I'm BA-ACK

I haven't had much to show lately, except for a million-gazillion bottlecap pieces, the likes of which you've already seen. I did finally get my new machine. It is a wonder-machine and I am slowly learning my way with it. My first order of business was to complete a swap I signed up for a looooong time ago, but which was due to be mailed April 1. Guess when I mailed it?? April 1!. Phew. The swap was for "Bird Bell Totas" - we each made a bird and they will hang in a string. Here are 3 of mine. I made 8 in total. I'm pleased with how they came out. I used a map of North Carolina for the wings and wrote on the tags, "spread your wings and see where the journey takes you." Good advice, I should listen to myself sometimes!

I also completed and mailed our income taxes, so that is a huge load off my mind. I am participating in my first ever Street Fair on April 26th. It is called Spring Daze and is hosted by the Town of Cary - a nearby town. I'm really excited about it. That's why I've made the million-gazillion bottlecap things. Now I need to focus on framed dryer sheet and paper towel art. I think it will just take a day or so to really focus in my studio to get myself back on track. I am also the "featured artist" for May at Fusions Gallery in Pittsboro, NC. I am very excited about this opportunity, but of course I need to provide the gallery with a good bit of nice framed art pieces by mid-April. So plan to check back because I should have plenty of art to share this month!

You must must MUST check out Monica's blog. Do you remember the two 2" squares that I made a while back? They were to be used for a doll that Monica was creating which will ultimately be auctioned off to benefit the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation. Well, the doll is DONE and it is the most incredible doll I have ever seen (no offense to my grandmother, who was an incredible doll maker herself - but I don't think she ever collaberated with 180 artists to create a doll nearly 40" tall, weighing over 6 lbs!!!).

Monica's husband, Jeff Magness, took some amazing photos of the doll and has graciously granted permission to the participants to post the photos on their blogs. So here are a couple of the shots where you can see my square (second row from center on the purse side, fourth square up from the bottom). The doll is on it's way to the magazine "Art Doll Quarterly" to be photographed and highlighted in a future issue. I will keep you posted. It really is worth a visit to Monica's blog to see the rest of the photos.

So, let's see. I did read a book in March. It is Tangerine by Edward Bloor. It's the book my 12 year old DS told me I should read. I agree - it was a good book. I really liked the main character. He was real and a true good person. I would definitely recommend this book to the tween age group.

The other adventure we've embarked on is to foster a dog from the rescue group where we found Rosi. She's the mama of a litter that was recued two weeks ago. Cassie's a GREAT dog. I'll post pics of her another day, but here is her profile on Petfinder if you want to check out her story. She is terrific with my kids and so so sweet. Rosi likes to pick on her (actually, Rosi likes to hide behind me and pick on her - they're like kids, I swear!) so sometimes I have to separate them just to give Cassie a break. She will make a great family dog. She'll be with us for the next two weeks and then returning to the rescue where she'll stay until she finds a home. If you know anyone who is looking for a young adult/calm/well mannered/house trained/crate trained/leash trained/unconcerned with cats/sweet as can be dog for their family - please contact the rescue and ask about Cassie.

OK OK OK - just one picture!

Enough for one day. It's good to be back.