My sheltered life

It's been a long time

2010-07-03T19:03:00.001-07:00

After nearly three long, exhausting years of taking care of babies, I finally have some time do things now. I've moved my blog over to http://andreapontillo.com/ Thanks all.

Clueless

2009-05-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I went to a the farmer's market on Tuesday to buy some organic produce for dinner. There was a stand there that sold dog biscuits that contributed part of the proceeds to the local SPCA to help abused animals. Since we are always willing to help animals, we decided to buy a bag for our dogs even though they were outrageously expensive. (I usually make my own cookies for our furry friends, but I haven't had the time with the two kids.)

I asked the guy working at the stand if he had any vegan or vegetarian peanut butter cookies, and he told me that he didn't think so. He said they had peanut butter in them (thinking that wasn't vegetarian). I told him that it was and proceeded to read the rest of the ingredients. While reading the ingredients to the peanut butter cookies, he showed me his beef cookies. (Why does that sound dirty?) I asked if there were animal products in them and he replied with "no". He then went on with how all his products were organic and contained no animal products, only beef and chicken broth. O.o Where exactly does he think the stock comes from? So peanut butter isn't vegetarian, and beef and chicken broth isn't an animal product?

I can't believe he works for the SPCA.

Random thought

2009-05-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

If produce is grown inside plastic pots, does the bpa leech into the food?

Iridescent cupcakes

2009-01-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

Cutesy cupcakes painted in acrylic on 5x7 gallery wrapped canvas. The shiny spots on the painting are blue and violet iridescent paint. The sides are painted in a chocolate brown and the image is slightly skewed just like the rest of my photos. :) I thought a set of dessert paintings would look cute in the kitchen.

Bird drawing WIP

2009-01-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

A days worth of work for such a tiny head. This is my first time drawing a bird. Feathers are such tedious things. The image is slightly skewed.

A painting of hope

2009-01-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

This is a mixed media piece on 10" x 20" canvas, based on my favorite quote:

"You don't have to stay anywhere forever"
- Edwin Payne

I was trying to convey what the quote meant to me. Although your

houses (the meaning) may be different than mine, I think we all have

times when we feel like this.

As a realist, this type of art is completely foreign to me, because I
usually see something and replicate it. I often tell my friends and

family that I can replicate, but I can't create! This was fun and a
lot less stressful than my normal pieces of art, since I was able to
be expressive rather than analytical and precise.

This was the first time I've done a mixed media piece. I felt like a
little kid cutting out paper. :) Also, it took a lot less time than a
pencil drawing; a definite bonus, since I often find drawing a
daunting task.

Leaf drawing

2009-01-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Finally I finished a new graphite drawing! This took me about two months to complete since I rarely have spare time. It was my first attempt at snow and I'll never draw it again! It didn't turn out as well as I would have liked but it's been a while since I've drawn and I'm out of practice. The reference photo was from here.

Handmade train stocking

2008-12-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

Handmade Train stocking, originally uploaded by lefleurpixie.

This is my little boy's very first Christmas so I wanted to make him a special stocking. We have a train theme going for him so naturally it had to be a train stocking! It didn't turn out as wide as I would have liked but I think it came out rather cute nonetheless.

Whoops!

2008-12-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

I absentmindedly deleted my blog layout this morning so I spent the entire afternoon creating a new layout. I like the new one a bit better as I was bored with the old one. I've been so tired lately that my creativity has run dry. This was the best I could come up with on the little fuel my brain had left. I need a donut.

A question

2008-12-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

Is it ethical for a vegan to eat non-organic produce knowing that many insects, birds, frogs and other critters were probably injured or killed from the spraying of pesticide?

Just a thought.

Our very first Tofurky Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

This was the first Thanksgiving we didn't have to see or smell a dead
animal on the table. As an added bonus, we had more to eat than just
side dishes! We tried the Tofurky feast this year, and it wasn't too
bad for packaged food. I didn't much care for the apple/cranberry
dumplings, but Mike really liked them. The Tofurky took much longer to
cook than stated, and I think I could have made a better homemade
gravy. The only things homemade were the biscuits and the apple crisp.
(not pictured) It was still decent enough that we are probably going
to make it again for Christmas.

It was also Vinny's first Thanksgiving, and his 9 month birthday! As a
special little treat we fed him a little pieces of biscuit. He doesn't
quite know how to chew yet; he just keeps the food in his mouth until
it dissolves.

Baby leg warmers

2008-11-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Easier diaper changes and that sexy 80's look. :)

Pei Wei is closed!

2008-10-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

:( We just went there last week and all of a sudden they are out of business today! This is a sad, sad day. They were my favorite quick food place and they had the best tofu....chewy on the outside but soft on the inside. I'm really going to miss that. There isn't another place that can compare to their tofu. If anyone knows what kind of tofu they use or how to make it that way please let me know! I've tried taking extra firm tofu and stir frying it in hot oil but it doesn't turn out the same. I've tried using baked tofu in the same manner and still a different outcome than Pei Wei. I have always hated the taste of tofu and soy products but their tofu didn't taste like tofu. Where am I going to eat now when I don't want to cook?! /cry

Vegan Mattar Paneer

2008-10-18T19:20:00.001-07:00

Made with Potatoes instead of Paneer.

Ugliest shoes I've ever seen!

2008-10-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Would anyone actually buy these? I've never had such an appalling reaction to a pair of shoes. Pure ugliness!!!

Chloe cattus

2008-10-03T22:12:00.001-07:00

Chloe cattus, originally uploaded by lefleurpixie.

Sweet innocence

2008-10-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

altered letters

2008-08-22T19:59:00.001-07:00

altered letters, originally uploaded by lefleurpixie.

I only had about 10 minute free a day so this project took much longer than I would have liked. Now to drill holes and hang them up!

Random thought

2008-08-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Where does the fuzzy lint on the bottom of the mice come from? I clean my desk with a microfiber cloth everyday and I clean around the little cushions on the under side of my mouse. Even still, I clean up multiple clumps of fuzziness a day. Every mouse I've ever used has had this build up so I know it's not this particular mouse. I have a theory that little portals open up underneath the mouse when I'm not looking and faeries deposit their used toilet paper. Makes sense doesn't it? I thought so.

