Living and Creating with Melissa Merrill

Journals - using Grunge Paper

2011-11-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have been creating like crazy these past couple months. I use note books and journals for so many different reasons; daily to do lists, idea journal, journal of quotes and so on. I started creating my own. These are some of the ones that I use. I am now giving you a chance to order: build your own journal, in five easy steps. You make the selections and I will create your one of a kind journal just for you.

For each journal I use 80 lb paper, great for everyday journaling, sketching, drawing and so on. This paper is hand torn and the journal will have a total of 180 pages. The cover is made using grunge paper; a durable compressed flexible sheet of material. I have been told by past customers that it feels like leather. It will be ink stained with the color of your choice. The journal will have velcro closure and accents with Idea-Ology staples from Tim Holtz. The staples are hammered flat so no worry of things getting snagged on them.

Contact me for a pricing list. If you're ready to get started building your own journal send me an e-mail with the answers to the 5 questions below and I will send you an invoice through PayPal for your order. Though if you have other questions prior to ordering, leave a comment here or send me an e-mail. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Let's get to building.
1) Choose your journal size: Mini - 3" x 2", Small - 4" x 3", or Medium - 5" x 4".

2) Choose your journal color: Select one of the stain colors from the photo below.3) Choose your spind binding: Select one of the binding stitches from the photos below.

4) Choose your thread color(s): Select one of the colors from the photo below, unless you choose the Barber pole binding select two colors. 5) Choose your Staple accent: Select from criss cross, 1st photo, or zig zag, 2nd photo.

Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to working with you to create your one of a kind journal. One of these journals could be yours.
Happy Journaling!

Destiny...

2011-01-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

This week work, my day job, has been crazy. My creative side needs some attention. So maybe this weekend I will have some time. Hoping!!
Though I have been pondering this:

Do you think things happen for a reason? Even though you might not understand or agree with what is happening at the time.

My Configuration….

2011-01-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Woohoo, it’s finished, for now. All the parts and pieces came together. It feels great when a project you’ve wanted to get finished for the last month or so finally gets done. And now I can enjoy the finished product, ok so who's project is actually ever really finished. I may add a bit here and there later on. Sharing it with you all, my blog readers.

I started by taking some old ledger pages from a book and tearing them into strips. Which I then distressed with many of my Tim Holtz ink pads. I used different rubber stamps to add some interest and whimsy. I then took these pieces of paper and glued them to the outside of the lid. I just couldn’t part with all that Tim Holtz paper for the outside.

Though I used many different pieces of his Lost and Found papers on the inside, to collage the boxes.
The clear plastic cover has a little glare on it. So here are some closer shots without the cover.

I have a large stash of these frozen charlotte dolls that I was able to find just the right sized to include in my collage.

The stamped metal in the middle reads "roses do not have to be red". I am more partial to yellow myself. To give the metal a little distress/aged look. I took one of the fillable pens of black alcohol inks and scribbled in the letterings. Took a bit of blending solution and lightly dabbed the black off the flat part of the metal. Used a bit of sand paper to dull some of the metal and tahdah. Between some Luv and Happy.

Same thing for this "look in to the future" metal piece. I had to add a crystal, but how. Well this one has a hole at the top. So I took some wire and looped it through the hole and bent the wire to a 90 degree angle. Flipped the box upside down to glue the wire to the top of the box. So that my crystal would dangle and move. As you try and look in to the future.

For the outside I added a bit of tissue tape to four old thread spools. Then glued them to the bottom for the collage feet.

I hope you enjoy the many photos. If so please leave a comment and let me know what you like. I always enjoy hearing from my readers. Or follow my blog, as I will continue to bring even more creative creations through out the year.

Alcohol Inks light up

2011-01-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hello readers. I worked on creating this soldered chandelier a while back. But it was just recently that I revamped the bling dangling from it.

I had purchased these little glass charm bottles in different shapes a while back as well. Sitting around one day my light bulb went on.

Alcohol Inks would work great on these glass charms to color.

I then figured I’d have enough that I could hang them from the different loops on my chandelier. It creates a great ambiance hanging in the corner of my living room.

It makes me

Just a little something I thought I would share. While I'm working on finishing up some other projects on my plate.

Have a Nice Day.

Frozen Charlotte dolls and heads

2011-01-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate to come across a great lot of these dolls and the heads.

These are a great piece to use in any of your 3D collages that you might do. Or in my case jewelry I might create. I made this lovely bottled angel doll using one of the charlotte doll heads.

Though what if you have a flat canvas or board that you want to add one of these charlotte heads to. Well, that came to my mind. So I thought about it and…. Resin or Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel. I have created several molds of these doll heads using Knead a Mold. I let the molds set up. Then mixed the two part resin together and poured into a mold. Making sure it stays level for the resin to harden with a flat back. So I set it aside and it’s usually a couple days later that I come back to it. Pop it out of its mold. I get this clear doll head with a flat back.

Just right for gluing to a creative block or such. Though what fun is a clear faced and haired doll head. Thinking this further, I pulled out my stash of Alcohol Inks from Tim Holtz Adirondack line. Using the new fill able pens, I colored the dolls. Here are just a couple examples of the first ones that I had done.

On the back I colored one with a solid silver color. The other I left alone. The sky is the limit with these dolls.

I am working on a couple creations using these dolls. So stay tuned to see that I do with them.

Happy Birthday Sister

2011-01-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

You are gone but not forgotten. You are a part of why I bring out my creative side, life is short. You have to find time to do the things you love to do. It is an interesting fact I found out earlier this week. Yours is a special day that you share with Tim Holtz. Happy Birthday to you both.
Ok, in my life I have come to a realization things happen for a reason. Even the things you so badly didn’t want to happen. It’s not until many years later that I realized the path my life was taking, was leading me to where I am today. Right where I should be. I’m sure everyone has those “what if” thoughts and moments in their life.

Even in my creating, I have done a lot of over thinking in the past. That “what if” I use these colors or put this paper there or use this stamp on that. There is some thought to what you’re creating. Though now in my creating I stand in front of my supplies in my studio and ask myself “what do I want to work with today?” Pull those supplies or tools out on my table and start at it. As far as what goes where, I don’t know until I come to it and put it down somewhere. I already over think too much stuff in my life. When I create I want to get away from that side of my brain. That is what I want to continue to work on for this year. So my What if is going out the window. Just do it, is knocking at my door.

I am sharing some of my newest creations that I've worked on. Tag size #8 is the perfect size to work on. You can create back grounds on these to then combine into signatures for a journal book, for a great size to carry around with you. Putting those thoughts and ideas down on paper when they come to you. I also like these tags for when I am done I scan them into my computer. Print them off in small picture form. To put between two pieces of glass and solder to finish it off. Now I have a mini master piece I can carry around with me and share with people. I will share some photos of my pendants that I create from these creations.

Stickles are great. Before stickles I steered clear of glitter. this tag I used Diamond stickles to bling out the blue rays at the top.

Now on to starting my configuration. It has been sitting on my shelf for the last couple weeks. Though I have been gathering my ephemera and such to go inside.

I'll leave you with this thought.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love.

12 days of Christmas Tree

2009-12-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

So are you surprised. Two posts in one day. I worked on getting my ornaments on to my tree. It is a metal tree that I have hanging on my main door. No need for floor or table space. It's great when you don't have much of that to spare.
So enjoy the photo I took of all the fabulous ornaments. I would like to thank all the great artists who came together for this Ornament swap. I had lots of fun creating my ornament. And the anticipation of opening each ornament once they are received was well worth it.
Now getting to enjoy the holiday spirit every time I look at my ornament tree.
Happy Holidays to all!

12 days of Christmas Ornament

2009-12-12T15:35:00.001-08:00

Hello there,
I know it has been a Looonnnnnnggggg time since blogging. My day job along with other activities have kept me busy. Though I thought I would share with you the ornament I made as part of an ornament swap I was in. I chose Four Calling Birds

Quotes

2009-10-08T09:38:00.001-07:00

Coming back to my real world after being away at Art and Soul this quote a co-worker forwarded to me is a great one.
"Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."
Don't count your years, make your years count.
Cheers!
Melissa

Faces are being drawn

2009-10-01T13:38:00.001-07:00

Enjoying my time learning to draw faces and create while at Art and Soul in Misty Mawns class.

Cheers!

A summer time project

2009-08-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have been here and around over this summer time. One of my many big projects I worked on tackling is the new flooring that I put down through out most of my house. I'm standing in my kitchen and the flooring is in the kitchen the dining area, hall ways, bathroom, studio, and laundry room.

The far room is my studio, it gets great natural light. Still a work in progress.

Can you see what pattern the flooring is? Well here are a few hints.

Do you see a pattern.
So here is a close up of my new vinyl flooring. Leaves!

There is a story behind this flooring. When I first moved into my house, back in 2001, I had new carpet put in and new flooring in the kitchen. Which was smaller at that time and I had a different flooring put down before I did my remodel 3 years ago. At that time I had a Utility room, 10 feet by 12 feet. Well I put off new flooring in that room, though I had what I wanted all picked out. Are you thinking was it this leaf pattern. Yes it was. I still had the catalog showing this pattern with big circles and X's all over it. Though when I did my remodel 5 years down the road, in 2006, I don't know what I was thinking. When it came time to get the flooring it was wood flooring, bamboo to be exact, that I went with. Don't get me wrong wood flooring is a great thing. I lived with it for a few years. Then in one of my many decluttering moods. I came across that old flooring catalog with this leaf pattern. It still spoke to me. Surprising enough the pattern was still being made. The wood floor just didn't represent me, in my house. This is me. I love the Fall season. All the leaves as they change colors. The crisp morning air.

So this was just one of my summer projects taking place. Stay tuned for the exterior transformation of my yard. Still in progress.

The wood flooring, you may ask, was able to be pulled up and went to a good home. My brother and sister-in-laws.

Still moving forward.

I've found the lights

2009-08-19T20:56:00.001-07:00

Going through one of my many boxes looking for paper and supplies I came across the strand of lights. Voila, let there be light.
I can cross that off my list.
On to the next.

Melissa

Chandelier - Finally

2009-08-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Alright Alright. I'm being bugged about not posting photos of my chandelier from the workshop I took with Sally Jean back in July. So I'm a little behind. I've been busy, who hasn't.

So here they are.
This is what was hanging on the hook in the corner of my living room above my couch.

And now I have my chandelier there. Though I have added more of the coccoon beads from a charm swap I was in earlier this year after taking this picture. My theme for my chandelier is butterflies and nature.

A close up of the lower half of my chandelier. I added pearls to the middle area as I felt it needed something.

The upper half of my chandelier. I cut out panels from this resin sheet that I created. I put in pressed flowers and leaves along with a few sayings I cut out from some books. In my living room I already have a leaf theme going on, so the pressed flowers and leaves seemed appropriate. As with anything it may be complete for now. Though there are always changes and additions that will be done to it. One thing, I need to create more of the baby butterflies for around the top.

Now I just need to find where I put the clear strand of lights, so I can have it light up at night.

Moving Forward

Melissa

Finale Necklace

2009-08-08T16:48:00.001-07:00

My soldering buddy Rebecca took this photo of me modeling my creation in Sally Jeans Finale studio workshop.

Star and Stripes Ornament

2009-07-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

So the 4th of July Holiday is a couple days away and I received in the mail a fabulous assortment of Red, White and Blue 4th of July ornaments from the swap I was in, hosted by Allegra.
My niece, Grace, and her family were over last Saturday, when the box arrived on my door step. She helped me open up each one and found a home on my tree for them all. I finally got to taking pictures of the tree last night.

Here is the Ornament that I made, called it Star and Stripes.

The tree of Glory for the 4th of July.

Everyone have a Safe and Happy Holiday weekend.

Graduations

2009-06-16T06:51:00.001-07:00

As June is upon us graduations of all kinds are happening. From College, high school, junior high, even kindergarten graduations. I was going through some photographs not too long ago and ran across a photo from my 8th grade graduation. I thought I would share it. Looking at the photo now it helps me see that I was my own person even back then. Can you pick me out of the picture? Even back then I didn't like being in the pictures. With any big event you can imagine the number of photos that were taken through out the evening.

I must not have gotten the memo or didn’t care and did my own thing. I’m not really a pink person and white is just to blah. So when my mom and I came across this peach dress, I knew that was the one. Thank you mom for letting me be myself, even back then.
I still have that dress in the back of my closet. Come to think of it I could repurpose the lovely fabric in some way. Ideas are a brewing now. C#@p, I already have enough up in my head. I think other stuff seeps out my ears every time something else pops in. Maybe that is why I wear my ear phones so much. So as not to loose any more thoughts and such.

Congratulations to all those graduates of 2009.

Lisa Donahue learning to solder

2009-05-30T21:29:00.001-07:00

Sharing some of what I do, we took Lisa's mermaid painting from her Suzi Blu's workshop and scanned it so she could learn to create a soldered charm. She is hanging it from her rear view mirror in her car.
Happily Creating!

VooDoo Donuts

2009-05-30T17:10:00.001-07:00

Lisa and I stopped for a quick donut before heading to Powell's world of books and other adventures.

