PRAYERS FOR FELLOW TEXANS!

Texans woke up Saturday to headlines and pictures reading "Take a Hike IKE" but to terrific dismay IKE did not. Galveston, Texas took the worst with flooding and great loss over the entire island. Houston, Texas was also very hard hit with much damage, flooding and no power predicted for a few weeks.
We in North Texas also braced for rough weather, but in the end the winds went east and we missed the worst. Although our hearts and prayers go out to all those that became victims south and east. North Texas shelters housed thousands of evacuees fleeing the hurricane. Our continued prayers go on for our many friends and relatives that live along the southern areas of Texas. May the power be returned quickly with homes and lives rebuilt.
Below is a picture from our morning paper on Friday.


On a lighter note, I have been very busy and just wanted to share a few new treasures I added to my studio. Storage is always something I need, so when I found this magazine book rack, I knew it would help organize files and books. My son put it together for me and then I decided the front insets needed some art too. So I did some creating with mixed media on the three shelf fronts with toile papers, sheet music, victorian graphics, ribbons, buttons and graphic roses. It looks like the front of books, but it really is right on the wood.


The toile lamp is also a new addition that I created and I shared this last week on the window party. It is working out very nicely, and yes, Ann is going to let me keep it here. Thank you my dear friend!! I love it.

A few weeks ago I was in one of my favorite antique malls and found this sweet pink poodle. She sits on the shelf and a nice companion to the black and white check poodle that I also have in the studio. Of course Miss Beaz would love to have this for her toy, but for now, it is only to enjoy on the shelf.

This small table I am really excited about and I made it to hold a very special Toile Basket made by Bertie from Aunt May's Cottage. I found this table with a basket weave top, but needed to be painted and adding another bottom shelf. I cut a piece of wood to fit the lower area and covered that with fabric. To that area I added a small toile trunk that I embellished and use for storage. But my favoite part is the way the basket sits on the top and holds supplies handy for ready use and a pot of roses to enjoy. Bertie, this has been a joy to have and is gorgeous in this spot. Many thanks always.

Very treasured is my newest pretty from Vickie from Vickie's Visuals. It is this darling black and white Southern Belle figurine. I love this Vickie and it looks gorgeous in my studio. You can see many wonderful treasure from Vickie's web shoppe by going to her blog and linking from there. She has lovely items.


Then, from the bargin isle at my local Hobby Lobby, I found this sweet Victorian Lady for a mere 2 dollars. She was in perfect condition, and of course, I had to showcase her in my studio. She seems to be watching over the room.

Also on a recent shopping afternoon with my dear friend Lori, I found this beautiful ballerina. This past year I have been inspired with ballerina designs since my dear friend Liz and customer invitied me, with other artists, to take part in a fund raiser event given in honor for her daughter who passed away suddenly 4 years ago with a heart condition. I can not even imagine this kind of loss and my heart goes out to her. The funds raised went towards a scholarship for another school girl in the school that she attended. My friends daughter, was a young adult teacher dancer/ballerina and thus the theme for her honor. The fund raiser was a huge succuss and she has asked me to design 120 dinner guest gift bags for next years event. I have started and it will take the whole time to get done, but I am so excited to be included once again. The ballerina dancer is beautiful in my studio and inspires me everyday. Thank you Liz for your constant inspiration and encouragement.

Liz sent me the brochure for the event and I designed just for her, a treasure box to hold keepsakes inspired by the brochure layout. I sent her this with my hand painted fund raiser item, last spring.
I had so much fun with this creation.


Lastly "Through the Cottage Door" is a new design I worked on a couple weeks ago. The painting is done on a fabric sheet canvas and cut to fit this oval distressed frame. It was a blessing to sell this one and I am painting a few others similar.

Thank you for stopping by. This season is always very busy for me and I seem to only get to my blog about once a week to post and visit. But, I try and visit as often as possible and enjoy it so much when I can see what everyone is up to. Till next time, have a great day and blessings always.
Celestina