3 in One

purple felted flower
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

So I vowed to blog 3 times weekly come the new year. Well I haven't even remotely come close to that, so I'm making up for it by blogging 3 times in one day. Just wanted to share another "completed" flower. The sheerness of this flower played havoc with my camera...I really couldn't get a great shot of it....but here you are anyway.

Felted flower

Felted flower
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

Just a quick updated photo of one of the flowers shown earlier...now with some darker felt stamens.

The proof is in the flowers...

Just to prove I have been working I thought I'd post some preview pics of some new projects I'm working on.  As usual the pictures are not good - ughh! - but they at least give you the illusion of the flower.  I've got to work on stamens for most of them, I'm just trying to let the flower talk to me and tell me what kind it wants!  I've also brought up a variety of fabric and beads from downstairs that I want to try and incorporate into my felt today.  Wish me luck!


So here goes the pics...like I said, please forgive the photography!

Better late than never!

clutch
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

As usual I have been neglecting my blog but, happily, not my felting. The ladies at the food bank have praised and encouraged me so much they sent me into a felting frenzy. Right now there are so many flower bits and pieces strewn throughout the house it looks a bit like a wedding took place here!

They also inspired me to FINALLY make something out of the first piece of felt I ever made - now a peppy little clutch, complete with felted button closure.

I'd talk more but I've flowers and flowers and flowers to felt!

My Bad!!!

OK....here I go again!

I think it's time to rename my blog "Tales of a Blogging Loser"....I just can't seem to keep this thing updated.  And, as some of you pointed out to me, my 2010 resolution of blogging at least 3 times weekly has already been blown out of the water - and it's only January 23 - BTW - "Happy Birthday Mom!"

So,  instead of trying to change me, because we know that's just not going to happen (LOL), I think it's time to change my blog.  Instead of just focusing on what Cheeky Green is up to, I want to focus more on the what the "green" world is up to - with an emphasis on crafting of course.  Perhaps this will get me on here when I don't feel like I have much to say - I know, I know - jaws are hitting the floor thinking "Kristi not having much to say?????" - but it's true!

So I am going to begin with what Cheeky Green has been doing, and while it's not crafting related, or "green" in the traditional sense, it is very green, and VERY worthwhile.  Thanks to the show "The Biggest Loser", of which I am a die-hard fan, I have discovered our local food bank - Feeding America West Michigan - an absolutely amazing organization.  Little did I know when I worked in Comstock Park all of those years, I was just down the road from America's largest food bank.  And if you're like I was until just recently, you hear the word food bank and really don't know what it is - most of us envision a soup kitchen and lines of hungry people waiting for a meal, but that is not the case.  The food bank is an enormous warehouse (over half an acre with house-sized refrigeration units) that collects saved and donated food that would largely end up in a land-fill and distributes the food to1,200 pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, domestic violence shelters, rescue missions, and other charity agencies across 40 Michigan counties.

I don't want to end up  a soap-box for the food bank so I'll encourage you to visit the website and read the statistics, they are alarming but very encouraging, and decide for yourself if and how you'd like to get involved with the battle against hunger.  But there is one fact I'd like to leave you with today.  Many of us, including myself, have participated in food drives where you bring in a can or box of food for the hungry.  This is a good thing and we all feel better for doing it.  But, if you took that same $10 you spent on the food you donated and gave it to the food bank, they are able to buy $200 worth of food for the hungry, and they have a way of storing and distributing the food to those in need.  Just wanted to leave you with a little "food for thought"!


Hope you are enjoying a great day and a full belly!

Christmas Greetings!

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a warm and wonderful Christmas.  The weather here has taken a turn toward icy rain, so I hope all you travelers arrive safely at your holiday destinations.

I've been busy down in the craft room this holiday season playing with my "new" machine:

This is my Christmas present "from Dave" - doesn't he know just what to buy me?  It's not quite the $5k embroidery machine I've been coveting, but it has 99 embroidery stitches and has been quite handy and fun so far.

I have actually managed to put it to use.  In addition to using it to do a "fancy" leaf patterned stitch on the inside of my pink "football" purse pocket (see prior post) I have been playing with some of the other stitches and trying my hand - or should I say "machine"- at some free-form embroidery.  It will take me a bit of practice to perfect, but the possibilities are oh so exciting!  Here are my two latest creations.  The messenger bag was designed to be reversible so that you could use that wild retro-paisley pattern outside as well, but the corners don't turn-out as well as I'd like them to...oh well, it's still a fun and funky bag regardless!

