Tea on the Terrace

Kid's Klub in Bucha, Ukraine

2011-10-10T13:47:00.001+03:00

For some months I've been talking to our Sunday School director about starting a Saturday kid's activity so we could bring in more children from our town who are not in church. We did our first Kid's Klub and had 13 children. It was a start and I know it will grow. We did songs and crafts, but starting next month we will also offer English classes so that will bring more out. You can see from these pictures we had a real range in age. Please be in prayer for this monthly children's ministry. My thanks to Marge Naperski who sent the lovely fish pictures for this project. The kids loved it. And send us your buttons and old jewelry for craft projects. Grateful for you, Coleen

Changes: New Blog Name

2010-02-20T18:29:00.002+02:00

I'm going to be moving my blog and changing it's name to Vintage Terrace 2! Please adjust your subscription address or go to the new blog address/url http://vintageterrace2.blogspot.com/ and subscribe. I will be leaving my old blog up, which will look identical to the new one (except for the title and header of course) for a few months. I will keep publishing reminders so everyone makes the trip!

I Love Hearts

2010-02-19T18:51:00.001+02:00

A friend and colleague, Laura Kanaykina came to me recently for ideas to entertain a women's group with a craft. This is what we came up with and since you all know I like to doodle, well, that is what I did on each heart. No, it may look like Greek, but the Bible verse is in Russian.

VintageTerrace2 Online Shop (My Etsy)

2010-02-16T19:21:00.002+02:00

Some of you have already seen our online shop and we've already made sales. The things on here are all sold without profit motive, but are sold to use for missions work in Ukraine. I teach art classes to various groups and the proceeds from this shop go to providing scrapbooks and other items to the children and adults we work with. For those of you who have donated items we are ever grateful for our privilege and ability to be of service here in this capacity. I love what I do and the big payoff is the joy on their faces when they've created something they admire. God has given me a unique tool for witnessing the love of Christ through teaching. Thank you to all who have been a part of making this possible. Please take a look at the things in our shop and see if there is not something there that catches your fancy.

Pretties

2010-02-16T16:46:00.002+02:00

Got creative one day and made these pretty little flowers as embellishments. So fun for decorating a page, a box or whatever you want to doll up. Used a paper punch for the bottom flower and the rest is fabric flowers and a gem.

2010 Life Path Challenge Week 7

2010-02-15T15:09:00.005+02:00

I've heard from several more who are doing the challenge, I just wish more were interpreting with art, but it's OK to interpret these questions in any way that works for you. Remember, how you interpret the questions is your private business, but if you want to make some art then either go to our Flickr site (search Flickr for "2010 Life Path Challenge)and upload it or mail to us and we'll do it for you. Here's our questions which you can answer one or both: WHAT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST TIME-WASTER IN YOU LIFE, AND WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT THIS YEAR? FOR WHO'S SALVATION WILL YOU PRAY MOST FERVENTLY FOR THIS YEAR? Again, you can answer one or both questions. Have fun.

Where In The World is Ukraine? FYI

2010-02-15T15:00:00.004+02:00

Ukraine, isn't that Russia? No, it used to be part of the former Soviet Union, but it was always Ukraine. My geography got a lot better when I moved from the U.S. to this part of the world. Ukraine is just below Russia on right side of the page. How do I feel about it? I love it here, as well as traveling Europe.....16 years now.

Snow, Snow

2010-02-11T09:49:00.003+02:00

Snow, Snow go away, come back another day. I know anyone who lives in a snowy area is getting tired of it by the time they get to February. For us this only means another month or so. I say "or so" because we could get snow as late as April or May, but the stuff that stays on the ground will start melting in mid to late March. This shot is from our front door looking toward the street. I thought it was interesting how the flash in this night shot caught the snowflakes. In summer the arch has clematis growing over it and the sidewalk is surrounded with flowers. Ahemm (sigh, longing for spring).

