Craft Show This Weekend

You haven't heard from me in a over a week, and this is partly the reason. I'm doing a craft show this weekend! I've been trying to get my stuff all ready for the event. And of course, my volunteer work keeps getting in my way. My annual batik lesson was this week (lots of time and energy). And also baseball has started - we're coaching for the 6th year straight. This seems to take over my thoughts more than anything!! I'm not sure why, I'm not the sporty type AT ALL! But I guess when I take something on, I get way into it, trying to improve myself, and do the best job possible.

So just a short post to check in, and to tell all of you who just may be in the OC this weekend, to stop by and see me, Wesley and my mom!

More Earth Day Tips

Another year, another set of easy tips for helping to save the Earth. Every little bit helps!

1. Pay your bills online. This can save a lot of trees and energy.

2. Recycle your batteries. It's illegal to dump them in some states, including here in California. There's lots of toxins in those batteries. Go to earth911 to search by zip code for a battery recycling facility near you. Also using rechargeable batteries is very helpful.

3. Set your refrigerator temp at 40 degrees, and your freezer for 0-5 degrees. No need for colder temperatures, it just wastes energy.

4. Try to avoid styrofoam. If you're gutsy, mention to your favorite restaurant to stop using this for their carry outs; or the same goes for take out restaurants that use styrofoam cups. I stopped going to an independent coffee house because their mochas come in styrofoam. (and I do prefer an independent coffee house over Starbucks when possible). It tastes weird to me, not to mention the 500 years it takes for this stuff to disappear!

5. Use more wax paper when you can, instead of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It's biodegradable.

6. Buy local, anything, whenever possible. Local produce helps slow down sprawl in your area, and uses less energy. Buy local honey. The bees are in danger, support those farmers. Learn more about honey here.

7. Use soy candles instead of paraffin varieties. Paraffin is derived from oil. Soy is clean burning, soot free, and lasts 30-50% longer. Plus you'll promote American farmers. Soy is grown and processed in the USA. My family back in Michigan are soy farmers, and have been for generations. Buy soy candles on Etsy.

8. Don't dump your paint. Instead, after use, let the paint dry in the can. Then recycle the can.

9. Subscribe to Ideal Bite for daily tips on saving the Earth sent to your email. They have so many green tips, you'll be amazed. If you're in the LA area, watch KTLA News at 10 for daily tips, or check out the website. Also go to Earth Share for some more everyday tips. Oh and please check out my last year's post on Earth saving tips!

10. Finally something fun to do if you've got some volunteer hours... Go to Frog Watch USA to help monitor the frogs in your area.

Spring Break Continued

Another adventure we went on while in the OC was a trip up to the "Canyon." This is Modjeska and Silverado Canyon, places dear to my heart, in the Santa Ana Mountains. I hadn't been there for years before the fires of 2007. Thanks to all the rain, it's green again, and mending.


We took all four boys (my son, and my 3 nephews) to the little park, and went on a little walk up to the gazebo. You can only hike so far with 2 1/2 year old twins.


The sentimental lupines were blooming. So pretty! I was so happy that the Tucker Wildlife Bird Sanctuary made it through the fires. Seeing the effects of the fire really makes me fearful yet so grateful at the same time. Firefighters are so amazing to me, and they are my heros. It was a lot of fun to go back to my childhood stomping grounds!

Save The Rain Forest... Disney That Is

One thing we did over Spring Break is go to Disneyland! This is a regular thing for us. We hadn't been in a year, so we had been missing it! We renewed our yearly passes, and luckily for us it wasn't too crowded.

One of our favorite things is the Tiki Room. We always get a Dole Whip Float and enjoy the Tikis outside, it's very refreshing!


The Jungle Boat is very relaxing too. I'm so amazed with the jungle, and how very large the bamboo grows there. AHHH!


Disneyland is extra special in the Spring. Lots of trees are blooming, and look at how dazzling these foxgloves are! They are very storybook indeed!


I found out that the so called "Imagineers" are planning an update for the Small World. I first heard they were completely redoing the ride. WHAT!!?? How can this be I thought. Well now I've learned they are planning on adding some characters here and there (just another commercializing, brain-washing maneuver to squeeze even more money from parents). Well, I can handle that if they MUST. But what's worse is the possible plan to exterminate the Rain Forest room to modernize it with a "Celebrate America" room. YUCK! I don't like the idea, and now I'm on the wagon to Save The Small World! Sure it's a small, meaningless cause, but I love that Rain Forest and those characters created by Mary Blair! Let's leave some of the original, retro wonders alone as they are! And don't think I'm unpatriotic, I love many things American. But isn't this ride a place to embrace THE WORLD? I'm happy with the little Cowboy and Indian at the end of the ride for America, as stereotypical as it is.

