Charming Betties

Football and Parties...

2009-11-23T23:40:00.003-06:00

I swear I'm back! It's just that I've been a little busy this week with life in general...that and of course the Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Calgary Stampeders CFL Western Final...yesterday...and yes, we won!!! Grey Cup here we come! I think I'm gonna throw a party! I couldn't believe how "green" the stadium was...it always gives me shivers to see it!

So I'm not normally such a big fan of football, though I'm getting to like it more and more and this year I have to say I haven't missed many games. I'm thinking about buying Season tickets for next year, except they're much more than I'd like to spend....even so...could be a nice Christmas gift (for me yes, but I was thinking for Mr. Charming as well).

I will post some pics of my newest "creation"...just as soon as my teeny tiny nuts and bolts arrive and I can assemble them!

Curious?

I hope so!

More to follow!

I'm back!

2009-11-15T08:25:00.005-06:00

I can't believe my last post was the beginning of August! Where has the time gone! Well, the good news is I'm back, feeling a lot more creative than I was way back then and busy busy making things for Christmas!

I'll be posting charms and more on my Etsy site very soon...watch for it! I've also started making something entirely new...something entirely mine...which as you creative people know is difficult to do because sometimes it seems there "are no new ideas"...just modifications really, and this new one for me is a little bit of a lot of things I love all assembled into a tiny, perfect-to-me creation!

So as much as I'd like to stay and chat, I'm off to create, music blaring as I do. Great music...if you're interested, check out Elbow and the BBC Concert Orchestra. I promise you'll have goosebumps! (Be sure to listen to all the songs from that concert!)

Happy Sunday!

Good Things Come In Threes...or Twos...

2009-08-08T08:25:00.005-06:00

They say good things happen in threes...so how lucky am I to be featured on two blogs! Robin from Snips & Snails was the lucky winner of the Studio M.M.E. giveaway...my Attitude Fairy charm! She emailed me to tell me she had received the charm and just as sweet as could be, she did a little write up about me and her lovely charm on her blog. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop! She has a wonderful assortment of items, including jewellery made from wooden nickle and scrabble tiles as well as cross stitched pieces!

Thanks Robin!

Handmade Pick Of The Day For Me!

2009-08-08T08:07:00.008-06:00

What a nice surprise I got last night! I had popped onto my computer before I went to bed and found myself featured on a blog! It seems I found it before Truli had the chance to send me an email! What a thrill either way! You can read it here! You can also find Truli in her ArtFire studio. She creates beautiful Vintage style jewellery combining vintage components with new. Her pieces have a wonderful period feel... Be sure to check her out!

Thank you Truli!

She's still got it in 'er....

2009-08-06T09:04:00.002-06:00

I went out for dinner last night with my sisters and my mom for my mom's birthday. She picked the restaurant, which wouldn't have been my choice but I know she loves it "because they make the best filet" (please cook it until it resembles shoe leather!). I have to admit the food WAS good and the company even better. We went back to my sister's afterwards for a rustic Saskatoon berry tart....who needs cake when you can have fresh s'toons! It was delish.

While there, I wanted to give my sister's a little lesson in mom's hearing aid. She recently had custom buds put on it because her ear canals are quite small and the others weren't working at all. These fit perfectly but she struggles putting the left one in and as a result, can't hear very well until she's wearing it properly. It's frustrating, for her and for us too! So last night I said (you have to word these things just right)..."mom, why don't you let me show the girls how to put your hearing aid in properly". (I had a lot of practice in the month or so she recently spent with me). Well, of course she got all defensive and couldn't understand why they needed to know so I said "Well, what if you pass out one day and one of us needs to insert them, they should know how to do it!" To which my wisecracking mother replied "If I pass out, I won't need a hearing aid....THANK GOD!" hahahaha....

She's still got it!

Quiet time...

2009-07-30T09:30:00.002-06:00

I've been neglecting you blog. My apologies for being too lazy to write anything but I'm just enjoying the peace and quiet of being alone after a busy few weeks. My mom has gone home (reluctantly...I think she loves it in the country, which is quite a surprise to be honest) and my daughter too. I loved having them here but I also love some alone time. My mom will be back I'm sure....her eyes lit up when I told her she was more than welcome to come back after her next stint at the cottage with my sis. I miss her constant chatter (who knew) and my flowers are missing the attention!

Yesterday I finished up my orders and shipped for the very first time!! Today I'm hoping to get the house tidied and then I can work on a few new ideas. I'd better get busy!!!

Have a great day!

Doing the Happy Dance!!!

2009-07-27T10:37:00.002-06:00

I have so many things to tell you!

First off, I'm dancing because I've made my very first Etsy sale...in fact, two and another custom sale in the works! I feel so fortunate! It's a little surreal to be honest...it's like all this good luck has fallen into my lap!!

I also need to congratulate helenapuck! She's the luck winner on Megan's blog giveaway!

In other news...(hehehe)

The Cap'n Crunch French Toast was .... to DIE for! Seriously....to die for! Everyone loved it! It wasn't overly sweet at all and if I had to describe it, I'd say it tasted like those yummy mini donuts...the sugar and cinnamon ones....you can get at the fair! Everyone agreed with that! I'll definitely make them again!

Okay..off to make my charms and get these orders out ASAP! I am so inspired this morning!

You could be a winner!

2009-07-22T21:45:00.004-06:00

I'm participating in my first giveaway! Megan from Studio M.M.E. and I are hosting a giveaway ending Monday, July 27th! The lucky winner wins my Attitude Fairy Altered Art Pendant complete with turquoise rubber cord and sterling silver clasp. (yes that's it in the picture!) All you have to do to enter is to mention this giveaway on your blog and post a link as a comment on Megan's blog! You can find more details there!

Best of luck to everyone!

It's a beautiful day in my neighbourhood!

2009-07-20T06:43:00.003-06:00

I'm up early! What a wonderful surprise it was for me to receive an email from Talis informing me that she had featured me in her lastest treasury! Great Expectations! (That's me....third row down, first one on the left!) What a clever and sweet idea! I love her picks and as usual, I'm tickled to be included in the company of such talented artists! Thanks Talis!

Be sure to check out her Etsy shop! Her photography is amazing!

I'm off to the lake for a few glorious days of sunshine and surf! Enjoy your week!

Be a Kid Again - Cap'n Crunch French Toast

2009-07-19T08:50:00.005-06:00

Before I post, I apologize for "jumping the gun" on the bloghop", but I'm going to spend a few days at my sister's cottage and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to share a favourite recipe! I love to cook and this was just too good to be true!

Cap'n Crunch French Toast

I saw this prepared on Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives (as did chow 'n groove...thanks so much for posting the recipe!) I need to confess that I haven't tried it yet, but I have no doubt it's delicious! Chow 'n groove claims that you'll never search for another French toast recipe after you've tried this! Although it sounds overly sweet, Guy Fieri (from DDD) claims the cereal carmalizes as you're frying it and it's amazing! I'll soon find out, I've bought my ingredients...it's my next next Saturday brunch piece de resistance (for my company)! Can't wait!

1 1/4 hours/30 min prep

6 large eggs
5 tablespoons sugar
2 cups heavy cream (some commentors claimed milk worked as well)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter
1 (16 oz.) box Cap'n Crunch Cereal
1 loaf Texas toast thick bread

1. Pour Cap'n Crunch into a gallon-size ziplock bag and crush to a course meal - make sure there are a few good size pieces in the mix. Pour into a 9x13 pan in order to dredge properly.
2. Combine eggs, sugar, cream, vanilla, and spices in a large bowl. It will have the consistency of custard.
3. Soak each slice of Texas Toast in wet ingredients, 30 seconds each side. Be sure the edges are moist, too.
4. Dredge in Cap'n Crunch, lightly press onto each side and around the crust of the bread. Place on parchment paper until all slices are coated.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a a large skillet, then gently place slices in pan; two at a time.
6. Cook three minutes per side, pressing down gently with spatula. Place on parchment cover baking pan in a warm oven!

Sounds too good...I'm going to whip some up now for today's brunch! I'll let you know how it tastes!

When I'm feeeeeelingggg blue....

2009-07-15T09:06:00.005-06:00

Not feeling so blue blue as in blah blue...but a little blue 'cos of the weather I suppose. This should perk me up and you too I hope!

Rain rain go away....

2009-07-15T08:54:00.003-06:00

Dreary and overcast again today! I was sure the Weatherman promised me a little warmth and I'm positive sunshine was on the agenda as well! It's early, maybe it's still coming....maybe this chilly wind will die down, the clouds will blow over and the sun will poke through! I hope so, because honestly...where is our summer? I have all the windows to the house closed...closed tight...and when I arrived home late last night I pushed that little tab on the thermostat and almost got away with firing up the furnace until Mr. Charming heard it running...ran over and shut it down saying "we will NOT run the heat in July"! Obviously he's heartless! We could freeze to death in this weather!

I need to get busy today. I have to post some new items in my ArtFire (and hopefully Etsy) shops. I'm participating in the AF Christmas In July Sale and today's the "First Day of Christmas". I really had hoped I'd be more organized but I can see now that was wishful thinking...but today I'll list some new things and then daily after that!....sooooo....

Keeping this shorter 'cos I'm off to do just that! Be sure to visit ArtFire!

DaisyLeeDesigns Rides the Crazy Train!

2009-07-14T12:39:00.003-06:00

New Crazy Train rider! Jacqui from Daisy Lee Designs has the sweetest ArtFire shop! It's filled with cutest items and she has a really nice variety. Perfect little gifts for mommy's, babies and kids! Adorable hair bows, hair clips and this fun little tote!

Be sure to check her out!

Three things you did not know about me!

2009-07-13T20:07:00.004-06:00

Three things you did not know about me (though some of you did!):

1. I'm dying to travel to the UK! I just KNOW I'd love England. I've seen the pictures of all the very old buildings, the narrow little streets and the quaint shops. I've heard how roses grow in the tiniest patches of dirt and climb high atop stone walls and brick buildings. It's like shabby ALL the time, but in the nicest way!

2. I've always wanted to be a chef. I have been cooking since I was quite young. I would borrow cookbooks from the library and pour over them for hours and hours and make all sorts of things...and I can't remember ever having a disaster! I loved to watch cooking shows and still do! Most often I'd make something new, unless of course I was making perogies or the dampfnoodles or some other German dish my dad would suggest I try making. Sadly I didn't follow through that idea, mostly because my high school counsellor suggested dietitian when I told him I wanted to cook and that didn't interest me at all! One day, I'm going to take a Cordon Bleu course if only for a weekend!

3. I love to sing! I'm really bad at it, but I sing ALL the time. Sometimes I'll open the little recorder thingy on my computer, crack open a favourite song in my ITunes, find the lyrics to that song and sing it over and over again...recording myself each time in hopes that I can improve! hahahaha It's true! I even sang in a "parents" choir one year with my sister. I wasn't the parent but my sis was sweet enough to ask if I could join! I loved it, but it was too short a session!

Beadlady 5 is rides the Crazy Train!

2009-07-13T14:55:00.003-06:00

I've just poked around in Margo's ArtFire shop!. What a selection of gorgeous jewellery she has to offer! I was drawn of course, to the turquoisey blue pieces and the this one is my favourite! I love this colour with that bronzey sort of metal.

Be sure to check her out! Best of luck on your journey Margo!!

Rain, football, new veggies and weeds!

2009-07-11T16:34:00.005-06:00

Raining. No painting for me today. I'm not to torn up about it, other than the fact that my deadline is soon approaching and I have a few things left to do! But I'll get them done.

I spent the entire morning watching a CFL football game. Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Toronto Argonauts. We won!! Yeah!!! High scoring game though...45-35. We played pretty well, they played poorly...so it's always hard to know if we're really that good or it was just fortunate for us that they sucked! My mom's happy regardless. There's never been a bigger fan and I think she's enjoying the fact that she has someone to watch it with her. Last night I even sat through two other games. Ummm...Hamilton vs. BC and ....Calgary vs. Winnipeg! I've watched more football in the past two days than I have for the past two years!

So my mom is out again...because I think she really likes it here. She always worried about wood ticks and wouldn't dare come out until August but for some strange reason I haven't seen a single one here this year. The true can't be said for my sister's cottage...I was crawling with them after being there only a few hours...hence the reason my mom is here visiting and not at the beach with my sister which was the original plan. Yesterday though we watched baby gophers playing in front of the house and that was the end of her going outdoors! I think she thinks of them like mice. Strange really...'cos I'm not at all afraid of a gopher but a mouse!...freaked!

