Chaos Cottage

A New Year

2011-03-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

I am not going to apologize for not posting in so long. Why? Well, for many reasons.
1. It's been so long that I am the only follower at this point.
2. I have been busy with projects.
and most importantly...
3. I love reading all of my favorite blogs and being inspired by how all of you are so dedicated to posting monthly, weekly and daily (my heroes!).
Having said that, I do have some goals and I would like to share them weekly. My weight has gotten out of control. IT WILL be decreasing and I will document it on here weekly so I am accountable. Also, I have items to put on Etsy. No more excuses. It will be done!
Goodbye for now.

First Day of School

2010-08-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Myriah is in 10th grade! Can you believe it? I can't. I am so proud of who she is growing up to be. My baby, Emily, is starting her first day of 4th grade. Look how beautiful my little chickie is! ugggh - They are growing up so fast.

I wanted to accomplish a few new routines starting today as well. I tend to wear myself out thinking of all the stuff I want to do and how I want to live. As a matter of fact, I think about it so much that I tend to let myself down but not accomplishing my goals. Though this blog I am sure I have already approached this discussion. So let's try this again.

1. I need to do some sort of exercise everyday. Everyday. I need the energy, the strength and 15 pounds to go away. I have clothes that have been waiting patiently to rejoin my current wardrobe.

2. More art, less internet. Plain and simple. I love looking at everyones blogs, reading their inspirational stories, and enjoying their tutorials. The problem is that there are just so many fabulous blogs that I spend too much time looking and not enough time doing.

3. Yep, I am a terrible housekeeper. Do I want to improve on this? hahaha I guess so!

Enough for now. The first day of the new routine is half a pass and half a fail. I did get on the treadmill, make school lunches, but I have been on the computer too long! (I am making a post - so that should count for something!)

Emily's art box turned out cute. Thank goodness she still lets me make stuff for her. Myriah is even letting me work on some of her folders! Woo!

I love this cupcake! I made it for a friends birthday and I think I will be making many more! What do you think?

Summer Time Pretties

2010-08-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the necklaces I have been working on this summer. There are several more to show- and I will. I am re-doing Em's room so pictures will be coming soon for that too! Jewelry, upcycling clothing, paper mache, and lots of rosettes seem to be the lot of what I have been working on.

April 2010 Family photos

2010-05-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

I can't believe this is my baby! Isn't she a beauty.

Emily is standing by the lovely flowers my friend Marilyn brought me. They smelled fantastic! (Pedro is making sure he is in the shot! Such a camera hog!)

Myriah was in her first play last month. She really was impressive! She definitely has got the drama bug now!

Easter Pictures

Yep. Myriah in her Easter outfit. AWW- She is wearing my necklace that I wore when I was young. Hmmmm young. I think I can remember that far back.

2010-03-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Aren't these little people cute! I have so much fun painting them. I am working on several projects and will post pictures of them soon. Should have more time for the craft room since I had the Dish Network shut off. The kids aren't happy about it but I am enjoying it. We spend so much more time together and I am getting a lot more done around the house! They still have movies to watch just not access to 24hours of Spongebob and iCarly.

Wow! What's with the orange tinted pics? Emily wanted her nails and toe nails painted last night. She says it's time to bring on the flip flops! Not that you can tell from this picture but they are neon orange with turquoise swirls. Except for her big toes that have a flower on each one. She's so cute! She is growing up so fast and
I wish she would slow down. I will get an updated photo of Myriah on here soon. She has kept really busy with Drama and being on the JROTC Drill Team.

Poor Sophie needs a haircut. Tomorrow she will be brushed and bathed. I can't help it- I love this scruffy look better than the "just home from the groomer" look. If her hair is not pulled up, she can't barely see!

Bye for now!

2010-02-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Just a few photos to catch up a bit. Some from my trip to Guatemala, some crafts, and Christmas.
This was a wonderful group of people, I feel fortunate to have met them all.

Look at the view!

I adore this little one!

Paper Clay is too much fun!

Christmas Morning with the family. Does it get any better than this?

I love working with paper!

My trip to Guatemala was inspiring to say the least. I met so many people with kind words and big hearts. The children I had the privilege of meeting taught me that one person can make a difference. Thanks.

Also- yes, I took the leap and have my own etsy shop! Woo Hoo! That's good for now. You can see all my pictures from Guatemala on my Facebook page.

