tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79691167213098742082024-02-19T01:49:16.660-05:00Michelle's Stitch & Paint SpotMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-47712690864669806252011-10-02T09:00:00.000-05:002011-10-02T09:00:23.594-05:00Art ... Again! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72141381/upcycled-computer-chip-necklace-in-blue">Computer Chip Necklace</a></td></tr>
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Things have been hopping over at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artagain?ref=si_shop">ArtAgain</a>. I almost don't know where to start, so I'll start with a little excitement that is happening THIS WEEK. Jump on over to the <a href="http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/2011/10/weekly-giveaway-art-again.html">Love2Upcycle blog</a> to see how you can win this beautiful computer chip necklace. Yes, I am giving it away! Be sure to come back, though, to catch up on all that has been happening in my little corner of the world. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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I am now offering hand dyed shoe laces and let me tell you, they are so much fun to make! Talk about playing with color. I offer 4 sizes ... 45" (for most non-Converse shoes), 54" (low top Converse), 63" (high top Converse) and by custom order only I now offer 72" (X-HI boot style Converse). These are great fun and make wonderful small gifts or stocking stuffers. I can do team colors, or just about anything you can think of. I have laces walking around England, France, Australia, and Singapore. How exciting is that?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artagain?section_id=7872188">Hand Dyed Shoe Laces</a></td></tr>
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I picked up some well-loved quilt remnants and some vintage fabrics at one of my favorite haunts, <a href="http://scrapexchange.org/">The Scrap Exchange</a> in Durham, North Carolina.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well Loved Quilty Bits</td></tr>
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I am planning on turning them into coffee cuffs and zippered pouches like these that are made from hand painted dryer sheets.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76038671/coffee-cuff-sleeve-coozie-upcycled-dryer">Dryer Sheet Coffee Cuff</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73635914/upcycled-zippered-cell-phone-pouch-with">Zippered Clip Pouch</a></td></tr>
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So as you can see, things have been busy in my neck of the woods. I appreciate those of you who continue to follow my blog, even through its dry spells. If you are on facebook, please join me there. The one sentance updates seem to come more frequently than the blog posts. This year, I began donating a portion of my sales to animal rescues and no-kill shelters. I am so happy to be able to do this! It is something that is so important to me and truly speaks to my heart. I do hope to keep my blog updated more frequently, so we will see what October holds.</div>
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Ending on a personal note ... many of you who have followed my blog have watched the beautiful puppy we rescued nearly 4 years ago, grow into the most wonderful and loving dog that one could ever imagine. I am heart broken to say that our Rosi passed away this summer, at the age of 3 1/2, due to an aggressive, inoperable tumor. We miss her terribly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosi 11/7/07 - 8/2/11</td></tr>
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The emptiness in our hearts and home led us to a high kill shelter about an hour and a half from our home, where we were blessed to rescue this beautiful girl in what would have been her final hours. She came to us underweight and with such a sadness in her eyes, but she is healthy now, and her light is back and her antics keep us laughing every day. She is about 2 years old and we look forward to many adventures with her in the years to come. Welcome, Macey!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macey 2011</td></tr>
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Thank you for spending some time with me today. Now go enter that drawing!!!<br />
<em>~Michelle</em><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-76261667132836633842011-04-28T15:14:00.002-05:002011-04-28T15:22:17.224-05:00The "Stitch" PartJust a quick post to give you a sneak peek at what's working its way to the top of my list. I got a box of goodies (ie: stuff she was going to toss) from my M-I-L. In that box was this skirt...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPNZyxF2J0JX1DudhhqN9NX3-OEfX7gotB6qb2_JQ45Pp0fg7bK9-XWyuN2FnKylnBGadMv5MKdtvcWBodqaGs_MQ126XG_ZBnPF7CgegPwvoqY_par2tp9JIF6PJmuZzDjlsfq7Gpog/s1600/etsy+960.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600730945335618738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPNZyxF2J0JX1DudhhqN9NX3-OEfX7gotB6qb2_JQ45Pp0fg7bK9-XWyuN2FnKylnBGadMv5MKdtvcWBodqaGs_MQ126XG_ZBnPF7CgegPwvoqY_par2tp9JIF6PJmuZzDjlsfq7Gpog/s320/etsy+960.jpg" border="0" /></a> A 70's patchwork made by her mother (ie: my husband's grandmother). It's lined with muslin and the elastic is shot. But oooooh, have I got plans!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxfh0AcljouDjaLNfZ4wqoePm1hnQqq7FtZrmqUJhbUvHCD0VamcyUTWHrzKH9Wm7mtCAojWr0n8lTzmd3FaiGMptInPrNQ5BBSpW56_qDtBwz8TfQckHXzOHEZ6DzuFFlOHfR_UnCyA/s1600/etsy+959.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600730944620335938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxfh0AcljouDjaLNfZ4wqoePm1hnQqq7FtZrmqUJhbUvHCD0VamcyUTWHrzKH9Wm7mtCAojWr0n8lTzmd3FaiGMptInPrNQ5BBSpW56_qDtBwz8TfQckHXzOHEZ6DzuFFlOHfR_UnCyA/s320/etsy+959.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am going to use this skirt as the background for several Priority Alzheimers Quilts to benefit the <a href="http://alzquilts.org/">Alzheimers Art Quilt Innitiative (AAQI)</a>. Given that my husband's grandmother (and great-grandmother) suffered from this awful disease, I thought it was a fitting use for her skirt. I'm excited to dust off my fabrics and have some fun!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>~Michelle<br /><br /><div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-90719046785574735212011-04-18T11:32:00.003-05:002011-04-18T12:19:52.584-05:00This That and The OtherI finally came to the realization that I needed to take a break from blogging and focus on some other things. No excuses! But I'm back and ready to bring my blog back to being a regular feature. My goal this year is to diversify my offerings, while keeping within the reuse theme. I have a festival coming up on April 30th in <a href="http://www.southernpines.biz/events/springfest/">Southern Pines, NC</a>, and I do believe I am ready! I have also spent some time working on my etsy shop. My hand dyed shoelaces have been a very popular item! They really are so much more fun than anything you can buy in the stores. Here are some of my new items, just to catch you up ... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y6JSyZf3d6SMMiCXTYJm4Q0HnPGPBPnpZmig3rvD3qurYeXj0FK8x6e71db24qSdkyngEL8wpBvyzQIYPQtZ3QGpETVqfxt7YTShY7jyxUZZlykmcFEwxfjWRxkhIP3V5nJOZH9UhO8/s1600/etsy+819.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596964884810785026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y6JSyZf3d6SMMiCXTYJm4Q0HnPGPBPnpZmig3rvD3qurYeXj0FK8x6e71db24qSdkyngEL8wpBvyzQIYPQtZ3QGpETVqfxt7YTShY7jyxUZZlykmcFEwxfjWRxkhIP3V5nJOZH9UhO8/s320/etsy+819.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is one of my favorite <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72141381/upcycled-computer-chip-necklace-in-blue">computer chip necklaces</a>. It is decorated with a scrap from the painted paper bags I made a while back. After adding a high gloss glaze, the piece is really dramatic. The blues remind me of the deep sapphire of the open ocean, and the light sapphire closer to shore. I love how the metallic gold accents the piece. Time to paint more brown paper bags? Perhaps! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4qh7P-7IMFUNGhwZlVzeUGQF0eC5KI-oF4SIUCxTOxYaPBxVDwlkViSxDX3E4A0qEHeghwai7PaDXm9OjymyzpVw_iufGFP-Zo5WB8uzrSJFQ9vKYG2ZHn2PJL_fFbOX4PbtK5nMP9A/s1600/etsy+752.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596964884209207154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4qh7P-7IMFUNGhwZlVzeUGQF0eC5KI-oF4SIUCxTOxYaPBxVDwlkViSxDX3E4A0qEHeghwai7PaDXm9OjymyzpVw_iufGFP-Zo5WB8uzrSJFQ9vKYG2ZHn2PJL_fFbOX4PbtK5nMP9A/s320/etsy+752.jpg" border="0" /></a> We've had some glorious spring weather, and I could not resist breaking out the dyes. In addition to dozens of shoe laces, I've dyed a few silk and cotton scarves. I just love them. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoYS6XyDxh0bAK9RvItTHJXS5VCglzQUNZfnSST7eDsOJCwbYhnDVRyQ0JoBei0YF1Rdxq6sVZ3qJwXcOMUlsezEKgR4m3iMOA6Xc2UY-iyk_z8Bz2b5iMB_ypacuDMC4E0_NvVU6sDQ/s1600/etsy+776.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596964877053657026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoYS6XyDxh0bAK9RvItTHJXS5VCglzQUNZfnSST7eDsOJCwbYhnDVRyQ0JoBei0YF1Rdxq6sVZ3qJwXcOMUlsezEKgR4m3iMOA6Xc2UY-iyk_z8Bz2b5iMB_ypacuDMC4E0_NvVU6sDQ/s320/etsy+776.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is one of my latest adventures. I call them <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72069240/scrappy-cabana-badge-holder">Scrappy Cabana Badge Holders</a>. I raided my scrap basket and hand made each piece. The badge holder is retractable, and they have a clip on the back to attach to a pocket. This is one of those things that I could make a hundred of and not get bored. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV03eTQ3Ud2U-S-3FLKQDtp5zppDF4cGFtshrwoph7TFSlxJz1mxe4LIq1KhHUA8xW5Hu8iUnU8bDnk-Rh2UcSp76gZ5yA1RqSQ8hfV92ACl-5NdMz_Vc6-qFG2x-_H7ObmrW4fJvY-lA/s1600/etsy+726.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596964872182703442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV03eTQ3Ud2U-S-3FLKQDtp5zppDF4cGFtshrwoph7TFSlxJz1mxe4LIq1KhHUA8xW5Hu8iUnU8bDnk-Rh2UcSp76gZ5yA1RqSQ8hfV92ACl-5NdMz_Vc6-qFG2x-_H7ObmrW4fJvY-lA/s320/etsy+726.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've had even more fun making <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70055883/upcycled-diet-coke-hair-ties">pony tail holders </a>our of ready-to-cover buttons and soda and candy wrappers. It's a bit of an effort to attach the hair tie, but the results are certainly worth it! My kids are under the impression that this means they will get to eat and drink more junk - unfortunately for them, I seem to be able to scrounge up enough material as it is. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0sx1Q2Q8ISawvl_onrftKgIJPFAfQJtgABxGN01KK-MupdeGBQ_Q7LEu_A-aAlr-zF82Q4LsRwO8OaBpt1dQQGdGTzMQ2bUqUACP1lOrF2Uggw0rL8nffqVV1w0OtSsk5W-dAY6DEbU/s1600/etsy+640.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596963451809448002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0sx1Q2Q8ISawvl_onrftKgIJPFAfQJtgABxGN01KK-MupdeGBQ_Q7LEu_A-aAlr-zF82Q4LsRwO8OaBpt1dQQGdGTzMQ2bUqUACP1lOrF2Uggw0rL8nffqVV1w0OtSsk5W-dAY6DEbU/s320/etsy+640.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've been wanting to work with Scrabble tiles for a while, but wanted also to do something a little different from the pendants I have seen. Once I got over my fear of drilling holes in the tiles, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69220072/upcycled-scrabble-tile-irish-guinness">these bracelets</a> came together. I love this one. It says "IRISH" and I stained the tiles green (because they should be green, right?) On the flip side in a Guinness label. I have made others as well, with words such as "DANCE", "FLIRT", and "PEACE". <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEewTWejhOfU4_Lu5nWmUcAtMR_3OXLphFBMYb7acyH4fGcjGaM6HPdVPdLqVY0j5brD8OC55O-l2am3l6uwyVHtv4O5nYn5VHtavLZ0IPwibctFfQwYExHYs94eHM-nLgtziqzYurCQ/s1600/etsy+636.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596963445233770946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEewTWejhOfU4_Lu5nWmUcAtMR_3OXLphFBMYb7acyH4fGcjGaM6HPdVPdLqVY0j5brD8OC55O-l2am3l6uwyVHtv4O5nYn5VHtavLZ0IPwibctFfQwYExHYs94eHM-nLgtziqzYurCQ/s320/etsy+636.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had the great fortune to come across a selection of high quality suede remnants that were salvaged from upholstery sample books. They are not that big, but they were just big enough to make these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69034664/red-suede-upcycled-keyring-wristlet">wristlet keyrings</a>. I kept one for myself and I have to say I love it. It's great to toss my keys on my wrist and be hands-free, and the buttery soft suede feels oh-so-nice. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ4EQTqW6Jbad2mvzOOAs_-SLq-09RtpUlnEsZ-M97KCdnthOtXFkzIWzDXMpu-bFhdiKnJqSPdjLP1kQgxIry28svmZq1tA3F9Ytr461kSTDi5i4NJ_za8cvw0qeoFImaDc91v0o3jc/s1600/etsy+558.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596963437487106594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ4EQTqW6Jbad2mvzOOAs_-SLq-09RtpUlnEsZ-M97KCdnthOtXFkzIWzDXMpu-bFhdiKnJqSPdjLP1kQgxIry28svmZq1tA3F9Ytr461kSTDi5i4NJ_za8cvw0qeoFImaDc91v0o3jc/s320/etsy+558.jpg" border="0" /></a> And probably my most favorite project of all ... <br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596963417764434018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpj3UNyUDnngjQpvaKNpEEj3OghpqFAQevVEDpXGUOvwyJg6RshTBKoTjkSrwBFvGQDScZaxuyb3aVwJnqQrpsygK3ihBTtADnv8hDK0nctvQcoMgz1MEfjeSfaxHiZJnNGXWdxu2g80/s320/etsy+642.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I picked up these belts at a thrift shop. I admired them briefly, and then almost passed them by. I decided they were just to cool to pass up, and am I ever glad that I bought them! They have been turned into <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69677503/upcycled-hawaii-belt-cuff-bracelet">fun cuff bracelets</a>. Each one is unique. Some are a New York City theme, and others are Hawaii. I have sold a few already. I am now officially on the lookout for interesting belts that can be repurposed as cuff bracelets. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGXjSlSL7O584aHKBrQlK530hpu1In2k23odE3ACMA4EAUMQ32uLCjkwc3J75vgWqWsxRD-zVI5q0vbu5Bn5r3DHFAV6UUNnZ5Sjcq6CYiFhXA-bMsbAQtDKdfNCxHUlXuZIT3uuN28o/s1600/etsy+670.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596963422871574530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGXjSlSL7O584aHKBrQlK530hpu1In2k23odE3ACMA4EAUMQ32uLCjkwc3J75vgWqWsxRD-zVI5q0vbu5Bn5r3DHFAV6UUNnZ5Sjcq6CYiFhXA-bMsbAQtDKdfNCxHUlXuZIT3uuN28o/s320/etsy+670.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>So there is a sampling of the many things I've been up to while I've taken a break from blogland. Many of these things are available for purchase in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artagain">my etsy shop</a>, and if you see something you'd like that isn't there, please feel free to contact me. I've set up several hyperlinks throughout this post to help you find your way. I am also on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/artagain">www.facebook.com/artagain</a> and on Twitter (@artagain). I am a proud new member of Team Upcyclers on etsy. You can follow the whole team on facebook as well!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for stopping by to see what I've been up to. Next up are two custom order t-shirt quilts, and some donation quilts for the <a href="http://alzquilts.org/">Alzheimers Art Quilt Innitiative</a>. The quilts will be made in part from a vintage patchwork skirt. The skirt was made by my grandmother-in-law. She passed away a number of years ago, and suffered from Alzheimers, so I feel it is fitting that her skirt help fun research for a cure.<a href="http://alzquilts.org/"> </a></div><br /><div>One last thing ... those of you who have followed my blog for a while know that I am a huge fan of animals. I have decided to donate 10% of my sales income this year to support animal rescue and no-kill shelters. My first quarter donation was made to our local private non-profit SPCA. Second quarter donation has been pledged to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Undercats4Life/153548958025801">Undercats4Life</a>. This group works tirelessly to save cats and kittens from a high kill shelter in South Florida. I am so impressed with the work that they do. I do believe that we can take a stand, and together, we can make a difference.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>~Michelle</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-37049674687050159312011-01-26T09:24:00.002-05:002011-01-26T09:34:22.101-05:00MosaicsI don't really know where the time goes. The "big push" in our family starts with my daughter's birthday at the end of October and continues through my son's birthday at the end of January. I think we squeeze about 75% of the year into those three months. Add in a multitude of festivals, a couple of snow days, and out of state guests, and even if I manage to squeeze in time for some creativity, it's tough to find time to blog.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidniqJ917CHLvoHCXrkcR2o3HoSk48k2l8pa1MaT9N_IEncN77soYUt5a-hXhQhiAI7EjMnSkPjHbbED6_wsKMIvrwtsGpga40TN4opPDMK4aUnOar1NeMDKEIwOlkLa6QkAR8OwR2wWE/s1600/etsy+338.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566501584730136466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidniqJ917CHLvoHCXrkcR2o3HoSk48k2l8pa1MaT9N_IEncN77soYUt5a-hXhQhiAI7EjMnSkPjHbbED6_wsKMIvrwtsGpga40TN4opPDMK4aUnOar1NeMDKEIwOlkLa6QkAR8OwR2wWE/s320/etsy+338.jpg" border="0" /></a> I do want to share with you what I've been up to lately. These mosaics (each 6x6) are made from recycled CDs. I really love how they turned out and I have a few more in the works. I am trying to psych myself up to make a larger, more intricate one. They are a bit labor intensive, but I think the results are worth it.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2P1nHeTSihyphenhyphenCOnHTB2UuetpdAbDoU8c3KZH0YVyEfZSniPC57Xj1cnUzS-o0M8xuzICpGZhAURfN86g9aLhKosZqv9VnIeLY1esj0iIHq9igdDcEiLmFcWhdIAHoDpsELr403BsveH_I/s1600/etsy+346.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566501576826439474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2P1nHeTSihyphenhyphenCOnHTB2UuetpdAbDoU8c3KZH0YVyEfZSniPC57Xj1cnUzS-o0M8xuzICpGZhAURfN86g9aLhKosZqv9VnIeLY1esj0iIHq9igdDcEiLmFcWhdIAHoDpsELr403BsveH_I/s320/etsy+346.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'll be carrying these in my booth at festivals this year. I would like to offer them on etsy, but I need to work out the best shipping arrangement before I list them. Maybe I will list some smaller ones first. I have a shamrock ready to go for St. Pat's. How's that for planning ahead?</div><div> </div><div>Thanks for stopping by. I know I don't post often, and I truly appreciate those of you who still drop in to see my work. </div><div> </div><div>~Michelle<br /><br /></div><div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-1846817917796736232010-12-13T20:09:00.003-05:002010-12-13T20:16:50.695-05:00Interview on Be@HomeI had the great fortune to be interviewed by the lovely Michele of the blog Be @ Home. Click <a href="http://pocketchange.become.com/2010/12/a-blog-review-michelles-stitch-paint-spot.html">HERE</a> to read the interview and a review of my blog. I was thrilled to be selected and I hope when you are finished reading the interview, you will click on the "Home" key and check out all the other cool things Michele has going on.<br /><br />And since I can't leave you without a picture - here are some diminutive computer chip earrings, about 1/4" square, that were fun to make, even if they did leave me a bit cross-eyed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k5yqohiwAmZ1CTOjVhGoRRghtP3tsikMvqkj3gf7LvA-oc4s9QGtTHk7jdv5aucTXvXIGCZsczBLJVjvNjvicyWelz_sRXyxZ5Eix9b3fE9m5M4Qga7mp0KuHVPAq5eSpz2gPECeQSo/s1600/etsy+326.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550339377780343858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k5yqohiwAmZ1CTOjVhGoRRghtP3tsikMvqkj3gf7LvA-oc4s9QGtTHk7jdv5aucTXvXIGCZsczBLJVjvNjvicyWelz_sRXyxZ5Eix9b3fE9m5M4Qga7mp0KuHVPAq5eSpz2gPECeQSo/s320/etsy+326.jpg" border="0" /></a>Finally, Natasha, if you are reading this, I appreciated your comments so very much, but I have no way to get in touch with you to send you the information you requested. Please drop me an email and I will send you the information.<br /><br />Thanks, and Happiest of Holidays to All!<br />~MichelleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-52880045160677187192010-12-07T21:27:00.005-05:002010-12-07T21:44:56.131-05:00Salvaged SelvageA friend of mine saves her scraps for me, and that includes selvage. As I've accumulated it, I've wondered what I would do with it. When I trim the selvage off a fabric I'm using, it's pretty easy to just toss it in the trash ... but when I am staring at a whole bag full of selvage? Then it just seems wasteful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQgKvt9Daa0NNtEuDdvCLU7NzgNJjY4IC1QT9OT_TDPWscB-B_yxi5jqOh4UIzy2ncXEg1EwMwnwvFzn3soPag-5xl-zU9CYGc_FZQNcO8I_oEkKpDfaYW9Tx7SiX2woUnnaPiEuSMr8/s1600/etsy+181.