Helicopter Studios

Jumping into Summer!!

2011-06-07T14:53:00.003-04:00

We jumped right into the summer by starting it out with a trip to the Gulf Shores of Alabama! This was our second annual trip with the Mayton family........it's so nice to spend time with great friends! The beach is such a great way to renew some energy and relieve stress.....the mojitos help out too! We had an amazing time!

Hello Craft!!

2011-05-12T14:22:00.000-04:00

So, I was lucky enough to get interviewed by Tina Plottel from HelloCraft.com! The interview is up and I must say she did a fabulous job organizing my babble! Thanks Tina! If you would like to read it check it out here. Stay a while and spend some time on the website, it is super informative......

Play Objects

2011-05-10T11:43:00.002-04:00

I was looking through some old slides trying to find some student work from my 3D classes that I taught during grad. school and found this video. This is a video I shot for my MFA exhibition to play during the show. This is my husbands hands playing with the objects and a great friend Steve Kostell helped me edit the video. My committee was against me forgoing any type of cover over my work while my show was up because the pieces were not secure. I played the video to give the viewer an idea of how the objects could be manipulated. The coolest part of the playing the video was the sound that the vessels made. Although showing the video on a continuous loop stopped know one from picking them up and playing with them.........I even had some tiny 1" vessels that were shaped like spinning tops. In the end, nothing was stolen and I was happy with my choice. Like my kids tell me...."Life is multiple choice"!

Science Projects!!

2011-04-05T08:25:00.003-04:00

We love science here at the Duffy house! The kiddos were so excited about conducting some experiments in order to enter the school wide science fair this year. K grew egg geodes in order to see what would happen if we used plain tap water in one group and lake water in another group. We found that the lake water and tap water created interesting crystal growth but, the lake water seemed to create more interesting crystals. The chemicals were made into a "super saturation" and poured into clean, empty eggs about 4 weeks prior to the results were documented. If you want to know more details about the project..........send me an email and I can send you the process in length. Now, L (with my help) colored chicken scratch in order to see if chickens could see color. Most of all she wondered if they had a favorite color, a question she asks most people upon meeting. For five days we placed the colored scratch in pie tins and placed them out where we usually feed the chickens. At the end of each day we collected the tins and measured for the results. We found that chickens liked the regular scratch (variable) the most because that's what they were used to eating. Although, they ate more of the green out of all the colors, L determined that they liked green because it looked like grass! She's a smarty girl!! Best news: we are going to the county wide competition in a couple of weeks!! Yay Duffy scientists!! UPDATE: L TOOK 1ST PLACE AT THE COUNTY WIDE SCIENCE FAIR! AND K TOOK 3RD!!

Just the four of us...........

2011-03-08T14:24:00.003-05:00

Portrait puppets made by my wonderfully talented baby girl..........also, known as Bugga!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T16:46:00.005-05:00

Handmade cards and homemade treats!

In the Corners

2011-02-12T11:29:00.003-05:00

Bunnies, Birthdays and Busy

2011-02-05T12:19:00.007-05:00

The pictures tell the story.......shortly before Christmas I found out I got a job teaching adjunct for the Paducah School of Art, four sections of Into. to Art! Pretty exciting but heavy, since I was just gearing up for Christmas and my etsy shop was super busy plus I had birthdays on the brain. Both my kiddos have birthdays right after Christmas and I just run out of steam to say the least. So, I had planned my daughters tea party with the help of my mother in law! It was everything a six year old could ask for........although, the girls were monkeys instead of princesses, who would of thought? My son had a family party with bowling and pizza and he is planning to have a big outside party in the spring with a scavenger hunt and lots of boys. While all the planning and prepping was going on we had a litter of six sweet bunnies join our family! If you have been wondering why I have not posted since November, well this sorta sums it all up! I have been a bit overwhelmed with all the planning and teaching this semester but wouldn't trade it for the world! I hope to make some art one day soon...............

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T17:13:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween! We certainly got some use out of the costumes this year.........we celebrated all weekend long, whew! Just thought I would share some pictures of my sweet ones.

COLLECTING............

2010-10-21T14:32:00.002-04:00

New Work

2010-10-01T10:08:00.002-04:00

Just added in my etsy shop!

Featured in Stitch Magazine

2010-09-16T16:06:00.007-04:00

Hello all! Long time.......since I've seen you here on my blog. Life is keeping me hopping to say the least! Just wanted to pop in and let you know about some exciting news........... I was contacted about a month ago by the editors of Stitch Magazine to send them one of my totes to get photographed for the fall issue. I just received a copy of the issue and there I am on page 18. This is such a cool magazine! The photography is beautiful..............plus... it's packed full of all kinds of stitchy information..........besides the fact that I am featured inside, I highly reccomend picking up a copy!

The Slow Days of Summer........

2010-07-19T09:24:00.008-04:00

Summer is slipping by before my eyes and before long both my children will be in school......then I begin the internal struggle of a mom and teacher. The desire to home school and the need to have time to make art will flow through my mind a million times over and over....... the summer is slowing to an end but not without making lots of memories....

>>>>We joined a local organic co-op this summer that has become the highlight of our week! The kids have experienced life on a farm by milking cows, chasing piglets and feeding the horses. Each week our basket is full of fresh organic blackberries and veggies of all sorts! We have made some great friends too.

>>>>Our chickens are growing up and we check every morning for eggs.....not yet. The bunny has decided to live under the chicken coop and amazingly enough the chickens don't mind.

>>>>We all have been playing golf together in the early evenings after the temp. has cooled a bit. It has been a little frustrating for me since I haven't picked up a club in about 8 years. I'm hanging in there.

>>>>We have had time for lots of craft projects and I have been working on making my kids lunch Eco-friendly by making re-usable snack bags and napkins. Time has allowed me to make some new clothes for my children and work on some domestic sewing too!

>>>>Weekend trips to Louisville to see what traffic is like and enjoy some time with family!

>>>>Started a butterfly and moth collection. Which is sometimes sad for my sweet L.....she has to spend time with them before we put them in the freezer.

>>>>Weekly trips to the library to get out of the heat! (oh, and the occasional snow-cone after)

>>>>In the fall, I will be teaching a class for Murray State......Elementary Art Ed. which I am very excited about!! Now I am planning my projects and working on my syllabus.............

Hope you are enjoying your summer making memories too!!

Beach Time!

2010-06-04T16:16:00.005-04:00

These are just a "few" of my favorite photos from our trip to the Gulf Shores! The beach was beautiful and the water was perfect........no signs of the oil spill....yet. It really was the best beach trip ever! We got to spend time with out great friends living it up on the beach and drinking daiquiris after the kids were zonked out. Good memories.

Chicken Coop

2010-05-12T16:58:00.005-04:00

Happy Chickens! They finally have a place to call their own. It took about three, half days one of which we worked in the rain. I didn't get to take pics on that day, sorry. This project cost all of 245.00........it's completely made from pallets and recycled wood from an old building and playground. The linoleum flooring was given to us by a friend and the paint was a miss-tint from Lowe's that cost 5 bucks. On the inside I made the perch ladder with rondo found at my husbands golf course which works perfect! There is a door at one end where my daughter is standing that opens up for raking the bedding and cleaning..............and oh, the most important part...egg collecting!! I know what you are saying...."it looks kinda big!" Well, we have 4 chickens and two are silkie bantams so they have plenty of room and we can add about two more chickens to the flock! We have added the nesting boxes made from milk crates and the food and water. Whatcha' think?

Recent Happenings.........

2010-05-01T13:47:00.006-04:00

Well Hello! Enjoying the beautiful weather outside has dominated my time as of late. Sitting at the computer (even to blog) has been scarce. I just wanted to catch you up on some recent happenings.....

