Babbling...

So clocks spring forward and the weather goes to winter? I'm confused. I had a few days of flip flops then back to long underwear and snow boots! Crazy Maryland Weather.

I had bought this top but was afraid to wear it thinking it would jinx our nice weather. Then bam we get snow so I pulled out the snow shirt.  The snow turned to freezing rain and ice and the neighbors tree decided to lean over towards our shed. Now I'm just waiting and wondering if I'll be getting a new shed out of the deal. LOL

Well Saturday, March 18, 9 - 3 pm, is the Glen Burnie High School Craft show and I'm hoping that this snow and ice is gone by then. There's nothing worse than loading and unloading fragile porcelain in ice. I am really nervous about it. Drop by if you aren't doing anything and visit us. We are in the cafeteria in our usual spot. There will be eggs and bunnies (of course), nightlights, alcohol ink art, porcelain, hand painted wine glasses, decorative painting on wood...you name it we will have it. It always amazes me how much Patricia and I can get into that little space.

I  put some spring listings on Etsy....Here's one. Lots of eggs for you collectors.

This egg is a pale blue bisc with enamel scroll work...it's so soft and pretty...here's the link to the listing on Etsy.

Angels Around Us

Well in about 2 weeks I'll be at the Glen Burnie High School Spring Craft Show.

 Come visit me and Patricia on March 21st 9-3 pm. Our booth is in the Cafeteria.

We will have hand painted china, decorative painting on wood and glass. We will also have some new things Angels and Fairies....so come say hello.

I've included photos of some of the angels that I've been working on.....

Alcohol Ink Art...What is it?

Alcohol ink is all the rage these days in the art circles.  Once used primarily in card making and crafts, alcohol ink is now being used to produce fine art. The paintings are vibrant and fluid in appearance.

Because the inks have alcohol in them, when the colors combine they "explode" with interesting results and designs.  To paint with it, you have to have an almost dry sticky brush. 

Alcohol inks can be used on any non porous surface such as porcelain, glass or gessoed smooth finish art board. Yupo paper also produces wonderful results. Yupo paper is made of plastic pellets . The finish is very smooth allowing the inks to move across the surface.  Here are a few examples of paintings with alcohol in on traditional painting surfaces as well as porcelain. Look for these and other pieces at the Glen Burnie High School craft show (7550 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie, MD 21060)  March 15, 9-3 pm.

Stop by and see me.

 

Craft Show Reflections

Well this year's Christmas Craft Show at Oakdale Circle Studios was a success. Interestingly enough, Friday (the work day) was busier than Saturday (the off day). Crazy stuff. But craft shows are always interesting. You can never figure them out or what sells from year to year.

This year I dabbled in Steam Punk. Now I'm a traditional kinda girl so Steam Punk was a little out of my comfort zone but you never grow if you don't push yourself do ya?

So I china painted a few pieces which are pictured here.  I did a mug, hand mirror, plate and vase. And I made 2 necklaces that I didn't photograph (shame on me).  Out of all that, all that remains is the luster vase with the gear on it.

I would have never imagined that the steampunk would have gone. Now if I do more for next year, it likely won't sell. But I might do one or two more just for grins.  I definitely will do more of the necklaces.  My philosophy is to paint or make things that I really like so that if they don't sell it can be an excuse to be mine!  It was sad the necklaces were sold because I really liked those necklaces.  Oh well that's the great thing about being someone who can make things. You can always make another one for you!

Winter's Coming...Fall is Here!

Well it's Fall. It feels like it here. For a long while it was an extended summer which was okay by me but it didn't make me want to get my butt in gear for the craft shows and events.  I did manage to come through as I generally do.

There will be new porcelain and lots of new decorative painted items. Like this cute little nutcracker snowman ornament.  I've also made more jewelry, cards and painted 6 canvas Christmas stockings to just name a few things.

My crafty friends have worked hard on having an incredible variety for this season. I'm excited to go just as a shopper! I plan to starting my Christmas shopping there.

So drop by for the craft show this coming weekend. Here's the flyer!

I would love to see you there.....oh and my Etsy team is hosting their Winter's Coming Celebration.  If you are in love with Prim or Cottage, you really need to check out my team.

It's called Old Farmhouse Gathering Team. Search everyday for OFG Team on Etsy. But if you want to see some awesome crafts just for the winter season, search on Monday for WCCOFG on Etsy.  I had the pleasure of checking out the new items when I uploaded my photos. There are some beautiful pieces on there and I plan to do some Christmas shopping here too!

