Sometimes I scare myself.....

Lauren and I went to the mall today and played in the photobooth. We have some wonderful photos! We're going to make this a regular occurance. Aren't we cute? But wait, there is a piece de resistance! Look to the right! I brought props. This cretin is me! No extra makeup! These strips of pictures were taken seconds apart! I would switch sidewalks to avoid this pirate! (all I put on was the scarf and a piece of candy wrapper on my tooth) . The pirate pics will be made into ATCs for Dawn Supina's Wacky Photo Booth Swap. I will include a "real" pic of me on the back. Although, scarily, those to the left are just as real. And sheesh, I usually think that I look better without my glasses. Please click on the photos for super scary enlargements!
Who knew that a pirate lived inside of me?????
Maybe I should start talking pirate!

Now, mateys, if ye intends to go on readin this blog, ye better get used to the new way a talkin. Avast and shiver me timbers!

"Avast belay, yo ho, heave to,

A-pirating we go

And if we're parted by a shot

We're sure to meet below!"

"Yo ho, yo ho, the pirate life,

The flag o'skull and bones

A merry hour, a hempen rope,

And hey for Davy Jones."

(Peter Pan)

Hey! Did you know that September 19 is International "Talk Like a Pirate" Day? I'm definitely celebrating this one!

Birdie ATC bag

The details of this swap:
We were to make a birdie bag that could hold about 30 ATCs. We were to send it, and 3 ATCs to a partner. Then, for the next year or so, send 3 Bird themed ATCs to each person in the swap. My bag and my first ATCs have gone to Jo in Queensland, Australia. I will post the ATCs after Jo has received the bag -- something HAS to be a secret!
The bag is about 6" square and about 3" deep. I forgot to take pictures of the inside. There is a little hidden nest!
(I should really find some new backdrops for my pictures, LOL)

I LOVE to swim

During the school year, I swim twice a week (even all winter). In the summer, I barely swim. This summer I'm going to try to swim more often. Swimming frees my mind. I'd start today, but it's pouring rain..... excuses, excuses....
(this is another spread in Karen's CJ)

What's with THIS ???

When we were in Quebec last summer, we came across this road sign. It is just outside of an English speaking town called Arundel. Its weirdness speaks for itself. Although I'm pretty sure this is what it means: If you come across a sleeping child in the middle of the road, please drive around them. Pay special attention not to run over their floppy socks.
** I welcome your interpretations too!!! Leave a comment!

aahhhhh, summer

Finally. I'm finished school. Now I can relax. Hahahahahahaha. Today I'm finishing up some things that need to be mailed out, then tomorrow I'm making some art to sell! That's the best kind for me to do -- not because of the selling, but because I get to make exactly what I want, without a hard deadline.This is a spread that I did in Karen's calendar journal. The journal is beautiful. But huge and heavy and a b**** to mail. I got to use my new pink stamp pad. It's exactly what I wanted.

Happy Canada Day!

We celebrated in style! At a Rowing Regatta -- The Dominion Day Regatta at Toronto Island. It was the 123rd year of this event. Lauren was rowing. Here she is in all her glory! GO LAUREN!


After the races we had a picnic. Then Ray and I went to the beach. A wonderful relaxing day. And we get to do it again tomorrow (the relaxing day, not the rowing) Because Canada Day fell on a Sunday, we get to holiday again on Monday. Yay!

Incredible Illness

Today was supposed to be the last day of school. Brunch and meetings and cleaning the classroom and the like. Instead, I spent it at home in bed. When I spoke to the school (Miriam called me)(thanks Miriam!) I was told that about half the staff couldn't come. It was the incredible puking illness. At first we thought that it was heat exhaustion -- it was over 40 degrees C in the school (104 F). People were really sick at school, and dropping like flies. But I'm pretty sure that it is some stomache flu. With a nasty headache. I haven't thrown up in more than 20 years! It was ucky! (aren't you glad that I'm sharing?????)
So tomorrow (Friday) will be the last day of school. I hope that I manage to do all of my work in one day. I don't want to have to go next week too.
Having said all of that, I'm behind on anything that was to be mailed out this week. C'est la vie....

