I've recently discovered ARTYmaze. She's an awesome artist who does delightful "junk" journals. I love being able to use up bits and pieces and "trash" that would ordinarily get thrown away. Here's a great example of turning paper into an amazing piece of art.
Junk in the Trunk #4 (Brown packaging) junk journal
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I'm back
Well, it's time I brush off this ol' gal and start blogging again. I miss being creative and showing my creativity. Stay tuned for more posts. In the meantime, I'll share some awesome video tutorials that I find on the web.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Moving to WordPress
I'm moving to WordPress. I'm so thoroughly disgusted with the constant "oopsies" that Blogger is doing. If it wants to self-destruct, fine...but I'm not going along for the ride.
I'll probably be combining my new WP blog with All Thumbs Crafts and perhaps even Lazy Chef Recipes, but I'm not sure about that yet.
I'll be writing about the transfer and how it's all going, too.
Hope to see you at Screaming Sardine! <<<< - There's the link. Click to go to my new blog!
If you're serious about blogging and hope to make money off of it by either selling your wares or through affiliate and ad revenues, then I highly suggest you get thee to WP asap. All of the clients I write SEO for only have WP blogs on their own domains. (Not the freebie WP, where you don't have nearly as much flexibility). Additionally, as I started networking with power bloggers, all of them have WP or are going to WP.
I've had a long standing relationship with the following company, and I chose them to purchase my domain (always have, always will cuz they offer private registration so no one can see your real name and address. Yes, your address is online for all to see if you have your own domain and don't have it privately registered). I chose them for hosting my WP cuz they're cheaper than any others I've seen, have a great (and deserved) reputation, and have basically a one click set up of your WP blog.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Girlie Girl Giveaways
Remember to join my Mystery Hostess Scentsy Party, where you could be the mystery hostess and get the hostess benefits!
Here are a couple cute girlie girl giveaways:
Mittens at Home is having a sweetly feminine giveaway.
Deadline: June 3rd
Jones Design Company is having a girlie pink giveaway.
Deadline: June 26th
Here are a couple cute girlie girl giveaways:
Mittens at Home is having a sweetly feminine giveaway.
Deadline: June 3rd
Jones Design Company is having a girlie pink giveaway.
Deadline: June 26th
Prim Giveaways
Here are several very nice prim giveaways!
Primitive Echoes is having her first giveaway.
Deadline: June 19th
Thru Nana's Window is also having her first giveway.
Deadline: May 28th - TODAY!
Oodle Kadoodle Primitives is having her May giveaway.
Deadline: May 31st
Hungry Hook Primitives is having a hooked rug giveaway.
Deadline: June 8th
Primitive Echoes is having her first giveaway.
Deadline: June 19th
Thru Nana's Window is also having her first giveway.
Deadline: May 28th - TODAY!
Oodle Kadoodle Primitives is having her May giveaway.
Deadline: May 31st
Hungry Hook Primitives is having a hooked rug giveaway.
Deadline: June 8th
Friday, May 27, 2011
More Giveaways
Remember to join my Mystery Hostess Scentsy Party, where you could be the mystery hostess and get the hostess benefits!
Jewels in the Garden is having a Summer Soltice giveaway.
Deadline: June 20th
Remember my giveaway ends May 28th!
Jewels in the Garden is having a Summer Soltice giveaway.
Deadline: June 20th
Remember my giveaway ends May 28th!
Followers Friday
As I mentioned a couple days ago, I want to do something called Followers Friday, where I showcase my followers. It's my way of giving back to you by hopefully giving you some exposure as well. I will only feature those of you following via Google Friend Connect since I have no idea who follows me through email or feedburner. Also, if no blog is listed for you when I click on your profile, I can't really give a shout out for you. (For some reason, I run into a few profiles of people whom I know have blogs, but their link doesn't show up. Not sure why).
Kountry Porch Primitives, whose profile states: "I've been married to my best friend for 22 years and we have two wonderful boys. I love all things old & early and am passionate about making our home warm and inviting."
My very first follower and now friend, Deb from Paxton Valley Folk Art Shop. I've been drooling over her creations way before I started featuring her over at the Sunburnt Cow. She makes great folk art and prim decor items.
