Can One Implode From Eating Too Much?

I hope everyone is still enjoying a terrific Holiday Season!  Still eating lots, still watching movies, playing games with the kids, and maybe even doing more shopping!  I have been doing it all...mostly the eating!  I've watched more movies in the last week than I did throughout the whole year!  Honestly, I'm feeling almost like a bum.  I have started a few sewing projects, however, just to get me off the couch...and away from the pie for awhile!  I'll post some photos when they are done.  In the meantime, today is Wednesday and that means it is time for a few Wonderisms! 

1. Is there an age restriction or limit for wearing glittery make-up?  Some of the beauty books advise "women of a certain age" (which means 38+) not to wear frosted eyeshadow or lipstick/lipgloss.  Yet, I've seen photos of older ladies in magazines clearly sporting white frosted eyeshadow. Hmm...do you have to listen to your kids if they tell you they don't think their mom should wear "sparkles" lipgloss?  I think not.
2. How is it that 10 people can be in your home and 9 of them are cat lovers, yet the house cat becomes fixated with the 1 person that clearly does not like cats?  The cat will rub against the legs of that one cat hater.  She will meow at that one person and even sit right next to her when the feline will never get close to any of the other 9?  Does that cat know of the hater and decide she will attempt to convert the one into a cat lover?  Or, is she just trying to annoy the hell out of the hater just because she can...'cause she is a cat?  Yeah, I think so.

What are you wondering about today?  If you want to play along, link up so I can pop over to your blog and read your questions!

Check out Craftaholics Anonymous' Best of 2010 Posts!  I've linked one of my tutorials and there are tons more!

Toodles for now!

Angela

Dress Up 2011...The Details

January

For everyone wishing to participate in Dress Up 2011, here are the deets:

1. Dresses are "due" before the last two days of the challenge month. 
2. I will be using the Mr. Linky tool.  When you are ready to show off your design, leave your name and people will be magically transported to your blog for viewing. 
3. If you want to participate, but don't have a blog, email me and let me know.  We can still make your dresses available to show.
4. Each dress will be "themed" around an artist or artistic movement.  I will announce the artist or movement for the next month sometime in the last two weeks of the previous month.
5. Dresses can be made from any material(s) and can be any size you prefer. There are NO rules here, but for those interested in a "template" for a dress, there are a few examples at the end of this post.
6. That's it.  I really want to stress that there are no rules...anything goes!  

For January's Dress, the theme is...Impressionism

Impressionism, French Impressionnisme, developed mostly in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Impressionist painting comprises the work produced between about 1867 and 1886 by a group of artists who shared a set of related approaches and techniques. The impressionist style of painting is characterized mostly on the general impression produced by a scene or object and the use of unmixed primary colors and small strokes to simulate actual reflected light. 

The principal Impressionist painters were  Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Morisot, Guillamin, and Bazille.  Degas and Cezanne also painted in an Impressionist style for a time in the early 1870s.  Edouard Manet adopted the Impressionist approach about 1873.

Some examples:

Woman In Black At The Opera
Mary Cassatt

Poppies, Near Argenteuil
Claude Monet

Two Dancers Entering the Stage
Edgar Degas

Pick an Impressionist or design your dress based on the Movement!  For those interested in a template, click here for an art doll template.  Or check out coloring book pages for basic dress shapes.

The Enchanted Gallery

I can't wait to see January's Dresses!

Toodles,

Angela

Wednesday Wonderisms...

The crazy time is almost over...I know, the Holidays are a wonderful time of year, but, honestly, I am ready for this season to be over.  I sound like a Scrooge, I know..it's just crazy busy.  Anyway, here is my one Wonderism this week:

Why is there Braille signage posted at drive up ATMs? 

Look Over There!  I made it to 100 Woo Hoo!

I am so excited about the response to the 2011 Dress Up Challenge!  I plan to post more detailed information soon, as well as a dress template for those interested in using one.  Although there are no rules about size, etc., some may want a "pre-drawn" dress to use as a starting point for their design, however no one has to use a template. 

To all celebrating Christmas, have a Merry one.

Toodles,

Angela

Hot Potato Winner!

The Hot Potato Valori Wells Wallet Pattern Winner is...insert another drum roll here...

Sammy from The English Country Garden in Bags!  Congratulations!  I know you'll love the pattern and I can't wait to see your creations!

Speaking of creations.  Have a look at this pillow I made this past weekend.  The photo is of my mother-in-law when she was a little girl.  Doesn't she look sassy?  I hope she likes her gift.