Everything is Black and White

Or not..... I was making black and white charms for a swap -- I decided to use black wooden dominoes and cut them in half. After cutting 30 dominoes in half with my dremel(you only can get one square per domino) , I put them in a safe place, to return to them later. That safe place is VERY safe. Even I can't find THAT safe place. Luckily, the swap deadline was extended! I didn't have any more dominoes, but I could easily find dice. So dice it is. I'm quite happy with them. They're a bit big, but I am determined to make a bracelet or necklace with the returns! I'll post a picture them as soon as I get them back. Ruth has hers posted on her blog too. And a great ee cummings poem! Very cool Ruth! I hope that I get one of those!

I'd LOVE to do a pink and green charm swap! Maybe someone wants to host that! Hmmm, any takers??? (it's hard for me to host -- I'd be happy to, but since most of the players are in the US, the postage is almost double to send here and return, so it's kind of silly for me to host.

An Extraordinary Evening

Carmi's art group met last night -- This is my Extraordinary R. Each member did 1 or 2 letters, and Carmi will have them photographed for us (the whole word) YAY -- Thank you Carmi! (Hey, that's my backyard -- it's not looking too bad -- all blurry and lush)
These are the letters everyone did -- Aren't they great?????? Please see Carmi's website to see who did each one, and to see close ups!

We had fun playing with fabric and rhinestones and some cool iron on embroidery trim stuff ...... We all made little ATCs or fabric collages using a few fabrics that Carmi brought. Here's mine! Initially, I wasn't liking her , but as I sewed and added bits, she was more "me". I don't usually use many 3D embellishments, but I think that she might need some beads and sequins.....

Zetti Solstice

I have been trading zetti ornaments with Beth for awhile. Beth made the TOP one and I made the BOTTOM one. LOL -- we like the same images...... Beth's is so cool -- I think that she teaches a class about making her ornaments -- she lives in California for all of you South West coasters. Beth's ornament is about 1/2 inch thick -- mine was quite flat. Thank you Beth!!!

Summer starts today!

Today is the solstice! Summer officially starts around 2pm. I made some solstice art. This is a postcard I made for a zetti postcard swap! Lauren is my sun -- when my face is towards her, all of my troubles fall behind me. I love you Laur!
More solstice art later today! Right now I have to go to school and prepare for a birthday party for 2 groups of children -- 17 to a group. I made 4 dozen cupcakes last night!

Fun Stuff

I found this fun link on Catherine's blog -- for once I can blame someone other than Heather for my procrastination! LOL! I can blame Jackson Pollock!
Click here to play (if you want to want to save your creation, click on Print Screen (Prt Scr) on your keyboard (PC) and then paste into a publishing or paint program, then edit.)

Buy this Book!

This book is WONDERFUL. Some people on yahoo groups said that they didn't like it so much, but I think it is great. I took a class from Michael at ArtFest this year (and will take 2 more, here in Toronto in October) . Michael is highly entertaining -- and a great teacher. His book is a lot like him -- chatty and visually appealing (LOL)(giggle). I think maybe people wanted a "how to" book with more info. He does tell how to make things, but because his assemblage is made up of found objects, he can't really give instructions to make the exact same things! C'mon folks! Use your creativity. Grab a tube of Liquid Nails (we Canucks will have to make a trip south of the border) and your favourite paints, and glue stuff together! Having said all that, I still haven't finished the 3 assemblaaaaaaages that I started at ArtFest. That's what summer's for, right?

Summer's Coming

I was so lucky to be able to work in Else's Ocean Jewels book in the warm weather. I dream of the ocean often (or the lake) We used to have a cottage on Lake Huron. But my mom sold it :( Then they bought a house on the ocean in Nova Scotia. But she sold it :( (but we still love you, mom!) Now I live in a beautiful city with an ocean-like lake -- so I'm still lucky. Ray and I went out to the Toronto Islands yesterday and dreamed about living there. So we're going to apply -- it might take 10 or more years for a house to come up, but we'll patiently wait.... The houses are tiny and cottagey and it's a wonderful artist community..... but your life depends on the ferry!
The quotation is by Longfellow (with one line edited out)

Birdie Fever!