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548133699854181346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQgKvt9Daa0NNtEuDdvCLU7NzgNJjY4IC1QT9OT_TDPWscB-B_yxi5jqOh4UIzy2ncXEg1EwMwnwvFzn3soPag-5xl-zU9CYGc_FZQNcO8I_oEkKpDfaYW9Tx7SiX2woUnnaPiEuSMr8/s320/etsy+181.jpg" border="0" /></a> So I started stitching the selvage together and came up with this nifty little zippered pouch. I added (after this photo was taken) a larger lobster claw type clip to the zipper and now I can fit my cell phone in the pouch and clip it to my belt loop and I am good to go! I love it. I kept one for myself and the rest will find their way into <a href="http://www.artagainonline.com/">my etsy shop </a>(eventually, when I've managed to edit all the photos I took!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJrFE1wGcewNtWHTO7uawHzeteFn5JTw9SKMdkZlDxYpGoAwFEUPwqrNHEKA4bk7HV3N4m5j-ItT2u9Ldiwzq50nhsWTQXt8Oxc4M8lnSDs_HH6mIrNOnIo4SkgRAzHfGaoUT4SjM2TI/s1600/etsy+188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548133690977384594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJrFE1wGcewNtWHTO7uawHzeteFn5JTw9SKMdkZlDxYpGoAwFEUPwqrNHEKA4bk7HV3N4m5j-ItT2u9Ldiwzq50nhsWTQXt8Oxc4M8lnSDs_HH6mIrNOnIo4SkgRAzHfGaoUT4SjM2TI/s320/etsy+188.jpg" border="0" /></a> I also made up several with my hand painted dryer sheets. The main body of the pouch is exactly the right size for one dryer sheet. A lucky convenience! These were the colors I happened to have already painted. If the weather ever warms up, I'll get outside and paint some more.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cfhfMLTGrV_6udHZHBfwp5rBO9ludKC50F11GYjppwvv9uerdIPlcrzgwPWo1IOfQNAcnOwyT7IDyRXCgmWt_CiDfqpr_rORn4jk1O33ORfrU5iNyYyBxeWlw90M9c1qRYRU6Stqltg/s1600/etsy+289.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548133688193761298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cfhfMLTGrV_6udHZHBfwp5rBO9ludKC50F11GYjppwvv9uerdIPlcrzgwPWo1IOfQNAcnOwyT7IDyRXCgmWt_CiDfqpr_rORn4jk1O33ORfrU5iNyYyBxeWlw90M9c1qRYRU6Stqltg/s320/etsy+289.jpg" border="0" /></a> And finally the little bits of selvage that were too short to make into a pouch have found a new home as a coffee sleeve. I love the colors and the graphic nature of the dots. The only problem is that I've used up that entire bag of selvage! So I will just have to wait for my quilty friends to give me some more.</div><div> </div><div>Thank you for stopping by!</div><div> </div><div><em>~Michelle<br /><br /></em><br /></div><div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-18642405831950838682010-12-02T14:12:00.003-05:002010-12-02T14:22:58.636-05:00(not) Tossing Out TechnologyI was fortunate to get a box of computer chip samples from a friend whose company was going to throw them out. Don't they make great pendants?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20ll22Qn9tCGtJ1bKpvN1OjMeTsyd3jx9HsdQ9MlkliLcN3nP6uVxQAuTMXOFbXerDdnEEo5dDPG8e_FMJZ19mpdSR_we0C2ZPMG5RCZZ6tYEFS-uZGzPefYwWwVEoRW4mKdh6UkzIfE/s1600/etsy+178.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546165593990874514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20ll22Qn9tCGtJ1bKpvN1OjMeTsyd3jx9HsdQ9MlkliLcN3nP6uVxQAuTMXOFbXerDdnEEo5dDPG8e_FMJZ19mpdSR_we0C2ZPMG5RCZZ6tYEFS-uZGzPefYwWwVEoRW4mKdh6UkzIfE/s320/etsy+178.jpg" border="0" /></a> I only have about a dozen of the square ones, but I've got gobs of rectangles!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLTAT2bglVI5xDkB0vyQfAnjo_54p5PbiqQ4o7bNhCOlJsLuWuKSiHcGmpNNLb3m0-as4PlA4jeSKs_VYcy94rTo2pANZoll070zqH3M66_CD5XpqiJFeYkkrzTXN7MxR85ql9yFg9mo/s1600/etsy+179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546165584184524690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLTAT2bglVI5xDkB0vyQfAnjo_54p5PbiqQ4o7bNhCOlJsLuWuKSiHcGmpNNLb3m0-as4PlA4jeSKs_VYcy94rTo2pANZoll070zqH3M66_CD5XpqiJFeYkkrzTXN7MxR85ql9yFg9mo/s320/etsy+179.jpg" border="0" /></a> So what else can I do with these? I would love to hear your ideas!</div><div> </div><div>~Michelle<br /><br /><div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-34193371709899653762010-12-01T08:49:00.004-05:002010-12-01T09:06:41.137-05:00LeftoversIt's been so long since I've blogged that I almost couldn't remember my password! How crazy is that. I have been busy. I stepped up the number of festivals I attended this fall, so I have spent most of my time keeping my inventory levels up. I am sure you do not want to hear about pounded bottle caps every day! So here are some of the other things I've been making ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpPAETM9LR9aD-BNm414OhtEqq9luDmdUf2BDnxDNbY9qH1xRiGm1zUGdiZMgc1BNQaGbOMxdVUEUM5qtxyApokOEqewUCSE0YbdOBI8sXBYv4MzE1HAovi4hJeXPVPMrAJ6K68dDicQ/s1600/etsy+141.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545712071829077346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpPAETM9LR9aD-BNm414OhtEqq9luDmdUf2BDnxDNbY9qH1xRiGm1zUGdiZMgc1BNQaGbOMxdVUEUM5qtxyApokOEqewUCSE0YbdOBI8sXBYv4MzE1HAovi4hJeXPVPMrAJ6K68dDicQ/s320/etsy+141.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had a little bit of covered clothesline left over from the bowl I made and shared in my last post. I finally got the idea to turn it into these cuff bracelets. I really like how they came out. I have more clothesline and am planning to make more with my more interesting hand dyes and batiks.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNXhZoaeZxrcB9qk90XAR5_yHTRTCIJ9RcN7XjhMzCfUFthqO9ltwf66Ti1bOhEaHqREyJA8GHnpi6n4hoGPGg-VbWxijhjMLuNU-cTU2QgAzeDGOvdklqTyD8__1UMJDRd-vgMonh4o/s1600/November+2010+068.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545712066697741826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNXhZoaeZxrcB9qk90XAR5_yHTRTCIJ9RcN7XjhMzCfUFthqO9ltwf66Ti1bOhEaHqREyJA8GHnpi6n4hoGPGg-VbWxijhjMLuNU-cTU2QgAzeDGOvdklqTyD8__1UMJDRd-vgMonh4o/s320/November+2010+068.jpg" border="0" /></a> I nearly sold out of my altered altoid tins (I only had one left!) so I spent some time making a few more. They really are a lot of fun. The one with the skull is my favorite.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblFUDkgkapGrhb7FYI8Ryz8beEyL7M_edaS-MmxwTM6Zg40xHwQCfZ2gFq5rSIa6aDd7nkhvnOwo8Wmd02avA2IXjuNWBd7qHPdOK3wfUxnd4m1l0EKEohs1Pv4PGOMUR_dHBE3ykBas/s1600/November+2010+083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545712059363022786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblFUDkgkapGrhb7FYI8Ryz8beEyL7M_edaS-MmxwTM6Zg40xHwQCfZ2gFq5rSIa6aDd7nkhvnOwo8Wmd02avA2IXjuNWBd7qHPdOK3wfUxnd4m1l0EKEohs1Pv4PGOMUR_dHBE3ykBas/s320/November+2010+083.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been tie dyeing shoe laces like a madwoman. They are so much fun! I have 45" (low top) and 63" (high top) available in <a href="http://www.artagainonline.com/">my etsy shop</a>. This pair is one of my favorites.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XsLJtzdBGU_PVuzKINh2jmdyoHQQarLpEyYLGZd-FLo5Z7bf0S2rClldf6yqrfewFaZX5XJDTQ7JOxODhjhd3yoQI0cvKNuMmNO3teDaNhh5DbIwqnguXCrO6_6AlWfmc5peHGKUiS0/s1600/October+2010+098.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545712061094413250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XsLJtzdBGU_PVuzKINh2jmdyoHQQarLpEyYLGZd-FLo5Z7bf0S2rClldf6yqrfewFaZX5XJDTQ7JOxODhjhd3yoQI0cvKNuMmNO3teDaNhh5DbIwqnguXCrO6_6AlWfmc5peHGKUiS0/s320/October+2010+098.jpg" border="0" /></a> And I've been using those old felted wool sweaters that have been languishing on a shelf for want of an idea. I would say I am using them up, but there is quite a bit of material available in one sweater! I am also making cuff bracelets with some of the leftovers. The crochet flowers have been a fun little project to take on the go. I have my friend Carolyn to thank for the leftover bits of yarn from her knitted dish cloths.</div><div> </div><div>Speaking of crochet ... I am on my third blanket made from yarn purchase from The Scrap Exchange ... each blanket cost around $5. I've enjoyed dusting off my crochet hooks (finally).</div><div> </div><div>I have one more show this weekend at a local high school. I am really looking forward to it. I have made about 3-4 dozen new ornaments this week, and a bunch of poetry bracelets. Today I am going to work on those aforementioned cuff bracelets and maybe some dryer sheet wallets. With any luck I will have more to share with you before the week is out. Thank you for visiting and baring with my little blogging hiatus!</div><div> </div><div><em>~Michelle<br /></em><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-7924113766563241762010-09-29T16:32:00.002-05:002010-09-29T16:49:06.623-05:00Tutti FruttiI decided I needed to take a break from pounding bottle caps and do <em>something</em> different. I dyed this fabric last year. It was a white tone-on-tone and I love how the flowers resist the dye. The problem was that there was way too much pink for my taste. I like the top and left sides, but the rest, well, what to do with all that pink?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUOlB6ZdeYOERi80qNAJlaFNXcHiU8zv-66F5SZS-YRneGMQqEphH184fiwh_y__NZVLLAxQJC8-o0OsroMJ8ZK-h4qIEgLW2sGOD_6rcaGZ9VHFt41gQ3W0fjqLdpfiFFB4RPXiC5To/s1600/September+2010+269.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522452793836120530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUOlB6ZdeYOERi80qNAJlaFNXcHiU8zv-66F5SZS-YRneGMQqEphH184fiwh_y__NZVLLAxQJC8-o0OsroMJ8ZK-h4qIEgLW2sGOD_6rcaGZ9VHFt41gQ3W0fjqLdpfiFFB4RPXiC5To/s320/September+2010+269.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last year, on a whim, I also bought the pattern to make fabric bowls with strips of fabric and cotton clothesline. I've been wanting to try it, but you know how it goes, I just never took the time to do it. Well, I decided to use this fabric, and here is my new bowl ...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMEkGfVtDBsNPZEnTGDJoIXglRhQrLrw-QRIR5kLHQaXgTVu9htP3xO8XDKx1_odlA-1YJ9vazp6Kn_v26PKH1h9lrlsULF6qjp5rt0BHzpYZ8QBiM3fn9RbhCZX4FY1iOboCKZfxMxw/s1600/September+2010+276.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522452793406764754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMEkGfVtDBsNPZEnTGDJoIXglRhQrLrw-QRIR5kLHQaXgTVu9htP3xO8XDKx1_odlA-1YJ9vazp6Kn_v26PKH1h9lrlsULF6qjp5rt0BHzpYZ8QBiM3fn9RbhCZX4FY1iOboCKZfxMxw/s320/September+2010+276.jpg" border="0" /></a> I made the smallest size the pattern offered, but made the sides a little taller. It is pretty big! And I love it. Yeah, still a lot of pink but at least it is tempered by the other colors. So I've decided it is my new fruit bowl. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6sfar2nFJ7WP_dLh8KZAE4QZhh_RHQRoBIJ0OKNdya00h5-1VKjpFYG1TWyQe2f5FqGeOekcfiIDQUfMN3h7Sr_hAqdzTq1Ona92qDB1iwjyZd65WNdT3fGURhAM6Vo_WcPXnadu2Q8/s1600/September+2010+282.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522452787737644754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6sfar2nFJ7WP_dLh8KZAE4QZhh_RHQRoBIJ0OKNdya00h5-1VKjpFYG1TWyQe2f5FqGeOekcfiIDQUfMN3h7Sr_hAqdzTq1Ona92qDB1iwjyZd65WNdT3fGURhAM6Vo_WcPXnadu2Q8/s320/September+2010+282.