Audios!

Vacation

2009-11-24T09:28:00.001-08:00

I love Alabama!

Halloween Display at the Library.

2009-11-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yet another try to catch up!

2009-11-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

I thought I lost these photos of the items I made for the Halloween Swaps I participated in. Whew! Boney hands Frig Magnet

I love this framed witch!
Orange Halloween lights with purple crepe paper- much cuter than the picture!

Bag full of goodies! Halloween pin, Day of the Dead, Boo Rock and two glitter rings!

I could not get a good picture of this if my life depended on it! I love this witch pendent!!! So cute! Silver pumpkins and skulls. Lovely.

Set of four witchy coasters. (Sorry I can't remember the site where I got these awesome images! But thank you!!)

Pretty kitty jar topper. ... With glitter skull heads. Classy.

Is it wrong to love this glittery pumpkin scene? Cause if it's wrong, I don't want to be right!

Intermission (Cue Music)

Super Star!

Doesn't Em look beautiful! She sure is growing up fast. This is her favorite dress.

And we're back. Day of the Dead wands! ooohhhhh love.

This is the shadow box for Viv's Swap. I really hated to send this away.

This is a picture of the front. Goodbye Halloween. Hopefully, I will get some Christmas Crafts on here before Valentines Day!haha

2009-11-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

Love all of the lovlies from the 13 Days Swap. My partner was Lisa at http://www.LittleLovables.blogspot.com. Sorry Lisa for not posting sooner!

Lovely packaging from Lisa at http://www.LittleLovables.blogspot.com

The pin cushion made for Viv's pinkeep swap.

Borrowed from my brothers blog.

2009-10-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

(Hope you don't mind Mike! Love ya!)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Things I Have Learned

I crossed into Peru on September 10th, exactly six months from when I left Seattle. Since then I have tried to reflect on what I have learned during the past 12,000 miles. Seeing that I surpassed my longest motorcycle journey by the third day of the trip, and that my longest prior vacation had been on the short side of three weeks, I had a lot to learn about living on the road (and still do). To date, this is what I have come up with:

The world is not a dangerous place, but actually a very friendly and welcoming place.
People are no different from anywhere else: They love their children, and want to them to have a better life than what they had.

I used to think that life was sometimes “a struggle”, but now I see what a true struggle it is for so many people, and how their tomorrow guarantees nothing but the same.
Family is paramount! It is all most people have, where we have so much we no longer have time for family.

People don’t covet or envy what I have has much as I originally thought they would, but instead are genuinely interested in what I am doing and are happy for me. However, they always asked how much the bike cost.

Everyplace I travel is better than the last. I do not always care for the first impression I get of a place, often coming in through the the back door I see the worst first, but by the time I leave, I often times find it difficult.

I enjoy meeting new and interesting people. It’s one of my rewards.
Saying good-bye all the time is hard.

There are people out there doing some amazing things. My trip pales in comparison to what I see others doing.

There are alternate ways of living. The American way is definitely not the only way.

You have many more options once you “give it all up”. I use to think that I needed to hang on to what I had, and what I did, because it was my only option. Thinking, “What else do I know?”

What I have learned is that the world is full options, and they have always been there. You just need to create an opportunity to see them.

Moquitoes don’t like me as much as they used to. I like this.
I thought I was finally to the point where I could eat almost anything. Until last night.

I absolutely love being on the bike. It is unconditional freedom – as long as you have gas in the tank and air in the tires, which I guess are conditions.
I can rough it for only so long. The “living on 50-cents a day” thing is not for me: I can share a bathroom for only so long. If the trip is shorter because of my extra spending on “luxuries” then so be it. I need to do this on my own terms. Splurging every once in awhile is vital. Hence my formula:

SPLURGING = TIME x SKIMPING
(the longer I skimp, the bigger I splurge)

I use travel guides for the basic layout and history of a place, but not the specifics. If the area is prominent enough I refer to the search engine of the New York Times Travel section. I can’t usually (read “never”) afford their hotel recommendations, but do appreciate their general direction when it comes to the arts, food, and entertainment of an area. Their opinion appeals to me more, and it gets me off the backpacker trail.

That said, I have been able to stick to the budget better than I thought I could.
As much time as I spend by myself, I still need my alone time off the bike.

