Hopemore

Quiet Time

2012-02-18T19:03:00.003-08:00

Just taking some to get healthy (kiddos are sharing germs again).

Be back soon.

~Angie

It's a Spring Fling

2012-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

It's time for Sparkle n Sprinkle's Spring Fling blog hop and I have been busy little bee!! If you stopped by from Charlene's Paper and Ink Playground then you are hopping down the bunny trail in order. If you would like to start from the beginning then head back to the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog to see how to get entered in for FIVE fun prizes.

I created two projects to share to the 'Luck of the Irish' this St Patrick's Day, the first is a vintage style paper mache box. One of my favorite tips for creating an object that looks vintage is to use flocking. Lucky for me Sparkle N Sprinkle has such a great selection of colors to choose from. It was super simple to create the look I was after on this box with 1/2" Tear-ific Tape. It created perfect straight lines and is super sticky so the flocking is sure to stay put. The image I used is reprinted from a vintage St Patrick's day greeting card, just do a Google search and you are sure to come with some great choices to save and use for your future projects.

Click here for directions.

Now, because I don't want you to get pinched...I wanted to share these looped barrettes. They are a perfect way to be wear'n the green this St Patrick's Day, they even have a little glitter sparkle in the embossed clover...perfect to catch the wandering eye of leprechaun. If you catch him you can try to get his pot of gold.

Click here for directions.

Here is a quick list/links of the products I used:
Leprechaun Stamp Set
Palm Leaf Flocking
Golden Silver Glitter
Pear Embossing Powder
Irish Spring Embossing Powder

It is time to hop on down the blog path to the next destination, but before you go be sure to leave a comment... you never know which designer's blog will have goodies to giveaway.

Next Stop:
Eleanor's Stamping In Virginia Blog

Thanks for stopping by!
Angie

Herding Bunnies

2012-01-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

Worked all evening with Ms. Maria and a school friend getting ready for the 4H Junior Demonstrations. Go ahead ask me anything about having a bunny rabbit as a house pet... I can probably answer it.

Link

It is difficult at best to get a 9 year old to settle in and create a tri-fold board with all kinds of rabbit information...now try to get two very silly girls to get it done...ugh it's like trying to herd cats...or maybe bunnies.

Angie

Unearthed

2012-01-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

I really appreciate when those who make treasuries find my work...buried under the never ending listings on Esty.

Meet me in St Louis

Polymer Clay Acorns Collection

From the bottom of my heart...thank you!

Angie

Blog Hop

2012-01-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle

Deco Divas - Love is in the Air Blog Hop!

If you arrived from My Creative Corner - Gerlinde then you are hopping along the blog party trail just fine. There are four fabulous prizes to be had; to be eligible just start from the beginning at the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog and comment along the way for your chance(s) to win.

My inner Diva is throwing a Romantic Art Deco party!! The Roaring 1920's were a time of new freedoms in art, dress, design and music. I love Sparkle N Sprinkle South Beach stamp set, it has a great mix of art deco design with a touch of art nouveau, and it makes my heart swoon.

For my first project I made wine glass charms from polymer clay...you don't want to forget which glass is yours! With all the colors of glitter available at Sparkle N Sprinkle you can invite as many guests as you wish and still let each one have their own unique color. Using the Palm Border Stamp makes this project easy because with only one stamping you complete 4 charms. Check out the directions here.

Can't let you go home empty handed, so for my second project I made goodie bags. Not able to resist the urge to use an Alphonse Mucha image, it was a great match to the intricate Floral Border stamp. These are really nice and deeply etched stamps that work well with detail embossing powder . Directions for this project are here .

So now with drink and bag in hand you can hop along to your next destination:

http://craftemarie.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible for the fabulous prizes being given away.

~Angie

Joy Sparkles

2012-01-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

Crazy busy weekend with a basketball tournament plus indoor soccer games. Kids and Bob are off school tomorrow, looking forward to some time together.

Mixed media, image transfer on fabric with hand embroidery and glitter.

Stay warm!
Angie

Hope Floats

2012-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

Still have transfers on the brain...today I added a bit of stitching.

image transfer on fabric, old buttons & hand embroidery

As I worked on the piece my mind went back to the first needlepoint kit my mom gave me. It was an owl in a tree, on color coded adia cloth and it was almost all straight stitching. I also remember it came out a little wonky but mom framed it and hung it in my room anyway. As I got older I moved into printed cross stitch, then counted cross stitch. I rarely do free style hand embroidery, but today I found the book of embroidery stitches in the van. It has been there for months, buried under papers. I think maybe it's time to make up a cute sampler. Have you ever seen the ones done by Teresa McFayden? In my dreams I could do this.

Angie

Hazy directions

2012-01-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

Pulled my transfers back out again, added some new layers.

I'm never sure where to stop with a collage...how do I know when it's done?

Winter Glittered Light Bulb Tutorial

2012-01-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, Christmas is past...but I have been thinking a lot about my mantle in the family room, it is oh-so bare since the decorations came down. I'm envisioning a winter, snowflake, frosty theme...but I don't have much in the way of winter snow decorations and I'm feeling cheap.

With that in mind I started gathering materials...
-burnt out C7 Bulbs
-white glue
-glitter in my favorite winter colors:
Blue Jewel
Sassy Silver
Golden Silver
Sparkling Snow
Bridal
-wooden Laundry clips

Place the bulb in the laundry clip, it will make it easier to hold and sets it upright to dry.

Coat with a generous amount of white glue.

Sprinkle all over glitter, be sure to tap off the excess and look closely to find any spots that were missed.

Keep going until you are covered in glitter from head to toe.

Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with them, stringing them up with beads seems logical...but I have to admit I'm having a hard time not jumping ahead to make up a set of bulbs for Valentine's Day...St Patty's Day...Independence Day...Halloween...

Hello...my name is Angie and I'm a glitter-a-holic.

Studio Progress

2012-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Been working on the studio this weekend, felt a crazy urge to get the ideas out of my head and into reality.

Here is the before...lots of great household storage and shiny silver insulation, all very practical...but not what I wanted to look at all the time. My mind saw curtains to give the illusion of a wall, something that could be opened and closed easily.

It took 30 feet of cable, clip hooks from Ikea and 15 yards of muslin...

The louvered bi-fold closet door in the corner hides some PVC piping, opposite that are a full set of doors that screen the furnace. Found all these at a local re-use shop for $10 a pair. I will probably paint the brown set eventually, also wonder if I can add cork to the insets to make them into bulletin boards.

Over to the other side of the room... I replaced the sagging plywood shelves with white melamine boards, one day I will paint the wood white too. Organization will come slowly but surely, still trying to determine my needs, but it's not a bad start. The Christmas light strand hung on the ceiling is a necessity since lighting in the area as really poor, only two light bulbs in the whole space.

Here is the next project I will tackle...it is an incredible built in workbench but there is no electric. I need to take down the pegboard and stud the wall to I can have electric run. My hope is to do all my polymer clay and jewelry work in this space. Oh, I'm also dreaming of a thrifty old wood window pane to hang and cover the not-so-pretty metal window but not lose the light.

It will all take time, trying to be patient. I'm reluctant to spend a lot right now...still in the Christmas spending hangover stage. Thanks for stopping by to see the progress!

~Angie

Persistence

2012-01-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

I used to be persistent when I was younger, kind of a squeaky wheel. As I've gotten older I have chilled a bit, looked inward, tried to push less and allow more. Now I feel I have become a bit complacent, waiting for something to happen when it really doesn't work that way. We need to listen to our hearts and be guided but the work needs to be done. We are allowed to aspire as long as we take what comes without resistance even if it wasn't in our 'plan'.

