Baxter's Mom

Girls With Eyes

2012-02-26T17:35:00.001-08:00

One of my goals for this year has been to give my girls eyes...sounds kinda weird, doesn't it? Well, as much as I'm loving my Letter Love Class...I switched gears for a little while. One of the other classes that I signed up for is Juliette Crane's How to Paint a Girl...another wonderful class. Another recommendation. Love her techniques! I have been drawing and practicing eyes, and finally felt ready to make a new girl with eyes! Tell me what you think...but please be gentle...

I have to admit...I'm really having fun with this!

I Am Featured in This Lovely Etsy Treasury!

2012-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

'There's A Lot More Than Just Red Hearts by Sac Etsy Team Artists! ' by lauraannedesigns

All kinds of hearts to give- in a variety of colors and shapes! Won't you pick a heart for the one you love!

Serenity Macrame Neckla... KnottyBeadsbyS... $38.00	A Cowgirls Limousine - ... bauerart $22.00	The Heart Knows Origina... BaxtersMom $45.00	Vintage Bud Vase, Vinta... SweetSylDesign... $17.00
Valentine's Day Hea... DesignsJenE $12.50	Whimsy Heart Pendant redwoodtrees $45.00	Handmade Heart Polymer ... PennysLane $6.00	Hand Formed Wire Heart ... JewelrybyChari... $27.00
Angel Heart Charm Ring GlassyChix $28.00	RECYCLED Tote, Hobo Bag... passionstylz $37.00	Long Silver Heart Earri... AliCsCreations $11.50	Hearts Chandelier Earri... RetroRevivalBo... $8.95
Girls Hair Clip Teal He... FussandFeather... $4.00	My Heart Belongs To...W... wildoatesart $25.00	Woodland Hearts Dog or ... DazzlingDogz $12.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I Am Featured in This Lovely Etsy Treasury!

2012-02-24T18:09:00.001-08:00

'So Much Love, In So Many Ways by Sac Etsy Artists! ' by lauraannedesigns

Valentines, Hearts, and related items for this special Day coming!

Romance Novel 8x8 Still... bauerart $22.00	Romance. Victorian Sto... kmbphoto $17.00	SALE - MY VALENTINES Tu... attiTUTUde $26.99	Chakra Lotus Flower Sta... Lightworksartw... $45.00
Red Velvet Cupcake Soap PitterPatternD... $6.50	Love Has Reasons Origin... BaxtersMom $45.00	Sweet Hearts, Valentine... ReeCreates $12.00	Handmade apron tuxedo s... MrsTalbott $36.00
Valentine Hearts Canvas... stitchuation $15.00	Hand Formed Wire Heart ... JewelrybyChari... $27.00	SALE-30% offbaby headba... BipAndBop $9.80	Silver and Interference... PennysLane $6.00
Sparkly Hearts Dog Scru... DazzlingDogz $8.95	Vintage Crystal Heart S... RevitalizedVin... $34.00	Red Lampwork Glass Neck... LauraAnneDesig... $75.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Missing in Action? Noooo!

2012-02-21T13:26:00.004-08:00

Well, I know I haven't posted in forever...

but I have been busy (and creative)!

The biggest impact has been Joanne Sharpe's Letter Love Class.

This class has truly been amazing. This Joanne's first online class...but she is a pro!

There is a new class posted every single day in February...for 29 days!

In addition to the class blog, she set up a Facebook Page, and Flickr Group and a Yahoo Group...all are very active!

I so recommend this class...it has been a major addiction for me...the price is right and the content is incredible!
I'm actually way behind, because I like to really play with each lesson...
I need to catch up, but the class will be there forever!

Here's a few of the things I have done:

More that I'm working on....messy desk!

We celebrated my Mom 89th birthday this weekend!

I made this for her and she LOVED it!!

These last two pictures were taken with Instagram.

LOVE this little app on my phone!

And having fun with it.

Follow me on Instagram...

I'm syldrown

I'll be back with more news of what I have been doing!

So Much To Do

2012-02-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Yes!

I have so much to do...

and all I want to do is Lettering!

Love, Love, Love My Letter Love Class!

But...

I did manage to finish up my February Calendar

for the Calendar Challenge

at The Katherine Wheel

So proud of myself,

I'm actually sticking with it!

January done and February started...

Off to The Katherine Wheel
to add my February page
to Mr. Linky.

Hop on over there to see all the great Calendar Pages!

I Love Classes!

2012-02-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Has it really been this long since I last blogged???

Terrible, I know!

I keep trying to do better...

Life just keeps getting in the way!

There are just way too many incredible classes out there.

By out there...I mean e-classes

on the internet.

Classes that you can take at your own pace,

at home, in your jammies...if you want.

