Are you ready for the New Year?!?!

OK, so the party is over and the New Year has begun........So what are you going to resolve to do in 2012?
Well for me along side the usual resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier and spend more wisely......I resolve to finish more projects. You see, I have rare disorder called startitis.  I love to start new projects.....but rarely ever get any finished.  See photo below:

As you can see by the above photo...I have been busy..... getting things started.  Usually a project comes to a halt because I need a certain supply item that I don't have, can't find or can't afford. Along with these legitimate reasons for procrastination......There are the feelings...............

When you start a project there is the design, the planning, the gathering of supplies.  The first hints of what the finished project will look like.......all things that create a feeling of hope, anticipation and excitement!  All positive feelings that I love.

When a project comes to a close and it is time for it to find a new home,  there is the feeling of loss and sadness that all the fun is over. These feelings......well, I can do without them! 

So this year, I resolve to finish more projects and embrace a sense of satisfaction that should come upon completing a project!

Happy New Year everyone!       LisaAnn

Where did March go??!!

Where has March gone???  I've been dealing with sickness and a death in our family making time stand still and fly by at the same time!  Here is a project I was able to complete! 



A Knife Block!




Caution Sharp!



"Ouch" I say that alot when cooking!



Everything looks better with ball feet!



Look at that those sexy feet!



Nice side view!




                    Here's a little teaser of some projects I'm working on!



A Spring table/lamp in the making!  Stay tuned!  

 I

A very blue day................

Today the weather has run the gambit.  First it was sunny for a little while, then came the wind, then the rain and finally the snow.  As my mother would have said "it's a typical March day"....but it ain't March yet!  Never fear even though we are probably ruining the planet with our very presence i.e. global warming and global this and global that, Mother Nature has a way of renewing herself that is nothing short of remarkable  Take a look at these photos

                                                        Little Crocus curled up in the cold

                                                 Nothing else is quite as reassuring that spring is near as Crocus

                                What's this???  Daffodils peeking out from under the oak leaves and snow.

  Hyacinths making their spring debut.....can't wait to smell their sweet fragance....Ah spring is near I do believe!   

Lookie what Hubby brought me!!!!

So, I got up this morning and went about my normal morning routine....stumbling to the bathroom trying to avoid stepping on the puppies or what they had left behind thru the night...more on the "free" puppies later.  I put on coffee and went to the computer...must stay connected you know.....and what did I find laying ever so loving in my chair???  A new pry bar and a pair of tin snips!!!!   After 20 years of marriage I no longer receive flowers or lingerie, but TOOLS!!!  Gotta love him..thanks sdaletaxman!  LET'S GO TEAR SOMETHING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

A few more projects...........

                                                                  "Heaven" arrow sign

"Fresh Hot Coffee" mug tree

                                                            Close up of the shaft........

                                                                    Love coffee!!!!!!!!!

                                                            A "creative" table set!

                                                                Salt & Pepper side.........

                     Napkin side....after all, every girl wants a fella who's "well seasoned and clean faced"!!!

                        "Never enough Thyme" spice rack.  Notice the real time pieces...they still work!!!

With the exception of the "Heaven" sign, these items were all refurbished second hand pieces.  When I started these projects I didn't have in mind that one day I would putting them in print like this...therefore I didn't take any before pictures....I will do that from now on!!!
    I spent today going thru old pictures...what a trip down memory lane......I will sort them tonight and show a few in tomorrows post! Goodnight!

February is almost over!

School desk painted by me and my daughter, Holly.

I wrote the color names and Holly traced them with a paint pen.  She was 4 years old when we did this. 

This sign I made for my best friend as a wedding present...she married a hot latin guy!

"Time Flies"......It sure does...this was a thrift store clock spruced up a bit..... 

I was into pigs a while back...This one was painted in an Americana theme, purchased at a local craft sale.  The lady who sold it to me claimed that it was safe to display outside....the flag she so lovingly painted on it came off in about a week...so I gave it the creative touch!

These canisters where also a thrift store find...your typical brown wooden 70's style......Now a colorful coffee theme.................

I can't believe it's already February 17....where has the month gone???   I would like to say that I've been super busy with projects and have oodles of great things to share with you...well I have been busy....sorta.  For the last few years my creative need has been directed toward painting reclaimed objects.  I like to think that in my small way I am helping with the "Green" movement by taking old, out of date items and giving them new life...with a little paint and lots of patience...I'm not that good!  I have been painting, however in true Lisa(me) fashion I have not completed anything!  I seem to really enjoy starting projects-planning things out, gathering up supplies........finishing things and displaying with pride...not so much!  Well the items I do finish I do display with pride.....such as my "Time Flies" clock.  Here are a few pics of  the things I HAVE finished. 

The beginning.....



Hello!  Thanks for stopping by.  My name is LisaAnn Lowry-Johnson and this blog is about my life long "need to create".  I will, on occasion, get off topic and mention current events or other interesting tidbits....please bare with me because my mind has a tendency to roam and my mouth to ramble in my old age!!   I have practiced and mastered to a certain level many types of textile arts including crewel and cotton thread embroidery, candlewicking, counted cross stitch, simple sewing projects, quilting, and knitting............

 



Having completed my first crewel embroidery project at age eight-see photo, creative endeavors have been a common thread through out my life.  I was taught and inspired by my mother, Joan Patterson-Lowry and my aunt, Loretta Martin-Patterson.  Both of these ladies practiced various forms of needle arts.  Mom embroidered, crocheted, quilted and sewed.  My aunt Loretta was an accomplished knitter among other talents.  She taught me to knit when I was in my early teens- a craft I have recently re-embraced.

I made my first quilt in 7th grade-an Amish Shadow Block.  Designed and sewed my own clothes throughout high school and furnished my first home with many of my own creations.