FlightFancy

Transitions

2011-10-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful,

I hope this finds you well, and happy!

I have been focusing on the words transition and transformation. This previous year has been one day after another of changes and transition. I have recently realized how much courage it takes to bear witness to transition.

Our little family has lost a grandmother, gained a daughter, gained a grand daughter, waded through job loss, economic downturn, relocation, graduations, college, puberty, hot flashes, surgeries, health issues, car issues, blah, blah, blah. And now the dishwasher crapped out....go figure :) My point is I have been blindly just letting these transitions slide by me. Partly because Husband of Wonder is a 'dig in your heels' kind of personality. So in opposition to his ranting against change, I have just been trying to float along the tide and not paying the proper attention to what is going on. I have not been bearing witness to my own days.

So I am starting by clearing clutter....physical and emotional. My home is getting the go through. Our local little thrift store is benefiting once a week from my decluttering. I am also restructuring my online time, and presence. Thus I will be taking a bit of a hiatus from FlightFancy while I rethink my focus there. I truly appreciate all the positive feedback over the last 4 years from my creative peers, but I believe it's time to look at fishing or cutting bait. I am a bit saddened, as I really enjoy my time being creative and designing, But have realized I might need to transition my talents. I will probably just work on creating tutorials for the blog for my creative friends. I am still processing that idea.

Subsequently (my, that is a 2 dollar word) I am liquidating my entire stock for $15 each piece on necklaces, and $5 each on earrings. Yes that includes the one of a kind art pieces too. First come first served. You can either contact me through the shop to set up an invoice for you, or I will be posting pieces all weekend on my flightfancy facebook page

I will look at what to do with my creative endeavors after the first of the year.

Creative Blessings to you all!
Theresa

Happy July

2011-06-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow is officially July. The Baroness and I just noticed that our 50% Friday coincides with the beginning of the July, and the 4th of July celebration. So we thought you all needed a little more fun from our weekly sale. A bit of a present....like Christmas in July.

Just for all you wonderful friends, and creative goddesses.....We are happy to put on our Christmas in July sale!
50% off everything in the FlightFancy, and BaronessBijoutery

Like this elegant piece...or maybe with something whimsical?

something delightful?

colorful?

You can find these lovelies and many more to tickle your fancy all on sale!

This fantastic sale starts tonight June 30th at midnight,and lasts through next Friday July 8th at midnight.

Happy 4th everyone!

bright creative blessings, Theresa

Tick Tock

2011-06-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's countdown time. Tonight at midnight starts the 50% Friday special. There are some brand new gorgeous creations just waiting for you to take them home!

I decided since I've gotten so much fantastic feedback and traffic on this design, that these two pieces will be in 50% Friday sale. So if you were drooling uncontrollably over these beauties earlier (here's a napkin Dear)... now is the time to snag them up.

Fickle Fantasy Necklace

Amethyst Fantasy Necklace

That lovely Queen of creativity, and elegance.... Baroness Bijoutery is offering these gorgeous creations. Perfect accessories for your summer wardrobe.

Kyanite and Mother Of Pearl Icy Blue Necklace

Chalcedony and Fuchsia Agate Necklace

Finally from our new fantastic friend Flouncing Floozy a little pretty with a victorian flair....

Frau Straus Viennese Waltz Velvet Choker

Sale starts tonight at midnight and lasts all through Friday until midnight. If I don't see you until then.....Have a grand and creative day!

50% Friday

2011-06-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! YAY

It's time for 50% Friday. Your chance to get a great price on original, and one of a kind handcrafted items.
There are 4 shops participating this week. Be sure to check out the Friday Special section to find the sales.
Sale runs all day until midnight.

FlightFancy

Pumpkin Blossoms Necklace

Green Shadows Goddess Necklace

BaronessBijoutery

Filligree Sunstone Butterfly

Gold Chains on the Go

Flouncing Floozy

Romance Rose Hair Pin

Lavender Sachet Bundle

BlockHead Production

Hand Turned Beaded Ring Caddy

Dandelion Flower Pot

Happy Shopping!

Busy Bee

2011-06-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

I feel much like a big ol' bumbly bee. flitting from flower to flower. We hit the road this last weekend to watch my daughter graduate from college. (and brought her home with us) Please, by the powers that be let her find a job! Two adult women in the same house can be a very big adjustment.
My youngest Miss is busy working on her Silver Award. Which means lots of community service, and some fund raising for the project she chose. And we all know that means mom gets to aid and abet her girl scout plans. When I can get her out of the pool at the park that is.
I am just about done with the invites for the baby shower, and busy in the spare moments working on baby things. I am ever so thankful for all the wonderful patterns I have been finding online.Guess this soon to be Gramma best finish up before the baby bump pops! Does anyone else just love the way babies smell? All sweet warm and soft. :) (and no, I'm not talking diaper)

I should be starting dinner before 'husband of wonder' gets home. Have a grand evening everyone... oh and don't forget tomorrow is 50% Friday. Check in to see what goes on sale

50 Percent Friday

2011-06-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the day :) to scoop up some fantastic artistic bargains. It's 50%Friday. One item is featured at half off in each shop for Friday only! First come first served. This weeks feature sales are:

From Baroness Bijoutery This gorgeous one of kind tigers eye necklace:

From Flouncing Floozy this hand crocheted romantic rose hair pin:

From FlightFancy this one of a kind wire wrapped sunshine pendant:

Be sure to check out what other goodies catch your eye and bookmark them. Next week just might be one of your favorites!

Bright creative blessings, Theresa

Fun on Friday

2011-06-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just a drive by posting.

Be sure to stop in this coming Friday. The Baroness, Flight, and Floozy are in cahoots. We have decided to start 50% Fridays . Each Friday each shop with feature just one item at half price! First come first served. If you have been looking at a special piece....stay tuned and check in on Fridays, it might just be the one you were hoping for!

Creative Blessings

The Eyes Have It

2011-05-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Watch out world....I can see again!!!

If any of you creative goddess' were wondering where I have been...fear not, I am back :) For the last 4 years I have been living and working half blind. Finally, finally, finally the fates lined up the insurance gods...and I had my eye surgery.....I can see again.....If I was allowed to spin in circles right now I would be all over dancing like an idiot!!!!
I just wanted to share....any of you lovely Moms and Gmoms...we all let things go when it comes to ourselves. Sacrifices in small and large ways.....Just wanted to say it is so worth it to take care of yourself! Please do just one thing today to meet your own needs. It's amazing when you feel wonderful that feeling passes right on to your friends and family. Until next time...Bright (very bright!) creative blessings, Theresa

2011-04-14T20:05:00.001-07:00

2011-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Beautiful!

2011-03-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Wakey, Wakey . Time to start the day. For some oddball reason, I feel completely energized to get busy. Creatively busy that is....chores can wait. The chores still be there next week! Besides the dust bunnies need time to prepare for Easter anyway.

So I'm just quickly making myself accountable for the things I want to attempt to get done today. I need to retake pics for the new piece and get it listed online.

Start a project for a new tutorial, and get the step by step pics, and notes done. (remembering to write clearly....no chicken scratch)

Go through supplies for future order list. I'm seeing a future trip to Rings & Things on the horizon. I will have to tell 'Husband of Wonder' that it's a necessity for my (his) mental health!

Some online promotion.....I truly suck at this task :) promoting myself is about as easy as sucking Jello through a paper straw. Hmm on that note, I'm going to have to ask my one lovely, and elegant friend to look over my shop policies and such and help me add some eloquence to my writing.
Well I believe that's a good start! Let us see where this day goes now :)

Creative Blessings, Theresa

without all the drama

2011-03-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Just a drive by posting to say "Hi Beautiful" I am busy working on plans and pictures for new tutorials. As soon as I get a day without all the drama, I will be posting some new projects for you :)

Wire Wrap Tutorial Part 2

2010-08-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey again all you creative beauties. Thanks for hanging in there for part 2 :) Were you brave enough to start wrapping? Maybe printed it off for later reference? (like I tend to do) My mum ( the Baroness) said she printed it off and hung it on the fridge! WOOHOO my artwork is still on the family art gallery :)

I left off with finishing the weave that cages the focal piece. Let's tighten that weave up by gently pinching the double coils along each of the frames. This will help even out the spacing between the coils.

Bail and Embellishments

1. Remove the tape (or clamps) clean any tape residue.

2.Bend the two center wires straight up at the 'V; junction

3.With the front of the piece facing you, bend the front center wire toward you so it's now at a 90 degree angle from the piece.

4. Coil that wire around the base of the standing wire3 times. Snip, and tuck. You might have to file the end to smooth .

5. measure to four side tails to the same length, mark and snip so they are all the same.

6. Using the tip of your round nose pliers make a tiny loop facing downwards in the end of each of the 4 tails.

7. to form the swirl hold the loop (gently) in your chain/bent nose pliers and bend the wire around. Don't use the pliers to move the swirl (might leave marks) use the pliers only to hold, and use your fingers to bend. Finish all 4 swirls, and push to place them where you want them.

8.To make the bail for the chain, bend the last standing wire towards you at a 90 degree angle at the base of the coil. grasp that point with your round nose pliers and wrap the wire away from you to form the loop.

9. Keep holding the loop with the pliers and coil that tail around the top of the other coil once.Use the chain or bent nose pliers to pinch all 4 coils together. Then we are going to make another swirl with that tail, and push it down on the front in front of the coil on the bail.

So now what to you do with an UGLY spot? Small scratch/chip/weird drill spot on the focal? You can cover with further embellishments. Personally I won't sell this piece because the of the (big) ugly spot, but it was handy to use for this tutorial. To cover the ugly spot I made an 'S' shape swirl. Same process as above. Cut a 4 inch piece of the 20g wire and make the small loops at each end. One pointed up one pointed down. Then I loosened the very outer row on each swirl to be able to use the 24g wire to wrap it to the inner frame to cover the ugly spot. I did 3 wraps around each connection point, and snipped and tucked the ends.

Okay guys, that's it! :) If you try this out I would love to see your versions. Feel free to post pics on my facebook page or link here in the comments. I would love any feedback or questions you may have. Good luck!

Bright Creative Blessings, Theresa ♥

Wire Wrap Woven Pendant Tutorial part 1

2010-07-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

If you happen to wander into this post, please bear with me as I work out writing a decent tutorial. I have found that taking this many pictures is an exercise regime all by itself! So please feel free to comment any suggestions, or questions if I miss something. I would love the feedback.

Materials and Tools

masking tape or small clamps (which ever you find more convenient)

wire straighteners

bent nose pliers, or chain nose

wire cutters

round nose pliers

18 or 20 gauge wire (for frame)

24 gauge wire (for weave)

flat circular focal

(this onyx was 1.5 inch in diameter)

one lap weight to keep you in your chair!

To get started with the frame I form the 20g wire around the outer edge of the focal. Leave just a hairline of space between the wire and the focal for wrapping. Cut the wire, leaving at least 2 inch tails at the top.

