Sandra Evertson

Snips and Snails...

2012-01-06T10:16:00.021-06:00

And puppy dog tails.... Meet Herr Wolfgang!

He is the newest member of our little family. In the two images above he is only 4 weeks old and weights about 1 lb.

Here he is at 8 weeks old. He is a teeny, munchkin (2 lb) lavender Chihuahua with blue green eyes.

He has a sweet disposition but very mischievous. A highly aware, smart and curious little guy.

Here he is with his big (4lb) sister Julliette... he's learning so much from her, like how to cheat us out of treats!

They are just getting to know each other.

He is now 11 weeks old and adjusting to his new home and family really well and I think he is quite content here with us.

Don't they look like bookends?! Julliette is being as patient as she can with him and all of his excessive puppy energy,

she even lets him cuddle a bit when he finally settles down!

Alexandria, our 2 year old Bengal is loving having a new playmate, she is a bundle of romping energy too! They run through the house playing chase and sound like a herd of elephants!

I love this shot of little "Wolfie" it really expresses his true inner personality, happy, fun loving, a tad bit reckless and jolly... a real easy going little rascal sort!

I don't think there is anything sweeter than a baby Chihuahua, yes my fur babies are my idea of Heaven!

Feliz Navidad!

2011-12-24T19:03:00.009-06:00

Prospero ano y felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

from the bottom

of my

heart!

Tuesday Morning Experiments

2011-11-29T10:28:00.014-06:00

After a big Thanksgiving dinner with all the relatives my crystal always needs a good cleaning.

I am experimenting with a new solution mixture...

giving it a serene soaking in a tepid bubble bath.

Doesn't it look like a magical under sea lost city? So beautiful and I imagine peaceful there...

Aren't we lucky humans to be able to conjure up any dream we might imagine, and then believe it into being!

Ah, my sparkling land of enchantments is beckoning... come for a lovely visit!

I think I'll do a little traveling today and go for a hike on that far away pristine peak with the diamond window!
Disclaimer: the above post is the result of a happily overactive imagination....

Grateful Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T12:27:00.003-06:00

There are SO many things I am grateful for this particular year...

And so I would like to make note of a very special one,
I am thankful for the opportunity to share an ongoing, active creative life with all of you!
Be sure you take time this holiday season to celebrate your own artistic gifts and unique insights.
Wonderful Thanksgiving wishes to all!

Pumpkinification!

2011-10-24T17:18:00.029-05:00

When it feels like the world

has gone stark raving mad...

the best thing I can do for myself is to sit down at my work table,

gather together some long collected goodies and create a little fantasy.

First things first... I needed a rather large mouse to pull my pumpkin coach. An old rubber cats toy painted and be-whiskered to make him appear more realistic. He is held in harness by a sturdy antique booked metal picture hanging chain.

Tarnished brass Victorian dresser pulls, an old sterling studded bracelet attached to a beautifully monogrammed gold watch fob create the coach roof, along with a few scattered vintage enameled green leaves that once made up a 60's brooch.

Lots of painted gold german paper dresden to trim out windows and doors and such!

Teeny tiny metal hinges held in by even teenier metal nails... it's always a thrill for me to finally find a use for some odd little item I've held on to.

It's a very fulfilling moment when I find just the right spot for a bit or bobble I've saved for years and years knowing it must be "perfect" for "something" or other... and suddenly there it is, thats where it was meant to go all along, ahhhh pure satisfaction!

And lets see we still need wheels, I remember I bought a kitschy vintage lamp I'll steal my tires from that, it's cactus wood and they really do roll! Bits of baling wire twisted and twirled into shape become some fancy spinning spokes.

An antique porcelain coachman in a yellow jacket and red trimmed tri corn hat at your service, watch your step... mind the gap!

A seat from which to steer sits high and atop.

Scraps of moss tucked here and there.

Upholstery tacks, thumb tacks and lots of wire and glue... to hold it all together.

Gourds and acorns gathered from Fall's first harvest...

I don't think there is anything in this world more wonderfully plump and orange than a pumpkin!

I defy you to feel anything but cheerful when you see one, much less a whole entire patch of them,

delight of delights and tastes good too!

I had so much fun imagining and creating my little pumpkin carriage.

Was it real or imagined, as it rides off into the sunset. I think both.

If you don't create your own visions and dreams, then who will?!
Enjoy your Halloween trix or treating!!

Halloween Slithers In... & a Winner!

2011-10-17T13:38:00.014-05:00

Tis the season, no not the red and green one, the orange and black one!

Fall is my favorite time of the year.

And Halloween is such a fun way to celebrate it's entrance.

Halloween is the perfect blend of sugars and spices

and tricks and treats!

I love the way All Hallows Eve draws you in

with promises of tasty delights,

lulls you into complicity with its hypnotic spells,

then scares the living daylights out of you

with big, hairy, spooky things!

Come back real soon, I have a sweet concoction I'd like to share with you!
And Congrats to Jan Ely on winning a copy of the fab new mag MINGLE!

Do You Mingle? And a Worldwide GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-05T16:58:00.026-05:00

Mingle much?

Mingle now!

Mingle how?!

Do you Mingle?

Would you dare?

Want to try?

Then just dive in

and give it a go!

Trust me, you won't regret it!

As a matter of fact you'll wonder

how you ever lived without it!

Introducing yet another outstanding and unique publication by the incomparable Stampington & Company.

Mingle is a spectacular new magazine that explores fascinatingly creative ways of bringing friends and loved ones together.
Mingle will inspire you to fully realize and celebrate the important dates and even everyday moments in your life.

Discover how other's do it... and share the way you do it!

Just a few tasty tidbits to wet your appetite... and curl your toes!

Learn how to delve into a colorful new world of entertaining by creating a special Mingle moment of your very own.

So hurry, hurry tell all of your friends to mix and Mingle!

To help you get off to a tingling start I am sponsoring a Mingle magazine premier issue Worldwide Giveaway! Just leave a comment and you will be entered to win a free copy of Mingle, the newest jewel in Stampinton's creative crown. A winner will be picked on October 15th, just in time for a wonderful Halloween Treat! Good Luck!
You can click on the badge below to order a copy if you just can't wait!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2011-09-26T16:25:00.025-05:00

Wake up sleepyhead. Wake up happy!

Good Morning!

ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz...

I'm up...

Almost up...

Bright eyed and bushy tailed.

open open open OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN!

In cahoots.

Willing knobs to turn, doors to open...

Sunshine and frozen faces...

Squirrellio.

Squirrello cools off...

Fresh air and furry faces...

Four pounds of FFFfffierce!

Naturally twisted!

Peering through purple...

Just plain peering.

Twisted again...

My mouse barks!
I hope all of you have enjoyed your summer as much as we have!
All images via IPhone.

A Curious Love of Green

2011-08-29T18:54:00.013-05:00

Can an elephant hang from a cliff with his tail tied to a daisy? Does that statement evoke whimsical visions of a fanciful image? For me the mere mention of a certain word or a particular set of words all strung together can stir my emotions along with my imagination.

Even simple things like the names we have given to colors bring sights and sounds into clear view... I feel that most colors evoke emotions, some shout their presence, while others whisper and giggle to make you aware of themselves...

The color green is an especially tantalizing one. Did you know that the human eye is most sensitive to the color green and is able to discern the most shades of this color.

Green is life, fully and joyously abundant in nature signifying growth, renewal, health and the environment. Green has both a cooling and warming effect.

Green calls to my senses.... What does it look like? Emerald, chartreuse, forest, kelly, olive and pea!

What does it taste like? Key limes, Lima beans, lettuce and jello!

It smells like eucalyptus, pine, fresh grass, clean...

It sounds like Kermit, and it sounds extremely crunchy!

What does green feel like? Jealousy, envy, something newer and better as in pastures... it is safety, balance, harmony and stability. Green is honor, fertility, hope, virtue and beauty. It is an ecological movement, it is kinky and kooky and completely magical, it is Paradise!

A House into a Home

2011-07-20T14:37:00.037-05:00

Slow and steady,

bit by bit,

inch by inch

and piece by piece

a house is something

that you build.

A home is

a place that you create.

A house is manufactured

from wood

and nails

and bricks.

A home is made

of hopes

and dreams.

A house is built

on a solid substructure of

mortar and iron.

A home's foundation

is reinforced by

caring,

kindness,

and most of all love.

