YAY for Jazzercize and the Christmas Extravaganza!!!!

Hi Everyone!
Great day today!  Spent it at the 2nd Annual Christmas Extravaganza at the Denton Jazzercise.  Lots of fun and great people.  Some really great vendors too!  Thanks to everyone who stopped at my table.  I appreciate all you comment & compliments. Makes a girl proud!  A bigger thanks to all those who bought one or more of my ornaments and put put in those custom orders.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed (and will enjoy) making them, and remember...they are SWAKed! (Sealed With A Kiss!).

There may be a few more craft events in my near future - I'll keep ya'll informed.  And don't forget - there is still a little time left for those special orders, but it's flying by fast!

Toodles!
Toni

Who knew peanuts were so much fun?

Okay - so I spent the day with 3 of my favorite people (the rest of my favorite people need not get jealous - you are all always with me - in a metaphysical sense!) - at the Peanut Festival in Whitesboro, Texas.  Had a great time just enjoying the day, the company and perusing the many wares of the talented crafters that where there.  Nothing inspires you like being around other creative people!  It was great!  Maybe next year I'll have a space at the Peanut Festival.....that's a goal! 

Well - off to create....there's a craft fair in my future.....

Toodles !
Toni

Love my Kids!

This is just a random post to let the world know how much I love my children & how they have inspired my creativity!

When they were little I was always making something for them.  My daughter had matching hair bows and flip-flops for EVERY outfit she had (we live in Hawaii so flip-flops were worn with everything!) She and her brother had hand painted wearable art clothing (made by me) they lead me to have a small craft business that was pretty successful.  I made them ornaments and toys, and goodie bags for school and party favors and gift for them to give & receive! They were my muses! 

Now that they've grown up and are starting on their own lives, I find it hard to create the way I used to.  It's like the spark is gone.  But when I am with them or talk to them - that old feeling comes back and I'm ready to create.  It's great to feel it again , but sometimes it's fleeting.  I guess my goal is to keep them in my heart all the time  - because of them , I am a better person, artist, mother.  Thank you Amber. Thank you Ben.  What I create is for you!  - Love you! 

HOOAH!!!!!

Today was a great day! What could be better than spending the day supporting our troops? For me...nothing!  I am a fan and volunteer of a great organization called Survivor Joe.com.   This organization makes hand woven bracelets out of military paracord  and sells them for a nominal donation.  These bracelets are used by our troops in all branches of the military as survival gear as well as a way to build moral and a sense of "oneness" among  each other. For every bracelet that is purchased we DONATE a bracelet to a serviceman or servicewoman.  The person who purchases the bracelet has the option to write a personal message to a soldier that we attach to the bracelet. All the proceeds from the donations go to helping Survivor Joe send these bracelets and other care packages to deployed troops.  It feels good to be able to give back in a small way to the men and women who give so much of themselves.

 So many nice people came by the booth and donated their hard earned money for this great cause.  To all of you - thank you so much for your support.  With my son having recently enlisted and now in Basic - my perspective on this whole "military" issue has evolved .  I respect all the men and women who have made the choice (and it is a choice) to serve our country.  I am honored to be the parent of one such person and grateful to him and all the others for the sacrifices made on our behalf.

So if you have a minute check out   http://survivorjoe.com/  it's worth your time.

To all of our soldiers:
Be strong and courageous!  Do not be terrified or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you  wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Toodles!
Toni

Get SWAKed!!!!

Hey All!

Welcome to SWAK DeeZigns!  This is a place for fun, whimsy & creativity!  I LOVE unique, simple and FUN crafts and DIY's!  This is my place to let loose and be FREE!  No rules - just art!  Everything I do I can DO FOR YOU!  Ornaments, birdhouses, slideshows - all available to you.  Personalized and SWAKED  just for you!

I"ll be sharing what I do, what I like and what I LOVE - events, people, places and things.....that make me happy, things that make me sad and things that make me go "hhmmm". 

Check it all out & keep coming back!!!!

Toodles!

Toni