Next cut 2 more 20g wires the same size as this first frame work and do a loose shaping of the circle. I find it easier to hold the 2 together and shape at the same time for continuity.At the bottom center give the 2 wires a slight pinch to create a soft point. The curves need to be slightly smaller than the original diameter..set each piece of new wire on the focal and push gently to shape with the face curve of the stone/ bead. These two wires will be taped in place at the bottom center. One on the front and one on the back. This will cage the focal when it's woven, and make sure the back is pretty too.

Make sure all the tails at the top of the tear drop shape are in front, center, and back order on both sides. looking at the front of the piece determine how far away from the focal you want the top of the teardrop frame point to be. hold the point there, and tape (or clamp) on each side (all 3 of the wires keeping them in order) right next to the 'V' junction to hold the point space in place.
To start on the weaving I cut 2 pieces of the 24g wire approx 30 inches long. One for each side. I like to work both sides simultaneously in order to keep the shape , and tension true. At this point I work by holding the piece in hand, but some people might find a bench vice or clamp handy to hold the piece for them. If you prefer to use one of these tools, please use some padding or batting to protect your pendant from possible scratches.
To start weaving/wrapping we're going to go back to elementary school and use the old over / under technique we all used making goofy colored pot holders.

Start at the top take the 24 g wire and slide it under just the center frame wire leave an inch or so tail.
wrap the 24g around that center wire 4 times to create a small coil.
use the bent nose pliers to crimp the coil together and nudge to the top. We're going to leave the tail there to be able to hold the coil in place while we start the wrap
whichever side the long end is on start by wrapping 'over' that side frame wire twice
the pattern should be: over back wire twice, back under center twice,over front wire twice then back the other direction. alternating the over/ under.
for now just nudge the wires close to each other with your thumb.

Weave down about an inch and repeat the process on the other side to keep the tension balanced. At this point remove the the side pieces of tape. Clean any tape residue from the wire and focal now. Continue weaving down each side. Depending on the size of your pendant you will have enough wire to meet both wraps at the center bottom. In my case I cut a third length to finish the bottom. If your wire breaks, or you need more length. Make sure you end on the center frame and leave a small tail. To start the connecting weave, wind your around the center frame wire at the bottom, lining up the wrapping wire at it's halfway point. Continue the pattern of weaving up both sides to end and meet on the center wire with 2 wraps where you left off

To finish the tails lay the wire over the center wire, and with the flat side of you cutters laying against the center wire, snip the wrapping wire leaving the tiniest fraction to tuck under the center frame wire. Use the tip of you bent nose or chain nose pliers to push that end under the frame wire to hide it. Do this with all tails.

So here's a good point to take a break and work the kinks out your fingers, and get some chocolate energy! Stay tuned for part 2 Embellishing, and the Bail. I will try to get the rest posted by tomorrow! :)
Bright creative blessings, Theresa

Juggling Lemons

2010-07-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

Tang and pucker. That acidic taste stuck at the back of your tongue for what seems like hours. Even as a small child, lemonade was never my favorite. Ok I admit it ..... The stuff makes me gag, ack, cough, cough, hork!

That oh so lovely saying, " when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" makes me cringe and shudder. Honestly I am just about to toss all the lemons out the door! I need to come up with another saying altogether.

I found out this week after a lovely and adventurous half hour ride through the rolling hills of wheat to the nearest emergency room , that I am heart broken because of all that lovely lemonade. It's time to clean out the pantry so to speak. Oh joy, there's nothing I love better than cleaning! :)

After giving up a rather large amount of my life blood, being wired for sound and video, and grilled under a spotlight. The conclusion was I was having a full blown anxiety attack. Now where the heck did that come from!? This is a completely new experience. I was tutored on the fine art of giving up caffeine (oh crap!) medications available, follow up Dr visits, and the wonderful advice of " avoid stress"....HA HA :D

So the caffeine withdrawal headache only lasted a couple of days. I have found a decent decaf bean to fake myself out in the morning. The dreaded appointments with Dr Frankenstein have been scheduled. Right now my stress reduction has consisted of taking naps, and not worrying about the house as I still feel residual droopiness. So all you beautiful women.....what do you do when you are stressed? Share your favorite stress reducers in comments. I would love to hear :) ( Oh and there is no way I'm giving up my dark chocolate!)
Be good to yourselves!
Creative Blessings, Theresa

Summer sale

2010-07-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Just a bit of shameless self promotion today. I'm having a sale in Flightfancy for facebook fans and blog followers today only. I've been busy adding lots of new designs, and for some reason focusing on making new earrings.

50 percent off any one item for facebook fans and blog followers! Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/flightfancy find your favorite fancy. Simply type FANCYFAN in message to seller upon checkout and I will refund 50% through PayPal, or message me here or on etsy to send a revised invoice with your discount for convenient checkout! Sale price does not include shipping cost. Sale until 12pm PST.

Have a wonderful and creative summer day!

Creative Cave Dweller

2010-06-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

I find it's entirely too easy to skip blogging through my periods of spastic and constant obligations.(That and hiding in my cave on the in between) Thought I might crawl out of my cave for a moment and share some creativity.. For your perusal, a small pictorial tutorial . .......hmm does that sound a little too Dr Suess?
A new wire wrap pendant........

Wire Frame 18g

3 1/2" lengths with coiled ends

Hammered

Layout, 24g wrap lengths cut

wrap 4 connection points. Snip & tuck ends, and crimp coils together. I always cheek test. Rub piece against my cheek to feel for any possible snags.

The really fun part.....pick out, layout stones.

I look at it like coloring in the blanks.....I start my coils to meet up with the original connector coils.

I'm sure there's some technical names for the techniques I play with, but since I'm basically self taught, and experimenting as I go, please forgive my lack of exact vocabulary.

I always go back over with my favorite bent nose pliers to crimp all the coils together once every end is tucked, Last step is pictures, and hoping someone has a similar sense, or aesthetic to want to purchase my odd little bits of whimsy.

Well That's about it for my workings....:) now back to the cave. (hmm create or get lost on facebook?)

Bright Creative Blessings!
Theresa

Inbetweens

2010-05-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful,
Though I would do one of my patented sporadic posts :) I've been busy with getting ready for graduation, and all the family coming in to share the love with my son. The house is now in a shape that any hotel would rise to a five star rating....wonder if I can charge hotel rates to the in laws? Hmm...the possibilities :)

My not so little Bear has been keeping me hopping with all the end of the year activities. This weekend it was my proud moment to watch him compete at the state track meet. This week is track banquet, senior project presentations, marching in the town parade, then off on senior trip to the Oregon Coast. Wonder if I can hide in his suitcase?
In the meantime Little Miss has two field trips, and two softball games. My Beans is back from her world travels and here at home for two weeks, and the wedding plans for my eldest are cranking right along.......I think it's most definitely time for a large glass of wine!
Keep a kind thought for me...I might need it before we are through :)
Bright Blessings,
Theresa

Truth in advertising

2010-04-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed by other artist's work spaces. I bring this up because I saw some posted pictures of craft rooms/studios today. They are stunningly pristine, organized, color coordinated, and decorated!
I have decided either they went through a 2 week clean up mission or I am a complete and utter slob!

This is my desk after a 5 necklace bender.

Don't get me wrong I clean my space between bouts of crazy crafting, but while I am creating I don't or can't stop what I'm doing to make it 'company is coming' presentable. If I stop to put away every little bead drawer and dust off.....I completely lose momentum. At that point I might as well just go attack the laundry monster hiding in the chute. He bites, so I avoid him at all costs!

I'm afraid to show you the sewing half of the room after the 3 bears I finished yesterday. Suffice to say the cats have plenty of tidbits and scraps to play with until I get back in there this afternoon.

I personally would like to see some 'truth in advertising', but I'm nosy that way :)

I have to go to work at the day job today. I would much rather be in the craft room, as I still have 2 orders to finish up. Sounds like much more fun than paperwork right now.

So I leave you with what I would rather be right now :) Bright and creative blessings friends! Theresa

Drive By Posting

2010-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Beauties :)
Just a quick post for fun, while I take a lunch break from studio work.
How about some music on a monday......can you say "80's flashback" ?

Spring has Sprung

2010-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I am no longer MIA.

Just flaming busy.

we have done lots of this.....

and some of this.....

a little of this....

Tonight is little Miss Sunshine's play.....she's one of the forest friends in Snow White. Working our way up to Graduation, and Wedding.

Am I silly for missing them already? Weird I know, I miss them more while they are here, than when they are gone. Silly Mama :)

I am truly hoping to sneak some craft time in this weekend to simmer down the racing marbles in my head! (Heck I'm happy I got to sneak some blog time in!) If you have a chance take a peek at my new
flightfancy fan page on facebook....it needs some love. Bright Blessings! Have a grand weekend friends! Theresa

I creeped myself out!

2010-03-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit it, but I creeped myself out. Well my son helped with that one a bit. I finished the third doll. I am truly pleased with her, but in deciding her demise I asked my son for help. Being the trustworthy fireman he is, he has an extensive knowledge of knots. So it was my bright idea that Minerva's demise was hanging. He made a hangman's noose for the doll. A first I though cool! and she does look cool.......but then the hornery child came out in my son and he decided to pay me back for chasing him down with the bee doll. He strung her up from the overhead light in the craft room.

He took the hanging picture (not me!) I came back in the craft room and did one of those stationary panic dances, squealing to take her down! He just stood there laughing like an idiot. Needless to say I'm sure the next Melodrama sister will have a titch less creepy demise!

Crazed in the Craftroom

2010-03-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

As most of you Moms - Artists know, things have a way of getting in the way of creative time. Last week the universe shifted, and I got absolutely nothing done in the craft room! Job changes, wedding plans, basketball tournaments, and the mountain of laundry. No I don't mean a 'big' pile of laundry, I mean a 'mountain'.......The laundry chute goes down 3 floors....it was full, and all the kids hampers were over flowing. I was feeling most melodramatic.....oh 'swoon' :)
So I got this bright idea , inspiration maybe? Melodramatic....hmm....the light bulb sputtered and came to life. The Melodrama Sisters. a new series of dolls. I did a ghostly doll back before Christmas and she sold within 3 days of getting her listed. So why didn't I make more? Because sometimes someone has to slap me upside the head with a 2x4 before I get a clue that maybe I should make some more.

Here's the beginnings of the first three dolls.

This is Maisy, unfortunately the operation wasn't successful.

Millie quickly found out she was allergic to bees.

I'm still working on Minerva, I hope to have her done Wednesday. I'm not sure what her demise was yet...something melodramatic though. Any ideas?

Romance is in the air

2010-02-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

I found out my station in life is about to change officially this weekend. (I already had a clue)

My oldest son officially proposed to his lady love! My soon to be new daughter told me he even got down on one knee in front of her parents to ask.......awwwww. Pretty brave of him if you ask me, as her father is a retired Chief of Police and still has his service weapon :) So now that I'm going to be a (dreaded) Mother-In-Law...do I have to take classes? LOL

Actually she is a sweet pea, and already pretty entrenched in our hearts.

