HodgePodge by Amanda

Time to play

Met up with a local bella last week for a creative day.  Bianca and I met last year at Silverbella thanks to Heather.  While talking to Bianca, she discovered that Bianca lived in Lincoln, and said you have to meet Amanda, she's from Lincoln too.

Since that weekend last fall, we have been meaning to get together, but just haven't found the time.  Now that school is out, we are both subs, we were able to find a day to work on some Bella swaps.  She suggested The Art Mill, and away we went.

Those of you who are in the Omaha metro area, you have to go check this place out.  It is a dream come true.  This is the type of place that I would love to have myself someday.  For a small fee, you can stay all day and create.  Jane, the owner, is very generous with her supplies, and even has some supplies for purchase.  I scored some great vintage pieces for a few dollars.  There is a boutique in the front with lots of wonderful pieces.  I will be taking a class there next week on image transfer. 

It was a nice break from the work I have been doing upstairs.  Between wallpapering, painting, cleaning, etc.... I am wiped.  The end result will be worth it.  I keep kicking myself for not taking before pictures.  The changes are unreal.

Back to work, happy creating everyone!

Art the great escape!!!

Ah, who needs a staycation?  I am taking an ARTcation!  Yep, I have been in the studio working on some ideas that have been floating around. 

My latest tiara for a very special customer.  I love the tradition that her Aunt has started, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
While waiting for things to dry, set, etc... I have been surfing the web, checking groups, and catching up with friends.  I came across this blog, and I love it!  The artist's serenity prayer cracks me up.  I love her thoughts on being creative and staying that way. 
Speaking of being creative, I think my last coat of medium is finally dry!
Happy creating! 

Star spangled toes

    I decided to treat the feet today!  Please ignore the white pastiness of my feet...
The house is slowly coming along.  We finally (after 6+ years) have a shower!  No worries, we always had a bath tub with a lovely hand held shower head, but we really needed to update the bathroom. 
    So after a few very long weeks of plaster dust, various handymen, and trips to my MIL's to shower, I was finally able to take a shower in my own home!  There are a few little things that need to be finished up, but for now it will do. 
    In other news, the swaps with Silverbella are in full swing, and I have signed up for a few and will be hosting one.  I signed up for the Under the Big Top Fat Book, the crown (not tiara), and will host Playing from A to Z.  I know that I should get started right now, and not put it off... but I'll keep you posted.
    Here are a few pics that have been sitting on my poor camera for awhile...

Cam's 3rd birthday cake.  Actually it was more like birthday frosting, as there was not a lot of cake inside.  Get this... this year he wouldn't take the crown OFF!  The last two years it has been a struggle to keep it on his head, this year it was not a problem.

Michael decided the eyes were the best part. 

and I have saved the best for last... you thought I had forgotten didn't you?
The winner of a custom made tiara is....
 
~STACY~
Stacy be thinking of what you would like on your tiara!  Congratulations!

Lucky me! no.... LUCKY YOU!

Calling all Bellas out there... stay tuned for more information about The Glittered Gator Lounge! 

As you have read, this will be my Senior year at Silverbella.  In years past, I was pretty active on the discussion group, but this year, not so much.  So I was totally surprised by the winner of the 500th message giveaway!  Yep, ME!  Teresa has gone above and beyond last year, I mean prizes before we even arrive!!!

Her generousity inspired me to do the same.  Leave me a little comment before June 30th, noon CST to win a custom paper tiara.  Here are a few examples...



The above tiaras are currently being enjoyed by others, and because no two tiaras are alike, I will be creating a tiara just for you!  Just think, baby showers, birthday girls, brides to be, or just because, a girl can never have enough tiaras!
Good luck!

Where in the world is Amanda Willey?

Trust me, I am not in some exotic land...  I just finished up my long term sub position at a local elementary school.  It was a lot of fun, and a lot of long days. 
    Today was my first day of summer, and I spent it working on the house.   We have been trying to get our house ready to sell, and it is slow going.  I am almost finished with the 1/2 bath downstairs.  It features, new flooring, new molding, new base molding, and a brand spankin new toilet!  I have never been so thankful for a new potty.  I can't imagine laying the new floor around the old one!
    My baby is turning 3 this Saturday, but thanks to my Ob/Gyn, we still get to celebrate our anniversary the day before.  1o whole years!  Who would have ever guessed it has been that long. 
    Well I had better check in on the boys, it sounds like an injury is brewing...

there really are no excuses...

I mean really it's been how long since my last post?  I've had time to catch up on some dear friends' blogs, but have made no time for my own.  Tsk, Tsk!

So what have I been doing exactly?  Well, lots of pictures of my oldest testing for his yellow stripe belt in Taekwondo.  Too cute for words watching him and the other 4-5 year olds do their very best to listen to instructions.  Imagine my surprise as I watched him, along with a few friends from school, stand perfectly still for 25 seconds! 

Now I just need a photo of him with his new belt!

And then there was Easter.  Just to prove I was really thinking about blogging that weekend...