Never leave “home” without the point-n-shoot camera.
People travel for different reasons. You can’t automatically assume that if someone else is traveling on a bike that you have a lot in common.

There are not a lot of people my age (45) traveling like this. For the most part, it is younger backpackers or older retirees. I wish that were different.
I prefer to ride for no more than three days straight before staying put somewhere for at least two nights. This is easy - there is always someplace interesting within a 3-4 day ride.

I can now ride comfortable for eight hours, rather than the previous six.
I am not on a vacation. This is what I do. There is no need to try and keep up with travelers trying to see everything in two weeks.

Destinations are often times not as rewarding as the getting there part.
I have finally learned why I needed to do this, or at least how to express it better. My life had gotten to the point where there was no more wondering what it was going to be like. Not that the rest of my life had been figured out, but large portions had been.

For years now, without realizing it, I have been systematically eliminating wonder from my day-to-day existence, perhaps confusing it with risk. Indeed, there is safety in knowing what you will be doing tomorrow, next month, next year, and for the rest of your life, but it comes at such a great cost. For most, raising children guarantees wonder on a daily basis, but as much as I love kids, I have never had a strong desire to have my own.
We spend much of our childhood wondering what our lives are going to be like when we grow up. Who will we end up becoming? As adults, we learn soon enough that we cannot all become racecar drivers and astronauts. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but a reality. Even so, I cannot stop thinking of what it would be like sitting down with my 12-year old self and explaining to him how our life turned out, “Well, we work a lot”, and how his shoulders would slump.

We simply needed more wonder.

If you haven't visited his blog yet- it's definately worth your time.

http://www.mikesglobaladventure.blogspot.com/

Halloween Shadow Box

2009-10-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

My swaps are in the mail. Yes. They were late but they are on the way now.

I did receive this cute shadow box from Lisa at http://www.littlelovables.blogspot.com/

Thank you Lisa.

Good finds at the Sale Barn!

2009-08-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

Look at the goodies I found this morning!! I really needed something to display necklaces on and look at this!! For $2 I have the beginnings of a beautiful display!!
Look at the lovely hankies! Again, $2 for all and I have special plans for the box they came in. (It's a secret for now!)

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! I have been wanting an old printers tray! Why? Hmmmmm. I am not quite sure. I guess I need to be on the look out for miniatures as well as making some. Any other fabulous ideas? Sitting beside it is another display for jewelry that needs a little work.

And the best part is this trunk! It also needs some attention but what a find for $10!! Don't you think?! Has anyone redone one like this? I would like to see the results. I am off to work.....

FFFFundraiser!

2009-08-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we hosted a fundraiser at Applebee's for Write Around the World. It was a great time and we raised a nice amount of donations, both monetary and some school supplies. I appreciate those who came and can't say thank you enough to my friends that helped. The kids were able to serve the pancakes and seat the patrons. They had a ball! The t-shirts look fantastic and I just couldn't be happier about the whole experience.

I even made aprons for my two girls and Myriah's two friends that stayed the night. They were my first attempts at aprons and they were so much fun to make! I asked the girls to pick their fabric choices and I embellished. I made 4 aprons in 4 hours, why can't I be productive like that more often?

Halloween Swaps, Finished Products and Fundraiser

2009-08-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Reasons why I am hoping to be super crafty soon:

1. School starts next week for the kids.

2. I cleaned the craft room yesterday.

3. Working part time is really...AWESOME!

4. Fundraiser at Applebee's is this weekend!

5. My schedule at work is great this month.

6. Halloween is right around the corner!

Speaking of Halloween, I have signed up for 3 swaps. One at http://koalafuzz.blogspot.com/2009/08/13-days-of-halloween-swap.html and two at http://vivs-whimsy.blogspot.com/2009/07/say-say-oh-playmates-come-out-and-play.htmlI already know what I will be making for 2 of the 3. I love, love, love Halloween. Hopefully we can get the floors finished up so I can start decorating soon.

Here are a couple of projects I have completed and then I need to get off this computer!!

Ta-Ta!

Yes I have been crafting... completing them is another story!

2009-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

I had the idea I would make lots of cool down packs this summer. You know the kind with the crystals inside that poof up real big when wet? Well, I bought the materials (I am always good at completing that part!) and was going to make neck wraps, boo boo packs for little ones owie's, and several others. I thought they would really be a hit with family and friends so I gave out a couple for trial. Neither used it or spoke of it again, even though they were excited about the idea. Oh well, that's ok.

