Crafty Gal Linda

More digital stuff

2011-11-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

I went to The Statue of Liberty back at Easter time with my family and took a pretty good amount of shots of Lady Liberty. I'm still playing around with PSE. I really don't know what I am doing. I am looking at different digital art books to purchase to help me figure it out. So far what I am coming up with is ok but I don't know what I am doing. teehee Every time I play with this I get a little bit better at it. The blog banner is actually something I did a while ago by just playing with the color saturation. It is a lot fun but frustrating....hopefully I'll figure things out. I'll be back soon. TTFN

Digital Art

2011-11-07T11:49:00.000-05:00

I am playing around with PSE and this is what I came up with. The door picture was taken in Disney World I believe at Animal Kingdom. I am finding I am drawn to creating digital art and want to explore it more. I am finally working on a necklace that I hope to share soon. I hope to be back soon with more digital art and a new necklace. Feel free to snag this picture for your own pleasure, if you wish. TTFN!!!

Checkin' in.....

2011-09-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! Thank you so much for the well wishes and support. I am working on cleaning and organizing my home with my new available time. Max is doing well being back in school and although I miss him I am beginning to enjoy the time to myself to take care of some things I have neglected. I finally framed this print. I love the saying and found a cupcake clipart in Word. It's printed on a vintage dictionary page and matted with a piece of scrapbook paper. Even though I'm trying to lay off cupcakes these days (I'm down 17 pounds in 8 weeks so far) this will go on a wall in my kitchen. I just wanted to check in quick to say hi. Maybe this will be the week I get some jewelry made. : ) TTFN!!

SO HERE'S THE SCOOP......

2011-09-13T17:01:00.000-04:00

Before I ramble about the changes in my life I think I will post some pictures....I have been somewhat busy this summer and found it very hard to be creative.

I did manage to knit a blanket. My friend Carol and I were able to whip up lap blankets for Enchanted Makeovers. Carol made this crocheted beauty.....

I made this knitted one......

Enchanted Makeovers (button on left sidebar) is a fabulous charitable organization that transforms shelters into beautiful sanctuaries. Carol's and my blankets went to a shelter for girls called Alternatives for Girls. I get goosebumps thinking about this and that my blanket (mistakes and all) might comfort a young girl in need. Terry has lots of projects going on at Enchanted Makeovers. Check out her website and maybe you'll find something you can donate to this great organization.

These beauties are from my dear friend Diana at Suburban Girl Studio She is a fabulous bead artist and you must check out her work!

I made it to Bead Fest this year if only for a few hours right before the show closed! Of course my head was ready to explode but I bought a few baubles.

The brass findings are from Metalliflourous they had bins and bins of metal findings. I had fun digging through the loot.

Ok, this next one I just had to have. It is actually a bullet case with glass work added to it. It's drilled so I can use it as a pendant. Love

it! Cool huh?

So by now you may be wondering (or not :P ) what are the changes in Crafty Gal Linda's life? As you may remember I have home schooled my youngest son for 3 years. He is back in public school this year. I am not going to bore you with the details but I was very upset about sending him back to school. It happened so fast and I had no time to process everything. It was a hard decision but I think that this is going to be a good thing. Plus to top it off my second oldest left to go on tour with his band. On Friday I went from having a house full to being by myself for the first time in a very long time! I'll be ok...I'm sure I will find plenty to do! I might even be able to work on my jewelry and other projects and revamping my etsy. The possibilities are endless.

I also have been working on getting healthier. I joined Weight Watchers back in August. I have lost 14 1/2 lbs. in 7 weeks by following WW, walking and also reading a book called Made to Crave. There is a link for Lysa Terrkeurst (the author) under Inspirational Goodness on the right sidebar if you are interested in the book.

I think that is about it for now. I am hoping to be back soon with some jewelry to share. Take care my bloggy friends! TTFN!

Big changes for me!

2011-09-13T08:24:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody...as you can see I spruced up my blog for the fall. I KNOW...IT'S BEEN over a month since I last posted. I changed the music so if you do not want to listen to it you can turn it off on the right. I am running out this morning for a new Bible study and to run some errands but I will be back this afternoon to post pictures and updates on the big change(s) in my life. I hope all is well. My apologies for neglecting my blog!! TTFN!

Just a quick post

2011-07-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post....I will be back next week with a more thorough posting of my Summer Swap. The swap is mailed and should be arriving by Monday ladies! Here's a sneak peek at the cards. When I post next week I will have links to each girls blog and individual pictures of the ATC's. Everyone did a great job! Thanks!

I will be attempting to post short posts here and there from my Streak. I'm still learning how to use it but so far I like it a lot. It's Dell's answer to the iPad. I tried blogging earlier on it but I couldn't upload a picture to the blog. :~P So I will be posting on Facebook mostly and attempt to on my blog while I'm away from my desktop.

Be back soon...TTFN. XO

The heat is on!

2011-07-22T18:50:00.003-04:00

The heat here in this part of Pennsylvania has been extremely oppressive. 100+ degrees all week and getting worse. I think it's supposed to break by next week. I love the summer but this is unbelievable. Ok so that is enough of my weather whine. ; )

The ATC'S are rolling in................

Sneak peek at what's going into the goody bags. ; )

Mailing labels......

I'm having fun. I'm waiting on one more swapper and I will be getting them out in the mail! So that is what I'm up to this week besides trying to stay cool. TTFN!!!

ATC'S, PSE and other things

2011-07-12T12:45:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody! I'm busily working on my ATC's for the swap I'm hosting. I LOVE Lisa's Altered Art. She has the best digital images. Here's what my work area looks like right now.

I took my kids to a local park. I don't know why I haven't taken advantage of this place before. It's less then 15 mins. from my house and it's like a little paradise tucked in the woods. Here are a few pictures I took while I was there today. I am going to start watching tutorials on You Tube for Photo Shop Elements. These are some pictures I took of shadows and textures to hopefully use as a layer in PSE if and when I figure out how to use the program. :-}

Feel free to snag them if you can use them in your art. I thought the shadows would make a good layer or whatever they are called. Notice my blasted foot is in one of the pictures. I really need to learn how to NOT get my foot in pictures.

Here are some shots of the lake and scenery. SO PRETTY!

I hope you are all having a beautiful, creative week! TTFN my Bloggy Friends!

SWAP FILLED

2011-07-11T10:57:00.003-04:00

THE SWAP IS FILLED.
~~Quick update:~~

So far I have 4 swappers for the Summer ATC Swap. If you are interested I have room for one more. Go here for the details, where you can leave a comment to let me know you want to swap or leave a comment here to join the fun.

JOIN ME....SUMMER ATC SWAP!!

2011-07-09T11:13:00.001-04:00

(images from art-e-zine)

7/12/11 UPDATE - THE SWAP IS FILLED. Hi friends!! I am hosting a

Summer ATC Swap. I am looking for 4 or 5 people to make 5 or 6 ATC'S with a summer theme. Anything goes as long as it is a summer theme which is up to your interpretation. Some of you may think of summer as picnics, others swimming, the mountains, the beach, whatever. You can make all of your atc's the same or each one different...your choice. I need to hear from you by Wednesday morning, July 13th if you want to participate. Deadline to mail your atc's is July 20th. I am asking for $2.00 to cover postage. Leave a comment on here if you want to join me and I will email you with the details. Here's a picture you can copy to your computer and use as a button on your blog, just link it back to this post.

Both images in this post are from Art-e-zine This should be fun! I can't wait to hear from you.

Summer of Color/52 Starlets Challenges

2011-07-08T13:17:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I cheated and combined Summer of Color and 52 Starlets Challenges together. : ) This week's color is yellow and the starlet of the week is Julie Newmar. I made an ATC. The pic of Julie is from the internet and I used PSE to turn it into a water color. The background is Distress Ink, doodles, white gel pen, and a piece of ribbon on the bottom. I will be back soon with info on a Summer Themed ATC Swap!

Obsession lives HERE

2011-07-05T10:39:00.000-04:00

The defense is saying reasonable doubt lives in the court room. The prosecution said that common sense needs to live in the court room. Well, obsession is living in my household over this trial. I must admit...I have been completely immersed in the Casey Anthony Trial. What a tragedy. I want justice to be done for this beautiful little girl. I believe that Casey is guilty and needs to punished but I also feel very sad for her and how her life is over. I feel sad for the family. It's just an awful situation.

Onto a brighter note. I have some pictures to share from a recent swap hosted by Kim at ArtJoyStuff. Her work is AMAZING. Here are a few shots of the cards. Kim took the ATC's we made and turned it into a garland. The theme is red, white and blue so it was perfect for the 4th of July however, I love patriotic themed decor all summer long. You can click the pictures to zoom in if you wish.

Jane's on the left and Kim is on the right.

Kathy is on the left and mine is on the right.

Kim being the sweet heart that she is sent along a lots of goodies.

I had a lot of fun making my cards. I enjoy making atc's because they are usually quick to make. I was thinking about hosting a summer themed ATC swap. If any of you are interested please let me know. I will be posting information on it shortly. I'm thinking I will open it to 4 or 5 people.

Enjoy your week my bloggy friends! I LOVE Summer!!!

6.25.11

2011-06-25T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hi bloggy friends! A quick update on what I've been working on. I'm making progress on the lap blanket. I have about 13 inches knitted so far, 23 to go.

I just got Photo Shop Elements again (I had a trial for 30 days a while ago) and have been experimenting with it. My son got a Bamboo drawing pad for the computer and PSE came with it.

However, I have no idea what I am doing and it is very frustrating not to mention time consuming. I do really want to learn how to use it so I am going to have to buy some digital art books and maybe an idiots guide for PSE. If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. I love the idea of digital art but am clueless about it. So here's what I did with one of my lily pics. Please don't ask me what I did. I used guided edit.

I found a cool blog called 52 Starlets. I posted a button on my sidebar. Once a week they post a starlet and challenge you to create a piece of art with that actress incorporated into your piece. This week is it Greer Garson. Here's an ATC I put together. Not spectacular but a start. I got the image on line and edited it in PSE using a plastic wrap effect.

Please forgive my foot in the picture. I took this 3 times before it came out right. The other one had bird poop in it and the other one was too dark. So you will have to deal with my chunky foot in the corner. I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend. I'll be back soon. TTFN

6.18.11

2011-06-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

Hi Bloggy Friends! It's officially summer in my house. My youngest son and I finished school at the end of May.

However, we saw the home school evaluater on Thursday and she gave us the thumbs up and official letter...now it's really over for the summer. And that closes a chapter in my career as a home school mom.

