Glitter Tart Designs

Read Along ~ Part 3 Winner and a Bit of Fun

2012-01-31T10:33:00.000-06:00

Hello most fabulous Read Alongers. Today is a bitter sweet post, I am so pleased with how this read along turned out but at the same time I am sad to see it end. I think we had some great discussions this round and I am pleased to hear that many of you enjoyed the book.

Thank you all that answered the bonus question last week. I have placed a poll in the Left sidebar of my blog at the top. It will stay open throughout February to see if I can drum up more interest and get some more input. Right now most of you would like the Young Adult sci/fi Fantasy and I've got one picked out.

Please tell all your friends. The more people that participate in this the more likely I am to continue. I do enjoy it, but it is also quite a bit of work.

* * *

Okay onto the winner of last weeks prise.

A PBS credit OR $5.00 Amazon Gift Certificate OR the handmade Tote bag pictured below.

The Winner is

WingsPawsNMagick

Congratulations!

Please e-mail me at cmoh@earthlink.net and let me know what prize you would like.

Didn't win, well I have another tote in my Etsy shop, different design, It's French inspired. Remember items in my Etsy store are on sale to all Read Along participants, use coupon code MermaidRA. Sale ends Feb 17th.

* * *

Now for a bit of fun. Guess what I found out!?! Mermaid is going to be a Movie! HERE is what Carolyn has to say about this.

I have a web site that I really enjoy. It is called Storycasting and the entire premise behind it is to cast books. I asked them to add Mermaid to their database but I didn't ask in time :( so it's not available today but maybe sometime in the future. But I have decided to cast it anyway.

Here is my dream Cast, what do you think? Who would you cast?

Natalie Portman

Lenia

Emily Blunt

Margrethe

Scarlett Johansson

Sybil

(imagine her with long wavy vixen red hair)

Believe it or not I actually thought about Lindsey Lohan for this role I like her look but not her acting.

and

James Franco

Christopher

Well, that's my cast.

I have had a great time this read along, hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Read Along ~ Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon, Part 3 Chapters 17-End

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the final week of this Read Along. I'm so glad you are back or joining us for the first time.

A quick recap as to how this all works, answer the questions below, for each correct response I will enter your name for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes (a handmade item, a PBS Credit or a $5 Gift certificate from Amazon). You have until Monday January 30th to answer this set of questions.

Leave your answers in a comment with a way for me to get in touch with you.

This weeks Handmade prize is a big one!

This one of a kind, hand died, stamped, painted and ruffled tote. I embellished it with pearls and the ruffle is also hand died. The mermaid and fish are hand painted with a lovely shimmery paint.

1. What is unusual about Lenia's pregnancy?
2. What book is Margarethe reading when Christopher comes to talk to her?
3. Who does Lenia think she sees in Agnes when she is trying to explain that she needs to have the baby early?
4. What do they name the baby? Who is she named after?
5. What price did the sisters have to pay to find out how to save Lenia?

Bonus: If I do another read along what type of book would you like? Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction or a Young Adult Science Fiction/ Fantasy (for answering this question you get an extra name in the drawing for this weeks prize)

Discussion (2 and 3 taken from the readers guide at the back of my copy of Mermaid):
1. Do you think the price the sisters had to pay to get the knowledge needed to save Lenia was sufficient? What do you think of the price Lenia had to pay? How much would you pay for a chance at true love?
2. What do you think of retelling of Fairy Tales? Why do you think they are so popular? Do you think there is any special power in taking a known story and envisioning it in a new way?
3. Mermaids are an incredibly popular subject in many cultures. What do you think accounts for there appeal? What makes mermaids such a rich subject for the imagination? Can you think of other books in which mermaids play an important role?

Read Along ~ Mermaid Part 2 Winner and a Bit of Fun

2012-01-24T11:44:00.000-06:00

Hello Fabulous Read Alongers! I am so pleased with this weeks turn out and the discussion was so much fun. Once again thank you all for participating and making this fun and worthwhile.

I would like to revisit Jenny's Question about where the book is set.

Most of you were in agreement that it was not pivotal to the book but that you pictured it as being in England. I found this interesting and wonder if since we don't have a King or Queen if we, Americans, just reach for England as our basis for a country ruled by a King or Queen.

