Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - lunaclaydesigns

I'm far behind in featuring a wonderful Etsy seller. I'm trying to get back on track and tomorrow will be the true back-to-the-ol-grind type of day... Back to School.

Anyway look at this oh-so-fun teapot sculpture from lunaclaydesign! Is this fantastic, or what?! In this shop you'll find sculptures made with reclaimed/upcycled items combined with polymer clay. There is also some very whimsical jewelry. Lots of vintagey-retro stuff. Always entertaining to look at!



Her website is www.lunaclaydesign.com, and you'll find more interesting things there!

Bye bye for now, I'd better get ready for my early morning tomorrow... I hate routines!

Old Art - New Prints

One of my resolutions this new year is to sell prints on my Etsy site. I listed a couple in the print section of my shop today starting with this one you see here. This is "Spring Tea" a print from a little watercolor I did way back in 1991.

My dad gave me a bunch of high quality printing paper from his work. This paper is used in the printing industry, I just don't know what to call it. I hope that doesn't hinder my sales! I've got my prints listed for a little less than most prints over on Etsy, just for that reason. Until I get some other paper, I'll have to keep the prices at the low price. But really, the paper is a nice photo-type of paper of some kind.

I will continue to list prints of old and new art as the days roll on. I only wish I had scanned all of my sold art in a high resolution! In the old days of my life with a computer, I just didn't know what was best. So I've got lots of art that probably won't make it to 8x10 prints. Maybe they'll be good enough to make into cards or ACEO prints. We shall see.

Happy New Year!!

I'm just poppin in for my last blog entry of 2007! Just a little break from our little party to wish you all a good one!

It's cliche, but just where did this year go?!

So cheers! And have a drink for me! I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008, and let's pray for peace for our planet this year!!

Mural for Musical

One of the things that I did while in my blogging absence was assist with this mural.

My son's teacher asked me if I would help with the backdrop for the kid's musical/play. I normally would love to do something like this, but I had only wished it wasn't 2 weeks before Christmas! She couldn't have choosen a worse time to have to do a large project like this!

Luckily, the anticipation of it was far worse than the actual doing of it.

I quickly sketched some ideas at home. Got the large butcher paper from the school. Taped together four LARGE pieces of it (that was actually the hardest part since I had no help with it. This part would definitely be a lot easier with at least one adult helper.) Then I drew out the design. The kids came into the art room in groups of 5 and painted it. I supplied their pallettes. By fifth grade they should be over the incredible desire to just mix the colors into a big mess. Well most were, all but one!

We surprisingly got finished with just one session, each group coming to paint for 15 minutes each (27 kids). I quickly did some finishing touches like outlining with black.

It turned out pretty cute, I thought. And it fit in well with their "Brown County Fair" musical, which was based on tall tales of America. Nothing beats children singing and performing at Christmas time!!

An Exceptional Night, Leads to an Exceptional Sickness

Yes it's true, I, like so many others, have been sick!

On December 12 I had the most incredible night out, seeing the beloved Squirrel Nut Zippers! And what a night it was! Thanks to Wesley, we were able to go back stage after the show and meet them! We got pictures, and Wesley got some autographs (along with some little doodles.) It was very cool, and he was jazzed to share some of his sketch book with the band. They were very nice, and the show was so excellent. I'm ready to see them again. They've got to be one of my favorites of all time!! So many thanks go out to my bestest of girlfriends for the tickets!



I love this photo of Katharine Whalen, She's really looking at Wes, and giving him a smile! She always dresses so wonderfully, and her voice is amazing. Kind of Billie Holiday meets Betty Boop. I love it. I also always love Jimbo Mathus, the singer-songwriter-guitarist-extraordinaire. They are so much fun to watch, and dance to. I'll be looking for their return to the West Coast. Here's another good link to their unofficial site.

Anyway, because all of my allergies lately, and some complications from that, a simple cold became one of the worst cases of coughing fits I've had in a long time. I was having the worst tickles, and it lasted for the 12 days of Christmas! Finally, THE day before Christmas Eve I was feeling almost back to normal. Because of it, my Christmas plans were really skrewed up! I didn't get my cards out, didn't make the gifts I planned on making, didn't do all of my baking, didn't update my blog with lots of pretty stuff, etc, etc, etc. Oh well, sometimes you've just got to let things go, and accept them for what they are. You can't always be a Martha Stewart Christmas Wonder!

So I've got some updating to do on this here blog. Because some of the things that happened have got to be shared, if even for only myself.

I do hope that all of you who celebrate, had an enjoyable Christmas!!!

No Way!!

Cash Advance Loans

I saw this in blog land and just out of curiosity had to try it. While typing in my address I was thinking that I must be elementary school level. But no! To my honest amazement... My lil' ol' Blog's a genius!!

Their stats must be a little hay wire!

Sassy Elves and Sassy Windows

In yesterday's post I talked about my first real Christmas tree in a long time. What I was meaning was my "main" tree. I've actually had a small tree in my bedroom for a few years. I use to get a small potted variety. Last year I got this cute, retro style of tree in green, and added these cool purple-pink lights to my window. I've repeated it this year. I love the look!