I enrolled my son in a cyber charter school for 6th grade and although he will still be schooling at home I will be here to supervise and not be the "teacher". Traditional home schooling has been both a blessing and rewarding however, I'm excited about the change and looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.

Kimberly from Art Joy Stuff (button on the right sidebar) hosted a red, white and blue atc swap. Each swapper spelled America on their atc's and she's making a hanging banner/garland. I can't wait to get mine! Here's my contribution. Lisa's Altered Art is a great resource for digital images.

So that's about it for now. I'm still knitting away and I just started reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I'm hoping to get done knitting the blanket in the next two weeks. I picked up an old sewing machine and am looking forward to trying my hand at making some pillows. (nothing difficult...I don't want my head to explode) I will share about my adventures in sewing at another date. Take care and have a wonderful weekend! TTFN

YUP....it's weed and other things

2011-06-07T12:14:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's a weed but it's not a bad looking one. It is a daisy weed. heehee I just wanted to get that out there for those of you who may have been losing sleep over my dilemma of 'is it a weed or a perennial'.

Here are some shots of my lilies. I wish they bloomed all summer and not just once and done.

I am starting a lap blanket for a women's shelter. Enchanted Makeovers is an organization that has a lot of different charitable projects in the works this project being one of them. The blanket I am making will help decorate a cottage style room in a shelter. I have until the end of August to make this. I am praying that it will be a comfort to a deserving woman.

So that's what is going on this week. I am making ATC's for a trade with Kim from Art Joy Stuff She's sponsoring an Americana themed atc swap this week. I am making 7 atc's. Check out her post. Her work is amazing! I hope everyone is having a great week. TTFN

Happy Summer!

2011-06-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

As promised, I would blog more often even if I didn't have anything crafty or artistic to share. I took a few shots around the house. This is on an old sewing table in my foyer by my front door with a few pretty things. Which reminds me that the drawers are stuffed with junk that need to be purged.

This is on my mantel -- a bargain wooden vase I got at Ross and I added the silk geraniums. The candles are Novena candles that I decorated with paper, ribbon and some vintage rhinestone shoe clips.

Now this next one....maybe you can help me by clicking and zooming in on it. I thought it might be a weed but didn't want to pull it for fear that it was a perennial that I didn't recognize. At first I thought it was the hydrangea I planted last year but after investigating it doesn't look anything like a hydrangea. I still think it is a weed but my mother in law thinks I should wait to pull it. What do you think? It has some buds and I'm watering it. heehee

Well, that is all for now. It is STINKING hot here in SE Pennsylvania and there has been a tornado watch since 1pm. I hate to complain about the heat....I do love the warm weather but all I can say is PRAISE GOD for air conditioning. Take care and stay cool! TTFN

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

I hope all of you have a blessed Memorial Day!

Bad blogger!

2011-05-20T17:59:00.000-04:00

It's been practically a month since I last posted. I have no excuses except possibly that I haven't made anything artistic or crafty to show. I have been reading a lot, cooking, baking. I think about taking pictures of some of my dishes but then either forget or think "eww" it won't look right. I'm not the best photographer after all and sometimes food can just look ick if it isn't photographed right.

(picture courtesy of cookie madness)

I'm still working on resolving my anemia issues. I get my last iron infusion on Monday. Hopefully this will be the last time I have to get iron infusions. This is the second round I have had in the past 6 mos. (5 infusions over 5 weeks) and I think I finally figured out what is causing the anemia.

So as I was saying I have been reading a lot. I read Water for Elephants recently. What great book! I haven't seen the movie yet but would like to now that I have read the book. I love the character Jacob as his elderly self when he says I'm either 90 or 93. heehee

(picture courtesy of amazon)

I started reading The Help on Monday and am almost finished...another wonderful book. It's hard to believe that less then 50 years ago African Americans had to deal with such racism in the south.

I picked up a few goodies last month. I need to get crackin' on some creations but my energy level is low..so we shall see. If anything these little things are pretty to look at.

Love this little shoe

Pretty little blue baubles

I love "diamonds"

I thought these were the coolest buttons.

Ok, here's something I will put out there..I am going to make an effort to post, even if I have nothing I consider crafty to share. I will work on photographing other creative areas in my life like cooking or decorating. I am looking forward to blog hopping tonight as I miss seeing what my bloggy friends are up to. Have a great weekend...TTFN.

Spring is finally here!

2011-04-22T11:54:00.000-04:00

First of all Happy Easter! I hope everyone has a blessed and peaceful Easter weekend.

I will be posting again soon. I do apologize for letting two weeks go by. I have much to share and am exciting about posting in a few days.

Again Happy Easter and Happy Spring! It's finally here!

Quick Post....

2011-04-07T10:07:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post before the weekend. I hope everyone is having a great week!

Postcard swap hosted by Natalea

ATC swap with Kim

Bottle Cap Pendants

I'm going to a women's retreat this weekend and will be selling these bottle cap pendants at vendor night. I just love the Marie images from Itkupilli I had so much fun making these bottle caps this week.

So that's what I've been up to this week. TTFN..have a fab weekend.

Monday Musings....

2011-04-04T16:31:00.000-04:00

I feel like a chicken with my head cut off. I can't concentrate on one thing..I just jump from thing to another. However, I did manage to finish an ATC for a swap with Kim at ArtJoyStuff and another book cover collage. Here's the ATC I made.

Kim's theme for this week's ATC swap is "vintage background". I used a vintage dictionary page and an image from Lisa's Altered Art. The rest are my own doodles and color with sharpy markers and poster paint pens.

The other week I showed you this Art Chix image and told you I was going to make a collage on a vintage children's book. Here she is, finally. I still need to punch holes and add ribbon or wire for hanging. Other then that it is complete.

I used a white Color Box pigment stamp for the little flowers and for the white smudges. A white gel pen for the doodling and sharpy markers for the lettering and outlining. Vintage buttons and paper punch hearts and the background is scrapbook paper. I sealed the piece with matte gel medium.

The verse is from Jeremiah 29:11 and it one of my favorite verses. I try to remember this verse when I'm having a hard time and I don't feel God's presence. He's always with me but sometimes when I'm in a bad way it's hard to feel him and EASY to feel sorry for myself and wallow.

I hope everyone has a terrific week. TTFN

Happy Monday!

2011-03-28T12:13:00.000-04:00

I watched the movie Eat, Pray, Love over the weekend and even though I read the book and somewhat enjoyed it (I've read better books) the movie was well, OK. The scenery was beautiful so that was what kept my attention and the soundtrack was great. I changed my playlist to some music from the movie or similar to the movie soundtrack.

Honestly, the way Julia Roberts played Liz Gilbert made me want to slap the character. I like Julia Roberts so I was able to tolerate the movie without scratching my eyes out. heehee I'm glad I didn't spend $10 to go to the movies and waited until it came out on dvd. Ok enough movie bashing.

I took my kiddo to see this movie over the weekend.

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you have young kids who like the books you are most likely going to see this. If you do not have young kids you might want to borrow a friend or relatives child and go.

So I made a card over the weekend for a couple who just had twins. I haven't made a card in a while and just adore the images I found at Lisa's Altered Art This shop is my new favorite! The images are scrumptious (yes I said scrumptious). You must go there and check out what is available. Plus they are very reasonable. Ok here's the card.

Look at those babies! I am in love with these images. I need to work on my lettering. I am out of practice but I do like the way it turned out.

I am in a post card swap with Natalea and am getting ready to mail what I made. I tried to find some artsy pre-made cards and went to several different book stores and couldn't find anything I liked so I made my own with Art Chix images.

They are just about ready to go out. I want to coat them with gel medium before I send them so they will survive the mail!

I will be back soon hopefully with the other book cover collage. Also I need to make some bottle cap pendants for a vendor night at a ladies weekend I am going to in a couple of weeks. TTFN friends!

Finished Collage

2011-03-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

Here it is my finished collage on a vintage children's book cover. I need to remember to use a brayer when adhering each piece with gel medium as I had some bubbling. Also, I have to remember to seal the piece before doing the lettering as the Sharpie, even though it's permanent, started to smear when I went to seal the piece. I used a masking tape texturing technique from Claudine Hellmuth's book that I mentioned in my last post. There are a few things I'd change but I am pleased with how it turned out. It doesn't look this pepto bismal-ish in person. The color looks weird in the pictures.

Counter View

2011-03-21T10:07:00.000-04:00

Here's what I'm working on.

I supersized some of my Art Chix images and am creating two collages on old children's book covers. One is for Easter the other for Spring. I just picked up the newest Somerset Studios and am enjoying paging through and looking at the projects. I also pulled out a book I've had for a while Collage Discovery Workshop: Beyond the Unexpected by Claudine Hellmuth. Her texturing techniques are awesome and simple! I will keep you posted on my progress.

I received these two beauties the other day.

They are from my friend Katie - RagamuffinGal and I purchased them in her Etsy. I have the journal sitting on an antique school desk for now. I can't wait to start writing in it. I'm not sure where I'm hanging the collage. I want to redecorate my powder room. It needs to be repainted and freshened. And I am thinking of a pale blue theme going on in there with A LOT of feminine touches. The guys in my house (I am the only girl) will just have to get over it!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday! TTFN

What's up and stuff

2011-03-17T17:29:00.000-04:00

Hey there bloggers!! I hope everyone is having a great week and looking forward to a beautiful weekend. It's gorgeous here in Pennsylvania. It's still chilly but I can smell spring in the air! Here's a little arrangement on my dining room table for Easter.

I'm doing some blog cleaning. Moving things around, deleting and condensing, etc. As always I am adhd with my music on the Playlist on the right side bar. If you do not like my choice of music feel free to skip or turn it off. I put it on random so hopefully you will not hear the same song every time you stop by. I try to put a variety of music on the list to keep it interesting.

This beautiful ATC is from Kim at ArtJoyStuff She hosts "Tuesday Trading Card Swap" every week at her blog. Check it out. You can see the card I traded with her there...ding dong me forgot to take a picture of my card before I sent it!

I have been having fun downloading lots of digital art. I just bought a new HP printer. It's nice to be able to print digital images on demand and not have to wait for them to come in the mail. The paper dolls are from ArtChix, Queen of her castle is from Etysy seller Allnorahsart & Marie Antoinette images from Etsy seller ItKuPiLLi .

I purchased bottle caps and tile and glass glaze/resin from Sun and Moon on Etsy. I am psyched about using the digital images in my jewelry.

