Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A finish and my year in review

First off, I have finished something for our grand daughter Peyton for Christmas.  I have been looking for a jewelry box for her but everything out there is so big that I'm sure she doesn't have room for something like that.  Well yesterday I came up with the idea to make her one and here it is.  Of course the P is for Peyton and in my boxes of goodies, I came across a brass heart that matches the brass handle and hinges of the box.....perfect!!! 
 I had purchased this collection of coordinating fabrics from the Fat Quarter Shop and thought they would go with the black of the box really nicely and I think I really hit it on this one.  There were 6 different fabrics but I only chose 3 of them.  The one with the largest flowers I used for the top of the box.
 The one with the tiniest flowers I used for the 2 removable trays......
and the middle sized one I used for the bottom layer.  My hubby had the black stain which is the easiest thing in the world to use.  It's like water only black and you just brush it on.  No sanding.....nothing afterwards unless you want to varnish it which I didn't.  I wanted it to look vintage and I think I achieved that look.  It has a mirror on the inside of the lid and is approx. 10 x 5 inches in size.  I hope she likes it!!!
Now unto some terrible news.  Disaster has hit 2 of my brothers.  My  oldest brother, Terry, just found out his wife has breast cancer and will have to undergo surgery.  They find out tomorrow what treatment the doctor has planned.  Please say a prayer for this wonderful lady who beat cancer once over 20 years ago and I'm praying she does it again.
My middle brother, Denny....well his house burned to the ground this past friday afternoon.  Him and his wife were both able to get out before anything happened to them but they weren't able to save anything except a few picture albums.  Please add a thank you to God for saving them from such a terrible disaster.
I'm beginning to think 2011 has not been a very good year for me and my family and I'll be glad when it's over.  My Mother always said "Don't wish your life away" whenever I said something like that, but I think she'd agree with me this once.
I hope everything is going good for all of you and your family and that the magic of the coming season will touch each and every one of you.
Blessings as always,
Barbara

21 comments:

valerie said...

Lovely finish for Peyton! So sorry to hear this news about your brothers. I hope for the best with his wife's treatment and recovery. Thank goodness your other brother was able to get out safely but what a terrible loss.

Cleejoow said...

I bet Peyton will be over the moon with the box. I know I would be :)
Prayers are sent your way for your family. I'm sure 2012 will be a better year.

Kay said...

The box is simply gorgeous - I know any of my girls would be thrilled to get something that spectacular from their Grandma! So sorry about all the bad news in your family, and hoping 2012 will be better.

Susan At Glen Oaks Primitives said...

Dear Barbara,
Beautiful and special jewelery box for your sweet granddaughter.
I will definitely be praying for your brothers and your sister-in-law and their families. I'm so sorry for them and you.

cucki said...

hello dear, your brother and your whole families are in my prayers..i am sure coming year will be a good one.
pretty box..i love it so much..
love and hugs for you xx

MoonBeam said...

Ditto to all of the above...box is beautiful, news is horrible. Hoping for a good 2012 for us all!

dixiesamplar said...

My word, Barbara...what a blow for both brothers and their families!! We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Such a lovely box for Peyton, bet she will love it...very vintagey, yet classy!

Hope things begin looking up for your family throughout the holidays and new year.

Penny said...

What terrible news concerning both brothers. Will certainly be praying for both families.
The jewelry box is beautiful, and I'm sure Peyton will treasure it. :) All the more special that you made it for her.

Mouse said...

ohhh that is a gorgeous box for Peyton and lovely you found stuff to finish it off perfectly in your stash pile ... sorry to hear your news ... hope your SIL recovers well from her surgery and everything associated with it ... and you can never have your memories away from you even if you loose the hard proof ie photos etc ... love mouse xxxx

CalamityJr said...

The jewelry box is beautiful for any age! I feel the same way about wishing your life away - sometimes it just seems the right thing to do, even though we avoid it most of the time. I'll definitely keep all your family in your prayers.

megan_bright said...

I love that jewelry box!! I wish I knew how to do cool things like that!!!
So sorry to hear about your brothers :(

Catherine said...

Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry to read the news of your family. I will keep them all in my thoughts and prayers. As for the box for Peyton, it is stunning! I'm sure she'll be over the moon with it!

Colleen said...

Bless you and your family, Barbara, in my thoughts & prayers.

How Beautiful a Jewelry box for Peyton. A big hug to you, my dear.

Connie said...

What a beautiful box! The fabrics really fit its vintage look. And I'm so sorry to hear about the difficulties your family is dealing with. My heart goes out to all of you!

Mindi said...

Love the box you made for Peyton, it will be with her for a lifetime.

I'm so sorry to hear about the troubles with your family, they'll be in my thoughts.

Nicola said...

What a beautiful, enchanting gift for Peyton. I will say a pray for your SIL. I have really enjoyed reading your blog, your posts are interesting and well written. Gorgeous needlework. I am looking forward to following your blog and seeing your mandala finished.

Bekca said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your brothers Barbara, what an awful situation for both to be in so close to Christmas. I am sending hugs and positive thoughts your way!
I'm sure Peyton will love her gorgeous jewellery box, it's a stunning finish.
Best wishes.

Carol said...

Dear Barbara--what a sad time for your family. Two terrible blows at once...I can't imagine. I hope 2012 brings hope for both families...

Your gift for Peyton is so lovely--I'm sure it will be one of her most treasured possessions.

Sweet Sue said...

So very sorry to learn of your brother's home, just not fair, especially sad during the holidays. I wish he and family only the very best that 2012 has to offer. Your finish is exquisite, Peyton will surely treasure it and the loving memories she will come to have:)

Carolyn said...

Oh my goodness!! What terrible news from your family! I'm so, so sorry. Please let me know if there is anything I can send or do to help your brother with starting over. I will keep your family in my prayers, for sure.

Peyton is going to be over the moon!! You nailed this one, girlfriend! Absolutely beautiful jewelry box. :0)

2012 is going to be a good year. I can just feel it!

Love you....
Thellie

Patty C. said...

Praying for your family