My sweet little Tiger kitty cat

2009-05-14T07:27:00.001-07:00

Convenzione Part 3 and My Boat

2009-05-13T07:59:00.001-07:00

Let's Continue. Friday night after the class was done, pretty much everyone headed over for the evening dinner and guest speakers.
Dinner time was a buffet style. So we all got in line and dished up. Some quicker than others.

My new friends Lyn, Jill and others sat at the back table. Though, for some reason, I wanted to mingle and sit at a different table to meet other attendees. I sat with Diane, Kathryn, Shari and a few other great ladies.

Once we got done eating, the first speaker Jill Badonsky came to the podium. Talking about ‘A Journey to your Creative SAelf’ from the special pass card that was handed out to everyone. She talked a lot about “The Voices”. Everyone has them and they come from our fears. It was very enlightening. To drown out those voices a lot of the time I put my head phones on and listen to my music. It helps me focus on what I am doing at that moment.
Our second speaker was Michelle Beschen, who will have a new show coming out this summer called B. Organic. Talked about how every single one of us has creativity in us. As we go through life creating and what not, there are always those Happy Little Accidents. She is so down to earth. I was happy to have my picture taken with Michelle.

Ok, so now on to my Marionette boat from Lisa Kettell’s class.
Come Along for the Ride.
A close up of my doll that dances and moves all glittered and sparkled up. Ready for her big show.
More close ups.

And atop my boat, some great pin wheels sparkling out at sea.

It's All Good.

Convenzione Part 2 - the classes

2009-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

It was tough to choose from the many great classes that were offered. Though I did and these are the two that I chose.
Ruth Rae taught a fabulous wire, coils and such class that I came away with this lovely piece of jewelry.

The many techniques I learned in that class I will use again and again.

Though that Love Knot technique is a real hate it but love it one.

Photo of classmates working on the patina part of the class. Claudette, Terri, Donna, Ruth, Nadine and Julee are just some of the ladies that were in the class. Go check out Ruth Rae's blog as she took photos of the class and posted them right to her blog in literally 5 seconds. She's like photo and zip, there everyone goes as a photo on my blog. Wow, I need to find a way I could post my photos that quickly.

It’s amazing how when working with copper wire or even silver wire, it looks all shiny but once you patina the wire and polish off some of the blackness. The wire shows great depth. A life of its own. Ok so this may just be me. Though the beads you use in your creation take on a whole new look once the wire is patinaed.

Then the class I chose for my second day was Lisa Kettell’s Fairytale follies boat assemblage or something like that. Oh my! So much fun in this class. I did not assemble my boat during class because I needed to pack it and I didn’t want it to get smooshed. Though I now have it assembled but haven’t had time to take pictures of it. I wanted to share a photo from the class showing all the fun we had. Lisa, Gypsy and Lona. While Jennifer, Ann Denise, Joan (mama Kettell) and Kathleen hard at work at the other table.

I will share pictures of my marionette boat later this week.

Happily Creating :)

Part 1 of Convenzione

2009-05-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

So I landed in Oakland

Oh wait that’s a photo of San Francisco. Here’s my Oakland landing. It looked like we were going to have a water landing. But luckily we hit the run way. It was a smooth flight and landing. No worries.

Once there I took BART to Fremont to meet up with my gracious housing hostess, Lyn. Had a little time before we went to pick up our other roomy Jill, coming in from Ohio.

The Three Amigos. Jill, myself and Lyn.

Headed to Pleasanton for the ZNE opening night reception. There were Bon Bons the size of golf balls.

Mingling! Chel our lovely hostess for the event is on the left in the yellow dress. Donna, Jill, Gina, Julee and Joan are just some of the fabulous ladies I met that night.

goodie prizes! Chel’s daughter came around with a basket for people to draw a letter from to win a prize. I won the letter G. It’s the glitter key to the city (of creativity) and other ephemera.

Music! Jon Troast played at the opening night reception as well as on Saturday at the Art Paperie Vendor Faire. Oh but that wont be the last of Jon Troast.

We’re not in Kansas anymore. We’re in California baby. Palm trees everywhere.

It's All Good.

California here I come...

2009-04-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

Heading to Pleasanton for the ZNE Convenzione. Mingle with fellow artists, take a class or two, do some shopping (even if it is window shopping). It will just be a great time and place to get rejuvenated.
That way when I come back I will be all raring to go for my next Vendor event that happens on May 9th. Can you believe it, Mother’s Day weekend will be upon us.
So if you are out in the SE Portland area that Saturday stop on by Gilbert Park Elementary at 13132 SE Ramona St in Portland, just north of Foster Rd. For the 'Love Your Mama' Mother’s Day Craft Fair from 10am to 4pm. Dozens of local artists and unique handmade items will be on sale.
Come and see what I made these lovely soldered pieces into.

Mothers deserve to be Queen for at least that day.
Happily Creating

I made a lot of progress.

2009-04-27T13:44:00.001-07:00

I made a list of what I wanted/needed to get done this weekend. For the most part I worked down the list.

Here is my basket of copper taped pieces that I worked on creating and copper taping on Saturday. All sorts that will become earrings, pendants and rings oh my.

And this is what they looked like on Sunday after I spent the majority of the day in my studio soldering my fingers away. This photo doesn’t show it but all of them have there jump ring attachments on as well. Thank goodness for that jewelers third hand. Now I need to work them into earrings, bracelets, rings and pendants.
I even had time to make a copy of the video for my family members from Easter. My niece can now be nicknamed the Chicken wrangler. At the age of four she is able to catch Aunt Monica’s chickens. I told my brother, at Thanksgiving she can go out and catch you the turkey. Joking of course.
Well of course Aunt Melissa was there with the video camera recording her sitting with the chicken, trying to take it on the trampoline with her, and then trying to crawl in the big shrubs that the chicken is now hiding from her in.

So the discs are in the mail.

Oh, one last thing I completed off my list was to finish my Welcome Friends mural. This is now the view on my living room wall. I made my frame into the shape of a house instead of just the usual rectange or square shape. These paper dolls are from the swap I was in last year that Tammy Moore hosted. So now they have found a home on my wall.

Cheers

Creations and another find

2009-04-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse of a necklace I made earlier this month and sent into Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. Now just waiting to hear if it was accepted for their Fall issue.

I'll share the rest with you once I hear.

I had an extra hour or so to spare and was able to get some practice using PhotoShop. I went back through and watched the great tutorials that Gail Schmidt from Creative Workshops put together for her on line class I signed up for back in March. This is how mine turned out. The idea was to go with a ghostly feel. Though I am a lover of Autumn and this picture just stuck. I used a different back ground than the one used in the tutorial. Learning to use the different blending tools and layering. The little star brush is great, I'm hooked on using that know. What do you think.
Metal measuring spoons, who knew they would be hard to find in stores. If you do find them they are a bit spendy. So these I won off of ebay. I have plans for them, though it is just getting around to working on that plan. Another thing to add to my ever growing list.

I have alot I am wanting to work on and get done this weekend. This is one of the few weekends I don't have any running around or events to be at. So it's work in my studio time.

Happily Creating.

Randomness

2009-04-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

It has been a while. I have many things to share. These may not be exciting but I love my finds I won off Ebay.
These Thimbles came in this great flip top box. Bonus.

I found my marbles, or some marbles. A great mix of colors and sizes.
Who doesn’t have a stash of scrabble tiles. Oh, I didn’t. Until now.
Ok, so I am a week or so late posting about Easter. Though I just had to share with you my lovely Easter tree. I went kind of a different way with it. One, I don’t have much table space and two; I can just see my cats having fun batting each of them around. Not so good. So I went this way.
Found this great metal tree that I hung on the inside Entry door. Hung each of my ornaments and displayed them proudly. It was great fun being in this Ornament swap with such talented artists. Looking forward to the next one.

With the décor and such in my living room already Leaves. I will probably keep my metal tree up year round and just change out the ornaments.

I have been creating some and I will share that later this week. Stay tuned.
thanks for stopping by.

My bird charms have finally found a home

2009-03-24T12:44:00.001-07:00

Last Summer I was in a charm swap, Summer Birds, were I received 20 plus charms in this swap. I have had them stored in a zip bag up until this last weekend. When I figured out what I wanted to do with them. Usually I attached my charms to a necklace or bracelet. Then it hangs on a hook until I decide to wear it. With my birds I wanted to do something different, but was not sure what, until now. I snagged a small branch from the ground under my elm tree. Took out my wire, link chain, jump rings and charms. Wrapped the wire, hung the link chains and attached each charm to the chains to hang down.

Then at the bottom I incorporated my Birdie that I made a few weeks back in Sally Jeans class. Glitter legs and all.

So now hanging from the hook they have a great view out my kitchen window. It makes a great addition to my kitchen.

I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do.

Another Belive in yourself Quote - Understand that you will always have one person upon whom you can depend -- yourself. by: Sonya Friedman

Work keeps me busy

2009-03-19T11:04:00.001-07:00

My vendor Event at Crafty Wonderland went well. Sold several items and met a lot of other great vendors. While at the event there was a film crew doing a piece for Handmade Nation. The indie craft movement. You can see a preview of the documentary film here. The film premiers at The Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland on April 3rd and 4th. Faythe Levine’s came away with over 80 hours of footage for her documentary after traveling several thousand miles and interviewing close to 50 crafters in 15 cities.
Here are some of my pendants, rings and earrings I have left after the event. I have put them out on my online shop.

Aha Moment Adjustable Ring

Here Froggie froggie domino earrings

"Oh Look Garage Sale" double sided soldered pendant

Ready for Spring flower pot domino earrings

"The Art of Life is" double sided soldered pendant

As I was packing up after the event I went to pull my car around and it would not turn over. Oh great, the battery was dead. I’m greatful that it was not that morning on my way to the event. I was able to get a jump and left my car running as I loaded up my table and other items. Got home. Though the next day I went out to see if my car would start and nothing. The charge didn’t keep. So it was definitely time for a new battery.
My car is ready and raring to go now. I’m keeping my eyes out for other vendor possibilities. So stay tuned to read more. As well as other creations are brewing in my head.

Thanks for stopping by

I don't know my own strength

2009-02-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

At my second stop while running errands, to get things together for my show, I pulled on my door handle to get out of my car and this is what happened.

The whole handle came out off the door panel. Oh my.
Well it was only a matter of time. With my car turning 13 this year. It’s not the first thing that’s gone wrong with my car. Over the life of my car.
*The driver’s side arm of the windshield wiper stopped working, while driving in rain at night.

*Driver’s side window handle broke off, so it would not roll down. My older sister did this one while borrowing my car. I’ll give her the fact that the window was hard to roll down to begin with. But when the handle has tension in it and hard to roll down don’t try and force it.

*The radio has been having a mind of its own. It may go on when I start the car or not. It may come on after a bit when the engine is running. It may short out when going over a bump.

*Front right panel and headlight replaced. My younger sister visited a friend of hers and their mom backed out of the drive way and into the right side of the car. They lived out towards the country. All visiting friends had a designated area to park, which my sister was parked in. The mother was in a hurry and backed up a little too far. She was totally apologetic and paid for all the repairs.

*Wind shield replaced. Dang gravel rock, it remains on the freeway, after icy winter weather.

Still with under 100,000 miles, just under. Like 98,500. Though it has made several trips back and forth to the Midwest to visit relatives and friends. Trips to the beach. It is now my run around town car. That will become a lawn ornament once its time is finally up.

Leave me a comment. I'd like to hear about your car mishaps. These pieces of high tech machinery, or low tech if you have a really old car, that we depend so much on.

Another quote from the Believe in Yourself book: Never grow a wishbone… where a backbone ought to be. By Clementine Paddleford
Oh that’s a good one. If it was only that easy.

Events Happening in March

2009-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

I received this postcard in the mail the other day on the Portland Expo Antique and Collectibles show by Palmer Wirfs happening on March 7th and 8th at the Expo Center.

It is a big event but I’m not able to go to this one as I’m working on getting ready for my very first Vendor Event. Earlier in February I put in my vendor application for the local Crafty Wonderland, monthly handmade artisan event. I received the email last Sunday that I was accepted to be a vendor in March.

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to participate in Crafty Wonderland on March 8th!

Also, please note that the March 8th show is the FIRST DAY OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS! We will be reminding you in our load-in email in the days prior to the show but please make note to set your clocks ahead the night before!

Thanks,Torie + Cathy

The email went on to give more info about the event.

So for those local readers there are a couple big events happening next month. Can you believe March will be here this Sunday. Where did the last two months already go.

Come on by Crafty Wonderland on March 8th at Doug Fir – 830 E Burnside. Next to the Jupiter Hotel. Free Admission. Hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by their website to see the list of the 40 other vendors who will be participating.
I am so Excited. Frantically working on getting everything done that I want to get done before then. Making sure I have everything for my displays and stuff like that.
What a Whirlwind ride.