My Country Blog of This and That is "a 37-year-old wife and mom enjoying life on a small farm in Western Kentucky. So come on over to our neck of the woods and pull up a chair. I hope you enjoy reading about our life as much as we enjoy living it!"
Vicky's Art, who makes a wide variety of creations from handpainted wood art to actual paintings. She is quite the talented artist.
The Art and Tree Chatter of Aquariann. Her welcome message states: "The rustling of branches and warbling of forest creatures isn't so different than hearing lyrics in an unfamiliar language. I may not understand what's being sung, but the melody still rocks this fantasy artist to her toes. Scamper closer and I'll show you what else captivates me."
If you haven't visited any of these bloggers before, please take a look around their blogs. :)
Remember to join my Mystery Hostess Scentsy Party, where you could be the mystery hostess and get the hostess benefits!
Kountry Porch Primitives, whose profile states: "I've been married to my best friend for 22 years and we have two wonderful boys. I love all things old & early and am passionate about making our home warm and inviting."
My very first follower and now friend, Deb from Paxton Valley Folk Art Shop. I've been drooling over her creations way before I started featuring her over at the Sunburnt Cow. She makes great folk art and prim decor items.
My Country Blog of This and That is "a 37-year-old wife and mom enjoying life on a small farm in Western Kentucky. So come on over to our neck of the woods and pull up a chair. I hope you enjoy reading about our life as much as we enjoy living it!"
Vicky's Art, who makes a wide variety of creations from handpainted wood art to actual paintings. She is quite the talented artist.
The Art and Tree Chatter of Aquariann. Her welcome message states: "The rustling of branches and warbling of forest creatures isn't so different than hearing lyrics in an unfamiliar language. I may not understand what's being sung, but the melody still rocks this fantasy artist to her toes. Scamper closer and I'll show you what else captivates me."
If you haven't visited any of these bloggers before, please take a look around their blogs. :)
Remember to join my Mystery Hostess Scentsy Party, where you could be the mystery hostess and get the hostess benefits!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Featured Interview of Artisan of Handmade Items: Claudia from Reino Já Cheguei
This week's featured interview of an artisan of handmade items comes from Europe - Portugal to be exact. I appreciate Claudia's initiative in contacting me to ask if I would like to interview her. Reading her interview, you'll find her to be a charming, talented, and creative person.
Source
Presenting...Claudia from Reino Já Cheguei!
Tell me about your blog and your store.
"Reino Já Cheguei" means "I've Arrived at the Kingdom". Why this name? When my son Tiago was born, we used that expression to give the good news to our family ("I've arrived!"). Three years later, my Joana was born… she was finally arrived too. With a prince and a princess, we became a kingdom.
I have always been a very creative person, and after I wrote my first story book for children, I had to make all of those characters real.
Several pieces of my work have been published in various blogs and websites. I love designing/sewing my toys. There is something so wonderful about creating them - they seem to develop their own personalities as I craft them - it’s almost like I’m creating something organic! I’ve recently started to make altered books and several assemblages. One of the most exciting things is to think of my work in other people’s homes all over the world, hopefully inspiring them to get creative too!
This kingdom is my real passion. I run a blog, an online shop, where I sell my handmade toys and my books hoping that my fantasy kingdom arrives increasingly far.
How long have you been creating?
I’ve been creating since I was a little girl. When I was too young to sew, maybe about 5years old, I used to go to a shirt factory near my parent’s house and ask for fabric scraps. Then I punched some holes in them and make dresses and coats that were tied with rope. My dolls always had new clothes!
Later I started to sew dresses for smaller dolls like Barbie. My mom found out that I did it because once I broke her sewing machine needle. Then she taught me how to sew better, to embroider. And since then I’ve always been creating something. But it became more serious after my oldest son was born in 2004.
Tell me about the arts and crafts scene in Portugal. Are there certain items that are very popular?
