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Letter a letter!!!!

2012-02-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

I made some time to sit and catch up on some of my letter writing! and had fun lettering their addresses..one of the letters....the really "doodle-y" one at the tippy top, that I went a little silly on...it's to one of my favorite teachers, "Miss Miller" (now Mrs. Wilson). She was my 6th grade teacher at Herbert Green in Placerville CA.

Still remembering sitting at the table up by the chalk board (1978) and we practiced our cursive writing. I had to tell her that she really fed the passion I have for letters. I could have sat and practiced all day, "press hard on the down strokes, and very light on the up strokes" She was such a wonderful teacher, definitely one of my favorites....so I thought I would just let her know that!!

Have you considered writing a teacher from your past that made a difference in your life, and thanking them??? I hope you will!

My only SUNSHINE!!!

2012-02-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share something fun to do with lettering, and an inexpensive wooden cutout....base coat it with a color you love, use a fresh juicy Sharpie....and write on the board, going back over it for thicker lines, doodles or whatever!! I went back in with some acrylic paint to add extra color. I made this for my youngest son for Valentines Day. I always have sang (attempted to sing...LOL) "You Are My Sunshine" to him, as my mom did to me when I was little, so I thought I'd make it more permanent on a fun simple piece of art for him. I know...as with my older sons, there comes a time when he will not want me to sing this to him, cause they are "too OLD" but having it written down like this, they will always be reminded that they will ALWAYS be my Sunshines!! ALL THREE OF THEM!!!!

covered in buttons for Valentines Day!!

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

ahhhh, a day filled with crafting up some love for a few very dear friends that are near...there initials covered in......BUTTONS!!! my husband innocently said, "Hey THAT is a great way to 'get rid' of a lot of buttons" really? In no way did I look at this project as 'getting rid of buttons' but as sharing some of my very loved button collection with a few friends that I love dearly, and wanted to give them a piece of my heart for this very special Valentines day...What are YOU doing for your special Valentine today???? Oh, and the icing on the cake for me....is one of my 3 sons actually was born on this special day!!! For me it's a day of surprises....where you don't feel obligated to do things for those special people, so it's extra special....I've loved this day since I was a little girl!!! Happy Valentines Day to all of you!!!!

Bring on my favorite holiday!!!

2012-01-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

Finally...it's that time of year...where it's just for fun, nothing expected, not much money has to be spent...(if any at all), just a little thought and as much imagination as you would like to use... Yes,
of course I am talking about Valentines Day. A special day to let your dear ones know that you love and care about them. My favorite thing to do is make special Valentines cards...collaged, hand drawn, rubber stamped, whatever you enjoy. This is my first one to a new friend. I water colored Mr. Fuzzy, and ripped him out of the water color paper....and just added some other fun papers, and a vintage stamp....I am excited to get it mailed, but I must wait, can't be to early *giggle* I do hope it will bring a smile to her pretty face!!I hope you will drag out your crayons, paints, markers, what EVER you love, and make something special for those you love!!!
hmmmm, now to think up something special for my 3 sons! and my hubby, my best and dearest friends, my niece and nephew, and and and? One of which has a birthday smack dab on Valentines Day, is that great timing or what??? ***sigh*** I love Valentines day I hope you will too. What do you in YOUR corner of the world do to celebrate this day of love and hearts??? I would LOVE to know!!!

beautiful find.....

2012-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

When we had to sort through my mom's things after she passed, we discovered a priceless polaroid photo (if you do not know what a polaroid is, ummm, well, maybe ask your mom, she can tell you!! lol) of my very loved and treasured Grandma Honey. It was from the 70's, she was at our house..cooking something amazing. I think my heart melted on the spot. I transferred her image on to muslin, as well as her treasured biscotti recipe, I also included a piece of her old apron, and the large floral in the background, that was one of her old table cloths, sprinkled in some of her old buttons. Grandma was an amazing crocheter (is that a word?? it is now!!) well I could never cut any of her crochet work up, so I used some I found at a Good Will store!! I made one for my two aunts, and my cousins too. I guess they liked it...??? Anyways that's a story for a different day!! =) tee hee. I think my Grandma would love this tribut to her, how much I loved her, and all the wonderful memories I have of her. I would not be who I am if it weren't for my Grandma Honey. (real name Albina Pedroncelli....she always referred to all of us Grandchildren as "honey" so she sorta made that name for herself!! that's all I really knew her as)

See you later, alligator. After a while, crocodile. Bill Haley

2012-01-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so he's not an alligator, and he's not a crocodile, the truth of the matter is, I am not certain what the difference in the two are.......so my little version is a new species, known as the Croc-i-gator, a friendly sort of fellow. It's an over due sort of gift....for another great nephew!! His name is Roanyn, isn't that a cool name? I love it!!! He is THE cutest little guy...again, so many miles between us, but now he can look up on his bedroom wall all full of jungly goodness, and know his Auntie Rena painted a special Croc-i-gator, JUST FOR HIM!!!!

I LOVE YOU ROANYN!!

I have BUTTERFLIES!!!

2012-01-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Not the icky sort of butterflies that gather in your tummy....but a good sort of butterfly, that makes you want to sing.....

I have a new great niece, her beautiful name is Kate, yep...that's right...Kate! Love her name.

To celebrate her arrival I made a piece of art with all her important birth information on it....

now, I need to finish up her cousin Roanyn's birth...art piece and get them BOTH sent!!!!! Please stay tuned for more art!!!

ART......it's the new "therapy"

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore

2012-01-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

Welcoming a new great neice into the family. So many miles between us, sadly I won't get to see her until.....well, I really don't know when, but in the mean time, I've created a piece of art with all her birth information inside her wings.....Stay tuned, Kate's butterfly will soon be FULL of COLOR and I will share her colorful beauty with all of you!!!!!

a logo completed!!!