We managed to get to the garden before the big downpour and found new baby potatoes! Boiling them for supper! Yum!! I also picked a huge bag of spinach and I'll make my spinach, strawberry and pecan salad, only this time I'll use the rosemary and balsamic vinegar roasted nuts that my friend Carol sent home for me! Yum!! They are to die for! (not literally of course!!) Mom also talked me into picking some beets even though they've barely grown into the bulby beety thing, but she loves the tops...cooked (not me!).

So my garden is a little weedy...not the garden garden part...the part with my veggies, etc...but the surrounding parts (cos I only plant a section of it because it's just so massive). Mostly it's portulaca..or purslane and people always curse it because of course you pretty much have to remove it after pulling it from the ground, cos each little bit will grown a new plant...ummm....no doubt the reason I have a beautiful mat of it! Anyway, I'm not about to pick it remove it in pails and it's a big area so no doubt Mr. Charming will use some cultivator thing on the back of the little tractor.

Before he does though, I'm going to try eating it..the purslane! Mom and I picked huge handfuls. Seriously! I was reading about wild edibles in an issue of Clean Eating and they listed purslane as one of them. I've heard that people eating them and honestly I've never given it much thought but then I was reading how the "paddle-shaped leaves are sweet, citrusy and crunchy and rich in vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids (go figure!...I think they sound much nicer than a fish burp!). One suggestion is to toss them in a tangy low-fat yogurt dressing but I'm going to add them in my spinach salad!

Wish me luck!

Crazy Train Rider Amy's Holiday Gifts!

2009-07-10T08:40:00.004-06:00

No it's not Christmas but is it ever too early to start thinking about it? Today's featured artist is Amy and she's got a shop full of adorable holiday items from snowmen, to gingerbread men, to stockings (and more!) I love snowmen (yes another collection) and I love this barrette!

Christmas shopping starts early at ArtFire! Several studios are participating in a Christmas in July Sale! Beginning July 15 through to the 26th (for the 12 days of Christmas), artists are promoting their shops with some great savings and a huge variety of items! Be sure to check it out!

As well the great people over at ArtFire are offering a $100 July sale shopping spree! "On July 15th ArtFire will hold our first ever shopping spree contest on twitter! Our first twitter contest will be “The Twelve Days of Christmas in July Sale”, a Twitter promotion contest. We know our artisans have put together a great sale and we want to help you get the word out. To sweeten the deal, we will be selecting 3 re-tweet entries at random to win a $100 dollar “Twelve Days of Christmas in July Shopping Spree” the winners will be able to claim their prize between July 15-July26th and can choose any items adding up to $100 (with shipping) that are found in the Christmas In July Sale trend page."

Yeah!!!! Thank you AF!

Blue, glorious blue.....(I'm singing to the tune of "food" if you didn't know!)

2009-07-09T10:23:00.005-06:00

Not a lot of time today! I've been chatting to my sister and now my daughter has come online (from the UK) so a quick chat with her. I woke up early to get all this stuff done before I have to go to the city for groceries and pick up my mom.

So...my blue...I can't remember where it came from...it's old...either a friend or my cousin found it in some treasure hunt! (otherwise known as a garage or junk sale) I love it! Pretty blue and two birds too! (did I mention I also love anything birdy?) hahaha! The fact is I love collections! I wonder what that says about me?

Hmmm...anyway, Enjoy!!

Bits of blue are popping up everywhere!

2009-07-08T08:32:00.007-06:00

Good morning! I'm noticing a definite turquoise blue pattern here. Gotta love that! Today's blue isn't so much robin's egg, though it does lean in that direction. My little blue house! I love this piece! I got it a few months ago and it sits perched atop a pretty purple plant stand in my living room (I mean to paint that stand one day but for now I'm finding that the purples and turquoise-y blues in my living room are looking really nice with my warm brown loveseats!).

I've blogged about this particular artist before and I find myself peeking at her site quite regularly because I absolutely adore her work! If you haven't yet, please do take a look because Lynn Walters website is filled with the most incredible wire sculptures and I think her website design is probably the most clever site I've yet to come across! Don't let the fact that she's situated in the UK scare you away. She was lovely to deal with and the shipping wasn't at all expensive like I imagined it might be. To top it all off she added the little bird atop the television antenna just for me! (She likes to customize each piece).

Enjoy!

Exquisite Studios rides the Crazy Train

2009-07-08T08:26:00.003-06:00

Congrats to Exquisite Studios. Today's her day! She has some wonderful pieces in her shop and a nice variety to boot! Here's a favourite of mine. She's calling it "For the Love"....very appropriate! 'Course you've noticed it's in my favourite blue!

Possibilities...

2009-07-07T22:43:00.001-06:00

Playing around with something new....

Curious?

My bit of blue...

2009-07-07T14:40:00.008-06:00

I adore old watering cans. Imagine how excited I was when I found one in my favourite robin's egg blue! It looks so pretty on my deck!

Enjoy!

Remembering Fundy

2009-07-07T08:40:00.014-06:00

One of my favourite photos
Two summers ago we travelled to the East Coast. The highlight of the holiday (other than visiting with my daughter working in St. John's, Newfoundland for the summer) was the Bay of Fundy. This photo is from the little village of St. Martins in New Brunswick. I could have stayed in this spot all day, just watching the tide and sitting quietly in the mist. It was so beautiful! (Note too, that fishing boat is my favourite colour of blue!)

Soy Scentual Rides the Crazy Train!

2009-07-06T08:49:00.003-06:00

As a former "soaper", I can almost smell the wonderful scents Soy Scentual uses in her natural soy wax products! Yum!! Citrus for me!

The rikrak studio is having a giveaway!

2009-07-06T08:16:00.004-06:00

In celebration of her staycation (vacation in her home city of Ottawa), you can win a set of fun rikrak eco coasters! Just click on the link in the title of this post for details! Good luck!

Something blue....

2009-07-06T07:41:00.006-06:00

I’ve never been passionate enough about one colour to say I have a favourite. I like ALL colours too much. One day it’s green, the next, red....I’ve never been able to decide, which would explain the pain I went through when choosing a colour to paint my great room! I do have a favourite shade I find myself drawn to and that would be robin’s egg blue. I’ve been thinking lately that if I did have to choose I suppose that would be it...my favourite. I have little bits of it throughout my house…a few McCoy pots, a vintage bird ornament, some wonderful dotted Cornish Ware cups and saucers I found for a great deal...just to name a few. The fact is, I’m always picking up things I find in that particular shade of blue. I even managed to fine a beautiful wool carpet for the living room with that perfect blue in the border.

Tiffany and Co. have used the robin’s egg blue box as their signature box since 1845. Now that’s standing the test of time! One theory for Tiffany’s colour choice so long ago, is that the turquoise gemstone was especially popular during the 19th century. Another is that a turquoise stone set in a dove-shaped brooch was presented to bridal attendants by the bride in hopes that they’d never forget her. Whatever the reason, Charles Tiffany chose well. The Tiffany Blue Box has become “an international symbol of style and sophistication” worldwide.

I don’t necessarily think my penchant for robin’s egg blue has anything to do with “style and sophistication”. I think it’s because it makes me feel good. Something transforms in me when I’m struck with that little bit of turquoise. I get all warm and fuzzy and my head clears if only for a moment and for those of you with creative minds, you'll understand what that means!

So...I've decided I'm going to start searching for my favourite colour in all that I do and see. A little like Kelly Rae searches for hearts. I didn't want to copy hearts and I couldn't think of another interesting shape...how much fun would there be in finding a rectangle! So, I've decided on blue. Today, I'm sharing a picture of a robin's nest with you. What could be more robin's egg blue than the eggs themselves...and what a beautiful blue they are!

Enjoy!

I've just joined the Crazy Train!

2009-07-05T11:28:00.005-06:00

As of today, I'm officially a member of the ArtFire Crazy Train. We're a group of talented artists promoting one another.

Today's featured artist is Studio JRU. I love Jennifer's mixed media pieces! I wanted to share a few of my favourites with you! Nice work Jennifer!

I love summertime!

2009-07-04T16:51:00.003-06:00

Isn't this just the perfect summer treasury? Anna from Noble Gnome Jewelry was sweet enough to include me in her latest treasury! I'm tickled! Thanks Anna!

One giant step for man...

2009-07-04T09:49:00.005-06:00

I'm dragging my feet this morning. Not that I don't want to be outside, 'cos I do....it's a beautiful morning...not a cloud in the sky...sunny and bright...and the temp is just right. I know when I go out I'm going to have to tackle those windows at the back of my house once and for all. I can't procrastinate any longer. One way or another they have to get painted and I guess today is the day. I think it's more the scaffolding issue than anything, (who am I kidding, I just really detest painting windows!). It means I need to climb up my 8' ladder to stand on a very narrow platform and most likely use a step ladder atop that. Yeeesh! But..I've decided I can do it! Conquer the fear and all that! In fact, recently I've been reading a little book called Living Out Loud by Keri Smith. It's a sort of activity book "to fuel a creative life". There's a page near the beginning listing ten ways to "Shake Up Things". Number 10 is to dare yourself to take one small risk a week. I know...standing on a step ladder, atop a narrow platform, on a rickety scaffold hardly seems like a risk...it's more a moment of insanity, a dangerous decision! But, it's also a big step for me because I'm absolutely terrified of heights....

Wish me luck!

How fun are these!

2009-07-04T08:31:00.004-06:00

I was doing my usual bouncing around blogs this morning (or I suppose more appropriately I should say "hopping") and found these on flickr. I just had to share! These were entries in a cake competition! Cath Kidston inspired! I love her! Wow....just wow!

I'm Brenda aka Charming Betty

2009-07-03T09:34:00.003-06:00

I am Brenda. Most of you think of me as Betty, but in reality my name is Brenda, plain and simple. Betty is my lovely mother...the inspiration behind my work and the beautiful face you see on my CharmingBetties logo. I'm married, with two children...both of them off to discover the workaday world, degrees tucked under their arms. I live thirty minutes from the nearest city on a quiet farm in a house I love, nestled by trees and the sweet sound of chirping birds. Blogging is the journal I've always wanted to keep but I never really followed through with. I love that it allows me to scribble my thoughts with the simple click of a few fingers and through my blog I can share silly stories, inane thoughts, and the progression of my art. I love searching for new blogs to read and follow and I'm looking forward to doing just that in this wonderful little "hop".

Oh Canada!

2009-07-01T07:46:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Canada! 142 years young! I don't often think about that but it really is so very new, isn't it!

Two summers ago we travelled east...all the way to Newfoundland and in that same summer we also travelled to the west coast...so in essence I was lucky enough to see this beautiful country of ours from "sea to sea". In fact, I've see all 10 provinces. Next on my list...the territories!

Get out today and show your red and white!

Soon....

2009-06-30T08:05:00.002-06:00

Believe it or not, I can finally see the end...

Of my painting that is. I've have windows left. Sadly I dislike painting them more than anything else and leaving them to the last was probably not a good idea. That and the fact that the ones in the back of the house are higher up...so high in fact, I'll need to use the scaffolding and even then I might have to set a ladder on top of the "skinny" platform to reach the top of them. Arrrgghh!!! I'm not looking forward to that! But it's the price I pay for a being a perfectionist or as my mom was say being "too fussy". I need to paint them myself if I want them done "right". I'm sure Mr. Charming isn't going to complain, because he's rather not paint them at all and as it is, I am going to have to close my eyes and allow him to paint the under eaves at the back of the house because the one thing I won't do is stand on that very tall ladder as it leans against the house.

I've also dragged the old picnic table and two very old and rather dilapidated Adirondack chairs from my woods garden (my very old forest!) in hopes that I can keep my mom busy today staining them. I'll use that horrid pewter grey stain on the picnic table because I still have a can left (I chose poorly and decided it was too dark for my deck) and for the chairs...well, I need to buy something...something bright! The unfortunate thing is I could not find a smaller can of stain at Home Depot and it seems now that I'll have to buy the ginormous can to paint two little chairs! I'd better pick the colour wisely....my sister tells me her chairs will be orange forever because she has so much orange stain left over (I could possibly paint my orange and put her out of her misery?)

Okay....time to work...tomorrow is Canada Day and Mr. Charming should be home all day so I'm hoping we can get a lot accomplished!! Tomorrow night I think it's a wiener roast and fireworks in the city!!!

Hi, ho, hi, ho....

Featured Artist: Charming Betties

2009-06-29T09:58:00.001-06:00

Featured Artist: Charming Betties

Posted using ShareThis

It's a good day!!

2009-06-29T09:45:00.002-06:00

Megan E. from Studio M.M.E.(in Etsy) has featured me on her blog! Needless to say I'm tickled pink and feeling almost woozy! You can find the interview here! http://studiomme.blogspot.com/2009/06/featured-artist-charming-betties.html

Thank you so much Megan!

