Not looking back, just moving forward.

2009...the year I'd like to have skipped.

Instead of dwelling on all the negativity, I am making the decision to just move forward.

2010 has got to be a better year than the last!

Nature-made Cross

My daughter came rushing in from playing in the snow....

"Mom!! Look what I found! It's a cross!!"

I was awestruck.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On the 12th day of Christmas ornaments

I'd like to share with you...

an ornament made by my husband's Grandma. It's hand carved and decorated. We have several of these hearts on our tree.

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Thanks for taking this walk down memory lane with me.

Have a Merry Christmas!!

On the 11th day of Christmas ornaments

I want to share with you...

this train from my childhood tree. It always makes me think of my Uncle Bill. He worked as a brakeman for Burlington Northern for as long as I can remember. I'd wave at every caboose I'd see just in case he was in it! I miss him....he always could make me smile.

On the 10th day of Christmas ornaments

I want to share with you...

a garland the kids and I made. Ok..I know it's not really an ornament and it's not especially pretty but I love it anyway. I have to admit when I decided to do this craft project with them I had no idea how much prep work there would be. I had to dye different kinds of pasta with food coloring then set them aside to dry. Of course, this step took way longer than expected. Truth be told, I was ready to throw the whole project away but the kids were looking forward to it so much that I had to continue. We now have 2 strings of pathetically dyed pasta that grace our tree each year.

On the 9th day of Christmas ornaments

I'd like to share with you...

a laser cut stavkirke. I visited a stavkirke in Rapid City, SD several times. It was stunningly beautiful. Of course I may be a bit biased since I'm 100% Norwegian and my dad was a woodworker.

On the 8th day of Christmas ornaments

I want to share with you...

an early recycling project with a goofy saying. Man alive... I can't believe I thought that was hysterical 15 yrs ago.

On the 7th day of Christmas ornaments

I want to share with you...

an ornament I painted in memory of my dog Smokey. He lived 17.5 years. He was given to me but he always loved my mom the most.

On the 6th day of Christmas ornaments

I'd like to share with you...

my favorite from my childhood tree!!

I'm not really sure why this was my favorite but in it's day it was immensely beautiful. I still hold the memory of its glory in my mind so therefor it retains it beauty there.

On the 5th day of Christmas ornaments

I'd like to share with you....

a hand-painted Rudolph.

This little guy has such a silly face...he makes me giggle. This was another of my ornaments I made around our first Christmas as a married couple.

Coupon caddy

My old plastic accordion coupon file just wasn't working for me anymore.

This tin had sat in an un-altered state for a couple years then with the Alcohol Inks in a haphazard ugly fashion for at least another year.

I was finally inspired enough to do something about the eyesore.

I think it turned out really cute. Just because it's utilitarian doesn't mean it has to be boring.

On the 4th day of Christmas ornaments

I'd like to share with you....

a favorite from my childhood days.

My mom made this one from a kit. My daughter fell in love with it this summer while going through the Christmas boxes from my folks house. I knew then and there it was a keeper!

On the 3rd day of Chirstmas ornaments

I'd like to show to you....

an ornament I painted to celebrate our new white kitten. We got her a couple months after we got married. A short time later we discovered that she was deaf. Her name was Scooter even though she never knew it. She was my baby...I took her everywhere! Seriously! I remember taking her to DQ and sharing an ice cream with her...in the car, of course.

On the 2nd day of Christmas ornaments

I made this recycled CD ornament for my husband 2 years ago as his Chiristmas card. It worked double duty as an ornament.

12 days of Christmas Ornaments

I wanted to share some of the ornaments on our tree. The vast majority of the ornament's I've made, are from my childhood or hold some other significance in our lives. There are a few "filler" pieces but hopefully I'll weed those out over time.

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On the first day of Christmas I'd like to share with you...
the first ornament I ever made. This God's eye ornament was made in VBS (vacation Bible school) MANY, MANY YEARS AGO!

When I got married...nearly 16 years ago, my mom passed along several of my favorite ornaments from my childhood. A couple of these will be shared during this series.

Glass Bead Magnet project

For December, UHU sent me some glass beads, magnets and twist & glue to create some more glass bead magnets.

