My Favorite Holiday Card

We received a Christmas card from a dear friend made by Kathy Davis Studios, with the most incredible message. I loved it so much that I wanted to share:

The Greatest Gifts

May we break boundaries, tear down walls, and build the foundation of goodness inside each of us.



May we look past differences, gain understanding, and embrace acceptance. May we reach out to each other, rather than resist.

May we be better stewards of the earth, protecting, nurturing, and replenishing the beauties of nature.



May we practice gratitude for all we have, rather than complain about our needs.



May we seek cures for the sick, help for the hungry, and love for the lonely.

May we share our talents, give our time, and teach our children.

May we hold hope for the future very tenderly in our hearts and do all we can to build for bright tomorrows.



And may we love with our whole hearts, for that's the only way to love.

You may read more on Kathy Davis' blog. All of my photographs included here are available in my etsy shop. Enjoy!

2 New ACEO's in my etsy shop!

New in my etsy shop , two new ACEO's! I have listed two of my popular prints as ACEO's. ACEO's are fun little pieces of art (2.5x3.5 inches) to collect, trade, or give. A few ideas to display your ACEO's - a special photo album for them, a little basket of them on your coffee table for your friends and family to flip through, tuck them in a card as a sweet little "thinking of you," or matte and frame them to display in your home.

Here are my new ACEO's:


Ruby Red




Starfall

You may learn more about ACEO's and see some beautiful examples in this etsy thread. View all of my ACEO's here.

Have fun, and enjoy getting to know this fun little art form!

Zoo Lights

What fun we had tonight! One of our friends was performing with her Irish Dance group at our zoo during the holiday lights festival. It was mild outside - not too cold and very pretty. It always amazes me how beautiful our little zoo looks, all decorated for the holidays. Funny what a lot of colorful lights can do! Happy Holidays to all of you!

My Second Giveaway - Tiny Framed Print

Perfect for letting someone know that you are thinking of them, or to brighten a friend's day - tiny little framed photographs. The frames measure ~ 3x4 inches, perfect for a windowsill, desk or shelf. Most of the prints available in my etsy shop would work in one of these little frames - just let me know what you are interested in - I am happy to work with you!

For my giveaway, post a comment here describing your favorite holiday tradition. My little helpers and I will choose a winner out of our Boston Red Sox hat on January 1, 2009! The winner will receive one of these tiny framed prints!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Underground Bazaar in San Francisco

I am so excited to be a part of the First Underground Bazaar in the Inner Sunset area of San Francisco, this Sunday, Dec. 14 from noon until 5pm . Twenty six vendors will be showcased.

There has been TERRIFIC publicity, in everything from CBS5, blogs, N-JudahChronicles, Laughing Squid, Lilycat, Yelp, and Sunsetdistrict.org .

What is the Underground Bazaar?:

It is a community-building art show exclusively for DIYers.

When?

Sunday, Dec. 14, Noon to5pm.

What is the cost?

Free to both buyers and sellers!

Where is this place?

In a grand, turn-of-the-century house on the NW corner of 6th & Irving, Inner Sunset, in San Francisco.

Why?

Because it sounds like a nice way to encourage talented people to sell creative stuff to appreciative people.

My DH will be the vendor for me on Sunday (thank you so much!)! So, if you are in the neighborhood, drop by and browse through the wonderful shops of handmade fun!

Here are a few of the items which you will find in my booth (they are also available in my etsy store)......

FAM - Made Holiday Holiday Gift Guide

I am thankful to be a member of the Etsy FAM team (Fabulous Artistic Moms). The women in this group are incredibly supportive, super talented, and a lot of fun.

The FAM-Made for the Holidays promo is under way! You will be entered to win FAM Bucks if you buy from my shop between Dec 1 and Dec 12! There are daily deals and surprise specials! The special for today is reduced shipping!




Take a look at the Holiday gift guide for teens on the FAM blog.

Counting my Blessings

My children are the most incredible gifts I have ever received. Their joy, curiosity and love take my breath away. Although we are very close, I never lived full-time with my stepbrother and stepsister. Because of this, I grew up mainly as an only child, so one of the most wonderful (and the most challenging sometimes) parts of being a mom to these four little people, is watching their relationships with each other develop. I am so thankful that they have each other to share life with.

Even on the tough days, there is plenty to laugh and smile about around here....

Their Dictionary

gassilator - alligator
rangakoo - kangaroo
sand oliver - sand dollar
companio - piano
superball - superbowl
outside outside - inside out


The benefits (?) of having three older sisters:
So, to my four little buddies, thank you for filling my heart. I love you to the moon and back.

New in My Etsy Shop! Downtown Architecture Cards

A great way to send a greeting to that friend who loves the beauty of architecture! I took these photos around our downtown area. The details in these churches were lovely, I thought. The cards are 5x7, perfect to send or to frame as a gift.

Each of the photos in this set is also available as a print in various sizes. Just email me through my etsy shop and let me know what you would like!

Advent Conspiracy - This is thought-provoking and inspiring. Please watch! (You'll want to turn off my playlist to hear the music. )

Wow! Take a look at the FAM Made Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Looking for unique, wonderful, handmade gifts for those you love? Please take time to check out the FAM (Fabulous Artistic Moms) Holiday gift guide! You will be sure to find something perfect for everyone on your list! Click on the cute little snowman to check it out! Happy Holidays, everyone!