A new The Thing is coming out this October! How lucky can one girl be? One of my all time favorite movies, I hope they done right by John Carpenter's version .... the best! I love the way they have kept the heart beat score. Oh, it is a prequel ... how exciting.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Boring and predictable
Mom said this morning ... sadly ... this cartoon reminded her of me. Time for a road trip? Red hair color and a mohawk?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Visually bewitched
Sometimes I get totally bewitched by Flickr ... here is why, Leslie Avon Miller (and her wonderful website).
And this beautiful flora! by voigtf64.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Something with wings
I love this, lots and lot of wonderful butterflies at Two Dresses Studio Butterfly Project. So many to love, but this and this are my faves.
And ... speaking of ... I am always complaining that we don't have many moths here, but today I found a Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris thysbe) caterpillar crawling on the deck. After some research I found out that it feeds on snowball bush leaves, and I have two snowballs. This is how it looks as a moth. More about this moth at Encyclopedia of Life. So why haven't I seen it? A mystery!
Buzzle.com and Naturally Curious with Mary Holland is a must see.
And ... speaking of ... I am always complaining that we don't have many moths here, but today I found a Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris thysbe) caterpillar crawling on the deck. After some research I found out that it feeds on snowball bush leaves, and I have two snowballs. This is how it looks as a moth. More about this moth at Encyclopedia of Life. So why haven't I seen it? A mystery!
Buzzle.com and Naturally Curious with Mary Holland is a must see.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Spirit Cloth
I am always so inspired when I hop over to Spirit Cloth! I love the feathers. The Magic Feather Project, I want to participate!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Self-oscillating
Self-oscillating gels are materials that continuously change back and forth between different states — such as color or size — without provocation from external stimuli. These changes are caused by the Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, which was discovered during the 1950s.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Climbing for perfection
Mom picked some climbing Hydrangeas yesterday. And the last of the roses. Why are the last roses of summer always the most delicious, most perfect ones? The other hydrangeas are turning a lovely shade of fall. I need to cut and bring them in to dry. I do wish I had thought through my climbing Hydrangea a little more so it was attached to the house in a better way. Of course, having the house covered in vines would be ideal.
I really want this ‘Invincibelle’ Hydrnagea for the yard but would have to sacrifice something to bring it into the fold. Wow, floral images index for reference, is really something!
Got lots of work to do. A friend of mine commented I haven't been blogging much lately. Working on Brantlers in my extra time. Will be displaying them at Chocolati Café in October. So excited and have lots of work to do in the meantime.
I really want this ‘Invincibelle’ Hydrnagea for the yard but would have to sacrifice something to bring it into the fold. Wow, floral images index for reference, is really something!
Got lots of work to do. A friend of mine commented I haven't been blogging much lately. Working on Brantlers in my extra time. Will be displaying them at Chocolati Café in October. So excited and have lots of work to do in the meantime.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Goodbye, Summer
It is hard to believe that our summer is almost over.
David worked so hard on the new grass, I wish we could enjoy a little more before fall. It is picture perfect!
David worked so hard on the new grass, I wish we could enjoy a little more before fall. It is picture perfect!
Terada Mokei
I LOVE these 1/100 ARCHITECTURAL MODEL ACCESSORIES SERIES by Terada Mokei. Aren't they delicious! I think putting them together would be sooooo much fun. Found via Cally Creates.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
EtsyRain Meetup
Tonight I undressed from my usual mismatched paint sweatpants and T-shirt - and dressed into "real adult clothes" to go to an etsyRain meeting at Chocolati Café (you must have the Dark Vader hot chocolate if you go - dark chocolate with raspberry - just make sure you don't get it all over your face).
I opened my Etsy shop last year but haven't fully embraced it. I forget about it most of the time. I thought becoming a member, an engaged, active etsyRain member might help me along my path. It is difficult for me to go out there in the "big world" and meet new people but I thoroughly enjoyed tonight and I am so glad I went.