Well, I had a long time to ponder this while waiting (without a book) and it struck me that why can't it be set in the US? After all Turgeon uses the titles North and South and the two countries/area's are at war. I started to think, hey this could be a loss reference to the civil war. Plus the climate reference kind of fit, the North being typically much cooler than the South. Oh well, just mussing.

Great Question Jenny! Thanks for asking.

* * *

Okay now I know you are all dying to know who is the winner of the prize

(1 PBS Credit, OR $5 gift certificate to Amazon OR a handmade item)

The Winner is

Andrea

Congratulations, please let me know which prize you would like.

If you didn't win, keep trying there is always next week, and would like some of my handmade glittered Clothespin Magnets please visit my Etsy store GlitterTart and use coupon code MermaidRA for a 10% discount. Please note, this coupon is only good for participating Read Alongers.

Now, just for fun, I have put together a Treasury Listing, Mermaid Inspired, on Etsy of things I found that made me think of the book. Please come take a look at the wonderful handmade and vintage items being offered by various sellers (I do not know any of them personally I just liked these items).

Okay Gang, I will catch you tomorrow, off to get some photo's taken of the last handmade prize for this read along.

Read Along ~ Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon, Part 2 Chapters 9-16

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to week 2 of my Read Along, I am so glad you are back or joining us.

Leave your answers in a comment with a way for me to get in touch with you.

This week for the handmade prize I have a set of 6 of my Glittered clothespin magnets the colors were inspired by the book cover. To go along with that I have a copy of one of Carolyn's other books "Godmother The Secret Cinderella Story" and a German fantasy postcard circa 1918 called "Temptation"

1. What was Gregor's Mermaid experience?

2. What is Margarethe's plan to stop the war?

3. What name does Prince Christopher choose for Lenia and why?

4. What does Lenia's life line look like and who reads her palm? What is special about her?

5. How did the southern King tell his son about the marriage to Margarethe and how did Christopher react?

Bonus: What did Lenia do with the necklace her sisters gave her from the Prince's Shipwreck?

Discussion:

1. Last week Jenny asked "where do you think the book is set? I.e. what are the north and south kingdoms, or are they completely factious? At first, I thought the setting was Scotland (north) and England (south), based on physical descriptions and history of rivalry, plus the islands Christopher was looking for could easily be the Shetland Islands or Scandinavian ones. As I read further along, I don't think it's really important to the story, but I was curious to see if anyone else pondered this."

2. When Gregor told Margarethe about his mermaid experience did you have a moment where you thought he maybe talking about Sybil? Do you think this was the authors intent?

3. What is your opinion of Prince Christopher at this point? Do you think he took advantage of Linea or do you feel like much of this is her fault because of her decision to become something she is not?

Read Along ~ Mermaid Part 1 Winner and a bit of fun

2012-01-17T09:13:00.000-06:00

Hello Wonderful Read Alongers, I think the first section was so much fun! I am utterly intrigued with one of the discussion questions I asked and learned so much that now I look at the book totally differently.

I would like to share some of the discussion here. The Question that was so great was

2. Do you find Carolyn's selection of the name Christopher significant?

Andrea pointed out that St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.

And Nerd Up Said " I loved how the author referenced the Odyssey as his vocal intro it was a really quick way to give him a great personality and now knowing that Christopher is the patron saint of Travelers that really fits his reference to the Odyssey!"

I love this take on it, it was a very fast and successful way of giving Christopher a personality. It's just amazing how much and how many different ways a name can be viewed.

Okay now I know you are all dying to know who is the winner of the prize (1 PBS Credit, OR $5 gift certicifate to Amazon OR a handmade item)

The Winner is

Sandi with an i

Congratulations, please let me know which item you would like and I will get it off to you ASAP

Now, Just for fun. I have a Pinterest Account and am totally addicted. I put together a special board just for this book of all the things that I've found over the past few weeks that remind me of this book. So HERE it is, hope you enjoy perusing it.

On a side note, I may be a bit behind getting up tomorrows questions, my youngest is sick :(

Looking forward to seeing you next week!

