Mollys Muses

WEIRD totally weird

2012-02-13T13:01:00.000-05:00

Mt 17th book along my journey of 52 books in a year was recommended by a friend. WEIRD is the title.
It's always "weird" to me when I am just finishing a book or looking at a piece of art and it feels like I just experienced a real time life experience to it.
The book WEIRD is all about making the unordinary or choices that the masses may consider "WEIRD," but are really the best choices in the long run for fulfillment, joy, happiness and even trying to be more Christ like.
Choices like living in a less expensive home or having less "stuff," so that you dont have extra stress over being in debt or even better so you have more to give at the end of the month.
We have been in the process of moving from a gated community back into town. The loan process has been a hassle (we took a government loan) So I have not been able to read as much as I was, ironically I finished the book the night before our small life group came to help us unload our items into our new fixer upper house.
I LOVE this new house that we will close on tomorrow. It's a dream for me, in a dreamy kitsch neighborhood with sidewalks, neighbors and a mailbox on the front porch. Quite lovely. But too many people the idea of moving out of a "gated" community with a house that is already remodeled and everyone settled in, is weird. I say if it's weird, weird is what I want to be.
I hope my kids grow up embracing this love of a crazy weird desires and choose these paths less taken.
Thanks for an amazing read and for inspiring me Craig Groeschel.

How To Make a Pinwheel for Brownies Girl Scout Promise

2012-01-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

Last night I started a local Brownie troop with my 2nd grade daughter, I was really excited and a little nervous. I wanted to do something fun with them at their first meeting. And I wanted them to hear the Girl Scout Promise. So I chose to do our first project on that.
I chose a pinwheel with 4 points because there are 4 lines in the promise.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Card stock cut to a square size, we did 8x8
pencils crayons
scissors
ribbon
brads
tape

The first thing I did was let the girls color the BACKSIDE of the paper, at this point it doesn't really matter because they are both blank but remind them that this will be the back. The back is also the design that will fold forward and give some color.

Next on the plain size we drew a line from corner to corner both ways in light pencil

(This leaves you with 4 large triangles on the paper)

Then on each side make a small mark, this shows the "half way point of each side"

THIS IS IMPORTANT because the girls will only write their promise on one half since the pinwheel will fold and cover up the other half.

Next, use scissors and cut on the diagonal lines

DO not go all the way to the center or you will end up with a broken pinwheel, I cut them about 1 inch short of the center

Take your scissors (I suggest an adult do this part) Make a small whole in the center and a small whole where the blank point are (this is to accommodate the brads)

I put the girls in pairs, to share in making each others one at a time. One girl held the brad, poking it through the whole while her partner curved the next edge in for her to put the brad through.

After all 4 points, put the brad through the center whole and wa la.

I decided to use ribbon on the back instead of a stick.

Add ribbon to the center and the also to the side, so that the pinwheel will lye flat.

Now the girls can hang these on their walls or closet door and practice the promise.

They really enjoyed it:)

ShadowChild meditation on love and loss

2012-01-11T20:56:00.000-05:00

"Missing word. A woman who lives longer than her husband is called a widow; a man without his wife, a widower. A child without parents is an orphan. But what do you call the mother and the father of a child who has died?"
My 17th book in my 52 book in a year is ShadowChild, written by, P.F. Thomese.
What to say as a review of a book that is clearly an outpouring of love and loss.
This book is incredibly sad.
The style in which this book is written is beautiful and meditative.
I volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, I know parents who have lost children and have experienced it near them even in that moment. This book touched me deeply. Written by a man, the father, of a child who has passed has left me realizing even more clearly that no matter how much we try to help someone, we can never truly experience or come close to realize their own pain.

Tattoos on The Heart Book Review

2012-01-03T17:53:00.001-05:00

I just finished my 16th book for 52 books in a year and I have to say
"Tattoos on the Heart," did not disappoint. This nonfiction book is written by Jesuit priest, Gregory Boyle and founder of Homeboy Industries.
This is not a religious book by any means. It is a straight up collection of short stories, many about short lives that leave a big impact behind. I am so intrigued by the real language of Gregory Boyle, that I so so want to hear him speak in person now. He comes across as the kind of man everyone needs at some point and he is passionate and driven through his calling by God to be that man for everyone he meets that needs him. I don't think many people can say the same.
Homeboy Industries is the background for this book where there motto is Jobs not Jails. A place formed out of need for gang bangers that would be unemployable other places because of their records, lack of education and in many cases bodies (including faces) covered in offensive tattoos. Homeboy Industries is a place that employs men and women from rival gangs and it works. WHO would have ever guessed a system like that could even be pitched to a listening ear with funding, let alone get off the ground and be successful? Inspiring to say the least.

Check it out of your library today and see for yourself that we only limit ourselves with our ability to help others....

By the way I did read my 15th book A Web of Air. It was nice, but my 16th book is the focus on my mind and heart right now.

Christmas cards Everywhere? Dont throw them away

2011-12-29T18:01:00.000-05:00

My blog has been abandoned while the holiday rush for my 2 etsy shops took priority and I actually did have a holiday rush this year, thanks to wonderful people like you, who are mindful spenders and not big box made in China yuppies:) But this post is not about that:)
If you have Holiday cards from this year or like myself boxes of them from the past that you cant justify throwing away and yet don't know what the HECK to do with them. Never fear, Kerri is here:)
Kerri, creator and owner of TheRehatchery upcycles and repurposes a lot of lovely items and she is generous enough to share a step by step tutorial with you on how to turn these cards into purposeful, beautiful modern looking ornaments. Didn't get any cards or love the final project and don't wanna make one? That's okay, Kerri has several available and can make more to order:)

Upcycled Geometric Christmas Card Ornaments

" I love making these lovely little ornaments! It is fairly time intensive, but very fun! I can’t wait to show my little one how to make them when he gets older.
This is a traditional paper craft that I myself found out there on the interweb. I have modified it slightly using a few different materials. "

List of Materials

2-3 vintage/used holiday cards(can be other cards if you want to do valentine decor, etc.)
Napkin ring or small circular item to trace your circles- 1”-2” diameter range works best to start
(you can also use a circular paper punch, but I find it easier to choose the area that I want cut out with scissors)
pencil
retractable razor blade (I have one with breakaway blades)
small button
hemp twine(any sturdy string/ribbon will work, needs to be able to thread through the button)
Mod Podge (any kind works, the paper mod podge is nice however)
piece of card stock(can be from a cereal box, etc.-as long as it will cut easily)
small flat paint brush for applying craft glue
ruler
sharp scissors
5-6 small binder clips (I use 3/4” size, they work nicely)
small amount of water for rinsing brush
protractor(not pictured)

First, you need to trace out your circles on the back side of your cards. You will need 20 pieces total.

Then, begin cutting! This only takes a few minutes, but be sure to cut them as precisely as possible.

(little ones may need help with this part) I love to turn them over when I’m done and see how different the image looks all cut up.

Next, we want to make a triangle that fits perfectly inside your circle.

Take your protractor and measure the radius of the circle size you’re using. Draw a circle on the card stock and measure it to make sure it matches as closely as possible. Then, place the protractor point on the outside of the circle and mark the radius on the on each side. Move the point to one of the points you just marked, and do the same thing again on the unmarked side. Do this once more on the point you just made. Now, you should be able to see 3 points that are equidistant from one another. Take your ruler and connect the points. You have your triangle!

(I know this is simple geometry, but as I don’t store that information in my brain my husband had to help me out here)

Cut out your triangle as precisely as possible with the blade, and you are ready to score!

Now, it’s time to get messy! If anyone knows of a nice neat way to do this part, please let me know! Get out your mod podge, clips, water and brush. Begin gluing one of the 5-piece circles carefully together in the pattern you laid out, using just enough glue to stick each piece together without it squishing out everywhere. I also keep a rag on hand for wiping my hands as I work.

Place a binder clip on each tab after you put them together. When I’m working quickly, I only use two and move them down as I work-after about 30 seconds or so it should be safe to remove the clips, as the pieces should be bonded securely enough to hold(if you are using card stock with any plastic coating, this could take considerably longer).

After you have 4 pieces glued, insert your hanging loop into the middle and glue on the last piece one tab at a time. This can be tricky, just remember that you have a set amount of time to fiddle with it before the glue bonds! Use your clips and make sure the loop is nice and secure. You have your top piece!

Now, glue the 10 pieces together in the pattern you laid out. Then, affix the last piece to the first and make a circle. You have your middle!

Carefully spread glue on the tabs of the top piece, and place on top of your middle piece.

(note-you will get some mod podge on the outside of your ornament. Luckily, it dries nice and clear and is very hard to see, and the larger globs will pick right off anyway)

Now, make the bottom with your last 5 pieces, and carefully join just as you did the top piece. Wha la!

Hang to dry for at least 2 hours, and then you are ready to enjoy!

I am always amazed and surprised at how these turn out-often they look even better than I thought they would!

-Kerri <3

If you try this project we would LOVE to hear about it or any questions that you have:)

Happy Hump Day You guys made mine Happier

2011-11-30T15:14:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU to some team members for featuring me, here is a back at ya:)

This lovely collection from classicbynature the front page today:)

Railroad Abandoned Building

I of course LOVE this pillow classicbynature makes in a variety of colors!

Camera Pillow Cover

And Bobbi Lewin created this rustic collection with my vintage shop included

I MAY or MAY not have bought this as a Christmas gift this year for someone I love;)

Bobbi Lewin Brooches

THANKS LADIES love being part of the handmade movement;)

Thanks XOXO for featuring my Photography

2011-11-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I featured some lovely people who included my vintage shops in collections that were front page of etsy. TODAY I am blessed and want to thank some people who have featured my photography in stunning collections that went on the front page and share some of their work with you:)

JessaMaePhoto created this amazing MAN treasury and included my train print:)

Antique Train Print

I love fellow photographer JessaMae's style

Acoustic Guitar Print

littlebrownpen also created a fabulously MANLY collection with my train print included

Antique Train Print

Totally enjoy this calendar set from littlebrownpen AND its on sale CYBERMONDAY:)

2012 Paris Calender Set

AdorableLittleMe created this fun textural collection with my little ballerina's print

Little Ballerinas Print

And I think these are totally adorable for any little girl this time of year

Christmas Snow - Vintage Style Hair Pins perfect Stocking Stuffer

THANKS ladies, you all have amazing talent for putting together lovely collections:)

Many Many Thanks Belated to you All

2011-11-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed and thankful that I have had my vintage treasures featured on the front page of etsy more than I could have ever hoped for. I am behind in thanking the wonderful people who curated such stunning collections, that I was included. I'm gonna show you the collections and something from each of their shops, check them out. A lot of etsy shops are having cyber monday sales:)

Thanks Tarragon Vintage for this lovely collection:)

She included my INSTANT Vintage Kitchen Utensil Collection

Tarragon Vintage Vintage Candle Clips for Christmas

(on sale now)

Next MetanaPress who is a teammie of mine and from Pennsylvania.

She included my Vintage Polaroid Land Camera

Broken Telephone Print (free shipping)

ObjectsDearT created this list, we are on a vintage team together:)

She included my vintage embroidery which sold here is a different available embroidery

Vintage Bottle Brush Trees Turquoise and Pink

Next TNTeees another teammie created a lovely page:)

She included my cookie press (sold) BUT this one is available

She makes all recycled, up cycled, re purposed pieces that are Eco friendly and this gift pack is so cool.

Gift set reusable Produce bags

Heather from SunnyLeeStudios also a teammie made this lovely front page

featuring my vintage felt ornaments

She created amazing artwork she is offering FREE SHIPPING all original paintings

Snowflake Painting watercolor (FREE shipping)

And from CretaivityisMessy a teammie who has been on my blog before

My vintage felt ornaments

Anybody with a GNOMEO and Juliet fan? This is adorable

Tiny Terrarium Necklace (I own one with eggs) THEY ARE ON SALE

And Meg from RedandMain who has also been on my blog before

She included my marching band vintage stuffed animal

We bought a Bigfoot from her for my motherinlaws birthday. Isn't this SO cute?

Snowman and Gingerbread Man sculpture

There were some other LOVELY front pages that I am equally thankful for but I am unable to get a screenshot for some reason:) THANK YOU EVERYONE.

I hope my blog readers will check out some of these lovely shops and take them up on their

CYBER MONDAY SALE~

Book review The Kite Runner

2011-11-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

My 14th book in my 52 books in a year project was AMAZING. The Kite Runner, written by:
Khaled Hosseini. I saw the movie years ago, and honestly I can say that the book was so amazing I don't even have a way to compare it to the movie I also enjoyed.
The Kite Runner was recommended to be my a friend.
I know there are parts of this book that will stick with me forever. The backdrop is Afghanistan before 9/11 when it was a happy time and then when the Taliban comes in and it is anything but happy.
I think beyond the beauty of the writing and the characters with such amazing personalities, the depth of humanity that deals with guilt, fear, acceptance and forgiveness are something that can resonate with almost any human I know.
I completely recommend this book.
It took me a week and a half because although it was a book I didn't want to put down, sometimes I had to because the emotions were intense and I wanted to think about it.
Definitely check it out. And then check out the movie:)

But definitely read the book first:)

Blessing for Colleen Please Read

2011-11-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving. We all have something to be thankful. This year I know of a beautiful woman who is thankful to be alive. I am asking you in this post to GIVE, give, give:)
An easy site has been set up chipin.com which allows you to give through paypal.
They charge no fees to use their site:)
Check the left side of my post for the WIDGET to go over and donate now.

