Be: A Photo Series

Sometimes life hands you little things that make you smile. Sometimes life hands you little things that let you think. And sometimes, life hands you little things that let you take flight and soar with an idea. This was one of those times:












You see, these letters came from the back of my Bath and Body Works Lotion tube. They have been coming off for awhile now, but the other day I looked down and saw these two letters just stuck to my skin. Serendipity at it's best. Each photo represents a bit of what I am. So, my words for you as we begin this week:

Just be.

The Wicked Witch of the West!

Are you a Wizard of Oz fan?

I actually saw it for the first time when I was twelve years old.

It gave me nightmares.

AT TWELVE! That's a bit ridiculous. Just say'n.

BUT, I do so love the imagery of that amazing film! And, I am excited to be participating in a Wizard of Oz themed swap! This is my first tag for that swap...I have to create six in total, but they can all be different, so they probably will be. HA!



I used a fabulous witch stamp from Scrolls Work! I LOVE this stamp! She is just a perfect little witch! The background of the tag is inked with Ranger alcohol inks and then I used Tim Holtz distress ink all over this sucker! LOL! The ribbon is American Crafts (the gingham) and some fun orange lace that I had around. The glitter brads (WR Memory Keepers) were the perfect finishing touch!





ALSO, I just HAVE to tell you all about this way cool class that I heard about from my awesome friend, Lisa!



It's called 21 Secrets and I think it will be an amazing class! I am SO hoping to win a spot in it AND if I win I get to give away a spot here on my blog, too!!! How cool would THAT BE??? Amazingly cool. That's how cool. Just say'n.

Basically, a group of amazingly talented artists have come together to create this workshop. I would be so excited to learn from these inspiring people! First of all, my friend, Lisa, is one of those amazing artists and since she inspires me CONSTANTLY already, I need to know what she is sharing here! I simply MUST! Also, Connie, the amazing woman who runs Dirty Footprints also has a section and she is so full of creative energy and loves to get others excited about their art! I can't wait to see what she has to offer! Also, Less Herger is offering a piece on how to use glazes and I SO want to learn that!!! Seriously, you guys! There are so many awesome and amazing techniques and ideas being presented! I want in!!!! Go check it out!

Thrifty Goodness and The Droid Incredible

***Don't forget to place your bid on yesterday's post for the Blogs for Boobies event! And head over to Skipping Stone Designs today for DAY 2 of the fun!***

Well, it is officially fall!  The sweet old ladies have officially reopened the thrift store that they close on my for the summer months.  I stopped by yesterday and found a couple fabulous treasures!



I found this really cool 'We Americans' book that was published back in the mid 70's. It has some really wonderful images in it that I plan to use in my art! It also showcases a 'fascinating' world view *insert eye roll here* that sort of made me laugh. It's amazing how EVERY family can look EXACTLY the same! Yikes! Anyway, the book was a steal at 50 cents!

You can also see the little embroidery hoop in that shot. That was 25 cents, so I picked it up, as that is a great price and it's totally something I will use in one way or another!



THIS, however, is what I was most excited about. I don't know what it is about these things, but I just love them! And I have no intention of it ever being in my kitchen, by the way! HA! Nope. I think it will look absolutely lovely with colorful supplies strategically stacked inside! Of course, it is in need of a lovely paint job, but once that is done it will look FABULOUS!!!! I can't wait!



And then there is this.

Oh....wait....that didn't come from the thrift store. HA! BUT, I did just get it yesterday and I am TOTALLY WICKED EXCITED ABOUT IT!!!!! You see, I've been dealing with what I lovingly refer to as a 'stupid phone'. Yes, it could get online, but it didn't have a browser and was pretty ineffective, it had no navigation, and it basically could just text and call and stuff. Oh...and play music. But that was IT! Now, I am the proud owner of a REAL. LIVE. SMART PHONE!!!! Yup. The Droid Incredible. It's fast, it's easy to use, and it can do SO MUCH! I am super excited! I can even send texts by speaking. How cool is THAT?! Pretty darn. Just say'n. I can also tell it to find the closest Five Guys and it will find it and then politely tell me how to get there. LOVE THAT! Only one tiny glitch...it seems that at the moment all my incoming calls are still going to my old phone. Texts, emails, etc. are all coming to my new phone and I can make outgoing calls that show up as me with my new phone. So. Basically, that is strange. But I will call Phil, the nice guy who sold us the phones later today and see what I can find out about that.

