The Moon is complete!!

I finally finished the moon base for the "Mermaid and the Moon" piece I'm presently working on. I think he turned out very vintage looking. I just love the old worn look of a time long gone past. It takes a bit of time to accomplish this look but well worth every bit of it. Several layers of brown painted on and then washed off and once that is allowed to dry then several layers of gold painted on and washed off. Once the gold has been allowed to dry then a washing of a bright yellow is done and yes wiped off as the other layers were and then allowed to dry completely before sealing the piece.

The block base he is attached to was done in the same paint/washing effect. I think the waves crashing into the pier pylon he is sitting on adds to the piece. I couldn't quite decide what I wanted to go around the base of the wooden block. It looked so empty and was just crying out for something. I started going through my stack of papers and prints and rediscovered (yes, I said REdiscovered...I stick things back in a drawer and so totally forget I even have them. We all do that....ri iight?) an old vintage piece of sheet music I had. It was perfectly named "By the Crystal Sea". I applied it to the base using a decoupage affect. The bottom is covered with felt so as not to scratch whatever it sits on.

I am taking the rest of the day off and going to the State Park to a BBQ with some good friends that are down visiting and staying there. It's sunny, warm and just the perfect day to be outside and with good friends.
Maybe even a late afternoon or early night beach walk....I could use some new shells!!! Hope you are having a great weekend too.

Until next time.........HUGS, Regi

Update on Teacher appreciation week

My muse has been driving me nuts (ok ok nuttier...LOL) about making a clay cupcake for the teacher...but at last she finally had to shoosh as she realized that I wasn't going to have enough time to make it. If you read my earlier post about what Wednesday's suggestion was then you know it's "sweet treat" day. The Chazman and I made some homemade chocolate chip cookies last night feeling that no one could resist that yummy treat. I mean.....Who doesn't like CHOCOLATE chip cookies?? Ri iight?? Thank goodness I put some back to put in Ms. Barton's box for today. No one wanted to fess up to almost eating them all. Can't imagine WHO but I will point no fingers....innocent until proven otherwise. Now being who I am I just couldn't only put cookies in her box. I mean those will be gone in no time!! I wanted to give her something that represented sweet treat day AND that would last for a long time. Ya know.....like a memory keeper sorta of treat. I had already swooshed away my muse because of the time factor but she did have a great idea (one I will keep stored away for another day as it would be perfect for a birthday keepsake) and then.....like a V8 moment.....I remembered some of my ornies that I still had...locked away until I needed them. I NEEDED THEM or at least one of them so out one came.

Do you remember the Ted E. Bear ornies I did a year or so ago? Don't feel bad if ya don't because to be honest I had forgotten about him too....until I NEEDED him. This little guy will make the perfect sweet treat keepsake for Ms. Barton. He doesn't have to be just for Christmas. He has a pretty silk circus collar around his neck and is holding an old fashion candy ribbon. He even has a few pieces to share. Thank goodness I got him in the box last night or "SOMEONE" might have tried to eat those too. HA!!! wouldn't he they have been surprised.

Of course I couldn't just stick the cookies and Ted E. into a plain old box. Ohhh Noooo...not me...hehe!!! I found this cute vintage advertisement on a new site I discovered a few days ago. It's called Vintage Ad Browser.  I printed it off and attached it to the top of the box. Cute huh? Well...I thought so and hopefully so will teacher.

Tomorrow is supply day but seeing as we have limited funds (like everyone else) I'm thinking of perhaps making a small tote bag for her. Ya know...to carry some supplies in. That would work...wouldn't it??

I hope that you are having a great week and someone is telling YOU that everything you do is greatly appreciated. I know I appreciate YOU...thank you for being you and for letting me be...well....ME!!!!

Until next time..............Hugs, Regi

Wordless WIP Wednesday!!

Teacher Appreciation Week

It is getting so exciting around the old homestead as another school year is coming to a close. WOW...just where did this year go? The Chazman and I can hardly believe he only has 2 weeks remaining. Ohhh wait...if he was here he would be correcting me real fast like and saying "Mom...it's 1 week and 4 days...not 2 weeks". Heaven forgive me...I need to get my information correct. ^_^

We love our school system here and I really don't think there is one anywhere else that is as awesome. Ok.. I'm sure we all feel that way about our schools and where we live BUT ours IS better..hehe..just sayin!!! With that being said...if our schools are awesome then it is because of the wonderful teachers that are there helping to shape and mold our kiddo's minds. I'm very excited that this week has been dedicated to the "teachers" and they so deserve it with all the effort they put into each day. Each day has a special idea we can do to show that special teacher or teachers just how much they are actually appreciated. Here is the breakdown of the week:

*Monday:      Give them Flowers or a small plant

*Tuesday:      Make them a card or write them a letter

*Wednesday: Bake them some cookies or any sweet treat 

*Thursday:     Bring them some school supplies. Post it notes, copy paper, ect.

*Friday:         Donate a book or a G rated movie to their class

I'm really excited about this week...it's a great way to sneak in some handmade gifts for the school year ending to let Ms. Barton know just how much SHE is appreciated. Hummm...wonder if they could move HER up a grade for next year? I know that the Chazman will have an awesome teacher next year too but I truly don't think that we could have asked for a better one this year. THANK YOU MS. BARTON!!!!!

Monday's gift....a corsage of fabric flowers.

I have gone ahead and made up Tuesday's gift as well. The Chazman wanted me to make it and leave room for him to sign. Ohhh..I make it way to easy for him sometimes!! He did tell me to put somewhere in the card that Ms. Barton was the Best....so he did help with the card too. Everyone that comes to visit with me knows that I adore faeries. I thought if I could find a vintage picture with faeries and children then that would be the front of the card. I knew right where to go to find one too. This blog is one that I LOVE to just look at all of her amazing graphics. Just looking can get my muse to singing. (and we all know how much she loves to sing and whisper to me) This blog has just about everything you could use when making.....ohhh.... let's just say....ANYTHING!!! Hummmm...I guess I could give you the name of it and let you see for yourself. Should I? Of course I should.....just teasing you a bit!! The name of the blog is "The Graphics Fairy". 

See....I told you that she has soooo many wonderful photos and graphics and now that you are back from visiting with the her let me show you the picture that I used to make the front of the card with. 

Perfect....right? I just love the vintage children story book illustrations. There is just something about the muted colors. All I had to do was add some glitter and "POOF" the front of the card was done. I also used one of the Graphics Fairy's background papers for the inside of the card along with a page from one of my old vintage books. I added a note to the top of the old paper and there was the inside of the card. 

Notice in the upper right corner....the little faery with the tassle hanging down? That is one of my handmade paper corner bookmarks. So simple to make (if anyone would be interested in the "How to" just let me know and I will do a tut for it) I not only wanted to give Ms. Barton a card but I wanted to add a tiny "thank you" gift to it as well. One that she can use and remember the Chazman for years to come. Here is a closer look at the bookmark.

Now most would think that the card is complete...well...you would be so soo WRONG!!!! I wanted this to be a thank you card as well as a memory card so for the back I added a photo of the Chazman. He picked out which one he wanted to use.....my cutie pie lil man!!!

I'm so happy that the school is wanting the kiddos and parents to show their appreciation but HECK I would have done it anyways. 

Until next time...........Hugs, Regi

Muse whispering that she thinks a tiny cupcake with a faery sitting on top would be a cute idea for Wednesday...we will see!!!

The Sisters

Off the Isle of Southern Breeze, there is a tiny lagoon that in itself is simply breathtaking. Waters so crystal clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. Large seaweed gardens that reach for the heavens and burst into blooms as it rises about the waves. Cliffs that rise in stair steps so that you can spend an afternoon just laying about. Underneath the crystal clear waters lie shells of all sizes....anchored to the colorful coral beds that have completely taken over an ancient shipwreck.

If you quietly lay upon the rocks in the late of the afternoon...when the tide pushes itself back into the lagoon you will see a sight that will make realize that mermaids are indeed true. As the tide pushes and pulls it calls to the youngest of the merfolk that have come to play. A pair of sisters, one a bit older (Navaeh) than the other so she has to keep a close watch on her younger sibling (Gracie). The reason being that Gracie loves to "ride the currents". It's a game that every young one loves to play but one that is full of danger if the right precautions are not taken. Navaeh sits tightly inside one of the big shells anchored to the coral....then she grabs the forearm of Gracie and let's her "ride". It's a marvelous feeling being able to feel all the power of the sea fly past you yet not move from the spot you started in. Navaeh keeping her eyes wide open to make sure her sister doesn't slip from her grip and get slammed into the coral. She can't help but laugh as Gracie squeals and closes her eyes as tightly as she can.

Navaeh and Gracie are the newest Southern ooaks in my mermaid series. They both have a strong wire armature underneath their fully sculpted clay bodies. The have been painted with acrylic paints and fine MICA powders were used on their tails to give them an amazing glimmer/wet effect. Their hair is dyed wool yarn and the pearl headpieces were made from a vintage wedding headdress. (I just love bringing old treasures back to life) The base of this piece is glass which has been adorned with natural shells and coral. This piece sits right at 6 inches.

Gracie squealing and closing her eyes tight.

Navaeh holding on to little sister tightly.

This piece is listed in my Etsy shoppe. I do hope that you will stop by and have a seat under the old oak tree and take a peak around. Until next time.............Hugs, Regi

Splashing Mermaids all around...

Do you hear them calling? Hear their sweetly, lulling songs? My muse has been listening and passing their songs right long.

