The Original Notions Co.

Junk Gypsy and Hippie Jesus

2014-09-07T22:44:00.001-07:00

My current obsession has turned to Junk Gypsy on the GAC channel. I don't know if there are any of my friends that share my passion, all I know is that I need a chandelier with gold glitter tipped white feathers on it.

Because my apartment would totally rock that.

I must confess I lost the plot for a minute there last month. A lot happened in my personal life, stuff I cannot divulge just yet but the good news is that I get to teach little kids about Art! I would love to be able to go all Bob Ross on them, showing the happy little trees, but alas, you have to start with the basics of art and life first. Like the colors of the Rainbow, for instance. Once that is nailed down, I can start on the primary, secondary and tertiary colors. If I see them get bored quickly, there's always an episode of Bob's I can put on. It mellows the crowd down quickly.

"Let's put a...a little river here.... just a little happy brook... yeah, I like that..."

hippie Jesus.

Seriously, that man is a perfect example of Creatio Ex Nihilo. Although, I could always turn it around and put the Epic Rap Battles of History spin on the classes.

Being a part time teacher also frees up a few days that I can dedicate in whole to my jewelry making stuff... which you will see... hopefully on Wednesday. (i say that a lot, don't i?)

It's a Geekblog Wednesday, So What?!?

2014-08-13T04:24:00.002-07:00

Okay, so I'm not going to say anything much on Robin Williams' passing. It's honestly too fresh and I feel like I've lost my favorite uncle. I will however take a nod to Amanda Palmer and insert my own homage to the man.
O Captain, My Captain.
I'm up on my kitchen counter, which is more my desk than anything.

And now for something completely different.

LifePro Tip: When having children and chickens please do yourself a favor and walk ahead of the children when going to feed the chickens. That way, you can spot a dead chicken(or two) before your six year old daughter does, and you can avoid the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Plus you can also avoid the practical 5 year olds wondering out loud when we can eat the chicken...in front of the six year old thereby throwing her into another fit of hysteria(we're talking hands-in-the-air wailing, thrown herself down on the knees kind of despair).

We'll turn this around with a geek post.

Coolest Business Card Idea Ever

Paper USB Business Cards... it's brilliant and I live in the future. This needs to be a thing that is widely spread out of its sheer cleaver design. PAPER! Paper, people. genius. I want.

Except it's expensive. Ridiculously so only for 200 cards but it might be worth it. What an impact you would have on whomever you would give that to. Talk about a radical first impression.

Yes I use the word radical, and no I am not going to change it. Savvy?

Geek Tuesdays

2014-07-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

OMG IT'S GEEK TUESDAYS.

AND OMG IT'S A BORG MINI FRIDGE.

The Borg is my favorite villain(s)(can I say that they are plural or singular because they are one in many...) in the Star Trek 'verse. The mechanical zombie appearance, the drones, the Borg Queen, Locutus/Jean-luc, the list goes on. The fact that the Cube has been downsized to a mini fridge just enhances my love for them. Why do I love it so? Because resistance is futile. That's why. If you read down the comment section of the page someone had the brilliant idea of creating a microwave to look like a Replicator.

That was also the time when a lot of people were like "SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY". ThinkGeek needs to get on the ball on this one, just sayin'.

For those in the Geekdom that don't have the sincere appreciation of Star Trek and its glory, you can purchase the Rubik's Cube Mini Fridge which is just as nerdy and just as awesome.

If, for some reason, my kids don't want to get into Star Trek (but that's ridiculous, why wouldn't they?) they can switch over to some other means of Nerd. Which is fine, my kids are nerds, they really don't have a choice - this is genetics after all.... *sarcasm implied, sorta* But I put it to you, when your four year-old asks you if you would like "Tea, Earl Grey, Hot, Mommy?" just like Captain Picard takes his, is she a nerd-in-training?

I think so.

Update

2014-07-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that this thing needs an over haul. If you subscribe to my Facebook (which you do, I mean... why wouldn't you?) then you know that I've decided to pour my goals into concrete and really work on them.

Goal: To quit a job I hate.
Goal: To open my own damn shop.
Goal: To get a house in Yellow Springs with my kids and D.

