Runs with Scissors in Suburbia

The Museum that is Anthropologie

2011-12-07T10:59:00.020-06:00

Well, I climbed out of the artistic rut I've been in, long enough to make another trek to Anthropologie. This time in Houston. My friend came in from Ohio and we spent a couple of days catching up. We also made a trip to two of the "fancy" malls in Houston for some retail therapy. Mostly looking for photo opps...but we did drop a few bucks in the Paper Source. I hope you are not sick of Anthro photos, cause that's all I got for now!!

Curved archway made of stretched frame of fabric. I'd love a wall of staghorn ferns.

Loved this bird wallpaper.

Pewter Animal Totem.

Hubby saw me drooling over this plate. I later saw him with an Anthro bag and then even later, found such bag in the car, including the plate.

Bicycle wheels with clear lights on them.

This was clever. Made from plastic spoons. Looks so cool in store, at home would be really fun to do an outside wall with lights shining up through the spoon globes.

Outside looking in, after dark. These circles appeared to me to be cut from waxed papers, vellums, glassine. It was really pretty, and so were the lightbulbs.

LIFE IS ART

2011-11-18T12:22:00.020-06:00

But sometimes life just gets in the way of art! When there is more "life" than art, I tend to get a little cranky. Ideas are still bouncing round in my head, but the facts are, just not enough time to get them physically done. Out of balance, that's what it is.

My last two trips to Anthropologie were still on the camera, so I got them loaded and organized enough to post a few. A trip to Anthro usually gets me so enthused I come home and make something right away, but I didn't this time. I have to get some of the ideas out of my head before I can stack new ones up in there.

SAN DIEGO ANTHROPOLOGIE
Palms reflected, and garlands in window, made of PVC pipe. Clever, but not really beautiful. However I think they would be great outside.

Candles and Onaments

Wooly trees.

Didn't we make these with our kids?

Made of plastic swizzle sticks. Actually looked much better in person.

A Sampling of ICADS

2011-10-29T19:18:00.011-05:00

Here's a few from September. I keep finding these cards stuck everywhere, in books to flatten them, some finished, some barely started. What's wrong with me? I am so scattered and disorganized...I may be finding these index cards in weird places for quite some time. Some of them I didn't even date, so I'm sure I have more than enough to account for every day of the month. Some of them I really like, and some I can tell my heart wasn't really in it. My mind is still processing that dilemma.

I am not totally satisfied with my photos from today, but here they are. The light wasn't good, maybe I should take the others outside tomorrow. I uploaded them to Flickr as well.

I'm Still Trying to ICAD

2011-10-28T13:47:00.003-05:00

I haven't given up on doing my Index cards, but I have fallen behind a bit. I missed almost a week in Sept. and have been playing catch-up ever since. I have taken two trips to be with family because of illness and there was a subsequent death in the family as well.

I have a stack of cards that I still need to photograph and get posted to Flickr. I've been visiting the site regularly and not very many people are posting now. Maybe the 3 month summer challenge did everyone in. Come on, where are y'all? Anyhow, I still enjoy the little index cards. Since I have a lot of them left, I will continue to carry them around with me and try to continue to create a bit each day. Even if some days it's only my shopping list. Some days are better than others, but it's all ART..right??? Well, it may be CRAFT, but these days, the line between the two seems more blurred than it once was.

I tossed these in a chair by the window, tomorrow I hope to get them individually posted.

Anthropologie in Downtown Chicago

2011-09-23T17:40:00.043-05:00

Remember, I've told you that I love the stores because you never know what you'll see in each one. They all sell the same merchandise, but their design teams do different things with the same materials. This one is on two levels. Each photo is clickable to view details. There are a lot of photos, so if you are not totally enthralled with Anthropologie, I understand if you opt out. I tell hubby all the time that I need a living space this large to hang all my "treasures". He agrees, but we haven't quite quite figured out a way yet that we can make it happen.

UPSTAIRS:
Central area of store

Orange Hat

Smashed beer cans on orange wall

LOVED this window. It was over 3 feet deep

Me, on the inside

Hubby, on the outside

DOWNSTAIRS:

From top of stairs

First wall at bottom of stairs

Pale collage tucked in a corner under the stairs

Low ceilings, recessed lighting

Cool signs

Mixture of "stuff"

Close-up

Fixture made from large pots.

Lots of dishtowels

Let's go to Anthropologie

2011-09-21T18:27:00.015-05:00

I haven't done a post about Anthropologie in quite awhile. I visited two of the stores while in Chicago. One was in one of those really nice malls in the city of Geneva. The other was downtown. I'd like to have gone to more of them, but just ran out of time. They were both interesting, and each one different. Remember, images are clickable to view larger.
In Geneva Commons:
Rather ordinary exterior for an Anthro store.

A huge installation of wooden hangers over the registers. Photo does not do it justice, it was much cooler in person.

On a narrow post they had used these for photo display.

Wall of torn fabric strips.

Close-up torn fabric strips, the fabrics were very opulent.

Always love their mirror displays. Always!
Reflecting light fixtures in center of store.

Hubbys legs & boots.

This clipboard display wall would be fun to use as an Inspiration board.

Big board of spectacle frames.

My favorite of course.

I'll do Downtown Chicago store in the next post.

I RARELY buy RED

2011-09-07T10:54:00.014-05:00

With the exception of a couple of pair of shoes and my reading glasses, you won't find much red in my life at all. I hardly ever use it in my artwork. So this continuing set of ICADS seemed like a double challenge for me. But I took a deep breath and added my name to the list. Red does not HAVE to be used in each one, there are additional prompts as well. But once you hear the word, it's kind of hard to put it out of your mind, at least for me it is.

Here is what I usually buy, colorwise:

I had to search a long time to find this old Chalk Ink pad in Warm Red. Likewise a couple of bottles of red from Golden sets. Then I went and bought the Liquitex tube of Pyrrole Crimson, and another jar of some kind of bright red.

My first set of Red cards. I am not wild about any of these cards. But, remember, I am trying to NOT rely on collage so much, so that is an extra challenge thrown into the mix.
You will see off to the right a notebook cover I did using red. It's a sketch book for my nephew.

The Summer of ICAD Has Come to a Close

2011-09-02T18:55:00.015-05:00

This is it. I am finished with the challenge. I can't believe I managed to last to the end. I am having mixed feelings about continuing on with the new one that started on Sept. 1st. One the one hand, this challenge got me to do the only creating I actually did all summer. So that is a good thing. And I really started to enjoy the small "index card" format, even the flimsy cards, and the "NOT preciousness" of them. However, I think I need a bit of a break. But, if I do, can I continue to create on my own? Well, I'll decide in the next day or two. I already did a card yesterday and today, so I won't get too far behind if I decide to commit to the next two months.

Here they are...Wish I could put them in a grid, but I don't know how.

Whew! That's a lot. There are some missing, ones I did while in Chicago. It was hard for me doing them on the road, because I could only carry a few supplies with me. Difficult for me to draw...as I am mainly a collage kind of gal. The ones from August 17th through the 20th are on the Flickr site. They were nothing to write home about..if you know what I mean. But I am proud of myself for managing to get them done while away.

A Group of ICADS makes me Happy!

2011-08-20T10:56:00.008-05:00

Here's a photo of the last group I did. I think I put most of them on Flickr, but lately I've been easily confused and more disorganized than usual. One 105 degree day just kind of blends into another. Will this Texas summer ever end? Thankfully I am in Chicago right now, and enjoying much cooler temps and even some RAIN awhile ago. I've done a few ICADS while on the road, but may not post them till I get home.

Keeping up with ICAD

2011-08-05T10:00:00.012-05:00

I've been using a manilla envelope for a backdrop for photgraphing all of my Icads. I think it keeps them more consistent looking. I am having trouble feeling creative. We've had temps of 105, 107, 108, for way over a week. I've lost track of how many days. Being inside in A/C alternating with going out in the heat(as little as possible) but still can't avoid it altogether. I'm having more migraines, so I've had to take time out to deal with those. That makes me crabby and it's hard to feel creative when not feeling well. Anyhow, here are the ones from the past few days.

1 August. Paper from a catalog, transparency strips, tape.

2 August. Clouds from a magazine, pitt pen, Scrapbook border strips.

3 August. Woven paper strips, metallic tape, soda bottle top, metal brad.

4 August. Prompt:Numbers. A Cavallini tape sampler. That's it. Feeling tired and lazy.

This is the little tin of paper tapes made by Cavallini. I found them last week at Paper Source.

I'm ICADing as Fast as I Can

2011-08-02T10:34:00.015-05:00

I've still been managing to get one a day done, here's the ones from the 25th through the 30th.

25th. Loved the colors of this gift card from Target. Didn't turn out very well, but here you have it anyhow!