New Magnets

New magnets have arrived in my etsy shop! I've been wanting to make some of these for a while now. I finally got a magnetic sheet and went a made a few. Three so far. There's this one here for the cat lover. It has a quote written around the edge..."A cat improves the garden wall in sunshine, and the hearth in foul weather." --Judith Merkle Riley... How true is that?! I know my cats add much happiness to my life! I have this cat one, an ostrich, and a puppy Ziggy.

I made them the size of an ACEO 2.5x3.5 inches. But I think I want to make a smaller variety soon. The little mini prints were mounted on the magnet sheet, then sealed for protection.

I see them as little freebie/gifts in the future!

Spring Break Begins!

Just a quick little post to announce the beginning of Spring Break! Seems a little late, but I'll take it! It was a busy week with school work this week, and we're ready, especially Wesley!

This is one of the so special first signs of spring, a Flowering Plum. I have one in my yard, but this one at the school is exceptional. I could smell it as I took it's photo, and it's was wonderful to smell some flowers again. The pink blossoms are very short lived, and usually get snowed on around here, so I was lucky to get this shot.

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - InfiniteCosmosGirl

It's time again for some Wonderful Etsy Goodies... with a Pick-O-The-Week.. which by the way has become an Etsy Pick-O-The-Every-Once-And-A-While. (sorry I hate routines, and schedules!)

So I had to pick some more extra beautiful glass pieces, this time from the ever so exotic InfiniteCosmosGirl. One of my favorite things in this shop (although very hard to choose one favorite!) are these very unique rings. I must get one some day, even if only as a gift for my mom... Although I want one for myself too!


You'll also find stunning pendants, beads, jars, bottles, earrings, and other interestingly beautiful items! I absolutely love blown glass! And yes, I'm fire-phobic, so don't see myself doing this any time soon.


And what an outstanding gift would this beauty make for some special person in your life.

And what makes this shop even more special?! Why a fun and entertaining blog, that's what!! She's living the life, on a farm with adorable animals in Oregon! You must check it out!

Journal - Fuller Mill Creek sketch

This is a little sketch that I did on our Easter walk. Just one of the many magnificent waterfalls that can be found there. It can be a challenge for me to do a pen and ink scenery drawing. Good practice though. I added a little prismacolor today, just to give it a little needed greenery. Wesley also did a good little drawing of the scene. I'll try to talk him into posting it on his blog. It's not his normal style, but interesting still.

Just a quick little posting, since I'm trying not to neglect my blog as much, especially while my life is not quite as busy as normal.

NibbleFest - Secret Garden

Here's my late entry for NibbleFest - Secret Garden. I procrastinated, then got delayed with little things all night. And missed the time slot by an hour and a half. Oh well, it won't be an official entry, but I still wanted to list it. It's fun to be a part of the NibbleFest contest, even if you can't officially "win" the prize.

So this is a view of the secret life that my flowers lead. They regularly have a little garden party, and a lucky few are invited.

I'm so happy that they'll be awakening from their winter hibernation, SOON!

This an original watercolor and pen and ink, ACEO (2.5x3.5 inches)

-SOLD-

Happy Easter to you!

This cutie gave me a Happy Easter wish yesterday at the local Easter Egg Hunt. I love bulldogs!


For Easter we went on a little walk up Fuller Mill Creek. Since it was such a warm day, and with all the water we've had, I really wanted to see the gorgeous spot. Such an extreme change from last weekend... snow to shorts, it was a warm 67. Yes, my seasonally white legs saw the light of day for the first time this year, YAY! It felt good!


The water was so tumultuous! So very fine!


Around the 1890's the area was a large logging zone. Near this spot was an important lumber mill, thus the name. Here's some evidence of the old growth logging that happened throughout the mountain. Goes to show you how well cedar wood lasts.


Easter is a time of rebirth, and here's a relaxing sight of the new growth and greenery. There's no better place for Easter than God's natural cathedral!

I hope you were able to enjoy God's Gift for Easter!

smARTS Exhibit

One of the recent events that took a bit of my volunteer time was our smARTS Exhibit at Idyllwild Arts. This is the 3rd time we've been given this opportunity for our local school. Every other year this has happened.

Many hours go into this event, and many people contribute. Our committee first chose a piece of art from each student...approx 320 of them. We try to choose a good example for the kid, as well as represent at least one project from each of the visual artists that help the kids. After that arduous, yet fun, task, we hang the art, under the direction of the gallery facilitator. Then there's the opening reception, which we usually just get to mingle and appreciate our efforts. The kids seem to enjoy this night.

