OCC BABY IN A BASSINETTE

As you may have figured out, I am crazy about crocheting things for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

I can't give you the pattern for this one because it's not mine, but you can find it on Ravelry - a great site for avid knitters and crocheters. 

A friend gave me these darling Cupee Dolls. I managed to crochet some clothes for them and then I made this sweet drawstring purse that turns into a bassinette. I made a few more after the first. I love finding a pattern that I will use again and again.

 

Mini Portraits 1-10

Hello Friends,

I've been slowly working away at my mini watercolour portraits. I have 10 so far. The goal is to paint 100 by the year's end. I rather doubt I will make it that far, but I am seeing some improvement.

I've seen a difference since I started using reference photos. I mostly haven't been able to capture good likenesses. That is more difficult than I had imagined. I'm trying to go easy on criticizing my work and, instead, building on what I do like. Each painting is numbered on the back, with notes.

Here are my latest two - #9 & #10:

I used the negative painting technique in #10 to bring out the white hair of the subject. That just means painting around the area with darker colours (background usually) so the white of the paper stands out more.

Here are all 10 mini portraits, which I began in March:

Thanks for stopping by. Have you given yourself a creative challenge this year? Everyone is creative in some way. Perhaps you could challenge yourself to try a new recipe every month or decorate an area in your home or office. Let me know in the comments what your creative challenge is this year.

blessings,

Teresa
 

Resurrection Sunday & My Birthday

 

 

Today is Easter Sunday, or how I like to call it, "Resurrection Sunday". 

I love how some traditions use the phrase, "He is Risen!" and the response, "He is risen indeed!"

This is truly a time of celebration as we remember the triumphant resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

This year I have the privilege of sharing this great day with the celebration of my birthday.

I'm 67 and I published my first novel at 60. I hope that will encourage someone. It is never too late to pursue your dreams. And even if it is, you can find new dreams. Your golden years can truly be golden.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'd also like to invite you to join me on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 

I plan to add more to those channels, but writing stories for you to enjoy will be my first priority.

OCC GIFTS & PATTERN

 As mentioned in other posts, one of my favourite things to do is to crochet gifts to go in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I especially like to make clothes and accessories for dolls. And what little dollie wouldn't love a teddy bear just her size?

These mini bears are about 3-4 inches tall and whip up in minutes. Here is the pattern.

Chenille or blanket yarn
5.5 mm hook
Ch 5
Sc in 2nd ch and each ch across (4sc)
(Should be about 2 in) ch 1, turn
Cont until piece is 6 in, ch 1, turn
Fold in half. Work through both thicknesses throughout.
(Sc, hdc, sc) 1st sc; sl st nx 2; (sc, hdc, sc) last sc.
sl st nx 3; 2 sc, ch 1, turn
Sc on these 2 stitches until piece measures 2 in (1st arm); fold and sl st down side to bottom, ch 1
Work 2 sc on 1st half of bottom (folded) edge; work in sc until piece measures 3 in (1st leg); fold
Work 2nd leg on other half of bottom edge; fold, ch 1
Sl st on other side; stuff; sl st to even with bottom of arm on other side; 2 sc, ch 1, turn; work on
these two as on other arm; fold
Sl st to bottom of ear; fasten off, leaving long end for sewing sides of arms and legs. (Option: sl
st arms and legs as you work, directly after folding)
To finish: Tie ribbon or yarn around neck; draw face in permanent marker

THE LOST SCROLL (Book 4)

 

 

 

Alfreda was the first painting Austrian artist, Jedida, did for me, which is interesting because much of this book was written first in the early 1990s.

THE LOST SCROLL (Book 4, Tales of Ellmoria) was a marrying of my original (unpublished) novel, "Lucretia's Curse" with the first three books in Tales of Ellmoria. 

The ancient woman, Alfreda, is the only remaining witness of a redemption story that was never written down and therefore lost.

 

 

 

 

BLESSED FRIDAY POEM

 Dear Friends,

 Today is  known as Good Friday. It is GOOD because our blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ, gave himself as the final and perfect sacrifice to expunge the sins of any who would put their trust in him. Since the word, good, has lost much of its meaning in our society, I am taking the liberty today of calling this "Blessed Friday".