26th. Loving roosters, red and turquoise. The photo makes the color look more blue than it actually is. Card from a favorite restuarant.

27th. Doodling with the Pitt pens, "landscape" colors set.

28th. Collage, micron pen drawing. Prompt: Freedom

29th. Large sponge stamp, Pitt pens in the "landscape" colors set. Prompt: Owl

30th. Cut up an Arizona Iced tea can.

Anthropologie in The Domain

2011-07-23T16:39:00.004-05:00

This store is in a more upscale shopping mall, it is smaller, and has a different vibe than the one downtown. They always have music playing, which may or may not be to my taste, but they play it too loud regardless. I guess their target demographic totally misses my age group. Like most stores these days. HaHa

Anyhow, they were just starting their displays too, so my timing could have been better. They had one wall in one room that was changed so far. I notice that I did not get a shot of the entire wall, just sections at a time.

Left section.

Close-up of above.

Notice the painting in the first two? Well this is what they did to it. That made it great, for me anyhow.

Middle section. I really like that chair.

Third section, still in progress.

This fabric on the wall felt like "felt". I like the way it was painted, photo can't do it justice.

Pretty necklace, but I really took the photo for the stand. They actually make most of their props, and this was no exception.

Oh, I actually did make a purchase. I had seen these bracelets when they first came in, and they were $58. For two. Needless to say, I left them there, and apparently a lot of other folks did as well. They were in the Sale Room marked down to $19.99 for two. Much more to my liking so I bought them. I actually got just one set in this color and another in black and cream.

Every Anthropologie that I have gone to always has live plants in their displays. I think these are some kind of shamrock plant. I've always loved them. What was kind of neat is they had them in these cheapie pressed glass bowls that I used to see in drugstores and Woolworths. When I was a little girl of course.... You have to click on the photos above to see the pressed glass bowls. In this display they are in these really pretty clay urns.

And now for something different

2011-07-22T16:32:00.016-05:00

It's been awhile since I've taken you with me to Anthropologie. I've been there lately, but the displays either haven't been that interesting, or haven't changed. Right now they all seem to be working on their end of Summer leading into Fall/Back to School. Both stores I visited this week are "in process". The gals promised me they would be "awesome" by next week, or finished by the week after next. Can't remember for sure as I did a "shoot and run" at both stores. This one on Thursday. It is downtown, so I was able to run into Whole Foods for breakfast and spend a bit of time at Paper Source as well. I was a Happy Girl. Three of my favorite places in a cluster. West Elm is there also, but that requires a visit all unto itself.

Side window from the street. I always like this window as it has the palm fronds framing it.

Front entrance window. Large design was painted on window, hanging behind was cut out paper. Notice the turquoise and orange color combo?

Inside the same entrance window.

They had just started this one. Four or five people running around in all directions, setting things up. Ladders everywhere.

I think this one wasn't quite finished either. Check out the "spools" they had the clothes hanging on. I have a few of those spools left from my "country" decorating days. They had several frames with fabric cut outs in them, parts of shirts. Cute.

I think I'll post the other store tomorrow.

I'm Still Keeping Up!

2011-07-19T16:10:00.008-05:00

I'm happy to report I am still getting my index cards done. I'm quite pleased with myself, as I usually do have such a hard time with "follow through". I took Sunday off this week. I've had a few ideas for ones for the rest of the week. I keep forgetting about the prompts that are provided for us every week. I hope to explore them soon, just to give them a try.

Here are the past two days. Perhaps you can guess what kind of mood I've been in. I am not much of a T.V. watcher, but this time of year I do have a couple of favorites and I take my viewing of them very seriously! LOL Everyone knows not to call me when my shows are on. A few of my friends watch the same shows, so we text each other during the commercials.

The Closer

Tuesday song of the day, lyrics by Robert Earl Keen. In honor of Memphis Beat.

The Party Card

2011-07-16T18:59:00.007-05:00

Oh Dear, Oh Dear...I forgot my Celebration card. I'm also not sure how to correctly do a link, back to the ICAD site, but I will try. http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/
Not a linky, but someday I will learn.

My collection of 30 cards done so far.

Halfway Through The ICAD Project

2011-07-16T18:02:00.011-05:00

Well, the people who started June first have 45 cards. I didn't hear about it until later, so I started on the 16th, and have 30 cards. I have really enjoyed doing this project, for a couple of reasons. It has gotten me back in the habit of creating daily, which makes me feel happy. Also, I am "revisiting" my art supplies, and reorganizing them and trying out some old techniques I hadn't used in a long time. It's so fun to see what other people are doing as well. I really want to learn to do zentangles now, and I want and need to practice my sketching skills. This should bring me up to date, including the celebration card for the Halfway mark. I had a migraine this morning so am still feeling a little loopy from the meds I had to take, so the card I did today may be a little off balance. But most days I myself am a little off balance, and that's just the way it is.

10 July, collage

11 July, Picture from Anthro catalog, a sticker and white pen.

12 July, collage, rubberstamping.

13 July, collage

14 July, I love Hello Kitty, that's all!

Still in the Game

2011-07-15T09:08:00.009-05:00

Hey Folks,
I'm still in the ICAD challenge, have been doing, just haven't had time to photo and upload. I took these late in the day yesterday, the light wasn't really good, so I'll do the rest today. I know scanning would be the way to go for better effects, but grabbing the camera is so much quicker.

5 July.. B&W papers, Japanese masking tape.

6 July.. Tim Holtz tape background, Sparkly stickers.

7 July.. Spritzed background, collage.

9 July.. Felt background, stitched, embellished. This is my Magic Carpet Ride!

This one didn't photograph well, I may have to re-do it. It looks fabulous in person, IMHO! LOL

I took the 8th as my "no card" day as I was out of town.

It's The Fourth of July

2011-07-04T17:10:00.008-05:00

Feeling patriotic with the cards over the week-end.

2 July. This one turned out totally different than what I thought when I started it.

3 July. This one I call Whee..whee. I was thinking about the Geico commercial where the little pig cried all the way home, with the pinwheels. Kinda goofy I know.

4 July. Made from foil wrappers from Hershey's kisses.

No fireworks for this 4th. Burn ban because of our severe drought. Not even a public fireworks display. Going to eat B-B-Q then watch the Boston Pops.

This weeks ICADs

2011-07-02T15:24:00.009-05:00

I'm really enjoying doing these cards. Some are taking 5-10 minutes, some a bit longer. I'm really glad I started, as it is getting me back in the habit of actually finishing some little thing every day. I need that..instead of starting things, then walking away and starting something else, which I tend to do.

Starbucks fliers and other bits of papers.

Altered photo of the Mockingbird nest outside my front door. Blogged about it on my other blog. Click the link in the sidebar if you want to read about the bird/egg saga.

List of my out and abouts for the day.

Cutting and pasting scraps while watching tv.

self explanatory.

Catching up with ICAD

2011-06-27T14:42:00.011-05:00

The past week has been crazy busy, days fly by and before I know it, the week-end is here again. I do not know where the time goes, I wish I had more to show for it. As far as getting things accomplished.

I've been doing the Index card a day challenge, but no time to post every day. I think it is easier to do them, then post a few at a time. I finally got a tray of supplies put together so I can move it around to different places to work on them.

Here's the latest:

Week-end ICAD cards

2011-06-19T09:25:00.007-05:00

Here are the two cards I did for Saturday and Sunday. I think I feel more comfortable with collage than anything else. I'm not totally pleased with my handwriting, and my sketching skills are really rusty. I also found a way to deal with these thin, flimsy index cards. Using the Zxyron machine, I glued two cards together. Makes a sturdier base. I have a pile of them ready now.

Too Hot to Handle

2011-06-17T17:11:00.007-05:00

Here's my ICAD card for today. It's been miserably hot here all day. Windy too. Actually, because of the wind, the humidity is low, so it feels more like being in Vegas heat instead of Austin. But 104 is still too hot no matter where you are. IMHO!

Just Ranger paint dabbers and Pitt Pen. Quick and easy.

I went out early and did a few errands, got home at 1p.m. and have stayed in the rest of the day. I may have to go to World Market in the a.m. to stock up on more Italian Soda. For now, I will be sipping a cool beverage here in a little while.
Soda and Limoncello!

Have a Happy Week-end. I'm pretty sure it's cooler everywhere else.

ICAD challenge

2011-06-16T18:47:00.006-05:00

The Index Card a Day Challenge started on June 1st, but I didn't read about it till about a week into in. You could start anytime but by at least the 16th. I bought cheap index cards. I haven't bought index cards of any kind for at least 10 years. I was really disappointed with the quality of these "cards". I don't know how they can even call them cards, as they are more like text weight paper. I thought, oh well, I will paint on them, gesso them, etc. they will be fine. NOT SO It was very irritating to me. I thought I'd just buy some more. Well, everywhere I checked seemed to have the same brand, or at least the same weight. Do you think I could find some "vintage" ones in this house that has more paper and cardstock than a paper factory??? Nope. So anyhow, I decided that I'd go ahead and accept not only the challenge to make one every day, but to deal with these crappy cards and make them work! HaHa..I'll see how it goes.

