Once Upon A Blue Crow

My Sweet Valentine

2012-01-25T08:54:00.004-05:00

These started out as Valentines, but I think they can be used to represent love any time of the year! These are small (2.75X3.5) pieces of wood that I collaged and then painted. I painted the angels and then used a few vintage photos for the others....and the Pug is my dog Ozzie...he's a party boy! Added some gold glitter paint for sparkle and added some bows and some reclaimed hooks from old Christmas ornaments. Fun!

Little Red Shoes or Green Converse?

2012-01-22T20:50:00.004-05:00

Today I choose little red shoes, but when I was a kid I so very badly wanted a pair of green Converse tennis shoes! I even tore up my own 'perfectly good shoes' in hopes of being able to get a pair. Alas, they didn't make them in my size.

She's Flying Off to California

2012-01-19T10:20:00.003-05:00

This is a new piece I just finished. Mixed media on a 16X20 canvas. I've grown quite fond of her, but I think she will benefit CharityWings.org, who will be taking her to the Craft and Hobby Association convention at the end of January. Hopefully, she will help them to raise some moolah for all the good work they do!

Dare to be yourself?

2012-01-10T09:31:00.002-05:00

You can change the world.

Snowflake Angels

2011-12-10T23:02:00.002-05:00

Those we love are the Snowflakes of life. None are the same, each is beautiful and all bring something special to our world.

Hubby is making custom frames

2011-11-19T23:37:00.002-05:00

and I really love how they set off artwork and make it pop! (It's so expensive to have something framed at a shop!) He loves making them too and is now interested in finding all the right tools, specifically a V-nailer, to make them quicker. He shouldn't worry though because I am not that fast! Here is the latest angel painting...I call her 'Big Blue'....in her big blue frame. :-)

New angel

2011-11-09T11:45:00.001-05:00

May you always have one by your side.

Angel Glass Ball Ornament For Sale

2011-10-24T11:47:00.003-04:00

$8.99 + $3.00 S&H

Angel Glass Ball Ornament For Sale

2011-10-24T11:15:00.004-04:00

$8.99 + $3.00 S&H

Angel Glass Ball Ornaments

2011-10-24T10:30:00.004-04:00

How about a sparkley, shiny ball full of love?! These are handmade glass balls with a print of an original painting, loaded with lots of tinsel goodness, and adorned with a vintage style bow. They look beautiful on a Christmas tree but can be used for everyday. I have one in my kitchen window! I have a few available for purchase here on my blog and I'm working on getting more done. Locally, these will be sold at Mad Arts Gallery in Madison, Va. This is the first time I've ever sold anything on here so if you hit a snag or have any questions please email me @ kimmamorgan@hotmail.com. The balls are $8.99 plus $3.00 shipping and handling in the US. Thanks for stopping by!

Charcoal Sketch

2011-09-20T14:54:00.003-04:00

I've used charcoal before to sketch, but never really played while doing it. It's so easy to shade and erase(with a trusty kneaded eraser)and go back and shade and erase... and change things. Of course, I think I started to wear my paper out in spots but really enjoyed the process this time.

At Play

2011-09-16T12:48:00.004-04:00

Play

Be Free
Raise your arms
Light, Happy, Peaceful, Safe
Play

Beginnings

2011-09-16T10:38:00.002-04:00

Madonna and Child finished

2011-09-14T11:01:00.003-04:00

I used so many different background colors and finally came to a nice warm one.

Underpainting WIP

2011-09-06T11:08:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I love the underpainting better than the finished piece.

Sort of a Self Portrait

2011-08-30T15:16:00.002-04:00

of me.....quite a few years ago and minus the angel wings of course!

Visions of Sugar Plums

2011-08-28T19:46:00.002-04:00

I love Christmas ornaments! and I love anything vintage, so it's only natural that I would be drawn to cotton spun ornaments. This art originated in Germany. Unfortunately, there is not much info out there on how they're made, so I decided to experiment on my own, and here is my first one. It looks almost good enough to eat! I still have a lot of practicing to do!

If you need Inspiration-this is Beautiful

2011-08-26T17:39:00.001-04:00

Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up

2011-07-08T12:18:00.002-04:00

To Be Cowboys...

Love From Me

2011-04-07T13:07:00.002-04:00

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2085036/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=140x240

Sun Angel Finished

2011-02-21T10:44:00.002-05:00

WIP

2011-02-13T15:27:00.004-05:00

She's undergone quite a few changes so who knows how she'll end up?!