Of course, in my attempt to "FLOURISH",

I have signed up for way to many,

and

I am now driving myself crazy!

Of course, Baxter's Papa would say I won't have far to go!

I have always been a HUGE fan of Lettering.

Wonderful, creative fun lettering

ala Lindsay Ostrom

She has always been my Guru...pure genius.

I always said I want to be her...at least the letterer part!

I've taken classes over the years, and I can letter OK...but in my effort to "FLOURISH",

I want to learn more, do better!

So, today I will show you the class I am working on today...

and believe me I have several more to show you!

Letter Love

Joanne Sharp

I actually found her through Pinterest!

One of her Journal Pages was one of my first Pins!

I am so loving this class...

her videos and PDF's are terrific.

We'll be working on three Journals.

Here's the one I am starting with.

First assignment: Make a Practice Letter Love Journal.

Made the journal with one of those inexpensive composition books

and covered it with a Journal Kit from the Bee Altered section

of Green Tangerines.

Second Assignment: Pull out all your black pens and write the alpha letters with each

and label with which pen was used.

Here's the first page...and they keep going...

I obviously have way to many

but it is nice to see how they look in comparison to each other.

Along with this class, we have a very active Yahoo Group and Flicker Group!

You can start this class anytime...and I highly recommend it!

More tomorrow...

Spreading my Wings!

2012-01-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

First of all I have to say...

Wow! What a game!

Go Niners!

And, I'm not even a football fan!

Spent the afternoon watching the game

and

Spreading my Wings.

Sketching.

Drawing Faces.

Flourishing!

What do you think??

Of course, you know how much I love Suzi Blu.

And, you can definitely see her influence.

I'm really having fun with these!

Let me know what you think!

Prismacolors

2012-01-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

Prismacolors.

I LOVE Prismacolors!

I have loved Prismacolors Colored Pencils for a very long time...

Since I was in elementary school.

And, believe me, that was a very long time ago!

Needing a little inspiration, I set out to University Art to fill in a few gaps in my Prismacolors collection.

While I was there, the oh so friendly sales people started showing me

Faber Castelle Polychrome Colored Pencils.

Now, I had no intention to stray from my beloved Prismacolors.

But, the colors are awsome.

They had an Anniversary Set on sale...and there was only one left.

They convinced me that they were even better than Prismacolors, and could be used with Prismacolors.

So, what could I do???

Even the packaging is beautiful!

What colored pencils do you use???

My One Little Word

2012-01-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have finally come up with my One Little Word!

FLOURISH

flourish |ˈfləriSH|
verb
1 [ no obj. ] (of a person, animal, or other living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, esp. as the result of a particularly favorable environment: wild plants flourish on the banks of the lake.
• develop rapidly and successfully: the organization has continued to flourish.
• [ with adverbial ] (of a person) be working or at the height of one's career during a specified period: the caricaturist and wit who flourished in the early years of this century.

Yes, this is it!

This is my year to FLOURISH in all areas of my life.

But, especially in my ART.

And, in my Creative Biz as a whole.

The signs are there.

The interest is there.

The customers are there.

I just have to open my heart and let it happen!

I'm feeling the energy.

I'm feeling the GREATNESS.

This is my year to Flourish.

Ride along with me,

let me hear what you think,

let me know if you see any flourishing going on!

I'm also trying out a new blogging style.

I think I like it.

More like speaking my thoughts.

As I'm thinking them.

What do you think??

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Weekend

2012-01-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend! We had a last minute visit from my Sister and my 11 year old niece. It was fun to just sit around and talk and play a little bit in the studio. They both fell in love with my Art Journal and my Calendar Journal...so we made one of each of them!

No time for the lettering, but they will do that at home...

It was so nice to have some time with my sister. My mother and sisters all live in the Bay Area, and I don't feel like I see them as often as I would like. I do love living here in Roseville (in the Sacramento Area)...and the move here was a really good move for me...but sometimes I do wish I was still in the Bay Area.

So ready to start a new week and a couple of new projects!

Wow!

2012-01-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read a blog post that just made you say WOW??? That is exactly what happened to me when I stumbled upon this post at My Brown Eyed Girl.

As you know, I've been struggling to really get back into my art since my broken wrist. It was just such a tough break, and seemed to take so long to heal. I know it is healed, but I do still have a lot of weakness and pain from time to time. It also came at a time when my Etsy Shop, "Baxter's Mom" was really starting to take off. But, of course, I had to let everything go just to get healed up again. So, I feel like I'm starting at square one again. I know, boo hoo hoo.

Well, when I stumbled up on this post, it was just exactly what I needed! It made me realize that I have full control over my feelings and actions...I just need to get my self in gear and feel the ENERGY, and my personal GREATNESS. I think seweet Debbie was writing this just for me! So, I got going, and finished up a piece for a sweet friend, Tami:

I am now in the process of cleaning up my studio...got some fresh canvases gessoed and ready to go!