This morning, as I sat with my cup of tea and my journal, I began thanking Jesus for all the grace and mercy he has extended to me throughout my life. Many times I've taken wrong turns and made bad choices. I, and others, have paid the consequences of those choices throughout the years. I try to not think of how my life would have been different if I'd walked in step with Creator always and never strayed. Regret is a destructive emotion and thought pattern.

This little poem grew out of my time in my journal, pouring out my heart to my Lord this Blessed Friday morning.

My Little Garden

I have a little garden, but I could’ve had a field. That’s not what You say; it’s what I tell myself.

I don’t know much about gardening, but you don’t seem to mind. You teach me as much as I’m willing to learn.

Weeds keep popping up. I don’t know how they get there, but you’ve shown me how to cast them quickly to the fire.

My seedlings are rather pathetic. I try to not compare them to the flourishing gardens of my peers, but you know I often do.

 “Look to me,” you smile, “I have different plants for you.”

And so I go on, planting and watering, and trying to not compare. While you point out my progress and tell me that you’re proud.

 Me and my little garden. You don’t mind that it’s so small. We’re tending it together. And that’s your favourite thing of all.

 

Blessings to you and yours on this Blessed Day,

Teresa

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD GIFTS

 

Last week I did a post about Operation Christmas Child - a ministry of Samaritan's Purse.

I showed a few of the items I made for shoeboxes last year in that post. Here are a few items I've been working on for this year's boxes.

The first is a very simple crocheted sleeping bag. I stitched (single crochet) a rectangle slightly wider than the doll. I made it long enough to fold over at the top to make a pillow (which I stuffed) and to wrap up to the doll's shoulders. I sewed it together and that's it.

 

 

 

 My next project built from the first. I made my rectangle wide enough for three dolls (admittedly, this is a little big for a shoebox; my next purse would hold only two dolls). I sewed between each doll to give each her own pocket.

 The next steps were to create strips for the bottom and sides of the bag, and a rectangle that goes from the bottom and overlaps to the front of the sleeping bag section. There I secured it with a button.

The last thing was to make and add a strap to the bags, securing it to the strips at the sides. There is plenty of space for dollie or girlie items inside the bag. Wouldn't this make a sweet overnight bag for a little girl? 

 

Morning Dove Press

 Hello Friends,

I received some disappointing news recently. The publisher of Tales of Ellmoria has decided to close shop as of April 3, 2025. 

Working with Emily Pelley has been a wonderful experience. I will very much miss her and I wish her every blessing as she closes this chapter of her life, whether permanently or temporarily.

I am in the process of deciding how to proceed and would very much appreciate your prayers.

In the meantime, you can message me on Facebook or comment on this post to order books directly from me.

Blessings,

Teresa

Book 3: OUT OF HIDING

 

 

OUT OF HIDING (book 3, Tales of Ellmoria) was my most challenging of the 4-book series to write.

I knew there would be a war, which meant battle scenes - something I'd never written before. So, I called in advisors (my husband & son), and they coached me to write both close combat scenes and battle strategies. They grinned with approval at my final results.

Highlighted on the book cover is Lokia: leader of an Ellmorian tribe known as The Tree People. Lokia was painted by Austrian artist Jedida.

 

 

 

 

 

Mixed Media CDs

 Hello Friends,

As you might be aware, one of my favourite charities is Operation Christmas Child. I'm usually crocheting accessories for dolls or making teddy bears. Recently my friend and regional OCC rep, Dorothy Fry, told me that she had a bag of used CDs donated to her. I thought I could come up with a use for them and asked for a few to experiment with.

My plan is to rally some volunteers to make these into little art pieces for the children. Coming up with a design that would be easy for those who don't think they are artistic, was crucial to maximum the number of folks who would volunteer.

 After sanding and priming each CD, I painted simple backgrounds and glued catalogue cutouts to them. Then I hot-glued a loop of ribbon to the backs of each one.

 Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Teresa

Mini Portraits #7 & #8

 Hello Friends,

In an earlier post, I told you about my challenge to do 100 mini watercolour portraits this year. I don't know if I'll make it to 100, but I'm starting to see an improvement in my skills.

I started using reference photos by my 5th portrait. Capturing a true likeness is not something I've been able to achieve, but using a reference photo is helpful.

Portrait #7 uses a photo of my mum when she was young. 

Portrait #8 is me. 

Neither painting looks like us. I think that will be a future goal. I don't want to discourage myself by reaching too far too fast. 