My Sleeping Angels

2011-02-04T14:48:00.008-05:00

One is a work in progress. One is absolutely perfect. :)

Bird Watching

2011-01-23T13:25:00.004-05:00

If you Seek an Angel with an Open Heart

2011-01-21T13:46:00.002-05:00

You will Always Find One.

Only sketches lately

2010-11-18T14:47:00.004-05:00

I found this book in this huge bin at Goodwill and was immediately attracted to this little face. The book is called "Yoon and the Christmas Mitten." Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. Her work is magical!

Can you draw upside down?

2010-11-12T21:45:00.003-05:00

Try it! Turn a picture upside down and draw what you see. Don't concentrate on what the picture is...just the lines and curves and shapes. You'll be amazed!

An apple a day

2010-08-31T16:26:00.002-04:00

Should keep the doctor away. Hmmm, maybe not this one. Perhaps when it blossoms with a bit more color.

James Taylor Soothes My Soul

2010-08-30T14:20:00.000-04:00

Soleil and Etoile

2010-08-29T21:40:00.004-04:00

Sun and Star....two of God's impish angels who like to run off and play with the North Wind and sleep among the stars....

Large Prim Folk Art Star Angel painting

2010-08-20T13:29:00.003-04:00

On Ebay for $.77!

Tranquility

2010-08-12T21:45:00.002-04:00

Life is lived in the present. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is
yet to be. Today is the miracle.

Dancing Skeleton

2010-08-06T07:35:00.002-04:00

In honor of Day Of The Dead coming up I did this fun piece of a dancing skeleton and his dog. Among his other loves are strawberry cake. :) If anyone is interested they have paper mache skulls at Michael's for pretty cheap. I'm hoping to get some of those done too. Have a great day!

A little more prim

2010-08-01T18:57:00.004-04:00

Where does your art take you? I love trying out different mediums and I've been having a lot of fun working on some portraits lately, but invariably.....my hand never quite leaves the 'folkness' of art..

She's becoming someone

2010-07-28T14:58:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure who just yet. Of course, she's waiting patiently for her black and white polka dotted skirt. Maybe that will reveal a name for her?

Sweet Dreams

2010-07-23T16:13:00.002-04:00

“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ow

What do you do at 2am?

2010-07-21T12:07:00.004-04:00

When sleep won't come? Maybe I should have tried out some fresco's on the ceiling or something.

Large Primitive Folk Art Flower Angel painting!

2010-07-19T20:13:00.004-04:00

She's on Ebay for $.77!

Beads, cording & gecco's, oh my!!

2010-07-19T17:23:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you but I've seen these cuties tons of times and never knew how to make them. My son, learned how to make the basic gecco at camp and was only too happy to teach us how to make them! We all sat around the table and worked on our own. There are tons of patterns out there for all different kinds of things...parrots, dogs, penguins, etc, and they are so easy! It was fun to see how they turned out with the colors everyone chose and my son was so happy that he got to teach mom and dad something!

Finito

2010-07-11T14:57:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it's good to stop when you're already happy with something and not go any further. My nine year old son kept saying, "Mom, her boob is showing!" So now she's more a part of the sky.

WIP

2010-07-06T16:00:00.004-04:00

"May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”

“

Fairy, Fairy, Quite Contrary...

2010-07-02T11:38:00.004-04:00

How does your garden grow? With big pink roses and orange lillies and angels to and fro? I have plenty in mine, but my garden looks like I would imagine the Weasley's garden to look like in Harry Potter....overgrown with gnomes running wild. I need some garden fairies and angels to help me out. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and finding lots of big pretty flowers in their gardens!

Prayers for the Gulf-Dolphin Angels

2010-06-07T10:12:00.002-04:00

Twelve Destin area pastors and city leaders embarked on a spiritual journey on the Gulf of Mexico's waters to end the oil spill crisis that is now threatening their shores.

They gathered aboard the Innkeeper for a trip out into the Gulf to pray that the gushing oil would stop and that any oil coming their way would dissipate, reports the Destin Log.

“As we were praying, two dolphins came to the front of our boat and escorted us for the next 30 to 45 minutes. We saw at least 10 dolphins encompassing the Innkeeper. We said the dolphins were the oceans ‘angels’ that were assigned as our escort. Oddly enough, once we stopped praying, the ‘escorting dolphins’ disappeared," Pastor David Butler of Faith Assembly Christian Church told The Log.

Pastor Paul Kummer of Grace Lutheran Church in Destin told The Log said they are waiting for "God to give creative wisdom to BP and authorities how to solve this and for God to heal the Gulf waters, so that the only oil on our beaches is suntan oil."

