Menagerie

Yay! Another Sale

2008-07-02T11:51:00.003-05:00

These little charms are on their way to North Carolina. I'm looking forward to a time when sales in my Etsy shop are a daily occurrence, but until then I still get excited enough to post about it, especially when it is this many items.

Have a wonderful day and evening.

Today I am grateful for hard workers, no matter how small the hands.

2008-07-01T12:33:00.003-05:00

I am always looking for ways to improve my display at shows, inexpensively and creatively. This is what I have come up with for my charms. Can you guess what I hung the tags on?

That's right. It is a spool organizer. Isn't that just nifty. I really like the way it looks and I think it will be very eye catching at shows.

Today I am grateful for the color pink and that I don't have to be out in the heat.

odds and ends

2008-06-26T10:02:00.004-05:00

So, I've noticed from reading an enormous amount of Blogs and magazines, that there are a lot of people who collect heart shaped rocks. I thought it was interesting, but I wouldn't even now where to look for heart shaped rocks. Then one day my husband and I were on one of our photo excursions. He was taking an extra long time photographing the same thing over and over again. I'm sure he had his reasons. But, me being me and getting bored really easy, I started looking for anything interesting that might take my mind off of how incredibly bored I was, when I saw a grouping of rocks. I walked over to find a pretty rock to take back to my daughter, and low and behold there it was, sitting proudly on top of all the other rocks. Not only a heart shaped rock, but a folk heart shaped rock - my favorite heart shape.

OK, so moving on. I have been struggling with the packaging/display of my charms. I just couldn't find a way that showed off their uniqueness. Then one day after looking at a magazine for the hundredth time, I saw a picture of an altered price tag and got an idea. Now my charms will be packaged and displayed on little tags that look like this.

These two charms are my latest Etsy sale and they are on their way to Nevada.

This is how they went. Isn't that just precious.

It takes a little longer to tie them to the tag than it does to slip them in a plastic bag, but it is definitely worth it.

Okie Doke, today I am grateful for: good hearted people who show up to help when asked, sleeveless shirts, air conditioning, and ice.

Strange Fascination

2008-06-23T09:42:00.011-05:00

It all started one weekday morning. I was procrastinating, not wanting to start my day of cleaning house and covering foam core in paper mache. I started looking through photos on flickr, which is a great way to procrastinate. Time slips away quickly and before you know it, the kids will be home and it is to late to get any house work done. Anyway, I came across Strange Fascination's Photostream and discovered this wonderful thing called "through the viewfinder" photography. And, I was hooked. Now I love to go to Flickr and Etsy to search for "through the viewfinder photography."

Now this is not a hobby I intend to take up, because we all know that I have issues with photography. The main issue being that I am not that good at it. I do love looking at it and I have every intention of buying some prints from Etsy this fall.

So, take some time this week and search through Etsy and your favorite photo sharing website for "through the viewfinder" photography and discover something new.

Today I am grateful for: great tunes in my Zune, a good nights sleep, procrastinating, and a busy week ahead.

Wednesday

2008-06-18T16:19:00.006-05:00

These two little charms are on their way to a very sweet lady in Florida.

And I was featured on a blog this earlier this week.

It's been a pretty good week, all things considered. I spent the entire day Monday painting primer on 4 king size bed sheets and I am so sore, I can hardly move. Why was I painting primer on bed sheets? Well, for VBS, of course. We are painting all of the scenery and decorations on sheets, so that at the end of the week we can fold everything and store it in a box to use for next year. No bulky refrigerator boxes for us to have to deal with. Anyway, I spent all day positioning myself in ways I haven't had to in a long time, especially for an extended length of time. So, now I have to go back over to the church tonight and do more painting. But, this time other people will be there to help me. Some clever person is going to have to figure out a way to paint the scenes on the sheets in some way other than the floor. The sheets are entirely too large to paint while sitting in the floor. A person has to stand over it and bend over to paint. Try doing that all day.