I'll be back soon. I hope you are all having an artful week! TTFN

Tidbits

2011-03-09T19:46:00.000-05:00

(myspace.com/pekingacrobats)

My son and I went to see the Peking Acrobats today with our homeschool group. It was awesome! It's amazing what these artist are able to do with their bodies. Unbelievable!

I'm still on a mission to organize and clean my home. I worked on my bedroom yesterday which seems to have become the catch-all for displaced objects. I want my bedroom to be a peaceful haven. I'm really doing pretty good. Just doing a little at a time through out the house and not pressuring myself. Slow and steady wins the race.

I have been wanting to print on vintage dictionary pages for a while now. I love the saying "Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake" I am going to frame this.

I purchased these yummy earrings from Lori Anderson. The picture doesn't do it justice.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! TTFN bloggy friends.

On a mission....

2011-03-03T19:51:00.000-05:00

I know you can relate....I'm on a mission to organize my art and craft supplies. So little by little, cabinet by cabinet, I am reorganizing my multipurpose room. Honestly it has been a wee bit stressful......

and somewhat shocking......."oh I forgot I about THEM!"

but calming and relaxing at the same time if that makes any sense.

Here are a few shots of the progress.

This is my jewelry supply cabinet. It's smack dab in the center of my work area. It usually stays pretty neat as everything is organized in these nifty containers.

YES, that is a shelf and a half of empty space. SHOCKING isn't it?? I'm sure it won't take long for me to find "something" to put there.

Since I'm sharing the good I do feel I have to share the bad as well. I just do not know how to store my scrapbook and collage supplies. It's hard to store the binders and plastic accordion files that hold my paper, stickers, and collage bits. They take up so much room in the cabinets. I'll figure something out, hopefully.

And under the mess was this....the Twilight Assemblage I started a few moons ago, sitting amongst some vintage jewelry and other charms waiting for me to finish. I'm still trying to figure out what pieces I want to use with the watch pendant. I'm thinking maybe the amber piece in the top left corner?? hmmmmm

Ok, I've bored you enough with my organization and unfinished jewelry woes. I hope each and everyone of you have a creative, wonderful weekend! TTFN

Inspired Ideas

2011-02-25T12:14:00.000-05:00

Check this out! Go here - Amy Powers - to buy her e-zine Inspired Ideas for only $3.30!!! The projects look wonderful! I am so psyched to make some of these projects! TTFN

This and That

2011-02-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody! Nothing much going on here but I wanted to say hi and not let too much time go by! I am on my 3rd book in the Twilight Saga - Eclipse. I'm still loving the books and the movies. The movies are on Showtime just about everyday so I catch a scene or two here and there.

I still haven't finished the Twilight assemblage necklace that I talked about a while back. I am hoping to get back to work on it soon. I also had a friend ask me to make a watch for her so I am going to begin working on that as well. It should be fun as it combines my love for the old and unwanted and beads. In this case she wants a watch bracelet with a spoon handle similar to my collage spoon bracelets. This should be fun!

I hope all is well with you and yours. I'll be back soon. TTFN!!!

Back from Disney

2011-02-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

I had a great time. Here are a few pictures. More to come.

There's a snake in my boot.

"Italy" was beautiful

I ran into the Mad Hatter and borrowed his hat. ; )

I will talk more about my trip in a few days. TTFN my friends!

Disney Bound

2011-01-31T22:11:00.000-05:00

I'm getting ready for my family trip to Disney. I poured the resin for the bottle cap pendants. Tomorrow I will drill the hole for the jump ring and they will be good to go. My 6 y.o. nephew was VERY cute when it came to these. I asked him and his little brother what image they wanted for their pendant. They both requested the Buzz, Woody and Jesse image but when he saw I also had Lightening from the movie Cars he sweetly asked, "can you ask Aunt Linda if I can have Buzz and Lightening?" Well, of course Aunt Linda made them each two.

I made luggage tags with shipping tags for the trip. Our info is on one side and the other is Disney stickers and some squiggles with packing tape to protect them.

I'm still working on the Twilight piece. I made the watch pendant but I am not sure about the wire work I did on it. I will not get to work on this most likely until I get back from my trip but here's a sneak peek at it. For the life of me I couldn't get a better picture. Sorry.

I hope everyone is having a great week! We're supposed to get more inclement weather here -- ice and snow. Hopefully it won't affect my flight out of here on Saturday. Take care everyone and TTFN!

Obsessed

2011-01-20T19:16:00.000-05:00

New obsession - The Twilight Saga. I read the first book and am in the middle of the second book. I just watched the third movie after telling myself and I believe all of you that I wasn't going to watch Eclipse until I read the book. *sigh :) IT WAS GREAT! I think it is my favorite out of the 3 movies so far. What's with Team Edward and Team Jacob? How about Team Carlisle?? Hubba hubba

With the Breaking Dawn Part 1 movie release not out until November of this year that should give me plenty of time to read all of the books before seeing the movie. heehee I think I might make a Twilight themed necklace. Oh geeze....did I really write that??? I'm 46 years old with a teenage obsession. Oh well.. :)
Speaking of necklaces.....I got these Industrial Chic pieces last week at Michael's. Love 'em. I'm thinking about making myself a Disney themed necklace and incorporating some of these pieces into it as well as the Twilight necklace.

I am waiting for Disney bottle cap images from this Etsy seller to arrive via email as a download. I am making my nephews, my son and my sister and I bottle cap charm necklaces to wear while we're in Disney next month.

Of course I have a million things I "want" to do but not sure if they are all going to get done. I know the bottle cap charms will definitely get done but it remains to be seen if I get the Twilight and Disney assemblage necklaces together. As always I will share when I accomplish something! TTFN my bloggy friends and have a great rest of the week!!

Twilight and Mickey Mouse...what a combo!

2011-01-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post I got a Kindle for Christmas. My hubby and I are supposed to be sharing it however, I have had possession practically since we got it. I got the first book in the Twilight Saga - Twilight and am really enjoying it.

I have gotten on the band wagon late in the game as I realize the third movie was just out and there are bunches of books out in the series so far. Anyway, that is how I am, slow on the trends at times but slow or not I am now hooked! I am not much of a science fiction/fantasy book kind of gal but I am really enjoying this twist on vampire stories. I still love PAPER books so I went to the library today to pick up New Moon to start when I am finished with Twilight on my kindle.

I may just spring and buy the whole series on Kindle. We shall see. I have enjoyed the movies but as always the book is so much better then the movie. I didn't particularly care for the second movie and didn't watch it in it's entirety. I'm banking on the book being much better.

Nothing creative going on here except I made my last batch of reindeer cupcakes over the weekend. They are actually really cute but this picture is awful. He almost looks deranged or rabid.

I'm preparing for my trip to Florida with my family next month. My youngest sister and her family and my dad are all traveling with us. We'll be sharing a house outside of Disney. I'M SO EXCITED! Micky, Minnie, the princesses. Denise got me some pretty princess lip gloss and lip balm for Christmas. lol We are joking that we are going to drag the boys to all of the girly things and torture them! Her and I are the only two "girls" going on the trip. 11 of us total and 9 are boys/men. hee hee

I am hoping to get around to everyone's blogs this week to catch up and see what you are doing. In the mean time Mickey, Bella, Edward and I say ttfn...........

Mama got a new Kindle

2010-12-28T15:11:00.000-05:00

I have been AWOL for quite a while now. The holidays just whiz by in a flash and now we're approaching New Years. My husband and I got a Kindle for Christmas. I LOVE IT! I'm trying to control myself with the book purchases until I check all of the places out to buy.

This is me enjoying the Kindle at the beach.........NOT. :) I wish I looked like this. hee hee

Nothing creative going on. Oh, well I have been baking. I love to bake the week between Christmas and New Years. There's no rush and it IS still Christmas time. Why make myself nuts before Christmas trying to bake up a storm as well as get everything else ready?

For whatever reason I couldn't find a peanut butter cookie recipe in my stash so I googled it. I came upon a recipe that doesn't use flour and thought I'd give it a whirl. The verdict still isn't in whether I like this recipe better then the traditional one. I am making another batch with flour and then I'll decide which recipe is tastier. The ingredients are peanut butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and the kisses. Here's where you can get the recipe. I'm thinking it is a glutton free option because the flour is eliminated and the ingredients are simple but I am not positive that it is glutton free so check if that is an issue for you.

Well that is about it folks. TTFN and have a great New Years!

11 days and counting!

2010-12-14T06:55:00.000-05:00

Christmas 11 days away? How can that be? My goodness it seems to come quicker and quicker each year. I have a pretty good handle on things right now. This is usually the time I start to crack up a bit realizing that I will probably not get everything done that I want to have done. It is what it is!

I just thought I'd share a little of this and that. Here are a few Christmas ornaments that I adore.

My inlaws get the boys ornaments every year for Christmas. This one is the bell from the movie Polar Express. It's my oldest son's. Maybe he'll forget that it's his. hee hee

I made this little angel ornament last year.

I made this out of a little mitten from my youngest baby. He's 11 now. *sniff sniff

I pulled out my old wedding shoes (size 6....what happened to my feet??) and want to decorate and stuff them with lovelies. I was inspired by Cassandra to pull these out and see what I can do to pretty them up. I will share when I get er done.

My very talented friend Carol who I do craft and jewelry shows with made these lovely pieces. We had our Holiday Open House last week at her house and on Friday night we did some swappin'. I just love this zipper pin she made.

She has a great eye for beads and beading. I have been eye-ing this piece and secretly hoping it wouldn't sell so I could get my hands on it. I LOVE the old key and the beads are gorgeous.

I am off to the grocery store. It's not even 7am. I must be nuts..oh that's right it's Christmas time! Take care my bloggy friends. TTFN

A little of this and a little of that

2010-12-01T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody!! So much has been going on around here lately. Between family emergencies, Thanksgiving, this place to go and that place to be I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off. I had to bow out of a cookie exchange scheduled for Saturday because I just don't have time to bake this week. I feel like a schlub but I had to pass on it. I'm a crazy lady right now.

(image from fotosearch.com)

I am just stopping by and posting with a few tidbits that are going on. So here we go. ;)

Here are some Scrabble Earrings that I am selling for $10 a pair and first class shipping is free in the U.S. If you are interested you can buy a pair by contacting me. Please excuse the lame names for each set of earrings.