On the green plate is a smorgasbord of miscellaneous unfinished crafts. The cat and eyeless yellow duck are my first attempts at Paper Clay. Love it!!! Now I just wish I knew the best place to buy more.

Birdbath re-do

2009-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have meant to mosaic this birdbath for quite awhile. Being the lazy being I am lately, instead of cutting the glass if decided to use the white beans and pintos I had in the kitchen. What do you think? The star burst masterpiece is Emily's work. Wish I would have had her glue it done. I still need to pour the lacquer over the beans but I am afraid I will ruin it. So for now it will stay a unfinished project.

Images...less words.

2009-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th! Myriah took these pictures Saturday night. We love being able to have people over to lite off fireworks. Clay is chief firestarter and I believe everyone had a great time.

Life is good...

2009-06-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

Since my camera is out of commission I have recruited Myriah as my photographer. This is two of the necklaces that I made for a birthday present. I love making nests and birds out of just about any material. The wire nests make such fun pendants, earrings, magnets, brooches, and my favorite is the rings! LOVE LOVE LOVE! The second necklace has a pendant with a map of Guatemala sandwiched between a piece of clear glass and a piece of colored glass on the back. I hadn't soldered in awhile and need to get more practice, but it was fun working with the glass again. I made several pieces of jewelry a couple years ago with glass and solder and I loved it. I made this one because Erin, who is also involved with WATW, went to Guatemala to visit the area that will be receiving the school supplies and funds from the Project Guatemala fundraiser. *I am receiving a box today with handmade items from the Mayan women of that area today! All of the profits from the jewelry and such goes to the children. The added bonus is that by buying the handi-craft items, these women get to stay home with their children instead of working in the coffee fields and get $1-2 for a 12 hour shift. For more information check out http://www.writearoundtheworld.org/ or email me and I can show you the goodies!!

I wonder if there is help for my Crafter's Attention Deficit Disorder (CADD)? If there is maybe I wouldn't have so many started projects that need finishing. Like a papier mache duck with no eyes or the, oh so cute, apron made from a toddlers dress that is 90% complete? The list goes on. I guess if there was a cure I would be overwhelmed with how productive I can actually be and maybe even find my niche, my calling card if you will. But honestly, how fun would that be to work with one material at a time, completing projects and being so organized that I would have a thriving business of my own? Nah, I will stick to my doll that still needs her hair, the jewelry that is just about finished, and the ideas that fill my dreams instead of my craft room. Life is good!

Break over!

2009-06-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

(Emily and her best friend Sydney.)

It's been a long month. I have started some crafts but haven't finished most of them. I could have sworn that I took a picture of the teacher gifts we made but I guess not.

The good news is that today starts a whole new era! I have quit my full time job and will be starting a new job at the city Library on Monday- part time! That means more time for creating, more time with my family, and more time to work on donations for Write Around the World!! We are going to have to tighten our belts to make up for the loss in income but I will have more time to plan meals and grocery shopping. I would love to find others in blog land that stick to a budget and have tips.

My brothers organization, WATW, is raising money and supplies for our first project. We are calling it Project Guatemala. More info to come, it's very exciting.

My camera is out of commission right now but I will add pictures soon.

Time flies...

2009-05-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin. The last few weeks have been odd. I have managed to do a little crafting but not as much as I would like.
We lost our Copper a week ago last Wednesday and have really had a rough time dealing with it. Seems so odd not to have him with us. We miss you Copper. (I don't have a good picture of him on this computer but I will put one on here soon.)

Last night we had Em's Birthday sleepover and it was a fun time. I made the marshmallow lollipops that I have seen on so many blogs lately. I believe I got the recipe from Bakerella's blog. Anywhoo- they were so easy to make and were a hit. A favorite of the evening was the cake! It was Yummy! OME!

April Craft Challenge! Woo Hoo!

2009-04-20T17:42:00.001-07:00

Boy, it's amazing how a few craft supplies can stir up your imagination. I joined Christ's Craft Challenge and it was really a great experience. First thing I thought to make with the given supplies was a frog. A frog with one of those bags on stick (is there a name for this bag?) playing a fiddle, holding a sign that says, "Will play for Flies." No- how about a small doll with a green jumper dress holding a small frog softie? No. No. What about a mamma bird feeding her babies? YES! The burlap would be perfect for a nest!

