Makenzi and Madilyn

: palm trees and photoshop

2012-01-15T19:38:00.000-05:00

Nothing beats palm trees swaying in the breeze!

I thought these were particularly beautiful:

The photo above is un-photoshopped but

I like the vintage-y faded look too:

Using my favorite Cinnamon Rose photoshop

actions - found here.

Here is another untouched pic:

Do not go speeding in the manatee zone!

I cropped, adjusted the horizon and used boost and

define & sharpen from the Pioneer Woman's actions found here.

Here are a few more photos from a boat day we
took a few weeks ago- I used actions from the same two
sources for these as well:

I think my favorite photo is the pelican group bobbing
around in this little harbor. They are so laid back and cool!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful week!

♥

: new year, new things, and a vintage owl

2012-01-02T20:14:00.001-05:00

Where does the time go?

I recall being in 5th grade

figuring out what year it would be

when I would turn

30 years old.

That was in the 70's.

When I tell my daughters that when

I was a kid there were no computers,

they just say, "oh, that's sad."

Anyway here are some new, happy things, and

one vintage thing. (no, not me. the owl is the vintage thing)

Fine silver pendant

Sterling silver square with silk bow

Vintage owl necklace

(isn't he cute?)

They are all here:

Makenzi & Madilyn

Have a great week!

♥

: favorite things

2011-12-11T08:17:00.001-05:00

Just some pretties to look at

on this dreary and cold

Sunday!

enjoy

♥

Boho chic for sure.

I wish I could wear this and

get away with it.

Maybe I can.

Love love love it.

Find it here:

Call of Earth

Peacock Earrings! How cool.

They are from this wonderful Etsy shop:

Jeannie n Richard

I love the shore and this photo

from Madden Photography

is so very peaceful. Love it.

This sign is adorable!

I want it.

It is here in this shop:

Oh Dier

And then there's this bow/veil.

I have a picture of my mom, before

she had any kids, and she was a

bridesmaid. She was wearing

a veil like this one- except it was

deep red. It is so pretty and I just

love this style- and now I've got to

go dig up that photo of my mom.

By the way here is the link to this

bow: Preston and Olivia

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have

a super rest of the weekend!

♥

: blog lovin and tumblr

2011-12-03T17:49:00.001-05:00

Bloglovin' is a very neat way to

keep track of all the blogs you like

by keeping them all in one spot.

There are various icons you can choose from-

this Eiffel Tower one is my favorite.

The posts all line up on one page and you can scan through

quickly to see what you want to take a closer look at.

Go here to take a peek:

Bloglovin'

Tumblr is another site I like:

Tumblr

You can create a blog with just photos

and 'reblog' other photos from other tumblr blogs

and it all links back to wherever the original blog is, and

normally nobody minds at all that you 'reblog' - in fact

people like it because then they get more links back

and hopefully more traffic.

Its fun to search by topic, and you can create

however many blogs you want and use them

for whatever you need-

redecorating inspiration, fashion inspiration,

looking at vintage photographs, pining away for that

tropical vacation.

And once you try it and get used to it,

of course it is pretty addictive.

Have a great weekend!

♥

: beach photos

2011-11-20T18:26:00.001-05:00

One of my most favorite things in the whole

wide world is going to the beach.

A lonely, beautiful one.

Here is the best one I know, on a little

island called Captiva:

I love it here!

Peaceful and beautiful and relaxing.

It is wonderful.

And by the way - I post lots of photos from my travels

on this blog and if you'd like to use them, feel free. Just

be sure to give credit back here.

Thanks so much.

♥

: new things

2011-10-26T20:42:00.000-04:00

Stitched:

Ceramic:

And very sweet:

They are all here:

Makenzi & Madilyn

Have a great week!

♥

: NYC photos

2011-10-18T16:02:00.002-04:00

Spent a very fun weekend in NYC this past

weekend - and all I did pretty much was

take pictures :o)

Bryant Park:

Times Square:

Library:

Have a lovely week!

♥

: Creating fine art photos in your own back yard

2011-10-08T17:37:00.000-04:00

I will never tire of searching for seashells

whenever I get to visit the beach.

I have jars filled to overflowing and even

in my landscaping there are shells all over the place.

They are like jewels, even the tiniest ones,

even the roughest and most worn ones- like gems

from the sea.

So I decided to photograph a few

of my favorites and do strange things in

photoshop with the images.

Framed and displayed among our vacation

photos, I think these will be great!

All I did was tweak the lightness and

saturation and hue.

Then I added some of my favorite actions from

here: Cinnamon Rose

What do you collect? Have you created

fine art photos with your treasures?

Leave a link in the comments and we'll be sure

to check out your creations!

Have a lovely weekend.

♥

: new things.

2011-09-23T21:51:00.001-04:00

Just for fun:

(for those days when you truly may lose your mind)

Shabby chic:

And refined, delicate:

They are all here:

Makenzi and Madilyn Designs

Have a great weekend!

♥

: digital accents on mixed media

2011-09-07T19:39:00.001-04:00

I posted instructions on how to make this

on this blog:

For the Luv of Art Digital Goodies

Have a super mid week!

♥

: embellishing pretty letters for a scrapbook page

2011-08-31T18:18:00.001-04:00

Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology letters:

I love these letters by Pink Paislee!

Very elegant and with that French touch

that the whole Parisian Anthology line has.

But they blended into my backbround

and I needed a little sparkle.

So first I coated each letter with

Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze

in Northern Lights.

Glimmer Glaze is neat stuff because

it adds sparkle but lets the background

come through as well. It isn't opaque.

Then I outlined each letter in black with a

Copic multiliner pen.

And added a bit of moonlight Smooch here and there.

Both the Glimmer Glaze and Smooch have

brushes built in, which makes it nice if you

only need a little bit for your project.

No need to drag out brushes and palates

and jars of water and make a mess.

There you go :o) all done!

I leave you with a favorite quote:

Have a lovely mid week!

♥

: etsy treasuries

2011-08-29T10:54:00.001-04:00

I love creating treasuries!

It is a great way to keep your favorites

all in one spot as well

as promoting the things you love.

Inspiration item for my latest treasury:

Vintage Precious

: Sunday night favorite things

2011-08-21T20:57:00.001-04:00

Flower tights:

via cherry blossom girl

Very very cool blue piano:

found that photo on Pinterest -

it was originally found on atticgals

killer shoes on MKA:

via Sea of Shoes

these vintage glasses:

from the cutest etsy shop - Maude and Lola

and to top it off, this gorgeous item from anthropologie:

pretty flowers

Good night and have a lovely week!

♥

: new things

2011-08-19T18:56:00.003-04:00

Garden of Awesome

The prettiest papers are in this digital kit- at For the Luv of Art

Look in the digital forum and you'll find a

monthly challenge with a sketch.

I love to get my digital pages printed out and

incorporated into my paper albums!

Scrapbookpictures.com has a

great website and good prices.

Finished this yesterday, I love how bright it is:

People are getting ready for fall, but I am so not

there yet. Summer colors are just fine with me

all year long!

Have a happy and fun weekend!

♥

: beach days are the best days.

2011-08-09T16:50:00.007-04:00

The waters off Captiva are warm and calm

in the middle of summer- provided there

is not a hurricane in the area.

It is my very favorite place to be- provided that

there are no hurricanes in the area.

Good seashells to be found, my lil one was very

proud of this one:

Happy to report that on this day these photos were

taken, that's pretty much all we did.
And there were no hurricanes in the area.

A lazy day is a good thing, especially if you

get to spend it on a beautiful, lonely beach!

Have a happy week!

♥

Cabinet re-do is done!

2011-07-31T14:01:00.001-04:00

When I staple in the chicken wire to the right

side door, it will be officially complete.

But to me it's done! yay.

It sort of drove me nuts there for a while.

I got tired of sanding and decided to cover

one side with cork, as a sort of memo

center, and it ended up being such a cool

feature. My husband even finished out

the trim work for me.

♥

He's so nice to me.

I'm not good with those angles.

Here's what it looked like before:

Tomorrow the chicken wire gets stapled

and our little project will be over.

I wonder what we will find to take on next!

Have a great rest of the weekend.

♥

: favorite things on Sunday night.

2011-07-24T20:33:00.001-04:00

Just a bunch of cute stuff going on here....

Anthropologie shoes

Digital things from For the Luv of Art.com

This cow from the cutest etsy shop: janerovers

(check her out.... really sweet stuff!)

You know,

I totally want a farm.

but I digress.

This pretty pretty Pink Paislee paper.

Isn't it just so... so... French? I like it.

Look here for it on sale:

Pink Paislee paper

And a few more cute things:

This cool lamp from Anthro

And

These cute Lily Pulitzer lanterns!

At Lily Pulitzer

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

Enjoy your week.

♥♥♥

: dressing up your cat is good.

2011-07-18T16:08:00.002-04:00

I found the cutest shop for cat accessories.

It is called Snoop Catty Catt.

And if you have a boy cat you should totally

shop there because I have seen first

hand what a good wardrobe can do for

a feline's self confidence.

Ozzy feels snazzy.

Can you blame him? :o)

Have a wonderful Monday!

♥

: progress!

2011-07-11T07:38:00.002-04:00

Here is a peek.

Not quite done yet, still have the doors to do

but there is progress!

It is getting happy. And bright.

A long way from this:

Off to work I go- have a happy Monday!

♥

: pretty digital stuff

2011-07-03T16:37:00.001-04:00

The sanding has taken its toll. Last week I sanded on
the cabinet so much that my thumb stopped working.
I'm using a sander, not like I'm doing it all with a block and
a piece of sandpaper, but I suppose I just overdid it-
It was difficult to open jars.
And I discovered how much I truly need my thumb.
So I'm taking a break and doing a little digi scrapping.

LOVE the frames in this one:

Touch of elegance digital kit

A pretty Woodland kit:

"Woodland" digital kit

And will you just look at the colors in this one:

Japanese garden kit

I don't have this Japanese garden kit yet... and I

totally need it. Off to download and create!

Have a lovely weekend!

♥

: new pretties and a luxury item

2011-06-21T22:44:00.000-04:00

First, the luxury item:

Microwavable neck and shoulder thing and an EYE PILLOW.

Other people in my home will want the neck thing, but I

totally NEED the eye pillow. If you've never tried one,

you don't know what you're missing. I had one a long time ago

and used it to death! Today I found a new one at

beckorama

(tee hee what a cute name)

and couldn't be more excited to place my order.

And what cute pink and green fabric.

Go see beck's store- its way cool.

Now the new pretties:

Sewed all day yesterday and had a lovely time.

Finally finished the wing necklace:

The wing is made out of fine silver and the gems are wire wrapped

in sterling. LOVE the goldstone, it is deep blue and totally

reminds me of the night sky. Moonstone is there just for the

contrast, and the whole sky thing going on there.

Then there's this one:

Started this about 6 months ago and got stuck with the design.

Then it came to me yesterday and I finished it!

Yay. All the fabric is vintage- the scalloped part is

a handkerchief and it made for this cool fan shape.

Great statement piece.

Happy Wednesday, and thanks for stopping by!

♥

: Mick the cat.

2011-06-17T13:48:00.001-04:00

Fluffy and loves affection.

Thinks my sole job is to pet him.

Sleeps a lot.

Lives a stress free life.

Take a nap and have a great day.

♥

P.S. I used the actions from this site: Cinnamon Rose Actions

: dresser makeover

2011-06-13T08:51:00.000-04:00

The cabinet we're working on is going to take some time.

I need something to get me motivated, something

that is instantly gratifying and makes a big difference

in the room we are going to put the cabinet in.

This old dresser has been in our art room/classroom for years

and is in sad shape. Time to paint!

The pulls had to go as well.

Isn't it just so sweet now?

Wanted to replace the pulls with sparkle:

Yay!

I love it :o)

Amazing what a coat of paint and glass pulls can do.

Now I'm off to sand the cabinet.

Have a great week!

♥

: on looking past the ugly.

2011-06-09T12:14:00.001-04:00

Before I get to the ugly thing I bought,
I have to share this book my mom gave me!

It's so retro.
I have been thinking about a wrap skirt, like the ones

from the 1970's and lo and behold
here comes my adorable mommy with this:

I really have to make some of these. The patterns look easy enough, and there are

no buttons or zippers. Perfect for me. I can pretty much just sew straight lines.

Thanks mom! I love it. Going to shop around for some cute fabric this weekend.

Now for the ugly thing I bought:

When we are in an area with great antique and vintage shopping,
I usually look for old jars

and white glass bowls and funny sewing notions - little stuff.
But I came across this thing in the

back, I mean WAY back section of
forgotten old junk in an antique mall- and I couldn't leave

it there. It was in the worst shape of anything else there
but it has good bones.

One of the glass panels is gone... it is partially spray painted
and someone tried to strip it...

and a metal handle is missing.

I love it!

Can you see past the ugly, or do you see junk?
My daughter thought I had completely lost my mind

when she heard me bargaining with the owner.
"Um, mom? Are you buying THAT?"

(she's 7) What she doesn't know is she is getting a lesson on
how to refinish old furniture.

Everyone should know how to use a sander, paint and install cabinet doors.

Have a lovely weekend!

♥

: a truly great quote

2011-05-28T12:52:00.000-04:00

From Ira Glass . . .

“What nobody tells people who are beginners — and I really wish someone had told this to me . . . is that all of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

source

♥

: share a shop day and some favorite things

2011-05-25T07:52:00.000-04:00

Visit Judy's shop and you'll be there for a while:

Judy Stalus Photographs

The dreamy quality of her work amazes me!

Her entire shop is gorgeous.

I follow her blog: My New Hampshire Garden where she says cute stuff

about being in photography heaven, the magical world of star magnolia and getting drunk on

the smell of lilacs.

My kind of girl.

A few favorites from lately too:

( I need to ban Anthropologie from my computer. I love tooo many things there. )

And this living room from desire to inspire

Subtly tropical with shots of red and turquoise and lots of texture. Perfect.

That's all for today, have a wonderful Wednesday!

♥

: indoor photos

2011-05-23T18:47:00.000-04:00

We went to a very fun attraction on Saturday- the Ripley's Aquarium in

Gatlinburg, TN:

When we are somewhere like this where I want to have photos of the occasion, and

conditions are less than favorable, I just go with the flow.

There is this great article in the Digital Photography School blog:

How to Achieve Great Indoor Photography Results

But I'm not good with the manual settings yet on my camera. It's a goal I'm working on.

So I simply use the sports setting and open the lens as wide as it will go.

I didn't use my flash, but the photo above turned out pretty, with the silhouette of my youngest

against the huge fish tank. (She kept saying she wanted to get in there)

And for the shot of the tunnel below, I braced myself against the side and held as still as I could.

I didn't even realize that huge sawfish was right there!

What a nice surprise when I was looking through the day's photos.

I really liked the aquarium- if you've got kids they will go nuts for the Penguin Playhouse!

It is adorable and there are tunnels for the kids to crawl under and poke their heads up in the exhibits.

We'll see what else we can get into here in Tennessee-

have a great week!

♥

: words.

2011-05-18T07:52:00.000-04:00

Words to live by:

Via pinterest - Jessica Hische artwork.

Simple words:

Via shaderlab on flickr.

Sweet words:

Via katiedaisy on flickr.

True words:

Via observando.

Funny true words:

Via french by design.

Now use your words in a good way and have a good day!

♥

: favorite things miscellanea

2011-05-10T20:16:00.000-04:00

Miscellanea:

–plural noun

[mis-uh-ley-nee-uh]

miscellaneous collected writings, papers, or objects.

Scrapbook.

I love these Echo Park scrapbook papers!

You can find them here: FTLOA

Fashion.

Lilly Pulitzer is my favorite brand at the moment.

Home.

Anthropologie Battersea Sofette

Vintage.

From Rhett's Etsy store.

Desk.

Paper Source Stationery

Computer.

Isn't it pretty? I need this for my laptop.

Laptop Skins By DecalGirl.com

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely day!

♥

: freebie

2011-05-03T18:18:00.001-04:00

(free is good)

Click here:

Digital Denim Bunting

Enjoy!

♥

: new pretties

2011-05-02T19:17:00.000-04:00

♥

And a scrapbook page:

Have a great Monday!

♥

: favorite color palates and creative inspiration

2011-04-25T20:48:00.000-04:00

Everywhere I look I see puffy white clouds and sweet buntings!

My Mind's Eye is one of my all-time favorite paper manufacturers:

Lime Twist Genuine "sky paper" by MME

Hip-Hooray "Party Time" paper by MME

So cute.

MME Lime Twist Genuine rain cloud.

Along the lines of banners and buntings and clouds and cute stuff:

Mexican paper flowers / tutorial!

I fully intend to make some of those this week...

And create something with this color palate

I think is classic and sweet with nautical flair:

Navy and Sand and Berry and Blush

Via Creature Comforts Blog

Have a lovely Monday!

♥

: projects and a future freebie

2011-04-22T22:17:00.001-04:00

I started this a while back, and it sat on my desk unfinished for some time because I wasn't

sure what I wanted it to say.

Decided just to get to the point.

The word 'kind' doesn't show up well in the photo... but its there.

I used a plain canvas, and glued thin cotton fabric over it to get the wrinkles, then

painted with gesso and then watercolors.

The cut outs are all from Pink Paislee, the butterfly package with tons of

sweet vintage looking goodies.

Glued those all on and then covered it all with Golden clear tar gel, which gives it a

glossy look and soft feel.

Finished this too:

I used this banner in the blog header here and in my shop.

It is a real denim stitched bunting that I sewed and then photographed and

now I've converted it to a png file, and if you'd like to get it for yourself,

then come back next week!

:oP

I'll post the link in the message board here:

For the Luv of Art

I was thinking it would look cute with this pretty paper from Pink Paislee:

Have a lovely weekend!

♥

: share a shop day

2011-04-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

Today I give you Botanicalmarket:

I just purchased this Miracle Body Scrub and it is amazing!

It is very gritty and gets your skin so smooth and soft its, well, its a miracle.

After you rinse this off, your skin has the most moisturized, silky feel- you just won't believe it.

I love knowing that all ingredients are natural, botanical things.

No chemicals or icky sticky stuff... just good, wonderful smelling sugars and oils.

Another fabulous little shop I like to hang out at:

Come by and try out a challenge - you could win a prize of wonderful supplies from the store.

And the girls there are quite friendly and fun.

I leave you with a few photos from our last boat trip:

I hope you get a chance to relax and be creative today!

Happy Wednesday.

♥

: helpful blogger stuff

2011-04-18T08:36:00.001-04:00

If you are a new blogger, or a blogger who wants to expand your blog,

or if you've been a lazy blogger...

I recommend this post with a list of:

56 Places to List Your Website or Blog - for FREE!

Google ranks pages by number of backlinks to a site- having your website listed in all

these places is very helpful in getting seen.

Try listing your blog in these places and see what happens.
And have a happy Monday.

: new things, cute stuff and a work in progress

2011-04-13T07:26:00.000-04:00

Springtime makes me want to wear color:

I made one of these for myself and one for the shop.

The larger green beads are carved Jade, the coral color rounds are mother of pearl,

and the tiny ones are African glass beads, along with Czech

glass beads for a touch of sparkle.

I like the design because its very casual but so colorful

and totally makes a statement.

But sometimes you just want something small:

One thing I've learned about having an Etsy shop is that variety is essential.

Big and bold, small and dainty, and even supplies

and findings are good for a varied selection.

Now for the CUTE stuff:

Found on this blog:

ohdeedoh

The whole cloud/rain theme is so cute! I love the tissue poms with the rain drops.

Very adorable.

And a work in progress.

It is a small canvas I glued fabric to, then covered with gesso

and sparkly watercolor paints:

Pretty things are glued down, now I need to add the words and cover

with an encaustic medium, like wax:

And that's my Wednesday morning.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

♥

: bed linens hunting adventure

2011-04-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

Well maybe it isn't quite an adventure per-say, but it's my current mission.

Good bed stuff is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world.

Here's some samplings I've uncovered so far:

The three photos above are from urbanoutfitters.com.

I really really want the me and you puzzle pillow cases!

The two above photos are by anthropologie.com.

I think the ruffle sheets are sweet, yet still somehow sexy.

Now this bedroom above is from Coastal Living magazine.

as is this one:

These rooms are absolutely my style - I've got to find a way

to get that headboard with the gorgeous blue and white fabric!

Its good to have a mission... even if its just a headboard.

Now if I can just convince my man to let me paint the piano:

Isn't it gorgeous? Found this photo on Pinterest, which led me to the site

where the photo came from:

Classy Clutter

And the Classy Clutter blog featured the photo from the original blog,

Addicted 2 Decorating

If I keep finding things like this I too may become addicted to decorating.

Happy Sunday!

♥

: share a shop day and a lovely blog

2011-04-07T09:33:00.001-04:00

Sunny Crystals

Sue makes these cuff-style gem chip bracelets that

I think are extremely pretty:

It looks so labor intensive to make these.

She's got unique vintage jewelry too:

Here's her shop: Sunny Crystals

She's got pretty 3D cards with fancy butterflies and fairies as well!

and-

Wanted to share this blog with you:

a glamorous little side project

is the prettiest fashion blog.

I love browsing there.

Have a wonderful

Thursday!

♥

: blue skies and water

2011-04-05T08:28:00.000-04:00

When we take a family day trip, we go find an island somewhere

with gorgeous beaches and salty old burger joints.

Not fancy, but very relaxing!

Took these photos this past weekend-

This little old shack sits right in the water off Upper Captiva Island:

I always thought it would be the neatest place for a little burger joint!

But its empty, just a landmark for now.

Peace.

Here is a little plot for sale.

I'd even take a shack on this spot.

A shack and a beach towel.

♥

Have a happy Tuesday!

: sites and places and good things

2011-03-29T15:44:00.001-04:00

Just a few places I really like, and thought I'd share them with you-

Find artistic inspiration for scrapbooking, album making, sewing,

as well as cardmaking and digital stuff

here at this cute art store:

Here's the gallery.

Participate in the challenges and contests and win cute prizes!

Its a very friendly group too- visit the forum and say hi.

They will not run you off, I promise.

Unless you are mean and contrary.

And for color inspiration, you cannot beat Design Seeds.

Look:

I love the photos and resulting palates. Lovely.

The wave one is perfect for my bathroom.

An all time favorite for everything-

Anthropologie.

I like this nook with the chandelier:

And a good thing, one of my favorite reads:

Maiden Voyage

It is inspiring and good. Especially if you like sailing.

♥

Have a lovely Tuesday!

: the daily mess.

2011-03-26T14:39:00.000-04:00

Although 'the daily mess' could be referring to my hair... this time its paint and kid stuff.

I did a hybrid scrapbook page to document the episodes:

(Hybrid?) Its a part digitally created, part paper and glue style scrapbook page.

I printed out a digitally created 5x7 photo collage using pretty turquoise and purple "papers" from

a kit I downloaded from For the Luv of Art.

Digital kit:

Angel Hartline Designs Renewal kit

Then I stuck it onto my 12x12 page and wrote my story all around the little squares.

Paint, ink, stamps and watercolor pencils complete the mess.

Now for an idea for your art journal:

I've had these tags for like, ever and just glued them to my journal, then colored with

watercolor pencils and markers all around. Makes for good inspiration.

Actually, the grid design

inspired me to get a mini album started:

I love this flocked paper from My Mind's Eye- damask is always a favorite of mine-

Just punch random 1 inch squares and mod podge onto gessoed cover.

Planning on this album being for all the past 'day to day' type photos from over the winter.

I've found that those kind of pictures are the most fun to look at later on- the ones that

weren't planned or aren't of any particular event or anything like that, just normal

everyday stuff like making messes and doing schoolwork and cooking.

Have a lovely Saturday! We are off to play in the yard.

♥

: the workroom, classroom, art room, play room, studio.

2011-03-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

Whatever we call it, which changes day by day because it is so many things to us, it is

our favorite spot. There is a comfy bed for reading.

There is an old dresser that houses art supplies and is in dire need of a makeover.

My girls and I fully intend to make it pink with pretty pulls and flowers somewhere on it.

I use old printers trays to organize little things:

And even the closet is lined with shelves and mini works of art.

This is hanging on the mannequin at the moment, a vintage owl earring turned pendant:

And this is going in the shop:

Just finished challenge #1 at For the Luv of Art:

Come by and create some digital scrapbook pages with us! It is fun.

Do this challenge, and you get a super prize. Look here for the rules:

http://fortheluvofart.forumg.biz/t2966-for-the-luv-of-art-digi-challenge-1

Have a lovely Wednesday!

♥

p.s. share a shop day will resume next week :o)

: hillbilly rock stars

2011-03-20T22:35:00.001-04:00

... outta' control.

Sometimes I am not as refined as I may think I am.

We saw Uncle Kracker, Billy Currington, Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney

at the Goin' Coastal Concert.

It was fun.

And loud.

And fun.

Did I mention Billy Currington was there??

Oh but he is good.

My man and I took all our photos on our phones, just like everyone else,

everybody has a camera in their phone and a video camera too, so there's

all these little screens you can see with everyone taking pictures and movies...

and we couldn't help it too.

We were so close, in the sand bar-

It was a good time and we felt like teenagers for just a bit.

And we're 40 something.

Now I'm off to sit at the beach.

Rock on.

:o)

♥

: race day stuff, share a shop day and other miscellaneous things

2011-03-16T18:38:00.001-04:00

My sister ran in the pink race.
She's so cool:

Our aunt died from breast cancer and so did her good friend Val.

It was an emotional day, but a good day and my girls and I went out to support our family.

I am tired of hearing about breast cancer and I am tired of it being something apparently we cannot

cure. I am tired of worrying about it. So we do the race thing and breast exams and

take care of ourselves.

The sky was so amazingly blue that day:

And there were cute girls cheering at the finish line:

And even cuter girls in pink bras over their tee shirts:

I have a lot of scrapbooking to do with all the photos I took on race day!

And that's all I'm going to say about that because I'll get all choked up if I go on about it.

Now for 7 random things.

1. I love Nutella.

2. I hate the way squid looks at the sushi counter.

3. I love the beach.

4. I am a certified scuba diver.

5. I really dislike bad drivers who go the wrong way on a one way street.

6. Clowns are creepy.

7. I love good bed linens.

8. Vintage things are the best things.

9. My marriage is legal- 21 years old!

10. My kids drive me nuts but I love them more than anything else in the whole universe.

So there.

And now I have to email these people and see if they want this cute award!

**each of these blogs is totally cute and I like them a lot:

Ellen

Carrie

Angela

Jill

Renee

There's 10!

Linking takes a long time.

So there's the award, I'll get to the emails tonight some time....

but I have to get to the share a shop thing-

here you go:

Angela's Paper Art

This girl makes the most amazing beads.... from paper! Look:

Angela's Paper Art is such a unique shop with amazingly cool goodies and loads of

colorful supplies and gifts as well.

And she has a cute blog with tons of inspiration! Look: Art Around Us

And that's my post for this lovely mid week day!

Have a lovely Wednesday and I wholeheartedly hope you get to do something creative today.

♥

: stitches and an award

2011-03-14T23:02:00.000-04:00

Lots of stitches!

I find making this relaxing:

It is slow and tedious but I could sit and sew these all day.

Each tiny glass bead is hand sewn.

These are a bit quicker to make:

I love making the cute bunting design, but it isn't as relaxing as doing the whole beaded thing.

Just added this one- small, just 3 inches across:

People have said I'm weird because I can be so still and concentrate on one thing for quite a while, like

stitching little tiny beads over and over again. Well, it isn't weird. It's contentment.

Charlie Sheen, now that's weird.

now then, I have to toot my own horn here:

This award is from Leah R. Hood

Who has a cute blog (click her name) and a totally adorable shop here.

I had no idea I was versatile.

But thank you!

I am honored.

Here are the rules for getting this award:

*Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post.
*Tell 7 Random facts about yourself.
*Pass the award on to 15 new found bloggers.
*Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you've done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

So I've done the first thing, and tomorrow I'll work on the rest.

Have a great evening!

:0)

: sometimes I cook

2011-03-11T01:48:00.001-05:00

My cooking is only as good as the recipe I follow.

And I've found two absolutely wonderful cookbooks this past week:

Giada's stuffed baby peppers are really really good.

And the blueberry and mascarpone mini pie things? Yum.

But my mom bought me this and it's my favorite ever:

I can't think of any other person on the planet who could put together an appetizing cook book that

includes pictures of cowboys covered in a mixture of mud and cow poop.

Ree is a genius.

And I also know how to make homemade ranch dressing now.

If you're looking for a new cookbook and aren't afraid of real, tasty, non low calorie food, get

Ree's book. It's great.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

♥

: share a shop day

2011-03-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

Is it Wednesday already??

sheesh.

Where does the time go...

Well if you find time on your hands and you can browse a bit, I'd recommend this wonderful shop!

Look:

Art Nouveau Heart Glass Art

Purple Bouquet Stained Glass Box

Bridal Attendants Stained Glass Jewelry Boxes

And one more heart because I think they are GORGEOUS:

Intricate Art Nouveau Heart

Galeaz Glass has gorgeous gifts- so pretty and unique and feminine.

Kelly has been doing this art for more than 20 years and will do

custom orders if you ask really nicely.

I cannot wait to see more of her beautiful creations!

I've always been afraid of working with glass - you know, dangerous and all with the

sharp edges. I don't know if I'm graceful enough to do it.

Have a lovely Wednesday!

♥

: frou frou.

2011-03-02T16:44:00.002-05:00

Share a shop day will return next week.

For now, just some frou frou frothy pinkness.

accenttheparty.com

concretehoney.blogspot.com

accenttheparty.com

Have a happy day!

♥

: stitches and vintage

2011-02-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest projects:

Everyone seems to love the festive look of a sweet bunting-

This one is stitched with recycled denim and iridescent DMC floss with tiny sequins and seed beads onto cotton canvas and framed in a 12" embroidery hoop.

Cute and fun!

Vintage:

Isn't he cute?

Classic silver and turquoise yet tacky because it is just metal and plastic.

Still cute.

Stitched + vintage:

Vintage handkerchief made into a flower-

This is a pin, and it could be used in so many ways- but I want to make some with just a loop on the back to slip through a headband or clip so it could be a hair accessory too.

Reworked vintage:

All these blue beads and links are from a really old necklace that was damaged beyond repair, but the elements were so pretty that I took it all apart and made some new items.

The chains and links are all Vintaj brass and matches perfectly with the old links.

Find them here:

Makenzi and Madilyn Shop

That's all for today, have a wonderful Monday!

♥

:share a shop day!

2011-02-23T14:33:00.001-05:00

I love Wednesdays.

Today I give you nan gates designs:

My favorite is the clutch above. I love anything with this kiss lock closure. So elegant!

Adorable print. This birdie cosmetic bag is so dang cute.

Green + black + white = perfection in a key fob.

If you're looking for a versatile tote, digital gadget case, cosmetic clutch or key fob, then

nan gates design if for you. I love her shop! It is cheerful and happy with all the pretty prints.

I leave you with a link to the chocolate:

YUM

♥

: a quote I love.

2011-02-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

Set Sail

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do
So throw off the bowlines
Sail away from the safe harbor
Catch the trade winds in your sails
Explore
Dream
Discover

(Mark Twain)

: losing myself, mohawk bird and the best salty chocolate ever.

2011-02-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

Losing myself in things I enjoy, like vintage textiles:

It is the new background here- I really enjoy all the floral patterns, crochet edges and random monograms.

This week I plan on searching out some vintage tea towels and doilies and whatever other kitchen

goodies I can find!

♥

This is totally random... but I loved the photo and my daughter's reaction, "he is a Mohawk bird."

Actually, he is a Grey Crowned Crane.

And he was very very sweet.

Now for the good stuff!

The best chocolate ever. OMG.

Fleur de Sel Chocolate!

What is "Fleur de Sel" you ask?

(I had to ask too)

Literally, it is "flower of salt" in French.

Translate: fancy salt.

It is collected by hand, in France, the top part which is skimmed before sinking to the bottom of

pans of salt. It is more easily dissolved than regular salt, and is more expensive.

Fancy.

And it is on this amazing chocolate, which is in turn covering the most mouth watering toffee.

Toffee, chocolate, salt. Really? I am craving more at this very minute.

I don't know exactly how to make it, but I know the fabulous woman that does and I do intend

to order some more very soon. In fact, I am going to offer it in my etsy shop as well.

It is THAT good.

And with that, I say goodnight, and have a happy Sunday evening!

♥

: share a shop day and cake

2011-02-16T06:13:00.001-05:00

I just bought the most beautiful pink jade beads from this fabulous shop:

Biji Bijoux

You'll also find this gorgeous green malachite:

What is a Bijoux, you ask?

Why it is a jewel, something small and exquisitely wrought.

It is French, and fun to say.

Not sure what Biji is but it also is a cute word.

Rich blue lapis lazuli beads above, and this is one of her beautiful creations- lovely tiger eye pendant:

If you love to make jewelry, you'll love the unique finds at Biji Bijoux, and if you just love pretty

things, you'll love her shop even more!

On to a quick cake tip I just discovered.

Buy some of this:

Tiramisu mascarpone cheese. I die. It is smooth and luscious and I had no idea it existed until

I was looking for regular mascarpone cheese to make cheesecake with. Which is good enough, but this flavor is amazing.

Now go bake a regular chocolate devil's food cake. From a cake mix is fine, no need to go trying to

bake something from scratch.

Spread the tiramisu mascarpone cheese in between the layers - which, by the way, mine are square.

I don't have round cake pans, but I've got two brownie pans. They work great, and a square cake is so cool.

Now frost with chocolate frosting.

It is so good! The filling makes it amazingly wonderful and good.

Try it, I'm telling you, you'll thank me.

I leave you with a page from my art journal:

Have a lovely Wednesday!

♥

: sweet tea party and new pretties

2011-02-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

Little lollipops and mini tea party things.... so sweet.

I love having girls!

so much frou frou.

♥

New pretties in the shop:

*the blue links are from an old broken antique necklace- they are so pretty!

They're all here: Makenzi & Madilyn Designs

Have a lovely, lovely Sunday.

♥

: share a shop day

2011-02-09T07:21:00.001-05:00

Need a boost for your Etsy shop?

You too can join the frenzy! go here: Promotional Frenzy Team

A very friendly group of people, that help each other gain exposure for their shops.

Today I'm sharing Zenbreeze

- a shop that has some very unusual items!

I had never seen polymer clay used for a ponytail holder:

I think its really cool! My daughter loves rainbow stuff.

The earth tones pony holder is pretty:

Zenbreeze also does fine art photography prints:

Such a misty, dreamy feel.

The frenzy team is such a valuable team to be on- I don't know if I'd ever have found
some of the really cool shops I've found through this team.
Some purchases I've made are a direct result of meeting the super
members there. Try out a Monday BNR if you really want some action-
(what is a BNR? it means Buy and Replace)
You'll have to stop by the team to find out more!

And now I leave you with this lovely thought for the day

from my art journal to you:

And my favorite photo from 2010:

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and I hope you get to be creative!

♥

: 1000 Artist Journal Pages

2011-02-05T09:42:00.001-05:00

Anyone looking for creative inspiration will have their hopes and dreams fulfilled with this book:

I just picked up this book a few days ago and I cannot put it down! Every page is filled with different artist's journal pages, from all around the globe. Every artist's style is absolutely unique and one of a kind and I cannot believe how much each one has shared. Really personal entries with so much heartfelt emotional revelations. It's good. Even if you don't keep an art journal, if you like to look at art you will love this.

I haven't yet looked at each and every page, because each page is so jam packed with detail - this is the sort of book you can look at a hundred times and find new things each time.

Now here's a little photoshop tidbit:

If you fix the saturation and contrast really high, and then use the artistic rough pastels filter, you get something like this:

I love really high contrast photos and I use the Pioneer Woman photoshop actions all the time. This one is Boost x2 + Slight lighten + Define and Sharpen:

Swirls at the bottom are by Katie Pertiet - Painted Edgers.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

♥

1,000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Pages and Inspirations (1000 Series)

: share a shop day - The May Flower

2011-02-02T08:44:00.000-05:00

Cute Etsy shop of the day!

The May Flower

This girl has the cutest stuff. Like this adorable circle skirt:

Great for a date night.

And this headband.

Bling!

In love with this little black dress.

Can you tell I need a date night? We may have been married

for 20 years, but date night is still a priority.

The May Flower has just the right look for such an occasion.

She also has sweet cell phone charms. My kawaii-loving 13 year old niece who just got

her own phone will totally love this!

I love that the girl who owns this shop has a sense of humor too- just don't ask her to make anything with satin because it "is a pain in the kaboodle."

Each Wednesday I'll be featuring a shop with handmade, unique and totally cute stuff.

I'm calling it "share a shop day" :0)

♥

Thanks ever so much for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

just a test...

2011-02-01T19:54:00.002-05:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

: art journal, atc, and paper things and stuff

2011-01-30T08:27:00.000-05:00

Scrapbooking is good therapy. There's something about photos and words and pretty papers that have soothing qualities - especially when your subject is something important to you, something possibly unresolved and causing distress. I promise you- get it all onto a scrapbook page. See how you feel afterward.

It's not my favorite photo of my aunt, she had long, wavy dark brown hair as I remember her. Cancer gave her short, gray hair. But I like her smile in this one. Glad I made a scrapbook page with it.

ATCs- Artist Trading Cards - little works of art the size of a baseball trading card, are so fun to make! They are therapeutic too. Keep them on a spinner like this one from 7 Gypsies to you can see them all the time.

Side and cover to an old

Art journal.

I love it when they get all chunky and stuff sticks out all over.

Here's a new one:

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

be creative and enjoy

♥

: elegant etsy

2011-01-26T10:18:00.001-05:00

It's not just all fake mustaches and vintage dresses - which I think are super fun and cute -

there's also really elegant home decor and finely crafted accessories to make

your space, and your face, shine.

Fancy-up your space with sophisticated stuff like these finds from etsy:

Fabulous Chandelier Photo

by: NewcreatioNZ

Gorgeous wide cuff bracelet

by: Prittyfy

Amazing leather flower belt

by: Mano Bello

Adorable wall decals

by: Kinky Wall

Isn't it all too beautiful?

I love finding unique handmade things for my house and to give as fabulous gifts.

I'll leave you with this thought for the day:

I absolutely LOVE this. From: William Dohman

I totally need this on every wall of my house.

♥

: what's it like to be organized?

2011-01-25T11:11:00.000-05:00

As opposed to say, utter chaos.

Being organized is way different than having a routine. We have a routine here, have to because that's the only way to get along with little kids. But organization- that is my ultimate goal most of the time.

And usually its the little things I'd like to be organized, like my handbag.

It is the proverbial bottomless pit, large and unwieldy with not just my wallet, cell phone and a pretty tube of lip gloss, but it must hold:

sippy cup

lollipops

goldfish (crackers)

wipies

extra undies (just in case for the 2 year old)

baggie

nintendo ds

little word books

extra sweater

crayons

barbie doll

notebook

brush

sunglasses

There are crumbs in the bottom, and a half-eaten cookie from the grocery store bakery, a sticky spot from a banana and all sorts of miscellaneous barbie accessories. When I give my transaction to the teller at our bank, I apologize for the juice all over the deposit ticket.

But as the song says, "you're gonna miss this. you're gonna want this back."

So I suppose it is okay to be a disorganized mess for the time being.

And I think that it is why I like to be at my art desk, because it is organized and a completed project is such a good feeling. Here's a sweet little project:

Kids love seeing themselves as little paper dolls! The doll was super easy to make using an apron sticker and a cut out photo. Just have to get the proportions right and then embellish away.

I leave you with a dose of COLOR for the day:

Have a great Tuesday!

♥

: art journal and new pretties

2011-01-20T08:12:00.001-05:00

So why would anyone keep an art journal? Nobody ever looks at it, usually, except for the artist who keeps it. And its all bulky with stuff sticking out all over, so it isn't easy to store, doesn't lay flat in a drawer or stand up right on a shelf. Well. That's why an art journal is a good thing- stuff sticking out all over.

Sometimes it just feels good to make something for no reason whatsoever and experiment with color and texture to see what happens.

Freedom to just make. Not make sense.

But the quote stamp I came across in the ink/stamp drawer does indeed make sense:

I've had that art journal for a long time and its all good and fat with edges of things sticking out all over and every now and then a bit of glitter sprinkles out.

Here's a few new little goodies in the jewelry department:

Honey and bees earrings

(check out the linky party at The Speckled Dog!)

Sterling silver and blue organza necklace

And brass wrapped sterling silver hoop dangles. (will have those listed today)

Today I plan to just play with the kiddos all day- they've been really sick and a good play day is in order I think! Hopefully all the Northerners will take that yucky stomach bug back home with them.

Have a wonderful day!

♥

: etsy shop with bounteous goodies for your crafting pleasure

2011-01-19T08:40:00.001-05:00

This shop:

Bounty of Beads

does indeed carry a bounty.

Thirteen pages in her shop of such beautiful finds!

Accommodating she is as well- if you need more, just ask.

Would you enjoy being featured here? Just join the frenzy thread on Wednesdays.

here:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6747975

I love finding shops on etsy that have beautiful supplies like that!

now then.

Goal for today:

Have a lovely Wednesday and enjoy!

♥

: favorite color combinations

2011-01-17T16:37:00.002-05:00

I love to discover unusual color combinations for inspiration when I go to make a scrapbook page or do something in my art journal. Here are a few really good ones:

Chocolate and persimmon:

Pink and white and gray on curry:

Gold and persimmon on peacock:

Silver and night on pool:

All fine papers are from:

The gold and persimmon on peacock inspired this:

The three bees!

Here

Did you know that bees sometimes symbolize feminine energy?

I think that's cool.

♥

I have sick kids and husband, so I must go now.

Have a lovely Monday and go create something!

: project restyle - buttons galore belt

2011-01-11T07:09:00.000-05:00

Thank you project restyle ( go see abeautifulmess.com ) for getting me to actually complete this project.

**there is a flickr group with some very cool ideas for reusing unwanted stuff- go here:

Project Restyle

Don't judge me by the messy back:

I had a big pile of really old buttons, some still had the old thread in the holes - and I had begun sewing them to a very wide section of elastic years ago. And the project sat in a drawer. For years! Last week I finally completed the belt and I'm so happy its done.

Its very easy to do, just so dang labor intensive. The front half is covered in the buttons and the back half I sewed black grosgrain ribbon to cover the elastic and then big snaps for a closure.

The whole idea was prompted by an Anthropologie belt just like it, with all the buttons and of course it had a precious price to go along with it and being the crafty girl I am, I thought, "I can do that."

Thinking back on how long this took to finish, it would have been easier to just buy the belt.

But I have the satisfaction of knowing I made this one for just about nothing, with supplies I already had on hand.

Free is good!

Have a lovely Tuesday! Now go make something.

♥

: nowhere to run to, baby, nowhere to hide

2011-01-08T09:53:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to eat my breakfast and the 2 year old comes into the room jumping all over that she has to pee pee so I get up to help her, and I'm grateful that she is potty trained. Cereal is mush when I get back.

I'm trying to do the 30 day shred workout video (Jillian Michaels is kicking my butt) and the 6 year old wants to sit on the sofa and just watch me. So helpful of her to let me know that I'm doing it wrong. And I am grateful that I am able to stay at home and be a homeschooling mommy.

The little one lays on my tummy while I'm trying to do the crunches Jillian is yelling about on the TV. And I am grateful that she is just trying to help.

She then starts jumping all over, yelling she has to pee pee so I pause the dvd and go help...

I'm taking a shower and the big one runs in screaming that the little one hit her, so I get out and get them all settled and happy again and I'm grateful that they are such close sisters.

The little one is jumping all around, yelling about going pee.....

I'm trying to organize my things to take to the Franklin Shops to display before the Art Walk and the little one runs in hopping all over that she has to poop so I go help her, grateful that she is potty trained.

Trying to get my things together still while they both are saying 'MOM' over and over, ready to get out the door and what is taking so long, mom we are ready to go now. Are you ready yet? Is it time to go yet? MOM MOM MOM MOM.....

I drag my lil crew with me downtown and the little one doesn't want to be in the stroller, she wants to push. And I am grateful that she has such an independent spirit.

At the Franklin Shops, I am trying to set up my display and the little one grabs a gourmet dog treat from the display below mine. I am grateful she is so curious.

Then they run around screaming.

The little one has to pee. So does the big one now.

And I have nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide.

Oh well, let's go on to some good stuff:

I found this extremely fabulous tea pot at this etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/myeuropeantouch

Isn't it just decadent?

And this from this shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61218501/french-country-crystal-butterfly-cherub

That would do wonders for a plain tee and jeans.

My girls love this adorable brooch:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lbtoyos?ref=seller_info

Cute!

Have a wonderful weekend! I'm off to find a hiding place.

♥

: vintage cuteness

2011-01-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

What do you do with piles of really pretty vintage hankies?

They can sit around looking pretty.... (and collecting dust)

... or you can wear them around your neck:

These are hand stitched, with teeny tiny little glass beads sewn into the centers and backed with felt.

I love the colors and patterns and edges found on old handkerchiefs - they make for lovely floral accessories! So don't hide those vintage finds in your sock drawer. Wear them. :o)

Have a happy mid week!

♥

: bright, sunny, open, cheerful and tropical

2010-12-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

If ever you find yourself in downtown Fort Myers here in the sunshine state, you must make a stop at the Franklin Shops on First Street. The building is just about completed, being completely renovated and spaces have been made for people like me to come set up shop:

Tons of windows and a very open plan make this a wonderful space! There is even a loft for designers to host shows and introduce new lines and collections. (up at the top of that cool spiral staircase)

I've got a little square on the first floor.

So it isn't as impressive as this fabulous spot by an interior designer:

But its a start!

How amazing is that green wall?

I love the tropical feel and cheerfulness.

The streets downtown are so lovely. Brick lined and palm trees all over. Bliss.

The Franklin Shops on First Street

I think the place will be a pretty big hit.

Thank you Allison - just look what you did! Such a smart girl with amazing vision.

♥

Have a lovely Thursday!

: custom pendants from Makenzi and Madilyn and some fun stuff

2010-12-20T08:14:00.000-05:00

Working on some custom listings for fine silver charms. This one can hold up to four letters, and can be customized on the back as well:

Here's the link for ordering: fine silver pendant

It has a 16 inch sterling ball chain with that funny little ball chain clasp. I like that clasp a lot, because its so sturdy. You can wear these chains constantly and they hold up really well.

This larger one can hold a little message, or a few names, about three rows vertically.

Still working on a link for that one.

Wouldn't the "so in love" be a great gift for a new bride? I can't wait until someone I know gets engaged.

This one is really long, done in brass with stations of star shaped tourmaline beads.

Now for the fun stuff- have you seen this site: perpetual kid

They have the funniest things.

Like this:

And this:

I know mustaches are popular but I haven't quite caught on yet. Would be funny for photos- instead of the family jokester doing the bunny ears thing he does this mustache thing across peoples lips. hmm. I dunno. What do you think? The crayon pen though, I think is the best!

Happy Monday, have a lovely week. ♥

: new pretties and misc. stuff

2010-12-12T19:37:00.001-05:00

New things:

Natural brass butterfly necklace:

Fine silver pendant on hand dyed silk necklace:

(this one is going in The Franklin Shops )

Cutie vintage bubble gum pink flower brooch:

(isn't she cute??)

Tourmaline and sterling silver earrings:

Natural brass necklace and ceramic bead pendant:

I truly need a studio away from my home. There's stuff everywhere here in my house and while nobody seems to mind, I think I could be way more organized if I had space outside home for just art and making things.

So I'm really excited about the Franklin Shops opening this month! Not that it will be a studio, but it is sales away from here. Can't wait to see what everyone else is doing.

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

♥

: the wine of life. an ode to art of all sorts.

2010-12-06T08:57:00.001-05:00

Art is indeed not the bread but the wine of life. ~Jean Paul Richter

It does not matter what it is that you create with- paper, clay, paint, ink, plastic, photos, metal...

it is all "the wine of life." It is the extra, not necessarily needed but very much enjoyed stuff of life

that makes everything more beautiful and rich.

Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable. ~George Bernard Shaw

(Could you imagine a world without art?)

Baking and cooking, photography, embroidery, decorating, sewing... it is all a form of art.

Collecting is an art form also.

Writing, digital design, furniture construction... all art.

photo by gogoloopie on flickr

Fashion, clothing design, styling... all art.

Audrey Hepburn

Art Print

Buy at AllPosters.com

Don't you just love Audrey? Her style is indeed an art.

Photoshop also, art.

What else is art? What do you do?
Here are some favorite places I go to see what other people do and create:

http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/

http://amytangerine.blogspot.com/

http://julieannshahin.blogspot.com/

http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/

http://materialgirlsblog.com/

http://dinastamps.typepad.com/

Of course there are more.
But these are some favorites and I hope you've enjoyed my little post.
Have a lovely Monday!

♥

: before and after photo

2010-12-04T07:14:00.000-05:00

This is Mick. He's the coolest cat because unlike your average, aloof, uppity feline, Mick loves people.

He's sort of like a dog that way. Just wants to be loved and rubbed. You can even pat his head and grab his tail. He loves it. Its a good thing too, because my girls drag him all over the place, even putting hats on him and little doll clothes... and he's pretty okay with it.

I thought this was a pretty good photo of him:

But I LOVE how this looks with my favorite Pioneer Woman photoshop actions:

Boost + Slight lighten + Define and Sharpen + Quick edge burn

What a handsome guy.

Cannot live without those actions now that they are in my life. If you have photoshop and don't have the Pioneer Woman set, go to her blog and click on photography, then photoshop actions.

Even little tomatoes can look pretty with some tweaking:

Now they look like little fairies are growing them:

Boost x2 + Slight lighten + Lovely and Etheral

Love that the simplest things can be so beatuiful.