Cam's bunny ears look more like puppy ears, but still cute all the same.  Michael's ears don't show very well, but you can totally see his little nose!

I was also busy making these tasty little treats for a family get together.  The limey green stuff was actually edible easter grass... whatever will they come up with next?

Spring is almost here, and I say almost because of the weird temperature fluctuations.
One day it is sunny and 75 degrees, the next grey and 40.  Enough already.  I decided to take matters into my own hands and plant a few lovelies...




Basil in a teacup!  I just had to try... those who know me, know that plants in my care die.  I really do try to keep them happy, but I just can't seem to do it right.  The Basil smelled so yummy, so I will do my best, and keep you posted.

The last photo is of the little dolls I sent to my lucky winners last month along with the charms.  They were all so patient in receiving them (THANK YOU for your patience!)  I decided to add  a little something extra to make up for the delay.  It was fun to experiment, and I hope to take them even further!

So that is what I have been up to.  Last week was my first week teaching full time.  This is a long term sub position through the end of the school year.  I am very excited, and tired.  I managed to lose my voice on the 3rd day.  Nice!  Thankfully, the teacher I am subbing for had a projector with a computer attached.  I was typing directions on the screen.  The kids were really sweet the first 2 days sans voice.  On Friday, my voice was stronger, but still not ready for full duty.  Tomorrow will be better!

So have a great week all, I am sure I will have much to share coming up.  I do know that Plum Pickens Spring Sale will be 1 week from this Saturday (May 9th?) Hope to see you there!

Silverbella here I come!

Registration started on Monday for one of the most fabulous, glitterific events in the Midwest!  I am all signed up and waiting to go!  Hopefully I will see you in one of these wonderful classes...

Friday 800 am-1100 am - Snowman Clip Ornament/Murphy 

Friday 1130 am-230 pm - Ephemera Bird/Sharp


Saturday 830 am-1130 am - Sacred Silver Heart/Sharp

Saturday 100 pm-400 pm - Hodge Podge Journal/Sower

Saturday 430 pm-730 pm - Vintage Charm Bracelet/Meng

For more information, click here. Hope to see you all in November!

and I'm back!

Last week was CRAZY!  Spring break here in the capital city for LPS, and I was spending my time working on kites, butterflies, and trees at the daycare center.  Traditional kites are NOT fun!  The best kite I found was here.  Super quick to make, and they actually fly. 

So, today I have been trying to get into the creative mood.  I decided to update my banner... aaah spring time and the formal dance.  That was my inspiration.  I also took photos of the Spring Heart felt Swap, and pieces made at creative day with the Plum Pickens artists.  Lots of fun.  I did my best at demonstrating how to use the solder iron, luckily there were no injuries, and all had a good time. 

Without further adieu...
A little birdie told me by Me
Spring Blessings by Hope

Floral heart by Lonnie

Westie Pup by Natalie (Yes, she hand stitched each participant's initial for this!)

Heart with Red Roses by Julie

Love life felt pocket by Cherie

Spring Bell with Blue Bird by Marliss
Pink best in show ribbon with tiara by Stacy

Posie on my pocket by Michelle
Thank you Natalie and Stacy for hosting a great swap!  It was so much fun opening a box full of felted, glittered goodness!

Here are some pics from Plum Pickens Creative Day.  Lots of fun experimenting!

13 questions charm and check out the back...

I will be working on this combination more.  I have many soda caps in my collection begging to be made into something.

When life gives you printed microscope slides... hide it!  This has a multi colored glass tile back.  Lots of fun!

Who knew that old postage collections could look so cool as is?  I love using the real deal!

I will be using this technique more as well, especially on circular charms.  I love the way the wire finishes the edge. 
A special thanks to Carrie for supplying us with the totally cool antique lenses.  They are domed, and magnify the collages underneath.  LOVE IT! 

Well, I have a few jobs this week, so I will have to budget my time well to get things created!  Have an incredible week!

and the winner is...

2 of you wanted it really bad, posting more than once!  Can you feel the love?  So this is what I am going to do...  congratulations to 3 fabulous ladies!  Julie, Shannon, and Michelle!  I hope no one feels cheated, but I really do love giving so zip me your snail mail addresses, and I will send each of you a Dolly Varden Charm. 

Now for those of you kicking yourself for not leaving a comment, never fear, I will have another give away soon...

I hear that one of the Glitter and Grunge artists will be on Martha this Wednesday.  Congratulations!  I will have to DVR it, duty calls, and I am working with the school age students at daycare all week.  HELLO Spring Break!  And happy Monday, we had not 1 but 2 tornado drills, okay so the the second one was for real.  No worries, we are all safe and sound. 

Is it Friday yet?

under the weather...

I apologize for my absence.  It would appear that I have a bulging eardrum on the verge of rupturing.  Yeah Me!  I have been nursing myself the last week, and some days were better than others. 

I will announce the winner soon for my giveaway.  Thank you in advance for your patience.