2010 Life Path Challenge Week 6

2010-02-08T21:53:00.005+02:00

Well, the day has gotten away from me for being too busy, but here I am. Here's my tag for this week along with your questions. You can do one or both questions. Just however you feel moved. 1. WHAT IS THE MOST THANKFUL YOU HAVE EVER BEEN AND HOW DID YOU EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE? 2. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU COULD DO THIS YEAR TO INCREASE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF GOD? Now, let me say that if you fall behind one week then my suggestion is that you just leave a blanks page, blank spot for whatever you are doing and move on so you can keep up. Then maybe you can pick up on that week at a later time and maybe not. Remember, this is a no pressure deal so do it as you like. Have you stopped to consider that you are creating quite a legacy in these questions? It might make a great gift to give a love one later. We now finally have a Flickr site set up for those of you who would like to post your work to share with us. Find it here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1351653@N21/ or just look for vintageterrace2 on Flickr. I hope you are enjoying these questions as much as I am. I'd sure love to see what you are doing and I would love to hear from some of you as to how it is going in comments below. Have a great week and Happy Valentine's Day to you all. Tell someone you love them.

Painting a Rose by Donna Dewberry

2010-02-08T14:08:00.001+02:00

This lady of many talents is fascinating to watch even if you don't paint. Click on the title to watch.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-08T09:15:00.002+02:00

My gift to you dear friends....this is how God sees you. Listen to this lovely song from Ginny Owens. She is a blind singer. Then hear her short story below. Click on the title to listen. It's beautiful.

Singer, Ginny Owens

2010-02-08T09:00:00.003+02:00

She has a marvelous story and now she is a well-known singer. Click on the title to hear her story on Youtube.

About.com Write Up

2010-02-05T11:37:00.002+02:00

It was so fun when I got an email from About.com that they did a small write up on my tags and the 2010 Life Path Challenge. Spreading the word. It's fun to see how many are doing this. You can see their write up here: http://familycrafts.about.com/od/gifttags/ss/ColeensTags.htm

Street Dogs

2010-02-04T10:07:00.002+02:00

On a chilly fall day these street dogs were finding a warm spot in the sun. I wonder where they go in winter? This is an ongoing problem in Ukraine as there is not the infrastructure to take care of it. Many of the locals help feed these dogs and most are very meek and harmless.

Art Book Giveaway

2010-02-03T22:07:00.001+02:00

The book is called "Collage Fusion" by Alma Cox and they are doing a giveaway to check it out: http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/Collage-Fusion-Book-Giveaway

Journaling Crafts

2010-02-02T13:16:00.000+02:00

Check this out for more ideas on crafting and journaling. Journaling Crafts

Tutorial by Tania Willis: Altering Fabrics with Ink

2010-02-01T22:22:00.000+02:00

Angie from Scrapscene featured this really cool tutorial of a technique for dye/bleaching fabric for your scrapbook layouts. It is such a neat idea I wanted to share it with you here. Tutorial by Tania Willis: Altering Fabrics with Ink

Life Path Challenge, Week 5 Art and Question

2010-02-01T13:58:00.003+02:00

Well I've finally caught up to where I hope to be posting my tag for that week each time I give you the new challenge question. The question for this week: WHAT IS THE MOST HELPFUL NEW WAY YOU COULD STRENGTHEN YOUR FAMILY? Now that one will make you think a bit, but if you take the time to do it you could have a wonderful result show up in your family relations this year. I've been thinking about something that I'm going to add in here. That is another question each week. You can take your choice or do both. There are just too many intriguing things to consider in life. Will I have two every week? Well, I'd like to, just depends on what I find and how I'm led. If you have a question you'd like to throw into the pot, just leave a comment below or email me at coleenfranks@gmail.com Question number two: WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT WAY YOU WILL, BY GOD'S GRACE, TRY TO MAKE THIS YEAR DIFFERENT FROM LAST YEAR? Wow, I too often think I don't have control over my circumstances, but that is furthest from the truth. Just considering the question causes things to leap in my brain. Have fun with it.

