Christmas Wrap Tutorial

You'll like this for a way to recycle and make cute Christmas wrap.

The Guardian at the Gate

This is at my front door in summer. Now that it's become too cold for him outside he sits just inside the door. A friend gave me the hanging plants, but they were just a couple of twigs that I stuck in the dirt and they grew. Sometimes I'm just amazed at the things that God creates.

This is the real "guardian at the gate." Her name is Gracie and she is a 7 year old Staffordshire Terrier. She loves to fetch, she's great with kids, but she has a fierce-some bark. She's a good watch dog, trained professionally, so you wouldn't want to come in the gate uninvited.

Silk Lotus Flower - Threads

There's a beautiful flower to be seen and so easy to make. Just go here for directions. Silk Lotus Flower - Threads

Posted using ShareThis

10 Days to Glory

Well, not quite, but after 10 days with no gas heat we now have a new heating system that includes hot water. I lingered in the hot shower today and that truly was glorious. Given that we are to reach about 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 celcius) tonight I am so thankful that it is finally all working. One thing about being without is how grateful you feel when you achieve something you didn't have. Don't we take a lot for granted? I know I do. And each time the Lord sees fit to remove something from my life and leave me wanting, I hope to remember it is a lesson in gratefulness. I can either complain about my life and what he's given me (or taken away)or I can use it as a lesson to grow. Simple things like heat and electricity are so easy to take for granted, but after going 15 days without electricity once, I try not to do that. So today I am grateful.

Just Lovely

I knew you'd like to see this pretty piece. It is done by one of the many talented ladies in our Yahoo Mini-Books group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini-books/#ans and you can explore Pam's site by clicking on the picture: Have fun.

Practicing a Grateful Spirit

Winter is rapidly approaching and we decide to change the heating system. I did mention doing it last summer, but...... The man who is installing it said we would be at least 4 days without heat. We've been two days so far and all radiators are in but the kitchen. No pipes are run to them as yet. We are upgrading from an old Soviet era dinosaur to a French/German model that is waaayyy more economical and will also heat our water. That means no more hot water tank that ran all the time. Jeff thinks it will pay out in as little as 5 years. Plus we will eventually have an indoor thermostat so I don't have to go to the cold garage at 2 a.m. to regulate the temperature. Am I grateful? Yes, thank you Lord for your provision. Did we ever adapt to the old system after central heat in America? Yes, the the beauty of having to do without something or difficulties is that when they are overcome, they make you so grateful. Try heating with wood and coal as we did our first three years. We had the experience of our great grandparents. That made us so grateful for any gas heat. Now after 15 years in Ukraine we will be up to western standards in our heating system. Thank you Lord for small steps and large, for your wonderful care for us. Help me to remember you are working in my soul and character each time we have troubles. May the difficulties bring me a grateful spirit. Amen.

The Last Bud of Summer

I'm waiting, but I don't think we have enough warmth for this to open. It's this time of year when I rather mourn the passing of summer, but this year I am trying to change my mindset by planning winter things that I will have to look forward to besides the cold and the snow. This year I will spend more time in artistic endeavors besides, of course, the usual church and ministry. I am thinking of starting a new craft class on Saturdays. Please pray for me as I seek the Lord's leading in just how he'd have me proceed this winter.

Fleeting Fall

Wishing you a Happy Autumn as we race into winter. Those who still have pretty leaves, take time to enjoy them. They won't be here for long. Though we've already had a slight freeze, we still have quite a bit of color and some pleasant days. These two cards were done the top by me, Coleen and the bottom by Leah for a swap on Handmade Mini-Books group that you can see here if you want to check it out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini-books/ Have a good week.

Circle Journal

This is the page I did for a circle journal that went literally around the world, each participant decorating a page based on a literary character. I chose Anna Karenena written by Leo Tolstoy.