-Chickens are growing quick!

-Building the coop is top priority.....and happy to say it is almost complete!

-Went to Mammoth Cave National Park for a weekend of exploring.

-Working on several "made to order" Discovery Totes, the ant tote is getting more popular.

-Canoed down the Green River.

-Planting lots of flowers and herbs, and wondering if the veggies will get in this year?

-Visited Grandparents in Louisville, KY and sat in some traffic which reminded my why I love living in the country.

-Turned some snake gourds that my husband grew at the golf course nursery into planters.

-Went to Dinosaur World in Cave City, KY.

Can I get a PEEP PEEP!!

2010-03-30T10:07:00.003-04:00

So, where have I been you ask? Well, the answer in short is......spring! I love spring! We have been busy working in the garden, starting some seeds inside, preparing the backyard for a cool play area for the kiddos.........and we have chicks! We have three right now but I plan on adding a couple of silkie chicks when they are available. Right now we have a Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red and a Rock Barred. They are so cute and growing super fast! Learning all I can about raising chickens and can't wait for our first eggs....most likely late summer.
I didn't get a chance to blog about our trip to St. Louis.....I did the Indie Craft Revolution there at the Art Guild. We made a family trip of it, although, I worked most of the time, I still managed to have some fun! The show went good, I got lots of "your so clever" which is the most common thing people say about me/my work. I made tons of new stuff and have not been able to set aside the time to take photos of for my store. This week. Anyway, I apologize for being gone for so long and I hope you all are having a productive spring too!

IN THE WORKS: I am working on creating a short animation using my work. This was a suggestion from Jesse Kuhn of Raw Toast Design whom I met at the show. His work is pretty amazing too!

Have a great day!

PBS interview

2010-02-20T10:50:00.007-05:00

Shortly after moving to Kentucky......before I was even totally unpacked.......I received an email from KET about doing an interview with me. Of course, I was super excited, so regardless of not being completely settled....I agreed. Not being with outsome personal issues....after moving my studio from a lovely 300 sq.ft. space to a laundry room that I had to share with a washer and dryer and dog bowls. Needless to say the space was small and cramped. The KET producer assured me this would not be an issue. And it really wasn't......most of the shots were of me and my work. The shots of me actually working were cropped in very tight. The whole interview process took about 5 hours with the actual segment being about 6 minutes. The crew was great and the producer really knew what he was doing in order to complete his "vision" with the piece. It was a really great experience so I hope you will catch it tonight on KET at 7pm or tomorrow at 3:30 and 6pm.

Special thanks to Catie Bates who kept my children occupied throughout the day!!!

Check This Out!!

2010-02-08T15:22:00.005-05:00

I just found out about this very cool nomination over at rikrakstudio's blog! Wow, what a wonderful blog too! If you head over there you can vote for me! The best part is the judge is Robert Mahar from Mahar Dry Goods!! Out of 150 nominations my work has been included in the final 10. I already feel like a winner! I know people say this all the time but, I have never won anything! Well, if you don't count winning every Cure album from a record store in the 80's. I mean I do love the Cure but every album?....I spread the wealth with my friends on that one! Thank you in advance!! >smile....smile......smile!

Go vote! (please).

Bigger Pictures on Blogger : How to

2010-01-26T10:59:00.006-05:00

I came across this "how to" make your pictures appear bigger on Blogger via Meet Me At Mikes blog, one that I follow. You have to have a Flickr account to do this......everyone should have a Flickr account anyway!! Flickr is the best! So, the first image was the "medium" selection and the second picture is the "large" view that I had to make smaller so I didn't cut my daughters head in half. I will continue to play around with this process but I like being able to have more control over the image size that the options offered by Blogger. Thanks Pip!.....if you want to learn how to make your images larger on your blog head over to Meet Me At Mikes and check out the tutorial plus tons of other really cool stuff.

Toilet Paper Roll Art

2010-01-15T09:11:00.005-05:00

So, my daughter has been collecting toilet paper rolls.......I ask her what her plan is and she just tells me they are telescopes and they are for sell! Well, this weekend I was browsing the DIY section of Design Sponge and came across this cool project. Basically, you just cut the rolls in equal parts then glue them together to create this organic wall sculpture. I thought it was the perfect solution to the toilet paper roll collection...she agreed! Here we are working together on gluing the parts together ( just with white glue) and deciding on our layout. She opted for flowers... of course. I thought it was fun and a quick result project to do with kids, not to mention the recycling lesson. We thought about painting it but we would like to add some more at a later time. Maybe in the end it will get some color. Check out the source of the project here.

Baby, it's cold outside!

2010-01-10T10:41:00.002-05:00

Yeah! We finally had a bit of snow! Although, if you live in rural KY and the tinniest bit of snow falls.....then they shut down the whole place. School was out for two days....I love when schools out so it didn't bother me! We had a great time....snow ball fights, reading books, making soup and lots of playtime with all the new toys. I was able to get a bunch of organizing and cleaning completed while my kids played with the new fairy house, playsilks and Lego's. Studio work has been small.......I am working on some "made to order" stuff and gearing up for an entire store re-stocking. All I need is time.....

Imaginative Play = Self Regulation

2010-01-05T09:17:00.003-05:00

My Favorite Handmade Gift I Gave in 2009!!

2010-01-04T17:50:00.002-05:00

Both of my children were born right after Christmas......so you know what that means! I have to plan out what I am giving them for their birthdays before Christmas. This year I commissioned my friend Juliane, whom I met through Flickr, to make a handmade doll for my daughter. I received the doll in the mail from Sweden back in September......she is so beautiful!! I could not wait to see Lyra's face when she opened the box! Just as I imagined......she was over the moon! It was the perfect gift for the sweetest most special five year old!! Thank you so much Juliane!

P.S. She danced with her all day and decided that she was her little sister and named her Zoe Isabella Duffy.

Tree Hunting In LBL

2009-12-16T08:22:00.005-05:00

So, I am still on cloud nine from my Etsy featured seller last week! Not to mention all the "made to order" stuff I am working on too! I feel kinda like a little elf......but, at the same time I have not been able to get any Christmas-ness going on in the Duffy house. This weekend we (I) finally made time to go get our tree! We live near Land Between the Lakes (it's a National Park) and drove out to the Welcome Center to get a permit to cut down a cedar tree. This is a program they offer free to the public! Santa just happened to be there....my daughter told him she wanted a "movie theater" popcorn popper and my son told him he wanted to be surprised. He has decided this year not to ask for anything and just see what he gets! The weather was beautiful that day..... as we were driving we saw deer grazing in the forest, red tail hawks swooping over head....pretty amazing! We eventually found several up on a hill near the lake. Amongst those trees was the perfect tree! A little big but we trimmed until it fit. I'll let the pictures tell the story..........

I'm the FEATURED SELLER ON ETSY!!!!!

2009-12-09T12:21:00.003-05:00

I am so excited today! I have been working like a little elf these days trying to get my shop stocked up for this featured seller day! It has arrived! Go check out my interview..........I tried to keep it short and sweet, because I am known to be a talker! Thank you so much Etsy, I heart you!

Campfire Tote featured on Sew Mama Sew Blog

2009-11-10T10:20:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for featuring my work on your wonderful blog.........seriously, if you have never visited sewmamasew.com you need to check it out! They have tons of fabulous fabric, patterns, features and free tutorials! Lucky me!

