Good Morning - it looks like Donna's Swashbuckler Soiree is off to a swell start. Lots of booty to behold, rum and ale for gettin liquored up, and one fine pirate that seems to have all the wenches in a swoon.
Here are my promised baubles, beads and booty!
Miss Donna O'Brien at The Ribboned Crown is hosting The Swashbuckler Soiree starting on May 3rd. We have all been invited via her blog to participate in this event. I am still putting the final touches on me pieces, and should have them posted by 10:00 am PST. Please take a look on her left sidebar to get a look at all the participating artists. It should be a swashbuckling good time. So Join in the chantey and grab a draught!
I hope ye come back on the 'morrow and visit me post. I will be listing some baubles, beads, and booty for all you wenches out thar that like some bling.
Steph
Holy cow, it has been forever since I have posted. You know what has happened?? Well, it is a very long story that I will hope to condense for you in one sentence -
It is all Sylvia Anderson's fault. Really, it is. She called me up a few weeks back and told me she was signing up for Art and Soul in Portland, OR. She wanted to see if I wanted to go. DID I WANT TO GO?? Are you crazy? Of course I said yes, and after discussing it with hubby, immediately went through the list of classes and chose 4. I got all 4 I wanted, though now I would probably choose differently!
Anyway, back to the story. I am taking classes by Lisa Kaus, Stephanie Lee, and Carla Sonheim. Once I got the classes, a quick look at all their sites/blogs/materials lists was all it took to see a little retail therapy was in order. Paint, paper, plywood, found materials, watercolors, oil pastels, - yep I bought them.
This is the part of the story where my brain was taken over by aliens. I bought Stephanie Lee's new book - Semiprecious Salvage. Ummm, yeah I want to learn all those techniques, and other jewelry techniques too. I mean would I seriously want to show up for a class and not know how to use a torch, or what a bench block or jump rings are? So after a lot MORE retail therapy - all sewing/dollmaking/quilting desire has evaporated from my brain. I dream of jewelry, I sketch jewelry, I am addicted to listening to audio books while making jewelry. It has taken over every waking moment. I love looking for beads, vintage findings and chain. I am in creative overdrive, and loving every minute of it. Who knew?? Kids, what kids? Laundry? Dinner?? I think not....
So, thanks Sylvia!! You got me out of the motions of making things, and ignited the creative desire for me again! Don't you just love it when friends give you a quick kick in the butt?
So here are a couple of pics - you can see more at my etsy shop. BTW, I am SO loving Etsy!
I would love to hear what you think - so please leave a comment for me!
Off to play with some silver -
Steph
After having snow on the ground for about a month, SPRING seems to be poking its head out here in WA. We have had about 6 days full of sun, with temps from 26 to 48. I am thinking it is about time to order my early season seeds. So I spiffed up the look of the blog, and am creating some more Easter goodies.
Yesterday little Anna and I went on a long walk and up our road to get the big kids from the bus. It was a glorious afternoon. Here she is on our bridge looking for rocks to throw in the creek. She just learned to skip, and it is such a joy to watch her. I don't know about you, but I am in a much happier mood when the sun is out.
I took my camera along hoping to get a few pics of spring. There are only a few trees beginning to bud out. Probably at least a month until our orchard is in flower. This is a cute shot of the four of us walking up the hill. It was so nice to take some time away from chores and duties to just walk and talk with my kids. They are such blessings.
On another topic, I have been looking for a companion photo for this pic I took in Maine. I had it enlarged, and want to hang it with another pic alongside an enlargement of the covered bridge pic (see below post from Oct.).
Will this one make a good partner to the birch leaf?
Hmmm, maybe not.... I think it is too monotone - no sparkle or punch. What do you think.
I am off to finish up four new Easter designs - my studio is full of bunnies and chicks.
Wishing you all a blessed and relaxing weekend.
Steph
I have new offerings up at PFATT Marketplace !! The first of my 2008 Easter series. They went up on the 10th - if that tells you how behind I am in posting. Take a look at the slideshow below! Too cute - and lots of fun to make.
Take care,
Steph
Several people have been asking me where i have been, and why have I not been producing some work. Hmmmmm, maybe this will answer the question.
This morning I jumped out of bed to fold 5 loads of clothes - knowing I had only 2 more loads of whites, and then I could spend some time in the studio. The big kids are home today for President's day, and they can watch/play with Miss Anna so I can have some creative time. I was fairly giddy when hubby left for work, so sure I would be sewing/sculpting/painting in no time!!
