Scott's

Christmas Manifesto

2011-12-02T11:04:00.001-04:00

7 Little Things That Make Life Effortless

2011-10-11T18:38:00.002-04:00

Great advice by Leo Babauta- found via Ali Edward's.

August Break-Day 10

2011-08-10T17:11:00.002-04:00

August Break-Day 9

2011-08-09T15:01:00.001-04:00

August Break-Day 6

2011-08-06T10:14:00.001-04:00

August Break-Day 4

2011-08-04T10:20:00.002-04:00

August Break-Day 3

2011-08-03T16:34:00.002-04:00

August Break-Day 2

2011-08-02T11:06:00.002-04:00

August Break-Day 1

2011-08-01T11:04:00.002-04:00

A Week in the Life

2011-07-22T17:02:00.003-04:00

This next Monday, July 25th is the start of Ali Edward's Week in the Life project. I have been reading all her posts on how to prepare for this project and will continue to do so, although I want to wait till school starts again and document a typical week then. I might follow along now by blogging here, not sure yet.

PR Scrapbook Convention

2011-06-13T21:54:00.007-04:00

The convention was awesome!!! I am so inspired by all the teachers we had. Made a mini journal with Tim Holtz, mini album with Heiddi Swapp, this canvas heart album with Donna Downey plus various layouts with Margie Romney, Trisha Ladouceur and Glitz Girls.

Now-add my photos and any finishing touches on all my layouts and albums (which means I have lots of homework to do).

Scrapbooking Again

2011-06-01T13:14:00.002-04:00

It all started when I purchased my Project Life kit. Not only have I been recording the weekly happenings of our family, but it has encouraged me to create traditional scrapbook layouts of some of our special photos/memories. It seems now I have caught scrapbooking fever!

The layout above was inspired by Shimelle's 4x6 Photo Love class for the month of January.

Blogging for Scrapbookers

2011-03-21T16:37:00.004-04:00

One of my goals for 2011 is to scrapbook more. In an attempt to actually do this-I purchased Becky Higgins Project Life kit. I am also following Ali Edward's as she works on her own PL album. So far, so good. I am keeping up and it has encouraged me to make additional 12 x 12 layouts.

Another goal for this year is to blog more. So- when I found out Shimelle was hosting a class titled Blogging for Scrapbookers I signed up. I hope to learn how to use my blog to help me along with my scrapbooking and, as a result, increase my blogging.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T09:08:00.003-04:00

February: month of Love

2011-02-27T09:53:00.005-04:00

Together

2011-02-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year

2010-12-29T21:36:00.003-04:00

Away for a while but will be back in 2011!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:22:00.003-04:00

Eye Candy

2010-12-22T09:47:00.003-04:00

In Focus-Photo tips

2010-12-16T09:31:00.001-04:00

Really enjoying and learning a lot from Shimelle's In Focus Daily Photo Tips-part of her Journal Your Xmas class.

December Daily-Day 4

2010-12-07T11:14:00.000-04:00

My first layout using Photoshop Elements!

2010-12-05T12:06:00.002-04:00

I just spent 2+ hours trying to figure out how to use Ali Edward's layered templates in photoshop elements. I am new to photoshop and this was quite a challenge, but I did it!!!!!!!!
This year I am trying to use Ali's overlays and templates for my December Daily album. I love her beautiful handwritten word art.

December Daily-Day 1

2010-12-02T13:58:00.004-04:00

Journal Your Xmas 2010

2010-12-01T10:18:00.004-04:00

Day 1 of Shimelle's Journal your Xmas!!!

December Daily

2010-11-10T19:58:00.004-04:00

Will be attempting to follow Ali Edward's December Daily project. Not sure ,yet, which album cover I should do...

This year I am planning a very calm, homey, subdued Xmas time dedicated to baking, crafting and capturing with photos those everyday moments.

iPhone Photography

2010-11-05T19:02:00.002-04:00

Xmas Magic

2010-11-05T18:58:00.004-04:00

I am absolutely loving Creature Comforts Gifted e-zine

.

August Break-day29

2010-08-29T15:17:00.001-04:00

Jellies...