I did manage to get the doll done this weekend as well.....so I will leave you with pictures of Mademoiselle Michelle.

Bright Blessings, Theresa

OWOH Winners.....Time to fly away home

2010-02-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, was that amazing or what?! I found a bunch of lovely new blogs, and artists to follow along. I was amazed at the friendliness and the amount of talent out there! Lisa did a great job organizing this event, and I'm grateful I found it :)
I know everyone is on pins and needles to see if they won. Let me pull a rabbit out the the hat so there's room for names.

The Last Veil will find a new home with #331 Deborah at Vintage Soul!

And the lucky winner of the tanzanite necklace is #44, Sharon of SharDon!

Congratulations ladies! I will be contacting both of you shortly for your mailing address' . Thanks to everyone else who commented and or followed my blog.....you are all amazing and wonderful :)

Bright Blessings , Theresa

Fat Sassy and Fabulous

2010-02-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Well my new WIP is for the ADO Burlesque Challenge.......(Hey I made it into the ADO team! How cool is that?!)

I thought I'd post a in progress sneak peak :) I have no idea why she needs to be fat and sassy.....but she stuck in my head this way.

The beginnings of some majorly sassy unders!

So this will be my romance on Valentine's weekend. As I'm sure Husband Of Wonder will submit to his usual Sunday routine and sleep in and spend the day scratching himself in odd spots. And no those odd spots don't include the laundry room or in front of the dirty dishes....dang it!

I hope everyone enjoys their romance this weekend...in whatever form it manifests!

Blessings, Theresa

One More Down

2010-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been a grand adventure!

Friday Surprises:
(none of which I knew about ahead of time)
* Refurbished computer showed up in the mail from a sweet uber geek friend.
* Daughter called home....."hey Mom I got a tattoo".....um ok sweety
*Got an invitation email from an etsy team I thought I would never get into (WAY cool)
* Got filmed by a local news crew at the high school basketball game. It was Senior night, and all the seniors and parents got called down to mid court. My little Bear didn't tell Mom that was going to happen....Good thing I had makeup on!
* Hubby's relatives call 20 minutes before the game....we just drove across state to come see the game...we'll be right there. (OH SH*! Where's the vacuum?!) I lost an eye shadow down the drain in my haste....still there I'm afraid.

Little Bear Plays Drums for the Pep Band

Saturday Fun:
* Little Miss had her basketball game at 8;30am.....had to stay through the other 2 games to watch all the other monkeys we love play too.
* Had to set up the library for a meet the author program for a local gal.....hmm the publisher decided to bring 3 other authors too. This is a town of 600.....just how many folks did he think were going to show up?
*Finished my taxes, sons taxes, daughters taxes, and filed FASFA apps for 2 of my kiddos.
*Fell asleep sitting in my chair at the computer!

Can you feel the love?....Goofy Monkeys!

Superbowl Sunday:
*Found that amber I was looking for and finished the Monarch piece.
*Made massive amounts of food...and slept through half of the game!

One more done....YAY!

All I can say is, Thank the powers that be that tomorrow is Monday!

Bright Blessings, Theresa

Creative A.D.D.

2010-02-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Or otherwise known as..... how to not finish a single freakin' project in one day!

I have had a blast wandering through all the blogs for OWOH, but now that Ive got it down to manageable numbers it's time to get back to work. HA....HAHA.

I was feeling so inspired after looking at all the eye candy on these wonderful artist's blogs I decided to design a new doll. Here she sits, naked as a jaybird....for 3 days now. Yes I realize her body is two toned....didn't really notice that myself until I was putting her hair on.

Then my bright idea to start another fantasy wrap, started me to thinking I need to organize my beads.......YEAH RIGHT! This looks like a Monarch butterfly to me....so I need some amber to go in this. Anyone want to help find it? I know it's here somewhere........

Labels.....Need labels (sigh)

Granted not all distractions are of my own creation. I just need to put a timer by the computer so I'm not getting completely drenched surfing the web. So what did I get distracted by on the web? I found out I am in a really pretty treasury on etsy today. (hehe)

Then I got notified I just got two....(dang I feel special!) Blog awards . Cool right?! The Kreativ Blogger Award from the Baroness. Another rockin' jewelry designer, you can check out her oh so witty blog here!

As part of the rules I'm supposed to share seven things about myself. Ok here goes

*I let dust bunnies breed with abandon under the furniture. (If I can't see it it doesn't need to be cleaned)

*I will forget to wear my glasses....see reason above.

*I actually carry and use handkerchiefs. (no I don't stuff them down the arms of the chairs)

* I have seriously thought about saran wrapping the toilet bowl in retaliation of my three men leaving the seat up so the (specially kind of stupid) cat can drink the water.

*I take great delight in warming my always cold feet on the husband's thighs when he's dozing off........hehe :)

*I hide all my chocolate.....but sometimes let little miss just barely see where Mom is hiding her stash. We girls have to stick together!

*I cry like a goof at the good stuff. Which confuses Husband of Wonder no end. As it should!

My second award.....I feel blessed :) The Sunshine Award, came from the ever talented Denise at
DLynne Art Dolls. Psst Denise........If one of your sweet babies ever makes it my way I think I'd swoon! Thank you beautiful!

So since I'm in the throes of ADD I'm going to cheat a bit. I'm supposed to pass these on to other Kreativ and Sunshine bloggers. So I'm going to post a list of blogs I think deserve both :)

able mabel *** Astrids Artistic Efforts *** Cara Makes *** CheneyBagLady
Geoduckfest ***KaerieFaerie

Well I'm feeling the impulse to move on to something else........What?!....Oh that's right time to work on dinner, or craft room....hmm that bed looks like it needs to be on the other wall.......................I am off :)

Bright Blessings! Theresa

OWOH Magic Carpet Ride

2010-01-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome bloggers, I'm happy you stopped by on your magic carpet! I'm so excited to be a part of the One World One Heart Event. This is the first year I am participating, and I'm looking forward to finding some fantastic new blogs, and friends.

My name is Theresa, which means goddess of everything hearth, home, and creativity. Really! :) Well not really, but I'd like to think so. My Lovely Mum refers to me as Brat, and that's probably more appropriate. As I tend to be stubborn and irreverant. I see the world through my own set of glasses, and if the colors are off I get creative!

I enjoy working in different mediums, and I would love to share two of my favorite art forms with you!

The Last Veil was inspired by the magic carpet ride theme. She is made from polished cotton and various trims, and fancy fabrics.

Tanzanite Wrapped Wonder necklace. The theme magic carpet ride makes me think 'dreamy', and the color of these pretty tanzanite chips fit that dreamy feeling.

I will pick two winners using a random number generator on February 15th from bloggers who leave a comment . Please make sure I can get in touch with you by leaving an email, or through your blog :) just in case you win!

Thanks for visiting and come back any time.Be sure to click on the OWOH logo at the top right side bar to visit all the other ticket holders! It should be a glorious ride!
Blessings, and bright dreams
Theresa

Pink and Blue Weekends

2010-01-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason the dreaded winter blues caught up with me this weekend. January always seems like it lasts forever! I'm impatient with having a case of mopey blues, so I decided I needed pinks this weekend.

I have a feeling I'm going to be stuck on working with pinks for a while (at least while the weather is atrocious) Generally I wind myself back up with a flurry of cleaning....but really what fun is that? So I decided to tickle myself pink! (is that legal?)

Here's few of this weekends projects. In progress and finished.

Arabella's Fancy

Pink Vixen

And I just have to share! A sure fire way to beat the blues is to follow Tristan's blog,
Enchanted Revelry. This blog has got to be one of the most beautiful, artistic and witty blogs I follow! I get lost reading his posts, and the eye candy is stunning! Enchanted Revelry is having a giveaway in celebration right now. You can follow this link to enter and check out this amazing artist's blog!

Hello Beautiful

2010-01-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

I'm sneaking time on sonny boy's computer. He's home sick from school today and still snoozing away. Poor kiddo....upset tummy. Honestly I think that's a small percentage of his illness. I truly believe most of it is Senioritis. Since he's indisposed, I'm going for it with his computer. :)

Did everyone survive the holiday hooplah? It was a crush around here! I'm still exhausted. Is it just me or do the holidays become more work as you get older? I so slacked this year on decorations. My exhaustive efforts to find the just the right tree this year paid off. No expense was spared......That $2 at the thrift store really broke the budget! I pulled that tree out of the box and was stunned by it's glorious possibility of being the best tree EVER. only one missing limb, the vacuum didn't remove all of the needles(bonus in my book). I hired the best decorator I know. Little miss decided our pint size tree needed more sparkle! By dipped I didn't know you could get 3,000 yards of garland on a 5 ft tree. Much less every strand of lights we have bought over the last 20 years. I tell you that tree was the most creative ( polite way to say OMG?!) piece of plastic I have ever seen.
I must say though, Little Miss's effort really paid off. Our small town has a holiday decoration contest every year, and dang it, if her tree all lit up in the picture window didn't take 2nd place for best tree in town. Next year I'm getting that girl more garland!

Right now I'm trying to be busy in the studio, and it is busy at the library. The economy has
really brought more folks in to the library, and I'm only open 2 days a week, but it's hopping. I've become the local job search site, and video store. So I will try my beautiful blog friends to post more often! (As I have been missing it)

Enter here

Oh and don't forget the beautiful Baroness has a Three Way Giveaway ! Be sure to hop over and enter :) Have a grand and glorious day!

Yay post time!

2009-11-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

I am sneaking time on my son's computer. (shh don't tell!) He's very particular about this gaming machine! My computer is having some issues the last couple of months. I can't get it to display some websites correctly. Such as paypal, blogger, occasionally my gmail and etsy come up with just the blue links, and they don't always work. ( sniffle whine) My son tells me it's time to replace the computer, as it has other issues as well, like booting up in under a half hour.

I have been having to do most of my online work at the library. So can everyone put a good word in with Santa for me this year? As enticing as it is to go to mall and sit on an old elf's lap....I think I'll just leave a note in my stocking. :)

I hope everyone had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving! Blessings, and a toast to you all!

Gee Thanks Mum!

2009-10-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay! I get it....get off my butt and post on the blog.

My beautiful and talented Mum sent me an award through blog land. It's not wise to ignore The Baroness! (I don't want to do latrine duty ) :)

Actually, thank you Baroness for the prompt I have been too busy to pay much attention to the blog lately, and your award was timely and oh so sweet! Be sure to stop by Mum's blog:
Baroness Bijoutery and give her a big hug ! (and enter her newest Giveaway).

Okay, for the technical part:

Here are the award rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Hmm seven thing about myself?

1. I am the handyman in the family.
2. Potato chips are my downfall!
3. I am shorter than my children now :(
4. I watch Top Model.....it's like watching a train wreck, I can't look away.
5. I hate make up, and only wear it for work.
6. I want to learn to belly dance, but that sounds like exercise :)
7. I believe anti wrinkle cream is a mind f#%*! I can"t believe I spent money on it :)

So now to nominate some lovely bloggers :) (insert evil laugh)
Able Mable
AlyGators Everywhere
Dorset Hill Beads
Girl Wrapped in Wire
MysticWynd
Moon of Glass
Plum Valley Designs
Thanks so much! Have a grand and gloriously creative day!

