i've already said too much

Doll clothes

2010-12-31T23:44:00.004-07:00

For Christmas my 3 year old daughter received a doll and handmade doll clothes from her Gran. I too received an American Girl doll so I could play along with her. I feel like a 10 year old girl again playing dress up along side my little one. But now that I'm a grown up I get to make clothes too! Here are some pictures of my creations.

Spinning with Wool and Drop Spindle

2010-11-09T12:15:00.004-07:00

My Mother

2010-05-09T17:41:00.001-06:00

1979

Comfort Doll Project: 1st Dozen - Colorado

2010-03-23T19:40:00.000-06:00

Comfort Doll Project: 1st Dozen - Colorado

then and now

2010-03-08T10:16:00.002-07:00

I've been thinking of posting a picture of my favorite/most used Christmas gift.

I can't think of these

with out thinking of these. These headphones are similar to the ones my Dad had when I was a kid, I remember loving the way they 'hugged' my ears. Now I've got these tiny little ear buds that I can actually lie down and fall asleep listening to an audio book, music, tv show, movie all from my computer(we didn't have one of those until I was in high school). Ear phones have come a long way but it sure would be fun to plug those big 'ol headphones in and listen to that Procol Harum record twisting my fingers through the cord and chilling. So thanks Dad for the greatest Christmas gift of the year via Target Gift Card.

Quilt for Mom-Mom

2010-02-23T12:36:00.006-07:00

This is my very favorite picture of my Mom-Mom, she has been an amazing influence on me. If I wonder 'what is proper way to do this or that' I think what would Mom-Mom want me to do. She has always had a classy style and a great devotion to her way of doing things. I respect her tremendously and hope in some small way when she receives this quilt she'll know she is always loved.

Mom-Mom, my brother Ted, me (with Eli in the belly) and sister Sarah.

last bit of fabric

2010-02-23T12:32:00.002-07:00

It's now the end of Feb., and all of the fabric I have has been cut and I'll be dropping it off soon. This was a great project for me and thanks to Terry and Carrie for donating fabric :)

Happy 93rd Birthday Grandmom!

2010-02-17T07:48:00.005-07:00

Grandmother
Teacher
Unconditional Love
Disciplinarian
Crafter
Baker
Gardner
Knitter
Reader
Story Teller
Lover of Life

Just a few words to describe my S.O.G. (Sweet Old Grandmother)

Fabric Fiesta continued

2010-02-06T17:33:00.002-07:00

3rd set of quilt blocks to send to Humanitarian Center. I'll be finishing up this project at the end of the month so leave a comment if you'd like to donate fabric and I'll let you know where to send it.

Fabric Fiesta

2010-02-05T11:23:00.005-07:00

Here's the next set of quilt blocks I've cut, thanks to a local gal's donation the count will really be something. Thanks Carrie!
Most of the extra fabric is going towards The Comfort Doll Project.
http://www.comfortdollproject.blogspot.com/
Here the link to the humanitarian center that I am send the quilt blocks too.
http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,6392-1-3260-1,00.htm

2nd phase of cuts

comfort dolls

A Great Start !

2010-01-21T14:54:00.003-07:00

The start of cutting quilt blocks is really rolling. I've dug into my own supply and some donated fabric. I'm hoping to get plenty together by the end of the month before sending them out to where they will be used to make the double sized quilts that are most needed by the Humanitarian Center. If you would like to send fabric send a message to me and I'll give you my address. To give you an idea of needed fabric I am cutting blocks 10" x 10" and sewing blocks from four 5 1/2" square pieces. Thanks for your help!

Crafting for Good

2010-01-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

******For every Embroidery Item sold on my etsy site I will take 20% to go towards supplies for an LDS.org Humanitarian Project-Buying fabric and cutting squares for quilts that are in great need.****

2009-08-06T16:26:00.003-06:00

"can you describe the ruckus?" - The Breakfast Club

john hughes montage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOkNIUw0c2s

Alarm Clock

2009-04-28T01:18:00.002-06:00

Eli: "Mommy, wake up."
Me: "Why are you up so early?"
Eli: "The sun is up."

Easter

2009-04-11T17:39:00.001-06:00

Christ in a Red Robe
Minerva Teichert (1889-1976)

Oil on canvas, 1948

Let it snow, Let is snow, Let it snow & it did!

2009-04-11T17:20:00.007-06:00

Here are some picture of the Blizzard we had around the end of March, it was quite stunning and beautiful.