OH!!! I have a question for you guys today....so while I was at the thrift store I found this adorable pair of Nine West white shoes. They are a vintage style, while not really vintage. It's a pump of sorts with three straps that go over the foot with buttons at the end of each strap and a pointy toe and a vintage style heel. They are really cute, although, I'm not 100% sure what I would wear with them. They are in okay shape - not great, but not too bad. They were definitely worn many times. They are $2.50. I don't usually buy shoes at thrift stores, though, 'cause I'm afraid of the whole foot thing. What is YOUR opinion on that? Should I go get them and get over it or is that just gross? Hmmmm.....things to ponder.

Blogs for Boobies BOUNCE! Come participate!

 Welcome to the 1st annual "Blogs 4 boobies" blog bounce(hop)!

We are so glad that you joined us today. This is a very special hop because every card/project that is show here in the "blogs 4 boobies" blog bounce is up for auction! I am teaming up with Skipping Stones Design to help raise money for the Susan G. komen Foundation.
There are 2 ways that you can help!
1. Go shopping! For every stamp set that you purchase during Sept 15th through the 23rd SSD will donate $2 to the Komen Foundation. Stamping and shopping that you can feel good about!
2. Bid! If you see a card or a project on any of the participating blogs that you like bid on it in the comment section of the blog post. See how to place a bid for more detailed instructions. If you are the highest bidder September 23rd 8:00 p.m. mountain time then you WIN the card/project that you bid on.

Here is the card that I created for the auction!








"How to place a bid"
Step #1
Find the comment section of the blog that shows the "Blogs 4 boobies" card or project that you want to buy. *Please note you may only bid on the card/project shown in the specific "blogs 4 boobies" post. *Any bids not placed on the correct post will be considered invalid, as other bidders need to easily find them. For my blog you should comment on THIS post!
Step #2
Once you are in the "Blogs 4 Boobies" comment section fill in the dollar and cents amount of what you are willing to pay for the card/project, be sure it is higher than the previous bidder.
Step #3
Next to your $ bid please type in your email address (feel free to type the word 'at' and 'dot' to prevent spammers). During a silent auction bidders sign their name next to their bid, typing your email address is the electronic equivalent of signing your bid. Also it will help the blogger contact you if you are the highest bidder.
Step #4
Watch and wait.
Once you have entered your bid/comment sit back and wait. If someone out bids you then you may bid again. Bidding will continue until 8:00 p.m. Mountain time September 23rd.








"What do I do once I place a bid"
Watch and Wait
The "Winner of the Auction" Will be the highest bid (that includes an email address)in the comment section of the Blogs 4 Boobies post as of 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time on September 23rd

Things to keep in mind:
Near the end of the bidding you may not see bids as they come in. Some blogs have a comment feature where the blogger must approve comments before they are published (note: I do not have this feature). So bid high. You might have the highest bid that is published, but someone might have outbid you in an unpublished comment/bid.

This is a TWO DAY BOUNCE so check out day one today and come back for more fun tomorrow!

(This is the inside of my card!)

Bidding can begin at any amount!

Note: If the bidding exceeds $10 I will add an additional card for every $10 it goes up! Also, EVERY BIDDER will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE stamp set from Skipping Stones Design since SSD is awesome like that!!!

The next stop in the Bounce is Teresa Kline!

You are, of course, welcome to leave a supporting comment without bidding, as well!  

