Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Did I feel Autumn?


Shhh. Don't tell anyone, but I think I MAY have felt fall in the air last night. I had to put a sweater on while waiting for my son to finish running track! Woo-hoo! (For those of you who live in areas where there are actual changes of the season, please be patient with me. In SoCal the changes are so slight that you have to really look hard to find them!)


Last night I also made 6 paperclay heads, finalized my plans for the Monster Swap, and set out all of the items I need to finish my WIPs for today.

I am trying to get more organized, but my muse has ADD. When I have lots of paperclay or polymer going, she wants to do wool. When I am up to my elbows in wool, she wants to sew cloth dolls. *eyeroll*

Is it possible for one's own muse to be a saboteur?

Until next time, happy seasons! Thanks for stopping by!

Theresa

Friday, September 25, 2009

Humbled



MarZel at The Play of Light and Shadows blog sent me this lovely award. You have made my day! Many thanks. I can't wait to share the joy!

It isn't every day in which I get recognition for letting my freak flag fly!

Now it is time to spread the joy to a few people who are creative, interesting and busy-busy!

Here are the award rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
Thank you again, MarZel! I am honored!

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.
Done.

3. Link the person who nominated you.
http://theplayoflightandshadows.blogspot.com/


4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

OK, here we go:

I get up at 5:13 every morning. Not 5:15. Not 5: 20. 5:13. Don't ask why...I don't know that answer. Very OCD of me, no?

I am scared to say that I want to make a living by making and selling things because I think I will jinx my chances. Oh no! I've said too much...

I have a love/hate relationship with junk food. I can go months without touching the stuff, but once I fall off the wagon, look out! Mmmm. Milky Way bars. Then something salty. Then a vat'o'coffee.

I sometimes hold back in my work because I don't want to scare people. Heck, sometimes I scare myself and re-work things so I don't have to admit that I made whatever the frightening item was.

Fall is my favorite time of year. I don't like Summer. Living in CA, it almost seems like a sin to put that in print, but it is true.

I think if I stopped coloring my hair, it would be at least 45% gray. I am tempted to go natural, but I don't think my hubby would love it. I would love to go red, but c'mon! I hardly have time to get the dishes done every morning. The maintenence would be a witch! I would be the mom with the scraggly brownish-gray roots and red tips. Ugh!

I like to imagine myself starring in videos that go along with whatever music is on the radio. Trust me, I may be talentless in the vocal and dancing departments in real life, but I am amazing in my own head. Wish you could join me in there.

5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers

Loopy Boopy Art http://loopyboopy.blogspot.com/

Apifera Farm http://apiferafarm.blogspot.com/

Mealy Monster Land http://itsybitsyfunzyonesie.blogspot.com/

The Magic Onions http://themagiconions.blogspot.com/

Maygreen Fairies http://maygreen-fairies.blogspot.com/

Bone Head Studio http://boneheadstudio.blogspot.com/

The Gourdqueen http://thegourdqueen.blogspot.com/


6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.
Done! (See above)

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.
I'll get to it tomorrow!
Now, my dear nominees, it is YOUR turn to follow the 7 steps. Thanks for all you do!
Until next time, embrace life's happy surprises!
Theresa

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Look What I Won From I LIKE PRETTY

Look what I won from http://ilikepretty.blogspot.com/! I was cruising around and came across HER site. Who is she? I don't really know, as we haven't met in person, but she is incredibly funny and seems like the kind of person who would be a hoot and a half to know. Her name is Rosalie and you can find her and enjoy her hilariousness on her blog listed above or on her etsy shop http://uglybaby.etsy.com/


To get the full effect, you need to look at her Shower Art on etsy. Really. Do it. Seriously twisted brain power here. Shower art. Art for the shower. With suction cups!

Anyhooooo- I correctly answered a question she had posted on her blog about one of her new pieces and she sent me these cool cards. (Yes, my talented blog buddies, I DID photograph this one on the bed. I know, I know....t-aaaa-cky. But, however, comma, I thought that speed would be better than perfection in this case. It was likely that I would get backlogged and not be able to find time to post this later on. Gotta give a girl her props!)




She sent four great cards and a little note. Very charming. The best card, in my opinion, is the brown one with Tater Tots on it. As if having Tater Tots on a card wasn't awesome enough, the tagline on the inside made me almost wet my pants.

80% of the people who saw this thought is was hysterical. The other 20% didn't get it.

Here goes: The outside of the card shows three tots and says, "Did you ever wonder"

Inside: "If tater tots are made out of the lips and anuses of potatoes?"