Oh, and for those of  you who missed my Facebook post, I'd like to share some photos of my assistant Abby:

Yes, my ever-so-helpful assistant was pulling OUT the pins after I'd put them in...ugh - it's a wonder I get anything done!!!

Anyway, hope you're enjoying a spectacular holiday and looking forward to a fabulous 2010!

Yes....I'm Bad!

Well, here I am again apologizing for not keeping my blog up!  I did have some computer problems, but that has been resolved awhile and I still didn't get my blog updated.  My New Year's Resolution will be to blog at least 3 time weekly...now that it's public hopefully somebody will keep me to it!

I want to thank those who went to the Beneath the Tree show...it was an amazing experience and I hope everyone enjoyed the shopping and house browsing - I know I did.  Anyone who didn't make it I say GO NEXT YEAR - you will love it!

I've been collecting fabric galore lately - thank you Aunt Peggy!  And I bought a new used sewing machine last week, so I really have been sewing away....just haven't been posting or listing! 

Here's the latest style bag I'm making, and if I do say so myself, it's really cute in person!

As usual, my pics aren't very good...but the purse is a football shape with a flat bottom you can't see very well.  Also not showing very well is the stitching on  the interior pocket which is a decorative vine pattern made with my new machine.

Well, better get back to the sewing room, I'm in the middle of a new reversible denim messenger bag with zippered pocket...oh what fun!!!

If there is anything you want and it's not listed just let me know - custom orders are ALWAYS welcome!

The Final Countdown

It's the final week until Beneath the Tree and I'm  hard at work finishing the final details.  I've finished many re-purposed Christmas Stockings, several wool sweater purses, and some place mat tote bags.  I've even made a selection of mini albums to sell.  Right now I'm working on some of my trademark newspaper purses.

Please join us Friday, November 20th  from 11AM to 9PM and Saturday, November 21st  from 9AM to 2PM.  The event  features seven houses in the Byron Center and Grandville areas with work of over 100 local artists for sale.  Cheeky Green will be in house #3 - an amazing home you'll want to see!  Check out the website for more info.


I will post some preview pics in the next few days.

Happy Shopping!

Scrapbook Paper Wreaths

I took a little time away from my upcycled Christmas stockings to make an easy but somewhat elegant Christmas wreath made from paper.  I like the end result so much I thought I'd share with you.  Hope you like it too!

I Am So Excited about this!!!

I've been down in my craft room deconstructing old clothing, pillow shams, sweaters etc... into beautiful "new" Christmas stocking in preparation for what I hope to be an amazing upcoming show.  Please join me on November 20th & 21st at Beneath the Tree.  (Click on the name to see their BEAUTIFUL website)  It is not only a craft show (it's time to think Christmas shopping!) but it's a tour of incredibly decorated homes.  What a concept!  I'm not sure yet which home I'll be in, but will share with you when I find out.  The website also lists all the talented vendors that will be there so you can start your shopping list now!

Hope to see you there!

The End Result

Wow, a rainy Monday was just what I needed.  I spent the whole day painting paper, sewing & cutting...the stuff of all girls' dreams!  I even managed to take some pics which seems to be my nemesis these days.  Technology doesn't seem to be my friend.  :(    My camera decided to start a slow tortuous death, of course this started last weekend at the 80's theme wedding that I was so "like totally geeked to get some rad pictures of", needless to say the end results are disapointing.

But now that our time machine has landed back in the new millennium  I must leave behind the world of lace, dangle bracelets and ring watches - yes, I wore a ring watch - and return to reality: paper, paint and sewing machines.  And here are the end results:

I'd better take advantage of this creative frenzy I'm in and get some ideas out of my head and into the world.

I'm Still at it...

Aren't rainy Monday mornings perfect for working on some new ideas?  With some upcoming shows and other exciting opportunities in my future it's time for me to get down to work.  I've been bouncing around some ideas in my head (lot's of room up there to bounce!) and am finally getting down to business.  I've wanted to do more experimenting with paint, masks, and other "collage" elements in my purses and what better time than a rainy Monday morning...no, rainy days and Mondays don't get me down!  Here are some sneak peaks:

Getting ready...starting with a base coat of paint.

