Mosette Boutif Kit by Craft Master.

Ever since My Hubby found this art kit from my childhood, he has been trying to find other ones for me. Here are some shots of the latest one I did. Hope you like it.

Here it is right out of the box

Here I have glued down the black braid

Here is the finished product- braid, glass, stone and glitter all glued in place. When it comes to art, it's fun to have someone else tell you exactly what to do sometimes. Plus it is a great way to get unexpected presents from my hubby. Thanks, Darling, you're the best.

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Earth Hour

Yes, we decided to participate in Earth Hour. We turned off all lights and all non-essential appliances for one hour. We watched television by candle light. Was kind of fun. Certainly can't hurt.

Well, that's all for now. Will talk soon. Ta, Ta.

A New Routine

Well, life goes on, we are settling into a new routine. I am purposely doing things differently. This is the first time in over 20 years that I haven't had to watch the door when I opened it. Now I am holding the door open longer, just to get used to the fact that no one will escape. None of our kitties ever tried to get out, it was just a precautionary measure anyway. We had been walking quietly for the last few weeks, because Milo was unwell. We are now striding through the house, running up and down the stairs, even speaking in a louder voice. Things are just naturally changing. Part of me feels guilty that I am getting used to things so quickly. I miss him, but in a sweet, reminiscent way. I do want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all my friends for their kind words. I know most of you have been through this and your sweet e-mails and comments have helped me so much. Hugs to you all.

I have been working on jewelry recently and here are two pieces that you might find interesting.

I am a grape ape. I love purple and have since I was a teenager. This is an amethyst bead and purple lampwork creation, accented with black seed beads and pink anodized beads.



This is a beaded kumihimo necklace. It is made from 8 strands of seed beads that are woven in a tubular fashion and finished with a non-tarnish silver cone and wire wrapped. I chose shades of purple and red in case there were any Society ladies out there that wanted something different.

I have been spring cleaning and I have collected sooooo much jewelry over the years, that I am thinking about putting lots of earrings, necklaces, etc. on eBay. I really haven't decided yet, but it would really be a good way to make way for more treasures. In the meantime, I will leave you with these two necklaces and make my way downstairs to maybe work on my altered book. The next meeting will be here soon and I won't have anything done on it. Good thing tomorrow is Saturday.

Till then, Ta, Ta.

He's Gone

For those of you who have been keeping up with our kitty cat, Milo, we had to have him put down today. Ten days ago, the vet was astounded at how well he was doing. He had seen him on one of his "good" days. His bad days have been really, really bad and we knew this morning we needed to take him for this last visit.

We will miss him, we already do...and we don't know what we will do about future pets. For now we will celebrate his sweet little life (he was 16, that's about 84 in human years) and know that he was loved and very, very well cared for. My darling husband would hold Milo for hours, even if he was uncomfortable himself.

We laid him to rest with his other little kitty cat friends, here on our little acre. He was a sweet boy and we have lots of pictures and video of him. I blogged about his health here and I showed him when he was really fit and feisty is this blog.

He was a very important part of our lives, but we know we will all be together sometime. Join me in remembering this very special cat and remember the special little pets of yours that he has joined. I imagine they are all having fun, chasing butterflies and each other and sometimes looking down at us, remembering how much we loved them.

Thanks for listening.

History in the making...

In honor of Women's History Month, here is history in the making. Rock On!




Oh, how I wish there had been a camp like this when we were kids. Enjoy!

I'm a winner!

Just a quick Thank You to Jenn and the Boys over at Noodle and Lou's. I won in her 100th post giveaway. Thanks for picking me. I am looking forward to receiving my gift. Thanks again.

XOXOXOXOX

Oh, what a beautiful day!

I had my breakfast out on the deck!! OK, well I did have to put on a hooded sweatshirt to cope with the wind, but that was ok. While DH is out playing Bluegrass/Newgrass this morning, I have been working on some new jewelry. I made a polymer clay pendant and this wild little bracelet.

Paper Clay Bracelet

I couldn't help but think of Leslie, that Funky Art Queen, because I put a crown on it and it is most certainly funky. The paper clay I used was ultra light and felt like marshmallows in my hand. I painted the back solid purple and used my favorite leafing pen to add some gold highlights. I put a magnet closure on it. (I find bracelets so difficult to manage when Hubby is not here) .

Well I will be posting later perhaps, now I'm off to make Rubens for lunch. Yummy. I know, I know... but we both worked out this morning, so it's all good.