2010-01-31T22:41:00.005+02:00

Now you see where I got all these great moss pictures. I just love taking shots of textural things and when you combine it with natural texture, all the better. I love nature and just wanted to scoop these pretties up and take them home, but just did so in my photos. I may make some paper out of them for an art project. I know some of you think I'm a bit strange, but this beautiful example of nature just speaks of the Great Creator to me. They are all covered over with snow now, but these were taken in the fall while we traveled.

My Snowflake Book

2010-01-30T14:33:00.008+02:00

My "snowflake book" was made by some pretties sent to me by my friend Sally Joy from England. Why this program flips my pages sometimes I just haven't figured out. I'm not the most hi-tech of artists. The embellishments were put on plastic pages made from plastic bags. You can see the tutorial on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9pe5oXYYxU&feature=related Try it.

Tim Burton's Mad Tea Party

2010-01-30T14:29:00.003+02:00

Talk about artistic. I have got to see this movie. Even from the trailer I know I want to see it,,,,but in Russian? Well, I'd miss some of the detail, but I'd do.

Inchie Accordian Origami Book

2010-01-30T10:21:00.004+02:00

This is an example of inchie books Leah and I did in December for the Yahoo Mini-Books group(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini-books/). Instead of doing inchies for the swap, we made a book for each member. Actually Leah made the books and I simply decorated them. It was a lot of work, but great fun. The inchies you see in the close up came from the swap. They were real beauties. You can find the directions for doing these little frames here: http://www.making-mini-scrapbooks.com/accordionorigamibook.html

2010 Life Path Challenge Week 4 Art

2010-01-28T10:08:00.004+02:00

This tag was fun to do with the pretty flowers to remind of me of my lovely summer garden. The question I did for this week is: WHAT SINGLE THING THAT YOU PLAN TO DO THIS YEAR WILL MATTER MOST IN TEN YEARS? IN ETERNITY? Come back Monday for week 5 challenge. You can simply keep a journal of these questions in a book, on your computer, in a mini-scrapbook or you can do some art to express these weekly challenges. I'm doing a tag book which I"ll show you soon. You may express it any way you'd like. There is nothing to sign up for, nothing you have to commit to except to yourself if you so choose. We just love to hear about it if you are doing something and if I ever get Flickr figured out then we'll have a group page to show anything you want to do. Any which way, by the end of the year you will have a treasure in these questions. Have fun, Hugs, Coleen

2010 Life Path Challenge Week 3 Art

2010-01-25T23:04:00.003+02:00

My third tag with a brown ribbon down the side. I know, it looks like a shadow in the pix. Now to start on my 4th for this weeks question. I'm enjoying that this challenge makes me create on a regular basis. Life gets so busy and the days slip by, but when I know I have a deadline, that helps. If you are doing this challenge I certainly would like to hear about it. Comment or email me: coleenfranks@gmail.com. Have fun, delve deep. These questions are real opportunities contemplate how you manage your life and relationships. I'm looking a lot at what's important in life. Blessings your way, Coleen

2010 Life Path Challenge Week 4

2010-01-25T14:41:00.002+02:00

I don't know about you, but each week the questions have cause me to ponder. Some of you may have some good questions that you would like to see included so you may send those to me via comment below or by email: coleenfranks@gmail.com. Our question for this week: What single thing that you plan do to this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?

2010 Life Path Challenge, Week 2, Art

2010-01-25T11:31:00.004+02:00

Here's my tag for week 2 which is passed. I'm a little behind, but catching up. Hope to post week 3 soon. I am decorating the front and putting my question and answer on the back. When done I will have a 52 page tag book. Happy Crafting or writing to those of you who are participating. Would love to hear from you. Many blessings, Coleen P.S. The pretty paper and center piece is a gift from my friend Sally Joy in England. Thanks,Sally

From Shimelle, "Why I Scrapbook"

2010-01-24T10:19:00.004+02:00

This is an interesting answer to the why of a lot of scrapbookers. Truly, isn't it your experience that most folks think this is just a hobby and not for them? What do you think? Just click the title to watch the video.