Portugal definitely has very talented crafters. The handcrafted unique pieces are increasingly more accepted and appreciated everywhere. We are trying to escape from the mass produced items that exist in the market. These are pieces with no life, that in the production phase were never in touch with a human hands. Having said that, crafts tend to be more valuable pieces and more appreciated. Nevertheless, we still fail to fully recognize the value of a handcrafted item. They are handmade unique pieces that tend to cost more than the industrialized ones, and this still makes a difference when it’s time to buy one.
Our pieces do not differ from other country’s pieces. Maybe the materials used, or the regional and cultural influences. In this increasing global world we live in, it’s hard to find a truly original piece. Usually what makes a unique piece is the history behind it and the creative process.
Are there any particular mediums you like working with?
I tend to use quality and diversified materials. I like to add some scent to my pieces. I always ask our costumer to choose her favorite aroma.
I like to use buttons, appliques, sand beads, sequins, ribbon, lace, some of them vintage, some of them new, etc. I always try to create fun and colorful pieces.
I like to open my boxes and jars that are full of fabrics, buttons, ribbons, paper scrap and imagine what I can create from them. I usually like to use strong colors.
Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master?
Well, because I have lots of goals for myself I want to master everything (as if I could!). I always want to try new techniques and mix them all.
The last thing I did was a tree branch dressed in crochet just like a lady. It even had a tall hat!
I really need to try different things once in a while. My ideas are always jumping up and down in my head, begging to be born...
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I don’t have much spare time. Being a mother of two, a teacher, a wife, and ruling a fantasy kingdom and having to update blog, site, shop, Facebook, and all the networks we’re in, it's not easy!
Nature, besides my children, provides me the inspiration I need. Walking on the beach or in the woods, hearing the birds or the water falling, and taking pictures of what I see it’s really relaxing and inspirational.
I use to do that in family so it also helps us to get away from the daily stress too.
What's a question you wish I would've asked? (And please answer that question).
What do my eyes see?
My eyes see fantasy as a way of understanding reality better.
My eyes are the windows to my soul, they see lots of new mixed media techniques to learn, lots of books to read, lots of things to do, lots relationships to improve, lots of photos to take, lots of love to give...
I'm an eager learner.
Please list ten fun facts about you
1). I have two beautiful cats, named Mupi de Sir Dine and Milady Bug de Sir Dine (Mupi and Milady) – royalty names. :)
2). I love coffee.
3). I love chocolate.
4). I love coffee and chocolate mixed together. :)
5). Almost all of my dolls are named by my sons.
6). Now and then my sons help me stuff some of my dolls.
7). My logo is a mix of my two sons: they both have curly hair (snail) and my daughter´s name is Joana. Little Joana means ladybug in Portuguese.
8). 90% of the characters in my storytale book are/were real. 85% belong to our genealogy. They were named after our nicknames. That includes me, my husband and my sons.
9). Guizito, the boy in our logo, is definitely my alter ego. Guizito which means "Little Bell" is my fantasy kingdom's story teller. I’m an eternal child just like him and all the gnomes I know.
10). I laugh during horror movies. They don’t scare me at all!
Please list your website, blog,and/or Etsy shop urls.
Here is the arsenal:
Reino Ja Cheguei website
Reino Ja Cheguei blog
Reino Ja Cheguei Etsy Shop
Twitter
Flickr
YouTube channel
Facebook:
Facebook
Facebook Story Book
Facebook Product
Facebook Author
Source
Presenting...Claudia from Reino Já Cheguei!
Tell me about your blog and your store.
"Reino Já Cheguei" means "I've Arrived at the Kingdom". Why this name? When my son Tiago was born, we used that expression to give the good news to our family ("I've arrived!"). Three years later, my Joana was born… she was finally arrived too. With a prince and a princess, we became a kingdom.
I have always been a very creative person, and after I wrote my first story book for children, I had to make all of those characters real.
Several pieces of my work have been published in various blogs and websites. I love designing/sewing my toys. There is something so wonderful about creating them - they seem to develop their own personalities as I craft them - it’s almost like I’m creating something organic! I’ve recently started to make altered books and several assemblages. One of the most exciting things is to think of my work in other people’s homes all over the world, hopefully inspiring them to get creative too!