These glass beads were about 1/2 the size as the ones I had previously used. It was fun finding different words and pictures to use with this size.

Go check out the other design team members magnets as well on the UHU blog.

Simple Christmas cards

These are so easy!! I punched some scrap text that had been painted with various shades of green. I drew a circle around a yogurt cup then ran a bead of UHU twist & glue around the circle. Place the punches around, tie a little bow, attach with more UHU twist & glue and your done!

I think I like the gingham bow the best...

Bracelet for a friend

Not being Catholic, I had to look up what the medal meant when I found it. It's called the Miraculous Metal.
Here's a little blurb from the site I looked it up on.

There is no superstition, nothing of magic, connected with the Miraculous Medal. The Miraculous Medal is not a “good-luck charm”. Rather, it is a great testimony to faith and the power of trusting prayer. Its greatest miracles are those of patience, forgiveness, repentance, and faith.

The hummingbird also has powerful meaning in her life.

I hope she likes the colors I've choosen. 

Thanksgiving morning necklace

I confess, I procrastinate. BIG TIME. Lucky for me, I work fast under pressure.

I recently found this choker necklace at a thrift store and had to have it. Of course, I hate chokers. Heck, I can't even stand a turtleneck collar but I saw the potential of it being repurposed.

Now after my quick change up I have a necklace and pair of earrings. Only then did I realize that one of my earring holes had partially grown closed...OUCH!

Quilt progress

I've made some headway on my quilt.

I do know will most definitely be colorful!

Abstract Mixed-Media Painting

I've been working on this one for a couple of days. Dress makers pattern tissue was used to create texture. I laid it directly onto the wet gesso. Some random scraps of text from my scrap bucket were also used for interest. Those were attached using UHU twist & glue.

I used my fingers a lot on this painting. I just seem to have more control that way. I can feel the canvas and know how much paint is being applied. Even when I use the brush I often use my fingers to spread the paint. It gives a totally different effect.

I had no plan in mind...just let it happen. Besides if I decide I don't like it anymore....I'll just gesso over the whole thing and start again!

Random Inspiration

This entire book used scraps of book pages glued to the board book in a random fashion. I then use paint, stamps, markers, correction fluid and colored pencils to create my backgrounds.
This is a Kelly Rae Roberts technique that I have absolutely fallen in love with.

Before becoming a member of the UHU design team, I used to think gel medium was the only glue that I could use for this technique. After getting my sample glues, I discovered that the UHU twist & glue works perfectly! No more messed up brushes or the oh so wonderful...walked away and left the top off the jar of gel medium. I was famous for that one. Did I mention I'm easily distracted...?

I tried something a little different with the spine. I sewed 2 scraps of fabric together using decorative stitches on my machine. I put a couple of large eyelets near the top so I could attach some fun fibers and charms. I used the UHU twist & glue to attach the fabric spine to the front and back covers.

I love how it turned out!

Fanciful Butterflies

I've now finished all the interior pages of my Random Inspiration board book.

This here is the latest.

The covers have yet to be done and I'd like to try something new and fun for the spine but haven't quite that figured out yet.

My "new" lamp

I loved the shape of the lamp at a garage sale and saw potential beyond the stark white base and shade.

After playing around with 4 colors of spray paint on the base and tea staining the shade, I have an awesome "new" lamp!

Blogaversary event @ Trash to Treasure Art

I've subscribed to this amazing artists blog for quite a while now. I finally got around to reading my RSS feeds and saw that Lynn was having a giveaway to celebrate her blogaversary.

Go check it out!! http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com/

A day at the Zoo

I finally had a chance to pull my photos from Saturday off the camera! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share some of the wonderful animals we saw at the MN Zoo.

Turtle...Tortoise..not really sure which. Magnificent creatures though.

If I didn't get such a kick out of this photo, I'd never post it since it's blurry but...I can't help it! The kids pointing at the fish and it's silly face just crack me up!

This coyote was very kind to strike a pose for me.

Our little girl is peering into a fun interactive exhibit.

There are several types of sharks and stingrays swimming around in a small pool. You are welcome to reach in and give them a pet.

