Musings of a Polymer Clay and Bead Addict

Hibernation Over

2011-02-27T10:40:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone-

Yes, I've been hibernating for too many months. I recently became a reviewer for The Romance Reviews. They are having their Grand Opening. Feel free to join in all the fun they are having!
Here's the Blurb:

You’re invited!

From March 1 – 31, 2011

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Cranky Monday

2010-10-04T06:58:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling a bit like Garfield today and hating Mondays. This has no real information to share, but I just feel the need to vent, so if you want a rant free day, just click away from here...

Why am I so cranky?

Well, 10 days ago, we had some 90 degree days and I got into the pool. (Not for long since the water was REALLY cold!) Then, we had a week of rain, as in TONS of rain. The weekend was OK, sunny, but chilly. So much so that yesterday I had to dig out my slippers and then I had to put on layers! Yikes!
At 1:00pm, hubby and I sat down to watch the Steelers totally blow their game against the Ravens... Being in the Baltimore area, lots of news stories about the win and all the screw-ups of the game. Like I need to be reminded....
I am not going gently into this Fall season. It wouldn't be so bad if it would just stop raining!
UGH!!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled program....

Visit To My Mom's

2010-08-19T13:15:00.003-05:00

I've been super quiet this summer, not being creative and just hanging out with the kiddos....
Just came back from a visit from my Mom's where she taught me how to cast off, knit and purl! I am currently making a hideous attempt at a long strip of bad knitting (and mastering that too!) and hope to branch off to other things too...
However, the big news of the trip was this...

Now, I am going to seriously date myself, but this was my ALL time favorite cereal as a kid. We didn't get it often, since Mom didn't like us to have 'sugar' cereal. However, this would slip past her healthy food radar and we'd crunch away to happiness... So, when I saw it in the store, I just had to have it! I didn't even need to whine. (Bringing the cute grandkids along helped....)
Of course things we had as kids aren't always all that great as adults..(ex... Lost In Space was my favorite show....) However, Quisp is still AWESOME!! I ate two bowls the first day and only one the next (the kids ate the rest....) and am happy to report it still rips up the roof of your mouth, but it is SO worth it!
So, if you see a box in your store, purchase it! We don't want to have to wait another 30+ years to see it again!

And yes, I am just a big kid!

Have a Wonderful Day

2010-06-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

skyline
Originally uploaded by ClaynPrazy

When you have a sky like this, how can you not smile?

What is Your Favorite Color?

2010-06-01T08:55:00.003-05:00

People ask me that and I immediately answer, purple. I love all the shades of purple, fuschia, and magenta and the like. However, when I look through my bead stash, I see I almost very little in the way of purple.
I've got lots of greens, blues, and even a smattering of browns and yellows. I did make a conscious effort to purchase more purple (like I need a reason to buy more beads!), but it still doesn't compare to the amount of blue I have. I wear blue often (blue jeans being my uniform) and black since it is a slimming color. Purple, I have a couple of shirts I rarely wear. My favorite sweaters are green and blue respectively. I have blue glassware, my china is blue and my everyday plates are blue floral.
Now, why this little bit of introspective? Well, it's Fae's fault. (For those who don't know, she is an evil bead maker who makes sparkly and swirly beads that I find irresistable....) This past week Fae, or EBM (evil bead maker) put up some bead auctions. One had a turquoise swirl and another a beautiful cobalt blue set of beads. I immediately put in my bids and was thrilled to be the high bidder. Then life got in the way and I noted that eBay had sent me a notice that someone had outbid me on the bead set. I meant to re-bid, how could I let those yummy beads go to someone less deserving?
Unfortunately, I didn't win the blue bead set. I was quite saddened at that. Those beads made me rethink my favorite color! But EBM, being an EBM, sent me an e-mail asking if I wanted her to make me a similar set. She had read my mind! An EBM with ESP!! What is not to love? I had planned on asking if she had any other cobalt blue beads hanging around that I could snap up.
So, if anyone asks my favorite color, I will probably still say purple... .
Go Figure!
What is YOUR favorite color?

A Beaded Cane - A Story of Procrastination!

2010-03-23T09:17:00.008-05:00

I knew that in my recovery from a knee replacement, my cane would be used for a few weeks. It's a plain old black one and I thought it was silly for it to stay that way! Now, of course, I'd scheduled this surgery 3 months out, so I knew I was going in on February 1st. So, of course, I didn't start this project until February 10th, a week after I got out of the hospital! I planned on blogging as I went along, but of course, that didn't happen.
So you get to see it all at once. Isn't that exciting?!
I drew out a pattern:
I started to bead.

I got a little further...

You can see I don't follow patterns very well, not even my own!
Finally, two weeks later, I was finished.
It didn't come out exactly as I wanted, but I wasn't going to start over!
So I put it on my cane...
It looks pretty good on it, I have to say. But alas, after a week of using my newly decorated cane, I finally started walking without it... sigh...

Nothing to See Here......

2010-02-07T13:42:00.003-05:00

...but SNOW! Hubby is going to take some pics when he's out clearing the driveway. Friday and Saturday gave us 30" of snow! Makes me wish for my snowmobile I had when I lived in Upstate New York. I have two nephews in Florida that don't get to see snow, so we will email them some pics too. They get a kick out of it. I wonder if they would if they had to shovel the stuff!

I will not be able to help hubby this time around and probably not for the rest of the Winter. On 2/1/10 I got yet another knee replacement. This one replaced the partial I got a couple of years ago and failed. This time, I got a full knee replacement from a doctor who specializes in the type of joint that I needed.

So, for now, I'm laid up and will probably blog more. I will definitely be reading more, so if you are interested, I put a link to my Good Reads page. Feel free to recommend books! Maybe I'll even bead a bit. I did finish a bracelet that I have to post.

Have You Ever Tried...

2010-01-16T20:48:00.002-05:00

Pretzels dipped in Fluff? Okay, I realize how gross that sounds, but since I have one kid that LOVES hot dog buns with chocolate syrup drizzled in the middle, I am an old hat at gross sounding items.
One of my little ones must have pretzels and peanut butter every day or else her day is incomplete. So when she asked for them, I asked the others if they wanted some too. One chimed in 'Can I have it with Fluff?'. I figured why not. After the three of them said it was an awesome combo, I was tempted to try.
I have to say it was pretty delicious!
Could it be that I've been trying really hard to behave myself (food wise...) since my Cardiologist gave me my test results and a resound thumping on my horrible numbers, so anything tastes good...

So I challenge all of you to dip a pretzel in some Fluff and let me know what you think!

Holiday WiP

2009-12-24T09:25:00.005-05:00

I thought I would post some wip pix on the RAW bracelet I've been working on, but I haven't taken any pics yet and with the kids home because of the snow and all the holiday craziness, I haven't gotten back to it.

However, all is not lost! Instead, I have a holiday WiP for you!

My Hubby Cutting Down the Christmas Tree... Each year, we go to this great Tree Farm and cut our own tree. This year we brought Sam the wild dog with us. That made it all the more fun!

Here is the Tree all decorated. I did the lights and the kids did the ornaments.

What would be a tree, without a tree topper? This year, Bumble is the Yeti of honor!

Here's Wishing You All a Bright, Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday and New Year!

Birthday Prep

2009-11-28T23:03:00.002-05:00

With the family gatherings done and my Mother off to her own home, we spent the afternoon recovering from all the festivities. But tonight, I wrapped presents for my oldest whose bday is tomorrow. We do a treasure hunt each year, so I spent the evening rhyming words and hiding gifts.
It was a wonderful holiday weekend and we've been blessed with family and friends.

I sure hope all of you had a great weekend!