What great fun and I was amazed at the creative process I went through, and the ideas I know have for future projects. ( I would still like to make the doll with the dress, holding a frog softie. Should she be made out of paper clay or material?)

Anyway, if you like my Mamma Bird, vote for me at http://christynelson.net/ . Now I know why bloggers get into photography, these photos don't catch the charm of the cute little babies! Oh! There is a clothespin on the bottom of the nest so that it can easily be attached on a branch.

Easter

2009-04-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

The dying of Easter eggs this year was so much fun. Kim, a friend at work, had recently seen on Martha about silk dying eggs and came to work so excited. At lunch she found a couple of silk outfits at the thrift store an was nice enough to cut them up and give me some.

Didn't they turn out beautiful! We didn't use eggs from our chickens, they are lovely all on their own.

Both girls received a cashmere bunny, I used the pattern from Betz White. So cute! http://www.lollychops.com/ had the cutest pencil topper patterns and the softie peeps pattern from http://stitchewe.blogspot.com/2009/03/felt-food-my-peeps-are-here-free.html.

Emily didn't mind the rain and wasn't going to let it ruin her hunt.
Emily found all but three of the eggs, Sylvia found those! Mom and dad spent the day with us which is always Nice.

Happy Easter!

Mini Easter Swap

2009-04-04T21:22:00.001-07:00

These are some pictures of the items I made for the Mini Easter Swap. Myriah took the pictures for me. (Along with a picture of herself- love you!) There is also a picture posted at http://www.smithfamilyx6.blogspot.com/

Sophie looks pretty comfy!

Easter Egg Swap

2009-04-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is the set of eggs that I sent in for the swap. (I love the nests, I should have taken a better picture of them.) These are the eggs I received; aren't they beautiful! I love them! I used the "Happy Easter" idea for my egg I did for the Mini Easter swap.

Thank you to the creators of my wonderful eggs! Stop by anytime!

My Sophie

2009-04-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is my Sophie. We have 4 dogs. Two Lab mixes, a Shiba Inu and Sophie. I love all of our animals but.... I LOVE SOPHIE! She is just wonderful. (Other than the lack of consistency with pottying outside.) Sylvia, our black Lab, is such a mama. (She reminds me of Nana, the dog on Disney's Peter Pan.) She likes to give Sophie a nice bath everyday. This is what Sophie looks like after her baths. Hahaha I love it. Sophie will walk around so proud that she just had a bath from her mama.

Oh I love that face! I'm ready for my close up!

She gets a real bath weekly but this is the look she prefers! Haha She makes me smile!

What a Wonderful Nothing Day!

2009-04-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

I took the day off today. Woo Hoo! Much needed. My plans were to get some very necessary housework and organization done. So far, it's been a very lazy wonderful day. I am so behind at posting pictures on here. I am going to try and catch up.

Myriah and her friend each had Baby Think it Over last weekend. They both did a great job.

Isn't the apron so cute! I am having so much fun with the swaps.

Mike seems to be having a great trip so far. We enjoy reading his blog but miss him. He is so brave, I wish I had some of his adventure and bravery.

Last weekend I did get some crafting in but only completed my crafts for the Easter Swap. I will post the pictures as soon as my partner receives them. I did receive my swap from http://www.smithfamilyx6.blogspot.com/

Thank you! I love it all! The egg is especially adorable!

I have been playing around with polymer clay. Fun Fun. My question is, how do you know when its cooked enough? My goal is to get a metal clay start up kit this year. So- I figure I need to practice all I can. Fortunately, I have found that I love it. Polymer clay, and especially Paper Clay.

It doesn't look like much but the joy it gives me is truly odd! It's like therapy, only cheaper and it works.haha I hoping to get a lot of therapy accomplished this weekend. (and housework!)

What a great day!!

2009-03-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a great day starting at 4:31pm. When I got home, I was surprised by two packages in the mail. The first package was the beautiful elf coat from http://www.sillycondesigns.blogspot.com/. Perfect timing because the doll I ordered from bamboletta.com arrived just a few days ago. She is beautiful, Emily named her Isabella. Also, my eggs arrived from Viv's Egg Hunt Swap! I am soooo thrilled! I can't wait to show you these beauties! How wonderful these swap's are. I apologize for not posting a picture of the apron I recieved from the St. Patty's swap from http://busybee-laura.blogspot.com/ Love the froggies! (This post is not letting me add a picture -dangit. I will this weekend.)I need to get so I can get busy with some projects that I would like to get done this weekend.