New Year...New Week

2012-01-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well it's time to put brush to water to paint! I don't know why I can't seem to get started...I actually have a few commissions that I NEED to get started on...but I do everything, but.

I'm loving my Calendar Journal! Just added this:

It's on the first page of my Calendar Journal...I'll be happy to keep this right in front of me...always!

I love the idea of goals for the New Year instead of Resolutions, which I never keep anyway. I'm still working on my list, but at the very top is:

Make Art Everyday
Re-start my Creative Biz -- Baxter's Mom
Keep my Etsy Shop fully stocked
more to come...

Do we see a pattern here...OK...right now...pull out a canvas......

It's a New Year!

2012-01-01T21:30:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!!! Wishing you the very best year, full of love, peace and happiness.

Goodbye 2011...Hello 2012

2011-12-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

2011 has been a year of ups and downs, for me. I have focused on my art more than ever and I have learned so much this year. I have done well in my Etsy Store...and just as it was really starting to take off...I crushed my wrist and broke two bones in my arm. It was pretty devastating. It took a long while to heal, and it's taken even longer to bounce back.

In the middle of all this, my Mom decided it was finally time to sell the house and move into a Senior Living situation. My sisters and I have been talking to her about this for a little while, but she had to be ready. So listing the house...house sold in 3 weeks...finding a new place for her...and emptying out the house she has lived in for over 30 years...moving and making her comfortable in a one bedroom, under 700 square feet senior apartment...and way too many trips to the Bay Area. It has just been crazy.

But, she is moved, I am healed...and so ready to jump in again!!!

I have so many ideas running around in my head...I should probably start writing things down so I don't forget! One thing that has been on my mind for quite a while is the Calendar Challenge that Kate Crane has over at The Kathryn Wheel. I have been looking at these calendars for a couple of years now. I love the idea of making the calendar...and then recording a little something of your day each day. I have decided to join the challenge this year! Here's my beginnings:

Come on and join in!

I'm so ready to leave 2011 behind...and welcome 2012...I know it's going to be a fantastic year!

I Am Featured in This Lovely Etsy Treasury!

2011-12-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

'Mixed Media Love' by opalescentartworks

mixed media art

Love Has Reasons Origin... BaxtersMom $45.00	Lady Dragonfly - A4 pr... munieca $18.00	Owl Print Sascalia $18.00	Polymer Clay Brooch - B... ArtfulEvidence $12.50
With A Grateful Heart. ... thewhitebencha... $43.00	Original Angel with Sph... WingAndaPrayer... $229.00	Poppy Original Painting... thepoppytree $44.00	Whimsical Girl Art Prin... whimsiesfolksi... $18.00
Orange owl & egg Giclee... OrangeOptimist $45.00	Phenomenal Woman Painti... chloeandsofias... $18.00	Mixed media art whimsic... thesecrethermi... $40.00	Mixed Media Print of th... AngelaDiGiovan... $22.00
Always Protected - ori... SusanaTavares $310.00	Lilly- Original ACEO carambatack $12.00	Goddess - Fine Art Prin... willowing $12.00	Original Art Painting: ... JCSpock $30.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I'm Not Complaining!

2011-11-30T15:34:00.001-08:00

I have been so busy working on my commission pieces...not complaining, though! I just finished my last on due before Christmas. And I have 4 more lined up for after the First of the Year! This is just incredible...I am so thrilled that I am getting so much attention!

December is going to be an incredibly busy month for us...starting with a visit this weekend from some long, lost cousins. Family drama kept us from ever seeing them. We reconnected recently, and when my sister had a conference to attend in DC, she actually met with them! We have been emailing since, and they are coming to the Bay Area Thursday through Monday. We have lots of plans set up, including a BBQ at our house on Sunday. So excited!

Here's a picture of one of the commission pieces I did for a little girl named Avery who loves Pink and Purple:

Another one that I am working on now:

And I'll leave you with a little something my niece made sitting with me in my studio:

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-11-16T11:08:00.001-08:00

I have been busy in the Studio! Fulfilling Commissions that came in while my arm was still bad. I'm having so much fun, because these are all pieces that my customers have asked me to personalize!

I just can't ever seem to keep a clean workspace:

But, I love it!! Even though by the end of the day my arm is sore...and I'm still having problems with a shakey hand (good thing it's not my painting hand!)

I better get back to it...still a few orders to fulfill...then some new ideas!

Feels So Good!

2011-11-11T12:42:00.001-08:00

It feels so good to be back in the Studio again! I have several Commission orders that I received while I was out of commission...so I'm starting with some backgrounds. Sure didn't take long to clutter my workspace...but I love it!