Felt Card Case

Something I made recently while relaxing with a movie one night. It is just a sample of some of the things we have on Vintage Terrace, our new little online shop to raise support for missions in Ukraine. You can check it out by looking for the fan page on the right and the pink celtic heart (I am Irish you know....Coleen?).

Little Girls and Art

This is a cute vid I found on the internet. Just a delightful example of how we need to encourage children in the arts and self-expression. The lady who did it is an artist herself.

little girls changing the world from mccabe russell on Vimeo.

"Smile Cards" for Ukraine

Because several of you have made "Smile Cards," I was once again able to talk to a pastor here and explain our desire to give these cards to the sick, shut-ins, prisoners and invalid children. Caring people in America and even Canada have wanted to contribute to this project. The thing that was exciting to me with this particular encounter is the moment when I saw the light bulb come on in the pastor's face. He said, "We could have our Sunday school children make these right here." I was so pleased, he saw another ministry opportunity and the kids could be a part of it. Thank you for all of you who have helped with this. If anyone else would like to make cards, even single sided, but leave one side blank, just mail to us here in Ukraine. Coleen Franks, 8a Pushkin, Bucha, Kyiv.ob., 08293 Ukraine. L-R: Jeff Franks, Nick Dikterenko (the pastor),wife Lena and the short one is me, Coleen

Lovely Paper Flowers

And it's a man doing it. Wow~~check it out!

Getting my Posts

Did you know that you can get a notice every time I write something on the blog? Just look down the right side for the FEEDJIT gadget and you can get notice in your email box so you don't have to go looking for this site. Then you can read it there in your inbox or go to the side from the notice. Also, if you go down further you can be a follower and I'd love it if you did both because then as a follower I can see your icon and know who you are. Hope you join me in these ways.

Crafting

Thought some of you might enjoy this.

Way Too Familiar for Some of Us

2010 Life Path Challenge

We are about to soon turn the calendar over to a double digit,2010. No doubt the year will be historical in many ways, both nationally, worldwide and for each of us personally. Therefore, I am developing an idea that I think some of you might enjoy playing along with. It is a challenge to do a weekly question next year. This question can be interpreted in a number of ways. You can simply write about it or you can do a piece of artwork that represents the question. It is wide open as to how you interpret this challenge. The idea is to get you thinking and delving into questions of life that will bring the end of 2010 to a more satisfying conclusion and give you an opportunity to develop more creatively(if you want to) in the area of art, writing, poetry or ???. It will be totally personal and answers need not be shared with anyone though I envision us having a group Flickr site to post any artwork we do so we can share with one another. If you like this idea or would like to suggest a question, just post a comment below by hitting the "comment" button. Then stay in touch to see how this all develops. Should be fun.

Bucha, Ukraine Summer Camp Video

I am so excited that I just got hold of this video of our kid's camp to share with you. It was done by one of our talented church members, Edward Malashkin. I had left the church early today and then felt the urge to return so I could give out some books. It was then that I had a conversation with Edward and found out the video was on YouTube. I'm sure that was the real reason the Lord brought me back to the church. Please pray about the possibility of the church having it's own website (another topic we touched on). We are always grateful for your willingness to hold us and the church up in prayer. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej3rcb71n2Q

Preparations

I know you haven't seen much of me lately on here, but there has been so many exciting things going on that it's just hard to juggle it all. Tomorrow will be our 4th session of Sunday school(SS) . We are doing things a bit different this year. Each year SS has been rather demanding for my team and I. Therefore we are making changes. Actually, it started last year with all the older classes scrapbooking their SS year. This year they are already underway with their new books. Last week we scrapped in the pastor (and wife) along with the picture of the church. Now, what we are doing differently this year in the younger groups is supplying them with crafts for them to do instead of us coming in. Of course, that takes a lot of preplanning so we shall soon see which is the easier method. Since my team goes up and down with who helps, the new system should work better for the teachers since they will be more in control of when they do crafts whether we are there or not. I would certainly appreciate your prayers for my wisdom in how this all goes this year. The other projects are a new website, new endeavor, being creative, a November women's conference (with prayer scrapbook) and much more. I will share more of it here as I can in the near future. May your day be bright and beautiful, filled with His joy.