Winters Land Tote in the Etsy Gift Guide

2009-11-05T07:47:00.002-05:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T09:48:00.007-05:00

Here we have one Luke Skywalker.......specifically from the movie "Return of the Jedi". Which I believe is the only movie he wears all black. Then we have little miss "Snow Princess" or "White Kitty" or "Lamb"......she kinda morphed from one to the other. I like a versatile costume that can be worn for years to come! It was so nice having it on Saturday and the help of a bright sky with the full moon. Although, I noticed that L scored much more candy than K.......I guess the "cute" factor is an advantage when it comes to portions on Halloween. Last year K told everyone he was allergic to nuts and made out pretty good.....receiving money at some houses. This year he had a different strategy, he traded his "contaminated" candy with is friend for stuff he could eat. Clever Kid. Hope you all had a good one too!

Hand Felted Acorns

2009-10-27T08:12:00.003-04:00

After all the hikes we have taken the last month.....well, lets just say I have at least 5 pockets worth of acorn hats. So, I decided to teach my kids how to hand felt wool roving. I tried this last year but, it seemed their attention and hand strength just wasn't there yet. This year we had a blast working on this project together! Of course, they had a hard time giving up the felted ball to the acorn hat. We used them on our fall nature table so they can visit them when ever they like.

I am teaching myself how to needle felt for some of my toys that I make. With the help of Youtube and blogs I think I got it! For this project I am using black wool and was able to find some from an etsy seller that lives here in KY. The wool came yesterday.......sheared from a black sheep but has some white strands mixed in because of the sheep's age. Much better than dyed wool. Can't wait to get started!!!

WOW.....

2009-10-24T13:11:00.001-04:00

I was a little confused when I received a number of "convos" today in my etsy store. I was getting these really awesome compliments and wasn't sure how they found me? After some checking a craftcult.com I found that I was on the front page of etsy today. It has been a while since I have been there so it was a nice surprise!! The treasury was really beautiful.....fall colors perfect for this amazing fall day! Thanks for all the thoughtful compliments!

Fall Break at Cumberland Falls : Kentucky

2009-10-22T17:38:00.004-04:00

Loving the spectacular EARTH!!!

Hematite Lake : LBL Kentucky

2009-10-19T10:29:00.006-04:00

These are some shots from a recent visit we had with my friends Patrick and Tonia plus Adrian their sweet boy. We spent a day out at Land Between the Lakes, which happens to be in our backyard! Before our hike at Hematite Lake we spent some time driving around the elk and bison range. It was so nice to catch up with old friends........we went to grad. school together in AZ and have not seen them in about five years. Can't wait to visit them in Alabama!!

Update on the Crafty Bastards Show

2009-10-11T20:10:00.005-04:00

Week late but, I have tons of excuses.....I will get to them in the coming days. For now, I should say that I (we) had an amazing time in Washington, DC at the Crafty Bastards Show and more! Couldn't have asked for a better day! There were clouds in the sky and the sun was shining in and out through the day. The show was very very busy.......I was excited to meet Jen from indiefixx.com and Daniellexo from the Etsy Admin. plus all the great customers and admirers of little ol' me. It was actually very amazing to meet so many people who had already checked out my work on etsy! Everyone helping out the vendors were so nice and helpful and made my day when they brought me lunch by Whole Foods, delicious! My only regret.......since I was working solo all day I didn't have a chance to walk around and met other vendors or check out all the cool stuff--bummer.

Feature on the Crafty Bastard Blog!

2009-09-15T21:25:00.007-04:00

I know , I know....no time for bloggin' for me lately! I have been working hard on trying to get my stock up for the Crafty Bastard show in D.C. on Oct 3rd. So, excited to go to Washington and do this show! There are going to be some really happenin' people there that I have admired on Etsy this past year. It was such a honor to get invited to this show !! Now, I have been featured on the Crafty Bastard Blog... WOW! Check it out here. I promise to catch you up to what I have been making in my studio soon!

Oh, and don't forget to vote for me as the craftiest bastard!

Goodbye Summer

2009-09-01T14:31:00.002-04:00

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall, Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Goodbye flowers

Hello Acorns

What cute little hats!

by Lyra, age 4

Thrifted

2009-08-23T09:26:00.002-04:00

About a week ago I was in Murray signing my daughter up for a dance class. Her class is taught in the Old Fine Arts building right on the very campus I attended. It was very bizarre walking into the Fine Arts building after so many years. After registration we did a bit of visiting and ran into one of my favorite people Dale Leys. He got to meet my amazing daughter and we had one of those disjointed conversations you have with someone you have not seen them in ten years. It was nice to have that moment. After, we drove around, ate some lunch and stopped into the local Good Will. I totally scored! I found bags full of felt board materials typically used in a Montessori classroom. There were about 6 sets of two inch alphabet letters, 3 sets of numbers 1-10, tons of different shapes of all colors like pumpkins, apples, ginger men, ice cream cones that are perfect for counting. Plus, two sets of felt stories including the written story and songs. The entire lot cost me around five dollars, I kept half and gave half away. Even though I choose to send my child to public school.......I like to home school in my own style while we are together.

Cinnamon Bun Bun

2009-08-15T15:12:00.004-04:00

Okay...Okay....I admit it. I am a big push over when it comes to adding animal members to my family! This time we have adopted a Velveteen Lop we named Cinnamon Bun Bun. He is so laid back and sweet, nothing like I remember my childhood rabbit being. The breeder we purchased him from said these were one of the most lovable rabbits to have. So the story goes, we were going to purchase two bunnies but my daughter fell in love with the Flemish Giant. This particular rabbit was the buck and lucky for us his "wife" the doe was preggo! She is due next week and we have to wait for six more weeks to bring home the bunny. These rabbits are huge, they get to be 12-20 pounds and have a sweet personality much like the lop. I was amazed because I really thought L would go for the miniature breed. She always surprises me!

New Work: Commissions

2009-08-11T17:08:00.004-04:00

These "Secret Keepers" just shipped off to South Australia! These little babies helped the push to get my metal working space carved out here at home. Granted it is in the garage which can be hot at times but, not as many spiders as one would think! I am loving metal work right now. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder even when it comes to making art. More to come....I am planning on making some new work for the Murray State Alumni Show coming up in October.

Project Handmade House

2009-08-08T09:32:00.002-04:00

Long ago when I was just a wee one my parents befriended a crafty couple while we were living in Texas. This doll house was built by the crafty couple and then gifted to me! Those of you that don't know....I grew up in the military. My dad was a helicopter pilot and his course of duty lead us to a new place every three years. So, you guessed it, the doll house was moved from here to there and everywhere. The couple must have had great impact on my mom because we didn't hold on to lots of things. After my daughter was born in 2004 my mom passed the doll house to me. This is what it looks like now......half of the roof is missing and there are quite a few dings. Forty years of existence and the doll house has never been painted or finished. I have decided to take on the project with my children. Passing on my passion for handmade to my children in the process. My idea is to paint and finish the interior of the house then make all the furniture and objects on the inside. All the while keeping you updated here on my blog under the label Project Handmade House.

Day One

2009-08-06T23:22:00.005-04:00

Today was the day......day one of school! The night before I stayed up late to bake chocolate chip cookies by request. K wanted to give some to his teacher on the first day of school. Last year we were able to walk to school and he picked his teacher a flower on the way. I tell ya....sweet boy! I was so relived that he was excited and eager to go this morning. Unlike last year where we had some separation issues.....me included. So, today we walked in the door and he walked away with a smile...... I walked away and cried. I'm OK. I felt a little empty today but, I had my bugga! I said to her "what will I do next year when you go off to school?" she replied "you get to make your art, silly mommy!" That put it all into perspective....thank you wise four year old, my love.

Flying......