My Turkey was Featured!

2009-11-27T09:28:00.003-05:00

If you click on my little Butterball, you will go to Eugena's site and see other great polymer turkeys too! What a great thing to wake up to the day after Thanksgiving. Thanks Eugena!
While you are there, take a peek at her gorgeous work. She does some amazing stuff with Polymer Clay!

I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day! Today, we'll get a nice lazy start and then head back to my in-laws for leftovers and presents! Yipee!

Tamales

2009-11-25T21:40:00.002-05:00

Fifty of them are in the fridge as I type awaiting the Big Day tomorrow. It was my first solo attempt at them and I did make a test batch to taste. They weren't bad. Hubby says they are great, but who knows.... I just hope my FIL likes them. He's the one who was raised eating them.
Either way, it's been an experience and if I were to do this again next year, I will space out the time between batches. It took about 3 hours to press all the tortillas (which I made from scratch -so cool!) and put them in the corn husks and then put the chicken mole in and wrap them. My feet hurt from all the standing. So, I'm taking it easy the rest of the evening.
Will start all the craziness again in the morning.

Sssshhhhh...

2009-11-25T00:25:00.002-05:00

I missed the midnight deadline for a blog post. I was just going to say I'm too pooped to blog, so I guess this counts not only as my blog for the day, but also since it wasn't much of one, I shouldn't be dinged for missing a post... right?

Yep, too tire to make sense either!

My Baby

2009-11-23T22:01:00.002-05:00

Is growing up! WAH!!!!
We took her today to get her ears pierced as an early birthday present. She was a trouper and has been chatting about them non-stop all day!
We've been busy cleaning the house for Turkey Day. So, tomorrow will be attacking the killer dust bunnies!

Happy Birthday Nicki!

2009-11-22T22:13:00.003-05:00

We lost our sweet Nicki last month, October 20th, a month shy of her 14th birthday. Our loss has been immense, but today, we celebrated her life with messages written on balloons and then released so she could read them all in Doggie Heaven. Rest in Peace Sweet Pup.

Happy Day!

2009-11-21T22:38:00.002-05:00

Today hubby came home with a nice surprise.... a 42 inch TV!! We got one last year for Xmas, but it died back in June (we were NOT happy!), but since we had purchased the extended warranty, we thought that it was a minor glitch in the road. Well, it seems the part that blew out was back ordered for a year (or more!), and they would send us a refurbished replacement, but then that would void out our extended warranty. We got the refurbished one, and how it made it hear in one piece was a miracle. There was broken styrofoam in the box and that was it. It did have some chunks out of the shell of the TV, but it did work. They then told us that we would have to be happy with that. So, hubby sent both TVs back, got a refund and was determined not to get another big screen TV again....
Good wife that I am, I let him vent, rant, and rave. I put up with going back to our 19 inch TV. I was sort of okay with it. But from time to time, I'd show him a flyer...
I am so happy he bought one! It is nice not to have to squint at the crawlers on the bottom, or guess what the credits say....
Yippeee!

Happy Friday!

2009-11-20T22:04:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful night! New Moon is in theaters, hubby is home and finally relaxing, and I'm feeling a bit better.
So, what are you doing reading this? Go have FUN!

Punkin Pie!

2009-11-19T23:49:00.003-05:00

For all of you that are like me and spelling mistakes drive you batty, I did it on purpose! Anyway, another trip to the Doctor and am now starting my third round of antibiotics, nasal steroids and also regular steroids, so I am feeling hopeful that this will knock the snot right out of me! (TMI!) So, in honor of feeling better, I decided to give you a giggle. My friend Jean Bernard sent this to me...

It is how Pumpkin Pie is Made....

Bluck!!

2009-11-18T20:37:00.003-05:00

This sinus infection has taken hold and won't let go. Feels like an elephant on my face...
(Nice visual, huh?)
The girls got to meet an author today, Lois Jarman. She writes about real princesses in Medieval Times. She was wonderful!
To see more of her work, click here.

Yipes!

2009-11-17T20:54:00.001-05:00

Again I forgot to post!! I do have an excuse.... boogers!
I'd finished my round of antibiotics to mash my sinus infection into submission, but as soon as it ran out, it came back with a vengence. So, it's back on antibiotics, and hopefully this sucker will go away!
I must be better so I can go see New Moon on Friday!
Eeeeps! I am such a dork!

Forced Creativity

2009-11-15T23:04:00.002-05:00

With a two hour block of time just to watch some television, I made myself get out some beads and work on something. Many years ago, I made a netted disc bead and I tried to re-create it. So, during Desperate Housewives, I struggled with it, only to tear it all out.
During Brothers and Sisters (or is it the other way around?), I decided to work on a RAW project. I figure it will be a bracelet since I won't have to do a whole necklace and I have a little more freedom with embellishing. So far, I have about 2.5 inches done of the first RAW row....
Good thing I don't depend on my bead skills to survive!

I Can't Believe It!

2009-11-15T10:16:00.001-05:00

I'd been doing SO good and for some reason, I blanked on blogging!
EEK!
Well, I am going to count this as yesterday's entry and figure out something to write about for tonight.

Sock Hop

2009-11-13T23:38:00.002-05:00

Tonight was the Girl Scout Sock Hop. The younger girls in our troop weren't up for the dancing, but liked the Hula Hoop contest as well as the Limbo.
So, I did what any self respecting Mom/Troop Leader would... When they started getting bored, I started to dance. They were particularly embarrassed by my Chicken Dance...
It's good to be Mom!

Turkey Time on Etsy!

2009-11-12T22:44:00.002-05:00

turkeyneckb
Originally uploaded by ClaynPrazy

Here is just one of my turkey necklaces that I put up on ETSY.

I also put some pix up on FLICKR .

Let me know what you think and if you have the urge to buy one, feel free!

Speaking of Free...
Until Sunday night (the 15th), BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

So shop away!

Bugsy's Birthday Bash!

2009-11-11T22:18:00.001-05:00

Today our little Samantha turned 2! My youngest calls her Bugsy, which is pretty apropo since she likes to eat bugs (and dust bunnies...).
I made her a puppy pie to celebrate the day, and she let us all sing to her. She was happy to have the pie to herself (it was made with dog food filling...) and kept looking for more!
Anyway, in honor of our little Doofus, I am going to have a sale on my Etsy shop, but more about that tomorrow!

Time Flies!

2009-11-10T21:23:00.002-05:00

You'd think with a Drs appointment today at 9am, I'd be up and out early, get tons of things done, come home, clean up the dishes, take and edit my pictures and list them...
Who knew?!
Actually, I did get a bunch of errands done, mostly for my oldest's upcoming bday party. But, before I knew it , it was 2:30 and I'd just gotten home.
Enough time to take the dog out, talk with the hubby, check my email and then go and wait for the bus.
Now, it's about 9:30pm, the dishes are still in the sink, I didn't get around to taking the pictures, much less edit them, and I'm pooped!
On a positive note, I did finishing reading Dead After Dark by Charlaine Harris and am looking forward to reading more of her series. It's always fun to watch the series (or movie) and read the book(s) too!

First Turkey Up!

2009-11-09T22:18:00.002-05:00

I listed this guy on Etsy, and will post more tomorrow. The pix aren't the best, and none of my pumpkin pie bead pics were to my liking. So, I'm hoping for better lighting next time.

Here's a picture of my unfinished beadwork at the moment. I did a bunch of this over the summer, hence the bright colors.... I just have to get the motivation to finish them..... Any ideas?

Time to Talk Turkey!