I talked about my rings with strangers that I have never done before and got some great feedback. Tried to describe Brantlers and how much fun I was having in my studio this week with power tools and paint! I made 15! more Brantlers yesterday, keyholed, cut, belt-sanded, painted ... well, I am still painting them. I made five 8-inch versions ... can't wait to see what comes of those! Trying to work on/design/figure out the website at night. I updated my Wordpress theme today and thought I had lost all of the formatting. Argh. Need to photograph the newest Brantlers I finished up a couple of days ago. But 'real' work keeps getting in my way.
Met some very lovely artist and bloggers tonight:
Leigh Pate's lovely travel photos and travel blog
Marin's ReDeFind Vintage, Seeing Vintage in a New Way
Allice B Creative
Beautiful watercolors by Sydney Palmer of Chavah's Garden
Photographer, Rachel and her wonderful blog, No Mark At All
Thank you all! That was fun.
I opened my Etsy shop last year but haven't fully embraced it. I forget about it most of the time. I thought becoming a member, an engaged, active etsyRain member might help me along my path. It is difficult for me to go out there in the "big world" and meet new people but I thoroughly enjoyed tonight and I am so glad I went.
I talked about my rings with strangers that I have never done before and got some great feedback. Tried to describe Brantlers and how much fun I was having in my studio this week with power tools and paint! I made 15! more Brantlers yesterday, keyholed, cut, belt-sanded, painted ... well, I am still painting them. I made five 8-inch versions ... can't wait to see what comes of those! Trying to work on/design/figure out the website at night. I updated my Wordpress theme today and thought I had lost all of the formatting. Argh. Need to photograph the newest Brantlers I finished up a couple of days ago. But 'real' work keeps getting in my way.
Met some very lovely artist and bloggers tonight:
Leigh Pate's lovely travel photos and travel blog
Marin's ReDeFind Vintage, Seeing Vintage in a New Way
Allice B Creative
Beautiful watercolors by Sydney Palmer of Chavah's Garden
Photographer, Rachel and her wonderful blog, No Mark At All
Thank you all! That was fun.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Foraging
My neighbors internet went out yesterday and I had to walk across the street to talk to him instead of skyping. Whew, what an inconvenience! ;) But I made good use of my time "outdoors" and foraged in their backyard.
Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality! Running from power tools, creating, to making it happen on the web and css and trying to learn how to add paypal button, to contacting places to show and possibly sell my Brantlers. And that is in the 'off-hours', the rest of the time working to make money. ;) And of course, add in there, applying for jobs. Brainstorming with Rick about how to make this freelance existence happen in a profitable way.
Something for Brantlers:
Delicate pages in a mushroom book.
Just saw a humming bird at the honeysuckle.
I felt the weather turn from summer to fall the other morning at 5am. I was sitting at this computer when I felt the air turn cold, breeze rattle the blinds. The tree began weaving in the wind. I shivered and thought ... goodbye sunny days. And that was it. Two weeks of summer. My lunch-time tan is fading.
Back to gray skies and cold mornings. (Not complaining ... I talk to my Texas friends and here how hot and dry it is there and am thankful for our weather.)
Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality! Running from power tools, creating, to making it happen on the web and css and trying to learn how to add paypal button, to contacting places to show and possibly sell my Brantlers. And that is in the 'off-hours', the rest of the time working to make money. ;) And of course, add in there, applying for jobs. Brainstorming with Rick about how to make this freelance existence happen in a profitable way.
Something for Brantlers:
Delicate pages in a mushroom book.
with a little surprise attached below
Just saw a humming bird at the honeysuckle.
I felt the weather turn from summer to fall the other morning at 5am. I was sitting at this computer when I felt the air turn cold, breeze rattle the blinds. The tree began weaving in the wind. I shivered and thought ... goodbye sunny days. And that was it. Two weeks of summer. My lunch-time tan is fading.
