Inspirations

Inspirations from Paper Works

Carved in Stone

Taking collage to a new level with Laini's Ladies Adornments collection from Bottman Design

This fabulous one of a kind art piece from Sandra Evertson's Paris Flea Market

Collage Necklace

Needlepoint Canvases by Maggie Co.

Judie Bomberger Ceramic Tea Sets

Teaberry Handbag

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you hard working moms out there!

Illustration Conference

Looks like a big ole illustration shindig in San Francisco July 7. Would be wonderful, inspirational to attend.

Distorted Dogs

I have probably blogged this site before, but when you are having a bad day, you can see enough little dogs with big noses. I emailed the Japanese proprietor a long time ago to ask him the cost of his chihuahuas ($1,200).

Conde Nast Art

Beautiful cover illustrations from the Conde Nast.

A Gift When I Needed It Most

On my drive home after a dismal and disheartening day, a fragrance wafted through my truck window. In a woodsie part of my drive, I found myself sticking my head out the window like one of those dogs with his ears flapping in the wind. It made the end of terrible day seem less terrible, Dog Woods blooming, Viburnum, Rhodies, all come together in a scent sent from God. It was magical.

So then I decided on the end of my dismal day I should do something 'nice' for myself. I stopped of at Great Clips at 8:45p.m. and by 8:59p.m. I had a new do.

BUT, I had no idea what treat was waiting for me on my arrival home. I am not sure how I deserve such a wonderful gift from Amy of APL Creations, but there it was, a delightfully decorated box from Texas. A hand-made bracelet, two hand-made cards, decorative scissors, several spools of decorative ribbon, Alyce and Chessie doll and cat pattern, the sweetest little paper flower (Amy, did you make the flower!?), MadLib word game and the sweetest wrapped little box that I don't want to open because it so cute! I cried, and told my mom (who was just as overcome as I was) that it is strange and wonderful to get such a gift from someone I hardly know. I can not tell you how you turned my very bad day into a very special day. Thank you. (Now I have a project to sew!)

Progressive Block Party

I am lucky to live on a great street with wonderful, caring neighbors. 13 years ago neighbors a couple of doors down had an open-house Christmas party for the entire block. That is how I met most of the neighborhood. Since then, several friends have passed away, some have moved on, some have moved in. And a few of us have decided it is time to have another block party, a progressive, pot-luck block party. Four of us are hosting, everyone invited. Cocktails (and Mocktails for the kids) in the newly landscaped front yard of the Andersons. Salad across the street at the newly renovated kitchen of Bayers. Finger-food main course at the renovated kitchen and living area of the Hawley's two doors down. And finish up with dessert, coffee and more wine to take a peek at the newly remodeled kitchen of the Miller's (that would be us). Block party brings us closer together, let us have a peek at some interior upgrades, meet some new residence and their kids. We have a unique street where people look out for your property, kids in the street, returns your run-away dog, feeds the cats and rabbits. My son says he never wants to move, and I would have to agree with him.

World Of Playing Cards

I collect playing cards. The World of playing cards is a very interesting site, for the history of cards, Waddington's world famous series, old playing cards from Denmark, Switzerland, China, Tabacco cards from Peru, Native America Cards. I have these Spanish Baraja Taurina. Also have contemporary artist, Shelley Fowles, Balázs Pál Nagy and Emily Arkin.



Added later: I had more card links hidden away in dark emails. Khankoo and Disney Cards.

Short Films For Long Laugh

These might be big downloads for some of you. Storewars is almost a MUST. There are some pretty hilarious ones on the Home of the Twisted Films of PES site. You can thank Paul in New York for these. Roof Sex should be rated R, but worth watching.

Be Careful Out There

Listen up, another car jacking scam is being sent around the internet, so be careful out there!

This new scam is being pulled mainly on older women who are apparently passed the age of giving a running pursuit. What happens is that when the intended victim stops for a red light, a completely nude and good looking, nicely tanned, unbelievably well enhanced young man comes up. With muscles flexing, and body stretched to its full potential, he pretends to wash your windshield. While he is doing this, another person opens the back door of your car, taking anything you have in the car. They are very good at this. They got me seven times Friday and five times Saturday - I couldn't find them on Sunday.

Peony!

I love this one. I only had two this year, one to give away and one to photograph.

A Couple Of Things I Found Today

Crochet animal pillows pattern.

Simple hanging lanterns from Origami Club. I have made these before, and am having an party to make some soon.

Visual Treats

Custom Patchwork Pillows at VisualTreats.

Scooter Naps

I am painting my son's room, taking out the old carpet. It is all to much for Scooter, he needs to nap. While Pica looks on to protect the house.

Snowballs In Spring

I planted two Snowball Viburnums in the backyard. I think I planted them in the wrong locations, but too late to move them now. They are so perfect right now with their light green, 2.5 inch in diameter, hygrandgea looking blooms. I need to learn how to prune them before they are out of control.

Two Talents

The incredibly talented Chris Roberts-Antieau and her 2005 collection.

The artwork and Tin Can Angels of Elizabeth Frank.

Handbags And Hats

Flower creations from EJStern, artist Ellen Stern



Unusally shaped knitted copper wire purses by Sharmen Liao

Painted canvas bags by Hilary Law

Handwoven bucket bags and clutch from Claudia Mills Weaver

Adorable felted hats by Hansard Welsh Design

Shefali Finds Help

Update to a sad story shows people care. We ran this picture in our 'The Week in Pictures' today and there she was. "Shefali kisses her daughter Mim in Dhaka, Bangledesh on April 23. Shefali was desperate for money after being abandoned by her husband and offered to sell one of her eyes. Shefali has a new house after different organizations and people came forward to help her". MSBNC.com received 60 emails from people wanting to help her (I just found out that today, after talking to media about the story). I had contacted the writer and editor, they wrote back with information of a professional association that help women. I will contact them but I am relieved to know she is okay now.

HOW Chris Sickels Does His Magic

Chris Sickels is in HOW magazine describing his technique. Guess I will have to go purchase that issue.

Burnt Out

Does this give you a little insight of how I am feeling these days.