Vinny's first feeding

2008-08-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today I fed Vinny his first teaspoon of organic rice cereal and he spit about 75% of it out. It didn't smell very good so I don't blame him. He stares at me when I eat and if I put my food close to his mouth he opens wide for it. I felt it was time for him to start trying some solids but he just didn't have the same reaction with the rice cereal. He clearly has good taste! Solid foods are a lot messier to clean up. I can see myself going through dozens of bibs and burp cloths a week now. Just a random post to remember the date. :)

My 5.5 month son playing the keyboard

2008-08-16T09:13:00.001-07:00

My 5.5 month son playing the keyboard
Originally uploaded by lefleurpixie

The most talented baby on the planet.

aceo rose drawing

2008-08-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

2.5"x3.5" Graphite drawing. Image is grainier than the original because my scanner is still broken. 01/11/09 - Uploaded a better image.

Blooming in July 2008

2008-07-14T10:17:00.001-07:00

Some of the plants I've managed to keep alive this year.

Pansies that I planted about 4 months ago. This is the longest I've kept pansies alive in our hot weather.

Coleus 'Fishnet Stockings"

Echinacea 'Bright Star'

Echinacea 'Magnus'

Echinacea 'Magnus'

Geranium of unknown variety.

Handmade scarf for Ruth's Birthday.

2008-07-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

I rushed this project and it didn't turn out as well as I would have liked. I hope she likes it anyways. I started it the afternoon before her birthday and worked on it until her party. I should stop doing things at the last minute . . . maybe one day. Hand sewn scarf with a flannel back. The ends are hand embroidered with some beads as embellishments for the stamens. It's my very lazy attempt at cherry blossoms.

A mouthful of Luna

2008-04-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

The neglected puppies

2008-04-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time for the poor doe eyed creaters ever since the human baby came. I feel really bad for them. Gimli has something wrong with his ear and it started bleeding. The vet thinks he has allergies but the medication he's been given so far haven't worked and so he's still suffering. It looks like he might be allergic to grass or something at the soccer field we take him too. He's a cattle dog that can't run or play without getting really itchy. My poor baby! His eye also turned red and closed for a day or two and we had to take him to the doggy ER but they couldn't do anything for him. He also ended up eating a bottle and vomiting plastic and blood. We had an x-ray done and he's ok. I guess he threw it all up. Better the way it went in than coming out his back end. We are also having one of his premolars extracted in a month. It broke in half about a year ago and we have yet to do anything about it. We are such neglectful parents! I actually didn't know you could do anything until recently when I found articles about it online. His nerve is exposed and so I'm sure he's in a lot of pain. I hope that this doesn't have anything to do with his eye and ear problem which are both on the same side as the broken tooth. Could anything else go wrong with him?

Luna is the same . . clueless. She has the brain of a styrofoam peanut.

Spring Garden photos 2008

2008-04-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

red nasturtium

Felicia

Gaillardia

Osteospermum

I can't remember what this is.

Purple pansy

Log cabin pillow covers for spring

2008-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

I tried to incorporate my favorite teacup fabric into the new spring pillow covers. I think I added a bit too much pink/coral for my taste but they turned out cute nonetheless. The picture is taken in low lighting (the colors are a little off) because I do everything at the last minute. :)

Side view. . well I suppose it's laying down.

Recycled pencil box

2008-01-21T11:03:00.001-08:00

I needed a pencil box to hold my mechanical pencils, but couldn't find one that I liked or that had enough compartments. After much thought, I decided to make one myself out of wood but my hubby wouldn't allow it. He thought I was going to saw off my fingers. hehe With very few choices left, I was scrounging for alternative materials to build my box with. We had just put together a galant unit from IKEA and had a ginormous cardboard box in the garage. With my trusty razor blade (and this was safer?) in hand, I cut pieces of cardboard to the dimensions I needed. After I had all the components cut out I glued them together, covered it in masking tape and then fabric. I attempted to cover up the seams with ribbon, cording and flowers to make it a little more attractive. The bottom of the compartments are filled with batting and leftover felt to protect the tips of the mechanical pencils. I made little signs with the hardness/softness of the pencils so it would be easily readable for me. I think it turned out ok considering it was cardboard and best of all it was FREEEEEEE!

Teacup cloth napkins

2008-01-16T19:35:00.001-08:00

Teacup cloth napkins, originally uploaded by lefleurpixie.

Cloth napkins sewn for me! I need to make coasters to go with it now. I just wish I had more of the fabric so I could have made at least 6 napkins.

puppies, napkins and framed art

2008-01-15T12:39:00.001-08:00

Gimli's first laugh at 8 weeks old.

Another photo of Gimli at 8 weeks.

Cheesy cloth napkins. Only the ugliest fabric for my honey! He's a very messy eater.

Framed kitty felt art. I thought this frame went really well with the colors in the felt.

It's Gimli!!

2008-01-14T10:52:00.001-08:00

I can never take too many pictures of him. Here he is sitting next to me this morning while I organized. I'd post more picture of Luna but she never sits still.

Puppy applique wip

2008-01-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is the beginnings of another baby quilt. I plan to make 20 different panels (19 more to go) of varying puppies. The pattern is a drawing I made loosely based on my cattle dogs. The diamond is a Bentley mark. Hand appliquéd and embroidered.

I finally started taking down the Christmas ornaments today. I miss the ambient lighting from the tree.

Finished baby drawing

2008-01-09T23:08:00.000-08:00

11x14 graphite on bristol board. The mother wanted me to block out the name so that is why the heart is there. Detailed shots on the right. The scan is horribly washed out. There are a lot more subtle tones that aren't showing up. :(

baby drawing wip3

2008-01-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

I worked on it a bit more today and finished the shirt.

Baby drawing progress

2008-01-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

I spent an additional 12+ hours today on the drawing bringing the total close to 27 hours. I'm almost done blocking in the tones. I started adding shadows and highlights to the left sleeve. About 45% of the way done now. Yay! I miss my art table but with our new office/craft room layout it won't fit in here! Instead, I'm drawing on an art board propped on my knees. It's very uncomfy and the angle is flatter than I'm used to drawing. I've been trying to think of a solution to this. The image below is slightly skewed as I have to stand on my tippy toes to try and take the picture. I'm short. :)

WIP - Drawing of a baby

2008-01-05T15:09:00.001-08:00

Work in progress of a wittle baby. This is the first baby I've ever drawn and I'm really trying to get the skin smooth. I've just blocked in the base colors of the arms, shirt and face, but I have to go back and even out the color. It will probably take at least a few more layers so I'd say I'm about 20% of the way done. I wanted to get it done before Christmas but. . . . :) I hope I get this drawing done. I seem to be jinxed. Whenever I post a WIP I never end up finishing that drawing.

Drawing is 11x14 and done in graphite. Approximate time so far 15+ hours.

Totoro Thank you card

2008-01-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

Drawn with pastels and colored pencils.

Custard felt art

2008-01-01T05:11:00.001-08:00

I couldn't sleep so I made a little felt piece of Custard, Strawberry Shortcake's cat. Made with wool felt and sewn by hand. I still can't sleep so I'm off to start another project.