A house is a shelter

from nature's elements.

A home is your protection

from the sometimes overwhelming pressures

of the outside world,

your comforting refuge,

a safe sanctuary,

your carefree, easy and happy place!

VISUALS: My husband and I purchased this beautiful wooden Victorian house from a wonderful Etsy shop, it came in a box of what seemed like thousands of pieces, it took us three days to put it together but it sure was fun!

An Enchanted Chair

2011-05-31T17:14:00.048-05:00

I love and have always been fascinated by antiques, they all have many interesting stories to share. I realize however that you never really "own" an antique you simply become its caretaker for a period of time. In one hundred years it will rightfully and proudly grace someone else's home.

Being the romantic spirit that I am I also enjoy knowing I played a small hand in its eventual fate, that maybe some how I assisted it along in its travels throughout the ages. (I'll share a little secret with you at the end of this post)

Gorgeous... as you can see a 19th century hand carved birch painted Louis XVI beauty... it was certainly love at first sight the moment I laid eyes on it. This chair has journeyed across the seas and over continents, past centuries to fall into my fortunate and appreciative hands.

It arrived at my doorstep one day in a very large wooden crate packed in lots of soft excelsior, I nearly fainted when I finally saw it in person, a stout little frame full of dignity... dainty but strong, an authentic treasure if there ever was one, and the color, it still retains its original paint which can only be described as a luscious faint shade of "rain."

Now I ask you... Do you believe an inanimate antique object like say a locket, a house or even a chair in this case could actually carry with it its very own predestined fate?

That your chance encounter, having crossed paths with said object could alter and even help it to full fill and complete its journey properly just as destiny had always intended?!

This enchanted little chair has been in my possession for some time now, sitting naked... patiently waiting to be restored to its former glory and in a manner by which its pedigree deserves so that its original beauty will finally be rediscovered.

I actually had a very vivid dream one night in which my little chair called out to me... asking me to rescue her. She told me she had full confidence I would find just the right person who could do her justice.

She requested a master craftsman, most preferably one of her own nationality, insisting that in any other hands other than that of a highly gifted french artisan with a vast knowledge of historical restoration and a deep passion for his work she could easily fall into the most terrible of fates... that of mediocrity.

Here is where a bit of serendipity comes into play. I was walking my dog in our new neighborhood and came across a sign that read "Upholstery in Garage" as luck would have it within that unassuming building I passed by everyday,

the most capable and talented hands were waiting with remarkable credentials some of which include the finest workshop in Europe,

the Chateau de Versailles and Chateau de Fontainebleau to name a few.

You can see for yourself... the little chair coming back to to life before your very eyes,

restored to her former grandeur, astonishing perfection given to every detail,

every line and curve precisely followed, an unequivocal masterpiece,

a timeless beauty once again!

And about the secret I mentioned earlier,

as with all the art I create and the antiques I cherish,

I try to help them keep whatever noteworthy provenance they may already possess,

and add to it that which has occurred to the piece while in my possession.

I write out on a fine piece of parchment paper every fact I know about my item,

then discreetly tuck it in somewhere within my treasure

so that it may carry its past history

securely right along with it

forward into the future

with the hopes that

someday, some lucky person will happily find it

and they will in turn be able to reflect upon its past and appreciate its sheer beauty the way I do!

Thank you Eric Thoman for your brilliant upholstery work and thanks also to Veronique for sharing your "in progress" photos to add with my at home shots.
Here is the link to VE Thoman furniture upholstery in Austin, Texas, if you are any where local I highly recommend him! Also on another note be sure to check out their luxury dog beds, they are enough to make even Marie Antoinette swoon!
http://www.vethoman.com/upholsteryfurniture/chairs.html

Points of View

2011-05-06T13:47:00.014-05:00

We live in a significantly different world today, I believe our blue planet is essentially a very harmonious, beautiful and wondrous place.

I also feel that it is up to us, all of us... all of you especially the artists to search out, discover, expose and share with as many people as possible all the visual happiness and audible delights our world has to offer!

There is definitely more good in the world than bad and now its more important than ever to show the extraordinary splendor that surrounds us.

Despite a busy schedule, devote special time to express your artistic aspirations by whatever means necessary... through art, music, poetry, dance, sports, cooking, sewing, gardening and yes.... even joyful daydreaming!

Make definite, but remarkable efforts everyday in whatever small way you can to move forward with grace into love and beauty.

Progress with compassion, live in hope, unity and tranquillity.

Suffer less and give more by remembering that there are resoundingly beautiful places to be found in our hearts and in our souls.

The stars so politely share their sparkling light with us each and every night and so artists must continually share their works,

not only do we have a duty to ourselves but to others as well.

Echo your love in your art, our reward will be simply knowing we have left something positively wonderful to history!

Note: Did you see the tiny little Chihuahuas silhouette in the fifth photograph!

An Unusual Easter Bunny

2011-04-22T17:42:00.019-05:00

If on Sunday your Easter basket

is filled

with the wrong

sized eggs this year....

whether they be two sizes too small

or exceptionally extra large...

and if your Easter treats

happen to arrive a day or three late....

here is the reason why!

The Tea Cup Easter Bunny

is a

sleepy head,

you see

she was out late at a bunny party!

Sending Happy Easter Greetings to one and all!

Finding my Light

2011-04-13T21:21:00.011-05:00

We are all starting to settle into our new place...

Curious wonders are around every corner, like a neighbors cat that also sits in his window looking over at our girl Alex.

I take our monkey Julliette (she's really a Chihuahua, but don't try to tell her that) on long walks, checking out our new community,

we stumbled upon a giant old rose bush a few blocks away in a large clearing.

You could smell their sweet scent long before you could see them!

This magnificent specimen was at least seven feet tall and had the shape of a dancing waterfall as it swayed gently in the wind.

It was smothered in fat, fluffy, puffy pink blooms with deep purple centers... hundreds of

wild Texas roses created a most spectacular and welcoming display.

Back at home... everything is different, but mostly the same. I think we are going to love it here!
Home Sweet Home.

MAGIC REALM

2011-03-15T10:49:00.014-05:00

Does your life ever just get completely away from you, things get so busy you can't tell which is up and what is down?! I have a little confession to make... We moved into a beautiful new home, I'm very happy but swamped with many "To Do" lists! I'm in the midst of packing and unpacking and going absolutely bonkers... like when the movers came in and told me they couldn't fit our very large bookcase through the front door without removing the door jam...?!*%$#@&... What would you like us to do lady?!! I had to secretly retreat to the closet (which by the way is where my puppy & kitty where temporarily being held to keep them safe & out of harms way) thats where my husband found me sitting on the floor, having a cup of tea and murmuring to the cat and dog about the movers.

But.... I have found that there are moments of utter and true magic in all things! As I unwrapped and began placing items in their new spot, here and there, I casually sat an antique crystal fob down on top of a mirror momentarily while I went to search out some string with which to hang it... upon returning with said string my jaw dropped...

My eyes opened wide in disbelief and wonder at site that lay before me!

Thank you, I whispered to no one - or some one in particular, be it as it may... and ran to dig out my camera!

I guess sometimes all the planets align and magic happens right under our noses! Astonishing beauty and serenity is always there - hidden just slightly out of view - the light hits it just right, it sparkles at you and sings to you in tingles and twinkles and comes to life! Saying ... Hey! Look at me, Do you see me?!

See me! I did see...
Yes, Thank You to the powers that be for not only allowing me to see and experience this magic but to capture it too!

It's beauty was blinding and deafening, brilliantly peaceful & uproariously outrageously loud all at once.

I have somehow mistakenly been allowed to enter a magic realm, yes Thank You... I whispered again.

And so back to reality..... In the weeks and months to come I will be placing up for sale in my Etsy shop lots of wonderful things!

Precious items I have kept in my private collection for may years! You don't realize how much stuff you have until you move!

Fabulous little rarities and obscure curiosities. I feel it is time to pass along for others to enjoy, after all, we are just temporary guardians of these treasures...

Come back and check my ETSY shop for new items! Until next time I bid you Adieu and Whew!

Happy Saint Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T19:08:00.013-06:00

Love is light,

Love is easy,

Love is happiness,

Love is sadness,

Love can be tumultuous.

Love makes you feel ookee and

kooky inside sometimes.

Love is tender and

tingly!

Love makes you feel SWIRLY all over!