I feel called by God to start a fundraiser for this vibrant couple for the cost of fighting the good fight and making a recovery. You can read more about her passionate life, the accident and the road to recovery here.
Colleen also has a blog that she is keeping her days posted on as she is able.

Gift Registry for Weddings, Birthdays, Christmas and More

2011-11-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

When I awoke this morning I realized something special was missing from my blog here. I am going to create a gift registry for you this week. My plan is to have a very easy way for you to mark things that you like in my photography or vintage shop and then they will be displayed together on a Registry Page.

Apple Tree Fine Art Photograph

This is a wonderful way for new couple's to start and art collection as well as be able to create a home with character if you love vintage and don't want you new place to look like the walmart truck just dumped in the living room,
So stay tuned.
If you are getting married and this sounds fun, a few of the first people to use it will even get a special:)
So message me or comment on the blog below.
If you are a blogger and would be interested in sharing my registry when it is up and running, please let me know.
This will be a new exciting step into helping people buy local-handmade and keeping more money in the local economy:)
Enjoy your weekend.

Book Review Flirting with Faith by Joan Ball

2011-11-10T14:44:00.000-05:00

Cant believe I have made it to my 13th book in my 52 books in a year project. The book I just finished, Flirting with Faith, written by Joan Ball, I am upon by accident. Our local bookstore was shutting down, I liked the cover and it was 90% off so I picked it up.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book from the start because the writers own voice about her spiritual journey is so raw and real and I could instantly relate to her.
This quote in chapter one really hooked me, "In my view people who embraced God and religion were emotionally, physically, or intellectually weak and unable to carry themselves through life on their own." If I were to meet a person today that spoke these words to me, I would tell them they are absolutely right. It might catch them off guard. But I think what she may have been mocking at the time is something that many believers struggle to believe in handing their lives over to the Lord.
We are not made to do it all emotionally, physically or intentionally on our own, even though even the most grown Christian will still try to at times, only to find the outcome not what they had hoped.

Inspirational Christian Wall Art

Joan Ball experienced a conversion without outwardly asking for it, she says. But, she was sitting in a church pew, so part of me believes that God knew deep inside she knew she wanted God, but was too proud to admit it. This story of completely letting go, following God and listening and submitting to his will for her life is really inspiring and I recommend it.
In a small group the day I had started the book someone referred to when a person decides to live a Christ Centered life, it is like jumping out of a plane and free falling, no turning back. I had never heard that before and yet would you believe at the end of Joan's book there is a reference to her and her husband sky diving NUDE in their following of God's plan. It was that wild of a journey and she was that willing to listen.
If God came to you today and said, quit your job, give up your fancy house and follow me down this less than "picture perfect" trail. Would you follow?
Something new in the world are BOOK TRAILERS. Pretty Cool. SO I shall share Flirting with Faith's

Are you searching your heart, trying to decide if you need God in your life and Jesus in your heart?
Speak to a friend, a pastor or message me. I am no expert but I can tell you what my journey has been like and what having the Lord in my life has done for me:)

Fade Into You-Mazzy Star

2011-11-04T12:38:00.000-04:00

FADE IN TO YOU- Mazzy Star
Featuring this for an old friend today:)

Lyrics | Mazzy Star lyrics - Fade Into You lyricsI want to hold the hand inside you
I want to take a breath that's true
I look to you and I see nothing
I look to you to see the truth
You live your life
You go in shadows
You'll come apart and you'll go black
Some kind of night into your darkness
Colors your eyes with what's not there.

Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you
I think its strange you never knew

A stranger's light comes on slowly
A stranger's heart without a home
You put your hands into your head
And then it's smiles cover your heart

Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you

I think its strange you never knew
I think its strange you never knew

Look what I won from a Blog:)

2011-11-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

As you know if you follow my blog, I am trying to read 52 books in a year. That is my personal 365 project. So imagine the excitement when I won a blog giveaway from The Nostalgic Librarian.
The 2 books that I received are BRAND NEW and by new I mean not only have they not been touched, they are FRESHLY written.
Thank you so much Adrianna.
We share a comment interest also in our love of vintage and she has a great vintage shop on etsy.

Look how cute, she even sent me a little handmade ring with a vintage style that is adjustable which I think I will be giving my daughter who is a total fashionista:)
And alas I find to my surprise something else we have in common, on her blog today, Adrianna has the Ford Edsel. I have a popular photograph of this classic lemon car in my shop. Check out her blog and shop:) Thanks Adrianna.

Ford Edsel photograph

I think Adrianna has inspired me to do a giveaway soon with books Paying It Forward.

FINGER food for Young ghouls and boys

2011-10-31T16:27:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to be the homeroom mom of my son's 5th grade this year. Where we live, middle school starts in 6th grade, so this is his last year of classroom parties:(
But I got together with a few other homeroom moms with 5th grade students and we came up with some fun plans.
Did someone order finger food?

So easy to make, another mom shared this "healthy" treat with me. Simply buy the string cheese. I cut mine in half for shorter stubby fingers (and to save money) but you can leave them full length, then with a knife I sliced bell pepper for the finger nail and used a dash of cream cheese to stick it. The kids ALL wanted one on their plates. And most couldn't finish it all with the other treats, so I think cutting the fingers in half was a wise choice.

Someones watching YOU

Another fantastic idea from a brainstorming mom, this was a GOODIE snack, the "unhealthy one," so to speak. Start with the small round powdered sugar donuts. I waited until the last minute so I didn't get a chance to "shop" Make sure you get donuts with nice HOLES in the middle, mine didn't have hardly a hole so it made it more difficult. Next put a gummy lifesaver in the middle where the whole is for the iris. Invert a chocolate chip for the pupil, a little red eye and your done!

Also on the menu were Broken Bones... Bummed I did not get a photo but these were SO DELISH and easy you will get the idea.
A bag of skinny pretzel sticks, a bag of mini marshmallows and some white melting chocolate discs
(I bought a pound)
You can get the kids involved in this part. Add mini marshmallows to the ends of each pretzel.
Heat your chocolate in the micro for 30 seconds and stir. Make sure you stir because chocolate can hold it shape and you don't want to burn it. Then heat again for about 30 seconds.
Stir until the bumps are out.
I did 4 pretzels at a time in the bowl with a spoon completely covering the pretzels and marshmallows in chocolate. Lay them on saran wrap. I put 2 together like cross bones. They dry quick and lift up easily!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Wanna share your favorite FINGER food on the comments below? PLEASE

Book review The Happiness Project

2011-10-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

The Happiness Project is my 12th book in my challenge of 52 books in a year. I like this book written
by: Gretchen Rubin. This book is a self journey rather than self help and it follows the simple formula of a new thought or chapter for each month of the year.
I checked the book out at the library last summer, but quickly realized I would want to spend a little more time with it and so I bought it this fall. But once again, I put myself under the gun. I really wanted to start a book club with interesting women that have a great time with conversation. Because I wanted to read this I suggested it as the first book. I have to say, personally, I don't think it's a good "BOOK CLUB" book. For one reason, in a book club, generally there is a month to read the book. With all of the good information in the book (remember the author took a year) it can be overwhelming if you actually want to learn, try or apply anything in the book. In the end no one completely finished but almost everyone said they will go back to it.
For me personally, I loved the first chapter on de-cluttering your life and I did start right in on that one. I would like to just take the book slowly perhaps as a year long read in the bathtub:)

Looking onto Fall

I have read most of it and I know there are good nuggets of information that could make some happiness sense in my life.
As far as a book review or a critique. The author wonders and asks several times if people will find her selfish, self obsessed or vain for taking a year to work on her own happiness.
I posed this question to the group. And everyone agreed yes. We are all mom's too and it is hard to spend a year feeling free to work on your own happiness.
HOWEVER, I admit that I don't see a problem with it at all. It's a double edged sword. The old saying
"if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy...," is sadly very true. In my house it is anyways.
So, with that in mind, I think husbands and children would be thrilled that MOM went out and made herself happier, free-er and more fun. Who wouldn't want that for someone they are around.
Hat's off Gretchen for taking a year to start and complete a project thoroughly. My friends and I all agreed that none of us would have read any of the research books that you did, BUT we got the benefits of the juicy points that you shared.
So I say, if you are feeling like you could be happier. Read it. You have nothing to lose:) Except maybe some junk you've been carrying around.

Thankyou LAccentNou and Tangente

2011-10-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

A big shout out of thanks to LAccentNou a lovely, organic jewelry designer from Spain. She created an amazing treasury featuring my frayed rock image. I love Anastasia's photography of her organic pieces and I first was introduced to her on the Indie Free Spirits Team.

Rock Hard and Frayed Rope

LAccentNou's pebble rings have always intrigued me. I would "rock it" all the time:)

Pebble Adjustable Ring

I also want to thank Tangente, an amazing clothing designer from Ottawa, Canada. Tangente says
"Tangente is a collection of eco friendly women’s clothing and accessories. Designed for the conscientious consumer, fabrics and trims incorporated into Tangente's collections include organic cotton, bamboo, ramie, tencel and vintage trims."
She created this amazing Equestrian style treasury that featured one of my vintage trays.

Vintage Trays

Tangente fashion photos are always fun, fresh and beautiful. I first became familiar with her etsy shop on The Treasury Tree team. I really LOVE all the greys and reds.

Fall fashion - Millie dress - belted short sleeve dress in eco friendly tencel - custom made

Check out both of their shops for amazing fashion for YOU or to start your holiday shopping:)

Book Review Heaven is For Real and a Story

2011-10-23T11:04:00.001-04:00

I just finished my 11th book in 52 books in a year and I am happy to say that I really enjoyed,
"Heaven is for Real," written by, Todd Burpo.
Sometimes my mind gets blown at the coincidental or NOT so coincidental timing of things being put in front of you.
The timing of this book was no more than the fact that my mom's friend gave it to her and told her to have me read it. It is a quick and easy read, but I took the full week to really enjoy it. Told through a parent's eyes witnessing his preschoolers accounts of going to Heaven was super sweet. And there is a particular part of the book which I will not ruin for you that made what happened next in my life more special.
As fate would have it I coordinated a balloon release for this Friday the day after I finished the book. The balloon release was in memory of babies who were stillborn or miscarried. This is something near and dear to my heart as a volunteer photographer and area coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

27 balloons were let go that night in a small circle of new friends. The weather had been cold which is not good for helium and it had been rainy, I was worried would they go up, BUT after reading the book I knew in my heart that the angel babies knew balloons were in their honor the minute we showed up. They didn't literally have to fly miles and miles high.

It struck me as beautiful that even though we did not have balloons tied down together some of them connected and flew off together, Including this family of 3 balloons that never let go of one another.

This particular image really struck me, flying high above the trees, it looks free and shining.

Because I am a Christ follower this book was not hard for me to believe and I felt like it was a sweet treat to see a glimpse of heaven through a child's memories. If I weren't Christ follower and read it, I think I would still be very intrigued at the possibilities.

Very nice book.

Thank You 2 times Ladies

2011-10-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

I have to shout out thankyou's to team members who recently created gorgeous Etsy Front Page Treasuries that I was flattered to be included in.
First I wanna SHOUT OUT to Kerri owner of the shop InMyIgloo for creating this front page.

Apple Tree Vintage Style Photograph

Kerri has really cool vintage items for sale in her shop, one of my favorites is:

Vintage Brownie Camera

Next I want to thank, la biblioteca's , for creating a treasury that is rustically stunning!

Antique Barn fine art photo with Sepia Tone

She also runs a vintage shop and one of my favorite items is:

Vintage Hardy Boys First Edition

Check out there shops.... thanks friends and teammies:)

Boook Review Gourmet Rhapsody

2011-10-12T15:17:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery.
This book is the 10th in my 52 book in a year challenge to myself and this is and probably will be the shortest review I can write.

This book is beautifully written and utterly boring.

That's all.

Tres Originale Thursday Welcomes Kendra of PMandD

2011-10-06T10:04:00.000-04:00

A big Tres Originale Thursday welcome to Kendra of PMandD. Halloween being right around the corner and the timing of this feature are no coincidence. I actually found Kendra on etsy while I was searching for handmade grinch costumes for my little girl.

Seuss Inspired Prosthetic Nose (Green)

Kendra is a makeup artist for the theater and she creates her own amazing life casts and prosthetics.
She is also generous there will be a coupon code at the end:)
I am completely fascinated with your work, HOW long have you been an artist?
I've been an artist for as long as I can remember in one way or another. There was a lot of creativity in the house. Whether it be music, dance, theater, puppetry, my parents have always been (and still are) very supportive.

Prosthetic Panda Nose

With a major in theater what type of genres most inspire you and attract you to be a part of?
When I first became a theater major I had an emphasis in acting, and as an actor I was most attracted to contemporary pieces of work. But as an audience member, musicals pull me in and they will always have a special place in my heart. There's something magical about the pure suspension of disbelief that thrills me, and takes me back to a simpler time.

2 Little Monster Prosthetics

How did you discover your medium and what about it drives your passion to continue making with it? During the first semester of makeup class I found my calling, with a little help from an amazing makeup teacher, ended up falling in love with makeup.
I took every makeup class they had to offer, and even developed a few of my own classes and was the first at my school to emphasis in Makeup Design. Faces fascinate me, in a way I can't quite explain. And makeup, especially prosthetic makeup allows me to alter the face in anything imaginable.
I view makeup as creating art on a three dimensional canvas.

When did you decide to pursue it full time?I had taken some time off from creating and had a "real" job, but when I saw my brothers (who are puppeteers) build and perform puppets for the Pee-Wee Herman Show down in LA a few winters back, I had a bit of a wake up call. I asked myself what I was doing? Theater is my passion and drives me, and at that moment I decided to stop everything and get back into it. But to put it simply, what drives my passion is that I just really love what I do.