Dad's patriotic quilt

2007-12-31T15:04:00.000-08:00

I made this patriotic quilt for my dad for Christmas. I barely finished in time but I haven't been over there to give it to him yet. My hubby became ill (we think food poisoning) on Christmas and still hasn't recovered.

I have no idea how to take a picture of it. It's huge! I hope he likes it. I ended up tying the quilt because I didn't have time to quilt it any other way. I appliquéd the flags on to the quilt blocks. It's just a basic quilt as I'm still a newbie. This is the 4th quilt I've ever made. I still have 3 more projects to get done that should have been done before Christmas. I am so ashamed!

Felt kitty cat

2007-12-12T22:51:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at a felt critter. I didn't like the way it looked originally so I tweaked it a bit. I modeled it after my own kitty except without blue eyes. Hand sewn out of wool felt and embellished with embroidery, a bead and makeup. Miss Chloe stands about 2.75 inches tall.

Finished my baby quilt

2007-12-07T21:05:00.001-08:00

This is the second unfinished project I completed today. Yipee! Now I'm pooped. It was hard to get a decent image of the quilt in low lighting and because of it's size. This is only about 2/3rds of it but you get the idea.

Isn't he so beautiful? :)

House pillows christmas gift

2007-12-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the second house pillow I had been working on. I put it off for about a month but at least I got around to finishing it. . . that's unusual for me :) These pillows are Christmas gifts for my Grandma in law. She repainted her house taupe and brick red so I made these to match. I embellished the second pillow with embroidery thread because I didn't have any rick-rack left but I was too lazy to add the plant on the side :)

Both pillows together

I'm going to try to complete all my unfinished projects for the next few weeks before moving on to anything new. It's so hard with my short attention span.

Naughty doggy alert:
Today I chewed a new 1.5 inch hole in the carpet to go with the others I've made. My mommy yelled at me and put the muzzle on me but I have no idea why. She is mean to me all the time for no reason! She says I'm clueless and that I don't know anything for a 7.5 month puppy. She calls me "pinky" or "miniature beast of burden" but I don't understand what she means.

Scrappy coasters christmas gift

2007-12-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Scrappy coasters made for a friend. :) Don't peek.

This is my first time free motion quilting. It was much harder than I thought it would be. My stitching came out jagged but I guess that's to be expected. I'll just have to practice some more. I think it turned out ok. I was going for Charlie Brown type flowers. . . well that's my excuse. :P

Vegan cookies for the furry faces

2007-12-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

I decided to experiment a little with different flavors of dog cookies. I have to make my own because most of the ones sold in the store are beefy and my dogs are vegetarians. I usually make them peanut butter cookies, but this time I thought I'd try to incorporate Gimli's favorite food. . . carrots!

I made a vegan carrot/peanut butter cookie with cinnamon and vanilla. They smelled really good. I thought the carrots would help to make them a bit more moist but they were still dry as usual. Regardless, my dogs loved them and both tried to pull cookies off the cooling rack. I only wish they could tell me if they prefer the pure peanut butter ones or these.

I also made extra cookies for all of their furry friends that put up with their hyperness. :) I think I will make these again at Christmas but make them extra special by making a peanut butter frosting. Now I have to figure out a way to make yogurt snacks for my cat.

The hardest part for them is waiting for them to cool after I take them out of the oven. They stared at me like that the whole time. . and then the cooling rack. . and then me. . and then the cooling rack. . . . I think they were trying to tell me something.

My very first cloth diaper

2007-12-02T17:00:00.001-08:00

Found a template online and used instructions from a completely different pattern. I am definitely going to have to tweak this diaper a little next time. It was quite a learning experience! :)

Gift tags

2007-12-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

A quick last minute gift for a friend.

Ornament for hubby and furry faces.

2007-11-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

An ornament for my hubby made out of wool felt. Hand embroidered and sewn by me. He'll probably think it's a bit foofey. I just hope he doesn't wish I gave him socks. :)

A rare image of the two of them side by side. They were giving me doe eyes begging for food.

embroidered heart ornament

2007-11-26T15:15:00.001-08:00

A housewarming gift for a friend. I doodled a random pattern and embroidered it onto a heart ornament I made. This is my 2nd time embroidering. Can you tell? :) I must have poked my thumb more times than the fabric.

Craft room so far. . . . and Luna

2007-11-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Look at the fuzzy wuzzy chin.

Her body is so lanky, It looks like it can hardly hold the weight of her head. She's quite the opposite of our other dog with a thick, muscular body.

This is the craft room so far. We still haven't mounted the Effektiv shelves on the wall which we plan to do next week. Two will be going over my tables and the other two on the other side of the room. I got the smaller side of the room for my crafts/sewing/comp. My hubby took the larger half for his office. He has Effektiv's along the wall and a even bigger Galant desk.

The right side of the room. The wall unit on the very right is the start of my hubby's area.

Fira drawer units from IKEA. They are a pain to put together (the nails kept bending) but fun to decorate. :)

The corner of my sewing table.

Luna's new bed

2007-11-25T00:16:00.001-08:00

I took a break from cleaning and organizing to complete a quick project. Luna's been without a bed the entire time we've had her and I thought it would be nice to make her one. The fabric matches our bed and is the perfect size for either of our dogs. Gimli loves it just because I made it and lays on it more than her. I guess I'll have to make one especially for him!

I had to force Luna on it.

Gimli loves it!

Our very own Thanksgiving . . well almost.

2007-11-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is the first year my hubby and I are preparing our own food for Thanksgiving. Usually we go to our parent's house and hope they make something vegetarian for us, but not this year. We don't have to look at a dead bird or smell turkey for the first time ever!!! We started our morning off with chocolate croissants and for dinner I'm preparing acorn squash ravioli with mushroom cream sauce. We'll be making mushroom risotto to accompany that and for dessert homemade bunuelos.

I think we'll end the day with soy eggnog or abuelita and a movie. mmmm That's my kind of Thanksgiving!

Looks like I got my hopes up too soon. We ended up having to go to the see the parents anyways.

Building Ikea shelves

2007-11-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update. . . . We are redoing the game room to be an office/craft room. We bought IKEA furniture from the effektiv and galant line. I thought we had gotten plenty of shelves for storage but it doesn't seem to be enough now. It looks like we'll be making a trip down to IKEA again for more items. :( I've only been there twice and while I like the items, I can't stand how long it takes to walk through the store. I had to wait 30 minutes for my items last time I was there after paying at the register. Boo! I hate shopping and I hate pink. I think I must be the only female born this way.