I figure it's going to take some time for these things to come to fruition and I am well aware of all that entails. No seriously, I am very well aware. My first step has been to get a book on online marketing and time management. My second step is to join a gym because Momma loves cake and that muffin top has got to go.

Life tip: When your five year-old comes up to you, pats your stomach and tells you that there's a baby in there(when there is no baby) it's time to drop a few pounds.

I've discovered sterling silver wrapping and will be posting the glory of ultra-shiny things as soon as I have more than one finished. It's not as awe-inspiring when there's only one, people. Fire Mountain Gems is a thing of beauty, I really recommend anyone to them for all their jewelry needs. Plus tools, I was able to purchase nylon coated pliers and the like for all the sterling so it won't be all scratched and ratchet looking with my wire twisting ways.

And trust me, non-ratchet looking jewelry is always the best way to go.

I'll be posting with greater frequency. Hint: Geek Tuesdays are coming.

Art Affair On the Square and Upgrades

2014-07-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

I went to Portland. I became Portland. I lived for Portlandia. . .

For a solid week and then, when I came home I snapped back into reality... Slightly. Only slightly. I missed my loves! But it was good to get a break, I think there are those times when separating from the kids is just completely necessary. Space. Air. Breathing room, etc.

Just to let you know, for all my nerds out there, that is in fact the Astoria from one of the best 80s flicks of all time: The Goonies. My best friend, O, wanted me to do the Truffle Shuffle but I declined.

Some of the best parts though?

This guy right here.

All in all it was a good week. I'll be damned if I don't go back soon.

I've been thinking about upgrading my stuff into silver and gold! My tools came this week so this weekend you'll be able to see my new wire-wrapped stuff! Oh yeah, by the way....

So, for some good fun this weekend you should make your way down to Urbana, Ohio if you can. Why? Well, Lemme just say Art Affair on the Square and all its glory. Because there you can find things like these:

This is what I'm saying. Saturday, July 19th from 10:00 am till 6:00pm I will be there with fantastically shiny, pretty pretty things!
You should probably be there...

sweet saints of procrastination

2014-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Procrastination is strong with this one. For your genuine amusement, I give you the many levels of procrastination.

Ah, Memes. Can't live with them, can't internet without them. Srs. I've been without my computer for nearly a month because of stupid computer being stupid (No, my Coco, I didn't mean it. I swear.) and my sweet bro came over last week and fixed it. Huzzah!
Also, how many women feel me in the heat this year?

There have been a lot of things going on IRL that involve the drama/comedy/tragedy thing. Most of it I won't divulge here, but let me just say: Migraines... suck. There is no word in my native tongue to demonstrate how badly they suck and at the volume of hating my body when this happens. Hate with a burning of a thousand suns. Hate with a passion that defies reason and logic. Because everything in my life has to shut down in order for these headaches to be taken care of and nursed into oblivion so I can resume functionality. I actually had to be rushed to the ER because it was so bad. ugh.

But! On an up note, and there are some I promise you, I am at the Springfield Farmers Market this year! wooooooooooo! Saturday mornings from 9 till 12:30 I'll be there! You should come down.
It is also noted that I am in the Urbana Art Affair on the Square! July 19 people. Lock that down to come on up, okay?

I've been magnificently busy with lots and lots of things which I will be posting later with a lovely friend of mine. That's later this week though.

Stay tuned!

HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER

2014-03-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

It's that time. The time where we put all of the things together and collaborate for an online store. All that effort comes together this week, one item listing at a time. It kind of reminds me of a song I know:

It was either that or Britney Spears 'Work B*tch'. Either way, the point is made. T.O.N.C. is growing!

The Original Notions Co. has broadened her horizons out to etsy.com. It is a shop for gorgeous things. And I happen to make gorgeous things. :D shameless plug! GO. Click. Enjoy!

Pendants, Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings! OHHHH MYYYY!

Also to come, engraving. Yes, children. I have an engraving machine and can draw on metal. It looks like a skinny version of a tattoo gun (of which I used to wield), and the concept is basically the same. It's very cool and very fun! Pics to come.
However, I've misplaced my camera. Anyone seen a red camera lately? It's a Kodak...they don't even make them anymore.