And my favorite kind of mail came! Lots of new playthings!!

Baxter's Papa is still working nights...but hopefully that will change soon...you know they don't call him Grumpa for nothing! The "Job" should be finished soon, then he will change to days! Yay!!!!

I better get back to it...lots of work to do....but, I'm not complaining!

I Am Back!!!

2011-11-09T22:12:00.001-08:00

Wow! It's been so long...I wonder if anyone is still out there...I sure do hope so.

Well, it's been quite a journey, but I am finally healed and graduated from Hand Therapy....and ready to roll! As you know, I smashed my wrist and broke 2 bones in my arm. All this because I was trying o pick up this 60 lb squirmy puppy!

Lulu

She is a huge mess, she goes in for a bath tomorrow!

I know, I know...it was a pretty dumb idea. Thank goodness it was my left arm...but I still could do virtually nothing until it healed. I have almost full range of motion, but I still have weakness in a couple of fingers and my left hand shakes a lot. They say as I get stronger these two things will go away...I surely do hope so.

BUT.......
I am back with so much energy and so many creative ideas...ready to get to work. I'm waiting for a lovely box from Dick Blick that will be full of new canvases and other toys. Should be here today, can't wait. I'm so ready to get my hands dirty. With paint, that is!

This is what I have in front of me...ready for a big mess!

So Sad

2011-10-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Broken is not good!

2011-09-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, but barely. When I decide to do something, I do it good!

So, I have a new cast... It's not as heavy and bulky, and I can take it off for showers...yay!!! BUT it leaves my fingers so exposed, that it's hard not to move them or try to use them. In fact last weekend I was feeling so good, we went to my Sister's for a Labor Day BBQ. WAY too much...I've been paying for it ever since...with pain!!!

You would think I would learn my lesson....but NO! Yesterday, my Green Tangerine friends had a Happy Hour gathering...I thought I was feeling so much better that I would be fine....once again, I'm paying for it. I know I just have to accept that I can do NOTHING...just frustrating.

And, of course....I can do nothing in the Studio :(

On a Break :(

2011-08-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know already...I fell and broke my arm and shattered some bones in my wrist. So, I have been and will continue to be out of commission for a little while. Painful!!...but great meds...but then I'm, so groggy, I just pretty much just sleep. I can do absolutely nothing with my left hand...so art has taken a sideline. It's even hard to type!!!

I'll stay in touch as I can...but please keep me in your thoughts.

Thanks....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Playing in the Studio

2011-08-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've been playing in the studio! First off, I finished my granddaughter's piece for her room...she chose the saying, and I did the collage! She loves it!!

I've been taking Alisa Burke's class, Watercolor Bliss...and I really love it. I love watercolor, the look, the feel...just everything! And Alisa is a delight! One of the things she shows is that when she doodles, she like to cover the pager...it really is such an awesome look. I've noticed that everyone seems to be doing /teaching their version...so I thought I would show you mine.

These are so much fun to do...just adding and adding to your doodles. Here's a picture of one of Alisa's....you cam see I have a long way to go...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

I AM Still Here!

2011-08-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Focus! That was my word of the year...and I really need to get back to working on it. Focus! I have been jumping all around...and not getting a lot accomplished.

I have had a lot of family stuff going on...I guess that's where my head is.

My Mom is 88 years old, and still living in her house by herself. My two Sisters and I have been wanting her to move to a smaller place, maybe a Senior Apartment...but she just wasn't ready. Well, she is finally ready...so we've been looking and talking and figuring it all out. It's not an easy transition...lot's to do, and lot's to think about.

Another fun family thing is that while attending a conference in Washington, DC, my Sister re-connected with some long lost cousins! Their Mom had been "Estranged" from the rest of the family, so we didn't even know them growing up. But, it's been so much fun re-connecting with them and comparing family history and stories. My family has such a colorful past...nothing bad, well maybe one thing, but just crazy, eccentric and wild! It's fun to think about them again.

My darling, wonderful and adorable granddaughter, Raegan, had a birthday...14 years old!!! I can hardly believe it. She's starting high school in just a few weeks! Where has the time gone???? Just like her Grammy, she love quotes!! She has asked me to make something to hang on her wall that has a quote about home...right up my alley! Here's the beginning...

And, just because they are so cute... This bed is hardly big enough for one...let alone two...
But this is the way they nap!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in This Etsy Treasury!

