Crafty Mommy

Moving

2009-09-22T22:40:00.002-04:00

I have been away - busy as can be. Something wonderful fell into my lap! I have taken my craftiness to a new level. I bought a craft store! Three Crafty Ladies has been on Sanibel Island for 35 years and is an institution on the island and the only place to by art and craft supplies. It is also a fantastic quilt store. Fabrics to die for!! So when I found out the owner wanted to retire I took the opportunity to roll everything that I like to do and want to do up into one gigantic expedition. I couldn't be happier.
The staff and customers are so creative and friendly. I have always loved Sanibel. And I am a business women and longed to get back into that area. Voila!

I will be putting more time into creating a website. It will be here eventually. I will also have a blog and you can find Three Crafty Ladies on Facebook and Twitter.

So exciting!!! Come along!

Freedom

2009-08-21T13:07:00.001-04:00

Freedom
Originally uploaded by JohannaBF

Always a fan of graffiti art, I have found a few sources of inspiration in the works of Traci Bautista, Alisa Burke, and all of the urban artists out there who incorporate the style into their work. While I have yet to be brave enough (or have a clear enough space) to pick up the colorful spray cans, I have been playing around with doodles and words.

Chunky Book Pages - Orange Collage

2009-08-17T19:10:00.002-04:00

I loved doing the chunky 4"x4" fat book for art and soul so I look forward to participating in others. Here are some pages for a monochromatic page swap project. And I do love orange!

Craft Studio Love!

2009-08-15T21:45:00.003-04:00

I LOVE my new craft room. Time spent there is inspiring, relaxing, and fun! Happily messy. I have a center island workstation for painting, drawing, and other messy enjoyment. My sewing table looks out to my front yard and a long counter has space to spread out for jewelry making. What was missing was a comfortable place to sit and read my many books and magazines, crochet, talk on the phone, or give my dogs a place to keep me company. I hunted both online and in stores, new and vintage, thrifting for something to recover. My search ended this weekend with the perfect mid century modern sofa.

I found it online through Etsy seller Vintage Supply Co., never imagining how much it would cost to ship a sofa. No need, it was local!! I visited Moderna Muerte, a brand new store in Delray Beach that carries an amazing array of quality vintage furniture, accessories, clothing (the real deal vintage, not simply out of fashion used clothes). Fabulous merchandising (vintage shoes and purse artfully displayed on a domed pastry stand) makes this a great place to visit and get inspired.
I love the white vinyl, so perfect for my needs. Reminds me of the Design Star episode where some designers painted graffitti and patterns on white sofas. I'll leave mine simple - the pups are very happy the way it is, too.

Do You Feel Lucky, Punk?

2009-07-28T21:26:00.000-04:00

Well, do ya?

Home Decorating and Paintings (mine!)

2009-07-23T20:29:00.005-04:00

Where has the time gone? I had no kid home for a few weeks and made a long list of things I wanted to get accomplished, places I wanted to go, movies to see, etc... Well my younger son comes home this weekend and my list didn't get much shorter. I did find some time to enjoy my new craft room and that has been a joy. I have been collaging and sewing and just 'making stuff'. Joyful and relaxing!

My friend Christie, who is a talented interior designed, came over to help rearrange my decorative things this week. I had pulled lots of books, vintage pottery, framed photos, and more out and we moved things around. What she added to the mix was a few paintings that I did recently. Like we all read in creativity books and blogs - I am fearful of having my art 'out there'. To be judged and compared. I let myself be soothed by the fact that she chose to put them out, so they must be okay and acceptable! I find this humorous, as I always self-analyze myself. So I am facing my fears and displaying my art in my living room.

Nantucket Bliss

2009-07-07T22:23:00.004-04:00

I am a temporary empty nester, as my kids are away at camp for a few weeks. My husband and I decided to vacation in a relaxing place that neither one of us had ever visited. Nantucket was a wonderful getaway and pleasant surprise. The food was beyond good and the people were nice (very colorfully dressed and preppy with dispositions to match.) There were lots of nice shops and galleries to peruse, which is always welcome especially since there will be no swimming in cold New England water for me. I found some great places and saw some wonderful art. This is a place where basket weaving and scrimshaw got it's start, so it is an artistic place in many ways.

A cloudy afternoon gave me the opportunity to visit Cheryl Fudge's Fashion Camp. A boutique on the first floor and 'camp' workshops upstairs. I chose a piece of gently used clothing to decorate (a light weight hoodie) and scoured their bins of tshirts, ribbon, fabric, and patches to create my own Nantucket souvenir. I pinned the pieces where I wanted them and they will sew it and send it to me.

How cute is this!

Such a nice getaway. Nice weather always helps, of course.

My First ATC

2009-06-19T15:45:00.003-04:00

I have been creating collages and journaling for quite some time and the format is generally no smaller than the size of a moleskin. I have been checking out a bunch of creative Yahoo groups and came across some fun challenges and magnificent artwork. I picked up some collage sheets and other goodies from ArtChix and used some of them to create my very first ATC for a Garden Party themed challenge. It was very different to work on a smaller scale, looking for and cropping images so much smaller than I am accustomed. Fun, none the less! Here is my petite piece of art!

(Must get the scanning and editing under control - the image doesn't look so hot!)

Making Time for Art

2009-06-08T16:53:00.006-04:00

I have always read the importance of making time to create, if that is what your soul needs. Now that I have the most inviting space, I have been making time. Rainy days don't hurt, either. I have my new craft room organized into different work areas: sewing, painting and paper crafts, and jewelry. When the paint is drying I can sew or work on a jewelry piece. I haven't been doing much jewelry lately but am exciting to be participating in a charm swap. I love working under the pressure of a deadline (seriously).

I have been playing around with painting on fabric and canvas. Some of my favorite fiber artists have inspired me to experiment myself. It is a lot of fun!

I created a little bag with a magnetic snap closure out of some of the painted canvas. It was a good experiment sewing on heavy painted fabric - I'm still a novice seamstress.

1946
I have had a thing for the collectible, 'designer' vinyl and the artwork and books that correspond with this genre. I often think I am a bit odd or immature when it comes to this, however the art and artists that work in this medium are very inspiring to my own art, so I like what I like! I customized my own Munny this weekend. I call it '1946' because it was collaged with articles and advertisements from magazines published that year.

Working on some paintings of my own, along with some journaling. Afternoon Florida rain allows me to feel comfortable with my kids playing XBox or Legos and letting me create.

random art and journaling

2009-05-23T09:07:00.004-04:00

I am still enjoying my art journaling. Now that my move is complete and the school commitments are done I am happy to participate in the Collage with Crowabout group again.

This is my latest one. I love to see what pops in my head when I print out the images. I go with whatever comes and try not to overthink it.

My husband thought I used extra craft paint for my toes.

A Room With a View (and I'm never leaving)

2009-05-18T22:48:00.006-04:00

My craft room is virtually finished with final permits which is allowing me to unpack and play!! It is amazing. I was able to work with the cabinet guy to customize the space for my hobbies. I have shelves for fabric and fibers, a sewing table, a work island with a glass top for easy cleanup, and place for making jewelry. Lots of drawers and cabinets. A slice of heaven! I have yet to put any window coverings on the windows, and even though everyone can see in and I can watch the world go buy and be a nosy neighbor, I also see cardinals, blue jays, and butterflies enjoying the trees and flowering plants outside.

Tank helped me unpack boxes. He was looking for a stuffed creature or some yarn to chew on!

I have lots of shelves to store my supplies where I can see them.

My sewing table. And I finished the 14 bags for last week!

Long Lost and in my new Room!

2009-05-11T14:38:00.001-04:00

I am so remiss about blogging (not that I really think anyone is reading it much since I don't promote it or even mention it to people...yet) Art and Soul in Hampton was AMAZING. A blast. The best time! I took some great classes and met some great people and traded my guitar pick charms for some cool trades and got the most fabulous fat book from my participation in this project. I didn't take pictures but I have seen one of my journal photos on one of the instructors' blogs.

I have so much to share but I have a project for school hanging over my head - 14 tote bags made from old school event tshirts to be used as centerpieces. They are needed for Thursday. I am virtually done. and I need to unpack my new craft room. It's awesome! I have been sewing in it but haven't organized yet. On my list of things to do!!

I will share everything soon. and I want to change the name of my blog to something a little more vague that takes me away for the mommy thing a bit (not that I am not damn proud of being one!) Plus there is a popular crafty mama blog. So another thing to add to my list.

I'll be back!

Twitter

2009-04-17T06:40:00.000-04:00

is it worth it? I keep hearing about it. I do the face book thing (then again I just heard the average demographic of current Facebook users are women over 50, which does NOT include me!). I decided to try it. I'm following one of my favorite collage artists - Traci Bautista. Maybe this is a good tool for me - heaven knows I have random, spontaneous thoughts!

Art and Soul - 15 days and Counting

2009-04-14T20:20:00.000-04:00

I am counting. I am leaving two weeks from from tomorrow! Can't wait! Watching the calendar!

There are daily posts on the Art and Soul Yahoo group from people planning and packing. I haven't started packing, but I am not going to panic. It'll get done. I am amazed that I finished the fatbook pages and got them in on time! Forty five individual 4"x4" pieces of artwork. I accomplished this in the process of moving, using only the art supplies that I had the foresight to pack in a separate box. My craft room is not yet complete and I am unable to unpack all of my things. I enjoyed the challenge of interpreting the theme into pages. Here they are:

This helps with the anticipation. I have been working on some altered guitar pick charms to swap. I don't know how good they are compared with others but again I have enjoy creating them. I am toying with a mini zine as well. I have so many ideas and so little time. Four days in Virginia - time for myself- taking art classes and socializing and surrounding myself with artistic people....!

Creative Chaos

2009-03-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am moving in 14 days. Two weeks from today. What am I doing when I am not (or should be) packing up my house? Making pages for the Art and Soul fat book! I am so excited about the trip that I am completely caught up in everything related to Art and Soul. They are having a fatbook swap - I make 42 pages (all originals) and 41 others do the same. A coordinator binds them and gives them out at the event. Can't wait.

My work table is complete, creative chaos!

Love and Miami

2009-02-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

I had such a nice valentine's day! My husband intended on surprising me with an overnight getaway in Miami, but he told me a few weeks in advance to arrange babysitters and kids' activities (C'mon, no guy is that organized. We spent Saturday afternoon in the design district of Miami, checking out the many furniture showrooms and art galleries. After salmon burgers at Soyka, we headed downtown to Brickell Key and checked into the Mandarin Oriental hotel, which is truly lovely. Miami was very crowded due to the abundance of events and activities in the area and the numerous families escaping the Northeastern chill during their February school vacation. Coconut Grove Art Show, Julio Inglesias Concert, and a Flamenco Festival created traffic but we made it to a wonderful Italian dinner on the water.