(on the left is Lovely Ladies and on the right is Pink Pixies)

(on the left is Brown Bead Ladies and on the right is White Pearl Ladies)

(on the left Pink Alice and on the right Red Alice)

(on the left Mona and friend and on the right Asian Beauties)

I am not listing them in Etsy quite yet but if you are interested in buying any of them just leave me a comment or email me and I will contact you! Each pair is made with vintage wooden Scrabble tiles and the ear wires are from the new Industrial Chic line. The image is sealed with Crackle Accents or Glossy Accents. I have a jewelry show coming up in about a week so instead of listing each pair in Etsy I decided to offer them for sale here as well as having them for my show.

If you noticed on my left side bar there's a "where women create" button. It's for their 12 Days of Christmas.

Each day there are three giveaways going on. I just love their books and I haven't seen the magazine yet but I'm sure it's fabulous. It's wonderful getting a peek into so many lovely studios! So hop on over to Where Women Create's blog by either clicking the left side bar button or going to my blog list on the right side bar.

I may not be able to post until next week. So I hope everyone has a creative weekend coming up!!! Take care and ttfn!!!!

Etsy Update and Treasuries!

2010-11-27T16:46:00.000-05:00

I listed 4 of my vintage spoon collage bracelets today. You ought to be nice and sick of hearing about these by now!!!! :)

I also made 2 treasuries. One is called Turquoise Delight and the other is Drop Dead Red. I haven't been able to figure out how to post the treasury page right here so you will have to click the links if you want to check out some fabulous Etsy Sellers. TTFN

Black Friday and other things

2010-11-26T14:38:00.000-05:00

(image from inmagine.com)

Hi everyone! I hope each of you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I know I did! Not only did I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family we also celebrated my youngest son's 11th birthday. He was born on Thanksgiving night and every now and then it falls right on Thanksgiving.

(image from inmagine.com)

I am working on updating my Etsy shop with my spoon bracelets.

As always there is FREE SHIPPING in my shop all the time, not just for the holidays. When I finish the update I will post here. I'll be blog hopping to see what everyone is up to! TTFN

SHOW AND TELL...lots of pics!

2010-11-18T20:19:00.000-05:00

I have lots to share with you. First of all I had the craft show on Saturday and I am happy to announce I sold some of my jewelry. I sold a handful of pieces and that just makes me happy. I'm not hard to please. It made my day. Anyway, here are some of the finished spoon bracelets that I had for sale and will be for sale in my Etsy ASAP. You can click any of the pictures if you'd like to enlarge them.

Here are some spoon handles I made into pendants.
Here's a watch my friend Carol made. Her and I swapped...she got a spoon bracelet and I got this beauty!
This is a tag I won from Tina at her blog The Artful Life I LOVE her paintings. It's a hand painted tag she did for Halloween. So cute.
I also just bought these two 5x7 prints from her and got them in the mail today. :)

I bought the clay pendant from a local artist. I added the wire wrapping, beads and hook and made it into a necklace. I like that I can wear it with t-shirts or sweat shirts as that is my attire on a lot of days. :)

So that's what I have for you today. As I said I am getting the spoon bracelets in my Etsy soon and also the spoon handle pendants. I hope everyone is having a great week! TTFN...create honeys create! :)

More collage pendants/bracelets

2010-11-11T09:49:00.001-05:00

I am finally having fun making these bracelets! Once I figured out how to bend and cut the spoon and make it comfortable as a bracelet I was able to relax and work on them more productively. Here's here the pendant with the resin poured. When I complete the bracelets I'll share. I'll be sanding the metal today and adding the beads. Here's couple of shots of the bracelet I shared the other day. I finally got the sizing right on it.
I finally went outside and got some decent pictures. Just throw money...no need for applause. lol I hope everyone is having a great week. I'll be back with more when I have it. TTFN

Collage Bracelet

2010-11-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

Here's one of the bracelets I showed you the other week. It still needs tweaking. I had a lot of problems with them and had to go in another direction. Please excuse the pictures...I am trying to find a new online host for my pictures where I can edit my pics but I haven't been able to find one with what I need. Anyway please bare with me.

So this is what I'm working on...I have at least 5 more to get done by Saturday. I have a friend helping me on Tuesday night. He's going to use his drill press to drill all of the holes on the rest of the pieces. I can do them myself with my Dremel however, it's really not meant for drilling metal and I have dulled all of my drill bits. Not to mention that it takes too long to drill each hole. I'm probably going to cry when he whips through them and drills everything in 5 mins. I'm learning as I go. :) Take care bloggy friends. TTFN and I'll be back soon.

Quick Update

2010-11-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

I just used Ice Resin for the first time today. Here are four bracelets that I'm working on. I just wanted to pop in real quick and show you what I did. TTFN Take care and I'll be back soon.

Feeling Fab Update

2010-10-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

I wanted you, my bloggy friends to know that I am feeling so much better! I got my third iron treatment yesterday and this was the first week I am getting to enjoy the benefits of the treatments. As I had shared I had other issues going on besides the iron problems but I am starting to feel like my old self again, praise God! As soon as I have something creative to share I will post, hopefully in the next couple of days. In the mean time I will post some past creations until I have new things to share. Take care and ttfn.

More Finished Earrings and others....

2010-10-13T16:31:00.001-04:00

Hi! I just got my first iron treatment today. I DO NOT FEEL DIFFERENT! :) I don't know where I got the idea that I'd magically feel like a million bucks after my first treatment. I am hopeful but honestly a little disappointed. lol I really thought I'd get the iron and come home and want to re decorate and deep clean the house. heehee

Ok, here are the other half of the Scrabble Earrings. Images are from Ten Two Studios.
Now I am back to making some bracelets. **Note to self**I can't drill stainless steel with a dremel.** That was hard for me to accept. However, drilling sterling silver is possible. I need to go to Lowe's and get new drill bits as I think mine are just about done in from drilling metal. So here's a sneak peek of what I am up to now.
The next couple of days are going to be spent prepping for two procedures I'm getting on Friday. Yes, I am a glutton for punishment. I'm getting an endoscopy AND a colonostomy on the same day. I just want to get them over with. So if you don't hear from me until the weekend or even Monday it's because I'm recuperating. ;) TTFN my bloggy friends!

4 Pair of Finished Earrings

2010-10-11T17:46:00.001-04:00

Four out of eight pair of Scrabble Earrings are finished. I'll try to get better pictures when I finished the others. I got lazy and didn't want to schlep them outside so I took them in the house. You can click the pic to zoom in if you wish. :) TTFN

Scrabble Earrings Part 1

2010-10-09T13:18:00.000-04:00

With the house to myself today, I started a bunch of Scrabble Earrings. Will post more pictures when they are finished. I hope everyone is having a terrific and creative weekend. TTFN

Finished Bracelet

2010-10-05T13:48:00.001-04:00

Here she is... the resin is still a little cloudy but that should clear up in another day or two.

I went to the hematologist today and I'm going to start iv iron treatments next week for 6 weeks. YIPPEE! I am so happy. I can't wait to feel better. TTFN bloggy friends.

Happy Fall and other things

2010-10-04T12:08:00.000-04:00

Oh my, my, my....it has been way too long since I've posted. I fear that most of you have written me off and dropped me from your blog rolls. Let me start by splainin' what's been going on. First of all, HAPPY FALL!The summer was hectic with activities and no time to craft. I figured once we got back to school I'd be able to start making some pretties again but that just didn't happen. I'm the type of person who if I do not have any art to share I don't feel like I have anything to post as I do not post a whole lot about my personal life. Well, I do post about my family and stuff but this is mostly about my creative side.

That being said, I also have had some health issues. I am severely anemic and home schooling my son is about all I've been capable of doing lately. The past few days I've been feeling a little better as the wicked oral iron supplements I've been taking for almost a month are finally helping a bit. However, I am going to be getting iv iron treatments soon and hopefully the nasty side affects of oral iron will soon be in the past. I hope!!

So here's what I'm working on. This is a bracelet in case you can't tell from my lousy shots but I figured it would give you an idea of what I'm working on.
I came up with the idea of making bracelets with spoons. Instead of hammering the spoon flat (like in Semi Precious Salvage by Stephanie Lee - which is a fab book and so is she) I am filling it with resin. I'm wrapping the handle with ribbon and I'm trying to come up with a catchy name. Tattered something or another...not sure.

I will post the finished piece as soon as it is ready and the resin is clear. I'll be back soon, Lord willing. I'll be blog hoping to catch up on all of your blogs ASAP. Hugs!!!

Bead Fest and other things

2010-08-22T19:51:00.000-04:00

I went to Bead Fest yesterday in King of Prussia. What an overwhelming, wonderful, fabulous experience! I didn't take any classes (maybe next year) but I did go to shop. I went with the idea in mind that I would purchase a special focal pendant or bead. I had originally wanted to get a lampwork bead and had a set price in mind that I would "splurge" and buy one for myself. However, my quest for a beautiful lampwork focal bead ended when I happened upon this....I know this is totally opposite of a lampwork bead. hee hee Isn't she sweet???This was the one I REALLY WANTED..................Alice's Rabbit is on my wish list however, as much as I loved it I couldn't spend $125 on it..not right now anyway. The artist is the very talented Joan Miller

The beads are hand painted porcelain pieced together to make these wonderful doll pendants. I can't stop looking at my new treasure.

I purchased a sample pack of Ice Resin. I am sure I will love it as everyone who I've talked to about it says it's the best. It was nice seeing all of the items at the Objects and Elements booth and being able to pick up the bezels and other pieces look at them.
So Bead Fest was a lot of fun. I got to see Diana my super cyber friend who I met back in April at Art Opera. I chatted with her and Joanna Feller from Bead Unique for a few minutes. I took my oldest and dearest friend Debbie with me and introduced her to beading and jewelry making. I think she is hooked. :)

This pile of beads came off of my beaded purse. I purchased it at a flea market about a year or two ago and soon abandoned using it as it would drop beads everywhere I went. I finally cleaned out my closet and decided to keep the beads that I like from the purse and get rid of it! This is about as close to being creative that I have been for a while. Sad, but true. I'm hoping to make something this week. I have lots to work with and hope to be inspired. Take care friends....TTFN

Summer is calling.....

2010-08-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

(Image courtesy of Vintage Moth)

I feel REALLY bad about not posting for so long. Summer is calling with vacation just recently and other activities going on I don't have anything creative to post. I feel now that I have to take advantage of the remainder of summer by getting to the pool and enjoying other summer time fun with my kids. So if I disappear again it's only because I'm busy and will be back ASAP.

I am going to Bead Fest this weekend in King of Prussia! I am so looking forward to seeing all of the lovely beads and other baubles. If you are going to be there and want to meet up please email me your cell phone and I will email you mine. My email is on the left side bar of my blog. I am planning on going on Saturday.