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What do you think? Hey, at least I know I can wash it!</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-16585851020423842602010-09-21T20:37:00.003-05:002010-09-21T20:52:27.100-05:00Loco LacesEmpty dye bottles - you know what that means ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3QQ3g8zaBeqofD4l-CU7JsiQB16wztoCN_n9orcLPpd-wTpXjMI4mLX0J7H6hyzA8CTwiy4ZtbPw8_I1_LKpYMThzmSgZt9p6Db9wrdWAr0tMCkPg_vmTy9_orhN_z0pPm60kjY5u8c/s1600/September+2010+206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519547882277168178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3QQ3g8zaBeqofD4l-CU7JsiQB16wztoCN_n9orcLPpd-wTpXjMI4mLX0J7H6hyzA8CTwiy4ZtbPw8_I1_LKpYMThzmSgZt9p6Db9wrdWAr0tMCkPg_vmTy9_orhN_z0pPm60kjY5u8c/s320/September+2010+206.jpg" border="0" /></a> I finally got my dyes back out. Today's victims? Shoelaces!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7fdVtu-krSqQf_jgjYQ0pRAND4lYZl7t3UBUbpwcY4ane4IW2JhI140RDgaHgwIeyv-jiVGIo3EG7sbQ9Wnmf7kZ79R5e49buk3xf5PaHWRxsk3kvHM0kXKvFfA29F81H5kZ6kLsyGs/s1600/September+2010+203.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519547868346722242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7fdVtu-krSqQf_jgjYQ0pRAND4lYZl7t3UBUbpwcY4ane4IW2JhI140RDgaHgwIeyv-jiVGIo3EG7sbQ9Wnmf7kZ79R5e49buk3xf5PaHWRxsk3kvHM0kXKvFfA29F81H5kZ6kLsyGs/s320/September+2010+203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzJgafKk1Dn1QSsa_mV75w5dN1WN-UtnJbiaE9GlE3Y73Vh8YSRLduBERdak1kjjtajvjpUmB9Jir2ZTlqFWJ-rUoB72RY39B6SZ2WYq_cy4OkEnMi-cgkGBd41KMpnh4J9cyUuk-hTA/s1600/September+2010+209.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519547848852819938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzJgafKk1Dn1QSsa_mV75w5dN1WN-UtnJbiaE9GlE3Y73Vh8YSRLduBERdak1kjjtajvjpUmB9Jir2ZTlqFWJ-rUoB72RY39B6SZ2WYq_cy4OkEnMi-cgkGBd41KMpnh4J9cyUuk-hTA/s320/September+2010+209.jpg" border="0" /></a> Aren't they yummy? And the best news is ... there's lots more! I plan to carry them in my shop. If my tween doesn't take them all before I get the chance!</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-77307087011082068382010-09-16T19:16:00.003-05:002010-09-16T19:45:23.205-05:00One Wild SummerI find it rather amusing that I was just wondering what happened to July. Here we are half way through September. Silly of me to think I was going to get much accomplished this summer, and now we are knee deep in all the activities that fall with teenagers brings.<br /><br />Meet the newest member of our family ... Jasper ... this little guy showed up at our door and decided to stay. He was skinny and flea ridden, but how could we say no? He's very sweet and hasn't even asked to go outside since the day we brought him in. I think he is happy to have a home ...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517672092165294930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qesKspI6WYq5xisB_xgvSGhHLJXXEtZ0hvVysNjgODHqZXiT4WnG3OnWRQd1j3Sq8JtpmhnUCl3nZlmfe-lY4-nqcYjD5tDJZ35SUeQ4IsP-V-yaVtba2QtHwMWsd1-hXrsaGKmZY_o/s320/July+2010+024.jpg" border="0" />I made this fish piece for my August show at Eye of the Eagle. The fish are painted dryer sheets and I used lots of odds and ends for the background. I did a bit of hand stitching and beading as well. I finished it just in time for the show, so these photos I have are actually of it hanging in the gallery.<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQMU2R0pSvQ4K8ZFufK_a12qOS70JulDoI_kCwPgKXz1acE07zK6IsPXTR7C6BdH5OmGF9OzXo3aGSz1HzUvDeJYpk1C4wqxc9BDtUeveYpQYKuK7gHpfax9kkr_RyrgUIoeFZ0E7SdQ/s1600/August+2010+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517672102840026338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQMU2R0pSvQ4K8ZFufK_a12qOS70JulDoI_kCwPgKXz1acE07zK6IsPXTR7C6BdH5OmGF9OzXo3aGSz1HzUvDeJYpk1C4wqxc9BDtUeveYpQYKuK7gHpfax9kkr_RyrgUIoeFZ0E7SdQ/s320/August+2010+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517672140692630322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFhUsmhm6qt0ZLJtUgv-6rS55yRTEnQTs3z8_Nt-mZpG1DueSX9_42JreIGKNPorHd45CKjl9VN9juRNB0DZNwrN84XP20MxywYTkaOgwoQg3oyFBW9Rw20EVru1fDbRexmUVc0CWTao/s320/August+2010+031.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517672126509766994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBGxB4To-TF_nr20Qo_FvzjcPD4wiKAXa_707ObcLWiDyo1uHUjIzaD8yQMYQ-6Pvm34m1_XlUGnj69TbudWeuVNoH7-yqVERACjUr_i6gn_vtlrCfycxjrRgLVgEq1WsWSGpm6dun8w/s320/August+2010+030.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517672117018552562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQmy6oVUnnS0OItptiIaMJr7b9cfd_aCOd4ciERpR4ZNW_0kCRC5-o-GlEVWQyH_0xxQfHKcXUzi73q1vTTMt93fqpbS8J4ROB1wOKP3jqK1TNPDeQSJCkRXp6Sv9FRdNEAV-0q48ohE/s320/August+2010+029.jpg" border="0" />I just received an order from Dharma ... an assortment of scarves, shoelaces (yes, I am going to dye them!) and soy wax to try my hand at batik. Maybe I will have something fun to share with you soon.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-489785824614676392010-07-29T06:03:00.000-05:002010-07-29T06:15:22.117-05:00Wherefore Art Thou July?Well, this summer sure is flying by! I haven't posted anything here mainly due to computer issues, or rather server issues. Actually we don't know what the issue is. We have a temporary workaround while we try to figure it out, but I haven't been online much.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZiSOdgc2ZFq7IFI-46A49jS_wQon3Bu0hQCdDMHWbgKreh4d7bD85yGPM9ykDXtuREmJm7KlXwMjemUKQO6AjuHGQjHDpsGK8fA0eXrjiQa37lI_rg7tOLY9snXHHF9wYWS2HQ2_7h0/s1600/July+2010+045.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499282890259899794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZiSOdgc2ZFq7IFI-46A49jS_wQon3Bu0hQCdDMHWbgKreh4d7bD85yGPM9ykDXtuREmJm7KlXwMjemUKQO6AjuHGQjHDpsGK8fA0eXrjiQa37lI_rg7tOLY9snXHHF9wYWS2HQ2_7h0/s320/July+2010+045.jpg" /></a> I completed my 3rd t-shirt quilt and it is getting easier. I think this one came out nice. It was the first one I did for a boy. He's off to college this fall. I hope he enjoys it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QZ2R-0I7o5AHmR5dd6uBCvFyjpIlbC5ZWQ7KXi8b9VKUtW-JlJMvGuGsFMKqgzRz1jtuIaO8OD3Jo3_HRHyGXsc7n6ugThLCu87RTkJyoOLh9-Beb_tIcYIezGVbHZHlKbbKj2PoXvo/s1600/July+2010+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499282885279962290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QZ2R-0I7o5AHmR5dd6uBCvFyjpIlbC5ZWQ7KXi8b9VKUtW-JlJMvGuGsFMKqgzRz1jtuIaO8OD3Jo3_HRHyGXsc7n6ugThLCu87RTkJyoOLh9-Beb_tIcYIezGVbHZHlKbbKj2PoXvo/s320/July+2010+034.jpg" /></a> I also made a load of charms for Christi over at <a href="http://earthtraditions.com/">Earth Traditions</a>. She makes Celtic and earth-themed jewelry and will be incorporating these charms into her designs. It was a lot of fun to go Irish for a bit.</div><div> </div><div>I am sending off another package of jewelry to Art & Soul in Beaufort NC. I'm so glad things are selling well there. And The Raleigh City Museum will be carrying my jewelry, beginning in August, so that is next on my list. I'll be using only NC brewery (and soda) caps for their museum shop.</div><div> </div><div>My show at <a href="http://www.eyeoftheeagleart.com/">Eye of the Eagle </a>in Clayton opens August 1st. The reception is Friday the 6th and if you are in the area, I'd love for you to come!</div><div> </div><div>That's about all for me right now. Here's hoping our internet issues are resolved soon and I can get back to blogging on a more regular basis. Thanks for stopping by!!!<br /></div><div>~Michelle</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-29850874060638243412010-06-29T12:41:00.003-05:002010-06-29T13:00:13.340-05:00First Felting Finished!I finished the felted piece that I first showed you back in mid-May. I made some cording on my machine and hung it from a bamboo rod. I stitched some shells with natural holes to the cording. I think the rod needs something as it looks rather plain. Any suggestions? I may dip the ends is glue or UTEE and beads. I'm just not sure.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPVp_tJ-BMZbifSEsaUobPNuAhGYDFmeZCqepOowf1uQdLA2K_x2JA56dwQgpJy_JMzjxVbJ83qo520a3EMaEy1Pi0mOiqwCxxRMUmN1mDrObgUWE28wCbXEFq5aIhGeCizwRj9njQ7k/s1600/June+2010+162.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488255065802924338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPVp_tJ-BMZbifSEsaUobPNuAhGYDFmeZCqepOowf1uQdLA2K_x2JA56dwQgpJy_JMzjxVbJ83qo520a3EMaEy1Pi0mOiqwCxxRMUmN1mDrObgUWE28wCbXEFq5aIhGeCizwRj9njQ7k/s320/June+2010+162.jpg" /></a> As I worked along, I wasn't sure how I was going to finish the edges. I finally decided that I liked all the raw edge pieces going on and wanted to leave them. I backed the whole piece with a bit of hand dyed scrim that was just the right size. I think it was a good decision.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq3HGc6KC29LYaITyVEmfOWDLStfb0Ha4312Ug7y0CFm8sj8RvrbkkNmxGcv1WQTV51KB09u1HOv2vd6BrQXwHkvJUXqvqTLLAHaiGfLb40O2ppHVXGBpvYOGz4ow9cBe2ArFPl0Ds1A/s1600/June+2010+163.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488255056802383346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq3HGc6KC29LYaITyVEmfOWDLStfb0Ha4312Ug7y0CFm8sj8RvrbkkNmxGcv1WQTV51KB09u1HOv2vd6BrQXwHkvJUXqvqTLLAHaiGfLb40O2ppHVXGBpvYOGz4ow9cBe2ArFPl0Ds1A/s320/June+2010+163.jpg" /></a> Here's a close up. The whole piece is hand needle-felted, hand stitched, and hand beaded. It's about 12" x 15" not including the hanging parts. Now I need to figure out what to call it! This is one of the pieces that will hang at Eye of the Eagle in Clayton in August.</div><div> </div><div><em>~Michelle</em></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-21107139140707474902010-06-14T06:05:00.003-05:002010-06-14T06:53:29.224-05:00Sew Somerset and other good newsSome good things have been happening while I've been in a creative lull. First of all, I have a few small pieces of fiber art on page 132 of the current (summer 2010) issue of <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/sew_somerset.html"><em>Sew Somerset</em></a><em>. </em>And just as exciting is the fact that three of my cyber-friends are also in this same issue! So, if you have an opportunity to check out my work, you can also look for <a href="http://kiwicarole.blogspot.com/">Carole</a>, <a href="http://sewnordic.blogspot.com/">Normajean</a>, and <a href="http://studiogypsy.blogspot.com/">Leilani</a>.