 

 My assistant Alli is always SO helpful...

 Unfortunately the blue contrast doesn't show well on camera.

but the pink.....

 The colors aren't great...but here is a piece with the mask still on and one that's done...

as usual the pics don't do them justice!!!

Of course, these haven't made it to purse form yet, but I'm sure the finished project will be fun.  I really want to experiment with some added elements but will stick to this for now...

As usual, here's my token promise to be back soon with finished pics!!!

Enjoy the rain!!!

Exciting Stuff to Come...

I know, I've been away awhile - you've heard that before from me haven't you. Well, I've had some fun stuff going on - one of which was summer- which is now over and I VOW to be back on my blog regularly. Yes - I mean it this time!

Along with summer I've had some projects I've been working on that have kept me away. I've been trying to keep my Etsy store stocked with some of the backstock I have here, and that photo-taking and description writing really takes some time. I've been playing around a lot with my camera and reading up on photography in an attempt to get better pics. No masterpieces yet, but getting better.

I also found these great thrift store cabinets I've been painting for my craft room. I'm trying to get them all retro-mod-fun which has taken some time. When they are FINALLY done I will post pics. Then I can get all my sewing stuff down in my craft room and maybe get some actual work done.

I've got some exciting shows coming up - details to come!!! Can't wait to share these.

Also have some other exciting stuff possibly in the works, don't want to jinx myself by telling, but will let the blog world know as soon as things are more clear. How's that for being a mystery woman?

Well, tomorrow we attend an 80's themed wedding...I'm sure I'll have some fun pics to post of that....

Oh what fun!!!

My new toy came today! While perusing the internet for information on my favorite new subject - photography - I found the coolest little gizmo. Now mind you, every year on vacation we (ok I) take a group photo - and every year I forget my tripod which forces me to either go beg a neighbor to come over and deal with our unruly gang, or I have to improvise - this year it involved a lawn chair and a piece of 4" pvc pipe (they mocked me - but it worked!) Well NO more!!! I discovered this:


Yes - it's a bottle cap tripod!!! Just slip it onto the lid of your bottle and instant tripod - it even tilts!!! No more begging others to take your photo or sitting your camera precariously on ledges to get that great shot....just slip it in your pocket and you're just a drink away from your perfect pic.

I know - your asking "where can I get a bottle cap tripod?" - at photojojo.com: http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/bottle-cap-tripod

Hope you enjoy yours too!!!!!

Yep...as usual

it's been a while....it's not that I don't think about you....it's not that I don't care....it just seems my timing is never right! I think of all kinds of things to blog when I' m away from the computer...then when I'm here...I've either no time or nothing to say - I know - those of you who know me are saying "Kristi - with nothing to say?????" - but it's true.

It's been a very fun and busy summer....I was not home for most of the month of July (good excuse!!!). I spent some fun family time up at the cottage and then headed to MN for a 30-40-50 Birthday/Retirement party....of which I was one of the birthday people (I won't say which of the ages I'm turning!) Since I've been home of done some croppin' for hire but haven't taken any pics to post - dumb!

Today's plan is to take pics and list some of the MANY newspaper wallets and purses I have in stock (email me if you need something - it's probably already made! ), get some paint and start redoing the Goodwill cabinets I found Wed. when I had a flat tire and bopped over to Goodwill while waiting to get it fixed (see everything does happen for a reason) and then this evening plan to golf with my hubby...something we don't do nearly enough.

I'd love to sit and chat but then I wouldn't get any of this done now would I?

So Much for Fun & Games

Vacations are over and I'm back to work...well, errr, sort of....maybe it's more play than work? A trip to the library Friday inspired me to get out my wool and play some. Of course, the library trip was to get books on photography (my latest mania) and Ireland (trying to plan a trip for next summer :) But a quick peek, and it was just to peek, down the sewing aisle, caused me to check out two books on felting and this is the result:



Now, what am I going to do with it? Always the question with me. Maybe I'll make some more and do a felted flower arrangement. A brooch would be good, but it's rather large...hmmmm?

I was also felting a catnip filled fish cat toy, but, as you can imagine, my "helpers" tested it for me long before it was done, and now it's just a catnip filled oval that's covered in cat saliva...I guess I know that if I ever get to finish one it will be a hit! My ultimate goal is to make a felted "portrait" and a rug....only time will tell if I ever do....