Happy Saint Valentines Day to one and all!

Hope you feel very SWIRLY today and everyday!

When I Grow Up I Want to be Creative!

2011-01-14T17:36:00.023-06:00

As a very young child of three I began to get the idea that I was an artist in wait. My mind was so anxious to grow and learn I could hardly stand it. Dreaming, scheming and planning how it would happen and when it would happen.

Just waiting on that wondrous day when my two small hands not only fully understood what my brain was telling them but that they could also perform upon command!

Then one day it finally happened... I sat down with a crisp, clean sheet of white paper and black ink pen and drew, and I could and it made me the happiest I ever knew I could be to that point in my young life.

From that moment on I was sure, absolutely positive, the life that lay ahead of me was going to be gloriously filled with artistic endeavor and creative adventure. It was certain... set in stone... thats all I really wanted! Well, that and to be totally honest candy!

I hoped that everything I saw and did would be colored with an aesthetically inclined slant. That I would have the courage and it would be ok and allowed... for reality and imagination to happily and cleverly co-mingle.

My wish was that art would define my point of view... especially in the times I knew would inevitably come when I would think it was no longer there. But it was, it was there, it was just waiting for me to catch up!

I discovered my art was always faithful to me, I know my art is honest to me and I will be in turn forever grateful and thank the powers that be for allowing it to be so!

Here's to a Brand New Year of Creating... Exploring our tender hearts and soaring souls and pouring out every little bit of what we encounter right onto a waiting canvas.

Cheers to us, you, me, them, those and the other little bitty ones who yet lie in wait for their creativity to find them too!

2 0 1 1 Here We Come!

Her hair is Harlow gold,

Her lips sweet surprise,

Her hands are never cold...

All the boys think she' a spy,

She's got.... Well.... you know the rest! THANKS FOR JOINING ME FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF FUN AND FOLLY!

Merry, Happy, Cheery, Christmas Seasons Greetings!

2010-12-19T15:28:00.023-06:00

.... Just then there came a knock at the door.

It was a small package,

delivered by hand

to the house of Doctor Starbuck.

On the outside was written,

'For the attention of Miss Clara Starbuck'

Clara opened the package

and read the note inside.

This little gift may not excite you,

But remember,

all is not as it seems.

For it has the power

to invite you...

Into the land

of your dreams!

It's... it's a Nutcracker!

What a strange present.

Does it say who it's from? No. How mysterious. Oh, well...

Come on, everyone, there's lots of food and drink in the next room. I'd better put down the nutcracker.

As Clara bent down to put the nutcracker beside the Christmas tree... It seemed to twist in her hand!

Oh my! Sugar Plums, Gum Drops, Lolly Pops and all that is good... I wish to you and yours a very Merry Holidays, some Happy Season's Tidings, a Cheery Christmas Greetings to one and all and a Jolly New Year too! And BTW Congrats to the winner of my Giveaway, Tristan Robin Blakeman! See you all bright and early next year!

Play Time....

2010-12-06T15:30:00.030-06:00

Now I know exactly what they mean when

they say "She has a porcelain like complexion!"

I have been working on this doll for a while, tending to her now and then when I get a free moment, here and there.

It's funny but the medium I use dictates the way in which I paint. If I am using watercolors... it's very light, airy and delicate, with acrylics, its bloppy, sloppy and smooshy and when I paint on porcelain I tend to be very heavy handed. But I'm happy with the way she looks!

She is going to be a lady doll, dressed in fashionable period garb from the 1900's, a little horse hair stuffed bustle, black stockings that sport tiny embroidered white flowers on them that will sit just above her knees, a wasp waisted silk gown and tiny handmade leather shoes.

An antique leather opera length glove was used to create

a beautiful, shapely soft body for her that will rival her faint complexion!

Old cotton stuffing to plumpen her bum,

and just a few stitches on the toes to seal her all up!

There, languid, long and lovely!

Two pretty, dainty porcelain hands with teensy painted accents to create a slight hint of realism.

I do love a fancy girl with a far away look in her eyes, don't you!

I can't seem to make up her mind... shall she be a dusky hued Brunette?

I think this little mohair wig makes her look very sophisticated,

but she might be need'n to wear

a pair of glasses with this choice!

Lets see...

Maybe an innocent, sugar sweet angel haired blonde?

See how much it changes her personality.

Or she could even be...

a strawberry fiery Redhead!

Which color to you think suits her personality best?

Well either way, one day very soon she will be a prim and proper lady and I will bring her back and share the finished doll with you.

And now, in the Spirit of the Holiday Season

and in salute and tribute to all of you Creative Women out there...

I'm having a Giveaway! Just leave a comment telling me which color hair you like best, and on the 19th of December I will announce the winner of my "Creative Woman" print, it is on a 9" x 12" canvas and finished out in delicate, blue clouds of smooshy dabs of acrylic paint! And just in case you are interested I do have 2 of these available in my Etsy Shop, see you soon!

Holiday Art and Artifacts

2010-11-21T15:11:00.032-06:00

I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas is right around the corner! Where has this year gone?! I am busy making lists of everything that needs to get done between now and then, food that needs to be purchased and baked, gifts that need to be selected and wrapped... I realized I needed a place to keep all of this info readily available. So here we are,

I just added these pretty little lined linen journals to my Etsy shop and just in time too! The covers on them were created using rare copies from my private collection of antique European fashion plate engravings.

You will find each has a hand sketched inspiration and personal message written inside the last page.

I have reconfigured and hand painted these engravings to give them a fresh new style and look.

They are approximately 6" x 9" a very convenient size and have 90 lined pages.

There are even a couple of designs well suited for the man in your life.

It's the perfect place for him to keep his "honey do" list!

I've also been working on some different types of Christmas tree ornaments for my Etsy shop as well.

I wanted to make something a little out of the ordinary this year.

I have a wonderful antique illustrated copy of

The Night Before Christmas, circa 1896. It is printed on linen pages and in beautiful condition.

I used some of my favorite images from that old book, along with the antique hot air balloon images, which by the way

has always been the way I imagined Santa delivering his gifts to everyone! In my Christmas "story" the reindeer are back at the North Pole having a big ole Christmas party with all of their little woodland friends! It sounds festively romantic to me and more jolly of Santa to give them the night off don't you think?!

I have also decided to celebrate the holidays this year in a not so traditional way.

These whimsical heirloom ornaments are rustic, peaceful, beautiful and meaningful.

I am imagining a simple, serene holiday, warmed by wooden logs and hot cider.

The glass orb ornaments are filled with memories

which are kept frozen, forever sealed within.

Placed upon a bed of excelsior are "her" trinkets,

scattered about... a ring she once wore upon her tiny finger,

a tattered scrap of rose colored silk flounce that belonged to her very favorite dress,

you know, the one she wore every chance she got!

Pressed posies she picked on a warm summers day when thoughts of Winters chill was far, far away!

There is even a precious braided lock of hair that still retains the color of her vibrant youth.

They also contain a few Victorian glass buttons and last but not least

an image of "her" a dainty little paper cameo peers out from within! So thats how I am imagining my holidays... How are you imagining yours? And Yes... to be sure, Wishing you and your a Festive, Fun and Happy THanksgiving too!

Peanut Butter & Doll Sandwich?

2010-11-04T14:38:00.022-05:00

A funny thing happened...

on the way to Creating!

Again!

Turns out I used the wrong kind of tile to set my little porcelain frozen Charlotte Santos "beads" on, (see the two on either side of the center doll)

the kiln melted the old Spanish tile and the porcelain dolls just sank right down into it. Skwoosh! The entire piece had to be pried and chipped out and off of the kiln shelf! I think it sort of looks like a Nutella or Peanut Butter sandwich! Actually I really love it and use it as a paper weight, every time I look at it, it just makes me laugh and smile!

Any way on to my story. The French have a very old tradition

of hiding a tiny little porcelain Santos miniature doll

in a holiday cake and baking it.

The lucky person to receive the slice of cake

that contains the little Santos doll

gets to make their wish..

and have it come true. Isn't that charmingly romantic?!

The "jewelry" stand display doll you see here is called "Open Arms". She is a piece I designed quite some time ago and finally have gotten her all pulled together. I created her using antique replica porcelain doll parts I made,

along with various found items, some chicken wire, fabric, ribbons and lace. I will be making one or two to put in my Etsy shop at some point soon.

