Been a Long Time Coming

Well, this is awkward, I do not even remember how to blog, can't put a sentence together worth a hoot, but will give it a shot to try to give an update. What I really want to do is share with everyone what has been going on, and also to provide a timeline for myself, not to mention have someone to share some of my works in progress and finished objects with, as well as spotlight some awesome artisans, so here we go:

Personal life: What have I been up to, oh my, well, as far as my transcription business, that disappeared back in May, I lost my final account to VR (voice recognition and the EMR-electronic medical record). It was a very tough month, I had to let my remaining 5 ICs go, two of which I had known for almost 20 years...the first thought, after thinking how difficult it would be to let go of my ICs was not how am I going to pay my rent or buy groceries, but how in the heck am I going to be able to pay for my granddaughter's dance and gymnastic classes!! LOL!!

Yes, that is me in a nutshell folks, Miss Know How to Prioritize, oh yes, I also thought about how I was going to get to go up to Orlando next month too, anyone who has followed my sporadic posting knows I love to head up there with my GD in Sept..my B-Day month, yes folks, I celebrate the whole month! Na, just kidding.

So, I what I decided to do was to continue with my part-time VA for the clinic up north, that is 20 hours a week, and focus on my online studios, so I threw myself into work like a loon, and it has been a task, still working and debating if this actually will work, but decided to try to give it at least until the end of the year. I am grateful to have this to fall back on.

In the meantime, my GD decided she wanted to take tennis for a while, instead of gymnastics, which was fine with me, as it is a less expensive sport. Her ballet was supposed to start the end of this month, but I am going to have to wait until mid Sept to sign her up, July and August are extremely slow retail online months and finances just will not allow it this week, so it should be fine to get her going next month. She starts her first year of school this month, tomorrow as a matter of fact, so no more coming to spend the day with grandma early on Wednesday and Friday, it is a sad and happy time for me, she is growing up. Here she is at tennis practice.



What has kept me sane during this transition; knitting! Okay, before the eyes start rolling and you poise your finger over the mouse to click to the next blog...knitting is not the thing of yore that grandmas did,,,wait, I'm a grandma,,,but its not the same knitting! It is super relaxing, puts you in a zen like state, especially if you have some really soft yarn to work with and are knitting something that makes you happy. I just finished two projects for my son;

A Mankerchief in black, grey, red, and green for one:



A slouch hat in chocolate and burnt orange for the other:



What I am currently knitting is the Spectra for myself, but quickly running out of the main color yarn, so have to pick up some more, I really love this pattern, I've decided to make the scarf much longer, I want it to fall below my knees, love the way it curls in and the Noro silk yarn is fun to work with to see the various color wedges develop.




And a mystery Knit Along that I am so-so about, colors will be difficult to match with clothing, but I am thinking about some brown slacks and maybe a beige solid top?




All of the knitting above, with the exception of the hat, are from the designer Stephen West

For the hat, I love the hat and my son, who turned 24, was super excited about it, so I do believe that I am going to offer a similar version in the studio in the fall.

For the studio, I have finally incorporate some adult designs. The latest two is from a set that I worked on for a family going to Disney that wanted to have matching shirts for the Mom, Dad, and the 3 sons, so this is what I came up with..

Daddy and Me button down shirts:



Ladies mock collar shirt from Cars fabric:


My granddaughter wants me to make one for us when we go back to Disney, she wants a top and matching crop pants for both of us to wear, along with our Disney ears and lanyards and charm bracelets, so that will be fun and I am big enough a Disney nerd to go right ahead and make that happen!

Okay, for my works in progress, I am currently working on a Yo Gabba Gabba Toodie tutu two piece dress. I have reworked the tutu to a matching pink satin with the tutu bottom instead of the interchangable petticoat design, since it wears better for the little ones. Also working on the matching Toodie tulle shoes. I have an order for a personalized ballet bag, but the parent did not send me the name for the bag, I have contacted them twice, but have no reply, so will wait a few more days and then have to send un-personalized, which makes me sad, but I want to get the bag out for them. Lastly, I have an order for the new personalized Robot nap time pillow which was just added to the studio last month.








Alright, that is a semi wrap for me now, off to have coffee, cereal, and get to work in the sewing room on this rainy day. This has been a tough year and I hope that for anyone else out there having a tough year, that you have or can find something to help relieve stress and bring joy to your life.