Back to gray skies and cold mornings. (Not complaining ... I talk to my Texas friends and here how hot and dry it is there and am thankful for our weather.)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Change the channel!
Thank God, Mom and I channeled away from "Entertainment Tonight" and found something sensible to watch after the news … The Climate Reality Project, "24 Hours of Reality" on Current TV. (I mean, who can stomach any more news about Taylor Armstrong and her black eye?)
I know people call me a snob when it comes to watching TV ... people that I know and love me, people that I worked with. With my mom's illness ... we have been watching more TV after the news (Nightly News and CBS Evening News) shows we like are over. And that is a challenge. After we have watched Midsomer Mysteries for the third time (on Netflix). What do we watch? There are some TV series that we enjoy, Castle, Luther, anything on PBS (History Detective, Antiques Roadshow, NOVA, Masterpiece Mystery), Suits , The Hour ... and others. I do not like reality TV shows except David and I like Project Runway. I don't give a shit about the Housewives of ... (plug in your city) ... (sorry about the language). My husband told me the other day that they are remaking "Dallas" and "Charles Angels" and I was speechless.
Sorry about the rant. But I find myself throwing up in my mouth at those entertainment news shows. I don't care what movie star (reality-TV-recent-star with their new book release) has whatever problem, admitted themselves in some sex-addiction re-hab center, or are behaving badly. I DON'T CARE! When I sit in front of the TV ... I want to 1.) learn something, 2.) be truly entertained, 3.) be scared silly, laughably so (I love to watch really silly scary movies like, Piranha and looking forward to Shark ... my family does understand this part of me), 4.) feel good (anything Jane Austen).
Sorry. I get really worked up about network TV. I really only wanted to say whay a great program that 24 Hours of Reality was to watch.
I know people call me a snob when it comes to watching TV ... people that I know and love me, people that I worked with. With my mom's illness ... we have been watching more TV after the news (Nightly News and CBS Evening News) shows we like are over. And that is a challenge. After we have watched Midsomer Mysteries for the third time (on Netflix). What do we watch? There are some TV series that we enjoy, Castle, Luther, anything on PBS (History Detective, Antiques Roadshow, NOVA, Masterpiece Mystery), Suits , The Hour ... and others. I do not like reality TV shows except David and I like Project Runway. I don't give a shit about the Housewives of ... (plug in your city) ... (sorry about the language). My husband told me the other day that they are remaking "Dallas" and "Charles Angels" and I was speechless.
Sorry about the rant. But I find myself throwing up in my mouth at those entertainment news shows. I don't care what movie star (reality-TV-recent-star with their new book release) has whatever problem, admitted themselves in some sex-addiction re-hab center, or are behaving badly. I DON'T CARE! When I sit in front of the TV ... I want to 1.) learn something, 2.) be truly entertained, 3.) be scared silly, laughably so (I love to watch really silly scary movies like, Piranha and looking forward to Shark ... my family does understand this part of me), 4.) feel good (anything Jane Austen).
Sorry. I get really worked up about network TV. I really only wanted to say whay a great program that 24 Hours of Reality was to watch.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Anna Laurent
A beautiful case of seeds --photography by Anna Laurent. This post is for Gerrie! Wonderful!!!! Makes me want to take a long walk in nature in search of such treasures.
Catalina Viejo Lopez de Roda
Catalina Viejo Lopez de Roda collages.
And love the personal letter collages made from color bits of paper. The two below, Letter to Summer and Letter to Barack Obama. Aren't those fantastic?
Her Etsy shop. The September 11 letter is lovely. Via Emma Lamb.
Her Etsy shop. The September 11 letter is lovely. Via Emma Lamb.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Fun day
If I actually made money on my Brantlers, it would be criminal because I am having so much fun making them this week. I made 8 more today, larger versions (5-inch-tall), more distress (the rasp), different color combos. I have one more day - computer-free-work - before I need to go look after my work obligations.
Pixel's "illness" (anal-gland-problem ... that is all the details I am sharing) is making everyone closer today. Pica is obviously very worried about his buddy because he is usually not this friendly with Pixel.