This kingdom is my real passion. I run a blog, an online shop, where I sell my handmade toys and my books hoping that my fantasy kingdom arrives increasingly far.
How long have you been creating?
I’ve been creating since I was a little girl. When I was too young to sew, maybe about 5years old, I used to go to a shirt factory near my parent’s house and ask for fabric scraps. Then I punched some holes in them and make dresses and coats that were tied with rope. My dolls always had new clothes!
Later I started to sew dresses for smaller dolls like Barbie. My mom found out that I did it because once I broke her sewing machine needle. Then she taught me how to sew better, to embroider. And since then I’ve always been creating something. But it became more serious after my oldest son was born in 2004.
Tell me about the arts and crafts scene in Portugal. Are there certain items that are very popular?
Portugal definitely has very talented crafters. The handcrafted unique pieces are increasingly more accepted and appreciated everywhere. We are trying to escape from the mass produced items that exist in the market. These are pieces with no life, that in the production phase were never in touch with a human hands. Having said that, crafts tend to be more valuable pieces and more appreciated. Nevertheless, we still fail to fully recognize the value of a handcrafted item. They are handmade unique pieces that tend to cost more than the industrialized ones, and this still makes a difference when it’s time to buy one.
Our pieces do not differ from other country’s pieces. Maybe the materials used, or the regional and cultural influences. In this increasing global world we live in, it’s hard to find a truly original piece. Usually what makes a unique piece is the history behind it and the creative process.
Are there any particular mediums you like working with?
I tend to use quality and diversified materials. I like to add some scent to my pieces. I always ask our costumer to choose her favorite aroma.
I like to use buttons, appliques, sand beads, sequins, ribbon, lace, some of them vintage, some of them new, etc. I always try to create fun and colorful pieces.
I like to open my boxes and jars that are full of fabrics, buttons, ribbons, paper scrap and imagine what I can create from them. I usually like to use strong colors.
Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master?
Well, because I have lots of goals for myself I want to master everything (as if I could!). I always want to try new techniques and mix them all.
The last thing I did was a tree branch dressed in crochet just like a lady. It even had a tall hat!
I really need to try different things once in a while. My ideas are always jumping up and down in my head, begging to be born...
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I don’t have much spare time. Being a mother of two, a teacher, a wife, and ruling a fantasy kingdom and having to update blog, site, shop, Facebook, and all the networks we’re in, it's not easy!
Nature, besides my children, provides me the inspiration I need. Walking on the beach or in the woods, hearing the birds or the water falling, and taking pictures of what I see it’s really relaxing and inspirational.
I use to do that in family so it also helps us to get away from the daily stress too.
What's a question you wish I would've asked? (And please answer that question).
What do my eyes see?
My eyes see fantasy as a way of understanding reality better.
My eyes are the windows to my soul, they see lots of new mixed media techniques to learn, lots of books to read, lots of things to do, lots relationships to improve, lots of photos to take, lots of love to give...
I'm an eager learner.
Please list ten fun facts about you
1). I have two beautiful cats, named Mupi de Sir Dine and Milady Bug de Sir Dine (Mupi and Milady) – royalty names. :)
2). I love coffee.
3). I love chocolate.
4). I love coffee and chocolate mixed together. :)
5). Almost all of my dolls are named by my sons.
6). Now and then my sons help me stuff some of my dolls.
7). My logo is a mix of my two sons: they both have curly hair (snail) and my daughter´s name is Joana. Little Joana means ladybug in Portuguese.
8). 90% of the characters in my storytale book are/were real. 85% belong to our genealogy. They were named after our nicknames. That includes me, my husband and my sons.
9). Guizito, the boy in our logo, is definitely my alter ego. Guizito which means "Little Bell" is my fantasy kingdom's story teller. I’m an eternal child just like him and all the gnomes I know.
10). I laugh during horror movies. They don’t scare me at all!
Please list your website, blog,and/or Etsy shop urls.
Here is the arsenal:
Reino Ja Cheguei website
Reino Ja Cheguei blog
Reino Ja Cheguei Etsy Shop
Flickr
YouTube channel
Facebook:
Facebook Story Book
Facebook Product
Facebook Author
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Scentsy Mystery Hostess Party
As I've mentioned a couple times previously, I'm having a Scentsy Mystery Hostess Party!