I printed up some more of my Sassy Elf Christmas cards today. They're available at my Etsy shop. I must get my new design ready, carved, and printed soon... like tomorrow!! I thought I'd get it done today, but now it's pretty late and I've got some package preparations to do. Brad will have to do the mailing for me, since we've only got one vehicle shoveled out. Oh darn, I've got to stay home! I actually enjoy it. Some times I just need a break from the social scene at the school. Snow's a great excuse!

My Christmas Tree

The little storm from yesterday turned into quite a dumping! That made for a stay-at-home kind of day. Cold and beautiful!



We've been decorating a little at a time. I needed a tree topper so I thought I'd make one. I got this dove at my local thrift store. I cut the wings off and glued on just a piece of the wing.(The original wings were just too big, and the real feathers didn't glitter well) Glittered it silver, made a pink-glittered, Good-Witch-Glenda crown, and gave it a little message to hold. He looks rather stoic perched proudly at the top.



This is actually my first "real" Christmas tree since I grew up. In the past, for many years, I had a manzanita branch for a tree. I was suddenly ready for a change. I found it at the local thrift store. It was in an enormous box, and they just didn't want to put it together to see if it was complete. So what a score for me! The over load of ornaments works, and looks, way better than on the manzanita. A branch was fun and unique. But this new tree is very refreshing, and I'm lovin it!!

Snow Flakes Inside - Snow Flakes Outside

Last night we were busy making some snowflakes. Later in the night we had out first snow of the season!

The large rainstorm last weekend, rain all day yesterday, and now snow most of the day today... How glorious to have the moisture, and to help end our drought! Ah, the relief of the fire danger season ending, or at least a break in it for a while!

Today we made some more snow flakes and decorated our front door windows. Thanks to our room parent, Barbara M., Wesley has been very inspired to make lots of these. They look red in this no flash pix, but we actually made pink and white.

A few years back I read about a family who had a holiday tradition where they had a snowflake night. They would cut their flakes, then have contests on most prettiest and other assorted categories. They would have a full celebration of the snowflake, and enjoy hot chocolate and goodies for this night. We had a little version, years ago when Wesley was 3 or 4. We didn't carry on with the tradition like the other family. But we did have a good time cutting these out, and they look so festive in our window, with our winter wonderland outside!

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - papermoongallery

I have been in love with the little characters created over at papermoongallery for quite some time! How could you not instantly love these little whimsies?! This chihuahua is such a riot! Too cute!

There are little creations made of felted wool, as well as papier mache. The quality is stunning. What unique, fun gifts these would make! Especially if they were addressed to me!!

Find her website here. And how cool, Kerry's made the cover of Art Doll Quarterly!

Retro Christmas!

I love all things retro when it comes to Christmas! I seem to enjoy the kitchier-side of Christmas, rather than the perfectly trimmed, serious stuff. Although I really do love ALL Things Christmas, really!

While at my mother's house this weekend, we helped her with her tree. She's got a lot of wonderful goodies as well! This little treasure was found at a yard sale a couple of years ago. I was so jealous that I hadn't found it! I love this trio of carolers. And it's a music box too!



These 2 little elves are some of my all time favorites! They use to belong to my ex-step Dad, but they mysteriously ended up with my mom after the split. That's one reason I love them so much, just happy memories. Sorry, Bob G. but I really think we (or at least myself) loved them ever-so-much more than you ever could!! I have a collection of Christmas elves and these probably started my love affair with them!

We are still in the process of putting on the holiday duds in our house. I hope to share some pix soon!

Always crocheting lately

I guess people want to keep their arms warm because my gloves are my most popular item lately. I think they also make a good gift, and of course people are buying lots of those right now! And they are so trendy! So as a result, part of my time is going to crocheting lots of arm warmers!

I'm going out of town for the weekend. It's my cutie, twin nephews' second birthday. I'll have to bring my yarn and keep busy down there. I just have no time to spare right now. I know everyone feels the same.

You can see a selection of these in my arm warmer section on Etsy. And if you're not a member of Etsy yet, by all means sign up! It's easy and you can find the most superb, unique gifts there! I've got a good start on my shopping already done, mosty from Etsy. It beats going to the mall any day!

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - artyfakt

I'm always impressed with the amount of unique items I keep finding on Etsy! This week I found these very uniquely cool boxes. Made from what? Record boxes and the records themselves. This shop, artyfakt, looks to be a pretty newish shop on Etsy. And that's always fun to find too!

I love these boxes! She seems to really do an exceptional job of constructing them, too. And there are many wonderful types to choose from. You're bound to find one suitable for any music lover in your life. I just wish I had more money to buy some! Well maybe soon once my sales pick up!!

A Turkey-Less Thanksgiving

I hope you all had a spectacular Thanksgiving! Mine was enjoyable, in it's own, humbly-unique way. I'm a bit of an unconventionalist and Thanksgiving is right up there at the top of the list.

