Wednesday Wonderisms...Put The Pedal To The Medal (or Ice) Good Buddy

Today I have two questions for Wednesday Wonderisms:

1.  Why is it so easy to get sucked into marathon episodes of television shows that you never watch or would never think to watch?  This past Saturday morning, I awoke to find my hubby watching Ice Road Truckers on television.  While I had heard of this show, I had never actually watched it before.  So, I sat down and snuggled a bit with the old man and within minutes, became entranced.  Before I knew it, I had watched like three back to back episodes in a kind of hypnotic trance.  I don't want to offend any over the road - or ice - truckers out there, but I really have no interest in what they do or where they drive.  I know, I know, that sounds kind of mean, but really, do they need their own show? I don't know how this happens...IRT is not the only show that has "gotten" me.  Once, I watched like 7 or 8 back to back episodes of show about running a hair salon, not to mention the Top Chef marathon I watched last year!  Are there subliminal messages hidden in these shows keeping you tuned in?  (BTW, I don't run a hair shop nor am I a top chef). 

2.  Why is it always the worst, most annoying song that gets stuck in your head all day?  My drive to work takes about 25 minutes.  I can hear several different songs on the radio during my trip.  Yes, I'm guilty of constantly changing the radio station instead of leaving it in one spot.  Anyway, even if I hear 10 songs, most of which I would be singing along to, it is always that terrible song, that I couldn't get changed quick enough, that is stuck in my head ALL DAY!  Mmm Bop.

What are wondering about today?  If you are playing along, leave my a link so I can check out your questions!

Toodles for now!

Angela

Meet A Great Artist, A Giveaway, and a Funky Crochet Flower

Up first today, I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous artist.  I met Liza MacKinnon at a weekend nearby art fair.  I was drawn to Ms. MacKinnon's space when I saw her handmade cards depicting vintage homemakers with "sewn-on" skirts.  I also saw some amazing wedding cards she made.

Image from MacKomics Studio

Image from MacKomics Studio

Aren't they great?!  Being Christmastime, however, I bought a Christmas card that Ms. MacKinnon said was made from a photo of her great-grandmother.  Here is the card:

This card is beautiful.  I just love it.  I'm not sure I will be able to actually give out this card...I may just have to keep it for myself!  You can find more of Liza MacKinnon's work on her website as well as her on her Facebook (MacKomics Studio) page.  By the way, don't you think she would do fantastic with the Alice & Camilla Paper Dresses?? 

Next, I want to tell you about my friend at RubyMarilyn.  She's having her very first giveaway.  She's made some awesome ornaments and if you win, she'll make you a custom ornament in the shape of whatever state you'd like.  Check it...and while you are there, have a look at the hand crocheted necklaces she makes for her Etsy shop.  They are gorgeous.

Image taken from RubyMarilyn

Speaking of crochet, have a look at my very first crochet flower:

Okay, I know, it doesn't look much like a flower, but it's my first real attempt at crocheting, so I'm happy.  I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, I hope.  I'm taking another of Bonnie's classes.  This one is called, A Pocket Full of Posies.  In this class, I am going to learn how to make the crochet flowers, as well as felt flowers, yo-yos, organza and tulle flowers, and more.  I'm really excited about learning to make all these, but mostly this crochet flower.  By the way, this is a self-paced class and is you can start at any time if you are interested.  You can sign up at Bonnie's blog or at her Etsy Shop.

A Pocket Full of Posies Class

Okay, I'm off to practice, practice, practice my crocheting!  Don't forget to sign up for a chance to win the Valori Wells wallet Hot Potato Pattern! 

Toodles!

Angela



Hot Potato Coming Through!

Wow!  Are you stuffed?  I still am!  I hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving!  Now, can we get on with the Christmas craziness already?!  No, really, is it Christmas yet?  Seriously, I hope you all did have a great Thanksgiving and I hope reflected a bit about what the holiday is actually about...giving thanks.

