The Start of a New Year

Oh I have been a naughty blogger and have been very neglectful of my little nook in cyber space. Where do I pick up from after such a long absence? I know the people who visit this blog are looking for something specific-- something vintage and handmade. In honesty I haven't sat down to make a card or other handmade goodies in so long. It's not that I don't think about it every free moment I have--because unfortunately I can't get it out of my head--probably the reason I find myself back here once again trying to make a fresh start.

When I first started blogging I really didn't think about what people wanted to read. I blogged for myself, to keep a sort of journal of what I was doing and what I was crafting--to document my own journey. For my own sake I'm going back to the start and blogging for me--because after all isn't that more authentic and I think that is what people truly want.

It's snowing here today in Central NJ--the first snow of the year. The kids are outside enjoying the weather with their Dad, so I have a moment of solitude--one of the reasons I decided to sit down and write.

 2012 has been off to a good start, I must say simply because I have already been able to make one or two of my goals for the year a reality. I would like to make this year a learning year-- my interest in art and mixed media is growing so that I want to dabble in other things besides paper arts. I am so happy to say that I found out my local library will be holding a two part collage class in February and I plan to be there! When I discovered the class it felt like one of those aha moments when you know you were at the right place at the right time. Also I have been taking an on-line class at www.jessicasprague.com and learning all about making art with digital stamps in photoshop. I love it and plan on making more digital art as the year progresses.

My other goal is to become more tech savvy and I have taken steps towards that by finally becoming an I phone user--yes one of those, but I have to say I am totally hooked and plan to use it to be more hooked in to the online world and marketplace.

Family life is forever busy--and although I would love to have a bit more time for myself, I love my life and wouldn't change it for the world. The kids are busy as usual. My son is doing great in kindergarten and will be starting martial arts soon and T-ball, while my little one is getting bigger and bigger everyday. I plan on doing more family scrapbooking this year as well and have already gotten a start on that which I plan to share here as well.

Happy New Year and wishing you the passion and perseverance to follow your own passions throughout the year!

Tina

Blog Giveaway; Celebrate the End of Winter

I know I am ready for Spring, but there are a few things about the winter that I will miss; cuddling under my heavy blankets, drinking warm cups of tea,  and watching the cardinals and the blue jays feed from our bird feeder. I guess what I am trying to get at is that if you truly find joy in the small things in life, then you can find pleasure in just about anything--even a dreadful winter season.

That's what inspired me when making these two pieces that I am offering up to my readers today, the memorable and fun moments of winter time. I realize Spring is only a few days away, but before we are officially out of winter let's make one more memory. And hopefully, by the time the next winter rolls around hopefully these little decorations will bring a bit of joy to your home as the cold weather moves in once again.

If you are already a follower of Vintage Haven Studio then all you need to do to enter my giveaway is to leave a comment on this post. I would love to hear how you are getting ready in your home for the Spring Season; wehther you are crafting, cooking or cleaning. For those of you who are new to this blog I would also love to hear your take on this, but I do have to ask that in order for you to qualify for the giveaway you will need to show support for my little ol' blog by becoming a follower. I would so very much appreciate your support in helping my little blog grow.

Make sure to spread the word by filling in a friend on the giveaway as well!

I will keep the giveaway open for two weeks and will pick two winners randomly on March 30th. The 1st winner will receive the Winter Wishes Wall Medallion and the 2nd winner will receive the Vintage Tag Garland.

Good luck and thank you so much for participating and showing your support!