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482587064484428034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J9D66CzGG2Jk0Cq1nst-AYDsLSJysJk_ILiPhTUMPT-DVxHFQgb3qPvtK1E0XuURlKVMHd3ZgY4ncUgd4gL_PKZFYachKH1Y60W9n-5dfse-O0oGzmS8wWF1BOM6IQj-Bg-xBEHbyC0/s320/Beaufort+Trip+009.jpg" /> <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Nautical Flags, Beaufort NC</span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Secondly, I will have a few pieces on exhibit in The Green Room Gallery at <a href="http://scrapexchange.org/">The Scrap Exchange </a>in Durham NC. The focus of this awesome store is recycling, and I am going to exhibit "Spirit Tree" (see recent post) and a few other pieces along with other members of the Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild. The show will run from June 18 through July 10.</span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez10_Y97jM8WIpMIyaI4DAGUHuY0W_SQm3EWugR2pCspNfVMn27JgafIfrwz8cRA-fzSxOCVvFA78nagO7iKccdaODNltG_gcU18CoJaHvWcSVB7EVBkM6lYIWKvcG-L6OmCnfP0I7gE/s1600/Beaufort+Trip+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482587058236341714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez10_Y97jM8WIpMIyaI4DAGUHuY0W_SQm3EWugR2pCspNfVMn27JgafIfrwz8cRA-fzSxOCVvFA78nagO7iKccdaODNltG_gcU18CoJaHvWcSVB7EVBkM6lYIWKvcG-L6OmCnfP0I7gE/s320/Beaufort+Trip+016.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sailboats at Sunset, Beaufort NC</span></em></div><p align="center">Thirdly, I am gearing up for a solo exhibit of my fiber art at <a href="http://www.eyeoftheeagleart.com/contact.html">The Eye of the Eagle</a> in Clayton, NC. This is a wonderful little art gallery, tucked away in a quaint little town. Definitely worth a visit! I have to deliver my art by the end of June, so I will be busy, busy, busy, trying to finish up some new work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbKgSPJ3_xYtGJQPJ6ctqaPG3ReIs8LhmzUZbzDd2wMgKD1hkEOcB3_KiZNVBua-gfNPAEFHot_ckMeoz_5FD26ojtiuddiPQfEr7WkHuhBsMluqN5iAl0m960z08opAs9x4S-sJtfv8/s1600/Beaufort+Trip+021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482587054604441138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbKgSPJ3_xYtGJQPJ6ctqaPG3ReIs8LhmzUZbzDd2wMgKD1hkEOcB3_KiZNVBua-gfNPAEFHot_ckMeoz_5FD26ojtiuddiPQfEr7WkHuhBsMluqN5iAl0m960z08opAs9x4S-sJtfv8/s320/Beaufort+Trip+021.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wild Horse, Shackelford Banks NC</span></em></p><p align="left"><br />And finally, as you can see by the photos, we got away the other weekend to the beautiful coastal town of Beaufort, NC. We took a ferry to the undeveloped barrier island of Cape Lookout National Seashore, and just generally relaxed and enjoyed infinite beauty and inspiration. It was wonderful. While I was there, I came upon a delightful art store called Art & Soul. I spoke with the owner and she is going to begin carrying my bottle cap jewelry! I have always wanted to have representation at the coast, and now I do! I'll be making some new "beachy" pieces this week to send to her.</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1G2-N5cal1XhNgwQF630hZYD0xbh_8KBV6Vcgn4NFSCj8ckwJBslUphJbYujevycvKWBmMVdQGC-cn4DKDxrUuaYpIOqi5ouCWIx__KdzU9dfBZc6rPBYm7Mw1Vegm6kPsy0ihI3GJM/s1600/Beaufort+Trip+028.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482587042268046210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1G2-N5cal1XhNgwQF630hZYD0xbh_8KBV6Vcgn4NFSCj8ckwJBslUphJbYujevycvKWBmMVdQGC-cn4DKDxrUuaYpIOqi5ouCWIx__KdzU9dfBZc6rPBYm7Mw1Vegm6kPsy0ihI3GJM/s320/Beaufort+Trip+028.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Cape Lookout Light</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em><br />I hope you've enjoyed this little taste of the beauty to be found on the North Carolina coast, and if you are not too far away, I hope that you will visit sometime. I'll be posting more info about upcoming artist's receptions as I receive details, so watch this space!<br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMU_CdEiTWaaY0erD-MSxy6Fa6fMemzgbzjVh0Gcv3xi-HJuNBrJYCnG3SAHFy5U1dCxN5ztxLYREJCBZfA7gdtL9f3n9_i0tfJqyUZsJWtMImEHq-5CwW-iwd6MWBxYEhgOwCVNUM-E/s1600/Beaufort+Trip+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482587033857913282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMU_CdEiTWaaY0erD-MSxy6Fa6fMemzgbzjVh0Gcv3xi-HJuNBrJYCnG3SAHFy5U1dCxN5ztxLYREJCBZfA7gdtL9f3n9_i0tfJqyUZsJWtMImEHq-5CwW-iwd6MWBxYEhgOwCVNUM-E/s320/Beaufort+Trip+036.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Cape Lookout National Seashore</span></em></div><div align="left"><br /><br />Thanks for taking this journey with me!</div><div align="left"><em>~Michelle</em></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-41083437934923055702010-05-29T07:54:00.003-05:002010-06-03T09:17:37.401-05:00A change of paintAin't it funny how the time goes? I started this blog post a week ago, ran out of time, saved it as a draft and here I am just getting back to it. It almost feels like old news now! Anyway, I traded in my art supplies for a roller and some wall paint, and remodeled the kids' bathroom. I thought I'd share it with you.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwh5eEuhsLVJ68Lf00QmRx2X1wpaYOAUe-9CwuxAY6QFxJI6MWE_QZ7-6UWQHqre0uxFS4o6kZwgoNRSDntuf7r7LJl5q4iet6k2HVuTif6TvVBl-E4O8IQTrzjOrpXxZZ9zzR0BNAi8/s1600/May+2010+087.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476675822978118386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwh5eEuhsLVJ68Lf00QmRx2X1wpaYOAUe-9CwuxAY6QFxJI6MWE_QZ7-6UWQHqre0uxFS4o6kZwgoNRSDntuf7r7LJl5q4iet6k2HVuTif6TvVBl-E4O8IQTrzjOrpXxZZ9zzR0BNAi8/s320/May+2010+087.jpg" /></a> It was time to say goodbye to the palm tree mural that has graced the long right side wall for many years. The walls needed to be repainted, and the kids are getting older - not that they don't enjoy palm trees any more, but it was time for something a bit more sophisticated (or maybe it was just as excuse!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRNG9mn1H8YwcMwpC6a1m0lsEP3guqGaJ44SGH0zQiZXZxxv3bCiGWADBXEHDs4VzZIBiW8I1X6WAOwZOeoMJO6D4cwDOpvqiYropQ1N8wvJpHYgDTkZLBPN8TOCcFqmpQjhB8jhDXL0/s1600/May+2010+114.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476675815373604962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRNG9mn1H8YwcMwpC6a1m0lsEP3guqGaJ44SGH0zQiZXZxxv3bCiGWADBXEHDs4VzZIBiW8I1X6WAOwZOeoMJO6D4cwDOpvqiYropQ1N8wvJpHYgDTkZLBPN8TOCcFqmpQjhB8jhDXL0/s320/May+2010+114.jpg" /></a> I painted the walls a soft chalky green (which really doesn't show up well in the photos ... the photo of the shower curtain has probably the best representation. The color is Harbour Town by Benjamin Moore). On the long wall I painted blocks of color and hung black and white prints of photos I've taken on our many family vacations. I let the kids list their most memorable places and use their lists in choosing photos. A nice way to make the space personal! I can always change out the photos whenever it needs refreshing.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-iepAxRQN3r-XvA0VRvDWWDcTk2Jn0a2ZnSfHQmni3Hqnn5UlzqfwHFHaBnBPRlAcoMZfK2YbX40kUV1tBR4e4CUQP3_Beq0i0Lpcx1WOeAXztzRjUNct_IwFMp1UgNZquV_1IuqMVA/s1600/May+2010+112.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476675810068872690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-iepAxRQN3r-XvA0VRvDWWDcTk2Jn0a2ZnSfHQmni3Hqnn5UlzqfwHFHaBnBPRlAcoMZfK2YbX40kUV1tBR4e4CUQP3_Beq0i0Lpcx1WOeAXztzRjUNct_IwFMp1UgNZquV_1IuqMVA/s320/May+2010+112.jpg" /></a> I painted the ugly, old orangish oak and plywood cabinets a semi-gloss black and added chrome hardware. Ahhhh ... they look so much better, and set off the white marble vanity, which isn't going anywhere.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWQdFF2ISg1e7pxSo9lxmleRVI21tAXJA7cOegmEjF-jgeHcmB8gdIzNKm3i8hho-1_j_Eoq7RwbTStx-VbvfG2MwB-iC1zZXwalHCSogYZA-vqjuizRnizjRAcQHK94rlq0Zy9QpPkQ/s1600/May+2010+115.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476675798473388290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWQdFF2ISg1e7pxSo9lxmleRVI21tAXJA7cOegmEjF-jgeHcmB8gdIzNKm3i8hho-1_j_Eoq7RwbTStx-VbvfG2MwB-iC1zZXwalHCSogYZA-vqjuizRnizjRAcQHK94rlq0Zy9QpPkQ/s320/May+2010+115.jpg" /></a> I swapped out the old tropical shower curtain and rings for a sleek black and chrome number. I also hung it about 8" higher up the wall which added more drama than I expected.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxoDJsWt1p1Y32CGg6VtXpk9oqOd9ihKAfUP67ErtRHWUDqHpfg0QCLcqI3uKZ9U8Px15JN_-n2iwbtiP9eX1zU7XaaHqaT4LFvllAoIunSIht7sCRdtTlk6_wrsXzQbx0tEncjMKP_4/s1600/May+2010+113.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476675790329305506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxoDJsWt1p1Y32CGg6VtXpk9oqOd9ihKAfUP67ErtRHWUDqHpfg0QCLcqI3uKZ9U8Px15JN_-n2iwbtiP9eX1zU7XaaHqaT4LFvllAoIunSIht7sCRdtTlk6_wrsXzQbx0tEncjMKP_4/s320/May+2010+113.jpg" /></a> I, yes, I myself, personally and without assitance, took down the old brass "hollywood" globe vanity lights and wired up these new chrome and glass beauties. And I even did it right the first time! Was a leap of faith to flip that light switch on for the first time, that's for sure.<br /><br /><div>What's left is the floor (half carpet - what was the builder thinking??? - and half old vinyl), mainly, and a low flush toilet. I am toying with tearing down the tiles in the shower and installing new ones. I am a bit suspicious that there is an insufficient moisture barrier behind those tiles, and better to take them down and find out than to deal with a mold issue down the road. Or, maybe this is just another excuse ...</div><div><em>~Michelle</em></div></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-16405949312378587262010-05-12T18:13:00.003-05:002010-05-12T18:28:21.519-05:00A Recipe for AdventureHere's my little adventure of the week:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNmJNykuZGesB0UNMAkMhc7du9U1-4aano8WLQscoi_BZqLQtWcVNHGRKN_lF5xu4dTJNx_5oYrO_L_5giT-kh8ANKUWLZt5WUDkXL071zZ5wKpB14llSpeCTXlNW8ty-Jbiwod-vOOY/s1600/May+2010+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470527132255835058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNmJNykuZGesB0UNMAkMhc7du9U1-4aano8WLQscoi_BZqLQtWcVNHGRKN_lF5xu4dTJNx_5oYrO_L_5giT-kh8ANKUWLZt5WUDkXL071zZ5wKpB14llSpeCTXlNW8ty-Jbiwod-vOOY/s320/May+2010+033.jpg" border="0" /></a> I wanted to try my hand at needle felting. I don't have an embellisher machine, but I have the little needle puncher and brush mat. The base of this piece is part of a thrift store wool sweater that was shrunk/felted. I have been adding a little bit each day, and I suppose I will keep adding to the piece until it tells me it is done. I hope you can tell that it is a beach scene. I just added the "lines" to separate the water from the sand and sky, and next I'll fill in more water colors to give the ocean depth and (hopefully) dimension. It's been a fun experiment, in spite of the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing!!!