We'll talk soon. Ta, Ta.

Daffy Dills and Bad Finger

The First Day of Spring...

The real first day of spring started for me 21 years ago at the local watering hole. I had seen the poster for Bad Finger and since I wasn't busy that night, I decided to check it out. I was standing there waiting for the first band to come on and I saw the cutest guy. He had on white hi-tops, longish hair, a long coat and Oooweee! He was a doll. I figured he was one of those college boys from up the road a piece and probably wouldn't be interested . Well, he spots me and makes his way over. I quickly convinced him I am not with the dude that is next to me and, as they say, the rest is history.

Yes, that's how I met my hubby. He is still just as cute now as he was then. Over the years, we have changed some things. We are considerably different then we were in those days. Now when we go to a club, we drink soda, complain about the smoke and we really do just want to see the band. That's what works for us, and I'm happy with it. In my mind, though, he still is my wild man, rocker, bad boy.

Yep, he's a keeper. Happy anniversary baby!

Here's hoping the first day of spring always brings good memories to you, also.

Hot Running Water

I am a very grateful person. The fact that almost everyone has modern plumbing and hot running water is something that I am in awe of. I grew up in a somewhat rural town, but I always have had hot water and indoor plumbing. I do remember our pipes freezing sometimes and not having water for several days and having to go to someone's house to take a bath. That, in itself, will make you realize what you have. I had friends that lived in the "country" that still used an out door facility, but we never did.

I have never been hungry and I have never been seriously ill. Why, I've never even had a broken bone. I had my appendix taken out and my tonsils removed, but other than that I'm healthy.

I am so thankful and so grateful for all the blessings that I have. If I am cold, I turn up the heat. If I am hungry, I go to a fully stocked kitchen. I love to cook and do so everyday...indoors with an electric range.

I just wanted to make a quick post, to remind us of everything we might take for granted. I thank God for the air that I breathe and the fact that I can breathe easily, on my own.

I have a wonderful husband who loves me very much, as I do him. Life is brief. I have many loved ones that are now gone, but I think of them so often. Take every opportunity to tell people that you love them, and if that is difficult for you...do something for them. Go to the store for someone, go pump their gas, do whatever you think might make even a small difference.

Let your light shine. It's the least we can do.

Thanks for listening.

Nine Lives - The Sequel

All wrapped up in his matching towel, and ready to visit the vet. Doesn't he look just like something out of Star Wars? The vet said Milo reminds him of why they say cats have nine lives. His color is good, his lung has regained partial function, he has been eating some and all things considered, is actually doing fairly well. Everyone at the vet's office loves Milo. He is the sweetest cat, even when he is sick. He sits on DH's lap in the waiting room and waits his turn. He endures what is being done and then returns home. No big deal.

Any way the current crisis seems to be over, he will be with us until he decides to pass on, and I guess, that's just the size of it. Thanks for all the sweet wishes and prayers for Baby Milo, you are the best friends a kitty cat could have.

Well, that's all for now, I might be back later today, we'll see. Ta, Ta.

Bean Soup

Yes, I said Bean Soup! Whilst we have all been cranky babies and crying for spring, I still have had a hankering for something hearty. It rained here yesterday and it's not really that warm outside, so my comfort food of choice for the next few days is 15 Bean Soup, Beef Flavored.




I cut a nice lean steak into bite sized chunks, roughly chopped some onion (I skip the garlic, not my thing) and saute'd that together, added one can of tomatoes and the flavor packet that is included, while the beans did a quick cook on the stove top for about 1 hour, then combined the mixtures for a yummy bean soup.



You bring the warm crusty bread, I'll make some sweet tea and let's chow down.

Who knows?? A nap might be in our future!!



p.s.

If you have time, reach over and click on the links for Women's History Month. There is so much going on this month, I know, but I didn't want to forget to acknowledge all of us girls and all of those wonderful ladies of the past.

Necklace

Oops, I didn't mean for this shot to look like a catalog page. I am still learning my photo program.




This is a twisted necklace I fashioned from teal colored crystal beads and amazonite nuggets, it is made on aqua colored "Artistic" wire and finished with a silver tone chain and a traditional lobster claw clasp. It is now on my Etsy site. Click in on my sidebar.

I got a new product today called Delight, by Paperclay. I love to try something new and although I really love the way it feels in my hands, I am not sure about the application. I have made several beads and a focal piece. I think I will bring it to our meeting tomorrow to let folks see how soft it is to the touch. It feels like a marshmallow in your hand. Interesting.