After a leisurely brunch at the hotel overlooking the water we made our way to South Beach and Lincoln Road for a day of shopping, eating, and best of all, people watching. So many cultures converge in Miami that it is a festival in itself just to be there. We shopped the annual Kidrobot sale and had some Cuban coffee on Collins Ave. The weather was spectacular and we watched throngs of people walk blocks towards their goal of golden sand. Lincoln Road is the most fun place to take a stroll at any time. Outside cafes, independent jewelry vendors, and an endless cast of characters fill the pedestrian-only blocks. It had been a while since I had last visited and was before I began to focus on my current obsession of whimsical and mid century furniture and objects. I was delighted to find a Designs Within Reach store tucked off the mall. While I have constantly perused the online catalog, I had never sat in the many chairs that I ogled at and bookmarked. We got to try out the many Eames and Saarinen pieces. If I can ever find one I can afford, I would flip for Eames Le Chaise for my personal space at home. This chandelier, which blends contemporary with traditional crystal would look perfect in my mixed-look dining room!

My other retail highlight was finally visiting the Jonathan Adler store. Everyone who knows me says this designer's wares are 'right up my alley'. Look at this desk! It just might be 'the one'.

New lacquered bath accessories at terrific prices and yummy colors like lime are due in any time. I can't wait to go back in the Spring after my move!
We treated ourselves to a walk through Books & Books and a gelato before heading home. We had a wonderful, romantic, well-needed weekend alone. We had fun, like an old fashioned date!

When I returned I was inspired to finish one of my collaged journal pages that I had been working on. I have been so behind on working on my crafty things, but I am refreshed and recharged. At least for a day.

My Dream Craft Room - Starting to be built!

2009-02-12T20:16:00.000-05:00

I am the luckiest crafty person I know (which is really not saying much)! I am building a craft room onto a house I will be moving to - and the room is from scratch! Other than not having a choice as to the dimensions and window placement, everything else is to be whatever and however I desire it! I have been pouring over books and magazines and flickr photos about studios and creative spaces, trying to see what I like and what I don't. Not to mention I have learned from my past mistakes, like shelves are better than cabinets. The walls are up and finished and I just chose paint. Vibrant tangerine will adorn two of the walls - the two walls that will have built-in shelves and desks.

This long wall will have lots of shelves and cabinets and a desk space for jewelry or whatever. A big cork board, magnetic board, or something of the sort will be above it. There will be lots of outlets that I got to pinpoint locations for.

The other wall will be similar but have a sewing table. My machine will be by a window for natural light. The far wall has this nice window. I will put a sofa or bench in front so I can relax and read, crochet, or whatever! An island in the middle will finish the list. Painting should be done in the next day or two. Cool vinyl flooring in funky colors is next. I'll post photos to document my progress.

T.G.T.M. - Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Monday!

2009-02-08T23:18:00.000-05:00

Most people live for Fridays, for their weekends where there is no work, no office, time for themselves. For individuals like myself whose main, full time (albeit unpaid) job is taking care of the family, weekends are the busiest work days of the week. My hubby and I often play the 'who works harder' game and my kids tell me I do nothing! My weekends are filled with sports games, preparing three meals a day, often for extra kids, who I then must entertain along with my own. Driving. More driving. Errands for the kids who have no time during the week to buy project supplies/new cleats/white shirt for a concert. I don't complain - I love this job and am blessed that I am able to have it in this day and age. Come Monday, however, when husband goes back to the office and the kids are in school, I can go about my day at my pace, listen to my music, save my voice from yelling, and sneak some time in for myself, even if it is just to flip through a magazine.

Tomorrow I will go to Zumba, the most fantastic, fun exercise class there is. Clean up the house and work on the house project that is taking it's own sweet time. With a soy chai latte in hand and quiet in the back seat.

I did manage to pick up a book on Friday and flip through it over the weekend.

Living Retro is eye candy for someone interested in the mid century modern style. I'm trying to learn about the designers of the period and recognize pieces (so I can hunt for them at thrift stores and garage sales perhaps. This is South Florida - those that are much older now and came to Florida to retire had the goods in their homes. Where is it going?!)I can't wait to mix some clean furniture lines with the colorful vintage pottery that I have collected over the years and my funky collections of today. My designer friend just loves my collection of small paintings that I have purchased on Etsy. Oh what fun!

On the subject of fun, I am counting the days to Art and Soul in Hampton, VA! Just over two and a half months to go. I get so excited reading the Yahoo! group posts and only imagining what to expect. There is much talk about swaps. While I have never been to any type of art retreat like this, I plan to prepare myself to the best of my ability. I am trying to decide what to make and swap. Charms of some sort, most definitely. Perhaps I'll finish the zine that I started for the zine swap (that I did not participate in). Lots of ideas. I just need to prepare in advance because I have to pack up and move. That's a whole other project!

My little Nikki girl hasn't been getting as much face time as Tank, the newest member of our gang. She is truly a princess, however, and demands attention.

Mid Century Love

2009-01-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

I think I am regressing! I am getting ready to move into a new house and find myself going in a complete, 180 degree opposite of the colors and styles that I have now. My home is lovely now, the walls are neutral and the furniture is nice. It is just not reflective of me and I realize that very clearly. Thus the painter and tile guy look at me like I am crazy when I give them my choices. Orange walls? Lime walls? Large multi colored tiles? Yes, I say! Life is to short to not live it in color!

Changing colors also means leaning towards a different style. While thumbing through and bookmarking design magazines, books, and blogs, I find myself loving the mid century modern pieces. A white Saarinen tulip table against lime walls with some vintage, white caned chairs. Groovy! I showed my mother the table and seemed to recall sitting at one in my youth. My memory is correct. She said she and my dad found the base not being used at his company and had a top made. She found some bent wood chairs and painted them herself. They were in the kitchen of my childhood. (And I am coming to realize that the crafty, DIY spirit was certainly passed down!) My paternal grandfather was in the furniture business and I find myself combing through antique and vintage shops recognizing the pieces that they had. Had I only thought to keep some! Doesn't everyone have those stories!!

I have found some mid century Italian glass sconces that are fabulous! I lost out on a desk on 1st Dibs that was a refinished orange and Lucite piece that would have looked amazing in the orange office. It's such fun to learn about these pieces and the designers of this time. I was oblivious to it as a child but I suppose those were the times in life when things were simple for me and I am going back to recreate that peaceful, fun, happy childhood in my own home for myself and my family. ( I can analyze myself, save myself a lot of money, and spend it on that cool milk glass floor lamp that I found!)

Indie Crafting in South Florida (Finally)

2009-01-25T22:17:00.000-05:00

Only in South Florida will you see women in breezy, funky dresses in flip flops strolling into a gallery in January. But that is why we live here. It was a beautiful weekend and I was happy to finally make it to a Stitch Bird craft workshop. A favorite of mine, Bear and Bird Gallery, located west of Fort Lauderdale, holds craft workshops once a month. Past projects have included decoupage objects, sock monkeys, and Halloween makeup fx, and I have never been able to make it due to one thing or another. This month I signed up and made sure I was able to show up on time and make some cool beaded necklaces. We created bases and wired buttons, beads, and other fun things to create these wearable works of art.
I feel mine are just okay - I didn't put a lot of planning into the pieces - I was just happy to be out crafting in a creative group environment with like minded individuals. The gallery also has a terrific exhibit up this month, titled 'Three of a Kind'.
They have great themed shows with some known artists and wonderful pieces! Such a nice afternoon!

Finally, my little (big) Tankster had a nice afternoon. We had to get out of our house to show it yesterday and for obviious reasons take the dogs with us. Tank came to my boys' soccer game and had a ball. When he got home he went out back to enjoy the Florida sunshine. While he couldn't get the float in the pool, he did the next best thing and used it as a pillow.

Experimentation

2009-01-19T20:06:00.001-05:00

A day off does not necessarily mean a day off for ME when the kids are off from school, but my husband goes into the office. It's another day of cooking, cleaning and driving. I did find some time to try something new.
I have been reading about fusing plastic bags in various magazines and how-to's but had yet to try it. This month's Craft magazine has instructions on how to make a tote and bucket hat using fused plastic bags. They look so darned cute (not that I have a need for a plastic bucket hat) I just had to try. I gathered and cut up some plastic bags, protective paper, and the iron and fused away. Yes, it worked. No, I am not thrilled at how the final piece of material looks. As my husband came in and saw me at the ironing board smoothing out Target bags he smiled and called me "one wacky chick". I know he likes my quirkiness. I now have a fused piece of plastic bags and don't know what to do with them. Perhaps I will do some colorful painting and stamping on them inspired by some of my favorite artist bloggers Alisa Burke and Traci Bautista.

I also made a trip to Barnes and Noble for some personal entertainment. I picked up the new House Beautiful magazine to read about Lucite coming back into home fashion. I also picked up Stampington's newest publication Art Journal Inspirations. Eye candy. I have only flipped through it thus far but am always pleased by how people create their journal pages in so many different and personal ways.

Shall I be a proud mommy and show the latest photo of my baby?

I do believe Tank is enjoying his new home. The weather in South Florida has been delightful and he loves to sit in the back yard and sun himself. Awwwwwww.

Where has the time gone?

2009-01-18T23:52:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it has been over three months since I touched my blog. Bad me. Not that too many people were reading it. I wasn't writing much of anything too interesting. And then life got in the way and I stopped. Just stopped. But I vow to continue, redirect myself - have a home base in the web world.

Since my last posting, we celebrated the bar mitzvah of my son. He did phenomenal! We were all so proud. Following the service I threw him the most fantastic, music festival themed party. I must say that I missed nothing. It was great. The room, food, theme, music, activities, favors - it all just coordinated and flowed so well. He played guitar and rocked!

My new house was not ready for us to move into over the winter break. It still isn't. Our target is now late February. But it will be a wonderful place. My current home is more formal and is not representative of me. The new place will be filled with color, light, creativity and whimsy. I have lime green paint in the kitchen, orange walls in the office. And a craft room that is going to be a dream! I am in the process of designing the built in shelves. And an island with a cutting surface (need to find where to get one, though). Can't wait!!

One of my new year's resolutions (really the only real one that I admit to) is to create more art - live a more artful life. I have continued to create in my art journal, which I enjoy and is easy to work on wherever I am . I went ahead and registered for the Art and Soul retreat in Virginia in April. I can't wait to go! I can't think of a better treat for myself than spending four days surrounded by like minded individuals who love to create. I signed up for several very different workshops. Counting the days.

Finally, in the midst of everything, we adopted the most wonderful basset hound from the humane society. Pets are another sad result of the sagging economy. We benefited from others hardships, I suppose. We are thrilled to have Tank become part of our family and will give him the best love and care!

My scanner is completely broken and I am having to photograph things with my iphone and send it to email in order to post. Crazy, but I was waiting to move before I purchase new equipment. I will be researching the best scanner/printer/copier to best meet my needs. But now, I am going to cuddle up with Tank and be glad it is not cold in the South.

Lifes Lessons Learned

2008-10-10T12:13:00.001-04:00

I created this collage in my art journal for using the Collage With Crowabout weekly images. I was inspired by the jewish holiday this past week.

