My Song Within

Prayer is the Key!

2011-02-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

Have a lovely Sunday!

Freedom is a strong pull ~

2011-02-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

'Tis an amazing thing - technology. Here we are today seeing history being made on live TV as Mubarak steps down in Egypt due to the pressure of the people.

God Almighty put a strong desire to be free in the hearts of all mankind.

It will be interesting to see what happens in that country in the coming months.

We must guard our precious freedoms in this country! We need to be in constant prayer, lest we end up, bit-by-bit, losing what made America free.

But, our sovereign God knows all and has His children in His hand - where ever they may be!

Have a good day and enjoy the freedoms you are blessed with!
Jayne

Puritan Quote that I love ~ ~

2011-02-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

The worth of Jesus perfumes our feeble prayers and wins their acceptance.
- Thomas Watson

A fun project!

2011-02-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

"Quilted cards on a hanger" - a fun, new project can just take me away into an unexpected zone.

Do you sometimes sit down in your studio/office/dining room table and get lost in the moment - don't have a clue what's going to happen - and suddenly you have "birthed" a new category or product or hobby that makes you smile!

This greeting card on a tiny hanger is one of those fun and unexpected products that I'm having a great time creating.

Have a lovely, creative day!

Jayne

Pray for Haiti

2010-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful. We all had a White Christmas! I was in Kansas, but my hometown (Dallas) had its first white Christmas since 1923! Wow! What a winter we are having!

As I sit in my comfy home, like you, Haiti comes to mind so often. Dear God, have mercy on those poor people during this terrible time. It's precious to know that so many around the world are praying for those caught in the earthquake and its aftermath.

"If your Lord call you to suffering, be not dismayed; there shall be a new allowance of the King for you when you come to it. One of the softest pillows Christ hath is laid under His witnesses' head, though often they must set down their bare feet among the thorns."
S. Rutherford

Have a lovely night's sleep, all!

Jayne

Twelve Weeks of Christmas! Wreaths/Door Decor

2009-11-22T11:21:00.003-08:00

Twelve Weeks of Christmas!

Wreaths/Door Decor!

Week 8

This week we are to share a wreath or door decor.

This is the perfect time for the coolest Santa ever to make his blogland debut!

I found this Santa at a really wonderful shop in Wichita, KS, in the Christmas of 2007. They knew I was "in love" with him, but he was pretty expensive (OK, a lot expensive)! But, after Christmas, the shop owner gave me a sale price, and I snapped him up and brought him home to Texas. That year I left him in the den all year. In 2009 he moved into my studio but now is back in the den "presiding" over all the other Christmas tra-la-las.

His gorgeous raffia beard is four feet long!

I have no tutorial on creating him.

He may be one-of-a-kind, but you need to meet the coolest Santa I've ever seen!

A little closer view. . .

(click on both pics for a closer view)

Be sure to visit Red Writing's other TWOC participants for some great ideas and fun blogs!

I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on my website, www.mysongwithin.com
for the holidays!

PROMO CODE: msw09

Christmas Blessings,
Jayne

Pink Saturday - Teapots!

2009-11-21T06:06:00.001-08:00

Happy Pink Saturday!

Teapots!

When thinking about decorating for Christmas I remembered a box of teapots that I hadn't unpacked when we moved a few years ago. Hmmm...., why not make them become a new decoration this year. So, here is a pink teapot with a little bling added.

Look around and see what unexpected "containers" you may have that could become a new Christmas decoration this year! A few picks, a little greenery, and for no expense, a new look! I did this with several teapots (but only showed the pink here, of course).

For more pink fun, be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound!

Thanksgiving/Christmas Blessings,

Jayne

Twelve Weeks of Christmas! Crafts #2

2009-11-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

Crafts #2

Teapots!

Why not fill them with Christmas decorations (picks/greenery)?

As I was thinking about what to post for TWOC this week, for some reason a packed-up box of teapots that were in my closet came popping into mind. Why not get them out and make them become a Christmas decoration?

The first one (above) was my mothers. The lid is long gone, but it's at least 75-years-old. The gold painted decoration is probably 18 k gold.

So, I got out several others and filled them with picks bought at HL at half price.

Soooooo..... look around for the unexpected (containers) at your house and turn them into new Christmas decorations this year! The sky's the limit!

Pink, but still Christmasy....

This last container is a planter with faux greenery; I may still add some bows to these teapots, or they may be done.