I've recently come to realize that I tend to create in a funny sort of way... I mean I will design something, get all excited about it, create a few, get it out of my system and move on to something new.

I'm not sure why, I don't get bored... I've never been bored a day in my life... too much to do, see and create, you know?!
It's like an odd little game of cat and mouse that I play but it sure is fun!
I guess thats just the way creating works for me and it always keeps things interesting and challenging too.

The little French style porcelain "Santos" bead dolls are in my Etsy shop now, I designed them in a few different styles and hope to create a few more to share with you very soon as well.

Conscience Clearing

2010-10-21T14:28:00.029-05:00

Do you believe in fate, in mystery, magic and all things eerie and ooky?

What about when things stop making sense... and this is the time for that you know.

Well then good for you and good for me too...

and Hocus Pocus and Kalamazoo!

Tonight Doctor Fronkensteen began an experiment deep in the bowels of the castle in his secret laboratory,

and it was over heard "Now tie off the kites and hurry down as fast as you can!"

Aren't you the least bit curious about it?!

It has to do with intrigue and, G U L P, reanimation, my heavens of all things!!

Then again overheard, but this time whispered in a soft hush,

"It's in your blood, it reaches the soul when words are useless."

"No, No! Those are the nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind!"

For what we are about to see next,

we must enter quietly into the realm of genius.

Isn't she the most luscious

lovely shade of

green and yellow?!

Very becoming indeed!

While her breath had been too soon taken away the good doctor has blown life straight back into her.

He has filled her with soulful wisdom.

And made her fair of face.

She can now see, hear, touch and feel and even dream too!

She can hug and kiss and even pitch woo!

She is lithe of limb and spirit, nimble in mind and heart.

With just a few nuts and bolts strategically set in all the right places!

She's all charged up

and ready to take over the World!

Destiny! Destiny! No escaping that for me, hee, hee, hee, hee!
VISUALS: This piece is by one of my very favorite artists, Yasushi Nirasawa and is one of several pieces in my own little private collection. I hope you enjoyed our Halloween theatrics, I have something romantically wonderful coming up soon!

A Little Halloween Spirit

2010-10-06T16:04:00.003-05:00

It's beginning to feel...

a lot like Halloween!

Introducing "Baby Steps"

2010-09-08T16:09:00.008-05:00

Sometimes silly sweet serendipity steps in when we are busy making other plans...

I was fully planning on making the cutest, most miniscule little peanut of a porcelain doll with curly hair and rosy cheeks....

When, bup, bup, bup, flup.... the mold got stuck and didn't want to come apart!

When it did come undone, it tore the tiny torso in two!

I thought, "How funny this feels and looks to me!"

But oh I did LOVE it and now I have a few to offer up to you too! I just placed 3 of these little morsels in my Etsy shop along with some other, new, exciting and wonderful porcelain things! I think it's ALWAYS way more fun to follow that naughty little muse when he comes sneaking around! Don't you?!

You Will Be SO Happy!

2010-08-01T12:25:00.003-05:00

The latest WHERE WOMEN CREATE magazine has just hit the news stands and let me tell you, do not miss this SPECTACULAR
publication! All of the Astounding artists featured in this mouthwatering issue will be at THE CREATIVE CONNECTION Event Autograph Party coming up Sept 16th, 17th & 18th in Minneapolis! Incredibly Creative Spirits like AMY BUTLER, ASHLEY CARTER, JENNIFER MURPHY, AMY BARICKMAN, KI NAUSSAUER, NANCY SORIANO, REBECCA RAY, WENDY ADDISON, PAT MURPHY..... and more, SO much more! Be sure to run out and pick up a copy as it is sure to sell out!

The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond!

2010-07-14T15:40:00.013-05:00

Do you know Ree?

If not let me introduce you.... Ree Drummond, this is everyone...Everyone... this is Ree, The Pioneer Woman! She has a beautiful family...

A handsome husband...

A cute dog, Charlie...

A wonderful drool worthy cookbook, these are pineapple quesadillas in case you were wondering!

And THE CREATIVE CONNECTION event is happy to announce that Ree Drummond will be joining us in Sept for all of the festivities! She will be a keynote speaker at the "Confessions of a Pioneer Woman" Frontier Luncheon! Ree will also be signing copies of her cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl. This event is going to be amazing, hope to meet you there!

Etsy Adventures

2010-07-06T21:21:00.004-05:00

Have you ever fantasized about having your work published? What about becoming a book designer and author? Then join in the conversation on Wednesday, July 7 at 4 p.m., when Nicole McConville, Beth Sweet, and Kathleen McCafferty—editors of Lark Crafts host THE CREATIVE CONNECTION/Etsy Virtual Lab. Join in the conversation on how to get published, learn how Lark finds inspiration, works with crafters and designers, and develops book ideas. Find out how to tailor your own book proposal to best reflect your creative spark.

To attend this live, interactive workshop in Etsy's Virtual Labs, all you'll need is a free Etsy account (sign up here). Be sure to come by the Virtual Labs a few minutes early as there are limited spots available!

Fanciful Paper Projects the True Story!

2010-06-28T18:15:00.004-05:00

Would you like to hear a story?

Then click on this CREATIVE CONNECTION link...

Mad Hat Required & a Folly to Share...

2010-06-15T14:46:00.017-05:00

The 3rd annual Mad Hatter Masquerade Ball was joyously celebrated recently at FOLLY and to be sure, Wonderland was implied!

What you may be asking yourself is FOLLY? Well, it is my friend Ashley Carter's (Grand Dame of Goldbug Studio of course) fabulous new retail store located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Now open to the public and if you are anywhere nearby you will certainly want to drop in for a visit! But I warn you... prepare to be delighted!

A hat and mask were required to enter and prizes were awarded party goers for the very best costume! I am proud to announce that several of my 18th Century style mini paper masks were on hand to attend the festivities! While sadly I was not.

Oh, and I hear Team Goldbug celebrates like nobodies business!

I was however able to join in on the activities via Anna Paschal's gorgeous photography and though Ashley's bedazzling play by play descriptions! Why I think I can even hear the sweet sounds of TONK playing outside in the courtyard! Graham, Ashley's husband is the front man and lead singer!

The fancy headdress worn above is a piece by the wonderful paper architect Denise Sharp, how cute it that?!

Besides lots of amazing Goldbug Studio designs Ashley has many other artists items on hand like hats from Glory B, dozens of jewelry collections by Metal Monk, Jill Schwartz, Sorrelli, David Aubrey and many more!

There are hand carved Santos by Eric Cortina, original pop art paintings from Allison Gutchell and custom Fairy & Wonderland inspired bottles by At-Choo as well as antiques and oddities!

Did I mention delectable treats were served too?!

Sweet T Cakery created divine confections, go ahead, take one if you please... thank you very much and MUNCH!

As Ashley tells it she even had some magic punch, a Southern concoction of sweet tea, vodka and lemonade served up

by none other than the ever so glad Mad Hatter himself! Thank you Ashley for sharing your slice of Wonderland with us!

Go ahead and Tweet about It!

2010-06-07T14:24:00.008-05:00

Are you wondering what has put such a happy smile on this sweet little face?

It is because she just flew over from the ETSY blog and has some incredible news to share with you! ETSY has partnered with THE CREATIVE CONNECTION and are offering a FREE TRIP to the EVENT!

As many of you already know THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT is a 3 day conference, crafting extravaganza and shopping emporium to be held in Minneapolis, MN at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel on September 16th, 17th & 18th.

To get all of the details on how to win the free trip visit ETSY's blog "The Storque". So hurry, hurry and flutter on over!

I'll give you a hint! IT'S SOMETHING YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO TWEET ABOUT! Hope to see you this fall in Minneapolis!

One Fine Day

2010-05-16T16:42:00.057-05:00

I have been so busy lately I decided to take a little afternoon breather. A distracting tour of sorts, a small adventure designed to help me unwind a bit.

Fortunately for me there is a virtual Wonderland right in my own back yard.

A place I've gone every single day for many years to walk our little monkey Julliette.

I stumbled upon it quite accidentally whilst chasing a hummingbird who had beckoned me, he zip, zip, zipped around my head chattering at me in a high pitched voice. This way Sandra he said...

It is a magical place hidden from the road.

It is tucked secretly away and to get to it you must enter through a hole in a thicket of night blooming jasmine which

is laden with interloping fuzzy wild grapevines so dense that you can't tell where the bush ends and the grapevines begin!

