When I do crafts throughout the year, I think about Christmas presents and who would appreciate a handcrafted gift.
One year I crocheted afghans for many people on my list. Another I made scarves on a loom.
Long ago, when craft stores were thriving, my husband, son and I would visit them together, especially when snow began falling and we expected to be trapped indoors for a few days. I would find a crewelwork to stitch and my husband and son would often choose latchhooks projectsfor hangings or rugs. It was a family time, and now I appreciate how much we enjoyed doing that together.
After my dad retired, he took up acrylic and watercolor painting. When he passed on, I kept his paints and decided to try my hand at both. I found I enjoyed the watercolor medium best. Life got busy and writing took up more and more of my time, and I left the art behind. But this year, with my love of cats a major passion, I decided to pick it up again and try feline portraits. I found watercolor painting with music or an audio book playing in the background is as relaxing as gardening. I forget about everything else and focus on the cat in front of me. Since family and friends are cat lovers too, the watercolor paintings will make wonderful presents.
Do you enjoy crafting? Feel free to share in the comments.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
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HER SISTER, Book 7 in Karen's
SEARCH FOR LOVE series
Contemporary women's fiction with romance and mystery
Clare's little sister, Lynnie, was abducted twenty-seven years ago. Now the retired detective who has never been able to let go of the cold case has a lead. Lynnie could be alive!
Clare's neighbor, Joe, an occasional friend until now, gives her support and...wants more than friendship.
Clare's mom, Amanda, thrown together again with her ex-husband into a crisis discovers forgotten love beneath the regrets.
Clare's sixteen year old daughter, Shara, decides to run from her problems instead of facing them.
A devoted sister, a turmoiled mom and a rebellious daughter find their way back to each other in this contemporary ebook about three generations who discover love can knit their family back together again.
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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Unfortunately, I have never been able to get into crafting of any kind. I can't concentrate long enough on it. I enjoy getting the Variety Puzzle books and working on those. I have a black thumb so I literally can't do any gardening.
ReplyDeleteI crochet.... one year, it was afghans for my daughters, my son and his girlfriend, my niece... for no special reasons. Then, one Christmas, I made all the girls who attended our Asian Holiday Feast slippers (ended up making like a dozen pairs or so); the next year, shawls (about a dozen different ones), then scarves (again, different for everyone)... and out of nowhere, I also made scarves/hats/mittens ensemble for my daughters and my niece. Made some baby items as well for a shower (my daughter's, a few friends/acquaintances). Helps me relax. This year, though, I haven't done anything - problems with my hands. Next year, probably new slippers for everyone. :)
ReplyDeleteI love crafting but I haven't done much lately to give as gifts. I did oil paint daisies for a friends birthday, and cross stitched some baby bibs for a gift. I have received a quilted pillow, and a cross stitched baby blanket which my daughter still has and loves and she's 19 now. I also bake some cookies to give out to co workers.
ReplyDeleteI love crafting (and baking) although my body hasn't cooperated well this year. I love making afghans, but for now I'm doing smaller items (scarfs, slippers, mittens, shawls, etc). With help, I'm working on making gift packages, baking and crafting ornaments. Praying next year will be better. It is hard to do much but read (it's a good thing I have a host of favorite authors with new releases) when you have to be flat in bed with legs on pillows for all except 4 hours/week unless traveling for clinic visits.
ReplyDeleteKaren you have a very generous heart. Not just in the way you give to your readers but also the way you take care of animals who have no voice. I enjoy making jewelry each year but try to come up with a different ornament using my talents with jewelry. robeader53@yahoo.com
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