Sometimes you just HAVE to treat yourself to something extraordinarily wonderful!

2009-06-25T08:45:00.004-06:00

I want to share with you a wonderful and talented artist that I found in Etsy a few weeks ago! Her name is Magaly Ohika and she's just the sweetest person! She has an art degree from the University of F.I.T for both Illustration and Toy Design and I think you can see the playfulness in her work.

I had the hardest time choosing a piece to purchase...because I love so many of them but in the end I was happy to choose (and happier still to receive) Me So PRETTY, oH SO pRETTY, I feeeeeeel PRETTY. Magaly's use of colour and the expressions in her faces say so much or as one admirer quoted "they speak without saying anything". The decision wasn't made any easier by the fact that she adds these colourful little pieces of art to her Etsy shop almost daily! I've got my eye on a few new additions she's made and I'm watching her blog daily for the same!

You can find her in her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7360828 and I'd really suggest you take a peek at her blog. It's filled with wonderful pictures and Magaly shares her inspiration behind each piece she creates. It's bright and colourful and cheerful and her writings always make me smile. She makes my day each and every time I open the link and there is rarely a day that I don't peek to see what's new!

New Betty!

2009-06-25T08:40:00.004-06:00

I've just listed a new charm! Somebunny Loves You No. 43
You can find it in my etsy shop www.charmingbetties.etsy.com
or in my new ArtFire shop! http://www.artfire.com/users/charmingbetties

2009-06-19T07:08:00.003-06:00

I've been neglecting my blog! Painting and painting and more painting has kept me too busy to write, though I have managed to peek at a few of my favourites in that time.

I've also neglected my etsy shop. In fact, I considered using the vacation mode, just because I've been idle there for so long, but yesterday morning I managed to get a few new charms listed! I love the one showing here! It makes me smile.

I'm hoping to list more shortly!

I'm off to paint while it's still cool!!

I feel like the Wicked Witch of the West

2009-06-12T14:59:00.002-06:00

No!! Not because I'm mean! Because I'm meeeeltiiinngg! It is so hot here! Okay not SO hot..but hot in comparison to what we've been having and definitely hotter because I was staining the house on the south side. I need a shower. That'll make me feel better and a nice cool drink. It's looking good though, even though it's a little patchy right now because Mr. Charming has decided to replace a few of the cedar boards...today....not yesterday or the day before, but yes....on the day I'm painting.

I had to quit anyway. We're going for dinner, to this very tiny church just north of us. It's the June Social. Uh huh, that's right...it's just how it sounds. On the second Friday every June for the past...oh, I'd say 125 years or so, with the exception of one year when the flu epidemic took place, this little church and the Ladie's Aid have celebrated this day with an old fashioned picnic...which I'm sure wasn't so old fashioned way back when! It's really quite charming. The ladies supply the meat (sliced cold ham), coleslaw and buns I believe and attendees bring the salads and pies. So it's simple really...ham, coleslaw, potato salad, lots and lots of jelly salads, bean salads, pickles, buns and pies. It was only recently that they had an electric stove to boil the water on for the large quantities of tea and coffee they pour...until then it was a wood burning stove, which as you an imagine, made that very tiny kitchen VERY hot on even a not so terribly hot June day. Mr. Charming's uncle donated a generator and hence the electricity. It makes it easier for washing up too, though there still isn't any running water. The ladies bring water in old cream cans and it's heated and poured into basins for dishes.

A week before the big event they have a cementary bee. Anyone can go, but mostly it's the people with family buried in the cementary hauling lawn mowers and weed whackers to "tidy" up the spots their loved ones lie. I haven't been to the bee for a long while, but Mr. Charming goes without fail. The ladies work on the church itself, brushing down cobwebs, washing windows, dusting and airing out and they also bring lunch for the workers. The day of the Social, they pull the pews outdoors and set up tables outside and bring in chairs to set around the tables inside. They often have a "program" after supper. Most often it's local talent...fiddlers, little girls dancing or singing. I sometimes stay but usually I invite people over to my house afterwards.

I love it to be honest, though on days when I'm outside working, I could easily miss it just so I wouldn't have to stop doing what I'm doing. But I love anything pioneerish...sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. I'm infatuated with the way they cooked and how they "put down" things for the winter. How they'd pickle and make crocks full of jam, laying the different jams one on top of the other so that when you broke through to the next layer, you had a big surprise!

I'm loosing the thread here...must be the heat....

Time to get ready....

Maybe there IS an artist in me afterall...

2009-06-11T00:41:00.003-06:00

It's late. I'm heading to bed soon, but I stopped to peek at some of my favourite blogs, my etsy, and now my twitter before I do. I wasn't going to post, but that you tube link I posted the other day of Lisa Hannigan is blocking my blog list! I wish I knew how to resize it but I tried and it did nothing. I'm sure there's a way, but right now I don't know what it might be... so, I'll just blog and move it on down the page!

So tonight I've sketched. I've never professed to being a good artist, though I once drew a picture of my dad that was such a true likeness of him it was scarey! I have no idea how I did it...it just happened. The sad thing is it was on the back of an envelope. I remember we were learning how to sketch without looking at the paper at school and I just started scratching my pencil over that envelope. I remember my dad being pretty freaked at how much it resembled him. Whatever happened to it I don't know...I suppose because it was on an envelope it was tossed...to bad...

Anyway, tonight I started to sketch some "girls"...for some canvas collages. I want to paint. No...that's not my secret project..just another one. I'm pretty encouraged by Kelly Rae Roberts and recently I bought her book Taking Flight. I might have written about this before, but I find it truly inspirational. I've played a little with her techniques...some of them entirely new to me, some I've played with before. What I have come to realize though is that I can combine them...to make something exclusively mine. So now I've sketched and gesso-ed my canvas' and tomorrow I'll start collaging and painting and dabbing and smearing and anything else that comes to mind as I'm working on them. I'm really excited to do it..in fact, it's all I can do tonight to go to bed and not start working on it right now...but it's late and I need to do some house painting tomorrow too, so it'll have to wait. Maybe I'll dream about it. Sometimes I do that...dream an idea and it's so real and so vivid. If that's not inspiration...

So, my girls....well, I don't want to get all braggy but in the end they really did turn out well! I've surprised myself! I know it was because I wasn't trying to be perfect...I just sort of let things fly...scribbled, erased...smudged... I'm so happy with the way they turned out...fingers crossed I can recreated them on canvas....

Off to the land of nod....here's to creative dreams....

Night night...

What to do?

2009-06-10T09:08:00.002-06:00

I'm torn. Do I stay home today and continue with the scraping, sanding, and painting of my house? (that hardly sounds like fun!) Especially that I haven't worked on it for days because of the horrid weather. Or do I pick up my mom and take her for a day trip to Moose Jaw to putz around the adorable little shops there...have lunch at the Yvette Moore Gallery...just have a mom/daughter day? (This sounds so much better!) I could stay home and not scrape, sand or paint and instead continue to work on some of my charms or this new project (which is turning out quite nice but I've hit a bit of a roadblock trying to figure out how to put it all together!)

Sometimes I just don't have enough time in a day. I look at these amazing women that create and on top of all the thought behind the creating they manage to make numerous items in a day! I've done it before. I'm sure now it's because I'm struggling a little and undecided about so many things and my project yesterday was that first experimental project and that always takes more time. Even with my charms, once I create the actual artwork, I can pop off several charms in a day.

I have to admire these women with small children....cooking, cleaning AND creating...and on top of it now it's keeping up with an etsy shop, tweeting, blogging, emailing, facebooking (I am forcing myself to stay away from that because I just don't have the time for it all!)managing it all so well! I used to be better at managing my time! Now that the kids are gone,I can't seem to work as quickly.

I think I just enjoy the time alone too much?

Off to make a decision...have a wonderful day!

Inspiration

2009-06-09T09:30:00.003-06:00

I went to bed inspired and I've woken up even more so! I even took a pencil and pad with me to bed and sketched out some ideas before I actually fell asleep. So today, I'm going to work on those...top secret though...because if it's absolutely dreadful, I won't have any explaining to do!

I'm really struggling lately with what it is I want to do. I know there's something out there that's perfect for me, but I haven't quite found it and so I'm exploring all sorts of avenues in hopes that I will. I suppose I need to play around a little more with the ideas that pop into my head...if only there were less of them! I'd love to slow down my brain at times...so that I can process one idea before another jumps in...but that would probably mean a drug induced state and I'm not at all for that. So I guess I need to learn to type faster, to jot things down on the spur of the moment...to write down my dreams before jumping out of bed in the morning, to sketch anything that pops into my mind.... to believe in my gut...

I'm off! Wish me luck!

One step (wrung) at a time...

2009-06-04T18:25:00.002-06:00

Will I ever get to plant my bedding plants? It's supposed to freeze again tonight...June 4 and frost! According to my mom (who tends to over exaggerate the weather) called to tell me that Calgary had snow (please see brackets above). She might be right...it's really chilly out...chilly and windy. Thank goodness for all of these trees in this yard...I can hear the wind and there's a slight breeze but beyond the shelter belt it sounds like a hurricane (or what I'd guess a hurricane might sound like). I was painting on the step ladder today. I'm not crazy about ladders. I'm not at all crazy about heights. My palms get sweaty watching someone on tv hang over a tall building. But today I had to paint the gable end of the house...and I did most of it from ladder, which is quite an accomplishment for me! I just have the very top board to do...and a small portion over one window that I can't reach because it's a step down and I'm not brave enough to step up one more wrung. I'm almost positive it won't be me that will finish those bits...not unless I get brave and stand the leaning ladder (I'm not sure what you call them) against the house. I'd like to do it....'cos well, truth is Mr. Charming isn't very neat...or maybe it's that I'm just ridiculous about perfection. I'll have to see how brave I am!

Time to make dinner! Where is that maid when I need her?

Still learning

2009-06-03T16:56:00.004-06:00

I can't figure out how to make the youtube video fit the page!!

My favourite new song...

2009-06-03T16:29:00.006-06:00

For those of you that bother to scroll to the bottom of my page, you already know how much I like music...and how I love to find new and "undiscovered" songs....music that you don't always hear on the radio....sometimes it's from a movie or commercial or tv show (Grey's Anatomy has the BEST music), and sometimes...quite often...someone has suggested that it's something I'd like. I accidently found Playlist.com and I have a couple of "followers". I've found some really nice music on their playlists and sometimes I'll just search through randlom lists and find something truly amazing!

Recently I was lucky enough to find a favourite new artist! Lisa Hannigan from Ireland. She's so adorable and has the sweetest voice. This is one of those songs that just has you swaying to the music...and singing...always singing of course! The video is in a pub...in Ireland I'm guessing...some place called Dingle. I love how it just seems so natural. There is also an official video to the song, but I can't seem to find it right now...if you get the chance and you're in the mood for a search, it's well worth seeing...

And so..without further adieu....

Shopping on a rainy day...

2009-06-01T07:35:00.003-06:00

It looks like rain. That's not a bad thing. I need to run to the city today and if it rains I won't feel bad about the things I've left undone at home. Not that they were going to get done in a day, but even so I'd hate to waste a nice nice day...shopping! I'm not much of a shopper to be honest. Oh, I love window shopping...poking around those quaint little shops to see what they're selling or searching antique shops for small treasures. I don't even mind shopping just for the sake of shopping, but what I really dislike is when I need to buy something....because then it becomes a chore and the harder I search the more I'm hating it!

Today it should be okay. It's just stuff I need for this exterior renovation....paint for the deck (I've decided to go darker than the siding in in one solid colour instead of painting the rails different...I'm worry that's going to boring but it will be so much quicker!)...my yellow paint for the doors....I have a huge list of bedding plants I want/need and I do love garden centers so that'll be fun....and groceries...arrrggh....I really do not like grocery shopping! It's not like it's difficult and lately I seem to buy all the same things, but I can easily get distracted when I find something "new"...something I've never seen before in any grocery store in the city I live near...something I've "seen" in a cooking mag or cookbook...something that surely if I buy, I'll be able to find that recipe and try it! Okay...so I'm not nearly as bad as I once was but occaisionally I'll come home with some obscure ingredient never to find the recipe I needed it for.....

I'm also meeting a friend for coffee...which will be nice because I haven't seen her for ages and I get the odd "I miss you" email and truth is I miss her too.

Rain or shine....I'm off....

Have a wonderful day!

Just call me Rachel....