You know, this is all my fault. I'm the one who suggested it. Why can't I just keep my mouth shut? What is wrong with me? I'm always getting myself into situations like this. Am I the only one? Are there others out there who open their big mouths and then get stuck with the consequences? It is all for a good purpose, but I wonder if the kids really care about the scenery and decorations. I have to say though, that it would all be worth the aggrevation and pain if I could get all of the VBS teachers to come dressed in Bible costumes everyday that week. You know, robes and flip flops.

OK, so I promise. This is the last time I will post about VBS. No matter how stressed I get before the big week, which is the week right before my next show, I will not vent to you good and faithful people - all ten of you. I'll keep my frustrations to myself and post pictures of daisies and butterflies. Well, no daisies and butterflies, but I will try to keep it light. I am working on some new charms and crosses for the show in July. I'll try to post pictures as I finish the pieces.

Today I am grateful for a couple of hours away from the house, even if was just grocery shopping and people who are willing to help.

Family

2008-06-15T18:49:00.002-05:00

This has been an emotional weekend and it has taken it toll. I am exhausted. Today is Father’s day and I am missing my dad so much, it is hard to breath. My dad was a fun loving person with a strange sense of humor. I was always able to understand his sense of humor, sense I inherited it. Sometimes we would be the only two people in the room laughing, but we knew what the other was laughing at. I still catch myself picking up the phone to call him and tell him about something I heard, a movie I watched, or a story I read that I know he would like and would make him laugh. I see him in my son everyday and now my son and I share that same strange sense of humor.

I spent Saturday at the South Family Reunion, my mom’s side of my family. I so enjoyed getting to see everyone and getting caught up. I haven’t been to this reunion in several years. I had plenty of excuses for why I couldn't go, but we make time for what we want to do. Don’t we? I guess I found it so hard to go, because I would come home feeling sad and missing my mom more than usual. This year was different. When I would see my mom’s blue eyes looking at me from the face of a sweet cousin or my mom’s facial features and expressions on an uncle’s face, it was comforting and made me smile. I still miss my mom so much, but I realized that I can find her sweet nature and generosity in the family that she loved so dearly. And, there are so many wonderful memories of my mom at these reunions. She looked forward to them each year. Next year, I will remember the peace that I brought home with me from this reunion. Instead of finding yet another reason why I cannot go, I will look forward to being surrounded by the love of an entire family so much like my mom.

I miss my parents everyday, and I so often wish I still had them around for advice. But, more than that I wish my children could have gotten to know my mom and that my mom and dad were still here to be their grandparents. I realized as I was sitting in our living room last night and the family was watching a movie that I have not told my kids enough stories about their grandparents and what they were like as I was growing up. This is something I am going to work on.

Today I am grateful that my husband is such a wonderful dad to our kids and that I had such wonderful, loving, kind and nurturing parents growing up.

To list or not to list

2008-06-10T19:53:00.007-05:00

I made this Patchwork Clay Heart several weeks ago for a door price at a trunk show that I had signed up for. I was unable to attend the trunk show and so I still have the Patchwork Clay Heart. It's about 7" tall on a foam core base that has been covered in paper mache, painted and colored with oil pastels on the back.

I think it turned out really good. I love the colors. I'm deciding whether or not to list it on Etsy. Should I list it or should I hang it on my wall and save it for the next time I need to donate a door prize?

Today I am grateful for a couple of hours to myself and my husband's hat.

Is it Friday already?

2008-06-06T09:17:00.005-05:00

So many people that I know live for the weekend and can't wait for summer. I am very opposite to those people. But, I find myself opposite to people quite often. I'm one of those odd balls that people don't really know what to do with. Anyways, I enjoy the week, especially during school season, because it's my time to work and play, and well, it's "my time". I don't get "my time" on weekends and during the summer break. I am surrounded by people constantly, and for someone like me it is agonizing to not have time alone. I energize by being alone. Being alone allows me to not go crazy when I am with people, if that makes any sense at all. I'm sure to other loners out there, it makes perfect sense.

But, despite having the whole family home this week I have gotten a lot accomplished. I have been able to work pretty steady. This is what I have been working on:

A box of unfinished dollops

Trays of unfinished textured charms and I have another tray in the oven.