I think this year will be one of persistence, so I am making that my one word for 2012.

I have set some goals for myself:
List one new item in the shop every weekday.
To take Kelly Rae's e-course "Taking Flight".
I also aspire to attend a couple classes or ..dare I say it...an art retreat!

It all revolves around art in some way...creating a little something everyday...making it a priority...learning something new..looking for inspiration and guidance.

In addition, I do need to replace the part time job I left in October, take care of the family, and hopefully try my hand at some small decorating projects in the new house. It's a full plate for 2012!!

~Angie

Ring it in

2012-01-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

..or in our case...beat it in with metal pans and wooden spoons!

Banging pots is a tradition set by our Grandma...perhaps it's a German thing? As little ones we would spend every other New Year's Eve with her when we came home for the holidays. She let us watch the TV until midnight then sent us out on the front porch to 'bang' in the New Year. This year we celebrated with Debbie's family and the pots and spoons were ready... all 5 kiddos banging out in front of the house, such a sight, such a racket, and such fun!!

Today is Mr. Bob's birthday and the official last day of our holiday celebrating. The food is gone (we are all more than full), family will start traveling home, and the decorations will slowly be packed away. A clean slate starts tomorrow.

Happy New Year!
Angie

A Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night

2011-12-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say Merry Christmas to you now while I have a quick second. My dear trusty computer died today quite unexpectedly. Luckily I am blessed to be married to an IT guy who got me up and running again with a new computer. He will kick me off soon because he knows I worry. Can access my old files? My pictures? My Photoshop??

Thank you all so much for following along with me for another year!! I really have no idea where I am heading, no grand plan for the upcoming year...but that's ok...we will just take it as it comes.

Be safe, Be well, Be happy.

Angie

Potential

2011-12-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

Ideas like seeds sprout and grow in their own time, then before you know it you're working on a project that you think has nothing to do with Christmas preparations.

Back in November, while at our scrapbook weekend, I coerced Debbie into a walk with the intention of picking up bunches of little acorn caps(Isn't she is a good sport!). We collected quite a few and my mind swirled with visions of colorful polymer clay acorns using real caps. Those caps sat in the bag, and sat, and sat.

Now here it is the end of December. I'm in the middle of shopping, wrapping, cookie baking and such, but the last two evening I have lost myself into figuring out the best way form perfectly imperfect colorful little acorns charms...why now??

Then last night, around 9:30, it dawns on me...I forgot all about teacher gifts (today was the last day of school before break). I made a batch of acorns in school colors and added them to some chain to make necklaces...done!

Cheers!!
Angie

A time to give

2011-12-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

(Interstellar Pyramid- by Sparrow Salvage- one of my first ever Etsy purchases)

The news is spreading about dear Sparrow Salvage. A tragic car accident took her mothers life and left Sparrow in the hospital recovering for weeks. Fanciful Devices has started the Sparrow Fund to help, your donation will also enter you into a giveaway for one of her amazing necklaces.

Getting back in the groove

2011-12-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

Back into the groove of listing items onto Etsy. I made new pieces for the craft show last weekend, brought home the unsold items and they sat in a box for days..tsk, tsk.

New little assemblage pendants made from polymer faces and old keys .

Victorian cones made from old french postcards.

Each one is filled with theme and a magical fairy.

Listing on Etsy has actually become much easier, I'm happy to say. For me the delay comes from setting up the camera and then photo editing. I am almost always happy with the end result but it is the time it takes that seems to frustrate me to the point of inaction.

Today was a good day!

Thanks for looking,

Angie

Spreading Joy

2011-12-06T04:59:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks back I was a lucky winner from Katie's blog *explanation required, I was able to get 25 free photo cards from Shutterfly. It was hard to decide..so many choices..but this is the result!

Thanks Katie!!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

This post is sponsored by Barb

2011-12-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

Barb, Bless her heart, joined me for a couple hours at the Holiday Craft Sale in Oakley. She is such great company and so resourceful...she brought a camera and snapped shots of the day.

Read all about it here:

http://artandsoulcreations.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-saturday.html

Thanks Barb!!!

I am trying to finish up local custom orders, then I need to re-open the Etsy shop and get some new listings out there.

~Angie

Holiday Crafting

2011-11-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

I am over the moon about Red Tree's Holiday Craft show this weekend. I received a last minute invitation to participate in the event, so I opted to pause on unpacking the house (told you I was slow) and got into production mode.

I am a bit green at doing shows but my fears eased up when I saw that Pam @ Frippery was attending, we had fabulous fun at the Burlington Antique show this summer. I can' t wait to see what vintage goodies she creates for the sale.

If you live in the Cincinnati area be sure to stop by to shop and get a cup of coffee!

Angie

Presto Chango

2011-11-28T19:41:00.001-08:00

Do you have one of these? An oak entertainment center from the late 1990's? We do!! We also have matching bookcases, I remember being so excited about the set. Bob and I picked them out after we bought our first house, but now I'm pretty sure the unit is obsolete since TV's made today wouldn't fit in that square opening. Thinking 'green' and 'cheap', I scoured the internet for an idea to transform it into something else. Surprisingly there were no good DIY projects...so I had to go it alone.

I knew the bookcases would get reused in the office, so I decided to turn this piece into a desk. I removed all the doors and hardware then got into changing the color. I really had my heart set on swapping the antique oak color for a stained black finish(though I'm sure in another 20 years I'll be priming to hide it..lol) If you curious, I used Minwax Polyshades in Classic Black Satin ($12) ... took 2 coats but wow that stuff is fantastic!

I drilled four new holes at 29" and moved the shelf down that used to hold the DVD player. That shelf now supports the left hand side of an Ikea desk top ($20) . On the other side is 2 Ikea legs in black ( a whopping $3.50 a piece) ..and the magic is complete...green and cheap!!

Now if I could just use magic to get all the clutter off the floor, then I could share a picture of the bookcases!

Angie

A twenty year work in progress

2011-11-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

Ok we are officially moved in, making it livable is a whole other issue. Please don't laugh too hard at our disaster.

Here is the front entry and hall. Most of the homes in the neighborhood have this open concept where you can see up to the 2nd floor.

This home has a living room and family room on the first floor so we are opting to make the living room into an office. We have bookcases in storage that will need to be emptied out by the end of November.

This is just sooooo sad...yes I really am using the blue plastic tote as a desk chair...but thanks to Bob I am 'connected' and that makes me happy.

A would-be dining room, if we actually owned dining room furniture. Briefly thought about closing in this space in as a studio but decided against it because I am too messy and have too much stuff to fit in here. In the meantime I will be working on polymer clay up here because the studio is months from completion (you'll see).

There is a bit of order in the family room, it's just lacking in decor or sense of style.

Turn around to see the kitchen and eating area. That kitchen is TINY, would love to bust through that wall into the dining room...maybe one day...far...far off in the distant future.

Upstairs hall with all bedrooms spoken for. That little door on the left may have sold Bob on this house...

A 2nd floor laundry... seriously that man is in heaven. You would think I'd be in heaven, but nope. Here's a little known Angie fact...I rarely do the wash, Bob has always spent Sundays watching sports and doing laundry.

Traveling down into the basement, it is partially finished with terrible lighting and a massive 1990's wet bar. It is so outta here...eventually.

There is a nice window and walkout to the backyard which was high on my wish list.

So you have seen all the clutter right?? I actually love organization, I'm just slow about getting it done. With a partially finished basement and me using part of the unfinished portion to carve out a studio you have to get creative with storage. Luckily there are little nooks and crannies. I did get this finished, all my holiday storage is neatly tucked into the the cavity by the hot water heater.