Seuss Inspired Prosthetic Nose

Is Etsy the main place that you market your work? Where else do you share, have you been published? I would say Etsy is were I receive the majority of my business, but I have sold pieces to a little shop called Costumes on Haight, located in San Francisco. And I say "little" with a bit of a wink. I’ve also been referred to by Costumes, and Kryloan Professional Makeup for a few gigs here and there. Otherwise I have my own Blog which I've gotten some business from. Not to mention people have seen my work on stage. Word of mouth is a huge marketing point. I have found that every encounter is an opportunity to open new doors.

Are you currently making faces for a theater? Which one?
Well I just closed Wizard of Oz, my next theater project is with Youth Musical Theater Company instructing an intensive theater makeup workshop.
Whats the biggest mistake you have made as an artist?Working without a contract, for sure. I have a hard time asking for money, and not having a contract just makes it all the more difficult.

If there was one production you could do the makeup for, what would it be and why?Cabaret for sure. It is my all time favorite musical, and may very well be my favorite piece of theatre. Aside from specializing in prosthetic makeup, lending itself to be more cartoony, on the very opposite end of the spectrum I also specialize in casualty makeup. On a pure visual note I love the seedy, gritty quality of the Kit Kat Klub which would make for some really amazing character designs. Otherwise I love the message of acceptance, during a time where acceptance was becoming the thing of the past.
If there were one actor you could put your prosthetics on who would it be, which character and why? The obvious choice would be Jim Carry, but my honest choice would be my boyfriend, as the March Hare, simply because he would be amazing...and super cute
Kendra has a lot of pieces ready to go for the PERFECT Halloween costume this year and she also offers custom designs.
She will give you 10% off if you use the code : scream

Seuss Inspired Female Prosthetic Nose

Book Review The Self Compassion Diet by Jean Fain

2011-10-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

Natural Heart #1

I can't believe I have already finished my 9th book for my 52 books in a year- my own 365 project.
By the way I didn't start in January or I would be way behind.
I am happy to share this book, The Self-Compassion Diet with you because as someone who has been trying to get healthy for the past year, I found this to be a break and a refreshing experience to all of the normal DIEt mumbo jumbo.
The self compassion diet, is not a book about what to eat or how much to eat.
This is a book that really focuses on a person taking the time to look within. Taking the time to actually pay attention to your body, your mood and actually taking time to breathe.
Imagine that, so many of us really do need to be reminded to breathe.
I enjoyed this book a lot because I am interested in the power of the mind. Self hypnosis is a new concept to me and sounds very new age but like meditation, it really is not. And the idea that there are ways of becoming healthier without spending my whole life always being on a diet and worrying about everything that goes into my mouth, seems pretty wonderful at this point, since I feel like I have been on one or worried off an on for 25+ years.
The self compassion diet is a great book to read in any order that you want, so that also make it an easy book to go back to and read certain ideas or thoughts again.
I also think that from reading this book and watching a wonderful documentary called How To Cook Your Life, that I want to learn how to "really cook;"

You may find this trailer wacky and crazy and IT IS. But at the heart of it, is the thought that what we put in- we get out and that is true with everything in life, cooking, dieting and literally EATING:)

Tres Originale Thursday Welcomes Alisha from FairyTaleJubilee

2011-09-29T09:33:00.000-04:00

It is almost the beginning of October and I am SO happy to welcome Alisha, recent designer for a spread in Parenting Magazine... this is an awesome chance for all of you with little girls who want to dress up for Halloween, a birthday party, pageant of just BECAUSE ITS FUN to get to know to designer.
FairyTaleJubilee caught my eye on etsy at first because of the very fun photographs. But a closer look at the items and you will see the details and materials are equally stunning.
Without further ado, welcome Alisha:)

SWAN PRINCESS featured in October Parenting Magazine

On the profile of her etsy shop it says:

A story is told that daily at dusk there's held a Fairytale Jubilee.
The location is known only as: beneath the pink feathered Juniper Tree.
Anyone can attend for pure jubilation, so the story goes.
As long as they're dressed in "Fairytale" from their head down to their toes.
So.....what will you wear to the Jubilee?

Are you the only person that designs and creates for FairytaleJubilee?
Fairytale Jubilee is my business :-) I am the designer and I do headband construction as well. I have a very talented lady, Patricia Roper, who sews my designs. Also, my twin sister just started helping me with designs and the headbands! She's AMAZINGLY creative :-) We're very good together, because she's everything I'm not and I'm everything she's not - does that make sense? She's bossy as all get out, lol. She's only three minutes older than me, but she owns it!

Mad Hatter Inspired Dress

It's pretty exciting stuff to get published, especially to have such an interest that the magazine wants to do an entire SPREAD on your work, Can you share with us, how this happened?

I was just featured in the October issue of Parenting Magazine, Early Years and School Years. The style editor, Sabrina James, found me on Etsy. She actually had contacted me about sending some of my costumes for the inside of the magazine, and then something happened and last minute I was asked to design a dress for Stella, Tori Spelling's daughter, to wear as Shirley Temple for the cover. I was trying to act so professional while Sabrina was asking me to design it over the phone, but all I wanted to do was run screaming the good news to my husband and family. It wasn't until a while later that I found out my Tight Rope Walker dress was going to make the cover of the School Years issue of Parenting. You can find the Early Years issue currently, but I don't think the School Years has hit news stands yet.

Tight Rope Walker Featured on cover of Parenting Magazine

Personally, I don't find it surprising that a magazine would find Alisha's shop magazine worthy and ready. Looking at the photographs in her shop- the sets and fun that is taking place with each new costume- the PASSION comes out. I know I personally just wish I could be there to participate in one of these fashion shoot events:)

Whats the biggest mistake you have ever made?
Honestly, I make what most would consider a "mistake" all the time, but even as a child I always felt that a mistake seemed to really just lead to a better idea. I never get upset over things like that, because the process you go through to fix a mistake has ALWAYS led to something even more magnificent that you wouldn't have came up with had it not happened.

That is a nugget of magical wisdom I hope other creatives reading this will remember....

These creations are so amazing, have you designed for the stage or pageants?
I have never designed for the stage, but wouldn't that be fun! I just designed my first piece for a little girl to wear in a pageant. She was in the middle of undergoing two brain surgeries while we were making her dress. I hear that she is recovering wonderfully. Her pageant is going to be this October, so I can't wait to hear how she does. Then I just sent a dress to the infamous Mackenzie Myers from Toddlers and Tiaras. She was wearing her dress to an interview on the new Anderson Cooper Talk Show.

Ooh La La Headpiece

PS I think this is one of my FAVORITE all time baby photographs:) total magic

FairytaleJubilee is definitely running a buzz right now and I can see a big future, where do you see FairytaleJubilee in 5 years? I see a book and a complete costume line, plus more that I won't mention at the fear of sounding presumptuous. The good Lord blesses us all with talents, and mine is ideas. I just have so many I think it would take several different kinds of media to get them all out there. If I don't accomplish all of my goals - that's okay. I just feel that if we don't set goals how will we ever know what to reach for?

Fairytale Jubilee began upon closing a gift shop and children’s event business that I ran for 6 years. I still had the desire to create my own line with that couture edge. When designing, I always keep in mind that the look I’m shooting for is that of an attendance to the “Fairytale Jubilee”. A supposed, keep in mind, make-believe event that is held daily where everyone must dress in “fairytale” from their head down to their toes. In my mind it is the most elaborate event with only the most couture of costumes, the most pleasant guests of all varieties (rabbits, birds, fairies, etc.), and the most fabulous fairytale decor one could ever imagine. That is why I ask, “What will you wear to the Jubilee?” Don’t know? Let me design it for you - It’s my specialty!!!
I would like to mention that we cannot be held responsible for the magic that takes place while wearing our costumes or headpieces, they are after all straight from the pixie's wardrobe. Warning: Our fairytale items have been known to cause kissing of frogs, uncontrollable twirling, prolonged stares into magic mirrors, and, on some occasions, deep sleep. If the latter should occur, we recommend a kiss from daddy as a sure fire cure. Make every day a jubilee!
Visit my blog at www.fairytalejubilee.blogspot.com

My Promise this Holiday Season to you....

2011-09-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

This fall I am inspired to work harder than ever to create a fun holiday season of shopping for artwork in my photography shop- MollysMuses. I have always aspired to give my customers personal and exceptional customer service. This year I want to be even better, with my main focus on making YOU, possibly my newest collector, so happy that you will return and visit my shop again.

Vintage Bicycle Fine Art Print

Express and priority shipping will be available upon request and FREE gift wrapping will be available on all FRAMED purchases.

I am planning to launch a new line of items with my images that are very easy to give as gifts. They will be all handmade by me, not products made by another company with my images. Each piece will be made especially for you. I will be sharing these when the first are ready right here on my blog.

YOU will get a first peek.

Apple Tree Vintage Style Print

It is my hope that you will get behind me and support me this holiday season, with a visit to my shop, sharing my shop with others who are looking for a special gift or even letting the people in your life know that there is something special in my shop that YOU would like to receive.

I am working with 2 other artists and designers this year in Etsy Boot Camp, so that we can all make sure we are offering the best of what we are to you.
My photography boot camp buddy is RedandMain. You should recognize her as a very recent featured artist for my Tres Originale Thursday.

Two Owls on a Stump

As many of my readers know I am also a treasure hunter and run a full time vintage shop: MollyFinds. I have a promise to these customers as well: I will be "redoing" the overall look of my shop, creating new photographs in a new setting with many of the items that I have and by adding new, interesting items daily. This should make your shopping experience even more fun.
I am also making a promise to myself that all purchases will be shipped within 48 hours.

I will offer express and priority shipping on request to the USA. Guaranteed delivery for Christmas cut off dates will be announced by the end of October:)

My boot camp buddy for my vintage shop- MollyFinds is a wonderful designer from LA. Her shop JustColor features amazing trend setting fashion, jewelry and accessories. You will want to keep an eye on this creative talent for your holiday shopping. Many of these pieces are one of a kind.

Handmade Necklace

Visit Stews Brew Coffee House- PA Wilds Trail

2011-09-22T13:06:00.000-04:00

I am happy to share that my work is now on display at Stew's Brew Coffee House.

Stew's Brew is a new stop on the PA Wilds Trail and I am a new artisan to the trail.
I have known Julie, owner of Stew's Brew for several years and I am not one bit surprised that the place she created is super. The atmosphere is very friendly and personal, it reminds me of Cheers without the Beer. This fall a group of moms met for coffee the first day of school. We were able to sit around a nice size table in the back and and enjoy each other's company. We decided right there that we are starting a caffeine club once a month because it felt such a nice experience.
Stew's Brew also offers culture to the community with open mic night and poetry reading night.
Idle Acres Pottery, also of the PA Wilds has her beautiful pieces inside for you to see.
Next Thursday is National Coffee Day, go for coffee and leave with some artwork:)

Starry Starry Night

2011-09-21T13:30:00.000-04:00

Perhaps the weather, starting to get a chill with grey clouds moving in and only a hint of light, whatever the reason I was thinking of Vincent Van Gogh this morning. So I made an attempt at a collection of items I like in a loose representation of the painting Starry Starry Night.

Starry Starry Night

While I was making the treasury I remembered my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Salem and that was....

well... a very long time ago, I remember her bringing in a little 45 record and sharing a song with us about Vincent Van Gogh, so I googled and lo and behold the same song is on youtube all these years later.

HOPE you enjoy this song especially if you have never heard it:)

Blogger your growing pains HURT~

2011-09-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

I thought I was having Internet issues, so I sat on the phone with Verizon forever, I thought I was having computer problems, so I did system restore, cleansed it and still something wasn't right. It's not me, it's YOU blogger.
After a couple of years of blogging, I see all of the old photos in my posts are just black squares with exclamation points! I still thought it was me, but I did some research. It is a new issue with blogger and google and google+
Apparently some of these photos will never come back. I am still hopeful.
That aside, I will continue onward and upward, but I just don't have the time to go back and reload every picture on my blog. So I apologize. If anyone remembers a specific blog and needs me to re post a picture for a tutorial, etc, that I would be more than happy to do.
Speaking of google+ I am there now and you can circle me, I will circle you back. It seems like there are a lot of awesome possibilities. I already like the way you can categorize people you know more than face book. But people I know in person are not on there yet:) My google+ page is here.
For some fun news. How many of you knew that last week was Mexico's Independence Day?

Happy Independence Day Mexico

I didn't had I not been looking through etsy. I decided to create a collection of pieces in the colors and style of the Mexican flag which is green-white-red. And they put it on the front page of etsy.
So this front page feature is my NEW photo which will not disappear from this page:) fingers crossed.

