HodgePodge by Amanda

Pick a posie for your pocket

This is me after a week of teaching and substituting at both daycare and school!  Oh so tired... I did finally put some kits up on etsy today.  There are just a few left after the Fiber Frenzy last weekend.

The class last weekend went well!  The ladies were having fun with fibers all day.  It reminded me of Silverbella, and the feeling of sheer exhaustion and exhilaration all at the same time.  The creative energy was flowing.  Special guest artist Elinor Peace Bailey was there with us, talking about a creative spirit!  She purchased my kit and played along.  I was an idiot and forgot to get permission to show the picture of her creation.  She added even more color to the petals, creating each one in her vibrant personality.  When she finished, she decided it would look best in her journal.  The page she created for her posie was inspiring!  Her talent knows no bounds.

Time to gear up for a few shows.  I had cleared a nice space to assemble my kits for last weekend, and now it is gone thanks to my other project, ReRuns.  Twice a year, I pull out my boys things that they have outgrown, clean them up, and price them for a sale to end all sales.  It's a lot of work, but part of the proceeds go to wonderful charities, and the rest allows me to buy new things for the boys. 

So between that and substitute teaching, my creative time has suffered a bit.  Last weekend allowed me to work on a new version on my tiaras, so far so good.  I also had the opportunity to work on a recycled sweater creature.  I can't remember the last time I sat an enjoyed stitching something by hand.  I will post pictures of both soon... in other words they are unfinished.

My blog stalking time has been hit hard too.  I just sat down the other day to check out my fellow bloggers.  A breath of fresh air!  You have no idea how much you inspire me.  I noticed that Artsymama is teaching a class at Sweatpeas!  Congrats!  And Cari at What should we make today, just shared her news of being published, can't wait to see that one in person.  And the swaps!!!!!  I have missed out on some wonderful swaps.  So bummed! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter.  My little ones are in for some major treats.  M&M's galore.  Oh that silly bunny.  Have a wonderful weekend, thank you for stopping by.

Inspiration found!

Or should I say, remembered.  I finally got my sample ready for class.  For more information click here.

here is a side shot showing all the layers...

I want to give credit to some talented artists who introduced me to some of the techniques used.  Pam Garrison for introducing me to vintage wallpaper and glass glitter, Kim Kwan for showing me a transfer tech at Silverbella 2007 (if I hadn't been so mentally exhausted that day, I would have told you rather than saying, I used a new color), and Claudine Hellmuth for encouraging all of us to go out and experiment with materials.
Now I have got to make up some kits.  This ought to be fun! 
Happy Creating everyone!

Inspire me... please

I have been trying to work out details for a class I am teaching in less than two weeks, and it's just not coming together.  I did have fun purchasing lots of goodies for it, now I just need to put it all together.  Pictures will follow once the idea comes together.  The thought of sitting and playing in my studio should be one filled with creative joy, but instead, I find myself looking for distractions.  I took a nap today... yes me.  I don't usually nap, but lately it seems to be a need. 

To my delight, I finally found some double sided crepe paper (locally).  I played with it the other day.  I made my DH a flower.  It was fun, but the directions leave little to be desired.  Note to self, always test directions prior to sending out projects.

Speaking of DH, he took it upon himself to call me today with important news.  It would seem that my McDreamy is retiring.  Oh Brett, just one more year... you were so close to one more championship.  Considering everything he and his family have been through, I can understand the decision.  There is hope, the news is not official.  He has yet to make an announcement.  So here is hoping that MSN once again jumped the gun, and that my McDreamy will be back for one last run at the Super Bowl.