August Break-day 28

2010-08-28T08:52:00.001-04:00

August Break-day 25

2010-08-25T09:07:00.004-04:00

Rooftops

August Break-day 24

2010-08-24T07:02:00.001-04:00

August Break-day 17

2010-08-17T07:07:00.002-04:00

Choppy waters...

August Break-day 6

2010-08-06T07:50:00.002-04:00

Building bridges-is similar to taking baby steps. One small baby step that leads to another baby step and another until you reach your goal. When it seems too far away...too distant...start building bridges to reach the other side.

August Break-day 5

2010-08-05T07:53:00.001-04:00

August Break-day 4

2010-08-04T09:41:00.003-04:00

This photo was taken in Cancun at a small, family restaurant.

August Break-day 3

2010-08-03T07:48:00.002-04:00

August Break-day 2

2010-08-02T11:06:00.001-04:00

August Break-day 1

2010-08-01T10:42:00.007-04:00

This is the first day of the August Break with Susannah Conway. There are no rules. A picture a day or whenever you can, of whatever you want, with or without writing. Simple.

This is what I have been up to lately-

painting the house...

Stripes

2010-07-17T09:26:00.005-04:00

The theme for this week's Echo is STRIPES. Check out Susan's and Christy's blogs for their interpretation. Here is mine.

iPhone Photography

2010-05-15T18:24:00.008-04:00

After seeing these images taken by LKLudwig with her iphone...I am seriously considering switching from my present cell phone to an iphone. All the applications...all the possibilities...Sigh!

...and to top it off, she is offering a new class The Camera in Your Pocket where she will give tips for taking great iphone photos and how to use all the different applications available.

If I already had an iphone, I would definetely sign up...

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:47:00.001-04:00

Spring Roid Week

2010-05-03T13:04:00.004-04:00

Today is the first day of this year's Polaroid Spring Week on Flickr.

A Spring Gift

2010-04-18T12:29:00.002-04:00

This beautiful flower looks and smells its best at night. I was doing the dishes after dinner when I saw it through the kitchen window over my sink. I have lived here three years but this is the first year I have noticed it. It hangs from a small tree that is growing in my front/side patio. I am so happy to have it because at night I can enjoy its beautiful scent as I cook and clean in my kitchen. I am not completely sure, but I know of a flower called Nighttime Lady that only blossoms at night and I think this could be it.

V-Day leftovers

2010-02-18T13:01:00.002-04:00

Been playing around with editing tools I found on my computer. This canvas effect is my favorite.

Working on this...

2010-02-11T18:43:00.003-04:00

Have fallen in love with this crochet heart. I have made a couple and plan to use as a garland-hope to have them finished in time. You can find tutorial at Skip to My Lou.

1 Year Blog Birthday!!!

2010-01-28T10:35:00.003-04:00

Unbelievable coincidence...decided to check date I started blogging and realized it was exactly January 28 of 2009...one year from today. I had no idea of this as I sat down today to finally write again after taking some time off blogland. So I guess a celebration is in order!

Hello 2010

2010-01-28T10:20:00.002-04:00

This is my first post of the year-2010. After the hectic holidays I decided I needed a small "blog vacation". Now that everything is back to normal -kids have started school- I am ready to start blogging again :)

Happy New Year!!!!!!

2009-12-30T05:25:00.001-04:00

Merry Christmas!!!!

2009-12-24T15:07:00.003-04:00

Merry Christmas!!!!

2009-12-24T15:04:00.001-04:00

The Joy Diet-Laughter

2009-12-19T11:44:00.001-04:00

Indeed, laughter is the best medicine.

Getting Ready

2009-12-14T14:12:00.006-04:00

Got the lights on the tree...twice. Learned the hard way that you must plan ahead so you can connect to outlet at the end.

Tree with lights and ornaments...

Ooops, forgot the star!

Well, at least the dog is completely ready and waiting for Santa.

Changing Decorations

2009-12-04T13:43:00.002-04:00

Saying goodbye to Thanksgiving decorations. Putting away the pumpkins and all the orange and brown. Bringing out the Xmas tress, the lights, the stockings, the ornaments and lots of red and gold and silver.

