Would you be perfectly happy...

...in a heaven with no sin, no disease, no brokenness, and no Jesus?

Really think about that question.  Do you love Jesus or what he has to offer?

Zibbet Tuesday- Miles of Textiles

I really must tell you that I adore the pillows sold at Miles of Textiles. They are gorgeous!  Let me introduce you to the owner.

Meet Catheline.

 

 

Tell me a bit about you.
  I'm retired from the foreign service & now living in Las Vegas. I focus full-time on creating home decor pieces from my collection of textiles I've gathered during my years spent in the Middle East & Southeast Asia.
  I have a 20-yr old daughter who has just gotten her certification to become a veterinary assistant. She has a menagerie of cats & dogs that are all cuter than cute. I love hearing from her about their antics and what they're all up to.
  My hobbies include reading and in-depth research into the history and cultures of those foreign countries in which I have lived and traveled. To me it is a fascinating study and and I do spend countless hours at it.

Catheline's favorite pieces:

 Burgundy Velvet Pillow

 

Tangerine Silk & Green Velvet Pillow

  

Burgundy & Navy Tissue Holder w/Tassels

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from the colors and "hand" of the fabrics themselves. I like to make one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Each one takes lots of time. If it is not "just right" it is not beyond me to tear it out and start over....often 4 or 5 times. I'm so grateful to whoever invented "retirement" so I now have the time to devote to this sort of thing. I'm also inspired by my textile library. Although I do not make couture clothing (good grief, the thought of it!) I have read lots of biographies of those who do. I'm inspired by how they are all masters of their crafts. Many of them learned to sew when they were young children at their mothers' knee. When I lived in Paris I had the opportunity to visit many of their fashion houses. Of course, being aghast at the prices I now know why they are so expensive: all are hand-sewn by a select few who possess great skill with just a needle and thread. In their work the sewing machine is used rarely. To me that is fascinating. One of my favorite books is about the House of Lesage, the French embroidery firm. Although they now outsource most of their work to India to reduce labor costs, the photos of their works are stunning. My first reaction when seeing examples was "how could human hands possibly make something so beautiful?" If you're not familiar with Lesage, and are interested, I would highly recommend researching the type of work they do.

Any words of inspiration for other Zibbet sellers?
I would say to not give up and let people know you exist! If you love what you do and have the time to devote to your craft that is what is important. Your passion will come through in the final product. Don't be too focused on the financial returns. It will take all the joy out of your art. At least for me it does.
 

Motivate Me Monday- Happy Anniversary.

This is what I was doing 7 years ago today.

We've had excitement and sorrow throughout our marriage, but I am filled with such joy to know that we are committed.  Our vows are not just a contract they are a covenant.

What's the difference you may ask?

A contract can be easily broken.

Our covenant is not only with each other but with God as well.

I want to encourage you to make your marriage a covenant marriage.  A strong promise.

A cord of 3 strands.

How do you view your wedding vows?

Link up your inspirational and motivational posts below.

Marketing Monday!

I have recently added a couple of home decor items to my shop Made On Fifth Street.
I just love these signs I made from upcycled chalk boards:

I am also able to create custom signs.  Just ask!

Saturday Links

Here is a really unique boredom buster for kiddos with the summer time blues. Break out some glow bracelets like Cindy from Along The Way.

I know that summer is here but I really love this Top 10 List of reasons to homeschool your children from The Homeschool Post.

Check out this awesome burlap chore chart at Brown Paper Packages!

Wordless Wednesday- Father's Day BBQ With Grandpa

Zibbet Tuesday- Made On Fifth Street

Yup you read that right! This week Zibbet Tuesday is all about me and my shop Made on Fifth Street. What's the use of having a blog if I don't use it for a little self promotion? (Plus I just got home from visiting family).

So meet me Sarah.

 Here are my top 3 favorite items:

Abigail

Meadow

Sophia

Where does my inspiration come from? 

I love that my children each have a special toy.  So I wanted to create a design that would capture the hearts of young ones.  I adore beautiful fabric and just browsing through it motivates me to get sewing!

Any words of encouragement for other Zibbet sellers?

Reach out and help others.  Tweet other sellers work.  Add a Facebook link to shops you like.  Be generous.

Contact info:

Made on Fifth Street

Twitter

Facebook

Motivate Me Monday- No Expectations

Last week I had extra kiddos at my house for 3 days (they went home in the evening). Now these children were not behaving poorly or anything like that. They just add extra noise. Ages 2-6 just have very little volume control.

That first day I imagined my husband coming home to take care of the kids until the dad of the other children came so I could run to the store (blissfully alone) and pick something up for supper.

So when the first words out of his mouth were "I need a shower." Pop went my dreams of alone time and kaboom went my temper. It was ugly folks. I stomped my feet, balled up my fists and screamed "I need to go to the store." (Pretty eh? Do you still want to read my blog?)

Let's examine what went wrong:

1. I was making my own plans. 

When I make my own plans and get wrapped up in what I want and the thoughts in my head turn to ME ME ME! I mean never mind that my husband has been working all day on building our house or that he might be tired as well... all I was concerned with was my needs.

2. I was living with my expectations. 

My own expectations are so much less than what God has for me.  God chooses to bless us because He loves us. He chooses to withhold blessings because He loves us. He is God almighty and powerful and yet He loves me.  When I live expectantly without expectations I am trusting God.  I am expecting him to keep His promises and to love me, but not demanding that he bends to my will and does things my way.
 
So my encouragement today is to let go of your own plans and agenda.  Give up your life so that you will have the life Christ has for you.  Live expectantly without expectations.