I also have done an interesting, but confusing, pen and ink drawing of a basket of flowers, except the flowers are gears and things with rivets and holes in them. The basket has turned into a Madd Max maze of stairs and portholes. Oh what the hey, I'll go take a picture of it and show you...



This like, almost all artwork, has to be seen to really be appreciated. I have always loved drawing. I sometimes wish that I could paint as easily. My ink drawings always seem to have a childlike quality about them. I never try to keep that from happening when I draw. For some reason, whenever I do other types of art, I have difficulty tapping into that inner child's view point. Enough said, hope you can figure it out.

See you soon. Ta, Ta.

Progress report

Hey there, just a quick post to let you know Milo is still hanging in there. He is resting quietly. He has not eaten as much as 1/2 teaspoon of food a day for about a week. He is drinking water. DH spoke with the vet's office today, and they said to let them know Monday what his status is. He really doesn't seem to be in any discomfort. All we can do is wait and watch.

Be sure to check out my sidebar. We have a new video on YouTube. Even before we found out Milo was sick, DH had been talking about doing a video in a Pet Memorial Garden. I hope you understand that this video is meant to celebrate the lives of all our little pet companions. The song, "Goodbye", is one that Paul McCartney wrote for Mary Hopkins, DH's vocals really shine, and it remains one of my favorites. Hope you like it.

My Baby Milo

Greetings all, we got sad news today. Baby Milo hasn't been feeling well lately. Changes in his usual routine, not eating enough, that sort of thing led us to take him to be checked out, as he is only months shy of seventeen (17) years old. So, DH took him to the vet today and they say that he has cancer. One of his lungs is almost completely shut down. They have started him on prednisone in hopes that it will kill some of the cancer cells. One of the side effects is increased appetite, so that may help some. The bottom line is they say he may only last 24 more hours, but he could hang in there 24 days. This leaves us with, of course, some serious thinking to do. You all know what I am speaking of. It's tough, when visibly he seems to be ok. He doesn't show any "pain" to speak of. Cats are so good at hiding things. That's one of the things that keep them alive out in the wild. Not appearing weak. Well, at this point, it is up to our gracious God. We leave it in His hands, to give us the strength and knowledge to know what to do next. In the meantime, I will keep you posted and give him lots of loving and any thing that he wants. I am leaving you with these pictures of our precious Baby Milo.

We got him as a kitten. He walked up to our back porch and told us he had decided for us to take care of him. He has always been DH's favorite. He came right into a home with two other spoiled cats, and told them to chill out, that he wasn't going to upset anything. They learned to love him, and were great friends. They both lived to be 16 years also. Join me in loving this very sweet cat. He is a special, special animal and we love him.

Talk soon.

Doll Pin

Cocoon Girl

Just a quick post to show this little pin doll. I'm not sure if I want to sell her or not, she's sorta cute in person. She has a standard jewelry pin backing and is about 3" long. She is the result of me following the advise of my friend and mentor (Jenn) who suggested doing some sketches when I had a bit of artist block. This is what I doodled. I might add some wings, I am just not sure. She is a little too larvae like at this point.


Well, that's all for now. Got to do chores today, as my sweetie is taking me to the early show in the morning. To see a free showing of The Bank Dick, a W. C. Fields film from 1940. I really love those old movies, and you can't beat the price. See you soon.

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Leather

Do you remember Leather Tuscadero? Last week, for some reason, DH called me "Leather". I thought that would be a perfect name for this wild and crazy gal (since she has a leather face). Just posting a couple of quick shots of her now that's she is done. Hope you like this wild child.

Uggh, for some reason, I just don't feel motivated - artistically, that is. I don't know what will be next on my list of creative endeavors, but going to the tax guy will have to suffice, since that's what we get to do tomorrow.

Big Brother and American Idol will feed my desire for the bizarre tonight. That's it for now. See you later.

p.s. let me know what you do when you are just absolutely stuck on what to do next.

Soup Can Revisited

I loved the neat way our friend Suze dressed up her empty coffee containers, in her Sunday post. (She has a great new profile picture, also.) I thought I would show you what I did, a while back, with soup cans. For some reason, these shots make the cans look short, like a yogurt container, but they are regular sized condensed soup cans. I needed pencil holders, so I washed out the cans and then made sure there were no sharp edges on them. Then I cut scrapbook paper to the size of the can and wrapped it around and glued the edges down to the can. They would not stay down and I didn't have anything handy, but lace to tie them up whilst they dried, and like, wow Dude! I loved the look of the lace tied around the animal print paper, so I left the lace on them. I used the same paper to line the inside of the can, but didn't need to glue it in, just made the paper slightly larger than the can, and it stays in place. I am always using something for something else. I have baggies full of pull tops off of cat food that I am keeping a close watch on. Hmmm... never know what they might end up being.