Read Along Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon, Part 1 Chapter 1-8

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my Second Read Along, I'm so glad you are joining me.

Here is how it works, answer the questions below, for each correct response I will enter your name for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes (a handmade item, a PBS Credit or a $5 Gift certificate from Amazon). You have until Monday January 16th to answer this set of questions.

Leave your answers in a comment with a way for me to get in touch with you.

Today for the handmade prize I have created an ornament featuring Margrethe's desire for Rapture and Lenia's for a Soul.

1. What does Margarethe consider Rapture
2. Besides the obvious (legs/tail) what is the major difference between Humans and Mermaids?
3. What combination of things does Lenia think feels like a soul?
4. According to Lenia why are humans and mermaids separate?
5. What are the conditions of Lenia's wish?

Bonus:
What is Sybil's most striking Feature?

Discussion:
1. Prince Christopher says he was attached by a dragon, do you think he lied? If so why.
2. Do you find Carolyn's selection of the name Christopher significant?
3. How do you picture the mermaids at this point?

I hope you are enjoying the book, please feel free to leave any type of comment about the book (so if you don't like it please let us know and let us know why). I'm looking forward to your answers and this discussion.

A Naughty Valentine Tin Tutorial, Cupid's Captives

2012-01-10T10:42:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Alpha Stamps announced their next swap, a Naughty Valentines Tin Swap and I'm hosting! You can read all about it HERE

So to get your juices flowing I thought I would offer a Tutorial on my Cupid's Captives tin, so sit back, relax and let inspiration strike.

Supplies:

Jewelers Tin

Collage images

Decorative paper

Glue (fast drying, E6000, Glossy effects, and hot glue)

Scissors

Twig

Ephemeral (butterfly, beads)

Acrylic Paint

Paintbrush

Stamps

Ink

Glitter

Moss

colored pencils

Double sided tape

Step 1: Measure and Cut image

Select your image, I used Cupid's captives from the Lovers collage sheet available at Alpha Stamps

Use the tin top as a guide, trace around the image (make sure not to cut into the words or the fairy at the bottom of the image, I use those later).

Cut just inside of your pencil marks.

Step 2: Measure and cut side coverings

Select the paper you would like to use to cover the inside and outside edges. I used a dark brown sheet from the Glitz Pretty in Pink paper pack available at Alpha Stamps.

Measure the width of the inside sides, make it slightly larger since the lid is elevated a bit. I went with 3/4 of an inch.

Measure the circumference of the tin and cut your strips.

I went ahead and cut my strips for the outside walls at the same time (they were slightly larger 7/8) so I cut 2 strips of 3/4 width and 2 strips of 7/8 width.

Step 3: Glue

Spread glue on the inside of the tin, then fit in the collage image. If it is slightly larger or smaller that's fine just make sure you get it in flat. Pressing down all over.

Next fit in the side paper, I put the glue on the paper this time, just remember that part of the paper will stick out of the tin so leave the top edge glue free.

The paper I selected was slightly shorter than the circumference, that's fine, work the first paper in and get it flat against the walls, this takes a little bit of work just be patient with it.

Now cut off a bit from the extra strip and work it into the open spot.

Step 4: Glitter the inside

You want to do this step now because if you do it before you glue the image into the tin (step 3) you will have to wait for the glitter to dry before you can do any of the assembly.

Step 5: Prepair the branch

I got my branch/twig from my backyard.

Decide where you want the branch to lye in the tin.

Trim the branch with a pair of scissors you don't care about or use a Matt knife.

Fit the branch back into the tin, be very careful not to drop it onto the wet glitter, to test the size and placement. If you are happy with it attach your butterfly. I got mine from Alpha Stamps, the Mixed Metal Butterflies.

Set your twig aside to dry along with your tin.

Step 6: Paint tin top trim

This step is not necessary but I didn't want a harsh silver to show through my glitter when the tin is all done so I brushed it with a mossy green acrylic paint.

If you get some on the glass wipe it off quickly.

Step 7: Stamp, color and Glitter Images

I used Alpha Stamps 4 Cherubs Rubber Stamp Set and the Small Ribbon Banner Rubber Stamp available from Alpha Stamps.