Full Cold Moon Dreamboard

2009-12-02T16:49:00.002-04:00

For this dreamboard I went through various magazines and chose those images that caught my attention. I worked quickly and without thinking ahead of time about hidden meanings. Looking at my board now I would say I am ready for a fresh and new start in this coming year-2010. New paths to walk with faithful companions. Simplicity is key as is native wisdom and closeness to nature. Somehow I always tend to include some form of light as a metaphor for guidance-in this case as lanterns. (Living in a warm climate all year explains the absence of winter clothes.)

A Vessel for Your Work

2009-11-29T16:42:00.002-04:00

I have been experimenting with altering my digital photos in different ways following an e course I am taking with LK Ludwig. In the above photo I used watersoluble crayons and colored over a photo I had taken. Since I am not good at drawing I find this technique really useful for creating images which I can also use in my journals.

A few days after I did this photo, I stumbled upon this post at Jen Lee's about creative work and the vessels that deliver them. Magazines, books, e-courses, etc...are all examples of different vessels we use to deliver our work. Many times we find we have creative work sitting there just waiting for the right vessel to deliver it.

Now when I look at this photo I am reminded of that post which has prompted me to start thinking of what vessels I use or need to use to carry my work.

Thanks Jen!

The Joy Diet-Play

2009-11-27T11:28:00.003-04:00

Although the title of this chapter is Play-what Martha Beck is really talking about is how to make your work become play. When your job is something you enjoy doing it becomes more work than play. Ideally, your job should be aligned with your life's calling. It should be your career, more so than just a job. I know from personal experience there is nothing more frustrating than working at something that brings no satisfaction.

Taking things less seriously is another way to make work seem like play. I don't mean being irresponsible, but loosening up a bit can make you even more productive and better at what you do than actually worrying a lot. And this brings us to the next chapter-Laughter...

The Joy Diet-Treats

2009-11-19T21:41:00.003-04:00

Martha Beck suggests we treat ourselves to something we desire at least three times a day. As mentioned before, this is part of the risk training program. Use treats as encouragement to help you take risks.

I had no problem choosing a pic to illustrate this concept. Also, made my own list of treats to encourage me to take risks.

Let's see how this goes...

The Joy Diet-Risk

2009-11-17T11:19:00.003-04:00

It took me a while to find a picture to represent risk-I finally found this one. An acrobat risking a fall becomes the metaphor for taking risks in our lives. Sometimes these risks can be small but feel big to us. Other times they are actually big, but we take them because we believe there is something better waiting for us on the other side.

Martha Beck suggests we give ourselves a treat three times a day to encourage and reward risk taking. These treats can be very simple as long as they make us smile. Once you get in the habit of taking daily risks you will realize that it becomes much easier to do. You will have trained yourself to take risks.

Let the training begin!

The Joy Diet- Creativity

2009-11-09T12:14:00.005-04:00

This chapter caused quite a stir. I actually thought it was good, except for her controversial suggestion to list the traits of people you dislike and then imitate those traits. The idea behind this is that what you hate about others is probably something you are lacking (in a good way). For example, if you think someone is very selfish that means you are probably the type of person who never takes into consideration your own needs and you should try a little selfishness once in a while.

I thought this chapter was going to be all about doing artsy stuff and increasing your creative awareness. What Martha Beck meant however, was to get creative in the process of brainstorming ways to fulfill your desires. I liked her technique of doing one thing differently as you go through your day and see how that triggers new ideas. (take a different route to work, wear a silly hat while you cook). Sounds like fun!

Full Frost Moon Dreamboard

2009-11-02T17:16:00.003-04:00

This month's full moon dreamboard is a response to the question What are your plans for the rest of 2009?

I see the last two months of this year as a time to finish any pending projects and gather myself together for a new year full of new goals and renewed strength to accomplish them. Time to throw out what isn't working (thus the trash can on far right corner) and in with the new.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:18:00.005-04:00

Couldn't resist the urge to show this pic of my son dressed up as Michael Jackson this Halloween and practicing his dance moves...

and this is my daughter who has been dressing up all week for school - they call this week Spirit Week and each day everyone goes dressed up following different themes-

This day they all had to wear black t-shirts and paint their faces with different geometrical figures imitating the works of art of a well-known local painter-Brito. He is known for his use of bright colors and shapes.

This is a foam replica made by students of one of his paintings.

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

The Joy Diet-Desire

2009-10-18T13:11:00.003-04:00

Well, I had some trouble with my scanner and ended up taking a photo of my vision card, instead. I have known my most important desire for a while now, but am having a hard time following through with it. This photo from a magazine represents to me my desire for creative work that will keep me financially independent and at the same time allow me time with my kids.

Funny that Jamie mentioned many didn't articulate their desires as such. She asks if fear might be the reason behind coming out and actually declaring what is your heart's desire at this moment. I finally posted mine, but it took me a whole week to do so and will be posting twice this week since we are already on to the next ingredient-creativity. I did have some scanner problems, but I think I also have to admit to some fear.

Well, on to creativity and how this leads to helping achieve your desires.

Wishcasting Wednesday

2009-10-14T17:52:00.003-04:00

Jamie Ridler's question for this Wednesday is What do you Wish to Let Go?

This question was easy for me to answer. I wish to let go of FEAR. As a boat drifting away, I wish fear would leave and be replaced by courage and faith to allow for new beginnings. To give new things a try and even if it doesn't quite turn out as expected, to be happy to have at least given it a try.

Sweet and Sinister Swap

2009-10-12T10:14:00.006-04:00

My swap partner, Elizabeth from Bluebirds and Bubbles, sent me all these Halloween goodies!

The color theme was black and white.

Below is a picture of her handmade item-

I felt like a little kid on Christmas Day, opening up all the carefully packaged treats. It was great!

The only thing that didn't survive the trip over were the chocolates! We have been having very, very hot weather-92F.

PS. Follow the link to her site so you can see what I sent her...I forgot to take pictures before I sent it off.

Full Harvest Moon Dreamboard

2009-10-04T17:27:00.004-04:00

Abundance is the theme of this dreamboard.

I chose tables set for dinner with autumn decor to represent sharing abundance with family and good friends. A warm fire in the background, a welcome matt, autumn colors and pumpkins and a pair of tomatoes.

The Joy Diet-Truth

2009-10-02T13:05:00.002-04:00

Week two of The Joy Diet brings us

These images of white and clear objects to me are symbolic of truth. What truth? Ah...that is the difficult part. Martha Beck tells us that through stillness-nothing-we arrive at truth.

I tried meditating the other day and was surprised at how much anxiety I felt. I kept thinking about how I needed a timer to let me know when the 15 min. were over. After that, I was itchy all over-I kept scratching my leg and my arm-etc...I guess these are all the mind's way of distracting us from arriving at the truth.

I am going to keep doing "nothing" for 15 min. but I think next time I'll try sitting outside and looking at nature. I have done this before and it is very calming.

I do think I have arrived at this nothing state when I am doing other routine things like driving, art journaling, writing and cooking. Actually, driving the kids to two different schools in the am and then picking up in the afternoon is when my mind wanders the most. I know I should be more alert while driving, but I have to admit that my mind often drifts away. I get great ideas that just seem to appear out of nowhere. I think I have uncovered a lot of truths about my life this way.

Arriving at the truth is an ongoing process. I like the idea of thinking about the stories I am telling myself and changing those that are not "working" to better ones. Well, off to edit some stories now...

The Joy Diet-Nothing Week

2009-09-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

The first ingredient in this diet is NOTHING! Yes, learning to take 15-20 min. a day to just sit and quiet the mind. Emptying your mind allows you to free up space needed for other new creative thoughts.

So, as a reminder of this I made a mini collage card that I have kept next to my computer.

Days 7-14 (21 Day Challenge)

2009-09-21T11:41:00.006-04:00

So this is what's been happening with the 21 day challenge. I have been printing on cardstock the colored inspirational quotes and making into small cards. They are all so pretty!

Then I have been cutting out the words and adhering to the gessoed pages of an altered book I keep.
I used a stick to draw some swirls on left side of page and will add journaling at a later time.
Day 6 Imagination
Day 7 Energy
Day 8 Action
Day 9 Develop
Day 10 Creative
Day 11 Enthusiasm
Day12 Live
Day 13 Desire

and the word for today, Day 14, is CONCENTRATE.
Yes, concentrate on today and not tomorrow nor yesterday. Live in the present, in the moment. This sounds easy, but really is hard to do. I know I am always worrying about tomorrow. So, today I will try to keep my mind concentrated on the moment-Monday, September 21, 2009.

The Joy Diet

2009-09-18T13:40:00.003-04:00

Today we started The Joy Diet with Jamie Ridler. Not a physical diet, but a spiritual one. A diet that will help bring the spirit of joy into our lives. Unlike other diets this is a diet that can be happily followed.

I can't wait...

Day 6 Action

2009-09-13T18:55:00.003-04:00

Love the pink frame. I don't have photoshop so I don't know how to do things like this-but I wish I did! Find this here. I struggle with this one. I am good at reading and pondering and planning, but actually doing something is the hardest. I am trying to get better at this. Taking action in baby steps is helpful.
In her book The Artist Way Julia Cameron says that once we commit and take action the Universe will help you. Everything will start to fall in its place and unexpected doors will open. But, you must take that first step-even if it is a small one.

Day 5 Energy

2009-09-13T18:34:00.003-04:00

Having fibromyalgia means my energy is limited. I have to decide daily what is really important and do that first while my energy is high. Crafting/art journaling has given me more energy because I feel so happy when I do it. I can harness this energy and use it then to do other things.

Day 4 Imagination

2009-09-13T18:20:00.003-04:00

I just love these quotes and pretty illustrations Rhonna is giving us for her 21 day challenge. Find them here.

Imagination is what gives our dreams color. Let your imagination loose and see what happens.

Day 3 Effective

2009-09-11T20:13:00.006-04:00

To be effective in achieving our goals we have to visualize them first. Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve so that when roadblocks appear you remain true to your vision.

I changed my mind as to how I am going to keep journaling these 21 days. Decided to make cards out of the colored quotes and use the black/white words for journaling in a notebook.

Day 2 Journey

2009-09-10T14:33:00.006-04:00

And so the journey begins-

Sometimes the hardest part of a journey is the beginning-actually taking that first step. This reminds me of a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

Day 1 Power

2009-09-10T14:03:00.007-04:00

Joined the 21 day challenge with Rhonna Farrer. I am making a mini album using brown lunch bags for the day and Rhonna's beautiful daily words of inspiration. I am loving all the blue and pink colors, the scrolls and swirls she uses. I can't remember where I got the brown bag idea-I know I saw it on someone's scrapbooking blog. As soon as I find out I'll let you know as I don't want to borrow ideas without giving due credit!

I wasn't sure what to commit to for 21 days so I decided I would commit myself to finishing things I have already begun and have left undone. In other words, not procrastinating anymore and seeing things through till they are completed. I have a tendency to start many things and then leave them all half done. So, here we go...

Capture Your Dream-mini album

2009-09-07T09:04:00.009-04:00

Here are a few more pages of my CYD mini-album.

This is the journaling pocket I made for the five photos that are on the Believe page.

Each of these pictures inspires me in some way to believe in my dreams. I added the flower and fabric to cover a mistake and actually like it better this way. I am practicing allowing myself to make mistakes when I work and just thinking of it as an opportunity for embellishing!

My self-portrait page.

These are my top five dreams with the center one being the most important one to me.

My Tools page-what I will need to help me fulfill my main dream.

The statue represents communication, heart = passion and the wheel hard work.

I am working on the final page and a letter to myself tucked in a pretty envelope which will also be added to the album.

Dreamboard

2009-09-04T08:40:00.004-04:00

This month I am participating in Jamie Ridler's full moon dreamboard -

My dreamboard represents my desire to earn a living working at something I love. I would like to be my own boss. I dream about my own French style-flea market shop. These pictures represent some of the items I would sell at my shop. Crafting a Business by Kathie Fitzgerald is the title of a book I bought to help me one day fulfill this dream. Most of the other images on my board come from this summer's issue of Flea Market Style magazine.

Welcome September

2009-09-01T18:02:00.004-04:00

Lazy summer days are definetely over. Time to go back to school and the start of my favorite part of the year-September through December. These months always seem so festive, with an endless opportunity for crafting. I am ready.

PS. It's also my birthday month!

Capture Your Dream

2009-08-19T13:17:00.007-04:00

Been busy working on my Capture Your Dream journal. We are near the end of the workshop and I wanted to share some of my work.

The two layouts above are from the first week day 3 and are titled Glimpses of Me. ( I have to add the title). The photos represent five of my distinguishing traits. Home, balance, crafty, lover of French culture and reader.

The two layouts below are from week 2 day 4-Looking through the Hourglass.

We had to choose two important dreams from our past which came true. There is an acrylic sheet on top of the photos to give the illusion of glass. I didn't have Staz On ink in white so I used a white china marker to draw the frames. It is hard to see since photos have been blurred. As soon as I get some white Staz ON ink I'd like to embellish some more.

I chose becoming a Mother and completing my Special Ed internship.

Sorry-I had to really blur the photo below because it is of a student.

There is a tutorial for making your journal's cover but I have skipped that part in order to catch up with the group. I will do it instead at the end.

I'll be posting again some other finished pages as I get them done.

Flowers, flowers everywhere

2009-08-16T12:29:00.013-04:00

Such beautiful flowers everywhere ...

These (below) were decorating a store's window.

Even pretty fake ones! This flower garland (below) is made from crepe paper. The town was celebrating harvest weekend and all the streets and shops were decorated with flowers and wheat stalks. We were told they spend months ahead making these decorations.

Summer Vacation

2009-08-08T17:08:00.009-04:00

Back from my summer trip to Paris! My father is retired and every year during the summer they rent a house boat and travel the canals of France. This year I met them in Paris and then we cruised part of the Loire and Loing canal. I had a GREAT time eating and drinking wine, shopping in Paris and enjoying the beautiful country scenery of a few little towns about an hour from Paris that we visited by boat.

This is the house boat my parents rented-where I stayed for 2 1/2 weeks. My father is unsuccesfully trying to get a WiFi connection (this explains why I was not able to post anything until I got back).

I bought the red flowers on the top of the boat at a small market in Montargis. Boat owners usually decorate their boats/barges with beautiful blooming flowers.

This is a tourist boat that you can ride around the city of Paris and view the sights from it.

This is a view from our boat as we leave Paris. On the side are other boats, actually barges that have become homes and remain anchored.

I took the photo of the Eiffel tower from our boat-we went right by it.

Beautiful houses and flowers everywhere.

Well-must go now and cook dinner for kids...Yeah-back to reality.

Stay tuned-will be posting more photos.

This is a view of the Loing canal -about 1 hr. from Paris-We anchored on the side of the riverbank and explored the town.

Taking Flight

2009-07-11T20:38:00.004-04:00

A few months ago I bought Kelly Rae's book Taking Flight which I read in two days. Loved it. So inspiring. After visiting her blog I was led to a ning group where members were working together on each activity presented in her book. I am so happy to have found such a group because I needed some encouragement to continue.

Although the group is already finishing the book, anyone can jump in and follow along.
I just finished the mixed media collage shown above from the activity in Chap. 5.
Have had lots of fun playing around with acrylics which is something new to me.

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-04T09:41:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!!!!!!!
Be back on Monday.

Wreck This Journal

2009-06-27T18:19:00.007-04:00

I bought two of these books-one for my daughter (12 yrs old) and one for myself. I have been art journaling for a few months on my own and thought this book would be a good way to also get my daughter into art journaling. She has a great eye for color combo and loves to draw. So, I decided this could become a mother-daughter summer project. At the time, I had no idea how CRAZY this book is. Each page of this book has a different activity for you to do. However, some pages are really "crazy"-like burn this page. Needless to say we haven't done that one, yet. Here are some of the pages we have completed.

We sit together and choose a page to work on and then we each do that page-no peeking allowed-and then we show each other what we have done.

On the right side is my page and on the left my daughter's page.

On the left is my daughter's page, mom to the right.

Here starts the crazyness-On the left is my page and on the right is my daughter's. And I thought I had been destructive by crumpling and tearing the page...look at what she did to her page (actually my journal page).

You can definetely tell who is the Mom and who the child. Hint: mine looks like a grocery list-LOL.

If you want to see what other people have been up to with their journals-check The Next Chapter.

Studio Redo-part 2

2009-06-23T22:47:00.005-04:00

These are the pictures I was missing from the last post. This is the bulletin board painted all white.

and these are the new shelves my Dad installed in the closet, which I painted white.

