Happy Almost Halloween

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I am having a ball visiting so many fantastic blogs that I have been missing so much! There are so many goodies to look at, its almost overwhelming to visit a page, and want to take it all in immediately...Have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy it all!!

My 6 year old daughter is so excited about Halloween, she really takes after her Mommy. She knows exactly how she wants her costume, which bag to take Trick or Treating, and has her route all planned.

My 8 year old son, on the other hand, just sort of follows her lead. He's kind of an 80 year old man, trapped in the body of an 8 year old LOL He is probably one of the most talented artists that I've ever met too, he does things at 8 that I have trouble with at 36. He is gruff, and too cool for words, but has a secret soft side, and is a real lovey deep down. I know he's looking forward to Trick or Treat, as long as his sister does all of the work.

Happy Haunting, Blogland!!

Its been a long time!!

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Ah blogland...all summer long I had no time or inkling to blog, with all of my kids home and all of us busy busy busy! Since they have gone back to school, I have been DYING, TWITCHING, YEARNING to get back to my art, get my hands dirty, cover everything with glitter and twirl around in it :D

I only really have Fridays to myself anymore, that's my day off, but I haven't been able to motivate myself to be creative. I have done a few commissions, some custom stuff, but nothing for myself, none of the things that I create out of pure need to make them exist. I am getting back into it slowly, there is just always an excuse not to. Our washer is on the fritz at the moment, which is making me a bit batty, and we have reached the Science Fair time of year BOOOOOO :( The other teeny little problem is my digital camera.

I have charged the battery over and over, but it won't work. I need to just go and get a new battery and see if it works, so at least I can post again. I have decided that no matter what, in order for me to be a nice person, and get through all of the things that I'm doing (too many! LOL) I must have some art time. Non negotiable. So that's what's new with me!

I am also taking classes to become a certified Pastry Chef. All my friends here know how much of a cupcake girl I am, and I work at the college, so I may as well get certified while I'm there :D I passed my Food Sanitiation Class, so I am certified to make cupcakes that are bacteria free *giggle* I'm off to go and visit some blogs because I have missed you all so much, and need some eye candy...this is going to be a binge!




xoxoxox

Face Painting and Parties!

Sure is tough to be a working girl!! Between work, and planning my boys' Graduation and First Communion parties, and now face painting at the school carnival, I am a busy girl!

This Sunday we are having the party, my son Aidan is graduating from 8th Grade, and my son Liam made his First Communion. One big party is much easier than having two. Aidan is excited, because he is getting a new guitar, and he will be playing at his party with my brother Tim's band. How cool is that!!

Last night was the first night of the school Carnival, and I face painted for a couple of hours, which I will do again tonight, and tomorrow. The kids are so cute, and they are so delighted to see a bit of fanciful splendor on their little cheeks.

Its going to be a busy busy weekend, but hopefully lots of fun too. Our internet and phone have been out for the last five days, and Comcast came out yesterday (for the second time in a month!!) and so far, so good...if I haven't responded to any emails, that is why, and I am back up and running (fingers crossed!!)

Have a great weekend, blogland!

And the winner is....

Number 17!!!

Scrappy Jessi!!!!!

Thanks everyone who played, and thanks for all of the friendship and comraderie that you've all shown to me!!!


My newest piece...I have a little bit of work to do on it, some pretty trim for the edges...but I'll show it anyway :D

My 100th Post!! That means a Giveaway!!

Wow, I can't believe it, 100 posts already. When I first started this blog, I wasn't sure that I had anything to say! I don't always have the most eloquent words, but I have certainly enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people out there in blogland, there are so many lovely and creative folks with whom to share, get inspiration, and greatly admire.

Reading the various blogs in my sidebar is such a treat. Sometimes the eye candy goodies are almost overwhelming, that it's hard for my brain to take it all in!

It has been absolutley wonderful blogging, finding so many like minded folks, who share a passion, who understand and share the addled brain of one who lives in color and texture, LOL!

Anyway, for my 100th post, I am giving away an altered wooden house, called "Bakeshop" I made it today just for this occasion. It felt so good to have glue and paint all over my hands again!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I will draw the winner on Friday, May 16, via the random number thingy.