2012-01-16T05:29:00.000-08:00

A fun project came my way!!,

a friend asked me to design a fun logo for her......

I can't wait to see it being used!!

patience.....I definitly need more patience!!

I felt like a princess.........

2012-01-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

While at the Atlanta Gift Show I had the great fortune of meeting two of my favorite artists...(pinch me now!!) Robin Davis sweet Robin's blog I've met Robin before, so it was wonderful to have our paths cross once again!!!

and another wonderful artist....Lisa Kaus! Lisa's blog Both women so beautiful and sweet. I also met many other wonderful people that have left a special imprint on my heart. (Dear Ms. Ellen, I do hope you see this post) I feel so very privileged to have met you.....I do hope our paths will cross many times.....

Last but not least....a fulfilled life dream....I got to see real live
panda's at the Atlanta Zoo! (me getting my photo taken, never a pretty thing, but I needed proof that I got to see those black and white beauties!!!!

Atlanta bound.....

2012-01-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Portfolio in hand, and my carry on, I head to Atlanta Georgia tommorrow for the Gift Show, with hope that my art will possibly be considered for licensing.....I may even sneak away for a short bit to see the Panda's at the zoo in Atlanta! My friends, thank you sooo much for support

that I've needed to "get brave" you mean the world to me, you all know who you are!!, and I love you.

Blog Giveaway from one of my dear friends!!!!!!!!

2012-01-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Many of you may be familiar with Moniques amazing Muffin Pies, but those of you who aren't.....you should check her out. Her dolls will melt your heart, and wake up that little girl that still lives inside of you. Check out her lovely blog. http://blueberriesinthefields.blogspot.com/...leave a comment....she may pick you and make you a special Muffin Pie doll....(okay so I am not so secretly hoping I get chosen, just keepin' it real here!! lol,) I am just grateful to call her friend, my only wish...I wish she lived much closer!!! Good luck everyone!!! Monique has been published many times in the beautiful PRIMS magazine!!!!! what a treasure!!

Button Button who's got the button??

2011-11-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite new color combos.....gray with yellow, and a sprinkle of black mixed in!! My first button bracelet.....Christmas is coming....so I will be working like one of Santa's little elves in his workshop!! What's your favorite color combo??? I'm also loving orange and charcol!!!!! There is something so therapeutic about working with buttons, it conjures up wonderful memories of being at my Grandma Honey's and digging through her buttons....feeling the coolness of the the little plastic beauties running through my tiny fingers. As an adult, I still let the little plastic beauties run through my fingers, and I wonder what stories they could tell....when my Grandma was a young woman, and when my mom was a little girl, I will have to rely on my imagination for now!!!!

Counting my many blessings.....

2011-11-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

I feel grateful each and every day for the many blessings in my life....my husband, my three sons, my dad, the rest of my family, a special blessing even though mom is not with me on this day I am so very grateful for the times we had together, many laughs smiles and even a few tears, my friends that are so near and dear to my heart, even with many miles that may be between us. Today as we sit and enjoy a special feast, I pray for peace in your family, and that it continues all year through. Look around, count your blessings...there are many.

A Perfect day.....amazing women....laughter, yummy food.

2011-10-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day spent with a group of THE most wonderful women that I had the privilege to meet and spend the afternoon with. It was a day I really didn't want to end...

A great day to have a fan!! THANK YOU Lindsay!!! Did the weatherman give you a heads up??

Carmelita's version of the paper doll....LOVE the colors!!

Lindsay and her paper doll!! Lindsay's BLOG!

this pretty much sums it up.....what an awesome day.... but..but...it must have really happened, I mean I have the pictures to prove it!!!

Dan Di Paolo's Farm, a day of Beauty and friends.

2011-10-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

It was such a BEAUTIFUL, and perfect day at Dan Di Paolo's farm. I love fall time in Wisconsin. Amy (on the left...Shelley in the middle, and I am in red on the end. It was so fun RELAXING, and enjoying the beauty of the day. Dan and Jamey's farm (fried green tomato's)....it's like walking into a photo in a magazine. I do not have enough kind words to say about Dan, he is one of the kindest, genuine, generous, real, people that I have met on my artistic journey. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude....and so very wealthy with my amazing friendships.

WINNER!!

2011-10-06T19:06:00.000-07:00


My cute lil' hubby reaches for the winners name!!


And the winner is.......ANKE FLIPSEN!!!

Love isn't Love till you GIVE IT AWAY!!!

2011-09-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

That's right....I am giving a print of one of my favorite pieces of art away!!!
With inspiration from fellow artist Jen Osbourn, (http://identityseven.typepad.com/themessynest/) rounding up all fellow artists to do art give always, and spreading the love.
If your interested in winning a piece of my art....leave a comment that you are interested, and on OCTOBER 6th....a name will be chosen...I will then post the WINNER's name, and you will need to email me right away so I can pop it into the mail to you before I leave for vacation in my home state of California! Good luck all!!!!!

PaRtY TiMe !! I'm turning 45.....

2011-09-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

I AM THROWING A Party...for MYSELF!!!
...no presents, only dear friends, wine, food, CHOCOLATE and necklace making, WITH FOCUS BEADS I'VE MADE MYSELF!!! (these are photos of the process!)

I love spending time with those dear women.
Party in November, turning 45 in October, yikes!!

Graffitti fun, and LEGAL!!!

2011-09-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

"what could it hurt" I thought, I had a great photo taken by my friend Jennifer, who by the way got up at 4:30 in the morning last January, and took a photo of our state capital, after the Green Bay Packers had won the Super Bowl. They actually had green and gold (Packer colors) shining upon our lovely capitol!! Okay, so put on my big girl panties, armed with my white pen, (let me clarify, "I" was armed with the white pen....my panties were however NOT armed with a pen of any color.....LOL) I started graffitti-ing up the photo Jennifer took!! Sort of a fun idea, and a great way to personalize a special photo!!! Give it a try!! Once you try the white pens, I am just warning you......You may become ADDICTED!!!! ONE MORE THING PEOPLE.... I highly recommend the Uni-Ball SIGNO white gel pen....they work grrrRREAT!!