Now if the same could be said for all this!!! Ugh it is going to be a LONG process.

I am currently accepting any volunteers who don't mind getting down and dirty..lol.

Angie

Sparkle N Sprinkle “It’s a Cultural Thing” Blog Hop

2011-11-09T21:43:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle “It’s a Cultural Thing” Blog Hop. If you have arrived here from Shona’s blog then you are in the right spot. If you happened by , you can start back at the Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog to get all the details on prizes that will be given away .

For this blog hop I choose to use stamps from the Brocade Backgrounds Set and tie in other items that represent my family’s cultural heritage.

Here are two altered French Journals using book pages, ephemera, ribbons and buttons. The stamped images add texture with SNS flocking.

Click HERE for directions on how these were made.

My husbands’ mother was from Germany, she arrived in the United States in the 1960’s. Though we never had the opportunity to meet, Bob often says she had quite the crafty side and he thought we would get along famously. I had her in mind when I made this Altered Wood Block Art with German text.

Click HERE for directions

Thanks for stopping by, this was a fun theme and I’m sure you will want to hop on over to Barbara’s blog next to see her creations. Don’t forget to leave comments at each stop to become eligible for prizes.

Angie

86 Days

2011-11-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

It has been 86 days since the Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse. Several wonderful people asked how Shannon and Jade were doing. Today I saw this interview of Shannon on the local news. It is very touching.

WCPO link

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, I know the family feels incredibly blessed by them.

Angie

Possibilities

2011-11-06T18:30:00.001-08:00

Storage area in the new house:

Nice shelving and work table, but barely any lighting and no electric outlets.

This will be my new studio space, I love a challenge.

Have to give a huge shout-out to my cousin Debbie and her family. They spent a good chunk of their day helping us move some seriously heavy furniture!!

Angie

Faux Peppermint Sticks

2011-11-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share these with you, I know it's a bit early for Christmas but as soon as the weather gets nippy I start thinking of hot chocolate with a peppermint stripe sticks.

The other day I cut a few dowel rods down to 4 inch pieces and painted them white. Once dry I wrapped them with 1/4 inch double sided tape. Red-line tape is my favorite for projects like this. It took a bit of practice to figure out the most realistic looking angle for the stripes. Once they were taped up I pulled up the backing and sprinkled on glitter, that's it. A super cute, super easy holiday decoration that I can't eat.

Have a great weekend!

Angie

Marie's Giveaway

2011-11-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Have to share this... Marie of Spun by Me is celebrating her 1000th post with a giveaway!!!

If vintage goodies are right up your alley then you will love what she has put together. Go check it out and enter her giveaway HERE

Angie

New work

2011-11-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

Block ornaments

...using up extra faux slides

...feeling productive

...must be all the stress

...possibly closing on the new house tomorrow.

Angie

Tricks & Treats

2011-10-31T19:46:00.001-07:00

Time is moving at a rapid speed!! I'm so sad that Halloween has come and gone. No carved pumpkins, no house decorations (with the house for sale the decorations were in storage) and barely enough time to scrape together costumes.

Robert decided he wanted to be an Army man. Fate worked with us as we came across an Army surplus store a few weeks ago after apple picking. Maria decided on a corpse bride, she likes the haunted stuff for sure! I found an oh-so-cheap $3.00 white dress-up gown at the thrift shop, perfect price since I knew she'd want to shred it and drag it in the mud (I was reminded more than once that she is dead and clawed her way out of the ground). We fashioned a headpiece, then added some white and black makeup to complete the ensemble.
Luckily I have an Army man to protect me from the undead.

Happy Halloween!

Angie

Eeek!!

2011-10-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

We closed on our current house yesterday...we are moving!!! Hoping to close on a new-to-us house one day next week.

At our closing yesterday the gal who bought the house couldn't help but comment that it will take 3 days just to clean out the studio...oh my!!

Angie

Halloween Giveaway

2011-10-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

**Congrats Susan!!! You are the winner**

This little clown has been on my studio table for weeks just crying to be assembled. Today I decided the perfect motivation would be to know she had a happy home.

Just leave me a comment on this post. If you mention it on your blog let me know and I'll enter your name twice! It's going to be a quickie.. Friday morning at 8am I'm randomly going to draw a name!!

Good Luck,

Angie

Cover Girl ...Almost

2011-10-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's always a happy day when an issue of Cloth Paper Scissors is in the mailbox. Today, my heart skipped a beat because it was the Home Sweet Home reader challenge issue.

Is it silly to be so excited that part of my house made it on the cover?

Here is my little home, it was one of 95 in this hand crafted village.

This was such a fun challenge!! I'm looking forward to spending the evening taking in the rest of town.

Angie

Stress Relief

2011-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Being off work really couldn't have some at a better time. Our home inspection last week, which resulted in me waiting around for a garage door salesman today. Tonight is a home inspection for the house we would like to buy...hoping for no surprises.

In between the appointments I've been de-stressing and making new messes with these little block dolls. The blocks were found at a flea market last year, there were only three of them and on the back of each is a portion of poem Twas the Night Before Christmas. I have the last one in the works, maybe I'll finish her up tomorrow before I have to get out the the house for the appraiser.

Angie

Party Girl

2011-10-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Weekend treasures

2011-10-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Maria and I got a late start to our day at the the Burlington Antique Show. We came across a great vendor with ephemera and mixes game pieces for cheap!

Found a few more treasures too, some were half price..I guess it pays to head out to the last show of 2011.
Our Indian summer continues, at 3 o'clock today the van display said it was 81 degrees...how lovely!

Angie

Fall is for...

2011-10-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

...soccer tournaments.

Working hard and...

...scoring goals!

Have a great weekend,

Angie

Treating myself

2011-10-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

A gift to myself, it has been too long since I've worn my own jewelry. A sweet picture of the kiddos from apple picking last weekend was the perfect inspiration.

We have a contract on our house and the home inspection was last night. Today is "make or break" I suspect. A house that's 50+ years is bound to have a few blemishes. We have spent 7 years here fixing it up all the problems we knew about ...now I find myself worrying about the stuff I don't know about. Does that make sense or am I nuts?!

Angie

Sparkle On

2011-10-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share that I submitted & made it onto the Sparkle N Sprinkle team as a jewelry/altered art designer! They are a fantastic company that specialize in glitter, embossing powders, flocking, stamps, and adhesive.

It may be no surprise to some of my scrapbooking buddies, they know that I LOVE glitter. I've become known as the go-to girl for any color you may need and over 75% of my stash is from Sparkle N Sprinkle because their colors are f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s.

I am so thrilled to have been chosen and really looking forward to sharing future projects here on my blog and theirs.

Angie

Sweetness

2011-10-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Apple picking in shorts! Did I mention we are having an Indian summer, even today it's almost eighty degrees. Hoping we won't have to pay for it later by trick-or-treating in snow.

I have a some exciting news so check back tomorrow.

Angie

Light Weight

2011-10-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Apple pickings were a bit light this year. A few good reasons: a couple apple farms closed, a few farms experienced a spring blight to their trees, and we went a week later than planned. Still 39 pounds will mean quite a few pies and lots to share.

Angie

An Apple a Day

2011-10-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

Be forewarned lots of apple pictures this week :-)

Angie

Friday Embroidery

2011-10-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Been spending 30 minutes on Fridays in the car with my embroidery box while Ms. Maria has her guitar lesson. Trying to figure out french knots.

Angie

Tuckered Out

2011-10-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

8 matches in 5 days... quite an end to the volleyball season. We are all tuckered out!

What's that?? Oh, basketball practice starts on Saturday..sheesh!