Be sure to visit Red Writing's TWOC for lots of good craft ideas!

Visit my website where I am offering FREE SHIPPING for the holidays!

CODE: msw09

Christmas Blessings,

Jayne

Twelve Weeks of Christmas! Shopping!

2009-11-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

~ Twelve Weeks of Christmas! Shopping! ~

~ Mr. Snowman says, "Welcome to TWOC, week six!" ~

~ Santa I found on sale last year after Christmas! ~

We are half-way through Red Writing's TWOC Event!

This week we are to share shopping ideas/events/sprees/whatever!

One of my favorite finds is this desktop fireplace. I found it at the Dallas Gift Market and just had to share it with you. The stand is metal; the logs are resin; the candles are tea-lite size, and I found some dark colored candles so they sort of blend in with the "logs."

One set will sit on a table in my bedroom and one on my desk at work. The one at work will have to have battery powered candles in it or I may try to get a string of mini-lites attached to it somehow. That one is still a work in progress.

Next is a shopping spree that my daughters and I took last year the week after Christmas. We always visit a wonderful gift shop located in an old fire station (in Kansas) when we're together. They carry wonderful gift items, and I love to shop there before and after Christmas! Shown here are pictures of some of their decorations in the store (after Christmas) last year!

~ Cute santas and snowmen ~

~ A tree in the store ~

I bought the ornaments shown below on my own little tree last year at half price! Love them!

I love to unpack these kinds of great finds a year later; it feels like they were free! I highly recommend after Christmas shopping - both for gifts and for decorating your own tree and home.

Shop pre-Christmas, too! Our small business owners need our business!

~ Love this snowman! ~

The first two ornaments on this blog post were bought last year at half price!

~ Go forth and shop! ~

~ Shop Early - Shop Often ~

I look forward to the cooler weather, the decorations, the Christmas music, the Salvations Army Bells, even the hustle and bustle.

And, it all happens, Because He Came!

Be sure to visit all the participants at TWOC's week six shopping event!

Click here!

~ Christmas Blessings! ~

Jayne

Pink Saturday!

2009-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Pink Saturday!

I decided to post something I have made for Christmas this year! After all it's only 49 days till Christmas! Does that shock you? It's time to be thinking Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

This is a picture in a fun frame that I have made for gifts and for my website this year. There are lots of people out there who don't do red and green for Christmas decorations - many (of you) do pink!

A close-up

A back view - sheet music taken from an old copy of J. S. Bach's "Mass in B Minor."

Be sure to visit everyone who is participating in Pink Saturday over at How Sweet the Sound!

Pink Saturday and Christmas Blessings!

Jayne

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Homemade!

2009-10-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

~ Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Homemade ~

~ Week Five ~

I make Greeting Cards - lots of greeting cards - have been for about twelve years. So, I thought for Red Writing's TWOC event this week, I would show a couple of cards that I'm making for Christmas this year, both to send and to sell; they are on my website My Song Within.

This first Christmas card is a two-sided card (it doesn't open) that is new this year. It's made of warm-white linen cardstock; I outlined the message layers on front and back with a gold pen, added a gold Christmas tree brad on the front side and tied a generous bow made of a wide, white shimmery ribbon. I always use ribbons - they add so much to a card! I look forward to sending this card which has a "touch of elegance" to it.

This first picture is the front of the card.

Shown below is the front and back of the card.

The message on the back is Isaiah 9.6

Next is a Christmas card I made using stamping, layering and tulle.

It is a card I sent several years ago and this year I brought it back 'cause people liked it so much. I did change the design some.

The angel is directing music and the birds are singing!

The message on front is,
"for unto us a Child is born . . ."

As you can see, the burgundy cardstock is torn across the top and the stamped, warm-white cardstock is also torn. I like that look.

The inside message, below, is Isaiah 9.6; I tie the tulle ribbon over the inside left page (you can see the words "Christmas Blessings" peeking through) and around to the front side, making a fluffy bow across the picture.

I like to use tulle and sheer ribbon on my cards as you can see words

and embellishments through the ribbon.

I also make framed Scripture pictures and below is one all done up in pink. Some people have pink Christmas decorations, so I made this pic for those people who don't do red and green and are always on the lookout for pink!

Christmas - Because He came . . .

Thanks for visiting and checking out my homemade goodies!

Be sure to stop by all the other participants
for Week Five of TWOC presented by Red Writing.

Christmas Blessings,

Jayne

Twelve Weeks of Christmas! Food! Week 4

2009-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

~ Twelve Weeks of Christmas! ~

All About the Food!

Week Four!

This week Red Writing asked us to share something about our Christmas food traditions for week-four of our TWOC event.

Our family has many food (have to have it/don't change it) traditions for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the main one that I have been in charge of for over 40 years is "the perfect sweet potato recipe"! When my kids were little we had a nanny who made this dish for us. I asked her one day if she would give us the recipe. She said, ''there isn't a recipe." She just made it by feel! So, I asked her if she would let me watch her and create a written recipe. The result is "Dorothy Sweet Potatos" and we have had it every Thanksgiving and Christmas since that year; and it is passing down to my kids and grandkids.

Dorothy would be proud if you decide to give it a try!

~ Dorothy Sweet Potatos ~

Peel and cut into chunks (approx. 1 to 2 inch) 10 to 12 sweet potatos

Cover with water in dutch oven and boil (uncovered) till tender

Remove from heat and drain well

Add: two sticks of butter (NOT margarine) - cover and let butter melt

Add: two cups sugar

Mash/mix with hand or bowl mixer till consistency of mashed potatos

Allow to cool some

Add: seven/eight eggs, slightly beaten, a couple eggs at a time; mix well between additions

Add: one to two T. cinnamon; one to two T. nutmeg; one T. vanilla flavoring, mix well

Add: one cup milk or heavy cream (we use cream); mix well

Pour into (sprayed/greased) 9 X 13 inch baking dish - the above ingredients will make two pans worth (depending on the size of your potatos - I buy medium sized and we want leftovers)

Bake uncovered at 350 for one hour

Add marshmellows, return to oven and allow marshmellows to melt and brown slightly

Serves: 12/14 (with some leftovers)

Done and Delish!

This weekend we are having "Thanksgiving" in Kansas; the Texas connection traveled to KS this weekend, and we are pretending it's November. With work/school/college schedules, we couldn't swing it next month. So, the above recipe was eaten TODAY! YUMMY! And we have leftovers; and, it will be made again Christmas Day!

Be sure to visit everyone who is participating in TWOC and see what other good recipes and ideas may be out there for all of us to try this year!

Blessings,
Jayne @ My Song Within

Procrastinator's Project ~ The Reveal!

2009-10-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Procrastinator's Project ~ The Reveal!

Click here to see all the reveals!

This Procrastinator's Project was sponsored by The Inspired Room and began October 6. We had two weeks to finish whatever project we selected - a project we had been putting off - a dreaded project!

~ Finished Project & Lookin' Cozy! ~

I chose this antique metal-topped table and chair set for my project. I bought it in 1987 at a little antique store and even found the hand-written receipt in the drawer. The table and two chairs cost $75, and for some un-remembered reason I put it in lay-a-way for a couple of months (according to the receipt). For the past three years it has been out on my deck - covered with an awning, but still exposed to the elements. The paint had started to crackle and chip off; I knew I was ruining it. So, thanks to this project, I brought it in, scrapped, sanded, primered and painted it; the chairs had not been outside, so they are OK.

Now here it is in my bay window and I'm really happy. This year it'll hold my table-top Christmas tree. I mentioned in my "before" post that maybe the bay window would get curtains as part of this event. As you see, that didn't happen. Reason: hardware! I can't mount the bay window rod without help and there was no one around to help! That WILL HAPPEN before Christmas. I just want white cotton sheers covering the mini-blinds (yes, I know mini-blinds are "not cool" but they were here when I bought this condo - someday they may go to mini-blind heaven).

~ Midway along ~

ugghhh - lots of work!

~ Before ~
outside and starting to rot
Be sure to visit everyone who entered this Procrastinator's Project event and see how we all did! It's been worth every bit of the work, sore legs, sore back, etc., etc. to get this done! I betcha everyone feels the same way!

I hope the Inspired Room does another such event after Christmas! Possible?

Blessings,

Jayne

TWOC - Christmas Accent Craft #1

2009-10-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Three

Christmas Craft Accents #1

Well, here we are at week three of our Twelve Weeks of Christmas event sponsored by Red Writing. It's been fun to read all the blogs of those who are participating, and I appreciate your visits to My Song Within.