When the plump purple grapes ripen they become feasts for the birds, squirrels, opossum and raccoons that live there.

Once inside you come to a clearing and your eyes are greeted by

very tall, gnarled, ancient oak trees

that are naturally decorated in prickly balls of grey green Spanish moss and

if you look closely enough you can still see a few large rusted nails protruding from the biggest tree, follow those nails up

and you will spy wooden planks that obviously lead to a tree house at one time.

Beyond the trees is the remains of a lovely old limestone quarry, encircling the whole thing is a

gravel trail that curls and winds all the way around it, apparently the old road they used leading in and out of the area.

Legend in these parts tells that one day, back in the 1930s they were working down there and hit a vast underground freshwater spring. The miners had to abandon the equipment and get out as fast as they could as the basin rapidly began to fill up!

The quarry is surrounded by giant,

geode riddled boulders,

rife with mystical, chunky clear quartz

rock crystals that

look just like sugar candy!

There are several precious water falls constantly trickling down, down, down

flowing over tiny slick moss and past maiden's hair fern covered cliffs. A sweet sight to behold indeed!

All kinds of exotic water fowl

stop off and visit

enjoying the cool breeze and each other.

Believe it or not because the water is exceptionally clean and clear you can easily

see the algae covered boulders sitting on the bottom of the quarry.

There is also a kind of freshwater jellyfish who reside here

along side the many turtles that laze about sunning

their bowled backs and tiny heads.

Look closely and you can see some of the over turned equipment still lying in its watery grave! A fabulous old truck!

See the back bumper, two tires and the spare? On occasion a curious little fish will pop its face out too!

It is sure enough a peaceful place to be on this fine Spring day in 2010.

Continuing along the trail you realize the faint bitter sweet scent of wild onions that are scattered about, and see stray stalks of once cultivated crops of yellow corn and red cabbage.

If you dare to walk over close to the edge you will spy

long ago carved initials that once meant something to someone somewhere.

Wild flowers boom in abundance and bright green clover grows in fat dense clusters in random patterns all over the ground.

Blossom filled trees

buzz loudly

with honey bees

and butterflies

and beetles

busy at work!

There are pretty patches of the teeniest pink succulent plant I've ever seen, so small it makes the grasshoppers that guard it look as big as Godzilla!

We have a tree here called Mountain Laurel with pastel lilac colored flowers that I promise you smell JUST like purple Koolaid, no joke!

If I could send you a wish floating about on the wind...

I think it would be simply this...

to feel the sun on your face

with your toes in the water

and just be,

really, really be! There now do you feel better? I know I do! So until next time my friends, when we are going to explore my Wonderland from a very different angle, up close and personal! Another mini adventure lingers in wait for you and even a few tiny surprises!

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT & THE DIY DISH

2010-05-02T15:24:00.024-05:00

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT is now in full swing mode!

There are lots of exciting happenings tied to THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT like this gigantic Giveaway being held by Kim & Kris over on THE DIY DISH.COM sponsored by THE CREATIVE CONNECTION! There are hundreds of dollars worth of prizes donated by THE CREATIVE CONNECTION artists and there will be 25 LUCKY WINNERS!
After you have finished making Mom a present hop on over to THE DIY DISH.COM to enter the Giveaway...
Here is a list of the prizes...WHERE WOMEN CREATE is giving away 2, Where Women Create books and 4 issues of the Where Women Create magazine!

As well as a ProvoCraft Yudu Screen Printing machine, a French General bracelet kit, a Studio D Sharp inspiration paper kit, a wonderful cupcake wall hanging by Lisa Kaus, the Birdsong wall hanging by Anna Corba, 3 journals with 8 inscribed pencils and a WHERE WOMEN CREATE bookmark!

6 beautiful Camille Roskelley quilting patterns!

A gorgeous necklace by Halligan Norris, a package of 7 bright, sparkling glitters by Cathie Filian who btw has just released her new book 101 Snappy Fashions!

As one of the sponsors of THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT, LARK BOOKS is giving away 2 debut books in their Homemade Living series by Ashley English: Keeping Chickens and Canning & Preserving as well as an advance copy of Vickie Howell's, Craft Corps! Another fabulous TCC sponsor, MICHAEL MILLER FABRICS designer Patty Young has donated 3 yards of her sweet Flora & Fauna fabric!

2 stunning Dara DiMagno necklaces!

Founder and owner of INDYGO JUNCTION, Amy Barickman is giving away 3 of her most recent books and 14 of her newest patterns!

A gorgeous toile linen and dupioni silk hanging sachet filled with lavender and buckwheat by Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso!

An entire line of CROCHET BY FAYE patterns from Robyn Chachula!

AND an all season THE FARM CHICKS, Serena Thompson papers gift pack, including 2 sets of everyday tags, everyday recipe cards, Valentine tags, Christmas tags and Christmas recipes cards too!

There are 3 ways to enter THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT giveaway on THE DIY DISH.COM web site:
1. By watching episode 7 of THE DIY DISH (the video above) and leaving a comment on their THE DIY DISH.COM blog!
2. By clicking on THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT and taking a look at the classes and panels that will be offered that weekend, then go back to THE DIY DISH.COM and tell them in your comment which of the classes or panels interest you!
3. By helping to spread the word about THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT and THE DIY DISH. Twitter, Blog, or even embed the video above on your blog or site! The giveaway closes Friday, May 21st so you have plenty of time to head on over and enter, the 25 winners will be announced Monday, May 24th!
GOOD LUCK to everyone and we sure hope to see you in September at THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT in Minneapolis. It is going to be ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

Easter Eggs

2010-04-02T17:42:00.025-05:00

I went to the market yesterday with big plans for making a festive little Easter cake, which seemed like a good idea... at the time.

We were running low on provisions so I jotted down a few items, milk, butter, a dozen eggs and flour, that should do nicely.

Once at the market I quickly gathered all of the ingredients I needed making sure to open the carton of eggs to be certain none were cracked.

I loaded my groceries into the car, slipped under my seat belt and headed along home.

I had the radio turned up listening to beautiful classical music, pulled up to a red light when suddenly a chill went up my back... I had the distinct feeling I was being watched!

The light turned green, trying to pretend it was just my imagination

I turned the music up and continued along my way.

It has been an especially busy week here in Texas, I got to attend a huge antiques fair that was absolutel, hey did

you hear something?

I could have sworn I heard someone sneeze...

hey there it is again!

Now I know you had to have heard it THAT time?!

It sounded like EHHH AHHH CHOOOoooo and then a tiny small gesundheit even!

And jeepers! Its coming from the back seat!

I pulled over to the side of the road,

got out and cautiously

went around to the trunk,

legs trembling, brow sweating, hands shaking.

The moment of truth... I flung open the trunk door!

I heard in a very loud voice, NOWS OUR CHANCE GUYS! MAKE A RUN FOR IT!

And thats exactly what they did, the dirty dozen rolled down to the floor board, hopped out and scrambled away scattering in every direction!

I thought to myself oh well, so much for our Easter cake, I guess I'll just pick up a couple of smoothies they're better for us any ways! Happy Easter Everyone, may your day be filled with sunshine, joy and lots of brightly colored eggs!

Jungle Book

2010-03-21T21:18:00.025-05:00

Bringing up baby Alexandria is turning out to be a remarkable adventure. I am certainly no stranger to raising kittens, I have always had at least one if not several cats in my life since childhood.

For me life would simply not be worth living without the company and companionship of animals. That being said... our little, or maybe not so little (any more, she is growing like a weed!) Alex is something all together different!

She is complex, fiercely independent, bold, smart, clever and playful, she can be very gentle, sweet and loving as well. Everyday is a new adventure with her for sure. Little Julliette will attest to that, even though they are getting along famously!

So far the only thing we have had broken is a giant ostrich egg that I have had for 10 years, Alex just couldn't resist... and how could I blame her, I mean it was a GIANT egg for heavens sake!

I decided I needed to create an environment more suitable to her wild heritage so I dragged in some very large tree limbs and strapped them to her cat tree and as you can see, she loves it!

I have begun to notice the things about these Bengals that make them so different from domestic cats. She has a funny way of purring, she doesn't really purr when you pet her though it is obvious she loves it...

Alex purrs very, very loudly when she is getting into mischief or playing with her toys and it is adorable!