2011-07-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

'Kelly Has Class' by bethnadler

Kelly Rae Robert's class members carry on in their newly organized Etsy team: Flying Lessons E-Class 2010 Members

I believe - baby blush ... Jqline $14.00	Muffins Just Came Into ... cindysilver $18.00	Crochet Ornament, Satin... lissabeecreati... $12.00	Peace and Strength. Fin... Wellofcreation... $6.00
The Life She Imagined G... BaxtersMom $24.99	Mystical Garden - Large... louisegale $45.00	VINTAGE Birdie Plate BL... twig2nestStudi... $35.00	Art block - I am enough... bethsCraftroom $15.00
Peach Blossom Lampwork,... happyshackdesi... $72.00	Reaching - Matted and S... kellywarrenpho... $25.00	Blueberry Hill Beads-St... adee $26.00	sterling silver true no... danikeith $65.00
Cordoba : Limited Editi... stephanielevy $30.00	Keep The Faith Necklace... choosingbeauty $15.00	Ariel Haircomb tanglefrost $40.00	children's portrait... moyrascottart $75.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in This Etsy Treasury!

2011-07-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

'In The silence, She Learned how to Begin...' by Wellofcreations

Those hard to manage "in between" moments of life, where you just are not sure what the next step is, maybe still haven't processed what the last step was all about....Look, hope, dream, be patient...

Francesca in Magenta catherinejust $18.00	Crochet Heart Shaped Tr... lissabeecreati... $25.00	Peace on Earth Magnet. choosingbeauty $3.00	the heat on her back - ... oohprettyshiny $30.00
Spread Your Wings Large... bethnadler $25.00	Blueberry Hill Beads- S... adee $40.00	Rust Green Splatter Dye... ComeToLife $30.00	She Ingored People Art ... BaxtersMom $18.00
Mid Brown collar, with ... ileaiye $29.00	Silence JunqueyardRoya... $25.00	Art block - I am enough... bethsCraftroom $15.00	Tree of Life Handmade A... musicteachah $32.00
70's Inspired Boatn... noslowjams $57.00	BELIEVE IN LOVE art p... cindysilver $22.00	Spring Blooming Vintage... MyBlossomBouti... $28.00	Your Soul Song -- Origi... InnerVoice $39.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Ranger Industries Rocks!

2011-07-23T12:06:00.001-07:00

When they first came out, I bought a bunch of Ranger's Dabber Paints. I used them a little, but really never like the way they went on paper. For me, they went on streaky, and the little foam dabber thingy would get clogged...Just didn't love them. So, they went on the back burner, and I sort of forgot about them. Then, just recently I realized that I didn't have to use them as dabbers...I could just open them up and use the paint with a brush. Duh... Well every bottle that I opened now contained DRY PAINT...I mean dry...I could not mix with water. Well, just on a whim I sent an email to Ranger Industries. They replied quickly, and asked how many I had (about 25), and sent replacements! Plus the Dabbers have now been redesigned so they wouldn't clog and they have softer sides, so they be squeezed! Wow, what customer service!!!

Thank you, Ranger Industries!!!

I'm Still Here!

2011-07-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

I don't even know why it's been so long since I have blogged...I'm still here, and I've actually been in the studio! Seems like I just want to sign up for more and more classes...what's that all about?? I think it's that I am really trying to find my own style...birdies, hearts, girls, houses...just keep bouncing around!

While I thinking birdies...I did a couple more paintings:

You know, my Ali Word for this year is FOCUS...obviously, I have to go back to working on that.

I've had a couple of health issues...dealing with them is probably another reason that I've been gone so long. I've had a couple of medication changes, which are already making me feel better and just found out that I have Celiac Disease...so Gluten Free for me. I've been reading and researching and it's not going to be easy...but I know what a difference it will make for me. If anyone has any quick and easy suggestions, I sure could use some help.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in This Etsy Treasury!

2011-07-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

'Central Valley Discoveries' by KristensPaintings

California's Central Valley sometimes seems like the center of everything. There's easy access to mountains, ocean, and urban lifestyles. No wonder there are so many interesting and creative people here!

The Eggsential Tote - E... thedizzybobbin $25.00	Blue Daisies Coffee or ... LittleLexisBow... $12.00	I Love You Banner musicalmeg $10.00	Painted Mirrors bonkers $35.00
Green Leaf Hand Cut Ca... Ashley1sweetmo... $2.00	Glorious Morning Glorie... AudryAndUlric $14.00	Cereal Bowl - Celedon a... theSquarePeg $14.00	Newborn Snuggler Bowl LolazThyngz $18.50
The Manor House: 7 - Ha... tosotmushroom $50.00	Cafe Diem Coffee Cup T-... stitchuation $20.00	Vintage Dancing Ladies ... ShinyMoonBeams $13.00	Vintage 80's Liz Cl... s0methingborro... $14.00
Mixed Media Original Ar... BaxtersMom $45.00	Simply Grey reggief $15.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Suzi Blu and Wax

2011-07-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

So, I've been taking Suzi Blu's Class -- La La La. It's all about making these cute little paintings on little wood pieces! And, then applying wax over them using a block of Wax and a little Quilting Iron. This is a first for me. I've never used any kind of wax or encaustic treatment at all. But this is so cool...and easy peasy. Here's my first attempt...my little bunny!