This first picture is of a wreath I bought on sale after Christmas last year for about $10. It's a really nice wreath - light and feathery. I just embellished it with some white feathers and silver picks (all bought on sale at HL) and a white sheer bow. I have under $12 invested and it only took a few minutes to assemble. I recommend doing your own wreath decorating! It's easy, it doesn't cost much and you can let your imagination run wild.

the "before"

the "after"

This next picture is a conglomoration of bling, trees, wreaths, shoes, purses, etc. that were collected from after-Christmas sales last year, things I bought at the Dallas Gift Market for my website and some Hobby Lobby purchases. It will hopefully all turn into wonderful gifts, home decor and website stuff. I have "sacks and sacks" of gorgeous picks, ribbon and greenery that I'm having fun planning "what it will all become" (and with only 60 something days till Christmas, it had better become something in a hurry!).

This pretty gold shoe is filled with some of my "sacks and sacks" of pretty picks, ribbon, and greenery. I'm making them for gifts and for my site.

This tree - well, suffice it to say, I have many of these trees; they were on sale at HL last year, and everytime I went shopping I bought a couple. I think I have twelve or fourteen. They are going to be "embellished" this year from my "sacks and sacks" of glittery picks, ribbons, etc. I think they'll make nice gifts, plus I'll keep some. You can't have too many trees around the house!

My theory:

Every little nook and cranny needs

a Christmas tree nestled into it!

They make everything so cozy.

Do all bloggers do crafts? Probably - in some form or other. This blog is about just one side of what I create. TWOC has a second craft event in a few weeks, and in that one I'll share what else I do (Christmas goodies) that takes a totally different path, and I can't wait to see what you're doing at both events!

Thanks for visiting and be sure to visit all the TWOC blogs. I'll bet this week's "party" takes lots of fun directions!

Blessings,

Jayne

Christmas Memories and Traditions

2009-10-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Week Two of "12 Weeks of Christmas"!

Memories and Traditions

As part of week two of Red Writing's TWOC (Twelve Weeks of Christmas) event, we are to share some special memories of our family and what we have done to celebrate this extraordinary Christmas season over the years.

First, as a child, one of my favorite memories is of sitting at the piano (we had a spinet piano with a mirror across the top), playing "We Three King" and "Silent Night, Holy Night" and being able to see the tree which was behind me in that mirror. I think those were the only two songs I could play; I loved doing that. We had some of those bubbly lights on the tree that looked like a candle. I thought they were so elegant!

As a young mother, one of my favorite memories is having all the family to our house on Christmas Eve - my sister and her three, my in-laws, our two daughters, of course, and an occasional addition of one of our kids friends who needed a place to be. We had certain food traditions that my sister and I always fixed and one of my nieces often wrote a skit that the kids all acted in - one I remember in particular was a manger scene and the kids were all dressed in the appropriate costumes.

Christmas Day was always at my sister's home. No matter what our daughters got for Christmas, it always had to go with us to Mary's. One memory is the year they got a Suzy Homemaker Oven. The oven and all supplies went with us.

On Christmas Day after lunch, we always had a puzzle on the grand piano and everyone came and went throughout the day and worked on it.

Things change: Now my kids are grown, I have six grandkids, we don't all live in the same town, my sister is in heaven, I'm single again, one grandson is married, my, my . . . . where did all those years go?!?

My kids and my sister's kids all are making and continue to make their own traditions, and many of them follow along the path of how they grew up. Isn't that just the best? I love to see things passed along.

One of the simple, but sweet things that has passed along:
That grand piano that we all worked puzzles on in Texas is now in Kansas at my daughters house; one of my granddaughters is a piano performance major in college. My sister gave her that piano. Last year, when those of us who could be in Kansas were all together, we worked a Mitford Puzzle on that piano. It brought back lots of memories!!

Christmas is still my favorite time of the year. We try to maintain as many of those wonderful traditions as we can. Our menu doesn't change, even if the people change from time-to-time. We still have a wonderful time together and most of all, we all love Jesus Christ and celebrate Him!

Christmas church services in December, singing in the "Messiah" at my church, celebrating Advent, knowing that without the birth of Jesus, there would be no Christmas - it's all the best there is this side of glory! I'm glad it's only 11 weeks away!

Christmas - Because He Came!

Merry Christmas!

Be sure to visit everyone who is participating in week two of TWOC!

Blessings,

Jayne at mysongwithin

My "Christmas List" for Santa!

