Tuesday Thoughts: Beauty in the Small Things

I did not publish any blog posts last week because I "ran away" to my mom's cabin in the woods where there is no computer (no TV either). It was a special time of resting, relaxing, and spending time with Mama. Because of some wonderful summer rains, there was an abundance of wildflowers in all varieties, sizes and colors. During some of our walks I took her camera and had a great time experimenting with the macro and super macro settings as I photographed some of what we saw.

The mushrooms also loved the moisture. They ranged in size from really big to incredibly small:

There were numerous butterflies enjoying the flowers, and teensey frogs (about 1/2" long) delighting in the puddles and ponds left by the rains:

One day we were extremely blessed to see this tiny fawn, curled up and hiding next to a log that had fallen across our path. Although we tried to be very quiet so as not to disturb him, he sensed us, got up, and dantily hurried off to a safer spot.

 

All-in-all it was a fantastic week and I am so thankful for the wonders we were privileged to experience.

Friday Favorite: Teresa of Tmpenrose

Today I am shining the limelight on Teresa, another wonderful Etsy seller, and fellow Team CAC member. This busy lady, who has recently celebrated her 2nd anniversary on Etsy,  has not one, but THREE etsy shops:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tmpenrose
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tmariepenrose
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MariesCrochetCorner

Teresa lives by herself in Santa Ana, California. She has two brothers, still living, but her Mom, Dad and one brother have passed away. She states, “I'm very comfortable in my singleness. I like my own company and don't feel lonely. I love to read (almost any kind of fiction - fantasy, sci fi, mystery, thriller, suspense), watch movies and DVD's of TV shows. I don't subscribe to cable TV. Nearly every Sunday I visit three dear friends and we play cards and have dinner. Sometimes we do a bible study.”

In regards to her wonderful jewelry making and crocheting abilities, here is what Teresa had to say. “I've been making jewelry since May of 2007. I walked into a Tall Mouse one day to pick up a frame and saw the Bead Lounge. I thought I would check it out. I'd been looking for a specific pair of earrings for years. After looking around the Bead Lounge I found they have classes on making jewelry so I signed up. After I completed that class, I signed up for another, then another, next thing I know, I'm hooked! As far as inspiration for her creations Teresa says, “I make what I like to wear most of the time. Otherwise, I will be inspired by something I see in a magazine or by what someone is wearing.”

Rose Pearl Necklace

(Teresa's favorite. "It feels so good on and it is so classic looking")

I've been crocheting since the beginning of the year. I used to crochet as a teenager, but got bored with it. Now it seems like a second skin to me! Love it!”

  Small Baby Blanket

This gorgeous light up church is from Teresa's de-stash shop:

Avon Silent Night Crystal Light-Up Church

Be sure to visit all three wonderful shops from a very talented etsy seller.

Tuesday Thoughts: Change of Plans

I have been trying to blog 3 times a week, but am finding myself feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that I should be doing, feeling I just can't keep up with everything. Sooooo, I am going to try just doing two blog posts a week, one on Tuesday and one on Friday. Today's will be short and sweet!
I am working to get ready for a showing in Flagstaff (Arizona) on Friday, August 6. On the first Friday of each month numerous  shops in downtown Flagstaff stay open late and also allow artists to set up small tables in front of their shops. Many local residents as well as visitors come to enjoy the "art walk" downtown. A friend of mine is allowing me to set up a table in front of her gallery, "West of the Moon" (if you're ever in Flagstaff, please go visit her wonderful little shop, or visit her website westofthemoongallery.com) I plan on displaying a few of my tees and I will be painting a tee, so people can see exactly how the shirts are done. I am hoping to be able to get some orders and hand out lots of business cards. I may blog about this again, after the event, to let you know how it went. Prayers for a good showing would be greatly appreciated! :-)

Friday Favorite: Angela of Hampton House

My featured etsian for today is Angela aka Hampton House, a member of the etsy community since February 24, 2008. She lives in North East Texas and describes herself as Wife, Mom, Grandmom, and Child of The Most High God! as well as a Certified Jeweler, and Certified Gemologist. Angela’s family includes Wesley, her husband of 20 years, five children: Kara 27, Haleigh 23, Chelsea 18, Micah and Jordan 17,

and two absolutely adorable grandchildren: Isaiah 6, and Caleb 2 mos.