First I thought I'd share with you my favorite part of the meal... the cranberries. When I was growing up it seemed cranberries were always the weird glop from the can. I didn't care for them much. Then I grew up and started making my own, the old fashioned way. I also started cooking them on my wood stove years ago when I only had a hot plate and toaster oven. (Difficult times in the kitchen!) I loved the smell and the old way so much, I continue it to this day.



I add orange juice, apples, maple syrup, and sugar. And let it simmer for quite a while, OOh, it smells so good! And pretty too!



I've learned through the years to make the cranberries early so that they can cool before dinner. They don't taste as tart, and I just think they're better cold.



Here's the rest of my some what odd meal. It's vegetarian, and actually this part is vegan. (We also eat some tahini dip earlier in the day and that has yogurt in it). The roast is pretty good even though you turkey eaters will probably think it's so unusual! It's made with tofu, lentils, quinoa, rice, nuts, oatmeal, celery, onions, garlic and spices. It's kind of like a stuffing with protein. It's probably the most work of all the meal.

Instead of mashed potatoes we have a mixed roasted roots ensemble. Then you get your yams and potatoes all in one. Some simple corn in honor of the Indians at the first Thanksgiving. Why I serve spinach, I don't know, just needed some green. And also in honor of the pilgrims... Beer! That's probably the most filling of all!

Top that off with your more traditional pumpkin and cherry pie (with whipped cream) and coffee. YUM YUM!

And what am I thankful for? Family, Friends, Health and Home and yes all of you lovelies able to read and post a comment here on my blog. Enjoy your Holidays!!

Meet Cleo!

I realized I haven't introduced you yet to our new addition to the family! We've had her about a month now. She's very cute, even if her eyes are a little "dull". Well that's what we've decided! She's a very bold little cat and loves to play fetch. She's the second cat I've had in my life that plays the game. And she is VERY good at it! She needs to give our dog Ziggy a lesson on it. But oh, the trials of a little cat in the house... climbing on your things and knocking everything over, chewing your stuff, interrupting your crocheting because yarn is just so much fun, waking you up when you're in desperate need of sleep, and let's not forget ALLERGIES!

Now I don't know what I'm allergic to, but they have coincidently gone hay wire right around the time she arrived at her house. But I always have had cats, this is my 3rd one right now. Only sometimes do my allergies go off, even when a cat is constantly in my house. So why now?? My other cats come and go, in and out, throughout the day. This cat so far is in all the time.

I just don't know, but I am going a little crazy with the allergies going on for so long lately!!!! Maybe it's the dry, dry, weather we've been having, and drought. I really need for that to change NOW!

TOC - Peace - Pendant

Last night the Theme of Consciousness on Jim Ladd's radio program was PEACE. I requested, and heard, "Throwing Stones" by Grateful Dead. I cheated this week on supplying any art onto his site. I had so many "peace" images already available, so I used them instead. I painted this Peace Girl about a year ago.



Just last week I made a print of this image into a resin pendant. I'm so happy that I got a new mold for making my pendants. It's nice to have a variety of shapes.



I also just recently made the packaging for them. They're all ready for gift giving, and are available in my shop now.



This is a vintage drawing of mine from 1990. It was perfect last night while "Imagine" was being broadcast. I like the Strawberry Fields Forever clothing. It's one of MANY Beatles images that I've done over the years.

A Rainbow of Chard

This chard was just too beautiful to go and be eaten and not have it's picture taken! I could not make anything more lovely than this piece of art from nature. So I got out my handy camera, took it's pix, then pulverized it into juice. It's yummy mixed with apple, carrot, celery, beets, and parsley is always a must for my juice. Healthy goodness!

Getting ready for Christmas

I'm trying to get more Christmas items in my Etsy shop. Although I'm a little late, as usual! Really organized people have been onto Christmas items far longer.

These cards were printed from my stamp that I designed and carved. They were printed with acrylic paint and dusted with fine fairy dust.

This design is a sassy little elf. She's all ready for her party, martini in hand. I love how retro she is. I'm big into all things "Retro Christmas!"

The colors are not your traditional Christmas colors. That's how I usually make my Christmas cards.

Those of you that receive a physical Christmas card from me may recognize this as my 2006 design. I've been creating a new Christmas card design for 17 years now. This elf was the second time that I made them from a hand carved stamp. Usually they have been copies. I better get busy and think up this year's. I wonder if I'll ever run out of ideas?

Here they are in my Etsy shop.

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - KeriRounding

These felted brooches are purty-purty! They are created by KeriRounding over on Etsy. These little anenomes would surely look alive perched on your clothes!


They are made with "a mixture of wet and needle felting techniques." They are not your average looking brooch, and the colors are quite stunning! Go to kerirounding.com for more!

Theme of Consciousness-TOC-World

My drawing for TOC this week was a little hokey! But it's pretty fun, and light also, so I like it.

Jim Ladd and Theme Of Consciousness started streaming this past Friday. In honor of Jim finally going world wide, the theme was "world," of course. Anyone who enjoys free-form rock and roll should listen to Jim. They only allow him to stream on Fridays, 8pm-1am (Pacific Time). He's on 95.5 KLOS.

I just love any theme/challenge to try and think up and create a piece of art to match. Some might be clever, others are just fun.