New Shop

2009-03-22T22:13:00.001-06:00

I started a new etsy shop roadstop.etsy.com here are a few examples of newer work

Mini Van Mama

2009-02-16T19:18:00.002-07:00

It's official I'm a Mini Van Mama!
I actually really like it even though I'll never look cool rocking out in the car again :)
Thanks to those who helped it happen.

Hearts

2009-02-16T10:57:00.004-07:00

The kids painted and then we collage cardboard hearts to give to friends and family.

British Invasion

2009-02-11T21:20:00.002-07:00

Great British Actors on American TV

Hugh Laurie

Kevin McKidd

Tim Roth

Damian Lewis

Minnie Driver and Eddie Izzard

Rufus Sewell

Sophia Myles

New Series 'Circles'

2009-01-29T16:01:00.008-07:00

I've been working on a new series of embroidered work, here are some examples. More to come!
They are also featured on my flickr site.

Like a Flower Bending Towards the Sun

2009-01-23T23:02:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T16:33:00.001-07:00

tis' the season to be jolly

2008-12-13T21:53:00.004-07:00

Christmas is in the the air here and I've got the pictures to prove it!

Giveaway popularity

2008-11-17T16:08:00.004-07:00

I have seen several blogging giveaways lately and think it is a great idea.
So I have decided to do one myself. I would like to pick randomly from comment makers a chance to win a set of handmade cards, nothing fancy, but a chance to get a little something to make the season bright.
Once the winner is chosen we'll email for address info. Nov 21st midnight deadline

AND THE WINNER IS DEB!

First Snow

2008-11-14T12:31:00.004-07:00

Our Countdown to Snow

Etsy Mud Team MUG SWAP

2008-11-08T15:31:00.005-07:00

So one of the cool things about being part of the Etsy Mud Team is taking part in the Mug Swap.
Here are pictures of the mug I sent and the mug I received.

Embroidery

2008-11-01T15:42:00.007-06:00

I've been experimenting with the art of embroidery. I guess it started with my grandmother teaching me to hand sew and mend-first pull about an arms length of thread off the spool make a knot or three stitches together to hold the thread in place, then you are ready to go.
I remember as a teenager sewing random patches and then buttons and cleverly disguising holes with decorative stitches and ribbons.
In the last year or so I've started collecting hoops and 'painting' with thread. Here are some examples.

at it again

2008-10-27T20:37:00.005-06:00

I had planned on keeping updated on my blog since I'm always willing to share my thought and doings.
Right now my focus is motherhood, sewing and my ceramic class.
I've been focusing on adding more to my etsy shop to display of my work, it's a lot of fun being part of the handmade movement. I'm trying my best to give handmade or second hand gifts this year for the holidays and I encourage you to do the same. It a great deal of fun to find just the right thing for those special people in your life and help the world by limiting consumption i.e. saving the earth!
I've had a blast keep track of an inspiring blogger, you might enjoy her blog too. I ordered the creative family book with great ideas of drawing closer as a family and sharing the the joys of discovery and art. http://www.soulemama.com

May you have many happy moments as fall begins. The changing of the leaves is a beautiful sight.

And did I mention my flickr site, it's my photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/artsyann/
If you want to see pics of the kids you have to sign up and get approved as a friend or family member for the safety of the children.

stuff going on

2008-09-18T18:32:00.006-06:00

Eli is in preschool, Isabelle is talking up a storm and Derek is still trucking along in law school and I am managing our etsy shops and we have a new line of magnets that are super fun in Derek's shop.
magneticpersonality.etsy.com and artsyann.etsy.com
We are starting to gear up for the holidays with cards and gifts.

2008-09-16T00:54:00.004-06:00

Albums that I have listened to more that 20 times in my life
and those who introduced them

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots-The Flaming Lips(Derek)
Moondance-Van Morrison(Jay)
Hot Rocks-The Rolling Stones(Jimmy)
3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the life of...-Arrested Development(Michael)
Too Many Good Songs to Pick from several albums-Ween(Eric)
Bossanova, Come on Pilgrim, Surfer Rosa, Trompe le Monde & Doolittle-The Pixies(Meg)
Last Splash-The Breeders(Meg)
Flood, Lincoln, Here come the ABCs&123s-They Might Be Giants(Kate)
Nothing's Shocking-Jane's Addiction(Meg)
Rush of Blood to the Head-Coldplay(Derek)
Trainspotting Soundtrack
The Day the Country Died-Subhumans(Meg)
Cheshire Cat & Dude Ranch-Blink 182(Sarah)
Perfect Teeth-Unrest(John)
Something to Write Home About-The Get Up Kids(Ben)
The Best of Simon & Garfunkle-(Bonner Springs Library)
Bob Dylan Greatest Hits
The Blue and Red Albums-The Beatles and the Doors, Procol Harem (Dad)
Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits(Matt)
Metallica-Metallica(Mtv)
The Good the Bad the Argyle-The Bouncing Souls(Tom)
BoogadaBoogdaBoogada-Screeching Weasel(Meg)
KongoShock(Wade)

that's all I can think of for now

if you're wondering I don't listen to a lot of these bands now, but I needed to make a record
for myself