My hiatus is now over, and I do plan to blog more frequently and have plans to showcase some wonderful artisans, post updates about my goings on, and keep in touch with friends and family.

Fall Into Autumn Handmade Treasures

I love autumn, it reminds me of my childhood in W.Va and the splendor of colors throughout the mountains as the leaves changed colors. It also contains Halloween, which seems to be an official "kickoff" to the holiday season, once Halloween hits, Thanksgiving rolls around, Christmas, and the New Year.

In celebration of all of the fall colors, which I no longer get to enjoy here in sunny, hot, humid, and actually in the midst of a tropical storm warning, South Florida; nevertheless, I can enjoy the change of colors through my fellow artisans. Hope you enjoy these finds as much as I do.

Mystical Handcrafted Broaoh

Fall ornaments

Autumn Rose Necklace

Handmade Copper Leaf Pendant

Autumn Wreath Made from a Repurposed Book

Coming up on the blog! Some Halloween finds and fun crafts and recipes to make with the kids!! Get out the sweaters kids, Autumn is here.

Win 1 of 5 IPads!

I love these things, well, I would love it even more if I actually had one!! I have been wanting one of these for quite some time, since I played around with it in the Apple store, I can use it for so many things. My mom even downloaded Skype on hers and called me using her Skype app. Well, you now can because Artfire is giving away five of these (one every day). Don't believe me, well, here read it for yourself.

Read more about the IPad here.

Father's Day Goodies

Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me, since my own father passed many years ago, he is terribly missed even now. I want to wish all of the special fathers a very happy Father's Day. Being a father can be a difficult role, if done properly, acting as provider, guardian, center of support, showing strength in the midst of caring. Here are some wonderful tangible handmade items for the special guys in our lives who happen to be great fathers as well.

Not your ordinary tie!!! This hand-dyed silk tie is stunning! Beautiful paired with a navy suit.

Chocolates just for him. This is some yummy fishing gear guaranteed not to make it to the boat!

This money clip shows where a parents' money usually goes!! Perfect reminder.

For the wine lover, a unique wooden handmade bottle topper

Is your guy not a wine type of guy, but a loves a cold one, well, check out this bottle opener.

Want something even stronger!! (but maybe want to keep that hidden) well, what better way than in a book!

This paperweight sums it up perfectly

Happy Father's Day guys, remember, childhood is quick but memories are everlasting.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Okay, we have all heard the saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers" but did you know that even though we may have heard our grandparents stating the obvious, it actually has been around a lot longer than just our grandfolks. In the mid 1500s Thomas Tusser wrote a collection of shorts, one of them simply stating:

Sweet April showers Do spring May flowers.

Now metaphorically, the meaning behind his rhyme was the fact that even the most unpleasant things can bring about something enjoyable......even though I do not find rain in itself unpleasant, especially a shower but not to "rain" on Thomas' parade, lets go along with the idea that rains are unpleasant....can't get that picture in your mind..okay, here is some help for ya...

I have no idea of what the guy in the boat is thinking, but I think unpleasant is what he is feeling. Now on to the May flowers....

Here are some offerings from my fellow artisans, and guess what!!!??? I am throwing one of my pieces into the fray this time!! Woo-Hoo...I know, you are unable to contain your enthusiasm right? Hey, wait a minute, don't click to another page yet!!! Prepare yourself to be awed........

Elf Gathering Flowers. Isn't she exquisite. I love the burst of sunshine in the background and the flowing movement of this print.

In keeping with the elf/fairy theme, if this gorgeous necklace does not satisfy your craving for flowers, well, I just don't know what to do. The pendent displays a fairy peeking through flowers, there are floral painted accent beads mixed amongst glass floral beads. Just lovely.

Want to share some floral inspirations with your guest. This lilac soap is the answer. Guess what, it does come in the gift box as well at a terrific price!

Okay, here is my floral offering. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces. The flow of the shoulder sash and bow in the back makes this a really stunning piece.

My GD receives so many compliments on this outfit, the perfect outfit for a spring outing or a cool, comfy outfit to wear to Disney.

Thank you, as always, for stopping by and here is hoping that the April showers are bringing bountiful May flowers your way!!