Angie

Chilly Morning

2011-10-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Chilly treasury by TenderLane

Angie

Paper Cones from Postcards

2011-10-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the Ride

2011-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Thank You MaritebeePhotography

Angie

Generosity

2011-10-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am joining Frippery in a project to post a picture a day for the month of October..no words are required... though I sure I'll have more than a few to share.

A sampling of old Paris postcards gifted to me today..thanks Mom!

Angie

Is anyone granting wishes?

2011-09-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Wow it is a crazy time of year...should we play catch up?

-The kiddos are both playing soccer, one is in volleyball and both start basketball next week. I need a social secretary to get them where they need to be these days.

-My house is on the market and there have been plenty of showing (in other words..lots of house cleaning)..but no offers yet.

-Here's the biggie..I quit my job last week. Time for something a bit different.

-Been filling the Etsy shop and working hard on some special request orders. (thank u)

-I've been playing a bit too.

Perhaps this little fairy can grant some wishes:

1. Find a social secretary that works for free.

2. Sell my house AND find another that is perfect for our little family at just the right price.

3. Find a new job that is as flexible as my old one. Oh but can you also make sure I don't have to drive too far and while we're at it how about better pay?

OK now I'm just being greedy,

Angie

Nine = all things sparkly

2011-09-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Remember 3rd grade math class when you learned ...> greater than, < less than, and = equal to?

I've realized there is a direct relationship between the age of the girl and the degree to which she likes all things sparkly.

Ms Maria is 9 today and it's all about the sparkles!

She had a fun little party making beaded bracelets with her friends at the Beadery.

Let it shine girls...you rock!

Solemn

2011-09-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of anything I wanted to say yesterday. Spent a good part of the day watching programs about 9/11. Today, while looking for new faux slide images, I found this picture on the Library of Congress website and wanted to share it with you.

Angie

Finished...it's a Clown Car!

2011-08-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

There is no better motivator than a deadline. Tomorrow is the last day to turn in art for the priority deadline, it was finished up at 11:00 tonight. So glad to have this done, it came out nothing at all like I had planned in the beginning but I'm so happy with it. I won't see it again until the end of October at the 10th Annual "Bricks Along the Journey" silent auction.

I hope everyone in the path of Hurricane Irene are safe & sound with their families tonight.

Angie

Sometimes you just need a laugh

2011-08-26T19:04:00.001-07:00

This is Maria sound asleep with "lolly," a rather large lollipop shaped stuffed toy that she takes to bed with her with every night. I usually check in on both kids before heading off to bed myself, last week I was greeting to

this ---->

Angie

Update on Shannon & Jade

2011-08-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Shannon is now at the Ronald McDonald house nearby Jade. I am still trying to come to terms with how a hospital can ship her off because she is without insurance but with broken ribs, damaged vertebrae, a healing pelvis, and a 3rd degree burn on her leg. She is so strong, I know this in my heart, but she is also in much pain. The family is asking for renewed prayers to help her with this.

Jade has made encouraging improvements according to the facebook updates from her family. Earlier this week the doctors started the process to slowly 'wake' her. It appears she did surface a bit and has had some body movements.

There are more updates and information about the benefit planned for Shannon & Jade's Recovery fund this Saturday:

http://shannonandjade.wordpress.com/

I cannot thank you all enough for your continued thoughts and prayers!

Angie

**Update to the update**- 8-26-11 Shannon was readmitted to the hospital with a fever and possible infection, may be complications from her broken ribs. Family is waiting on surgeons consult.

Kentucky State Fair

2011-08-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today we took a trip to Louisville, our first family adventure to the Kentucky State Fair. It was hot and humid, almost a 100 degrees, heading into the exhibit halls was a huge relief.

First stop was the 4H Competition Hall to find Robert's photography. He received two blue awards and a white. He was amazed at how many entries lined the walls.
We saw cows, sheep, pigs, baby chicks, honey bees, tobacco, and corn. Even huge prize winning pumpkins and sunflowers. I know we only took in a small part of the fair but it was so much walking we were a tuckered out bunch. We couldn't leave though without trying out the fair food ...this Deep Fried Kool Aide booth was the most interesting...and not half bad. Is there anything they won't deep fry?
I see the State Fair as an end of summer treat...can it be cooler and more 'autumn-like' next week please?
Angie

Circus Car in Progress

2011-08-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

Finally feeling inspired to make another circus car for the Annual Breast Cancer Brick Auction. This one is coming along faster than last year, the platform base gives plenty of support for the brick. I have ideas circling my head for this years' theme..I'll keep ya posted...there's still lots to do.

Happiness is...blog friends

2011-08-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happiness is:

a surprise 40th birthday gift all the way from Oregon! Dear Tina (ie. PatinaMarie) gifted me Kristen Robinson's New book Tales of Adornment, a book full of resin techniques. I'm already brimming with new ideas to try!!

Thank You Tina!!

Happiness is:

A day at the Burlington Antique Fair. Met up, for the first time, with Pam of Frippery. Pam was so fun to shop with, a gal on a mission...she has a booth to fill and an upcoming show to participate in. I just hung back and watched her in action. I, on the other hand, didn't have anything in particular I was looking for and with my house on the market I am trying to be very cautious about bringing to much stuff into the house. Apparently having that mentality means you will find more than ever before that you want to bring home.

All little trinkets and altered art supplies...steel numbered tacks, rusty hardware, milk caps and bottle tops:

Apparently I'm collecting crocheted pieces and glass medicinal bottles. The metal cone was an impulse buy, thought maybe I could use it to form mussie tussies:
Silk prize ribbons and an entire bingo game with a mix of markers:
Vintage paper! A bridge tablet, an old phone book with fantastic advertisements, a book of Danish fairy tales and a notebook with lined paper:
This is by far my favorite purchase...life insurance policy certificates from the 1870's. Two of the certificates are so large I couldn't photograph them. They are so ornate I'm tempted to simply frame them:
Hope everyone else had a bountiful weekend too,

Angie

Back to School

2011-08-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's that time again already!!

Trip to Indy

2011-08-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

I really want to give you guys a big hug for keeping up with my posts about Shannon and her daughter. I truly feel like sharing their story is a way to keep them in the minds and hearts of anyone who is open to it. I cannot help but believe that an abundance of positive thoughts and prayers for them, even if you don't know them, is helping them heal.

The trip yesterday was a good one. Met up with my dear friend Stephanie just outside downtown and we made the journey together to the hospital. Shannon was awake and was able to tell us what happened Saturday night. She also said she was able to see Jade for the first time. They transported Shannon in her bed down a few blocks the children's hospital. Even with that joy, Shannon had a difficult day with pain and emotions. Stephanie and I were able to see Jade, it was difficult but I try to find solace in that every piece of equipment she is attached to is in some way improving her changes of recovery.

On a selfish note, I was able to spend the rest of my day with Stephanie in Indy. We chatted for hours about everything... family, home life, children, jobs & art. Not to mention we had Starbucks AND Panera as the day progressed.

Tomorrow I will share with you some surprise mail I received a few days back...

Angie

Quick Update

2011-08-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Most of my mind is consumed with what can I do to help Shannon and Jade. Tomorrow I am feeling very blessed to be able to travel the Indianapolis to spend some time with Shannon and her family. They are keeping us updated on Facebook in the meantime. The doctors are very pleased to see Jades progress these last few days. Shannon is on a very difficult road, multiple surgeries followed by months of healing.

You can read about the accident here: WCPO article

Also thought this was hopeful: Benefit Concert

Stage Collapse

2011-08-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Stage Collapse

My friend Shannon and her daughter were injured at Indiana State Fair concert. Shannon is one of the most caring & dedicated mothers I know. Her daughter, who is 4 days younger than Robert, is in critical condition with head trauma. My heart is breaking.

