The Light

It's been a long, long winter.....

a hard, depression filled, anxiety ridden, lonely winter.

I plugged away, day to day.. hour by hour....minute by minute.

I asked for prayers..I talked to my husband....I kept my secret.

I tried hard to make my kids smile..

I occasionally was successful.

Grown sons had surgery.

Little sons were hospitalized.

Hubby is facing his own health challenges.

Members of this household were sick for weeks.

Life was in chaos for 4 weeks while health was regained.

Winter was sooooo cold.  It took until into March for it to warm enough for kids to go outside to play.

But life went on....some days were beautiful, full of sunshine.

This fellow regained his health.

The twins that aren't quite were soooo sad to be apart, but are back together now.

Smiling

Crochet and knitting are therapy

It's good for the soul

Hopefully this space will once again be filled up with our lives.

Making happy memories is just as important to these little ones as it was for big brothers and sisters.

We love our Saints and continue to pray for their intersession. 

Especially Irish Saints....since I have a household of little Irish babies.

Pinterest is becoming one of our favorite friends.

Gracie has become my crafting partner.

She does beautiful work!

The rainbow still comes after the storm.

The risen Jesus is our hope.

He will never forget  us. 

Jesus is the Light of our world.

But encouragement is still needed...

desperately needed at times.

So we ask for prayers, and suggestions for getting through the rough patches...

and leaning on the light of Jesus.

Flextangles

 

We found a real fun project on the babbledabbledo website.  On this site you can find a printable template and complete video and written directions.  I did fine that rubber cement worked best for this project and I had to use a little more tape than expected on the final flap.  This looks like a fabulous website with many fun projects....I just haven't had time to investigate it completely. 

A Dalmatian Hat....all sizes available

This original pattern was posted on Repeat Crafter Me

A new hat!  This Dalmatian hat is available in all sizes.  The hat shown is sized newborn. 

$20.00 includes shipping. 

Head over to my Facebook page: Like the page and share with your friends.

Message me on the J.C. Marie HandCrafts page so you don't miss any new offerings.

If you have an idea for an item or want something specific crocheted or knit, please contact me and I will see what I can do. 

Thank you so much,

Blessings, Joann Collins

The Story of Stained Glass

 We have enjoyed our study of the Middle Ages. We are starting to wind down and head into the Renaissance era, but before we did I wanted to do one more art project. 

Trying our hand at stained glass art was fun last week. Today we made "stained glass" luminaries.

 The book, The Story of Stained Glass, was just the right length to read aloud before starting our craft.  It gave us the history of stained glass, the purpose of stained glass and how making stained glass has changed over the centuries.

All you need for these luminaries are:

plain jars

Mod Podge

tissue paper

foam brushes

 The first step is to make a design by cutting up and arranging the tissue paper.

When you have the tissue paper ready, start slapping on the mod podge onto the jar.  

Arrange the tissue into its previously planned design.

 Kim had a plan, and that was to have a nice big
"k" on the front of her jar.

Luke's candle looks like a Syracuse basketball inspired luminary.

We made luminaries in the past:

You can see Halloween luminaries  and 

Autumn Luminaries

I would like to invite you to visit my new Facebook Page.

My signature earflap hat with braids and a pompom  $20.00 includes shipping  many colors available

Please check out my new site: J.C.Marie Handcrafts Everything offered on this site is made by myself. (well I do get some great help from my hubby and kids when needed ) We have very cute earflap hats and warm mittens. Scarves and kitchen sets consisting of pot holders, dishrag and a hanging dish towel. The fully lined reversible totes I have made are becoming very popular. Some items posted are complete and ready to go...others need to be ordered ahead of time. (I do h...ave 10 kids) so if something says available now--don't wait to order it. it is probably the only one I have. I have found a wonderful soft and warm baby yarnl And we seem to have babies babies everywhere. Make sure to order soon enough so that I can get some cozy baby aghans made.

Message me to talk cost, colors and types of yarn or type of cloth for the super new tote bags.
We greatly appreciate your orders. It helps to be able to pay a bill or get some needed groceries . Thank you, and may God Bless You all!! Joann Collins

Everyone loves these tote bags.  5 pockets, fully lined, completely reversible generous size

$25.00 includes shipping

 child's size ear flap hat  $15.00

 baby girl cozy ear flap hat

$15.00

 a fun newborn Christmas hat

 A puppy hat...all sizes available.  price depends on size

 This pretty and soft baby blanket is ready to ship out.  It measures 29 inched by 30 inches.

$25.00

This is part of my kitchen sets,  Two double sided scalloped pot holders...2 dishcloths and a hanging dish towel.   I will sell this incomplete set for $15.00 (I can add to this set if wanted)  A full set is $25.00 this includes shipping.