Kindred Joy

LOVE

2009-02-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Love life.

Love family.

Need more together time,

less distraction.

More of me to give to the people that matter most in my life.

The little ones and big ones that I love so much.

********************

Kindred Joy will be up and running again in the future.

Love art, and the creating.

Thank you, friends, for the sharing and caring!

Yummy, Yummy Chocolate Pie

2008-11-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

This really is an old recipe! It was my job for my whole childhood (seems like it, anyway...) to stand at the stove and stir the melting chocolate and marshmallow so it wouldn't scorch. I was so happy to find it a few years ago with modifications for the microwave! Now, this pie filling is a snap! And a total crowd pleaser. FYI - I checked on Google for this recipe, and at least in the first several listed, did not find any quite like this. Similar, but not the same crust for sure. I really like the traditional pie crust. It balances out the richness of the chocolate, in my opinion.

So, start by making your pre-baked pie crust. I like to make a homemade crust, but when I'm in a hurry, I prefer the Marie Calendar brand frozen crust. I always let it thaw enough to re-crimp the edge. Then at least it looks homemade! :)

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 C milk - whole is best, but 2% will do fine
1 1/2 C miniature marshmallows
8oz. (1/2lb.) Hershey milk chocolate candy bar- with or without almonds.
1 C (1/2 pint) cold heavy whipping cream
1 traditional pie crust pre-baked and cooled

DIRECTIONS:
1. After you've baked your pie shell, break up the chocolate bar. Notice the nice square pieces? Well, this is important - you get to eat two of them while you make this pie! Or, you can give them to your children who may be clamoring for some of that huge candy bar. Just make sure you remove two of the little squares because you don't need quite all of the bar. You need 7oz. specifically. 2. In a microwave-safe measure cup, pour in the 1/4 cup of milk. Then add to that the 1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. Large marshmallows will only work if you cut them up. Microwave at HIGH for 45 seconds, then stir well. Now microwave an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each, until the marshmallows are melted. It should not take long!3. Add the chocolate pieces to the hot milk and marshmallow. Just stir it up and the chocolate will melt - no more cooking is necessary. Now set this yummy stuff aside and let it cool to room temperature.

4. When the chocolate mixture is almost cooled, you can start beating the cream. 1 cup of heavy cream - not cool whip, or anything sweetened. Just a 1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream, in a medium sized bowl, whipped until it's stiff.

5. Then, with hand mixer on the lowest setting, stir in the chocolate. YUM! Dump it all into your pie shell, smooth it, and swirl it so it looks pretty! Lick the bowl, and your done! The pie needs to be refrigerated, and will be set in about 4 hours. Overnight is even better - it slices up firm, and really cold and fluffy.

We usually add the sweet cream toppings just before eating. You can cover the whole pie, or just dollop cream on individual servings. I make these pies the day before Thanksgiving, and I always have a piece for breakfast after I get the turkey in...don't tell my kids...

Have Fun!

Drawing Results - plus a chocolate teaser...

2008-11-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

Drum roll, please...

The winner is - Julie! Julie has a wonderful blog, and sells darling things on Etsy. Hers were some of the first things I purchased on Etsy when I first discovered it. :)

The second winner is my friend, Lois. In a nutshell, she is amazing and beautiful.

Well, I wish could give everyone copies of this book and goodies...I do give you all
my best wishes! And, thanks for joining in the fun.

p.s. - If any of you would like to have a scrap shirt, just e-mail me! You can order that way, and pay through paypal, or mail me a check.

**********
Proud Mama wants to share - look what Emmalyn made for her English project! She was asked to find her "golden line" (meaningful statement) from the book, "Great Expectations", and create a visual piece with it. I think it turned out just great!

I wish I had a picture to post of my other daughter, Colette, who performed all weekend in the school play, "It's a Wonderful Life". We saw it Friday eve - and really caught the holiday spirit!! She and the whole cast did an excellent job (we laughed, we cried...).

It's time to get out all the classic holiday films.

I'm grateful for my girls who are developing their talents and sharing them with others. :)
*****************
CHOCOLATE PIE, ANYONE?

Tomorrow I'll post the recipe for this fabulous chocolate pie. This is a great recipe that was put out by the Hershey company over 40 years ago - they were promoting the Hershey milk chocolate candy bars. We've had these pies at Thanksgiving for my whole life. I'm the last in my family to make these every year. I have to make five, or so, of them because everyone (especially kids) loves them! YUM.

This is all you need for the filling, and it's made with traditional pie crust - not graham cracker.

So, get your ingredients and be ready to try out a new pie for the holidays!

thanks...

Gratitude Giving...Again!

2008-11-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

SOME THINGS I'VE LEARNED...

for today, for lessons learned yesterday, and opportunities tomorrow brings.

With a

heart you can overcome feelings of stress and worry.

Gratitude inspires feelings of

and

Gratitude gives you a sense of fullness and

Gratitude also inspires you to

that you'll continue to be supported on your journey

through this

You can

that gratitude will

give you a

and give your

Gratitude will make your life glow with

and true
***************

The Give-away...

How about a scrap shirt?! You can choose which words you like best from all those above, and of course, this little book that I like so well. Please leave a comment here

today (Wednesday) through Friday. Say something you're grateful for today. On Saturday I'll draw the name of the winner. Yahoo!

(a little scrap shirt info...)

Paddywacks Scrap Shirts are womens' tee-shirts, and come in sizes S,M,L, and XL (I have a couple of them in 2XL also). They are one-of-a-kind, so the word you pick in your size may not look exactly like what is pictured here. :) Scrap shirts are made from re-purposed tee-shirt letters - each shirt is designed and sewn by me. :)

HAVE FUN - THANKS FOR PLAYING!!

Gratitude Drawing Winner...

2008-11-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

Daniel reached his cute fingers into this little cup and pulled out the winner. And the winner is.... Bethie!! Bethie is from Colorado, and has a darling shop called Chic Junque and a fun blog. Bethie, I'll be e-mailing you today. :)

Because Daniel couldn't stop at just one (he's two, remember), I decided to draw two names this time. The second winner can choose from the two goodies that remain after Bethie has made her choice. What fun....and the second winner is....Katie Nash!! Katie lives right here in my very own town, and her Dad is my very own big brother - well, what do you know?:) I'll convo ya, Katie!

Thanks for playing, everyone!!
Later today (after I snap some photos) I'll post about the next give-away drawing. This is so much fun...check in again tomorrow so you can enter your name! :)

********
Today I'm grateful for

Home

This is our front door today. I'm really grateful for our home - it's our dream home, really. We've been working on our home addition for about two years, and it's several months behind schedule- not finished yet, not sure when it will be. I'm taking advice from the "Attitudes of Gratitude" book and living in the "moment" and realizing all the things I have to be thankful for today, even through the predicament of ongoing construction and quickly approaching holidays. My new house will be so spacious! We'll (someday) have every type of room we want. What a blessing. I'm so thankful for this... :)

Look at the houses I've lived in during my adult (married) life...

I really liked all of them, by the way, because I love the "cottage" feel.

Flagstaff, Arizona - this was an old carriage house.

Jackson, Wyoming - I lived at the theater where I performed nightly and managed the theater box office during the day. I lived upstairs...

Bloom Cottage - I had three kids in this tiny house. We had fun flower gardens!

This (below) is a 1920's bungalow that we renovated. Before we painted, the house was this horrible chalky black color - just like a chalkboard. So, we enjoyed drawing on it for quite some time...until it was painted a cheerful "butter yellow".

And, here is my home now, this morning.

The outside is mostly finished - everything to the right of the white van is new.

It's exciting to have lots of space, but that's not what makes a home wonderful....

I'm really grateful for my home, but mostly for the love and people that fill it up!

HOME IS WHERE THERE IS ONE TO LOVE US
Home's not merely four square walls,
Though with pictures hung and gilded;
Home is where Affection calls-
Filled with shrines the Hearth had builded!
Home! Go watch the faithful dove,
Sailing 'neath the heaven above us.
Home is where there's one to love!
Home is where there's one to love us.

Home's not merely roof and room,

It needs something to endear it;

Home is where the heart can bloom,

Where there's some kind lip to cheer it!

What is home with none to meet,

None to welcome, none to greet us?

Home is sweet, and only sweet,

Where there's one we love to meet us!

-CHARLES SWAIN

ENJOY THIS DAY!

Gratitude Give-away!

2008-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

It's time for the great gratitude give-away! Just because I really enjoy this book, and I'm turning 40 in 40 days, and this is my favorite month. Who even needs a reason to give something away? It's just so much fun! I got my little box of fresh, new copies of this book yesterday in the mail - we are good to go!

I read this little book every year. It contains inspiring thoughts, and stories - and some angles on gratitude that I had never really considered. I love to read it this time of year because it gets my attitude set up for the holiday season. This book contains spiritual ideas, but is written for all denominations - so it's easy to make those spiritual thoughts apply to whatever your

religion may be. I just love it. :)

Give-away guidelines:

There will be three separate drawings - comments left today, Friday, 11/7, through Sunday, 11/9, will be used for the first drawing which will happen on Monday morning.

You get to choose (from the three below) which Paddywacks Studio goodie you'd like to have with your book. Yahoo!

I'll post the info for the second drawing on Monday, 11/10. Keep checking the blog! :)

Here are the Paddywacks goodies you can choose from:

Planner cover! This cover fits well on three kinds of planners (about 4"x8") that are available at many places. I include a specific list of those planners. I personally use the Staples store brand monthly/weekly planner. Fun!

Inside of the cover...