Photo: Special to The Log Prayer team: Pastors Tom Hamon, Christian International (from left), David Butler, Faith Assembly, and Paul Kummer, Grace Lutheran Church, were aboard the Innkeeper in the Gulf.

Soul Shine

2010-06-03T10:22:00.003-04:00

The warmth of a friend's presence brings joy to our hearts,
sunlight to our souls, and pleasure to all of life.

Diet Tips and Advice Please

2010-05-24T17:04:00.003-04:00

Ugggghhhh! I hate dieting but I need to shed some Winter pounds. I need help! I've done Atkins before very successfully but I tend lose heart now at about day 4 every time I give it a new attempt. I understand why it works....at least for me...every time I see a piece of meat, cheese or eggs after a period of time I want to hurl. I know I need to exercise more and plan on getting into a walking routine, but what about diet wise? Any suggestions? Tips? Advice? Something easy and pain free? :-)

Of course I'm late...

2010-05-10T12:18:00.004-04:00

As usual...but I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day. There's nothing quite like a mom's love. I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still
The deepest impressed on my heart.
~E.C

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T11:18:00.003-04:00

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life. ~S.D.G

Love, Love, Love!

2010-02-14T10:54:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentines Day! I hope everyone gets lots of XOXO's ....and chocolate of course.. :)
Here is a short slide show of an angel that I finally finished. Some WIP pics.

Happy Friday!

2010-01-29T11:00:00.003-05:00

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy. HWB

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy. HWB

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T10:29:00.004-05:00

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and magical New Year! Can't believe I haven't posted in so long-geez! Holidays keep us all busy I suppose. I've been working on a few things and need to get busy again. This little lady was supposed to be ready for Christmas but she got her finishing touches for the New Year. Little Miss Poinsettia. She's all cloth and is very happy to finally have some clothes on!

19th Century Inspired ornaments

2009-10-05T11:06:00.011-04:00

I initially saw these little cuties on Better Homes & Gardens website last year and wanted to try some of my own. (I tried one out last year) The end result is pretty much the same but I used some different materials to make them. I used a glass ball Christmas ornament and paper clay.

Remove the hanger(the silver top) from the glass ball and mold paper clay around the ball. I pushed down gently on the ball at this point so that the bottom is a bit flat and it will sit on a surface too as well as hang. Make a ball for the head and blend in to the neck and body of the ornament. Use two smaller pieces of round clay for the cheeks and blend in. Make a shape for the nose and blend in to the face. I trimmed the bottom of the silver hanger(hat) with wire cutters(just so they weren't so long) and slipped it right in to the top of the head. Let dry.

Once they're dry, it's time to paint! You can sand them a bit if you'd like. I like all the imperfections so I didn't do any sanding. I did mine to resemble the ones on BHG.com, but the possibilities are endless! I used antique white and pink acrylic paint and painted their faces with black. Added a few words to their bellies and let dry.
I grunged these fellows up a bit with some water based Maple Stain. I took a paint brush and wet it with water and then brushed it over the snowmen and then brushed on the stain and dabbed it with a towel until I got the look I wanted. A little brown paint mixed with water will give the same effect. After this dried I took some spray gold glitter and gave them a spritz of gold. I let that dry and sprayed them with a clear acrylic sealer. But wait......!

What snowman doesn't appreciate a nice scarf? I glued some glittery tinsel garland around their necks. I also put two stripes of glue around the stripes on their tummies and added some glitter glass and sparkles. Viola! Again, there are endless possibilities to how these are painted and what you add to them. Such sweet little guys!

Angel

2009-10-02T18:01:00.004-04:00

Angel
Loving Light
Embracing White Wings
Contented and Perfectly Safe
Enchanting

Hidden Angels

2009-09-23T18:31:00.006-04:00

This is one of two paintings I've been working on for a silent auction that's being held at a golf resort in our area. The Rivanna Resort & Golf Club will be teaming up with Rock ‘n Renew
(www.rocknrenew.com) on a number of innovative green projects
including an ecology program at the resort that will educate Virginia
students on sustainability, water and eco-system conservation and
green jobs. My painting is done on a 12X12 piece of birch. I collaged her dress with beautiful vintage images in black and white and added paint to it. There are some sweet angels playing hide and seek. Can you find them?