2010 Life Path Challenge Week 1 Art

2010-01-23T16:16:00.002+02:00

This challenge is a new question every week. You can jump in anytime. You can go back and do the queSions you missed or not. The good thing about this is that there are no rules. You can interpret the question in any manner you choose. A 7th grade class is writing and some are doing art in different forms. I could see this as a great opportunity to an "About Me" book to later gift to someone you love. I'm am doing tags as that is small and doable for me weekly. If you are doing this I would love to hear from you.

A Few Journal Pages

2010-01-23T10:33:00.005+02:00

Sometimes catching people out in public only gives you a few minutes to catch the main gist of their movement. As you can see, people and houses are a recurring theme for me. As you can see, I'm a doodler/drawer. I like to play. Self-portrait. I'm the only one who wlll sit still long enough for me to draw in any detail. I do a lot with just pen. It has it's limitations, but always stretches me to work harder at defining the image.

Contest - Canadian Scrapbooker

2010-01-21T16:51:00.001+02:00

Here's a contest where you could win from Canadian Scrapbooker. Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintageterrace2/148619667190?ref=ts

Comments and Following

2010-01-21T11:38:00.005+02:00

We always love to hear what you think about any article in particular or anything in general so hit the comment button below each article if there is something you'd like to say. You can also follow this blog in two ways. One is by finding the pictures in the right panel that say Follow Me and doing that. I like that one because it has your picture on there and I can communicate with you from there. The other is to find the Feedblitz gadget also on the right and sign up to get updates by email dellivered right to your inbox as I do them. That is handy and in fact, you can do both. Thanks for reading and following. You are all dear to us.

What the World is Coming to!

2010-01-19T09:52:00.000+02:00

2010 Life Path Challenge, Week 3

2010-01-18T14:04:00.004+02:00

My, the weeks turn around quickly, here's Week 3. One favorite thing, write about it, do some art about it, express yourself about one favorite thing. When I talked about this with my husband his first reaction was that it was pretty broad. He suggested choosing a favorite poem or object. I gave this some thought and decided I did not want to restrict this in any way. Your favorite thing may be your kids, an artist, a poet or poem, but this could be vastly different or each person. Therefore, I've left it open for you to chose the thing you think is your favorite to express. Have fun. Coleen

Letter from Haiti

2010-01-17T20:41:00.002+02:00

This is from a friend of mine in Haiti of whom I've been wondering, yet not heard from since the earthquake disaster. View it through a residents eyes. Pray for Shallale and all of Haiti. Keep in mind that English is her second language.......... Hello dear friends, Sorry it took that long to drop you a line. I am going through a really tough time in Haiti. Some of my family are okay, others are not. We finally were able to rescue my brother which building collapsed. He spent days under the debris but he was finally rescued. Since Tuesday I have been helping every where. I am just too scared to go home. I am just scared of the years to come, the month and the days. I am even scared of the next hour. I am scared of loosing faith. I can't even pray anymore. It is Sunday and we are still trying to rescue people that are seems to be alive. The smell of the deads is rising in the city. We are receiving help from everywhere but it is never enough. Some people are litteraly going insane. Everyone is wondering the streets like zombies. In few words hell broke loose. It might be another while before you hear from me. My house survived but for some unknow reason the atelier sank in water. Apparently the water tank cracks and it's close by the atelier so all the water went inside I just cannot understand how it happens because that tank of water is under ground and the atelier is upper ground. Well I am not going to try to understand any way. Good thing is that we could put all my mothers fabric to dry too bad we cannot do the same with paper.. My mother already started a quilt in memoriam of the fallen one. Maybe in the future I will try to to an album. I have been told it is therapeutic. My house is alright. Besides the atelier that is full of water and some broken glasses we are good. Nothing happen to our house. In fact there was no much damage at all in my neigborwood. Experts say that it's because we are located in the mountain and the house are built as they should. But after spending days dowtown in the center of the diasaster I find my self so lucky that I have been wandering since that day what make me luckier then others. But I prefer not to question God's acts. I will just keep helping others in needs as a thank you for being alive.I would have prefered to loose everything I owe if that could have saved few more lives. Well it will be a while before my fellow haitian dry their tears. Maybe in few month I will try to make an album with the pictures I have taken if it's possible. A good friend told me to keep posting on my blog because it will help me keep sane. Maybe it is true but I don't have the time to do so right now, nor the desire. I will not be longer cause I am in a free communication center and hey have limited the time so everyone can drop a line to their owns and i have to go back to my center. Please keep me and my fellow haitian in your parayers. Love you all Shallale Haiti