I learned that a stingray feels like solid jelly and a shark feels a bit rough like sandpaper. Very cool!

Flamingos are our neighborhood symbol for "The party is here!"
I couldn't help myself, I had to take a photo.

Clipboard design for UHU

This month the UHU design team members were all sent a mini clipboard to decorate.

What do you think?

Check out the materials list and tutorial in the UHU blog.

A Mother's Love

Junk mail postcard

Elizabeth put forth a challenge on ABC in response to a post about reducing waste while still creating art. She challenged us to create 2 pieces of art using junk mail and scraps only.

I dug in the recycle bin and pulled out a toaster waffle box and some junk mail for this piece. I hoping to make another over the weekend. Although it's supposed to be BEAUTIFUL this weekend so I don't know if I'll be spending much time indoors.

Circles into clovers and mountains.

I'm sad...I only had on person even ventured a guess at what the heck I'm making.

Ok...I'm over it. Comments and questions are always appreciated though!

I'm in the painstaking process of making another quilt like this.

The one I'm working on will be a little larger than the first... YIKES! That one was quite a challenge to sew at the end stages for me.

Each circle is drawn around a kids plastic plate then hand cut with a scissors. Then the sewing lines have to be drawn on with a template. Please if anyone knows a speeder technique, let me know!!

I'll need to start cutting all the fabric squares to place in the Cathedral windows shortly. This is what I believe to be a variation of the Cathedral window quilt pattern. What I like about it is that it finishes both sides at the same time!!

Surprise in my candle

Isn't this just amazing!

I was about to light it and saw the heart.
This candle sits on my stove and must have gotten heating by whatever I was cooking and the heart happened.

Dream world

I love playing in this board book. I've been using a Kelly Rae inspired background technique on all the pages. The book has no other theme or direction. Maybe I should call it Random Inspiration. Hey, I like that!








The little girls came from a sewing book. The watering can girl reminded me a Alice in Wonderland. It all came together in my mind after that.






It feels a little trippy to me. All it needs is the caterpillar with his hookah.

Sneak peek

Here's a peek at the start of my latest sewing project.

The circles are all recycled clothing.

Any guess what it will be?

I just love this close-up of the stack of colors.

Paradise

Revamped Art Zone

Recently, I was asked about my craft area. Did I have my own room? How do you handle storage? Lighting?
Here's a glimpse into my world.

My art space has gone through several transformations.

Above is the view from utility portion of the space. My back is pressed against the water heater as I took the picture.

This area has remained mostly unchanged. I have TONS of stuff within reach when I sit in the "command chair". I use the cute Chicks Rule bucket to hold my scraps. My little girl was kind enough to let me use it. Thanks sweetie!
I have a small florescent fixture that hangs for direct task lighting. There is also a large florescent fixture smack in the middle of the room that provides light but since it's behind me when I work, I tend to create a shadow for myself. Fabulous...

I love my Pampered Chef tool organizer. I know it's meant for kitchen stuff but it is perfect for all my "go-to" items. I use a self-healing cutting mat to protect my counter top. The stamp pad and ribbon storage rack was bought on eBay a couple years ago. Can't image what I did without it!

This cabinet was the latest piece we added to the space. I sold the old TV stand that was here to make room for this.

Now I have a standing working surface as well!! I love it.

Look at the rolling shelves! Awesome storage!

My husband put up this cabinet several years ago to help control my creative clutter. I have it jammed full as well. Although, I do know where every single thing is!

This is how I store my 12x12 scrapbook papers. Not the prettiest system but it works for me. Your eyes do not deceive you either...yet another storage piece under the counter top. It's on wheels so I can pull it out to store my sewing machine behind it when not in use. I didn't take a picture but there is also a tiny 2 shelf bookcase under the counter. It was way to messy for a photo.

The large orange file cabinet is also "new". To me at least. It came from my folks place along with the cabinet. The top 2 drawers just boring administrative stuff.
Oh, did I mention my craft area is in the laundry room... The dryer makes a great spot for my guillotine cutter.

But the bottom one holds all my scrap sorted by color and other ephemera.

Well, that's probably more than you ever cared to know about where I work. Now I should probably start using my space instead of just talking about it!