New Work: Commissions

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

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

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......

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!

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

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!!

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!

New work and update on the BIG Crafty

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

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".