 Nooooo....I don't mean those characters called seagulls either...LOL!!! I mean those enchanting sea creatures...the mermaids. Since Ms. Muse has their songs in her head....she is making sure that I am busy sculpting them. I am working on one that is going to be called "Sisters". It is still in the rough state but I thought that I would share their progress so far.

Until next time....HUGS, Regi

Wordless (Mermaid Bases) WIP Wednesday

Happy Mother's Day!!

Will she or won't she????

Jazz is swimming about with so much excitement. He found another shipwreck and this one looks to be well over 100 years old. He just couldn't wait to go find Esmie and let her know all about it. Jazz was certain she had forgiven him about the minor detail he forget to mention on their last treasure hunt. How was he to know that humans don't see mermaids everyday like he did. He didn't know that they would think Esmie was a treasure to be captured and taken up to land.

Just as in our world.....where we don't understand each language spoken....the merfolks are the same. Different races from different parts of the world's oceans. Of course add in all the different species that dwell in the sea and it can be quite confusing when some paths cross. However, there are some of the merfolks that are blessed with the gift to understand all creatures of the deep...no matter what species. One of those is a small mermaid that goes by the name of Esmie. Yes....the same Esmie that has a very excitable fish friend called Jazz. Jazz knew to calmly tell her about his find of the day no matter how excited he was about it. Would she come along with him? Had she forgiven him for the last adventure that nearly took her from the sea to live amongst those strange creatures that had those funny looking limbs instead of a glorious tail.

Esmie is one of my fully sculpted ooaks. She has a strong wire armature that has a thin paper mache form covered in clay. She is completely sculpted by hand...no molds used or cast. Her tail, arm fins and crown were sculpted and then covered in fine MICA powders before baking. That gives them that beautiful shimmer. He hair is hand dyed wool and has three tiny strands of vintage pearls attached. She has been painted using acrylic paints and is adorned with natural shells. Her tiny chair is a natural shell discovered on one of our many beach walks here in Alabama. The shell is attached to a clay base that has been painted using my "sand" mixture. More tiny shells and corals decorate the base. Jazz....the excitable fish is sculpted from clay and detailed using MICA powders and acrylic paints. Esmie sits at just a tad over 4 inches. I hope you find her quite the "catch".

Esmie and Jazz can be found in my Etsy shoppe. My muse is already whispering about a few more merfolks so I hope that you will come and visit often.

Until next time..........Hugs, Regi

Esmie WIP Update

Esmie is the little mermaid I am currently working on. She is a tiny mermaid that has the ability to talk to all of the ocean's creatures...big and small.  Today is she being told of a new shipwreck. The one telling her the news is one of her pals, Jazz. He wants her to come and explore with him. She is having to think a bit about his offer as the last time they went on one of his adventures she was almost captured by some of the humans that Jazz kinda, sorta forgotten to mention were also at the site.

I still have things to do to complete this ooaks but I wanted to show a few WIP photos of her. I'm really loving how the MICA powders baked on her tail. I still have to add my "sand" mixture to the tiny base that her shell chair is sitting on.

I love how Esmie's lil face turned out as if she truly is "thinking" if she should go on yet another of Jazz's adventures. I hope to have her completed by tonight.

Until next time............HUGS, Regi

WIP it Wednesday

Tropical Tuesday

A good friend is staying at the state park down here and called this morning to ask if I wanted to go and sit on the beach for awhile. I told her to let me think about it. Well...that thought took all of 2 seconds...LOL!!        She came and picked me up and off we went. I have to admit that I felt a twang of guilt at going since the Chazman was in school and he wouldn't get to go but that thought lasted about a second too. Ohhh not really...I always feel guilty when I go somewhere and he doesn't get to come...which is why I usually don't go anywhere without him BUT I'm glad I went today. Everyone needs that occasional one on one time with a good friend.

Every time that we have gone on the weekends, the beach has been so crowded but today...well....there were only a few people. It was nice sitting and listening to the waves and talking. However...we weren't alone for to long.

It began with one lil bird catching his morning snack.

 Then it was one lil guy just sitting and watching the waves coming in...just like we were.

Then it was several more of his friends just sitting and watching.

Then a few more dropped in.

All of a sudden...we didn't feel quite so all alone anymore.

Deb and I both sat there and just watched these characters and characters is a perfect word to describe a seagull too. They aren't afraid to sit next to you. Of course we all know the reason for that....they are just waiting for you throw some of those crackers you are eating in their direction. They will sit and hummmmm at you....they will laugh at you and they will sit and just stare at you. Deb and I both had two get very close to us.

Deb's lil friend posing for his closeup!!

My lil friend fastly became five more and I think they were looking at me toes. I plainly heard one of them saying "MINE MINE MINE"

It was a lovely day....being with a good friend....soaking up the sun....listening to the ocean sing her song and being entertained by such a funny group of characters. Who could ask for more?

Ohhh we figured out the perfect way to walk across the hot sand too.......just let a friend carry you!!!!

Until next time......HUGS, Regi