I'd like to say a big "Thanks" to Joy from Joy's Quilts for sending me the Valori Wells wallet pattern!  Joy sent the pattern, along with a great card all the way from "Down Under!"  I won this Hot Potato at Joy's blog.  Now I get to use the pattern for one month and then I must send it on to another blogger!  Here are the "official rules" if you'd like a change for this pattern:

1. You must have a blog to be in it.

2. Once you receive it, you must pass it on to another blogger via a giveaway within 1 month! It will be great to see where it goes around the world......

3. Add your name and blog address to the card provided which will also be passed on with the pattern.
Rules taken from Joy's Quilts

 If you'd like a chance for this awesome pattern, leave me a comment!  Become a follower, and you'll get a bonus chance!  Look how close I am to 100!  It would be so cool to make 100!!  I'll randomly pick a winner December 20th.

Have a great weekend everyone.  Toodles for now!

Angela

Wednesday Wonderisms...Good Grief, Charlie Brown

Is it Wednesday already?  It is.  It is also definately the beginning of the Mad Season.  By that I mean crazy busy with shopping, baking, more shopping, eating, more baking, fighting crowds, lines, stepping on those little hooks you use to hang the tree ornaments, aggressively searching for the best parking spaces, more eating, spending more money, and oh yeah, birthdays, holidays, and family fun!

My Wednesday Wonderisms are totally random this week:

1.  Why do the grown-ups on Charlie Brown talk the way they do?  Why aren't they understandable?  Has this issue ever been addressed on the show?  I mean has is ever been explained?

2.  Who decided it was okay to wear these shoes?  I'm not even sure these should be called, shoes...

I snapped this number this summer in Branson, MO

3. How do gnats just appear in your house?  From nothing, I mean.  It is literally 25 degrees outside and poof there are 8,000 of them hovering around the one brown banana in the fruit bowl.  Where do they come from?

What are you wondering today?  If you want to play along, leave me a comment so I can jump over to your blog and read your questions!

I survived the craft fair while hosting my daughter's 6th birthday party, and I managed to sell a few bags and fabric flowers at the same time.  I also got a few custom orders.  I also got to meet some really cool fellow "vendors."  Most everyone did alright, but I didn't hear anyone say they could quit their day job anytime soon, including me.  I shared my space with my friend, Joanna.  Or rather, Joanna shared her space with me.  She made (and sold) awesome wreathes and other floral arrangements.  She, too received custom orders for fresh floral arrangements, which is really her passion.  Here is a photo of a super small portion of her work.

 These are the fresh floral arrangements.  Here is a photo of some of my "stuff"

Honestly, I'm glad the fair is over.  I basically just wanted some feedback about my work from folks who don't know me.   I got that, so I am happy.

I've joined another ATC Swap.  This one is hosted by Patti at Treasure Barn.  My partner this month is Dee Dee from Dee Dee's Craft Spot.  I'm mailing my ATC off to her this afternoon, so look for it on her blog soon.  I will, of course, be posting the card she sends me.  I can't wait!

I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving.  I know I do not show it, or say it, often enough, but I sure do have  a lot to be thankful for.  I know I am truely blessed.  Take care and have a joyous Holiday everyone!

Polka Dots and Cupcakes!

My almost 6 year old daughter is shown here modeling my brand new awesome apron I won from Samya at her blog, The English Country Garden in Bags!  I wish you could feel this fabric she used to make this apron; It is unbelievably soft.  I asked my daughter to model the apron since the dress she was wearing matched almost perfectly.  Isn't it great?!  Charlotte is also holding Martha's Cupcakes, also from Samya.  This book is filled with scrumptious recipes for the most decadent cupcakes ever!  I so can't wait to try many of these recipes!  Just in time for Christmas huh?!  Thanks again, Sammy.  Your craftsmanship is just perfect!

I'm still working on craft fair projects.  Here are a few more pictures of some of my "wares."

Coin Zippy Bags

Breast Cancer Awareness Make Up Bag

Fabric Flower

Breast Cancer Awareness Make Up Bag

Breast Cancer Awareness Make Up Box Bag

The craft fair is Saturday!  I've got a lot more to get done before then!

Toodles for now!