Sarah Palin in the 'Hood

2008-10-06T21:01:00.000-04:00

Sarah Palin is at the end of my street at a hotel as I write this. There are a series of fundraisers around here tonight. I had to pass throught the main intersection six times this evening doing my mom-taxi duties and was entertained by the throngs of signholders at each corner. Some were protesters, some were avid supporters. All had some type of sign, mostly homemade. My son asked my why these people would spend so much time making signs and standing on the street corner for hours while a VP nominee drove by on her way to a reception. He asked if their presence would make a difference and sway and influence people. Hmmmmmm.

Stitchrock - Indie Craft Show

2008-10-05T22:13:00.000-04:00

South Florida is not the mecca for indie crafts, but it is slowly getting better. Miami has always had it's own hip and cool scenes but not in the way that I like to see - like the craft fairs in Austin, Boston, Portland, L.A., - you know what I mean. For the second year in a row, however, a group of like minded individuals have come together to put on Stitchrock, an indie craft show that is absolutely wonderful.

Held in a vintage gymnasium in Delray Beach, around 50 vendors or so set up in every available space to sell everything from jewelry and t shirts to pickles and decoupaged furniture. I went with a friend and we had an absolute blast. We arrived early enough to get a little swag bag with candy, promos, a magazine, and more. We found all kids of things that were unique and handmade and we couldn't live without. She bought the most fabulous necklace - a silver chain with an astronaut painstakingly crafty our of clay. I found a cute cap (I love buying hats. I look pretty good in them. Should wear them more.), a cute stuffed creature with the best color scheme that I want to use him as inspiration for my kitchen, and a great skirt with a screen printed koi fish.

Highlights for the day included a indie fashion show (which we missed because we had already been there for a couple of hours) and a live painting by the Miami artist LEBO.
I was so amazed by his work that I bought his book and had him sign it. I want to own one of his mixed media pieces. That would look so awesome in my new house and his artwork is terrific.

My favorite store for cool things in South Florida, Tate's was there once again selling their oh-so-cool things.

I wish the venue was bigger so more vendors could sell. I will be looking forward to next year's show.

Temptation

2008-10-01T22:47:00.000-04:00

The collage sheet for the Crowabout weekly collage challenges contained images of a cat, birds, fish, and a bunny. The feline being tempted by her surroundings jumped into my head and this is what was created.

I am excited to attend the only indie craft fair around my area, Stitch Rock. This is it's second year and is held in a vintage gymnasium in Delray Beach. Last year was so much fun - I was so impressed that the first year brought out so much talent. I am always envious of the more craft saturated regions, so any indie events in my neck of the woods is fabulous!

So I Made Time For Myself

2008-09-29T14:40:00.001-04:00

It's funny how writing things down, whether on a blog (that I don't even know how many people actually read) or a journal, you see things and rethink things. So when I finished whining about the guilt I felt about taking time for myself to create art and craft, I made this:

Another tote bag made from recycled tshirts. They are so handy! I attempted to take photographs to try to do a little tutorial. I don't know if I will post it or use it in the art zine that I will be creating for a zine swap. I love reading art zines. So interesting to get a peek into other people's artsy lives and have unique pieces of art in hand. I am excited about this - I have until mid November to create 10 zines of my own to swap. Moving and the Bar Mitzvah? Not evening going there. I am signing up and thus committing myself and will enjoy myself. Creating art is a good way to releive stress in my life.

Finding Time for Creativity

2008-09-27T15:45:00.000-04:00

Guilt. I have it. I shouldn't but I do. Everyone does at one time or another. I have so much on my plate - To-do lists strewn across my desk like Times Square after New Years. In my heart I want to sit down in my craft room and do some collage in my art journal (that I am still enjoying), sew another bag, or work on that crocheted blanket that I have had going for over a year. But the fact that I am moving in a few months makes me feel guilty that I should be doing something productive rather than 'frivolously playing in my room'. (That quote came from the inner me, not from the guys of all ages who live with me and have no problem lounging on the couch.) I was packing boxes at 8 a.m. I had yet to do anything and I felt I might as well get started on packing some personal items such as framed photos, which supposedly is better for showing homes for sale anyhow.

I am very excited for this move - I am planning on the decorated feeling to be more colorful, artsy, and inspiring. Fun and welcoming. I live in a house that is too neutral for my liking now, and the high ceilings and flowing layout make it difficult to paint colors. I am planning on reupholstering a lot of my furniture and making slipcovers for my dining room chairs. Oh the fun of fabric shopping! The current occupants will be moving out around Halloween, which will give us some time to work on the house and move in. But first I have to get through my son's Bar Mitzvah.

Much of last week was spent putting the guest list together and stuffing and stamping envelopes. His invitations came out great. They look like mini rock posters with a big guitar in the background and were printed like postcards. The response cards look like tickets. So cute! Well, cool. Must attend to details. So now you can see why I feel guilty about taking time for arts and crafts. Then again, I am writing this. And I just did a bit of online shopping and bought these:

From my Flickr collage group I found out these were good white pens for journaling so I want to try them. I also want to buy these:

Sharpie Poster Pens are also supposed to be terrific for journaling but are hard to find. Heck with it, I think I'll go paint some backgrounds. Then pack another box.

Journaling,Crocheting, Jewelry Making - Crafty ADD!

2008-09-20T21:09:00.000-04:00

Crafty ADD - if it was a real affliction, I would certainly self diagnose myself. Of course the cool guy that build a lot of the shelves and wall units in my house is convinced I have regular ADD and thus could never have my own focused business. I don't listen to people like that, oh, no!

I found myself working on my crocheted blanket this morning while my younger son watched Saturday morning cartoons (I still haven't outgrown this.) Following breakfast I water colored and stamped some backgrounds on some pages of my art journal, which I am still enjoying! Around lunch time I found that I had sold a bracelet from my Etsy shop (yeah me!), which is prompting me to get around to photographing more of my jewelry to list. The afternoon found me picking up a few new craft books, one being the Naughty Secretary Club by Jennifer Perkins, who is a DIY tv personality and blogger who I have enjoyed reading and watching for some time. Her book is great fun! The others I will share at another time. I am not a big shopper when it comes to things that I could actually use (new sneakers) but I never pass a bookstore without stopping and never leave without a new craft book or magazine!

My latest artistic endeavor and source of enjoyment has been keeping working on the collages in the art journal.

This was a page from this past week. Fun!

Next endeavor, I think, will be to create an art zine for an art zine swap. I have some good ideas. The timing is a bit tight with the bar mitzvah and the move but frankly creating art and craft is what relaxes, de-stresses, and inspires me. Positive energy. Yes, I think I will do it!

Many Happy Returns - with Journal Pages

2008-09-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I paid attention to my blog. Not that I have ever really focused on it. Although I have kept on with it, I have yet to focus on one single aspect of blogging. But I have fun with it, so tough!

Now that the kids are back to school (hurray) I have time to accomplish things during the day. Of course very little of the things that I accomplished have to do with personal enjoyment. Except exercise. I went back to the gym. Have you tried Zumba classes? They are dance type exercise classes with a Latin flair. So much fun! The hour flies by, I sweat and never look at the clock! A lot of back to school volunteer time fills my days. And my son's bar mitzvah preparations. And preparing to move. It's all good.

I have been keeping up with the collage group. I love it. We get a sheet of images and need to use at least three. I am so amused at what pops into my head when I am playing around with the pictures, colors and textures I have to work with. It seems I have a social commentary going on in my work. Great fun!

These were my latest collages. I look forward to Fridays when I get new images. I play with them over the weekend or on Mondays. Final writing and drawing gets done when I sit at my son's drum lessons. I bring my little journal bag with the pens and crayons inside.

My wish now is to take a workshop - one of those great, super creative workshops with inspiring instructors and phenomenal projects. Maybe even travel to one. Not much of that in South Florida. One can only dream.

Collage Play

2008-08-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

Being the A.D.D. crafter that I am, I have recently taken up a new crafting direction - Art Journaling! It is a take off of what I have been doing most of my life, which is collage. As you know I have discovered some wonderful Art Journal artists and have read their blogs, books, and zines and got inspired! I found a collage group through the blog Something Two Crow About. The talented Nancy has put together a Collage Play group and posts a page of images to use in a weekly collage. Group members use at least three images and post them in the flickr pool. They are awesome. I have participated in the 3rd and 4th week and love the image prompts and am fascinated with what the talented members create!

I find myself carrying my new moleskin book (with the heavier pages - much better than the regular page weight notebook that I was doodling in, where markers would bleed through) to carpool line and music lessons. Such an enjoyable way to pass time when I am out. I even made this little moleskin 'cozy' that holds the book and has a section for pens, pencils and the awesome water soluble crayons I have been using.

This is such a motivating thing for me, I must say. And I am forever looking for crafts that I can take with me. The artist inside is bursting to get out. Artist?Crafter? Whatever.

I Miss You, Eddie

2008-08-24T11:58:00.001-04:00

You were my first child. I had never had a dog before, only cats. When I was having trouble getting pregnant and needing something or someone to mother - you came in to my life. I went to the home where you were born and you had your face in the food bowl. Once I picked you up that day I never put you down. We had no leash, no food bowl, nothing to prepare to bring a puppy home but you were the one. We chose each other. I never put you down that day.

Throughout the years you were always at my side. The day I took my first human son home you jumped on the bed next to the carrier and calmly welcomed him. You laid on the corner of his playmate like a guard. You welcome the other child and other dogs into the house but was always the king. You were the man.

You were our road trip guy. You claimed my lap on our many trips to Sanibel and loved to stick your head out of the window and feel the air when I let you. You knew how to open and close the window, unfortunately using the lock on occasion. The day you locked our family out of the car at the gas station will go down in history!

I miss you, my baby boy. Miss you terribly. I will love you forever.

Eddie - My Baby

2008-08-18T21:12:00.000-04:00

Please keep my baby pup, Eddie, in you prayers if you are so inclined. My 'first child' who is on in dog years at 14 is very sick and fighting for his life.

He is such a great dog and we are devestated that he isn't well. My kids know he is sick and at the hospital and are keeping their fingers crossed with little discussion at this point. His doggy brother, Gary, is sadly sitting by the front door window waiting for his nap buddy. :(

We welcome with joy

2008-08-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

Lars

We have a new addition to our family. Lars is an African Pygmy Hedgehog that our son named after his favorite drummer, Lars Ulrich of Metallica. (Our young guy is quite a drummer and a big Metallica fan. We don't know where that came from, but that is another discussion.)

How very cute is this little guy?! I don't think this is the clearest photo, but we are new to photographing hedgehogs. Our snake, Clam, passed away earlier in the summer and my boys have been wanting a new pet. We delayed bringing a new creature into the home because of our summer travels. Lars came in lieu of a trip to Universal Studios and Disney. (Sold out hotels were a good clue to impending crowds, paired with summer Florida heat and afternoon showers...I was more than happy to forgo the trip and visit the pet store!

Hedgehogs seem to make good pets. I researched them online a bit after my husband took him to the store to 'just look'. He fell in love and that was the beginning. They live in moderate sized cages, aren't smelly or profoundly dirty and don't eat anything is a dead animal. We are proud hedgehog owners now!

Journaling for Dummies

2008-08-07T23:08:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm not a dummy.