I tend to work in stages. I will do all of the polymer clay work on the charms, dollops and patchwork clay designs. Then, I will put up the clay and clay tools, get out the paint, brushes and water, and start painting. Once I have completed the painting, I will seal everything. Then, I will start all over again with the clay. I find that I save a lot of time working this way.

I spend all summer getting ready for the fall shows. I did schedule a show for July, which is unusual for me. I never do shows in the summer, especially outside shows. But, I thought what the heck. So, it is scheduled and I will be in Weatherford, TX on Saturday, July 12 sweating to death, drinking lots of water and eating lots of peaches.

Other than the Peach Festival, I do not have anything else scheduled until September. I am looking into scheduling several new shows for the fall. My goal is to work all summer on getting as much made as I can, so this fall I can do several back to back shows. And, I am still trying to add items to my Etsy shop on a daily basis. Oh, and I am putting together the Vacation Bible School program this year for our church. I get really depressed unless I am busy, so I try to stay as busy as possible. I think I have accomplished that.

So, today I am grateful that the high winds of the past couple of days have died down, and that I am able to spend so much time doing what I love and being with the people that I love the most.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Badger Dog Fashion

2008-06-03T16:40:00.005-05:00

The whole family was so excited when Oscar's new harness arrived yesterday. We ordered it special from Weenie in the Window.com.

I can't look at him without laughing, which is probably not good for his self esteem. Yesterday, we gave him a bath, put his meds on and this morning, we put on the harness. He has spent the entire day pouting.

I had to talk in a real high annoying voice and tell him over and over that he is a good dog to get any life out of him for the pictures.

I wonder if he will hate us forever or if we will be forgiven soon. All badger dog owners should be aware that a harness is so much better for their dog than a regular collar because of Dachshund's long backs. We tried the regular harness found in pet stores, but he really hated those. I think the rough material chafed his underbelly. This harness is not only stylish, but also very soft. I can't wait to take him on a walk with his new stylish harness. All of the other dogs will be so jealous.

Today I am grateful for: not having to go outside in the heat - one time, a good grilled hamburger and flip flops.

New Charms and Lazy Days

2008-05-31T17:08:00.007-05:00

I will be adding some new charms and patchwork clay designs to Etsy this week. This one is one of my favorites.

It's a song bird - get it? Anyway, I have also been experimenting with taking pictures of my charms. I felt that the pictures were just not interesting enough, a little boring. So, I gave my daughter the project of separating out all of the white and cream buttons from my huge button collection. I used a vintage desert plate as a base, covered the bottom in buttons and used a couple of little vintage jars for props. I am really happy with the way the pictures turned out. Check out my flicker page to see the pictures and to get a preview of the charms I will be adding to my Etsy shop.

Today has been such a lazy day. I took pictures of my charms this morning, made Taquito Casserole for lupper (somewhere between lunch and supper) and played on the computer. I intended to get more work done today, since I was all sickly yesterday and just laid around. But, it is Saturday and it is hot outside. This combination makes me lazy.

OK, so I mentioned Taquito Casserole. There is absolutely nothing in this casserole that is healthy. It is gooey and spicy and cheesy and gooey. It doesn't look pretty when you pull it out of the oven and each ingredient on it's own(other than the cheese) is not great. But, this casserole is easy to make, comforting, warm, really really good and have I mentioned gooey? I started making it about 6 years ago. I make it about twice a year and today is the first time I have made it this year. I forgot to take a picture before we ate it, but here is the recipe. If the guilt of such an unhealthy meal keeps you from making this dish, just serve it over salad to make yourself feel better.

1 box Beef Taquitos
1 really big can of No Bean Wolf Brand Chili (not the warehouse size can, but the really big one you find at the grocery store) or 3 reg. size cans
2 cans rotel tomatoes ( I use the original)
2 cans chopped green chilies
a whole lot of grated cheese - sharp cheddar is the best for this

Heat oven to 350 degrees, spray a 9"x12" baking dish with cooking spray and spread the taquitos in the bottom. Layer on the chili, then rotel, and then the green chilies. Cook in the oven for about 40 minutes to an hour. The longer you cook it the gooeyer it gets. Pull the casserole out of the oven, raise the temp to 425 or 450 degrees and spread on the grated cheese, the more the better. Place back in the oven and cook until cheesy is melted, bubbly and gooey. You might want to put some foil under the dish in the oven to catch anything bubbling over. Remove from the oven and let set for a few minutes. Server with tortilla chips, salsa, spanish rice, salad, guacamole or whatever. Wait at least 2 months before going to the doctor for a cholesterol test.