Before you start coloring the banner cut out the words from the Collage Image and attach them. Then color the banner.

Dot some glitter onto the image.

And wipe it with your finger.

I colored the cherubs and added glitter to their wings and set everything aside.

Step 8: Prepair tin top fairy

Now cut out the miniature fairy at the bottom of the collage sheet.

Coat her lightly with Glossy accents or some other clear drying glue and attach her to the lid.

Step 9: Affix the branch and moss on the inside of the tin

Fit your branch into the tin.

Drop some hot glue where the branch hits the walls of the tin, it's okay if it is a large blob it will get covered with moss. Just make sure the branch is secure.

Now start working in the moss, put the hot glue in small areas and very carefully (don't burn yourself) fit the moss in and around the tin. Once it's all in cut back any moss that is obscuring the collage image and make sure the lid will close.

Step 10: Affix beads

Place the decorative beads where you feel they look best. I used the Pink crackle Beads from Alpha Stamps.

Step 11: Cut out stamped images and do a bit more coloring

Cut out your cherubs make sure to leave a long portion to attach them to the tin as shown.

Fold the cupid, making it into an L shape. Color the portion on the front that is white, green.

Color the back of the cupid also, you want them to look nice from all sides.

Step 12: Glue lid onto tin

Using a fast drying glue, put a line all the way around the tin and work the lid on. Hold it until the lid is secure or put a weight on the top and take a small break, get a drink or better yet some chocolate!

Step 13: Affix Cupids

Space out the cupids until you like the look, remember you still have the banner to add also.

Using double sided tape affix the Cupids to the tin.

Step 14: Affix the Decorative Paper

Grab the strips you cut way back in step 2 and glue them onto the outside of the tin just like you did on the inside of the tin.

Step 15: Glitter the lid

Add glitter all around the outside edge of the tin and make sure to cover up any paper bits that didn't get glued flat.

Now walk off for a bit, get a cup of coffee, check your e-mail and let the tin have time to dry.

Step 16: Attach the moss

Following the same process as you did on the inside of the tin, glue small portions and work the moss on carefully.

Neaten up the moss

Step 17: Cut out and attach the banner and add final details

Whew! All done!

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and I look forward to swapping with you!

Naughty Valentines Tin Swap

2012-01-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

Guess what gang, I'm hosting another fabulous swap for Alpha Stamps, this time it's a Naughty Valentines Tin Swap.

Think naughty with a playful tone! Silly French men, alluring come-hither looks, a bit of nudity (shocking! I know!), excess frilly accessories, rouged faces, garters, ribbons, hearts, and of course, wanton desire!

This swap will be 3 for 3. (Create 3 different tins with embellishments and receive 3 in return, all by different artists!) Please do not send in more than ONE set (aka: maximum of 3 tins).

The above tin is by the fabulous Miz Bella!

For more information (and/or to sign up by January 22, 2012), visit the Yahoo Group. Artwork will be due February 27, 2012.

And here's a link to lots of pink, frilly, romantic products on sale (including the tins and the new Naughty Valentines Collage Sheet)!

View more art samples in the Naughty Valentines Tins Swap Gallery.

Hope to see you there!

Molly Winters is Virginia King

2012-01-07T08:22:00.000-06:00

I just finished off another fabulous Circle of Friends Journal entry. This journal is Monica's of Art Rocks.

Monica created a base character, Molly Winters, a quiet and shy librarian. But if we were to look into the corners of Molly's mind, we would find so much more going on that what you would imagine! Molly has characters that she has created for herself that she "becomes" at particular times or in certain situations. As a participant in the journal, we are tasked with helping to tell Molly's story and reveal the characters contained within her.

Meet Virginia King, one of Molly's personas.

When Molly wants to go high stakes she slips into Virginia King, World class poker player. She has no tells and her beauty is as distracting as her strategy is strong.

Virginia insists on caviar and champagne while she plays for herself as well as her components. Everyone loves playing Virginia and one day they all hope to beat her, but that's not going to happen.

This journal was a lot of fun! And to be 100% honest my layout was totally different but Virginia insisted on this clean simple spread. I hope Molly enjoys being Virginia and I am looking forward to starting on my next journal.

