HodgePodge by Amanda

and so ends another Bella-rific- event

They came from near and far, ready to create, to talk, to share, to laugh, and to have a GREAT time.  Bellas took over the Big O downtown, and left a glitter trail to prove it!  Silverbella 2009 has officially come to a clost this year, and Miss Teresa, oh great Queen of all Bellas, you did not disappoint this year. 

The teachers were fanstastic, the classes were wonderful, and the company was out of this world.  I hope that all the out of town Bellas arrived safely back home with their wonderful creations and purchases.  I hope that all the first year Bellas will want to come back for another year. 

I will try to post some pictures of my creations, swaps, and purchases later this week.  I am getting ready for Plum Pickens this weekend, and I know that is an event you will not want to miss!  Friday night is our fundraiser for a local charity, and if you can't make it out then, come by on Saturday for our traditional Holiday show!

TTFN!

Calling all Bellas!

Standard apron is shown.

Check it out!  I just got this in the mail today.  Totally fun, I can just picture all the signatures on it, my goal is to get every Bella to sign it.  What a totally cool way to remember Silverbella 2009!

If you are on the fence about ordering, how about this...  a lower price!

The standard apron is just $24.95, and the long apron $28.95! 

So don't miss out on the chance for a sweet piece of Bella memorabillia, deadline to order is Oct. 31 at midnight!

You know you want it!

With the blessings of the Queen Bella herself, I have created a wonderful way to remember Silverbella 2009.  It's not only perfect to wear in class, but perfect for this...

Let's tie one on!  is an original artwork created by me, just for you! 

Just a quick little note... The speech bubble on the actual item will read "Let's tie one on!"

Silverbella apron, Let's tie one on! by hodgepodgebyamanda
Browse more Crown Aprons

There are 2 apron styles available both are 35% cotton/65% poly. 

• Standard (shown above): 24"L x 28"W - $29.95  NOW $24.95
• Long : 30"L x 24"w - $32.95  NOW $28.95

Remember signing yearbooks?  Put a permanent marker in your pocket and off to class you go.  Ask your instructors and bellas to autograph your apron.  At the end of the event you will have a special keepsake that is practical too!

Please pre-order your selection by using the "Buy now" button above.  Aprons will be available for pick up Thursday evening during the Welcome Night Festivities. 

Deadline to order is Oct. 31st.

Lots to share!

It took awhile, but I finally got my boys to pose together.  Sheesh you would think I was asking them to clean their room or something.

  This was one of the last photos of the night.  Definitely not the most awesome Pumpkin Paparazzi photos from last year, but it will do for now. 

The kind employee who just sold us the incredibly priced light up bracelets, offered to take this photo...

We had a great time at Vala's.  They are celebrating their 25th year.  I highly recommend a visit if you live in the area.

Not only have I been out and about with my boys this week, but I have been busy working on some swaps and some new pieces.  Michelle Cummings is the fabulous hostess for The Witches Cupboard Swap.   Below is my creation or rather, Emma's Emma is a young witch, studying for her upcoming potions exam.  Each bottle contains a different potion.  They were lots of fun to make, and I have a limited edition available in my etsy shop.

A.  Bones of Bat

B.  Green Frog Scales

C.  Protection Potion  SOLD

D.  Minced Beetle

E.  Ogar Teeth

It's back to creating for me.  I have a few more swaps to finish up and shows to get ready for! 

Happy Creating!

Resolve

According to the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, this is one meaning for resolve...

5 : to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text>

I need to resolve the direction my life is going.  I need clarity, a purpose, a direction, a decision as to what exactly I am going to do with the rest of my life. 

Find you passion!  Those words ring in my head from time to time.  I have so many passions in life, is it possible to have too many?  I love creating, teaching, collaborating with others, baking, photography, and more.  I have gone from being a full time college student to working part time as a teacher at a museum to designing gift ware and decor full time to grad school to substitute teaching and here is where I am stuck.  Not so much by what I want to do, but the fear of failure and the fear of success.  Sounds crazy, well... maybe it is.

