Bragging Rights- My Talented Family

I cherish every member of my family. We have always been very close knit. Every holiday and birthday is a huge celebration in which we all get together and celebrate with good fun and good food. Every person in my family has their own special talent. I am sure this is common in most every family- but I am proud of every one in our family. Some are talented in construction and carpentry, some are talented in art and sewing, some have special talents in decorating and painting, fixing cars, singing and playing an instrument- you name it- The LORD has blessed each and every one of them with a special gift.Today I want to introduce you to two of the most talented family members I have. My Uncle Dick is at every family get together with his camera attached to his hand. It's been so long since I have seen him without his camera that I am beginning to wonder if he hasn't had it surgically attached to his hand! He is the most amazing photographer that I know. He captures moments that most of us don't even think about taking a picture of. In fact, when we get pictures of a family get together afterwards we usually sit there saying "I didn't see that happen!" Uncle Dick has an eye for photography. It is like he has the ability to look through that lens and see things most people would not. He captures moments and beauty that most of us take for granted. He is also very talented in "fixing" pictures. He has taken so many old family pictures that may have been out of focus, torn or tattered and repaired them to like new. He is preserving and documenting our family history from decades ago, and for decades to come.My Aunt Debbie is a soul like no other. She has a spirit to her that makes you joyful just being around her. She has such a love for, and a strong belief in , God that makes you strive to be a better Christian yourself. As a child I remember being at her house playing with my cousins and she would just be working in the house or in her garden and humming away- she is always humming. She is a good, honest woman that will tell you like it is- and I adore that about her. Debbie, literally, has talent oozing from her fingertips........ there is nothing this woman doesn't touch that ends up looking anything but beautiful. She sews, she quilts, she knits, she paints, she decorates, she crafts- She amazes me. She can take scraps of fabric and turn them into beautiful pieces of art. Recently Dick and Deb have opened up an online Etsy store called FRUIT OF MY HANDS . It is full of their handmade items and photography. Dick now makes greeting cards from his pictures and they sell them in their store as well. Here is just a little sample of some of their items.......Some of Dick's greeting cards and photography.......

Debbie knits beautiful scarves/shaws......................

And ponchos.......................

She makes "wearable art" in the form of handbags and clothing...................

Check out this cool paper mosaic key holder...........................

Children's items................................ (my daughter has one of these and it is one of her favorite things!)....................

Mini quilts, wall hanging quilts........................

And my personal favorite- the wearable shoulder art- totes and handbags!!!!!!

These bags are well made, lined, unique, and beautiful- and they get a lot of attention out in public!!!

You can see how much time and love goes into each one of these items............

Dick and Deb are truly artists. Some of these items are made with recycled materials too which is great for the environment! They do accept custom orders (with certain stipulations). So, there you have it! I just had to brag. I was thrilled when I found out they were starting their own shop because they have so much talent and create such beautiful things that I am glad they are finally getting them out there to share! If you would like to visit Dick and Debbie's Etsy store you can go to:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5780138 or click here and go see all of the fantastic items in their store. They will be adding items regularly as well. You can also link to their store by their name on the sidebar "Fruit of My Hands" under Places I Love to Visit. Tell them I sent ya!

~Heather :)