Birthdays and Easter Ornament swap progress

2009-02-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend my family celebrated my brother (2/20) and nephews (2/21) birthdays. For my nephews birthday my brother, Steve, has been giving my nephew, Joe, a canned food item along with his regular gift. This year it was a can of corn. Previous birthdays it was canned green beans, refried beans, and so on. Started on his first birthday and only my brother gets why he does it. He was the only boy among three girls growing up, who knows. Now having a nephew, he can do these zany things. Oh wait he’s always done zany things like this. I’ll have to dig out the pickle man skiing or him levitating an olive. Yup these are great holiday entertainment memories growing up. He’s now 32 and his son, and daughter, is bound to inherit some of his goofiness.
I was able to get some work in on my Easter ornaments for kecia’s swap. Though I don’t want to spoil the surprise so I will give you just a peak at what I am using to make them. These little ducky eggs I found at the dollar store. Photo taken of them on my work table can you tell. I have made more progress than that, you will just have to wait and see the completed ornaments as Easter draws near. Hint – there will be No soldering involved with these sweeties, for those of you wondering.
Our next quote from the Believe in Yourself book – The greatest revenge is to accomplish what others say you cannot do. Unknown

Cheers

My one and only "Day job" entry

2009-02-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last Fall the managers were working on rewriting my job description, seven years over due I’d say. While they worked on getting all that done and approved by the Human Resources department. Come December my co-worker and I were informed that we would have to reapply for these rewritten jobs. Ok, I started working on updating my resume and picking out an interview outfit. It has been over six years since I interviewed for the job I’m in. As one who knows she doesn’t do well in interviewing, I was a little Oh my golly. Well, come January 29th, my co-worker and I were called into a meeting first thing that morning. In this meeting were the managers and a person from HR. Sitting down, my manager said this is never an easy meeting to do. We, my co-worker and I, were getting the packet. Since they rewrote the job descriptions and we needed to reapply. It basically meant our old descriptions were going away. So they were offering us severance packages. My “oh my golly” just went to “Oh *%!#”. I’ve been with this company for almost 11 years. I’m a single person making a house payment and all the other bills I need to pay. You know all those thoughts that run through ones mind when they are faced with this. Well, they did give us options as far as new jobs. The new job descriptions for the work that we are doing were being posted that afternoon, for applicants to apply. The managers were working with us, because they knew we had a deadline date, 2/20/09. So they put the word out so they could get enough applicants to start the interviewing the week of the 9th. So if interviewing wasn’t enough, knowing that if I wasn’t offered one of these positions I wouldn’t have a job. Though it is work that I have been doing and the hiring supervisors were aware of that, I was on this emotional rollercoaster. Unsure of myself and my interviewing skills. So on and so on. Interviewing was done and now the waiting.
My co-worker had heard this last Wednesday afternoon he was offered one of the positions. It was not until yesterday morning that the other supervisor contacted me to offer me the other position on her team, Contract Analyst. Deep breath, big sigh of relief.
This is why it was a need to celebrate day. I went to the flower shop and got me this bouquet made up. My peaches, yellows and greens I love. Just a little something for myself. That is were I found the great little pocket book, Believe in Yourself. Jacket illustration by Donna Ingemanson. Jacket Design by Heather Zschock.

Another saying from the book. "When your mind is full of indecision, try thinking with your heart". By: Unknown

What happened to me is happening in other areas of the company. Looking at streamlining areas of the company and the big wigs say it’s not due to the economy. Which I do agree with that. You wouldn't know it by our stock price. The company gets lumped in with the Financial piece on Wall Street. Our Insurance Company is going strong. Streamlining to become more effective and competitive in our market. I have friends and know other people who have been affected by these changes with in the company. Most good but some not so good.

If only everyone around the country who got the news of a layoff was able to apply for another opening and get it. My hope and wish for this year, unemployemnt rates across the country would diminish.

Thanks for stopping by.

Soldered items using molds

2009-02-20T08:07:00.001-08:00

As most of you are aware I love using solder. So of course after I attended my friend Laurel’s Molding Polymer Clay for Jewelry class. By the way, a great class. If you get a chance visit her etsy shop and see her lovely creations. She does wonders with polymer clay. Back on thought here. I did a little experimenting with the molds I created. First I tried using my torch to melt the solder into the mold, but the solder wasn’t meshing together. I didn’t want to get the torch too close to the mold as I didn’t want it to go up in flames. So I brought out my trustee iron. Used that to melt the solder in the mold. It also makes the back sides of the pieces smoother, when using the iron. Took some patina to each piece, to bring out the details. I haven’t added any jump rings yet, so that I can incorporate them into a piece of jewelry.

The molds look a little scorched from the iron but they will survive.

Who doesn't Love Quotes

2009-02-19T13:32:00.001-08:00

I went to this great little flower shop a few blocks from my work. To get some flowers for myself, I was so needing something to celebrate. More on that tomorrow. In this flower shop Lubliner Florist Inc they have great stuff other than just flowers. There was this shelf with a variety of those little pocket books. One in particular stood out to me. “Believe in Yourself” by Beth Mende Conny, of different quotes.
Here is the Introduction – In matters of love, family, friendship, and work, this collection of thoughts encourages you to take control of your life and ideas, to turn life’s stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
As you turn these pages, take the words of advice to heart and mind. Let them serve as loving, accepting, tell-it-to-you-straight kinds of friends. Seek their counsel and their wisdom. Most of all, let them serve as your mirror, reflecting the special person you are and will always be. B.M.C.
I don’t know about you but I am Sooo needing some up lifting, personally, professionally, and every ally in-between.
Come along with me on this ride of Believing in Yourself.

First quote in the book – Let’s dare to be ourselves, for we do that better than anyone else can – By: Shirley Briggs

OWOH winners

2009-02-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, this years OWOH caravan really was something, with just over 900 participants. I want to thank everyone who entered my giveaways. And so as the time is up. I put everyones name into the bowl and the winners are:

First winner of the Maybe Yes, Maybe No pendant is - Jingle from justjingle.blogspot.com

Second winner of the Happy Heart ring is - Leslie from myownlittleworld-leslie.blogspot.com
I will be in contact with you to get your mailing information.

I just want to say that this event has been great. As I have meet several people whom I might not have met otherwise. I was one that wasn't able to make it through the whole list of caravaners. If only life stood still during our caravan mingling. Luckily Lisa will have the list up for several more months as I plan to continue on the caravan. I look forward to meeting more of you.

I leave you with this photo as it is what I feel like doing right now.

Cheers

2009-02-11T12:33:00.001-08:00

A Fabulous Weekend in California

My trip to visit my friend Ilene and attend my friend Laurel’s class was fabulous. Once the airplane was able to take off. My luck with traveling continues, the airline boarded everybody on to the plane. Sitting there while the ground crew did the final inspection. They noticed something wrong with one of the propellers. Sitting on the plane until the maintenance crew came and checked it out, just so the attendant could tell us that we had to deboard the plane. The maintenance crew needed to fix the problem and it could take up to a couple hours. Long story short we were able to board again after 45 minutes and make up some time while in flight so I was only 30 minutes late getting into Arcata.

Some great photos once we were up in the air.
Touch Down. We have arrived at your final destination and we thank you for flying with us.
Ilene and Laurel had just arrived at the airport so it was perfect timing. Leaving the parking lot I was able to snap off this picture.

On our drive to Ilene’s she took us through the city of Ferndale. A very picturesque Victorian village, population around 2000. Several movies have been filmed in that town. It was already getting dark and my pictures really didn’t turn out. So those won’t be shared.
We then headed to the house. Settled in for the night. Met Ilene and Dave’s new puppy Jack and their cat Smokey.
We helped Laurel get set up for her class the next day.
I didn’t take many photos during class but here is what I completed. Made molds out of several of my buttons and other items. The heart one is from Laurel’s stash of molds. Hers turns out so much better. We worked on the fuax jade technique during class. Ilene put it best when saying " we wont look at another button or textured item the same".

Everyone had a great time and Ilene made a fabulous lunch. As the class wound down and evening approach Ilene mentioned that Eureka was having their monthly Open Art night and would we like to go. Laurel stayed home as she already had a long day with teaching her first class. So she rested up while the three of us headed into town. Made our way around the Open Arts of Eureka and then headed to Rita’s Mexican Restaurant, one of Ilene and Dave’s favorite places to eat.
Some last minute photos of the beautiful and peaceful place Ilene and Dave live at.

I imagine this back yard is just to die for in the summer time with everything in bloom.

Then it was time for Laurel and me to hit the road on Sunday morning up to Portland.

I love vacations, but it's always nice to get back home. I miss my fur kids when I'm away.

I've been Tagged and a sneak peak

2009-02-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Before I headed on vacation I was tagged by Marie of Marie Paterson Studios to share my 4th picture from my 4th folder.
Then as all these taggings (is that a word) go, I tag 4 other people. So here I go:

My 4th picture in my 4th folder.

May 2007. My niece and nephew spending some time at Aunt Melissa’s house. Joseph, who is 8 yrs old, was warming up on the car racing game. Once McKenzee fell asleep, as she has in this picture, she would be put down for her nap and we could race against each other. There you have it. I little glimpse into my life.

Now on to the tagging:

Michelle Geller – Hold Dear
Brenda Wampler – Memories and Treasures
Amy Huff – Lone Star Art
Denise Mares – Artful Bliss

Here’s a sneak peak at a couple photos from flight down to CA. I’ll write more on that tomorrow.

And even more pics. Stay tuned.

Gathering with Friends this weekend

2009-02-05T14:39:00.001-08:00

When my family got together for our moms birthday, I made it a point to tell them that I will be traveling to Northern CA this weekend to see friends and take Laurel’s Molding Polymer Clay for Jewelry class this Saturday. Since I would not have heard the end of it, if I hadn’t. They still bring up the three day trip I took to Las Vegas a few years ago. It was an Oh I feel like going trip, so I went. As my Aunt puts it, we know you want your independents but we care about you.
I’m 35 and there are times that I tend to get caught up in a moment and just go with it and not just in my art. So they were all informed and I'm good.

After I get back I’ll have some goodies to share with you.

2009-02-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Round Robin creation.
I am currently in a RR necklace/bracelet with 9 other great ladies from my charmsters group. In January I was adding to Kara’s piece, with her theme being Embrace the Change. I took one of the wooden spools I won off of ebay earlier in the month
and made a charm piece that I added to her necklace. Taking a piece of paper and wrapping it around part of the spool, then adding the words ‘Change is inevitable, Embrace it!’. Put on a top coating of Diamond glaze. I then added copper tape to each end and soldered. To dull the shine I patina over the solder, then sandpapered it some for an aged look. Stringing wire through the hole and added a bead at each end. I wire wrapped the ends to the necklace. So the spool will spin and roll, as we have to do sometimes with change, when she wears the her necklace.
I tried getting away from soldering on this one, but it just keeps calling to me. And these wooden spools take the tape and solder so well. I’ll have to see what else comes of these cute little spools.

2009-02-02T12:41:00.001-08:00

Weekend Fun and a good buy

Friday evening all us kids got together to Celebrate my Momma’s birthday, over at my brothers house. She got to spend time with the grandkids. My nephew, who will be nine later this month, whooped my booty on Wii. I don’t have these kinds of games at my house. So I haven't been able to play much. Like I have time.
I gave her my ‘Let them Dance’ creation I made last October at Art and Soul. It’s of me in my ballerina outfit, I was 8 years old. Which I just realized that I didn't take a picture of it. So I will have to share the photo later.
Then on Saturday, she and I had our own shopping day and lunch date. One of the stores we hit was Pier One Imports. Not one of my usual stores for me, but mom goes in and gets her sprays and candles. They do smell great. They're those candles you could just carry around with you and sniff all day. Anyway, while we were looking around I saw they had 90% off all Christmas items.
I came away with these great buys. Two holiday trees, as they call them and the three silver table mats all for under $5.00. Can you say repurpose.

Ok, quick story for you. Who remembers the movie Mommie Dearest about Joan Crawford and her adoptive daughter Christina. Any way growning up when our mom would ask/tell us to clean our rooms, take our plates to the sink and stuff like that we would sometimes reply, in a joking manner, yes mommie dearest.
My mom knows I love her with all my heart.

Let me leave you with this. No more wire hangers.

2009-01-27T08:47:00.001-08:00

Fun this past weekend.
I got to join in with several other ladies at Sally Jean’s Saturday class ‘Home is where the Heart is’. It is really nice when there is a smaller class, you get to chat and mingle a lot more. I saw Cheryl again, was in the Totally Tiara class last summer with her. Met Brenda, who is a reader of my blog. Brenda did you get to see and play in the snow we had on Sunday, I hope. Because you said every time you come up to Portland it doesn’t rain or snow. Met up with fellow charmster Darlene, hello again. Got to meet some of the other ladies; Renee, Jan, Lisa, Jenna and Debbie who came to enjoy the class. Such fun working on our little house and even little chairs. Let me tell you making and soldering on the legs for the chairs was a challenging task. No one wants a wobbly chair. I was able to complete my creations in the class, which is always nice. So here is what I completed.

Cheers.