Paddywacks "adorable apron". This is a men's dress shirt re-creation! You'll see many parts of the men's shirt in this apron. I wear mine all the time while I'm working around the house - I love the big pockets. :)

The last item is this little zippered and lined cosmetic pouch. It's lined with a nice blue color reclaimed tee-shirt fabric (all my Paddywacks words and letters are taken from, or printed on reclaimed tee-shirts).
There you have it!

Spooky Wrap-up (and the give-away)!

2008-11-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd share a little Halloween fun, since I posted about costumes earlier. I got a camera worked out, so I was able to take some shots before everyone left for the weekend.

Colette was "Penelope", from the movie that came out earlier this year. What an easy costume! We got a piggie nose, and a jacket from my closet - done. It was a fun movie, by the way. Emmalyn was the Tooth Fairy. We made over an old formal - those shiny things on the bottom are big teeth shapes. You can't see the little wings sewn onto the dress in the back...it was a great costume for a big girl wearing to school all day. She said this is her last year for costumes (wow- my little girl is really growing up).

Dawson really wanted to be Gandoolf. From Lord of the Rings - not sure how you spell that!

He was so cute in his get-up. People thought he was father time, an elf, etc. etc.

It was a crack-up! I made his costume (tunic and robe) from a king size sheet from the thrift, and a little bias tape. I think he's planning on sporting his beard again sometime at the end of December, with a red hat....this kid loves to pretend!

Dawson is really organized, too. He sorted out all of his candy. I told him that he can have only 5 pieces each day.

So he put 5 pieces each in little bags and got them all ready for the week.

That's my boy!

Daniel was a pirate. My Mom said that he kept his hat and eye patch on for a long time - wow.

I made his costume from an inexpensive sweat suit from Wal Mart. I like to use "real" clothes for the little ones that like to play in costumes for a few weeks after Halloween. His little coat is made with the sweat shirt inside-out and backwards because there was a silk screened image on the front of it. It worked great with red bias tape and brass grommets. I'm getting less and less afraid of cutting things up!

Hubby and I didn't go out of town (like we'd planned). We calculated all the furniture we could buy with the money we would have spent, and decided to go that route. Smart, we are. :)

We had a lovely time shopping together - working on our home addition.

*******

Announcing....

Just another teaser for my first blog give-away!!

Love this book - so I'm actually going to give three of them, each with a Paddywacks Studio goodie. That's three separate drawings. Since I don't have that many readers, your odds are pretty good! Leave a comment...

Official give-away starts tomorrow - check in for pictures and instructions, then leave your comments
through the weekend.
Have fun! :)

We Made Brownies...

2008-11-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm grateful for:

Our Blessed Land of the Free.

The chance we all have to vote.

The election is finally over.

So, we made brownies to celebrate this historic election.

No matter who your favorite candidate was, this is a very special time in history!

And...this is my FAVORITE month!!
Why? Holiday warm feelings, family, food, and fun times.

This month I'll be sharing recipes. My favorite carrot cake (above),

and my favorite chocolate pie (below).

These are seriously fabulous recipes! You must try them - so check in often!!

And, I've begun my annual reading of this book ...

I read this every November. It's a great little book - so inspiring. It's easy to read, with nice little chapters that you can jump around and skim, or read straight through and soak in.

I just really feel that focusing on gratitude is the very best way to overcome the worry we may feel during these unstable economic times. And, if the holidays are not quite as "care-free" this year as they were last year - well, more attention to an "attitude of gratitude" may be just the thing to bring in some sweet peace, and the warmth and love of the holidays.

In fact, to celebrate this month of gratitude,

I think I'll have my first give-away!!

A copy of the book, and.....wait and see!

Happy November. hehe

Missing the Tree

2008-10-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

Usually we set up our Christmas tree the first weekend of October. Now, this is not something I grew up doing. At first I thought it was a little bit extreme...but, hey, really fun! My husband just loves Halloween, and he's been enjoying the Halloween tree for 10 years (we've been married for 4 1/2). Now that I'm used to the idea, I really like having a "holiday" tree - that's what we call it. The evergreen stays up from October until January and evolves through three holidays. This year, however, we have no space at all for our tree. The usual spot is filled with a bed frame and an overstuffed side chair that will someday live in new rooms (our home addition). The other extra spots in our family room are filled with three big exercise machines that will someday live in the "workout" room. If we ever get it all finished. We have no Halloween decorations out this year at all. I just couldn't do it with the house in such a state of disarray...but not for too much longer. I hope. I'm just missing my tree.
Usually we get out old Captain Jack Skully and put him out front. He used to live in the boys closet - he was great at scaring away the other monsters that wanted to hang out in there.
Last year the kids all carved pumpkins, as usual, on big plastic tablecloths on the back patio. We toast the seeds and munch on them, have some brownies, then pose with the masterpieces. I love pumpkins - love the word pumpkin. We're not carving pumpkins at our house this year.

On Halloween I make a triple batch of chili beans. This is a great recipe passed over years ago (before I was born) by friends from Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. It's called Cheyenne Wells Chili (not a very original name, but it works great if you say it with a sort-of "cowboy" accent). Not too hot - just right for every taste. Sometime I may share the recipe. :) We set out a variety of things and sit around munching with any neighbors that want to drop in for a bite of "real" food. And cupcakes.
When the kids are finished trick-or-treating we open our side gate and invite friends to watch a movie. This is one of the joys of Arizona - great weather for Halloween and Thanksgiving. It's just beautiful. So, we show a movie on the side of our house - like a drive in. We make popcorn in the big machine and have it out there...lots of fun! But, not this year. The kids get to spend Halloween this year with their other parents at their other homes. Sometimes that just feels weird - but it's not something I resent at all. It's just the state of things...

We're going out of town (my husband and I) for Halloween. A nice little over night get-away. I don't even know yet what we're doing (I vote Disneyland)! But it will be fun. Then, hopefully, before Thanksgiving we can set up our tree!! The scary stuff comes off and we have a "gratitude" tree. All month long in November we put tags on the tree, listing the things that we're grateful for. We add more tags the day of Thanksgiving at the big feast.

So, right now I'm just really missing the tree. Hopefully, if everything (our construction) goes well, we'll be set for Thanksgiving.

No matter what, we'll still be really thankful for our blessings! And I'll set up the tree - even if it's on the back porch!

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Colette Jean is now thirteen !

She is my sweet girl. We are so much alike. :)

Have a fun weekend!

It's That Time Again - Halloween Costumes!

2008-10-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

I've made a lot of Halloween costumes over the years. We're in the thick of costume preparations now at our house. Tomorrow night is a big church fall festival, and the kids will dress up - I think even the older ones want to join in the fun! Because my camera died, and I don't know how soon we'll be able to replace it, I thought I'd share photos from the past for a few posts.

Colette as a snowball.

Emmalyn, the pink satin cow.

The princess phase. So cute! Clowns really are scary! I loved how these costumes turned out. I made them staring with inexpensive sweats from Wal Mart. I just added the colorful striped fabric ruffles and stuff. Colette's (smaller girl) has bias tape with wire in it for a skirt hem. That turned out really fun.We called these "glamour witches". I bought thrifted black dresses and added more layers to the skirts. We found cool spider webb-ish loosely woven fabric for the shawls. Wigs really help to change the whole look of a kid (see terrifying clowns above). My little witches are standing there with their cousin, Sam. I think he was Woody for about 5 years in a row. Hey, if it ain't broke... :)
Pioneer girls. Sweet...Emmalyn as a southern belle. How darling she is (pre-teen, growing up...)

Colette won a contest with this one. High impact...high maintenance!

Last year. Easy costuming for me. Colette as angel, Emmalyn as dark fairy, and Dawson as vampire. I hope to get pics of this year!

My girls don't really need my help dressing up. They've been doing it since they were tiny toddlers. Well, maybe they do need my help - I had to draw in a top for little pinkie, there!
OOPS!

Blissfest!!

2008-10-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Why have I not posted in over a month? Something just had to go, and it turned out to be blogland. :( Every time I sat down to think about a post I was just stumped. Seriously, my brain was too full of things and ideas and plans, etc.
I re-vamped my class schedule {which still is not updated in my Paddywacks Studio website - hopefully tomorrow :) }, then I decided to join in the Blissfest activities with only about three weeks to prepare. wow. I already had a small supply of things for sale at Blissful Living Studios, but not nearly enough to fill a booth.

So, I got my idea lists out and figured what I wanted to make with all the supplies I had {lots of shirts!}. I thought about what I like to buy at craft shows...with little money to spend. I just like a little something fun. A nic-knack! That's really what Paddywacks Studio is all about. My love of the small, sweet handmade thing that makes everyday stuff more fun and personal.

Here I am showing my niece some of the goodies. I'm glad I enjoy sewing so much! I was rather amazed that I didn't get sick of it through that last week of preparing. Then, when I saw just how much I had made all spread out in the booth, I was amazed again. And thankful - for talents and skills that I've developed over the years. I really loved making every single thing, and I'm excited to make more funky re-creations!

The picture below is of my planner covers. I love, love, love them. They have pockets inside, and, well, they just make me happy. :) I made one early this year and have enjoyed it so much! Now, I can't decide which new one I want to keep for my 2009 planner...

Vintage linens made into sachets. Not many people are "into" sachets. I, however, really love to keep them in my drawers and other places. It makes putting laundry away more fun when there is something special and pretty to nestle in my clothes. This is a home keeping ritual I embrace! I also keep vintage hankies in my purse...

Lots of scrap shirts! I made 133 shirts for the Blissfest. Amazing! Each one thoughtfully designed and carefully sewn. The really cool thing is that no two are alike! One-of-a-kind.