So above you can see the foreshortening lesson I did with the fifth graders. This project really popped on the walls. I loved how this section turned out.


Here are the butterflies that's become a regular 3rd grade lesson for me. I love seeing a bunch together. It shows the individuality of each kid.


And here are the very fun dragons that I will continue with fourth graders during the Chinese New Year. The kids really love these dragons. Some get pretty rowdy with them when they're done. What's better than art you can play with?

So yes, this event is a lot of work, but the outcome is rewarding, and pretty important, indeed!

Glorious Spring has Sprung!

On my first day of Spring, I had to drive off the hill, yet again. As I was driving I was thinking about what to post for my First Day of Spring blog entry. (I seem to do my deepest thinking while driving) I wanted to show some kind of Spring that was in my own yard. And as I thought of that, I realized we're really not quite in the season of Spring at my house quite yet.

So how lucky was I, when minutes later I see these delightful daffodils (on sale even) at my local Henry's Market! They surely added some cheerful, happiness to my kitchen, making me itch for the time ahead in the garden.


When I got home I thought I'd do a little closer inspection of my own garden for the signs of Spring. What did I find? My apricot tree just beginning to bloom.


And just a couple little violets starting their display. I also found a few small sprites out enjoying the Spring sunshine.

Did you all savor your first day of Spring? Any flowers to enjoy? I surely hope so!

Springtime - It was great while it lasted

Yes, we had our return to Winter, now that Spring is just days away. But it gives me another chance to share some wonderful mountain snow pictures, maybe for the last time this year.



Ziggy likes the snow.



Snow can be very tiring, but what gorgeous photos it does make. This town of mine has such picture-perfect scenery with it's quaint cabins. I can never get enough!



Here's my own Little House in the Big Woods. Very private and sheltered from the rest of the world.

I'll enjoy the winter scenery, because any day Spring will arrive for reals!

Down the Mountain to Spring Time

How wonderful to see the flowers again! The desert is starting to bloom, and with all the winter rains, it's promising a gorgeous display. I had to jump out of the car on my drive up the mountain to get some pictures.



It may be spring in the desert, but I've still got snow at my house. As you can see if you look beyond the palm trees, way over to the mountain beyond. Still lots of snow up here.

We have had some lovely weather though. But I know the weather patterns too well. The true spring of 6000 feet is some time in April, and the last freeze is usually Mother's Day. So for now I'll have to enjoy the flowers down below.

Art Lesson - Surrealistic Collage

This was a lesson that I did with a small class of 2nd graders last week. It had been a while since I'd done this lesson, and it was a lot of fun. In the past I did it with K-2, and 8th grade. I think it is good for grades 2+. They really seem to enjoy it.

I collected some interesting images from magazines. This saves the kids a lot of time, and they don't get so distracted. Older kids of course can do the searching. I gave them at least 5 images and some markers. This group really loved the collage. I tried to encourage them to also draw, but a few really only wanted to use the magazine images... Oh well!


First, I had a little discussion with them about what surrealistic art is. I showed them the classic Salvador Dali piece, Persistence of Memory. We talked about art that is not real, what you see in your dreams, or imagination. I showed them a magazine ad that was very surrealistic and how common that style is in advertising. I also had 2 examples that I did combining magazines and drawing. This group was very involved in our discussion and that felt successful.


I was very please with the results. Most really got it. And except for 2 boys fighting over an image, it was a very relaxed time.


Most of the kids had lots of "crazy" and "loco" creations. One girl had her own unique idea and style. Very profound for a 2nd grader, huh?!

Busy Week - New Camera Bag

Yes, this week has been too busy, too many hours away from home, too much school! Yes it's all worthwhile, and important, but still I was longing for my home time!

I was able to sew a couple of bags this week. This one is a little bag that fit my camera so perfectly, I just had to keep it! My other bag was bunk, and kept opening up, letting the pricey camera fall where it may. This bag is sturdy, folky, and has nice texture with a little embroidery here and there. I love the feel of the French knots. This is a little print of a painting I did in 2002 which was printed on fabric.



This is the other side of the little bag. I love the vintage canvas style of fabric in brown with the paisleys. I've always enjoyed brown and blue together.

I've also got another little tote-style of purse which features a print of my little "Perplexed" Flapper. It's in the shop. It's in the colors of pink, brown and a little lime green.

Etsy Pick-O-The-Week - nivenglassoriginals

I have an Etsy Pick-O-The-Week again! This time I've found an artist specializing in fused glass. I really love glass of all sorts, and at this time don't see myself getting a kiln any time soon. So I always admire creations of this sort.