Va. Safari Park

2009-09-16T17:42:00.008-04:00

One of the day trips we took this summer was to the Va. Safari Park, which is in Natural Bridge Va. It's about an hour and a half from our home. I had been before with some friends, but this was a first time for my son and he had a blast! The drive thru park is situated on 180 acres with all kinds of animals from zebras and camels to pot bellied pigs and ostrich's. It's a chance to see animals in a more natural habitat and as you drive through you get to feed them. AND, they are not shy at all! Tons of fun!

My what big eyes you have!

Sweet Summertime..

2009-09-15T21:12:00.007-04:00

I can't seem to slow it down, no matter how hard I try! Time that is. What a whirlwind of a summer. Trying to get back in to the swing of things now that school has started back, but I find myself staying up way to late and getting up way to early and wanting to take a nap in the middle of the day. Gotta stop that...even though it is quite heavenly....

This is one of my favorite pics of this summer. We had a brief storm one day and then to our delight, a double rainbow appeared! It was beautiful. Wonder if you get twice the loot?

Waiting To Exhale

2009-08-24T12:06:00.005-04:00

Whew! Time to take a breath. Hello everyone. School started today-yay, so it's time to get back in to the working mode again. Hope everyone is well! I have a lot of catching up to do. I've barely picked up a paintbrush in two weeks :(...so I'm itching to get busy. These are some little ladies I managed to fit in here and there. I can't wait to see what you guys have been up to!

Shades Of Lazy

2009-07-19T13:01:00.003-04:00

I've only worked on two paintings in the past 7 days. I really need to get busy. This is one of them. I've been practicing on doing lots of shading on the faces with a bunch of color. She's still a work in progress, but she's coming along. She might like to have some arms too. Where does time go? I know......

Have you ever played FarmTown on Facebook???? Zan? You would love it-it's quite addicting!

Tea Time?

2009-07-08T12:45:00.004-04:00

Generally I use paper clay when making my dolls but I had a box of Sculpey that has been just sitting on top of the fridge begging to be used so I grabbed that first. I like sculpting and baking! Much easier drying time for me. My intentions were to make a prim doll but this little character appeared out of nowhere. He's been invited to Wonderland for a tea party and he's supposed to bring the tarts,...but alas...he has no arms or legs yet. (He's awaiting some pretty copper wire)

Born In The USA

2009-07-04T11:34:00.003-04:00

THANK YOU

Would you like that on the rocks?

2009-07-02T00:00:00.005-04:00

Well, of course it's much better that way. This is Sugar, the 14 year old matriarch of the tribe here. She loves ice. In fact both of my kitties come running when they hear the ice machine going. So, I often fill up the water bowl with ice, but of course if you have a nice cold glass of water sitting around it's free game. Tsk, tsk, so unlady-like, when she usually drinks water like this....

Dips paw gently in...

and licks it off.

Do we grow to look like our pets?

2009-06-29T16:33:00.003-04:00

Or they like us?

Once in a Blue Moon everything's uber

2009-06-25T12:29:00.007-04:00

My bud Michelle (aka the Energizer bunny)from Thestudioatcrowhavenfarm
gifted me with this fabulous Uber award. Michelle is a gifted artist of so many wonderful characters and dolls, paintings, ideas, tutorials (I know there's more) She's also a spreader of sunshine and a wonderful dancer :) Thank you Michelle!

Here are the Rules:

The Uber Award is a blog award given to sites who:1. Inspire you 2. Make you smile and laugh, or maybe give amazing information 3. A great read 4. Has an amazing design 5. Any other reasons you can think of that make them Uber amazing!The rules of this award are:* Put the logo on your blog or post.* Nominate at least 6 blogs* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.* Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

I have to add that there is not a blog that I visit that doesn't add something interesting or funny or serious, insightful or whatever to my life. I enjoy my visits to everyone! So I choose everyone. C'mon take it!

The moon was feeling a bit blue....

I did manage to finish a painting yesterday despite that silly couch.

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-06-23T13:49:00.005-04:00

As I'm waiting for three canvases to dry I'm sitting in front of the bay window catching up on emails and facebook, eyelids growing heavy, when suddenly, I think I hear the couch calling out to me. I look around, and what do I find?

Blue
Kitty
Jewels......Sugar is upstairs in the closet.

Hmmmmm....