Nature or Nurture?

2009-08-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

While sitting here this morning with the first cup of coffee, and checking all my assorted oh so important junk emails. (dang no sales online last night) I skipped over and checked Mum's shop, Dad's shop, Daughter's shop. I had the stray though maybe there's something in the water!
It got me to wondering about how creativity plays itself out. You know the old 'nature versus nurture' thing.

Right brain, left brain dominance, genetic predisposition, necessity, or familial tradition? I believe being creative can be learned through a nurturing process, but does that explain talent? Is having any level of talent just from what you are taught, or is it a natural process that we're born with. I remember begging to take guitar lessons when I was younger. A tutor came to our house to screen me. I had never played any instrument before, and he walked me through holding the instrument and basic finger placement. So for the total 15-30 min he was there, he concluded I had no talent, (and yes he said that to me) and it wasn't worth it for him to teach me. Needless to say I don't play guitar :), but had a different teacher nurtured the desire would that have been different?

Hmm might be to much to think about this early. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. How did you become so wonderfully creative?

Delightful, Delectable, And Just A Bit Wicked

2009-08-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Just a drive by posting to share a treasury of truly delightful art!

If you looked close enough you could see...

2009-08-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

If you looked close enough you could actually see my wedding band in this picture. While I think it looks pretty cool, I just couldn't load it in the shop. Hope you all got a giggle out of my amateur photography skills. :) The random pick was #2 - Cindy! I will try to contact you for your mailing addy so I can send out the goody envelope. Congrats!

I have been playing at doing some ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). It's a very different perspective to work so small. I am finding though, that it enhances my color and line sense in a different way. Sometimes you just have to look at things through a different lens! Now I just have to find some trading groups, or friends. Let me know what you think?! :) Have a glorious evening!

Mini Giveaway

2009-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Good morning Beautiful! I have been super busy with studio work, and regular work here lately. (who hasn't?) Lots of new pieces up in the etsy shop, loading items in the new website, lots of picture taking!
I had to laugh at myself this week though, and it prompted me to have a mini giveaway.
All these pretty pieces, all these pictures.....but there is a glaring error in one of them I didn't see until I went to list it. I am sure all you keen eyed photographers will see it right off :) If you can find it, post a comment here....dont peek at the comments and cheat LOL. Monday night( 24th)I will draw a winner out of all the comments and send a surprise goodie envelope to the winner. No I don't know what I'm stuffing in the envelope yet...but who doesn't like surprises?! Rest assured everything will be handmade!

Coolest Giveaway!

2009-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

OH I'm so excited! DLynne Artdolls is having a giveaway for her Sunshine Spirit doll. Her work is amazing! I fell in love with her dolls when I happened across her blog quite awhile back. The attention to detail, expression, and artistic style is truly stunning.

There's only 4 days left to enter, just click on the picture to get your entry in. Her etsy shop is a true delight! I'm totally drooling over her Bat Fairy right now. Anything in her shop is on my holiday wishlist!

Good luck!

Back from Neverland

2009-08-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have been missing in action for a bit, but I am back from Neverland. Amidst all the family reunions, swimming, outings, camps, etc. You know all the usual summer fun that gives us moms premature grey hair, I have been spending as much time as I can in the studio and working on the website.
I do believe my work is starting to pay off. I got a new wholesale order this last week. (yay for multiple purchasing!) The new website is coming along nicely. If anyone wants to peruse the new site it's FlightFancy.com I am open to any comments or suggestions! I have also been pleased with the new pieces I have managed to get done.

Just a drop in to wave and say hello to everyone, and I will be perusing blogs and leaving my crumb trail in your comments again :) Have a glorious evening!

Oh Dear! What did I just do?

2009-07-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well first I am re posting a picture of Earth. I made her for the ADO 4 elements challenge. You can see the original post here. All of the challenge entrants should have their wonderful dolls up and posted to their blogs today. Be sure to go to the ADO blog and check the list of all the entrants blogs! I can't wait to go look at them all! :)

This week has been and will continue to be a grand adventure! A bunch of firsts happening in my small circle. My youngest son just passed his written test and will be taking his driving test tomorrow. Hopefully he remembers you have to drive on the right side of the sidewalk! :D

My oldest son has divulged his plans to move out within the year.....YAY! and sigh :( I have some major conflicting mommy emotions going with this one.

My oldest miss found out she has been accepted into an Irish studies program, and will be abroad in Ireland next school year. I must admit I am a wee bit jealous, but I'll get over myself! What a grand adventure for her. :) The youngest miss is leaving this weekend for a whole week long camp.......WAH! The baby is going to be gone a whole week.........what am I going to do?! I'm going to smile and give her a great big hug, and hope she has lots of fun.

So amidst all these changes and shifts in dynamics, what do I do? I registered for my own domain name and signed up to make my own website......OMG.....What did I just do?! I guess I just set myself up for another grand adventure. LOL and where is husband of wonder during all of this you might ask? :D Dozing in his easy chair.....bless his heart.
Have a grand weekend all.......hope it's an adventure.

Her new name is Trudy!

2009-07-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to all who entered this round of Fantastic Friday's Giveaway. I always get a kick when there's a new comment. You guys light everything up :)

Ok my beauties, I used random.org to pick the number. :**~_~**: 51 :**~_~**: Right on down the list to Minishoes1! Minishoes1 chose the name Trudy for her new handmade friend. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I will be contacting you shortly for your mailing addy.

Now don't forget to hop skip and jump over to the Baroness' blog. She's already posted a pretty prize for Fantastic Friday Giveaway #10. And yes I mean hop skip and jump.....and don't forget to snap your gum while youre there.... she 'loves' that! :)

(ok I'm being a titch hornery.....but the old bird will give me the breeze about it on the phone later!)

Worth Mention!

2009-07-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Just a few awesome etsy sellers and products I think deserve a mention.

First up I just purchased these sweet matchbook Thanks You's to put in my orders. This is such a cute idea, and her prices were right up my alley. I couldn't resist. I bought them at EnchantedByBeka. Bless her heart! I asked for a large order, and she whipped them right out for me in heartbeat. This gal has friendly customer service down pat! There's a bonus to visiting Beka's shop.......she has some of the most romantic and gorgeous jewelry! It'll be worth visiting her shop repeatedly. :)
Recently while wasting time perusing blogland I stumbled on a post about Teddystartedit. I was intrigued with her natural bug repellent, and bite cream. Mosquitoes seem to think I am the local blood bank. I hate the chemical smell of over the counter stuff, as it gives me a bit of a headache. (That can't be good, right?!) So I decided to try out her natural repellent. Ok I tried it and I must say this stuff ROCKS!!! Not a single bite in the last month! It has a nice herbal smell that is in no way over whelming. My daughter did get bitten while she was here...and she stole my Once Bitten Cream....She said the swelling and itch just disappeared. So now I have to order some more of that, and it's definitely worth it!

Just thought they were worth mentioning! Have a grand day Beauties! :)

Earth Element Doll

2009-06-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

I am so happy with the way Earth turned out. I made her for the ADO 4 elements challenge. I am so glad this was an open challenge. I know I'm still a bit of a novice making dolls, but I'm going for it anyway. I'm going to start on one of the other elements tomorrow...hope I get her done in time :)

Earth is practical, patient, slightly vain, but above all nurturing. Just don't get on her bad side.

Fantastic Friday Giveaway #9

2009-06-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Where did the time go? It's already time for the next Fantastic Friday Giveaway. Congratulations to Beldame Peachstreet for winning the giveaway on Baroness' blog!
I just realized I haven't posted in so long. I was wandering around in Sad Panda Land a bit. Whenever I get a bit of sad panda, I always end up working on dolls or bears for a pick me up. So I decided to offer up a bit of cheer for this giveaway!
This bright bear is sure to cheer even the hard core mopes! She's stands 15 inches tall and is button jointed with found and vintage buttons. Unfortunately she hasn't told me her name yet. So to change things up a bit here are the rules to apply:
1. link, post, tweet about this giveaway
2. post a name for her
3. peruse either my FlightFancy or PuddinFoot shops and post a favorite
4. subscribe or follow, and give me a heads up here :)
5. open to everyone, need not be a member to enter
any and all are worth a separate entry, and I will use random.org to pick the winner on July 10th.

Good luck everyone! Have a grand and glorious day!

somewhere today

2009-06-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Somewhere today I dropped my basket. I haven't found it yet, but I'll keep looking. I'll just leave you with the beginnings of my next emotional outburst.

Hey Thanks!

2009-06-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Fantastic Friday , and it's time to draw a rabbit out of the hat!
There was such a good turn out of entries for this one, that I want to tell everyone thank you! I have gotten ten different colors of the Chain Link Pearl necklaces made in the hope that I would have the winner's favorite color already made, the rest of course to be listed in my etsy shop. Plus I have 8 more colors already sitting out on my desk to get done. As luck would have it I do have the winner's favorite color pearl.....and it's one of the colors sitting on the desk :) I guess I must get busy this morning!

Oh who won?! After assigning number to each and every entry right down the line and my young missy picking the number with random.org.

# 29 Clenna Clap! Clap! Clap! Confetti ****** Congratulations Clenna, I will contact you shortly to get your mailing address and confirm if you want the teal pearls.
Thanks to everyone who entered! I wish I could give everyone a prize, but now it's the Baroness' turn to host Fantastic Friday Giveaway #8. So run over to her blog this morning to enter the next giveaway.....hurry! Or the old bird will call me on the phone and tell me I'm a Brat again :)

Mum (Baroness) hasn't told me what the prize is yet, but knowing her it is something lovely and romantic.

MIL & Battle Days

2009-06-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

It is with great guilt I am sneaking up to the computer room to post. My mother in law is still here and I have left her to her own devices downstairs in the living room. While I enjoy sitting on my backside and chatting occasionally. I am getting to a point of some kind of primitive insanity from having to do so constantly for the last 4 days. I am very weary of wearing a permasmile through yet another chat about Nordstrom's semi annual sale or how the dog missed his groomer's appointment because he would just wind up a mess at my house...........sigh.

No great Battles with my MIL I do love her, we just have very little in common other than her son. The Battle Days portion of this was the reason for familial visitation. Our small town celebration "Battle Days" was this last weekend, and MIL's high school reunion. Of course being a very small town almost everyone is involved in the celebration in one form or another. I held an open house for Summer Reading sign ups at the library. The 'husband of wonder' graciously wore the Book Bear costume( we wont discuss the amount of frebreeze it took to make the costume tolerable) and walked in the kiddie parade, and posed with the high school royalty, little miss carried the banner for the middle school band, and my youngest son of course marched with the high school band. He says the best part of the uniform is the swashbuckling hat....and I must agree!
I hope everyone's weekend was a grand adventure as well...........blessings, Theresa

Drive By Posting

2009-06-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Just a few pieces I have gotten done. I'm on cleaning patrol today, as MIL is coming to visit tomorrow.