2009-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

My TWOC "Christmas List"

Week One

Dear Santa,

Merry Christmas! As you know, I love Christmas and can't wait till it's time to decorate!
I've been thinking really hard about my "Christmas List" this year. First, as you well know:

Sugar and Spice

And everything nice

That's what little girls

Are made of!

Sooooo..... since I'm a girl, I have been nice and am surely still on your list, here goes:

Instantly have all my Christmas projects designed
Instantly have my Christmas party planned and invitations done
Instant ability to take perfect pictures
Instantly have a finished website
Instantly crave only veggies and fruit (no more chocolate)
Instantly have a svelte figure
Instantly have gorgeous hair (no more bad hair days)
Instantly have an all-white house (walls, furniture, textiles)
Instantly own a cabin in the mountains
Instantly live in a cool climate
Instantly have all my family living in the same small town
Instantly own a cute little gift shop that my daughters and I run together (but we won't need to make money - just have fun)!

No hurry! No rush! Instantly will be fine, Santa. Your usual chocolate pie and coffee will be waiting!

That should about do it. One wish for every week of TWOC!

Merry Christmas! Blessings! Joy!

Jayne

http://www.mysongwithin.com/

Be sure to visit Red Writing and the other Christmas List participants!

My Procrastinator Project - table and chairs

2009-10-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Inspired Room is having another Procrastinator's Project event!

My "dreaded" project!

This used to be a "really cute" antique metal-top table and chair set. My goal has been - for several months - to bring it in from the rain/heat/cold/dust and scrape and repaint all the wood part, clean up the metal top and put it and its matching chairs in my bay window in the den.

As you can see, it needs alot of TLC!

Restoring this little table and chair set will also make me - hopefully - put up new curtains in that bay window. We all know, one thing always leads to another and another and another!!

And here's one of the chairs that go with it . . . As you can see, it also needs a good deal of help. There are two chairs . . . wonder if all three pieces can get done?? Hmmm...

See you all at our reveals on October 20th!

Y'all have fun, and let's hope we all have gorgeous, finished projects!

Blessings,

Jayne

Pink Saturday

2009-10-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

As I was wondering what to share on Pink Saturday, I looked around and saw this pretty pillow in my bedroom and knew it was just the thing!

If you have a sister, cherish her! My sister - Mary - and I were really close; and she gave me this pillow about fifteen years ago. The words on the pillow say "Special Sister." I share it here with sweet memories of her. She went home to be with the Lord two years ago. She was a precious "lady" of the first order!

Have a wonderful Pink Saturday and for more Pink Saturday fun, go to http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Blessing and Happy Beginning of Fall!

Jayne

A Desktop Fireplace?

2009-09-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen anything so cute? I found this at the Dallas Gift Market and have just a few on my website http://www.mysongwithin.com I'm all for making my workplace a bit fun and happy! This will certainly find a place on my desk when (IF) it is ever cool and wintery outside. I don't think it needs to wait till Christmas, do you?

After all, it's just a little over 100 days till Christmas!

Blessings, Jayne

Pink Saturday in August

2009-07-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to "My Song Within" and Pink Saturday. I decided to show one of the pictures I made for my website. It's cheerful, pink and I love the message.

Have a wonderful pink day!

Hear the music!

A close up of a bit of bling.....

Be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound more Pink Saturday treats! Thanks, Beverly, for hosting another pink day!

Blessings,

Jayne

I won a drawing

2009-07-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! I never win anything!

Lynn Stevens at Trash to Treasure Art, creator of gorgeous art pieces drew my name for her give-a-way at the "Where Bloggers Create" party hosted by Karen at My Desert Cottage on July 24!

Be sure to go to both spectacular blogs. I'll post a picture of my prize (a beautiful bracelet) as soon as it arrives!

Thank you, Lynn! You're the best!

Blessings, Jayne

Where I create

2009-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my creating place! I love to be in this room, and I hope you enjoy a a little glimpse into my studio.

Well, I make (Scripture) greeting cards - lots of greeting cards - too many styles of greeting cards - way too many styles! So, what's a girl to do with all of them before they are sold or sent? This has plagued me for 10+ years. FINALLY! Just recently I ordered a floor-standing, spinning rack that holds 84 cards! FINALLY! I have a place to put them all so I can see what I have in stock while working on more! This has been a wonderful addition to my studio and my life.