Mermaid Read Along ~ 1 week from Today!

2012-01-04T09:02:00.000-06:00

One week From Today (January 11th) marks the start of my Second Read Along. I hope you are joining me!

This is a fun book, and even if you don't like the book it is a fun activity. Where else can you chat about a book, get a chance to win prizes (some handmade by me) and get introduced to other books and new people across the world?

Here is a quick recap of the Proposed Schedule

Jan 11th Part 1 (Chapters 1-8) Questions Posted

Jan 16th Part 1 Answers Due

Jan 17th Part 1 Winner Announced

Jan 18th Part 2 (Chapters 9-16) Questions Posted

Jan 23rd Part 2 Answers Due

Jan 24th Part 2 Winner Announced

Jan 25th Part 3 (Chapters 17-End) Questions Posted

Jan 30th Part 3 Answers Due

Jan 31st Part 3 Winner Announced the proposed schedule

Please note, that if you don't have the book already you still have plenty of time to get it (there is a copy at my local library and 3 at the local used book store so check those resources) and read the first part and even if you don't make the first set of questions you can always join in on the second and third. My handmade prizes get better (in my opinion) the further into the Read Along that we get.

Fell free to invite all your reading (and none reading) friends. I look forward to next week! Off to work on the prizes!

Hello 2012, a Resolutions Post, Join me

2012-01-02T08:36:00.000-06:00

With 2011 officially behind me, the Christmas decorations all put up, the New Years eve celebration cleaned up and the traditional New Years Day meal consumed it is time to think about what I want for 2012.

First off I always do a reading Goal and last year I didn't make mine but I'm not very upset about that with everything that happened in 2011.

So this year my goal is simpler

Read 30 books (23 off my To Be Read pile)

Each book will earn a point value 100 for the first in a series, 200 for 2nd etc etc. I get an additional 25 pts for books already on my TBR pile and an additional 50 pts if the book is not WL for on PBS.

I want my total score this year to be 8000 (last year it was 7495)

I would also like to focus on my house a bit more this year. Yes, we just moved into it and no, I don't expect everything to get done overnight but there is still painting to finish and some furniture to paint. So Each month I want to focus (and finish up as best I can) a room in the house.

January: DD #1's room

February: DD #2's room

March: The Kitchen eating area

For starters...we will see what needs going after that (a ton but I suspect we will work on other rooms too during these months)

I want to host 4 Read Alongs

This however depends on how much participation I get. I've already scheduled my first one, it is for the book Mermaid and you can get the information HERE

And then the big hard one for me...I want to participate in a Craft Fair this upcoming year. First I'll have to find one and then I'll have to make enough stuff LOL.

I'd also like to get back to writing/editing so maybe a chapter every 2 months.

Please Share with me what you would like to accomplish this year, I would love to hear it and hopefully it will keep me motivated.

Doris

2012-01-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

Doris Suber, my Grandmother who taught me more than I can mention, passed away this past Christmas Eve. She was a loving, smart, posed, beautiful, creative spirit that I will miss dearly. I thank you for opening me up to all the creativity that I know I got from you, I thank you for teaching me the joy in a simple pound cake, and I thank you for showing me the beauty in everyday life. I strive everyday to be more like you.

This year, make sure you spend time with your loved ones, listen to those family stories and soak up life, it's what my Grandmother would have done.

Rest in Peace Mama D. and say hey to Papa for me.

A Different Christmas Poem

2011-12-24T08:21:00.004-06:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

From: LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Read Along ~ Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

2011-12-22T16:15:00.000-06:00

Hey Gang, guess what! I'm hosting another Read Along.

This time we will be reading Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

Princess Margrethe has been hidden away while her kingdom is at war. One gloomy, windswept morning as she stands in a convent garden overlooking the icy sea, she witnesses a miracle: a glittering mermaid emerging from the waves, a nearly drowned man in her arms. By the time Margrethe reaches the shore, the mermaid has disappeared into the sea. As Margrethe nurses the handsome stranger back to health, she learns that not only is he a prince, he is also the son of her father's greatest rival. Sure that the mermaid brought this man to her for a reason, Margrethe devises a plan to bring peace to her kingdom.