2009-05-31T23:07:00.007-06:00

Remember way back when...one of my very first posts, I believe.....when I explained about distressing furniture and how I love to do it and how I was doing a couple of pieces for a friend of mine? Well, I finally have some pics to show you!!! She choose a great red and I have to say I'm in love with the colour...so much so that I think I'm going to paint this old buffet that I have sitting in my porch/sunroom the same. It's just such a pick-me-up kinda colour!

The small cupboard was nothing more than an unfinished you-assemble-it-yourself pine piece. I think it turned out really well. I will admit that it didn't look very good after I sanded out the brush strokes and "wore" the corners etc. up. It had a sort of dusty look....like the red just faded so much and it looked dull and drab. I remembered that I had this wax in the house and a quick wipe and buff with that and it just looks so amazing! I'm going to have to get a bigger jar of that beeswax and use it on all my shabbied up pieces. She's thinking that she'll replace the knobs with two beautifully turned pine ones that she ordered online from some craftsman in the UK...I'm thinking that will be the piece de resistance!

I'm really happy with the little shelf too, which is good seeing how I wasn't at all enjoying all the little curves and crooks that had to be painted and sanded. I think it belonged to her late mother and she's been dying to do something to it so that she can put it up (and over the cupboard) in her soon-to-be newly decorated kitchen. She collects blue and white spatterware as well as pretty blue Burleighware from the Uk and I can't be sure, but my guess is she's hoping to display some of those on this!

I'm envious!

Long day for me...I finally splashed some of the grey stain on my cedar and I'm really happy with the colour...I can't wait for my lemon yellow doors!

Sweetest dreams....

Someone has featured me!

2009-05-29T14:17:00.006-06:00

Isn't this just the dreamiest! I love this Treasury! Thank-you SantAngeloDesigns! It thrills me to be included in the company of so many talented artists.

That's me on the bottom right!!

Goo and sticky bits....

2009-05-29T07:39:00.005-06:00

I'm up early today! It's most likely because I fell asleep at 9:30 last night. I'm finding these days of prepping and painting exhausting! I suppose it's being outside the entire day...in the hot sun...and it has been hot-ish...not as warm yesterday as the day before but quite hot tomorrow...28C! I'll need to do any painting early in the morn, 'cos as any of you painters know, it's impossible to paint in that heat, especially in the direct sun...that paint just does not want to flow! I'm also using the new love VOC Benjamin Moore Aura and it dries a little quicker, though I have to say, I'm really liking it as an exterior paint. It's nice and thick and covers really well!

I had to caulk the corners of all the cedar boards on the house yesterday...well, the porch anyway, 'cos that's as far as I got. Mr. Charming kindly scraped all the old caulking out on the weekend and left me with the delightful chore of recaulking. Let me just say this....I should NOT be given a caulking gun under any circumstances....never ever... I manage to get more of the sticky goo on me than in the cracks, though admittedly I'm pretty good at making a nice neat bead of it, it's just that I'm always poking and prodding at the tiniest imperfections and though I know the trick of wetting your finger...yes with spit...and sliding it gently along the bead, I have yet to find a way of keeping my fingers clean. Once all 10 fingers are gooed up, I have to resort to licking the caulking on the tips of each finger because taking the time to clean them each time is 1. too much effort, 2. time consuming, and 3. just not practical! I honestly worry a little about ingesting this stuff because there are warnings telling me how poisonous it is! (The good news is I'm still here!)

Now...about that clean up. The other day I searched high and low for some solvent or something equally as powerful to clean my hands. Of course the tube does tell you it's water cleanable as long as it's wet....umm...well, what are the chances of that after about 3 seconds? It's taking days to set up on my windows but my skin but suck all the moisture out of the little bits stuck to my fingers and it's like cement in no time! So anyway, I couldn't find anything and had to resort to vegetable oil...which turned it into a sort of chewing gum consistency...nice! My next move was hairspray....dries too quickly, more gumminess....and finally nail polish remover....slow and tedious and I floated around in some drug induced stupor for a few hours after using it, but it worked relatively well. Yesterday thank goodness, after searching the shed, I managed to find a can of WD40...which I'm sure I've read somewhere, works on those sticky labels and stuff...and it it did work for the fingers....though it still got gummy and took a while to "roll" off...in fact, I had to spray, roll, spray, roll, spray, roll..... That was the first time (yes, I need to remove it at least once as I'm working or I swear my fingers would seize up completely!)...the second time....as I walked in the porch, I found...my paint thinner!! Woohoo!!! It worked quite well and so I feel a little better about the mess I mange to make, knowing I have the magic potion to wash it away....

Mr. Charming on the other hand, is NOT impressed by the condition of his caulking gun.....

Hi ho, hi ho...it's off to work I go....

To promote or not to promote....

2009-05-27T21:09:00.004-06:00

Thank you to all the wonderful artists! VeraVague, prettyfreshthings, asecondtime, luminoussoul, moiminerals, Prairie Sky Creations, staroftheeast, easternsky, eproductsales, lamarquisedesanges, and bitchcraft. You can click on the treasury to see it on Etsy!

Yes, another one! I know I've said it before and I'll say it again....I love making them! I think I like the search...finding things that will sort of fit together, though I think perhaps I'm too particular about that because sometimes when I see treasuries that have made the front page, I can't understand how some of the choices fit. Maybe I just don't get it? Anyway, this one is a little different from my others in that, I've picked a few "unexpected" things. I've also featured myself which....well, I'm torn about and I thought long and hard about doing it. I know it's sort of frowned upon, but lately there seems to be a lot of debate on Etsy about the Treasuries and the same people making the front page...and lots of talk too about the same people being featured in a Treasury. I don't quite understand why Etsy wouldn't make a point of choosing the Treasury of a new artist each time or why they need to have "Etsy made" treasuries....surely there's an endless supply of artists out there. Maybe it's complicated, I'm not sure. But as far as the same people featured in more than one Treasury? Well, I think it's more about exposure than anything else. Obviously these shops are working really hard to promote themselves and so, I guess it's a bit of a reward for all that hard work. As for me tooting my own horn? Well, I'm seeing it as a way of promoting myself when I'm just a small grain of sand on a long stretch of beach. And I think instead of being bitter or feeling depressed or frustrated with Etsy....I'll just do it myself. I'm not sure it is a bad thing? Is it? I suppose I'd really like to know what others think?

Something to think about....

I'm pooped!

2009-05-26T21:41:00.002-06:00

I've had such a good day! I've been so busy...the entire day...except for the odd break to get myself a drink or slather myself with suntan lotion or spray myself with the insect repellent....yes...those nasty mosquitoes are back!

I'm pretty happy with what I've accomplished.

I used the pressure washer on the deck 'cos I'm going to stain it...soon I hope. The sooner I get it done, the sooner I can get my patio set out and my plants potted and pots on the deck. Once it's all finished we can start eating out there...sipping morning tea on the deck...I love that...sitting under my market umbrella to read...I can't wait! Anyway, it's the first time I've used the pressure washer and well, it's difficult to control!! What power! This was a two handed job! I soon learned that spraying over my foot might not be a good idea after I held it very near the deck floor to wash away some bird poop and it actually carved the little loopdeloop in the pattern I was waving the wand around into the wood. Scarey!

I also managed to plant the rest of my garden...everything but the bedding plants I have yet to buy. Hopefully we'll have lettuce and spinach soon... I'm gonna plant a few rows of flowers for cutting....I think that'll be nice and look pretty too!

Oh..and I mowed the lawn. I don't think I've done it for ages because I couldn't remember how to start the little garden tractor..."where is the clutch?" "do I need to hold my foot on it to change gears?" "how do I turn the mower on?".....I kid you not....I'm sure I couldn't remember because I haven't mowed for a long while and it's not some sort of degenerative brain disease.....definitely not!

I really wanted to work on some charms tonight but honestly I'm just too tired...in fact, I'm going to hit the hay...9:30...bedtime for me.....I'll be up with the birds!

Nighty night!

Who knew! (Pink didn't)

2009-05-25T15:45:00.003-06:00

Who knew that prepping for a paint job could be so much work! I'm pretty happy with my progression so far....large main window on my porch...done....smaller side window...done (and it's an opening window and I really detest working on those!),, side door and jambs...done....patio doors...almost done... :-( They're disgusting to be honest. I've been hovering (I can't spell vacuum! and though this is showing this to be the correct spelling, I can't agree!), poking, scraping....all to get rid of those icky webs and cocoon-y sort of things that seem to accumulate there over the winter (and to be honest, a lot of these are from last summer too, 'cos I didn't get it cleaned out 'til before winter). I'm going out now with a pail of TSP to try to wash out all the bug doodoo, they've delightfully left for me....I'm sure it'll be a treat scraping and scrubbing all those icky spots off.

So I'd say the porch is pretty much ready to paint. I have to do a little caulking where I went mad with the scraper, but that shouldn't take too long. I was going to try to get everything scraped, washed down, sanded, caulked before I started painting, but ummmm...well, as you know (or some of you do anyway) I tend to be a little impatient when it comes to waiting....and those pails of driftwood stain are sitting in my porch tempting me...I can almost hear them say "Pop me open...aren't you even curious to know what I look like!" Besides, I've been visualizing...I can see it in my head and it looks so nice! Those horrid stucco-y stone walls don't even worry me now 'cos if I look closely I can see bits of grey stone in there too...and course the cementy stuff is grey....so I have high hopes! What's got me more excited than anything is that I've decided to paint my exterior door lemon yellow!! I bright sunshiney yellow...all glossy and inviting! I can hardly wait!

I'm trying to convince my mom to come out for the week....not that I expect her to paint (though I'm sure she'd offer)....but just to be here....someone to keep up with the house stuff, make me things to eat. I really eat so poorly when I'm busy doing something...today for example I've had two bowls of Kellog's Just Right cereal, a grapefruit and two figs :-( I know she'd putz around the yard, picking weeds, and possibly even plant a few flowers for me...which would be nice, but she tends to go go go and doesn't stop 'til something is finished and then she pays for it later with aches and pains.

Alrighty...I'm finished my drink...back to work!

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell so sweet." Wm. Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet)

2009-05-25T14:36:00.004-06:00

My latest... Thanks to the following artists: harlequinfeltworks, corteza, jewlzs, windrose, tijusai, jannio, GraciousMay, dreamspiralart, ayelet17, lindseybs, Nuxiemade and kbastin.

Insanity is often the logic of an accurate mind overtasked. (Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.)

2009-05-22T22:24:00.005-06:00

I'm feeling like I'm in a bit of a funk lately...not very inspired to write on here...in fact not very inspired at all. I've got a million things on my mind....all these things that need doing. I think it's overwhelming me and as usual I want to do them all NOW...and it takes my brain some time to process the fact that that's just impossible.... So I guess as usual I need to prioritize...make my lists and stick to them...do the necessary things first....like painting the exterior of the house....

Gawd...I hate that job! I don't mind painting walls and furniture but windows? *shudder* Unfortunately it's first on my list....paint windows, paint the eavestroughs (I have NO idea how this is supposed to be spelled and Word doesn't seem to know either!). Am I crazy! First of all I don't like ladders...not past the 2nd or god knows 3rd wrung.... TOPS!.....let alone balancing on one with nothing to really lean against....I mean, I like a wall nearby or a ceiling even...but to stand on one 4 feet from the house, teetering on a pad of soft sand (cos the front patio bricks have been removed for now) just seems insane and even more insane cos I'm short and I'm going to have to stretch to reach...stretch especially far from that 3rd wrung!....never mind that today I learned I'll have to wash them down, prime them and then apply two coats of paint. All this, because they're brown (take note....never never choose coloured troughs when white will go with anything!) and I'm changing my house colour to grey...driftwood in fact (I'm feeling beachy) and white...clean, crisp, trendy.....and those damned brown eavestroughs just will not go! Unfortunately I'm stuck with the shingles....yes, brown too, but thank god they've started to wear..in fact, looking pretty dilapitated and in a year of so will need replacing and then it's gonna be charcoal grey or blackish, or sort of mixed ...something other than bloody brown! I'm totally ignoring the fact that three sides of the house are stucco...those horrid tossed pebbles and glass bits pitted into some sort of cement-y stuff.... in shades of...errm....brown and yeessh...sort of coraly peachy sandstoney......not likely to go with the grey either but I'm seriously going to avoid looking at it!

Anyway, I suppose in reality it's not even painting that should be first on my list...it's first sanding down the bits of paint that have managed to stay stuck to the wood, after the peeling stuff has been scraped away. Sanding so it's smooth, leveled I think they say in the painter's book of how to....and well, you know how anal I am...I'm sure to have them sanded bare just to be sure there are no bumpy uneven spots.