Jeez, I just dated myself. Good job, M.

More to come.

-M

Valentines

2014-02-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

I have found the most amazing valentines. Sweet Lord, these are hilarious and the comments afterwards are well worth the read.

I am currently making my own.
D, you are warned.

New jewelry over at the Flickr page. Be sure to check it out. Here's a taste:

That's a Black and Red Acrylic Bead Bracelet with Black Wire and a Handmade Clasp, for your viewing pleasure.

Valentine's Day approaches, (As well as my son's birthday) and with the change comes the header and button change over. Does anyone like what I do to the blog every month? Just checking.

On a hopeful note for this year, I'm up on the calendar for the Depot Coffee House down in Urbana for August. Which, for me, is pretty perfect because it gives me time to do new stuff. I've got a couple of paintings 'roaming the halls' if you will and I'm excited to get going on them. Hopefully, also, the street fair in Urbana in the summer. Should be freakin' sweet and I can't wait! Pam down at Cosmic Charles' Breads and Threads convinced me to try for it, so we'll see. I love love love the breads she creates.

mmmmm local organic.

Currently loving and reading the March issue for Romantic Homes, celery green people. I feel it. I feel it move through the crowd like a wave. Like a little baby unicorn that draws the masses to universally 'd'awwwwwwwwwwwww' all over it. Just watch, people. Celery green.

..........celery.............greeeeeeeeeeennnnnn.....

-M

P.S. On a more personal note. Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of my favorite actors of all time. Almost every film he has made, I've seen and right now it goes without saying that 'Capote' is masterful. Although, the first time I saw PSH was on 'Twister' as the lovable Dusty,('windy? that's intense', 'tasty cow, aunt meg') he reminded me of guys my brother and I would hang out with. It seems the older he got, the darker, more twisted characters he played lending to the idea that maybe this man was not as happy as one 'would seem' be in Hollywood. But who am I to know? I'm just a fan in mourning of a beloved actor, trying to reason the whys of his most untimely death. Philip was an actor's actor, and a god among the cinephiles. I will miss him much.

Radiant Orchid and the Engorgement of Turquoise

2014-01-11T09:09:00.001-08:00

Holy crap it's a Flickr account!!

There will be many uploads over the next several days, (without work and life impeding my ability to do so, of course) and you can browse, scroll and drool over to your hearts content.

So, according to Pantone the color of the year is a pruple-y color.

*romantic whisper*...Radiant...

It's a beautiful color, don't get me wrong, but does anyone else feel that it will be plastered onto everything like turquoise blue? Are we going to get a thousand and one radiant orchid chester drawers, coffee tables and bookshelves? I ask you. I. Ask. You.
The color for last year was a very pretty emerald green, and I did see a couple of those at the trade shows but they were still supplanted by all the turquoise. WHEN WILL THE ENGORGEMENT OF ALL THINGS TURQUOISE END?!? ((...i still really like turquoise jewelry though...))

We'll see for the year how it all turns out. For right now, I am concentrating on the trend going through jewelry and it is rainbows. With all the 'My Little Pony' merch coming back in style (yes, pinkie pie) and even guys getting on the MLP bandwagon it doesn't really surprise a lot of us that the PRISM effect comes into play once more. As long as we don't see a surge in the Lisa Frank colors and combinations come back I think we'll be fine.

And does anyone else watch Project Runway? Because I am addicted to that show.

-M

To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn

2014-01-01T08:30:00.001-08:00

Sweet Lord, where has this year gone?

I'm pretty terrible at blogging, but I think we've already established this fact.
Well, first, I think we must address the issue of the Art Show and why it didn't go well. I think it can be summed up in one word: SNOW. Freakin' snow, man. It was every where. The roads were coated in black ice by the time the show started and the city virtually shut down. My many and abundant thanks to the few brave souls who trekked out to get some good coffee and see strange artwork. Speaking of strange, here's a few of mine:

They're slightly crooked. It's true.

There are some of my graphic design posters, as well.

