You have inspired me...

For some time I've let my Stampington magazines pile up. I love looking at them over and over and wouldn't dream of throwing one out. But, since space is at a premium at our house, I made the decision to cut out my favorite art and compile it in a book. I admit, the first cut was the hardest, but honestly, I don't like every single thing that gets published. So, with a glass of wine in one hand and a scissors in the other, I went to town. Collaging everything on the pages was easy. Next came the cover and this is what I came up with. I had no ideas when I sat down. I started out painting it several colors, applied a crackle medium, then topped it off with black. The best part was adding all of the different elements. Lately, I've been influenced by many different people and I can honestly say that I've never felt more creative. I may never sell a thing or get published anywhere, but that's okay. The important thing is that I'm finally doing what I love... what I've always been meant to do. I'd like to thank a few of my friends, old and new, who have inspired me. Joy, we are like-minded for sure and I love that I can share all of this with you, and you get it! The fun never ends. Mystic Paper, thank you for creating such an awesome store. The classes have been a blast and it's always fun to walk through your doors. Mike, you have encouraged me more than you know, and your help with my blog is much appreciated. You are, for sure, like totally, the blog master! Lastly, but not least of all, thanks to those of you who post your own creations. There is so much creative influence out there and many of you are right in my backyard. Thank you also for taking the time to comment on my "show and tells". It makes it all worth while.

Backyard happenings...

These are some of the sights that greeted me this morning. There was a lot of activity at the feeders. It's going to be another hot day, so I suppose the birds are feasting early. I couldn't resist grabbing my camera. Notice how the gecko blends in with the block wall. Double click on the photos to enlarge if you'd like.

There's no place like home

Okay, I know I'm getting a little obsessed with these jars. It's been my main topic for posts lately. New visitors here must think it's a blog about jars! This is the last for awhile...I hope. The other two were gifts, and this one I'm keeping for myself. My non-artsy husband thinks they're weird, well...sometimes art is weird! They have been so much fun to make. Maybe I just like how everything looks inside the glass. It's like a whole little world inside. I have a thing for snow globes, too. It must all be relative somehow. I need to give thanks to my friend for the idea of the ruby slippers, so thank you. It was just the thing it needed.

Ribbon storage solution

I was chatting with someone online the other day about storing our ribbons. After explaining how I have mine, I took a photo and emailed it her way. I had taken it quickly, without adjusting any of the camera settings. I was pleasantly surprised to see how pretty the picture came out. I love how the assorted colors look in these jars, and it's a simple solution.

How many is...

too many? Pairs of flip-flops that is. This is the bottom of my side of our closet, much to the dismay of my husband. My beloved flip-flops are usually kicked off and left to organize themselves, which oddly enough, never happens. They are pretty much standard foot attire for most of the year here. In my wildest imagination, I would never have believed that I would wear anything so casual to a job, but I do just that. The temps are creeping up day by day now. At least my feet will stay cool. Isn't it funny how things are called different things in different areas of the country? To me, they've always been flip-flops, but I've also heard them called thongs and even go aheads. I don't care what they're called as long as I can wear them.

Sea fairy...

in a jar. I made this for one of my dearest friends. She was diagnosed with the dreaded C word in the fall. The last several months have been really tough for her with chemo and radiation. One of the things she loves the most in this world is the ocean. She obviously can't travel, so I've had this idea playing around in my head to bring some of the beach to her. My sister was recently in Florida, so I had her send me some sand and shells while she was there. These jars are very difficult to photograph so it is hard to see the details. The background is a vintage Florida beach scene. The side tag says she dreams of the sea. The charms are a starfish and a sea turtle, which is hidden.