 She is a history buff and will seek out anything that has historical value. She is also fairly active in her church and can be found there at least 3 times a week.

Angela has a jewelry store, and from pictures I’ve seen online, I think I’d LOVE to go shopping there!

She has been making jewelry since 2005, but has been involved in the art world since she was in 4th grade. When I asked where she finds her inspiration for her beautiful pieces Angela replied, “It seemed odd when I first heard someone say this, but if I am working with a stone, I let it direct me.” As far as favorite pieces from her store, Angela loves vintage jewelry and says; “I have a few Edwardian pieces that I drool over, but won't take home.”

Angela is one of the founders of our wonderful etsy Team, Christian Artists and Crafters. I asked her to explain what inspired her to begin this team:

“I had applied to join a different team in late summer 2008. I wasn't and still am not real sure of all the ins and outs of being on a team, but the team I was wanting to be a member of had a "verbal" altercation in it. I was so shocked by it, I truly didn't understand what was being said or why, as I was still very new to the team. Anyway... That made me a bit skiddish about being on the team. Hindsight shows that some of the decisions I made then probably were more emotional than anything else. I left the team, thinking that there had to be another Christian team on Etsy. I couldn't find one, soooo I asked a former moderator to help me get one started. She did, and we now have TeamCAC. I don't know that that is inspirational, but it is how it happened. :o)

Come check out this link to Angela's  facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/HamptonHouseJewelry

Wednesday Wanderings: My New "Do"

I kept saying I was going to do it...and I finally did...I got my hair cut short. Between the summer desert heat and my hot flashes (old age is so much fun!) I needed a "cooler" hair cut. A couple of weeks ago I went in to the hair salon and said "I want it off!". As the stylist started cutting away, some of the other employees would pass by her station and say things like, "Wow, you really meant it!" or "You're getting rid of a lot of length!" I'm still getting used to my new cut and still trying to decide the best way to style it, but I am loving having it so much shorter and off my neck. I took some "before" pictures but can't seem to locate them, so I'll just post some etsy pics:

then today I took some "after" pics:

So, what do you think?

Monday Memories: Tiger, Tiger

"Out of Africa" Part 2.  Last week I talked about my experience kissing the giraffe, but that was just the beginning of a totally awesome day at the wildlife park. Not only does the park have an amazing variety of animals to see, they have fun and informative shows during the day. One we attended introduced us to a tortoise, iguana, and some large snakes:

One of the most awesome shows was the "Tiger Splash".  Using balloon stuffed clothes and balloons covered with cloth (each tied to the ends of poles), the handlers would run with them and let the tigers chase the ballon targets  simulating a "hunt". It was awesome watching those powerful animals chase after their "prey", then leap at it with front paws outstretched to grab it, and of course, popping the balloons in the process (which the tigers seemed to love). Those beautiful animals would even jump into the water when the target was directed over the pool!

One thing I did not realize is that hyenas can be more vicious and unpredictable than tigers! Following the "Tiger Splash" show there was one with the hyenas, but the trainers would not get into the arena with them because, as the announcer said, "We discovered that we were allergic to bruises and blood, that is our own bruises and blood!"  The trainers threw some boxes sprayed with an "enticing aroma" into the arena and the hyenas would go after them, and even sort of fight for them. When pieces of meat were tossed into the pool, the hyenas would actually jump in and dive for the meat which had sunk to the bottom. These incredible animals made a haunting sound that sent chills up my spine. I commented that I certainly would not want to be in the wilds of Africa and hear that sound!

In addition to the Serengeti tour (last Monday's post) and the shows, we spent time just touring the wonderful park and seeing an amazing varitey of God's incredible creatures.

All in all it was a totally fantastic day! (All photos shown here were taken by my awesomely talented sister)

Praising Promotions!

Just wanted to let everyone know about these great promotions  that I am participating in.