Ukrainian Wildlife

My next door neighbor shot this little red squirrel that lives in one of her pine trees. She was telling me how he looks down and watches her gardening. I thought it might be interesting for you to see what a Ukrainian red squirrel looks like as opposed to our gray squirrels. The other thing which you can't see very well here is that they have long fuzzy ears. What is also interesting about this...and why my neighbor, Ira, would even take such pictures, is that it is pretty rare that we see them. It is my understanding that, since the time of the Great Famine here (1930's), these little critters were hunted as a form of sustenance. And not just squirrels. There is very little wildlife to be seen. We live in a lovely pine forest and only once in 12 years have I seen a rabbit. Maybe twice in that time have I seen a fox. So, I thought you'd enjoy seeing the lovely little critter.

New Technology

Introducing Snap Shots from Snap.com I just installed a nice little tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, interactive excerpts of Wikipedia articles, MySpace profiles, IMDb profiles and Amazon products, display inline videos, RSS, MP3s, photos, stock charts and more. Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not. Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.

Bucha, Ukraine

Sunday School has started right along with the new school year. This past Sunday we passed out new scrapbooks (actually small notebooks) for most of the older classes. They will document their church experience throughout the year with lessons, photos, verse, pictures, stickers and just whatever they come up with that they want to remember from the year. Last year I saw some truly lovely books. I am always amazed by the talent in some of the kids. Next Sunday they will put in a picture of the pastor and their church to start their books. Stickers and embelllishments are always something we can use for the kids if you want to help with this. Please pray for the teachers and the children in the Bucha church and for Leah and I as we work with both.

The Times, They are a Changin' in Ukraine

This seems hard to believe, but, as I sit and type, I am in a McDonald's (fastfood) Restaurant in the capital city of Kiev. I am using their free-access wi-fi. Now, understand, if I were in America I would never be in a McD's as it would not be my place of choice for eating. On the other hand, here in Ukraine, there are some things we can count on with McD's. We know the menu, so selection is easy (I did say, not my choice??), the place is clean and service is fast. That is, after you stand in the long line of everyone else waiting to eat and all cashiers busy. And maybe most importantly, one can count on clean bathrooms, though you may well wait in line for that also. Did I say we've been here 15 years? I can remember when we lived in the little Crimean village of Nikolaieva after we first arrived. That was our first 3 1/2 ('94-'97) years in Ukraine. The day I saw that bright red and white Coca Cola truck come through I almost jumped up and down for joy. I know what most of you are thinking now.... she must be crazy about Coke. Well, on the contrary, I certainly am not, since I am much more conscious of good diet than that. What that Coke truck represented back then was a tie to our homeland. A tie to what was familiar, a tie to our culture. Well, here I am doing wi-fi at McDonalds and I must admit that Coke trucks just don't do it for me anymore. Yes, things are a changin' in Ukraine. You should see some of our slick malls. They'd give fair competition to anything in America. Life certainly is interesting and it certainly is changin'.

The View from My Window

Our home is placed on the front part of our lot which makes it closer to the road than I often like. There are, though, some advantages, like a big back yard and easy view of what or who drives by. This morning I was pleased to see a couple in their horse-drawn wagon. Our dirt road runs parallel to a nearby highway so this couple we see now and then. It reminds me of the simpler life in Ukraine that is rapidly passing away. When we arrived 15 years ago, such sights were not at all uncommon. I remember one farmer bragging about his horse didn't need gasoline and it didn't break down. For some in the coutry villages though, life continues in a manner much like it was 50-75 years ago. They plant a garden in spring, they store and can their harvest in fall. Some raise a pig for meat in winter. Some have a cow for milk and/or chickens for eggs and eating. This life is more similar to life in America maybe 100 years ago or more. Some have jobs out, but others make their living from what they can raise and sell some on the side. It is an interesting life here in Ukraine. We are grateful God has given us a small part in bringing hope to people here through training Jeff does of pastors and my work with ladies and children. When joy comes into their lives, it is an exciting moment. Thank you for taking time to read what I write. May your day be blessed.