Studio Redo

2009-06-15T13:08:00.006-04:00

I haven't been posting much lately because I have been working on organizing and making my studio look prettier. Ever since I saw all those photos of pretty white furniture and decor I have been trying to re-create that look in my studio. Here are some photos of things I have painted white and how everything is starting to come together.

I painted this bulletin board you see in photo below-white.

And also painted white the top part of this board which I bought at a discounted price.

The closet doors you see in the background are mirror doors but I turned them around when I saw that the other side was white. I also painted the easel white since my son had written all over the white board and blackboard part with permanent markers. He apologized later saying he thought he had used the erasable white board markers.

After-

Hmmm... can't find the after photo of the white blackboard. Ok- I'll do this in parts then. Next post I'll show the rest of the photos.

Yart Sale- June 10-14th

2009-06-10T21:15:00.003-04:00

I am participating in Etsy's Second Annual Yart Sale. This sale is organized by the Etsy Supply Street Team and all shops are welcome to participate. I have a section marked Yart Sale where all jewelery has a 10% discount from listed price. I will be adding some more items over the weekend.

Won a Giveaway!

2009-06-07T14:52:00.004-04:00

Yeah!!!!!

This is the first giveaway I have ever won. I am so excited!!!!!

Won this pretty altered book by Julie Thompson over on A Year of Color group.

Thanks, Kari and Julie.

Yellow

2009-06-03T22:38:00.004-04:00

Yes, yellow is the color for the month of June at the Year of Color group. I do love this color because it reminds me of the sun, energy and happiness. Yellow makes me think of all those bright yellow smiley suns I drew as a kid.

I hope to be posting again more often, but I was sick with this head cold that just took forever to go away. Finally, I am feeling more like my usual self and have more energy.

I will say goodbye now with this sunny, yellow collage.

Everyday Green

2009-05-18T17:37:00.016-04:00

The color for the month for May in a YOC http://artsymama.blogspot.com/ is green and Kari has asked us to post our everyday green. I was so excited that I already have mine ready. I know I won't be able to show any autumn nor winter photos, so I went all out with my green ones! Hope you enjoy them.

This is one of my favorite pics-lemon tree in my back yard. I almost cut it down because it was not producing any lemons!!Glad I didn't. Now I can't keep up with it-see pic below.

The above pic is of my little front garden and pathway. The red tile is used a lot here in Puerto Rico.

All the above are pics of plants around my house. It has been raining a lot for the last two weeks. I don't like it when it rains because it makes me sad, I decided to find the beauty in the rain and stepped outside between rain showers to take these pics.

I took this pic through my car window, using zoom lens. Was amazed it came out so well!

These trees are all over the place and bloom now in the spring.

for the love of small things

2009-05-13T12:35:00.015-04:00

I admire people who have the guts to wear BIG pieces of nice, show stopping accessories. Be it a pair of big hoop earrings, a bunch of bangle bracelets, a necklace with a large pendant or strands of long necklaces all worn together. Not only do you need the right body frame to wear it, but the confidence to go with it.

This is a pair of big hoop earrings I bought but, as you can see, have not worn yet.

I like how it looks on other people, but when I try it on myself , it just doesn't look right. I know this is probably due to the fact that I am 5'1" with an all around small bone structure ( aka petite). Most bangles are too big for my wrists and just fall straight to the floor when I try them on. I have a square face so I already know wide earrings are not a good fit. Plus, I would kinda disappear behind too many strands of long necklaces. So, I am content to wear smaller versions of all the above.

Don't get me wrong. I love designing big pieces. It is much more fun. But, I am always thinking of an adaptation for those of us, like me, that like smaller things. I have always been teased by my family for my love of everything small and simple. Whenever it is my turn to bring some food to a get-together I usually don't bring enough, or not enough napkins, nor plates, etc... Sorry everyone! I am trying to always add more now.

Yet this love of everything small is what I think was on my mind when I started this earring collection that I shall name-small hoops. I went crazy and made a bunch of these and ,of course,

some for myself which I have been enjoying. Even my 12 yr. old daughter borrowed my silver hoops for a dance, when she realized she had forgotten hers!