When birds come to the windowsill Alex stops dead in her tracks, she won't move a muscle and it appears she actually stops breathing or slows it down so much it is undetectable to the eye! It scared me the first time I saw her do it!

She now has discovered the wall light switches and thinks it's real funny to leap up and switch off the light whenever she wants to. And sometime in the last two days she has figured out that flipping them up turns the lights on too!

I was talking with a lady recently and she gasped out loud and put her hand to her mouth when I told her we had gotten a Bengal, it kinda freaked me out a bit because I guess they have a reputation for being really wild and aggressive.

And here is where all of my experience with cats and dogs comes in handy. I spend a good amount of time everyday playing with her, teaching her about the house rules and training her. She is wonderfully responsive and pays real good attention.

After a training session she likes to go into the bathroom and flush the toilet to watch the "water show" happen, really cute and annoying all at the same time!

Sometimes it feels like we are living in a Pink Panther movie as we watch Alexandria and Julliette (our 4lb Chihuahua) act out a scene with Julliette as the infamous inspector obliviously entering the room and Alex as Kato quietly, patiently, laying in wait for her chance to pounce!

They chase each other around the living room coffee table and into the dining room and around the dining table in repeated figure eights. One minute the dog is chasing the cat and the next minute the cat is chasing the dog. They really enjoy each others company!

I have been doing a lot of research on Bengals as they are a relatively new breed (since the 1980s) so that I can learn to raise her correctly. I thought I'd post a couple of photos of the Asian Leopard Cat which is

what domestic cats such as Abyssinan's, Egyptian Mau's and Burmese were bred with to get the Bengals.

Oh, I almost forgot, Alexandria has a great love of water, I have to be very careful to get the temperature just right when I start the shower for myself because she will hop right in with me and splash around! It's cute but kind of unnerving, I suppose I will get used to it though! Thanks for stopping by to visit, next week I will have some very interesting adventures to go on with you!

Did You Hear about THE CREATIVE CONNECTION'S BLOG?

2010-03-11T20:51:00.009-06:00

Have you heard? THE CREATIVE CONNECTION has a Blog! Yes it's true! Believe it or not... so hurry on over because you are not going to want to miss one single second of it! To kick off The Creative

Connection's brand new blog, Mary Jane Butters of MaryJanes Farm is giving away to one of The Creative Connection's blog readers this beautiful blue bedding called Summer Sky Comforter set! The set includes a gorgeous plump comforter, two standard pillow shams, a bed skirt and three decorative pillows a total value of $360.00!!

MaryJane will be one of the keynote speakers at The Creative Connection event this September 16, 17 and 18th in Minneapolis, MN. And while you are at it be sure to add a TCC blog button to your blog for EXTRA chances to win the bedding set! Just think about it, beautiful cozy new bedding to revive your bedroom and invigorate your spirit, what could be better?!

Pop in and read all of the exciting details, be sure to leave your comments on THE CREATIVE CONNECTION BLOG and hurry, hurry this spectacular giveaway ends Wednesday, March 17th at midnight!

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION!

2010-02-28T16:41:00.040-06:00

The Creative Connection web site is now live, hop on over and check it out and sign on up! You can bet this is going to be THE event of the year without a doubt, a not to be missed opportunity to mix and mingle with some of the most amazingly talented, dynamic women working in the industry today! Whew, I am breathless and you will be too when you see what is in store for you!

The Creative Connection is the brainchild of Nancy Soriano and Jo Packham. A 3 day conference and market with classes, panels, events and even a smart bar to solve all of your tech problems, one on one!

Do you ever think about the creative connections you make everyday as a matter of routine? Creative connections from coast to coast and around the globe, we visit web sites and shops anytime of the day or night. We take classes and workshops to enrich our souls and elevate our artistic prowess! The Creative Connection event is the chance to make some truly fabulous CREATIVE CONNECTIONS... with such enormously gifted people as

delightful Kaari Meng of French General,

she will be teaching you how to make this simply gorgeous Le Bohemian Charm Necklace!

The one and only Wendy Addison...

instructing how to make a Fancy Christmas Tree Topper and another class

on creating this whimsical Keytag Message Necklace!

The charming Halligan Norris junior designer at John Wind Signature/Maximal Art.

She will be guiding her students through the making of a stunning Necklace of Family Heirlooms!

Delightful Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co. and designer for Moda Fabrics.

She will conduct a class on creating this sweet Sugar Pumpkin and another class on an adorable Owl Scarflette!

Among some of the other events at The Creative Connection will be the Book Signing Cocktail Hour & Keynote Dinner. Amy Butler will be one of the featured speakers with millions of hits a month Amy's brand has become synonymous with creativity, quality and great style and her design products are sold worldwide.

The incomparable Mary Jane Butters will be speaking as well, editor of her own magazine and author, she is a former wilderness ranger and environmental activist whose line of bedding is sold in more than 400 department stores.

There will also be a Boxed Lunch with Women Entrepreneurs. Cathie Filian is an Emmy Nominated television host, book author and lifestyle expert...

Vibrant Heather Bailey whose apparel designs are eagerly snatched up by celebrities and carried by some of the worlds most exclusive stores including, Fred Segal, Henri Bendel and Bloomingdales...

Effervescent Vickie Howell, mother, self-taught designer, writer and DIY expert with a focus on needle arts...

Editor extraordinaire Christen Olivarez, director of publishing and editor in chief for Stampington & Company...

Paige Gilchrist editorial director of Lark Books... and we continue right along to,

Debbie Dusenberry of Curious Sofa, the fantastic retail boutique!

Learn how to paint a Vivid Vignette with Laurie Meseroll! Too good to be true, but it is, Yippee for us!

Jennifer Murphy will help you to become adept in The Basics of Sewing Heritage Toys! It all sounds like a dream doesn't it?!

Kristin Nicholas will share her knowledge in The Edge of Color showing how to create beautiful, professional edge treatments on knitwear! Are you kidding... nope it is all for real, again Hooray for us!

But wait... there is more! Ruth Rae will show you how to make a Magpie Delight Journal, soooo cute!

I have only named a few of the phenomenal teachers, workshops, panelists and events that will be held and go on at this Fantastic not to be missed event! Never before has there been so much talent assembled in one place! Come and be part of the adventure with all of us!

I can hardly wait, I will certainly be attending, not to mention crossing the days off and counting down to this spectacular event! Lets see... anything else? Oh yes! Hold on to your bunny slippers and join in on the fun at the Pajama Party!

Oh! And did I mention there will be oodles and loads of treasures to be found and snatched up at Junk Bonanza which is a Fantabulous, drool worthy juried antiques and vintage wares market! Ok, almost too much to handle all at once.... but wouldn't miss it all for the world!

A weekender Pass for The Creative Connection includes free, yes free admission to the Junk Bonanza and day trippers will receive a discount! Check out The Creative Connection button on my side bar, feel free to grab it and add it to your blogs!

While I have your ear, you simply MUST see the current issue of WHERE WOMEN CREATE... it is STUNNING!

And lastly a teeny little teaser, something small and sweet I will be adding to my Etsy Shop very soon, I bet you will never guess what can fit "In a Nutshell"

From Paris with Love (a Valentines Day Mystery)

2010-02-13T19:33:00.018-06:00

A parcel arrived last week out of the blue. To my surprise it was post marked "From Paris with Love" I wasn't expecting anything but how wonderful all the same! I took a deep breath in, in, in and unwrapped it as fast as my hands could move!

Excitement... curiosity... anticipation... what could it be? It was filled with beautiful "unmade" things. A yard of deep,

passionate red antique silk velvet that was oh so buttery soft.

Another yard of the hottest fuchsia pink silk shantung, oh so nubby and lovely! There was even some old shredded cotton batting, the real soft kind.

As well as a small tattered paper box which held delicate antique passementerie,

several apple green glass dress makers pins,

one beautiful, bright emerald green paste jewel, and a pretty crystal clear one too.

Then there were a few yards of variegated ribbon,

a handsome hand carved mother of pearl button and a few snippets of old gold lame trim! Color me SURPRISED!

I knew exactly what these beautiful bits needed to become...... Valentines Hearts of course, of course! So I set to work, snip, snip, stitch, stitch, stuff, stuff and so on...