Mt. Ararat Seen from Yerevan, Armenia

Mt. Ararat has much Biblical history and such beauty in this shot taken by Jeff (my husband) on one of his previous trips to Armenia. And they are still looking for the Ark up there. Just had to share it with you.

Red Day Lily

Just had to share this little pretty from my garden. Every year it is beautiful for weeks, yet each bloom only lasts a day. It's a reminder of how temporary our lives on earth are and how important it is that we find meaning and joy in knowing what our future in heaven will be. Jesus Christ is the one who gives that meaning and purpose to our lives for the short time we are here. Know Him and you will know God in heaven.

Tulip Vase

Someone at church gave me this vase. They didn't want it because there was a chip in the front on the left. I remedied the chip and now I'm going to give it back to the church. It was simple and fun doing it. The flowers were my addition to go with the vase color. Though they are not real, which I greatly prefer, they are all a lovely combination. Just wish I was a better photographer. Where's my husband when I need him?

Garden Visitor

This little Ukrainian imp explored around my garden not long ago. She even found a little duck to carry around. I love having visitors in my garden. Isn't she a doll?

Ukrainian Independance Day

Today is Ukrainian Independance Day. We are having a quiet day at the house. It is nice to have my husband Jeff home. In my kitchen I put a door where a window once was so we would have access to the back yard. Of course, it is a glass door so I can look out into the yard. Everything is so nice and green now, but I know it won't be long before it is a beautiful white landscape. Makes me all the more appreciate that today three white butterflies twirl around in a lovely dance back there. I've tried to plant flowers that attract them. I plant the flowers and Jeff and I both photograph them. It is as if we are trying to capture their beauty, as if we are trying to hold onto the moment, but alas it is only a few days and they fade. It is a reminder that our time on earth is also very short, like a breath of air and we are gone. Oh for the glory of what is yet to come and the memory of what is behind. Photo by Jeff Franks in our garden.

Last Camp for the Summer

Sorry I have been so silent, but I have been doing kid's camp this week. It takes a lot out of me. In addition I've been doing it with quite a painful back, but pain meds help. We are in a little village west of Kiev called Gorenechi. Each child is crafting their own scrapbook of their camp experience. I keep thinking they will finish and we will do another craft, but they just want to keep working on their albums. Many are truly beautiful. I'll try to get some pictures on here later. Pray for a strong finish today, Friday.

River Rock Path

Jeff took the lower photo from this. I wanted to show you the new path I am working on. We buy these rocks a bucket at a time and have been doing this for several years, so I have a couple such paths around the yard. They really do make for a lovely touch. And as we approach fall, the garden is in all it's fullness and glory. I love spring with everything new and surprises, but I so enjoy fall for all the lushness and abundance that surrounds me. It is a time, for a short while, when everything is so beautiful and made more so by the fact that in, not so long a time, it will all be asleep under a deep blanket of snow. Already our temperatures have started to moderate. I still have flannel sheets on the bed, no a/c and I wore winter pjs twice this week. May your Sunday be blessed with the joy and love of the Lord.

Samson in the Garden

Jeff took this picture of 14 year old Samson, who in the heat of the day (almost 90F. on some occasions), finds a cool spot mashing down my flowers. It's a good thing he takes the same spot over and over or I'd have to do something about it. Of course, at 14 (98 people age) one can't help but make a few exceptions. We used to have his sister, Delilah who was white, but she is romping in doggy heaven now. LOOK for the good today so you can see how God is blessing you.

I Couldn't Resist!

This is something funny I ran across on the internet. Again another example of far-flung creativity. As ingenious as this is, it must be someone with a lot of spare time on their hands, which is not the case for me. Nonetheless, it is funny and worth the minute it takes to watch.