Link party hosted by Remodelaholic:
http://www.remodelaholic.com/2010/07/for-sale-by-owner-8-shop-link-up-party.html

Link party hosted by Tools are for Women, Too:
http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/07/link-party-time-times-are-tough.html

And I'm joining in with many etsy sellers for our Christmas in July Sale:
My shop link: http://www.lavontees.etsy.com/

Blog link with instructions for shopping the sales on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/shop-etsys-community-christmas-in-july-sale-9348/

Come check out all the fantastic sales and great shops!

Friday Favorite: Regina of Vivatregina

Today I would like to introduce you to a wonderful crafter and fellow CAC (Christian Artists and Craftsmen) teammate, Regina, and her beautiful shop Vivatregina. Here is her story, told in her words.
My name is Regina and I'm married to a wonderful man named Joey who is a Youth Minister. We live a very busy, but wonderful life. We got married after only knowing each other for 3 months but we've been married for 3 1/2 years now and I liken our marriage to wine--It gets better with age.
 
  Right now Joey and I have no children. We have 1 golden retriever, and 1 1/2 cats. I say that, not because we have half a cat but because she's only around half the time. She comes in, eats, drinks, sometimes sleeps, and then she's gone again. Those are our children for now BUT, we have started the paperwork for adoption and we're just hoping that goes quickly and smoothly. :)

 We live in Levelland, TX. It's pretty much the perfect town for me and I absolutely LOVE it! The only thing I would change is for Levelland to be closer to Oklahoma and my family. I work from home for an online high school. I was EXTREMELY blessed to get this job when I did and I am EXTREMEMLY blessed to have it now.

I like to stay busy. I'm not a person who just sits in the evening and watches TV. I like to be doing something. SOOO... If I am watching TV (which I usually watch crime shows or reality TV) I'll work on jewelry or something. Joey tells me I have more hobbies than Hobby Lobby, because besides making jewelry I like to sew, scrapbook, take pictures, read, write, draw, paint, knit, shop, play games, watch sports, play sports, cook, bake, garden, talk and drink coffee with friends, help people plan weddings, and follow our Youth Group around going to their activities. :) Like I said, I like to stay busy so I'm ALWAYS doing something. :)

I've only been making jewelry for about a year now. I celebrated my Etsy-versary in June! :D For inspiration I like looking at jewelry online or in magazines and adding my own style or design to something. I also make jewelry for specific outfits and occassions. Also buying new beads or finding new beads or bead stores inspires me to create! Right now my favorite item isn't in my shop. haha. I made a necklace yesterday and I'm so in love with it I don't think I can sell it. That's the hardest part about creating something to sell on Etsy--Sometimes you fall so in love with an item that you can't bear to part with it.

Come visit Vivatregina on etsy and take a look at all the beautiful items she has to offer (the ones she was willing to part with, LOL).

Party Time!

Come join this week's party. Rory the tool guy is doing it again. It's another "Times are Tough Thursday" party for sellers of handcrafted items. If you're a seller, you can post links to as many as 3 of your items. If you're a shopper, you've come to the right place. There is a huge variety of things from a fantastic array of wonderful shops to tempt you! Don't miss out, come join the fun going on from now through Sunday.
http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/07/link-party-time-times-are-tough.html

Wednesday Wanderings: My Little World

Today I thought I'd give you  a glimpse into my little world of crafting. I have a wonderful craft room at our house where we go on the weekends, but during the week we live in our small one room apartment near my husband's job. Even here, though,  I have been able to set up my "creative niche" that seems to work well for me. Here is an overall view of my craft area (formerly the dining area):

My computer armoire and it's left side door that I turned into my message center:

Some "tools of the trade"...my mini apartment sized ironing board and my terrific Cricut cutting machine:

 

and lastly, my "work area" table, with a tshirt work-in-progress (you can see my oil paintstiks on the right in the last picture): 

And there it is, my little world of crafting in a nutshell!

Monday Memories: Giraffe Kissing 101

Okay, so it's not Monday. I meant to do this yesterday...does that count? My walk down memory lane today takes us to Africa...well actually "Out of Africa", a wonderful wildlife animal park in Camp Verde, AZ. Last spring I went with my mom, sisters, aunts and cousin for a "girls’ day out" to this wonderful nature attraction. While there we took the tour bus through the "Serengeti", an area where the animals roam freely and the people just watch from the bus (no "man eaters" like lions, tigers, or hyenas in this area though). When we got near the giraffes, they would come right up to the bus and stick their heads in the windows or the door. They were looking for the treats (sort of  like hard, thick cookies) we each had been given to share with them.

Our guide showed us how to put the edge of the giraffe treat in our teeth to entice the giraffe to "kiss" us as they took the treat from our mouth. Those brave enough to try it were warned that we needed to be sure to keep our lips closed or that long, slimy giraffe tongue would smear giraffe slobber across our teeth! My oldest sister and I both braved the giraffe slobber (I'm the second picture)!

My kids could not believe I actually DID it...I kissed a giraffe! Good thing I had a picture to prove it.

We did and saw many other wonderful things at this awesome park, too many to recount in one blog post. I will relate those adventures in future blog posts.

Come Join the Party!

It has been a looooong time since I've done a blog post. What better way to make a comeback than with a PARTY! I have just discovered a wonderful blog called Tools Are For Women Too. The subtitle reads:

Tools, Tool Reviews, Tutorials, And DIY Projects For Today's Craftswoman from Rory The Tool Guy
 
Rory has graciously set up a blog "party" titled "Times Are Tough Thursday" where those of us who sell handcrafted things can post up to 3 links to items we have in our shops. The party started yesterday and will run through Sunday. If you have a shop that you'd like to promote, you can add 3 of your items to the ever-growing collection of terrific products. If you are wanting to purchase a special handcrafted item for yourself or someone else, this is the place to shop. Come join the fun! http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/07/party-continues-times-are-tough.html

MOVING DAY!!!!!!

We are in the process of moving (TODAY!!!!!) to a "second home" and I don't yet have a computer or internet service at our new apartment, so I won’t be doing blog posts for a bit. Here's the situation: we have been trying for a very long time to figure out a way to eliminate the loooong drive my husband has to and from work every day (56 miles, (one hour) each way). By the end of the week he's so exhausted and stressed! God has provided us a way to get an apartment in town (Phoenix) that is only 4 miles from Ralph's work. We will stay down there during the week and come home (Black Canyon City, north of Phoenix) on the weekends. I hope to have a computer and internet service at our new home soon so I can keep up with blogging, my online friends, and my etsy shop, but until then, I probably won't be around much. I will post again as soon as I am able.

Friday Favorite: Alicia of "Anycards"

Today’s favorite shop "Anycards" is one in which I could go crazy buying up everything in the “organizer” and “trinket/jewelry boxes” sections. I love having little spaces for everything to keep things neat and tidy…”a place for everything and everything in its place”.
By featuring her on my blog today, I’ve gotten a chance to know a little more about the lady behind the shop. Alicia lives in sunny Florida with her wonderful husband of four years and, in her words, “a pack of dogs…3 to be exact. All rescued and all sizes (small, medium, large).” Both she and her husband are very involved in church ministry, serving as leaders and doing a variety of other things including praise and worship. Her interests include a love of photography and anything to do with nature, walking, bike riding, being outside in general....even if it means napping out there.
Alicia has been crafting for close to 8 years and has been an etsy seller for 2 years. Regarding the source of inspiration for her work she says, “Since most of my crafts involve paper, that seems to be where I find my inspiration. I love standing in the paper section at my craft store or browsing paper selections online until something really catches my eye.” As far as her favorites she states, “I love my poppy pieces. They aren't my big sellers, actually they rarely sell, but I love forming them together and seeing what the final product comes out to be. I love that no matter how hard I try I cannot make two exactly alike.”

Some of Alicia's personal favorites from her shop include:

Mini Poppies altered canvas art

Set of Decorative Organizer Boxes

Polkas and Posies Wooden Dresser Storage Box

As I said earlier I like all of her organizer and trinket box items but here are a couple that top the list for me:

Orchid Paisley and Floral Desktop Organizer

Upcycled Trinket Storage Box

And this adorable frame would look great in my living room or on the night stand by my bed:

Beauty in Ordinary Things Wooden Picture Frame

Come visit Alicia's shop Anycards and find some special treasures to brighten up your home.