I needed a place to store my sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, card making supplies as well as all of my art supplies. I have paper, canvases, acrylic, oil and watercolor paints, markers, colored pencils, graphite pencils and so much more. We've been building now for 3 days and are about 75% of the way done. I feel like a peon from Warcraft. Work, work work. Needless to say, there will be no more crafting until it's all finished. I can't stand to create in such a cluttery place.

On a side note I got the new game Hellgate London. It looks fun but I won't allow myself to play until I'm done organizing. . . . if I can resist. :)

Back to work. . . .

Even more baby shoes!

2007-11-16T17:26:00.001-08:00

Blue with white polka dots. Lined with ivory fabric.

Chocolate with blue polka dots. These are my favorite! I embellished them with little buttons to look like buckles.

Another image of the chocolate and blue dot. These are lined with Winnie the pooh fabric.

Little carrot shoes.

All three of them together.

Baby shoes and Ikea jars

2007-11-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at making baby shoes. I think they came out pretty cute but the flower print may be a bit feminine.

It wouldn't be a good post without a picture of Gimli. Such a beautiful doggy.

Jars I got from IKEA to store little craft items. I wrapped ribbon around embroidery floss cardboard and secured with mini clothespins. I got rid of a ton of wasteful packaging and consolidated a basketful of ribbon to one jar. I wish I had gotten more jars now. They were much more useful than I thought and so clean looking.

Luna's new dress

2007-11-13T12:41:00.001-08:00

I decided to take a break from making Christmas ornaments and finishing up quilts to do something quick and easy. My hubby would NEVER allow me to buy dog clothes so I went and made my own. teeheehee He's going to kill me I just know it.

Her little dress was suppose to be a coat but she didn't sit still for her measurements so it ended up being more flared than I expected. I will have to fix it with additional Velcro. She doesn't seem to even notice it on but Gimli is sooooo jealous of it. It's a reversible dress with one side being black so my hubby wouldn't be completely humiliated by it. I think it makes her look pretty. haha

Christmas is up!

2007-11-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

We got a brand new Christmas tree today. It was sooo difficult finding a tree that wasn't pre-lit or that was pre-lit with LEDs. We must have gone to at least seven stores and looked online. We wanted one that looked realistic but had to settle on this tree. It's pre-lit with LEDs and only the outer branches are realistic looking.

My Krinkles bulldog and alligator. I just loooove Krinkles by Department 56.

The cutest shoes ever. From his expression the poor guy doesn't want to be dressed up.

I love this gator. He looks like he had to much to drink, passed out and woke up in this outfit.

More Krinkles on the mantle.

I love him.

Gimli puts his bones on the couch when I'm sitting there and waits for me to throw them.

The tree lit up in the dark.

The tree lit up in the light. There are lots of handmade ornaments on the tree but I'm still making more.

The newest ornament I'm working on using more scrap fabrics.

Mini felt tree skirt

2007-11-08T20:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas tree lit up with the tree skirt. It's about time I made one. This poor tree has felt so exposed.

An image of the tree skirt with the light on. I made it with acrylic and wool felt. I cheated by using a sizzix die cut machine and a sizzix paddle. It's glued down with fabric glue. No sewing! I accidentally hammered my finger with the sizzix hammer while trying to cut out the trees. I'm going to lose a fingernail sometime soon.

A close up shot. It's not really noticable the the red and white fabric are glittery felt. It's very pretty and sparkly in person.

No pictures of any pets this time. What's wrong with me?

Scrappy pillow cases and furry friends.

2007-11-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas pillow cases made from material out of my scrap bin. I have two baskets full of scraps and I really need to cut down on the clutter. I can't seem to throw anything away no matter how small the scrap is. :) If you look real close you can see all the dog hair.

Gimli in front of the living room love seat. I painted my wall a while back with the paint from other parts of the house. I planned on putting more pet pictures in the different sections. Gimli is still a baby in that picture. awww

Luna staring at the kitty in the window sill. To attack or not?

A rare photo of Chloe my kitty cattus. Isn't she so cute?

Another photo of Chloe. There is a cat on the other site of the window sitting in my flower pot having a conversation with her.

Just finished another pillow case from scraps. Edited at 6:38

More ornaments and unfinished old art.

2007-11-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

Felt tree ornaments. I used a pattern from Create and Decorate magazine. The only thing different I did was sew on beads as little ornaments.

The little Christmas tree. So little and cute!

An old digital art drawing of Shippo (or what I thought he looked like) from Inuyasha. I started to block in a background but I never finished the head or any part of him. I always start things that I never finish. Look he's a floating decapitated head. I always thought he was the cutest character on that show followed closely by Rin.

A really, really old digital art attempt at Hoshi from enterprise. There is a huge difference in the quality of my work when I just doodle and when I really put my mind to something. I'd guess this was at least 20 hours so far. I'm sure I'll never finish it. . another floating head. This was one of my first attempts at digital art. I made most of my brushes for this one.

It's just not a post without a picture of the Gimster.

2 blankets and some dog pictures.

2007-11-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

A classic pooh tag blanket made out of flannel and a simple fleece blanket with satin edging. I have never sewn anything stretchy before. What a horrible experience. I don't know what I did wrong but the fleece kept stretching in between the satin. There are puckers all over the place :( It's still soft and cuddly so I hope little Vinny doesn't mind.

The most perfect face. Perky ears, doe eyes, juicy nose and those super kissable jowls!

My angel was sleeping but I woke him up. That couch was a hand me down. I absolutely hate pink.

The classic Luna face. Clueless!

Another Luna pose. I took nearly 70 photos to get some still shots of her. She's so fidgety.

Lady Luna once again. She has a bald red spot on the left side of her face. The poor thing is allergic to something we haven't figured out yet. :(

Ornaments, whimsical painting and Gimli

2007-10-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I made handmade ornaments out of fabric, ribbon, beads and other various materials for our Christmas tree. At the time we had no ornaments, nor the money to afford them, so if I wanted any I had to make them with what we had. Well that year over half were eaten or cuddled to death by Gimli and the tree was broken by our cat Chloe. I don't mention her much. . poor meweee. Well about the ruined ornaments. . . Gimli has horrible separation anxiety so whenever I leave the house I have to give him my dirty clothing so he has something to comfort him while I'm gone. If I don't he'll drag something for himself. I once came home and my bras and panties were scattered all over the house! Anyways the year I made the ornaments. . I guess he really like the smell on them since I made them by hand and he'd pull them off the tree when I left the house and lick, nuzzle, sit, nibble or lay on them. Needless to say half the ornaments were destroyed by the end of the holiday season. We haven't yet replaced our big tree (I only have those little decorative trees) but I thought I'd remake some ornaments in case we get a new tree this year. I really hope Gimli doesn't destroy the new ornaments this year. As for the meweee, I think we may have to bolt the tree to the ground so kitty doesn't break it in half.

Candy cane ornament. I didn't like the garish looking red and white fabric so I used the fabric inside out. I think It's much more muted and pleasing on this side. I will probably spray him with glue and add some glitter to him. I tend to personify inanimate objects. :) (Yes I'm a dork) I shall name him Mr. Stripey! He's sewn together and stuffed with fiberfill.

Mr. Lumpy the Christmas tree. hmm I think that button may be a choking hazard for the pets. He's sewn and stuffed as well.

All four of the ornaments playing together.

A star ornie made with star fabric. I think I would have preferred a plainer fabric. Sewn and stuffed again.

My sugar cookie ornament is made with acrylic and wool felt. I didn't have too many colors of felt so I used green for the frosting and beads for the sprinkles. I'm not sure if it comes off as a sugar cookie. The green doesn't seem very frosting like to me. I dyed the white felt with tea to mute it a bit and after it was sewn I painted coffee on the edges to give it a "baked" look. The back is all tinged that color so it looks like it was on the cookie sheet. Now I just have to make enough of each to fill a tree. I have some other ideas for shapes. I'll post those if I make them.

A whimsical, watercolor painting I made some time ago for a kids room. It's 5 paintings in one frame. The two cupcakes are one and they are holding hands. I think it may be a little on the feminine side. Embellished with really fine glitter but that doesn't show up in the picture. I like desserts!

Gimli checking out the Christmas tree that's sitting on the table. I'd post more pictures of Luna and Chloe but they never sit still. Gimli's my little shadow. He's very easy to take pictures of since he's always around!

cottage pillow

2007-10-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yippee another Christmas gift finished! A cottage pillow made from a Bunny hill designs pattern. I switched the colors to suit the recipient of the gift. I thought it came out decently considering the colors are not my taste. I made this in one day working 12 hours straight. Now if I could only be that productive everyday!

One potholder completed.

2007-10-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

My potholder was inspired by one from a Japanese sewing book. I have no idea what the directions say so I went from the pictures. I know I did this incorrectly, but I think it turned out pretty cute anyways. I added my own touches like a stem and seeds. I also like the crookedness and wrinkles in mine. I did that on purpose. :) Photos are poorly lit as usual.

The apple potholder from the book. Isn't it cute?

The front of my pot holder. I wanted to outline the seeds in white embroidery thread but I didn't have any. I think it would look better so I will probably do that once I get some. The seeds blend in too much with the fabric as it is now.

The back of the potholder.

Working on Christmas gifts

2007-10-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Since I'm unemployed, I end up making presents for everyone for the holidays. Usually I'll make a variety of cookies and put them in a tin, give homemade candles or something else handmade. I'm never sure if the family likes them or if they think I'm cheap and giving them hokey gifts. This year I'm making coasters, potholders, cloth napkins, pillows, wall hangings, ornaments and a couple of pencil drawings and quilts for select people. I have about 3480983 things to do so I've been working non-stop. I hope they appreciate my efforts as they are all made with love!

I started a Dexter pencil drawing. Spent about a week or two on it so far in between puppy babysitting. I'm not even 1/8th of the way done yet. I just blocked in the tones so far and I have to go back and put in the details on the portions face and hair I've already blocked in. I haven't started putting in the prickly beard yet. I'm dreading that part. :( I started on the cadaver's pasty hand. I just love this show.

A quilt for little Vinny. I still have to finish the binding, some hand stitching and pull all the threads to the back. Almost done!

A set of 6 coasters I made that will go with 6 matching napkins which I have yet to start.

I'm currently working on a pot holder, a few pillows, tending to a bunch of seedlings, getting ready to start a 2nd drawing and a wall hanging. It's going to be a busy few months!

A few October garden photos

2007-10-02T16:56:00.001-07:00

I have a lot more blooming in the garden at the moment but I'm to lazy to take pictures :)

A faerie in a Lobelia plant. I wonder what she's pondering.

A Persian shield. I planted it in one of the only shady spots in the yard thinking it wouldn't survive but it did! It's quadrupled in size in just a few months. This plant is sooo pretty with an iridescent shimmer on the leaves.

Gimli, my lovely cattle dog. All the pictures of Luna were blurred. She just never sits still.

Malope 'Vulcan'. A plant I started from seed. I probably bought the seeds because it was a star trek name but it's a really pretty plant. The magenta really contrast well with the lime green insides.

That's it for now. I love fall. Isn't the weather the best?

Scary

2007-09-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/331421_bigfood13.html

I've been starting my fall gardening. I pulled out most of my summer vegetables and started some winter ones. Will post pictures and details soon.

Have yourself. .

2007-08-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

. . a merry little Christmas. Another card made with stamps by Eat Cake Graphics. Aren't they the cutest stamps? I'm still trying to decide which of these I'm going to use for my Christmas cards this year since they're all so cute. Colored in watercolors, and embellished with glass glitter.

Front view:

Detailed view:

Christmas card with instructions.

2007-08-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

This took me all day to make! Colored in watercolor and embellished with gel pen and glitter. I messed up on the tree and tried to salvage it by putting ornaments all over it. Grandma needs to step away from the ornament box. I think she went a little overboard. All stamps are by eat cake graphics.

For the Grandma card:

1. Stamp "Gran's got hot chocolate" and the "Christmas tree" with versafine ink onto watercolor paper with enough distance to slightly overlap the eventual fireplace.

2. Time to make a mask. On a regular piece of paper, stamp "Gran's got hot chocolate" and "Christmas tree" and carefully cut them out with an craft knife. On the back of the paper cutouts apply a temporary liquid glue and let that dry. The reusable mask can be kept on a piece of wax paper for later use.

3. Cover the already stamped images of "Gran's got hot chocolate" and "Christmas tree" on the watercolor paper with the two masks.

4. Stamp two of "Stocking with patches" in the middle of the already stamped images, lining up the top of the stocking with the top of the "christmas tree". Since the stamps will be covering the previous masks, one of the stockings will now be behind Gran's hot chocolate tray when the mask is eventually removed. (The fireplace hasn't been stamped yet so the stockings will be floating.)

5. Make two masks for "Stocking with patches", using the same procedure in step (2), and apply them over the stocking images on the watercolor paper.

6. Use the stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the fireplace so the top of the two stockings are even with the top of the fireplace, and stamp that over the four existing masks.