My sister makes cool stuff happen aka event manager

2008-09-11T18:01:00.004-06:00

My sister played a major part in putting this great cd together. I'm sure the event will be great too, so if you happen to be in Delaware you should go!
http://www.winterthur.org/calendar/gardenfair_cd.asp?sub=gardenfair_cd

back to the swing of things

2008-09-04T02:56:00.003-06:00

We've been to almost both costs and a mid west trip. First to Utah's Bear Lake, a trip to my home state of Delaware and then to Kansas. And many fun trips to Gran and Pa's(Derek's folks). So that's why I've been so 'speechless' these last few months.
But as adventures unfold I'll try to post interesting tidbits to the blog universe.
I'm finally back to throwing pots after a three year break. It feels good to be back and I'm looking forward to some new projects and techniques I've never done before.
I've continued with my crafting and am now 'managing' Derek's online shop as well.
Eli starts preschool this month and Isabelle is growing not only in size but also increasing in brightness.

This is one great girl

2008-05-18T20:56:00.005-06:00

In the follow picture is me and my friend Melissa, she was my roommate in 1999 and was a great example to me as I first joined the church. Now it's many years later and we both have two cutie pies. This is the first time we've seen eachother in years and it was a joyous occation to catch up. So Melissa when you read this please know that I was so glad to see you again!

Robot Magnets at Comic Book Store

2008-04-25T16:59:00.004-06:00

This is totally cool, Derek's Magnetic Robots are currently being sold at Time Warp Comics in Boulder, CO. They also have an awesome collection of new and vintage comics. Not that I spend a ton of time in comic shops anymore (yes in high school I had been in a few) but I was impressed with not only the comic book collection but the toys and memorabilia. So check out www.time-warp.com and request the robot magnets if you are interested or just to see what they have to offer.

To all my PA friends

2008-04-22T03:02:00.001-06:00

Since I can't be there with you in Pennsylvania I hope you will take the oppertunity to vote Obama today!

day dreams

2008-04-12T15:14:00.003-06:00

So back in the day I used to throw pots and then skateboard, I still have clay on my Element board from skating right after class. Boy I want to throw a pot so bad, so what holding me up? Maybe it's fear of taking the risk of it not working out, anxiety about not remembering how to do it. Is it like riding a bike?
I'm not saying that I don't love my dear little ones, but I wonder if they suffer because their mom isn't developing her talents and just going through the motions. I really enjoy our little adventures. Hanging at Gran and Pa's in the forest, walks around this town, crafts and music time. Have I said too much yet?
So how do I create my own adventures without neglecting my family? These are the many questions I ask myself. The mountain are right there and I don't even know what to do with them.
Ramble Ramble Ramble

So to end this post I encourage all of you to keep your dreams alive even if you have to wait a while to make it happen while working on the greates job ever, mommyhood!

more photos......why not

2008-03-26T02:36:00.004-06:00

so yet another site where I reveal more about myself and my surrounds and my stuff.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artsyann/

One Year Ago

2008-03-19T01:33:00.006-06:00

so it's my sweet
little girl's first birthday!

This is me at one month and Isabelle at four.

The Old and the New

2008-03-13T22:07:00.008-06:00

So I was trying to think about my life soundtrack.
I thought listing the different bands I used to listen to and the ones I listen to now might be interesting, to me at least!

*= went to show

Old School

Operation Ivy
Pixies
Dead Kennedys
The Beatles
They Might Be Giants*
Frank Black*
Bouncing Souls*
Minor Threat
Nirvana
Fleetwood Mac
Subhumans*
Metallica
The Queers* my first show
Green Day
Screeching Weasel
Dead Milkmen
The Breeders
Citizen Fish*
Blink 182*
Kongo Shock*
The Rolling Stones*
The Misfits*
The Clash
Arrested Developement
Ween*
Cat Stevens
de la sul
Jane's Addiction
Train Spotting Soundtrack
Dave Matthews Band
Van Morrison
Retarded French Kiss(wade and chris version)*
Led Zepplin
Rollins Band*
Black Flag
NOFX