I'm going to try to find a suitable thumbnail system so you fine folk do not have to scroll forever to find my stuff. Next on the 'things to do' list is to get some type of etsy going so you can actually purchase prints, if you want!!

My kids had not one but two Christmas mornings; one with their cousins on Christmas Eve and then one for just us on Christmas morning. They were like little islands in a sea of toys, clothes and wrapping paper.

I really have super cute kids.

So with that I have to say that 2013 was a pretty good year. I got an art show, a few craft shows, branched out into furniture rehab and took risks. And I will continue to do so on into 2014. Things are lovely and I like it. Goodnight 2013, Good morning 2014, let's do this thing.

-M

Thanksgiving

2013-11-28T05:59:00.001-08:00

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Gladys.
Gladys who?
Gladys Thanksgiving. Aren't you?

Many Happy Thanksgivings, everyone. Now, in saying that, I have to a second out of furious grocery shopping/baking/cooking/cleaning extravaganza to say what I am thankful for.

It may be cliche that I am thankful for my parents but I am completely sincere when I say that I am. If it wasn't for my parents I have no idea where my children and I would be. Mom and Dad have bent over backwards to help us; making meals when I had my surgery, watching my kids while I recovered, taking them to school, to church, to the park , etc. There are too many things to list that I am grateful to them for. Just last night Mom and I stood in the kitchen chatting about movies, people, christmas presents, etc. until 1:30 in the morning. It's not surprising really. Mom has become one of my closest and dearest friends. And Dad and I get along better than we have in years. Grateful.

I am thankful for my faraway friends, all who sent their love and faith from afar while P & J and I were settling here in Ohio. Their words of encouragement have meant more to me than any other time before. I needed my friends and my family (be they related or no longer related) and they've had my back ever since I took a fateful leap and came back home.

(I am thankful for a certain awesome man from the North who makes frequent trips down here to see me and the kids. He is a rock of goodness, kindness and strength that I have not seen in many other men. One of the smartest guys I know, and funniest, he is the sweetest man. Period. He loves my kids and me and wants to be here with us and for us. I don't think I can ask for much better... I don't think 'better' exists. I love you D)

My kids. My kids are the funniest kids I know. Their sense of humor can range from dry and witty to silly and weird. P is an artist/dancer/singer/current archeologist while J is a builder/mechanic/astronaut/mummy-finder. They are my light in the dark, and they can pull me out of a bad mood just by being themselves. They both help me through the pain, they comfort me in ways I didn't know they could. And they love snuggles, movie-night and sleepovers in the living room. In short, P & J are the greatest gift (aside from the Heavens above) to me. I hope they grow up knowing that.

Love and Cranberry Sauce,
M

Art Shows! Things!

2013-11-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Art show, Art show, Art show, Art show.... It's like a mantra that I've been repeating for the last few weeks. The time is upon me, and I must show my stuff.

Art shows are incredibly personal, I think. You're really putting yourself out there in a way that is akin to being naked. Not that I'm going to show up to my art show naked, although that would be something Dali would do, but I shall be clothed nonetheless. Un Mundo Cafe in Beautiful, Downtown Springfield - December 6th @ 7pm. If you haven't seen the gorgeous banner.... here's a reminder:

isn't it pretty?

I'll be putting forth my works of watercolors, acrylics and graphic design posters. Perfect for the holiday season! Perfect for the unbelievably hard to buy for person! Who doesn't like art, I ask you!?
Besides people who have one dimensional personalities.... but we won't go there. Not today anyway.

*clears throat* moving on!

Yet another hint of things to come.
<3 Mellissa

New Things and Such

2013-11-10T08:32:00.003-08:00

Well, I said pics up by Sunday--I just didn't let on which Sunday that would be. Today is the day. New Things and I am excited.

Theme change! Thanksgiving nostalgia coats the blog for the month! I wanted the header to be a little different so I snagged a vintage Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade picture featuring the Pink Panther. I'm a little in love with it! I could only imagine how cool it must be to be living in Manhattan and watching the floats go by as a kid.