Linzi Mail!!!

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Beautifully decorated box...that alone was a gift, my dear friend Lindsay Ostrom is an amazing artist, and a very thoughtful and kind soul (http://lindsayostrom.blogspot.com/). I had told her about an artist I love....and that she has a shop out in Dublin CA, called TANGERINE ( http://elevenmorningstangerine.com/), Linsday was able to pop in there and visit it. Gina Gabriell is another incredible artist, and the shops proprietor, Linzi (I'm the president of her fan club, so get to call her Linzi! giggle) sent me a beautiful jar off absolute goodness from TANGERINE! Now the gears are turning in my brain, as to what fun thing I can do with my jar of goodness and inspiration, Thank you Miss Linzi!!!

For Stephanie, Friend, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Teacher

2011-09-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Our Dad's were best friends as little
boys in the 50's. Our families had so much fun together when we were little....camping, 4th of July's, picnics, sleepovers, birthday parties, even telling a few naughty jokes up in the attic with her little brother. All good memories. Now, my friend Stephanie is battling brain cancer. I made her a little memory book, for her, her husband and mostly for her little boys to treasure. These are just a few pages of the book. Those of you out there fighting your own battles in life....may God Bless you, and your families. Sometimes the cards we are dealt are not fair, not fair at all, but still we must go on. Remember to tell those you love, that you love them, cause you never know when it just might be too late.

You've Got Mail

2011-09-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

I am banning together with a dear friend, and fellow artist Lindsay Ostrom (http://lindsayostrom.blogspot.com/2011/09/save-our-post-offices.html) to hopefully spread the word. You may or may not know, there are many Post Offices that are CLOSING, that's right, closing. The modern age of emails, the lovely art of snail mail has gone by the way-side. The computer has it's place I agree, if it weren't for the computer, I would have never had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. But lets not forget that amazing feeling of opening up your mailbox, and there lies a beautiful, handwritten letter of goodness, aha, someone was thinking of you, and wanted you to know it. You run into your house (I know I do!!) find a quiet spot, carefully open the envelope, and begin to read that beautiful letter. Remember how this feels, such an amazing connection. Feeling that paper, reading those hand written words, your heart melts a bit because someone thought of you. The next day, or the day after if your feeling a little glum, take out that letter, and read it again, maybe even again. It's a small gift that keeps on giving. I still have letters that I have kept for many years, reminders of days long ago, little pieces of history.

My hope is that you will read this post (which I am very passionate about) and pick up pen and some pretty paper, WRITE A LETTER, doesn't need to be a novel, just a nice letter, maybe a card with just a few lines, a post card even if you have a friend out of your area, a post card would be nice. I also hope you will encourage your friends to write a letter, blog about it, spread the word.

Other simple ideas; (thanks Linzi, I borrowed yours, and added some as well)

-write a letter

-send a card

-teach a kid how to write a letter

-buy some cool stamps ( a new dog stamp just came out and it's super cute)

-teach a kid some manners and how to write a thank you note

-send ONE less e-mail and write a note instead

-go buy some pretty stationery

-put down the texting device and send a note
-send a card to a local nursing home, they LOVE mail
-write to someone in the military
-find a penpal on line!!!
-write letters to your relatives, ask questions, give compliments
-write a letter to your kid, niece, nephew, cousin, let them enjoy mail, no electricity needed!

I hope you will write someone in your life...soon.

I love Wisconsin.....

2011-09-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

ahhhhh, how I love the Barn Quilts I see polka dotted all over the area I live in. I hope to hop in my car one day and just drive to all the barns that are dressed in a beautiful hand painted quilt...and take photos, just for my own special keepsake. I am passionate about quilts in their real form, and even in the form of a barn quilt, there is just something so comforting about them that I love. If you would like to read more about the barn quilts (they even make maps if you want to take a little driving tour and check them all out) definitely check out this website that tells more about all the barn quilts in my area!!! http://www.greencountybarnquilts.com/

Today is a new day....Fresh beginnings.

2011-09-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

"I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning."~John Boyton Priestley~

Today a fresh new beginning, what is in the past is in the past, what happened yesterday will not steal my today. I'm counting my blessings, the good memories are treasures in my mind, and now I shall move forward.

September 11, 2001

2011-09-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

This is the day that changed our lives forever. God Bless the families that lost loved ones on this tragic day. Today a day of remembrance, Tomorrow is a new day, a fresh new start, for gratitude, for loving our family and friends....tell those you love how you feel, because sometimes tomorrow does not come. Peace to all of you, Peace.

Quilt Expo 2011

2011-09-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

Talented Nancy Zieman puts on this amazing show every year. It's something I look forward too, I am passionate about quilts, and this event feeds that passion!! I feel so grateful it's right here in Madison Wisconsin. You should check out the website for more information on this great event!! http://wiquiltexpo.com/
How lucky we are to have such a grand event in Madison, as the Quilt Expo!!

Extraordinary quilts, vendors, and A LOT of people too!!
I REALLY loved the necklace this lady wore to the show!! I just LOVE buttons!!! Can't wait to make some button jewelry!!
There was color everywhere you looked, beautiful combinations of color, mouth watering color! I love COLOR!!!

Calender Decorating Party!!

2011-09-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

A little silliness going on...sent out some fun home-made invites to my best friend, and my two older sons girlfriends, so we can "decorate calenders" for 2012, adding birthdays, and anniversaries so no one is forgotten in the coming new year!!!