About these aprons, I love them - they are so fun to make! Like a little artsy collage to wear. They're not so much for protecting your clothes while cooking. Rather, they are a lifestyle tool. I live a creative lifestyle {everyone can, I believe - try it!}. These little aprons are just the perfect thing for wearing around the house. I keep many various items in the big pockets - note paper and pen, scissors, my cell phone, lip gloss, a Hershey kiss or two, gum, my boy's little action figures, my girl's bobby pins from all over the house, small prizes for my kids - you get the drift. I just feel more creative and fun when I've got my apron on.:)

More nic-knacks from Paddywacks Studio. Rosy Toes shoe stuffers. I realized after-the-fact that some people must have felt a little awkward sniffing my shoes to sample the scent of the shoe stuffers! Then there were a few folks who mused aloud that they couldn't give the Rosy Toes to a friend because their friends don't have stinky feet! Funny! I love to use the Rosy Toes to keep the fronts of my shoes in nice shape. Yes, I'm a shoe lover!! I buy shoes as souvenirs when I travel. :) I'd have shoe stuffers in all my shoes if I ever had time to make that many - ha, ha, ha. I'm going to add a neat travel pouch for shoes to go with the Rosy Toes. That way, shoes will be protected and smell sweet and fresh (like strawberry or cucumber) in the suitcase. Yum.

Tissue covers made from the shirt sleeves. I love them! And the button pin is so fun. :)

Jewelry...my button bracelets and Charming Magpie necklaces made partly from vintage and reclaimed pieces. Everything has got to have a little "past". These are another favorite of mine. I'd like to keep all of them!! Zipper coin pouches and cosmetic pouches with fun messages. The knit lining and words are from the leftover tee-shirt fabric after I've cut it up for scrap shirts.

A couple of the kids shirts for holidays. I really will take more pictures of my scrap shirts. There are so many fun words...

I just have to say that I'm really grateful for my nieces who came over and helped me with the final "push" before Blissfest. It was so much fun to work together! I also appreciate my parents who helped with the little boys all the week before so I'd have extra time to sew. My Dad helped so much getting the tent set up and hauling stuff around. What a wonderful, generous family I have!

I think about Stephanie and Christian Neilson a lot. Their tragic accident has put life into perspective for many people, I'm sure. We try to be more aware of the things in life that bring us real joy - and be grateful every day for them. That is real bliss.

My littlest cutie at the Blissfest.

More later - I won't wait a whole month to post. Check back soon! :)

Standing at the gate

2008-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I turn 40 this year? In just three months - a week before Christmas, I'll be 40. I've never had much concern for marking my age before, but this time I really feel like it's a significant event. Like the beginning of the rest of my life, or something. Like I should really have it all together and be a highly functioning, super person who is at her peak of adulthood. Ha, ha!! It's funny. I feel almost the same as my first year of college! I've had many, many life experiences that I've learned great lessons from, but I still feel vulnerable and insecure at times in my "adulthood". Silly... but I feel like I'm standing at the gate of the next big section of my life, and I have lots of preparation to do before I can enter!

Queen Bee Necklace

I started my blog at the beginning of this year. I wanted to connect with people, and share thoughts and ideas. I wanted to become better at writing (journaling), and I wanted to take the leap into marketing myself and my stuff in the crafty world. It's interesting how opportunities have come for me throughout the year. As soon as I decided to "try", I had doors open for teaching and selling...wow! Enthusiasm for what I'm doing and creating has been much appreciated and really quite wonderful. But, the demand on my mental and physical time (partly because I do everything 150%) has been overwhelming for me. I don't want to lose the joy I feel for creating and sharing ideas with others! Now, I'm taking time to reflect. I'm defining my goals, sharpening my focus, and making wiser choices. The last three months of my 39's will be well-spent and hopefully better balanced.

Here are the people I will be focusing on. I love my group of kids! We are a family. Each one adding an important ingredient to our super sweet, fruity and nutty blended shake.

So, this month has been a busy (as usual) one, creating the samples and handouts for the "Back to School Bash" at Blissful Living Studios last Saturday. I had a table display of the projects for my "Becoming the Queen Bee" workshop (about fun parenting and teaching responsibility in the home) which is this month and next, and a make n' take "spy note set" for the kids to do. Forgot my camera in the hustle - I'm not yet automatic with the camera...but here are pics of the projects.

I loved talking to the ladies who came in! I'm excited about the topic of my workshop - I've lived it, and refined it over the years. Now I also have some "blended" family insight. As I've been re-reading books, and generally refreshing my store of ideas, I realize how I'm just about to fall off of my own bandwagon! For Pete's sake! I feel like I've been a bit neglectful...

So, in keeping with my commitment to balance and focus - I went ahead with our homemade pizza dinner Saturday night. I was exhausted - I still haven't figured out how to not stay up all nite before an "event". :) But, I really wanted to keep my promise to the kids that we would make pizza! It was a late dinner, but really fun - and I think I've finally found a winning recipe for pizza dough (I've tried several, never satisfied)!

Daniel having fun as, "Luigi the Chef".

I'm in the process of re-grouping class schedules and commitments - so stay tuned for that if you're interested! And, I really need to open an Etsy shop - it seems to be a nice, pressure free way to have fun selling the "goods" (extra class kits and studio stash also!). I'm working on it... I suppose I'm standing at the gate!

Have a Great Weekend!

2008-08-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

For some reason, my computer will not let me add photos. So, I'll have to just say with all the eloquence I can muster - HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

We're off to the cabin for Labor Day. It's glorious. I'll take photos.

Be back next week....

Classes = Fun

2008-08-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

CLASS SCRAPBOOK

I taught this apron class at Blissful Living Studios Saturday. So much fun!

My aprons made out of reclaimed men's dress shirts and other stuff.
I love re-purposing clothing and fabric!

Here's me wearing my apron at a different class awhile back.
I really wear it a lot! It's great to wear around the house while I'm puttering around at home. It's the perfect place for my cell phone, little toys that I step on (legos - ouch), the girl's bobby pins that I find everywhere, a piece of candy (chocolate - make sure it's wrapped), a pad of paper (for list and notes of things I'm working on), and glue stick and scissors if I'm crafting... Here are some for sale at the store.
Cute display (wish I had a dress form...)!
Well, I started the class with good photographic intentions. I set up a wire caddy loaded with goodies for the ladies to have. My cards, name tags, tape measures, sewing pin cards, and a variety of snacks. Snacks are a requirement for me. :)

Here's one of the pin cushions I made using more shirt fabric (of course...) and filled with lavender. Yum. The ceramics were acquired at the thrift store - 99 cents!

Pin cards with pom-poms and pretty paper. You can find this idea - fabric, paper and pom-pom tags - on the purl soho store blog. I thought it was so cute, so I adapted it for my pin cards.

Thanks, purl bee!

Class was so fun - I was completely distracted and failed to take more pictures!
Here are a couple of the ladies working. You can tell that the aprons will be fabulous!

This is Gretchen's apron (in progress). She's an old friend that came to the class - what a wonderful surprise!

What I don't have pictures of is the "yummy apron buffet" (that's what I called it in the class description). I had over 30 apron bases to choose from, lots of shirt pockets and parts,and baskets of trims and fabrics. I'm sad that I don't have pictures of every one's aprons. And, I had a couple of my cute nieces there - no pictures. :( I'll do better next time. :)

UPCOMING CLASSES - YAHOO!

In September and October I'll be teaching a workshop series (four classes) called, "Becoming the Queen Bee". I'm very excited and quite passionate about the subject! Every time I've taught this class in the past I've had such great feedback from ladies who are so happy to have more ideas for creative home keeping. We all have to do it - let's have fun with it!

Mystic Paper!! I want to live in this store. lol It's SO COOL. Paper crafts, mixed media, collage - they have everything for these visual arts that I'm beginning to love.

In October I'll begin teaching the "Literary Artification" classes again. The first class is based on Twilight (movie coming out soon...). These classes are for young teens and Moms (and Grandmas!!). You know, you need to pass the craftiness on to your kids!

Here's the letter box and a little love note packet.
This is November's class - Princess Academy picture frame. The summer class was really great - I think there are some grown ups wanting to take this class this time. Come on over! :)

I have to say that I'm having a great time with the whole process (creating and sharing) of teaching classes. I'm lucky to teach at such fun places! Stay tuned for more - it's going to be a non-stop fall season.
Happy Day!

Poltergeist Sighting

2008-08-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

You never know when he'll strike.

This little poltergeist that moves at lightning speed,

making messes at every turn.

How does he do it?

How can he manage to upset everyone's things with his rummaging and pilfering - and not be seen? He's quick and silent and nearly invisible.

Shoes, balls, jungle animals, books, stuffed animals...

...clutter trails behind him...it's nearly impossible to keep up.

His things, her things, my things - pulled out and apart and everywhere!

"No no", "please don't", "that's not a toy", "what happened here?", "Daniel did it... ".

Then, suddenly, you get that moment you've been hoping for.

Poltergeist becomes angel.

The sweet grin glows happiness and light,

and who cares about messes?

Have a happy day!

Nesting

2008-08-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

I'm just crazy for birds. Love 'em. Owls are especially sweet... These little mama birds are so cute...

I'm busy in my studio (ha, ha - kitchen table) making goodies for Paddywacks.

Mini composition books - more designs on the way...

Vintage tie -on necklaces.

"Charming Nest"
I've been busy collecting chain and beads from vintage and new pieces, then putting them together - just like birds collecting bits for their nests!

