Do You See What I See?

Finally

Back from my third Silver Bella, and my ears are still ringing from the talking to I got for not updating my blog.  I have moved twice in the last year and half, but it's obvious it's way past time to get going with this blogging thing again. 

Still working on finishing up my Silver Bella projects, and I plan to post those as soon as they're presentable.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share some photos from our recent trip to Walt Disney's World.  I've really gotten into digital photography/Photoshop, and I tried to get some different shots this time.  I mean, everyone has at least a three dozen pictures of Mickey and the castle on their hard drives--right?  I was inspired by Kiki FL's work posted at Flickr, especially this photo.

Here's my version:

 
Isn't that yummy?  I know I looked a little silly messing with those bracelets, positioning them so the price tags weren't showing, and zooming in for several closeups.  If they hadn't been so ridiculously expensive, I'd have bought a half dozen.  Anyhoo, here's a few more of my attempts of "out of the ordinary" WDW pics.  Enjoy. 

Peep Wreath

Been a busy bunny getting ready for Easter and Spring Break.  Not a lot of time for crafting, but I did manage to squeeze in this Peep Wreath.  Wish I could take credit for it, but I saw it at Suzy's blog Georgian Peachez and I just had to have my own.  The frame is an 8-inch straw wreath, and I used two different sizes of peeps, hot gluing them down.  I chopped the feet off in a few cases, it fit better.  The glue was a little messy, but isn't it darling?  Huge hit with the kids as well.  Thanks for the help, Suzy!  This one is a keeper.

Getting Inky at Tinsel Trading

Just a few pics from a class with Robin Beam I took this past weekend at the Tinsel Trading Company.   Robin has already blogged it, but I wanted to get my class projects up as well.  We had a great time, although it wasn't nearly long enough.  Robin did a good job of showing us some different uses for Tim Holtz's Distress pads and Ranger Industries alcohol inks.  She brought a load of new stamps from various companies for us to use and one of them, Dove of the East, really caught my eye.  The fashion lady pendant below was done with a new stamp from Tim Holtz which will be available soon through Stampers Anonymous--I want all of them!

I Did a Bad Thing

Yesterday morning, as I was cruising through my favorite online stores, I happened upon the French General.  Normally content to merely drool over the pics, I noticed Miss Kaari was offering up for sale the boards created to highlight the jewelry for her book, French Inspired Jewelry.  Oh my.  If money were no object, I could have easily dumped ten of those boards into my shopping cart.  As it was, I agonized, rationalized, held my breath and BOUGHT ONE!  I choose the "Convertible Necklace" from the La Mer collection.   I can't wait to receive it.  Now the question is, do I hang it or wear it?  I'm hoping I can do both. 

Speaking of the French General.  I'm a subscriber to Paula's Kit Club, receiving both her paper crafting and jewelry kits.  Paula is terrific and I've been a customer of hers since the mid 1990's when she owned Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers.  Remember the rubber pit at stamp conventions?  Oh my, I'm dating myself.  Her kits are awesome and the samples Holly Ryall (Guest Artist:  Stampers' Sampler Aug/Sep 2007) creates really inspire me.  Here's a few cards I made with some of the goodies from Paula's kits. 

I also receive the jewelry kit, which is put together by Kaari Meng at French General.  They're gorgeous.  But then, I don't think French General does ugly.  Here's my latest creation.

I altered the original design a bit.  Those white rings didn't do it for me.  It's supposed to be an Easter theme bracelet, so I added the green tinted pearl beads.  Isn't it pretty?

I'm heading into the city tomorrow for a class at the Tinsel Trading Company with Robin Beam from Ranger Industries.  They make the inks and Tim Holtz stuff.  We're supposed to make this Medallion Necklace.  I'll post pics.   

Out of My Comfort Zone

One night, while window shopping at Etsy, I came across this collage.  I think it's outstanding.  The artist is Karyn Gartel and her Etsy shop is The Altered Diva.  She also has a website AlteredDiva.com.  She teaches online classes and I signed up for the Colorful Past collage class. 

Here are my works in progress.  I'm behind the power curve.  I still need images for the sun canvas, and titles/type/story line for both.  Karyn is a good teacher and I'm having fun.  Maybe I'll even get brave enough to hang one of them.

A Real Bella

Attending Teresa McFayden's Silver Bella without a Blog was like being a kid with my nose pressed up to the window peering in at FAO Schwarz during the Christmas season.  The first question out of everyone's mouth was, "Do you have a Blog"?   No, I didn't and I sorely felt the lack of one.  Don't take this wrong.  Everyone was extremely nice and welcoming, but I couldn't help but feel a little left out when the discussions were flying about the latest and greatest posted on so and so's blog.  Honestly, I didn't feel like a real Bella. 

As of today, I'm Blogless no more.  I have to admit, it's a bit intimidating.  Can I stay on top of it?  Will it become a chore?  I hope not.  I so enjoy reading other Bella's Blogs and I hope you enjoy mine as well.

Here's a little Valentine eye candy to get started.  I have such a wonderful husband.