2009-11-08T21:29:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it is so close to Thanksgiving already! I hoped to take pics of the turkeys I made last year, but never put up on etsy. Each year, I usually make some roasted Butterballs, but I don't think so this year. However, I may have a pendant or two....
Anyway, tomorrow I hope to have some pics and list them. So, you know what my next post will be about!

Definitely, Maybe...

2009-11-07T23:31:00.002-05:00

Hubby is out playing gee-tar with his buddies and the kids are tucked in, so I decided to take advantage of having solo TV time to watch a movie. I have the movie Definitely, Maybe out from the library for more weeks than I care to mention, so I thought I'd take a break from reading all the slash and gore....(see previous post...)
Surprisingly, it was a really great movie and a tear jerker at the end, which I didn't see coming.... So, it's off to bed for me.. I guess I'll be reading some more vampire stories...sigh...

Stinkin' Vampires...

2009-11-06T19:35:00.004-05:00

I blame them all! While my creativity has left the building for awhile, I've been reading. After a friend got me hooked on the Twilight series, and I read them about three time each, I decided to look for other books. So I picked up Mary Jane Davidson's series, and they were fun, though some were a bit too raunchy for my taste, her 6th book really sucked me in and now I wait on the library list for her latest...
Then, I picked up the book Magic Bites. Gotta love the title. Then I read it and really liked the character Kate Daniels. But, now that I've read the first three and the novella, I have to wait until GASP June of next year! (of course that's when Eclipse come out in theaters, so it will be a great month!)
So I read that series twice and Ilona Andrews paid a wonderful tribute to Laurell K. Hamilton. So, I picked up her first book and thought it was pretty cool. I am now reading Blue Moon, which is somewhere in the middle of the series.
Great news is that she's got TONS of Anita Blake Vampire Hunter books in the series! Maybe they will get me to Nov. 20 and the New Moon premiere.
Stinkin' Vampires!

Under the Wire

2009-11-05T23:35:00.002-05:00

Just about midnight, but I had to watch Project Runway... I'm not much of a reality show watcher, but I do love to watch stuff get made! This episode wasn't as snarky as the last, thank goodness, and the three that are going to Bryant Park are the three I picked from the beginning.....
Off to bed.....

A Guest Blogger

2009-11-04T14:48:00.003-05:00

One of my kids is home from school today. I asked if she would blog for me today and she agreed.
Here she is:
Hi,I have no clue what to write.

Yep, my kiddo...queen of the words!! LOL!!!
I did get something via email today. It's the Story of the Day, and I loved this one:

Here's the Story of the Day:

Out to Play

No hurt survives for long without our help, she said & then she kissed me & sent me out to play again for the rest of my life.

A final comment from our Guest....
I have a blog too!!

Have a Happy Wednesday!

A Short Entry

2009-11-03T22:15:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to get a cold, so I am heading to bed early in hopes of kicking it early. I did get to watch the other episode of True Blood today, now I am waiting on Disk 5 so I can finish out the season.
Other than that, no news...
Off to bed....
Good Night All!

2nd Day of Posting...

2009-11-02T22:31:00.002-05:00

...and I almost forgot to blog! Yeesh!! I thought since I'm on my computer first thing in the morning, I'dblog then. However, today I was watching True Blood since it's due back to the library tomorrow.
The series is pretty graphic, but I love how at the end of each episode it grabs you by the throat!(pun intended.)
I have another episode to watch tomorrow morning, so I hope I don't forget to blog again!

An Etsy Listing!

2009-11-01T09:24:00.001-05:00

bluesqueel2
Originally uploaded by ClaynPrazy

Figured I'd start out my month of blogging with a bang!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33623024
This is the Elusive Blue Squeel. He's friendly sort that is sure he has a mountainous roar of a squeal, but humans can't hear it. So, he makes a lovely addition to any home.
Phew, 1 down, 29 more to go!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T20:52:00.003-05:00

I knew I was remiss in my blogging, but had no idea it had been over 4 months! YIKES!! Tomorrow starts National Blogging Month and I've decided to take the plunge and get to it! I've been in a bit of a creative slump, but I have lots of stuff I haven't posted, so I will start in the morning....
Right now, I'm resting my feet and trying really hard not to raid my kids candy haul....

Wacky Wednesday at Caradidi!

2009-06-24T20:32:00.001-05:00

Dwayne is featured on their blog!

Take a peek here....
http://caradidi.blogspot.com/2009/06/dwayne-one-wacky-guy-from-boodlers.html

Out From Under a Rock

2009-06-21T15:36:00.002-05:00

To wish all the Dads out there a Happy Day!
My girls and I were a flurry of activity making cupcakes and rice krispie treats for our favorite (and ONLY) guy of the house.
Hubby then ate eggs, toast, bacon, and fried potatoes made by me. (Usually, he makes it all himself.

I am sorry I've been unavailable as of late, but now the the Twins' birthday is over and school is out, I am hoping for less hectic days.

My computer is still wonky, but am hoping to resurrect my old laptop while this one goes back to the manufacturer.

Anyway, I'm hoping to get some eye candy out there soon!
Thanks for bearing with me!

Computer Issues

2009-05-12T10:18:00.002-05:00

My laptop is acting funny, so I'm back working off a temp machine. I hope to have pics up soon of my MIL's necklace she got for Mother's Day.

Sorry this is a short one!

Boy, I am BAD at this!

2009-05-07T20:04:00.002-05:00

I am supposed to be blogging daily, but it's not working out that way...
I did finish the earrings, and they came out really cute.

However, I'm taking a break to watch Grey's Anatomy and then it's back into the studio to finish the pens for my girls' teacher gifts.

Since I'm supposed to be talking about sweet stuff, here's one of my favorite candies:

Ooops!

2009-05-04T21:23:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that I already missed a day!
At least I have a good excuse...
My doofus dog decided to get into the trash my hubby had forgotten to close. She found a closed bag of chicken bones and ripped into it and ate them ALL!

If you are wondering...
For dogs 10-50 lbs:
Cut up 4 cotton balls (not synthetic....)
Soak them in heavy cream.
Hubby put liverwurst on the soaked cotton balls, but I'm not sure if that is necessary.
Feed them to the dog.
Wait and watch when it all gets pooped out.
WAY FUN!!!
LOL!

It's a good thing she's such a sweet pup!

Sweet Sister

2009-05-02T19:26:00.001-05:00

Today, my oldest did something very sweet for my youngest. She traded one of her favorite Pokemon cards to get and Exploud card for her sister.

For that, I'm letting her watch Twilight...

Me, I have a couple of commission earrings to finish tonight. I may even have a picture or two tomorrow!

May Day! May Day!!

2009-05-01T08:42:00.002-05:00

Did that get your attention? I've been in a creative slump - maybe because I got sucked into the whole Twilight series and now I am obsessed!

Anyway, I decided to join in on NaBloPoMo's theme for May. It is Sweet. Since I have a serious sweet tooth, I figured I could do 30 days of sweet!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment of sweet!

Hoppy Easter

2009-04-12T19:05:00.001-05:00

Here's my all time Easter Commercial. Enjoy the cuteness!

Following....

2009-04-08T08:22:00.003-05:00

Pattee ( you really should see her coolio work) asked how she could follow me. So, I went into my Handy Dandy Blogger Dashboard and added the gadget. So, if you'd like to follow me, now you can!

Spring is Coming!

2009-03-13T10:35:00.001-05:00

bugz31-1
Originally uploaded by ClaynPrazy

and the Bugz are here! I put a couple of them in my Etsy shop. I also added some dragonflies.
Let me know what you think about my new items. I love feedback both good and bad!
Thanks for looking.
I'm off to enjoy the sunshine!

Is it Spring Yet?