Please pray for them.

Four Tee

2011-08-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's official, I now have to check a new box whenever I fill out any simple survey... 40-45 (check)

Have to share with you what the kids prepared for me this morning...Mr Robert made a Lego birthday cake that comes with it's own candle igniter and and cake slicer.

I , for one, was very impressed with the turn out.
Ms. Maria made a sweet card, she REALLY loves making her own themed fonts...
and it's full of 8 year old cuteness...
Thank you all who stopped in yesterday with well wishes!

Angie

Adventures in Paper Clay

2011-08-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

This week is Stampaway, a huge 6 day rubber stamping convention and it's in Cincinnati. The main event is this weekend with many vendors coming to sell at the Sharonville Convention center. On Thursday and Friday instructors, both local and from far away, come to teach classes. I stumbled into this class:

Seriously fun!! I have never played with paper clay (or any other clay beside my beloved polymer) Look at this adorable pumpkin fairy using a frozen Charlotte (another first) and vintage flat ware. We also made a piece using a vintage skeleton key but I'm not ready to share that one quite yet.
If this little gal looks familiar then you probably own the Fall 2010 issue of Somerset Holidays & Celebrations where she is featured. Be sure to stop by Shari Reploge's blog, Plays with Paper, she's fantastically talented and imaginative!

Tomorrow is my birthday...it starts with an "F" and ends with a "Y"...yikes!

Angie

Fresh Batteries

2011-08-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Howdy! Been putting those new batteries in the camera to good use! Spent the evening restocking faux slides in the etsy shop, (thanks to that very nice BeadWork magazine plug) glad to say I can mark that job as finished.

Also been working on two bricks for the auction in October. This one was inspired by Stephanie Lee's new book, Plaster Studio. I coated the brick with a thick helping of joint compound, it made a great surface to work on.

A mixed media collage with acrylic paint, vintage papers and transfers, I think it may be finished.

Still considering another circus car for the second brick, most of the parts are collected...just looking for the right dose of motivation.

Have a great weekend,

Angie

Blame the Xbox

2011-07-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Why you ask?? I am without pictures...I voluntarily gave the kids the batteries from the camera because their controllers were dead and we couldn't find any more...it was well into the 90's outdoors and I didn't feel up to a day at the pool...there, now I'm out of excuses but luckily the web is full of images.

Here is what I'm focusing my attention on this week:

Bricks Along the Journey website

Angie

Crazy Busy Times

2011-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I've done a little creating...this house is on it's way to Cloth Paper Scissors "Home Sweet Home" Challenge.

Mr Robert has been busy too! Last school year he joined the Photography Club, it was hosted by 4H. The goal was to improve his photography skills and the students were encouraged to enter pictures into the County Fair.

This guy did the work (a bit of prodding from mom) and came up with 6 entries. He also took a recycled craft class and entered a project from that as well. The Fair was this past weekend but we couldn't go because Ms Maria was in a soccer tournament.

I called the 4H office today to see if we could pick up his entries...we were so excited to see that everything he entered placed and 4 entries will be going to the Kentucky State Fair in August...what a day!

Angie

Thank you Bonnie!

2011-07-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

There they are, I can see them!! Bonnie you are a sweetheart for taking the time to scan this in and email it to me!

Bonnie is a kindred spirit working in polymer clay and designing jewelry, you can see her shop Bleekcreations on Etsy.

Angie

On the hunt

2011-07-05T20:48:00.001-07:00

I need to find this! The August/September Issue of Beadwork Magazine...

why???

because I've heard from some wonderful Etsy shoppers that my faux slides made it into the "Cool Stuff" section (pinch me)

I stopped in Borders..no luck..grrr

Went to Barnes and Noble, they only had older issues...argh what's a gal to do!!

If I can't find it... guess I'll resort to ordering it online...but this immediate gratification gal is really hoping I can find it locally.

Montclair to Whitman

2011-06-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

In 1903 it took a letter 14 hours (and 2 cents) to travel 238 miles...for some reason I thought it would have taken longer. Really appreciate that the post office took the time to stamp the envelope with such detail so I could figure that out.

image transfer on a vintage envelope

Stealing Moments

2011-06-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Still trying to find our summer groove. The kiddos are finishing up some summer camps this week, then they are free as jaybirds the rest of June. In the evenings I've been working some more with transfers and collage, looking for some unusual places to put them...last night it was recycled tags.

Take care,

Angie

Not on the to-do list

2011-06-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

It's the first day of summer vacation for the kiddos. We did a few projects around the house like cleaning the patio furniture and the grill. The to-do list included cleaning up the studio from my latest round of creativity but it just didn't happen. Instead I called a friend and while we chatted I made this:

Now tonight I will clean the studio...no seriously...I will. :-)

Angie

Experimenting with image transfers to paper

2011-05-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

Wanted to document my experiments with image transfer. I started here, More than Photography, read up on Nitsa's process. She posts her steps using both copies of images in ink jet and laser. She really likes using Mod Podge to create her transfers occasionally mentions using gel medium. I decided to run a side by side comparison.

Using watercolor paper for all the transfers, I tried half with Mod Podge and half with Golden's Regular Gloss Medium. I used 4 laser color copies from Kinko's and 4 inkjet copies with my Epson using Durabright pigment inks.

The process: Coat the substrate (in this case watercolor paper) with medium (Mod Podge or acrylic gel), also coat the image you are transferring then place the image on the substrate and gently rub out any air bubbles. Let it dry completely ( overnight) then lightly mist the image letting the paper saturate and rub it away leaving the image embedded in the medium.

Let's start from the best and work our way to the not-so-great:

These two transfers were laser copies with Golden's, I love how the image is transparent and when the transfer is done on a collaged background the paper shows through.

click on the pictures to see the detail

These two (below) were laser copies with Mod Podge, the transfer was good but didn't hold up as well to rubbing the paper off, I seemed to lose more of the ink.

The inkjet copies were by far the weakest transfer regardless of the medium. The paper pulp never completely rubbed away and the ink didn't stick to the medium, instead it balled up and made a muddy mess, the more I rubbed the more ink and image was removed.

Didn't know how many others may have tried this process, if you have and you have insight I 'd love to hear.

Angie

Enamored with old things

2011-05-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

I love old things, I get this from my mother...can't exactly pinpoint why but I really admire the craftsmanship of old objects. I was always on board when she wanted to go to an auction or antique mall. I enjoyed looking for something I hadn't seen before...or maybe an object that I couldn't be sure what it was or what it would have been used for.

Recently I came across one of these ornaments in a case at the local antique mall. Definitely out of my price range but that didn't stop me from pressing my nose up to glass to get a closer look. Intrigued I went home and did a bit of online research, they are made of blown glass, Victorian scrap and silver tinsel...they are quite rare so even finding a few pictures online is tough.

source

One thing leads to another and I sketched a few ideas...not looking to create replicas but instead a representation using a few of my favorite things.

Vintage paper canoe instead of a glass ornament, the little children are made with transfers on clay, finally a bit of gold wire gimp and buttons.

After making the three canoes I tried a a row boat shape, thinking they might stand alone...but they tend to tip over....oh well.

Have a safe holiday weekend!

Angie

Rewind

2011-05-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how once you get out of the habit of posting it is really hard to get back.

I'm sure I've mentioned my job before, working in the greeting card business. Not sure if you remember how close Easter and Mother's Day fell, don't think it could have been any closer together. As Easter cards came down the onslaught of Mother's Day cards had to be placed then maintained for two very short weeks. The following Monday those cards came down and Father's Day went up...it was a whirlwind of hours.