I got the sweetest little pendant in the mail today from my cyber friend Natalea. Here's a pic..........thanks Natalea! I will enjoy this.Well, that is it for now! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and have fun fun FUN! TTFN

Shelly Earrings

2010-07-31T17:02:00.000-04:00

I just finished these a minute ago and wanted to share. I had a bit of a time trying to match the shells so they would hang on each wire the way I wanted them to but I do like the way they came out. I do believe that the earring wires are from the new Industrial Chic line. Along with the shells are a fresh water pearl and a faceted glass bead.I will not be around much this week to blog but I will try to check in from time to time. I'll post in about a week. I hope everyone is having a creative, artful weekend and week ahead! TTFN friends.

Etsy Treasury

2010-07-29T19:56:00.000-04:00

My friend Diane from That's what I'm here for has posted an Etsy Treasury and included one of my pieces in the treasury! Thanks Diane. Here's the link to her Etsy Treasury Please take a peek if you get a chance!(image from alteredartfun.blogspot.com)

I am working on a pair of earrings at the moment and will try to share them in the next day or so. TTFN bloggy friends!

Some finished pieces.....

2010-07-23T19:19:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody..well I did it. I made a necklace and a pair of earrings.

Making the necklace was fun! I bought everything from Joanne's and most of it is from Plaid crafts. Vintagy looking charms, necklace, etc. Mixed metals

Lots of charms

I made the hook/clasp. 19 gauge annealed steel wire. Hammered and buffed.

As I said it was a lot of fun making these pieces. The biggest trouble for me was figuring out how to layer the chains and the charms so it would hang correctly. The only thing I was disappointed with was the "toggle" It is not a real toggle. However, a small price to pay for pre-made vintage looking charms and pieces that got me out of my creative slump.

The earrings are made with some sort of mosaic bead, granite rondelles and fire polished glass beads.

Well, I hope to have more to share soon. I have the beads to work with next. TTFN and I hope you are all having a wonderful creative weekend!!

When you are in a creative slump.....

2010-07-19T17:49:00.001-04:00

What do you??? Go out and by more stuff, that's what! Joanne's is having 40% off all jewelry findings and supplies. So I got me some stuff to play with. Because I do not have it in me to pick through my vintage stash I did the next best thing bought "vintage" like components and charms to use in a necklace for myself. I'm thinking lots of layers.Let me warn you..their ad is deceiving. It says 40% off of the entire stock of jewelry supplies. I got to the register and most of the stringed beads were not included. I think I am going to complain to Joanne's corporate about that. Don't say the entire stock of jewelry supplies is on sale and then turn around and say the back wall isn't included. It didn't say that in the ad. That's my gripe for the day. :) I was able to use 40% coupons for 3 of the 4 string beads. It's just the principle of the matter. My favorite ones are the string on the left . They are shells. I couldn't resist this oh so tacky but cute boa yarn. I'm going to make a fall scarf with it. For 97 cents a skein I couldn't pass it up.I'm working on getting the affidavit and proposed education plan together to hand into our school district. I do not have a problem with doing this. It's part of being an accountable homeschooler. What I have a problem with is that they require more yearly medical information then if my son went to school. Ok, enough of my whining! It is what it is. Now I can move on make something with my new stuff.

Take care my friends! TTFN

Summer is whizzing by...

2010-07-16T22:25:00.001-04:00

Good grief, I still haven't made squat as far as jewelry or art are concerned! I was away last week for three days on a short term missions trip and it was STINKING hot!!! I'm still recovering from it. It was great but STINKING hot! Oh I said that. Anyway, I'm also looking at curriculum for the fall for our homeschool adventures. I just wanted to check in and let you all know I have not gone missing. I just don't have a lot to share. Maybe, dare I say, I will get something crafty done over the weekend! I hope you are all enjoying the summer!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-02T12:37:00.000-04:00

(image is from Graphics Fairy)

Hello friends! I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend with family and friends. I spent two days chaperoning my church's youth group. We spend a day in Ocean City, NJ on Wed. and on Thursday we were up in North Jersey at Mountain Creek Water Park. I had a blast but am now exhausted and trying to putz around the house doing some much needed chores. I will hopefully be back soon with something creative to share. I'm hoping to make something tomorrow. We shall see! TTFN and have a blessed holiday.

Summer time has begun!

2010-06-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

Well, it's official after a few small details today with my son we are on summer break from homeschooling. YIPEE! My 2nd oldest also graduated from high school last week, we celebrated his birthday and Father's Day over the weekend. It was a lot of fun but I feel like I can breath now! I will post pics later.

I changed my music on the side bar (play list) to fit my mood and the summer. HEE HEE If you do not want to listen you can simply turn it off as it is on the top of the right side bar.

Here's a purchase I made last week at the discount store Ross. I LOVE Ross. I can always find cute little pieces and this is one of them. Right now it is sitting on my cluttered counter in my work area. I tried to strategically soften the edges to blur out the clutter to no avail. :) So I am on the hunt for more of these for displays for my jewelry when I have a show or just to display things here at home.This next one is a table display for the summer. The pieces are from Kohl's and others are from Ross. Again tried to soften the clutter....... *sigh roflolI'll be back soon. I am ordering some metal stamps from Monsterslayer and have something in the works for a bracelet. I just want to breath a little and try to get some things done around the house and relax at the pool. TTFN my friends!

HELLOOOOOOOOOO!

2010-06-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! My son and I are finishing up our last week of home schooling, my 2nd oldest is graduating from high school on Thursday night and then next week I have portfolio work and evaluations coming up for our home schooling. When things settle down I will be back! In the meantime here's a picture of a past creation that is available in my Etsy shop. TTFN my friends!

Some stuff to share

2010-06-03T09:56:00.000-04:00

Max and I are still plugging away at home school work. I'm hoping to be finished by the end of next week. If not I'll be making paper cut outs like this guy...but only in a rest home and with a drool cup .
If you go here to Diane's blog you can enter a giveaway for this piece I made. Diane is so sweet and having giveaways all week and I'm featured today. You can check out and enter the other giveaways as well.

The next two weeks it's all about this guy. He's graduating on the 17th. Kevin is my 2nd oldest son. Time has just flown. I love this boy. :)

Some goodies from my mother in law...I know what I can do with the earrings and even with the medallion and chain. But the cuff links? I wonder if I can donate them to the Vegas Lounge Singers Association. I might be able to make some funky rings out of the lava rock links. :)

I got these goodies from Patina Queen on Etsy. Her prices are very reasonable and lots to choose from. I'm looking forward to using the pink and blue pendants.

I hope everyone is enjoying their week. May it be creative and fun. TTFN

Holiday, Butterflies, Etsy, and Giveaways

2010-05-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

Lots to tell and a short time to tell it. I'm off in a few minutes to go to our local fireworks. I wanted to wish all of you a blessed Memorial Day.We released our butterflies today. It was bittersweet. I'm glad I do not have to continue to make sure the cotton ball is soaked with nectar but they were cool to watch from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly. It happens so fast! Here's Max holding the little critters before the release. This little treasure is from Kimberly of ArtJoyStuff. I got it at her etsy store. She wrapped the piece in a sewing pattern, attached her business card/tag and added an altered clothespin. Sorry for the quality of the pics. I took them on the fly and didn't get to edit the one so you will have to turn your head sideways to get a look at it! lol It is so sweet and will be a cute addition to my summertime decorations.
Sorry, tilt your head. :) It says U.S.A. and the little kid is riding a horse with a flag drapped over her.
Next week my blog friend Diane from that's what I'm here for is having a week of giveaways. On June 3rd she will be posting a giveaway from me. Check out her giveaways from Monday thru Friday and be sure to stop by her place on Wed. to enter the giveaway for mine. This is what I'm giving away, one of my collage pendants. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and has a safe and wonderful time with family and friends. TTFN

Rings and things

2010-05-25T10:54:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! Just a quick post to show you a few more rings I made. I love them in all of their gaudiness. They remind me of those oh so funky rings in the 70's that were huge and I think made with a stretchy knit and big baubles and beads. I remember our Avon lady coming to the door with them all over her hands and her aqua eye shadow that scared the bejingies out of me when I was a little kid. hee hee Anyway, here they are.

I'm making more of these and more button rings. I'm going to be putting button and earring rings in my etsy soon.
Ok...gotta go.....we have Painted Lady Butterflies emerging from their cocoons. Need to make the nectar. Take care friends. TTFN

2010-05-21T11:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! It's a Show What You Create Blog Party. Andrea Tarling is hosting it at her blog Vintage Bella Studio. We are to show what we love to create and sharing it on our blogs and then it's a blog hopping party. There's a blog list posted at her site of everyone participating.

I love creating jewelry. I love to create lots of different things but I find myself going back to jewelry time and time again. I especially enjoy making collage jewelry and assemblage pieces. This piece is two wire wrapped dominoes with a collage.
This next piece is a vintage spoon with filled with two part resin and an image from Art Chix studios. I love to repurpose vintage and old pieces and especially watches.
I enjoy wire wrapping beads. I learned how to do an eye of God wrap from Kelly and Ruth's book A Charming Exchange. This piece is a combo of old and new components. Most of the beads came from a vintage costume jewelry necklace. The chain is new. The focal piece is a vintage rhinestone pin with it's pinback removed for the pendant.
These next two pieces are an example of how fantastic a selection of components can be purchased at craft stores. The ring blank, ear wires and metal pieces are from Plaid. They have an industrial look to them and are from their collection called "Forged". The ring is two buttons, one vintage and one newer glued to a ring blank. Ta da...instant ring.
I hope you enjoyed seeing what I create. Please hop on over to Andrea's blog for a list of all of the participants. Have a wonderful weekend TTFN

Here I am

2010-05-18T18:54:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends! I hope you are all well. Not much going on here except family stuff that is keeping me busy and away from blogging.