Today I am grateful for: no sinus pain!!!, funny movies, Taquito casserole, ice tea and the word gooey.

2 charms are on their way to PA

2008-05-27T20:34:00.003-05:00

They left for Pennsylvania this morning.

I've been working on dollops all day. They sell so well at my shows that I am almost out. I haven't figured out how to list them on Etsy yet, because of the initials, but I would like to.

My husband and I are going out for the day tomorrow and taking advantage of our last full free day before the kids are out of school for the summer. I'm not sure yet what we will do. We will probably hit a couple of stores and then eat out, maybe a movie.

Today I am grateful for: a beautiful rainy day and the gift of black berries.

2008-05-23T19:54:00.003-05:00

Yay, I made another sell on Etsy - #10 for me. This little cross is going to Houston.

I'm so bored right now. My family is watching a really stupid movie that does not interest me at all. I'm considering getting out a book and reading it. I read a lot during summer evenings. TV is all reruns and there are only so many good movies to watch. I also have plans of getting out my Photoshop Elements for Dummies book and having a go at learning the program. I am very interested in the whole digital photography thing. I want to do it for me and the family, for fun - not to make money. I love creating and playing. When one turns creating into a business, it can sometimes become work. I want to keep the fun in it.

I am also looking into starting my own website. Etsy is great and I will continue to use it, but I would like to do more that Etsy will not allow. I like the idea of being able to do everything in one place - sell, blog, maybe have a page with tips and ideas for home and crafting. I really love this whole Internet thing. There is so much fun to be had.

Today I am grateful for: Greek food, an afternoon at the movies, time alone with my husband, and pj's.

Frogs and Turtles

2008-05-21T13:04:00.006-05:00

Life has been so crazy lately. There is so much going on outside of my crafting world that I have been neglecting my studio. Plus, school will be out shortly and my husband and I are trying to make the most of the little time we have left. In just a few days our Fridays will no longer be our own.

I'm back in the studio today and tomorrow, thank goodness. I've missed it so much. Here are a few pictures of my new frog and turtle charms. These little charms are so much fun.

I loved catching frogs and turtles as a kid. I made a pet out of a turtle once. My friend and I caught it by the railroad tracks near my house. I had it for a week when my parents made me let it go. They told me that the turtle couldn't survive as a pet and needed to be set free. They were right, of course, but I was so sad.

Today I am grateful for: my new place to relax, childhood memories, Cafe Max and pleasant scents.

The rusty wheels are turning

2008-05-07T08:13:00.004-05:00

This is the banner I painted way back in February to use for my shows.

I had a lot of fun making it and I am quite proud of it. I had so much fun making it that I have been toying with the idea of making banners to sell. I am happiest with a paint brush in hand. I wouldn't necessarily make sign banners for businesses. I was thinking more of whimsical banners for people to hang in their homes and on front doors and such. I would paint whimsical pictures and add lots of detail with lots of beautiful colors.

I have yards and yard of duck cloth and ribbon. The more I think about it, the more excited I get. Painting again, what fun!

Today I am grateful for being able to live life with purpose and on purpose.

Have a great day!

Taking a break

2008-05-03T12:26:00.003-05:00

I've kinda been taking a break this week from crafting. I have been working so hard the last few weeks to get ready for the Rockwall show that I needed to take some time away from the studio. So, I cleaned house, did laundry and such. I did work in my studio area, reorganizing, but that was it. Thursday I went antiquing by myself and then yesterday my husband and I went on one of our photo excursions. We drove up to Lake Texoma. I really enjoyed the trip and the weather was beautiful. We walked down to the edge of the water and just stood there awhile. There was a cool breeze blowing and the water was lapping against the shore and some large rocks. I could have stayed there all day.