If you don't know about Scentsy, please check out my Independent Consultant website. There, you'll see all kinds of beautiful wickless candle warmers, plug in warmers, amazing scents, and more!
I'm really impressed with the products...totally! I make my own soy tarts, but geez, they don't have the amazing scent throw that Scentsy has! (And I pride myself on good scent throw)! The warmers are beautiful, with something for every decor. As I showed a couple posts ago, there's even a plug in warmer for prim decor!
Prim/Rustic
Rustic Star Full Size Scentsy Warmer
How about Americana?
Liberty Full Size Scentsy Warmer
Or Victorian?
Victoria Full Size Scentsy Warmer
Pretty, huh!?! The warmers are actual decor items instead of just tart warmers. :)
As you'll see when you click on my Independent Consultant Scentsy website, if you scroll down a bit on the left side, you'll see "My Open Parties." Underneath that is the name of the party - "Mystery Hostess" - as well as the date. To look around and/or purchase from the party, simply click on "Buy from party" link.
For everyone who purchases from the Mystery Hostess Party, you'll get a chance to end up being the "mystery hostess," but without having a bunch of people coming into your home and having to entertain them. So what's so great about being the "mystery hostess," you may be wondering? Well, as the hostess, you can earn free or half-price Scentsy Products!
Everyone who purchases from this party will have one chance to be the "mystery hostess." If you order $75 or more, you get two chances. If you refer a friend and s/he places an order, you get two more chances. (You will have to email me and tell me the first and last name of your friend, so I know to give you those two extra chances). If you sign up to be an independent consultant under me, you get three chances.
The party will be open until June 8th. Once I close it, I'll tally up everyone's chances, throw your names into a bowl, and then choose the winner, i.e., mystery hostess. I'll then be contacting you to choose your half-price and/or free Scentsy products.
By the way, you don't have to post a comment. I'll go by who orders and/or if you sign up to be an independent consultant. You will have to email me if you refer a friend. :)
If you don't know about Scentsy, please check out my Independent Consultant website. There, you'll see all kinds of beautiful wickless candle warmers, plug in warmers, amazing scents, and more!
I'm really impressed with the products...totally! I make my own soy tarts, but geez, they don't have the amazing scent throw that Scentsy has! (And I pride myself on good scent throw)! The warmers are beautiful, with something for every decor. As I showed a couple posts ago, there's even a plug in warmer for prim decor!
Prim/Rustic
Rustic Star Full Size Scentsy Warmer
How about Americana?
Liberty Full Size Scentsy Warmer
Or Victorian?
Victoria Full Size Scentsy Warmer
Pretty, huh!?! The warmers are actual decor items instead of just tart warmers. :)
As you'll see when you click on my Independent Consultant Scentsy website, if you scroll down a bit on the left side, you'll see "My Open Parties." Underneath that is the name of the party - "Mystery Hostess" - as well as the date. To look around and/or purchase from the party, simply click on "Buy from party" link.
For everyone who purchases from the Mystery Hostess Party, you'll get a chance to end up being the "mystery hostess," but without having a bunch of people coming into your home and having to entertain them. So what's so great about being the "mystery hostess," you may be wondering? Well, as the hostess, you can earn free or half-price Scentsy Products!
Everyone who purchases from this party will have one chance to be the "mystery hostess." If you order $75 or more, you get two chances. If you refer a friend and s/he places an order, you get two more chances. (You will have to email me and tell me the first and last name of your friend, so I know to give you those two extra chances). If you sign up to be an independent consultant under me, you get three chances.
The party will be open until June 8th. Once I close it, I'll tally up everyone's chances, throw your names into a bowl, and then choose the winner, i.e., mystery hostess. I'll then be contacting you to choose your half-price and/or free Scentsy products.
By the way, you don't have to post a comment. I'll go by who orders and/or if you sign up to be an independent consultant. You will have to email me if you refer a friend. :)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Prim, Americana, and Miscellaneous Giveaways
Lil Raggedy Angie is having a prim giveaway in celebration of her 100th post. (Congrats, Angie)!