2009-07-29T23:36:00.004-04:00

Honestly, I don't know where the time has gone? As I am writing this and realizing my doodle (son) will be starting school a week from tomorrow. My stomach is turning and I am really really sad. I love hanging with my kids and not having him for six hours out of the day is hard. At least I get my bugga for one more year! Since I have become a parent it seems like time just flies by and I seriously feel like weeks are like days. This summer has been pretty crazy for me.........

husband getting a new job in a different state
selling a house
packing a house
saying good bye to friends and family
moving to a new place
unpacking a house
finally.....setting up my studio
finding my way around
making memories with my family

The summer is over and I'm just feeling settled......

Shopping List Saturday.....back to school!

2009-07-25T10:09:00.010-04:00

timberps

annamatic

dylanS

Yesterday I was browsing around etsy for some cool back to school shirts and stuff for my soon to be 1st grader. Shopping for boys is just not as easy as it is for girls.....there seems to be three times as much for girls. So, these are a few things I found for my K. My tummy turns into knots just thinking about school starting. For this year, I will have L at home one last year then she is off to Kindergarten. I can't even wrap my brain around it! I really wanted to home school both of my children but, K told me in his own words "I want to be in a classroom with other children and have a teacher......and I just want you to be my mommy". Well thought out for a 5 year old I must say but it kinda broke my heart. I still battle within myself the feelings of wanting to home school. Hope everyone has a super weekend......here in KY the weather is perfect! And please....

don't forget.....you can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog.

Kentucky Days

2009-07-23T17:18:00.002-04:00

Today:

..........went fishing with friends.

.........saw two herring catch fish, we caught none.

.........devoured some yummy chocolate dipped ice cream.

.........collected flat rocks, made some sculpture.

.........good day here on Kentucky Lake.

Im a Crafty Bastard!!

2009-07-23T09:33:00.002-04:00

Woo Hoo! I found out the other day that I've been accepted into the Crafty Bastards show in DC!! Very exciting!!! The show is Oct 3rd from 10-5 on the grounds of the Marie Learning Center near the hip neighborhood Adams Morgan. My cousin lives there so we will stay with his family which will be lots of fun/kids. My husband has agreed to go with and take the kiddos for a family adventure!

Front Page!

2009-07-19T17:14:00.006-04:00

New work and update on the BIG Crafty

2009-07-18T15:16:00.006-04:00

Back home from the BIG Crafty! I had a great time in Asheville, NC at the show! My sister went with and she was the best company. I got to meet some fellow etsy folks, the tent next to me was Brooke from So She Sews who makes wallets, purses and accessories from fused plastic bags....pretty cool! I also received tons of great compliments on my work (nice).....sold a bunch too! Oh, almost forgot....I gave my card to another artist whose husband works for Lark Books, who knows what may come of that? After the show I visited with my mom and step dad for the rest of the week. Hit Ikea one day for some fabric and lighting.......and drove into Greensboro for a play date with my good friend Danielle. The kids had a good time at MeMe and PopPop's house on the lake with some swimming and boat rides.
Before I left I completed a new design I call "In the Garden". It was a hit at the show and I have a couple that I am photographing today so I can post in my store. The image above is just a sneak peek that I wanted to post before I left but........didn't get the chance. Well, that's it for me. Now, off to take some images of my new work.

PBS interview

2009-07-07T21:02:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago...not too long after I moved to Kentucky, I received an email from my local PBS station. They wanted to do an interview segment about me and my work for a program called "Kentucky Life". Of course, I welcomed it with open arms.....plus, it gave me that push to get my space set up and organized. So, today was the day. While all of America had there thoughts on Michael Jackson during his memorial. I spent the day talking about myself and what I make. It wasn't too painful either....if anyone knows me personally.....I'm a talker. I talked and talked and talked......they said I did a great job, I'm sure it had something to do with the amount of footage they were able to get! All in all it was pretty cool. I'm not sure when it will air but, they are sending me a copy so I can post it on my blog. Well, Ive had a long day.....I am heading to the couch to do some hand work on my new tote "In the Garden".

Lullatone.....sweet sounds!

2009-06-30T11:58:00.004-04:00

I found Lullatone via Flickr....see them here at lullatone.com

While I was searching their website....under "links" they had posted a statement that read:

"Lets be careful not to spend too much time on the internet" .....nice thought.
Hope you have a not-to-much internet day today!

Making fun

2009-06-29T17:56:00.008-04:00

I was tempted by Amy over at Sweet Sweet Life Blog to keep my kids busy......so we did some shaving cream paintings. I thought it was a great project with very exciting results....my kids loved it too! I actually had thought about doing the project last year for my sons Kindergarten class but, thought better at the time. Although, one would think how messy kids could get with shaving cream and food coloring but, I must say it was not bad at all! So, here is how it went.......

Here is sweet L dropping the food coloring into the shaving cream.

Then we took a knife and pretended we were cutting brownies until she liked what we saw.

Next we took some sketchbook paper and pressed into the shave/color.

Pulled up the paper

Then scraped off the shaving cream with a plastic credit card.

more scraping.....

and here is = our beautiful marbleized paper!

Detail

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-27T09:38:00.005-04:00

spoonergregory

amischieivousmarraige

shakyiles

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!! It's hotter than sizzlin' bacon here in KY...ugg. My poor husband has to spend every day out on the golf course hand watering the greens so they don't wilt and die. I really don't know how he does it, I left earlier to eat lunch with a friend and could barely make it from the house to the car. We have decided to spend the day inside, I hope to get some sewing accomplished at some point today. I did manage to find some time for etsy love......my favs are the tea towels!

Homemade Dough

2009-06-24T13:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday...well, was extremely hot! We got up and headed to the pool for some "swimming lessons" around 9am. I have been trying to teach my kids how to swim since there aren't any swim lessons locally. I found some great helpful videos on YouTube to give me some ideas and language. Both my kids love the water but, my son hates to get his face wet....something we have been dealing with for a while now. He would not go to swim lessons when we lived in NC and we only went to the pool on occasion. Now that we live in the State Park that has a lodge with a pool for us to use anytime! We made some amazing progress! He was swimming half the length of the pool by the time we left. Head above water I might add!

After pool time we ate some lunch and realized that the air conditioner felt too good to leave. So, I made some homemade play-dough using a recipe from the Montessori Mom website. Then I made a cup of espresso and had a short day dream. Nice.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-20T10:42:00.007-04:00

tea cup set

As my children are getting older I am always on the look out for good sturdy glasses that are not plastic. I am very anti-plastic......but, with kids sometimes it is the best solution. My children have a playroom with a table that they like to have snacks on throughout the day. In my quest to prevent spills and glasses getting broken when I am.....well lets say in my studio. I have decided to go to a ceramic cup. I found these in my searches on etsy this week. I have to say there was not a huge selection of ceramic cups intended for small hands. I really like these because unlike most cups including plastic, they are larger at the bottom. However I am not crazy about the color selection but, I am planning to convo the artist to see if there are any other options. That's about it for me on this very sunny Saturday. I am planning on hitting the fabric store later and maybe the pool with my kiddos. Oh, which reminds me...I am in search of a good sunscreen that is waterproof. I have tried many including Aveeno, which burned and really did not work. If you have a suggestion please comment!
Don't forget.....you can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog.

Makes me SMILE

2009-06-16T09:41:00.005-04:00

If you have been keeping up with my blog.....you know that my husband is a Golf Course Superintendent. I was clicking around last night and came across this fabulous and funny store called Busted Tees. They had me laughing out loud! I love the hilarious printed tee shirts they stock with the wittiest of humor. I found this one and could not resist! Perfect for him, plus they print on American Apparel shirts that are made right here in the US! Check out the store here.

Shopping List Saturday....for real!