I know! Funny stuff! (For those of you scratching your heads, think of hot dogs and all the "parts" that go into them. I swear, I am going to make a t-shirt with a hot dog on it that says, "Now 35% tumor free!")




Cool robot card.



Buying from her site is worth it just for the envelope the stuff is shipped in! Check it out! Too clever.

This is the back of the envelope.

Until next time, thanks for popping by!

Theresa

Monday, September 21, 2009

On Hold for Two Hours....Look at this!

I have been on hold for almost two hours. Two. Hours.

Luckily, there is a lot that I can do with one hand. The photography, while not super lovely, gives a quick glimpse into what is brewing in my studio.
The alien (former Bratz doll) has a little color wash working for her and a sparse wig waiting in the wings.


And this sort of frog-like creature needs a coat and pants. Or maybe a tutu and walking stick. We shall see....

Thanks for popping by! Until next time, happy on-holding!
Theresa

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Who Loves His Bunny? WIP


Is he going to hug the bunny or eat it? Both, perhaps?


Until next time, happy silliness!


Theresa

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Do I Dare???

I have been invited by my local arts and crafts guild to participate in a small local craft show in May.

Do I go for it? I am a bit stunned, really.

How much "stock" do I need to bring? Is it poor form to bring needle felting, jewelry AND paper clay? They don't seem to care, but I wonder if it is all too much.

I will need an "easy up" type structure and some tables, I guess. And signage. Business cards?

I don't have what I need in order to take credit cards....how does one set that up, anyway?

Help!

Any advice from the more experienced artists would be so SO so appreciated.

Thanks!

Until next time, happy panicking!

Theresa

Saturday, September 12, 2009

DON'T sell? Huh?

My husband, who usually doesn't care WHAT I do with the things I make, has requested that I not sell this item. Once I recovered from my shock, I agreed.

A mild bit of a bummer, though, since I am pretty sure it would have been a fairly quick sell.
I guess it would be nice not to sell everything, since I am sure my great-great-great grandchildren would like to know what a weird-o I am.


They will probably pass this around at birthdays and Christmas and such as a 'gag' gift. As in, "I have the bird-riding Santa and I am going to pass it off to Joe for his 40th. I think he totally forgot about it."

At least I'll be remembered, right?

Thanks for popping by! Until next time, happy bird riding Santas and other weird stuff.

Theresa

Little Bunny Foo-Foo

A bunny can be a bunny in one's own right, but THIS bunny was made to be a buddy for a special someone. A sort of, well..ghastly someone.

Who is it, you might ask? You'll find out soon enough!

I can only hope that Mr. Bunny has had his shots!
Until next time, happy anticipation!
Theresa
PS Can't wait for spookytimejingles tonight! Woo-hoo!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Short but Sweet Post

OK, I can admit it. My last post was a bit self serving and extremely...well...
L-O-N-G. Let's remedy that, shall we? French bulldog is on his way to his new home.




The wood sprite is posted and is waiting to find the right person. I made him a cute little stand, just in case his new owners don't want to futz with trying to balance him with his wooden staff. (It isn't hard to do, but some prefer ease of diplay.)







Nuff said.

Until next time, happy selling!

Don't forget to check out http://artistichalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/ for their Halloween Giveaways! Lots of Halloweenish goodies to be had!

Theresa

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

French Bulldog WIP and an "About Me" Survey

Here is my latest WIP, a commissioned French Bulldog. A customer of mine has ordered it for her daughter for Christmas. I need to finish up some of the finer details and let her take a peek to see if she thinks it is right.
It was a bit of a hard call in that a "fawn" Frenchie will often have a brownish muzzle, but not always. I hope I have it right!
Now for the About Me survey. Those of you only interested in the Frenchie may log off now. LOL
A friend sent me this survey to fill out. I always find it interesting to get an idea of how people see themselves. Interested? Read on. Not interested? That's OK, too. :)


Can you fill this out without lying? Yep. No problems with truth telling.


What was the last thing you put in your mouth? A high fiber granola bar. Isn't 40 fun?


Have you ever kissed anyone named Matthew? Sadly, no. I have always loved that name.

Where was your profile picture taken? In my house.

Can you play guitar hero? Yes, but not as well as my middle son.

Name someone that made you laugh today? Thomas.

How late did you stay up last night and why? Midnight. I was working on a French bulldog for a customer. It is almost done and I actually am happy with it! (I usually agonize, but either I am feeling more relaxed or I hit it dead on right out of the gate.)