I love how Suzi uses colored pencils (Prismacolors) to do her shading, then adds a glaze over the piece to even it out! Lot's of techniques in this class!

Tomorrow, I'll try a girl!!!

We finally have all the cars back and running. My poor Saab -y took forever...but now it's like new! Then Baxter's Papa's truck had to go in for regular stuff...so we were sharing my car. But, finally, now every things set and I feel FREE!! Ha Ha, at least I can go where I want, when I want.

Other than that, I've been hibernating...downloaded and read Jaycee Dugard's book yesterday. Just breaks my heart how something like this can happen.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

Lucky Me! Another Treasury!

2011-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

'Some Birds Aren't Meant to be Caged...' by redwoodtrees

Their feathers are just too bright.

Bird Art Yellow Canary ... LaBerge $20.00	Bright Frida Pendant PennysLane $5.00	Handmade Knit Silver Th... foothillfibers... $60.00	MOVING SALE - Vintage -... BoudoirBarbie $52.65
White and Crimson Wire ... WireArtInk $20.00	Greeting Card Summer Fu... pinsnpapers $4.00	Marbled Red Base Rainbo... PennysLane $6.00	Peacock in Regalia 8x10... nomdenom $17.00
Peaceful co-existence i... LoveyArt $30.00	Geometic Aurora Boreali... lauraannedesig... $42.00	Flower Party Colorful 1... CraftyCatCoolD... $15.00	Mixed Media Original Ar... BaxtersMom $45.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I know it's Been Done...

2011-07-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

I know it's been done bunches of times...but I always wanted to make one. I was showing my Sister some of the "Family Rules" that I has seen around the internet...she loved them and asked me to make one for her girls. This was a really fun project:

I am also planning on taking Suzi Blu's new class, La! La! La! Registration should start very soon, but here's the promo for it" La! La! La! You know how I LOVE Suzi Blu!!

Always so Busy

2011-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

It sure seems like I am a busy girl for a retiree! Sometimes I feel like I'm running in circles and not getting any thing really done! But it has all been fun!

So weekend before last, my friend, Julie Nutting came and stayed a few days with us. She was teaching a couple of classes in Grass Valley. We had a great time. First of all her classes were terrific! As were the students...those girls up in Grass Valley sure know how to have fun...Thanks, Lindsay! Oh, and while I was up there, Lindsay showed off my Juicy Houses and I may be teaching a class at Ben Franklin! Stay tuned. It was so wonderful to finally meet Lindsay Ostrom...the lettering queen and the Creator of Cuteness! I've only been her groupie for I don't know how many years!!! Remember those lettering books from the early scrapbooking years? Um, yeah...that's her! Also, check out Julie's Blog...she has pictures of my house!

And, be sure to pick up a copy of Julie's Book, it is so awesome!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

I Have Been Featured in This Lovely Etsy Treasury!

2011-06-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

'Birds of a feather...' by kmbphoto

...flock together. These birds all flocked to Etsy!

Bird Art Wild Chickadee... LaBerge $25.00	Lone Observer - 8x10 Fi... kmbphoto $17.00	Raven in the Tree with ... redwoodtrees $68.00	Glass Pendant Necklace ... LaBerge $11.00
Two Little Love Birds i... AliCsCreations $16.10	Love Birds on the Wire-... hummingbirdcra... $15.00	She Ingored People Gicl... BaxtersMom $24.99	Peacock Plume Ornament mahleewan $6.00
Wire Wrapped Pink Hummi... WireArtInk $8.00	Knock Me Off My Feet - ... PrairiePrimiti... $10.00	Vintage Skeleton Key Ne... RevitalizedVin... $27.00	Reversible Love Birds i... PennysLane $6.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Back to Reality

2011-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

We are home and settled in. My car has made it to the Saab mechanic...and the bad news is that we need a new engine. But, it will still be a lot better than buying a new car at this point. I would rather get a new car when we are ready, and get what we want...rather than we we have to get...you know???

Lot's going on! And, I've had the best mail week!!!!! My son gave me the best birthday present ever!!!! And I just now got it...it's so wonderful, that I don't even care that it's late! It's a Kelly Thiel Bird!!!!!

Don't know why my colors are so off...but the correct color this like the second one! I LOVE it!!!!! Kelly is one of my flyer friends and I have admired her work for a year!!! Thanks Matt & Kelly!!!

I also got the print that I won from Elizabeth's Blogaversary!!!

It is so beautiful...I LOVE it!!! Thanks, Elizabeth!

Trying to find my mojo...I do know it's here someplace...I better go look.....

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Good, the Bad, and the Wonderful...