Trying to prepare some backgrounds in advance. Very absorbent and they curled.

My very first one.
This one I did in the car on the drive to Dallas. No, I wasn't the one driving, and it didn't take me the entire drive to do it.

Day 2, a little sketch in the hotel.

Day 3.

Day 4

Anthropologie In Oregon

2011-04-24T12:51:00.015-05:00

Side window display, Tigard store.

Planter out front, the filler was Hazelnut shells. I really like this idea.

Inside, front desk

Closeup of chair. Entire wall was covered in pleated canvas, sealed with clear finish.

Another section of canvas wall

Repurposed basket with bees nest. There were 3 hanging over the front desk.

Seawall type of display

Loosely torn strips of fabric made up most of this wall, along with heavy net.

Sea urchins made of zippers

Mia watering all the live plants.

Bicycle with the paper flowers we've seen in most of the locations.

They were just beginning their cork installation. They told me they were going to be putting large circles on this wall.

Here's a few more from Boise, Idaho

2011-04-21T10:55:00.003-05:00

All of the Anthro stores are doing a huge Cork project for Earth Day. They had just started installing the one here. There was a sign in the window explaining about the sustainability of cork forests. We were fortunate to meet the Visual co-ordinator as she was beginning to work on it. She was sweet and lovely, as was everyone we spoke to in that store. Lisa told us she had attended the grand opening of the Domain store in Austin. I really like the way their employees get to travel to diffferent locations to help out. They all seem to know one another no matter which location they work in.

Click on photo to see larger, hopefully it can be read.

Lovely Lisa in the window. See the threads? She was going to be attaching corks to all the threads. I wanted to go back in a few days to see it finished, but alas, we ran out of time.

Evidence of being there. Me and the Hubster in front of a giant mirror.

Art in Public Spaces. Downtown.

Tourist Site:Anthropologie

2011-04-20T12:44:00.010-05:00

On a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest to see family, we managed to sneak away for a short while to feed my obsession with Anthropologie stores. Fortunately I had already done my research and had the addresses of three stores in the areas we were going to be. My photo skills were really challenged on this first one. Wish I had better ones to show, but I forgot to use the flash in most of them. Sometimes the flash causes glare, but without it...well, you'll see.

This set was all taken at the Boise, Idaho store.

Window display, paper flowers on real branches. Flowers were cut from book pages and assorted tissue papers.

Giant basket full of scarves.

This is Frank. He was patiently waiting for someone while they shopped. In talking to him, I found out he had just moved to Boise from Houston. He was happy to meet some other Texans. He was a really nice guy.

This wall behind where the registers were, was the most awesome thing. The photos do not do it justice. It really blew me away. It was made of the spines of old books, and squares cut from aluminum soda cans. I think some of the squares were other metals too, can't recall exactly all of it.

It had an undulating curve about it where they made it dimensional.

I hope if you click on the photo to make it larger, you can see where they stapled the squares together.

Some of the longer strips appeared woven, but a lot were just squares stapled together. If I remember correctly the background was either canvas cloth or maybe burlap. Wish I had written down what the girl was explaining to me. I really wanted to take this piece home with me. If I could have all the stuff I see at their stores, I would just be living in an Anthropologie warehouse! And my gal pals could all come live there with me.

New Anthropologie Eye Candy

2011-03-23T13:44:00.012-05:00

My silly, frivolous escape from the horrible things going on in the real world. If only for awhile. A walk through the Anthropologie with my camera. The Domain, Austin, Tx.

The seawall display at this one wasn't quite as elaborate as the one in San Antonio, but still nice.

These flowers were made from torn strips of heavy watercolor paper.

Park bench and pots

Nice cupboard with recipe written on papered inside.

Cute plates

How about having this wall of metal boxes for a huge room divider?

Sleep shirt. Love this bird on a wire fabric.

Never Enough Anthropologie

2011-03-08T17:00:00.016-06:00

The Shops at La Cantera is the location of this Anthropologie. When I got there I realized I had neglected to download my camera card, and didn't have an extra. So I was madly trying to delete some photos so I'd have room for Anthro photos. Didn't get a lot of shots, but I will be going back there for sure. Hubby and I will be going to San Antonio more often this year.

Wooden Hangers and Clothespins form these flowers. Aren't they delightful?

Looking from the indside out, across the courtyard. I really like the silhouette of these, even though the photo is dark.

A very cool display made of cut up blue jeans, with some succulents planted in a few of the openings.

Hubby noticed this and really liked the woven burlap on this wall, which was also covered in burlap.

Bunnies, oh my!

A gorgeous sea wall theme, with fishing nets. This photo does not do justice to how wonderful this was.

On the left wall behind the boat, this corner had colorful cups attached to the net. Looked like beautiful fish just brought in from the sea.

This is Lindsay. She welcomed us to the store and was so sweet and kind to us. She showed us a lot of new things they had gotten in. We also chatted about visiting different Anthro stores around the country and even around the globe. How where we go on vacation depends if they have an Anthropologie store there! I hope she doesn't mind this photo, she was running from me when I tried to snap an earlier one, but she did pose for this one. Thanks Lindsay, for all your help.

Spring at Anthropologie

2011-03-07T19:08:00.016-06:00

Wow, here we are, it's March. I have had no time for shopping, window or otherwise! What with physical therapy for my shoulder, helping hubby with the business, and a lot of other busy stuff. Well, I was in Anthropologie withdrawal, so I finally made it downtown last week. They were still working on their new displays so I didn't get too many photos, but will show what I did get. This is the downtown location in Austin.

Entrance bench.

Window from entrance side. If you can't tell, these flowers are made of the paper covered wire hangers.

Window from Lamar Street

Look what those clever people did with Japanese masking tapes! Top section of glass door cabinet.

Lower section

Cool houses and pillows

Speaks for itself..fabric jewelry. Love!

These were little bits of wood blocks and scraps, painted...so clever. Hard to tell from the photo, the dimension. If the tall hubby had been with, I might have had him take the photo, straight on.

That's it for now. Check back tomorrow for my week-end trip to San Antonio, and you guessed it...Anthropologie!

Window Shopping

2010-12-10T16:30:00.008-06:00

WEST ELM
Corrugated cardboard everywhere. In packaging, ornaments, display. I tried to talk them into selling me one of these giant chandeliers.

Book pages used for display, in garlands, flowers, covering branches, etc.

Wooden Pallets, in the middle of the room, with ornaments displayed on them.

Giant Acorn ornament, had to have since I collect them. Every year Hub and I buy at least one new one, so this is the one for 2010.

Lots of nice gift items in stationery, Lomo cameras, and a ton of items that come out this time of year. Of course these caught my eye. Buckets of Japanese masking tape. I used every bit of self-control I could muster. I only bought 2 stacks, green and orange.

FREE PEOPLE
This is a store that has amazing accessories, and jewelry. The clothing is mostly for teenagers in size OO though. Very nice Christmas displays. I really liked the decorated twigs and their boxes were all industrial Kraft color with a light brushing of gesso over them. Also this tree on the wall, made with a lot of found objects. Reminds me very much of the trees my Mother and Aunts used to make with costume jewelry on velvet and then framed them.

Away Too Long

2010-11-28T15:49:00.005-06:00

I've spent the last few months in a lot of pain with rotator cuff problems. I pretty much had NO movement in my arm/shoulder without severe pain. I finally had surgery October 13th and have been recovering since. Physical Therapy is a neccessary evil, and it does help. There are still a lot of things I can't do yet, but can lift my arm above my head at least.

Not much artsy stuff or photographs of late. I was able to play with some of my tapes and even acquire a few more rolls.
Here's one little sampler that I put together in a book I'm dedicating to tape play.

I have a few other pages in various stages, and I'm still on the lookout for more tapes to add to my collection. Don't know why, but all this tape makes me smile. And I need more! Tape and smiles!

Tape and More Tape

2010-08-26T13:13:00.005-05:00

7 Gypsies Brand tape

I got a few new rolls of tape this week. I really love the red and yellow polka dotted one. It has a splotchy hand painted look. I am driving myself crazy trying to round up all the different tapes I have bought. My bad habits keep me searching for stuff all the time. I will grab something and take it into another room to use, then instead of taking it back where it came from, I will lay it down right there. Then it gets covered with something else and then it's lost. I keep thinking there is a ghost in this place, who keeps hiding my stuff...especially my Tim Holtz tape. I bought a package of the tissue tapes, brought it home, put it aways somewhere, then couldn't find it. I thought maybe I had just thought I bought it, so I bought another package. Now it is missing..never opened, never used. Grr...
This tray shows just a few of the ones I am trying to keep together, and several of the ones that I thought were there, are missing.