They really are so fun, I think. I can't decide which one I like the best.:) I'm preparing things to sell at the "Blissfest" event in October at Domestic Bliss and Blissful Living Studio. One of these already has a home to go to...it's in the mail tomorrow... :)

Speaking of studios, they're painting the inside of our home addition today. Well, starting it...it'll take a few days I'm sure. Our addition is big - as big as our existing house, so this whole process has taken a long time. My boys are "living" in the hallway, the baby sleeps in Daddy's closet, and my art/craft studio is spread all over and around the pool table in the front room!! It's crazy...but well worth the hassle for our dream home. I can't wait to start all of the "nesting" when it's finished! I still need some studio design ideas...

Soon I'll take more pictures of all that.

But now, I've got to figure out why my photos are turning out so blurry...

Have a charming day!

The Queen Bee

2008-07-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

Flowers on Telegraph Hill in San Fransisco. Bees may be a theme here on my blog as August rolls in! I'm preparing to teach one of my favorite classes - "Becoming the Queen Bee". I've given this presentation several times before to groups of women who are in the thick of mothering and teaching and home keeping. I personally have always loved home keeping. Even during the times that I can't control the mess (we're in construction zone right now!), I love the idea of it. The thought of having nothing else to do but put away, polish, and putter in my home seems like heaven. When I was young I'd spend hours organizing and decorating my bedroom. My Mom was the best Queen Bee - we often made cleaning into a fun game by playing the parts of English house maids! Even those who really dislike the work of home keeping can make it more enjoyable, and feel the lovely calm that comes after the chores are done.

"The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one has to do."

-James M. Barrie

As I snapped these photos, I thought of the work that people put into their gardens - especially these on Telegraph Hill! They're gorgeous!

Here are some favorite quotes from my class outline:

"With each sunrise, we start anew."

-Anonymous

"I believe we all have this instinct to create beauty, distinction, meaning in our lives. Your daily and lifetime rituals can define you, and they can keep your spirits up: they are important for you, for your family, and friends. Look for natural beauty in all things. Beauty encourages us; it gives us joy and energy to care more and not settle for less."

-Alexandra Stoddard

"What a great blessing it is to struggle to teach a child the correct principles of life, and to make the home a great medium to do so. What we teach our children, how we mold their characters to try to make them responsible family members, loyal citizens, and noble children of God, affects not only us and them but also their children and their children's children - an awesome and exciting challenge!"

-Lynda J. Eyre

"There are women who make things better simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference. And women who make us smile. There are women who do not make excuses...women who cannot be replaced. There are women of wit and wisdom who, with strength and courage, make it through. There are women who change the world every day."

-Ashley Rice

Blissful Day

2008-07-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

I've been a sewing bee lately making these "adorable aprons" (that's what I call 'em). I use men's dress shirts and trims and ribbon - so much fun!

A little fabric collage to wear...with pockets! :)

I'm went a little crazy with all of my buttons as I prepared for the button bracelet class. I couldn't stop sorting them! It was weird. I stayed up really late just looking at them and musing about what clothing all of my vintage buttons used to hold together... This is but a portion of my (sorted) button collection. How would it be to dive into a big tub of them? This is one of the weird thoughts I had in the middle of the night - just me and the buttons.

There was a reason for my button passion - I was getting ready to teach my bracelet class at Blissful Living Studio!

Here are the pictures. Yahoo for me remembering to get my camera out this time - it's the only class of the summer that I have some decent photos of! I must improve...

Everyone got to choose button packets and add them to a kit that I made - which I just realized that I don't have a picture of. -sigh- :)

...the kit turned out pretty cute...

Here's the table and workspace. Isn't the studio charming - well, what you can see of it?
It's such a great place for classes.

Bracelets!!

I don't claim the design for these bracelets - I saw it in the American Girl magazine a couple of years ago. I did make some modifications (eliminating an awkward closure), and the style (vintage-modern) is completely different from the "little girl" look in the magazine.

There you have it. :)

Happy ladies having fun...

My darling nieces, Molly and Katie, joined the class. Sorry for the blurrr...This is a sample for my August class - the Adorable Apron!

What a great matching top! That I didn't make...

I've been waiting (not sure why) to announce that my handmade items are now for sale at Domestic Bliss. Paddywacks Studio is in business!Vintage tea towel sachet...yummy.

Here's the beginning of my "Paddywacks Studio handmade re-creations" display in the store.

Scrap Shirts! I found a great line of blank shirts - so soft and a really nice fit. Love them.

They say family, bloom, love, sweet, and relax.

Aprons and backside bags...

Here's the apron looking adorable in this corner display.

I must say that I'm so excited about creating items to sell. I've wanted to play store my whole life! When I was a little girl I did play store all the time. I'd make gift bags for Mother's Day filled with little nic-knacks and have my brothers and Dad come into my store (my bedroom), and they'd each buy one to give my Mom. She'd open each one (four exactly alike) and be so happy ;)...lol. And occasionally I overtook a wide section of the hallway and set up a store with shelves and bins of my stuff. My cousins loved to shop in my store because I had nifty things that weren't worn out at all...those were the days. I was not successful at selling candy bars for the band fundraiser, however. Unfortunately, I ended up eating all of my stock.

Remind me not to start selling baked goods!

Dashing out the door

2008-07-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie to talk about my fun class today at Blissful Living Studios. I'll be teaching the button bracelet class this morning. I'm armed with kits and ideas and fun! I'll take more pictures of everything at the Studio.

Button, button who's got the button?!

Happy Day!

Special Day - Must Blog...

2008-07-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today was my sweet husband's birthday! Definitely worth a post during this busy summer time. I must say that I do love him so very much...he is kind and generous, honest, true to our beliefs, loving to all our children, and provides a nurturing strength for me all the time.

Plus, he is super funny and talented.
And, he sings love songs to me.
Yes - I'm a lucky gal... (wink)

Here we are in the "Stinking Rose" restaurant in San Francisco about a week ago. He couldn't get me to try the garlic ice cream (that's just wrong - garlic ice cream?! ). But everything I did have was so yummy - I bought their cookbook! Can't wait to try the pizzettes...

Speaking of San Francisco, we had a wonderful time with Emmalyn in the city by the bay. It was her turn (it being the summer before she starts high school) for a special trip with Mom and
Dad D. to the city that we love to hang out in.

Union Square - we stayed at the Francis Drake right around the corner.

Lovely homes and flowers on Lombard Street (the curviest road).

Les Jolie - quaint restaurant and yummy French food with live jazz music all evening.

We eat here almost every time we visit.

Up the steps on Telegraph Hill. It's a beautiful place! As soon as I figure out how to make a photo collage I will with my photos of all the beautiful flowers and images along this walk up the hill.

The view from the top!

A drippy sweet and messy delicious sundae at Giradelli Square.

A foggy day - all day. We drove across the Golden Gate bridge and here we are at the observation spot. The whole city is right behind us but you can't see it at all! That was really fun for us Arizona folks used to our dry heat. Thankfully, the fog cleared up on our last day. The bridge does indeed exist, and it is quite impressive. :)

A stop in China Town. Do we look tired? We were!
Ha! Look at our stylish scrap shirts... :)

I loved taking this trip with my sweet girl, Emma. She is a true joy in my life, and a wonderful person in every way. I'm so proud of how she is growing up - learning good lessons, practicing decision making, setting goals and achieving them. We'll remember the food, shoes, purses, colorful houses, laughter, more food, sea lions, hills, trollies, cable cars and gelato for a long time!

More later! I've been busy with fun projects.... but I'm embracing the fact that I own the blog - it does not own me. I'll not stress about posting (or lack of) right now. :) I've been at the cabin, teaching classes, making neat things, and moving forward on our home addition.

Summer is winding down - school starts in just three weeks.

Thanks to my sweet friend, Alisa, for sticking with my blog.

We had so much fun with our swap!

She was so kind to award me this lovely blog honor...

I will pass on this award to seven friends in the next couple of days. Stay tuned!

Back on the Blog!

2008-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend!!

My internet has been down (up and down - very sporadic) for all this time since camp hideaway! Needless to say, I've been very frustrated by the whole inconvenience. Now, I'm a bit deflated about all my fun projects, but I'll catch up anyway {for the two -or -so people who read my blog - love ya both :)}.

Camp Hideaway was fun, fun, fun.

A different year - a transition year for my girls who are now becoming teenagers. The whole schedule was more laid back, with later nights and mornings, so we didn't do as many projects as I had planned for. It was just fine - I wanted to go with the flow (nice Mom, not Nazi Mom!). The little gnomes were our camp mascots. We set them around all over the place - hopefully they brought us good luck!

These are the camp kits for this year. It's a place mat that I made into a folded packet to be used for cards, journal, pens, anything. I called it the gratitude pack. I gave the girls a notebook for a gratitude journal, and a variety of note cards. We wrote thank you notes to parents and family, and I mailed them from Camp Hideaway. The girls got to choose fun pens and pencils to put in their packet, and we made little name tag charms to put on the front of them. We also made a neat music mix CD for each girl with songs about being happy and lucky and friends...

I bought scrubs (bottoms only) at the thrift for each girl and they wrote all over them.

Scrubs are so comfy!

Kitchen Duty - Emmalyn (on the left) and friends

Kitchen Duty - Colette (on the right) and friends

A few of our "wish" boxes. Every girl made a really cute box with a stamped message inside.

And these are some of the girl's "lucky catch" bracelets.

This year our dinner parties were all holiday themed. First, it was St. Patty's day (potato soup and corned beef sandwiches) hosted by the "grown-ups". Here they're getting ready for the 4th of July dinner party. Colette's group hosted - they decorated and prepared an all-American salad bar dinner. Emmalyn's group - wearing the Santa hats - hosted the Christmas dinner party. Honey baked ham, potato casserole and more yummies were on the menu.