I'll break out all my markers, pens, stickers, and have snacks too! Should be fun!!! I have my calenders all the way back to high school....treating them like miniature diaries, nothing too deep, just little goings on of that day..... including, when I mail out letters, receiving letters, marriages, deaths, dr. appt.s, whatever may come up. It's sort of fun to look back on.... Any reason for a party, right???

simple wonderful...Diakonos, Stoughton WI

2011-09-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being "geographically challenged" as I am.....can lead to
things that are simple, and wonderFULL, not to mention other words I LOVE like, inspirational,and possible!!
I was on my way to Madison from Evansville, and there was a Detour (dangerous words for a girl who is not all familiar with this part of WI) so after driving for awhile....POOF, I was in beautiful Stoughton WI!! Not such a bad mistake after all . I decided to visit one of my favorite stores, Diakonos, an amazing bead store, they offer jewelry making wonderful-ness, hand made clay beads etc. Becky (the owner) and Kathy one of her great employees made me feel so at home. I had THE best time. I plan to go back and make some beautiful handmade heart beads...with wonderful words, as seen in the photo above. We also chatted about some new funky designs we want to try, also adding words that are capable of making us feel good, inspired, and maybe even lighter!! Bead making is something new for me, I just want to encourage all of you to go out and try something new as well. Thanks Becky and Kathy, see you soon!! http://diakonosdesigns.com/ Any of you computer friends out there that could help me, I would like to make it so people can click on Diakonos from my blog, and it will take them right to their site....I would appreciate the help!! Different times I have wanted to do this with friends who have blogs, and I don't know how!!!!

Joanne Sharpe!!

2011-08-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Blessed are those who get to meet Joanne Sharpe (from Whimpspirations). I am a huge fan of her amazing lettering talent, her art just seems so fluid to me, like magic oozing out of whatever writing utensil she happens to pick up. Not only is she a wonderful person, she was such a great lady, inspiring, sharing her wonderful ideas, I felt like I learned so much in her class, thanks to Joanne, I am now LOVING pan-pastels, oh my goodness, amazing stuff people!! I drove back from Chicago that night, and when I got home I looked in the mirror only to find pinky-redness all over my forehead, in my hairline, on my shoes, REALLY? no one told me? *giggle* I REALLY like to get into my art!! happy sigh, I hope our paths cross again some day!!! Thank you Joanne!!

Joanne Sharpe, our lovely teacher, what a joy and inspiration. I am so grateful I got to take this class, my only complaint....THE TIME WENT WAAAAYYYYY too fast....it always does when you are having so much fun... Can we do this again? *please*
Lettering, ideas, inspiration, doodles, pens, paper, women loving art, a loveable teacher, as my 10 year old would say, THIS was heaven on STEROIDS!!!

Voila', my doodled sample lettering book!! What fun, seeing that white ink on the black, just pops like fireworks, what a great class, and the pages within' hold samples and inspiration!! Each of us students got a WONDERFUL goodie bag with some AWESOME Faber Castell pens, and Sakura pens, the book you see here, and a cute lil' mini-book with THE best quotes, wow!! pretty much like Christmas!!!! Thank you Santa.....ooops, I mean Joanne!!

And this lovely lady was one of many great ladies in Joanne's class, all the way from Maryland!!! We've become Mail Art Friends, and I am so excited!!!! She is a teacher, and for some reason I am always magnetized to teachers..... even at my age, they just make me feel so "possible" (Yay for teachers) . Hey Laura, my envy will be on it's way to you in the next couple days!!!

Say hi to Jeanne!! she was such a nice lady...I sat next to her in Joanne's class, I think we could have both sat there and doodled all the way through Joanne's next class, and beyond. What a lovely lady! I think half the fun of a class is meeting other like minded people!!

She's no Ariel, but she is loved!!

2011-08-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

My cutie pie niece, Olivia, is ALL about mermaids, lives, breathes, sleeps everything mermaids. I love mermaids as well, so I thought it would be fun to design and create a mermaid for her, as it was her 7th birthday. This pink haired mermaid is named "Jemma", and her pet sea-horse is "Pearl". Olivia was so excited, and LOVED her, so it was all worth it. Even more respect goes out to my doll making friend Monique who makes the beautiful Muffin Pie dolls. (http://www.etsy.com/people/blueberryfields?ref=af_circ_favitem) They are a lot of work!!! I added some pink crystals to her fishy like body, to look like water drops!!! I hope you enjoy my version of what a mermaid just might look like!!!!

grand meetings!!!

2011-07-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Last week I made myself be a "big girl" step outta my comfort zone, get in my car, and drive to Chicago to meet two great ladies for the first time. I did it!!! I know Rain from deco-exchanges from 10 or more years ago!! http://alittlemealittlehue.blogspot.com/2011/06/mail-goodness-and-weekend-finds.html Facebook reunited a bunch of us deco-book participants. Rain met me at The Paper Source, we had a great time. My only regret.....that it wasn't longer!!! Next time...it will be!! The bottom photo is of Lindsay Ostrom and I....http://lindsayostrom.blogspot.com/ she is an amazing artist from Colfax California, not far from my hometown of Placerville. We had a great day together!! Then off for a great dinner, and lots of visiting, it was a day I will not soon forget!! We have done some pen-pal, snail mail exchanges, so to meet them for real, what a treat!! Two great women, artists, spirits, thank you ladies!!!

My heart feels so full and so happy.

2011-05-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

My husband, my youngest son, and I were lucky enough to go to Europe for vacation. It was all so wonderful beyond words. I must share tho, the hilight of my trip was meeting with my cousins (Dino, Valeria, me and Gino Zandonella-Sarinuto). They drove down from Dosoledo, 2 hours north of Venice. I had painted a picture of their lovely home in Dosoledo, and when we met, we had stopped for a Venitian drink, I gave them the painting I had been anxiously awaiting to give them. Such beautifully kind people. I think my cheeks hurt from smiling, just so happy to had spent the whole day with them. I think they liked the painting that I poured my heart into. I feel so grateful for that day, it is a memory that I will always carry in my heart!!!! Grazie cuginas, I hope we get to spend some time together again some day. xxxx

Celebrating Love!!

