Wednesday, December 8

Angels & Artists

Dorthe, from Den Lille Lade
is one of my dearest & most talented friends. 
Last Christmas we did a swap, my first ever.
I made her a simple Joyeaux banner & she sent me an amazing piece of ART!
I call her my Snow Angel.
As I unwrapped the tissue around her I gasped!
The expression on her face,
the brightness of her eyes.... beyond beautiful!
Dorthe is a true artisan, she puts her heart into everything she creates. So many lovely details, such workmanship.
The wings are a dragon fly. 
 Dorthe always finds a way to include nature into her work.
Nature & a little magic!
Dorthe sells her amazing art on Etsy, I hope you'll visit her there.

She inspired me to begin a new holiday tradition.
I've always enjoyed making gifts for friends & family which I would supplement with purchased items. 
Last year every gift I bought (excluding kids toys)
came from Etsy
Beautiful knitted sweaters, a quilt, an amazing collage for a
special cat lover in my life.  This year I found some precious doll clothes for Lily's American Girl.  Much cuter & unique than what I've seen in stores. The benefits are endless.  No fighting over parking spaces, no stress,  no lines, but mostly I feel like the money I'm spending is making a difference in someones life.  I didn't mean to be on a soap box or anything, it's just a change I made that I feel good about.

I wanna show you some pictures from my latest workshop & introduce you to some budding artists!
Yesterday I taught Philips class to make holiday wish books from paper bags.

 Its a family tradition that started when I was their age.
 We talked a lot about Christmas, Hanukkah & wishes.
Their wishes were so sweet & innocent. 
 Not one child wished for a specific toy.
The #1 wish....that their dearly departed pet could come back to life.
#2 wish.....that big brother or sister would stop picking on them.
 
 We wrote secret messages to hide inside the pockets.
 It was an awesome day!
 If you ever need a dose of inspiration, go volunteer at a kindergarten class for a day!

27 comments:

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Oh look at your sweet babies. If only mine would have stayed little a little longer. I always tell them that, but then again I always tell them they'll always be my babies no matter what age. Happy early Holidays to you!

Netty said...

I adore your doll Lisa, she is so special. The children looks as if they are having the most brilliant time. Annette x

GwendolynKay said...

I don't know which is more adorable the angel of the children... well the children look like angels so all of them!
Blessings~
Gwenny

Vicki said...

The doll is stunning! My heart melts reading this post. I'm so glad you were able to do crafts with them. Such great memories. I've been feeling so sentimental lately as the kids get older. Cherish every moment!

Tammy said...

Beautiful Angel!!
And those Kiddos...super cuteness!!
Happy Holidays!
Tammy :-)
JUNK WILD

Dorthe said...

Dearest, sødeste (means :sweetest) Lisa,-how wonderfull to see my fairy again, and thankyou, my dear friend, for making this post about me and my dolls--I just ,though, have to correct :) in one thing---your - Joyeux -banner is NOT simple,-
it is a beautifull art piece, that I so love, sweetie.What a wonderfull friend you are, and have been since we first met,Lisa.
***
I am so sure you had a most wonderfull day,with the kids,-they are so willing to learn,in that age-and they are so sweet,and dear--as you are too-- also that you takes a day out of your bussy life, to give the kids some joyfull houers.

Thankyou from my heart, dearest.
Love you--and hugs.
Dorthe

Anne Lorys said...

Your angel is just beautiful, Dorthe is such a gifted artist.

That class looks like it was so much fun. And non-controversial to boot. Double score! ;-)

Hey, thanks for saving my butt yesterday, I owe you!!!

XOXO,
Me

Tete said...

Love the angel and the kids wish books are so much fun!

Lululiz said...

Your angel has the sweetiest little face, I love her expression. Dorthe is amazing, isn't she? The loveliest person you could imagine and such a talented lady as well.

The Feathered Nest said...

I just LOVE your beautiful snow angel Dorthe made for you Lisa!!! She is such a precious person and dear friend ~ and to give or receive a handmade gift is the ULTIMATE!! It looks like the class had the best time making their wish books...what a sweet age too! You're a wonderful mama to give time back to the school ~ hugs and love, Dawn

Claudia said...

I am such an admirer of Dorthe's work. She is amazingly talented. And even more important, her heart is as big as all outdoors! What a lovely angel.

I love the photos of Philip's class - they are adorable. And I love their wishes!

