Tower of Terror...

or There's a Vampire Dog in My Living Room... (red eye correct actually made her even more ghoulish!)
I began with a balancing act in my little kiln to get a last minute firing in this weekend... picked up an interesting CSA box (brought to you by...the letter "P"!) including persimmons, pomegranates and pattypan squash...and then waited for the cuteness to ensue. Oh, and it did... Hope your Halloween was a spooktacular one!

Hey, Sandra!

by MaryAnn Carroll

"Have you heard that Love My Art Jewelry is offering its first Call-to-Create?"
"I HAVE heard that, Sally...Sounds like fun!".
"I think so too!  Winners will be picked at random to win some
fab beads by Barbara Lewis!"
"Wow!"
"...and there is even more....Each week a new designer will be in the spotlight."
"Really? I'd love to share my designs!"

"You would think it would stop there, but the monthly winner who is picked at random will also get a month on their new website with links to the winner's choice....Check it out!"

"Guess I've got to get busy, but I can't decide on what to make."

"Well Sandra, I've made it easy for you." "Since the focus is on the Pantone winter colors, I've come up with a couple of shades that I think go great together." "Perhaps, you will too."

"Here's some fiber choices from stemellinasupplies, rainydayyarnshop, tealroot and ebrown2503." 



"And then I found some lampwork beads by Suebeads, and Donna Millard along with enamel painted copper by Barbara Lewis."

"Wow, those are great, Sally!"
"And some polymer designs by humblebeads and rolyzcreations..."

"And if that's not enough, I've found some very cool earth clay beads by NKPbeads and ArtrageousClay." 


"So, there you have it, Sandra!"

Sandra is all set.  She will be designing with shades of green and purple.

Have you started you creation?  What pantone colors with you be using?


For more information, click the Call-to-Create link on the sidebar.

Halloween with the Colwells!

Last night me and Danny dressed in our finest and headed to a Halloween party at Jennifer and Dustin's house. Jennifer 110% outdid herself. She made an amazing Apple Pie in a Jar, Halloween bars, pumpkin cheesecake, mummy-dogs, and a taco dip.

Jennifer even had a costume contest. And can you imagine I won for sexiest costume? And Danny swears he didn't vote for me. It makes sense though, voting took place after tequila and everclear shots. Jesus won for best costume, funniest costume went to the Mexican, and scariest costume went to the "gay guy." And I'm pretty sure he wasn't in a costume!


Costume parties with couples are always fun. I love seeing what everyone comes up with! Here are the costumed-couples!





The Mexican (aka Mike) came prepared with tequila...and shot glasses. When that was gone, the everclear came out. Let's just say...boys will be boys! By the end of the night Jesus turned the Roman into a devote follower, plans for poker nights were being made, and they were begging to go to the Waffle House.


The party was over when the boys started bargaining with us..."If you don't bring us to the Waffle House we're going to do MORE shots." Carmen and Mike brought me and Danny home, and my night was over when Danny passed out on the couch...and I claimed the bed for myself...complete with no dog!

We had such a fun night with friends and can't wait for the next time we all get together. Jennifer and Dustin, thanks so much for having us over!

Halloween Sale on Now...


Use Coupon Code "SCARY" in message to seller to receive an additional 10% off!

Reviews: H&M Shell sz 2 & LOFT Sculpted Sheath Dress sz 00P

Please see the video at the bottom for my review : ) I can't wait for my flip cam to arrive...no more cell phone vids and barely audible volume (gotta turn your sound wayy up to hear)!
hmdrape2
Top: H&M sz 2 - Style # 068031  Necklace: J.Crew
Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Pencil Skirt sz 00P (taken in) - buy here
Shoes: Mossimo Palani Gladiator Sandals sz 5.5 - buy here - loove these

And here is the top with my Gap jeans that I am absolutely obsessed with:
hmdrape1
Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans sz 00P in "faded dark" - buy here

And the LOFT Sculpted Sheath Dress is now on sale for the crazy price of $24.50. Unfortunately I got it for $45 (with a sunken cost of $7.50 for shipping), and I'm on the fence about returning vs. keeping and paying for alterations. Click here to see it on Vicky in 00P, here to see it on Diane in 0P, and here to see Hanna's review on a 0P vs 00P. Photo below was taken after I clipped back about 2 inches:
loftdress4
Dress: LOFT Sculpted Sheath Dress in 00P - sold out online, but not in stores. Click here for item #
Shoes: Aldo peep toes 5.5   Akoya pearls: eBay

loftdress3loftdress1loftdress2

Click here if the video player does not work.


Readers - have any of you tried on the top or dress above?

Reviews: H&M Shell sz 2 & LOFT Sculpted Sheath Dress sz 00P

Please see the video at the bottom for my review : ) I can't wait for my flip cam to arrive...no more cell phone vids and barely audible volume (gotta turn your sound wayy up to hear)!
hmdrape2
Top: H&M sz 2 - Style # 068031  Necklace: J.Crew
Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Pencil Skirt sz 00P (taken in) - buy here
Shoes: Mossimo Palani Gladiator Sandals sz 5.5 - buy here - loove these

And here is the top with my Gap jeans that I am absolutely obsessed with:
hmdrape1
Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans sz 00P in "faded dark" - buy here

And the LOFT Sculpted Sheath Dress is now on sale for the crazy price of $24.50. Unfortunately I got it for $45 (with a sunken cost of $7.50 for shipping), and I'm on the fence about returning vs. keeping and paying for alterations. Click here to see it on Vicky in 00P, here to see it on Diane in 0P, and here to see Hanna's review on a 0P vs 00P. Photo below was taken after I clipped back about 2 inches:
loftdress4
Dress: LOFT Sculpted Sheath Dress in 00P - sold out online, but not in stores. Click here for item #
Shoes: Aldo peep toes 5.5   Akoya pearls: eBay

loftdress3loftdress1loftdress2

Click here if the video player does not work.


