HodgePodge by Amanda

Schools Out

Yep it's that time!  The kids have been out for a few days already, and the boredom has set in... jeesh!  In June, the summer camps at Southeast Community College in Beatrice will start.  There are loads of fun camps from 1 day to 1 week long for grades K-12.  Everything from art to sports to dance to theater to cooking.

Come join me for a camp or two!  I am teaching a Prairie style breakfast, beginning quilting, art and journaling in the prairie, and the house that I built. 

For the adults, I will be offering a variety of classes at both Lincoln and Beatrice.  Let's face it, summer vacation is not just for kids, the adults need some time too! 

The kids and I will be checking out the local farmer's market each week.  Last week we picked up some red popcorn.  It was my first attempt at popping on the stove, and I am pleased to say no kernels were burned!  The red hulls made it hard to tell though. 

Well, gotta get back to the real world.  Pinterest and Facebook have taken enough time today!

 

More classes

I have some new classes on the way.

In Lincoln, I will be offering the following classes:

May 5 - Pocket full of Posies:  Join me for a morning filled with creating a variety of flowers out of fabrics, papers, and more.  Finished pieces can be used as pins on clothing and hand bags, in bouquets and wreaths, and more. 

May 19 - Sweater Monsters:  From a pile of felted sweaters, we will create a variety of creatures by hand.  No patterns, no rules, just a lot of fun and imagination.  Won't you come and play? 

Creature above created by Cindi Pape 

In Beatrice, I will be offering the following classes:

June 12 - Art on the Prairie I - Grades K-3:  Just as Lewis and Clark and other explorers, students will make a hand bound journal to record sketches, notes, thoughts, and more as we tour the prairie at SCC. 

June 13 - Art on the Prairie II - Grades 4-7:  Like the class listed above, students will make a hand bound journal.  We will take a field trip to explore Homestead Park. 

June 14 - Prairie Breakfast - Grades 2-3:  Is there anything better than homemade biscuits, butter, and jam?  How about learning to make them yourself.  Students will make biscuits from scratch, turn cream into butter, and turn fruit into jam.  Of course we will need to sample our work, but there will be some to share at home. 

June 15 - Prairie Breakfast - Grades 4-7:  See class above. 

June 25-29 - Quilting a story - Grades 4-7:  In addition to learning about the history of quilts and how they were more then just a way to keep warm, students will learn how to design, hand piece, applique, and embroider quilt blocks.  Finished blocks can be turned into pillows or wall hangings.

June 25-27 - The house that I built - Grades K-6:  Students will create a variety of art projects based on houses.  We will begin with a 2D piece continue with a few 3D pieces. 

 

I hope to see you there.

Also, Plum Pickens is soon approaching.  The annual Spring Cleaning Sale will kick off the show, lots of great items to be had, also a great time to pick up handmade gifts for Mom, brides to be, graduates, and yourself of course! 

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Spring has arrived here in NE... and while it may seem early, it is very welcome.  We set up the trampoline for the kids yesterday, cleaned up the yard, and grilled out for the first time this season. 

Today we stopped at the park.  I was hoping to get a few photos for a special birthday card. My hubby's Grandma turns 90 tomorrow.  Taking photos of the kids with dad can be a bit of a chore... he is not a willing subject.  Anyways, I was able to snap a few more pics of the kids out playing. 

In an attempt to actually use items found on pinterest, I looked up a few tutorials on photography and photoshop.  I tried out a few of the "tricks" to enhance photos, and I played around with creating my own hand drawn frames.  I only have a mouse to work with, but I think with LOTS more practice, I could achieve smoother lines and details.  Or I could just splurge on a pen/brush for my computer...

Here's a peek at our weekend! and my experiments on the computer...

The above is the original...  and here is my experiment...

That was fun.  I hope to play around with this some more, and some more of the tips and tricks found on my boards.

Here's a few more pics..

See how cooperative he is? 

This is one of my favorites...

and here is the main reason for taking my camera today...

This is the un-edited version.

Great weekend!  and there is still one more day for the kids... no school tomorrow!

Spring is in the air...

My spring bulbs are starting to peek through the soil, and I want them to stop.  It's too early!!!  It snowed a bit last night, and the air has taken on quite the chill.  Mother Nature knows what she is doing...

In my studio, it definitely looks like spring (please excuse the small tornado that whipped through, the clean up crew has yet to visit.)  I had the pleasure of making a custom tiara for a very special birthday girl.  The inspiration was shabby chic, vintage, pink, and lace.  I found an amazing historical sketch for a crown, and it made me think of butterflies.  The rest fell into place from there...

I had fun using a flame to manipulate the fabrics for the vintage inspired flowers.  I love the process, although it can be a bit tricky.  It was fun to watch the fabric curl and shrink from the heat. 

My baby boy's last wrestling meet was today.  He finished 2nd with 1 pin, 1 win by points, and 1 loss by pin.  I am so proud of him and all the Crete Wrestlers.  It has been a fun season to watch. 

Soccer is up next, and the boys will be on different teams this year because of their age.  Cam will play micro-soccer, and Michael will be placed on a regular team.  Should be exciting, and very busy around here. 

I may love you, but my waistline does not!

This is no ordinary cake pop... no, wait for it...

Finally, kids and adults alike can enjoy chocolate chip cookie dough without fear of salmenilla poisoning.  It was only a matter of time before someone developed a recipe that tastes just like the real thing.  Ohhh yeahh baby! 