2009-02-21T09:33:00.004-05:00

I feel like a bear waking up from hibernation. I have sorely neglected many things, one of which being my Blog. I've been focusing more on home duties (cleaning and what not.. YUK!), but am in the need to get back into the swing of things.
Of course, I have blogged many times in my head, and hopefully, they will actually make it here!
Thanks to all for bearing with me. Here's a bit of eye candy that I can now show.
I entered the ISGB and B&B Convergence contest, and my piece didn't make the cut. (WAH) The focal was made by Susan Eliot of DoodleTArt. Isn't it wonderful?!

Happy Turkey Day!

2008-11-27T22:44:00.008-05:00

I hope all of those who celebrate Turkey Day have eaten their fill, surrounded by family and friends. I am at home with bronchitis. Hubby took the kids to his parents for the start of a two day mania that strikes annually.
So, I've used this time to upload a bunch of items in my etsy shop.

And a few more... why not take a peek?!
Thanks for looking!

America - GO and VOTE!!!!

2008-11-04T08:45:00.006-05:00

What an exciting day for us Americans. We will either have an African American President Elect or a Female Vice President elect! It is great to see people out there waiting in line to go and vote. I hope all of you in the US take part in this historical election. As for me, I will be going out later with my girls and letting them watch me vote. Then, we'll be off to the library! In the meantime, I will leave you with a story of two hapless folk from the Nogwood Forest.....

Bertha is late... She's in her Coven finery and even managed to find the big hatted hat she wears every 4 years. No, she isn't off to the monthly Witches's Cauldron, but she is flying off to her voting polling place!

However, her broom and her have had a fundamental difference with the candidates, and it seems to want to take off without her.... Bertha sticks out her tongue in concentration as she gets a leg onto the broom. The whole time, she's wondering why she ate ALL the Halloween candy.... It's all gone to her butt and making it even harder to mount the wayward broom....
Will Bertha make it? I sure hope so!

Peter was once a young man who never listened to his mother. She always told him to not eat so many pumpkin seeds, because pumpkins would grow out of his ears. He laughed at her and said, "I'm Peter. Peter Pumpkin Eater. Nothing will happen." But it did... And at the worst time too! He needs a picture ID at his voting place, and he hasn't had time to change his Driver's License. Let's face it - it's almost impossible to drive with a pumpkin head!

Will Peter Punkin' Head vote? I have faith he will!

The question is-- Will you?

It's a Birthday a BOGO!!

2008-10-22T12:47:00.000-05:00

I've been eating junk food, drinking diet soda and eating chips and sour cream all day!

Hubby bought me one of those coolio Acer teeny tiny laptops that I will be playing with once he sets up my wifi....

Otherwise, I'm listing stuff in my Etsy shop since I'm doing a Birthday BOGO sale...

Buy One get One Free (I decide which one you get free... It may be the higher priced item!)
Free Shipping
Put BDAY BOGO in the comments section and I'll send a modified invoice....
Birthday BOGO runs until 10/26

I will keep adding things while the sale is going on so you can shop to your hearts content!

[link]

How Cool!

2008-09-12T16:49:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to list every day in my Etsy shop, and today, I listed some of my glow in the dark ghosts. (I sure do LOVE glow in the dark clay!!!) I got a convo from swirlyarts, letting me know I was FEATURED on Cuteable today! How freaking cool!!!

I am doing a happy dance!

I am on a Halloween kick this week and have listed lots of goodies there, as well as my skull beads... If you take a gander, let me know what you think....

It's been WAY too long!

2008-09-02T13:45:00.002-05:00

....Again... I've been blogging in my head....again....
The kids are back in school and I've gotten a tune up on the old knee, so I am raring to go!
As a matter of fact, I've been busy creating ALL sorts of things for this Saturday, September 6th. I will be doing a show at the ArtWay Studio in Damascus, MD! It's been a few years since I've done one and it took a bit of time to unearth my supplies and such in the basement.
This year, I signed up with ProPay and I will be able to take credit cards... So come on out and spend, spend, spend!!! LOL
I won't be the only person there though... There will be nine other artists from the Etsy CREST team. Here's the flyer:

So, if you are in the area, please drop by and visit!

August EBWC Art Deco Challenge

2008-08-09T09:05:00.001-05:00

August EBWC Mosaic
Originally uploaded by wMarlaine

Once again, the Etsy Bead Weavers have done an AMAZING job with this month's challenge. I decided to join the fray too... I can tell I am so out of my league with all these talented artisans!
Please take a closer look on the blog and vote for your favorite!
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

201 Hearts!!

2008-07-24T09:07:00.006-05:00

I am SO excited! I went to my Etsy store and decided to peek at how many hearts I had, and I have 201! Way better than just 200...LOL! I was shocked when I hit 100, so to double it is just fantastic! Thank you to all that have hearted me!

In other news, my computer is on the fritz. First it was the keyboard. I had my IT guy (so impressive sounding... It's my hubby who does this kind of stuff for a living....) and he ungunked it, even soaking it in alcohol to make it squeaky clean! Once that was done, my kids wanted to go on WEbkinz (UGH!), but then I noticed that my power was always on battery, although I had the power cord in. I told my IT guy to buy me a new cable, and he scoffed at me.... "Why spend $20 on a power cord? You know I can fix it." So he cut the power cord in half and is working on that problem. In the meantime, I'm on his laptop (fancier and WAY faster!), and I'm at a loss withouth all my icons and programs I use everyday.

Why do I tell you all these things you ask? I don't know... But then again, why are you still reading... LOL!!!
(Yep, I'm a brat!)

Here's What Happened in Week 3...

2008-07-18T21:53:00.007-05:00

The girls and I had a blast making critters. We made some canes and then used them for turtle shells. I think they came out pretty cool, if I do say so myself!
Jenny and Olivia went on to make some cows, frogs and polar bears. They are just so talented!

As for me, I FINALLY finished this cuff! Can you believe it? I listed it on Etsy

Proud of My Pockets

2008-07-11T21:33:00.002-05:00

I am an artisan that is basically scared of my sewing machine... Well, more like scared that one of my kids will put there hand by the needle and puncture themselves (or me...) So, I usually hand sew everything. It isn't always pretty, but it gets the job done...
Now, my darling hubby has a pair of black shorts that are his favorites and have been for at least 15 yrs... They have been in my mending pile many times over the years and finally, the pockets gave out. He wanted new pockets.... Sheesh!
So, today, I rummaged through my fabric scraps, and made a template and sewed them on. Miracles of miracles, he's got pockets again...
I am so proud of myself!
Just thought I'd share....

I am WAY behind!

2008-07-04T09:33:00.009-05:00

We had the second week of classes and we thought we'd try some micro-macrame... But, then we decided that these classes are supposed to be fun, not frustrating! Sheesh! I applaud ANYONE who can do the micro-macrame! I tried to do an earring for over four hours, and they came out hideous!
So, we opted for the lark's head bracelets in leather... That was frustrating enough... LOL

Once they were finished, Robin made a really pretty bracelet with the SLON thread and some crystal beads. (Of course, I didn't get a pic of it....) Jenny decided she wanted to make some dangly earrings... Here's what she came up with:

Then, I showed her how to make the polar bears I make, and here is her version... How cute is he?

So Busy!

2008-06-19T10:00:00.008-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying June... The first two weeks are always hectic here. First the Twins turned (EEK) 7, and then school let out... So I am finally catching my breath....
I was able to make a couple of things in the process!
First, a druzy necklace:

And for a friend (who I hope likes it...) a beaded seahorse:

On Tuesday, I taught a class for a group of girls I have the pleasure of teaching each summer. This is what they made...

I love how they take an idea I had and really run with it! Next week, we are doing macrame and beading... That's gonna be fun!

Have a great day!
and if you haven't had enough of my puppy... here's the latest shot....

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T20:14:00.006-05:00

The weather couldn't have been better this weekend and my hubby got out his grill to christen the unofficial start of the summer with his trusted Weber grill. However, the grill had seen better days and one of the legs rusted through.
Would that stop him? NO WAY! He is a man of many talents and grilling is just one!
Out came the cinder blocks...

Then came more cinder blocks... (The dog looks worried, but I wasn't...)

And Voila! He fashioned us a little BBQ grill that was able to make us a wonderful meal.

He made 5 ears of corn, 5 potatoes, two squash, a whole chicken, one large vidalia onion and when the veggies were done, he did four shish ka bobs to boot!
I told you the Man can grill!
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and for those who are remembering lost soldiers, my heart is with you.

Busy, Busy....

2008-05-02T13:59:00.007-05:00

I was going to title this post WIP Wednesday, but since it's now Friday, I didn't think that would be a good idea...
The sun is finally out, so I was able to take pix of the new beads and such that I will be posting soon...
Glad the mud is dried up, since after five minutes outside, Samantha looked liked this:

My creativity has been slumping, but I have been workijng on a few projects...
This one is a commission piece that was a Mill Hill purse kit, but she wants it in different colors. I haven't cross stitched in awhile, so it's been a nice change. I've already started the beading part, so as soon as I get a bit further, I will take another picture.

This is for a customer that had these amber beads on another necklace, but decided to use her gold chain and have it re-done. It's been a bit nerve wracking cutting her chain, but this is where we are so far. We may take off the turquoise though....

Last, but not least, is a cuff I've been trying to finish up, but it's been fighting me....

Hope you all enjoy the weekend!

Lookie! PCAGOE Bead Swap

2008-04-23T08:02:00.007-05:00

So, you already saw the beads that Linda sent me... So, here's what I made from these beads.

Pretty isn't it?! I love wearing it and I get lots of compliments on it too!
A couple of days later, I got these beads from Beadworx... I have a few ideas and you'll have to wait and see what I come up with. (Of course, I am open to all suggestions!)

Here's what I sent Linda:

Here's what I sent Bettina (Beadworx):
I sure hope they love their beads as much as I do mine!
Happy Beading!

OH Happy (Yester)Day!!!

2008-04-10T14:07:00.006-05:00

After MANY days of yukky old rain, the sun broke through and we had some nice weather... If that wasn't enough, I walk down to the mailbox and see this....

Two, I was expecting, and one I'd forgotten about... The box contained this lampwork bead from
http://giapet.etsy.com.... http://image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.15274212.jpg

The one I'd forgotten about is from the PCGOE bead swap... This is from Linda Hartman... Aren't they great?!

The last one is from a friend of mine - Gladys.... I sent her some $$ and she sent me a goodie box...
I think I made out in the deal, cuz besides all these goodies.....

I got THIS!!!!

I SO love this! See, it's on my wrist, and that's where it's staying!
The sun is out today, so I am off to play!

Spring is Here! well...sorta....

2008-03-16T21:01:00.005-05:00

So I spent Friday and Saturday afternoon outside with the kids and the dogs soaking up the sunshine and feeling happy. This morning, it's 40 degrees, windy and raining... sigh... I just can't believe it's over half way through March and Easter is next week! Where does the time go? I've been a bit more creative as of late, but not much. I listed a few goodies in my Etsy shop...

Our puppy is growing up fast and in two weeks, will graduate from puppy school! Here's a recent picture...

Last, but not least, I couldn't resist showing off my new kid watching device....

JUST KIDDING!!! We moved Samantha up to a new (bigger) crate and the kids were just having a bit of fun.... I didn't leave them in there (for too long anyway... LOL)

2008-01-08T19:02:00.000-05:00

The crazy Bead Weavers are at it again!
This month's theme is RED....
Why Crazy? Because they love to take little beads and stitch them usually one at a time! I understand their obsession, because my entry is number 40!
If you'd like to vote, visit our blog....

1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8397033">Shades of Red Bracelet by clairecreations

2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8495782">Fire Garden Necklace by fskellyman

3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8558305">Red Lacewing (extravagant bead woven butterfly hand flower) by GreenEnvyDesigns

4.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8610069"> Follow Your Heart - Freeform Peyote Bracelet by totallytwisted

5.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8630097"> Red Star Necklace and Earring Set by clairecreations

6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8631572">The Red Road Less Traveled Freeform Peyote Bracelet by myfairladyvt4

7. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8635126">Beating Heart Necklace by triz

8.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8644156"> Pomegranate Seed Lip Balm Holder by arosebyname

9.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8649604"> Red Whimsy-Freeform Peyote Stitch Bracelet by crissytraparts

10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8653768">Hot Pepper Keychain by arosebyname

11. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8657854">Red Brick Road Freeform Bracelet by myfairladyvt4

12.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8670020"> Bordeaux Bijoux by BeadJewelryShopgirl

13.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8671781"> Rocket - Freeform Peyote Necklace by totallytwisted

14.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8672313"> Sabatini by thebeadedlily

15.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8675726"> Red Freeform Netted Cuff by vickijensen

16.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8686513"> Fire and Ice Right Angle Weave Bracelet by crissytraparts

17. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8691039">Magic Red Carpet by triz

18.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8693715"> Red Rocks Bracelet by KathysKraftyKreation

19.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8694394"> Hubbles Bracelet by KathysKraftyKreation

20.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8697066"> Simply Red Crystal Bracelet by beautyinthebeads

21.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8699895"> Red Bargello Hearts Peyote Cuff by SandFibers

22.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8703372"> Scarlett sez Fiddle Dee Dee Choker by cigarboxbeads

23.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8724671"> Red Hair Goblin from a Recycled LP by Tresijas

24. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8726261">Royal Flash Bangle by triz

25.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8743795"> Sultry Cellini Spiral Bracelet by hands2heal

26.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8743948"> Red Floral Herringbone Cuff Bracelet by hands2heal

27.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8747647"> SIMPLY RED AND A PEARL BRACELET by dawnchastain

28.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8748332"> Garnet Lace Necklace by LauriDesigns

29.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8748466"> A Vila Mon Coeur, Gardi Li Mon by DantesSpirit

30.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8748631"> Simply Red Necklace Carnelian by LauriDesigns

31.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8750308"> SIMPLY RED This hearts for you by dawnchastain

32.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8750631"> Red Choker Necklace by BoodlersBeads

33.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8752266"> SeaWord by SalamanderHouse

34.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8753280"> Ligaments and Disks A Fringe Beaded Bead by thejadedog

35.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8754054"> And love goes round... Beaded Bead Necklace by ClinkscalesArts

36. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8756256">Red, V-shape necklace with white glass heart pendant by GreenEnvyDesigns

37.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8756279"> Flowers For Scarlett Beadwoven and Bead Adorned Necklace by beadbug

38. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8757074">Passion> by RegalBeads

39.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8757302"> Sinfully RED Bead Woven Triple Spiral Bracelet by MistyRidgeBeads

40.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8758105"> Simply Red - Leaving by AnotherCountry

41.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8758874"> Red Bargello Ribbon Peyote Cuff by SandFibers

42.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8759290"> Red Between the Lines - Beadwoven Cuff by time2cre8

2008 Is Gonna be Great!

2007-12-31T00:31:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful, happy, safe and joyous Holiday season! With three kids it's always interesting here, and this month was no different! We got a Rudolph (our favorite Xmas show) Monopoly game board and we've been playing a lot of it!
Another great gift I got was my copies of Bead Trend Magazine... I had four projects published in the January/February issue and I'm THRILLED at how it all came out! They really take some stunning photos of all the work submitted... The magazine costs $17.50 an issue, but it has goo gobs of projects and only a handful of ads! If you haven't seen one, check them out...
Here are the pix of my projects......