Pixel's "illness" (anal-gland-problem ... that is all the details I am sharing) is making everyone closer today. Pica is obviously very worried about his buddy because he is usually not this friendly with Pixel.
Discovering
These seeds look like Chrysanthemums petal configuration. I love this time of the year of discovery. This one came from my neighbor - she will need to tell me the flower.
Speaking of ... loving this Chartreuse Green Chrysanthemums Accordion Chinese Lantern.
Speaking of ... loving this Chartreuse Green Chrysanthemums Accordion Chinese Lantern.
Poor Pixel
Poor, poor Pixel had an emergency vet visit today. Poor Sophie doesn't know what is wrong with Pixel.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Branching out to have fun
Step over to my Something from My Studio to see what I have been up to this week. ;) Hint: it is not computer-related.
Nigel Buchanan
I love the illustrations of
Nigel Buchanan, especially this portrait of President Obama. Via Abduzeedo.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
Thinking wreaths
It is getting to that time of the year that I become obsessed with wreaths!
Canning jar lid wreath!
Making a Coffee Filter Wreath and Tree and Things of That Nature via Pinterest.
Maybe a brown coffee filter wreath? Or one that is painted?
Steel Ruler Mirror
The School House Series
Canning jar lid wreath!
Making a Coffee Filter Wreath and Tree and Things of That Nature via Pinterest.
Maybe a brown coffee filter wreath? Or one that is painted?
Steel Ruler Mirror
The School House Series
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Flowerium
Now I want an iPhone so I can use Flowerium... by Makoto Hirahara
Flowerium PV from HR2 on Vimeo.
Flower drawing test from HR2 on Vimeo.
Flowerium PV from HR2 on Vimeo.
Flower drawing test from HR2 on Vimeo.
Joe Bartholomew
Loving Joe Bartholomew work found via Dear Ada.
Discover his blog.
"Girih Extended: These designs are based on girih tiles, a medieval Islamic patterning system. They extend the girih system, deviating from tradition by exploring the potential of asymmetry and self-similarity".
Discover his blog.
"Girih Extended: These designs are based on girih tiles, a medieval Islamic patterning system. They extend the girih system, deviating from tradition by exploring the potential of asymmetry and self-similarity".
Saturday, September 03, 2011
The gift
This morning, a friend gave me a box of 12, small, delicate, ceramic Piet Stockmans teacups? Glasses? (Mom is calling them aperitif glasses). I love them. The blue rim is the darker hydrangea blue center color. Hydrangeas are turning lovely blue to green. I didn't have as many blooms as I normally do as I pruned so hard in the spring. I am just thankful to have them.
I have been completely absorbed in Facebook business pages the last two days. For Friendly Foam and BYOB Websites. It is giving me a little headache. It makes me wonder what we are all becoming in this social-media-obsessed-mash-up. But I know as a business, you need a FB presence. Follow the leader (s). I also started making a font, finally, for real.
It is the most delicious fall-like day. A cool breeze and warm, glittering sun. The dogs are following the sun spots around the room, napping in warmth. Mom is resting, watching cooking shows. We are trying to decide what we could cook tonight. Since Mom has been ill, I have been eating crackers and cheese. This morning, I had (I think it was moldy) humus and pita bread for breakfast. I forget to eat until I am starving and head for the easiest item in the pantry to sate my hunger. David brings food home on his way from work. We also realized without the kids here, cooking is not really an event now. We buy far less than before ... so weird not to have a complete meal cooked every night.
This morning I got lost in some blogs, different blogs that I haven't visited before. A link off of a link off of a link ... you know the drill. It scared me a little because they all started looking the same, the same beautiful blogger photo, with the same beautiful family, the perfect meal, the perfect blog, the perfect home ... I know that is not all as it seems but I did start feeling a bit inadequate. I had to quickly remove myself from reading anymore. Perfect blog after perfect blog, was making me a little queasy.