Until this:
So, needless to say.....I might never see the studio today. But on the upside, the thorough cleaning of their rooms brought me every misplaced sock - so now maybe we will have all the matching pairs!
I guess that I am just REALLY missing out on creative time after 3 months of re-decorating our home. We repainted, re-floored (see beautiful oak hardwoods in pic above), added new base boards, bought furniture and window treatments. I am now just working on finishing up the bedrooms and the little touches. And we broke ground on Friday for the new garage/workshop/music room. Hmmm, maybe I won't be creating again for while....between the garage work, and the garden that will need to go in soon I will be one busy bee. A mama bee at that!
Blessings,
Steph
Well, I guess it has been awhile.... Once I came home from my Maine following my BIL's funeral, we immediately launched into an interior renovation of our home. (Soon to be followed by a new garage/shop/music room.)Why we would do that at the beginning of November with the holidays right around the corner is totally beyond me.
We have repainted the entire interior, bought new furniture, and installed 1600+ square feet of hardwood flooring. Then Thanksgiving and Christmas hit with hurricane force, along with the usual bad weather. I just hung the first pictures on the clean walls over the weekend. I still need to buy rugs, art, some furniture, wooden blinds, window treatments, bathroom stuff....I feel as if I will never finish.
I need all the help I can get, so send along any organizational tips and suggestions ASAP !!
But as I am in the need of a little fun, and due to the fabulous Christmas gift I received from my wonderful hubby - A NEW VIOLIN!!
I have not played in 27 years - since 8th grade. But, he listened enough over the years to know that I really wanted to pick it up again. Sooo, instead of the usual New Year's Resolution list - I resolve to do one thing just for me this year. Something that is only from me, and that only I benefit from. I believe that if I do things that make my soul sing, my heart rejoice, stimulate my mind, and bring a smile to my face - I will be a better wife and mother. Do you agree?
What will you do this year just for yourself? To make your heart sing? Please leave me a comment and let me know. Here is a small graphic you can put on your blog/site to show that this year you are celebrating you - the gifts that make you an amazing, creative, loving, woman? Ask others to let you know how they are going to take time for themselves - what dreams they are pursuing - what paths they want to take that they haven't??
Wouldn't it be great to support each other in reaching for the desires of our hearts? It isn't all about making money and connections, it is about truly caring for each other, and lending support and a helping hand along the way.
May God bless you and yours in 2008.
Steph
Good Evening! Here are some photos I took today while taking a soul centering drive through Maine. How is it that I actually took some half decent photos with my eyes all swollen from crying? The day was gorgeous and sunny. Here are two images for you. I will post a few tomorrow from the airport.
Blessings,
Steph
I am sitting at a beautiful trestle table in an amazing kitchen inside the beautiful log home of the Niles family. I am in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. It has been such a difficult week. My brother-in-law was killed in an alcohol related accident early last Wednesday morning. I flew in to Maine from WA state on Friday to be here for my sister and her boys.
I was told not to worry about a place to stay, that someone would put us all up. I have to admit, I was a bit leery of staying in a strangers home. Little did I know what I was in for. I am completely taken aback by the love and compassion shown to me by Lisa, Gary, Julian and Abby Niles. They opened their home to me. I have cooked in their kitchen, cried in their loft, and generally been an emotional wreck. But you know what, they love me anyway. They feel like family. I cannot express in words the love they have shown me. Their friend Tom has been here every night doing his best to provide levity in a very dark hour. Julian is my nephew Michael's best friend, and Lisa mothers Michael as if he were her own. I know I might sound as if I am babbling, but you would not believe the blessing they have all been to me. I would never have made it through his week with out the Niles family and Mr. Brown.
I have learned this week what true giving is. How great it is to feel loved by strangers that turn into family and best friends. I have learned all about the Maine dialect, traditions and the love they all have for one another in this small rural community. I have cooked for them some of my favorite meals. I made Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Whoopee pies, and had the best Chili ever. We had a big Lobster dinner, and were so full we were about to pop.
As usual, Wonder Why Wednesday, is about why bad things happen to good people. I still do not know the answer, but it is on my long list of questions when I go home to Glory.
But I do know this, blessings are made every day, even in the most dark and troubled circumstances. I have been truly blessed and loved by this family, and I will never forget their grace and compassion.
I will post glorious photos of Maine next time.
Blessings,
Steph