Fantastic Friday Giveaway#7

2009-05-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

It's Fantastic Friday! Congratulations Bandai Blossom! Bandai won the giveaway over at Baroness Bijoutery. Now it's my turn....BWAHAHAHA

I haven't posted in a good week. I know, 30 lashes with wet marmot for me. (lol now everyone has to go google marmot) I have been lost in the land of obligation. Not a lot of choices for what I do with my time at the moment. (sigh) Since that is foremost in my mind I believe I will give everyone a choice! For Fantastic Friday Giveaway #7 I am offering a Pearl Chain Link necklace....with your choice of pearl color! This versatile pretty is made with pearls and gunmetal chain. It's extra long so it can be worn long or double wrapped.

So if you would like to enter, all the usual rules apply :) Drawing will be held on June 12th, and is open to everyone. Be sure to leave me a way to contact you. :) Here we go!

Peek in my shop, and comment here if you find a favorite. (purchasing from my shop is allowed too :D )

Become a follower of my humble blog. (post here to give me a heads up)

link, tweet,blog, (whatever your fav form of interaction is), to this giveaway and post here to let me know.

Oh.....post your favorite color!

any or all is worth a separate entry. Winner will be drawn randomly by random.org. Just to keep the fun rolling BaronessBijoutery will be hosting a another giveaway starting on the 12th after this drawing. Yep we're in cahoots, every other Friday we will be hosting a new giveaway.

Supply Hunt

2009-05-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about how we creative types also are creative with obtaining supplies. Whether it's outright purchasing, trading, dumpster diving, recycling, up cycling, or harvesting, I have had to learn how to be just as creative with procuring supplies. Some times this is an economic necessity, but other times it idea based.

I thought I would share one of my procurements with you all.

This ancient apple tree drops enough branches each spring that I can make 5-6 broom handles.

The grand old Birch out front supplies enough twigs to complete those 5-6 brooms each season. Isn't that a wonderful coincidence. In this instance, all the twigs in the front yard provided the creation idea for the besoms (brooms). Thess supplies are harvested from natural cycles of growth, death, and seasons.
What is your favorite supply hunt?

Fairy Glens and Gardens

2009-05-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

The weather was glorious this weekend! I just have a need to be in the middle of everything when it's shining and warm. It is a pure bliss, and a hyper awareness of my my surroundings that carries my moments on days like this. The apple blossoms scented the air with a glorious sweetness. The mama pheasant was yelling at me, I assume for coming too close to her nest. Robins and humming birds were dancing in the air and flitting from tree to tree. Thankfully I got to work on the upper deck ( our property out back) by myself for a while. I do need the extra help for heavy chores with clearing and gardening, but today I was actually happy the fellas were occupied elsewhere today. I needed the moment of solitude to feel bigger than myself today and it was grand!
I worked for a while on the path into the fairy glen. My missy and I are going to have a special spot. Even us old Mamas need to believe in fairies and magical things. I got the base of the arbor/ gateway up. It's made from recycling the boys old batting net, and the bent side rails from a vintage toddler bed. I will be training the honeysuckle to climb over the arbor. I am using the head and foot boards from that little bed to make a bench for the glen. I just need to finish cutting the slats, and make the cushion.
I also managed to get my entire vegetable garden planted. Three large plots, and three rows of Mammoth sunflowers along the fence line! I did all of this in my bare feet. Soft warm soil....have to have bare feet for that one! sometimes simple pleasure are best :)

Fantastic Friday Giveaway Winner!

2009-05-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, I'm just a titch later in posting this morning. I woke up late, and set myself up for the frantic get everyone out the door routine. I'm just sure everyone has already been here to peek to see who won already. Right?! :) (ok lie to me and tell me you were.)

After frantically listing everyone's entries, in stubby orange crayon on the back of an old school notice no less. ( I really need to set up an excell sheet for this) I assigned each entry a number right down the line. Thanks to miss Hannah and random.org the lucky #7....... oh dear, this is just juicy!

Plum Valley Designs

Congratulations Beautiful! A fresh cup of coffee and confetti for Plum Valley! I will contact you shortly to get your info!

Now don't forget today is the day everyone's favorite gma, The Baroness will post the next Fantastic Friday Giveaway! So stop in I'm sure she's got something fabulous (as usual) for the next giveaway!

Thank you! So Pretty

2009-05-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling so special ! Momosclothes made a stunning and romantic treasury, and one of my pieces was included. A great big thank you!!!

Pay it forward

2009-05-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I was perusing the new postings on my favorite blogs, and came across an intriguing post on Moon of Glass. Simply put, a pay it forward (PIF) with other lovely artists. Sharing my art, and sending out happy surprises sounds delightful!

So, if you’re creative and would like to participate, please send me a comment and the first five people will receive something (handmade by me!) from me in the mail. In return, all you have to do is “pay it forward”- please see the rules, restrictions and limitations below.

Here are the rules, and happy posting!

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. But I hope you will. This will be something made from the heart.

2. What I create will be just for you with love and good wishes. It will be made of actual materials, not of cyberspace.

3. It will be done this year (2009).

4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be!

5. In return, all you need to do is cut and paste this text on your Blog (from “Creative People are…” and create five things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.
6. Send your mailing address after I contact you.

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if you do not post on your own blog to pay this forward. Would love it if you could join in!!

2009-05-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

My muse is a woeful creature lately. There's not an abundance of inspiration floating about my atmosphere. I did manage to create something new earlier in the week, but it was an old sketch, and it took much longer than usual. (insert a big melodramatic swoon here)

Most of my energy has been spent throwing bones to the pack of rabid wolves at the door. Doctor appointments, toss a bone. Bills----toss a lot of bones, but I know they are always hungry. Kid's dramas, and dreams....toss all the bones I have as these wolves are loved and need to be kept well fed! Work....digging for the dusty bone bits that are left in the bottom of the basket. Red Riding Hood is running low on bones.

Oh good grief....I'm becoming a drama queen stuck in her own fairy tale. :)

Anyway, I have had this half baked idea for a doll, and I just can't quite complete the full picture. There's a song, Gepetto by Belly. I love that song. there's one line that says "That kid came over to my house today.....decapitated all my dolls." Silly me I have the song on my MP3 so I hear it all the time, and I keep wanting to make a doll that reflects the feeling I get when I hear that line. Most of my dolls tend to be fat , and sassy gals, and I am having a hard time reconciling my thin unaware beauty, woeful, and resigned girl idea with a pattern. I want to sit and get it worked out on paper, but alas all those wolves won't let me be long enough. Speaking of wolves I must get ready for work. May all you beautiful artists find a balance with your muses today!

My Mother's Day Present

2009-05-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

My present...a glorious smile when she saw mom in the crowd!

Celebrate With Cake!

2009-05-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yay, no more picture taking trauma. Well at least no more trauma than the usual picture taking routine. I got my pictures done, and the new pieces listed on Flight Fancy. So I decided to celebrate with cake! I made a to die for peach upside down cake. Yeah, I know it's supposed to be pineapple, but I like peach better. :)

Since we ate all of it, and there's no more to share, I thought I would share the recipe with everyone. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 350. In a cast iron skillet melt 1/3 cup butter or margarine. Swirl it around the sides of the pan, and take off the heat. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with brown sugar, 1/2 cup or so. Lay out canned or (thawed) frozen peaches in whatever pattern you want evenly on the bottom of the pan.

Cake batter - Beat 2 eggs until they look lemony, mix in 5-6 tbsp of the peach juice. Mix in 1 cup of sifted flour, 1/3 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pour evenly over the peaches. Pop the skillet in the oven for 30 min. Take out and immediately flip out on the plate while the sugar is still syrupy. Serve plain , with ice cream, or whip cream. Have a grand evening all !

Treasury

2009-05-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Just a drive by posting. I happened to snag a treasury on etsy this morning. Yeah Yeah I know I'm supposed to getting ready for work.....but I'll just wear less make up today. :)
I haven't a clue on how to take a screenshot on this new mac, so I'll just post the link for the curious among all you dear beauties!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=56515

10 Percent Rule

2009-05-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the 10 percent rule? The rule states.....You have to be 10 percent smarter than the item you are trying to operate.

Well today my 10 percent went right out the window, and floated away like a dandelion puff dancing in the wind (or hurricane!)

I was absolutely tickled with myself. I spent the day in the studio, and got 2 great new pieces done. ( pat, pat, pat and toot my own horn and all that) This afternoon I take picture after picture. The light was right. Spent a multitude of minutes in shot set up.....etc. I'm sure everyone is familiar with the process. Wait, I'm still patting myself on the back at this point.

Now I'm kicking myself in the butt. I uploaded all those glorious pics, just to open the first one.....*!#* it, it's blurry! What the? Go through the rest one by one.....guess what!?

I forgot the the 10 percent rule, and the MACRO! :)

Fantastic Fridays Giveaway #5

2009-05-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's my turn to host the Fantastic Fridays Giveaway #5. So my dear friends and readers You have 2 weeks to get your entries in for this Stacking the Odds Pearl necklace. This sweet little necklace features a graduated stack of stunning white freshwater pearls. Definitely not your gramma's pearls!. This pretty piece is also listed in my shop, FlightFancy.

I absolutely love doing these giveaways, and so enjoy reading everyone's comments! So if you would like to enter, all the usual rules apply :) Drawing will be held on May 15th, and is open to everyone. Be sure to leave me a way to contact you. :) Here we go!

Peek in my shop, and comment here if you find a favorite.

Become a follower of my humble blog.

link to this giveaway and post here to let me know.

any or all is worth a separate entry. Winner will be drawn randomly by random.org. Just to keep the fun rolling BaronessBijoutery will be hosting a another giveaway starting on the 15th after this drawing. Yep we're in cahoots, every other Friday we will be hosting a new giveaway.

Creative spark and process

2009-04-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking on this a for a while now. I keep seeing the question "What inspires you?" Yesterday it happened to be a huge sparkly citrine. Generally I go digging through my supplies until I see something that makes the lightbulb go on! There's no rhyme or reason to it, just a "Oh! I know what you're going to be!"

I try to sketch out the idea, sometimes that works, sometimes not. Yesterday it worked.:)

Generally what's the most time consuming for me is the framework. Whether its the wire frame base, or patterning out a doll body. I always want to get through this part quick so I can get to the fun part of decorating. It has been a tough lesson to slow myself down on this part of the process so I am not wasting materials because I rushed things.

(tip: cheap clamps from the hardware store make a great set of extra hands!)

I must admit though, even with the most careful work, I still had 2 spots I took apart and redid. Once it was halfway done, I decided to switch out some stones, as the stones I originally put on the piece just didn't quite fit. All part of the process I guess.

All in all at the end of the afternoon, and 4 hours later I do believe it turned out so pretty!