The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles by Hala Jaber book review

2011-09-18T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles, by Hala Jaber is my 8th book in my 52 books in a year project. I actually finished this book September 10th and because of the content, how I was responding to the book's tone and the 10 year anniversary of September 11, I could not write a review.
That being said, here is my thoughts on this book, which is a memoir.
This book says on the cover " A Woman's Fight To Save Two Orphans"
It also comes with a nifty sticker "A selection of the Readers Club of America"
So, it is being promoted by American publishers, probably wanting American readers, probably mostly women to read this book.
The story of the civilians who were wounded, orphaned or died in the war in Baghdad is extremely sad and tragic. This book focuses on one particular family who upon trying to flee missiles had 7 of the 9 family members killed by a missile. The author falls in love with the surviving daughters who are now orphans. If you are a person with compassion in your heart, you could not ignore the story or the idea that there were many more stories like this happening parallel to this one.
However, as an American, I was unprepared for the authors distinct anger, rage and what I would truly call hate for America. Everything is blamed on the Americans and our soldiers. I take issue with that. Yes we were the ones with missiles there, and innocent civilians were injured and killed, accidentally while targeting key places that posed a danger to us and the rest of the world, but what about the men who INTENTIONALLY killed over 3,000 innocent civilian's on September 11? There is no compassion from the author back to us. I hate war. I hate HATE. But it was so strong in the entire book, that for me that emotions and love for the children that the author had, took second place to the platform for even ridiculing the American soldiers. At one point even going so far as to say that she and her friend demanded the soldiers take the wounded little girl into an American hospital. I am sorry but don't believe in the middle of a war this journalist demanded something from a commanding officer and had them listen. Instead, I believe that the Americans were treating many innocent casualties by choice and were probably rushing to try to save this child. As a woman I feel pain for the author, her longing to have a child and because she witnessed such horror and also puts blame on herself for not being able to make it better. But I feel even more sad that tunnel vision made her incapable of seeing the human faces in the American people. Perhaps I am particularly sensitive because I know men and women that serve our country and I have a family member who served in Afghanistan and Baghdad. Perhaps I am unable to have a truly objective opinion. But, my opinion is this, if you love America, have any connection to the people who died on September 11, 2001 or know-love a soldier who has served or may serve in this area of the world; steer clear of this book. It will only serve a purpose to try and make Americans not like themselves and leave you will a painful heart.
"A SELECTION OF THE READERS CLUB OF AMERICA..." I take more issue with them I don't think the author wrote this book for us. But this group of Americans obviously wants to be apologetic for what we do as a country and I am not lining up with that team.

Special Thanks to Majalin and Natlaya1905

2011-09-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

I am sending thank you wishes to Majalin, illustrator and artist and Natalya1905 fashion designer and knitter. Both of these lovely ladies have created collections on etsy recently that included my work and their collections were so nicely done, they were on the front page. Both of these shops I are already favorites of mine.
Majalin created this collection:

She included my Antique Doll Museum print

My favorite image in her shop is EASY for me to share because it reminds me of one of dear friends and myself if we would have known each other as children.......

Friends by Majalin

I owe two thank you's to Natalya, she created a page that included my fine art photography and over the weekend one that included a pair of Vintage beer Mugs in my vintage shop. Natalya's work is amazing! And I absolutely adore this piece.

HANDMADE hooded scarf

she included my 1951 Ford International Truck

She included my vintage beer mugs

THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tres Originale Thursday Welcomes Red and Main

2011-09-08T09:24:00.000-04:00

It that special time of the week again.... Tres Originale Thursday:)
And I am happy to introduce, Meg creator of Red and Main to you.
Working from Washington DC, I have been in awe of her small creations for a while. They are all so unique and I love the personality in each piece. They stir fun emotion and many make me giggle.
Originally I fell in love with one of her Yeti's and since I am doing the Xfiles Marathon with my husband thought this guy was the perfect creature to visually introduce you to her world.

DC Tourist Yeti

Artists Statement: My name is Meg and I really freaking love ceramics. I also love animals, monsters, geekery, and all things awesome. Each one of my ceramic creatures is hand-sculpted by me, then fired in the kiln that lives in my guest bedroom. Every piece represents a unique, one of a kind expression of something that makes me happy. Typically for me, happy = extremely adorable. It's my hope that you love the creatures I make and give them the opportunity to love you right back. They will - trust me.

Mummy Sculpture

It looks like you add new and unique items to your shop everyday, do you create 1 a day like a 365 project or do you work in waves? I like to work in waves, since bringing out all of my materials is very messy. Generally speaking, I work messy…and I work in my home. I attempt to contain the mess, but it’s pretty often that I’m out in public and someone says, “You have paint all over your arm,” or, “What’s that on the back of your leg?” A traditional friend of mine asked me if I was “keeping good house” now that I was working from home. I really had to laugh, since I’m pretty much doing the opposite. Plus, working in waves allows me to line up all my little creatures into little adorable armies that often make my cat slightly uncomfortable.

Bison, Buffalo

How did you choose the medium you work with now? And without giving away any of your "secrets" can you talk about your process? I took my first ceramics class my sophomore year in high school and knew after day one that clay was going to be a part of my life in some way; I’ve sought it out ever since. Earlier this year, I was working in a big corporate job that made me miserable; I purchased a kiln to in the hope that clay could be a hobby that would relieve stress. As I worked with clay, I realized how truly unhappy I was in my career and Red & Main kind of…happened. When the opportunity to renew my contract came up, I chose to opt out. It was a crazy, emotional decision, but one I’m so happy I made. Each day is a little different, but it always starts with a huge cup of coffee and Post-Its. I fill a Post-It with ideas of new monsters and animals and sculpt my way through the list. Each piece is hand-sculpted by me; then fired in my kiln; then glazed or hand painted; and finally fired again.

Swamp Thing

Do you believe art must have a relationship with the world? I feel it’s the other way around – I think the world should strive to have a better relationship with art. Art has the ability to relate to and provide comment on the world; it also can exist in the ridiculous, the abstract and the unimaginable. I don’t see art as being responsible to anyone or anything. I think it’s important to understand the benefits of art – it’s an effective escape for people of all ages, it helps people process all kinds of emotions, and creates feelings we didn’t even know we had. Yet it’s often the first budget line cut, which denies so many people the opportunity to experience the positive results of arts education. The world is a better place with art in it and I think art should be a priority for the world.

Big Bigfoot

Do you sell in any brick and mortar shops, boutiques etc, and have you been published in any magazines etc.? I’m working on this right now. Red & Main is so new – really, it’s only been a “thing” since April of this year. Until very recently, I haven’t had the stock to pursue any kind of relationships with local businesses. Establishing these relationships is my goal for the second half of this year. Approaching people is scary – and my fear of rejection is something I need to master. I’m hoping that by April 2012, I’ll be able to say “Red & Main is proud to supply the following incredible retailers….”

Part of Meg's Workspace-they look cute with a friend:)

Do you do custom work, if so what is the time frame for Christmas and what is your process? I love custom work and have done lots of it. Typically, I have people come to me with ideas and we work together (via email or Etsy convo) to make their vision come to life. My most recent project was definitely my most challenging – a customer asked for a large ceramic Mothra
And being the sweetheart she is there is a coupon code for 10% off just for you
autumnbiscuits10
Meg has her own website where she will talk about Monsters, Zombies and being a business owner.
She also tweets and is on facebook.

Tres Originale Thursday Welcomes Astralboutique

2011-09-01T14:11:00.000-04:00

This is a First for my Tres Originale Thursday, I am featuring a AstralBoutique.... a vintage shop, as you will see quickly... this is no Ordinary vintage shop, Sasha Soukup is the complete package of imagination turned into magic artistry with every aspect of life and owning her shop.
A boutique from the ether, for a more lovely life on planet earth...
I have been a fan of Sasha since joining the Indie Free Spirits Team and I am so thrilled to bring her unique outlook to you. It is energizing. And you get 10% off through September with code MUSE10

80s THE RAINBOW TRELLIS Extra Long Shawl Made In India Embroidered Colorful Flower Blossoms

"I always knew I was an artist, but for a long time it seemed impossible to blend my love of literature, film, dress-up, and magic into one "coherent" form. I studied film and animation in college in Boston, The Netherlands, and San Francisco, then set out on an exploration of the so-called Real World. This meant that I was a nanny, a shuttle bus driver, a pizza delivery girl, and a Santa Elf at the mall, among other glorious careers! Me and all of my friends even worked at the Zoo for a few years... it was a party with the animals. Ask me about it sometime. (-:"

Moccasins White Fringe Size 6.5 70s WOODLANDS

"When I wasn't at work, I was following my favorite band around the world, doing a lot of yoga, starting a rock group called The Sexy Vacations with my best girlfriend, making zines, de-constructing billboards in the City, back-country camping at hot springs, traveling to Burning Man and Rainbow Gatherings and making pilgrimages to see Cadillac Ranch and Australia and meeting all of my pen pals from far away. (I have always loved pen pals- and that love continues today!) I even lived in a van by the beach in San Diego that was spray painted with my name and a bunch of really hippie flowers and couldn't go in reverse. Through it all I had amazing, close, creative friends, my loving husband, and a hundred hair colors (and even NO hair at one point). "

70s Boho Grecian Dress Pastel Peach The PRINCESS & THE PEACH

"At some point, I decided that if I had no idea what to go back to "regular" school for, I should just study what interested me the most: earth magic. I started studying Herbalism, and got totally obsessed- I ended up going to every Herbal School in Northern California. I learned about how the body works, how to make medicine and healing food, and how to meditate with plants. Most importantly I learned that the invisible world of energy and spirit is much larger and more powerful than our little physical reality, and magic is darn REAL!"

Vintage 1970s Quilted Gunne Sax Style Jacket LAVENDER PRAIRIE

Now we are in Grass Valley, in a kind of artists- colony-mixed-with-rednecks world up in the very rural Sierra foothills, making music and art and- at last!- I am a working artist, thanks to the magical, creativity-exploding world of Etsy. I make up stories to go with vintage clothing, and I am starting to carry my own clothing and jewelry designs. It's the stuff of cliches: a Dream Come True.
We live in a funny house that appears to have been decorated by drunken elves, and we even got domestic and adopted two black cats named Mouch and Zazou. I am in at least three bands (Sasha and the Shamrocks, The Horoscopes, and The Dazzling Strangers), and when I'm not playing dress up I also write fiction, dance interpretively around the house, do collages, and make salad.

1970s Plaid Professor Blazer Autumn Colors CAMPANILE

We have made all of our life choices based on the path of the heart, and while we might not be rich in material goods, we are very rich in spirit. We like to keep everything in circulation in the right way, so we buy local, support our local Co-op and farmers, and share things with our neighbors. This is the way I always wanted to live, and thanks to our amazing community here, it WORKS!

Back To school New Tradition and missing Punches

2011-08-31T10:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday marked the first day back to school with my children now in 2nd and 5th grade. There was a lot of anticipation as the summer wound down and I wanted to do something special for them, especially since it's my son's last year in elementary school.

YEP they were JUMPING for JOY;)

I researched some blogs and found a very Fun and Cool old fashioned German tradition.
Schultuete School Cones.... Around since the 1800's, the tradition was for school children to receive special cones of goodies the first day of school.

I didn't prepare these until during the school day so they received a BIG surprise when they got home, especially since its a NEW tradition, they weren't expecting anything.

This is one time the dollar store really came in handy. I used regular poster board and a cement glue to make the cones. A couple of pieces of tissue so they couldn't peek. When they opened them, they were thrilled to find lots of FUN pencils, shaped erasers, old fashioned wax bottle candies, glue and more.

I know they will remember this and that made it extra special.

After dropping them off at the bus I was heading to meet some girls for coffee. And I started seeing VW's EVERYWHERE.... no biggie, BUT that's our came, PUNCH BUGGY.

2 Points for a beetle and 1 point for any old VW. I missed them instantly the game is NO fun alone:)

SO I also created this etsy treasury in honor of our summer game.

Check Out the fun Punch Buggy Collection

Thank you Daphne creator of Octopurse

2011-08-24T13:39:00.000-04:00

A big thank you to Daphne of Octopurse for creating a lovely front page treasury that included my Willy's Wagon print in her collection.
Octopurse is based out of Belgium and she makes the most incredibly cute bags.

Mini Red bobble with hedgehogs

The collection Daphne created that was featured on etsy's front page---sweet escape

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen Book Review

2011-08-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is my 7th book for my 365 project, 52 books in a year.
I was late to the party on this popular book because I was on a waiting list at our library.
I made a decision not to see the movie before I read the book and I honestly did not even have one clue what it was about, other than it probably had an elephant in it.
The book begins with a 93 year old man sitting in a nursing home, remembering.
This struck a cord with me because the day I started it, my GG was moved from a hospital room to a nursing home to recover.
But the book is not about elephants in a nursing home:)
It's about the many diverse faces that traveled with the circus by train cars back in the day.
An easy and fast paced read, part way through I forgot there was even going to be an elephant.
There are so many wonderful descriptive's of the lifestyle, even the simple dialogues between people that the novel takes you away on a journey through time.

Elephant Fine Art Photography Abstract Print

I really love this book and I wish I could tell you the book was magic and fun but it's not. This book is actually very sad for some simple and some complex reasons. The separation of classes even within a working team was brutal and mean in the traveling circus. (Critics have said that Gruen really did her homework, so although this is fiction, she captures life the way that it was) All men and women are not treated equal, not even close and that becomes obvious from the very beginning. As I read I started to think that many of the "hobo's" people used to see were actually people that got kicked off a circus train in days gone by, or is it the other way around, the "hobo's" ended up at the circus. I am not sure.

There is also the ultra scary realization which happens so much in real life and in stories that people will follow evil, mean people without even thinking twice about it, either out of fear or desperation. There are of course some unsuspected heros in this book, which make any story even better. This book has a bizarre love triangle, with love, sex and romance.

I will definitely see the movie now because I cant wait to see the characters on film.