In the end I know it'll look great....painted house...deck...did I mention the deck? The fact that of course it's going to need staining too? Floor boards, railing...scraped, sanded, stained....and the cedar on the front of the house, did I mention that? Did I also mention that today I went out and bought flats and flats of flowers to plant.....to plant in this blessed cold weather...when nothing is gonna grow anyway, when if planted now, they're sure to freeze at night unless covered by layers of old blankets that have to be dragged off again each morning! Did I also mention that some friends of mine...friends I met whilst taking some jewellery classes are planning an open house the end of the month to sell their stuff and they've kindly invited me to join them! Another list...."things to make for open house".....

Did I also forgot to mention the fact that I'm working on a resume...so that I can get a job....

*laugh a little hysterically*

I need a valium....

I can feel the rain...

2009-05-18T15:47:00.004-06:00

I have a new treasury. (I love making them!) Thanks to all the contributing artists. Hutchme, artisanlook, jenniferaboston, loriyab, ari133photography, Shy Siren, rosiemusic, flapperdoodle, daisygirlcreations, ScooyouPhotography, pixelsnpaintbrushes, alittleluster.

I dream (yes again...)

2009-05-18T10:13:00.004-06:00

Happy Monday! I've listed a few new Betties in my Etsy shop. www.charmingbetties.etsy.com as well as a few cords to hang them from. The one pictured is my Friend charm. It's been a best seller for me. I found the most wonderful poem for the back "We are all angels with only one wing, we can fly only embracing each other". Sweet.

It's a holiday here today, Victoria Day...after the late Queen...though lately it's referred to more as the May Long Weekend...too bad it's overcast and windy...not a nice day at all! But I was planning to do things inside today anyway. I'm determined to get my studio in some semblance of order...I cannot continue to paint, glue, solder on my kitchen table even though I love the light that pours through the large windows opposite my kitchen table. But alas, I'm far too messy....(you cannot even begin to imagine) and we have no where to eat! So, today's the day..... I wish I had better shelving and great little plastic containers, etc. to organize my stuff, but as yet I don't, so I'll just manage the best I can. One day I hope to have a small studio of my very own...not tucked to one side in the basement family room. I'd like a room painted in bright, fun colours. Walls hung with cupboards... with slots and drawers and every kind of organizational idea possible! I'd want it all bright and cheery...with huge windows and great lighting for when I work at night and little stations for the different things I do...sewing, soldering, metalwork, painting.

For now I'll keep dreaming....you know what they say.....

I'm off to do the things I do....

A not so beautiful mess...

2009-05-15T19:30:00.007-06:00

I've been painting today...not walls, not furniture....but a picture...a collage...at least I'm trying to create a collage. It looked so nice at the start.... I was happy with the figure I sketched on it, happier still with the bits of pretty papers I had pasted on, happy when I tried the bubble wrap texture thingy even though I didn't have the molding paste suggested and just went for heavy acrylic paint. I was even happy when I had to paint gesso over the "skin" of my figure...cos it worked out so nice. Then I rolled two shades of paint over with my brayer....and that was the end of nice! So, I sanded (didn't work), added more white to my brayer (not much luck there) added a little ink (errm...nope)...and now it's drying....and it's looking pretty horrid if I do say so myself! It's 'cos of the colours I choose...cos they're not quite right...and I'm all about mixing and blending...I get that yellow and blue makes green...that white in red makes pink...that you can add black and get a "greyer" colour.....but who knew fluid acrylics had SO much colour in them!

I don't usually like the things I'm making as I'm making them. I'm just a little bit too symmetrical...I like that smudged paint, smudged perfectly...I can't stand crooked lines! Perhaps art isn't really something I should be doing....I've wondered about that. I should be doing something that requires precision...perfection. I read something once about the name Brenda...and it was so me, it was frightening! One of the things it suggested I would be good at would be working in a factory! Sad as that may be, I can totally see it!

I'm not going to write this canvas off yet. I'm gonna antique it...that makes anything look better I find! As much as I love the perfect in something, I also love the chippy, cracked and just a little battered...strange I know. So I'll add some stain and do some no so perfect smudging and outline a few things with my charcoal pencil....then I'll tackle the face....now THAT should be interesting! I'm not good at that sort of thing.

Damn my sister for going on holiday to San Francisco when I need her most! Now she can paint a face....in fact, she can paint or sketch anything and it always turns into something amazing! Her daughter has inherited her talent...which I find interesting, because I'm not sure that sort of thing is inherited. I think it's more that she spent hours and hours drawing with her when she was barely old enough to hold a pencil. In fact, I remember my sister telling me about the time she took her daughter to the public health nurse for the last of her shots and they did that little "test" thing on her...to see how she was progressing.... She was young...4 maybe? And the nurse asked her to draw something to which my niece replied "Well, what would you like me to draw?" The nurse told her to draw anything and so my niece announced she'd draw a swan. I guess it was a great swan, because the nurse was dumbfounded when she handed her the paper and ran around the office showing everyone!

She (my niece) just might be more talented than my sister. She's studying art and some of the things she's done are pretty amazing. The funniest thing is one day when my mom was there visiting and she was looking through some of the artwork, she burst out with "where did she get her talent!"

Mothers....gotta love 'em!

Okay..time to work on that creative mess!

Mary's having a Birthday Giveaway!

2009-05-14T20:51:00.007-06:00

My friend and fellow Etsian, Cindy, is having a birthday giveaway this month to celebrate her birthday! You have the chance to win an adorable Greta doll or brooch. (I have my fingers crossed!). Here's the link! It's easy as pie to enter and you'll get the chance to check out her great blog!

http://marysgranddaughter.blogspot.com/2009/05/birthday-giveaway.html

I also wanted to share my favourite item in Cindy's shop! It's Fern... that's her at the top of this post! She's just so adorable, from her antlers to her little yellow boots!

You can find her here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24753979
in marysgrandaughter's shop and you'll find lots of other wonderful handcrafted items there as well!

Laugh and the world laughs with you...

2009-05-14T20:26:00.004-06:00

I've been doing an online search for a project I'm considering. It involves searching through funny classified advertisements. I'm peeing my pants over some of these and just had to share!

Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.

Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.

Used cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.

For sale: Antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

Have several very old dresses from Grandmother in beautiful condition.

Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.

2009-05-13T23:44:00.003-06:00

The happiest person is the person who thinks the most interesting thoughts.

- William Lyon Phelps

Wow, who knew....

2009-05-12T19:20:00.004-06:00

....that getting noticed online could be so complicated! Today I received an email from Etsy on optimizing your Etsy shop for search engines....stuff about meta files and how the proper page title, description, and keywords can make it easier to find your shop. It's all greek to me, but I spent a good portion of today going through my descriptions and shop appearance....trying hard to "get it right". I suppose there really isn't any way of knowing, other than doing a search on myself...which I did and to be honest, I didn't find myself any easier than before I changed things. I have discovered however, that the name CharmingBetties was a good choice (thank you mom!) because it comes up first in a search...in fact, there are several pages pertaining to me and my little Etsy shop...all at the top of the list, but that's only if you already know you're looking for CharmingBetties!

So, my next step is Google Base. Don't even ask me what that means, 'cos I have no idea, but it's supposed to be great! It's loading as we speak...or at least it tells me it's processing, so fingers crossed I've set things up correctly! I consulted a very good, very new Etsy friend, marysgranddaughter, on this Google Base thingy and she's recommended it and I really trust she knows what she's talking about! She's given me a lot of advice over the past few days and I can't begin to tell her how much I've appreciated it. I feel much better about my shop, knowing that most of what I've done has been good, just a few tweaks here and there. I'm sure it's a learn-as-you go process and that all the worry and procrastination was silly and that had I taken the advice of a lot of people to just "do it", I would have been here ages ago!

Spilt milk....onwards and upwards.....

PS Look for more on marysgranddaughter in future posts!

I can forsee only good things! Wish me luck!

Wild World of Artists, Crafters, Designers, Collectors and Etsy!

2009-05-11T17:33:00.009-06:00

I have been featured!
http://papierblue.blogspot.com/

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!!! I can hardly breath! This is the nicest surprise...thank you again Reana!

Please do take a peek at other featured artists while you're there. It's a wonderful site filled with so much talent.

*skipping happily*

Newest Treasury

2009-05-11T17:08:00.005-06:00

You'll find this one here:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=53566

As most of you know I love the art of collage!Once again, I'd like to thank all the talented artists! (artandghosts, PaperBling, artspell, Queen Be, cindyg, Paper Dreamer, woodandfabric, corid, SantAngeloDesigns, AFanciful Twist, leadaisicaldesigns, helveticaneue)

New Treasury

2009-05-11T16:47:00.004-06:00

You can find it here for a few days:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=57386

I love this colour combination! Thanks to all the talented artists! (Kruser, fullenstar, SantiamDesigns, dogs4deb, geniene, trystbykerry, lepiedlegger, LA originals, melody armstrong, red2white, yoopers and WildWomanJewelry)

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T09:00:00.004-06:00

For me, it's not likely to be different from any other day. My mom is away, visiting with my brother and his family in Vernon, British Columbia. I think this is the first Mother's Day I've spent without her. My sisters and I have this tradition and my sister-in-law and her mother were included once she became part of the family as well as our "girls". Originally we'd find a nice place for brunch, but these past few years we've held it at one of our homes, with all of us contributing something yummy. My family loves food! Not just the eating bit, but the creating...making something entirely new and different! So those brunches were always great and the company even better! After brunch we always ALWAYS drive to the garden centers and walk amongst the rows and rows of lush green bedding plants and it's rare not to have a trunk stuffed full of plants and some massive hanging pot perched on our lap as we drive home. My mom especially loves that, especially because she's always the recipient of some beautiful potted plant! She's probably got the greenest thumb in the world! I think it's what she missed most about moving into an apartment. Working in her yard...deadheading her flowers, digging.....not that she doesn't have pots on her balcony, but it's not quite the same. That and the fact that her apartment faces west and it's just so blessed hot there that the plants don't thrive the way she's accustomed to!

Luckily, my sister-in-law knows my mom so well. They've purchased and planted her flower beds and pots and I'm quite sure my mom has been a bit of a Flower General in the entire process! I don't think my sister-in-law minds....she's really good about that sort of thing and I know her pots will be beautiful this summer, 'cos no one plants them like my mom!

So no mother and no kids. They're both living away and of course my daughter is further still in Portugal. (yes they've moved on from Spain). I'm expecting I might get a call or two....hopefully two!

I'm off to do the things I do best....sans mother and kids..... I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Thank you Teka and Zoe!

2009-05-09T21:12:00.002-06:00

I need to thank Michelle Geoffrion-Mahler of Teka and Zoe, a very talented Etsian. You can find her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5260487. It's filled with beautiful enameled jewellery....so wonderfully unique and colourful! I was happy to include them in my Treasury and what a lovely surprise it was to find a big thank you on her blog! It's so appreciated. I love that treasury too, it's filled with my favourite colours!

You can find the blurb here!
http://tekaandzoe.blogspot.com/2009/04/thrilled-to-be-picked-for-another.html

I dream....

2009-05-09T12:26:00.006-06:00

I won't sing for you...but I do dream.... Today I'm dreaming of travels to Spain. I want to go there. I want to live there. I want to drive around in a convertible topped car, warm breeze blowing on my face...admiring the countryside...the so very old, the not so new, the crumbling. I want to feel the tiny bumps as the car rolls over cobblestone roads. I want to learn the history, the language, feel the welcoming kisses on both cheeks. I want to stop at the smallest restaurants and eat all things Spain......dribbled with the best olive oils...drink the wines....feel giddy.

My daughter is there now. My niece is soaking it up with her as I write. I'm jealous. I can't wait for the pictures, the stories, the little bits of Spain they bring back with them.

For now I have Gwyneth, and Mario and Bittman and that beautiful Spanish actress, I can't remember the name of.....I've watched Episode 2 this morning and I'm wanting it more now than I did yesterday. How will I feel when I'm on Episode 13!

Wanna watch it with me?
http://www.spainontheroadagain.com/

*sigh*

Things I want to do:
1. Learn Spanish
2. Travel to Spain
3. Dream

Finally!

2009-05-09T01:03:00.004-06:00

I know, I can't believe it myself! It's taken me ages.....procrastinator remember? That and I think I've been a little nervous about putting stuff on and finding no one is interested... Luckily someone knocked some sense into me and pointed out how silly I was being because of course no one is going to show any interest if they can't see what it is I'm making!

I need to work on my photography....I'm thinking I need to buy a SLR Digital camera and a light box thingy...though a friend of mine just bought herself one and said I could come over and take pics at her house......at the moment that sounds like the best idea!

So...whatcha think?

Happy May Day!

2009-05-05T00:21:00.003-06:00

A day late I know, and though we don't celebrate it here in Canada (or at least not that I'm aware of), I'm told they do in the UK...in fact it's a holiday! So to all of you in the United Kingdom and anywhere else that might celebrate it, I hope your day was a good one and that you were able to swing from at least one Maypole!

A walk in the park...

2009-05-03T10:15:00.004-06:00

I'm thinking about going to the city today. Visit with my sister because it's been ages since we've just hung out. I can think of all sorts of reasons to stay home, none of them that convincing to be honest. It's a beautiful day....blue skies, sunshine...warm...WARM...perfect to for a long walk around the lake that's situated in the center of Regina. I love that lake...sometimes I forget just how beautiful Wascana Park really is.

Located in the centre of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, this park (officially known as Wascana Centre, covers a total area of 2300 acres (930 hectares) . Land 2000 acres (810 hectares), Water 300 acres (120 hectares). One of the largest urban parks in North America, (before you ask, Central Park in New York City is 834 acres).

When I'm there, I always feel really health conscious! It's true! I think it's because there's always so much activity going on...people playing football or frisbee on the front lawn of the Legislative Building...people rowing on the lake...lots of bicyles and rollerblades...joggers and of course casual strollers. When I was a little girl, my mom would pack up a picnic lunch and she and my dad would drag the four of us there. Sometimes we'd just find a shady spot near the pool, eat our potato salad and fried chicken and then spend the day playing in the water 'til our fingers and toes resembled prunes. Other times, we'd drag the cooler, blankets, balls, bats and gloves and search for that perfect bbq, located throughout the park. That wasn't always easy though because of course everyone had the same idea! I loved those Sundays...feels like one today....

I'm going to call my sis....

Hope your day is as nice as I anticipate mine is going to be!

Another treasury!!

2009-05-03T00:42:00.002-06:00

How beachy!

You can also see it here:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=52586

State of Confusion...

2009-05-02T21:04:00.006-06:00

Sounds like a movie title, doesn't it?

It's how I'm feeling right now...do do do do...twilight zone sort of stuff... 'cos I just woke up from a nap...or perhaps nap isn't the right word, obviously I was in some comatose state....a sort of abnormally deep totally unconscious sleep...dead asleep...you know the kind I mean. I know this because I woke up at 8:03, but didn't realize for almost 45 minutes that it was 8:03 in the evening! I had seriously fooled myself into believing it was morning! I came online to read the news as I do every morning and I did think it strange that nothing much had changed "overnight", but even then it didn't click with me that it was still Saturday! I also opened my email hoping I might catch my daughter as she suns herself in Spain, but of course she wouldn't be here 'cos she's sure to be dead asleep herself, dreaming of her next exciting day!

Okay, so I do have an excuse for my unusually tired state and that would be the fact that I've just come home from a bit of a whirlwind trip....Edmonton, Vernon, Vancouver, Penticton, Vernon, Calgary...in a week...driving! Yes, you heard me right, driving! So a lot of miles in a very short period of time and not a lot of time spent doing much of anything else...at least not before we stopped in Vernon for a few days to visit with family (where I helped my sister-in-law pick out two beautiful and comfy new armchairs for her living room...paint colours for her livingroom and kitchen...poured over laminate floor samples...helped her decide on a new countertop/glass tile backsplash AND painted her exterior doors a gorgeous eggplant!). You'd think I'd be rested up because I mostly slept on the drive home or at least, I tried of sleep...it was more of an "my eyes are closed but I can hear everything around me" sort of sleep...the warm sun pouring through my window makes me sleepy. I don't know why I just can NOT stay awake in the car....as a passenger I mean! I'm fine if I'm the one doing the driving!.

Anyway, we packed up the U-Haul...I followed behind in the car...and we delivered my daughter and all of her belongings to her boyfriend pre Eurotrip/soon to be new home, without a hitch (even the traffic in Vancouver cooperated with our arrival!) The things we don't do for our kids!

Okay...I'm feeling revived....I'm off to do the things I normally do in a morning and then I'll have tomorrow morning free!

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams" Dr. Seuss

2009-04-20T22:47:00.001-06:00

I want to be a little girl again...

2009-04-20T18:35:00.007-06:00

I went to an auction sale today...the dispersal of farm equipment...my cousin has decided to rent his land and quit farming. I wouldn't normally have gone...I don't need a tractor or stone picker, and though it's tempting, the little piles of tools and odd things that sell first aren't really something I need either. The thing about this sale was that it was on my grandfather's homestead....my dad's dad... and though there isn't anything really left other than a few very old wooden granaries and a couple of weathered buildings that might have been used as a shop or barn, it was still a little sad. Another cousin will be farming the land and no doubt the yard site will eventually be cleared and used to grow grain, but it will always be the place my grandparents choose as their home in Canada.

The day was beautiful...quite warm, though the wind was chilly when the clouds passed under the sun. For me it was a little bit of a family reunion. I knew it would be, that was another reason I decided to go. I don't see a lot of my relatives on a regular basis, and it seems ages since I've been to this small community where my father grew up. I had to, of course, explain to a few people just who I was..."I'm Brenda, the daughter of..." and then of course we'd share one of those warm hugs that you can only share with a member of your family... It was nice...so nice....especially since some of uncles and cousins are getting on in years and there might not be a lot of opportunities to visit with them. I need to take more time to do that. Take my mom with me and go and visit them...visit the cemetery where my great-grandmother and grandparents lie....where my dad's baby sister rests....where numerous cousins, and distant relatives lie together. This summer I will....definitely....

I also strolled down to the lake. I often think how lucky my dad was to grow up with the lake basically at his doorstep. I imagine he spent every day down there after school...he and his 14 siblings....the fun they must have had!

When I was a little girl, my dad and several uncles (maybe aunts too, I'm not sure) built a small "cottage" down there. It wasn't anything much, but to me it was like living in a castle! One bigger room, but by no means big....kitchen, living room, and dining. Two very small bedrooms, but inside of each was one massive bunk bed....big enough to hold 3 or 4 kids on each level...more if we were made to sleep crosswise. I loved it there. It didn't matter that there wasn't any electricity or that they never bothered to shingle the roof, which meant that if it rained, every available pot or pan was set under the drips of water coming through the ceiling...sometimes we slept with pots at our feet....my mom coming 'round to empty them in the night. They'd light old coal oil lanterns they'd dragged from the old farmhouse and while we slept the adults would play cards or sing German songs, well into the morning. The floor was nothing more than plywood, painted grey if I remember correctly, and no one worried when we'd run across the floor with sandy feet. It was a mishmash of furniture...the old couch my mom and dad had when they were first married, and mismatched chairs....a wood or coal burning heater in case it got chilly. I remember an old kitchen "cupboard" that I think once belonged to my grandmother and not a lot more than that. We used an outhouse and though we'd complain about the smell, and the spiders hiding in the corners, we never really minded so much. For us it was about the beach and playing in the sand, splashing in the water....walking along the shore for miles and miles to those magical spots where sandbars allowed you to walk so far from shore. One summer myself and a few cousins, rolled an old...I think it was a shelter used on a wagon when my grandfather would take the kids to school on the coldest days of winter...we rolled that thing end over end all the way to the beach and made the best playhouse, though they boys would insist it was a fort!

Today I walked to the cottage. It's been dragged from the spot where it was built because someone else is renting that land now. The windows were smashed and birds have been using it as their toilet. That old cupboard still sits in the corner and I recognized a few of the old wooden chairs...one in particular painted pink, and so shabby I wanted to drag it home with me. I couldn't get inside, the door was locked and the doorknob broken off. I stood with my head poking through the broken window and remembered how it used to be...when it was full of laughter and songs and a dozen or so kids playing on the top bunks, writing little messages on the wooden walls, hiding treasures in the rafters....

Memories.....

Spreading my wings....

2009-04-20T18:09:00.004-06:00

So many things have happened today... First off, I received my book, 'Taking Flight' from Kelly Rae! It's signed and there was a small limited edition print of one of her beautiful paintings tucked between the cover and the first page. http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/ I couldn't wait to unwrap it and start reading and it's just soooo beautifully done and inspirational beyond words! It's all about me really and it's definitely struck a cord. All the things I wonder about and dream of....it's all there and it's got me thinking and wishing...but not just wishing because now it's about doing...all the things I've always wanted to do....it's about making my wish lists and tackling the things that scare me most. I'm only half way through and I already know I'll be reading it over and over again, jotting little notes next to my favourite bits and tucking little pieces of inspiration between the pages. I can't wait to make the Whispers Art Journal...and I'm seriously considering her Be Present Retreat in October....just me...all by myself...god, I get little shivers thinking about it, like it's something I need to do, even though it scares me so much to think of going alone... I've printed out the registration form....it sits her atop my desk calling me...

*sigh* I feel good!

'There is a very fine line between hobby and mental illness' - Dave Barry

2009-04-19T11:43:00.003-06:00

One of those days....

2009-04-19T10:38:00.003-06:00

I'm not feeling terribly inspired these past few days. Oh, I'm trying very hard. My kitchen table is littered with my soldering stuff... and charms, rectangles of glass, rolls of foil, a scatter of jump rings and tiny stacks of cut out 'Betties'. You know how sometimes things just go really well, and everything you touch turns to gold....well, this isn't one of those times, and I'm unhappy with everything I've made so far and if that's not enough I keep losing things! Arrggh!! This perfectionism thing is going to be the death of me I swear!

So instead, I've not so calmly set my work down and walked away. You have to do it, or you'll become obsessive (thinking I could be already!) What's that quote I like so much? I never can remember it! I'm pouring through my collection of ME Home Companions hoping to find it! I can see it...I can almost make it out in my minds eye....I can see where it's written on the page...left hand side, just a little below the center of the page, in a large font...and coloured too....I think a light tan? I know I've written it down somewhere. If only I had one notebook to scribble stuff in, instead of the six or so I have strewn about the house...in my bag, in the car. Where do I find one of those when I'm lying wide awake with visions of creativity running through my head? Oh..it's too late for me...*heavy sigh*...obsession has taken over!

Maybe if I Google... (I think I might have thrown out that copy of ME!)....

Not the quote I'm looking for but it seems I am not the only one that thinks insanity and creativity go hand in hand....

'The creative person is both more primitive and more cultivated, more destructive, a lot madder and a lot saner, than the average person.’ — Frank Barron

‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a new result.’ — Albert Einstein (That is me today!)

‘What garlic is to salad, insanity is to art.’ — Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Time to do something else! I think I'm going give my livingroom that facelift! Pulling out the shabbies....

Hope your Sunday is wonderful...

I did it!!!

2009-04-18T01:19:00.002-06:00

I finally had my first treasury posted in Etsy!! I had no idea it would be so exciting! Here's the link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=50876 which in fact, is the same page (minus one column) as I inserted here a few blogs back, but it's more exciting to see it in Etsy! Now I'm hooked and already I've made my next poster sketch...ready and waiting for the next time!

Posting it just 'cos I think it looks so pretty....

No time to waste...I'm off to solder!

FYI... The bird might not be crazy after all...

2009-04-17T11:06:00.003-06:00

Mr. Robin Redbreast has finally decided that throwing himself against a pane of glass is far too painful and he's gone to join the other robins in their quest for a female...or at least I'm assuming...that or he's dropped dead from some internal injuries. It's difficult to tell really...yesterday when I arrived home, there had to have been about 30 robins, bouncing on the lawn (and 'course they all look the same)....partly because it rained and I'm sure there were earthworms galore to gobble, but I think too, they've finally arrived....like maybe my window bashing robin was a little ahead of himself and got here earlier than the rest? Anyway, now they're fighting, because I think they're territorial...although they don't pee everywhere, leaving their mark...pooping is another story... I'm sure I've read that somewhere....and so now I guess it's a matter of the strongest surviving, even though we have a really big yard and there's plenty of room if they'd just find their own little section. God, life can be complicated when you're a bird...I guess it's not all fun and soaring....

Off to do the things that need doing....

Today's the day....

2009-04-17T10:53:00.002-06:00

Lots to do today! I'm about to paint some trim and then I'm going to finish up some charms...yes I said "FINISH UP"....as in solder, spit, polish, string up...and THEN I'm going to post a few in my Etsy shop. You've heard it right...I'm finally going to get something on there!! I have some pics ready...some pricing worked out and now it's just a matter of listing them (which I've never done before, but how hard can it be, right?)

So, I'm excited and a little nervous at the same time. Will anyone like what I've made, will anyone find me....will I sell anything and how soon... You know how impatient I can be! I'm hopeful though. There's the whole wide world out there and I'll be exposed to so many people....okay...so definitely more excited than nervous!

Off to do my thing....

I've got goosebumps on top of my goosebumps...

2009-04-16T19:00:00.005-06:00

Awwwwww....I wasn't lucky enough to get a spot on the Treasury because it opened earlier than it was supposed to and I was sitting in front of the tube watching Susan Boyle (who I now openly admire!) I was told that it often opens earlier because people drop out?...not sure what that means, but next time I'll be here, finger poised!

So chilly today....wet, rainy, cold....at least we didn't get snow like some parts of the province did. They're predicting the possibility of a few flurries tonight and/or freezing rain (yuck!)....fingers crossed they're wrong! The good news is it's going to warm up by the weekend...+15C or something like that!!! Yippeee!! can't wait!

We had to go to the city today to see the accountant about our taxes (he appeared for a very brief minute) and to do a few other things. I couldn't believe how many people were wearing shorts and sandals...far too many were dressed for summer, when it's really more like winter! I think it was +2C...and so damp....I was freezing all day long! I should have worn my winter coat....silly me! Thank god for heated car seats, cos I had mine cranked up as high as it could go and even THEN, with my ass on fire, I could not warm up! I tried the "I'll turn up the heat when he's not looking" thing, but I guess because he was wearing a hoodie and a jacket, he noticed...god, I need a car with dual heaters!

I need a hot bath.... Think I'll dive into a tub scented with a Lush Patchouli bubble bar....sink into those bubbles and finish "A Complicated Kindness" which has taken me ages to read...probably because the only time I have been reading it is in the tub! (Wouldn't you know my daughter noticed the rumpled pages and scolded me for getting her book wet!)

Well, I'm off to warm up.....I'm going to be lazy tonight!

Will I snag a spot on Treasury West?

2009-04-15T16:57:00.003-06:00

Now what to call it.....Hmmmmmmm

Sometimes, things are not as they seem.....

2009-04-15T11:10:00.005-06:00

I have just watched the most incredible video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

If you haven't seen it, I'd really suggest that you take a peek....with one warning though, it'll make you cry! (I'm still feeling "misty", as my dad would say!) Susan Boyle has become an overnight sensation and rightly so! This is one of those feel good things that makes me believe it's possible to change the world and the way we perceive things... I hope everyone gets a chance to see this...

It's nice to see someone so sincere and unpretentious get the recognition she deserves. I hope she remains as humble in her stardom, because she's sure to become one! I wish her all the best and I'll be watching to see where she goes from here! (It can't possibly be anywhere but up!)

If that didn't make me blubber enough, Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley did...it's such an incredible song...I get shivers listening to it! It's one of those beautiful songs that needs to be shared with someone special. You can find it on my new and first ever playlist! http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15924123403 I've also added the playlist to my blog at end of these posts. You'll need to scroll to the bottom of the page to get it to play. If you'd prefer not to listen, just hit the pause button!

Raining outside, crying inside (but happy tears), Mr. Robin Redbreast knocking at my window (when will it end!)... I'm off to do the things I do!

Bananas Flambe and lotsa chocolate...It's going to be a good day!

2009-04-11T09:34:00.006-06:00

Crazy robin! I'm pretty sure someone has planted this mad robin just to get me up early in the mornings, because it's working! The good news is he's now alternating between windows (we have corner windows in the bedroom)...so maybe he'll eventually figure it all out...I hope so, 'cos it's getting ridiculous! (He must be bruised!)

Easter for us today. Tomorrow didn't work for everyone, so the family are coming out today for brunch. We're making waffles...a waffle bar, with all the good stuff, like whipped cream and strawberries, chocolate chips, good ole' Canadian Maple Syrup... My sis is making bananas flambe, because after some discussion we've decided this waffle bar is more for the adults than the kids. Seems she did something similar a while ago when my sister-in-law and nephews were here and the kids only had butter and syrup on their waffles! Kids nowadays! Where's their sense of adventure! Anyway, I'm also making a frittata with onions, red peppers, potatoes, and course lots of cheese and breakfast sausages and bacon. Should be yummy!

We also have this Easter Hunt tradition, though it's down to just two kids! I think in all the years we've done them, we've only had one or two where we could hide and hunt outside...unfortunately this isn't one of those years because there's still too much snow and what little grass is showing is wet. Normally we pick up little things for the kids (mostly chocolate) and in the end it's far too much... This year, I bought it all and now I'm worried it's not enough! We cram what we can into those little plastic Easter eggs and then tuck them in the most obvious spots! In the end, the actual hunt itself lasts about two minutes....but it's two minutes well worth the trouble!

Have a great Easter...I'm off to do the Easter thing.....

Can a robin lose his marbles?

2009-04-10T13:19:00.005-06:00

So spring has officially arrived and with it the return of the robin! It's always exciting, though I do find the arrival of the crow even more exciting because it's the sound of spring as well as the sight...annoying as it is! To me it really means spring is here (and no we're not there yet!)

Anyway, for now we have the gophers and the robins...oh yes, and flocks of geese have been flying overhead for some time now. But, this particular robin....the one that wakes me these past few mornings at about 7:00 am ...the one that insists on trying to poke through my bedroom window all day long....is driving me mad! I have no idea what the problem is...if my house happens to be in the way of it's flight path (damned instinct!) or what, but it keeps flying at my window....not like a big bang sort of dive...but a gentle, little "I'm going to flutter against the glass for a while in hopes that I'll wear a hole through it and then I can make it to the other side." It's crazy I know, and it has happened other years but never for three straight days! It doesn't matter what I do...I have tried scaring him (no I don't don a mask or anything like that)....I've tried putting things against the window to see if that will stop any reflection or maybe make it just a little more obvious that the window is a solid wall that's not going to allow him to pass through...nothing as worked.....

Oh well....hopefully some nice looking (though dull coloured) female "bird" will distract him soon and he'll forget all about it!

Why, oh WHY did I?

2009-04-10T08:57:00.009-06:00

My "bare essentials" livingroom....wait for the change!

Seems I can be especially long winded when I'm tired....

Where was I...oh yes..shabby furniture, old chenille, old pottery/china, old black and white photos...old books, old postcards/letters...I love them all! I also love clutter...it doesn't matter how much I try to unclutter my house, I miss my collections when they're packed away....like now...when my livingroom seems so bare...almost cold...and definitely not as homey as I want it to be. It's partly to do with moving the tv to the basement and as a result we don't use it much anymore. I think the newly installed hardwood also makes it feel a little chillier, even though I found a fantastic wool area rug to warm it up. I love the look of hardwood! but it's not very warm. I'm sure too, the warm grey I choose for the walls...and the fact that I finally painted the cedar wainscotting the same grey (but with a bit 'o gloss) isn't exactly giving it that warm, happy feel....why oh why, did I choose grey! Me and my neutrals... when what I really love is colour! I see now that I get all caught up in "what's in"...and "what's right", instead of doing what I love most! So I'm going to have to personalize my livingroom if I'm going to be happy!

My husband hauled this great farm table into the house the other day...if you can imagine, he means for it to be my painting table! If that wasn't enough he came in an announced that he "broke the leg off that old table" 'cos he fell while trying to carry it to the house!!! I nearly died! I love this table! (oh he was fine! and the table has been fixed!) When I bought it for the store, it was so beat up...with that horrid red plastic tacked around the outside edge, and I stripped that off and sanded it a little before painting it. My friend Shirley helped me finish it and lovingly sanded the top, 'til it looked "like a Baba has rolled dough on it for years"! I'm going to move it into my livingroom...along with that rusted old wire gate I bought at a fabulous little shop in S'toon....and attach old postcards and pictures it to it...inspiration for me and my art! I'm also going to paint one of my many old kitchen chairs a pretty blue and turn that table into a bit of desk.... I removed the mantel from my fireplace when I painted and I kind of liked the sleek, minimalist look without it, but now I need to put it back. I need something to set my pitcher collection on....my blue and white Burleigh and white Medalta jugs... Summer will soon be here and I need to fill them with those flowers I plan to plant in my garden specifically for cutting!

I'm getting spring fever...finally....nothing like the return of the robin (unfortunately I have an insane one) and the first peek of bare earth to put you in the mood! It's looking quite dull today, perhaps it'll rain and wash away some of the winter's dirt so that things can green up...I can't wait....

I'm off to do the things I do....perhaps I'll paint that round antique table of mine blue....

Happy Easter!!!

Everything old is new again...

2009-04-09T23:43:00.004-06:00

It's 11:43 pm and I'm doing my usual perusing around the internet....a sort of bedtime ritual, though I stay much longer than I mean to because one site leads to another and then another still....the second better than the first, the third better still, and then I can't stop myself because I hate to miss any of it! Thank goodness for bookmarks (I always wonder if there's a limit and one day I'll find I've hit my quota!) Eventually, I can't keep my eyes open and regrettably I'll have to shut down both me and my computer and crawl to bed.

So I've been thinking a lot about what I wrote earlier today and wondering again about the imitation,copying thing...and I've noticed a definite pattern to my blog searches and how everything I seem to pour over is very much the same. I definitely have likes and dislikes...for example, I love shabby...anything worn, chipped, faded.... ANYTHING! It started with the usual furniture...not so much upholstered things, because I can't get my head around what might be lurking in the horsehair filled cushions of some beat up old sofa, but definitely anything made of wood! I also love old linens. I envy those people lucky enough to get boxes and boxes of the stuff handed down to them, because I'm just not that fortunate, though I did find a few treasures digging through my mother-in-laws things a few years back. I actually love the tiny pin holes worn through the faded tablecloths and the way the cotton had thinned and softened. I went through a mad period a few years ago and bought quite a few retro tablecloths from various sellers on ebay. Sadly they stay hidden in my linen closet, stacked neatly where no one can see them. One day I'll find an old cabinet that I'll shabby up and put them out on display where I can appreciate them!

I also went through a chenille period. Once people found out I was "collecting" the stuff, friends, family and complete strangers happily hand over their old spreads (glad to be rid of them). I'd also scour garage sales and I even bought a few of very nice ones from ebay. I'd cut them into 4" squares and sew them into the nicest baby quilts. I loved how tactile they were and though I didn't use batting between the layers, the pretty flannels I used on the backs made them wonderfully warm and cozy. I sold it all this summer in a garage sale after I went though a brief period of insanity or perhaps it was sanity? Let me tell you, chenille bedspreads take up a LOT of space! To be honest, I can live without a mountain of that piled high in my workspace!

Now it's late and I've so much more to tell you....but my eyes are hanging heavy and so I'm off to the land of nod....I'll tell you more tomorrow if you'll come 'round for a visit!

Sweetest dreams....

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery?

2009-04-09T09:03:00.009-06:00

I'm having a brain dead morning!

I went to bed last night "writing" my next blogger post in my head (I do my best writing in my head sadly), and I did think about getting up to write it as I was thinking of it. But it was late and my bed far too warm and cozy and I figured surely I'd remember it in the morning... because it was that good!!..... and now it's gone! pfffttt!!...I've got nothing...zero, zilch! Empty head syndrome!

Anyway, I do know I was inspired by a blog I was reading last night...one that I visit on a pretty regular basis. I can spend a long while on her pages (and I do!). I'm crazy about her artwork and I love the way she writes. It's filled with wonderful pictures of anything and everything....pics of her, pics of her friends and family, pics of her home, (I love looking at decorating pictures! Home decor magazine addict here!), pics of her work...pics of just about anything she sees and finds interesting. It's what I aspire to become, I think...as a blogger anyway. I know I have a long way but...she's been doing it for ages, so I think there's hope for me!

I'm not sure who, if anyone, is reading the stuff I'm writing about, but I love doing it! I guess if it's for no one else but me, that's okay, because I feel like I'm sort of seeing myself in a new light...perhaps, I'm discovering things about me that I knew were there all along but just wasn't sure how to bring them out. One thing I've noticed is that I have a clearer picture of what it is I want to do. I'm not quite there yet...but I've struggled with the "what do I want to be when I grow up" thing for ages....ever since I can remember I suppose...except maybe when I was a small girl and thought I might like to be a nun (I might have made a good one, who knows!)....so I feel like I'm on a positive path!

I've been spending a lot of time lately visiting the sites of artists I love and because of that, I sort of have this revised vision of what it is I want to be doing. Sort of an amalgamation of all the different techniques and ideas, with my own worked in...something I can call my mine!! It's hard not to "copy" the style of someone else. I always wonder who came up with the original idea, because truthfully, a lot of what we see has been done before. I so admire those women (and men) who come up with something entirely unique and wonderful and creative...or is it that I haven't see it before? Hmmm....who knows...something to think about.....

Off to do the things I do....(better than I did yesterday!)