So what does everyone think? :) (hmm this was fun) I think I'll take some more pics of process with the doll I'm working and post that later.

Oh and before I forget......it's Thursday! Tomorrow is Fantastic Friday! Dont forget to go enter on the Baroness' blog (link is to your upper right-->). Drawing is tomorrow morning........YAY! Then it's my turn.......WOOHOO! I love when it's my turn for the giveaway, I have a cool prize for the next one.

All you beauties have a grand and glorious creative day!!!!

Some new bits

2009-04-28T13:58:00.001-07:00

Just a few new things I got done, and wanted to share.

I think tonight I feel like working on a new doll.

Another weekend already?!

2009-04-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Where did the week go? It just got away from me. I was going to spend the day in the craft room today, but opted to stand out in the frigid wind and watch my son throw javelin at his track meet. He got 2 PRs (personal records) today, and he's jacked!

The 'husband of wonder' and I did make a lot of progress on the garden beds last weekend. I'm so happy I get to garden this year! sunflowers, tomatos, potatos, cukes (for pickles), herbs, pumpkins, onions, garlic, oh my, oh my! I'm giddy :)

I am recycling bricks from an old out building to make pathways and a seating area through all the honeysuckle stands(not in the pic) for a fairy arbor for me and my missy. That honey suckle always smells so sweet.

Obviously the property needs a lot more work. When we moved in, it hadnt been tended for a good 15 -20 years, and was horibbly overgrown. This picture is after 3 years of clearing brush, deadwood, and a lot of digging! Well as you can see it will be a busy summer! Have a grand weekend :)

Thank you Baroness

2009-04-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you Baroness for a Very Special Award..and I mean Very Special. This is a new Award and is called The Renee Award. This Award was created by Bella and Ces in honour of their friend Renee, an incredible lady who in the face of a frightening life battle is tackling each day with great spirit and courage. Please check out the blogs of these three creative ladies.

Here is what Bella says of this award:

"this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..."

In accepting this award, I must now pass it on to eight other deserving bloggers who I feel have the same qualities as the little acorn and the tall sturdy oak who is constantly giving back. No easy task, as there are so many....but I truly think these beautiful folks deserve it.
Able Mable
Alternative Livings
K Plus Krafts
Living in Fairyland
MysticWynd
HandbagCave
Dawn Lewis Imagery
Erin Bowe Metalsmith

Weekend Wishlist

2009-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Obviously from my lack of frequent posting, I am a busy bee during the week. I am sure most women finds themselves as busy as well with all the jobs and roles we have. Well it is supposed to be sunny and warm this weekend. (oh JOY) I find this spring weather absolutely inspiring and energizing. (yes I'm a 'oh woe is me' hermit in the winter) So I have a wish list for my weekend. Now I tend to be a notorious list maker, and my lists tend to be unreasonably long according to the Husband of Wonder, but flip it I'm making one anyway. I figure if I get just over half the list done it's a banner day.

1. Run the boring errands this morning. (just get it done goof!)
2. Till and prep the garden beds.
3. Enlist kids to help with outside spring clean up
4. Get oldest son to change out my tires! Please, please, please!
5. set up the kiln. this one is a double bonus - The Baroness, and Papablockhead gave me a beautiful new kiln for Christmas for my lampworking. Which I don't work on during the winter as it is too cold to properly ventilate. But now I can add in firing my doll limbs....YAY....good thing there are two firemen in the house to make sure I do this properly! ( hehe.....ceramic doll parts)
6. Laundry...........ugh boring but necessary. (don't know if this will get done)
7. Have young missy collect all the birch twigs before I mow. There's enough out there to get 4-5 brooms made.
8. Sand and finish the broom handle blanks.....maybe try out that new woodburning tool?
9. Feed the mass of teenagers that always seem to congregate here....crockpot sounds like a good idea this weekend. I think they all owe me one chore before they get fed! :)

Hmm, too much? I'm going to try anyway. So do you have glorious weekend plans?

Good Morning Beautiful

2009-04-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone. I just know everyone is waiting with bated breathe.....or coffee breath for the drawing. It's still early here and I am trying to get missy to brush her hair before school. I think I should have laced my coffee as it's world war 3 with the hairbrush. I cleverly distracted her with having her type in the numbers for the drawing on random.org. ( I managed to get some really good swipes in with that brush....hehe)
I assigned everyone their numbers right down the line of the list according to how many entries each had. There was a total of 32 entries this time. ( you guys rock!)

Ok ready?! according to missy and random ..............#16.............Flavoredmom!!!!!!!
WOOHOO :) I will be contacting you for your mailing info here shortly. Congratulations!

Dont forget, the next Fantastic Friday is going to be posted today on the Baroness' Blog....start skipping over there, I am sure she has something fabulous and fun!

A moment to breathe

2009-04-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Finally a moment to take a deep breathe. This week has been a grand adventure. I hope y'all didnt miss me too much. I have spent most of my time in overdrive, I do believe I need a day off! Thank fully it is supposed to be nice this weekend, and I plan on taking advantage of it and prep my vegetable garden!

I just realized this afternoon that give away ends tonight! Right now it's 9:30...you still have 2.5 hrs to enter :) So far here's who has entered:
KrazyFashion
PlumValleyDesigns
Ceridwen
Chris
Lizzy
Aik
Melanie and Denise
Ashley
Flavoremom
Tom, Cher
CocoaCream
karen
Trade parade
Tana
Amanda ErgenBright
shrimpsalad
miss crochet
cirkusphreak13
Cathy
Becki Rasmussen
Caroline
Good Luck everyone! I will be drawing the number in the morning, and will use random.org.
I just want everyone to know I am very thankful, and feel blessed to be able to do these giveaways. You guys rock! Now for the important stuff......after the drawing the Baroness will be hosting Fantastic Friday Giveaway 4 over on her blog. So be sure to skip on over to her blog to enter tomorrow. Yes I expect everyone to put on their knee socks, and mary janes and skip. :D

Shop Sharing

2009-04-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

Being an avid window shopper, and impulse buyer on etsy ( when my PayPal wallet is fat and happy), I happened upon a new shop worth mentioning to everyone.

Heatherjolie Designs

Heather's designs have a wonderful mix of tradition, romance, and modern edginess that I find compelling. I love that she uses whimsical and romantic embroidered designs on bold geometric jewelry. My favorite piece in her shop is this glorious Wisteria Cuff Bracelet. I soooooo want this!

Or for a more exotic or gothic look this Exotic Cherry Blossom Necklace would be perfect! This piece would definitely make me feel spicy!

Her Tartan Punk Fascinator is completely sassy! Now I know I'm just an old mama, but I'd like to think I could pull off this bit of confection!

I'm always amazed at the talent I find on etsy, and Heather is no exception! Please wander on over to her shop and give this new artist some love! It will be worth the trip through cyberspace!

For Beans

2009-04-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

I recently promised my oldest girl, who is away at college right now (I miss her terribly!) That I would put up a picture so she could see mom's new hair color. So babe here ya go. Bubbles came over and took like a million pics. She decided this was the one to post.

Just for Beans....big squoodge!

Fantastic Fridays Giveaway #3

2009-04-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's my turn to host the Fantastic Fridays Giveaway #3. So my dear friends and readers You have 2 weeks to get your entries in for this Simply Delightful Drop necklace. This sweet little necklace features a coil wire wrapped faceted green flourite briolette. This is from my new line in FlightFancy. I wanted to offer something in the shop that would be a bit more delicate and appeal to a broader age range of lovely ladies. So if you would like to enter, all the usual rules apply :) Drawing will be held on April 17th!

Peek in my shop, and comment here if you find a favorite.

Become a follower of my humble blog.

link to this giveaway and post here to let me know.

any or all is worth a seperate entry. Winner will be drawn randomly by random.org. Just to keep the fun rolling BaronessBijoutery will be hosting a another giveaway starting on the 17th after this drawing. Yep we're in cahoots, every other Friday we will be hosting a new giveaway.

The Mail Came!

2009-04-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

I don't generally relish going to the mail box. The usual round of bills, solicitations, and general mass mail crud never brings a smile to my face. In fact generally I am tempted to use most of it as fodder for the fireplace. Yesterday was another story altogether! Three glorious packages stuffed in the box! Oh my......what did I order?! I was in torture all day at work, as I couldn't sneak in a single minute to peek. The minute I got home those envelopes were torn open in a flurry of cussing (why does tape have to work so well?!)
curious yet?

I am addicted to collecting ACEOs. They are a wonderful and affordable way to have artwork from a great number of talented artists. This one is an absolutely stunning piece! I was so impressed with the quality and attention to detail! Ok my first thought was "She's so pretty!"
You can find more beautiful collage work at Kplus Krafts. You will be amazed with her whimsical style and uplifting art! Kplus is having a giveaway on her blog for one of her lovely collages, so be sure to check it out. The giveaway ends April 3rd, so hurry!

Next was this stunning pendant. Let me explain, I only buy jewelry that strikes my fancy, and it has to be something I dont ,or am unable to make make myself. This pretty pendant was a complete shocker when I opened it. At first I thought it was sweet in the shop ( I am a sucker for vintage buttons) happily I was the first sale for this shop (I truly hope that made her day!) But I must say I was completely enchanted when I opened the package! It is so pretty, and the craftsmanship is glorious. I would highly recommend visiting designandredisign, her jewelry designs are unique, and truly beautiful! Oh and she has a fun blog that I happily follow, GrammaticallyDelicious. Be sure to check out this artist, she's absolutely top notch!

Last but definitely not least, these stunning art prints from Anna Shirron. Her art is something I found by happenstance about a year ago. I had bought an ACEO from her then and was totally impressed with her attention to fine detail, and color. Just a few weeks ago once again by chance I happened upon her blog , and was reminded again that a stunning artist had captured my imagination. Immediately I went to her shop on etsy, and was happy to find she had expanded her art to offering prints and cards. Ok that had me then and there......can you say immediate sale! It will be well worth it to visit her shop Fleshie.etsy.com!

Just sharing :)...oh and dont forget! There's only 2 days left in the Fantastic Fridays Giveway #2 Be sure to get your entry in before midnight this thursday! Drawing will be held Friday morning. Once the Baroness announces the winner, I will be posting the next FFG #3 here, Friday afternoon. So wander on over and get your entry in......The Baroness has a glorious necklace for the lucky winner!

Where did that come from?

2009-03-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have spent some time on clean up today.

When things get disorganized it's always good to do a bit of spring cleaning! First thing I cleaned was my sour attittude, and then I dug into my surroundings. I must say cleaning my immediate surroundings was less than satisfactory. There wasnt too much thrill in picking up questionable socks. So now armed with my better outlook I actually was creatively productive (which always is uplifting) There are new listings in FlightFancy. I changed my shop announcement. I'm working on a new design for my business cards. I am going to research Project Wonderful for advertising. Next week I have to go to a steerage commitee meeting for a new artist cooperative program. I am truly hoping I can contribute to this project in a positive way, as this is new territory for me.