Heed the Signs

2009-06-22T12:38:00.005-04:00

Note to self :)....when you need to change thread in the sewing machine and can find only one bobbin that's already full-leave it.
When you finally unravel the bobbin and waste all that beautiful thread and begin to add new thread and it's winding like around like an hour glass-walk away.
When you have to rethread the first six times you begin to sew-turn the sewing machine off.
Alas, I marched on as I wanted to work on some more journals. It was painful, but I did manage to churn out one and a pair of Scooby Doo pirate pants that my son thought were atrocious!..Another note...don't use your expensive red piping material to make pirate pants for Scooby Doo.
Still nothing in the journals yet, but I'll get there. It really was a busy weekend with lots of company so there wasn't a whole lot of time to create. I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and Happy Fathers Day! Something else I've been working on here and there....

Definitely a new kind of face for me.

Lace & Lynyrd Skynyrd?

2009-06-19T10:17:00.005-04:00

Doesn't sound right in the same sentence does it? I have some other ideas for this journal, but I thought I'd show my progress so far. This is the journal I created with some of my coffee stained vintage lace. I haven't added anything in the middle yet and I still want to try out a few other ideas. So, I'll keep working on it.

I love all kinds of art forms, and music is definitely a big one of them. I have the radio on all the time and my favorite station plays new and classic rock. Inevitably, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Skynyrd will be played sometime throughout the day. This song was written of course in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man". I've always wondered if Neil Young ever had anything to say about those infamous lines ".....Well, ole Neil Young will remember a southern man don't need him around anyhow." Turns out ole Neil did have something to say....
Young: "Oh, they didn't really put me down! But then again, maybe they did! (laughs) But not in a way that matters. Shit, I think Sweet Home Alabama is a great song. I've actually performed it live a couple of times myself. "

You obviously have to draw your own conclusions about a 'feud' between Skynyrd and Young, as a lot of different parties kind of fueled the fire, perhaps where there really wasn't one. I think it's more of an urban legend. Kind of like the the assumptions that were made of Skynyrd's political views (racism & segregation)after the song was released.

Van Zant said. “We’re southern rebels, but more than that, we know the difference between right and wrong.” In fact, the band was quite outspoken about their disdain for Wallace’s policies."

And like in the above pic it's been said that Ronnie Van Zant would prefer to go on stage in one of the many Neil Young t-shirts that he owned to send out a message to anyone who didn't get the humor and irony in 'Sweet Home Alabama.'

Angels & Lace

2009-06-17T16:24:00.005-04:00

" You'll meet more angels on a winding path than on a straight one." ~Daisey Verlaef
I may have mentioned before that a local church in our area has a place where they sell donated items and I scored a bunch of vintage lace the last time I was there...for a quarter a piece! It's so much fun to go there. They have everything from clothes and books to hardware and dishes. It's so cool to browse and check out all the goodies. I took the lace today and soaked it in some coffee and baked(burnt) it a bit. I'm gonna make some cloth journals. Maybe with quotes or inspirational thoughts inside...the possibilities are endless really. I've never made one but I'm excited about trying!

Wash Day

2009-06-16T11:46:00.006-04:00

I think every day is 'Wash Day' when you combine wood floors, rainy days and 4 four legged babies...not to mention the two legged ones :) But in between I'm working on two other paintings and hoping to work on some things to put in my lonely Etsy shop. My friend, Anne from Gaalcreative
recently opened her Etsy shop and she's had sales already! Yay Anne! She has some sweet goodies in there. Here's to continued success!

Moon

2009-06-13T09:52:00.005-04:00

The Moon
It means blue, light,shine,
It is the number 7,
It is like a beautiful pearl,
It is a starry walk,
It is the memory of the sun,
Who taught me warmth, richness,
When he shone on me,
My name is The Moon,
It means Life is a wonderful dream.

Where are you going?

2009-06-10T14:41:00.005-04:00

"Are you looking for answers to questions under the stars?
If along the way
You are grown weary you can rest with me until
A brighter day and you're OK"

"Where you go, is where I want to be" DMB

Thank You Dahling

2009-06-09T15:49:00.004-04:00

This award makes me smile! as does the person who bestowed it on me-Anne from Gaal Creative
I love visiting Anne. Her creations and photography are like a good dose of sunshine...and she makes a mean pepperoni pizza :) Thank you dahling!

Rules are simple-post award and nominate whomever you like! My list would go on and on, of course, so I'm only gonna choose 5-

Pattee at odd-dolls
Zan at wildatheartart
Michelle at thestudioatcrowhavenfarm
Becky at behindblueeyes
Caroline at Carolinescrafts
Enjoy Dahlings!

Makes My Heart Smile :) & Strawberry Jam

2009-06-06T19:47:00.006-04:00

Look what my friend myrarte
gave to me a few days ago. So sweet. I love it! If you need a big smile you should check out her blog. Her wonderful paintings are full of soul. The faces and the eyes are just stunning and I always love to see what she'll come up with next. Thank you friend!

Oooh, and look at the color of this strawberry jam! Kristin from theoldoakenbucket
sent me a jar of homemade strawberry jam from strawberries that she picked herself...Kristi, I can't tell you how gooooooood this is. My husband loves you :)
Thank you both so much for making my heart and my tastebuds SMILE!

Time To Play

2009-06-05T11:03:00.005-04:00

Dance in pink...or purple...or blue or green....

Dress up and sing to the moon and stars..
Or maybe take a midnight stroll in the blue.....

Have a great weekend whatever you may decide to do :)

Cat Nip Love

2009-06-03T10:29:00.005-04:00

Catnip is a hairy plant that is related to mint.

"So, what is catnip to cats? For some, it’s really not much. But for those who find it intoxicating, it is the equivalent to chocolate made from real chocolate or a bottle of the world’s best ranked wine for the connoisseur. It is completely and totally that absolute most precious delight that makes your cat dream pleasant dreams and make nice with the entire family. It is that one moment of absolute bliss amidst an otherwise ordinary day. For cats who respond to catnip, there is little else that can compete with it. In fact, a few informal studies were conducted that proved a cat’s preference to catnip over just about anything. Cats were given choices between catnip and their food, catnip and broiled fish, and even catnip and chicken livers. 93% of the cats involved chose the catnip over everything else. This in itself is a pretty strong testimony straight from the mouths of kitties."

My what big wings you have...

2009-06-02T11:56:00.005-04:00

Better to fly with. Stretch your wings wide and soar. I thought I'd share my note from the Universe today... "Which sounds like more fun, : Being showered with miracles just because I love you, or being showered with miracles because you dared, stretched, went out on a limb, raised the bar, threw down the gauntlet, faced your fears, and grew into more than you ever knew you could be?"

Dare ya,
The Universe

Dreams

2009-05-29T10:33:00.005-04:00

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
Henry David Thoreau

Pssst....Renee won....

2009-05-27T10:21:00.003-04:00

A little angel told me...Congrats Renee! You won the little Star Weaver doll. She's ready to spread your dreams across the sky in twinkling lights. The Universe has conspired on your behalf :)

I want to thank everyone that left me a comment. I loved them all. I couldn't even answer my own question because I couldn't choose just one person! Perhaps I should have made it a tea party for 10 or so. :)

Tuesday & ToadStools

2009-05-26T18:41:00.004-04:00

"Come fairies take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame.".... W.B. Yeats.

Award and Doll GiveAway!

2009-05-20T17:56:00.005-04:00

Good things can come in three's too right?! How about this beautiful award, my 100th blog post and a doll giveaway! My friend Michelle from The Studio at Crow Haven Farm
bestowed this beauty on me and The Byrum Spiritual Art Award means ..."You make a difference ... I know, because you have for me!"
Michelle is like a ray of sunshine who always brightens my day! Now I'm supposed to choose 5 others to pass this along to.....but I'm a slacker when it comes to this part because I always want to choose everyone :)......so maybe later??

Now since this is my 100th blog post I want to do a giveaway, and this poor little Star Weaver is stuck in my Etsy Shop instead of spreading stars in the sky. She needs to be free to spread some sparkle and tango with the moon. I made her during a workshop I took with JoAnna Pierotti of Moss Hill Studio
Her face is entirely hand painted including the little roses on her forehead and I adorned her with vintage lace. She's ready with her stars! (It would be wonderful if you could include JoAnna and Ron in your prayers as well. Ron just had a tumor removed from his head a week ago and is recovering in the hospital.)
So, if you'd like a chance to win this little lady just leave me a comment on this post and tell me....

if you had a chance to spend the day with anyone in the world, no matter who it is, famous or not, a politician, a rock star, someone from history, dead or alive., anyone at all..who would it be? And I'll use a magic hat to pick the winner next Wednesday the 27th.

The turtle or the hare?

2009-05-18T11:08:00.003-04:00

Please forgive me as I've definitely been in turtle mode lately. Not on purpose mind you, but time is flying by! I'm so grateful for this sweet award that has been bestowed on me by two people I admire very much..Tanya
who is a teacher and wonderful artist. Life is filled with beautiful things and she makes a lot of them! And Caroline from Carolinescrafts
who makes wonderful dolls and the cutest little characters, among other things! Thank you friends!

