Just checkin' in!

Hi Everybody! Oh how I miss talking to you all. I'm currently at my mother-n-laws and I thought I'd give you all an update. Our computer crashed Christmas Eve - what a present hey? After attempts to repair it - we've decided to jus' purchase a new one. However, it is going to take several more days before it arrives and we transfer everything over. I hope you all don't give me up. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. I'M HAVING WITHDRAWAL!!!!!!

I hope you all are having a great start to the new year. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have been up to and sharing with you all in return. My shop is always closed the month of January so I'm trying to catch up on a lil' rest and LOTS of projects.

I'd try and change pictures for you all but unfortunately - I don't have any - there are all on the other computer. So I sure will be glad when things get back to normal!

Many blessings to you all - and please don't forget about me!!
Cathy Cobblestone

I'LL BE BACK SOON!

THIS IS CATHY'S SISTER POSTING FOR HER BECAUSE SHE IS HAVING COMPUTER PROBLEMS. SHE IS MISSING ALL OF YOU, AND HOPES TO BE BACK REAL SOON. SHE SENDS HER BEST FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MANY BLESSINGS TO YOU.

FROM CATHY AND HER SISTER STEFF

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from our country home to your home.

May peace, joy and laughter fill your home and may the love of Jesus Christ fill your heart.

Many Blessings to you all my friends. You all are like a beautiful gift to me - thank you.

Merry Christmas
Cathy Cobblestone

Another Quick Ornament Idea!

Can you believe it??? It is almost here! Are you ready? I'm jus' 'bout there - got a couple more things to pick up and lots and lots of wrapping to do. I don't know about you guys, but when I wrap I always like to tie something on the package. Now this can be many things - like fresh greens and berries, a peppermint stick, and of course, an ornament. But lets face it - it is down to the nitty gritty and there is no time to make a trip to the store when you have to have one in a hurry. So a couple of days ago - I wanted to make something personalized for some friends of mine - something different than one of the glass balls I paint. So I started rummaging through some wood pieces I had and came across these wooden discs. And honestly, sometimes it takes me a while, but this time - it came right to me. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Something simple but cute and well - this is what I did. And you can do this project with jus' about any scrap piece of wood - it doesn't have to be circular.

I'm sorry I didn't take before pics but it is really easy.

I spray painted the disc white - then when dry - I slightly washed the disc down in black paint. That gives it an instant distressed look - kind of like me right now - hehe.



I simply painted the initial of the family it was going to and put a few lil' stitching marks around the edge. I then put a varnish on it - sprinkled with iridescent glitter - put some polka dot (imagine that) ribbon on with a flat thumbtack and there you have it. All in less than an hour.

I was really happy with them. They were exactly what I wanted for my gift baskets.




Of course, I had to make myself one for my black and white tree. This is the first thing I have made for myself this year!!! Oh my, where does the time go.

Remember, you could also write words like "Believe, Peace, Noel, Joy" or cover with scrapbook paper first then monogram. So many possibilities.




Hope everyone has a great start to this extra busy but extra special week. May we all remember in the hustle and bustle of things - that this week is simply about one thing - a Gift. The true gift of Christmas - Jesus Christ.

Many Blessings to you all!!
Cathy Cobblestone

Drumroll Please...

...O.K. friends - are you ready??? I'm so very excited to share my barn quilt with you. I've been waitin' for a long time to get it put up and we finally did it - and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Do you know why - 'cause it the "Christmas Star" pattern. The reason it took a while is because we had to put a new metal front on our barn because it had suffered some wind damage in a previous storm. So we didn't want to hang it until we repaired the barn. But it has been so worth the wait. I'm just as happy as I can be and Shaun is too. At first, he wasn't completely keen on the idea - You know, afraid it might look a lil' "girly". But I have to say - he is smitten with it. Of course, if I could have, you know I'd probably thrown in a few polka dots - but I think I would have been pushing my luck a tad. hehe

Sooooo, here we go!

This first pic is of my hubby and his dear friend, Tommy, who was absolutely instrumental in helping up repair the barn. Shaun could not have done it without him - Thanks a million Tommy!



O.K. - metal is on - and up goes the first side of the quilt!!!!! (now, that's dangerous - they are standing in the bucket of the tractor)



This is just a quick picture of the hay rolls in the barn - I just love how they look and it always smells so good - jus' like the country.



Here it is - The "Christmas Star" Barn quilt - all in my favorite colors - bright yellow, true red and kelly green.



In full view - this is what it looks from our house and it can easily be seen from the main road. I'm just so thrilled with it.



I want to thank our local Arts Council who worked very hard on this project. Many hours were spent laying off the pattern and painting. I did get to help - but they definitely did most of the work. We will treasure it for many years to come. We have always loved our farm and have taken great pride in it and now - we jus' love it a lil' more.

Merry Christmas from our farm to yours!
Cathy Cobblestone

Sometimes...

...when your spirit needs lifting - God puts beautiful people doing the kindest things in your path. When I got home tonight from taking mom to the hospital - I was greeted by a surprise package in the mail and a plate full of goodies from a friend. The timing couldn't have been more perfect and what sweet surprises! They both made me smile and it warmed my heart so. Then I check in here and I was touched by all the kind and thoughtful comments left regarding my mom's surgery. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers - there is so much power in prayer. To fill you in, Mom did very well. The Dr. says "things went as well as they could". Unfortunately, it could be weeks before we know if it worked - but we have a great deal of hope and faith that it did.

I'll let you take a peek at my sweet gifts. First is a darlin' "peace" ornament in red and lime green with black and white polka dot ribbon. Now, could she have nailed it any closer - it matches my things perfect! I bet she knew that already. Thank you thank you Ms. Jean - all the way over in Virginia. What a totally unexpected and beautiful surprise. Merry Christmas my friend!



Now for my precious "local" friend - Ms. Janet. She had her famous YUMMY candy all wrapped up so pretty - in polka dots none the less - tied off with this beautiful tile that again, matches my room perfect.



I think it has found the perfect home - don't ya think.



And jus' look at that plate full of the yummiest candy (she and my friend Karen are simply "the bombs" when it comes to homemade candy -hehe). My favorite is that "pink candy" in the middle. I doubt it makes it through the night - cream cheese and powdered sugar - oh my my!!



Once again, thank you all so much. I will let mom know of your kindness and please continue to remember her in prayer. Many blessings to you all.

Cathy

P.S. - I got my barn quilt up - I'll show you pics in the next couple of days! I'm so excited!!!

A Special Request...

for my mom.



My mom will be having surgery on Monday to try and restore her vision. I'd like to ask if you would be so kind to remember her in your thoughts and prayers. I know the Lord will take care of her. But the human/daughter side of me simply wants her to be able to see again. She's such a beautiful person and such a loving mother. I'm so blessed to have her.

Thank you for your caring thoughts and sincere prayers.
My mom's name is Brenda.

Have a beautiful Monday.
Cathy