Theme for the New Year!

Instead of making goals, resolutions  and so on I have decided to pick  a Theme!

Thats right a Theme.

A Theme for the year 2011.

So no matter what I do, what I say, or what I create... my theme will be there, it will follow me.

My Theme is.......... Positive Thinking!!

I will do positive things, say positive words and create with a positive attitude!!

Negativity will be tuned out.

2011  will be a GREAT year!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

PEACE ACEO

My Peace Aceo made it in this collection on ArtFire. What a cool idea and I love the Quote.

Gotta Hand It to ...

Curated By: ShadowDogDesi...

Handmade Jewelry

Merry Christmas

~~Merry Christmas To All~~

Wow!

Wow!
Busy busy busy. I shouldnt complain...it has been a "good" busy. I did well at the Craft Bazaar and I got a few orders. I finished the last set of orders yesterday.
One of the orders was to paint a huge saw..a lake, trees,deer etc. While painting the saw I hit my knuckle on the blade edge..ouch!
 I painted some wine glasses, 4 of them. I dont use enamel paint often so I had to get "use" to it.  Sure is different!

I need to go and finish some last minute shopping with my mom and it is pouring rain!!! I do not like to drive in the rain but I will do it for my mom though!..


I have plans for the New Year with my blog, online shops and creativity etc. etc. This year has been rough, and I had to slow things down, way down. NOW everything is going good, back into the swing of things and I am ready!!!

 I wish all a very Merry Christmas!

Holiday Bazaar

I am getting ready for the Holiday Bazaar this Sat. If you are in the Santa Barbara County,  California area come on over and check it out.

Rain or Shine! Indoor Large Holiday Bazaar. Crafts, Gifts, Raffles, Food, Face Painting, Santa, & more. Bring the kids and kick off your Christmas Shopping at the Holiday Bazaar, on Dec. 4th. The Veterans Building is located at the South end of "H" St.



Ohana Programs Inc. will be selling lunch in the dinning room. Local party consultants will have your favorite products on hand for your gift giving needs.Handmade crafts. 38 vendors, crafters, and non profit organizations will have a variety of items for purchase.  Hope to see you all at the "Annual Holiday Bazaar!"


Saturday, Dec. 4th 9am - 5 pm

Veterans Memorial Building
100 East locust, Lompoc ca. 93436

just checking in

It has been awhile since I posted here.  My moms Angioplasty went well and she is recovering. Much to be Thankful for! : )

Both my mom and youngest daughter have a birthday this week.  I was thinking about making  birthday cards  for them when I came across this photo that I had downloaded awhile back from .http://www.art-e-zi ne.co.uk/vintageresources.html
 For some reason this card makes me laugh. Is it his ear muffs?

Cancer Month

My mom, sister,and niece are breast cancer survivors and my daughter is a uterine cancer survivor. We are very aware of what this does to family and that early detection is a must. Thank God that now they are cancer free. What is the cause? We dont know. Each one of them had different types of cancer and at different stages.
Awareness is a part of our daily lives.
 In honor of them I decided to make this ACEO/ATC.

I used a texture medium, foil, paint and varnish.

Native American Indian

I finished the Kneeling Indian and... as I posted on my blog over at the Hive... I wasnt sure about the "shine"  I didnt want to use a gloss finish so I used a satin finish but it still came out a bit shiny. My family liked it. The actual person to decide is the lady that bought him and she was very happy with it. For some reason (which I think was the flash on my camera) he is not as shiny as this picture shows. Also he has a lot of parts that show a shadow when I move him around. LOL in this photo I see a spot on his thigh. I couldnt find it anywhere on him, then realized it was a shadow and showed up in the picture!!! 
I am so glad that my friend Claudia taught me how to paint on ceramics using acrylic paint. Thank you Claudia!!

Here are before and after photos.

Love My Juicer

I love my Juicer. Its the Jack Lalane Juicer.  We have had it for 5 years!  So quick and easy to use and it is easy to clean.  I had a different juicer before, it was awful, took a lot of fruit and/or vegetables to make one cup! Plus hard to clean.

We have an apple tree, peach tree, orange tree, pear tree and lemon tree so I am always making juice. If you add an apple or carrot  it will naturally sweeten the juice.  Once in awhile after making the friut juice, I will pour the juice, ice cubes and  yogurt into the Blender and we have a delicious smoothie!
Vegetables!  Great way to get your vitamins! Juice whatever vegetables you have, add a carrot and you get a yummy vegetable juice.  I also like to juice vegetables and make a broth for Vegetable soup.

