Summer Fun and "Etsying"

Been doing a lot of playing outside with Ethan. (I posted a bunch of new pictures on my facebook.) And... am finally putting the finishing touches on a bunch of pieces. I feel so far behind on life and these little moments of creating keep me sane.:)

Works in Progress...

Just a few things in progress....

Bloggie update Soon...

I have been "under the weather" but promise to update my blog soon. I wanted to thank every one for all their kind words and encouragement. It really meant the world to me.:) You are all the "bestest". :)

I will be back soon with pictures and I can't wait to share some swaps I have received.

Well, off to put together some fans. A really wild Friday night at the homestead. LOL!

Old stuff, Old ideas....New Inspiration

I have been having a rough couple of weeks. I guess the worries of what people think of me are starting to hurt. The questions keep spinning around in my head that I have heard in the past. Why didn't you go to college with a more practical career path in mind? Why do you spend so much time creating art when you make very little money? Why don't I have a REAL job? AND a family member left a nice comment on one of my face book pictures and asked, "Did Ethan(our two year old) get out the crayons?" I guess the decisions I made to some aren't the best and sometimes in some weird way, I bury my feelings into my art. It doesn't talk back. It doesn't care if i'm not perfect and is helps me "heal". I don't know what I would do if I couldn't create. I am wondering if any one out there feels like this at times?

I had been working on a technique using repurposed paper and magazines awhile back. I made the first little doll in the top picture and put her up on Etsy when Ethan was still little. Well, she didn't sell and she got tossed in the reject bin with many others, waiting to be reworked or painted over. As I was visiting my bin, I rescued this little piece and decided that I really like her for more than just visual reasons. I like that I am recycling my materials and using up what I have on hand. I like that this style is more intuitive and as I create, the creation seems to "talk" to me. I like that as I am working I feel "good" about what I am doing. I like that I can be at my kitchen counter working on a piece while I am cooking or while I am watching and playing with my little guy. I like that I feel more "spiritual" and connected to my Creator. For me, the finished product is more that just a "picture". I would call it a form a prayer for me. I feel the same way when I am stitching up one of my paper dolls. As it turns out, in this really dark time, I feel a little "lighter" and a little more hopeful.

More posts coming soon from the recycle bin. AND I promise not to be so "boo hoo me".:) xxooo

From Sketch to Sentiment...

I made a promise to myself that I would send more letters out this year. I really AM trying to catch up with friends but life (sometimes) gets in the way. I started these little sketches this winter and FINALLY ran them up to staples and had some prints made. I attached most of these to repurposed note cards and scrap book paper. Those went onto a piece of 81/2 x 11 inch card stock. I bought a big box of greeting card envelopes and made these cards. I have been making cards since I was little and my skill level hasn't improved much.:) I think I may add some vintage buttons but I wanted to keep them simple so I would be motivated to make more. I have a daughter home with mono right now and a son who hasn't been feeling well with other issues. Both are feeling a little better so hopefully I will be more productive, soon.:)

Well, spring WAS here for a few days and I am so thankful. Right now we are a little chilled and the heat came on this morning. I know that spring "will" be back and that makes days like today much easier.:)

First of all, thanks to all that left such nice comments. It is so nice to know I am not alone and I have discovered new friends.

Well, Ethan just deleted all my writing and so I will post more soon. PROMISE. I will try to upload a few pics between his screaming here.:) Yikes. Ethan made the comment, "mummy you are painting dolls." I guess I am.:) I am also working on other dolls as well. Hope to post more soon and tell of the "goings on" here.:)

Thinking spring!!

Oh, it's been just lovely here the past few days. I thought I would take a minute to update my blog while the little guy was asleep, but he just woke up.:) I finally got out and about a little and came upon these jewelry grab bags and a set of vintage of diaper pins at a new flea market type place here in town. I am so excited to have a local shop again.:) I have had so much fun picking through these baubles and finding treasure.:) I am hoping to dress up some of my dollies with these and who knows what else? I posted a few things in the works. Please excuse the loose pieces and dangling strings. I still have to sift through a bit more. Well, a short but sweet post today due to a busy, busy little toddler. Happy Spring.:)