Go With the Flow

There's a hokey saying "Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans."  That actually is true.  And the longer you live and the older you get, the more it happens.  It was a shock (but not really a surprise) when I learned this month that my entire transcription department at work was being done away with.  More than 30 of us are being fired and the work will be outsourced.  If there is a glimmer of a bright side, the company they are outsourcing the work to is offering us jobs (although with a different pay structure).  It is bit of stability while we explore other options. So, the past few weeks have been filled with massive paperwork, online learning, still working at the old job, while at the same time transitioning to the new job.  I'm mentally tired.

It seems like years since I picked up a paint brush or any art tool of any kind.  So, over the past couple of days, I just played in a journal, using whatever was on the desk, with no plan or thought, just putting things on paper.  It felt great!

I used masking tape to section off parts of the page.  For background color, I used mostly a sponge and stamp pad ink. Other places I used watercolor pencil.  Stamping, collage, stencils, a little writing.  It's good for the soul.

There's another saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."  I don't agree with that one.  I'm a pretty old dog, and this week, I'll be learning a bunch of new tricks as I start yet another chapter.  All will be fine, I truly believe it.

It Could Work

I'm a sucker for a deal, even if it probably isn't a deal.  I was checking out at the grocery store and right by the checkout, where they were placed especially for me, were Cadbury eggs. Buy 2 and get 1 free.  Well, I haven't had a Cadbury egg in over a year, so thank you, I'll have 3 please.  The guy at the register said, Do you want to put these in your purse?  No, I said, just put them in the bag.  He said, I'll put them in the bag with your regular eggs so you'll know where they are.  I said, hmm, maybe I'll make deviled eggs with them.  The guy at the register didn't comment.  The guy putting my groceries in the bag, and clearly the more creative of the two, said, Yes!  Mix them with marshmallow cream.. or peanut butter, I said.  We formulated chocolate deviled egg recipes until I paid and left.

But, you know, it just could work....  I hope Martha Stewart sees this and jumps right on it.

Stick it To Me

I often go in spurts with projects.  Like fabric projects.  I have a lot of interesting bits of fabrics, but I don't make too many things with any of it.  Then I get in a sewing frenzy and make stuff.

Several years ago, I made some pin cushions for gifts and one for myself.

I don't even pretend to be an accomplished seamstress, but the directions were easy enough to follow.  The instructions were in this issue of Sew Somerset 2008. 

I do struggle with matching seams, making corners, and all that stuff.  But somehow it still turns out okay.

 In fact, it turns out okay enough that I can give another one as a gift and not embarass myself.

And in case you want to use it instead as a tiny pillow for a tiny head, make sure there are no pins in it. 
:o)

Howdy Doody

If you grew up as a kid watching the Howdy Doody TV show, just those two words probably make you smile.  If you didn't, well, I guess you think I'm just a country girl saying hi!

In January, I was one of the many who joined the Artstronauts Club that Teesha and Tracy Moore started.  I have gotten my money's worth several times over already.  My favorite thing so far is the little Playing Card Journal that Tracy made.  I immediately looked for a playing card box to make a journal.

What I used is a little smaller than regular playing cards.  It's a vintage Howdy Doody playing card box.  When I say vintage, I mean old and falling to pieces.  First thing I had to do was laminate the whole thing.

I used a variety of papers, including security envelopes, brown bag paper, and printed stationary.

I have used some of my Zettiology stamps (a Teesha & Tracy company) on a few pages as they are just the right size.

I've been making notes in this little journal from the videos and instructions.

I am really loving this little journal.  I had big issues with my velcro closure, however, and for now I'm using a rubber band to wrap around it when it is closed.

As I have said many times, it does not take much to entertain me!

Dirty Bird

It sounds perfectly logical to me.  Five or six hours in a car, round trip.  Attend a rubber stamp convention. Buy just one stamp.  Make it a good one.  I don't see anything wrong with that, do you?

This guy looks like I feel most of the time!  His name is not really dirty bird... in the Lost Coast Designs catalogue, he is called Feather Bird.  I really like all his messiness!!!