Christmas Lights

Last weekend the family was putting up all the decorations outside our home. What a delight to see all of the unique Christmas decorations of my neighbors, as I am driving back home. It is this time of year that we especially celebrate the Light of the world Jesus Christ. Hopefully our light will shine in us all throughout the year as believers. This is my Christmas prayer.

Christmas Gifts

I recently purchased some coasters from this shop for our home. After some thought of what to give neighbors, and possibly teachers as Christmas gifts. I decided why not try to make some coasters myself using decopauge and stamping. The first is an image of my painting using the decopauge method.

I stamped this coaster with blue using Stayz On.

This coaster is also decopauge of one of my doodles. All I have to do now is put the pads and seal them.

The winner of the art block is Jamifie! Congratulations.

December Giveaway

Christmas art block.

inspirational art

Last year I started selling these blocks at a local arts festival, and received great response. It is a print of my original mounted on painted wood. The block can be placed on a desk, shelf, or table top. It would be great as a hostess gift, stocking stuffer or holiday decoration for your home. You can place it on a mini easel or stand up on its own.

I am offering one of these art blocks to one of my readers. Just leave a comment of which one that you like best for a chance to win. The winner will be announced next Monday.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Just before dinner.

Here are a few pics from the table after dinner.

My mom and I ate at a yummy New Orleans style restaurant.




There were lots of paintings on the wall of jazz muscians, Mardi Gras, and Katrina momentos.

Me at the table.

Mom and I both ordered a bowl of gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie.

We took the kids to a place called Fun Spot. They had an arcade, several different race car rides, and the bumper cars.

Handmade Soap

I was so excited to take a workshop on how to make your own handmade soap. I have purchased handmade soap at my local farmers market and online on Etsy. I decided to see how it is all done. Little did I know that it is part chemistry and part baking.

( I just got the soap out of the mold)

I was a little intimadated by using lye, but the teacher gave us great safety instructions. We wore gloves and safety goggles while preparing the mixture of cold process soap.

I used my cutting board and kitchen knife to slice the soap.

My husband purchased a shelf at our local thrift store for the soap to cure. I didn't realize that handmade soap takes four to six weeks to cure. I look forward to using our first batch. The instructor gave us a few supplies to make a batch at home this week. Hopefully I will be brave enough to give it a try. Thankfully, she is open for us to calling her for help.

Hudgen's Holiday Show

I wanted to show a few pics from my holiday show this past weekend.

I had some really nice neighbors on both sides.




My smaller paintings.

My Collection

I wanted to share with you my fall collection of ornaments that I started to hang on my mantle last year. I look forward to adding new designs each year to my line. I think this is such a beautiful time of year. Even though the summer time have slowly faded away. There is so much to look forward to as the end of the year slowly approaches. Parties, friends and family gatherings are things we are going to cherish as we look back. Enjoy this special time!