2011-06-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Baxter's Papa and I just returned from a slightly extended trip to San Diego.

So we left Roseville at 5AM last Wednesday...had a great trip, the dogs were fantastic...we made a couple of potty/play stops...making fantastic time...until we were half way up the first big hill on the grapevine...about 5 miles from the city of Grapevine. And the car died. We pulled over on the shoulder, but the shoulder was small and LOTS of BIG TRUCKS! And we have the two dogs. So, we called AAA...they came to get us and towed us into Thousand Oaks to the closest SAAB Dealer. Problem--barely room for us, never mind the dogs. So they put the car on a tow bed truck, us in the cab and the dogs in the car...oh, yeah...and we had rolled down the windows and now the battery was dead so we couldn't roll them back up...two big black dogs in a white SAAB on a tow truck with all the windows down and their hair just blowing away. I, of course, was worried sick. Baxter is very good...but, Lulu is still a little(???) unpredictable.

So we finally got to the SAAB Dealer about 2:30 PM...and waited with the two big dogs in the waiting room while they looked at the car and determined that they couldn't fix it right away...probably a blown head gasket (?????), all I can think of is lots of $$$$$.

Baxter's Papa kept saying, don't worry...so we left my car at the dealer for them to figure it out and we rented a car...and finally got on the road again. After driving around in circles for awhile we finally got to San Diego about 10:30PM...way toooooo long a day.

The Kimpton Hotel is fabulous...they LOVED the dogs...they have beds and bowls for them in our room! And a welcome sign outside!

Tursday, Baxter's Papa went to a woodworking show that he loved and I hung out with the pups.

The next day...was the BEST!!! I had a class with Suzi Blu!!! So, I went to her house(!!!!!) and we worked in her studio (!!!!!!) for a couple of hours and she taught me how to draw and shade those wonderful eyes that she is known for.

We hung out at her house for awhile...got to see some sneak peeks at her new book...then Baxter's Papa took us out for Pizza! It was so much fun meeting and chatting with Suzi...and learning. I've been practicing Suzi's eyes since then! I feel like I have a new friend! Thanks, Suzi!

Back to the car...it is being transported to our Saab Mechanic...will get there tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that it won't be toooo bad...or too long.

I Was Featured in an Etsy Treasury!

2011-06-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

'My Head (and Heart) in the Clouds' by FortnightStudios

Who knew so many people believe that love falls from the clouds like rain? Well, here are some really cute hearts and clouds that go together so perfectly! Happy shopping.

Sale 25% off - Now 12.0... jmeraki $16.00	I Fall To Pieces - Art ... cindythornton $8.00	Love Bird- Original Pai... JamiesArt $36.00	I Love You Cloud note c... thebeautifulpr... $4.00
Raining Hearts Mini Not... DragonflyNewMe... $9.99	Print of Love Shower edieart $20.00	Blue Heart with White C... SoFino $18.00	Girls wall art - red he... jolinne $15.00
Your love has lifted me... blushface $14.50	Rain Cloud Love Storm P... SOMETHiNGMONUM... $18.00	Mixed Media Art-House H... BaxtersMom $30.00	Art Nouveau Love Birds ... newnanc $3.95
Love Is In the Air OrganicBird $4.00	best day ever bunnywithatool... $45.00	Red Heart shaped Leaves... Deveauxphoto $12.00	love bot t 3 LEFT bchildrenswear $28.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Julie Nutting and Suzi Blu!!!

2011-06-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

My friend, Julie Nutting, is have her first Blogaversary! And what's a blogaversary without givaways! Check her out...she offering three prizes...and awesome prizes they are!

So Baxter's Papa and I have decided to take a little Road Trip...we are going to San Diego for a few days. We're taking both dogs with up in my little Saab-y Convertible...yes, we're completely nuts! We really just love to travel with out dogs...and really this will be a dog trip. Baxter's Papa is going to see some woodworking exhibit, and I am taking a class from Suzi Blu!!!! And, we'll find a dog beach for the dog to play!

Wait. Did you hear that???? I AM TAKING A CLASS FROM SUZI BLU!!!!!!!!! A one on one class...to learn to make her eyes!!!!!! This is a dream come true for me....I have always adored Suzi Blu's Art and Baxter's Papa actually commissioned a piece from her for my for my 60th birthday! A Crafty Angel, with my Baxter sitting in front of me!!

Aren't they just wonderful?

I Have Been Featured in This Lovely Etsy Treasury!