OK, OK...

I haven't been too good about posting! I have however been busy making chipboard mini-albums. I have a fun retro children's album listed on Etsy currently. And for a twist I just listed a retro camping album on Craig's list...thought I'd see how that venue goes.

Here are some pics of the camping album - I just LOVE this retro feel paper!



You can paste a full 4x6 photo on the backside of the chipboard page and add journaling, more photos, etc...on the pre-made pages. I've stamped and added chipboard embellishments for a dimensional feel. It really is a fun way to display a number of photos. The 4X6 size also allows for easy carrying - perfect for a brag book.

I'll be on vacation for most of the next 2 weeks so I won't be on-line - I finally have an excuse!! Hope you have a fabulous 4th and take lots of pics to scrapbook!

It's Finish-It-Friday...

and what am I doing? Completing any one of the 30 or so projects I've started and not finished? Working on some of the new purse designs I've been dreaming of? Or even organizing my craft/studio area? No.....I'm reading up on how to toilet train my cats! A very worthwhile project: environmentally -Kitty litter is horrible for the environment, financially -it's very expensive, and, well, it's just plain gross to deal with. But, here's the thing, my cats are 13, 12 & 10....I think that ship (a very tiny one that would fit in the toilet) has sailed! So as I sit here and dream of a litter-box free life, time flies by and I'm getting nothing accomplished...such is life, oh, but what a good life it would be litter-free!

Yes - I am alive

Yes, if anyone was wondering, I am alive and well. It seems life just took me away from my blog for a bit, but now I'm back and hopefully with a vengeance!

A lot has happened since I last visited...including the death of a beloved family member taken away at the prime of his life. Everyone is still reeling from the void he left in the family, especially his young wife and child. It really took away my focus for a bit, but now I hope that this realization that life is so uncertain will inspire me to do bigger and better things during the limited amount of time I have on this earth. My new mission has begun!

I also worked on getting my working area organized...I still have a long way to go, but am in good shape to actually work down there now. Apparently I own a LOT of stuff....who knew???? I will post some pics soon, so you can see what a disaster I had to work with!

I also managed to have some fun while I was gone too. A girls' weekend with my nieces, a weekend up north to celebrate my hubbies b-day, another weekend to celebrate my BIL's 40th b-day...It's so nice to FINALLY be done with snow so we can get out some...I really wonder why I'm in MI sometimes :(

Well, off to get some work done, but I WILL be back soon!

Coffee, Wine & Dessert!!!

What more could a girl want...maybe diamonds? I'm not sure if you'll be able to get diamonds, but Schnitz Ada Grill will be catering & Cascade Winery will be offering wine tasting @ Koetsier's Greenhouse's Girl's Gather at the Greenhouse, Friday May 1 from 5-8PM. This is an amazing event - upscale vendors selling clothing, jewelery, purses etc...pampering booths (at the Christmas event you could get your teeth whitened, massages, & an array of pampering products)...and of course, wine & food! There were also booths featuring cookbooks, candles, frames and other must-have girl products!!!!

I'll be featuring an array of Cheeky Green Products (many never before seen!) including my original paper purses, as well as totes, purses and beach bags from repurposed items as well as some new. I will be showcasing some of these items in future posts.

The Christmas event was packed (despite the incredible amount of snow that fell that day - HOPEFULLY this day will be snow-free!) and everyone had a great time (ok -wine, coffee & chocolate - how could you not have fun?). If you didn't make it to the last one I highly encourage you to come to this one, and if you were there I hope to see you again!


If you haven't had a chance to check out my friend Misschell's blog or her Etsy shop I want to temp you with a peek at her newest creation:

How fun is that? (Link to her site on the right)

Hope you are all enjoying a creative day!!!

OMG - It's Friday Again!!!

I almost forgot that it's Finish-It-Friday today!!! Has it been a week already? Seriously....

Let me know what you finish today...send pics...I'd love to see them!

Thought I'd go back to my "roots" and make a new paper purse or 2. We have these wild new prints in the store and they cried purse to me!


Once again, not the greatest pic, but will have to do. Obviously, this purse isn't from newspaper, or even recycled materials...it's good-old-fashioned scrapbook paper.