I started Portrait #8 with a wet on wet background of soft pastels. I thought I'd turn a splotch of pink into a flower, but as I tweaked it, it morphed into a butterfly. I like that. Butterflies have significant meaning to me. The hair is exaggerated because I like to draw and paint hair that way.

My dream is to be able to paint portraits that capture the beauty within, rather than just what shows on the outside. I don't know if I'll ever get there, but I'd like to try.

 Blessings,

Teresa

Weekend Watercolours

 Hello Friends,

How was your weekend? Mine was great.

On Friday, Terry and I celebrated our anniversary (38 years) by going out to dinner.

 

On Saturday, we participated in a Thrive Symposium in Charlottetown, put on by Integrated Health Transformation Centre (IHTC), led by Dr. Henk Visser. 

Terry was part of a dance team and I had a table for my Tales of Ellmoria fantasy novels.

During the symposium sessions, I sketched and painted a vase of tulips on the registration table.

 

 

 Sunday evening, I did a quick study of worship flags leaning against a wall and spilling over the floor.

 

 

 

 On Sunday morning, during the service, the words of one song were, "Give me vision to see things like you do."

I pictured the vocalist with long, dark hair and a flowing pink gown. In reality, she has short, salt & pepper hair. She was wearing a pink top with jeans.

I painted what I had envisioned. Then I took out my bible to look up a specific scripture, but my eyes landed on a different scripture, the one I opened to first. It suited perfectly.

 "O my darling, lingering in the gardens,
    your companions are fortunate to hear your voice.
    Let me hear it, too!"  (Song of Solomon 8:13 NLT)

I don't consider myself an accomplished painter by any stretch. I'm practising and endeavouring to improve.

The above painting, while I really like it, is not about displaying my skills, but about conveying a message from God to me or to someone else. This is known as prophetic art.

Creating this kind of art is a delight to me and I've been able to encourage others many times, which is a real joy. But I have to let go of my pride each and every time, especially if the painting is not very good.

I have to decide that it is more important for someone to experience the love of God than for me to be affirmed as a skilled artist. 

One of my simplest paintings, that could have been accomplished by a child, brought comfort to a whole family who were grieving the loss of a loved one.

God is more interested in my heart than my skills. Whether I'm writing, painting, cooking or crocheting, I pray my heart will remain yielded to Holy Spirit and willing to bless others, rather than looking to be praised. 

Blessings,

Teresa

 

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

 

Many of you have heard of Operation Christmas Child - a ministry of Samaritan's Purse. But did you know that you can work on shoebox gifts all year long?

I used to find it difficult to buy gifts to put into a shoebox in October/November, at the time when I was trying to figure out how I would manage to buy gifts for my own family. Those short weeks between the distribution of the empty boxes and the pick-up date flew by. I was lucky to manage filling one box and then paying for the postage.

Then I found out that I could make and buy shoebox items all year round. Last year I was able to pack 14 boxes, filling them with many handmade items, plus things I'd bought at a discount. I wasn't able to pay the postage for all of the boxes, but donations from others covered that cost.

Since then I've discovered that items called "fillers" are always needed and can be given to my region's representative. Toothbrushes, hairbands, crayons, facecloths, combs: these are all highly prized items.

Our knitting group often makes items for shoeboxes or shoebox fillers. It's like having Christmas all year round, imagining the faces of the children when they open their gifts.

Here are a few things I've made for shoeboxes:

 I hope you will consider participating in this worthwhile ministry. There are many ways you can contribute: making fillers items, donating postage cost, packing your own box, or working with a local team to prepare boxes for shipping. It's so much fun, I almost feel guilty using our offering money to do it. 

38 Years & Son of Abeilhe

 

 

Today is my 38th wedding anniversary, so it seems fitting to introduce Book 2 in my Tales of Ellmoria inspirational fantasy series - SON OF ABEILHE.

Son of Abeilhe was called "a wonderful view of what true love looks like" by one of my first readers.

While romance isn't my main genre, Son of Abeilhe certainly highlights the beautiful and sometimes painful pursuit of romantic love. 

Austrian artist, Jedida, captured the essence of young Auberon, down to his smoldering turquoise-blue eyes.

 

 

 

Terry and I are planning a nice meal out today to celebrate 38 years of marriage. We are thankful that our Lord Jesus Christ has shown us how to cultivate and nurture the seeds and plants of romantic love over all these years. We are more in love now than we have ever been. Every day is an adventure of learning to love well.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Teresa