Christmas Service at Bethany Church

2010-01-13T09:58:00.004+02:00

Children's choir performing for our Christmas service. Little One's Sunday School class doing verse for our Christmas service. They were so cute.

Accordian Mini-Scrapbook Tutorial

2010-01-12T09:38:00.003+02:00

Here's a real beauty to look at even if you don't make them, but read on and you'll see these little books are easy to do. Just click on the title to see it.

2010 Life Path Challenge, Week 2

2010-01-11T17:49:00.008+02:00

Our question for this week: WHAT HABIT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO ESTABLISH THIS YEAR? I just have to tell you all that I've had some encouraging comments of a number of people that are doing this challenge including a 7th Grade class. How cool is that to have 7th graders thinking on such life topics as they will have with these questions throughout the year. Now that is a pretty innovative teacher who is going to really make them think. I'm sorry to say, I still have not gotten our gallery up for this challenge. I will try to work on that, but in Ukraine we are still in the Christmas season. We have our last children's event this weekend where we will be entertaining an auditorium full of handicapped kids. Please pray for us that this would all go well. You who are doing this challenge are a great encouragement to me so please feel free to leave comments about how it is going for you. Blessings, Coleen

Handmade Decorations

2010-01-08T22:51:00.002+02:00

2010-01-08T22:43:00.004+02:00

Leah and I did these just before the holidays after some inspiration from a friend, Sally Joy, in England. She sent me a picture of this marvelous tree filled with homemade ornaments so I decided I just had to make a few. Leah and I did these together while watching TV. Just need a piece of cork for the center to stick the straight pins into that hold your selection of beads. I painted my corks silver. Try it, soooo easy and would be beautiful any time of year in a window.

2010 Life Path Challenge, Week 1

2010-01-04T09:30:00.005+02:00

Our first question for 2010 Life Path Challenge: What is the one thing you could do this year to increase the joy of your heart and the happiness of your life? This is not a resolution or goal, just something to think about and act on as you see fit. As for interpretation of the question? You can do a tag, mini-book page, jot it in a notebook or on your computer, make a piece of art, write a poem, the options are limitless, but I guarantee the results will be satisfying. This week I will put on my interpretation and work on getting us a site set up to display for those who want to show what they did. Hope you play along, should be fun. Oh, there also will be some random prizes through the year. More info below.

2010 Life Path Challenge

2010-01-03T00:03:00.001+02:00

No doubt the year will be historical in many ways, both nationally, worldwide and for each of us personally. Therefore, I have 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 may simply write about it in a notebook or you can do a piece of artwork that represents the question(tags, mini, fat book, drawing etc.). 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 gallery to post our artwork. Come back tomorrow (Monday) for our first question. If you would like to suggest a question email me at coleenfranks@gmail.com. Stay in touch to see how this all develops. Should be fun and I promise, you will have a special treasure by the end of the year.

Fun With Felt

2010-01-02T23:23:00.002+02:00

Fiskars, the people who make all those great scrapbooking tools, had a lovely article covering three different projects, one of which I thought would adapt to scrapbooking quite well. They really come up with great ideas for using their tools, but you can do it without the tools as well. Just click on the title to get to it.