2009-04-07T11:24:00.006-06:00

Five long years.
The opportunity to experince Canada from sea to sea.
Lifelong friendships.
Hours hard work and fretting.
Lots of cash and debt.
One itty bitty, stainless steel pinkie ring....

PRICELESS

I'm back! I swear the drive home is twice as long as the drive getting there. I know that's a misconception and in fact, the anticipation of getting where you're going seems to speed up time, but the getting home....arrrgggh...8 long hours felt like 12, I swear...or longer...though I have to admit, I pretty much slept (mouth hanging open, pools of drool, head bobbing...NOT at all a pretty picture!) most of the drive, but even then it was STILL long!

But it was a great weekend, one we've been looking forward to for so long! Five of us crammed into a very tiny apartment because we were too cheap to pay for a hotel room and one very tiny, very HUMID bathroom. Okay..so yes, cheap did come into play, but the real reason (or so I try to convince myself) was that we were going to spend most of the time at the apartment anyway, so why not just stay there! Well, no matter what they tell you (yes, I know...who are they?), those blow up mattresses...the "better" ones, are not as comfy as they promise to be...though this time around, I did sleep pretty well! At least I didn't get stuck on the hardwood floor, sleeping on camp mats!!

Anyway, the purpose of the weekend was to watch and of course celebrate my daughter getting her iron ring!! Woohoo!!! Engineer in the family! (that'll be two now with my brother-in-law, three even if you count her boyfriend!) The ceremony itself was pretty interesting...and no, don't bother asking me anything about it 'cos it's all meant to be top secret and only just recently have outsiders been invited to watch...and if I do leak anything, well....you know....

Needless to say, we're bursting with pride! Congratulations babygirl!!! You did it! (I knew you would!)

Toilet paper rolls and fashion....

2009-04-02T08:33:00.007-06:00

My mom is here. She's coming with me this weekend, so she's here a day early, saving me an extra hours drive tomorrow morning because she lives in the opposite direction of where we're going. Hopefully it also means we can get that early start....which of course is never as early as you plan! Her early arrival also means my fridge is clean, and the toilet paper rolls are once again holding fat, double rolls of the strong and soft stuff. I'm telling you this because it's a HUGE worry for my her...to run out of toilet paper...I mean, it's an obsession! But it hasn't always been, or if it has, I've never noticed...until lately. These days, anything less than three or four rolls means it's time to panic. I suppose you never know when there might be some unforeseen natural disaster and god forbid, you should be without something strong and soft to....well you know....(Last night there was a mention of paper towels as well!)

So, yes, she's washed, wiped, polished, stacked, shifted things around and now of course it means once I'm back, I'll have to search for things that really weren't out of place in the first place....If only I had her energy!

Oh! and speaking of my mom....Betty...with a Y.... I can't begin to tell you how tickled she was when I showed her my newly decorated blog with the pics of her pinned to the page. We had to call up everyone she knew to "take a peek"...and she made sure to tell them that she always, always wore dresses like that in "those days" and "look how skinny I was!"...and of course the fact that she loved those shoes she's wearing in the shopping picture and always wore heels. "Aren't those pedal pushers nice" in that group pic and always the fashionista, she was pretty observant about the "shrug" my Auntie Vickie was wearing 'cos "that's back in style!"

Surely I'm adopted?

Well, she's up...making beds, wiping down sinks.... I'm off to spend some time with her over a coffee or two...

Back after the weekend! Have a great one!

I will never be a graphic designer....

2009-04-01T17:13:00.007-06:00

I've spent most of the day working on my blog! Swoops my hand, palm up, in a half circle (I just know you can picture this perfectly! ;-) ) as I show you my new improved site!.... Gawd! I've played far too long on Photoshop... I wonder if the day will come when I won't have to do, redo, and then redo the redos, because honestly that's how it is for me now! I'm the next thing to being brand spanking new at it, a Photoshop virgin really and course there are loads of things I still need to learn! So I suppose until then, I'll just have to put up with doing things over and over and over again. The funny thing is, I have all the patience in the world when I'm working on this stuff! I don't get at all frustrated when things get messed up, 'cos I'm pretty determined to figure it out and course I've had the best advice! (thanks!)...but I get so engrossed I forget the time! (which is insane I know!) I have to marvel at those graphic designers who can whack out webpages and things like that, one after another!

It was a good day for me to do this too... because I seem to have some bug....in my tummy...and not a nice bug at all! So it's been sweetened tea and crackers for me the entire day and a big zipped jacket and socks (I never wear socks indoors unless, like today, I'm freezing).

Time for more tea....(and crackers)...more tomorrow....

No doing the things I do today...(poor tummy and poor me too)

2009-03-30T15:27:00.011-06:00

"Become a 'possibilitarian'. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see the possibilities - Always see them, for they are always there." Norman Vincent Peale

Discovery by Kelly Rae Roberts I simply adore her paintings! I found this quote on her blog as well and I thought it was fitting to include it with her work. Enjoy!

If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done.

2009-03-30T10:28:00.011-06:00

Morning! I'm having a bit of a mental block today. Maybe it's 'cos I just woke up...yes I've slept in, which is a shame, because it looks quite nice outside! (Nice as in....0C according to my little weather thingy on the computer) I didn't write anything yesterday, which I know isn't required, but even so, I feel a little like I've messed things up...the way you feel when you're starting something new on a Monday...screw it up and then have to wait 'til the next Monday to start back up again. Is it just me? I'll admit to being anal...I'll even admit to being a little impatient (I can hear someone laughing at that!), I'll even admit to being a procrastinator, which is probably my worst fault!

So why do I do it, when I know in the end it's going to cause me grief? Who knows...I've never been able to get inside my own head to figure things out let alone have anyone else do it for me (perhaps I should consider that the next step?...yikes, could be scarey in there!) It's not that I don't get things done...it's just that I get them done at the last minute...and work myself into a frenzy while doing it! I've done it all my life. I remember as a kid, crying over homework late, late at night because I'd left it until the last minute...with my dad hovering over my shoulder and telling me I should have done it earlier. (Thanks dad!) I once tore a page from my math textbook because I just didn't want to do anymore and wouldn't you know, HE noticed...even after I insisted it just wasn't there in the first place!

So, I like to say I work best under pressure! (type A personality...sure to die from a heart attack)...and I'll be doing just that this week. I'm gone for the weekend and now of course I have a list of "to dos" (I am great at making lists!), that need doing this week...some small, some huge! Like making a piece of jewellery for a grad gift. It's taken me until last night to figure out what I want to make, so now the pressure is on! (I'd tell you what it's going to be but she might read this). I also have to finish up a pair of earrings for the same grad. Tidy the house (cos I hate going away with a messy house). Get my haircut and find something to wear to this "do" (my mom's favourite word)...because I've left THAT 'til the last minute and I just know I'm going to hear about it for weeks to come! Box this gift up ('cos it consists of a lot of little things...some that I need to sew!). Work on my Etsy, though now I see no point in pushing that because I'll be gone for the weekend anyway, and it's suggested you put yourself on "vacation mode" if you're not going to be around.....*big breath*

Well, I'm not getting anything done sitting here! I'm off to do the things I do.... I hope you all have a great day!

Brown Paper Packages tied up with strings (do people do that anymore?)

2009-03-28T10:46:00.012-06:00

I received a little package in the mail yesterday! Well not so little, in fact, quite large...which amazes me, because it arrived in record time (from the UK) and it cost peanuts to have it shipped! Here in Canada, I would have had to remove and sell my right arm to send something that huge and I would have grown considerably older waiting for it to arrive at the other end! It's all about size (seems size does matter), and not so much weight.....like you surpass some box size limit and shazam!!! it's going to cost you your first born to ship the package! Crazy!

Anyway, tucked inside this incredibly big box was most adorable "little blue house". I have been so excited for it to arrive that when it came yesterday I was doing the happy dance! I ordered it about 2 weeks ago, after about a year of drooling over this particular artist's website and wanting....wishing so much that I could own one! (It's amazing how parting with a little cash and sending an email can get you want you want!) The creator of this magnificent little house is Lynn Walters, and if you look at my list of Favourite Links, you'll find her there or even easier than that here www.lynnwalterssculptures.co.uk. If you have some time, take a peek. She's amazingly talented and her website is so adorable! (very clever!) I would die to have one of her large wall pieces but I'm afraid I just could lose an arm having anything that big shipped.

My "little blue house" is perfect in every way. Lynn emailed me to suggest a little add on...something to make it uniquely mine. I went with the little felted bird sitting atop a TV antenna on the roof of the house and I'm so glad I did! *happy sigh*....I suppose until you see it, you can't understand my feelings of total elation! Hehehee...I'm going to carry it with me to the kitchen when I'm through writing you and have a cuppa as I sit and adore it!

I had another delivery just a couple of days before this one. From a fellow Etsy-er or is it Etsier? Hmmmm.... I ordered two bars of the most glorious soap! Her name is Cam and she's from California and she's become quite a good friend. You can find her at www.camsoaps.etsy.com. It's been so long since I've had a really nice bar of handmade cold process soap...not since my sister and I were making it, many moons ago. I choose the Patchouli Oatmeal...'cos I'm really fond of those earthy sort of scents, (I think it's the Taurus in me). I used it for the first time last night and it's sooooo nice and smells wonderful! The second one I picked was the Sandalwood Vanilla...another earthy scent and one that I love. This one is so unbelievably soft and smells divine! Both of these bars are more than generous in size and came nicely wrapped! I can't wait to try her other scents out. Give her a peek as well!

What to do today? Well the sun is shining, the sky is blue and it looks like the temperature might rise above freezing! I think I'm going to have to venture outdoors to get a little sunshine and my daily dose of Vitamin D, which normally I get from a bottle...argghh. Maybe I'll even snowshoe, 'cos god knows, we've still got plenty of snow!

So, I'm off...to make my usual Saturday morning breakfast omelet and then to do the things I do (which to be honest, sometimes I have no idea what they are!). I always feel like breaking into song when I say that, "do the things I do" I know there's a song with those similar words but I just can't think of it at the moment...a one hit wonder if I'm not mistaken....oh well...the price of an aging brain.....

Have the best weekend!

Short and sweet....well, short anyway....

2009-03-27T07:58:00.010-06:00

It's going to be -2C today!! That's what they're predicting! Still cold and still below the average which is something like +4 but even so...warmer than yesterday, which is a huge improvement!

What will I do today? Hmmm....well, I didn't get my painting started so I suppose I'll make an attempt to do that today. That and clean my house. It's starting to need it again...how it can get so messy in such a short period of time amazes me! I'm also going to take those pictures so I can get them up on my site. I check my Etsy everyday and spend far more time than I know I should reading and writing in the forums and even occasionally pop into the chat rooms to meet knew people. I don't consider it a waste of time because I've honestly met so many great people already and it's always nice to compare ideas and get advice from people who've been selling much longer than I have. I've actually learned a lot through the forums and chatting and Etsy suggests it as a good way to promote your business!

So, short and sweet today... I am a great one to talk myself out of work! :-) and today I'm determined to get all the things I want and need to do finished!

Hi ho, hi ho...it's off to work I go....*whistling that tune*...

Baby, it's cold outside!

2009-03-26T09:10:00.003-06:00

My first post! I wish I could say the snow was melting and that the tiniest bit of grass was peeking from beneath it but unfortunately spring hasn't really sprung here...at least not yet! I'm hopeful though...the fact is it will come, because it always does! At least the sun is shining and the sky is blue, that's enough to keep me happy as I peek outdoors!

Busy day for me today, I'm going to make this light box that so many in Etsy recommend so that I can take those great photographs everyone promises me I'll take with a light box! It doesn't seem especially difficult and I picked up all the supplies I needed yesterday while in Regina. So today I'll search for the perfect cardboard box and construct it and finally take the pictures of my charms so I can get at least few things posted in my shop!

I have all the information already listed in my Etsy store...announcements (though I think perhaps I have far too much info there right now), store policies, and even a little bit of me in my bio. It's down to the pictures, descriptions and then I patiently wait for that first sale! For those of you who know me, you'll know I'm not exactly Miss Patience :-( If you have a moment, I'd love for you to take a peek...just remember to peek back in a few days when I'll finally have some items for sale!

I'm hoping to paint a little today as well...on a small cupboard and very old and ornate shelf a friend of mine has hired me to shabby up for her. I love doing it to be honest. There's something very relaxing about painting and then buffing that paint from the corners and other typically worn areas that I really love. She's chosen a bright red, so as I always am about anything I do, I can't wait to see the end result! I'll be sure to take a picture and post it here when I'm finished!

So...fingers crossed the day warms up! I'm off to do the things I do....