 

limiting my time

I was spending so much time on the Internet that I wasnt getting things done, especially my painting projects. I decided to limit my time to 1/2 an hour in the morning and 1/2 an hour at night. I do stay on longer 2 days a week for classes,blogging or listing but not too much longer!.
Since I have been limiting my time on the internet I am actually getting some projects done! It feels good to finish something! I am actually enjoying my "creative" time in my craftroom.

I painted this butterfly on a wooden steak platter. Great surface to paint on, very smooth. I didnt have to sand to much before painting. A friend of mine gave the platters to me. She was going to throw them out! They were brand new! I cant wait to paint another one!

My Bright Idea

Garbonzo Beans... Chickpeas... whatever you want to call them.....I am swamped!!

Fresh Chickpeas/Garbonzo Beans. They are so yummy and very healthy. Full of Protein,zinc,good carbs, fiber etc. I bought a batch of them at the Farmers Market the other day. Instead of buying them already picked and in a small bag I had this bright idea to buy the batch that was wrapped with twine for $6.00.
I filled 5 bowls so far and still have a lot left

I boiled some the other day and mmm they are yummy. Only problem is that the pods fill up with water and guess what happens when you pop one open!!! Yup, those little things are better than a squirt gun!

I  baked a batch in the oven, nice and crunchy like eating popcorn or corn nuts! I put a few in some foil, drizzled olive oil, garlic salt and pepper wrapped the foil over all and shook them a little bit and grilled them those were REALLY good!

Last night I got another bright idea "why not open them before I cook them" OMG My thumbs are so sore from popping the pods open!

Besides having a sore thumb  another problem with this bright idea they are good raw, taste like fresh raw peas. So it was open one... eat one... open one... eat one..........

So much for my bright ideas!! Next time I may just buy that bag of fresh already picked Garbonzos!!!

Turtle!!

See....I told you I found a rock that looks like a turtle

A shy turtle!

painting again!

For the past few weeks I have been working with polymer clay, paper, decopauge,and other various mediums. During this time my oldest son who is visiting for the summer asked me why I was'nt painting. He is constantly after me to paint. He says "mom, you enjoy it, you are good at it, that is what you should do". I just kinda sorta ignored him and continued on doing everything but paint.  I felt like I was in a slump.

 After a few weeks of this  I said "why am I not feeling creative?" my son said "because you need to get back to your painting" Then, the other day I saw a wooden sled sitting there and I thought.."HMMM I should paint something on that". I saw a picture of a cardinal so..  I got out my paint supplies,and set everything out and began to paint! I was in my own world for 2 days! I was happy! I realized my son is right, painting is what I enjoy. I am feeling  creative again. Now I am looking at other things I can paint!!!!  I saw a rock this morning, picked it up and said "Now that looks like a turtle!"

alcohol inks

The other day I was using alcohol inks on a piece of tin. I have used the inks on paper, and glass but not tin. While trying this method I thought "I probably could make the alcohol ink myself." I knew it was possible.
If you have ever bought these in the store they run about $10.00 for 3 small bottles
SO I searched the internet and found blogs and chat forums full of information on how to make your own alcohol inks. Just go to google and you will be surprised at how many sites pop up on this subject.

I found the easiest method is to use Rit Liquid Dye and 90% rubbing alcohol.

Keep your homemade alcohol ink in a baby food jar, film cannister ( we crafters save everything), prescription jar/bottle (all empty and clean of course!!)

Depending on how dark/light of the color you want and depending on the size of the container you are using, start out with about 2 tablespoons liquid dye into the container and then fill with the rubbing alcohol. Lightly shake until mixed.

  I took an empty prescription bottle, placed a piece of sticky back velcro on bottom. From a piece of felt I cut pieces the same size as the velcro.  Attach the felt and you can stamp away.... I keep the extra pieces of felt in the bottle.

Note: You can use the powder dye but it leaves a grainy residue....which you might like that look.

Summer?/Blog Hop??

Out here on the Central Coast we are having gray skies, wind, temperatures in the 60's and once a week (maybe) we will have warm sunshine, temps in the 70's. I can drive 20 miles east and it is in the 80's.
Last night it rained and scattered thunder!!!

I know Mother Earth can use the rain but I sure can use some sunshine! As you can see.....I am a warm weather kinda girl. I love the sunshine.

Maybe we will have a late summer.

ok, done whining.

I asked on my FB page but.....what exactly is a Blog Hop?

Flower festival parade

The weather was overcast and cold when the parade started but the sun came out near the end. Looks like the weather will be nice for the park festivities. Could be nicer but......not too bad.
Now going over to the park for some lunch!

Flower Festival time again

It is that time of year again...our annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival.
The Festival started yesterday.Yummy food booths, entertainment on the outdoor stage and the carnival rides, beer garden, wine tasting...fun.
 The Park is block from my home!
 I hear a male voice talking, I think it is my husband in the backyard and I say "what" then realize it is coming from the park! I do this often throughout the day/evening!  This happens every year!  LOL!
Friday the craft booths will be up ( until Sunday). The Flower Festival Queen will be crowned.
Saturday is the Parade...floats are made using the flowers from the fields.
Sunday it ends. At 9:30 pm we will run to the cotton candy booth  to get one more taste before it all closes up.For some reason that cotton candy tastes soooo good!

I will post pictures after the parade.

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

I am lucky to have a wonderful stepfather.

My dad passed away in 1994 and I miss him everyday. I saw this post on facebook and thought I would share it.

 Yellow roses grow in heaven, Lord pick a bunch for me.


Place them in my father's arms & tell him they're from me. Tell him

that I love & miss him. When he turns to smile place a kiss upon his

cheek & hold him for awhile, because remembering him is easy, I do it

every day. There's an ache in my heart that will never go ...away.

I miss you Dad, more than you will ever know♥

mindielee.etsy.com great shop!

About a year ago I made a bracelet using 2 hole sliders. I loved it. I decided to make another one for myself and make some more for gifts. I went back to the store where I purchased the sliders...it was gone!! I was so bummed. I only bought enough for the bracelet not knowing if I would like it.  There were no "warning" signs that they were closing down. They didnt move to a new location either.GONE!
So I searched the internet..nope..oh there were sliders but not the kind I wanted or needed. They were plain.
So I put it in the back of my mind and went on with other things.....
A few weeks ago I joined a forum on Etsy...California ChitChat.  I like it, friendship, help, support. Well...one night I was not sleepy so I went to the forums, I started clicking on the shops to browse around and lo and behold...there they were..2 hole SLIDERS!!!!  OMG!!! lots of them, exactly what I was looking for!!!   To top it off her prices are great and affordable. I placed an order right away..now this was late Sunday night...Mindielee responded right away and my package arrived Tuesday morning!!!!! Ok we dont live to far away from each other but still... it was quick!  Packaged nicely.  My husband said I looked like I was opening a christmas pkg!!! They were beautiful!
Just the other day Mindielee opened another shop, supplies only. I have bookmarked her shops. If you want quality items at an affordable price check out http://www.mindielee.etsy.com/. Her new shop is http://www.mindieleesupplyz.etsy.com/

I bought these.. 5 in the pkg! I also bought some in red and square shape.  I am one happy customer. : )

more atc/aceo's

Well, my last blog was about my new addiction...ATC and ACEO. I have joined 2 groups for trading once a month. Just started and am excited ...so silly!
 My 12 year old granddaughter is now making them and she has made some really cute ATC/ACEO's. I will have to take some pictures of her work.  I have also introduced this art to a couple of friends and yes...they are now "hooked" on it too!
I listed 3 on my etsy site and one sold within 5 minutes!!!

I am now thinking of making a large frame to display the cards I recieve in my trades. Or maybe just an album so people can browse..you know the coffee table kinda thing.

This one I cut a picture an angel for the background,glued some tissue paper around the edge, painted some shadows here and there and then embossed with UTEE. It is Titled

Angel Out My Window.

This one is titled Purple Hydrangea, it is the one I sold. I am painting a series of them and will list more as I finish. I have Hydrangeas growing in my backyard. They are HUGE., so pretty...They are one of my favorite flowers. I cut them and put them in vases all over my house. So I decide to paint some on ATC/ACEO's

ATC and ACEO

OMG!
I learned something new!
I am addicted!

These small artists cards are so much fun. I have been looking at them online for a long time and finally had an "aha" moment and thought "I can do this"!
 It is great because you can do whatever....paint,collage,stamp,polymer clay etc etc or all of it combined!!! Since I like a variety of crafts this is perfect. (Actually it is a great excuse to not get rid of anything because now I might need it!!)
I have the Cricut Ex. so I cut out my own cards,and envelopes. I use water color paper, cardstock,chipboard,cardboard you name it. Some people even use regular playing cards!  The only rule is the size.

I went on google and typed ATC cards.

there are great sites to get you started. Here are a few:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Artist-Trading-Cards

http://www.altered-art.net/make-artist-trading-cards-2.html

They really are fun. You can trade them ATC or sell them ACEO.
This is my first one, I handpainted this. The second is a combination of handpainting and collage

If you havent tried this you should. So much fun

HAPPY EARTH DAY

I remember back in high school the first Earth Day!  It was a big celebration...hopes to save the earth.
We need to remember everyday.

Here are some natural rinses for your hair to bring out the highlights and luster.

Start at scalp and let rinse run thru to the ends.


For Blondes and Redheads

2 cups water
2 chamomile tea bags
Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add tea bags,cover the pot and let cool completely.
Remove tea bags. Shampoo and condition hair
Pour rinse over hair and leave it in as a final rinse.

For Dark hair

1 cup water
3 Tbsp. Rosemary (dry or fresh)
1 cup cider Vinegar

Bring water and rosemary to a boil. Remove from heat and add vinegar. Let sit until cool.
Strain out the rosemary.
shampoo and condition hair. Pour rinse over your hair BE CAREFUL NOT  TO GET IN YOUR EYES! 
Leave in hair for 5 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Something special

                                                   I opened my blog and found this 

The lovely blog owner Halibu Valley has given me a sunshineaward.

Thank you!

http://halibuvalley.blogspot.com/

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blog world. The rules for accepting this award are:

Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

Pass the award onto 15 bloggers.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
 
There are so many to choose from. Here are some that I enjoy reading.


http://lindaloveschocolate.blogspot.com/


http://theshutterbugeye.blogspot.com/


http://dawnwillbreak63.blogspot.com/

http://boopnut39.blogspot.com/


http://beadcomber.blogspot.com/


http://dhallmba1.blogspot.com/


http://madebymarni.blogspot.com/


http://postcardsforsatori.blogspot.com/2010/04/satori-sitting-tall.html


http://peanutfeet.blogspot.com/


http://pinkcloudsandangels.blogspot.com/


http://3peeps.blogspot.com/


http://oxfordfam.blogspot.com/

http://www.myparadisemoon.com/


http://anjigallanos.blogspot.com/


http://andreawdesigns.blogspot.com/

Using what I have

I have sooo much stuff! I have wood shapes that I cut with my scroll saw, picture frames, glass plates and jars, fabrics, wood candlesticks etc etc. All of it is hiding in bins, and on  shelves in my craftroom and my little storage room out back!
I decided I am going to use it up or give it away! So, I grabbed a couple wooden picture frames and painted them. Then I painted two glass plates, and a glass salt and pepper set all in 2 days! Feels good to be able to create and clear things out.
..... AND..to be able to get it done! : )

Old Records

I didnt want to go out and buy easter baskets this year. Seems they end up "in the way". I donated a stack of them to a local charity group and decided I was going to make my own.
 What and How.
Then I had an "aha" moment.
I went to the thrift store and bought some old Vinyl record albums. I actually have a lot of albums... and I still have my turn table so "no way am I getting rid of mine!"Get rid of my Elvis Albums..no way...never!

 I wiped the record clean with a paper towel,Then I placed a glass bowl on a cookie sheet and layed the record evenly on top. Put it in the oven and let it melt.
 I placed a larger bowl on top while still warm to shape( did this after I took it out of the oven).

They were a hit : )

 After the goodies are gone you can use the "bowl" for a catch all.

EASTER

HAPPY EASTER!


May you all have a wonderful day.

He has Risen!

Bows from Recycled Magazine Pages

 Making Bows from Recycled Magazine Pages. 

I remember making these when I was a little girl. My mom and my Oma taught me how to make them. We would paint the tips or add glitter. I loved them. You can use old magazines, new or used wrapping paper etc.
 I decided to try making some...and again....I love it!! : )

You can use brads but....
..... I used glue because ( thats the way I learned how to do it) I dont like the way the bow feels with the brads...just my opinion.
(You can try the brads. If you do you need to use a small hole punch and punch in the center of the folded paper. Put the brad inside and then fold and thread each peice.)

To use glue...
depending on size of bow cut magazine page into strips. I cut one inch strips

Then take one end fold towards center and glue

Do the same thing with the other end

(Use small amount of glue)

Continue with all the strips of paper. Then take each folded strip and glue them on top of each other until you have the bow complete, let dry

Artfire Crazy Train Rider

Todays Artfire Crazy Train Rider is Positively Charming Things

Her shop  http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=38911&op=new&body=1

In her bio she says
"I have this need to work with my hands, creating. It doesn't matter if it's a hand made card, a hairbow for my daughter, a knitted blanket, or a nice bracelet or something sculpted out of polymer clay - I'm simply not happy unless I'm creating something."
There are some lovely items in her shop.

This is pretty! Made from Polymer clay!

and this... a beautiful bracelet

Soft Romance - lucite and Czech glass flower antiqued brass bracelet

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=896787Her

She also has a web site

 http://www.positivelycharming.com/...

Positively Charming Things  a very pleasant shop to browse in...go and take a look!

Gourds

• I love gourds! There are so many things you can do/make with gourds.

Start with seeds, then water,watch them grow, dry them, then clean, decorate, and....
From this

To this!

                                              

...... the process starts all over again!

love it!