As promised, some pictures of the goodies from the adorable Miss Laura, of the Little Orange Kitchen
She is so sweet, and these are so cute!! She even sent me some yummy organic peppermint tea, and the cutest magnet I've ever seen. Thanks again, Laura!! You made my day :D




Last, but not least, my sweet pair, Annalise her Daddy going to Father Daughter Dance. Aren't they cute :D

Trying to inspire myself

Time has been so limited, and I have not been creating nearly enough. I thought if I dug out some pictures of past goodies to remind myself that I need to get back into the groove. Art isn't a luxury, its a necessity, just like brushing your teeth, or doing laundry.
I'm entering a show in November, so my goal is going to be to create at least two new things a week, until then. Starting now :)

Also, I recieved the most wonderful suprise in the mail the other day from the adorable Laura, of Orange Kitchen fame. The absolute CUTEST magnet and post cards, and I have had a bit of overtime this week, so I've not gotten to share, but they are worth the wait, I assure you!! If you haven't been to Laura's blog yet, I encourage you to go, she makes the most whimsical (yes, I said it) wallets, and always has great recipes to share, plus her writing is so beautiful, that even if she said nothing, it would still be enjoyable to read! Pictures soming soon, and huge thanks to Laura!!

Lots of great Junque!

The Junque in my Trunque swap was great fun! I swear, since I've started working part time, swaps are one of the only ways that I can force myself to be creative. Friday is supposed to be "Art Day" as its my day off, but I don't seem to have it to myself too often.

The darling Elizabeth was my partner, and this was her first swap! I feel very fortunate to have been her partner, because look at all of the goodies that she sent me!
The box was so pretty that I was afraid to open it :D



It was HUGE too!! Love this girl!



Doesn't it look amazing!! Look at the cupcake, oooooh love it!!


Look at the cute little tin, and wow, there is just so much great stuff in here! The most darling vintage pink gloves, fabulous buttons, adorable cupcake picks...

The teapot box just bowled me over, it is the cutest little thing I've ever seen!!


Thank you so so so much, Elizabeth, I just adore it, and you really went all out. Beautiful stuff!!!

On another note, another Elizabeth, who happens to be my darlingest dearest cousin, has had the baby!!!!!!!! YAY, and welcome to the world, gorgeous Connor!!!!!!

I'm not going to give any details or show the picture, because I know Liz will want to do that herself (and he is supersupersupercute!!!!) but I know many of you have been waiting for news, and Mommy and baby are well!! I'm dying to talk to her, and I know she'll post a pic as soon as she gets a chance. Yay, Liz and baby Connor!!!

Swappin' is done!

Just mailed out a package to my lovely swap partner Tangee we were paired in Artsymama's Vintage Party Swap. I had so much fun making her goodies!! Also, have one package to send out tomorrow to Elizabeth, my partner in Heather's Junque in your Trunque swap. I recieved my box from Elizabeth already, and it made me squeal and clap, so fantastic!!!!!! I have pictures that I will post hopefully tonight, fab stuff!!

We also have a science project (another one!) that we started yesterday, we are doing the "growing crystals out of charcoal" expirament. We started it yesterday, and they're already growing!

Anyway, must dash, but I will have pics to post, and I have been working on some new cuppies for my shop, it is getting pretty empty in there, so I really need to fill it up with some goodies. Love to all!

I meant to post this a couple of days ago!!

I recieved the loveliest package on Friday from my fantastic swap partner, Tangee but I have been swamped, just crazy busy this weekend, and I didn't have the chance. Tangee was my partner for Artsymama's Vintage Party Swap, and she is such a doll! I am always amazed at these swaps, I've participated in quite a few, and I have yet to get a package that disappoints! It's almost like Tangee knew me, and I am so lucky to have her as a partner.
Check out these adorable sachets that she made! They smell soooo good and they are just so cute!!


This wreath of roses, OMG, so me!!!


The tiny cupcakes...the vintage postcard, and the supercute tin...Opening this package was totally an oooh and ahhhh moment!


Last, but certainly not least, an adorable tag, and (Prepare to be jealous) a hand made bracelet!! So girly, lovely, and just jaw droppingly gorgeous. Love it all, and just WOW!!