Here's a shot of the interior pockets.

Wouldn't be a purse (well a good one anyway) without a matching billfold!

The back- change pocket with storage behind it
The interior features 6 credit card slots and a pocket to hold unfolded bills.


And all of those spring papers are calling my name!

I have to take pics of the matching wallet.

Off to work!

So...Did You?

I forgot to ask - did you finish-it on Friday? Let me know...send pics...I'd love them!

Hooray - It's Super Saturday

Today is Super Saturday at the store where I work. It's a clearance & storewide sale - busy busy , busy - equivalent to the day-after-Thanksgiving sales at most stores. I love Super Sat. - it's so invigorating. What wasn't invigorating was seeing this out our back windows when I woke up:
Isn't it the first weekend of Spring?


This post is actually supposed to be a follow-up to Finish-It-Friday... ha...I'm finishing it!!! (ok...maybe that was only humorous to me!!!)

I did finish quite a few things - 4 bags, the beads for the pink purse handles (the gloss requires a day or so of drying time so couldn't completely finish), and a few other misc. items. Along with washing the bedding, towels and my latest thrift-store-findings. All in all it was a pretty productive day by my standards. Maybe it was because of the help of my assistants:


Hard at work as usual!!!

In seriousness, I did accomplish this:



Well, I may want to add a felt flower to the third bag from the left, but I'm calling these done anyway!!!

I also painted the beads for the pink felted purse:

Just waiting for them to dry so I can finish the handles.

Well, better get off this thing and off to work!

Finish-It-Friday

Today is Finish-It-Friday. This is a concept from the Yahoo Group Scrapper's Challenge to which I belong. It is a policy I've tried to adopt since joining (oh...about 5 months ago) & haven't finished! So today is the day! I vow to finish at least one project I've started - hopefully the pink felted purse with the leopard lining! I have so many to choose from that I get overwhelmed & get nothing done.

I challenge you to do the same. Find that album, layout, half-knit-sweater, closet you started to spring-clean and gave up on - anything that's been nagging at the back of your mind to get done. What a refreshing way to start the weekend, well, that & a Kristi Coffee! Unless of course you're one of those people who always finish what you start - if that's the case, you need to get more hobbies!

Ok...So It's Me Again...

Yep...twice in one day. I wanted to get some better pics before debuting this new bag...but will get started with the ones I have.

After playing for several days making little girl's denim bags I was left with several pairs of jeans that looked like this:


And, while summer is fast approaching - hopefully, I just didn't think anyone wanted to see me in these less-than-Daisy Dukes...and I know I didn't want to see anyone else in them! So I put my thinking cap on (it fits once in awhile) and came up with this little number, perfect for a day at the flea market, vacationing, or anytime you need a little carrying space but don't want to lug around that bulky purse:And the back -

The fully lined interior:


The messenger-style tote (it goes across your shoulders and rests on your hip) uses both the original front & back pockets of the jeans for extra storage of your cell, your keys, some loose change...whatever it is you need to stash. The lining is from an old shirt & I've decorated the bag with a recycled scarf - & since it's not attached so you could swap it out to match any outfit.

Since I don't have a pic yet of it actually draped over a shoulder, hanging from a light fixture will have to do:

I hope to get some more made soon and listed for $15.

Hope you enjoyed it!!!

Thanks to everyone!

This week I've had some nice emails from the Etsy community from people who have featured me in their blogs etc... Coming from such a talented group of people I feel honored. I thought I'd say a special thanks to the Journal Junky for featuring my on her blog - "a blog of creativity". Thanks!!! She has some really fun and GREEN items featured on her blog...take a minute and visit her if you get a chance. And to anyone who may be visiting my site from there...I have MANY bags in stock that are not currently listed - including billfolds and lunchbags...let me know if you're interested in something, if I don't already have it, I'm sure I can make it.

Yesterday was SweatShop Tuesday at my house (I mean no disrespect to the poor people who have survived sweatshops - somehow we've adopted the name and it stuck!). My very creative talented friends and I get together on Tuesdays to create...some sew, some stamp, some scrapbook...sometimes we just eat and talk. It's always very fun and usually productive. I encourage everyone to pick a day and get together with friends....it's very inspiring - the ideas that flow sometimes are amazing...not always fit for print, but amazing!