Well, I'm still not sure where all of those magically delicious fabric scraps came from... (but in case you are reading this and I hope you are) Happy Valentines Day to you and THANK YOU for THINKING of ME! Kisses, Hugs, Squeezes, Caresses, Devotion, Attention, Appreciation and most of all Love to you! Merci Beacoup!

Shed some light on a few things

2010-02-01T15:11:00.040-06:00

Sometimes the sun shines in my windows and shows me something in my own home that I've never "seen" before. It whispers and then shouts (if I don't pay attention right away) and sheds light or in fact, essentially spotlights something, allowing me to really "see" it!

With the passage of time, some once very specific memories seem to get softer and lighter the further away they get. Passing one into the other mixing, mashing and mingling together into new ones. So when I am nudged and gently reminded of an

event or occasion I had nearly forgotten it makes me very happy. I created the tiara you see here for the book Crowns & Tiaras by Kerri Judd & Danyel Montecinos Sterling/Lark. The dainty faceted garnets were a gift from my beautiful

Aunt Carmen several years ago. She is a huge rock hound and attends the Tucson Rock and Gem show every year. She sent me a parcel with a whole bunch of loose stones, I was thrilled! I used them to make the six stand bracelet and used the left

overs on the tiara and pearl bracelet. The petite pearls belonged to my grandmother, they were her "everyday" pearls, she left them to me and I re-worked them into the bracelet above.

And so on we go to a kitten update... ah, Alexandria, she has the cutest little toes,

and belly,

and nose!

Every part of her is precious and we all just adore her around here! She is a little sprite, our Tasmanian angel! She's a brute and a lover too, sweet as pie one moment and then on a rampage pulling one of my husbands giant sneakers around by the shoe string the next!

She has a tall cat tree with a cubby hole on one of the levels, so far I have found all kinds of things that she has dragged up there,

besides all of her toys, kitchen towels, a few 'gone missing' socks and unmentionables, one of Julliettes sweaters and my hair brush!

She is growing right before our very eyes!

And she doesn't miss a thing, from the smallest speck on the wall to just exactly how you have to turn the knob to get the pantry door open.

She doesn't like to be left alone in a room and spends a lot of time getting to know her big sister, Julliette.

They are quite the pair, but when Julliette has tired of Alexandria's nonsense she doesn't hesitate to tell her to cool her jets!

It's actually very cute because right after a tiff they will lay down together for a snooze!

Moving right along... I will be adding some new dry goods to my Etsy shop,

some tall Fancy Stovepipe paper hats,

made out of card stock and copies of antique sheet music and fashion plates.

They are embellished with French ribbons and vintage millinery flowers.

And these pieces will fit your porcelain doll busts as well, I have only made a dozen but hope to make some more next month so keep an eye out.

Another new item I will be introducing are my Miniature Parian Milliner's Models!

I also only have a few of these, they are bisque porcelain antique replica doll heads on wooden stands and are dressed in antique lace and linen. Some of them have pierced ears so you can put different earrings on them.

They will arrive to you stuffed with excelsior

and have pretty paper portrait medallions on the bottoms.

The smaller ones will fit right into the 18th Century paper masks too!

There are also a few more antique gems, like this petite frame I hand painted to resemble English Barbola,

and a Victorian cast metal trinket box with the most beautiful gray patina. Pop in and visit my shop when you have a moment!

Oh! I almost forgot.... we have a Winner! It is Bryanna Lenan of The Canary's Cupcake!
Thats all for now girls, see you again soon!

Powdered Wigs & a New Year Giveaway too!

2010-01-16T18:54:00.032-06:00

I like to decorate my home with unusual items, things that might not generally be considered decorative. I figure I live here, I'll put up stuff that suits me, things that please my eye, after all I am the one looking at it right?

And while some things may look expensive, most are certainly not. There are a few treasured items I've inherited and everything thing else is made out of "illusions and imaginations". Things I have built and created myself out of beautiful old

bits, salvaged parts and odd pieces. Stuff I've collected over the years at junk shops, obscure thrifts and flea markets. Like this fancy linen milliner's head, it was torn when I discovered it down at the bottom of an old barrel. I purchased it for a song then

repaired the holes and mounted it onto what I can only assume was an old weathered lamp base, again a bargain at only two dollars! It turned out to be just perfect for displaying a stuffy old powered wig don't you think?

The extravagant looking black pearl necklace that adorns this piece was made from fairly inexpensive freshwater pearls instead of the enormously expensive, exotic South Sea pearls. I also used parts from an old 1950s tiered necklace I bought at a tag

sale for just one dollar. It took a few man hours but I sure had fun making it and I am really pleased with the overall look of my little mise-en-scene.

Moving right along to the giveaway I have been promising! I want to start the Creative New Year off with a Bang!

And what better way than to giveaway a beautiful young 18th century lady print?! I thought I would share with all of you just

what the image I began working with looks like, it is a very old engraving from a period fashion "magazine". It is one of my

absolute favorite images ever! She is just so sweet and coy and the dress is simply Wow, can you really imagine wearing that?!

The image I began with was black and white, very quiet.

But I like color so I wanted to make it a littler bit louder...

and add some more...

delicious frills,

decadent hot pink curls,

some bright red shoes, I mean every girl should own a pair of red shoes right, even little Dorothy knew that!

and just a few more romantic details like a yellow polka dotted dress! So there she is in all her loveliness, the print is titled "A Creative Woman" and is a 9" x 12" canvas ready for framing. Leave a comment for your chance to win her! I do have these prints for sale in my Etsy shop if you just can't wait till the contest is over which will be in 2 weeks (I'm working feverishly to meet some deadlines) so I'll announce the winner on Monday, February 1st.

Here are a few glimpses of some new items in my Esty shop...

some exotic paper masks, just perfect for antique dolls to wear or maybe playfully place one on a staunch marble bust to liven it up, or use them as a unique decoration, or even use them as a special "thank you" or "greeting card"!

These little paper masks were featured in a recent issue of

Where Women Create in my Studio Chic column.

They are oh so irreverent, shameless and saucy!

And here's another decorating idea, purchase one of my porcelain doll busts to create your own mise-en-scene, the masks fit them perfectly!

Pop into my Etsy shop...

to read all of the juicy details used to create them!

Last but not least, I will be offering a few precious antique items that I'm ready to part with so peek in if you like! See you in a few weeks and don't forget to leave a comment to win the "Creative Woman" print! Adieu!

Introducing Alexandria the mighty Bengal Cub!

2010-01-07T20:29:00.020-06:00

We are in a brand spanking new year and isn't it just totally and completely exciting?!

Yes, new day, new week, new year, New Creative Possibilities await each of us!

Oh the inescapable, joy and romance of it all! But wait... Shhhh! I think there is a leopard on the loose!

This new year has brought with it an adorable new life into our home... and our little Julliette is S L O W L Y adjusting as you can plainly see.

I have spent the last few days chasing around a tiny 2 lb "toy" leopard named Alexandria and she is something else! Mostly the image above is what we have seen around here... just a spotted blurr!

She is having a wonderful time exploring her new jungle as I follow behind her saying "no, no, no Alex!"

It has been a very long time since we have had a kitten, I guess about 13 years or so. My darling love Romeo passed away several months ago and it has taken me quite some time to begin to recover. He had a very good life, he was feral when we found him. He was very much adored and loved and I will forever miss him.

But when one chapter ends a new one begins.

Alexandria is so delightful! Delicious! Delovely!

She has a very sweet disposition with a good bit of rowdy too and I am going to take a photo of her every single day for a year to document her growth and life with us her new adopted family!

I think even Julliette is beginning to come around!

Also, this image is my new "Follow Me" widget! Isn't it fun?! If you would like to add it to your blog, please feel free to do so! Just copy and paste the code you see under my profile photo above on my side bar. Oh, and one last thing, I am going to have a Giveaway to start the new year off with a bang so come back next week to see what it is and enter to win! Hmmm, I'm thinking something swooshy, a tad bit dramatic and wearing sexy red shoes! Come back to see what it will be!

A Very Merry, Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T11:22:00.010-06:00

Baby it's cold outside!

So here's to the Season!

Hoping Santa Claus

and all his little helpers

brought you everything

you wished for!

Sending all of you the warmest Holiday Greetings and looking forward to sharing a Wonderfully Creative and Artistic New Year to come! I just want to take a moment and thank you for your warm welcome of my new Etsy shop! I am having a great time filling my shop with unusual little treasures. I have some fun and unique things I will be offering up very soon so be sure to take a peek in now and then! I would also like to mention my friend Rebecca Bryant's Etsy shop too... Hydeparkdoll so pop in for a visit anytime!