2009-06-13T09:16:00.003-04:00

Isn't this the most beautiful vacuum cleaner you have ever laid eyes on? I have been researching....yes....you guessed it....vacuum cleaners! I am so tired of buying the ones at the big box stores that die after two or three years. I have two dogs that are big time sheaders so I need something powerful. This is the one I have decided on, after getting my tutorial from the local guy down at the vacuum cleaner store in Paducah. He was very knowledgeable and eager to help.....the heavy country accent made it all somewhat humorous. My husband tells me I can rationalize anything and he is right. But, no closet space + two dogs + two young children = this beautiful yet expensive vacuum. I have gone two weeks without a vacuum and I can go no longer! So, I am off to the store! Sorry I didn't give you any amazing esty art today.....maybe tomorrow!

New Secret Keepers

2009-06-07T13:53:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know I have updated my metal working shop on etsy with some new work.......check it out here!!!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-06T09:48:00.003-04:00

Candydish

Mug by
burrobranch

Good morning to a beautiful Saturday here in Kentucky! I have almost unpacked all my boxes and I think I found a spot in my new house to set up a studio until something better comes along. Because, I need to work just to keep my sanity!! I have some new Discovery Tote ideas and I will be posting some more "secret keepers" in my metal shop later today.

For my Shopping list this week I found this amazing work by ceramists Jenni Brant. She operates out of a studio tagged Burro Branch along with her partner in Lincoln, Nebraska. The entire store is filled with the most feminine, delicate pottery. It really reminds me of a piece of precious jewelry that is only worn on special occasions. Sure to make any cup of coffee a special moment no matter what day! Click over and check out her amazing work and you can get more info and pictures on her website! Have a good one, and remember you can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog.

The BIG Crafty

2009-06-03T09:16:00.007-04:00

Yeah!! I'm heading back to North Carolina in July to participate in The BIG Crafty. The date is July 12th on a Sunday. I am very excited to meet some of the other esty artists that I have admired on etsy.com. There will be 100 indie crafters, music, and of course food vendors. If you have not been in the mountains of NC during the summer months.....well, let me say the weather is amazing! Now, if I can just get my studio unpacked and set up so I can make some new work. The timing is not the best, with the move and everything but, I have stock in my shop. I just really wanted to make some of my new designs so I can get feedback at the show. I will keep you posted on any new work. Come see me in NC!!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-05-30T09:26:00.003-04:00

Janet Hill Studio

Matildebeldroega

alleluja

Hello Saturday! I have to be honest....this move has been rough. I am trying to stay positive today so I'm not going to wrap you up in it. Last night I went to Murray Ky where my husband and I went to undergrad. Met up with an old friend, met some new and had a wonderful night hanging on the porch. So, things are turning around it just is taking some time. I am trying to locate a studio space and unpack still......things are just moving too slow for me. But, I did manage to put together some of my Etsy favs for my shopping list this week. The painting is by a Canadian artist, Janet Hill. She has a shop full of beautiful interior paintings and prints. Her work has such a dreamy feel. I love her color palette! You can find out more about Janet on her blog. "Brother, sister and the dog" are wonderfully detailed dolls made by an artist from Portugal....she blogs too. The pin cushions are....well, just look at them! Sweet and weird...excellent combination. Hope you have a chance to check out these shops and have a great weekend! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog.

We are here

2009-05-27T23:30:00.006-04:00

Two front page features during my moving weekend

Yay!! My family is back together....we were really missing dad! We are now here and living in KY. I have been walking around in circles for the past three days trying to make some sense of all this stuff....boxes and boxes of stuff. I have unpacked half of the kitchen and about the same in the kids rooms. I spent today visiting Paducah and looking at a studio space. I don't think it will work for me, but something else will come up. I have not worked in about four weeks now and am wishing for the day to come soon. The crazy thing is my "campfire tote" was on the front page of etsy while I was traveling on Sunday and when I took a break to twitter on Monday I checked Etsy and boom there it was again. It made me want to clear one corner of the house and start working immediately. I know I can't do that....my husband might give me stink eye. So, now I blog to let you know I am alive and well and will keep you posted on my new work.

Moving Weekend!!

2009-05-22T08:32:00.002-04:00

As I have spoke in earlier postings........We are moving!! Whew, it has been a long haul for me the past few weeks. But, I did it! I was able to stay so my Kindergartner could finish most of the year and sell my house. I can honestly say it was a bit stressful, mostly trying to keep the house spotless for showings. Oh and did I say that I did it all by myself. I have huge respect for single mothers, It's the moments of "me" time that I missed but, it was missing hours of "studio" time that were the most painful. Hopefully the transition will go well and I can have a corner all to myself to get back to work. After being in the Etsy Finds email and The Storque with my "secret keepers" I have been getting much attention to my metal work. I have a couple of commissions that I need to make within the month. Very good times. So, I will say have a great weekend and think of me while I embark on a new journey.......Im off to Kentucky to live in the woods.

Geek Chic

2009-05-19T21:16:00.003-04:00

I found my metal work this week in the Geek Chic gift guide on etsy, then featured in Spotlight in The Storque. Although, I have always thought of myself more of a "dork" than a geek. The store is HEILOstudios and does not have much stock right now but, I am going to be working on that when I get moved and settled. So keep your eye out.....

Shopping List Saturday

2009-05-16T07:26:00.004-04:00

Shams and Coverups

urastarhouse

Artsy

This is my last shopping list as a North Carolina resident! {sad} We are moving in a week to Kentucky. The house is almost sold and barely packed. The past three weeks I have been mothering my children like a single mom. Whew, I don't know how they do it, other that the fact that you just have too. It requires much more patience and much less sleep. Then mix in trying to keep a house clean for showings and well, that is enough to push any sane person right to the brink. I am in my final week with my man and I am missing him like crazy. Soon. Soon. So, back to the shopping list.....All of the shops this week are from NC. I love the shop local feature on etsy! I can't wait to see the local KY shops! I can't wait to make stuff instead of move stuff.

I hope you all have a great weekend! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog.

A couple on things......

2009-05-15T22:33:00.005-04:00

{one} So, I finally did it! Yes, I made it to the front page and sold the piece. Not only that...I broke my "no sales" streak in my shop. I have two etsy shops and I have not been very sucessful with my metal work. Mostly my fault, I just have not given it as much attention. Very cool way to end this overwhelming week. {thank you etsy}

{two} I was also, featured in etsy's blog The Storque! {smile}

Shopping List.........Sunday

2009-05-09T21:39:00.002-04:00

Michelle Moode

katep

janellesonger

It is late in the evening, the garden has been planted (for my mom), the kids are sleeping soundly and I am blogging.....finally. I love to make my shopping list for the very pleasure of the search. It is a time I "allow" myself endless loops around etsy just trying to find something that is provokingly beautiful. Of course the possibilities are endless and I have to narrow down the choices. I hope you enjoy my items on this Mother's Day.

I've been keeping a secret!

2009-05-09T08:44:00.003-04:00

No.....I'm not pregnant! We are moving! I have been spending the last few weeks packing and trying to sell my house here in NC. My husband got a fabulous job in KY (where he is from) that we couldn't turn down! He is a golf course superintendent and will be working at a state park. We will get to live inside the park! Very exciting. So, if anyone has wondered why I have not been making new work well..........Can I just say that trying to show a house with a 4 and 6 year old is not fun! I have somewhat packed my studio for the move too. I have been working on drawings and ideas for new work that I can't wait to create. I will keep you posted on the move, but keep your fingers crossed for me on selling my house. We plan to move in a couple of weeks and having the house sold would just be the cherry on top!

p.s. Don't count me out of the shopping list....I'm going to do a post on Mother's Day.