I've been working on some graphic design goodness; my art show in December is looming before me and I'm getting my graphic savvy on. They're fun and odd and ... I really am a sort of warped mind. I feel like I am really putting myself out there for display, not only with designs but with my paints as well. The nerves are starting to get to me but pushing it down and shoving on is basically what must be done.

It's just a matter of time before there's more.

Is anyone going to go see Thor 2? My beloved mom and I are going... there will be chocolate bars involved while looking at Chris Hemsworth, not to mention my not-so-secret love for Tom Hiddleston. He's adorbs. Because of the first movie I actually got into reading the comics! I actually wish the writers of the film would incorporate more Old English, (you know, with the Thee's and Thou's thing going on.) or at least a larger fusion of old-speak. A moderate attempt, I believe, was giving for the first movie with Odin's character ("In the name of my father and his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!").

'You think me strange?'
-M

The 20s nostalgia, Noble Benefactresses, And A Change Will Do You Good.

2013-10-19T08:51:00.001-07:00

So, craft fair a few weekends ago went with rain. Lots and lots of rain. With the rain brought about the diehard craft fans that came and perused under giant golf umbrellas, and seriously? I love these types of people. They negotiate, they haggle, they look for those deals or the gotcha-sales that make craft fairs fun in the first place.

On a side note: The Roaring 20s are one of my most beloved eras. Which is probably why movies like 'The Legend of 1900', 'Some Like It Hot' and 'Coco Before Chanel' are in my DVD player rotation (changed out with frequency to movies like 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Elizabeth') and all of these are wonderful movies and the costumes are drool-worthy. Which is why, in time, I truly believe I will start morphing into this:

The change is already starting to happen. I've recently become the recipient of a noble benefactress. Also known as a good friend with fabulous taste that wants to get rid of almost all her stuff. Over 30 scarves have come into my collection, as well as tapestries and furniture, amazing lanterns, lamps, pictures, and clothes. It's AWESOME! My apartment is turning into an exotic, worldly boudoir and not so much a dorm. Even my kids get the benefits of Mommy having friends!

Speaking of decorating. Emerald Green. Emerald Green is a just a gorgeous color and is looking like the color to wear for the Fall Season (new jewelry, anyone?) At least it is according to HelloGiggles.com and their style pages. Duly noted and that color will be incorporated into my newest shiny things.

I welcome the change of the season; pulling out all my cardi's and chunky sweaters. The layering, the scarves, the fingerless gloves, ah! Brisk walks outside with apple cider (or probably coffee) and decorating pumpkins. The porch is currently being transformed into a fall wonderland surrounded by changing trees and my childrens strange decorating techniques with gourds and pumpkins. Not to mention Mums.

You always gotta have the Mums. (pics up on Sunday eve.)

2013-09-23T12:22:00.001-07:00

It's getting closer to Halloween, fair peoples. You know what that means?

THEME.

For those that don't know, (and omg why wouldn't you?) the new banner is themed for iconic horror film actors. Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price dancing with a skeleton (because, why not?) and Madeline Khan from The Young Frankenstein. Yes, I know, Young Frankenstein isn't exactly horror but! I love her in that movie, so there.

The Halloween Theme shall henceforth continue on! Keep coming back for more people.

Also! New jewelry things are up. Click on a pic to scroll through and marvel at the loveliness!! :D

j/k

No not really, I'm awesome.

Love it.

Anyone watching Sleepy Hollow, like me? I think I like it! Of course, it reminds me of the cartoon of old, Bing Crosby crooning about Ichabod Crane.

Wow, take me back. I haven't seen that cartoon since I was in kindergarten. Great, now I have that song in my head.
"Ichabod, Ichabod Craaaane."

-M

Been Awhile

2013-09-22T08:42:00.002-07:00

First things first, I suck at updating my blog. Secondly.... No, I really have no excuse. Here's a kitty to be distracted by:

You just can't stop watching.

I have super exciting news though. I have two craft shows and an art show in the next 3 months, which is amazing. The first is at Bethel Lutheran Church down on 68 right across the street from Young's Jersey Dairy on October 5th. Not only that, but Diva's Night Out for Project Woman in Springfield on the 24th.