As I often mention I am a bit obsesses with art craft books, magazines, and zines (and blogs). After discovering Teesha Moore's Art and Life zines and pouring through them, and subsequently reading her blog and how she creates such eye candy, I decided to take a shot at journaling with a more artistic approach.

I have always started(and stopped) diaries and journals since I was a kid. I have sketched in them, too. I have cut and collaged as long as I have been able to hold scissors. I have started in a small, inappropriate sketchbook that is more of a flimsy, spiral bound blank book that I have had for a few years. I have sketches in them dating back 7 years (but I don't have a lot of pages filled yet).

I also picked up a few books on journaling (how could I not! I will share them with you another day). I got out my supplies and followed the suggestions of those journal artists that I admire, which also includes Traci Bautista, who ia a collage and mixed media artist with an often fabulous color palette! They suggest making backgrounds first, then adding layers of color, stamping, etc...Some collage perhaps. Then journaling. While I am not quite ready to write out the details of my days, I did let my mind wander with the background and collages that came to be and put my thoughts with them.

I don't know how people scan their journal pages. Frankly, as you can see from my website, I don't know how people make their websites so visually amazing. Something to think about learning in the future (after the bar mitzvah and the move.)

Art Cozy for the new iphone

2008-07-29T23:50:00.000-04:00

First the computer, then my phone. My iphone died on me more or less yesterday. It wouldn't hold a charge and would freeze every time I went to use it. When I called Apple this morning they told me that my warranty expired 17 DAYS AGO! I never got an email or phone call asking me to buy extended warranty like they usually do. So I was out of luck - the nice gentleman who was on the phone with me for over an hour wished me luck trying to find a new phone.

Lady luck was on my side, as I walked into the mall to meet a girlfriend for lunch and lo and behold a new shipment of the new iphone 3G had just arrived and they were passing out numbered tickets. Each ticket corresponded to an iphone in stock so if you had a ticket, you had a phone. I did have to wait an awfully long time to get in and get it activated. But it is done and I am connected to the world once again.

I needed a new case and didn't like any of the plain, overpriced ones they had in the store and didn't have the patience to shop around for one.

Being inspired by all of the collage and journaling books and zines I have been reading I created this ipod cozy.

It is felt with collaged fabric, free form sewing, beads and some embroidery. I have to say that I like it. I hope I like this phone as much.

(And I am tempted to get a Mac laptop next. I have been wanting a laptop and had so much fun playing with the Mac Books. OOOOhh)

Golden Ticket

2008-07-29T13:05:00.001-04:00

I never win anything. Not that I am complaining - ya gotta play to win and I am not a player per se (I only by lottery tickets if the winnings are $100 million. Anything below is not worth my dollar!)

A fabulous zine that I recieved from wonderful artist Alma Stoller called 'Odd Ball Charm' delivered a bit of luck along with that charm. Inside was a golden ticket that wins me a piece of her artwork! How awesome is that?! The theme for my new house decorating is color! and her artwork is just that!

My baby girl Nikki shares the excitement!

I Hate Computers (Today)

2008-07-25T22:48:00.000-04:00

My newest craft projects were photographed and I attempted to load them onto the computer. It slowed, then froze, then was unable to reboot. Ouch. Frustration. I will have to postpone posting the cute pink and brown tote with vintage pin and the reversible tshirt tote made out of recycled tshirts.

I also received Alma Stoller's Odd Ball Charm Zine and was the lucky recipient of a Golden ticket. Can I post that here today? Oh, no. My computer wants to hate me today. I hate it back. Hopefully we can make up on Monday.

Ducks In the Boston Public Gardens

2008-07-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

I wanted to try uploading a video that I took on my birthday present - my Flip Mino. I have been going to the Public Gardens to feed the ducks, geese, and swans and take swan boat rides since I was a tot. I thought a short clip of the duck family would be a good experiment.

Crafty Book Finds in Boston

2008-07-23T15:35:00.000-04:00

I just returned from another vacation in Boston, which is always a delight unless it is between November and April. Being a city full of young people due to the abundance of fabulous colleges and universities, it has lots of crafty and green offerings. Due to my schedule that centered around visiting my son at camp, I was unable to do what I REALLY wanted to do, and that was visit the South End Open Market, which has everything from crafts to food every Sunday. There was also a green/crafty festival in Somerville - missed that, too.

Having finished the novel that I was reading on the plane, I tried to convince my 9 year old to walk over to Borders to pick up something for me to read. Tired after a day of walking the New England Aquarium, he countered that it was not necessary for me to go. In desperation to avoid watching cartoons later that evening, we stopped into the Paper Source store next to the hotel with fingers crossed that they had something crafty for me to read. I left with the most amazing zine by artist Teesha Moore called Art & Life. Her journaling and collage work is vibrant and inspiring.
This particular issue (#10) had her trip to Tokyo journalled. It was so much fun to read and look at. I went back for the only other issue they had (#7) and just ordered two more from her website.

Saturday we spent walking much of the city, from Newbury and Charles streets to Fanueil Hall and the Freedom Trail (No, our youngster wasn't with us. His little feet wouldn't have made it that far in the heat. Neither did mine, from the looks of the bandaids on my feet.) We stopped into a Boston favorite, Newbury Comics. I am not a comics reader/collector per se, however they have records, cds and dvds, and a very large collection of collectibles, including the designer vinyl and Japanese ones that I like. I found two great books as well. First, I was nostalgic to pick up Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip.
I used to read the Moomin books when I was in grade school! My memory tells me that I loved them, and the cover graphics on this hardcover is great!

The second hardcover book that I encountered has me so very excited. It is called What It Is by Lynda Barry. The subtext on the cover says "Do you wish you could write?" Every single page in this book has hand drawn copy and illustrations and thought provoking questions, such as "What is a reflection?" "What is a secret? Where is it kept?" and so on. I paid full price and see I can get it for less on line, but it was fun to read and discover on vacation. Frankly, the books and some paper at Paper Source was all the shopping I did for myself this vacation.

I was, however, inspired to start collaging again and have to find some of the artist crayons that Teesha Moore uses in her collages and journaling. Besides this talented artist, I can thank my momentarily whining child for steering me into the store that had the zine!

Poolside Crafting

2008-07-10T20:54:00.000-04:00

It has been so long since I have last posted - a month! How summer just flies by! I know there are still a few people who still check on my blog and read when I post. Thanks for sticking with me. Hey, why don't you leave a comment so I know your there!

My posts are out of order, as I posted last nights crafting endeavor first. Earlier this week I sat poolside while my son cooled off from the Florida heat in the pool. Not satisfied with just sitting or even reading, I needed busy hands.

I have been pouring through design and crafty magazines searching for home decorating inspiration for our new home. Not satisfied with just tossing the leftover magazine in the recycling bin, I started playing with other colorful pages. I made envelopes, which used to be a fun thing that I did back in my mail art days.

I made templates of my favorite sized envelopes and found different, interesting magazine pages and catalogs to trace the outline on. I cut the envelope shape and used a glue stick to secure the sides to the back flap. If there is no place to write an address I use a plain label.

I have card sized envelopes, long, bill sized, and small, enclosure type. I made some great small ones from a catalog from an old gallery exiibition.

Page layouts, like this bathroom photo, make great envelopes. Wouldn't you love to receive these in the mail? Or send one and brighten someone's day?

(And the scraps from these were used to make paper beads - see the top photo!)

Late Night Crafting

2008-07-10T20:46:00.001-04:00

I, like so many other crafty people, enjoy working when their house is quiet and no one is demanding of their time. If they were up, family members are apt to hear my sewing machine going after midnight.

Last night was a prime example of a late night crafting session. I am fairly new at sewing and like to experiment. I have stacks of old jeans in my craft room closet that called to me yesterday to be played with. The result was yet another zippered pouch. I put an applique pocket on the outside.

I think it is rather cute.

Crafty Deadlines

2008-06-11T23:31:00.000-04:00

I work best under pressure, when I have deadlines, and when I make lists. My most unproductive days are free days when I don't have much to do and I don't have anywhere to be at a set time. Intentions are to enjoy time in my craft room to create wonderful jewelry and other crafty things. But I don't.

I often say I like to do craft swaps because I can enjoy crafting for someone, maybe with a specific theme in mind. I don't keep it, but I get someone else's hand craftiness in return.

I just finished a swap with a color, texture and shape theme. I was to craft one thing in pink, one thing in a star shape, and something soft. I had a great partner and had a great time creating for her. She received:

A Star Plushie, a sterling silver and pink quartz necklace, and a pink zippered pouch.

I received in return, some fantastic knit items, including a great octopus.

So I am not quite packed for tomorrow's trip to the Bahamas, don't have my son packed and ready for camp, and haven't looked at one single thing for the home renovation/addition project I am starting this fall. I need to make a list....

Too Much Time, Too Little Time

2008-06-03T23:34:00.000-04:00

School is out and I am running around like crazy! Shuttling kids to and from friends' houses, orthodontist appointments and camp shopping at Target (one of my favorite places to buy things I didn't realize I needed!) And while I find myself with no time to accomplish a lot of big things (like pick all of the things on the list the contractor gave me for next falls' home move project) or exercise, I am in my house with my kids and there friends, don't need to entertain them - just wait on them and clean up after them. I therefore have some time to craft. I sat poolside today while a few boys were swimming and made envelopes out of recycled magazine pages. I just finished up some crafts for a Crafster swap. And I snap silly pictures of license plates while waiting at lights during my taxi duty.

I snapped this for my good friend who is a podiatrist. It says 'CORN DOC'.

Time to Sew

2008-05-21T22:39:00.000-04:00

I don't know where the time goes, but I find time to sew.
I taxi the kids, substitute teach, live in the grocery store (and suck in the cooking department, according to my oldest son and everyone else). I have found time to make a few crafty things in between (literally).

My aunt in Arizona is a fabulous quilter and gave me a gift of three nesting, quilted zippered bags that are just darling! She then sent me the directions and I just had to try them.

With a child home sick one day this week I was able to experiment with machine quilting fabric and using different kinds of interfacing. I had the best results with fusible pellon fleece. I then worked on the medium sized bag in between lasagna baking stages. Most of the sewing got finished before I had to take off the foil to brown the top.

Here is the bag zipped closed.

I chose a nice batik pattern with a contrasting pink lining. I played around with inexpensive fat quarters I had in my stash in case I ruin anything.

I couldn't wait to email my photos to Arizona. So proud was I. Everyone will be getting these bags for the next gift occasion! I just need to remind myself to make jewelry. I am trying to get my etsy shop up and running. I need to price and post my pieces already! And I am thinking about sending some samples to the Sampler. And the kids are out of school for the summer next Thursday. Oy!

Running on Time while Shopping for Bags

2008-05-13T23:15:00.000-04:00

I managed to get everywhere I needed to be today, and on time I might add. Didn't make it to the bank or the pediatricians office (just to pick up papers) - both of those errands can wait a day or so. Along the way, however, I just can't stay away from bags. I didn't buy any but they seem to be beckoning.

I met a friend at the mall (don't like the mall) to purchase a group birthday present for a gal pal. Had to walk through the Saks Fifth Avenue bag department amidst the shiny, colorful patent leather totes on display. I kept walking.
While waiting for my child to get ready for drum lessons I casually browsed my bookmarked Etsy sellers. Look at this bag! It is from Bonspiel Creations.

