Creativity, Crafts, Books, Movies, Greyhounds & Favorite Things

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After finishing my Make Every Minute Count Art Doll, I’m back to the Mixed Devotions Bottles.  However, I can’t remember what to do, so I’m waiting for my instruction DVD from class to arrive.  Here’s where I’m at…

I did finish a little book to attach to the Far East Bottle.

Since I don’t have much progress on my bottles to report, I’ll leave you with some pictures of Nikki.  Nikki would be an outdoor dog, if she could.

Whenever I let her out, she pokes around the yard and then lies down in the grass.

She’ll start to roll around until…

 

the fun police show up.

Daily Inspiration

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

John Locke

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Hey!  Aren’t there supposed to be photos in this album?

If I could pick a project I wish I would take care of, it would be to organize my photos and put some of them in albums…but, I never do it!  I imagine this is because…

1.  It’s a HUGE project.  Even though I’ve never been one to take a lot of photos, over the years they’ve added up.

2.  I don’t have a clear vision of what I want in the end.

3.  It’s difficult to decide what to keep and what to toss because everything is emotionally-charged.

4.  The look of the albums should be what?  I never can decide.

I’m open for any helpful advice.  I’m going to dig in and get this done…finally.

Daily Inspiration

 

A person is neither whole nor healthy without the memories of photo albums.  They are the storybook of our lives.  They provide a nostalgic escape from the tormented days of the present.

Patrick Garry

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This year, I’ve been trying a lot of different creative pursuits.  As time as gone by, I’ve started to see that one of the things I enjoy most is painting.  I want to do more painting, so this month I’m going to paint some backgrounds to prepare for some more of the girls I like to paint.

This week’s background was inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts’ book, Taking Flight.  All the paints I used are Martha Stewart Crafts Satin Acrylics.

 

I painted the background Meadowlark.

I dabbed on Sea Lavender.

Then, rubbed it in with a paper towel.

I brushed on Pacific Iris and sprayed it with water.

Then, I blotted it with a paper towel.

I brushed Carrot on a piece of textured, nonstick drawer liner.

Then, pressed it down on the painted background.

I brushed Arrowhead on a piece of bubble wrap and pressed it on the bottom on the canvas.

Using one of the paint bottle caps, I stamped circles using Sea Lavender.

I added some depth by painting Pacific Iris inside the circles.  After it dried a bit, I added some dabs of Pacific Iris to the bottoms of the circles, sprayed them with water and let them drip down.  All that’s missing is a little girl.

Daily Inspiration

 

The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas, and throw the bad ones away.

Linus Pauling

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I’m so grateful for Turner Classic Movies.  I love movies, and because of TCM, I always have something interesting to watch and have learned a great deal about classic films.  I enjoy the introductions by Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz, and features like The Essentials, TCM Guest Programmer, TCM Underground and Star of the Month have introduced me to films I might otherwise have never seen.  I also enjoy watching the original trailers and shorts.  TCM has a wonderful website, cool blog MovieMorlocks.com and a monthly viewer’s guide call Now Playing.

The TCM Event Series is my newest favorite things.  Every month, TCM hosts a classic film viewing at select movie theatres.  Fortunately, a theatre close to me is showing these movies.  In August, I went to see Singin’ In The Rain and it was magical seeing it on the big screen.  As an added bonus, the movies include a special introduction and interview.  September’s movie is The Birds.

Daily Inspiration

 

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Here’s what’s been happening in my studio…

My ”Try This” posts for August featured ideas from thrift store finds.  This week, I framed some pretty doilies.  Framing is a great way to display items that otherwise might stay hidden in boxes and cupboards.

I finished up my Artful Gathering Make Every Minute Count Art Doll with Cat Kerr.  Hurray!

I also finished up my August project for the Blogsville Ladies Crochet Society…an Amigurumi Beach Pebble.  You can check out the Society’s creations here and get the instructions for September’s project…a Granny Squares Pillow!

Remember this?  I’m working on an art journal by following prompts from Art Journal All Year E-Course from Red Velvet Shop.

I’m playing “catch-up” since I haven’t worked on this in a few weeks.

Daily Inspiration

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One of the joys of reading blogs is getting to know people, doggies and kitties all over the world.  It amazes me how quickly you can make new friends and how deeply you can feel for them.  It is a tremendous blessing, but along with the pleasure comes the heartache when you have to say farewell.  I am feeling that heartbreak because my friend, Sue, had to say good-bye to her beautiful girl, Song Song Blue…Song to her many friends.