For The Love of Anthropologie

2010-07-24T12:40:00.007-05:00

My Favorite recurring fantasy dream, is that I live inside an Anthropologie store. I don't care which one. I've removed most all the clothing, and my art stuff is everywhere. of course I have left my favorite displays, books, cabinets, furniture, etc. and hung a lot of my own collections around. In each of their "vignettes" I have a space for working on art. One for sewing, one for paper, one for jewelry and metal stuff. One for large wood things, stacks of boxes, etc. And of course a big sturdy ladder, for reaching and decorating to the rafters. Ah, I'd hang a collection of chairs from the rafters. This particular Anthropologie store has really HIGH rafters. And very bright lights!

These are the spring/summer displays so far. This is the first one you see inside the front door.

Be still my heart! If it is turquoise I melt. Same pots, different color.

More greenery and a cool wall display.

TEXTURES AND COLORS AROUND THE STORE
Scarves

Lamps

Houseware dept.

Owlies..Oh my!

Dyed, rolled paper

The blue painted wall I always take a shot of. It's a bit ordinary this time.

I love their lampshades. How cool is this one wrapped in twill tapes?

It's Another Addiction

2010-07-07T15:17:00.005-05:00

Now that I am back into making jewelry again, and have finally located all my tools, I have gone bananas over the Industrial Chic stuff at Michaels. I hit four Michaels stores today. Happily, they have restocked. Of course I have been staking out this stuff for weeks, and all the employees know me. Which is not necessarily a good thing...as I can't use a coupon, then leave and go right back in and use another one. LOL But if the Hubster is with me...well, I can talk him into using one, so that doubles the Chic I can get in one visit. Yesterday, he even volunteered to stop on his way to the golf course and pick up one for a friend of mine. What a sweetie pie, eh? He indulges most of my whims.

Here it is, the little red car...back in stock.

This morning, one of the cute young guys who works at one of the locations was helping me try to find ones I didn't already have, and pointing out new ones. He even broke a couple of the pieces trying to show me how they opened. Here's todays haul.

Paper Makes Me Smile

2010-07-04T09:52:00.010-05:00

Just a few of the goodies from Paper Source. A very cool store, sells a lot of what else, PAPER stuff! I was happy to see that they got in some Japanese Washi tape. They had just gotten in 4 packages, my friend and I bought them all. They told us they would order more designs.

Stencil 101 in smaller designs for paper. Yay! I have the regular size. I adore the Deer Stag one.

I made an impromptu little gallery(on the Wall, in the Hall) with the Japanese tape and photos from slides my Dad took back in the 50's in Las Vegas. This tape is fun because it is removable and does not seem to leave a residue. Hubby says "Oh no, now she'll be taping stuff to walls everywhere". Probably... At least till I get bored with that.

Forgot to mention, the Paper Source bag is as gorgeous as the stuff they put in it. Very nice to cut up for journal pages or whatever. Don't waste a bit.

More Jewelry and Power Shopping

2010-07-02T16:39:00.011-05:00

Here are the necklaces I made the past few days before my trip to Dallas. My friend and I keep each other on our toes by promising to have a project to show when we meet up. They were hard to photograph, and the glare is bad, but you get the idea. These were made using the some of the new Industrial Chic line at Michaels. We tried buying more, but all the locations seem to be almost sold out. We were told something different at each store...but the bottom line seems to be they only ordered a small amount to see how it sold. Hmmm...guess we will be waiting for the "slow boat from China" until they get some more in.

I like a lot of these elements, especially the enameled flowers. I think I may have gotten all of them so far. There were several colors and different designs.

We shopped, lunched, had Starbucks and laughed a lot, as usual. We wore out our feet, but they still looked good after all that running around. This is kind of funny, we both usually wear PURPLE toes all summer, but we changed it up this time.

My multi-tasking friend, who shall remain nameless...can drive with her knee, talk on the phone, eat, you name it. All safely, of course! This photo is cropped to protect her identity. LOL

I'll have to show and tell the cool stuff we bought at Paper Source tomorrow.

HA HA! Am I still Here? OH yes, I am.

2010-06-28T07:35:00.004-05:00

Holey Smokies, time does fly, does it not? Whether you are having fun or not!

I am trippin' off to Dallas for some art time with my pals and to get some new inspiration. Maybe some more jewelry supplies to practice my rusty craft of stringin' stuff on a chain....

Here's a sneak peek of what I made yesterday:

The tea box makes a great holder for keeping my chain straight while I choose the links to stick "stuff" on. Joint effort to invent this little gizmo...I can't take all the credit. The idea was mine, and the hubster did the searching the garage for the perfect box and attached the little nails. Genius? Oh yes!

Fun at Renegade Craft Fair

2010-05-17T09:12:00.011-05:00

This past week-end the Renegade Craft Fair came to Austin for the first time. It was so crowded you could barely move at times. They advertised over 250 indie craft talents, and I think I saw them all. Was so exhausted near the end, the last 50 were kind of a blur. It was fun, and I got to meet a lot of the people I only knew from their online shops or blogs. The first photo shows just a handful of the business cards and "stuff" I came home with. Now to sort them out and re-find the ones I want to get in touch with again. I usually make notes on the business cards at the time, but this time just gathered. I could have spent a fortune, but I am quite proud of myself for my self-control. I only bought a few things, and told myself I could always order from them later...tee hee. There was a great booth that had Japanese Washi tapes though and it was a struggle to get out of there with only 4 rolls. That stuff is addictive, but a bit pricey to get too carried away, at least I think so. I already have quite a few rolls of different tapes so it was easier for me to be choosy. One lady I saw who had never seen the tapes before was about to purchase the entire booth's worth. Ha Ha... My 4 little rolls are in the upper left corner of the photo below. I am already wishing I had bought more...but my wallet is happy I didn't.

Their logo is this cute little owl, he is on all their posters and ads, bags, t-shirts.

My friend Pat, bought this very cool ring to add to her collection of many.

After the show, we were so tired we could barely walk back to the car, and drag ourselves to Beets, where we gorged on raw foods.

Greens salad, caesar salad, Asian noodle salad and nori rolls. There was more, and there was dessert too, but forgot to photograph the mocha ice cream and lemon cheesecake. Yum! Tired, but full and happy. A day well spent!

A Little Sewn Journal

2010-05-11T19:01:00.005-05:00

I finally got one finished to take on my trip to Idaho. I was supposed to be packing, and it was the day before we left. Hub came home and saw me still sitting in my P.J.s at 2 p.m., sewing away. I threw this together, start to finish in about 2 hours. Aack...don't know why I always get an inspiration when I am just about to go somewhere, instead of when I am home and have plenty of time. It's all paper, the cover is a recycled file folder. I had planned to add tidbits from the travel as I went, but there was no leisure time to journal. I have an envelope of notes and ephemera that I need to add in now that I am back home.

Playing with Diecuts

2010-04-26T21:12:00.005-05:00

I spent a few hours this past week-end playing with the new diecuts from Tim Holtz, his birdcage and Tattered florals. Also a couple others. I don't use my diecut machine very often, but when I do I like to make a marathon of it, then have them on hand for stickers and embellishments.

Made these using Starbucks fliers, insides of security envelopes, some fabric. Took some to the gals at Starbucks.

Assorted florals and birds, some are cut from adhesive metal, hence the reflection. Not an excellent photo. The birdcage is really cute cut out of cork.

Falling behind already

2010-04-18T18:43:00.005-05:00

Spring is kind of bumming me out this year. I should be skipping and jumping for joy because so far we have had an amazingly cool, damp spring and the temperatures have been to my liking. There is a wonderful crop of wildflowers this spring. However I have not taken the time to shoot one single photo of them, I just enjoy glancing at them while driving down the road. I know I am letting all the circumstances of life get me down, but I am tired and worn out from trying to "be of good cheer" all the time. I have decided to just float along in my little melancholy balloon for awhile longer. Wrapped in my cocoon of sadness until I cannot stand myself and then I will glance up and there will be a clearing in sight and I will steer towards it.

I did some spring cleaning, but lost interest early on. I did just enough to make things look better on the surface, and that is not the point of spring cleaning, at least in my opinion. Hub has been teasing me about my "butterfly behavior"...you know, flitting from one thing to the next, never staying long enough to make much difference. So it got me to thinking about butterflies in a number of ways.

I half-heartedly did these die cuts at Archivers last Saturday, then on the way home saw two cute little girls with their Daddy flying a kite, so stopped and shot a photo.