7. Pull off all the masks and color in the stamped images with watercolors using the same method as the Halloween card.

8. (Optional) Use a white gel pen for embellishments. For example, the snowflake on Grandma's pocket, the steam from the cocoa, the bells on the stockings and the highlights on the wood holder. Use a silver gel pen to outline Grandma's glasses and to write out JOY on the fireplace. (The letters are supposed to be stocking holders.)

(I completely messed up on the tree by adding too much green glitter. Since it overlapped the fireplace there was no way I could salvage the card. By this time, I had put in around 4 hours and couldn't bear to trash it. Underneath all that mess is a tree stamp. :) I figured I could salvage the tree by covering it with ornaments.)

9. (Optional) Using a temporary glue pen, make circles randomly over the "Christmas tree" stamp. Allow the glue to dry for a few seconds, then cover with glitter. (Repeat separately for each color of glitter)

10. Mat the painted images to red card stock, then green card stock. Wrap a ribbon around the bottom. Tape it to a 6x7" card made out of card stock.

11. Stamp "Grandma's hot chocolate is the best!" on a scrap piece of card stock. Mat it to red, then green cardstock, and tape it to the front.

Another Halloween card with instructions and Luna update.

2007-08-23T14:58:00.001-07:00

Single, shy, blue Merle, female with dark brown eyes looking for friends. I love chewing on carpet, licking the cupboards, licking the dishes in the dishwasher and eating cat poop. My interests are tug of war, chase, licking the toilet bowl and biting ankles. If interested, please sniff my butt.

A halloween card made with stamps from eat cake graphics. Colored in watercolors and embellished with iridescent paint. As always, the colors aren't accurate and the picture is skewed.

For the Halloween card:

1. Stamp the "porch with light" with black versafine ink on watercolor paper. Hot press paper is best for stamping, as it's smoother than cold or rough.

2. Line up the "candy hands" with a stamp-a-ma-jig and stamp that in front of the porch, then stamp the trick-or-treaters (side). (I got the stamp-a-ma-jig just for this, too. I don't know how I lived without it.)

3. Color the stamped images and layered the colors until they are as vibrant as you want them to be. Layer with multiple colors so the stamped images don't look flat. For example, the sky has around 5 colors blended into it.

4. For the sky, wet the entire background and start blocking in colors, blending the yellows into the blues. Clean the brush off every time so the darker colors don't muddy up the lighter ones.

5. The card is embellished with iridescent medium on the light fixture, bowl, candy, mask, and pumpkins. (It can't be seen in the front view though; only from the side.)

6. Trim the image and layer it onto white card stock. (I made a 6x6" card out of orange card stock and affixed some Halloween type paper to it with double stick tape.) Tape down the matted image to the card base. (I stamped the "trick or treat" stamp onto orange polka dot paper and matted it onto black cardstock.) Lastly, tape it to the front of the card, and it's done! :)

Edited 8/24. Added a better picture. Edited 8/25 with instructions.

I don't approve of mommy's earlier post. That's just not true!

I do enjoy talking to myself. Forgot to mention that I've been so sick the past few months and that's why I haven't updated.

Happy anniversary to us!

2007-08-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's our 3rd anniversary today! Well I guess that's it. :) Maybe we'll go out to dinner and take a trip to the craft store. lol The weather is going to be really cool today! I guess that's our gift from mother nature.

Another Christmas cards. I'm being productive!

2007-08-05T22:30:00.001-07:00

The ink I used to stamp this bled on me while I was painting it. Boo! I tried to correct the problem anyways but I think it looks autumny or muddy, however you want to look at it. The entire card is covered in various colors of pearl-ex and I used mica for snow this time. Stamp is by house mouse.

Full view:

Detailed view:

Christmas card

2007-08-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

A full view and detailed view of the Christmas card. Painted in watercolors and embellished with pearl-ex in the sky, snowman and mailbox and glass glitter on the snow. This poor stamp has sat and collected dust for years. I finally decided to make something with it.

Handmade greeting cards

2007-07-25T21:46:00.001-07:00

I just love Halloween. It's my favorite holiday of the year . I love the rich colors and the atmosphere of the holiday. I never get tired of making Halloween cards. Everyday should be Halloween!

One of my newest stamps. Isn't he adorable? Yeearg! <---- my attempt at a pirate impression.

A cute little bat card.

This penguin is chillin.

It seems I am incapable of taking a straight photo or one during the day when the lighting isn't poor. Oopsy! Sorry for the color difference. I have to learn to take pictures when the sun is out.

Gimli and Luna 14th week comparison

2007-07-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

Luna and Gimli at 14 weeks. It's so hard to take a picture of Luna since she's soooo squirmy. This photo of Gimli was the closest I could find to the angle of Luna. Luna looks just like a pure bred cattle dog with border collie legs. Luna is 16.1lbs while Gimli was 21lbs. Gimli has no blue in his coloring and Luna, no red.

Luna's fast approaching Gimli's height because of her sexy, long, border collie legs. She quite lanky, while he was always stocky.

Another bib

2007-07-06T15:17:00.001-07:00

I made another little bib with a wool felt leaf on the side and some ribbon as an accent. My sexy model is Papa Elfmar. I made this without realizing that Papa's outfit was the exact same color as the bib so I had to undress him. I left his hat, his ring and his shoes on so he wasn't completely exposed. 3/4 view below.

Front view. The ribbon shrunk when I ironed it (boo hoo!) but my hubby said he liked the puckery look of it.

Side view. Please pay no attention to Papa's knickers.

I bought papa long ago at Toys-r-us. They were getting rid of the entire line and he was the only one left. I really wish I had been there sooner because I would have bought them all. Later that day Papa and I went to a grocery store to pick up some snacks and the cashier commented on what an ugly doll he was. I cried but I wanted to slap her. Such an insensitive cashier bruising my poor Papa's feelings. Papa and I ask that the mischievous faeries bestow her with lactating breasts and cramps for life.

Ducky bib

2007-07-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

This is the first bib I've ever made. It was a pretty easy sewing project. I probably should have ironed the bib before I took a picture of it. :P I have really got to expand my thread collection. I never seem to have the right color for the project I'm working on.

The lovely model is Friendship bear sent to me by Maggie. I've never removed him from the box. :) Care bears are so cute!

Just an update

2007-07-01T20:53:00.001-07:00

I made this bag on Friday from a tutorial of Craftster. My template was from a bag I got at a fabric store. I reduced the length quite a bit as the original template was 26" long. Much cuter than those ugly plastic bags. I lined it with some Christmasy type fabric that I never knew what to do with. It was red and green with a bit of blue so I figured it matched.

My adorable angel! He's got scabs on the sides of his face, his legs and in his ears from his naughty sister biting him. It makes me so angry that she marred his perfect face. I'm going to buy her a mini muzzle if she doesn't start to learn that Gimli isn't a chew toy!