Speaking of fairies and lovely and etheral-

this is one of my favorite jewelry pieces:

It is hand dyed silk ribbon, wrapped with citrine and peridot beads which are strung on sterling silver wire. Wrapped and wrapped until its all bundled up. I wish I could figure out how many carats of semi precious gems are in this necklace, because its quite a bit.

The clasp is nice and heavy natural brass.

It is here:

Makenzi and Madilyn etsy store

And speaking of Etsy stores- I had to share the best candles ever:

This latest one I ordered is coconut cream pie.

I've also had a tropical scented one from the same seller and it is heavenly!

All natural soy with a wooden wick.

You can find them here: Caribbean scents

As I love anything island-y and tropical, this is a favorite seller of mine.

The bath whip is good too.

(and its just fun to say "bath whip")

Have a wonderful weekend!

♥

: the best pair of pants EVER.

2010-12-01T14:41:00.000-05:00

It's no secret, I'm an anthropologie lover.

But I'm frugal most of the time, and I mostly only shop in the sale section.

So this is like a public service announcement, for you sale lovers that want to get something really cute for yourself:

First, the jacket.

This jacket is still there, in the sale section and I have no idea why because it is FABULOUS and I would think that it should have sold out at regular price long ago. I wore it today and felt like a million bucks. Its perfect for cooler Florida weather like we had today because it isn't lined but is still a nice weight and a bit stretchy. The cuffs are just the cutest ever. Cinches in a bit at the waist which is always a good thing. If you need a casual jacket, go get this one!

Okay, now, these pants.

OMG. They are the best ever. Been looking for skinny leg pants for a really long time, ones that don't look ridiculous and strange. They're called 'world over cargos' and I know why, because I will wear them the world over. The fit is absolutely perfect and the fabric is heavy and drapey, if you can get drapey fabric out of a skinny leg pant, (not sure how they did that) and the pockets and everything are just great. Zippers on the inside ankle are such a cool detail. Not many left, but still some there in the sale section. You will love them.

And then there's this tee. SO neat. And it was only $19.95. Bargain, because the details are just way cool.

On to some lovely inspiration from Graphic 45:

Isn't it beautiful? I know everybody else everywhere is all winter themed stuff but I'm not a snow or winter person and I'm ready for spring.

On that note, I found this WONDERFUL site with the cutest girl:

The Fancy Farm Girl

She is indeed fancy and a farm girl as well.

And has the sweetest studio.

Alrighty folks, that's all my super duper finds for the day, have a lovely mid week! ♥

: seashells, sayings and scrapbook stuff

2010-11-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

First the sayings and scrapbook stuff. There were all sorts of lovely scrapbook things in the October kit from For the Luv of Art:

Whenever I have a few minutes while my oldest is working on school work and I don't really have anything to do, but I need to be nearby for her constant questions, I like to make a few cards. That's really why I love to have a kit on hand, so I don't have to go and put together all the stuff. Its already there in the bag.

Live, love and enjoy sticker is from My Minds Eye - I think its more of that lost and found collection.

This paper is exclusive to For the Luv of Art- isn't the dress form pretty?

And the stamps are exclusive too. Love them.

On to the shells.

Decided to let my girls do my dirty work for me. They were happy to oblige.

"Hey you two, wanna pick off the spines from these urchins?"

"YEAH!!"

They did a pretty good job.

They even washed off the sand from the big one my sister in law found.

This is why I wanted the urchins and shells cleaned:

I love organic, natural looking textures and wanted to incorporate a beachy feel to some new fine silver pieces. I found the urchins near my spot on the beach last week and while I mourned their little lives, ( they were empty and dead already) I thought the bumps and grooves would be fabulous.

Just got some new pieces out of the kiln - hope to work on them tonight!

Will post new pics on the twit pic thing next week.

Have a lovely weekend ♥

: just a pretty picture.

2010-11-23T07:52:00.000-05:00

I have never had a flowering plant with blue flowers.

Until now- and they are the sweetest little blooms!

Its a Blue Butterfly Bush. (Clerodendrum somethingorother is the technical name.)

This one is planted in our back yard and gets shade for the first part of the day, and evening sun.

Which is when I took this photo, in the later part of the day- and I used my new lens, the 50mm one that gives you the really great blurred background.

Decided to do a series of pretty floral photos and have them printed up to hang on this annoyingly blank wall in my bathroom.

So this will be the first one-

used some actions courtesy of The Pioneer Woman ( I love her) and it made all the difference:

Boost x2 + Slight lighten + Quick edge burn, about half opacity.

Planning on 3 framed prints, so this will be number one, but I don't have any other blue flowering plants in my yard so I'm off to find some at the park and the beach this week!

Have a lovely Tuesday ♥

: what I did yesterday and the day before.

2010-11-20T20:44:00.001-05:00

I sat in this chair.

I hung my sweatshirt on this tree.

I read this book.

I looked for seashells and stuff around the same place I hung my sweatshirt.

And I completely forgot about every little thing that makes me feel stress.

It was good.

♥

.

: fun with cupcakes, butterflies, stars and other sparkly stuff.

2010-11-12T12:13:00.001-05:00

With two little kids, everything has to be quick and easy. No matter what it is.

I wanted to make the cupcakes for a special celebration look 'fairy-ish' and fancy but I don't have a lot of time here.

Scrapbook stuff to the rescue!

I used a chipboard star from Magistical Memories, my circle punch, and some mini letter stickers to make this cute star topper:

If your frosting skills are less than - well, just less, like mine, this makes cupcakes look like you actually put effort into decorating.

I found these cute little wire butterflies from Fortheluvofart.com and twisted lightweight floral wire around them and stuck them randomly into some of the cupcakes. Its pretty adorable.

Although someone has already eaten 2 cupcakes.

Then I had my 6 year old come up with something to write on the kitchen chalkboard. It doesn't make total sense, but its pretty sweet.

Then for the banners. Also had to be quick and easy.

All the papers are cut from the Lost and Found collection from My Mind's Eye scrapbook papers.

Just cut out triangles and machine stitch to ribbon.

While the sewing machine was out, I decided to use up this pretty sequin trim on a thrift store find for my 2 year old:

She thought it was pretty fancy.

And there you have it.

All very quick and easy!

Have a happy Friday and enjoy the beautiful weekend.

♥

: what to do with the little mini instant book

2010-11-06T09:13:00.000-04:00

Using the book from this post: my first instant book from the book, how to make books

I decided to make a card for an upcoming anniversary celebration:

I'll show you just the first page- the rest is sorta personal. That's the nice thing about this little mini book, as a card its great because you can say so much! Sure, you can buy a card and just stick it on the present. But this will likely get looked at more than once. ( plus I know the recipient appreciates handmade stuff)

Did you know some people do not understand handmade things? I think its strange. But its true.

There are people who look at scrapbooks or handmade cards and say, "huh. so you stuck a bunch of stuff on there." And then toss it aside. Don't make this for those people.

Have you ever made anything for someone who didn't appreciate it? Its weird.

I got all happy about this stapler- you can see the teeny tiny staples in the bottom corner of the card in the above photo- Tim Holtz has the best ideas. This is the best stapler ever. The staples are like, a quarter of the size of a normal big staple. Cute!

I think its the little things that make paper crafting come alive. The smaller the details, the more interesting a page becomes, and however much care is put into those details, it shows.

But that's just me.

The 'beautiful' stamp and various pretties in these projects are from For the Luv of Art

They have the best kits!

Happy Saturday- I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

♥