OWOH giveaway

2009-01-22T07:17:00.001-08:00

One World One Heart Giveaway

Welcome. To find others who are participating head over to OWOH blog site. Let the mingling begin.
I could not decide, I like them both and hope you will too, so I have two pieces of my soldered creations I’m giving away. All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post for a chance to win one of them. Making sure that I have a way of contacting you through your blog or email. So if you are commenting under anonymous please leave your contact info in the comment. Otherwise I won’t know how to get a hold of you if you win.
I have recently added the ‘Follow Me’ button so if you like my blog this will let you know when I update it.
Drawing will be held on February 12th. I will draw the names the old fashion way, printing off and putting every ones name in my big bowl. So watch your email at that time. Good Luck.

Here are my giveaways.

1) Soldered Pendant - front view

Back View

2) Small glass bubble soldered adjustable ring
Thank you for visiting and have fun mingling.

2009-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

Vintage Valentine page

I have completed my pages for Dede Warrens Vintage Valentine fat book swap. I had totally flaked that today the post offices are closed. As I don’t have the holiday off, it didn’t dawn on me. So these are already to go out tomorrow first thing.
Let me share with you. I did 16 pages the same. This is what I came up with.

My page will come back in a lovely fat book showcasing several other great pages by other artists, just in time for Valentines Day.

2009-01-16T09:17:00.001-08:00

Dollies and displays

Do you remember I posted a pic of her earlier this month?

Well, meet her friends.

I ordered these from ABCdistributing catalog about a year ago. Thinking that they would be a great way to display all of my extra charms that I made from the many swaps that I had joined, in 2008.
Here is a photo of the ladies displaying those many charms. I think I got all of them in the photo. My thought now is to put all my extra charms on a bracelet(s). That way these can be used to display all the Pendants I am making.

For the earrings I am making I put together these picture frames with a black velvet background and wire to help hold the earrings.

Here are a few close ups.

Made from small dominos.

Gees looking at these closer, I need to work on using the Macro on my camera better. forgive the blurriness.

Cheers

2009-01-15T14:26:00.001-08:00

Suitcase?

When I arrive home from work, I come in the door and put everything down and go get my mail key. Step outside my front door to unlock my mail box. There was a delivery notice slip in the stack the other day. My first thought is 'great I have to head to the post office packaging place to pick something up'. I can’t just go to my local post office just down the street. Though after looking at the slip closer it had read 'box was put by your back door'. Sweet, so I headed to the back patio door and see the big box. Bring it in and put it on the living room floor. In no time at all my little helpers were wanting to inspect the package.

As Tiger sat on it waiting for me to open the box.

Once I got it open, it was the fabulous suitcase that I won on Ebay. Thinking of so many storage or display ideas I could use it for.

It will even fit a cat inside. My Jasper just needed to sniff it out and put her scent on it. I love the Mauve color on the inside.

Stay tuned for other display ideas and items I’ve been working on.

2009-01-07T12:29:00.001-08:00

Memory Monday(in my case Wednesday)

Ok so this memory is a little late. But I still thought I’d share it. The topic is childhood memory related to snow. See Kecia's blog for more on Memory Monday.

Up until I was 10 years old my family lived in the Midwest. Grandparents lived on a farm. Every winter we would get snow, of course it was the midwest. My grandparents driveway was this long hill, probably a quarter mile long. From the top of the hill all the way down to the big metal shed at the end. I was probably 7 years old the first time my older sister and cousins let me join in. We would trek the wooden sleds, the ones you sat on and controlled with your feet, all the way up to the top of the drive way. Usually road two people to a sled. Though there were those daredevil older cousins, who would lie on their belly and steer with there hands. We hopped on those sleds and would go zooming down the hill past the house, the apple trees, and the horses. Though some times the steering would get out of control and we would end up in the yard by the house or some other point in between. That was the fun of it. Getting off the sled and pulling it all the way up the drive way, just to do it all over again. We would be out there for hours enjoying the snow. Until Grandma would come out and yell, You’d better come in I don’t want you to catch cold. So we would slowly make our way to the porch. Take off the wet snow suites, gloves, hats, and boots that we would put by the burning wood stove. Head into the house for some hot Coco, that grandma had made, along with some of her baked goods. It wouldn’t be long before one of us would check to see how dry our snow suite and stuff were so we could head back out.
Oh, so many childhood memoriess of playing in the snow. It was hard to pick just one.
Enjoy.

2008-12-29T13:21:00.001-08:00

The Artic Blast and more…

Well, we’re pretty much back to normal Portland weather, Rain. Though with all of this SNOW we had, we heard so much about UPS and Fed Ex having a tough time delivering the packages. Well last Tuesday the USPS was able to get around and deliver, as I snapped this photo of my local mail carrier making their way around the snowy roads of Portland.

With my work closed last Monday and Tuesday and me taking Wednesday off. I needed to get a couple things finished and off my desk as work. So I ventured into downtown Portland, by bus, last Tuesday. Afterwards, on my way to catch the bus I snapped this shot of the local wild life, ok it’s just a statue.
Getting off the bus and treking through the snow those couple blocks to my house, I looked up and saw the limbs on my big Elm tree in my front yard looking so wintry all covered with ice. Such a lovely site.
Once I got inside my cutie cats were happy to see me but were also intrigued by the snow. I have a cat napper that sits in my living room window and Tiger looking at what little activity was going on outside.
Now that the work work stuff was off my plate. I got to spend most of my days off, in hibernation working on some fun stuff. My lovely model elegantly displays a majority of my items I worked on over the holiday weekend.

Once this morning came I was ready to get back into my regular routine. With all those days off I was not sure which day was which. And my usual bedtime was thrown out the door when I get into my creating moods. That did make it even tougher to get up a 5 a.m. this morning for work.

More on my lovely model at a later date.

2008-12-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

Weather, Not as bad

Well, I’m off to work as the temps are above freezing at 6 o’clock in the morning. Not as bad as the weather people predicted, so far. Though they say our high temp for today is going to be 37 degrees and we have already hit that this morning. We’ll see what happens.

Stay Safe everyone.

2008-12-17T11:35:00.001-08:00

Photo Time.

With that extra day off from work I was able to take photos of my RR necklace that I am in with 9 other fellow charmsters. For the month of December my necklace has been home. Though New Years Eve it will be on its journey again, not returning until Summer time.
So this is what it has become so far. Jade, Zhulia and Kecia added their lovely togetherness pieces to my necklace.
Also I was able to put up my Ornaments from Allegra’s swap I was in. I went with a garland type display. I used a link chain and weaved some red and green ribbon through it and attached each ornament then strung it across my big mirror. Please excuse the dust and smear marks on my mirror. Dusting is lower on the list of things to get done around my house.
Well, the deep freeze is suppose to continue into next week as a blast of snow and freezing rain makes it way into Portland today and into the night time. So think good thoughts that we will get enough that work will be closed again on Thursday.

2008-12-16T09:22:00.001-08:00

Lots Going on…

Ok, so first to get this out of the way. I heard back regarding the Art Show and Sell event. Oh my, there were over 200 applicants and with this event being at Buckman Elementary school space is limited, as they said. They accepted fewer than half the applicants; I was not one of them. So, saying that I am moving on to my next event option. Also scheduled for March. Though my application does not have to be in for another month or so.

This has been a great time of year to browse through many holiday events we have in our great city. And in doing that I have meet some great people and found out about several event options.
This past weekend I volunteered at a huge, over 180 vendors, all handmade Holiday Event. Crafty Wonderland had their third annual Super Colossal Holiday Sale at the Convention Center on Sunday.
The Hall went from this on Saturday

To This on Sunday
In spite of all the winter snow we got it was a pretty good turn out. This was just outside the Convention Center where the event was taking place.

One block from my house, a winter wonderland, while I was waiting to catch the bus on Sunday.

I also saw alot of this happening on Sunday. Oregonians sometimes have a tough time adjusting to driving in different weather.

Monday - With a snow day off from work, it was closed. I got some extra time to finish up some new pendants. Here is a sneak peak. Each is 2 inches by 1.5 inches

I will have some photos of my round robin necklace and Christmas Ornaments to share tomorrow.

2008-12-08T12:09:00.001-08:00

Photo Time!

Here are a few of my new pendants I made.

Front side says Button Button who’s got the button.
Back side says Do you have the button.
Next, Front side says Spread your wings and Fly
Back side says Awaken your Inner Child
For those pet lovers here’s one.
Front side says The things I’ll do for a treat
Back side says It’s great to have dinner out once in a while
I also worked on a bracelet showing pictures from my cruise to Alaska.

I still have more to come.

2008-12-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

What a fortune… Cookie that is.

One of those days that I brought my lunch to work, but by the time lunch came didn’t feel like having what I packed. So I headed out side to the local food court at Pioneer Place. I went with Chinese food. It’s always too late by the time I remember the portion sizes these fast food places give you. I took my leftovers home to have this weekend. Cause I have a birthday party to go to tonight. More on that later. Back to the fortune. I always open the fortune but don’t eat the cookie. You know when you read those fortunes, which are mass produced; you might not think much of them. Well today’s fortune hit home as it reads ‘Look with Favor upon a Bold Beginning’. Could that not be better timing? As I continue on with my days waiting to hear the word from the Art Show and Sell committee.
I didn't venture out over the Thanksgiving weekend. Did that once in the far past (Oh My) and not again. So I worked on creating some new pieces. I’ve been lax in my picture taking though, so hopefully this weekend I’ll get to that.
My week nights I’ve been working on decluttering my studio and house of stuff I haven’t used in forever. Boxing most of this stuff up and plan on donating it to SCRAP. Once they move to their new location. So my spare room is becoming a storage room for now. Also shredding all those paper documents that have been piling up.

So with everything going on over the last seven days I feel like this.

So I am off to my nieces birthday party, she is turning 2 years old. I got her a load of new books so that Pawpaw (grandpa) and her can sit together and read them when she’s at their house. These are the Weekly Reader books that come with a CD that is also a DVD of the book. So there are a few different ways on reading or viewing the books.

Well I’m off. Enjoy your evening.

2008-11-21T11:51:00.001-08:00

Need/Want Your Feed Back

I went for it. I submitted my Application and 4 photos for the Buckman Art Show and Sell event in town. Now I’m just waiting to hear, in three weeks. So for know I want to put my pictures out there and get your feed back on my items and any other input would be greatly appreciated. This is my first ever venture into selling my creations.

Let me know your thoughts. If these items were out on a vendors table would you stop, look and buy? Reasonable priced items from $18.00 to $40.00.

What type of table display would catch your eye?

All photos were taken by me. So any input on ways to better the photos is also welcome.

Oh my, vendor booths, eeck. I’m getting ahead of myself though. I have to wait to hear if I am part of the event, which is the first weekend in March 2009.
Any thoughts on this would also be appreciated. I’m not sure the size of the booth area but it’s probably not longer that 4 feet table. I’m thinking.

So spread the word, the more feed back the better.

Though, I do have one more creation to share with you. My snowflake baby. This was not one that I submitted.

After my doll coffin I got this idea for winter time. It’s only a little over 3 inches tall and 2 ¼ inches wide. One of my very small, 1 inch, frozen charlotte dolls encased in glass and surrounded by hand cut blue stained glass. With a small strand of beads inside.

2008-11-19T12:45:00.001-08:00

Charms…
Are done and sent off to the hostesses. A couple more things I can check off my list. Here is what I made.
For Denise’s Christmas Soldered charm swap I thought I would try something different. I cut pieces of glass in the shape of a triangle, added collage piece, then taped and soldered each piece adding strips of tape to imitate garland strung on a tree. Then I took small pieces of trunk shaped glass taped and soldered those to the base of the tree. I attached a jump ring to the top. Decorated little match boxes and wrapped a charm in each.

My second swap Holiday Ornament/charm swap hosted by Allegra. I made these a bit bigger so they can be strung on a tree or added to garland. Picture holiday memories of making a snowman and ice skating that are sandwiched between pieces of glass then soldered together and a jump ring and ribbon are added to the top. I found these great boxes that the ornaments can be stored in. I decorated them in green and red colors. The mesh window on the top is great so you can see the ornament that is inside.
So on to the next item on my list.

2008-11-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

My Soldering Story

Eight years ago, the year 2000, for mother’s day I made a set of 4 coasters for my mom. Pulled out eight different photos sandwiched them between glass that I had cut to size. Purchased some copper tape to keep the sandwiched glass pieces together. That was that, I thought.

Here are two of the ones I made. As you can see the copper tape has faded and is dull.

Over the next several years I would make these for family and friends as gifts along with working on my other crafty hobbies; floral arrangements, card making, scrapbooking all those photos I kept on taking and anything else that peaked my interest.
It was not until my first Art and Soul in 2006, at Vendors night that I was just drawn to this great display of hanging soldered charms. I looked at each one on that rack. I would love to have been able to purchase every one of those great beauties. Though there was one in particular that got my attention. Here Kitty Kitty Kitty.

I currently have two cats and growing up I had this cat I used to carry around, I called Mittins.

Wondering the rest of the table, I saw the just published book by Sally Jean. Picking it up and thumbing through it, I could not put it down. With out a second thought I purchased both items.

