In Memory Of Beth Huf

We found out last night that Justin and Matt's grandmother passed away on Friday. She was a wonderful woman and a good christian. I know she is happiest now that she is with Jesus and her beloved Lloyd. Our thoughts and prayers go now to Steve, Tim, Ngari, Christine, Renee, and Karlene, and their families. She is going to be missed very much.

Back from California

Wow was this the wettest weekend or what! It rained near everyday and it was cold (26 degrees one day). I know that is not cold compared to some places but I live where it is not that cold and I felt it. All that said my parents passed the 40 year mark on Saturday. We went to dinner at a BBQ place that had pretty good food but lacked proper service. For example, my mom was having trouble using the flimsy napkins from the holder on the table and asked for another one like the one our silverware came wrapped in only to be told by a waitress (not ours) that the ones on the table were the only ones they had. You would think since we just spent over $100 for dinner that they could spare a napkin. Then as we were leaving we had to step over a homeless person who camped out by their front door. The same no napkin waitress was bruskly trying to get him to move. The picture above is of Justin & Erik at the restaurant.
Well this is another story to be added to the events of their wedding. My 5 year old brain remembers it being at the JP's house on a Friday night. The JP's wife was there in her housecoat waiting to eat dinner or something and their dog was behind the couch that me, my soon to be step-sister and cousins were sitting on terrified that it was going to eat us because it growled menacingly everytime we moved. Everytime it growled said housewife would yell at it to be quiet. Then my step-sister got mad because she couldn't go on the honeymoon. Of course many years later while on her own honeymoon she called them to say she now knew why. That was a very interesting time in my life. A lot happened in a short amount of time. I must write it all down to pass on to the next generations.
While at my mom's her neighbor called and asked if I wanted some glass to do stained glass with. He had been given tons by a friend who didn't want it anymore. Of course I said yes! Have you priced glass lately? Well lets just say that I have more glass then I could possible use in a year. It is all separated by color and everything. So expect more colorful glass items from me down the road. Now just to find which box my other supplies are in.
Okay this blog is dragging on. I will continue my rambling tomorrow.

Art Unraveled

Just in case there may be someone out there who doesn't know, the classes for 2008Art Unraveled are up on the website. www.artunraveled.com

There are some really good ones and it is again going to be hard to choose. Linda and crew have outdone themselves once again. I am pretty sure of a couple I am signing up for but don't want to jinx it so I won't mention them until I know for sure.

I am almost done with the heart chunky book pages for a swap I am in here in Phoenix. It is through Frenzy Stamper, so I will get to finally go to that store when I drop off/pick up the pages. I also signed up for an Alphabet Chunky book that Kelly Kilmer is making the covers. I have the letter P, do I see purple in there somewhere. Those of you who know me, know there will be purple. Hmmm, maybe even a purple rose.

I have been madly making beaded pendants since I took the class at Confetti Beads. They are so easy and addictive. I think I will make a bunch and sell them this fall. Right now I am going through the family making them for those who I think would wear them. I will post pics once I finish the necklace parts.

This is my Moon Goddess that I may awhile ago. Sorry the top pic is sideways, I didn't rotate it. She is made from black felt that has sparkles on it.

Beads, beads and more beads

I have had some fun the last couple of days going to some bead shops that I haven't been to before. Of course spending way too much money and getting more beads instead of using the ones I have in my studio. It is like when you are a quilter, you can just never have too much fabric. (This I know from experience) I will try to take a photo of some of my latest purchases and show you just how gorgeous they are. Of course they are much nicer in person.

I have made the decision to participate in a craft show this year. I haven't made the final decision as to which one yet, although I am leaning toward one in Albuquerque. Any excuse to go back and visit. That means I need to get my hind end in high gear and produce, produce, produce. I will be making some jewelry, art dolls and a couple of assemblage pieces. I tend to pick complicated things that are tedious, so I am trying to not do that this time. Simple and desirable, that is the key. I will post pics as I create my pieces. Let me know what you think.

If any of you have tips on photographing artwork and jewelry let me know. Sylvia Luna told me to photograph it outdoors on an overcast day. Well that was fine in NM but there aren't many overcast days here in Phoenix. I may try in the shade once the sun is in the back of the house. Anyway I need to find some solution.

Wait and See

Get your own egg here!

Okay so I saw this on a friends blog and it looked cute. Who knows what it will do when it hatches. Come on back to find out.

I have been working on some dolls that I designed awhile ago. I will post pictures in the next day or so to see what you all think. I am thinking of developing a workshop for them if there is enough interest.

A Wonderful Gesture

I got this from my friend Shari's blog (NM Creatrix). As the wife of an Airman and the mother of a soldier and a sailor, I am always gratful to people who show gratitude to our troops. This is a simple way for you all to show a large amount of appreciation. Please pass it on to all you know. thank you

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php

So little time, so much art

Have you ever had one of those days where you have a million ideas in your head and can't seem to materialize them. That is my day today. I have just been able to write thoughts down in a book to be able to use later.

It is also a rare rainy day here in Surprise, AZ. At least that is what they tell me at work. Our exprience has been lots of rain since we got here a month ago. Also it has been a lot colder then I thought it would be. But I am enjoying it because I know the hot days are ahead.

Linda Young has posted the list of instructors for 2008 on the Art Unraveled yahoo group. It is very impressive. I may have to sign up for more classes then I had planned. It also said we are going to be back at the Embassy Suites this year. Hope to see some of you there.

The picture is a mask of my face that I made last year. Who knows maybe you will see it as a class soon.

A little Sanity

Well today we put the last of our holiday visitors on a plane home. It is now back to just the four of us. During all the wonderful chaos I phoned my BFF Jen for a bit of reality. She suggested I create something to even out my need for art. Not having my studio up and running yet, I have bits and pieces of things in bags all over the place. I decided to pick up the first one and create a doll out of it. The above photo is the result. I call her my sanity doll. It has actually inspired me to do a series of them and pass them out to those who could use some sanity. Let me know what you think.

What Tarot Card am I?

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Happy New Year

Hope all your resolutions and dreams come true. I have set some goals for the next year. I will share them with you at a later date as they arise. I do know that I will be spending lots of time in my purple studio. I am so looking forward to locking myself away and creating. My husband has visions of living on TV dinners because I am too busy to cook. The plus side for him is that my art stuff won't be all over the house anymore. It will be more or less contained in my studio. Some will be stored in garage for now but I am going to try and not clutter the house.

Do any of you have any Dreams for 2008? Share them if you like in the comments section. Who knows, you may inspire someone else to dream and conquer.