2011-06-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

'Home - Heart - Happiness' by LeahsHeart

Home Sweet Home wall pl... ArtsiPhartsiLo... $38.00	Primitive Birdhouse Chi... birdhouseaccen... $14.00	8" wood panel - He... wackadoocards $35.00	Birthday or Housewarmin... CardsbyCarla $5.00
Sale 25% off - Now 12.0... jmeraki $16.00	heart and home handmade... tilesmile $11.00	Clay Tile with Turquois... HeartHomes $40.00	LOVE Little House Vill... thelittlereddo... $45.00
Home Is Where The Heart... silvermoonprin... $7.49	Home is Where You Hang ... TheLonelyHeart $40.00	Mixed Media Art-House H... BaxtersMom $30.00	Home is Where Your Hear... woodwithheart $35.00
HOME is where the HEART... chocolateandst... $47.50	5 x 7 heart home print LisaJaneSmith $8.00	Home Sweet Home StampingOutLou... $20.00	Love Fills A Home ( 8x1... FerntreeStudio $19.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

She Had Three Hearts

2011-06-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that I have been taking Christy Tomlinson's class "She Had Three Hearts"...see badge and link on the side. It's an art journalling class...not a lot about journaling, she does give some journalling prompts. BUT....loaded with technique videos...probably 20+ per week, for 3 weeks...using all different kinds of mediums. This is a great class to learn about using all kinds of things. I want to make a portfolio of all the techniques...anybody in with me???

So Much Better!

2011-06-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

The sun has been shining for the last couple of days...it's been warm and pretty outside...and I am feeling so much better!

I had lunch with my wonderful flyer friend, Jen...always a sure way to get me going again! She has a new sewing machine and is just going to town making the cutest things! More on that later.

Since I was half way there, I decided to run over to see Sandy at The Stamp Art Shoppe. She always has so much inspiration around...great to feed my Mixed Media soul. I signed up to take a class tomorrow to make a Happy Book...using papers and fabrics...watercoloring, journaling...should be fun! Happy Book = Get Me Out of my Funk...sounds perfect! I'll show you the results this weekend.

Then off to meet my girlies at Chevy's for Happy Hour!

And, of course, I had to stop in Green Tangerines for my supplies for my class tomorrow. I love this store...and if you haven't check out their new Classes anad Events section...please do so! Wonderfuly interactive!

So, after my day of running around....I'm ready to go. Still a little cleaning up to do in my studio...then I'm ready to hit the bricks!

I had a birthday recently...I turned 63! Had a wonderful week...so many birthday greetings and surprises. One of my favorites...this birdie from Jen...she MADE it!!!! So adorable! My photo doesn't do it justice because my studio is so cluttered, I can't get a solid background. BUT, I LOVE IT!!!! Thanks, Jen!!!

I Have Been Featured Twice in This Lovely Etsy Treasury!

2011-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

'Whimsical fun in Color!' by redwoodtrees

Flavors of summer in bright pinks, rainbows, and quirky elements.

Image of a Mermaid , Fr... DianaLee95667 $80.00	Phoenix Rising, Mythica... ArtByMarinaPet... $1500.00	Mixed Media Art-House N... BaxtersMom $30.00	Folk Art Trees Blossoms... reniebritenbuc... $18.99
She Ingored People Gicl... BaxtersMom $24.99	Green Felted Fingers St... isajul $75.00	Cytel $	Wild Flight - pendant /... newmoontrading $2400.00
fridge magnets colorful... gardenyardart $6.00	Mermaid Mirror-Cobalt,... GoldenLightCer... $75.00	Pinwheels Lampwork Glas... daisy103 $	Vintage Earrings by Eug... FragrantGlass $75.00
Flowers-14k goldfill,La... vanini $89.00	Fiber Batts for Spinnin... Syrendell $	Love in Bloom All Four ... Beegrl88 $8.00	Cuff Bracelet, Aquamari... dabchickvintag... $128.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2011-06-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

It's June!!!! And, I'm so tired of the cold and rainy weather. It just gets me down.

I seam to have hit a wall...lost my mojo...and lost my energy. I haven't created a thing. I started to do a little sewing...but haven't even gotten back to that. Boo Hoo.

Ok, enough of that. Time to pick my self up and push myself into where I want to be...where I need to be. I have a tendency to let myself slip into depression...sometimes I have to work really hard to stay out of it. It seems like this is one of those times...I need to make myself get out and start doing things...making art...seeing friends. Maybe start listing the things I am grateful for. Really, is time to get out of this hole.

And I do have so many things I am grateful for...seems like I saw some lists of 100 Things I'm Grateful For going around...has any one see these?

Well, I am so grateful for the family I have...and most grateful for my Granddaughter, Raegan who graduated from 8th Grade last Friday. I can hardly believe how grown up she is!

Reagan, I love you! She will be going to High School next year...actually, she will be starting to take some high school classes in a week! Busy, busy girl!

I also got an iPad2...I am in love with it...oh, and I'm totally addicted to Angry Birds!!!

So, on that note...I'm off to clean my studio and see what kind of mess I can make when it's clean...