Tutorial: Polymer Clay Embellishments

2010-01-02T09:41:00.001+02:00

I found this tutorial on Scrapscene and it is so pretty. Good instructions: http://www.scrapscene.com/2009/06/handmade-scrapbook-embellishments-polymer-clay-tutorial.html

Those Christmas Tins

2009-12-31T15:58:00.002+02:00

Here's such a handy idea for re-purposing those metal Christmas tins that your cookies came in. You can transform them into something that even matches your decor. Take a look: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/33320/how-to-transform-holiday-tins

Vintage ATC Swap

2009-12-26T08:50:00.002+02:00

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Swap in the old vintage style we all love. :Plus a yummy giveaway in the swap: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/redlead/

Holiday Greetings

2009-12-24T09:20:00.002+02:00

Merry Christmas to you all. My wish for you is that it would be filled with love and joy and that you would have great hope for the future. Let us remember this year the "reason for the season" that such a momentous event was marked for all of history when baby Jesus was born. Blessings to you all, Coleen and family

Art Quilts

2009-12-23T00:27:00.002+02:00

Here's a direction that my art has been taking me lately. I've been working with some fun fabric/paper techniques. I don't have anything ready to show you here yet, but when I saw this in the blogosphere I thought I should share it: http://www.favecrafts.com/Quilting/Crayon-Stained-Quilt-Art

Simple & Free Winter Paper Piecing Patterns

2009-12-22T10:51:00.001+02:00

Check out this site for some real cute patterns for you winter scrapbooking: http://scrapbooking.about.com/od/freepatterns/ig/Winter-Paper-Piecing-Patterns/?nl=1

Christmas Books

2009-12-21T14:56:00.003+02:00

This is called an Accordion Origami Book. We made a bunch of them for relatives this year. You can find directions for it: http://www.making-mini-scrapbooks.com/ and there are more of them further down if your interested.

Trail Mix, Ukrainian Style

2009-12-21T12:03:00.001+02:00

Nuts just go with the holidays so while Jeff and Leah were doing a puzzle I made some for snacking on. They are especially good for the holiday puzzle times.

Prize Giveaway Announcement

2009-12-17T08:14:00.003+02:00

Congratulations Tanya Galchevskaya,the winner of our December giveaway. Tanya will receive an package of some beautiful scrapbooking supplies unique to this part of the world. Tanya, send us your address so we can get these out to you.

Street Dogs

2009-12-16T20:36:00.000+02:00

2009-12-16T15:58:00.002+02:00

These are two street urchins that tailed our car(pun intended)when we pulled into a gas station not long ago. They were obviously looking for a hand out and the only thing I had was a fresh loaf of dark bread that Jeff and I were looking forward to snacking on later. Often, street dogs at stops like this don't want bread. They are waiting for something a bit more upscale. So I thought I'd tear off a small piece for each. Well, they were so hungry they gobbled it down and all I could do is continue to feed them. I was sorry I didn't have more after they finished off that loaf. There are street dogs like this all over Ukraine and quite a number of people feed them just as I did, but these two were very thin.

Winter Skies in Ukraine

2009-12-16T15:53:00.003+02:00

These two shots are before the snow hit us. We had a long warm fall. It's a good thing since there is no heat in the church. If they look like black and white shots they are not. It's just that winter here appears pretty black and white for a number of months. Aren't these skies dramatic?

2009-12-16T15:46:00.001+02:00

Istanbul, Turkey

2009-12-13T19:47:00.002+02:00

My husband Jeff was there this week so I thought I'd show you a picture he took on a previous trip. He had a Bible class he taught all week to a group from a closed country that he cannot go into as a Christian. It went very well and he returns tomorrow. I'm always glad to have him back home in the nest and safe.

Prize Giveaway

2009-12-13T11:49:00.001+02:00

Don't forget, sign up between now through the 15th as a follower on Tea On The Terrace or a VintageTerrace2 fan (heart box on the right). Sign up both places for two chances to win. I'll be announcing winner on the 16th. All current followers are included and can up chances by leaving a comment.