Here is another addition - a wall mounted bungy cord that holds 10 cards; styles that are a work in progress hang here close to my work area. So, I now have two great, new additions to my studio!

A little bling on the corner of my desk - kind of hard to see, but some of these items will be on my "soon to be advertised" website - interesting picture frames, nickle items, etc. It's nice to have pretty things sitting out to enjoy while working, don't you agree?

Shown next is a very important piece of furniture in my studio - this metal-topped table is one of my favorite things and I've had it for years. It's a great height; I stand at it to do a lot of paper cutting for my cards as well as other projects. It is actually a kitchen island on casters. Love it! (Notice my fabulous Santa keeping watch over things! I found him in Wichita, KS, a couple of years ago and he is always hanging somewhere in my house - he's just too wonderful to pack away! His beard is about four feet long.)

Below is a set of metal, snap-together shelves that hold lots of stuff. I also make Scripture pictures and needed more shelving to store extra product. These shelves are from the Container Store. I live upstairs and needed something I could manage alone. They are 17 1/2 inches deep, easy to snap together and no help needed! They can also be added to and come in different depths and witdths-sturdy, yet light. I highly recommend them!

Not very glamorous, but there is a walk-in closet in my studio, and I lined all three walls in brackets and adjustable shelving from Home Depot. This closet holds all my paper, cardstock, ribbons, embellishments and assorted (necessary) junk. Shown here is just one wall-the other two are crammed, also.

Thanks for visiting My Song Within. I hope you got an idea or two! See you at your blog! For more creative ideas go to the "Where Bloggers Create" party at

My Desert Cottage.

Blessings,

Jayne

New Blog Installed Today!

2009-07-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today my new blog was installed and it called for a post! I love the header and my new look! This will definitely inspire me to write more!

My thanks to http://www.spiffyboutiques.com/ for this lovely blog!

She also designed my website (which is still under construction, big time). I still have dozens and dozens of products to load, but it's at least started!

More on that later.

Jayne

Happy (Pink) Independence Day!

2009-07-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Pink Independence Day!

Too bad we don't all have a pink flag to post today!

This little gravy boat was my mom's and is over 70-years-old (and it looks it!). I remember it from my childhood. Over the years of my adult life it's been used for food, for a tiny little planter and now just sits quietly on a shelf as a reminder of another more peaceful era.

Have a happy, safe, blessed pink holiday weekend! Jayne

Be sure to check out all the Pink Saturday posts at How Sweet the Sound!

Happy July 4th!

2009-07-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Happy July 4th!

Celebrate America!
Remember our past and who we are as Americans!
Thank God for Freedom!
Love That Same Freedom!
Love Family!
Hug a Friend!
Eat some delish American burgers, tater salad, chocolate cake, and lots of ice-cream!

Blessings!
Jayne

Pink Saturday

2008-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Pink Saturday Greetings!

I decided to bring a vintage piece from my childhood to Pink Saturday this week.

The plate is from my mother's china. You've probably seen it in many antique stores and estate sales (for not much money!). We only used it on Sunday, but I have vivid memories of our family Sunday dinners though my mother died when I was a child (50+ years ago!).

Memories are good, aren't they, especially in our nutty, stressful world. A simpler, pink time seems very appealing to me today. Even though we didn't have any money, we were happy.

For more pink Saturday posts, visit http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Pink Blessings!
Jayne

Feeling Patriotic

2008-10-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, early voting has probably ended in most places. I voted last week and will be so glad when the election is over.

But in thinking about all that is going on in America, I decided to post one of my many flags. Even though I'm posting tomorrow for "Pink Saturday," my home is mostly red, white and navy with a flag theme. This is a new theme for me. Just a few years ago my entire house was pink and green!

This folk flag was made for me years ago by one of my daughters. It was a true "act of love" as she is highly allergic to anything that requires a needle and thread. But, she did it, and I love it!

I'll post some more of my favorite flags and patriotic things in the days to come.

Be sure to vote Tuesday! And be sure to "fall back" your clocks this Saturday night for daylight savings time.

Blessings,

Jayne

Pink Saturday - Christmas Joy!

2008-10-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday!

I'm thinking Christmas Joy all dressed up in pink. Because I make (and sell) greeting cards, it's already time to be thinking about what will make it into my Christmas card designs this years. Well, here it is! I'm making pink cards (I'll also make this same card in red and green), but the pink will be my favorite!