After dinner we had our gift exchange. Each girl brought a small favor for all the other girls. It really was like Christmas! We had a small (cheap) tree that my little boys and Grandma were in charge of decorating. It was really fun for them to make ornaments and decorate the tree. Yes, those are Easter Peeps bunnies that you see adorning the tree. Creativity abounds! :)

I made a stocking for each girl out of thrifted jeans. I really liked them, and plan to develop that idea a little more for the holiday season! Fun...

Even really little guys can make wonderful art! Paint and glitter...arrg! Where is his smock?! This is the project that we didn't have time to make. An embellished photo hanger.

A project for a future class or party I suppose - I've got all the stuff!!

Here are all of the beautiful Camp Hideaway girls. They were all so great! It's a real joy for me to have this fun with my girls. I'm a lucky Mom.

Wow. I can't believe I don't have a picture of Chelsea, my niece who came along to help me out!!

She is the unseen hero behind the scenes for this year. I loved having Chelsea along. She is an amazing lady, and I loved getting to know her better! Thanks, Chelsea.. I heart U...

******

Now, for a quick current update, we just got back from a great weekend at our cabin. The little town of Heber, AZ puts on an amazing fireworks show that we got to see, and feel, right above our heads. The explosions echoed off the canyon walls and the ashes fell in our eyes. It was awesome! Big thanks to my sweet niece, Molly, for showing us how to get the good seats. :)

I really hope to be back to normal on the internet. I do enjoy blogging!

Thanks for stopping by... after all this time...

Blarney Spoken Here

2008-06-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

I finally did my research and found out just what the blarney stone is all about.

We have some blarney stones all ready to "kiss" - hopefully they'll promote lots of sweet
and complimentary banter among the girls at Camp Hideaway!

I think I'll keep one handy to work magic on kids' summer quarrels. You know - they're with each other so much more in the summer, and they get on each other's nerves after awhile...

"Go kiss the stone - only blarney spoken here!"

********

Lucky Catch

"Darling, that bracelet! It really makes your entire look. You must have people clamoring to snatch that right off your wrist! It's fabulous! " (a little blarney...)

Here's the charm bracelet project we'll be making. Brass fishing swivels - is that what they're called? I never remember. :) I do know that I use a size 7 for this bracelet.

The first time I made these was years ago for a family beach trip project. They were a little different - we made anklets then with seed beads and one tiny jingle bell instead of all the bead charms. These fun bracelets turn out great every time, and they're perfect for every skill level. I think we'll make some little dangle earrings also...more about the crafts when we're home!

********

My cabin prep. trip was mostly productive. I ended up taking projects to finish, not finishing them, and hauling the stuff back home! However, my two worker bees really put in their time and we got the cabin in fine shape - as ready as we need to be for Hideaway. Yipee!

********

Speaking of worker bees, I've got lots of ideas and tips for the Queen Bee (a.k.a. Mother or Grandmother) of the home. I've been interested in home keeping (not beekeeping - I'm allergic) and parenting - and the combination of the two - for many years. I love it! So here's the latest little reward idea sitting on our kitchen counter.

Queen Bee Tip #1 - Make your candy (or cookie) jar treats count for something.

A sweet reminder or reward for sweet behavior.

Camp Hideaway fun begins tomorrow!

We're very excited...

More on the blog at the end of the week...

"May the sun smile warmly down on you, may horny toads cross your path, and may the evening clouds part so you can see the majesty of the stars."

-Camp Hideaway Irish (ish) Blessing

Loading Up

2008-06-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just a peek ...we're making some fun projects at Camp Hideaway this year. I love this picture because it's a bit of history. This is the Mesa High Girls Band in about 1926, and that's my Grandmother sporting the tuba!

Dashing off to the cabin to prepare for our big fun. More on Sunday...

Summer Classes

2008-06-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

This summer I'll be teaching some really fun classes! Here's the line-up of the projects that I'll be sharing .
First, at Mystic Paper (the blog) - my favorite paper crafting store ever - really, it is such a neat store!! I'll be teaching four classes and introducing a fun ongoing theme that I hope to continue for a long time. Don't we love books? And Art? So this is "The Literary Artification Society", a book club with a creative twist. Read a book, then make a project inspired by it. I had a lot of fun creating these projects - I hope folks will want to join in. These summer classes are actually for pre-teen girls (and older - moms and sisters maybe?), so the books are youth books. For more info, go ahead and look in at Mystic's blog. There's a recent post all about it!

First class - reading accessories

Second class - Mermaid collage tote bag (The Tail of Emily Windsnap)

Third class - Princess looking glass (Princess Academy)

The fourth class - Secret Letter box and note packet (Twilight)

(I forgot to snap a picture of my project before I took it to the store,

so I have to use theirs!)

***************************

The other place that I'm teaching is called Blissful Living Studios (the blog). I'll be teaching things other than paper crafting there - sewing in all it's varieties, making jewelry, and many other creative living ideas.

These projects focus on re-purposing and recreating! I love to find a great deal at the junque shoppe and make it useful, clever, and elegant. :)

I have quite a bit going on with Blissful Living Studios and their store, Domestic Bliss. It's an absolutely gorgeous place, and I love it also. My exciting endeavor with them is really progressing...more later on that!

June class - Scrap Shirts

Letters from abandoned tee shirts find a new home...

July class - Button Bracelets

Vintage and modern buttons bridge the generation gap...

August class - Creative Living for the Queen Bee

How's it going in your Hive?- Making Housework Fun
These dress shirts used to go to the office - now they're helping you with your housework...

Summer Fun!

Take some classes...learn, share, enjoy!

Camp Hideaway Countdown

2008-05-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

We've got a really fun old cabin in the mountains that a family of cowboys built in a sort of "jimmy-rigged" way, with a piece added here and there over the 25 years that they owned it. It's really crazy, and even crooked (grandpa got the measurements mixed up so the whole thing slopes just a bit!) - but we love it.

Now it's time to get everything set up for Camp Hideaway, a special time with my two girls and their friends. These pictures are from last year - thanks to my friend, Janae, who came along to help. It's really neat to plan special times with teenage kids. We have so much fun!

Here's the cabin - where everyone sleeps. I have 14 fully outfitted beds with comfy bedding. I've really kept things simple as far as decorating. I don't want to have to clean so much when I'm there to relax. :)

Each year we have a theme, and I structure things around it - but we keep everything pretty easy going.

We do several crafty things. Here you see my examples of the mailbox (made out of paper plates), a pillow, a magnet board with magnets, button bracelet, and a photo holder.
Easy and fun. The girls also made a mini album (with all the usual yummy paper crafting elements).

I give the girls a camp kit. Everyone got a CD of songs that went with the theme, a great little book, and some beauty stuff (we did pedicures one evening).

One of the most fun activities are the dinner parties. We're there for three nights. Each group gets to give a dinner party for everyone. The first night, the adults do it - to give an example of how it can be. The girls then have a drawing to see which night their group will be hosting. Last year we had a restaurant theme - cute signs that Grandpa helps to create, place settings, and party favors. The girls prepare the meal (with my help), set up and decorate, and host a fabulous party! They really learn a lot doing it...

The smudges on their faces

are their little mustaches!

Italian waiters....

We did a service project for one of the crafts. We made 100 refrigerator magnet memo clips that we gave to the home bound seniors who receive "meals on wheels". That was fun -the girls felt really happy to do that.

Every one's "art-your-heart" photo rock...

The memo boards and magnets...

Hiking and picnicing at the near-by lake...

Watching movies at night out on the deck...

I think Camp Hideaway is more fun for me than anyone! It's a bit of work - but very rewarding as I think of the memories that I'm creating with my daughters - and their friends. They realize the effort that I'm making for them, and they're so sweet and appreciative. These are good times.

This year, our theme is "Lucky Girl". We're focusing on feeling grateful, saying thank you, and moving beyond luck to goal setting! We have so much to be thankful for, and so much that we can accomplish in life. We really are lucky girls!

9 days to Camp Hideaway!!!

Rice Krispy Treats. Love Them.

2008-05-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Rice Krispy Treats have got to be one of my favorites. Let me tell you about these....
I worked at a coffee shop years ago where the owner made these at home and brought them in every morning. They would sell out within the first hour every time! I was lucky enough to get the instructions before I left for my summer job in the theater. I worked in professional summer stock theater for five years at the Jackson Hole Playhouse in Jackson, Wyoming. I actually managed the theater during the day, and was in the shows at night. Well, I started making these for the concession stand at the theater, and people would come in the next day and ask if there were any more that they could buy! Crazy - but they are just so perfectly soft and yummy. Addicting. I've had several (I never count) today.

I like to wrap them in individual squares - maybe it's habit, but I think that it keeps each serving softer, especially if they're just for an anytime treat. The wrap also provides a handy way to hold them (they should be called "rice krispy 'n sticky treats"). Paper napkins and krispy treats really don't get along! I also like to put a thick popsicle stick in them for a special look - parties or bake sales.

Famous Rice Krispy Treats

Supplies:

Jelly roll pan - makes 24 summer day squares, or 48 perfect little party treats

Large bowl that fits in your microwave - you could use a smaller one, then use a separate bowl for the final mixing if you have a really small microwave (where there's a will, there's a way).
Wooden spoon
Cooking spray - to coat your pan and fingers

Ingredients:

One large size box Rice Krispies - you can make your treats as gooey or as krispy as you like.
One 16 oz bag mini marshmallows - this has to be exact. I even prefer this brand marshmallow.
One cube butter or margarine - margarine treats stay softer longer, butter tastes a bit better.

How to make them:

These instructions are for a standard high wattage microwave. If yours is not so powerful, just make slight adjustments.

Melt the cube of butter in the large bowl. I put mine in for 1 minute. Dump the whole bag of mini marshmallows into the bowl and stir, completely coating the marshmallows with butter.