Michaels Photo Entry - Pure Delight Christmas Table Topper

2009-12-13T11:38:00.003+02:00

Michaels Photo Entry - Pure Delight Christmas Table Topper

Posted using ShareThis

Fabulous Felt Flower

2009-12-13T08:20:00.003+02:00

Angie from Scrapscene has such a darling felt flower and easy to make. I had to share it as I knew some of you might want to try it. Also, for more craft projects check out the Vintage Terrace Fan Page on the right where the Celtic heart is. Lots of fun crafts there. http://www.scrapscene.com/2009/12/felt-flower-tutorial.html#comment-77468

Comment/Follower Giveaway

2009-12-12T10:00:00.003+02:00

Just for a little fun. Leave a comment on one of our posts to be entered for a prize to be chosen on December 15....a little Christmas early. For two chances to be put in the hat, sign on as a follower with Tea On The Terrace. You who are already followers will automatically be in. Cool, huh! We don't have a big follower list since I just put that gadget on not that long ago, which makes your chances of winning pretty good.

Blog Featured

2009-12-09T17:56:00.001+02:00

Angie, from Scrapscene discovered the uniqueness of what we are doing here in Ukriane and put a little feature link on her Newsletter she sends out. That is so cool....thank you Angie. Therefore, we've now had people looking at this blog who might never have stumbled upon it otherwise. She also featured some really cute dolls she made. You can see it all here: http://www.scrapscene.com/2009/12/speedlink-saturday-for-week-of-nov-2909.html

Faith Scrapbook Class in Ukraine

2009-12-05T20:51:00.003+02:00

Today I was blessed to have the privilege of scrapbooking with a group of the most enthusiastic deaf ladies. This meeting was held at the Simferopol Baptist Church in the Crimea region of Ukraine. That is entirely to the south close to the Black Sea. I helped them to each set up a scrapbook for next year entitled, "Building Godly Convictions"(values) as it is a study they will go through and continue to scrap all next year. We simply set up the monthly pages and they got to do just a bit of scrapping for each month in preparation. We had so much fun and I am always so impressed with the creativity of Ukrainian people. This is just a couple of the ladies that attended. I am very grateful for those who prayed. It was truly a blessed time.

2009-12-05T15:51:00.003+02:00

These are the three girls who helped me do this class today. They are L-R, Lena, Lena and Katya. The middle Lena was my translator who did signing for me. She was really good at getting across my words. I really appreciated here attentiveness.

12 Kid's Christmas Crafts,

2009-12-05T15:15:00.002+02:00

If you haven't checked it out yet better look and see what you can do with your kids, school or your Sunday school class. Some real cute things: http://www.favecrafts.com/Kids-Holiday-Crafts/12-Kids-Christmas-Crafts-Ornaments-Giftsand-Decor

Scrapbooking In Ukraine

2009-12-04T22:23:00.001+02:00

Crimea, Ukraine Scrapbooking Class

2009-12-04T12:04:00.001+02:00

On Saturday I will be leading a class of deaf ladies in scrapbooking the theme, "Developing Godly Values." Please be in prayer for me and for the ladies and not just for Saturday, but that the Lord would use me to share my heart in such a way that impacts their lives for Christ in an ongoing manner. For that I would be very grateful.

Christmas Crafts

2009-12-02T11:13:00.002+02:00

Here's something just lovely you can make for loved ones this Christmas,,,or for yourself: http://www.favecrafts.com/Ornaments/Paper-Peace-Ornament

Kid's Christmas Crafts

2009-11-30T10:01:00.001+02:00

Check out this site for some easy kid's crafts for Christmas fun with the grandkids, your kids, or school classmates: http://www.favecrafts.com/Kids-Holiday-Crafts/12-Kids-Christmas-Crafts-Ornaments-Giftsand-Decor#

Christmas Mini-Books

2009-11-30T09:12:00.002+02:00

Here is a sampling of what my daughter Leah and I did for family this Christmas. As missionaries we don't get to be with family very often on holidays, but in 2007 we were privileged to celebrate Christmas with both Jeff's and my side of the family. So having pictures we thought that would be a good memory to preserve for all. What a joy it was.

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This is how the insides all look, accordion style with frame fold. You can find the instructions for that at: http://www.making-mini-scrapbooks.com/

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These were fun to do. Wish I had more time to play with such.