Here is one of my favorite songs about flowers from one of my favorite musicals, of course it is a Disney classic. Enjoy!

Hunting Easter Items!

Still I can recall the love and creativity my mom placed in making my Easter basket when I was a child. While I did not appreciate the time she spent intricately placing items for the best viewpoints then, I do now. We lived in the country, so for us, Easter was a time of a fabulous lamb dinner (the only time during the year I recall that we had lamb) and other delicious food and spending time together. I still enjoy coloring eggs and making a big breakfast Easter morning to be complete in time for watching Disney's Easter parade. This year, I did not have the chance to create something special for Easter, but my fellow artisans have certainly been busy doing just that. Here are my picks for the Easter season. Hope you like them!

Is your young at heart recipient a dog lover? How about giving Lilly the Bunny Dog a new home, no need for piddle pads or walks for this one....better watch out for your carrots though.

I love this intricately hand scratched real Lithuanian Easter Egg. This item description is a must read, so much delicate work has gone into this item, it would be a lovely decoration in any setting.

Here is the cutest pair of ducklings for your home, one duckling and one almost there duckling.

Want to have something different in your little one's basket instead of the traditional stuffed bunny, why not this adorable Easter stuffed rag doll, this is one that will be cherished throughout the years.

Okay, are you making a basket for an older loved one? Well, here is a funky glove bunny that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Yes, Glove bunny, this bunny was crafted from a glove, how cool is that!

Here is a Easter ornament or basket tag that is personalized to add that extra touch.

Here is a lovely birthstone angel necklace that would make a lovely gift for a basket.

I found this awesome video for those of love the idea of having a "green" basket and it is by an Etsy artist! This is a wonderful idea instead of going to buy a basket just to use for one day. This would be fun to make with your little one as well and is exactly what I plan on doing this year. It will give me a way to utilize some of my scrap material, get my GD involved in something crafty, which she loves doing, and hey, maybe give me an excuse to get a new pair of shoes!!! Woo-Hoo!! What's that....I already have enough of those in my closet...sigh, okay. Happy Easter everyone.

Inspirations from Ireland

Wee Houses in Mauve

Happy Saint Patrick's Day dear friends. Today, in celebration of all things Irish I wanted to feature a fellow artisan from Ireland and during my search I had the luck of the Irish by meeting Iris whose shop Iris O' Connor is a sight to behold. Below, please enjoy some of Iris' works and our interview:

1. Tell me a little about yourself:

I was born in Germany but came to live in Ireland in 1987. After living in Dublin inner city for about a year I decided it was just too noisy and crowded for my liking so I moved to Dun Laoghaire which is a beautiful little seaside town just a few miles outside Dublin.
I am married to Mr. O’Connor and we – including Mouse the Cat – live about 3 minutes away from the harbour and we love it here!
It is only natural that I go for daily walks and more often than not I will collect sea glass and seashells which then end up in my shop.
I do work part-time in a second hand bookshop, which is absolutely wonderful as I am an avid reader and I can borrow books from the shop which means I look at the bookshop as my own personal library.

If you want to see a few pics about me and the bookshop:


2. How long have you been crafting?

I think forever.
There isn’t really a point in time I could pick out and say: ‘this is when I started crafting’
And of course it was part of school life as well.
But I was about 10 years old when my love affair with pebbles began. It started at a riverbed in Austria where I picked up a big granite stone, beautifully shaped, with black, gray and green specks of colours which was lovingly varnished to give it that ‘wet’ look that makes the colours look stronger.
I still do a lot of work with pebbles as you can see in my flickr but unfortunately the pieces are too heavy to sell on Etsy.

3. What are your inspirations and for your Irish Street Sign Collage, what draws you to a particular sign?

It’s usually colour that gets my creative juices flowing and a vague idea what I would like to create.
I usually start by cutting out a shape and applying the base coat to it. After that it is trying not to force my idea onto the MDF or paint but to let the creative process take over and usually what comes out at the end of the process is very different from the initial idea.

I love photography and I love the fact that Irish street signs are in both English and Irish. As I do a lot of collages I tend to use some of my own photographs and it just struck me one day that maybe someone out there might like a digital download of the street signs. That’s all. I have no plans to go into digital downloads, the street signs are the only digital file I have for sale in my shop.
Having said that, I do have a lot of digital images sitting on my computer …..

