I don't spend nearly enough time in my studio and I miss it, so when I went to bed last night it was with the full knowledge that no matter what happened today I was going to try and head into my studio to create.
Birthday's are so very special and today has been a wonderful day. First, I would like to thank all of you for the incredible birthday wishes I have been receiving - your kind words and cheer have made me grin from ear to ear.
Secondly, I want to share my creation today with someone. It isn't the most perfect thing I have created, in fact it is far from it!!! LOL! But it was made with a whole lotta love and I would like to share this with someone, anyone! :D I will share the directions for creating something similar with you shortly - there is a funny story behind this whole "concept" and it is with delight that I look forward to sharing the story and directions.
I don't really make New Years resolutions or set predetermined goals on my birthday, instead I just make a wish. My birthday wish this year is simple - this year I would like to try and make a positive difference in this world, to bring joy to others, to help where I can and to teach my children to be strong, kind, respectful women.
So, if you would like to receive a hand crafted (and somewhat rustic - LOL!) soldered necklace pendant I would love for you to leave me a message below. Tell me about your dreams, your challenges, a joke... whatever makes your heart lighter. I will do the drawing on Friday and share this little piece of me with someone in hopes of bringing something happy to their mailbox.
Thank you for sharing your love with me today, and every day! I'm off to eat some good food prepared by my DH!!! Can you believe that one?!? He's a keeper :D
-Ellen
Oh I hope your birthday wishes come true! You are truly an inspiration. I've given up on setting goals and am working more on living in the moment... less disappointments that way.... especially for a procrastinator like me!
Posted by: Jenn Cornell | February 23, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Happy Birthday Wishes To You!
Posted by: Mary in Chicago | February 23, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Happy Birthday !!! Love the necklace.It's so pretty. My dream would be to start my own business.
Posted by: Debbie G | February 23, 2010 at 10:44 AM
My heart is light when I get to be with my darling great-granddaugther, Zoey. They live off from here and each moment is wonderful when they come home for a visit. Belated birthday wishes. I think the necklace is gorgeous and I look forward to your tutorial.
Posted by: Jane T | February 23, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Happy Birthday Ellen. My wish for you is that this next year of your life will bring you great joy and happiness. My wish for me is that I will live another year and cherish every moment. Blessings to you.
Posted by: Susan | February 23, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Happy Birthday, cool pendant!
Posted by: beverly | February 23, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Hi Ellen, Happy Birthday! My dream for this year is to find a new workplace that feeds my creativity! I am very inspired by the work place that you have created for yourself - you are a bit of a "role model" for me! Have a lovely and creative year!
Posted by: Lynda Marquez | February 23, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Happy Birthday Ellen!
I hope your wishes come true!
Your creation is just GORGEOUS!
My wish is that everyone show everyone else a bit of kindness!
Posted by: Maria | February 23, 2010 at 09:41 AM
Happy Belated Birthday,Ellen!! I am so glad that you were able to get in your craft room. I love seeing your work, it is so amazing!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | February 23, 2010 at 09:33 AM
Happy Belated Birthday! Birthdays are wonderful even if you get older. I do hate hearing from my doctors that what you have is age related. Recently, I had a case of shingles - who knew when you were young that chicken pox just kept on giving. I'm feeling so much better now and I'm off to have a great day! Take care :)
Posted by: Stephanie Z. | February 23, 2010 at 09:33 AM
Ellen, your creativity never fails to amaze me. As for my year's wishes.....its to have good health (physical, emotional, & spiritual) for me, my family, and friends. To be given opportunities to serve in the way in which I was created.
Love you, Ellen!!!
Posted by: MichelleY | February 23, 2010 at 09:24 AM
"to do/make something special on your birthday like this pendant is any crafters dream. In Holland and Belgium we crafters dream of having fun like this aswell. I simply like the old touch it got by being NOT perfect (as I am). Lots of fun in your studio this year! " from Angela S.
Posted by: CathyS | February 23, 2010 at 09:20 AM
Happy belated birthday Ellen!
My dreams for this year?
(1) I want to be more aware of the needs of my family and friends.