Perfection

This rose came from a bush I started with a rose stalk (stick) under a bottle. I learned this from a Ukrainian lady many years ago and thus have started many this way.

Jaime Jorge, Poltava, Ukraine

My dear husband, Jeff and the violinist, Jaime Jorge left today for Eastern Ukraine to do a concert tonight in the town of Poltava. Leah and I stayed behind. It used to be that on the first day after Jeff left (he travels A LOT) I would be a bit aimless for a day and sometimes a little bummed, but that doesn't go on now and I look forward to the times alone. I suppose you could call that growth, as I am now better at planning projects, listening to Christian music and spending time with the Lord. No, I don't sit around on my knees all day. I'm much too hyper for that, but as I work in the garden or in my studio I practice His presence in my heart. It is a time of peace and joy and a time of prayer. Today I'm praying for safety in travel for Jeff and Jaime. In addition, I'm praying that the concert would go well and many would come and be touched for the Kingdom, that there would be no interference and all equipment would work well. Would you join me in this for the next week? They will do a concert every night this week and two mornings. Altogether he will do 11 concerts in 8 days. They need our prayer support. May God be glorified.

Behind Closed Doors

Behind closed doors we keep our hearts, so safe and sound all in the dark. But trust we must for hope of day, That we'll be saved from gone astray. That we can show our hearts the light, and know there's hope in life so bright.

New Widget

If you'd like to see some craft videos just page down to the very bottom of this blog and you will see a YouTube screen. After the first craft plays you can jump around to other crafts. Or you can push the button to the end to speed that up. Have fun!

Creating an Album

Front of album Back of album. This was made for a Ukrainian friend's birthday. I had the scrapbook, but decided to decorate it for her. I love creating, but even more when I can make things that go to a ministry purpose, which is about everything I do since I do classes and children's work in crafts. New camp coming up at the end of August. Lots to prepare for it.

Albino Peacock

How can anyone not believe in a marvelous Creator when you see something like this. Could this possibly be random chance, evolution or big bang? I don't think so. My daughter sent this to me. Probably one of those things circulating on the internet, but it was too beautiful for me to pass up and not share with you. We need more beauty in our lives. Enjoy! Thank you, Sarah.

Last But Certainly Not Least

Grandbaby number three, Tripp, shown with sister Jordan, had a birthday also in May and turned one year old. Here he is seriously studying one of his new birthday presents. Just a "chip off the ol' block" with his curly red hair and what a toughy he is. They are all such gifts from God.

July Birthday

Here's another little princess who had a birthday in July. Jordan turned four. Growing up so fast. This is granddaughter number two.

Birthday Number Six

My granddaughter, Julia had her birthday while we were in the states in May. We had a lot of fun. She was the royal princess of the day. I'm just starting to do a bit of blog catching up before my next camp at the end of this month.

Gift Box

The last few days have been about catching up on a lot of things, but this afternoon I took some time to just play. This box was inspired by "The Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge

New Gadgets

There are some new gadgets on here you might want to investigate. Look down the right side panel to find "Craft Critique" and "Making Mini-Scrapbooks." Then go down to the very bottom for some more. You could spend a fun afternoon just exploring these sites. The internet can be so fun and so addictive. Enjoy.

Pretties from June

These were done for a 4th of July challenge, but with the busyness of camps and visitors I just was not able to get them on. The challenge was from this location: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini-books/ Also for some fun and easy instructions, check out: http://www.making-mini-scrapbooks.com/ Have a great day with joy in your heart and a song on your lips. Coleen

Sunset on the Kiev Sea in Ukraine

I caught this shot on my way home from a tent camp on the Desna River. We had a group of Americans come and do camp with a group of Ukrainians. It was a great inter-cultural exchange and a lot of fun. If you look closely in the hillside you will see a cathedral. Ukraine is famous for its lovely Orthodox cathedrals.