I came up with some new bags..pics to come and worked some more on my pink needle-felted purse. Here's a sneak peak at what the final product will be like:

Love that leopard lining!!!

Call Me a ReFasionista!

Or a wearable artist? Or, maybe, oh... just Kristi !!! But I do fancy that I'll be all of those things some day.

I just found the BEST blog - Wardrobe ReFashion. It totally fits with my CheekyGreen philosophy. Basically, you pledge to not buy new for a period of 2, 4, or 6 months - or even life! All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.

In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!

You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.

You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

I LOVE this concept. They are starting a new round in May...with applications being accepted after April 15th. I'm going to give it a go - how about YOU???

Work in Progress

Since I can't seem to get the export/import thing to work (so I can get my old blog material over to my new blog) I'm just going to overkill the postings today. I'm having so much fun I want to show some work-in-progress pics. I'm working on a felted purse...the first I've made where I actually made the sheet of felt (both with my needle felting machine and by hand).

Here's a pic of the finished sheet of felt:


Boy, is the color bad - it's two toned pink and mauve...not this mud color!!!


And here, through the magic of the internet, is a pic of the purse shaped felt:


And from the side:


Now all I need to do is add a liner, some fun trim and a handle and voila - instant purse!!!

I'm also working on what I hope to be a funky apron from a pair of jeans:

I thought the paint stains on these old jeans would add a fun touch - can't wait to see what the finished product will be!!!

Ta Da!!!

The sun finally did come out (though it's still very cold) and I got some pics of my "new" (everything but the trim is recycled!!!) spring girl's bag. Not the best pictures, but the pic taking part is not my favorite, nor my forte, and I really wanted to get some sewing done. So far today I worked (darn work always gets in the way of fun time!), ran to the Salvation Army and got some goodies for "new" bags, to Smith Owen for felting needles for my machine (I broke 5 yesterday - at $16.25 for 5!!!!!) and to Hobby Lobby for a hand felting tool and yarn. Now I'm finally home and ready to sew...but wanted to get some pics up first.

So, here's the new bag.
The flower is a bit more pink than the pic shows. It's about 8 inches high and 8 inches wide at the top. The bottom is pleated and squared off. It also features a pink lining with pocket-made from a button up shirt! - the bag itself is from an old pair of jeans & the flowers are felted sweaters... oh how fun it is to be green!!!! Here's a peak at the interior:

Please let me know what you think...and if you have any suggestions!!!

Off to the sewing machine!

Snow is a 4 Letter Word & Spring is Not!!!

Yesterday, with Spring quickly approaching (so the calendar says) my thoughts turned to Easter dresses, bonnets, purses and spring bags. I whipped up an adorable little girl's denim purse with fuzzy trim and felted flowers that would make any little darling who carried it the envy of all - well, maybe it's not that cute, but it is a great little accessory. And today, we're waking up to snow!!!! Oh well, I'm not going to let some little white flakes interfere with my spring fever...more spring fashions to come today...along with some pics... (if the sun ever makes an appearance so I get some good lighting!!!)

Toto...I don't think we're in "Typepad" anymore

Don't adjust your sets...this is the "NEW" Cheeky Green website...live and in green!

I'm excited to debut this...but am saddened that all my hard work on the old site will be lost :(
Not that it was anything spectacular, but....

Well, I have to make up for some lost time now...reload some pics and of course get some new stuff up and going. Can't do that sitting here typing!

New Site New Look

I thought it was time for a new look...ta da!!!!

I've been playing with this for a while now...it took me so long to figure out my old site that I was really slow to take on a second one. But here I am...you can teach an old crafter new tricks! Of course doing this took away all my time from making purses, albums, mittens...you know - something important!!!


However I do have an assistant: Princess Olivia is so helpful!





I did take some time a way from blogging to do some laundry and read a few chapters from "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" - I'm determined to learn to draw, an art form that completely passed me by, but according to author Betsy Edwards even I can learn to do it...we'll see???

I also jotted down some ideas in my new "inspiration book" made with my newest toy....the pink Zutter Bind It All!!


I now carry this with me all the time and whenever I have an
"ah ha" moment I jot it down...seems that the closer I get to 40 the more problems I have remembering :(

Well, off to do my homework...I guess learning to draw requires work...ugh....anyway, I have to go mentally shift images from the left side of my brain to the right....sounds painful to me!!!