(2) I would like to be as strong and productive as I was 5 years ago. I’m determined to be back in my garden by summer showing it the love it has sorely been missing. Not only will my flower garden be more beautiful, my mental attitude will be more positive.
(3) I want to be more productive in my studio – to actually take all the creative ideas swirling around in my head and produce tangible results.
Ellen as for your birthday wishes, it is my opinion they have all come true.
I would love to win your beautiful necklace simply because it is a little piece of you. It would hang in my studio beside all of your beautiful little thank you notes.
Hugs, -mary
PS: “Never criticize your own work – others will be happy to do that for you.” LOL!
Posted by: mary | February 23, 2010 at 09:08 AM
Happy Birthday Ellen,
Thank you, I feel you make a positive difference in my life, and others who follow your blog. As a resulting ripple effect...you make a difference in the world. It's a better place.
Wishing that all of your wishes come true, again Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Beth S | February 23, 2010 at 08:28 AM
Hope your birthday was splendid! Love the pendant, the colors are so elegant!!
Just this week, our son has decided to show a little extra love to me - probably since I haven't been feeling well. Sunday night he kissed my cheek 4 times - that's unheard of for a 10 yr. old boy! :D Sure made me smile!
Posted by: Michele | February 23, 2010 at 08:10 AM
Happy Belated Birthday Ellen! I love what you created...and love it's rustic qualities...it reminds us that we don't have to be perfect to be beautiful :)
Spending time with my husband makes me happy. He recently helped me create an awesome craft space...so I can do something that also makes me happy...crafting!
Charmaine
Posted by: Charmaine | February 23, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Happy Birthday! What a nice thought to have a giveaway in honor of your Birthday. Isn't that in reverse? Shouldn't we be showering you with gifts on your Birthday. I love Birthdays!
My Challenge is to get back on my diet and lose 20 pds. by summer.
Thank you for putting my name in the hat for your drawing.
Pattyjo
Posted by: Pattyjo | February 23, 2010 at 07:46 AM
Hi Ellen...what a pretty piece you made..I love the color, rustic looking also..right up my alley.
I would love to see the tut on this.
My dream is to use all my stamps...do make more cards and get them sent. That is what my goal is.
Posted by: Deanna | February 23, 2010 at 07:43 AM
Happy Birthday Ellen. Mine is next week and I will be celebrating the big 60--ouch! This pendant would make a lovely gift to myself. I hope to get some craft time in today too.
Posted by: Darlene L | February 23, 2010 at 07:38 AM
Happy B-day!
A tutorial...I'm not sure I *need* another "addiction", LOL! But, truly, it is crafting that makes my heart lighter and my smile bigger!
Posted by: Jen | February 23, 2010 at 07:30 AM
It's so sweet of you to give something on your birthday. Your dreams are very worthy and I pray that they will become reality. I guess my greatest desire is to see my grandchildren become strong in their Christian heritage.
Posted by: L. Brown | February 23, 2010 at 07:27 AM
Happy Birthday! I hope all your dreams come true!!
My dream is to be able to actually earn a living doing what I love...stamping/art! I would love to attend a Zentangles workshop and become certified.
Posted by: Dot Alcorn | February 23, 2010 at 07:14 AM
Yesterday morning, we got about 6 inches of snow. A neighbor lady built the cutest snowman. By the end of the day, everyone caught the "bug" and built a snowman, and now everyone's yard has one! It's just so cute an so uplifting! :)
Posted by: Cindy J. | February 23, 2010 at 06:48 AM
My dear friend and sister: I wish you all the wonderful things the year will bring for you and your family. Your positive energy keeps me going in this business; so you do make a difference! "To know you,is to love you"...and I'm happy to say I do...love you.
Posted by: Susan | February 23, 2010 at 06:46 AM
Happy belated birthday, Ellen! Rest assured that you do make a positive difference to this world and joy to others. My wish is very similar to the last part of yours in that I wish to raise both of my daughters to be kind, tolerant, strong, Christian women!
Posted by: Beth | February 23, 2010 at 06:44 AM