Meanwhile, the mermaid princess Lenia longs to return to the human man she carried to safety. She is willing to trade her home, her voice, and even her health for legs and the chance to win his heart….

A surprising take on the classic tale, Mermaid is the story of two women with everything to lose. Beautifully written and compulsively readable, it will make you think twice about the fairytale you heard as a child, keeping you in suspense until the very last page.

If you missed my first read along you can see the posts by clicking HERE.

How will this read along work?

On Wednesday, January 11th I will post some questions for the first 1/4 of the book you have until the following Monday to answer the questions in a comment. I will put your name in a pot and select a weekly winner on the following Tuesday. The prizes will be one of the following, a PBS credit, a $5 Gift Certificate from Amazon or a handmade item.

I am really excited about this read along and would love it if you would join, I've already started working on the prizes and I've got a few other fun things to post along with the questions. Please share this with anyone you know that would love to Read Along with us.

Proposed Schedule

Jan 11th Part 1 (Chapters 1-8) Questions Posted

Jan 16th Part 1 Answers Due

Jan 17th Part 1 Winner Announced

Jan 18th Part 2 (Chapters 9-16) Questions Posted

Jan 23rd Part 2 Answers Due

Jan 24th Part 2 Winner Announced

Jan 25th Part 3 (Chapters 17-End) Questions Posted

Jan 30th Part 3 Answers Due

Jan 31st Part 3 Winner Announced

New Swap on the Circle of Friends

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

I have just announced my newest swap at The Circle of Friends a wonderful group of women who enjoy swapping art and chatting. So if this sounds like something you would like please come join us.

The swap is to create a tag with the theme, Dead Authors, you get to choose and depict it anyway you like. Then you will mail the tags to me and I will compile them all in a pocket book. I have created a template and attached the pocket but only so participants know what kind of 3D elements will work, decorating/creating the pocket isn't part of the participants job, that's mine.

I am really looking forward to starting the new year off with a wonderful swap. If you have any questions please let me know or come on over and chat with the ladies.

Birthday Gifties...what I made and sent to my fabulous Mother

2011-12-19T11:59:00.000-06:00

Last week was my Gorgeous Mother's birthday.

I wanted to send her something special and something that she would use. I've mentioned before how much I love Savon Marie's hand made soaps so I started there, got her Lisette in pale pink scented with Lavender (my mother's favorite).

To go with this fabulous soap I decided to make a handmade towel. I fell in love with the tan and pink fabric and searched high and low for a match (I got as close as I could). The towel is double sided so the pretty pattern is on both sides and the ruffle and monogram are of the same fabric.

I got a call from my mother the other night and she was thrilled with her gift which makes me so happy.

If you would like to treat yourself or someone special in your life with this towel then hop on over to my Etsy store where I have one on sale right now. Mention this blog post and I'll take $2 off!

Art Share ~ Bobbi Ann, A Marie Christmas Tea Cup Swap

2011-12-16T12:36:00.000-06:00

A few days ago a shared with y'all a little tease of what I was sending to my Marie Antoinette Swap Partner. The swap was for a Tea cup, our favorite tea, a handmade ornament and a cookie Recipe. Well, Bobbie Ann sent me these wonderful goodies.

She sent not one but 2 ornaments. This one is a beaded crystal. I have never seen anything like it nor can I even begin to imagine how much work it was to get the design and shape right.

And here is the second ornament (at least I think that's what it is, whatever it is it is stunning!) I just love the soft pink pearls she added and all the silver bling.

Here is a close up of the lovely cup she sent (I am saving the detail pictures for Tea Cup Tuesday). It is a Paragon design and I just love it! And she sent me English Breakfast Tea, in the loose form so I can make it good and strong. It's one of my favorites.

Bobbie Ann also sent 2 recipes which you all know I am going to try. She sent a Honey Nut Butter Balls and Toffee Bars recipe. I'm thinking this weekend is going to be a big kitchen weekend for me.

Thank you so much Bobbie Ann, I love everything. The ornaments are on the tree, my cup is safely tucked away in my display case all washed and ready for a cup of tea this rainy afternoon.