I really had a lot of fun making this gift.  I made the fabric flowers in the corner, which were actually the most difficult part of this project.  What do you think?

I hope everyone has a great week.  Congratulations again to Sammy!

Toodles,

Angela

On The 12th Day of Christmas...

My True Love Gave To Me:

12 Lords A Leaping
Robin Carr
Red Robin Lane

The last Day Of Christmas (12 Leaping Lords) is from Robin Carr of Red Robin Lane.  Isn't is great?  The middle section is actually raised and, to me, looks like a stamp.  It's really pretty.  I'm bummed that this is the last ATC for this Bliss Angels 12 Days of Christmas ATC Swap!  I want to thank Wendy for hosting this swap as well as all the artists who shared their awesome ATCs!  This has really been an amazing way to "meet" great artists!

Wendy also hosts the Blissfull ATC Swap every month.  So, if you are interested in participating in an ATC swap, pop over and check it out.  Every month is a different theme, chosen by Wendy.  December's theme is "Angels."  A few posts back, I showed you the ATC I received from Penny, but I didn't show you the ATC I sent her.  So, here it is:

"Angels"
Blissfull ATC Swap
December 2010

January's theme is Snow/White.  Hmm...the possibilities are endless!

I'm excited to announce....insert drumroll here...that I will be hosting the Dress Up Challenge beginning in January!  Margaret from Alice and Camilla began and graciously hosted this project throughout 2010.  I first became aware of this project through Anna at Frosted Petunias.  Her dresses inspired me to get involved.  It has been a wonderful monthly event where artists have created 12 gorgeous, and distinctly different, dresses made mostly of paper.  Margaret has decided to "retire" from hosting this challenge and she has approved me as new host.  I'm excited and a bit nervous about this!  I plan to start the Project in January and similar to the ATC swaps, have a monthly theme to each dress.  What do you think about an Art Within Art Theme?  Pick an artist, and design your dress around that style.  For example, if you were to pick VanGogh as the artist, design your dress around one of his peices, or Vincent himself.  Sound fun?  Let me know what you think.  Here is a "in progress" button for the Project.

By the way, Anna is hosting what looks to be a fun challenge beginning in January called The Artful Bag Challenge.  I plan to participate. How about a bag to match my dress each month!!!

Have a super weekend!  Stay warm!

Toodles,

Angela

On The Eleventh Day of Christmas...

My True Love Gave To Me:

11 Ladies Dancing
By Electra
Wishin I Knew How To Blog

Electra created 11 Ladies Dancing for the Bliss Angels 12 Days of Christmas ATC Swap.  I love the ruffles running vertically on the right as well as the beautiful ballerinas!  Electra is a fabulous artist.  You should check out her blog.  By the way, she definately knows how to blog!

Can you believe we are almost finished with the 12 Days?  One more to go....it's a great ATC, so please come back tomorrow for a look!  I will also be sharing details about a Paper Dresses Challenge that I will be hosting beginning in January!  (A continuation of Margaret's Challenge).  So, come back!

Until then, toodles!

Angela

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

My True Love Gave to Me..

10 Pipers Piping
Dana
Sinderella-Studio

Ten Pipers Piping ATC comes from Dana of Sinderella-Studio.  I'm still amazed how all the Bliss Angels 12 Days of Christmas ATC artists are so distinctly unique from each other.  Everyone's interpretations of their respective Days are detailed and, it seems, so respectfully thought through.  I love each card I have received.  I truly mean that.

I know it's Wednesday and I am sure you are wondering "where are Wednesday Wonderisms?"  Instead of the wonders today, I wanted to show you a few photos of some gifts I'm working on.  I've been experimenting with some fabric markers and "crayons" I bought.  I've sketched and "painted" on small pieces of fabric I've used to create make up brush holders.  In the past, I've resisted "marking" on fabric out of fear of ruining it as well as my love of the fabric itself.  It is similar to my resistance to tear pages out of cheap books to use in mixed media projects.  You might remember my Discovering Myself Journal.  I couldn't bring myself to rip out book pages to use for that project.  Anyway, I've thrown caution to the wind and  started with the fabric painting..albeit small...very small!  It's been fun and I think I may go "all in" before long! 

What do you think?  I've only included a photo of the inside of the first roll up bag.  The last two are sewn with coordinating fabric.  Sidenote:  Snaps are not "a snap!"

Come back tomorrow for the 11th Day of Christmas! 

Never fear, Wednesday Wonderisms will be back next week!  To all who are participating today, please let me know so I can visit your spot and read your wonders!!