So, take a look at the "Small Hoops Collection"

Brilliant Blue-

Classic White Glass Pearls-
Pale Pink Glass Pearls-
Grey Glass Pearls
Silver Beads

Turquoise beads

Coral beads-wire wrapped

Black SquaresThe hoops used in all these earrings are silver plated and measure 25mm.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T15:21:00.002-04:00

rain

2009-05-08T21:25:00.006-04:00

Rained all day today...

Beautiful outside, but not so pretty inside...

Yes, my roof is leaking and have not been able to fix it.

Beautiful Whites

2009-05-02T15:28:00.012-04:00

As I have mentioned before,one of my favorite pastimes is to browse through foreign blogs. It doesn't matter if I don't understand the language, it's the photos I am looking at. I am not quite sure how I got there-but I found these beautiful photos mostly in white at a blog called Modern Country. http://moderncountry.blogspot.com/

The blog belongs to Aina and she is from Norway. She kindly gave permission for me to post these photos that she took of her home decor. In her blog she says she likes living a simple life and crafting.

I love the all white look she has created in her home. It is so peaceful. Browsing through all these pics was a great treat for me, that I just had to share it with you.

Thanks Aina for sharing these pics of your home.

Aina also has a shop http://www.ainascharme.com/

where she sells beautifully embroidered linens and pillows.

May

2009-05-01T20:56:00.002-04:00

Since the color for May chosen by A Year of Color is green-here is a picture of my lemon tree.
We almost cut it down because we were not getting any lemons, when finally they appeared.
I am so proud of my lemon tree. I love squeezing some fresh lemon juice when sauteeing fish or veal, plus a little bit of parsley.

Beautiful Retro Charms

2009-04-29T08:31:00.002-04:00

I love browsing through foreign blogs, especially those with delicate, white, embroidered linens or weathered French country furniture.

Last night, while engaged in my favorite pastime, I found this beautiful site-Retro Charm Garden- http://arteego-shop.blogspot.com/ by Alicja. She makes the most beautiful retro charms and is having a give away till the end of this month! The give away is about to end-so hurry over and take a look.

the kitchen table

2009-04-21T15:34:00.005-04:00

Decided to work at my kitchen table today. I love wooden kitchen tables. Especially those that are all scratched up and faded from use. Ours is fairly scratched up- although you might not see it from this pic- since we eat all our meals here plus my kids do their homework on it.

Brought some journals, magazines (yeah, that's the new Somerset Life issue), glue, markers, papers, stamps...

Spent some time working on my visual journals. I had started with some ideas but surprisingly ended up doing something totally different. After a while I was able to just let go and certain themes and emotions started emerging on their own. Was a great experience. Similar to talk therapy, only this would have to be called art therapy.

Of course, my pal here had no interest in what I was doing. He just hid next to his favorite toy.

Whenever he sees someone working with something or the kids playing, he goes and grabs one of his toys and lies next to it. I imagine he is thinking "time to grab something you like and sit with it for a while..."

Happy Belated Easter

2009-04-15T08:47:00.002-04:00

Didn't have time to put any Easter pics before leaving so I am doing it now...a couple of days late!
Love this little fellow so much that I keep him in my backyard all year long.

Back from vacation

2009-04-15T08:39:00.003-04:00

Back from my Easter vacation. Had a great time in the BVI-British Virgin Islands. Lots of sun and beach fun with kids. Full of inspiration and new ideas.

The Mind Tree

2009-04-01T20:29:00.002-04:00

Maybe it is night
Maybe it is day
I can't be sure
Because I'm not yet feeling the heat of the sun
I am the mind tree
When I had been gifted this mind of mine
I recall his voice very clearly
To you I have given this mind
And you shall be the only kind
No one ever will like you be
And I name you the mind tree
I can't see or talk
Yet I can imagine
I can hope and I can expect
I am able to feel pain but I cannot cry
So I just be and wait for the pain to subside
I can do nothing but wait
My concerns and worries
Are trapped within me somewhere in my depths
Maybe in my roots
Maybe in my bark
When He comes next who gifted me my mind
I shall ask him for the gift of sight
I doubt his return and
Yet hope for it
Maybe he will
Maybe he will not

Poem by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay
Tito was diagnosed with severe autism when three yrs. old.
Although nonverbal, Tito is able to communicate through his many writings and poems, what living with autism is like for him.