Again with the colors. How cheerful is this bag?! Kept browsing.

On my list of things to do in the next few days is hit Joann's to get supplies to make a zippered pouch for a craft swap I am participating in. I love making zip pouches and it is always nice to craft for others (and fun to receive!) I am making a pouch to hold double pointed needles. I have a fabulous pattern that my Aunt sent me (along with the bags) called a Humble bag. Very cool shape. I need to get the right size zippers to try this one too.

I am feverishly looking at books, magazines and websites to come up with ideas and directions for my craft room that I will build this fall. I have a meeting with the builder and architect on Monday. The almighty Martha has a great craft room with so much space and drawers and counters. I need inspiration!

Brain Overload!

2008-05-12T23:03:00.001-04:00

Yikes! Too much on my plate! I like to think that I function best when I have a lot to do and am very busy and very scheduled. Lately I have been starting to slip. I am being teased that I am getting old (please shut up. I just forget to look at my planner for the 100th time in a day. Last week I forgot to take my son and meet with the Rabbi!!! I had to call and tell the truth - of course I was forgiven. Embarrassed, but forgiven. Two days later I forgot to take my dog with me in the morning to be dropped at the groomers. That resulted in another round trip car ride across town. With gas at over $4 a gallon, that isn't a picnic in my SUV!

I interviewed photographers last week for the bar mitzvah. Different styles, different personalities, same general expensive pricing. I chose some great, artistic people, however, and will look forward to working with them.

My house was photographed for the real estate listing to be sold. I now have to keep it more or less ready to be shown. I have 2 boys and 3 dogs. Good luck to me!

And the builder and architect want to meet with me about the craft room they want to build in the new house. Right now the drawings show doors on two walls and windows on the other. Walls, people! Crafters need wall space!

Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine (by the publishers of Quilting Arts) just came out with this Studios issue.

Perfect timing!

New Links

2008-05-07T23:24:00.000-04:00

I finally updated my link list - at least a little bit. I tend to visit one blog and then visit the blogs that that blogger reads and on and on until I realized that I have spent many unproductive hours reading blogs. I still discover amazing crafts, recipes, design ideas and things I want to buy. I have been seeking out design and decor blogs, as I will be moving yet again next year. And just as I have nearly finished my awesome craft room. Oh well, I'll have another.

Lots of cool things on these sites. I just got the cutest little Cram Cream toaster plates. They call them toaster plates because they fit in a toaster oven - and look like mini Pyrex baking dishes. It wouldn't hold much food, however. But they are so darn cute I want to put trail mix or olives in them and put them out for friends.

New Etsy Store!

2008-05-06T01:47:00.000-04:00

I am officially open for business on Etsy under my new store name, Ruby Underground!. Not only that, but I actually was able to create my own banner! Ok, so it is not super fabulous - but I did it myself! I have never been able to find the time and patience to learn Photoshop yet, but I discovered that Photobucket has some new editing tools that allowed me to crop and add copy. It took me a while to figure out how and where to save it so that I could upload it. It worked. I am proud. I have only listed a few things so far.

Please come and visit me.

New Name, New Logo

2008-05-01T15:28:00.001-04:00

This is what I am thinking about for the new name of my jewelry,craft, and accessory business. And my Etsy shop. Quail was the name I first used to sign into Etsy. Never thinking that I would be a seller and that is the shop name I was sorta stuck with. Ruby Underground just popped into my head. It's kind of a subversive sorta name - could be a character or a singer, jewelry (ruby), another was to describe a 'hidden gem' (get it?) Anyhow....thoughts?

I'm baaaack!

2008-04-30T17:36:00.000-04:00

Where have I been? I feel so badly that I have neglected this blog. I was enjoying posting and actually having people read my blog, and then 'poof' I stopped. I still read lots of fabulous blogs daily, more or less - I will need to update my link list for your enjoyment. A few big things are coming up and writing my blog may be the perfect creative outlet - to share information and to write my thoughts out so I may clarify my brain.

1. I am planning my child's bar mitzvah. A lot of work. Helping him prepare for the ceremony and planning a cool party to celebrate after.

2. I am moving. I live in a lovely house now. I found a charming house to move to. It will be so much fun to decorate. This house has character.

3. I want to expand my jewelry and craft business - for real. I am aiming to participate in a craft show and expand my Etsy presence and sales. I am starting by changing my name. Ruby Underground is sounding good to me. It came to me when I was getting a facial.

More later....

Reality Talent

2008-03-11T23:39:00.001-04:00

Being someone who loves to craft means I am one who cannot sit with idle hands. I multitask. Sitting in front of the television is not an enjoyable activity unless I am crocheting or cutting up magazines at the same time. Plus I don't like much that is on television. I find most of the drivel is reality shows and dramas that have so many spin offs that seem the same. A few shows, however, are worthy of my time.

Project Runway showcases real talent. To be selected to participate one must be able to create clothing - knowing the intricacies of everything from fabric to pattern making to how to fit a model. I loved this season and will miss it. I am thrilled that Christian won because he truly is 'fierce' and I think his designs and creativity were consistent.

American Idol is on my tivo schedule (thank heavens for tivo!).. I record Idol and fast forward through the commercials, long commentary and bad performances. Last week David Cook rocked Lionel Richie's "Hello". This week, believe it or not, Chickeze was my favorite. The young kid has to go, as does the two blondes. And the pizza bistro guy. Hopefully they will be the next four off.

In Forever and a Vacation

2008-03-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

That is how long it seems I have blogged. And I just picked up this magazine today, Artful Blogging - one of the Somerset Studio magazines.
I just love looking at the pictures in these magaizines. It always inspires me to sit down and craft things. Or go buy craft supplies. I do the latter much more than I do the former. Guilt creeps up on me if I spend too much time sitting in my craft room 'playing'.

I made a sweet little charm bracelet as a gift for a little girl celebrating her bat-mitzvah. A check is so impersonal, I wanted to give a gift that was special and about her. I hope she liked it.

Where have I been? Costa Rica. We took a week long family vacation there and had a wonderful trip. For the first time ever I don't feel like I need a vacation after my vacation! We snorkeled, zip-lined, rode horses, swam, fished, boogie boarded and more. (My husband has the better, prettier shots on his camera, which I have yet to put on to my computer.)
Beautiful country, friendly people, good coffee and guajito's (like a mojito only better). Can't wait to return.

Crafty Photos!!

2008-02-18T21:53:00.000-05:00

I found the coolest camera's at Tate's before Christmas and picked one up for a creative friend who I knew would appreciate it. It was a fisheye camera from Lomography. I didn't do much research - it just looked like a cool gift for a cool person. Last weekend I returned to Tates and spent some time checking out the line and the books on Lomography. I was captivated! Besides fisheye, there are lenses that infuse color into your photos, make mosaic tiles of one image on a single print, like this one that I pulled of of the e-lomography flickr group,

and cameras that take four quick shots in 2 seconds for a tiled action print. I got the latter one at the prodding of my son who thought it would be so cool to take on vacation. (He, like his crafty mommy, is very creative.) There is no flash on my little toy so i have to take pictures outside in bright sunshine. The fun thing is it turns ordinary shots into artist photos! I bought some cheap film (yes, not digital either.) and can't wait to have my first roll developed to see what comes out!!!

Godzilla wishes you a Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T23:03:00.000-05:00

In the long run, having sons may save me from the hormonal turbulence and nastiness that daughters bring (this is paraphrased from my mother, who tells me I was very difficult starting at age 12. Looking back, I just think she couldn't deal.) I do long for someone to make jewelry with and make my dream dollhouse for. Lacking a Hello Kitty loving, pink wearing offspring, I was rewarded with boys who are very creative. They are musical, can whip poems up for their class projects, and raid my craft room often for the same. I recieved a phone call from my son who was looking for my rhinestones to glue on a banner for a rennasiance unit. The younger one creates multi media power point presentations and hand drawn comic books. Don't ask me how much I spend each month on Crayola's Model Magic!

The letter came home from school a week and a half ago with the class valentine policy. Unfortunately this year we would not make mailboxes at home for the little cards (which have morphed into candy with a name on it many times.) Recepticles would be bags decorated in class. The class list was provided so that no child be left out. For the actual valentines, there would be no store bought commercial character cards for the child of this Crafty Mommy. Without prompting from me, he decided he would make is own valentines.

He searched the web for his favorite Godzilla images then added text in speech bubbles. Cut them out, folded them and decorated them with foam heart stickers. I was glad to see the DIY spirit alive in kids during one of these Hallmark holidays.

I do wonder what his classmates thought of his handmade cards mixed in with Scooby Doo, Harry Potter, and Spongebob.

sparking the creativity

2008-02-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

My version of playing on a drizzly Saturday afternoon.

More doggy cute

2008-02-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

These layered paper cut compositions by SanFran67, another very talented Etsy artist, really caught my eye.

Besides canine cuteness, she has birds, a monkey and beautiful monochromatic work.

Puppy Love

2008-02-05T19:48:00.000-05:00

I love my dogs. My three papillons are personalities plus! Never a dull moment when they are around (which is always!)

I fell in love when I saw these paintings and prints from Dog Art by Lyn on Etsy. They truly capture the papillon spirit!

She's got beautiful originals and prints with many other adorable canines.

Must Make Time for Crafting

2008-01-22T23:16:00.000-05:00

Crafting and exercising. Two things that I wish I could fit in on a regular basis. Rather than cook dinner...although the guilt drives me to prepare something each and every day for my family, lest I be 'one of those moms' who call the various restaurants around town for curbside pickup.

I finished a cute necklace that is a combination of vintage celluloid charms and new crystals. I have still yet to master good photographs and my easy digital point and shoot camera has a constant 'card can't be used' warning no matter what I do. Sigh.

I managed to squeeze in some time to make some buttons for the parents of my son's basketball team complete with a sports and school logo and the boy's name and number. Made one for each parent because I am so nice and spirited and crafty. I made them for the football team moms and they were much more enthusiastically received. This was a perfect project to keep my hands busy during the Giants football game. Go Patriots! (We are a Boston/NY household here. Always fun at certain sport seasons.)

I got inspired after buying and reading through Sheri Haab's book The Art of Resin.

I have always wanted to learn and now I will. Just another crafty project. If you could only see my craft room (and various spots around the house.) I am still working on the crocheted blanket that I started last summer. Should have known to start with a larger hook. Never thought it would be a blanket though, but I am compelled to finish it. I have jewelry projects everywhere. Collage images needing to me pasted into the images I have in my head. And a zine! That is in my head, too, with ideas jotted down in the art journal that I rarely get to.

Ahhh, but I made nice buttons. And the nice necklace. With lots of projects started, I'll always have one to finish. :)

Art on Etsy

2008-01-17T23:06:00.000-05:00

I am a bit obsessed with Etsy (as are most people after they discover it!) They have a new feature called 'pounce' that lets you see what was recently bought and what else is available from that seller. I also like scrolling through the Time Machine 2 that lets you see the most recently listed items.