So on a more up beat note....I want to remind everyone that the Baroness is having a sweet giveaway! There's still time to enter! check out the beautiful necklace picture on the right to take you right to the giveaway!

It's Not Fair Syndrome

2009-03-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit frustrated, ok a lot frustrated. I generally keep my peace, but dang people catch a clue please.

In my lack of motivation today (due to 4 extra kidlets here and half days at the school) I decided to peruse the forums on etsy. I generally can find useful help, silly fun, in general nice folks! Wow today(and more so lately) I was getting irritated with all the....."do it this way"know it all, the tag police rants, twitter lovers/haters, and why no sales whines. It was all coming across as a "it's not fair!"......

No it's not fair, it's business, and it's your art. I want to slap someones mama for not teaching them life is not always fair! (thanks Baroness...I got my lesson)

I post in the forums occasionally...and I truly hope I dont come across as a complete twit. I will offer up ideas of what has worked for me....take it or leave it. My opinion is just that, an opinion or an idea to try if you think it might work for you. If it doesnt, try something else, but if your unsatisfied with your sales/ shop/ business......try something -anything and see if it works. If the latest piece of advice doesnt work....drop it and move on. Ultimately it all boils down to what you are capable of doing for yourself.

I dont claim to be an astute business woman, marketing guru, or the Dali Lama. I am willing to give and take ideas that work for me based on my business. I dont have to follow the crowd of what everyone else does. Not everything is going to work for my model. And I sure as sh** am not going to have a "it's not fair" attitude.

Sorry for the ramblin rant....just another opinion....take it or leave it ....or get out the spaghetti noodles to beat me with. :)

Fantastic Friday Giveaway Winner!

2009-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! it's time to announce the winner of the giveaway. Each entry was assigned a number right down the list. My young miss ran right out the door this morning, so I used random.org to pick the number for me.

Drumroll please! CLANK...CLANK... CLANK.... I said drumroll....NOT cowbell.

and the winner is: #37

Grammatically Delicious Designs!

I will contact you to get your mailing address. Congratulations! Thank you so much everyone for entering!

The Baroness is hosting the next Fantastic Friday Giveaway, and I know she has picked out a truly exquisite piece for the prize! You can enter the next giveaway by visiting her blog and showing some love! The Baroness will have the new giveaway posted today, you're going to want to run over there.....it's too good to miss!

The usual suspects

2009-03-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Actually, you dear readers are definitely not 'usual'! I just wanted to post an list of entries for the Fantastic Friday giveaway. So far here is the list I have. (if I have made any errors please let know!)

YouniquelyChic - 2

Anita Helena -2

Karen -2

Rose -2

KPlus -2

Vanessa -2

TheCraftbegins -1

Ashley -2

Aik-2

minishoes -2

glassidenities -3

Kristen -2

Ceridwen -2................Such a beautiful name!

bombshell -2

M Mashraqi -3

Hollyz Hobby -2

trh -2

Grammatically Delicious -2

Jeanne Wray -1

Anna Shirron -1

Haru Dori -1

Beyond the nest -1

I'm so tickled and tingly with anticipation! Drawing will be first thing in the morning! Is everyone waiting with baited breathe. Well hopefully the wait wont be too long. Dont forget once the winner is announced Friday morning to travel over to Baroness' Blog for the next Fantastic Friday Giveaway.

Talent runs amok!

2009-03-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

It has been crazy around here lately! Sorry I havent had time to post over the weekend. I just signed on and saw all the new comments on the giveaway and new followers here, and I just have to say you are all goddesses! How sweet to take the time to visit my inane spot on the internet. You all just made my heart skip a beat! How nice for a first giveaway.....Thank you!

(now for the shameless plug) If you're a new visitor and want to enter the giveaway just click on the pearl necklace to the right.

I have to share, there's no getting around it. I have spent almost every night at the school the last few days. First we got to see our youngest miss in the Missoula Childrens Theater play. It was so fun watching all the children, but especially (insert extreme mama pride here) my Hannah. She was so excited she actually had 3 lines this year. She's one of the townfolk in the yellow dress on the left.

Then we got to spend another evening at the winter sports award for the highschool. We got to go witness Quinn getting his award for basketball. I am very proud of him! I must admit though, that sitting through 3 hrs of coaches speeches was butt numbing.

This evening we were regaled with wonderous music. (ok some of it was squeaky in spots with the jr highband) Quinn plays drums in the HS band, and sings with the choir, and miss Hannah sings with the choir as well. It always makes me giggle and cry a bit to watch them perform. I know I'm a bit of a sap, but I love those babes!

So tomorrow it's back in the craftroom! I dont have to go to work, and no school events. Whew!

a bit more whimsy

2009-03-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

I did promise to put up Miss Skye, but she's still not done. Well she is and isnt. I cant put my finger on what it is yet, so she is sitting on my shelf until I have the 'AHA!' moment and figure out what she's missing.

So instead Miss Gertie is making her debut. She looks a little unsure of herself. I think she's just worried that her black lace stockings might be a bit much.

I will be listing her in the shop tonight, just wanted to share her here first.

Introducing Lady Marjorie

2009-03-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit more whimsical with my work this weekend. Thanks to the poking and nudging from the Baroness to get more dolls up in my shop, (you can put the cattle prod away now...my backside is numb), I am pleased to introduce Lady Marjorie. I'm rather pleased with the way she turned out. I also have Miss Skye sitting on the sewing table, unfortunately she hasnt put her face on yet and will have to introduce herself tomorrow.

What have I been up to?

2009-03-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

Oh .....about 5'6" in my bare feet....hehe. (I know too corny, but I'm going there anyway)

Actually I've been a regular busy bee. I was oh so happy to get on a roll and get a lot of pendants done. Most of them are more dainty than my usual pendants, but I really like the way they turned out. I did wire wrap them, and used the the small coil hoop technique I'm so fond of. (it's alot of fun) I also fell back on making some of my square pearl pendants. I dont know why I havent made any in some time now. I forgot how fun they were to make.

I just love that feeling of accomplishment! I'm feeling so giddy about this, and happy with my new pendants, I want to share with you! I'm officially having a giveaway for this 'Such a Square' white pearl necklace on Friday March 20th. Any one up for having a fantastic Friday?

How to enter?

Peek in my shop, and comment here if you find a favorite.

Become a follower of my humble blog.

link to this giveaway and post here to let me know.

any or all is worth a seperate entry. Winner will be drawn randomly by my impartial sweet pea, Miss Hannah. Just to keep the fun rolling BaronessBijoutery will be hosting a another giveaway starting on the 20th after this drawing. Yep we're in cahoots, every other Friday we will be hosting a new giveaway. We really look forward to hosting ' Fantastic Fridays'!

Putting on my red shoes

2009-03-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be totally shameless. I've got the sassy red shoes on and Im ready.

I recently paid good money for a bad class on web design. I was hoping for more intuitive, and practical information, but all we got was the step by step for a specific software program from the program's user manual. (thanks, but no! none of us in the class even had that software) Needless to say I was disappointed in the class and in myself for having the wrong expectations. On the 1.5 hour drive home I made a discovery about my expectations. I want to start my own website to market my creations......hmm... OH! (slaps head in disgust). I want to know more about marketing. DUH !!! Then I realized I need to put those red shoes on more often and at the very least do some basic self promotion.

This last year I have learned about:

-how to price, and have come up with a decent formula.

-how to take better pictures

-keeping good records, and (yay) dealing with taxes.

This year my goals are:

-earn enough to afford a new computer for my business...this one has asthma, and has to be babied

-learn to market, and advertise effectively

-get not only more traffic to my shop, but increase sales, and earn repeat customers.

So my beautiful friends in blog land I am asking if you have a moment would you kindly take a peek in one or all of my shops and offer any constructive opinions you may have. I am up for honest opinions! (seriously....I am a smartass with thick skin, so honesty doesnt hurt my feelings!) Do you see anything you would change? What would you like to see more of? etc?

FlightFancy - my etsy shop for jewelry, PuddinFoot - my etsy shop for dolls and bears , and

Flightfancy - my new shop at Artfire(yes I know this needs more stock and am working on making more now) Thank you :)

What a sweet thing!

2009-03-02T19:42:00.001-08:00

What a sweet thing, and I'm smiling like an idiot! The ever beautiful Rose at Life, love, YARN nominated me for this lovely award, and I am surprised that anybody takes the time to read my goofy posts, and for those of you who do.....THANK YOU! I'm glad to know I'm not talking to myself.....(again). It is my delight to be able to pass this on to some of my favorite blog writers.

Here are the rules!!!

List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KREATIV!

well...this shouldnt be too hard

1. My family first and forever. JimmyD, JohnJohn, Beans, Bear B Bear, and Miss Sunshine. They are my heart!

2 Baroness and Papa Blockhead. They are the world.

3 chocolate.....ANY kind

4 music....I think I need my own sountrack. Just dont tell Beans, I love irish punk bands...she would never let me hear the end of it! (It was her fault I got stuck in a mosh pit anyway!)

5 My lovely friends. They are all goddess'. Each of them offers me a different new color to my life.

6 chicken and dumplins. The worlds best comfort food! Bread puddin is a close second :)

7 I love that my house is open. There are always folks coming and going, and everyone knows where the fridge is.

Thanks Rose, This was a fun exercise! It didnt burn off the chocolate I ate while writing it though. :D and now for my nominees

Random Splashes of Thought

Living in Fairyland

Beedangled Creations

Oh thank goodness

2009-02-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness....I am done! All those teddies are on parade to their new home. while I love making them, it is a definite challenge to like them after stuffing 10 bear butts to the right firmness. These babies wont need pilates anytime soon.

Actually, I really do like making the custom bears. I feel blessed to be able to help save a memory for someone. So far all of the custom bears I have done have been in memorium of passed on loved ones. While some might find it a bit disturbing. I feel humbled and blessed that I am trusted to help be a memory keeper.

Prolific or Proficient?

2009-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

As I sit here assembling the teddy bear brigade. I will have them all done by tomorrow (oh my god....YAY!) I was thinking about being prolific vs proficient. I'm wondering now how that plays out with a small business.

I consider myself very proficient with my sewing, thanks to my mum. She started teaching me the rudiments of hand sewing when I was but a wee tot. (as if I was ever wee) By the time jr. high home ec rolled around I was well versed with machines, patterns, basic tailoring. While my eager classmates were trying to follow the dotted line on a piece of paper with the machines, I was working on dresses, blouses, and slacks with.....oh dear...the dreaded zipper. Ok so that one I put in the proficient column.

Later in a college art class I got another perspective. I enjoy painting. My preferred medium is oils. I love the smell, the feel as I brush the canvas, and the textures I can achieve. I lean towards an impressionistic style. Once again, I was gleefully going all out. I produced 6 paintings that quarter. Some I was gloriously proud of and are still hanging in my home, some I painted over. (oh well , waste not want not) The professor told me I was very prolific! hmmm is that a compliment? or just an observation of my working style.