I am not as on the ball as Tangee, but am aaalmost finished with her package. This has been so much fun!! Thanks to Artsymama for hosting such a great swap :D

Oh my Goodies!! Easter Basket Swap

Today I recieved the lovliest Easter Basket from my swap partner, Dolly and it was loaded with easter goodness! I made sure to open it while the kids were occupied, because otherwise, I may not have gotten to take any pictures LOL




The basket itself has the cutest yellow flowers all over it, and it is positively darling!! Dolly made this gorgeous, scrumptious easter art, which is going on my wall, it is just the sweetest ever bunny girl, and my daughter already tried to make off with it...She also included a chipboard book, which I have been meaning to buy, so its like she read my mind :D :D



These gorgeous handmade tags made me giddy, they are so darling, and sparkley, and girly!! Love them to bits, and the candles made the whole box smell soooo good!!



She even wrapped the candies in the prettiest paper, with a delicate paper flower on the front of each one, and a sparkley little center. Too cute!! And the chocolate bunny was wrapped in vintage wallpaper, with the cutest paper trim over it, just exquisite. Love it to bits, Dolly, thank you SOOOOO much!!!!!!

And thanks to my pal Genevieve for hosting such a fun and wonderful swap!!!!

I posted a preview of the goodies that I made for Dolly, and here are the big piccies, LOL Here is the little sugared bunny, in his decorated basket/box


Here is the shadow box, so much fun to make!



Unfortunatley, I didn't take pictures of the basket I sent, I had strep throat and an ear infection, so I was in a hurry to mail it when I got better. I hope she likes it!

Received a goodie in the mail! And swapping...

There was fanfare...paparazzi all over my lawn, and very handsome young men trying to get a look in my mailbox. At her.
The "it" girl, the toast of the town, Miss BETSY! Isn't she gorgeous in her Hollywood finery? Brushing past all of the hoopla, I got her safely into my house, where she is resting happily and sipping a dirty martini. She seems relieved.

Seriously, she is just darling. Sadie Lou did a wonderful job, she is as cute as a button and I just love her!!
Thanks, Sadie Lou :D

I'd also like to welcome a new friend to blogland, Alecia is having a lovely spring giveaway!! Stop by and say hello, she has an adorable blog :)

I've been finishing up my goodies for The Easter Basket Swap, here is a sneak preview of the handmade part that I have been having the best best time working on.



Sparkles to all!

Awarded and Tagged, how sweet!!!!

I made this yesterday, along with a few things for my swap partner Dolly from From My Cherry Heart but I can't show those yet...they're a suprise :)

While visiting Genevieve's *aka* Bella Enchanted blog, I was happily bestowed upon the You Make My Day award...awwww!!! I thought that was so very nice, Genevieve is hosting the Easter Basket swap, and has lots of great stuff on her blog, thanks Gen!!!



In return, I would like to award (and if you've already gotten one, just know that you're double loved!):

Lori, Miss Faerie Window whom I adore, she is a dynamo and a fab artist, and I don't know how she finds time for all that she does!

Shannon Miss Paint Mine Pink who is my australian sister, and who is about to launch her new online store!

Michelle, Miss Mosaic Queen who is a darling, and hands down, the most AMAZING Mosaic Artist!

Ele, A Bit of Pink Heaven So sweet, and her blog and shop sends me into a frenzied pink delight! Eye candy galore, and such a sweetie too

Sadie Lou, Craftily Ever After from whom I just recieved my first Betsy ( I will post a picture) She makes the most darling goodies!!!

Jackie, Fat Jak Originals who is such a talented artist, a fellow Chicagoan, and visiting her blog makes my day!

Jenn, of Noodle and Lou who's art makes me want to own every single piece. When we move, that is the first thing I'm going to buy, she is just lovely!

Mere, These are the Days As sweet as can be, and a blog full of fantasticness!!

Karin at Creative Chaos who not only has gorgeous eye candy on her blog, but her writing has tested my bladder control on more than one occassion, so funny!!

Last but not least, Natasha Burns who not only is the sweetest person in blogland, but her site always has new goodies, sparkley bling, and so much eye candy, I am in awe!!


Also, I've been tagged by the wonderful Miss Rowan Willow, who is another amazing artist that I was lucky enough to find through One World One Heart, for 7 weird and random things...I'm totally weird and random, so this should be easy LOL...