Kelly finally received her Birdie Fever stuff from me! I think that she liked it! Go on over to her blog and see the stuff - her pictures are better than mine, LOL. And while you're there, look at her past posts on her blog. She has some very cool eye candy there -- and tons of book recommendations. If you ever get a chance, take a class from Kelly Kilmer-- everyone who I know who has taken them has had a great time, and learned a lot! (maybe someday she'll teach in Toronto....)

Something new, something blue!

I told Heather that I'd make a wrist quiltie for her. She requested blue and brown. Blue and brown? I don't have any brown fabric !!! I poked around and lo and behold, I do (honestly, was there really any doubt? -- I AM a pack rat.......) This is what I found:
And this is what I made! I like it!

New Stuff coming soon....

I HAVE made lots of new stuff -- but I can't post them until the recipients have them.... Some things can't even be posted until next summer, LOL. Let me just say that I have finished a zetti ornament and 5 original post cards..... The charms are giving me grief, but the extraordinary R is flying right along..... The journal spreads are coming along.....
So I thought I'd post.... another polka dot page !!! LOL ! Surprise! The image is Anahata Katkin's -- if you want to buy one of her collage books you'd better hurry -- she is discontinuing them! but they are on sale while they last!!

Birdie Fever !

I participated in Tammie's Birdie Fever Swap. We were to send a pile of birdie themed stuff to a partner. My partner was Kelly Kilmer -- who has to be the most generous person on the planet! And she only grumbled a bit about the ridiculous amount that the post office charged her (USPS has a million different charts and rules. If it seems like it is too much, ask for the lowest, going by surface snail mail rate). Anyway here it is! All of the cool stuff that Kelly sent me! (click on the picture for a better view)


There is a TON of paper, and a birdie rubber stamp cube, ribbon, some fun birdies, some honkin' big paper fasteners ("brads") and the Michelle Ward Clearly Impressed set that I've been coveting. And BEST OF ALL, a journal that Kelly made for me. That's it with the pinky/orange cover with the bird on it. The bad part is that it's too nice to journal in. Hahahahahahaha. Ray said that it was all really "me" and I think that Kelly is a kindred spirit. It's nice having all of those pieces of paper. I think that I'm going to rip all of my big 12x12 papers and larger wrapping papers into smaller pieces, because then they are (mentally) ready to use, and not so covetable and hoardable

And the good news? Round One is finished in the Report Card Corner! I now have to read them over to edit any typos and glaring errors. Then my principal reads them over to find any typos and silly mistakes, and perhaps edits out my personality a bit (the part where it says " XXX must remember that karate moves are for karate class, and not for the kindergarten classroom")( or "YYY must refrain from biting and punching the teacher")(I'm supposed to use teacher jargon like "YYY is encouraged to use her hands for helping"). Anyway, then I get them back, fix the mistakes, print them, sign then, and hand them in again to the Principal who reads them over again to make sure that I was a good girl and fixed my mistakes. The Principal is legally responsible for the report cards, so if I say anything idiotic, she gets blamed.....

I'm doing the happy dance. And Ray, Andy and Lauren will be happy that I will be less crabby.

My art list for this week:
- 25 charms for a swap
- an extraordinary R
- a zetti ornament
- 5 zetti postcards
- Vale's zetti journal spread
- a birdie ATC bag and ATCs
- Else's journal spread

Okay, maybe I'll still be crabby........

Big green dots

I'm STILL doing report cards (I'm eating my lunch right now). It would be really nice if I could finish them all today and have time to play tomorrow. That's not very likely at this point......

Procrastinationg a little bit... woof!

I went here and took a quiz.....
This is what kind of dog I am!

Martha, you're a Collie!

No bones about it, you're a loyal, nurturing Collie. A sensitive breed, you're always approachable and very in tune with others' feelings — just like Lassie! Because of your empathetic nature, you tend to be the group psychologist to your circle of friends. Your faithful, easygoing, steadfast personality makes you a wonderful confidant; people love to come to you with their troubles. Bottom line? You're a star at interpersonal relationships and have a knack for making new friends and acquaintances wherever you go. After all, what's a Collie without a flock to look after? Since you're so giving, your buddies might not realize that you need them just as much as they need you, so make sure not to neglect yours truly. Everyone deserves some "me" time. Woof!