Headed off and wondered the room stopping by Claudine Hellmuth’s booth. She was the reason I found Art and Soul. I had signed up for her Poppet Puppets class, that August, thinking this would be a great thing I could make with my nephew and niece. It is, they loved making them.
Since I was late in registering that year I was not able to take any of Sally’s classes. Though, I had her new book that I read several times from cover to cover. Then life happened again and was not able to get to doing any of the projects let alone purchase the supplies.
Believe me when registration for Art and Soul 2007 came around I was right there to sign up for Sally’s Le Divine Shrine class. Ok so I jumped right over the soldering for virgins class.
I was hooked. Though I keep working and trying different mediums it is soldering that I come back to. I have even worked on soldering different items other than glass. If copper tape will stick to it and the item wont melt I will probably solder it.

So if I had only known eight years ago about this thing called solder, oh my golly. Another tidbit I realized is that I like my jewelry to be silver not gold, in color.
Thank you for reading my story. Stay tuned for more of my continuing story.

2008-11-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

I Am Me

I remembered I had this poem when I was working on Sharon’s necklace from Laurel’s Round Robin I’m a part of. Her theme is ‘Who are you?’
Back in high school I had this wall poster with a poem from Virginia Satir titled I Am Me. The poster has since been lost but I wrote the poem down and always carry a written copy in my purse. I would like to share the poem with you.

I Am Me
In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me
Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine
Because I alone chose it - I own everything about me
My body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my
Actions whether they be to others or to myself - I own
My fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears - I own
All my triumphs and successes, all my failures and
Mistakes because I own all of me, I can become
Intimately acquainted with me - by so doing I can love
Me and be friendly with me in all my parts - I know
There are aspects that I do not know - but as long as I am
Friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and
Hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and for ways
To find out more about me - however I look and sound,
Whatever I say and do, whatever I think and feel
At a given moment in time is authentically me - If
Later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought,
And felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that
Which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something
New for that which I discarded - I can see, hear, feel,
Think, say, and do I have the tools to survive, to be
Close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and
Order out of the world of people and things outside of
Me - I own me, and therefore I can engineer me -
I am me and
I AM OKAY

Virginia Satir

So, who am I? I am me and I am an ever changing being.

2008-11-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

The rest of my weekend

Saturday evening my niece Grace came to have a sleep over at Aunt Melissa’s house. We broke out the paints and papers. Quite the talent for a 4 year old, if I do say so myself.

We read a few books then she got tucked in for the night with her light up bear she brought. That twin bed in my play room is getting some use again, besides for storing boxes on. After I finished up some things and before heading to bed, I checked in on her, sound asleep. Any time I have my nephews or nieces over for a night I seem to be a light sleeper. Thinking at any point during the night they could wake up and I need to be able to hear that. Safe to say no night mares or ghosts under the bed.

So Sunday comes and we have a nice breakfast of waffles, eggs, bacon and juice. Back to more creating.

As grace worked on more painting, I worked on my Christmas charms for the charmsters swap I’m in. Grace wanted to help so she staked the glass pieces in the shape of a flower.

Genius, did I mention that she is only 4 years old. I am here to pass on our creative gene.

We also lounged on the couch and watched a movie, had popcorn and hot coco.

I already got Grace her Christmas gift. She always likes seeing the photos that I have on my camera. So I bought her a Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera. She can take and print out pictures of her very own.

2008-11-10T13:58:00.001-08:00

Where Women Create is here

My weekend started out with snuggling up in my favorite chair and pulling out the premier issue of Where Women Create. Just looking at the cover you know that it is going to house such great inspiration and a wealth of talented ladies.
If you have not yet gotten your copy, I definitely suggest you pick one up.

2008-10-29T09:35:00.001-07:00

More Black and White

I was in a B & W charm swap back in September; I posted a pic of the charm I made here. I received the lovely group of charms back and worked on putting them on a bracelet.

Well, I loved how it all turned out that I could not resist signed up for Amber Dawn’s Black and White charm swap as well. So this is what I made for this swap.

My packaging, I ran across these great little clear boxes with a white rose on top. So adding the black tissue paper with the charm and card inside, just completed the package.

So they are all boxed up and ready to be mailed to the hostess.

Off to work on more good stuff.

2008-10-27T07:44:00.001-07:00

It is done – Her coffin

For my frozen charlotte doll. I took one of the small ones and bloodied up her arms and legs, gave a little wound on the head and chest. I drew the outline for the size of the coffin needed. Cut out the glass for each side. Added spider web black paper to the bottom piece. Taped each piece and soldered. I attached the doll to the bottom piece. Then soldered each piece together. I am thinking on stamping R.I.P. at the bottom of the coffin.

I added two jump rings to the top and instead of the usual link chain I threaded some orange ribbon through and then worked on added each Halloween charm from the charmster group swap. I tied a knot through each jump ring on the charm. So they would stay in place.

Wire wrapped the ribbon in the back so I can just slip it over my head and wear it.

Yeah. What a great time of year.

2008-10-23T12:19:00.001-07:00

Halloween will be upon us shortly

Now that Art and Soul is behind me. I have been working away at all of my Halloween charm swaps I’m in.
This first one is for Michelle Cummings Halloween/Autumn charms.

The next ones are for the charmsters group I am in. Could not decide so I made a couple different ones.

I see a pattern here. Everything soldering. Oh, so many good things you can do with it. My idea book is filling up.
I have an idea for using a small frozen charlotte doll to go with all my Halloween charms. I have mentioned it to a few people and one of the comments I got was ‘oh that’s morbid’ thanks Mic G , Michelle Geller. For those who know me it’s not like me. I just want to give the doll a proper burial, hint hint. It is Halloween time. I’m hoping to have time to work on this in the next few days. So stay tuned.

Enjoy the day everybody.

2008-10-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

Dolls Galore

Wow, those little baby dolls are popular. I only have about 22 of them left that come with the limbs.
Let me show you something I did with one. I found these butterfly wings at Michaels a few weeks ago in these great Fall colors. So I made a doll butterfly and attached it to my collage piece. The doll was just the right size for those wings, ok so maybe they are big but it works for me. The words ‘Awaken your inner child’ seemed to go with the flying doll.
More fun dolls. I won this small lot of dolls with bonnets/hats. They all have legs except for that one that lost its foot. The size is between 2” and 2 ½”. The arm area has predrilled holes. I have a few I can sell. If interested email me, mmerrill_20@hotmail.com.
I have another lot I won that has these tiny little frozen charlotte dolls. They remind me of those Polly pocket dolls for kids. These are all about 1 inch tall.

So if you are interested in any of these great dolls, email me mmerrill_20@hotmail.com

More great finds to come.

2008-10-15T12:36:00.001-07:00

A couple more goodies came and other stuff

Though they might not know it but when the frozen charlotte dolls and such are packaged in news paper, German newspaper, it will make for a great background on collages, Extra bonus. Oh my golly do I have a bunch of it.

My other great buy were these vintage ledgers. The one on the left is a huge three ring binder type.

Great text and pages in each of them.

I also wanted to share this with you. While heading over to the Sheraton for yet another class at Art and Soul this was my view at the stop light. Those rainy days in Portland can get dreary but you get great rainbows like this one.
Ok, so taking pictures while at the wheel of a car isn’t really safe, though I was not moving at the time. Hence the clear photo of the rainbow. Some times you just can’t pass up a photo opportunity.

Spend time doing something you enjoy. :)

2008-10-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

While Art and Soul went on,

the mail brought some great goodies. They arrived last Tuesday or the notice that they arrived came. I had to go to the post office and sign for them. Oh the joy and anticipation.

I had purchased some German dolls and doll heads. I’m sure you have heard, there are several people over in Germany on these digging expeditions at these old doll factories that went up in ruins. The German dolls I won are the bisque dolls that have the drilled holes on the side were the arms and legs would go. All of them have great facial detail, cute little baby dolls. I had contacted the seller and asked him to tell me more about the dolls he finds. He heads to Thuringia once a month on his digging expeditions at the old doll factories for about 8 - 10 days. He comes away with all sorts of different doll treasures.

This bunch isn’t like the frozen charlotte dolls you usually see. These are small doll bodies that if they had their arms and legs they would move. While in my communications with the seller he brought up the arms and legs that go with these dolls and said he would include some for the dolls.
So to my surprise there was this stash of 60 pairs of arms and legs included. So generous and I am thankful for his generosity. Oh such great finds. Dainty little arms and legs.
Can you imagine going on digging expeditions and uncovering these tiny little treasures?

When put together this cute little doll comes alive at just over 2 inches tall.

My other goodie was these frozen charlotte doll heads. The smaller sized heads are solid and don’t have a hollow head which is easier to drill the hole at the top.

These would be great to do something with for Halloween. The decapitated doll heads, they are going to roll. They range in size from 1 inch up to 3 inches.
If you are interested in either of these dolls, send me an email: mmerrill_20@hotmail.com

take care, until next time.

M^3

2008-10-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

Art and Soul – Part 2

On to the paper and painting.

I took the Thursday night class from Tracie Lyn Huskamp and Marylin Huskamp - Yummy Fused Paper. All I have to say is I now have a new use for all those small scraps of paper, fabric, ribbon and such that I just can’t seem to let go of. For all of you out there Steam a Seam 2 is now the answer, that and an iron. I added a cut up post card to make it a little collage.

My Sunday class was one that I added to my selection back in August. Riding the Paper Trail, taught by Deb Trotter, gave me a new outlook on tissue paper. Again something I always have excess of. We got to work on two pieces.
The first one was just free flow with layering tissue paper and then placing the images and final touches of the piece.
The second piece we used different kinds of handmade papers. Though before placing them down we worked on the layout and placement of all our pieces.
My Monday class I was able to buy from Shari French, who had to cut her trip short to fly to her little sisters Wedding. Bedazzled butterfly box with Stephanie Rubiano
Mine is a little different than how other people did theirs. My photo is not of a little girl in a dress. It is of me at the age of 8 in my ballerina outfit. The full photo showed me posing for my mom as I was twirling around our living room.

I went and scrambled through the on site store to find something for the photo to stand on. It all fell into place when I found these great little letter cubes. I had some extra frozen charlotte dolls so I came up with the words ‘let them dance’. These little dolls are good for all sorts of stuff.

Though I did see fellow charmster, Christine Hendry and her mom, use pictures of their cute kitty cats. Great idea.

Still more to come.

2008-10-09T12:56:00.001-07:00

Art and Soul Whirlwind – Part 1

Wow, with a week long schedule of classes I am grateful that I had not gotten sick before, during or after the event. I was able to enjoy every minute of the inspiration and creativity flowing at every turn.
So for my first class I took Beverly Gilberts ‘Beads on Metal’. I’ve worked with metal and beads before but not together in this way. I made a pendant.

Then used a couple of the techniques I learned in Nina’s class to create a necklace for it.

So on the back I stamped in the saying ‘we don’t make mistakes, we just have learnings.’ Which just fit especially during this week of classes.

The wire wrapped ribbon and stringing beads that make up the necklace were techniques I learned in Nina’s class.
I am working on a pair of earrings to go with my pendant necklace, though not quite finished.

Days 2 and 3 I took Nina’s Step into the Story class. Oh my, loads of techniques she showed us. Great group of ladies, several of my charmster buddies and I also got to meet the lovely Cindy Dean. At these retreats it is great when you get to meet the people behind their blogs you read.
So back to my creation. With all the techniques I learned I went ahead and put several of them into my piece.

The Nina knot is all along the necklace, with a couple of bezels, a cocoon bead, honeysuckle bead, the pussy willow wrap, a few dangly pearls from my grandmas.

Then the focal piece I changed out the original bezel with this stamped copper piece I did which reads Live Your Best and then the key hanging from it is stamped with the word Life, from my Tim Holtz collection. So the words read ‘Live Your Best Life’.

More to come.

2008-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Charm Time

Here are a few of the charm swaps I completed over this last month. All of them are with a great bunch of ladies in the Charmster group.

The first is a great theme – The Alphabet hosted by Lori. I hurried up and snagged the letter “M”. Could it be because all my three initials in my name are M. My letter M is for Map. I used Plexiglas and my dremel tool to make the shape of the charm. Used Diamond Glaze to glue the map pieces down. The backs have stickles in yellow around the perimeter and the saying is “M is for Map to help plot your course”. The little M charm attached is a stamp I stamped on poly shrink that I cut out and shrunk then punched a hole in the top, attached everything with a jump ring. With 26 letters, this swap would make for a great necklace.
The second swap is also a great one, since I got to work with my sheet metal. Theme is Heavy Metal hosted by Suzanne. Any thing went as long as we used sheet metal in the charm. So after some heavy thinking I made up these. A sheet metal flower with a green bead for a stem. Is that what it looks like?
Ok so the swap that I just finished up with is the Black and White swap hosted by Laurel. I went back to my soldering for this one. I pulled out some black and white paper and had the perfect stamp to use, a clock. With Art and Soul a few weeks away time is on my mind in order to get everything done that I want to before it gets here. Anyway, I stamped the clock in black on the white paper and in white on the black paper then soldered the two pieces together using my scalloped copper tape that I cut. Decorative scissors do wonders to some bland tape.
So know I am patiently awaiting the return of all the swapped charms. It will be like Christmas when then arrive in my mail box.