Last but definitely NOT LEAST. I have to say. As a child in 5th grade my parents took me to Ringling Brothers and it was amazing, spectacular, I remember not only the show but the snack and souvenir booths. It was a wonderful family memory. In college it occurred to me that large animals probably don't want to stand on small balls. I saw a show on television about the cruelty of animals in the circus and vowed to never go to one again. Then we had kids. The first grade class went and of course I went along, the kids loved it. The glitz, glamor and shock value. The animals, big cats came out of their cages to do their "tricks" and did not look happy. I didn't enjoy it. The dogs in the show got into a small brawl and the monkey hissed at his trainer. I am not a member of PETA, or a radical, but as an adult having seen the circus both ways I can honestly say I don't think animals belong there. Let the humans do their stunts, after all it's more exciting to watch and see if they can pull it off without killing themselves. Animals weren't meant to be hit into submission. And children do not know what goes on behind the scenes. Think twice before you pay to see large animals contained this way.

Tres Originale Thursday Welcomes Nathaniel of YellowSquareLove

2011-08-18T10:04:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday and this artist is captivating, I hope you think so too. From Chicago, I want to welcome Nathaniel, of Yellow Square Love. A new favorite artist and shop for me on etsy. What has drawn me into his art world is the simplicity of style and yet the details within. Let's let him tell more:)

Initially I contacted Nathaniel expressing how FRESH I thought his shop was and this is his answer:
"Aw, thanks! The funny thing is, however, it HAS been done before. In fact, the idea of converting objects into lamps has got to be old news but it does seem I'm doing something right, doesn't it. And it's so completely lacking in originality but on most days I simply tell folks, "I make lamps..." They're response is usually, "oh.."

Hardy Boys Stack of book lamps

As an artist, when you are choosing a new found object to work with, what are the elements that draw you to an object, allowing you a vision for it completed? When I consider all of the other mediums I've dabbled with, it's really hard to consider what I'm doing now, "being an artist" but the reality is, when putting a new lamp together, there are a lot of creative decisions I need to make and I catch myself stepping back from whatever object I'm working on much like one would step back from a painting. There are certain things I need to consider when looking for new objects to work with but it's rarely a conscious decision and more often a simple gut reaction - "Oooooh. I LOVE this." I've been known to bring objects home, only to realize 30 minutes later there is absolutely no way to wire it.

Portable Record Player Lamp

How long have you been making art and how long have you been making this kind of art? Do you have an art background/electrical background? I have a lengthy history with, what my parents would call, "Craft Projects," in my younger days. As far back as I can remember, I've had an appetite for projects and it was always my dream to "make it big" as an artist. This, of course, requires a distinct blend of artistic and entrepreneurial skills which I struggle with as I'm more 'artist' and less 'entrepreneur.' The reality is, I'm always working on SOMETHING creative and it just so happens that making lamps has shown the greatest potential.

Vintage View Master Projector Lamp

I asked him, what I ask all my featured original artists? What are you trying to do to people with your art? "Illuminate!" That's a brilliant answer times 10:)

Because your work is beautiful and also functional, do you think it has a different relationship with the world, than work that is only 2 dimensional? One of the great things about what I do is the simple act of adding a light bulb to an object forces us to reconsider it; a weathered 2x4, previously discarded in an empty lot, now becomes a source of illumination or an old toy, no longer a mere inspiration to reminisce, becomes instead an admired conversation piece. Each object is given a second chance and I kinda dig that.I feel I must add he also has 6 years of electric experience, so he is not just putting a bulb in and seeing what happens. "It allows me to sell something I know is safe."

1970 Fisher Price Toy Plane lamp

Do you work another job outside of your art? if so what do you do and how does that inspire your pieces? Oh yes! I am a stay-at-home dad which means my first job is caring for our little girl. It's amazing how little time one has for ripping apart, cleaning, and drilling into objects when my daughter (4mo) is trying to eat her safety goggles. As of late, I am most drawn to objects I know can be completed in under one hour as that's how long naps are!!

With exposed light bulbs being on the radar for upcoming trends, Nathaniel is ahead of the game and is really a wonderful choice for the upcoming holiday season. He offers CUSTOM work and here are a few ideas, if you have something particular in mind:
Ideally, a request for custom work would include a photo or description of the object as, more often than not, I can tell immediately whether it's possible. More recently, I've received a few requests from folks with an IDEA of what they're looking for but nothing concrete and we've worked something out.
Just as each lamp requires a different process of deconstruction/wiring, I look at each custom offer individually... heck, I suppose that's what makes it custom!

Parker House Coffee Tin Lamp

What is the biggest mistake he has ever made? When I first opened the Etsy shop, I had no idea if the lamps would even sell. Instead of buying parts (socket, bulb, wire, gasket etc) for EACH lamp, I reused the parts from one lamp to take photographs for the next. What this meant, of course, was that I had not wired A SINGLE lamp yet. With that being said, when, in the first week, I sold three lamps, not only was I faced with having to rush-order parts but I was faced with the reality that, in the process of FINISHING any one of these lamps, I could break it, mangle it beyond repair or simply scratch it... and it had already sold! It didn't take me long to commit to buying parts in bulk and FINISHING each lamp before it's listed for sale!
And...... If anyone has a spare Rancor toy hanging around, let me know!!

GUESS WHAT you can order from him now and receive 10% off with the code: tresoriginale
He will also be available to meet at the upcoming Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago:)
Go check him out of you live there!

Kidz Kache Trail Pennsylvania

2011-08-15T16:45:00.000-04:00

Always looking for the newest geocaching trail to do as a family, we were excited to find the Kidz Kache Trail in Venango County, PA. Like most geocaching trails this one had us go and pick up passports from a State Park.

Then each cache along the trail, had a special stamp. A total of 12 hikes and 8 finds needed to receive a special pathtag. In this case the Kidz Kache Trail is also giving away a little gift bag.
We saw some pretty fun things along the way of this trail.
One thing we were really surprised about is that although the trail is advertised as a kids trail, there is still some difficulty as well as some terrain involved.

This is what happens when you hike in from the wrong end, MUDSLIDE

phone snapshot

However, these were worth it for the family to get to see the different final destination points.
We took 2 Saturdays to complete it, although it could be done in 1 day. Mostly because the caches were over an hour away from us, and OH YEAH, they have that mom who makes pictures everywhere she finds inspiration and there was a lot around us:) Slows us down, but it's the best part for me.
Selfish little artist that I am;)

My favorite art shot from the series

Kissing Booth Americana Fine Art Photography

One thing to mention about these kinds of special trails with prizes at the end is to make sure you do some research ahead of time and know that you can be at a location to pick up the passports when they are open. And if it is not in your local area, you will want to make sure you are able to redeem it for your coins when they are open. We weren't able to finish while the parks were open so we will be going back again. I don't mind. In addition to more Americana shots for my etsy shop, this one particular town has inspired me to open a new shop section "Keep It Weird oddities"

Stay tuned:)

Thank You ShopShrew

2011-08-13T20:01:00.000-04:00

I am excited to thank ShopShrew for a front page feature on etsy today. First I am grateful to be included in her collection Autumn Country and have my piece Busti Mill be seen by so many people.
But I think mostly I am excited because I get to share this fabulous jewelry designer with you!
Since joining a team that she is on some time back, she is someone I feel a connection to, her sense of style, her beautiful photography in her shop and of course her high end and yet very wearable pieces.

Mauve Ametrine Gypsy Necklace

A bit of her etsy profile: The Shrew... "I'll not budge an inch!"
I've been hand-crafting and designing jewelry since 1995. As a former television actress & theatre junkie; I decided to name my art with a nod to the famous Bard.
I love to meld classic fashion with an edgy urban vibe. Take that simple black cocktail dress or white tank and jeans & transform it into a powerful statement!

These are one-of-a-kind creations designed by me personally.

Autumn Country

Busti Mill

Guest Blogger Tera Larson Creativity is Messy SHRINKY DINK Tutorial

2011-08-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

My daughter and I have wanted to try shrinky sinks for a very long time. I admit I have never done them, as a child or as an adult. So without further ado, I introduce my first guest blogger, fellow etsian and mega crafter, Tera Larson of Creativity is Messy.

In this tutorial, I am going to share with you how to turn your doodles into fun, beautiful, wearable art. Specifically, a really cool pair of earrings!

What you will need:

Shrinky Dinks Frosted Ruff N’ Ready shrinkable plastic

Plain white printer paper

Pencil with eraser

Scissors

Colored Pencils

Hole Punc

Sharpie

Exacto Knife

Not shown:

Ear Wires

Head Pins

Additional beads for embellishment

I begin by drawing an image of what I want to make. In this case, I decided to make a pair of Koi Fish earrings.

**Shrink plastic typically shrinks to 1/3 of its original size, so it is important to keep that in mind when drawing your image.**

Because I wanted to make earrings, and I wanted the fish to be mirror images of each other, I then took my drawing over to a window and traced the outline of my fish on the other side of the paper, like so:

This gave me two Koi Fish, one facing left and one facing right. This of course is not necessary when items are not mirror images.

Then take a piece of the shrink plastic, and begin tracing your image onto the rough, dull side with your pencil - making sure to leave room on the plastic sheet for the other earring (fish).

If your are making mirror images: Once the first image is finished, flip the white paper over and trace the image again, this time facing the opposite direction.

For this project, because I wanted my Koi Fish to look some-what “tattoo-ish”, I decided to go over my pencil lines with a fine point black Sharpie. This isn’t necessary, but works well if you want the lines to really stand out. I let the Sharpie marks dry for a few minutes before I began coloring my images with the colored pencils.

Personally, I like to color the images in dark, giving them bolder, more vibrant color once baked. I also enjoy shading and blending colors into each other.

Once the images are colored, it is time to cut.

A few tips when cutting shrink plastic...

Use sharp scissors
Make several cuts, taking out small pieces at a time
Never cut to the tip of the scissors, as it can cause breaks and tears at the end of the cut
When cutting narrow angles, do not turn the scissors as you cut. The plastic will break and tear. Instead, cut from one angle, then again from another (like below)

Use an Exacto knife to cut really narrow angles or interior shapes
Once your images are cut out, determine a good place to punch a hole for the ear wires.

A standard size paper hole punch works great. I like to find a good “balanced” place, where the piece will hang comfortably without looking awkward. For my fish, I decided to punch my hole in the top fin, as oppose to the head, because I though a hole in the fish’s head might look a bit strange.

At this point, your earrings should look like larger, paper-thin versions of what it is you are trying to make. If they look good to you... then it is time to bake!

Preheat your conventional oven to 325 degrees (Fahrenheit) - however, check the packaging of the shrink plastic. Different brands may require different temps. Then place the earrings on a piece of flat plain cardboard, COLORED SIDE UP.

Put the pieces into the pre-heated oven and watch the magic begin! Typically it takes 2 or 3 minutes before you will start to see the edges curl up. Once they begin curling, the plastic will begin to shrink. Sometimes, a piece will curl up and stick to itself. If this happens, I just carefully reach into the oven, unstick and separate the piece. Eventually (usually after 3 minutes), the piece will lay flat, or close to flat, onto the cardboard. Once the plastic is flat, leave it in to bake for an additional 30 seconds, and then remove it from the oven.

Let the pieces sit and cool completely.

Once they are cool, hang the Shrinky-Dinks from ear wires. You can embellishing them with beads for some added bling.

There are many more options that you can do with shrink plastic.

You can stamp images onto the plastic using a alcohol-based permanent inks
Instead of drawing your images, you can print images onto paper and trace them onto the plastic.
Shrinky-Dinks also makes paper that you can print directly onto. You can print your own photos onto plastic and make some really awesome photo jewelry!

And now, the only thing left to do is enjoy these fun, funky and unique pieces of art!

THANK YOU TERA for this awesome tutorial.

You can find all of Tera's awesome creations for sale HERE.

Wanna hear more:

How tera Got started making shrinky dinks and earrings?

have been making Shrinky-Dinks ever since I was a kid. We would visit my Aunt Joyce in Salt Lake City a couple of times a year, and each time we visited, she had a new “set” of Shrinky-Dinks to create. We would color them, cut them out and watch them shrink up in the oven. I remember during one visit she had bought a Garfield set and I was so excited because there were two Odie Shrinky-Dinks roughly the same size. After I colored them, she helped me cut them out and bake them up, and then she showed me how to make them into earrings. It is one of my fondest memories and my very first experience with jewelry making.

A few years ago, I discovered that they sold plain shrink plastic at a local craft and hobby store. In my whirlwind of excitement, I immediately purchased a pack, brought it home and began to experiment with it. I went through the entire pack (10 sheets) in one night, leaving a disaster zone of shrunken doodles behind. It brought me back to when I was a young girl, hanging out with my favorite, crafty Aunt.

Closing Time a Book review

2011-08-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

Closing Time by Joe Queenan- the book I chose to read for my 6th book
in my 52 books in a year, also my 365 project.
I enjoyed this book. I am Irish and was raised catholic, so I was interested to see a memoir point of view of a young man growing up this way in Philadelphia.
This is a sad book, full of anger and bad memories but paralleled with boyhood dreams and beliefs which makes it curious. An alcoholic father, poverty and general unhappiness in a world full of stereotypes about other ethnicity's and cultures really is the foreground of the story. In the background, something much more subtle but something I found more interesting, a very young boy, intrigued by the rituals of the catholic religion. A fascination with saints and a dream to be a priest.

Employees Only Fine Art Print

Any time I can visualize a book as a movie, I feel that speaks volumes about the quality of the writing, the details and the imagery. I am glad I read this book, but it is not one I would be rushing to go back too.
"Joe has taken the blood, bile, cheap beer, and Lawrence Welk shows of his horrid childhood and made something shining and redemptive and deeply honest,"-Mary Roach of Stiff Spook and Bonk.
I don't know Mary Roach's work but I think she captures the essence well in that snippet.