I decided yesterday, I am going to refer to this last year as "the year that wasn't". A year that I don't remember doing much, forgetting to celebrate birthdays, not leaving my computer. Not going any place notable or doing anything memorable. A bland, blah, blank year. And I decided yesterday, that must change. Okay, off to the studio for the weekend ... note: leaving my computer. ;) Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
It is the most delicious fall-like day. A cool breeze and warm, glittering sun. The dogs are following the sun spots around the room, napping in warmth. Mom is resting, watching cooking shows. We are trying to decide what we could cook tonight. Since Mom has been ill, I have been eating crackers and cheese. This morning, I had (I think it was moldy) humus and pita bread for breakfast. I forget to eat until I am starving and head for the easiest item in the pantry to sate my hunger. David brings food home on his way from work. We also realized without the kids here, cooking is not really an event now. We buy far less than before ... so weird not to have a complete meal cooked every night.
This morning I got lost in some blogs, different blogs that I haven't visited before. A link off of a link off of a link ... you know the drill. It scared me a little because they all started looking the same, the same beautiful blogger photo, with the same beautiful family, the perfect meal, the perfect blog, the perfect home ... I know that is not all as it seems but I did start feeling a bit inadequate. I had to quickly remove myself from reading anymore. Perfect blog after perfect blog, was making me a little queasy.
I decided yesterday, I am going to refer to this last year as "the year that wasn't". A year that I don't remember doing much, forgetting to celebrate birthdays, not leaving my computer. Not going any place notable or doing anything memorable. A bland, blah, blank year. And I decided yesterday, that must change. Okay, off to the studio for the weekend ... note: leaving my computer. ;) Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Jelli-licous
Medusae Pendant Lamps by Roxy Towry-Russell
These beautiful paper jellyfish by Dame Belette
Miwa Koizumi makes beautiful art from PET
These beautiful paper jellyfish by Dame Belette
Miwa Koizumi makes beautiful art from PET
Friday, September 02, 2011
Duane Hoffman & the good ole days
Duane and I have been working together for a couple of months on a freelance gig. He is a great talent and it is nice to work with him again. We have worked together for almost 19 years! We have a couple of weeks off at present.
We also worked with Ben Garrison and Steve Greenberg in the Seattle PI art department ... of course, I worked with many others, too many to mention here. I am allowed to say, "those were the good ole days"?
Have also been finishing up graphics for Rick's BYOB Website Facebook business landing page (that is a mouth-full). If you need to learn how to build your own website using Wordpress-Thesis ... Rick is your guy. Lots of videos, Live Question and Answer sessions (which I participate in all the time). Rick is the best teacher I have ever had (and patient).
Have also been finishing up graphics for Rick's BYOB Website Facebook business landing page (that is a mouth-full). If you need to learn how to build your own website using Wordpress-Thesis ... Rick is your guy. Lots of videos, Live Question and Answer sessions (which I participate in all the time). Rick is the best teacher I have ever had (and patient).
Tom Haney
Fun, fun, fun! I love Tom Haney's work and reading his blog, giving us a little insight to the makings of his work. Via Device Gallery.
Pruning casuality
The 5 ft. tall Brazilian Verbena did not make it through the pruning. I wish I had lots more of them!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Hard pruning
I shouldn't have spent the money but I hired Arborist (Evergeen Tree Care - they were great!) to prune our trees and privacy hedge that had gotten completely out of control. That was a full day of a crew trimming, cutting trees and reducing hedges! The Sweet Gum is now so beautiful with the cathedral effect when you look up ... the tree even looks happier! One sad part, I had them prune the snowball almost 3/4 of it's size. It had just taken over and was killing the maple. Will see if it survives that big cut.
The guys also told me they had never seen a Sweet Gum like this and I should have it listed as a heritage tree because it is so unusual.
The guys also told me they had never seen a Sweet Gum like this and I should have it listed as a heritage tree because it is so unusual.