2008-09-03T10:55:00.001-07:00

Round Robin Time

August was a very crazy busy month. Were did it go. Well here is where some of the time went. I am in a round robin with my Charmsters group. There are 10 of us who each decided on a theme for their necklace or bracelet. My theme I went with is “Togetherness”. I decided on a necklace. The first mailing was scheduled to go out yesterday. So Jade my creation is on its way to you.
The first picture is of the whole necklace that I created. It doesn't have a closure in the back. Wasn't sure waht I wanted to do with that. Though I think it is long enough to put on over my head. So it doesn't have to be able to open in the back.
Here is a close up of the focal piece. Kind of a blurry photo.

Now that I had my necklace all thought out and worked on, I was not sure how I wanted to package it. I could not find a necklace box that I liked. So what did I do created my own. Using chip board, PVA glue and reinker inks. Soldered all the pieces together added a couple hinges, some stampings and a closure piece.

Ok so you may think I was done, but as my necklace goes on its journey I want to read all about it when it comes home. So I made up a quick little journal I included on the inside lid for my fellow collaborators to add to it. Nothing big just what ever they want to add: materials they used to make their piece(s), how they came up with their creation for the piece, what comes to mind when they think of togetherness, or what ever. Totally up to them.

During the month of August I was also very busy working on a few charm swaps along with a major front yard overhaul, still finishing up. Though these items will have to wait for another day, to get into.
So until then, keep creating.

Melissa :)

2008-08-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Project 8 - Metal Bracelet

There was a lot of hammering and drilling involved with this one. Though for Deryn’s summer Jewelry challenge it is worth it, because look what I got out of this project.
Such a great mixture of metal. The center piece of the bracelet is not quite finished yet. I created a bezel. I’m not sure how I want to finish it off or leave it as is. I have a few ideas: stamp a short word into the solder, fill the bezel with plaster and create a design then seal it or create a collage for the bottom and fill with resin. I may just have to make a couple more so I can have one of each.

I am having so much fun with these projects. It is sparking new ideas and other projects.

Well, keep plugging away.

2008-07-31T14:35:00.001-07:00

Project 7 – Woven pendant and other charms

Well, I veered away from what was in the book on this one. I hammered out the star in the middle, then I punched out the circles around the perimeter thinking I would weave copper mesh through the wholes going around the outside of the star. Well trying to weave the mesh wasn’t working so well. So I improvised and just secured the copper mesh between the two pieces, so the mesh would show through the circles. I then used small 1/16” brads to secure the whole thing together and added a pin bail on the back. So I can wear it as a pin or add a chain and wear it as a necklace.
The photo that was added in the star is just a random photo I picked.

In my spare time, who needs to sleep. I also worked on making 12 of these charms for Amber Dawn’s Think Pink Charm Exchange. I went back to my soldering for this one.

Then packaged each one up in this envelope tied with pink ribbon.

Moving on to the next project in the book.

2008-07-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mixed Metal Earrings for the Summer Jewelry Challenge.

Using the different metals I have, I came up with these earrings. Again it took some time since they are earrings and they have to be even, at least for me. So I would work on one and then while working on the second I would hold it up at different points to make sure they remained even.
The brads I used to hold the pieces together are little stars that I hammered flat.

This is starting to be quite the collection of jewelry I am making.

Working my way through more projects.

2008-07-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

Project 5 – Pod Necklace

This project called for using 26 gauge sheet metal. I used 24 gauge sheet metal, which I had on hand, it is thicker and took a little longer to manipulate and bend. It turned out Ok. Again I went with Copper in copper.

When I put in my next order of sheet metal, I will be getting some 26 gauge. This was a fun project and would like to do more of them, of course trying it with the 26 gauge.

On to the next project.

2008-07-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

Project 4 – Layers Necklace

I had fun doing this project from Deryn's jewelry challenge. I already have ideas to do smaller charm size pieces for this sheet metal charm swap I’m in.

I used copper as the base and added a layer of silver with a little texture and heat patina. Pulled out my array of eyelets that I have. Added the sun at the top and a star at the bottom to hook my dangling beads from. I drew a bead on the wire to make a head pin to hold the beads.

I did find out one thing while working on this piece. My crop-a-dile tool (hand punch) is able to punch through a sheet of metal. Then I used it to set my eyelets.

Gotta get working on more of the projects so I can continue to share them with you.

2008-07-16T12:00:00.001-07:00

Things to share

I’ve been a busy bee. First I want to share with you a bezel I made for Stephanie Lee’s birthday. Back in May I was lucky enough to take a couple classes with her. In the conversations she mentioned her birth date and that she likes the number 7. So I made this 7 bezel then stamped the number 7 all over the inside. I used my handy dandy bench grinder to smooth the edges.

Sent off my charms for the Summer time bird swap I am in with my group the Charmsters. I used some photos I took of Eagles when I was on my trip in Alaska. Used up some of my glass bubble stash. If you love making charms of any sort. This group is accepting new members by invite, so leave me a comment and a link to your blog and I will contact you. The group is growing fast, we are now at 90+ members up from 75.

I also spent some time using resin. Making a slue of these molded creations with sea shells and beads. They will become charms, key chains and other items to trade at Art and Soul this October. 11 weeks and counting.

One last photo. Last night this was the view from my front yard. The moon shining bright as clouds pass over it.

Until next time, enjoy creating.

2008-07-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Project 3 of Deryn’s challenge

So this one I did a couple different ones. My first one I liked So so. When I finished with the second one I liked it more. Though I love these techniques and will be working on more like these in the future.

I used Brass sheet metal and wire. With a mixture of different beads on each.

With the second one the sheet metal was a thinner piece so I was able to use some decorative scissors for the bottom edge.

I also was able to complete project 4, but more on that later.

thanks for visiting.

2008-07-09T14:46:00.001-07:00

Something different

Visited my local Tap Plastics store a week or so ago to pick up some acrylic rods for a project out of Sally Jeans “Pretty Little Things” book. I was in here earlier this year and picked up my resin and acrylic tubes for some charm and pendant ideas for Art and Soul trades. I wondered around the store, of course in any store there is always that light bulb that goes off when I am looking around. So I came away with some acrylic sheets as well. I had some time to work on a couple of creations.

The first is some earrings with wire and beads.

The second took a little more time. Only because I put the wire through the button holes and secured before I added the spacers and wire at the corners. So I had to undo what I did. Learn as you go.

I am starting to like working with Plexiglas. It is a great medium to work with. There is so much that can be done with it. I have only scratched the surface.

Still working on the project from Sally's book. Something to go with my Tiara.

Enjoy, let me know what you think.

2008-07-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

Project 2 from Deryn’s challenge

With this Project I wanted the folding to be precise. Since it was earrings I was making, there are two of them. I didn’t want them to be lopsided when I wear them. The drawing a bead is fun. Though I found out that if you are trying for a larger bead be careful as the heated piece may just fall off, then you’d be back to square one. Only with a shorter piece of wire. It takes some practice.
So this is what I came up with for the Peek a Boo Wrapped Earrings. Working with what I had on hand, copper pieces, I put these together.

For some reason I like the look of Green with Copper. So I put these beads dangling inside. There is a little twist in the bead that gives it a little something.

On to the next project.

2008-07-07T09:54:00.001-07:00

Time for Project 1

So know that I am all caught up with my swaps and other tasks. I got to do a lot of playing, creating, this holiday weekend. It’s amazing what a difference that extra day makes.
I have wanted to participate and get started on the jewelry challenge that Deryn Medtock is having this summer. It is taking the projects/techniques from Mary Hettmansperger’s new book Wrap, Stitch, Fold and Rivit and making them your own.
So over this weekend I was able to work on the first project “Stacked Spinner Necklace”. This is what I created using most of the techniques.

Front View

Side View
Keep watching for more projects.

2008-07-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hand Made Greeting Cards

I’m sure everyone out there who heads to those greeting card isles at the stores have noticed the high cost of a single card

I noticed that my stash of cards is running low, so I planed on blocking out some time to work on making more to have on hand. I then ran across Heather Simpson-Bluhm’s blog and she is having a Summer Greeting card swap. How Great is that, such prefect timing. So if you too are into making your own handmade cards head on over to her blog and read more about the swap.

For the past several years my friend Leah and I get together and work on making our Holiday cards. We start in October usually since with the holiday cards we have a large number to send out at one time. Though it also is taking the time to come up with the layout of your card. Putting too much thought into it really strains the brain sometimes.

Here are some random cards I have made in the past.

I was in my using rubber stamps phase.

I have also decorated this lunch box size tin, using Alcohol Inks, which will house my cards just nicely.
happy Creating to everyone.

2008-07-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

I’ve Been Memoirily Tagged

By my friend Laurel

Here are the rules:

1. Write the title to your own memoir using 6 words.
2. Post it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who tagged you.

4. Tag 5 more blogs.

Ok, so here goes. My 6 words are “I want so much of Life”. If there were only more hours in a day or more days in a week. So much I want to do and so little time to get to do it.
Now, who to tag….Michelle C, Alison, Cindy, Cheryl and Michelle G.

A couple none related photos to share. Look what happens when I do nothing to this rose bush in my front yard. Though a few years ago I did cut them way back to the ground. They just keep coming back.

Our hot weather, we hit 100 degrees, this past weekend is behind us. We are now suppose to have highs in the low 80's this week. Managable temperatures.

2008-06-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Pendant

Ok, now that I’ve gotten word that Alison has received her goodie bag. I can share with you this piece that I made.

It just spoke or sang to me. The words across the top bubbles, if you aren’t able to read them, say “Let the Music Move You”. I created the musical notes to dangle from the bottom.
Over the past several months in the different workshops I have taken I noticed that we had music playing in the back ground. Like I have going at my home when I am creating. I think that is a piece that is missing when we take these classes with larger student count.

So, to everyone out there I say ‘Let the Music Move You’.

2008-06-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

How/where do Creative thoughts and Ideas come to you?

I don’t know about you but mine seem to come a lot when I am lying in bed trying to fall asleep. Also when I am in the bathroom, taking a shower, getting ready for work, going to the bathroom. I notice, that little light bulb go on in my head.
So why am I talking about this. Well a couple days ago, when I was taking a shower, my mind was bouncing around the ideas people left for me regarding my paper dolls. As I said before with 22 dolls what would be a great way to display them. What came to mind was a combo of ideas. First I will need to find an open frame. My idea is to have several of the dolls collaged with in this frame and then have the others strung hand in hand heading in a line into the frame. Like it is a bunch of friends getting together. So with this idea it could not go on just any wall. It needs to be a focal piece. So later on it came to me as I was coming in the front door of my house. Bam. Why not the main wall in my living room. Though that would mean I need to move my collage of leaves.

Nothing like adding more projects to an already long list. Though you can see there are some partial projects still in the works across the top of the wall. So I think that is what will be going on this wall, in time. I will be keeping my eye out for just the right open frame for my paper dolls.

Just thought I'd share.

2008-06-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Where do the weekends go?

My birthday was a great one. Though I still don’t feel any older. A few photos to share. I tell my family members not to get me anything. I have no room for more stuff. Though there are always those that do it anyway. My mother started asking me back in April what I wanted. I would tell her, nothing, I don’t know and on and on. Until last week she asked me again and I finally told her, ok then get me a tackle box that has the pull out tiered compartments.
So this is what I got. I love it. Thank you Mom, Dad and Devin for picking it out.

And this is what I put in it already.

Had a birthday dinner at my brother’s house. He is quite the chef. Though it was the cake that he and my niece made that was the topper. She was so excited to tell me about it and show me. So here I am with the lovely cake.

Then they send me home with this hanging plant.

It’s up by my front door, so hopefully it will survive my not so green thumb. Hasn’t my family learned from the incident in high school.

There was a bonus attraction that night. The neighbors had family over as well. And brought along their Tiger. A baby tiger, 10 weeks old, was out in the yard (on a leash). We went over, I then asked if I could pet him. Sure just watch out for your legs, he likes to grab the legs. So of course my legs stayed away.

On to the drawing. I pulled a name from my bowl yesterday. Sorry for not posting at that time. Like I say up top, where do the weekends go?
The name drawn is – Alison Gibbs.

I want to thank everyone for the great ideas for my dolls. With 22 of them I may do a couple different things.

WooHoo another year older.

2008-06-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Unveiling My Totally Tiara - Imagination

Well, I don’t know if it is bad or good but, it’s Friday the 13th. The only one for this year. So I hope everything goes well for everybody today, no mishaps.
I do have one more thing to share from the workshop last weekend. But first, when I signed up for this class back in the beginning of January, in the comments area I put I was taking this workshop as a present to myself, as my birthday was the following weekend. Ok, so last Sunday when Brad came to the studio their daughter, Erika, came as well carrying a box of cupcakes from Saint Cupcake. Sally said it was in celebration of my birthday and all birthdays. I was floored and touched that she would remember I put that in my comments about my birthday. So we sang the happy birthday song and enjoyed the cup cakes.