Deadline: June 1st
A Farmhouse Gathering at Art Fire is having an Americana giveaway.
Deadline: June 3rd
Perfectly Imperfect is holding a week of really cute giveaways.
Deadline: Winners announce 5.30
Deadline: June 1st
A Farmhouse Gathering at Art Fire is having an Americana giveaway.
Deadline: June 3rd
Perfectly Imperfect is holding a week of really cute giveaways.
Deadline: Winners announce 5.30
Followers Friday
This Friday, I'm going to start a new feature called "Followers Friday." I'll be working my way down the list from my most current followers to the oldest. Followers Friday will be spotlighting all of you, my followers, as my way of saying thank you. It's my hope that others may see your blog and might follow you as well. :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Scentsy Warmer and Fragrance Spotlight #2
Here's another Scentsy warmer and fragrance spotlight, only this time it's a plug in warmer. Stay tuned for the Mystery Hostess online Scentsy party that I'll be holding later this week. You could end up being the Mystery Hostess (chosen by random number) and get the rewards that hostesses get!
Perfect for the prim / rustic decor is this Scentsy plug in warmer. It also comes as a full sized warmer.
And how about this for a fragrance - Clove and Cinnamon? Or perhaps some luscious Vanilla Cream, which is a blend of French Vanilla with a hint of coconut milk. Mmmmmm ~
Note: I'm an independent home consultant for Scentsy.
Perfect for the prim / rustic decor is this Scentsy plug in warmer. It also comes as a full sized warmer.
And how about this for a fragrance - Clove and Cinnamon? Or perhaps some luscious Vanilla Cream, which is a blend of French Vanilla with a hint of coconut milk. Mmmmmm ~
Note: I'm an independent home consultant for Scentsy.
A Couple of Giveaways for You
Cottonwood Lane Primitives is having a giveaway.
Deadline: When she reaches 100 followers.
A Primitive Place Magazine is having a prim giveaway.
Deadline: May 26th
Deadline:
Deadline: When she reaches 100 followers.
A Primitive Place Magazine is having a prim giveaway.
Deadline: May 26th
Deadline:
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Busy Weekend
I've been super busy lately, but it's all been good. :) This weekend I did some freelance (i.e., paid) writing work, which frees me up for the rest of the week. Of course, if more paid writing work comes my way, I'll take it!!
Still sump pumping my basement, which is getting to be a drag. It was finally drying out, but then we've had rain all weekend. Blech.
Learned to knit on Thursday and have been spending as much time knitting as I can. I absolutely adore it! Wish I could spend a lot more time knitting. LOVE IT!!
Made some more soap this weekend to send to my 200th follower - Home in New England - as a surprise. Well, it's not a surprise anymore since I emailed and asked for her address - lol. Wish I could tell what the scent is, but suffice it to say, my home smells delightful. :) I'm enjoying soap making again, though I do want to start experimenting with different looks. Sent some soaps to Sheila at Seasons of Thy Heart in Pear Berry and Tangerine scents. They were sample scents, and I'm definitely going to be ordering a bigger bottle. Loved them. Also sent her some of my prim eggs as well as a little bunny wall hanging. I guess I should add that this was before Easter - lol!
Still sump pumping my basement, which is getting to be a drag. It was finally drying out, but then we've had rain all weekend. Blech.
Learned to knit on Thursday and have been spending as much time knitting as I can. I absolutely adore it! Wish I could spend a lot more time knitting. LOVE IT!!
Made some more soap this weekend to send to my 200th follower - Home in New England - as a surprise. Well, it's not a surprise anymore since I emailed and asked for her address - lol. Wish I could tell what the scent is, but suffice it to say, my home smells delightful. :) I'm enjoying soap making again, though I do want to start experimenting with different looks. Sent some soaps to Sheila at Seasons of Thy Heart in Pear Berry and Tangerine scents. They were sample scents, and I'm definitely going to be ordering a bigger bottle. Loved them. Also sent her some of my prim eggs as well as a little bunny wall hanging. I guess I should add that this was before Easter - lol!
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