Handmade Art Journals

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Today I wanted to share something a little bit different, than what I normally post.  There are so many beautiful artists on WordPress.  One unique artist in particular (Golnaran),  suggested to me that I share some of my artwork.  Art has always been a passion of mine, yet in recent days, I rarely spend my time doing any kind of art.  I have many things that I am passionate about and unfortunately I only have twenty-four hours in a day like everyone else.  In other words, some of my passions must be put on the back burner for another day.

Autumn painting a Christmas ornament.
Autumn painting a Christmas ornament.

For now, homeschooling my girls takes up most of my time, along with taking care of my two English Mastiffs.

However, since it was brought to my attention that others might be interested in seeing my artwork; I have decided to share a few things with all of you every now and then.  The following pictures are of some handmade journals, that my daughters and I created a couple of years ago for their home economics class.  My sister was visiting quite a few years ago and taught me how to make one of these.  And so of course, I fell in love with my journal and wanted my girls to join in the fun of making one for themselves.  I wish I had taken pictures as we went along so that I could have shared a tutorial with all of you.  If I decide to make another one, I will definitely capture the process the next time around so that if anybody wants to learn how to make one, I will be able to show you how.

Click on the images below for a larger view.

Amy’s writing journal

Brianna’s drawing journal

My painting journal

Switching Themes

Photo credit:  www.lifehack.org
Photo credit: http://www.lifehack.org

Well… I have decided to take a chance that WordAds may eventually grant me the honor of being able to use ads on my page.  I have to find someway to make a little bit of money, since I am a homeschooling mom after all!  So, today I finally chose a blog domain and now I am going to change my theme so that it will be compatible with WordAds.  Wish me luck!  I will let you all know when I am done.  Sorry for the inconvenience in the meantime.  Hopefully this doesn’t take me too terribly long!  🙂

Update!  (12:49 a.m.)

Phew!  I am finally done making changes!  Let me know what you think.  🙂

Oh Christmas Tree (Homeschool style)

Making candy trains!
Autumn and her candy train

My daughter Amy and I wrote this song together as part of a homeschooling project years ago.  Every year, I find myself singing this tune along with the silly words we wrote and remembering our first year of homeschooling.  We had such a fun year and had a really awesome Christmas party where we strung popcorn alternating with wooden beads and hung them on the Christmas tree.  We also made Christmas trains which is a tradition in our house each year.  I love creating new traditions with my children.  Last year instead of giving stockings filled with gifts, we decided to give decorative boxes filled with gifts instead, to signify more closely what the Magi brought to Jesus.  We also put messages to each other in the boxes during the year when we want to say something special to someone.  Then on Christmas day, we read through the notes and see how we were each thought of throughout the year.  This year our church provided an advent book for us and we have been having fun reading through the family devotions each day.  How does your family celebrate Christmas?  Are there any traditions that you would like to share?  We would love to hear from you!  Merry Christmas!  ~The Cooks

Sing this as you read it, so much more fun that way!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The kids are screaming in the cars
The moms and dads aren’t getting far.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The cat is sleeping on the floor
The dog is pooping by the door

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The presents are all by the tree
I’m hoping that they’re all for me.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

There’s popcorn all strung up around
And lights aglow don’t make a sound.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The Christmas cookies look so good
I ate much more than I should

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

There’s baby Jesus in the hay
As we sit quietly and pray

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

I’m wishing for a falling star
And hope to see one from afar

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The stars are glowing in the night
We all can’t wait for such delight.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The stores are all locked up real tight
While kiddies sleep away the night.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

We give our praises to the king
And hear the heavenly angels sing

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

The icicles are melting fast
As we all toast to New Years past.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches.

By, Michelle and Amy Cook