I have found some great things on Etsy that I have shared in the past. There is especially some great artwork out there. I recently added Mt. Joy School to my list of favorites. Their mixed media compositions are done with such vibrant colors and subject matter. May have to add to my artwork collection!

i-(can get really irritated with my) phone

2008-01-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves their i-phones. Yes, they are cool and you can carry your calendar, music, email ability, photos, and more on your phone. So why do I feel like the only one who has constant issues of freezing screens and 'unable to download' messages. Special thanks goes out to the awesome guy in Apple's call center in Idaho for taking 2 PATIENT HOURS to help me clear up the glitches and get restore and update my phone. Wish I coulda bought him a nice Venti at Starbucks.

New Year - New Crafts

2008-01-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

Ooooh...resin. I saw this bangle in the Best of Craftster 2007.

Created by Vicious Edge, who also makes fun pendants, it's hot. Makes me want to learn how to work with resin. Every time I watch the crafters on TV work with resin they use ventilation masks. Just not into toxicity. I love seeing what people do with the stuff, though. I need to remind myself to focus - use what I have....right.

Oh, and I had my first cookie. Not as bad as I expected. Not too sweet. I don't like sweet.

New Year's Resolution #2 - Cookies!

2008-01-05T21:12:00.000-05:00

Not good cookies, mind you. The gross cookies - the Cookie Diet. Yes, I am succumbing to a fad diet for a short term fix - a jump start of sorts. Very health conscious and anti-diet, but - darn-it, my pants are snug and uncomfortable and I have occasions to dress up in the coming weeks and don't even want to attempt to try on what is in my closet (nor do I want to go shopping for something new to wear.) So I am going to the mall to get a one week supply of Dr. Siegel's Cookie Diet. See if I survive a week. Six cookies a day plus one meal of lean protein and veggies. Ick.

Did I mention my kids have been on vacation for two weeks. Two weeks of eating bagels, baking holiday cookies, eating holiday food (my husband makes THE BEST stuffing!) and we capped it off yesterday with three days in Orlando at Universal! Oh, we have a family celebratory birthday dinner tomorrow at a very nice Italian restaurant. Monday - cookies. I may have to complain on the blog about the diet, who else is gonna listen?

New Year's Resolution #1

2008-01-05T21:08:00.000-05:00

I resolve to sell stuff this year. Craft more - peruse the blogs/etsy/websites less (maybe a little less). Craft with the intention to sell (not keep everything!) I have amassed a great craft room full of supplies for creating fabulous jewelry, collage, mosaics, sewn and stuffed items, felted items, and more. Next fall - craft shows!

Happy New Year - 2008

2007-12-30T22:32:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2008!

(cute graphic found on flickr)
This year went by so quickly. My son even said so (who knew he even paid attention!) Feeling like I should do a retrospective. But not now. Company from the Northeast just left. Loved spending time with fabulous friends, and fortunately for them Florida had the best weather I ever remember on a Christmas vacation! We joined them at a pool or beach everyday! Floridians don't do that, especially in December. And the crowds of tourists in swimming pools bring out the inner princess in me. All I could think is: Eeeewwww! We all had a nice time. And I prepare for a mellow New Year's Eve. Best wishes all!

Holidaze

2007-12-19T23:15:00.001-05:00

I need these.
But enough about me.

My dining room looks like a paper and ribbon blizzard. I have successfully shopped for and wrapped all of the gifts for the teachers, coaches, instructors, etc.. My kids will tote them off to school tomorrow (how, I don't know). That should clear off a large portion of the table. I finished the handmade gifts to my friends (the pendants came out nice - check out the last post.) The last minute cookies and secret santa gifts were handled calmly. No more homework for a few weeks. That signals vacation - hurray!

Good thing, since there was a double murder in the parking lot of our local giant mall. (cue the SNL Debbie Downer wah, wah). Freakin' creepy. Nice way to spoil the holidays. My husband told me I can't go to the mall by myself or with the kiddies alone for a while. Thank heavens for online shopping and my craft room!

The Elf in Art Class

2007-12-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

This crafty mommy has been one busy little elf in my jewelry fabrication class. As anyone who makes jewelry (or other things) knows the problem one has shopping at mass merchandisers. You see things and say "I can make that." The key is whether or not you actually find the time to do so. While not everyone on my holiday gift list will appreciate a handcrafted item or not be worthy of the time spent to create one, there are recipients who will hopefully cherish and enjoy one.

My friend and I created three sterling cuffs with a cool impressed texture. We gave them to the gals this morning over coffee and they were well received and looked great on. We're so proud (corny, too.)

While my girlfriend has decided she has had enough of art school for now, I am continuing so I can learn how to make the designs in my head come into reality, not to mention how to do the techniques on the fabulous pieces I see at stores and in cataogs. Today, however, was spent on more gifts.

While the lighting in the photos is awful, you can see I created the initial M cut out of silver and strung with silver and pearls. The finish on the pendant is a brushed satin. It looks great on - I hope she likes it!

Virtual Hide and Seek - Games at Dinner

2007-12-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

We played virtual hide and seek at dinner tonight. My twelve year old son came up to me later and said we had some good family game time. Yes, cool-guy, pre-teen approval! If you are a busy family who struggles to get together a few times a week for an uninterrupted dinner then you want to add this to your holiday list.

Dinner Games is a tin of cards - you pick one and do the activity/game on that card. Tonight we took turns thinking of a hiding place in the house and others had to guess (we wrote our thoughts down so we couldn't cheat). We had a lot of laughs and best of all we stayed at the table past being finished for some great family time. A good gift idea!

Yuck - I went to the mall

2007-12-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

I braved the crowds and found time to put off the inevitable at this time of year. Yes, I wish I could have pledged to buy handmade but I need to be realistic. I am in South Florida, mecca of "shiny and new". Some friends are getting handmade (by myself and others), but others are getting store bought/mail ordered.

I left myself less time to shop, arriving later than I expected, so I have to go again.

Every time my son needs new sneakers are asks for the exact same ones that he wore out/out grew, they are discontinued and I now have to take him shopping to try on sneakers. eek.

Anthropologie opened up at our local mall last month. I do like the store but I get the feeling that it is so mass produced masquerading as indie/handmade. Example: Flower necklaces made out of the cute vintage plastic flowers (are theirs vintage?) like the ones I use for my bracelets. Only they had a rack with 15 identical necklaces. hmmm. In their case of more unique jewelry they had a few bracelets like the ones I have using vintage findings and pieces of jewelry mixed with new. Lots of people create similar things. But for sale at $298.00?!?! I did pick up a hostess gift for a neighbor.

I still need a birthday gift for my step-father-in-law who is turning 80.

I also need to add some photos to my posts. How about this:

via cute overload. I love this site. I have it sent to my phone so I can amuse myself with cutie photos in carpool line.

Reader Pixx on IndieFixx

2007-12-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

Check out my top ten Reader Pixx list on Indie Fixx!!! As you know (or do now) I had the best time at the Felt Club XL show in LA last month. I submitted my favorite vendors in no particular order to Jen at Indie Fixx and she posted them as her weekly Reader Pixx column.

Indie Fixx is a daily, must-read blog with great indie finds, interviews with artists, and more.

Sunshine and Holiday Boutiques

2007-12-02T21:53:00.000-05:00

I hate the pressure of holiday shopping. There are some that I can make great gifts for (my friend and I are hard at work on three textured, silver cuff bracelets for our gal pals). Teachers, neighbors and other small gifts are on the list. Toys need to be sent to the niece and cousins. Thank heavens for online shopping. I just need to sit down and do it.

I was forced to attend a bunch of holiday boutiques in the last few weeks. For heavens sake, they all had over lapping vendors. They each had at least half a dozen trying to get me to order personalized notepads from the same catalog the rep! And the most pathetic jewelry ever. (copies of designer jewelry and handbags make me want to vomit).

It is over 80 degrees and sunny here. Two and a half hours on the soccer field and watching my kids swim today reinforced my tan arms. I heard it snowed a few inched in New Jersey. Happy shopping!

Great Gallery and Store in South Florida

2007-11-28T22:42:00.000-05:00

If you live in South Florida or are one of the many inhabitants of cold weather locales and migrate south to defrost and get sun during the winter, you must visit Tates Comics in Lauderhill
. I finally ventured down to the store, which is just west of Fort Lauderdale, hoping to pick up a few little holiday gifts for my cool little guy. I didn't expect the sheer awesomeness of the store! As the name implies, there is a vast amount of comics (which I know nothing about) and everything related to comics. It had every action figure related to any comic. Manga. Amazing books (I love cool books!) Collectible vinyl and blind box figures. Funky plush. And a large selection of Japanese snacks (the have snack tasting events - how cool is that?!) And videos. The owners are so friendly and knowledgeable - I asked to see if they had an obscure action figure that my son wanted and they did. And when I talked to him a little bit about my guy and his interests he steered me to a new Godzilla DVD that will be a big hit at the holidays!

Upstairs is the Bear and Bird gallery. They have art show and carry unique gift items and artist-made jewelry. There happened to be a show going on called Small Stuff - small scale artwork from both local and national artists that were available for purchase and affordable.

I finished my holiday shopping for my son at Tates and was able to find some terrific gifts for others, too. Did I mention the Tara McPherson Dunny that I bought for myself for my living room mantle?

Shameless Self Promotion

2007-11-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

I am obsessed with these vintage plastic flower beads. I have a little box of them and I like to play with them and make color and design combinations.

I created these bracelets - one in shades of blue and the other in oranges and ambers (with a touch of hunter). I have a red one, too, but I can't part with it. These two are in my Etsy shop.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2007-11-25T23:16:00.000-05:00

First, let me say that I love my mother dearly. She is wonderful, a terrific grandmother. I had a good, normal childhood. No major issues that carried into adulthood. My parents are married for 42 years. I am grateful that she is healthy and was able to host my family for the annual dinner this year. My father is happy and loves their traditional dinner.

That being said....

Plus a turkey, of course. And we picked up some pies at the bakery. I was going to bake on of my oatmeal crust low fat apple pies but I thought the effort would be lost. My husband gets nuts over this over usage of processed foods.

More Craft Show Finds!

2007-11-25T22:48:00.000-05:00

I was only able to mention some of the finds from Felt Club's Holiday XL craft show in L.A. on the 18th. I shared my plush finds and some goodies I brought home for my kids. I had a blast shopping for myself, naturally, and snapped up some terrific pieces of jewelry to adorn myself this holiday season!

I just adored the jewelry and artist at J-is for Jewelry! There are two designers who create very different styles but equally fabulous! One artist creates silver and colorful enamel pieces, of which I bought these two necklaces (one for me and one for a gift, so if my friends are reading this and you receive one, act surprised).

I had my eye on a ring but my big size 8 fingers couldn't fit into any of them. The artist prefers to do rings to order so they fit properly so I plan to have one made special!

The other artist creates pendants with little, tiny dioramas inside. I saw her on HGTV's Crafter's Coast to Coast (I tivo all the craft shows, zip through them, and keep the ones I like.) I remember being fascinated by the process of getting little people and animals to stay in the resin. When I saw them in person I just had to have one for my self. (Since taking the jewelry class I have an even greater appreciation for the work that goes into creating pieces of unique art jewelry.) I chose this zebra pendant.