Anyway, thought you might like to see a quick and easy way to recycle soup cans. I also have a pencil holder made from a cardboard tea cannister. You know, the ones that hold those gourmet round tea bags? I decoupaged it with some roses after painting it a warm cream color. If I can find it, I might post it someday.

Had a chance to work on another doll today. This time I cut a shape from light colored leather, and hand drew her face with my alcohol markers. I sewed it on the body fabric and am now embellishing her with all kinds of beads and buttons. She is much bigger than my pillow babies, more on the same wavelength as the Pirate. I am really pleased with her so far.

Well, better go see if DH is ready to come up from the editing room and watch some TV. All work and no play. . .causes artist's block and we can't have that.

See you soon. Ta, Ta.

Amy Lou Dressed Herself

This is my newest doll. I am calling her Amy Lou and it is obvious that she dressed herself. She has on a summer calico print dress ( I inked in the red design), she raided her mom's disco closet and got a lacy turtleneck number. Her mom drew the line, though and made her wear leggings. She is carrying her favorite pink pig. I'm not sure if it is a toy or a pet. She does not have facial features. Mainly because there is so much going on with the rest of her. I'm not sure what she will look like by the time of our next art show, but you just never know. By the way, here is the link for our show last month. The pictures are fabulous. They did such a nice job with our art.

Well, that's all for now. See you soon. Ta, Ta.

The challange...HANDS

Hello, all. I don't have any beautiful gems of wisdom to impart today. Thanks to all who left such sweet comments to my recent post, they were much appreciated. I agree and think it would be interesting to hear the story of your hands or the hands of someone you loved or respected.

Here's the challenge... tell us about your hands. Take a picture if you want to, post a link to famous hands, whatever moves you. I love hands. (You might have noticed my new banner, it has my hands drawn in as wings). Anything you want to do with hands.

Art, jokes, stories, pictures, whatever you want. It will be fun and interesting, and we just might learn something. Well, it's off to be creative now. I'll be checking back often to see your take on HANDS.

(I have to go finish watching The Lone Ranger)

These hands...

These are my hands

I had DH take this shot to show off my freshly manicured nails. I look at these hands, and suddenly, I see many things. These are the hands that learned when they were very young, that three squeezes from your uncle's hand means "I Love You". These are the hands that left chocolate milk in my china tea pot and neglected to tell anyone. These are the hands that never really mastered an etch-a-sketch and could not get the hang of a paddle ball. These hands held a paintbrush after school and on Saturday for a fifth-grade teacher taking her own time to help me with art, because she saw something she called "potential".

These are the same hands that mastered Klackers when everyone else was afraid of them. These hands played matchstick poker with my younger brother and his friends and then lined them up and gave them squared up neckline haircuts; because they all had decided to let their hair grow and I didn't want them to be shaggy. These same hands, I'm sorry to say, smoked cigarettes for longer than I will admit to. These hands sewed patches onto all the caps of the local volunteer fire department... simply because. These same hands, also sewed seventy garments in one year for my mom and me to wear to work, and we thought we were "all that" in our homemade outfits. Polyester was so easy to work with, I loved it.

These hands typed and took notes and worked cleaning motel rooms and rang cash registers and even filled car batteries with acid at the auto parts store. These hands have kept rhythm, as my feet moved... to pop, disco, country, alternative, bluegrass and soul.

Fast forward to 1988. These hands trembled in excitement as we stood before the minister at the little wedding chapel and said our "I Do's". Both so in love, but a little scared. For the past 20 years these hands have done so many wonderful things, all with my husband by my side. These hands are often folded in a prayer of gratitude for such a wonderful, wonderful life.

The reason for this little post is that when I looked at the picture of my hands, they looked so mature. Not the smooth, unlined hands that I expect to see when I look down at them. I am not ashamed of these hands. I remember seeing my mom's hands, and my grandma's hands and loving them so much. I would pat their sweet, little hands and be so happy and now when I think about it, that's what I see. The legacy of these hands.


.....OPI's Strawberry Margarita