New School
After the Get Up Kids Show

Simon and Garfunkle
The Get Up Kids*
They Might Be Giants*
Coldplay
Selected Ween*
Dave Matthews Band
Rod Stewart*
Cat Stevens
The Rolling Stones*
The Breeders*
The Strokes
Raffi
New Amsterdams
Some Pixies
The Beatles
John Denver
The Flaming Lips
Bishop Allen song
Kimya Dawson

There's more but I can't think of them all

Update, I really like Coconut Records as of Jan 2009

Girl's Night Out

2008-03-09T01:07:00.002-07:00

The hubby and kids are down with his folks and I have spent the weekend alone. After getting stuff done on list, I went to the movies with my neighbor friend, she's more friend than neighbor. We saw Penelope which was a delightful film and then we hung out at her home. The best part was sharing a little bit about my beliefs about God and families. I was reinvigorated about spiritual things and feel a little closer to my Heavenly Father, so thanks friend for hanging out with me.

childhood friend

2008-03-03T21:51:00.004-07:00

This sweet little rabbit was made for me by dear Aunt Chris when I was a wee baby. I made Isabelle a similar one, I love that handmade has gone generation to generation.

Rec Center

2008-02-26T01:20:00.002-07:00

Ok, so I'm not one to actually exercise but I just joined the Rec Center through the college. It has a children's center that will have the children for two hours and Derek and I played racket ball, my first time. So I guess we had a date and the children had a fun time at the center. So I may get this baby fat off before summer, Isabelle turns one next month!

i'll do my best to stay away from junk food

Juno

2008-02-21T02:40:00.001-07:00

Did I mention that I really liked that Juno movie? Well it sure was super.

S.O.G.

2008-02-18T01:28:00.001-07:00

S.O.G. stands for Sweet Old Grandmother

My G-Mom has been such a great supporter in my life and can you believe it she's 91 years old! Boy I love that lady.

One of those question things

2008-02-17T20:34:00.002-07:00

Ok I don't usually do these sort of things but I'm bored so there:

The official rules: After you read mine, copy and paste the list into your comment and replace my answers with yours...AS YOU WOULD HAVE ANSWERED THEM AS A HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR. You only get ONE WORD to respond.

Your Shoes: chucks
Your Hair: shaved
Worst Fear: moving
The Gym: avoided
Your Greatest Talent: art
Your Parents: frustrating
Your Favorite Food: junk
Your Greatest Fault: anger
Your Friends: Courtney
The Opposite Sex: distracting
What You Want to Be In 10 Years: famous
Your Means of Transportation: friends
The Name of Your Current Crush: jeff
Your Grades: unacceptable
Something You Wish You Could Do: sing
Your Favorite Fast Food Chain: mcdonalds
Something Your Parents Won't Let You Do: nothing
How Many Boyfriends or Girlfriends You've Had: toomany
Someone Who Has a Crush On You: ?
Your Favorite Subject: ceramics
A Prized Possession: OperationIvyJacket
Something Your Parents Won't Let You Have: stability
A Favorite Celebrity of the Opposite Sex: HenryRollins
Your Wardrobe: punk
What You're Looking Forward To: leaving

PS High School was not a good time for me.

Great New Etsy Site

2008-02-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

We just started a new etsy site for Derek's work, check back often to see new work.
MagneticPersonality.etsy.com

Valentine's Day is Nice

2008-02-15T00:32:00.001-07:00

Not only did I get a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my dear husband, but I had fun decorating the house with construction paper hearts. All in all it was a day of love.

Sometimes I make stuff

2008-02-11T02:19:00.001-07:00

Sista

2008-02-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

I have making clutter down to a science

2008-02-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Proof

selling stuff

2008-01-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Check out my etsy site:
artsyann.etsy.com

2008-01-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

All Hail Alton Brown

Jimi knew what he was talking about

2008-01-18T23:11:00.001-07:00

Manic depression is touching my soul
I know what I want but I just dont know
How to, go about gettin it
Manic depression is a frustrating mess

2008-01-15T12:19:00.001-07:00

All about free clothes

2008-01-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

So I realized the other day that everything I was wearing was given to me or selected from the free table in the laundry rooms in our complex. I was completely happy with this fact and can't wait to see what's waiting for me the next time I do laundry, which I should do more often.

Alternatives

2008-01-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

These are my alternatives to cursing

Holy Moly
Oh My Goodness Gracious
Dang It
What the heck

Can't stop this fighting feeling

2008-01-04T02:21:00.001-07:00

So I've entered into the blog world and my goal is to not reveal too much as I have a tendency to do so.