4. What goals/plans do you have for your shop in the near future?

Right now I am working really hard on building up some serious Ballinasnoot real estate. My aim is to have at least 5 pages of houses in the shop to give customers a good choice.
Have a few different designs and maybe use a bit more paper instead of paint. Different house sizes, that sort of thing.
I really need to experiment a bit. Apart from that I am working on some bigger pieces which I want to have in a gallery. Selling in a B&M store or even in a market is a great experience and quite different from on-line selling, so I’m looking forward to some feedback from that...
And of course have the houses and some of my other collages for sale on my blog.
I really need to spread myself out a bit more.


And then there is my photography. I really got back into it last year and I’m thinking about offering prints some time in the future. But that won’t be in the near future….I think…


5. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

I honestly don’t have a favourite item in my shop because everything you see in there started out as something I made for myself and only after I run out of wall space do I list the items in my Etsy shop.
But I have to say that at the moment I am really taken with my Ballinasnoot Houses.

I have always loved painting houses and those particular ones have evolved from houses painted on MDF to being Real Estate in a fictional Irish village.

Even how the story of Ballinasnoot came about is somehow typical irish: in my local
Of course I had the idea of a village before that but I wanted some input from my friends and over a few pints of Guinness one night we made great progress into the write-up of it all. Even the owner of the pub got involved and between the lads there was lots of ‘no, you can’t put that in ‘cause we don’t have that here in Ireland’ and ‘ well now, if you want to mention a traditional roof you better have a thatched one on your houses’ to ‘how about some historical background’
It was great fun and although the story is in itself fixed I still add a few bits or change something with every new house I list. I suppose Ballinasnoot will evolve naturally, just like any other (real) town here in Ireland.

As you can see, Iris is a wonderfully talented artist who has a lot to share and a genuine warmth about her. Hopefully you will take the time to visit her shop, blog, or look through her works on Flicker, it will be time enjoyably spent. Have a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day until next time!

Saint Patrick's Creations

Hello Dear Readers!! Boy, have I missed my blog. I have been so busy since December. I lost one of my major accounts, due to a merger, and the scramble was on to find a replacement for my day job, which I had been neglecting the marketing side so terribly due to having so much fun being creative and working on my studio items and blogging...well, I have managed to do a little bit better for marketing, set up a website for my day job, to hopefully bring in some business, Medpro Office Solutions, created an ongoing commission based marketing plan for those who love to sell and would like to make a continuous commission for any client I can secure (interested, send me an email, not interested,,,sigh,,,keep on reading about the great Saint Patrick Day finds I was able to rustle up!!...not interested in that either!!! Argh!! LOL. Ah, yes, blogging brings me such joy! Okay, on to the good stuff!

Handmade Polymer Clay Leprechaun in his Pot of Gold sculpture

Is this little guy cute or what! He is the quintessential Saint Patrick decoration, great for an office desk or even a kitchen counter.

Wouldn't this little shamrock bear be cute on a sofa or bed!!??

This little leprechaun would be a perfect decoration for any table top. Top of the morning to you!!

Hand crafted stained glass sun catcher would look lovely in any window.

Want to take a more subtle approach to your holiday decor? How about some fragrant green tea soap?

A little something for the kiddies, an adorable hand puppet, get ready for a puppet show!

Don't want to get pinched for not wearing green? How getting decked out with this gorgeous scarf, perfect for anytime.

Are you planning a great Saint Patrick's day dinner complete with some corned beef and cabbage? Regardless of what you are planning or cooking, you will be a knock out in this gorgeous apron! Must have!

How about a green clover Mother of Pearl bracelet, just lovely...

You all know I am all about the sparklely and yeah, this rhinestone necklace is definitely an eye catcher! Love it!

Don't want your guy to get pinched...how about these hand-knitted socks...don't care if he does or not...okay, let's move on...

Are you sending out Saint Patrick's cards? This is one of the most innovative ones I have seen in a while, and it is handmade! This dancing leprechaun card is certain to put a smile on someone's face.

I have always enjoyed Michael Flatley and his Lord of the Dance Irish folk dancing and music, this is one of my favorites, hope you enjoy it as well.