Castle Keeper

2009-05-17T19:01:00.005-04:00

Are you ready to be picked up and carried away to a fairytale land, where the most magical castles boast beautiful gardens filled with colorful flowers and pixies? Perhaps a ride on the downy wings of a blue and pink bird or a beautiful serenade?

I drooled a little bit

2009-05-14T13:20:00.004-04:00

And who wouldn't? One of my blogging friends, Caroline from CarolinesCrafts
is also one of my friends in my everyday life. We've known each other and worked together for a long time. Anyway we exchange Christmas gifts every year, usually during May or June :) and this is what she got me! It's a stamp set with 58 stamps in a carrying case and when you flip it over it has markers and 8 different colored inks for the stamps. It's heavenly. There's not a surface in my house that's safe now!

And speaking of buddies....I am expecting a package from someone off ebay, which still isn't here, but I found this lovely box on my porch and the return address is from The Studio at Crow Haven Farm, Miss Michelle!
Surprise! I actually squealed when I opened the box! Without further ado, may I present....

Miss Suzi Q from Poland! Suzi Q has very quickly found a place in my home and my heart and I think she likes it here. Can't you just hear her talking?! She is so lovely with her sweet expression and her pink Tulip skirt! She even has a 'love' ribbon wrapped around her. And I didn't show her feet in the pic but she can sit with her little feet crossed! I'm charmed.

I am so lucky to have such good friends. I treasure you guys for all your amazing qualities! And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I Will Always Love You

2009-05-13T12:54:00.002-04:00

I can remember the first time I saw this video some time ago. I was in complete awe, and of course, crying like a baby. I had to get my daughter to come and watch it too, and is it got towards the end, she was like, "Momma! Why'd you tell me to watch this?!" She was crying too. It's a great reminder of the loves and bonds we're so lucky to have in our lives. She bought me the book for Mother's Day!

Where would you go?

2009-05-11T16:11:00.005-04:00

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? When I was little I used to pretend I had a magic carpet and I would sneak out of the window on warm summer nights and go on the most fantastic journeys. I always wanted to sail with Wynken, Blynken and Nod in a wooden shoe on a 'river of crystal light' or visit Alice in Wonderland and play a game of croquet. Maybe visit Oz and meet Dorothy, Toto and friends. I still love to visit those places! And I have a new one to add to the list....

If only I had wings..
It would be the Sistine Chapel. I can just imagine! But since I'm unconvinced that flying is an irrational fear(I've flown many times) and I don't have wings, and have no idea where I put that magic carpet, I'll just be content to look at pictures! Where would you go?

Tell A Child

2009-05-09T17:22:00.004-04:00

"Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed. " ~Robert Gallagher

Happy Mother's Day Angels!

Robin with a fro

2009-05-07T12:42:00.005-04:00

Yay, for sunshine! It's nice to see blue sky again. It was raining this morning but is so pretty out right now. Time to dry off a little bit. Mr. Robin was doing exactly that. He was hanging out on the back deck in the sun and just ruffling his feathers around soaking up the sun. I wish you could see the top of his head better because he's all fluffed up. He could use a little gel!

Did you know ?

2009-05-06T12:56:00.002-04:00

That it didn't rain in Calama, Chile for 400 years?

I'm just saying. :)

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-05-04T16:54:00.005-04:00

Yes, I'm thankful. The grass is green and there are beautiful flowers everywhere. It's my brain! It needs a little blue sky and sunshine... and maybe a few stars at night and a little sleepy moon.

She thinks so too.

MidNigHt Stroll?

2009-05-02T19:17:00.004-04:00

I'm definitely a Fall kinda girl but one thing I do love about Spring/Summer is the nights. I love the peacefulness of the night when the moon is wickedly bright and the stars and fireflies light up the night!

Written In Light

2009-04-30T17:26:00.004-04:00

"Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels."
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth

Could Use Your Vote!

2009-04-29T09:29:00.006-04:00

Greetings! Paws For Charity is participating on blockheadradio against other artisans to win an audio commercial and banner. This would be great exposure for the 2009 Paws For Charity Artbook and we could use your help! If you click on the blockheadradio link it will take you to the challenge and we're the last entry on the list. Click and you're done. All proceeds from the book are going to Avon Breast Cancer Crusade so the more press we get the better. Hopefully by spreading the word more people will buy the book! If you have time we'd love to have your vote!

When I grow up..........

I want to be just like you..

...As Life In The Sun...

2009-04-27T11:58:00.005-04:00

Despite a busy weekend I did get to work on this here and there. It's a small mixed media painting on wood. It's hard to see all the details in the background but there are pretty yellow flowers and swirls. I used cheesecloth for the window.

