Muddleing along.....

Just an update to all that is my life......
let's see....where to start...
I guess project updates....

FrankenDora (the dress) is waiting for ribbon and a snap enclosure....no photos (not til it's finished). I did however, find a simple dress pattern that I am going to try out on the other material as soon as Dora is finished. I also found some trim for the bottom of the butterfly material and the flower material. Now I just have to complete Dora. I REFUSE to start another dress until this one is complete.

Ms. Susie sent me a PDF of her process for her dolls!! YAY! Very helpful!!!
I wasn't as far off on the process as I thought I was....just impatient! (who? me? never! HA). I even managed to use the same acrylic 'goop' as Susie did. She takes her's a step further with gesso. When I get caught up on my current projects I will definately put her instructions to work!
THANK YOU SUSIE!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Now for a couple of updates with photos.....

My 'can you guess it' project is coming along great. I spoke with Al today, he is a great wealth of knowledge! Got some 'electrical' tips from him. I have managed to get the sockets in place and the wires cut, crimped and 'foamed' into place. And I plugged in the lights and THEY WORK!!! Hurray!!

the sockets waiting for the next step.

the bottoms with the wireing all 'foamed' up...which is now expanding out of the bottom of the tubes and all over my work space....

And one of the 'heads' to my Hallowcritters that I've been working on - on and off again - It's a bovine skull that I have cleaned, bleached and have begun designs on. I will be adding blacklight paint over top of the designs so that it will glow. Not sure about the body yet.....

moooo-spooky!

And here's a shot of my motely crew, so far. Some are new, some are not...

motley Boo! :}

And the pumpkins are doing fantastic! They're not thrilled about the heat (still in the 90's and the humidity was back today). I counted at least 6 'what appear to be the start of pumpkins' yesterday. One of which is 10 times the size of the others...

(6 am Wednesday morning.)

I had to stand on the other side of the porch to get them all in the photo. They have gotten huge. Two of them come to the top of my head (all 5'8 of me). the space between the pots are about 2 foot now. They are also hanging out the other side of the railing. I hope I get something this year!

Have a great night!! Or morning in Susie's case!! :)

TTFN

WOW!!

I feel so...so...so...WOW!
What a great way to start off the day. I got a message from Susie Mcmahon this morning. I know, you're thinking "who is Susie Mcmahon?" Well, let me tell you - she is a fantastic doll artist from Tasmania. I 'found' her about a year ago on Blogger and have followed her blog ever since. Her work is amazing (she just finished up a felt doll). I was suprised to see a response from her but she also joined my 'followers' (or as my neighbor says, stalkers). I am simply blown away. Now I have to be witty, funny, charming and know what I'm talking about.....yeah, right. :)
I wonder how far back in my blog Mz. Mcmahon went....I wonder if she knows that my PA's were created after trying to figure out how she does her dolls.......hhhhmmmmm? Her dolls were the 'spark under my arse' that got me doing my PA's. If you want to see the original post go here...

I have been working on a new project...Patchwork A...

I am truely honored to have Susie as a stalker, er, ummm, I mean a follower.  :)

Now that I'm done gushing.....

Did you figure out what my newest project was???
Well here's some more hints to help you guess...

Do these have a familiar shape??

Ok, well maybe this will do it....

No? Yes? If not, I guess you'll just have to keep watching.  :)

That's all for now....and if you haven't gone to check out Susie's Dolls yet....Well, Why Not? Go do it now!

TTFN

Can It Be???

I'm so excited....I'm not 100% sure but these look an awful lot like, shhhhhhhh, pumpkins! There are several of them all over my plants. I can only hope that these are actually what I think they are! After the last two trys I don't want to get my hopes up. However, these ARE the best looking plants I have ever had. I'll let you decide for yourself.....:)

**RANT** (you've been warned)

I went to Hobby Lobby today to get some light fixtures for my project. First off, I truely hate having to hunt for things when I go shopping. I am not a shopper. I know what I want and I simply want to get what I came for and leave. After searching the isles for what I was looking for, I knew they had them because that's where I bought them the last time I got them, and not being able to find it, I went looking for some help. HA HA HA. I walked the entire store and found one person working the floor. Just to be fair she did tell me where they would be...one of two places. I went to where I was instructed and found nothing at the first location so I went to the next. And found nothing again. The woman that was in that department took me to where they were supposed to be...An 'X out' tag. "I'm sorry, we're not stocking that item any more".

Why is it that every time I find somewhere that sells what I need they stop carrying it? I guess I must be the only one buying that stuff. So I wandered around for about an hour. Saw quite a few things that were 'wanted'. However, I left with two spools of ribbon for the dress material I am working on. Retailers need to realize that not everyone will buy something else while they are hunting for what they came in for. It's 'point of purchase' and I understand the idea behind it....BUT it does nothing but piss me off and keeps me from spending my money at their store. Walmart is notorious for this...they move their products on a weekly basis hoping you will buy 10 other things besides what you came for. It just makes me want to leave. Ok, I feel better now....I guess I'll be making a trip to Michaels tomorrow to see if they have what I need. I don't like shopping at Michaels, their prices are too high. But I guess I don't have a choice any more. Atlanta closed the only true art store it ever had - Pearls. I really miss them! I could spend a couple of hours wandering through that store - and if you knew how much I hate 'shopping', you'd understand what a compliment that was. Anyone who knows me is probably laughing right now, shaking their heads and saying 'ain't that the truth'.

Anyway, I'm done now. Thanks for listening....or not.  :)

Have a great night!

TTFN

FRANKENDORA and PUMPKIN STAKES!

Well, the Dora dress is coming along ok (I tend to lean towards perfectionism when it comes to my creative endevours - so, 'ok' is as good as it's gonna get for a self compliment). I got the hem done and the top and bottom attached with pleats. I really don't like pleats...I guess they're ok, seeing as how this is only the second time I've done them. And here's the proof....

Just need to do the sleeves, neck in the back, button closure and add the ribbon around the waist. Thank goodness for ribbon. Everyone thinks ribbon is to make things look pretty - HA!! Ribbon is to hide all the little things that make you (me) crazy!

Gonna have to find an 'A-line' pattern for the other material. Not wild about this pattern. But I'm sure it will be 'ok'.  :)

I had to stake my pumpkins (not thru the heart, so they'll live). Came home to find my pumpkin plants severly withered after another high 90's day again. I put stakes in because I'm afraid that the weight of the stems drooping over the side of the planters will break them in half. Hopefully (fingers, toes and eyes crossed!) they will attach to the stakes and be able to hold themselves up......

this photo was taken at 11:40 pm

I watched 'I am number four' tonight....after finally getting my dvd player to work. It kept stopping. I really had to clean the disk. My player doesn't like ANY dust or dirt on the disk. The movie was ok. The story was decent. The action was pretty good. The effects weren't too bad either.....The End Sucked!

I realize that a movie has to be open to a sequel...but they may as well have written 'To Be Continue' across it. It was like watching 2 hours just to get to the middle of the story. Maybe I'm too picky....but I like my stories to have an actual ending. Oh well, what are ya gonna do?

til next time

TTFN

Holy Cat on a hot tin roof, Batman.....

Good Lord it's Hoooottttt!
I do hope this is not how the entire summer is going to be. It has been misarable the last few days here in Georgia. How hot did you say? Well, this will give you an idea.....

this is what my poor pumpkin plants looked like when I got home from work. They each took an entire watering can full of water....

They have since perked up and look 100 times better now.

And then (must have been out of my mind) I went out and transplanted my potted plants from the back porch to the side yard. I swear I must have lost at least 10 pounds just from sweating....anyway, I think they turned out pretty well. Now I just have to keep them alive long enough to root.

Some of these were plants that were in Sally's bird cage (turned atrium). They didn't like being in there for some reason. They like being outside but not in direct sun. This side of the house gets sun in the morning but not in the afternoon when it's really hot. As you can see my Virginia Creeper (red ivy) is doing well over here. I have to get some more mulch to help keep the moisture in now....

Back to work on the Dora Dress.....I've been procrastinating because of the pleats. Once the pleats are done and the top and bottom are connected...I just have to add the ribbon and it will be done. Tonight? probably not. More likely tomorrow.

Have a good night!

TTFN

Apparently....

I have disappointed a few people by not getting dressed for the RenFest yesterday. I was unaware that my non participation in clothing would upset people. My Humblest appologies! I will strive to not let it happen again!  :)

My Buppies got baths today....Pixie likes being clean but hates taking a bath. Whereas Roxxy, can't wait to get in the tub. When you see their pictures you will understand why that doesn't bother me.......LOL!!

Pixie I just pick up and plop in the tub...Roxxy, on the other hand, makes things very difficult if she doesn't want to do it. Thank the lord that she likes her bath!  :)

And now for something total different....
I was struck by the "Halloween bug" today! I have a new project. Here's a couple of photos....betcha can't guess what I'm making.

Stay tuned to find out....

Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!

If you know what that means you're as old as I am! HA HA!!

TTFN

Monday, Monday...

This Memorial Day remember all the ones you love. Today is for reflecting on the past and reinstilling the lesson that they have taught! Remember all those who have touched our lives and brought us joy! Thank you for everything you have done!

As promised here is a of photo of the sword from yesterday's RenFest....it's a big one.

Had to sneak in a pic of my pumpkin plants too. They are really getting big. They seem to like this corner...

Have a FANTASTIC DAY!

TTFN

RENFEST 2011!

Went to the Georgia Renaissance Festival today...Had a blast! I didn't get dressed for it though. My boots weren't ready and I had nothing else I could wear with my garb.

Opening the gates...

The Village Idiot...

he did a good job but last years idiot was much more verbal...

And the Pickly Guys (my daughter, Jenifer,  LOVES pickles, this ones for her. Wish you were here!)...

We saw Dead Bob (very amusing) and Hey, Nunny Nunny (hysterical)...

And in the midst of all the dressed up fair goers...were these two. The outfits (leather crafted by them) were unbelievable. The photos look great but seeing them up close was breath taking. Simply Magic!...

and they were the friendliest people!!

We watched Barely Balanced's fire finale (always a good show, always)...

And then Sally and Connie watched the Tortuga Twins while I went to see a pirate about a sword (hence, no photos of the Tortuga's)....

Captain Matt and his crew at the Pirate Ship always do a give away. Free stuff that he throws out, Free stuff that he draws numbers for, an auction and a crowd favorite "Trust the Pirate"... Which got me a REALLY NICE SWORD (I'll post pics of it as soon as I take some).....

And at the end of the day (the only time you see this guy) is the ent (treeman).....

All in all it was a wonderful, if a bit hot - 90 some degrees, day. And Sally has stopped given me crap about her dressing up and has actually started looking at some really gorgeous dresses. She likes red ones....so who knows, maybe next year we will both be dressed for the fair. And maybe it will only be in the 80's. HA! I can dream, can't I?

TTFN

and yes I am well aware of what a geek/dork I am! :)

State Park...

Went to the state park today. Sweetwater Creek. Had a blast. I haven't been there in 15 years or so...
Got to see the old mill. Got some ok pictures from outside the fence....you can only go in during a guided tour. I mean, I understand, but it still sucked! Oh well, next time I'll know. We saw (have photos of) frogs, snakes and dragonflies. And of course the water....

Did really well too...it was (guessing) about 2 1/2 to 3 miles. The red trail was rocky and full of roots. The blue trail was fairly smooth, though it was up and down (way up, way down).

Hopefully some of the photos I will be able to use for a painting or two. I have one of  the mill ruins that I think will work out great. I'll keep you posted on that.

Off to the Georgia Ren Fest tomorrow. YAY! Unfortunately, my boots aren't done so I won't be getting dressed for it this year. Next time! Or maybe a different one (another state) this fall. Maybe Texas? That one is supposed to be really big. Who knows....only time will tell.

TTFN

Ding Dong..Ding Dong...

Those were wedding bells! My son and his fiance (now wife) got married yesterday (Wed. 5/25/2011). Hooray! After many false starts they are finally Mr and Mrs!! Only a couple of photos...here they are with 2 of the 3 children. :)

Congratulation you two! Love ya both!!

Then after the wedding...my wife talked me into going to a dealership to "look" at cars....guess what she went home with?? Did you guess a new car? WOW! You're good!!  LOL 
She left (after 4 hours and they wonder why people hate going to car dealerships) with a 2011 Chevy Malibu. LOOK! she bought a Halloween-ie car and didn't even know it - get it? MaliBOO! HaHa!!
It's a really pretty car...it's Navy Blue. I'll have to post pics when I get them. I was gonna take some today but it's raining.

Tuesday I screwed up and sewed the wrong side of my Grandbaby's skirt....couldn't find my seam ripper so had to go and get another one.
Wednesday night I proceeded to remove the seam and in the process managed to rip the material in an unfixable location. I was not a happy camper.  :(
Fortunately I had enough spare material to cut another piece...so tonight I got the skirt sewed together......

see how big the skirt is compared to the top? hhhhhmmmmm...it has pleats. I've only done pleats once, many eons ago. I'm hopin' an prayin' this won't turn out like a Frankenstein dress.

In the plant world...my pumpkins (and ivy, red twig dogwood and roses too) are doing very well. At least until it stormed. I took this photos 10 minutes before the wind blew everything all over my porch and yard. My poor pumpkins just look defeated now....I'm sure they will bounce back as soon as the sun comes out again. This is 15 days in the pots!  :)

I also managed to restretch a painting for a friend. It was a self portrait that he did a really nice job with. He was happy with the restretch.

Well, I do believe that's all for this time....

TTFN

Half Way...

Made a little progress tonight....after setting up my little work area...I managed to get half a Dora dress completed (well, sewn, anyway). Sew far, Sew good! :)

and I noticed last night, while letting out my Buppies (no, thats not mispelled)....
that my pumpkin plants had gotten taller and were reaching upward. It was really quite astounding.....

They were even larger when I got home from work today. They really seem to like the Georgia sunshine. I really hope I get pumpkins this year. Halloween is my favorite time of the year and I would really like to be able to say I grew my own pumpkins. Keep your fingers crossed! LOL

Have a great night!

TTFN

Sew-Sew Progress....

I've gotten one pattern cut out. Only two more to go. I have also made a trip to the store for everything I forgot to get yesterday....ribbon (yellow and pink), thread (yellow, pink and olive) and pearl snaps for the closures. In the process of digging thru my misc collection of junk, I came across something that made me stop and think....my mother's pinking shears. I think I'll use them to cut out the next two patterns. Maybe I can channel my mother thru the sewing machine! :) Here's a peek...

In other news.....
My pumpkins are doing great! this is day 11 outside in the containers. They are really getting big. They have thick stems (that's a good sign) and large leaves, considering they've only been out there a short time. I thought we were going to have issues because the temp went from 90/60 to 60/40 for five days. They didn't seem to like the cold. But now it's back in the 90's again here in good ol' Georgia.

The Cactus is doing great as well, lots of beautiful blooms. They are the brightest yellow. My neighbor, Amy, got them planted in the hole that I dug for them. I've got my fingers crossed (eyes and toes, too) that they will make it in their new home....Amy is looking for rocks to create a bed for them as well.

I guess that's all for now. I'll post more as I get more done. Have a great day!

TTFN

Technology...blah!

Well, I finally got facebook to accept the link to my blog....for some reason it wouldn't let me post an update.
It simply said 'can not upload this post'. What kind of garbage is that? I finally got it to post....so if you're here from FB, thanks for stopping by.

I just realized I have my first 'Follower' on my blog!! I'm so excited! I've never been followed! at least not in a good way. HA!

Just wanted to say "Thanks" to all those who have taken an interest. Hopefully the ride won't be too bumpy.

TTFN

Sew-Sew

Well, looks like next weekend is when we will be going to the RenFest.....I'M NOT READY!!

I've been working on my boots. They still aren't finished. Ho-hum. I have six whole days to complete them.

wish me luck!

I did however, learn a valuable lesson - Leather Needles Are Extremely Sharp! :) LOL!!

here's how they look so far.....

While I'm dilegently working on my boots I have another project that requires my attention with a deadline.

I am going to be making 3 summer dresses for my 2 year old grandaughter's trip to visit family in Michigan.

Those have to be done in aproximately 3 weeks. They are simple upper/lower dresses. So she has something cool to wear. This is the materials I will be using to make her dresses.....

and yes, she's a Dora fanatic!

The butterflies didn't come out like the material actually looks...they are more of a gold (this picture looks green for some reason). I will have to make another trip to the store again, I forgot to get ribbon for the waist line....and thread...and a closure (I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached sometimes).

that's about it for this post. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

TTFN

What a Weekend....

This has been a CRAZY weekend...
My daughter came in from California on thursday night.....her plane was delayed by an hour. So she didn't get in until 1:15....AM. It was 2:40 by the time we finally got home. Eat, Chit-Chat, Bed.

Friday she and her mother ran all over the place. Dropped off our grandson and picked up our grandaughter and youngest grandson. Mad house! cartoons all day long....

Saturday was a day of misinformation all the way around....family get together at my sons, no wait, my house, no wait, my sons house. Some of the guest couldn't make it due to illness and some family couldn't come because of work schedules....my son didn't know any one else was coming....even though he made enough food to feed a small nation. :) it was good! chicken balls! LOL

My daughter spend part of sunday at her boyfriend's parent's house. She had a good time visiting. From there she went to her brothers and stayed the night.

In the meantime, my son, who was supposed to get married on monday, has managed to lose both his birth certificate and his social security card...
so the wedding that was going to take place monday has been postponed (again).

today we spent some time at my sons with my daughter then took her to lunch and to the airport.
As I watched her disappear through the gates towards her plane it occured to me how she has turned into quite the young lady.....I miss her already.

and to top everything else off....a co-worker was killed in an accident on the job.

Hopefully the rest of the week won't be so hectic and sad.

TTFN

Pumpkins for 2011......

Well here it is May - and I already have Octorber on the brain. Halloween to be specific!

I planted my pumpkin seeds in 'jiffy pots' about 3 weeks ago...I moved them to planters on the 11th since

they were growing so fast. Here they are so far. Day 1, Day 2 and Day 4.

         

Last year I tried a raised garden approach to pumpkins but got absolutely nothing. The year before I tried a 'hill' as suggested and got a lil' tiny pumpkin.

So this time I'm going to simply try planters on the back deck (which they seem to like so far).

Wish me luck - third times a charm? LOL  I certainly hope so!

TTFN

Cactus' - Cacti - Pokey Plants...

I got some cuttings from my job site so that I could plant them at home.....

the plant at work has been there for at least 10 years (probably longer).

I cut 3 "leaves" with blooms. This is what they looked like when I brought

them home on thursday...

Two days later and much to my surprise....

A beautiful flower appeared. The cuttings have been dipped

in rooting powder and now they just have to be planted. :)

How do they do that?

Hey Everybody!
I've changed my site's look....
new background, new header....and a good swift kick in the butt!
I promised myself I wouldn't let my blog get behind again. Guess what? that didn't work. LOL
I just realized that it's been almost a year to the day since i updated this blog.
I've also come to the realization as to why...Everything I've seen / read says you have to keep
your blog focused. Well, with everything I do that would require me to have 20 different blogs (I
have issues with one).

So I have decided that my blog will encompass my life.....rants, raves, good times, bad times and
of course MY ART. I have never been the type to do just one thing. I paint, sculpt, draw, craft, sew
and many, many more! So in the coming days you can expect to see a lil' of everything.

That being said.....I promise to do my utmost to keep my blog up to date. Hopefully, the mish-mosh
that is my life won't make you run away screaming in terror! :)

til next time....TTFN