Angela

Wednesday Wonderisms...Bodily Functions. Oh, And My ATC

First off, let me say "thanks" to all who have sent words of encouragement my way regarding my current struggle with the salt addiction.  I'm taking one day at a time but I'm not counting yesterday.  I slipped, or rather jumped, off the wagon and bought a package of chips from a vending machine at work.  These were not regular potato chips mind you, these were TGIF Friday's Bacon and Cheddar chips.  I polished off the bag in probably under a minute.  I won't admit licking the inside the bag before hiding the evidence in my cube neighbor's bin.  Today is a new day, however, and I am positive I won't be buying any more vending machine chips.  Okay, that said, let's get to today's Wednesday Wonderisms!  Today I'm wondering:

Disclaimer:  If you are offended by bathroom talk, look away NOW, but please return.

1.  Most women know what it means to have to cross your legs upon sneezing, laughing, and coughing.  You know what I mean.  But why now does it seem like the closer I get to the bathroom the worse I have to go?  Even when I get to the toilet, I'm doing the potty dance just trying to get my pants unbuttoned.  I typically start my walk to the restroom long before I feel the need to go just to avoid feeling rushed as soon as I get into the room.  Is there something about bathrooms that trigger brains or bladders telling them you have to go RIGHT NOW?  Curses if there is someone in the restroom running water when I enter!  Is this one of those aging things again? 

2.  What has America come to when there are commercials on television advertising vitamin supplements to help regulate bowel movements?  Sure there have been diarrhea and hemorrhoid medication adverts forever, not mention Jamie Lee Curtis' yogurt (wink wink), but I heard a commercial just the other day in which the non-attorney spokesman actually said the words:  bowel movement.  I can honestly say that in my 40 years of life, I have never heard this said on a commercial. 

3.  Absolutely nothing to do with bodily functions.  What is the difference between retro and vintage?  Is vintage the same thing, only cooler?  Trendier maybe?  I wonder.

What are you wondering about?  Leave me a comment and let me know! 

Next, I want to show you the ATC I made for the Blissful ATC Swap.  I haven't heard from my November swap partner, so I guess that means I get to keep my card!  Sidenote:  If you sign up for a swap or challenge or participatory event, follow through.  It's just the nice and right thing to do.  Anyway, here is my card:

November's theme was "open" or anything you like, so I chose a theater idea.  I named my card, The Show Must Go On.  I hand colored the black and white printing of the man and two showgirls.  I decorated the ladies with some bling and then adhered the print to a piece of sheet music I had ModPodged to glittery scrapbook paper.  I placed a "curtain" at the top and a bit of a scroll at the bottom.  I then stuck an old ticket stub on top of everything.  I really like using the old photos and either coloring on them by hand, like I did here with colored pencils, or doing it digitally, like I did with the photos in my blog header.   

I'm still working hard on my items for the craft fair coming up this Saturday.  I've made some smaller zippy bags and will post some photos of those before the fair, so stay tuned!

Toodles for now!

Angela

November Dress & Craft Fair Stuff

Happy Saturday everyone!  I've been super busy the last few days, but slipped away from my studio long enough to get my haircut, grab a cup of coffee and a sweet from Panera and send out this post.  I feel so far behind in what I want to get done for the upcoming craft fair, but I HAD to get my hair done and who can resist a great cup of joe and a chocolate pastry?  Not me! 

Anyway, first is a photo of my November Paper Dress for the Alice and Camilla 2010 Dress Challenge.  Actually, it is a gold and off-white silk fabric that I have adhered to paper.  I embellished the dress with gold and red sticky trim and then I created a sort of "train" for the bottom of the dress.  I'm pleased with how it turned out, especially since this is only my second dress. 

Sort of looks like a bowling pin now...post editing in Photoshop huh?

Next, is a photo of just a few of my wares I hope to sell at the craft fair next Saturday.  I am doing make-up bags, key "fobs," and fabric flower clips (not shown here).  I have never sewn for quantity before.  I am sure I am not stream lined like a lot of other crafters!  I am also positive I shall definitely be diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome when I have finished this fair!

A second pastry might make me feel better right?

Toodles for now!

Angela