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Then on CBS Sunday morning they did a piece about the Monarch migration. This always makes me sad, as over half their habitat has disappeared because of de-forestation, and they don't seem to be able to control the illegal logging. I had always hoped to someday travel to that one area where they migrate to, and actually see them en masse. But every year their numbers decrease. More sadness, for the plight of these beautiful creatures.

I've Come Unraveled

2010-04-04T10:36:00.003-05:00

It's time for Spring Cleaning. I've made an attempt, really I have. You wouldn't know from looking around this place. Why is it when you start to clean out the closets...one thing leads to another. Well, that is what I tell Hubby when he comes home and it looks like an explosion went off. I should have just stuck with washing the windows, after I took the curtains down to wash them. Then the room was so bright I could see that it really needed painting...see that dusky purple paint chip taped to the wall there by the mirror? It has been there for almost a year, and still I can't make up my mind. After painting the downstairs powder room purple last year, I loved it so much I decided to do the upstairs bath in purple and gray... And then the bedroom, but with all those angled ceilings and weird walls, where does one stop and start. We don't want an entire purple bedroom. Is painting just one wall a wild color coming back in style? I dunno... And then the hubster...it has to be just the right shade of purple he says, so it doesn't look girly. He's lived with Martha Stewart floral bedding for a lot of years, so he does need a break.

Oh and then back to closet discoveries. There's a big bag for the Goodwill, another for the Garage Sale, and yet another for fodder for quiltie things and art journals, and ripping into strips for some crochet project that I think I will find time to do. Move that bag into the sewing room and then I start digging through some other stacks of fabric. Oh that will go good with that, oh yeah, been looking for that, etc. Rambling on and on...I finally go downstairs to find that Hubby is home and says "what's for lunch...and where am I going to sit to eat it?" Oh yes I did come up here to look for a certain color ribbon for that ROD journal, didn't I? See, one thing always leads to another. The table is covered with sewing stuff. Now that I have the cover almost finished, where are the stack of pages? Under another pile of "stuff". I'm on a roll, and I want to just keep sewing. Hubster smiles, and stands there at the kitchen sink, eating a raw hot dog and a big hunk of cheese. At least the coffee's fresh, he says.

Here's one thing I did get finished for a friend for her birthday. It's a memento of the last time we had tea with So-Han before he left for China. And see that fringie stuff on the bottom, that is part of an old curtain I uncovered last time I ventured into the sewing room for a ribbon, and ended up digging around for an hour.

Filling The Well

2010-03-04T09:01:00.009-06:00

Since spending so much time watching the Olympics had me neglecting other things around here, I really needed to play catch up. Have been cleaning, sorting, I guess I am preparing for the inevitable chore of "spring cleaning". Cleaning and sorting, as always, means mostly the piles of ART supplies and uncovering all the unfinished projects I seem to leave in my wake. So the past couple of days while HUB was out of town, I moved a lot of stuff around. It could also be called re-filling the well, artistically. Just putzing and playing, filing more ideas in my head, while I try to make a clean surface to start some more projects. Oh no, I didn't mean that! I meant...FINISH some of the projects that are half-way there. LOL
It seems like all I show here are things in progress or unfinished. I do finish some things, I really do. I just got some photos back and put them in an album to send to a friend, and actually SENT them.

Here's just a few things I did over the past few days. Things I actually photographed.

Sharpened fat pencils while watching the last of the Olympics

Layed these out to do journal page about our big "snow day". Little girl has snow swirling round her, she is from an Anthropologie catalog. Isn't she sweet?

Picked these up at the clearance aisle. Have a project in mind for these, and it is NOT cookies.

A Few More Envelopes

2010-02-21T19:08:00.007-06:00

I've been making a few more envelopes while watching the Olympics. I have a hard time sitting in front of the t.v. and just watching. I always feel like I am wasting time. Being the multi-tasker that I am, I've been folding and cutting, and doodling while watching. I do NOT, however, recommend using the sewing machine while watching speed skating...that leads to more swearing than sewing. So I learned I'd better do the sewing during the commercials.

Two envelopes mailed today.

Chinese New Year. I'm a little late getting these out this year. In progress, not finished.

Sometimes I send Mail

2010-02-12T14:14:00.015-06:00

I don't always take time to scan or photograph everything I mail out. Sometimes I go in stages where I mail sometime every day, but not lately. I go in fits and starts, and sometimes I go on a binge of Mail Art and then I do a mass mailing. I like to have a stack of decorated envelopes on hand so I always have some ready in case I want to pop something into the mail, and am short on time. I don't like mailing plain envelopes!

Ephemera I sent out to a few folks.

Just fooling around with plain black envelopes while watching t.v.

Envelope made from a cover of one of my favorite (now defunct) magazines, PopLife.

Folded and stitched.

Made from scrapbook paper and some tickets stitched on.

Back of envy with stitched on bit from a catalog.

I get the best doggone mail!

2010-01-25T12:16:00.006-06:00

I love my Mail. Even on days I don't get any Mail ART, I can find pleasure in even the junk mail, because I can usually cut it up to make something else. The mail has been kind of slow ever since the holidays, but the stream opened up and I got some really good stuff this past week. Sometimes the mail lady brings my packages to my door if she can see that I am home, she likes to comment on how cool they are!
Or if she knows I am waiting for something that is slow to get here.

Saturday she delivered this:

A Priority Mail envelope, stuffed full of great ephemera,for making journal pages and other artsy "stuff". From Nancy Lynn, from the RoD Journal class that Mary Ann is teaching. She sent old book pages, painted papers, ribbons and lace, and all kind of fun tid bits. Some of us in the group are swapping stuff with one another. How fun to get paper scraps and such from other parts of the world. Then, the decorated box is from one of my best Mail Art pals, full of wonderful stuff. Rubber stamps, paper, fabric, all manner of "stuff". I just love "stuff"...HaHa At any rate, it was a veritable explosion of pretties for me to fondle and drool over for the week-end.

Today, I got all this! Been waiting for the one from Canada, the other two were surprises. A very good start to my week I'd say.

Earlier last week, I got this "stuff" from Melissa. Great clip art book, and she also sent me some ATC's she's getting rid of from the old days of ArtErratica exchanges. One of mine was even in there.

How cool is this packaging? Hot pink tissue, tied with blue chenille rick-rack.

Does anyone think I need a new word for "STUFF"? Geez, some days my vocabulary does seem rather limited.

The Ups and Downs of Texas weather

2010-01-21T09:53:00.008-06:00

After quite an extended cold spell, by Texas standards, we have had a warming trend, and it has been 15 degrees above what is normal for this time of year. Enter the time for "cedar fever" which gets a lot of us down. I've certainly had a bout with it. The cedar pods pop, the wind blows it around, we have had a lot of winds. It doesn't help that I do like having my windows open, for some fresh air, but with that comes more allergies. This morning it was 47 and we are expecting a high in the 70's. T-shirt weather! We will get another cold front moving through in a day or two. I much prefer the cold, I do not complain, because it is easier on me than the triple digits we have in our long long summers.

Last night around 5:30 I stepped out my front door just in time to see these jet contrails in the sky. Since I collect X's, I grabbed my camera.

Texas Feels Like Minnesota

2010-01-10T19:37:00.005-06:00

This past week we have had temperatures in the teens, and a few days that it didn't get above 35. Thursday and Friday we had 20 to 30 mph winds and some gusts even higher. Had to go out and do a few errands that I could not avoid on Friday. It was 22 with a wind chill of about 15, when I was tromping through the icicles to take these photos. This was in a roundabout area and cars were zipping by with folks looking at me kind of funny. The wind was whipping my hair into my eyes and I had to take off my gloves to operate the camera, so I was pretty chilly. This particular ice was a result of irrigation sprinklers someone forgot to turn off, but I thought it looked pretty cool. There will come a time later this winter when we will get a serious ice storm and the shrubs in my yard will look just like these.

I Forgot to Show You

2010-01-06T13:54:00.006-06:00

Here it is, time again to hit Anthropologie for the new month/New Year display for inspiration/ideas. But I forgot to show you the ones I took last month. Most of them are kind of Christmasy, but I still think they are wonderful, and worth seeing.

Very white, with decorations and Gertie, the bird. I think she's an ostrich.

Candles and snowflakes

Burgundy ribbons and filled ornaments

I adore antlers

Vintage bulbs and other glass against my favorite blue wall

Christmas Week-end

2009-12-26T17:53:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone is recovering from whatever way you celebrate your holidays. Hubby and I had what was probably the most relaxing Christmas ever this year. Most years we like to keep it pretty simple anyhow, but with this past years challenges, we were really determnined to do so. We stayed home, watched a few Christmas movies, and just enjoyed quiet times. Sounds boring I know, but it was very restful. Lots of coffee, chocolate, and snacks, so we both still have a sugar rush. Ever notice how once you start eating sweets it is hard to stop? We haven't set an actual date to stop yet, but we have discussed cutting back. Ha Ha

Sammy T.Squirrel says Merry Christmas

On Christmas eve, while watching The Nightmare Before Christmas, I strung this little garland. The papers are from the Ferrero Rocher candies hubby brought home. Thankfully I have other people eating these and saving the cups for me.

