Friday, February 29, 2008

Leapin' LiZardS!

It's Leap Day! and the sun is shining and it is 50+ degrees and it is the weekend! Those are reasons enough to celebrate indeed! Been wondering all week how to celebrate this infrequent holiday so yesterday I decided to grab Brady off the bus after school and make a mad dash (in rush hour traffic no less) to one of my all-time favorite stores. Yep! that's right-RED LEAD! You've probably guessed I don't need a particular reason go there!






Look at the stash I brought back with me?!? Yes, I know. I didn't need any of it, but that place just ooozes creative inspiration goodness. I just couldn't help myself. If it's any consolation, I was able to stick to my list for the most part. I know I've said it many times, if you are local and you have never been you MUST go.


Do not delay.


go.


now.


quickly.


Well, okay. I realize you might not be able to drop everything and go right this instant, but at the very least, check out their webstore HERE-especially if you are not in the vicinity to go to their physical store. I was particularly inspired by all of the yellow and green they had going on yesterday and my two new fav things there are the teeny-tiny pom pom trim and the buttons by the scoop. Some of their ideas just stop me in my tracks-literally. Love what these gals come up with! I know you will,too.





Can't wait to dig into all my goodies. Lots going on as usual this weekend, but I'm definitely working in some crafting goodness and hopefully will have much to show for it come Sunday evening. Starting with this evening, I am cranking up the music and getting my glitter on! May even try to work in a little Sweet Bella action as this is the last day for it. Ended with a bang, though-just love the final project. One of those-why didn't I think of that kinda things!?!





So! how are you celebrating leap day? Does it make you want to use exclamation points like me?! I think I'm addicted or maybe just really happy to see the sun and know that it's Friday!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Did I Mention...

that I am sick of winter?!? It doesn't help that we have been very fortunate the past several years to have had very mild winters. It only makes the current seem worse than it actually is, but seriously I'm SO over these grey days and cold temperatures!


that I am loving the color YELLOW right now. I'm sure it's in direct relation to the previous observation, but it is also everywhere. Have you noticed? Guess I've always kind of been drawn to it (main interior paint color of our house), but I even recently purchased a yellow sweater and I'm on the look out for a pair of flats to match.




that my baby is now in the double digits? Oh, my! yes it is true. In spite of his very crabby momma who was succumbing to the flu this weekend, he says he had "the best birthday ever". Seriously thankful that he is more like his laid back daddy than his uptight momma. We did have a good time despite some snafu's like the totally popular new bowling alley having a 2 hour wait for lanes and dragging the cake and ice cream here and there.



that I've managed to apply my stockpile of vintage wallpaper to my studio wall? and I'm liking it aLOT. Now just have to keep hunting for more paper-that's half the fun. I was able to cover half of the wall with what I had collected, but started in the middle and worked outward just in case I changed my mind so that I could frame it like an oversize piece of artwork. (BTW, thanks for that tip, Mom!) Hope to get back down there later this week to keep working on the piles. It's SO frustrating looking for stuff I know I have and not being able to locate it. Seriously trying to purge in a major way.


that I have only made a couple things from the Sweet Bella e-zine and it's almost over. So sad. It's not like I can't do the projects later, but I actually like to do them along with the posts. Oh, well. Some of them have been techniques I've been wanting to try anyway like using beeswax and dying ribbon and paper. Something to look forward to when time allows.


that my new guilty pleasure is Lipstick Jungle on Thursday nights. Watching it for Andrew McCarthy-remember him? Always liked him, Timothy Hutton and John Cusack-notice a pattern?


I'm way behind and it's only Tuesday. With busy weekends back to back and coming down with the flu and crashing yesterday it's put me behind before I even got out of the gate. So I'd better get with the program around here. Hoping to catch up and even make a real dinner on Thursday night- a new recipe I want to try from Everyday Food. Looking forward to using a new book my mom got me too, Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious. Great looking book and interesting approach to getting vegi's into non-veg eaters.


Oh, one more thing-I'm interested in the new Oprah book selection-"A New Earth", but wondering what the deal is with it. Anyone reading this? Email me if you are. Very curious to know what it's like. She's hosting an online class with the author that has a staggering number of people registered. And did you know she purchased the Discovery Health channel? Anyway, email me if you are reading the book-have some questions.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

It's A Good Day For...



staying in, cuddling up with a good book or movie. I got this one from Jeff for Valentine's Day and due to an early "release" from work due to the weather, I'm going to indulge with a big bowl of popcorn and watch it.


I'm not a big Jane Austen fan, at least of the books. I have seen many movie adaptations and enjoy them a great deal. So I know if I took the time to read I would like them alot. However, this piqued my interest and I know just enough about the Austin heroines to be intrigued by this little quiz. Check it out just for fun.


Now if you will excuse me, Mr McAvoy awaits.....

