I'm in a very weird place today. Kinda emotional and quiet.
What concerns me the most is that I don't want to work on my art. I have so much stuff that I can do, but I'd rather play poppit. Thing is, we could really use the money; so I should be gettin' busy.
Oooh, maybe I'm feeling rebellious after HAVING TO make all those coasters. Hmmmm...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Contentment
That lovely feeling that everything is right with the world. It's the itty, bitty moments that catch you off guard.
Like going to tell your son dinner is ready and seeing him playing in his room and knowing that he'll actually like dinner.
Like playing a board game with the hubby and kids and no one is fighting. At the moment.
Like being happy with what you have, even though it isn't perfect.
Like going to tell your son dinner is ready and seeing him playing in his room and knowing that he'll actually like dinner.
Like playing a board game with the hubby and kids and no one is fighting. At the moment.
Like being happy with what you have, even though it isn't perfect.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Frosty Florida
It's been unusually cold here in Florida. This kind of weather usually waits until late January. It looks more like October up north than Christmas. Very pretty though.
Done. What next?
After 5 1/2 months and 400+ orders, I am FINALLY done with all the orders that came from the Real Simple feature. I am sooooo relieved.
I had no idea that being featured in a magazine would be so freakin' stressful. I was so afraid that I wouldn't get everything done in time that I was waking up in a panic every morning. Not good.
But I made it. Everything is shipped and I'm only dealing with minor shipping issues. Buyers are a little worried that they won't get their coasters by Christmas. Fingers crossed that everything arrives in time.
So what's next? Hmmmm... I think that I will continue to make coasters on a limited basis, along with my other standard products. Maybe.
Actually, I think I just need some time to let all this process. I spent most of 2010 working, both my Etsy shop and my "real job". I don't want to do that again. I was actually worried that I would die in a car wreck on the way home from work Friday because I was almost done with orders. Kinda a "wouldn't that be ironic" moment... Stress can do funny things to the brain.
We'll see what the new year brings.
I had no idea that being featured in a magazine would be so freakin' stressful. I was so afraid that I wouldn't get everything done in time that I was waking up in a panic every morning. Not good.
But I made it. Everything is shipped and I'm only dealing with minor shipping issues. Buyers are a little worried that they won't get their coasters by Christmas. Fingers crossed that everything arrives in time.
So what's next? Hmmmm... I think that I will continue to make coasters on a limited basis, along with my other standard products. Maybe.
Actually, I think I just need some time to let all this process. I spent most of 2010 working, both my Etsy shop and my "real job". I don't want to do that again. I was actually worried that I would die in a car wreck on the way home from work Friday because I was almost done with orders. Kinda a "wouldn't that be ironic" moment... Stress can do funny things to the brain.
We'll see what the new year brings.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Up to my ears ...
... in coasters.
Still.
And probably will be for a few more weeks. Sigh... I'm really glad that they were so popular, but I would like to make something else for a while.
After I have completed all the map coaster orders, I will be cutting back on "makin' stuff". I need to spend more time with the kids and my waistline could use a little attention, too.
Still.
And probably will be for a few more weeks. Sigh... I'm really glad that they were so popular, but I would like to make something else for a while.
After I have completed all the map coaster orders, I will be cutting back on "makin' stuff". I need to spend more time with the kids and my waistline could use a little attention, too.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Happy Birthday, Gage!
Gage,
You turned 13 at 1:18 am. Officially became a teenager. The next few years should be fun :-)
Right now you love video games and learning to play the guitar. You favorite bands are The Beatles and Green Day. It will be interesting to see how you change in the next few years.
Love you,
Mom
You turned 13 at 1:18 am. Officially became a teenager. The next few years should be fun :-)
Right now you love video games and learning to play the guitar. You favorite bands are The Beatles and Green Day. It will be interesting to see how you change in the next few years.
Love you,
Mom
Thursday, September 9, 2010
My Inside Out Display
We had our 4th Annual Inside Out event at work (I work as a Graphic Designer at Valpak) yesterday and today.
We got the chance to display our art pieces, collections and talents. There was everything from photography to kites to salsa dancing. A fun couple of days!
We got the chance to display our art pieces, collections and talents. There was everything from photography to kites to salsa dancing. A fun couple of days!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Plums in Pyrex
Just messin' around with the camera and Photoshop. I like the subtle texture and colors.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Real Simple Feature
ta da!
The response has been AMAZING! Never did I expect so many people to want to order my coasters. Coasters made by me. Seriously. If I accepted all the orders, I would be busy for months. Too much of a good thing.
By the way, I am thrilled beyond belief!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Real Simple Magazine
My map coasters are featured in the August issue. I haven't seen it yet, as I don't subscribe, so I have to wait until it hits the stores.
However, I have been getting TONS of orders from this. I am beyond amazed that this is doing so well.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Dreamy Desks
Love these! Especially the white one set against the blue prints. I am such a sucker for the color blue.
Friday, June 25, 2010
A Girl Can Dream...
it's been another long week and I'm tired. I would SO like to be sitting by this pool. Feeling the warmth of the sun and watching the palm fronds sway in the breeze...
Friday, June 18, 2010
Where Bloggers Create II Blog Party
Welcome to my studio! I wanted to clean up a bit before the party, but I've been really busy with Etsy orders. So, for better for worse, here it is.
My studio is in what would be the family room in our New Port Richey, Florida hom. It started with a work table and a desk and has grown to encompass the entire room with 5 work surfaces, which are usually covered with atlases, maps, dictionaries and sheet music.
my work table, with the best piece of furniture I ever bought - the map drawers. However, all my maps are in a different location and I have sheet music and misc. papers in there.
the computer, my son's guitar (for concerts while I work), and raw materials.
the newest area - an additional work table and shipping area.
night shots:
My studio is in what would be the family room in our New Port Richey, Florida hom. It started with a work table and a desk and has grown to encompass the entire room with 5 work surfaces, which are usually covered with atlases, maps, dictionaries and sheet music.
my work table, with the best piece of furniture I ever bought - the map drawers. However, all my maps are in a different location and I have sheet music and misc. papers in there.
the computer, my son's guitar (for concerts while I work), and raw materials.
the newest area - an additional work table and shipping area.
night shots:
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial Day Festivities
Our neighborhood had an old-fashioned Memorial Day parade, followed by a gathering at the ball field, where there were speeches, singing of the National Anthem, reciting of the Pledge Of Allegiance and a moment of silence while Taps played.
The parade was adorable with a fire engine and decorated cars, bikes, wagons and golf carts. Some of the golf carts had patriotic music playing. We had front rows seats on our front porch.
The parade was adorable with a fire engine and decorated cars, bikes, wagons and golf carts. Some of the golf carts had patriotic music playing. We had front rows seats on our front porch.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Backyard Ideas
So intimate and cozy.
This we could do. We have a tree that pretty close to the back of the house that would work.
Monday, May 24, 2010
House Changes
The house looked pretty bad when we bought it. At least the outside did. I've slooowwwly been updating the porch and front yard. I like last year's flower beds better, but the cold weather pretty much killed everything.
2010
2009
2008
2010
2009
2008
Friday, May 21, 2010
Coming In August!
I am beyond thrilled! My work will be featured in these two fine publications in their August issues.
I can't wait to see how they look!
I can imagine me standing in the check out line at Publix, holding RealSimple and telling people, "That's me. The coasters. Cool, huh?" Yeah, I'm classy like that.
I can't wait to see how they look!
I can imagine me standing in the check out line at Publix, holding RealSimple and telling people, "That's me. The coasters. Cool, huh?" Yeah, I'm classy like that.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Artist Statement
Ewwwww. Just the thought of having to write this gives me the willies. Explain why I do what I do? I don't think so. Besides, I'm not THAT kind of artist. I alter things. I don't make statements or tell stories with my art. Do I even make ART? I'm not sure. I haven't found a label for what I do yet. I don't like the sound of "crafter" and, to me, an "artist" is someone who draws or paints. Artisan? Hmmmmm...sounds pretentious.
Anyway, my tea light holders are being published in GreenCraft magazine (yes!!) and I was asked to answer questions about why I made them and what inspires me. It was so hard for me that I almost cried. Seriously. I'm not happy with the way it turned out, but I had a deadline. I guess I will try to come up with something.... or go this route:
"Mark Eitzel from the venerable American Music Club (whose CD jackets by the way contain brilliant art and who many believe is one of the best songwriters of all time) once said he writes “pretentious little songs of quiet self-loathing.” If only all artists could be as honest about their work.
You may have noticed that the underground art project does not have an artist statement. It is not because we could not think of some lofty, pretentious things to say about nothing, or babble about some metaphysical junk, but rather because we feel the whole idea of an artist statement is, well, to be honest, is just down right SILLY. Do you really care what some artist has to say about what his work is about or what it SHOULD be about? Can you not tell these things from simply viewing his work? Why is art so pretentious? Why are artists so pretentious?
Art is completely subjective (unless of course you are an art dealer, then in that case ’subjective’ is a bad word) and is one of the purest forms of expression that eliminates the need for explanations or commentaries. If you like a painting then that’s great, if you don’t then that’s great to. If you can’t decide, then that’s not great, and you should be forced to read endless artists statements until you have an opinion.
If for any other reason you really want to read some poor misguided artist’s pretentious words, the art galleries and the web are full of them (knock yourself out), we however would much rather you listen to Mark Eitzel’s pretentious little songs of quiet self-loathing. After which, you might even be inspired to pick up the brush and start painting.
Stay original… not pretentious."
Anyway, my tea light holders are being published in GreenCraft magazine (yes!!) and I was asked to answer questions about why I made them and what inspires me. It was so hard for me that I almost cried. Seriously. I'm not happy with the way it turned out, but I had a deadline. I guess I will try to come up with something.... or go this route:
"Mark Eitzel from the venerable American Music Club (whose CD jackets by the way contain brilliant art and who many believe is one of the best songwriters of all time) once said he writes “pretentious little songs of quiet self-loathing.” If only all artists could be as honest about their work.
You may have noticed that the underground art project does not have an artist statement. It is not because we could not think of some lofty, pretentious things to say about nothing, or babble about some metaphysical junk, but rather because we feel the whole idea of an artist statement is, well, to be honest, is just down right SILLY. Do you really care what some artist has to say about what his work is about or what it SHOULD be about? Can you not tell these things from simply viewing his work? Why is art so pretentious? Why are artists so pretentious?
Art is completely subjective (unless of course you are an art dealer, then in that case ’subjective’ is a bad word) and is one of the purest forms of expression that eliminates the need for explanations or commentaries. If you like a painting then that’s great, if you don’t then that’s great to. If you can’t decide, then that’s not great, and you should be forced to read endless artists statements until you have an opinion.
If for any other reason you really want to read some poor misguided artist’s pretentious words, the art galleries and the web are full of them (knock yourself out), we however would much rather you listen to Mark Eitzel’s pretentious little songs of quiet self-loathing. After which, you might even be inspired to pick up the brush and start painting.
Stay original… not pretentious."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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