the he(art) of giving...

good morning!  It's a beautiful, golden, autumn day here.  I have a few things to share today and many thoughts on my mind this morning.  First a fun little collection of items I created...things that make me happy, and one very special item I created for a charity auction. 

I created this ornament for an event called Operation Christmas Child. A silent auction put on by Wrapper's Delight will donate all proceeds to this wonderful cause and will help children for Christmas.  I sure hope all children, everywhere, might have a very merry Christmas this year.      Lots of love went in to this little holly house ornament and I hope it will help out in some small way.  I used Melissa Frances paper, buttons, and glitter, Making Memories blossoms, Martha Stewart adhesive pearls, Stickles glitter, Jesse James gems, and Ranger ink.

I've also been diving into a sweet bunch of Hero Arts stamps...love em, love em.    I used Hero Arts stamps for the sweet trees, holly berry background, and tag stamp.  I also used Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye paper, and a beautiful velvet blossom from Maya Road here.

One last item before I share a story with you :)     More Hero Art stamps here along with Melissa Frances and Basic grey paper, Amy Butler/K&Co. fabric brad, and Prima flowers. 

So...when you have a minute, I have a sweet link to a story I read to my little girl the other night....we have been trying to teach her about giving to others and to teach her of the joy that one person and their small act can bring into the lives of others.  I also want her to feel of the joy that she can experience through serving others...it's all very true...and something I want to be much better at myself.  So, I found this article in the Children's Friend...and it summed up everything very beautifully....something as simple as a jar of lovingly bottled cherries....and the powerful impact it had at just the right time.  The story warmed my heart and continues to today.  The article is called How to Give.  Hope you have a wonderful day friends!  I've got to go bake some cookies for my little Kindergarten girl to come home to :)

Melis

Comments

[Char]

You always take my breath away!!Char

[DeeDee]

Oh My Goodness Melissa!!!! WOW!!! This is such beauty I'm seeing here...AMAZING girlie....you are such a sweet soul!!! HUGS!!!

[~Shari]

Melissa, You have inspired me again! Too lengthy to explain, but sharing President Eyring's article, (no kids left at home = No The Friend), has moved me and given me an idea. Bless you, friend! So glad I visit regularly.
~Shari

[Keri Lee Sereika]

These are all wonderful! I adore the ornament...it just exudes Melissa...love it!

[Julie O.]

I'm so amazed how you have the time to post all this gorgeous stuff and then still make cookies. I still want to try the pumpkin ones from a few posts back. Anyway, thanks again for some fantastic inspiration!

I just have to tell you about this incredible book about giving. If you can get your hands on a copy, your daughter would love it. It's called 'Jacob's gift.' It's by Max Lucado. A little boy enters a 'wood work contest.' He makes the feeding trough and is about to enter it but then see's in his uncle stable that there is a baby without a bed...there's a wonderful, fun twist at the end. My kiddos love that book and really teaches how rewarding it can be to give. Just had to share! http://www.amazon.com/Jacobs-Gift-Max-Lucado/dp/084995830X

[Bonnie Blackburn]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!

[virginia]

Oh my, it's even more than I could've imaged, Melissa! I can't wait to see it in real life. Thank you so very much for partnering with us!

[Carol]

This ornament is so beautiful! I know what I'm bidding on! Can't wait to see it IRL.

[Jackie W.]

Oh these are just beautiful, Melissa! I LOVE them! We don't get "The Friend" anymore as my kids are too old (sniff, sniff) so they get the New Era. Have a great day!

[Shannon]

Your work, as always, is absolutely beautiful. What an inspiration you are, if only I had just a little of your talent. Thanks for sharing the beautiful story.

[sherri]

love your card and ornament. The story makes me think about giving in different ways.

[Alison Behan]

It's funny that you mention 'Operation Christmas Child' today.

I spent the morning gathering items for our shoeboxes :-) Our boxes are due into the school tomorrow to be picked up. I love to give in these boxes, last year I had to get another two as the ones I had were too small, lol. I also volunteer to check the boxes in the warehouse before they go out.

This year I am also doing a 'Babushka Box', instead of it being for a child it is for a grandmother or you also have the choice of doing a 'Dedushka Box' which is for a grandfather, it is run by a company called 'Pashli' working together with the Samaritians Purse. I am doing it in the memory of my grandfather. I love to give and I love my children to learn the art of giving and how happy and loved it makes others feel.

Sorry for that sidetrack ;-), love, LOVE the projects Melissa. I have a question tonight, WHEN DO YOU SLEEP GIRLIE?????? I think you must get less sleep than I do, and that is saying something!!!

:-)

[Steph]

Your little house ornament is so cute. I love the embellishments you chose- gorgeous!

[Stefanie Hamilton]

I adore that house, Melissa! And I love you way you staged it all with the ornaments. :-)

[Jana]

SOOOOOOOOO pretty! :-)

[Screppa]

This project was STUNNING!!! you are making soo many beautiful things!!! Thanks for the great inspiration!!!
hug

[Jamie Wilcox]

OH my, this little ornament is a work of art!! Absolutely adorable!

[federica]

Truly delicious! you are so talented! thanks for the insipiration! federica

[Jojo]

i love your work. amazing attention to detail and very sweet.

[Molly Peckham]

Again, I am just totally in love with everything, my dear! And that house ornament, wow!!!!!

[Linda Albrecht]

Your little Christmas set for the charity is so enchanting, Melissa. You are an angel--(I can tell that by the things that you create;-)

Linda

[Marta]

everything is just adorable! I can't even say anything more... just perfect! :)
greetings!

[fink]

When I think you could never do anything better you surprise me!

[Olga]

Hi, Melissa!

I fell in love in this house! he was great!
but you do not have his image?

I read you blog constantly!
It is amazing !!!

[susan stringfellow]

LOVING these colors! The cards are beautiful and the little house is to die for. I have the little church ornament and I cant wait to play with it after seeing your creation