And then there's Un Mundo. Every month the cafe hosts a local artist's work and in the month of December, I get to be one of those artists!! Holy crap! My own show!! December 6th, folks. Mark it in your calendar.

It feels like everything is coming together quite nicely, for once. I cannot wait to show off my new stuff; new jewelry, paintings, new everything. Feels good, man. It's taken years to finally feel like I am an artist worth looking at. Kinda feels like this:

you know, it really does.

So, to recap:

Bethel Lutheran Church Craft Fair - October 5th
Diva's Night Out - October 24th
Un Mundo Art Show - December 6th

New pics of Jewelry are up and coming. Patience, my loves, patience...

-M

Jewelry, Twitter, and Interconnectivity

2013-07-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday People.
**Before we jump into the meat of the blog, I would like to state here for the record that Hansel & Gretel:Witch Hunters is hilariously bad. I had a fantastic time ripping this movie apart, even though I have a sincere love for Jeremy Renner. (Hawkeye I <3 you) The only redeeming character in this movie is Edward the Troll. Just sayin'.**

(as Joey once said) 'how you doin?'.....
many thanks to whomever constructed this on Tumblr.

As much as I appreciate the leather-clad eye candy, we must move on.
New things are up and running that are in desperate need of your clicking and viewing. First off, we have a new Facebook page for your viewing pleasure as well as a new Twitter feed! The next incoming is Etsy, of course, as soon as I get on all the pesky 'business' aspect of it all.

New jewelry stuffs, too.

Yeah, you like that, don'tcha!

Upcoming stuff here in the Springfield, Ohio area if you're around these here parts. The First Friday is now a full fledged thing down here! It's kind of awesome and you should come on over, there's food, pretty things, and people; what's not to love?
My good friend, Marianne Kesler is going to be at the Downtown Sounds on July the 10th. She's amazing and has a phenomenal voice. If you haven't planned on coming downtown Springfield, you should. Because Springfield is fun. And fun is good.

-Mellissa

A Spider and the Soap Bottle that could (Or Why I Need A Eucalyptus Plant)

2013-06-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

This just in: Eucalyptus keeps spiders, ticks, fleas, aphids and ants at bay. Guess what plant I am totally getting tomorrow? Yeah, a pretty plant that Koalas eat. Oh, that reminds me. . .

*Insert memory swirl here*

Once upon a time, I was about to step into my shower when something in the corner caught my eye. Why, a spider! A freakin' gigantic, fat, black spider. Right in front of the shower! There I stand; frozen, naked and afraid of whether or not it would charge at me like those face-suckers on Aliens 2 (not like 3, 4, and apparently 5 coming in 2016, we don't count those movies) and launch itself at me or start stabbing me like Shelob on LOTR. A thought crossed my head as I was caught like a deer in the headlights...

It was frozen too, as if it was deciding what to do with me. Should it hide away now and then come back later in her asleep and create a nest in her hair? Should it start up the wall and then hover over her and drop unexpectedly as she desperately tried to take the fastest shower in history? Or should it just sit still and watch as the human starts to have a nervous breakdown and cry for her mommy? Hmm, it thinks, decisions, decisions.
If I just had a pretty, pretty plant that smelled good by my hallway window I would not have had to chuck my Soap bottle at the spider and splatter It's guts all over the tub. It probably wouldn't have wanted to come inside that way. It would have walked on It's eight little, terrifying legs outside and was like, 'Dude, I am so not going in there, there's like a plant and stuff' and just kept on crawling by. If only, freaky, evil black spider, if only...

End story time.

Next, on the Notions: Neighborhood yard sales and all their glory.

On to the Weekend

2013-06-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone else looking forward to the weekend even though it's a Tuesday? Yeah, me either. There's almost too much to do for this weekend and I am looking forward to it all!