My Twilight girls!

2009-03-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

We braved the crowd Friday night at the local Hastings to attend the Twilight Prom. The girls looked great and had a lot of fun. Myriah was Bella and Emily went as Rosalie. I thought my girls would be much older when I took their prom pictures! Myriah won the Bella look alike contest and Emily got quite the applause when her name was called. We got home around 1am and got up the next morning to go to Kentucky for Myriah's Soccer Tournament.

I am not going to lie... I was quite excited to see the movie again! Oh, I am going to be reading the series again.

I'm a Winner!

2009-03-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to find out that I won a beautiful little Elf Coat! Check it out! www.sillycondesigns.blogspot.com Thank you!

Computer Time!

2009-03-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

Lately, I don't get the oppertunity to use this laptop in the evenings or weekend since Myriah and Clay have started playing World of Warcraft. If one is not playing it- the other is. We have other computers but this one is the one everyone wants. Anyway, the positive to me that it has given me extra time to get a few things done. Now that Jen has received the package, I can show pictures of what I sent in my St. Patrick's Day Mini swap.

I had so much fun putting this together. I know it was suppose to only be one item but, oh well. Hopefully, I'll continue to participate in swaps. The gifts were sent to Jen at http://lipstickandlaundryca.blogspot.com/ Her blog is great. So many beautiful pictures and handmade inspirations.

I picked up some more beads and wire tonight to make some more bird nests. If I get a chance to use the computer tomorrow night I will put pictures of them on here.

Burp!

2009-02-22T17:28:00.003-08:00

I did make time today to make a few burp clothes. I have wanted to try these for awhile but I think I have been afraid to use the sewing machine too much. Silly? Perhaps, but I have always wanted to sew but have always had so many problems. With this new sewing machine, I can sew!! No problems! Love it!

Week in Review

2009-02-22T17:02:00.000-08:00

This week was nuts. My brother Mike flew in last Tuesday, trouble at work, Bob(Bro #2) came to town on Thursday, Em had an illness, and did I mention that work was stressful? I don't feel like I spent near enough time with my bothers, the house is a mess, and the weekend is over and I am exhausted. Whah, whah, whah. Let's start that again.
This week was crazy! I am so glad I have had a few days to spend with my whole family. We have had a lot of QT time and I was even able to make it to a Mardi-Gras party with some great food.
Today, Mike, Emily and I made a fairy house. We have been wanting to make one for awhile and today was the day. Here is a few pictures:

Crazy Week

2009-02-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

This week has been insane. But... that's okay because it is over! Yay! I joined another SWAP and I am excited to work on it!

Weekend Projects

2009-02-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Valentines Day is this Saturday already. I started on this little owl a couple weeks ago but finished tonight by sewing the banner. Now what? Should it be a magnet? Or perhaps a pin?

This weekend I made these two little softies. This one is my favorite of the two but I do think they both need some feet.

Tonight Emily and I started on her Valentines for her class and I started on gifts for the girls. Hopefully I can get them done in time!

Home on Wednesday.

2009-02-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Myriah isn't feeling well today so I am home with her. I hate that she is missing school after being out for a week because of the storm but I can't send her to school with a fever. Both Myriah and Clay are having a great time playing World of Warcraft so this is the first chance I have had with the laptop. Here are a few projects I wanted to put on here.
Above is a small composition notebook for my purse that got a makeover.

Little bug magnets are fun to make.

More images.

2009-02-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

This picture is my favorite picture. The sun made the ice covered trees look like blown glass.

Beauty and the Beast

2009-02-04T06:26:00.001-08:00

This was the most beautiful storm I have ever seen. Truly a winter wonderland. I had never experienced freezing rain before moving to Missouri and this storm was truly unique. For thirty six hours mother nature graced us with a variety of frozen delights.

We lost power on Tuesday and regained it on Saturday. The first two days we read books, took naps, and played Uno by candlelight. By Thursday we were cold and ready to get out of the house. We have all electric and our water is from a well which means no heat, no water, and no way to get to town. Luckily the Sheriff's department came to our rescue and took us, Sophie (my sweet Yorkie), and the cockatiels (Pedro and Lola) safely to town. We went to my parents house and had the best shower and hot meal ever! The town took quite a beating. Trees snapping like toothpicks sounded like gunshots and the damage is everywhere. My thoughts go out to those who are still without power.