Wednesday 9/15

Heather Engebretson (personal blog will get asap)

Barb Turpin - http://barbsboys123.blogspot.com/

Becky Olsen - http://lifeasathreeleggeddog.blogspot.com/

Megan Hoeppner - http://meganhoeppner.blogspot.com/

Kim Kesti - http://kimberlykesti.typepad.com/

Ashley Cannon Newell - http://ashleynewell.blogspot.com/

Angela Thomas - http://sparkleandbling.blogspot.com/

Ann Kranitz - http://stampwithme-ann.blogspot.com/

Deb Felts – http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/

Belinda Chang Langer - http://cadnileb.blogspot.com/

Brenda Weaver - http://sweetpapertreats.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Ingle - http://justjingle.blogspot.com/

Teresa Kline - http://enjoythevasunshine.blogspot.com/

Wendy Price - http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/

Jodi Collins - http://stampingalatte.blogspot.com/

Thursday 9/16

Kim Hughes - http://paperhugs.typepad.com/paper_hugs/

Kandi Phillips - http://kraftykandikrafts.blogspot.com/

Sharon Harnist – http://paperfections.typepad.com/

Amy Sheffer  – http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Buck – http://www.thebuckstampshere.blogspot.com/

Amy Tsuruta - http://tsurutadesigns.blogspot.com/

Tammie Beaton - http://alwaysinking.blogspot.com/

Rae Ann Barthel – http://simplyrae.blogspot.com/

Wendy Jordan - http://papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/

Sarah Martina Parker - http://sarahmartina.com/blog/

Lea Lawson - http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/

Teri Anderson - http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

Kim Crawford - http://kimberly-crawford.blogspot.com/

Gladys Chia - http://sweetpapertreats.wordpress.com/

Jen del Muro - http://iheart2stamp.com/

Maile Belles - http://mailebelles.blogspot.com/

I am joining the following parties:

WOYWW - Blogs for Boobies and a Big MESS that's WHAT!

Yup....my workspace is a disaster.  You can see my card for the Blogs for Boobies Bounce sitting there along with a LOT of other stuff, 'cause I have a ton of stuff going on in my head and not a ton of time to work on any of it!  LOL!    I hope that if you are here prior to 10am Eastern you will come back for the bounce after that and if you are here after that I hope you will see the post and participate!  It's really a fabulous and fun opportunity! 



And, because I can't leave you all with that eye sore, I figured I'd also show you a fun picture of some of the buttons dumped out on my desk right now!



Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE vintage buttons (and lace and ribbon, too, but these are just buttons.  Just say'n.)????  'Cause I REALLY REALLY REALLY love them.  And when you toss in a lomo filter, a photo like this, well, *sigh*. 

pure.  happy.  making.

Just Say'n.

Have an awesome day!

It's Officially Comfy Pants and Slippers Weather {Wordless Wednesday}

***Please come back after 10am Eastern for the Blogs for Boobies Bounce!  It is for a great cause!***



For more WW posts check here and here!

An Ornament of Many Colors - Design Dollies Challenge!

As you are already aware, I am guest designing for the Design Dollies this month and today I get to show off my second challenge! This one is the Color Challenge and let me tell you, it was a bit tricky for me! The challenge was to use FOUR colors, specifically, red, green, orange, and blue! Yikes! That's a LOT of colors!

I decided to pull them together to create a fun ornament using my new alcohol inks!





I inked a glass slide and then stamped and misted the stars with a terra cotta (orange) ink and a very very pale blue glimmer mist before mounting them with Helmar's liquid dimensional glue dots. Have you used that stuff? It's kinda awesome, I gotta say!





I finished the piece by edging the top and bottom with copper tape and wrapping a fun shiny blue cord around it a few times!





This was actually a LOT of fun to make and I think it would be a perfect little gift topper or it would look lovely presented on a bottle of wine as a hostess gift!





This last shot I just had to share with you because I think it is SO FREAKING COOL! No. For reals, though. Check out that reflection! It caught it so perfectly and I just love it!!!!

So you should totally come on over and join the challenge at Design Dollies! Look what you could win!!!

On another note, PLEASE come back tomorrow, as I will be participating in a super fun Blog Bounce with Skipping Stones Design! It's Blogging for Boobies! We will be showing off a brand new stamp set and also auctioning our creations off to raise money to help fight breast cancer! I hope you will join in the fun!!!

Today I am linking with the following parties: