Merry Christmas + Illustration Fri. - 'messenger'

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

My offering for IF's word this week 'messenger', a quick sketch in my moleskine journal. I had a few ideas but with limited time today decided to go with the dove - a 'messenger' and eternal symbol of peace & hope. I was curious to see if there were any other references to doves, with respect to animals as personal totems and found this bit of commentary:

Dove/Pigeon's gifts include - bringer of peace and love, understanding of gentleness, spirit messenger, communication between the two worlds, maternity, femininity, prophecy.

Doves carry the energy of promise. When inner agitation is banished from our thoughts, words and feelings, the goodness awaits us. So we are able to receive the gifts doves present us, healing on all levels - emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually - is of utmost importance.

The Dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried and troubled thoughts, and enables us to find renewal in the silence of mind. In these moments of stillness we are able to appreciate the simple things in life.

I couldn't have phrased that last line any better, I think I'll add it to my wish/vision board that I put together every New Year.

Wishing you all the blessings, joy & peace of the season - however you celebrate it.

Merry Christmas!

Dec. 3rd: Silver Love

I gathered up all things silver within reach of my work table and heaped them all onto silver crepe paper - I love that stuff, bought it a few years ago by the roll and have used it for giftwrapping and also for making the most sumptuous ruffles for paper ornaments.

I think our tree will be silver & aqua with touches of pink this year. I want to try to create an icy wonderland look because I am missing the snow that used to herald in the season every year for my family :<

I've decided to post festive photos, artwork or delish recipes every day leading up to Christmas and in the spirit of the season, I'll also be hostessing a GIVEAWAY. This week I'll be posting a 'show & tell' on how I altered a storebought ornament (you can just make it out in t he pic above, top left, it's the bird & cage orament) so c'mon back!

Comfort & Joy....and Cookies!

Just a quick post as the hustle & bustle is upon us all. Getting into the Christmas spirit here: scented candles are lit, fave holiday music is playing and cookies are just out of the oven, yum!

Thought I'd share a last-minute project I'm working on and my all-time fave cookie recipe. The knitting is a scarf for my daughter (shhhh!!) made from 100% Merino wool, I ♥ this yarn! The recipe is for 'Thimble Cookies' (aka 'Santa's Thumbprints') and they are are melt-in-your-mouth-delicious, I tell ya!!!

It's a no-fuss basic ingredient recipe that whips up fairly quickly. I love that you can add jam or candied fruit to the centers of these, whichever you prefer. You can also add mint jelly to the centers to make a festive red & green cookie display or pop them in a vintage or holiday tin lined w/ parchment and tie with a sumptuous bow for gift-giving! Enjoy!


(enlarge pic for recipe, it prints out index card size)



Hope you're finding time to savor all the wonderful sounds, sights & smells of Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like......Winter!

And what better time to finally open up my Etsy shop as the snow and holidays are upon us here!!! Yup we got quite a bit of snow this past week, about 4 feet! It definitely put me in Christmas & crafting mode! :)



I've been busy creating all kinds of items for a local Art & Crafts event this weekend and decided to list a few items in my shop, I've got more I'm finishing up so they'll follow soon.

I can't believe that I joined Etsy over a year ago and just getting around now to listing some of my creations! It's a huge (scary) step for me to put something I've created out into the world no less with a price tag on it!! lol However, I am working my way confidently towards getting some original sketches or paintings up there in the new year too.

My shop is listed under lauratmdesigns but I've linked to my blog here and also have a new website for a tailored line in the works - phew! As much as I think I haven't progressed in my work/journey this past year, I do believe things happened as they should for me and in the process I realized this: what seemed like setbacks at times were really blessings in disguise :)

Hope you all find time to enjoy this wonderful season!