Here's my byline... Soooooo cool!

(I really have to take better pix!!!)

Have a fantastic New Year!

Doesn't Anyone Want to BOGO?

2007-12-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Here I am staring at my shop and no one wants to take advantage of me... Boo Hoo!
I've added a couple more items to tempt you...

And I am going to let you see some others that I will put up in the next day or two.....

Today I made some really fun snowmen (not beads!) and I may even show them to you... But, you have to promise to be good!

BOGO Week!!!

2007-12-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

Yep, I've gone and done it! I decided to join in the fun with the Etsy Bead team and do the Buy One Get One Half Off craze! You also get free shipping too - my holiday gift to all of you!
Here are a few things I've listed this week:

I am trying to figure out the kinks in the camera now that it's back from repair, but it just isn't the same.....
Thanks for looking!

A Couple Days Late....

2007-12-02T19:45:00.001-05:00

I decided to use Sporky.net's version, cuz I love Ms. Diller! Click on the pix if you want more info....

Today is the Last Day

2007-11-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

Of post every day for the month of November challenge.... Could that be why the President came to my little town? If I hadn't read it on page 12 of our weekly paper, I'd never have known about it. I wonder why that was?

Anyway, I hopefully will be more consistent with my blogging now that it's sort of a a habit now....

Thanks to all that have followed and commented on my ramblings....

Too Pooped!

2007-11-29T22:36:00.000-05:00

To do much of anything at the moment. I promised to upload pictures, but between going to school to have lunch with my DD,(after putting the touches on 23 handmade bookmarks for her class...) wrapping all her presents, tracking down a Hippo Webkinz, creating the questions and hints for her Treasure Hunt and then watching her open and squeal (while her sisters weren't so happy THEY didn't get it....) and then do the whole dinner and bedtime thing. I'm just too pooped to pop....
I promise to be better tomorrow!

The Mad Dash....

2007-11-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, my daughter turns 8. It is hard to believe she is going to be 8. I see flashes of her as a young woman and I about die inside. NOT MY BABY!!!! She's a great kid and I am so proud of her. That is why I hauled myself around to several different stores trying to find ALL the right stuff for her special day. I'm pooped. I just finished putting on the final touches on the 23 bookmarks I made for her class...
Now that I have a camera, I'll take pix and post tomorrow.
Good night!

OH MAN!!!!

2007-11-28T18:18:00.000-05:00

Today, while pulling out of the Target parking lot, I realized I forgot to blog yesterday... Soooo close and yet so far! I hope I don't get penalized (too much.... )
I will blog this evening too, and hopefully this will make up for my indiscretion.

November 2007 Etsy BeadWeavers Challenge - Caught in a Net

2007-11-26T22:14:00.001-05:00

November 2007 Etsy BeadWeavers Challenge - Caught in a Net
Originally uploaded by time2cre8

This month's theme is Caught in a Net. Talk about some seriously stunning work!!! Vote on the site and visit their Etsy sites. They are all amazing artists!

Also, visit Carol Dean's blog after you vote and leave a comment. You will be entered in a chance to get this:

What a Nice Surprise

2007-11-25T23:17:00.001-05:00

11-24-07 Gift Guide for Grumps Treasury
Originally uploaded by Sand Fibers

I can't view the Treasuries that Etsy has, so I am always bummed when people talk about them... However, a wonderful gal, always takes screen shots. Image my surprise when I peeked on her flickr site and saw this!

Gus is my guy... Upper left hand corner...
Thanks so much!

Ah, the Holiday Coma....

2007-11-24T23:08:00.000-05:00

After two intense days of activities and family, it was nice to hang out in the pjs and just veg... Tomorrow, it's back to a schedule and readying the kids for school on Monday. But until then, I will "Lay like broccoli"...

(anyone remember that line?)

A Little Creative MoJo...

2007-11-23T15:18:00.001-05:00

I've been sorely lacking in the creative mojo department lately. But, in the spirit of the day after Thanksgiving gift bonanza, the girls and I made some journals and even dabbled in the clay. Boy did that feel great!
The other bonus for today was I was able to drive to my physical therapy appt. today... YIPPEE!!!!
Have your fill of leftovers, and pop a few buttons... Better yet, wear elastic!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

2007-11-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

Soon I'll be off and into total chaos! Not for me, but for my MIL who hosts our unruly bunch and all her other kids kids too... About 30 in all... Yep, lots of noise and LOTS of food!!! Gotta get there early so I get some dirt cake....!

May you have a wonderful day!

Think Pictures this year...

2007-11-21T21:47:00.000-05:00

I have a very funny photo of my girls (that I'm banned to share with the cyber public.... ) and wanted to give it to the grandparents. A picture quickly gets lost.. So I am putting them on mugs, and a mousepad for the hubby... The best price I found is at Discount Photo.
Now, I do plan on buying a couple of coolio items from Moo. Their sticker prices can't be beat and will be great to put on my boxes. Also, they have these sweet little mini cards that are great!

Take a peek and see what great gifts you can give this year!

So, He's just an Idiot!

2007-11-20T22:56:00.000-05:00

I understand him leaving Jenny... but Deanna? He even says he misses her every day, but is STILL unwilling to see what happens...

What A DOPE!!!!

OK, I promise tomorrow I won't rant about the Bachelor...

Who Will He Pick?

2007-11-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

The bachelor is about to come on... So I'm off now to indulge in a little frivolity...

Holy Cow!

2007-11-18T20:46:00.001-05:00

fastpitch
Originally uploaded by Wes Warren

This guy, Wes Warren does some A-MA-Zing cane work!! Then, he is a pro at reducing these beauties with virtually NO distortion! I wanna be like him!

EBW Rules!

2007-11-17T21:41:00.001-05:00

Click on the picture and be prepared to be Wowed!!!! There are some amazing bead weavers on Etsy!!!

I Just Love Etsy!!!

2007-11-16T22:17:00.001-05:00

I've been trying to find something different (and not China made) to put in her goodie bags this year. I finally found a shop that has some cute snowmen at a very reasonable price. She's gonna make them green and smell like bubble gum!

How cool is that?!

Must....Blog.....

2007-11-15T23:35:00.000-05:00

If you think of Captain Kirk when you read that - Welcome to my insanity!!!
When I took this challenge, I figured 30 entries would be a piece of cake...It's NOT!!!
I have a major appreciation for all that do this all the time. It is really hard to put a piece of yourself out there every day...
As for my fiction writing, I'm stalled... That's probably why I never get published... LOL

Have a great night everyone!

13 Days Left.... Give One Get One....

2007-11-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

I first heard about these laptops on 60 Minutes... (Or a similar program....) I loved the idea of letting children in third world countries have access to the Internet, to empower these kids with information and knowledge. It disheartened me to learn this program has had many hurdles to overcome. This year, for a limited time, they are offering a great program. Buy one laptop at a VERY low price of $399, and you will get one sent not only to your house, but some kid in a developing country will get one too!
This isn't a cheesy laptop either... It has some very cool features, including being built to withstand brutal climates. The screen swivels all the way around and it has game controllers embedded into the design.
Please, take a look and think hard about either taking advantage of the program or at least donating to this worthy cause.

http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/index.php

My New Knee!!

2007-11-13T22:34:00.000-05:00

This is an xray with my new knee... It's been four weeks since I got it and it's a slow process... Hopefully soon, I'll be up and running in no time!

