Give What Lasts... "Living" a Gift For Others (and Ourselves)

It's a very cold, frosty morning here in the 

White Mountains

and we've had our first snow.

This morning, I've been thinking about 

what's important to leave behind. 

I've always thought that it

 would be a good thing to 

leave some kind of legacy.

 Some strong sense of something to ground,

enrich or inspire those who follow. 

And being so close to the holidays,

I'm also considering the possibility of these things

as gifts. Something that will make 

a difference to those that I

have the privilege to encounter.

Obviously, this type of gift isn't quite as convenient 

to give as one that can 

be wrapped in pretty paper.

So, I guess, they become a challenge as

well as a gift to ourselves.

Because, in order to "give" them

we have to be living them.  

So, hmm....I guess you could call it..

"Living" a gift instead of 

"giving" a gift.   

Or... 

Gift Living.   

Wouldn't it feel amazing to give something 

like this to someone

that we knew would hopefully be passed

down for generations?

We do that with heirloom pieces and 

handmade gifts. Wouldn't it be wonderful to

gift a person with some intangible "heirlooms"

as well?

Such as;

A sense of humor~ 

(Which is a little ironic.

Because I've never had one.

Hah! But I'm learning!)

What a great thing it would be to 

inspire someone

to laugh or be able to look at

circumstances from 

a "lighter perspective." 

Something that could help a person get 

through the tougher times of life.

And help someone else do the same!

Compassion~

There's something else that I feel

that I am having have had to "grow in to."

What a comforting thing to be on the

recipient of this loving attribute. 

Everyone needs compassion.

Kindness shown in a time of pain.

No matter what the source of that pain is.

Resourcefulness~

Another name for this could be:

Problem solving.

Being a thinker and then taking it a 

step further to the "doing" stage. 

What a fun way to stretch the 

imagination and be creative!

To apply gifts... talents and knowledge.

Or.... 

An opportunity to learn something new!

Of course, I enjoy going to concerts, movies and

and plays. They are fun, interesting and

 enriching. However, I don't want my life to

be characterized by that.

And it's so much more satisfying to use

what I've learned and the skills that I 

have acquired to enrich someone else's life! 

Everyday is filled with multiple opportunities

to apply this or to grow in it.

These are just a few that are important to me.

You've probably thought of your own while 

reading through this.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you so much for stopping by and

have a beautiful a day!

Tamara

Recycling a Shoebox for Colorful Storage

My daughter recently had a birthday and she had gotten an assortment of cardmaking
supplies. I wanted her to have something to help her keep them all in one place.
I don't like to always go out and buy those plastic containers. I had this idea. I wanted
to try using a large shoebox that I had on hand. I enjoy reusing what I have if I can.
I have quite a few craft supplies that I enjoy while attempting to be creative.

And so, here is the project. First of all, I spray painted the shoebox a cream color.
And then you will need some basic things.

*Ruler
*Pair of scissors
*Mod podge glue (optional)
*Clear adhesive paper
*A protected surface (because of the glue)

I like to sit on the floor and work. If I know a project will take a little longer,
it helps me to set up in a place where I can leave things out. I am not " a projects left
on the dining room table" kind of person. The clutter gets to me after a while.

My pictures are not very good. I didn't even think to turn the Mod Podge

glue bottle around. I'm sorry. I will work on my photography skills! AND lots of

other details.

I started with the Sissix Big Shot, as you can see. I have only two dies

so far. I used the Tattered Flower in the Tim  Holtz collection. 

 I like the raggedy, sharper edges of the flower shapes. I also

used a small tag from the Tim Holtz Tiny Tags and Tabs die.

I had just restocked my paper and so I was excited that I had

so much to choose from. So what I used was the Spring Fling and Summer Combo

 Collection from Joanne Fabrics and Crafts Store. They have such good deals

 on their craftsupplies! (I was very impressed with their look look and selection.)

The fun thing about projects like these, is that you can use whatever you have. Be

 creative and have fun! I wanted something bright and cheerful for the birthday girl.

A box end..

Annnnddd.... the other end of the box.

I Mod Podged the ends. You wouldn't have to use

the contact paper or the Mod Podge. I did because I put a lot of time into this project and

I wanted it to last. I knew the layers would get get caught and torn while getting it out and

stacking things on top. Soo.. this way, it was protected.

The top of the box had several layers, so I decide to use clear contact paper

to cover it. I wasn't sure how Mod Podge glue would work and the layers.

And I didn't want to experiment with this because it took a lot of time to

 put it all together!

Any way, here is the finished top. I was pleased with the way it turned out.

I really liked how the tag turned out.

I hardly ever have a solid plan when I begin a project like this. Just a basic idea. That's

part of the fun, however, it does take a little more time that way. By the way,

I didn't have it finished for Charlotte's birthday but she didn't mind.

My kids are used to waiting for things like that and I am so glad. Because then I

 not pressured by deadlines that don't fit.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed seeing my project.

Have fun making your own!

The possibilties are endless once you get started.