Beautiful Blogger...Who Ya Talkin' About?!

I am so stoked to receive an awesome award from a wonderful blogger. I can't believe she is bestowing it upon the Palace - especially considering the other people she gave it to. Nanny Goats in Panties? Oh cha...I bow to NGIP. I'm sure she's wondering in what realm we belong on the same list, too!

Veronica, best known as The Chickenista, has another blog. Yes, I said another. She has like three...News You Can't Use, Now What, and The Chickenista. Plus she home schools her kidlets. (She also drives a pick up and carries a shotgun!) Um yeah. I don't think anyone will be calling her lazy anytime soon. Geez, Veronica - way to make the rest of us look bad!

The rules of this award:

-Thank the person who nominated you for this award. Thank you, Veronica, my little Chickenista...THANK YOU!!
-Copy the award & place it on your blog. Check!
-Link to the person who nominated you for this award. Check!
-Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself. Ohhh boy. Doesn't say they have to be "real".
-Nominate 7 bloggers. Easy enough!
-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate. Check!

   Interesting Things About Me:
1. Altho it's been off the air for at least 25 years, I can still remember every single word to the "Lee Press On Nails" commercial. I swear. If enough people comment that they want to hear it, I'll post my rendition...which, by the way, is much better than the woman who did the original voice over.
2. I was Miss North Carolina Teen. It was so long ago I'm pretty sure they didn't even have newspapers back then.
3. I am the "black sheep" in my family - in the biggest way possible, in every way you can think of. Sometimes I wonder if my parents were serious when they used to say they picked me up on a fence post.
4. If I could live life exactly like I wanted, I would live on a ranch that overlooks the ocean. (Like on a cliff.) My home would overlook the ocean and the horses (and a few other small animals) would be safely pastured on the opposite side of my house! I would basically be a recluse - doing art, riding my horse, drinking iced tea, Coke with grenadine, or Mocha Frappuccino on my veranda.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
5. I "talk" to more people online in one day, than I talk to in person, or on the phone, in a week.
6. I can't watch news stories, commercials, etc about the mistreatment, or abuse of children. I will do anything to not watch/ hear about those things - but if I can't escape, I immediately get teared up - and it will upset me for days.
7. I amuse myself - I find myself quite funny. I can't help it. I am a complete dork. I crack myself up at least once a day.

And now...onto the Beautiful Bloggers I'd like to pass this along to...

PJs Prose

 

AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles  

 Lovely Purses

Redhead Ranting

Subjective Soup

Jill's Creative Cafe

Candles, Crafts & Whatnot

Gems by Jerri

Being the rebel that I am, I could not narrow it down to seven. I just couldn't. Every time I looked at the list, I could not decide on someone to remove. I had no problem thinking of others to add - but this is the barest list I could come up with. So...I suck. Sorry about that.

I am so honored to know so many incredibly creative people. I cherish everyone who reads my blog - please know if you didn't find your name on this list, it is not because I don't treasure you and your beauty. It's impossible not to celebrate each of you - and the unique gifts you bring to the world. I love all of you!

Thanks again, Veronica!

xx,

Caran D'Ache Neocolor II

My latest toys supplies arrived - and I'm so excited!

I absolutely love artsupply.com. As the name suggests, they are the premiere online place to purchase art supplies. Located in Chicago, IL, they are a brick-and-mortar store, and accept phone orders as well. I have been a huge fan of artsupply.com for awhile now - and for some very specific reasons:

• They are the one company I have referred friends and other artists to, over and over. They've never let me down - and I know they will take good care of anyone I send their way.

• Fast shipping.
• Free shipping on loads of products. Orders not shipping free do not have over-inflated shipping fees. Finally - someone gets it!

• Amazing prices. Almost everything I've bought from them has saved me money. For example, I recently purchased a silk screening kit at artsupply.com for around $35. After hours of searching, their cheapest competitor wanted $47 - and that was a sale price! I'm terrible at math, but isn't that around a 26% savings?

• Fantastic communication.

• Great selection. If you want something and they don't have it, they'll go to the ends of the earth to get it. That's just how their customer service is.

• About their customer service...it is phenomenal. Phe. Nom. En. AL. You will not hear me say this often, but I have never had less than a 5-star interaction with anyone representing that company. Five-stars doesn't begin to adequately describe their awesomeness.

• Art Supply Professional Circle. This program says it all.