Solstice Greetings

2009-12-21T16:45:00.003-06:00

Mid 60's today. We are cozying in early tonight, with a supper of soup and bread, candles and Christmas tree lights glowing. I am happy to still be sleeping with the windows open at night even into the low 40's.

Blue skies finally, and some pretty swirly clouds. Some are contrails.

The birds were very chatty this morning, and the ones that weren't in the trees were busy swirling around,preparing for winter.

Even I'm Getting Tired of Grey

2009-12-17T11:49:00.003-06:00

As much as I don't really mind grey, rainy weather, even I am getting tired of it. We've had what seems like weeks of it, even though we have had a few days when the sun has peeked out for half a day or so. I love the blue skies of Texas and the fluffy white of the clouds, so I miss them. It is a good day to be at home, and a good day to cook soup and bread, so I am going to do both those things. I have the Christmas lights on and I am burning candles and listening to music. I have a few projects to finish up by this week-end, and then I am taking it easy for the rest of the "holidaze".

Through the window and screen

Misty, Rainy, 51 Degrees

2009-12-07T12:47:00.007-06:00

Since I last posted we have had wind, rain, fog, and yes even snow. The weathermen were so excited to be able to predict snow, and then talk and talk about the few little flurries we got here. I didn't even get enough at my house to get a photo shot of it. But it was exciting just the same.

Today has been really foggy. I had to go out early to do a few errands, and it felt colder as the day wore on, plus it is still pretty foggy. It's always nice to come back home and settle in with a nice hot cup of coffee, and plan my activities and shenanigans for the rest of the week. I hope I can squeeze in just a little artwork this week, including getting a few Christmas cards mailed.

Visit my other blog http://theinquisitivemagpie.blogspot.com/ for catch up on the festivals of the past week-end and where I went, what I did, and who I saw. Fun Fun Fun...oh and of course a few football games on the telly. Both my teams won, and got their bowl game selections. "Hook em Horns" and Hooray for Coach Pete, and them Boise Broncos!!

All Day Rain Event

2009-12-01T14:22:00.005-06:00

That was the weatherman's forecast for yesterday. He was only off by one day. We did get some rain yesterday, but not all day, like we have had today. It is cold, 42right now, and windy. I had to go out for a bit early this morning, but hurried back home and I'm glad I don't have to go out again. I much prefer a day like this to be spent indoors, with some candles lit, music, maybe reading a book or watching a movie. I worked hard yesterday so I think I enjoy a little relaxing, sitting here drinking a latte' and watching it rain. Tomorrow I'll pack away the Thanksgiving things and start preparing for Christmas decor. Three of my neighbors on the street already decorated this week-end and have their outdoor lights going.

Misty Morning

Hubby Sweety Brings Home Art Supplies

2009-11-25T09:02:00.006-06:00

My everlovin' sweetie is my loyal supporter, my enabler, and bringer of found items and ephemera. He also on occasion, complains that I have too much "stuff", and wishes I would use it up faster...or find a better way to store it. But when it comes to candy foil, he is always happy to assist in any way he can. Of course I get the pleasure of opening and smoothing the wrappers out and he gets to gobble up the contents. That is not to say that a few of these won't find their way into my mouth, especially the hazelnut ones.

Show me your Junk Drawer

2009-11-12T09:35:00.005-06:00

Holy Crap! How embarrassing is this? This is my lovely entry table that I try to keep cleaned off. Our "landing strip" as it were, when we come in the door. It stays cleaned off for a week or so, but then one of us puts the mail there, or keys, or the camera, then slowly it attracts more stuff till it is an embarrassment again. Well, speaking of cameras...this is what I found inside the drawer, which was stuck closed because something had gotten jammed inside and it could not be opened. I finally UNjammed it while I was talking on the phone with a pal, about the fact that neither of us could find our "lomo" cameras. You know, the ones we just had to have when they were all the rage a few years ago. Well, I did find the lomo there, and now a few days later, it has gone missing somewhere else. But also I found all this stuff!! Cameras galore, old film, a few cell phones, etc. etc. A keychain digital? Where'd that come from! Fun and possibilities, and reminders of many more unfinished things I have started. Oh, Oh, theres the little Polaroid i-Zone my friend from Ohio brought me a few years ago...they don't even make film for it anymore, do they? I know there is a flickr group that shares photos taken with expired film...I never even knew that expired film was still usable, but then why the heck have I been saving it???

Love That Anthropologie

2009-11-05T16:20:00.005-06:00

After coffee at Whole Foods in the a.m., the Hubster and I took our first of the month stroll through the home goods section of Anthropologie. They were in the process of changing the displays out and getting the "Christmas" stuff up, so things were kind of everywhere and they were all busy little bees.

This bed had some of the pillows on it that we saw in last week's episode of Man Shops Globe.

I love their mirrors

These were very old mirrors attached to one another, kind of leaning precariously...wonder if that is where they are going to stay or were they just waiting to be hung?

After that we strolled through the new West Elm store for the first time and pretended we were just starting out and had bought a loft and were furnishing it with all contempary stuff. Totally opposite of the style of Anthropologie. HaHa Then we came home and admired our own 35 year collection of mix-matched stuff with all it's history attached.

Oh Bats...Halloween is over

2009-11-04T07:16:00.003-06:00

Time to pack away the Halloween stuff which I barely got out this year. Here's a cool postcard I received from a fellow bat (and owl) loving pal. I am still searching for the cool bat I bought for her and then poked away, then couldn't find...

Happy Halloween (Almost)

2009-10-29T20:12:00.004-05:00

Well, I'd like to be able to tell you that the reason I didn't get my Halloween decorations all out and put up, is that I actually got sidetracked cleaning house, like I did when I first started dragging stuff out. But that is not the case. I do have a lot of cleaning to do, but mostly I have been cleaning closets, and trying to keep up with the never ending chore of organizing things around here. I did get a few more things put out, but at this late date I just threw my hands in the air and said "oh well". Remember how quickly the year flies by, I'll just start earlier next year. I do feel a little disappointed in myself for not getting more than a few cards made and sent out. Mainly because Halloween is almost my favorite holiday and I just couldn't get it together this year.

Door hanging

Bare branch tall tree that gets decorated for different holidays.

This was a Luminary that I cut apart to use the pieces for window decor.

Autumn wreath

Who hit the Fast Forward button?

2009-10-20T06:33:00.005-05:00

Whoa, what's going on here? What happened to October, how did it get this late so quickly? One of my favorite months is slipping through my fingers, and I can't make it stop! I unpacked my Halloween stuff a couple of weeks ago, and usually have the house decked out totally by now. Have been doing too much multi-tasking, and nothing ever gets completely finished that way, I have found. Ever notice how in order to get something done, usually something else has to be done first? You know, I started to hang those bat banners, but realized the window needed cleaning, then saw that the curtain could really use a washing, then there were some fingerprints around the door latch... then that made the whole door need cleaning...well maybe what it really needs is a fresh coat of paint. Hmmm. Well, I am not as good at cleaning house as I used to be, Oh well. Oh yes, now I need to run upstairs and get that other box of Halloween stuff I forgot about. Oh heck, maybe what I really need is another cup of coffee first.

Storage boxes of Halloween stuff

A cute box that shortbread came in. From about 5 years ago.

Hooray, It's October

2009-10-01T09:24:00.007-05:00

October has always been one of my favorite months. Mostly because of the cooler weather, especially as a child living in the Pacific Northwest. Getting new coats and boots, Mom lighting the fire and fresh crisp apples straight from the tree in Grandma's yard. But also because it has Halloween, one of my favorite holidays to decorate for. I adore the spooky, ghoulish, downright creepy style of decoration. I love the Martha Stewart decor every year. I don't think anyone can beat Martha when it comes to Halloween. I think I want to decorate RIGHT NOW so I have the entire month to enjoy it. I have tons of things to decorate with, so I try to limit the amount of new things I buy each year. I usually end up getting another Bat or two though, or a gargoyle.

So far this is one of the few new Martha items I bought. There are two, I can't decide where to hang them just yet, but it is still early. I love the larger standing ones, but the 32" one is $99. and the 60" one is $199. Ouch! But they do come pre-glittered. LOL Marthas new Halloween magazine has a lot of cool ideas in it.

Yesterday at Target I spied this card that fairly jumped into my cart. For those of you who know Michelle Ward, doesn't this just scream "designed by Michelle"? The skull and crown, especially her trademark Trefoil design. I love it. I can't help but think if she really did designs for Carlton cards, it would be even cooler. This one is kind of plain, but it sure is classy.