Enjoy and have a lovely pink day! My cards can be seen on my new and still "under construction" etsy store: http://www.mysongwithin.etsy.com/

Blessings,

Jayne

Happy Pink Saturday!

2008-09-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Pink Rules!

This is my first event, and I'm excited to see what is special to all of you! I'm new to blogging and have a new etsy store, and I look forward to making new friends in both places!

This pink item is very dear to me. On a trip to London in 1986, I found this beautiful bone china Aynsley (Little Sweetheart pattern) "Strawberries and Cream" serving dish. Of course, I knew my sister and both my daughters would need one too, so we lugged four of them home with us. We have enjoyed them at many family parties/dinners/showers/etc. over the years. They look beautiful filled with strawberries; the little side bowl and pitcher hold cream and powdered sugar. So lovely, so British, and so delicious--makes me want to put it to use today!

Come see me at my etsy store (I am adding cards and pictures daily) at http://www.mysongwithin.etsy.com/

Have a lovely pink day!

Jayne

A lovely week in August

2008-09-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Last week, August 25-30, was really a fun and important week in my life! I'm new at blogging and also new to the etsy world. I had a serious obsession to set up a store as I have lots and lots of handmade product that needs and wants to be sold and in the hands of new friends.

So, I packed half of my home office into my CRV and headed north to Kansas where one of my daughters (and fellow bloggers) lives. You know how it is: so much more fun to be tackling something new with someone else (especially someone you love and can laugh with). And laugh we did; we also pulled a couple of "all nighters" along the way. But, in the end, we both did set up etsy shops which we will be posting products into daily (or near daily). I have so many cards and pictures to post it'll take awhile. Visit me: http://www.mysongwithin.etsy.com/ and visit my daughter: http://www.silvertrappings.etsy.com/.

Well, I've got to get (etsy) posting!

Blessings, Jayne

My Song Within

2008-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Oh, my! I haven't blogged for a month. But I have begun my etsy shop! This is a plus, don't you think? It is www.mysongwithin.etsy.com. Come see me there. I hope to get into the whole blog/etsy loop soon! You all are wonderful who have time to share so much and inspire us "newbees."

Jayne

Coming next - greeting cards . . .

2008-07-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I have posted a number of framed pictures in the last week or so and am now ready to begin the daunting task of selecting which greeting cards to post both here and on my forthcoming etsy site - http://www.mysongwithin.etsy.com/. I make so many styles, it's gonna be hard to know where to begin. Each card is pretty "time consuming" as each is embellished with ribbons, flowers, brads, etc.

Well, I'd best get started! Y'all have a good week!

Blessings,

Jayne

2008-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today I posted more of the Scripture pictures I make. Learning to work with my camera and framed pictures with glass (glare problems, you know) has been interesting to say the least. My family would tell you that if we want a family snapshot of an event, the camera is kept very far away from me. Half the family will be out of the picture, or no one will have a head. But, I press on. Yesterday I signed up for an etsy store - http://www.mysongwithin.etsy.com/ - and pictures of what I make are a pretty important feature! Nothing is there yet, but hopefully there will be products listed in the next week or so!

My thing is handcrafted Scripture greeting cards and framed Scripture pictures. I have lots of new ideas churning around in my head, but I'll post on my blog when etsy is up and running!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Jayne

You Are a Daughter of the King - God wants you to Soar with Him!

2008-07-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

"Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and faint not." Isaiah 40.31

You Are a Daughter of the King - Womanhood is the harp of the Eternal over whose strings He breathes His sweetest music!

2008-07-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

"May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5.23

You Are a Daughter of the King - God wants you to Soar with Him!

2008-07-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

"Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and faint not." Isaiah 40.31

Jesus Christ is Joy and heart music!

2008-07-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

"I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1.6

Our God is an Awesome God

2008-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

"Come and what God has done; He is awesome in His deeds toward His children!" Psalm 66.5

A series of pictures of my pictures . . .

2008-07-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am posting (below and above) a number of Scripture pictures (almost all pics are 5 X 7) without alot of details. Scroll down a bit (to July 22) and you will see more pictures with detailed descriptions and specs. Hopefully you can see that each piece contains several layers (even behind glass you can see the 3D effect) of papers, ribbons, embellishments, etc. One recurring theme is: "You are a daughter of the King!" This is a glorious truth for Christian girls and women to realize, to really begin to grasp and to cherish! Enjoy!

Hopefully my work will be on a website soon and also on http://www.etsy.com/. Occasionally I auction on eBay.

The plan is to have Scripture pictures and greeting cards "out there" for sale soon. I currently sell cards to individuals, limited retail accounts, and church ministries and have been doing so for about twelve years. Greeting cards have been my passion for years; Scripture pictures are fairly new in my "creative life."

Very soon there will be pictures of greeting cards on this blog--some to blend with the pictures.

So, scroll up and down a bit and enjoy the Scripture and messages!

Jayne

Rejoice . . .

2008-07-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

You are a daughter of the King!
The holiest vista ever given to womanhood is shown when she is alone with her Lord. Silence becomes a precious sanctuary. Worship becomes oneness with His will.
"Thou wilt reveal the path of life to the full joy of Thy presence, to the bliss of being closes to Thee forever." Psalm 16.11 (Moffat)

Dainty, pale pink and pretty. Words are on cream paper; rhinestones embellishments; pink and white flower; pink ribbon.

The frame is metal; rhinestones centers on each flower; picture size is 5 x 5; outside dimension is 6 x 6; black faux velvet back; table top with glass.

Shalom . . .

2008-07-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

"The Lord bless thee and keep thee: the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee Shalom." Numbers 6.24-26

Cream background; cream and gold ribbon; gold and cream flowers; gold chain; message is torn cream linen paper with gold peeking out. Hebrew words under English words.

Picture is 5 x 7; cream frame with glass and goldish highlighting; back is black faux velvet; table top; outside dimension 8 x 10.

Bloom . . .

2008-07-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

Bloom . . . where He plants you!
"You make know to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16.11

The background paper is white with green flowers, leaves and vines. There is silver glitter in the flowers - subtle and very pretty. Pink ribbon, pink gingham (paper) flower with green rhinestone center - all-in-all, very feminine and lovely.

Picture is 5 x 7; frame is black; black faux velvet back; table top; outside dimension is 8 x 10.

Alleluia!

2008-07-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Alleluia . . .
You are a daughter of the King!
"Keep me as the apple of Your eye! Hide me in the shadow of Your wings!" Psalm 17.8

Green, cream, rust background paper; cream ribbon, red and green apples.

Picture is 5 x 7 with glass; frame is gold-tone, leafy sculpture with black edges; outside dimension is 8 x 10 ; back is black faux velvet; table top.

Jesus is the song within . . .

2008-07-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

This Scripture picture represents my blog name - My Song Within. It reads:

Jesus is the song within!

The life that would soar must carry the echo

of His divine music.

"Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into

His presence with singing. Know that the

LORD, He is God." Psalm 100.2,3

The picture is 5 X 7; the frame is cream faux mother-of-pearl with silver trim; outside frame dimension is 7 X 9; backing is black faux velvet. It is a table top with glass. The picture is made up of designer paper, ribbon, paper flower and rhinestone embellishments.

All the pictures you will see on my blog are 5 X 7; frames are all table-top; frame outside dimensions will vary. Each is a one-of-a-kind design. I never make two exactly alike (that would be boring, plus I want each one to be special to whoever receives it!). The messages, coloration, frames, papers, embellishments, etc., will recur - but the completed picture will be one-of-a-kind.

Blessings,

Jayne

2008-07-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yea! Today I took some pretty good pictures of my new line of Scripture pictures and hope to get them posted with descriptions soon. First I plan to make greeting cards to blend/match each framed picture so that it is a "package" that a person can purchase as a "one-stop-shop," drop it in a gift sack, and you're good to go!

More soon!

My Song Within

2008-07-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

The life that would soar like an eagle must hear and respond to the melody of divine music. My Song Within is Jesus; He has saved me and promised me that I am a daughter of the King of kings! How awesome!

My favorite pastime is creating hand-crafted Christian, Scripture-based greeting cards and framed Scripture pictures. Over the past twelve years I have made, sent and sold several thousand cards. This passion constantly changes in its "look" and "type" and new series come and go. This keeps it interesting for me and people seem to be blessed who receive a card (because they are all Scripture!). The framed pictures are a new addition, so right now I just make them and stash them in my home studio (though I have given and sold a few). Soon (when I learn how to make it happen) they will be pictured on my blog.

I have decided it's time to broaden the scope of this hobby (and a desired future business), so hopefully God will lead people of likemindedness to find my blog and future website.

Blessings! Jayne