Take a moment to spray your pan with cooking spray.

Microwave the marshmallows for no more than 1 minute 30 seconds.

This is important! Less cooking time is what makes a soft treat.

The marshmallows will not look melted. See the picture below.

Just give them a vigorous stir and they'll become creamy.

Now gradually add the cereal to the marshmallows. I try to be careful so I don't crush up the Rice Krispys while I'm stirring. Use as much cereal as you like.
What's your Krispy treat style? I'm kind of a traditionalist - I like them best plain.

The beauty of it is that the whole batch just falls out of the bowl into the pan. Hardly anything to wash out - it just takes a second with hot water.

Done! So fast and easy! Yummy, too.

Daniel is enjoying a treat.

So much that with his mouth full, he was only willing to squish his eyes up for a smile.

The End

p.s. Because our internet was down today, I've was not able to blog. I'll have to tell you about Camp Hideaway tomorrow. No time now - it's midnight. I think I need a snack...maybe another Rice Krispy Treat...

Back on the Blog Train

2008-05-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Boy, is this true. But sometimes it seems that there is never enough time! It flies when you're having fun, that's for sure. And we've been having fun these last couple of weeks. School ended in a flurry of activities - awards assemblies, science fairs, performances, and parties. Somehow I ended up with kids doctor appointments scheduled as well - not very good mommy planning! :)

On the holiday weekend we managed to have some yummy dinners out with our kids.

Because we experienced a crazy cold snap, it rained for about three days. The kids engineered a fabulous fort in the playroom loft - it was very cool.

On the beautiful sunny Saturday we all went to the zoo. Here's the whole crew...

I did manage to do some crafty work at the beginning of this week. My crafting life has also caused a flurry of activity. I'm so excited to share my announcement...uh, no, there's no baby on the way! Stay tuned for the news... I'll be blogging every day for the next few days with details about my June teaching schedule and classes, Camp Hideaway, and my exciting endeavor.

A little something for the Camp Hideaway girls...

These "adopted" jeans have a new life as...

Backside Bags!

The casual design and frayed seams remind me of cut-off shorts and summer time.

Just the backside... this time it's okay to stare... :)

Fun little fabric charms made out of the lining fabric.

Nice seat pockets ready to be embellished with button pins, embroidery, or just a Sharpie!

HAPPY SUMMER!

We're looking forward to a great summer vacation.

Here are some pics from last year to get us all in the mood...

Stay tuned for more fun projects and my famous Rice Krispy Treat recipe... summer yum.

p.s. the embroidery at the top was stitched by my mom. thanks, mom!

Apron Strings...

2008-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Look at what I got! This is the darling apron and goodies that my vintage apron swap partner sent to me!! I just love it. Thanks so much, Sondra!!

Speaking of apron strings, my little boys are growing up! Gosh, I love 'em.

This guy is so cool.
Daniel is singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

So sweet, my little troubador...

Self portraits are never that good - Daniel was laughing just seconds before I snapped the camera. Now he looks upset! Oh well, he wanted to use the camera SO much...

Have a great weekend!

Wonderful Day

2008-05-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful day!
I had a very nice time at church early in the morning - I directed a women's choir that sang a beautiful song with cello. It turned out so nice! I really enjoyed the sweet fellowship with other women as we sat in our classes and had great discussions. We munched on the chocolate yummies that all the moms got for Mother's Day. I'll always be glad that the "Mother's gift" tradition switched from a flower - to chocolate!
We spent the afternoon creating little tag books for the Grandmothers. It was so much fun! I had already made a William Morris print clipboard for my mom. My parents live in, and love the craftsman style - so I had saved our 2006 William Morris print calendar and we cut it all up and used it for Mom's gifts! Here are a few of the neat pages that we created...

This is Dawson's painting of a beach sunset.

We go the beach in Mexico, and it's one of the fond Grandparent memories that my kids have.

I'm so thankful for my family. My children are fantastic - all of them, my birth kids and my bonus kids! My husband is the love of my life. I am really blessed.

Every day is a wonderful day!

MYSTIC PAPER SUMMER CLASS UPDATE

I have another Mystic Paper class project finished! This framed mirror is for the class based on the book, "Princess Academy", by Shannon Hale. I really like how the flowers turned out! I want to make many more projects using these flowers - it was so fun!

The words on the bottom were at the end of one of the chapters in the book. Very poetic, don't you think? :)

Lots and Lots to Share...

2008-05-07T08:46:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at Hideaway (the cabin) - the chilly mornings were just right for hot chocolate! The kids played and hiked, I cleaned and crafted, we had marathon card games and generally wore ourselves out.

Isn't it amazing how some people can just lay down and fall asleep wherever they want to?

Derek barely made it out of the car (after hiking around the lake).

Seriously, this kid would not wake for anything! Amazing. :)

This little guy is tired, but he wants to be in on all the action.

I love snuggling with him - it will not last forever...

Lots of projects and plans...

Many people love these button bracelets that I make. My hair stylist bought one from me a few days ago to give to her mother. I wear mine all the time, and get compliments often. Once I was wearing it while shopping at Anthropologie, and some employees gathered around and admired it, and asked if I bought it at an Anthropologie store. ha!

Well, that was validating... :)

My big project...

CLASSES AT MYSTIC PAPER
"Literature Artification Summer Social"
I'm teaching a summer series of classes for young teen girls that are projects inspired by books! I'm really excited about the whole concept, and hope that it will be fun for the girls, too.

Here are the three books that the projects will be based on:

The first class will be a bunch of reading accessories - book marks and book covers.

I want to introduce the girls to basic techniques, fun products, and different styles.

I love this bookmark! Real vintage math flashcard, and vintage crochet lace, distressed with Ranger inks...

This bookmark was a fun challenge.

Using only two pages of a vintage book, create a message or poem.

I had so much fun with it - I seriously want to make a whole tag book of "text poetry"!

Wouldn't it be fun to have a whole shelf of beautiful books?!

The second class will be an art tote bag based on the book, The Tail of Emily Windsnap.

She makes a big discovery and has a great adventure.

More class projects on the way!

I must finish them this week, along with the swap projects that I'm creating.

*******

I found this cool fabric at the thrift...

And I made it into this...

A cover for my planner!

Pockets made from the cuff of a shirt

The back

The inside back. You may notice my little tag - that's my studio.

Paddywacks. Ta - da!

About this plate...

I found this at the thrift store also - and was so amazed to see that it was painted by

my step grandma! What luck! When she died, I didn't get any of her painted things

so I think I was meant to have this one! It's beautiful...

Happy Day!

BUSY

2008-04-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm really busy because:

- Our house is under construction!! They've finally busted through the walls. We're in for a messy three months.

- We've been having birthdays, performances, and funerals.

- I'm involved with special musical numbers at church.

- I've gone swap crazy, I'm doing three right now.

- I'm preparing for Camp Hideaway (I'll post about that later).

But the really fun busy maker is my new project! I'll be teaching a summer workshop series at Mystic Paper - my favorite paper craft store! I'm just thrilled to have this opportunity, because I really miss teaching (I taught school for several years, and private music lessons for many more years). I'm developing five classes for young people (girls, really) that will be literature inspired. Book-ish art!! This weekend I'm finishing reading, working on project samples, and writing an article about the workshop (and the store) that will be in a local paper. Everything has moved along so quickly - I've much to do!!

I'm off to the cabin to kick out the spiders and clean it up for the season...hopefully I can do some projects while I'm there. Have a great weekend, folks!

Swap Lessons

2008-04-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished my first swap. It was so much fun! More importantly, it was a great learning experience in that I tried out some new ideas. Having a commitment to create is always a great jump-start for me! I'm really creatively motivated and inspired with ideas when I have some event or deadline to work with. This I have discovered about myself. I guess that's why I don't have any of my own "art" around! I make handmade gifts, and then they're gone. Many times I've thought, "I should make two, and keep one!". But, I'm usually pressed for time...

So, my goal is to create more just for myself. Also, I want to create a stockpile of handmade gifts (I love giving gifts!) that are ready for me to give when the moment arrives. There have been many times that I would have loved to give someone a special gift to cheer or celebrate, but haven't, because I can't "whip it up" fast enough! So that's my lesson and resolve...

We write our own destiny.

We become what we do.

-Madame Chiang Kai-Shek

This is a nice quote. I think about how it applies to me, my destiny, and what I do.

Here's what I know:

I am a daughter of God

I am a wife and mother, and I love and value my family

I love to express myself through artistic creativity

I want to make others feel happy and loved

I love to teach and share what I can

This picture is from last New Year's Eve. I guess it's never too late to add to your resolutions, define yourself, and reaffirm your goals!

Happy day!

Vintage Party Swap Show and Tell

2008-04-17T10:02:00.001-07:00

Vintage Party Swap Goodies

2008-04-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

I opened my box from Alisa just after dinner. Even the wrap was so fun! Because my kids were there, it was quite a ceremony. Lots of delighted exclamations by my teenage girls, and Daniel (almost 2) joining in with even more dramatic flair. Even Dawson, who is six, was impressed!

I had to wait until this morning to take some decent pictures - and I'm sorry I'm not a better photographer! However, these shots will give you all an idea of the beautiful things that I received from my talented and generous swap partner, Alisa! Just look at this banner! Vintage trim, fabric, buttons and ribbon. I absolutely love it! I can think of several different kinds of parties I can use it for.

Lighting's not so good - the banner says "celebrate". Everything is gorgeous!

I love this scalloped trim... and the scalloped stitching on the blue ribbon...

...crepe paper trim also, so neat!

Gloves, pearls, and glitter set the party mood.