Next up on Etsy....

2007-11-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

Since my camera is broken, I figured I'd go through my pix and see what I had. This is a set I adore and am finally ready to part with....

I am pretty proud of them since I made the stamp that I used as well.
Here's the link....
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7850907

Blah.....

2007-11-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling blah today.....
So, instead of bringing you down, I am going to give you a prosperity blassing, my friend Mary sent me.....

May you be blessed with an amazingly abundant day today!

May the clouds break and the heavens pour down upon you more joy, more love, more laughter and more money than you could have ever dreamed of.

May the sun shine its golden light of prosperity through every cell of your extraordinary body.

May you be cleansed today of any resistance or feelings of unworthiness that you may still be holding onto.

May your false illusions of doubt, fear and scarcity gently fall away like soft white feathers on a gentle breeze.

May you be willing, simply willing, to allow the Universe to shower you with miracles today.

May the Angels wrap you in their shining wings of opulence.

May the fairies deliver you to their pot of gold at the end of a majestic rainbow.

May your eyes shine with the glorious truth of who you really are and may that truth uplift others in your presence to their own inner knowing.

May your ears hear the sound of perfection ringing in your soul.

May you taste the deliciousness of every precious bite of life as your day unfolds moment by moment with amazing grace, heartfelt love and a bounty of magnificent money.

As this day ends, may you slumber wrapped in an exquisite blanket of enduring peace and profound gratitude.

And may the last words you speak today be Thank You!

So, before I go to bed.... Thank you!

Feelin' The Polymer Clay Love...

2007-11-10T23:29:00.000-05:00

Actually, the PCAGOE love..... I've been highlighted this week there, so I thought I'd take a moment and show you some of the awesome work these artists do......
You can click on the image and go right to the listing, or on their name to go right to the shop.

First up, and in no particular order is Made in Lowell....

She not only works in polymer clay, but felt too!

Now for the Dog lovers - here's NanjoDogz

Isn't this just yummy?
Made by Naftali.

This pendant and many other stunning pieces are made by Marcia Palmer.

OK - One more... Last, but not least is my favorite piece since it always makes me smile.....

Itty Bitties For You makes the greatest Super Dogs!

Now, if you promise to be good, I'll send some more off into cyberspace another day.....

Getting Cold Here...

2007-11-09T22:17:00.000-05:00

They are talking flurries tonight, but nothing will stick... My kids are excited, my hubby is grumbling.. When I lived in NY state (WAY Upstate....) There was always snow before Halloween. Here, it's mostly ice and slush... YUCK! Give me a decent snowfall and I'm out there building snow forts and sledding... I only come in when the kids make me....

A Bit of a Rant...

2007-11-08T23:09:00.000-05:00

Another recall today.... The sickest part about all these recalls is that we (the US) haven't put ANY sanctions on China yet.. Why is that? Is it because the corporations are more worried about their bottom line than the lives of our children? I just don't understand it!
We will fight over fossil fuels, but not for the health of future generations...
It makes me very sad......

I'll Be Featured...

2007-11-07T23:09:00.000-05:00

On the Polymer Clay Artist Guild of Etsy's website... It will be up on the 9th, or thereabouts... Of course, I have to get my butt in gear and give them my pix and such... I guess I should do that... huh?
Check out the website and take a gander at all the amazing artists there... Definitely worthwhile!
Hope to see you there!

Why I Love to Barter...

2007-11-06T22:39:00.001-05:00

I have a niece that LOVES horses.... I thought of making her some horse jewelry, but a friend of mine does such an awesome job in sculpting, painting and doing all sorts of thing horse, that I asked if I could purchase something from her...
Now, here's the best part... she wanted to barter!!!
WOO HOO!!! I love to barter.... It always makes me happy to create something for someone I know they will love and I always cherish what I get in return...
I am in the process of making her some Christmas-y earrings, but am stuck on do I make a tree, a present, a candy cane, a snowman, a snowflake or a wreath... Then, I have to decide if I want to make it 2D or 3D... I am thinking of a wreath only because I have a great pattern for it... However, it is up to Carole...
Speaking of Carole, she has an eBay site for your shopping pleasure...
Thanks so much Carole! She is SOOOOO going to love it!

One Dedicated Blogger Here....

2007-11-04T22:25:00.000-05:00

After my debacle last night and not posting, I almost didn't do it again tonight! Imagine that.... However, to show my devotion, I am laying in the lower bunk of my daughter's bunk bed typing this out on my laptop..... (I'm here to scare all the bad dreams away as she falls asleep...)
So, I know I won't be able to work on my fiction, although I will try... So, here's a picture to keep you happy... LOL

What the heck is it? It's an alien pretzel we found one day and just had to take a picture...
So, tomorrow, if you are having a bad Monday, take a peek at this guy and be happy you didn't have his life!

Can You Believe It?

2007-11-04T10:38:00.000-05:00

I plan on blaming my faux pas on my kids... They are all sick and at the end of the day, the last thing I wanted to do was get on the computer... So, I missed day three of my blog... Man, oh Man!!!!
I hope you forgive this indiscretion.... I will post more later.....

Day Two...

2007-11-02T21:24:00.000-05:00

Today I am a bit earlier, but nonetheless pushing the envelope in getting my blog entry up.
This year, I made the Pledge - a decision to buy handmade.... With all the recalls and such, doesn't it make sense to either make something yourself or buy from someone who puts a bit of their heart and soul into something for you to enjoy?
It is not news that I am a HUGE proponent for Etsy and think the time has come to go back to handmade and skip out on most of the commercial junk that is out and about. I have kids, so I know that I won't be able to get away with this completely, but I am hoping by having them make their presents they will understand the need for handmade.....
Okay, off my soap box and back into my Fiction....