Toodles!

Angela

Cards Galore!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me...

Nine Drummers Drumming
Sandi: Maximum Embellishment

The 9th Day of Christmas ATC comes from Sandi at Maximum Embellishment.  It is amazing.  I have no idea how she created this card, but the rectangle within the rectangle in the middle, is raised with some sort of texture material that kind of glistens.  I know I am not describing this well, but trust me, it is truly beautiful.  This is definitely one of my favorites.  I love it.  BTW, Sandi's blog is beautiful, too.  You should check it out.

I received two more sets of cards in the mail yesterday.  First, my daughter drew and painted (watercolor) a fish several months ago at school.  This artwork was sent to a company in Colorado where it was converted into blank note cards.  I can't get over how awesome the cards turned out!  On the reverse, my daughter's full name, her school name, and the date is printed.  What a truly fabulous way to preserve and showcase her art. 

Charlotte's Fancy Fish

I also received Penny's card in the mail.  The theme for December's Blissful ATC Swap is "Angels."  Penny's interpretation is beautiful.  She also sent me an ornament for our tree as well as a fantastic handmade card.

Thanks Penny.  I knew your card would be great!

As promised, here is a photo of my new/old $10.00 Goodwill desk.

I thought I'd better get a picture posted before it gets too out of control messy!  Is it awesome!!!  It is gigantic..obscenely huge..I love it!  (Still hate the horrid chair, though).

Please remember to sign up for a chance to win the Valori Wells wallet pattern.  You can click here to jump back to read about that Hot Potato and SIGN UP please!  See how close I am to 100 followers!  I'm going to be picking the winner on December 20th!


Toodles for now!

Angela

On The 8th Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me...

"Eight Maids"
Marlene Letendre, Victoria B.C.

"Eight Maids A Milking" ATC is from Marlene Letendre.  Isn't the cow adorable?  Thanks, Marlene.  I love all 12 ATCs I've received in the Bliss Angels 12 Days of Christmas ATC Swap.  Four more to go!

I've been enjoying a three day weekend and have turned our house into a quasi Santa workshop!  I've been working on gifts and even managed to get some shopping done as well as finish and move my Goodwill desk into my studio.  I'm so happy with how it turned out.  I sanded the top down and re-stained it.  I'm sorry, I just didn't have the heart to paint the beautiful wood.  I know, the desk was only $10.00, but I just could not bring myself to cover the gorgeous patterns of the wood with paint.  Anyway, I hope to post some pictures of it in the next few days.  It is already covered with my projects! 

Toodles for now!

7 Swans and Christmas Crafting

7 Swans A Swimming ATC
Karla Jackson




I wish my photo of Karla's ATC would have turned out better.  This card is absolutely gorgeous.  The swan's body appears to be a white shimmery leaf.  The head and neck are made out of beautiful beads.  The paper that the swan is actually sitting upon is so pretty.  This is definitely one of my favorite ATCs ever.  Thanks Karla.  I love it!

I'm sure all of you are super busy with shopping, baking, and, I hope, making!  Here are a couple of presents I've been working on. 

Bag Front (note the super cool Yo-Yo)

Bag Back

I've made this little zippy bag for one of my girls.  I drew the bulldog (my interpretation of the college mascot)and then colored the collar and added some bling.  Who said bulldogs can't bling it out?  I also incorporated my second ever YoYo as an embellishment, as well as some ribbon.  I then used my new alphabet stamps for the words.  I'm really loving the stamps!

Thom York Bracelet and Earrings
From "Eraser" CD

Here I entered brand new territory!  I've never made jewelry before and I swear I will not allow myself to get too involved in this craft as I surely don't have the time or money to get too crazy with this!  That said, these earrings and bracelet were really fun to make...except attaching the jump rings!  I am sure there is a tool to make this easier right?  Anyway, to make the earrings, I cut out the rectangle shapes from a paper CD case.  I glued each piece to some heavy cardboard and then "painted" them with several coats of ModPodge.  I did the same with the bracelet, but I had shape the cardboard, which was a bit tricky.  I think they turned out pretty cool and what makes them even neater is that they are totally unique.  I'm quite sure there aren't Thom York earrings out there...I hope.  My daughter is Radiohead's biggest fan, so I'm sure she'll love them!

I can't wait to see what you're working on!

Toodles for now!

Angela

 

6 Geese a Laying ATC and the Unibrow

6 Geese a Laying
Terri Bush Paint n Thread

This ATC was created by Terri Bush from Paint-n-Thread.  Terri made the bed sort of three dimensional.  It is super cool.  Every time I look at it, I notice another detail.  It is really amazing.

Note Bert's Classic Unibrow

Here is my wonderism for this week:

Why is it that you never notice those "hangers on," those eyebrow hairs that you thought you plucked until after you leave the house and you don't have a tweezer with you?  Are the mirrors in my house that terrible that I don't notice the unibrow growing on my face until I get to work or, most likely first, in the rear view mirror in my car?  I guess I just need to carry a tweezer with me all the time..would the neighbors think me crazy if they looked out and saw me sitting in my driveway plucking?  Just wondering.

Toodles for now!

Angela

A Dress for December

Dress Up 2010

So, I actually made a completely paper dress for December's Dress Up.  Of course I had to add a little bling with the center flower and I glitterized the whole thing!  This month, I didn't add any fabric to the dress.  I'm pleased with the look and I love the color purple...very regal I think.  I am hoping someone volunteers to host this dress challenge into 2011!  I have had a lot of fun designing the three dresses I have made so far!

As promised, here is another Day of Christmas...I present, "5 Gold Rings" by WendyWendy, the host of this ATC swap.  Isn't is great?! 

It's a crazy busy time right now.  I hope you all are remembering to take some time for yourself while scrambling to get the presents, food, cards mailed out, etc.  Stop, breathe, and remember the reason for season.  Okay, that was a bit cheesy, but you know what I mean!

Toodles for now!

Angela

12 Days of Christmas, Treasure Barn ATC, a Yo Yo, and A Wallet

It is indeed Christmas at my house.  I received the 12 Days of Christmas ATCs from Wendy!  If you remember, I signed up a few months ago to participate in this ATC Swap and my assignment was to create 12 "A Patridge in a Pear Tree" ATCs.  I made my cards and sent them to Wendy as did the other 11 artists.  (I love saying, artists)  Wendy sort of made an accordian-like book out of the cards and packaged them in a beautiful box.  I've decided to celebrate how awesome these cards are by showing one each day.  I know, I know, the 12 Days of Christmas don't actually begin until Christmas Day, but I cannot wait!  So, let's go!

2 Turtledoves by Blanche

3 French Hens by Debbie



4 Calling Birds by Francie

You can see mine here.  I'll post 5 thru 12 in the coming days!  They are all awesome!  Come back and see!

As promised, here is the ATC I sent DeeDee for November's Treasure Barn Swap:

I combined a sort of Thanksgiving theme along with a personal touch with the little Sioux girl as DeeDee grew up in Sioux City, Iowa!  I hope she liked it!

Two more things to show you this Saturday night.  First, behold, my very first yo-yo! 

A big shout out goes to Bonnie for this flower.  I've actually wanted to make yo-yos forever, but didn't realize just how easy they are until I watched Bonnie's video!  Thanks Bonnie!

Last, but not least, here is my first card wallet made with the Valori Wells pattern.  Remember to SIGN UP and you can win the pattern! 

I should have inserted a few cards before taking the picture so you could see the pockets a bit better, but you get the idea right? Anyway, the pattern was pretty easy to follow and this didn't take long to put together.  I used alphabet stamps and fabric ink to stamp "Yum" and I drew the frog with fabric markers.  I glued the googly eyes and sewed the tiny (extremely, annoyingly small) black beads on to represent a fly. What do you think? 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Toodles,

Angela

Treasure Barn ATC Swap

So Christmas came early to my house!  Look at the awesome ATC my Treasure Barn Swap  partner, DeeDee sent me!

This is our first swap with Patti at Treasure Barn and there was no theme, per se.  DeeDee described this card as a "non-traditional" ATC.  It actually hangs by the little gold ribbon, so I've hung it on our Christmas tree.  I cannot get over how beautiful it is.  It is really fantastic..even the back is pretty:

I know that you will enjoy all DeeDee's work.  Pop over to her blog and check it out.  While you are there, you'll probably see the card I sent her for this swap.  I went with a sort of Thanksgiving theme, although I personalized it by using an image related to where DeeDee grew up, so go over and check it out!

By the way, DeeDee is also a regular Blissfull ATC Swapper.  We will both be participating in Wendy's December swap....My partner for this swap is Penny.  Penny participated in my Rewind Week: 1970s this summer, so I know she is really creative.  I can't wait to see what she makes for the swap!

Please take a minute and sign up for a chance to win the Valori Wells wallet pattern!  Click here and sign up!

Toodles! 

Angela