My photos don't do this justice. You have to check them out yourself!

The Paparazzi in Me!

2007-11-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

While in L.A. I got my fair dose of celebrity sightings. Living in South Florida we get our fair share of celebrity visits,condo stays and club sightings (and don't forget the charity circuit 'cause the Donald lives nearby sometimes). L.A. is the primary home of movie and t.v. stars so they are everywhere. We got to see Robert Redford and John Travolta driving around the fancy neighborhoods (yes, I took one of those tours.) Paris and Nikki Hilton at the famous Mr. Chows for dinner and Larry King and his favorite breakfast place (which was really yummy). In my face after lunch one day was Melanie Griffith. I saw the paparazzi swarming the door of a dress shop and walked over to see who they were bothering. Out walks Melanie Griffith, who had obviously been hunting for a gown. I almost got knocked over by the photographers but snapped this photo myself.

She was actually very nice to the swarm of rude photographers surrounding her from the shop to her car - which by the way has the license plate MG-AB (heart where the dash is) showcasing the love of her gorgeous husband, Antonio Banderas. How cute is that!?

How is it the holidays already?

2007-11-25T22:31:00.000-05:00

I went out of town with the family this weekend again, only to realize that it is basically Christmas - well the season in full swing, anyway. On Thanksgiving Day the lights were being hung everywhere and trees were for sale. I know the ornaments and gifts have been in stores fora while already but I ignore that, seeing that Halloween starts in August. I am just not mentally prepared for the season to begin. I feel like school just started. Naturally I have given no thought to cards and parties. I have started making and buying little gifts but that is a constant thing. Christmas music was playing in the restaurant at dinner tonight. Gotta start shopping! Gotta get in the spirit! But I want to talk about my trip to L.A. and Thanksgiving first!

Crafty Mommy Shops L.A.

2007-11-21T19:27:00.000-05:00

For the first few days in Los Angeles, while exploring all of the different fabulous areas like Melrose, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Beverly Hills, my husband kept asking me why I wasn't buying anything. I let him know that I like to buy things that I can't find at home and that nobody else will have. And certainly not emblazoned with the store name across the chest or sneaker. I told him to wait until Sunday and he'll stop asking. He went to the Automobile show, I went to the Felt Club Holiday XL craft show. I want to share some of my favorite finds and terrific people I met along the way.

I was first on a quest for things to bring home to my kids. For one son, that meant something stuffed. I was excited to meet Narumi Ogawa, author of the Mr. Funky Super Crochet Wonderful book. The very first amigurumi I crocheted was Sebastian from her book.

I promised her I would post his photo for her! I purchased an owl for myself along with this stuffed donut from My Paper Crane.

A bear came home from Hotdog N' Bun - each bear seemed to have a unique personality so I had to choose carefully. I always seem to go with the chubby ones. Must have something to do with all of the cupcakes I ate!

My son's favorite item from the entire trip was the slug monkey from Planet Tokki.

(This photo is from their adorable gallery - I haven't been able to take ours away from my kid long enough to photograph him. It snuck to school with him each day in his backpack!)
Each creature has a story told on a little booklet that came with him. If it is a little odd, my son loves it. This one was a big hit!

L.A. Goodness!

2007-11-19T12:57:00.000-05:00

I am back from L.A. and had the best time!!! We certainly packed a lot into 5 days. I had not been to Southern Cal. in many years so it was basically all new to me. We had fabulous food, did some shopping, poked around the beach communities like true tourists, took in some art, and did some star gazing (of the famous kind - Paris and her sister, Robert Redford, Melanie Griffith and more!).

We dined everywhere from Wolfgang Pucks restaurants and the famous Ivy to great little sushi restaurants and artisan cupcake shoppes. I need a good diet now.

My husband was surprised that I wasn't getting much shopping done - after all, it is L.A. I tried to explain that I would never buy what I can get at home or what everyone else would wear. He dropped me off at the Felt Club Holiday XL craft show (and he went to the L.A. Auto show, where I wouldn't have the patience to go.) When he came to pick me up a couple of hours later I was laden with bags! Stuff to bring back for the kids, my friends, holiday gifts. Oh, and me!! I'll share my finds at a later post. I have too jet lag and am too tired to sleep, if that makes sense. I am not focused enough to upload photos and give proper credit to the many crafters and artisans that I met.

Let me say that I do think that the people I met in Los Angeles are the friendliest! The guys and gals in the shops and restaurants (and next sitting next to us in restaurants)_ we so nice! We got the best tips on things to do and places to go from them. So thanks to everyone I encountered in L.A. - you are fabulous!

Art School Happenings

2007-11-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

Nothing like instant gratification when it comes to jewelry making. Some of the gals in my art school jewelry fabrication class spend an entire 6 week session working on the same piece of jewelry (of course they are fabulous!). What separates me from the true jewelry artists is my desire to wear the stuff home from class! Today while my friend and I played with various texturing mediums for holiday gifts for our friends I worked on my own prototype. I used a sterling silver sheet (I feel brave enough to work with the good stuff and graduate from the copper and brass)and created a thin, hammered bracelet. By the end of class we had found the right texture for our bracelets (wire mesh) and I have a pretty addition to my ever-growing accessory drawers.

Not a great photo, but you can get an idea of the fun I have each Thursday. And don't you just love my Cathy of California pincushion in the background?)

Smart Cars

2007-11-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

How cute are these?

We snapped photos of these smart cars all over Italy last year. They are now in the USA and were set up in a display outside our local mall for curious folks to check 'em out and drive them around the parking lot. I would save a bundle on gas but don't think I'd fit the cello inside.

While I am in L.A.

2007-11-06T22:41:00.000-05:00

Dare I tell my husband what my plans are while I am in L.A.? I don't know if he shares my passion for peacefully perusing the aisles of the handmade, indie, slightly offbeat craft shows making chit chat with very friendly vendors (of course I havent' been to many like this!!) Felt Club's Holiday XL show just happens to be when I will be in California.

Maybe I'll just have him drop me off and come back a few hours later. I already have one of those fold up extra bags to add to my luggage on the return flight.

Sooo Tired from being the Crafty Mommy

2007-11-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

Soo tired. Lost my voice. Fell asleep with my kid at 9 (I am NEVER asleep before midnight!) It was the Halloween parties. The progressive dinner. The birthday parties. I mentioned the Halloween parties. We had a group from the school's progressive dinner over. It was terrific. The overall theme was 'Back to School' and each entree house had a different school subject. Ours was 'Oceanography'. I decorated the table with inexpensive curtain panels in sheer aqua blue (one with sparkly circles that looked like bubbles.) These were found in the teenage girl room decorating section of my local Kmart! I had some glass bowls that I re-use from flower arrangements past and filled them with water and goldfish from my local pet store (my son has happily welcomed Freddy, Jason, and Jaws into our home as newest pet additions!). I filled tall glass votive holders with shells from my large collection of Sanibel island treasures and had a lovely table. Where are the photos you ask. This crafty mommy didn't think to take any.

The very next day my son had nearly a dozen of his pre-teen sports buddies over to play football, watch the Patriots, eat pizza and Carvel cake and generally wreck the house. Oh yes, I am a good mom. A tired mom - but a good one.

Art School Creations

2007-11-01T22:16:00.000-04:00

I am loving my jewelry fabrication class at the local museum art school. It is such a fun and relaxing way to spend a half a day. I am learning so much and the people in the class are terrific! One of the ladies makes butter soft leather bags with large set stones. The embellishments are set in hand crafted silver and hand riveted in. They are gorgeous. Today I finished my copper owl pendant. I decided to learn how to etch and had left it in an acid bath at the end of last weeks class. I polished it today and think it is very cute. I have some copper chain that I will add some small glass beads to. Here is the finished piece:

The image isn't that clear because I took it on my iphone (I am not a big lover of the iphone but when your camera isn't handy or working the phone fills in just fine.)
Now that I am comfortable with soldering, drilling, torches, and acid I will move on to silver. I have a blank sheet just waiting for the saw to create something unique and hand made by me!

[Finally] November

2007-11-01T22:07:00.000-04:00

It is November, which means that Halloween is over. I can (sort of) have my house back. Or at least not have it make eerie sounds from the many electronic decorations scattered throughout. Halloween starts very early (my younger son would have decorations out in August, when the first catalogs came, if he had his way. By Halloween I have had it with web and rubber rats. This does mean that all of the other holidays are coming upon us rapidly. More decorations!

We have to get Halloween outta here tomorrow. Saturday night we had our arms twisted into hosting 12 people for one of the entree legs of our school's progressive dinner. I love theme parties very much, but I am overwhelmed with the number of parties, holidays, birthdays, etc.. that we are having over here. The checkout ladies at the grocery store thank me by saying "see you tomorrow" (this is true.) The progressive dinner theme is a "Back to School" or college theme and each entree house has a different school subject. We are 'oceanography' (seafood dinner). I have my round glass bowls out and instead of flowers will put goldfish in them for the table decor (my children are thrilled to have even more pets) and candle holders filled with shells. Simple. And no web.

Halloween Party

2007-10-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

OK, it was for 8 year olds, but we had a great time. My son has been asking me for a Halloween party for the last few years (he has always had and obsession with this holiday). This year I succumbed and let him make invitations. Almost twenty kids attended his 'First Annual Spookfest'> My house looks pretty cool - and my son did most of the planning and decorating. Old masks, costumes and decor created creepy guests in the living room and around the dining room table.

We served Halloween shaped sugar cookies with frosting, icing, and other decorating toppings for a DIY snack; 'finger' sandwiches (turkey on whole wheat bread shaped into fingers with an almond finger nail); jello mold brain; fruit kabobs stuck into a pumpkin with gummy worms;

and a cake that my son decorated on his own. We sliced the cake in half and tucked some gummy worms inside before frosting. He used Milano cookies as tombstones. This crafty mommy has one crafty son!

This was a kind of old fashioned party. The kids ran around like lunatics, we had some Halloween and skull beads on a table to make necklaces and bracelets, and we had a mummy wrapping contest. We'd better start thinking ahead to the Second Annual Spookfest!

Rockin' T-shirts

2007-10-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

I love funky t-shirts. It's another way that I manifest my immature adult side. (Not that wearing t-shirts are immature, it's the japanese cute or grotesque monster ones that make the other moms look at me strange - but you know I don't care. And they wish they had them.) Owl Movement creates limited, artist designed t-shirts that are so fabulous! They have create series of high quality tees whose designs run from the strange (my monsters) to the cute (diving playpus) to the simple (pair of owls). I discovered them at the Stitch Rock craft show and have visited their website to start planned my holiday shopping.

How Cool is This Bird?

2007-10-25T21:58:00.001-04:00

This hawk is just chillin' on the rocks around my hot tub. It seems the local wildlife adapts to the suburban sprawl in style.