Ain't I a tease! A Marie Antoinette Mail Art sneak peek

2011-12-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

It's that time again, time for me to mail out another Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group Swap. This time it is a Christmas English Tea Cup Swap and this package is on it's way to my partner right now!

I wanted to make the mailing box look like an actual package, so I hand painted a ribbon on. Added some glitter and of course a Marie stamp.

Inside this box is the handmade ornament I made her.

And inside all of these boxes and baggies are wonderful goodies I made or purchased for my partner. Don't you wish you could rip into them!

I'll be back to share what's in them once my partner receives them, after all shouldn't she get the first look ;)

Art Share ~ Sandy P. a Circle of Friends Memeber

2011-12-13T08:23:00.000-06:00

The Circle of Friends has once again brightened my day. Our Fearless leader Sandi with an i organizes monthly secret swappers where we are each assigned one member to send goodies to. This month Sandy P. was my secret partner and she out did herself! A crystal mermaid container, vintage lace bits, sea glass (oh my I love this stuff and will have to find more!), a darling little angel for my angels and she made a matchbox and button flowers.

Sandy knows how much I love mermaids and she said in her note that she had found this fabulous crystal container and set it aside just for me. I am going to fill it with some of my paper clay mermaids I use all the time in my art.

She made these fabulous button flowers that I just can't get enough of! I am setting aside bits and pieces so that my daughter and I can make a bunch while she is on holiday break. They are so simple but yet they add so much to a project or in my case I put them in a skinny Chrystal vase and they are just too perfect!

But Sandy didn't stop there, she also created this lovely mini matchbox that she filled with miniature goodies!

I feel so spoiled and love everything and can't wait to get to play with all the mini goodies she sent me! Thank you so much Sandy!

Art Share ~ Mary

2011-12-12T07:53:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I started sharing the wonderful swap pieces I have received from the Handmade Christmas Ornament swap Cassandra of An Artful Adventure hosted. Today, I share the last set I received.

This set is from Mary of The Damsel of Distress

She wrapped everything in a vintage sewing pattern tied with a gorgeous blue ribbon and included a stunning bleached and died bottle brush tree (I just love these things!)

On top of that each ornament was slipped into a clear cellophane bag that she attached a lovely doily and ribbon to.

Ah what could be better than a Vintage Peri image that has been hand soldered? I just love the shape, so very classic!

Her second ornament is a fabulous paper clay bird. I just love the added touch of the blue ribbon and mini button. Oh and by the way it is painted in a shimmery golden/cream paint that is just to die for! I find it intriguing that she and I both made birds and they turned out so different. Mine is HERE if you want to see how different they are.

Mary's third ornament is a rag doll Angel. I just love the face (also painted with the wonderful shimmery gold and cream as her bird) with lots of vintage bits and pieces.

I am sad that the swap is over but so glad I took part. Thank you Mary for such wonderful pieces I can't wait to get them on my tree!

Art Share ~ Trisha

2011-12-11T07:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I started sharing the wonderful Ornaments I have received through Cassandra's of An Artful Adventure Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap this set is from Trisha of easily amused, hard to offend...

Again the packaging is just stunning, she covered this box with vintage sheet and added a bright snowflake (how did she know my windows needed another one?) and tied it with a soft pink ribbon. Packaging really does set the tone of the entire swap don't you think?

I was blown away by Trisha's first creation, it is a paper rose ball that she tinted with the lightest shades of blue and pink. The texture is just fabulous and I can only imagine how much time went into rolling (???) each one of those fabulous roses.

Her Second ornament is a fabulously glittered and adorned ATC that hangs from a lovely bit of blue ribbon. She has quite a few different version of this on her blog and they are all just as stunning!

Trisha's final ornament is this fabulous felted (???) bird nest filled with glittered sheet music eggs!

She sat the nest on a clothespin that she also covered with the sheet music and added touches of glitter to. It makes it so easy to attach to my tree and I wish I'd photographed it on the tree instead of my wire tree because it really does add charm to my Christmas tree.

Thank you so much Trisha I love them all and will look forward to adding them to my tree every year!