I have been exceptionally blessed to be associated with such incredible people and such a fine organization. It is rare for me to have such loyalty to a company - but that's just how good artsupply.com is. I personally guarantee you simply will not find a better art supply store, nicer people, or better prices...anywhere. That's a pretty huge guarantee - but I say it knowing it's true.

Which brings me back to my recent order. I got the Caran D'Ache Neocolor IIs - and I am so excited to play with them! There was an article by Susie Monday in the Dec '09/Jan '10 issue of Quilting Arts. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists - her blog is full of great information and inspiration. The article in QA, Rainbow Printing with Water-soluble Pigments, was just like her work and her blog - informative, inspirational, interesting. About halfway through the article I knew I had to order some Golden's Silkscreen Medium and Neocolor IIs. I haven't had a chance to play with them yet, but stay tuned. I'll post my results when I've got something to show.

I just love getting new supplies...it's like being a little kid again!

xx,

Silver Clay

I've been in love with silver clay since I first learned it existed. The price was a major factor for me - it's daunting to relax and learn when you know the material you're working with costs big bucks.

It's a funny thing, silver clay is. I have a lot to learn - and so many ideas. It doesn't go very far - you don't get a whole lot for the money. That said, the pieces turn out beautifully - even if you're clueless, like I was. I should mention, before I began, I looked over several books, read tons and tons of websites, and spoke to a handful of artists experienced in silver clay. From my research and discussions, one thing was clear: just jump in.

My very first attempt was a couple of charms, where I really got a feel for the clay and the torch. (Sorry! Didn't mean to burn you or get my little needle pick stuck on you!) I made an art doll and crown from molds I'd made for polymer clay. I don't know how my little crown prong broke - but it did. I also forgot to add holes to these so they could be used as charms. - so a new use will have to be found. Maybe broaches?

Each of those pieces is a nice, substantial weight. I was instantly impressed and smitten. And wielding the torch totally rocked!

The last two pieces are an egg and a nest. I came up with a funky idea...to make a necklace from these pieces. Two sides of the nest - which looks kind of like a bucket - will attach to a chain, while the little egg will gently balance in the middle of the nest, the top of the egg poking above the top of the nest. We'll see if it turns out as cool in reality as it is in my mind.

Still need lots of practice...but this could definitely be addictive. So many awesome possibilities!

Oh - have you checked out the new forums at Cloth Paper Scissors? Quilting Arts released their revamped site not too long ago - and now CPS has done the same. Stop by and check it out - it's a great place to meet other artists, make new friends, learn new techniques, and post some work.

xx,

Meet Mother Wackadoo

I've been on a creative streak. I started Mother Wackadoo a few weeks ago, then put her in my clay box and (accidentally) forgot about her. How rude!

After discovering her yesterday, I finished her up. It's hard to see, but pink Angelina fills the background in the top triangular hole. A triangular purple and gold cab is suspended in the lower hole. Mother Wackadoo has been textured all over her body with doodles. Her head is large because she always has a lot on her mind. The blue portion of her head is textured with large swirls, the orange part is striped, and each of her shoes have a small flower doodle, as well as tiny vintage gemstone cabochons. Another tiny vintage gemstone cabochon adorns her ring finger. We're unsure whether her socks are mismatched due to the haste in which she grabbed them (have to keep up with those kids!)...or whether the kids have her so worn out, she just doesn't care. She's also a little batty - but what mother isn't??

The 18g sterling silver wire is squiggled, demonstrating her frazzled nerves. Even though Mother Wackadoo is stressed, her face is remarkably calm. Has she withdrawn into her own world, resigned herself - and made peace with - living in constant chaos, or is this a look of catatonia?

Mother Wackadoo is made up of incongruous, disproportionate parts - but she's perfectly balanced. She is symmetrical and different at the same time; completely adaptable. Her outstretched arms indicate the handle she has on the balancing act of motherhood. At the same time, her openness - arms held out - illustrate her readiness - and her desire - to hold and comfort her children.

Her semi-gloss sheen is courtesy of Diamond Flecto Varathan Varnish. This shows her outer strength and protection. I think it's also Mother Wackadoo's attempt at presenting her best self to the world - she may be worn out, run down, stressed, and in need of a vacation - but, like mothers everywhere, she keeps all of that hidden under her shiny appearance.

She will soon be available for purchase - along with the rest of my art - on my new website. It isn't quite ready yet - but watch for information on this exciting new venture!

Have a fantastically creative week!

xx,