First on the list:Art Fair down in Fairfield. If you haven't heard of it (or the fact that Fairfield actually has a town beyond the mall) you might want to check it out. I'll be there trolling the tents looking for the Precious's that catch my eye.
Also, did you know there is a huge neighborhood yard sale going down in Springfield? Ra-Mar Estates is having an all out yard sale, everyone is invited and everyone around will be flocking to this one. . . If the weather holds out! *crosses fingers*

A very good friend of mine is a musician/singer/song-writer and she's amazing. I had the sweet opportunity to design one of her album covers (can i still say album cover if it's not the vinyl record anymore? Hmm, dunno. Discuss.) and she plays at the local farmers market, and the ever lovely Running with Scissors Creative Collective on first fridays of the month! If you haven't gone you should. Because going is fun, and fun is good. *thank you dr. suess*

So, I made some jewelry.

Tell me what you think. I'll be selling all of the above and more at the Ra-Mar Neighborhood Sale. My very good friend Kate will be moving into her new house so I will be also selling her stuff as well! Hop on US72 and you'll find us, we'll be setting up shop over on Marbella Dr. The shindig starts around 8 a.m. so get there early, there will be amazing things to see and purchase!

And now, for some philosophy on the simple life. I'm sure I'll be incorporating one or two of these ideas.... eventually. :D
Cheers!
-Mellissa

Pinterest and Tangerine Orange

2013-06-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone else completely addicted to Pinterest? (By the way, yes, that link is to my boards and no, I have no shame.)

Also, did anyone see "Traditional Home" magazine where they said the new color was Tangerine Orange?

Personally, I say bring it on. I couldn't help but notice how at the local amazing flea market that there were so many pieces of furniture that were turquoise blue, or turquoise blue and cherry red. They were everywhere. I'm sick of the colors, even though blue is currently on my toes but, nevertheless there the color should remain. For some reason, and call me crazy, I really don't want to match furniture and I don't rock orange quite as well as I rock the turquoise blue.

E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E.

And so with that, let us put an end to the turquoise craze... at least tone down the furniture, I like the jewelry.

Yes, please.
And with that, I am going to change the colors of the buttons. But I can't take the turquoise any more....
Craftiness next time.

Seasides, Sunburns and Saucy Ladies

2013-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings from glorious Outer Banks, NC. I have decided that when we hit it big, I will be buying a house down here.

Two happy kids right there.

What is it about the ocean? The rhythm of the sea has put my children to sleep for a full 8 hours of rest. I slept through the night for the first time since my son was born(and he's 4). Jack has slept through the night since Monday, which I personally consider something short of miraculous and am thanking the Heavens for the respite.

The hilarious thing about the ocean was when my boyfriend and I went swimming. We were trading verbal jabs with each other (as we are wont to do) and every time he would say something sarcastic a wave would hit him square in the stomach, throwing him completely off and landing his butt in the cold water. I joked that the Ocean 'loves whom she loves' and was punishing him for the insults. The red streaks from where the waves were hitting him are solid proof that I'm the Seas favorite.

I've collected a multitude of clam, oyster and seashells for the jewelry phase of the business. I've already gotten started with Dave's sister, Rina!

It's a gorgeous grey oyster shell with green acrylic beads! How cute is that?

While out and about hunting for souveniers, I saw a bunch of tents off the side of the road, and being the curious bunch that we are, we inspected and found an Art Fair! Yay! Handmade! Organic! Art-things!
**Pics to come later.

When I purchased my bathing suit, I really, really wanted to walk out looking like this:

what happened, since I think my son mistakenly took out my bathing suit from my suitcase, is I look more like this:

ooooooooh yeah, trashtastic. (BTW, no, this is not me. Thank teh interwebs)

Home Sunday-ish. Tropical Storm Andrea is coming up around the bend and it might get dicey through these here parts. I'll let ya know. "'pon my word and hon'r." (thanks ganny-maw)

Good for the Soul

2013-05-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

First things first, did you see the new 'About Us' page? huh? HUH?!
--If not, you probably should...just sayin'--

Is anyone else creating a garden this year? We're planting some amazing things in the backyard and I simply cannot wait for the delicious results. I convinced my father that we needed jalepeno peppers and cilantro so I can make a giant thing of salsa and can it for later. Can anyone say pan-fried Chicken smothered in pico de gallo? I think I can.

My brother and his lovely wife and twins came over yesterday. We had a really good time together, the kids played and wrestled. My daughter, being the only girl, did not like the amount of wrestling going on. She preferred to scream when tackled. We grilled steak, Mrs. Ginny made some absolutely amazing potato salad, there was bread, there was 'grillin beans', all in all--good day.

