Yay post time!

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!

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?

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

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

If you looked close enough you could see...

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

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!

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

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?

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!!

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

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

Celebrate With Cake!

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

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

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

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

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!!!!