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I just posted a new review titled "Vindication and Redemption: Father Figures in "Mea Culpa" and "The Hypnotist" on my Selective Focus blog. Some of Europe's most popular actors star in the two films - Vincent Lindon, Gilles Lellouche, and Mikael Persbrandt. My review examines the father/son relationships in each film and how the suspense genre is used to portray families in crisis. Here's the link. Vindication and Redemption: Father Figures in "Mea Culpa" and "The Hypnotist"

In the next few Silhouette Studio tutorials, we will create a wedding invitation suite. This is a fun project for the DIY bride. Also many designers who have their own cutting machine have turned creating wedding stationary in to a business.

DIY Wedding Invitation Suite Silhouette Studio

“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” (Psalm 72:11)

“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” (Psalm 98:3)

my mother love to quilt - designs mostly. I have a patchwork quilt made by my grandmother. My mother once said she recognized one of the squares as a piece of fabric from a dress her mother had made for her as a child.

Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.

George Herbert

A contemporary of William Shakespeare, George Herbert was a 17th-century poet and English clergyman known for both his wit and his principles. Perhaps due to his religious position, the verbiage of work was simpler and more straightforward than the flowery, passionate language used by the popular classical poets of his day. The metaphor he uses here reminds us that with undeterred self-assurance and commitment, we can reach any goal we set for ourselves.

In this Silhouette Studio tutorial, we will make a thank you card that is perfect for the holidays or a winter theme. We will start with a photo of a nice snow scene, add the Thank You text and print and cut our thank you card.

Silhouette Studio Thank You Card

I want to make a New Year’s prayer, not a resolution. I’m praying for courage.

Susan Sontag

For many people, New Year's Day is a time to set a goal or resolution for the coming year. But for writer, filmmaker, and activist Susan Sontag, a prayer was a more fitting mantra for January 1. This poignant quote, published in “As Consciousness Is Harnessed to Flesh,” a collection of Sontag’s journals and diaries written between 1964 and 1980, captures a sense of yearning for courage to face the unknown. It’s an honest and vulnerable feeling that anyone can relate to: seeking the bravery and strength to press on.

The terms cozy, rustic, Americana, and old-fashioned come to mind when considering patchwork items. The fabric patches are all of the same size, usually squares distinguishing them from "crazy" patchwork designs where pieces are of asymmetrical sizes assembled in a thoughtful yet random design.

Enduring Patchwork

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

—Jeremiah 29:11

"The magic of Christmas lingers, even when the day is done." "Christmas may be over, but its spirit lasts forever." "Cherish the memories, for they are the true gifts of Christmas."

DAILY PSALM “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!” (Psalm 96:11) READ

Here's another natural way to get rid of pests that keep troubling your orchids. Give it a try, a little at first and observe if it's working well. Do not over do I. That is, using the ash excessively, read all the precaution before you use it on your orchids.



Using Ash For Pest Control

"'If you remain in My word, you will truly be My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

"The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob." Psalm 46:12

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.“ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect.

Steve Jobs

We’re often told to go with our gut. Following that feeling is all about trusting our intuition, those instinctive feelings that occur to us without intellectual reasoning. Steve Jobs believed intuition is a powerful tool that guides important decisions and leads to innovative ideas. In his work at Apple and in his personal life, he prioritized intuition over intellect because of its ability to lead him to unexpected outcomes. Jobs said this approach never let him down, and encouraged us to trust our own instincts as a driving force for our personal and professional growth.

In this Silhouette Studio tutorial, we will create a simple 3D tree ornament for the holidays. We will be using the Silhouette Flexishapes for the tree shape and the Cut by Line Color feature to control the cut and score lines.

Silhouette SVG 3D Tree Ornament

Merry Christmas all

“For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” (Psalm 89:2)

In this Silhouette Studio tutorial, we will create an SVG cutting file for a gift card holder. This simple gift card holder is an easy project for Silhouette Studio. We only need one piece of holiday cardstock and your cutting machine.

Silhouette SVG Gift Card Holder

Will you share Christmases past with family this year? Storytelling or photos? I'm thinking about making a powerpoint with photos that I can put on the TV for all to see.

“My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!” (Psalm 71:8)

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
St. Francis of Assisi

The simple beauty and homespun warmth of holiday ornaments lovingly made bring many a smile to all who have ever gazed on an old-fashioned decorated Christmas tree. Simple sewn ornaments bring elegance to the time-honored tradition of decorating a pine tree brought indoors for seasonal goodwill.

Holiday Ornaments to Sew