A beautiful vintage cloth, platter, and a fun cookbook!

The invitations are wonderful, also. Vintage flowers tucked in a sparkly banner...
...each invitation is a different combination of colors.

The inside has stamped elements that I can fill in with party details.

Extra papers, ribbons, and more, to add to party supplies that I already have.

Wasn't that a nice touch?

Beautiful girls for cupcake toppers, and an array of colorful hankies

to give as party favors.

Even some miniature beauties for favors - so darling!

I can't wait to throw our vintage cotillion party!

Big thanks to Alisa - wonderful job!

I love it!!

P.S. Here are a few more sneak peeks of what I sent to Alisa...

For the Love of Hankies!

2008-04-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely not on the fence about hankies. I love 'em!

My attachment began when I was eight years old. My Grandmother passed away then, and each granddaughter got to choose a couple of hankies from her collection - she had many granddaughters and many hankies! Now I've got upwards of 40 hankies, gleaned from family members and from antique stores. I always carry one in my purse...my kids wonder why I'd want to wipe my nose on a hankie and then KEEP it!..."gross, Mom"... ha!

...wonderful applique...

...I love colorful hankies, here are some favorites...

...can't have enough hankies...

...a scanned hankie ...

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Art and craft and all my stuff...

2008-04-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

I really should have started organizing and sorting before now...oh well! I'm super excited because it's time for our home addition to really get moving. We're adding about 4000 sq feet to our home - included in that is an art and craft room for me (wow)! Finally, tomorrow they'll open up the walls and connect the new and existing spaces. So, I've been busy shuffling kids and stuff (all my art and craft things) to new places. My boys have to share other rooms , and sort of camp out until we're all done in August. It's going to be an exciting summer - we'll probably escape up to the cabin quite a lot...

Here's my new craft space - a whole room with a nice window that opens to the front yard! There'll be a sink under the window. Now I need to plan the layout of the studio space. Sewing (I have three machines), hand work, papercrafts, jewelry, floral stuff, work space, and storage for supplies. Any advice out there??? I really want to plan well ...

This is our guest room which I've gradually overtaken. There was a bed where that table is just a couple of days ago (it was also covered with stuff!), and most of the little shelves and things were in the closet, which I just had to empty because it's going to be deconstructed! I took this picture just now - in the middle of sorting and deciding what to keep here and what to temporarily store until the new space is finished. As you may imagine, I think I need to keep EVERYTHING - but there really isn't room. ha! I feel really blessed to have a whole room of my own to create in. I've always had crafting things (sewing machines at least) out and at the ready. I can't imagine living without these things... in one little house, I set up my crafting station in the hallway!

Back to the work of it all... I'd love any advice about creating my new studio!!

Crafty Weekend Fun

2008-04-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to do a little shopping...found a beautiful, fragile, corsage...

... found some lovely buttons in pearly white...

...bought some jewels and crystals that spark my imagination and ideas...

Here's a little peek at my fun crafty weekend. I'm getting ready for the vintage party swap by Artsymama. It's been really fun -

I have too many ideas, though.

I've got to control myself!!

UH, OHHH !!

Monkey made a mess!!!! While I was creating this post, Daniel was having fun in big sister's room.....there's powder carefully sprinkled EVERYWHERE!!

Experienced Mommy should know better.... time to get off the computer....I love my monkey more than blogging, by the way... :)

Have a great day, all...I'll be cleaning...

Made Some Art...

2008-04-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

My little boy's tippy toes were so cute - he was really stretching up high! Daniel has been working hard "catching up" to his age. He was a preemie (32 weeks), but fortunately, no physical problems. Today he graduated out of the special care program from the hospital - his developmental specialist, Goldie, visited our home for the last time. He's totally caught up to his age in every way - yipee!

I made a little "thank-you art" for Goldie's office. I wanted to capture something personal to remember us by, yet relate to her job helping preemie babies and their families progress. Even though Daniel wasn't facing any physical impairment, it was so great to have her come to our home. I learned so many new ways to play with my baby that really helped him grow.

So, this is the first collage piece that I've taken a picture of, and dared to give as a gift! I think it's alright - I can see that I'm a beginner. Now I'm so excited to make more of this kind of art; it was so fun!! I'm very experienced with sewing and needlework, but not with paper and collage art (so insecure for some reason - it took me all day just to get started!). I have a lot to learn, and I'm anxious to find my own style.

I guess I have some reaching to do - just like my little Daniel! It's quite an adventure...

Giving...

2008-04-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about all that I am thankful for! I love this time of year - the weather is so beautiful in Arizona right now, before it's too hot. There's a buzz of excitement for the swimming season to begin, and for school to end. I have the hankering to clean out, de-clutter, decorate - do some "nesting". I can hardly wait to get on with projects that I'm trying to squeeze in my busy schedule! So, I remind myself....have patience, enjoy every little moment, and every tiny step forward. Embrace the time that little ones need my attention - soon they'll be grown up!

Find joy in giving the "handmade creations" that I so want time to make - and, more important, find joy in creating "handmade love", and time for my family.

I'm giving these vintage flowers to someone...they're really pretty...

My Mom gave me these bunnies... first she gave me only a few, then somehow I ended up with two baskets full! Hummm....

My daughter gave this to me. She stitched it when she was just a tiny girl!

The sentiment is true, don't you think?

Slide Show of Fairyland Party

2008-04-02T10:35:00.001-07:00

Fairyland Party

2008-04-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

I just picked up the newest Home & Heart magazine. I loved it! In it, there are so many wonderful party ideas - beautifully presented and stylized. I saw the little girl's fairy party and thought of our "real-life" fairyland party last October - let me share it with you! It was my daughter's 8th birthday - it was so much fun!!

I spent the morning creating "fairyland" out of a basic canopy structure and some flat sheets. I put our playhouse furniture in it, flowers, lights, and lots of color. I had an odd variety of little chairs and stools so I bought some cheap ($1.98 ea. yah - WalMart) woven rugs to use as covers. It really did the trick to pull them all together. I used fabric strips and raffia to attatch things...

I wanted to make a fairy house, so the girls could have fun just playing imaginary games - like they were fairies in fairyland. During the party, the girls played in fairyland for awhile, then they had a small meal.

Fairyland Menu:

chicken strips in a foil pouch

mini blueberry muffin

bagel bites

carrot sticks

apple wedges

rice krispy treat

fruit punch

I love the beautiful food and favors that you see in magazines - but, having a lot of kids, and doing things myself, I have learned to practice balance! I want to create a unique and special event that everyone will enjoy, but I am determined to keep my prep. time and expenses in check. I don't think that children need their Moms to take excessive amounts of time creating parties (maybe to impress other adults?), especially if it makes Mom stressed out and exhausted during the party.

That being said (...soapbox...), this party looked fantastic but was so easy!!

Dressing table and sleeping area in the fairyhouse.

Pictures of fairy friends in the sitting area...

Each girl got to choose a set of wings, an ivy crown, a wand, and a party bag to play with and take home.

Let the fun begin!!

Fairyland Party Plan:

Fairyland is a secret place, hidden until nightfall...don't let anyone peek until the "journey to Fairyland"! As guests arrive, they may choose fairy wings and crown, and apply the fairy dust to cheeks. The little fairy girls then gather and make tiny fairy friend dolls (wooden bead heads, pipe cleaners, silk flowers...). The dolls are magic, and take them on a journey to fairyland, where the party will stay. At fairyland, the girls play for awhile - then it's time for the meal. Dinners are served in baskets lined with cloth napkins. After dinner the birthday fairy opens gifts, they all have a magic cupcake, and then play in fairyland until parents pick them up.

See the slide show of the actual party at the top...

Have fun!

Blooming

2008-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

The roses are finally blooming at my house. We have 18 rose bushes along our back wall - many colors and types, but they all smell really good! I had to try some photos.

My husband planted the roses- 18 bushes for the 18 years that we were apart, learning the life lessons that we needed. Now we've been married for 4 years. It's a beautiful thing.

So, I was taking the pictures and I realized that there was some sweet music playing - my little troubador on the sunning chair! He plays the harmonica quite well..

Speaking of roses, below is a picture of one of the beautiful ceramic boxes that my Grandmother, Julia Rollins, made.

Don't you love the colors - so vintage!

Her mother, Harriet Webb, was a prolific crafter and an amazing ceramic artist who passed on the talent and desire to her children. My Grandma and her sisters all had their own ceramic shops - I grew up running around my Grandma's shop while my Mother worked there. I never learned how to make these beautiful roses, but I did learn so many crafing and sewing and candy making skills fom my Grandmother and Great Aunts. Of course, my Mother taught me the most - by her creative example, by patiently letting me be a part of every project, and keeping supplies always on hand...
It is a legacy of homekeeping, beauty, and love that I treasure!

Here is my Great Grandmother posing for a news photo and article about her and her art and crafts. Everything - paintings, embroidery, crochet, ceramics, wall art, even curtains, lamps and rugs made by her. Wow... and she lived to 102 years old!

Hope we all find ways to bloom this spring

Odd is just a way of looking at things...

2008-03-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Tagged!!

I must now think of five odd things about myself to share with you all. I feel like a pretty normal person. What is "odd", anyway??

FIVE ODD THINGS

1. I am a prolific, but quiet, sneezer. My friends and family often start counting when I begin a sneeze attack. I find that a bit annoying, so I try to tell them to stop, but I can't speak very well mid-sneeze. It must be funny to watch. My record is 21 sneezes in a row. that was in 9th grade. My average is about 7 sneezes.

2. I used to be a donut maker. I actually burnt myself quite badly on the arm with a tray just out of the fryer. It was scary...but I do love donuts, even though I'm very aware of how unhealthy they are. :) My favorite is the oh, so yummy, maple bar.