Being Crafty

2009-11-29T16:17:00.002+02:00

Got a new phone a while back since the antennae in my old Nokia just couldn't be fixed(like an old friend, I hated to let it go) and needed a case. So this is what I put my hand to with a needle, felt, scissors and some glitter glue for sparkle. You know, us girls just love sparkle. It is just the way God made us and I don't want to fight a good thing.

2009-11-28T11:28:00.001+02:00

Comments and Graphics - Thanksgiving Layouts - Photobucket

Envelope Mini-Album

2009-11-26T08:56:00.001+02:00

This basic idea is so easy to do without even following all the details, though I know some like to know each last inch and centimeter. And so so cute. Enjoy

Women's Conference Crafts

2009-11-25T12:49:00.001+02:00

Upon arriving at Pine Branch Lodge the ladies immediately went to work painting small duffle bags. The following is a sampling of the wonderful creativity that comes out of them. It is with great joy that I have the privilege to assist with such things and encourage their natural creativity.

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Our ages for the ladies conference ranged from 18 to 73. These ladies where the winners for the oldest attending. There were lots of prizes to be shared around that made for some great fun.

Amazing Journey of Faith Conference

2009-11-24T19:45:00.005+02:00

Two of the youngest attendees, Liza(left)and Oxana (right) from our Bucha church working on their scrapbooks. This gives them an opportunity to make a physical testament as to their faith life that they can keep adding to for years to come. Our 50 women were broken into two groups for class and I so enjoyed leading them in this time of creativity and discovery. They did some very beautiful work. For more pictures you can check out our mission blog: http://franksukraine.blogspot.com/

In Bucha, Ukraine

2009-11-21T23:03:00.002+02:00

Out walking one day I couldn't pass up the shot of this little pretty sitting on the fence.

Ukrainian Pastor Dies from Flu and Pneumonia

2009-11-14T23:30:00.002+02:00

Please pray for Pastor Victor's widow and children in Fastiv, Ukraine. He passed away yesterday after a diagnosis of flu and pneumonia, which got out of control. His brother Stepan is deathly ill, and may follow Victor to join those awaiting in heaven. Pastor Victor was the brother of Nadia, a member of our church in Bucha. Nadia is very active in the children's EE ministry. She is in Fastiv now with her grieving relatives.

Through My Window

2009-11-13T08:49:00.002+02:00

A lovely lily to brighten up your cold fall day. This morning as I was out early taking Jeff to the bus stop (Leadership Summit with Bill Hybels in Kiev) I notices that our lilacs, that lost all their leaves some time ago, are starting to bud again. The last couple weeks have been so warm after some real severe weather that they are confused. Same thing happened last winter and we thus had less blooming this year. So it's a mixed bag. I like the warm, but it's not good for the plants and what they do next summer. Isn't it good though that we are not the ones in charge of all this?

Norah's Blog

2009-11-12T23:01:00.003+02:00

Norah does faces. She also does tutorials. She's quite creative. Sometimes I'm just torn between spending time doing art and ministry. I love them both. Please, as I come to mind this weekend, pray for me. Three of us are leading a women's conference over the weekend with 50 in attendance. Pray for those women who will attend and all the three leaders. I'm combining both loves, ministry and scrapbooking "The Amazing Journey of Faith." That is the title of the conference and the scrapbook. Enjoy Norah. http://allnorahsart.blogspot.com/

Christmas Wrap Tutorial

2009-11-06T23:44:00.002+02:00

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

The Guardian at the Gate

2009-11-06T19:41:00.003+02:00

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.

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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

2009-11-06T11:46:00.007+02:00

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

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10 Days to Glory

2009-11-03T19:35:00.002+02:00

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

2009-11-03T19:28:00.005+02:00

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

2009-10-28T22:20:00.002+02:00

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

2009-10-26T13:22:00.003+02:00

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

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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

2009-10-19T19:18:00.003+03:00

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

2009-10-18T15:53:00.002+03:00

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

2009-10-17T09:52:00.001+03:00

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

2009-10-14T13:55:00.003+03:00

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

2009-10-14T13:08:00.001+03:00

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