Add to that the Duveneck Art Show on Mother's Day. Carla was so kind to let me set up a spot in her booth again this year. Have to mention that her beautiful art dolls earned her a blue ribbon this year..way to go!!

Then the last two weeks...poof...I think they just disappeared into the haze. My darling husband accepted a new job and it's easy to forget all woes that come with a job change...new dress code, tax info, bank info, benefits info, it can all seem so overwhelming.

Right now I have to focus on the fact that this is the last full week of school for the kiddos and end of year projects are always interesting. Today Mr. Robert was Simon Kenton for the Kentucky wax museum at school...simply amazing to me that he can get up and just speak in front of anyone!

Can't even go into the topic of my poor Etsy shop...lol It's been ignored for weeks even though there are a bunch of faux slides from the show are sitting around waiting to have their pictures taken.

I have been sneaking a bit of time in the studio to play, I'll share soon. Thanks for hanging in there.

Angie

Like Water for Elephants

2011-04-27T05:24:00.001-07:00

Did you read the book or see the movie?

OK so I have to admit I don't read many works of fiction but this book was sent my way by a friend and I devoured it in just a few days! Looking forward to seeing the movie as well though I must make another admission...I never see movies in the theater...so do I take the plunge and go or wait for it to show up in my mailbox via Netflix in 6 to 8 months?

Thank you SeaPinks for including my Elephant Parade faux glass slide in this treasury .

Angie

Easter Egg Swap

2011-04-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!! Here are all the great eggs I received back from the Thimble Prims swap. A fantastic variety of artwork...fabric, polymer and mixed media.

Enjoy your day!

Angie

Waterlogged Cincinnati

2011-04-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

An amazing amount of rain has fallen this spring, seems like we get one nice day followed by three days of thunderstorms with threat of tornadoes and flooding. The Ohio River is out of her banks again, not as bad as a few weeks ago but with the rain continuing into this evening there's no saying how high it will go.

We took an outing down to the riverbanks this evening to see the rising waters. What should be parking lots are now reclaimed by the river.

Down along Covington's Riverside Drive, the residents are no strangers to flooding.

This was formerly Mike Finks, a floating restaurant, it's been closed a few years. Now it seems to be a river dam with a tangled mess of large branches and debris along the hull.

With our little adventure over we look forward to Easter Sunday and hope for a bit of sunshine. I predict all our festivities will be inside, with a water logged backyard there is little chance for Easter eggs hunts out in the yard..now if we were looking to have a mud fight, that would work.

Tomorrow I'm finally going to post my Easter eggs from Thimble Prims swap!

Coming up with a few new ideas

2011-04-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

It probably shouldn't be this hard to come with new ideas/images for faux slides, but there are times I think my brain is on permanent vacation. To solve this dilemma I spent an entire evening scouring the Library of Congress archives and came up with a some new pictures to try.

How about a day at the circus?

San Francisco or beach scenes?

Some images look great on the computer but just don't look good once they are shrunk down to pendant size, they seem to lose all detail and get muddied. Then there are others that really pop... I think it has a lot to do with finding images with just the right ratio of black and white. Unfortunately until you go through the whole process..find the image, process it a bit, print it out, transfer, bake, and resin ... you really can't decide which ones are keepers and which ones are doomed to be duds.

So is there anything, any place, any theme I am completely overlooking? I will forever be the one who misses the obvious...

Angie

Columbus Adventure

2011-04-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Ahh spring break... a week off to get done all the important stuff...like a little family getaway. We headed two hours north to the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus Ohio. It was very cool, the kids spend 6 hours scavenging every corner of this fantastic place.

Saw a few dinosaurs, oops, wait these belong to me...

This was fascinating, imagine taking a unicycle ride up in the air!! My kiddos weren't quite big enough to ride and I couldn't talk bob into it (he couldn't talk me into it either)

Intriguing questions in the space exhibit.

From the future to the past...a main street from the 1960's

The kids had LOTS of questions in this exhibit....it is a amazing to think how fast technology is changing the world we live in.

While in downtown Columbus I was also lucky enough to stop in a European Papers. They were in the midst of their big Artiscape event. Got some fun new supplies, looking forward to some studio time this weekend :)

Angie

A Mermaid Came Across the Ocean

2011-04-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that she is here, my little mermaid angel made by Dorthe's hands in Denmark.

She spoils me rotten, look at all the little extras she sent along. A darling little heart and tag. Thank you Dorthe, they are beautiful.

I have learned that with Dorthe everything is a gift...even the packaging...fantastic 1920's newspaper, bits of crochet and wired metal flowers...I want to reuse it all in my own artwork.
Wishing I had some of my own work to share but alas my part time gig is more like a full time gig these days.

Still dreaming of a day off to play,

Angie

Easter Egg Swap

2011-03-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Reading Carla's blog reminded me I hadn't shared pictures of the eggs I made for the Thimble Prims swap.

Paper mache eggs covered with vintage paper,

seam binding, sequins and a feather or two.

A bit of vintage lace and button,

the opening is surrounded by tinted tinsel.

Tucked inside is a pretty little lady

I made 8 eggs total each one little different. My only concern is that they are a bit delicate..oh I hope they make it ok. In a few weeks I should have my swapped eggs to share... or maybe a returned box of scrambled eggs :-O

Angie

Found: birdcage tutorial to share

2011-03-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

I was wondering about how to make birdcages yesterday (seriously... how does the mind wander to that anyway). I attempted to make one on my own from scratch but was so bad I won't even share it with you. "Off to the internets" I scoured and came across this easy peasy tute by Bird From A Wire. ( <-- click the link to see the tutorial)

The only diversion I took was to use an empty tuna can as my base, other than that her tutorial is as clear as you can get. The little gal inside would not have been my first choice, it was a left over piece from some other project that didn't fair so well, but she was just hanging out there on the counter so I stuck her in the cage...poor thing.

It was a nice daily diversion from my studio, which is in shambles and needs a really good cleaning out. Maybe my desire to spend more than just an hour in there will come along soon to prod me along

Happy creating,

Angie

Happy Little Surprises

2011-03-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I find living in the midwest...well...boring, but every once when you least expect it (like when you have a little excursion through Cincinnati while between games for a boys soccer tournament) you stumble across something like this.

A most unusual house! Bob said he believes it's owned by a University of Cincinnati professor who, from time to time, allows student architects to add a 'little more'.

Sorry for the low resolution pics, camera phones can only do so much. This house was beyond unique, beyond unusual, it had to be admired for being so 'out there' especially out here in the conservative midwest.

I hope today you find something surprising,

Angie

It's raining, it's pouring

2011-03-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

the sump pump seems to be working.. OK so that isn't the way the ditty goes.

This picture pretty much puts my day in perspective.

photo credit

Home all day trying to get ever so slightly ahead of the clutter, though I'm pretty sure it's an endless battle with both kids home making new messes in whatever room I'm not in.

So it goes I guess...we are all anxiously awaiting some warm, dry, spring-like days.

Angie

And the winner is...

2011-02-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

oops, the Oscars were last night weren't they. Regardless I have a name to pull out of the stack...so without further adieu...

Congrats to Connie of Wax Beach Artist!!

and because I reached 100 followers this week I decided to pick a second winner...

Congrats to Cindy @ Blessings from Cindy!!

You both get to pick any one pendant from my shop, once I have your address and I've collected a few extra goodies I'll be sending a package your way.

Thanks everyone for playing along!

Angie

It's a party

2011-02-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 3rd Bead Soup Blog Party!