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

SPRING DREAMS

Oh, how I dream of all things spring! I definitely have the winter blah's and I'm growing more and more eager for Spring to arrive. This past Saturday, I popped in to Willow Lake, another one of my favorite shops here in town. I was delighted by all of the wonderful spring things that greeted me including this from a company called, ESC Trading Company.
Loved the glitter and the font, but especially loved how well made (of wood) and reasonably priced it was (less than $20.00). In addition to a wonderful selection of decorative items from the likes of Seasons of Cannon Falls and Bethany Lowe, they also offer unique vintage and antique items which can be incorporated into decor from traditional to cottage. I loved the old movie film reels they have right now-would make a great gift for my son, Cam with his film interests. They also have several old cameras right now and a wicker chest that pulls out for additional display or organzing space-very old and very shabby chic! But, this is what I couldn't resist-I just couldn't go home without it.

The little blue bird on the side was purchased there as well and is from the Bethany Lowe collection. The stand itself is quite something and I plan to fill the cage with glittered eggs for Easter and afterwards it will find a home in my studio and can be used to display all sorts of fun things-flowers, party hats, the occassional fairy who comes to visit. In fact, I'm thinking of putting some sort of paper-crafted birthday cake or one of my party hats in it for Brady's birthday this weekend. Oh, and see how the door says "CROWN"?-loved that!

If you are local, take in a breath of Spring at Willow Lake. The owner, Eileen is a sweetie and is always willing to let you bounce ideas around with her. She also carries a collection of jewelry by local artists and other great gift items. With the weather forecast they've predicted for us beginning tomorrow, I may just have to stop in there again soon myself. Spring can not get here soon enough for me!

P.S. I'm sure my sister is wondering if I'll be able to actually use the bird cage with my germ-a-phobia and all. Don't worry. As soon as it's warm enough it'll get a good scrub down. Until then, I'm trying not to think about it-it was just too good to pass up!



Sunday, February 17, 2008

Dwell on These Things



Inspired by Sandra Evertson, we made these in Sunday School today. Well, attempted to make them anyway. We are learning about our spiritual armor and today's lesson was about the Helmet of Salvation. I thought it would be fun for the kids to learn how to fold a hat/helmet out of newspaper and then of course, we had to gussy them up a bit. Then I had them cut apart key phrases of the memory verse and it became a learning tool. Add a little glitter glue in lieu of glass glitter and TaDA! Well, that was the grand plan anyway. We were short of tools and just not enough helping hands. Only about half of the kids got theirs completed. Guess I was a little over ambitious. In fact, none of the boys got finished so we'll finish them up next week. AND no snack today-they love snacktime when we catch up about everything that's happened in their lives over the week. They weren't very happy when they all left. :(


But all in all a very fun project and such a great reminder...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Phillipians 4:8

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Just Playin'


Okay, I just couldn't wait any longer to try and see what this would look like. Using teacher's putty, I started putting a few pieces up on the wall. However, it doesn't really give the full effect. In fact, I've had a hard time getting the putty to stick to some of the more fragile pieces, but you can kind of get the idea. I think I'm going to go for it, but want to play around with it a bit more before I totally commit. But before I do anything I have to do a HUGE purge. So that's what I'm going to do tonight and tomorrow. Purge, purge, purge. Hopefully, this will motivate me to stay on task and get this long over due clean up completed!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day!


Hope this day finds you feelin' the love. Planning a very simple dinner for my very uncomplicated husband tonight. He's definitely a steak and potato kinda guy! He'll have to wait until this weekend for his Red Velvet Cake though-sorry, baby. I've got my fingers crossed for a new DVD that came out on Tuesday-we'll see. I'm afraid it's not going to be the most romantic of evenings. Oh, well. Can't have that EVERY year. One of our favorites was the one we spent watching The Notebook together. And last year was pretty great when we ended up with a snowday around the 14th and made Red Velvet cupcakes all afternoon. See? It'll have to be pretty great to top those!




Whatever you have planned just remember--all you need is love. Love is all you need.


Sunday, February 10, 2008

Weekend Creative

Borrowing my entry title from Ali Edwards today. A couple weeks ago, Ali began posting a Weekend Creative every Friday-a project or prompt to get your creative juices flowing. Check out this week's project and the inspiration for it HERE. This was my version of the project.
Decided my junk store frame was better suited for this application. All of the butterflies were punched from a sheet of collage paper by Pam Garrison from Somerset Studio magazine. Oh, except for the black and white striped one-that came from a piece of junk mail-TOTALLY inspired by Ali. Love that she is always on the look out for everyday things that can be used in her art. The punch is from the Martha line at Michaels-love the detail of the silouhette and that by folding the wings up they magically become dimensional. This was a very doable project and although not necessarily on my list of things to get done this weekend, I just couldn't stop thinking about it and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

Anyway, here are a few other things I worked on this weekend. This one is part of the Sweet Bella e-Zine. Love this drawing of the little girl sitting amongst her toys with her dolly. The pink shading is floral spray paint-loved this tip. Dries super duper fast and is great for adding a light mist of color to paper. Would still like to add a little sparkle if I can get my hands on some platinum Stickles. The backside is a book cover-one of those Reader's Digest ones from the junk store. Just couldn't bear to cover up this sweet deer and of course love the pink and blue. The original idea was done on an oversize playing card and meant to be "traditional" valentines. Just can't resist danglies so I threaded mine on seam binding-Martha's, of course!