Readers - have any of you tried on the top or dress above?

like birthin' babies

                                                                                                 mary jane dodd


gestation: n. the act of carrying young from conception to delivery


sometimes taking a piece from idea to execution can be just like that... replete with discomfort, moments of anticipation and planning, hopes for what it may 'grow up' to be... and a lot of anxiety as the due date nears... 


take for example a piece i have been carrying around in my head since may - this is not uncommon for me... my etsy shop doesn't have 4 pages of listings, i don't make things quickly... i admire those people, i am just not one of them... 


meet 'tenacity'... we are going on 6 months now... i know i am closing in on delivery - my chest pounds just thinking about it... 


the sketches are basic - nothing fancy, but it is a way to bring some kind of reality to the project... at night i just put down what i am thinking about... 


the defining components are made - 


resin paddles with antique dictionary paper... 'perseverance', 'tenacity' and 'blooming'... 


glass from patty lakinsmith... 


'tenacity' was born of her meaning - 'holding fast' ... there are things that we at times must hold fast to - if we do and carry it through, we blossom...


and, seriously, who can resist a good meanie?!

Turn button into jewelries!

Who said buttons are just for clothes? Yes, buttons are originally made for clothes. But these days, buttons are also used to make jewelries. There are button earrings, button rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. And what’s more exciting? They are so easy to make. Even kids can do this project to develop and enhance their creativity.

These are inexpensive materials and sometimes, you can recycle your nice and unique buttons from your old clothes.

Here are some cute and amazing button jewelries from funkytrend.com.





An awesome and colorful necklace! A combination of different colors and different sizes of buttons. This would really stand out when worn over a plain top outfit. There will never be dull moments with this colorful necklace.








Another awesome necklace from funkytrend.com . Loaded with vintage and new wood plastic and brass buttons. A very vintage looking necklace perfect for your casual wear.







A funky and cool purple buttons bracelet also from funkytrend.com.







You may also visit this video tutorial on how to make some of this cool stuff.

Download lots of free jewelry making tutorials at DiyLessons! Are you a jewelry (jewellery) making teacher/ tutor? You can also list your tutorials here too.Don't miss a post! Subscribe to Handmade Jewelry Club by Email FREEBookmark and Share

Veterans Day Discounts


Veterans Day is not about discounts. It is a day to remember our fallen and thank our heroes. And it just so happens that many places thank veterans by having discounts and deals. So, remember...while you are taking advantage of these great deals on November 11, make sure you thank a veteran.

If you know of any other discounts, please leave them in the comments. I'll update the list as I find more!

Restaurants
Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout the day.

Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage. One non-alcoholic drink or one draft Anheuser Busch beer except where prohibited by law

Golden Corral - Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military

McCormick & Schmick's Complimentary Lunch or Dinner -The McCormick & Schmick's Veterans Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 7, 2010 is offered at participating restaurants to veterans defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety.

UNO Chicago Grill - Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.

Market Place Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free entrees.

Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entree to veterans.

Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free breakfast to veterans.

Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entree.

Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service members and veterans.

Retail
Brides Across America - Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.

Sam's Club -Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store.

Amazon.com  - Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate  families.

Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

Entertainment
National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.

Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.

Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired  military.

Anheuser-Busch Parks Free Admission - Complimentary admission for active duty military representing all five service branches, active members of a reserve or National Guard unit, and/or up to three direct dependents. Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year.

Knott's Berry Farm Free Admission - Knott's annual tribute to our Military, past and present, starts November 1st. FREE admission for Veterans or current serving military personnel and one guest with proper I.D. presented at turnstile

Mohegan Sun Hotel Discount Rates - Enjoy special discount hotel rates on select dates from October 2010 through February 2011. On available dates you can lock in an exclusive $99.00 per night rate for a standard room, and can upgrade to a one-bedroom suite at an additional $100 per night.

Ode to the Artist's husband

by Kelli Pope

Every year, around late August, early September, my dear husband Steve has to hear those dreaded words...."art show season is about to begin". What this means is he won't see much of me until Christmas. It means other than working full time and sleeping, I make jewelry. If I'm not making jewelry at a show, I'm at home making jewelry. It means he cooks a lot more, and cleans a lot more. He gets to help load and unload my Explorer at least a dozen times with my tent, tables, displays, etc etc etc. And, he's even begun oxidizing components for me. (Oh, the smell of Liver of Sulphur in the Fall!!!) He becomes a massage therapist, working on achey shoulders, and the giver of pep talks. He must often listen to hammering late into the night. He becomes my number one fan and supporter. In short, I could not do what I do without him.


So, to reward both of us, and bring a little normalcy and calm into our lives, we grab our 2 furry kids and head for the Smokey Mountains between the October shows (which is where we are now). We try to plan the trip around peak leaf week, so we can hike among the majesty of the Fall colors, and enjoy the beautiful Fall sunshine, and cool breezes. Soaking in the hot tub doesn't hurt either!!! :)



The boys will hike with us, and play in the river. The joy of watching them play in the water is therapy in itself.
Sunsets from the hot tub are magical. And mountain views breathtaking.

All in all, we will come home rested, relaxed and ready for life to get crazy hectic all over again. Thanks honey for all you do for me.