A lady at church gave me an old jewelry box full of jewelry junque yumminess. I found this cool locket in the mix. Deb told me there is more where this came from as she has more jewelry boxes in storage that she wants to send my way. Apparently she goes to flea markets and sales looking for pieces that she can wear and then she has lots let over which is great for me because you all know how I like to rip everything apart and reassemble things. Not everything in here is salvagable but there are quite a few things I can use. Plus she wants me to keep the jewelry box which I am going to enjoy using to display my pieces. How cool is that? :)

I did manage to get to Joanne's and Michael's last night and picked up a few goodies to work with. I got to see the new Industrial Chic line by Susan Lenhart Kazmer. VERY COOL STUFF! I didn't buy any of the charms but I did buy some of the components. Here's a sample of some of the stuff offered. I'm still working on taking better pictures of my jewelry and replacing some of the pics on Etsy. On another note in early June, I will be having a giveaway at my cyber friend Diane's blog - That's what I'm here for. She is having a week of giveaways from different bloggers and asked me to participate. I was so happy to be asked to do this. I will post more details as it comes closer regarding what piece I will be giving away. Until then have a great week and I will try to be back soon. HUGS AND LOVE TO YOU ALL. TTFN

Happy Mother's Day and other things

2010-05-08T23:20:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! I wanted to wish each and everyone one of you a wonderful Mother's Day.On another note, I have been working like mad adding new items to my Etsy. Everything is very reasonably priced and First Class shipping is free.

Here's a vintage spoon handle I made into a pendant.And sterling silver hand made ear wires with semi precious stones.
I'm having fun trying to photograph my items in different creative ways. My sweet friend Diana (Vintage Blue on my blog roll) gave me some tips so I'm working on taking my pictures in better lighting (outdoors) and using more creative angles, etc. Thanks Diana!

What else......I'm looking forward to spending Mother's Day with my boys tomorrow. I'm hoping my sweet husband makes it home as he is off restoring power to the thousands of people who are experiencing power outages this weekend in our region due to the high winds. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! TTFN

Hello Bloggers!

2010-05-05T13:27:00.000-04:00

Hi bloggy friends! I know it has been almost two weeks since my last post. My apologies for being lax. You know how life can get. Too many things to do and not enough time. I did that home show with my friend last week and sold two bracelets. Not exactly what I was hoping for but that is ok. It is what it is. I am now in the process of reopening my Etsy shop. I know I had said I was going to reopen my Artfire but I can't link it with Facebook at this time unless I bump up to a premium account of which I am not ready to do. I am supposed to be able to make an Etsy tab on FB but am having difficulty with that. Enough about technical difficulties. lol Here are a few shots (sorry they are not the best quality) of what I am going to be putting on Etsy. I have two items in right now. I will hopefully get outside today and shoot some of the pieces in this beautiful day time light.

This shot is of some old and new pieces. There are a few spoon handle pendants thrown in there.
This next shot is of some bracelets I made with dominoes as the focal bead. I collaged the domino and dipped them in Utee. They look like pieces of candy. lol
The next one I think I might have shared the other week. I learned to hand knot silk thread at the class I took with Ruth Rae last month at Art Opera. I made two and sold one. The one I sold was a green blue theme. I never did take a pic of it but a friend bought it so I will make her model it so I can get a picture. :)

That's about it for now. I will keep you posted as I add things to my Etsy. I hope everyone is having a great week. I need to catch up on your blog posts and will try to do that in the following days. TTFN

Update on stuff

2010-04-22T17:45:00.001-04:00

So sorry it has taken me so long to respond to that Michael DeMeng post I made. First of all I want to say I do not condone blatant copying of other people's work. I also like to tell people if there is someone who inspired a piece I did. It is almost impossible to exactly duplicate some else's work however, if I see a technique or style I like and I incorporate that into a piece I credit that person if I can.

The same with my collages. If I use a certain company's collage sheets in my work I credit that on here. You take an idea and you make it your own. That is true art. We all learn from each other. The only way you can guarantee someone not "stealing" your idea is to hide your art and not share it and then what's the point?

Learning to paint and draw I like Kelly Rae Roberts and Misty Mawn. Do I try to make my pieces look like there's well yes, but I am not trying to make them look exactly like one of their works nor am I selling something that I duplicated from Kelly's book. Until I get the technique down there is some copying involved but eventually I will go in my own direction and make a piece that says "me". I hope this makes sense bloggy friends.

I know it has to be difficult when an artist shares there talent either by writing a book or teaching classes that there must be some fear involved. I am so grateful to those artists who share themselves in this way. I loved each one of your comments about this sensitive subject.

Here's the bracelet that Katie AKA Ragamuffin Girl won in my drawing. Congrats Katie! I hope you enjoy it. I will be shipping it soon.

Here's what I made last night and today. I just bought sterling silver wire for the first time and made my own earring wires. I have a show next week with my friend and I am trying to get a few new pieces ready. The earrings are made with Chinese Lampwork Beads and glass beads.I made this bracelet today. In the class I took with Ruth Rae at Art Opera she taught us how to bead with silk beading thread. It's time consuming to knot between each bead but I do love the look. I used citrine (the chunky bead) and some sort of topaz or semi precious something or another. I can't figure out what it is called. I will need to look it up. I like what I like and then I forget what things are called. The focal bead is a ceramic painted bead that I picked up along the way.

That's about it for now. TTFN friends...I'll be back with more creations soon.

We've got a winner!

2010-04-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

The winner of one of my button bracelets is Ragamuffin Gal! I do not know your first name...sorry! lol I will be contacting you for your mailing address. Congrats and I will be back later, I promise with a picture of the bracelet and comments about your comments. Sorry, it's been a bit crazy around here the past few days.

Comments and Drawing

2010-04-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Thanks ladies for the terrific comments about Michael DeMeng's post. I will be back later today with the winner of my button bracelet and to elaborate more on what you had to say. Have a fab day!

Checkin' in and a drawing

2010-04-16T12:13:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone...nothing artistic to share this week. My allergies are really acting up and I am tired and cranky. I do have a few pictures of the scenery off of Kelly Drive in Philadelphia. I took my boys to the Franklin Institute and shot a few outside pictures on the way home. This is where the rowing teams practice along boat house row. I wanted to share a WONDERFUL post by Assemblage Artist Michael DeMeng - HERE Check it out and let me know what you think. I think it's brilliant! It affirms for me the quote "there is no such thing as an original idea" If you come back and leave a comment by Monday April 19th and tell me what you think about his post I will enter you to win one of my button bracelets. Have a great weekend!

Tweaked Art Opera Bracelet

2010-04-12T12:38:00.001-04:00

I restrung the bracelet from Ruth Rae's Talisman Bracelet Class at Art Opera and I also added wire wrapped beads which I didn't have time to do during the class. Don't fall off your seat...I know the picture quality is much better then I usually post. hee hee I took them outside. Now that it is warmer maybe I won't be so lazy and start taking pictures for the blog outside. I just wanted to share the finished piece. TTFN

Art Opera and other things

2010-04-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

***WARNING - LOOOOOOOOOONG POST****
Art Opera was wonderful. Lisa Kettel did a great job organizing the event. I left Thursday night and stayed at my artsy/crafty friend Debi's house. Go to Debi's blog when you get a chance. She has a blog dedicated to making everything in one of Donna Downey's books in a year, like the Julie/Julia project. Every week she posts a new project she made from Donna's book. She has been making the cutest things! Check out what she made for my birthday. "Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles" Her caligraphy is beautiful. Friday we took Ruth Rae's Hand Forged Talisman Class. I was so excited to meet Ruth and have wanted to take a class with her since I got her and Kelly Snelling's book A Charming Exchange a year or so ago. So many of the wire techniques I use in my jewelry I have learned from their book. Here's what I made:I learned how to bead with beading thread and knot between beads. Plus I metal stamped on silver and learned how to use a metal punch as well. Ruth was a wonderful teacher, I just wish the class was longer as it was a lot for me to absorb for a three hour class.

Next, I got to meet my new cyber friend Diana and pick up my charm bracelet. Diana had a bagillion swaps going on for Art Opera and I participated in the charm swap. Here's it is ...so "charming"....hee hee
Here are some more goodies that were in the bag. Diana's doll head pendant and Lisa's doll head charm which I will add to the bracelet. I can't wait to use the sari silk.
Diana made me earrings with her beautiful ceramic art charms. I am going to enjoy these. I had fun hanging around with Diana even though it was only for a short time. I want to try to stay longer next year as one day just wasn't enough. I also received my tag book from the swap I just participated in. The tags are gorgeous. I haven't really gotten to look through them carefully as I got them on Thursday when I was getting ready to leave for Art Opera. I'm hoping to sit down this weekend and look at each one.
Grace's tag is in there. She's another new cyber friend that I met at Art Opera. Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera so I am going to shamelessly snag photos from everybody who took them. :)

Ok, I'm going into fan mode here. I actually took a class with THE Suze Weinburg. Don't worry I didn't make a fool out of myself and gush all over her. I contained myself but inside I kept saying to myself "Oh my gosh, Suze Weinburg is in my class" lol She took the class at the last minute and I let her use some of my beads as she didn't have any with her. She was a lot of fun to be around. I don't think she noticed that I was star struck or that I look at her as a rock star in the arts and crafts industry. :)

Suze did a really good job of taking pictures all week and has been posting at her blog faithfully. I snagged this from her blog with permission of course. ;) Can you find me? I'm the one who looks like a linebacker for the Eagles plus I didn't sleep the night before. ha ha from left to right, Suze, Debi, me, Ruth, and Joanne. Joanne works for Bead Unique magazine. Traci Bautista was there as well and I wish I would have taken her art journal class. I first ran into her in the ladies room of all places where she dropped her hair clip into my purse by accident. I didn't realize it was her at first as I mistook her for a teenager. When I realized it was The Traci Bautista I asked her if she was Traci and she said yes. And then proceeded to apologize for dropping her hair clip into my purse and would I get it for her as she didn't want to go into my purse. roflol It was quite a day for me.

Everyone was so sweet and down to earth but I couldn't help but be a little in awe of them. TTFN bloggy friends. I am going to try to get some things done around the house today and work on my tweaking my bracelet from yesterday's class. Thanks for hanging in there with this monster of a post. Have a great weekend!

Art Opera or bust!

2010-04-07T12:54:00.000-04:00

I am getting ready to leave for Art Opera. I will post pics and details over the weekend. I am staying at my friend Debi's place tomorrow night and we are going to Ruth Rae's Forged Talisman Bracelet class on Friday morning, then shopping and swapping that afternoon before I leave to come home. **Spoiler Alert** Debi don't look if you want to be surprised.

Here's the pendant I made for Debi finished with a little neutral ribbon.

Friday is my *cough* 46th birthday and I can't think of a better way to spend the day at a wonderful mixed media art event and then come home to my guys! I hope everyone is having a great week! TTFN

Happy Easter

2010-04-02T09:31:00.000-04:00

I have a busy couple of days getting ready for Easter and probably won't be able to blog. I wish everyone a blessed, wonderful Easter. May the Lord bless each and everyone of you.