This is my husband taking some pictures of the lake.

I haven't seen the pictures that he took yet.

I will get back to work this next week,getting ready for my next shows. In the mean time I am adding new items to my Etsy shop almost daily. So, check it out.

The Big Show

2008-04-27T18:14:00.003-05:00

My show went great this weekend. The Volunteers who organize and work the Aspasian's Art Fair in Rockwall always do such a great job.

I've secured the same spot for the fall. I think it was one of the best spots. Not only was I on a corner in the main area, but I was also by the food.

I had a great time and met so many wonderful people. After going to Wal-mart or the grocery store and having one encounter after another with rude and inconsiderate people, doing an event like this where everyone is so nice, restores my faith in humanity.

I'm so very tired and grateful that I am, because my tiredness is a reminder of how busy I was yesterday, how hard I worked and how the day ended successfully. I am happy to report that I sat on my rear most of the day today and did nothing. Typing this post is the most energy I have exerted all day. I am now exhausted again and must rest. I have to save my energy. I will have to get out of my chair tonight and walk to the bedroom for bed.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

2008-04-25T20:49:00.003-05:00

OK, so I've been a really bad blogger lately. I received my info in the mail for the Aspasian fair and was pleasantly surprised to find that I am in a new location. I had requested to move at the last show. Now, I'm in the main area by the food. After my initial excitement, I panicked. I always do very good at this show, even when located off to side by the bouncy house. Now, that I've been moved to the main area, I worried that I didn't have enough items. So, I've been working like a mad woman to make more. These pictures are examples of some of my new pieces I've made. I am going to add more pictures to flickr.

Patchwork Clay Angel - around 8"

Patchwork Clay House - around 6"

Patchwork Clay Cross - 4"

Patchwork Clay Cross - 8"

Patchwork Clay Cross - 5"

My show is tomorrow. I'm packed and ready. Now I just need to wind down and go to sleep. I have an early morning.

Today I am grateful for: Roma tomatoes and goat cheese, getting it all done, all things soft and new magazines.

Spring is here!

2008-04-10T17:36:00.003-05:00

Wild storms whipping through North East Texas, everything is turning green and flowers are blooming in my studio.

All are signs that spring is finally here. I have the windows open and the ceiling fans going, enjoying the cool weather before the heat gets here.

These little polymer clay flowers will become charms soon, with dangling beads and word charms. They are just one of many projects I am currently working on. I just love being busy.

Today I am grateful for: time with my husband, getting fun stuff in the mail, and sandwiches.

# 9

2008-04-08T11:49:00.004-05:00

I'm so happy. I made another sale on Etsy. This sweet little cross is on its way to California.

So, I am just working steadily on getting ready for my show on the 26th, playing around with some new ideas, and adding new items to Etsy. I'll be adding a couple of new items tonight.

I have flowers blooming in my studio. I'll try to take pictures and post them soon.

Thunder is rumbling in this distance as I sat and type this. I love the sound of thunder and the sound of rain. Not a hard rain, soft rain that last for several hours, especially when the weather is warm enough that I can have the windows open to not only hear the rain, but also smell it. Yesterday was such a perfect day. The weather was just right to open the windows. I could hear birds chirping all day and I even saw three little baby birds on the ground eating. The parents were in the bush beside them watching. The world seemed almost perfect until the evening when I made the mistake of turning on the news.

Why do humans do such horrible things to each other and to the world we live in? I guess that's the big question isn't it?

Today I am grateful for time to work and Clorox Cleanup.

What Type are you?

2008-04-02T17:02:00.006-05:00

This is the face of an ISFP.

What is an ISFP? It stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving. It is my result from the Jung Typology Test, which is a personality test that Psychologist give to people. This particular test has labeled me as an Artist-Composer. How cool is that?