1. I took improv classes at Second City...we rolled around on the floor, acted like chickens, played games, and put on a few shows! It was the best time I ever had, and our troop was called Mud for your Turtle :D

2. I once incited a riot, and got expelled from school. Great fun!

3. I have 9 half and step siblings, but technically am an only child. (Not nearly as Jerry Springer as it sounds, just expensive around the holidays LOL)

4. I love show tunes, my favorite word is fabulous, I love shoes, glitter, pink and I swear that I am a gay man trapped in a woman's body LOL

5. I once met John Cusack at a U2 concert. I was 14, and he was sitting in the seat in front of me. He kept turning around saying "I know I can make you smile!" When I saw "Say Anything" I almost died! That's the guy from the U2 Concert!!

6. When I was in 6th grade I had to skip in the door during a play. I fell flat on my face!

7. I wish big hair was still in style. It was so easy!

OK, I tag everyone from above that makes my day, unless you've already played.
Smoochies to all, think pink and sparkle!

The one where I lock myself inside!

I'm off today and I am secretly lifting my no art ban!! I am dying to make something, and as long as I get it all swept up and put away before the real estate agent comes over...its our little secret *wink wink* Now don't rat me out, please!

I went to my favorite thrift store last night, they are open until 9 on Thursdays, and got these fantastic baubles, only 75c for the whole bag! They have what they call a junk drawer, and its only avaliable on Thursday evenings, it was such fun to look through...


I found these little cuties too, and plan to put them to good use.





So today I will not answer the phone, I'm locking my doors, I'm pulling out the glitter, and having a ball. Funny how when you do something everyday, you tend to take it for granted, and then when you don't get to do it for a week or two, you realize how important it is ("you" meaning "me" and "it" meaning "art")

Last but not least...my Cupcake Girl :D :D :D Annalise

The one with the Goodies!

I was hoping to get here sooner to post these pictures of my awesome fabulous treasures, but life got in the way for the last two days...
Friday was "one of those days" It was my day off (always a lovely thing!) and I was hoping to spend a little time creating (we had no showings on Fiday!), but it wasn't meant to be. Murphy's Law was in full effect that day...I was feeling a bit down by 9:00 am, and then the whole day turned around with the arrival of the days mail! Yippee!!

I got my lovely, wonderful, beautiful bunny from Lemoncholy aka the talented and fabulous Kecia. This little fella is amazing, and my pictures certainly don't do him justice, as I am using my old camera at the moment (don't ask, we're on a happiness roll!) He is just the sweetest guy, in his little basket, with his chick friend at the bottom, thank you so so so much, Kecia!! He just made me smile, I was just giddy over his cuteness!

I also got a fantastic package from the amazing Acaya the queen of the quill, and was positively blown away by the delicate star ornaments, so shiny from the side, and all made from paper! Acaya, they are so so lovely and delicate, I love them :)

My package for the lovely and patient Rowan WIllow will go out first thing in the morning, and I hope that it doesn't dissappoint.

AND...the Winner is...

The lovely and talented ROWAN WILLOW!!! Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who entered!!

Thanks too, to the AMAZING Lisa for this unbelieveable brain child of hers. The concept is beautiful, and the most wonderful part is finding so many awesome blogs. Lisa, you absolutely rock, girl

Happy Valentine's Day to All!!!

One World One Heart Giveaway!

Better late than never!! I am just not online as much as I have been, because of all the house showings, and I almost missed this!!! I know there are only a few days, but I was lucky to be a part of this last year, and I would be honored to do it again. I have been browsing, and am just blown away by how this has blossomed! Lisa's vision was indeed a wonderful one. Please leave a comment, for the chance to win my mixed media cupcake, and I will be sure to stop by yours as well!.

Time flies!

I usually don't go this long without a post, but our house is on the market, and we've just had so much to do! We also put an offer on another house, (which they accepted) contingent on the sale of our house. I haven't really been able to work on my art, because (shhhh...looks around) I sometimes get a bit messy

I am running outside twice a day, hiding in Gas station bathrooms to shake a little glitter about, and leave a trail of sprinkles behind me at the mall...anything to feed my addiction to sparkley stuff. Its a deep, shameful addiction...my family can see the glitter under my fingernails, and I even have some on my face sometimes...its a lonely road, I tell ya.

Anyway, I will be back to creating soon, and here are some pictures of the house we're buying...its on an acre, with its own pond (which they use for ice skating!) We've always lived on a small city lot, so this will be like having our own country LOL

Here is the front

The Kitchen

The STUDIO :D :D

and the pond



I quite like the bar as well


And this is the house that we live in now:


Here is my current kitchen:


and my living room:


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo