Friday, December 16, 2011

More Holiday stuff.....

It has been pretty lonely around here...Aside from work I have been filling my extra time with pets, reading and making things...Can I just go on the record as saying that the holidays are a lonely time for me...It is hard not to sink into a mattress filled with sadness and tears. All my lost loved ones seem to surround me and I feel so darn sad. I think it is the hardest time to get through. I have my sister and her kids, but I don't get to see them very often. They live about 45 miles away and a lot of times I cant even afford the gas to get over there. I know so many people struggle with being alone this time of year and my wish would be, if you know someone who is, offer them company, or a phone call or some Christmas cookies and a card. One thing that has kept me feeling like I am participating in something Christmas related is I joined Shawnee's secret santa swap....I figured I could do it the handmade way with what I have...the only thing that cost me money was a peppermint bark candy bar and postage. My partner was a lady named Debbie. I just heard she got her package so it is ok to share now...

















I made this bag from a curtain panel that I had...I think it is pretty festive and it was lined with ivory satin and then instead of a card I attached a fabric, paper heart that can be used as an ornament.


She loves bright colors so I also made her a "Joy" banner...her house is in mexican style colors so I thought she would enjoy it.












The glitter bird and the turquoise, brown necklace in the last post were also for her. I passed on the quilt mystery book that I won from Michelle's blog too...


I made some more bird ornaments..This is one of my favorites. I love the turquoise with the glitter.











Then CJ H. and I are doing a private swap that is a twelve days of Christmas thing...Number twelve is a handmade stocking and then the other things just have to be made with what you have, re purposed into something else or used...no things that cost anything...We are both late and smiling about it, but we plan on mailing by tomorrow. We have had fun emailing each other back and forth. Thru emailing, we have found out that we have some things in common which makes it even more fun. I have put a lot of time into this, I just turn the tv on and sit on the floor and paint and glue and cut fabric and sew. I cant wait to hear what she thinks when she gets her package...
I am finally down to two little bins of fabric and paper...I may have to turn into one of those trash artists, but you never know, that could be fun too! I love those bags made out of candy wrappers....Yeah, that's an idea... xoxoxoxox Melinda

12 comments:

Pat said...

Oh, Melinda...I wish I lived closer as you and I could do some things together. My wish for you is that your spirits may be lighter soon and that 2012 will be a year of blessings for you.

Barb said...

I hate to think that you are so alone...and I know there are alot of people who are this time of year.

My heart goes out to you....can you send me you address, I think I have your old one.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Melinda!
awww...will you be going to your sister's for Christmas??!! I LOVE your swap package! You are so creative and the JOY banner is awesome!
Take Care.
Warmest Christmas wishes,
deb

sjmcdowell said...

Dearest Melinda,

It has been awhile. you and I were swap buddies last fall. you made me a lovely quilted table topper and I made you the pumpkin pincushion with the top hat..do you remember?
I can understand the lonesome feelings you are having..I have been through similar circumstances in my life too. All I can say is keep you chin up keep your faith in God and keep blogging cause we are all here for you sweetie!
I wish I lived closer to you too...Please e-mail me with your address ok??

Love and Warm Hugs to You
my friend,

Susan
xxoo

Maria said...

I am delighted to see you posting about how you feel. You know we are here for you even me from down under.
You make such wonderful things I know as your bunnies live on my printer with your message on the back.
"Someday I hope to swim in your ocean and hear a Kookaburra laugh" and I hope you do.
Heaps of HUGE HUGZ.
Maria XXXX

Patty said...

Melinda, my heart goes out to you I hope you will be able to spend some time with your sister and kids this Christmas. Send me your new address will ya?

Needled Mom said...

Gosh, Melinda, I can't imagine how difficult the holidays must be for you. We can all take your advice and seek out those in a similar situation in our own area.

Your creativity is just wonderful and I think you could make any trash look spectacular!

Laurie said...

I'm so happy you have your passion for art and creating to keep you going when you feel lonely! Hugs!

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Hey Melinda! I haven't been by in forever! So glad to see you are creating like crazy! Love all your projects! I have been slacking and trying to find my muse. Surely she'll come back one of these days... Have a Merry Christmas if I don't talk to you before that.

Jenny said...

Melinda. Dear girl. Would you like to come down and stay here with us?

We're in the process of moving but you are very welcome.

I'm sorry for this pain. I know some of these worries and they are really hard to stand...much less during the holidays.

Hugs and hope.

Pam said...

Melinda. I can understand your pain. I especially miss my son at Christmas and his birthday was Dec 30th. I do know that we get through it with lots of prayer and with support of family and friends. I am offering you support as your blog friend. You will be in my thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Love the gifts you made for the swap.

I haven't visited lately. Hubby is dealing with health issues but hope to get back to my regular blog visits after the first of the year.

jillytacy said...

I'm sure your goodies will be greatly appreciated, you are an amazing fiber artist!
I hope that you know I'm thinking of you this holiday season and sending warm thoughts your way! Merry Christmas!