So today, I am pausing to say farewell and pay tribute to my friend.  Song, we will miss you so much.  Here is how I will always remember you…

As a champion roacher.

In your Grandpa’s garden, with your friend, Maggie.

Tipped in white.

A noble hound.

Sue, I imagine that Song would say this to you if she could…

Grieve not,

nor speak of me with tears,

but laugh and talk of me

as if I were beside you…

I loved you so –

‘twas heaven here with you.

Ilsa Paschal Richardson

Farewell, Song Song Blue…’twas heaven here with you.

 Daily Inspiration

 

 Song Song Blue, February 16, 2003-August 31, 2012

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

From the movie Annie

If you would like to offer condolences to Sue, please visit her at Graceful Greyhounds.

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Wednesday’s “Try This” post featured the idea of framing pretty things you find at thrift stores.  I put some old doilies in a frame.

 

Imagine how delighted I was when the last page in the latest edition of HGTV Magazine posed this question to favorite HGTV personalities, “What’s something you pop in a frame besides a photo?”  Here are their answers:

1.  Vintage pins on a velvet background.

2.  The paper from the first time a child writes their name.  

3.  Initials.  For instance…thin metal letter stencils or vintage military-style letter stencils.

4.  Paint chips.

5.  Menus.

6.  Butterfly shapes cut from maps, then hot-glued in the center so the wings stick up.

Some great ideas for displaying special items that tend to hide away in a box or cupboard.

Daily Inspiration

 

If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point. 

Antonio Porchia

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Here she is, my Make Every Minute Count Art Doll…

 

 

 

 

Today is the day when the Blogville Ladies Crochet Society shows off their August project…the Amigurumi Beach Pebble.  

You can check out the Society’s creations here and get the instructions for September’s project…a Granny Squares Pillow!

Daily Inspiration

 

 History is philosophy teaching by examples.

Thucydides

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Back in May, I ran a series of five questions that were meant to get you (and me) thinking about memorabilia and hopefully identifying some of the special treasures.  When I originally posted these questions, I didn’t answer them, but now I am.  Here’s the fifth (and final) question:

Think of 5 favorite people in your life; what is a special thing that represents each person for you?

1.  My Daughter – Toma

Toma was my daughter’s favorite stuffed animal.  She loved Doberman Pinschers and always wanted a stuffie that was sitting in this position.  To me, Toma symbolizes many aspects of her childhood.

2.  Mom – Pinkie & The Blue Boy

My mother kept these in her curio cabinet.  I always thought they were beautiful, and I was proud of my mom for having such good taste.  She gave them to me because I loved them so much.

 

3.  Betty – Jewelry Box

Betty was a family friend who influenced my life in a profound way.  I wrote a tribute to her here.  I don’t have many “things” from Betty, but I do have this jewelry box.  I bought it at our church rummage sale.  I don’t remember if it was Betty’s or if she just sold it to me, but I’ve always associated it with her.

4.  Ellen – ?

I’m still working on this one.  Ellen is my best friend.  We met in kindergarten.  The first thing that came to mind was a little leather souvenir.  When we were in grade school, Ellen and I wanted to trade something.  The little leather souvenir was what Ellen gave me in the trade.  The problem is, I may have given it back to her. Ellen…I think you need to buy me something really fabulous to remember you by.  See me for ideas.

5.  Dorothy – Avon Egg Box

Like Betty, Dorothy was very influential in my life.  I wrote a tribute to her here.  She was an Avon Lady, and I would help her visit customers and sort and package her orders.  This egg is from Avon and one of my favorite things.

Daily Inspiration

 

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In August, my “Try This” posts all feature some things you can do with thrift store finds.

Have you ever stumbled upon a beautiful textile in a thrift or antique store and been tempted to purchase it, but then, what would you do with it?  Frame it!  Not only will you find lovely old doilies, handkerchiefs and linens in thrift stores, but also old (and new) frames.

These little doilies were made by my Grandma.  The idea for this project came to mind while I was thinking about what to do with some of my “unusual” family heirlooms.

Daily Inspiration

 

The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.

Thich Nhat Hanh

About the photo (taken on August 26)…I took this photo in the garden of the Oliver Mansion where I volunteer as a docent.  All the roses were gone, except for this lovely little show-off.  It was leaning over to the path, sharing its beauty.