Perfect

2009-05-05T08:48:00.004-04:00

I was reading a new found blog this morning called Kiwi Baby Stuff that blogs about innovative children's design. I found a post of some twig crayons from a store that features the newest and best in decorative arts design. I headed over to the website The Future Perfect ( love the name) to investigate myself. I came across these crayon rings........satisfies my two creative loves-- Metalsmithing and children's design.

I saw a rainbow the other day.

2009-05-01T22:38:00.005-04:00

I can't remember the last time I have seen a full rainbow........it reached from one side of the sky to the other! Amazing and beautiful..........a sign? I can't help but think yes. I have had the privilege of "shining" on the front page of etsy three times recently! I feel very grateful and encouraged.

Another great landing!

2009-04-29T13:48:00.002-04:00

So, I missed another one of my front page landings! Only knew something was up since I keep such a close watch on my hearts. This one was put together by Etsy Admin. and is filled with some great handmade goodness.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-04-25T08:04:00.005-04:00

Mette

Little Red Caboose

This weeks shopping list comes from two of some of my favorite etsy sellers! Not until I began to write this post did I see all the similarities between the two. Both living in Vancouver making beautiful handmade items for children, inspired by their own children. Their amazing work has adorned the front page of etsy several times. Also, they have wonderful blogs that give details of there lives and working processes. I have personally been reading Little Red Caboose blog for a long time now and absolutely love her images. Her blog is a must see........check it out here. Have a wonderful weekend! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......

Etsy Front Page!!!!

2009-04-25T07:58:00.003-04:00

This front page happened sometime this past week and I am just getting around to posting. I did not get a chance to see it for myself......thanks to my friend Colleen on Facebook who saw it and notified me. None the less, I was excited about landing there!! Thanks etsy admin. for browsing categories and curating a beautiful page.

The Handmade Market in Raleigh NC

2009-04-19T08:12:00.004-04:00

Yet another week of my horrible blogging habits.....when my life gets busy it's best that I cut certain things out. Blogging takes the hit, it's not just the blogging it is getting on the computer in general. The computer can suck my time right up and then I think I should have been making stuff or playing with my children. Although, I do want to let you know that I will be in Raleigh, NC on May 3rd for my first indie crafts show. The Handmade Market is a show started by a group of women that call themselves "The Handmaidens". The Handmaidens created The Handmade Market after recognizing that there are few quality shows in the Southeast that cater to the region’s flourishing independent art and design scene. Taking matters into their own hands, they created The Handmade Market to promote the area’s emerging artists and to provide them with a venue for selling their work. This is a juried show and I am very excited to have gotten in and can't wait to meet all the other vendors. You can check out the other vendors by clicking on the post title. I will try my best to post again before the week ends! Have a wonderful Sunday.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T08:49:00.004-04:00

Good morning! Easter started about 6:30am for me, my husband had to work so I tried to hold off the egg hunt but.......couldn't. I just wanted to do a quick post of my children's handmade Easter goodness. With the exception of the candy, I was able to do all handmade gifts for them this year! The baskets were made by me about three years ago, I don't put them away so they can use them anytime. I filled them with handmade eggs using the pattern from retro mama's blog. Then last night I stitched together some bags for a sketch book and colored markers (opps, these were commercially made). The felted bunnies inside the felt eggs came from Magic Forest, so adorable! Last, I cut an egg carton in half and decoupaged paper to the top and filled them with chocolates. Whew, next challenge is to do all handmade for Christmas......or at least try.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-04-04T07:45:00.004-04:00

PET bottles + soldering gun + alcohol burner. tertium non data translated from latin means: the third is not given. it is an alchemic term which refers to the process of combining two disparate elements to create a new, third element. the process of transformation is a mystery - an unknown... Things made by GULNUR OZDAGLAR GUVENC

Today is a busy day for me....so my list is short but sweet! I am very passionate about recycling and in these times who isn't? I found this etsy seller who takes recycling to the extreme. Gulnur is an architect who makes these beautiful pieces out of plastic bottles. The bowls with all the holes are drilled by hand, wow what patience. Check out her store and blog to find out more about this amazing work! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......

A Day in Holland

2009-03-30T07:48:00.005-04:00

This is my newest Discovery Tote design! A Day in Holland was a special order for a customer that is from Holland and in now living in the US. She has a little girl that she wants to pass her heritage on to and what a perfect place to start. This tote takes a peek into the wonderful landscape of Holland. Fields of flowers growing around a towering windmill. A canal that brings in the water through the green pastures. Imagine riding your bike through this amazing countryside or maybe you live in the tiny house where you get to tend to all the flowers. The tote allows plenty of room to throw in some little animals and people to make this wonderland complete. After playtime simply pull the ribbon and slide down the covered button. Discovery Tote A Day in Holland opens up to approx. 17inches and holds the windmill and tiny house. Made from a wool felt blend, cotton and silk fabric. For the field of flowers I used a vintage fabric that was passed on to me by a friend just for this special order.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-28T08:13:00.005-04:00

The Vintage Closet

Studio WonJun

artistscs28

This week shopping list comes from a search through tags, black and white. Recently etsy posted a "how to" update on tagging your work. I realized I don't tag my work thoroughly enough. So, today I am planning on editing some of my work and tagging it better. I will let you know if it makes any difference. Regardless, I found some beautiful work this week. The vintage closet has really amazing pictures of the items for sale. I have to say I included it just for the image, the shoes are cute too! As of late I have been more and more drawn to embroidery and crochet and there is some spectacular examples right now. It's like punk rock. Then who doesn't love coneflowers? I have them planted throughout my garden every year. With this print you can enjoy them all year round.....plus if you mention how you found the shop you get 20% off your purchase. Enjoy my picks this week and have a great weekend......it's raining here so it looks like more inside fun. That means studio time for me! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......

The Black Cab Sessions

2009-03-26T15:30:00.007-04:00

Favorite Things: to see live music.....and to get turned on to new music. Well, I found my fix! The Black Cab Sessions are unbelievable peeks at incredible bands that can stand up to a performance in the back of a black cab. Playing acoustic and some playing toy pianos these bands prove that they are amazing artists that sound just as great raw. One of the coolest parts is they are driving around the streets of London and the camera pans out to the side walks. Witnessing the reactions of people on the streets and the scenery is fabulous. If you are in need of some new tunes in your arsenal well, this is a free ticket. Some of my personal favorites include Calexico, Death Cab for Cutie, Ryan Adams which are already on my ipod. Then the "new" bands I discovered are Our Broken Garden, Smoke Fairies and Charlie Siem. Another cool thing about the Black Cab Sessions is they give you some info about each performer. So, go.....check it out!

Shopping List Saturday / FROKEN SKICKLIG GIVEAWAY

2009-03-20T18:09:00.005-04:00

Froken Skicklig

Froken Skicklig

Good morning and Hello! We had a great week with beautiful weather here in the Carolina's. I hope everyone was able to enjoy some sunshine too. Today I am so excited to tell everyone about my new friend! I met Juliane, owner of Froken Skicklig, on Flickr this week. She emailed me and used a phrase I really loved "Thank you so much for the virtual acquaintance" after we became "contacts". I have made many virtual friendships over the past several months which has been very cool. Anyway, the topic of today's post is two fold, first I want to tell you about Froken Skicklig shop on etsy, second, I want to tell you about a giveaway Juliane is offering on her blog this week. Juliane is a trained Puppeteer, how many people do you know that have those credentials? She is also, an actress and exceptional doll maker who shares her time between Berlin and Sweden. It sounds so dreamy! Oh, she also, has a beautiful blog too.