Alright, so onto the Totally Tiara. I just have to say I loved making mine and am already thinking on ideas for my next one.

Wearing of the Tiara!

The Front View, I added beads to the small glass vials and soldered them to the bubbles for a little something different.

The Right side, I used a couple of tokens from Tim Holtz

The Left side, another token from Tim Holtz

The Back. I added the numbers for the year. And dangled a few of those letter charms I got from my local Joann store that were on clearance for 0.25 cents each.

So this is the top view, I don't know why I took this but it does show how big my head is, wow.

Ok, so when my tiara is not being worn it has a proper place on this pedestal atop my cabinet in my studio.

So that is my Tiara. I hope it was worth the wait. I know it was for me.

Though don't forget I still have my giveaway going on through Saturday, see here, for a chance to win a goodie bag.

Ciao for now.

2008-06-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Animal friends at the Studio

During the two day workshop we had some two and four legged friends visit us. Of course the lovely Lucy watched over us as we were working away.

Both days Joseph, the studio bird, came to visit. He enjoys eating the peanuts off the plate through the open window. He has been coming around ever since Sally moved into this studio. So she puts peanuts out for him to enjoy. He would just sit there and eat some peanuts and then fly away.
Sunday Brad brought in his dog Indie, a gorgeous chocolate lab. Though on his papers it states he is silver. Sally told us the story about when Indie came to live with them. Indie got his name from the state that he came from, Indiana. Indie was a father’s day present for Brad last year. So he is still a puppy full of energy, though Brad has been training and working with him. Well behaved dog. I asked Brad if I could take a picture. So as you can see when Brad gave him the sign to lay down, Indie stayed put.

On another note, don't you just love those wooden floors in Sally's studio.

Friday is coming and I am working away at completing my Tiara.

So back to work I go.

2008-06-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Continued

What goes hand in hand with a Sally Jean work shop, lunch at the Paragon. So here we are heading to lunch.

When we got to the special Brad and Sally room we had these wanting for us on the table. The famous Rosemary Fries. Oh the Yummiest.

As we sit down and dish out the fries, Brad tells us that they go really good with the mixture of ketchup and horseradish aioli for dipping. He was right.
On Saturday while we were there waiting for our food to come we saw this coming down the street.

Horses with roses strapped to the back of their saddles.

Of course last weekend was our local Rose Festival parade and events.

Tomorrow, the studio pets.

2008-06-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Need some Ideas, chance to win a goodie bag.

I received my paper dolls in the mail, WooHoo, from Tammie Moore’s Spring time swap. How cute are they.

So there are a total of 22 dolls ranging in height from 8” to 11”. I have wall space and shelf space, but I’m not sure how I want to display them. So that is were you come in. Leave me your comments on ideas about how you would display them. Then the morning after my birthday bash, Sunday morning, I will draw the name of the lucky winner of this goodie bag (not filled yet). The quarter next to it gives you an idea of the bag size.

I am still finishing up on my Totally Tiara. With a two day class and 11 fabulous ladies (and Brad) we socialized alot during the class so not all of us completed our Tiaras. Guilty.
Though here is a little peak.

Oh, wait I got farther than that, let's try this one.

The finished Tiara will be displayed on Friday. My deadline to get it done so I can wear it at work.

Look forward to hearing all the great ideas you come up with for my dolls.

2008-06-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go.

With the weather here in the Northwest still feeling like early spring, those highs trying to reach 60 degrees. All the rain still coming down. It doesn't feel like it should be June already. But it is and half the year is going to be over before you know it. It may be because I have been waiting for June to come for a couple reasons. First, it was back in January that I signed up for Sally Jean’s 2-day Totally Tiara workshop that happens this weekend. Yippy!!! I have her book and have tried some of the projects though the tiara was a big one and haven’t tried it. So why not create and learn more from the artist herself. Should be a blast. We even get to head over to the Paragon restaurant for lunch. Yummy.
Second, there is a big event that happens on Flag day each year. I know most people probably don’t think it is a big event, that their birthday comes each year. But I try and do something for myself. That is why I splurged on the Sally Jean workshop. It falls close enough to my birthday. If people aren’t aware Flag day falls on the 14th. So I thought in celebration of my birthday I would giveaway a good bag. So stay tuned, more to come about that. Something different than my monthly RAK.
One last thing to leave you with. I have been working on these ATCs over the past month or so. Here is a peak at a few of them. Of course using the lovely Ranger products.
These I used the paint dabbers and embossing ink and power and rubber stamps.
For these the Alcohol inks were used and rubber stamps.
So with all the swaps and trades I have been doing. I had to order more Moo cards. Here is the photo that I used. Next time around I will update the photo to add more of my newer creations.

More to come.

2008-06-01T21:25:00.001-07:00

Charm Swaps and more

So along with taking Stephanie Lee’s classes I have been working on my charms for a couple of the swaps that I am in and hosting. So the first one has a theme of game pieces. I have several odds and ends pieces that I could have gone with. Though I went with the Monopoly pieces. The houses and hotels. This is what I came up with.

The other on is through my Charmsters group and the theme for this one is Grunge. So I scrounged up some old keys and those wooden measuring sticks. Took some wire and wrapped them all together.
So what do ya think? Leave me a comment and let me know.

So on Friday I was heading out to my parents house and had to stop by the Harbor Freight store to get me some metal stamping letter sets that were used in Stephanie’s class. On the shelf above those was this great Doming block and punch set. Could not pass it up. For a 25 piece set I’ve seen priced at $85 - $90 dollors. Way out priced for me. This one was even on sale for $24.99. I could use it as a paper weight, it is that heavy. Just kidding. It has a nice spot on one of my shelves.

This last week I have been doing some thinking about my artistic creations. I have that full time other job, it pays for all the bills and me being able to do all my creating that I do. Though with that I do want to take myself more serious as an artist. I’m not just getting all these supplies and tools just because. I would like to work into selling my creations. I have a room designated for these supplies and tools that I have called my Hobby/Craft room up until know. This is what I have know put above my door way to this room.

Pretty good find. I was at Joann’s last week and came across these alphabet charms, in the clearance bins up front. It showed they are used on purses. Yeah right. I went through all the bins to try and get each letter of the alphabet. I came away with all but three of the letters. Not bad. Only .25 cents each. What will I do with them. Any and all ideas are welcome.

So as I am letting my creativity flow. One of my sweet kitty cats, Tiger, has a nice nap. Isn't that the cutest face.

Off to sleep I go. Sweet Dreams to everybody.

2008-05-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Still Lots going on and a Winner!

I know it’s already Friday. Were does the time go, I’ve been bad about blogging, the lack of it. So about last weekend I have to say it was Great. Thank goodness for that extra day off. I headed out to Diane’s studio in Clackamas OR for Stephanie Lee’s Chain Gang class on Saturday. Loved it! Loved it! This lady is just an Awesome person and artist. Learned so many new techniques. I have been doing soldering for several months now, with a soldering iron, but today I got to play with a micro torch for the first time.

Now I have added that to my list of tools I Need. Along with the Metal Bench Grinder. Makes short work of grinding the bezels I made. Found another use for Paster of Paris.

So as the day wound down the group headed back out to the round Cedar house in Diane’s back yard. As it came to my turn to do my wish and intention. I said that I intend to finish my bezel creation, still working on that intention,

and my wish was that I would have been able to get into the class on Sunday but it was full. WELL, as the group was heading back into the house Diane mentioned that she had a cancellation and the person on the waiting list has not gotten back to her. Would I want the spot. I jumped at the opportunity. So this is were I’m thankful for that extra day off.

The weather we had that evening, on Saturday, was just like a great Midwest storm, thunder and lightning. Living back in the Midwest as a kid, I loved those storms. It may be kind of odd but I would go outside and sit on the patio and just let the storm rumble through me, figuratively. So that is what I did Saturday night. Went out on my back deck and soaked it all in, literally it was raining along with the thunder and lightning. Though my cats aren’t too fond of the storms. They go and hide under the covers in the bedroom.

Ok so back to the classes. Sunday was the Junk Drawer metalsmithing class.Ok, first on a side note these classes I took were smaller class sizes, 9 students, than those art retreats of up to 26 students. Much more personable. Everyone got to interact with each other. Great group of ladies. In this class I learned a couple more techniques. I have to say I learned a new way to use ALL of my rubber stamps and StazOn ink pads that I have, on metal.

Use of Metal Alpha stamps on solder. Another tool item for my list. Made more bezels.

Alright, thank you for reading through my ramblings. I would like to thank all of you who visited my sight and left comments.
I have pulled the lucky winner out of my hat, ok so it was a bowl.

The winner is - Becca

Hope everyone has a Smashing Day.

P.S. It was not until Tuesday after work that I got my lawn mowed and yard work done.

2008-05-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Goodies and Giveaway

I have more memory. Not for my brain but for my camera. Got time to delete several photos, so that I could add more to it.
Here are some of the mail goodies I received while I was gone. The great tag kits from Michelle’s swap.

My song quote chunky book. Already has a spot on my shelf.
So here is the stack of trades I got from: Mindy, Hitomi, Jan R, Gloria A, Linda H, Jacki K, Nancy Lynn, Julie A, Ruth A, Judy H, Kathy L, Marvadell Z, Michelle R, Andrea F, Debbie W, Bridget L, Susie G, DJ, Kathy E, Janie S, Angie M, Debi B, Stephanie, Margo and any one I may have missed Thank you for trading with me. I enjoyed the whole experience.

Coming up is a three day weekend. Got to love those holidays. I need it. Heehee. The short work week is good. The evenings I've spent doing laundry, working on keeping up with my swaps and making up for time spent away from my two kitty cats, Jasper and Tiger.
Though I’m sure my new friend Charlene from Chicago will need even more time, she has 9 cats to give extra attention to since she was away. We had got to talking while on the cruise and she told me that there are not many people who get her when she tells them she has 9 cats. I totally did. We connected shared stories and pictures. Her and her husband own a couple bead stores in Chicago, Briolette Beads and more and Caravan beads. They have been going strong for 13 years.
So that extra day this weekend I will spend mowing my lawn and pulling weeds. Hope the weather holds out. Though I do get to have a fun day on Saturday taking a Stephanie Lee class at innerstandings.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday weekend.

On my trip while we were in Skagway I was suppose to have an excursion to do some flight seeing and Dog sledding. Though with the weather the way it was, pretty much cloudy with rain, snow and showers all day and the low hanging fog. It was cancelled. Very disappointed, so looking forward to that. Since I did not get to see the doggies at the camp I went into town and brought one home with me. I named her Cruiser.

So on to my giveaway. I have this lovely 8 x 8 album kit.

How can you win ~
Post a comment here.
Make sure that I am able to reach you via an active blog or email address.
Starts today and ends May 29th.

Lucky winner will be drawn the morning of May 30th.

Here is another picture of just on pile of my scrap booking stash that I still need to go through and organize.

Thank you for visiting my little corner of the blogging world.

Melissa :)

2008-05-21T13:12:00.001-07:00

Happenings while I was gone.

Of course the mail keeps coming and amongst the stack of everything, catalogs, a couple bills, and junk mail, there was some good stuff. I am currently hosting a couple swaps so I received some packages from participants – Keep those coming.
I received a package from Michelle Cummings who hosted the tag kit swap. I had sent mine off the week before I left for vacation. Great turn around time. Here is the picture of all my tag kits. Such goodness in each.
needing to empty at least one of my memory cards before I can take any more photos. That tells you about how many photos I took on my vacation.

I also received the Song Quote chunky book from the swap I was in on the BookArtz group. Great to see all the different songs everyone picked. Also photo to follow.

While on the cruise there were the informal trades going on. Luckily I heard about them in time to create some ATCs and charms to trade. I was happy to trade with who ever.

Got to bring home this little suit case. Read on and find out what was in side.

On to more pics from the cruise. Some of my class projects and others of the cruise. Enjoy!

The first project was this fat book. We made using Tims Grunge board for the covers. Inside are the new papers from Heidi Swapps line. I think it is called Travel.

Below is the lovely tin that all the embellishments came in. the book fits so nicely. I have not done any filling of my pages yet. Though I am sure what goes in it will be from my Alaska cruise.

Tim's new Idea-ology line. We got to work with and make some charms or necklace pieces. What ever we wanted, it was pretty much free time to create with these pieces.

All the fun stuff to create with and the cute bag it came in.

Ok, can you say loving Grunge board. this project we took a plane out wood framed mirror and added strips of grunge board to it. After we used the paint daubers on the grunge board and distressed it with sand paper and other tools.

Picture frame. We used the fragments and glued them to pictures that Tim printed out relating to our cruise to Alaska. then trimmed around the fragments and glued them all over the frame. Not sure what picture from my cruise I will be putting in it. I have alot to choose from.

Tim surprised us with having a rubber stamp created just for this cruise. So the stamp fits just so nicely in the little suit case. He told us after they were made he had the plates returned to him so no more could be made.

Some of the goodies I bought at the on board Emporium store.

Ok, so while on the cruise these are some things that I ran into.

Big Waves. Definetly found out that my porthole window IS leak proof.