Lament of the Swapper

2007-10-25T21:50:00.000-04:00

You may know I have participated in swaps in the past, often through Craftster. I love crafter and am often too lazy or unorganized to photograph and list a craft to sell. Or perhaps it is too 'handmade' (I admit to being a bit self depreciating and feeling that my handmade items should always look very professionally crafted. Yes, I know slight imperfections add to personality and the aura of handmade authenticity. It is my problem.) Swapping with other crafters let me make stuff to give away and I get something from a like minded individual, or so one hopes. I have received some incredible things in the past. One of my favorite weekender bags (that are day bags for big-bag me) came from a sewing swap. I have received cute pin cushions, hand bound journals, and collage supplies. My most recent swap, however, seems it may be a disappointment. I signed up to do a swap, received the gal's info., received a very nice email from her, and never heard back or got a reply from my emails. And I put together such a nice package for her. Oh well, you swap some you lose some. Anyone out their collect opera things?

Go Sox!

2007-10-24T21:30:00.001-04:00

Searching for Halloween Treats

2007-10-21T20:12:00.000-04:00

I am insane and allowing my son to host a Halloween party for his friends next Sunday. My house is full of dust/residue from the decorate netting and web that we purchased at the Spirit Halloween store. Is that stuff healthy to breath in I wonder? Hopefully the kids will be retro enough to play some games like pin the nose on the pumpkin and bobbing for apples (or biting them from a hanging string so I don't have to worry about the wet costumes and mess. Some parents are just not that cool about letting their kids get messy these days.) Need snacks. Need snacks other than popcorn in rubber gloves and peanut butter crackers with pretzel stick legs to make spiders. Finger sandwiches (something to be shaped like a finger?) I have been looking for something creative - the Make/Craft Halloween edition had amazing group of cakes with white chocolate 'ribs' that are way too sophisticated for 7 and 8 year olds and where I live the parents don't generally eat cake in public. Direct me, please, or I will be forced to shape rice krispy treats into pumpkins. Need ice cream now.....

Too Cute

2007-10-21T20:07:00.000-04:00

During my typical blog-surfing procrastination time, I am often lured to Cute Overload. Being a pet lover I love seeing the cutesy little bunnies and puppies. This weekend they had the funniest cartoon animation video listed under "Caturday" of a cat trying to wake up it's owner. Check it out if you like the animal stuff. Here's my cute:

Procrastination (Sing it with me!)

2007-10-17T22:59:00.000-04:00

I have too many things coming up here in the coming weeks - a bunch of families coming over for a dinner party/get together, a Halloween party that my 8 year old decided to throw, and a leg of a progressive dinner for my children's' school. I have made no plans for any of this. I need to come up with creative snacks and entertainment for a bunch of energetic, sugar laden, Halloween-hyped kids and a lovely seafood dinner for a dozen adults. I sat down on the computer for divine online inspiration and found these cute measuring spoons by Beehive Kitchenware on Poppytalk.

How is this going to help me with my entertaining plans? It's not. They are just cute. And I am procrastinating and surfing the creative websites linking each other for my own enjoyment. No Halloween or seafood recipes here. The spoons do help the cooks. I will be baking my low fat oatmeal cookie crust apple pie for my friends - I just have to find the time to shop and bake in between my art class, substitue teaching Spanish to first graders and shuttling my kids everywhere in the afternoons. I am procrasinating again. Time to find that recipe for dipped pretzel sticks that look like fingers.....

That Seventies Thing - Halloween Style!

2007-10-14T22:28:00.000-04:00

My father emailed me this photo today. He has put all of his old photos on CDs so he can pull out random and entertaining pictures easily. He thinks I was around 7 years old when it was taken. Are you digging my costume? And the bag I used to trick or treat with?! Flower power!

My kids think this scene is hilarious. The low tech costume baffles them. Yes, boys, our costumes were cheap plastic masks, easily cracked, and secured around your head with nothing but a piece of elastic threaded through the sides. We peaked out of little eye holes and breathed through little nose and mouth holes. The body costume was a mere printed sack. They all came in colorful little boxes. I wish I still had that weird looking bunny costume in it's cardboard box - it would be worth something today.
(side note...wasn't my mother's car sweet? I wish I had that, too!)

Fine, Fabulous Serving Pieces

2007-10-13T08:17:00.000-04:00

For those of you who regularly read blogs, isn't it amazing how you cruise from one site to another and find the most interesting things by clicking the links you see? I have found some of the coolest things by doing this!

I landed at the Reform School site by clicking around, and knowing they are in Los Angeles, decided to explore. I found these most incredible serving pieces by Lorena Barrezueta. Made of porcelain and painting in colors that look like they'd coordinate with anything, they are created to look like take out containers and pie tins! I can re-serve the various side dishes that I purchase at Whole Foods in the little compartmented take out container in a fancy one that looks like it!

Timmie has arrived!

2007-10-09T22:17:00.001-04:00

Or I should say "Timmies" because there are two. I have been admiring the cute work of MPatrizio, especially her little green crocheted tadpoles called Timmie. They are numbered and it seems adopted by people who treat them very well and take them on trips. The artist has a Timmie flickr pool where photos of trips and adventures can be posted. My son, who I often mention is a creative kid who loves stuffed animals, had a little stuffed alien from NYC that he wanted to photograph in various locations on our trip there. I showed him the Timmie flickr photos and he HAD to have a Timmie and take pictures. We had to wait a bit but the Timmies finally arrived this past week (yes, I got one for myself). Timmie is taken everywhere! He is well fed (we love the little Japanese Rement mini foods!) and even has his own set of wheels! He is snuck in my sons backpack and we made him his own felt backpack for his maps and things.

I think I buy my kids all of these cute and cool things because I really want them for myself.

Stitch Rock Rocked!

2007-10-07T09:37:00.000-04:00

The first indie craft show was held in my area yesterday and it was so much fun! Held in a real vintage former school gymnasium, the event was sold out at 40 vendors. It received some good press and when I arrived about an hour and a half after the doors opened it was pretty crowded. Attendees seemed to be a mix of the cool, hip young adults that are familiar with the indie scene (that included the friend that I invited along) along with folks that wanted to check out new and different craft show. It was overwhelming to see all of the creative offerings from the artists and crafters at their booths. Lots of fun jewelry, vintage and created-from-vintage clothing, t-shirts, soaps and cosmetics, vegan doggie treats, collaged tables, artwork, handbags and more! And very popular cupcakes. I got to meet a fellow Etsyfest member (many of the vendors had etsy stores)and I discovered there was not one but two awesome stores in the Fort Lauderdale area that sell the funky things I like to collect. I will be visiting the Pink Ghost and Tates very soon. Tates has a boutique and gallery upstairs called Bear and Bird. They have art shows regularly. I picked up some of the new little Munny's that were at their booth. I realized when I left that I was so overwhelmed with the interesting assortment (and my ever popular thoughts that "I can make that") that I didn't buy that much.

My friend and I each bought a tshirt from Owl Movement. They print artist tees and they are awesome. We had a hard time choosing. Given the month we are in, I chose a kinda cute monster tee. I also visited the Pink Ghost booth and picked up a cute pink plushie (I think it came from Australia. I can't remember. The plushie just wanted to come home with me.) I picked my son up a little ugly doll on a clip for his backpack. My friend picked up this little hat reminiscent of a ladies hat from the 1940's. I'll have to sift through the cards I picked up to see where she got it. When the weather cools a bit she will look totally hip when she pairs it with a black blazer out on the town. She can pull this off (I don't think I can.) I might have to step up my jewelry and stuffie production a bit and get a booth next year. My friend really wants me too as well. She wants to be part of the scene. Who can blame her. Creativity was in the air (as was the smell of cupcakes) and everyone was so nice!

California, here I come!

2007-10-03T22:29:00.000-04:00

My husband has (kinda) surprised me with a getaway to Los Angeles, CA! I haven't been there since I was 20, working at a conference for two weeks with very little free time and even less money. Needless to say I am very excited. I have been online researching cool places to go. I was a little disappointed to find out the the Rose Bowl flea market won't fall on the weekend I will be there. Searching for craft shows did result in my discovery that Felt Club's Holiday show will be there! I'm going to have to get the details and go - so many indie crafters that I see in the cyber crafty world will be there. My search will continue for the next month. Any suggestions?

Indie cool seeps into the bubble

2007-09-30T22:54:00.000-04:00

South Florida seems far removed from the big cities and urban areas where indie crafts and design is prevalent and 'going green' is tops. Things are often shiny and new, what is 'in' and what everyone is wearing. I shop mostly when I travel as to not see myself coming and going. Perhaps things are about to change.

This coming weekend there is an independent craft show called Stitch Rock. It is on Saturday, October 6th in Delray Beach and is going to feature various indie crafters. There are 40 vendors signed up - a sellout for the organizers. I found them on Indiepublic and hadn't seen any PR until this Friday when there was a writeup in Sun Sentinel newspaper. I am glad to see South Florida going beyond the basics of dried flower arrangements and beachy painted pottery too often found at the weekend craft shows in season.

Saturday there was a long article also in the Sun Sentinel about Ikea Hackers - artists, crafters and DIYers that use Ikea furniture and accessories to create other things - a table into a guitar, a shower curtain into a dress, etc.. The article featured the founder of Etsy who used a few Ikea chairs as a table base. The article was run because Ikea is opening here next month (hurray). I was happy to see the indie, DIY culture - and Etsy - highlighted here.

I have yet to put myself together enough to have a strong business identity and enough product to sell at a show (although I would eventually like to.) I am looking forward to going up to Delray next Saturday afternoon to shop. And I'll share my local indie craftiness that I find with you!

Things I learned in art class (and other thoughts)

2007-09-27T17:40:00.000-04:00

I had art class today - jewelry fabrication. Love it! The teacher is a most accomplished jewelry artist and has created fabulous pieces. The class is beginner through intermediate so there are some wonderful women with a bit of experience who share their tips. I created a brass bail for my copper and brass pendant and soldered on after a lot of sanding and filing to get in flat. We had a snafu trying to soak the copper off of the brass (or was it vice versa). My top piece had started to lift. I had to re-solder (with the instructors help.) I have a new found appreciation for why hand made jewelry cost so much. The time put into each piece! While I was waiting for my turn for assistance I practiced sawing and made all sorts of cute copper and brass shapes and hammered and textured them. They'll end up in a random charm bracelet I am sure. We learned how to use the polishing and buffing tools. Next class I will finish my piece and start a ring.

I found this great jewelry artist on Etsy. Rachel Sudlow creates pieces that are along the lines of what I am learning, so I really appreciate her work! Check out these necklaces!

I have been finding the greatest blogs and tutorials lately. I find myself up way past midnight sitting on my tush going from one great read to another. I love to see what others read and find, don't you?!

I have a large assortment of pets and get a kick our of the daily pictures sent from Cute Overload. Hamsters, dogs, hedgehogs and more - all so stinkin'cute!

Halloween is about to overtake my house beginning Sunday. My son is obsessed by Halloween and we decorate to the max. The stuff is in storage during the year (he had actually wanted to decorate his room in Halloween permanently. I said no.) My rule is no decorations before October 1st. So he looked at the calendar and announced we must go on Sunday afternoon. I'll be tripping over spider webs and bones.