Speaking of her blog.......you have to visit it this week to see the sweetest handmade doll she is planning to give away! Of course, I would love to be the recipient but, I had to share her talent with my blog readers because she is just that talented! Check out her esty shop and blog you will be delighted! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......Have a great Day!!

New Campfires!!

2009-03-16T14:32:00.003-04:00

After a weekend of non-stop rain. I got a break early this morning so I could photograph all my new totes. So, finally, I am starting to post all the Campfire totes! I usually post them all at the same time although, I hear from other people or should I say other blogs that there is a certain time in which you should post. I wish I could keep up with all that but, for me it's all about when I have time to get it posted. So, keep a check on my store for campfires!

Oh, I almost for got to mention. I got new tags....they are wooden with my logo and name laser etched in them. I really like them, they are different and I wanted something unique. What do you think?

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-14T08:09:00.003-04:00

johnwgolden

CircaCeramic

hine

I saw this cute little camera case by Hine on the front page of etsy this week. I clicked on the image to check out the shop and there was a link to Storque. There under etc. in Storque was an animation of the camera case in action! You should check it out, very creative. So, this week I put together some of my favorite "camera" image products I have come across on etsy. Enjoy!!
You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......Have a great Day!!

Update

2009-03-13T08:59:00.003-04:00

Just a quick post to say......I'm getting there! Campfires are coming!! There is so much hand stitching involved it really takes quite a while to make each one. I have been working on them for the last two weeks and am finally nearing the end. I will be posting six new campfires on Saturday afternoon. Until then, happy stitching!

我们这一家子

2009-03-11T07:39:00.005-04:00

I am still trying to figure out all the information available with google analytics. I linked my etsy store to it as soon as it became an option and have been loving it! Although, I don't know if I am getting all the information that it offers? Every morning I enjoy a cup of coffee and a view of the previous days data on google analytics. My favorite part is to see where people are coming from....there are three options- direct traffic, referring sites and search engines. I like to scour the referring site list, hmmm? Who is checking out my store? When I had the coolmompicks.com feature my traffic was 10 times as much as a "normal" day. Which blew me away! Still so thankful for that feature. I have found my work featured on several other websites and blogs just from the data google analytics provides. This is where the detective side of me comes out, because you have to search for the feature. For example today I found my work on a Chinese website called DIYmom. It was written in Chinese so I couldn't read it but the feature was really great from what I saw of the images! The other feature I came across a few weeks ago was one from Serbia called Škrabalica. This website is a crafting and parenting website from Belgrade, Serbia. It was full of great images of my work and again I could not read the language. But, I did leave a comment to thank them for the feature. Pretty cool, huh?!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-06T22:29:00.003-05:00

bluebicicletta

Ulaa

Ninainvorm

Like many of you, I get tangled up in all the shops on etsy...my favorites, their favorites....on and on and on..... well you get the picture. Sometimes this lasts entirely too long but, it is so inspiring at the same time. Between etsy and flickr...ahem...do I really need to say any more? The items I picked this week are a combo of flickr and esty finds, although they all have etsy stores. I hope you enjoy the result of a good tangled up hour spent this week. So many amazing finds...these are just a few of my favorites. All worth checking out! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......Have a great Day!!

Trip to Tybee Island

2009-03-03T20:03:00.004-05:00

So between being sick.....which I really don't like to blog about, but it was rough and going out of town on a long weekend with my family. Well, let's just say I have not been able to get much work done. But, that is the beauty of having an etsy store. I will be adding more totes sometime this weekend. On another note......we had a really relaxing time on Tybee Island over the weekend. It did get cold and windy with rain on Sunday but, the day finished out nicely with some sunshine and a walk on the beach. The trip home was filled with anticipation since Greensboro was hit with about six inches of snow. Although, I did manage to talk my husband into stopping at the new IKEA in Charlotte during the drive through. It was so overwhelming that I just had to walk away. That store deserves an entire day of dedication. Back at home, school has been cancelled the past two days and my saga of not getting work done continues......

More Campfire Totes in the works!!

2009-02-24T20:25:00.002-05:00

Hello, I have been fighting off a cough and sniffles the past few days......but, I am stitching here and there and wanted to give a quick up date on my store. I will be posting several Campfire totes soon! I recently posted some Cars totes and Island totes that can be seen in my store now. If there is something particular you are looking for?.......Please feel free to convo me. I am also, coming out with a new one for the spring!!!! So, stay tuned.

Thank You Ohdeedoh!!

2009-02-20T08:49:00.003-05:00

I feel really grateful today! I have received several nice features in the past couple of weeks that have given my work much attention. It has been very nice, hmmm....that's probably an understatement. It has been exciting, exhilarating, thankful, and the list goes on......So, last night I was checking my etsy store to find an abnormal amount of activity going on with my hearts (esty's way to bookmark favorites). Maybe, there was another feature on my work somewhere out there? Luckily for me google analytics answers all those questions, but not until the next day. Here it is the next day, checking my analytics report to find at the top of the referring sites to be.......Ohdeedoh! First thought, no way, that is amazing! It was just a click away....and taadah! Yes, they did a feature on my work! Ohdeedoh just happens to be one of my favorite children's design sites, I was at a loss for words. Thank you Ohdeedoh. If you don't know about Ohdeedoh, well, it is a subdivision of Apartment Therapy. They feature only the coolest most hip designs, I am very honoured to even be mentioned. Have a great day! I know I will!!!

Nesting Rockers

2009-02-18T08:52:00.003-05:00

I found a new children's design blog called kids love design while I should have been sewing last night. Then stumbled upon this image of these nesting rockers by puur design studio. It's called magic chair and is a concept design by Dripta Roy. The chairs were designed to save space but more importantly this chair can be a piece of art on its own. Beautiful and functional......just my kind of furniture!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-02-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

lillalotta

sparrowsfart

scarletfig

Good morning all! These are a few of my favorites I found this week. I think sparrowsfart is hilarious, the name not the work. Evidently sparrowsfart is an Australian slang word that means dawn, funny! I really enjoy her little horses, they have such attitude. Then the top image, lillalotta's work is perfect for gift giving. Sweet little house garland and some decorative dolls fill her shop based in France. Last, I found this chair fabric, perfect for making a little girls dress out of, I just love to use unpredictable prints in my daughters clothing, I think it makes them extra hip! All worth checking out! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......Have a great Day!!

Cool Mom Picks Feature!

2009-02-11T09:23:00.005-05:00

You know the old saying "when it rains it pours"? Well, it has happened to me the past couple of weeks in an oh so spectacular way!! I have now landed on coolmompicks.com!! My Discovery Totes are featured there today and with a super bonus! You must read the feature to find out! Yay, Helicopter Studios!!

The New Game of Tag

2009-02-09T20:58:00.007-05:00

First, I have to say how much I have enjoyed being a part of Etsy, Flickr and blogging! I have "met" so many really talented and sweet people. One being Stefanie from Hamburg, Germany. She was my Holiday Traditions Exchange partner. I never had a chance to post anything during the holidays about how much I loved all of my handmade items she so thoughtfully put together for me, thanks again Stef. Stefanie has a great blog called Morning Flower that happens to be bilingual, go Stef! Well, I was tagged by....you guessed it....Stefanie from Hamburg! So, that leads me to this post about the new tagging game. Now this one I can handle, not so many questions and such reveal. This tagging goes like this.........go to the 4th picture file in your computer and go to the 4th picture and blog about it. This is my 4th and 4th.....ahhhh, such sweetness!! Time passes so quickly and there is never a dull moment with two little ones. I remember this moment like it was today, just a random evening hanging out before bed time stories. I just happened to capture true love between a brother and sister. Those big blue eyes adorning both of my children are my favorite thing to shoot! Sweet sweet baby love...........I could go on and on but, I shall stop here. Now, I have to tag 4 bloggers to post in the same manner. Here goes.........
sweetsweetlife
babyeye
lynetteandreasen
metallove

Shelter

2009-02-08T08:36:00.004-05:00

via Yanko Design

"Trad is a shelter, personal space where children carry out their fantasies and games. A place that allows them to feel safe, to learn and to imagine. That enchanted wood where one can dream of heroes and princesses, witches and dragons... and live a thousand and one adventures. The tree, as an icon for wisdom, shelter and playground, symbol of life and growth. Approach to an increasingly absent nature, as a comeback to traditional games, towards imagination development, with no artifices, as a basis for the growth of the child's personal world."