<br /><br />And I made this cake today - we are celebrating the 19th birthday of Pablo, our Guatemalan high school student who is living with us during the school year. The recipe is below ... delish!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTmOdnPGMOReXbTc0cep0cUsHFQT4B_A8zpECFYAFEHw8tPc7l7iHs3iMCHj3UAcxb5aFYWqXEVs4FvbfnjqdyJq6PjhKrdaWZmf5zfEOI4ZotIkf-_l6Hc9pwXx8DhYM6Bv6CFBu2MA/s1600/May+2010+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470527125575042962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTmOdnPGMOReXbTc0cep0cUsHFQT4B_A8zpECFYAFEHw8tPc7l7iHs3iMCHj3UAcxb5aFYWqXEVs4FvbfnjqdyJq6PjhKrdaWZmf5zfEOI4ZotIkf-_l6Hc9pwXx8DhYM6Bv6CFBu2MA/s320/May+2010+031.jpg" border="0" /></a> Strawberry Fudge Cake<br /><br />1 box chocolate cake mix<br />1 can strawberry pie filling<br />2 eggs<br />1 tsp almond extract<br /><br />1 tub chocolate frosting<br /><br />(note: you can use whatever flavor cake mix and pie filling you want - apple spice is very good! and you can substitute vanilla extract for the almond, or you can omit the extract, if you want)<br /><br />Mix all ingredients and bake according to directions on cake mix (about 40 minutes for a bundt pan). Let cake cool, melt some frosting in microwave safe bowl for about 15-20 seconds. Drizzle over cake. Enjoy!!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-24540513201562277582010-05-11T07:07:00.004-05:002010-05-11T07:17:33.269-05:00Spirit TreeHere's a sneak peek at the piece I've been working on. I need one more yellow bottle cap to finish it. Hopefully it will come my way soon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpnSTcwvGmyvEw3HTXlTPHdpSp2EUCCqAy8LM103QFWC74ZUIakAsBno6nJEyOtRLT312fNmq7LrxZ9I3TwQraFmckkWmxutC6HyDVpQjzv6Bl6tLfLizQlFvil8Y8chE592FOL5OQjs/s1600/May+2010+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469983849779036210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpnSTcwvGmyvEw3HTXlTPHdpSp2EUCCqAy8LM103QFWC74ZUIakAsBno6nJEyOtRLT312fNmq7LrxZ9I3TwQraFmckkWmxutC6HyDVpQjzv6Bl6tLfLizQlFvil8Y8chE592FOL5OQjs/s320/May+2010+018.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am calling this piece "Spirit Tree". It is a 22x28 wrapped canvas - something new for me. It is for the exhibit at Eye of the Eagle in August and therefore is made with saved/recycled materials.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnwp4-vL4nSNFMgyi6KTmX3yWb7p_ODN2UtQHbgDFDpbfZtPSP_EJFbLUOrQ7cG6NcTMjgXIFs8LZsy_uCO37qSPRX6JPRP1hCGicZz1oWr6tSyH6ogl8ZKDn-OSEA3fFHJn4F2nB7Mg/s1600/May+2010+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469983839878348770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnwp4-vL4nSNFMgyi6KTmX3yWb7p_ODN2UtQHbgDFDpbfZtPSP_EJFbLUOrQ7cG6NcTMjgXIFs8LZsy_uCO37qSPRX6JPRP1hCGicZz1oWr6tSyH6ogl8ZKDn-OSEA3fFHJn4F2nB7Mg/s320/May+2010+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> The background texture is built up with tissue paper. The flowers are fabric paper, and the flower centers are bottle caps and wine bottle tops.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisce0hj1oqHEPkgCUVlj3nDGPJir163wbbkWihnud3lZRPwJGYnCGfEseVB-bEdJR-S0B5Y421v3oLD36IaMmorib5xcIvh3P4Sf22QGczzUa9ExzcijVSy-FadT7K2R3iR3Rlsuh2Rkw/s1600/May+2010+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469983833195270546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisce0hj1oqHEPkgCUVlj3nDGPJir163wbbkWihnud3lZRPwJGYnCGfEseVB-bEdJR-S0B5Y421v3oLD36IaMmorib5xcIvh3P4Sf22QGczzUa9ExzcijVSy-FadT7K2R3iR3Rlsuh2Rkw/s320/May+2010+023.jpg" border="0" /></a> The word "Spirit" rests among the roots of the tree. I have had the gulf oil disaster on my mind while I've worked on this piece, even though I started it before that happened, and it has directed much of the path this piece has taken. When it is finished, I'll share the completed piece with you.</div><div> </div><div>On to the next one ... wonder where it will take me? ~Michelle<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-70029008954029159502010-05-07T06:49:00.005-05:002010-05-07T07:06:24.624-05:00Going Green, and Orange, and Blue ...In honor of National Craft Beer Week, this bracelet was chosen to be highlighted in the Going Green section of the <a href="http://tryhandmade.com/raise-a-glass-american-craft-beer-week">Try Handmade </a>website. Thanks to Rebecca for choosing to include me in a terrific article, and a special shout-out to my friend and fellow collector-of-all-things-cool-and-reusable, <a href="http://squigglechick.com/">Tracy</a>, for recommending me to Rebecca. Tracy's blog and etsy shop are definitely worth a visit!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2RfQYOJahClYRV-EJ765ZTtwcf_igpDqacNv9H4F1Vf1LjUG4Jtm6flZ5UcKXsAj21XzMQcfknAkF9NQqYLAzcgWZYIwRqsgeIfxCLHG59Nvpli3g4fzyNal6KhwB5ELdLgf2jMqr4k/s1600/etsy+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468494839541375122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2RfQYOJahClYRV-EJ765ZTtwcf_igpDqacNv9H4F1Vf1LjUG4Jtm6flZ5UcKXsAj21XzMQcfknAkF9NQqYLAzcgWZYIwRqsgeIfxCLHG59Nvpli3g4fzyNal6KhwB5ELdLgf2jMqr4k/s320/etsy+070.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've added some charm bracelets to <a href="http://www.artagain.etsy.com/">my etsy shop</a>, and will be adding more items during the day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJsuChCOEuRdKhVKAyG9QeSNoOe_eURv-wpLhuC769-dHaZGw1lfK1yVHpDAi2SkFbHT6yZe5TjFm6em9-kLGWb0MQi_tCMZ0FyBACYMFsQJ9qNLNYBKpIs_8m2VNhLC3XEhyphenhyphen_HotX04/s1600/May+2010+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468494832887265122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJsuChCOEuRdKhVKAyG9QeSNoOe_eURv-wpLhuC769-dHaZGw1lfK1yVHpDAi2SkFbHT6yZe5TjFm6em9-kLGWb0MQi_tCMZ0FyBACYMFsQJ9qNLNYBKpIs_8m2VNhLC3XEhyphenhyphen_HotX04/s320/May+2010+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> And just to prove that I still know how to thread my sewing machine, here is a small round-robin quilt that I am working on with a group of three other ladies. We are going to donate these quilts to the <a href="http://www.alzquilts.org/">Alzheimer's Art Quilt Inniative (AAQI)</a> for auction when they are finished. The May quilt auction is going on right now - but ends on Monday the 10th, so check it out! New quilts are available each month and all the proceeds go to fund research for a cure.<br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC9FtthC1bDJsyvE_sTm1QkgTDOEWmIRW-3DrY0-7G7CLz7rj-bQQK_E68UdPIfh4p1aldWlWHNlEXsKj5dpZjNsEziSicBNNeFzJ-7atIj6urTijEiQ-5UNY5DV2n-Vy0oF1GYJlJIk/s1600/May+2010+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468494827145248178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC9FtthC1bDJsyvE_sTm1QkgTDOEWmIRW-3DrY0-7G7CLz7rj-bQQK_E68UdPIfh4p1aldWlWHNlEXsKj5dpZjNsEziSicBNNeFzJ-7atIj6urTijEiQ-5UNY5DV2n-Vy0oF1GYJlJIk/s320/May+2010+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was the third person to work on this quilt. It started with the jar of honey, the second person added the bees (which are amazing!) and I added the clovers. I free motion embroidered the clovers and was pleased with how they turned out. I might have to make some more for myself or a future project, so I don't forget how I did it. I love how this quilt is developing.</div><div> </div><div>I am still working on a rather large canvas piece. It is coming along - I just have to figure out what finishing details are needed. It always seems like that is the hardest part!</div><div> </div><div>~<em>Michelle</em></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-83834013075446774782010-05-02T06:14:00.004-05:002010-05-02T06:27:56.868-05:00Five Rounds of PoetryI survived not only my first "solo" street fairs (as in, no one came with me to help set up or relieve me during the day) but my first back-to-back weekend street fairs. The days couldn't have been much different, the first being cool, cloudy, and threatening rain and the second hot, humid, and sunny. Both went well and I received a lot of nice compliments on my work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflUXj64hyphenhyphenO2eSFWerY1gsYaj3GILcBX409FaroX-MIS6IRmjUKhs6wZYynRCL0JDlJ5QraZY-NVC44d5tw5NcFUgAOINRnVqVA-g-z0O_kGXGoKWVQHXarOVei9ZycsfzR4RvSP7sQvE/s1600/April+2010+166.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630586155461602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflUXj64hyphenhyphenO2eSFWerY1gsYaj3GILcBX409FaroX-MIS6IRmjUKhs6wZYynRCL0JDlJ5QraZY-NVC44d5tw5NcFUgAOINRnVqVA-g-z0O_kGXGoKWVQHXarOVei9ZycsfzR4RvSP7sQvE/s320/April+2010+166.jpg" border="0" /></a> The only "new" items I made between sales were poetry bracelets, in the fashion of the one that was published last year in <em>Cloth Paper Scissors. </em>It was a challenge, but a fun one, to create little snippets of poetry to fit into five small circles. The people who stopped by seemed to enjoy them and I did sell a few.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrxzM1G-51jwF3Lvs2pYdpoI-dEiNOd-ayYyB_7YQEzToHcRI6hStjQ5QUT6WIqWPWNeGSYesU7NzMIQWX1VBfi8mZElne6V0xLD1sd7fYtIVtY-rSCzAGWxRJ1brqz-v7UPadNtbI3w/s1600/April+2010+168.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630575351334642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrxzM1G-51jwF3Lvs2pYdpoI-dEiNOd-ayYyB_7YQEzToHcRI6hStjQ5QUT6WIqWPWNeGSYesU7NzMIQWX1VBfi8mZElne6V0xLD1sd7fYtIVtY-rSCzAGWxRJ1brqz-v7UPadNtbI3w/s320/April+2010+168.jpg" border="0" /></a> This one was my personal favorite. I loved the blued and teals, and of course anything about the ocean! I thought for sure it would sell, but I still have it. It just might find its way into my etsy shop, which is in serious need of beefing up.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxaizJdzn9u1uXT8OCJR_SPz7FEMSs4MjcSl-tn6nQu7-RIflJTzTCBJMTMCw9NjTbnariAHj1G3BKRJVuk2DV_xC1kuREn9AIV5q5QnzNr9XoRZPfedK8Ri3KOEd1RjbTBoEAwgrvQ4/s1600/April+2010+170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630571802937970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxaizJdzn9u1uXT8OCJR_SPz7FEMSs4MjcSl-tn6nQu7-RIflJTzTCBJMTMCw9NjTbnariAHj1G3BKRJVuk2DV_xC1kuREn9AIV5q5QnzNr9XoRZPfedK8Ri3KOEd1RjbTBoEAwgrvQ4/s320/April+2010+170.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the same bracelet, with blue and white ocean-related caps. It is almost as much fun choosing the caps as it is designing the bracelet. In case you are wondering, yes, I did add a clasp before heading to the sale! I just took the photos before that happened.</div><div> </div><div>I'm going to do some straightening of the studio before all the street fair tables and boxes find their way back in there. I am also working on a large canvas piece, which is developing nicely, although I've decided I need to do "something" to the background (which could be tricky since a portion of the foreground has been developed already). I am not sure what that "something" is, but I will share the work when it's complete.</div><div> </div><div>Hope you have an enjoyable May. ~ Michelle<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-3526648487751644812010-04-27T15:06:00.003-05:002010-04-27T15:18:45.872-05:00My Life in 100 Square Feet or LessI thought you might like to see my booth as it looked on Saturday at SpringDaze. The sign is new ... the canvas covered in paper scraps, then painted and each letter made from chip board (cereal boxes, two layers) and alcohol ink-painted CD mosaic. It took forever but I loved the results!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEXd16wnNr_3E73lhUpGbEbroUlhyDbnSXh6KRuZzlZoqxswY30cbeiyDy-YegHSOJs1IGa7BFZCns1iAjnNgcfpXBmT9dUP2N3QExfkSAgvx7idnJykq_SOV1SbNgTw3t8mu5uFKT8Y/s1600/April+2010+142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464912997388412882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEXd16wnNr_3E73lhUpGbEbroUlhyDbnSXh6KRuZzlZoqxswY30cbeiyDy-YegHSOJs1IGa7BFZCns1iAjnNgcfpXBmT9dUP2N3QExfkSAgvx7idnJykq_SOV1SbNgTw3t8mu5uFKT8Y/s320/April+2010+142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH1GOb950ei9j0eJZjk_5cOdH_2gDuQ3glghTIjFcQkdJk3QZtCK2mPoS8064pr6Uz2gNqI2yxYiL-Nvfsh_8hwEzR4fNCDhW6oAekgCQgazNCS54q2YjKOMd_bu2zPpz8zeMI4G2vIU/s1600/April+2010+143.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464912986720652082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH1GOb950ei9j0eJZjk_5cOdH_2gDuQ3glghTIjFcQkdJk3QZtCK2mPoS8064pr6Uz2gNqI2yxYiL-Nvfsh_8hwEzR4fNCDhW6oAekgCQgazNCS54q2YjKOMd_bu2zPpz8zeMI4G2vIU/s320/April+2010+143.jpg" border="0" /></a> I didn't bring as much of my framed art this year, since I was by myself to set up and it takes a while to hang. I need to come up with a better method for hanging stuff along the sides. I hung the sign by bungee cords, which worked really well, but I'm not sure I'd trust glass frames to that method.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgTji1edC6sbWd63pHbS24YqkJeUvlHb3yV3GUtgHDkc0R_xy5NjbgU0t2FIWpHrmdz_XVaP_aRGUkmseTzoJNk4wiUqKSxBuDWt9gKo3H88ZKFB3OztXcBZkvmOu05fzn3GCh849M_I/s1600/April+2010+145.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464912983699496898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgTji1edC6sbWd63pHbS24YqkJeUvlHb3yV3GUtgHDkc0R_xy5NjbgU0t2FIWpHrmdz_XVaP_aRGUkmseTzoJNk4wiUqKSxBuDWt9gKo3H88ZKFB3OztXcBZkvmOu05fzn3GCh849M_I/s320/April+2010+145.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was the first time I brought the extra card table that I put in the corner. It's up on risers, and I like how it created the different levels. Everything fit well in the space, though it was tight when there was a crowd!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8s3xz4NqXFRAO_SlI1k5o7X-eJljHIcRyhgMal7fJtm4Cc3WuCsMwWs7ZjM7A7oHrBUjWU4dRhF526idNHi5CyCoP2ZsFzAdWVODxLYLzv3jfk6zWs64WuggvvoKuAziTZjzc_dFWD4/s1600/April+2010+146.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464912981397698546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8s3xz4NqXFRAO_SlI1k5o7X-eJljHIcRyhgMal7fJtm4Cc3WuCsMwWs7ZjM7A7oHrBUjWU4dRhF526idNHi5CyCoP2ZsFzAdWVODxLYLzv3jfk6zWs64WuggvvoKuAziTZjzc_dFWD4/s320/April+2010+146.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYgH2mndk_Lu-x8Q1uDcX4JI4Wa4jfliGgmM01XhPN6uDdGiN9X6lyoE5TmJi9BwJWBu6gKj-VAelC4Tuc99UXijeAaigpkEAebpjAEv5REGs7KSnXeJXaQchmNl7AqA_daBMdYbnqCo/s1600/April+2010+147.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464912969275629826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYgH2mndk_Lu-x8Q1uDcX4JI4Wa4jfliGgmM01XhPN6uDdGiN9X6lyoE5TmJi9BwJWBu6gKj-VAelC4Tuc99UXijeAaigpkEAebpjAEv5REGs7KSnXeJXaQchmNl7AqA_daBMdYbnqCo/s320/April+2010+147.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Thanks for visiting ... I hope you'll have the opportunity to stop by in person sometime!</div><div> </div><div>~Michelle</div></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-57881520746494692010-04-22T16:07:00.002-05:002010-04-22T16:15:45.869-05:00Earth Day 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnCmkhTkE0ZMjX5ljI2gkj_geaCRtLYHShWx-F1nj4vMRLC9blqnsP5adYNYkeCmIl_4XrDSwW2dqDTNn7VDNW193OUxpjQiaZUeKk4kJ_oLvO_ykDjhmlTuywTFTyXLuOXPUyIaGdIE/s1600/April+2010+135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463071818144480546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnCmkhTkE0ZMjX5ljI2gkj_geaCRtLYHShWx-F1nj4vMRLC9blqnsP5adYNYkeCmIl_4XrDSwW2dqDTNn7VDNW193OUxpjQiaZUeKk4kJ_oLvO_ykDjhmlTuywTFTyXLuOXPUyIaGdIE/s320/April+2010+135.jpg" border="0" /></a>I love Earth Day. I didn't know much about it growing up, but the first Earth Day I remember well was when I was in college. A group of us went to the Bronx Zoo and I was struck by the field of white crosses, each baring the name of a species that has become extinct. It made a real impact on me. I believe we should celebrate Earth Day every day - not to sound cliche, but it really is the only home we've got!<br /><br />Here are the magnets I made this week. They are recycled advertising magnets, and other such ones that I have come across. I even took a "bumper sticker" magnet and cut it up. So next time you get one in the mail, or wherever you come across them ... don't throw them out! Use them as a mini canvas and create some art.<br /><br />I am done creating for the week. The next two days will be focused on preparations for Cary's SpringDaze. Right now they are calling for clouds and a 30% chance of scattered showers. I am remaining optimistic that they day will be cool, and wonderful, and that the usual crowds will still come. Next Saturday (May 1) I will be at Peak Fest in Apex ... a new show for me. Wish me luck!<br /><br /><em>~Michelle<br /></em>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-7755120465773816742010-04-21T08:13:00.003-05:002010-04-21T09:16:43.700-05:00PreparationsI'm spending this week getting ready to head to SpringDaze on Saturday, trying to get some additional things made so I have more than just my bottle cap stuff in my booth.<br /><br />I pulled out some of the mint tins that I've saved up and made trinket boxes out of them. I'm pleased with how they turned out, and hope they will be well received.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu_SqAU54vac469Kdpe8gT1ZOaSjE4acecQ_vg4J8gdvqUM1Id4qK0jcWNkO9NdIn-QY9gCaKNK3wfRPIWOAxrxBAtxJsKlXaqcundQxyJA8isoFQE0vGJUBgH8z162G89SVizXmo_go/s1600/April+2010+120.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462579525614323666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu_SqAU54vac469Kdpe8gT1ZOaSjE4acecQ_vg4J8gdvqUM1Id4qK0jcWNkO9NdIn-QY9gCaKNK3wfRPIWOAxrxBAtxJsKlXaqcundQxyJA8isoFQE0vGJUBgH8z162G89SVizXmo_go/s320/April+2010+120.jpg" border="0" /></a> This one ended up being my favorite, even though I almost talked myself out of this color scheme in the beginning. All the boxes have "feet" on them so they stand up off the table.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPnHn-JQzB3XicvaP98ioJ95FqrPLGtWULmtKJtdGb0E-bARQeXYY4ZoVDTmbYUAMrOpPNx2e_KMrqcVMNOUPQCwdqoBZGsQqPrQqoNCylXrav4nhgruL8IC1lWJTOP2ZpXSXUgSlbv8/s1600/April+2010+110.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462579520691122770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPnHn-JQzB3XicvaP98ioJ95FqrPLGtWULmtKJtdGb0E-bARQeXYY4ZoVDTmbYUAMrOpPNx2e_KMrqcVMNOUPQCwdqoBZGsQqPrQqoNCylXrav4nhgruL8IC1lWJTOP2ZpXSXUgSlbv8/s320/April+2010+110.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are all the boxes. Pretty much they are covered in scraps and recycled materials. It was good to go through my paper box, though I still didn't make a dent in it!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_k0BqH35yrArJpELODFI71lldVS1DEIr9yYhCg4Dp73D070EzqYNt8a3HPXu6AFQKC5u_8oaMSUahS6D6txM7rPJRPMMMtqf9EEn7d5PO4c0lpE-y8VbqA2llFRG0dchFZkk3ZlwTtk/s1600/April+2010+111.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462579504799388642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_k0BqH35yrArJpELODFI71lldVS1DEIr9yYhCg4Dp73D070EzqYNt8a3HPXu6AFQKC5u_8oaMSUahS6D6txM7rPJRPMMMtqf9EEn7d5PO4c0lpE-y8VbqA2llFRG0dchFZkk3ZlwTtk/s320/April+2010+111.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are a couple of them opened up. I lined the bottom with wool felt and the tops with various papers. The one on the right is lined with a wrapper from a chocolate bar!<br /><div> </div><div>This week, I have also made a sign for my booth (still have to finish the edges and photograph it), some magnet holders/coasters from large canning jar lids, and I am currently working on collage magnets made from freebie advertising magnets that I didn't want or need. I hope to finish those today. The week is flying by, that's for sure!</div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-84866117595637301032010-04-15T06:52:00.002-05:002010-04-15T07:12:33.436-05:00Flower ShowerAt the March Designers Downtown Market, my booth neighbor was Amanda of <a href="http://ohsewcutedesigns.com/">Oh Sew Cute Designs</a>. She makes all sorts of great baby gear, and since I was in need of a shower gift for twin girls, I had to take a look. I fell in love with this fabric and bought two car seat arm pads from her (a really great idea ... wish someone had thought of it 14 years ago!!!). The fabric is by Michael Miller and is called "Flower Shower".<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CgIHn_C5xK3oMB1L1SvTziWlGZDL1Y1e7MiLbTDinQ_dEg445qzg4JjnN5zSloOSlvTyS73AVaToS8koMq6AZFvGwdrMsOIjUsK87JeanRCZtSWTq3Sr_aFyUWa8fHLv61UDnnzOCp4/s1600/Fower+Shower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460332041071941298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CgIHn_C5xK3oMB1L1SvTziWlGZDL1Y1e7MiLbTDinQ_dEg445qzg4JjnN5zSloOSlvTyS73AVaToS8koMq6AZFvGwdrMsOIjUsK87JeanRCZtSWTq3Sr_aFyUWa8fHLv61UDnnzOCp4/s320/Fower+Shower.jpg" border="0" /></a> I absolutely love the aqua, coral, and pale lime green. A great girlie fabric without the pink and purple. Amanda was kind enough to hook me up with some yardage as well, and I made two small (24" square) coordinating quilts to go along in the carseat or stroller.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9abhB-TYQ2K20S4mHD2oQ2RUdcE-OpuKDAOG8Uhf2RXffpaWi6kXctHjHknfVqXphDirN1dxa3m9XjJ8yUZGltfClKrZlp2RjISp7-FW9WBSPkwpxPvQ81lgXD17UVCZZRQ0n0DntaN4/s1600/April+2010+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460332037874737186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9abhB-TYQ2K20S4mHD2oQ2RUdcE-OpuKDAOG8Uhf2RXffpaWi6kXctHjHknfVqXphDirN1dxa3m9XjJ8yUZGltfClKrZlp2RjISp7-FW9WBSPkwpxPvQ81lgXD17UVCZZRQ0n0DntaN4/s320/April+2010+067.jpg" border="0" /></a> I used hand dyed fabrics and the "<a href="http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-TB-BENTO">Bento Box</a>" pattern by Tracey Brookshire. I modified the pattern by turning every other unit 180 degrees to give it a more random appearance. Then I created my own pattern for some flowers and raw-edge machine appliqued them onto the quilts.