I cut some words out of an old vintage book ...'Beautiful and wondrous as life in the sun.'
Speaking of which, it was 95 degrees here this weekend!

Monkey Party!

2009-04-25T22:01:00.006-04:00

Super busy day today. My son's (Reilly) 8th birthday is on April 28th but we had a party for him today since his birthday falls on a Tuesday. He got to invite 5 of his friends over...all boys of course...total mayhem! And even though it was about 94 degrees here today they all had a blast. A little trampoline jumping...

Batman lego's cake..(thanks Julie!)

Pirate Pete's for putt putt and back home for slip and slide and a pinata! Look at those monkeys. Happy Birthday Rei!

Green Eggs and Toast?

2009-04-21T11:13:00.005-04:00

Mmmm...don't they look yummy? :) My very soon to be 8 year old son has a very limited choice in foods regardless of the "at least take a bite" rule before you decide you don't like it. I think the texture of the food matters a lot to him. Of course pizza is number one on the list(one of mine too!) french fries, peanut butter & jelly, chicken, yogurt ....and always chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast! He took a bite of my omelet the other day and now he likes eggs. So this morning it was an omelet for breakfast, but he wanted 'green eggs' so we through some food coloring in and voila.... I personally don't think I could handle the green, maybe blue or something, but hey !

Next we'll work on the ham. (perhaps a few veggies, if I can somehow make them invisible)

WIP Upcycled Doll

2009-04-20T09:24:00.006-04:00

This is one of the projects I'm currently working on. We're doing a group challenge on Jane DesRosiers cloth and clay doll workshop
to send in to Art Doll Quarterly. The challenge is an Upcycled doll. The idea is to used old worn out items and materials to bring life to a new doll. So. I'm really starting out with the old. This is an old doll I found at a flea market.

The poor thing did have hair but I took it off! I did give her some more hair though. I covered that pretty little face in paper clay too. After she dries she will get a new painted face and body. I haven't decided what she'll wear yet, but I do have some old vintage lace...hmmmm
I hope she'll be happy with 'old' new look!

I almost ran out of paint on this one!

2009-04-16T10:24:00.005-04:00

I have a couple bottles left anyway. I've been playing around with backgrounds and this one was quite dark so I added tons of colors to it. It started out a deep burgundy and then I added pink, white, turquoise, sky blue...you name it!

She started out as a blonde too but now she's a burnt umber brunette :]

I'm so Thankful!

2009-04-15T20:42:00.004-04:00

Isn't that the cutest face? I received this wonderful award from two of my favorite people today! Thank you Shelley from The Charming Place and Vania from Vania's Art!

This Renee award was created by Bella and Ces in honour of their friend Renee.

In Bella's own words "this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..."

Now, I always have a hard time with this part because I would just choose everyone, but I'm following directions this time and choosing 8...

Anne from Gaal Creative
Becky from BehindBlueEyes
Lilla from JustLilla
Zan from WildatheartArt
Caroline from Carolinescrafts
Michelle from TheStudioatCrowHavenFarm
Laurie from Monkey-Cats Studio
Nicole from Mealymonsterland

If you haven't had a chance to journey to these blogs, you will enjoy the visit!

New Doll Tags

2009-04-14T09:59:00.007-04:00

I wasn't very happy with the other doll tags I had started, so I started fresh and made a new batch this weekend. Much happier with these! My husband scored a color printer for free off of Craigslist (whoo hoo!)so I used one of my paintings for the image. It's so much fun to print things off in color!

I added some blue and gold swirls and stars and gold glitter and then used every kind of ribbon and vintage lace I could find. I love having stuff around that I originally used for another project and being able to use the leftovers for something else!

She wasn't crazy about orange hair

2009-04-12T17:33:00.003-04:00

My latest WIP-She became a blonde. I decided the kids looked better in orange. I did give her a few highlights though!

She's tenderly holding the moon before he takes his place among the stars.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:31:00.004-04:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter! Many Blessings!

Who will she be?

2009-04-09T12:47:00.006-04:00

"Outside the open window
The morning air is all awash with angels."
~Richard Purdy Wilbur

I'm certain she will become an angel, but she's missing a few things. She'll probably have blue eyes. Perhaps a pink or white cloak and big angel wings. Long hair or short hair? Brunette or blonde?

I thought about a red head, maybe closer to orange, but I may rethink that idea....
as my own little angels have quite the attitude with this color hair!