Until. Until I wrenched my left hip out of socket. It was one of those experiences that can only be defined as "lightning shooting through your spine" but in this case, it was lightning all over. I did the ice thing, then the pills thing, there was a hospital in there somewhere but honestly, when I woke up late in this morning, I don't remember much of last night. Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude... the colors....

No, seriously.

So a few days ago, I glanced outside and saw what looked like one of the ten plagues of Egypt going through my backyard. It's not locusts or flies or boils and sores; no-- it's bees.
Bees I tell you. Everywhere. I've never seen so many in all my life. According to the beekeeper I called to get them, there were over 30,000 bees in one tree forming a new nest around their queen. The beekeeper (Monna) had to leave and come back because she didn't bring a box big enough to handle them! Could you believe the panic that ensued when she told me that she was going to leave? My friends, I am allergic to bees. Not the deathly allergic kind but with that amount of swarm going on in the back yard..are you kidding? Monna was stung nearly 20 times through her jeans!

But they're gone now, and that is good!

So, as you can imagine not a whole lot of crafty things happened yesterday or today. But I did find a very cool thing while stretching my leg out on the farm:
This was part of the leftovers of the bee hive!

Tomorrow's To-Do List does include crafting, painting, a little gardening, laundry, and playing with my Penelope and Jack. Have a great Memorial Day folks! Celebrate our Freedom and our brave men and women who made (and still makes) it possible!

-Mellissa

Headers and Buttons

2013-05-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

I could not sleep last night. It's one of those things where your mind just will not. shut. off. So, I went back into my living room, propped open Coco (my glamorous name for my lappy) and played an episode or two of Grey's Anatomy. I started finding ways for creating pretty, pretty headers and buttons for the blog and I made one!! Most excellent.

**Sidenote: When I am in my 50s and 60s, I will wear my hair long, don handmade crowns and wear purple. . . and let me never forget Midnight Margaritas (could've used one last night!). I found this gif on Tumblr and love it!

As we move along to the quickly approaching weekend, I will be showing new concoctions of delicious proportions and seeing my big brother, Mikey, and his family come in from Indiana.

There's a fantastic little carnival happening at Young's Jersey Dairy, if you are in the Springfield, Ohio area come on down!!

Thinking about doing a tribute box or two to warewolves, thoughts? While you think on that, Warren Zevon shall serenade me: "I saw a warewolf drinkin' a pina colada at Trader Vic's, and his hair was perfect."

Fantastic. - Mellissa

Well Hey, Howdy, Hey!

2013-05-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to the first post of The Original Notions Company!

We're a company straight out from Springfield, Ohio (home of the heartland, dontcha know) working on creating and designing "gloriously fun things" for your home! We love and adore Renaissance, Gothic and Turn-of-the-Century styles, anything French, especially the calligraphy, and we're complete Anglophiles over here. No matter how many times we've seen it, any time Pride and Prejudice or even My Fair Lady comes on the television and all sense of time and space are quickly cast aside to watch people with a beautiful British Accent and gorgeous, I mean gorgeous costumes.

Also have to throw in the Roarin' 20's, Hippies (because we were born in the wrong decade) and Bohemian Loves.

I, Mellissa, work on this company with my Momma, Ms. Genny. We love to craft and craft together. It's like a family thing!

As my mom and I were perusing the crafts store, looking for deals, waiting for projects to sort of shout at us, Mom came up with an interesting idea. People want and need an escape. A little glimmer of fantasy. And whether that be fairy tales, vampires or zombies, you should have a piece of that escape. So, with that in mind we set out for some cool escapee nesting boxes. They're like hat boxes but for all different types of storage!

The first set shall be an experiment for Vampires!

Cute, right??

Just as a side note, even though we use glitter on our boxes--there will be no inspiration of, or hailing to any vampire that "sparkles". We're old school here. **And by old school, I mean we use 200 year old poetry on our stuff and dream of Gary Oldman with those fantastic blue smoked glasses he wore, just sayin'.** -M