3. I can touch my tongue to my nose. Of course, many people can do that. I actually decided that I wanted to have that skill, so I practiced (more junior high life). That's odd. My son really wishes I could lick my elbow - he keeps asking me if I can (like I'm going to practice that...). lol

4. I play many instruments and I sing. I was a choral teacher and private voice teacher for many years. I play the piano, flute, oboe - even the recorder, slide whistle, and kazoo. However, the oddest instrument I play is the nose flute. You blow air through your nose into a small plastic thing, and create a resonating chamber by opening your mouth. Adjusting your mouth shape changes the pitch. It's hysterical!!! I'm really good at it. Ha!

5. Shock treatment is fun. It tickles! My family has done a lot of crazy things for kicks over the years. Once my Dad found an antique machine that produced an electrical current when you cranked it's handle round and round. We spent many gatherings standing in a big circle with hands held, letting the electricity run through all of us. I've often thought of how odd that would seem to an "outsider". I guess odd is just a way of looking at things!!

MY DAD - BRILLIANTLY ODD AND LOVEABLE

Have a great day!

P.S. These funny pictures of my Dad and me were taken at our cabin during the annual "Camp Hideaway" trip that I plan for my girls and their friends. I'll have to create a special post about my Father so that his dignity can be restored - ha!

Finally time for blogging!

2008-03-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have been a very busy Momma lately. Because of the fact that creating a post with pictures takes a ridiculously long time for me - I haven't blogged for awhile. :) I feel quite behind on the sharing...so I made a slide show of some of my recent (last week and weekend) fun. Just in case you don't want to watch it - here's a peek at my weekend projects:

Goodies for baby and bridal showers. I really love to put gifts together! I love to think of a theme and find just the right combination of things - always including something handmade. For baby gifts I usually choose two or three of my favorite childrens books and make (or buy) things to go with them. One book I gave was, Pirates Don't Change Diapers with a package of diapers and this Scrap Shirt, which I made. There are more pics in the slideshow...

Scrap Shirts are one of my favorite things to make. I have several of my own and I love to wear them!

I also put together a fun bridal shower gift. You can see what it was on the slideshow...

Speaking of special occasions...there are some fun things to celebrate this month of March. It's not too late! All month long we get to celebrate National Craft Month. Well, that's easy for most of us - finally a reason to over-spend at the craft store! But did you know that it is also National Frozen Food Month, National Umbrella Month, and Play the Recorder Month (I actually do play the recorder - ha!)? There are plenty of ways to celebrate this month in addition to green stuff and chocolate bunnies. :) I'll share more ideas later -

March is also Optimism Month. I like that.

"One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things."

-Henry Miller

So at our house, we're going to play the glad game with Pollyanna. We'll have a movie nite with popcorn and maybe a huge cake like the one's Aunt Polly's cooks make in the movie. I'll get my crystal prisms out and find a good place to hang them, so we can be glad about the magical dancing rainbows of light that our hot Arizona sun makes...

Happy Day!

Weekend Fun

2008-03-13T22:02:00.001-07:00

American Idol Brooke White and her teacher ... little ole' me!

2008-03-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited for Brooke! I taught private voice and piano lessons for many years, and I was a high school choir and student leadership teacher for seven years at Heritage Academy. Brooke White was my student! It is so great to see her beautiful face on television - wow. Brooke's first public singing performance was the school musical - "Meet Me in St.Lois". I was the musical director for the show. Brooke was such a natural on stage even at the young age of 16. It was a joy to work with her - and I love her Mother, who babysat my little girls during all the extra rehearsal hours! We just found this clip on You Tube of Brooke singing at my summer vocal workshop recital. That's me playing the piano for her performance. Ha! A blast from the past...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpsqRT4Mc2Q

I'm so proud of Brooke. Look how far she has come - her sweet and tenative singing (really, her first exploring of her talent) at 16 years old, compared to her comfortable expression and confidence now. It's so great!

She is being tagged as the "nice" girl on American Idol. Let me tell you, she is completely real and sincere, and is not pretending about her convictions or her personality. She has lived well - she is a great example to young girls who want a "star" to shine after. I know my girls are glowing, especially because they know her personally.

I haven't spoken to Brooke for a long time because - well, I haven't kept in touch with students after they graduated, and she moved to California, and I stopped teaching. :) But I would love to let her know how happy I am for her. Bravo, Brooke!!!

Lovely February...

2008-02-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

Progress!! I finally have some sweet little pictures to post. Big thanks to my 13 yr old daughter, Emmalyn, for her computer smarts (I think this is a familiar scenario - kid helping Mom w/ computer).

I gave these little quilted heart sachets to some friends for a February giftie. I used a vintage quilt top that is completely hand stitched - a very uneven log cabin pattern (so cute) - and such cheerful fabrics. I've got more to finish today (it is STILL February :)) that I tea -dyed.

We're putting away our Valentine mailboxes today. Sad... It's lots of fun to spend an evening making them - and hard for the kids to part with them when the holiday is over!

Colette (my 6th grader) and Dawson (my 1st grader) gave sweet treats to their class mates and teachers. We kept it simple - I always try to use what I call the "appreciation/time" guage when I help my kids with class projects and gifts. It is easy to over do it!!

Valentines Day is such a fun time of year! This year DeVal and I spent the weekend in San Fran. - just the two of us. It was wonderful, as usual! We missed all of our kids, but we definately benefit from the re-charge that some time away from the daily grind gives us. Hugs and many thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, who took care of our littlest Valentine while we were away. :)

Well, this is pure joy. How I love my little boy...

Pictures...

2008-02-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

I really need to learn how to put pictures in here. I have them, but I've no idea how to accomplish the task! I'm not sure if my camera is quite the quality I need for great blog pics. - well, anyway, we'll see as soon as I can figure it out.

After reading my first two posts, I can tell that this blog really reveals my insecurity. :) It makes me laugh! I also think it shows that I want something special just for me. This is, probably, because I am a wife and busy mother of seven children. An all-american his, mine, and ours "blending" family. We have great kids and lots of great times and love - but it does come with challenges and a crazy schedule! Someday there will be pictures...

In a couple of days my husband and I are going to San Francisco for my birthday trip (we go for each of our birthdays every year). I'm so excited and ready for a get-away. We stay for three days - it's great. Hopefully I can share pictures...

We're busy finishing up our Valentines. The classroom Valentines turned out really cute - simple and charming. In our family, we make mailboxes out of plates and hang them on our dining chairs. We write notes, etc., during the days leading up to Valentines Day, then we have fun opening everything up on the 14th. Of couse, I have pictures if only I knew how to post them...

Well, I guess I'll get to work learning how to post a picture!

Fake it 'till You Make it

2008-02-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

I feel much better now.

I just finished pouring through the latest issue of Somerset Magazine's Artful Blogging. After reading the inspiring articles written by so many amazing women artists - I feel so much better!

lol - kidding! I'm totally overwhelmed!

See, I just love anything crafty! I have a hard time buying things because my first thought is, "I could make that...". I come from generations of artistic people, many of whom made their living with their art (or at least their "pin money"). And I've been making handmade gifts for every occasion since I was very small. Now, I know this is a common story for many of you, but it seems that most people who are on this artistic path stay there, and develop their craft accordingly. Me, however, I jumped into music and have been teaching and performing now for many years (summer stock theater, private voice and piano, high school choir and student leadership). Teaching kept me busy, but not too busy to sew. I can't imagine not having my machines out (at-the-ready) all the time! I somehow missed the scrapbooking bus, however. That's probably where I got behind in the crafty world. I love paper craft and collage art! I see it, and it's in me to create it, and I just feel like it's "coming home"... but I haven't been there for awhile, so I have a lot to learn!

My goal is to get busy creating! I hope that I can somehow join the artistic "club" that I have just discovered by reading Somerset Magazines (and entering the land of blogs). It seems quite wonderful! I also want to visit my past a bit here, so that I can chronicle some events and ideas that I have tucked away. I need to tell my story (mostly fun, with mostly happy endings). I feel that we all have a story, and it's who we are, and we get to create it, and we should share it. I love people's stories (I mean stories in the big, meaningful sense).

The story goes on...

New at this

2008-02-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

I laugh at myself.

When I think too much about this - The idea of writing things (sharing, opening, exposing) that will be available to so many people just makes me paralyzed! ...with fear...

This should be really fun! Just don't think too hard about it...

I'm new at everything internet. But I really like to present myself and my projects with everything perfect and prepared. That is my comfort zone - Does that sound familiar to anyone? So just jumping in here without it being quite right yet is frustrating! I have a lot to learn about blogland (computers in general for that matter)! However, I'm going to give that "perfect and prepared" stumbling block a swift kick out of the way and make a brave beginning. I have realized as of late that I have a lot to say that just can't wait any longer! My husband could have told you that ages ago...

There are ideas and experiences that I would like to keep and share here in my blog. I like the thought of keeping and sharing at the same time. It's like how we describe love - the more we give it away, the more we have. - just reflecting-

Only the heart speaks to the heart.

I needed to tell you my story as I

need to hear yours, so that we may

share our secrets and trust our hearts.

-Judy Collins

Nice quote, huh. I'm always on the lookout for quotes.

My husband, DeVal, came up with the name "kindred joy". I liked it right away, especially because he volunteered the idea without being asked. It was a beautiful compliment that he would associate that with me, and what I might have to offer anyone who will eventually read this blog.

It's the little things that mean a lot...

Here's my brave beginning for 2008. January was the "getting brave" part, February is the actual "beginning". Ha! It's never too late for a beginning. lol...

lol