2011-03-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

hmmmm, a heart shaped tree? I would love that...so much so I created it for a special commision!! tee hee. That's what I love about art the most, whatever you can create in your mind you can put it on paper, and make up your own world, I chose to make mine light and happy.

Believing......

2011-03-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Something I struggle with everytime I sit at my table to create a piece of art, I have to mentally hold my hand, and tell myself to just "believe", have faith and let it happen. I just want to put this question out there to my fellow artists, how do YOU believe in yourself? What are your struggles, and how do you deal with them?? I even went as far as writing "believe" on my hand so anytime I would look up, THAT is what I would see, simple, just believe...and when it happens I am so very very grateful.

re-MARTHA-ble

2011-02-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

Yep, I can't hardly believe it myself, I somehow drummed enough courage to submit to Martha Stewart's contest "reMarthable". It's a bit silly in that it's so simple, nothing extravagant, no expensive tools, I really just want to promote the gift of letter writing. It seems to be somewhat of a lost art, and that in itself is sad. I believe it's a gift in that when you recieve a letter in the mail, it really is like a gift, no batteries or electricity needed. I made a card, just some stickers and glitter, nothing difficult, anyone can do it, and why not decorate the envelope, it's fun to write a few lines, pop it in the mail to make some one's day a little more special. I hope more people will get out their pen and paper and drop a line or two to someone special in their live.
Happy writing everyone....I hope.

WHO inspired you when you were young??

2011-02-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

Who inspired you as an artist when you were growing up??? Betsey Clark, Holly Hobbie and Joan Walsh Anglund were the three artists that I loved so very much as a little girl I dreamed of being like them. Mary Engelbreit...I have loved her as well, who doesn't. Her art is so inspiring to me. Jodi Bergsma, I was given a signed print of hers, and also fell in loved with her endearing big eyed characters. When I was living in Korea (at 19) I wrote Jodi a letter, and...SHE WROTE ME BACK!! seriously, I have kept and treasured that post card ever since!! In the 90's Holly Hobbie was at a local bookstore....promoting her new books (at the time) Toot and Puddle...it was a dream come true for me. These artists fill my heart up. I would really love to know which artists filled your heart up when you were growing up? who made you want to sit and draw for hours and hours??

It happened.....

2011-02-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

My artistic journey has led me to signing with a licensing company. I'm pretty excited about it....and being so new at it...learning bits and pieces along the way. I had no vision how things

worked, and my kindred spirit, friend Lindsay that I have yet to meet snapped this photo of my art at the show. I look forward to more shows, and hopeful at some point to see my creations on a calender, or cards, or ????? Thank you Lindsay for posting this and sharing the photo with me!!! I do hope some day we get to meet!!

ETSY launching!! finally...

2011-01-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

I finally got the nerve up to launch my own ETSY site!! with the gentle nudge from my best friend!! We did it together, she crochets and me? well I have been having so much fun making silly teddy bears that I designed. It's just the beginning....I will have my art work up there sometime soon....maybe some cards, lots of ideas and plans. Any words of advice?, would love to hear from any of you out there in blog-land!! in the meantime, pop on over to my shop and take a peek!!

Our ETSY site is called; Mumstuff

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

2011-01-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

STarTing aNEW...
a fresh new start, moving forward, holding on to precious memories, precious friends and family that mean so much. Breathe in positive vibes, exhale any negativity, and always eat chocolate, never giving up chocolate, good for the soul.

Christmas Elf Adrenaline!!!!

2010-12-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

With the help of my very best friend Selina, and my 9 year old son Hayden, we have made 4 quilts, yes 4. They are VERY simple quilts, RAG quilts, fuzzy flannel and soft for our 2 nieces and 2 nephews. It is like a 500 pound weight off my shoulders that they are done and ready to be wrapped up for Christmas. Hayden handed me the squares, and I fed them into my very hungry sewing machine!! LOL...So some of the squares were duplicated (same fabrics side by side..), which in the big picture of things, it really doesn't matter. What does matter, is that we had so much fun chatting while doing it, him telling me how much fun it was to help me...I think this is the stuff that makes the holidays that much more special, just doing these things together, and the wonderful feeling knowing we accomplished something TOGETHER. My bestie Selina, clipped, clipped and clipped the raw edges. We popped it in the washing machine and dryer......Voila' soft fuzzy fluffy quilts for the little ones.....now just waiting for Chirstmas to give them their present of comfort and love, from Auntie Rena!! (cousin Hayden and Selina too!!)

I will never forget......

2010-12-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

My mom, Rosa Madeline Zandonella lost her battle with breast cancer on the 30th of November, of this very year. I debated whether to post about this or not.....but I thought you know....I need to share, I know I am not the only one in this world dealing with a loss of a parent. She lived with us for almost 10 years. She helped raise our 9year old son. While I was at work she would take the very best care of our Hayden, "grandmothering" him with love, treats, playing games, and all of the things Grandma's do. Grandma Rosie to my children, and to my brother's children. I will never forget her smile, how sometimes she snorted when she laughed really hard, how she loved our children so very very much, she always thanked me for taking her to her oncology appointments, how she appreciated me teaching her to crochet granny squares even though she could knit me a sweater, she was too week to walk over for dinner, so I would bring her dinner....and she would thank me so much while sitting in her chair while wearing her flanned jammies with high healed shoes printed on them. She loved shoes so much, *teary smile*. She always had the most beautiful fingernails, and had become to week to paint her own nails, and I promised to paint them for her, but never got the oppurtunity, I remember her last day of life, when I sat next to her chair, and she asked how I was...and SHE was feeling so crappy, I began to cry and felt so bad that I couldn't help her feel better. I just kept thinking she was going to feel better, I will never forget how fast her last 4 1/2 hours went, it went so fast I still live in disbelief. Never ever imagining that was the last time I would ever see my mom alive. I KNOW it really happened, because when I go up to where she lived in our house, she's not there, the smell of her laundry soap is still there, and the quilt she made is still there, her photos are still there, but my mom, she is NOT there, and that really hurts. I love my mom very much, and her smile I will never forget. I am so grateful she is no longer hurting , she can now be with my Grandma Honey (her mom) that we loved so very much, and my brother Louie, she died without all of her hair falling out, my mom was such a pretty lady, and now I don't have to remember her with out her beautiful hair....she had it till the end. Silly to some, but not to me. I'm sure there are lots of beautiful flowers, amazing butterflies and birds in Heaven for my mom to smile about, I take some comfort that.