Still more dots......

Still working on report cards..... so I am felling a bit dotty..... are we tired of them yet?

Still feeling dotty

More polka dot pages for the circle fatbook Heather is hosting. I'm writing report cards this week, so the dots will continue for awhile.......

You will walk in good company

My spread in Megan's black and white book:


It was inspired by a Jane Siberry song:

The Valley
i live in the hills
you live in the valleys
and all that you know are those blackbirds
yoou rise every morning
wondering what in the world will the world bring today
will it bring you joy or will it take it away
and every step you take is guided by
the love of the light on the land and the blackbird's cry
you will walk in good company

the valley is dark
the burgeoning holding
the stillness obscured by their judging
you walk through the shadows
uncertain and surely hurting
deserted by the blackbirds and the staccato of the staff
and though you trust the light towards which you wend your way
sometimes you feel all that you wanted has been taken away
you will walk in good company

i love the best of you
you love the best of me
though it is not always easy
lovely? lovely?
we will walk in good company

the shepherd upright and flowing
you see...

Megan sang this song to her tiny baby in the hospital. The song has been playing in my head ever since. I had to use it to let it out!

Ouch!

This is my poor puppy's leg. When Ray was walking him on Wednesday night, a dog ran out of his yard and attacked Andy. Ray pulled the dog off (a Jack Russell) and the dog bit Ray too and ran away. Andy had a big chunk taken out of his leg. The vet bill was $700. Yikes. And the puppy isn't himself yet. This is him looking sad. Poor puppy.

LATE EDIT (Saturday night)! : We know where the dog lives, but apparently, nothing can be done. We can sue the owners for the vet money, but our lawyers fees would be more than the vet bill... Ray pretends that the dog didn't bite him, but it DID break the skin 3 times. He is in denial and won't go the doctor. Andy is healing well. After 2 days of lethargy, tonight he's jumping all over Lauren and running 360s in the garden. Thank you all for the well wishes!!!

And to top it all off, I'm really sick (AGAIN). Last weekend I started feeling sick after 2 weeks of pretty good health. So with the puppy and the illness, I'm behind again. Today I'm mailing some swaps off, and then heading into report cards. The good news? Only 3 1/2 weeks until holidays.

This is a polka dot page that I made for Heather's fatbook. More pics to come.......

Magazines

I'm a magazine-oholic. Well. it's better now than it used to be.
This is what I'm reading in bed these days:
1. Cloth Paper Scissors (I have a subscription to this one!)I love it for all of the new techniques. Bimonthly
2. Quilting arts - I buy it occasionally, again, for the techniques. (sister to Cloth Paper Scissors). Bimonthly
3. Somerset Studio - EYE CANDY. There is so much to see. I buy every issue of this one, and many issues of their "sister" publications. Bimonthly
4. Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion - you wouldn't think that I am a Mary Engelbreit sort of person, put this publication is so pretty. And I got a cheap subscription....Bimonthly
5. LivingEtc - a British home magazine. I've been buying it for about 6 years. It used to be hard to find, but now it's everywhere. Monthly

and my new favourite:
Craft -- it's a tiny zine (small format -- but thick!)-- and quite expensive (about $18 here) -- but I loved every single page in Issue 3 -- it's debut in Canada. This issue focused on Japanese cool crafts -- but there were lots of articles on other stuff -- including a "how to make hypertufa pots" and one about the current Blythe doll craze! The articles are quite short -- but there are lots of wesite links -- my copy is full of post it notes! It's put out by the publishers of MAKE ! Quarterly

** check out all of the websites, there are always lots of fun extras!

Balance

The last of my spreads for Terry's CJ. It is also my favourite of the bunch. The one that I wished that I could have kept...... The ruffle/ nest at the bottom is totally my addition -- but it looks like it may have belonged there. I'll be using more of those giant eggs in upcoming work!

Watch

This is the spread that I did for Terry's CJ -- May 21-27 -- as you can see. I love those eyes in the lower left corner -- they are 2 separate stamps from Cat's Life Press -- one of my favourite rubber stamp companies. In Toronto you can buy them at Bizzy B's. Tell Barb that I sent you! LOL. The "Can you see me" stamp is also Cat's Life. I'm trying to use my rubber stamps more often. Although they do look really pretty on my shelf..... (the unmounted ones don't look so pretty. You know, if unmounted and mounted cost the same, I'd get mounted)(lots of people wouldn't)
I'm off now to finish cleaning out my basement bedroom (my art supply storage room) Lauren is moving home for the summer. I'll keep you all posted about my sanity during the next four months.

His Sister's Tutu

Again, I was adding some modesty to the page... LOL. But you can still lift up the tutu and see what's underneath......

My Black Heart

This is another spread in Terry's Calendar Journal. Okay, for the calendar journal round robins, each member picks a calendar journal -- dayplanner kind of thing. Terry's is called "Leonardo da Vinci" Each month, a different member gets to art up the pages. When I joined, I thought that it was about altering the image, and then journaling about our weeks. But no one was doing that!!! They were arting up all of the pages -- and usually covering the art that was there. I wanted to work with the art that was there, like me collaborating with Leonardo. I think that we work well together! LOL. The right side of the spread is a bit stark for me -- I used black tissue paper for the background -- I didn't expect it to be so, well, black! The heart is a little fabric collage. I mail off the calendar to Andi tomorrow -- but I have 4 more spreads to show you throughout the week. STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

Thank you Queen Victoria!

Yesterday -- I got NOTHING finished. I was uninspired and felt like a failure. I walked around in circles -- unable to do any art, or clean my apartment (next weekend my parents are coming to visit and my daughter is moving home). Today is another day -- Thank you Queen Victoria, for having a birthday and giving me an extra day this weekend to rejuvenate! Ray and I were supposed to go to the escarpment for the day, but since I screwed yesterday away, I didn't have the time today. Sorry Ray and Andy -- maybe in 2 weekends we'll try again.....

Anyone who knows me knows how much I grumble about these Calendar Journals. It was too big of a commitment for me... 4 spreads per month (this month 5 spreads).
Anyway, her's the first spread that I did in Terry's CJ. It's a Leonardo Notebook by Taschen. Very beautiful. I got the naked pages! Since I don't know Terry very well (although we are in a few groups together) I didn't know how far I could go with the human boday -- so I censored it. Not like me at all!

Green Pins

Because I have ADD (well, I must, right?), watching tv is sometimes a chore. First, the preparation: finding enough art work/ sewing/ whatever to do that will last the whole length of the show. Then making the tea, and setting up my workspace. Then pressing Play. I can't "watch" children's movies or animation any more. Because there is too much visual and not enough dialogue, so I'm always lost. Last night I watched Mirrormask, for the manyth time (that's my newly invented word: manyth) . I really need to be strapped to a chair a la Clockwork Orange to watch this movie. The visuals are spectacular! But I did manage to piece together 10 new pins! Here are 3 of them.

The Dead Guy - RIP

The Dead Guy is the stuffie that I made Andy when he was a little puppy in October. Now that he's a big puppy he has finished off the Dead Guy. (and turned him inside out....) The Dead Guy is escaping my garden so he can rest in peace.

Tag

I made this tag for a fabric tag book hosted by Dawn. The theme is Secret Garden. I'll be making more like this...... (size = 3x5)

Tagged

Amber Dawn tagged me! (okay, it was weeks ago...)

Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I procrastinate a bit...

2. Sometimes I wake up with my thumb in my mouth . How embarrassing....

3. I took Fashion Arts at a Arts High School, Fashion Merchandising in College, and then Home Ec (Sewing Specialty) in University. I started off wanting to be a Fashion Designer, then a Display Artist, then a Home Ec Teacher. My final BA was Art History and Criticism. My BEd is in Primary Education. I don't give a hoot about fashion trends any more.... as my daughter points out: "You dress like Grandma"

4. I am a tea drinker. Coffee is yucky. But Coffee Crisps, however, are yummy. Herbal teas are for wussies -- BRING ON THE CAFFEINE!

5. I have to wear special orthotics in my shoes. I am not allowed to wear slippers or sandals (unless they have orthotics built in) . This is new this year and it makes me VERY CRABBY.

6. I don't like crowds. This agoraphobia is getting worse......

7. I have no idea how to change the font size on my blog..... it just randomly changes.......

I don't know 7 people who haven't been tagged lately. If I come across someone, I'll let you all know.

And the Mother's Day Winner is.....

Heather!!! Ray picked out of a bowl from all of the names. But remember, you are all winners because you all have such fantastic mothers. Thank you for sharing. I've read them over many many times.....
I think that I'm going to do a give away every month, near the middle of the month. So check back often......
So Heather -- the mother collage will be in the mail to you shortly! See, it's your fault again! Because I'll walk to the post office, and pass my favourite gift shop, and I'll HAVE to go in, and spend buckets of money.......
Sorry that I was a day late in the drawing. I got completely engrossed in Survivor last night. I was so sad that Yau Man didn't make it to the final 3, but my next choice was my buddy Earl, so I was happy. We really got to see some good snakes and rats this season -- and some really good outwitting and outplaying. But still, nothing beats that John guy a few seasons back, who faked his grandma's death to get the sympathy vote....... I really wish that I could be on Survivor. I think that I'd do well..... I know that you all think that I'm too nice, but I'm pretty good at playing games....... grrrr....hiss.....
p.s. I don't know what happened with the super huge font size, but I can't make it normal, for some reason....

Happy Mothers Day !!!

This is what we made in Kindergarten, so I made one for my Mommy too. Please note the food colouring all over my hands. We also made some butterflies (from coffee filters and food colouring)

This is what Colette made for me on Mother's Day. What a wonderful friend Colette is...Thank you~~
My daughter called me this morning -- she'll be coming over later. So far, I've read magazines in bed, and had lots of tea. Now I'm ready to make some art...... and then Ray and I will go for a big walk on this beautiful day!

Royalty

Last night was ATC night at Bizzy Bs. The theme was royalty. Can you tell which one was mine? You can sing the Sesame Street song: "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong, can you tell which thing is not like the others...?" Yes, mine is the one at the top -- it's hard to see in this photo - it's purple and deep red fabric with a crown stamped on german book text (resined paper). the little birds are cut with a quik cuts die that I bought in London (Ontario). I don't have the puncher outer thingy, so I used the one in Bizzy Bs. I'll buy lots more dies there (they didn't have the bird one when I checked a few weeks ago -- but they have it now!)
The ATCs pictured here are by:
top: me
middle row: Sarah, Susan V, Jolanta, Cori
bottom row: Diana, Bev, Jackie, Joanne
Jackie's features a beautiful picture of her taken at her ??? birthday party! She's wearing her crown and sceptre!
*we missed you Marissa, June, Myrn, Susan W, Ludgera, Barb and Daniza!

Wide Open

Wide Open: Inspiration and Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge

I met Randi Feuerhelm-Watts at ArtFest. She is so energetic and very cool! She has released this set through North Light Books. It's a set of journaling cards -- they have ideas for your visual journals. It also comes with a journal that is "arted up" already, but is waiting ofr your artistic additions. I think that this is a wonderful boxed set -- and I plan to give them to people next Christmas. You can order it at amazon.ca or at chapters.indigo.ca It only costs about $17 on amazon and $15 at indigo.

This is Randi's link: www.randifeuerhelm.com

Fabric Charm Bracelet

This is a collaborative charm bracelet from a swap that I was part of. I just received it today from Ruth, who hosted the swap. Isn't it wonderful?? The theme was Mother Nature and the colours were to be blue, green and sepia.

The artists are, from left: ?, Jo~Ann, Maggie, me, ?, Barb, Mary Z, ?, Jo~Ann, Lenna, Ruth, ?, ?. Ruth provided the base bracelet and put them all on for us. (I'm going to search the missing artists and add them shortly)