A Rock and Indie Sort of Day

The Annual Rock, Roll and Ride for the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Martin's Home was today. Jackie and I painted garden rocks with quotes from Blessed Theresa of Calcutta, Blessed John Paul II and St. Jeanne Jugan (their foundress) for the fundraiser. This is our 3rd year doing that.  Before the Rockathon started there was a Motorcycle Ride. I believe 27 bikes showed up. It was so cute as they were leaving, the Sisters were waving and the bikers waving back. So cute.  

 Sister Lawrence was out there with a ball cap that was over her veil and 2 balloons attached. She took the hat off at one point and it nearly floated away! And then I thought a few more and she could float away. All I could think of was the flying nun but wait, that was  a Daughter of Charity, not a Little Sister.

Inside was the Rockathon. Rockers were rocking in rocking chairs to the sounds of the DJ. There were games. Jackie and I won quite a few of them. They had great prizes. I walked off with a frying pan, mug, 2 candy bars and 4 plants!  There was also a cake walk. I played 3 or 4 times but I didn't win a cake :( but the Oriole Bird won 2 cakes! Can you believe it? Wonder what kind he picked...maybe  poppy seed cake? LOL

It was nice to see Ms. Rose (one of the residents). She just celebrated her 100th birthday. She is pictured here with Jackie. I enjoy talking to her every year.  She is always full of interesting and entertaining stories.  Well I guess if I were 100 I could spin a few tales too, huh? Doesn't she look great for 100?  I hope I look half as good should I live to be that age.

On our way back from the Rockathon we went to an Indie craft show. Beautiful stuff but I had spent all my money on the Little Sisters....but that was more than okay. They really need it.

So tomorrow is Father's Day and I'm ready. My patio looks great...see the brick. You can see them now. I used my power washer to clean them. They were black! They were nice and clean but I was a mess. All the back dirt flew on me..I looked as if I had measles! LOL...but it was worth it. It's so pretty now and ready for my family to come for the cookout.

Saturday Adventures...

Saturday was a fun day. My friends Patrica and Marie and I went to the Annapolis Arts & Crafts Festival in Annapolis at the Navy Marine Festival. There were lots of upscale craftsmen & artisans. Not to mention 17 wineries for wine tasting.  In the wine tent there was music. When we were there it was a jazz band. They were quite good. I wasn't flush with money but I did buy this heron for my garden. It spins and tips with the wind.  Afterwards we went to Art Things and I got some art supplies (I'm such an addict) .

On the way back we stopped at the flea market at the fair grounds. It was all but closed but there were a few places opened. I found a cool vase--hand blown glass. Anyway the woman wanted $5 but when I picked it up she said I'll give it to you for $1 because otherwise it goes to charity....wooo hooo.

At another table I found new children's books. Lots of them! I bought 7 first reader books for my 5 year old grandson Mason who agreed to read a book a day this summer on the days he is with me. What a great day!

It's Been A While....

,,,but I'm back. I am sorry I have been remiss at my blogging. LOL. Lots have been going on in my life. My beautiful daughter Jackie is getting married in January. I have been doing my Mother of the Bride duties running here and there with her. I painted 51 tea caddies and 6 teapots for her tea party bridal shower. Here's a photo of her at the shower with the little veil her maid of honor made her.


 I've also been preparing for 2 craft shows one of which is this weekend. It's a home show.I'd like to thank all my friends who have come to the 3 day show and supported us. It means a lot to me. No matter if you bought something of mine or not, just your smiling faces and compliments are a huge pick me up!  It's so tiring to be on one's feet for long days.

I have got to say my craft show buddies have done a wonderful job. Marie has the most adorable prim things. Patricia (another porcelain artist) has lovely unusual lustered ornaments. Allison's florals are top knotch. Tisha's watercolors are beautiful and her knitting is awesome. I bought the cutest little grey hat (and you know how I love hats) but that's another story.

After the craft show I will have lots of new pieces in my Etsy shop. Right now it's on "vacation" status until after this show. I want to wish all of you a Blessed Thanksgiving. And speaking of giving thanks I'd like to leave you with a prayer I found on Catholic.org:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
We praise you and give you glory:
We bless you for calling us to be your holy people.

Remain in our hearts,
And guide us in our love and service.
Help us to let our light shine before others
And lead them to the way of faith.

Holy Trinity of love,
We praise you now and for ever.

Amen!
-----------See You SOON!