5 Gifts...

I titled the picture "5 Gifts" because each item represents something I treasure and we all need to live our lives:

the feather - our gifts and talents that we have been given, launching us out into the world...
spoon full of seed - faith and provision {found in Jesus}
egg - hope and new beginnings
tree {on the stone} - growth, and especially growth founded on the solid rock of Christ
nest - relationships and a place to call home...

Join other creatives at StudioJRU and Sneak Peek Friday

To Texture Tuesday

Something new in the etsy shop...

I'm so excited - this is a photo I DID take!  I might be getting the hang of good photography {with minimal help from photoshop}...

Fiber Art Bird's Nest and Paper Weight - Desk Accessory or Home Decor

An artisan fiber bird nest and coordinating paper weight are ready to add beautiful functionality to your computer, on your desk top, on a book shelf, or near your favorite chair.

The nest, assembled by hand using reclaimed materials, has a delicate 3 inch diameter and 1 inch deep interior which can hold a favorite treasure or remain empty as its many textures and colors are a feast for the eyes. A coordinating riverstone paperweight with a tree hand drawn with acrylic ink and sealed for longevity, holds your important papers in place or can be a simple reminder to think about the peacefulness found in nature. The riverstones vary in size and shape, but are usually about 3 inches by 2 inches.

Each nest is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Rocks are initialed and numbered on the bottom.

Tree of Life - Klimt Challenge piece

Jane DesRosier hosted a Klimt challenge (for fun)...this is my submission

click here to find other works inspired by Gustav Klimt...

(there are mature themes, as his work explored the human body too.

 Here is my submission:

I love the message of the 

Tree of Life...

It holds a better promise
than the Tree of Knowledge.
One yields Life -
the other yields death.
One fuels the spirit -
the other fuels the flesh.
The New Testament says that knowledge puffs up,
but love builds up (encourages).
The Tree of Life so perfectly
represents man's two natures:
It reaches up toward heaven,
while it is rooted deep in the earth.

(don't we, too? Reach towards heaven while our feet rest deeply in this world?)

The Tree of Life reminds us of the choice we must make every day, every moment...

Will we choose Him - Life and Faith; or our own way - fleshly knowledge.

The Spirit of the Lord said through Moses:

"...I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants..." Deuteronomy 30:19

So choose Life, dear friends...partake of the fruit of life, and turn away from the fruit that brings death, every day, every hour, every minute, every moment!

Here is Klimt's Tree of Life that was my inspiration:

Joining with Jennifer and other creatives at Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday...

And joining Paint Party Friday

Trees!

Seems like lots of folks are thinking about trees - me included! I have one "Tree of Life" painting (shown above) done and another in the works...a large one for me...the words on the painting are from Proverbs 3:18 and read "Wisdom...is a tree of life to those who take hold of her...happy are all who hold her fast."

and I bought a swatch of this really cute fabric because it was just so inspirational! I even went back to the store to get a bigger swatch!



Then, today, Paulette mentioned (on facebook) "Sara's Art House" trees! Here are a few I REALLY like...







I liked these bright trees by Suzanne Buckner, too: