stagnate

I have got to get something made and posted to my Etsy shop. It is very, very stagnate!

stag⋅nate/ˈstægneɪt/ Pronunciation [stag-neyt] IPA Pronunciation verb (used without object), -nat⋅ed, -nat⋅ing.
1.to cease to run or flow, as water, air, etc.
2.to be or become stale or foul from standing, as a pool of water.
3.to stop developing, growing, progressing, or advancing: My mind is stagnating from too much TV.
4.to be or become sluggish and dull: When the leading lady left, the show started to stagnate. –verb (used with object)
5.to make stagnant.

It's really about time but I hate to admit that...

Books

Sometimes when I am still needing that kick for creativity and inspiration I like to look through some of my books that I have. I am often surprised when I pull one off the shelf that I somehow had forgotten about like this one:
Creating & Crafting Dolls: Patterns, Techniques, and Inspiration for Making Cloth Dolls
by Eloise Piper and Mary Dilligan
I love to look at all the things they do with the clothes and hair on their dolls. The pictures are great too. This is such a cute and inspiring book. Make sure you check out the little cloth fairies!
http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Crafting-Dolls-Techniques-Inspiration/dp/0801985242/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233250567&sr=1-2

The Juice

I have noticed that the creative process needs a good kick in the rear every now and again. It requires something inspiring and uplifting. So I thought I might throw it out to you to offer me some tidbits to ponder and savor that could lead to my next creative outburst. Any takers? :o)

How Fun

My bright little "Slug bug" was featured in the Autonomous Artisan's Blog.

http://autonomousartisans.blogspot.com/2009/01/slugs.html

Thanks to the article I believe my little slug bug is sold - yay :o)

Moxy, thank you for the uplifting post regarding my art!

Me again

Golly, there must be something interesting for me to say, right? Hmmm... perhaps not. I think I am just too darned pooped but wanted to make sure I posted to my blog because why have one if you're not gonna post - at least that's my thinking. Most of you have really "cool" things to say and you make me laugh. Thanks for that. Here's a very cool website for you to muse over:

http://www.cosm.org/index.html

Enjoy!

Happy New Year

The New Year always bring forth (for me) the hope and promise of change, of letting go, of new beginnings and this one will be no different as I set my intentions to produce from within myself a new challenge to live and give unconditional love and to feel gratitude for all that I am and all that I have.
This is my New Years Resolution to myself and it is one that I know I can Keep.

One more item I would like to add is changing my focus from the Gregorian calendar to the 13 Moon Calendar. This calendar is in tune with the ryhthms of the Earth and the Universe: http://www.lawoftime.org/moon/tutorial.html
I've known about this calendar for several years but now I am going to focus my intent and begin to use it. Interestingly enough, Facebook has an application for this calendar that you can add to your Facebook page.

Happy New Year to You!

Ummm....

I'm still here. Just been so very busy with my day job. :o)

Gratitude

When life gets tough and I feel like I have no where left to turn, no way out, no help around, I stop. I just Stop. Then I sit still and quiet and allow one word to enter into my focus... Gratitude. Within that moment everything in my world is righted and peace is restored to my mind, heart and soul. I was reminded of this word again today as I sat on the edge of my bed before heading to work. Now all is right in my world once again. :o)

Awww... It's good to be Creative again

I had a small burst of creative activity this weekend and it feels so good! I have decided to call these little items "Bead-Lings". Of course that's just the broader category. What you see in the picture is a Bug-Ling, a Fae-Ling (2 of those because I love the simplicity of just the antique look with no color) and a Pod-Ling. I have a sample picture of how one might use these little beads. I am happy with how they came out.

Now for pricing - ugh it's a tough subject. These look simple but boy do they take some time to make.

Each piece is hand formed and detailed. I carefully poke the hole and bake on batting so I don't upset the patterns on their bodies. For the dragon flies I poke little holes in the head for the antenna. After they cool I begin the paint job with the antique finish going on first. Now it's dry time and time for me to have some tea... :o).

Ok, all the little "Lings" are dry and now I get to add some color! I got a bit crazy with the color but it was very fun. Dry time again. After checking to ensure they were dry I began to pick out bead colors to go with each one. I used copper wire and strung 'em up. Each accent bead was made in the same way as each Bead-Ling.

Drum roll please... it's time for the photo shoot. I love and hate taking the photos. It seems like it takes me FOREVER to get a decent image. You know, the kind I see in my head but it doesn't happen that way on the camera? LOL

The above image is the best I could do for the finished group shot. The detail shots that I require to post them in my Etsy shop are still in the works. I am thinking I will have them up before the end of the week though. Not to mention I have about six more sets to paint. When I get on a roll I really get on a roll!

Oh, about that pricing. I was thinking $25 for one. It would include all the beads strung on the wire with the Bead-Ling. What do you think? Your thoughts are most welcome and thank you!

Jane, Get Me Off of This Crazy Thing!

Yep, that's about how my life is STILL going... Me and George Jetson have that much in common! LOL

I have a new Grandson (my first) who is absolutely adorable and has caused me to fall in love all over again! He is such a sweet baby and that is where a ton of my time has gone along with the 50 plus hours at work and a 16 year old who has "needs". I am certain the ZEN in my life is JUST around the corner.

Thankfully I found a bit of time this weekend to squeek out a couple ghosts who have been naked for at least two months (probably longer). I think they came out pretty cute. :o)