trading cards, which are due tomorrow morning, will be graced by these beautiful images. Thanks so much Suzanne!

Beeswax Fun!

Here's a picture of the fun ornaments we'll be creating in my upcoming December workshop at Eclectica Scrapbooks and Stamps. If you've been anxious to work with beeswax and you love collage this will be a great class for you.




Beeswax Collage Ornaments Workshop

Saturday, December 1 at 10:30 AM -- $26 Instructor: Roxi
The sweet scent of beeswax will fill the air when we create FIVE collaged ornaments that are sure to become treasured family heirlooms. We will create collages on all sides and edges of these dimensional ornaments with holiday papers and images. The ornaments will receive a coat of natural beeswax and will be topped off with a wire work hanger and metal charms. In addition to your basic class kit, please bring a craft knife with extra blades and a metal-edged ruler. Please note: This is a workshop length class

What's keeping me out of mischief these days...

I often hear..."so what are you up to lately?" So I thought that even though I can't post pics of things I'm submitting, I can tell you a little bit about them. I was recently asked to create an ensemble for the hit show "Project Runway" on behalf of Krylon. I don't get Bravo network so I'd never seen the show before, but now I see the advertisements everywhere and Heidi Klum on every talk show. So if you see an episode with spray painted fashion as the challenge...maybe, just maybe my submissions did the trick! Now, I gotta get Bravo network asap!
I have several things in publications right now, including the ad you might see in several Christmas edition magazines including Better Homes and Gardens, Crafts-n-Things and other places Krylon advertises. The candlelit votives are mine. In Crafts-n-Things I also have a wine box and a calendar set. In Michael's in store magazine, "Imagine," I have a sugar cookie tray, a Joy mantel piece and a set of gift tags. In Creative Home Arts I have a Fall frame and candle set...that's my little brother and his wife in the pumpkin patch.
Right now I'm working on some design team projects for Artistic Outpost and some design work for Colorbox for use in their ads and in their CHA booth.
Along with three of my favorite artist friends and fellow CHA designers, Candice, Melony, and Ronnie I'm working on a Fashion crafting display for the big Winter CHA (industry trade show) that will be in Anaheim in February. Our theme is "Mommy and Me," and we have a really fun design planned for our display...more to follow, think Anthropology, think retro...and those are your only hints for now!
I'm also honored to be helping a very good friend with "Save the Date" magnets and cards for their son's upcoming wedding...they're only sending 300!