I will entertain myself for the next week or two as I drag out my Halloween decor. Happy October 1st!

Funky Blue Malaise

2009-09-28T09:37:00.006-05:00

That's what I've been in for the past week. First the allergies kicked in, mold, oak pollen, etc. whatever else, it does me in. So that makes me feel like sleeping all the time, even though I don't, I still feel like I'm moving in slow motion. I am a task driven person, so when I don't get my stuff done, I feel bad. Add to that not being able to do even a wee bit of art, after a few days I feel the effects, and get a little cranky. So I decided to do a little work in the garage, organized, cleaned off an old shelf, decided to paint it. All the moving about did a number on my damaged shoulder, so I haven't been able to sleep comfortably. Don't like adding pain killers to the allergie meds so have just been suffering. Poor hubby.......when I am cranky he gets cranky. Friday night he came home and saw what a mess I was in, so after dinner he grabbed me and fairly tossed me into the car and off we went on a drive downtown, a walk and photo shoot.

Some of the results.

Inside a darkened closed Carpet Gallery.

Us, reflected.

Discovered a new shop that had amazing things that were just our style. How cute would this little green cafe set look on my front porch? Even with the pink table.

On the way home, the skies are amazing. The Frost Tower and reflection of sky.

Back home, on the porch with an iced tea, and the sunset.

Anthro Obsession

2009-09-15T06:22:00.008-05:00

No trip would be complete without searching out the local Anthropologie. It's an art experience in itself, like going to a museum. This one was in a mall, and was a really large store, so had an overwhelming array of eye candy. Not only would I love to just live in one of their stores, I think it would be so much fun to be on one of their design teams. Imagine playing with all that recycled stuff they use!

Their wall finishes are divine, here's my "blue" again.

Love these staghorn ferns and the wall finish.

This tree was awesome, it was a real trunk, and the strips hanging down were pleated and gathered fabric, and there were some light globes in it also.

Collection of mirrors.

One room was decorated with vintage wallpapers that were torn and peeled and the effect was really great.

This was pieces of cardboard painted different colors. Have seen similar in my local Anthro.

Peace Lantern

2009-09-09T14:06:00.006-05:00

Here's the photo that blogger wouldn't let me upload earlier. Since it is working now, I'll add a couple more of the garden. This is such a beautiful and peaceful place. There were only a few other folks there when we arrived, but even as the place filled up, I still had the feeling of being there all alone. It is very easy to cocoon oneself in the hushed serenity and I got the feeling most folks felt it as well.

09/09/09

2009-09-09T11:38:00.002-05:00

Month nine, day nine, year 09...I love these repeating numbers. There is a name for that, but it escapes me right now. I am not really into numerology, or doomsday prediction hoaxes. I just like repetitive things. Years ago I did have my chart done, for numerology and astrology, but have forgotten most of it. Other than knowing that today is the release date for the remastered Beatles collection, and the Beatles Rock Band game, and that 9 is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and UNlucky in Japanese culture, I couldn't tell you much about these numbers. This year I have been more focused on double digits, as this is the year that the hubster turned 55, and a week ago I turned 66. I did do a numerology look-up and here's what I found about those two numbers.

55 It is extremely freedom-loving, and likes to travel. It is social, but can also be selfish and lonely. It represents success for anyone in sales.

66 Generous to a fault, this number brings financial ups and downs. It is extremely loyal and loving. Often successful in spite of itself.

But this morning,in keeping with the 9-9-9 hoopla, the hubster did leave the house at 9 a.m. with a promise to call me at 9 p.m. tonight. I have the day to putz around artistically, maybe get a journal page finished to commemorate the day.

I leave you with this photo I took of the Peace Lantern in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if there were peace in the world in my lifetime and yours? It seems doubtful some days, but I still cherish the hope that it will one day be a reality. Hmmmm...I am having an internal blogger problem right now, and can't upload any photos. So the Peace Lantern will hopefully come later.

Wheres My Link?

2009-08-27T09:08:00.005-05:00

Geez...I feel really dense. I tried to put a link to those Mechanics lights in the last post, but it did not show up. A friend has explained to me how to do it, but I guess she is going to have to physically come over here and do it for me. Still so many things I want to learn about this blog thing.

I am still crushing on blue though. I came out of a store a few days ago, and parked right next to me was this adorable little car. First one like this I had seen. It was stopping traffic, in fact a lady almost ran me over while gawking at it. A lot of peeps were stopping to take a gander, I guess they had never seen one either. But I was the only one who had a camera.

This close up fills 3 categories. The color blue, the reflection of my car wheel, and the shadow of my hands.

And then there is my ever favorite blue, right above me. I never tire of the changing blues of the big wide sky.

Those Hanging Lights

2009-08-27T08:48:00.005-05:00

I couldn't stop thinking about those lights I saw last time at Anthropologie. Husband hinted that he might buy me some for my birthday in a few days. "Some" as in two or three, as where would you hang just ONE that it wouldn't look odd. He knows me so well, as I never buy just one of anything, but a cluster or a group! HA
So I take a peek in the catalog and can't quite believe my failing eyesight, so go online and yes it is true, they are $148.00 each. The real name for them is Mechanics Beacon light, but they aren't vintage, just "Inspired by Vintage", and imported...but it does not say from where. I don't know why I was surprised by the price as it is so "Anthro" but actually I have gotten some accessorie things there that seem quite reasonable in price. But I could never justify that price for a few hanging pendants. Sooo..glad I have a photo of them. Take a look...

That Fine Blue Wall

2009-08-19T21:38:00.003-05:00

Every time I go into Anthropologie I am drawn straight to this blue wall. They change the display every month or so, and I love seeing whatever they put in front of it and the shadows that are cast upon it. Today they had a collection of hanging lamps, very low tech...they look like cages just hung on brown extension cords. Interesting, kind of like bare bulb shop lights. But the wall...hmmm. A photo just does not do the color justice. Even w/o a flash it looks more washed out than it really is. It is kind of a chalky blue, that looks like gesso was the undercoat in places. I keep imagining how I can duplicate a color like that as a background for a canvas or a journal page.

More Stitching

2009-08-11T07:12:00.003-05:00

Still having fun with Hello Kitty. Decided if I left her out on the table I could stitch stuff daily. Hopefully scraps and thread won't end up in the small space I left for the hubster to sit down and eat his dinner. LOL Note to self: Must clean work table off again, so I don't spread into the kitchen!

Work table scraps over magazine pages, randomly tossed and stitched.

I like the simplicity of this one, but yet it doesn't feel quite "done". Can always toss some paint at it later.

Happy Birthday to My Sister

2009-08-10T13:03:00.004-05:00

Today is my Dear Sisters birthday. I called her yesterday, and again today. I may call her again tonight. I miss her. I wish we lived in the same town, like we did so many years ago. We could go out shopping together, or to Starbucks for a treat, or just hang out. Here is what I made and sent to her.

A hanging card.

Back side of the hanging card.

Paper quilt with ribbon hanger.

Back side.

Me And Hello Kitty

2009-08-06T15:08:00.004-05:00

I've finally been getting some projects done. A few things that I had started here and there. I decided to spend the month of August just focusing on actually "finishing" some things. For far too long my brain has been scattered, and I have just been starting things, then moving on to starting more things. We shall see how long I can sustain the momentum. Got my wee sewing machine out over the week-end and just started stitching stuff. Playing really, but with several things I had started earlier then set aside. Finished a few things to send to my sis for her birthday next week. Still didn't find one of the pieces I started for her B.D. last year and didn't finish. Hmmm...this is fun. I think Kitty will stay out for awhile.

This Island Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us

2009-07-28T07:53:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, the Hubster left early and said he'd be home late. So, as I usually do, I started several projects at once. Actually, I'm trying to devote this week to finishing some of the previous projects I have started. However, having previously covered most of my working space, I spread some out on the kitchen island. I figured I'd be able to get it finished before he came home. Well, I fluttered about all day, from one project to the other, and actually got a lot done, even though one can't tell by looking. Well, what happens, he comes home several hours early, I am next door visiting a neighbor, and he finds the island covered. While driving he decided to come home and make fajitas for us. How sweet, huh? But he finds projects all over his working space. He says (jokingly of course) You have to clutter every single flat surface in this house!!! Can't you leave me a little space to cook? I even had a basket of paints sitting on the stove... Well we had a Tuna salad, made by me.... Tonight will be Fajita night and the island is cleared and the kitchen is all his again. It's so nice to have a man around the house, isn't it? Especially one who cooks.