NCL takes Free style cruising to a new level. The Deck 14 level.

What a piece of Glacial ice looks like up close.

Some great chocolate covered Strawberries delivered to our rooms from Jim at Scrapmap.

And New friends. We found the lifestyle room on board for us to go and create while not in class. Gloria, Lisa, Earlene, Nancy, Astrid and Debbie W. Creating away.

A shout out to my new bud Gloria, the lady on the far left, it is her Birthday today.

So if you have gotten this far Congratulations. You get to hear about the give away I will be doing tomorrow. So come back and read even more.

Tah tah for now.

Melissa

2008-05-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm Back and Important News

Ok, with all the hundreds of photos and hours of video I took over the course of my vacation. I did put some out on my flickr site.

To more pressing matters.
There are two bills that are coming up in the House and Senate that will change copyright as we know it.They were shot down once before because of action against it --- but now they are back as bill numbers H.R. 5889 The Orphan Works Act of 2008 and S 2913 The Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008
If you or someone you know post any family photos or any photos online. You need to go to this website arts and crafts law to find out more information. Then go here and send in this letter if you want to protect your rights. I ran across this on Claudine Hellmuth’s blog. Thought I would pass on the information.

This is text from the Illustrator Partnership web site:
Due to the lack of publicity about this bill, the most innocent victims of this plunder – those who put images online - are still completely unaware of it. Who am I talking about? Average American families who have enjoyed the internet as a way to share the happiest, and even saddest, moments of their lives with their friends and family across the country, and even around the world, through the wonders of technology. Google has already said they plan to use these orphan works in the millions. Why should companies like this be allowed to harvest our property from private web pages, blog sites, share sites and the like?

Here are just a couple photos from my vacation. Many more to come.

Me with Tim at the Welcome Reception.

Can you tell, it's me with Glacier Bay in the back ground.

Thanks for stopping by.

Melissa

2008-04-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

The winner is and more creations

First I want to Thank everyone who stopped by. And to let you know that this will not be the last RAK that I will be doing. This will probably become a monthly drawing that I do for different scrap booking and other supplies or creations I make, so check back often.
With that said I put all 44 names in tin box, shook it up and the winner of the Xyron Personal cutting system is Mariah.

So Mariah please email me at mmerrill_20@hotmail.com with you address so I can send off your new tool.
With such a large number of comments I just had to draw another name to give away a stash of scrapbooking supplies ( paper, embellishments and a few other surprises).
That winner is Kimmie.
So like Mariah email your address to me at the above email and I will get your scrapbooking stash in the mail to you.

I wish I could give away more at this time. Though I haven’t had time to organize the rest of my stash. So more to come next month.

As you may have read I am going on the Tim Holtz Alaska Cruise. Which is only in 15 days! It seems like it has been forever, since I signed up for this cruise last June. 200 of us will be taking 5 workshops with Tim over the course of the cruise. When I return I will most definitely share everything.

I got some goodies in my mail box over this last week.
Those Blue Violet color wheels that I showed you in the last post, I participated in with my BookArtz group, have found there way back home to me in the form of a great completed color wheel. Now proudly displayed on one of my many shelves in my home.

I was so lucky to be able to participate, at the last minute, in the “By the Sea” charm swap with my group Charmsters. I mailed them off to the hostess Denise Thursday the 17th and received the great creations of my fellow charmsters back on Wednesday.
So last night I was able to create a great bracelet with all of them.

I was finally able to get my Spring Time Paper dolls off in the mail to Tammie for the swap she is doing. Being from Oregon I thought it would be appropriate to include an umbrella in my creation.

One last thing to share. Pages from the Round Robin I am in. The theme for Rena’s book is Hope.
I like glitter just not the mess it makes when I use it. So when I came across Stickles from Ranger Ink I fell back in love with Glitter. So I do tend to use it on a lot of my projects and this is one of them.

If you are not able to read the quote that is on the right page it says: "If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a Dream." By Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Creating,

Melissa

2008-04-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Random rambling and Stash it forward

Ok, since I know I can only keep so much in my brain, and those sticky notes get lost everywhere. I started an idea journal, Looong Overdue. I combined all my sticky notes along with the ideas in my brain. Wow, that leaves a lot of room up there for more creativity.
I did some creating over the weekend and came up with some things that I like and other items I need to tweak still. Some of them are for trades at Art and Soul in October. though I am heading out on the Artistic Journey to Alaska with Tim Holtz in less than a month. SO Excited. So I am working on making a bunch of trades for my fellow artists. What do ya think.

My blogging buddy Michelle (aka FaerieDustDreams) is doing a RAK (random act of kindness) drawing through Friday, April 18th. So hop on over and visit her.

I was over visiting my friend Michelle’s (aka Hold Dear) blog. Wow lots of ‘M’ names going on. Any way she Inspired me to do my own “Stash it Forward”. I have gone through my studio room and found some great scrapbooking items to stash forward. So this time around I have a great Xyron tool that I will be stashing it forward to someone. So if you don’t have much of a budget for tools or know someone, please leave me a comment and on April 25th I’ll randomly draw a name.
I have plenty of supplies and tools so watch for more RAKs to come. It is good to do a bit of Spring cleaning.

To go with all my trades I am making, I went out and ordered some more Moo cards. After I receive them I will post the picture I used.

On my last post I showed pics of my green pages I finished for a chunky book swap I was in. I now have it put together, used my great zutter bind it all tool, and here is the finished product.

I sent off my creations for the Color Wheel swap I am in. You had to use recycled materials or items you already had. So with the color blue violet I had a good stash. Not a color I use often. This is what I came up with.

I had lunch with my friend Michelle on Monday. We are in Elise's round robin together. She passed on Rena's book to me, I am after her on the rotation list. I thought I would share a peek at the pages I finished for Deborah's book, theme Something retro, something new, something vintage, something blue.

Always more to come. Hope you enjoyed visiting and good luck.

2008-03-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

I’m Charmed and other happenings

Busy weekend. I came home from work on Friday to find a lovely package at my front door. So Excited, what could it be. A lovely box of Spring Time Charms from the lovely hostess FaerieDustDreams Michelle. Oh what a splendid display of Spring time enjoyment. I had my bracelet all ready for the charms to adorn. So dinner would have to wait while I took out each charm and admired the work of art each swapper had done. So here is the picture of my bracelet that I will enjoy wearing through out Spring.

Saturday was such a joy. I spent the day at the Bead Expo. Getting ideas as well as supplies. I went with a list of supplies I will need for some up coming classes I have along with other projects that I am working on. One of those would be trades for the Art and Soul retreat that I will be attending in October. The theme this year is By the Sea. Oh I have so many ideas running through my head. What will I make of all of them. Stay tuned. Here is a sneak peak at some of the supplies I picked up.

At this years Bead Expo Susan Lenart Kazmer taught several classes. She also had a booth on Saturday in the exhibit hall. She is such a great lady. Love the work that she does and her new book.

Sunday there was more creativity underway. I worked on finishing up my pages for the Purple 3x3 swap that I am in. Pictures to come later. Put together my book from the Green 3x3 swap that just finished up. This was the pages, well 22 to be exact, that I created for the green swap.

Finished up my Color wheel pages, or circles you may say. I had the color Blue Violet, can you tell. We had to use recycled materials that we had on hand.

I needed to finish up with these swaps since I have several charm swaps coming up that I will need to work on.
That is my new passion – wearable art.

Still rolling through my head are ideas for Tammie Moore’s Spring paper doll swap due in one month.
And last but not least.
What will become of these?

You will have to come back and sea.

Living a charmed Life.

M^3

2008-03-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Monday memory and swaps

Childhood Pets,
I had several over the years of my childhood but none are as close to me as my Dalmatian dog Pepper. It was late summer 1982, my sister and I went to a horse show with our grandparents to their friend Dick Walding’s place. Big horse arena and stables. Dick gave us a tour of the stables. We went and sat to watch the show and towards the end a voice came over the intercom and asked if the girl with the green ribbon in her hair would come to the stable doors. Well I sat there and looked at my grandpa and said is he talking about me. I had a green ribbon tied in my hair. So we headed down to the stables and met up with Dick. He took us around towards the back and what do you know, there was a litter of little Dalmatian puppies. Dick said, for wearing that green ribbon you get to pick out a puppy to take home. I looked at my grandma and grandpa with a look of ‘can I’. Go ahead, my grandma said. So I looked them all over, if was tough as a kid to just pick one. So finally after a bit I picked up my new puppy. On the ride home my sister said you need to think of a name for it. I looked down at my dog and the name Pepper came out.
When our parents came to pick us up and saw that I had a new puppy. I was franticly telling them the story of the day’s events. So my mom gave me the ‘you can keep the dog as long as you know that you need to take care of him speech’. Jumping up and down I headed to the car. For the next nine months I took care of my dog Pepper. Then in April 1983, the family up and had to move out to Oregon. So Pepper went to live on my grandparents’ farm. We would travel back to visit every other year or so. This picture is of me and my dog Pepper in 1985. He passed away in 1997. Pepper was 17 years old.

Swap information. I am able to share my doll swap creation, from Vivians "Beat the Winter blues" swap, that I made for my swap buddy Catie.

as well as share the lovely doll she made for me. My Spring Angel.
Anxiously waiting the return of the Spring Charms from Michelle's swap. These are the charms that I made for her swap. I have my bracelet already to adorn with all the lovely charms from the other swappers. So stay tuned for a picture of that.

Off to do more creating.

2008-03-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've been Tagged from Michelle at Hold Dear

Seven weird things about myself. So here goes.

1 – I like playing in the snow, but not driving in it.

2 – Buttered Toast and a nice cup of hot chocolate go good together. Dipping the toast in the hot chocolate, Yum.

3 – Riding mass transit to and from work I have a favorite seat. Our buses have 5 seats that go across that back and my favorite is the one in the middle of those 5. Best spot to people watch when riding the bus.

4 – At times I tend to over think and analyze things at work and home but on my other hand I could turn around and go with what ever I see or think. That may be the Gemini in me, one brain two minds.

5 – Growing up in the mid west I would wear shorts and t-shirts in the winter then pants and sweaters in the summer. I was a backwards child. Though I catch myself doing that still to this day. I think (there I go again) it is just that I want to wear what I want to wear when I want to wear it.

6 – I love quotes as I’m sure a lot of you out there do. I have books and folders flowing with them. I thought why keep them hidden away in the books and folders. So I am in the process of incorporating/collaging many of them onto my walls/doors through out my house.

7 – I have two cats that both drool. Not from old age. They have been doing this since they were kittens.

So there you have it. Maybe weird maybe not so weird.

Who shall I tag? Let’s hand it off to Laurel.

2008-03-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Memory Monday - Kecia at Lemoncholys. The topic this week is Childhood incident, injury, accident.

Stitches, Stitches, and more stitches.

I had just turned seven years old. It was a nice July day, 1980, in the town of Riverside, IA. Great day for the Rivercade parade. My older sister and I were with our grandparents getting ready to ride the horses in the parade. I was standing on the side of the horse trailer watching them unload the horses. We already had one horse out and tied to the trailer. The side I was standing on. Something must have spooked the horse and it reared its head back and raised its front hooves. The reins on the bridal came loose and snapped me in the side of my left knee. The men worked on calming the horse and my grandma came to my aid. Putting pressure on the wound. I hear her saying we need to get you to the hospital. I was crying “no I want to ride in the parade”. She compromised and my grandpa carried me to the parade route, while I held the bloody towel on my wound. It was my grandma and sister that got to ride in the parade that day. My grandpa stayed on the side lines with me making sure my leg stayed elevated. While we watched the bands, floats, shriners and horses ride by. After the parade my grandma and her friend took me to the hospital. I had to get a couple of stitches.

Lesson learned. Don’t stand too close to a person who is up to bat.
I was nine years old and my sister and I were out in the back yard playing baseball with our cousins who lived down the street. I was on deck to bat. Standing in what they told me was a good spot to stand and wait my turn. My cousin Paul was up to bat, he was 14 years old at the time. He let a few go by him. Swung on one and missed. Next one came across the plate and made contact. He swung through the ball and let go of the bat. Well I got hit in the forehead with the barrel of the bat. Fell to the ground. My sister, she is four years older than me, came over and picked me up and took me in the house. Yelling mom, mom Melissa’s bleeding. Off to the emergency room we went. The doctors laded me on a gurney. I remember the doctors saying we are going to have to take out her pig tails. Had to get nine stitches that time.

It is a Merrill thing. All my three siblings have had stitches during their childhood.

2008-03-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

I'm still here.

So I finally sent off the doll for Vivians Doll swap to my buddy Catie last Tuesday, 02/26. Though I don’t want to give it away if she hasn’t opened it yet. So I will post pics on that later. I have also finished up the charms for Faerie Dust Dreams Spring Charm swap. Worked on my soldering skills.

Here is the necklace of the charms from the Valentine swap I was in that kecia hosted.

Check out what else I have been up to at my flickr site. I have my pictures from the Paper doll swap that tammie Moore hosted back in February out there. Along with other swaps and things I have been working on.

www.flickr.com/photos/livingandcreating

More to come.