Sabrina Ward Harrison INSPIRED

2010-11-28T11:28:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I threw caution to the wind, and thought, "hmmm this is for fun...for a new friend, and HER being an actual lettering artist, she might appreciate another artist REALLY stepping out of her comfort zone" well, here's what I came up with, kinda fun to do, flicking paint and ink everywhere, even on my coffee cup! I'm certain I had it on my face, but was to scared to look....so I did this before shower time!! snicker snicker, giggle giggle SNORT. Here's to, new friends, letters--beautiful and the opposite of beautiful, and most of all pushing ourselves to step outside our cozy little comfort zone!!!

Merry Merry!

2010-11-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Such a joyous time of year. A time for making things from the heart for those that you love!! Me, I have several quilts to be made for nieces and nephews. I'm sure I can be swayed into making some homemade ginger bread cookies!! Hmmmm, what shall I write in my letter to Dear Santa, still need to put some thought into it. Our tree will be going up soon, lights and all. I was so inspired to do these two pieces of holiday art, I hope you like it!!

Well La Ti Dah!!!

2010-11-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Tee hee on the La Ti Dah!! This image will be on my new business cards... so where did the La Ti Dah come from? Well, I'd have to say, the crown I added to the top of my head!! **grin** Why me? well, I am teaching myself to change the "why me" to "WHY NOT ME", all things are possible right? I'm thinking so.

What a Weekend!!

2010-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to have been invited to a liscensing event. It was a gathering of amazing artists, that were both kind, generous with their knowledge and encouragement, and their art was just amazing. Dan DiPaolo (the artist that invited us) such a beautiful person, thanks to him this amazing weekend was possible. To have been a part of this was a memory that has made a lasting impression on my heart forever. I hope the stars all align, and we can all do this again sometime!!! Thank you Dan. I hope you and Jamey enjoy the Pedroncelli wine!!! I am sitting with my dear friends Amy Faldet, and across from me is Shelley Bisch, to amazing people, teachers, artists, there spirits are so beautiful!! Yep, that's me, the curly headed girl w/ glasses!!

HALLOWEEN PARTY!! WELCOME WELCOME!

2010-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

A Halloween Party wouldn't be complete with out BOOTIFUL pumpkins!! I love how they scream fall time, ahhh, refreshing, my favorite time of the year. The trees, oh the color they bring, it makes my heart sing as I drive through the country side of Wisconsin! Be sure and check out the rest of my party posts!! Thank you for visiting!

2010-10-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

Say hello to my witchie-poo!! I created her a few years ago, and was honored to have her published in Somerset Studio! So much fun she is, she's harmless, more of a fashion diva with faux fur boa collar and skeleton button. She loves to sing a round of; "trick or treat smell my feet, give me something good to eat" she sings it in a Mae West sort of way!!

2010-10-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

Can't have a Halloween Party with out spiders! She won't bite you, but she might give you a smooch with her sexy pink lips!! mwwwah!!!

2010-10-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Whoooooooo ever heard of Halloween without a full moon? I'm a little miffed! hmmmmph!

2010-10-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL & TROUBLE FIRE BURN & CAULDRON BUBBBBBLE!!!
Happy Halloween everyone!! enjoy my little party, complete with pumpkins, spiders, owls, and a few other witches!!! Leave a comment, what are some of your favorite Halloween things?

2010-10-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween wouldn't be complete without my Muffin Pie Witch I got from Monique, visit her blog or take a look at her charming shop on ETSY, her blog is; blueberriesinthefields.blogspot.com Be warned, you too might become addicted to Monique's adorable creations!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE for coming to my Halloween party!! now that wasn't too scary, was it??

A NEW LOOK...

2010-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Just a little added color! It's no secret I am a beginner in the blog world. When I first got my blog up and running....I thought, Yea, I will have a nice neat and clean blog, all white. Well I should have known THAT wouldn't last, a girl's gotta have COLOR! SO what do you think of the change? I'm liking it. Hope you do too. Blessings everyone.

Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world

2010-10-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

I love how my son holds his pencil, so different than I. I love nothing more than to sit and watch him create something! To imagine what is going on in their amazing brains. This day was especially true....when he created his house, it just made my heart melt. I guess children have a special gift of making their mama's hearts melt! The tree he made (seen in top photo) was especially funky! Thank you God for the special gift you have given me.....my children. Grateful...

Honored, Excited, and so very GRATEFUL

2010-10-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

,

Being asked to create three projects for Somerset's Workshop publication was such an undescribable thing for me. Honored pretty much covers it. For me, being able to teach a few fun projects to others is like a dream. To think I have something fun to offer to others is pretty exciting to me. Art, and inspiration is such a thrill for me! I have this this day dream of being able to teach others to do fun and funky lettering, stuff that we can all use...whether it's just a note to a friend, scrapbooking, addressing an envelope, what ever the application it doesn't really matter, with this day dream comes fear, the fear of public speaking, wondering how I get over it etc...yikes. For now, I can sum this all up as so so very G R A T E F U L, grateful for the gift of being able to do art that makes me really happy, grateful for dear friends (old and new) that inspire and support me, grateful for Jenny Doh for inviting me to do the projects for the Workshop publication, it's all good, even the struggles and frustrations that come with it all, it's all good. Grateful is such a great feeling.