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

Each beader was paired up with another jewelry designer and tasked with sending the following:

~ A focal
~ A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)
~ Some coordinating spacers or beads

Using the focal and the clasp was mandatory, but we could use anything from our own stash to round out the rest, and choose to use the coordinating beads or not.

Here's what I made...

...a lariat style necklace with all the wonderful beads Janet sent me, this is a long one at 30 inches. It was a new experience for me working with the ceramic houses and Industrial Chic hardware.

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to stop by my giveaway post, then

come see what the rest of us made!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane

4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio

5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto

10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts

13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings

15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita

16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs

19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim

23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu

24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air

26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio

27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads

28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble

34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs

37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works

38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights

39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's

42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig

47. Amanda Davie, Articulations

48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks

52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog

55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning

56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog

62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs

64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey

72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix

74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems

75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!

76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art

78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden

79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka

87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae

88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio

102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations

103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore

105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky

107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs

109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading

110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe

112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart

120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings

123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass

124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things

126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos

127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee

128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M

129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny

132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore ( you are here)

133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs

136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies

137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.

139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse

142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense

145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me

149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area

154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta

156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color

159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst

162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed

163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio

165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra

166. Anna Motz, Stunning

167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings

168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones

172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs

173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass

174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog

177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're

179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art

182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen

184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink

185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin

186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer

187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry

192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini

194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse

195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts

198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs

199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads

205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique

206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads

208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry

210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

The next party's sign ups begin August 1-3, 2011. Don't miss it!

Flabbergasted...

2011-02-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

Y' all have blown me away with the sudden attention. Sales are on the move, but don't worry I am so excited to end my work week tomorrow back in the studio making new pieces to refill the shop by the 28th.

Now this is a biggie.

Every day about 3 o'clock while the kids are working on homework I get to catch up on my favorite blogs..(I have many). My first stop is often PCD or Polymer Clay Daily by Cynthia Tinapple, she faithfully posts on polymer clay every weekday and I am one of those eager beavers excited to see what she has uncovered. Well work this week is crazy I'm working all sorts of weird hours and the last two days I haven't had my usual blog-love time. A quick check on my own blog this evening and I see an unusual spike in followers (thank you) and comments and then I see it...

"Thanks to Polymer Clay Daily, I have just discovered your lovely work. "

Seriously?...seriously?...

PDC link

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Angie

200 post " You Choose" Giveaway

2011-02-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

Didn't mean to disappear for 2 weeks...it's been busy, really busy. Oh yes... Happy Valentine's Day!! As a gal that works in the greeting card business it's a whirlwind time of year for sure.

So I have managed to make it to 200 posts and bless those of you that swing by to see what I have to say. I've taken these past two weeks building up my shop a bit and while creating I kept thinking about what I wanted to offer as a giveaway...hard to decide...I'm taking the easy way out.

The winner of this giveaway gets to pick any one pendant in my shop, along with that I'll be sending along a package full of secret surprises.

So there you have it, just leave me a comment on this post and you in! For fun, poke around the shop and see my new goodies. I'll keep adding more between now and the deadline on Feb 28th.

Angie

Keeping warm with Bead Soup

2011-01-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

My soup ingredients arrived from Janet today with an amazing variety of beads...oh my gosh these are fun. Look at the incredible houses from Jubilee , handmade ceramic beads from Gaea and a patina brass bead from MissFickleMedia. Janet made for me a brass clasp and also sent along a stash from Michael's like the coral colored ceramic beads and Industrial Chic components. This is a creative smorgasborg and ideas are circling my head already, you are sure to find me under the electric blanket with my sketchbook jotting down ideas.

Guess what!!! I'm at 199 posts that means my next one is a giveaway to celebrate.

Angie

He gets me

2011-01-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

...really he does. Today Bob came across this Calvin and Hobbes comic then commented he was going to enlarge it and hang it over our bed.

Is winter over yet??

Angie

Bead Soup Sneak Peek

2011-01-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

A sneak peak at part of the soup ingredients I sent to Janet at Singingwoods.

This is my first time participating and I always get those jitters when I do something new...did I send enough, or maybe too much, will it arrive safe and sound...you know what I mean??

Angie

Winter Weather Survival Mode

2011-01-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

It's 1 in the morning and guess what..it's snowing again. Probably just a couple of inches but ah now it's time for the million dollar question...will the kiddos have school in the morning??

More snow means more time under my electric blanket... but I added a few goodies to help ease the pain of this frosty winter. First let me show off this beautiful handmade tea steeping mug sent by my best friend all the way from New Jersey. I love, love, love it. I have been using it since it showed up on my doorstep in December but with regular tea bags because I have never used loose teas.

So let me pause for a moment to tell you an experience I had back in 2004 when I was on a day cruise down the Ohio River on a steamboat dressed in a historical 1860's costume (maybe someday I'll share more..lol). The cruise included lunch served by The BonBonerie, accompanying our food was the most wonderful tea I'd ever tasted...apricot...I have searched ever since then for some shelf brand tea that had apricot but it just simply didn't exist. Thinking again on how to buy loose leaf teas for my new mug I did what any 21st century adult does..I googled it...and there it was ...apricot loose leaf tea! Didn't waste a moment sticking it in the virtual cart, along with a few other varieties to sample, and wait for it to arrive on my doorstep.
Add to my tea excitement a little gem of a book I found while the the family took a quick jaunt to the library this evening, Past Objects by Scott Jordon. The story is a fascinating yet short autobiography about a 'digger', an amateur untrained archaeologist, who has been unearthing treasures in New York since the 1970's.
The rest of the book is a brief catalog of his most precious finds.

Little known 'Angie fact'..I briefly studied archeology in college but in the end moved toward a 'more acceptable' history major. Needless to say this book is a good accompaniment for my electric blanket and apricot tea.

Stay warm,

Angie

snow day = blog day

2011-01-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

The call arrived at 6am..no snow on the ground... but no school. A "big" storm is coming so I guess they figure no sense in getting the kiddos off to school just to turn around and get them a few hours later. Oh well I don't mind sort of expected it and I rushed out last night to finish up my accounts for the week. I am free as a bird today.

It's a good time to catch up with my projects..here's a sneak peak at the very early stages for my eggs in the swap being held by Thimbleprims. Today is the last day if your interested in signing up, just click the badge on my sidebar for more info.

This is pretty cool, I've been trying to figure out how to dye crocheted pieces without actually going the messy route of actual dying..does that make any sense?? Looking around the studio I grabbed the alcohol inks, saturated the thread and let them dry for a few days. When I rinsed them out with soap/water some of the the color washes out and becomes more muted but that is what I was looking for.
Struggling with my 'imperfect but productive' resolution already, these guys gave been on my work table for weeks..why not in the shop... ^shrug^.

Here is the book I made last week, taught by Barbara in her home. How cool is this!
It's leather wrapped with five signatures bound in place.
I can't thank Barb enough for taking the time and providing the materials. I just love learning something new.
Well there you have it..all caught up.. but it's early and the snow is still coming down. I guess if the kids are off again tomorrow I'll have to post again..lol.

Angie

Back on the wagon

2011-01-15T19:18:00.001-08:00

...the blogging wagon that is, yeah I know it's been really inconsistent lately, such a good thing I didn't make a New Year's Resolution to blog more often..ha ha

Winter months can be hard on me mentally. It is cold here averaging about mid 20's to 30's each day, very little sun, and oh the snow..yuck. I have been very bad about spending time under the nice warm electric blanket reading and drinking tea. What I should be doing is making and blogging.. but oh the basement is SOOO cold unfortunately that is where the studio and the computer happen to be located.