If you could move somewhere else, would you? Yes. Somewhere a little more spread out and green, I think. My husband would say somewhere in OC or just closer to the beach.

Ever been kissed under fireworks? Yes. *blushing*

Which of your friends lives closest to you? Kelly

Do you believe ex's can be friends? Absolutely. But my husband's can't. Just kidding.

How do you feel about Dr. Pepper? I don't like sugary sodas, so I'll pass, thanks.

When was the last time you cried really hard? Last month. I had a 'bad mommy' day and felt like indulging in a good cry.

Where are you right now? In our bedroom/office/wool storage room.

Who took your profile picture? I took my own. Lame, no?

Who was the last person you took a picture of? My three kids yesterday. They dressed up as punkers and wanted me to take a picture. They are thinking it should be the Christmas card this year. We shall see.

Was yesterday better than today? Nope. Each day is good in it's own right.

Can you live a day without TV? Other than news, I really don't need the TV for much. We don't have cable, so there aren't a lot of choices anyway. It just stops me from living my life.

Are you upset about anything? Not really.

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? I wouldn't bother if I didn't!

Are you a bad influence? Depends upon who you ask, I suppose!

Night out or night in? Usually in. Even when it is out, it ends up in a bookstore. Not exactly a rager, am I?

What items could you not go without during the day? Coffee and the computer.

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My dad after his knee surgery.

What does the last text message in your inbox say? I am living in this moment....sorry.

How do you feel about your life right now? Hopeful.

Do you hate anyone? No, but I get disappointed with people sometimes. Hate is an awfully strong word.

If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? A bunch of things I marked "Mark as read" but didn't delete.

Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Not to my face. Bummer, huh?

That song is stuck in your head? This is Halloween from Nightmare Before Christmas

Someone knocks on your window at 2am, who do you want it to be? I don't want ANYONE knocking on my window at 2am. Ever.

Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50? Nope, and if I do, someone is going to be in BIG trouble!

Name something you have to do tomorrow? Take T to his first day of school!

Do you think too much or too little? I think too much and act too little.

Do you smile a lot? Yes. It offsets my frown lines beautifully.

Who was your last missed call on your Mobile phone? Daughter.
Is there something you always wear? My frown lines.

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Saving $47 with coupons while shopping for groceries!
Woo-hoo!

Did you have an exciting last weekend? By my definition, yes. By normal people's definitions, no.

Have you ever crawled through a window? Yep! Now where did I put those keys?

Have you ever dyed your hair? Every 2 weeks like clockwork.

Are you wearing a necklace? No.

Are you an emotional person? Not really.

What's something that can always make you feel better? Meditation and deep breathing.

Will this weekend be a good one? Yes! Soccer season starts up!

What do you want right now? Just what I have right now.

Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing? All of the time. Men's clothing is so much roomier.

Have you ever worked in a food place? McDonald's. Shudder.

What’s on your schedule for tomorrow? Take T to school, visit old folks, and work.

Does anyone know your facebook password? No, but my DH could figure it out. He is one of the smartest people I know!


Until next time, happy soul searching!

Theresa

Sunday, September 6, 2009

I FINALLY posted some new items to my shop!

These items aren't new in that I have just made them, but they are items that I finally have decided that I can bear to sell. Sometimes I have to sit with my creations awhile before I can send them on.











As much as I love Mr. Squints, the time has come to set him free. His surliness has taken on a new tone of frustration. He may only be 1 inch tall, but he can carry an attitude!
He is tired of looking at me.
He wants to find a Blythe to cuddle. He thinks Blythe is a hottie.
















"Are you looking at me?"














Here is a sweet little pumpkin girl. I hope she finds a cozy spot on a nature table somewhere. She was made with no wires, no beads...nothing but wool. Simplicity incarnate.











This is my snowman. He was created using paperclay over an armature. I wired some ribbon for his scarf and made a teensy tree from a sliver of wood, some tinsel and a little woolen tree topper. It was a lot of fun to do. A bit outside my normal realm.











Meet Ratty Tatty. He is a grizzled old thing. He was made using wool roving, wool felt, German glass beads and thread.
I love the little hunch on his back










Last (for tonight, that is) but not least is my baby opossum. I finally decided to post him on etsy, though I love, love, LOVE him. He has such a sweet demeanor, in my opinion. He will be hard to let go.

I am hoping that I can finish posting the rest of my other items tomorrow.

Did I mention that I have three new commissions? Things are looking up!
If you want to stop by the shop, feel free!
Until next time, happy shop postings!

Theresa