Thank you for your warm, supportive comment re the blues.

xoxo
Claudia

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi sweet Lisa!
Dorthe just amazes me with her doll creations. I am so glad that I am the proud owner of one of her lovely dolls and I cherish it.
She is so sweet and you are right, she puts her heart and soul into her work.

I agree that etsy is a great place to shop.

I can't think of a more wonderful way to give a gift than to work with children. You are so amazing girl. I think you are a living doll!

hugs
Sissie

Beth Leintz said...

Oh that looks like so much fun- a few years ago I taught a fifth grade art class how to make tag books and it was great to see all that enthusiasm and creativity.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

OH this looks such such a fun day with the kids! They all look like they are having a great time! Love your beautiful angel from Dorthe~ she is really one of the sweetest bloggers around!

Jennie said...

Lisa those children are adorable! How inspiring! I totally agree with purchasing gifts from Etsy - they're beautiful, unique and we're supporting our artistic sisters and brothers. As Grace would say...winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Hope you are well.

Best wishes,
Jennie

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Oh how fun! I was a room parent when both my kids were in elementary school ~ I sure do miss those days!

Rebecca said...

Hi
I so agree with you, in fact I just ordered 3 fairies from Dorthe for my grand-princess's - can't wait to get them.
Say Girlie are you coming to my Birthday party? I so need you there! I miss you.
Love the kiddies, looks like a lot of fun
Blessings
R

Kathy said...

These kids look like they are having such a good time, nice to see that. I am sure they were so proud of their creations.

Peridots Garden Blog said...

How precious! From the first photos of your Angel to the last photo of your day at school!

The best job I ever had in my life...besides raising my kids...

VOLUNTEERING at my kids school! The smiles and hugs are priceless...you've given those kiddos a day of memories that will last a lifetime!


Sandy

Anonymous said...

Oh, to experience the magic, the mystery, the anticipation of what Christmas was like as a child!
Great post, Lisa!
And yes, Dear Dorthe is amazing!
Hugs, Diane

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

What a wonderful tradition ...I so LOVE, LOVE, LOVE working with children that age. I would do it in a heartbeat again..IF I could..but with my Fibromyalgia and my susceptibility to germs ...I just can't do it.
I so love kids. ( Kids are "germ factories" to me)

However, they looked like they had a great time making these things with their hands. THANK YOU so much for letting in on your day.
Also thank you for stopping by and saying hi.
Love the old fashioned way you decorate your house.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Rose

Charlene said...

What a precious post!!!!! LOVED the books the kids made. And that #1 wish... could you get Reba sent back?????? Tomorrow we are off to look at a puppy because Hubby can't stand not having one. I AM Soooooooooooo NOT READY! So, I was thinking... revert back to Wish #1!!!! I had lunch with Cami & Jan Wednesday & we talked about the Art Group... That should be a New Years Resolution don't ya think? I MISS YOU! HUGS!
Charlene

Marie said...

Your snow angel is lovely! Sweet post.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
Christmas bracelet giveaway

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Dorthe is such a lovely wonderful friend and soul. I've admired her art for awhile now. So wonderful when precious gifts of grace are given to us as if they knew exactly what we need. Blessings of peace to you!

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi, my sweet friend! You must think that I've disappeared from the face of the earth. Well, I'm still here but it had been a little bit crazy lately.
Dorthe is as sweet as her creations and I also enjoy very much looking at her artwork :-).
I'm amazed by your Christmas decoration. I thought eveything would be in neutral colors exept for the kid's rooms maybe. The child's skis are awesome! What a great find! Your tree looks beautiful!
Have a great Sunday, Lisa!
Big HUGS,
Julia

June said...

I love Dorthe's artwork. What an amazing talent she has, besides being the sweetest heart ever. You have inspired me to do more of my holiday shopping on Etsy. it is so amazing to see what's out there.

Lisa, I can't think of anything more fun than to spend the day in my Maddie's class. Her mom does it a lot and I should join her sometime. Kindergarteners are so much fun, and I loved each and every picture of your day spent in your son's class.
Have an awesome week dear one.
huggies to you...

Vicki Boster said...

Lisa - we all love Dorthe don't we? She is a very special lady - she has a heart of pure gold and her talents are amazing. I love her dolls - their faces are so happy - and beautiful! How nice of you to do a feature about you on your blog.

The photos of the children are priceless - what a wonderful time you spent with these buddng artists! Loved every single photo!! You are a way cool Mom~~

vicki