Here I am with lots to share. Lets start with my dear blogging friend Marie who sent me a package full of giveaway goodies that helped to warm my heart.

As Ms. Maria and I opened each little gift we ohhhed and ahhed. Oh the vintage goodness, the creams and browns... look at this heart with lace, ribbon, pearls, delightful rhinestone button and stamped aged tag!
This little box was hiding within a lovely stained crochet piece and an altered bottle cap.
This plaque she made is stunning..the paper, the little girl, all embellished with vintage style trims. Then speckled eggs in a basket, I've been thinking for days on the best place to put them so I can look at them all year round.
A little pad of paper with a folk art snowman had a sweet note from Marie, and finally hiding at the bottom of the box an altered journal. I remember reading on her blog about her lucky find locating these journals to alter..just darling.
Marie you totally out did yourself, always so kind and generous!! It is always a treat read your blog daily and of course, to win one of your giveaways.

But there's more to share...I joined up to participate in Bead Soup...for the first time.

I really want to try some new challenges and this will be a great one. Lori Anderson of Pretty Things absolutely outdoes herself with this blog party where you are partnered up with another blogger ...swap a mixture of beads...make beautiful jewelry and share your work. I've been partnered up with Janet of Singingwoods, she puts together some beautiful combinations. You can check out her blog and her shop if you have a moment.

Yes I have done more in the last two weeks but not much..worked a bit, snow days home with the kids on occasion, made a book by hand (more on that later) but mostly I'm under the blanket. I think Mr Bob is really second guessing that choice as my Christmas gift this year...

Stay warm wherever you are,

Angie

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T22:30:00.000-08:00

To all those who stop by my blog I want to wish you a happy new year full of promise and possibilities. As a family we celebrated at a New Years Eve party and I must say that fun was had by all, it is really nice to have children that are old enough to stay up past 8 o'clock.

Each new year hold such possibilities and I'm always excited to set some new goals. I've been reading (more like browsing) the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and I really love the class concept. My plan is to start again from the beginning and to complete the tasks she assigns. While reading this past week she hit upon some issues I really struggle with ... perfection... in other words wanting my art to be perfect before putting it out there for the world to see. It stifles me, makes it hard to work because really is anything ever truly perfect? So this year I will strive to be imperfect and productive.

Angie

Feeling Love-y

2010-12-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

It's changeover week (again) . I'm busy taking down all the Christmas cards and setting up Valentine's . In spirit I thought about posting some vintage Valentine's but came across these "kissing cuties" in my image files and had to share. So while I'm busy working hard I hope you can be inspired to make something darling with these.

Angie

From our house to your's

2010-12-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

It was a whirlwind day with baking... wrapping... and cleaning. We are looking forward to evening mass, the arrival of Santa and a restful tomorrow.

Angie

Shabby Brooches

2010-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Finally putting those tutorials to good use. While puttering around the studio waiting for the glitter on the Christmas cards to dry I almost finished these two brooches, just need to attach pins to the back then they're all done.

Does anyone use brooches anymore?? I love them on my scarves in the winter months but other than I'm not sure.

Very therapeutic just sitting down with a thread and needle, it has quite a long time since I've done that.

Things here are moving along... packages are shipped, Christmas cards are addressed and stamped, not sure if they will make to their destinations before the big day but at least they are on their way. Last night we had a bit of a hiccup in the household...a broken dishwasher..ugh.. I guess it is never a good time to be without one of those. Can you say paper plates and plastic flatware?? I can, at least until after the holidays!

Angie

Disconnected

2010-12-20T11:03:00.001-08:00

Hello again, boy has it been a while. I have felt very disconnected lately, I'm sure it is just this self imposed busy life converging all at once. Today I'm at home with the kiddos on their first day of Christmas break. I would love to be out and about finishing up last minute shopping but we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the UPS man with my new cell phone..this gal has been off the grid for over a week. On the bright side I finished up a bunch of handcrafted gifts and downloaded pictures from my camera so now I have something to blog about :)

Let me start out with Mr. Robert who celebrated his 10th birthday this past week. Oh my how can it be he has been in the world with us for a whole decade???

Now you have to keep a secret if you read on because I have posted pictures of some handcrafted Christmas gifts...no telling...

I asked my mom for some of her favorite family snapshots at Thanksgiving with the intention of making ornaments for her tree. These are made using the with the same process as the faux glass tiles. The one below is my favorite of the three, it's her mom and dad taken while they dating, I don't know the exact age of the image but I guess it would have been in the 1940's.

My mom with her brother and older sister.

One of her whole family.

For the gals at the Bellevue Beadery, where they sell my work, I wanted to make them each a handcrafted pendant. These are made using the techniques I learned from Stephanie Lee's online class taken in the fall.
I made one extra and finished it into a necklace for my dear friend, Danielle, in New Jersey.

Here is a quick shot of my worktable...still making beads for the Beadery, both custom photo tiles and a few chilly penguin beads for consignment.

There is still much to do...ship packages (God Bless the post office's automated shipping center), cards to mail, packages to wrap, cinnamon roasted almonds and biscotti to make.

Until the next time..hopefully it won't be so long...

Angie

Treating myself to handmade

2010-12-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show you my two self indulgent purchases from this past weekend at Winterfair. This was my first time attending the holiday art show in Covington, Kentucky and boy was it a lot to take in.

This little ornament was calling my name, I have a deep love for all things in a style of the Arts & Crafts movement.

Then I came across this little gem at a lampwork bead booth. The time and talent it takes to create glass beads is beyond my comprehension and though I admire them I've never owned a piece. Then in the back of this booth I found beads created around vintage skeleton keys...the heart swooned, a charge card appeared from the wallet and home with me it went. I was sad to see this wasn't a local seller (you know in case I need another one) but she is on Etsy, her shop is beetslive and her pictures do a much better job of showing her beautiful work than I did.

Angie

Look what my 3rd grader taught me to make

2010-11-30T20:33:00.001-08:00

Should I begin this post with many excuses as to why I disappeared for the last 3 weeks? I could blame the two weekends away from home, the disastrous studio I only just put back together a few nights ago, the random illnesses of my children...nah...

I'd rather show you what my third grader learned in art class today. Now I have to say hers was made out the loveliest green, yellow, and red construction paper and was about twice the size of my little bird here. I just modified (much to her delight) and she said I could share it step by step with you.

What you need:

Strips of 1/2 inch book paper

scissors

glue/adhesive of choice ( love my golden gel medium because it sets up quickly)

pencil, dowel or bamboo skewer
Glue three of your strips just at one end, this will be the beak of your bird.
Bow out the bottom strip to the desired body size and place just a dab of glue to hold in place.
Do the same for the head with the top strip.
Use your pencil, dowel, or bamboo skewer to roll up the tail feathers in any direction you like.
Already looking adorable...
Roll a couple more strips, cut to fit and glue in place to make an eye & wing.
You can even add a little curl to the top of the head.

**I forgot a picture to show you to cut the glued end into the shape of a beak, at least I remembered to tell you**

The possibilities are endless...these guys may wind up on the tree or as part of a garland strand.

God bless elementary art teachers everywhere!

Angie

spinning wheels

2010-11-09T12:51:00.001-08:00

Nope I haven't fallen off the planet.

Work last week definitely met my expectations...a full 40 hours...add to that a kid with strep and I'm pretty sure I saw a few more grays in the mirror this past weekend.

This week is all about prepping for some paper crafting classes. I can't believe a year has already flown by and it's time to return to Perry Park for back to back scrapbook weekends. I promise photos next week.

Angie