This one is from Winter e-Zine and I've been working on these for awhile now. See? These aren't even finished yet! Wasn't terribly difficult, but had to do a couple layers of the glitter since it is so fine. Each little shadow box is actually a Necco coversation heart box and the original idea was to string them together with ribbon and tulle for a banner. In order to spread the handmade Valentine wealth, I decided to layer them on top of small canvases-an homage to my pals at Red Lead. I like how they're turning out.

Hoping to put together a couple more and some other bits and bobs before V-day. Here's what Brady took to his Sunday School helper today. He was a reluctant cupid to say the least. :)
Still dreaming about that vintage wallpapered wall and ordered a paint sample today-sandcastle from Dunn Edwards. Thinking of using that in my art room and in our master bedroom/bath. We'll see. Those are things for another Weekend Creative or at the very least another week! Alas, being creative means the house is a shambles, hubby is crabby and I'm not ready for the week to begin. Better go!









Friday, February 08, 2008

LUCKY DAY

It's been my lucky day in more ways than one. First, I was nearly in a car accident today when the two cars in front of me crashed into one another. Fortunately, I was able to avoid hitting them. Whew! it was a close one! Also, had a very nice lunch with my sweetie at one of my fav places-First Watch. It's only open for breakfast and lunch-do you have one near you? Anywho, then it was off to another fav place-Robin's Nest. Picked up a couple teacher gifts and then made a stop at a little junk store near home (but not my usual Friday afternoon haunt). Found this glass dish and sweet rosaries and 10 Commandment bracelet and lookey, lookey...

yes, I have been looking for a frame just like this for a project for several weeks. Only $2! I was SO excited that I nearly screamed. Can't wait to work on that project and some valentine things this weekend.


My pile is growing. I have two more packages on their way to me and then I think I'm going to give it a whirl. I think. Love the look, but a little nervous to use all this fabulous paper on the wall. Could also just use scrapbook paper like my pals at Red Lead, but it just wouldn't have the same look to me. Although I do want to use some sheet music and maybe some old book paper. What do you think? Also, unless I prime the wall first it's probably not comin' off anytime too soon. We'll see. Until then, I just keep collecting and sorting by color-pink, blue, yellow and green in the yummiest of shades.

BTW, if you're longing for Spring and already finding February to feel like the longest month of the year, head on over to Sally Jean's BLOG. She has a great list of prompts for fun and frivolity the whole month through!

Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. I think Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch are on their way out-THANK GooDNESS!

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

A New Addiction

I have a new addiction, well, maybe not new, but an addiction nonetheless. Since this past summer, I've had a love affair with vintage wallpaper, but after seeing what Pam Garrison did to her closet I am madly and deeply in love with 30's and 40's vintage wallpaper. The colors, textures, their patina. Last night I was gathering my small collection and noticed the backs of some of them had the most charming decorating tips on the backs. Makes them even more endearing, don't you think?

I've measured the wall on which I'd like to apply them and well, it's hard to say just how many pieces I'd need to do the patchwork treatment. I think it would take at least 80-100 pieces-yep, that's ALOT! I'm hoping to add to my meager collection, but I have to "log out of Etsy and back away from the computer" before I get into some real trouble. Who knows though-this might just motivate me to purge the supplies in my studio and get organized. Gotta get rid of some stuff!

Still in kind of a funk this week, but hoping to SNAP OUT OF IT! Here's something I stumbled upon that's giving me something to think about.




Always been a dream of mine, but never quite sure where to start or what to zero in on. Such a romantic notion to follow your bliss, but in reality it is always much more than what you bargain for. Something to think about, I guess. The world of online stores, particularly Etsy are very intriguing. That would be "a very good place to start" as Maria says. :)

Okay, I think it's time for a little microderm abrasion and early to bed. Have a good rest of the week!

Sunday, February 03, 2008

It's Official

I have the blah's. Yes, my faithful readers that's right. And I just can't seem to shake them. I've tried to chase them away with daydreams. I've tried to shop them away with Michael's and Target and the junk store. I've tried to sing them away with Dierks Bently in my car as I went down the road free and easy like. I've had momentary relief while watching 27 Dresses w/ my sister on Saturday, teaching Sunday School this morning, but yep, I have 'em. The blah's.

Not sure what to say about it other than that. Except, this too shall pass. Until then, I continue to try and keep them at bay-a little crafting, cleaning out a drawer here and there, deep cleaning the bathroom. Good therapy, but still can't seem to get much accomplished. All these things I want to do and just. can't. do. it. Frustrating.

This was inspiring to me though. Maybe once I get a few other things done I can attempt this. Click over to this BLOG to see what I mean 'cause yep, my camera battery is dead so no photos here. Look out blah's-your days are numbered!