Jewelry, cooking and more

2010-03-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I finally finished the necklace for the wire cameo pendant. Added some premade chain (I think it's Vintaj, I can't remember for sure) and a magnetic clasp. You can click the pictures for a larger view if you'd like.I don't share food photos too often (sometimes they just looks gross hee hee) but I had to share what I made yesterday. I made a tortellini salad and some muffins. The tortellini salad just looked so pretty so I took a pic. to share.
As for the muffins...I am having fun making jumbo muffins. I picked up a jumbo muffin tin a few weeks ago. I forgot to put sugar on top of the batter before I baked them. Oh well...next time. They still came out pretty yummy. I'm going to start working on this today with my son for school. It's called a Resurrection Lap Book. One of the beautiful things about home schooling is I can incorporate anything I want into our school day especially regarding our faith.

I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed week. TTFN

Tags finished and gone......

2010-03-29T09:47:00.000-04:00

I finished and mailed my tags for the swap that are due April 1st. Here they are.

I'm getting ready for Art Opera next week. I need to pick up a few supplies this week. If you are going to Art Opera let me know in this post! I am taking a class on Friday morning with Ruth Rae and then shopping in Red Bank Friday afternoon. I will also be meeting Diana from Vintage Blue to pick up my charm bracelet from the swap she hosted. If you let me know you're going maybe we can email cell numbers and try to stop and say hi to each other sometime on Friday!

I also need to get ready for Easter. It will just be my boys, hubby and maybe my Dad if he doesn't go out to my sisters, which will be nice and laid back for a change. Have a great week bloggy friends! TTFN

More on the pendant and tags

2010-03-24T17:23:00.001-04:00

Here's some work I did on the pendant. I'm going to most likely finish it off with a ribbon.

I'm finishing my tags as they need to be out for the swap I'm participating in. They need to be to Rachel by April 1st. Here's a sneak peek at them..unfinished. I will have them done by tomorrow.

Take care bloggy friends and I will return with the finished pendant and tags. TTFN

Pendant Progress

2010-03-19T12:32:00.000-04:00

Hi friends! As you can see I went in a different direction with the cameo pendant. I took the vintage earring off as a dangle and added the vintage beads instead. I am having so much fun with my steel block and hammering wire. I use black annealed steel wire from Ace Hardware. I buff the black coating off of it for an antique look to the wire.
This is another necklace I am keeping for ME. I'm sorry to sound selfish with the ME stuff. I'm just not sure what direction I want to go in with selling jewelry. I put my heart and soul into each piece and then they don't sell. I get compliments about how cool my jewelry is yet I will only sell one or two pieces at an event. I might be doing a home show with a friend in May and I am thinking of making more cameo pendants similar to this and the other one I made the other week to sell. I'm just not sure if I want to spend my time preparing for it to only sell one necklace. *sigh Sorry for the whining! Until next time...TTFN

Jewelry and stuff

2010-03-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

Hello dear bloggers! Here are a few shots of something I'm working on. I like to start a project and let it sit out so I can look at it for a while. I put a few things around the cameo that I may or may not use in the piece. I drilled the cameo and will be wire wrapping links to it. The dangle is a vintage earring that I rewired.
That's what I'm up to here. The weather has been GORGEOUS here! Trying to clean, be creative and home school my son and enjoying the weather. I hope everyone is have a beautiful and creative week. TTFN

2010-03-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Here's what I did over the weekend. I just got internet service back tonight and didn't have it for 24 hours. Oh how scary! lol 24 hours without internet access was a frightening experience for me. I drilled a vintage acrylic cameo, did some wire wrapping and added some vintage costume jewelry to the piece as well. Plus I did a section of beading with old "pearls" and some fire polished Chech crystals. I got a steel block on Friday and am having fun flattening wire. I used black annealed steel wire for the wire wraps. After you buff it, it has an antique silver look to it. Sorry the pictures are not the best. You can click them to enlarge if you'd like. I hope everyone had a great weekend. TTFN

Art Chick Pendant

2010-03-10T15:36:00.000-05:00

I added the charm keeper to hold the pendant and some beads. I think I am going to wrap some wire around the bends at the top where the loops are. Just wanted to share what I'm working on. TTFN

Art Opera Charms, earrings and pendants

2010-03-09T11:33:00.001-05:00

I made this pair of earrings for my mother in law for her birthday in May. She is a breast cancer survivor. I got the lampwork beads at the Potomac Bead Company. What a cool store!!! I thought I was in bead paradise. Two stories of wall to wall beads.
SPOILER ALERT FOR THE GALS IN THE ART OPERA CHARM BRACELET SWAP AND FOR DEBI P. DON'T LOOK IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED.
Here they are the finished charms....resin poured and curing. Sorry for the glare. I would have taken them outside but I'm such a klutz I was afraid I'd drop them or something and ruin them before they are fully cured. I have been using all of my will power not to touch the resin as they may still be tacky. :)I am pleased at how they came out. They are simple. Just a sized down bottle cap image from Ten Two Studios and a little glitter.

The large one, "Art Chick" is for my friend Debi. I'm staying at her house and taking a class with her at Art Opera. I really do not like working with resin but I do LOVE the results. The glass like, smooth finish is something that I love to run my fingers over, when fully cured of course! roflol Until next time..take care bloggy friends and have a wonderful week! TTFN

3.5.10

2010-03-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I have been working on my charms for Art Opera. I'm having a bit of a time with the images for the charms. The cabs are 18mm so it has been a little bit of a pain to cut out each image however, they are coming along. These are images from Ten Two Studios and were bottle cap size before I trimmed them down to fit the 18mm bezel. Next is pouring resin asap as I need to get them out to Diana who is hosting the swap. I purchased a few resin cameos from Ebay. I really like the red/blush color.
These two are German cameos and some key charms.
Tomorrow I'm off to visit a new bead store with my friend Carol. YIPEE! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! TTFN bloggy friends!

Marvelous Monday

2010-03-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

Hi bloggy friends! I hope you are all having a marvelous Monday, too. Truth be known it hasn't been an easy day but I'm still thankful for another day to be a live and well in God's world. I made a pair of earrings today to go with a necklace that I made a while ago.
I've had this necklace put away for some time hoping to sell it and have now decided that I want it for myself! hee hee I need to rethink selling jewelry and the whole business of it. I closed my Artfire store for now while I contemplate my next move. I am hoping to reopen in the next few months if it is the right thing to do.

Here are the pendants I made last week. I decided to change the wire. I think they look better with the buffed wire instead of the brass. I hope the chickas that I made them for like them. :)

On another note I finally got my One World One Heart giveaways sent off to the winners. So girls I'm not sure how long it will take from Pennsylvania to the Netherlands and Pennsylvania to Canada but your packages are on the way! Let me know when you receive them. Take care good people and I will be back soon. TTFN

Fun Friday

2010-02-26T14:10:00.000-05:00

Here's what I did today. I know it's hard to see the image because the resin is drying but you get the idea.

Here are a few things I'm playing around with and not yet committed to putting together.

I'm having fun. I found a vintage children's book that I am going to use for my art journal cover. I started that about a month ago and never finished.

I am VERY frustrated right now as I have been trying to get the postage done for my One World One Heart giveaways. Everything is fine until I get to the page to print the postage and then it doesn't let me ship First Class International. You all know how much I loathe going to the Post Office especially the one with the "sweet" lady who hates my guts! roflol Below is the male version of her. hee heeSo you ladies that won my giveaway I know I said I'd have the packages mailed out by now but please be patient with me. I will have them out in the next few days.

Well, it's time to get my kiddo. He had a sleep over last night. I have no excuses to pick him up as the 2 foot snow drifts have been plowed away by my sweet son who did the snow blowing. It's not that I do not want to pick up my son...it's just so nice to have a break from "Mom, can we go buy.....Mom, I'm bored...Mom, I'm hungary..." lol I hope you are all having a creative delightful day and enjoy the weekend! TTFN

Makin' prezzies

2010-02-25T18:04:00.000-05:00

I'm making some presents for a few bloggy friends. You remember the earrings I made yesterday well I have more of the filigree pieces to work with . Instead of earrings I'm making pendants. I am going to do a wire wrapped bead and hang it from the bottom of each pendant. I'm using some Art Chix images, I have inchies and other mini collage pieces that I am going to use on the center of each piece. I'm trying to find an image that fits each person. I ADORE Art Chix images. They are the best!! So I just wanted to check in and say hi and let you know what I am up to. More snow is falling here and that's about it! ttfn

Steampunk Earrings

2010-02-24T13:10:00.000-05:00

I just finished these a little while ago. I wire wrapped an acrylic bead to a filigree disk and adhered old watch faces. Thanks to Nancy at All Pulped Out for the filigree disks (I think they are filigree hee hee) for sending these to me a while back.

I think my creative slump is officially over. I am thinking about making more of these earrings (well similar) and selling them in my Art Fire shop. This pair is for me though. I can't wait to wear them. I hope you are all having a creative and wonderful week! TTFN

Good News

2010-02-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

I got my jewelry supplies out this morning. Yipee!! I think I'm ready to create again.

I cleaned my art area some....heehee and here's a shot of my part of the dining room aka multi purpose room. It's hard for me to photograph this room because it is on the small side and the dining room table makes it hard to get a wide shot without obstruction. We have our computer and other educational supplies on the other side of the room in a similar cabinet set up. So there are two cabinet sections like this one below.
So I wanted to share my good news. Hopefully I will be back later or tomorrow to share some jewelry or something!!! Take care bloggers. ttfn

Still Nothing

2010-02-22T10:09:00.000-05:00

I still haven't made a darn thing but that will soon be over. I have to start my swaps this week. I am ordering from Ornamentea for supplies for the charm swap and I am starting my flower tags as well. Here's another picture of a painting from the past. I was so into Kelly Rae Roberts and her book Taking Flight that all I did was draw and paint for a while last year. *sigh

What are you creating? Post and let me know. Take care bloggy friends. TTFN

Yada Yada Yada

2010-02-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

I have been in a creative slump for a while and have nothing to share. *sigh* However, I have two swaps coming up that will force me to do something. :) Until I come up with something new I figure I will re share some of my art from the past.
Ok, this is already helping me. I want to paint again. My problem right now is not having enough time or should I say not managing my time well. I could be working in my art journal every day but that isn't happening either. I know this too shall pass. As I said I have two swaps coming up. One is with the same group I did the valentine's tag book with. The theme is April showers bring May flowers tag swap. The other swap is a charm swap with some Art Opera peeps.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! TTFN

OWOH WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2010-02-16T11:23:00.000-05:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

6
28

Timestamp: 2010-02-16 16:20:33 UTC

I used a random number generator to choose my winners for my One World One Heart drawing.