And to make it even more fun, I decided to treat it in true Lollycake fashion and put it on a stick!  Because we all know that everything tastes even better on a stick!

Sigh...

 

Updates on my blog coming soon...

I will be updating some information and adding new sections over the next few weeks. There will be a section containing class information at Southeast Community college, where you can find information regarding dates, supplies needed, and photos of the project we will create in class.

My next class... Queen of Hearts Crown.

If the crown fits, wear it! We will make a fabulous crown using new and vintage papers, wire, decorative trims, ribbons, and GLITTER!!! Crowns can be made to fit or simply sit. Imagine presenting this crown to a bride to be, a birthday girl, or someone special. Bring some of your favorite bits, photos, ect to make your crown uniquely yours!!!

Photos shown reflect the overall style of the crown and how it can be altered for your specific occasion.

"Happy Birthday" is a custom made photo crown featuring the birthday girl with Minnie Mouse. 

"Crown of Autumn" features a vintage glittered bird perched in her nest.  Her eggs are vintage glass Christmas ornaments.

Please join me Saturday Jan.14th from 9:30 - 1.  Space is limited.

Jan. 21 Color Me Happy

Take the fear out of creating a portrait.  We will transform an 11"x 14" canvas using basic artist materials, new and vintage papers, and a tried and true method for creating a portrait.  Please bring a copy of a head shot style photo (like a school picture) that is 8" x 10", or you are welcome to select a photo in class. 

Here's an example...

"Alice and boys" a piece I created after seeing Tim Burton's crazy interpretation of the Alice in Wonderland.

and a few examples of artists I admire...

Kelly Rae Roberts

Misty Mawn

Brandie Butcher-Isley

Feb. 4 Journal of Love

Photos coming soon.

Feb. 11  Sweater Monsters

They are loveable, huggable, and squeezable... most of all they are fun to create.  We will use felted wool sweaters, t-shirts, fabric scraps, odds and ends to create one of a kind monsters.  Just learning how to sew?  No problem.  I will show you some basic stitches that will help bring your imagination to life. 

Here's a few photos...

and this one was created by a good friend.  I love the big beak.

Feb. 25  Irish Princess Tiara

 

March 3 Spring Fairies

"Ms. Salem" is an example of taking them to the next level...

Playing with paper dolls takes on a whole new meaning.  Using artist supplies, vintage papers, trims and more, we will transform paper dolls into fairies, princesses, or fashionistas.  You will receive enough supplies to create 3 dolls in class. 

I hope you will join me for a class or two.  I will be posting more information soon. 

Goodbye 2011

Another year has flown by!  I am so thankful for my family, friends, and customers.  This year has been a roller coaster, and the ride was worth it.  

I wanted to share a few pictures of things past, and things to come.

Here is my old kitchen with drabby paint...

I already started painting when I remembered to take a before picture...

and this lovely shot...

see the "beautiful" tile backsplash and woodwork...

So far I have replaced the curtains (trust me the old ones were not my style) and painted the walls.  Next on the list are the counters and floors.  But for now, I am happy with updated fresh wall colors...

The wood work doesn't bother me so much after painting.  I think I can live with it a while longer...

Here is a pic of things to come in 2012... more classes at SCC in Lincoln.  Woo Hoo!

The above hats were made in class last quarter.  The ladies and I had a lot of fun.  I hope you will join me for a class or two!

And I wanted to share a picture of my baby.  So sweet in her fancy dress that my mom scored at a second hand store!

Suprisingly it was 60 degrees here for Christmas.  

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and I wish you all the best in 2012!

Start your holiday shopping early...

at Plum Pickens of course!!!

Hope to see you tonight!  

Hat's Off

I had a blast with a group of talented ladies this Saturday.  This was my second weekend of teaching at SCC in Lincoln, and we were creating hats out of felted wool sweaters.  

Despite a few issues with the fit of my template, we were able to overcome, learn about altering patterns and create some fabulous one of a kind hats.  Even when I am teaching, I am constantly learning new things.  This is one of the many reasons why I love it.  Another reason is watching a person turn a "uh oh" moment into an "ah ha" moment.

Take a look at these fabulous creations...

This is Barb modeling her creation.  She used a felted cardigan and kept the button down front in the main part of her hat.  For the brim she used an embroidered sweater.  Simply fabulous!

this is a close up detail of the buttons...

and Gina's hat... she altered the pattern by adding a circular piece in the top.

Dorothy's hat... I love the way her hat fit, just a hint of "flop" with out looking too big.

Cheryl's hat... her flower was fabulous!  I love the colors and how it all worked together.

I was able to re-create my daughters sock monkey hat, and will hopefully be able to share pictures soon of what the finished piece will look like.  All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.  

Thank you ladies so much for joining me, and I hope to see you in another class again.  This class will be offered again next quarter at SCC.  Please check it out!

A spooktacular festival - save the date

One of the best things about living in a small town is when the community comes together to celebrate.  I am looking foward to this years Halloween Celebration for many reasons.  There will be a carnival, a kids parade, a zombie pagent, a mini marathon, a street dance, and more.  

I will be helping out at the Face Painting Booth and Kid's Games.  Check out what the face painter can do...

The boys were able to participate in a practice run with the booth.  The best part, this washed off beautifully when we were ready!!!

Come out to Crete for a wonderful Halloween weekend.  There will be something for everyone!