Luna and Gimli comparison at 13 weeks old. Luna is 17lbs and Gimli was 20.5lbs at the time.

and finally some produce from the garden picked fresh today. 8-ball squash, turbo cucumber, some random peppers (very mild), Casper eggplant (I think I may have picked it too early), Christmas grapes cherry tomato and Purple beauty bell pepper. We amended the soil about 2 feet deep where the bell pepper is but for some reason they never get bigger than golfballs.

Time for dinner now. Mmmm packaged udon!

More sewing practice

2007-06-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

Today, I wanted to make some felt boxes to store my sewing supplies in. I'm trying to get organized as I cannot comfortably create things with a cluttered table. I only had a 9" square of felt so I made a miniature box. It's about 5.5" square and I'm using it to house my sewing and quilting thread. Look it all fits in there since I have so very little thread. :) I should definitely buy some more. Previously, I was storing the thread in a ginormous basket which was taking up way too much of my table and really wasn't needed. I think I'm going to sew this differently the for the next one I make. I had a hard time smooshing this through my sewing machine.

I made this for practice yesterday from a tutorial found here. The instructions were so easy, I think even my hubby could do this one. Turning the fabric around was the hardest part for me. I don't have any safety pins (can you believe that?) so I had to use needle nose pliers. HAHA! Look how crooked I sew. I guess that's what practicing is for :) Pretty soon I'm going to have a room full of horribly sewn, ugly projects. I think I'll give them to my mom(an expert sewer) and see if she can hold back the laughter.

I'm still scared the needle will break and poke me in the eye when I sew. I'm so paranoid.

Best peanut butter ever

2007-06-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder for myself in case I ever forget about this product. I'm not a big fan of peanut butter, but this one is soooooo good. I'm eating it right from the jar.

A little bit of everything

2007-06-25T19:37:00.001-07:00

Luna is 12 weeks old. I'm going to be posting images of Gimli at the same age, if I have them. I can't believe I went weeks (sometimes two!) without taking a picture of my angel! I can already tell she's much thinner and will have a pointier face. Gimli had a blockier head and his ears were more perky. He also looked much more like a dingo than a dog at this age.

Here is Luna giving a kiss to her big brother. She looooves him.

Here is a place mat I made for Julia with my very own fish, Bubbles. I designed Bubbles in Photoshop and used the freezer paper stencil method to paint him onto the fabric. I used pearlized paints to give him a shimmery fish scales look. I think he came out pretty cute.
A close up of bubbles. He's smiling because no one is ever going to eat him!

I made this today during puppy nap sessions. It's a CD holder from Amy Butler's book, In Stitches. I probably shouldn't have started with this one as a novice sewer. I found the instructions somewhat confusing. (or maybe was because I was incredibly sleepy?) The stiff interfacing came out way too big and skewed the rest of my sides. :( I tried to repair the unevenness but I'm not sure if I succeeded. I had to hand stitch the handles on because I could not maneuver this thing in my machine. Don't look too closely. :)
I had planned on making a bunch to store my fabrics that were smaller than 1/4 yard, but with how crooked mine came out I'm not sure if I will.

I went to Denio's farmer's market and auction this weekend with Carolyn. I bought this adorable Totoro purse. It's just so cute!!

That's it for now.

plastic bag holder

2007-06-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

I made a small version of this because we don't have to many plastic bags. When given the option my hubby and I will choose paper bags or bring our own. I barely filled up the bottom half and had to fluff it. We've been going through a lot of bags lately scooping up puppy poo. :) This is entirely made from scraps that were pieced together.

Teensy drawing for Kristy

2007-06-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it's late and it came out kind of funky. I should have probably turned the lights on but I didn't want to wake up the old puparoo. I'm disappointed in myself. I will poke my eye out with a spork for you.

The drawing is of James and Caine. The faces are about 2" wide. My fat pencil leads have got to lose some weight! :) Took about 3 days in between doggy babysitting breaks.

Look it's the floating heads without tshirt's draw in. :) I"m so lazy.

Zomg!!! I just realized I forgot to draw in James' dimples. I should be punished!

I finally made some coasters for me!

2007-06-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

I've been getting as little as 2 hours of sleep lately because of my sweet new puppy. Even still, I have enough time to sew a coaster or two and this time it's for me! These were made from the scraps of the quilt I made in 2005. It's just my taste :) If only other projects were as quick and easy.

I couldn't get online for an entire day.

2007-06-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's funny how much I rely on my computer for entertainment. It's a good thing yesterday was Father's day and most of my time was occupied.

I ended up making this coffee sleeve in the morning before we left. This one was made neutral for one of my hubby's coworkers. It fit's Starbucks paper cups and Pete's coffee & tea's hot and iced drinking cups. I specifically went to both yesterday to test it out :) I favor Peet's, and will only go to Starbucks when Peet's is closed. I know that Starbucks is more popular(with one on every street corner) so I made sure it fit their cups. I sacrificed my taste buds for art!

If I'm not having my coffee in the cafe, I'll feel better using these and saving all the poor cardboard sleeves. I see so many people having their coffee at Starbucks with their paper or plastic cups that I'm not sure if they are aware you can request an actual mug or glass. If you're going to be sitting their drinking it anyways, why not and save some waste?

Yesterday we had the prettiest sunset. This isn't the best angle but it was the best I could do from my backyard. The image doesn't really capture it's beauty. It was sooo vibrant.

Just a random photo of the pincushion my hubby got me. It's so used and abused.

Even more coasters

2007-06-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hubby watched the pups for a bit last night and I had enough time to make more coasters. I love making good use of my scraps :)

Watermelon coasters

2007-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day folding and organizing my fabric. I didn't know what I had because I never saw most of it. I'm forgetful that way. I'm lucky enough to have family members that are sewers. I would say at least half of this was given to me. I filled up about half of a bookcase. It seemed like so much more when it was in drawers.

I'm going to spend the day, between breaks from watching Luna, making coasters out of my scrap fabric. I have two baskets of scraps to get rid of. This should be a productive day. This first set is for my mother-in-law. Watermelon coasters to go with the watermelon napkins I made her some time ago. They have patchwork fronts and solid backs. I figured she could use whichever side she liked. It's always nice to have options. :)

Olivia placemat

2007-06-12T19:02:00.001-07:00

I can't have a post without Gimli.

Perky ears, doe eyes, juicy lips=pure cuteness!

Placemats I made for our dining area. I have no idea who Olivia is but she was sure cute. She's almost too cute to eat on. These are the first placemats I've ever made. Finished dimensions are 14x18. My husband says these aren't very manly. Can you believe that? He suggested I make more manly ones. I thought they were neutralish. I'd consider pink placemats with lace not manly. He has no appreciation for the piggy.

A close-up of the fabrics.

Placemats on the table.

Pictures from a random Monday

2007-06-11T21:34:00.001-07:00

Gimli is so beautiful

Such a bootiful puppy.

Luna-10 weeks

Look at that tongue!

Oxalis with a faerie figurine.

Gimli and his rings.

Action shots. He likes to shake them like mad and they pound against his sides.

Best fabric ever!

2007-06-08T13:34:00.001-07:00

I'm totally in love with this fabric. I can't seem to find it available anywhere. It's by Heather Ross. If anyone can find it available somewhere let me know. I want to make it into napkins, coasters, a skirt, curtains, pillows, bibs, blankets etc. I'm obsessed with it and I must have it.

I made a totebag!

2007-06-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

It almost looks halfway decent. I had a hard time picking out the material from my stash but settled on these two beauties. Instructions came from a book I got today but it seems like it could use some stiffness because the bag buckles a bit at the top. Well it's slightly encouraging since it didn't come out completely ugly :)

Whenever I sew I have this horrible vision that the needle is going to break and poke me in the eye or in the chest. I think about it constantly when I'm sewing on the machine. Anyone else do that as well? Surely I'm not the only one.

This and That

2007-06-07T12:22:00.003-07:00

Luna giving Gimli a huge kiss!

She may look innocent butreally she's a minature beast of burden.

Eating something she shouldn't be.

First produce of the year. An eight ball squash, a strawberry and a Christmas grape cherry tomato.

Cherry curtain

2007-06-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

Made this today while the puppies napped. It's a topper for our big window. It will be hung onto a rod with clamp rings. It's hard to see but the tan fabric has little cherries on it. I hand appliquéd the large cherry with scraps. The lighting and angle are off on this image. I'll take a better picture later when I get a chance or after it's been hung up.

Stuff I made in 2005.

2007-06-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

There you go Kristy . . a very long post! Hope it doesn't take up your entire workday.

A snowman

This is the first quilt I ever made. I gave it to my parent's dog Max. He sleeps on it every day.

Homespun garland made by tying fabric to twine. My fingers were raw after this one!

Another garland made the same way but red. Look at my sexy Christmas gator!

Ribbon ornaments I made for the tree most of which were eaten by Gimli. Since they smelled like me he nuzzled (a bit too roughly) them when I left the house. A red one. . .

Silver and Burgundy

A doggy toy I made for my in-laws poocher.

A vintagy Halloween card.

A mitten for a garland I made.

My rustic looking Garland.

Little snowman pillow ornaments made from scraps.

He was experimental and came out kinda sad looking.

My cinnamon ornie hearts made out of muslin.

Raw vegan peanut butter doggies cookies ready for baking. I made Gimli a lot of cookies that year.

Stockings I made for the Cousin in laws doggies. Does that make sense?

The beginning of a quilt I started for my dad. He's very patriotic.

Halloween cards. I painted them with watercolors and pearl-ex. You can't see the iridescent coloring from this angle.

Some ornaments made from herbs. I glued them to Styrofoam balls and pinned ribbons on them! They were very fragrant.

Reversible watermelon napkins I made from my Mother in law. This was her fabric.

A quilt I made for us!

A close up of the leaf stitching. I never do things conventionally.

While the pups were sleeping

2007-06-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

I made a couple of paintings to go on the wall. We got a new king bed and a new duvet cover so I wanted to paint something to match. We don't have a bed frame yet so the paintings are taking up most of the wall in the meantime.

I textured the canvases, then went over them with acrylic paint in slight variances to make it look like suede. To mimic the duvet cover I glued various shades of blue and brown ribbon down the canvases. I think it came out cute. Canvases are 25.5x34". I like to read before bed. . . can you tell where I sleep?

More family pictures.

2007-06-01T11:33:00.001-07:00

Luna taking a break from chewing everything. Phew!

She's dragging off Gimli's newest toy.

Daddy says I'm such and angel. He won't mind if I ruin the drip system he put in.

A rare picture of our kitty cattus. She's wondering why the new dog is so freaky. Chloe is the oldest critter of the household.

The adorable duo!

Gimli helping me watch the terror monster.

Even mister Gim get's tired from babysitting.

I'm an angel!

Our newest family member!

2007-05-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Luna and I'm an 8 week old Queensland heeler/border collie mix.

This is the ground cover I'm supposed to tinkle on but I just like to yank it out of the ground.

I'm kinda lonely because my new brother doesn't' want to play with me.

This is a great sleeping spot. I feel protected from Gimli because it's elevated.

I got a new sister on Monday.

I'm sad becuase now I have to share the yard.

Luna is about a foot away from me and I'm not being mean to her.

Gimli: That dog is so wierd sleeping on that. What's wrong with the floor?

I tinkled right here.

more digital practicing

2007-05-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Gimli and his squeaky ball. My handwriting is sooo awful. I swear it takes me like 20 tries to even get the signature that neat.

Garden pictures

2007-05-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

Purple flower from Anne's house. Look at those little guys huddled up together.

My hollyhocks started blooming a week ago. Aren't the beautimiss? These have to be my favourite variety of hollyhock.

Lavender from Anne's place. I like the river rock lining the bed. I may steal it.

Osteospermum 'Sunny Sheila' this is one sexy flower. I do believe I like this more than the other variety. Aren't they a cute couple? awww

Smiling for the camera.

Even more. I just can't get enough!! Now I have that song in my head.

Some pink flower from Anne's. It looked neglected so I thought i'd take a picture of it. It looks as if a buggy took a nibble out of it. Oh noes! Someone must slay the evil flower villian!

Dianthus from Anne's. I think that's what it is. . hmm

A faery figuring from Anne's. I may steal that too.

The most beautimiss doggy eveh! That's his mister yellow squeekers. He has a green one too with solid feet.

More of the dazzling hollyhock. I can't believe they are so big :)

So cute! Love that smile. Flash those pearly whites!

Even more cuteness.

Chocolate cosmos. Smells soo good... just like dark chocolate!

More chocolate goodness.

A geranium that Mike picked out at the store. He liked it so I got it and it grew on me. I really do like the leaves. Even though the flowers are tiny the leaves really make up for it. Look that one is waving bye bye!

Whimsical folk artsy painting

2007-05-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just got a bit bored and wanted to make something simple and cutesy. Painting is of Gimli (as a puppy) and I in the garden. It's all so dorky. Doesn't it make you giggle? Painting done in acrylics on 8x10 canvas.