The jewelry made by nivenglassoriginals are very creatively cute. I always enjoy a "diva brooch", and these are so chic, yet still so much fun!



I'm also drawn to the little chickadee brooch, because they are a special bird to me. You can find other delightful brooches and pendants at this shop, very adorable indeed!

Down From the Mountain

How wonderful to hear the rain gently falling on the roof through the night. Hearing that sound this winter means one special thing.... it's not snowing!

So we went off the hill to see The Spiderwick Chronicles which I thoroughly enjoyed. Wesley read 4 of the books in 2nd and 3rd grade. If your kids can handle a little scariness, and like magical creatures, then they should also love it.

Even So Cal can be a beautiful green in the winter...The hills were alive with the sound of GREENESS.



This poor little hummingbird was out even with the scattered showers. We don't have any of these little guys, or any greeness up on the mountain, and it was good to see all of it after much snow and cabin fever.



I have a bit of an obsession... I also got some delightful yarn for more crocheted items! Always fun!!

Art Lesson - Scientific Clouds/Imaginative Clouds

I did this lesson with Wesley's fifth grade class of 26 last week.

They were studying the weather, and magically on the Wednesday before the art lesson I got the idea while studying with Wesley for his test.

For the first part we used blue construction paper, and black and white tempra paint. (I also explained about "achromatic" and "monochromatic", just to throw a little art vocabulary in.) We talked about the different types of clouds - cirrus, cumulus, cumulonimbus, and stratus. I had some photo examples to look at. We painted the cirrus with a stiff larger dry brush, trying to make them as wispy as possible, just in white. Then we added a little bit of black to the cumulus. With the thunderhead, cumulonimbus, I tried to have them make a more contrasting cloud. The stratus was a little difficult to figure out, but it was basically more of a mix of grey.

This class hasn't had a lot of tempra painting lately, so I wanted to do some of that. And I notice they really still need to experiment with this paint. I did get them to mix more on the paper, instead of just mixing their pallette into a big mess. That was a good lesson for them. Although it seems that a lot don't know when to stop with the mixing, even on paper. A lot came up with more grey, no matter how many times I said to get clean paint and stop mixing once and a while. This is why I think they just need some more practice with this technique.

Wesley's turned out pretty good, and since he has a lot of experience in painting, he seems to know when to stop.



After the scientific part I wanted them to do an imaginary cloud. We even talked a little about what they see in the clouds as we were painting the first clouds, to get them thinking creatively about it. For the imaginary clouds I let them add one color to their black and white, making a monochromatic version. I first thought that I would give them a little guidance with this, but as I was handing out the colored paint, many were starting. And after the guided painting of the scientific clouds, I just felt they should be free to experiment on their own. Well I probably should've guided them a bit more during this. I did show them a version that I had whipped up, a poodle cloud. Because what's more cloud like than a poodle?

They really had some good ideas about the clouds, but I think they just had a hard time making these ideas transform from their mind onto paper. Or some would have a really cool looking cloud, then before you knew it, they had mixed the thing all up, completely changing the image. And usually not for the better. But I guess they were experimenting, and that is just as good for them. They did get more experience and that's really what they need.



I'm just so used to a lot of my projects coming out with a wonderful product. This was more process orientated. And kids love that. At least a few had a good product, as well as process. We adults just usually like the product to be good. And I think we should have fun with the process, forgetting the product, just sometimes!

A nice Convo - and Ban on Ebay

How wonderful it was to get a little convo from fellow Etsy seller, zJayne, yesterday. Jayne is selling this adorable little wristlet made of recycled t-shirts sleeves, and embellished with a t-shirt cutout. In one of her photos she shows the wristlet holding a couple of ACEOs. So Jayne had convoed me to ask permission to show my ACEO. Jayne bought "Mew-Donna" from me last year on eBay. Also shown is a fantastic piece of art from the amazing inkdot on Etsy. How cute to see the little bag being used to carry ACEOs, and mine being one of them!

As for eBay... Both of these artists I recognize from eBay. Did you know there is a ban happening right now on eBay? They've raised their prices again, and more importantly they are making it impossible to leave a negative feedback for a buyer. Well that seems very unfair, and while most people I've dealt with on eBay have been super lovely, I know there is the occasional rip off. I'd hate not to be able to leave a negative, if this was deserved. So I'm not buying or selling until the ban is over, which is Feb 27. My favorite contest, Nibble Fest has even postponed their event until after the ban. So if you like to participate in that, look for the entries from February 27 thru March 5. Luckily we have Etsy to find some fun things to buy!