I can resist anything BUT temptation

2009-07-20T15:52:00.004-05:00

Well, I can usually resist most temptations, but having that big ole 50% coupon from Michaels is a hard one for me. I have been a really good girl, at least for a week, and stayed out of there. Well, then I get a 50% in my e-mail. OOOH the drama!!! For the longest time when I had a coupon, I would go in, buy the one thing I needed and then leave. But sometimes if I spend any time looking around I buy other things, which is of course, what they want you to do. Well here's the item I had been thinking of:

Which is really kind of funny, since I am not really a glitter kind of gal. I bought several large jars of Martha glitter last year, and did a few Halloween things. I haven't done a thing with them since, but take the jars out of the cabinet and admire them. Chances are that is what I will do with these new ones as well. But being the Magpie girl that I am, their sparkly goodness just kept calling to me every time I passed the Martha display. This time I was just overcome with greed and had to make them mine. Only at half price, understand? Just look at all those colors,if you enlarge you should be able to read the names of them. Oh, and can you also read that they are the Essential colors? Well of course they are. Now if someone could only keep reminding me I should actually use them to make something sparkle!!!

Yes, I did

2009-07-14T14:50:00.006-05:00

Dropped by one of my favorite places for inspiration again. Anthropologie. I haven't figured out how to add a link yet. Sorry.

Isn't this cool how the shadow plays on the wall? I'm in love with shadows and look for them everywhere.

This is a really great display you see as you walk into the store, it's just a bunch of pieces of recovered wood, and they have turquoise paint on the ends of each. Wow, this is why I'd like to live in a warehouse, to be able to display large pieces like this.

Practice Makes Perfect

2009-07-12T15:47:00.003-05:00

If this is true, I have this art down to a science. I have been practicing the art of "self-sabotage" for the past few months. I am getting better and better at it. You see I have piled every flat surface of every work area I used to have for myself. Piled it high. Towers of leaning supplies. This way and that way, falling to the floor if I create a slight breeze by walking by it. So is it any wonder that the most creative I have been lately is to go out and buy even more supplies. Start more projects. Set those aside and start even more. My mind is reeling with ideas of things I want to do. But I have made it all but impossible to actually sit down and do an actual project. So I start another, on the kitchen table or the island. Then of course I have to move it so I can prepare or eat a meal. So then that one gets pushed aside, in a pile of unfinished projects. Then I get another idea and am off and running to start yet another project. That of course usually requires a visit to the craft or art supply store for more supplies to go off in yet another direction. Now I think I should be smart enough to figure this out, but I'm baffled by why I can't seem to get it together this summer. I made a lot of plans for getting many indoor projects done during the "hot season" , but they just aren't coming together as they should. There is no doubt a name for this syndrome...wonder what it is? I'm pretty sure I have AADD. But I think the reasons are more deep seated than this. Guess I'll go start another project while I ponder it.

More Anthropology

2009-06-17T17:06:00.004-05:00

I'd love to live inside their store. Or better yet, I'd love to live in a warehouse loft and decorate it just like that. Somedays it seems I have enough "stuff" to do that!

Anthropology Love

2009-06-15T15:19:00.004-05:00

I am totally in love with the displays at Anthropology. At least once a month I like to go by and take a look at their windows,as well as inside displays. Sometimes I go back once in awhle to get a second look at something and find it gone and all new stuff in its place. This time they had a really cool "stenciled" looking one. It appears to be partly on clear vinyl, some on fabric, and some on paper, layered over some painted directly on the wall. Love it. The flash kind of washed it out, it was really blue over some lighter aqua paint.

Everywhere I look I see Stencils!

2009-05-25T10:44:00.005-05:00

What does this lace look like? A new scarf, fabric to make a sexy see-through something or other? Oh no, it is a stencil, and a mighty fine one I might add. It makes a great background, or an overlay shadow on a face or scene.

And here are some more. My friend Sue sent me several packages of felt ornaments. I'm going to use the butterflies first. I may have to save the Orange, fuschia, turquoise, and chartreuse ones to use as is. Don't they look pretty together? I will use the pale pink one to spray over.

But WAIT, there's more!

2009-05-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

Don't you love it when you are watching a commercial for some odd thing that they assume we are all waiting by the phone to call in for, and they say "But wait, there's more"? Call in the next 5 minutes, etc. etc. That is one of our many favorite one liners around here, when telling someone a story, we add, "But wait, there's more." Goofy, but it makes me laugh!

Here's a few more pages in various progress. I am trying to get lots of "beginnings" done while the weather holds out, because once it turns hot again, I will not be outside any more than I have to.

Here's a few more experiments

2009-05-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Close-up of the blueprint pieces. I forgot to mention these are large, about 20x24 inches. I will use some of them as gift wrap or tear up for elements for other pieces. The deer stag one is for my Daddy.

Top one is Bristol, 11x17, with lace, garden ornaments and floral stencil. Bottom is just a colorful Juicy Couture ad with lace stenciled over. Raw materials for something else. I like spraying over magazine pages, and esp. like large fashion ads.

This doesn't look like much, but I like how it turned out. It's a magazine ad for a chandelier, all black with some grey and white. I sprayed over the white text at the top and bottom and used only the chandelier stencil from Stencil Me In, over the shadowy image on the ad. Hard to photograph because it is glossy.

Stencil Results

2009-05-20T22:19:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the pages I did the last couple of days.

These two are miscellaneous stencils using blueprint paper as background.

Several pages that will be used as journal pages with more added to them later.

I'm Baaaack!!

2009-05-20T08:11:00.000-05:00

My stencil workshop is back in business!

I'm so happy to report that the rain stopped, and the wind slowed down to 8 miles an hour. I was finally able to spend a few hours in the back yard happily spraying away. I was beginning to think the elements were going to defeat me forever. Even with 5 to 8 mile an hour winds I ended up doing a lot of running about to catch the pages that blew away if I didn't weight them down with paint cans. But at least they stayed in my own yard, not the neighbors 3 doors down. The best time for spraying is with NO wind at all....but that hasn't happened here in Texas in ages. Anyhow, I spent several hours both Monday and yesterday out there until I was exhausted, but got a lot of good backgrounds and some pages I am happy with. Today is the last day of relatively cool weather so I am going at it again today. Tomorrow and into the week-end we are supposed to be back in the 90's and high humidity. Sounds like hibernation time for me, and maybe I can get some inside artwork done. Pictures later today, I have so many pages I can't decide which to choose.

Wind & Rain, Wind & Rain

2009-04-27T09:14:00.000-05:00

Sadly enough, no spraypainting here in an entire week. So nothing to show. If this wind does not stop soon I may have to buy more plastic tarps to cover the stuff in the garage so I can spray there. It's dark and dreary here today and we are under tornado watch. Yesterday a pal came over and we did cut stencils and watch all the videos from Mary Ann's class. I have a new collection of stencils to play with, so I am itching to get some things done.

Success at Last

2009-04-19T19:47:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's finally a portfolio. The rain and wind stopped long enough for me to get these finished. I'm pleased with them, although the back cover had to go on "upside down", as when I turned it over, my little bird on the inside was upside down. Geez. I will put my name or a title on it later. The size is 14x17. I started another one that is a bit smaller.

How hard can spray painting be?

2009-04-18T19:52:00.000-05:00

I've been really anxious to get outside and spray paint and stencil, but every day we have had high winds, and when it has stopped blowing, it has rained. Now I love the rain, and we really need it. But doggone it, I need to get my portfolio sprayed. I did some one day but the wind kept blowing the paint back in my hair and face, and even though I had my gas mask on, I ended up getting a migraine. Not fun. Yesterday we had some really heavy downpour. This is out my front door. This afternoon the sun did come out so I ran out and set everything up and started spraying and next thing I know I am being attacked by ants! I wonder if I will ever get this portfolio finished.

Cool Stencils

2009-04-07T15:19:00.001-05:00

I'm digging around searching for more stuff to spray through. I ran across this chipboard that I had bought a long time ago and used on a couple of projects. I always save the leftover of everything, the part left after punching them out. Here's some great designs for stencils. I love the gears and the robots are too funny. There is a different robot as well as the one shown.

Hooray for Michaels

2009-04-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

My Michaels stores finally got some of the cool new Tim Holtz things in. I'd bought some things at Archivers before, but they didn't carry the entire line. Plus, they never have coupons for 40 or 50% off. Michaels had several masks, grungeboard, hardware, etc. I even got the cute little texture hammer.

April Fools Day....My first post

2009-04-01T05:32:00.001-05:00

It's official, I have created a blog. I had been wavering about it for quite some time. Spurred on by the signing up for Mary Anns Stencilry class and wanting a place to share my results. So here goes. Last night I moved my spray paint station from the garage to the back yard. Under the oak tree, next to the fence, which I plan to spray graffiti all over. The fence, not the oak tree. Getting ready, gathering supplies. Located the mask, the stencil burner,the blank stencil material, the paint, etc. already had it all. I am a great gatherer of supplies, that get used a time or two then go on the shelf to live with all the other supplies.