Blogger in Draft

As you can see I've been messing around with the new Blogger in Draft. I need to revise my header image because as you can see it's a bit askew in this new template. I'm headed out of town this morning to drop my kiddos off to Grandma. When I get back I'll have to work on my header.

Hubby is having surgery tomorrow morning so keep him in your prayers! Thanks so much.

Enjoy the rest of your week and be blessed.

My Urban Journal

I recently signed up for Roben-Marie Smith's Urban Journal class. I have enjoyed every second of it! Roben-Marie provided us an affordable and fun way to learn to make our own art journals from old books. I bought my book for $1.00 at Goodwill, the cover is made from upcycled cardboard and the pages are watercolor paper.

If you have the time and interest to make your own art journal please stop by Roben-Marie's blog and sign up! It's only $25!!! How many online classes are that affordable?

Seriously, GO sign up! It's well worth your time.

Oh and by the way, I've already started my first ever art journal page! (see above)

New Goodies!

Good morning! Here are 2 new goodies that are now in my Etsy shop.

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Florida and I've got 2 little boys chomping at the bit to get outside.

Have a blessed week!

Heathers' Sisterhood of the Traveling Beads Giveaway

Well, imagine that Blogger is acting up and won't let me post the photo of the Gianormous (sp?) bead de-stash that Heather of Humblebeads is giving away.

Heather has been reorganizing and de-cluttering her studio and has been generous enough to giveaway all those beads. The only condition is that you replace from your stash whatever you take from hers. Then you have a giveaway and pass the goodies on to someone else to do the same.

How awesome is that? I love the idea.

Head over to Humblebeads now and sign yourself up!

Some Feedback Please

I'd like some feedback on this necklace, if you will. I was poking through my stash today and came across the button (closure, seen above) that I was given by Mary Harding in a swap last year. Then I remembered that I had some Elaine Ray pieces (plum ceramic rounds and plum pendant) that would match it. This is what I came up with, but something about it is bothering me. I'm not so sure I want to put it in my shop until I get your opinions on it. For some reason the color combo isn't sitting well with me.

Do the colors (plum/teal) seem "dated" to you?

I think I remember having some drapes in this color combo back in the Eighties!

Let me know what you think and if you'd wear it?

Thanks

The Simple One

I made this yesterday while the boys napped. It was very peaceful just sitting in the quiet while knotting away on this necklace. It features a torch-fired enamel bead by Barbara Lewis of Painting With Fire.

It's in my favorite color combo, teal, orange and cream. Love it!

It's in my Etsy shop now!

A Necklace and A Quote

Okay, in case you haven't noticed, I have! There seems to be a recurring color theme in most of my lasted pieces, blue and greens! I just listed this piece in my Etsy shop this morning and saw how many blue/green items I have in there. Oh well, I'm a Florida girl through and through. I guess that beachy inspiration has to show itself somehow.

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Once in a Blue Moon

Now for sale in my Etsy shop. Get it while you can! Yesterdays' listing sold very quickly.

I had a really good day yesterday. My boys and I spent some time outside since the weather was perfect. They both took good naps and I got to make this necklace while they slept. Thanks boys!

Here's a quote to start your Monday. For me this could not better describe how art and creativity affects my life.

"What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit.

John Updike

A Love Letter to You

Update: This was in my Etsy shop, it SOLD earlier today! It features a "love letter" copper and resin pendant by one of my favorite designers Jade Scott .

It's a beautiful sunny Sunday morning here. I'm looking forward to a creative and relaxing day with my family.

Have a blessed day!

A Quick Book Review: It's a good one!

I just got my copy of Shona Cole's new book, The Artistic Mother. So far it's refreshing and inspiring. As a mother of 2 small, energetic little boys I find little time for creativity. I long for it daily! I sneak in quick moments while they nap, but it just never seems to be enough for my soul. Shona's book gives me hope and is a gentle reminder that my kids will grow up and my creative time will renew itself as they do. This book has wonderful fabric and paper projects, great instructions and inspiration from other artistic mothers. Check it out on Amazon today!

A Few New "Old" Pieces

Here are a few new "old" pieces that I just listed in my Etsy shop. These are remakes of some pieces that have been popular for me.

Doreen's Having A Giveaway!

My friend Doreen over at Doreen's Backyard Beads is having a giveaway to celebrate the Grand Opening of her Etsy shop! Head over to her blog to sign up & don't forget to visit her Etsy shop too.

*Spring has Sprung*

Oh my, I am so glad March is here! February was not a good month for me. With the exception of my youngests' birthday and my VERY successful first home jewelry party (Thanks again, Kara), the rest of the month pretty much stunk!

So, it's March 1st and I'm ready for a new beginning. I've got my cites set on Spring and some new adventures in my continuing quest to be successful in my creative endeavours.

I took the above photos this morning while the boys and I were out in the yard. Our legustrum (sp?) bushes are loaded with blooms and the bees are having a hay day. The maple trees are full of beautiful crimson colored seed pods. As you can see one of the eggs must have been either successfully hatched or maybe eaten (yikes), unfortunately the other little guy there did not make it. They somehow fell out of the nest and were abandoned.

By the way, the top set of photos is of my human critters! Seth is ready to learn to drive and Noah is talking my head off all day, lol. I am so looking forward to warmer days spent outside with them.

Let's toast to warmer weather, a beautiful Spring, and many blessings in the coming months!