I want to help others find and use their creative voices.  To say I want to teach art sounds a bit stuffy, I mean what exactly does it mean to teach art?  Teaching the fundamentals sure, but it should be more than that.  I often hear "I can't draw" or "I'm not an artist" and it really bothers me.  Someone, somewhere taught those people to feel that way.  I experienced that exact feeling in high school, and I lost my passion for a while because I believed I wasn't good enough to be an artist.  There it is again, FEAR! 

Through the years, I have discovered that it takes me a while to settle down and really get down to business.  I didn't start really enjoying high school until my Senior year, and then it was like I was making up for lost time.  In college, it took my a few years to settle down, and then a few more to truly appreciate those who were teaching me. 

I am at that point again in my life where I need to make a choice, to not pull myself in so many directions.  I am a mother, a teacher, and an artist.  I teach others to find their creative voice by showing them mine, and encouraging them to explore many different ways to create until they find the one that fits best.  Where I teach is not as important as who I teach.  I am creating kits, classes and more to begin this journey.  I hope that you will join me in finding your creative voice. 

Happy creating! 

 

Monday night baby!!!

I know what you're thinking, "is she crazy?  Monday night, who gets excited about Monday night?"  ME.  My beloved Packers opened the season with a beautiful win!  against da Bears, without my McDreamy (who in my eyes is still retired!)

There were some tense moments, and some beautiful moments.  It's a win, and I'll take it!

This weekend is the Plum Pickens Fall show, goodness, where does the time go?  I have been in and out of my studio working on some new pieces.  Between that, swaps, and subbing I have been busy.  I wanted so badly to go back to sleep today (I know that's what I get for staying up late to watch the game) but I didn't. 

The tunes are cranked, the Diet Coke is flowing, and I am thankful to be an artist!

Stay tuned for sneak peaks and this months surf report! 

Feeling a bit nostalgic...

I have been busy working at the daycare the last week or so.  It's been a wild ride each day, the last few have been wonderful because I got my baby fix. 

On the flip side, not so good for work at home.  I have a show coming up in less than 2 weeks, and while the ideas are there, the actual end product is not.

So you may ask, why so nostalgic?  One of my coworkers is very pregnant, and getting a bit nervous about the delivery.  I started thinking about Michael's delivery, and how my life has changed so much since then.  At the time, I had a dream job working with some truly amazing and talented people.  My DH and I were both nervous and excited wondering when Baby M would make an appearance.  The doc joked about a Labor day birth, and I replied, "First time moms NEVER go early."  Ha Ha ha, Michael was born on Labor day 2004.

 

Flash forward 2 years, I am still working at the "dream job" which isn't so much of a dream anymore.   I was still fortunate to work with most of the same talented people, but some things had changed.  We hoped for the better, but it didn't work out that way.  Many things factored in to my difficult decision to leave, rising cost of commute, time away from my family, expiring teaching certificate, and more.  I was started to hate what I love to do most.  So I left.  Went back to school, renewed my teaching certificate and embarked on a new journey.

I still keep in touch with most of my former co-workers.  I would be lost without most of them.  Their creative spirit inspired me to start creating my own pieces.  I opened my store because of their encouragement and support.  I am eternally grateful for all that they have done and continue to do. 

I invite you to check out those who inspired me most. 

IPatsy - funky accessories to complete your look.

Designs by M - mixed media pieces to decorate your space.

CB Yates photography - she has an eye for capturing those special moments.

and there are many others that I will share with you soon. 

Have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend!

August surf report

One of the things I LOVE about the internet is finding new sources of inspiration.  The only downside is how much time seems to be lost sitting here in front of the computer... but I definitely feel that the benefits outweigh the costs.  So here is my August surf report, blogs and websites that I think everyone should check out.  (Disclaimer... HodgePodge by Amanda is not responsible for hours lost sitting at the computer surfing the web.  Nor am I responsible for any amount of money you should spend once you have found said sites.  Thank you and enjoy!)