So I decided to look closer at my chosen arts. I am both. When I find something I love doing I tend to focus so much on it that I am very prolific. Producing masses of said art, but it leads to proficiency. The more I work the better I get at it, the more I learn and want to expand my feeble knowledge. I believe business wise that it's a good blend to have. If you are in the business of selling your art you have to create a quality product, and if your art does sell ( as I learned this last Christmas ( thankfully) you have to be able to produce in quantity as well. So what kind of artist are you? proficient, prolific? Does this affect your art or your business.

LOL ok Im done being philosophical.

I'm not missing....promise

2009-02-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

Actually Im buried under an avalanche of body parts. I am grateful I got a wonderful order for 10 'memory bears'. The garments arrived Friday afternoon, so I have been deconstucting clothing to use for fabric in between my son's basketball games. (it's tournament time). I have actually managed to make very good progress. (contorting to pat myself on the back....dont look it's not pretty)

Almost all the parts are stitched, I still have 3 heads to sew. (eww that sounds a bit a gruesome), but I had to quit for the evening. I'm half blind, and evening light is not sufficient to sew with. Which I find a bit depressing, really. Not the blind part, the fact that I'm on a roll and I had to stop. I have very good sewing skills, but I dont want to rip out any wrong seams from trying to go by feel if I dont have too. I'm already a vision of loveliness in the mornings, no sense in adding to my morning aura with a bunch of blue language, and facial tics from ripping out seams.

I'm it!!!!!!

2009-02-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

I got tagged today.....what fun! I had serious playground flashbacks when I found out. Playing hopscotch, four square, remembering warnings from mum not to play on the monkey bars in a dress. :)

I got tagged by the lovely and sweet hearted Rose! http://roses7184.blogspot.com/

Rules of tagging:
1, Link to the person who tagged you
2, Post these Rules in your Blog
3, Write 7 Random things about yourself
4, Tag random people at the end of your post and link to them
5, Let each Person know they've been tagged

Some random things about me: (oh dear)

1. I like to sing all out when no one is home. I sing like a blue jay, but I'm going for it anyway.

2. Chocolate and potato chips are my big weaknesses, thankfully with everyone else in the house, they generally get to it first so I cant over indulge.

3. I can cuss like a sailor. Are librarians allowed to cuss?

4. I have tattoos, and want another one.

5. I drive the ugliest car in town, and am proud of it. In fact I think 'Humphry the Land Whale' needs dandelion decals. It's not hard to have the ugliest car in a very small town (pop. 600)

6. I make sure to greet all my friends, and the other women in town with a hi beautiful, or hey gorgeous, or Miss So and So dont you look lovely today....I think we all need to hear that. I've noticed most wives and mothers dont get a lot of that at home.

7. I revel in weird simple pleasures...the first pee in the morning, the way kids smell when they've been playing in the sun, or going up on the upperdeck(large backyard) and taking a nap in the tall grass. Is that too weird?

Who's it next?

Imagine Art 7

beedangledcreations

green eyed gems

Driveby posting

2009-02-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post for morning motivation. I got some wonderful new gemstone chips in the mail yesterday. (oh yay!) As I was putting them away I was already planning out projects, but alas I have discovered I am woefully low on wire! What's a girl to do?! Go shopping of course. Thankfully Rings n Things is just a 40 min drive.....I might even find some new pretty stones while I'm there. Whee!!!!!!!!

Mixed blessings

2009-02-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

I'm just a titch off today, bordering on 'oh woe is me!' with all the appropriate swooning, smelling salts and vapors. I'm feeling a little weary. I love that word, weary. It's a woman's word. It's the weight a mother bears without sleep. It's the small jagged edges we stitch up. It's the woe behind the smile. I think weary applies. So for any other weary women today

It will be ok. You are pretty, especially around the eyes when you truly smile. You are oh so smart! Your heart is large enough for the world. You have a beautiful soul!

Blessings!

Theresa

Family Pride

2009-01-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have an overwhelming urge to share some love, and be a bit boastful of my family. My Dad....the kids call him Papa, gives the best "strawberry jam' hugs, listens, and loves with his whole heart, and shuffles his feet in modesty in the sawdust. So Im going to boast on him since I think he deserves it. After much prodding and convincing....he has his own etsy shop, BlockheadProduction. He makes the most beautiful wood turn bowls and vessels! I'm just in awe of his talent, they evoke emotion, are tactile, gloriously designed. Ok Papa are you blushing yet? It's all true, and I think his shop deserves our love. Just for grins and to share some love, please leave your comments here, or convo Papa at his shop and let him know what you like about it! Making him blush is one of my favorite pastimes :)

Families and creating (or not)

2009-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

I love reading blogs from mommies of toddlers and preschoolers. They are constantly asking how to coordinate family and business, and assume it gets easier as the kids get more self sufficient. HA! ha ha ha :) I have 4 great kids. My oldest son is an adult(22) , and still living at home. My oldest daughter is in her second year of college (away) but still calls or IMs me every day for advice or chat. My middle son is 16 , and an extremely gregarious, and busy teenager. And the babygirl is 10, and I swear from all the tears lately, that she is hitting prepuberty! (HELP!)

So anyway this last week the kids only went to school 3.5 days. What does that mean? They are here, and their friends are here, I'm the local bed and breakfast, taxi to basketball, choir practice, cheer camp, band, etc. I'm here to tell you so far it doesnt change! I had to get CRANKY on everyone yesterday just so I could work on my orders. I was in my craftroom working on a bear, and the biggest kid ( Husband of Wonder ) wanders in and asks if I'm busy? He wants a haircut, and apperently he wants it now. So fine off we go (better to get it done or he follows me around), and sons see that dads getting a haircut...so hey mom as long as you have the clippers out? the entire day was filled with "hey mom?, and hey Boo?" By the time dinner was over, I was laying down laws, even the kids' friends were given chores to do before I sent them home. I cranked at the Husband of Wonder and reminded him once again that the wife's little hobby is what paid for his flat screen tv.....he'd best do the nighttime patrol with the youngest so I could get back to 'orders'! So how do you coordinate? I dont believe there is such a thing......I just keep pluggin away, family first, business at night. Oh I did get my orders boxed and ready to ship today, and the bear is done!

Share the love!

2009-01-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have to share some love today. I hosted the artisan fair in my home for our Fall Festival this last year. I had the good fortune to meet some very talented local artists! One that sticks out has a fairly new etsy shop, The Cheney Bag Lady. I was positively drooling over her bags! Her craftsmanship and attention to detail is excellent!

The bags are beautifully constructed, sturdy, and she uses great fabrics. Her color, and pattern combinations are delightful! I swear you will want to let the moths out of your wallets for one of her bags!

Expanding horizons

2009-01-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided to expand my horizons so to speak. I have been selling my lovely little creations in my etsy shop for just over a year now. I keep seeing the phrase dont put all your eggs in one basket, and this has prompted me to expand my online presence. I have opened another shop under the same name at ArtFire. I realize that maintaining multiple shops will be more work, but honestly I dont consider the computer time to be work. The time I spend on the computer in the evenings is my down time at home.

What prompted this? I really enjoy creating, and tend to be prolific at times, and selling my wares is a grand thrill for me. Right now I'm truly switching over to believing this what I should be doing as a business/career, for myself, and my happiness. After doing my taxes for the last year, and crunching some numbers I came to a conclusion that it is possible earn income enough to help support my family, and my creativity.

Hmm.....so how's that for challenging yourself creatively? Actually I'm still creating, and here are the pictures of the new pendants......

Just for GlassIdentities:

Bread Pudding- pour 2 cups scalded milk over 4 cups cubed slightly old bread, let sit for a few and mix- 1 cube melted butter/margerine add 1/2 cup sugar, 2 lightly beaten eggs, and dash or so of nutmeg or cinnamon. Mix the bread mix and the butter mix put in a buttered casserole dish, and bake at 375 for 40-45 min....do the toothpick test...I like mine warm.

oh Glorious day!

2009-01-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

What a grand and glorious day!

we got to witness history today
I got my taxes done....woohoo
my kids are all good
bills are paid
hubby is happy
cars are running
we have food, heat and shelter
and there's homemade bread pudding left over! (I'm hiding it)

oh and I have time to post :) the picture is the latest creation for my personal challenge.

Life's little challenges

2009-01-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

I havent ignored my personal challenge...in fact Ive been a very busy bee. I spent yesterday cleaning the entire craft room. Now I know it wont stay that way for too long, but for now I'm patting myself on the back, and it really makes me want to mess it up again. I wonder if that is a type of weird illness?

I was so excited to find some great new decorative shelves with the quilt rods on them at our local thrift store! I got them assembled and up on the walls. Boy what a difference the extra storage space makes! Of course they are already filled, and I hung my ACEO collection from alligator clips on ribbons from the quilt rods. It's so nice to have them up where I can see them and feel inspired. I was so inspired I got some pendants done in blues, and there's still one to finish from today with a stunning chalcedony stone. I would have finished, but 'husband of wonder' promised our young missy a ladies day out. So we spent a good portion of the day chaperoning three 10 year old girls at the house of rodents( Chuck E Cheese ) . Someone please slap me if I ever agree to go there again!.....Seriously she and her friends had a blast, so I'm glad we went. :)

Did I lose time?

2009-01-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

I think I lost some time somewhere? I know today is Friday, but I can say it sure feels like Thursday. I need to be more concious of being in the moment apparently. Oh well onward and upward. Yesterday was a blur of chores, work, kids, organizing tax papers, basketball games. Subsequently I didnt blog at all.....30 lashes with a wet noodle for me. I did manage to get work done creatively, not much a pair of earrings, and Ive started on a pendant, which will be finished today (I hope)

On a bit of a side note I have checked out the Baroness' shop here she's rockin along with me on this 90 day challenge....way to go!

Creation for day 5

2009-01-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

Benjamin Bunny

2009-01-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Check out this fun Giveaway

2009-01-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

http://roses7184.blogspot.com/2009/01/giveaway-time.html

Over at Life,love, YARN rose is having a giveaway for this adorable handmade bunny! I definitely entered. After peaking in her shop and seeing the quality of her handwork, I think everyone should wander over and enter her giveaway and take a look at her etsy shop. As soon as I bump my paypal back up (woefully low after the holiday) I am buying this scarf!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19301052

Personal challenge

2009-01-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's day 4, and I'm still on track. (I hope) It was a challenge of another sort today to create anything. I had my youngest home sick from school. I think she teamed up with NASA, because I swear I had my own personal satellite orbiting my atmosphere today.
She's finally abed, tucked in and snuggled down, so I can spend some time posting, and listing in my shop. After this I believe I'm going to snuggle down as well. I'm posting pics of todays creations. I'm actually surprised I got 2 done.

pendant from day3

2009-01-11T21:13:00.001-08:00

Day 3

2009-01-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

Ok I know it's later in the evening, but this is the first time I could sit my butt in front of the computer today. I'm rather pleased to say I did get more created today, plus pictures taken.

Woohoo!!! but alas....I didnt make a lightbox yet. I really need to get on that.