I came across this children's toy the other day and looked with amazement! I think it is brilliant. How much fun could a child have with one of these. It is beautiful to look at, which is where I have a problem with most children's toys. I can't "live" with objects that I don't like to look at everyday. This is one that you couldn't put away and really why would you. I love the open ended playability that is offered to the child. Then the symbolism behind the tree shelter is by far the smartest concept for a toy I have ever heard. I'm just jealous I didn't think of it first.

Indie Fixx Feature

2009-02-04T08:02:00.005-05:00

I could not believe my eyes! On this blog I have some of my favorite blogs and websites under blogroll on my side bar. I love this feature because it gives you up to date postings that are on those choice sites. So, I am having my morning coffee and checking out some of my favorites when, I see under Indie Fixx is Discovery Totes by Helicopter Studios! It was a total surprise to see, especially because I rarely see a posting about kid products. The feature was short and sweet but provided the reader with lots of images. Sometimes pictures speak louder than words! Thank you Indie Fixx for your very nice feature!

Someone is Stalking Me!

2009-02-03T09:46:00.004-05:00

Today I received a very nice email from Beatrice the curator at Etsy Stalker informing me that she included one of my Discovery Totes in her latest exhibit. "Confessions of an Etsy Stalker" is an on-line museum of Etsy arts and crafts. Beatrice believes there are two kinds of people necessary in the arts. First, there are the artists and then there are the people who appreciate the arts. Her website focuses on promoting and helping professional artists and their passions. This website is a fantastic way to find information on etsy sellers your might not know about and listen to why she has picked them to be her favorites. So, click over and at least read my latest on line feature!

A Gift for a Sweetie

2009-02-01T18:29:00.002-05:00

These are heart necklaces that hold little clothes pin dolls. They are made of wool felt and fabric, the ribbon is approx. 20 inches so it is easy to slide over the head. I have already given each of my kids one and they played with the dolls on the playground all afternoon. If you are wondering, I made a boy doll for my son, with little pants. I guess I need to add some of those to my shop too! I don't know about the other moms out there but, my kids love to have "take alongs" when ever we are running arrands or going to play. They always want to bring a little something like a doll, car, stufftie etc... So, this is perfect when they get tired of holding the doll it can be tucked away inside the little heart. Each of the dolls are dressed in outfits that match the heart that carries them. Check them out in my store this week!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-01-31T08:40:00.005-05:00

The ay bee cees
The ay bee cees

Double Booked

Your Secret Admiral

Today I am not just "shopping" for my list. I am in search of a weekly planner for my son. He has become very connected to having a written calender for the week, we have been recording lots of things. Who puts him to bed at night, me or dad to where we might go that day. So I thought it would be nice to give him something handmade that he could keep all of his plans neatly written for reference. I had a hard time finding a daily planner on etsy, if anyone knows of a seller please make a comment. These are some of my favorites. You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......

Wizard of Oz Discovery Tote

2009-01-29T15:11:00.004-05:00

This is a tote I made for my daughters 4th birthday. She loves the movies Wizard of Oz so we had a Oz party for her. I ordered the fabric from an online fabric store and stitched the rest. I really had too many ideas for this tote but in the end wanted it to be simple and playable. I included Munchkin land where Dorothy's house landed on the witch, her feet sticking out from underneath of the "house". From there you walk down the yellow brick road to find the grumpy old apples trees where Dorothy and the Scarecrow find the Tin Man. The off to the poppy fields where they fall asleep before getting to Oz.

I searched hi and lo for the McDonald's Happy Meal Wizard of Oz Dolls, which are Madame Alexander. We had a few but I wanted to include the whole set, 12 all together. Finally, found them through Amazon.com from an independent seller, YAY!!! I had found other sets on eBay but, they wanted 100 bucks for the set of twelve Happy Meal toys! The seller I bought them from had the set listed for 34.00, I thought that was great. We got all the toys without having to eat the terrible food! So, of course she loved it and I think it is pretty special too.

CPSIA BLOG IN-----BLOGGERS UNITE!!

2009-01-28T08:41:00.003-05:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples: To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America. To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.htmlTo the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake. To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.htmlDid you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Beach and Island Discovery Tote

2009-01-25T09:38:00.002-05:00

This is a new tote I posted in my store yesterday, it is a special order for a customer that now owns three of my Discovery Totes. That alone is exciting for me! I re-listed it just so other people could check it out. I think it turned out adorable! She wanted a beach scene with an island and a bridge. The bridge and house are movable on the play surface. She also, requested the sea shells that are felt and stitched to the beach area. This little beach is just waiting for some little inhabitants! The great thing about Discovery Totes is the fabulous clean-up ability, moms love that!

Shopping List Saturday....Sunday Style

2009-01-18T07:54:00.008-05:00

Lisa Jones

Virginia Rose Kane

Road Side

Paper Cut and Die

Elsa Mora

This week I have been really amazed by some of the paper cut artists on etsy. The first image is not an etsy artist but had to include her work for the sheer beauty. Her name is Lisa Jones, she attended Sydney College of Fine Arts and is an accomplished artist, showing her works internationally. Although, she utilizes a laser cutter to do her cutting the thought process is the same as if she were cutting paper. Virginia Rose Kane is an artist that was a former botany student, her works are all hand cut. What I find interesting about her work is the way she layers the paper to create another story within her paper cutting. I have included works by Paper Cut and Die, who is from Toronto, and cuts her work using x-Acto blades and scissors. Then, there is Road Side.....all I can say is "Amazing"! Her work is quirky, beautiful and smart. She has a great blog that you should check out too! Then last but not least, there is Elsa Mora who has an etsy store but sadly it is empty right now....I can wait, it will be worth it! Her work is nothing short of "magical". I linked to her blog that has become one of my favorite reads. She actually has two blogs, one for paper cutting and a main blog. She is so talented, showing her work in galleries internationally too. Her paper cutting blog is incredibly informative, linking the reader to other paper cutting artists, tutorials that include videos, books, and supply sources.Plus more images of her work that will blow you away!

All worth checking out! You can find the list of other bloggers who make Saturday lists in the right sidebar of Charlotte's blog. Cheers......

Wow.........Etsy Front Page

2009-01-13T09:48:00.002-05:00

Wow, (I said it again) I can't believe how insightful I was today! I walked my son to school and on the walk home I was saying to myself that I need to check on my other etsy shop. I have two stores, Helicopter Studios where I sell children's items and Heilo Studios where I sell metalwork. I use the word sell but I haven't sold anything. So, when I arrived on etsy.com I was checking out the front page as I always do and voila! There at the bottom was a piece from my Heilo Studios store. I have not looked at this shop in months, I have had some success with my children's toys but no luck with my metalwork. One of the reasons I started making my Discovery Totes was that I needed a break from metalworking and with all my research noticed that etsy is filled with jewelry shops. Although, I have been working at my jewelers bench making all my Christmas presents I have not worked on anything to sell. I am feeling the urge to work with metal again and this front page spot may have just propelled me!