CE Originals - A good friend from a former work place recently started a blog.  She is an extremely talented artist who works in a variety of mediums.  She once painted a birth announcement for my oldest, it was a beautiful stork with a top hat.  Truly amazing.  She also makes incredible jewelry.  Stop by and check out her work here.  Hopefully soon I can announce her Etsy store opening...

Poverty Hill Farms - I have the pleasure of getting together with this amazing couple a few times a year during the Plum Pickens show.  They grow the most wonderful pumpkins, she knits, he treasure hunts.  You just never know what they will bring to show.  In the spring, they brought this 2 sided antique checker game board.  I really wanted to bring that home.  On their blog, you can check out the progress of this years pumpkin crop.  

The Crafty Crow - This is one for anyone who works or lives with children.  Each post contains images of kid friendly projects, along with directions or links back to the original site.  The images along are enough to send my creative mind into orbit.  Don't forget to check out her links off to the side.

Ullabenulla - I have had this one bookmarked forever.  Not only is she an amazing artist, but an incredible source of inspiration.  She is constantly looking for new sources of creativity and then sharing them with the world via her blog.  Oh how I wish I lived on the West coast.  So many of my favorite artists live and TEACH out there.

Creative Chaos - She has been making me laugh and cry since I found her blog awhile ago, mostly laugh until I cry.  Despite her challenges this last year, she has managed to maintain her witty sense of humor and share her stories of motherhood and creativity.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my favorite places to surf.  Hopefully, I can continue this report once a month.  If you have some favorite blogs that you are willing to share, leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you. 

Happy surfing! 

Shop update

I have listed a few things I've been working on today in my etsy shop.  I simply adore Ms. Dolly Varden, and I know that you will too!  Go on and check it out!  I also posted my digital collage sheet for the Halloween Witch.  She is super fun to make, and it's getting close to that time of year.  They just put out the new Martha Halloween!!!  Love it!  Skulls seem to be the theme this year.  Too cool!

I also tried out a few new ideas and products this weekend with Carrie and Kate (2 of the Plum Pickens Gang).  Some were more successful than others, but we had fun none the less.  I was really hoping to take 2 classes at The Art Mill on Saturday, but Uncle Sam had other ideas.  The classes were on encaustic wax methods.  It looked so cool.  I think she is offering it again this fall, so hopefully then...  anyways, we decided to try out something we saw on Martha (I know Martha, Martha, Martha...).  She had a guest artist who poured melted wax over photographs.  It LOOKED so simple on the video, but not so much.  We vowed to track down the wax used on the show, because the stuff we got just wasn't cutting it.

So here are a few pictures of what I created this weekend.  There is also a sneak peek for a special tiara... ENJOY!

and the winners are...

Well, well, well... a few ladies posted more than once, which is awesome!  I have decided once again to send a little somethin-somethin to each of you.  So... Natalie, Kerri, Stacy, and Bianca zip me an email with your snail mail, and I will send you some of my favorite things.

I've been busy working at the daycare (I just love the babies, and getting to see my kids from time to time is a bonus!)  I have also been busy working on swaps and a special tiara for my last winner.  I love how it turned out!  No sneaks on this one because I know she stops by from time to time, and I don't want to ruin the surprise.  We just happen to share the same birthday in October, how cool is that!!!

In my down time (does that even really exist?), I have been reading a few books that are now movies... Julie and Julia and The Time Traveler's Wife.  Both are excellant reads, and I have to say that I loved Julie and Julia the movie better than the book.  I like how it incorporated more of Julia's life. 

I have yet to see the other, but I can't wait.  I am almost done with the book.  It is so not what I expected, but I can't put it down. 

Well, I am off to relax a bit.  Happy creating all!