The winner of the watch pendant is Comment #6:

Kelly said...

Great giveaway! Please enter my name! Pop over to my blog (#92 on the magic carpet) for a chance to win, too! :)

January 25, 2010 3:18 PM

The winner of the button bracelet is Comment #28:

Janny said...

Great give away please count me in. I have something at my Blog also;o)

January 27, 2010 8:21 AM

Congratulations Kelly and Janny. I will be contacting you for your mailing information. You can contact me as well at mamalin1@comcast.net.

A big thanks to everyone who commented and visited my blog! I've made a lot of new blog friends.

OWOH Comments Closed

2010-02-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

I will be announcing the winners of my One World One Heart drawing sometime tomorrow. Comments are now closed on the post. I'll be back tomorrow with the names of the winners!

Journal Page

2010-02-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Hi bloggy friends.......Just wanted to share a page I did the other day. Some of you may be able to relate. :)

After a frustrating day home schooling my son I made that page. hee hee Other then that there isn't a heck of a lot going on here.

Oh, well, there is that BLIZZARD happening right now. I am happily stuck in the house. There is no reason for me to be on the road today or even tomorrow. My husband has the 4 wheel drive vehicle so I'm really not interested in venturing out, at least today anyway.

Be safe and stay warm those of you effected by the storm. And to those of you who are in sunny, warm places, ENJOY!!! TTFN

Snow OWOH giveaway and stuff

2010-02-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

There isn't a heck of a lot going on here. Well, nothing interesting. ;) I haven't made anything for over two weeks. YIKES! I have been reading a lot and just honkering down in the ole' homestead. :)

We got a lot of snow over the weekend and we're due for two more storms this week. About a foot and a half fell from Friday night into Saturday. The boys made a snow fort big enough to fit 3 or 4 people. I'm more the kind of gal who likes to look out the window or stand on the porch and admire the beauty of the snow. I keep the hot chocolate and coffee going and feed everyone. So I'm the inside support while my hubby and boys clean up the outside. It works for me! I wanted to pop in and post since it's been about a week since I blogged. I continue to read Sense and Sensibility. I am hoping to be done in the next couple of days.

If you have not entered but would like a chance to win some of my jewelry please go to this POST Leave a comment and you are entered to win one of two pieces I made. It's part of the One World One Heart blog hopping party. There is a link to the OWOH blog on my right side bar where you will find a list of all of the people from around the world participating and having giveaways.

My friend Diana Estrella is asking people to share their "cupid shot me" stories at her blog. You can go there if you'd like to share a story with her and you'll find the details of how to go about it.

Ok so that's it for now. I need to do some more school with my son and I also want to try to get some bags together for charity. I watched Hoarders yesterday and again it frightens me into decluttering and cleaning up. I can't imagine living the way some of these people do. It's so sad.

On a lighter note, I hope everyone is having a great start to the week. CREATE honey CREATE! ttfn

Hello Monday

2010-02-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody! I am just going to post a quick update. I survived the youth group weekend! :) I had a great time with the kids but of course it was exhausting. I didn't need the sledgehammer or the gigantic pill. :) AND I didn't get to work in my art journal but that is ok. It was a cold but beautiful weekend in Bushkill enjoying God's beautiful nature.

I am reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Last year I tried to read Northhanger Abby but couldn't get through it. So far I am enjoying Sense and Sensibility. It is just taking me longer to read this book then it usually takes me to read a book because of the style of the writing.
I also picked up Little Women today from the library. I can't wait to read it when i'm finished with the other book.
So that is what I am up to. It's cold here and we're expecting snow tonight. I'm hoping to make some art tomorrow but I'm not sure if it will happen. I'll be back with something creative to share, hopefully in a day or two. TTFN!!

Ready for the weekend

2010-01-29T14:13:00.000-05:00

I have my art kit packed. Just some simple stuff to work with. A few magazines, brown paper journal pages, etc. etc. Bringing Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility along as well.

Now onto preparing for dealing with almost 20 teenagers. (I was told the count is now 17 kids)

Now before you gasp and yell abuse....this sledge hammer isn't for the teens it's for me if I can't get to sleep because of the noise. :)

AND if all else fails this guy is going to stop over and give me that pill. hee hee

All kidding aside, I am hoping for a great weekend. This is my 2nd oldest son's last big trip with the youth group as he is a senior this year. I'm looking forward to spending time with him and also getting to know the other kids a little. I realize if I don't sleep I can take it easy on Monday so I'm not stressing about it at all. My biggest concern is that they listen and don't give me crap. God is good so whatever happens there will be a lesson for me in there I'm sure! I'm also looking forward to spending some quiet time with the Lord as I want to re-evaluate some things and decide what I need to work on and what I need to let go. I have high hopes for this weekend huh?

I hope you all have a great weekend! Don't forget to leave a comment at the link below if you want to enter my One World One Heart giveaway! In order to be eligible to win a prize the comment has to be left at that link. TTFN

Just yapping...

2010-01-28T10:39:00.001-05:00

Hi hello bloggy friends! I'm not feeling real well today. My throat is bothering me and I'm going away this weekend as a chaperone with 15 teenagers. My tonsils are swollen, probably allergy related and of course it is a fight for me to take it easy as I have a million and one things to do. Wouldn't it be nice to get sick when it's convenient? :) I know you understand where I'm coming from. I'm brewing a cup of tea and going to try to muddle through.

I made the hearts yesterday to tuck in my door planter. Like you probably do, I change the flowers seasonally/per holiday. I thought hmmmm, this needs something. I had some copies of vintage music so I made some hearts and added glitter to them, popped them on a pipe cleaner and tucked them in to the flowers.
I'm working on my new brown paper pages that I will bind and turn into a journal. It's easier for me to work on them unbound anyway. I am looking into purchasing a Zutter Bind it All. I used one at a workshop I took with Donna Downey and even though it was a bit confusing I like the way it binds the books, etc. So this is a rough sketch of a girl and I'm not sure where I'm going with it. I'll probably add some collage to it after I paint her. Will share when I'm finished.

Ok, back to school with the 10 y.o. boy and do I dare take on the hamster cage before taking said boy to his homeschool gym class? If I do not clean it soon the hamster is going to hang a sign on the cage and declare it condemned. *sigh I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! TTFN

Brown Paper Pages and other things

2010-01-26T19:13:00.000-05:00

Hi bloggers! I wanted to share a couple of things real quick. First the Valentine Tag Book hosted by Natalea (link on right sidebar). This is just a quick shot of it and I would like to sometime in the next couple of days photograph each tag and make a slide show. Natalea had said she was going to be posting a slide show as well.
I did this page yesterday. I am starting a new journal made with brown paper. The pages are loose right now but I am going to finish it by adding vintage children's book covers for the covers. I had fun with this page. I photo copied a vintage children's book in black and white and then colored everything in and added some journaling and lettering to the page.
My giveaway is going on until February 15th. Here's the link to the post you need to leave your comment at in order to be entered to win! Linda's ONE HEART ONE WORLD Giveaway - enter here. :) TTFN

ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY

2010-01-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Come ride the magic carpet with One World One Heart, a blog hopping adventure. This is, I think, my third time participating in this yearly event. I am giving away two of my jewelry pieces. Here's what you can try to win.

This is one of my wire wrapped watch cases with a collage picture in side accented with amber and blue glass and acrylic beads. It can be yours in all it's rustic shabbiness.
Either wear it on the black cord that I am including or switch it out to a favorite chain.

This next piece is a knit button bracelet. The yarn is sport weight in a neutral off whitish color (you can see it's true color in the other shots) and the vintage buttons are different shades of blue.

Here's what you have to do. YOU MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE BLOG TO PARTICIPATE AND YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT AT THIS POST BY FEBRUARY 15, 2010 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN EITHER THE NECKLACE OR BRACELET. I WILL BE ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS ON FEBRUARY 16.

Please check out my links to my Artfire store (RIGHT SIDE OF BLOG) and if you like my blog I'D LOVE IT IF YOU SIGNED UP TO FOLLOW MY BLOG (LEFT SIDE OF BLOG). This is of course not required for your chance to win. ;)

For more details visit the official One World One Heart Blog by clicking the link below. There you will find 100's of blog links to check out and enter giveaways to win fabulous prizes. THANKS FOR STOPPING!!!

80's Art Journal Page

2010-01-22T15:59:00.000-05:00

I had a blast with this page. The tag has a list of different things that happened in 1986. Movies, sports, etc. I journal-ed about where I was in the picture (NYC summer of '86) and why I was there, etc. You can zoom in on the pictures for a closer look if you like. I am actually pleased with the lettering in the title. I just keep looking at the picture and can't believe I was ever that thin! I'm 22 in this picture. :) *sigh
On another note..the tags got to Natalea...10 days after mailing!! So that ordeal is over. Now I'm ready for the next swap....Spring theme? Right? :) I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. My husband and I are going to have a date night tonight so that will be fun. TTFN bloggy friends!

Valentine's Book Board

2010-01-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

HELLO good blog citizens!!! I made this Valentine piece last night. I added some more glitter glue to it today. I will be adding a ribbon for hanging at the top. Other then that I think it's finished. WELL, I might add some lace around the edges. We'll see. It's an old children's book back cover, with various things added. The focal point is a copy of a vintage valentine that I had left over from the tag swap. As of yesterday, it has been over a week since I sent my tags off and they still hadn't arrived to Natalea. It was supposed to take 2 days. Y es, I am still dwelling on that sore subject! Now I'm just trying to get up the courage to go in and make a complaint about the postal worker. *sigh

My son has gym class this afternoon so I figure I will go make some color copies at Staples and maybe go to the thrift shop. I like to use copies in my pieces and in my art journals. I still haven't gotten up enough nerve to use the originals. This Baedeker's Italy travel book is about 100 years old so I definitely will not rip this up. The maps are fabulous and will make great backgrounds in my art journaling.

If you think of it and I know this sounds silly, pray that I do not flip out at my post office. For whatever reason I aggravated the woman behind the counter and it just so happens that my package is waaaaaaaaaaay late. I don't think it's a coincidence but I don't have proof. I used stamps instead of online printing so I have no receipt. So she could easily get away with "losing" it. I wouldn't be surprised if I go in there and it is hanging up as an example of how you should not irritate the workers! roflol Anyway, probably tomorrow if it doesn't arrive I will have to go in and complain, whether it does any good or not I don't know. Have a wonderful, creative day bloggy friends!!!! TTFN