Art Share ~ Miss Lynn

2011-12-10T07:09:00.000-06:00

Last week I needed to be with my family, my lovely, sweet, strong incredible grandmother has become ill. So I saved up all the fabulous pictures of the most wonderful Handmade Christmas Ornament swap hosted by Cassandra of An Artful Adventure to share when I had time to do my partners justice.

This set is from Miss Lynn of create...breathe

She packaged her ornaments in a fabulous cigar box that I feel so spoiled to have received, I love old cigar boxes! Love storing things in them and displaying them and collecting them and and and...

Well enough about the box lets get to the really good stuff!

For her first ornament she created this absolutely fabulous burlap frozen Charlotte Angel complete with a real tinkling bell and some fabulous soft pink shimmery stars and beads!

Isn't the little Charlotte with the layers behind her just fabulous!

Her second stunning creation is a soft pink pearl and lace fabric Christmas tree. With lots of cream colored buttons and vintage lace

Don't you just love all the little touches!

And she used an old spool covered in Christmas music as it's stand. I just love the attention to detail!

And her third creation is a wonderful pink and white Chenille House.

She hand stitched lovely details and attached a bunch of different textures like the little "home" book print and a chipboard chimney to make this piece so tantalizing.

And just check out this bleached and glittered wreath she added!

Thank you Miss Lynn for such wonderful additions to my holiday ornament collection!

Handmade Ornaments

2011-12-08T17:30:00.002-06:00

This holiday season I took part in Cassandra of An Artful Adventure Handmade Ornament Swap. I had a great time creating my pieces and just wait until you see what I got. But today I want to share what I created.

We exchanged with 3 partners 3 different ornaments. I tried to personalize the ornaments I made. Miss Lynn's liked Pink and Blue, Whites and Creams, Winter Blues and she was interested in Anything as long as roses are involved. Mary likes Whites and Creams, Pink and Blues and is interested in Anything, but French and Elegant is her favorite. My final partner Trisha was an anything goes girl.

I was really a silly blogger when I took the photographs and don't have images of all the individual pieces I did. But below is the front and back of the Bottle Cap Ornament that I made for Mary, I thought the images were Frenchish...

Miss Lynn posted a lovely picture of the Rose version of this ornaments on her blog create...breathe

and you can see the ornaments she made for me HERE

This is my favorite of the 3 ornaments I made, polymer clay glittered birds. And I painted them all different colors based on my partners preferences.

Behind the blue bird above you can see the 3rd ornament I made, a painted wooden shaped thing. Alas I really didn't like the way it turned out, to the extent that I don't even have a picture.

I had a great time creating, and learning about my partners for this swap. I secretly hope that this becomes a yearly swap that Cassandra hosts.

Come back tomorrow and I'll be featuring my fabulous partners pieces.

Diva Days of December

2011-11-30T16:35:00.000-06:00

I have been a member of PBS for five years now and every year (except the first) I have taken part in the Diva Days of December. Who and What are the Diva's? Well, we are just a group of women who enjoy reading (not necessarily the same things) that are member of PBS (see my side bar) that love to exchange gifts and chat.

This year we are doing 7 Days of Diva (because 12 was too many and 6 wasn't enough LOL). And I am exchanging with my very bestest friend in the whole wide world (who I suckered into PBS and into the Diva's)!

Here are my 7 packages for Heather, I decided to indicate which day to open by putting that number of flowers on the box.

So this is box 5.

We start opening on December 17th and I already have 4 boxes from Heather sitting next to me, one of them smells scrumptious, I half want to open it and make sure somethings not broken but she told me not too ;)

So I'll see you December 17th to share the lovely items Heather sent me. Don't you wish you were a Diva!

Art Share ~ Susan Salyer

2011-11-30T09:32:00.000-06:00

Today I am sharing the last of the wonderful tea pots created for Alpha Stamps Yahoo Group Alice's Tea Party Swap that I'm hosting.

This one is by Susan Salyer, don't you just love how she used the Flamingo's! She also has tons of glittery touches throughout the piece and many different fabric textures.

Make sure you stop by the Alpha Stamps Gallery to see all of her wonderful teapots and the other participants.

It's so sad that this swap is over, but I have something new and fantastic up my sleeve so stay tuned and make sure to check out Alpha Stamps Yahoo Groups for upcoming swaps.