A handmade Woodland Fairy Party

2011-08-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

The boys went to camp so my daughter and I were planning some girl time. My niece came into town, we decided to invite my daughters bff and wa-la the beginnings of a party.
I am inspired by woodland creatures all around me and want my daughter to keep her imagination and fairies real forever so I decided to do something a little more special than a sleep over, even though impromptu and fast it was great:)

I decided to surprise the girls with some fairy skirts when they got here. Tons and tons of tulle created an easy skirt. For 4 girls I bought 4 yards in 4 different shades, I just folded them up and cute them in strips, no need to measure or anything, then I tied them with a double knot around elastic. This was a time consuming project, so I was glad I did it ahead of time, but well worth it. For smaller girls wanting a tutu I would probably DOUBLE the amount of tulle. And Ruby got to pick the colors, which made her happy.

When they arrived they put their skirts on and I sent them outside to find twigs I told them they each needed one nice WAND size stick. When they came in we go right to work on tying lots of ribbons to the end for fairy wands, just to feel extra magical:)

Next it was time to make our snacks, yummy ACORNS of course and this idea I came across on PINTEREST. All you need are hershey kisses, vanilla wafer cookies and peanut butter chip minis.

Attach all three with a little peanut butter. I had them use little cream cheese spreaders to make it easier.

Next it was time for a fairy dinner (the snacks that didn't get eaten while creating were for the movie later on)

This was easy too, I served lemonade in these adorable pressed glasses that I thrifted for $1 each. I used a pizza cutter to take the crust off of the bread and used creamy peanut butter and strawberry jam. Fresh grapes for dessert. Would you believe it's the first time in MY LIFE, I had ever tried a PBJ. I am serious. I have eaten lots of peanut butter toast and bread but never a PBJ, it was delightful.

Then it was time to parade around the neighborhood and beach dancing and partying like all sweet fairy friends do.

And of course what little girls don't want to bring their pound puppies for the fun?

Sheba is the chihuahua mix our version of Lady and Chewey is our mixed version of The Tramp~

Renovate the ECCOTA Gallery for art's sake! Please Vote

2011-08-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

I am a member of the ECCOTA gallery in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. This gallery is an amazing place full of talent and artisan teachers. The building is in need of a grant for renovations.

Please take the time to give them your PEPSI refresh vote daily. It's much appreciated.

PS if you look closely you can see some of my wet darkroom black and white fine art prints in frames:)

Watching the video is just a PEEK

But you have to go HERE to vote.

And you can vote daily.

Tres Originale Thursday welcomes ConduitPress

2011-07-27T04:00:00.000-04:00

I am really excited (as usual) because it is Tres Original Thursday, where it is ALL about an artist or designer who thinks outside of the box, while dancing to the beat of their own drum.
I think Talia Halliday, of ConduitPress, in Bloomington Indiana does just that.
So what does she create? book safes, leather journals and other up cycled notebooks.
When I say book safe, just wait until you see, and also read along, discount for the readers:)

Blue Suede Leather Wedding Book

Do you consider yourself an artist or crafter and why?

I am a book artist. It takes a lot to say that. I think that sometimes a lot of pressure falls under the title 'artist' and when you 'label' yourself as an artists, it's self imposed pressure, obviously. But why? Because art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And finally, after many many years of creating and three years of doing business as a creator, I feel confident in calling myself a book artist, because that's what I am.

Cassette Tape Book - Madonna - Erotica

Have you always followed a passion for a creative life? What if any were the hold ups or bumps in your creative life?

Yes, I believe I always have had a passion for creativity. When I was in elementary and middle school I always had a camera in my hand and a notebook to write down stories that my camera couldn't capture. In high school I served as editor of our literary zine and that really formed a lot of who I am today. In college I lived in a Living Learning Community that really fostered both artistry and community and today I still hold those two things very close to my heart. I think, for me, I have been my only hold-up or bump.

Sure, there's a reason why the term 'starving artist' exists- and we hit those bumps occasionally, but more than food on the table, I think its important to have a thriving artistic and creative community to help to support you and for you to support as well. When I found that, I flattened any bumps in the road I might have created for myself previously.

Hollow Book Safe - Cashelmara Book Planter

The new planter books are awesome, without giving away any of your precious secrets can you share a little bit about how the idea came about and a typical start to finish on one?

I've really been trying to come up with new ideas for the late summer/early fall. Shapes are fun in books but you can only go so far with the titles you find. I'm not going to put the shape of a horse in a sci-fi book.

So, I've really been wanting to expand more into functional hollow books this combined with my parents running their own landscaping business since I was a wee one... Enter the BOOK PLANTER!
I search for a book that calls to have a plant, and that is thick/deep enough. I line the carving with water-proofing adhesive and liquid rubber.
And SPEAKING of hollow books......

Hollow Book Safe - Extra Virgin with Heart Cut-Out-

One day I came upon a sale in our local library on discarded books that I learned they would be taking to the landfill. I collected a bunch of books for my home and my kids and myself and then decided I could take EVEN MORE books home and turn the covers into notebook covers for coil bound notebooks.
Then I had a friend of my mother in law pass down to her an entire set of super vintage SUPER beautiful large encyclopedias. Their covers weren't especially appealing to make into coil bound notebooks so I had to figure out what to do with them. Now, let me back track a little to when I was pregnant and I was nesting and I started to carve out a book to create a shadow box for the nursery. This book I hacked and hacked and hacked and then lined with various things and decorated- so I had hollowed out a book before, but not with the same end-intention. So, when I received this set of vintage encyclopedias with gorgeous spines that I didn't want to throw away, I knew then that they would be my first hollow books. They look AMAZING on a shelf and they were large enough to hold just about anything.

Hollow Book Safe - Vintage Holy Bible with Flask Cut-Out

Later, I started taking the titles into consideration for what shape I might carve from the insides. The books really take a life of their own. A second life that is. Some books ask to be purses, other ask to hold flasks. Some want a simple square cut from them and others beg for a silly water pistol to be held within its pages. It all just depends on what the book wants really.

It should come as no surprise that between the leather journals and the hollow book safes, ConduitPress can accommodate a lot of people on your gift giving list.
The easiest way to find all of these items is through etsy.
But she also sell at art shows and in brick and mortar shops such as Kat Von D's Wonderland Gallery in LA.

Are there any new LINES coming out for Christmas that we could get a hint about?

Yes, I'm sure there will be:) I have this problem with timing. That is, when I come with an idea, I have to do it RIGHT THEN without any thought given to time of year. So, I have a couple of new lines I'll be releasing slowly over the next few months in PREPARATION for the holiday season. Timing is everything. haha. There's a hint;)

READER you will receive 10% off with coupon code: MollysMuses shop early now, why not?
Some other places to catch up with ConduitPress

Blog Twitter and of course FaceBook

Would love to hear your comments on this feature below:) Thanks for reading.

Happy Monday look at these features for fun:)

2011-07-25T10:50:00.000-04:00

I have to show off a couple of friends from a etsy who have been sweet enough to feature me. First I want to say thank you to Kelly, artist behind 88editions. I really love this artists sense of tranquility and style. Many multi media, ethereal pieces that are just bliss to look at. To the right is Moonrise Meadow Charmed.

I am thanking her for creating a beautiful collection of items that landed on the front page of etsy. And
one of the images from my vintage shop, a Japanese Kokeshi Doll was included:) THANKS!

Vintage Kokeshi Doll Christmas in July Sale

Next I want to thank a friend from the Treasury Tree team who also created a wonderful front page treasury:) Shabang, created a variety of things in her shop: including jewelry, canvas favor bags and cards. But I have always been drawn to these butterfly rings that she makes. Thanks:)

She created this beautiful PARIS Treasury
Butterfly Ring

My Red and White Bistro Cafe Image was included
And while I am at it on this MONDAY morning..... I would like to share something out of the box.
There is a team I am new on at etsy called Etsy Treasury Hunters. I just joined and the concept is fun, a challenge based on a theme. The first challenge I entered was the 7 deadly sins.
This gave me an opportunity to create something that I feel like I deal with daily, and it was an opportunity to create something with a sensitive issue and topic.

DIEt the thing that ALWAYS hangs around

many of the items are still available for sale:)

And I won the treasury challenge and I have feather hair extensions on their way to me. YAY!

thanks:)

THANKS sweetanddirty for a Front Page Feature

2011-07-19T20:08:00.000-04:00

My work has not been on the front page of etsy for a while and I am so grateful to
sweetanddirty who created a gorgeous treasury that I was in that made it to the front page today.
The collection is called: Let The Night Fall and I was in excellent company with the other featured artists.

My Antique Steam Engine Train print featured

Here is a taste of what sweetanddirty has to offer, all handmade in Knoxville, TN.
Sweet handmade bags with character. I love the crazy quilt look of this bag.

The Button Pocket mini bag

And this bag, really caught my attention with its simplicity and awesome colors.
As described by the designer: slightly fall inspired.. but still bright enough for summertime...

The Bright Steak Bag

Thanks sweetanddirty and happy sewing and designing;)

Things to Try This Summer #1

2011-07-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

I have become really addicted to a newer website, pinterest. It's a place where you can "pin" things you like to your own boards, that are virtual instead of cork.
And there are SO many amazing things from fashion, food, diy, pretty much anything you can think of.
I started finding some pretty unique things I thought would be fun to try with the kids. So I started a board
"Things to Try This Summer"

HOT DOGS? We have had these before,

So what do you think these guys have in store for them? haha

Little Hands got to work quickly with the hot dogs. We decided 5 slices per hot dog.

I would say ages 7 and up because of trying to estimate how big to slice and especially because of the next step which was not easy for any of us, including daddy!

So what do you do with those hot dog slices? You string them up OF COURSE!

I wasn't sure how to do this, daddy was the best at it, he did around 4 pieces of pasta per dog, holding onto them at the ends and sliding slowly through the hot dog.

It's HARDER than it sounds, but fun.

And even if your pasta cracks and your wiener breaks, No problem, improvise:)

I admit, I am not a huge hot dog fan. If I eat them, they are grilled and practically black and that is like 2 times a year over the summer. So as cute, fun and wild as these little wieners were, I wasn't sure how to serve them.

BTW all you do is throw them in boiled water.

I ended up putting mine on a bun with mustard and it was good. The kids liked eating theirs holding them like large strands of garland, gobbling them bit by bit.

Overall it's what we call a 2 for 1. First and last time:) Super glad we did it because it was fun, but tricky enough and not my favorite food enough to make again, UNLESS the kids ask...

And now I have a pinterest board for THINSG we DID Try this summer:)

Christmas In July Sales from some team mates

2011-07-15T17:23:00.000-04:00

I love the treasury tree team I am part of on etsy. Having a Christmas in July sale or promotion is optional and I wanted to highlight some sales that are going on. One of the coolest parts is that most of it is not even Christmas Themed, so you can buy for someone or for YOURSELF:)

First I want to share the shop JustColor with you. From Los Angeles, Ca. this shop features crochet scarves, shawls, hand warmers and even jewelry. I love this One of a Kind mixed media piece.
She is offering 15% off through July 24th.

One of a Kind Necklace with Wooden Beads

Next is The Whirlwind from Texas. Lots of stitched pieced on fabric and framed in metal, always catch my eye in her shop. Prices are already marked down in her shop through July 31st.

Embroidery Necklace with chevron arrows

Next is auberrygirl from Fresno, Ca. I love her shop because a photographer like me, she has created a line of affordable pendant and office accessories that have her fine art photography in them. They are lovely.

She is featuring 15% off all orders through July 25th.

Fine Art photography Pushpins- Fruity Swirl

Next I am sharing SYMBOLICinteraction2, this is a fantastic shop that I just love looking at, lots of original artwork, painting, abstract shapes, I love it. Based out of Winston Salem N.C. Shop sales vary.

This wearable art piece is on sale for 10% off.

Silver Art Ring Wearable Art

A shop I am newly getting familiar with and think is completely ADORABLE is le animale', offering "quirky original art pieces," from Raleigh, N.C. 10% off shop wide until July 24th.

le stately camel totem one of a kind

Our team also has awesome vintage shops and this one is inmyigloo, also our team captain from Indiana. These beautiful silver plated trumpet vase from the 1920's is SO sweet to collect wildflowers and display this summer.

1920's silver plated trumpet vase 20% off

And as much as we all hate to admit it, back to school shopping is right around the corner or NOW.

This shop, mozellemetana from Wisconsin has something for you and your kids. And she is offering 20% off shop wide the entire month of July.

Vintage Wall Paper pencil box

The BrassHussy is my next shop from Indianapolis. She is featuring 20%off all of July.

I happen to LOVE this necklace because there are more squirrels in my yard than people.

Squirrel and Three Freshwater Pearl Acorns

BeSomethingNew from Tustin, Ca. makes beautiful hair accessories for your finest occasions, including bridal. She also created amazing look for the every day girl who wants to look special.

Large Rose Headband

Next, EmbellishingYou is from Hershey PA, not too far from me and maybe we will get to meet up some time at a show. She created wonderful hair pieces. I especially like her bobby pins. She is offering 10% off all through July.

Adorable Sequin Hairpins

And now I will share my Christmas In July Sales, first from MollysMuses, my PHOTOGRAPHY shop:)

FREE shipping USA all month and 15% off International

Sunset with Thistles

And my Vintage Shop, MollyFinds I am offering 25% off shop wide for everyone:)

Vintage Prairie Style Bohemian Blouse

I hope I didn't miss anyone, if I did, let me know and we will get you added. All of these shops deserve at least a peek and I think you will find yourself gazing for quite a while.

Tres Originale Thursday a book review WHAT?

2011-07-14T20:17:00.000-04:00

YES, I am doing a book review for this weeks Tres Original Thursday.
Have you ever imagined the possibility of being in a chair, in your home
and some how through time and space you can actually see what someone is doing some place else, sometimes even in the past or future.
Well if that's not ORIGINAL I don't know what is. And I am not making it up.
Tell Me What You See, written by: Major Ed Dames US Army (retired), is said to be THE book of
"Remote Viewing Cases from the World's Premier Psychic Spy."

It's called remote viewing. Imagine being able to fly undetected into a situation in a far away place, being there but NOT really being there. You are able to smell the smells, describe the emotions, pains, fears by other people that you see. You begin with NO leads as to what direction you are to go, only numbers, or coordinates, carefully picked scenario's from the remote viewing leader. It may seem completely unbelievable. I read a book years ago, The Psychic Warrior, also written by a former military remote viewer and wanted to believe it all so much, but I wasn't convinced.

Now that I have read this book with documented cases, of searching for missing children, weapons even POW's with evidence that is existed in congressional hearings as well as news reports,

I am in even MORE AWE.

I really enjoy this book because each case is a short story in and of itself. Stories that had me dreaming at night because they are so well told. I don't understand how remote viewing works, but I do believe it's possible. I think we are all capable of SO much more than we ever give our minds permission to imagine.

Whether you want to read this book as a collection of fictional short stories or because you want to investigate further remote viewing, where it has gone and where it is heading, I think it's an excellent read.

There are even places that claim to be able to teach you HOW remote viewing works and HOW you can learn it yourself. I am not running out to buy anything right now, but my mind is more open to possibilities.

We Visited Lucille Ball's Home Town

2011-07-13T14:39:00.000-04:00

On our recent back roads getaway we went to geowoodstock 9. Everything was sold out in Warren, PA. So, we decided to stay in downtown Jamestown, NY. There were murals, museums and everything else Lucille Ball within walking distance. But we decided we wanted to find the Lucille Ball memorial statue and the headstone for the Ball family.

We knew there was a geocache some where close to Lucy's headstone and that was a good thing because the cemetery where her stone is placed, is very large.We soon learned that while Jamestown claims the fame as the birthplace of the ffirst lady of comedy, she was actually born up the road in a very tiny town called Celeron.

So adventurers and treasure seekers with our GPS we set out to find her;)

We heard from locals when we were trying to figure out where she was that it was a LARGE DOUBLE HEART that said, "I Love Lucy."

Another man told us it was a LARGE RED HEART, "you can't miss it."

Happy to say it was neither, it was in fact a lovely, tasteful stone with other Ball family members listed on the back. One thing that made it stand out, was the little stone path leading up to it and this lovely heart shaped stone at the entrance of the path.

Entering the very tiny town which is actually a village is the Celeron Grocery Store which I bet was here when Lucy lived here.

Next we headed to the Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celeron. It is on the water with a Marina, a pier, playground and even a large memorial for a victim of the September 11 attack.

As for the Bronze statue that we came to visit, I have to admit it was, well, WEIRD. There is no other way to put it. It wasn't a flattering reproduction of the lovely and hilarious lady. I am showing some pictures and you can be the judge.

One thing it did do, which I think would make her very happy was bring out the silly's in the entire family.

Our Kids enjoying seeing Lucy after visiting her stone. I guess awkward is more the word than weird. I had been telling them how beautiful she was, and this rendition of large teeth, really wasn't it.

My husband who grew up watching I love Lucy, remembered the episode immediately.

It was The Diet Episode, where Lucy could be in Ricky's act she lost 12 pounds in 4 days.

Everyone instantly felt like Lucy and started to play.

In the end it was another wonderful family experience, making memories, learning new things and discovering new places because of our geocaching hobby:)

GEOWOODSTOCK 9 It was Everything and More

2011-07-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

GEOWOODSTOCK 9

So, trying to decide what "snapshots" to include after going to a mega event like GEOWOODSTOCK 9, is proving more challenging than I expected. I think because each snapshot taken by different people in our family holds a special memory.

Since 500 caches everyone is asking us, "WHAT IS GEOCACHING? I wanna try."

Actually guys 500 is NOTHING compared to the people we have met, but here is a video, we encourage you to try because it is a great activity for everyone, young and old:)

Getting there is half the fun when attending a geocaching event, you will see lots of people running from the woods to their car. Everyone is trying to enjoy and snag as many caches as they can in new places.

This is the LOGBOOK for everyone to sign, it will be moved as a permanent geocache somewhere:)

It was lovely carved black bears on the ends. Perfect since the event was held in Warren Pennsylvania and the large piece we are signing is a bench, Awesome idea.

I had to show this image because going into the event I was anticipating seeing what we as "geocachers" looked like collectively as a group. Would it be mostly families, retirees, tree huggers, hippies, WHAT?

Most of us looked like everyday Americans, with almost EVERY state represented. And lucky to have many other countries around the world represented as well. We met people from Germany, Australia and England.

Well the truth is, there was not a defined look for our hobby.

But being WOODSTOCK, flower power and fun was abundant.

Here are my daughter and I, part of "fishingalong" in front of Ginny the love bus.

My husband and our son, "lightsaberdash"

We really enjoyed visiting the owners of this love bus, especially because my husband had a bright orange 1979 bus when we met. This is a 1971. The owners who go by the handle "oldhippy" and "granny" were as sweet as can be and from California. They were not "hippies" when hippies were first around. It turns out "oldhippy" is a Vietnam veteran:) They enjoy sharing happiness by towing their bus for others to enjoy.

Of course we GEOCACHED while there. This was part of a couple mile hike with a SPONGE BOB themed trail. The kids loved it, it was in beautiful woods and each ammo can had one of Sponge Bob's friends inside:)

This is a handmade hat with a trackable tag on it that you can "discover." I have something similar on my JEEP called a travel bug that people can "discover" and log. I think it's freedom to get in touch with your inner nerd. So geekery can be abundant, but it's all in the name of fun....

This lady was decked out from head to toe in "discoverable" items. She even made her earrings with SIGNAL the frog, geocaching's mascot. And I thought I was all over it with just making the tie dyed shirts.

The event itself was on Saturday but on Sunday The Kinzua Cachers put on a lovely picnic at the Kinzua beach. We really enjoyed this. We saw other cachers we have met on the trail, some we have even become friends with:) It's all fun, that's pretty much the point of the hobby turned sport turned obsession for so many.

We completed one "geo trail" while we were there. It was a brand new trail for the town of BUSTI. Which some locals quickly corrected me when I called it BUSTEEE its Bust Eye. lol We had to complete 8 to get a limited edition wooden nickel. All I can say is the town was adorable, the caches were fun, but the last one was WICKED HARD.... Luckily we met bobdamnit the cache hider and got some assistance or we would have never finished.

We are in the front left of the group photo.
WOULD LOVE TO read some comments below. Do you cache? Do you want to? anything else:)

We are hoping to attend next year. It will be GEOWOODSTOCK 10 in the state of Indiana. Plan ahead:)

Women Food and God a Book Review

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000-04:00

A new book review post. This book review is part of my take on a 365 project.
Women Food andGod sounded like a perfect summer read for me, I am a woman, I love God and I have been trying to get healthier and losing weight this year. Plus there was a snippet from a favorite author, Anne Lammot, who was actually the FIRST in my 52 books in a year. It's clear I really enjoy her writing. If you are a fan of Anne Lammot's you will feel a connection of influence in this book which is nice.

I was very surprised when one of the first things I read was the author was not a believer in God, not God in the sense that Christian's believe in God.

One Word Necklace

So, I sort of had to force myself to push past that. Not because I don't read books written by nonbelievers, most of the time we don't know the spiritual beliefs of an author, it was because God was in the title and then it was thrown out there so early on, I was afraid to commit to a book that may denounce God again and again.

I am glad I continued reading. The book, written by: Geneen Roth, author and speaker was a really refreshing and intellectual look at why we eat the way that we do. Refreshing and intellectual do not usually ring in the same sentence, but it is true in this book.

Eat when you are hungry.... excellent, I love that.

Stop when you are full..... okay, I need to actually SLOW down while I am eating and feel that one. Usually I am so past the point of full when I realize, at least if its something served to me on a plate. I eat the whole thing.

Being consciously aware of what is happening around you, inside you heart and soul and inside your body are not just good ideas for a healthy body weight but essential to a healthy-happy life. Period.

How we eat is a reflection of how we live and watch one episode of HOARDERS and you will see that people turn to all sorts of things away from the real digging and searching to patch holes along the way.
No matter someones beliefs, in the end, there is a lot to learn in this book and if you have ever struggled with weight you will identify with it somewhere, I promise. If you believe in God in the christian sense you will find yourself saying, well "that's a moment where I need to turn to the Lord."
Like Anne Lammot's book Bird by Bird, could be applied to so many creative types, not just writers, I think Women, Food and God can be applied to anyone trying to heal or patch something that is not working smoothly in their life, it doesn't have to be food. I think when this happens in a book and it can transcend boundaries, it is amazing. So I have to say, YEAH~~~~~~ I like this book a lot. I would recommend it to someone on a journey. And my prayer would be that they find God or remember to call upon him through their journey and not try to do it all alone:)

We are HEADING for WOODSTOCK that calls for Tie Dye of course

2011-07-01T14:18:00.000-04:00

This weekend, this afternoon as a matter of fact we are leaving for Woodstock. Geowoodstock that is:)
Geowoodstock is the world's largest gathering of geocachers. For those of you who have not discovered this fun activity, we basically "use multi billion dollar satellites to find Tupperware containers in the woods."
It is treasure hunting with your GPS. And some are smaller than your pinky finger, others the size of large ammo cans. Anyway we love it. Our handle fishingalong. Since it is in Pennsylvania this year, we are going and since it is WOODSTOCK, I knew we needed matching shirts, TIE DYED ONES~
Here is how we did it, easy as a family.

Everyone knows tie dye starts with a white shirt.
What we didn't know until we started is that the shirts should me all or Mostly natural materials, cotton even rayon are great~
Manmade fabrics will not absorb the dye as well and will wash out quickly which would be a MAJOR bummer.

The next thing you need is of course the dye. We chose an easy kit from Joannes Fabric. We are going to woodstock but it is a hiking event in the Forest so I chose the camo collection.

Next you will need to choose a style or design for the shirt. Most kits come with designs and directions. We tried to seperate ones. The spiral was tried by three of us. You start by gathering the center of the shirt and gathering it into a nice swirl and then rubber banding around the edges. This is a BIT tricky. I admit.

To the right you will see a simplified version of the gathering and the swirls. I like to get in and messy when I make things, so I balled mine up instead of reading the direction and letting it flat like the one on the right. I ended up with a swirl. But if you want a lot of color in your swirl, most people do, leave it flat like this when after rubber banding it.

NEXT, mix the dye according to the directions and put those gloves on, this is a fun project and the colors start flying especially if you are doing it with kids. Or with me:)

My daughter, the youngest, 7 decided to make the bulls eye. None of us were convinced that she knew what she was doing because she had her wrapped up before anyone else and before we read the directions. It looks so simple doesn't it? Let's just say in my opinion SHE got the best looking shirt:)

Next you wrap the dyed fabrics in saran wrap and let them sit for 6-8 hours. I am impatient so ours sat for between 4 and 5 hours, the suspense was KILLING ME~!

After removing the saran wrap and admiring and marveling at your work, you wash them in a washing machine for the extra dye to rinse.

Our geocaching sidekicks, Chewey and Sheba, both rescue dogs. They sat on the shirts before we washed them. I am not sure if they are disappointed they are going to the kennel for the weekend or relieved they dont have to wear matching team shirts with us?

The final product:)

In the end everyone, mom-dad-brother-sister from team fishingalong was very happy with their own designs and will be wearing them all day tomorrow. The one in the front is the bulls eye design that was so simply wrapped. YOU MUST try this over summer if you never have it is so fun~

Tres Originale Thursday Feature The Midnight Orange

2011-06-23T14:49:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled for many reasons this week to show off, The Midnight Orange as my
Tres Originale Thursday Feature. I came upon this lovely artist, based out of Buffalo,
by what many would consider an accident.
But, I don't really believe in coincidences, so I KNOW I found her because I was lead to her.

You Send me Butterflies

I say this because my volunteer work for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep,

(infant loss and remembrance photography) made me feel connected to her pieces immediately.

The work is beautiful to look at and also powerful with feeling and emotion. I love it.

How did you become an artist? Was there anything holding back that passion?

I think that artists are artists inherently and that the title refers to something natural inside them. Similar to how being female is something I was born with, I think I've always been an artist but that the skills conceptualized and evolved over time. In terms of my artwork being my career, that came with trust. It took me three years to grow my business to the extent that it would be sustaining for my family, but in order to make it my full time career I left a corporate job where I'd invested almost a decade in and I was on salary and full benefits. I was also very stifled in an office environment. Following my heart was a HUGE step outside of my comfort zone. I had to learn to let go and trust that if God gave me this ability to take part in the healing journey of others through a talent He blessed me with, then I would step off the ledge and let it become my life's ministry. I know it was the right decision as life has truly flourished since following my heart's work and becoming a full time artist.

I Want To Be Defined By Myself Only

How did you choose clay and sculpture as your medium?

My family had a very unique way of life and we grew up on 56 acres of land. It was a primitive way to live and I adored each moment of it. The creek was both a source of necessity and entertainment for my family, and for me I enjoyed digging for blue clay

I would make something in the morning and leave it on a rock in the sun for it to harden, then later enjoy my new plaything. Immersed in the woods, if we wanted toys we had to be imaginative. Later in adulthood when I explored my artistry for public sale, I dabbled in clay here and there but mostly enjoyed mixed media. It wasn't until I was reeling through a very dark time in 2009 that my hands were driven back into clay. The texture and simplicity of it were calming to me. On an exceptionally difficult day when everyone who was happy felt foreign to me and no one's words could help, I sat alone and created a piece which was both startling and somehow healing for me to see. It was as though I took the feelings out of myself, placed them in this object, and then was able to set it on a shelf and walk away from it. It was the first time during my struggle that those dark feelings felt apart from me. Despite the piece carrying so much darkness, I felt lighter for the first time and this left much to consider. I decided to list it in my shop to see if someone else would benefit in the same way, and within hours the piece sold to a woman who wrote to say she works with abused children and would be using the piece in their therapy sessions. It was then decided that the line, despite being painful, would be introduced and expanded since both myself and others could find healing within these pieces. This was the sculpture mentioned above and the beginning of my In Some Dark Place collection. www.etsy.com/transaction/11993407

This is the first piece I ever saw by The Midnight Orange, that made me want to see more.

Please Be Kind

I asked if it was hard to share these types of pieces that communicated such emotion
This question is the perfect segue from the last and I see I've touched on some of this. It was (and still is) a very vulnerable feeling to create and publicly sell pieces from my In Some Dark Place collection. While others can relate to these, they were directly taken from my own very difficult experiences and they tell my story in many different ways. Sometimes when I look at my shop and see those particular sculptures in there, it is like looking at myself standing naked among strangers, and things I normally wouldn't share are being shared with countless people. Hard to share? Yes. But ultimately the reward is greater with the decision to share them because they have helped so many in their life journeys along the way. I feel blessed that through my own darkness I can help others find light. I healed through clay, and realized it when I saw the sad little figures I had been sculpting evolve to slowly retain their posture and finally release joy.

Burst

Must art have a relationship with the world? And what do you want to do to people with your art?
The world was the first masterpiece ever created and I think it would be an infinite challenge to find a piece of art that was not inspired by something, tangible or not, within our vast and vastly intriguing world. My goal as an artist is for any person in any walk of life to be able to view my collection of artwork and relate to a piece in a way that deeply moves them. I intend to capture the spectrum of emotions within the human experience and for people on all walks to be able to find comfort or healing within my sculptures.

I am so happy to have been able to feature someone who is helping so many families heal from so many different situations:
Sadly but also most importantly, my largest client base are those struggling through the tragedy of child loss. In honor of my friend Christopher who died when we were 8 years old, I began creating legacy pieces for families with children who touched the stars too soon. themidnightorange.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-i-sculpt-child-angels.html This is the collection that is most special to myself and I believe others as well (I make legacy pieces that encompass loss and grieving in any stage of life, not just child loss). I do have many people write to me to describe their reactions to my work and also what the pieces mean to them personally. One of my collectors blogged about each piece in her collection (which is quantifiable) and described how they reflected on her own journey. It was remarkable to read and had a powerful impact on me, to see her life touched in this way by something born of my hands.

Did you Know Heaven Has Daisies?

Do you take custom orders?

Throughout my Etsy career I created almost 400 custom orders and was happy to do them when I had the capacity. Working in volume has led me to have to change my business plan, which included officially retiring custom orders. I do however do made to order sculptures, which allow customers to choose their own custom colors for the pieces I've already designed. Any time a piece in my shop says Made to Order in the title, it means the colors can be customized and the option to customize in that way has been very popular. The turn around time on made to order pieces depends on what is in my back log, and can take up to 3 weeks during busy times.

I know this feature was longer than some of my other's but I really couldn't make brevity a priority when this artwork is made for healing and healing in and of itself takes time.

I would really love to hear your feedback on this feature, here on my blog. THANKS kindly.. Molly

You can find The Midnight Orange on her blog, her facebook page and of course her Etsy Shop.

My 52 books in a Year and Tres Originale Thursday

2011-06-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I have sort of slacked and failed for a few weeks, surgery, summer and a book that just wasn't something I could try to force myself to read anymore.
So I am scrapping the book I can't finish and not going to review it, that's not fair if I didn't read it:)
AND I HAVE A SUPER exciting unique artist I am featuring this Thursday.
So get ready for some brand new things, and thanks for following;)

EXIT Through The Gift Shop nothing short of GENIUS

2011-06-12T22:21:00.000-04:00

WOW, it's intoxicating to find a movie so well made that you WANT to watch it again and again.
It has been a while since I have fallen in love with a movie this way.
Last night I found one.
And I will probably watch it again TONIGHT!
Exit Through The Gift Shop.....
How am I SO late to the party when I am friends-acquaintances with so many other artists?

This movie, a documentary about Street Art (what some call graffiti) is one of the best films I have ever seen. I love it for so many reasons. It's exciting, thrilling really to see the artists creating their work for the public with the obvious chance of being arrested or injured.
It's more than that though, the characters whether REAL, legend, folklore, whatever you choose to believe are amazing. Each character-person in this film is developed to a point of magnetism. I would love to go out on the street with any of them and photograph them "doing their thing."
Space Invader, Shepard Fairey and Banksy, I have fallen in love and will watch this movie again to live Vicariously through you.
And Mr. Brain Wash, of course we love you too. You are a world unto your own.

Thierry Guetta Mr. Brain Wash

I also LOVE the style of amateur video (planned or not) coming together and not trying to make it be more than that; combined with the actual art which is the background of the video, BRILLIANT.
Banksy are you real?
Yes or no? It doesn't really matter because inspiration has hit many with this film and your witty sense of humor about the entire situation makes everyone want you to be.
That's enough for me, I am off to watch and laugh again:)

A BIG HUG & Thanks INDIESPOTTING & MireilleLagow

2011-06-12T14:44:00.001-04:00

I am feeling some love and want to give some love back.
On Thursday, June 9th I was over the moon to see that Indiespotting featured ME and my photographs that they think would make a wonderful gift for any man in your life, especially with Father's Day coming up.
I love Indiespotting and if you are not already following this wonderful site. You are missing out.
Here is a sample of the feature but you can click on Indiespotting to go to their page.
To see the photographs included that are for sale you can click MY SHOP :)

Indiespotting Feature June 9th, 2011

I was just as excited when a lovely jewelry designer from etsy included a farmhouse landscape portrait that I made and it was featured on the front page of etsy. This is flattering and an honor.

Featured Treasury Print

The jewelry artist who created the lovely collection, MireilleLagow.

Bohemian Spiral Chandelier Earrings

Please check out her shop:)

Big Thanks to fosterbk for a Lovely Front Page

2011-06-06T10:04:00.000-04:00

This weekend was the start of summer and as I popped in from our first fire in the back yard, where we were burning the "Paper Palace," a beautiful castle my son made in school 2 years ago.
Of course being the addict I am, I looked at etsy and there was a set of mugs I own from JAPAN on the front page. Everyone that knows my love of vintage knows I am super duper attracted to things that were made post WWII in Japan. Thank you teammie fosterbk for creating a beautiful collection that went on etsy's front page.

Forest Floor

I loved this collection and fosterbk, a photographer and multimedia crafter of small hooped creator seems to be drawn to natural beauty. I love this image of a blue and white butterfly.

Just Resting NoteCard

THANKS fosterbk for creating something beautiful and included something from my vintage shop.

I am happily flattered. HAPPY ETSYING on:)

Tres Originale Thursday Feature Rita and Michael (SQUIER)

2011-06-02T19:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my 6th Tres Originale Thursday feature:
SQUIER other wise known as Michael and Rita.
A husband wife team of artists is a special thing to find.
There will be a surprise at the end for a SPECIAL TRADE offer you can get in on.

How is it working as a husband wife team?
"Pursuing an imaginative and artist career with your spouse is fun and challenging. You always have someone there to help you out and inspire you." -Michael

Can you guess what his medium of choice is from the photo below? I bet you can't.

Focusing on Michael first, his medium of choice.....
Cigar Boxes. And wait until you see AND hear what he turns them into.

How did you choose to be a full time artist?
"I would have to say I have always been an artist. I think I was born that way. I didn't really decide to pursue an artistic life full-time, it just happened. Everything I do is of a creative nature and has some artistic inspiration to it." Brilliant Answer I think.

Cigar Box Guitar 17

How did you choose Cigar Boxes as a Medium?"I didn't really choose the cigar box, I think it chose me. I found pictures of old cigar box guitars while researching something else online. I was drawn to the CBG because I love old historical things. The cigar box guitar goes back to the late 1800's, so I was hooked. I have also been toying with the idea of building a guitar and when I saw these, I had to make one in my own style. "

Cigar Box Amp - Nub Habano 358

What do you want to do to people with your art?
"I want my art to make people smile. I am not interested in stressing people out or making them sad with my art. Pick up one of my CBGs, smile and have fun!"

Must art have a relationship with the world?
"Art has a relationship with the world, if it does not, what is the purpose of creating it?"

And one way these cigar box guitars create a relationship with the rest of the world, is not only the way that they look, which is beautiful. But they also sound AMAZING. Listen for yourself:) Would love to hear what you think on a blog comment.

And speaking of relationships, his wife Rita, a watercolor artist has completed a 365 project.
HATS OFF to Rita, many start one and few finish. What a beautiful commitment and follow through.

You can read more about the challenge of Rita's 365 project in her blog where you can also view all of these beautiful originals. All all 2.5 x 3.5 inches, also known as Artist Trading Cards (ATC) or Art Cards

Painting a Day Collection

Rita has also started creating torch fired enamel beads which are stunning.

Bohemian Nature set of 6 Beads

And now the special trade offer SQUIER is offering only to you:

Rita is willing to trade any of the unsold and still available art cards from her Painting A Day Challenge for another ATC or item of similar value. Send her an email and mention MOLLYSBLOG to trade.

PS if you make a trade I think it would be fun to publish a follow up here on what was traded:)

Winner Announced for Classic Ford Edsel Photograph

2011-05-31T15:30:00.000-04:00

I recently was contacted by Sara from Sweet Little Gals. Sara had purchased a print from me and wanted to give one away to a reader on her blog. This is a huge compliment to me that she would want to give away something she herself wanted to display in her home.

Vintage Ford Edsel Photograph

Congratulations to Jessica of cajunlicious. I really hope you enjoy this print.

Patriotism and Pride in Smalltown America

2011-05-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.
It's no secret I live in small town America, but since I wasn't raised here, I still find the difference between the city and the small town intriguing and beautiful.
We do a lot of back road trips and exploring even after 15 years of living here.
Factory workers, miners and other laborers make up a lot of the population many many miles surrounding me.
And even though the majority of people are not wealthy according to yuppie standards,
Pride, Patriotism and Gratefulness for the country we live in abound.
I found this house yesterday while out with my family and had to share it this weekend:)

Americana Small Town USA

THANK YOU to the men and women who have and who continue to serve with Pride and Honor:)

THANKS Heidibg for an Etsy Front Page Feature

2011-05-23T09:49:00.000-04:00

Last night I checked in on my 2 etsy shops and my vintage shop, MollyFinds was on the front page of etsy.
This is a big thank you to Heidibg who created a collection called: Daddy likes.

Daddy Likes

Heidi is a children's illustrator and has a whole collection of sweet images of children with a letter from the alphabet as the inspiration. I chose this one X is for Xray because with 2 kids I can relate to this one a lot:)

X is for X-ray

Thanks Heidi, you can check out her shop here:)

My NEW Obsession.... Protein Fruit Smoothies

2011-05-13T14:41:00.000-04:00

I have never posted about recipes before because I am not even close to a great cook. BUT this is SO great I have to share it with as many people as I can. I have wanted to make smoothies for a long time but didn't have a blender.I found a really cute turquoise on at a discount store and waited to figure out what to make.
But soon a magazine I bought had a lot of information on the benefits of WHEY PROTEIN, weight loss, lean muscle mass and they looked good. I am recovering from surgery and want to lose some weight so the timing is perfect.

My Blackberry Smoothies

NO THE COLOR IS NOT DIGITALLY ENHANCED THEY ARE JUST THAT GOOD~

Recipe:

1 cup skim milk

1 cup frozen berries of your choice

1 scoop of vanilla flavor whey protein powder

BLEND 30 second on smoothie setting

It's that easy.

I am buying frozen fruit now but in the summer when the berry bushes bloom I will definitely freeze some of my own. I will have to do a follow up if I lose weight or not, but either way they are DELISH.

I have made strawberry, raspberry and blackberry.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SMOOTHIE?

Exciting News I am now a juried PA Wilds Artisan

2011-05-12T11:22:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to share some special news with you all. I received an acceptance letter yesterday from Jennifer Swain of the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Development Initiative. I have watched the Pennsylvania Wilds coming to life the past few years. Our family hikes, geocaches and does a lot of small road trips and we see the signs and the progress of this initiative all over.
What does this mean for me?
My work can now be displayed in special Pennsylvania Wilds locations with galleries.
"Highly skilled artisans who are juried into the PA Wilds Artisan Initiative display and sell their work in galleries across the region. These establishments, which make up the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail, range from elegant, halogen-lit modern display areas to straw-strewn former gristmills, but they all offer unique items worthy of your appreciation....." from the artisan's website.
Look for the symbol below and you will know you are near an official Pennsylvania Wilds Location and even if you are not, if you see the tag, you will know it is a Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan's work:)

My work will also now be shown with special PA Wilds Hang Tags, anywhere that I display, show or sell.

Little Cow Girl