Saturday Links

Hello!  Hope your Saturday is treating you well!  I am on a road trip with my kiddos.  Hopefully getting in as many yard sales as possible.  Enjoy!

Gussy has some things to giggle at.

Lena from Mommy Moments is looking for some adoption fundraiser ideas. Head on over there and share your thoughts!

Check out these homeschool book recommendations over at The Homeschool Chick

And just in case you missed it... you can read my interview with Nifty Knits

I'm Outta Here!

Tomorrow the kiddos and I are headed south on a little summer road trip. See you all after the weekend!

Zibbet Tuesday- Photography

There are some amazing photographers in this world. I am not one of them. So I just might cheat and display some of these gorgeous photos for sale on Zibbet.

 Ginger Snapz 

On the Fairway 8x10 Photograph

Alicia Bock Photography 

Polaroid Photograph- Beside the Little Red House

Downtime 

Paddle Wheel Paddle Boat

Come celebrate Zibbet Tuesday over at Made on Fifth Street.  The first 2 customers will receive a free gift!

Where am I today???

Nifty Knits has done a really great interview piece with me about my shop.


Go ahead and check it out, you just might find out a thing or 2 about me that you did n't already know :)! Then come right back and read Motivate Me Monday.

Motivate Me Monday - Kindness

Laura over at Along For the Ride has issued a challenge called 90 Days of Kindness. Click the button below to find out more about it.





Now after telling you about this challenge I must tell you that I will not be joining the fun.  Not because I don't think it's a worthy endeavor.  I think this is a great idea.  I just know that if I blog about the kind things I do, I will then be looking for comments about the kind things I have done, and my motives will be moved from spreading the love of Jesus to having my horn tooted. 

Laura's post did get me to thinking about living more radically for Jesus though.  In fact my heart longs to live fully for God.  I am so not there.  I have been radical in the past.  Just over a year ago I took my family and camped out in "the hood".  I learned some very valuable lessons from that experience, but the lessons are starting to fade.  I am becoming too comfortable. 

I don't have a plan yet but I am looking for opportunities to love abundantly and live for my Lord.

Do you have a motivational or inspirational post? Link up below!

Saturday Links

The short ad sweet version today!

I hope to try my hand at these gorgeous flowers from Multi-purpose Wings. (Isn't that the coolest blog name?)

I have been looking for a great preschool bible curriculum that isn't hokey or too Sunday schoolish. I have found it at Homeschool Your Boys.

Friday Funnies- Hilarious Hudson (again)

This is Hudson current hairstyle. (minus the yellow hair extension).

Yes my four year old has a rat tail.

The other night he came to me and said "Mom, I watered my tail in the bathtub."
"Why?" I questioned him.
His reply... "to make it stronger."

Oh how I love this kid. :)

For more Friday Funnies head on over to my friend Kim's blog.

Show Off Your Stuff- Baby Rag Quilt

A while back I won a gift card to A Vision to Remember from a giveaway hosted by none other than:

As one of my prizes I chose A rag quilt pattern. I love this pattern!  It is really simple to understand and I completed my first baby quilt qhite quickly.  So without further ado here is my finished product:

I was thrilled to give this fun and pretty blanket as a gift at my dear friend's baby shower.

Wordless Wednesday - Why I Didn't Blog Last Week.

For more WW head on over to 5M4M

Zibbet Tuesday- CLP Studios

Let me introduce you to Cindy.

Isn't she fun?  Cindy is the artist behind CLP Studio .  She sells amazing hand painted purses, handbags, and all things carryable!

Here are 2 of my favorite pieces:

Totally gorgeous don't think?

So without further ado here's Cindy:

I consider myself a Messenger of Art. I’m inspired by taking a classic/master’s work from a traditional “frame on a wall” and reconfiguring it to an unconventional canvas like a bag or a pair of shoes so it can be appreciated in a new, fresh way and enjoyed by many on a daily basis.   I’ve amassed quite a collection of art books and can spend hours poring over them.  Or I’ll spend hours on the computer just looking at art – in any form.  I see it everywhere.  

I am married (32 years) and have two children (well, 2 adults: a son who is 30 and a daughter 29.)  Don’t forget my two assistants (four legged furry canine kind) who follow me everywhere and oversee (oversleep!) every painting project.  Try as I might, I still cannot teach them to paint –it’s that dangnable thumb thing.  If only they could run a vacuum and do dishes I could paint even more!!

  

I’m partial to all the bags for a variety of reasons, but if I had to pick… Girl Around the World – it’s an original that’s just up-tempo and fun.  Full Blossom – A lovely Asian inspired floral by Don Li-Leger.  Peace Dog and Phil – simply whimsical and fun with a good message.  The following two aren’t currently in my shop but I’m very attached to them…Graffitti artist Banksy’s Laugh Now – as it’s a thought provoking commentary.  Sudden Showers Over Shono – by Ando Hiroshige, an 1800’s Japanese artist with over 5,400 works.  He’s one of my favorites.  I truly do get excited about each and every one though.

I really enjoy what I do, and so many things inspire me.  I’ve always had what I term L.D.L. (low delight level!)  so I am quite easily amused and inspired.  I try to branch out to various selling venues, which keeps me busy.  But should it get slow I just figure if I keep painting – they will come someday!  I look at these slow times as great opportunities to learn new things like Twitter, get organized, try new painting techniques and catch up.  It just tends to work itself all out somehow – assuming I keep working it  (-;

Want to know where else you can find Cindy?

http://www.zibbet.com/clpstudio

http://www.clpstudio.etsy.com 

http://www.facebook.com/clpstudio 

http://www.clpstudio.com   hand painted shoes

http://www.twitter.com/clpstudio