Christmas Candyland

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Welcome! My name is Sir Byron Braysalot and I will be your Master of Ceremonies on this fine Winters day. I have a poem I would take great pleasure in reciting for you... ahhemm (clears throat)

Over the river and through the woods,

to Candyland we go.

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,

through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the woods,

and straight through the Gingerbread gate,

we seem to go extremely slow,

it is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods,

to have a Sugar Plum Party!

Hey!!! How'd HE get in there?! Hear the bells ring, ting-a-ling-ding,

Christmas day is on its way!

Over the river

and through the woods,

trot fast my dapple gray,

spring over the ground

round the frozen pond.

We can't be late for our holiday date!

Over the river and through the woods,

oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes

and bites the nose,

as over the ground we go!

Over the river and through the woods,

to meet a lovely lass.

We'll stroll a bit and walk

and then talk,

and yes, we'll marry real soon!

Over the river and through the woods,

to greet my handsome beau under the mistletoe.

I'll hold his hand and steal a kiss,

and no one else will know!

Over the river and through the woods,

past Candy Cane Forest,

and gingerbread houses

and lollypop trees,

we're traveling as fast as we can!

Over the river

and through the woods,

to see friends and family.

We'll drink some egg nog

and light a yule log,

then merry we will be!

Pardon me, but Sir Braysalot had a tad too much sparkling cider at the Sugar Plum Party and the honorable General Gumdrop and Lady Peppermint have graciously offered to drive him home. So concludes our little rhyme, I am Lord Squarechin and I do so hope you have enjoyed our little production! Isn't it amazing what a bit of smoke and mirrors can create?! Wishing you and yours a Wonderfully Happy Holiday Season!

AND don't forget to join Jo Packham over at the Where Women Create blog to get in on the ~EXTENDED 16 Days of Christmas Giveaway~! She's throwing quite an Extravaganza over there with lots of gifts and plenty of cheer! Pop in and leave a comment for your chance to win my "Creative Woman" print, plus there are only a few days left so hurry on over and enter for a chance to win one of the other Spectacular Giveaway gifts!

Like this! On the 15th day of Christmas WWC gave to me... A bundle of Patty Young's new fabric collection, Flora & Fauna and patterns too!

And on the 16th day of Christmas...

Where Women Create gave to you... a signed copy of The Farm Chicks fabulous cookbook ~ In the Kitchen ~

along with an assortment of gift tags and recipe cards, courtesy of Serena Thompson The Farm Chick herself and contributing Editor for Country Living Magazine! So hurry on over and enter to win, ALL of the giveaway gifts are open until the 16th at the stroke of midnight!

Lets Make Faces and the 12 Days of Christmas!

2009-12-04T17:31:00.049-06:00

Lets make Faces...

cute little funny faces out of polymer clay. There are commercial molds available or you can easily make your own molds from antique dolls. Using the doll of your choice firmly press it into a flattened ball of polymer clay to create an impression.

Bake according to instructions on the package to cure your new clay mold. Let the new mold cool down entirely before using. Lightly dust the mold with a little bit of talc to help prevent the clay from sticking. Then roll an egg shaped ball using more polymer clay.

Press it into the mold, be sure to put the narrow end of the "egg" shape in first, this will help to make sure the clay goes

all the way down into the lowest parts of the mold like the nose and lips areas.

Gently pull the clay out and put the doll faces onto a baking sheet

and pop them into the oven, again following the directions on the package. Hey, they are looking a bit like cookies aren't they or maybe even some delicious Christmas candy?!

Anyway be sure to let them cool completely and then use acrylic paints to give them a nice healthy complexion. Sometimes its necessary to blend paint colors to get it just right!

Then go in and start to work on the details,

pretty blue, brown and green eyes,

lovely pouty lips,

eyebrows and eyelashes and some rosy pink cheeks, apply the cheek color with a Qtip so that you have a nicely blended edge.

You can use pastel chalks for cheek color or even try your own make up (blush) that works great too!

Spray them with a light coat of matte sealer. I like to create big batches of these funny little faces

and paint them with lots of different expressions and in different styles,

some with sweet expressions, some looking to the left and some to the right.

I generally prefer to paint them in an antique sort of style but of course you can paint yours anyway you like. Now, go crazy with them and have some fun, how many different uses can you find for them?! Tuck them into a fresh pine wreath or create angelic tree toppers, maybe they can become of few of Santa's little helpers!

I found these great antique clown die cuts a while back and wanted to copy the theatrical make up they are sporting.

I think they used to have a different idea of what a clown should look like back then! They always have a more mischievous

sort of look, but I like that so I duplicated it on one of my new little faces

and decided to make my own Christmas clown ornament complete with a lace umbrella to balance himself with! You can use your new faces for lots of fun things, I'm going to buy a bunch of silk flowers and glue these into the centers to create really unique ornaments to hang on the tree! Can't you just picture it, dozens of smiling faces staring out at you! They would look great in the middle of a pretty red silk bow too! And Hmmm, well you get the picture!

Meanwhile over at the Where Women Create blog... Jo is having a very special ~Twelve Days of Christmas~ giveaway and doing it in style! She is featuring a different prize EVERYDAY until the 12th of December at midnight! This wonderful Partridge in a Pear Tree ornament is by the amazing Patience Brewster
click here to check out her site!

Another wonderful giveaway prize is a mini trio of perfumes ( Pink Lotus, Cacao, and Blonde Tabac) by the divine Mandy Aftel!
Click here to visit Mandy's web site

And yet another spectacular giveaway prize, pottery by Jill Wiener of Earth Girl Pottery! Now that's a face!

Jill has graciously donated a second beautiful piece, this ripe for the picking Pear vessel!

A very pretty huge ribbon assortment from The May Arts, these will come in handy for wrapping presents!

A Gypsy Fabric Club packet from Pamela Armas, check out the sweet butterfly wings in there!

Bluebird Buddies, one of a kind art dolls by artist Christi Silacci, courtesy of Jen O'Connor and Earth Angels Toys!

Ooo, pretty!

Your choice of beautiful ribbon necklaces by the talented Beth Quinn!

A Vintage Trinket Necklace, handcrafted by Andrea Singarella!

Your choice of a quilter's Jelly Roll... or a quilter's Layer Cake...

Plus an assortment of sewing and quilting patterns from Fig Tree Quilts designer, Joanna Figueroa!

And on the 12th Day of Christmas... a twenty dollar store credit to Gussy's Etsy store, compliments of Maggie Whitley!

Guess what?! The 12 Days of Christmas giveaway over at the Where Women Create blog is SO FABULOUSLY popular Jo is extending it by a few more days! Today on the 13th day of Christmas Dara Dimagno has created THREE wonderful pieces, an ornament and two custom necklaces!

There are also pieces by KC Willis of the Lipstick Ranch and Trish Preston of Two Peas in a Pod, with lots more to come so be sure to check out the fabulous Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway on Jo Packham's Where Women Create blog! Click here to join in the festivities!
Be sure to check back here and on the Where Women Create blog ~ Twelve (16) Days of Christmas Giveaway! I will be adding updates as the 16 day giveaway progresses!

And one last thing while we're at it, I will be adding new things to my Etsy shop (like these delightful bisque tea cups) every week so check back often!

Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You!

2009-11-25T19:52:00.014-06:00

I am thankful for plentiful seasons and lean years.
I am thankful for crisp Spring days that lead into lazy Summers and frosty Winter nights.

I am thankful for sunrises in the mornings, sunsets at dusk and moon beams by twilight.

I am thankful for sparkling stars, blue skies and red roses.
I am thankful for cuddly kittens and playful pups.

I am thankful for simple thoughts, a stream of consciousness and complex endeavors.

I am thankful for artistic inklings, literary curiosity and musical enchantments.

I am thankful for all that I've come to know as well as all that I have forgotten!

I am thankful for alertness, awareness and yes, even oblivion.

I am thankful for tomorrows, yesterdays and happily ever afters.

I am thankful for laughter through the tears.

I am thankful for a bounty of friends and family.

And I am thankful for the opportunity to share a few stolen moments with all of you who do the same for me!
Wishing you all another Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. I have filled my new Etsy shop to the brim with goodies, stop in and take a peek!