For us, these are the images we chose to hold on to.

Monday, Monday.

2009-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures of recent crafts. My Myriah wanted some arm warmers and these are what we came up with. They are made from felted sweater sleeves with the skulls needle felted. They turned out so cute and were simple because they only needed to be sized to her arms. Of course Miss Emily needs some now so thats on my to do list.

viv out on a whim: easter egg hunt swap!!

2009-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

viv out on a whim: easter egg hunt swap!!

2009-01-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Okay - It's going take a bit to learn how to post the way I want to. Here are a few more photos. The green cashmere birdie was made from a felted sweater and is hanging from my review mirror in the Jeep. The little doll and dog are my first attempts at needle felting- I love it! The craft room is now upstairs and it makes me so happy to be able to walk down the hall and make something, anything. For my birthday I got a sewing machine and I am so happy with it! It's amazing, I have never had a sewing machine that didn't fight with me. This one is a pleasure to work with and I am hoping to increase my sewing skills and make more projects that include the machine. The airplane was made recently for my favorite little man, William. He is the sweetest baby and so good. It's a challenge for me to make boy "stuff" but I have enjoyed it. The table is an end table I found for $12. I love the shape but the top needed a makeover. I used the contact paper photo transfer technique and it still needs some a few more coats of sealer on top.

Do Over!

2009-01-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

Let's try this again! Last year was challenging both physically and creatively. Luckily I had all the wonderful craft blogs to look at and give me inspiration. Thank you! This year I would like to be more involved with my blog and would love to participate in some swaps. I am going to try and put photos of crafts that I have done lately and will try to catch up on events and family photos as well! This year we have two new additions to our home, Sophie and Pedro. Sophie is my little Yorkie that will be one on March 17th and Pedro is a Latino Cockatiel friend for Lola. Here are some photos of crafts that were finished lately.

Catch Up!

2008-01-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a new year and I am going to try and catch up with crafts I have accomplished and events since my last post. On January 15, 2008 I am scheduled to have a fusion surgery on my back and will have some time off in between jobs. Hopefully, I will be able to be somewhat creative during this time and post regularly. Please post replys so I know you have visited.

Country Comforts

2007-09-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

I suppose I am a bad blogger. Between traveling for work and soccer starting we haven't had a whole lot of time at home. For Mother's Day I was surprised with two baby ducks, Howard and Henoda. We now have added three hens and two guineas. Emily loves Ginger. She frequently sings to her as she rocks her to sleep. (As far as we can tell Ginger loves the attention.) Myriah is holding Howard, who we originally thought was a male. We sure have grown attached to our feathered friends!

The Bird Gourd

2007-08-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the gourd after the wood burning. Although I am happy with the outcome, I have to admit that I don't know what to do next. Should I just stain it or put some polyurethane on it and call it good? Hmm... it will have to wait until the weekend. Off to work.

2007-08-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

I have have had 3 birdhouse gourds for several years. Last night I decided to have a try at wood burning on one of them. My first design was quickly wiped off but thought I would try this one. The wood burning pen is dated 1993 and has never been used. It didn't take but five minutes for me to burn myself. Wow! That sure woke me up! After icing my boo-boo I changed the tip and it sure worked a lot better.

Camp Sleeping Bag

2007-08-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Myriah had a great time at horse camp this summer. This is her sleeping bag that we embellished. We loved it but hubby thought it looked like a tombstone. hahaha I think it's great that Myriah is in a skull and cross bones phase- I get to relive it with her!

More Pictures

2007-08-17T22:30:00.001-07:00

We originally purchased this wine barrel to catch rain water at our previous house. Now I am glad we procrastinated because now it's a a place to place beverages while playing pool. Now I need to find some bar stools! (The downstairs is not fully decorated just yet.)

Greetings!

2007-08-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been wanting to start a blog, so here I go. Please bear with me while I learn. I suppose I will start by adding some pictures. Here's a picture of my girls,they are growing up so fast!My Emily lost her first tooth today! While we watched "High School Musical 2" tonight, I made her a softy for her to put her tooth in. It turned out pretty cute.