Personality test are used for a lot of things. The Briggs/Myers test is given in corporations and other work places to determine employees personalities and what jobs they are better suited for and so on. The Jung Test is not as much corporate centered as it is life centered. I was amazed at how accurate the results were. Since I took the test, I have been reading about my personality type. It has really helped me to understand why I do some of the things that I do and why I act the way that I do. Because of my personality, I do not do well in structured environments. I am very independent and I get my energy from being alone and I am creative. I already knew this, but the test helped to validate it. Anyway, the test was very eye opening. Now I have become obsessed with finding out the personality types of other people that I know.

If you ever get a chance to take one of these test, I highly recommend it.

By the way, don't you just love the way that hat emphasizes my crooked haircut?

Today I am grateful for: the lack of wind - Hallelujah!, a pleasant trip to the grocery store(miracles do happen), and feeling good.

Another item sold on Etsy

2008-03-31T18:21:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, this cross will be on its way to New York.

I'm so happy I made another Etsy sale. I'm up to 8 items sold now. It has taken me 8 months to sale 8 items. I usually sale more than that in the first hour at a show, thank goodness. Anyway, I am thrilled to get any sale. Although, I will be sad to see this one go. It was one of my favs.

I am going through a transitional phase right now. I am no longer using wood bases for my patchwork clay designs. Instead, I am using paper mached core board. It works so much better. I can do some really cool paint affects on top of the paper mache and I can do more than just cross designs, because I am not cutting on a band saw. I get to use a hot knife which is so much fun. At least it will be until I cut and/or burn myself, which is sure to happen. I am getting really clumsy in my old age. Anyway, I still have several crosses on the wood bases. I am not sure how to handle this at my next show. I think it should be OK to put out both the wood base designs and the paper mached foam core bases. Both are of the same quality and durability.

I am working on some house designs (slightly different than the two in my previous post), as well as an angel design and a joined sun and moon. I'll post pictures when I'm finished.

Today I am thankful for: sandals, completing our taxes and not having to pay in, lime flavored Popsicles, and conversation with the fam over dinner.

New Patchwork Clay Houses

2008-03-26T17:36:00.005-05:00

I finished these yesterday. I like the colors on the short house a lot. I'm not sure if I like the overall design of these, though. I think I will take them to my next show to see what kind of reaction I get on them.

I am really struggling lately with inspiration. I'm feeling a little discouraged and frustrated.

So, did I do all that I said I was going to do Tuesday? No. I didn't hang out in my pajamas and I didn't have any chocolate milk. But, I did turn the radio up and sing to the top of my lungs. And, I didn't answer the door or phone. I am pretty proud of myself for that.

Today I am grateful that my comfortable bra was clean and I was able to wear it, I'm grateful for good conversation and people who are willing to give of their time to help others.

New Items on Etsy

2008-03-25T18:47:00.003-05:00

I added these new items to Etsy yesterday and today.

As long as the sun shines and I can take good pictures, I'll just keep adding until I run out of pieces to add.

Oops!

2008-03-24T15:46:00.010-05:00

I spent all day Friday painting a basket full of charms and these are the only three that I would even consider selling. I'm not sure I'm thrilled with these. Maybe I should just put them in the oops basket.

Why did I spend all day painting charms that I didn't even like. Is it stubbornness? Refusal to admit that I made a whole basket full of ugly? I don't know, but I wasted a whole day on it when I should have admitted they weren't going to work out and moved on.

Whatever. I'm putting it behind me and moving on now. Tomorrow will be a great day. After more than a week I finally have the house to myself tomorrow. Hallelujah!!! I'm so excited,I might just stay in my pajamas all day, drink chocolate milk and eat dry Crunch Berry Cereal. I'll turn up the radio and sing to the top of my lungs, not answer the phone or door, and put my hair up in pig tails. That sounds like a good plan. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today I am grateful for: my sweet husband, an afternoon of peace, and something to look forward to.

New items on Etsy

2008-03-20T21:06:00.004-05:00

I'm just adding items like crazy to my Etsy shop.

I'm really excited because I am working on something new. I can't wait to finish the pieces and post the pictures.

I haven't worked as much as I should this week. I have sent a lot of time on line and my kids are home for spring break. I just can't get as much done when they are home all day. I spend the whole day answering questions and settling arguments.

Today I am grateful for: beautiful weather, an Etsy sale and a good morning walk.