2010-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

2010-10-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

2010-10-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

An Old Project Revisited!!

2010-10-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

In 2002 I was involved in a deco exchange. I don't see "decos" around anymore. I've had this hanging in my art studio, because I really love what the other artists had to offer, and I thought it turned out really cool. I started with a really long piece of water color paper, folded it accordingly, drew the beginnings of a funky mermaid. In her dress I included my name and address, I then sent it on to Jademond in Germany, who added beauty with her writing and 3 dimensional paper seashells and such. I love what she did. Jademond sent it off to Anna, another amazingly creative spirtit, who conitinued on with our mermaid, and she even added another BEAUTIFUL mermaid (the original mermaids little sister perhaps?) Such beauty Anna adds to what ever she touches. Anna sent on to the last artist in Canada, her name is Claire, and she added so much rich color and beauty, it was then complete! Claire was kind enough to return it to me, I have treasured it ever since. It's really fun to collaborate with other artists. I find artists are such giving and incredible people. I feel lucky and grateful to have been a part of this deco exchange! I love working together with others, it just feels great!

Art Process...Lots of Decisions.

2010-09-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of my own personal art is auditioning art papers to become part of the background for my art, my hope is to accent my art, and hopefully ....make it pop. This one, totally lays flat for me, not at all interesting, but it's fun to check out all my choices!! Is it normal to drewl over paper? hmmm, something to think about, tee hee!!

Like the stripes...

2010-09-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

I like this back ground paper to frame my art...but it's just not doing it for me, maybe a little boring.

This one feels right...to me anyway.

2010-09-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

For me...this one was the paper I chose for my "WISHES'' fairy, it just seemed elegent and made the black of the lettering stand out a little better, and now, she is off to my printer for my Fall Art Tour coming Sept. 25th and 26th! It will be interesting to see what the feedback will be.

Frustrated Artist

2010-09-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

I dared myself to step out of my cozy cocoon of a comfort zone on this piece. I decided to paint the "background" an UN-sky like color, that was the moment I started to feel sick to my stomach. My best friend Selina who is visiting from California, encouraged me to just keep working through it...so that's just what I did. Definitely not what I had in mind. It "looked" sooo much better in my mind. I just want to ask all of you creative spirits out there; What do you do when your art piece goes bad? Do you...throw it away immediately? work through it, set it aside? I decided to work through it, I decided nothing ventured is never anything gained. But in this case I owe it to my friend for holding my hand through the discomfort of doing something I'm not used to doing.

September blows in.........

2010-09-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, September seem to arrive in a blink of an eye...I swear it was just July...lots of LIFE going on, the good the bad and the ugly, but mostly, the good. Lot's of things to look forward to and share with all of you.

For those of you who don't know, I live in the country, in the dinosaur age where we don't get high speed internet, with that said, photo's are not easily uploaded, but I am trying to get it done another way. So much I want to share, and looking forward to feedback from fellow artists, and friends.

This is a crazy month...I am preparing for two fall art tours, doing a lots of originals and mentally preparing how I will set things up. EXCIIIITING. With that said, I will have lots to share in the weeks to come, I hope you will come back and visit.

I am just a Calendar Girl!

2010-07-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

I never seem to find the time to do official journaling, but I do admire the wonderful people that do. What I do have time for is my calender, a tiny peek in my day to day life,

Dr.'s appointments, first day of school, counting down for a vacation, BIRTHDAY'S!!, wedding's, deaths, I think you get the idea, I have fun using stickers, markers of all colors, to spice up so it's not too boring to look at. Every year (right about now) I start getting the itch to find the perfect calendar for the following year, something a lot of people might think is silly, but I've been doing it since high school, so I'm thinkin' it's a habit, right? ha ha. It's just part of me, and what I do. I've kept all of them since highschool. It's fun to look back at them once in a while and see what happened, when etc. ( like when my husband, called me for the first time, when we first were dating, pretty cute)Maybe you will consider doing a wee version of journaling on YOUR special calender if you aren't able to find a lot of time.

Starts with a vision...

2010-07-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

A vision fueled by inspiration! I scribble it down on paper so I don't forget!! Lot's of erasing, and re-drawing until I get it the way I want. I then trace it on watercolor paper, using my light box and a Zig Micron pen. Once it's traced, then the fun really begins for me, my watercolors come out, and watercolor is flying everywhere! not really flying, but it is just so fun adding color to my image, and the letters! I lose track of time, literally! Then, tap tap tap on my shoulder, "Mom, what's for dinner?" arrrgh, then I lay my brush down, and go make some dinner for my family. We all sit and eat together, my favorite part of the day!! =) Then back to my table of art, sometimes, while I am painting, and don't have the patience for the paint to dry, I run to my bathroom, and dry the area I am painting with my blow dryer, so I can go back to painting right away. Well, that's it in a nut shell, that is my process....What is YOUR process of an art piece? I would love to hear about it. I would imagine we all do it differently.

ta da, I finished it...all ready for framing now.

2010-07-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

The best feeling is finishing something that, in the beginning was only a vision in my mind that spilled out from my pencil. I am happy with the way my Rosie Posie came out. My dear friend Jeanette Stewart came up with the wording on her, she must have a magic wand or something that just sprinkles the best words out, and she shares them with me. How lucky am I? VERY LUCKY I'd say. Hope you enjoy my Rosie Posie.

a little or a lot? that is the question....