There are women that have it all together, look great right after having a baby, keep an immaculate house, have well-behaved kids, and volunteer for everything. That's Casey. The worst thing about her is that she's also a truly nice person. So, you can't even hate her!
This is why my life is a shambles. I want to be like her. I know I have no hope in hell to be even close, but I can dream. It's why I always say yes to all her requests. At least I'm not alone in this. Half the town scrambles around trying to be like her and failing miserably.
After Jim left the kitchen, I snapped up the cordless phone and did what any woman would do in my position. Call and complain to my best friend, Liz.
Liz and I met at the Library eight years previous, toting our infants to a Mommy and Me class, desperate to get out of the house and let someone else think of activities for a half hour. I saw her, her frizzy brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and shuffling in with her chubby baby boy in an infant carrier and a diaper bag bursting at the seams. She plopped down next to me and my precious little girl, clad all in pink. I felt superior for a moment until my daughter spewed milk all over her nice outfit and, of course, me.
"Oh Crap!" I muttered. My illusions shattered.
Liz laughed and pulled out a cloth diaper and started blotting the spit up from my pants. From that moment on, we've been inseparable. If the phone rings in my house 99% of the time it's Liz. The same goes in her house. We go everywhere together and our kids love each other. Our husbands hide in the basement on Sundays and drink beer and watch ESPN. I think they really just want to get away from us hens.
On the second ring, Liz answered. "What did Casey get you to do now?"
"I hate it when you do that." Really, how did she know?
"You don't call until after the Morning News unless Casey called and enlisted your help again."
"Okay, smart butt, what do I have to do?"
"Let's see... It's mid-October and she needs help. Must be the wrapping paper fund raiser."
"How did you know?"
Liz laughed and kept me hanging.
"Spill, woman... and stop laughing!" I commanded.
"I saw a note about the orders were coming in next week in Jake's school folder yesterday."
Jake was Liz's eight year old boy, and he was betrothed to my Olivia, who was also eight.
When I didn't answer right away, Liz continued. "I take it you didn't see the paper."
"I have yet to wade through all that stuff. With three kids, I swear I must get 50 pages of junk to look through." Liz only had the two boys, Jake and Jason and the youngest was just three.
Me, I was a regular baby factory. Three kids in three years and I was truly hoping I wouldn't ever get pregnant again. My body was already unrecognizable.
"So, you want me to help out?"
"Of course." I knew I never had to ask, she'd do it, just as I'd do it for her, but it made me feel better.
We spent the next half hour complaining how things never get done, both avoiding the obvious that if we got off the phone we'd get more done.
By eleven in the morning, I had cleaned up the dishes, put away the laundry, swept up the floor, and consumed three cups of tea. I was ready for the rest of the day - or so I thought.
In the bedroom, I sat down on the bed and it felt nice and comfy. I laid down and the next thing I knew it was one o'clock.
"Oh, crap," I yelled and ran into the bathroom to shower. In a half hour I was supposed to be at Casey's house to pick up the order forms to go over. Within fifteen minutes, I'd showered and dried my hair. I slapped on a layer of mascara and fluffed my hair. It was passable, but not even in the same solar system as Casey was. Looking at my clothes, I grabbed a t-shirt and jeans. I sucked in deep and buttoned the top button, and adjusted my shirt so that bulge wouldn't show.
One day I hoped to be half as together as Casey I mused as I raced down the suburban streets to her development. I slowed down since I always got lost in there. All the street names were dumb like Honeybee Court and Thistle Way. The houses all looked the same and I had to watch the house numbers on the mailboxes to make sure I found number 1403.
Casey's Lexus eggshell SUV gleamed in the pristine driveway. It was the perfect accessory to the brick faced colonial with hunter green shutters and a beige front door. The brick walk was abloom with fall mums and other shrubs and plants. There wasn't a weed in sight.
Once again, I compared my weed infested front yard to hers. I hated feeling like a did. My jeans were too tight and I looked like a harried mom. My life sucked.
I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.
"Come in," I heard Casey yell.
Through the clean beige door I went, taking in the gleam of the hardwood and the formal living room to the right. Not a knick knack out of place, no dust bunnies in the corner, no toys lingering on the stairs.
"In here," Casey's voice called from the kitchen.
From down the hall I saw the counter, all shiny and uncluttered. As I got closer, I sensed something not right. A cabinet door stood ajar. Silly thing really, but I had to make myself feel better somehow.
I came into the kitchen and saw a different scene than I could have imagined. Casey sat at the table, immaculately groomed and sipping a cup of coffee. It all looked normal if you discounted her husband on the floor in a pool of blood with a kitchen knife sticking out of his stomach.

A Month of Blogs...

2007-11-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

I really can't believe I almost messed up and it's the FIRST day! Sheesh!!! I was sitting, beading and watching ER and remembered that I signed up to write an entry a day in my blog for the Month of November. So, here I am, under the wire, typing out something quick so I don't blow it!
It's brought to you by the same people that do the Writing a Novel in a Month....
I would put some pretty pix up, but hubby broke the camera so I will be photoless for a while... EEK!!!

So, I decided I'd do both challenges at the same time... I'll write a bit of a story each day to keep you entertained.... I'd do a dance, but it wouldn't be pretty.....

So Here's the Story..... THIS IS TOTAL FICTION!!!

How could I have been so stupid? Let the machine get it. That's what my inner voice said, but do I ever listen? NO! So, once again I over obligated myself and Jim, my husband, would give me hell for doing this again. When would I ever learn?
While Nina was at ballet and Joey at soccer, I'd whip out my handy dandy cell phone and call a bunch of other mothers in hopes that they'd help me out. Nobody has the time. I knew this, but I'd make the calls, badger and cajole them into submission. I was good at it. In my former life, I was a Project Manager, handling multi-million dollar projects and dealt with all kinds of people. I knew how to handle them. What I couldn't do was keep the house tidy, find enough clean socks, or make a nutritious meal every night. I was not June Cleaver. When I was single, and even newly married, I didn't even like kids. Now, I sat in my kitchen, up to my elbows in dirty dishes and crumbs, mentally whacking myself in the the head for saying 'yes' yet again. I know I'm not Super Mom or even Competent Mom. I wanted to do it all, but I just couldn't.
Jim, stumbled into the kitchen, grunted a Good Morning and grabbed a cup of coffee. After 10 years of marriage, I still lusted after my husband. What was there not to love? Sandy brown hair, deep green eyes and a lean body with just enough muscle to make any girl swoon. His only downfall? The ability to be rational at all times. It got downright annoying.
"Don't say it," I said, heading him off at the pass.
"What?"
"Yes, I did it again. It's why I'm sitting here looking like hell, while you look all sleepy and sexy. It's why the dishes aren't done, the house is a mess, and our kids went to school in two day old underwear."
He smiled that lopsided smirk, that showed a hint of a dimple. Crossed the kitchen to the table and kissed me on top of the head. He squeezed my shoulder and sat down next to me.
"Why do you do it?" He asked, but he knew the answer.
"The same reason I always do it."
"Casey?"
"Yep. Casey. Damn her!"

OK, that's it for tonight. I have sick kiddies to attend to... I hope you enjoy this diversion!

Pick Me!!!!

2007-10-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

I belong to an AWESOME group of talented bead weavers that sell on Etsy. Each month, we do a challenge and this month it was "A Study in Monochrome". If you click on the picture, it will take you to the blog where you can vote on any of these beauties.... I'm #6, but don't feel obligated to vote for me... (I'll just pout in a corner, that's okay.... LOL) There are some truly stunning pieces!

If you click on the picture, it will take to the blog where you can see all the lovelies up close and personal!

Just wanted to remind you that I am also having a sale in my shop until the 27th. Snap up all these wonderful Halloween goodies before it's too late!

Fritos and Fluff

2007-09-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

For those with culinary sensitivity, please read no further... Just look at the pretty pictures.....
Maybe it's because I'd been reading Janet Evanovich's book Mean Thirteen, or it's my eternal immaturity... I love fluffernutters! For those not in the know, it's a Peanut B utter and marshmallow Fluff sandwich. Now, I have been known to put potato chips or tortilla chips inside a PB&J, but hadn't thought of doing that with my fluffernutter. So, the Fritos were a side dish...
Then, some of the Fluff oozed out... So, what could I do? I had a Frito in my hand and scooped it up with it. It is REALLY good! Now, I don't promote this in large quantities, but a few here and there are just yummy! Yep, just a big kid.... that's what I am!
I entered Margie Deeb's color challenge and here is the result:
I don't know when I'll hear anything, but it was fun doing this!

I Was Tagged....

2007-09-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back, actually... I am a BAAAAAAD blogger! Valarie did it to me.... I forgive her since I love her drawings!
So Seven Random Things....
1. I love fluffernutter sandwiches (you know... peanut butter and fluff). Yep, just a big kid here!

2. I absolutely despise beets! Had to eat them as a kid and was so happy to find out my hubby hates them too!

3. I have the knees of an 80 yr old.... Here's what I wear most days....

The hamster's name is Sandy....

4. I have large feet - size 11!... As my Mom says - 'We won't blow over in a stiff wind...' Of course that was before the movie The Mighty Wind came out....

5. I was a jock in high school. (MANY moons ago...)

6. Reading is a favorite hobby of mine. I read at least a half hour each day - usually before I fall asleep.

7. I am allergic to scallops.

Phew! Done! Now, I have to decide who to Tag... hmmmmm... I'll let you know when I do it...
Yep, I'm a brat too, but I think you already knew that.... LOL