Birdbath re-do

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.

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...

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!

(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...

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!

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

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!