2010-06-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Going in to this, I thought of an inch....as not a lot.... I mean if someone shares their chocolate bar with you, an inch really isn't very much, it's gone in a second. An inch of fabric or ribbon, really hardly any to do much of anything with...But when it comes to my mom's breast cancer that has mastitisized (sp?) to her lung (diagnosed almost 4 years ago), and the Dr. told us the tumor in her lung by her heart has grown a bit more than an inch since February of this year, an inch turns into a HUGE amount, the kind of news that knocks you down like Muhammad Ali, takes your breath away. It's all a matter of perspective I guess. An inch a little or a lot, hug you mom, tell her you love her, try to be patient even if you have to repeat yourself over and over because her "remember-er" just doesn't work very well anymore. I'm telling this to myself more than anyone, I need reminding..it's all a frightful ride, one that you can't get off of. It's been a few days since we heard the news...a few days to sink in, and come back fighting just like Muhammad Ali. A change of medications, and a lot of prayers, really it's not in our hands. Grateful for each day, everyday that we have it. Bless my mom.

Tea for me and you!!

2010-06-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Please, come and sit awhile, join Alice and I for a spot of tea.

I hope you enjoy my Alice in Wonderlad tribute that was featured in Somerset Studio this year. It was a great honor, I have a huge love of letters, and imagined them as tea, spilling from Alice's teapot.

What do you think?

can you stay for tea?

I will run and get the cookies.

Mad Tea Party!!

2010-06-22T07:46:00.001-07:00

Oh please do stop by this Saturday. Alice will be here serving up a spot of lovely tea, Earl Grey perhaps? It will be fun, so wear your best "going to tea" clothes, and bring a lovely cup, we'll all have a wonderful time. No worries, the Queen will not be here, we will not lose our heads!!

http://www.afancifultwist.typepad.com

a day early for; WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE!!!

2010-06-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is my corner of bliss, where I draw, paint, and write letters at this desk!! Lucky me, I have a window too, with bird feeders. the gold finches visit, and of course humming birds who love fighting each other away. My 8 year old says they are very territorial. **sigh** I love 8 year olds.

Today is a new day....

2010-06-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am going somewhere later this mornig that I can get wi-fi, while at home I use my Blackberry phone to connect to the internet, I can do fun stuff like, facebook, flickr, emails, and other little things, but for some reason, I am unable to post any photos to my blog via my Blackberry. I DO love where I live, but no highspeed access is a bit primitive, not to mention annoying.

Today is a 3 week countdown...my middle son and I are flying home to California to visit my father. He has bladder cancer, and the treatments are not killing the beast as hoped, so I think
it's best to go and spend some time with him. I will hand deliver his Father's Day gift this year.
It's just so uncomfortable having not one, but both parents with cancer. It is so frightning for me
to think what it will be like when I no longer have my parents, I know it's part of life, but it's not the part that I like. The gruff way of my father, one of his sayings; None of us are gettin' outta here alive. I know it's true, so stingingly true, and the thought of it applying to your parents, stings all the more.

An ORIGAMI SHIRT! pictures may appear SIDEWAYS!! because they are, ( I'm learning!)

2010-06-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

You can really use any rectangular sheet of paper. Card stock (for me anyway) is way too thick, the thinner the paper I think works best. A sheet of printer paper works perfect too, and you can decorate it however you'd like! Oh, and a dollar bill will work too, this is a fun way for a waitress tip at your favorite restaurant! (no I am not a waitress!!LOL) The sheet of paper I used was 6 inches wide, by 10 inches long. OKAY, so the first step, fold your sheet of paper in half lenghtwise! Oh, and the lessons I am learning with my first project post, the most obvious one, Hmmmm, notice the pix are sideways? I'm working on it, I have questions that need to be answered, but thought I would post anyway. My goal was to make this a quick easy and fun project. Create yourself, or even with your children. I just went to my son's 3rd grade class and showed them how to create an origami shirt. They just used plain printer paper, then decorated it themselves for their dads. I do hope you will enjoy, any suggestions on my posts, much welcomed, as I am just learning. My hope is for this to be a fun place to visit.

2010-06-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Fold each edge in meeting at the center, this creates the body of your shirt, although you will be doing some folding and some creasing, steps to follow!! =)

2010-06-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

Take one of your folded edges, and apx. 1/3 the way down fold the top edge out. What you are doing is creating the shirt sleeve. You need to repeat this same step on the opposite side, as exact as the first side as you can get it. Crease the sleeves down! If you flip it over to view, you can see where these really will be shirt sleeves!!!

2010-06-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

Lay your creation down on your workspace so the side where the edges meet are down on the table....at the opposite end from where you folded the sleeves out previously, you can fold the edge over, a bit less than 1/4 inch...then fold it over again on top of itself, crease it with a bone folder. With this step you just created the beginning of your collar.

2010-06-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Turn your "shirt" over so the side where the edges that meet in the middle face you. Bring that folded edge that you just did around to the back side, (the edge with paper meeting in the middle, that IS the back side) okay, there really isn't an exact measurement, just sort of eyeball it as I've done here, then repeat on the other side, so it looks like a collar!! Your almost done, and this will all make sense! (that's my hope anyway!!)

2010-06-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Grab the end of your shirt, and tuck the edge where the sleeves are up under the folded collar. You will want to use a bone folder to crease the bottom edge of your shirt! There, now you have a folded origami shirt! Now you can decide how you might like to personalize your shirt, add a funky tie, a pocket that you can slip a tiny message into, mini buttons would be cute too. Go wild, you could make a cute father's day card using maybe a striped paper.

2010-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Voila' an origami shirt, complete with pocket, and rhinestone sticker buttons!!

birth of a blog!!

2010-06-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi friends...today, the 4th, is the birth of my blog, I am at the learning stage, and my dear friend Amy, a fellow artist, kindred spirit, wonderful person, has taken time out of her day to help me make this come to be. Stay tuned more to come.....and did I mention, I'm learning!!