Custom Wedding Ornaments Galleries  Ornaments by Theme Ornaments by Color Ornaments by Holiday Lagniappe Kimekomi Ball Ornaments Thursdays Marketplace All Items Home Site Map Contact Me Gift Certificates Gift Registry Order Tracking Questions? Customer Comments About DustyOak Favorite Links Banner exchange My Scrapbook My Cottage Quilt ViewCart/Checkout I'm a Proud Member of Shabby Cottage shops. A great on-line Shopping Mall. Visit Etsy Cottage Style About DustyOak Thank you for taking a moment of your time to learn a little bit about me and my ornaments.    My grown-up Munchkins Dad & Me Dad & Mom   Hello, my name is Sandy, and as the daughter of a USAF pilot, I spent most of my growing up years moving. I met and married my husband, of 35 years while my dad was stationed in Louisiana. We are the proud parents of three, now grown, kids…still no grandchildren, and I must confess, I’m not waiting very patiently for them to begin arriving. :-)  I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom and also, the adventure of homeschooling them.   Dusty Oak ~ Home to my Inspiration!   My honey and me We live in the "sticks" of northwest Louisiana, surrounded with 100 year old trees, a beautiful pond, tons of wildlife and a farm on each side.   Our home is an ugly, too small for us, fixer-upper.... that is still being fixed up...However, just a few moments sipping tea on my front porch swing make it all worthwhile. It is so beautiful out here. There are deer cautiously wandering through the trees, cattle grazing in the pasture, bass spawning on the edge of the pond and dozens of species of birds chirping, singing and cooing their cheerful songs.   An early morning in spring Oh, and I must mention the earthy smell of a spring rain, the sweetest aroma of Honeysuckle in bloom and the most breathtaking sunsets and star studded night skies. It’s my little paradise of peace and God breathed beauty.   We also enjoy the company of our friendly neighbors; skunks, possums, beavers, armadillos, etc. At night we can hear the coyotes howling and the owls hooting, not to mention the bullfrogs and tree frogs – a lullaby symphony, compared to jake brakes, sirens and hot rods.   Cattle next door Our home is built at the end of a long dirt road and during the dry summer months, cars and tractors stir up huge clouds of dust. It totally covers the oaks and trees in a blanket of fine powder. So, I named our little house in the woods, "Dusty Oak".           The Ornament Shoppe ~ My creative space   I began making quilted ornaments when I was in my early twenties. That first year, I made one for each of my family members and a few for my close friends for Christmas. I also, made a couple as wedding gifts. The brides were thrilled and still tell me how they hang them on their Christmas trees every year. ~ a pretty basket of quilted ornaments    From there, it slowly grew, until I was making them for just about every occasion or event. In the fall of 2006, I decided to list a few ornaments on eBay, just to see how it went, and DustyOak Ornaments was born! I had a delightful year of creating custom orders and making new friends. With lots of prayer and encouragement from my family and friends, I finally opened my website in March 2008.   These distinctive and unique ornaments are beautiful on Christmas trees, displayed on an ornament stand, or grouped together in a basket or bowl.They add that "finishing touch" to gift baskets or a decorative grouping on a table. However you choose to display them, I know they will add a festive sparkle and delightful charm to all your holiday decorating or gift giving.     I believe all creativity is a gift from God and I thoroughly enjoy the creative process. You can be assured that each and every ornament is custom handmade by me and is an individual, original work of art. From choosing the fabrics, ribbons and flowers, cutting and arranging the pattern pieces, to the final finishing touches, take several hours of planning and composing. It is truly a labor of love and it gives me much joy to be able to offer them to you.         Thank you so much for dropping by to visit. I hope you have a wonderful day and may the Lord cover you with His richest blessings.            ~ Sandy         Unconditional Love ~ My Mom!   In August of 2008, Jesus suddenly took my mama home to be with Him in heaven. As a child and as an adult, I can honestly say that God truly blessed me and my sisters with a wonderful, mom. With one hand in the hand of our Lord and the other in ours, she guided, taught, scolded and praised us with an unconditional love.   I wrote this poem to honor her. Yet, it in no way tells her entire story. It touches on what Mom was best known for – Her absolute love for people and her desire to serve with her best. She was an incredible cook and many, many people have enjoyed fellowship around her table of love.   The Table of Love Abba, I don’t understand, I cried. I felt the Holy Spirit draw to my side. He lifted the sorrow from my chest. My troubled mind became calm and at rest. As pictures formed one by one, Of far away days when I was young. Of pancakes on the beach and tables in the sand Splashing ocean waves, laughing hand-n-hand. Giggling sister sessions late at night. Milk and cookies made it right. With cheese and crackers, she broke the rule. To picnic in the park, we just skipped school. Clothes pins lined up by my plate, A reminder, to keep my manners as I ate. After school tea, with dainty pastries cut into hearts. Chicken salad sandwiches and strawberry tarts. Candlelight suppers just for fun And goody bags for on the run. Of always forgetting the bread And serving “after dinner” rolls instead. Of peeking inside a restaurant fine To count the forks before we dined. Of Christmas tables set with a goose, Or a lamb, or a duck and once a moose. Of setting the table, a delightful treat, Mixing and matching china at each seat. From her stash within the hutch, Pretty, printed napkins the finishing touch. On nights when Daddy was away, Around the table we would pray. She told of angels with swords of fire. God’s protection, from our enemy the liar. Her three little girls, she could boast. Have grown to be the sweetest hosts. She taught us well to love our guests, To make each feel, like the favored best. Whether our table was made of glass, Or a checkered cloth upon the grass. A bed with crumbs between the sheets Or a coffee table, loaded with sweets. There was always laughter and sometimes tears. She showed us faith through all the years. Taught us to trust our Father above And we grew in grace around Mama’s table of love. A quickening in my heart so deep, As I saw her pray instead of sleep. She asked for blessings, kneeled beside her bed. Gigi’s tears, a holy covering upon each head. As the last child’s name was said, She pulled the covers about her head. And dreamed - of the wedding banquet, of the Lamb. When the Bride of Christ would take His hand. The glorious meal we all would share, And a Rose of Sharron upon each chair. Then, she heard His voice, whispered in her ear. “Come Edith, My child. Come help me prepare…. My Friend, The invitations’ been sent. It’s printed in Red. And the tables are set with the wine and the bread. The arch angel stands ready, with trumpet in hand. On the mount of Zion, at attention he stands. The time is short, your reservation is due. Jesus is standing. He's waiting for you. The spirit says come with the voice of a dove. Will you take His hand, and be seated, at The Table of Love?   I miss you Mom...                         .......but, I'll see you soon.     Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."  John 5:24   Edith Ann February 4, 1935 - August 22, 2008        "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" Psalm 1:3 (KJV)