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpILW7F3PkkOt2qtS93T7ntu1BV5oVnezHKzLdKu3BYUV_u2ghO0Y5R6XJUD8UvmLLR5svztuZ55HD3NC8n9sVbA08Y47VjPXSBTJ3gklQMEGovlJU-Tu61YSufSAyGdeWAVvTBPC7IA4/s1600/April+2010+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460332023140947090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpILW7F3PkkOt2qtS93T7ntu1BV5oVnezHKzLdKu3BYUV_u2ghO0Y5R6XJUD8UvmLLR5svztuZ55HD3NC8n9sVbA08Y47VjPXSBTJ3gklQMEGovlJU-Tu61YSufSAyGdeWAVvTBPC7IA4/s320/April+2010+060.jpg" border="0" /></a>To give the quilts some individuality, I made the centers of the flowers different colors. I free motion quilted them, bound (and backed) the in the Flower Shower fabric and then machine washed and dried them. I love doing this, especially with baby quilts. The batting shrinks up just enough to give the quilts a soft hand and a slightly "worn" feel. The effect of the raw edge applique (intentional) was to fray the edges of the flowers.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFRMSE4gWu-4Ba62EfupiVGc1sFdN8mc94M5VXoPDJbTmfSYDO0eR2kONVqsciHEmb6U-wQNomVZF3-ehb1euZjpNRIinGv7ksBwNFSAPnfq8cw1GjcQ_fHM0vgTDcUtNPo3cLp6ZOi4/s1600/April+2010+064.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460332012439450242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFRMSE4gWu-4Ba62EfupiVGc1sFdN8mc94M5VXoPDJbTmfSYDO0eR2kONVqsciHEmb6U-wQNomVZF3-ehb1euZjpNRIinGv7ksBwNFSAPnfq8cw1GjcQ_fHM0vgTDcUtNPo3cLp6ZOi4/s320/April+2010+064.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had trouble getting a closeup, but I think you can see the effect. I love these quilts and I hope my neices-to-be will love them as well.</div><div> </div><div><em>~Michelle</em></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-45352220109293934372010-04-08T07:28:00.004-05:002010-04-08T07:49:01.449-05:00Those Little ThingsThe leaves are back on the trees (though we need a good rain to wash the yellow coat of pollen away) and the sun is filtering through the leaves and sparkling on my kitchen table. I'd almost forgotten how much I love sunny mornings in my kitchen when the trees are leafed out. :)<br /><div></div><br /><div>Remember those "little things" I said I was working on in my last post? No? Sorry, yeah it's been a long time, but here they are ...</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh4wM859wP_LHvnRzVx4TSWN5JNuZi4-vOxbkjKlWhsTKnPpXk5bWBsAeJfeN-RXkGu5rsYnR0cwQwCt0eisDUgTf-XXjHM4SEg5phV-DxP2mENXckkLQelDdy6_KCKOBeari0SfGkCA/s1600/April+2010+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457743730010790098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh4wM859wP_LHvnRzVx4TSWN5JNuZi4-vOxbkjKlWhsTKnPpXk5bWBsAeJfeN-RXkGu5rsYnR0cwQwCt0eisDUgTf-XXjHM4SEg5phV-DxP2mENXckkLQelDdy6_KCKOBeari0SfGkCA/s320/April+2010+048.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have two art fairs coming up ... April 24 and May 1 (local friends, see left side bar for details - come say hi!). I made a batch of coffee cuffs using my stash of painted dryer sheets. They are so bright and cheerful!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457744801923991906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJt6F9t6Zo6OnTohL74kRbjioT8aHj7rU8ae7XHVBwJ3_E7gXGWRmjIJeAPHdRIWhujJTADoyz_MGxIN72llmRui3oqSSpFK6tc84qkLsaLJE7urD1OZbmtBKZsb30L8yReVMgwqXuYg/s320/February+2010+039.jpg" border="0" />I made these 1.5" gift cubes back in February and two of them have already sold. They really are cute. I changed the button on the one on the right (which is the one I still have) and made a few more.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4KEBKJLmWB65ec18G2wRwVcr1EHG2kBhewfHOanVQNFKEJpKdswoY8pIDXmz7gnlgc2w7TwKyaEDnGe18lXWOd7Ja0tMsjHX97mPRLgpnIxWlxpcoAv8o5yV06ZsFssDaj3ni4i90BI/s1600/April+2010+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457743724363754402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4KEBKJLmWB65ec18G2wRwVcr1EHG2kBhewfHOanVQNFKEJpKdswoY8pIDXmz7gnlgc2w7TwKyaEDnGe18lXWOd7Ja0tMsjHX97mPRLgpnIxWlxpcoAv8o5yV06ZsFssDaj3ni4i90BI/s320/April+2010+044.jpg" border="0" /></a> Most of them were cut from postcard bases that I had made a while back but had never developed into anything. I just think they're so cute and plan to make them in different sizes. They are all made from dryer sheets, except the one on the bottom left which is paper towels.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPuepKbBJcU48cDzM4yvDpfAWRlIIL45-CJhVdK_QZ_uzIroIqvtTmv1G7HiMalHWABcXd_vJNuUXL9hKGpzy9YI6pthITmcjCPPzK55MzSdMScBcQqqGaLA06ZEL-k-pr9f2ARAwv_8/s1600/April+2010+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457743716293586626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPuepKbBJcU48cDzM4yvDpfAWRlIIL45-CJhVdK_QZ_uzIroIqvtTmv1G7HiMalHWABcXd_vJNuUXL9hKGpzy9YI6pthITmcjCPPzK55MzSdMScBcQqqGaLA06ZEL-k-pr9f2ARAwv_8/s320/April+2010+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is an ATP (artist's trading pin) that I made for a trade. It is about 1.25x2.25 or so (I don't remember exactly) and is made from silver and purple silk that came from a drapery sample book. I'm working on my hand beading!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-T17z7Yd7jTmV6ubFV0pm44iDaUImObvNy2VXOhgNwehISZrLBtJiVzg91YloQvI7rgesPClvaQRH1r7PwtiM-fQLuXoa9HqU9kSRkfhpbAfiRuVNXtZ_DY9SrVccFlHnf0YFjLGViA/s1600/Artwork+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457743695029579362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-T17z7Yd7jTmV6ubFV0pm44iDaUImObvNy2VXOhgNwehISZrLBtJiVzg91YloQvI7rgesPClvaQRH1r7PwtiM-fQLuXoa9HqU9kSRkfhpbAfiRuVNXtZ_DY9SrVccFlHnf0YFjLGViA/s320/Artwork+036.jpg" border="0" /></a> A new product for my art fairs and eventually for my etsy shop are bottle cap pins! I also plan to make barettes in this same style. I made some with words, and some (these) without. They are fun to make and have been well received.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThWUj-3V9MxvaGUdkP2d5rmy5FNIzPCJcwEZMoflZ_pB9AsH6qDdu1uoSTTpcCCVxebDzPo_tO-QkdNcDYwLREdMgCBPDZVbCUg0FijjyFMHlZ3DLsDeJHNq0Q3sMOkavzKcsK2kdyKg/s1600/Artwork+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457743680662089474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThWUj-3V9MxvaGUdkP2d5rmy5FNIzPCJcwEZMoflZ_pB9AsH6qDdu1uoSTTpcCCVxebDzPo_tO-QkdNcDYwLREdMgCBPDZVbCUg0FijjyFMHlZ3DLsDeJHNq0Q3sMOkavzKcsK2kdyKg/s320/Artwork+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> And in an effort to actually finish some projects, I strung together the pennants that I traded last fall on Fiber Art Traders. The ones I made were the fish skeleton and the jelly fish. I thought it was interesting that the ones I received all stayed within the same colors. I think they look great together. I tied them with raffia and found seashells. They're hanging up in my studio now.<br /><br /><div>I am working on two small quilts, which I hope to finish this week. I am still not quite done with taxes, but should have them done today. That will be a relief! I have been very absent from blogland, but I know that my friends will forgive me. </div><div> </div><div>Thanks for stopping by ~ I am off to see what YOU are up to!</div><div> </div><div><em>~Michelle</em></div></div></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7969116721309874208.post-30793825106472137272010-03-22T07:08:00.004-05:002010-03-22T07:19:45.424-05:00Impromptu ArtThe kids have been off school for the last few weeks. We recently took the dog to a local park for a walk around the lake. We spied this bit of impromptu art along the way. Someone took some discards and made this sculpture. We loved it! I hope you can see it, it is hard to capture the depth in a photo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEA3QF9cBLsBm72yKAOcmNDLfjo0kYmVldTSKFVKYMXwP2Ue_dYc0H0LTuWXT5sTr2Iaa6I26i8_njzgQBaDDoGyCgFyV3zxz3NuGo8m_gwZGgmMD-jjevXoxjV_8m7zugZAU5wRRifo/s1600-h/March+2010+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451430343599971458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEA3QF9cBLsBm72yKAOcmNDLfjo0kYmVldTSKFVKYMXwP2Ue_dYc0H0LTuWXT5sTr2Iaa6I26i8_njzgQBaDDoGyCgFyV3zxz3NuGo8m_gwZGgmMD-jjevXoxjV_8m7zugZAU5wRRifo/s320/March+2010+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> Spring is in full swing here in the Piedmont of North Carolina, but just two weeks ago the signs were just emerging. I loved these fallen logs. The life cycle at work.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHx_2it28yF9Che7EHNQfVEaQBM6-XVOcDVJKiA_SnfHdeMyrSo64oAzPMgOKjWoPlwPbHeXZ4Q82Oxbet-tza_Y5rYlFJs29SZh_ZhEdwVZopxYD9Tn35ZD7OGlNvTVUH6x6XYatcOw/s1600-h/March+2010+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451430332817510738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHx_2it28yF9Che7EHNQfVEaQBM6-XVOcDVJKiA_SnfHdeMyrSo64oAzPMgOKjWoPlwPbHeXZ4Q82Oxbet-tza_Y5rYlFJs29SZh_ZhEdwVZopxYD9Tn35ZD7OGlNvTVUH6x6XYatcOw/s320/March+2010+011.jpg" border="0" /></a> And the first hint of maple leaves. Love how they are red and stand out so nicely against the gray. Yes, it is finally spring.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xqMvlgjRHgnlHuu-6ZeG28o90eobZUeUUe1qTFfQyRgz3zhESLqw8dKHeMajTpvdxcaOf9Jy2jVHJThSlisNeLo-2aELdsJxVQgq2f59QUMEgFRVRwFNjC3RZnmFksm15oaB8O7TH9Y/s1600-h/March+2010+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451430329509165410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xqMvlgjRHgnlHuu-6ZeG28o90eobZUeUUe1qTFfQyRgz3zhESLqw8dKHeMajTpvdxcaOf9Jy2jVHJThSlisNeLo-2aELdsJxVQgq2f59QUMEgFRVRwFNjC3RZnmFksm15oaB8O7TH9Y/s320/March+2010+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> And how could you be any happier than a dog allowed to romp through the creek and then roll in the sand. What's a little dirt in the mouth when you've got spring fever to contend with???<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6W3ZBGz1IlDAVm6hrKgIAWC2MMeXqS4iE8vRXZ-0jRFSsykwbYh0F2ZSfnmuVU24SAIM5vTr09Ia4erT5MHIqrKh5a4rLbPhkm9KVqF5BNpgHCppOmnti7cozK_t5q00qXGrCqvqWMI/s1600-h/March+2010+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451430320040847250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6W3ZBGz1IlDAVm6hrKgIAWC2MMeXqS4iE8vRXZ-0jRFSsykwbYh0F2ZSfnmuVU24SAIM5vTr09Ia4erT5MHIqrKh5a4rLbPhkm9KVqF5BNpgHCppOmnti7cozK_t5q00qXGrCqvqWMI/s320/March+2010+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been working on a few little things, which I hope to share with you shortly. I still need to do my taxes and when it is sunny and 75 outside it is difficult to accomplish much of anything! I hope you are seeing signs of the changing seasons where you are. We should learn to celebrate each one.</div><div> </div><div><em><strong>~Michelle<br /></strong></em><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05410043186908249168noreply@blogger.com4